Biker News - Regularly updated

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  1. ...A THIRD DON’T FEEL GUILTY ABOUT DANGEROUS DRIVING  

    UK commuters are behaving badly behind the wheel, with 65% admitting to their own bad driving behaviours over the last year, dispelling the patient and polite British persona.  

    Rushed and stressed commuters don’t feel guilty about driving dangerously or being distracted on the road as they race to get to the office on time, according to new research from car insurance provider Allianz Your Cover. In fact a fifth (21%) blame their poor habits on other commuters.  

    The top five bad commuter behaviours are:   1. Speeding (30%) 2. Careless driving (14%) 3. Travelling too fast for the conditions (14%) 4. Tailgating (13%) 5. Not looking when changing lanes (13%)  

    Commuters may however have been twisting the truth about their bad habits, as although nearly a third (30%) admitted to speeding, more than half (55%) have seen other drivers exceed the speed limit. And the bad habit bluffing doesn’t stop there:   • 5% admit they have jumped a red light – 38% have seen other commuters do this • 4% have applied make-up – 22% have seen other commuters do this • 2% say they failed to stop at a give way sign – 22% have seen other commuters do this  

    More than half of British commuters (52%) are in too much of a hurry to drive safely and are blaming their bad driving on a lack of concentration (30%) and being tired (27%). The commuting environment impacts the workplace as almost half of drivers (43%) believe that their commute affects their mood and can negatively impact their work.  

    Natalie Woods, of Allianz Your Cover Insurance said: “Our research found that British commuters feel they drive carelessly during their journeys due to rushing and tiredness. This is supported by police road accident statistics which show that 46%* of accidents can be attributed to careless driving. We urge drivers to take a careful and considerate approach to their driving in order to reduce accident rates and improve the experience of all their fellow commuters and drivers. One in ten (13%) have witnessed an accident on their way to work – not the kind of start to the day anybody would want.”  

    Despite witnessing the bad habits of their fellow commuters, one in four (27%) hope that a driver would stop to help them if they were in need, a lot less (15%) have actually pulled over to help. The main reason for continuing their commute instead of helping a fellow commuter is to avoid being put in danger (43%). With safety being top priority breakdown services can help out those in need enabling other drivers to continue their journey. Other reasons given for not stopping to help fellow commuters are not knowing how to help (27%), followed by being in a rush (27%).

  2. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the cafe having originally opened in 1938 and the 110th anniversary of Harley Davidson, two of the most famous names in UK motorcycling continue their collaboration into 2013 with Warr's Harley Davidson hosting a year long series of Harley Nights, in partnership with Ace Cafe London.

    From 6pm on the last Thursday of every month, starting on Thursday 28th March!

    Designed to bring together Harley Davidson owners and potential owners under one roof in a friendly motorcycle inspired atmosphere.      

    Warr's HD items will be up for grabs as raffle prizes. Spend £5 or more over the counter and receive a raffle ticket. Draw will take place at 10pm.      

    To find out more about Warr's Harley Davidson Harley Nights, or any of its prestigious events contact Warr's Harley Davidson, 611 Kings Road, London, SW6 2EL

  3. IAM’s head of riding standards and advanced biker, Peter Rodger, is advising on getting back on the road after the winter.  

    • Check your bike’s fluid levels, brakes, lights, horn and coolant to make sure they’re all in good working order.
    • Try starting your bike to check if the battery needs recharging.
    • Check that the tyres have sufficient tread, no obvious damage, and are inflated to the right pressure. If you have taken any part of the bike apart over the winter check it is properly back together and that the nuts are all tightened appropriately.
    • When you’ve given it the once over, switch on the engine and let your bike warm up before you go out on a ride.
    • If you’re feeling particularly rusty, get on your motorcycle in a car park before taking it out on the road.  The first ride should be about settling in gently – you need to get used to riding again.
    • Gain confidence by having a few short, simple rides. Consider it a warm up for you and the bike; you've had time away, and both need to warm up again.
    • Make sure your leathers and helmet are in good nick– don’t be tempted to take that first ride in street gear because you’re not planning on being out for long.   

    Rodger said: “It’s that time of the year when many riders are taking their bikes out from winter storage. Check the bike before you begin this season’s rides, and make sure the rider is up to it as well.”

  4. All new Ducati machines registered from April 1 onwards will now come with the added security of a MASTER Security System. 

     Ducati has joined an industry initiative developed by the Motorcycle Industry Association in adopting the MASTER Security system. The system is fitted free of charge during the pre-delivery inspection at authorised Ducati dealerships and involves a variety of engine, chassis and bodywork parts being marked using a ‘stealth’ UV security etching, glass transponders, ultra violet fluid, Datadots® as well as a discreet warning label to deter would-be thieves.

    It is the first and only official national scheme approved by the police authorities, the Home Office and powered by security market leaders, Datatag ID Ltd, and it is hoped it will go some way to reducing the 26,000 motorcycles stolen each year in the UK. These are often stripped and rebuilt around genuine frames and as such recovery rates are low, with the Police unable to prove ownership beyond doubt. With Ducati and other manufacturers united behind one scheme, the industry has a greater opportunity in combating this problem.

    Ducati Managing Director, Tim Maccabee, commented "Ducati are committed to ensuring that customers have a good level of security in place and the MASTER Systems will certainly add benefit to the security of their beloved Ducati. The issue of theft is a consideration for each and every customer and this added layer of prevention we feel is vital. We’re very pleased to be part of an industry initiative that helps combat theft in this way and with support from our dealers we are proud to be a part of this effort."

    Datatag’s Managing Director Kevin Howells said ‘To have Ducati join the growing list of brands backing the MASTER Scheme is fantastic. They have an incredibly desirable range and by fitting MASTER with our technology we are confident that owners will feel more secure and will have reduced their risk of theft considerably.’

    For more information on the Master Security System

    For more information on the Ducati range and accessories visit: www.ducatiuk.com

  5. 50 free DV cams to be won as part of motorcycle compensation.com's free prize draw

    50 free DV cams to be won as part of motorcycle compensation.coms free priLeading motorcycle legal advice site motorcyclecompensation.com has 50 free mini DV cameras to be won as part their grand prize draw.

    Renowned for giving motorcyclists everywhere practical safety advice, the competition forms part of site's ongoing mission to protect the interests of motorcyclists everywhere and provide them with the tools they need to stay safe on Britain's busy roads.

    Entries can be made by filling in the form on the website, where riders can also find information, resources and advice on how to seek advice.

    Speaking about the competition, Colin Mahoney, MD of motorcyclecompensation.com, is keen to emphasise that beneath the fun there's a serious edge: "We're delighted to be able to offer the 50 free mini DV cameras as part of our grand prize draw.  However there's a genuine point of safety to be made here. Motorcyclists everywhere will benefit from using one of these - they're a fantastic way of recording a journey from beginning to end. By combining high-resolution video with simple controls in one compact package, bikers can capture the details of their ride - great for keeping other road users honest in the event of an incident."

    The mini DV motorcycle cam competition comes at a timely moment: March 2013 sees the launch of a £1.3 million Think! Motorcycle campaign designed to encourage other road users to be aware of riders at junctions. With 74 percent of motorcycle deaths and injuries involving another vehicle, it's more imperative than ever that riders protect themselves from other road users and fellow motorists develop greater awareness of what a journey can be like from a motorcyclist's perspective.

    As a committed biker and a long-time campaigner for improving road safety, it's a sentiment that Mahoney whole-heartedly agrees with:  "It's a shocking statistic, but despite constituting a mere 1 percent of the total road traffic, riders make up 19 percent of all fatalities out on our roads.  As an organisation we encourage any initiative that brings police, government and road users together in understanding the safety issues that face motorcyclists every time they make a journey - that's why we're delighted to see the government making fresh efforts to publicise rider safety as part of the Think! Motorcycle campaign. Despite this, we still feel there's a long way to go before motorcyclists have a level playing field. Our competition is about acknowledging this reality and arming riders with a way of conveniently documenting their ride and we heartily encourage people to make a real investment in their safety by entering via the motorcyclecompensation.com website."

    For more information, visit: www.motorcyclecompensation.com/motorbike-cam

    Motorcycle Compensation, Motorbike Accident Solicitors,