Category: Random

1. Motorbike insurance – how to find the best deal

   Posted on 9:00am Wednesday 1st Jul 2015

   Ensuring you have adequate motorbike insurance is as essential for a biker as having a helmet and leathers. However not all policies are the same so how do you know the policy you have provides all the cover you need?

   Know what to look for…

   Motorbike insurance is a legal necessity in the UK however many bikers just opt for the cheapest deal they can find. However, this can be a mistake as the cheapest deal may not offer the level of cover you require.

   Choose from:

   • Third party only: This covers liability for injuries to others and damage to their property.
   • Third party, fire and theft: All the protection of third party cover plus cover for your own bike against theft, attempted theft and fire damage.
   • Comprehensive: Everything that’s included in third party, fire and theft cover plus repairs to your own bike in the event of an accident (subject to policy exclusions). What’s offered under comprehensive motorbike insurance will usually vary between companies but typically includes medical expenses, accidental damage cover and personal accident cover.
   • Third party and third party, fire and theft policies are best suited to riders who are inexperienced or who have claims and convictions on their record as premiums for comprehensive insurance may be too high. A third party deal may also be suitable if you ride a relatively inexpensive bike.

   However, generally the more cover you have the better, which is why if you’re comparing comprehensive insurance you should examine the terms and conditions carefully to see exactly what is included in the policy – what is offered as standard by some insurance companies may not be included in other policies and there may also be optional extras to choose from – cover features for which you can pay an additional premium. Some of the policy options to look out for include: breakdown cover; legal expenses cover; a temporary replacement bike while yours is repaired; cover to ride other motorbikes (with the owner’s permission) in emergency situations; and travelling in Europe.

   What else should you consider?

   While the level of cover available should be your primary concern there are several other key factors that are worth considering while you shop around:

   • Excess levels: An excess is the amount you pay towards a claim. Usually this is split into a compulsory excess established by the insurance company itself and a voluntary excess, which is an additional amount you agree to pay, when taking the insurance out, in case a claim is necessary.
   • No-claims discounts: Making claims on your insurance costs your provider money – and so they rewards bikers who don’t make claims. Avoiding claims for four or more years could even reduce premiums by as much as 60 per cent.
   • Other discounts: There may be additional incentives offered by an insurer – for example you may get a discount for insuring more than one bike with the same company; and there may be discounts for buying online.
   • Policy exclusions: Read the terms and conditions of any policy that interests you carefully, and be on the lookout for exclusions (these are circumstances in which you will not be covered).

   So which company offers the best deal?

   There’s no set answer as to which motorbike insurance provider offers the best deal, or indeed which is the cheapest. This is because premiums can vary widely between insurers due to the assessments they make of how likely you are to make a claim – this can be influenced by factors including your riding history; your address – such as if you live in a busy traffic or high crime area; your annual mileage; your personal circumstances – do you use your bike as part of your job, for example; and the bike itself.

   Due to the contrasts in the way these factors are evaluated it makes sense to gather as many quotes as possible before settling on the best deal. A comparison website is a great starting point as the leading websites can compare policies from as many as 25 insurance companies. The key however, is to look beyond price alone (the cheapest deal is listed first) and also consider the level of cover you’re receiving.

   There are steps you can take to reduce premiums too – here are some quick tips:

   • Agree to a mileage limit: The fewer miles you travel, the lower the risk of an accident occurring.
   • Choose a suitable bike: Older bikes with smaller engines usually qualify for cheaper premiums as they are cheaper to repair/replace and less likely to travel at fast speeds.
   • Increase excess: Agreeing to a higher excess can lower premiums but keep it at a level you can comfortably afford.
   • Increase security: Consider adding electronic and mechanical security to reduce the risk of theft and park in a locked garage overnight.
   • Pay annually: By paying premiums upfront you can avoid interest charges.

   See our insurance section

2. Custom Beckham Bonneville Competition

   Posted on 9:00am Wednesday 17th Jun 2015

   Motolegends, the Guildford based retro clothing specialist, has recently created a replica of the customised Triumph Bonnevilles that David Beckham and his pals rode up the Amazon last year.

   The bike is going to be given away at the NEC later this year, in a free prize draw.

   Many people assumed that the bikes they rode were Triumph’s latest Scrambler model; and that was because, like the Scrambler, those bikes wore a high-level, off road, Arrow exhaust.

   But, in fact, the starting point was nothing other than a humble Bonneville.

   Motolegends acquired their donor bike, a 2001 model, from a local ex-policeman. Even though it was over 10 years old, it had been meticulously looked after, and so presented an excellent starting point for the project.

   The build was actually incredibly simple, and although the end result is quite dramatic, the work is well within the scope of any budding ,‘bike-shed’ mechanic.

   Part one was the strip-down. Off came the mudguards, the indicators, the rear grab rail, the exhaust, and so on.

   What was left was treated to a matt black paint job that included the wheels, fuel tank, engine casing, cylinder head and, handlebars on.

   The wheels were re-shod with Metzler Karoo 3s as per the original bike; rubber fork gaiters were added, the seat was re-trimmed, and a new rear mudguard and number plate holder was fabricated.

   The pièce de résistance, and the most expensive single part on the bike, was the Arrow exhaust. But it only comes in a metal finish, so it was sent off for a black ceramic coating. A bracket was fabricated, to allow it to hang correctly off the side of the bike.

   Final touches involved moving the rear brake master cylinder to a new location, as the rear brake positioning couldn’t have been at all convenient on the original bikes.

   Discrete indicators were then fitted front and back. On the Amazon bikes there were no rear indicators; just front ones.

   The end result is a bike that somehow seems more than the sum of its parts.

   There are hugely complicated and intricate builds out there that sometimes fail to hit the spot. This bike is simplicity itself, yet has an undeniable wow factor to it.

   With the baffle removed, the bike sounds far better than a Bonneville has any right to. Being lighter than the original, it handles well, and the Metzeler tyres give a purposeful look, without any real detrimental effect as far as rideabilty and comfort are concerned.

   The bike was built by Phil and Graham at FCL in Cranleigh. Including the original bike, parts, paint labour and so on, the build came in at around £10k, although some specialists are demanding £16,000 or more for similar replicas.

   It’s got to be said that, close as the bike is to Beckham’s, it’s not a slavish reproduction. But it’s certainly not far off!

   The only part that proved totally elusive was the small, under-handlebar mirror that the Amazon bikes sported. If anyone knows where it’s from, Motolegends would like to know!

   Beckham fan or not, there’s no denying that the bike has an ineffably cool, laid back vibe to it.

   And all it takes, if you want the chance to lock it away in your shed, is for you to give your name and address to Motolegends. To enter the competition, just click here.

   The bike will be given away at the end of the NEC show this November.

3. Museum To Restore Foggys First Bike!‏

   Posted on 10:00am Tuesday 16th Jun 2015

   The National Motorcycle Museum is proud to announce that four times World Superbike Champion Carl Fogarty MBE has chosen the Museum’s workshop to restore his very first motorcycle!

   This little Honda C50 based special was the product of Honda dealer Ken Martin who made the bike for his son Chris around 1972. Indeed, the specially manufactured tank badge’s still read “motochris” in recognition of the little bikes first owner.

   Purchased from Ken Martin in 1975 by Carl’s dad George the bike was given to Foggy for his 10th Birthday.

   Recently re-united with the bike after nearly 40 years, Foggy was looking to get the machine restored and phoned Museum Director James Hewing.

   Speaking of the call James recalled: “I have worked with Carl in the past & was really pleased that he thought of the Museum’s restoration team to restore the bike for him. We have restored everything from the earliest and rarest veterans through to superbikes of the 1970s but never anything like this!”

   Foggy commented: “It’s in a rough state but I know the lad’s at the Museum will restore it back to just how it was when my dad gave it to me back in 1975”
   
   www.thenmm.co.uk
   

4. DAKAR NEWS -

   Posted on 9:00am Tuesday 16th Jun 2015

   ASSISTANCE AND RACE: EVERYONE GOES TO BOLIVIA!

   WARNING. Going through the Bolivian winter requires an intensive preparation: rain and cold are to be expected!

   The Dakar caravan takes altitude and will travel trough Bolivia.
   New specials, new bivouacs, breathtaking landscapes from the Titicaca Lake to the Uyuni Salar, an equally welcoming and passionate local population… all the ingredients for this edition to remain engraved in the memory of everyone involved in this 38th edition of the Dakar.

   However, it is essential to be prepared to the extreme conditions of the Bolivian Altiplano, and to provide oneself with the appropriate equipment: raincoats, sleeping bags (suitable to cold temperatures), spare clothes for the pilots, etc.

   Important clarifications on the conditions encountered on the Bolivian Altiplano:
   • Altitude: from 3500 to 4000 meters between Lake Titicaca and Uyuni.
   • Uyuni military barracks: The Uyuni stage won’t be realized as a « marathon stage ». The pilots and race teams will stay with their assistance, on the bivouac.
   • Bivouacs: Unlike the last 2 editions, the Bolivian stages won’t be « marathon stages » and the entire caravan will be present on the bivouacs. No accommodation will be provided by the organisation for the competitors.
   • Rains and Winds: some of these areas are very rainy, most particularly near the border between Peru and Oruro. It is a must to anticipate and have some spare pilot suits for the pilots and co-pilots, as well as rain clothes.
   • Cold: If the temperatures could be pleasant or even hot sometimes during daytime, they might be cold (or freezing) from sunset to sunrise. To bring suitable sleeping bags is very important.
   • Road networks: the roads taken by the assistances are asphalted and will be secured by the local police forces and the organization.

    

5. Take a trip down the most scenic roads in Britain

   Posted on 9:00am Wednesday 29th Apr 2015

   When we spend our lives stuck at traffic lights, it’s easy to forget why we fell in love with riding in the first place.

   The majestic ‘beauty’ of a Tesco Express just doesn’t evoke that ‘road trip’ feeling, and popping up to Loch Lomond for a quick spin isn’t exactly convenient when you live in central Manchester.

   But we’re lucky enough to have beautiful strips of asphalt all around us - it’s just a case of knowing where to look! So, after conducting a study and sampling some of our customers’ favourite roads in Britain, we’ve come up with some indisputable winners.

   Spanning Scotland, Wales, Northern England, The Midlands and the South, we’ve got a scenic route for everyone in the UK. Where possible, we’ve also listed the pubs and eateries along the way.

   So, get kitted up and let’s bring Sunday rides back!

   A57 – Snake Pass

   This route is notoriously dangerous for bikers. A mix of sharp turns, steep drops and clowns who like to overtake makes this a road which takes serious wits. The pass is often shut during the winter months and it isn’t uncommon to encounter both black ice and sheep on the roads and verges!

   But when you take it steady, the Snake Pass is a stunning run with a varied landscape. From peaking over Glossop and taking in the heathery moors, to descending to Lady Bower reservoir, you could be cruising through the Scottish Highlands, not the North West of England.

   There’s a great bikers’ pub on route called the Ladybower Inn too. It’s popular and you’ll certainly have to get there early on a sunny Sunday, but the food is great, the atmosphere is friendly and there’s even rooms available. There’s numerous stops along Snake Pass too, so stop safely and take in the scenery where you can.

   A4085 – Aberglaslyn Pass

   Wales is brimming with great roads. The Brecon Beacons in general is a particular favourite of ours, but for scenery and camping you can’t beat this 20 mile stretch of road between Caernarfon and Penrhyndeudreath. It’s frequently used for test-drives and poses quite a challenging course for drivers and bikers.

   Bikers will have to account for narrowing stretches of road, level crossings and tight corners, but the views are simply stunning. If you get the chance, head over the Menai Bridge into Anglesey too. With miles of open road, this little island is an (almost!) traffic-less gem.

   Fosse Way – Lincoln to Exeter

   If you jump on the Fosse way at Warwickshire (B4455) then you’re in prime Jaguar, Bentley, Land Rover and Aston Martin Country! With bases at Gaydon, this road is a popular route for staff commutes and test-drives, so it’s not uncommon to see a bit of camou on some beautiful new models down this way.

   The Fosse Way was a Roman road and it started life as a marker for the Western Frontier of Roman rule. It’s possible that it was built as a ditch, with ‘Fosse’ meaning ditch in Latin. Nowadays it’s anything but a ditch, but for some stretches you’ll need good suspension!

   While it spans 230 miles (Lincoln – Exeter), there’s numerous places to jump on and off. We’d particularly recommend joining via the B4455 and stopping off at Royal Leamington Spa for a bite to eat. There’s also some great gastro-pubs on route.

   A9 from Stirling to Inverness

   Not every scenic Scottish road has to snake around a Loch to be beautiful. As the longest road in Scotland (273 miles), the A9 was historically the main road between Edinburgh and John O’Groats.

   Nowadays, riders should take the road between Stirling and Inverness to take in the best sights. If you’re looking to take a longer road trip around Scotland, then you can extend your route and visit villages such as Pitlochry, and take a short detour to Loch Ness.

   A39 – Porlock to Lynmouth

   This stretch has been used in numerous car adverts, but as the UK’s steepest main road, it’s not for the faint-hearted!

   But with great heights come great views and the scenery over Lynmouth Bay is postcard perfect. On a summer’s day you could be relaxing in the med, while the grey, turbulent sea 1,400 ft below makes for a stunning ride on colder days.

   Porlock has bagged itself a ‘best village’ in Somerset award and receives regular Trip Advisor accolades for its quaint beauty. Stop off at the coaching inn for a little light refreshment before heading down to the small shingle bay.

   If we haven’t covered your favourite scenic road, please add them to the comments or get in touch on social media, we know that plenty of petrol heads have left their hearts in Cumbria too! It goes without saying, many of the roads mentioned here are accident hotspots, so always ride carefully when you’re exploring new routes.

    

   Article supplied