A southside Harley-Davidson dealership is looking to add a training facility, where riders can learn how to use a motorcycle or practice more advanced techniques in Greenwood.
Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson is planning to purchase five acres on U.S. 31, south of Pushville Road, to open a motorcycle training and instruction facility. The dealership began its motorcycle training program three years ago at a property it rents in Indianapolis, and is now looking to purchase its own site, Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson general manager Kathy Schulteti said.
“We’re excited about having our own location and being in Johnson County,” she said.
The facility, which will be between Crossroads and Genesis drives, will be built on land that currently is undeveloped. Harley-Davidson will pave the property and add a building for storage and maintenance of motorcycles and to be used for the classes, Schulteti said.
The current training facility is off of Post Road near Interstate 74 on the east side of Indianapolis. The goal was to find a property that was close to the southside dealership, she said. The dealership is located off Southport Road near Interstate 65.
Harley-Davidson will offer classes for both beginning and experienced motorcyclists at the Greenwood facility, she said.
For beginners, the dealership will provide a motorcycle for them to use, and the classes can be used to get a certification, which can allow riders to skip the riding portion of a license exam and get a discount on motorcycle insurance. Classes covering more advanced techniques will also be available for experienced riders, Schulteti said.
The property already is zoned for commercial use, and no special permissions will be needed for its use as a motorcycle training site, Greenwood planning director Bill Peeples said.
Riders will be at the property up to four days a week. The motorcycles available for beginners are quiet, and the classes involving experienced riders who bring their own bikes are during daytime hours, Schulteti said.
Construction at the property should be complete in time for classes next spring, Schulteti said.
