All motorcyclists believe they are a good rider but, in 2021, 20% of all road fatalities in the UK involved a motorcyclist. (Source: Gov.uk)

So why is this happening? The fatal five reasons for deaths on the road are:

1. Not wearing a seatbelt (of course not applicable to motorcyclists, but still important to note)

2. Riding whilst under the influence of drink or drugs

3. Careless or dangerous riding

4. Excess speed

5. Using a mobile phone (even handsfree)

As a motorcyclist there are a number of things we need to do and check in order to prevent any accidents on the road, particularly fatal accidents.

Before setting out on a ride, always ensure your personal protective equipment (PPE) and bike are ready for the ride. This includes ensuring your helmet fits properly, is fastened securely and make sure the visor is kept clean.

All biker clothing needs to fit properly; make sure you fasten the zips, even in hot weather, and wear season appropriate clothing. In terms of your motorcycle, check your tyres, the fluids (leaks and levels) and any wear and tear on the machine itself.

Safe bike control

When out riding, ensure safe bike control, particularly when approaching hazards. Position yourself on the best part of the road (without compromising your safety). Adjust your speed according to the road and ensure you’re in the correct gear for the speed, only applying acceleration when appropriate. Don’t use your gears as brakes as this can upset the balance of the bike and either slow you too much (too low a gear) or not slow you enough (too high a gear).

Hazards on the road

Before you change lane, position or speed, you need to know what is happening in front where you can’t see and also to the sides and to the rear of you. We always need to be actively looking for warnings. Continually assess your route, the view and hazards may be constantly changing. Match your speed to the hazard; consider what you can’t see, not just what you can. Travel at a speed that you can stop safely on your own side of the road. Ride in the position that allows you to negotiate hazards safely and look for the best bit of the road surface where you would like to be.

When can it go wrong?

1. Poor overtaking

Poor overtaking can lead to accidents such as if the rider hasn’t considered that a car may pull out and cross the path of the bike or the car is about to turn right. Good overtaking occurs when you move your position so you can see ahead. If it is clear, accelerate, consider a headlamp warning, and accelerate past the car, gradually regaining position in your lane.

2. Insufficient observations

Poor observations or riding too fast can also lead to having insufficient time to react. By increasing the speed of your bike, you are effectively reducing the amount of time and distance you have to react and respond to events you are travelling into.

In summary, we need to do the following:

· Motorcycle Safety Checks – Do we do them enough?

· Consider your style of riding – Are we safe and smooth?

· Observation techniques – Do we actively try and see everything?

· Hazard perception – To react to it, you must be aware of it.

· The safest method of filtering – Do we have to be in such a rush?

· Going for the overtake – Is it on? Can we make it safely? · Rider training – a decision only you can make; use BikeSafe, RoSPA or IAM.

· If it goes wrong – get specialist legal advice with Potter Rees Dolan, a Hugh James Business.

APRILIA RACING IS READY FOR THE 2023 MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

AS PLANNED, THE PROJECT CONTINUES ITS DEVELOPMENT: FOR THE FIRST TIME FOUR RS-GP BIKES AND FOUR TOP RIDERS WILL BE ON TRACK

AFTER THE EXCELLENT 2022 SEASON, THE EVOLUTION OF THE PROJECT DOES NOT STOP, WITH THE AIM OF BEING EVEN MORE COMPETITIVE BUT ABOVE ALL TO ENTERTAIN AND MAKE THOUSANDS OF APRILIA FANS AROUND THE WORLD DREAM

From surprise to confirmation: this will be the goal of the MotoGP 2023 season for Aprilia Racing, which presents itself through a fun and engaging video, with team and riders immersed in the atmosphere of one of the most famous TV series.
Last season, Aprilia experienced impressive growth in terms of results (their first MotoGP win, another eight podium finishes, and two pole positions) which placed the Italian team among the championship protagonists, in the battle all the way to the end of the season for the most prestigious objectives in every category.

Results which had already been foreshadowed at the start of 2021 when, along with a series of outstanding placings, the first MotoGP podium arrived and results rooted in years of taking steps in the right direction.
Now Aprilia Racing faces a dual challenge - confirming their potential in the championship battle and continuing to grow, with a few more weapons in their arsenal, beginning with the satellite team and its riders Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez, as well as an additional flow of information that will come in handy in developing the RS-GP.

But the spotlight will certainly be on the number 41 garage where Aleix Espargaró will once again be fighting for the championship after his fourth place last season - with more than one regret. Team veteran by statistics and "Captain" by unanimous acclamation, Aleix will be able to count on both the perfect symbiosis with a team that has been following him since 2017 and on the experience and maturity that he has built up over more than 200 Motorcycle World Championship Grand Prix races.
For Maverick Viñales, the positive pressure is just as clear. The talent of the rider from Roses will now be able to rely on complete harmony with the structure of the team and the characteristics of the RS-GP. If 2022 was a year of growth with some spectacular high points, 2023 promises to be the year when he will achieve high level consistency.
Tester Lorenzo Savadori is more than confirmed. His work has been one of the pillars on which Aprilia's huge growth has been built over recent season and he will also be participating in three wild cards, still to be decided.

On the technical front, the evolution of the Aprilia RS-GP involved every single aspect. The V4 engine, which cannot evolve during the season after losing concessions, has increased in power and maximum RPM whilst maintaining its outstanding rideability. The chassis architecture relies on a frame that has been revisited based on the riders’ requests, striving for traction and stability. The aerodynamics maintain the concepts introduced in 2022 such as the curved side panel or the characteristic configuration of the front winglet and evolves them, confirming Aprilia Racing’s technological leadership in the sector. The electronics benefit from the introduction of a new Magneti Marelli ECU and refined strategy management, the object of constant work which will continue race after race.

Aprilia Racing’s growth from a structural point of view also continues. New arrivals on the factory team and new organisation to follow the team clients are the most evident results of this. The racing department from Noale thereby perseveres in its commitment to improve from an organisational point of view, as well as in the technology the RS-GP brings to the race.

Massimo Rivola - Aprilia Racing CEO
"Our growth is undeniable, as is how rapidly we improved. It is a path that did not come about by chance. We are a better company from every point of view, so I expect this trend to continue. Our challenge will now increase with the further responsibility of a satellite team which, while on one hand will allow us to have much more information available, will also be an important test bench for our organisational and analytical ability. The winter break, which was actually one of the most labour intensive periods, was positive, as were the first tests, but only in the race will we be able to assess our level with respect to our rivals. We’ll be under more pressure and we are faced with a new format which implies new challenges for teams and riders, but we have prepared well and I believe that we’ll start the championship season with extremely high motivation. Goals? To do better than last year."

Romano Albesiano, Aprilia Racing Technical Director
"We are rather convinced that we worked well during the winter break and the first tests have already provided some confirmation of this. The technical situation will be new for us, also having a second team to support and from which to be able to draw important information. The race weekends will also bring some changes, with the introduction of the Sprint Race which will demand a specific approach. Every detail of the new RS-GP is an evolution of the 2022 concept, with a numerical improvement of all the main aspects and the development programme anticipates further refinements throughout the season."

Aleix Espargaró
"Being with Aprilia for such a long time puts a certain amount of pressure on me because I know how important results are for this company. At the same time, maturity and the fact that I know the people I work with well give me peace of mind. The 2023 championship season will begin with plenty of unknowns. The new format with the Sprint Race on Saturday will demand even more preparation of us riders but no one can truly assess the actual impact of this change yet. I have prepared to my best ability and I am confident that we will have fun again this year."

Maverick Viñales
"I learned a lot in 2022 about Aprilia and my team, but also about myself. In this new season, we’ll be able to put everything learned during this apprenticeship into practice. I liked the new RS-GP straight away. It has improved in aspects, such as early throttle opening management, which are fundamental for my riding style. I like the new weekend format. It will be interesting both for the fans and for the teams which will have a chance to prepare for the Sunday race using the Sprint Race. I can't wait to get started. The break was refreshing, but now I just want to get back out on the track!"

Lorenzo Savadori
"The new 2023 RS-GP 2023 has clearly grown, but I think there is still margin for improvement. Our goal is to continue testing new solutions. We have some interesting ideas to implement. Physically, I am at 100% after recovering from various injuries so, as always, I will be ready to go. The biggest improvement of the new Aprilia? I’d say the engine. We made more than one step forward and I think that this will help us during the course of the season."

If you are looking for something new to read and you are a horror fan, then this e-book could be for you.  

It’s September 1972. The Devil’s Advocates MC have ridden from Essex to the remote, Snowdonia Mountains of North Wales to attend a secret outlaw motorcycle rally. The party takes an unexpected twist when the gang is invited to a gypsy camp to celebrate the ancient festival of Mabon. What starts as a promise of fun and misadventure, quickly turns into a nightmare ride into the unknown. On roaring, Harley choppers and thundering, British café racers, the outlaws take to the road in a desperate fight against evil. The story is inspired by the fantastic New English Library's 'Biker' books of the 1970s and can be found on Amazon Kindle.  

Maximum comfort on long stages and optimum ergonomics in all riding situations: the two-piece Touratech comfort seat noticeably enhances the touring capability of the Harley-Davidson Pan America.
 
With its beefy Revolution Max 1250 engine, track-stable suspension system and generous on-board space, the Harley-Davidson Pan America is made for epic rides. But even a thoroughly successful vehicle like the Pan Am still offers plenty of scope for individualisation and optimisation.
For example, when it comes to the seat: The different statures of riders alone make a compromise in the design of standard equipment unavoidable. Not so with the Touratech comfort seat. This two-part design offers riders a choice of three different heights. And no matter which version is chosen, all the benefits of this seat, which has been manufactured with proven quality craftsmanship for more than two decades, play their part.
 
Seat core made of ergonomically shaped special foam
For a start, there is the high-grade core made of suitable quality foam, which is specific to the model and does not lose its shape even on the longest stages. The shape of the core is anatomically optimised. This means that not only is the contour completely free of disturbing edges but the special shaping also provides efficient relief for the coccyx and supports an upright sitting position. Thanks to the ingenious shaping of the contour, the Touratech comfort seat has a reduced inner leg curve length so that the rider's feet reach the ground more easily although the seat height remains the same.
 
Seat cover with Fresh Touch technology
Through bonding the foam core and the seat cover over the entire surface, these two components are prevented from shifting independently. The result is wonderfully firm seating and optimum power transmission for precise handling. In addition, Fresh Touch technology reflects the infra-red part of sunlight, which results in up to 10 degrees less heat-up of the seat. Unlike other suppliers, Touratech has been using waterproof taped seams for more than 15 years, effectively preventing the penetration of water into the foam core.

Two-part concept with maximum compatibility
Riders opting for the Touratech comfort seat retain full use of the standard height adjustment.
And the Touratech developers have also given a lot of thought to the pillion seat. Here, too, a foam mixture is used that is particularly suitable for long stages. In addition, a modified contour effectively prevents the passenger from sliding forward, considerably increasing the comfort of riding with a partner.
The Touratech comfort seat for the Harley-Davidson Pan America is ideally used as a set, but the rider and pillion seat are also available separately and are compatible with standard components.
Further information can be found in our Webshop
 

Scouting with Ranger and Bronco
Ford is supporting ACT

Kürten, Germany, 08.03.2023 - With Ford, one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, Adventure Country Tracks e.V. (ACT) has gained a strong partner to support the association in maintaining legal off-road tracks in Europe. With its brand-new Ranger and Bronco models, Ford will provide valuable help in scouting the next track.

Off the beaten tourist track, experience the authentic spirit of a country and take as many unpaved tracks under your wheels as possible - this unique combination of riding fun and unadulterated impressions is made possible by the Adventure Country Tracks.
With Adventure Country Tracks e.V., a team of inveterate adventure riders has created a registered association with the goal of linking the last legally rideable gravel routes in Europe to attractive routes through selected regions. The GPS data and extensive travel information are available to all members of the association. The makers of Adventure Country Tracks e.V. need the support of strong partners for their responsible and time-consuming voluntary work.

Now, with Ford, a company that shares the passion for adventure and discovery is joining the association. "We share the same values when it comes to responsibly experiencing nature and culture, which the association advocates," explains Marc Bertelsbeck, Head of Advertising and Marketing Planning, Ford Germany.

In the current product range, Ford has two highly emotional, iconic vehicles, the Ranger as well as the Bronco, which perfectly fit the Adventurous spirit of ACT. With their high off-road capability, both the Ranger and Bronco are also ideally suited to the driving challenges of scouting new Adventure Country tracks. "Both vehicles will be newly launched in Europe this year, and with both we are supporting the ACT team's production this year. They are made exactly for this kind of adventure and represent the feeling of freedom and life that the ACT team brings to life through their work," says a delighted Marc Bertelsbeck.

Mirko Nagler, board member and co-founder of Adventure Country Tracks e.V., adds: "Thanks to the cooperation with Ford, we have two powerful vehicles at our disposal that can reliably transport the extensive photo and film equipment of our documentation team even over the most difficult stretches of road."

Nagler adds: "Besides the main sponsor Touratech, Yamaha, Harley-Davidson, SENA, NEXX, REV'IT!, Edelweiss Bike Travel and others support our project. Ford's commitment shows that ACT's experience-oriented target group is also highly attractive to companies outside the motorbike industry."

More about which part of Europe the upcoming Adventure Country Track will be ridden is only to be announced later this year.

About Ford

Ford-Werke GmbH is a German automobile manufacturer and mobility provider based in Cologne. The company employs around 19,800 people at its sites in Cologne, Saarlouis and Aachen. Since its foundation in 1925, Ford-Werke has produced more than 47 million vehicles.

About Adventure Country Tracks:

ACT Adventure Country Tracks® is an association for motorbike adventure riders that has been verifying a new ACT track in Europe every year since 2016. Each ACT track is carefully developed and includes the best, legal to ride routes for heavy adventure motorbikes. ACT tracks are GPS-readable routes that can be downloaded from the ACT website in the members' area.

Since 2016, the ACT has established tracks in Portugal, Italy, Pyrenees, Romania Greece and the UK. Each ACT route has an ACT film, which is made possible through the support of industry partners and makes an important contribution to the maintenance of the Association.