A hydraulic braking system without proper brake fluid is a bit like a heart without blood. The brake fluid is what transmits the force applied to the brake lever to the front and rear brakes, stopping the motorcycle. As you pull the lever, the bike’s master cylinder is activated, creating hydraulic pressure. As the fluid is pushed through the brake lines, this pressure is transferred to the pistons in the calipers, which then press the pads against the brake discs. The friction created as the pads come into contact with the metal discs causes the wheels to slow down, converting kinetic energy into heat energy.

This hydraulic process requires a non-compressible fluid with a high boiling point so that it is able to effectively transmit pressure and withstand high braking temperatures. It should also effectively protect the metal components. The viscosity also has an impact on braking performance. Low viscosity brake fluid is often the preferred option for modern anti-locking braking systems (ABS) as a thinner fluid can easily travel through the small passageways and channels in the system.

Types of motorcycle brake fluid

Nowadays, the vast majority of motorbikes use DOT 4 products. For example, the ATE brake fluid 03.9901-6202.2 is a popular choice for motorcycles and sports vehicles. The Typ 200 racing-quality product comes in a 1-litre can. It is compatible with other glycol-based types. Thanks to the high-quality metal container, the product has a long shelf life, and the additives in the formula protect against corrosion and deterioration. DOT 4 also offers significant advantages over DOT 3 fluid and is cheaper than DOT 5.1 products.  

When to change your motorcycle brake fluid

As mentioned before, glycol-based fluids attract water over time causing them to deteriorate. Although some brake fluid formulas last longer than others, most vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the fluid every 2 years, just to be on the safe side. Signs that it needs to be replaced include a spongy or bouncy brake pedal, strange noises or odours when braking, poor braking performance, and an illuminated ABS dashboard light. The type of fluid required is normally specified on the master cylinder reservoir cap.

article supplied

• Ducati Live from London will take place on Wednesday 28th September 2022
• The event will be broadcast live on YouTube and Ducati social channels (Starting at 7pm BST)
• The new Ducati London store is in the heart of the Capital, in the railway arches of Vauxhall

London, Tuesday 27th September 2022 - Ducati Live, will be an exclusive ‘first of its kind’ event, hosted at the UK’s landmark new store, Ducati Live will be a celebration of everything that Ducati stands for: Style, Sophistication, Performance.

Ducati is not just a motorcycle company. It is a diversified universe in which passion is a generating force that gives life to exclusive products, innovative technologies, and unmistakable style. Taking on formidable feats and uniting a community of people around the world, animated by the same spirit of belonging.

Those lucky few who will be in attendance are sure to be the envy of Ducatisti worldwide as the event will be broadcast live on YouTube and Ducati social channels (Starting at 6.45pm BST).

Special guests from the Ducati world and celebrities alike will be in attendance as well as a selection of truly special Ducati motorcycles. The evening will be hosted by TV presenter Rachel Stringer who will conduct live interviews featuring guest Q&A with Ducati VIPs including Claudio Domenicali – Ducati CEO, fellow Board Members Andrea Ferraresi – Ducati Centro Stile Director, Patrizia Cianetti – Marketing and Communication Director and Chaz Davies - Former Ducati WSBK Racer, Ducati Development and Rider Coach.

The new dealership of the Capital is in an ideal central position, in the railway arches of Vauxhall. A significant investment has been made resulting in a showroom designed to offer the best Ducati experience in a premium, yet welcoming environment.

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js-fn-3-Bas

Further information about Ducati Live from London can be found here: https://www.ducati.com/gb/en/events-uk/ducati-live-from-london

Following the completion of an internal study at Sunra UK, where the team set out to understand owner habits better in a climate where the cost of living is ever under scrutiny, the two-wheel EV brand is pleased to bring some encouraging findings, highlighting the exceptional value of small EV motorcycles and scooters in the process.

Conducted by the same team responsible for bringing the forward-thinking electric brand to the UK market, the group looked into rider habits, costs of ownership and comparable social spending habits, uncovering some interesting insights in the process.

Logan Black of Sunra UK commented, “It’s been interesting to learn more about the habits of our customers and at the same time look more at the affordability picture too. Not only do we understand our customer base better, but it’s been interesting to see how running and finance costs are considered alongside daily purchases, such as something as simple as a cup of coffee.”

In the study, the team looked at a variety of daily, weekly and monthly outgoing costs for typical users, understanding priorities and how users had rationalised their spending to fund or run an EV bike such as a Sunra.

Aside from looking at the cost of purchase, the team looked at the cost to recharge and run, providing very real-world insights into making the switch to electric.

Black continued, “Discussing how our customers use their bikes gave us a great insight into their habits, allowing us to look more closely into typical running costs. Based on an official government survey*, we were able to calculate 3300 miles as a typical yearly average for use in this segment, before looking at energy costs and real-world range to understand this better. Under current energy pricing, we found that an electric bike equivalent to a ROBO-S model can cost as little as £55 per year in electricity costs, or less than £5 per month for example.”

As well as looking at plug-in recharge costs, the team also considered general ownership, looking at finance too and comparable daily living allowances that customers make.

Looking at direct consumer outgoing comparisons further highlighted the low cost of ownership of two-wheel EV machines, with typical monthly payments* half that of some rail travel cards, while even the comparison of a typical household outgoings, such as a satellite TV subscription were surprisingly similar too, with Sunra EV bikes available for as little as £77 per month, with sensible deposits.

“We were keen to make sure everything we looked at was comparable to real life”, added Black. “Finance is popular with our customers, so we looked at typical monthly costs based on our own program to understand comparable costs. The comparisons and consumer rationale, combined with impact in the rise of cost living, gave us some interesting insights that further demonstrate what exceptional value an EV two-wheeler brings.”

No one ever wants to be involved in a motorcycle accident but sometimes they can happen in the blink of an eye and just can’t be avoided. These unfortunate incidents can be frustrating, emotional and lead to severe injury or disability. It is vital that you know what to do immediately after the incident has occurred as this can have a significant influence on  how such an event will impact you.

This guide explains what you should do after the incident to make sure that you are safe and to ensure you get the help that you need.

Immediately after the incident

First things first, get yourself to safety even if that means that you leave your bike behind. If the road is clear and you can move on your own, then the top priority is to get yourself to an area safer than the middle of the road. Pedestrians and other motorists can approach a downed rider which can create a bigger hazard in the road and could potentially be another accident waiting to happen.

Check yourself for injuries. You are going to experience a surge of adrenaline which can mask even serious and life changing injuries.

It's important that you do not move your motorcycle, firstly to try and avoid any further injuries to yourself but also so as not to compromise evidence and impede any police investigation.

Call the Emergency Services

You should call or be asking someone to call the emergency services as soon as is safely possible. Many people ‘freeze’ or go into some level of physical and emotional shock after an accident. If you need someone to call the emergency services for you be sure to signal to them and be clear in what you are telling them to do.

This should ideally go hand in hand with not removing your gear after the accident. Most motorcyclists will try and remove their helmets immediately after the accident, but this can cause more serious injury to the head, neck or spine.

Whilst waiting for the Emergency Services

Try to remain calm. Motorcycle accidents can be emotionally and physically traumatic, but it is in your best interests to remain as calm as possible. Losing your temper can lead to rash decisions. Keeping a clear head allows you to think more clearly, so be sure to take a few deep breaths and try to take stock of the situation as best as you can.

Try to recall what has just happened. You can then accurately convey this information to the police and paramedics when they arrive.  Information such as this can help them to determine the nature and extent of your injuries and provide you with efficient and effective treatment.

Exchanging motoring details

In accordance with motoring laws, if you are able then you should speak with the other driver and obtain their details – name, insurer, reg number and provide your own. You can save these in the notes function on your mobile phone. You should also note down the details of any passengers or witnesses to the incident.

The law defines a reportable road traffic collision as a collision involving a mechanically-propelled vehicle on a road or other public area which causes:

• injury or damage to anybody - other than the driver of that vehicle
• injury or damage to an animal - other than one being carried on that vehicle (an animal is classed as a horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig, goat or dog. You may also report collisions or incidents involving deer, but this is not a legal requirement.)
• damage to a vehicle - other than the vehicle which caused the collision
• damage to property built on, attached to, growing in, or otherwise forming part of the land where the road is 

What should I record?

Knowing what to make note of after a motorcycle accident can be confusing, especially if you feel disoriented and stressed. Its important to gather as much evidence about what has happened as you can for insurance and legal purposes.

With modern mobile phones being so good, if possible, you should take as many photos and videos of the scene as you can. These should include everything from your motorcycle in the road, the car or vehicle that hit you, the road layout an any specific features, skid marks if any and even road signs. Another good idea is to talk into the camera whilst you are videoing the scene and the vehicles involved. It helps to create a timeline of the incident which will be useful for the police, insurers and lawyers if required. 

Finally, do not apologise or admit responsibility for the accident. Your insurers almost certainly insist upon this in your contract of insurance. Instead, if you can, do find out details of any other drivers and witnesses. Tell them that this will be sorted out by your insurers and give details if you can. Whilst it's very important to be honest, you do need to protect yourself from liability later on if the incident was not your fault.

Article supplied by Potter Rees Dolan Solicitors 

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

*Car parking charges apply.

Museum Live 2022 Timetable: To assist visitors, everyone arriving on site will be given a free timetable with a full list & timings of all the day’s exciting, free, events.

Free Museu Entry: Everyone is invited to viit 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, H&H Classic Auctions, Sealey Tools, with no less than five manufacturers in attendance; BSA, Triumph, Norton, Royal Enfield & Langen.

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 LIVE Stage shows

We are delighted to welcome TV star HENRY COLE back to our LIVE stage. The most popular event feature by far, “HENRY COLE & FRIENDS” will feature popular personalities from Henry’s TV shows including HENRY COLE and ALLEN MILLYARD with more to be announced!

Held on the stage in the museum’s magnificent Britannia suite, TT legend & TV presenter- rider STEVE PLATER will host these two brilliant FREE TO ENTER stage shows at 11.00am & 2.00pm which will take place on BOTH DAYS of the event.

Other motorcycling personalities from the past and present will also be in attendance including the legendary STEVE PARRISH (Saturday) and 8-time TT Winner PETER HICKMAN (Sunday).

Henry Cole, Allen Millyard, Steve Plater, Steve Parrish and Peter Hickman will be holding special signing sessions at the event when they will all be autographing your memorabilia.

Museum LIVE “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 ex-MotoGP bikes courtesy of feature coordinator Roger Charlesworth & Phil Morris Racing.

Back again for 2022, genius special builder ALLEN MILLYARD will be firing up his monstrous Millyard Viper V10 with its 8 litre Dodge Viper engine producing 500 BHP!

Food Court & Bar:

Fantastic catering provided by the museum’s chefs will be available in our Premier Suite food court & bar area.

Also, our famous breakfast BBQ will be available from 8.30am onwards.

Plus The Draw For The Best Classic Motorcycle Raffle Prize In The World:

Our summer 2022 raffle to win a gorgeous 1958 BSA DBD 34 Gold Star will be drawn by Henry Cole live on stage during the afternoon of Sun 30/10/22.

You can enter to win this amazing prize with raffle tickets available to purchase online from: www.thenmm.co.uk

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 2022 updates/timetable see www.thenmm.co.uk

The National Motorcycle Museum

Conveniently located in the heart of the Midlands Transport Network, with Birmingham international railway station just a five-minute taxi ride away. At over 1000 machines the National Motorcycle Museum is not only the largest collection of British Motorcycles in the World but also an award-winning venue with conferencing and events facilities.