Table of Contents
Editorial
Last Saturday’s Meet was packed with riders and there was a real buzz around the car park and in Macdonalds. There was a heated debate on how to get the most out of the fine weather. Some members were going away, so travel plans were keenly discussed. Everyone at the last SAM Committee meeting had something to do, so there was time to catch up on progress. The SAM Online Library is coming together nicely and any material that SAM members want to share would be a help. The library will be hosted on the SAM website. It will have five sections: 1. SAM Committee, 2. Observers, 3. Associates, 4. Members and 5. Public. The content will focus on our publicity, education and training provision. This aims to include handout, presentations, video guides and annotated routes. All our supporting material in one place. Did you know that we know have the SAM Business Card and Leaflet in pdf format on the website. It’s really easy for members to support SAM by printing out and sharing. Thank you.
If you think that the SAM Advanced Rider training is tough, take a look at the 1986 training for the White Helmets. It’s a blend of physical torture and exhaustion in the Yorkshire Dales. Mandatory Speed Limiters are being introduced throughout the EU and in the UK. They will be fitted to new cars and retro fitted to existing cars in showrooms. Now this is an interesting development. Just think of how much money the UK government will lose when only older cars are caught speeding. There are new motorcycle type regulations being introduced. There are 3 main principles: 1. International alignment, 2. Flexible recognition of standards and testing anywhere in the world, 3. Explore the potential for bespoke domestic requirement or processes. Of course, we now have an imminent parliamentary election, so it may be some time before anything will happen.
In your newsletter this week, our intrepid heros, Steve Bennett and Simon Glew, will set off on their respective charity rides. We wish them every success. Ride safe chaps.
The growing restrictions on noisy motorcycles have prompted KTM to research solutions. Cardo have introduced crash detection in their comms units. There is a customised BMW K 1100 to be seen. The Annual Bike Shed London Show had 16,000 visitors. Freddie Dobbs got early press access to the venue. I was surprised that you can pick up some really cool custom bikes for less than £7,000! Given the hours of dedicated love and care lavished on these bikes, I think the owners might be looking for seed money for the next project.
There is a massive amount of content for your enjoyment. 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.
Next SAM Club Night
1st July 2024
7.30pm for an 8pm start
Treeton Miners Welfare Club
Arundel Street, Treeton
Rotherham S60 5PW
Next SAM Committee Meeting
26th June 2024
Details to be arranged
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)
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)
Online Motorcycle News
General
It’s interesting. We face numerous technological abilities to communicate, but are we communicating more or less? I’m trying to stay focused and connected on so many issues. I need to wire and fire the Knucklehead and write another story. I’m working on about six projects with the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, but some of them have up to 25 elements, like marketing and fund raising. Read more
For a lot of people, motorcycle aero is a rather touchy subject. Similar in essence to folks who are dissed for putting massive wings on the backs of their Honda Civics, motorcycles with crazy aero can’t really reap any of the promised benefits out on the public road. Read more
Rider health & Safety
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There’s a growing movement in Europe toward tighter noise limits for motorcycles and the adoption of enforcement technologies including noise-sensing cameras to catch offenders. Now manufacturers are starting to find solutions including one illustrated in an intriguing new patent from KTM. Read more
Cardo to the rescue | New premium intercom has got your back in an emergency with auto crash detection.Intercom units aren’t exactly the first thing that springs to mind when you think about motorcycle safety items, but Cardo are looking to change that. Read more
With the signing of HF 5247 into law by Governor Tim Walz on Friday, May 24, Minnesota has become the sixth state to legalize lane filtering. This move places Minnesota as the easternmost state to adopt this legislation, joining California, Utah, Montana, Arizona, and Colorado in allowing motorcyclists to filter through traffic. Read more
The Triumph Scrambler 1200: How to Clean a Matt Motorcycle Gas Tank Our Triumph Scrambler 1200 has a gorgeous two-tone green gas tank. The front section is a shiny forest green, and the back part is a matt olive green. The front section is a shiny forest green, and the back part is a matt olive green. The two sections are split by a bright yellow line, like a flash of lightning. Yep, it looks pretty cool. But this motorcycle gas tank is an absolute nightmare to clean. It’s not like cleaning a standard motorcycle gas tank, where you just wash, dry, and polish. The Triumph Scrambler 1200 is different – and a real challenge. Read more
If you frequently ride in a group, then chances are you’re well acquainted with the group riding formation, as well as the proper way to behave when riding in a group. And if you’ve been riding for quite some time now, chances are you’re also familiar with the hand signals that were widely used long before intercom systems became mainstream. Read more
Touring & Adventure
Great American Scenic Byways Tour
Taking on a nation’s worth of curves for a good cause. Every trip starts with a send-off and the first mile. This banner about supporting the Parkinson’s Foundation made the entire journey with me. Read more
Over 100 motorcycles available to test ride at Adventure Bike Rider Festival 2024 Organisers of the annual Adventure Bike Rider Festival have confirmed that over 100 motorcycles will be available to test ride at this year’s event. Returning to the grounds of Ragley Hall in Warwickshire on June 28-30, the two-wheeled weekender will give visitors the chance to throw a leg over models from more than 20 manufacturers – with much more than just adventure models on offer.
History & Custom
FUTURE NOSTALGIA: A BMW K1100RS CAFÉ RACER BY POWERBRICK
No motorcycle encapsulates the vibe of 90s BMW sport tourers quite like the BMW K1100RS. It had everything—three-spoke wheels, triangular bodywork, and a stonking inline-four block orientated horizontally in the frame. But behind all of that quirkiness lay a hella capable machine. Although the venerable K is starting to show its age, it’s finding new…READ MORE
Annual Bike Shed London Show brings 16,000 custom bike fans into the capital The London Bike Shed Moto Show attracted thousands of custom and classic fans to the nation’s capital late last month, with 16,000 attendees visiting the Tobacco Dock venue between May 24-26. Read more
FUTURE NOSTALGIA: A BMW K1100RS CAFÉ RACER BY POWERBRICK
No motorcycle encapsulates the vibe of 90s BMW sport tourers quite like the BMW K1100RS. It had everything—three-spoke wheels, triangular bodywork, and a stonking inline-four block orientated horizontally in the frame. But behind all of that quirkiness lay a hella capable machine. Although the venerable K is starting to show its age, it’s finding new…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
A message from Sheffield and District Advanced Motorcyclists – SAM about helmet wearing: #sheffield #barnsley #Doncaster #Rotherham
Roaring engines, wind whipping past, and the freedom of the open road are the exhilarating hallmarks of motorcycle culture. However, during the thrill lies an undeniable truth: the inherent risk of accidents. Even a brief moment of distraction can have dire consequences. Amidst the chaos, one defense stands tall as a beacon of protection, the humble helmet. Come along as we discuss the pivotal role helmets play in mitigating head injuries in motorcycle accidents and navigating the legal landscape with vigilance and insight. Read more
Kevin Williams
In yesterday’s Elevenses, I reported on a crash involving two motorcycles that left one rider dead and the other seriously injured. The exact circumstances are under police investigation. The incident took place on the North Coast 500, a Scottish circular itinerary of just over 500 miles covering “stunning coastal scenery, white sandy beaches, rugged mountains, remote fishing villages, hidden gems, and a wealth of unforgettable experiences”. Read more
Zen Motorcycling through the lens of risk. Due to a scheduling error, the item scheduled for today went out last Tuesday on Ko-Fi simultaneously with the article that should have gone out last week. I got it right on Facebook, so for you lucky people here on Ko-Fi ONLY here’s a BONUS POST. Enjoy! Read more
Elevenses 432 Wed 29 May – motorcycle news, tips & views
in today’s show… new EU controls likely to cause delays at ports and Eurotunnel… bikers crossing from Malaysia to Singapore to use digital ID QR codes… President of Czechia spends night in hospital after minor motorcycle crash… Bournemouth dealer targeted by thieves… okada protesters dead after exchange of gunfire with Lagos police… two foreign nationals have illegally modified bikes seized in Thailand… drawings of CFMOTO’s new 500-four engine emerge… in-depth today… counter-steering 101 – a basic guide to getting a bike to turn… Watch here
More Haste, Less Speed – eleven years on. Back in 2013, I wrote an article saying I was: “…generally very impressed by the driving standards of fire appliances or ambulances, and most police traffic drivers as they thread their way calmly but positively through busy traffic.” Read more
How do we make a motorcycle ‘steer faster’? Last week I was talking about an article that suggested that a rider needed to be “in a racing crouch to steer effectively” and concluded that it was most likely whoever edited the article got at least partly the wrong end of the stick, since the advice came from a highly-qualified instructor. I suggested that if we want to steer a bike effectively, it’s not a racing crouch that’s needed, simply a posture where we can ride with relaxed shoulders, relaxed wrists and – most important of the late – relaxed elbows. Avoiding locking out our arms is the place to start. Read more
Elevenses 433 Sun 2 June – motorcycle news, tips & views. in today’s show… girl fights for life after Hackney ride-by shooting… 15 year old bike thief who killed 7 year old detained for 64 months… 15 year old Aussie dirt champion succumbs to her injuries… police return stolen bikes to German tourists on IoM… Czech tourists bikeless after theft in Edinburgh… MAG vow election ‘move on motorcycling’… ‘hilarious’ video of biker towing skater… TT – from riding challenge to spectator spectacle… Michael Dunlop switches bike, goes faster, wins 26th TT… Voge 900 DSX twin in showrooms… in-depth today – what’s Scotland doing about bike crashes – much as usual it seems… Watch here
Motorcycling Organisations' News
IAM RoadSmart
The UK’s largest independent road safety charity IAM RoadSmart has published its manifesto “safer roads for all” calling on all political parties to bring forward plans to reduce the numbers of killed and seriously injured (KSIs) on our roads following last week’s announcement that a general election will be held on the 4th July. Read more
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. Read more
FEMA
Motorcyclists Unite – FEMA And FIM Formalize Their Relationship The two most influential motorcyclists’ organisations have committed to work together even more closely. FEMA joins FIM as an associate member, which will formalize and further develop their ties, to the benefit of both organisations. FEMA newsBritish Motorcycling Federation
Securing The Support Of Parliamentary Candidates For Motorcycling
The forthcoming General Election is probably the most important for motorcycling for a generation. We face a situation where, like 1997, all political parties have everything to play for. With a strong likelihood of a change in Government, we now have a real opportunity to reshape the narrative and thinking around motorcycling and send a clear message to candidates about what riders need from a new government. Read more
The Introduction Of Improved And Simplified Licensing, Training And Testing
The BMF calls on the future Government to make the current motorcycle licensing regime easier to understand and access; removing the current complexity, repetition and high costs, while maintaining the UK’s high road safety standards in training. The BMF seeks the support and action of all riders to deliver this key priority for UK motorcycling. Read more
New Rider Hub
#MiBvSRP – Feeling drained? A bit flat today? Spark gone from your life? 
Your battery can really suffer over the winter, so show it some love with Mech it Better 
