Category: Motorcycle Industry Association

1. ICEL FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN MOTOE WITH GRESINI

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 18th Mar 2021

   MIRCO LACCHINI, PRESIDENT OF ICEL SCPA
   “ICEL has decided to continue its partnership with Team Gresini Racing also in 2021 by supporting the Indonesian E-Racing Gresini MotoE project. With great pride, ICEL has been alongside the team, which has been a protagonist of the first two editions of the world cup and will be also this season, with fresh passion and confirming that electric power I a sure prospect for the mobility of the future. Together with Tea, Indonesian E-Racing Gresini MotoE we continue to build the foundations of our mission: quality, environmental preservation as well as the value of people and land.”
   
   CARLO MERLINI – GRESINI RACING COMMERCIAL AND MARKETING DIRECTOR
   “2021 marks a competely renewed project in the MotoE class, where we count on being – as we’ve always been so far – protagonists. It’s really important to be counting once again on Icel, who I thank in the person of Mirco Lacchini, who joined the project in 2019 and clearly believes as much as we do in the strength of this sporting journey.”
   
   #CiaoFausto❤️

2. Coffee, cake and motorcycles – a natural combination

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 22nd Sep 2017

   For those who want to support the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday 29^th September, there will be some alternative venues this year, where motorcycles will also be on the menu!

   Some of the UK’s best motorcycle and scooter training schools are inviting regular clients and those just curious about motorcycling to call in and enjoy coffee and cake, while supporting the Macmillan cause.

   Karen Cole, Director of Safety and Training for the UK’s Motorcycle Industry Association, which runs MCIAC says:

   “This is the first year MCIAC accredited training schools have taken part in this great cause and provides an alternative venue for those who like to support the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. Coffee, cakes and motorcycles mix very well, as anyone who visits the Cotswolds will know, where tea rooms are always packed with riders at the weekends!

   “Motorcyclists have a long standing reputation for getting involved in charity events.  These range from the annual Santa toy runs, which many local bike clubs run, to Blood Bikers, who ferry life-saving products out of hours for the NHS.” 

   The schools taking part are all accredited, or close to completing accreditation with the Motorcycle Industry Accreditation Centre (MCIAC). 

   This means they meet strict criteria around customer service, how well the needs of learners are met and how seriously safety is taken. They also all know their cake!

   MCIAC is backed by the UK’s motorcycle industry, to raise standards and signpost high quality training and was recently endorsed by the government department responsible for driving standards - DVSA.

   To see the full list of those participating – click here

   To find your closest MCIAC training school see www.mciac.co.uk

3. New figures show that MASTER protected motorcycles are 6 times less likely to be stolen

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 4th Sep 2017

   Recent analysis of theft data for new motorcycles sold in 2017, shows there is a huge difference between machines which are marked with the MASTER Security Scheme, compared to those which are not. New MASTER protected bikes are six time less likely to be stolen.

   MASTER, which stands for Motorcycle and Scooter Tagged Equipment Registration, is the UK’s only official and national scheme and has been adopted by the majority of major motorcycle manufacturers since its launch in 2013. It both deters theft and makes it easier to secure a conviction.

   What do new statistics show?

   Information from the MASTER Scheme database and new registration data shows 66,423 new motorcycles and scooters were registered in the UK from the beginning of this year to the end of July 2017. 42,254 were marked with the MASTER system, of which only 78 have been reported stolen. Of the 24,169 motorcycles and scooters which were not protected by MASTER, 285 have been stolen.

   Rates of theft

   There is a clear and significant difference in rates of theft. MASTER tagged machines registered in the first seven months of the year have a theft rate of just 0.18%, while non-MASTER tagged new bikes have a theft rate of 1.17%, showing MASTER tagged bikes are more than six times less likely to be stolen than bikes which are not protected by the MASTER Scheme.

   Steve Kenward, CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Association, which first introduced the MASTER Scheme in 2013 says:

   “The MASTER Security Scheme represents a significant investment by major brands and these figures confirm that the decision to invest in the official MASTER scheme was the right thing to do. This data is very encouraging and hopefully will persuade those manufacturers not yet marking bikes to reconsider the MASTER Scheme as significant benefit to their customers.”

   How does the MASTER Security Scheme work?

   The MASTER Security Scheme uses a sophisticated array of technology to mark the motorcycle or scooter’s major component parts providing a unique 'fingerprint'. This layered approach involves a combination of visible and concealed elements including tamper evident warning labels, hidden microscopic Datadots, stealth UV etching and a number of unique radio frequency identification transponders which are embedded into parts. This is similar to the technology that allows the chipping of cats and dogs, but cannot be altered or erased.

   The combination of hidden elements (detailed above), along with the high visibility and the unique number on each tag, offer both peace of mind to consumers and help the police secure prosecution when recovering stolen motorcycles. Police have access to the MASTER Security Scheme secure database 24 hours a day.

   The MASTER Scheme system includes a highly visible ultra-destruct identification/warning label that is fixed in a prominent place on the bike (generally on the frame near the headstock), alerting potential thieves to the fact that it is marked and registered. The label disintegrates if it is tampered with and alarm bells will ring for police and subsequent owners if the label is missing on models from participating manufacturers.

   All motorcycles and scooters from participating manufacturers are registered on the MASTER Security Scheme’s national secure database. This is updated continuously, which means the reporting of stolen vehicles is immediate.

   It would be virtually impossible for a thief to remove all traces of the MASTER Scheme technologies from all parts, which is why this makes protected bikes far less attractive to them.

   There are now over 250,000 MASTER protected machines and this number increases each year.

   Facts about motorcycle theft

   43% of all insurance pay outs are due to theft (according to MCIA research).

   Many motorcycles are ‘cloned’, which involves being broken up into parts within hours of being stolen and reassembled onto legally acquired frames, which have log books. This can net thieves thousands of pounds a day.*
   80% of these ‘cloned’ motorcycles find their way into the legitimate dealer network. Before the MASTER Scheme it was virtually impossible for dealers or the police to identify stolen parts.*

   **(Facts and figures supplied by the Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group).

   

   www.masterscheme.org

4. Three-day bank holiday event offering free motorcycle beginner taster sessions

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 22nd Aug 2017

   People who want to learn to ride a motorcycle or scooter will get the chance to try for free during the August bank holiday weekend at a three-day event in Warwickshire.

   Get On, which is the motorcycle industry’s free ‘try out’ programme, will be offering 45-minute taster lessons in the grounds of the British Motor Museum on Saturday 26^th, Sunday 27^th and Monday 28th August.  These will be available between 9am and 5.30pm each day.

   Karen Cole, Director of Safety and Training for the Motorcycle Industry Association, which backs Get On events, says this is an ideal introduction to motorcycling:

   “First and foremost motorcycling is fun, but it is vital that people get their first taste of riding in a safe and structured environment, where expectations about wearing protective clothing are set and people understand the value of finding high quality training.

   “Government vehicle licensing figures show that more and more people are riding motorcycles and scooters each year and we want them to wear the right gear and take training with the best schools in the UK.  So whether you are looking for a new hobby in retirement, or you are 16 years old and planning to get your first moped, Get On will get you started in the right way.”

   What happens at a Get On event?

   Riders are introduced to the gears, brakes and slow speed handling by a professional instructor.  Motorcycles and protective clothing are all provided, so riders just need to wear long jeans and sturdy shoes. There is no cost at all.

   Riders will also be given advice about wearing protective clothing and how to find an accredited local trainer, should they decide to take their interest further, as well as learning what licences are needed for different sized motorcycles.

   Get On is suitable for anyone aged 14 or over who wants to learn to ride, from complete beginners to those who are thinking of returning to biking after a break. 

   Sessions can be booked beforehand by phoning 02476 408040, or via the website www.geton.co.uk or people can turn up and book on the day (subject to availability).  Under 16s must bring an adult or guardian.

   People can also combine their Get On experience with a visit to the British Motor Museum.  The museum is open 10am to 5pm and traces the history of the British motor industry using film, photography and over 300 British cars, which is the largest collection of its kind in the world!  Admission prices can be found on the museum’s website. The museum is off junction 12 of the M40, CV35 OBJ.

5. First person in UK to benefit from 'plug in' grant for electric motorcycles will be on the road from today

   Posted on 4:00pm Wednesday 1st Mar 2017

   First UK customer to benefit from ‘plug in’ grant for e-motorcycles

   The first electric motorcycle to be bought with the new ‘plug in’ subsidy will be on the road from today (March 1^st).

   The dealer, 21^st Moto in Swanley, Kent, confirmed that 48-year-old Fred Murphy from Redhill in Surrey is the first customer in the UK to benefit from the subsidy, introduced by the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) to increase the uptake of electric vehicles.  

   Mr Murphy bought a Zero FXS, which has an average range of 60 miles, a top speed of 85mph and costs the equivalent of a penny a mile to power.  It can be charged using a household three pin plug, with faster charge options, which can reduce full charging time to 2 hours.

   Up to now the ‘plug in’ subsidy has only been available for electric cars and vans, but it can now be applied to electric motorcycles and scooters, so long as they meet certain quality criteria.  This includes having a battery with 5 years’ warranty and a good range.

   Rob Francis, Dealer Principal of 21^st Moto, which has now sold a total of three zero motorcycles since the grant was introduced, says the system of claiming the subsidy is extremely easy for customers:

   “The dealership does all the work, so there are no forms to fill out, or paperwork to complete.  The dealer makes the application direct to OLEV and the price is reduced by £1500 or 20% of the total purchase cost, whichever is the smaller number.”

   Customer Fred Murphy, who hasowned and ridden motorcycles for more than 25 years, has traded in a petrol bike for his electric one.  He said enjoyment and an interest in new technology was the motivation behind his purchase and that he will be commuting to work on it:

   “As an ‘electronics geek’ and an early adopter, I have always been interested in electric bikes and tried my first zero back in 2012, so when the ‘plug in’ grant finally came in, this was enough to justify my jump to electric.” 

   Steve Kenward, CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Association, which lobbied for the subsidy, says motorcycles and scooters will help cut congestion:

   “Whether electric or not, a motorcycle, scooter or moped benefits from reduced journey times, easier or free parking, no congestion charge and is normally cheaper to run and insure.  There is also the added benefit that it’s just more fun than other modes of transport.”* 

   +++

   • Background: A plug-in grant for cars was introduced in January 2011. In 2015 it was announced this would be extended to motorcycles by the Coalition Government. The details were finalised in October 2016.  Manufacturer/importers with qualifying products apply direct to OLEV to be included.  If they qualify, the grant is applied at the point of sale and customers are just asked to fill out a questionnaire.

   • Eligibility criteria also includes a range of at least 30km for mopeds and 50km for motorcycles between charges and a top speed of at least 40 kilometres per hour. Machines must be registered with the DVLA, require a driving licence, be insured and the rider must wear a protective helmet. The full requirements can be found here

   • The number of motorcycles licensed for the road (and licence exempt) has increased from 720,000 in 1994 to 1,330,000 for the last quarter, which is the highest number since 2009. (See Department for Transport table VEH0301).

   • The model bought was a Zero FXS 6.5 version. It can be ridden on an A2 license. Full spec can be found here

   • Travelling to work on a motorcycle, scooter or moped is one of the least likely modes of transport to affect your well-being according to a one-off government travel survey by the Office for National Statistics.  It found that for journeys up to 30 minutes there was no ill effect on levels of anxiety, happiness and satisfaction for those who rode a motorcycle, scooter or moped.  In contrast, those who walk, cycle, drive a car or take the bus all experience an adverse increase in all or some of the factors measured after just 15 minutes.

   • The Motorcycle Industry Association, Highways England and the National Police Chiefs’ Council recently launched a joint whitepaper exploring the motorcycling opportunity. See www.motorcycleframework.co.uk