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  1. Landspeed Racing Icon & Record-holder Immortalized for Lifetime Achievements

    Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, celebrates Burt Munro’s induction into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame. A motorcycle racing icon and landspeed record-holder, Munro inspired generations of riders through his relentless drive to reach the record books. Indian Motorcycle legend Burt Munro inducted into Sturgis Motorcycle Museum

    “You cannot tell the history of motorcycles without mentioning Burt Munro,” said Aaron Jax, Indian Motorcycle Vice President. “Burt’s stories have literally molded the Indian Motorcycle brand, as we continue to live like Burt and push the envelope to drive innovation, break boundaries and blaze new trails.”

    Born and raised in Invercargill, New Zealand, Munro had an unnatural need for speed, famously saying, “You live more in five minutes on a bike like this going flat out than some people live in a lifetime.” Munro spent decades rebuilding and wrenching his 1920 Indian Scout from his garage, ultimately setting three world records at the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats. In 1967, at 68 years old, Munro set an under-1,000cc record of 184.087 mph. This record still stands today.

    “Burt’s a legend. His accomplishments, through trials and tribulations, inspire our racing efforts today,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “While it may be overdue, it’s quite an achievement for Burt to be enshrined into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame, and we’re incredibly proud and grateful to celebrate Burt Munro not just today, but every day.”

    The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame pays homage to the remarkable individuals who have made enduring contributions to the motorcycle community. The Hall of Fame celebrates visionary pioneers, while showcasing their extraordinary accomplishments and unwavering passion. The Hall of Fame class of 2023 includes 1981 Des Nations Team USA, Burt Munro, Chris Callen, Jay Allen, Roland Sands, Russel Radke and Scott Jacobs. Learn more at SturgisMuseum.com.

    • Footman James begins the hunt for Britain’s official home of the classic vehicle community, crowning one venue or location as ‘the UK’s Classic Capital’ following a vote for the nation’s favourite
    • Classic car and bike enthusiasts from across the country are invited to nominate their chosen winner, with entry open to everywhere from villages and towns to pubs and established automotive hubs
    • Footman James will announce finalists in September, shining a spotlight on hidden gems from around the UK before crowning the winner with an official plaque

    Specialist classic vehicle insurance broker Footman James is on a quest to find the UK’s Classic Capital, a location or venue that can lay claim to being the epicentre of activity for the nation’s classic car and bike community.

    Whether you feel the crown should be awarded to an established automotive hub like Bicester Heritage, a long-standing local grassroots meet that has attracted enthusiasts for generations, or a village that has a history with classic vehicles, Footman James is asking for your help in identifying the most worthy venues and locations.

    From thriving local bike nights down at The Red Lion Inn, to marque-specific meetups at South Mimms Services, the campaign is expected to highlight many hidden gems that serve as the backbone of the classic community.

    The overall winner may not be the largest or most opulent location in the country – simply a deserving place that works hard to bring enthusiasts together to share and indulge in their passion for classics.

    Following its launch at the Coffee & Chrome Collective’s Chateau Impney meet on Sunday 6th August, the UK’s Classic Capital is now open for public entry via the Footman James website: https://www.footmanjames.co.uk/classic-capital-2023/classic-capital

    Submission is free and open to all classic, retro, and vintage enthusiasts from across the UK. Entry closes on Sunday 10th September, after which Footman James will share the shortlist of venues before inviting the public to take part in a final voting process to find the overall winner.

    Charlotte Moseley, Head of Marketing at Footman James, commented, “We are very excited to be launching our search for the UK’s Classic Capital this week. We know how important the places that hold space for our classic community are and we want to recognise them. If you have somewhere special that you love to take your classic, or somewhere in mind that screams passion for classics, then please let us know so we can celebrate them!”

  2. GRESINI RACING EXTENDS ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH DUCATI
     
    Few days ago at Silverstone, Alex Marquez scored his maiden MotoGP race win adding to his tally of one podium and a pole position in just a few months with Team Gresini Racing MotoGP. There was no chance this series of results would not have led to the partnership extension between the Faenza-based team and the two-time world champion.  
     
    Not only results on the plate for the Italian-Spanish combination, but also an incredible potential that was shown on several occasion already - with the new goal of being among the protagonists on a consistent basis in 2024. 
     
    Team Gresini Racing also made official a new agreement with Ducati Corse for the two-year period 2024-2025. The tally consists of five wins already, three podiums, three pole positions and 355 points bagged in less than two seasons.

    ALEX MARQUEZ 
    “I’m very happy to continue with the team. I’ve always expressed this desire of mine and when things go the right way it’s even easier to understand each other. To continue together for the next season is key in order to keep growing with this bike, and with this team everything is going to be easier. I would like to thank Nadia first and foremost, and then the whole team who made me feel at home from day one. We’ll keep growing and surprising.”

    NADIA PADOVANI GRESINI - TEAM OWNER
    “Alex is first of all a wonderful person and it was a pleasure to welcome him in our Gresini Family. The results speak for themselves and it was a logical step for us to continue together and raise the bar some more. He already scored a race win and a pole position in his debut year with Ducati, showing he could battle with the best from the get-go. We will now try to find some continuity together in the next season. I would like to thank the whole Ducati family as we’ll continue with them for the next two years; we already showed we are a good combination this year as well as in 2022… so the goal is to continue to excite and be excited.”
     
    LUIGI DALL’IGNA – DUCATI CORSE GENERAL MANAGER
    “We are delighted to continue to have the Gresini Racing MotoGP team in the Ducati family for two more seasons. They are an extremely professional outfit and, over the years, have shown that they have the potential to aspire to great results. Last year they scored four beautiful victories with our Desmosedici GP machine, and this season they clinched a podium, a pole position, and a win in the last GP Sprint with Alex Marquez. We are sure that together we will achieve more success in the future and continue to grow race by race”.

  3. Motorcycle number plates serve as a distinctive identification mark on the roads of the United Kingdom. To ensure uniformity, legibility, and adherence to road safety standards, the UK government has established specific guidelines for the design, size, and style of motorcycle number plates. In this article, we delve into the essential requirements for the smallest legal motorcycle number plates, explore the permissible sizes, delve into popular plate styles like 4D and Gel, and shed light on reputable suppliers like JDM Plates.  Small Motorbike Number Plates, Smallest Motorcycle Number Plates

    Requirements for Smallest Legal Motorcycle Number Plates

    • Legibility and Typeface: The foremost requirement for any motorcycle number plate is legibility. Characters must be easily readable by both human observers and automated systems, such as ANPR cameras. The DfT mandates the use of a standard typeface (Charles Wright), ensuring consistency in appearance and ease of recognition.
       
    • Character Size and Spacing: Adhering to precise dimensions is crucial. For motorcycle number plates, character height should be 64mm, width should be 44mm, and the space between characters should be 10mm. These dimensions contribute to optimal visibility, enhancing safety on the roads.

    • Material and Reflectivity: The reflective material used for number plates ensures visibility during various lighting conditions, making it easier for other road users and law enforcement to read the plate. Number plates must meet British Standards for reflectivity and construction.
       
    • Background and Colours: A solid yellow background with a is mandatory for UK motorcycle number plates. However, Black and silver plates can be used on motorcycles older than 1980.

    • Supplier Information and Legal Markings: Legally compliant number plates must display the manufacturer or supplier's name and postcode at the bottom of the plate. Additionally, a British Standard number (such as BS AU 145d) and a mark indicating the plate's legality should be present.

    Permissible Sizes for Motorcycle Number Plates

    The prescribed dimensions for motorcycle number plates are designed to balance aesthetics with functionality. While personalization is desired, it is crucial to ensure compliance with the following sizes:

    • Character Height: 64mm
    • Character Width: 44mm
    • Space Between Characters: 10mm

    With the above dimensions considered, the smallest legal number plate size can vary depending on the registration number!

    Number Plate Styles: 4D and Gel

    In addition to adhering to the size and design regulations, motorcycle owners can choose from a variety of plate styles, including 4D and Gel plates:

    • 4D Plates: Known for their three-dimensional appearance, 4D plates add depth to the characters, enhancing the visual appeal of the number plate. These plates are created using laser-cut letters and numbers mounted on a flat acrylic surface.
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    • Gel Plates: Gel plates offer a glossy, raised finish, enhancing the characters' visibility and giving the plate a distinctive look. The gel resin is applied over the characters, creating an eye-catching effect.

    Reputable Number Plate Suppliers such as JDM Plates  JDM Plates, Small Motorbike Number Plates

    Among the reputable suppliers of motorcycle number plates in the UK, JDM Plates stands out as a reliable option. JDM Plates offers a range of styles, including 4D and Gel plates, while ensuring strict adherence to legal requirements. Their plates are designed to be both visually appealing and compliant, striking the right balance between personalization and legality and most important of all; supplying the UK’s smallest legal motorcycle number plates!  

    Conclusion

    Understanding the requirements for the smallest legal motorcycle number plates in the UK is vital for all motorcyclists. Adhering to the specified sizes and design guidelines contributes to road safety and effective vehicle identification. As styles like 4D and Gel plates add a touch of personalization, it is crucial to choose a reputable supplier like JDM Plates to ensure compliance with regulations while reflecting individual style preferences. By following these guidelines and making informed choices, motorcycle enthusiasts can confidently display their number plates while contributing to a safer road environment.

     

     

     

     

     

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  4. ALEIX TAKES HOME A GREAT RACE WITH TECHNIQUE AND INTELLIGENCE

    THE CELEBRATION IS COMPLETE WITH OLIVEIRA FOURTH, MAVERICK FIFTH AND FERNANDEZ IN THE TOP 10

    WITH THIS GREAT TEAM RESULT, APRILIA GIVES CONCRETE PROOF OF THE POTENTIAL DEMONSTRATED SO MANY TIMES IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE SEASON


    The events on Friday in the dry had provided a glimpse of Aprilia’s potential in Silverstone, with Aleix dominating, and after a Saturday conditioned by the rain, today’s race confirmed the Italian team’s feeling on the English circuit.

    Aleix rode a substantially flawless race. Aggressive in the early laps, coming back from his twelfth spot on the starting grid, he locked in, even doing the fast lap. Bezzecchi’s crash set up a two-way battle with Bagnaia which really heated up when a few drops of rain demanded caution and cold calculation. In this portion of the race, Espargaró opted for a strategy that proved to be a winning one. He pressed hard closely, but without taking pointless risks, exploiting the better traction of his RS-GP for the decisive overtake on the final lap. 

    Adding to Aleix’s victory was outstanding overall performance for the Italian brand. On the Team RNF RS-GP, Miguel Oliveira came back to finish fourth ahead of Maverick Viñales, who was in the battle for a podium spot for much of the race. Raùl Fernandez closed out the top 10.

    The weekend was further enhanced by the events in Suzuka where, at the end of the 8 Hours, the Team Tatara Aprilia RSV4 1100 finished on the podium with third place in the NST class (twentieth overall).
     
    Aleix
    "Today I realized straight away that I’d be able to do well. The Aprilia had traction here and I knew that I had some margin over Bagnaia on some corners. I preferred waiting until the final lap, especially when I saw a few drops of rain. There were some really slippery spots and it would have been easy to make a mistake. Besides that, I noticed that Pecco was managing his tyres and I didn’t want to risk being beaten in the finale. I am extremely happy for myself and for Aprilia. In the first part of the season, we did not earn the points we expected and deserved for various reasons, but we kept believing and working. This is the right path."

    Maverick
    "First of all, I’d like to congratulate Aprilia for the fantastic win. It was a great weekend, first with my podium in the Sprint Race and then with Aleix’s victory. We all did an outstanding job! My race started well, but unfortunately, I then lost some valuable seconds in my attempt to overtake Miller. My apologies to him for the manoeuvre, but I was sucked into Alex Marquez’s slipstream and at that point I had no choice but to release the brakes and go in. I pushed extremely hard to close the gap behind the leaders and that limited me in the finale. In any case, I’m satisfied with the weekend. I feel good on the bike and with the team. Our start has improved and we were consistently in the battle for the top spots. We’ll keep working hard, well aware of our great potential."