FAQ Categories: Other Useful Stuff

I have a complaint. Who should I contact?

We’re always bummed if any of our students didn’t have a great experience with Total Rider 😥 . If you’d like to discuss any issues with us directly, we encourage you to email us through our Contact page, explaining what the problem is. We’re always here to help, and try to remedy any situation.

You may also send TR a letter via mail at:

Total Rider, LLC
5501-A Balcones Dr., Suite 214
Austin TX 78731

Of course, you can always call and leave a message at 512-522-5844 and we’ll get back to you.

Still disgruntled? You may also contact Texas Dept. Licensing and Regulations here

Do you offer three-wheeled motorcycles (trikes or Spyders) training?

Total Rider doesn’t currently offer 3-Wheel classes at this time.  You may want to check out the Can-Am site for more info and where classes may be offered.

Note, if you are trained on a 3WMC your license will be restricted to only a 3WMC.  A 2-wheel “M” endorsement covers all 2 and 3-wheeled motorcycles.  Students are required to use three-wheeled vehicles during the riding portion of the class.

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

 

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.