Category: Other

1. 6 Tips for RVing with your motorcycle

   Posted on 11:00am Saturday 14th May 2022

   Having a motorcycle and a camper is a dream come true for traveling around the country. One of the best things about it is the freedom to explore the country and go to places that you might not see otherwise. The only thing that can potentially ruin this dream is if the motorcycle can't go where you want to go. So, here are some tips on picking the right RV and loading your bike to make your dream vacation a reality.   

   Inspect and repair your vehicle before making it pull the trailer

   First of all, it is crucial to have your vehicle in good working condition before you attempt to tow a trailer. Do not rely on your vehicle's factory-installed system, and make sure that your RV and tow vehicle are compatible. Make sure to follow the Ford E-Series Van service manual if you're using that vehicle or any other to make repairs the correct way.

   Whether you're towing your vehicle behind your motorcycle or towing the motorcycle behind your vehicle, a qualified technician should inspect your vehicle and trailer rig before you hit the road.

   Choose your routes

   There are many options for you when traveling with your motorcycle. You can take your bike on a plane if you are going long distances, or if you are traveling short distances, you can drive your motorcycle on a trailer. When you are traveling with your motorcycle, you need to consider how much it weighs and how much you can carry. If you are only going to be traveling with a small amount of gear, you will need to rent a trailer in order to transport it. Always remember to plan your trip and check the weather before you leave.

   If you are planning a trip, you want to make sure to plan everything out in advance. The last thing you want is to run into a situation and not know where to go or what to do. Plan out your trip and know that you will be able to get to your destination in comfort. If you are planning a long trip, you may want to seek out a place to rest your head at night. You can search for campgrounds online, or you can check out RV parks. You may want to consider getting a generator for your campsite. This will give you the electricity to run a few appliances in your RV.

   Planning is definitely the most important aspect of any trip or vacation. You should find a destination and plan your route. Once you've found a destination and planned your route, you need to make sure that you have all of the necessary supplies you will need.

   Pick an RV that is suitable for your bike

   For most people, the decision of whether to purchase an RV is fairly easy. It's an expensive purchase, so most people want to be absolutely sure they want the lifestyle before they commit a large sum of money. But when you add a motorcycle to the equation, things become a lot more complicated. Not only do you need to find an RV that will meet your needs, but you also need to find one that will be able to tow your motorcycle.

   You should pick a motorhome that is suitable for your motorcycle. If your bike is too big, it will not be able to fit. You can check the motorhome's floor plan to see the dimensions. Also, ensure there is enough space to store your motorcycle. Most vehicles can store your bike in a separate compartment, or you can use a tow bar to tow it behind the vehicle.

   Use the right kind of mount or lift for mounting a motorcycle

   If you are living in an RV, traveling with a motorcycle can be tough. You have to find ways to get the motorcycle up onto the RV. If you have a motorcycle and you are an RV owner, then you have probably found a way to transport your motorcycle with your RV. There are many different ways to do this, but you have to think about your safety first. You want to make sure that your motorcycle is secure so you don't have to worry about it falling off the back of your RV.

   Prep your RV

   Are you a motorcycle enthusiast heading out with your bike in tow? RVing with your bike is a great way to experience the freedom of the road. However, there are some things to consider when preparing for your trip. You need to make sure your RV is prepared to hold your bike, and you need to make sure your bike is prepared to be on the road for a long period of time. Before you strap your bike to the roof of your RV, make sure it's in good working order and that you have all the parts you need. If you're not mechanically inclined, find someone to help you out. Also, make sure that your bike is in good working order and that you have all the parts and equipment you need for a cross-country trip.

   You can't just toss your motorcycle in the back of your RV and hit the open road. You need to make sure that your motorcycle and vehicle are compatible (not all are) and that you have all the items you need to transport your bike. If you are purchasing a tow vehicle to haul your motorcycle, be sure to get a vehicle that has plenty of horsepower, towing capacity, and room for your bike and equipment.

   Pack

   If you have ever gone camping before, you know that you have to pack a lot of stuff. I mean a lot of stuff. You have to pack clothes, food, a tent, sleeping bags, pillows, a cooler, a stove, pots, pans, and a million other things.

   The first things you need to pack are your motorcycle and your belongings. You can use a traditional trailer to transport your motorcycle and your belongings, but it's best to use a tow-behind trailer with a motorcycle carrier on it. You can find a good tow-behind trailer at most major retailers, such as Walmart.

    

    

    

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2. Ben fights to tackle loneliness this Mental Health Awareness Week

   Posted on 2:00pm Monday 9th May 2022

   • Ben launches new Social Anxiety support program for Mental Health Awareness Week
   • Launch forms part of a wider campaign to combat loneliness in automotive community
   • Loneliness on the rise, with 1 in 3 automotive people admitting to feeling lonely

   Today, May 9th, marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK and this year Ben, the automotive industry charity, is shining a light on one of the leading causes of mental health issues – loneliness.

   Following two years of disruption and periods of social isolation caused by the pandemic, loneliness became, in itself, an epidemic. We were all separated for long periods of time from our wider circles of friends, family and work colleagues. And, even though we are now emerging from the depths of the pandemic, it is clear that many of us have found the social restrictions hugely challenging.

   Social anxiety is playing a major role in the rise of loneliness. Naturally, now that COVID restrictions have eased, social interactions are returning to ‘normal’ – but for many, a sudden return to socialising is also a daunting prospect. Social anxiety makes it difficult for people to meet socially with others, to reach out for help and to maintain relationships – which, in turn, contributes to loneliness.

   Ben’s recent Health and Wellbeing survey placed this issue in sharp focus – of those in the automotive industry who were surveyed, 31% confessed to having suffered from loneliness – a huge increase of 23% from the previous year. Loneliness saw a staggering increase in the over 45s, factory workers, and among those who have retired from the industry, while 1 in 2 automotive workers confirmed that they have issues managing their mental health – indicating that mental health struggles in the automotive industry are more prevalent than in the general population.

   To support those who are struggling with social anxiety and loneliness, Ben has launched a new ‘Space from Social Anxiety’ program on the SilverCloud platform – designed specifically to help people find out about symptoms, understand its causes and develop coping strategies to manage their social anxiety.

   The program, as with all of Ben’s SilverCloud programs, is completely free, easy to use and can be worked through at your own pace in your own time – using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques to develop coping strategies to help deal with life’s challenges.

   Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “If you suffer from loneliness, you are not alone. Our recent survey highlighted the huge impact that COVID has had on the mental health of our community and loneliness and social anxiety have risen sharply over the past twelve months.

   “Our industry is one of the most affected by mental health issues, so we want everyone in the automotive community to know that while they may feel alone, they aren’t. We are here, ready to help and support them through whatever challenges life may be throwing at them right now and in the future.

   “Social anxiety and loneliness can be managed and we have a number of ways we can support people who are struggling, including our new SilverCloud program ‘Space from Social Anxiety. During Mental Health Awareness week, we want to reach out to our automotive family and offer them a helping hand. You don’t have to face loneliness or social anxiety alone.”

   To sign up to the SilverCloud Space from Social Anxiety programme, click here or for more hints and tips on how to tackle social anxiety, visit www.ben.org.uk

   When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.

3. MV Agusta winning bid brings Salon Privé DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal total to over £120,000

   Posted on 12:00pm Thursday 5th May 2022

   MV AGUSTA WINNING BID BRINGS SALON PRIVÉ DEC UKRAINE HUMANITARIAN APPEAL TOTAL TO OVER £120,000 #STANDWITHUKRAINE Winning bidder collects 1974 MV Agusta 750 donated by RM Sotheby’s Salon Privé London raises over £120,000 to help alleviate suffering Historic motorbike sells for £48,000 at auction to help drive final donation 20% of Salon Privé London event entry ticket revenue donated Online and live charity auction contribute to funds for Ukraine crisis Website for donations still open at www.spdec.org   The highest bidder on the 1974 MV Agusta 750 donated by RM Sotheby’s has collected his historic Italian sport bike, bringing the total raised by the Salon Privé DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to £120,000, following the debut of the capital’s new must-attend automotive event. Salon Privé London is thanking its event partners, exhibitors and guests for their generosity in helping alleviate the suffering of those effected by the devastating ongoing war. The sale of the 1970’s MV Agusta proved the star of the show, selling for £48,000 on the Friday night at the Salon Privé Concours de Vente Celebration Dinner. Many parties had made their interest in the bike clear, but in the end Mr. Ian Smart was successful in placing the winning bid, with 100% of the hammer price going to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Ian Smart said: “I am delighted to have been successful in winning this beautiful MV Agusta motorbike, and to support Salon Privé in this important fundraising campaign to provide aid to those in need during the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis. My sincere thanks goes to RM Sotheby’s for their generosity in donating this important part of MV Agusta's history and ensuring the success of the auction.”  As part of the charity endeavour of its first event in the capital, Salon Privé London committed 20% of entry ticket revenue and auctioned donated items on the Friday night. With remarkable generosity shown by the event partners and exhibitors of the Royal Hospital Chelsea event, the bike played a key role in driving awareness and visibility of the fundraising activity. Peter Haynes, Marketing Director for RM Sotheby’s EMEA, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support the Salon Privé DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal in raising as much money as possible for this urgent cause. We see it as a moral obligation to assist in the easing of the appalling humanitarian crisis in the Ukraine.”   Director of Salon Privé Andrew Bagley said: “Special thanks must go to RM Sotheby’s for the incredibly generous donation of the 1974 MV Agusta motorbike, and Mr. Ian Smart for placing the winning bid, but there have been so many genuinely heartfelt pledges made. We want to thank everyone, as no donation is too small in this effort to help those in need.”   With an online silent auction of 25 items running up to and during up to the event, and the sale of star lots at the Salon Privé Concours de Vente Celebration Dinner, both exhibitors and visitors had the chance to support the people of Ukraine who are going through unimaginable hardship. Attracting the attention of enthusiasts and aficionados in the lead up to the event, the 1974 MV Agusta GT (Sport Conversion) offered in the auction was the centrepiece of the sale. Supplied new to MV Agusta factory rider, Gianfranco Bonera, who owned it until 1978 it was originally manufactured to “GT” specification and subsequently uprated to Sport specification. With 69 horsepower available, the period superbike provides stunning looks and an exhilarating riding experience. Last month Salon Privé London launched its appeal and engaged with the industry to develop the charitable effort leading up to, and during, the luxury car event. The sister event to Salon Privé Blenheim, it presented a fantastic and timely opportunity to galvanise all those involved with, and attending, and raise much needed funds to help the people of Ukraine. Working with DEC and Work for Good, the funds raised will directly help the people forced to leave everything behind as they flee the fighting in Ukraine. With over 18 million expected to be affected by the conflict, and four million displaced, the resources will provide vital supplies of shelter, food and water. Bringing together 15 leading aid charities, the DEC raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of crisis overseas. People in life-and-death situations rely on its help as it works to save, protect and rebuild lives through effective humanitarian response. It’s still possible to contribute to the Salon Privé DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal at www.spdec.org

4. Suzuki summer test ride roadshow announced

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 2nd May 2022

   Suzuki has announced dates of a summer test ride roadshow, which will take place at a variety of dealerships from April to September with a number of key models in the range available to demo, including the new GSX-S1000GT and the third generation Hayabusa.

   Starting on April 9 at Completely Suzuki in Hinckley, Suzuki will be bringing a fleet of test ride bikes to each event – with individual dealerships also bolstering the number of bikes available with their own demo machines – that includes the V-Strom 1050XT adventure bike, GSX-S1000 naked, the newly-launched GSX-S1000GT, and the Hayabusa hyperbike.

   With models such as the GSX-S1000GT in high demand the events will give prospective customers the chance to secure a test ride on the model they’re most interested in, and also sample many other bikes in Suzuki’s range

   Suzuki GB’s head of motorcycle marketing, Ian Bland, commented, “We’ve had two years of uncertainty around events so it’s nice to be able to announce this roadshow and we’re looking forward to getting out on the road again. It’s a great opportunity for us to meet and spend time with customers, and provide more opportunities for them to test ride many of our most popular models. 2022 is set to be a great riding season, especially with our range of new bikes and current offers.”

   Those wishing to book a test ride should contact their local participating dealership, and must ensure they are able to provide their driving licence and a DVLA check code, or their National Insurance number on the day.

   For a full list of dates, see below, or visit Suzuki’s 2022 events calendar.

   • 9 April, Completely Suzuki, Unit 14, Lime Kilns Way, Hinckley, Loughborough, LE10 3EL, 01455 811811
   •  6-7 May, CJ Ball Suzuki, Woodlands, Salhouse Road, Sprowston, Norwich, Norfolk, NR7 9AB, 01603 307500
   • 21 – 22 May, Road and Racing, Clark Way, Hyde, Cheshire, SK14 2AU, 0161 366 5167
   • 18 – 19 June, Cupar Motorcycles, West Port, Cupar, Fife, KY15 4AW, 01334 655707
   • 1 – 2 July, Frasers of Gloucester, 261 Bristol Road, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL2 5DB, 01452 306485
   • 16 – 17 July, A&D Motorcycles, Spencer Trading Estate, Rhyl Road, Denbigh, North Wales, LL16 5TQ, 01745 815105
   • 23 July, Streetbike, 91-107 Dudley Road, Halesowen, West Midlands, B63 3NS, 0121 296 5661
   • 29-30 July, Single Tracker Motorcycles, 20-26 Flag Lane, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 3BG, 01270 212965
   • 13-14 August, Bridge Motorcycles, Alphin Brook Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 8RG, 01392 260200
   • 4 September, Orwells Motorcycles, Copdock Bike Show, Trinity Park, Ipswich, IP3 8UH, 01473 257401

   Note that bike availability may differ from one event to another. Customers are advised to speak to their local dealer in advance of the event to check availability.

5. AWARD WINNING FILMMAKER EXPLORES 12 COUNTRIES ON TWO WHEELS

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 27th Apr 2022