Polaris and Indian Motorcycles: Navigating a New Road Ahead

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. A Proven Legacy, a Confident Transition Since acquiring Indian

Don’t let your tyres be an afterthought.

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. ________________________________________ 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. ________________________________________ The Easy Guide to Motorcycle Tyres Motorcycle Tread Depth Adequate tread helps disperse water and maintain grip. Check regularly and make sure you stay above the legal limit. Motorcycle Tyre Pressure Follow the manufacturer’s recommended pressures.

The BMF Annual General Meeting 2025

The BMF Annual General Meeting [AGM] was held on Zoom at 10.00 AM on Saturday the 11th October 2025. The meeting was well attended , with many apologies also, by BMF members from all over the UK. The meeting was Chaired by Jim Freeman, with expert technical support from Helen Hancock the BMF’s General Administrator and Communications specialist. The AGM received detailed reports for the past year, with thoughts and direction for the next, from: • Anna Zee, Political and Technical Services Director, on Lobbying. • Paul Morgan CBE, Government Relations Executive, on Lobbying. • Howard Anderson, Finance Director, on Finance and Accountancy. • Peter Laidlaw, Membership Services Director and Events Director, on Membership and Events. • Helen Hancock, Communications Administrator, on Social Media and Events. The reports

Fog, Fellowship & Fine Machines: Stafford Classic Show 2025

Stafford Classic Show 2025 Staffordshire County Showground 11–12 October 2025 The British classic motorcycling community once again showcased its passion and resilience last weekend as the Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show drew thousands of enthusiasts to Staffordshire County Showground despite Sunday being swallowed by a thick fog. Part of the Classic Bike Shows calendar, this well-established autumn gathering lived up to its reputation, blending nostalgia, mechanical mastery and community spirit. Saturday brought crisp skies and bright sunshine while Sunday’s damp chill did little to deter the turnout. The venue is disabled- and family-friendly, with lifts providing access to upstairs displays and the café. ________________________________________ Saturday: A Clear Start and Strong Turnout From early morning, motorcyclists, mechanics, collectors and newcomers poured through the gates. Inside, the halls

New Police Database Goes Online

The Police National Computer (PNC), which acts as a central database of vehicle and driver information, will finally be switched off in March 2026, after 52 years of service – it went ‘live’ back in 1974 and currently holds 13 million person records and over 60 million records. It’s being replaced by a new database, the Law Enforcement Data Service (LEDS), which will provide the police with a broader spread of data. In practice, that should mean easier, quicker access to drivers’ insurance status (by connecting with the Motor Insurers Bureau), road tax (the DVLA) and MOT (DVSA). Dr Ken German is probably Britain’s best-known expert on vehicle crime – he used to work for the Met Police Stolen Car Squad –

This Weekend: Stafford Motorcycle Show, BMF AGM & National Motorcycle Ride Day

This weekend the British motorcycling calendar is packed and whether you’re out riding, attending an event or logging on from home, there’s something for everyone. 🏍️ The Stafford Motorcycle Show – 12–13 October The iconic Stafford Motorcycle Show returns to the Staffordshire County Showground this weekend, bringing together thousands of enthusiasts from across the UK. Recognised as one of the largest and most anticipated classic motorcycling events of the year, the show features: • Classic & vintage motorcycles on display • Live restoration demonstrations • A huge indoor autojumble and parts market • Club displays, guest speakers & trade stands The BMF will be in attendance all weekend and can find us near the Fletchers Solicitors stand, so do come and say hello, meet the team and get

Yamaha App Disables Bike to Deter Theft

Yamaha has announced a new anti-theft feature for its four-stroke off-road bikes – an app on the rider’s phone enables only the authorised user to start the engine, after entering a password. Yamaha describes the anti-theft app as an ‘industry first.’ Available as standard on all of its 2026 full-size four-stroke off-road bikes – that’s the road legal enduro WR250 and 450F, and the off-road only YZ250 and 450F – the app allows the user to communicate with the bike, and all they have to do is install it on their phone. The bikes’ existing CCU (communication control unit, a small black box which communicates between the ECU and outside world) can disable the ECU if needed. It does this by Wi-Fi,

RIDE. UNITE. BE SEEN

RIDE... UNITE... BE SEEN...  🏍️🏍️🏍️ National Motorcycle Ride Day – Saturday 11th October 2025 The countdown is on! National Motorcycle Ride Day returns on Saturday 11th October, bringing riders together across the UK in a show of unity, visibility and shared passion for two wheels. Whether you’re heading out solo, joining a club route or just meeting friends at your local biker café, this is your chance to enjoy the open road and also a visual reminder to drivers to "Look Twice for Bikes" especially now as autumn rolls in. 📸 Planning a ride? Tag us in your photos and use #RideDay2025 to join the nationwide celebration. 🔗 Find your local BMF-affiliated club and get involved → click here local clubs or National and One Make

Thousands of Riders Defy Storm Amy for 18th Annual Ride to the Wall

More than 5,000 registered motorcyclists (total number still to be published), pillions and supporters braved the wind and rain brought by Storm Amy to take part in the 18th annual Ride to the Wall (RTTW) on Saturday, 4th October 2025. The event, held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, stands as a solemn tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This year, even extreme weather couldn’t deter the RTTW family, whose purpose remains unwavering: to remember and honour the fallen. ________________________________________ A Ride with Purpose Since its inception in 2008 the RTTW has grown into one of the largest motorcycling memorial events in the country. It gives bikers a chance to remember those who can no longer ride by their side,

Yamaha Patents Fake Engine

Too quiet? Too smooth? That’s the reason given by some motorcyclists who swear they would never forsake petrol power for electric. We’ve reported before on bike manufacturers whose answer is to produce fake engine noises or even a fake gearbox, but now Yamaha has gone one step further...with a fake petrol engine. In a patent filed with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (an agency of the United Nations), Yamaha describes an electric bike which also has what appears to be an air-cooled four-stroke single, complete with crankshaft, piston and valves (but no fuel supply). Basically, the electric motor, as well as doing the real work of powering the bike forwards, turns the crank, which drives the piston. The sound waves of

Ride Alert: The Hidden Hazards of Autumn Roads

A Safety Message from the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) As the seasons shift and autumn blankets the UK countryside, the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) are urging riders to be extra vigilant. While the turning of leaves and cooler temperatures offer a beautiful backdrop for riding, they also bring significant, often hidden dangers such as mud, agricultural debris, and harvest-related spillages. This time of year, rural roads see heightened activity from farm machinery and transport vehicles which can leave behind hazardous deposits. These aren’t just a nuisance they pose a serious threat to rider safety. ________________________________________ The Slippery Truth Mud, grain, silage and other farm materials can drastically reduce tyre traction, particularly when wet or hidden under fallen leaves. A small patch of mud can lead

Fewer Police on UK Roads

The number of traffic police patrolling UK roads has fallen radically in the past ten years, according to figures revealed by the RAC. In 2015, 5237 traffic officers were employed by 43 forces across the country – in 2025, the equivalent figure was 4149, a cut of over 20%. The biggest drop was in traditional traffic units – 3889 now, compared to 5005 in 2015. Specialist officers working with casualty reduction partnerships have fallen from 186 to 144 over the same time period – these are often police involved in speed camera enforcement programmes. Although it’s true that the number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads has also dropped over the same decade, RAC head of policy Simon Williams pointed to the

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