You might think Japanese bike maker Suzuki had done enough for its dealers of late, with a slew of successful new models and burgeoning market share over the past 18 months. But the Milton Keynes-based importer wanted to give its dealers a little extra. So it took a group of them to the roads around Valencia, Spain, for some product familiarisation on their new season’s machinery – the GSX-8R and GSX-S1000 GX, as well as a refresher course on the other recent hits: GSX-8S and V-Strom 800 models.
Leaving behind a dull, frozen, and grey Blighty for the sun-kissed Mediterranean coast, dealers enjoyed a welcome dinner, took in some classroom sessions the following day, and hit some pot-hole free roads in the hills behind the city.
Suzuki GB head of motorcycles, Jonathan Martin, said after the event: “Annual dealer training events form an important part of our sales strategy, allowing us to demonstrate where we see the products sitting in our lineup and in the wider market, as well as giving our dealership partners the opportunity to try the bikes for themselves. We have hosted them at Mallory Park in recent years, but it was nice to get back to Spain and to the sunshine to experience the bikes to their fullest on excellent roads. It’s also a great opportunity for us to ride together, as it’s important to remember that we do what we do because of our shared passion for motorcycles.”
Joe Woodvine, franchise manager at Bulldog Suzuki, said: “The trip to Valencia to ride the GX and 8R was my first with Suzuki GB. Riding the two new models in the Spanish mountains was amazing, with great pre-planned routes and coffee stops. Whilst being a great opportunity to gain product knowledge in the classroom and on the road, it was also great to get to know other dealers in the network and build relationships.”
5-Ways Motorcycle Centre dealer principal Gareth Robinson added: “Riding the new bikes through the incredible winding roads of the Valencia hills was an exhilarating experience that embodied the bikes’ characteristics perfectly. It was a blast.”
And Mark Handy, general manager at Motech, said: “It was a great few days. Many thanks to all at Suzuki for organising the trip. It was definitely one of the best riding experiences I’ve ever had.”