Introductory Motorcycle Experience – First Ride

Big Apple Motorcycle School’s MSF Introductory Motorcycle Experience – First Ride – $99

YOUR FIRST TOUCH EXPERIENCE

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Introductory Motorcycle Experience (IME) now called First Ride is a two-hour, first-touch motorcycle experience. Designed to familiarize you with a motorcycle’s primary parts and controls, and help you determine whether motorcycling is a good personal choice. You are given the opportunity to ride a motorcycle in a controlled area. This is an excellent way to explore motorcycling.

 
Registration for 2026 classes is NOW open!

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If you want a full learn-to-ride class, see the Basic RiderCourse which is also available!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THIS COURSE?

  • Anyone who has little to no motorcycling experience and wants an introductory experience to determine if riding a motorcycle is something that may want to pursue.
  • Anyone who wants a little extra training prior to taking the Basic RiderCourse.
  • Riding is done at our Heckscher State Park training location in East Islip.
  • An affordable and FUN way to experience what motorcycling is all about.
  • We provide the use of a motorcycle.

WHAT WILL I EXPERIENCE WITH THE IME?

  • The overall aim is to have participants experience a motorcycle’s primary operational characteristics. A goal is for participants to see if motorcycling might be something they would like to pursue.
  • The low-stress way to gain key information and an introductory riding experience. On our training motorcycle, your Rider Coach will guide you through the basic skills of how to safely start and stop your motorcycle.

IME Highlights:

For New riders! Must have auto driver’s license!

  • You do NOT need a NY motorcycle permit for the class.
  • A 2-hour introductory experience.
  • We provide the motorcycle.
  • Possess a valid New York State Driver License.
  • Cost $99

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND THIS COURSE?

All riders MUST provide and wear:

  • DOT-approved motorcycle helmet. Because of COVID-19, it is recommended that each student provide their own helmet and gloves. We do have a limited number of helmets for loan for the IME (provided free of charge if needed).
  • Eye protection (goggles or faceshield).
  • Long sleeve shirt or jacket.
  • Sturdy pants (denim, at a minimum).
  • Sturdy over-the-ankle footwear.
  • Full-fingered gloves (provided free of charge if needed).

It is required that:

  • You are able to balance a two-wheeled bicycle before riding a motorcycle in this course.
  • You are older than 16 years of age.
  • You hold a valid automobile driver’s license.
  • A waiver of liability and acceptance of risk must be signed and dated prior to the first on-motorcycle training session.
  • Anyone younger than 18 years-of-age must have this waiver signed by their parent or guardian (and notarized if the parent or guardian signs outside the presence of Big Apple Motorcycle School personnel).

The clothing list above is a requirement, not a suggestion. If you have even more substantial protection like motorcycle-specific riding gear, that’s even better. Finally, you must be able to balance a two-wheeled bicycle before you can ride a motorcycle as a part of this course. We encourage participants who haven’t ridden a bicycle recently to prepare for the course by frequently getting on a bicycle in advance of the course. We also require all our riders to be at least 16-years of age.

Want to be more prepared for your class? Please see Preparing for your course
Want to know more? Please see our Step-by-step guide to getting your motorcycle license
Want to stay nearby? Places to stay near Heckscher Park
In order to register for classes with Big Apple Motorcycle School you must have a valid NY State Driver’s License prior to the start of class. Please see our Ride Prerequisites and by registering, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of our Refund Policy.

Places to stay near Heckscher Park

Don’t think you need a full class? Please read Misconceptions of non-riders
Pay here for previously scheduled class!
Click here to pay now

Helpful instructions to register: You will be taken to the MSF RiderCourse Enrollment System. Choose a class with an open seat (you may have to scroll forward a page or two to find a class that works for you), fill out the student information on the on-line registration form and click the “enroll student” button on the bottom of the page. You may then enroll another student or simply click the “complete registration” button to continue. You should read and agree to the terms and conditions and then put in your confirmation email address and click “complete registration”. A “Reservation Complete” page will be displayed, however, you must scroll down to “Training Provider Links” and then click “Click to complete registration and payment process”. A Big Apple Motorcycle School page will be displayed with “Complete the Registration Process and Pay for your selected class” and then you should click “Complete and Pay Now”. Use our secure, payment gateway to pay for the course with your credit or debit card. You must pay for your course within 2 business days of registration or your registration may be cancelled! You can also use the Payment Link on any page to pay!