As bikers ourselves, we thought a gentle reminder and some basic riding tips may be in order especially if you have not  ridden for a while.  

Always give yourself space.
People driving cars often don’t see motorcycle riders. Even when drivers do see you, chances are they’ve never been on a motorcycle and can’t properly judge your speed.  

Be visible at all times:

Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles and reacting in time.
Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night. Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle.
Be aware of the blind spots cars and trucks have.
Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping. If a motorist doesn’t see you, don’t be afraid to use your horn.  
Dress for safety: Wear a quality helmet and eye protection. Wear bright clothing and a light-coloured helmet.
Wear leather or other thick, protective clothing. Choose long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
Remember – the only thing between you and the road is your protective gear.  

Apply effective mental strategies:

Constantly search the road for changing conditions.
Give yourself space and time to respond to other motorists’ actions.
Give other motorists time and space to respond to you.
Use lane positioning to be seen; ride in the part of a lane where you are most visible.
Watch for turning vehicles.
Signal your next move in advance.
Avoid weaving between lanes.
Pretend you’re invisible, and ride extra defensively.
Don't ride when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Know and follow the rules of the road.
Stick to the speed limit.  

Follow these basic steps to protect you and your beloved machine.

Don't miss your chance to save 10% on the price of Triumph LIVE tickets and secure your entry to the ultimate Triumph festival.

Extended from one to three days, Triumph Live 2012 promises a packed programme of action and entertainment including live bands both Friday and Saturday evenings; stunt riding shows; championship racing from the Triumph Triple Challenge; factory tours; road, track and off-road demo rides; plus a host of other displays and attractions, including the infamous Wall-of-Death and for those with a sense of adventure, a wheelie machine and DKS' cyclo try out.

Visitors will also be able to view the very latest range of Triumph motorcycles, together with a selection of some of the UK’s best customised Triumphs. Key bikes from Triumph’s history will be on display, as part of a unique exhibition exploring the 110 year anniversary, while those looking to kit themselves out with top quality riding apparel should head for the Triumph Clothing Megastore, where there will be a host of bargains waiting to be snapped up.

Million selling Brit award winners the Kaiser Chiefs will round off Saturday's action when they take to the stage to headline an evening of live music.

Tickets are selling fast, so don't miss out!

Early Bird Prices:

Friday: £20

Saturday: £24

Weekend: £43 

For full details on the worlds largest Triumph festival visit www.triumph-live.com

Sixty-nine per cent of motorcyclists were cut-up by another road user who didn’t look properly, in the last six months, according to the IAM’s latest poll. Of those who experienced near misses, 86 per cent were forced to take evasive action.
 
These incidents are known as SMIDSYs – ‘sorry mate I didn’t see you’ – which is often the reaction of the perpetrator when these events result in accidents. Failure to look is a contributory factor in 29 per cent of serious collisions and 36 per cent of slight accidents according to IAM research.1

 • Seventy-three per cent of motorcyclists cited the driver not paying enough attention as one of the main factors for incidents of this type.
• Forty-three per cent of motorcyclists were involved in a near miss up to two times.
• Fifty-six per cent of motorcyclists had experienced a near miss with a cyclist.
 
Eighty-three per cent of drivers said that these incidents would decrease by improving drivers’ awareness of motorcyclists.
 
IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “SMIDSY moments are happening far too often, and very few people are prepared to take responsibility for their part in them. It’s always someone else’s fault. All road users need to be more aware of who they are sharing the road with, and the risks they present.
 
“Other road users’ intentions can often be guessed by their body language and position on the road, so ride defensively, and leave room so that if somebody does do something unexpected, you have time to deal with it.”
 
The IAM suggests top tips for bikers for sharing the road:

• Always assume that other road users may not have seen you
• When travelling in a straight line position yourself where a car driver would be sitting. This is where other road users will be looking
• Give drivers time to realise you’re there. Don’t arrive so fast you startle the driver
• Always leave plenty of space between yourself and other traffic
• Look well ahead to avoid needing to make sudden changes in direction for potholes
• Be seen. Big blocks of bright colour are better than broken up or patterned clothing, which effectively camouflages you. And always make sure you have your headlight on.

www.iam.org.uk

After a gruelling 24-hour battle, the Honda TT Legends team has completed the 76th annual Bol d’Or, placing ninth in the race overall and sixth in the Endurance World Championship class to claim 19 points. 
 
The race took place in challenging conditions at the Magny Cours circuit in France, with intermittent rain and cold temperatures making for an eventful 24-hours. Cameron Donald, John McGuinness and Simon Andrews competed for the Honda TT Legends, with Donald taking part in the running race start at 3pm yesterday. 
 
The team began well, maintaining a steady pace through the changeable weather to hold fifth place until the early hours of Sunday morning. As dawn broke, Andrews was forced to make an unscheduled pit stop with a quick shift issue that was quickly rectified. The team re-joined the race in sixth place behind Yamalube Folch Endurance. 
 
As the weather deteriorated further, the Bol d’Or almost came to a premature end for the Honda TT Legends when Donald lost the front end and suffered a high speed crash on the back straight. In line with EWC rules, the uninjured Australian pushed the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade back to the pits, where the team set to work repairing the extensive damage.
 
The well-rehearsed TT Legends crew fixed the bike with co-ordinated expertise, successfully returning it to the race with McGuinness at the helm in under 20 minutes. The slick repair saw the team maintain sixth position in the EWC class, while running ninth in the race overall. The final two hours passed without incident and the Honda TT Legends completed the race to claim 19 championship points. The race was won by SRC Kawasaki with SERT and Monster Energy Yamaha in second and third respectively. 
 
Neil Tuxworth
 
I think the best we could have expected was fifth in that race. We couldn’t have come any higher at the pace we were going at. We still finished sixth overall in the EWC race which is good considering we lost time doing repairs after Cameron’s crash. It’s certainly been the most difficult endurance race that we’ve done and the one with the most problems. We’re going to analyse everything that has happened, figure out where the issues lie and continue from there. Hopefully we can have a better race the next time out. 

John McGuinness
 
Not the result we came for but it was one of our strongest rides yet. We were holding fifth and looking good in very difficult conditions. It was a gruelling race with temperatures as low as 2 or 3 degrees through the night. I got caught up in some of the bad weather and had to pit for tyres changes which meant I then had to do double stints with 50 or 60 laps at a time and that is hard work. After Cameron slipping off at probably 150mph and the bike cart wheeling its way though the gravel, luckily Cam was alright and the team did amazing job at getting the bike back out there. We wanted to be a bit further up but at least we’ve picked up some world championship points. 
 
Cameron Donald
 
After starting and finishing Le Mans last year I got to start and finish the Bol d’Or, which is really special. It was an absolute ordeal of a race. Everyone had their moments to shine and it was a big teem effort, but unfortunately we just didn’t quite come up with the goods. It was a little bit of bad luck and me skidding up the road didn’t help, but just to finish another 24-hour is a massive achievement. 
 
Simon Andrews
 
It feels good to finish my first 24-hour race. Ten months ago I was lying in a hospital and my first race back I’ve completed a 24-hour so I feel triumphant and I’m pretty happy. We were quick and we were safe, I did everything to the best of my ability and I’m going home with a smile on my face.
 
For news, videos and images follow @HondaTTLegends on Twitter, bookmark www.hondattlegends.com and subscribe to HondaProRacing on YouTube.