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Suzuki has celebrated the annual graduation of apprentices from its Apprenticeship Programme, with 26 technicians, customer service advisors, and aftersales parts consultants acknowledged at an award ceremony held at the British Motor Museum.
Of the 26 graduates – across Suzuki’s motorcycle, ATV, marine, and automobile divisions – there was one motorcycle technician, one motorcycle aftersales parts consultant, and one motorcycle customer service advisor.
The newly qualified students travelled to the West Midlands to receive their certificates from Suzuki GB’s managing director, Nobuo Suyama, and director of aftersales, Denis Houston. Also in attendance were three other members from the Suzuki board of management as well the apprentices’ families and their employers within the wider Suzuki family.
Each of the employees from Suzuki’s nationwide dealer networks undertook a combination of practical on-the-job learning and expert tuition at the Bosch-run state-of-the-art Doncaster training centre in South Yorkshire.
Denis Houston, director of aftersales for Suzuki GB, said, “The graduation ceremony is the culmination of many years of hard work and dedication. It is always a proud moment for not only the apprentices themselves, but also for their families and employers who have played a pivotal role in supporting each of the individuals. They should all be commended for the great lengths that they have gone to in order to enable the learning and development of these young trainees. We would like to congratulate the graduates on their achievement, and they are certainly destined for very bright futures as they continue their professional careers within our dealerships.”
The motorcycle graduates are:
Barnaby Ingham, motorcycle technician
Joe Phillips, motorcycle aftersales parts consultant
Oliver Radley, motorcycle customer service advisor
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When a bike is first purchased, it will be registered with the Department of motor vehicles (DMV). One of the requirements for registration is a vehicle identification number. 
Just like a car, a motorcycle, dirt bike, or ATV also comes with a 17-digit VIN consisting of letters and numbers. A bike with less than 17 digits VIN would have been built before 1981, a time when car and motorcycle manufacturers were allowed to use whatever string of numbers they deemed fit as the VIN of their vehicles.
The VIN of a bike tells you the story of the motorcycle. By examining a motorcycle's VIN, you can get information on the manufacturer of the bike, the model, year, and history of the motorbike.
A motorcycle VIN provides all the relevant information about the bike since it was manufactured. This post will show you how to look up the VIN of a motorcycle.
Benefits of a VIN
A vehicle identification number has been a helpful tool in finding stolen vehicles. If your motorcycle is stolen, the vehicle Identification number on it will make it harder for the thief to sell it.
As soon as you report the theft, the police will link that theft report to the motorcycle's history through the VIN, thus alerting the police to be on the lookout while warning off innocent potential buyers of the stolen bike.
Furthermore, a VIN informs prospective buyers of previous titles under which the motorcycle has been held.
If the bike has been involved in an accident or was previously damaged, the VIN will show a record of this as long as the owner reported the incident.
VIN also helps in reducing uncertainty when buying parts for your motorcycle. If you do not know the correct parts to use, you can look up the motorcycle’s details with a free online VIN lookup tool. This VIN will show the details of the bike so that you can buy the right parts for it.
Some sellers will sell you a piece of worthless scrap with a fault. They will package it off to conceal its flaws until you make payment and take your purchase home to discover that you bought a bad motorcycle.
In order to prevent the frustration of losing money, it is best to use a free motorcycle VIN check service on the spot before you think of paying for a motorcycle.
A motorcycle’s VIN will tell you the history of the bike, where it has been, what it has been used for, what it used to look like, who it has been with, and how long it has been used.
A VIN check tool is the first tool to arm yourself with when you want to buy a used motorcycle. If you fail to run a VIN check first, you may spend the rest of the bike’s lifespan trying to fix it, or worse, you could end up with a criminal charge of facilitating theft if the motorcycle turns out to have been stolen.
Where to find the VIN on a motorcycle 
Motorcycle manufacturers place the VIN on different parts of the bike. Some are kept in plain sight, while some are hidden.
Check the frame under the shifter if you have trouble finding the VIN on your motorbike. Also, check around the plastic hood and the left side of the frame beside the engine. Look at the frame under the tail section. Check around the neck of the steering, inside the wheels, or by the radiator. These are some spots where you can find a VIN on a motorcycle.
How to decode a motorcycle VIN
A vehicle’s VIN may seem like a jumble of numbers and alphabets, but it is no ordinary mix of numbers. It is a unique set of numbers that can only belong to one vehicle at a time.
The VIN of any vehicle is made up of the numbers one to nine and the alphabets A to Z. The only alphabets missing are O, Q, and I, because they can be mistaken for other digits.
A motorcycle’s VIN is divided into three parts. The first segment of the VIN, consisting of three characters, contains information on the manufacturer’s identity.
The next segment contains information about the motorcycle itself. This section is made up of five characters that describe the motorcycle's components. This part talks about the engine, motorcycle model, engine type, and any other information the manufacturer wants to represent.
The third section contains the motorcycle's security code or serial number.
If you want to buy a motorcycle, you can look up the VIN using EpicVin. This VIN lookup tool is a free online service that will help you check the VIN on your motorcycle for free.
Visit the EpicVin website and look up any VIN. On the site, input the VIN in the search query and initiate a search. You will receive a report of the car's history in less than a minute.
Don’t take a bad deal
Whether buying a new bike, or a pre-owned one, you should first check the VIN. A seller can package an already used, damaged, or stolen bike to be sold at a high price.
Don’t take the salesperson's word for it. Do your research. If you find that the VIN on the body of the motorcycle is different from the VIN on the paperwork, this is a sign that the seller may have something else up their sleeves.
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For many, college is one of the most exciting periods of one’s life. Constantly meeting new people, encountering new ways of thinking, perhaps moving to a new city or even country. The pace of life during this period is famous for being fast, dynamic, and action-packed. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that when it comes time to review options for personal transport that many students are drawn to the idea of purchasing a motorcycle.
Motorcycles are famous for their speed, agility, and style, and can make the perfect companion for a student’s college years. But, like with any big purchasing decision, there’s plenty to consider before handing over any cheque. When it comes to owning a motorcycle, there are many pros and cons to consider. One of the main points worthy of consideration in the process and cost of obtaining motorcycle insurance - something that most students will be dealing with for the first time. To help with such an important step in the motorcycle buying process, we’ve put together a quick and helpful guide to thinking over purchasing a motorcycle and obtaining the best student insurance for your college years! 
Prepping for the purchase
While the specific cost of motorcycle insurance will always vary according to the specifications of the driver and vehicle involved, as well as the legislation of the state in which they’re registering, all insurance comes with a price tag. Many students wondering how much is motorcycle insurance will first have to address their finances before deciding what kind of insurance policy to take out.
Some students may fear that with all the homework and assignments, their busy college schedules may prevent them from working or saving enough to afford the cost of owning a bike. But, if prepared for in advance, it’s more than possible to put aside adequate funds without any detriment to your studies. Using online services that offer assignment help is a great way to uphold high standards of academic work while freeing up time to help work or save. To make use of these time-saving measures, you can get help from Edubirdie and cut down on the hours you spend at the writing desk. Balancing the time you spend doing assignments and working means that you can comfortably ride to class on the back of your dream bike with peace of mind!
Pros of owning a motorcycle
- Price: Motorcycles can thankfully be bought at very inexpensive price points, and generally don’t cost that much to upkeep. Buying second hand or refurbished models can drive costs down even further, far below the price tag that one would find if searching to buy a car. What’s more, bikes tend to squeeze out a much more efficient mileage than other types of vehicles, up to 60mpg for smaller models!
- Dynamism: Bikes are, of course, much smaller and more agile than a car, making them a great choice for university students who have to navigate the often narrow streets of college towns in the UK. The nightmare of searching and often paying for parking becomes a thing of the past with a motorcycle, as their small frames mean you can park almost anywhere.
- Lifespan: Owing to their low cost, buying a cheap second-hand motorcycle can be an investment for your student years that doesn’t need to drag on afterwards. Many students opt to spend relatively little on a starter bike for their student years and then decide afterwards whether or not to upgrade.
Bike insurance requirements
Before considering motorcycle insurance costs, it’s important to research what the specific requirements your area may impose when it comes to being insured. Most places will require drivers to purchase liability insurance, which is used to pay out damage or injury costs that may be inflicted on other drivers and vehicles.
On top of basic liability insurance, some places will also require drivers to have certain insurance additions that cover third party damage or medical expenses. As this varies greatly from place to place, it’s important to get to grips with the requirements specific to your local legislation.
Types of insurance
Most insurance companies will offer drivers the chance to tailor-make their insurance policy to their specific needs. Driving insurance often refers to the basic liability coverage that pays out any damage a driver incurs on others, and collision insurance - meaning coverage for damage incurred as part of a road accident.
Comprehensive insurance is a broader policy that also offers coverage for damages or losses as incurred off the road or through any means other than hitting another vehicle, such as damage, theft, or animal collision.
Students looking for cheap motorcycle insurance may be tempted to go for the bare minimum coverage required, but this can be a risky choice in case of major damages or medical costs. Use insurance comparison sites and ask for student quotes to see if companies offer more expansive coverage within your price range.
Tip: Student discounts!
Many insurance companies will offer specially tailored policy plans to students that come at a discounted price.
Keeping all this in mind, you can begin your research into buying your student motorcycle and the right insurance for you. In no time, you too can safely enjoy the thrill of riding up to class in full-throttle style!
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A symbolic procession of 5986 motorbikes took to the M60 around Stockport on Remembrance Sunday to create a Ring of Red, with bikers paying their respects to the Armed Forces both past and present.
Ring of Red M60 chose Greater Manchester veterans charity, Veterans into Logistics as their charity of the year with donations and merchandise sales going towards training and mentoring veterans into new careers as HGV drivers.
Veterans into Logistics Founder, Darren Wright led the ride out in a truck dedicated to his friend and former soldier Jamie Doyle, who served 22 years in the Royal Artillery but was tragically found dead at home, being unable to cope less than 12 months after leaving the British Army.
Jamie’s mum, Jayne, and daughter Ellie sat with Darren in the truck, keeping Jamie’s memory alive.
The weather was perfect, and bikers wore red to create a poignant visual display, emulating a poppy, as they respectfully joined the M60. It took an hour and 17 minutes for marshals to stagger all the bikes off the forecourt and the camaraderie was on point throughout the day. The Last Post played as the bikers took to the motorway on gleaming bikes adorned with flags and poppies, followed by military vehicles.
The roar of the bikes was immense and the cacophony of engines revving and horns honking was spectacular as crowds congregated on the motorway bridges to wave and cheer on the thousands and thousands of bikers.
Veterans into Logistics Founder, Darren Wright said: “It was deeply moving and very special to lead the Ring of Red M60 Ride of Respect. It meant a lot for me to show Jayne and Ellie the love and appreciation felt for veterans and all those who have fallen, including Jamie.
“It was overwhelming to be part of and I would like to thank organiser Netty Kiely and her team for choosing Veterans into Logistics as their charity of the year.
“Our mission is to reduce poverty and homelessness for veterans and the vulnerable by training and supporting them into new careers as HGV drivers. We know they still have so much to offer future employers after leaving the military and we upskill them and help them find secure and sustainable employment.” 
Veterans into Logistics Trustee and Biker, Heidi Chapman, who rides a Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro, said: “It was an honour to ride behind Darren Wright and the Veterans into Logistics truck, named in the memory of Jamie Doyle.
“It was a truly special day to lead over 5800 bikers around the M60, symbolising all that the poppy and Remembrance Day stand for.”
Ring of Red M60 event organiser, Netty Kiely said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s Ring of Red Remembrance Ride and showing their respect. It's been our pleasure to support Veterans into Logistics this year.
“I couldn't have done this without my committee, volunteers and all the staff at Moto Birch Services.
“It was overwhelming to see so many, at one point queuing past junction 19 trying to get into the services. We had them waiting in the carpark side due to running out of lanes, then when the first five lanes left, we filled them again!
“It was incredible to have our highest turn out yet – with 5986 bikes! Roll on next year!”
Netty and her team now have a well-earned two weeks off before planning and preparation starts for next year’s Ride of Respect which will be the ten-year anniversary.
With numbers increasing year on year, if anyone can make 2023’s event even more incredible, then Netty can!
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Veterans into Logistics, are a non-profit organisation formed to provide training and support to change the lives of ex-forces, individuals with convictions and any other vulnerable people who need help to gain HGV licences and support into paid employment.
|Ther mission is to reduce unemployment and homelessness amongst the ex-military community by creating a pathway for veterans into the transport and logistics industry.
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The Isle of Man Time Trial (TT) event is one of the most iconic motorsport events on the planet. Staged on the Isle of Man, an island situated off the coast of north-west England and nestled midway between England and Northern Ireland in the Irish Sea, it’s a unique and wholly challenging venue. It used to be part of the MotoGP Championship, before safety concerns saw it swiftly culled. Even the Moto2 GP Championship, containing the motorbike stars of the future, has remained fiercely loyal to Silverstone and Donington Park on the grounds of rider safety. Spaniard, Augusto Fernandez claimed this year’s British Moto2 GP Grand Prix at Silverstone. The 25-year-old is in great shape to win the Moto2 Championship outright with one race remaining in Valencia. 
The staggering statistic surrounding the Isle of Man TT is that more than 200 entrants have lost their lives mid-race since its inception in 1907. You might wonder if the majority of deaths occurred in the earliest years of the event when race safety may not have been as comprehensive as it is today. However, just last month a French sidecar competitor sustained life-threatening injuries following a crash. Cesar Chanal later died after being transferred to a hospital in his native France.
Both Chanal and his sidecar teammate, Olivier Lavorel, were debutants at the Isle of Man TT but they were certainly no strangers to sidecar racing. The duo had competed regularly in the F1 and F2 National Sidecar Championships in France, finishing on the podium on multiple occasions.
However, the pair crashed on their opening lap of the Isle of Man TT race. This takes the number of deaths from crashes at the Isle of Man TT circuit to a staggering six in 2022 alone. In fact, this year’s TT has now become the deadliest since 1970. Father and son duo, Roger and Bradley Stockton passed away tragically following another sidecar crash at the same spot as Chanal and Lavorel. Meanwhile Northern Irishman Davy Morgan also suffered fatal injuries in the opening Supersport race of the TT.
After a two-year hiatus due to the impact of the pandemic, there was heaps of expectation surrounding the 2022 Isle of Man TT. The lack of the event being staged on the island in 2020 and 2021 resulted in an estimated £4.8 million loss of annual revenue. However, it’s clear that the event’s return made the headlines for all the wrong reasons this year.
The history of course incidents at the Isle of Man TT
Between 2022 and the formation of the Isle of Man TT in 1907, there have been 155 deaths throughout the course of official races or practice runs along the Snaefell Mountain Course. However, there has been a total of 265 fatalities linked to the event in all ways. This includes rides killed during the former Manx Grand Prix and the Clubman TT series.
There is something rather haunting about the TT organisers’ use of red flags, which are waved by race marshals when a potentially life-threatening incident has happened mid-race.
So, why does the Isle of Man TT remain on the annual race calendar, despite its despairing fatality record? For many riders, the adrenaline rush and ‘fear factor’ of racing at the Isle of Man TT is what attracts people to the circuit. If there wasn’t an element of danger, some riders would overlook the event. That doesn’t make it right for the TT to continue, but it explains the reasons behind its ongoing popularity and the blind loyalty shown towards the event by locals and tourists alike. 
It's also a fortnight-long festival of racing, bringing together motorcycling enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond. It’s not just the Snaefell Mountain Course that catches the eye, there’s also a stunt team called the ‘World Famous Purple Helmets’ that are fun to watch.
However, none of this can gloss over the fact that the Isle of Man TT is the deadliest sporting event in the world. Since 1980, there have been just two years where no-one has had the misfortune of dying along this narrow road course.
What makes the Isle of Man TT so treacherous?
One of the obvious dangers of the Isle of Man TT is that the races are held on normal, everyday roads. These are roads that the public use on any other day of the year. The roads aren’t just normal tarmac either, many of them are supremely narrow and winding. The end result being that there’s little margin for error, particularly for amateur riders that have never experienced these roads before.
The Snaefell Mountain Course is described within the community as ’38 miles of terror’ and the undisputed number-one test of bikes and riders. Although the race organisers do their absolute best to provide adequate crash barriers along the course, there are areas where it’s just rock-hard brick walls and ditches for company.
It’s not uncommon for riders to average speeds of well over 120mph around the Snaefell Mountain Course and even high speeds of 200mph. Put simply, riders put their head above the parapet in full knowledge of the dangers and potential pitfalls.
After a tragic year for the event, its organisers have promised to “take any actions that can help improve safety” and apply these at “the earliest opportunity”. In publishing this statement, it’s clear that the event itself is by no means in jeopardy in 2023 and beyond.
That’s unlike the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb’s decision in 2019 to suspend its races altogether following the death of rider Carlin Dunne – despite Dunne’s mother vehemently arguing that the move was not what her son would have wanted.
It seems that despite the unavoidable dangers, the Isle of Man TT remains something of a rite of passage among the motorcycling fraternity. Although some outside of the sport will consider amateur riders to be crazy to even contemplate taking on the challenge, those with a passion for two-wheeled racing still believe in the tradition of the event, come what may.
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