Should I take Harley's Riders Edge MSF course or TEAM Arizona's MSF course?

Question

I am turning 18 in a couple weeks and I'm planning on getting a Kawasaki Ninja 250. I have absolutely no experience with any motorcycle. TEAM AZ will give me a $100 discount so it's only $200 for their class, but the location is a little bit over twenty miles from where I live. I still don't know how much the local Harley dealership charges, but they are practically down the road. My real question is, what is the difference between the two classes? Has any one taken either one? I would kind of like to hear experiences from both classes. Please help me make my decision... Other then that any tips that would help me as a new rider or for the classes? Thank you.

Answer 1

Harleys Rider's edge is the same thing, just on bigger bikes and overpriced. I work for a MSF course.

Buell blast is the gayest thing since hotpants

Answer 2

The Riders Edge Class from Harley is a 5 day class. The one I took was great; they go into great detail and depth.  I highly recommend taking the Riders Edge Class. Depending on what you are driving to the class, the 20 miles savings on gas will almost pay for the difference.

Answer 3

I believe HD Riders' Edge is alot more expensive than TEAM Arizona.  They all teach the same thing required by the state of AZ for a motorcycle license.

Actually, check out RideSmart.  They are reasonably priced.

http://www.ridesmartmotorcycle.com/

Answer 4

When my wife and I were looking for a rider's course for her, we checked at St. Paul H-D.  The Rider's Edge course was $350.

I have heard that the Rider's Edge curriculum is very similar to the MSF course, with the exception that you'll be riding a Buell Blast instead of a Honda Rebel.  However, I've also heard that some Rider's Edge courses incorporate a trip to an H-D dealership to look at riding apparel.  Not sure if I like that a whole lot, as it seems like pointing the students toward a particular brand.  

However, taking either of them is better than taking nothing.

Answer 5

rider's edge will teach you on buell blasts, amongst the closets to a ninja 250.  others may use honda rebels or such.  learn on the blast and you'll be best prepared for the ninja 250 (or might even realize a blast is a better bike and buy it instead)

Answer 6

Pa. has a Motor cycle safety course, that's very good and it's free. Check with your local ABATE chapter.

Answer 7

Ive never heard of team arizona but il tell u about riders edge and why to choose it lol. if you take the course they give you a $500 discount if you do get a bike from there shop, and yes they do the whole bike tour thing. 4 days for me, 2 class, 2 6 hour day rides, then 2 hours class. you ride a 500cc buell blast, which gets the need for a 250 out of your head. they well informed me on all areas of the bike and got to ride a total of 12 hours. even if u dont get a harley id say take the class. they teach you alot of safety maneuvers and its alot of fun. plus you cant find ninja 250s to save your life, so id say your first bike be a ninja 500 or 650. have fun with riding, it was a thrill of a lifetime

Answer 8

I think Harley charged my daughter $300 for Riders Edge. She spent the money because the local college didn't have an MSF instructor. I was impressed with the knowledge she came away with, though.  She couldn't ride a motorcycle at the beginning of the class, and now she can, so I'd say its  worthwhile.

It might interest you to know Riders Edge uses the Buell Blast   in its course.

I don't know anyone who has taken the basic MSF course since it was revamped a few years ago, but you really can't go wrong with either, they both teach to ride a bike and how to stay alive while doing it.