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  1. Indian Motorcycle UK offers the chance to be part of rock history at Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s Final Show

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    Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company, is offering UK riders the chance to be a part of rock history with a ticket prize draw for ‘Back to the Beginning’ – Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath’s Final Show that will see the original lineup of Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward performing for the first time in over 20 years.  Indian Motorcycle UK offers the chance to be part of rock history at Ozzy O

    Taking place on Saturday, 5 July, at Villa Park in Black Sabbath’s hometown of Birmingham, the all-day, all-star event will celebrate Black Sabbath’s outstanding musical legacy with sets from iconic bands such as Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb Of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon, as well as a supergroup of famous musicians from across the world.

    Indian Motorcycle are delighted to offer a pair of Gold Standing Tickets worth £1,200. The best in the venue, these tickets are front section, prime position, right by the stage. The ultimate way to experience Black Sabbath’s final ever live performance.

    Indian Motorcycle is delighted to offer a pair of Gold Standing Tickets worth £1,200. The best in the venue, these tickets are in the front section, prime position, right by the stage—the ultimate way to experience Black Sabbath’s final-ever live performance.

    With the event selling out in minutes, the ticket prize draw is an incredible opportunity to attend one of the most significant live music events of the decade where Ozzy Osbourne will perform a short solo set before joining Black Sabbath for his final bow.

    For full terms & conditions and details on how to enter, UK riders simply need to visit the link below before midnight, Sunday, 29 June 2025:

    blog.indianmotorcycle.co.uk/en/black-sabbath-comp

     

     

     

  2. Riding 92 up – 92-year-old rides Route 66 in support of Air Ambulances UK

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    It’s never too late to take that life-changing trip - and this Spring, Orange & Black Motorcycle Tours supported 92-year-old Jean Scott to do just that. Jean got in touch with us in April with a dream of discovering the iconic Route 66 by motorcycle and experiencing a life-changing trip, not just for her, but for those in need of vital air ambulance services. Fast-forward to June, and Jean swapped her local Somerset coast for the California Coast, taking to the road with our legendary tour guide and Route 66 expert Gary “Bear” Fleshman on the back of his Harley-Davidson Road Glide for her bucket list adventure. 

    Gary says “We don’t usually offer pillion only rides, but we’re all for people finding their freedom through riding and we wanted to help Jean experience that after she got the bug in her youth. Next year Route 66, or the “Mother Road” as it’s commonly known celebrates its centennial, so we thought it only fitting that Jean come along for the ride and get a jump on hitting her own centennial milestones.”

    Starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, Jean explored historic landmarks and sights including the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Route 66 Museum and Grand Canyon, covering 2700 miles, 13 days of riding, 8 states and battling all weathers. Jean can well and truly say that’s one adventure ticked off her bucket list. 

    Jean says of her trip “The whole experience has been full of highlights. I think my favourite places to visit have been Kansas and Oklahoma as I’ve heard a lot about them but had never been before; and the Grand Canyon – that was breathtaking.”

    Jean’s inspirational road trip of a lifetime has also made a mark on Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, who she is currently raising money for. The registered charity provides vital services for the local community and is one of the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities that form part of the fleet of 37 helicopters. Collectively, the charities make over 126 lifesaving missions a day and play a pivotal role in supporting emergency treatment of patients within their communities, not least motorcyclists.

    Dave Marsh, Sales and Operations Manager at Orange & Black says, “We pride ourselves on helping customers create their dream trip and Jean is a great reminder that it’s never too late to make those dreams a reality. It’s brilliant to see that this trip has not only changed her life, but those of the people in both her local community, and the wider biking community.”

    Contributions to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance can be made via Jean’s fundraising page www.gofundme.com/f/jeans-66-journey

    Find out more about the mission of Air Ambulance UK www.airambulancesuk.org
    Check out Jean’s life-changing trip https://youtu.be/E4FEgJeUjlA?si=hCQJAnPvrw5qJkVk

    Discover more about Orange & Black www.orange-and-black.co.uk
     
     
     
     
  3. MotoGP, Superbikes, and Betting: A Beginner’s Guide for Bikers Who Love the Sport

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    If you enjoy the excitement of motorbike racing or you ride a bike, you might be interested in learning how to bet on MotoGP and Superbike events. This beginners' guide will help you grasp the fundamentals of these fascinating sports and how to bet on them safely and smartly.

    Understanding MotoGP and Superbikes  MotoGP Season

    MotoGP is the top class of motorcycle road racing in the world. It features the fastest motorcycles and the most talented riders competing on circuits the world over. There are various classes, such as Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP, which is the highest division. Additionally, there is MotoE for electric motorcycles.

    Conversely, superbike racing calls for modified production motorcycles. Despite their specific tuning for racing, these bikes bear a closer resemblance to everyday motorcycles. The main series for this kind of racing is the World Superbike Championship. MotoGP and Superbikes attract millions of enthusiasts worldwide and offer exciting, fast competition.

    Betting Strategies for Motorcycle Competition

    Betting on motorcycle racing is wagering on the results of races or championships. During a race, you can wager on who will finish on the podium, who will win a race, or other particular events. Points in MotoGP go to the top 15 finishers in every race. The winner earns 25 points; second place earns 20, third place 16, and so on, down to one point for 15th place. Over the season, these points sum up to pick the overall champion.

    Selecting the Right MotoGP Betting Websites

    You have to find reliable and regulated MotoGP betting sites before beginning your betting. Among the several betting markets these sites provide are live betting during the race, podium finishes, and absolute winners. To improve your experience, they offer competitive odds, user-friendly interfaces, cashouts and live betting, among others.

    Choose a betting site based on license, security, and strong customer service. Check also whether they offer thorough statistics and professional analysis to guide your bets.

    Advice for Newcomers in Motorcycle Racing Betting

    • Discover the teams and riders: Understanding the strengths, shortcomings, and recent riding performance will help you make better winning bets.

    • Understand the race conditions: Weather, track design, and bike technologies can impact race results.

    • Start modest: Start with low stakes to experience how betting operates before risking more.

    • Use live betting: Many websites let you make strategic bets as the race runs on.

    • Track your bankroll. Consider establishing a betting budget and adhering to it to avoid incurring losses beyond your means.

    Last Notes: Motorcycle Racing Technology and How It Affects Bettors

    Thanks to new technologies like 3D printing, the realm of motorcycle racing is fast changing. Teams like Ducati Lenovo have partnered with businesses like Roboze to 3D print critical bike parts,

    including fairings and heat shields. Modern materials like PEEK and carbon fibre—which help to make the bikes lighter and stronger—are used in these components. Teams can produce parts faster and with more accuracy using this technology than with conventional approaches.

    These technical developments impact race results and betting decisions; thus, they are more than just interesting developments for bettors. Lighter and more efficient bikes can help a rider perform better, especially on some tracks or in particular weather. Knowing which teams employ innovative technologies like 3D printed components can give bettors an advantage in selecting whom to support.

    Thus, the emergence of 3D-printed electric motorcycles and advanced materials is not only determining the course of racing but also how spectators and bettors interact with the sport. Keeping current with these developments will enable you to enjoy the sport even more and make better betting decisions.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  4. Challenger brands at greater risk of motorcycle theft than mainstream marques

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    • Challenger brands from China were at a proportionally higher risk of motorcycle theft than established makes during 2024
    • Analysis of DVLA data compares reported thefts with registered bikes to assess each model’s relative risk of being stolen
    • 1-in-8 owners of Tianying bikes were the victim of theft in 2024
    • Honda PCX the most stolen overall, but Honda SH350 statistically more likely to go missing, with 1-in-9 examples stolen last year
    • Suzuki, Kawasaki and Triumph the volume brands least likely to be stolen
    • BSA the least stolen brand overall, with just 1-in-3217 reported missing
    • Triumph Rocket III, the world’s largest-capacity production motorcycle, is proportionally the least stolen bike in the UK

    Challenger motorcycle brands entering the market from China and elsewhere were at a proportionally higher risk of being stolen last year than more established makes, analysis of DVLA data has shown. By contrast, owners of large-capacity and classic bikes were statistically the least likely to fall victim to motorcycle theft, with the Triumph Rocket III – once the world’s largest-capacity motorcycle – proportionally the least stolen bike in the UK.

    The Honda PCX (WW125) was the UK’s most stolen motorcycle of 2024, with 1,866 thefts reported to the DVLA. In fact, more Hondas were stolen last year than any other brand, with 6,573 thefts recorded – 50% more than second-placed Yamaha. However, Honda is by far the most popular brand with British bikers, with more than 550,000 in the country.

    Riders of high-performance machinery such as Honda Fireblades and Yamaha R1s may feel more of a target given their sky-high insurance premiums, but in reality the top ten most stolen bikes are nearly all A1 licence-friendly 125cc models.

    “Motorcycle thieves continue to target scooters and 125s far more than high-performance sports bikes,” said Alex Kefford, Head of Editorial at automotive PR agency loop. “The Honda PCX may be unlucky to find itself at the top of the charts, but then it is Britain’s fourth most-popular bike*. When we look at the figures in proportion, a very different picture emerges.”

    Challenger brands proportionally most likely to be stolen
    By assessing thefts as a proportion of the number of each make on our roads, it’s the challenger brands that left their owners facing a greater risk of having their bike stolen. Honda drops from 1st to 36th place as popular new entrants such as Lexmoto and Sinnis rank above it. Tianying is a relatively unknown name on these shores, but worryingly 1-in-8 of their bikes were stolen in the last year alone.

    Three Honda models most at risk
    At the individual model level, the top 10 motorcycles proportionally most at risk include three bikes from Honda. Topping this list is the Honda SH350 with 1-in-9 examples stolen last year, followed by budget-friendly scooters such as the Sinnis Connect, Keeway Cityblade and Motorini SXi – all of which are available for around £2,000.

    “Owners of these bikes might think their low price makes them less of a target in comparison to more exotic machinery. However, the evidence suggests they are the most at risk of becoming an unfortunate statistic. Their light weight and twist-and-go convenience makes them popular with commuters, but also makes them easy to hustle away or lift into the back of a van.”

    Triumph, Kawasaki, and Suzuki the volume brands least likely to be stolen
    At the opposite end of the scale, Triumph, Kawasaki and Suzuki were the volume brands least likely to subject their owners to the anguish of opening the garage door to find an empty space where their bike used to be. In fact, despite being the third most popular brand in the UK with nearly 263,000 on our roads, Suzuki owners faced only a 1-in-284 chance of having their bike nicked last year, versus 1-in-84 for Honda. Triumph fared even better, with only 1-in-480 bikes stolen.

    “This is perhaps more due to the bikes that each brand typically sells, rather than the result of any specific security measures. For instance, Honda offers a broad range of scooters and 125s, with the PCX being a big seller. By comparison, Triumph thrives in the adventure bike market with their Tiger range, while Suzuki and Kawasaki both predominantly sell 600-1000cc bikes that are less popular with motorcycle thieves.”

    World’s largest capacity bike also the least stolen
    Our analysis confirms this, with large-capacity bikes left relatively untroubled by the criminal fraternity. As if to underline this point, the Triumph Rocket III – featuring the world’s largest production motorcycle engine until Triumph usurped it with the Rocket 3 – finds itself the holder of another record, this time as the proportionally least stolen bike in the UK.

    Classic motorcycles are also largely untargeted by bike thieves, with Royal Enfield and Lambretta featuring highly on the list of infrequently-stolen marques. BSA takes the prize for the least stolen brand overall, with only 1-in-3217 reported missing last year.

    “Go big or go old seems to be the advice if you want a bike that stands a good chance of still being where you left it when you return.”

    “That said, there are plenty of bikes that weren’t stolen at all last year and therefore don’t make it into these figures, despite being incredibly popular. Top of that list is the Kawasaki ZX750, of which there are nearly 5,000 in the UK, yet none were reported stolen last year. The XL650 Transalp was Honda’s most theft-resistant bike of 2024, while Harley-Davidson has more zero-theft models than anyone else. When it comes to security, bigger really is better.”

    Most stolen motorcycles of 2024
    HONDA PCX (WW 125) 1,866
    YAMAHA GPD 125 1,222
    HONDA NSC 110 933
    HONDA SH 125 429
    HONDA CBF 125 398
    YAMAHA MT-07 253
    YAMAHA YBR 125 247
    YAMAHA MT 125 240
    KTM 125 DUKE 229
    SYM JET 211
    Source: loop analysis of DVLA data

     

    Most stolen motorcycle brands of 2024
    HONDA 6,573
    YAMAHA 4,332
    LEXMOTO 1,313
    SUZUKI 923
    KTM 885
    BMW 253
    PIAGGIO 592
    KAWASAKI 553
    SYM 533
    TRIUMPH 439
    Source: loop analysis of DVLA data

     

    Proportionally most stolen brands
    TIANYING 1-in-8
    JIAJUE 1-in-18
    MGB 1-in-20
    TALARIA 1-in-24
    SUR-RON 1-in-28
    SINNIS 1-in-31
    MOTORINI 1-in-31
    ASKOLL 1-in-32
    ZHONGNENG 1-in-32
    NECO 1-in-35
    Source: loop analysis of DVLA data

     

    Proportionally least stolen brands
    SUZUKI 1-in-284
    GILERA 1-in-359
    ROYAL ENFIELD 1-in-374
    KAWASAKI 1-in-376
    DUCATI 1-in-418
    TRIUMPH 1-in-480
    LAMBRETTA 1-in-1052
    HARLEY-DAVIDSON 1-in-1537
    MOTO GUZZI 1-in-1673
    BSA 1-in-3217
    Source: loop analysis of DVLA data

     

    Proportionally most stolen models
    HONDA SH 350 1-in-9
    KYMCO DOWNTOWN 125 1-in-11
    SINNIS CONNECT 1-in-11
    KEEWAY CITYBLADE 1-in-12
    HONDA ANC 125 1-in-12
    SINNIS AKUMA 1-in-12
    YAMAHA XP 560 1-in-12
    SINNIS MATRIX 1-in-14
    HONDA PCX (WW 125) 1-in-14
    MOTORINI SXI 1-in-15
    Source: loop analysis of DVLA data

     

    Proportionally least stolen models
    HONDA CB 1300 1-in-876
    SUZUKI GSX 1400 1-in-877
    HONDA CBR 1100 1-in-939
    KAWASAKI ZX 1400 1-in-983
    KAWASAKI VN 900 1-in-999
    HONDA VTR 1000 1-in-1006
    TRIUMPH THRUXTON 1-in-1018
    HONDA VFR 750 1-in-1059
    BMW R 1200 RT 1-in-1219
    TRIUMPH ROCKET III 1-in-1569

    Source: loop analysis of DVLA data

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  5. The Tech Tools Changing How Bikers Engage with Motorsport Events

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    Ask any biker, the first sport they're watching is, you guessed it: motorsports. For them, it's riveting to attend track days, racing meets, or large-scale festivals. Audiences and bikers enjoy the buzz of engines and thrill of speed felt in the wind as it flicks through your hair. Everyone has a shared passion that is so palpable it can be felt among those who live for life on two wheels. A revolution in technology has begun to change the way bikers view these events. 

    Apps Making Race Days Easier

    Trackside excitement for fellow bikers have been revolutionised by the introduction of motorsport apps. These apps provide riders with faster access to alarms, race information, and ticket scanning. These apps are currently included in event packages at many racetracks in the UK. They provide more than just racing schedules. They include interactive maps, session notifications, and Bluetooth monitoring for group rides. 

    According to Matt Bastock, there is easier access to new betting platforms for UK self excluded players. The platform offers fast payouts, real-time odds tracking, and simpler onboarding processes for fans who still wish to bet within their self-imposed betting limits. They offer easy accessibility with a list of benefits such as welcome bonuses and loyalty rewards while providing secure payment methods and customised wallets. 

    These tools simplify group preparations by replacing printed schedules. Riders can also pre-book parking, register for paddock tours, and get directions to their stands. Some apps even suggest routes based on bike type, helping avoid traffic and plan scenic arrivals.

    Paymentech Bringing Speed to the Fore

    Most large motorsport festivals are already making the switch to contactless payment methods. Bikers who attend events while on the go, carrying cash or standing in queue feel increasingly out of step with their lifestyle. Tap-to-pay wristbands and fast wallet top-ups make it possible to get food, merchandise and ticket upgrades without having to rummage through a backpack or worry about card skimmer. 

    Organisers have begun collaborating with financial developers to enable location-based payments. This implies that the same bracelet that allows you to purchase a burger from the food truck can also be used to record your attendance for future discounts or to check you in at a restricted paddock zone.

    Onboard Cameras and Live Streaming

    The use of compact action cameras is not new in the biking world, but their application at motorsport events is growing in clever ways. Some race organisers have started enabling fans to tune into live feeds not just from professional broadcast cameras but also from cameras mounted on amateur riders during practice laps or track experiences.

    These user-controlled feeds provide a more immersive view of the event, creating a perspective closer to that of a rider. Bikers attending events can sync their helmet cams with event apps, upload footage, and even share clips with others on-site. For biker groups, this opens up the option of creating ride-in footage montages or trackside reaction videos.

    Smart Wearables for Biker Safety and Feedback

    These days, wearable technology is being employed at motorsport events to increase rider awareness and safety. Weariness, heart rate, and crash data are tracked using biometric patches, bright vests, and gloves. To evaluate rider performance, UK circuits offer safety programs. The session ends with feedback on the bikers' speed and safety. 

    Community Platforms Strengthening Event Connections

    • Traditional motorcycle forums and club meets are being expanded by tech-driven platforms, which also bring real-time interaction to events. 

    • Riders can join chat groups, participate in surveys, and access exclusive content from race teams or organisers by wearing app-linked wristbands and QR-code badges. 

    • These platforms are the only way to access the post-race Q&A sessions and behind-the-scenes garage visits of several UK venues.

    • Riders can check in, earn points, and unlock event privileges by engaging actively, turning spectating into participation.

    • These apps, which feature encrypted chat and authenticated access to ensure safety and connectivity, help lone riders find group rides, locate meet-up locations, and adhere to club-specific timetables. 

    Onboard Cameras Creating New Fan Perspectives

    Onboard cameras and live feeds have completely changed how motorsport fans view events. Viewers may get a close-up look at the action from this footage, and riders can utilise the useful movies to assess and enhance their performance in the future. Riders can now rewatch their runs from multiple different camera angles, whether it's a demo lap or a club competition. 

    A few circuits have even begun to charge riders for packages that include individualised video editing and uploading soon after the competition concludes. Fans watching from home now feel more connected to the action than ever, thanks to the move to onboard content. 

    Future Procedure, Voice-Activated Help and Augmented Reality 

    The integration of augmented reality into motorsports is still relatively new. Information-projecting helmet visors were on display at tech showcases related to significant events. Information that is directly in the rider's field of vision, such as track maps or pit stop information, is being tested.  Additionally, augmented reality overlays that display rider positions, overtaking alerts, or lap times to spectators in the grandstand are being developed.

    Voice-activated technologies are becoming increasingly popular among bikers. 

    Virtual assistant-connected intercom systems allow riders to receive instructions. They can access safety alerts, and weather updates without removing their hands from the bike's handlebars. This is very helpful to club leaders, volunteers, and marshals who oversee groups during important events. Rather than taking the place of racing, technology is making it more exciting. Every new advancement makes riding more connected and convenient.

     

     

     

     

     

    Image - Man riding on motorcycle - Unsplash License, Karthegan Padmanaban

     

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