After the past few weeks when the weather has been somewhat milder, the change this week with much lower temperatures is causing problems to all road users.  Vehicle drivers are being warned to reduce their speed and to take care when braking.

Although every winter there is icy conditions, it only needs one vehicle to spin out of control to create a major incident.  If all drivers slow down and allow extra time for braking, let’s hope that there won’t be too many accidents this year.

Ducati Supporting BikeSafe

Ducati UK has lent one of their Multistrada 1200 machines to Glen Dennis, who is the co-ordinator of the BikeSafe initiative.   BikeSafe is a Police driven project and has been started in order to reduce the number of accidents to motorcyclists.   The intention is to ensure that motorcycling can be fun and safe whilst giving the riders knowledge and improving their skills.   Glen will use the Multistrada at every BikeSafe event.

Even motorcyclists who have many years of experience on the roads should be able to gain useful information from the BikeSafe initiative as knowledge can always be increased irrelevant of the length of time any biker has been on the road.  Every biker should be encouraged to drive as safely as possible.  Why not attend one of the events and see whether you learn something new – for further information about BikeSafe contact www.bikesafe.co.uk.

Carole Nash MCN Motorcycle Show

This event started at Excel, London on Thursday, 2nd February with an extremely busy day as thousands of visitors streamed in, all of whom want to see all the new bikes for 2012 and to watch the action in the Revolution stunt show.

Also on display are the top ten finalists of the Classic Bike of the Year.

Next week we should be able to give a further report about this event.

Carole Nash Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show

This show is on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th February at The Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN.

As this show is held at a time of the year when the weather is likely to be inclement the majority of the action is held indoors.  There is usually a turnout of over 18,000 visitors attending over the weekend which confirms its popularity.

This year, for the first time, Bonhams will be holding one of their extremely popular bike auctions.

Tickets are available by phoning 01507 529529.

Finally

As we’re now in February, 2012 seems to be getting into its stride with events coming thick and fast.

Now that we heading towards the end of January one or two things seem to be progressing – the next Carole Nash show isn’t far away so I’ll give a reminder of the details next week.

Thinking of Buying a New Bike?

Anyone who plans to change their motorbike may be interested in Honda’s new finance deals. Until 31st March 2012 they are offering zero per cent interest on a range of scooters and motorcycles, whilst on other models including the new 2012 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade which is priced at £12,000 they are offering a low 8.4 per cent APR over three years. The CBR600RR is another model being sold with zero per cent APR over thirty six months.

Some models from Honda’s touring range also have some great finance deals including the Pan European which is available with a Personal Contract Plan at £185 per month for 3 years which has an APR of 4.9 per cent.

There are many other great deals being offered by Honda at present, and a good starting point for information is at their website www.honda.co.uk or call them on 0845 200 8000.

Kawasaki Launch New Models

Kawasaki Dealerships are getting ready for the launch of the 2012 motorbikes during the evening on Thursday, 2nd February. There are four new 2012 models which will be showcased, together with all the other fantastic models in the Kawasaki range.

There is also the opportunity to enter a free draw with a super set of prizes including the chance to win a fully funded trip to the Bmo World Superbike races in 2012. The main part of the prize though is the prospect of riding to and from the races on a new bike of the winner’s choice from the 2012 range.

There are also some great prizes for the second and three placed winners. You can register online for your chance of winning at www.kawasaki.co.uk/2012launchnight.

Update on George White

Following on from the shock news last week that George White was going into Administration, there may be some difficulties for customers to have their orders fulfilled. Those who paid deposits by credit card will be able to obtain a refund directly from the card provider. However customers who paid by cash or debit card may not be as fortunate.

The major motorbike manufacturers seem to be making efforts to ensure that customers who have paid deposits aren’t disappointed. However in the short term, customers who are concerned should contact the Administrator, Deloitte for advice.

A statement from the Administrator states that “poor trading results over the last two years” was the reason for the closure of George White.

Whatever the reason for George White’s difficulties, the fact that none of the staff in their six branches were aware of any problems until they went to work on Thursday last week, it must have been a particularly difficult time for them. Let’s hope that they are able to find new jobs as soon as possible.

Well, we start this week with news of a political nature. The Under-secretary-of-State for Transport, Mike Penning MP, has received the go-ahead from the Prime Minister to contest the anti-motorbike regulations which have come from the EU.

The EU want to introduce new rules so that every motorbike over 125cc will be required to have ABS fitted and will also stop cyclists from being able to tune their bikes. Mr. Penning feels that the regulations won’t benefit any motorcyclists and the Prime Minister agrees with him. To that end Mr. Penning will oppose the legislation from the EU and says that the EU can’t force the regulations through. Should legislations arrive the MPs will vote against them.

Mr Penning is a motorcyclist and also continues by stating that the information above is, at this stage, only a suggestion. If by any chance this is taken further, you can then be sure that Mr Penning will oppose it vigorously.

Triumph Announce New Prices

Triumph has just announced their new prices for their two new 2012 bikes, the Tiger Explorer and the Speed Triple R.

The Tiger Explorer which has a 1215cc three cylinder engine is Triumph’s first venture into this level of adventure touring. This superb machine has ABS, cruise control, traction control and shaft drive. It will be available from the end of March at an on the road price of £11,149. There will also be a number of launch edition specials which will have extra accessories and will cost £11,999.

The other new bike, the Speed Triple R has been adapted from the Speed Triple and has specialist suspension together with other accessories. It will be available from the end of February at an on the road price of £11,299. There will also be a launch edition with ABS amongst many other additions, at an on the road price of £12,499.

George White into Administration

One of the UK’s leading motorbike dealers, George White Motors, went into administration yesterday. The staff members at their dealerships in Swindon, Plymouth and Torbay were completely shocked as the news was totally unexpected. The owner of the company Steve Gannicott confirmed later yesterday that that group had ceased trading and that they had filed a notice of intention to appoint receivers.

Unless a buyer can be found quickly the staff will probably receive redundancy notices. We will advise you when we have further information. Such a large company going in administration will cause shock waves around the biking world. When a major player is in difficulties without many people being aware of the problem then it can create a wobble throughout the whole of the biking fraternity.

Well, the first major show of the year has already happened and there are many more to come.  It’s a good start to the New Year so let’s hope that it continues.

Surgery for Motorcyclists – Saturday, 14th January

There’s some news which is time critical so let’s kick off with that – MEP Peter Skinner is holding a special surgery for bikers at P & H Motorcycles Ltd, 61-63 Gatwick Road, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 9RD.

This is a genuine opportunity for motorcyclists to voice their concerns and ask questions regarding EU legislation etc.

All motorcyclists are welcome to this meeting.  Arrive before 2pm; enjoy a cup of tea and a chance to discuss issues relevant to bikers.  Make sure that your views are heard – go and talk to someone who wants to listen to your opinions.

Carole Nash Show, Newark – Weekend 7th-8th January

Apparently a good time was had by everyone who attended the first show of 2012.  There were over 10,000 visitors during the weekend and all enjoyed the various spectacles including the motorcycle restorations.  The two guest stars Steve Plater and Alan Carter kept the attendees entertained and the event was a huge success.

Planning for the event in 2013 is already underway.

And Whilst Talking about Carole Nash

Just announced is the news that Carole Nash Specialist Motorcycle Insurance Company has now been put on the market.  All UK businesses which are owned by the French Insurance Company Groupama are now for sale.

Once I have any further information I’ll obviously pass it to you.

New Licensing Rules

The Driving Standards Agency has just announced their new rules which will be effective from next year.  The changes include having specific engine limits for younger riders.  There are also additional training requirements for riders of 17 years.  There will be extra tests needed before riders will be able to ride bikes with engines of any size.

Although younger riders may feel that it is unnecessary to have the additional tests and training, it is better to be safe, and taking the extra time needed before moving up to larger engines and bikes should pay off in the long run.

At the end of the second week in January, business is getting back to normal, and there will be lots of news expected in the next few weeks.

Welcome to 2012

Christmas seems to have become a distant memory – a pleasant memory but nevertheless gone for another year. Fortunately there wasn’t much snow around over the festive period, apart from in the Scottish highlands and islands. Now that the holiday break has finished, there’s sure to be much more news in the coming weeks.

Sad News to Start 2012

It was dreadful to hear the sad news that 38 year old Jorge Martinez Boero, the motorcyclist from Argentina, had died after an accident during the first stage of the Dakar Rally on Sunday, 1st January. He had already completed 55km of the course and there were only 2km more to the finish. Boero was air-lifted to hospital, but it was later announced that he had died whilst on the journey, possibly from a heart-attack.

Derbyshire Planning Department Say No!

Derbyshire Dales District Council has refused permission for additional testing days at Darley Moor. The circuit which doubles as an airfield had requested that the current 14 days which are already allowed, be increased to 34 days annually.

The application was refused on the grounds that there would be additional traffic which may cause more noise and extra activities in the area which would be to the detriment of occupiers of local properties.

Celebrations for Champion before Announcing Retirement

Craig Drury, aged eighteen, became the British 250cc Grasstrack champion, but in the final race he had an awful accident which caused a broken back, leg, collar bone and ribs, together with a punctured lung. Despite these dreadful injuries which kept him in intensive care for some twelve days, he recovered sufficiently to be allowed home in time for Christmas.

Drury announced his retirement commenting that he had “been at the top of the game” being crowned British champion, but felt that in another accident he may not be as lucky.

Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic

This is the final reminder for this event to be held this weekend in Newark in Nottinghamshire.

There will be a couple of TT Superbikes on show – the Honda Superbike on which Steve Plater seized victory of the Senior TT. Steve Plater is also the Guest of Honour at the show. Also on show is the Honda Superbike which was superbly ridden by John McGuiness and gave him victory at the TT on three occasions. This was the bike which also gave McGuiness the outright lap record.

And Finally

Don’t forget about the Tough One Extreme Enduro event taking place on Sunday, 15th January at Nantmawr Quarry in Shropshire. This is the eighth time this event has been held, and we’re sure that it will be a huge success – particularly as it appears to be even bigger and better than previous occasions.

That’s about it for the news this week, so will catch up again next week.

There are only a couple of days left in 2011, and this is obviously a quiet time in the motorcycle calendar.  There are only a couple of news stories this week; however let’s hope that once we’re in 2012 the news will come fast and furious.

Former MotoGP Champion has Accident

Nicky Hayden, the American former MotoGP world champion was training on a private track close to his home when the accident happened.  There was another rider in front of him and in trying to move his motorcycle out of the way, he managed to catch Hayden’s front wheel, unfortunately throwing the former champion from his motorbike.  Hayden suffered two broken ribs and shoulder blade.  Haydn became world champion in 2006.

This accident happened during Hayden’s first training ride since he broke his wrist whilst riding in the Valencia Grand Prix in November.

They do say that accidents happen in threes – let’s hope that this is just a myth!

Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic

This is just a final reminder about this show which takes place during next weekend, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th January 2012.  This new show which is being held at Newark Showground, Newark NG24 2NY will be mainly indoors and with Guests Steve Plater and Alan Carter already confirmed it promises to be a fantastic start to 2012.

Open from 10am to 5pm on both days, tickets and further information is available on 01507 529529.

Go on – treat yourselves to an exciting day out!

Finally

We wish all readers a Happy and Peaceful New Year and we look forward to providing lots of interesting news items during 2012.

Well, it’s only a couple of days to go before Christmas Day, so I thought I would update you regarding the latest bits of interesting information.

London Buses Move Over – Motorbikes Coming Through

There have been a couple of trials, each of eighteen months duration, in London, where motorcyclists were allowed to use bus lanes.  Following the successful conclusion of these trials, it has been decided to let motorcycles use bus lanes on a permanent basis from 23rd January 2012.

The majority of red bus lanes in the capital will be included in the scheme which, during the trials, helped to reduce travelling times for bikers.  About fifty thousand bikers used the bus lanes on a daily basis during the pilot, which also helped to reduce congestion.  Check by using the link http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/redroutes/10151.aspx whether your route is included.

Motorcyclists Have Their Say

Motorcyclists say that the thing that irritates them the most about car drivers is that they don’t use their indicators properly.  Swinton Insurance polled 1,000 motorcyclists about car drivers and 53% of them cited poor or no indication being the one thing that irritated them the most.  The second most popular gripe from bikers relates to cigarettes – twenty one per cent grumbled that cigarette butts have been thrown out of the car window, with nearly all of these bikers commenting about it confirming that they have been hit by a cigarette.

The third item on the list of irritations, is one which is universal amongst road users – potholes and poor road surfaces.  Eleven per cent of those motorcyclists asked commented about the state of the roads.I’m surprised that potholes and road surfaces weren’t higher up the list considering that these can cause serious accidents.

Finally

There has been a track and trial event at Portland Broadcast Quarry for riders aged nine to sixteen years.  This was the first event at the quarry which was an Enduro type endurance event lasting 2.5 hours, which pitted riders and their motorbikes against the clock.  Everyone involved appeared to thoroughly enjoy themselves in this event which was designed to encourage young and older motorcyclists alike.

Good Wishes

That is about it for this week other than to hope that you have a very merry Christmas and to confirm that we will be back again next week.

A number of different Police Forces throughout the UK have been asking motorcyclists in particular, to take extra care on the roads during the present poor weather conditions.  On the build-up to Christmas the weather doesn’t appear to be giving much to cheer about, and motorcyclists are vulnerable to other drivers who are better protected against the snow and sleet.

Even experienced bikers, if they are travelling across country and not on main roads, need to ensure that they always have taken sufficient precautions should there be a problem with the bike, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Make sure that someone knows the route which will be taken, and try to take regular breaks.  If you are running late because of the weather, phone home so that the family won’t be worrying as to whether there has been an accident.

Everyone assumes that accidents only ever happen to other people – that may be true; however this time, the other person may be you!  No-one anticipates that there will be a problem and there probably won’t be one – just make sure that all eventualities are covered.

Update Regarding Motorbike Insurance

The Government have just decided to amend the rules regarding motorbike insurance under the SORN regulations.  Rather than having to make an annual declaration that the motorbike isn’t being ridden and is off the road, they will accept it until told otherwise.  Once they have received the notification that will suffice.

There are also many other changes which the Government have decided to implement which include ceasing the necessity to have a paper counterpart to the driving license – that will take up to 2015 before it comes into effect.  Also being scrapped is the need for paper proof of insurance as there will be a new insurance database.  When that will come into effect isn’t known as yet.

It’s always good when a little common sense is applied!

MotoGP Fans – The New Season Brought Forward

A recent announcement has stated that the 2012 MotoGP will start a week earlier than had been originally planned.  The first race of the new season will take place in Qatar, at the desert Lossail circuit on 8th April 2012.

Organisers have altered the schedule slightly.  At this stage the only confirmed dates are the Spanish Grand Prix will be held on the weekend of 29th April at Jerez, and the races at Sachsenring and Estoril still remain Subject to Contract.

The British Grand Prix at Silverstone is due to be the sixth of the season and is currently expected to be held on 17th June.

And Finally

Just a little notice about the Manchester Motorcycle Show which has been revived under new management and is being held at the Manchester Central Convention Centre on the weekend of 14th and 15th January 2012.

All information about tickets and details about the guests can be found at www.manchestermotorcycleshow.com.  With doors opening at 9am on both the Saturday and Sunday there’s going to be fun for all of the family.  Look for yourself at the website.

That’s about it for this week.  Take care on the roads!

Perfect for riding at this time of the year.  To enter just complete the following form.

Closing Date: Saturday 7th January 2012

We’ll contact the winner to find out where to post the gloves to after the closing date.

Competition closed!

We have emailed the lucky winner and will update this page in due course.

An Expensive Time Which May Cost More Than Expected!

Hurtling towards Christmas now, with only two weeks to go – however, something really important has been brought to my attention this week.  I know that money is tight for everyone at this time of the year, and for me to suggest that some of you may need to spend a little more than had been planned is very unfortunate.

Continuous Insurance

From July 2011 there has been a new ruling about vehicle insurance and when every vehicle must be insured.  Previously, those owners of vehicles which perhaps were only driven in summer and kept garaged in the winter may have only had insurance for that part of the year when they drove the vehicle and it was on the road.

The new regulation states that even if you only drive a vehicle for part of the year the vehicle must still be insured for the whole year.  The only exception to this new rule is if the tax disc is returned to DVLA and the vehicle must have a declaration of SORN – Statutory Off Road Notification.

This applies to all taxed vehicles including motorbikes and motor homes, vintage and classic cars – and of course, these are all vehicles which may not be driven for part of the year, and in previous years, the insurance may have been suspended for that part of the year.

In a nutshell if you have a motorcycle you must have insurance unless you return the tax disc and declare the vehicle SORN.

The information relating to this is available from Direct Gov website for further details. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Motorinsurance/DG_186696

I’m really sorry to be the bearer of, maybe expensive news – however I am sure you would all prefer to have the information so that, at least you can be prepared.

The Carole Nash MCN Motorcycle Show 2012

This show is from 2nd to 5th February 2012 and will be held at the ExCel, in London.  Treat yourself and the family to a fun weekend where there are plenty of stars and stunt riders to grab your attention.  This promises to be a great show with something to entertain the whole family.  Further details regarding ticket prices is available by phone on 0844 581 0752 or visit the website at www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com and quote reference ELM330.

That’s about it for this week, and I’m really sorry to have been the messenger regarding the insurance situation.  However, I’m sure that you will agree that it is better to be forewarned, rather than facing prosecution.