Category: Motorcycles

1. First person in UK to benefit from 'plug in' grant for electric motorcycles will be on the road from today

   Posted on 4:00pm Wednesday 1st Mar 2017

   First UK customer to benefit from ‘plug in’ grant for e-motorcycles

   The first electric motorcycle to be bought with the new ‘plug in’ subsidy will be on the road from today (March 1^st).

   The dealer, 21^st Moto in Swanley, Kent, confirmed that 48-year-old Fred Murphy from Redhill in Surrey is the first customer in the UK to benefit from the subsidy, introduced by the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) to increase the uptake of electric vehicles.  

   Mr Murphy bought a Zero FXS, which has an average range of 60 miles, a top speed of 85mph and costs the equivalent of a penny a mile to power.  It can be charged using a household three pin plug, with faster charge options, which can reduce full charging time to 2 hours.

   Up to now the ‘plug in’ subsidy has only been available for electric cars and vans, but it can now be applied to electric motorcycles and scooters, so long as they meet certain quality criteria.  This includes having a battery with 5 years’ warranty and a good range.

   Rob Francis, Dealer Principal of 21^st Moto, which has now sold a total of three zero motorcycles since the grant was introduced, says the system of claiming the subsidy is extremely easy for customers:

   “The dealership does all the work, so there are no forms to fill out, or paperwork to complete.  The dealer makes the application direct to OLEV and the price is reduced by £1500 or 20% of the total purchase cost, whichever is the smaller number.”

   Customer Fred Murphy, who hasowned and ridden motorcycles for more than 25 years, has traded in a petrol bike for his electric one.  He said enjoyment and an interest in new technology was the motivation behind his purchase and that he will be commuting to work on it:

   “As an ‘electronics geek’ and an early adopter, I have always been interested in electric bikes and tried my first zero back in 2012, so when the ‘plug in’ grant finally came in, this was enough to justify my jump to electric.” 

   Steve Kenward, CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Association, which lobbied for the subsidy, says motorcycles and scooters will help cut congestion:

   “Whether electric or not, a motorcycle, scooter or moped benefits from reduced journey times, easier or free parking, no congestion charge and is normally cheaper to run and insure.  There is also the added benefit that it’s just more fun than other modes of transport.”* 

   +++

   • Background: A plug-in grant for cars was introduced in January 2011. In 2015 it was announced this would be extended to motorcycles by the Coalition Government. The details were finalised in October 2016.  Manufacturer/importers with qualifying products apply direct to OLEV to be included.  If they qualify, the grant is applied at the point of sale and customers are just asked to fill out a questionnaire.

   • Eligibility criteria also includes a range of at least 30km for mopeds and 50km for motorcycles between charges and a top speed of at least 40 kilometres per hour. Machines must be registered with the DVLA, require a driving licence, be insured and the rider must wear a protective helmet. The full requirements can be found here

   • The number of motorcycles licensed for the road (and licence exempt) has increased from 720,000 in 1994 to 1,330,000 for the last quarter, which is the highest number since 2009. (See Department for Transport table VEH0301).

   • The model bought was a Zero FXS 6.5 version. It can be ridden on an A2 license. Full spec can be found here

   • Travelling to work on a motorcycle, scooter or moped is one of the least likely modes of transport to affect your well-being according to a one-off government travel survey by the Office for National Statistics.  It found that for journeys up to 30 minutes there was no ill effect on levels of anxiety, happiness and satisfaction for those who rode a motorcycle, scooter or moped.  In contrast, those who walk, cycle, drive a car or take the bus all experience an adverse increase in all or some of the factors measured after just 15 minutes.

   • The Motorcycle Industry Association, Highways England and the National Police Chiefs’ Council recently launched a joint whitepaper exploring the motorcycling opportunity. See www.motorcycleframework.co.uk 

2. Harley-Davidson: a historic motorcycle manufacturer

   Posted on 10:00am Wednesday 15th Feb 2017

   Think of a motorcycle manufacturer and chances are Harley-Davidson comes to mind. From humble roots to becoming one of America’s most iconic brands, join Custom Lids, retailer of Bell motorcycle helmets, as they delve into some of the key moments in the rich history of the world’s best-loved biking brand:

   1901

   The Harley-Davidson story begins in 1901, when William S. Harley — one of the brand’s founding fathers — drew up a blueprint of an engine that can fit into a bicycle. Designed for use on a regular bicycle, the engine would offer a displacement of 7.07 cubic inches and four-inch flywheels.

   While variants of the motorcycle existed prior to this point, it was certainly an important moment in biking history, giving rise to what would become one of the world’s biggest motorcycle manufacturers.

   1903

   In 1903, the world got one step closer to Harley-Davidson as we know it today. William and his friend Arthur Davidson decided to work together to make the blueprints a reality and manufacture a motorcycle.

   Unlike the futuristic production lines of our times, the very first Harley-Davidson was built in a 10ft by 15ft wooden shed. The first Harley-Davidson motorcycle the public could get their hands on was designed to race, with a 3-1/8 inch bore and 3-1/2 inch stroke. One of their first customers was an old school friend, who bought his bike direct.

   1904

   Just one year later and Harley-Davidson’s success began to snowball. The first Harley-Davidson Dealer, C.H. Lang of Chicago, is established and sells the first three of the brand’s production motorcycles ever made.

   1905

   As well as their size, the performance of Harley-Davidson motorcycles started to make headlines in 1905. July 4^th saw one of the brand’s bikes win a 15-mile race in Chicago.

   1909

   The first V-twin powered Harley-Davidson motorcycle is introduced, offering displacement of 49.5 cubic inches and a horsepower of seven. The cylinders were arranged in a 45-degree layout — a now iconic feature of motorcycles.

   1920

   By 1920, Harley-Davidson was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, with 2,000 dealers in 67 countries around the world.

   1925

   In 1925, gas tanks were modified to have a distinct tear-drop gas tank, which would go on to become one of the bikes’ most iconic features.

   1931

   By 1931, Harley-Davidson’s superior quality motorcycles, class-leading innovation and exceptional sporting performance had seen off all other American brands expect Indian (Hendee Manufacturing). The pair would remain the only two American motorcycle manufacturers for more than 20 years to come.

   1933

   A reaction to the Great Depression, all Harley-Davidson gas tanks are painted with a now-iconic eagle design, which triggered the start of graphic design on the bikes.

   1941-1945

   In 1941, America and the rest of the world was rocked by World War II, with the production of military bikes now taking priority over civilians’. Over the coming years, Harley-Davidson dedicates their business and manufacturing to supporting the US’ war efforts. Activities included:

   • 1941 — Service School converted to aid the training of military mechanics.
   • 1942 — XA750 bike was produced, designed for desert use although the contract was terminated early when war combat moved away from North Africa.
   • 1943 — Wins the first of four Army-Navy “E” Awards for excellence.
   • 1945 — Over 60,000 WLA models were produced during the war. After the war ends, civilian bike production resumed in November.

   1947

   Harley-Davidson created and retailed the now essential and iconic black leather motorcycle jacket.

   1953

   Harley-Davidson’s 50^th anniversary. In the same year, Hendee Manufacturing goes out of business, leaving Harley-Davidson as America’s sole motorcycle manufacturer — a position they would occupy for the next 46 years.

   1957

   The world was introduced to what would become the first of Harley-Davidson’s superbikes. Named the Sportster, it featured a 55 cubic inch overhead valve engine.

   1960

   The first (and last) Harley-Davidson motor scooter was produced — the Harley-Davidson Topper. In the same year, the company partnered with Aeronatica-Macchi to form Aermacchi Harley-Davidson. The European division produced single-cylinder bikes.

   1962

   Harley-Davidson began manufacturing its own parts using fibreglass.

   1970

   As well as introducing the XR-750 Sportster-based motorcycle, 1970 saw racer Cal Rayborn break the world land speed record set by a motorcycle. His 16ft streamliner — which was powered by a single Sportster engine — reached just over 265mph.

   1981

   Thirteen Harley-Davidson executives bought the company back from AMF, with the purchase finalised in June 1981.

   1983

   Harley Owner’s Group was formed; the world’s largest factory-sponsored motorcycle club. By 2000, the club had reached 500,000 members.

   1986

   Harley-Davidson was listed on the American Stock Exchange.

   1993

   Harley-Davidson celebrated its 90^th anniversary in Milwaukee. The motorcycle parade contained an estimated 100,000 riders.

   1998

   Harley-Davidson reached its 95^th anniversary, where 140,000 riders joined the celebrations.

   2001

   The VRSCA V-Rod was introduced, inspired by the racing version of the bike. It combined fuel injection with overhead cams and liquid cooling, delivering horsepower of 115.

   2008

   A new frame was introduced for the Touring family. It delivered a lower seating position, improved manoeuvrability and had a longer wheelbase.

   2009

   Expansion into India announced.

   2011

   HD-1 is announced, giving riders the chance of a factory-built custom motorcycle.

3. Discover the Touratech R 1200 GS Rambler

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 9th Feb 2017

   A super-lightweight 1200cc adventure bike with excellent enduro characteristics, high performance potential and fantastic suspension.
   
   A liquid-cooled boxer weighing less than 200 kilos that bounds nimbly over rough terrain. Not merely a pilot study, but a real ready-to-go concept bike, with outstanding off-road credentials. That's the Touratech R 1200 GS Rambler.

   

4. Kawasaki introduces updated colours for 2017

   Posted on 10:00am Wednesday 3rd Aug 2016

   Announcing new colour-ways for several popular existing models, Kawasaki are forging towards the 2017 season with characteristic optimism.   

   The much loved Z800 e version first seen in 2013 is the first machine updated for the upcoming model year. The most accessible Z super middle weight now comes with belly pan with new colour and graphics encompassing Metallic Spark Black with Matt finishes.

   For fans of the larger capacity classes, the ZZR1400 Performance Sport model will run alongside the ever-popular standard version. Both are updated with new colours with the Performance Sport appearing in a stunning Golden Blazed Green with Metallic Spark Black look and the standard version featuring bold Metallic Spark Black paint with Golden Blazed Green highlights.

   Kawasaki has taken the ZZR1400 and Z800 e versions to the next level with the three revised colour ways featuring upgrades to ensure the machines keep their legendary power and character.

   Commenting, Morihiro Ikoma, Director of Kawasaki Motors Europe, underlined the importance of updates for the machines.

   “Both the Z800 e version and ZZR1400 have been consistent sellers across Europe since their introduction. The Z and ZZR brand lines are very important to our dealers and customers so it’s great to launch such bold and appealing updates in advance of the sales start later in the year.”

   In the UK the Z800 e version should hit showrooms in October whilst the new colours of ZZR1400 standard and Performance Sport will be available from December 2016.

5. Get paid for giving your views and opinions on a future generation Motorbike!

   Posted on 10:00am Friday 1st Apr 2016

   A famous motorbike manufacturer is looking for roadster/naked bike owners over 500cc+ who bought their bike from new and since 2013.

    

   A group of riders will be given the opportunity and privilege to see a Motorcycle that has been designed for the future and before it has been released to the general public. You will be part of the development as your views and opinions will assist in this future generation bike.

    

   This will be held in Birmingham next weekend (9th / 10th April). Those who take part will be paid for your time, which includes travel expenses. Refreshments will be provided. The session will last 2.5 hours during one specific time and day over the weekend. The times will depend on the bike you own. 

    

   Examples of qualifying bikes are: Ducati Monsters, Harley-Davidson forty eight, Harley-Davidson softail slim, Street Bob, Yamaha Bolt, Honda CB1000, Yamaha XJR1300, Kawasaki Z800/100, Asprilia, MV Augusta Brutale, BMW R800/R1200R among others.

    

   If you have such a Motorcycle and fancy being part of this, contact Simon @ [email protected] letting him know which model you own, along with contact details.