Video: How Harley-Davidson’s Jumpstart System Works

By Cameron Vanderhorst - May 26, 2020

Learning to ride has never been easier.

If we’ve learned anything from this crisis, it’s that life is precious. Perhaps you’ve decided that this is the year that you will finally learn how to ride a motorcycle. Well, Harley-Davidson’s Jumpstart program is a great first step.

The Jumpstart program allows you to ride a bike in place. You get a chance to grasp the basics of controls without having to worry about balance or crashing. Given how heavy Harleys are compared to most bikes, it’s a great learning tool.

One YouTuber, DailyDrives973, decided to try it out for himself. After sharing the classic Harley story we know and love, he explains how the setup works. For one thing, it’s a great test-drive tool for first-time buyers.

Try Something New

He explains, “Going to a dealership, hopping onto a motorcycle, and taking it for a spin with no training or knowledge of what it is you’re doing is obviously not very smart.” Instead, they can wheel the bike of your dreams onto the Jumpstart system, tie it down, and let you feel what it’s like in the saddle.

Riding a motorcycle is a lot different than riding a car, and there are a lot of things to keep track of. Simplifying the learning process for new riders is a great step in the right direction, and it’s a great way to encourage folks to join the Harley-Davidson family.

‘So, to get this bike in motion is actually not as difficult as I thought.’

With the Jumpstart system, you can learn to use the clutch and shifter without worrying about much of anything else. DailyDrives973 says, “Once you master the idea of being able to change gears, you’re pretty much off to the races.” We remember learning to ride the traditional way, and he’s absolutely right. Finally figuring out the clutch is a breakthrough moment.

It’s clear just from watching this video that the system works. The host is a motorcycle newbie himself, and watching him navigate the handlebar controls and learn the clutch reminded us of our first time on a bike.

We are happy to see him building his skills and his confidence. After his first try, he says, “So, to get this bike in motion is actually not as difficult as I thought.” That’s a great sign. Hopefully those same words will be spoken in Harley-Davidson dealers all over. Welcome to the family!