BMF Wraps Up Tyre Safety Month with a Call to Keep the Checks Rolling

As October’s Tyre Safety Month draws to a close, the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) is reminding riders that tyre safety is an all-year priority NOT just for one campaign month. Throughout October, the BMF has proudly supported TyreSafe’s 2025 “Under Pressure” campaign, highlighting the essential role tyres play in motorcycle safety, especially as the seasons shift and road conditions become more unpredictable. Across BMF’s Social Media channels this month, riders have been reminded that tyres are their only contact with the road. Posts have focused on the essentials: tread depth, pressure, age, and visible damage. With autumn’s damp surfaces and falling leaves, the message remains clear -tyre checks aren’t optional; they’re critical. One key reminder has been the importance of tread wear indicators,

GasGas Ceases Production in Spain

Spain has a long history of building off-road bikes, especially trials machines, but now GasGas, one of the most successful, is to relocate production to Austria. GasGas was founded in 1985 after Bultaco closed, and ex-employees Narcis Casas and Josep Pibernat decided to strike out on their own. Concentrating on trials bikes at first, the new venture did well, expanding through the 1990s and early 2000s into the enduro and motocross markets, but financial problems saw it taken over by KTM in 2019. KTM’s own financial tribulations of recent years, which saw it pause motorcycle production in 2025, is behind the news. KTM says it will transfer production of GasGas motorcycles to its own factory in Austria, though the plant will

Museum Live 2025: Engines, Legends, and High-Octane Thrills

Thousands of visitors gathered at the National Motorcycle Museum over the weekend of October 25–26 for Museum Live 2025, an event that showcased the evolution of motorcycling from vintage icons to modern engineering marvels. Despite the wet, autumn weather, the weekend maintained a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere with music, live engine start-ups, and stage presentations taking place across the site. The expanded outdoor area offered visitors a range of attractions and activities. Manufacturers BSA and Royal Enfield provided test rides of their latest models, while the Mental Health Motorbike initiative engaged with attendees to raise awareness and support wellbeing within the biking community. One of the standout features was the dragster start-up demonstration, hosted by Steve Parrish in the museum’s Fountain Courtyard.

ACU acts against fake helmet stickers

The Auto Cycle Union (ACU) is working to prevent a rash of fake helmet approval stickers, which were being offered for sale online. The ‘ACU Approved’ gold stickers, which are required on helmets for racing and track days in the UK, are usually applied to approved helmets when they are new – riders don’t need to add them later. Supported by Trading Standards and legal partners, the ACU has had over 5000 fake stickers removed from the market. “This is a serious issue for rider safety,” said Matthew Edwards-Wear, CEO of the ACU. “Anyone using a helmet with a fake or tampered sticker is putting themselves in serious danger.” The genuine stickers bear the words ‘British Motorcycle Sport’ and the ‘ACU

Tyre Safety Month – Small Checks – Big Difference

🛞 Tyre Safety Month (1st – 31st October) Small Checks - Big Difference As part of Tyre Safety Month, the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) is joining forces with TyreSafe to help remind riders that a few simple tyre checks can make a huge difference to safety, performance and enjoyment out on the road. Throughout October we’re encouraging all motorcyclists to take a moment to inspect their tyres, because the right pressure, tread and condition could be what keeps you upright this season. ________________________________________ Why Motorcycle Tyres Matter Your tyres are the only part of your motorcycle that actually touch the road. Every aspect of riding, acceleration, braking, steering and cornering depends on this small contact patch. Keeping tyres in top condition isn’t just about

Iconic British Brand CCM Motorcycles — Assets to Go Under Auction Hammer

British motorcycle manufacturer CCM Motorcycles has entered administration, marking the end of a legacy spanning over five decades. The Lancashire company’s remaining motorcycle, parts, tooling and factory assets are now being auctioned through a timed online sale hosted by Gateway Auctions Limited. Founded in 1971 by Alan Clews, CCM (Clews Competition Machines) became renowned for its lightweight, hand-built motorcycles and its strong connection to British motorcycling heritage. The company developed a cult following through models such as the Spitfire series and the Heritage ‘71. Despite this reputation, the company faced mounting financial difficulties in recent years. On 26 June 2025, CCM Motorcycles formally entered administration following a significant drop in production which had reportedly fallen to around 150 bikes annually - down

Free weekend at the National Motorcycle Museum

Free weekend at the National Motorcycle Museum 'LIVE'  Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 October Calling all riders, families and motorcycle fans of every age to get ready for an action-packed weekend at the National Motorcycle Museum (near Birmingham) where entry is completely free giving you full access to their unrivalled collection of bikes, live talks, fire-ups and star guests (remember your ear plugs as it will get noisy on those fire -ups) What’s happening • Two big stage shows each day, hosted by TT-winner Steve Plater, featuring master-builder Guy Willison (“Skid”) and bike-crafter Allen Millyard. • Road-racing legends John McGuinness and Dean Harrison join the guest line-up, sharing stories and meeting fans. • A special live interview with Jenny Tinmouth , currently female lap-record holder at

London to have Driverless Taxis in 2026

Waymo, the US autonomous vehicle (AV) company, has announced that it will launching a pilot scheme of driverless taxis in London next year, and says the cars are already on their way to Britain. This would make London the first European city to offer Waymo taxis – the company has been running AV taxis in US cities such as San Francisco since 2020. Uber and UK tech company Wayve will also be trialling driverless cabs in the capital next year. But the Waymo ‘driverless’ taxis won’t be without a driver, having a “trained human specialist” on board ready to take over in case anything goes wrong. These are public trials, but once the Autonomous Vehicles Act comes into operation in late 2027,

Shadow Transport Secretary Wants Bikes in Bus Lanes

Richard Holden MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, is in favour of giving bikes blanket access to bus lanes in London. Speaking to MCN, he said: “I drive to my constituency through London, and you see bus lanes which often have no people or vehicles in them, and you’ve got motorcyclists being forced to weave through traffic.” He added: “It takes a moment’s lapse of concentration from a driver for that to be a real issue. It’s not about apportioning blame; it’s about getting to a situation which is safer for motorcyclists....It really struck me that one of the most sensible things you can do is where possible open up bus lanes as the basic standard.” Current government policy leaves

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

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