Editors Note:
Tech Larry wires a new 2002 Speedster. This is an "in factory" photo of the production room at Ridley Motorcycles. Published here with permission.
NOTE: Ridley Riders Club would like to thank Ridley Motorcycles for allowing us an opportunity to interview one of their factory technicians.
Moderator: Thanks for taking time to visit with us today Larry. How long have you been working for Ridley Motorcycles?
Tech Larry: No first let me thank you. I appreciate what your web site is doing for Ridley. I don't recall the exact date of hire but I wired many of the 2000 model Ridley's, all of the 2001 Ridley's and am now doing the 2002 models.
Moderator: Wow, it is just May and already you are doing 2002 models?
Tech Larry: Ummm, I'm not sure that is public knowledge just yet so don't quote me.
Moderator: We understand there are two employees named Larry at RMC. What does the other one do?
Tech Larry: Thanks for asking. Indeed we do have two employees named Larry. It sometimes gets confusing but the other one works in research and development (RD).
Moderator: What do they do in RD?
Tech Larry: Our RD department is focused (as far as I know) on two primary areas. One is improvement on any current model the other is development of new models.
Moderator: So just what do you do at Ridley Motorcycles in station number 4?
Tech Larry: Station number 4 is one of 5 production stations but the numbers are misleading as there are also 2 preproduction stations (wheels and engines) and a final check out station. At my station I hand wire all of the electrical system on the motorcycle plus install the seat post, fender guard, install the battery and fit the exhaust pipes to the motorcycle.
Moderator: Have you ever made a mistake wiring a bike? If so what?
Tech Larry: (Interview pauses for a laugh.) I can't believe you are asking this but here goes anyway. Once I finished wiring a motorcycle and the next step is testing the electrical system. Well, nothing worked. Nothing at all. I started trouble shooting and couldn't find anything wrong still nothing worked. Upon further examination it was discovered none of the bikes fuses had been installed. I installed the fuses and all worked correctly.
Moderator: What do you enjoy most about working at Ridley Motorcycles?
Tech Larry: Riding the motorcycles. From time to time we get larger than usual orders requiring several motorcycles to be road tested at the same time. When this happens we all ride the motorcycles. This is standard procedure prior to shipping. There is nothing like riding a Ridley in a group. Group rides are the best.
Moderator: We have learned that the factory is going to sell a lower priced motorcycle. Did this come about as a sacrifice to quality?
Tech Larry: No not at all. The average price of a new Ridley is about $11,000. We learned that there are many people asking for the quality of a Ridley at a lower price point so we
Moderator: I am told that where you work is known as the "Final Assembly" plant. Where are the other locations?
Tech Larry: Yes, Oklahoma City is the final step in the assembly process and the motorcycles are distributed from here. Some of the other facilities that produce parts are located in Oklahoma while others are spread nation wide and a few are overseas. It works similar to this with other vehicle manufacturers. We take great pride in our facility and ability to maintain our high standard of quality.
Moderator: Do you expect to still be wiring new Ridley motorcycles in a few years?
Tech Larry: That would be nice as I do enjoy what I do however I also believe that Ridley Motorcycles is positioned to grow and as this growth occurs new jobs will open up and it is one of those new positions that I have in mind for the future.
Moderator: Well I see that break time is almost over. Again thanks for the interview and best wishes for that future opening.
Tech Larry: Thank you.