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Category: Other
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- Check your bike’s battery is fully charged
- Half of all bike breakdowns are due to non-start or cut-out issues
- Mechanical issues cause a third of breakdowns
The motorcycling season is kick-starting and riders need to make essential checks to avoid common breakdown issues, says leading provider Start Rescue.
“Our data shows that half of all motorcycle breakdowns are due to the engine not starting or cutting out,” says Lee Puffett, Managing Director of Start Rescue. “Non-start issues, such as a flat battery, account for 34% of call-outs, while a cut-out where the engine stops unexpectedly make up 16% of calls. That’s why it’s vital to keep your bike’s battery properly charged or replace it when necessary.”
A further 30% of motorcycle call-outs are due to: general mechanical faults (13%), gearbox and clutch issues (11%), and problems with the chain (6%). Other issues can be caused by tyres and fuel systems that have degraded while the bike has been stored over winter.
Most motorcycle breakdowns happen within a short distance from home, which is why Start Rescue motorcycle cover includes Local Recovery up to 10 miles and most policies include National Recovery too.
Lee Puffett adds: “Our dedicated motorcycle cover is among the most affordable on the market. As well as motorcycles, we also cover scooters and mopeds, and our operatives have the correct equipment to repair or transport your treasured motorcycle.
“We are the quickest to respond to a breakdown and reach 77% of call-outs within 30 minutes to an hour. You can also take out personal cover if you’re riding pillion, so you are still protected in the event of a breakdown.”
Start Rescue has just been named Your Money’s Best Breakdown Provider 2024 and the judges commented: “This shows you can win if you provide outstanding customer service, appealing products, and cater for Brits on a budget.”
Start Rescue has a 4.4-star rating on Trustpilot, a five-star Defaqto* rating and has achieved Which? Recommended Provider status for five years running. Start Rescue has also been awarded best Breakdown Cover provider in the Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards 2024 (www.finder.com), scoring 4.9 out of 5 for overall satisfaction with a 94% recommendation rate.
In the What Car? Survey of Best Breakdown Cover Start Rescue come top for best response time, reaching 77% of call-outs in 30 minutes to an hour and didn’t leave anyone waiting for more than two hours. Start Rescue also won best in the survey for performing temporary repairs that let people continue with their journeys.
Launched in 2009, Start Rescue is an integral part of the nation’s fourth largest breakdown and recovery service, Call Assist, which now has more than two million UK customers.
For further breakdown advice, please visit startrescue.co.uk
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We are delighted to announce the results of the National Motorcycle Museum’s winter raffle to win a brand new/old stock Triumph TSX 750cc motorcycle.
The winning tickets were drawn on stage by genius engineer Allen Millyard on Sunday 21st April 2024 at The International Classic Motorcycle Show, Stafford.
1st Prize:
1983 TRIUMPH TSX 750cc MOTORCYCLE.
Once in a lifetime chance to win a brand new/old stock Triumph TSX 750cc motorcycle showing just 13 push miles which has never been run or registered.
Winner: Ms Kelly Norrington, London. Ticket No.5183922.
2nd Prize:
SEALEY TOOLS/NMM VOUCHER FOR £1500.00 (RETAIL VALUE)
Any Sealey tool products to the retail value of £1500.00 to be purchased via The National Motorcycle Museum shop.
Winner: Mr Tom Brookes, Lincoln. Ticket No.1059441.
3rd Prize:
SEALEY TOOLS “PATRIOT” ROLL CAB TOOL CABINET (RRP £719.95)
Winner’s choice of one of five flag designs including-Union Jack, George Cross, Scotland, Wales & Ireland.
Winner: Mr Philip Northway, Southampton. Ticket No.5184007.
APRIL 2024-OCTOBER 2024 NMM SUMMER RAFFLE.
Following on from our winter raffle draw results, The National Motorcycle Museum is pleased to announce details of our summer 2024 raffle, giving you a chance to win a genuine BSA Rocket Gold Star 650cc motorcycle which has been restored by The National Motorcycle Museum.!
1st Prize:
1962 BSA ROCKET GOLD STAR 650cc MOTORCYCLE.
Win a genuine BSA
2nd Prize:
SEALEY TOOLS/NMM VOUCHER FOR £1500.00 (RETAIL VALUE)
Any Sealey tool products to the retail value of £1500.00 to be purchased via The National Motorcycle Museum shop.
3rd Prize:
SEALEY TOOLS “PATRIOT” ROLL CAB TOOL CABINET (RRP £719.95)
Winner’s choice of one of five flag designs including-Union Jack, George Cross, Scotland, Wales & Ireland.
The draw for the winter raffle will take place on Sunday 27th October 2024 at our National Motorcycle Museum LIVE event.
Tickets cost £2 each & will be distributed during May/June 2024 via subscription copies of the specialist press. Tickets may also be purchased on-line by visiting www.thenmm.co.uk
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- Third Salon Privé London a celebrated success at Royal Hospital Chelsea with over 18,000 visitors welcomed over three days
- Exclusive world record largest-ever gathering of Aston Martin Valkyrie witnessed by VIP guests including Red Bull Racing’s Adrian Newey
- Special themed days celebrated 50 years of the Porsche 911 Turbo, Magnificent McLarens and Supercar Saturday
- Breathtaking 1930 Bentley Speed Six wins Prix d’Honneur award
- 1972 BMW E9 3.0 CSL, 1983 Lamborghini Countach 5000S and Vintage Bentley’s 1930 Speed Six named Class winners
- 1990 Ferrari F40 GT named People’s Choice and 1966 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Touring Limousine by James Young named Pensioner’s Choice
- Focus now moves to Salon Privé Concours at Blenheim Palace on 28-31 August 2024. Tickets available at https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/
The third Salon Privé London event has wrapped up at the Royal Hospital Chelsea with more than 18,000 visitors attending over the three days, with celebrity guests, blue-riband manufacturer displays, plus an unmissable gathering of the world’s finest cars and luxury brands –many of which were exhibiting cars for the first time at the exclusive season-opening event.
The world’s leading luxury car brands were out in force. Aston Martin returned for the third consecutive year, with a fantastic line-up of cars. Guests had one of the first opportunities in the world to inspect the new Aston Martin Vantage, which has new looks, all-new interior and a spectacular increase in power to an incredible 656bhp.
For those seeking a luxury British alternative, the new Rolls-Royce Spectre showed off the firm’s famed elegance in combination with an all-electric drivetrain and a range of almost 330 miles for serene long-distance grand touring.
The new Polestar 4 electric SUV made its public event debut at Salon Privé London ahead of the first cars arriving in the UK later this year. It combines sports car performance and dynamics with SUV practicality and a range of well over 300 miles. It also, uniquely, has no rear window, aiding its distinctive design.
JLR presented the new Range Rover P615 SV, combining a 615bhp V8 engine with beautiful exterior and interior. It attracted plenty of interest from Salon Privé London guests – as did fellow British brand Lotus’ new Eletre hyper-SUV. The firm, which recently celebrated record sales, also showed the agile new Emira V6 sports car.
The MG brand is 100 years old in 2024 and Salon Privé London saw it showcase its exciting new Cyberster electric two-seat roadster, just weeks before full UK pricing is announced. The spiritual successor to the classic MGB Roadster, the new MG Cyberster has up to 536bhp for 0-62mph performance in just 3.2 seconds. The distinctive powered scissor doors proved to be a draw at Royal Hospital Chelsea, too.
Porsche marked 50 years of the 911 Turbo by displaying the latest ultra-powerful model, alongside a modern evolution of the turbo brand – the new Porsche Taycan Turbo. Maserati won the hearts of Salon Privé London guests with its stunning new MC20 Cielo open-top supercar, which was complemented by a new Grecale SUV and GranTurismo GT – itself celebrating 75 years.
Koenigsegg UK / SuperVettura, the official UK retail partner of the famed Swedish supercar maker, presented the Jesko for the first time in the UK. Described as the ultimate track weapon, it has a 5.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine that produces 1,280hp on pump fuel – or 1,600hp on E85 biofuel. It was joined by the amazing Koenigsegg Regera and Agera.
German luxury brand BRABUS, famed for its bold designs and bruising performance, was also at Salon Privé London, thanks to the firm’s official UK partner, Top Cars of Sheffield. It presented the UK launch of the new BRABUS Range Rover, based on the P615 SV model and boasting both a carbon fibre aero package and a bespoke hand-crafted diamond leather interior. This was a genuine world debut – with the car finished just the day before Salon Privé London 2024.
Other manufacturer highlights included Jensen International Automotive’s clever fully-electric Chieftain, an EV restoration of a Range Rover Classic. Thornton Hundred Motorcycles displayed the Wide Wheel Triumph Bobber, based around a modern Bonneville Bobber, and Krazy Horse showed both the new CCM Heritage 71 motorcycle, along with the Microlino – a reborn bubble car with ultra-stylish design and a city EV range of over 140 miles. It’s so compact, it can cross-park to the kerb, so its two occupants can exit onto the pavement.
A great opening day attraction saw 50 years of the Porsche 911 Turbo marked in crowd-pulling stye with a showcase of 50 Porsche 911 Turbos from through the years. The first display of its kind in the UK this year, the line-up including some ultra-rare models, including the star of the show, a Porsche 911 964 Turbo S Leichtbau, the first-ever lightweight Turbo built by Porsche, and one of only 11 in right-hand drive.
A world record line-up of 14 Aston Martin Valkyrie ensured Friday at Salon Privé London was one to remember. The largest ever gathering of the Aston Martin Valkyrie, which was designed in partnership with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, made for a memorable photoshoot – particularly as Red Bull Racing genius and 2024 World Car Person of the Year Adrian Newey, the man who inspired the car, was in attendance.
Complementing the headline-grabbing Aston Martin Valkyrie showcase were two Aston Martin One-77, an Aston Martin Vulcan, and an Aston Martin V12 Speedster. The breathtaking display was organised by the AMV Owners Club in partnership with Salon Privé.
Magnificent McLarens showcased the very best of the famed British brand with more than 30 models on display. The collection included a lightweight McLaren Elva, the iconic McLaren 675LT, the bombastic McLaren 720S and its latest hybrid supercar, the McLaren Artura.
On Saturday, Salon Privé London welcomed the exclusive SCC Private Members Supercar Club, which presented a jaw-dropping display of 50 incredible motors to make the family-focused Supercar Saturday one to remember this year. The supercars included a Porsche 918 Spyder, McLaren Senna, Ferrari F12 tdf, Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS and a Koenigsegg CCR.
This year’s Concours de Vente, the world’s only concours event where every entry is for sale, saw more than 50 cars displayed on the pristine Royal Hospital Chelsea lawn. The Prix d’Honneur winner was a 1930 Bentley Speed Six from Vintage Bentley, one of only two close couple coupés and the only surviving example, delivered new to Viscount Mandeville the 10th Duke of Manchester, and then part of the Medcalf family for over 40 years. The meticulous restoration was to the exact standard of the Bentley factory and has set a new benchmark for restorations today. The exceedingly storied car formed part of Vintage Bentley’s incredible Ultimate Collection of five of the most historically significant Bentleys ever made. The crowd-pleasing Bentley also scooped the Class 3 winner for cars costing over £1 million, with a 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT from Dylan Miles taking the runners-up prize.
The Class 1 winner, for cars up to £250,000, was a 1972 BWM E9 3.0 CSL from The Octane Collection. A superb and period-correct car, it came fresh from a painstaking four-year restoration. A 1955 Jaguar XK140 Drophead from Joe Macari was runner-up.
The Class 2 winner, for cars between £250,000 and £1 million, was a 1983 Lamborghini Countach 5000S from Furlonger Specialist Cars. With just 1,780 miles on the clock, this stunning black model formed part of the ‘Yin and Yang’ line up with a sister Countach in white. Runner-up was a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda from Hemmels.
A 1990 Ferrari F40 GT from Joe Macari was named the People’s Choice winner, while P & A Wood’s 1966 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Touring Limousine by James Young was the Pensioner’s Trophy winner. Remarkably, the three Chelsea Pensioners who formed the judging team were in the back of the car for the parade before P & A Wood knew they’d won!
Director David Bagley said: “With the spring sun shining and our guests out in force, this year’s Salon Privé London was another incredible success. We had three days packed full of amazing cars, once-in-a-lifetime attractions and even a world record Aston Martin Valkyrie gathering, all of course complemented by the finest in luxury and fine dining. Our season-opening event is one now firmly on the London events calendar, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store for our landmark garden party at Royal Hospital Chelsea.”
Attention now turns to the Salon Privé Concours at Blenheim Palace. Now in its 19th year, the globally renowned classic is a second-to-none experience, and this year is held from 28-31 August at Britain’s greatest palace.
Meanwhile it has been confirmed Salon Privé London will return to Royal Hospital Chelsea on 10-12 April 2025.
Watch the event highlights on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/salonpriveuk
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Riding a motorcycle is not just about the thrill or the speed; it's a lifestyle, especially for students who find it a convenient and affordable transportation. However, this two-wheeled beast needs regular care to keep running smoothly and ensure your safety on the road. Here are seven essential maintenance tips that every motorcycle student should follow. Remember, these tips are not just about keeping your ride in top shape but also about saving money and avoiding unexpected breakdowns. 
1. Regularly Check Your Tyres
Your motorcycle's tyres are the only point of contact with the road, making them critical to your safety. Ensuring they are in good condition involves more than just a glance. Ensure your tyres are in good condition before each ride - spend ample time on their maintenance. If you lack the time to do this properly, you can carve some extra hours from your busy schedule by hiring a college essay writing service to write some of your college essays. This way, you can prioritize safety without jeopardizing your grades. Here’s what you should do to ensure your tyres are always in pristine condition:
â— Check the tyre pressure regularly - incorrect pressure affects handling and fuel efficiency.
â— Inspect for wear and tear - look for any signs of cracking, cuts, or embedded objects.
â— Monitor tread depth - low tread depth means less grip on the road, especially in wet conditions.
â— If you notice uneven wear, rotate your tyres. This simple step can significantly extend the life of your tyres.
2. Stay on Top of Oil Changes
The engine is the heart of your motorcycle, and oil is its lifeblood. Regular oil changes are crucial for the longevity and efficiency of your engine.
â— Use the right type of oil recommended by your motorcycle manufacturer.
â— Check the oil level frequently and top it up if it's low.
â— Change the oil and filter according to your motorcycle's maintenance schedule, usually every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
â— Ignoring oil changes can lead to engine wear and tear, affecting performance and possibly leading to expensive repairs.
3. Keep the Chain in Check
The chain is what transfers power from your engine to the rear wheel. A well-maintained chain ensures your motorcycle is performing efficiently.
â— Clean and lubricate the chain regularly to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
â— Check the chain's tension; an overly tight or loose chain can cause issues.
â— Inspect for wear and replace if necessary. A worn chain can snap, leading to dangerous situations.
4. Brakes Are Your Best Friend
Never underestimate the power of well-maintained brakes. Your life depends on them!
â— Check the brake pads and discs for wear. If they are worn beyond the recommended level, replace them.
â— Ensure brake fluid is at the correct level and replace it at intervals suggested by the manufacturer.
â— If you notice a spongy feel to the brake lever or pedal, bleed the brakes. This removes air bubbles from the brake lines, ensuring effective braking.
5. Battery Maintenance Is Key
A dead battery can leave you stranded. Battery maintenance is often overlooked but is simple to manage.
â— Keep the battery terminals clean to ensure a good connection.
â— Check the battery level and top up with distilled water if it's a non-sealed type.
â— Regularly charge the battery, especially if you don't ride your motorcycle often, to keep it from dying prematurely.
6. Pay Attention to the Lights and Electricals Lights and electricals are essential for motorcycle safety and legal reasons. They ensure you are visible to other road users and can see where you're going.
â— Regularly check all lights - headlights, brake lights, turn signals - for functionality.
â— Inspect wiring for any wear or damage and repair or replace as necessary.
â— Replace bulbs with the correct type and wattage as specified by your motorcycle's manufacturer.
7. Keep It Clean
Lastly, keeping your motorcycle clean is not just about aesthetics; it's about longevity.
â— Wash your motorcycle regularly to remove dirt and grime that can cause corrosion.
â— During the cleaning process, check for any leaks or damage, as this is a good time to spot issues.
â— Apply a protective coating to the paint, chrome, and metal parts to protect against the elements.
In Conclusion
These seven essential maintenance tips will ensure your motorcycle remains reliable, safe, and enjoyable. Remember, regular maintenance saves money in the long run by preventing major repairs and ensures your safety and the safety of others on the road. So, take the time to care for your two-wheeled companion; it will surely pay off.
Author: Mary Herd
Mary Herd combines her passion for storytelling with her love for the open road. As an article writer, she brings to life the joys and challenges of motorcycle culture, sharing insights from years of riding. Mary's work is fueled by her belief in the power of adventure and the freedom found on two wheels.
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With increasing popularity in recent years, e-bikes have dominated all kinds of urban commuting, recreational cycling, and even professional sports. The mixture of environmental consciousness, technological growth, and health benefits has somehow helped maneuver these electric-powered bicycles toward betterment. But with so many options available, it is imperative to look for a suitable e-bike that best suits individual specifications. Considerations of location, utilization, motor strength, and battery capacity, coupled with preferences regarding appearance, all play a pivotal role in ensuring an optimal riding experience. This enhances comfort and performance, which together maximize the enjoyment and utility of this transformative mode of transportation.
Understanding E-Bikes 
An e-bike is a kind of bicycle with an electric motor that does propulsion along with human power. Depending on the model and the user's settings, e-bikes can provide varying levels of pedal assistance or even fully electric propulsion, in contrast to conventional bicycles that are entirely human-powered. They usually have a rechargeable battery powering the motor, which is controlled through a handlebar-mounted display or control panel. E-bikes come in different varieties designed for different functions and terrains, such as commuter e-bikes purposely suited for city touring, mountain e-bikes built for off-road adventures, and so on. Each type is constructed with specific elements and features to cater to the needs and likes of various riders in diverse cycling environments.
Purpose
When it comes to assessing your needs for an e-bike, one should identify the primary purpose of the bicycle—be it commuting, leisure rides, fitness, or any other reason. Considerations should encompass the distance one usually covers and the terrain he or she would be traversing regularly, the desired speed, and the required carrying capacity for any baggage or passengers. For commuting, things like reliability, comfort, and storage options could be deemed important, while leisure riders may find comfort, maneuverability, and battery life more important for longer trips. For fitness, higher levels of pedal assist may be a priority, as well as a more lightweight design for improved performance.
Budget
While figuring out a budget for purchasing an e-bike, try to balance affordability with quality. Find out what usage you intend for and what investment in an e-bike that satisfies your needs and preferences would cost you. E-bike prices can be quite variable, from the expensive to the inexpensive. Basically, the lower-priced e-bikes, due to using materials of lower quality, can sometimes cut down on advanced functionalities, leading to underperformance, lifespan, and comfort. On the other hand, pricier e-bikes generally entail better construction, powerful motors, longer battery life, better suspension, and additional features such as built-in lights, mounting points, or digital displays. While opting for the cheapest option may be tempting, a higher-quality e-bike investment could yield reliability, performance, and satisfaction in the long run. Ultimately, carrying out research, test-riding different models, and placing essential features within your budget will work out best for e-bike purchases.
Brands and Models
Several reputable manufacturers, as well as offering reliable systems and high-performance electric motors, partner in some form or another with other companies to create e-bikes that are popular for their ability to withstand the challenges of tough terrain and be powerful. A strong brand in the industry is GRUNDIG, well recognized for its advanced technological innovation and designs, providing one of the best e-bikes for street cruisers. This company is one of the best e-bike manufacturers out there, and the GRUNDIG GCB-1 E-Bike is currently one of their best products and is a good choice for you when you want to roam the busy streets of a city.
Considering various factors, such as motor strength, battery capacity, range of rides, overall quality, comfort features, and reviews from other customers, when seeking popular e-bike models within your budget can guide your selection process. When seeking the ideal e-bike for your cycling pursuits, it is advisable to delve deeper into the different brands and models, taking into account your preferences and requirements.
Maintenance and Support
You should also consider evaluating the manufacturer or retailer's after-sales support, warranties covering all incidents, and whether it is possible to purchase parts when needed. The e-bike needs to be washed, oiled, and checked frequently for it to perform well and last a long time. Other techniques to promote a longer battery life include proper battery care and maintenance. Although an e-bike may need more maintenance than a traditional bike, planning for those expenditures can assure consistent pleasure and dependability over time, maximizing the value of your investment.
Conclusion
Summing it all up, the right e-bike for an individual may vary and will depend on his or her experience with it. Selecting the right e-bike is based on the intended purpose, terrain, specific features, and budget. Whatever your reason for riding, whether it's commuting, leisure, or fitness, investing in a good e-bike fitted for your lifestyle is sure to make you feel comfortable, perform better, and feel satisfied. So, for those thinking of commencing their e-bike journey, go ahead and do so with confidence, for it will take only the right e-bike that will give a satisfying experience.
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