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Category: Motorcycles

  1. Get the Winning Balance – Save £600 on Suzuki RM-Z range this winter

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    Suzuki has scrubbed £600 off the RRP of its RM-Z range, with the Arenacross championship-winning RM-Z450 available for £6,399, and the RM-Z250 now costing £6,299. The offer runs from December 2021 until the end of March 2022.

    The RM-Z450 boasts five Arenacross titles to its name, including winning the last running of the UK indoor series in 2020 thanks to SR75 World Team Suzuki. The team also took one to the podium at this year’s Skegness Beach Race, with Neville Bradshaw behind the ‘bars.

    Bradshaw also contested the famous Weston Beach Race aboard a stock RM-Z250, devoid of modifications such as enlarged fuel tank and against more powerful 450 machines, finishing 24th from 1000 starters.

    The RM-Z450 was completely redesigned for 2018 with a whole new chassis and more power from its 450cc motor, with the RM-Z250 benefitting from similar treatment a year later. Both bikes use Suzuki’s holeshot assist control and traction management systems.

    Suzuki GB marketing manager, Ian Bland, commented, “Both the RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 are competitive in MX1 and MX2 competition, with a plethora of Arenacross titles to back it up and exceptional performances in other events. They are now even more competitively priced ready for the 2022 season, making it a perfect time to make the switch to a new RM-Z this coming season.”

    Find out more about the offer and Suzuki’s motocross range, here -  Motocross Bikes: Discover the full Suzuki Range | Suzuki Bikes UK

  2. White Motorcycle Concepts tackles climate change with hybrid emergency services First Responder vehicle

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    White Motorcycle Concepts [WMC] has unveiled its revolutionary new electric hybrid scooter – the WMC300FR. The bike is designed specifically for use as a fully operational first response vehicle that will help bring emergency services into line with new national objectives to combat the effects of climate change and cost reduction.

  3. Suzuki Katana sharpened for 2022

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    Suzuki has sharpened its Katana for 2022, with the updated machine getting more power and an improved suite of electronics.

    Based on the new-for-2021 GSX-S1000 platform, the new, Euro5 Katana produces 152PS at 11,000rpm and a broader spread of torque across the rev range than the preceding model, thanks to a new intake and exhaust camshaft, new valve springs, new exhaust, and a new airbox. All this is delivered smoothly via a new ride-by-wire throttle.

    That smooth power delivery can be further controlled thanks to the Suzuki Drive Mode Selector system, with three selectable engine maps; all three deliver the same peak power, with mode A providing the sharpest, sportiest response, mode B a softer initial power delivery, and mode C delivering the softest response, ideal in wet and slippery conditions.

    A bi-directional quickshifter makes swift work of gear changes and enhances performance on sporty rides, and there are five modes of traction control to choose from to keep things in check. Traction control can also be turned off.

    Added controllability and increased performance also comes thanks to a new Suzuki Clutch Assist System, with a slipper clutch that mitigates the effect of engine braking when downshifting from high rpm.

    Completing the electronics package is Suzuki’s handy easy start system and low RPM assist, which raises engine speed as the clutch lever is fed out, to aid slow speed control and prevent stalling.

    The new Katana uses the same lightweight, twin-spar aluminium frame and GSX-R-derived swingarm, with fully-adjustable KYB front forks and a preload and rebound damping adjustable rear shock. Brembo monobloc calipers bite 310mm front discs, mounted to six-spoke, cast aluminium wheels shod with Dunlop SPORTMAX Roadsport2 tyres, custom engineered for Suzuki’s GSX-S platform.

    The 2022 Katana will also come in new colours, with the sharp, angular bodywork that so obviously takes design cues from the original machine from the 1980s now finished in a dark matt blue, complemented by gold forks and wheels, while a dark grey iteration is set off by red wheels. A revised dash gets a new red ‘night mode’.

    It will be available in dealerships in spring 2022.

  4. Good for the planet, good for the mind: 70% of e-scooter hire scheme users say riding helps improve their mental health

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    • First of its kind study finds a broad range of benefits when riding e-scooters on one’s mental wellbeing
    • Riders de-stressed (74%) and relaxed (85%), with two-thirds (67%) agreeing that riding an e-scooter helps clear their mind of negative thoughts and feelings
    • Two-thirds (67%) feel more socially connected as it allows them to make personal relations and socialise with friends and family

    London, October 8, 2021 – This World Mental Health Day (10th October), new survey data* released by Spin, the micromobility unit of Ford Motor Company, reveals how e-scooter hire schemes have a wide range of benefits on one’s mental wellbeing. The majority (70%) of respondents believe riding an e-scooter rented via a hire scheme helps improve their mental health.

    The first of its kind study explored how nearly 1,000 users felt better as a direct result of riding an e-scooter that’s part of the UK Department for Transport’s public hire trials. The results show that e-scooters help provoke positive moods and alleviate negative feelings such stress. Key findings revealed that when riding a hired e-scooter:

    • 87% feel an increased sense of freedom
    • 85% feel relaxed
    • 78% feel mindful as they are able to focus on their immediate surroundings
    • 74% feel less stressed after riding than before their trip
    • 67% agree that it helps clear their mind of negative thoughts and feelings
    • 63% agree that it feels like a digital detox as they are unable to look at their device

    People have highly positive associations with how they feel when they ride a hired e-scooter. Almost half (46%) feel adventurous and four out of ten feel joyful (41%), free (41%) and positive (40%). “Exhilarated and like a soaring eagle” and “back to my childhood” were just some of the emotions spontaneously mentioned by riders when asked how they feel while riding an e-scooter. 

    The research underpins how riders experience “flow[1]”, a concept in positive psychology that refers to the state of mind in which a person becomes fully immersed in an activity and which consequently contributes to a better mental wellbeing. This is aligned with riders feeling joyfulness, an emotion triggered by a chemical reaction in the brain and endorphin[2] release. Renowned media psychologist Emma Kenny supports these results, agreeing that using a public hire e-scooter is a fantastic way for people to not only reduce their carbon footprint but also feel free and embrace a nostalgic, childlike experience in the fresh air:

    “It’s fantastic to see research that gives insight into how small pleasures can make a big difference in our everyday lives,'' comments Emma. “Positively managing our mental health is key to living a happier and healthier life and that’s why it’s so important to take part in activities that are fun and thrilling, and that benefit our lives in a multitude of ways. E-scooters, that are part of the public hire schemes offer the perfect medium to be more environmentally friendly, whilst letting our inner child run free. Whether you’re dashing to a board meeting, or heading for a University lecture, e-scooters offer a great alternative solution to your travel needs. Aside from the accessibility and ease of this kind of transport, you’ll also benefit from the feeling of freedom that comes when travelling from A to B this way. The benefits you receive from fresh air and the great outdoors is a form of informal mindful practice, meaning that you fully appreciate the here and now and experience the present as a gift.”

    Steve Pyer, UK & Ireland Country Manager at Spin said, “At a time when mental wellbeing is in the spotlight more than ever, it is incredibly rewarding to see that e-scooters that are part of the national trials are not only beneficial for the environment but for our rider’s mental health too. E-scooter hire schemes provide the freedom and flexibility for exploration and fresh air does wonders to relieve stress and anxiety, leaving you happier and more relaxed at the end of your journey or commute!”

  5. Speedway — The UK’s Lost Motorcycle Racing

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    Go back a few decades and many towns up and down the UK had thriving speedway teams. Sadly though, over the years, those teams have slowly folded for one reason or another. The Bradford Dukes, the Crew Kings, the Ellesmere Port Gunners, the Hull Vikings, and the Newport Wasps are just some of the dozens of names that have been lost in the last few decades.  Speedway - The UK’s Lost Motorcycle Racing, Unsplash photos

    Speedway has excited fans of everything two wheels for around 100 years, with the first races taking place in Australia before spreading to the UK in early 1928. Throughout the 20th century, especially during its second half, interest in the sport grew and grew.  

    It is believed that around 30,000 people turned up to watch the first British speedway meeting at High Beech, a figure that would put it on par with a lower-table Premier League football club today.  

    Through the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, people would cram into local stadiums to watch their team battle it out on track against a visiting opponent. Today, however, many fans have to travel long distances just to go and watch a match. For example, fans of the former Ellesmere Port Gunners team now have to choose between the Belle Vue Aces in Manchester or the Stoke Potters as their home team, both of which are an hour’s drive away.  

    But as the general populace lost interest in motorcycles, speedway fell into decline. 

    What Makes Speedway Different? 

    Any lover of bikes will know there are plenty of two-wheeled motorsports in the world. Here on the British Isles, we’re treated to the Isle of Man TT each year, as well as a round of MotoGP, and our own domestic circuit and dirt racing competitions.  

    Speedway is different. A speedway bike has no brakes and no gears. A meeting is made up of a couple of dozen four-lap heats that are quick sprints around an oval where riders get within millimetres of each other as they slide their machines through shale-covered corners.  

    Anyone that’s been to a speedway meeting will know the unique smell that comes from the methanol-fueled engines. For fans, that smell brings back memories of exciting races that only speedway can offer.  

    Unlike categories like MotoGP, speedway (at least at a domestic level) is a team sport. Each heat is all about getting the most points possible for your team, with different riders coming out each time to make their contribution to the tally.  What Makes Speedway Different

    Speedway in the UK vs Abroad 

    While speedway still chugs along in the UK, it is a million miles from the sport in continental Europe. Eastern and northern European countries like Poland, Czechia, and Sweden have well-funded leagues and teams, bigger audiences, and larger stadiums to accommodate them.  

    In fact, in Poland, speedway is often in the top-three national sports, whereas it is very much an “also-ran” in the UK’s list.  

    What Holds Speedway Back in Britain? 

    There is no single reason why speedway doesn’t have the same following that it does elsewhere. Interest in bikes is relatively low among the general population in the UK. In fact, money spent on motorcycles declined sharply between 2011 and 2016, with purchases by the booming motorcycle courier sector responsible for the rise in the years since.  

    The cost of partaking in any motorsport is incredibly high, and it can become prohibitively expensive if you’re funding it yourself. Stories of talented riders like Lukas Hlavac that are unable to compete due to financial issues are common. The former motocross rider ran out of cash to fund his championship campaign during his first season, forcing him to drop out while leading his division, though he has since gone on to enjoy success in the world of professional poker instead. It’s the same in car racing, the Formula 2 driver David Beckmann had to bow before the end of the 2021 season due to financial pressures.  

    Speedway is not immune to these pressures, but the sport doesn’t have the huge crowds delivering millions in revenue from ticket sales or the huge sponsorship deals that can be seen in other competitions. It’s also why talented speedway riders like Craig Cook have to find innovative ways to raise the funds they need to compete at the levels their skills allow.  

    There is a chicken and egg problem here. The funds won’t come without the crowds, but the crowds can’t be attracted without marketing and promotion, and that costs money.  

    Sadly, this means potentially millions of Brits are missing out on the unrivalled excitement that comes from watching speedway, and could, ultimately, lead to its extinction in the UK.  

     

     

     

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