Honda UK is aiming to get 500 non-riders into the seat of a motorcycle this summer, in a new test ride programme which it hopes will lead to more life-long bikers. The Ride Free Experience is offering no-pressure test rides on the CB125F, Grom and MSX125, off the road, and is run by Honda dealers and the Honda School of Motorcycling. There is no test involved – the idea is just to have a go – but the two-hour session includes a safety briefing as well as the ride.

As a further inducement, riders taking up the scheme are offered £50 towards their CBT costs (if they choose to take a CBT later on) and £500 off the price of a new 125cc+ bike if they pass the test at a Honda-approved training school.

The first Ride Free Experience was held in May, and 40% of the riders were women. “We’re absolutely delighted to see this project start so positively,” said Andy Mineyko, Business Planning Manager at Honda UK. “The Ride Free programme costs nothing to attend and each individual is looked after by qualified trainers in a calm and controlled environment.”

Jim Freeman, Chair of the BMF, added, “Great initiative by Honda. With the current fuel situation, the attraction of car drivers to small, relatively accessible, bikes has to be encouraged. It reminds me of the 1970s fuel shocks, which is where I came into motorcycling myself, when my small Honda stayed with me, long after I could have switched to car use.”

To find out more or book the ride Free Experience please click here

Written by Peter Henshaw

Top image courtesy of Honda