Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists – Weekly Newsletter 06 March 2026
Table of Contents
Editorial
Motorcycling has packed a lot into the past seven days, from politics and safety to bold new tech and fresh reasons to get out and ride.
Politics, policing and safety
In the UK, police forces are continuing to lean hard into bikes as part of road safety, not just enforcement. Sussex and Surrey Police are piloting a new motorcycle accident prevention programme, positioning bikes and specialist officers at the heart of efforts to cut serious crashes rather than treating riders as the problem. For 18-year-old riders, that matters: it signals a shift towards working with bikers, using education and visibility instead of just cameras and tickets.
At national level, the industry is still pushing back against “cars-only” thinking in net zero policy. Recent statements from motorcycle trade bodies warn that focusing subsidies and infrastructure only on electric cars risks slowing progress, because lightweight motorcycles and scooters can cut congestion and emissions faster in many cities. The message is simple: if ministers ignore powered two-wheelers when planning transport, they are throwing away one of the easiest wins for cleaner, freer movement.
New kit, dealers and the business side
On the gear front, there has been a steady flow of launches aimed squarely at everyday riders. LS2 is pushing a new Challenger touring lid with advanced carbon construction to keep weight down while promising big-mile comfort, and Airoh’s Spark 2 has landed a full five-star SHARP rating, underlining how far budget-friendly helmets have come on impact protection. GIVI’s V49 AIR top box is grabbing attention too, offering serious luggage space with updated aerodynamics and styling that looks more “factory accessory” than “builder’s van bolted to the back.”
Dealers are in the spotlight as manufacturers reward strong performers. Greenham Kawasaki has been named Kawasaki UK Dealer of the Year, a nod to the growing importance of good aftersales support and rider community events in a world where you can research any bike online in minutes. Behind the scenes, parts and electronics distribution is shifting too, with R&G announcing a new partnership with HEX Innovate to get advanced diagnostic and accessory tech into more workshops and home garages.[
Tracks, calendars and racing momentum
If you are planning your first big year of live racing, circuits are making it easy to fill the calendar. Cadwell Park has confirmed a full 2026 programme, including the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club in early April, NG Road Racing later that month, and the British Historic Motorcycle Championships in May. Add in the 30th anniversary British Superbike celebrations and its famous bank-holiday triple-header, and the self-styled “Mini-Nürburgring” is positioning itself as a must-ride and must-visit venue this season.
Globally, racing series are dropping more 2026 details and first results. WorldSBK has already roared into life at Phillip Island, while American Flat Track has confirmed an expanded AdventureTrackers schedule, opening at Daytona with a boosted prize fund. In BSB, defending champion Kyle Ryde’s move from Yamaha to Ducati and the arrival of the latest Panigale V4R create a stacked field where multiple ex-champions will fancy another shot at the crown. For young fans, that mix of familiar names on new machinery promises a season where nothing feels decided before the lights go out.cyclenews+1
Electric futures and big tech claims
Electric motorcycles have also been making noise in more ways than one. Verge Motorcycles has doubled down on a bold promise: from now on, all of its bikes will ship with solid-state battery packs developed with Donut Labs, a technology often talked about as the “holy grail” for higher range, faster charging and improved safety. If those claims hold up outside the show hall, it could mark a serious step change in what high-performance electric superbikes can do between charges.
Design studios and start-ups are racing to prove electric does not have to be dull. Recent concept roundups highlight everything from dual-motor, both-wheel-drive electric rockets like the Ichiban concept, which claims 0–100 km/h in around 3.5 seconds, to hybrid electric–hydrogen ideas that hint at longer-term clean energy futures for bikes. For new riders coming of age now, the choice is becoming less “petrol or nothing” and more a question of which kind of performance and personality they want from their first big machine.
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Meetings
Next SAM Club Night
13th April 2026
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
26th March 2026
Details to be arranged
Online Motorcycling News
General
Zara Nash’s scootering journey began in her teens during the 1980s mod revival, inspired by bands like The Jam and The Specials. At 15, she bought her first scooter, a Vespa PK50, and joined the Newbury Soul Searchers club, attending rallies and undertaking long rides, including a challenging 235-mile trip to Morecambe. After a serious leg injury and a 35-year break focused on family life, Zara reignited her passion in 2022. She purchased a 1972 Vespa Primavera, joined the Bits N Bobs Scooter Club with her husband Malcolm, and now enjoys regular rides and rallies, embracing scootering as a lifelong passion.
Electric CFMoto Sportbike Developments
CFMoto’s new patent reveals a lightweight electric sportbike featuring a rear-set motor positioned behind the swingarm pivot, with a curved swingarm to maintain narrow width. The battery serves as a structural element, reinforced by aluminum trellis frames and a steel rear subframe for durability. The suspension uses a direct shock mount without a rising-rate linkage. The design includes cast alloy brackets mounting the motor, footpegs, and side stand. The bike likely uses a chain or belt drive and shares components with the 51-hp CFMoto 450SS, suggesting similar performance. Despite progress, production timelines remain uncertain. Read more
The Henry Cole Theatre Tour is set to return in 2026, featuring Henry Cole and Steve Parrish. Roadskin, a UK-based motorcycle clothing brand known for protective and stylish rider gear, will once again support the tour, continuing their previous collaboration. Ian, Roadskin’s owner, expressed pride in backing the tour, highlighting shared values of adventure and passion for motorcycling. The tour showcases stories and experiences centered on motorcycling culture. Roadskin will also offer fans exclusive ‘Meet & Greet’ ticket opportunities via social media. Further details and ticket information for the 2026 tour will be announced in due course. Read more
Triumph Motorcycles 2026 Roadster Line-up
Triumph’s 2026 Roadster range showcases powerful, agile motorcycles featuring signature triple-cylinder engines and bold design. Highlights include the all-new Trident 800 with a 798cc engine delivering thrilling performance and sharp handling, and the refined Trident 660 offering accessible yet exciting riding. The Street Triple 765 RX, a limited one-year track-focused model, and the ultra-exclusive Street Triple 765 Moto2™ Limited Edition, limited to 1,000 units, emphasize racing pedigree and exclusivity. This line-up blends heritage, innovation, and premium craftsmanship, appealing to riders seeking performance, style, and the iconic Triumph character. Dealers open doors for exclusive previews on March 14th. Read more
MV Agusta’s Electronics Package Policy
MV Agusta will equip every 2026 motorcycle with a full suite of electronic features as standard, including six-axis IMU, cornering ABS, quickshifter, multi-level traction control, wheelie control, cruise control, and customizable riding modes. Unlike some competitors, there will be no activation fees or additional hardware costs. The bikes feature a 5.5 or 7-inch TFT dash with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS tracking, anti-theft, and an in-house navigation app. Anti-theft and emergency services are free for the first year, then €89 annually. This transparent, all-inclusive approach reflects MV Agusta’s premium brand commitment to delivering full value upfront. 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...
Brighton and Sussex Medical School invites motorcycle riders aged 18 and over to participate in a study investigating the mental and physical health benefits of motorcycling. Participants begin with a 15-minute online questionnaire about their riding habits and wellbeing. An optional lab session offers light physical activities and cognitive assessments to explore how riding affects brain health and ageing. The study aims to understand the unique benefits motorcycling may provide, especially for older adults. Approved by the school’s ethics committee, the research ensures data safety. Interested riders can join by scanning a QR code or contacting the research team for details. Read more
The new six-part video series, created with Bikertek and Rapid Training, aims to enhance motorcycle riding skills for both novices and experienced riders. Presented by ex-traffic cop Giles Lamb, it focuses on core riding fundamentals: superb vision, planning, and machine control. The first episode emphasizes risk assessment, teaching riders to anticipate hazards like hidden bends and unexpected vehicles, thereby increasing safety margins. The series offers practical tips to refresh skills after winter and transform riding techniques, helping riders enjoy safer, more confident rides. Overall, it’s a comprehensive guide to reading roads like a pro and improving overall riding performance. Read more
Adventure & Touring
The Israel I visited in 2014 is not the Israel of today. The news is flooded with stories of conflict, chaos and tension—media images difficult to reconcile with my experiences in such a beautiful country filled with openly friendly people, posh hotels and great motorcycling roads. Traveling in the Holy Land left an indelible impression on me―the historical, gastronomical and spiritual aspects make for a grand adventure. While Israel and its people are no stranger to the term “breaking news,” I do have a news flash of my own: The current conflict aside, Israel is a marvelous place to visit on a motorcycle.
I traveled with Edelweiss Bike Travel and their Israeli partner, TAMAR Mediterranean Mototours Ltd. One of our tour guides was Eytan Magen, the founder of TAMAR and an Israeli native, and at varying times we were joined by Avi Ben Yosef, an Israeli professional tour guide and motorcyclist. Our bikes for the nine-day tour included Yamaha Super Ténérés and Kawasaki Versys. I selected a Versys 1000 because they’re not available in the U.S. Also, we’d been warned that there are many kinds of “hot” in Israel and my REV’IT! mesh gear was a terrific choice because it was full-on summer. Still, there were times when the only way to beat the heat was to get off the bikes and seek out air-conditioned buildings.
Eytan led us high above Tel Aviv to take in a sweeping view of the city, then North along the coast. Our first stop was the Muhraka Monastery at Mt. Carmel where Avi made history come alive with biblical excerpts while pointing to the very locations where the events took place. Read more
Standing on the side of the road holding two dirty tire irons, I realized how quickly things can change when traveling by motorcycle. Several hours before, I was riding east along Mexico Federal Highway 180, side by side at 70 mph with my travel partner, staging up for our videographer to record us riding off into the horizon. It was exhilarating until I looked ahead and realized I was lined up perfectly with a menacing pothole. My arms relaxed as I hit, the handlebars jerked violently, and then my bike continued along the highway as if nothing had happened.
When we stopped to assess the damage, my rim had become something that was distinctly not round. Although the tube continued to hold air pressure, we pulled into a hardware store in Villahermosa to buy a two-pound sledgehammer to straighten the rim at the hostel that night.
On our way again, everything was fine until I got the nagging feeling that my bike was not responding properly. As the handlebars began to wobble uncontrollably, I gently trailed the rear brake to reduce speed to something more manageable, squeezing my eyes shut because I fully expected to meet the pavement and do some “gear testing.” Read more
History & Custom
Honda CX500 Street Tracker Project
Ian Ketterer of BlackSilver Customs in Cape Town revived a decade-old Honda CX500 street tracker build after a new client commissioned its completion. Originally started years ago, the project stalled due to time and finances. Ian had already upgraded the V-twin engine, redesigned the subframe with waterjet-cut steel plates, and fitted Kawasaki ZX-10R forks and brakes. The bike features custom laced wheels, a bespoke wiring harness with Motogadget electronics, and a two-into-one exhaust. The paint replicates the client’s father’s original CX500, while vinyl upholstery adds style. The finished tracker blends craftsmanship, nostalgia, and modern performance. Read more
Kevin Williams
Retribution, re‑education, or removing the Worst Drivers?
[Based on the in-depth item in yesterday’s LIVE ELEVENSES webcast]
A week ago, I asked if jail was appropriate for two drivers who each caused a fatal crash when overtaking. It’s an understandable instinct. A terrible thing has happened, and we want a response that feels proportionate. There was an interesting mix of responses, from those who thought jail time was entirely appropriate as a punishment for causing death or serious injury to the ‘victims’ of crashes, to those who — like me — see little value in locking someone up post-crash, and argue that the efforts should go towards preventing them in the first place.
Should we use the word ‘victim’ in the context of road traffic crashes? We removed the word ‘accident’ from the lexicon because it smuggled in the idea of randomness and fate — as if crashes were meteor strikes rather than predictable outcomes of human behaviour and system design. Read more
Learning biking lessons behind the wheel Part One
I learned to ride pre-CBT, and long before Direct Access training courses came along, and I learned the hard way; by making and — the crucial point that is so often forgotten when we talk of learning by experience — surviving. For many years bikes were enough for me and after two decades, getting on for one million miles as a courier, joining an advanced motorcycle group and getting qualified as a motorcycle instructor, I thought I knew most of what it was possible to know about motorcycles…
…and then I passed the car test. That’s when another layer of learning began.
We motorcyclists love to imagine that all the important learning happens on two wheels. We discover the physics behind machine control and how subtle body shifts change the way the bike behaves, we learn to understand how to get the bike from one side of a corner to the other, we learn the technicalities and risks of overtaking and how to get the best from our particular engine for best performance, and we learn lessons about the road surface, something more important than ever in 2026 as years of underfunding undermine them — literally.
For many years bikes were enough for me… Read more
Should motorcyclists ‘pay their way’ or be exempt from road tax?
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has supported the exemption of electric motorcycles from the proposed 3p-per-mile charge for electric cars and vans, but argue that all powered two wheelers (PTWs) should be exempt from road tax.
Their argument is that motorcycles cause minimal road wear. Colin Brown claims a motorcycle travelling 3km causes as much damage as a car travelling one metre.
That may be true but road funding isn’t just about surface damage.
Vehicle Excise Duty has never been a direct “pay for what you wear out” system. It feeds general Treasury revenue. More importantly, roads are capital infrastructure. They have to be built, maintained and policed. That’s the system motorcyclists exploit as much as any other user. Read more
If you’ve been reading the bike press recently, you have probably noticed a veritable flood of bikes in the lightweight and middleweight classes, both engine sizes and power outputs that the motorcycle industry had fallen out of love by the 1990s.
Arguably, the last decent 250cc bike Honda built was the CB250RS back in the 80s. Suzuki and Yamaha had their RGVs and TZRs, whilst Kawasaki had their KR1S.
Even the 500 class had pretty much vanished by 2000. Yes, there was the ten year old GS500, based on a motor from the 80s, the ER5 and the CB500 which weren’t much more modern. Yamaha didn’t even have an option.
So it’s been interesting to see that as the markets in India, China and Indonesia become most sophisticated and demand more upmarket machinery, so the Japanese and at least one European company are realising that they have to compete on the ground with the local products. Read more
If you’ve been reading the bike press recently, you have probably noticed a veritable flood of bikes in the lightweight and middleweight classes, both engine sizes and power outputs that the motorcycle industry had fallen out of love by the 1990s.
Arguably, the last decent 250cc bike Honda built was the CB250RS back in the 80s. Suzuki and Yamaha had their RGVs and TZRs, whilst Kawasaki had their KR1S.
Even the 500 class had pretty much vanished by 2000. Yes, there was the ten year old GS500, based on a motor from the 80s, the ER5 and the CB500 which weren’t much more modern. Yamaha didn’t even have an option.
So it’s been interesting to see that as the markets in India, China and Indonesia become most sophisticated and demand more upmarket machinery, so the Japanese and at least one European company are realising that they have to compete on the ground with the local products. Read more
Whiteknights Blood Bikes
South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership
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? 
More than 40 Rider Refinement events will take place across East, West and Northern Scotland throughout the spring and summer.
Additional Skills Day session earmarked at Knockhill circuit.
More than 260 people have been killed over a nine-year period in a motorcycle-related collision.
Motorcyclists in Scotland will benefit from a range of events throughout the Spring and Summer with the return of Rider Refinement and an IAM RoadSmart Skills Day at Knockhill circuit. Read more
Are you aware of the OAP framework when out riding? 
ACEM
New motorcycle registrations in five of the largest European markets (i.e. France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) reached 1.002.848 units during 2025. This represents a variation of approximately -12,9 % compared to the same period in 2024 (1.150.852 units). Motorcycle registration volumes increase in Spain (242.580 units, +8,3 % year-on-year) while in other markets, results remain negative for the current year with for Italy (331.634 units, -6 %), for France (179.225 units, -16,4 %), for UK (89.645 units, -19,3%) and for Germany (159.764 units, -35,7 %).
Moped registrations reached a total volume of 142.060 units in the six European moped markets monitored by ACEM (i.e. Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). This registration volume represents a reduction of -20,7 % in comparison to last year at the same period (179.231units). Leaves for Germany, which is experiencing slight growth (15.512 units, 4,9 %), the decline is widespread in all other monitored countries: Spain (13.594 units, -0,8 %), Belgium (26.195 units, -14,9 %), Netherlands (24.069 units, -25,3 %), France (48.526 units -26,4 %), and Italy (14.164 units, -35,1 %). Read more
Motorcycle Industries Association
Motorcycle Sector Faces April Cliff Edge as Only Personal Use Transport Mode Without Government Support
The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) has today warned that the UK’s motorcycle sector faces an imminent policy cliff edge, as the Plug-in Motorcycle Grant (PiMG) is set to expire in April with no replacement currently proposed.
If the scheme ends, L-Category vehicles – including mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and light four-wheeled vehicles – will become the only road transport segment without any form of government subsidy support. Read more
National Motorcycle Dealers Association
The National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA) today responded to the release of the Motorcycle Industry Association’s (MCIA) full-year registration figures, which show the UK market closed 2025 at 93,922 units, a 19.3% decline compared with 2024.
The decline reflects the impact of pre-registrations at the end of 2024 ahead of Euro 5 regulations and ongoing challenges from supply chain disruptions and rising living costs. Despite this, monthly registration trends in the second half of 2025 show a gradual stabilisation, signalling a recovery in market demand.
Symon Cook, Head of the NMDA, said:
“While overall annual registrations are down, we are encouraged by the improving trends through the latter part of 2025.
“Dealers are reporting steady demand for both new and used motorcycles. We look forward to working with government to ensure the sector receives the support it needs to continue rebuilding confidence in 2026.” Read more
National Motorcyclists Council
• Partnership Issues new data revealing AA called out to 613,638 pothole incidents in 2025 – an average of 1,681 every day – including 58,380 last January and 58,275 in December
• Welcomes government’s new traffic light system of monitoring local council performance on fixing potholes BUT says radical new approach is needed
• Proposes that councils and contractors should be compelled to issue 5-year warranties on every non-emergency pothole repair
• Issues reminder that while potholes can damage cars, they put the lives of cyclists and motorcyclists at risk
• Urges greater use of innovation to make repairs permanent, in place of temporary manual ‘patch and run’ fixes which need re-visiting within months or weeks Read more
FEMA
After European Parliament rapporteur Jens Gieseke published his draft report on the European Commission’s proposal to revise the Roadworthiness Package, which includes Periodical Technical Inspections (PTI), Members of the European Parliament have the chance to propose changes to that report.
Gieseke wants all motorcycles over 50 cc to be tested, no exceptions. He also wants to take away the option for member States to exempt motorcycles from compulsory periodic inspections, as long as they demonstrate that effective alternative measures tailored to their countries’ specific characteristics are in place.
Keeping this possibility to exempt motorcycles from compulsory inspections is what FEMA and FIM have been asking for, and reading the amendments that were handed in by the Members of the European Parliament you see below, it shows that we are successful in our efforts. The amendments will be voted on by the Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism in March 2026, after which a full vote in a plenary session of the parliament will follow. Read more
British Motorcyclists Federation
Motorcycle Action Group
Every rider knows about target fixation. You spot the hazard. You lock your eyes on it. And before you know it, you’re heading straight for the thing you were trying to avoid. Good training teaches you to recognise it early — but right now, the motorcycling community might be forgetting that training when it comes to the Road Safety Strategy.
The licensing consultation deserves attention. MAG is all over it, and the potential reforms represent a genuine opportunity. But the RSS launched alongside a raft of other commitments in January. Almost every rider and every motorcycling organisation has their eyes fixed on licensing. Let’s not allow the rest to move forward without input from the riding community. Were you trained to do shoulder checks? It’s time for a lifesaver. 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.
TL;DR: The motorcycle hazard perception test (HPT) assesses a crucial skill for riders — avoiding trouble before it starts. Our training package lets you practice to perfection with Esitu’s online HPT for new and experienced riders.
Imagine sweeping through a perfect curve. Your engine hums beneath you and you’re fully immersed in the pure joy of riding. You feel the wind, you trust your gear, and you know your bike. Then the unexpected happens—a car door swings open, gravel spills from a truck, or a driver pulls out of a hidden driveway. Could you possibly avoid such a situation? Read more
Look after your bike/moped and it will look after you. Carrying out a few simple checks before each ride could save your life. Use POWDERS
Petrol
- Do you have enough for your journey?
- Is the reserve tap off?
- Check there are no leaks Read more…
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