Great Course! The instructors may not look professional, but they train you like professionals. The classroom instruction is good; the timing is about right, not too long/boring, but long enough to hit the major topics and information. The course instruction and training is well done. They offer enough practice time to accomplish a skill, then quickly move on to the next skill. I have never rode a motorcycle before. I was taking the class to help determine if a motorcycle is something I wanted to invest into. I paid over $250, but it was well worth the money (yes, I was willing to spend a couple hundred bucks before investing into thousands for a motorcycle). During the first class, I actually had reservations about getting a motorcycle, but after the first day riding, I felt much more confident in riding. Greg, Kip and J.J. were all professional, courteous and encouraging. They always kept the pacing at a good tempo, stressed safety and kept the mood light/positive at all times. Personally, as a teacher, I was highly impressed with their instruction methods and skills. read more

Coming from someone who has never sat on a motorcycle prior to this class, it was an absolute joy to take part in. I had Greg teaching the first classroom portion, and Ted and Kip teaching the remaining riding and classroom sections. They truly know their stuff, especially when you experience Ted and Kip coaching you to be a better rider. From Kip constantly reminding you to not cover the brakes to Ted pulling you over to discuss what you could be doing better, both were great coaches in my opinion. It is a very friendly environment, and the instructors are there to take care of business but also to get to know a bit about you. They are personable people with endless corny jokes, but it helped keep me engaged. If you express your willingness to learn these riding skills, they will go out of their way to get you there. With that said, and they even say this on the first day, these instructors do not care if you get your motorcycle endorsement or not. They are here to teach you the foundation needed to survive riding beyond a parking lot. If and when you do receive your endorsement, then you can practice using these skills versus learning them for the first time. How awesome they promote life long learning. The pacing is extremely quick, and I highly, highly advise watching YouTube videos on the basic functionalities and operations of a motorcycle. Had I not done this prior, I don't know how I could have kept up with the riding portion if I didn't even know what a clutch was, how to shift, what the friction zone meant, or what countersteering was. Gear is provided (except for jeans), but be prepared to be one with someone else's sweat. Overall, I hope you enjoy the class and sign up for it! read more

This course was very useful and informative. The instructors (classroom and course) were all excellent and made learning easy and fun. Several maneuvers, statistics, and motorcycle safety facts are taught. I believe this class helps new riders learn how to be safe and aware on the road. Gloves, jackets, helmets, and bikes provided; however, if you have your own gloves, jacket, helmet... I would suggest wearing them. It is always helpful to test our your own gear and get a feel for how they will feel and perform while riding. read more

The whole experience was great. All the instructors were helpful and focused on teaching you how to be safe. Everything was laid back and friendly. About 1/4 or 1/3 of the class did not pass the skills test at the end. If that happens to you, you just take the riding class again until you pass. If you're 1 minute late to the riding class you won't get in, because there will be people waiting in line to take your spot (who failed the skills test previously or who didn't show up on time last week). So get there early. If I had to nit pick, the only negative I can think of is that I had to borrow some boots and it was hard to find size 8.5 or 9 boots that fit. Wear some hi-tops and a long sleeve so you don't have to borrow any. There are a few youtube videos showing exactly what you'll learn. The MSF classes across the country are all the same, so go check them out if you're wondering. read more

This course is fantastic. The classroom part was very informative and the riding courses weren't only fun but easy. I have never ridden before but with the help of the coaches I didn't feel at all intimidated by the motorcycle or whatever maneuver I was asked to try next. The equipment they have is all first come first serve, bikes included. They have two to three Kawasaki cruiser bikes and the rest are dual-sport bikes from Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki. There was also two scooters. One was a Honda Ruckus the other I don't remember. They have plenty of helmets, gloves, long sleeve shirts and eyewear to use for the riding course. Breaks are given at about every hour for the restroom or to get a snack/drink which you should consider bringing. Restrooms and vending machines available closely inside the school. Testing for a pass or fail grade is done at the end of the last day. You are given 20 minutes to practice for U-turns, coming to a quick stop, swerving and maneuvering through a turn. With that said, all but three people in my class decide to test that day. Surprisingly everyone passed, even those including myself, who really struggled on certain parts of the test. What I'm saying is that the test is easier to pass than you might think, however, you are given only two chances to pass the test. After that, you'll have to pay and take the entire class again. Hope this helps you in making the decision to take this course. Good luck and have fun! read more

This is a great course! I highly recommend taking this class when getting your license. I walked into here with minimal riding experience and walked out with confidence on a bike and much more comfortable. Greg who is the owner did my first class and I have to say I love his personality and witty Yogi Berra jokes. With that being said he cam also be serious and is a great teacher. Him and JJ did our first riding class, JJ can be a bit intimidating but she brings a different perspective to the class and really opens your eyes. Her and Kip did the testing portion the last day, Kip has a laid back personality but also teaches very well. All three of my instructors were great bringing their own personalities to the table and all stressing the importance of safety. I passed my class and now ride, I can't thank these teachers enough! read more

I took this class with my boyfriend who has been riding for some time. I haven't been on a bike in the last 20 years. Overall the class was great. Kip was fun and very informative. Andrew made sure he drilled all the basics in so you would actually do things second nature... and it worked!! If you are considering taking a safety course and I suggest that you do. This is definitely one to consider. The class room setting was a little seedy but if you can get past that information is at a good pace and Andrew talks to you on a level you can understand. Thanks guys!! read more

Good school, period! I had a great experience with U Ride. I am very thankful for the opportunity given me to repeat the two days riding class for no additional charge. The instructors, each and every one of them, were simply great, have a lot of experience and are very knowledgeable. I would recommend this school if you are a new rider or even an experienced one who want to develop your riding skills. Two thumbs up U Ride! read more

I must say I didn't have high expectations for myself as it was my first time ever riding a motorcycle. Although it was a little scary and I failed the first riding skills test. I passed the second one ( one free re-test for anyone who fails) and am really happy with how the class went. The instructors were so busy with all the students so it's really just a jump all in or leave kinda thing. Not a lot of individual attention from instructors. Be balzy for real. Can't wait to get my first motorcycle! read more

Let me just say, Kip and Ted are awesome! Being one of the few girls in the class was very intimidating, especially since I'm a new rider, but the guys were super encouraging and positive. They're both excellent teachers and super funny to boot! I really learned a lot during the hands on training course and the guys were always giving tips tailored so each rider did their very best. They don't make you feel embarrassed or discouraged when you screw up, and help you understand what you did wrong, so you can do better next go around. they certainly created an environment to make you feel comfortable. I really recommend this to any girl who wants to get in an amazing class that focuses on safety, rider knowledge and technique, by trainers who are encouraging and positive. I had a blast and I'll remember them forever! Thanx guys for such a great class, and I can't wait to stop by on my bike one day and thank you again! -Kat read more

I needed to get my license. So I took the class. I came out of the class with a stuff that use now. When I ride. I recommend everyone to take this class. read more

The U-Ride MTC experience is an excellent course! The instructors are very knowledgeable as well as entertaining (seriously, you won't fall asleep)! You will learn much and laugh all day long. The classroom presentation grasps your full attention and the riding portion keeps you well engaged on top of two wheels! Very attentive professionals who will guide you in becoming proficient and safe riders, because they truly care! Get some!!! read more

I love this class for many reasons. the instructors are great and down to earth type of guys, they will work with you and point out every weakness and help you improve in time before you take the test. They will show you things most riders don't even know or think of like life saving maneuvers and split minute swerving techniques. Over all I'm very happy with taking this course, I feel like it gave me the confidence I need to ride safely on the streets. Advice to all, show up early and don't even think about being late!!! read more

I'm very satisfied with the whole experience. The staff I worked with was very knowledgeable, helpful and clear. The lecture room at the vagabond was great, easy to access. The bikes were great bikes to learn on and the location at OCC was also very convenient. read more

AVOID, Greg Hedgecock, It looks like there is no explanation when you ask questions about course. Response, "challenge questions". Their rules are definitely different from DMV motorcycle test. Only cares about the fee you paid, and is unable to teach anything. Without the handbook is lost. Be careful with their advise. Don't ask any questions. For instance, after reading instructions for the test, I asked a related question, I was instructed to do the wrong thing. Very sorry I didn't check background! read more

Don't waste your time! I never post reviews but my experience with this school was so bad that I had to share. The instructor is so rude and condescending. He also has some serious issues with women. He sent away my girlfriend 3 times on 3 different weekends because she was supposedly late but he had no problem accepting male students who showed up 15 mins after she did. This guy is a legal liability to the company and he will get what he deserves. read more

This will probably be the most unbiased review you'll read... I took this course and I gotta tell you, with less than 50 miles of riding experience on an 1100cc, I really did learn a lot. The class is both entertaining and educative. Greg, the classroom instructor, really does keep his audiences' attention w/ all the Yogi Berra references. The powerpoint visuals also help. What also helps quite a bit is reading up on the material sent to you via PDF. The multiple-choice test at the end of class is pretty simple and straight-forward. Not similar to the DMV test as far as the questions go. There's really no reason anyone shouldn't pass. The hands-on class is very informative. You start off by getting to know the motorcycle, it's buttons, levers and such. You're taught the friction zone and how to feel the friction zone, followed by walking your bike to-and-fro. You learn the leaning and counter-steering, quick stopping and swerving. Pay close attention, and don't fall behind. There are 11 others taking this course, you WILL NOT be given special attention if you don't nail the exercises. This course was both fun and filled with a lot of learning. The Cons? You are given about 5 hours each day to learn several techniques and exercises. Like I mentioned, pick up your own slack, if you don't get how to do a certain maneuver, or you feel like you didn't quite nail a turn or whatever, either get it down, or take your chances by showing up as an stand-by for a later practice class session. There are times where the instructors do get distracted (personal chitchat w/ visiting guests was what I witnessed). This kinda took away from me learning any mistakes I may have been making. Another minus is the following: unfortunately , I didn't not pass my first time around. I accumulated points in 4 of the 5 exercises. They will NOT tell you exactly what you did wrong and how to fix it. Their reasoning? They want you to practice everything again, and not rely on just one thing. I think that is unfair to the rider/payer. For $258 you're not gonna tell me how I can better myself? If I was docked for certain maneuvers, shouldn't I practice correcting them not repeating the mistake you won't tell me that I made but to me I did not make any? (make sense?) I passed on the second time around after trying to figure out where I might have messed up, but trust me, it wasn't the greatest experience learning personally from my mistakes. Overall I would recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn to ride a motorcycle the right way. Beginner, intermediate or advanced riders will truly benefit from this experience. DO NOT expect to take this course and pass. Lower your expectation b/c trust me, that feeling of being told "sorry, you didn't pass. try again" it's a huge blow to your confidence. Better to approach it expecting not to pass. read more

Greg, J.J., and Kip are outstanding instructors and I'm so glad that I decided to attend U Ride. Highly recommended A++, these guys really know what they are doing, and it becomes very clear early in the course that they have a passion to help people be safe on their motorcycle and they truly want to see people succeed and be safe and not hurt themselves or others. read more

These guys are incredible! Greg, Kip and Ted were my coaches and got me much more confident on my bike. It's a laid back vibe but at the same time they set up a real safe environment to have fun and really learn. The state has rules about what needs to be covered so don't be late even one minute to class. If you are still deciding on which course just call them now! read more

The reviews looked good so I decided to call. Website says they open at 10:00am but I've been getting a busy signal now it's 12:37 and I'm still getting busy signals. Is this facility still in operation? I'm looking forward to revising review to match the other positive comments I've read rather than this one of uncertainty that I'm leaving now. read more

JJ is a born teacher. She is amazing and I know I won't forget all her warnings and safe advice. The driving instructors were also good. Highly recommend this school! read more

From Robin B (Costa Mesa) 7-7-14 : I can not speak highly enough about the experience I had at U-Ride. All of the instructors complete hearts are into the safety & concern of teaching you how to ride safely. They are patient, extremely knowledgeable & have a great sense of humor when having to deal with so many different personalities. They are comfortable to work with & thanks to all of their help, I am now street legal. I purchased a Ninja 650R ("the beast" as I call it) a few months back & realized that it was way too much power for me as a beginner but it was such a great deal, I couldn't pass it up. I had numerous conversations with several of the instructors to get their input & highly suggested getting a smaller bike. So one month ago I purchased a Ninja 250R & it is a world of difference. As I practice, I hear Kip's voice in my ear "slow, look, press, roll" as I am approaching a turn, along with all of the other extremely important rules to remember. I still have "the beast" for sometime down the road to use. I took my 1st solo trip to my work (60 miles round trip). I am not quite ready to try the freeway yet. Rani was also wonderful to work with. Very inspiring. Andrew was a lot of fun & enjoyed working with him. Andrews dad is a wealth of knowledge & you can see in his eyes how serious he takes this sport. I am realizing that once you put that helmet & gloves on, it's cross your T's & dot your I's & you'd better watch everything around you at all times. I still have the training materials & am constantly referring to them as a refresher course. The biggest challenge of taking the riding course was the "dreaded figure eight " box. It was really, really challenging to try & stay within the lines but then when Kip & Andrew's dad told me that I was ready to test & give it one last shot, I was on the bike waiting for my turn & I looked over at Kip & then looked over at the box & realized the box was going to be a piece of cake. And I nailed it!! I looked at Kip & had the biggest smile on my face. I would recommend this class to every individual that is even thinking about riding a motorcycle now or in the future. You are not going to get any better training anywhere else. Trust me. Do not waste your time looking for other classes. This is top of the line. read more