Motorbike Blog

In tough economic times, everyone is looking to save money somewhere. And when it comes to buying a new bike, which many people will think about doing as temperatures start to rise, shaving a few pounds off and getting a bargain deal just adds to the thrill.   Sorry to be a killjoy, but it is worth remembering the old saying about things being too good to be true. I was reminded of this when reading an article in the Daily Telegraph by former police motorcyclist Dr Ken German, who, quite reasonably, wonders where all the stolen motorcycles go.   He explains that although the number of bikes nicked each year in the UK is on a steady downward trend, the figure still stands at a not inconsiderable 22,000. What's more, less than half of these are never recovered.   With over the last few decades, the European Union as a whole has 2.5 million stolen motorcycles still unaccounted for. What happens to them all?   The concern, Dr German explains, is that they are Read more

After blowing out the cobwebs a couple of weeks ago, it felt great to be back on the bike once again at Mallory Park. It was a fantastic opportunity to show off the freshly sprayed Triumph 675 fairings and new kit (although didn’t look quite so impressive when I pulled up at the end of the pit lane next to Michel Rutter on his brand new Kawasaki!)   Once the tyres were warmed up, I accelerated out of the Bus Stop Chicane and down Devils Elbow getting the back tyre spinning. As I applied full throttle and reached about 150mph, I got the same great feeling of excitement, fear and adrenalin that I get every time I ride a bike. All of my hours in the gym and working on the bike became worthwhile in an instant.   The first two twenty minute sessions were easily manageable without coming in tired and aching. The final session however was over half an hour long and I decided to stay out for the whole session (unlike most of the other riders) to get a good setup. After about Read more

South Gloucestershire Council are running a number of motorcycle training days this year to encourage riders to improve their riding ability and safety on the roads. A training day concentrating on commuter riding will also run on the same day for those who wish to enhance their road awareness. The day starts at 10.00 and finishes at 16.00 and at just £25, is great value for money.   There's still time to sign up for the courses below.   Yate This is a one day course concentrating on cornering, road positioning, observation and other skills in the classroom. It is then followed by around 3 1/2 hours on road training.   March 24/25 April 7/8 May 26/27 June 23/ 24 July 21/22 August 18/ 19 September 22/ 23 October 20/ 21 November 3/4   Contact If you would like to book onto any of these courses, or would like further information, please contact Garrad Baily, Motorcycling Officer at South Gloucestershire Council: Tel: (01454) 863749 Email: Read more

With every new set of figures regarding road accidents, there is usually one road safety group or another calling for action to be taken to reduce the number of motorcyclists suffering accidents each year. While no one could argue that is a bad idea, why is the finger of blame always pointed at bikers themselves? Latest figures from the Department for Transport show that the number of motorcyclists having serious accidents between July and September 2011 remained largely static, when compared to the same period the previous year. Now, because the number of serious car accidents fell in the period, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is calling for action. "The police and councils must continue to work together to improve high risk routes, encourage post test training and targeting bad riding behaviour through innovative enforcement techniques," said IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig. But the problem with groups like the IAM – which, by the way, has a vested Read more

After a winter of sniping between two of the biggest names in MotoGP the gloves are officially off, or rather on, as the riders get back on track.   Reigning world champion Casey Stoner reacted angrily to comments made by six-time title winner Valentino Rossi last month, who seemed to suggest that Stoner was only so dominant because Honda has spent a large amount of money on bike development.   The Australian said Rossi was trying to "belittle" him, neatly deflecting attention from the fact that the Ducati was useless last season.   It was all rather petty, but it has certainly added a little spice to the first testing session of 2012, which took place over three days in Sepang, Malaysia, this week.   With Stoner having to sit out the first day with a back problem, 2010 champion Jorge Lorenzo led the timesheets, but not for long. The second day saw Stoner pick up where he left off, racing clear of the chasing pack.   Despite being the only rider to record Read more

For those of you who think it is still a bit too chilly to get back out on your bike, spare a though for those on the Ice Run. Early next month, 15 teams will compete in the maddest bike race on earth, riding 1,000 miles across the frozen rivers of Siberia. On the warmer days, temperatures will reach minus ten degrees Celsius, on the colder ones the mercury will drop to minus 40. Add in a bit of windchill and I'm getting cold just thinking about it. It is not even as if it will be over quickly - the teams of two will not be going that fast - each will be using a Russian Ural sidecar model from the 1940s. On top of that - and this is the best bit - there is no given route, just a start point and a finish point 1,000 miles away. Competitors therefore have to snake their way across the icy wilderness and find their own way, with little or no geographical reference points. Thirty-one-year-old Brit Simon Limpus is one of those taking part, in a bid to raise money for research into Chronic Read more