What can be more thrilling than to climb on the saddle of your bike and set off into the sunset? The feeling can produce a sense of power, freedom, exhilaration. Your riding companion can make the difference between a pleasing experience and a depressing trip. In case you didn’t already know, you can transform your phone into the ultimate touring companion for an east to west adventure. Gone are the days of carrying maps, multiple guidebooks, and phone numbers. Your smartphone is the best companion on the road. Whether you’re riding solo or in group for safety and camaraderie, there are many helpful apps out there. Let’s go over some of the handiest apps for two-wheel riders.

Google Maps

If you’d like to follow the roads, for a daily ride, use routes. There’s no right or wrong way to plan a motorcycle tour, so do the best you can and hope for the best. Google has added new features to Maps, including more data about bike routes, showing how busy traffic is or whether your chosen path includes a steep hill. You’ll be able to get a detailed breakdown of the route, so you’ll know what type of road you’re travelling on, whether a major road or a local street. Of course, you’ll need Internet data, even if some parts of the map can be downloaded and viewed offline. Just save an area to your phone. 

Google Maps uses a mix of machine learning, complex algorithms, and a comprehension of real-world conditions based on imagery and data from government authorities and community contributions. Google and Apple Maps have been struggling to be the leading provider of turn-by-turn directions for some time now. Apple Maps provides routes on bike paths, lanes, and bike-friendly roads and is great for riding hands-free. Many alternatives have emerged, such as Strava, which incorporates social network features. All you need to do is install the app on your phone and your ride record will automatically upload. 

Eat Sleep Ride    

Eat Sleep Ride makes it possible for you to track your activities and share your efforts, explore bike routes, and get safety features like CRASHLIGHT technology, which automatically detects crashes. When you’re on the road, you can see other motorcyclists using the app and easily reach out to them. Eat Sleep Ride has potential because it was designed with bikers in mind; it doesn’t address multiple genres of GPS tracking. The mobile app features challenges and leaderboards, so go out and collect miles if you want to stand a chance of winning valuable prizes. They make updates to the app from time to time, meaning it gets better every time.

Rever

With Rever, you can plan your routes, draw attention to interesting, well-known roads, and track your epic rides in real time, as you go (distance, duration, and speed). If you’re looking to elevate your riding experience, making it more fun and memorable, decide on the style of ride you want, and Rever will do the rest. Join the community to share your journey, compete in challenges, and connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. You can navigate through your route, even in aeroplane mode, which only disables radio signals like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Rever also has weather alerts and SMS safety alerts. 

Calimoto

Calimoto makes available route recommendations, navigation, and tracking figures – it’s specifically developed for those travelling on motorcycles. Select a starting point, add via points, and the nearest point of interest (restaurants, gas stations, etc.). You’ll get details on the estimated time of the trip and the distance; Calimoto will show how twisty the road is. The free version of the mobile app offers access to more than 50,000 ride routes and a trip planner. The premium version is a little bit expensive, but it does come with a few extras, such as terrain and satellite maps with full-voice navigation. 

AccuWeather 

Finally, yet importantly, if you’re not properly equipped with the right information, it’s even more challenging to forecast the weather. Climate conditions can have a significant impact on bike riding. Snow, ice, and rain can affect your performance and even put you in danger. This is why you should take precautions like wearing safety gear, adjusting your riding style, and avoiding venturing into the world during extreme weather conditions. AccuWeather is super easy to use, providing detailed hourly forecasts, not to mention weather alerts. The app becomes increasingly useful as your adventure lengthens. 

AccuWeather offers data like real and perceived temperature, humidity, air quality, allergens, and so on. And all of this with superior accuracy, no matter where you are in the world. There’s a lot of online feedback about the app, generating five-star reviews and ratings for reliability, accuracy, and ease of use. All the information you need can be viewed directly in the Radar section, which features up to the minute reports. Prior to embarking on a motorcycle trip, there’s a lot to consider, from staying safe to the itinerary, but weather concerns are the focus of attention. Luckily, AccuWeather comes to the rescue.

Conclusion 

Regardless of your riding goals, there’s an app out there to help you achieve them. Every now and then, you’ll turn to the smartphone in your pocket – it’s your digital travel assistant. Each of the aforementioned apps provide benefits to bikers, but none requires you to be a tech genius.

Image Source: Motorcycle Cruiser on highway - Unsplash License

article supplied

Completely in black, an assortment of selected Touratech parts gives the BMW R 1300 GS an exclusive look.

For many motorcyclists, black is still the colour of all colours: cool, mysterious, elegant and timeless! Touratech fulfils this wish with a range of accessory components for the new BMW R 1300 GS that are finished entirely in black. The components naturally go perfectly with the GS in the Triple Black colour scheme. However, riders who own a 1300 in a different colour can also set individual accents with the black Touratech parts.
The black accessories are technically identical to the standard versions, guaranteeing the usual high level of quality and functionality.
Both the engine crash bar and the fairing crash bar are available in the attractive black version. These ultra-robust tubular constructions are made of stainless steel, just like the pannier rack and the top case carrier. This not only makes them ultra-rugged, but also completely resistant to corrosion. The products are given a high-quality finish with an indestructible powder coating that can withstand even the toughest off-road use.
With their elegant black anodised surfaces the ZEGA Evo pannier set or the ZEGA Evo topcase match the black-coated stainless steel carriers perfectly. The protector for the "Nano" LED auxiliary headlights from the BMW accessories programme, the GPS handlebar bracket and the radiator guard are also available completely in black. The black headlight guard with quick-release fastener forms an exciting colour contrast to its stainless steel-coloured fastening elements.
And that's not all: further parts with a stylish black look are in preparation. The engine guard Expedition will be available from February, followed by the engine crash bar Sport with a black finish in March.

Further information on the black Touratech components for the BMW R 1300 GS can be found in the webshop.

Riding a motorcycle will offer you a unique experience that feels unlike any other. But although driving a bike comes with the benefits of easier parking, speed and low fuel costs, it also has an increased risk associated with it. Motorcycles are more exposed to accidents, and statistics show that each year, a high number of motorcycle riders are seriously injured or killed. For example, in 2020, the number of motorcyclists killed reached 4,308 in Great Britain. 

To stay safe on the road, motorcyclists must act cautiously and always wear protective gear. Here is everything you need to know about motorcycle safety tips. 

Get the right gear

You will always have greater freedom on the open road on a motorcycle, but you will also be more exposed to hazards and dangers. If you get into an accident without wearing the right gear, the consequences can be fatal, and you could lose your life. But even if you are never in a collision, simple things might hurt you. For example, you might get hit by a rock on the road, which can have terrible outcomes when you are unprotected. 

However, you will have an improved layer of protection if you wear the right gear. Here is the protective gear you need to have while driving your motorcycle.

• Helmet: Motorcyclists should always wear helmets, as these simple items can really save lives. The risk of death increases if you don't wear a helmet, so don't take any chances and wear a high-quality one that meets the Department of Transportation Safety Standards. Most motorcycle fatalities cause head injuries, so you need to pay attention when you choose your helmet. Your helmet should fit your head properly, have zero slippage, no vision obstructions and cover most of your head. Also, remember that a full-face helmet will offer greater protection, so don't opt for windscreen models. 

• Protective Clothing: Road rash can be a real threat, and the riders who have suffered the pain probably know this aspect. So, getting fortified jackets and riding pants will be better to make the burn less likely to appear.

• Gloves: Your hands must also be protected while riding your motorcycle, as they can be exposed to all the road elements. So, it will be better to opt for high-quality gloves to keep your hands safe without impeding your dexterity.

Boots: Sturdy boots are also essential to wear, as they ensure protection in case of a crash and protect your skin from the engine's heat.

Maintain your bike in good shape

Many riders leave their bikes in the garage and drive them only on special occasions. However, if you haven't used your motorcycle for some time already, you must check it and ensure it is in good shape before riding it, especially on long drives. 

Even if you ride your bike daily, you should still give it a general safety inspection before you head on the road. Keep a list of things you must check, then inspect all the parts. For instance, you must see if your signals and lights are working properly. Then, you will need to check the tire pressure and ensure there are no signs of loose parts or damage anywhere on the bike.

Look twice

This tip might be more suitable for car drivers, but motorcycles should also double-check to ensure they are safe and will not get involved in a car accident. Motorbikes are smaller than cars, making them harder to see. This is why numerous motorcyclists get involved in an accident, as the other drivers don't check enough their environments and miss motorbikes. 

Most motorcycle accidents are caused by car drivers. So, even if motorcyclists respected all the legislation and kept their distance, they might still get involved in an accident because of another party's negligence. Although motorbikers can get compensation if they were involved in an accident that didn't happen because of their fault (check out more at www.personalinjuryclaimsuk.org.uk), it is better to double-check to reduce the chances that an accident will happen. 

Pay attention to the weather

You also need to check the weather, as adverse weather conditions are one of the reasons why motorcyclists get involved in an accident. So, look at the weather before, especially if you are going on a long road. Motorbikes are not as solid as the other vehicles, so riding in adverse conditions can be more dangerous. Additionally, because there are only two wheels, the traction and visibility during rain are reduced, which can lead to more accidents. 

Therefore, you should always check the weather and postpone your trip if there is heavy rain or snow.

Leave sufficient space

One of the most common mistakes drivers make is not leaving enough distance behind the vehicle in the front. This is also important for motorcycles, as even though a bike stops faster than a car, it still needs a fair bit. For example, a motorcyclist driving at 70 mph will need around 245 feet to brake. 

Ride sober and alert

It should go without saying that driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is never a good idea. Also, you shouldn't ride if you are overly stressed or sleep-deprived. The risks in doing so increase for each person, but especially for motorcyclists who need to have a fast reaction time and be at their full faculties. 

The other driver participants often ignore motorcyclists, so they need to ride with more attention to ensure they stay safe. But that can't be done when a person is exhausted or tired. 

Conclusion

Riding a motorcycle can be an exciting and pleasurable experience. Still, you need to understand the risks you expose yourself to and take precautions to reduce the chances that an accident will happen. Wear your gear, always check your environment, and be alert so that nothing bad will happen to you.  

Image source - Image by Freepik 

article supplied

THE ALL-ITALIAN DUO OF JACOPO CERUTTI AND APRILIA TUAREG TRIUMPHS AT ITS DÉBUT IN THE DESERT IN THE 2024 AFRICA ECO RACE

LEADING IN THE OVERALL STANDINGS FROM START TO FINISH OF THE 6000 PLUS KILOMETRES, THE ITALIAN OFF-ROAD BIKE PROVES TO BE A WINNING PROJECT

ROOKIE FRANCESCO MONTANARI RIDES HIS TUAREG TO DAKAR, FINISHING TWICE ON THE SPECIAL TRIALS PODIUM AND CLOSES OUT HIS FIRST AFRICAN EXPERIENCE WITH A FABULOUS TOP TEN FINISH

MASSIMO RIVOLA: “DOMINATING IN THE DÉBUT, AN UNDERTAKING NO ONE HAS EVER ACCOMPLISHED”

Dakar (Senegal), 14 January 2024 - The all-Italian duo remained in the lead from start to finish for the six thousand plus kilometres over breathtaking roads, trails, sand, and dunes. From Monaco to the magical pink lake of Dakar, Jacopo Cerutti and his Aprilia Tuareg chose the most thrilling way to win the 2024 edition of the Africa Eco Race, dominating and writing one of the most epic pages in the recent history of big African raids.

The Italian pair departed on their début, reckoning with adversaries who were extremely talented and, above all, highly expert on the legendary route that goes from Europe to Dakar through Morocco and Mauritania.
The Aprilia Tuareg, developed from the factory product by Aprilia Racing with the technical collaboration of the Guareschi brothers’ GCorse, tackled the African trails and the desert for the first time. Of course, during 2023, the bike had already proven itself, winning the Italian Motorally title in its début and taking a spectacular podium in the Transanatolia rally in Turkey, where it had its first taste of big raids. But taking on the African desert for the first time on a route that has made off-road history, promised to be much more difficult. 

The Aprilia riders, Jacopo Cerutti and Francesco Montanari, approached the race with confidence from the start, armed with a bike that had already proved to be a formidable weapon, thanks to the quality of the original project.
His victory in the special trials of the first two days allowed Cerutti to build up an advantage over extremely strong rivals like Botturi and Tarres, both on Yamaha, who attacked constantly in an attempt to come back.
Speed, perfect strategy, and the reliability of the Tuareg are the values that led Aprilia and Cerutti to their Dakar triumph.
For Francesco Montanari, a true rookie, finishing the race in Dakar was a fantastic result. To this, he added two podiums in as many legs, as well as being a constant presence in the top end of the standings for the special trials and a fabulous eighth place overall.

Massimo Rivola - Aprilia Racing CEO
“What Jacopo did, winning in Dakar, is unprecedented. It is a truly enormous sports undertaking that exalts a great champion, an exceptional Italian bike, designed, developed, and manufactured here in Noale, and an incredible job done by Aprilia Racing and the Guareschis, to whom I extend my special thanks. Having led from the first day of one of the most difficult races in the world, competing with extremely skilled adversaries, is an extraordinary sign of strength that went beyond our wildest expectations.”

Vittoriano Guareschi - GCorse
“Fantastic! Jacopo was exceptional throughout the entire race, always setting the pace. The second leg was the key, with that leap ahead in the standings which then allowed him to manage the competition like a great champion. Francesco also did a great job, taking the bike to Dakar in his début and even snatching satisfaction in the special trials more than once. What the entire team did is incredible. It was our first experience against extremely skilled adversaries, such as the Yamaha team, which is extremely experienced, especially in the part of the desert in Mauritania.

The bike was perfect - never a problem. With this triumph, the Tuareg project demonstrated all of its base qualities: balanced weight, suspension travel, the character of the engine, and the quality of the materials. The factory bike already sets a great bar.”

Jacopo Cerutti
“It is all wonderful. It was an honour for me to collaborate in the development of the bike with Aprilia Racing and GCorse. In very little time, we reached incredible milestones and I honestly did not think that we would manage to be as ready as we were at the start of this event. However, I knew that the factory Tuareg already provided us with an outstanding starting base and then the rest is down to the great job the entire team did over the past few months. I certainly didn’t expect to win. Maybe starting the race without the pressure of being one of the favourites was a good thing and a bit of good luck also helped, which is never a bad thing because in an African raid, the unexpected is always just around the corner, but instead, everything seemed to go smoothly. A fantastic experience and feeling. Now we can enjoy the celebration.”

Francesco Montanari
“I'm extremely happy to have arrived in Dakar and to have managed to improve leg after leg, finishing in the top positions a few times. All of this was possible because I was placed in the ideal conditions to express my potential. The bike is fantastic to ride and the entire team did an exceptional job, both preparing for the race and during these two weeks in Africa. So, I wish to thank Aprilia for this opportunity and all the members of team GCorse for the constant support. I'm obviously also happy about Jacopo’s splendid victory. He did extremely well and he deserves it. I hope that this will be a starting place for me. I would like to continue improving because I think I demonstrated that I'm able to make a play of it with the best.” 

Aprilia Racing, a legend born with off-road competition
Off-road competitions were Aprilia’s début racing terrain. It’s no surprise for a brand which, from its very first ’70s era models like the Scarabeo, had revealed its soul dedicated to the off-road world. In 1974, the first racing bike from Noale was a 125 cross. As early as 1977, the first Italian titles arrived in the 125 and 250 classes. Then, in 1978, came the first podiums and the win in the Cross World Championship.
In 1985, the speed racing adventure began for Aprilia Racing in World Championship GP Motorcycle Racing, but the first world title came from trial in 1992. From the off-road world, seven more world titles would arrive, from 2004 to 2011, with the SXV 450 and 550 twin-cylinders protagonists in the Supermoto championship, earning three Rider titles and four Manufacturer titles.
After an epic first appearance in the Paris-Dakar with Tuareg in 1989, Aprilia returned to the big race in the desert in 2010 with the revolutionary RXV Rally 450 twin-cylinder, which participated in three consecutive editions of the Dakar until 2012. The spectacular Rally took three leg victories straight away and finished third overall in 2010, just missing the spectacular achievement of winning in its début.
To this day, Aprilia remains the last Italian manufacturer to have won a leg in the Dakar, in 2012.

The UK’s biggest, and most interactive motorcycle and scooter show, Motorcycle Live, is proud to announce a two year extension to their successful partnership with leading insurance provider Bikesure. 

Motorcycle Live, in association with Bikesure Insurance for the 5th year, will see the five star defaqto rated insurance provider, and the UKs premier motorcycle show continue to capitalise on their relationship.

Grant Varnham, Business Development Manager of Bikesure, said: “Motorcycle Live offers Bikesure a unique platform to reach the most seasoned of riders across a multitude of genres, as well as budding enthusiasts.  Echoing our own brand values, the show provides a premium experience to visitors, which replicates the service levels at Bikesure. Speaking directly to customers at the show gives us a great opportunity to interact with visitors and assist on their insurance related queries". 

Finlay McAllan, Managing Director of Motorcycle Live added “We’ve been working closely with Bikesure since 2019 and we're pleased to have Bikesure partnering with us for the next two years. Our partnership goes beyond the simple inclusion of a logo, as they share our strong commitment to creating an interactive and fun-filled show." 

The successful Motorcycle Live, and Bikesure partnership brings together thousands of enthusiasts, industry professionals, and thrill-seekers who make the world of motorcycling an exhilarating and welcoming community.

Motorcycle Live, in association with Bikesure, will open its doors at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham from 16th-24th November 2024. ‘Early bird’ tickets are on sale now, visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk to get yours!

Motorcycle Live in Association with Bikesure Insurance : 16 - 24 November 2024