Category: Motorcycles

1. Suzuki introduces white Hayabusa for 2022

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 9th Dec 2021

   Suzuki has added a white version of the new Hayabusa to its range for 2022, which joins the existing black and orange and matt silver and red versions launched this year. 

   With an RRP of £16,499, the third generation of the legendary hyperbike gets Suzuki’s most advanced suite of electronics ever, with 10 lean angle-sensitive traction control modes, lean angle-sensitive ABS, three power modes, a bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control and a speed limiter, and three stages of launch control, all controlled via easy-to-use switchgear and managed through a neat colour TFT display, nestled between two analogue dials reminiscent of the original Hayabusa’s clocks. 

   A heavily redesigned engine – including new pistons, conrods, crankshaft, and camshaft – specifically aimed at producing enhanced performance in the lower to mid rev ranges making it the fastest-launching Hayabusa yet with more cumulative torque than its predecessor. All this is wrapped in sharper, more angular bodywork that nonetheless is immediately recognisable as Hayabusa, taking heavy design cues from the original.

   The new pearl brilliant white Hayabusa, with its chrome trim and subtle metallic matt stellar blue accents, is available in dealerships now.

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

   Posted on 3:00pm Wednesday 8th Dec 2021

   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

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

   Posted on 1:00pm Monday 6th Dec 2021

   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.

4. Suzuki Katana sharpened for 2022

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 24th Nov 2021

   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.

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

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 11th Oct 2021

   • 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!”