Bad news for motorcycling this week. The 2025 motorcyclist casualty are up, killed 13% and seriously injured. All motorcycling representatives and manufacturers continue to urge the UK Government to reconvene the National Motorcyclists Council to plan a way forward. With the UK Parliament on its 6-week recess we won’t hear an answer very soon. To fill the gap in training every road user can applaud the Hamshire Constabulary for devoting some of its resources to free training for young and inexperienced riders in riding skills missing from the CBT and Basic training curricula. Let’s hope that other organisations step up and meet the call. It may also help if drivers were also included. Perhaps the ‘Speed Awareness’ course could be adapted to help in educating the 2.3 million (The Times, 16th March 2026) drivers and riders attending (2025 figure – 12% rise). They are a captive audience with a vested interested in paying more attention when travelling.
It has been a massive week for the two-wheel world, blending high-stakes corporate strategy with tech updates that will directly impact how you ride. From massive financial investments to AI-powered navigation upgrades, the motorcycle landscape is shifting fast.
The biggest headline this week comes straight out of Borgo Panigale. Despite persistent global rumours that current owners Volkswagen AG might be looking to sell the brand, Ducati has doubled down on its future. The Italian manufacturer has secured a massive €121 million (roughly £104 million) investment fund under a new strategy called “Ducati Raise the Bar”. Backed by a €33.5 million non-repayable grant from the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, a staggering €99 million of this fund is strictly ring-fenced for industrial research and experimental development. For riders, this means Ducati is aggressively protecting its technological crown, ensuring the next generation of road bikes and racing programmes will push engineering limits.
Meanwhile, British heritage brand Norton Motorcycles is gunning for a premium image overhaul. Solihull-based Norton has announced a landmark collaboration with world-renowned architects Foster + Partners to design a brand-new global retail concept. The goal is to completely redefine the premium dealership experience, moving away from cluttered showrooms toward ultra-modern, clean spaces that reflect their high-end machines like the newly reviewed Norton Manx R.
On the tarmac, racing fans received brilliant news as the world’s biggest motorcycle exposition, EICMA, signed a major, expanded partnership with WorldSBK. The tenth round of the 2026 World Superbike Championship at the Cremona Circuit this September will now be officially designated the “EICMA Italian Round”. This deepens the ties between production-derived racing and the consumer market, bringing track tech even closer to everyday riders.
For daily commuters, the tech highlight of the week belongs to Waze. The popular navigation app has finally launched a dedicated “motorcycle mode”. Recognising that bikes face unique challenges, the updated AI system factors in narrow streets, filters out shortcuts unsuitable for cars, and delivers specific real-time hazard warnings for potholes, speed bumps, and shoulder endings.
On the product front, Kawasaki confirmed the return of its iconic Ninja ZX-6R supersport for the 2027 model year, holding onto its aggressive styling and legendary high-revving performance. Honda also dropped early details on its 2027 adventure-scooter hybrid, the X-ADV, which is getting fresh bodywork updates and a slate of new colour configurations. Finally, for A2 licence holders or anyone looking for accessible performance, the market is heating up with the imminent launch of the Yamaha YZF-R2, a single-cylinder sports bike designed to be the logical step up from standard learner machines.
Whether you are looking at financing your first big bike or planning your next weekend blast, the industry is firing on all cylinders to keep your rides smarter, safer, and faster.
Congratulations to Aidan Latham on successfully completing his National Observer Assessment.
Andy will now join our very dedicated volunteer Observer Team to help with training bikers in our community in Advanced Riding.
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!
Suspended for the Summer
Organised rides will replace
Treeton Meetings
Anyone can twist a throttle.
It takes real skill to master the bends
See SAM website calendar for more details.
24th September 2026
Online Zoom Meeting
See SAM website calendar for more details.
Why ‘time to react’ is a poor survival strategy
Here’s a classic… after my Myth, Mechanism, Mistake.. etc Core Skills item on cornering, a response was:
“All of this can be summed up in the statement – give yourself time to react.”
Leaving aside the casual dismissal of my carefully-constructed and logically-argued article, what’s the truth in that? On the surface, it sounds pretty solid as a piece of advice, doesn’t it? Who could argue against having more time? Read more
“Some riders will never become confident”
[I’m updating the FoF index, and have just discovered that this particular article, originally dated Feb 13 failed to publish, so for the sake of completeness, here it is albeit out of order!]
I’ve been writing about the mental side of riding for around three decades. It’s fifteen years since MIND over MOTORCYCLE was published. And I’m still writing about this kind of issue online — not surprising, really, since the brain and how we use it is behind almost every decision and action we make on a motorcycle. No doubt that’s why other writers are starting to pick up on the importance of the mental issues and moving away from purely skills-based articles. I’ve recently come across articles on the Bennetts BikeSocial site, on BikeSure’s blog, on the Motorcycle Riders’ Hub, and on a site called ‘The Ride So Far’. Read more
“Some riders will never become confident”
[I’m updating the FoF index, and have just discovered that this particular article, originally dated Feb 13 failed to publish, so for the sake of completeness, here it is albeit out of order!]
I’ve been writing about the mental side of riding for around three decades. It’s fifteen years since MIND over MOTORCYCLE was published. And I’m still writing about this kind of issue online — not surprising, really, since the brain and how we use it is behind almost every decision and action we make on a motorcycle. No doubt that’s why other writers are starting to pick up on the importance of the mental issues and moving away from purely skills-based articles. I’ve recently come across articles on the Bennetts BikeSocial site, on BikeSure’s blog, on the Motorcycle Riders’ Hub, and on a site called ‘The Ride So Far’. Read more
Here’s a new bike that wouldn’t have looked out of place in a bike showroom half a century ago.
The new Honda CB500 retro roadster that has just been unveiled in India clearly takes styling cues from mid-70s machines. Side on, it could be mistaken for something like the old CB250 or 350 twins.
However, the motor is an all-new 501cc air/oil-cooled single, designed around low-end torque rather than power. The machine produces around 27–28 bhp and 43.3 Nm of torque and is clearly aimed at the buyers of bikes like the new Royal Enfield and BSA singles, but with a dash of Honda engineering and a bit more poke than Honda’s existing CB/GB350 retros which have proven a big sales success. Read more
Fresh Start: Rethinking the Foundations of Motorcycle Safety
A quick note before you dive in… this is a long read — around 5,000 words — because it sets out the rationale, history and logic layer behind the entire M6 Framework. If you want the short version, it’s in the SUMMARY immediately below.
SUMMARY
This text introduces the M6 Framework, a modern approach to motorcycle safety designed to move beyond outdated mid-century training models. It critiques the traditional “Three Es” (Education, Engineering, and Enforcement), arguing that these methods rely too heavily on rote compliance and punishing errors rather than fostering adaptability. Read more
Monday’s post featured Honda’s take on the 500 retro single. Today’s post skips from one throwback to another, but a bike that puts an entirely new spin on an old idea rather than trying to be the old idea. AJS is another name from the past, but one that’s been steadily selling Chinese manufactured 125s under the badge. Last year, there were plans to launch a 125 stepthru resembling the old Honda Hunter Cub. Read more
Predicting a threat where it can’t be seen Pt 2
These riders probably know this road well. I’d be very surprised if they haven’t ridden it before because they appear to know the bends and the sightlines.
But here’s their unexpected problem: the road that was clear last time they rode it isn’t necessarily clear today.
As they race around this blind bend, they suddenly discover a police incident, a recovery truck and several vehicles occupying the road ahead. To be honest, they do well to avoid a crash. Many riders wouldn’t have done nearly so well. Have a look at the previous video in this series, for example. Read more
Speed: Geometric vs Posted vs Perceived
Here’s an interesting thought. Many roads have sections of road where the limit imposed by the shape of the road – the ‘geometric’ element – is far below the posted limit for that road. Riders and drivers slow down to the speed they perceive matches the geometry. Historically, speed limits on rural roads were set at the ’85th percentile’ – the speed that 85% of the road users would be driving at or below.
But they may also have sections where significantly higher speeds are possible, but not legal. That is, the vehicle can handle the geometry but the authorities have ‘posted’ the limit much lower. 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 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.
Partner with us today.
“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.
YOUR registered charity can benefit from FREE web hosting too!
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.
© 2026 Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists. All rights reserved. All content in this newsletter, including text, graphics, and images, is protected by UK copyright law. We gratefully acknowledge the copyright of original publishers and creators for any third-party materials featured. All such materials are used with implied permission, from online publicly shareable URLs, or under fair dealing rules on information, education and public interest. Any such content is used solely for our purposes to educate and inform our readers. Material from other providers is not not used for any commercial purpose. All URLs link directly to copyright holders. The correctness and truthfulness of all such content is the sole responsibility of those providers No part of this publication may be reproduced or shared without prior written consent from the respective copyright holders.Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 1089671)
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!
