WITC News and Events

Polaris donates Victory Jackpot to WITC

When it comes to hands-on learning, there’s nothing like having a hot yellow motorcycle detailed with flames as part of the curriculum. But that is exactly what awaits students in the Motorcycle, Marine and Outdoor Power Products program at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College.

This Victory Jackpot motorcycle, donated by Polaris, Inc. of Osceloa is a teaching tool, tethered to the classroom of WITC's Motorcycle, Marine and Outdoor Power Products program. The Victory “Jackpot” motorcycle, donated by Polaris, Inc. of Osceola, is a teaching tool, tethered to the classroom for these and future students. The $21,000 motorcycle is hooked up to a computer and software system that allow the instructor to simulate different types of mechanical symptoms. The students run a “digital wrench” computer program – electronic engine diagnostic system – to determine the problem.

“It’s an excellent teaching tool,” says Dave Brown, WITC instructor, Motorcycle, Marine and Outdoor Power Products program. “It expands the learning possibilities for our students and gives them the hands-on experience and knowledge they’ll need in the workplace. The hardest part for students is probably the fact that the cycle can never be driven. It’s strictly a classroom teaching tool.”

Eric Christensen, domestic project lead at Polaris, is on the WITC advisory committee for the WITC engine repair program. Last spring, he and Brown discussed the program’s needs and the benefits of having such a tool. “The school needs the technology to teach digital diagnostics – this is the right vehicle to achieve that goal,” Christensen says. When Christensen saw an opportunity to secure a Polaris motorcycle that would make an excellent training tool, he requested it for WITC. Polaris then donated both the motorcycle and the diagnostic software to the college.