Kawasaki H2R takes to the Skies Other news 6 February 202428 February 2024 We’ve heard of motorcycle-engined cars, and even boats, but helicopters? Well, not only has Kawasaki built a ‘copter powered by the supercharged H2R power unit, but it really does fly. The company has form here in any case – Kawasaki Heavy Industries already builds a line of conventional choppers from the small BK117 to big twin-rotor military machines. This latest unmanned addition (a work in progress as yet) has adopted the 326bhp version of the H2R’s 998cc in-line four, and according to Kawasaki it can lift 200 kg at sea level, or just half that in the more rarified air at 3100m above sea level. The engine runs at a constant speed, so the H2R helicopter doesn’t sound much like a
Welsh 20mph Limit Update Other news 3 February 202428 February 2024 It’s three months since Wales adopted a default 20mph speed limit in previously 30mph limits, and early findings indicate that average speeds have reduced since, though we don’t yet know what the effect on casualties will be. Although not a blanket speed limit (local authorities are free to retain the 30-limit if they think that 20mph is too slow) the 20-limit has affected many stretches of road. An independent report by Agilysys and TomTom has studied traffic speeds on 310 miles of roads in 10 town and city areas which have seen a reduction in the speed limit to 20mph. The results should be treated with caution as rather than measure the average of all traffic, the analysts tracked the speed
BMF Head Office move to Mallory Park BMF News 2 February 202421 February 2024 BMF on the Move... Mallory Park beckons as the BMF team prepare to pack up and move to new offices at this iconic and historic racetrack. The move will take place over an extended weekend beginning this Friday the 2nd of February, with everything back up and running, and business as usual, from Tuesday the 6th of February. The office phone number and PO Box postal address will remain unchanged following the move. Originally built as a grass oval circuit for pony trotting, motorcycles first took to the circuit for grass track race meetings in 1948. These popular events continued until 1955, when the Mallory estate was sold. The new owner, Clive Wormleighton, known as the true father of Mallory Park, went on
The BMF launches its 2024 Rally Season BMF News 1 February 202428 March 2024 This year will see the BMF once again host three rallies, the Crunchy Sleeping Bag, Dambuster and the Lucky Cup, each with its own unique character and location. As well as being enjoyable events in themselves and a fantastic way to meet with fellow bikers, the rallies are a vital part of the BMF’s fundraising efforts. Any money made supports the lobbying work done by the BMF in its determination to show the importance of motorcycling in the UK and to ensure riders don’t face discrimination based on their chosen mode of transport. The BMF’s Events Director, Peter Laidlaw had this to say about the forthcoming season: “I’m really looking forward to this year’s rallies. There is a lot of challenging
UN: motorcycles will be included in the cyber security management regulation FEMA News 31 January 202431 January 2024 Motorcycles, scooters and electric bicycles with speed exceeding 25 km/h will be included in the scope of the UN Regulation No. 155 on cyber security and cyber security management. Cybersecurity, within the context of road vehicles, is the protection of automotive electronic systems, communication networks, control algorithms, software, users, and underlying data from malicious attacks, damage, unauthorized access, or manipulation. The UNECE Cybersecurity regulation requires automotive manufacturers to establish cybersecurity measures to prevent cyber threats. This includes creating a management system, risk assessments, and continuous monitoring against potential vulnerabilities and threats. The UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles decided to include motorcycles, scooters and electric bicycles with speed exceeding 25 km/h in the scope
Curtain Down on Brighton Speed Trials Other news 29 January 202429 February 2024 Brighton Speed Trials, thought to be the world’s longest running motorsport event, has finally come to an end, with no events planned in the foreseeable future. Organised by the Brighton & Hove Motor Club, with the motorcycle entry run by the Sprint Section of the VMCC, it was first held in 1905 and soon became an annual fixture in Britain’s motorsport calendar, with cars and bikes measured over a standing start sprint along Madeira Drive on Brighton seafront. Many well known names have competed on the famous quarter-mile – Sir Malcolm Campbell, Stirling Moss, Noel Pope and Trevor Nation all sprinted cars or bikes here, against the unforgettable backdrop of Madeira Drive’s ornate terraces on one side, and Brighton beach on
Commute by Motorcycle Despite the Weather BMF News 26 January 2024 Why I Still Commute by Motorcycle Despite the Weather January and it was barely light as I left home. By the time I arrived at work the leaden sky had lightened, but there was still no sign of the sun. Balancing carefully and feathering the rear brake, I drifted slowly down the ramp to the basement carpark. Ducking under the slowly rising shutter door, I made my way across between the cars, to the narrow walkway in front of a white nondescript door. The only place set aside for parking motorcycles. I was alone. In the summer months there are often three of us commuting by motorcycle, but in the winter, it is just me. I put the side stand down and
Stabilisers to Keep Big Bikes Upright? Other news 25 January 202429 February 2024 Tall, heavy motorcycles – especially adventure bikes – can be a challenge for riders with shorter legs or less mobility. Get it wrong at low speeds, and 250kg of expensive motorcycle topples over, usually taking the pilot with it – potentially expensive, certainly embarrassing and not a great thing for rider confidence. Some manufacturers have looked at how a big, weighty bike can be kept reliably upright at low speeds, but apart from the odd low-seat option, nothing has reached the market. But now Chinese brand Voge has patented an idea for hydraulically-operated stabiliser wheels, which might just work. The application shows a pair of tiny wheels (probably only suitable for sub-walking pace) mounted on arms which pivot just ahead of
Government Listens to Riders and Drivers on the future of the MoT Test BMF News 25 January 202428 March 2024 The Government has responded to the MoT Consultation and announced today that there will be no change to the current MoT testing period for cars, motorbikes and vans, with the first MOT remaining at three years from registration. Subsequent MOTs will also continue to be taken once every year. Paul Morgan CBE BMF's Government Relations Executive said " This is an excellent result which comes on the back of proactive lobbying by National Motorcyclists Council (NMC), British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) and IAM RoadSmart along with our key partners and will ensure the continued safety of riders on UK roads." You can read more here ............. Government committed to MOT modernisation as consultation concludes First MOT test to remain three years after
Cheaper Cornering ABS from Bosch Other news 24 January 202428 February 2024 Bosch has developed lighter, cheaper versions of its high-tech riding aids such as lean sensitive ABS and traction control, and for the first time these are being applied to sub-400cc bikes such as the Indian-made TVS Apache RTR 310, which uses the latest version of Bosch’s MSC (Motorcycle Stability Control). The 2024 KTM 390 Duke (also made by TVS) is also fitted with the new-generation kit, with a Bosch 3D inertial measurement unit (IMU) which integrates various functions via the MSC. Interviewed in MCN, Geoff Liersch, head of Bosch’s Two-Wheeler and Powersports unit highlighted the safety benefits of making these systems available on cheaper bikes. “It’s pretty simple for me,” he said. “I would like to see 100% MSC systems on
Indian Mid-Range Bikes coming to UK Other news 22 January 202428 February 2024 The giants of the Indian motorcycle industry are planning an assault on European and UK markets. As a result, we could see a new generation of bargain-priced mid-range bikes on British roads. An article in trade magazine British Dealer News pinpoints Bajaj, Hero and TVS in particular. Until now, they’ve all been selling bikes to the West ‘under the radar,’ by building machines for Western brands. Think the BMW G310GS (built by TVS) and Triumph’s 400 plus the smaller KTMs (made by Bajaj). Royal Enfield of course, has been a slow burn Indian success story in the UK for many years. All are attracted by selling their mid-size offerings to Europe for fatter profit margins than they get on the home
1000-Mile Tiddler Charity Ride Raises £1500 Other news 20 January 202429 February 2024 Three Shropshire bikers have raised over £1500 for Blood Bikes Shropshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire, by riding a trio of Honda 125s over 1000 miles from Shrewsbury to the Hebrides and back. BMF member David Bramwell, who did the ride along with Keith Arscott and John Clarke, takes up the story. “My friend Keith said, ‘I want to ride to the Hebrides on a Monkey bike and take it along Barra Beach!’ When we’d all finished laughing we thought it was quite a good idea. I’m a bit too big for a Monkey bike so I bought a PCX 125 and John already had his son’s CG125, though to be honest that was a bit of a wreck.” Perhaps wisely, John