As a UK heatwave hits we’ve seen so many riders donning T-shirts, shorts and trainers – even sandals! It might tempting to ride this way. Don’t!! The NHS doesn’t need the business and do you really want to be treated by heat-stressed doctors, nurses and surgeons? Stripping down actually causes your body to lose moisture faster, so sliding down the tarmac without protection is a nightmare you want to avoid. Leading motorcycle source Visordown emphasizes that the right gear—not less gear—is what keeps you safe.
To beat the heat, use the gear to your advantage. Switch to a well-ventilated mesh jacket and unzip every vent on your helmet to keep air moving. Underneath, ditch standard cotton tees, which trap sweat. Instead, wear a moisture-wicking technical base layer to help your skin cool down fast through evaporation.
Your biggest enemy is dehydration, which destroys your concentration. Expert training guides from Phoenix Motorcycle Training warn that heat exhaustion severely affecting concentration, risk perception, problem solving and slowing your reaction times. Don’t wait until you’re parched. Drink at least 500ml of water before throwing your leg over the bike and map out regular stops in the shade. Carry a cold bottle of water, emergency ice packs – the kind you just bash, easy to do when you’re heat-stressed. Keep a towel in the top box that you can wet with cold wated. You can use it when you stop. Finally, keep an eye out for “tar snakes”—slippery lines of melted bitumen on the road surface. Stay geared up, stay hydrated, and ride smart.
Temperatures, technology and political shifts have shaped one of the most varied weeks in motorcycling this June. In the UK, Cleveland Police launched a new electric‑bike task force using Stark Varg EX machines and drones to tackle criminal bike use — a notable example of policing adopting high‑performance electric motorcycles.
KTM’s in‑house suspension brand WP made headlines by moving into braking hardware, releasing new callipers for KTM Duke models — a rare expansion in a market dominated by established brake manufacturers. Stark Future also pushed electric innovation further with an over‑the‑air traction‑control upgrade for its 78.9bhp Alpha models, signalling how software‑driven performance updates are becoming normal in the sector.
Norton continued its resurgence, with UK dealers receiving Manx R superbike demo units following last month’s press launch — making British riders the first globally to try the new machine. Meanwhile, celebrations in India marked the first Norton Atlas adventure bike rolling off TVS Motor’s production line, highlighting the brand’s expanding international footprint.
Racing news was dominated by safety concerns. At Assen, 35‑degree heat and multiple crashes — including incidents involving Fermin Aldeguer and Alex Marquez — reignited debate about rider welfare and the removal of the front holeshot device. In a major MotoGP development, double world champion Francesco Bagnaia confirmed a move to Aprilia from 2027 on a contract running through 2030 — the longest current deal in the paddock.
In the US, Yamaha’s AI‑powered MOTOROiD Λ concept earned a Red Dot design award, reinforcing the growing role of artificial intelligence in future motorcycle platforms. Cardo also entered the smart‑helmet market with an off‑road lid integrating Dynamic Mesh Communication, showing how rider‑tech ecosystems are expanding beyond standalone comms units.
Apparel and equipment developments included Helmet House signing a long‑term US distribution partnership with FXR Racing, strengthening dealer access to off‑road kit. Polaris secured a patent for a fatigue‑detecting helmet capable of intervening in vehicle control — a provocative step toward rider‑monitoring safety systems.
Policy news saw motorcyclists included in the UK Government’s 29‑page self‑driving vehicle plan after years of lobbying — a rare but significant acknowledgement of rider safety in autonomous‑vehicle legislation. The EU also passed new end‑of‑life vehicle regulations covering motorcycles for the first time, affecting riders selling or scrapping damaged machines.
Community stories ranged from Maria Costello’s recovery statement following her TT sidecar crash, thanking supporters and medical staff, to Allen Millyard announcing his 500bhp Viper V10 one‑off road bike will go to auction next month, expected to fetch £100,000–£150,000.
Overall, the week showcased rapid electric innovation, major racing shifts, new safety tech, and meaningful political wins for riders — a reminder that motorcycling continues to evolve across every front.
Congratulations to Andy Stocks on passing the IAM RoadSmart Advanced Rider test. Also, our grateful thanks to volunteer Observer John Foster all the guidance and support given to another motorcyclists.
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!
Replaced with ride-out events
See SAM website calendar for more details.
When a UK heatwave hits, swapping your leathers for a T-shirt and shorts feels tempting. Don’t do it. Stripping down actually causes your body to lose moisture faster, and sliding down the tarmac without protection is a nightmare you want to avoid. Leading motorcycle source *Visordown* emphasizes that the right gear—not less gear—is what keeps you safe.
The ‘Boiling Frog’ effect; a Biker Boobytrap
Drop a frog into hot water, and it will hop out. Drop a frog into cold water and slowly raise the temperature and it won’t. This rather gruesome experiment is something motorcyclists repeat every hot day in summer, as they become ‘boiling frogs’ in their own riding kit. Read more…
Fresh Start: Weather
In Week Eleven 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. Today, it’s time to investigate something we have no control over, and how it affects us as we ride. Let’s take a Fresh Start look at the weather.
#freshstart, #coreskills Read more…
Zero experience, Zero plan strip-down
Years ago when I was a courier, I worked with a guy called Simon. He was super-intelligent, two degrees including one in astronomy, and completely clueless at simple mechanical stuff, which is why he went by the rather unkind nickname of ‘Simp’, which was short for superchimp, a name coined by Arthur C. Clarke in his award-winning novel ‘Rendezvous with Rama’. Read more…
From print to blog; the ‘always-on’ conversation
I’ve been writing my in-print column for the MAG magazine for well over twenty years, around ten years before I launched my Facebook page. Gradually, it dawned on me that there’s a significant difference. Like any other article written for the medium of print, there’s a built‑in buffer between the piece and the response. Read more…
Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists – What you should know!Turn Your Brand Into a Lifesaver:
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Every rider knows that the difference between a close call and a tragedy often comes down to skill and awareness. By securing this advertising space, your business isn’t just reaching a dedicated audience—it’s actively funding the Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists (SAM).
Every penny of the proceeds goes directly toward advanced rider training and safety initiatives. You’ll be helping motorcyclists sharpen their 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.
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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.
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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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.
The SAM charity is an Associate Group of IAM RoadSmart. This means that our highly skilled and experienced volunteer Observers, are trained to deliver the nationally recognised, quality assured, advanced rider training curriculum.
IAM RoadSmart is the UK’s leading road safety charity. We are recognised and trusted by the UK Government, insurance companies and other road safety organisations. We enable and monitor IAM Groups to deliver our quality assured, nationally recognised, advanced rider and driver training. Our role is simple, yet vital – to make journeys safer for everyone who uses the road.
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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!
