Biker News - Regularly updated

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  1. Ducati debut new Diavel and updated range at Motorcycle Live

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    With new updates to the Monster and Streetfighter ranges, exciting changes to the Superbike family and the recent news of the Diavel’s debut at Milan , Ducati UK can now announce that these hugely anticipated new models will make their UK debuts at this year’s Motorcycle Live.

    The Superbike family sees comprehensive updates with the introduction of the new 1198SP which enhances the previous 'S' version by being equipped with Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS), Ducati Data Analyser (DDA), Ohlins TTX rear suspension, slipper clutch and aluminium fuel tank in addition to the usual Ohlins front suspension, forged Marchesini wheels and lightweight carbon fibre components. The 1198 also benefits from equipment enhancements, DTC, DDA and DQS are all fitted as standard equipment. The 1198 retains its current RRP of £13,295 while the 1198 SP is expected to be £17, 495.

    The recently released 848 EVO range boasting 140hp equipped with Brembo Monobloc calipers and steering damper sees a new additional paint scheme in stunning arctic white livery with contrasting red wheels and red frame. The 848 EVO has an RRP of £10,695 or as the colour Dark Stealth with an RRP of £9995.

    The Streetfighter sees some aesthetic changes with two new colours red with red frame and a diamond black with black racing frame, while the Monster family welcomes new colour schemes and ergonomic updates to Ducati's naked icon.

    The entry level 696 gets new 43mm Marzocchi forks, 20mm higher handlebars and a new rear sub-frame designed to accept the user-friendly passenger grab-rail kit and two new colour schemes of “dark stealth” and “stone white”. The Monster 796 also adopts Marzocchi front suspension; all Monster models retain current RRPs as does the Streetighter range.

    At last year’s Motorcycle Live it was the Multistrada that drew all the focus, anticipation and hype that a new Ducati brings and now it is the turn of the recently announced Diavel.

    The Diavel is Bolognese dialect for devil and with its commanding presence, stunning looks and performance to match it is like no other Ducati. The Diavel features the latest Ducati technology including ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Riding Modes a Superbike-derived Testastretta 11° engine and 207kg (456lb) providing Ducati performance in comfort that could only be dreamt of until now.

    Ducati UK will be present at this year’s Motorcycle Live with a spectacular new stand and the full 2011 range including new additions only previously seen at the Cologne and Milan shows.

    The full 2011 model range will be display in Hall 2 on Stand B220 from the 27th November to the 5th December. For further information on the latest Ducati news and range visit www.ducatiuk.com and for show information visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk

  2. UK ROADS CONTINUE TO GET SAFER

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    British roads continue to get safer year on year for all road users. The Motor Cycle Industry's analysis of the Governments most recent statistics found that although traffic rose by 15% in the last year the casualty rate for motorcyclists fell by 6%.

    The motorcycle casualty rate has continued to fall since 1994 and the number of motorcycle fatalities has also dropped by 4% since 2008.

    The statistics reveal that rider/ driver errors are the main contributory factor to accidents (42% overall).

    The three main causes of motorcycle accidents are; a loss of control - 16%, a failure to properly observe - 15% and a failure to judge the other person's path or speed - 12%. Slippery roads (7%) and inexperienced riders (9%) were also notable.

    Steve Kenward, NMCI's CEO commented, " It is important that we continue to make progress and sustain the reduction in accidents and the casualty rate. Riders themselves can also take greater personal responsibility for their actions on the road and can get involved in different activities to improve their skills and experience."

    Taking part in a BIkeSafe assessment is an excellent and affordable way to discover strengths and weaknesses on the road. These sessions include an on-road riding assessment with a qualified police bike instructor who will evaluate things such as cornering and breaking as well as your overall riding technique.

    To find out more and book a session go to www.bikesafe.co.uk

    Follow this up with some post-test training to help improve your skills and techniques. The better prepared you are the easier it will be to deal with hazardous situations that might arise.

    For more information about how to find a suitable trainer and the different types of training that is available go to the website www.mcita.co.uk

    END
    Editor's Notes

    Get On is the Motor Cycle Industry's three-year campaign to get the nation biking and is funded by a levy on every motorcycle and scooter sold in the UK by participating Get On manufacturers and dealers?

    Notes:
     
    www.geton.co.uk gives details of the companies who are supporting this campaign

    Riding taster sessions are FREE and details of where they can be taken are on the website

    You do not need a car licence in order to 'Get On' but must be aged 16 years or older

    Each taster session lasts for approximately one hour

    All riding is conducted in a safe environment and does not take place on main roads

  3. Motorcycle Industry Provides Positive Employment Opportunities for the UK

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    The motorcycle industry is a vital employer in the UK providing thousands of jobs in a broad range of sectors across the country.

    Currently, the industry directly employs 65,000 people in more that 6,000 businesses, which is a greater level of employment that those employed in UK call centres, the market research sector, as taxi drivers and throughout libraries, museums and other cultural activities. (1)

    In 2008, the industry paid out more than £1.2 billion in wages and made total tax contributions of more than £1 billion.

    There is a wide range of opportunities for people to take employment in the motorcycle industry.  Distribution and retail is the largest single field of employment (20,380) and the sport and leisure sector employs around 10,000 people contributing a gross added value to the UK economy of £238 million per annum. 

    Other sectors offering work opportunities include; manufacturing, repairs , servicing and maintenance and other support services such as finance, marketing, publishing, training and couriers. Between them they employ almost 30,000 people, paying over £600 million in wages.

    Although there is a concentration of retail and distribution jobs (31% of the total), average wages are £18,800 across the whole industry and are significantly higher in the support services (£21,600) and manufacturing (£28,600) sectors

    Steve Kenward, MCI's CEO commented. " The motorcycle industry provides a significant financial contribution to the UK 's economy, generating added value of more than £2billion,  as well as acting as an important employer.

    "There are many fields of employment within the industry offering work opportunities for people from all walks of life whether they want to work in a practical, hands-on role or take a more customer service based job there is something for everyone."

    For more information about the motorcycle industry go to the website www.mcia.co.uk
    1) All statistics are from the survey - The Economic Significance of the UK Motorcycle Industry by GHK - February 2010

  4. Mind The Joint - Slippy When Wet!

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    Riders on the NI Bikers Forum have voiced concerns and are warning other riders of the hazard of new joints on the M3 Lagan Bridge in Belfast.
     
    According to Roads Service the bridge joints where replaced during June and August to ensure their continued high performance in coping with today’s traffic volumes.
     
    The joints appear to be fine in dry weather and an improvement to the “dips” prevalent in the previous joints, (which were only a few inches wide but created a slight jolt when ridden over), however the new joints are nearly 2 feet wide and riders have found that they cause their motorcycles to lose grip when these joints are negotiated in wet weather.
     
    While motorcyclists should treat these covers like any other hazard such as wet gratings, painted road markings, mud, leaves, diesel etc. riders should not have to deal with a hazard that appears to have been designed into the road infrastructure without taking motorcycles into consideration.
     
    While riders have written to the DOE Minister, Roads Service Chief Executive and their MLA, the joints remain a hazard in everyday use.
     
    It would appear in this instance that the Roads Service has not met three of its key objectives which we would assume include motorcycles.
     
    The questions which must be asked regarding the replacement of the bridge joints are:
    • Was there any consideration given to motorcycles in the placing and fitting of these covers?
    • Do these covers meet all required standards for installation in the roads infrastructure?
    • Are motorcycles included in any standard that is required for the use and fitting of these covers?
    • Will the Roads Service, either itself or any appointed contractor responsible for the auditing/purchasing/fitting of these covers, investigate the dangers that seem to be posed to motorcyclists and rectify any hazard?
    At present we are waiting for an initial response from The Department for Regional Development, responsible for Roads Service to find a solution to this “accident waiting to happen” and see what can be done.
     
    Read the full text and views and comments from riders 

  5. Lobby Your MP On Motorcycling Matters

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    The bmf is calling on its 80,000 members to join a mass lobby of Parliament on Monday the 8th of November as part of the Riders Are Voters campaign.

    The main objective is to raise the profile of motorcycling issues with MPs by showing that their motorcycling constituents have something to say. There are 650 MPs and roughly a third of them are new to the job so many will  have never discussed motorcycle issues before and neither will many established MPs.

    The bmf says that this is a golden opportunity for all motorcyclists, bmf members or not, to have their say on any motorcycling issue that is concerning them, from road conditions or bus lane use to the cost and complexity of getting a licence.  

    More details are provided in the briefing document below but it’s important to register now to secure your place. Rider registration is being co-ordinated by MAG on behalf of the RAV campaign organisations*. You can register by emailing [email protected]  or by phoning the Riders Are Voters office on 0800 9883193.

    *Riders Are Voters (www.ridersarevoters.org ) is a joint venture by the four main motorcycle organisations, the British Motorcyclists Federation, the Motorcycle Action Group, the Motor Cycle Industry Association and the Auto Cycle Union and they have a day where ordinary motorcyclists can meet their MP in the place where MPs works.