FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1.How can I book a class?
To book any U.S Rider Academy class, please call 888-345-4269. MSF courses can be booked online.
2.Are classes with sport bikes offered?
No. However, our On-Road class teaches many techniques used for any kind of motorcycle.
3.Are any classes available on the West Coast?
Not currently. However, you may visit superbikeschool.com, which operates a fleet of BMW S 1000 RR supersport bikes, or rawhydeadventures.com, which offers off-road classes.
4.Can I ride my own motorcycle at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy?
No. The cost of using our BMW bikes is included in each course, and our curriculum remains the same, regardless of the bike you’re riding. Please keep your own bike at home, geared up and ready for your own adventures. We are not able to accommodate use of personal bikes on our courses.
5.Are there any requirements for attending the school?
For all classes except the MSF Basic Rider Course, you must present a valid motorcycle license. MSF students are not allowed to bring their own motorcycle. To participate in any class aside from the MSF Basic Rider Course, you must be comfortable operating a motorcycle. Six months to a year of riding experience is recommended. No previous experience is required for the MSF course.
6.What kind of riding gear is required?
- A long-sleeved shirt or riding jacket
- Long pants
- Sturdy, over-the-ankle boots
- Full-finger gloves
- 3/4 or full-face helmet
- Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses or a face shield are all OK for the MSF course)
7.Can I rent riding gear from the BMW U.S. Rider Academy?
No, we do not loan or rent any gear. Riders must bring their own riding jackets, boots and pants.
8.Do I need to arrive in my gear or can I suit up when I arrive?
It is highly recommended that you come ready to ride, so we can make the most of our allotted training time.
9.How large is a class?
Our average class size is 12 people.
10.How much riding time do I get in a full day?
Registration begins at 8 am, with classroom starting by 8:30 am. Morning classroom sessions average 30 to 45 minutes, and there is a one-hour lunch break around noon. Before each exercise, an instructor will go over the objective with you for 10 to 15 minutes. Otherwise, you are behind the handlebars of an Ultimate Riding Machine®. Most courses conclude around 4:30 pm.
11.Do you provide breakfast?
No, breakfast is not included. However, our café is top rated and serves breakfast Monday through Friday, starting at 7:30 am. We also have a free coffee bar.
12.Do you provide lunch?
Yes, we provide lunch for all students.
13.Do I need to bring a cooler for water?
Complimentary bottled water is provided all day; however, you may choose to wear a hydration pack.
14.Do you cancel an event because of inclement weather?
Every event we have scheduled is held rain or shine, so bring clothing appropriate for the day’s activities. If severe weather does cause us to close, we will reschedule your event for a later date.
15.What is the weather typically like in Spartanburg, South Carolina?
October through March, highs can be in the low 40s through mid 60s, depending on the season. April through September can be quite hot, with highs around 95 degrees midsummer, with lows in the upper 70s.
16.What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations for a full refund must be made within 60 days of your payment date. Cancellations made after the 60 days of payment will receive a credit to use toward another date or event. There will be no rescheduling if the cancellation is made within 14 days of your school or event.
17.Could you please recommend nearby lodging?
Please visit our Location page for more information.
18.What other activities are there to do in the area?
There are plenty of off-track thrills and things to do in the Greenville-Spartanburg area where we call home. See our Location page for more information.
19.Where is the BMW U.S. Rider Academy located?
BMW Performance Center 1155 SC-101, Greer, SC 29651