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

Getting more from yourself and your machine

Getting more from yourself and your machine: your guide to obtaining the BMF Blue Riband Advanced Rider Award with SkilledBiker Imagine carving through the mist-shrouded roads of the Scottish Borders, your motorcycle purring as you navigate sweeping bends and rugged hills. The BMF Blue Riband Advanced Motorcycle Course with SkilledBiker isn’t just a training course—it’s a five-day journey that transforms your riding into an art form. BMF admin lead Helen Hancock sat down with SkilledBiker lead coach Kevin Mulligan, a retired Police Superintendent and ex-Police biker, to unpack this unforgettable experience and establish why it really is the most unique way in which to gain your advanced riding qualification: Q: What exactly is the BMF Blue Riband Advanced Rider Award? A: The Blue Riband is

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

M&P Apparently Closing Down

M&P, one of the Britain’s leading motorcycle dealerships, appears to have closed down. Although there has been no formal announcement of the company going into administration, there are signs online that M&P may have ceased trading. On 24th September, M&P’s online face, Mike Morgan, posted on the facebook page, “The last one from me. Thank you for everything – M,” plus a black graphic of the M&P logo with the words ‘1978-2025 Ride in Peace.’ Within 24 hours, there were over 500 responses posted by M&P customers, some expressing their sadness at the apparent closure. According to news website VisorDown, the M&P website was no longer accepting orders, with official messages putting this down to a store update or website maintenance.

BMF AGM 2025

This is formal notice that the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) will take place on Saturday 11 October 2025 at 10.00am The meeting will be held on Zoom. All full and affiliate members of the BMF are cordially invited to register their intention to take part in the AGM. Voting rights of those taking part are set out in Section 6 of the BMF Constitution. Registration of your intention to attend the AGM will be through the BMF administration – please contact admin@bmf.co.uk Please take the opportunity to update your bmf membership contact details as soon as possible. All future communications regarding the AGM, including the issuing of all papers and documents will be through the BMF membership database.

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