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What about nasty weather?

Classes go on rain or shine, hot or cold! (unless Total Rider cancels class due to severe weather). Dress appropriately, wind and rain can make temperatures seem much colder. On hot days black clothes absorb sunlight so avoid those if possible. Read your confirmation email as it contains important information on what to wear.

Instructors will delay class in the event of lightning or other severe temporary conditions until it is safe to begin again, or cancel class if necessary. If you leave the riding area and the class was not canceled by the instructor, you will forfeit your tuition fee and must begin the class from the beginning.

Also, review our refund and cancellation policy on our Terms and Conditions page.

What if a training bike doesn’t fit me?

Occasionally a student will come to class who doesn’t feel comfortable on our training bikes because of height or fitment issues (e.g. their legs are too short, or too long, or their hands get tired because they’re too small, or they are using different muscles). Very rarely are our training motorcycles too tall or too small for the student. We use 125cc and 250cc motorcycles.

The shortest student we have trained was 4’6″ and weighed approximately 88 pounds.  The tallest was approximately 7’4″ and weighed 450 lbs.  Both of these students completed the course successfully on our training bikes. We use motorcycles with the lowest seat heights available and the lightest weights available.

If you are concerned about sitting comfortably on one of our training bikes please visit any of our dealer partners to sit on a comparable motorcycle before enrolling in our class, or contact us.  We can try and arrange an onsite visit during a class so you can sit on a motorcycle.

What is an autocycle, and do I need to have an M license to be legal?

Regarding the question of if you need an M license and/or take an MSF course to operate an autocycle legally (e.g. Polaris Slingshot, Can-Am Spider, etc.)… the short answer is “No”.

Read below for further info about current state laws.

New Law Establishes Definition, Rules for Autocycles

June 9, 2015

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is informing Texans about a new motor vehicle designation created by the 84th Texas Legislature through SB 449, which defines an autocycle and establishes requirements for titling, registration and operation. The law went into effect May 22, 2015.

An autocycle constitutes a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is:

  • designed to have when propelled not more than three wheels on the ground;
  • equipped with a steering wheel;
  • equipped with seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride the seat; and
  • manufactured and certified to comply with federal safety requirements for a motorcycle.

The bill also specifies an autocycle is required to be titled and registered as a motorcycle. Additionally, an autocycle can be operated under a Class C driver license (the standard license for operating a motor vehicle).

Autocycle Requirements
Headgear Yes (helmet requirements and exceptions for autocycles are the same as those for motorcycles)
Safety inspection Yes
Title required Yes
Insurance required Yes
Motorcycle training No

For a more detailed chart related to autocycle rules along with title, registration, licensing and headgear requirements, see VDR Chart and Autocycle FAQs.

Additional information is also available on the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website.

(HQ 2015-66)

Here is one example of a vehicle that meets the current definition:

Autocycle example

 

Can I use my own motorcycle?

  • BRC: No
  • BRC2: Yes  (see specific requirements for using your own motorcycle on the BRC2 course page)

We do NOT allow students to use personal motorcycles or scooters for the beginner BRC class.  Even though a personal bike may be small it is typically not geared for the constant low parking lot speeds and maneuvers, thus increasing wear & tear on the clutch and transmission components. Also, liquid cooled motorcycles don’t do well in a training environment, which also increases wear on the motorcycles.

If a student crashes a training motorcycle they usually are not as upset as they would be on their personal bike. Additionally, a mechanical failure on a personal bike could cause a safety problem on the range, resulting in the student being dismissed from the class. From a safety perspective, BRC students typically don’t have a motorcycle license, and we don’t encourage illegal or untrained riding.

Do you offer the MSF Advanced Rider Course (ARC)?

No, Total Rider does not currently offer the Motorcycle Safety Foundation ARC/MSRC.  The Advanced RiderCourse is designed for experienced motorcyclists and includes advanced riding techniques on a full-size range.

Attn Army: The Department of the Army POV Task Force has affirmed that the ARC will substitute for the Military Sport Bike Course for sport bike riders, and will be the equivalent of the BRC2 for Non-Sport bikes.

What is a Basic Rider Course (BRC)?

The best place to start once you’ve made the decision to ride. Covers the basics of operating a motorcycle and safety-oriented mental strategies. Motorcycles and helmets are provided for your use. Successful completion of this course, consisting of the online 5 hour MSF Basic eCourse and ten hours of riding instruction conducted over two sessions, will waive the license test unless you are a minor. The course may also earn you an insurance discount.

If you already ride, but desire to get legal then the Intermediate one day BRC2 course might be right for you!

Visit our Which Course Should I Take page for more info.

What if I am deaf?

Under Title III of ADA requirements, we want to let you know that we will make every reasonable accommodation to any ASL interpreter you provide. However, we cannot assume the undue financial burden of hiring an ASL interpreter as it would severely alter the nature of the service Total Rider provides. Please reference this link on the government’s ADA website.

Please email us if you have a dedicated interpreter that can work with you and our instructors, and within class parameters.

What is your refund and/or rescheduling policy?

Refund Policy / Additional Fees

Total Rider offers no refunds once class has begun. Class fees are good for one attempt at passing an MSF course. If a student fails the class for any reason*, they will need to take the complete course again. (*Reasons may include: arriving late for class, non-attendance, dismissal by instructor, improper riding gear, failing any part of the class, etc.)

Although no one is guaranteed to pass an MSF course, we do however offer class retakes or rescheduling for an additional fee for specific issues regarding students not passing on their first attempt (see below). Students wishing to retake a class will need to contact the front office for rescheduling procedures by emailing us at Operations@TotalRider.com

Class Retake Fees:

$75.00 Prior to Motorcycle Training (may include being late to class, incorrect or no paperwork, improper gear, illness, family emergency,  etc.)

$150 After Motorcycle Training Has Begun (may include failed class, instructor dismissal, not passing skills test, not attending Day 2 of a two-day course, emergency situations, etc.)   Note: this will allow student a 2nd attempt at passing the class; If student fails again, TR may recommend personal evaluation outside of regular class.

Rescheduling  Fees:

$25.00  if Total Rider is notified at least 3 days prior to scheduled class.

$75.00 if Total Rider is notified less than 3 days prior to scheduled class.

Note: Both Retakes and Reschedules can only be initiated by an enrolled student, unless the student is a minor (15-17 years of age).

Total Rider’s other policies can be found in our Terms and Conditions, here.