Where do our Customers come from?

Our customers come from all over the world to take a Harley Ride Experience with us. It constantly amazes us how diverse that group can become. Last month we were fortunate to have been chosen by a corporate group from Shanghai China, here for an Incentive/Reward trip to take their staff out for a group ride.

As you can see from the reactions captured in the video, they had a great time. That's pretty standard fare whenever we take anyone out for a Harley Ride.

The rides took place over two days, on each day we pick a group of 20 up from the Langham Hotel in Southbank and took them out for a one hour ride across the Westgate Bridge to Williamstown. Interestingly, language wasn't a problem, and it signs and gestures took over.

An Experience for Everyone - Time to Just Do It

Ask yourself a question - Would I ever ride a motorcycle? Or - Have I ever been interested in motorcycle? Or Are motorcycles safe? For the average person the answer to the first two questions is No, and to the third is Yes.

These are the people who are the mainstay of our Harley Rides clientele. 99% of all the people we take out for a Harley Ride as a passenger on the back of our Harley Davidson motorcycles fits the above description. The majority of the people we take out for a ride, are people who have had their ride booked by a friend or family member as a surprise for their birthday, anniversary or some other similar occasion.

Many people will quite happily organise a ride for someone else and not take the experience themselves. Why? Because they have quite a few pre-concieced ideas, which during a Harley Ride are quickly dispelled. You see, the truth is the is experience is far different from the expected and its very safe. Don't believe me? Then you are the person who should Just Do IT.

Post by Harley Rides in Melbourne.

Post by Harley Rides in Melbourne.

Post by Harley Rides in Melbourne.

Our latest YouTube Harley Ride Videos

We are the only Harley Ride company who regularly produces videos of our customers. It makes us feel proud to be able to showcase ourselves this way and share the happy smiles and looks of excitement that appear on all the faces of the many people we take out for rides.

Here are our latest ones:

The Best Way to See Melbourne

Just ask anyone how has come out for a ride with us. Its only after the ride that the lights come on. As you can see here by the reaction we got from Mike.

What is on Your Bucket List?

Here are a couple of ideas that we here at HD Chauffeur Ride Pty Ltd can help you achieve, if a ride on a Harley Davidson motorcycle is on your Bucket List.

Greatest Experience

If I had one choice to nominate my favourite ride, that choice would have to be the Great Ocean Road Tour Harley Ride. Its very difficult to explain if one hasn't taken the experience, but that is the one of my choice.

Watch this and you may begin to understand what I mean:

Sharing the Harley Davidson Brand

The Harley Davidson story is a marketing legend. Long known for giving its customers what they want, and understanding the people who ride their machines Harley Davidson have survived against all odds by leading the field with "Iconic branding".

If it were not for the iconic nature of the Harley Davidson motorcycle, and the throb of the Harley Sound emitted by their "head turning" machines, I doubt that the Harley Rides Industry would have evolved in Australia, as in did in the early '90s. Since 1993 when HD Chauffeur Ride Pty Ltd was founded literally hundreds of thousands of people have been introduced to the Harley Davidson Brand on individual Harley Rides given to them as a gift by a family member or friend as a birthday gift, Hens and Bucks Day rides, wedding anniversary surprise etc. In addition there have been many thousands of tourists visiting Australia (and in our case Melbourne) who have recognised that taking a ride on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle is the best form of transport that guarantees that they will see more of Melbourne, the nearby hills and the Great Ocean Road. Its simply because the view one gets seated on the back of a motorbike, while someone else does the riding just can't be matched by any other mode of transport which sets the Harley Ride Experience apart.

But, by far the largest group, outnumbering all others are the children and their parents with whom we come into contact at school fetes and fairs. It is at the fundraising events, that over just a few hours we expose up to 100 or more people to the Harley Ride Experience. At these events we bring people into contact wit the Harley Davidson Brand for the first time. Most have never possessed an inclination or any interest in motorcycles, and many have never even heard or been aware of the Harley Davidson marque. What occurs at this time quite often results in a transformation, creation of desire, and a marked reversal in attitude towards the Motorcycle. For many, it marks the day when they decided to get a motorcycle of their own. I well recall meeting a guy, several years ago, who came up to me one day and told me how after his Harley Ride he went on to obtain his motorcycle licence, purchase of harley Davidson and then go on to become the President of his local HOG (Harley Owners Group) Chapter!

We have no formal connection with Harley Davidson, and our services carry no endorsement from them, despite the fact that we can claim a role in the sale of many of their machines over the years. Perhaps, one day they may give us some formal recognition, but we don't expect it.

In the meantime we will continue to share the Harley Davidson motorcycle with their potential customers. Times are becoming highly competitive and many Harley Davidson clones have emerged emulating the Harley Iconic V-Twin design. Whenever, we take anyone out for a Harley Ride Experience, our focus is on explaining to them why we have chosen a Harley Davidson over the others. Its the Icon, H-D set the standard and the height of the bar. Its up to the others to reach the level of Iconic Status held by the Harley Davidson. Its not until one has owned a Harley Davidson of their own that they are able to recognise why Harley Davidson has become the world's greatest Marketing and Branding success, a story which is studied by every aspiring entrepreneur.

A group of tourist s visiting Melbourne

Corporate Bonding

Melbourne is the Conference Capital of Australia, and attracts events from all over the world to the Melbourne Convention Centre on the bank of the Yarra River.

This past week, saw one company utilise us as a Staff Bonding Activity at their annual conference. We formed one part of an overall activity organised by our Partner Big Stick Adventures. Here is how it looked:

Of course, the staff had no idea what to expect and were surprised when Big Stick initiated the activity.

Harley Davidson Riders @ www.harleyrides.com.au

Harley Davidson Riders @ www.harleyrides.com.au, a set on Flickr.

Our riders, their bikes and their passengers during our Harley Tours and Rides.

The Best Melbourne Tours

Most tourists visiting Melbourne never get out of the centre of town. The CBD is a huge rectangle - 1/2 a mile wide and 1 mile long. It was laid out by Governor Latrobe in the 1840's, and the magnificent old buildings which populate the city were built on the proceeds of the Gold Rush which started after gold was discovered in Ballarat around 1850. Before that, Melbourne was a small settlement that serviced the farming community. But, after gold was discovered - everything changed!

Melbourne has so much to offer. But the hardest thing for a visitor is discovering how to get there - that is to the best places I mean.

Melbourne by Foot

Downtown city Melbourne is a network of lane ways. Finders Lane, Little Collins St and Little Bourke St have other smaller lane ways which join the major thoroughfares like Collins Street and the Bourke Street Mall. My recommendation would be to make contact with Fiona at Hidden Secrets Tours if you really want to discover the soul of Melbourne. Fiona takes you on foot around the inner heart of the city - where being on foot is best.

Flinders St and Flinders St Station

Laneway Cafe

Federation Square

But there is only so much time that you can spend wandering around the centre of town. There are many ways to get out of the city, like on the Trams, trains or by bus. But, if you really want to go where most of these forms of transport don't go - in the shortest and most efficient manner - then that is where a Harley Ride comes in. But, before you dismiss this idea because that's not you - stop and consider what a Harley Ride's purpose really is. Its not just for motorcycle nuts or adrenaline junkies. Its for those who want the best mode of transport which will give the best return when it comes to how much more they will see - in a very short period of time - compared to the other ways of doing it.

Williamstown - Melbourne's Hidden Gem

Williamstown, which is located a short distance from the heart of Melbourne, over on the other side of the Yarra River, is one of my favourite destinations. But, if you don't have a lot of time, then its not somewhere that is easy to get to other than on a Harley Ride. Its one of the places that we show people during a 1 hour ride, and they often then choose to go back for a longer visit later. Nelson Place, pictured above, is the main restaurant precinct that most would see, but on a Harley Ride you get to see much more of this historic place as we take you around by Williamstown beach and down the magnificent streets in this precinct.

But wait - there's more. The F1 Grand Prix Circuit round Albert Park lake, St Kilda. If you have a few hours then take a 3 hr ride to the Dandenong Ranges or a 5 hour Ride to the Wineries in the Yarra Valley. Or if you have a day to spare - then come down the Great Ocean Road - its an experience you will never forget.

Are we always busy? Now we are not. Why, you ask? Because people just don't understand the Harley Ride Experinece and how it relates to their concept of the right thing to do. Most who come out with us, go away understanding why they needed to do it. It comes as a shock to many as they it begins to dawn on them that it just isn't what they expected it to be - it terms of comfort - its far better than they expected, safety - its far safer and they realise that they won't fall off - and finally weather isn't important - because we don't let them get cold.

But sadly many people reading this will still think to themselves, "This just isn't for me." For those people we feel immense sorrow, that we will never be able to share this experience with you : (

Valentine's Day Gift

Have you remembered that Valentine's Day is fast approaching? Do you have any idea what to get your valentine in 2013? A Harley Ride is something that never fails to impress people, who have undergone the experience.

Maybe, you have a girlfriend who is not into bikes, but you are, and you would really love to have her understand why you love motorcycles as much as you do? Give us just one hour with her and we guarantee she will come back demanding that you get one, and take her for a ride. She may even come back wanting to get her own motorbike licence (we have seen it happen - believe it or not!).

Just recently, a guy booked a ride for the love in his life, the excitement on her face and the reaction she had during the ride just had to be seen to be believed : )

It doesn't matter what age they are, in our experience the result is always the same. At the end of the ride they always just want to keep going, and "Its never long enough".

We have plenty of bikes available for rides on Valentines Day this year. And you can come along too - on another bike - and join in the experience with your valentine. Maybe you are planning to take them out for dinner - get picked up and use us instead of a taxi.

The best thing to do is call us and get some technical advice - we can offer many ideas and suggestions. That is what we are here for. Our phone number is Freecall 1800 182 282 (inside Australia only). 

Visit our Facebook Site or our Mobile Site

Groupon Discounts - the truth behind their facade

Just over a year ago, I was getting calls a couple of times a week from Groupon, Living Social and their "coupon clones". Their claim was that they could bring my company, "heaps of new work, and that there were thousands of customers queuing up to buy my product that I was supposedly missing out on.

The problem is, as I pointed out to them, that volume sales doesn't match the service I provide. One of my competitors in the Harley Rides industry had already been burned getting involved with several of these discounters, and I didn't want to suffer the same fate.

My focus is on providing a Quality Experience for my customers. Providing Quality requires that the Harley Davidson motorcycles I use to transport my customers, are maintained and serviced to the highest standards. This means that their safety is guaranteed - that no short cuts are taken.

To achieve this goal I never service or repair my motorcycle - I'm not qualified to do that. I pay a qualified Harley Davidson mechanic $100 per hour plus the cost of parts to perform that task. This means that my bike and all the bikes I use are in tip top condition.

But, some of my competitors in the Harley Rides industry here in Melbourne, don't take my approach. They cut corners and maintain very old machines that are more prone to breakdowns. One of those uses Red Balloon and Adrenalin Tours as agents for their Harley Rides business and has fallen foul of Groupon and Living Social and lived to regret that experience.

http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/consumer-watchdog-targets-website-product-reviews-and-discounts-20121214-2bf7b.html#ixzz2FFodeWK2

Why book through a multinational holiday or "experience" promotional website?

To book accommodation, restaurants, holidays, Harley Rides etc go direct to the person who owns and operates the business he/she does not have to pay large commissions. Visit our website here at Harley Rides in Melbourne or call us direct on Freecall 1800 182 282 - our technical advice is free - you don't get that at Groupon etc. And as for Red Balloon and Adrenalin - they don't even conduct quality checks on the products they supply. All they are interested in, is getting their 25% Agents commission. At Groupon, after factoring in a 50% discount or something similar, and after they take their cut - that leaves the supplier with almost nothing. In my case not enough to cover my costs. And I'm not prepared to cut corners to get more business at the expense of scarificing my customers safety

Mr Rob Sims, ACCC ''People are buying a voucher and the circumstances are such that they cannot actually redeem it, and therefore they just lose their money. Many do get a discount, but some just lose their money,'' Mr Sims said. ''That is unfair on the small- business person who either breaks his or her back to try and meet them, or just suffers the reputational damage. And it is unfair to consumers.''

The owner of a Sydney driving school told the Herald his business was damaged by a group deal. He made no profit and had to put his own customers aside while fulfilling vouchers.

''It is not worth it [because] I made no profit at all and the price they advertise my business is too cheap for me. I cannot afford it [and] they take too much [commission].'

Before you do book something online - do your research. We have many good reviews on Trip Advisor - Harley Rides in Melbourne and are recommended by Tourism Australia . After reading many reviews, its pretty easy to tell which ones are fake.

Where have all the tourists gone?

Things are very quiet in Melbourne right now. Maybe its the economic climate, or that people aren't travelling from the USA or Europe in as greater numbers as in the past. I wish I knew why more people aren't coming out for a Harley Ride with us.

The most common question I get asked when someone is sitting on the back of my Harley Davidson (a 2012 Heritage Softail BTW) is, "How many time a week do you take people for a ride John?" My answer is, "Not that often actually. If I was in this business for the money, then  I would have quit years ago." Interestingly, one of my peers in the Harley Rides industry just quit and stopped doing rides because he wasn't making any money doing it......

My situation differs a little from most. I have no debts and as a retired Army Officer I have a military pension that gives me more flexibility than most. For me riding a motorcycle is my passion. There is just nothing else that I would rather do - so taking people out for motorcycle joyrides is it : )

Maybe, its the cost of the ride. I'm the first to admit that its not cheap to come out for a ride with us. But, interestingly its been almost 3 years since we last raised our prices. If anything we have stayed a little behind inflation prices or the cost of living increases. Maintaining a Harley Davidson motorcycle is not cheap - and I am a stickler for keeping my bike in great condition (so it doesn't let me down at the most embarrassing time, like in the middle of a ride). Some of my peers in the Harley Rides industry service their own bikes to save money. Several own very old bikes to save money. So competing on price is not easy.

Or is it the Public Perception of the Motorcycle? According to certain Government Agencies, like the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), riding on a motorcycle is a very risky business. According to them if you get on a motorcycle you are guaranteed to have a accident. I haven't had an accident for over 30 years on my motorcycle. In fact I am highly aware of what to avoid and how to stay out of trouble whenever I am on my bike. In fact I am paranoid about making a mistake that will result in getting my bike scratched. If anything, sitting on the back of my motorcycle as a passenger is far safer that being in a bus or taxi or hire car in my biased opinion.

Is a fear of motorcycles stopping people from coming out for a ride with us? Many rides are a surprise for the person we are taking out. These rides are often booked as a surprise gift for their birthday, anniversary, fathers day or mothers day, even on their wedding day. The responses we get are diverse, and the frequent response is immediate apprehension - usually goaded by their friends with silly remarks like, "Now, don't fall off", said with a big smile and accompanying laughter.

After a person has been been sitting on the bike and have moved off, their apprehension quickly evaporates. I make a point of explaining why the bike stays upright when we are in motion, and demonstrate the physics that make it difficult to fall off the bike - unless we are stationary - or something hits us (which is very unlikely as long as I am in control).

By the end of the ride, our passengers have a new perspective as to why I ride a motorcycle - which as someone I know declares, "Is the most fun thing you can ever do." It is an addiction. I know the risks and I know how to manage them - I just wish people understood that fact.

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