2026 CCS Sponsored Project : Shandoka Motorcycles

Team: Christopher Mueller & Sanghavi Vijayakumar

Project Goals:

Research & Identify Beginner Riders Needs & Pain Points
Design a Guided App and Accompanying Physical Prototype Product to Help Riders Feel more Connected, Coached and Confident on the road,

VIEW APP PROTOTYPE

CONNECTED. CONFIDENT. COACHED.

Concept Overview

Rydo is a connected riding system combining a smart glove, mobile app, and rider community to make learning safer and FEEL more SUPPORTED. 
 It provides real-time hazard alerts, navigation guidance, and App Coach support. Enables peer learning, mentorship, and group riding experiences.
Builds a continuous support system through feedback, guidance, and community interaction

SECONDARY RESEARCH

BEGINNER RIDER INTERVIEWS

Vijay Guna, 32

Yamaha XSR 900
Experience: 10 years

“You feel safe when you’re prepared, not just when you’re experienced”
Vijith Ashok, 30

TVS Apache RTR 2V
Expereience: 7 years
“Every ride teaches you something new, about the road and about yourself”
Austin Ammarell, 26

EMoto Powersports Electric motorcycle
Experience: 10 years
“I’m content just being disconnected and in my own thoughts… I just like the simple ride, enjoying nature”
Joel Key, 35

Suzuki M50 cruiser
Experience: 7 Years

“There’s no app yet that lets you ride freely while knowing your group is safe and coordinated”

Primary Research Findings

Key Insights (What riders value)

• Freedom + confidence through preparation 

• Small, trusted groups > large chaotic rides 

• Safety is proactive

• Minimal interaction during rides is essential

Pain Points (What breaks the experience)

• Skill mismatch & pressure in group rides 

• Poor coordination (losing riders, pace gaps) 

• Unexpected changes create stress 

• Too many apps / distracting tech

Design Opportunities (Where to innovate)

• Skill-based group matching + small group coordination 

• Smart pre-ride planning

• Minimal “Ride Mode”

• Real-time group visibility

• Predictive safety alerts

Journey Map (Group Ride)

Journey Map (Solo Ride)

primary users

65, Retired

Boulder, CO

Tom Renyolds

The Late-Bloom New Rider

Background & Context
Tom always admired motorcycles but put family and career first. With more time and financial freedom, he finally took the leap. Riding represents personal freedom and lifelong learning, not rebellion. He’s invested in premium gear and additional training, but remains acutely aware of physical risk — injuries now feel permanent, not temporary.

Bike: Harley-Davidson Pan America 

Experience: 3 Years riding 

Riding Style: Night rides, canyon runs,
Slow Group Rides

Pain Points

Difficulty finding peers at the same skill and age level
Online riding culture feels competitive
Fear of injury and long recovery time
Wants validation he’s progressing safely

24, Plumber

Phoenix, AZ

Jake Miller

The Adrenaline-First New Rider

Background & Context
Jake got into motorcycling for the rush and the image. He’d been following sportbike creators on Instagram and YouTube long before he ever sat on a bike. After taking the MSF course, he felt “good enough” almost immediately and moved quickly from empty parking lots to real roads. Riding isn’t transportation or therapy; it’s excitement, social currency, and identity.

Bike: Used Harley / Kawasaki 

Experience: 6 years riding 

Riding Style: Night Rides, Spontaneous Group Rides

Pain Points