Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists – Weekly Newsletter 13 March 2026
Table of Contents
Editorial
A turbulent and fast‑moving week in motorcycling has delivered a mix of industry shake‑ups, safety concerns, new model developments and policy‑relevant stories that matter to everyday riders. What follows is a clear, engaging 500‑word briefing written for young UK riders who want to stay informed about the forces shaping their world.
🔥 Major incident: West Midlands custom shop destroyed
A family‑run custom motorcycle builder in the West Midlands suffered a “devastating” fire caused by a suspected battery fault, leaving the business facing hundreds of thousands of pounds in damage. The incident has reignited debate about electrical safety in workshops and the risks associated with lithium‑based systems, especially in custom and hybrid builds.
This story has political weight: as the UK pushes towards electrification, small builders and independent garages are increasingly exposed to regulatory gaps around battery storage, fire suppression and safe charging infrastructure. Riders who value the custom scene will be watching closely to see whether local authorities or insurers respond with new requirements.
⚙️ MV Agusta rejects paywalled features
MV Agusta confirmed that all new models will now include their full electronics suite as standard, directly opposing the growing industry trend of subscription‑based digital upgrades.
For younger riders—already used to apps and games locking features behind paywalls—this is a refreshing stance. It also puts pressure on other premium manufacturers experimenting with “feature‑on‑demand” models. The move could influence how digital systems are priced across the market, from traction control to adaptive riding modes.
🏍️ New bikes and product developments
Several notable product stories emerged this week:
Kawasaki KLE500 returns with an A2‑friendly adventure‑bike character, blending off‑road capability with accessible performance.
Ducati revealed the new DesertX V2, powered by the same engine as the Monster V2 and offering advanced cornering ABS and six riding modes.
TVS Tangent RR patent images surfaced, strongly hinting that the platform will underpin BMW’s next mid‑range sports bike.
These developments show how competitive the middleweight and adventure segments remain, with manufacturers pushing for lighter, more versatile machines that appeal to younger riders entering the market.
🧠 Riding and wellbeing research
Bennetts highlighted ongoing calls for riders to participate in research exploring the mental and physical benefits of motorcycling. This aligns with a growing body of evidence suggesting that riding can reduce stress, improve focus and support overall wellbeing—an important counter‑narrative to political debates that often frame motorcycling purely in terms of risk.
🏁 Industry milestones and racing context
Indian Motorcycle celebrated its 125th anniversary with a limited‑edition lineup and apparel range, marking a major milestone for one of the world’s oldest motorcycle brands. Meanwhile, MotoGP and WorldSBK calendars continue to shape the racing season, with teams and riders preparing for early‑season rounds that will influence factory development priorities.
🚨 Safety and road‑risk awareness
International reports of fatal motorcycle collisions—such as ongoing investigations in the US—continue to highlight the vulnerability of riders and the importance of road‑safety policy, driver awareness campaigns and infrastructure investment. For UK riders, these stories reinforce why political decisions about road design, enforcement and transport funding directly affect everyday safety.
Motorcycling this week has been shaped by fire, innovation, heritage and the ongoing fight for rider wellbeing and safety. The mix of product launches, industry decisions and policy‑relevant incidents shows how dynamic the riding world remains.
Your success is our success!
SAM annual advanced rider test successes:
2023/24 → 86% inc. 9 x firsts¹
2024/25 → 67% inc. 5 x firsts
2025/26 → 80% (YTD) inc. 6 x firsts
Here’s another Advanced Rider Test Pass
Congratulations to Dean Armitage (Observer Steve Bennett)
Advanced riders are safer road users, ride longer, rider further, meet more people and enjoy a healthier, happier life!
- A ‘First advanced rider test pass’ means the rider qualified with no more than 3 minor riding faults. Test standards are strict, fair and applied to all test candidates. Even excellent riders can make a minor error that does not impede safe riding or affect the safety of other road users. Test anxiety is real, but we train you to cope with your nerves. We’ve got a lot of experience! Also some Associates don’t go on to take an advanced rider test, but they always reach a test standard, no matter how long it takes. Your IAM RoadSmart rider course purchase is valid for 12 months of tuition. Come and join us!
For Your Diary
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
Custom motorcycle engineer and television personality Allen Millyard joins David Prutton and Iwan Thomas this week to discuss setting a world speed record.
Millyard, who has created numerous custom motorcycles for over 25 years, is best known for his engineering work that has seen him become a part of several TV shows including ITV’s The Motorbike Show, Junk and Disorderly and Shed and Buried.
He sat down with the Full Chat boys to speak about how he creates his machines and his love of all things two-wheeled. Read more
If you ride, or are thinking of riding, a 125cc motorcycle, the question “can I take it on the motorway?” probably comes up a lot – especially among new riders, commuters and those on a budget.
The short answer is yes. A 125cc motorcycle is legally allowed on UK motorways provided you hold a full A1, A2 or full A motorcycle licence. Riders on a CBT (L-plates) are not permitted, regardless of engine size. Motorways can feel intimidating on a smaller bike, especially if you haven’t done much high-speed riding yet.
This guide gives you everything you need to know: the law, honest practical advice and tailored safety tips so you can make an informed decision. Read more
Seeing how criminal gangs move their operations around the UK can help motorcyclists realise the importance of locking their bikes, and be more prepared when thefts rise in their area.
This map shows the increases and decreases of motorcycle and scooter thefts by comparing the last full month’s data with the month before that. Remember – this is a MONTHLY overview. Read more
Several transitional changes are being introduced before the major 2027 rules overhaul (850cc engines, simplified aero, Pirelli tyres).
In the MotoGP class, engine development is frozen, so manufacturers must largely carry over their 2025 engine designs, helping to reduce costs and keep competition stable. Safety rules are also updated: riders are no longer allowed to restart crashed bikes in run-off areas and must move behind barriers before attempting to rejoin a session. Another notable shift is Yamaha moving from its traditional inline-four engine layout to a new V4 configuration, aligning its technical direction more closely with rival manufacturers. Read more
Government data shows that the number of people taking and passing their motorcycle test in the UK has fluctuated over the years between around 26,000 to around 44,000 from 2009 to 2025. The percentage of women making up this number, however, has remained around 7 to 10% of that overall number each year. That means that on average over 90% of motorcyclists taking their tests in this timeframe have been male.
But why is this, and what can we do the encourage more female riders to take their full A licence tests?
To help to gain some insight MCN spoke to Laura Smith, a motorcycle instructor from Women Only Motorcycle Training; a motorcycle school based in Redditch offering all training from CBT, through A2, full A and onto advanced courses, in a female-only environment. Clients have travelled from as far as Scotland and Wales to train with Laura. 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...
Back in 2023, we dug into the development of motorcycle air bags with the help of leading automotive safety supplier Autoliv, and while plans to have a production model fitted with the company’s air bags by 2025 appear to have slipped, development is still underway.
Autoliv’s latest patent application shows a development of their motorcycle air bag design that helps boost the system’s safety credentials by increasing coverage upon inflation. While initial air bag designs were limited in their scope, mostly protecting from direct frontal impacts, the new system is more protective in a wider range of accident scenarios. Read more
We’re wading into the debate about whether to sit or stand when riding on trails.
Anyone new to trail riding will notice a curious split on how people tackle our green roads: some riders cruise along planted firmly in the saddle, while others stand tall on the pegs like they’re prepping for a Dakar special stage. So, which is right? When should you stand, and when is it better to stay seated?
To get a straight answer to this, we caught up with John Bilborough, trail-riding instructor with Phoenix Motorcycle Training, and a man who lives and breathes off-road technique. He has spent enough hours on mud, chalk, sand and rubble to know a thing or two about how to position yourself on a bike. Read more
Adventure & Touring
For a few days now, the US and Israeli governments have been bombing the country of Iran, and Iran has retaliated by striking targets throughout the Middle East. If you have political potshots, please take that stuff to the ADVrider forum’s Basement section. The point of this article is not to comment on whether or not this war is a good or bad idea, a just cause or anything like that. It’s simply a few thoughts on how riders might be affected if the war drags on.
If a regime friendly to the US and Israeli governments takes over relatively soon, then all bets are off, of course. But if hostilities last for months, motorcyclists will see an impact. Here are a few things that could happen: Read more
History & Custom
Terrence Stephen McQueen was a famous American actor and Hollywood star. After becoming a successful movie star, McQueen began to turn his attention to his one true love: motorcycle riding. Even during the peak days of his acting career, Mcqueen would go ride his motorcycle to relax and calm his mind.McQueen’s first motorcycle was a 1946 Indian Chief. When starring in The Great Escape, McQueen got the chance to perform his own stunts atop a 650 cc Triumph TR6. He also competed in off-roading motorcycle races under the fake name Harvey Mushman to ensure he did not violate his movie contracts. Read more
Kevin Williams
Why are ‘Roadcraft’ & the Highway Code so long?
Q1. Here’s a question for you. Do you know when the very first Highway Code was published?
A. The answer is almost a century ago in 1931.
Q2. Here’s another. Do you know how long it was?
A. The answer is that the Code was astonishingly short by modern standards. It contained just 18 pages and cost one penny.
Q3. Do you know how long the latest edition of the Highway Code is?
A. According to Amazon, it’s grown to 172 pages – almost TEN TIMES as long.
Q4. Let’s continue our mini-quiz. Do you know how many pages were in the 1976 ‘Blue Book’ edition of the Police Rider’s handbook ‘Motorcycle Roadcraft’?
A. The answer is 90 pages.
Q5. As you’ve probably guessed, I’m going to ask you if you know how many pages are in the latest ‘Motorcycle Roadcraft’ edition?
A. That book has grown to 300 page. That’s over three times longer than the 1976 edition and more than 50% longer than the 1996 edition.
That expansion is something that goes under the radar but it does tell a story about how driving and riding has changed.
Why was the first Highway Code so short? It had no photographs, and only a handful of simple diagrams. It focused mainly on hand signals, basic road etiquette, and a few emerging rules for the growing number of motor vehicles. And there were no road signs illustrated — the first edition pre‑dated the standardised sign system introduced later in the 20th century. Read more
Judging distance & closing speed; A Biker Booby-Trap
I didn’t plan this article as part of the Biker Booby-Trap series but it came about after last week’s post, which used overtaking as an example of where the line between a decisive manoeuvre — one we’ve planned carefully but execute without delay — can become confused with one that looks outwardly similar but is based on a snap decision and incomplete information — in other words, an impulsive manoeuvre.
Whilst most mentioned the need for restraint and caution, using expressions like “if in doubt, don’t” (a pretty sound rule-of-thumb, I’d say), there were several responses talking about the benefits and even the enjoyment factor that comes from a well-planned overtake. Read more
Tory MP backs mandatory crash detection tech on bikes
[Based on a story from Sunday’s Elevenses live webcast]
I usually steer clear of politics on this channel, but I couldn’t let this go. In an interview, Shadow transport minister Greg Smith claimed that motorcycles faced a “crisis” on UK roads. How does he work that out?
First, he repeats the familiar refrain that: “motorcycles account for just 1% of all motor vehicle traffic, yet riders make up 21% of road deaths and 12% of all road casualties in Britain”, and that “a motorcyclist is more than 40 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than someone in a car.” Read more
Learning biking lessons behind the wheel Part Two
We motorcyclists love to imagine that all the important learning happens on two wheels. Having learned to ride long before I passed my driving test and having worked for sixteen years as a courier, I thought I knew most of what it was possible to know about motorcycles, until I passed the four wheel test and another layer of learning began. Then I realised some of my most useful motorcycle lessons weren’t happening on a bike at all.
Last week I talked about the ‘cognitive overload’ that is a normal condition when driving in complex environments, and how If the driver’s mistake is not to see the bike, the rider’s mistake is to have expectations of “being seen” and to believe the driver should “do what we want them to do” because “that’s what they should do”. The flip side of that coin is that drivers also have expectations that bikes will behave like cars, so this week, let’s see how that potentially leaves a trail of confusion in the wake of every two wheeler. Read more
Are school crossing lollipops fitted with cameras?
[Based on a story from Sunday’s Elevenses live webcast]
In an Instagram video posted by @Dannysdrivingschool, Liverpool-based driving instructor Daniel Smith claimed people who had been driving for years were “just learning” about the real reason behind the blacked-out space on the lollipop between the warning and the children’s crossing symbol. It’s clearly a ‘clickbait title’ and it caught my attention, so I clicked.
Daniel said: “It’s a little bit of band, and you’d use a piece of chalk to write down the registration of the car that’s just gone through.
“School crossing officers would pass their report and the vehicle registration on to the police or local traffic wardens to take action against drivers who violated their order to stop.” Read more
Straight ahead at a three-arm roundabout
The Highway Code diagram for negotiating roundabouts currently shows a neat symmetrical four-arm crossroads. The routes to follow are equally straightforward. Left lane for left, right lane for right, either for straight on. Simple.
Here’s the problem; many roundabouts have different designs. They have five arms. Or three.
Or are marked with arrows that contradict the textbook drawing. Or they have complex ‘spiralling’ lanes nothing like that “classic” diagram. Or they have traffic signals. Read more
Too Long, Didn’t Read or Too Short, You Forgot?
It doesn’t matter what I write, or how I pitch it. For everyone who says “it was far too long”, there will be another who says there was “something you forgot”. The tension between “TLDR” and “TSYF” comes from the fact that riders arrive with wildly different levels of prior knowledge. If a novice wants the basics delivered with clarity and reassurance, an experienced rider wants a more developed idea replete with nuance and mechanism. What I’ve come to realise is that I will never silence those voices because trying to satisfy both at once is nigh-on impossible.
As a general rule, I define a ‘beginner’ article as just that. Nevertheless, many of the “Too Short, You Forgot” comments arise because the reader had a different expectation for the depth of the article and didn’t put themselves in the position of the new rider making a discovery for the first time. That’s why I try to define the content and context for an article in the first couple of paragraphs. Other of those responses are interesting in themselves, but shift the topic sideways to a related but entirely different subsystem of motorcycling altogether; not ‘incorrect’ as such, but in the wrong place. 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? 
32% think SUVs are a greater threat to cyclists than smaller vehicles
21% think SUVs should be banned from areas with high footfall, such as city centres
32% support increasing Vehicle Excise Duty on SUVs
One third of Brits think SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) are more dangerous to pedestrians than smaller vehicles. 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
February 2026 L-Category (Scooters, Motorcycles & other light vehicles) New Vehicle Registrations
MCIA has today published the new vehicle registrations for the month of February 2026.
This includes Mopeds, Scooters, Motorcycles and other vehicles within the wider L-Category (L1 to L7).
The month of February closed with welcome market growth of 14.7% compared to the same month in 2025 and year to date growth of 15.5%, with the main segments of Motorcycles improving by +17.3% and Scooters by +9.2%. 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
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.
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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