Monkey Moto School

Fantastic experience: After some time off riding and shipping my bike from NYC to SF, I was looking for some help to feel more confident riding in California. My classes with Evan were fantastic- he is super observant and gave me feedback that improved by position, control and confidence. I’ve done some group classes over the years and having an individual coach’s focused attention really moves things forward faster. Even for riders with some experience, there’s a lot to gain from having a professional’s insight.

Positive experience: Took a few lessons to get started and had a wonderful experience learning from Evan. He has a good teaching attitude. Recommended!

Fantastic experience: I passed my MSF a while ago but still felt pretty incompetent riding on the street. After taking only two lessons with Evan, I felt much more ready and confident on the bike. His lessons focused on essential skills like clutch control, slow-speed maneuvers, and most importantly, how to relax on the bike. Learning how to let go of tension was a total game changer for me. Once I relaxed, the controls I used to struggle with started to come naturally. Evan's insightful teaching style made the learning process enjoyable. I also really appreciated hearing his philosophy on riding. If you’re like me—newly licensed but unsure on the road—I highly recommend signing up with Evan. He’s an excellent instructor who knows how to meet you where you’re at.

Fantastic experience: I took a buddy lesson with Evan last week and I have nothing but good words! Experience was amazing. Prior to the lesson I had only rode my bike 3x around my neighborhood. He was very helpful, patient and didn’t rush at all. All the feedback was clear. Left the lesson feeling confident in my skills. Been riding in the streets since then and it’s all been smooth rides! Definitely recommend booking with Evan!

Fantastic experience: An amazing motorcycle school! They took me from zero to confident enough to go out and grab my first bike in just a few lessons. Evan is a great teacher knowing when to push you and when to give you a break to digest everything. Lessons were fun, engaging, and very informative. We covered a lot of material in a short time, definitely worth it!

Fantastic experience: Evan was a super great instructor! In just two lessons I went from never riding a motorcycle before to feeling very comfortable riding around the parking lot, accelerating, braking, switching gears, and cornering. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Wanted to learn a new skill and took the MSF course for fun. Decided it wasn't enough and didn't quite feel road safe so I invested in private lessons with Monkey Moto & had the best experience! Evan was super friendly & informative - took 4 lessons total and by the end of it I was able to navigate through traffic with so much more confidence on my own motorcycle. ++Highly recommend if you're a new rider looking to learn good habits & build confidence in your riding skills.

Fantastic experience: Monkey Moto School made me a significantly better rider in way less time and with less expense than the California group school. Their training is more thorough by far than the standardized programs and since the instruction is personalized the in-class time was tons more efficient. I was able to feel immediately confident with slow maneuvers in traffic, hills, faster corners and even highways because of what I learned in just one 2.5 hour session. I decided to take the M1 test directly at the DMV after taking that session and aced it. A lot of people said the test was hard but Evan taught me the techniques that I needed for slow maneuvers in a lot less time than I imagined and he made it fun. Plus he answered all of my questions about picking up the right gear and a bunch of other tips & tricks that probably would've taken me awhile to figure out on my own. Stoked!

Fantastic experience: I chose to go with 1 on 1 lessons then take the motorcycle test at the DMV instead of doing a licensing MSF class and it was 100% the right decision. Evan did an amazing job teaching things like low speed maneuvering, trail braking, and helping me fix some bad habits I picked up around throttle hand placement.

Fantastic experience: A little about myself: I'm a female rider, weighing 125 lbs and standing 5'4". I got my motorcycle license when I was 18 after completing the Motorcycle Safety Course (MSF). My first bike was a Honda CBR RR 500, but I ended up dropping it so many times that it shattered my confidence as a rider. Eventually, I sold the bike and didn’t ride again for almost 10 years. After losing my brother and father, I realized that I didn’t want fear to control my life anymore. This mindset led me to book a class with Evan from Monkey Moto. Initially, I considered taking the MSF course again due to the low cost, but I remembered my previous experience. While MSF covers the basics, it lacks the personalized mentorship that you get with a dedicated instructor. Just imagine youre in a group for 20+ riders with 1-2 instructors. If you want to be a safe and confident rider please consider a personal instrucotr. They will go at your pace, listen to your needs, and adjust their teaching style that fits your needs and comfortbility. Class 1: I focused on learning the bike’s controls, gears, safety measures, and spent some time getting comfortable with braking and low-speed riding. Class 2: By this point, I started gaining confidence, practicing shifting gears, and learning how to perform emergency stops. Class 3: This class was all about focusing on my weaknesses. After every session, either Evan or Jason would help me identify areas for improvement and provide hands-on advice to sharpen my skills. Thanks to Monkey Moto assistance, I was able to find my first new bike – a Yamaha MT-03 – that fit both my budget and my needs perfectly. Once I had my bike, I spent hours practicing by myself around my neighborhood. Class 4: I was finally ready for highway training, which culminated in a ride from San Francisco to Half Moon Bay! It’s definitely intimidating at first, but with the right instructors and mentors, you’ll feel safe and confident. If it weren’t for Jason and Evan, I don’t think I would’ve ever gotten back on a bike. They were always there for me with guidance and personalized attention, focusing on my needs and safety. They made sure every class was not only productive but also incredibly fun. They have so many different bikes to offer during their classes. Let them know your preference. You will not be dissapointed going with monkey moto.

Fantastic experience: I completed several motorcycle lessons with Monkey Moto this month. So far, I have had an excellent experience. I have been working with Brian and I have enjoyed my time under his instruction. My training focused on mastery of fundamentals and practical riding skills. I had some informal riding experience with dirt bikes before taking the Monkey Moto course. I still learned a lot from Brian. There is a huge difference between informal riding/training (like my dirt bike experience) and a professional instruction program like Monkey Moto. After completing my classes with Monkey Moto, I believe I have a much better understanding of how to control a motorcycle. Unlike other programs, Monkey Moto provides 1-on-1 training. Brian adjusted my training to my pace of learning, slowing down and speeding up when appropriate. I think the 1-on-1 personalized approach accelerates your learning. After taking 3-4 lessons, I feel confident I have the essential skills I need to start learning on my own. That being said I am strongly considering taking more classes to improve my mastery. I highly recommend Monkey Moto to anyone who wants to confidently and safely ride motorcycles or motor scooters.

Fantastic experience: I took private motorcycle lessons with Moto Monkey School in San Francisco, and it was an excellent experience. The classes were one-on-one, allowing me to learn at my own pace without pressure. Each session lasted a few hours, and we practiced at two different locations—both were large, empty parking lots, which made me feel very safe as a beginner. The instructor was knowledgeable, patient, and thorough in covering all the basics of riding, from clutch control to slow-speed maneuvers. He even gave me a ride home after the lesson to go over some real-world road rules, which was a great added bonus. One thing to note is that the training bike was a high-performance Kawasaki, which isn’t necessarily a typical beginner bike. That said, it was still a solid bike to learn on, and the instructor made sure I felt comfortable. Overall, I highly recommend Moto Monkey School if you’re looking for personalized, beginner-friendly motorcycle lessons in SF!

Fantastic experience: I took two scooter lessons with Brian last year before a two month trip to SE Asia. If you’ve never ridden in Vietnam or Bali, traffic is pretty crazy. I managed to ride there every day and stay alive thanks in large part to these lessons. After that trip I’ve done at least five motorcycle lessons with Evan. I’ve learned a lot and am always learning new things. I got my first motorcycle recently and am loving it! The lessons have given me the confidence to ride in the city. They’re good people and I’m glad to be working with them.

Fantastic experience: I had very limited experience when I got my MSF and M1 license. My first time riding was during my MSF and I passed by the skin of my teeth. I was nervous about trying to ride knowing I had glaring deficiencies. I took a class with this company and boy, did it make a huge difference. The owner was my trainer and he broke everything down in a truly masterful way. He even explained simple body mechanics on a bike, something that my MSF didn’t have the time to explain. He even took me as a backpack for a brief moment to help me get over my death grip on the handlebars. He also taught me how to use the friction zone for low speed turns and u-turns. Because of his lessons, I have since purchased a motorcycle and have been practicing on the streets comfortably. Highly, highly recommend to anyone who isn’t confident that they can ride on the streets or isn’t sure they have the basics down. Truly a game changer, I can give no higher praise.

Fantastic experience: I got my M-1 back in 2020 with limited experience under my belt and hadn't been on a bike since. A few months ago I felt inspired to pull the trigger on buying a bike, so I called up Evan to help jog my memory and get me comfortable riding by myself. He did that and then some. I took two lessons, and by the end of the second I felt way more confident than I ever did when I got my M-1. Evan has a super friendly vibe, but is also really professional and communicative. As a teacher he's great at meeting you wherever you're at and giving you the tools you need to hit your goals. He also has a deep knowledge of the Bay Area motorcycle scene, and will help you navigate buying your first motorcycle, should you want to do that. Awesome experience all around, would recommend to anybody.

Fantastic experience: Amazing refresher class with Brian. I’ve had my M1 license for 7 years now and own a scooter but haven’t ridden a motorcycle for 4+ years now and wanted to make sure I got the basics back before purchasing my own. He quickly assessed my skill level and tailored the class to what made the most sense, even pushed me to do some more skilled turning and operations which showed me even more opportune to improve. Would highly recommend and overall an awesome experience.

Fantastic experience: I would give this 10 stars if I could. Just took my very first motorcycle lesson ever and I’m amazed. I was so incredibly nervous at the beginning and by the time we were finished a couple hours later I was buzzing with excitement!! HUGE thank you to my instructor Evan for helping me feel calm and confident on the bike. He was so patient and kind - couldn’t have imagined a better experience. Excited for my 2nd lesson soon. If you’ve ever thought to yourself ‘I bet that would be so fun I’d love to try someday’ - I am telling you try NOW. I wish I’d done this years ago.

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend Monkey Moto School. As a new rider who took the MCT course, I still have a lot to learn. I just bought a new bike. Evan took the time to get me familiarized with my bike and taught me a number of great skills. I plan to schedule another session.

Fantastic experience: Had a session with Evan and he is without a doubt the perfect teacher. Super understanding about mistakes and insanely knowledgeable about every aspect of the ride. Also - he’s a really cool guy! Very very happy I did it.

Fantastic experience: Very nice person to person actual experience! Sad to say most of SF DMV class is not user friendly, you get what you pay for. Monkey Moto is a lovely course, user friendly and beginner oriented, but the teachers are pros. If you are in need of advanced safety courses they have you in spades!!!

Fantastic experience: I had taken a MSC locally & passed but just didn’t feel confident afterwards. I sent a message on the site and was able to schedule an appointment pretty quickly with Brian to get some more practice—this time on a Vespa, which was what I was hoping to buy. Brian was a great instructor. Thorough, tailored my lesson at my level, gave me tons of extra tips and advice. I felt a million times better after my lesson. I’ll definitely be back for some more lessons once I get more experience and am recommending him to friends.

Fantastic experience: Monkey Moto made it really easy to learn and build up confidence as a beginner. Evan's a great instructor with much wisdom both on and off the bike

Fantastic experience: Had a great experience with Evan. He has the ability to break down the basic steps where you need to improve, explain, demonstrate and patiently work you through it all. Great teacher. Nice guy. Money well spent.

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend you train with Evan before you train with anyone or organization. The tips he will give you are real world based that will save your life (worth the cost), not just pushing you through on a conveyor belt and missing the details. He may unknowingly saved mine manytimes over, and it has been years now. Be safe and ride at your skill level.

Fantastic experience: I took two private instruction lessons as a first-time rider and even though I was pretty nervous about learning to ride, Jason took things at exactly the right pace while keeping things fun and engaging. Jason's instruction was excellent and the feedback was spot-on, plus the weather was lovely, and I just had a great time! Now I'm really excited to start practicing!

Fantastic experience: Just spent two days with Evan back on the saddle after several years hiatus. He’s passionate about his teaching and patient yet empathetic to the struggles of being a true student to motorcycling properly. Often in life it’s not necessarily all about learning but just as much about unlearning improper techniques that result in lesser enjoyment as well as compromising the safety of yourself or others. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Jason is a fantastic teacher. Everything taught was broken down in such a way that I could learn quickly and efficiently. He is a wealth of knowledge on what type of bikes and gear are best for you. Highly recommend this team.

Fantastic experience: My wife and I were looking for safety training after recently purchasing a scooter to get around town when we found Monkey Moto. We booked a private partner lesson with Evan and had a great experience. What I enjoyed the most about the private lesson was how much time we spent actually practicing on the bikes and getting real-time feedback. Riding a scooter isn't rocket-science, but there is significant muscle memory involved in driving smoothly and safely. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a personal approach to motorcycle / scooter training.

Fantastic experience: Did two sessions after taking the BRC course as a completely new rider. Not only did I learn throttle control, every exercise translated to real world situations as I found out later when I ventured outside of parking lots on my own

Fantastic experience: What a great motorcycle school this is. The instructors were super nice but not in a fake way. You can tell they enjoy their job unlike the folks at MSF course. I honestly think it’s better for new riders to take this course instead of the MSF and just take the riding test at DMV. My instructor was Tuula. A super nice and badass lady with decades of riding experience. I had a great time talking to her. She explained everything as clearly as possible and gave me advices that no one told me at MSF and I’m gonna use them for the rest of my life. I can only recommend this course to people. There is not one bad thing I can say about it.

Fantastic experience: Evan was an excellent instructor! Very personalized lessons, he helped me with general and specific concerns I had. As a first time rider, Evan helped build my confidence up and feeling good on two wheels after only 2 hours! Would definitely recommend.

Fantastic experience: Evan was an amazing instructor and made learning so much fun and relaxed. My boyfriend and I booked a partner lesson then each had an individual lesson with Evan. We were complete beginners and he taught us the basics at our own pace and was very patient with us when anxiety kicked in reminding us to breathe. Sounds simple but it was extremely helpful! He gave us the confidence to take our new bikes out on the road and not fear traffic. He highly values safety and is an extremely talented rider himself. Some things that really helped me personally during the lesson: -beginning with getting comfortable with the weight and feel of the bike -repetitive training on finding the friction zone -easing into the transition of clutch and throttle -shifting gears -stopping smoothly -turning We will definitely be back for an advanced lesson. Thanks again Evan!

Fantastic experience: Jason is the BEST! Very friendly, chill, supportive...all you can ask for in an instructor. Was my first time on a bike and in just 2 lessons he got me to a place where I feel comfortable enough to start practice riding on the street. Can't recommend him highly enough. Thanks Jason! You'll be seeing me on my own bike next time to hone my skills :)

Fantastic experience: Evan is an excellent teacher and he cares deeply about you and your safety. My private lesson was the first time I've ever been on a moped. I had a ton of fun and learned a lot. I'd recommend his courses to anyone. He's patient, kind, and knowledgeable. Can't say enough good things!

Fantastic experience: Im a 38 year old guy i always wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle. During my international travels abroad my desire to learn was even greater when i saw just ordinary people of all ages and sizes riding everywhere, it was like there was something wrong with me because i couldnt ride and literally everyone in that country could. I think I let too many uneducated people hold me back with their scared advice here. Long story short this school got me riding, in two days. At the most basic level possible but i was having a lot of fun. My only experience was on a bicycle before. A whole new door got opened for me. it is hard to find the words to describe the positive feelings i got while being able to ride the motorcycle around. I just finished up a divorce and learning to ride put a smile back on my face for sure. Evan is a very personable and great instructor. I need not say more. If you want more skills in your life just sign up.

Fantastic experience: I took the MSF course 4 years ago and got my license and then never really rode. I decided to take a refresher and got Steph as my one-on-one instructor since I’m short and I feel much more comfortable being back on a bike! I was encouraged to get a motorcycle and have gotten the Honda CB 300F. Looking forward to taking another lesson once I get even more riding under my belt! Steph was the best! Always patient, helped me with my weaknesses, and gave great instruction.

Fantastic experience: Evan is a great instructor! Patient, knowledgeable and very clear in his instructions and feedback. I would highly, highly recommend taking private lessons with him. Your safety is worth it!

Fantastic experience: A couple months ago, I took a two day course with Evan, and it was a great first time riding experience. I only had experience with dirt bikes from when I was little, so it was a somewhat scary experience for me. But Evan was great, and quickly made me comfortable on a motorcycle. He is very patient and helpful. You just can't beat a private lesson. Thanks Evan. Your courses are great! -Chad

Fantastic experience: Had a great time w/ Evan over the course of two days (~3 hrs/day). After two days, I feel relatively confident getting a permit & bike and starting to practice a little on my own before getting more instruction from him & perhaps finishing up with an MSF course or going straight to the DMV test. Not sure what the beef between independent 1-1 courses like his and MSF classes is, but definitely appreciate the value he provided in such a short amount of time. His courses seem like a great trade-off if your time is valuable.

Fantastic experience: We became a one-car family earlier this year and following a recent trip to Europe where so many people get around on motor scooters and motorcycles, I decided that perhaps I should give that form of transportation a try within San Francisco. I haven’t been on a motorcycle since my high school years when a friend and I shared a Honda 50cc bike. I signed up for a couple of lessons with Evan and I let him know that I was trying to make up my mind about acquiring either a scooter or motorcycle. Evan suggested I give the motorcycle a try and I met him at Pier 30-32 in San Francisco over the course of three weeks. Evan is an experienced motorcyclist and a patient instructor. What I liked about his style was the emphasis he placed on safety above everything else. He can spot your strengths and weaknesses on a bike and works with you in a helpful, understanding manner in order for you to become a safe and responsible motorcyclist. After three lessons with Evan, I felt very confident on his 300cc motorcycle. I’m still trying to make up my mind if a motorcycle or motor scooter makes more sense for me within the city but I do know that whatever the choice may be, I feel a lot better about getting back on the road after instruction from Evan.

Fantastic experience: I took 2 lessons form Evan approximately 3 years ago. I was a first time rider and had just passed the MST course but didn't quite feel ready to start commuting on the Bay Bridge on a daily basis. Evan is a wonderful, patient and methodic teacher that will work with you are your required level and speed. I'm on my third bike now and ride on a daily basis (I used my car only to go surfing). The many pointers he gave me are still a foundation for safe ridding 3 years after the lessons.

Fantastic experience: I took the beginner lesson, and it was a great decision! There is an incredible amount of actions going on when riding a motorcycle compared to driving an automatic vehicle (clutch control, body position for example). It is definitely worth the time and money to have a personal coach walk through simple drills in a controlled environment, while giving you feedback on specific techniques. The instructors are sensitive to beginners and doesn't rush through the lesson.

Fantastic experience: I've been wanting to learn how to ride a geared motorcycle for a while and finally chose Monkey Moto as a starting place. Evan is a super cool guy who takes the time to find out where your head is at. He clearly explained good foundational techniques, not just for operating the bike but also for methodically cultivating safety through awareness. He never once made me feel dumb or rushed, even when I lost coordination and dropped the bike. I'm glad that I went with Monkey Moto and am thankful for the solid knowledge base I can now base new experiences and learning on. Thanks Evan!

Fantastic experience: Earlier this year I got my M1 license after taking the standard MSF course. That course was fine, but coming out of it, I still lacked a lot of confidence needed to maneuver through the controlled chaos that is San Francisco urban traffic. After fiddling around on my own bike with short jaunts for a few months, I decided I needed more work with a professional to help my anxiety and focus on better control. Wow, what a difference a day makes! Evan was extremely personable, patient, and calm, and really helped reiterate a lot of things I missed during my initial MSF course, especially the finer details of clutch control and how it leads to smoother, stronger rides. Working one-on-one leads to much better direct feedback so over the course of a few hours I improved rapidly in confidence and control. We worked with my own bike ('06 Rebel 250) and he really helped me see what it is I should be feeling with it specifically and even showed me a couple tips on how best to handle and maintain it. By the time we were done, I was able to ride out comfortably into Mission District traffic and head home safely. tl;dr: Highly recommended, even if you've already taken the MSF course. Evan tailors his lessons to specific rider needs so anyone is going to come out of them a little bit safer than they were before.

Fantastic experience: I did the scooter lesson today with Evan. It was awesome! He is certainly an experienced pro in his field. He gave great instruction and demonutrition and also provided all of the gear that I needed. I wouldn't go anywhere else and now I feel extremely comfortable on my scooter. Thanks Evan!

Fantastic experience: Monkey Moto kicks ass. I had such a comprehensive and fun learning experience with Evan. I had never been on a motorcycle before and Evan got me up and riding in our 2 day starter lesson. We covered everything you need to know like technical aspects, riding theory and etiquette, and of course riding! Evan was very patient but he also pushed me to get the skills right. He's an excellent teacher and I will recommend Monkey Moto to everyone interested in riding. Even if you decide motorcycles aren't for you, I still encourage you to take the starter class to learn how to ride and what it's like to ride a motorcycle. It will make you a better car driver too! Sign up for a class with Monkey Moto. You will learn a lot and have fun doing it.

Fantastic experience: Evan was a really great teacher for me. After being away from motorcycling for about 20 years, he rebuilt my familiarity and confidence. Evan was calm, confident and patient as he coached me over two sessions. He constantly emphasized safety measures and habits. By the end, I was eager to get back on the road, now equipped with better riding skills than I ever had before. I recommend Evan for people like me returning to riding as well as new riders.

Positive experience: Evan did a super job, is easy to work with and certainly provided to me safe and level-appropriate training. I'm a new rider on a Kawasaki 650 KLR and his instruction has proved VERY helpful over the past couple months since my single lesson with him. As for the negative review by the guy who seems to have trouble with the concept of trail braking, it's a shame he doesn't understand the concept better as it is a really good way to navigate city traffic at a slow speed while maintaining momentum. I recommend Evan with full confidence and hope others will post reviews here in Google. Cheers, Thompson

Negative experience: Evan's Monkey Moto School is waste of money & DANGEROUS. My big mistake was to believe the reviews posted in Yelp about the excellence of Evan's instruction. For me, it was a total waste of money & proved dangerous in the aftermath. The "dangerous" is the reason for my writing now. My reason for my hiring Evan's instruction was for help in handling 600+ pound front & top-heavy touring bike on hills. Informed Evan of my 7000+ miles with other, lighter-weight bikes mostly on flat lands. He wasted my time for two hours doing elementary figure 8s in a flat parking lot then took me to the top of one steep hill which i felt ill-prepared to handle from my downslope facing start position, & I finally walked the bike most of the way down. But here's what was "dangerous": Despite his saying i was insufficiently trained to immediately take on hill maneuvers, in the parking lot, he instructed me in "trail braking" where one applies the FRONT brake & throttle simultaneously. This is a controversial & advanced technique which pertains to riding sport & trail bikes, NOT a full-dresser touring bike like mine. The next day was nearly a disaster & the reason for my "dangerous" comment. With Evan's instruction still in my head & body, at one point i was braking for a red light at an intersection & suddenly my right hand was simultaneously applying the throttle, which put me a good way into the intersection, giving me no choice but to roar on thru before getting creamed. I'd never made that error before or since, & immediately realised it was from Evan's "trail braking" instruction the previous day. I wiped out all Evan's instruction & have been fine since. This was months ago. I wrote Evan & he replied with excuses & an offer of $50 of my $179 back, which i could not accept & still write this review as a warning to others. I recommend avoiding all individual bike instructors except those endorsed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.