Case Study: Writing a Custom GPT

A man working on a black Indian motorcycle inside a showroom with various motorcycles lined up.
Logo with a book, motorcycle, and wrench, with the word 'MOTOMANUAL' underneath.

Moto Manual Assistant (V1.4)

APL Performance Bikes services hundreds of Indian Motorcycles annually, emphasising performance tuning and rider confidence. Although their workshop is the best in the country, they face a significant challenge: time is often wasted searching for technical specifications, navigating cumbersome PDFs, and verifying service procedures for the 2022–2023 Indian Chief, Chief Bobber, Super Chief, and Scout models.

Logo for APL Performance Bikes with bold red and white text on a blue background.
A man working on a gray Indian motorcycle inside a workshop, with other motorcycles visible in the background.
Logo with an open book, motorcycle, a wrench, and a cardboard box, surrounded by a circular border with the word ''MOTOMANUAL'' underneath.

Case Study: Moto Manual Assistant – AI That Talks Like a Mechanic

The Moto Manual Assistant is designed to provide APL with a powerful, on-demand tool for Indian Motorcycle owners. It offers fast and accurate service information and reduces the time spent searching through manuals or answering repetitive technical questions, helping to save both time and money.

A glowing teal square icon with rounded edges featuring a white interlocking hexagon pattern.

Challenge

APL Performance Bikes handles the servicing of hundreds of Indian Motorcycles annually, prioritising performance enhancement and rider assurance. Although their workshop is recognised as the finest in the country, a significant issue repeatedly arose: time spent searching for technical specifications, dealing with cumbersome PDFs, and verifying service procedures for the 2022–2023 Indian Chief, Chief Bobber, Super Chief, and Scout models. Riders were also frequently inquiring about service, torque specifications, Ride Command functionalities, and maintenance schedules.

Try the Live Demo

Please complete the form provided below in order to be redirected to the Live Demo experience shortly.

In Page Demo

This is a preset simulation of a GPT-style conversation between a Mechanic and MotoManual’s AI assistant. It is designed to visually replicate the ChatGPT experience in a static, yet realistic format. Instead of using a live AI model, it operates on preloaded content.

Can you walk me through adjusting the Scout's drive belt?

Core Features

Exact Torque Specs by Model and Component

The Moto Manual Assistant provides precise torque specifications for the 2022–2023 Indian models: Chief, Chief Bobber, Super Chief, and Scout. It delivers exact Nm/ft-lb values for components like rear axle nuts, primary cover bolts, and calliper mounts instantly. This ensures proper assembly, prevents strip-outs or over-tightening, and maintains factory-safe standards without the need for manuals or guesswork.

Step-by-Step Service Procedures in Mechanic Language

Forget generic guides. The Assistant provides straightforward procedures for workshop techs: concise and in logical order. Oil changes, clutch adjustments, valve inspections, fork rebuilds—explained as if by a fellow mechanic. It highlights the need for threadlocker and warns about tricky bolts, ensuring realism to save time and avoid common pitfalls.

Ride Command Troubleshooting and Navigation

Ride Command is impressive but can present challenges like Bluetooth issues, GPS glitches, and frozen screens. The Moto Manual Assistant helps tackle these problems by providing troubleshooting guides, instructions for resets and firmware checks, and advice on pairing devices and calibrating features. It’s like having a tech support companion to assist you on the road without needing to visit a dealership.

Part Fitment Info and Workshop Insights

No more guessing if a part fits—it cross-references part numbers for compatibility, recalls, and common mod tweaks noted by APL’s techs. It also provides practical workshop insights, such as “This part fits but requires rerouting your brake line” or “Tight clearance near the exhaust, heat wrap recommended.” This combines catalogue info with real-world experience for added value.

A man wearing a Harley Davidson motorcycle shirt and headphones rides a motorcycle on a dynamometer in a testing facility.

Risk vs Reward: The Safe Way to Use AI in Your Business

Solution

APL’s founder and digital lead, Nige, designed and built the Moto Manual Assistant — a custom GPT trained on the exact models APL services most: the 2022–2023 Indian Chief range and Scouts.

Implementation

The Moto Manual Assistant was initially deployed for internal use. It helped technicians reduce workshop job times by 20–30%.

The interface was designed to maintain concise conversations: users can ask questions, receive answers, and move on efficiently.

Key integrations included:

  • Indexing OEM service manuals and technical bulletins

  • Custom prompt tuning to align with mechanical terminology

  • Controlled scope to ensure accuracy and reliability

  • Easy mobile access for use in garages and on the roadside

Results

  • Faster Job Turnaround: Mechanics reduced average lookup and diagnostic time by 25%.

What Makes It Unique?

While many workshops talk about “innovation,” APL has truly embraced it. The Moto Manual Assistant is not just a gimmick; it is a practical tool for both customers and mechanics. This reinforces APL’s reputation not only as a leader in performance but also as a pioneer in digital service enablement.

FAQs

What exactly is the Moto Manual Assistant?

AI helps automate tasks such as generating reports, organising spreadsheets, summarising meetings, creating content, handling customer queries, and accelerating research, potentially saving significant time across your business.

Is it only for Indian bikes?

Right now, yes — the 2022–2023 Indian Chief platform and Scout models. That’s APL’s specialty, and that’s where the data is razor-sharp. Expansion is possible, but the focus is on doing one thing exceptionally well.

Is this public or only for APL customers?

It’s primarily for internal workshop use and APL customers. But depending on the rollout strategy, it may eventually be opened up more broadly to Indian riders Australia-wide. That’s still being scoped.

Does it replace a mechanic?

Hell no. It assists one. It’s a tool, just like a torque wrench or lift. The difference is, this one talks back and remembers all the specs, service intervals, and quirks without blinking. It's about efficiency and accuracy, not replacement. Does AI really create content?

Is this public or only for APL customers?

It’s primarily for internal workshop use and APL customers. However, depending on the rollout strategy, it may eventually be opened up more broadly to Indian riders Australia-wide. That’s still being scoped.

Why didn’t Indian Motorcycles build this?

Good question. They didn’t. APL did this because when you’re at the top of your game, you build what your customers and team actually need. That’s the difference.

“The future of shopping won’t start with a search bar—it’ll start with intent. When AI chooses for the customer, the only question that matters is: will it choose you?” - Nigel Price - Founder

Brands I have worked for:

Bing Lee Electrics
APL Performance Bikes
Decathlon
Jaycar

Industry Recommendations

  • "Always a few steps ahead"

    “If you want to see your business keep up with all the latest digital transformation opportunities - Nigel is always a few steps ahead of the competition . Impressively decisive and makes sure that the impact to the business is at the upmost on his radar.”

    Ata Gokyildirim - Revenue Leader | Advisor | Venture Investor

  • "one of Australia's leading eCommerce practitioners..."

    “Nigel is one of Australia's leading eCommerce practitioners. I've had the pleasure of working with Nigel since 2009 across multiple projects. He adds tremendous strategic and tactical value across all projects, and most importantly he delivers outstanding results. A true gentleman of the industry and an absolute delight to work with.”

    Ryuji Uematsu - Founder & Managing Director at Rysen

  • "Exceptional knowledge in technology"

    Nigel possesses exceptional knowledge in technology and stays abreast of the latest trends in eCommerce. Throughout his career , he has consistently demonstrated a talent for integrating pioneering technical elements at an early stage, resulting in the successful implementation of eCommerce strategies. If your business aims to boost its online sales, Nigel is well equipped to assist you in devising a strategy that ensures a favourable outcome.

    Phil Moujaes - (Former GM Bing Lee Electrics) Founder - PM Retail Intelligence

  • "very much a thought leader in his industry"

    Nigel has a great intellect and a positive and approachable personality. Nigel very much understands the merits of sharing knowledge, in that knowledge shared is knowledge squared; as such, Nigel is a keen collaborator and well-informed across many areas, not least of all ecommerce. Nigel is very much a thought leader in his industry. Nigel’s forward-thinking approach ensures he keeps a close watch on emerging trends which he then uses to build strategic foundations upon. In summary, Nigel is fantastic to work with and would be an invaluable asset to any business.

    Tristan Hughes - Senior Relationship Manager - Enterprise at Afterpay

  • "unrivalled knowledge in eCommerce and unified commerce"

    “Having worked closely Nigel over a number of years, I've always found him to be the utmost professional with unrivalled knowledge in eCommerce and unified commerce. His positive, partnership style approach makes him a pleasure to deal with. Nigel's passion to successfully deliver game changing projects on time, coupled with his ability to drive a hard bargain, makes him an asset to any organisation. Looking forward to continuing work together.”

    Tim McDonnell - Head of Sales AU/NZ - Adyen

  • "a prized asset for any Australian e-commerce team"

    Nigel is a seasoned e-commerce professional with a tenacious focus on execution. Having worked with Nigel on a range of projects since late 2008 I have been continually impressed with his blend of technical, e-com and internet marketing skills. His ability to deploy these skills and focus on getting things done when it gets to the pointy end of projects, make him a prized asset for any Australian e-commerce team.

    Daniel Benton - Neo Media World

  • "a strong leader and a great asset to any business"

    “Nigel’s approach to his work is filled with pure dedication and high level of detail. His eCommerce recommendations will allow any business to achieve their financial goals and set them apart from competitors. Nigel is a strong leader and a great asset to any business.”

    Yeshim Sumaktas - Brand Manager, Woolworths Food Company

  • "A great advocate for the partners he works with..."

    “Nigel provides the highest level of communication and transparency, especially around key constraints like resource, direction and timelines. A great advocate for the partners he works with too. Looking forward to working together as many times as we can.”

    Lincoln Dundas - General Manager, Global Strategic Partnerships at optty

  • "a no-nonsense approach to "get things done".

    “Nigel is an intelligent and positive personality who offers a no-nonsense approach to "get things done". What you see is what you get - for me, that's a dream. He has a thorough knowledge of e-commerce and internet marketing, and his technical background is a real strength (alas, it's a massive rarity among many Australian ecommerce teams). As a result Nigel adds real value to most business discussions. Recommended!”

    Tim Macdonald - Head of Marketing for fast-growing Australian Construction Tech start-up