Table of Contents
Editorial
Now is the time to grab a bargain. Not because it is the so-called ‘Black Friday’, next week, where vendors get rid of unsold stock. There could be a lot more of it this year. There may be cheaper bikes, apparel and accessories, so keep your eyes open. Of course, for many, finances remain stressed, but with lower inflation and difficult trading conditions, prices may remain lower for a while.
Finances might be tight, but it’s the right time to see what discounts are available. If people don’t buy what’s available, the UK market will shrink further and motorcyclists will be left with less choice and more expensive machines.
Motorcycle and accessories manufacturers have really difficult choices. Every year customers are looking for improvements, in terms of performance and safety, in their machines, servicing, accessories and riding gear. If manufacturers announce a new bike, or bolt-on upgrade or accessory, products of put under the microscopes of journalists, self-proclaimed experts and customers. If news emerges that the company is in serious financial trouble, is anyone going to buy their machines or accessories? The recent case of KTM losing 90% of its value since 2022 and its deep financial trouble, is a stark reminder. Company sales dropped 27% in the first six months of 2024. In addition to the worker layoffs already announced, they are now planning a further reduction of 200 workers and a production line shutdown at the beginning of January to reduce the inventory of unsold stock. We can expect these sales to be heavily discounted. The collapse of at least 15 dealers makes distribution, sales and support an increasingly difficult social problem. Many young people rely on powered-two-wheel transport to help them get started in life.
One area that is regularly forgotten is education, basic, advanced and updating training. The tortuous process of obtaining a full UK motorcycle licence doesn’t help rider safety. Reported annual accident levels remain stubbornly high. Many motorcycle manufacturers do provide training, but this is mostly tied to specific brands and training formats, often partnering with local training providers. BMW (CBT, full licence, advanced courses and off-road training), Triumph Motorcycles (adventure and off-road training), Honda (pre-CBT, CBT, full licence, off-road), Ducati (Track, adventure, off-road), Harley davidson (CBT, full licence) and others. Rider education, training and updating is probably the best return on investment that can be made. Well educated, trained and updated riders will create returning customers for bikes, upgrades and accessories. There was a lot of interest in the Mototrainer simulator at this week’s Motorcycle Live event. It’s a no brainer! The UK Government just has to revise and update education, training and licensing requirements to help provide more integrated pathways to riding.
In the next session of the UK Parliament, one area where we can expect Government intervention is step-eScooters and eBicycles. The illegal use of these vehicles is reaching pandemic proportions, along with rapidly rising death and injury rates. Louise Haigh (Transport Secretary) and colleagues seems to have accepted that unregulated e-scooters cannot be banned and will have to be regulated. e-Bicycles are currently regulated by the DVLA. Neither vehicle is required to be taxed, insured, licensed or have any kind of user training. This is in spite of the injury and damage they can cause.
On a much happier note we congratulate the Whiteknights on being given the ‘King’s Award for Voluntary Service’. This is a clear recognition of their vital NHS service and very valued contribution to our community. In addition, the South Yorkshire service has just received the donation of a car. This will help to maintain the service when the weather prevents riding. Unlike the volunteer bikers, drivers are not required to have an advanced driving qualification. Anyone, aged over 30 years can apply to join. Even if you can’t ride or drive for the Whiteknights, volunteers are still needed to help with publicity, fund raising and event management. It’s a really great way to support a charity whose services we all may need one day. There are masses of other news in your newsletter this week. Ride safe and happy reading.
Your success is our success!
Advanced riders are safer road users, ride longer, rider further, meet more people and enjoy a healthier, happier life!
SAM's CHRISTMAS PARTY
Treeton Miners Welfare
Next SAM Club Night
2nd December 2024
CHRISTMAS PARTY!
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
28th November 2024
Details to be arranged
Online Motorcycling News
General
Motorcycling Update: Highlights from the past week
The world of motorcycling saw significant updates this past week, ranging from exciting new models to enhanced technology and design innovations. Here are the key stories:
Ducati’s Lightweight Streetfighter V2
Ducati unveiled its revamped Streetfighter V2, now the lightest in its lineup. It has an 890cc V2 engine that delivers 118 bhp. This roadster shares its underpinnings with the Panigale V2, shedding 18 kg for improved agility. Features include adjustable suspension, advanced electronics like cornering ABS, and four ride modes. Available in March 2025, prices start at £13,995.
BMW Introduces F450GS Concept
At EICMA 2024, BMW showcased the F450GS concept, bridging the gap between its G310GS and larger adventure bikes. Designed with off-road capabilities, it features a lightweight build, a 47bhp twin-cylinder engine, and ergonomic versatility for a wide range of riders. The final production model is anticipated in 2025.
Aprilia’s Expanding Lineup
Aprilia announced updates across its range, including a more powerful RS660 Factory model and a new Tuono 457 for A2 license holders. The Tuono 660 Factory also received performance enhancements, while the Tuareg 660 Rally version pays homage to the brand’s Africa Eco Race success.
Honda’s 2025 Refresh
Honda introduced updates to its popular CRF300L and CRF300 Rally models, emphasizing refined mechanics and styling. Additionally, Honda revealed the retro GB350S, targeting Royal Enfield’s market with a sub-£4,000 price point.
Honda’s latest financial figures are glowing at a time when others are not enjoying the same level of success. While others have suffered financial dips in 2024, Honda is doing just fine and its motorcycle sales are a big reason why, because its automobile segment is slightly down compared to 2023. Honda runs its financial year from April to March of the following year, and the latest six-month report, which ended on 30 September, has given us some insight into just how well Honda is doing.
Vespa’s New GTS 310
Vespa unveiled its most powerful scooter yet, the GTS 310, offering a larger engine and updated design. This marks a step toward combining premium performance with iconic style for urban riders.
Suzuki has made a triumphant return to the off-road motorcycle market with the launch of the all-new DR-Z4S and DR-Z4SM models. These lightweight, single-cylinder bikes are aimed at both beginner and experienced riders, offering a fun and accessible way to explore dirt trails and back roads.
Royal Enfield’s Classic Range Expands
Royal Enfield, the iconic Indian motorcycle manufacturer, has unveiled a new addition to its Classic range: the Classic 650 Upright. Powered by the same reliable 650cc parallel-twin engine found in the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650, the Classic 650 Upright offers a comfortable and upright riding position, making it ideal for long-distance touring and everyday commuting.
Triumph Pays Tribute to Evel Knievel
Triumph Motorcycles has launched two limited-edition Rocket 3 models to celebrate the legendary stunt rider Evel Knievel. These special edition bikes feature unique paint schemes and Evel Knievel-inspired branding. With their powerful 2,500cc triple-cylinder engines, the Rocket 3 models are already known for their impressive performance and distinctive styling.
Aerodynamic Advancements for Electric Motorcycles
A British firm, WMC, has partnered with Zero Motorcycles to develop innovative aerodynamic solutions for electric motorcycles. By improving the aerodynamics of electric bikes, manufacturers can increase their range and efficiency. This collaboration could lead to significant advancements in the electric motorcycle market.
The 2024 MotoGP season is reaching its climax, with the final race, due to the flooding in Valencia and under threats of boycott from leading riders, is taking place in Barcelona. All eyes will be on the championship contenders as they battle for the title. MotoGP continues to be one of the most exciting and competitive motorcycle racing series in the world. A portion of the ticket price, three auctions of items donated from the paddock, will be hosted by leading riders. A specially designed and printed t-shirts will provide additional financial support. All proceeds will go to the Valencia Relief Fund. As MotoGP’s statement says:
“The championship will put our collective efforts behind backing the relief funds already in place to ensure our positive impact can connect with the area in the way it best serves the people and communities we have been part of for so long.”
These announcements signal an exciting future for riders, whether you’re drawn to sporty performance, adventure touring, or city commuting. Stay tuned as these models hit the market in 2025!
Donald Trump Tariff War Could Spell Bad News For US Bike Makers
An impending tit-for-tat tariff war that could take place when Donald Trump comes to power could be bad for US motorcycle makers. With Donald Trump winning the US election in what can only be described as a landslide against Democrat candidate Kamala Harris, all eyes are now looking to the future, and what the Republican President’s first moves from the Oval Office will be. In preparation for the president’s inauguration, set to take place on 20th January 2025, the European Commission is already reported to have set up a “Trump Taskforce” to help mitigate what many believe will be his first task in hand. Trump has threatened all foreign imports into the USA with a tariff of 10-20 per cent, while goods coming from China are set to be hit with a 60 per cent tax when they land on US soil. Read more…
The UK motorcycle industry is facing significant challenges due to recent dealer closures, but the situation is not entirely bleak. Here’s an overview of how dealer closures are impacting the industry:
Widespread Closures
Over 15 motorcycle dealers have closed in the UK since summer 2024. Some notable closures include:
- Saltire Motorcycles in Edinburgh
- Chester Harley-Davidson
- Streetbike in the West Midlands
- Two branches of the Lind Group
These closures are affecting major brands like Indian, KTM, Mutt, Royal Enfield, and Zero.
Factors Contributing to Closures
Several factors are putting pressure on motorcycle dealers:
- Rising operational costs (wages, energy bills, business rates, etc.)
- Longer service intervals on modern bikes reducing service revenue
- Flat new motorcycle sales
- Shift towards leasing rather than owning bikes
- Cost of living crisis impacting consumer spending
Impact on the Industry
The dealer closures are having several effects:
- Reduced local access to sales, service, and warranty support for consumers
- Loss of trade-in options for used motorcycles
- Challenges for manufacturers in maintaining nationwide dealer networks
- Potential shift towards low-overhead, home-based dealers with basic facilities
Not All Doom and Gloom
Despite the closures, there are some positive signs:
- Opportunities emerging for larger chains to expand (e.g. Completely, Moto GB, Superbike Factory)
- Some dealers adapting by organizing social events, charity rides, and guided tours to engage customers
- The industry may be forced to innovate and find new ways to connect with customers
Looking Ahead
The UK motorcycle industry is at a crossroads. To survive in this tough market, dealers and manufacturers may need to:
- Focus more on the e-bike market, which is showing growth
- Adapt to changing consumer preferences and buying habits
- Find ways to engage customers beyond just sales and service
- Potentially restructure their business models to reduce overheads
While the current situation presents challenges, it may also drive innovation and transformation in the industry as it adapts to new market realities.
Gift a Life-Saving Motorcycle
Two Wheels for Health, sister charity of the long-established Two Wheels for Life, has come up with a novel way of supporting its life-saving work – asking us to buy a motorcycle. For over 30 years, Riders for 
Health has been supplying healthcare workers in Africa with motorcycle transport, plus training and protective gear. It’s a model that works well, as workers on tough, basic 100 or 125cc bikes can get to remote villages which are usually difficult to access, and at far lower cost than a 4×4. Read more…
We’ve seen bikes getting built at Motorcycle Live, and even some of Suzuki UK’s heritage fleet was restored at the show. But we’ve never seen anyone take apart a bike, and then build it again, and certainly not at the speed this team is looking to do.
The team hails from the West Midlands-based workshop called The Machine Shop. It’s a bit like a gym, in that it has all the equipment and tools in place (as well as advice and training), but instead of building muscle, you can build, repair, or maintain your bike. 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...
How to find the right line, every time?
We touched on this in episode two, and that is the ‘safety bubble’. At our school we developed the modern riding system of Skill, Craft, and Mind, and part of that Craft pillar is the safety bubble which will basically help us ride the right line, every time. It’s not just a simple way to ride defensively, but it’s a system that is designed to make your riding flow. It’s important to understand your line around a corner is dynamic and it changes depending on the hazards around you. It’s like an imaginary forcefield to maximise your space and optimise your speed relative to those hazards. When you’re riding, imagine a circle around you. The more space you give yourself, the more time you have to see and react to those hazards. When the hazards get close, the safety bubble gets smaller so you reduce your speed to reflect that, and then when the safety bubble gets bigger you can speed up because your risk reduces. Read more…
SHARP provides advice on how to select a helmet that fits correctly and is comfortable, and information about the relative safety of helmets to help motorcyclists to make an informed choice.
To make best use of our advice, try on as many as helmets possible that are in your price range. Of those that fit correctly and are comfortable, select one with a high SHARP safety (Star) rating. Read more…
Adventure & Touring
Your guide to top motorcycle camping tents for self-sufficient touring adventures, whatever your budget
Motorcycle camping tents are a home away from home that can be carried on your touring bike on any self-sufficient motorcycle camping adventure. It’s where you rest your weary head after a day in the saddle, and after rustling up some sort of evening meal under a starry sky (if you’re lucky).
Early Black Friday 2024 deals
Black Friday may not be until November 29 this year (that’s 7 days away now! editor) but Go Outdoors have got a couple of early tent deals that would be perfect for next year’s bike camping trips. Read more…
As yet unnamed, CCM have taken the covers off their latest uber-cool motorcycle today at Motorcycle Live in Birmingham. It’s a 600cc retro adventure machine with the working title ‘Project X’.
CCM’s last adventure bike was the exceptionally light and nimble GP450, but production ended in 2017 as the ex-BMW engine that they were using could no longer meet emission regulations.
‘Project X’ rediscovers the trail and dirt-focussed past that CCM was founded on, and does so in some style, with styling cues harking back to the early days of Paris-Dakar bikes in the 80s.
18″ and 21″ wheels on lightweight robust hubs hang off long travel suspension, while the seat is gel-filled, the tall gearing offers low-rev cruising and the tank is reputedly long range, so it certainly ticks loads of overlanding boxes. We can’t wait to try it! Read more…
We suspected there was a lot new here compared to the existing 390 Adventure, but KTM says that the 390 Adventure R is 99 percent new, far more than a simple “R” tacked onto the end of the name led us to believe. A new headlight, including a pair of stacked LEDs and a daytime running light surround, replaces the old “mantis bug” design. The new frame does resemble that of the 390 Duke, but the new footage clearly shows some beefy reinforcement for off-road duty. We can also see the new gravity-cast swingarm. Read more...
History & Custom
Beryl Swain was born on January 22, 1936 in Marlowe Road, Walthamstow. She was working as a Personal Assistant to a retired Admiral at the P&O Line shipping company when in 1952 she met Eddie Swain, the owner of a motorcycle dealership and garage. Beryl Swain, the woman who paved the way in the TT with her first participation in 1962, to her right Jenny Tinmouth, who in 2010 set the fastest lap given by a woman in the TT (119,945mph -191,912 km/h).
Read more…
Anyone who ever lost a West Coast concours, anyone who raced AHRMA in the good old days, or vintage raced in New Zealand, or rode with the Velocette Club, knows the name Paul Adams. And if you’re really OG, you remember his front-page feature in Classic Bike back in 1986, with a devastating cover shot of the gleaming silver and black tank of a DOHC Daytona Norton Manx. That was one of Paul’s gorgeous restorations – which he happened to also race. How he came to restore that machine, and many other ‘cammy’ Norton International and Manx models, is a story in itself. Read more…
Whiteknights Blood Bikes
Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes are delighted to announce we are awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service!
Well done to our remarkable volunteers!
#bloodbikes #KAVS2024
Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes have today been meeting at Calderdale Royal Hospital to announce to the public our King’s Award For Voluntay Service. Here the Chairman, Andrew Foster is joined by representatives of Pathology and the Milk Bank.
South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership
Have a safe journey home everyone.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
One of the enduring questions of social media marketing is “how can I make my posts show up on the feed so my followers actually see them?”
Every social media marketing expert claims to have their own answer, but there seems to be no simple way of predicting just how many followers will actually see a specific post, and FB changes the rules every few months.
“A shocking video captures the moment a motorbike crashes into a Porsche” and according to the story, the driver was said to have cut across the rider’s path.
Whether the driver was steering into the open space to the rider’s left to go down what appears to be a side road, or simply trying to take evasive action is anyone’s guess. Read more…
What are the AM, P & Q licence categories?
This is a question that popped up recently, and I confess that I had to go look up the answer. And no wonder people get confused.
With the category AM on your licence, it means you can ride / drive 2-wheeled or 3-wheeled vehicles with an ICE engine capacity of up to 50cc or an electric equivalent with a maximum design speed of over 25km/h (15.5mph) but not more than 45km/h (28mph). Read more…
Getting the most out of a training course Pt 3
[Due to running my Elevenses live webcast on Saturday rather than the usual Sunday, this post is a day later than normal.]
Over the past two weeks I’ve been looking at just how we can make life difficult for ourselves when booking a course of training and starting with some wrong ideas. The idea is to help you prepare before, get the most out of mid-course, then fully exploit post-training rather than to tell you all about all the different kinds of training there are. In Week One, I flagged up mistakes riders make before turning up for a course, and last week, I gave you some insights into what you should be looking for and what you want to avoid during a course. Today it’s time to discuss some of the issues that riders become aware of after the course. Read more…
Motorcycling Organsiations
IAM RoadSmart
Has it been a while since you passed your Advanced test? 
Responding to comments made by Transport Secretary Louise Haigh MP that the Government is considering legalising private e-scooter use on public roads:
IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “We know that around half of all casualties involving e-scooters are outside of trial areas, which demonstrates the ‘wild west’ nature of private e-scooter misuse that is happening on our roads and pavements. While we cautiously welcome plans to legalise their use, it must be accompanied by minimum type approval device standards, speed limiters and proposals for riders to have a minimum level of competency prior to using these devices on the road.”
Are you aware of the OAP framework when out riding? 
National Motorcyclists Council
After the long summer Parliamentary recess, the autumn ‘term’ has started with a flurry of activity at DfT. A meeting has been held with the new Secretary of State Louise Haigh and the Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood, on day one of the new session (October 7th).
Louise Haigh called in a range of organisations to kick off discussions on developing a new Road Safety Strategy, with this aimed to be the first in several years. Several safety NGOs and transport sector groups were present, with the motorcycle sector being represented by the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC). The meeting focussed on broad themes rather than on specific details, though several ideas were put forward by the different bodies present. The NMC said to Ministers that several issues remained outstanding, such as work on motorcycle training and testing reform, bus lane access and the need to refresh the 2005 Government Motorcycle Strategy. The Secretary of State welcomed contributions from the groups present and said that detailed work on a wide range of safety issues would now commence. Read more…
FEMA
The United Nations (UN) sets the regulation that describes how your motorcycle helmet has to be produced and tested. UN regulation No. 22 applies to motorcycle helmets licensed to be sold as road-legal on European roads. The regulation establishes the ‘uniform provisions concerning the approval of protective helmets and their visors for drivers and passengers of motorcycles and mopeds’. The current version of the regulation is UN Regulation No. 22.06. Read more…
British Motorcyclists Federation
The NMC has forwarded written evidence to the Parliamentary Accounts Committee highlighting the dire condition of England’s road network and calling for an effective government strategy, supported by adequate funding, to urgently resolve the current situation.
NMC Chair and BMF Political and Technical Services Director, Anna Zee, said:
“ The current state of the UK’s road network is a disgrace, with many roads in an unacceptable and dangerous state through lack of sufficient investment over a number of years. The scourge of potholes, in particular, represents a real danger to motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users and needs to be fixed urgently through a comprehensive plan of action supported by ring-fenced funding.” 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.
WHAT TO WEAR
Dress for success
You don’t enjoy the same level of protection as other motorists. When you crash, you’ve not got the luxury of airbags, side impact protection systems, seatbelts, or head restraints.
All you’ve got to protect you is your riding gear.
Advanced Riding - Keep ALL Riders Safer!
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.
CLUB MERCHANDISE
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