Biker News - Regularly updated

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  1. The Lions Club of Fleet is proud to announce the return of its much-loved Classic Motorcycle Run and Concours on Monday 4th May 2026, marking the 39th year of this long-standing event.  

    Held in the heart of Fleet, North Hampshire, the event welcomes classic motorcycle enthusiasts from across the region to showcase their machines, enjoy a scenic ride-out, and meet fellow riders. Last year’s event drew around 220 attendees, showing just how much people still love vintage motorcycles and the strong community spirit that comes with them.

    The Classic Motorcycle Run is more than a celebration of engineering - it’s a platform for bringing people together. Families, friends and anyone who’s simply curious turn up to admire the bikes, share stories and support a cause that’s been quietly helping the community for over fifty years.

    Proceeds from the event will support the Lions Club of Fleet’s charity work which include support for healthcare, education, and local outreach programmes. Everyone who takes part plays a role in keeping these efforts going, making the day meaningful for both riders and the wider community.

    Event Details:

    Join us for a day filled with classic motorcycles, community spirit and charitable impact. Let’s make the 39th run a fitting tribute to 53 years of Lions service.

     

  2. Touratech is expanding its range of seats for the BMW R 1300 GS: the Fresh Touch comfort seat is now available not only in a heated version, but also as a non-heated model – for riders who do not require a heating function but still want the highest level of riding comfort.


    A well-designed all-in-one solution for easy replacement
    The Touratech comfort seat consists – according to the concept of the R 1300 GS – of two separate units for the rider and pillion. Each unit is supplied as a complete seat, including a precisely moulded seat base. This means there is no need to return the original seat or replace the upholstery. Installation involves a direct swap with the standard seat. It is also possible to combine a Touratech rider’s seat with the original BMW pillion seat.


    Maximum riding comfort thanks to the ergonomic foam core
    The Touratech comfort seat features a core made of high-quality foam. Depending on the seat height, specific foam formulations are used to achieve a precise balance between support and cushioning. The ergonomically shaped seat features a pressure relief zone in the coccyx area, which reduces spot pressure. The ergonomic shaping enables a precisely defined seating angle that supports an upright sitting position, helping to reduce fatigue on longer journeys.
    The passenger seat also offers excellent comfort thanks to its spacious seating area. Its special wedge shape provides additional support, ensuring that the passenger does not ‘fall into the rider’s back’ even during hard braking. The clever design of the Touratech passenger seat eliminates the need for the rather unconvincing standard longitudinal adjustment, resulting in a significantly improved sense of safety for the pillion.


    Fresh-Touch cover with practice-relevant features
    Both the unheated comfort bench seat and the version with a heating function feature an upholstery fabric with a Fresh-Touch effect. This high-tech material heats up significantly less in sunlight than conventional materials. The surface remains non-slip when wet; the robust seams are waterproof. Three colour options are available for the heated version: Line Grey, Style Red Blue and Style Yellow Grey. 

    The new, unheated version is available exclusively in technical black. Whichever version you choose, these meticulously crafted seats further enhance the appearance of the R 1300 GS. Touratech comfort seats are handcrafted in Germany! 


    A range of seat heights for personalised ergonomics
    Both the heated and unheated versions of the Touratech Fresh Touch comfort seat for the BMW R 1300 GS are available in four heights, each measured vertically from the footrest to the lowest point of the seat:
    •    Low: 530 mm
    •    Standard: 550 mm
    •    High: 570 mm
    •    Extra high: 590 mm
    Just to compare: the original BMW rider's seat has a height of 540 mm in the lowest position. 


    Heated version with convenient plug-and-play functionality
    Of course, the tried-and-tested seat bench variants with a heating function remain part of the range. Modern technologies enable Touratech to embed the heating mat evenly into the foam core, ensuring uniform heat distribution across the entire seating surface. The surface of the Fresh-Touch cover is also fitted with fine raised dots, giving the seat a technical touch.
    The electrical installation takes just a few seconds, using connectors that fit perfectly into the standard sockets. The system is operated as usual via the on-board system.
    Further information is available in the Touratech webshop

     

     

     

  3. ALEX MARQUEZ
    “The initial situation was a bit confusing and maybe we deserved a delayed start to have more time. The race wasn’t entirely negative, but in turns 10 and 11 the asphalt was literally lifting and at times it felt more like a motocross race. It was important to bring home some points; it’s a shame about the top five, but we definitely had a good Sunday. Looking at the weekend as a whole, we are still missing something in qualifying for the moment.”

    FERMIN ALDEGUER
    “We’re back, but I’m not completely happy. The potential was there to be further ahead, but physically I need more time. I’m sure tomorrow I’ll wake up with quite a lot of pain all over my body and I’ll appreciate today’s result even more. Yesterday we got the start wrong; today I started more calmly, but I lost ground. Maybe I thought too much at the beginning and I should have attacked more.”

     

  4.  

    With advanced ergonomic features, the Touratech comfort seat takes riding pleasure on the BMW F 900 GS to a whole new level – both in off-road use and on long-distance rides.

    Tough terrain and long-distance travel – these two extremes define the exceptionally broad range of applications for the BMW F 900 GS. The ergonomic requirements for this agile adventure bike are accordingly complex, particularly for the seat as the central interface between rider and vehicle.
    With its new one-piece comfort seat, Touratech offers a well-thought-out alternative to the standard seat. The use of state-of-the-art materials, backed by decades of experience in seat construction, makes this highly functional product the first choice for touring motorcyclists as well as for adventure riders.

     

    Multi-layer foam core
    As with all Touratech comfort seats, a multi-layer core made of particularly high-quality foams is used. Depending on the seat height, individually matched foam formulations are used to achieve a precisely defined ratio of support and cushioning. The ergonomically shaped seat surface with integrated relief zone in the coccyx area noticeably reduces pressure points. A precisely designed seat angle supports a natural, upright sitting position and helps reduce fatigue on long journeys.


    Sophisticated geometry
    The seat's geometry is designed to achieve a short crotch length despite the thick padding. This ensures that even smaller riders can reach the ground. The one-piece construction also allows unrestricted freedom of movement when riding off-road, especially when shifting weight frequently while standing or sitting.

     

    Functional Fresh Touch seat cover
    The patented Fresh Touch material is used as the cover fabric. It is characterized by demonstrably lower surface heating when exposed to sunlight and remains up to ten degrees Celsius cooler than conventional seat covers. The new material structure is slip-resistant, waterproof, easy to care for, and designed for use in changing weather conditions.
    In terms of appearance, the comfort seat is based on the striking Trophy design of the BMW F 900 GS. The red, white, and blue colour scheme blends seamlessly into the vehicle design.


    Three seat heights for individual ergonomics
    The Touratech comfort seat is available in three heights: low (approx. 54 cm), standard (approx. 56 cm ≙ series) and high (approx. 58 cm); each measured vertically from the footrest to the lowest point of the seat. It is delivered completely ready for installation and can be mounted without any adjustments to the vehicle. It is handmade in Germany. Additional colour options are in development.

     

    Further information in the Touratech webshop

     

     
  5. With the new luggage rack replacing the passenger seat, Touratech is expanding its range of accessories for the BMW R 1300 GS with a solution for solo riders that is both functional and stylish.

    Centralising the masses – that's the key when it comes to agile yet stable handling on a motorcycle. Admittedly, a fully loaded adventure bike is not exactly the ideal example of this rule. But even motorcycle travellers can do a lot to achieve a favourable centre of gravity. Especially when travelling solo. For example, by using the Touratech luggage rack instead of a pillion seat for the BMW R 1300 GS.

    Centrally located storage for heavy luggage
    Developed on the basis of extensive practical testing, this component replaces the original pillion seat and creates an optimally positioned, central mount for luggage. Thanks to its precise design, the seat area is covered without any gaps. This gives the rear of the R 1300 GS a tidy appearance and a sporty, striking adventure look. At the same time, the luggage area's proximity to the rider contributes to a favourable centre of gravity, thereby supporting stable, neutral handling – especially when heavily loaded on long journeys or off-road.

    Secure installation by using the standard seat lock


    The structure consists of a robust plastic base plate and a four-millimetre-thick aluminium luggage plate mounted on top of it with an elegant black anodised surface. Numerous lashing points allow flexible and secure attachment of bags, rack packs or soft luggage of various sizes. Installation is just as easy as with the original BMW pillion seat and uses the standard seat lock, making the luggage plate lockable and thus reliably secured against theft.
    The Touratech luggage rack is specifically designed for riders who mainly use their BMW R 1300 GS solo and value a highly durable, sophisticated and seamlessly integrated transport concept.

    Technical specifications:

    The base plate is made of fibre-reinforced, black-coated plastic with an embossed Touratech logo, while the luggage plate is made of 4 mm thick, black anodised aluminium. The overall dimensions are 35.5 × 31 cm, with a loading area measuring 29 × 31 cm. It weighs around 1.2 kilograms. Item no.: 035-5460