Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists – Weekly Newsletter 24 October 2025
Table of Contents
Editorial
It’s amazing what happens in a week of motorcycling. Since the late 19th century, our community has responded with invention, innovation, development and support. All to help people to work, travel and explore the world. SAM members continue help local riders to become safer road users. Despite all the road blocks put in our way by politicians and bureaucracy, we are resolute in ensuring that riders in our community continue to have access to advanced rider training. Get a FREE assessed ride via our website.
In this week’s newsletter there is news of how cycling is getting masses of support around the UK. Leicester City Council have allocated £50,000 install lockable units around the city. There has been some criticism of the Police Roadcraft training guide. Not for what it contains, but for what is seen to be missing. Our, quality assured, training, which includes reference to Police Roadcraft, is guided by an approved training curriculum developed by IAM RoadSmart.
Motorcycle Live, celebrating its 40th anniversary at the NEC on 15th-23rd November, is set to be bigger and better than ever. The latest figures from the MCIA (Motorcycle Industry Association) show a marked economic recovery. Manufacturer innovation and some very exciting racing have helped. In the UK, it’s more likely that young people, desperately coping with serious cost of living challenges, have found that motorcycles are greener, sustainable and economic. September was the strongest month of 2025 so far, with the overall market down only 2% year‑on‑year. This narrowed the annual decline to 15.2% from 17.2% in August. Scooters, many young people’s cost-saving choice for getting around, rose 1.5%. Adventure bikes rose 21%, showing that the spirit of adventure travel is growing fast. Sport tourers rose 8%, suggesting a shift in interest, among younger riders, toward affordable, efficient and multi‑purpose machines.
Manufacturers have responded decisively. Suzuki have cut prices across its entire range, from the GSX1000GT to the V‑Strom 800RE. This move helps the company to counter inflation and attract cost‑conscious riders. The company has also hinted at unveiling a modular electric city bike at November’s EICMA show. Thus, positioning itself to reach a new, eco‑aware generation. When cycling isn’t an option, power-two-wheels will keep you mobile.
Ducati also made headlines by displaying its V21L electric prototype, based on the MotoE racer. A production version should follow by 2027 .
Racing had lots of high drama. In Indonesia, MotoGP star Marc Marquez fractured his collarbone in Indonesia, undergoing surgery but vowing a swift return. As human bodies don’t come with spare parts, there are limits to what can be missing or substituted, but we wish him a speedy recovery. At home, Josh Brookes returned to winning form in British Superbikes at Oulton Park. Bimota confirmed a 2026 return to the BSB grid with Kawasaki support. Fans are nostalgic the for handcrafted engineering.
Safety gear and apparel saw major autumn boosts, with helmet and glove sales surging by over 100% since spring, reflecting young riders’ growing commitment to protection and stylish practicality. There are warnings that the UK Government is not doing enough to stop the importing and sale of cheap, unsafe kit. If its cheap, look for the safety labels and check online that it is fit for motorcycle use. Because it looks good, doesn’t mean that it will work when you need it most. The most important part of the bike is the rider’s brain!
Overall, October’s trends show revival and reinvention coexisting: practical scooters for budget commutes, adventurous new tech for dreamers, and an industry politically unified by MCIA’s ongoing lobbying for licence reform and greener transport incentives. All to encourage young people to see powered two wheels, not just as freedom, but a very sensible everyday choice.
The SAM Committee are currently discussing the IAM’s proposed membership rights changes. As an affiliate Group, the SAM charity Constitution has to align the Articles of Association of the IAM. This is not a problem as our Constitution, updated in 2024, already contains the requisite provisions. These go further than those of the IAM. They state plainly that our primary purpose is to serve the local community, provide quality-assured post-test training for motorcyclists, liaise with other charities and road safety groups and provide public education on the social and ecological value of motorcycles as a form of personal transport. More information will be forthcoming to SAM members. In the meantime, help us by letting members of the SAM Committee know your views on the IAM changes to membership rights. Thank you.
IMPORTANT: SAM Monthly Club Meeting will be at the Three Merry Lads pub, Three Merry Lads
610 Redmires Road, Sheffield S10 4LJ
Your success is our success!
Advanced riders are safer road users, ride longer, rider further, meet more people and enjoy a healthier, happier life!
Message from Jono, Aoife and Fran (Chair)
To everyone who has donated and offered support, THANK YOU, for all your kindness, support and generosity. There is still a long way to go, but the response from SAM members has been outstanding. We would be extremely grateful if you can help to reach the target of £2,500. Thank you for all your support.
For Your Diary
Meetings
Next SAM Club Night
3rd November 2025
7.30pm start for meeting at 8pm. Gives you time to catch up on what you’ve missed!
Three Merry Lads
610 Redmires Road
Sheffield
S10 4LJ
Next SAM Committee Meeting
30th October 2025
Details to be arranged
General
Secure hangars for storing bicycles are set to be placed in streets around Leicester.
Leicester City Council said it intended to install lockable units in residential areas, particularly where high levels of bike thefts have been reported.
Residents would be able to rent spaces in the hangars, which would each hold six bikes.
The 10 proposed units would be available to nearby residents, not workplaces or businesses, the council said.
A survey has been launched to seek feedback on the best locations for the hangars, which are about the size of a single car parking space.
The authority said the scheme, costing £50,000, would be rolled out early in 2026. Read more…
Advanced motorcycle training is based on the book – Police Motorcycle Roadcraft – or is it?
Police Roadcraft for cars goes back to the 1930’s. It was written when there was no training or testing, you just went and bought a licence. Crashes were becoming a problem even with so few cars around.
Roadcraft for motorcycles arrived many years later in the 1970’s. Compulsory motorcycle training began in 1990.
The problem with Roadcraft is what isn’t in there. Although the latest version includes ‘Emergency Response’ riding, somewhat unwisely for public consumption, it is missing many of the actual tactics and manoeuvres. Read more…
Motorcycle Live is in the process of reinventing itself – and we’ll be there, celebrating our 40th anniversary and supporting our industry’s biggest show in Birmingham this November.
The event’s transformation started last year, with a focus on a more festival feeling and with a range of non-motorcycle specific entertainment added to broaden the appeal beyond the hardcore motorcyclist. Live music and higher quality food and drink created chill out zones beyond the halls of new metal, while the traditional stage set-up was supplemented with more intimate ‘zones’ where experts hosted their ‘labs’ throughout the nine-day event.
Where previously there had been a large focus on racing, the new zones (hosted by TV presenters Grace Webb and James Whitham) covered everything from design and engineering, adventure travel, classic motorcycling and, of course, racing, with a nod to the new generation of social media content creators. It really does represent all sub-genres of 21st century motorcycling. Read more…
A mother has warned about the perils of modified e-bikes after a fire left her family homeless and killed one of her kittens.
Emma Wills, from Chilworth in Surrey, moved in to the property five months before a modified e-bike charging in her living room caught fire at the end of January.
“To go from a fresh start to losing everything so quickly has been devastating,” she said.
The e-bike, which belonged to a family friend, had recently been modified using a conversion kit bought online. Read more…
Electric motocross pioneers aim to beat the best ICE street bikes
Electric bike specialist Stark Future has already found remarkable success with its Varg off-road machines in a tough market for battery-powered motorcycles and has now revealed plans to delve into the street bike market in the coming years.
A new YouTube video published by the company outlines its plans, starting with a supermoto version of the Varg, expected to be launched later this year. While that machine, previewed in the video, follows the usual format of adding 17-inch wheels and street tyres to an existing enduro model, the company’s next steps will be more extreme. Read more…
Those who have participated in annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride may be familiar with the brand Brummell. They make blazers that are as good as a motorcycle riding jacket with protective layer. The fabric is comfortable, yet the jacket is meant for motorcyclists.
Below an extraordinary news from Brummell Press Release–they got a Patent accepted in USA for their unique design–a first in motorcycling industry at a commercial production scale. They are awesome, beautifully designed blazers you could ride into offices with.
Personally, I hope they get investors now–so that the prices of those lavish protective blazers come down to tarmac riding level. Read more…
The much-anticipated event is back for another nine days of all things two wheels and we can’t wait for you to join in the fun.
As long-standing sponsors of Motorcycle Live, we’re proud to announce that we’ve planned plenty of entertainment for you to enjoy from 15th-23rd November. Find out what we have organised and where you can buy your tickets here. Read more…
The 2026 British Superbike Championship calendar has been announced, along with several important changes to the season. Now entering its thirtieth year, the Championship will once again visit the biggest and best circuits across the UK, although there are a few adjustments to the order of rounds for the new campaign.
The season gets underway on the May Bank Holiday at Oulton Park in Cheshire, followed just two weeks later by the first of two visits to Derbyshire’s Donington Park. In a change from the previous season, the Championship then heads north of the border to the scenic Knockhill Circuit, before moving east to Norfolk’s open and sweeping Snetterton Circuit at the beginning of July.
Mid-July sees the BSB campaign arrive at Brands Hatch for the first of two visits to this iconic Kent circuit, before returning to Cheshire for another round at Oulton Park. There’s no summer break for the riders, as just two weeks later the Championship arrives in Hampshire for the Thruxton round. 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...
Hiplok has added two new disc locks to its motorcycle security lineup — the MD1000 and the MDX — with one of them promising something we’ve never seen in a compact lock before: resistance to angle grinder attacks.
According to Hiplok Co-Founder Ben Smith, the brand wanted to deliver the “highest level of motorcycle security in a compact, portable format,” while keeping things practical for everyday riders. The result is two locks that look similar but sit at opposite ends of the security spectrum. One is built with Hiplok’s anti-grinder tech, the other with traditional hardened steel. Read more…
When I got to see the inner workings of the Brembo OEM and Racing factories earlier in 2025 (please note that they’re separate facilities, since they make different but related things), I found it incredibly interesting. A bit like my own personal candy factory, if you will. As the kind of person who’s loved seeing behind-the-scenes videos on how things are made since I was a kid, it was exactly the kind of experience I couldn’t get enough of.
And hey, it doesn’t hurt that I’ve been riding street motorcycles with Brembo calipers, rotors, and master cylinders (not to mention J. Juan and ByBre, on some occasions) for years. Those experiences add an almost personal touch to getting to tour the factory, you know?
But one thing I didn’t get to see while I was there is something Brembo’s quite proud of having developed, and it sounds like it probably should be. We’ve all been told that recycling is important for increased sustainability, probably for more years than we can count. Reduce, reuse, recycle; except, of course, for things where you can’t. And now, at the end of September 2025, Brembo officially announced that it’s cracked a process whereby it can make OEM brake calipers from 100 percent recycled aluminum alloy. Read more…
Adventure & Touring
It was a hot summer evening, sitting with Stergios on our balcony in Athens sipping cold beer and chatting about our travels when a memory came back from years ago: our first beer together. We were in South Africa and had just left Joburg riding towards Lesotho. It was the first day of our trip together on a “test ride” because we hardly knew each other and didn’t know how things would go with two almost-strangers riding two-up on a Vespa. After a smooth first day on the road, we pitched our tent by a lake. The place was idyllic; after dinner, Stergios went to the store for a couple of beers and we drank them sitting next to each other enjoying the moment.
How many times do we say, “the first time I…” in our lives? Some are lucky enough to have a lifetime full of firsts, both big and small. That day, it was just a beer at a campsite somewhere in South Africa, but for us, it was the beginning of our story together, the first time I rode the Vespa and the first time Stergios traveled with a pillion.
When Stergios decided to leave everything behind to scooter through Africa, he didn’t think he was doing something special or breaking any record; he just wanted to see the world. Many first-time events, such as pitching his tent overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Western Sahara, weren’t worth mentioning because wild camping for the first time was all about overcoming his fears and insecurities and nothing else.
We all grow up in different environments and our development often depends on that background. A Westerner may feel that life has little or less value in the developing world, that there is violence and hostility towards Americans or Europeans, and that people “in those countries” are different and don’t understand us. Despite all that, some decide to ignore what they’ve heard and venture off despite the alleged danger. Unlearning our biases is not necessarily an easy process. But it’s something most resist. Read more…
History & Custom
Foundry Motorcycle’s Tom Simpson has a complicated relationship with Moto Guzzi motorcycles. He’s built a handful of them, each one more impressive than the last. But he’s never managed to keep one for himself, despite his best efforts.
This 1981-model Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans III was going to be different—but then fate intervened once again. “I bought the donor bike as a complete basket case from a colleague of mine, a few years back,” Tom tells us. “He only wanted the bodywork, and I only wanted the rolling chassis, engine, and drivetrain.” Read more…
Kevin Williams
*** SCAM ALERT *** Fake Vehicle Tax Warning
I was due to warn you of another phishing attempt in Elevenses this morning.
Obviously, DON’T click the link!
Elevenses back next Sunday with more news, views & tips Read more
Fight the Fear: “I can’t steer”
This is the second in a new series aimed at fixing problems that arise when riding. While this series is aimed generally as less-experienced riders, it’s not to say the same problems don’t occasionally affect the more experienced. Let’s look at steering the bike. We’ll need a decent expanse of empty car park with plenty of space to work. Failing that, a very quiet wide road, free of parked cars and with good views.
1. Start with a demo
As explained last week, it’s easy to assume that with the right directions, a trainee will go ahead and perform, but counter-steering is entirely counter-intuitive. My demo is simple. With the trainee off to the side of the bike’s path so they can see, ride past in a straight line at around 25 mph. I use a high gear to minimise engine braking, and demo two things: Read more
Maybe drivers DON’T fail to see bikers more than cars!
“The Roles of Motorcyclists and Car Drivers in Conspicuity-Related Motorcycle Crashes” (SWOV report R-2011-25) produced some very interesting – and perhaps controversial – results about the exposure and collision rates of motorcycles with cars.
This study looked at the collisions that result when the driver ‘looks but failed to see’ a motorcycle, resulting in a failure to yield to the motorcycle at an intersection or junction where the rider had priority. The research combined a literature review along with analyses of crash data in the Netherlands. Read more
Information flow – can we control search content?
A couple of months back, I was running a series on how ‘information flow’ has been changed by the internet, with a shift from a ‘push’ of ‘gatekept’ information which was held by limited number of institutions and distributed via an equally-limited number of channels like books and magazines, through the early internet democracy where ‘pull’ operated as we searched for what we wanted, and how that’s been moving back to ‘push’ as social media algorithms choose for us what we’re about to watch.
But what about search engines? As a primary gateway to information, search engines in their initial form turned up the information most relevant to the search.
But I’m sure you have noticed that is no longer the case and increasingly they are conduits for misinformation. Since their primary goal is profit, it is in the search engine companies’ best interest to point us at results we are likely to watch or read, rather than what we actually wanted to discover. Not surprisingly, they show off content that is sponsored (ie, ‘pay to display’ advertising), but it may not always be obvious that’s what we’re seeing. Read more
Riding in the Dark Part Two
In Part One of this two-parter on riding in the dark, I looked at some of the simple preparations we can make to ensure our riding kit and our bike is as well prepared as possible. After I’d published the article I remembered that I’d been tipped off by Nigel a while back to one particular issue. He said:
“I only realized recently, on changing my clear Pinlock, that the clear anti-fog visor is rated as “daylight only” – its actually clearly printed, probably never read the instructions! Would probably still disregard it to be fair, but was still surprised.”
I’ll be honest. Whilst the anti-fog properties of a Pinlock are great, I found they caused something of a star-burst effect riding into vehicle headlights, so I removed my first fairly rapidly and never fitted another – if you’re wondering, I relied on the anti-fog properties of Fairy Liquid. What you do is up to you, but that ‘daylight only’ instruction could be an issue in the event of a crash blamed on poor vision. It’s always worth reading the instructions. Read more
One of our favourite projects – vehicle graphics for White Knights Blood Bikes! 🚨
These bikes are true lifesavers, and it’s brilliant to help them stand out on the road. Every detail is designed for visibility and impact, keeping their mission front and centre.
#VehicleGraphics #Charity #WhiteKnights #Signage #M4UKLtd
South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership
Scooter safety: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?
80 percent of business fleets have no road safety policy for their drivers
48 percent do not conduct regular vehicle safety checks, while a further 53 percent do not have a health and safety officer
65 percent of fleets are not using telematics or GPS tracking systems, and 39 percent of professional drivers have never been offered driver or rider training or assessment Read more
Are you aware of the OAP framework when out riding?
ACEM
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.
This unbalanced framework creates an economically unsustainable situation for European manufacturers, as steel represents a fundamental component in motorcycle construction. The persistence of punitive tariffs threatens the competitiveness of ACEM’s member companies and jeopardises jobs they support throughout Europe and in the US. The current arrangement effectively introduces discriminatory treatment that undermines decades of successful transatlantic business relationships. Read more
Motorcycle Industries Association
MCIA has today published the new vehicle registrations for the month of September 2025.
This includes Mopeds, Scooters, Motorcycles and some other specific sectors of the wider L-Category vehicle types.
Positive signs for the market in September, as new registrations for the month continue to show improvement over the year-to-date trend. The Scooter segment continues to significantly improve in September closing the month at a positive 1.5%. Some sectors of the Motorcycle registrations also witnessed very positive signs of growth in the month with the Adventure segment up 21% and Road Sport up nearly 8% compared to 2024. Motorcycles combined remained negative albeit vastly improved from the year to date closing the month at just – 3%. Read more
National Motorcycle Dealers Association
Superb breakfast at the houses of commons today with the National Motorcycle Dealers association and the National Motorcycle Council.
Bringing Motorcycling to the attention of MPs Thankyou to Maya Ellis MP for the Ribble Valley for taking time and showing genuine interest in the need for licence reform.
Fabian Hamilton MP and Craig Carey Clinch for hosting the event. Brilliant event with new contacts made and hopefully the need for licensing change will be one step nearer. A progressive licensing system that encourages training and therefore improves road safety must be a good thing.
The current system is just not fit for purpose. I’ve never been to the House before and will definitely go back for a proper tourist experience. Just standing in the lobby seeing Nigel Farrage and Lindsay Hoyle was quite surreal.
#youlesmotorcycles #TeamYoules #licenseamendment
National Motorcyclists Council
FEMA, FIM and NMC are discussing the End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation and the periodic technical inspections of motorcycles today, before another series of meetings with Members of the European Parliament FIM and FEMA will be having in the coming days and weeks.
FEMA > Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations
FIM > FIM – Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme
NMC > National Motorcyclists Council
FEMA
Icelandic motorcycling association BLS is against a proposal to introduce road pricing. Fuel tax will be removed and instead a tax per kilometer will be implemented on all insured vehicles. This will financially disadvantage motorcyclists. BLS therefore calls on the Icelandic government to start talking with motorcyclists, and not just about them.
BLS´s arguments against the proposed charging of motorcycles per kilometer fee Read more
British Motorcyclists Federation
Indian Motorcycle is set to enter a new chapter as Polaris Inc., its parent company since 2011, prepares to sell a majority stake to U.S. private equity firm Carolwood LP. The landmark move, expected to finalise in early 2026, marks a strategic shift for both companies while reaffirming Indian’s commitment to quality, performance and rider support.
Polaris will retain a minority interest in Indian, allowing the new company to operate independently while still benefiting from Polaris’ engineering legacy. The transaction includes the full transfer of Indian’s design, engineering and manufacturing operations, which will continue from its U.S. base in Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Monticello, Minnesota, along with its European R&D centre in Burgdorf, Switzerland. Read more
🏍️ Warm Up Your Tyres Gently
Cold tyres offer less grip. Ride smoothly for the first few miles to bring them up to temperature.
#warmtyres #bettergrip #TyreTips #ColdWeatherRiding #GripPerformance #britishmotorcyclistsfederation
Tyre Safety Month: Keep Your Motorcycle Tyres Road Ready
Did you know that October is Tyre Safety Month? A perfect reminder for all to check our motorcycle tyres. They’re your only contact with the road and their condition affects grip, stability, and braking performance.
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Did You Know?
Most motorcycle tyres have tread wear indicators built into the tread grooves. As the tread wears and approaches these raised bars, it’s time to plan a replacement. Once the tread is level with the indicators, the tyre must be replaced to stay safe and roadworthy. Read more
Motorcycle Action Group
MAG would like to thank Motorcycle News for keeping the issue of motorcycle access to bus lanes relevant.
Make no mistake, this article from MCN could only exist because of the constant campaigning from individual bikers/motorcyclists. Who have written to their MPs and Councillors, signed the MAG petition for default access to bus lanes for motorcycles, and Colin Brown (Director of Campaigns and Political Engagement) meeting up with Richard Holden, Shadow Transport Secretary last month.
Who stated that the Conservative Party would re-visit the issue if they win the next general election, which could be in four years time.
So we would rather not wait for a General Election and the the Conservatives could raise the issue in one of their “Opposition Days”. They can call for a debate in parliament (what we were aiming for with the petition campaign). This will only happen if we keep the pressure on with all Political parties, but especially the Conservative Party.”
Michael Armstrong
MAG Vice Chair.
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…
You need to know that CBT’s may not always be completed in a single day.
Get ready for a long day as the CBT course should last for at least 5 to 8 hours. You will be taught elements in turn and when you are safe to go onto the next element then you progress through all the five stages. The CBT course is completely safety orientated so if you can’t complete all the stages on the day, then a rest and a return later is the best and safest way to progress.
If you are told you need further training to meet the required standard, make sure you understand: Read more