Honda and Nottingham Trent University showcase motorcycling to students

Honda and Nottingham Trent University have been working together to gauge students' attitudes towards motorcycling.

The average age of motorcyclists continues to rise as fewer and fewer young people take to two wheels. To understand the trend and gain a better understanding of students' perceptions of motorcycling, Honda UK and Nottingham Trent University have been working together. As part of a five-day-long exhibition hosted by the university’s new engineering department, Honda brought in a range of bikes, a selection of staff, and a rolling road to get students talking about two wheels.

Honda brought along a PCX125, Monkey 125, CB125R, CBR650R and a CB1000R, in addition to an all-new CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) which it put to good use on a rolling road for students to try.

Following the exhibition, Honda and Nottingham Trent University will review students’ responses, and will go on to use the research to help form new approaches to encourage the next generation of riders on to two wheels.

Professor Alex Stedmon, a key figurehead of the project, said: “We’re taking a ‘user-centred’ approach to get first-hand insights from young people about the appeal of motorcycling, whilst also exploring any barriers that might keep them away from two wheels. It’s a fascinating piece of work and a great opportunity to link up with a major manufacturer in this way.”

Professor Stedmon is an independent consultant working closely with Nottingham Trent University, and a world-leading expert in motorcycle rider behaviour.

It’s great to see a manufacturer thinking outside of the box and being proactive about engaging with students about the benefits of two-wheeled travel. It’ll be interesting to see what comes of it.