Biker News - Regularly updated

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  1. Ben Ball returns for 2025 at new venue with refreshed look and feel

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    • Ben Ball 2025 to take place on 10th December at new location - London Hilton on Park Lane
    • Tickets on sale now and new, exclusive sponsorship opportunities available
    • Raising funds to support automotive people who are struggling or in crisis

    Ben is officially inviting its automotive family to book now for Ben Ball 2025 (proudly supported by AutoTrader) which is taking place at the luxury five-star London Hilton Park Lane on 10th December.

    The exclusive black-tie event is returning to the heart of Mayfair with a fresh, new look and feel reflecting the iconic new venue and Ben’s future vision. 

    Set to be the automotive event of the year, Ben Ball will feature entertainment, dancing, a delicious three-course dinner, and endless opportunities for networking with over 600 automotive professionals.

    Following the overwhelming success of Ben Ball 2024, which is always well-attended by hundreds of automotive industry leaders each year, Ben is encouraging the automotive community to act fast and secure their place on this not-to-be-missed evening.

    Whether booking a table or securing an individual ticket, there are options to suit all budgets with prices starting at £399...

    Book your place today! www.ben.org.uk/benball

    Additionally, a range of table packages and new sponsorship opportunities are available, enabling companies to position their brand in front of influential automotive decision-makers.

    Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “We’re very excited to open bookings for our exclusive automotive event of the year and we’re delighted to bring Ben Ball back to central London, in the prestigious London Hilton on Park Lane. We have so much to share this year, so you won’t want to miss this! We expect spaces to sell out quickly, so don’t miss out on an unforgettable night of celebration with your automotive family.

    “We continue to support more people than ever who are struggling with money worries, which is affecting all areas of their lives. We rely on Ben Ball as it brings in vital donations to help change lives, and often save lives, in our automotive industry. The evening is also an opportunity to celebrate achievement and recognise those who have supported us during the year. We can’t wait to welcome you to Ben Ball’s new home this December for a night you won’t forget!”

    Ian Plummer, Commercial Director at Auto Trader, said: "We're very proud to be sponsoring Ben Ball again for 2025. This is a unique event in our industry that raises essential funds for members of our automotive community who are struggling, as well as shining a spotlight on the incredible work Ben does every day. It’s inspiring to see our automotive family unite each year, contributing generously to support our dedicated charity. More people each year are turning to Ben for support, which means digging deeper to meet the rising demand. We’re looking forward to celebrating achievements and supporting our charity at Ben Ball 2025. We hope you’ll join us!"

    To book your table or tickets now, or find out more about becoming a Ben Ball sponsor, click here.

    When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.

     

     

  2. Expect motorcyclists at junctions, GEM warns drivers in bid to reduce collisions

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    • SMIDSY is no excuse
    • The roads are becoming busier with weekend riders, and we can help them stay safe
    • Check blind spots and mirrors, and pay extra attention at junctions, where more than 40% of fatal and serious collisions occur

    ROAD SAFETY and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging drivers to take extra care at junctions, in an attempt to reduce collisions with motorcyclists. More weekend riders are taking to the roads as the weather improves, and GEM wants everyone to get home safe every day.

    There were 315 motorcycle fatalities in 20231 (the latest available statistics), with a further 5,481 seriously injured. Of these, 41% occurred at or within 20 metres of a junction, says GEM.

    GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst said: “Failing to see a motorcyclist is an all-too-common reason for the so-called ‘SMIDSY’ collision (Sorry mate, I didn’t see you).

    “As drivers, we tend not to be good at identifying motorcyclists because they occupy such a small part of our field of vision. Also, if we’re not expecting to see a rider, then the chance of spotting one reduces and the risk of a collision rises.

    “Many roads are already becoming busier with weekend riders, so we’re encouraging drivers to look out for them, check blind spots and mirrors – and to be extra careful at junctions. Let’s make a point of looking out for them. In doing so, we will be greatly reducing this risk, and helping them to be less vulnerable on their journeys.”

    GEM’s safety tips for drivers  GEM Motoring Assist

    In an attempt to raise awareness and reduce risk, GEM has assembled some safety tips for drivers:

    • Before pulling out of a junction, look carefully all around. Make a specific check for motorcyclists coming towards you. If you’re expecting bikes to be there, then you’re far more likely to see them in good time.
    • Always check blind spots and mirrors before changing lanes or turning.
    • Give motorcyclists ample space, especially when they’re filtering.
    • Be extra cautious at junctions. Anticipate motorcyclists' movements and judge their speed carefully.
    • Use your indicators consistently, especially at junctions and roundabouts.
    • Avoid distractions and focus constantly and fully on the journey.

     

  3. BREAKING NEWS: NO PODIUM FOR ALEX, TOP 5 FINISH FOR FERMIN, WHO CONFIRMS HIS TOP-LEVEL STATUS

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    ALEX MARQUEZ #73
    “It’s a shame for how this race went. I must apologise to Diggia because it was my mistake of calculation, and I believe the penalty was correct. I was forced to a comeback race and we must be happy with this sixth position: these are valuable points for the championship although there’s very little to celebrate. We’re heading to Jerez with a still solid weekend in our bag.”

    FERMIN ALDEGUER #54
    “I’m very happy with this race and for the whole weekend. We have been competitive, we wanted the top ten and we finished with a fourth and a fifth. I put a lot of energy at halfway point to catch Zarco and Morbidelli, and I had nothing left in the tank in the end to overtake them. In any case I’m happy with my race craft.”

     

    Race - QatarGP ðŸŒ•
    5th - FERMIN ALDEGUER #54 
    6th - ALEX MARQUEZ #73

     

    World Championship Standing

    2nd – ALEX MARQUEZ #73  (106 points)
    14th – FERMIN ALDEGUER #54 (20 points)

     

     

  4. AN ALMOST PERFECT SPRINT RACE: ALEX AGAIN SECOND, FERMIN NARROWLY MISSES OUT ON PODIUM FINISH

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    ALEX MARQUEZ #73
    “We gave it a try today, but it wasn’t doable. I didn’t want to overtake him at that braking spot, but Marc did it earlier to pass me back and the attack finished there. I almost crashed at turn two while I was still close to him, and that’s when I realised it wasn’t the case to take risks. We bagged some more important points for the championship and gathered valuable data ahead of tomorrow’s race. Today Marc was faster than us and we must be happy with how it went.”

    FERMIN ALDEGUER #54
    “I’m very happy, I knew I could do a great race. I had the doubt on whether to use the soft or the medium tyre, I chose to be brave and it paid dividends. We were very quick in the last part and we have been feeling good so far this weekend – from the get-go. I’m learning a lot and quickly by racing with the frontrunners. We’ll try again tomorrow and push hard to be in the top five.”

     

  5. Touratech Suspension ‘Limited Edition’ shocks for the BMW R 1250 GS

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    Under the ‘Limited Edition’ label, Touratech Suspension presents the perfect gear for rallies and round the world trips with the BMW R 1250 GS and the Adventure models. The ultra-robust monoshocks can replace conventional suspension elements and, thanks to the Cancellation Plug, also electronic DDA suspension systems.


    The advantages of semi-active suspensions are well known. Thanks to their electronic valve, these components can adapt their damping to the surface almost in real time and thus enable ultra-fine response behaviour with large reserves at the same time.
    In tough off-road use, however, more direct feedback is often required to enable a sporty, active riding style. In addition, the adjustment options via the choice of riding modes set limits when creating customised setups.
    Touratech Suspension now offers the ‘Limited Edition’ suspension parts for riders who want to take their BMW R 1250 GS or GSA into really tough terrain or master the most demanding dirt tracks on long-distance travels.
     

    State-of-the-art technologies for a new level of riding experience
    The high-end shocks are based on the advanced technology of the recently launched Extreme 2 series. The new electronic spring preload in a compact design enables quick and easy installation without the need for an external EPA pump.
    The 46 millimetre strong damper piston, which is now equipped with a ‘low friction’ piston band, offers minimal friction. The separating piston of the damper also has an additional guide, which supports low-friction sliding. All in all, these innovative technical solutions result in a previously unrivalled sensitive responsiveness.
     

    Advanced PDS function for maximum resistance
    The ‘Limited Edition’ suspension struts also set themselves apart from conventional products in terms of safety at extreme conditions thanks to their superior technology. The enhanced PDS function has a newly designed hydraulic stop that works even more precisely and reliably prevents bottoming out. The two-part reservoir has also been enlarged and therefore offers more oil volume and an optimised cooling surface for effective heat dissipation. The result is constant damping performance right up to the extreme range.
     

    Precise adjustment over a wide range
    The ‘Limited Edition’ suspension parts offer the full spectrum of customised adjustment options. While the rebound damping is adjusted in the tried-and-tested manner at the base of the shock absorber, the optimised compression adjustment at the reservoir offers an extremely wide adjustment range, which enables precise and reproducible individual set-ups. Adjustment for the low and high-speed range is particularly easy thanks to adjusters in different colours.
     

    Conventional or DDA: Seamless integration into the vehicle
    Cancellation plugs are included in the tuning package for vehicles with electronic DDA suspension. These fit perfectly on the existing plugs and avoid error messages in the dashboard.
     

    Serviceable long-life components
    Like all shock absorbers from Touratech Suspension, the new ‘Limited Edition’ parts are of course fully serviceable. From time to time or after intensive use on long-distance travel, the shock absorbers can be dismantled and overhauled. Then they are as good as new again. For consistent performance and long-lasting riding pleasure, even under extreme conditions.

    Further information on the ‘Limited Edition’ suspension parts can be found in the webshop at www.touratech.com/touratech-suspension