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Take a look at a few of our upcoming events at the Triumph Factory Visitor Experience in Hinckley, including Triumph's collaboration with influential street artist, Dave Bonzai, who specialises in hyper-realistic chrome effect art. Stop by to see this one-of-a-kind piece at the factory for yourself and for a chance to take your own Instaworthy shot.
A brand synonymous with innovation, SHARK, is pleased to announce the launch of the SKWAL i3 – the brand’s latest UN ECE 22.06 certified full face helmet featuring two brand-new patented technologies and integrated active brake lights for ‘Intelligent Visibility’.
The innovative safety LED system, tried and tested since the introduction of the SKWAL platform in 2015, has been redesigned with the addition of active brake lights as standard. Designed without the need for Bluetooth or wires, the industry-leading tech uses an inbuilt triaxial accelerometer to activate the bright red LED’s on the rear of the helmet in the event of braking. There are white LEDs located on the front of the helmet for active rider visibility to oncoming traffic. Be Bright, Ride Safe.
When the unit is turned on, there are a total of three modes to choose from:
White LEDs on front constantly on – smart brake lights flash when braking.
White LEDs on front flashing – smart brake lights flash when braking.
White LEDs on front off – smart brake lights flash when braking.
The smart brake lights will flash three times per second under steady braking and five times per second under hard braking conditions.
The integrated battery is charged via a USB-C cable with three hours of charge offering 12 hours of usage. Sleep mode activates after two minutes of no movement and after 24 hours the unit will turn off completely to reserve battery.
The new SKWAL i3 has a Lexan™ injected Polycarbonate shell and features a new patented rapid, no-tool visor removal system, meaning the Optical Class 1 anti-scratch visor with Pinlock® 70 can be removed easily by simply manoeuvering it upwards and pushing two buttons – to replace simply line up the visor with the markers and push down. There are new Pinlock® tension adjustment pins and a visor locking system with air inlet position.
There’s an integrated anti-scratch and anti-fog sun visor and intercom compatibility with space for 40mm speakers factored into the multi-density EPS padding. The new patented ergonomic textile fitting system makes it easier for the lining to be removed and replaced.
The Skwal i3 is the first helmet in the SHARK range to use the new – ‘Best Fit’ by SHARK – following a campaign of 3D head shape scans by the brand. Five highly technical textiles add to the comfort and ‘second-skin’ feel. It fastens using an adjustable micrometric buckle for a secure and personalised fit.
Available in two shell sizes and in XS-XXL, the SKWAL i3’s design was drawn directly from the world of motorsport and science fiction – the blend of aerodynamics and robotics accentuates the unique signature lighting.
With an RRP from £239, the SKWAL i3 is available now and in a choice of 13 graphics.
As additional options, as well as clear there are six visors, including iridium colours and a variety of tints.
To see the full 2023 range from SHARK or to locate your nearest SHARK Helmet dealer, visit www.nevis.uk.com or call 01425 478936.
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Having the right tools and equipment in your garage or workshop is important for you to stay on top of your motorcycle maintenance. Whether you’re a keen enthusiast or a novice wanting to get to grips with the basics, you need the correct tools for the job. Doing your own repairs can save money, increase your skills and knowledge, and allow you to have a lot of fun in the process.
In this article, we outline the essentials that you should have in your motorcycle workshop.
Socket sets and spanners
One of the must-haves in any motorcycle workshop is a socket set. These interchangeable attachments are key in loosening and tightening nuts and bolts that hold integral parts of your motorcycle together.
Wheel replacements will almost certainly need a socket wrench and the correct-sized attachment to remove and replace the wheel. Spanners are a more manual form of the same tool and are useful when you can’t access a particular area with a socket wrench.
Torque wrench
A torque wrench does a similar job to a socket wrench but the torque can be set and adjusted depending on how much force you want to put into tightening nuts and bolts. Overtightening can result in damaged fasteners which may be difficult to remove and replace, or even might break entirely.
Screwdrivers
A comprehensive set of screwdrivers is also important to tackle many of the exterior tasks that accompany motorcycle maintenance. A range of head sizes and types will give you the versatility to tackle a broad range of tasks such as removing motorcycle bodywork or fitting accessories to your bike.
Hex keys
Hex keys (also known as Allen keys) are in a similar bracket to screwdrivers but will allow you to tackle jobs where screwdrivers aren’t appropriate. They can loosen and fasten screws that typically attach parts of the bodywork and join internal components together. With a comprehensive range of screwdrivers and hex keys, you should be equipped for many repairs that you may face.
Oil and lubricant dispenser 
Keeping your motorcycle well-oiled, greased and lubricated in the appropriate areas is significant to ensure that it runs smoothly and limits wear and tear. Fluid dispensers, such as these here, allow for easy access and help you to apply fluids where they are needed without creating too much mess.
Components such as the axle need to be greased in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations, whilst the chain needs to be lubricated every 400-600 kilometres – but check your manufacturer's guidelines if you’re unsure.
Rags and cloths
Motorcycle maintenance is a dirty, greasy job so you should have plenty of cleaning supplies to hand. Old rags are handy for wiping grease and oil from your bike, whilst cloths can help to clean and polish the bodywork.
These are the essential tools and equipment you should have ready in your workshop to deal with the basic repairs and maintenance that you may need to tackle on your motorcycle. More specialised tools will be needed if you are to contend with more serious tasks, but these should give you a good baseline to work from.
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| MotoGP stalwart Mike Trimby was presented with the Royal Automobile Club’s prestigious Torrens Trophy at the Pall Mall clubhouse in London last night. The award citation paid tribute to Trimby’s tireless work to improve circuit safety and represent the riders, teams and commercial side of MotoGP. |
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“Last year was another superb year for motorcycle racing and selecting a winner was no easy task,’ said former racer Barrie Baxter, Chairman of the Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee. ‘Steve Holcombe clinched his seventh World FIM EnduroGP Championship, Brad Ray was crowned British Superbike Champion, and Jane Daniels won the World Enduro Championship for the third time, making her Team GB’s best and most successful enduro racer.
“Finally we decided to honour the man known as ‘the King of the MotoGP paddock’. The Torrens Trophy celebrates an individual or organisation considered to have made an outstanding contribution to motorcycling in Britain. It therefore gives us enormous pleasure to award the 2022 Torrens Trophy to one of the biggest unsung heroes of British motorcycle racing.”
Trimby’s love affair with motorcycles and motorcycle racing started when he was a teenager in the 1960s. He started working as a mechanic for famed tuner Syd Lawton to fund the start of his own racing career, which included rides in the Isle of Man TT and the F750 world championship. In 1978 he was asked to organise the Macau motorcycle Grand Prix, a job he continued doing until 2011. He also launched the Racing and Sporting Show at Alexandra Palace, London, which became a must-do event for race fans.
Trimby became a major force in the world of Grand Prix racing following a long period of rider unrest in the late 1970s and early 1980s, which included rider strikes at the Austrian and French GPs and an attempt by three-times MotoGP world champion Kenny Roberts and others to organise a rival world championship. The main issues were safety and money.
In 1982 the top riders asked Trimby to represent them in their fight for better conditions. Four years later IRTA (the International Roadracing Team Association) was established to oversee GP racing’s next steps into the modern world. Trimby’s job changed from running a riders’ trade union to a body representing the teams. Today IRTA is still responsible for numerous areas of MotoGP. It works with rights-holder Dorna to contract the teams, organises the paddock and the grid and looks after facilities for non-European races.
From a technical, commercial and safety point of view, MotoGP has never been in a better place, largely thanks to the herculean efforts of Mike Trimby and his wife Irene. For four decades Trimby and IRTA have represented riders and teams in Grand Prix racing, while improving circuit safety, putting the races on TV, organising teams and making sure everyone gets paid. Quite simply, he’s the man who helped make MotoGP the hugely popular spectacle that it is today.
“I am surprised but honoured to receive this award,” said Trimby. “My achievements were made possible only by the initial support from the leading Grand Prix riders and subsequently the unity of the teams within IRTA, but none of this would have been possible without the partnership with Dorna, which started in 1992. Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and his staff are equally passionate about rider safety.
“I also want to share this award with my wife Irene, who has worked with me at Grands Prix since 1982. Whatever achievements I am credited with would not have been possible without her support.”
Numerous racing luminaries were in attendance on the night, from great riders, including John McGuinness, Cal Crutchlow, Niall Mackenzie, James Toseland and Eugene Laverty through to Dorna executives, team owners and team principles.
“Mike is a key pillar in our sport and a very deserving recipient of this award,’ commented Ezpeleta. “He has been part of Grand Prix motorcycle racing for decades and in our time working together, I have seen the dedication he’s given to the paddock, which has made the sport better and safer than ever. I’m very happy to see his achievements recognised by the Royal Automobile Club and proud to continue working together to keep making MotoGP the best it possibly can be, for everyone – on track, in the paddock and for our millions of fans.’
Three-times World Champion Freddie Spencer was one of many racers to offer his congratulations. “It is truly great news about the well-deserved recognition the Royal Automobile Club is giving to Mike Trimby for all he has contributed to our great sport,” said Spencer. “I started working with Mike 40 years ago and today, as Chairman of the MotoGP Steward Panel as the IRTA representative, it’s a privilege to work alongside him in our mutual goal of providing riders and teams the opportunity to give the fans the safest, most exciting and enjoyable show in motorsport.”
Among those members of racing management offering their good wishes was Lin Jarvis, Managing Director of Yamaha. “This is a much-deserved reward for Mike’s enormous contribution as the CEO of IRTA,” said Jarvis. “Mike and IRTA have done a great deal towards the safety of the riders, the organisation of the paddock and putting in place a real structure behind the scenes of the MotoGP world. It’s the real backbone of the Championship.”
- 2021 The Crescent Yamaha team for winning the riders’, teams’ and manufacturers’ titles in the FIM World Superbike Championship.
- 2020 Emma Bristow for claiming her seventh consecutive FIM Women’s Trial World Championship.
- 2019 Peter Hickman for his three Isle of Man TT victories and for setting the world’s fastest road race lap record of 136.415mph at the Ulster GP.
- 2018 Tai Woffinden for being the most successful British speedway rider in history.
- 2017 Jonathan Rea MBE for being the first rider to win three consecutive World Superbike Championships.
- 2016 MotoGP racer Cal Crutchlow for being first British rider to win a premier class World Championship Motorcycle Grand Prix in 35 years.
- 2015 Eleven-time TT winner Ian Hutchinson for his outstanding determination, courage and overcoming adversity to win multiple TTs.
- 2014 Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne for becoming the first man in history to be crowned British Superbike Championship on four occasions (2003, 2008, 2012 and 2014).
- 2013 Tom Sykes for being crowned the 15th World Superbike Champion, the fourth from Great Britain and only the second rider to win for Kawasaki in the series for 20 years.
- 2008 World Superbike Champion James Toseland was awarded the Trophy for his immense contribution to raising the profile of motorcycle racing in this country.
- 1998 Ian Kerr of the Metropolitan Police for 20 years of tireless work in promoting safe and responsible motorcycling.
- 1989 BMW in recognition for its contribution to motorcycle safety through the development of its anti-lock braking system.
- 1981 Dave Taylor MBE for his vast contribution to motorcycle road safety.
- 1980 Transport and Road Laboratory.
- 1979 Lieutenant-Colonel Fredrick Lovegrove OBE.
The Torrens Trophy
The Royal Automobile Club has always had a close association with the motorcycling world. The Club formed the Auto Cycle Club in 1903, which went on to become the Auto Cycle Union in 1947. The first motorcycle race was held on the Isle of Man in 1905 for cars – two years before the first Tourist Trophy for motorcycles.
The Torrens Trophy recognises an individual or organisation considered to have made an outstanding contribution to the cause of safe and skillful motorcycling in the United Kingdom, or to have made an outstanding contribution of technical excellence to further the cause of motorcycling in the UK, or to have shown outstanding skill in international motorcycling sporting events in the United Kingdom.
The Torrens Trophy was first awarded in 1978 in memory of Arthur Bourne, a motorcycling journalist who wrote a column under the name ‘Torrens’. Arthur Bourne was also a Vice-Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club. It is awarded only when the Club feels that the achievement justifies it.
The Club’s Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee consists of Chairman and ex-bike racer Barrie Baxter, Royal Automobile Club Chairman Ben Cussons, double World Champion and past Torrens winner James Toseland, well-respected motorcycle journalist and TT winner Mat Oxley, commentator and former racer Steve Parrish, Club member Robert Bourne (son of motorcycle journalist Arthur Bourne, in whose memory the Trophy is awarded) and Queen of Bikers Maria Costello MBE, who has held the Guinness World Record for being the fastest woman to lap the Isle of Man TT course.
About the Royal Automobile Club
The Royal Automobile Club was founded in 1897 and its distinguished history mirrors that of motoring itself. In 1907, the Club was awarded its Royal title by King Edward VII, sealing the Club’s status as Britain’s oldest and most influential motoring organisation.
The Club’s early years were focused on promoting the motor car and its place in society, which developed into motoring events such as the 1000 Mile Trial, first held in 1900. In 1905, the Club held the first Tourist Trophy, which remains the oldest continuously competed for motor sports event. The Club promoted the first pre-war and post-war Grands Prix at Brooklands in 1926 and Silverstone in 1948 respectively, whilst continuing to campaign for the rights of the motorist, including introducing the first driving licences.
Today, the Club continues to develop and support automobilism through representation on the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the RAC Foundation while promoting its own motoring events including the Club’s London Motor Week and the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
The Club also awards a series of internationally recognised trophies and medals celebrating motoring achievements. These include the Segrave Trophy, the Torrens Trophy, the Simms Medal, the Dewar Trophy and the oldest trophy in motorsport, the Tourist Trophy.
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All motorcyclists are well aware of the benefits of traveling on such a mode of transportation as a motorcycle. However, not everyone chooses this type of recreation. Why is this the case? For example, there are other fascinating activities, such as playing in gambling establishments with casino first deposit bonus uk. Several other factors can deter even the most avid motorcyclists.
However, to begin with, let us analyze everything step by step. Perhaps the following arguments will convince some to change their attitude and use the motorcycle as a recreation from everyday life on weekends, and not just as a means of transportation to and from work.
Contact with Nature 
Covering kilometers on two wheels, our body receives much more stimuli from the environment than when driving a car or other means of transportation (not counting paragliding or other even more extreme means). The proverbial «wind in our hair» and the feeling of «freedom» are not just empty slogans, but are among the most important reasons why I put this mode of transportation above others.
One of the senses that work very strongly when driving is the sense of smell. Because is there anything more pleasant than the smell of a forest on a spring morning, or the smell of mountains on an alpine pass? In addition to the sense of smell, we sense all atmospheric factors, such as:
· Temperature
· Humidity
· Wind
· Rain
· Fog
· Etc...
For some people, atmospheric factors beyond our control are unacceptable when traveling. After all, it's better to set the AC to 21 degrees and enjoy the views seen from behind the glass.
Our sense of hearing also gets a lot more information, provided we have a civilized exhaust that meets any noise standards.
The sense of balance, while driving on a winding road, gets so much stimulus that our brain starts producing incredible amounts of dopamine. As a result, it has a huge impact on our state of mind.
The sense of space is also indescribable. It is impossible to feel this, being enclosed in a «can». Just think how many more sensations there are to remember after such a vacation.
Saving
A trivial matter, perhaps, because, after all, we do not go on vacation to save money, but to relax. However, the fact is that riding a motorcycle is much cheaper in terms of all tolls (highways, scenic roads, expressways), ferry crossings, tunnels, bridges, and so on. Parking fees are also much lower or nonexistent. And if we add it all up together, we find that we can extend our vacation by two or even three more days.
Also, the money saved can be spent on another, no less interesting and exciting entertainment – a game of casino no minimum deposit uk. In addition, it is an ideal option not only to relax and rest from a hard road but also an opportunity to earn real money.
Mobility
With a motorcycle, we can not only go faster, but we can get into places where an ordinary passenger car can't or won't. Of course, it depends on what kind of equipment you are driving, but even riding a chase bike you can drive a piece of light gravel or terrain. In most resort towns, the problem of driving into the center and looking for a parking spot disappears.
The problem of standing in traffic jams also disappears, which during the vacation season greatly improves the comfort of travel. In addition to these obvious issues, local law enforcement officers look at people traveling on a motorcycle differently from those traveling by car.
Minimum luggage 
Some consider this a plus, while others consider it the biggest problem. Well, because how to pack all the essentials for a two-week trip? There are no major problems if you ride solo. More gymnastics is required if you're going for two. Well, after all, it fits to take «so many» things that «may» be needed.
From personal experience, many people know that only the essentials are useful during such a vacation:
· Underwear
· Flip-flops
· A pair of shirts
· Jeans
· Sweatshirt
· Sneakers
There is no need to take a whole closet of clothes and shoes with us because we only use 25% of what we take with us during our vacation anyway. Besides, we can always buy ourselves something from a local store or simply wash it, and the problem is solved.
If we plan the whole trip well, we can also predict exactly what things we will need and what we will not need. If we plan to sleep in guesthouses, then we drop a lot of things that we would have to take with us, choosing the option of spending the night at campsites or campgrounds. So proper planning helps a lot in taking only the necessary things
Unforgettable adventures
Somehow it's the case that every ride, tour, or, finally, motorcycle trip, is an unforgettable adventure. Something always happens, we always encounter some interesting situations. Sometimes someone runs out of fuel, or a license plate falls off, or someone gets lost, and so on. You bring back a whole lot of such memories from every trip.
Answer the question yourself, how many times, while on vacation somewhere, have you thought: «as if it would be great to ride this road on a motorcycle»? Or: «someday I will come back here on a motorcycle»? There's nothing easier than going on vacation on a motorcycle, and if there's a problem with luggage or space for the kids you can always take the motorcycle with you on a trailer. However, this is already a topic for a separate article.
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APRILIA RACING IS READY FOR THE 2023 MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
AS PLANNED, THE PROJECT CONTINUES ITS DEVELOPMENT: FOR THE FIRST TIME FOUR RS-GP BIKES AND FOUR TOP RIDERS WILL BE ON TRACK
AFTER THE EXCELLENT 2022 SEASON, THE EVOLUTION OF THE PROJECT DOES NOT STOP, WITH THE AIM OF BEING EVEN MORE COMPETITIVE BUT ABOVE ALL TO ENTERTAIN AND MAKE THOUSANDS OF APRILIA FANS AROUND THE WORLD DREAM
From surprise to confirmation: this will be the goal of the MotoGP 2023 season for Aprilia Racing, which presents itself through a fun and engaging video, with team and riders immersed in the atmosphere of one of the most famous TV series.
Last season, Aprilia experienced impressive growth in terms of results (their first MotoGP win, another eight podium finishes, and two pole positions) which placed the Italian team among the championship protagonists, in the battle all the way to the end of the season for the most prestigious objectives in every category.
Results which had already been foreshadowed at the start of 2021 when, along with a series of outstanding placings, the first MotoGP podium arrived and results rooted in years of taking steps in the right direction.
Now Aprilia Racing faces a dual challenge - confirming their potential in the championship battle and continuing to grow, with a few more weapons in their arsenal, beginning with the satellite team and its riders Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez, as well as an additional flow of information that will come in handy in developing the RS-GP.
But the spotlight will certainly be on the number 41 garage where Aleix Espargaró will once again be fighting for the championship after his fourth place last season - with more than one regret. Team veteran by statistics and "Captain" by unanimous acclamation, Aleix will be able to count on both the perfect symbiosis with a team that has been following him since 2017 and on the experience and maturity that he has built up over more than 200 Motorcycle World Championship Grand Prix races.
For Maverick Viñales, the positive pressure is just as clear. The talent of the rider from Roses will now be able to rely on complete harmony with the structure of the team and the characteristics of the RS-GP. If 2022 was a year of growth with some spectacular high points, 2023 promises to be the year when he will achieve high level consistency.
Tester Lorenzo Savadori is more than confirmed. His work has been one of the pillars on which Aprilia's huge growth has been built over recent season and he will also be participating in three wild cards, still to be decided.
On the technical front, the evolution of the Aprilia RS-GP involved every single aspect. The V4 engine, which cannot evolve during the season after losing concessions, has increased in power and maximum RPM whilst maintaining its outstanding rideability. The chassis architecture relies on a frame that has been revisited based on the riders’ requests, striving for traction and stability. The aerodynamics maintain the concepts introduced in 2022 such as the curved side panel or the characteristic configuration of the front winglet and evolves them, confirming Aprilia Racing’s technological leadership in the sector. The electronics benefit from the introduction of a new Magneti Marelli ECU and refined strategy management, the object of constant work which will continue race after race.
Aprilia Racing’s growth from a structural point of view also continues. New arrivals on the factory team and new organisation to follow the team clients are the most evident results of this. The racing department from Noale thereby perseveres in its commitment to improve from an organisational point of view, as well as in the technology the RS-GP brings to the race.
Massimo Rivola - Aprilia Racing CEO
"Our growth is undeniable, as is how rapidly we improved. It is a path that did not come about by chance. We are a better company from every point of view, so I expect this trend to continue. Our challenge will now increase with the further responsibility of a satellite team which, while on one hand will allow us to have much more information available, will also be an important test bench for our organisational and analytical ability. The winter break, which was actually one of the most labour intensive periods, was positive, as were the first tests, but only in the race will we be able to assess our level with respect to our rivals. We’ll be under more pressure and we are faced with a new format which implies new challenges for teams and riders, but we have prepared well and I believe that we’ll start the championship season with extremely high motivation. Goals? To do better than last year."
Romano Albesiano, Aprilia Racing Technical Director
"We are rather convinced that we worked well during the winter break and the first tests have already provided some confirmation of this. The technical situation will be new for us, also having a second team to support and from which to be able to draw important information. The race weekends will also bring some changes, with the introduction of the Sprint Race which will demand a specific approach. Every detail of the new RS-GP is an evolution of the 2022 concept, with a numerical improvement of all the main aspects and the development programme anticipates further refinements throughout the season."
Aleix Espargaró
"Being with Aprilia for such a long time puts a certain amount of pressure on me because I know how important results are for this company. At the same time, maturity and the fact that I know the people I work with well give me peace of mind. The 2023 championship season will begin with plenty of unknowns. The new format with the Sprint Race on Saturday will demand even more preparation of us riders but no one can truly assess the actual impact of this change yet. I have prepared to my best ability and I am confident that we will have fun again this year."
Maverick Viñales
"I learned a lot in 2022 about Aprilia and my team, but also about myself. In this new season, we’ll be able to put everything learned during this apprenticeship into practice. I liked the new RS-GP straight away. It has improved in aspects, such as early throttle opening management, which are fundamental for my riding style. I like the new weekend format. It will be interesting both for the fans and for the teams which will have a chance to prepare for the Sunday race using the Sprint Race. I can't wait to get started. The break was refreshing, but now I just want to get back out on the track!"
Lorenzo Savadori
"The new 2023 RS-GP 2023 has clearly grown, but I think there is still margin for improvement. Our goal is to continue testing new solutions. We have some interesting ideas to implement. Physically, I am at 100% after recovering from various injuries so, as always, I will be ready to go. The biggest improvement of the new Aprilia? I’d say the engine. We made more than one step forward and I think that this will help us during the course of the season."
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