Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists – Weekly Newsletter 28 November 2025
Table of Contents
Editorial
Riding in winter is a bracing experience. The purpose of which is to ride out, ride back, clean the bike – and talk about the wonders of riding on a winter’s day. You didn’t leave the bike in the shed did you? Riding when conditions are less than ideal is great practice for when you out on a summer ride and the weather turns unpleasant. It is a different skill set. Relying on a ‘fair weather’ riding skill set will cause you more problems than you need to encounter. SAM members ride all year. We know the benefits, joys and cautiousness that is experienced in the winter. Sure, there are a handful of days when you should not ride, but it’s reassuring to know that you can cope with whatever the weather gods send you. Always ride safe and err on the side of caution, but also don’t let the joy of riding slip because conditions are less than ideal. We have learnt a lot about what to wear when riding in poor conditions; and, how to prepare the bike to keep you mobile. We freely share all of this expertise with anyone who needs some advice.
Over the past week, UK motorcycling has experienced both pressure, progress and new opportunities for young riders. At the same time their are tough challenges for the industry. Politically, as motorcycle advocacy groups—especially MAG—push for more supportive policies, lobbying is intensifying. Campaigning goes on for easier access to bus lanes and reforms to rider education, training and licensing. The UK Government statements may have dashed earlier hopes, but local efforts continue and motorcycling won’t be going away. The industry remains hopeful and is responding with increased innovation, manufacturing development, securing real change with better access and affordability. In these very hard economic times this is vital for young people seeking more eco-friendly, flexible personal transport.
At EICMA and Motorcycle Live, major brands have launched and marketed new bikes, aimed at younger and newer riders. Triumph’s TXP electric off-road range, developed with OSET and tailored for children and families, is now available—offering smart safety features and green technology. Aprilia’s SR GT 400 delivers sportier commuting options, while promotions like Royal Enfield’s Bullet 650 anniversary add to the diversity of new models on offer. Innovation, adaptation and public education go a long way to mitigating the intransigence of politicians.
The latest marketing efforts have focused on digital engagement, with dealerships hosting “New Year, New Ride” events and social media sales campaigns. All in an effort to attract first-time buyers by breaking down cost barriers. Broader plans around National Young Rider Day and ongoing licensing reform discussions also signal a commitment to nurturing future generations of bikers. For developing post-test riding skills SAM (Sheffield Advanced Motorcyclists) and other local groups continue to provide quality-assured training to help riders become safer road users. The highest road casualty rates are amongst 16-24 year old riders, many with limited basic training and no post-test training. It’s time to think about doing something different.
Wherever you travel this week, watch out for bikers, ride safe and happy reading. SAM members, don’t forget to fill in the SAM Christmas Party Booking form – just to make sure you will get fed!!
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
1st December 2025
IT’S THE SAM CHRISTMAS PARTY!!
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 November 2025
Details to be arranged
Online Motorcycling News
General
You’re an existing IAM RoadSmart member with an Advanced Rider or a commercial vehicle qualification? There’s an exciting opportunity awaiting you to boost your skills beyond our Advanced Rider Course. Read more
It’s becoming increasingly clear that the secret behind Honda’s remarkably affordable pricing for the CB1000 Hornet is the tried-and-tested idea of economy of scale. By developing multiple models on the same platform it saves on R&D and tooling, and after adding the retro-style CB1000F to the lineup just a few weeks ago it’s now introduced a third machine based on the same components in the form of the CB1000GT.
We already got a peek at the new GT in October when Australian type-approval documents were published before the bike’s launch, but the model’s full specs remained secret until its European unveiling at the EICMA show in Milan and turn out to include some market-leading levels of technology and performance paired to a cutthroat pricing strategy. Read more
Phoenix Motorcycle Training is making motorcycling accessible to everyone, and Linda Pilbeam, 71, proves that with the right support age certainly isn’t a limiting factor.
The beauty of motorcycling is that there’s no particular time or way to get started with it. For 71-year-old Linda Pilbeam, the road to a full licence was a long but rewarding one.
Motorcycles have long been part of Linda’s family life. Her husband has been a biker for over 40 years, her children and their partners all ride, and even her grandchildren are getting started on two wheels. Despite being surrounded by motorbikes for decades, Linda reached her 71st birthday without ever taking the step from CBT to a full motorcycle licence — until a family challenge changed everything. Read more
Following the launch of their new Manx R and Manx V4s, plus Atlas twin-cylinder adventure bikes, TVS-backed Norton Motorcycles have now announced a 36-month, unlimited mileage warranty that is transferable between owners.During this three-year window, customers will also get access to 24/7 breakdown cover – including onward travel if your bike can’t be fixed at the roadside.The coverage was announced during the recent Motorcycle Live (MCL) show in Birmingham, with Global Director of Aftersales Ownership Experience, Mainak Nandi saying: “We are here to enhance, educate and resolve all aspects of the ownership experience through unwavering, dedicated and unique in the industry service.” Read more
Royal Enfield is celebrating its 125th birthday, and rather than blowing out candles, it’s dipped one of its most iconic machines in something far shinier. The Bullet 650 125 Year Special Edition celebrates one and a quarter centuries of motorcycling in style!If you’ve been keeping tabs on Enfield’s expanding 650 range, the Bullet won’t be a stranger. It shares its engine, frame and much of its chassis with the rest of the family, including the Classic 650 that also broke cover at EICMA this year. That means the familiar 648cc air-cooled SOHC parallel-twin sits at the heart of the bike, delivering 46.3bhp at 7,250rpm and 38.5 lb-ft of torque at 5,650rpm — modest on paper, but designed for character rather than chaos. 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...
Countersteering on a motorcycle.
A nationwide warning has been issued by Cleveland Police following a new trend in motorcycle theft.
A specialist team that deals with crime and anti-social behaviour involving motorcycles and off-road bikes has seen an emerging approach taken by thieves in recent months, with offenders using fake banking apps to con victims.
Sergeant Claire Williams, who leads the off-road bike team in Leeds, said: “What we are seeing is an increased level of sophistication in the way that certain individuals are stealing motorbikes. We do still have reports of people asking for a test drive and riding off, never to return, but what we are also seeing is bike thieves who are making it appear they are paying by using fake banking apps on their phone. Read more
While we know that bicycle frames can be made of bamboo or other non-metallics, most are made of metal tubing, chiefly steel. Their design is mostly single-plane, save for the right and left rear axle stays.
An attractive way to join tubes to make a frame was to cast or fabricate lugs bored to accept the tubing: one for the steering head, one for the bottom bracket. Wipe a mixture of surface-cleaning flux and powdered brazing material onto the tubes and into the lugs, assemble, and place in a furnace hot enough to form the bonds between tubes and lugs.
Motorcycle frames were to remain tube-and-lug for many years. Read more
Adventure & Touring
“It isn’t an adventure until something goes wrong.” That is the motto of Joe, my riding buddy, for our travels through Central America, the U.S., and several BDRs. It’s a mentality well suited for adventure riding in all kinds of conditions and circumstances—but for some situations, “something going wrong” could be wildly dangerous or even deadly. If you’re riding in the cold, there are considerations that will help to ensure safe and comfortable travel despite the frigid temps.
When I first started riding, it was winter in North Carolina. Although we don’t get Fargo-like cold here, I learned early on that proper planning, packing, and gear selection are essential when we challenge elements.
This is even true in my normal moto-commute to work. Before I head out the door, I have an important list of considerations. My gear has to be picked carefully because I generally have to ride regardless of the conditions. Read more
Where chivalry still exists, cowboys rule, and the riding is mighty fine…
It was the type of winter that drives motorcyclists crazy because the snow and cold temperatures had extended into April—that typical Idaho winter where riders long for sunshine and the first glimpse of spring flowers to herald the riding season. In January, I had purchased a 2006 950 KTM Adventure and my thoughts were consumed with taking a trip on her. Lamenting this to my friend Carolyn, she invited me to ride to Texas and see what made her state so great.
Departure day dawned frigid and snowy, no surprise in Idaho, so I waited until late morning for the roads to be cleared. The snowfall made for spectacular contrasts in the canyon country of Utah, but it was too cold to camp so I overnighted with friends and pushed on, eager for warmer climes.
Taking the long way to Texas, in Arizona I looked up my friend Sydney, a female rider I’d met the year before, when we were both riding to Alaska. At dinner we chatted about my trip to Texas and my plans of meeting my friend Carolyn to do some dual-sport riding in Big Bend National Park. On an impulse, Sydney decided to join us, and went to work the next day requesting a week off.
Sydney, Carolyn and I met up in Fort Stockton, Texas. At the campground we drew a crowd as we pitched our tents. For we three independent travelers, it’s common to travel solo, camp off the grid and be self-sufficient. But to the RVers, we were definitely unusual. Other campers took photos of us and asked questions about our travels, as if we were a rare American breed. Read more
History & Custom
We had to do a double-take when this handsome little scrambler landed in our inbox. At a glance, it looks like a neatly restomodded 1970s Suzuki enduro—but its twin-cylinder two-stroke motor says otherwise, since all of Suzuki’s dirt bikes from that decade were singles.
In reality, this little ripper is a 1974 Suzuki GT185 road bike, masterfully transformed by Knuckle Whackjob in Jakarta, Indonesia. Read more
Motorcycle design in the 1990s underwent rapid evolution, as manufacturers looked at what worked from the 1980s and supercharged, well, everything. But what ones are worth adding to your collection?
The changes manufacturers introduced during this decade continue to influence motorcycle designs today, and the bikes themselves remain hugely desirable to collectors. Here, we take a look at some of the most inspirational and iconic motorbikes from the 1990s. Read more
Kevin Williams
Ice – my ‘stay at home’ condition Part Two
Years ago, returning from a blood run at 4am on a January morning, I was passing through the town centre thinking it would be warmer than the country lane route home. I’m not sure it was, because having just turned a corner to accelerate along a straight section of road, I hit a patch of black ice. The wheelspin was so dramatic, I thought I’d missed a gear. By the time I figured out what had happened, I was clear of the ice and back on reasonably grippy tarmac. I was incredibly lucky I wasn’t leaning or braking – I would have been on my ear.
And that gives you another tip – separate ALL acceleration and braking from leaning and keep speeds down so as to reduce steering input and lean angle. Brake upright, lean cautiously on a gentle throttle, then get upright again before getting back on the gas. Make all control movements slow and smooth. Try to keep weight off the handlebars – not easy on a sportsbike, so sit forward on the seat, grip the tank with the knees, brace the back and keep shoulders, elbows and wrists loose. Read more
in today’s show… major changes for driving tests; DVSA CEO steps down, only learners to be able to book tests, DIA not happy… Special Escort Group police rider found not guilty of manslaughter through careless driving… fake speed camera appears in S London… Adelaide farmer survives broken neck after crashing bike on farm… new Suzuki Welsh off-road training centre… Kove celebrate historic world championship with Kove 350RR Jerez… Kawasaki bring in budget W230 single… CFMoto’s new 1000MT-X adventure bike tops 2026 range… KTM show off ultra-limited edition Brabus 1400 R Signature… in-depth today – UK road safety week looms which makes it all the more important to analyse crash and injury figures correctly… Read more
Turmoil at the DVSA
[Based on yesterday’s Elevenses item]
As I am sure you all know, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency – the DVSA – are the agency that among other jobs oversees testing for new road users and for those who want a licence for a different class of vehicle. The organisation, which grew from the merger of the Driving Standards Agency (the DSA) and the the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (the DVLA), has long been under fire for its poor performance in terms of providing driving and riding tests.
And now, Loveday Ryder, the Chief Executive of the organisation, has decided to step down. Read more
Fight the Fear; Fear of the Journey
Today I’m going to look at the how to cope with the general anxiety that sometimes strikes before we even get on the bike.
A certain level of caution is good; it keeps us alert. But high levels of fear and stress aren’t; they can leave us struggling to even start out on a motorcycle ride, and if we do manage to force ourselves into motion, they cause tension and prevent us from focusing on what we should be doing, which actually raises the danger.
So what is happening? What we’re feeling is a version of ‘performance anxiety’, which you probably have heard of as ‘stage fright’, which affects actors, musicians and speakers, amongst many others. It’s a fear of not meeting expectations. Even top sportspeople can freeze in unfamiliar environments, a well-documented psychological response which is related to performance anxiety and often referred to as competitive anxiety, racing heart, shallow breathing, tense muscles, and intrusive what-if thoughts. Read more
In case you were wondering what happened to this morning’s Elevenses live webcast, the answer is that for the next few weeks I am going to shift to a one show a week format.
As you may know, I started Elevenses back in March 2020 when we went into lockdown, and were all looking for things to keep us occupied during the COVID pandeminc. The timeslot was selected because it’s the traditional time for a mid-morning cuppa and a short break from work. Originally, I was running four short shows a week, but as things slowly got back to normal, I dropped the show back to twice a week, on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Personally, I’ve enjoyed the challenge of running the shows as well as the interaction with people who tune in, particularly with the regulars who make a real effort to watch live, but the fact is that viewer numbers have dropped right off on Wednesday mornings. Although the recorded show picked up viewers over the next few days, a couple of weeks back I found myself with no live views at all for almost the entire show. The shows may only run for 35 to 40 minutes but they each take around four to five hours to put together. If no-one watches, it’s hard to justify the effort. Read more
Why the Highway Code gets braking distances wrong
As new riders and drivers we all learn the Highway Code’s stopping-distance chart. The numbers are drilled into us as if they were a law of physics. Let’s take two of the figures. At the lower urban limit of 20 mph, the UK’s ‘road code’ book tells us that we should be able to stop in 12 metres. And at 70 mph, the speed limit on a dual carriageway, that stopping distance in the chart is 96 metres.
Many riders and drivers assume those figures are out of date and that modern vehicles whether four or two wheeled, can easily beat them. In fact, the opposite is true. Those braking distances simply don’t hold up in real life.
Why? First, the Code talks about ‘thinking distance’, but assumes a reaction time of just two-thirds of a second for a driver who is “alert, concentrating and not impaired”. But it’s not quite as simple as that. This reaction time is about how long it takes for our brains to yell “BRAKE!” and for our muscles to move our foot (or hand and foot on the bike) to hit the brakes. Read more
Whiteknights Blood Bikes
Whiteknights would very much like to thank the team at Northallerton Tyre & Battery Co Ltd in Thirsk.
To prepare one of our response cars for winter they very generously mounted and balanced our new all season tyres without charge.
Brilliant service and very helpful – thank you!!
— with Northallerton Tyre & Ba
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? 
At IAM RoadSmart, our community is made up of people from all walks of life. We recently sat down with Rob Gilligan, an IAM RoadSmart Examiner, who shares his expertise through motorcycle and driver assessments, inspiring people of all ages to improve their skills and make the roads safer for everyone. Read more
A fifth raised concerns after noticing new dents or scratches on their car
A third noted that their reactions or judgement seemed slower than before
The research, by IAM RoadSmart, has led to calls to review the system and provide more support for older drivers and their families Read more
Are you aware of the OAP framework when out riding? 
ACEM
The campaign concluded with an immersive experience where riders and journalists put post-license training into practice on two wheels.
Milan (Italy) | 6 November 2025
Riders and journalists shared the ride and tested their skills at EICMA during the closing of Learn – Ride – Enjoy – Repeat, the European campaign by the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), aimed at encouraging both novice and experienced riders to pursue high-quality, voluntary motorcycle training.
In Milan, the final event turned that message into an experience. Under the guidance of certified Federazione Motociclistica Italiana trainers, participants took part in demo rides and advanced exercises, including alternating slaloms, controlled acceleration and braking, and smooth wide turns, all designed to underline the benefits of post-license training. The highlight of the event was sharing the ride with James Toseland, two-time World Superbike champion, offering a unique, hands-on experience of how refined techniques elevate every ride. Read more
Motorcycle Industries Association
October 2025 L-Category (Scooters, Motorcycles & other light vehicles) New Vehicle Registrations
MCIA has today published the new vehicle registrations for the month of October 2025.
This includes Mopeds, Scooters, Motorcycles and some other specific sectors of the wider L-Category vehicle types.
The market continues to improve compared to earlier in the year, with October closing at -9% and year-to-date performance of -14.7%. The Scooter sector ended the month at only -1.1%. We expect the final quarter of 2025 will experience significant variations versus the previous year, due to market distortions experienced in the final few months of 2024. The underlying trend is improving, and optimism for 2026 remains high. Read more
National Motorcycle Dealers Association
“It is positive that the market is steadily improving year to date, however, ahead of the Budget on 26 November, the motorcycle industry has received little clarity or support,” said Symon Cook, Head of the National Motorcycle Dealers Association (NMDA), in response to the latest figures released by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA).
Motorcycle registrations for October saw a -12.1% decrease albeit better than the year-to-date performance of -14.6%. For the total month, registrations were down -9%. Despite ongoing challenges, MCIA sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, with expectations of stronger performance heading into 2026.
Symon Cook added: “More needs to be done by the Government to help the sector, lest we risk being forgotten. With the Budget approaching at the end of this month, there has been little to no discussion surrounding motorcycles, despite the fact that targeted measures could prove pivotal in securing much-needed support for the industry. With talks of tax increases, they could seriously affect the new motorcycle market. Read more
National Motorcyclists Council
The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) used the opportunity of the National Road Safety Conference 2025 on the 4th November to present a fresh approach to how motorcycle safety policy is considered by the Government and other authorities. At this flagship event, organised by Road Safety GB (RSGB), the NMC’s Craig Carey-Clinch and Saul Jeavons from the Transafe Network, co-presented ideas on how transport policy can be used to create a ‘virtuous circle’ of motorcycle safety which can help further drive down casualty figures. The session, entitled Motorcycle Safety – Building the Momentum, explored themes raised at the RSGB motorcycle conference last February and was well attended by several organisations and individuals, including from the Government. Read more
FEMA
MANUFACTURERS’ RECALL
Welds on the frame of your Morbidelli T125 or T125X may have insufficient resistance. High loads generated while driving on irregular road surfaces or over potholes could cause cracks in the welds. This could cause the welded area to break without warning, the lower cradle to detach from the steering head and the frame collapsing, leading to injuries.
FEMA, Europe’s leading motorcyclists’ organisation, shows you all recalls: www.femamotorcycling.eu/recalls
At this year’s National Road Safety Conference in the United Kingdom, the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) brought a bold message: it’s time for government and policymakers to stop seeing motorcycles as a problem to be eliminated, and start seeing them as part of the solution.
We sat down with Craig Carey-Clinch, Executive Director of the NMC, following his presentation with Saul Jeavons of the Transafe Network, to talk about how Britain can create what he calls a ‘virtuous circle’ of motorcycle safety.
Craig, what was the key message you wanted to get across at the National Road Safety Conference?
Craig Carey-Clinch: We wanted to challenge the way motorcycling is treated in transport policy. Too often, safety concerns are used as an excuse to exclude motorcycles from planning or to discourage people from riding altogether. That approach doesn’t work. It just creates what I call a ‘disvirtuous circle’ where safety doesn’t improve, because the system never supports riders properly in the first place. Instead, we’re saying: let’s create a virtuous circle, where integrating motorcycles into transport planning actually improves safety, encourages better infrastructure, and recognises riders as legitimate. Read more
British Motorcyclists Federation
Driving test rules are being changed in a bid to reduce waiting lists and prevent slots being sold at inflated prices. In recent years we’ve seen a flurry of online ‘bots’ booking the sought after slots automatically. These are then sold on to learner riders/drivers for up to £500 by private companies. The standard fee is £62 for a weekday slot, or £75 for an evening or weekend, but some learners appear to be willing to pay the inflated fees, just to avoid the long waiting list.
New rules announced by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander mean only learner drivers will be able to book test slots themselves. Instructors will no longer be able to book tests on their behalf and a limit will be placed on the number of times a learner can move or swap a test. Read more
The British Motorcyclists Federation is proud to support International Men’s Day on 19th November. A day that shines a light on wellbeing, resilience and community.
For motorcyclists, it’s a timely reminder that the road offers more than just freedom, it can be a space for reflection, connection and support.
As part of our ongoing commitment to rider wellbeing, the BMF actively supports a number of mental health organisations working within the motorcycling community.
These include… Read more
Motorcycle Action Group
𝗝𝗮𝘆𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 –say hello if you see them!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.
Are you ready for the winter weather? 
Give yourself more time and space on wintry roads 
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…