Former works Yamaha mechanic Ferry Brouwer has confirmed his support for the inaugural Classic TT Races due to be held in August 2013 by entering his world renowned Yamaha Classic Racing Team.

The YCRT will contest the 250cc, Formula 1 and Formula 2 Classic classes. Classic racing veteran, Manxman Allan Brew will lead the team, contesting the 250cc and the Formula 2 Classic TT Races. Allan, one of the most respected riders on the Classic racing scene in the UK and Ireland, has already stood on the podium at the Manx Grand Prix, taking third place in the 2008 Senior Classic MGP Race.

Three modern day TT competitors join Allan in the YCRT line up, all contesting the new Formula 1 Classic TT Race. Steve Mercer, winner of the 2009 TT Newcomers award, will ride a YEC spec 750cc OW01 machine, whilst fastest ever American to lap the TT Course, Mark Miller, will ride a replica of fellow Californian Eddie Lawson’s 1986 Daytona 200 winning 0U45 works machine. Former British 125cc Champion and up and coming TT star Daniel Cooper completes the line up and will delight fans when he rides the superb 0W45 (TZ500) Yamaha two stroke machine.

The Yamaha Classic Racing Team is a permanent fixture on the international classic motorcycle scene, regularly taking part in prestigious parade events with Dutchman Brouwer’s unique collection of exotic Yamaha machinery. Regular riders on the YCRT bikes include World Champions such as Phil Read, Giacomo Agostini, Steve Baker, Dieter Braun, Kel Carruthers, and Carlos Lavado as well as GP racers Svend Andersson and Jos Schurgers. However the inaugural Classic TT in 2013 will be the team's first competitive racing outing.

As well as their racing efforts, the YCRT also plan on running a full line up of parade machines and riders at the Classic TT, details of which will be announced at the upcoming Motorcycle Live event at the Birmingham NEC.

Speaking about his teams racing debut, YCRT owner Ferry Brouwer said:

“It has been my dream for many years to see my bikes being raced and there is nowhere other than the Classic TT Races and the TT Mountain Course that I would do this. We believe the plans that are being developed for this event will capture the hearts and minds of classic racing fans all around the world, and become the world’s biggest event for classic racing motorcycles. We are therefore proud to be part of these exciting plans and can’t wait to get to the Island next August.”

“I am delighted with the line up of riders we have been able to secure and I am sure Allan, Steve, Mark and Dan will do an excellent job in representing our team in our competitive racing debut. 8 times World Champion Phil Read will be joining us as an advisor to the team and I am sure his unrivalled experience will be invaluable to all of our riders.”

Trevor Hussey, Head of Motorsport, Isle of Man Government, commented:

"It is a real coup for the Classic TT races to have the commitment from this world renown team. Their participation gives the event real credibility in its first year and promises to be a great experience for classic racing fans."

Compass Expeditions is very excited to announce that they will be sponsoring the privateer team of SimonPAVEY.com/Delta Kunststoffe Husqvarna UK for the 2013 Dakar Rally.

Compass Expeditions has signed up as a sponsor with the privateer team of SimonPAVEY.com/Delta Kunststoffe Husqvarna UK. Simon Pavey will participate in his 9th Dakar with co rider Canadian Don Hatton.

“Its is a great thrill to be involved with Simon and the team in this way” says Mick McDonald, Compass Expeditions Co-founder, “it enables us to be somewhat involved in this iconic rally, Simons 9th, and to see the Compass Expeditions logo on the graphics of the bike makes it even more exciting” continues Mick.

Simon and the team will be producing a web based documentary; “Making Dakar is something that I’m really excited about. People are always asking me about the preparation for Dakar, the training, bike building, scrutineering and all the bits that the TV isn’t able to cover. It’s our way of giving something to Dakar fans that I think is being missed at the moment.” Says Simon Pavey

Simon will also be in Australia August 2013 for some off road training in the Flinders Ranges in conjunction with Compass Expeditions.

 For more information contact 1300 887 327 (within Australia) or +61 3 5368 2113 (outside Australia) [email protected] 

or visit www.compassexpeditions.com

Motorcycle Live is a nine-day motorcycling extravaganza that offers so much more than a display of the latest bikes. Aside from the nine FREE live features including seven opportunities to ride a bike**, there are also three themed zones to immerse yourself in…      

Cure itchy feet and plan an epic ride in the Escape Zone sponsored by Yamaha Super Ténéré, ogle at the weird and wonderful machines in the BSH/Streetfighters Custom Xtreme Zone and appreciate some old beauties in the Classic Zone in association with the Coventry Transport Museum. There is so much eye candy you won’t know where to begin!      

Plan your great escape   

The Escape Zone sponsored by Yamaha Super Ténéré is where visitors can find all the inspiration and equipment they need to plan the motorcycle trip of a lifetime. Crammed with companies offering everything from group tours to advice on planning a solo adventure, a trip to the Escape Zone will make sure your trip is memorable and your destination is unique.      

“Brilliant stuff!” – Ann Troath, 43, Llangullo      

“Loads of people to talk to about how to get started on planning a big trip. A great idea.” – Oliver Brodbin, 28, Godalming      

Admire an old classic   It’s not all about shiny new machines at Motorcycle Live, it’s about shiny old machines too! The Classic Zone in association with Coventry Transport Museum will bring a brand new look, new feel and new, old bikes. With an impressive collection of beautiful motorcycles that will have you remembering why you fell in love with bikes in the first place.      

“Brilliant range of classic bikes, perfect if you're interested in that kind of thing, or want to know more about where all that technology in your new ‘Blade came from!” – Michael Braybrook, 26, Coventry      

“Brings back great memories” – David Owen, 50, Coventry      

Take it to the Xtreme  

The Custom Xtreme Zone once again has the full support of Back Street Heroes and Streetfighters magazines. The 2012 display will be dedicated to custom motorcycles, hand-picked by the editorial teams. It is guaranteed to be a great opportunity to see some of the year’s best cover bikes up close and personal.      

“Awesome, awesome and more awesome!” – Rob Wilkes, 42, Weston Super Mare    

“There were some of the most amazing custom bikes I've seen here. Some of the paint jobs were gobsmacking”. – Al Croot, 33, Wolverhamton      

“I'm not normally fussed on streetfighters but these bikes are something else! Really have to be seen to be believed”. – Tim Teale, 33, Wilmslow      

Motorcycle Live 2012 runs from Saturday 24 November to Sunday 2 December at The NEC, Birmingham. Advance tickets for Motorcycle Live 2012 cost just £16 per adult, £10 for seniors and £6 per child*. To book your tickets, call 0844 581 2345 or visit

www.motorcyclelive.co.uk

The IAM is calling on the government to redesign crash barriers to make them more motorcycle-friendly, as new research from Sweden shows that modern crash barriers actually provide no safety benefits whatsoever to motorcyclists.  

Modern crash barriers are designed to save the lives of drivers, but amongst motorcyclists, hitting a crash barrier is a factor in eight to sixteen per cent of fatal accidents, according to an IAM-sponsored study. Riders are fifteen times more likely to die after hitting a barrier than car occupants.  

Britain’s current barriers protect car occupants by redirecting the car away from the barrier and slowing it down over a short distance. The car’s body, seat belts and air bags also help to minimise injury. For motorcyclists, there is no such protection, leaving the rider’s body to take the full impact, resulting in serious injury or death.   Two-thirds of all collisions between motorcyclists and crash barriers which result in death or serious injury include the rider either falling over or sliding under the crash barrier. Adding a shield to the barrier to prevent the rider from sliding underneath and colliding with support posts would reduce fatalities by up to a third. Crash barrier support posts can worsen the injuries of motorcyclists involved in an accident by five times.  

IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “Our crash barriers are designed with cars in mind, but they can cause more harm than good for motorcyclists. Modifications are happening across Europe as governments recognise exactly how dangerous they are. Last year deaths and injuries of motorcyclists increased in the UK4, so we must do more to protect them.  Adding extra protection the barrier so that the posts aren’t exposed is a simple and cost-effective way to save lives.”

www.iam.org.uk

THE BIKER GUIDE are delighted that the 2nd edition of the booklet is now available!

We have worked on this publication for many months of 2012, to prepare and finalise the design and layout, include new sections, content and information.

It is to be distributed during the autumn, winter and early 2013 months at shows, events, biker friendly cafes and meeting places and via the website… In fact we have already had many enquiries from those who had the 1st edition of the booklet asking for the 2nd edition!

Our main aim is to produce a high quality printed publication, organised into an easy to use format, great to take and keep on a Motorcycle.

We have every faith that it will continue to be as popular as our website, as it has fast become a much wanted, used and kept item for any Biker, especially when out on the road.

THE BIKER GUIDE would like to take this opportunity to thank you all those who contributed to the 2nd edition.

Get it free now - just the p&p to pay for.