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.

Continuing with Ace Cafe London's successful Harley Nights "Bike of the Night" competition, with this year's grand final to choose "Bike of the Year" taking place on Thursday 29th October, we are pleased to announce that we have teamed up with www.farorun.com who have generously offered a prize of free entry to attend the July 2010 Faro Festival in Portugal.

Starting from Thursday 24th September 2009, and running through to Thursday 24th June 2010, each "Bike of the Night" winner will win a ticket for entry to the festival and will be invited back to attend the grand final in June to compete for the grand prize of a full camping package.

www.ace-cafe-london.com