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.

Following the success of our weekend event in 2022, National Motorcycle Museum LIVE continues in October 2023 as a two-day event! As always, this is the time when everyone can visit us free of charge* and enjoy a host of exciting free attractions including the return of the popular HENRY COLE AND FRIENDS live on stage.

*Car parking charges apply.

Museum Live 2023 Timetable: To assist visitors, everyone arriving on site will be given a free timetable with a full list & timings of all the weekend’s exciting, free, events.

Free Museum Entry: Everyone is invited to visit the museum collection free-of-charge!

Indoor Trade Area: The event will feature a large indoor trade area held within the warm & dry surroundings of both the National Motorcycle Museum and our conference facilities.

The event will also feature trade stands & displays from many well-known names including Central Wheel Components Ltd, Sealey Tools, H&H Auctions, and Andy Tiernan Motorcycles to name but a few.

The museum shop will be open throughout the event selling a huge range of classic motorcycling books, clothing & memorabilia.

‘Meet The Experts’ presented in association with Central Wheel Components Ltd: In attendance will be some of the museum’s specialist suppliers & craftsmen (including our own restoration team) as well as other classic motorcycling personalities who will be available to chat and answer questions.

Don’t miss the LIVE wheel building demos by Central Wheel Components Ltd.

“HENRY COLE AND FRIENDS” LIVE Stage shows: We are very excited to confirm that Museum LIVE is now the exclusive event to see Henry Cole and Friends live on stage.

“HENRY COLE & FRIENDS” will feature popular personalities from Henry’s TV shows including Henry Cole himself as well as Allen Millyard and new addition Fuzz Townsend. Not only that, but we are also excited to welcome the following motorcycle racing stars who will join Henry and the crew on stage during both Sat & Sun.

SATURDAY: TT superstars John McGuinness and Michael Rutter.

SUNDAY: OMG Racing’s Kyle Ryde, Ryan Vickers and James Hillier

Held in the museum’s magnificent Britannia suite, TT legend, TV presenter, STEVE PLATER will host these brilliant FREE TO ENTER stage shows which will be taking place on both Saturday AND Sunday of the event

ALL of Henry’s guests will be holding special book/memorabilia/autograph signing sessions during the weekend.

Other motorcycling personalities from the past and present will also be in attendance, check the dedicated event page for updates @ www.thenmm.co.uk

Manufacturers In Attendance: Offering the chance to view the latest machines from BSA, Triumph, Royal Enfield, and Langen.

LIVE indoor “Start Up” Feature: See & HEAR some of the most famous race machines in the world started up in our LIVE start-up feature which will take place on stage in the museum’s Britannia Suite.

Bikes old and new will include some of the museum’s famous racing inventory as well as the current team bikes from British Superbike Champions OMG Racing.

Back again for 2023, genius special builder ALLEN MILLYARD will be firing up one of his stunning motorcycle creations.

Food Court & Bar: Fantastic catering provided by the museum’s chefs will be available in our Premier Suite food court & bar area. Our famous breakfast BBQ will also be available from 8.30am onwards.

Parking*: Car parking for the event is just £15.00 per car with motorcycle parking absolutely free. Given the event’s huge popularity, the museum encourages car sharing which makes this nominal parking charge even better value!

For further Museum Live 2023 updates visit www.thenmm.co.uk

Visitors to Motorcycle Live in association with Bikesure Insurance, have once again voted for their winners in the following categories:  ‘Best Manufacturer Stand’, 'Manufacturer giving the best Customer Experience’ and ‘Non-Manufacturer giving the best Customer Experience’. 

BMW Motorrad UK has once again done the 'double' having won both 'Best Manufacturer Stand' and ‘Manufacturer giving the best Customer Experience’. This year, the stand included the full range of motorcycles including the dynamic new S 1000 RR, and the ultimate M machines, the M 1000 R and M 1000 RR. As well static bikes on display, the interactive 'Make Life a Ride' arena showcased new models alongside the talents of the World of BMW activity partners. 

The winner of ‘Non-Manufacturer giving the best Customer Experience’ was Helmet City - marking the second year in a row that they have received an award for their participation in the show.   

Scott Grimsdall, Head of Marketing of BMW Motorrad UK, said: “Motorcycle Live is such a big event for the BMW team - requiring a lot of planning, logistics, and commitment - it's a great chance for us to speak with existing and future BMW riders. We're extremely proud to be announced as winners of both awards, it's testament to the hard work and dedication of the team. I'd like to personally thank those who voted for us, visited us at the show, and enjoyed watching one of our shows in the 'Make Life a Ride' arena." 

Jennifer Holmes, Director of Helmet City, commented: “We're thrilled to have won this award and particularly so as it was voted for by the visitors to the show. We pride ourselves on giving customers honest advice and the best price we can. Thanks to the Helmet City team and to those who voted for us." 

Finlay McAllan Managing Director of Motorcycle Live, adds: "Huge congratulations to the winners this year and a massive thanks to all the exhibitors that helped make up Motorcycle Live 2022, as all the stands were of such a high standard. And thank you to those who voted and visited - we wouldn't have a show without you". 

Motorcycle Live 2023 will take place at The NEC, Birmingham from 18 – 26 November. Tickets are on sale now - for an 'early bird' rate, visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk. 

• This National Careers Week, Ben is promoting its career-related support for those in the automotive industry 
• Ben is also shining a spotlight on why people enjoy working in the automotive industry 
• The charity explores what the future holds for automotive in thought leadership piece

This National Careers Week, Ben, the automotive industry charity, is promoting its support for those who are job hunting or looking to progress in their career.

Ben’s support services team can provide one-to-one support for people in the following ways:

• Practical support for people who are looking for work
• Information, advice & guidance for managing money and maximising benefits 
• Access to Ben’s free Life Coaching service by registering online and completing a short self-referral form. Whether it’s progressing their career, improving their lifestyle, or simply boosting self-confidence, Ben’s team of Life Coaches can help make those goals a reality
• Access to Ben’s digital platform, Silvercloud, with a programme on building personal resilience.

Ben also has a range of work-related tips, advice and tools online to help people get back on track in their career or make the changes they want. The online tools (available at www.ben.org.uk/work) offer guidance and self-help resources on the following areas: 

• Creating or updating a CV 
• Writing a cover letter 
• Job seeking
• Finding the right job
• Identifying transferable skills
• Preparing for interviews.

Ben is also shining a spotlight on what it’s like to work in automotive by sharing real quotes from people about why they joined the industry and what they enjoy about it:  

“The industry never stands still - constant challenge, opportunity, innovation.” 

“The current industry transformation is very exciting.”

“I like the variety. Every customer has different requests and problems that need to be satisfied.” 

In light of the changes happening in the industry, Ben is also exploring what the future holds for the automotive industry in a thought leadership piece by Matt Wigginton, Ben’s Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income: www.ben.org.uk/futureautomotive.  

Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “We’re here to help and support automotive people working in the industry, including those who are looking to the future, interested in progressing their career or improving their working lives. We can provide information, advice and guidance for job-seeking, CV building and interview skills and be there to support people through any career-related changes. Work is a very important part of our lives and contributes to our overall health and wellbeing. As well as providing financial security, work provides us with social connectedness and builds confidence, self-esteem and a sense of purpose.”

Ben is always there for those who are struggling or in crisis too. When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.