This past week has delivered a lively mix of new‑model movement, industry manoeuvring, political pushback, and racing drama—painting a picture of a sector that’s innovating hard while wrestling with economic and regulatory pressures.
Meanwhile, Brembo unveiled a new brake disc derived from hypercar technology, reinforcing the trend of premium braking systems filtering down to road bikes.
In the apparel world, Ruroc launched a bold new helmet colour range blending street‑art styling with performance‑focused construction, while Shoei rolled out its Gen 3 helmets equipped with updated Cardo intercom systems—evidence that rider‑tech integration continues to accelerate.
Spy shots revealed a near‑production KTM 690 Adventure undergoing testing on European roads, hinting at a return of a much‑missed middleweight single.
Suzuki UK made waves by cutting thousands of pounds from key models, a move likely aimed at countering aggressive pricing from newer Asian manufacturers and stimulating spring sales.
Budget‑conscious riders also took note of the Bajaj Pulsar NS400, which promises A2‑licence performance at a 125‑class price point—an increasingly competitive segment.
In London, Hackney Council reversed its aggressive motorcycle parking plans, following sustained pressure from riders and local businesses. This U‑turn reflects the growing tension between urban transport policy and the role of motorcycles in reducing congestion.
Across the UK, the fuel‑price squeeze continues to bite, with riders and traders reporting mounting pressure as pump costs rise—an issue likely to influence commuting habits and bike‑choice trends as the season progresses.
The British Superbike paddock saw Sylvain Guintoli confirmed for the LEW 8TEN Racing BMW test at Donington Park, adding veteran experience to the early‑season mix.
In MotoGP‑related news, Ducati’s competitive edge remains a major talking point, with the wider championship still adjusting to the Italian manufacturer’s dominance. Honda and Yamaha continue to implement technical changes in an effort to close the gap.
Grassroots racing also enjoyed the spotlight: the Moto4 British Cup released its 2026 entry list, showcasing the next generation of talent on the Road to MotoGP ladder.
The UK’s biggest classic motorcycle show confirmed John McGuinness MBE and Dean Harrison as star guests, drawing significant attention from heritage enthusiasts.
A major auction at the National Motorcycle Museum smashed previous records, underlining the continued strength of the classic and rare bike market.
This week’s developments show a sector balancing innovation with affordability, and tradition with electrification. From political wins for riders to new tech filtering rapidly into mainstream kit, the landscape is shifting fast—and as spring riding ramps up, the momentum is only set to build.
If you’d like, I can also produce a club‑ready version, a youth‑focused edition, or a trainer briefing tailored to your audiences.
An apology: some members struggled with the previous entry submission instructions. In an attempt to simplify the process, I inadvertently made it more complicated! Really sorry about that. It is now much simpler to enter the competition.
Simply fill in each field in the online form (click this link), upload your images and press send. The closing date for entries is midnight on the 27th April 2026 (in 17 days time). The winner will be announced at the SAM AGM Meeting on the 11th May 2026 and receive a framed print of their choice. Thank you for your continuing support for the SAM charity. Good luck.
If you have any problems submitting your entry, email SAM member, Dave Whitman (Competition Coordinator) will be happy to help.
Next SAM Club Night
11th May 2026
7.30pm start for meeting at 8pm. Gives you time to catch up on what you’ve missed!
Treeton Miners Welfare Club
Arundel Street
Treeton
Rotherham S60 5PW
Next SAM Committee Meeting
30th April 2026
7pm via Google Meet
Smaller 125cc motorbikes are popular with young and experienced riders alike. Offering agility, these bikes can be ideal for both city life.
For anyone looking to get a foothold in the wonderful world of motorcycles, a cheaper Chinese bike, with equally affordable parts, can be extremely tempting. We’ve already provided a list of the best 125cc bikes, but as the Chinese motorcycle market continues to grow, we’ve decided to take a look at the best bikes on offer from the region.
When they first began appearing, Chinese motorcycle brands developed a bad reputation – which was not entirely undeserved. Cheap materials and components resulted in many machines that looked decent but didn’t last. Read more
The face of Delboy’s Garage discusses his love of motorcycles and his successful YouTube channel on this week’s episode of Full Chat.
The popular YouTube channel has gained over 250,000 subscribers and more than 65 million views with videos about motorcycle restorations and providing basic motorbike maintenance tips.
The online star, whose real name is Derek de Reuck but is often known as ‘Delboy’, sat down with Iwan Thomas and co-host David Prutton to chat about his love of everything two-wheeled. Read more
Several transitional changes are being introduced before the major 2027 rules overhaul (850cc engines, simplified aero, Pirelli tyres).
In the MotoGP class, engine development is frozen, so manufacturers must largely carry over their 2025 engine designs, helping to reduce costs and keep competition stable. Safety rules are also updated: riders are no longer allowed to restart crashed bikes in run-off areas and must move behind barriers before attempting to rejoin a session. Another notable shift is Yamaha moving from its traditional inline-four engine layout to a new V4 configuration, aligning its technical direction more closely with rival manufacturers. Read more
You don’t need any track experience; just a fully unrestricted road licence (or an ACU 17+ licence), and most will have sessions specifically for novice riders. Don’t forget to take your licence on the day!
You don’t have to be fast by any stretch of the imagination; it’s all about the experience of riding the greatest circuits. If you’re in any doubt about the types of riders that will also be at the event, and how you’ll fit in, give the organisers a bell. Read more
The International Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash returns to Staffordshire County Showground on 25–26 April – and for 2026, there’s a brand-new way to experience it.
A strictly limited run of just 100 VIP tickets has been released, offering enhanced access, added comfort and exclusive benefits across one of the biggest weekends in the classic motorcycling calendar.
Suzuki have reduced prices by up to £2900 as they navigate an increasingly competitive UK market. The revisions build on adjustments announced in Autumn 2025 and February this year, taking the number of discounted models to 11.
Leading the charge is the four-cylinder GSX-S1000GX+ tall-rounder, now £2900 cheaper than it was in late 2025, taking the bike to a tempting £12,999 OTR.
The GSX-S1000GT+, also receives a further £1000 reduction, bringing its total saving to £2000 and lowering the price to £11,999 – marking a hefty saving of £1700 over its pannier-equipped rival, Kawasaki’s Ninja 1100SX Tourer.
Suzuki’s 800cc platform hasn’t been overlooked, either. The GSX-8T and GSX-8TT retros both fall by £1000 and are now priced at £8599 and £8999 respectively.
Meanwhile, the V-Strom 800RE and V-Strom 800DE are listed at £9499 and £9999 – with the latter matching Honda’s E-Clutch Transalp while undercutting the base Yamaha Ténéré 700 by £105.
Savings can also be enjoyed on a variety of CBT-friendly 125s, and while the brand haven’t explicitly outlined the reasoning behind this renewed push on pricing and finance, the UK market has come under pressure in recent years from low-cost newcomer brands, largely appearing from China and India. Read more
You don’t know what you like until you try it… Well, maybe that statement holds more truth in the motorcycling world than most things. It certainly does for me, and it took a Honda Gold Wing launch for me to realize it. Attending that Gold Wing launch opened my eyes to what other motorcycles I might be missing out on, and now a similar opportunity awaits you.
What do I mean? American Honda just announced details about its 2026 Ride Red Demo Days program. The purpose of this event is to let riders visit Honda dealerships and take demo rides on bikes from six categories, including sport & standard, cruiser, dual sport, adventure, sport touring, and touring. Read more
Do you ride a motorcycle or know someone who does? If so, you’ll know that riding a motorcycle has some risks. In fact, statistics show that motorcyclists are much more likely to be involved in a serious or fatal accident than car drivers. This is why it’s important to take steps to reduce the risks and the Biker I.C.E. Card is one of the most effective solutions available.
The Biker I.C.E. Card is a simple, yet vital tool. It contains your contact details and essential medical information. In the event of an accident, emergency services staff can quickly access this information to help them decide on the right treatment for you. By carrying a Biker I.C.E. Card, you can ensure that emergency services staff have the information they need to take account of any ongoing health problems you have and any current treatments that you are receiving. This can make their job easier and your emergency care safer. Read more...
Autoliv, the world’s largest supplier of automotive safety systems—like seatbelts and airbags— isn’t the most likely company to make headlines in the two-wheeled space. But that’s exactly what it’s done—again and again. By 2030, its goal is to save 100,000 lives per year. As part of that initiative, Autoliv has been rethinking motorcycle safety with an eye toward reducing injuries in road crashes. Yamaha’s new Tricity 300 scooter, which recently debuted with one of its bags on board, is evidence that it’s making headway in the motorcycle industry. Now, it’s turning its attention to helmets with a patent showing how seatbelt technology, of all things, could improve rider safety. Read more
April 3, 2026 (La Habra, Calif.) – 6D Helmets, the pioneer in helmet safety technology, today introduces the all-new MAX Goggle, a completely new approach to rider safety engineered for all-day comfort and uncompromising protection. Designed for motocross, off-road, enduro, and adventure riders, the MAX Goggle redefines what riders can expect from their eyewear.
At the heart of the MAX Goggle is the MAXVIEW™ lens, a shatterproof polycarbonate shield engineered to deliver a field of view 87% larger than standard goggles while maintaining Class 1 optical correctness from edge to edge. On the track or trail, peripheral vision is reaction time. More field of view means reading terrain faster, spotting obstacles sooner, and riding with greater awareness. 6D FLOAT Fit™, a new approach to how a goggle interfaces with a helmet. Traditional goggles press against the rider’s brow and cheeks, creating pressure fatigue and restricting airflow. The FLOAT Fit™ system integrates the goggle directly into the helmet’s eyeport, transferring the goggle’s structural load into the helmet rather than onto the rider’s face. The result is zero facial pressure fatigue and a cooler interior environment within the eyeport from gate drop to checkered flag. Read more
It’s been a minute or two since we last checked in with EV motorbike explorer Marc Travels, who’s currently in Morocco with his Energica Experia. And to be fair, while Eve II (which is what he’s named this bike, as it’s the second EV motorcycle he’s owned, following in the footsteps of his Zero SR/F that was the first to be called Eve) has quirks, it’s really no more or less quirky than any other bike, in the grand scheme of things. Just different.
But if you’ve ever wondered to yourself what it would be like to take an EV motorbike across a water crossing, you’ll get to see one in this video. Granted, it’s not a particularly deep one, and you’ll also see other small-displacement combustion bikes going across the same place as well. As Marc takes the time to point out, the electronics on the Experia are up pretty high, and should (should) be weather-sealed. There’s a decent amount of ground clearance as well, so even the motor doesn’t really get more than a moderate splashing; it’s mainly the wheels and tires that get the dust washed away. Read more
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been wearing a Bluetooth comms unit on my helmets for a long time. While my personal units haven’t been Cardos and my personal helmets haven’t been Shoeis, I think that regardless of brand choice, many riders can relate to the usefulness of having a setup like this on our daily rides. That’s true whether we’re out riding with friends, or just jamming to our own music by ourselves on our bikes.
But one thing that I’ve grown used to, and that other riders might not necessarily love, is having my BT comms unit stick out a bit on the side of whatever helmet I’m wearing. Now, I have base plates for the same comms unit mounted on multiple helmets, so I can easily swap the BT unit to whichever one I’m wearing at will. That part’s nice, but there’s definitely something to be said for sleek, seamless integration of a comms unit inside a helmet as well. Read more
It was almost noon as I rolled into Zanesville, Ohio, and my stomach reminded me that all I had for breakfast was black coffee and a granola bar. I had a decision to make, but there’s only one decision that should be made on an empty stomach. An hour later, after a delicious lunch of Jamaican jerk chicken, fried plantains, and island-style homemade ginger ale, I spread out my trusty Butler Map to decide how I was going to get home.Sure, I could bounce between Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 40 and be in my Indiana home by dark on that long summer day, but where’s the fun in that? My finger traced the squiggly lines south and then west. State Route 555, aka the Triple Nickel, the crown jewel of Ohio’s Windy 9 routes, was a no-brainer. Then I figured I’d follow the Ohio River Scenic Byway for a while, perhaps ducking north into the hills now and again to shake things up a bit, before eventually crossing into northern Kentucky and then seeing how it went from there. Such niggling details were a tomorrow decision though, and freshly fueled I was ready to tackle the Triple Nickel and be on my way. Read more
Two-strokes, transverse Vs, subtle reworks and complete reinventions, our list of the top five custom motorcycles of March has (literally) a bit of everything. While there are no trends to trace or commonalities of any sort between the following five bike builds, one thing is not up for debate—our readers absolutely loved them.
Each of these custom motorcycle builds could stand on its own merit, but collectively, they formed one of the best months in recent Bike EXIF history, and we’re floored. So join us, if you will, for a victory lap for last month’s most viral custom motorcycles. Read more
The Auto Red Bug was introduced back in the 1910s as the “Smith Flyer.” It had been developed to fill the need for an exceedingly cheap, no-frills automobile by A.O. Smith. This company made water heaters and boilers, but became the biggest American bomb maker during WWI.
The early 20th century was a time of rapid development in the automotive world. Some manufacturers made luxury cars, some made fast cars, and some made cheap cars – the Smith Flyer was the cheapest of them all with an MSRP of just $125 USD. Read more
Motorcycle love is a language unto itself, and one that can frequently bridge the gaps between riders who might not necessarily share the same fluency in a common spoken language. And yet, at the same time, there’s no denying that you’ll generally have an easier time buying a used motorbike if you and the seller share a spoken language as well.
Lucky for Ori and Kaito that they do, because they show us a few really cool things in this video. One is that you can absolutely fit two dual sport motorbikes in the bed of a Suzuki Carry kei truck; the only catch is, you have to take them one at a time, since each one can only fit in that bed diagonally and they won’t fit side-by-side. Still, it’s more than I might necessarily have expected, so yay for that? Read more
In today’s show… five teens arrested for vehicle theft after chase… Foreign Office updates guidance for bike hire in Thailand… Valentin Debise notches debut double World Supersport victory for ZXMOTO… Brembo brings carbon-ceramic discs to the road… Canadian military look at home-grown electric motorcycle… Verge say first deliveries of solid-state battery bike being made… Suzuki cut £1000 from GSX-8T range… Honda show off new four-cylinder CB400 pair alongside the 500-four… Watsonian can supply BSA Bantam 350 and sidecar for under £9000… in-depth today; can a motorcycle have too much technology?
Make a brew, grab a biscuit and pull up a chair for the ‘ELEVENSES’ LIVE – your one-stop shop 45 minutes of topical news, controversial views and better biking tips! Read more
Spiral Easement curves; a Biker Boobytrap
Ever run onto the slip road exit ramp from a motorway, and found that it tightened up on you? Here’s why — you discovered the ‘Spiral Easement’ curve. Most bends we encounter, particularly on the less-important roads, aren’t ‘engineered’ as such, but follow the landscape — water courses, contours, ancient footways. And that means we meet all sorts of different curvature types.
Each sets a different geometric puzzle:
1. Opening radius → curve relaxes; allows earlier, progressive acceleration
2. Decreasing radius → tightens; early turn-in leads to running wide unless speed is reduced Read more
Why “they are all out to kill us” fails the Insight Test
There’s a prevailing belief repeated by motorcyclists the world over; that a good defensive riding attitude is to believe that motorists behind the wheel are homicidal, and that riding to the mantra “they are all out to kill us” is somehow an effective approach. It’s repeatedly and confidently stated, as if just saying it somehow protects us from driver error on four wheels impacting us riding on two.
But as an explanation for crashes, as a mindset for staying alive, it collapses the moment we examine it with anything approaching intellectual curiosity, let alone honesty. Read more
“Push the bike down with your knee”
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard something along these lines. Most recently it turned up on a bike forum in response to a rider’s questions about getting the bike to turn. “Pressing the outside knee into the tank at a higher speed curve pushes the bike into the curve, like a horse. Kinda. The outside knee is pushing the turn.”
Examining the system of the ‘bike and rider’ from a straightforward Newtonian physics perspective shows this is nonsensical. Read more
Triumph, KTM downsize their singles to 350
Nope, it’s not an April Fool, it’s a fact that Triumph Motorcycles, in collaboration with Bajaj Auto, are bucking the current trend to keep stretching engines ever bigger. The UK manufacturer has confirmed plans to introduce a new line-up of 350 cc motorcycles in India next month, with the current 400cc models phased out of the local market.
Motorcycle Ergonomics & the role of the knees
About a dozen years ago I got a call from a trainee. Essentially, the message was this: “I’m having trouble with my new bike. It won’t go around corners.” So we had a bit of a chat about the issue.
The bike turned out to be a brand-new Fireblade. Now my take is that the Fireblade has never had a reputation as a machine that won’t go round corners, in any of its incarnations. So we had a bit of a chat to try to find out what the issue might have been.. Read more
Are airbags on bikes ‘weird’? I doubt it.
Quite a while back, I used my Elevenses live webcast to report on how Yamaha’s three-wheeled Tricity 300 was having an airbag developed by Autoliv, ready for a future launch. That time is now, with a launch this year.
But it’s just been reported by the online magazine under the headline:
“The Already Weird Yamaha Three-Wheeled Motorcycle Just Got Weirder By Adding An Airbag”
I don’t really know why they think a three-wheeler is weird unless you think the only suitable format for a vehicle involves an even number of wheels, nor do I understand why the writer would think an air bag is weird. The fact is, they’re just not very common. Read more
Double Trouble; a Biker Booby Trap
Last week we looked at the hidden junction on the inside of a left-hand bend — a classic “biker booby trap” which is created by the geometry of the road, curving away ahead of the rider, whilst the hedge that ran right up to the edge of the road created a two-way ‘Vision Blocker’. I did the maths to prove that a driver attempting to emerge from the turning couldn’t see the approaching motorcycle until it was just a few metres away, and the rider would get barely more warning of the emerging vehicle. Too much speed, and it would be far too late for the rider to to do anything about it. Read more
Every death and serious injury on the road is a preventable tragedy. Yet, on average, five people die every day on the road in the UK and 82 are seriously injured (10-year average from 2013-2022). This has to change. Help us by sticking to the rules of the road. Brake, the road safety charity
New motorcycle registrations in five of the largest European markets (i.e. France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) reached 1.002.848 units during 2025. This represents a variation of approximately -12,9 % compared to the same period in 2024 (1.150.852 units). Motorcycle registration volumes increase in Spain (242.580 units, +8,3 % year-on-year) while in other markets, results remain negative for the current year with for Italy (331.634 units, -6 %), for France (179.225 units, -16,4 %), for UK (89.645 units, -19,3%) and for Germany (159.764 units, -35,7 %).
Moped registrations reached a total volume of 142.060 units in the six European moped markets monitored by ACEM (i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). This registration volume represents a reduction of -20,7 % in comparison to last year at the same period (179.231units). Leaves for Germany, which is experiencing slight growth (15.512 units, 4,9 %), the decline is widespread in all other monitored countries: Spain (13.594 units, -0,8 %), Belgium (26.195 units, -14,9 %), Netherlands (24.069 units, -25,3 %), France (48.526 units -26,4 %), and Italy (14.164 units, -35,1 %). Read more
Government Faces £50m Market Hit to Electric Motorcycle Market as Industry Coalition Warns of “Cliff Edge”
New economic analysis commissioned by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) has revealed that ending the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant (PiMG) could wipe £50 million from the UK’s electric motorcycle market and significantly stall uptake of zero emission vehicles.
The analysis, undertaken by WPI Economics, suggests that removing the grant could result in around 6,500 fewer zero emission motorcycles being sold by 2030. This is equivalent to losing two and a half years of current sales in the sector.
The findings have been highlighted in national media coverage today, underlining the growing concern around the potential impact of the scheme’s expiry. Read more
“It is encouraging to see the motorcycle market showing signs of recovery in the first two months of 2026,” said Symon Cook, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), in response to the latest L-Category vehicle registration figures released by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA).
Motorcycle registrations in February increased by 17.3% compared with the same month last year, contributing to a year-to-date increase of 14.7%. The wider L-Category vehicle market, which includes mopeds, scooters and other light vehicles, has also shown positive momentum following a challenging period for the sector.
Symon Cook added: “The improvement follows a difficult 2025, when registrations were impacted by wider economic pressures and market uncertainty. However, the latest figures suggest the sector is beginning to stabilise as consumer demand gradually returns.
“It is vital that the Government recognises the value of our sector and ensures that future transport policies support the continued growth. Dealers will welcome the stronger start to the year and we hope this positive momentum continues as we move further into 2026.” Read more
The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has welcomed news that the Department for Transport (DfT) is considering options for reviewing the current training, testing and licensing regime. The NMC, along several motorcycling organisations and other road safety stakeholders were told the news by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Lilian Greenwood MP who attended a round table meeting of the Government’s Motorcycle Strategic Focus Group on January 20th to discuss licensing and other aspects of motorcycle safety and policy. Read more…
The NMC has today joined a wide range of organisations in support of the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) which is calling for the Motorcycle Plug In Grant to be extended for at least 12 months, plus reintroduce support for mopeds and review the price cap.
This comes in the wake of a new economic analysis commissioned by the MCIA, which has revealed that ending the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant (PiMG) could wipe £50 million from the UK’s electric motorcycle market and significantly stall uptake of zero emission vehicles.
In response to the findings, an MCIA-led coalition of manufacturers, retailers, riders groups, logistics operators, road safety groups and clean transport advocates has written to ministers warning that the scheme’s expiry on 5th April would create a “clear and avoidable policy cliff edge.” Read more
The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has today welcomed the publication of the Government’s transport strategy ‘Better Connected – A Strategy for Integrated Transport’. The Strategy says that the DfT needs: ‘… to consider transport through a new lens; rather than a traditional approach to transport which thinks in terms of buses, cars or trains, we must instead prioritise how people experience the transport network as a whole, and the transformative change we want everyone to see and feel when using transport’. This is a positive ambition, provided it is inclusive of all alternative transport modes – including motorcycles.
Motorcycling receives positive, though only brief, mentions in relation to the main transport settings of Urban, Suburban and Rural, with motorcycle imagery appearing in the document. Read more
What is Ridefree?Ridefree is an award-winning enhancement to compulsory basic training (CBT), consisting of pre-course eLearning modules. Its aim is to help you prepare for your CBT and riding on the road.
CBT should be an enjoyable experience. But there’s a lot to learn, and it’s normal to feel anxious about your first bike ride. The good news is that Ridefree will help you become a better and more confident rider…Read more.
Look after your bike/moped and it will look after you. Carrying out a few simple checks before each ride could save your life. Use POWDERSPetrol
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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!