Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists – Weekly Newsletter 05 September 2025
Table of Contents
Editorial
Finally, a big thank you to the entire motorcycling community for their support of the MAG campaign, which successfully gets a parliamentary debate on the default access to bus lanes for motorcycles. This is progress and will hopefully make our roads safer for everyone on two wheels or four. Ride safe and happy reading.
The information in this newsletter we shared is for discussion and scrutiny. Riders, riding and the riding environment are highly complex aspects of road safety. Thinking bikers welcome the challenge of reviewing information in these areas. Question everything about bikes, bikers and biking that is posted online, or written anywhere by anyone, including this newsletter. We are more mature that ‘spitting the dummy’ – but it may happen sometimes!!!!
To all those having a hard time: Sometimes, unexpected events will put a rider in hospital, or alter our lives in other ways. To anyone who is having a hard time, we are here to give support and wherever possible to make life a little easier – even if it is only to make you laugh until stitches threaten to pop, share the grapes and tell you what you are missing. Get well soon.
Your success is our success!
Congratulations to Bryan Wibberley (and Observer, Clive Lewis) on passing your advanced rider, with a F1rst (top marks). Welcome to the club
Congratulations to Pete Heaton (and Observer, Aidan Latham – right) on passing your advanced rider, with a F1rst (top marks). Welcome to the club
Advanced riders are safer road users, ride longer, rider further, meet more people and enjoy a healthier, happier life!
SAM Annual Photo Competition Winner 2025
SAM Annual Photo Competition Winner 2025
Steve Harper receiving the framed picture of his winning photo from our Chair Fran Thompson
For Your Diary
Meetings
Next SAM Club Night
6th October 2025
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
25th September 2025
Details to be arranged
Online Motorcycling News
General
A quick reminder that you can come and join us at The National Motorcycle Museum on Sunday 14th September to celebrate the next chapter of The Motorbike Show. FREE entry to the event and FREE parking (for cars and bikes). Find out more at… Read more
When it comes to a sustainable mobility future, the EV industry comes to mind. However, an invention relying on merely air has already somewhat put a new spin on what a sustainable mobility future could look like. Japan seems to be putting a stop to the conversation on lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells as its newest invention relies on no burned fuel, emits no carbon, reaches a speed of over 80 mph, makes no noise, and seems to be powered by compressed air alone. Perhaps innovation at its finest, but could air really be what the mobility world is searching for?
An invention that was ignored for far too long
With the revelation of the Ku:Rin by Toyota Industries Corporation came an air-powered vehicle that could reach speeds of 129,2 km/h (80,3 mph). What started off as a passion project by in-house engineers called Yume no Kuruma Kobo (Dream Car Workshop) became a showcase for something incredible.
The Ku:Rin was one of the first vehicles to run on compressed air alone that was stored in a tank so as to power the engine due to expanding and pushing pistons. Not only was compressed air used, but an emissions-free design that set records in terms of speed. Read more
The company’s 2024 annual report revealed a 15 percent revenue decline, setting the tone for what has become a troubled 2025. In the first quarter of this year, global retail sales fell 21 percent, while motorcycle shipments dropped 33 percent. Revenue sank to $1.33 billion, down 23 percent from the same quarter in 2024. North American sales alone fell 24 percent, reaching just 20,900 units.
Harley’s sole adventure model, the Pan America, has failed to deliver significant results following its initial launch success and 2021 claim it was the “#1 selling adventure‑touring motorcycle in North America.” Weak sales eventually pushed the company to shift production offshore to Thailand. Rival brands have shown stronger long-term performance; BMW’s R 1300 GS, GS Adventure, and F-series GS models remain among the segment leaders joined with the increasing amount of Asian offerings. Read more
Countless riders have loved its easy-going V-twin charm, but the end is nigh for Suzuki’s long-running SV650 as it is dropped from the UK range in 2026, with emissions restrictions calling time on the popular rumbling roadster.
With the bike still only Euro5 compliant, the UK arm of the Japanese business have confirmed that it will not be updated to meet the latest Euro5+ standards, meaning it cannot continue to be sold here next year.
“The SV650 is being sold under derogation as it does not meet the required emissions regulations standards to remain on sale in its current guise in 2026,” Senior Motorcycle Marketing Manager for the UK, Jak Tyrrell told MCN.At this time, it’s unclear whether the bike will continue in other markets, with previously discontinued models such as the 2017-on GSX-R1000 superbike remaining on sale in places such as the US, despite leaving the UK and Europe in 2022. Read more
A friend of mine once said to me, “Whenever it rained badly, I would rather my motorcycle stay the night than my girlfriend.” Crazier things have been said by riders, or rather, fanatics. So, to hear that a man chose a ride with buddies over his daughter’s nuptials…I’m afraid to say it, but I’m not surprised. And now understanding the conditions of this choice – he’d lost $22.5k when she canceled her first destination wedding, only to go on the trip anyway to take “revenge photos,” part of me was sympathetic.
But then again, life’s about choices.
The father chose to bring up a kid who didn’t appreciate money, people, or a classy exit. He could have also told his clearly ungrateful daughter that “revenge photos” are for people who can fund their own vacations, to Puerto Rico in this case. Then, instead of taking this as a teachable moment (for both of them) where they could bond over being annoying and possibly have a chance to grow, he exited stage left for a not really once-in-a-lifetime ride to Glacier National Park Read more
In a recent issue, the magazine took a look at what it calls “Grand Theft Global Inc.” and the fact that Britain is seemingly at the heart of a worldwide industry that sees stolen goods shipped to numerous countries – predominantly in Africa and Asia – and then resold. Read more
Rider Health & 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...
A pioneering new road safety initiative that is designed to make motorcycling safer has been introduced in North and Mid Wales.
PRIMEs (Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment) are innovative road markings and signage that aim to help motorcyclists make safer decisions when approaching and negotiating bends in roads.
Following a highly successful trial in Scotland — where over 32,000 motorcyclist journeys were analysed across 22 sites — the Welsh Government, in partnership with the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA), North Wales Police and Dyfed Powys Police, has rolled out PRIME markings at four key sites in North and Mid Wales. These are: Read more
Bargain-basement lids and fake CE labels are flooding the market thanks to online only sellers, but a new law could finally force online giants to play by the same safety rules as your local bike shop.
If you’ve ever scrolled through Amazon, eBay or Temu and been tempted by a helmet for less than the cost of a pizza, you’ll already know the problem. They look the part, glossy carbon-effect shells, a few “CE” logos slapped on, maybe even some glowing reviews. But scratch the surface and it becomes clear: much of this stuff is about as protective as a plastic salad bowl. Read more
Motorcycle Riding: 9 Essential Safety Tips
For many, nothing matches the sheer exhilaration and sense of freedom that you experience when riding a motorcycle. It’s truly unique and thrilling to open up the throttle and feel the wind in your face as the speed needle heads toward red.
However, with that thrill comes responsibility. It goes without saying that motorcycles don’t offer the same protection as cars. That means safety needs to be at the front of your mind whenever you fire up the engine.
The range of bikes available is hugely enticing. You only have to search Aprilia motorcycles, for instance, to see how tempting it is to own a bike. If you succumb to all that temptation and buy a motorcycle, it would be a smart move to adopt some essential safety practices. That way, you can enjoy the ride while keeping risks to a minimum. Read more
MANUFACTURERS’ RECALLS
Your Dunlop tyre PRO Medium 120/80-12 55J TT93GP may have a thin layer of compound covering the tread surface. This condition can reduce grip, increasing the risk of motorcycle accidents and injuries.
The crankshaft position sensor on your Honda SH125ADR, SH125AD2R, SH150ADR or SH125AD2R can disconnect. This can cause the engine to shut off causing an accident and serious injuries.
Check our website for the production dates.
FEMA, Europe’s leading motorcyclists’ organisation, shows you all recalls: Read more
Q. Can you help me settle a debate that is currently raging on a Facebook group I am in. A woman who has popped up in the group (she is not a biker, but her husband is I believe) has started offering ‘sparkly helmets’ (no, this is not some ‘special service’ you may see on a late-night TV documentary).
Instead, if you give her your helmet, she will glue crystals and beads, etc., to it and personalise it for you. So far, I have seen photographs of Union Jacks and lions’ faces, etc. You get the idea. Whilst it’s not my cup of tea (spot the old man with a plain matt black lid!) I get that everyone is different and like different things. Read more
Adventure & Touring
Among the most notable measures is the requirement for motorcyclists to wear full-face or modular helmets, as well as approved protective gloves. According to DGT data, these regulations could represent a significant step forward in preventing serious injuries in the event of an accident, particularly to the upper limbs and head, which are especially vulnerable areas for two-wheeled vehicle users.
In addition, the new rules require both motorcyclists and cyclists to wear reflective elements that ensure visibility up to 150 metres in low-light conditions or at night. This measure aims to reduce pedestrian and side-collision accidents, which are among the main causes of fatal incidents involving these groups in Spain. Read more
Starting your journey as an adventure or dual-sport rider means there’s much to learn. It’s smart not to rush into this adventure without getting ready first. Spending time to learn the basics is important for creating a strong base before venturing out on those off-road trails. Here are three key points to level up your riding game and help keep you safe and self-assured when dealing with the challenging terrains common to adventure and dual-sport riding.
• Gear Up for Safety and Confidence
One of the cardinal rules in motorcycling is, “All the Gear, All the Time” (ATGATT). This philosophy underscores the need to suit up with appropriate safety gear, not just for you but for your bike, too. Spend time investigating the best high-quality gear your budget will allow. This includes a DOT/ECE-approved helmet, gloves, boots, body armor, and durable riding apparel—this is non-negotiable. Read more
In U.S. motorized iconography, the legendary Route 66 opened in 1926, providing a unified roadway stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, some 2,450 miles. By its creation, the myth of the endless straight road was born. Although the route officially disappeared in 1985, thousands still travel it every year looking to soak up some genuine Americana.
However, there’s a much older, far less known historical path that runs from ocean to ocean, across eight states and 2,500 miles: The Old Spanish Trail. Read more
A record-breaking sidecar duo have completed a gruelling three-week adventure through Africa for a new television series, destined to appear next year
Matt Bishop and Reece Gilkes, known as ‘The Sidecar Guys’ rode around the world on a scooter and sidecar between 2017 and 2019, setting a 34,000-mile Guinness World Record for the longest journey by scooter and sidecar in the process.
Since returning, they have also founded The Armchair Adventure Festival, as well as running sidecar experiences in the North East, and becoming a sales partner for three-wheeled Ural outfits. Read more
History & Custom
John Morrison Batchelder Jr. is not going to friend you on Facebook. He isn’t going to like your posts or watch your latest YouTube video. He isn’t going to answer your calls when he’s on the road. If curiosity strikes, Google is the last place he will look to educate himself, and he sure as hell won’t be buying anything on Amazon or eBay any time soon. He doesn’t own a cell phone or a computer. The credit card companies don’t even know his name.
He is, however, a walking encyclopedia of knowledge and history pertaining to Indian motorcycles and vintage racing. And if you are lucky enough to spend any amount of time with him, it becomes very clear that a lifetime of connectivity means nothing compared to a lifetime of living.
Welcome to the handcrafted pageant of power. This is high-speed, baby. Not just a few seconds of tromp-your-foot-on-the-throttle-and hope-you-don’t-get-arrested speed, but all-out, flat-out speed, a ragged edge rapture that only the determined few experience. On the salt, you find the limits of your courage, you learn what daring greatly is all about, and you understand why a Bonneville Salt Flats speed record is an internationally respected pedigree. People who go to the salt flats become a family bound together by speed — a powerful force erases ethnic, economic, political and religious barriers: They are land speed racers, and this is their story. Read more
The “Legends to Kings” series explores Indian’s racing history and present efforts. The second episode is titled “The Machines.” (Photos courtesy Indian Motorcycle)
Indian Motorcycle’s new “Legends to Kings” video series continues with the release of “Legends to Kings | The Machines,” available on Indian’s YouTube channel now. Whereas last week’s episode covered significant Indian riders from the past and present, this week’s installment covers the motorcycles that have carried the Wrecking Crew to championships.The “Machines” episode takes a step back in time, exploring motorcycle racing of the early 20th century. The discussion begins in 1908 with the “torpedo tank racers,” some of the first production racing motorcycles. Following that was the PowerPlus from 1915 and the wide-reaching success of the Scout as the basis of Indian’s racing efforts. Read more
Kevin Williams
Third Gear: Integrating techniques across our riding
In this series we’re looking at how the learning process itself – rather than simply WHAT we learn – moves us through the journey from the basics towards mastery of everything from playing a musical instrument, swinging a golf club, perfecting a tennis serve or riding a motorcycle is far more easily achieved when we step consciously progressively upwards through a series of goals, each achievement based solidly on the one below it. As I said, think motorcycle gearbox, where each higher gear is selected from the gear below.
This week, we’re going to look at how we begin to integrate the ‘core skills’ that we learned in ‘First Gear’ and polished up to become consistent in ‘Second Gear’. Third gear is where we take those building blocks and begin to weave them together. Third gear is about moving from drills to real-world riding. It’s where the clutch, throttle, brakes, gears, observation and all the other individual skills we need to ride a motorcycle stop being standalone actions in one particular place at one particular time, and begin to make sense across multiple different scenarios. Read more
Recovering from a high frequency wobble
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I usually accompany the commentary on these videos with a clip shot from my own bikes, but Doodle on a Motorcycle’s recent crash on a Janus Halcyon 250 has got a lot of coverage on the internet, lots of talk about her ‘death wobble’. In Doodle’s case, the wobble rapidly escalated, she lost control and crashed. Three months on, she’s still recovering.
Predictably, there’s been a lot of speculation about the design of the machine involved – it’s a ‘neo-classic’ with a 20’s style chassis on skinny tyres – but every caster wheel assembly, from a shopping trolley wheel up to a motorcycle front end, has a natural frequency of oscillation. It doesn’t just affect old or classic-style machines on skinny tyres either – the third video link below shows a modern Yamaha MT-09 Tracer experiencing a mild wobble. Read more
Full Facts – A lesson in using social media
I’ve spent the last few weeks discussing how to filter out the junk content put out on social media by ‘influencers’ writing stories designed less around being useful and informative and far more about including plenty of ‘hooks’ to grab attention, carefully engineering stories to trigger algorithmic levers, and thus jump the post to top of social media feeds.
Just over two weeks ago Derbyshire Constabulary popped up a post on Facebook that was intended to remind riders about their BikeSafe workshops. [1] Kevin dropped me a line on my Ko-Fi page (where I have a reliable private message service, incidentally) as asked me what I thought about it.
It certainly grabbed attention, as it was surely intended to do. How did the post manage that? The attention-grabbing element was a statement that “90% of fatal motorcycle crashes in 2024” were down to rider error. See the graphic. Read more
SMIDSY – What comes out might go in
One of my exercises on my Crash Course presentation is to get the attendees to look at a photo of a junction and work through all the possibilities – where vehicles can come from, where they can go to. Surprisingly, even riders with advanced training qualifications really struggle with this one. And so do journalists writing riding tips too. For example, writing about the ‘Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You’ collision between a motorcycle and a turning vehicle, one writer said:
“As with all advanced riding, the key to avoiding a SMIDSY starts with your observations and keeping an eye on the left-hand side of the road, whether there is a junction there or not, to look out for potential danger. When you spot a car approaching from the left…”
You may be wondering what’s wrong with this advice. It’s lifted word-for-word from an article on a biking website entitled “Most common motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them”. After all, don’t we need to look out for vehicles in side roads and other openings that might emerge into our path? Read more
Ural – from 1945 to 2025 in one leap
[Based on an item in yesterday’s LIVE Elevenses webcast]
You have probably heard of Ural. Like me, you possibly know that the company built motorcycles for the Soviet war effort, to respond to the German invasion in 1941. You’ll possibly even have seen one of the World War Two style outfits, complete with the retained machine gun mount on the front of the chair. But where did their sidecar outfit come from?
I had a hazy memory that the Soviets had seized the old BMW production line as reparations at the end of the Second World War. But when I did a little more digging, it turned out that the Ural-builtd M72 military sidecar actually dates back to the late 1930, and its origins actually lie in reverse-engineering. Gearing up for the conflict they knew was coming, the Russian covertly acquired five BMW R71 military sidecar outfits via Sweden, and created a nut-and-bolt copy at the Moscow factory. Read more
Fourth Gear: Developing ‘flow’ in our riding
In this series we’re looking at the learning process itself, and how it matters just as much as WHAT we learn, whether that’s mastering a musical instrument, a golf club or a tennis racquet or learning motorcycling skills. Steady improvement is far more easily achieved when each successive level has a solid foundation on on the previous levels. Think motorcycle gearbox, where each higher gear is selected from the gear below.
Previously, we looked at how the core ‘first gear’ building block skills are polished to consistency in ‘second gear’, then woven into real-world riding in ‘third gear’ as the elements we’ve learned begin to make sense in multiple different scenarios. Today, we’ll shift up another gear to fourth, as we see how blending different techniques together is what achieves ‘flow’ – the necessary that comes blend as we tackle different riding tasks such as flowing through bends and coping with the complex traffic movements through a major roundabout. Read more
The Power of Flowing Water
As we reach the end of the northern hemisphere’s meteorological summer, and a summer that’s been exceptionally dry in many parts of the UK, the first of the autumn storms has already arrived, bringing with it significant amounts of rain. The problem with heavy rain, particularly when the ground is dry, is flooding. Heavy rain in upland areas can cause rivers to burst their banks and flood roads.
It’s tempting to try to cross flowing water when it looks shallow, and a few years back, one of the UK bike magazines included an article by a rider with a lot of overlanding experience, who claimed it was safe. Read more
How using social media can backfire
Just over two weeks ago Derbyshire Constabulary popped up a post on Facebook that was intended to remind riders about their BikeSafe workshops. [1] Unfortunately, the result was very different. It set off a storm of negative comment. And that was down to a statement that “90% of [the ten] fatal motorcycle crashes in 2024” were down to rider error. What really surprised me was that when I dug a bit deeper, I discovered a subsequent Freedom of Information request revealed that the true number of motorcyclist fatalities in 2014 was fifteen.
That discrepancy is significant. Claims based on numbers rely on those numbers being accurate. That is a foundation of trust between the public and the police and when sensitive subjects like road deaths are reported, the numbers are shaping perceptions, behaviours and, ultimately, public policy. It’s essential figures are correct. If the numbers are wrong, even unintentionally, it risks undermining confidence not only in the specific message but in the institution as a whole. Read more
SMIDSY – Conflicts, Collisions & Degrees of Freedom
Last week I was talking an article with some advice on avoiding the ‘Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You’ SMIDSY collision. It was fine as far as it went – which was to talk about the need to keep “an eye on the left-hand side of the road, whether there is a junction there or not”, but whilst the collision with an EMERGING vehicle is the MOST LIKELY crash, it’s not the only possible manoeuvre at a turning or other entrance on the left unless it’s the exit from a one-way street. A moment’s thought should remind us there are FOUR in total:
1. A vehicle could emerge and turn RIGHT
2. A vehicle could emerge and turn LEFT
3. A vehicle approaching from the opposite direction could TURN IN
4. A vehicle ahead of us could slow down and TURN IN
Whiteknights Blood Bikes
Just a quick thank you to Martin at Barrie Robson BMW Motorrad in York for completing an emergency repair for us first thing this morning.
This enabled the Widows Sons Blood Bike to return to its urgent delivery duties today.
Thank you to all the people who do what they can to support us.
Scooter safety:
It’s Cycle to Work Day 2025.
Do you cycle or have you thought about cycling as a form of commuting?
Here’s some great advice from Cycling UK about how to get started: www.cyclinguk.org/article/guide-cycling-work
Just ask Ed Clancy about the benefits!
#barnsley #Doncaster #Sheffield #Rotherham #cycling #cyclelife #CycleToWork
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
South Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing & Crime
Barnsley Council
Doncaster Council
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Sheffield City Council
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
Motorcycling Organisations
IAM RoadSmart
Has it been a while since you passed your Advanced test? 
· Sheila McMahon learnt to ride a motorbike following a car crash as a teenager
· After overcoming her fears of the road, she wanted to help others experiencing mental health issues
· When out biking Sheila wears a high vis vest with the words ‘Talking Mental Health’, which has inspired conversations in cafes and by the roadside
A mental health counsellor is taking to two wheels across Staffordshire and beyond to spark conversations about mental health issues. Read more
Are you aware of the OAP framework when out riding?
ACEM
Motorcycle industry calls for urgent action as prohibitive US tariffs on European motorcycles are introduced.
Brussels (Belgium) | 27 August 2025
The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) expresses serious concern that the EU-US Framework Agreement of 21 August falls significantly short of addressing the trade challenges facing European manufacturers.
While acknowledging diplomatic efforts on both sides of the Atlantic, the agreement’s partial scope leaves the European motorcycle industry facing the new general 15% tariff on products exported to the United States. Furthermore, European motorcycles, parts, and accessories are now also subject to 50% tariffs on their steel content. Read more
Motorcycle Industries Association
MCIA has today published the new vehicle market data for the month of July 2025.
This includes Mopeds, Scooters, Motorcycles and some other specific sectors of the wider L-Category vehicle types.
New registrations for the month of July show a welcome improvement at minus 2.4%, compared to minus 18.6% in June which represents a positive swing of over 16%. This trend is also reflected in an improved year to date market recovering to a minus 17.8% compared to the previous year.
The Scooter segments performance ahead of the 2024 market by 4.3% in the month where the Motorcycle segments remained negative albeit still vastly improved from the first 6 months. Standout style segments in the month were Adventure closing at 0.6% ahead of last year and Road Sport an impressive 15.5% on the same month in 2024. Read more
National Motorcycle Dealers Association
“The new motorcycle market has displayed signs of recovery, steadying after last month’s sharp decline. However, with registrations still in the negative, it suggests consumer confidence has not fully stabilised at the beginning of Q3” commented Symon Cook, Head of National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), according to the latest figures published by Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA).
New registrations in July saw improvement to -2.4% up 16% compared to last month’s -18.6% figure. Meanwhile, the “year-to-date” market slightly recovered to -17.8% compared to 2024.
Symon Cook concluded: “NMDA is pleased with the improvement when considering 2025’s decline and dealers can have a positive outlook for the remainder of Q3. However, we are concerned that the market has been largely ignored by the Government. Recently the Government introduced the new Electric Car Grant with a discount of £3,750, yet nothing of this ilk to incentivise consumers to buy motorcycles.
Looking ahead, the NMDA will be closely monitoring whether this boost can continue into the positive in the second half of the year and what impact the upcoming Autumn Budget may have on the industry.” Read more
National Motorcyclists Council
The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has welcomed news that the Department for Transport (DfT) is considering options for reviewing the current training, testing and licensing regime. The NMC, along several motorcycling organisations and other road safety stakeholders were told the news by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Lilian Greenwood MP who attended a round table meeting of the Government’s Motorcycle Strategic Focus Group on January 20th to discuss licensing and other aspects of motorcycle safety and policy. Read more…
The Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) has today (26th August) issued new guidance to some of its vehicle registration policies, making the rules around the notification of modifications to already registered motorcycles old and new more straightforward.
These changes follow a call for evidence which NMC member, the Vintage Motor Cycle Club (VMCC) responded to with the support of the NMC. Organisations in the four-wheeled historic vehicle sector also responded. As a result, the DVLA is replacing its existing policies on rebuilt and radically altered vehicles with three new sets of guidance that will apply to all vehicles, regardless of age. Read more
FEMA
A new study is sounding the alarm on the hidden threat all motorcyclists are aware of: the steel safety barriers lining thousands of kilometres of roads.
Motorcyclists across Europe are familiar with the dangers of slippery curves and unexpected obstacles. Researchers confirm that these barriers, designed primarily to protect car occupants, are a serious risk to motorcyclists in a specific type of accident: upright crashes. When a rider hits a barrier in an upright position, their chest or abdomen often slams directly into the sharp upper edge of the guardrail. The research paper calls for better guardrails to protect motorcyclists in these upright crashes.
While ‘motorcycle-friendly’ barriers already exist to reduce injuries from sliding crashes, where riders slide into the barrier after falling off their bike, the upper edge of standard guardrails remains lethal in upright impacts. Published in the journal Infrastructures, the study reviews a wide range of patents and designs aimed at reducing the danger of upper-edge impacts. The research team, made up of safety engineers and infrastructure experts, assessed thirteen international designs for their potential to save lives, including both low-cost retrofits and high-tech barrier add-ons.
British Motorcyclists Federation
A £1.5 million off-road riding centre in Powys has finally got the go ahead, after two planning permission refusals and a six-year battle which was finally settled by public enquiry. “This is a win not just for our business, but for Powys,” said Phil Wilding of Nightfly Limited, which is the developer behind the scheme.
But one thing sets this off-road centre apart from the others – it is designed primarily around electric off-road bikes. It’ll also include a purpose-built motocross centre, seven holiday log cabins and upgraded site infrastructure. The site – Rhydblawd Farm, near Builth Wells – has been hosting motocross for over 30 years, but the new centre represents a significant change, and a shift to electric power. Read more
Motorcycle Action Group
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) today marks the conclusion of our parliamentary petition on motorcycle bus lane access with over 27,000 signatures. This represents a doubling of support from the 13,885 who backed the policy in the Government’s consultation. The petition reached the top 0.7% of all UK parliamentary petitions. 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 by:
increasing your knowledge of riding skills and behaviour
giving you more time to focus on learning the practical skills
linking the eLearning to the practical skills. Read more
It can be hard when you are buying your first bike to make sure you get it right.Here are some top tips when buying a bike:
- Make sure you are the correct legal age to ride the type of motorcycle you want to ride
- Make sure all the documents are in order. Ask to see the V5C vehicle registration document (logbook), any service records, repair bills, inspection reports and handbooks
- Remember that a V5C vehicle registration document is not proof of ownership; it records who the registered keeper is for legal purposes
- An MOT certificate simply confirms that the motorcycle passed the test on the day it was submitted. It only covers the specific tests required and does not provide an absolute guarantee of the general quality of the motorcycle. If you have a problem with an MOT contact the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which enforces the law relating to these tests
- You can check the MOT history of a vehicle on GOV.UK website; it holds the test date, expiry date, test result, the mileage recorded when it was tested, the reason for an MOT failure and any advisory notice items
- An older motorcycle with high mileage may not be as good as a newer motorcycle with low mileage. It should still be fit for use on the road and in condition that reflects its age and price. Fair wear and tear are not considered to be a fault. Read more