Category: Other

1. Scotland's Bikers urged to ‘Live fast, Die old'

   Posted on 10:00am Friday 10th Apr 2015

   ‘Live Fast Die Old’, a new film launched today, follows the escapades of three older bikers as they continue living life to the full despite being old enough to have free bus passes.

   Getting tattoos, streaking and attending foam parties, all with their companion Daisy the alpaca – the trio of Badger, Turbo and Z-Boy live irreverently. But the one place they drop the pace is left-hand bends (or ‘left-handers’).

   Aimed at male bikers between 40 and 49 years old, the film is a key part of a social marketing campaign from Road Safety Scotland, which launched last week ahead of the touring season. The film was created with input and insights from bikers, with their experience and knowledge bringing the three characters to life.

   Bikers in their 40's make up 20% of all bikers in Scotland, yet account for 30% of those who are killed or seriously injured. The campaign focuses on left-handers, where a third of motorbike deaths in Scotland happen.

   The campaign has a facebook page, specifically created for Scotland’s bikers. The page will offer content ranging from technique and gear tips to route planning and information on upcoming events. It will be continually updated over the next six months.

   Michael McDonnell, Director of Road Safety Scotland, said: “During the biking season, it would not be unusual to see a biker die every weekend on Scotland’s roads. The Live Fast Die Old film serves as a perfect reminder to all bikers that they can still fully enjoy getting back on the road this season and, with some minor adjustments to the way they ride, will get back home safely to their families at the end of the day.”

   Chief Superintendent Iain Murray from Police Scotland said: “By creating the Live Fast Die Old film, we have a fantastic opportunity to speak directly to bikers about their passion for biking and the safety aspects that go hand-in-hand with it.”

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   Live Fast Die Old. A film about three men, three bikes and free bus passes - Watch it now

2. A new tv show is looking for Sheds, Barns and outbuildings!

   Posted on 10:30am Thursday 2nd Apr 2015

   Do you have a shed full of stuff you’d like to have restored to sell but have never got around to?

   A new Channel 4 TV show BARN FINDERS are interested in anything you have stored; from old wooden pallets to derelict cars and rusty bikes and everything in between!

   Your barn clutter might be worth a fortune and the programme aims to restore and sell your unwanted items and return any profits to you.

   So if you fancy a good clear out and/or would like to see your items restored to glory and potentially raise some cash then contact the production team on:

   e-mail: [email protected]
   
   tel: 01367 810 764

   HCA Entertainment Ltd, The Studios, Chalcroft Barn Clanfield, Oxfordshire OX18 2PB

   This is an HCA Entertainment Ltd production for Channel 4 Television. Completion of the application process does not guarantee appearance on the programme. Applications must be received by 31st July 2015.

   

3. Helmet Number Plates are to be introduced...

   Posted on 8:22am Wednesday 1st Apr 2015

   UK motorcyclists will need to display a front number plate, under new laws passed by the British Government.
   

   Motorcyclists will need to apply to the DVLA by 31st April 2015 and purchase an envelope-sized sticker (at a cost of £29.99) – which they will need to attach to the front of their helmets.
   
   The UK’s top traffic cop, Ian Dumbass, said "Bikers have been getting away with speeding offences for far too long", claiming that 69% of bikers caught speeding by traffic control and speed cameras escaped a fine because of the lack of front number plates.
   
   Will you buy a sticker or run the risk of a £1,000 fine?

    

    

   Update after noon on 1st April...

    

   A few caught off guard (and a lot not)...  We try and make it very obvious it is a joke with PMS, Dumbass, 31st April and posted on 1st April...  Have a great April everyone.

4. Plug in grant extended to motorcycles

   Posted on 8:02pm Friday 27th Mar 2015

   Electric motorcycles and scooters will now qualify for Government subsidy, under plans announced by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).
   
   A pot of up to £7.5 million will be made available from summer 2015 until 2020, capped at £1500 per vehicle.This will make qualifying vehicles up to 20% cheaper, establishing powered two wheelers as the most affordable electric vehicles on the market and therefore within the reach of people on lower incomes.
   
   You can read the full article here
   
   

5. Are electric bikes ready to hit the roads?

   Posted on 2:38pm Thursday 26th Mar 2015

   Whether you’re determined to get your moped licence or love nothing more than whizzing down the road on a strong, powerful and exhilarating £2,750 Kawasaki ER6, you’re not alone. The motorcycle industry is hugely popular across the globe with both men and women alike slipping into their leathers and riding off into the sunset – and those with a need for a speed are always looking for new and exciting models to take for a spin.

   The good news is, the world of motorcycles is ever evolving with vehicle manufacturers constantly looking to develop new and exciting products. As the world becomes more environmentally aware, they’re not only trying to clean up their act by introducing energy-efficient alternatives they’re also trying to attract biking fanatics with exquisite designs and detailing.

   Electric bikes, for instance, have been in the pipeline for numerous years with designers attempting to come up with two-wheel sensations that are powerful fun and thrilling to ride while not emitting a range of harsh or non-sustainable chemicals into the atmosphere. And they’ve really made headway. There are already a wide range of ready-to-ride electric motorcycles out there including the LS-218 which is the fastest production motorcycle in the world - gas or electric.

   That said, many top models from well-known brands are not yet out on the roads, but are instead being tweaked to perfection meaning that when they are up for sale in their masses they won’t disappoint. Take Harley-Davidson’s Project LiveWire, for instance. It looks great and is virtually silent to ride but if President and COO Matt Levatich’s comments at the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council's 2014 confab are anything to go by it seems the bike will not be ready for the roads until next-generation battery technologies are ready.

   According to reports, the bike currently would only travel half the distance buyers want and cost $50,000, about 50 per cent more than customers would want to pay. This, of course, makes the bike less attractive to motorcycle fanatics which is why Harley-Davidson are prepared to wait for new technology and produce something that’s nothing but spectacular.

   As the electric motorbike trend grows, other well-known companies such as Bultaco are rebranding themselves as electric motorbike manufacturers to ensure they have a more modern and up-to-date appeal. It’s been almost 13 years since a bike came out with the famous Bultaco logo on it, but that’s all about to change as two prototypes have already been revealed which point the way forward for the Spanish company – the Rapitan and Rapitan Sport. Both feature 53 horsepower, 92 lb.ft electric motors, Hossack-style front end suspension and enough battery storage to get over 200 km (125 miles) in town.

   So, as you can see electric motorbikes are already on the roads. They’re making their mark within the motorcycle industry but with some manufacturers prepared to hold out for bigger and better things it looks like this is just the beginning of this exciting new craze.