| | Biker News - Regularly updated
Category: Other
-
ROAD SAFETY and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is keen to ensure motorcyclists put safety first on rides this summer. At the heart of this call, according to GEM, is a focus on rider skill for those who may be back into biking after a lengthy gap. 
There were 285 motorcycle fatalities in 2020 (the most recent available figures), with 4,429 seriously injured. Date from recent years consistently shows that ‘born again bikers’ (males aged between 40 and 60) continue to be an over-represented group in collisions.
GEM chief executive Neil Worth commented: “There’s a lot of satisfaction to be gained from riding a motorcycle with skill and precision. That’s why we’re encouraging riders to give themselves a ‘skills MOT’ which will help ensure they lower the risks they face on journeys – and greatly reduce the likelihood of being involved in a collision.
“The recent heatwave has placed unprecedented pressure on the already overstretched emergency services this summer, so anything we can all do as road users to avoid adding to this pressure will help save lives.”
Follow GEM’s simple ‘lifesaver’ safety tips and reduce the risk of being involved in a collision:
- Invest in a refresher day with a training professional. Search online for motorcycle training days or consult your local club or advanced motorcyclists’ group.
- Motorbikes are capable of rapid acceleration and high speeds, but if you’re back into biking after a lengthy gap, then your reactions are likely to have slowed down. Typically, a 55-year-old’s reactions will be almost a third slower than those of a 25-year-old.
- Ensure self-preservation is your priority. The predominant cause of motorcycle crashes is the failure of car drivers to detect and recognise motorcycles in traffic. So, wear high visibility clothing on all journeys, and ride in a way that gives others a better chance of seeing you.
- Please invest in the best protective equipment you can afford. For example, your helmet should be comfortable and fit correctly (for details of ‘SHARP’, the national helmet safety scheme, visit sharp.dft.gov.uk).
- Choose boots that are sturdy, well-fitting and above ankle height. Remember, nearly one fifth of all hospital admissions for motorcycling injuries involved broken bones in the lower leg, so providing protection for ankles and feet is vital.
- On a ride, don’t go beyond your comfort zone, especially if you’re riding in a group. If your friends are cornering too quickly for you, let them go and join them at the next junction.
- Try not to dwell on your errors as you go along. Plan 10 to 15 seconds ahead, anticipate the next hazards. When you stop for a break, reflect on anything that didn’t go to plan, ask what you have learnt and how you can reduce the chance of the same thing happening again.
www.motoringassist.com
article supplied
-
The UK is an amazing place to take a road trip no matter how many wheels your vehicle has. This country is home to winding routes, spectacular landscapes, amazing scenery and some of the best roadside pubs and restaurants to stop off at. If you love the freedom of the open road, then the UK is an ideal place to be. From the coasts of Devon and Cornwall all the way to the Scottish Highlands, you can find smooth roads and stunning views. No matter which region you choose to explore, some foresight and planning will help you put together the best trip. With that in mind, here are some of the main tips to keep in mind when you plan a motorbike road trip in the UK.
Be Flexible with Planning
First of all, it’s a good idea to have a general plan in place, including a detailed route of any roads that you are going to be taking and where you are going to be staying, so that you can get the most from your trip with a smooth and stress-free experience. If you’re going to be staying on the road overnight, it’s a good idea to book your stays in advance as the last thing that you want is to end up struggling to find somewhere to stay after a long day of riding. It’s also a good idea to check the weather in advance and plan your trip around it, as you will want to avoid getting caught in any storms.
However, while careful planning is essential for some aspects of your trip, it’s also good to have some room for flexibility. When you’re on a motorbike road trip, it’s good to be able to keep your plans flexible as much as possible as you never know when the weather might change or when you might want to stay somewhere different to where you had originally planned if you’re too tired from driving or have found somewhere else that you like better. Try to book places to stay with free cancellation or amendments.
Breakdown Cover and Insurance
Before heading on a motorbike road trip across the UK, it’s important to protect yourself and your bike in the event of an emergency or accident. As a motorbike rider it’s hard to ignore the statistics that prove accidents and fatalities are more common on motorbikes compared to in cars, which is why it is so important to make sure that you are safe and have precautions in place to protect both you and your vehicle. Driving on roads that you are not familiar with can increase the risk of an accident, so make sure that your motorbike insurance is valid and up to date. 
Along with checking your insurance, you should also make sure that you have valid motorcycle breakdown cover for the duration of your trip. If you are unlucky enough to have your bike break down in a remote location, you will want to know that somebody can come to help and take your bike to the nearest place where it can get repaired.
Communication, Navigation and Entertainment
Once you are on the road and exploring the country, it’s important to have a good system in place so that you know where you are going, especially if you are travelling somewhere you have never been before. A good GPS system is one of the best pieces of equipment that you can have on your bike.
Along with this, you should make sure that you have enough data on your phone so that if you need to stop and check Google Maps to figure out where you need to go, you’ll be able to do so easily.
If you don’t already have unlimited data on your phone, most networks will allow you to purchase an add-on so that you can use as much data as you like. This is definitely worth paying for as Wi-Fi might not always be available everywhere you go, especially when you get to the more remote areas.
Clothing
Making sure that you pack the right clothes for your motorbike road trip is another part of planning. While you might not be able to fit everything that you want to bring, you should make sure that you can carry any indispensable items with you, especially clothing items that are designed to protect you against the often unpredictable weather in the UK. If you don’t already have one, it is worth investing in an outfit that is lightweight, high quality, breathable, waterproof, and designed to be worn in all weathers.
You may want to consider getting a good quality jacket that is fitted with a removable fleece or thermal liner so that you can easily be comfortable in all weather conditions. Invest in biking jeans or trousers that are designed to not only look cool but also offer the utmost protection in the event of an accident. Consider getting an undergarment that’s designed to absorb moisture and is breathable as this will make it easier for you to enjoy a ride that is more comfortable and less sweaty. And last but not least, invest in some heated gloves if you are going to be travelling during the autumn or winter.
The UK offers some of the best roads for a motorbike road trip with everything you need no matter where you go. Whether you’re exploring the Scottish Highlands or the coasts of the UK, keep these tips in mind to plan the road trip of a lifetime.
article supplied
-
Indian Motorcycle has announced two summer destination ride-ins to Baffle Haus and the Super Sausage for members of the brand’s Indian Motorcycle Riders (IMR). The ride-ins offer the opportunity to ride more, explore new roads, meet other Indian Motorcycle owners as well as gain an edge in the Indian Motorcycle Rally national ranking.
Indian Motorcycle Riders members interested in participating in these ride-ins should register for free on EventBrite HERE.
Registration not only ensures entry on the day to the destination venues of Baffle Haus and the Super Sausage, but also entitles attendees to a commemorative gift and a free refreshment voucher on arrival. Once registered, riders can contact their local Indian Motorcycle dealership to find out how to join their local rider’s group as they make their way to the destinations. With fixed capacity at each destination, riders should act fast to ensure they can gain entry to these well-known motorcycle venues on the dates below.
Riders participating in the Indian Motorcycle Riders Rally should bring the IMR Rally passports to be stamped as these rides can be logged on the rally website for extra miles that count in the national ranking. The IMR Rally challenges owners to visit all 20 UK and Eire dealerships before Nov 30, gaining stamps on their unique Indian Motorcycle Rally Passport, recording their journey mileage with a national ranking to reward the highest number of stages and miles completed.
Indian Motorcycle Riders Summer Destination Ride-Ins
Baffle Haus – Saturday 20th August
Capacity: 120
Baffle Haus is a café, event space that opened in March 2021 to be a hub of motorcycle culture realising in reality the Baffle Culture that has drawn so many followers on Instagram since 2016. With SHARE THE RIDE printed on the wall, a mantra they live by, Baffle Haus always strives to provide a warm, inclusive and welcoming place to visit. Stocking today’s best riding gear alongside their selected lifestyle range, grab a brew and try out the most sought after brands in one of the spacious changing rooms.
Other attractions in the area include – Tintern Abbey, Penderyn distillery, Llandegfedd Reservoir and the famous Black Mountain Pass (A4069) that cuts across the western corner of the Brecon Beacons and passes through Lower and Upper Brynamman.
www.baffleculture.com/bafflehaus
Google Maps
The Cedars, Goytre, Pontypool, United Kingdom, NP4 0AD
Super Sausage Café – Saturday 10th September
Capacity: 150
Situated on the A5 (Watling Street) in Potterspury, Northamptonshire, the Super Sausage is ideally located between Milton Keynes and Towcester and only 10 minutes from the world famous Silverstone race circuit. Now owned and managed by the Murray family who bought the cafe in July 2009, there has been a café on the site for well over 70 years, formally known as the Nelson cafe, which was renamed to the Super Sausage café in the 1970s.
Other attractions nearby include the Stoke Bruene canal museum, Towcester racecourse, Bletchley Park, Cosgrove Park , not to mention the fantastic historic towns of Stony Stratford and Towcester.
Google Maps
Watling St, A5, Northampton, NN12 7QD
To find out more about Indian Motorcycle Riders membership, please visit: imrgmember.eu.
For more information on Indian Motorcycle visit IndianMotorcycle.co.uk and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
-
Win Marks Briar Bauman’s Third of the Season and Closes Championship Chase to 8-points
Jarod Vanderkooi Continues to Impress with Back-to-Back Second-Place Finishes
Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, had another outstanding night of racing at the Port Royal Half-Mile in Port Royal, Pennsylvania, with Briar Bauman riding unchallenged throughout the 26-lap Mission SuperTwins Main Event to claim his second consecutive victory. In another FTR750 podium sweep, Bauman was joined by privateer Jarod Vanderkooi in second and current points leader, Jared Mees, taking third.
In the main event, Bauman was swift off the starting line, getting the hole shot and an immediate lead over Mees, running close behind in second. Despite early attempts by Mees to overtake him, Bauman remained unphased, opening up a gap on Mees and the rest of the field. Bauman led wire-to-wire, ultimately taking the checkered flag for his third win of the season. Meanwhile, Mees was entangled in a heated battle with Vanderkooi for second. With less than a minute and two-laps remaining, Vanderkooi made a bold move, taking the higher outside line to pass Mees and secure his second-place spot on the podium.
“Tonight was another incredible night of racing and a testament to the talent and grit of our riders. Considering the restrictions that have recently been imposed on the FTR750, it’s all the more gratifying to sweep the podium for the second consecutive weekend,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing, Service & Technology for Indian Motorcycle. “Briar’s [Bauman] incredible will has been on display at these past two events, and as a result, he’s back in the hunt as the battle for the championship tightens. It’s looking to be an absolute dogfight over the remainder of the season.”
Mees continues to lead the championship with 173 points, while Bauman now sits solidly in second place trailing by a mere eight points.
In addition to the incredible racing action, the night was filled with emotion for Bauman and the entire paddock, following the tragic loss of a fellow racer, Ryan Varnes, at the recent New York Short Track. Bauman paid tribute to Varnes throughout his winning night, memorializing Varnes’ by donning his number 68 and including Varnes’ girlfriend, Jennifer Hoshauer, with him on his victory lap.
The 2022 AFT season will continue on Saturday, July 30 at the Peoria TT in Peoria, IL.
Sponsors for Indian Motorcycle Racing’s American Flat Track efforts include Progressive Insurance, S&S®, Indian Motorcycle Oil, Mission Foods, Bell Helmets, Drag Specialties and Parts Unlimited.
along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
###
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®
Indian Motorcycle is America’s first motorcycle company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivalled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion are reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.eu
INDIAN and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC. Always wear a helmet, protective clothing and eyewear and insist your passenger does the same. Ride within the limits of the law and your own abilities. Read, understand, and follow your owner’s manual. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
-
Riding a motorbike is a thrilling experience, but it is also vital that you know how to ride safely as you are a vulnerable road user and motorcycle accidents can be incredibly dangerous. This post will look at a few of the best ways to stay safe while on the roads.
Wear a Helmet & Protective Clothing 
Obviously, wearing a helmet is one of the most important steps to take. Not only is wearing a helmet a legal requirement in this country, but you will also find that it provides essential protection for your head if you were to come off the bike. In addition to a helmet, you should also wear other protective clothing such as leathers, goggles and motorcycle boots.
Keep Your Bike in Good Condition
You also want to make sure that your bike is in good condition and roadworthy, which will require carrying out regular maintenance. This will include tasks such as topping up the tyre pressure, checking the lights, cleaning the mirrors and lubricating the chain. In addition to making sure that your bike is safe to ride, this should also prolong the life of the vehicle too.
As a motorbike rider, you need to make your presence felt on the roads. Motorcyclists often get into accidents and are knocked off their bikes when they are not visible to other road users, so you need to make your presence felt on the road and make sure that you are always visible. If you are involved in an accident that was not your fault, you could look to make a personal injury claim to receive compensation for the damages.
Check the Weather Conditions
A good habit to get into before setting off on a motorbike is to check the weather forecast. The weather in the UK is unpredictable throughout the year, so it is always worth checking before you set off. Driving in rain and snow can be dangerous for a motorcyclist and you should avoid travelling in these conditions if possible.
When riding a motorcycle, you must be completely focused at all times and this is all part of the thrill. This means that you need to avoid distractions as even taking your eyes off the road for less than a second could lead to a serious accident. This is why you should put your phone away and never wear headphones while riding.
Get Training
You will also find it worthwhile getting training so that you can learn how to drive safely and defensively. You can always improve as a motorcyclist and a training course could make a big difference to your abilities (and even bring your insurance down!).
Safety is paramount when it comes to riding a motorbike and these tips should help you to stay safe on the roads.
article supplied
|
