Biker News - Regularly updated

Welcome to our News section, where articles are listed below and if relevant within the categories on the right, just to make it easier for you to find what you wish to read...

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  1. Extra Large – the name says it all with the Touratech Expedition XL engine guard. Raised further at the front and sides and extended down to the collector, it offers even more comprehensive protection for the 1300 Boxer than the tried-and-tested standard version.

    Rock edges, tree trunks and constant impact from loose stones: the oil sump and engine housing are among the most vulnerable components when riding off-road. To ensure that your off-road adventure doesn't end prematurely in disaster, Touratech offers the Expedition XL engine guard for the BMW R 1300 GS and its sister model, the Adventure.

    Built for the toughest demands
    Manufactured from four-millimetre-thick aluminium, bent for maximum rigidity, welded and raised extra high at the front and sides, this top-of-the-range protector extends down to below the exhaust manifold. And it takes on all the challenges that off-road use has to offer. It protects against stone impact, distributes the forces in the event of a grounding over a large area to several screw-on points thanks to the stainless steel mounting plate, and glides smoothly over obstacles thanks to its shape and the plastic rails on the underside.

    Maximum functionality
    Of course, the Touratech developers focused not only on maximum protection, but also on optimum usability. Thanks to the clever design, lean angle is fully retained, and ground clearance is only minimally reduced compared to a completely unprotected engine.
    If the Touratech Expedition XL engine guard needs to be removed for maintenance work, this is no problem either. The critical screw heads are securely countersunk and additionally covered by the replaceable plastic rails.
    The Touratech Expedition XL engine guard is your reliable companion when the road ends and the adventure begins. It is the logical evolution of the proven Expedition engine guard for particularly tough use on long-distance trips or off-road.

     

     

  2. ACE CAFE REUNION & ACE DAY BRIGHTON 2025

    Celebrating the cafe, its heritage, and first held in 1994, the 31st annual Ace Cafe Reunion is on weekend of 5th – 7th September 2025.

    THREE DAYS, THREE RIDES, ONE REUNION

    Independently acclaimed as the World´s Coolest Motorcycle Event, the Ace Cafe Reunion 2025 is held at Ace Cafe London premises and on Madeira Drive, Brighton from 5th to 7th September.

    Celebrating the history and heritage of the Ace 25 years after it had closed in 1969, the first Ace Cafe Reunion was held at the legendary North London premises in 1994, and in 2025 it is not only the 31st annual Ace Cafe Reunion, it is also the 28th anniversary of “Ace Corner” opening on Sundays in 1997 for a “View & Brew”, and the 24th anniversary of the cafe having fully re-opened in 2001!

    Friday 5.9.25

    Kicking off at the Ace with the popular Friday “Bike Night” ride-ins, the evening of Friday 5th include music, special guests & more.

    Saturday 6.9.25

    The annual ‘Cafe Racer Ride Out’ departs the Ace at 10.30am and, on returning to the Ace the ‘Best Ridden Cafe Racer’ (and Bravest Scooter!) competition and judging will take place, with live rock n’ roll and DJ’s from noon ‘till late.

    NB: The “Cafe Racer Ride Out” departing the Ace at 10.30am on Saturday 6th September to attend a special one hour Celebratory Service and Blessing of the Bikes at All Saints Church Hanworth that, starting at noon, celebrates the 66th anniversary of the 59 Club founding as a church youth club in 1959. All are invited to attend this very special service:

    Departing the Ace 10.30am, the route being:

    A406 , A40, A312 “Hayes By-Pass” to All Saints Church, Uxbridge Road, TW13 5EE

    Sunday 7.9.25 – Brighton

    The ‘Brighton Burn Up’ departs the Ace at 10.30am to celebrate the legendary ‘Ace Day’ on Brighton´s Madeira Drive. Sixty years on from the famous seaside meetings in 1964 of the Mods n’ Rockers, in 2025 there will be prizes for the Best Cafe Racer and Best Scooter!

    Together with stands and displays along the seafront, from noon ‘till 5pm the Ace stage will host DJ’s and live rock n’ roll!

    Route: A406 - A40 - M25 - M23 - A23 to Madeira Drive (Brighton Seafront)

    Rev Up and Ride with the Rockers

    Strictly no deckchairs!

    See you at the Ace, and in Brighton

    Keeping watching for updates!

  3. The British Motor Museum is to launch a brand-new sound-based exhibition ‘Beep-Beep, Yeah!’ which will open on 18 July and run until spring 2026 in the new Rubery Owen Gallery. The centrepiece of this exciting exhibition is a Rolls-Royce once owned by music legend, John Lennon!

    From the favourite tunes we play when we’re driving, to the songs that were inspired by motoring cities; push button radios to streaming podcasts; the sensation of our favourite engine noises to the quietness of modern cars; sound, music and the motor car have always had an emotional connection. Beep-Beep, Yeah!: The Sounds and Songs of the Motor Car explores this connection from the engine rumble to the rhythm of our favourite tune and examines why the sounds we listen to in our cars can influence the way we drive. Image preview

    Visitors can immerse themselves in the sound experience through a range of interactive elements such as tuning a 1970s radio, feeling the noise of a BRM V16 P15 race car engine, or sitting inside a 2022 Bentley Bentayga to experience its incredibly powerful audio systems!

    The exhibition also features a 2019 Wells Vertige Prototype demonstrating how music shaped an entire design while, on the other end of the scale, is the 2018 Nissan Leaf whose electric motor is so quiet it generates a pedestrian warning sound as a safety feature.

    Throughout the exhibition is the connection between cars and music and this link is demonstrated by the star car of the exhibition, a  white 1965 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, once owned by John Lennon! The Rolls-Royce appeared in the Beatles film, Let It Be and was sold in 1969 to Allen Klein, founder of ABKCO Records and the Beatles’ manager at the time. It has remained with the family ever since and has been kindly loaned by Jody Klein.

    As a result of the generous support of Rubery Owen, Beep‑Beep, Yeah! will be housed in a brand-new exhibition space which gives visitors the chance to explore more than ever before. 

    Richard Jenkins, Group CEO, Rubery Owen Holdings, commented “As one of Britain's leading engineering companies and one of the earliest to be involved in the motor industry, Rubery Owen shares the Museum's commitment to preserving the history of Britain's automotive industry — both now and into the future. Rubery Owen is proud to support the creation of a new gallery space at the Museum.”

    Cat Boxall, Curator at the British Motor Museum, said “We’re really excited to open an exhibition with a different focus by bringing sound to the forefront in an immersive and interactive way. This has given us a fantastic opportunity to explore our collection from a fresh perspective. When you visit, be sure to think about your favourite driving tunes. Leave your suggestions and scan to take away the playlist which we will be updating throughout the course of the exhibition!”.

    www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

  4. Staffordshire County Showground, ST18 0BD - Saturday and Sunday, October 11-12, 2025

    Two big motorcycling icons have been confirmed for the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, sponsored by Carole Nash, this October 11–12, 2025! Taking place at the Staffordshire County Showground, the show will welcome two legends of the sport – Wayne Gardner and Roger Marshall.

    1987 World Motorcycle Grand Prix Champion, Wayne Gardner, has been confirmed as guest of honour. Gardner began his racing journey on a five-dollar dirt bike and quickly rose through the ranks, making his 500cc debut in 1983. Remaining loyal to Honda, the Aussie star achieved major success with Honda Britain, winning his first Grand Prix in 1986. He went on to beat legends Eddie Lawson and Randy Mamola to claim the 1987 World Championship title.

    Joining him on stage will be no other than Gardner’s best friend, multiple British champion and former Grand Prix rider, Roger Marshall. With 11 British Championship titles to his name, Marshall rose to fame during the 1970s and '80s. He finished runner-up to Joey Dunlop in the 1984 F1 World Championship, claimed podium finishes at the Isle of Man TT, and was a formidable force in Grand Prix racing.

    See these racing icons and good friends live on stage throughout the weekend, as Jack Burnicle dives into their incredible careers.

    And that’s not all! The show will also host top club stands from across the UK and will be packed with stunning machines from across the decades - some of which will roar back to life in the legendary GP Paddock. Explore everything you could possibly need for your motorcycling hobby across our huge trade areas and autojumble stands. Plus, enjoy live music, a fully stocked bar, and much more.

    Save over 20% by booking tickets in advance! Tickets are just £16.50, and under-16s go free when accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit classicbikeshows.com
     
     
  5. Automotive industry charity, Ben, today highlights the ongoing cost-of-living pressures faced by automotive families and launches the third year of its summer holidays support programme.

    Ben is spreading the word that the charity is here for families and individuals who are struggling with money worries, debt or urgent financial need this summer and beyond. Ben’s summer holidays support programme continues to provide families with essentials, including food; bills; school uniforms; emotional support and an opportunity to spend quality time together on a day out or activity, creating precious memories as a family.

    In the past year, Ben’s helpline supported over 15,000 enquiries and over 700 financial grants were administered to those struggling with money. And, according to Ben’s latest research, money worries remain a big problem for automotive workers, with many still impacted by cost-of-living pressures. 1 in 6 people reported skipping meals, 1 in 5 have experienced issues with debt and 1 in 4 of those considering leaving the industry reported they had financial problems.

    With the summer holidays now in full swing, this time of year can be even more challenging for parents. Additional costs add up with children at home and activities, childcare, back-to-school items such as uniforms, bags and PE kits add to the financial strain. This is why Ben is urging automotive families to get in touch if they need support and quality time together. Ben’s purpose is to empower its automotive family to live their best lives – and family time is an integral part of that.

    Families who have received Ben’s support recently said:

    • “This is amazing.... I don't even know how to thank you for all the help and support.”
    • “Thank you again for even taking the time to support me and my family.”
    • “Thank you for being there for me. It means a lot.”
    • “All uniforms are now purchased. Thanks to you I have one less thing to worry about.

    The BMTA Trust is bolstering Ben’s summer support programme this year by providing £3,000 towards costs.

    Rachel Clift, Ben’s CEO, said: “While summer should be an enjoyable time when families come together, it can bring real stress for those facing money worries. Ben’s new vision of an automotive family that thinks well, feels well, lives well and works well, focuses on a person’s whole life, including family and loved ones who play a big part in our overall health and wellbeing. That’s why, in addition to vital financial assistance, we’re helping families create meaningful experiences during the holidays, whether that’s a fun day out or a shared activity, that create lasting memories.

    “Cost-of-living pressures continue to hit home, and our latest annual health and wellbeing survey found that stress and financial concerns remain among the biggest challenges for our sector. That’s why our purpose of empowering our automotive family to live their best lives is so important – we want to help people thrive.

    “It’s vital we spread the word - Ben is here for automotive families this summer and beyond. We urge anyone feeling the financial strain to reach out early, as this can make all the difference.”

    How to access Ben’s support
    Ben’s helpline and services are available to anyone working, or who has worked, in the automotive industry, plus their family dependents.

    Sign up to receive tips, advice and tools from Ben at www.ben.org.uk/signup and, for online support with money, visit www.ben.org.uk/money.