Biker News - Regularly updated

Welcome to our News section, where articles are listed below and if relevant within the categories on the right, just to make it easier for you to find what you wish to read...

Please note that the content within our News section (text and images), follows the same copyright laws/notice as all other content on the website - ie not to be reproduced (including slightly amending) without prior consent. 

 RSS Feed

Category: Products & Clothing

  1. SHARK Helmets celebrates Bradley Ray BSB Championship win with one-off custom helmet

    Posted on

    SHARK-sponsored rider Bradley Ray celebrated a magnificent victory at the final round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch circuit on Sunday, crowning him the 2022 Champion. His long-term sponsor, SHARK Helmets presented him with  a one-off custom helmet to mark the special occasion. 

    Bradley Ray entered the concluding round with a 66 point lead over his closest rival, ready to battle for the championship title in the final three races at the Bennetts British Superbike Showdown. After just one race Brad claimed the title by a focused run to fifth, securing 11 points which put the championship out of Glenn Irwin and Tommy Bridewell’s reach.

    Proud sponsors of newly-crowned Bennetts British Superbike Champion, SHARK Helmets unveiled a one-off special helmet and presented it to the 25 year-old rider. 

    Designed in winning gold and black, the custom Race R Pro GP displayed the Union Jack to celebrate the British title. Brad Ray’s winning helmet design also features a nod to his family with meaningful quotes which his grandad would always say. 

    SHARK-supported racers wear the Race-R PRO GP with its distinctive rear spoiler for ultimate aerodynamics. This high performance aero profile, developed in close collaboration between the SHARK Research & Development teams and SHARK’s MotoGP riders, is the result of the most advanced technologies in CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) studies.

    The Race-R PRO GP derives from a perfect alliance between unique design, security, aerodynamism and technological innovations.

    It’s not just SHARK Helmets-supported racer’s who can get their hands on the iconic Race R Pro GP helmet. The SHARK Race R Pro GP is available in six colourways including the all-new Zarco replica with an RRP of £1049.99 and £999.99 for the FIM variation. 

  2. Suzuki launches Accident Aftercare Programme in industry-first

    Posted on

    Suzuki has launched its new motorcycle accident aftercare programme, an entirely free service for all customers, regardless of age of machine, that aims to make dealing with the aftermath of an accident or theft as smooth and as pain-free as possible.

    The programme provides riders with a single point of contact and will handle everything from liaising with insurance providers and recovery of the motorbike, right through to the repair at an authorised Suzuki dealership using only Suzuki Genuine Parts.

    The service is a motorcycle industry first, and by helping to remove a lot of the stress from what is already a high-stress situation, it highlights Suzuki’s ongoing commitment to its customers past the new motorcycle point of sale.

    With no sign-up required, any Suzuki owner involved in an accident – regardless of their insurer – can benefit from the service by calling Suzuki First, a dedicated call centre available 24 hours a day. From there, the entire claims process, recovery, and repair, will be handled on the owner’s behalf. Suzuki First will also be there if the motorcycle is stolen.

    Jacob Lewis, Suzuki GB’s customer retention manager, commented, We pride ourselves on our level of aftersales care at Suzuki, and I think our customers will agree we put a great deal of effort into things like our Suzuki Service Promise and our Vintage Parts Programme. Now, we’re really pleased to be able to further demonstrate our commitment to Suzuki owners with the Suzuki Accident Aftercare programme. Sometimes accidents happen and we know how stressful it is managing the fallout, arranging recovery and dealing with insurance companies. 

    “We aim to make this process as easy as it can be, by handling everything on the owner’s behalf. Not only that, by managing the process we can ensure that their Suzuki is repaired to the highest possible standard, using Suzuki Genuine Parts and by fully trained and experienced Suzuki technicians. And best of all it is completely free, there is no charge to the owner. All they need to do is call Suzuki First and we’ll take it from there.”

  3. What is brake fluid for?

    Posted on

    A hydraulic braking system without proper brake fluid is a bit like a heart without blood. The brake fluid is what transmits the force applied to the brake lever to the front and rear brakes, stopping the motorcycle. As you pull the lever, the bike’s master cylinder is activated, creating hydraulic pressure. As the fluid is pushed through the brake lines, this pressure is transferred to the pistons in the calipers, which then press the pads against the brake discs. The friction created as the pads come into contact with the metal discs causes the wheels to slow down, converting kinetic energy into heat energy.

    This hydraulic process requires a non-compressible fluid with a high boiling point so that it is able to effectively transmit pressure and withstand high braking temperatures. It should also effectively protect the metal components. The viscosity also has an impact on braking performance. Low viscosity brake fluid is often the preferred option for modern anti-locking braking systems (ABS) as a thinner fluid can easily travel through the small passageways and channels in the system.

    Types of motorcycle brake fluid

    Rating

    Dry boiling point (no water)

    Wet boiling point (with water)

    DOT 3

    205° C

    140° C

    DOT 4

    230° C

    155° C

    DOT 5

    260° C

    180° C

    DOT 5.1

    260° C

    180° C

    Nowadays, the vast majority of motorbikes use DOT 4 products. For example, the ATE brake fluid 03.9901-6202.2 is a popular choice for motorcycles and sports vehicles. The Typ 200 racing-quality product comes in a 1-litre can. It is compatible with other glycol-based types. Thanks to the high-quality metal container, the product has a long shelf life, and the additives in the formula protect against corrosion and deterioration. DOT 4 also offers significant advantages over DOT 3 fluid and is cheaper than DOT 5.1 products.  ATE Brake Fluid, a popular choice for motorcycles

    When to change your motorcycle brake fluid

    As mentioned before, glycol-based fluids attract water over time causing them to deteriorate. Although some brake fluid formulas last longer than others, most vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the fluid every 2 years, just to be on the safe side. Signs that it needs to be replaced include a spongy or bouncy brake pedal, strange noises or odours when braking, poor braking performance, and an illuminated ABS dashboard light. The type of fluid required is normally specified on the master cylinder reservoir cap.

     

     

     

    article supplied

  4. How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Boot: A Beginner's Guide

    Posted on

    The best motorcycle boots provide good traction and support, protect your feet and ankles from injury, and help keep you comfortable while riding. 

    How to Choose the Best Motorcycle Boot - A Beginners Guide
                       Image source

    But with all the different styles and brands available, how do you choose the right ones for you? Did you know that there are even motorcycle boots made specifically for women?

    In this article, we'll take a look at some of the things you need to consider when choosing motorcycle boots, including:

    1. The type of riding you'll be doing
    2. The features you need
    3. Your budget
    4. Motorcycle boot reviews
    5. Women's motorcycle boots

    Let's get started!

    Type of Riding: One of the first things to consider when choosing motorcycle boots is the type of riding you'll be doing. If you're a casual rider who only goes out on the weekends, you won't need the same type of boots as someone who rides every day or competes in motocross races.

    Boot features: If you think you're getting toe numbness from shoes, then you'll want to get a pair of motorcycle boots that have better toe protection. If you're constantly stopping and starting, then you might want to look for a pair with good ankle support. And if you're riding in wet or muddy conditions, you'll need boots that can keep your feet dry.

    Budget: Another thing to consider is your budget. Motorcycle boots range in price from around $100 to over $500. If you're a casual rider, you probably don't need to spend more than $200 on boots. But if you're a competitive racer, you'll need to invest in a good pair of boots that will offer the protection and support you need.

    Motorcycle Boot Reviews: Before you buy any motorcycle boots, it's a good idea to read some reviews to see what other riders have to say. You can find reviews of motorcycle boots online or in magazines.

    Women's Motorcycle Boots: There are also motorcycle boots made specifically for women. These boots usually have a narrower width and a smaller size range. They also often have different features than men's boots, like a lower ankle height and a more comfortable fit.

    Here's a quick overview of the different types of motorcycle riding:

    -Casual/weekend riding: This is the most common type of riding. If you only ride occasionally, you don't need boots that are too heavy or uncomfortable. Look for boots that are comfortable and have good traction.

    -Commuting: If you use your motorcycle to commute to work or school, you'll need boots that are comfortable enough to wear all day long. Look for features like a waterproof or water-resistant upper, a warm lining, and good traction.

    -Off-road riding: If you like to take your motorcycle off-road, you'll need boots with good traction and support. Look for features like a reinforced toe area, an ankle brace, and a waterproof or water-resistant upper.

    -Racing: If you compete in motocross or other types of motorcycle racing, you'll need boots that offer good support and protection. Look for features like a reinforced toe area, an ankle brace, and a waterproof or water-resistant upper.

    Features: The next thing to consider is the features you need in your motorcycle boots. Here are some of the most important features to look for:

    -Traction: Good traction is important for all riders, but it's especially important if you ride in wet or icy conditions. Look for boots with a textured sole that will help you keep your footing.

    -Waterproofing: If you ride in wet conditions, you'll need boots that are either waterproof or water-resistant. Waterproof boots will keep your feet dry in even the heaviest rain, while water-resistant boots will provide some protection against moisture.

    -Warmth: If you ride in cold conditions, you'll need boots that are warm and comfortable. Look for boots with a warm lining or insulation.

    -Comfort: Comfort is important for all riders. Look for boots that are comfortable to wear, even if you're going to be wearing them all day long.

    -Protection: Motorcycle boots should protect your feet and ankles from injury in the event of a crash. Look for features like a reinforced toe area and an ankle brace.

    Now that you know how to choose the best motorcycle boots, it's time to start shopping! Be sure to consider the type of riding you'll be doing, the features you need, and your budget. With a little bit of research, you should be able to find the perfect pair of boots for your needs.

     

    article supplied

  5. CLASSIC SUPERBIKES II HAS LANDED – ONCE MORE SHOWING HOW DREAMS AND HANDLEBARS ARE WORTH HOLDING ON TO.

    Posted on

    The first Classic Superbikes book was a worldwide best seller and author Frank Melling’s second edition will feature even more inside stories of the most memorable classic and retro motorcycles ever made.

    A classic superbike is a motorcycle which has universal appeal, regardless of your age or riding experience. It's the bike you dream of riding - even if you're a non-motorcyclist!

    Classic Superbikes II will take you on a roller coaster ride of the very best, and incredibly worst, motorcycles in creation. In this second volume, Frank Melling returns to the garages wherein dwell some of the most powerful and unruly beasts ever to stalk the world's highways and byways.

    Whether it’s a BMW Grand Prix racer from the 1950s, the legendary six cylinder Honda CBX or the truly dreadful Ariel 3 – Classic Superbikes II features them all… not dull rewrites of old magazine reports but real stories, told with passion, enthusiasm and flair. No one loves bikes more than Melling!

    With 17 exciting chapters, each one packed with superb images, Classic Superbikes II is a book you'll want to pick up time and time again.

    Classic Superbikes II costs £8.99 and is available now from https://www.mortonsbooks.co.uk