- Students and staff introduced to the world of motorcycling – and Honda – over a full day in May
- Ride Free test rides very popular, as was a selection of new-rider friendly bikes from the Honda range
- The Honda New Rider Programme a real draw, plus Honda DreamTech and the EV future
With the aim of showcasing its motorcycles to a new, young audience – and following on from the success of last year’s event at Southampton University – Honda UK repeated the process at Reading University on Tuesday 19th May.
The idea? Get as many people as possible to think about, and try, riding for the very first time.
Reading University (in its centenary year with university status) is a great pool to draw from with 21,000 pupils and 4,000 staff members; it’s also been awarded the Queen’s Anniversary for higher and further education five times.
Honda’s Ride Free programme set up in the main car park with instructors on hand to safely guide anybody that wanted to experience the freedom and pleasure of two wheels, using a selection of Honda’s varied 125cc range. Also in attendance was Honda UK’s impressive display rig, with a selection of new-rider friendly models including the new E-Clutch equipped CB500 Hornet, plus CB125R, Monkey, CRF300L, CMX500, CBR650R and electric CUV e: scooter. Honda DreamTech demonstrated Honda’s engineering innovation and, to fully demonstrate the awesome Power of Dreams, the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP was also proudly on show.
Also showcased was the Honda New Rider Programme – which incorporates a motorcycle, training, test and riding kit all rolled into two accessible monthly payment (one for the motorcycle and the other for the training and clothing etc) – as well as the opportunity to speak to affiliated Honda Approved Training Schools.
Andy Mineyko, General Manager Honda UK (Motorcycles):
“Last year proved a great opportunity for Honda UK to reach out to a fresh demographic of potential new customers and this year’s event at Reading University has proved equally fruitful. The core of this event is about what great fun riding can be, as well as a practical, cost-effective and fuel-efficient mode of transport. Our New Rider Programme, which is available across the Honda range* proved of real interest on the day. And it was also fabulous to see all the genuine grins from those Ride Free first rides!”
*Excluding Fireblade and Gold Wing.
Michael Le Pard (“Mr. Totalmotorcycle”) is the Founder of Total Motorcycle, the world’s largest motorcycle information site, trusted by over 430 million riders since 1999. With over 34 years of experience in motorcycles, gear and rider culture, he has built a global community dedicated to empowering and inspiring motorcyclists.
Total Motorcycle remains his passion project. Combining expert research, hands‑on knowledge and a commitment to helping riders make informed decisions about bikes, gear and safety worldwide.
