During the COVID-19 outbreak, riders everywhere are anxious to see a return to normal so that we can head out to our favorite trails, scenic roadways, and motorcycling events.

For now, many of us are following directives to stay at home. Others live in areas where riding may be limited but still possible. We encourage each of you to adhere to local, state, and federal guidelines and restrictions, and take all necessary precautions.

For those of us waiting for the “all-clear,” this is the time to prepare to ride again. While some riders do routine maintenance at home, many others may be wondering when their local dealer will reopen for business. The fact is, dealers in most states are available now to provide parts, service, and sales in one form or another.

If you need these services now, or anticipate that you will need them soon, we urge you to contact your local dealer today to determine how they can help you. Your dealer can put your mind at ease by telling you the measures they are taking to ensure your safety, such as phone or online orders, social distancing, drop-off procedures, and more.

Another advantage to contacting your dealer now is that you can schedule the services you need in advance, avoiding the inevitable delays that will occur when everyone starts contacting their dealers once authorities issue the all-clear signal.

If you are shopping for a new bike, some manufacturers are offering home delivery programs, so be sure to ask your dealer about that, too.

Riders can also stay sharp and keep learning at home with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s online library.  Most educational materials are free, including a fun MSF Rider Perception Challenge. Riders visiting the MSF’s YouTube channel can also take a dozen narrated virtual rides to learn about street strategies.

Also, for a limited time digital issues of American Motorcyclist magazine can be viewed online for free at https://americanmotorcyclist.com/Members-Magazine-Archive, providing news and features about rights, riding, racing and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

Finally, share what you have learned with your riding friends and family. Here at the AMA, the MIC, and the MSF, we will continue to share the latest news through email and our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Stay well and ride safe.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Ever wondered what it would be like to work in a motorcycle shop? Or just want to learn how to change the oil on your motorcycle but don’t have enough garage space at home?

City College of San Francisco has a course for that. The college runs several motorcycle courses every semester, and a new semester is starting up August 17, running until December. Classes last eighteen weeks. Students attend from all over Northern California.

You’ll probably want to start with the Moto 90, Introduction to Motorcycle Technology course. It will give you an overview of motorcycle history, competition, and culture in class sessions, and also plenty of time to learn how to work on motorcycles in the fully-equipped shop.

Moto 90 courses run Monday and Wednesday evenings, from 6:30 to 9:20, or Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Half the time is spent in the classroom, the other half in the shop, so there’s plenty of chance for hands-on wrenching, and also the chance to talk about motorcycles with enthusiastic classmates. 

Other, more advanced courses are offered once you’ve passed Moto 90 (or pass a challenge test, if you have extensive motorcycle experience already).

Oh, and how much does it cost? If you’re a San Francisco resident, the classes may be free; residents of other California counties pay $46 per credit unit (Moto 90 is a 4-unit course), working out to about $265 a semester (still a bargain)!

For more information, go to CCSF.edu or call the Admissions department at 415-452-5101, email[email protected], or email instructor Andy Saunders at [email protected]

Source: RiderMagazine.com