The event market for team building in the UAE is flooded with many creative ideas and trends that come and go. Yet, there is one category that will never be boring or too mainstream – group activities involving extreme and adventure. No surprise that motorcycle events in the UAE are gaining momentum as businesses seek fresh ways to engage their teams.
In this article, we will talk about group motorcycle riding and how it can be part of a successful team building program.
Why corporate events involving motorcycles are gaining popularity
The main idea of extreme activities for team building is to place a group in a challenging environment that can push both physical and mental limits. Among such popular extreme group activities is dirtbiking. Let’s discuss some benefits motorcycle riding can offer to the team.
Benefits of motorcycle-based team building activities
- Riding motorcycles in a group certainly encourages teamwork and trust. First of all, everyone gets into an equal playing field. Many employees may be trying dirt biking for the first time, meaning everyone is outside their comfort zone together. This allows co-workers to connect beyond their job roles and hierarchy.
- Joint outings in the outside help boost morale and create a shared experience for everyone. Nothing can bring a team together better than overcoming new challenges in an unknown setting. People get a sense of shared achievement and joy, and this experience can certainly be carried on into the workplace.
- Off-road bike riding can be a great way to get some adrenaline rush and release stress which is especially relevant for those who work in aggressive and highly competitive environments like sales, for example. The motorcycle experience can help release the tension that builds up in the team with time.
- Finally, the problem-solving skills of the team can get a significant boost in a ride where anything can happen. Although this is a controlled adventure, there is still a slight chance of risk and unexpected events. A healthy dose of positive stress challenges participants to think creatively and strengthen their ability to support and empathize with teammates.
This is exactly why corporate events involving motorcycles are becoming so popular among companies that want to provide more meaningful, high-impact team-building experiences for their workers.
Types of motorcycle events for corporate groups
Motorcycle-based group activities differ in intensity, the type of motorcycles used and the additional services that come with the main program. Let’s explore three different event programs, starting with the least extreme one.
Motorcycle city tours
The concept of this tour is to take a group of people out on a specific route on large touring or custom bikes. This tour will ideally suit a group of 5-7 people who have long dreamt of riding a bike but never had such an opportunity.
The length of the tour could range from 1 to 3 hours depending on the route which can include various landmarks and cultural spots of your city or a scenic road if your location has one.
Each bike is piloted by an experienced crew member, with guests riding as passengers. Helmets are provided, and before setting off, everyone will receive a safety briefing to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride. What is more, all motorcycles are equipped with dash cameras, intercom systems, navigation devices, advanced safety features, and luggage systems.
For those looking to capture the moment, the tour can also include a professional photo shoot. Make sure those pictures appear on your company’s social media and ask your clients to tag your brand. This will be a great boost for your social image.
Not every bike model is suitable for this program. For example, the Sharmax Travel 1000 RR is the exact type of a touring bike that everyone pictures when thinking of American-style motorcycles. It comes with a comfortable passenger seat and an unmistakable iconic design. Another great fit is the Sharmax Custom 1000 RST, a roadster with a deep, powerful rumble and a bold, head-turning design. Both models will ideally fit into the concept of city motorcycle tours.
Profit potential
Now let’s talk about the financial side of the plan.
Pricing can start at $50 to $80 per hour per person. The ultimate price tag will depend on your city and the season. Also, consider corporate discounts for large group bookings. Let’s say, you charge $80 per hour. A tour for 7 people will generate $560 per hour while a 3-hour tour could bring $1,680. Offering multiple tours per day will increase your daily revenue. If your business runs three tours per week throughout the year, the estimated revenue will be $262,080 per year.
With this program, you should target the luxury and experience-driven segment (tourists, corporate clients, and event organizers) who are willing to pay a premium for unique adventures.
Your additional income may come from such services as professional photo & video packages and branded merchandise like helmets, jackets, gloves, and bike-themed souvenirs. You may also develop specialized theme tours with historic routes or film-inspired rides and price them higher.
Off-road adventures on dirt bikes
The second option for a corporate motorcycle event is group off-road riding. Naturally, this activity is more extreme and requires specialized equipment and location. You will need to provide customers with off-road motorcycles (specifically enduro bikes for motocross), protective riding gear, and experienced instructors.
Notably, riding a dirtbike does not require any driving license as they are classified as sports gear, meaning that even people without driving experience can participate in this event.
Program overview
While some big motorcycle events gather thousands of riders, smaller, curated off-road adventures offer a more intimate and personalized experience.
The event can be organized as a one-day adventure or extended over several days with overnight stays in specially equipped outdoor camps. The group size may range from 10 to a maximum of 20 people.
This is how the event might be organized:
Let’s say you host a group of 20. Divide them into two groups of 10 participants each (10+10). Start the event with a safety briefing and let your instructors explain all the dos and don'ts for newcomers before hitting the trail.
Motocross is a physically demanding activity, so make sure the training is structured as a ride and rest cycle. Each riding session should last 15-20 minutes on average.
For each group of 10, provide five motorcycles. Each bike will be shared between two participants: while one rider is training, the other takes a break. This means that at any given time, there will be no more than five riders on the track which is how you will ensure plenty of space and maximum safety for everyone. This way, each rider gets personal attention based on their skill level, and the trainer works one-on-one with every participant, giving guidance and feedback.
To make it even more exciting, award the Winner’s Cup to the fastest or most skilled rider. You can also add extra categories, such as "Best Technique," "Most Improved Rider," or "Fearless Challenger," ensuring that everyone gets their portion of attention and appreciation.
To wrap up the event, set up a comfortable tented area with catering, a BBQ station, and refreshing drinks to let your guests relax and digest the action-packed day.
For a memorable takeaway, offer a professional photo shoot and video package. Guests can purchase or receive edited footage, making for a great keepsake and social media content.
Equipment needed
You will need a fleet of so-called dirtbikes or motocross bikes to rent them out. This category of motorcycles is designed for off-road adventures in the mud and sand. They are durable and solid machines that can take a beating and withstand high stress and heavy impact. Your main fleet may consist of models like the Sharmax Power Max 250 and the Sharmax Sport 250, fine examples of motocross bikes built for tough off-road riding.
Add some pitbikes like the Sharmax Power Max 190 and Power Max 145. These models are lighter and smaller, more manageable. You will need them for new riders or those who are still building confidence on the trails.
Also make sure you have all the riding safety gear like helmets, motocross boots, knee pads, elbow pads, pants, gloves, and goggles available in various sizes. Usually, these are included in the package.
Profit potential
For calculating approximate profit and drafting a financial plan, let’s take an event for 10 people with the duration of one day. With the price of $300 per person, the event will bring you $3,000. With a 15% corporate discount, for example, the adjusted group price comes to $2,550. The program would include fully equipped motorcycles, safety gear, and experienced instructor riders. Additionally, catering services can be provided for an extra cost.
Holding approximately two events per week will generate $20,400 per month and $265,200 per year.
At $20,400 monthly revenue and the approximate monthly costs of $3,000-$5,000, your net profitability will be around $15,000 per month.
How to market motorcycle events to corporate clients
Whether you are integrating motorcycles into your existing event agency or opening a motorcycle renting business from scratch, your community needs to know about this. At the very start, your marketing campaign should be a little aggressive as you need to make a loud statement in the market.
- Announce your upcoming motorcycle events on social media well in advance to build anticipation and maximize attendance.
- Your main strategy will be to invest in B2B sales and partnerships. If you aim to focus on the corporate segment and team-building events, position motocross as an exclusive and premium corporate experience.
- Work with corporate HR teams, other event agencies, and tourism boards to promote motocross events as premium, high-end experiences.
- Gradually build a loyal customer base – satisfied participants will become your best promoters.
- Use social media and influencers to create buzz around your motorbike events. Share action-packed videos showcasing the thrill of motocross and partner with influencers in motorsports and corporate wellness to reach a wider audience.
- Leverage LinkedIn and professional networking by connecting with HR managers, corporate event planners, and team-building coordinators. Share success stories, testimonials, and case studies to highlight the impact of your events.
- Offer corporate incentives such as discounts for large groups, loyalty programs for repeat clients, and referral rewards to encourage long-term partnerships and continuous bookings.
Marketing plays a crucial role in growing your motorcycle business, especially at the initial stage. Factor in at least $5,000 per month for marketing purposes.
Final Thoughts
By adding motorcycles to your event management business, you can diversify your offerings and attract a broader audience. As interest in motorcycle events in the UAE continues to grow, expanding your business into nearby regions can open even more revenue channels.
When looking for equipment for your business, consider brands with special offers for corporate clients. Sharmax Motors has special corporate packages with tailored options for businesses.