A motorcyclist that was caught speeding at 122mph, with his 14-year-old son on the back has been jailed for six months.

Judge Phillip Wassall told Robert Bennett, 47, that police footage of the incident in north Devon is "unbelievable". He banned him from the road for 18 months after he admitted dangerous driving.

Exeter Crown Court heard Bennett, 47, from Barnstaple, was caught by a police camera on the A361 link road with his son , clutching the back of the pillion seat with his bare hands. He was not wearing protective trousers or gloves.

Bennett, had just picked his son up from his mother's (who he was divorced from) in April last year.

He had opened the throttle, because it started to rain, but a police officer sitting in a van activated the camera when he heard the bike accelerating towards a bend and the device clocked the speed.

Bennett's barrister David Sapiecha said his client had ridden at that speed for no more than half-a-mile on the 60mph two-lane carriageway and that he had been riding bikes on and off road since he was a youngster, but regretted his actions that day.

Judge Wassall told him: "Had you lost control the motorcycle would have become a missile and it is certain there would have been a serious accident or highly probably the death of a least one other road user. Added to that fact you had your 14-year-old son on the back. The lack of responsibility is unbelievable. This is so dangerous that the court cannot avoid a custodial sentence, to send a message out."

New Design Delivers 30 Percent More Touring Comfort

Long-range riders will enjoy unmatched touring comfort with the new Harley Hammock Touring Seat (P/N 53051-09, $499.95) from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories. The Harley Hammock seat, which is original equipment on the CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide model, features a sling-like fabric suspension system manufactured from a blend of fibers that offer flexibility and durability. The fabric acts like a hammock, providing two inches of suspension above the seat pan, and is topped with an additional two inches of traditional foam cushioning. The internal suspension prevents "bottoming out" and provides a 30 percent improvement in comfort and endurance by isolating the rider from harsh road conditions. The black vinyl surface is easy to clean and maintain, and is finished with a "Harley-Davidson" embossed script logo. The seat can be equipped with a rider backrest (sold separately) on most models. Seat width is 17.5"; passenger pillion width is 15".

The Harley Hammock Seat fits 2008-later Harley-Davidson Touring models (except Tri-Glide). It does not fit models equipped with Passenger Grab Rail P/N 91583-99.

For additional information on Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit the Harley-Davidson Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call toll free 1-800-443-2153 in the U.S.A. or Canada.

RideSafe BackSafe is urging all recent converts to two wheels to take skills training as soon as they buy a motorcycle or scooter. The biker-dedicated road safety initiative is concerned that many road users are now turning to a cheaper mode of transport to beat the credit crunch and assuming that there driving skills are adequate.

Shelby Williams, RideSafe BackSafe Project Lead explains;-

“Motorcycle dealerships across the North West region are telling us that sales of scooters and smaller capacity motorcycles are surprisingly buoyant at the moment and this probably reflects the desire for many road users to find a cheaper way to travel. Generally speaking, the overall cost of a new machine, insurance and servicing is considerably less than for a car and commuters in particular, have realised this. However, when dealers recommend that customers book a skills training course or rider assessment scheme the take up is poor".

Motorcycles and scooters make up about 1% of road traffic and yet nearly 20% of fatalities and serious injuries on our roads are bike riders. Although they are not always to blame, motorcyclists will usually come off worst in a collision and RideSafe BackSafe are keen to promote the many training and free assessment schemes currently available.

The dedicated website www.ridesafebacksafe.co.uk  - offers a wealth of road safety advice and information about training options. Other organisations such as RoSPA, the Driving Standards Agency, Institute of Advanced Motoring and BSM also offer a variety of assessments and training courses to suit every rider’s needs.     

Shelby Williams continues;-

"Every road user should be concentrating, anticipating and observing all potential hazards around them, but on two wheels, there are many more skills required. Correct gear selection, ensuring others can see you by how you position yourself on the road and independent use of front and rear brakes are just three of the many skills that need to be learnt. Training, under the guidance of a qualified instructor, is the best route to becoming more competent and safer on the roads and reduced insurance premiums can be an added benefit".

Riders during Daytona Bike Week have been congregating along Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard in the heart of Daytona's Midtown Black Heritage District during Bike Week for decades. Although it is uncertain exactly when this tradition began, some locals say the gathering goes back to the 1960s or even before. In honor of this rich tradition, Harley-Davidson will be celebrating at the historical intersection of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard (Second Avenue) and Pearl Street.

"We are looking forward to another successful year and the opportunity to continue to support Harley-Davidson riders and enthusiasts who have always supported us," stated Karina Jaramillo-Saa, manager of market outreach, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. "Bikers on the Boulevard celebrates the brotherhood and spirit of riding and we are excited to be a part of it."

Various 2009 Harley-Davidson models will be on display, including the Screamin' Eagle Fat Bob®, the Road King® Classic, the V-Rod® Muscle and the Screamin' Eagle Road Glide®. Harley-Davidson will ride in style as it cruises the boulevard in Daytona Beach.

Since schedule information is subject to change, please check the on-site Harley-Davidson activities guide for times and locations of entertainment and other special attractions.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site at www.harley-davidson.com

Christian Audigier’s Ed Hardy^®brand has become one of the hottest in America with the likes of Mickey Rourke, Sylvester Stallone, David Beckham, Vinnie Jones, Britney Spears and Madonna amongst the many stars and celebrities now wearing his designs.

Marketed as Ed Hardy helmets and sold through KBC’s extensive distribution network as part of the Ed Hardy Helmet Collection, the designs are a must for those with an eye on fashion as well as on the road. 

Featuring five different tattoo designs on three helmet styles, the full-face VR-2R race helmet features the ‘Pirates’ and ‘Tiger’ designs on black or white, while the OFS open-face helmet features the ‘Beautiful Ghost’ and ‘Love Kills Slowly’ designs on black, sky blue or pink. The all-new Pro-X motocross helmet takes the designs a stage further with the ‘Speed Kills’ design on a white or black background. 

Specification wise, the VR-2R uses a Tri Comp shell construction, features a double curvature quick release visor and has a removable Ultralux interior liner. The VR-2R is ECE22.05 certified, meets with the ACU Gold racing standard and is available in sizes from XXS – XXL at£249.99 retail.

The Ed Hardy OFS open face uses a PowerCore shell and features a double curvature quick release visor, a removable Duralex liner and quick release strap. It is ECE22.05 certified, available in XXS- XXL sizes and retails at £109.99. 

The all-new Ed Hardy Pro-X race helmet uses KBC’s patented Ultra Comp lightweight shell, a dual intake vent system and fully adjustable peak. The liner is customisable and removable for washing. Approved to ECE22.05 and ACU gold standard, the Ed Hardy Pro-X is available in sizes XXS – XXL and retails at £249.99

The Ed Hardy Helmet Collection will be sold in Europe through KBC’s extensive distribution network.

Note:

With 40 years of tattooing and legendary status among the tattoo community, Don Ed Hardy is known as ‘the godfather of modern tattoo’ for his sophistication, depth and sense of experimentation. California native Don Ed Hardy is recognized around the world for his technical brilliance and mesmerizing imagery.

 See www.kbchelmets.co.uk for the full Ed Hardy Helmet Collection

by Christian Audigier.

To contact KBC: Call on +44 (0)1283 763 120 or [email protected]

KBC Europe Ltd., Units 1 & 2 Blakenhall Farm, Cauldwell, Swadlincote, DE12 6RU.

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