Summer outdoor events are back in action! Crowds gather for live music festivals, the thrill of watching fast-paced short course racing action, and to attend trade shows that excite their hobbies and passions! This week we dive into the ultimate experience for event attendees and your brand—demonstration rides (aka demo rides). These experiences take hold of a guest and let them imagine their world with your product in it!  At nearly every event you attend you’ve probably seen a line of guests waiting to try a new vehicle out—passes in hand they climb into the driver’s seat and enjoy a truly hands on experience with your product

What is a demo ride?

Demonstration rides are a marketing action to allow potential customers to drive or right seat ride with an on-road or off-road vehicle. Many potential customers do this when they are test driving a car to decide on purchasing. Demo rides are provided by the manufacturer or dealership to promote a hands-on experience for riders, and also to allow customers a personal experience with the product. 

Why are demo rides beneficial?

Demo rides spur passion in purchasing for your potential customers! While riding your brand’s motorcycle they can enjoy a visceral ride, scenery, and imagine your product in their everyday lives, while at the same time testing out key features of the bike such as handling, suspension, comfort, etc. Test rides, ride and drives, and other hands-on experiences are beneficial for increasing sales and interest in your brand. Given that the industry average is between 1-3% conversion rate for test drive sign-ups, let's look at the numbers. Out of 50,000 customer visits we can expect a conversion rate of 1% to the test drive sign-ups and purchase.¹

Where can demo rides happen?

Anywhere! Where your customer base is! Demo rides can take place at race tracks, dealerships, off-road events, outdoor events, indoor events and so much more! Often demo rides consist of a tour and schedule where customers can sign up ahead of time online to reserve their ride. If you’re looking for a demo ride near you check out the manufacturers website as they often post their demo ride schedule online in advance of the season. 

Who runs a demo ride?

Event staff typically run your demo rides. Why? To ensure riders sign waivers, have a valid license and endorsement to operate the vehicle,  have proper gear, are fit to ride, and receive the proper safety information prior to riding. Our event staff support clients with the event activation and ensure the demo ride experience is a great one. We have close to ten years of experience staffing demo ride events in all powersports industries including snowmobile, off-road, automotive and motorcycle. We know what it takes to engage with consumers at these types of events. Backwoods Promotions has the largest roster of motorcycle licensed staff in North America, and can also provide professional drivers for on and off-road demo ride events. 

Interested in having event staff at your next demo ride?

Click below for a FREE Quote!