Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists – Weekly Newsletter 20 March 2026
Table of Contents
Editorial
Weekly Briefing: The State of the Ride
This week has served as a wake-up call for the motorcycling community, proving that while the industry is booming globally, the path for UK riders is becoming increasingly complex. From a radical shake-up of licensing laws to cutting-edge safety tech and high-stakes racing, here is everything you need to know from the last seven days.
Political: The End of the “Permanent Learner”?
The DVSA’s major consultation on motorcycle training and licensing is entering its final fortnight, with the deadline for responses set for 31 March 2026. For 18-year-old riders currently on L-plates, the proposals are transformative. The government aims to eliminate “permanent learners” by potentially limiting how many times a rider can renew their Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate .
Key proposals include:
Automatic Restrictions: If you take your CBT on a “twist-and-go” scooter, you may be legally restricted to automatics unless you complete a conversion course.
Theory First: A mandatory theory and hazard perception test could soon be required before or during the CBT [1.1].
Progressive Pathways: In a win for riders, the government is considering a “training-over-testing” route, allowing riders to move from A2 to a full A licence via a certified course rather than repeating the dreaded Module 1 and 2 exams.
One glaring, but vital omission from the consultation is any indication of the content of rider education and training. Whilst Motorcycle Roadcraft: The Police Rider’s Handbook, is held up as the pinnacle of rider skills, it is written for Law Enforcement, not everyday riders. There are many writers who readily point out the omissions and confusions. Consensus, particular in the motorcycling community, is hard to achieve. As this consultation has taken 30 years to achieve we’d better make sure those who make decisions on our behalf are really serving our best interests.
We encourage EVERY rider to make their views known BEFORE the closing date: 31st March 2026. We also encourage you to enlist the support of local authorities and MPs.
Technology & Gear: Airbags and “FlexBlades”
Safety technology took a leap forward this week. On 12 March, Yamaha and Autoliv officially unveiled a new integrated airbag system for the Tricity 300 commuter scooter, designed to deploy in frontal collisions to absorb kinetic energy.
In the apparel sector, REV’IT! debuted its FlexBlade technology on 10 March, featuring in the new Undercut and Subduction riding shoes [6.1]. Meanwhile, the global motorcycle apparel market has been valued at a staggering $14.82 billion this year, driven by a surge in “smart” gear—helmets with integrated Head-Up Displays (HUDs) and sensors that notify emergency services in a crash.
Manufacturing: The Mid-Weight Revival
The market is shifting away from “bigger is better.” Reports this week highlight a “shrinking middleweight” trend. Harley-Davidson is targeting new riders with the 2026 Sprint, a sub-500cc cruiser designed for easy handling. On the sportier side, Aprilia has launched the Tuono 457—a $6,599 (£5,200) naked bike with 47.6 hp, specifically designed to hit the A2 licence limit perfectly.
Racing: Aero Wars and “Bagger” Invasions
The Thai MotoGP has left the paddock in a state of high tension. While Marco Bezzecchi dominated the Sunday GP on his Aprilia RS-GP26, the real story was the technical “aero-war”. On 11 March, technical analysis revealed new 3D-printed vortex generators on the KTM RC16’s swingarm, designed to accelerate airflow and reduce drag.
Off the track, tensions are simmering as teams negotiate with Liberty Media for a higher revenue share. Perhaps most surprisingly, it was confirmed that Harley-Davidson baggers—massive, 300kg touring bikes—will officially join the MotoGP support bill for six rounds across Europe and the US this season.
Public looking at the economy and utility of motorcycling
Money remains a live issue beyond showroom prices. Visordown reported a new insurer partnership between Principal and Wakam UK aimed at injecting more competition into the motorcycle insurance market. This is a notable development in a sector riders often see as stagnant and punishingly expensive. At the same time, rising fuel-price forecasts have sharpened the old argument for motorcycles as economical transport, with petrol expected to climb and two wheels once again looking like a rational answer to four-wheel running costs.
Theft and security stayed in the conversation too. Bennetts BikeSocial published fresh UK theft reporting on 6 March, while Visordown separately covered a ram-raid at Appleyard Motorcycles. Put together, those stories reinforce a truth riders already know: the joy of ownership is still shadowed by the cost and anxiety of keeping a bike safe.
The week’s overall message is simple. Motorcycling is growing again, but cautiously. The winners are the brands offering believable products, sensible value and visible follow-through. The losers are those still trying to survive on hype alone.
Wherever you ride this week, ride safe and happy reading.
It HERE AGAIN: SAM Annual Photo Competition 2026. The subject for entries is: Motorcycles. Any image content that is motorcycle related. Send all entries by email to sam-editor@iam-sheffield.bike, in the following format:
Subject line: Photo Competition 2026 (use this exact wording)
Image Type: no AI generated images!! All images should be either: .jpg, .jpeg, .png only.
Image Title as the filename: the title of your image should be in the format This-is-my-entry.png, i.e. rename your image file with the title of your image and put a dash, ‘-’, between each word.
The closing date for entries is midnight on the 27th April 2026 – that is 47 days time, so make sure that you get your images to us.
The winner will be announced at the SAM AGM Meeting on the 11th May 2026 and receive a framed print of their choice.
If you have any problems submitting your entry email SAM member, Dave Whitman (Competition Coordinator) will be happy to help.
Your success is our success!
Advanced riders are safer road users, ride longer, rider further, meet more people and enjoy a healthier, happier life!
For Your Diary
Meetings
Next SAM Club Night
2nd February 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
29th January 2026
Details to be arranged
Online Motorcycling News
General
Small capacity mopeds and scooters have long been the first bike for many people, as they’re easier to learn on, but what are the best beginner scooters and mopeds on the market?
As a first time rider you may still be on a provisional licence and completed your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), but may not own a full licence yet.
Here, Bikesure looks at some of the best beginner scooters and mopeds available for first-time riders of any age, including the best beginner 125cc scooters and 50cc mopeds you can ride on a CBT. Read more
The International Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash returns to the Staffordshire County Showground on April 25–26, 2026, bringing together thousands of enthusiasts for one of the biggest and most important weekends in the classic motorcycle calendar.
Widely regarded as a must-visit event for anyone passionate about historic motorcycles, the Stafford show combines spectacular machine displays, live demonstrations, special guests and one of the UK’s largest motorcycle autojumbles.
Across two packed days, visitors will be able to explore hundreds of club stands and private entries showcasing beautifully restored motorcycles, rare survivors and iconic machines spanning the entire history of motorcycling. Read more
In recent years, the conventional clutch lever and left foot gearshift combo has come under increased attacks from new systems that promise to make life easier for riders without reducing control.There’s a growing number of unconventional designs on the market and the BMW Easy Ride Clutch (ERC) – debuting in this year’s F450GS adventure bike – adds another to the fray.While automated transmissions like Honda’s DCT, Yamaha’s Y-AMT, and BMW’s own ASA system are spreading fast, partially automated setups are also on the rise – including Honda’s electronic E-Clutch, and MV Agusta’s centrifugal Smart Clutch System (SCS), which is based on the aftermarket Rekluse clutch originally developed for motocross. Read more
Fresh figures released by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) have shown a notable uptick in new bike registrations across the UK for February – with Honda leading the charge in the majority of segments. Looking at internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles specifically, the data shows a 16.8% improvement in year-to-date figures compared with the first two months of 2025, with 8592 registrations versus 7359 last year. A closer look at February alone also reveals a 15.3% increase in registrations for petrol-powered bikes, ending the month on 3838 across all capacities. Read more
Perspective is everything. Ideally, as we move through life and absorb new experiences, we take on new information that makes us turn over the other things that already exist in our mind. “I never thought about it that way,” we might say to ourselves (or at least think it). And then, we might reconsider it, adding the new information we’ve gathered to the well-worn tidbits we’ve already tucked away in our picnic baskets.
Mix-mix-mix, bake at 350F, et voila, you have a whole new cake with a whole new flavor. Delicious!
So went the experience I just had after watching a truly delightful Japanese movie from 1986 called His Motorbike, Her Island. If you want to watch it, don’t worry; it’s subtitled in English and available to watch for free (in the US, anyway), as it’s currently streaming on Tubi at the time of writing. I won’t spoil it for you, but I am going to talk about the bikes in it, because of course I am. Read more
With fuel prices on the rise again across the UK, the humble motorcycle could once more start looking like a smart way to get from A to B without emptying your wallet.
Fresh figures from the RAC show petrol and diesel prices climbing sharply in recent days, with the organisation warning that drivers – and riders – may face further increases in the coming weeks as global oil prices continue to rise.
According to the RAC’s head of policy, Simon Williams, average fuel prices have surged since the end of February.
“Average petrol and diesel prices have rocketed in the last week and are unfortunately likely to keep on rising, so the situation for UK drivers is looking increasingly bleak,” he said.
Petrol has climbed to roughly 137.5p per litre, while diesel has jumped even more dramatically to around 151p. Separate RAC figures show petrol rising 3.7p to 136.53p and diesel increasing by 6p to 148.35p in less than a week, pushing diesel to its highest point in 16 months. 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...
Yamaha have unveiled a raft of updates for their Tricity 300 three-wheeled scooter, including reshaped bodywork, improved rider aids, and most intriguingly, the addition of a built-in rider airbag.The system marks the first time such technology has appeared on a Yamaha production machine and has been developed in partnership with Swedish automotive safety specialists Autoliv.In a release, Autoliv describe the system as a “significant step toward making advanced safety solutions accessible to a wider range of riders, moving beyond their previous availability solely on high-end motorcycles.” Read more
Adventure & Touring
There’s an uncommon sense of freedom associated with not having to ride anywhere in particular. In search of that feeling, I set off on a 20,000-mile meandering journey around our fair continent—a journey that included the crown jewel, a run to the Arctic Circle. Before my departure, Suzuki HQ happened to be in contact with us about the release of their stem-to-stern redesign of the V-Strom 1000, and offered up the “first one off the boat” Adventure model for an extended test. How could I refuse?I planned to ride the Dalton Highway, essentially a desolate, mostly dirt road, from just north of Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle. Though I hail from sunny (and drought-ridden) SoCal, I left prepared for almost anything. My gear included KLIM’s Overland suit and Element Long gloves, electric jacket and glove liners from Venture Heat, a tried ’n true hi-viz rain suit from Tourmaster, Sidi Adventure Rain waterproof boots, and the remarkably fog-free LS2 FF386 flip-front helmet. Read more
When did I last see a car? If someone comes by, will they help or rob me?
These were just some of the questions swirling in my head on the side of a dirt road in the remote Moskitia region of Northeastern Honduras, near the Nicaragua border. It wasn’t my first time riding alone through a distant corner of the globe, nor was it my first broken bone. It wasn’t even my first big crash. But it was my first time experiencing all those things at once.
Three months earlier I’d quit my job. Career-wise I was stuck in a rut, completely burnt out on what I was doing but unable to think of anything better. So six days after my last day in the office, I packed my bike and headed for the Mexico border.
Riding through Baja I found solitude. Wandering around the peninsula I stayed entirely on dirt, avoiding people, camping in arroyos, reading voraciously, and drinking myself silly. The mental quagmire I left behind—career, bills, expectations—seemed a thousand miles away. In fact, it was. Read more
History & Custom
In the world of electronic music, Girts Ozolins is a titan. As the founder of Erica Synths, he spends his days designing modular synthesizers that are as raw and uncompromising as the industrial soundscapes of his home in Riga, Latvia. But when the soldering iron is cold, Girts translates that same passion for high-fidelity grit into the workshop of ZEPS Moto.
We’ve previously marveled at Girts’ sharp-edged KTM RC8, but his latest project is something more visceral. He again teamed up with Andis Zeps to transform the 2006 Yamaha MT-01. With a massive 1,670cc air-cooled V-twin, the MT-01 is a hammer of a motorcycle. Read more
Kevin Williams
Being over-cautious: a Biker Booby Trap
One of the trickiest balances in riding isn’t balancing lean angle or brake force with grip, it’s caution versus decisiveness. Most riders recognise the obvious trap: charging through junctions with a “my right-of-way” mindset. They’re legally correct of course, and rely on other road users ceding passage. Many of these riders are technically competent — yet utterly shocked when someone pulls out anyway. That one should be pretty familiar to readers.
But there’s a quieter, less discussed booby trap at the opposite end of the spectrum: over-caution. Unnecessary hesitation doesn’t just waste opportunities to make the progress that advanced riders like to make; it creates instability in traffic flow. It confuses following drivers. Read more
Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly”
[Based on the In-Depth item in Elevenses, the live webcast]
I spotted that line in the introduction to an online training course recently. It’s one of those phrases that sounds profound until you actually think about it. The idea behind the quote is obvious. Don’t overreach. Don’t outride your ability. Don’t take unnecessary risks. All sensible advice.
My immediate reaction was this: “if your training is doing its job properly, you won’t be relying on a guardian angel”. Motorcycling isn’t about luck. It’s about competence.
But wrapping it in superstition and suggesting there’s a guardian angel looking after us subtly shifts the framing away from personal responsibility and towards fate. Read more
Learning biking lessons behind the wheel Part Three
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.
Two weeks ago I talked about the ‘cognitive overload’ that is a normal condition behind the wheel in complex environments, and last week we saw why drivers also have expectations that bikes will behave like cars, so this week, let’s look at another issue; riders often accuse drivers of being half-asleep or distracted. In fact, there’s scientific evidence that drivers are less-stimulated by the driving experience. Read more
The horn as a warning
[Originally published March 2016]
It should be obvious that the horn is there to be used as a warning but a lot of riders sound the horn far too late. When the car’s already moving across into our path, the only effect that sounding the horn is likely to have is make the driver panic-brake and completely block our path. And when they’ve cleared it and there’s no longer an emergency, sounding the horn is the audible equivalent of the raised middle finger.
The police manual talks about a ‘horn warning’ and that’s how it should be used – to alert another road user to our presence. In other words, the horn should be used before the emergency develops, not during the emergency when it’s too late, or after the situation is resolved when it’s simply a rebuke. Read more
Too Long, Didn’t Read & the Role of Dopamine
Last week I was explaining why I’m not going to write shorter articles just to please the ‘TLDR swipers’ who complain that Facebook is the “wrong platform” for text-based articles. This week we’ll take a look at how it may not be my writing that’s “too long and boring” but your brain that’s tricking you into thinking that.
The usual question about article length is “how long should it be?” but how long is a piece of string? The answer is “as much or as little as needed”. If someone is searching for a definition of something, 200 words may well be too many. I can define counter-steering in well under that. 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? 
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
In a joint statement the three argue that the current Roadworthiness Directive already provides an effective framework, that Member States are best placed to tailor motorcycle inspections to local conditions, and that mandatory PTIs would impose high costs without meaningful safety gains, given that mechanical defects cause only a tiny fraction of crashes.
The organisations emphasise that riders already perform routine self‑checks and many motorcycles receive regular professional servicing, making additional inspections redundant. They call for evidence‑based measures, such as better training, infrastructure, and targeted enforcement, to address the real causes of motorcycle accidents while avoiding disproportionate burdens on riders, especially in rural or remote areas. 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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