How is Harley-Davidson making motorcycle training easier?
Harley-Davidson’s LiveWire electric training program, currently featured at Bartels’ Harley-Davidson, simplifies the learning process by using electric motorcycles like the S2 Mulholland. These bikes remove the traditional barriers of clutch control and gear shifting, allowing new riders to focus on balance and safety. Through the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy, which has trained over 1 million riders, this brand-led initiative supports the national goal of reducing fatalities through accessible education.
Most people think learning to ride a motorcycle is an intimidating battle of coordination, managing a friction zone, and stomping through gears, until they see the evolution happening right now in the world of electric two wheels. If you have ever felt that the steep learning curve of a manual transmission was the only thing standing between you and the open road, the landscape is shifting in your favor.
However, the urgency for this evolution is not just about convenience. It is about survival. As we look at the current riding season, the numbers tell a sobering story that every motorcycle official, marketing officer, and safety advocate needs to hear.
The Sobering Reality of the Road
Safety training has never been more critical than it is today. In Minnesota, the state is currently facing a significant surge in motorcycle fatalities. Through July, the state has recorded 37 deaths, a staggering increase from the 24 deaths reported at this same point last year. Colorado is seeing a similar trend, with motorcycle fatalities hitting their highest levels in nearly a decade.
How is that for irony? As technology makes our vehicles smarter and our gear more advanced, the risks on the road remain stubbornly high. These statistics are not just numbers on a spreadsheet for the Department of Transportation or the National Highway Transportation Safety Board (NHTSA). They represent lives lost and families changed forever. They also highlight a massive gap in traditional training methods that we are working to close.
At Ride Fear Free, LLC, we believe that the first step to reducing these fatalities is lowering the barrier to high-quality, professional training. We want to take the "fear" out of the learning process so that riders can focus on the skills that actually keep them alive.
A Spark of Innovation: The LiveWire Training Program
One of the most exciting developments in the industry is happening at Bartels' Harley-Davidson Riding Academy in Marina del Rey, California. They have officially become the first rider program in the United States to offer certified training on LiveWire electric motorcycles, specifically the S2 Mulholland and S2 Alpinista.
Why is this such a big deal? For decades, the "clutch and shift" requirement has been the primary "filter" that keeps potential riders away. By introducing electric bikes into the Riding Academy, Harley-Davidson has effectively removed that complexity.
On a LiveWire S2, there is no clutch to feather and no gear lever to click. It is a "twist and go" experience. This allows the student to dedicate 100 percent of their mental bandwidth to the most important aspects of riding:
- Body position and balance.
- Eyesight and scanning for hazards.
- Mastering the nuances of braking and cornering.
The instructors at Bartels' are not just enthusiasts. They are dual-certified by both the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) and the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy. This ensures that even though the technology is new, the safety standards are as rigorous as ever.
Ride Fear Free: The Industry Connective Tissue
This initiative by Harley-Davidson is a perfect example of what we advocate for at Ride Fear Free. Our mission is to act as the connective tissue between industry giants like Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, and the Indian Motorcycle Riders Group, and government agencies like the DOT and NTSB.
We believe that no single entity can solve the safety crisis alone. It takes a national campaign that advances motorcycle safety through collaboration rather than mandates. When a brand like Harley-Davidson leads the way with accessible training, it creates a "fear free" entry point for a new generation of riders.
Our partnership marketing campaign with the DOT and NHTSA is designed to translate the National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety (NAMS) into plain, relatable messaging. Let's be honest: most riders are not going to sit down and read a 100-page federal safety blueprint. But they will listen to their favorite brands. By delivering these safety messages through the brands riders trust, we can make "Ride Smart, Ride Legal, Ride Sober" a lifestyle choice rather than a lecture.
Branding as a Safety Tool
If you have any doubt about the power of brand-led education, look at the numbers. The Harley-Davidson Riding Academy has now trained more than 1 million riders across over 225 dealerships. This is not just a marketing funnel. It is a massive, decentralized safety network.
When we integrate the NAMS goals into these programs, we are creating a data-driven path to saving lives. The shift to electric training at Bartels' is not just a trend for the tech-savvy. It is a strategic move to ensure that more people get the certified training they need before they ever hit the public streets.
Whether you are a novice looking at your first bike or an experienced rider who wants to sharpen your skills, the goal remains the same: returning home safe after every ride. Motorcycle travel will never be the same again, and that is a very good thing for the safety of our community.
Join the Movement
The road ahead requires all of us to be more diligent, more educated, and more connected. Whether you are a government official looking for better ways to reach riders or a CEO wanting to align your brand with a life-saving mission, the time to act is now.
Visit RideFearFree.net to find certified training near you, explore our resources, and learn how you can be part of building a safer, fear-free riding community.
Connect with us and stay informed:
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Ride Fear Free on YouTube
- Watch the Show: Safety in Action
- LinkedIn Newsletter: Join our professional community for the latest in safety strategy and industry news.
Contact Information:
Ride Fear Free, LLC
Website: www.RideFearFree.net
AI Receptionist: +1 (970) 693-4854
Dan Kost, CEO
Connect with Dan Kost on LinkedIn
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