Table of Contents
Editorial
We’ve had some very pleasant early Autumn days this week and some very wet weather. It’s a welcome relief from the horrendous storms of last week and the brighter days made for some enjoyable riding. On the trip home from France we saw some very desperate bikers, sodden to the core, riding in conditions where our car was aquaplaning at times. Life can sometimes give you impossible choices, work or become unemployed. However, the choice of transport has to ensure that you get to the destination unscathed. Weather is fickle and unpredictable. Now is the time to ensure that our advanced riding skills haven’t slipped into less safe habits. IAM RoadSmart has recognised the need to review advanced riding ability from time to time by offering, for a price, a short, guided review of a members riding competence. The SAM Committee, mindful of the the stressful economic times in which we live, will continue to support the welfare of Club members by offering riding reviews for free. Ask a member of the Committee for a review ride and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Most modern bikes are full of technical aids. Bosch are developing them further to monitor biker proximity to other road users. This may include applying the brakes to prevent front-end, or rear-end crashes. Let’s hope that it can read the road surface and weather conditions too! Technology gadgets on vehicles are becoming so prolific that there is a suggestion that the consumer is being overwhelmed and distracted. The attention of the vehicle operator is being diverted from using the machine safely. The Department for Transport is investigating the ‘dazzle’ of LED headlights. The BMF is concerned with a different matter. They point out that the proposed reform of planning laws completely omits the needs of motorcycles. The NMC, the coordinating group representing motorcyclists, was in the Netherlands at a FEMA strategy conference and seems to have missed this debate entirely!
Even in less than optimal riding conditions, UK bikers continue to serve their community and charities around the world. The Ride to the Wall attracted thousands of bikers to pay their respects and show their gratitude to those who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. Riders for Health, using motorcycles to deliver essential health care to remote regions of the world tell us about their vital work. There is a GoFundMe campaign to save the historic Scottish cottage where Sandy Davidson and wife Margaret lived before emigrating to the USA in 1857. It was the start of an iconic motorcycling journey that continues to serve the world today. On another note ‘Itchy Boots’ is having a bespoke motorcycle built for her next riding adventure. It’s based on a 1987 Yamaha Tenere!
Some SAM members continue to face serious health problems. We wish every member the very best for the future and be assured that the SAM Club is much more than a motorcycle training group. Until next week, happy reading.
Your success is our success!
SAM Club Night Report
It was really pleasing to see such a great turnout for the Club Night last Monday. Everyone had a great time celebrating five Associates becoming advanced riders and their volunteer Observers. All the coaching hard work has really paid off this year. Congratulations to our Associates on achieving a Green Badge and a big thank you to our dedicated Observers.
The speaker for the night was Julie Emmitt from Biketrac Security. The presentation included information about:
- different types of tracker,
- movement tracking,
- recovery rates (95% of stolen bikes with a tracker are recovered! – 40% recovery of untracked bikes.),
- location accuracy,
- police response, disposal of stolen bikes (they are in bits!),
- installation and electrical load,
- the Thatcham rating system,
- insurance discounts and discounts for IAM members,
- cost of installation and monthly fee,
- transferring the bike to a new owner,
- other security hardware (chains, locks, etc.)
- bike covers!
In summary, Julie gave us the following advice:
- if you find your stolen bike, unattended, in a public place, you can take it home,
- DON’T try to tackle thieves on your own – they are quick to use violence and weapons,
- a covered bike is more secure as thief has to think about any hidden security,
- in the shed or garage, ground anchors are more secure when attached to the wall – the chain hangs and is more difficult to cut,
- chains and locks are better on the rear wheel,
- a D-lock through the rear wheel, sprocket and chain is a better deterrent
- DON’T worry about setting off the movement sensor, it happens all the time and security is happy to respond,
- Tracking companies have a good relationship with the majority of UK Police forces
- some countries, e.g. Switzerland, are turn off 2G, so trackers won’t work in those countries,
- trackers have to be fitted by authorised technicians and issue an installation certificate to satisfy insurance companies,
- trackers are safer if fitted into the wiring loom as thieves know where to find plug-in devices,
- if a stolen bike is located on private property or in a container, Securitas will keep watch until the Police arrive, Live tracking can also be shared with the Police when a bike is being moved.
- cost of a Biketrac unit is £299 plus a monthly fee of £2.99,
- cost of fitting, it takes about an hour, will be up to the installer and naked bikes will be cheaper than fully faired ones!
- lastly, put an old phone on your bike for navigation and carry your shiny new phone in you jacket pocket. If you have a spill you will be able to call for help. The bike on the phone is probably hidden in the undergrowth or broken.
Our grateful thanks to Julie and Biktrac for providing such an engaging and informative presentation. Thank you to all the members who showed their support for an interesting and informative SAM Club Night.
SAM's Autumn Celebration
Advanced Riding - Safeguarding our Reputation
We all enjoy meeting down at Meadowhall Retail Park, whether it be to take out an associate, go for a ride with friends or just to socialise.
As IAM and SAM members we are part of a charity that promotes road safety and it is crucial that the way we ride is in line with this aim. Public perception of how we ride is really important, as we can be part of the solution to stereotypes about motorcyclists riding dangerously and causing stress or annoyance to other motorists. We should never ride in a way that might reinforce that stereotype or cause danger to ourselves or anyone else. Every member can reflect on the impression they leave on every ride.
Group riding can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of motorcycling when it’s done responsibly. However there are also some common problems created by riding in a group:
- Allowing others to dictate your riding style: Being influenced by others in the group can lead to impulsive overtakes or riding beyond your comfort level without proper assessment of road conditions.
- Riding too fast for your experience: The fear of embarrassment or being left behind can pressure riders to exceed their capabilities, compromising safety.
- Failing to scan the road ahead: Focusing solely on the bike in front can limit your ability to anticipate hazards and react accordingly.
Remember, each time you ride in a group you are representing SAM. Enjoy yourself, be safe and leave a good impression on those you meet along the way.
SAM's End of Summer Weekend Ride
Online Motorcycling News
General
Motorcycles with sidecars are an endangered species.
You rarely see one in the wild – or on the road.
I think I’ve seen about 3 of them out and about in my whole life.
Back in the day, they were way more common.
They were often a practical form of family transport.
Cars were much more expensive, so motorcycle sidecars were budget friendly.
And of course back then, no-one had to be wrapped in cotton wool to keep them safe from everyday life.
Dad would usually ride, mom would be on the back, and the kids would be in the motorcycle sidecar (holding the groceries, no doubt). Read more…
Wheels Through Time Is Raising Money To Help Hurricane Victims, You Can Help
The Museum That Runs and its staff are OK, but need your help assisting with cleanup efforts in western North Carolina
If you live in, or have family or friends in western North Carolina, you know more than most what kind of devastation was wrought in that area by Hurricane Helene last week. And if you don’t, the sheer scale of destruction was so severe, it’s even made international news. Read more…
The annual Ride To The Wall (RTTW) ride-out allows bikers to gather together at a place of remembrance, to pay their respects to fallen servicemen and women. While also raising funds to help perpetuate their memory and recognise the sacrifices made.
The event sees riders setting off from eleven starting points across the UK, all of which will converge on the National Memorial Arboretum tomorrow afternoon. Rides are departing from Drayton Manor, Woodall Services (S), Northampton Services (N), Cherwell Valley Services (N), Wolseley Bridge Garden Centre, Strensham Services (N), Knutsford Services (S), Leicester Forest East Services (N), junction 23A of the M1 (N), Telford Services, Factory Head Cafe – Donington Park, and Sandbach Services on the southbound carriageway. Read more…
Rider Safety
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...
People in a south Wales town say they feel “under siege” from dangerous e-motorbike riders.
Residents complain that there have been regular near-misses, and one councillor believes it is only a matter of time before someone is killed.
Some business owners in Tredegar in Blaenau Gwent have said they are thinking of leaving because of the problem, and BBC Wales has heard similar frustrations from other communities in the area.
Gwent Police said it has launched an “intelligence-led, targeted” operation in the county tackling crime, as well as anti-social behaviour, which has fallen by more than a third. Read more…
There is a motorcycle helmet designed for every riding style on or off-road today, but what’s the right one for you?
Choosing a helmet is an essential decision for any rider, and there’s more to it than simply working within a budget or reaching for attractive graphics. Today’s motorcyclist has a plethora of considerations, such as size, style, and construction, before deciding what they’ll be placing on their heads. In this article, we’ll be looking at the main things you need to be aware of when selecting the right helmet for you and your ride. Break your paper and pencil, kiddos! Welcome to Motorcycle Helmet 101. Read more…
Motorcycle theft in the UK is at its lowest level since 2017, with the MCIA stating that motorcycle theft is down 7.9 per cent year on year compared to 2023.
The data shows a downtrend in thefts throughout 2024, with the MCIA claiming it to be the steepest decline in the number of bikes stolen than in previous years. Read more…
Adventure & Touring
Located in British Columbia on Canada’s west coast, Vancouver Island is home to one of the best adventure rides you’ve never heard of: the North Island 1000.
What is it? Picture dense old-growth forests, rugged mountains, waterfalls, lakeside camping, ocean views, and 620 miles of non-stop, big-bike friendly trail riding. Read more…
Star of the Long Way Round television series, Charley Boorman has revealed exclusive details to MCN ahead of the 2025 release of his latest TV bike travel series, with best mate Ewan McGregor.
Boorman told MCN that the show could be on our screens as early as next spring, with filming having recently finished and editing underway now.
The 10-parter sees the pair return for a fourth instalment in their Long Way series of global adventures, which this time follows them on a trip from McGregor’s home in Scotland to Boorman’s in England. Read more…
Wade “Stubbsie” Stubbs and I are a couple of Aussies who celebrated the completion of an extraordinary pole-to-pole adventure—from the Arctic to the Antarctic Circles.
Countless guidebooks have been left in our wake as 16 countries, 42,000 miles and 276 days disappear in a magical blur of amazing riding, great destinations, and best of all—the fantastic people who have shared their lives with us along the way. To give it some perspective, this is the equivalent of riding from New York to Los Angeles 15 times—or almost two laps around the earth at the equator… all with only 33 crashes! Read more…
Riders for Health – who use bikes to help save lives in Africa – have spoken to MCN about multiple successes throughout 2024, as well as ambitious goals for the year ahead, including plans to standardise their fleet as part of a deal with Yamaha.
The project uses motorcycles to transport aid workers around hard-to-reach areas of the continent, providing communities with access to vital medical care.
Not only that, but by making use of plentiful small and affordable motorcycles, the organisation can spread healthcare staff over a larger area than the traditional model of using expensive four-wheel drives. Read more…
A year ago I made a video on my BMW G650GS touring setup that I would use to ride across all of Italy. Since then, I’ve learned a lot.
I’ve gone back home, I’ve bought some stuff, and I’ve brought them back here for another round, riding across Italy, so today’s video is about my new and improved BMW G650GS touring setup.
In today’s video we’ll look at:
- What I’ve kept the same
- What I’ve added, why, and how it’s worked out
- What I still need to improve for my next big trip
- What I got very wrong about two up touring with the BMW G650GS
Read more…
History & Custom
A GoFundMe campaign is aiming to raise £70,000 to save a Scottish cottage steeped in historical significance for America’s most famous motorcycle brand.
The stone dwelling in Netherton, Angus, which had been earmarked for demolition, was the home of Alexander ‘Sandy’ Davidson and his wife Margaret before the couple and their family emigrated to America in 1857. The couple’s son, William C. Davidson, was father of William A. Davidson who co-founded Harley-Davidson Motorcycles with Bill Harley in 1903.
The campaign to save the cottage and its legacy is being spearheaded by the Davidson Legacy Preservation Group, who are behind the ambitious GoFundMe bid. Read more…
Sidecar adventure duo plan to spend over 12 hours travelling in reverse to break 106-mile record
Three wheeled adventurers, Matt Bishop and Reece Gilkes (AKA The Sidecar Guys) have announced plans to break another Guinness World Record. This time around, the duo are aiming to cover the longest distance covered by motorcycle and sidecar in reverse – in one go. Read more…
On August 11, 1973, during the GP race at the Silverstone Circuit in England, New Zealander Kim Newcombe found himself in the lead after just six laps. Approaching turn 15, the brakes began overheating, sending his König 500 careening off the track. Fighting for control, Newcombe was determined to stay in the race as he approached Stowe Corner at uncontrollable speed…
Five years earlier, Kim Newcombe, a marine engine mechanic with a penchant for boat and dirt bike racing, teamed up with renowned German outboard motor designer and specialist, Dieter König. Newcombe took over the development of a defunct motorcycle project built around a boat engine Dieter had conceived. Read more…
Whiteknights Blood Bikes
Welcome to National Blood Bike Awareness Day 2024 on the Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood BIkes Facebook Page.
This year’s theme is “Going Beyond”. We are very excited to have a special guest Blood Biker joining us today to see at first hand, how our remarkable volunteers “Go Beyond” 365 days a year to support patients, hospitals and hospices in Yorkshire.
Follow us throughout the day to learn more about the voluntary work of Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes.
#bloodbikes #BloodBikeDay
It is with great sadness that Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes announce the death of Whiteknight Maurice Greenwood.
He was a dedicated Blood Biker and motorcyclist who made a substantial contribution to the work of our charity.
We express our sincere condolences to Maurice’s family at this time. He will be greatly missed.
#bloodbikes
South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership
NEWS: Close pass operation to increase horse rider’s safety
There are many types of road users and it’s important that for everyone’s safety we all respect each other and understand the differences each mode of transport requires, including those with hooves!
To raise awareness and increase horse rider’s safety, on Tuesday 2 October our mounted officers and horses, alongside roads policing and neighbourhood colleagues conducted a safe pass operation in Grimethorpe and Brierley in Barnsley.
According to the British Horse Society (BHS), a dedicated charity supporting rider’s safety, one horse is involved in an incident on the UK’s roads every day, and last year, during 2023, three riders and 66 horses lost their lives on the UK’s roads.
During the day, new mounted PH Boris worked alongside PH Henry and patrolled local roads.
Around 30 drivers passed our horses and officers stopped to speak to them about the law.
One driver received a traffic offence report for driving without due care.
Remember when passing horses:
Slow down, do not pass any faster than 10mph
Give them space – give at least 2m when passing
If in doubt, wait and follow direction
It is important to remember that not all horses and riders are experienced as our mounted teams.
As a driver, adhering to the law and guidance on passing not only keeps the horse and rider safe, but it keeps you and those inside your vehicle safe; a horse or rider falling on your car can have devastating consequences.
As a driver you may come across riders riding two abreast and not always in single file; this is often a tactic used by riders when training young and inexperienced horses.
Riders should also be familiar with the Highway Code and follow best practice for their safety including wearing high visibility clothing and ensuring your horse’s tack fits correctly, more information for horse riders can be read here: https://orlo.uk/RioQg
For more information about passing horses while driving please read more about the Dead Slow campaign: https://orlo.uk/gZSXq
There is no safe limit for the amount of alcohol you can have before driving. There is also no way of knowing how long it will take for alcohol to be processed by your body.
Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your reaction times. Though there is a legal limit to how much alcohol can be in a person’s system before they can drive, it is impossible to say how many drinks or units it will take to reach it. It is also possible to still be over the legal limit the following day.
If you are caught you may banned from driving, have points added on your licence, an unlimited fine, or even imprisonment. This will mean increased insurance costs, potential job loss and even restrictions on travel to other countries such as the United States.
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
Kevin Williams
Discover how your bike behaves Part 1
We’ve had a long and in-depth discussion going in the comments section to last Thursday’s ’60 Second Safety’ video which was on the topic of – whisper it – trail braking. I make no secret of the fact that I firmly believe trail braking – the skill of using both front and rear brakes as the rider enters a corner is as essential a skill to learn as mid-corner braking, where the rider has to apply the brakes when already leaned over into the bend. Read more…
Don’t ignore confidence issues
A few weeks ago, I had a short email dialogue with someone who
had recently returned to biking, and had a common problem – a lack of confidence especially, he said “with cornering and making progress on sweeping country roads”.
We talked about organising a course, and then things went a bit quiet…
…until a day or two ago, when I got another mail essentially saying “not confident enough to do training”. Read more…
Reflective thinking on retro-reflective clothing
We’ve reached that time of year again, when the clocks have changed and many riders are now riding home in the dark. On Monday evening I attended a webinar hosted by the Young Rider Forum and West Midlands Road Safety Partnership, and one of the questions they asked in their mini-polls was:
“What’s your biggest fear as a new rider?”
70% responded that it was being seen by drivers. Read more…
Why take an ONLINE COACHING SESSION? Pt 2
As I explained last week, though motorcyclists are often early adopters of technology, when it comes to skills improvement we can be real stick-in-the-muds. It took decades for post-test training to become a widely accepted way of improving riding. I set up Survival Skills back in 1997 when there was just one other post-test training school operating in the entire county of Kent but now advanced rider training is pretty mainstream… Read more…
Braking in the rain revisited – part four
Is slowing down the right choice on wet roads? How many time have you been heard that the correct action is to slow down when the surface is wet? Quite a few times, I’m fairly certain. For example, the National Highways page ‘Travelling when it’s raining’ says: “If it’s time for your wipers, it’s time to slow down.” The RAC’s advice for driving in heavy rain and floods is “slow down”. And other pages with the same ‘slow down’ message range from Pirelli to Halfords. In France, they even have lower speed limits on autoroutes when it’s wet.
But the fact is, in many ways that advice leaves a lot to be desired. Read more…
Motorcycling Organsiations
IAM RoadSmart
National Motorcyclists Council
Two intense and productive days at the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ AssociationsFEMA Europe autumn meeting in the Netherlands. Further developing the strategy for policy engagement across the European area, building on the huge success of the recent FEMA/FIM/ACEM political reception in Brussels. Great also to hear from the Dutch Motorcycle Platform, which in many ways works in a similar way to the NMC. Plus guests from KNMV, Veilig Verkeer Nederland and the RAI Vereniging / RAI Association (Photo FEMA – Wim Taal)
FEMA
British Motorcyclists Federation
The Government’s proposed reforms to the UK’s National Planning Policy Framework have one big flaw: they fail to mention motorbikes!
The British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) has responded to the Government’s Consultation on “Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the UK planning system”, which are designed to unleash significant environmental, social and economic benefits for UK plc.
Unfortunately, the Government’s proposals as they stand fail to take into account the widely recognised benefits to be derived from the promotion and support of Powered Two Wheelers (PTWs) as an accessible, low-cost and low-polluting solution to the UK’s future transport needs. Read more…
Rider aids are coming which will automatically slow the bike (to a stop if need be), pull away in traffic and warn if other vehicles are getting too close. These are just few features of Bosch’s new Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS), which we will see on production bikes in 2025, starting with KTM.
ARAS uses input from front and rear-mounted radars. These send out electromagnetic waves, which when they hit something, bounce back to the bike with information on distance, relative speed and direction. “All of that,” explained ARAS Project Manager Thomas Maurer to MCN, “when you combine it with very complicated algorithms, you can understand where the objects are, where they are moving and to a certain extent what the vehicles are.” Information is sent to the bike’s ECU, its Inertial Measurement Unit and feasibility control system. Read more…
The BMF has welcomed news that Keir Starmer’s Government is to launch an independent investigation into glare from ultra-bright modern headlights. The issue, which was already being looked at by the previous administration, appears to be one of increasing concern. Research by the RAC suggests that 91% of drivers get dazzled while driving – nearly three-quarters said this was a regular occurrence.
There’s no suggestion that illegal headlights are to blame, but modern LED lights are brighter and more piercing which can lead to problems for oncoming road users. It can be a particularly serious issue for motorcyclists, especially in the wet when peering through a rain spattered visor. Lilian Greenwood, the new Minister for the Future of Roads at the DfT, confirmed that an independent investigation will begin immediately. Read more…
New Rider Hub
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.
How can it help me?
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.
Next SAM Club Night
4th November 2024
Speaker: Kevin Williams – Survival Skills Training UK
How not to Crash!
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 October 2024
Details to be arranged