| | Biker News - Regularly updated
Category: Other
-
From 30 May to 1 June 2025, Touratech invites riders to the legendary Travel Event - and this year there is a special reason to celebrate: the event is taking place for the 20th time! With a spectacular line-up of world-famous motorbike travellers, a varied programme and numerous riding experiences, the event promises unforgettable moments for all motorcycle travel enthusiasts.
Since it was first held in 2002, the Touratech Travel Event has developed into the get-together of the international motorbike travel and adventure scene. Often copied and never equalled, the mega spectacle around the Touratech headquarters attracts tens of thousands of adventure riders and tourers from all over the world every year. For three days, the Touratech Travel Event is all about being on the road on a motorbike.
The stars of the adventure scene on the Main Stage
For the 20th edition from 30 May to 1 June, the organisers of the Touratech Travel Event are naturally putting together a top-class programme. On the one hand, there is the impressive line-up of internationally renowned motorbike travellers who will be coming to Niedereschach. Among them are many old friends who have been associated with the company - which celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2025 - for decades. Nick Sanders, who has travelled around the world by motorbike several times, will once again delight the audience with his humorous travel stories, the grand masters Simon & Lisa Thomas will bring plenty of thrilling stories from around 20 years on two wheels, and things will get really adventurous when Joe Pichler shares his almost unbelievable experiences. Another close companion is Charley Boorman, who, together with a Touratech team, will present the latest adventure film about a motorbike trip through the breathtaking world of the Azores.
Live music and sociable evenings
In addition to exciting presentations and interactive programme items, live bands on Friday and Saturday evening will ensure an exuberant atmosphere and the perfect end to an eventful day. The Touratech Travel Event 2025 promises an unforgettable experience for all motorbike enthusiasts - a unique mix of adventure, community and inspiration.
Even more action on the Adventure Stage
In consideration of the huge number of well-known motorbike travellers, the organisation team led by Philipp Blum, Touratech Head of Marketing, has created a second stage for live performances. ‘On the new Adventure Stage, speakers from a wide variety of backgrounds will talk about their adventures throughout the entire travel event,’ says Philipp.
ADV Travelbug, Martin Brucker, Claudia Courtin, Wolf Haenlein, Judith Seeberger, Irene Seidler, Charlie Spiegel, Dylan Wickrama and many more will appear on the Adventure Stage and present an exciting mix of live talks and workshops.
There will also be further workshops on the outdoor area. The wide range of topics on offer ranges from travel preparations, photography, motorbike repairs and first aid to enduro training. The breathtaking trial show rides provide a thrill.
With the Touratech Ladies Corner, the Travel Event 2025 offers a real premiere. ‘With this format, we not only want to make the numerous women who are now active in the travel scene visible, but also offer them a forum for exchanging experiences and networking,’ says Touratech Marketing Manager Vivien Benz.
Test ride programme with numerous brands
The anniversary edition of the Touratech Travel Event will also feature popular features such as the factory tours and the second choice sale. And of course there will also be plenty of opportunities to test ride the very latest adventure bikes. Aprilia, BMW, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian Motorcycle, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha have already confirmed their attendance. Tyre manufacturers, training providers, tour operators, enduro parks, customisers and manufacturers of GPS and communication devices will also be presenting their latest products on the exhibitors' mile.
Visitors to the Touratech Travel Event 2025 can spend the night on a nearby camping site, which is available free of charge, as are the well-maintained sanitary facilities.
For a good start to an active day, a rich breakfast buffet with fair prices awaits guests on Saturdays and Sundays.
‘The Touratech Travel Event has always set new standards in the field of motorbike travel events with ground-breaking innovations,’ says Philipp Blum. ‘I am convinced that we will raise the bar once again with this year's event. It is both an obligation and an honour for us to give something back to the adventure community for the loyalty and solidarity of the last 35 years with this unique festival.’
Touratech Travel Event 2025, 30 May to 1 June, Dauchinger Str. 80, 78078 Niedereschach. Further information at www.touratech.com/events/travel-event.html
-
- The BSA Gold Star ridden by Dave Myers in the final series of The Hairy Bikers has been auctioned and raised £15,800 for charity
- It went under the hammer at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull today (Wednesday 26th March)
- Proceeds from its sales will go to CancerCare North Lancashire & South Cumbria, NSPCC Childline and The Institute of Cancer Research
The motorcycle ridden by Hairy Biker Dave Myers in his final TV series has raised £15,800 for charity when it was auctioned yesterday (Wednesday 26th March).
The 2023 BSA Gold Star went under the hammer with H&H Classics at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull and the proceeds from its sale are being donated to CancerCare North Lancashire & South Cumbria, NSPCC Childline and The Institute of Cancer Research.
The motorcycle famously featured in the BBC’s “The Hairy Bikers Go West”, the last ever series made by the incredibly popular TV chef duo.
Dave fought a long battle against cancer but sadly died just over a year ago.
The auction of his beloved BSA Gold Star was a fitting tribute to his vibrant personality, together with his immense influence and love for motorcycling.
The Hairy Bikers series ran for two decades, making household names of Dave Myers and Si King. Millions watched them on TV, enjoying their warm and jovial personalities, as well as their passion for motorcycling and cooking.
Liliana Myers, Dave’s widow, said: “I’m delighted that Dave’s bike has found a new home and raised proceeds for three very worthy charities close to Dave’s heart. 
“It’s a special motorbike with some special memories and I hope the new owner will love riding it as much as Dave did, creating their own memories to treasure. Who knows, maybe that will even include riding it with us on Dave Day in June!”
James Hewing, National Motorcycle Museum director, said: “Dave spread so much joy, it was an absolute pleasure to be involved in the auction of his beloved BSA Gold Star.
“It’s a unique piece of motorcycling history which I’m sure it will continue to bring happiness wherever it goes.”
Colette McKay, managing director at H&H Classics, which conducted the auction, said: “H&H Classics was honoured to auction Dave’s motorcycle and raise some very worthy funds for charity.
“Dave’s popularity remains as strong as ever and, I’m sure, his motorbike has found a new home where it will be much loved by its new owner.”
Ashish Joshi, CEO at BSA, said: “Dave’s love for motorbikes and cooking, as well as his genuine kindness and friendly nature, is well-known.
“The auction was a fitting tribute to a wonderful person and we’re sure the new owner of his Gold Star will treasure it as much as Dave did.”​
About H&H Classics:
Established in 1993, H&H Classics is the longest continually trading auction house in the UK and Europe. With centuries of collective market expertise in the automotive and classic vehicle industry, H&H Classics prides itself on delivering the highest levels of commitment and service to its buyers and sellers, ensuring an experience which is easy and enjoyable.
Over the past 32 years, H&H Classics has achieved world record prices for classic motorcycles, cars, and competition cars such as a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB, 1968 Lotus 49B, 1996 Subaru Impreza WRC, as well as royal cars including Queen Elizabeth II’s Daimler, Prince Phillip’s Lagonda and Princess Anne’s Bentley.
To find out more about H&H Classics, upcoming auctions or for enquiries, please visit www.handh.co.uk
-
Motorcycle trips offer an exhilarating sense of freedom, wind in your hair, and the open road before you. However, as thrilling as the journey is, there’s still the practical matter of how to pay for fuel, food, and accommodation along the way. In today’s fast-paced world, bikers need payment solutions that are quick, secure, and reliable, allowing them to focus on the road rather than stressing over payment methods. 
Whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or a lengthy cross-country adventure, having the right payment options at your disposal is essential. Here’s a guide to the most convenient ways to pay while on the road, ensuring a seamless experience and keeping your focus on the ride.
Cryptocurrency: A Growing Payment Option
Cryptocurrency, once seen as a niche payment method, is now gaining traction as a viable option for travellers, including motorcyclists. More merchants, both online and in-person, are
accepting digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, making it easier for bikers to pay for goods and services on the road.
One of the main benefits of using crypto is its global reach. It can be used anywhere with an internet connection, avoiding the need for traditional banking services or foreign exchange fees. In remote areas where banking might be limited, cryptocurrency provides a useful alternative. Many shops, cafes, and accommodation providers now accept crypto, and you can even use it to buy clothing, gear, or food at select locations.
Additionally, cryptocurrency can be used to fund entertainment along your journey. Play-to-earn crypto games are popular amongst gamers and many online casinos now also accept digital coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The best crypto casinos 2025 has to offer allow bettors to buy in, fund, and withdraw their winnings using crypto. These sites have grown popular as cryptocurrency ensures that players are able to wager online with enhanced privacy, quick transactions, and reduced fees. Playing games online with crypto can be a good way to spend downtime or evenings on a motorcycle road trip
To use cryptocurrency, you'll need a crypto wallet on your smartphone and a reliable internet connection. While crypto acceptance is still growing, especially in larger cities and tourist destinations, its infrastructure is rapidly expanding, making it a convenient and secure payment option for motorcycle travellers.
Contactless Payments via Debit and Credit Cards
Contactless payments have become a standard in many countries, and the UK is no exception. In fact, one-third of adults in the UK now use mobile contactless payments regularly. With contactless debit and credit cards, you can make quick, secure payments by simply tapping your card against a payment terminal. This is particularly handy when you need to make a fast stop for petrol, grab a snack, or pay for a toll.
For bikers, this method is incredibly efficient since it doesn’t require you to fumble around with cash or take your gloves off to type in a pin code. Most petrol stations, shops, and even small cafes now accept contactless payments, and the limit for contactless payments in the UK has risen significantly, allowing you to pay up to £100 without needing to enter your PIN.
One important tip for bikers: always check that your card is set up for contactless payment and that the card is in good working order. Also, remember that some international regions might not have widespread contactless facilities, so always have a backup plan.
Mobile Payment Apps
In today’s tech-savvy world, mobile payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are fantastic alternatives for motorcyclists. These apps allow you to make payments using your smartphone, which is especially useful when you don’t want to carry physical cards or cash with you. All you need is a phone with NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities, and you’re ready to pay with a tap.
The benefit of mobile payment apps is that they’re not only convenient but also incredibly secure. Both Apple Pay and Google Pay use tokenisation technology, meaning your actual card details are never shared with the merchant. Instead, a unique code is used for each transaction, adding an extra layer of protection against fraud.
Another advantage of mobile payments is that you can link multiple cards to your app, which means you have several options for payment without needing to carry a wallet full of plastic cards. Additionally, these apps are accepted in most major cities and towns, and their popularity continues to grow in smaller locations as well.
Prepaid Travel Cards
While mobile payment apps and contactless cards are excellent options, it’s wise to have a backup payment method when on a motorcycle trip. A prepaid card is a perfect solution. These cards work like debit cards but are preloaded with a specific amount of money. They’re great for keeping track of your spending, especially on longer trips where you might not want to rely on your main bank account.
Prepaid cards are ideal for bikers who prefer to limit their expenses or who want to avoid carrying large amounts of cash. They also provide a level of security, as they’re not linked to your primary bank account. If your prepaid card is lost or stolen, you can easily report it and have it replaced without worrying about losing your savings.
Many of the UK’s major banks offer prepaid cards, and you can load them up with funds before your trip, either online or at the bank. These cards are accepted wherever standard debit or credit cards are used, including petrol stations, restaurants, and accommodation providers. Just be sure to check whether there are any foreign exchange fees if you plan to use the card outside the UK.
Cash: Always Have a Little on Hand
Despite the convenience of digital payments, there are still occasions when having cash is a necessity. Small, rural petrol stations or remote cafes may not accept card payments, and certain areas still rely heavily on cash for transactions. While digital payments are becoming increasingly popular, having a small amount of cash on hand ensures you’re prepared for any situation.
Cash is also useful for tips, especially when you stop at small inns or restaurants where staff may appreciate a little extra for their service. Additionally, some tolls or parking areas may still require cash payments, so it’s a good idea to keep a few notes and coins in your pocket, stored safely in a zip-lock bag or wallet that won’t interfere with your riding gear.
The key is to carry just enough cash for emergencies. Large amounts of cash are unnecessary and risky, especially when on the road. Always keep your cash in a safe and secure location, such as a hidden pouch under your riding gear.
Travelling with a Payment Backup
No matter how reliable your payment methods are, it’s always wise to have a backup plan. Keep a spare card or an extra payment app on your phone in case of any issues. In some cases, payment systems can experience glitches, especially in remote areas or while travelling internationally, and having an alternative can save you from an awkward situation.
It’s also a good idea to notify your bank ahead of your trip, especially if you're heading into less developed areas. Some banks have security measures that block payments made in unusual locations, so giving them a heads-up about your travel plans ensures you won’t be left without access to funds when you need them most.
Image - Man on black cruiser motorcycle on highway – Free to use under the Unsplash License
article supplied
-
Brough Superior’s among star lots heading to H&H Classics motorcycle and scooter auction
- Very rare 1930 Brough Superior SS100 ridden by George Brough himself is being auctioned on Wednesday 26th March
- The H&H Classics ‘Classic Motorcycle and Vintage Scooter Auction’ takes place at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull
- More than 270 lots spanning 113 years are going under the hammer
A brace of Brough Superiors from the 1930s, one built for and ridden by George Brough himself, are going under the hammer with H&H Classics on Wednesday 26th March.
They are among the notable models at the Classic Motorcycle and Vintage Scooter Auction which takes place at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull, West Midlands, and has more than 270 lots ranging 113 years being auctioned.
The motorbike enjoyed by marque founder George Brough is a 1930 Brough Superior SS100 Works MCC Edinburgh Trial Entry estimated at £200,000-£240,000.
Just 21 SS100s were produced that year, and this one was ridden by its famous owner in the demanding MCC Edinburgh Trial.
It has subsequently featured in publications and Brough records, was restored by marque guru Tony Cripps in 1980 and has previously been on loan to the National Motorcycle Museum.
Mike Davis, senior motorcycle specialist at H&H Classics, said: “If you’re looking for a seriously rare and special motorcycle then you don’t need to look much further than this 1930 Brough Superior SS100.
“When you also consider it’s a works-prepared machine which George Brough used in the tough MCC Edinburgh Trial, then it reaches another level of desirability.”
The other special Brough making up the distinguished pair is a 1937 Brough Superior SS80, which has been in the same ownership for the last 68 years.
An ‘all correct numbers’ machine that starts with ease and runs very well, it is expected to fetch between £48,000-£52,000.
Other classic motorcycle auction highlights include a stunning 1955 Vincent Series C Black Shadow, estimated at £34,000-£36,000 and labelled as a potential ‘show winner’, plus a very rare 1922 Coventry Eagle S68, believed to be the sole surviving S68 model and estimated at £12,000-£14,000.
More modern offerings catching the eye include a family owned from new 1980 Ducati 900SS, estimated at £20,000-£22,000, and a 1982 Harris Kawasaki F1 Race Bike, built by Harris Performance, estimated at £10,000-£12,000.
Scooter enthusiasts also have an impressive selection of collectable models to choose from.
A 1963 Lambretta TV200 (GT200) with comprehensive history, and which has undergone a stunning restoration and is arguably the best GT200 available, is expected to reach between £14,000-£16,000.
Meanwhile, a 1966 Vespa (Douglas) SS90 Super Sprint is also estimated at £14,000-£16,000. It is fully running on the original engine and is offered in exceptional condition with almost all original paint.
Mike added: “Our auction is brimming with highly sought after classic motorcycles and vintage scooters. As such, we expect it will attract many enthusiasts looking for their next dream ride.”
All lots will be available to view in person at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, from 1pm on Tuesday 25th and from 9am on Wednesday 26th March, while the vintage scooter sale then commences at 10am and the classic motorcycles auction at 12pm. Anyone looking to bid on one of the lots can do so in person, online, by telephone or by leaving a commission bid.
For more details about any of the classic motorcycles or vintage scooters, or to register to bid, visit www.handh.co.uk
About H&H Classics:
Established in 1993, H&H Classics is the longest continually trading auction house in the UK and Europe. With centuries of collective market expertise in the automotive and classic vehicle industry, H&H Classics prides itself on delivering the highest levels of commitment and service to its buyers and sellers, ensuring an experience which is easy and enjoyable.
Over the past 32 years, H&H Classics has achieved world record prices for classic motorcycles, cars, and competition cars such as a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB, 1968 Lotus 49B, 1996 Subaru Impreza WRC, as well as royal cars including Queen Elizabeth II’s Daimler, Prince Phillip’s Lagonda and Princess Anne’s Bentley.
To find out more about H&H Classics, upcoming auctions or for enquiries, visit www.handh.co.uk
article supplied
-
BMW Motorrad and Infinity Motorcycles have been crowned winners of the prestigious stand awards by visitors to the UK’s biggest and most interactive motorcycle and scooter show, MCL24.
The annual vote asks attendees for their standout exhibitors in the following categories: Best Manufacturer Stand, Best Customer Experience, and Best Non-Manufacturer Stand.
BMW Motorrad: Take the ‘haul’
For the fourth year in a row, BMW Motorrad captivated the crowds with its impressive and innovative stand, winning both Best Manufacturer Stand and Best Customer Experience. Respondents to the post-show survey were drawn to BMW’s display of its entire 2025 motorcycle range as well as having the opportunity to ask questions of its product specialists.
With four performances a day, the ‘Make Life a Ride Arena’ played host to expert riders demonstrating the ability and agility of models such as the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure. Visitors were treated to a very special guest appearance from 2024 World Superbike Champion, Toprak RazgatlıoÄŸlu and were able to see his stunting prowess first-hand as he took to the arena aboard a GS.
Simon Roots, Brand Communication and Partnership Manager at BMW Motorrad, comments: “We’re beyond thrilled to be singled out by the attendees of MCL24 for the fourth time in a row. These awards are a reflection of our commitment to bring exciting and engaging experiences to motorcycle enthusiasts, and the hard work of our amazing team to make it happen. We’re grateful for the support and we look forward to MCL25!”
Infinity Motorcycle clinch Best Non-Manufacturer Stand
Known for its vast array of motorcycle apparel and accessories, Infinity Motorcycles created a dynamic, customer-centric stand with an impressive lineup of product offerings at competitive prices. Visitors were impressed by the product selection as well as the advice and knowledge of staff.
Alan Arnold, Sales Director at Infinity Motorcycles said: “Speaking on behalf of the team, we’re so proud to win the Best Non-Manufacturer Stand award this year! It reflects all their hard work on the rebrand and the investment in new show fittings to showcase the great products to their full potential. We’ll see you at MCL25!”
Early Bird Advanced tickets for MCL25 are on sale now from www.motorcyclelive.co.uk. Taking place between 15-23 November at the NEC, Birmingham, The event offers an unparalleled platform to experience everything great about two, three, and light four wheels.
|
