In the run-up to the BMF’s 50th anniversary next year, ‘yes we can, indeed we must’, perhaps best sums up the underlying message from this year’s British Motorcyclists Federation’s Annual General Meeting.
 
Held in Tuddenham, Norfolk, in the BMF’s Eastern Region, members and delegates from BMF clubs heard that while the BMF’s lobbying work was highly regarded and the BMF still had a reputation to be proud of, membership, in line with that of many other membership organisations, was falling and so therefore was its income.
 
The BMF’s portfolio of shows and events, although continuing to produce a profit, had not reached their projected figures either and this had only compounded the situation said Anna Zee, the BMF’s chairman.
 
Addressing the latter, Martin Chick, the MD of the Mulberry Group, the BMF’s new event contractor, said that the BMF had a powerful brand but it was not being used to its best advantage. “As a motorcyclist, my passion for and love of motorcycling will be very much at the forefront of the Mulberry Group's approach to BMF events. I know what motorcycling means to people and I know what makes a good event, but equally, I want to improve the image of the BMF and we’ll help to do that by delivering on our promises.”
 
BMF Chairman Anna Zee agreed and in thanking the BMF’s outgoing event contractors, Live Promotions, said that they had come in three years ago at a very difficult time for the BMF but now the BMF was looking to improve its own performance too and considered that Mulberry had much to offer as a partner in this mission.
 
On a similar theme, Dorian Burrows of the BMF’s Marketing Committee stressed the need for broadening the BMF’s appeal. Communication was key to involving existing members and reaching out to all motorcyclists he said, but the message had to be right and it had to be relevant to today’s more informed motorcyclists.
 
As a way of streamlining BMF operations, the meeting was told that the posts of Affiliate Member Services and Individual Member Services had been amalgamated into one and that a separate post of Events Director had therefore been created. Pete Laidlaw was duly elected to the new post of Member Services Director and Tony Young was elected to the new post of Events Director. The post of chairman was uncontested with Anna Zee being elected for another year.

Statistics released by the Motor Cycle Industry Association for September 2009 show a recovery in demand after a poor summer.   Sales in September were 21.2% lower than the same month last year, an improvement on the market's performance in August when a 30.5% fall was recorded.   Total registrations of powered two wheelers (PTWs) last month were 12,941, compared with 16,430 a year ago.
 
The Naked bike sector returned to growth last month, recording a 3.4% increase in registrations compared to September 2008 and a 25.4% increase in market share.  The most popular model in this category is Honda's new CBF 125 M, closely followed by the Yamaha YBR 125. Between them these two learner-legal, commuter-friendly models have taken one-fifth of the market share within the Naked style, with a combined total of 3,788 registrations year-to-date.
 
The three most popular style of new motorcycles registered in September were Naked (2,471), followed by Scooter (1,983) and Supersport (1,930).?
The biggest-selling bike in September was the Yamaha YBR 125, with 328 registrations. Yamaha was the biggest-selling manufacturer with 2,233 new registrations, closely followed by Suzuki (1,875) and Honda with 1,764
 
Sheila Rainger, MCI's Director of Communications, said, "The market has done well against the extremely testing conditions of economic uncertainty, poor weather and high-profile problems with the new motorcycle test." 
"Continued strong performance in the learner and commuter sectors demonstrates again that people are interested in a budget-friendly, flexible and convenient means of transport. 
The 2009 Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show is now only 7 weeks away.  Applications for press passes are now being taken at www.motorcycleshow.co.uk/press and Trade Day tickets can be purchased at www.motorcycleshow.co.uk/trade.  The UK's largest motorcycle Show will house a brand new off road zone in Hall 5, making this the largest bike Show ever staged at the NEC.  With a great line up of manufacturers, both on and off road, a whole host of interactive feature areas, and live entertainment the 2009 Show will be the only place to be in November.
 
For more information visit www.motorcycleshow.co.uk
More information about getting a licence can be found at www.geton.co.uk

The British Motorcyclists Federation have appointed event specialists, the Mulberry Group, as organisers of the BMF’s range of popular motorcycle events.

Starting as from 1^st October 2009, the Mulberry Group will take over the organisation of BMF events from Live Promotions, the BMF’s event contractors since 2007.

BMF Chairman Anna Zee said: “Outsourcing our events back in 2007 was a big move for us and our thanks go to Live Promotions for coming in at a very difficult time for the BMF, but now, after a through review of our requirements, we want to further develop our unique range of events and have decided that the Mulberry Group, (no ‘Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush’ jokes thank you!), under their Managing Director Martin Chick, himself a keen motorcyclist, are the people to do that.”

For the Mulberry Group, Kawasaki ZZR1400 riding MD, Martin Chick, a motorcyclist for over 30 years, said that he intends to be very hands-on and while he already has several ideas for improvements, wants to undertake a thorough and joint review before implementing any changes.

"We are delighted to have been chosen to manage the BMF events and we look forward to the challenges this will bring,” said Martin. “My passion for and love of motorcycling will be very much at the forefront of the Mulberry Group's approach to the BMF events. "We want to review the entire make-up of the shows, including the sponsorship and exhibitor packages, and intend to create some new and innovative changes which we are confident that both members and the public will benefit from"

Overall responsibility for the shows will rest with Martin Chick with day to day matters being dealt with by the Mulberry events team in conjunction with the BMF’s Assistant Events Manager, Jane Longthorn. 

Many young students will return to their studies this year on mopeds and motorcycles and parents in Warwickshire are being urged to send them on a free, dedicated training course to help them stay safe on the roads. 

Research has shown that 16 to 19 year old motorcyclists are the most vulnerable road users and many still feel nervous and cautious when they first travel on two wheels; even though this heralds an exciting, new-found freedom.

Warwickshire Road Safety Officer, Stephen Rumble explains;

“A moped or motorcycle is a great way to get around because you no longer have to rely on parents for lifts or be constrained by public transport times. However, our behavioural studies suggest that many inexperienced riders quickly change from feeling nervous, cautious and vulnerable to being confident, cocky and believing themselves to be invincible. The casualty statistics for this age group would frighten any parent, but we are not trying to discourage the use of mopeds and motorcycles. The Take Control training course is designed to help young riders develop new skills, temper any over-enthusiasm and improve their road safety awareness“.

A number of prominent local motorcycle dealerships are supporting and promoting the Take Control courses and the free half-day rider training would be an ideal follow up to CBT. The advanced instructors are available seven days a week and will usually take one or two motorcyclists per session, starting at a convenient location to suit everyone.                                                                                                    

For bookings, call 90-ONE Rider Education on (0845) 370 91 91.