Thursday, 08 May 2014

Get your motors running

The iconic American Harley-Davidson Motor Cycle has a large following not only in the USA but across the world: in order to provide and maintain a high level of customer support, the company has established an international network of sales and technical services.

The UK has 30 plus franchised dealers supplying the full range of motor cycles to a very discerning clientele. In order to provide support to its dealers across the UK, most of Europe and places as far away as Moscow and Cape Town, the US company has created a unique training facility at NEW College, Bromsgrove, just south of Birmingham.

This 'University' provides courses for around 300 technicians a year to ensure they receive product updating and professional development training developed by the parent company in the US.

On the evening of 15 October, 15 members and guests of the Region attended a presentation and tour of the facility. We were shown excellent hospitality by Steve Rose and his team and it was a real treat (especially to the 'bikers' present) to be able to see so many brand new machines all in one place at one time (around 50!).

Steve and his colleague Gavin Cupit demonstrated their excellent knowledge during the technical presentation. members and guests were treated to an excellent insight into the construction, repair, maintenance and general care of the motor cycles together with some interesting and amusing anecdotes along the way.

We did spend some time looking at the machines but unfortunately demonstration rides were not practical.
As the event was oversubscribed in terms of attendees, a second visit is planned for next year to enable those who unfortunately missed out this time to take advantage of this excellent experience.

Gerry Marsden