Long Way Over Charity Ride

16 April 2008

For the last few years the folks behind Ireland's Culchie Festival have been organising a gathering of Honda step-thrus each October. Last year almost 500 bikes turned up and won the event a place in the Guinness Book of Records. This year three intrepid editors from Mortons Media Group will make the long distance trek from Lincolnshire to Southern Ireland to join the festival, aboard two ageing step-thrus and an ST70 Dax. The trip will be raising money for the Lymphoma Association.

Phil Turner, editor of Motorcycle Sport and Leisure, said: "I've never ridden a C70, 50 or 90 before, I'm sure I'll be used to it after 400 miles! I'm delighted to be able to do my bit to help the Lymphoma Association and as crazy as it sounds, I'm actually really looking forward to the ride."

Malcolm Wheeler, editor of Classic Racer, will be riding the 1974 Honda ST70 he formerly used as a pit bike on the Isle of Man. “I’ve done some daft things in almost 35 years of motorcycling, but riding my ST70 from Lincolnshire to Ireland must rank among the daftest,” he said.

The third bike will be a borrowed C90 ridden by Classic Motorcycle Mechanics editor Rod Gibson. "One of our readers suggested it was a good idea and I agreed, so I guess it's my fault. Now the others have come on board I can't chicken out!"
The intrepid trio plan to leave the Mortons offices on 22 October and make two overnight stops before arriving at Cavan for the festival on the weekend of 25-26 October. If you'd like to sponsor the riders more details are on the website at www.longwayover.org.uk and you can meet the trio at various events throughout the summer including the Stafford Shows in April and October. For more information on the Culchie Festival click onto www.culchiefestival.com

Rush hour road rash

16 April 2008

The RideSafe BackSafe team are urging two-wheeled commuters to dress for the journey, not the destination. As a part of their safety campaign, the North West initiative is displaying a series of posters across the region, aimed at those bikers who don’t wear the right protective clothing.

The ‘City Ace, Pity Case’ poster illustrates both the correct clothing and what not to wear. Bikers are being encouraged to apply a little common sense for the sake of self-preservation. Information about protective clothing, training options, bike events and a web-based forum, can all be viewed at www.ridesafebacksafe.co.uk

Boys in blue go green

16 April 2008

Strathclyde Police has introduced the first ever electric scooter to be used for active duty by a police force within the United Kingdom.

Inspector Colin Pearson (Glasgow Airport Road Policing) said: “Following a two week trial to test for performance and usability, we quickly established that the Vectrix scooter was capable of meeting our requirements and we have since gone ahead with the purchase of the bike. “It will enhance our ability to enforce parking legislation and also to assist the regulation of traffic within the busy airport road system.”

London Motorcycle Show a success

16 April 2008

The London Motorcycle Show went with a ‘wow’ recently at London ExCeL with around 39,000 people turning up to check out the bikes, babes, and action. 2008 saw the floor space at the show increase by 30 per cent and exhibitors are already reserving stands for the 2009 show, which takes place from 29 January-1 Feb 2009. For exhibitors wanting to make sure they have secured their stand for 2009, telephone 01926 834 780.

Suited and booted

16 April 2008

The lucky winner of the Corazzo Jacket kindly supplied by the UK distributor, VE (UK), is Ed Caine from Birmingham. His tie breaker answer was: “Ride a scooter? Corazzo’s gonna suit ya.” Congratulations Ed, your prize is on its way from VE (UK).

Scooter revs up teenage charity funds

11 April 2008

A KYMCO scooter signed by bands and artists that took part in last year’s Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) gigs at London’s Royal Albert Hall, will be auctioned this month at the charity’s 2008 music event, to raise much needed funds for the charity.
The Super 9 50 scooter signed  by The Coral, Kaiser Chiefs, Kasabian, Noel Fielding and Ronnie Wood to name a few, will be auctioned on Thursday 10th April at a special TCT after-show party sponsored by Deutsche Bank and attended by Paul Weller and TCT patron Roger Daltrey CBE.
Teenage Cancer Trust’s events which are some of the most eagerly anticipated dates in the music calendar will be staged across seven days from Tuesday 8th April to Sunday 13th April and will see some of the top names in the music industry perform to fans. The impressive lineup includes The Who, Muse, Paul Weller, Duffy, The Fratellis and Madness, as well as a comedy night hosted by Noel Fielding.

KYMCO donated its sporty and vibrantly styled Super 9 50 scooter to the 2007 music event, after selecting TCT as its nominated charity.  Ian Kidson, the company’s managing director says: “We have long admired the work done by TCT, and I hope that the signed Scooter, which has some fantastic signatures, will raise a significant sum of money for the charity.”

Richard Shaw, Director for Fundraising and Education said “We are delighted to have the support of companies like KYMCO who continue to help us raise much needed funds to build specialist teenage cancer units within the NHS. The UK is a world leader in providing this support for teenagers with cancer and in 2008, the charity will open four new units and will start building work on a further two. This means that many more teenagers with cancer will have access to one of our units and will get the support they need to fight this disease."

For further information about KYMCO please visit www.kymco.co.uk. For further information about Teenage Cancer Trust visit www.teenagecancertrust.org

DSA announce new training DVD

11 April 2008

‘Better Biking – the Official DSA Training Aid DVD’ provides expert advice on improving bikers’ skills and aids post-test rider training to DSA standard. Motorcyclists can learn how to advance their biking expertise whilst watching professional trainers deliver post-test training and the assessment for the Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS). Trainers can use the clips and analysis to explain key skills and demonstrate them safely and in detail.
The DVD features Sgt. Rick Weaver, chief trainer in advanced riding for Cheshire Constabulary, who personally demonstrates an ideal solo ride in each skill category to show the standard of riding to aspire to. In addition to rider analysis the DVD provides authoritative advice on bikes, clothing, machine checks and security with Louise Brady, presenter of Bikes Aloud and Isle of Man TT.
Brady is delighted that the DVD caters successfully for both trainers and post-test motorcyclists advising: ‘The DVD is the perfect companion to enhance post-test training programmes as well as ideal preparation for the ERS assessment which could help bikers cut insurance costs.’
Better Biking: the Official DSA Training Aid, ISBN 97801129559 published  by The Stationery Office Ltd (TSO) is priced at £10.99. Visit www.tsoshop.co.uk/bike, call 0870 243 0123 or head to all good High Street and online bookstores, and selected computer software retailers to purchase. Members of the Register of Post-test Motorcycle Trainers (RPMT)are entitled to 25% discount on all TSO driving and riding titles. To receive this discount please contact the TSO sales team on 0870 241 0123 and quote your RPMT trainer number.


- PREVIOUS NEWS

Ink and Iron show cancelled

The Ink & Iron Tattoo and Custom Show which was to be held on the 12th & 13th of April at the NEC has been cancelled it has been confirmed.
• We expect their website to reflect this news shortly.

Vespa World Days

18th March 2008

Thousands of participants expected to attend ‘Vespa World Days’ in Cefalù, Sicily between 24-27 April.
This Vespa event for vintage and modern scooters is organised by Stratos DMC agency of Palermo in cooperation with the southern area of Sicilian and Italian Vespa Club under the aegis of the ‘Vespa World Club’ organism generated by Piaggio & C. S.p.a. and by Piaggio Foundation.
Among the principal attractions, you’ll find the Vespa Village, meeting point of the Vespa riders, seat of the market and exhibition area. Excursions to places of natural, artistic and monumental interest will be arranged and there will be a big rider’s parade.
The program of the event is available at the web address: www.vespaworlddays.com

Warning to Vespa PX Disc owners

18th March 2008

Some makes of inner tube sold for Vespas with 10-inch wheels are not suitable for the PX Disc. These tubes have the traditional right angle cranked valve stem, but this stem sits proud of the tube by up to 5mm longer than other makes such as the ‘Michelin Airstop’ examples. This longer stem allows contact with the front brake calliper as the wheel rotates. If this happens for any length of time damage will result to the valve stem, inevitably resulting in a front tyre blow out! One type of tube identified as unsuitable is marketed under the trademark ‘Vee Rubber’. To fit these tubes could result in a nasty accident. You have been warned!

Big club benefits

10th March 2008

Bikesure has launched Clubrider, a new deal for bike, scooter and trike riders’ clubs. Clubrider aims to offer these clubs a wide range of services, products and discounts usually only available to the larger owners' clubs, such as discounts for members, dedicated phone lines and marketing support.

To find out more about Clubrider contact Paul Hammond on 01553 845516 or by email at paul.hammond@bikesure.co.uk

A new label on the street for scooterists

For years scooter riders have been forced to wear jackets designed for bikers; often they’re bulky and don’t have the style our classy
machines deserve. VE (UK) and Corazzo hope to change all that with the launch of a new range of clothing aimed squarely at scooter riders. Corazzo jackets are manufactured in the USA by scooterists and not only do they look the business, but they have some practical features as well, like removable Knox body armour in the back, shoulders and elbows, 1000 denier abrasion and water resistant shell, reflective 3M Scotchlite trim, YKK zips, and a longer cut to the arms and tail to prevent draughts while riding.

T&G has been testing the jackets for a few months and although
they’re not really suited to full-on winter riding, they’re a good, stylish garment which will be perfect for scooter riding as we get into spring and summer. There are various styles and colours available, as well as specific ladies’ jackets. Sizes start at XXS-XXXL and the recommended retail price will be £144-£157.

Corazzo will be available in the UK exclusively from any VE dealer. To locate a VE dealer visit www.ve-uk.com/postcode or contact VE (UK) at sales@ve-uk.com (www.ve-uk.com).

Card game goes green

To a generation of schoolboys dreaming of burning rubber, it was the card game of choice. Now Top Trumps – first launched in Britain 30 years ago – is going green. A new limited edition version that includes only eco-friendly vehicles has been produced. The whole initiative, part funded by the European Union, is supported by Toyota, Honda, Blooming Futures, Organic Power, The GreenBus, and Vectrix. A limited number of the packs will be available on eBay to raise money for the climate change charity.

Charity soccer specials

Bikesure will be insuring a specially commissioned Manchester City FC scooter, complete with true-blue body styling and the club crest. And just to ensure red faces on the other side of Manchester don't turn green with envy, the company will be insuring a United scooter, too.

It's part of an appeal to raise funds for the new Children's Hospital in Manchester. The two scooters were commissioned by the Manchester Evening News and the National Motorcycle Show and were sold in a low bid auction – where the lowest bid for each bike secured the winner the exclusive opportunity to buy it at that price. Bidding was by text, costing £1.50. The prize package also included one year's insurance for each scooter, courtesy of Bikesure.

The scooters are both Peugeot V-Click models, especially liveried for the promotion and donated by the National Motorcycle Show. They were unveiled by Manchester football legends Gary Owen and Martin Buchan.

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