Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy
Learn to ride and get licensed!
Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy is part of the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) and certified to teach the Total Control® curriculum CMSP Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC). The MTC is mandatory for those under the age of 21, and recommended to all riders seeking an M1 motorcycle endorsement, on their California driver license. The MTC is designed for the novice rider with no, or limited, street-riding experience. A typical class schedule consists of 5 hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of riding practice. The MTC teaches the fundamental skills required to operate motorcycles and progress to street riding skills & strategies. The MTC is designed with new riders in mind, yet, experienced riders who’ve taken the MTC, have reported improved riding skills & strategies.
MTC topics include fear management, motorcycle turning dynamics, proper cornering strategies, and emergency crash avoidance skills. The CMSP MTC is based on current research in rider safety and utilizes Total Control Training® curriculum.
Completion of our course may waive the DMV riding skills test
Upon successful completion of the Motorcyclist Training Course, you will receive a DMV DL389 riding test waiver. There are written and riding evaluations to ensure you have competence in the material covered in the MTC—you must pass both evaluations to graduate. Per California regulations, you will still need to complete the DMV written test.
$395 for under 21*
What to Expect
Learn to ride and get licensed on a genuine Harley-Davidson® motorcycle.
- All classroom & riding range instructors certified by California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP).
- To learn to safely accelerate, shift, brake, and turn.
- Upon successful completion of the MTC; to earn a Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training (DL389)
Ever dreamed of riding a motorcycle, feeling the wind and the thrill of the ride? The Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy, in Marina Del Rey, is step one into turning that dream into reality. The CMSP Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC) provides you the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to embark on your motorcycle journey.
Learn from the Best:
At Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy, we understand that becoming a skilled, rider starts with quality training. Our Riding Academy instructors are Total Control® California Motorcycle Safety Program (CMSP) curriculum certified. You’re receiving instruction from professionals who are passionate about riding and experts in teaching the MTC curriculum. Our CMSP program certified instructors, are riders themselves, who will guide you through the steps of your learning journey.
Comprehensive Classroom and Riding Sessions:
Through the Total Control® CMSP MTC training curriculum; Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy combines classroom sessions with practical riding exercises to provide a well-rounded training experience. The MTC curriculum covers things from motorcycle controls & basic maneuvers, to defensive riding strategies and situational awareness. You'll gain a deep understanding of motorcycling principles, equipping you with the skills to confidently handle a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle.
Comfortable Learning Environment:
Our classroom facility, in Marina Del Rey, California, provides a comfortable and supportive environment for learning. At our riding range, located in El Segundo, California, we've created a setting that fosters a positive and engaging learning experience. Whether you're a new student, or existing rider looking to enhance your riding skills, Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy is tailored to meet your learning needs.
Learning on Harley-Davidson® Motorcycles:
There’s nothing better than telling someone you learned to ride on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. Our well-maintained training fleet ensures that you have the opportunity to train on XG500 motorcycles with Harley-Davidson® legacy. Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy also offers MTC training on the exciting, high tech, LiveWire® S2 Alpinista & Mulholland motorcycles.
Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy is West Los Angeles Exclusive CMSP Motorcycle school:
Situated in Marina Del Rey, just off the 90 & Lincoln intersection, our dealership is easily accessible for residents of Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and the surrounding beach communities. Whether you're a local enthusiast or traveling from nearby cities, Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy is conveniently located.
Gear Up with Confidence:
Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy not only equips you with riding skills but also introduces you to the importance of proper riding gear. We also provide helmets & gloves, for your training. You’ll learn about essential safety gear, including helmets, jackets, gloves, and boots, discovering how the right gear enhances your riding experience and protects you on the road.
Book Your Spot Today:
Ready to begin your motorcycle journey? Book your spot in the Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy. Your adventure begins with Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy. Click on the Find a Class button and enroll today. Join us and let the freedom of the open road become your reality!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CMSP requires a long-sleeve shirt or jacket, sturdy long pants without rips or holes, full fingered street-specific motorcycle or leather gloves (we have loaner gloves if you need them), tough, over-the-ankle shoes or boots and eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, face shield, etc). We can provide a helmet, but if you bring your own, it must be three-quarter, full face or modular and DOT approved.
A government issued Photo ID (ID Card, Drivers License, Passport). Out of state and foreign Driver’s Licenses & Passports are permitted.* You must also be able to balance and ride a bicycle. *Completing, and passing the CMSP MTC course does not guarantee an out of state, or foreign motorcycle license, or license endorsement.
Students will ride Harley-Davidson XG500, or LIveWire S2 Alpinista, or Mulholland, model motorcycles at Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy. The motorcycles are modified for safety & training purposes.
The classroom portion of Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy are taught at our store located at 4141 Lincoln Blvd., Marina Del Rey, CA 90292. The riding range is located at 888 N. Douglas St., El Segundo, CA 90245.
No. Please refer to What will I need to register?, for required government ID clarification.
You may use your own motorcycle in the class. It must meet two of three criteria set by the state program: 525cc or less, 425 lbs or less, and a seat height of 32" or less. Your motorcycle will be inspected for approval and you must also show proper, current, registration and insurance documents.
You must attend all classroom & riding sessions and successfully complete a written & skills test to pass. We do our best to develop your skills, but not all students are successful.
Your Instructors can help you make the decision to return. Sometimes students need more time to increase their skill level by repeating a portion of the class. Sometimes students need to retake the knowledge or skills test. In other cases, people decide that riding is not for them. Either way you will have gained the knowledge of what it takes to become a motorcyclist.
In order to pass the MTC, you must complete the class, in syllabus order. If you miss any part of your training, state law will not allow you, to continue the class. It is your responsibility to make up the rest. You may be allowed to return if space is available, but you cannot get a second reserved spot. You may also be subject to reschedule fees and restrictions depending on how much notice you give. The decision to allow students to return on a standby basis is made by the Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy Site Manager only.
As you will learn in the CMSP Motorcyclist Training Course, motorcycle riding involves many risks. As such, riding in the class itself also presents risks that must be actively managed. Your instructors will be there to help manage these risks, but your safety—as well as the safety of those around you—is ultimately your responsibility. To help you understand your role in managing the risks involved in taking the class, the following Student Responsibility Statement (SRS) will be read together with your instructors before riding:
You are responsible for the safety of all riders and Instructors on the range with you. You must be in control at all times. Being in control means being able to safely perform each individual skill presented to you by the Instructors. Being in control means you can stop if you need to, control your speed and direction, and make the motorcycle go where you want it to go. Each of these steps is taught to you individually and you must be able to practice each one safely without putting others in danger. If you feel the motorcycle is leading you and you don't feel that you are in control, do not continue in class. Stop and come back at a later date. You must be able to self-assess. Self-assess means being able to determine whether you are able to control the motorcycle to avoid endangering students and Instructors.
Course Policies
Safety First
Safety is our number one priority. The Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC) is designed to provide an enjoyable learning experience for all students. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. We have a ZERO tolerance policy for alcohol, drugs, or any sort of impairment. Students who fail to respond to coaching, or intentionally interfere with other students learning, or well being, will be asked to leave, and referred to the Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy Site Manager, for review and recommendations.
Site Policies
All attendees must be pre-registered and pre-paid to secure their place in class. This is your only reserved seat.
Scheduling Conflicts
If you have any sort of scheduling conflict, there may be scheduling alternatives to get you through. Please discuss this with the Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy Site Manager to discuss alternative scheduling options.
Payment of additional rescheduling & attendance related fees
All fees mentioned below must be paid before any status change occurs. Proof of payment via receipt must be presented to an Instructor before class begins.
Rescheduling, cancellation, or missed class policy
If for any reason you cannot attend a class you registered and have paid for, you MUST contact us WITHIN 10 BUSINESS DAYS of your class's start date for a refund or to reschedule without penalty. There will be a $100 cancellation/reschedule fee applied if you cancel/reschedule within 5-9 business days of your class's start date. There will be NO refunds given within 5 days of your class for any reason. If you are late to class, do not show up for the course, are counseled out, or voluntarily drop the course, at any time; your monies will be forfeited.
Any and all situations, regarding rescheduling, cancellation, missed classes, payments or refunds, are reviewed, and finalized, by the Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy Site Manager.
Attendance and Late Attendees
You must attend ALL class sessions on time and in the order in which they are offered. You cannot continue to the next class session if you do not attend or successfully complete the previous class session. If you are late or fail to show up for any portion of the course; by California CMSP protocol, you must be dropped from the course. To return to complete in another course you may return as a standby. The fee for standby eligibility is $100.
Failure to Complete
Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy, and our staff, are required to ensure the safety of all students. Unsafe acts and conditions will not be tolerated. Instructors may counsel out any student who, presents a safety hazard to themselves, to others, or fails to respond to instructions. Refunds will not be given to a student who is counseled out or self-drops from a course. There is no guarantee of successful completion. Students may have the possibility to return as a stand by.
The decision to return will be discussed between the student, the Instructors, and the Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy Site Manager. The Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy Site Manager will make the final decision in these situations. The fee for standby eligibility is $100.
Special Circumstances & Situations
If, for any reason, there’s a special circumstance, or situation, regarding a class, student attendance, class time conflicts, rescheduling, etc.; these matters will be handled and administered by the Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy Site Manager, for consideration and administration.
Please advise a Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy, or Bartels’ staff member, of the situation. They will reach out to the Bartels’ Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy Site Manager. Always leave your contact information with the staff member assisting you.
IMPORTANT: Any potential student who possesses a license that has been restricted due to one or more convictions for driving while impaired may not participate in any CMSP classes until all restrictions to the license have been lifted.