HART Victoria's grand opening

Honda Australia Rider Training's (HART) sizeable new Melbourne complex was officially opened on Saturday, August 29, with dozens of riders turning out to inspect the new facility and take part in a packed schedule of activities.

Located in Somerton, in Melbourne's northern suburbs, the venue was officially unveiled by Honda's CEO, Stuart Strickland, while representatives from Victoria's RoadSafe organisation were also onhand to present a certificate of appreciation to HART Victoria's manager, Grant Carr.

“We're very proud of this new centre, which we feel has lifted the bar of rider training even further,” said Strickland. “Riding a motorcycle is a bit like playing a violin. Anyone can pick up a violin and get a squeak out of it, but to play beautiful music you need to be trained. We have some exceptional trainers here at HART, and I'm sure any rider who undertakes a HART course will be well rewarded, and will enjoy their riding even more,” he added.

HART Victoria's manager, Grant Carr, highlighted the importance of effective rider training to Honda's overall philosophy. “This is all about making motorcycling safer, and that's something everyone here at Honda feels very passionate about,” he said.

The spacious new complex replaces the old HART centre at Sharps Road, Tullamarine, and offers plenty of room for future expansion. In addition to the road training range, the facility also boasts an ATV and off-road training area, plus a mini bike circuit. The new office features classrooms, a reception area, a full motorcycle workshop and a motorcycle showroom, where you can grab a coffee and check out the latest Honda models on display.

Several prizes were up for grabs on the day – HART courses, Draggin Jeans gift packs, summer riding gloves and Honda riding jackets – with riders simply having to take part in at least four of a total of 10 safety-focused activities. These activities comprised “Try It” rider training sessions on the training range, electronic ride simulator sessions, a visit to the RoadSafe and/or Victoria Police displays, and an 'Alcohol Awareness' demonstration, among others.

The windy and sometimes wet conditions weren't enough to dampen the enthusiasm of those booked in to take a spin on a new Honda motorcycle or scooter, while there were also plenty of stands to peruse, from organisations such as RoadSafe, Motorcycling Australia, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, the Traffic Accident Commission, the Ulysses Club and Two Wheels magazine.

Joining HART's other facilities in Sydney and Brisbane, HART's new Melbourne complex can be found at 200 Sydney Road, Somerton. For more information visit HART Rider Training's website.

Second image: Presentation (from left to right): Gavin MacDonald (RoadSafe), Grant Carr (HART Vic manager), Bill Sommers (RoadSafe), Stuart Strickland (Honda Motorcycles CEO). HART Victoria's manager Grant Carr accepts a certificate of appreciation from RoadSafe's Bill Sommers.