Auto Trader, the largest online marketplace for new and used cars and motorcycles, has named the Ducati Scrambler Best Bike in its 2015 Bike Awards.

Experts from Auto Trader Bikes have ridden hundreds of miles, testing new bikes on sale in the UK to shortlist category winners, as well as whittling down the entrants to find the overall Best Bike of 2015.

Ducati UK Managing Director, Tim Maccabee, said, “Ducati UK are delighted to receive this prestigious award for the Ducati Scrambler. The Scrambler has exceeded all of our expectations for sales in 2015 and seems to have really captured the imagination of the public. We’ve been especially pleased that it has attracted interest outside of our existing customer base and even from non-motorcyclists, which is good not only for us, but also for motorcycling in general.”

Auto Trader judges were unanimous in their decision for Ducati’s entry-level Scrambler, citing its covetable design, fun and user-friendly positioning - plus its superb value for money as major factors in it scooping both Best Retro and Bike of the Year honours. (View video here)

Auto Trader Editor-in-Chief and Best Bike judge, Jon Quirk, added: "The most active members of the UK motorcycling community may now well be into their 60s, but bikes like the Scrambler ensures motorcycling remains as relevant and well-loved for the next generation of riders. You only need to look at the searches within Auto Trader Bikes to see that the retro sector is booming, reflecting a return to simpler, cheaper, more urban-friendly motorcycles.”

You can see the full Ducati Scrambler range including the new Scrambler sixty2 at this weekend’s motorcylelive at the NEC from the 28th November to the 6th December 2015, The Ducati and Ducati Scrambler stand can be found in Hall 2 stand 2C10.

www.scramblerducati.com/en

Track cyclist and three-time Olympic Champion, Jason Kenny OBE is the proud owner of a brand new 2016 Kawasaki Z1000SX.

Jason collected his ‘65 plate two-wheeled green machine from Bolton Motorcycles and was handed over the keys by Salesman, Michael Powell – this is his second purchase from the Lancashire-based dealership.

“I decided it was time for a change of bike as my trusty BMW was due for it’s first MOT and out of warranty – that’s how I justified it to myself anyway! After reading 37,000 reviews online while away racing, I decided on the Z1000SX. It seemed to tick all the boxes for me. After a couple of emails to Bolton motorcycles it was organised for when I got back in the UK. Easy as that, top service as always from from those guys.

“I’ve done a couple of hundred miles on the bike now and it’s getting better everyday. I’m absolutely over the moon with it, a real pleasure to ride. I’ve got the first service just booked and Jonathan knows I want a track bike after Rio 2016, so he’s lending me a Kawasaki ZX636 to have a bit of fun on, I can’t wait…”, said Jason.

Since its launch, the Z1000SX has dominated the sports touring segment and it Kawasaki Motor UK’s number one best seller.

The 2016 Kawasaki Z1000SX now comes with a race-inspired FCC assist and slipper clutch – with 30% lighter feel at the level, the Slipper Clutch will appeal to both sports bike riders and those adjusting to the weight of a pillion and luggage. It also comes with ABS as standard and in new colour options – all with the added bonus of no price increase for 2016.

Jonathan Hughes, General Manager of Bolton Motorcycles, said: “It’s always a pleasure when Jason comes into the dealership for a catch up. Jason has added the Z1000SX to the Royal Enfield which he also loves to ride. Thanks again for your business and good luck for next year and hopefully Rio.”

Craig Watson, UK Sales Manager for Kawasaki UK, said: “We’re really pleased that Jason chose the Z1000SX – and with the new upgrades on the 2016 model, it’s great timing for him to buy one. We’ve invited him to join us for one of the British Superbike rounds to see the guys in action and introduce him to our race teams. Maybe after Rio, we can get him on track day!”

Jason Kenny OBE, swaps pedal power for horsepower with Kawasaki Z1000SX

In-store only for their biggest ever sale!

Store opens at 9am. Get down to Preston for massive savings on lots of great motorcycle gear.

www.GhostBikes.com

KICKBACK #7 takes place at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea from 12-13th December 2015. The KICKBACK Show will feature a stunning and unique collection of custom-made motorcycles.

As well as a fine showcase of modern-retro custom motorbikes there will also be a stunning exhibition of motorcycle art; as five distinguished artists exhibit their work over the two days of the show.

The KICKBACK gallery includes exquisite pieces from Brett Breckon, Albie Espinola, Talana Gamah, Barry Lord and Marty James. Take a look at just some of their work below.

KICKBACK Chelsea: Motorbikes. Engineering. Design. Lifestyle. Art.

Free tickets to KICKBACK are available along with more information at TheCustomShow.com

KICKBACK takes place inside the Great Hall at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea, London from 12-13th December 2015.

KICKBACK is in association with Warr's Harley Davidson, Krazy Horse, Fastec Racing, Vulcanet, Urban Rider, 100% Biker, Dime City Cycles, Asphalt & Dirt and Black & White.

Expert psychologists have concluded that multi-tasking whilst driving is a myth – and the most dangerous of those driving multi-tasks is texting and talking on a mobile phone, according to a new report produced by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL).

The research focuses on the dangers involved when drivers try and engage in more than one task, indicating this can have a ‘detrimental’ effect on the quality and accuracy of driving performance.

The findings come from a report launched this week titled ‘The battle for attention’, jointly produced by TRL researchers Dr Neale Kinnear and Dr Alan Stevens, and the IAM’s director of policy and research Neil Greig.

Dr Kinnear, who is a senior psychologist in the study of human behaviour and transport, and Dr Stevens, who is chief scientist and research director with internationally recognised expertise in ‘Human-Machine Interaction’, both reviewed existing research behind in-car distractions to understand the various cognitive processes and complexities in driving.

They said texting engages three of the five key areas of distraction to a ‘high’ level – cognitive, visual and manual. A mobile phone conversation also engages three of five areas of distraction to a ‘high’ level – cognitive, audible and exposure time.

Figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) in 2013 found 2,995 cases where distraction in the vehicle was listed as a contributory factor to accidents. A further 1,627 cases were listed where distraction outside the vehicle was a contributory factor.

The report says: “Research has confirmed that tasks almost always interfere with other tasks carried out at the same time. The brain never actually focuses on two tasks at the same time – it switches back and forward between them.

“As driving is so complex and requires various cognitive processes, taking on another task when driving can mean a driver is unable to pay sufficient attention to all the activities required for safe driving. This can lead to a processing failure resulting in a loss of control, putting the driver and other road users in physical danger.”

Sarah Sillars, IAM’s chief executive officer, said: “This is proof, should it be needed, that multi-tasking and driving simply don’t mix. Whilst there are plenty of distractions to tempt the driver, the individual needs to know that the phone, or internet, or the iPod simply don’t matter – driving is the only activity that should occupy your mind while at the wheel.

“It’s important that we work with the government, car makers and educators to deliver a renewed focus on driver training and road safety – and that people know that distractions can be fatal.”

A full copy of the report can be downloaded here