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
Aprilia: Ground Effect Road Bike on the Way? Other news 19 January 202429 February 2024 Aprilia has applied for a patent to cover its latest work on aerodynamics, a ground-effect fairing which allows greater lean angles and more corner speed without losing grip. The company pioneered this work in 2022 for MotoGP, and the idea was copied by several rivals for the ’23 race season. But the existence of a patent application suggests that Aprilia is protecting the concept for future use on a production bike. Ground effect – creating a low pressure venturi effect under a vehicle for extra downforce – was originally used in Formula One in the 1970s, but is more difficult to apply to a motorcycle. Aprilia has already patented aerodynamic features on the RS-GP which give more downforce in a straight
Compulsory Retests for Older Drivers? Other news 18 January 202418 January 2024 The family of a couple killed by an 80-year-old driver have called for compulsory retests for older motorists. At the moment, drivers and motorcyclists over 70 simply have to renew their licence every three years, declaring that they are fit to drive, including to an eyesight standard. Roger and Christine Barton were killed when 80-year-old Michael Hamburger pulled out in front of their VW Tiguan, which was pushed into the opposite lane of traffic and struck by another car. Winchester Court heard that Mr Hamburger had an “unobstructed” 500-metre view of traffic in clear and dry conditions. Georgina Abbot, daughter of the Bartons, said, “I think we should all be retested at a certain age. Relying on a driver to declare their
Dazzling Headlights Getting Worse – RAC survey Other news 17 January 202418 January 2024 The RAC is calling on the Government to run an independent study into the issue of headlight glare, after a survey in November 2023 found that 85% of drivers affected said they thought the problem was getting worse. The survey of 2000 drivers, commissioned by the RAC, found that 89% stated that some car headlights are too bright, with three in four of those they were dazzled regularly. More than two-thirds said they had to slow down until they could see clearly again. About the same proportion (68%) said it took between one and five seconds before their sight recovered, while more one in ten said it took six or more, quite sobering when you think how far a 60mph car
London Tops the Slow Charts Other news 16 January 202418 January 2024 It’s official, London’s streets are the slowest in the world. That’s according to a survey by sat nav maker Tom Tom, which analysed traffic speeds in 387 cities across 55 countries. That showed a typical three-mile journey through the capital taking 24 minutes at an “optimal traffic time,” (ie not rush hour) and 49 minutes for a six-mile trip. During rush hour, time spent on the six-mile commute stretched to 88 minutes – nearly an hour and a half – with average speeds in the city centre typically 15mph. The chronic traffic congestion also led to more pollution, with London, closely followed by Paris, coming out as the biggest emitter of CO2 emissions among the cities analysed. An average petrol car
Honda Tempts New Riders with All-In Finance Package Other news 15 January 202418 January 2024 The BMF has welcomed Honda’s New Rider Programme, which aims to simplify the process of getting on the road as well as spreading the cost. The new package seeks to tempt novice riders into motorcycling with an all-in-one finance package which includes a new bike, training, and riding kit. The company hopes that, as well as spreading the sometimes-daunting upfront costs over a longer period, this all-in-one package will simplify the whole process of getting on the road for the first time. The New Rider Programme is being offered by the Honda School of Motoring, which can provide tailored packages to suit complete beginners or those who already have their CBT or A2 licence and want to progress. Instruction takes place at
BMF joins JCB, AA and others to launch National Pothole Partnership BMF News 15 January 2024 To launch National Pothole Day and the start of the new National Pothole partnership, Paul Morgan from BMF attended a media event earlier this morning in Staffordshire alongside representatives from JCB, the AA and Staffordshire County Council. Today's event was held to highlight the new Pothole Partnership between Road User organisations, including the British Motorcyclists Federation, the National Motorcyclists Council and to provide a demonstration of the capabilities of JCB's new "Pothole Pro" machine that can repair a pothole in only 8 minutes to provide a permanent and effective repair rather than the temporary "patch and dash" approach that has often been employed by local authorities. The aim of the new partnership is to bring together the key players in one
No extra European import taxes on US motorcycles (yet) FEMA News 15 January 202415 January 2024 The European Union has decided to extend the suspension of its rebalancing tariffs on US products, such as Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In 2018, the then president Trump signed two proclamations to impose additional duties of 10% and 25% respectively on certain imports of aluminium and steel products into the United States, introducing tariffs on €6.4 billion of European steel and aluminium exports. These measures followed investigations carried out by the US Department of Commerce, which concluded that imports of these products threatened US national security and recommended action to restrict imports. In response, the European Union introduced rebalancing tariffs on US exports to the EU of a value of €2.8 billion; this included import tariffs for US products such as Harley-Davidson motorcycles, making
New National Partnership to fight POTHOLES #nationalpotholeday BMF News 15 January 202415 January 2024 BMF joins new National Partnership between Road User organisations, including the National Motorcyclists Council, and the road repair industry to press Government and Local Authorities to deliver effective and permanent road repairs through a comprehensive 5-Point Plan launched today on "National Pothole Day." Paul Morgan CBE, Government Relations Executive, British Motorcyclists Federation said: “Potholes and other road surface related defects are extremely dangerous for motorcyclists and the top concern for BMF members. Action is needed now to urgently clear the backlog of repairs and address the appalling state of UK roads. We call on Government to front-load the £8.3billion funding that has recently been announced for road repairs and to prioritise the necessary work to make the UK road network safe
NMC in New National Partnership to Tackle Pothole Epidemic NMC News 15 January 2024 Shock figures on National Pothole Date (15th January) show pothole damage at record high New Pothole Partnership formed with 5-point plan AA Pothole Index shows 2023 worst for 5 years for car damage Damage to vehicles estimated at almost half a billion pounds Motorcyclists and Cyclists most at risk of injury A new partnership has been launched today (15 January) between road user organisations and the road repairs industry to help tackle the scourge of potholes, as shock new figures from the AA show pothole damage to vehicles has hit a five year high. The Pothole Partnership has been formed by the AA, the National Motorcyclists Council, British Cycling, IAM RoadSmart, the British Motorcyclists Federation and manufacturer