• Tunbridge Wells gave the British public their first ever motor show in October 1895
• Festival of Motoring launches to celebrate this incredibly historic event
• Show honours the original ‘Horseless Carriage Exhibition’ with a curated selection of over 20 iconic cars and motorcycles from all eras
• Set in beautiful The Pantiles Georgian architectural district, event will celebrate the historical significance of the area in the motoring industry
• Exciting new event takes place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025
• Details of this free-to-attend event at https://www.rtwmotorfest.com/

Tunbridge Wells, Kent: 19th May 2025 

Royal Tunbridge Wells holds a remarkably significant place in the history of British motoring. In 1895 this beautiful historical town in Kent, hosted the first ever motor show to take place in Great Britain. This extraordinary milestone will be celebrated in 2025 with the exciting launch of the new Royal Tunbridge Wells Festival of Motoring.

Taking place on the weekend of Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025, more than 20 of the greatest cars and motorcycles of the past 130 years will be displayed along the tree-lined Georgian walkways of The Pantiles at the heart of this picturesque town.

Situated in the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells, The Pantiles is a beautiful Georgian colonnade that leads from the well that gave the town its name. The area, developed following the discovery of a chalybeate spring in 1606, has become a popular tourist-attraction and is now home to over 70 specialist shops, art galleries, cafés, restaurants and bars, and now a must-see new motoring event.

This unique motoring festival will feature an incredible display of over 20 cars and motorcycles, exhibited by local world-renowned specialists, restorers and racing teams, in a celebration of the area and of 130 years of motoring.

“We are extremely excited to bring back this historically significant motoring showcase to an area that is so rich in automotive knowledge, specialist engineering and history,” says co-organiser Dylan Miles. “We want to use this opportunity to acknowledge the local businesses, which often work on an international scale from humble premises in and around Tunbridge Wells.”

Many star cars will be displayed, including a titan of pre-war grand prix racing, the Bugatti Type 35, along with a more modern race car, the spectacular Hertz Team Jota Cadillac V-Series R that has thrilled spectators in the 2025 World Endurance Championship.

Other icons of motoring history include a stunning 1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, 1950s racing legend the Jaguar D-Type, and a striking 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight.

Fans of more modern motoring heroes will enjoy sights including a 1984 Ferrari Testarossa, 1995 Porsche 993 GT2 EVO, a Bugatti Veyron and a Ferrari LaFerrari among many others.

Organised by motor car pioneer, scientist and Tunbridge Wells Mayor, Sir David Lionel Salomons, that inaugural ‘Horseless Carriage Exhibition’ featured the first car to be imported into Great Britain, a Panhard-Levassor with a 3.5hp Daimler engine. It was joined by Salomon’s Peugeot which used the same engine and was only the second car to be imported and driven on British roads. Three other vehicles were displayed, including a Daimler-powered fire engine, while De Dion-Bouton exhibited both a tricycle and a ‘steam-horse’ manufactured by the French automaker.

Despite the success of this first motor show at the Tunbridge Wells showground, the London Motor Show was to take over a year later and the town did not host another Horseless Carriage Exhibition until 1961, with the last one being opened by Donald Campbell in 1966.

“It is a real honour to be trusted by the owners of The Pantiles and indeed the neighbours we live alongside in Tunbridge Wells, to honour the town’s place in motoring history by bringing back this unique celebration of the motor car,” says co-organiser Daniel Cogger, Senior Manager of Hagerty Private Client Services. “The 4th Horseless Carriage Exhibition will not only celebrate the 130th anniversary of the very first motor show in Britain, but will also champion the thriving local automotive business in the area.”

With no other motoring event in the UK able to claim such a unique historical provenance, the Tunbridge Wells Festival of Motoring will once again place this beautiful British town at the centre of our motoring map.

More details on the return of this exciting, new free-to-attend event to the motoring calendar can be found at https://www.rtwmotorfest.com/ and on Instagram @rtwmotorfest.

 

 

 

 

Initial estimates suggest that 260,000 bikeriders visited the event over the four days The ve themed areas and the new 'events within events' are growing in success

The 39th edition of the Biker Fest International was a resounding success, exceeding all expectations. The four-day event, which took place from 15 to 18 May, will go down in history as a new record-breaking gathering in Lignano Sabbiadoro (Udine - Italy). This was not only due to the impressive numbers, but also to the overwhelming energy that swept through the seaside town, welcoming enthusiasts from all over Italy and neighbouring countries into the party atmosphere and spirit of sharing that represents the true strength of the BFI.

It wasn't easy, but the organisers once again managed to raise the bar for the event. The ve areas hosting Europe's most historic and important motorcycle rally — Luna Park, O road, Stadium, Market and PalaPineta — were peacefully invaded by a ood of motorcyclists and enthusiasts. «The 2024 edition was extraordinary, setting new records, partly thanks to the perfect weather. Improving on this seemed like an impossible challenge. Yet, despite the somewhat inclement weather this year, the Biker Fest once again surpassed itself, continuing its unstoppable growth. Initial estimates indicate that 260,000 people attended this excellently organised event, which continues to be a hit with the public» said Massimo Brini, Lignano Sabbiadoro municipality's councilor for Tourism.

Behind this exponential growth is the relentless work of the Persello family, the heart and soul of BFI, which has always believed in the driving force of the motorcycle movement. The 6,700 test rides— one of the highest numbers in Europe—carried out by more than 25 automotive brands con rm BFI's central role in the two-wheel market, especially during its most important season. And that's not all: the BFI con rms its status as a multifaceted and cross-cutting event with the growing success of the US Car Reunion, which this year o ered a spectacular sight, bringing together 550 American cars in the Market area. It was preceded by the new Kustom&Classic, the car meet reserved for pre-1999 cars, destined to become yet another highly attractive “event within the event.” And then there was the con rmation of the 50cc Fever Fest dedicated to vintage 50 cc mopeds, a favorite with younger audiences, which had former MotoGP rider Marco Melandri as its special guest.

The most historic Custom Bike Show in Europe lived up to expectations, rewarding the best of the more than 100 special bikes entered, all of which were of a particularly high standard. This year, the show was joined by another promising new addition: the 1st Performance Bagger Show. This show put the spotlight on the current trend: racing and sporty baggers, examined and awarded by the legend of WSBK Ruben Xaus. Live rock concerts, mototours and spectacular of-road performances rounded out the event, which stays true to itself while renewing itself every year. It is capable of thrilling veterans and newcomers, bikers and families, industry experts, and the simply curious.

As the engines cool down after this extraordinary edition, attention is already turning to 2026, when the BFI will celebrate its 40th anniversary with new themed areas and services designed to attract new enthusiasts and increase the fun. For now, however, mark your calendars for the 4th Italian Bike Week. From September 18 to 21, it will be the closing event of the tourist season in Lignano Sabbiadoro (www.italianbikeweek.net).

 

 

 

 

In the world of large cities, it has become difficult to commute these days. Bringing their patent-pending technology to market, the company is designing the tablet so commuters no longer have to battle daily gridlocked traffic, waste valuable time searching for parking or deal with a lack of storage in compact urban apartments. Traditional transportation is becoming less feasible as environmental issues continue to rise and cities are creating stricter emission rules.

O Power, meet the folding electric cycle — an innovation that's revolutionizing how the city wakes up and gets to work. These next-gen vehicles pack away to save space yet still harness the power of electric assist, taking on conventional transportation with a smarter solution. Thanks to smart features such as GPS tracking and app integration, they're no longer just bikes but mobility tools for the digital age.

This article explores how folding electric cycles address the specific challenges faced by urban commuters, from storage constraints to environmental impact, while examining the key features and considerations that make them an increasingly popular choice for city dwellers seeking efficient, sustainable transportation.

The Benefits of Folding Electric Cycles for Urban Commuters

Folding electric bikes are ideal for urban commuters and can be easily stored in the car boot. Their modern design makes them perfect for an urban living environment, and they can also be used while sitting at your desk, or in a small apartment. When using public transport, such bikes can be folded and brought to passengers on the train or bus, thus providing effective multi-modal commuting that was previously not viable with a standard bicycle.

The electric boost hugely cuts down a rider's commuting time by allowing them to maintain an even speed and tackle hills without breaking a sweat. If some commuters cycle in dedicated lanes where traffic is a standstill, they can also frequently reach their destinations more quickly than those stuck in a traffic jam. It is this time-saving convenience that is appreciated more so during rush hour periods when traditional transport means suffer with a lot of holdups.

Monetarily, the folding electric cycle is a huge money saver versus owning a car or using regular public transportation. There are no costs for fuel, parking, insurance, or monthly passes to take transit so it won't take a long time for that initial investment to pay for itself. The low maintenance and electricity requirement of the charging process also make them economically attractive.

Perhaps most significantly, these vehicles contribute to environmental sustainability by offering zero-emission travel. As cities worldwide implement stricter emissions controls and environmental regulations, folding electric cycles provide an immediate solution for reducing individual carbon footprints while maintaining mobility freedom in urban environments.

Key Features to Look for in Modern Folding E-Bikes

Lightweight Materials: Carbon Fiber and Beyond

Today's foldable electric bicycles take advantage of new materials to improve portability while still being durable. Companies such as Urtopia are at the forefront with carbon fiber frames, the most lightweight of construction materials, offering unbelievable strength-to-weight ratios, making lifting and carrying these bikes a matter of ease. And, while nothing beats really good carbon in terms of weight, quality aluminum and alloy models will give you a cost-effective alternative (usually adding 1-2 lbs) that holds up.

Smart Technology for Enhanced Connectivity

Modern folding e-bikes now feature a variety of smart technology that effectively turns them into connected devices on the move. Built-in GPS will alert you if your bike is on the move if stolen. Through the company's mobile apps, riders can further enhance their commuting experience with route planning including elevation monitoring, battery range estimation, and charging station location. There are more advanced models that have Bluetooth sensors that keep track of important metrics like speed, power output and the health of its components, helping riders stay on top of their game.

Balancing Affordability with Premium Performance

With entry-level folding electric bikes, they will give you the minimum you need to get around town, but the higher-end will feature lighter materials and more smart technology that makes the ride more enjoyable. It's worth paying a bit more for things like sealed bearings, all-weather electronics, and regenerative braking, which will all end up saving you maintenance and lifespan in the long run. The trick is getting the premium features that matter to your specific commuting without plopping down money for ones that will do nothing to enhance your daily journey.

How to Choose the Right Folding Electric Cycle

Choosing the perfect folding electric bike involves several important factors that affect how enjoyable your riding experience is going to be each day of your commute. Begin by comparing the weight capacity of the bike to your personal needs, which you can derive from your body weight, as well as standard cargo such as laptops and work materials. For best performance and life of your pack, carry at least 20-30 pounds more than your regular carrying weight.

Battery range is all important as one should trust it for day-to-day usage. Tally up your round-trip distance, add in factors like terrain elevation, weather, and how much help you want. Just consider that around 40-50% extra range (all figures here are for city riding) should allow you to keep two wheels for the day, with that extra surplus evening capacity used primarily to cover unexpected detours and battery wear and tear over time.

The design of the folding mechanism has great daily usefulness. Quick-release mechanisms favor speed of fold over small packing, with multi-step fixed joints optimizing smaller folded size. This means you'll be able to fold and unfold the bike with very little effort and it will therefore be more convenient for you. Try to fold the pattern a few times first to make sure that the force and in-hand strength required is compatible with yours.

Schedule a complete test ride that simulates your regular commute before pulling the trigger on your choice. Notice how it feels in the riding position, how it handles at different speeds, how well it brakes. Take the bike on a number of different surfaces, as well as up and down a few hills that you'd regularly encounter, and test the levels of electric assistance based on different demands, and make sure they're adequate.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Performance

Folding electric cycles need to be maintained regularly for good performance and long life. The hinge mechanisms need some extra TLC - clean the joints out with a toothbrush weekly to keep dirt and grime away, and apply non-harmful silicon grease to them to prevent rust and maintain smooth motion. Do not use water-based cleaners on the hinges as they may cause corrosion. Inspect and secure all folding mechanism bolts on a monthly basis to ensure best performance of the structure.

Battery care is essential to maximize the range and life of your e-bike. Keep the battery at between 40% and 80% charge when you don't plan on using it for several months and away from high and low temperatures. It is best for complete charging rather than smaller more frequent charging during normal use. Watch for your battery's performance via your bike's app or display system, and notice any dramatic changes in range or charging time which may signal degradation.

Firmware updates are essential for the best user experience of the smart folding e-bike. If you can, enable automatic update notices through your bike's companion application and install new firmware updates whenever they arrive — they frequently contain performance and security improvements. Monitor sensors and connectivity frequently for accurate tracking and performance measurement. This preventative maintenance enables us to head off potential problems before they impact your commute.

Transforming Urban Mobility with Folding Electric Cycles

Folding electric bicycles have marked a breakthrough when it comes to the problematics of movement in the city, giving you a convenient, ecological and incredibly technologically advanced mix. They have a knack for fitting in even the smallest of city apartments, yet offer a way to zip around town that is more quick and efficient than ever. What happens when you pair smart features with durable, lightweight construction is more than just convenience – it's a paradigm shift in how we think about urban travel.

As urban development progresses and the focus on environmental concerns grows, the right mobility strategy takes on an entirely new level of relevance. Whether you're weaving through city streets, along bike paths, or with downtown commuters, the need to fit it all in a bag at the end of the day is the same; which is why we designed a dependable, convenient, and efficient folding e-cycle. In picking up these advanced rides, city commuters are not just identifying a mode of transportation, mind you – they're joining in the larger trend toward a smarter, cleaner urban landscape of the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

article supplied

ALEX MARQUEZ #73
“Having won in Jerez, this ‘non victory’ hurts less, but it’s clear that we missed a great opportunity. We had a great start but maybe I overdid it and crashed. The red flag helped me, although maybe it helped Marc more. We’re leaving Silverstone with two points less, but with confidence after a good – yet defensive – race.”

FERMIN ALDEGUER #54
“Unfortunately I made a mistake today as well. It’s a shame because we had a good rhythm and we could have stayed with the front group. The wind was hard to manage, even though the minimum goal of a top ten was achieved. I’m not happy, but there are Sundays in which points and experience are needed.”

 

Munich/Cernobbio. As part of the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este at Lake Como, BMW Motorrad unveils its latest creation for the superbike segment: the BMW Motorrad Concept RR as the ultimate performance statement in terms of technology and design for the future generation of BMW RR models.

Markus Flasch, Head of BMW Motorrad: "Never before has BMW Motorrad provided such an early glimpse into a future generation of the RR models. The BMW Motorrad Concept RR is a true masterpiece of our development team, both technically and in terms of design language. Guided and inspired by the BMW Motorrad factory superbike M 1000 RR, with which BMW Motorrad factory rider Toprak Razgatlioğlu was able to dominantly win the FIM World Superbike Championship last year, the Concept RR offers a true firework of superlatives for both street and track use. The transfer from racing to road has never been shown more clearly. It represents BMW Motorrad's leadership claim to offer the highest engineering level and maximum performance in this segment."

 

Maximum performance, based on the BMW factory superbike. 

BMW Motorrad engages in motorsport out of passion and conviction – on the tracks of the Superbike World Championship as well as in numerous national and international championships. Every day, the BMW Motorrad team lives the symbiosis of engineering excellence and an unyielding drive for top performance anew. This dedication is reflected in every detail of our superbikes, and the valuable insights gained from racing are incorporated into our production models.

In terms of propulsion, the BMW Motorrad Concept RR relies on the water-cooled inline four-cylinder engine of the world champion machine from the FIM Superbike World Championship, which already delivers more than 230 hp (169 kW). This promises pure adrenaline in terms of propulsion and reinforces the leadership claim in the superbike segment. Accompanying this are the electronic control and regulation systems that come directly from the WSBK M 1000 RR, such as the engine management, traction control, and engine brake.

 

New benchmark in terms of lightweight construction and aerodynamics. 

By innovative manufacturing techniques and the use of high-tech materials such as carbon and aluminium, the BMW Motorrad Concept RR sets new benchmarks in lightweight construction. From the frame to the smallest component, every detail is consistently optimised for lightweight construction and performance. The design also follows this principle: sharp, purposeful, expressive—with an embossed RR logo on the tail and an illuminated RR symbol on the downside of the delicate aluminium tail.

The BMW Motorrad engineers placed special emphasis on aerodynamics, particularly on the challenging objectives of "riding stability at very high speeds," "maximum cornering speeds," and "minimal air resistance for optimal top speed." These competing goals are realised by the Concept RR through an unprecedentedly compact package, reduced external attachments, and enhanced precision of airflow, even through the motorcycle – from the ventilated front to the monolithic, also ventilated, aerodynamically optimised rear.

In addition, the concept bike is equipped with an aerodynamically optimised fairing with integrated winglets and high-performance brakes – uncompromisingly perfected for ambitious super-sporty use on the road up to professional racing.

 

The matching outfit – the jacket Concept RR LTD. 

BMW Motorrad has been consistently implementing the claim to make motorcycling as safe and comfortable as possible with perfectly designed clothing, while also stylishly shaping the motorcycle lifestyle with attractive fashion, for more then 45 years. Today, it offers a comprehensive program of Riders Gear and Casual Wear. Once again, the maxim for BMW Motorrad is: Make existing things even better and simultaneously develop new innovative solutions. Accordingly, on the occasion of the presentation of the BMW Motorrad Concept RR, a unique lifestyle jacket was developed: the Concept RR LTD jacket, limited to 50 units. A masterpiece made of fine calf Nappa leather, crafted in cooperation with the Bavarian traditional company MEINDL, this jacket combines motorsport flair with the highest craftsmanship and exclusivity.

Disclaimer. 

The vehicles shown may be modified and fitted with third-party accessories and/or proprietary parts that are not manufactured, distributed or tested by BMW. BMW accepts no liability for the modifications (including the fitting, characteristics and use of the accessories shown). NOTE: Modification of series production vehicles (including the fitting and use of third-party and self-made parts) can impair riding characteristics! Riding our vehicles in modified condition is at your own risk.