Harley-Davidson launches Riding Academy in SA

The Harley-Davidson Riding Academy is located on the R3 in Hartbeespoort, an hour from Johannesburg and 30 minutes drive from Pretoria and is open from Monday to Sunday. The New Rider course, priced at R3,850, includes two full days of training including riding on a Harley-Davidson Sportster - an entry level Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The Riding Academy is open to those passionate about learning how to ride a motorcycle and take on the open road with confidence.

"We are extremely excited about having our own professional riding school in South Africa," says Celine Gruizinga, country manager for Harley-Davidson Africa. "The New Rider Course is designed to give expert guidance and training, especially to those who have never been on a bike before."

The New Rider course commences with a brief classroom session that looks at the theory behind riding a motorcycle for the first time. Following this it's out onto a safe range where the student learns all of the practical skills they will need including machine control, braking and gear change. Once these skills are in place, student riders will make their way onto the Harley-Davidson where they will be able to put all of their new found abilities into practice. Then the open road beckons with a thorough lesson on how to use the skills in a real world environment.

"Students can expect a quality riding and learning experience with professional training by Harley-Davidson Riding Academy certified coaches," Gruizinga concludes.

The Harley-Davidson Riding Academy gives students the skills and knowledge to ride a motorcycle confidently as well as assistance in obtaining a learners and motorcycle riders licence. "The only requirements for the course are basic balancing skills like on a bicycle and acceptable identification documents. Closed shoes and long trousers are advisable and learners will be provided with a helmet, gloves and jacket," Gruizinga concludes.

Additional Riding Courses will be offered in 2014. The legal age is 17 years and over to ride a motorcycle or scooter with a capacity up to 125cc, as long as the driver in question has passed his/her motorcycle learners license. To drive a bike of any size (125cc plus), the legal age is 18 years.

For more, go to www.h-dridingacademy.co.za