BMW Motorrad UK is launching a new premium summer riding event, the BMW Motorrad Make Life A Ride Day, at the iconic Donington Park on 16 July.

The event will combine road riding, track experiences, and access to the latest BMW motorcycle range - all within a dedicated BMW Motorrad environment. Designed to bring together the BMW Motorrad community, the event will celebrate the shared passion for all forms of motorcycling.

Unlike a traditional track day, the BMW Make Life A Ride Day has been thoughtfully developed to offer a more refined and accessible experience, giving riders the opportunity to enjoy both road riding, track riding, or both, in a relaxed setting and alongside fellow BMW owners.

Throughout the day, attendees will be able to book up to two places on the BMW Motorrad road demo experience, featuring 15 motorcycles from the latest range. Riders will be able to experience new models including the R 1300 RT, R 12 G/S, R 1300 R and R 1300 RS, alongside BMW Motorrad’s renowned GS range.

Each road ride demo will follow a curated route led by experienced ride guides, allowing customers to fully experience the latest in performance and technology of the BMW Motorrad product range.

Alongside time on the road, riders will also have the unique opportunity to experience the legendary Donington Park circuit with the BMW Motorrad Performance Academy. Riders can experience the track via a range of 28 dedicated BMW Motorrad performance machines on offer at the Academy, including the F 900 R, S 1000 R, and S 1000 RR.

Designed to deliver a more personal and premium track environment, sessions will be intentionally less crowded than a conventional track day and led by professional instructors to maximise rider confidence and enjoyment. The BMW Motorrad Performance Academy track experience will be available at £859, giving participants access to expert instruction using the latest in helmet communications and video analysis all while aboard BMW Motorrad performance motorcycles at one of the UK’s legendary circuits.

For those riders looking to use their own BMW motorcycle on track, further track activity will be available for £235, with five track sessions throughout the day for each group. In addition, riders can book a two-to-one instructor-led track session during the day for £65, combining an introduction to the Donington Park circuit with personalised coaching from professional instructors designed to build confidence and enhance on-track riding technique.

Scott Grimsdall, Head of Marketing & PR at BMW Motorrad UK, commented: “The BMW Make Life A Ride Day has been created to offer owners something genuinely unique - a premium experience that brings together the very best aspects of the BMW Motorrad brand in one location. From guided road rides on our latest models to professionally-led track instruction at Donington Park and track sessions for riders to use their own BMW machinery, the day is designed to give customers an unforgettable riding experience in a welcoming and inspirational environment.”

For further details and booking information please visit:
www.bmwmotorrad-performanceacademy.com/categories/make-life-a-ride-day

FERMIN ALDEGUER #54
“It was important to keep putting in laps and working. In the race, at the start of a season where honestly we’re not fighting for anything yet, between going back to the pits and racing for fourth or fifth place, or going for the win, I chose to go for it. It didn’t work out, but with four laps to go, anything could have happened. In the first part of the race I felt very good physically, I was able to battle with the KTMs, and these are definitely important sensations that I’ll carry with me starting tomorrow.”

ALEX MARQUEZ #73
“I felt good during the race. Maybe taking the lead wasn’t the best choice, but even this morning in the wet I felt good. I could have come in a lap earlier, but part of the track was still very dry, and on the lap when I was about to come in to change bikes, I crashed. We definitely weren’t lucky, but I’m convinced that tomorrow we have a great opportunity to be competitive again, especially if the conditions are dry.”

SPRINT RACE

FERMIN ALDEGUER 17º

ALEX MARQUEZ NC.

QUALIFYING

ALEX MARQUEZ 5° – 1’49.146s

FERMIN ALDEGUER 12° – 1’51.444

The allure of Italy for any motorcyclist is undeniable.
From the breathtaking hairpins of the Stelvio Pass to the sun-drenched coastal roads of Amalfi, it’s a country that seems designed for two wheels. Yet, turning this dream trip into a reality requires more than just a ferry ticket and a sense of adventure.

Navigating the local laws can be tricky, and a simple oversight could lead to hefty fines and unwanted hassle with the Carabinieri. Understanding the nuances of Italian road law is essential. This guide covers the critical information for touring Italy on your motorcycle: license plate rules and Highway Code essentials every UK biker should know, ensuring your journey is memorable for all the right reasons.

Your UK Plate: Is It Legal for the Italian Autostrada?

One of the first things that can attract unwanted attention from the Polizia Stradale is your number plate. While a stylish tail tidy or a smaller-than-standard plate might look great on UK roads, Italian authorities enforce their regulations with zero tolerance.

The Italian Highway Code, or Codice della Strada (CdS), has very specific requirements for motorcycle license plates, and a non-compliant one is an easy reason for them to pull you over. They are particularly strict on size, angle, and illumination, seeing it as a primary tool for identification.

Before you set off, inspect your bike. Is your plate the standard UK size, clearly visible, and mounted centrally?

Anything that deviates, such as a side-mounted plate or one tucked away under the seat, is asking for trouble. The regulations are strict and detailed. For a technical breakdown of the specific requirements under Article 100 of the CdS, including the mandatory 177x177mm size, maximum 30° tilt, and E-marked lighting, it's worth reviewing the specific Italian motorcycle license plate rules before you travel. A quick check at home can save you a world of inconvenience on the road.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when the cure involves roadside Italian bureaucracy."

Beyond the Plate: Essential Highway Code Differences for UK Riders

Riding on the right-hand side of the road is just the beginning. Italy’s Highway Code has several key differences that can catch out unwary UK bikers. Speed limits are a major one. On the Autostrada (motorway), the limit is 130 km/h (around 80 mph), but this drops to 110 km/h (68 mph) in wet conditions. On main roads outside built-up areas, it’s typically 90 km/h (56 mph), and in towns and cities, a strict 50 km/h (31 mph) applies. Speed cameras, including the 'Tutor' average speed system on motorways, are widespread.

Filtering or lane splitting is a common sight in congested Italian cities, but its legal status is a grey area. While often tolerated, it’s not officially permitted in the same way as in the UK. Exercise extreme caution and follow the lead of local riders. A critical rule to remember is the requirement to use dipped headlights at all times, day and night, outside of built-up areas. Finally, on some rural junctions without clear markings, the default rule is to give way to traffic approaching from your right. Always be vigilant and anticipate unpredictable moves from other road users.

Mandatory Gear and Documentation: What to Pack Besides Your Passport

Being properly prepared means having the right documents and equipment. A roadside check is far less stressful when you can produce everything required immediately. Ensure you have a dedicated waterproof pouch containing all your essential paperwork. Getting this sorted before you leave is a crucial part of planning for touring Italy on your motorcycle: license plate rules and Highway Code essentials every UK biker should know.

Here’s a checklist of what you must carry:

• Documents:

• Your full UK photocard driving licence.

• Your original V5C vehicle registration document (logbook). Never take a photocopy.

• Proof of valid motorcycle insurance. While a Green Card is no longer mandatory, it's still recommended by many insurers as proof of coverage.

• Your passport.

• On the Bike:

• A UK sticker (not GB, EU, or England flags) clearly displayed on the rear of your motorcycle.

• A hi-vis vest or jacket. It is not mandatory to wear it while riding, but you must put one on if you stop on the hard shoulder or in an emergency breakdown situation. It must be within reach from your seat.

• An ECE 22.05 or 22.06 approved helmet. This is standard for most UK helmets, but it's worth checking the label.

Navigating Italy's Zones: Understanding ZTLs and Environmental Areas

One of the biggest financial risks for any tourist driving in Italy is the Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL). These are limited traffic zones in most historic city and town centres, designed to reduce congestion and pollution. They are monitored by cameras that automatically scan your number plate as you enter. If your vehicle is not registered for access, a fine is automatically generated and sent to your UK address, often months after your trip. These fines can be substantial, and ignorance of the signs is not accepted as an excuse.

The signs for a ZTL are a white circle with a red border. They will often have text underneath detailing the hours of operation and types of vehicles exempted. As a tourist on a motorcycle, you are almost certainly not exempt. The best advice is to assume that the historic centre of any city you visit is a ZTL. Park your bike on the outskirts and walk in. If your hotel is located within a ZTL, you must contact them in advance to ask if they can register your motorcycle's number plate with the local authorities for the duration of your stay.

On the Road: Practical Tips for Tolls, Fuel, and Parking

Your day-to-day experience riding in Italy will be shaped by three things: tolls, fuel, and parking. Most of the excellent Autostrada network is tolled (pedaggio). The system is simple: you take a ticket from a machine upon entering and pay at a booth when you exit. Keep your ticket safe and have cash or a credit card easily accessible—fumbling for a wallet under your gear while a queue builds behind you is no fun. Avoid the yellow Telepass lanes, as these are for subscription users only.

When it comes to fuel (benzina), you'll see two types of pumps: Fai da te (self-service) and Servito (served). Self-service is always cheaper. Many smaller or rural stations are unmanned, especially during the long lunch breaks (from around 12:30 to 15:30), and their automated pumps may only accept Italian debit cards or cash. For parking (parcheggio), look for designated motorcycle bays. Otherwise, parking spaces are colour-coded: white lines are free, blue lines require payment at a nearby meter, and yellow lines are reserved for permit holders. By understanding these key points, you can focus on the ride itself, making your experience a truly unforgettable adventure.

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