In all the discussions, motorcycle developments, promotions and the UK Government’s ‘Road Safety Strategy’, there is one subject that is missing. Education and Training. For years now the KSI statistics, parroted by all voices, have not moved very far. The prejudice and discrimination shown to UK motorcyclists is shameful. Car drivers, including young drivers, cocooned by an array of safety features, are more likely to walk away from an accident than any rider. The basic driver/motorcyclists Competency Framework, was designed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency with input from the training sector. It’s purpose was move from ‘teach-to-test’ to detailing what a driver/rider needs to know, understand and be able to do. As road safety, particularly for motorcyclists has not reduced KSIs, it is not the resounding success envisaged. Any future education and training curricula has to be specifically designed to serve the needs of the learner riding in real road conditions. This will need to include advanced cognitive, social learning and human factor theories. Modern educational frameworks would target the psychological, subconscious and social riding decision making processes. Finland has gone a long way to requiring both drivers and riders to show they can competently travel in different road, lighting, weather, city, urban and rural conditions before being granted a license. This incudes the heavy use of simulators and debating groups on managing risk. Now is the time for the UK to catch up.
Congratulations to John Whitham on passing his IAM Advanced Rider Test with a F1rst. Thank you to volunteer Observer Andy Braithwaite for providing guidance and training.
Advanced riders are safer road users, ride longer, rider further, meet more people and enjoy a healthier, happier life!
Fill it in, keep it updated, when needed just hand it over to health care staff.
No delay, no sharing of data with private health companies, it’s YOURS, keep it safe!
The past week has provided a reminder that motorcycling remains one of the most diverse and fast-moving sectors in transport and leisure. From road racing and new model launches to industry marketing battles and the continued rise of electric machines, the motorcycle world has rarely looked more dynamic.
Road racing dominated headlines following the conclusion of the 2026 Isle of Man TT. Dean Harrison secured victory in the Senior TT, bringing another chapter to one of motorcycling’s most prestigious events. Meanwhile, organisers have announced a sustainability review of sidecar racing at the TT, signalling that even the sport’s most traditional disciplines are facing scrutiny over their long-term future.
Elsewhere, Yamaha earned significant attention after rider Pol Tarrés set a new benchmark at one of the world’s toughest enduro events aboard the Ténéré 700. The achievement reinforces the growing popularity of adventure motorcycles and the industry’s focus on showcasing real-world capability rather than purely headline performance figures.
New motorcycle development also remained firmly in the spotlight. Norton unveiled the Atlas GT, a middleweight adventure-touring machine intended to strengthen the British manufacturer’s presence in both European and international markets. The launch represents another important step in Norton’s rebuilding strategy under TVS ownership.
Honda also expanded its 2026 range with updates to the CB750 Hornet, XL750 Transalp, Gold Wing and Fireblade SP. Of particular interest is the continued rollout of Honda’s E-Clutch technology, which seeks to make riding more accessible while retaining the engagement of conventional motorcycle controls.
Electric motorcycles continue to gather momentum, particularly among younger riders. Recent reporting highlights the rapid growth of lightweight electric dirt bikes and “e-motos”, which are attracting new participants to two-wheeled transport. However, their popularity is also creating regulatory challenges as authorities seek to address concerns over licensing, legality and road use.
The broader industry picture remains positive. Global motorcycle sales reached record levels during the first quarter of 2026, with worldwide demand continuing to rise. Electric motorcycle sales are also growing strongly, indicating that riders are increasingly willing to consider alternative powertrains alongside traditional internal-combustion machines.
Marketing also generated discussion. Indian Motorcycle’s anniversary promotions in the UK coincided with widespread debate surrounding a controversial campaign targeting rival Harley-Davidson. The episode illustrates how motorcycle brands are increasingly competing through lifestyle positioning and brand identity as much as engineering and performance.
Taken together, the week’s developments suggest an industry balancing heritage and innovation. The Isle of Man TT continues to capture imaginations, adventure bikes remain in demand, manufacturers are investing heavily in technology, and electrification is steadily moving from niche curiosity towards mainstream reality. For riders, that means more choice, more technology and more opportunities than ever before.
Ride safe, keep it shiny side up, and we will see you next week.
Before you take the next big trip, become an Advanced Rider.
25th June 2026
Online Zoom Meeting
Details to be circulated
“Knowledge keeps me safe” – a Biker Boobytrap
“If I had known just a little more, would I have recognised the problem earlier?” It’s an attractive idea, because it suggests a clean solution to what would have been an uncomfortable uncertainty. The theory would suggest that if mistakes are caused by lack of knowledge, then the errors go away if we find the right answer. Read more
Masked biker gangs wreak havoc” Really?
[Based on an item from yesterday’s ‘Elevenses’ live webcast – tune in on Sundays for news, views and biking tips]
I’m seeing more and more headlines like this and were stories like this to be believed, we might think the country is overrun with gangs of balaclava wearing bikers riding illegal electric bikes or unregistered off-road machines. Read more
Fresh Start: Grip
In Week Nine of the ‘Core Skills’ series, where I return to the essential riding foundations and rebuild them from the ground up in a fresh way whilst using a brand-new structure too, we turn our attention to the concept of traction and the connection between tyres and tarmac. Today we take a Fresh Start look at grip.
#freshstart, #coreskills Read more
Another ‘perceptual countermeasures’ trial
Is it time for the real thing?
Norwegian road authorities have begun testing new road markings designed to reduce motorcycle accidents on dangerous curves, in a pilot programme inspired by an Austrian scheme developed in Tyrol. Read more
Diagnostic Learning & Mitigation – M6 Framework 3
Most riders want to improve. Most riders believe they are improving. But most riders, without realising it, stop halfway through the learning process. They go out and ride, they notice the occasional moment that felt slightly off, and then they move on. No crash, no drama, no obvious consequence, so the moment fades and gets absorbed back into experience without ever becoming understanding. Read more
A sense of entitlement: a Biker Boobytrap
The other day I rediscovered a video that’s been lurking in my collection of ‘how not to ride a motorcycle’ clips. I won’t republish it but I will give you a word picture of what happened. Read more
Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists – What you should know!Turn Your Brand Into a Lifesaver:
Put your advert here.
Every rider knows that the difference between a close call and a tragedy often comes down to knowledge, skill and awareness. By securing this advertising space, your business isn’t just reaching a dedicated audience—it’s actively helping to fund the Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists (SAM).
Every penny of the proceeds goes directly toward advanced rider training and safety initiatives. You’ll be helping motorcyclists learn advanced riding skills, stay upright and return home safely. It’s a rare opportunity to boost your brand’s visibility while championing a life-saving cause. Let’s make the roads safer, one mile at a time.
Partner with us today.
34SP.com supports our charity with FREE web hosting. Over many years they have consistently provided WordPress updating, advice on hosting management and technical advice. The company makes ongoing efforts to reduce the digital carbon footprint, noting that high web traffic significantly impacts emissions. To combat this, their Manchester data centre utilizes renewable energy and follows circular IT practices through hardware recycling.Beyond infrastructure, they invest in ancient woodland restoration and global climate projects via Ecologi. These efforts are independently verified by The Green Web Foundation, aiding clients’ ESG reporting. Furthermore, the company integrates social sustainability as a Living Wage employer, blending environmental conservation with ethical local business practices to provide greener hosting solutions.
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“Great bunch of people. Improved my riding skills to another level. Their training is very much based on keeping the rider safe” Stephen
Added to our training work we train NHS Blood Bikers, support other charities, promote motorcycling as a cost-effective, eco-friendly urban transport solution. We also provide public education on the role of motorcycling in our community. Meet us, 9am any Saturday at Meadowhall Retail Park, Attercliffe Road, Sheffield S9 2YZ. You can help us by advertising your services in our newsletter, sponsoring young riders and sharing this newsletter. Sponsors/advertisers should email: sam-editor@iam-sheffield.bike with ‘Sponsorship’ or ‘Advertiser’ in the subject line. Thank you for your support.
Google provides approved Non-Profit organisations with Google Workspace apps. This help SAM’s Trustees to manage communication, meetings and supports our advanced motorcycle training and education to increase road safety. We also support our advanced riders to become volunteer NHS Blood Bikers.
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Riding a motorcycle comes with risks. In an accident, motorcyclists’ injuries are likely to be more serious than those of other road users. To reduce these risks, the Biker I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) Card is a simple but essential tool for riders. It’s easy to use and convenient to carry. It can be folded to fit in your wallet and handed to anyone who needs it, not just accident responders.
The Biker I.C.E. Card contains all necessary information. It has contact information, important health, medical and doctor’s details, a list of medications and your doctor’s contact. If you’re in an accident, emergency services can use the card to quickly understand your health and medical needs t0 provide you with the best care possible.
Just fill in your email address below. We will keep you updated of any design changes. The card is given as FREE public service that you can use and share as many times as you like. You simply add details like your NHS or travel insurance numbers, as these can help emergency responders access your healthcare records or handle costs when travelling abroad.
Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists, well known for our quality assured advanced rider training, support the use of this card. It can be a critical safety tool. While training improves road safety, the card ensures you get the right help should things go wrong.
Download your Biker I.C.E. Card NOW, for safer rides and peace of mind!
