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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Category: Products & Clothing

  1. Three Essential Items You Need for Motocross

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    If you are thinking of getting into the sport of motocross, there are some things that you will need before hitting the track.  This is a very exciting sport that can be physically challenging.  But if you have the right equipment and have taken the time to practice, you can succeed in this fast-paced sport!  Today, we are going to learn more about three essential items that you will need before getting on your bike.  

    A High-Quality Helmet 

    Before you even think about getting on a motocross bike, you will need to purchase a good helmet. A motocross helmet is specifically designed for the sport and will keep you safe while you are on the track. So, when helmet shopping, make sure that you are buying one that is rated for motocross. There are a lot of good helmet makers in the market today, one of the most popular being Fox Racing. These companies produce high-quality helmets that you can trust to protect you while you are enjoying a day of racing. While there’s other safety gear that you will need, a helmet is vital and required. So, make sure you get one before you get on the back of that bike.  

    The Right Bike for Your Size 

    If you are new to motocross racing, you might think that bikes are one size fits all.  But that is simply not the case. Choosing the right bike for your size is very important and can have a positive effect on your performance. First, you will need to consider your height.  A great way to find a bike that fits your height is to sit on it. When you get on the bike, make sure to sit forward to see if your feet can touch the ground.  But you don’t want your feet to be flat footed on the ground. Instead, choose a bike that will let half your feet touch the ground while sitting forward. Next, you will need to consider your weight.  If you are under 150 pounds, you should choose a bike that is under 250cc. This will give you greater control over the bike.  On the other hand, if you weigh 200 pounds or more, a 450cc bike will probably serve you better.  

    A Pair of Motocross Approved Boots 

    Another essential item that you will need to get before hitting the track is a pair of motocross approved boots. These stylish boots will not only keep you safe while on the track but will also make you look great!  Motocross boots come in a wide-range of colours so finding ones to fit your style won’t be an issue. These boots will help you stay on your bike and control those hard to navigate turns.  

    These are just a few of the essentials that you will need before you get on the back of a bike. While there are other items that you will need, these are highly important and you can’t ride without them. Make sure that you purchase these items so that you can take part in this very exciting sport. 

  2. Bikes in peril

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    It’s not surprising that many motorbikes are in danger of being stolen specifically for the value of the parts. This is because either the parts are rare (classics) or too expensive. For the police and insurance companies this is a real problem:

    1. Parts rarely have ID on them so cannot be linked back to the theft of the vehicle and for those that do have marked parts there are draw backs with systems that:
        (a) Require specialist people and equipment and do not give immediate results.
        (b) Do not provide individual ID for each component.
        (c) Have costly annual registration subscriptions.

    2. Often the police know where these bikes are worked on but cannot obtain a search warrant because they will not be able to link parts to crime reports for stolen vehicles.

    3. Parts are easily sold with a high demand for parts to keep bikes running.

    The solution – Auto Link

    You can easily mark components with individual ID  and help put a stop to this.
    1. NFC tags and UV writing are difficult to find, even for the police until they have the locations given to them by the owner.
    2. NFC and UV markings are revealed with standard police procedures and  equipment (smart phone and UV light).
    3. No annual subscription or concerns over data protection because you don’t have to register any of the ID unless the vehicle is stolen when it’s the police national computer system (PNC) and your insurer you tell.

    Auto-Link  £33.32 +vat + P&P = £42.78

    Content

    3 x NFC Tags These self-adhesive tags can be fixed on any surface including metal and are heat resistant and suitable for engine and gearbox but not the exhaust or a catalyser.The tags come pre-programmed but if you have an NFC enabled phone you can add to this and lock it down.They operate on a frequency that can be read by most police issue smart phones but you have to be able to virtually touch the tag to obtain a reading.

    1 x UV pen and light The UV leaves an invisible marking which shows up under ultra violet light. The pen includes a built-in UV torch.You can write whatever ID mark you want.Most police forces in the UK have UV torches.

    1 x Instructions and log Fitting instructions are included and on the reverse is space for recording the ID marks you have made and where they can be found.
    You can also buy a more extensive kit and mark spares and tools.

    Available from www.rbs-propertymarking.co.uk

    Club members’ discounts are available contact Stan Ratcliffe

  3. NUVIZ, first fully integrated Head-Up Display for motorcyclists, available in Europe

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    • First fully integrated Head-Up Display (HUD) developed for motorcyclists now available in Europe
    • Integrated navigation, communication, camera and music in a single helmet-mounted device – simplicity that enhances the ride
    • Available from rideNUVIZ.com for €699/£615
    • Free shipping, 30-day returns policy and one-year warranty as standard

    NUVIZ, the first Head-Up Display designed specifically for the needs of motorcycle riders, is now available in Europe and can be purchased directly from www.rideNUVIZ.com

    The units have a 30-day returns policy, come complete with a one-year warranty and free shipping.

    The innovative device fits simply and easily to a full-face helmet and displays customisable information in the natural line of sight of the rider – allowing riders to keep their eyes ahead.

    Seamlessly bringing together the functions of a motorcyclist’s navigation, communication, media player and HD action camera into a single device, the NUVIZ includes a glove-friendly wireless handlebar controller that offers intuitive control of the various functions.

    Features include:

    • Head-Up Display – the patented NUVIZ HUD creates an image in the rider’s line of sight, giving them access to customisable information including driving conditions and maps. The Liquid Crystal On Silicon (LCOS) micro display offers crisp and vibrant full colour in all lighting conditions.
    • Navigation – an included GPS function and global offline maps allow riders to select routes and destinations and receive turn-by-turn instructions, view zoomable maps and more. All maps are included for free – so no need to buy additional maps depending on where you plan to ride.
    • HD action camera – the built-in camera captures photos up to 8MP and HD videos up to 1080p/30fps. Photos are saved to the rider’s smartphone via Bluetooth and videos recorded directly onto a microSD card – not included. Housed on a ball joint, the angle of the camera can be adjusted easily and the HUD allows for a ‘live view’ to align the camera after being attached to the helmet mount. The device includes an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness.
    • Communication – the integrated headset and microphone allow riders to make and receive phone calls and provide narration on videos.  Compatible with most major brand Bluetooth enabled headsets, NUVIZ users can pair and communicate with others too.
    • Music – the integrated headset means that NUVIZ riders can listen to music on the go.

    The wireless controller can be mounted in a variety of ways depending on the user’s preference or type of motorcycle and the base-plate system means it can be easily transferred between motorcycles.

    A protective carry bag keeps key components together when removed from the motorcycle and helmet.

    The NUVIZ pairs with a dedicated smartphone app – available both for Android and iOS devices – which allows riders to play routes and save favourite riders, access photos captured on the device and view riding statistics captured by the NUVIZ sensors. Users can also share the information directly to social media. The App allows for easy – and free – updates and integration of the new NUVIZ features as soon as they are added.

    Compatible with most existing traditional full-face helmets, the NUVIZ device attaches to a low-profile base-plate – designed to allow the device to detach in the case of an accident of fall – which adjusts to the user’s right eye that still allows for small tweaks after installation to ensure the ultimate view.

    The HUD combiner optic is fully replaceable and additional accessory mounting kits allow for one NUVIZ device to transfer to different helmets and controllers to different motorcycles.

    NUVIZ, the first integrated HUD technology available to the riding public, is currently available in the US and Europe via www.rideNUVIZ.com – with sales in other regions to be announced later this year.

    Co-Founder of NUVIZ, Malte Laass, said: “We’re two-wheeled enthusiasts ourselves and wanted to develop a solution that not only enhances and simplifies the riding experience, but lays a foundation for the forthcoming technology revolution that will affect riders.”

    Chief Design Officer of NUVIZ, Valtteri Eroma, added: “We know that there are many types of riders on many different kinds of machines. NUVIZ is designed for those riders who want to dial up or down the information they have access to – all while keeping their eyes ahead. Situational awareness is critical, and riders who appreciate this technology learn that it can enhance the ride without distracting from it. We expect that many touring riders, sportbike and adventure riders will appreciate the benefits of a head-up display added to their favorite full-face helmet.”

    As the future of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2V & V2I) communications is developed by governments and the global automotive and powersports industry, NUVIZ expects continuing development and future integration opportunities that will benefit all riders. Future connectivity into the motorcycle electronics and advanced safety sensors that will soon become standard also represents a key area of NUVIZ R&D efforts. 

    About NUVIZ

    NUVIZ, Inc. is a privately-owned technology company based in San Diego, California and Salo, Finland. NUVIZ is backed by a strategic investment from Pierer Industrie AG, the parent company behind KTM Industries, Husqvarna Motorcycles, WP Suspension and Pankl Racing Systems. Founded upon the desire to empower riders with technology that improves their riding experience, the core leadership team of visionaries has formed an industry-leading team within the digital and mobile space. Combining their passion for motorcycling and powersports, with decades of technological prowess, NUVIZ is revolutionizing the riding experience. NUVIZ’s first product is an integrated Head-Up Display (HUD), designed specifically for the needs of motorcycle enthusiasts, and is the first product of this nature, to go to market. 

  4. New figures show that MASTER protected motorcycles are 6 times less likely to be stolen

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    Recent analysis of theft data for new motorcycles sold in 2017, shows there is a huge difference between machines which are marked with the MASTER Security Scheme, compared to those which are not. New MASTER protected bikes are six time less likely to be stolen.

    MASTER, which stands for Motorcycle and Scooter Tagged Equipment Registration, is the UK’s only official and national scheme and has been adopted by the majority of major motorcycle manufacturers since its launch in 2013. It both deters theft and makes it easier to secure a conviction.

    What do new statistics show?

    Information from the MASTER Scheme database and new registration data shows 66,423 new motorcycles and scooters were registered in the UK from the beginning of this year to the end of July 2017. 42,254 were marked with the MASTER system, of which only 78 have been reported stolen. Of the 24,169 motorcycles and scooters which were not protected by MASTER, 285 have been stolen.

    Rates of theft

    There is a clear and significant difference in rates of theft. MASTER tagged machines registered in the first seven months of the year have a theft rate of just 0.18%, while non-MASTER tagged new bikes have a theft rate of 1.17%, showing MASTER tagged bikes are more than six times less likely to be stolen than bikes which are not protected by the MASTER Scheme.

    Steve Kenward, CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Association, which first introduced the MASTER Scheme in 2013 says:

    “The MASTER Security Scheme represents a significant investment by major brands and these figures confirm that the decision to invest in the official MASTER scheme was the right thing to do. This data is very encouraging and hopefully will persuade those manufacturers not yet marking bikes to reconsider the MASTER Scheme as significant benefit to their customers.”

    How does the MASTER Security Scheme work?

    The MASTER Security Scheme uses a sophisticated array of technology to mark the motorcycle or scooter’s major component parts providing a unique 'fingerprint'. This layered approach involves a combination of visible and concealed elements including tamper evident warning labels, hidden microscopic Datadots, stealth UV etching and a number of unique radio frequency identification transponders which are embedded into parts. This is similar to the technology that allows the chipping of cats and dogs, but cannot be altered or erased.

    The combination of hidden elements (detailed above), along with the high visibility and the unique number on each tag, offer both peace of mind to consumers and help the police secure prosecution when recovering stolen motorcycles. Police have access to the MASTER Security Scheme secure database 24 hours a day.

    The MASTER Scheme system includes a highly visible ultra-destruct identification/warning label that is fixed in a prominent place on the bike (generally on the frame near the headstock), alerting potential thieves to the fact that it is marked and registered. The label disintegrates if it is tampered with and alarm bells will ring for police and subsequent owners if the label is missing on models from participating manufacturers.

    All motorcycles and scooters from participating manufacturers are registered on the MASTER Security Scheme’s national secure database. This is updated continuously, which means the reporting of stolen vehicles is immediate.

    It would be virtually impossible for a thief to remove all traces of the MASTER Scheme technologies from all parts, which is why this makes protected bikes far less attractive to them.

    There are now over 250,000 MASTER protected machines and this number increases each year.

    Facts about motorcycle theft

    43% of all insurance pay outs are due to theft (according to MCIA research).

    Many motorcycles are ‘cloned’, which involves being broken up into parts within hours of being stolen and reassembled onto legally acquired frames, which have log books. This can net thieves thousands of pounds a day.*
    80% of these ‘cloned’ motorcycles find their way into the legitimate dealer network. Before the MASTER Scheme it was virtually impossible for dealers or the police to identify stolen parts.*

    **(Facts and figures supplied by the Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group).

    MASTER Security Scheme

    www.masterscheme.org

  5. Need/want some new kit?

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    Check out Ghost Bikes for a huge range of clothing, accessories, helmets, luggage and more...

    Lots of top brands including Agrius, Buffalo, Caberg, Furygan, Givi, Knox, Nitro, Oxford, O'Neal, Rev'It, Richa, Shark, Shoei, Sidi, Spada, Wulf Sport and more, as well as high quality own GhostBikes branded products.

    Great clothing designed for Lady Riders, including Boots, Gloves, Jeans, Helmets, Jackets and Trousers.

    Special offers and discounts for loyal customers, an easy exchange or refund policy and order by 3pm for same day dispatch.

    Web-store and also @ Unit 1a, Fishwick Park, Mercer Street, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 4LQ

    www.ghostbikes.com

    www.facebook.com/GH0STBIKES/

    Ghost Bikes for a huge range of clothing, accessories, helmets, luggage and