| | Biker News - Regularly updated
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The British Motorcyclists Federation have welcomed the support of the Federation of European Motorcyclists (FEMA) in calling for CO2 labelling of all new motorcycles, scooters and mopeds.
The move follows a motion put forward by the bmf at a recent FEMA meeting noting that while powered two wheelers generally have a smaller impact on the environment than cars, they are not seen as particularly green by legislators and that consumers too lack the information they need to make an informed choice.
Although due to follow the readily available car labelling system within the next two years, the bmf would like to see a similar system implemented for motorcycles sooner rather than later so that fuel consumption and emission figures are available both in manufacturer’s literature and displayed at the point of sale.
With the ability to filter through heavy traffic and taking up less road space than cars, motorcycles of all descriptions are liable to pollute less, but say the bmf, until manufacturers publish their green credentials, motorcyclists are never likely to enjoy the benefits of lower road tax, or even in some cases, zero tax, as enjoyed by modern, highly efficient cars.
Chris Hodder, the bmf’s Government Relations Executive and proposer of the motion said: “We are constantly seeking a better deal for the powered two wheeler user but this is increasingly difficult when cars are seen to be getting cleaner by the day yet motorcycles are an unknown quantity. For the good of motorcycling as a whole, a labelling system will force manufacturers to be more open and prove their green credentials.”
Already supporters of the TTXGP race series for electric motorcycles, the bmf also supports the development of zero-emission motorcycles as a way of ensuring the sustainability of motorcycling in an increasingly green transport environment.
Details on this and other bmf activities can also be found on our web site: www.bmf.co.uk
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Re-start your engines as a new date for the 2010 National Motorcycle Show at Manchester Central (formerly the GMEX) has been confirmed - 3rd and 4th April 2010.
The Show, traditionally held in January, was cancelled this year due to the severe weather conditions experienced across the country.
Commenting, show director, Howard Cartledge, said; “It was extremely disappointing to have to cancel the January show. We were determined to give Manchester a bike show so we are really excited about the April event. The feedback we have had from visitors and exhibitors has been really positive so we are looking forward to a great weekend!”
Extreme Globeriders, Steve Colley and Vertical Tricks stunt shows have all re-booked to perform at the April Show so there will be thrills galore as usual at the well-loved show. Unlike many of the major bike shows, all stunt shows are included in the ticket price – there are no extra charges.
Many of the Show’s main exhibitors have also confirmed for the April show with BMW Williams Motorcycles, Suzuki, Triumph and Ducati Manchester all re-booked for April. Other major manufacturers are due to be confirmed shortly, visit www.bikeshowseurope.com for updates.
From new 2010 bikes, classic corner, commuter scooters and wild choppers, lowriders and trikes in the Custom & Extreme Performance Zone, there will be an abundance of chrome plated temptation on display.
The show’s organisers have also confirmed that they will be supporting the Harley Slack fund during the 2-day show. There will be fundraising opportunities that all the visitors can get involved with, including a Easter treasure hunt for children. For further information about the Harley Slack fund visit www.harleyslackfund.org
Show opens on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th April at 10am and closes at 5pm
Adult admission on the door is £12, with seniors and children under 16 admission £6.
Advance booking discounts are available, call 0844 338 8000
For further information and updates on the show’s line-up visit
www.bikeshowseurope.com
Adult admission on the door is £12, with seniors and children under 16 admission £6.
Advance booking discounts are available, call 0844 338 8000
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Clean emissions team return to try and record first 100mph lap around the mountain course
MotoCzysz, the motorcycle team founded by designer Michael Czysz, today confirmed that they would be returning to the Isle of Man in 2010 to participate in the ‘TT Zero’ Clean Emissions race which is part of the iconic TT races.
Their MotoCzysz E1pc electric motorcycle generated a huge amount of interest during the inaugural event in 2009 and was widely accepted as having a similar level of integration as a traditional race bike. The story of the team’s 2009 Isle of Man campaign is heavily featured in the documentary ‘Charge’, shot by director Mark Neale, which will be on general release worldwide in cinemas in Summer 2010.
The team, based in Portland, Oregon in the United States is famous for developing a true innovative clean sheet motorcycle, the C1 990 race bike. They were scheduled to compete with their conventional race bike in the Moto GP championship until a change of regulation meant that the bike was no longer eligible.
The team’s 2010 electric machine is already believed to have received significant improvements on their 2009 bike and they have confirmed that they will debut the new MotoCzysz proprietary electric motor controller drive system, which is expected to be the highest torque/density electric motor in the industry. They are expected to be one of the leading contenders to claim the £10,000 prize that the Isle of Man Government has offered to the first team to record a 100mph average time for a lap of the 37 3/4 mile course by an electric motorcycle.
Michael Czysz, Founder and CEO, MotoCzysz, commented: “We are very excited to be returning to the Isle of Man to compete in the 2010 TT Zero. The fact that electric motorcycle racing has been elevated to an official class within the TT shows the commitment of the Isle of Man Government in providing the low emission pioneers with a world stage to demonstrate their solutions. This may end up being one of the purest prototype classes left in racing.”
Hon Martyn Quayle, MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man Government commented: “We are delighted to have a team of the credibility and prestige of MotoCzysz confirming their participation. They are one of the true pioneers of motorcycle racing and I’m sure will arrive on the Island as a very competitive team.”
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Danny John - Jules, star of the TV show 'Red Dwarf', and his team mate Graham Hoskins undertake the challenge of a lifetime, departing from the Ally Pally Show at Noon on Saturday 27th Feb in aid of BBC TV's 'Sport Relief' charity, motorbiking nearly 7,000 miles to circumnavigate the Mediterranean Sea in just 15 days. Graham and Danny will travel through three continents, riding across fourteen diverse, scenic and often chaotic countries as they cross from Europe over the Bosphorus into Asia, through the Middle East and round into North Africa. It's an endurance challenge and not for the faint-hearted!
To finish the Iron Butts Challenge, Danny and Graham will have to work together to overcome whatever trials face them. From bad navigation and getting lost, to flat tyres, mad and bad local drivers, mechanical failure, visa and border issues, running out of fuel and cultural differences. www.ironbutts.co.uk and www.virginmoneygiving.com/ironbutts
Being officially debuted at the Ally Pally Show by Ace Cafe London is the new Triumph "Ace 904 Thruxton Special". A collaboration between T3 Racing, the Triumph experts, and Stonebridge Motor Company to produce a Triumph based classic cafe racer style motorcycle, with modern power and performance
www.t3-racing.co.uk
Live stage action, brought to you by Pro Starz includes interviews and entertainment, from Noon each day, featuring presenter, performer and actress, Danni Murphy. Throughout the three days of the show, Danni will be working closely with Pro Starz hosting activities ranging from a motorcycling fashion show, dancers, bike racers, competitors, as well as conducting "on the spot" interviews around the event.
A new feature of the outdoor stunt display is Alstar, who specialises in drifting his "big jap multi" sports bike, spinning up the tyres, all whilst trying to wear out his knee sliders! www.stuntstarz.co.uk
AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, Ally Pally Show affiliate event competition now included Metric Class sponsorship with Vance & Hines GBP 1000 (retail) of product credit, RSD (Roland Sands Designs) GBP 750 of product credit and Progressive Suspension GBP 500 (retail) of product credit courtesy of www.mageurope.net , with Brit Bike Class sponsorship being a set of top of the range spoke wheels courtesy of www.ridewrightwheels.com
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January's weather and the acknowledged poor retail start to the new year took its toll on the motorcycle market. Statistics for all styles, being 42% lower than for January of 2009.
Smaller capacity bikes are fairing better in the market. The top ten selling models reveals that there appears to be a greater demand for smaller capacity bikes, which are ideal for commuting and can offer a practical cost-effective form of personal transport. Seven of the top ten selling models are up to 125cc capacity. The top selling models include: Honda CBF 125 M and the Yamaha YBR 125.
With this interest in smaller capacity bikes the top three selling manufacturers in January were Honda, Yamaha and Piaggio. In the larger capacity sectors, BMW is the top selling manufacturer with the BMW S 1000 RR and BMW R 1200 RT registering the highest number of sales.
The touring sector has managed to retain some ground, experiencing a lower percentage (-22%) fall, but as it only has less than 5% market share this has had a limited effect on the overall market. The three sectors with the biggest market share at the start of 2010 are Scooters, Naked and Supersport.
Steve Kenward. MCI's CEO said "Although the climate continues to present challenges in January the industry is confident that it's Get On campaign is showing results in the lightweight sectors.
"The MCI is working hard to encourage new people to recognise the benefits of individual mobility that a powered two-wheeler offers." However, Kenward added, "The new sales figures demonstrate how critical it is for the Government to create a level playing field across the entire automotive sector a point discussed at the recent meeting with MP Ian Lucas from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills"
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