Biker News - Regularly updated

Welcome to our News section, where articles are listed below and if relevant within the categories on the right, just to make it easier for you to find what you wish to read...

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  1. The history of Ducati on DVD

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    Revealed for the first time on DVD, the incredible history of Ducati told with rare movie footage, pictures and interviews from its creation in 1926 to the 2007 MotoGP World Championship title.

    In close collaboration with "Strike Video" of Milan, Ducati worked with director, Angelo Barberi, to achieve the most complete and compelling account of their incredible heritage, and with so much exclusive material released for the very first time, the captivating ninety-minute movie reveals a fast-moving and exciting story.

    From the innovative Ducati brothers and the birth of the "Cucciolo" to the unforgettable engineer Taglioni and the Desmodromic system. From victory in the Imola 200 to the production of the Scrambler and from Superbike dominance to debut in MotoGP, witnesses recount their personal experiences of a journey that is the story of a company, a view of Italian social history and the passion and genius that created the Ducati engines destined to write the history of motorcycling.

    "This is a new way to tell the story," Livio Lodi, curator of the Ducati Museum, proudly explains. "As if leafing through an old photo album or speaking with a wise, old relative, the story becomes a fascinating view not only of Ducati’s, but also of Italy’s history. For me, it is vitally important that we share this story with Ducati fans around the world."

    "Ducati – The Story" is available on DVD from Ducati Stores world-wide from July 2010 onwards.

  2. New Government Statistics Show Motorcycle Safety Improving

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    New statistics released by the Government show that as the number of motorcycle miles travelled has increased the number of casualties and fatalities has actually fallen, indicating that more miles travelled does not mean more accidents. (1)

    This has been the ongoing trend since around 2002, when the link was broken between the year on year number of motorcycles in use compared to the number of casualties per annum. The figures show that motorcycle traffic rose by 2 per cent but the number of motorcycle casualties was 4 percent lower than in 2008. The number reported as seriously injured fell by 4 per cent to 5,350 and there were 472 motorcycle user fatalities in 2009, which was also 4 per cent lower than during 2008.

    Improving motorcycle safety has always been an important part of the industry's agenda and the MCI works closely with the Government and other relevant bodies in the motorcycle community to find ways to improve safety in a number of ways.

    The Police BikeSafe scheme; intelligent enforcement, engineering improvements and the commitment from trainers to improving standards, have all contributed to a safer motorcycling environment. 
     
    Steve Kenward, CEO of the MCI, said, "Although there is still a strong concern about the number of motorcycle casualties, the fact remains that year after year motorcycling continues to get safer in terms of the likelihood of having an accident. The reported fall in motorcycle fatalities during 2009 is welcome, but we can not be complacent about this - there are simply far too many people dying in accidents -  and we still have much more work to do. The MCI and the rest of the motorcycle community will continue to work hard to improve safety and ensure that we get full Government support for a more rounded approach to road-user safety. The full integration of motorcycles into mainstream transport policy and local transport plans, which the Government is now backing, can only help maintain and improve on this reduction in casualties and needs to be a key priority along with improvements to rider training delivery and participation."
     
    1) Transport Statistics Bulletin - Reported Road Casualties Great Britain Main Results: 2009  - Department of Transport

  3. BRITISH BIKE BUSINESSES BOOST UK ECONOMY

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    British successes abound in the motorcycle industry and contribute to sales estimated at £5.2 billion. (1)

    UK based motorcycle manufacturers and component manufacturers are investing heavily in Research & Development (R&D) and innovation driving the future of the industry. 

    The UK motorcycle industry already generates significant revenue from exports at £370 million per annum.

    An economic survey conducted on behalf of the Motorcycle Industry Association highlights that the British motorcycle industry includes many high-value, innovative businesses that together make an important contribution to economic development of UK PLC with products that are exported around the world. 

    The British companies, among others, at the forefront of innovation and export are Triumph, Motorcycle Management Ltd, Davida, Forcefield Body Armour and Scion Sprays with others involved in a range of diverse and interesting projects. Manufacturers - Triumph has increased its turnover by almost 300% over the last ten years and exports more than 80% of its finished motorcycles.

    Norton, with a long history of producing hand-built quality motorcycles continues to produce bespoke orders of high value, high performance motorcycles, for both road and racing. Motorcycle Technology - Harris Performance Products are involved with the major Japanese manufacturers and race teams designing, developing and manufacturing new products that will deliver results on the track or in off-road sport disciplines.

    Alternative Powered Motorcycles - Intelligent Energy of Loughborough University is working with Suzuki to develop hydrogen powered motorcycles, while the UK is also driving the development of electric race bikes and has established the eGrandPrix championship.

    Motorcycle Safety - The industry is working to improve the safety of motorcyclists and other road users, through the delivery of training (e.g. California Superbike School) and safety developments relating to helmets (e.g. Davida) and motorcycle clothing (e.g. Forcefield Body Armour and Frank Thomas)

    Advance Engineering - Companies are developing advanced engineering capabilities and expertise in the UK. e.g. Scion Sprays' fuel injection and engine management technologies to improve performance and deliver economic and environmental benefits.

    Steve Kenward CEO of the MCI commented, " British companies have a integral role in the motorcycle industry. Along with the overseas manufacturers who sell their products to UK customers, the UK industry provides a valuable economic contribution to UK PLC. British companies are providing a comprehensive and important range of products and services including motorcycles, safety products, technological advancements motorcycle events, touring and adventure holidays and training and safety developments. It is vital the government and the British people recognise the importance of the UK motorcycle industry to the UK economy and provide the necessary support to ensure that all these businesses continue to flourish."
     
    1) GHK survey  - The Economic Significance of the UK Motor Cycle Industry - The Motor Cycle Industry Association - Published 2010

  4. Ace Cafe London are hosting the launch of Sam Manicom's latest adventure motorcycle travel book, 'Tortillas to Totems'.

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    This enthralling tale, Sam's fourth book, takes you on a gripping rollercoaster of a two-wheeled journey across the dramatic landscapes of Mexico, the USA and Canada. Tortillas to Totems has more twists than a Rocky Mountain pass and more surprises than anyone would expect in a lifetime.

    There are canyons, cowboys, idyllic beaches, bears, mountains, Californian vineyards, gun-toting policemen with grudges, glaciers, exploding volcanoes, dodgy border crossings and some of the most stunning open roads that a traveller could ever wish to see.

    Sam will be book signing from 12pm until 4pm on Saturday 18th September.  There'll be rock music from the fabulous Steve McGill, celebs, t-shirts, and of course travel books!   Look out too for the raffle in aid of Motorcycle Outreach. Take to opportunity to check out Avon Tyres and Metal Mule gear. You'll also have the chance to talk to photography specialists from Robert White Photographic. Robert White is the sponsor of the launch and the team are hugely knowledgeable about your needs as motorcycling photographers.

  5. THUNDER RALLY updates

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    Registration will remain open up to and including day ticket passes to the event, for a full line-up of all attractions and performing artists please see below.

    We are going to open the raffle on-line with ticket sales commencing on Saturday 12th June 2010, the online raffle will be removed from web sale at 12'0'clock midday on Thursday 24th June. Raffle tickets can then be purchased at Thunder Rally from 12'0'clock midday on the 25th until 6pm on the 26th. The raffle will be drawn on the main stage..

    For confirmation the first prize in the raffle will be a brand new Harley Davidson SPORTSTER XL883 LOW. The machine will be delivered in black for collection from the Afghan Heroes offices, in the Autumn of 2010. The winner is responsible for the purchase of the road-fund license and first registration fee.

    This is a very special prize and the cut off times and dates will be strictly adhered to for complete transparency. You will be purchasing tickets for the Saturday evening draw, which will be drawn by a third party without any reference to the charity or its events management team. Unfortunately, no member of the Afghan Heroes team or its event team will be allowed to purchase a ticket. This limitation is imposed on Trustees and the Management of the Thunder Rally. This does not apply to Marshalls, Security or any other person involved with the running of the Thunder Rally, just the organisers.

    Click here today and purchase your tickets at £10 each, all profits will go to Afghan Heroes.
     
    THUNDER RALLY EVENT INFORMATION
    1. Entry wrist bands will be posted on Monday 21st June 2010
    2. All merchandise ordered up to the 31st May will be despatched with the wrist bands
    3. Any merchandise ordered in June will be available for collection at Thunder Rally
    4. You are respectfully reminded that access to the racing surface is prohibited at all times, enter and you will be asked to leave the event permanently.
    5. Gates will open at 12'0'Clock (midday) on the 25th June

    THUNDER RALLY LINE-UP - FRIDAY 25TH JUNE

    From 17:00
     
    The Parachute Regiment Parachute Display Team (opening Event and Main Stage)
    Just Supposin
    Head Stagger
    Wally The Jug
    Dementia
    Matt Shaw
     
    THUNDER RALLY LINE-UP - SATURDAY 26TH JUNE
    12.55 - 13.00
    14.00
    15.00    		 Battle of Britain Fly Past
    Tigers (Junior Motorcycle Display Team)
    The White Helmets
    Hot for Teacher
    Grinder Girls
    The Other Half
    Guns or Roses
    90% Proof
    The Cheap Suits
    Frixton
    Lime Shark
    Hells Bells
    The Jug Band
    Yellow Brick Road

     

    GENERAL ATTRACTIONS

    Over and above the main stage, the following will be available for your overall entertainment and enjoyment: -

    • Stall Holders and Motorcycle Retailers
    • Funfair
    • The Army Rally Car
    • Sale of Raffle ticket (Until 18.00 on Saturday 26th June)
    • Sale of Afghan Heroes Merchandise

    10,000 BOXES THAT SAY THANKS

    Afghan Heroes has delivered on its first strategic mission. We can confirm that 10,000 boxes have arrived in Afghanistan in time for distribution to all forces on or before the 26th June 2010 (Armed Forces Day).

    Founder Denise Harris has commented that the completion of our first key mission provides a fantastic morale boost for our forces and proves that we as a nation care passionately about our Troops.

    Full Story

    A group of volunteers spent the weekend packing 10,000 "home comfort" boxes that will now be delivered as a "thank you" to all British service personnel in Afghanistan. The specially-produced ammo-style boxes contain DVD's, Memory Sticks, lip balm, shower gel, Haribo Sweets, toothpaste, puzzle books and other items to remind soldiers of home. They have now been handed over to the Ministry of Defence which will deliver them to the front line as part of Armed Forces Day on June 26.

    Around 150 volunteers from children to pensioners, army cadets and members of the military from all over the UK, gave up their time over the weekend to pack the boxes at a building donated for the purpose by the Bath and West Showground in Somerset.