"The beautiful Swansea Valley in Wales"
- Alun Williams

Following the announcement that Bradley Ray has re-signed for the Buildbase Suzuki team and will again race a GSX-R1000R in the British Superbike Championship next season, Suzuki is celebrating re-signing of one the UK’s hottest racing prospects by launching a fantastic ‘Suzuki Experiences’* package for customers of its stunning limited edition BSB replica.
As well as owning one of just 50 of these exclusive machines, customers will also receive a ‘BSB Experience’ for two, ‘On Track Experience’ and ‘Events Experience’ for two to three great events, during 2019.
The BSB Experience for two includes race day hospitality, a meet-and-greet with the team riders, grid walk and the chance to watch the race from the Buildbase Suzuki team garage. They’ll also be kitted out with some team merchandise.
The On Track Experience provides each customer with a complimentary place on one of the legendary James Whitham track days at Mallory Park, Croft or Anglesey, with professional one-to-one tuition from a Suzuki racing ambassador during the day.
Customers can further benefit from tickets for two to the Southampton Boat Show in September 2019, Motorcycle Live at the NEC in November 2019 and a home round of the MK Dons football team, sponsored by Suzuki.
Suzuki GB Head of Marketing, Fiona Cole, said,“We’re delighted that Bradley will remain with us in 2019 and build on the experience and results he has gained during his first season with a factory team. He’s proven himself to be one the brightest young talents in the paddock over the last few seasons, making impressive progress from superbike rookie to twice a race-winner this season and Showdown challenger.
“Race replica machines are desirable among sportsbike customers and the Buildbase Suzuki BSB replica GSX-R1000R is exceptional in both looks and performance. However we’re keen to offer our customers more just great products and this includes access to some of the fantastic partnerships and experiences Suzuki is associated with. This new ‘Experiences’ package being offered exclusively to customers who purchase the BSB replica GSX-R1000R has been warmly received and we’re pleased to be able to help create even more memorable moments for our customers.”
The limited edition Buildbase Suzuki replica GSX-R1000R comes with the same stunning paint scheme as the team’s race bikes, as well as engine case savers, brake and clutch lever guards, paddock stand bobbins, double bubble screen, pillion seat cowl, tank protector and fuel cap trim, with a Yoshimura R11 exhaust ready for track use. In addition, customers will also receive a Suzuki-branded Ogio kit bag, paddock stand, bike cover and GSX-R garage mat, with the ‘Suzuki Experiences’ package also included until 31 December 2018. An impressive package for just £19,999 RRP and currently available with low rate 3% APR representative finance*, over 3 years with a minimum deposit of £300.

Ahead of the unveiling of the full 2019 collection later this year, SHARK Helmets is releasing an early preview of three brand-new colour schemes on some of its most popular models. All three will be available to buy in UK dealers this month.

SPARTAN CARBON - PRIONA

The Spartan Carbon was developed with a striking design, state-of-the-art safety features and advanced aerodynamics for the perfect all-round riding helmet. For 2019, SHARK Helmets have reengineered the interior for optimal rider comfort, and introduced the brand-new PRIONA design; a modern, glossy graphic giving the Spartan Carbon a refined, streamlined look and drawing attention to the smooth lines of the helmet shape. The stunning dark green, gold and black version will be available on early release.

The Spartan Carbon in PRIONA DQW graphic is available in size XS (53/54cm) – XXL (63/64cm), with an RRP of £389.99.

D-SKWAL - KANHJI

SHARK Helmet’s Pulse division is designed with both performance and style and mind. Developed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology, the D-SKWAL features optimised ventilation and an ‘Autoseal’ system used to flatten the visor onto the helmet, creating better soundproofing and seals the helmet against water and cold. SHARK Helmets will introduce four versions of the all-new KANHJI design – an intricate and distinct helmet graphic that has a dark edge. The fluo yellow and black version will be available on early release.

The D-SKWAL in KANHJI KYA graphic is available in size XS (53/54cm) – XL (61/62cm), with an RRP of £169.99.

SKWAL 2 - OLIVEIRA
SHARK Helmets is well-known to the world of racing, supporting a number of world-class riders, and this is set to be no different for 2019; the company has introduced the popular SKWAL 2 in replica graphics of Moto2 rider Miguel Oliveira. Another helmet in the SHARK Helmet Pulse division, the SKWAL 2 has a unique shape and striking integrated LED system, complimented by the bright new colours that highlight the aerodynamic lines of the helmet.

The SKWAL 2 in OLIVEIRA KBY graphic is available in size XS (53/54cm) – XL (61/62cm), with an RRP of £249.99.

To locate your nearest SHARK Helmets dealer, visit www.nevis.uk.com or call 01425 478936.

The big news of the show came from Bonhams who produced a record-breaking sale achieving £3.4 million! The star of which was the ex-C.F Edwards, 1925 Brough Superior 981cc SS100 Sand Racer Project, which despite being completely dismantled, achieved more than double its estimate and sold for £264,500 – the highest amount ever achieved for a dismantled Brough Superior!

James Stensel, Head of Bonhams Motorcycle Department UK said, “Once again, the Bonhams motorcycle department has achieved exactly what it set out to – to sell the best machines on the market at the best prices. Our realistic estimates attracted bidders from across the globe, and bidding throughout was incredibly lively. We are absolutely thrilled with the results of the sale, we look forward to our Spring Sale in April and continuing to consign the widest possible range of top machinery and automobilia.”

Bike fans had plenty to get excited about at the show, including for the first time in the history of Cagiva, a stunning display of 11 of the red racers being displayed in one place! The machines, part of the collection owned by Dean Simpkins and his father Martyn, are all genuine factory racers, ridden by some of Grand Prix racing’s greatest riders, including the Eddie Lawson and John Kocinski 500cc race-winning bikes.

Exhibition Manager Nick Mowbray said, “Once more we’ve had a great October show here at Stafford. With the addition of a brand new Off- Road Hall, the famous Classic Racer GP Paddock, along with stunning bike displays and the wonderful and expansive mix of club stands, there has been something for everyone and we look forward to returning next April.”

A survey conducted by the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, found that many drivers have a real lack of awareness of the rules of the road, putting themselves and others in danger.

More than 50% admitted their road knowledge was so poor, they didn’t recognise the roundabout sign.

More than two-thirds of drivers admitted they had no understanding of the two second rule.

Over 1,000 motorists participated in the survey for IAM RoadSmart to test their knowledge of the Highway Code.

Some 68% of drivers were unaware of the two-second following distance in dry weather, with 53% confusing this for two car lengths. This results in a gap of less than a third of a second when travelling at 60mph, for an average-sized family car.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, said: “This is truly shocking. The outcome of the survey brings to light some frightening statistics which demonstrates the need to constantly re-fresh on-road knowledge.”

The survey also found that only 43% correctly recognised the Highway Code ‘dual carriageway ends’ sign, with respondents aged between 17 and 39 being the largest group to answer this incorrectly.

When asked what to do when arriving to a scene of a serious crash, almost half (48%) were unaware that the first thing you need to do is to warn others of the danger by turning on hazard lights.

Of those who participated, over half were not able to identify that a circle shaped sign demonstrates traffic signs that give orders – a crucial piece of information when on the road. Drivers aged 70 onwards statistically scored below average on this question.
Worryingly, two-thirds of those surveyed admitted they were unable to recognise the colour of the reflective studs between a motorway and its slip road, with only one in five (20%) of those aged 17 to 39 answering correctly that they are green.

Neil said: “With many young drivers showing high levels of traffic sign ignorance these results reinforce IAM RoadSmart’s view that road safety education should be taught as part of the National Curriculum in schools to prepare teenagers for their future driving career.
“Many drivers don’t look at the Highway Code regularly after they’ve passed their test, but no-one’s memory is perfect and it’s crucial to read and understand the most recent version of the Highway Code for the safety of all road users.”