Table of Contents
Editorial
What glorious weather for riding. Last Saturday saw lots of SAM members drinking coffee, chatting and riding out. New Associates are now well into their advanced riding journeys and having a great time learning all the ways in which they can become better riders. We take great pride in ensuring that each Associate is given the bespoke, one-to-one, coaching guidance they expect from our quality assured courses. No two Associates will ever be the same, so we take particular care in ensuring each one gets personal riding development, in a safe space where they can be honest about their riding abilities. Particularly helpful on the advanced rider course is feedback. With standardised rating of the human factors and core components of advanced riding, we are able to focus on the positive feedback our Associates need. It can be nerve-wracking having someone examine your riding in detail. We know it is so easy to demoralise Associates with poorly managed feedback. All our Associates need positive learning support and constructive analysis of the riding performance, Associates can then enjoy their advanced riding course and be even more motivated to develop their riding roadcraft. If it’s ever anything different we will make sure that it’s put right straight away.
We have now had time to digest the NMC’s (UK National Motorcyclists Council) manifesto. There are 7 key points that they hope political candidates will take into government and expanded with our views here:
- Transport choice: the needs of motorcyclists should be in every transport policy of national government and local authority.
- Motorcycles are cheaper to produce, more affordable transport for those on limited incomes, use less fossil fuels, do less damage to highway infrastructure, have faster journey times, are less polluting, are more manoeuvrable on pothole-riddled roads, have a smaller parking footprint and 95%+ of components can be recycled.
- We need accessible, affordable, quality controlled initial- and post-training through a simplified licensing system. This should also make it easy for riders to have refresher check-ups to ensure that their roadcraft ability is maintained.
- We need default access to bus lanes to help riders remain safer on their journeys. Free parking, protecting motorcycle access to the full road network, including sealed and green roads.
- Removing ‘one-solution thinking’ by looking at parallel technology development towards a carbon lower future. Progress so far has meant limited access to electrical supplies, divergent technology (read the plugs don’t fit and the apps don’t work together), along with inflated purchasing and running costs. Motorcycling technology is quicker to develop, easier to implement and costs less than the alternatives.
- Motorcycle sports, in all its forms, contributes a vast amount to the economy. It generates higher Exchequer revenue from a lower number of participants, spectators and followers.
- Finally, the UK has a long history of motorcycling. Although sometimes its reputation has been severely damaged by a tiny number of rebellious riders. Motorcycling remains a valuable cultural and historical asset that shows UK innovation and adaptation to the role of transport in our society.
- To add another point, many motorcyclists use their riding expertise to support the NHS, a vast array of charities and many community groups. We are embedded in UK society and need political candidates to recognise our value and roles in contributing to the future of transport in the UK.
And now, we have two mad SAM members taking on massive challenges for charity (see below). 1,000 miles in 24-hours is a feat of courage, stamina and an aching rear end. Please give generously. Thank you. Until next week, happy reading.
Ways to stay in touch with your Club!
It’s really easy to stay in touch with your Club! We provide emails, a website and use social media accounts for you to contact us. All of which is free of any cost to the Club. If you are not getting the Club information circulated, or simply want to tell us something, just let us know at sam-editor@iam-sheffield.bike. We’ll be happy to ensure that we stay in touch with you. You can also now sign up for Club emails on the SAM website. Paul Conway
Editor & Webmaster, Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists
Next SAM Club Night
3rd June 2024
7.30pm for an 8pm start
Treeton Miners Welfare Club
Arundel Street, Treeton
Rotherham S60 5PW
Next SAM Committee Meeting
29th June 2024
Details to be arranged
Stephen’s fundraiser for The Royal British Legion
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity. Here is the link if you want to do it with me
Donate here (please be as generous as possible)
Glew’s ride to raise money for CRUK. A challenge in aid of Cancer Research UK, for motorcyclists on cheap and inappropriate motorcycles to ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 24hrs on the longest day of the year. Bikes must have been bought for no more than £600! This is a massive challenge but it is all for a superb cause. If I could ask all of my friends, family and colleagues to donate what ever you can afford so Cancer Research can continue the fantastic work to help save and improve people’s lives, I would be most grateful. The part I will play is to ride my 40 year old bike 1100 miles in 24 hours non stop. Your donations will get me through every mile. Thank You.
Donate here (please be as generous as possible)
Online Motorcycle News
General
Presenter and producer Billy Ward is the latest guest on the brand new motorcycling podcast, Full Chat.
Ward has been presenting and producing travel television shows for nearly two decades, working with the likes of Charlie Boorman and Ross Noble.
Learn more
Norton Motorcycles is set to launch its colour customisation programme, One of One, at this year’s Bike Shed Moto Show on Friday, 24th May.
One of One enables Norton customers to personalise their motorcycle at the point of purchase using any paint colour they desire and choose bespoke stitching and colours for accompanying accessories… Read more
It might be illegal, but plenty of motorists still seem to think it’s okay to use their phone when they’re behind the wheel. The good news is that the National Highways agency is investing in technology which can catch out serial scrollers in an effort to make our roads safer.
Riding a motorcycle forces a greater level of awareness of what’s happening on the roads around you. You’ve got to have eyes in the back of your head, assume that every car’s going to pull out, and watch out for drivers that clearly haven’t seen you. But ride anywhere up, down and across the UK and you’ll see motorists with a phone in their hand…Read more
True Heroes Racing, the UK’s first motorcycle race team dedicated to supporting wounded, injured and sick UK service personnel and veterans, are set to celebrate their 12th year on the track in style.
The team will be taking part in some of the country’s biggest motorcycle competitions such as the Bennetts British Superbike Superstock 1000 and the Quattro British Supersport Championship. Read more
BSB with a view as Cadwell Park opens new hospitality centre
Lincolnshire race circuit Cadwell Park have opened a new hospitality centre, aiming to give customers a more luxurious spectating experience at the top of the iconic Mountain section.
Based within the collection area, beneath the circuit paddock, the ‘Mountain Pavilion Hospitality Centre’ replaces the old off-white cabin offices that had stood for many years and features two suites and a covered outdoor area for watching the racing action…Read more
Rider health & safety
In basic terms, it’s a Honda CB500X and a few screens that sit inside the back of a van, to test riders on their hazard perception abilities. That’s maybe doing it a disservice. It’s not quite that simple; with custom software and real-life handling. It’ll allow users to accelerate, brake and change gear as they would on a normal machine. It’ll also allow you to change the weather, and with screens surrounding the rider, it’ll be properly immersive with the sights accompanied by sounds, vibrations and a set of working mirrors to add to the realism. There’s close to 100 miles of accurate UK road network available to explore, and it offers the ability to choose from an ‘unlimited number of exercises with different levels of complexity’…Read more
Boost your bike control, comfort and stamina with these simple fitness and flexibility tips from ex-Gladiator and fitness coach Jane Omorogbe… Part 3: Legs Whatever and wherever you’re…Read more
Motorcycle passenger seats are not exactly known for their comfort levels.
We know this.
No-one is expecting to climb onto the back of a motorcycle, and mistake it for a feather filled mattress.
But too often, motorcycle passenger seats are thin, narrow, and hard as a rock.
This makes me absolutely crazy.
Because why bother even having a motorcycle passenger seat that’s impossible to sit on?
We may as well just perch on the mudguard, and hope for the best…Read more
Eyeing up a bike—your pride and joy that you’ve spent countless enjoyable hours riding in the past—takes on a completely different character after a serious injury. Whether your bike even had anything to do with the injury or not may not even matter. You’re still going to have second thoughts about throwing a leg over.
The reason is simple: If you were hurt badly enough to have to stop riding, some part of you most likely doesn’t want to go through all that again. It’s completely understandable...Read more
With the new Automated Shift Assistant (ASA), BMW Motorrad presents an innovative technical solution that makes riding simpler and more comfortable. True to the motto “Simplify your ride,” the riding experience is enhanced by automation of the clutch and gear shifting process, without sacrificing the emotionally important dynamics of shifting…Read more
Over the years, I’ve done plenty of things to stay ahead of the next guy during motorcycle competitions. Mondays and Wednesdays were my heavy days when I’d do four to five credit-card lifts to purchase titanium bolts, special suspension coatings, and maybe a dash of custom motor work. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I’d bulk up with some online shopping for protein supplements, rehydration drinks, and energy bars. If some guy with a cool haircut made performance promises and all I had to do was eat it, drink it, or bolt it on, then I was all in. Money well spent, right?…Read more
10 Lies Motorcyclists Tell Themselves & Why They’re Wrong
As motorcyclists, we need to be a cut above the rest of vehicular traffic. I’ve been saying it for years (see my tweet from 2012), but just because we need to be nearly-perfect, it doesn’t make us perfect. We do make mistakes, and sometimes, we even lie to ourselves. Here are 10 lies that motorcyclists tell themselves, and why no matter confident we want to be, we’re still just plain wrong…Read more
Touring & Adventure
After completing four major motorcycle trips around our wonderful country, each ranging from 11,000 to 17,000 miles, I told my wife I was done with long‑distance rides. Sort of the same way I’ve told her, many times over, that this was going to be my last motorcycle purchase. Of course, she didn’t believe me…Read more
How to pick a hotel when Motorcycle Touring
Preparing for a motorcycle trip is a thrilling experience, yet it necessitates prudent planning. Once your journey is set, you’re left to book accommodation which can be somewhat daunting. If you’re faced with the possibility of planning a motorcycle trip, here are some helpful strategies if you’re looking to save money on hotels and get the type of accommodation you need….Read more
History & Custom
SPIRIT OF THE SIXTIES: A SYM WOLF 125 VINTAGE RACER FROM TAIWAN
Since the dawn of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, the 125 cc class has served as a proving ground for factories and riders alike, producing frenetic racing and memorable machines. The 250 cc Moto3 class replaced the classic 125 cc category twelve years ago, but Grand Prix racing’s ‘starter’ series continues to provide thrills—and glimpses of…READ MORE
Who would have ever imagined finding one of life’s great loves in an old barn? That’s exactly where Clay Babb first encountered his one and only. When he discovered Old Betsy, she wasn’t the beauty she is today. Their journey began with a bumpy ride home, but from that moment on, their bond only grew stronger. Who says love can’t transform us? Clay has poured his heart into making Betsy run as smoothly as a dream. The years may have left their mark on her, but the dedication and passion Clay has shown in keeping her running are truly remarkable. This love shows no signs of fading anytime soon.…READ MORE
Whiteknights Blood Bikes
Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes would like to hear from people who are able to become volunteer fundraisers for this vital charity that benefits patients in Yorkshire.
Please get In touch. Even if you can only spare an hour to volunteer for us – we really need people to help us. Hope to hear from you soon. Message us through Facebook or email
South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership
Kevin Williams
Advanced Errors #5 Developing a superiority complex
Whilst I don’t want to fall into the trap of generalising about riders who have taken post-test training, I don’t think it’s unfair to say that one of the biases we tend to have as bikers generally is to believe that “most bikers are far better drivers than car-only drivers”. I’ve heard it many times, most recently in a discussion about why motorcyclists overtake cars so often. The writer was implying that he knew how to overtake slower vehicles, the drivers stuck behind them didn’t…Read more
Advanced Errors #4 The limitations of the Limit Point
Here’s an absolutely basic riding rule. To avoid having to make an emergency stop, we should always aim to be able to stop WELL WITHIN in the distance we can SEE TO BE CLEAR and also EXPECT TO REMAIN CLEAR. This is a prime directive and explained in Motorcycle Roadcraft. This point where we lose an an uninterrupted view the road AND the road SURFACE is often called the Limit Point. Alternative names are the Vanishing Point, the Distance Point and the Convergence Point. Unless someone has some particular insight as to why they differ, I’d say they are all the same thing – the furthest point we can see the road ahead…Read more
in today’s show… rider dies in Cornish village collision… Shane Byrne sues over 2018 career-ending crash… final journey by hearse takes teen rider on two laps of Brands… insurance costs inflated by claims management companies… Woolwich ferry operating hours extended… Liberia recommends sanitising shared bike taxi helmets… is Singapore’s two-wheeler road pricing unit fit for purpose… if it’s got wheels race it – Dubai e-scooter cup… Yamaha World Superbike team confirm imminent R9… in today’s in-depth feature – why we can’t simply trust we’ll be able to steer a motorcycle…Watch here
How long is a piece of string? Or a biking post?
I had several mildly sarcastic messages from someone who clearly didn’t like Tuesday’s ToT post on the ‘Limit Point’., including“surely this is just common sense”, that I was “too wordy” and “Wow! Longest post ever!”
Really? It came in at around 2200 words. That’s around 7 or 8 minutes reading for an average person…Read more
Bent arms – the key to counter-steering
I read the other day that:
“To steer effectively, you need to be in a racing crouch.”
This claim was in an online article and attached to a photo of a couple of bike with lowish-looking bars. As a source, it cited an instructor with pretty impressive credentials – Nurburgring coach, senior IAM observer and ex-endurance racer…Read more
Elevenses 431 Sun 26 May – motorcycle news, tips & views
in today’s show… Cornish Bloodbiker dies in bike-on-bike crash on NC500 ride… new Ace Café franchise for Florida… Indonesian minister pledges cash for 800k electric motorcycles and 200k electric conversions from ICE bikes… organisers of in-doubt Indian MotoGP insist event will happen… does live drone footage from MotoGP sound a sensible idea… pay extra £100, get pre-distressed helmet from Ruroc… CFMOTO tease 500cc four-cylinder sports bike… in-depth today – has the creation of the Scottish NC500 route backfired…Watch here
Motorcycling Organisations' News -
"They speak for YOU in the UK & Europe"
IAM RoadSmart
Banish the pollen blues with these top tips from IAM RoadSmart.
Hay fever season is in full swing, and there is nothing worse than battling through the day constantly sneezing with a runny nose, headache, and itchy eyes, especially when driving. According to the Met Office, one in five people is affected by hay fever. So, what can you do if you are affected during the high pollen season? Read more
Are you 17-30? 
Belt up: https://bit.ly/3aiOMjh
UK National Motorcyclists Council
The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) NMC has today launched an important campaign which aims to put motorcycling on the map in parliamentary constituencies in advance of the General Election.
A ‘Motorcycling Matters’ manifesto and campaign website has been created by the NMC’s members, which sets out in simple terms what motorcyclists need the post-election Government to deliver for motorcycling. It presents a manifesto for a positive vision for the future of transport and the role of motorcycling within this. There are seven key themes:
- Transport Choice: Bringing motorcycling into the mainstream of transport policy
- The introduction of improved and simplified licensing, training and testing
- Safer roads for riding, tackling potholes and proper investment in motorcycle safety.
- Adoption of a “technology neutral” approach to decarbonisation, preserving rider choice.
- Default access to all bus lanes, continued free parking and protecting motorcycle access to the full road network, including sealed and green roads.
- Ensuring greater recognition of and support for the UK motorcycle sports sector.
- Recognition of the cultural importance of the classic bike sector and protection for the UK’s motorcycling heritage… Read more
FEMA
C-ITS systems (Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems) that warn a motorcyclist of an upcoming danger only work if the rider is interpreting the warning correctly and reacts accordingly. So far however, there is little knowledge about how long a rider reaction towards a warning takes. Additionally, the question arises whether reactions from the passenger car domain can be applied to powered two-wheelers.
Two whitepapers describe two dynamic motorcycle riding simulator studies by the Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC), which investigated motorcycle riders’ reaction times towards different types of warnings. Such knowledge can bridge the gap between results from the accidentology side to the use case and test case specific strategies. The latter focus on the decision on how an application’s display/ alert principle should be designed (e.g., advisory notification, crash warning, active intervention)…Read more
British Motorcyclists Federation
The British Motorcycling Federation (BMF) is calling on all riders to act now. We need you take part in the National Motorcycling Council (NMC)/BMF’s election campaign to put motorcycling front and centre of the next government’s future transport policy so as to ensure a bright and sustainable future for UK motorcycling.
Over the course of the six-week election campaign, the motorcycling community has a real opportunity to influence Prospective Parliamentary Candidates of all parties to ensure that we put motorcycling fully on the map in all parliamentary constituencies in advance of the General Election…Read more
