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Category: Random
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One of the most important aspects of the National Motorcycle Museum friend’s scheme is giving its members the chance to take part in some riding activities that just wouldn’t be possible otherwise. Some of this unique content includes the chance for museum friend’s to ride some of the best bikes in our inventory!
NMM Friend’s Classic Bike Tour Day
Saturday 24th March saw six museum friends scheme members having the opportunity to ride some of the most exciting and valuable classic motorcycles from the museums inventory.
Those taking part received an induction and “off road” training before being escorted by ex-police motorcyclists/IAM instructors around the beautiful Warwickshire countryside. Riding via Henley in Arden and other local beauty spots our riders enjoyed various museum bikes including a 1939 Triumph Tiger 100 and a 1960 Triumph Bonneville T120.
Each class of machine attracts a different “hire” fee which includes insurance cover and lunch in the museum restaurant. The next tours date we have planned is Saturday 12/05/18.
NMM Friend’s “Ride a Classic” Day
Saturday 31st March saw a capacity entry of 60 museum friend’s scheme members having the opportunity to ride a diverse range of classic motorcycles from the museums inventory in our first “ride a classic” day of 2018.
The day was split into two with 30 friends pre-booked onto either morning or afternoon sessions which gave everyone the chance to sample all of the eleven machines on offer.
Museum friend’s were treated to a host of exotic machinery including a Velocette Venom, Sunbeam Model 9, Ariel Cyclone 650cc, and even our very own “Steve McQueen/Great Escape” Triumph 650cc replica!
In addition to their annual membership fee the day cost museum friends just £10.00 per rider to help cover insurance costs. The next “ride a classic” day we have planned is Saturday 09/06/18.
Become a Friend Of The National Motorcycle Museum and Ride Our Bikes
Access to the above plus many other exclusive events & benefits for an annual subscription of-
Adults 18-65 £29.95
Senior Citizens 65+ £27.45
Junior 0-18 £19.95
Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) £49.95
By Phone: Call the National Motorcycle Museum on (01675) 443311
Join on-line www.thenmm.co.uk
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Customers of James Whitham’s track day training schools at Mallory Park can also test ride the GSX-R1000R, with added incentives for those that go on to purchase the championship-winning machine.
Starting from next week’s event on April 18 at the ‘friendly circuit’ and included at no extra cost, customers can choose to take a GSX-R1000R out on track for a 20-minute session. Those that go on to purchase a new GSX-R1000 or GSX-R1000 before the end of 2018 will then have the cost of the track day reimbursed, and will be automatically granted a free place on Suzuki’s 2019 All-Star track day event.
Three-time British Superbike champion John Reynolds – who played a pivotal role in the development of the GSX-R1000 both in Japan and Europe – will also be on hand to answer any questions and offer additional on-track instruction.
Suzuki GB marketing manager, Rob Cooper, said, “There’s nowhere better to get a taste for a GSX-R1000R than a race track, which is why we want to give people that chance. James already uses GSX-R1000Rs for the instructors on his days, so it made sense to add to the number of bikes at his Mallory Park events and let customers experience the bike for themselves too, including its full suite of electronics and MotoGP-derived engine.”
Customers that purchase before the end of April will also get a free Yoshimura Hepta Force exhaust, while the GSX-R1000 is currently on Suzuki’s low-rate finance offer, which allows customers to choose from either a PCP or hire purchase deal, 2%, 3%, or 4% APR, and an agreement term to match. The offer runs until the end of June.
To book a place on James Whitham track days, visit www.jameswhitham.com/track-training. GSX-R1000R test rides will only be available at Mallory Park events.
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Seasoned bikers who know their Ricky Carmicheals from their Mika Aholas may be able to talk until the cows come home about the differences between a trials bike, an endurance bike and a motocross bike. But if you’re a little newer to the scene – or your own two-wheeled interests are usually in the field of choppers and bobbers – knowing which off-road motorbike is going to be your style can be a little harder to figure out.
Are you planning on riding tracks or trails, or setting off on Green Lane adventures? Whatever your pleasure, whether everyday practice or weekend warrior, here are a few key differences between off-road motorbikes to help you choose the right one for you.
Motocross Bikes vs Supermotos 
Motocross and Supercross are very similar sports with one key difference: Supercross takes place in arenas and stadiums, while Motocross takes place out in naturally occurring terrain. Both use dirt tracks, and in either sport the dirt tracks have been man-made for purpose, but the difference between arena dirt track and out-on-the-land dirt track is enough to warrant a different style of tyre and suspension.
In either sport, bikes need to be capable of making tight turns and big jumps. But while supermotos feature road tyres and soft suspension set-ups that make them suited to well-maintained routes, motocross bikes are more about the off-road. If you’re planning on going Green Laning and need guarantees that your bike will tolerate bumpier terrain, a motocross bike or enduro bike might be the one for you. But if your focus is on the track and you also need a daily ride, a supermoto can offer that flexibility. That’s not to say they’re all street legal – but it’s easier to make a supermoto street legal than it is to get an MX bike on the road.
Trials Bikes vs Trail Bikes
Trials bikes and trail bikes, aren’t they the same thing? Well, no. Most noticeably because trials bikes don’t have seats.
Trail bikes are incredibly similar to motocross bikes in just about every way, though motocross bikes are lighter because they’re designed to be track-raced. They’re both great for going off-road on tracks that aren’t manicured specifically for motorsports, but a motocross bike will need some accessorising to protect it from the roughest terrain – whereas a trail bike will take Green Lanes with ease. Trail bikes, often being designed more for fun and games than for competitive sport, sometimes come with a headlight and/or kickstand and may have a front tyre that’s bigger than the rear to absorb impact.
Trials bikes on the other hand are not about the mod cons. Trial sport doesn’t focus on speed and power – it’s about balance and agility. These bikes are designed to hop over obstacles and be thrown around with ease by their rider, so any weight that can be lost is taken away – including the bike seat.
Trials competitions are slow speed and don’t cover a lot of ground, so you’ll notice the fuel tanks are tiny, usually incorporated into the U-shaped frame as if there isn’t a tank there at all. This helps with balance and keeps the bike’s centre of gravity low. Trials bikes are great if you want to get into trial riding, but they aren’t a comfortable choice for just about anything else.
Enduro Bikes vs Moto and Supermoto 
Motocross, supermoto, trails and trials… how does an enduro bike differ from all of these? Endurance races are just that – they require a bike that can go for many miles, day or night, on varying terrain. Unlike motocross and supermoto, where fast acceleration is needed and you’re up against a series of tight turns, ruts and ‘whoops’ sections, enduro bikes get kitted out with lights, panniers for carrying extra fuel and other things you wouldn’t be needing in 3-5 lap race.
Enduro motorbikes also come with wider transmission ratios, meaning they can operate over a broad speed range without as much gear-shifting as another bike. Like a trails bike, enduro rides are designed to take even the messiest terrain in their stride – but if you’re setting off for a weekend or a week rather than a day, the extra space in the fuel tank is not to be sniffed at.
Unlike trail bikes, enduro bikes sometimes have a rear wheel that’s larger than the front – instead of impact absorption, this is primarily to prevent drifting. The overall weight is heavier than other types of dirt bike, so bear that in mind if you’re planning on attempting off-road jumps.
The odd one out: Quad Bikes 
Most bikers don’t really think of quad bikes as ‘bikes’ per se, but when it comes to off-roading it’s worth giving them a look in. Some insurers offer discounts on quad bike insurance if you’re already insuring other motorbikes, so you don’t need to worry about much extra spend for those extra wheels.
Hitting tricky terrain on four wheels instead of two gives you a lot of extra stability, but does mean it’s harder to navigate tight spots. If you’re looking to venture off along narrow trails or through dense woodland, a dirt bike of any description will likely be a better fit than a quad. But if you’re going off-road into fields, Green Lanes designed for tractors and trailers or sandy areas, quad bikes might be just the thing you need.
Particularly for a new rider, quad bikes give you the opportunity to get confident handling a piece of heavy machinery without worrying about dropping it or having a wheel drift out. You’ve got a comfortable, wide ride, and you can familiarise yourself with tyre traction on dirt, mud and grass before tackling that movement on something less stable.
All in all, which vehicle is right for you depends on where you’re planning on riding, whether it’s going to be all about speed and tricks or taking in the scenery, and how confident you are in your riding abilities. For experienced riders looking to get agile, a trials bike might be the winning hobby that shows off new skills – but for total novices, a quad or trail bike is probably a better fit.
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France and an incredible 10th International Film Award presented by MotoGP World Champion, Freddie Spencer.
It may not be winning an Oscar nomination or Oscar, but Dream Racer is a film that keeps on winning Films Awards around the globe and more importantly the heart of viewers. After earning a double Award in Canada at the Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival a few months ago, Dream Racer won its 10th Film Award at French Riviera Motorcycle Film Festival (2-4 March 2018) presented by none less than MotoGP Legend and 3-time World Champion, Freddie Spencer.
With Freddie Spencer being on stage addressing the audience inside the movie theater in Nice, France and Christophe Barriere-Varju (starring in Dream Racer) over in Australia, the Facebook Messenger Live Video came in announcing Dream Racer had won the Audience Award. Over a live video connection with the French Audience, Freddie stated "I really admired your perseverance on and off the track in Dream Racer, I can totally relate what you were experiencing. Dream Racer is truly an inspiring film."
To which Christophe replied "I used to watch you race MotoGP, and never... never in my wildest dreams I would have thought I would be speaking with you today, thank you." Which then followed answering questions from Festival founder, Olivier Wagner and a Q&A session with the audience.
"Motorcycles are a powerful vector of freedom, whether it’s adventure, off-road riding, road racing or vintage bikes,” says FRMFF founder and president Olivier Wagner. “In addition to being a true motorcycle racing fan, I am a movie lover and amateur filmmaker. In fact, most of the movies I have made were motorcycle related. I decided to create this event because – having competed as a director in many international motorcycle film festivals – I have had the occasion to see great movies that nobody knows in France. And the best way to do so is to create my own festival because, to my knowledge, none exists in France.”
"I met Olivier Wagner during the Lisbon Motorcycle Film Fest last year along with Caius Tenche Director of the Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival (Canada), it is refreshing to meet people doing things for the love of their passion -- nothing more, and to be able to share Dream Racer message with audiences around the world is really what it is all about" says Christophe Barriere-Varju.
Christophe Barriere-Varju also works with Motorcycle Film Festivals such as the Lisbon Motorcycle Film Fest, the Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival, and the Portland Motorcycle Film Festival, and The Vintagent to bring new films to its newly established film platform, Dream Racer TV -- a Netflix / iTunes like film platform that already span an audience of viewers across 70 countries.
Other Awarded Films included:
Prix du Meilleur Long Métrage / Best Feature Film Award: "IL MAGO MANCINI"
Pays / Country : Italie/Italy Réalisateur / Director : Jeffrey Zani
Prix du Meilleur Court Métrage / Best Short Film Award: "BLACK LIGHTNING : THE ROLLIE FREE STORY"
Pays / Country : USA Réalisateur / Director : Zach Ziglow
Feature films in competition
Short films in competition
Out of Competition Movies
- Be. Continental Circus - Belgium
- I Fidanzati Della Morte - Italy
- Once Upon a Time Continental Circus - France
ABOUT THE JUDGING PANEL
Freddie Spencer, President: American MotoGP pilot, 3-time world champion. "Fast Freddie" was the youngest world champion, a record only recently broken by Marc Marquez. Freddie Spencer is the only MotoGP racer to have won both 250cc and 500cc races, and world title in the same year, 1985. His book 'FEEL, My Story' is a search for the personal fulfilment that comes through finding your purpose, Freddie’s story is a universal one. In its message of hope, Feel transcends its genre to offer a story for everyone. Part thriller, part philosophical self-exploration, it is a remarkably insightful account of what it is like to have it all, but wonder why.
Eric Saul, Professional Grand Prix racer, founder of I.C.G.P.: Original member of the French generation of Grand Prix racers who shone brilliantly in the Continental Circus, Eric Saul is the founder and organizer of the famous International Classic Grand Prix (ICGP), whose aim is to bring together former world championship riders with their vintage machines, thus allowing the public to relive unforgettable moments from this magical era. An era in which the Grand Prix had starting grids counting up to 36 pilots in 6 different categories.
Lydia Truglio Beaumont, Racer, Trainer & Journalist: Lydia really is a girl apart. She defines herself as Founder of the Mag'Motardes, a graduate educator, and a pluri-disciplinary amateur rider. That's what she is and her excellent blog that highlights women in the world of motorcycle is really worth a read. Her participation in the "Africa Eco Race" which will provide support to children's associations in Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal.
Didier Constant, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian magazine "Motoplus.ca": Created in March 2008, the online magazine "Motoplus.ca" is currently in its tenth year of publication. As he writes after Sacha Guitry: "to please everyone, is to please no one, and it would be an insult if one sought everyone’s approval.” Didier understood this a long time ago. One touches people’s hearts when one stops trying to seduce at all costs. Didier came from the “Belle Province” (Québec) especially for this event.
Gérard Delio (Photo Press), Professional Sports Photographer: If there is a familiar name in the French motorcycle racing community, it is that of «Photo Press». Gérard Delio has been haunting the circuits since the 1970s. Today he still immortalizes riders in action. There is not a single racer who does not have a picture of him taken by Gerard. If you're looking for an archived photo, he’s your man.
ABOUT THE FRENCH RIVIERA MOTORCYCLE FILM FESTIVAL
Created by motorcycle enthusiast Olivier Wagner, the French Riviera Motorcycle Film Festival spirit is the same as biker spirit. It is based on fraternity, common mind and the desire to share one’s passions, and to watch a selection of films about motorcycles from around the world, during the first edition of the "French Riviera Motorcycle Film Festival". The festival has been supported by VILLE DE NICE, The Nap Hotel, Moto Expo 2018, Club Presse 06, Esprit Motard 06, Laurent Lachkar Ducati, NICE PREMIUM Motors BMW, Honda Werther, Indian Motorcycle, Harley Davidson, and Jacky Onda Yamaha.
ABOUT DREAM RACER AND DREAM RACER TV
To date, the film Dream Racer has been watched by audiences in over 145 countries, and watched by audiences from 70 countries on its new launched On-Demand platform Dream Racer TV that features not just Dream Racer, but many other sports and adventure-based documentary feature films.
Dream Racer TV is a fully encrypted DRM digital video on demand platform that offers a content protected platform to film makers wishing to add their film to a growing list of content and viewers worldwide. Dream Racer TV takes its name after 10x Award Winning Film, Dream Racer.
The film Dream Racer has been sold to Discovery World, FOX, and featured in international in-flight movies at Qantas, Virgin, and Emirates.
Dream Racer is the most awarded motorcycle film of all time and has now won a total of 10 International Awards at Film Festivals in Los Angeles, Barcelona, Milan, Marina del Rey, New York, New Delhi, Oregon, Toronto, and Nice, France. Dream Racer has also been nominated in Austria, and Australia for Best Edited Film.
Dream Racer is available to audiences worldwide on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Online via Video On Demand including subtitles options in Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, and Russian from our Official Website.
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Government proposals of £7million funding for new bike-friendly areas fail to address a fundamental issue of cycling road safety: potholes and deteriorating road surfaces reports the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA).
“The government’s own figures state that 100 cyclists a year are killed or seriously injured due to accidents caused by poor or defective road surfaces. This is the issue that needs to be addressed”, said Howard Robinson, RSTA chief executive.
Under the proposals the government will provide £6.5 million funding for a range of projects to improve road safety and help create more bike-friendly areas in 8 cities including Bristol, Leeds, Cambridge, Birmingham, Norwich, Manchester, Newcastle and Oxford. In addition, it will also provide £0.5 million to support the Cycling UK Big Bike initiative to get more people cycling safely.
“Cyclists are amongst our more vulnerable road users. For them, the continued deterioration of local road surfaces can result in death or serious, life-changing injuries”, said Robinson. “Initiatives to get more people cycling are to be welcomed but the government needs to invest in the provision of a well-maintained road network that is safe to for them to use.”
Robinson points to the latest Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey that found to restore the local road network to a satisfactory condition would cost over £12.06 billion and it would take 13 years to address the backlog of potholes. Produced by the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) the survey found that such is the rate of deterioration a sixth of local roads could be unusable within five years.
“Before making headline grabbing announcements the government should provide real levels of investment in road maintenance to ensure that cyclists have a safe road surface to cycle on”, said Robinson.
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