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  1. Sunra launch ROBO-S UTILITY electric scooter

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    Sunra UK has today announced the launch of its new ROBO-S UTILITY model; a specially equipped electric scooter aimed at offering businesses a cost effective and zero emission solution for delivery and utility needs.    Sunra launch ROBO-S UTILITY electric scooter

    ●  Zero emission and significant reductions in running costs    

    ●  Fully removable and fast charging batteries

    ●  Flexible and practical carry and storage solutions

    ●  More than 200 litres of combined weatherproof carrying capacity

    ●  Heightened rider comfort and protection from the elements

    Based on the proven ROBO-S model, that has received critical acclaim, most recently from Motorcycle News, who after a week-long test, declared “Petrol wouldn’t get a look in now”, the new UTILITY model offers the same ease of use and budget saving efficiencies with additional functionality and carrying capacity too.

    Logan Black of Sunra UK explains, “We wanted to bring a cost effective EV solution to small business and fleet operators alike. While the ROBO-S is already being used for this application in standard form, our goal was to offer a machine off-the-shelf that fits the needs of this ever increasing segment of users.

    “With the UTILITY model, we’ve developed and tested key accessories that can allow business users to deploy the ROBO-S for a variety of uses and jobs . The large rear rack can be used in isolation or with an array of different sized top-box options, while the addition of a large, full-size windshield and phone holder keep staff much better protected and connected too. We also plan to offer communication solutions, location trackers and extra weather protection from tried and tested partners.”

    Offering a range of over 60 miles and a maximum speed of 50mph, the ROBO-S UTILITY offers business users a swift, yet efficient solution. And thanks to fast charging batteries that can be swapped in less than 60 seconds, the UTILITY can be used in any location, effectively keeping businesses moving for longer without the need to use fixed charging points.

    With considerably reduced service requirements and costs, along with handy user-friendly features such as an additional 24 litres of underseat storage, finger-print recognition and its own alarm and immobiliser system, the ROBO-S UTILITY is a practical and dependable delivery solution. Add in HP and lease options, as well as bespoke service and maintenance packages, and the ROBO-S UTILITY offers one of the most complete cost effective solutions for fleet users and small businesses.

     

     

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  2. Zero Emission Rider Training with Sunra

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    Following an unprecedented year for new motorcycle registrations in 2021, where the industry saw a 9% increase overall and a staggering 146% increase in electric bike registrations, Sunra UK is pleased to announce collaborations across the UK with training schools turning to EV products for training.   Zero Emission Rider Training with Sunra

    With the pandemic clearly impacting on commuter habits, the motorcycle industry as a whole certainly benefited from the increased adoption of powered two-wheelers, with the majority of registration increases coming from the smaller capacity and commuter segment.

    With an obvious increase in CBT and rider training uptake, proactive training schools have been keen to adapt to the new generation of rider, utilising the benefits of EV models in the training environment, with some even taking advantage of zero emissions to offer an ‘any weather’ solution to training indoors.

    Logan Black of Sunra UK commented, “While the registration figures in general are clearly great news for our industry, what’s really encouraging is the adoption of EV and as a result at many training schools too. A big part of the appeal appears to be down to our products being less intimidating than ICE counterparts, but of course there are many other advantages too, including lower cost and ease of use too.”

    Sunra dealers, Saltire Motorcycles, based in Edinburgh are one such dealer who have turned to EV use for their training school in conjunction with Sunra, not only seeing the general benefits of electric in the training arena, but in also offering a unique approach with an indoor training school.

    Jethro Sheppard of Saltire Motorcycles commented, “The use of EV models has really hit a sweet spot for our rider training services. Not only has it made it easier for training, but using Sunra instead of petrol-powered scooters has made a significant saving in running costs for the business too. it’s also a far less intimidating first step on the motorcycling ladder and having an indoor space for training too is an absolute game changer when it comes to initially training new riders also. For us there really are no negatives to EV in this environment and it’s great to see customers go through the training and choose an electric bike themselves too.”

    As the uptake in electric scooters and motorcycles continues to grow, thanks partly to the increasing emergence of Clean Air Zones across many UK cities, Sunra UK is pleased to support an ever-growing network of training schools, with many dealers running their own schools as well as supplying into the training network too. The team at Sunra UK welcome discussion with any interested training schools.

  3. A Microscopic Review of E-Bikes

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    Bikes and bicycles have always been around as efficient and relatively cheaper modes of transportation. With the current surge in oil prices, people are moving towards electric bikes or e-bikes for their ecological transportation needs. Electric bikes are pre-equipped with electric motors to help in pedaling. While this makes the entire traditional procedure of pedaling easier, there is more than what meets the eye.

    Topmost Advantages of Electric Bikes

    Regular Exercise

    People who own electric bikes tend to ride them more often than they ride other modes of transportation. Cycling has always been regarded as one of the best and easiest methods to get the right amount of exercise in a busy life schedule.

    People who ride electric bikes use them for the commute daily. This provides an effective exercise regimen twice a day and keeps the body in a healthy shape and condition. It regularly revitalizes your body with energy and keeps many cardiac problems at bay.

    Moreover, folks who are into sports love exercise any way they can get it.

    Eco-friendly Commute

    Global warming is on the rise, and every day we are killing mother earth with more and more CO2 emissions because of the luxuries we avail. Electric bikes cut back the emission of harmful gases and keep your entire commute eco-friendly.

    A commute on an electric bike keeps your body fit and protects the environment by using eco-friendly resources for pedaling, such as lithium batteries.

    Strengthen Muscles and Bones

    Regular exercise and cycling also provide nourishment for the bones and muscles. This is why more and more senior citizens are opting for electric bikes. It keeps the heart young and bones healthy.

    Electric bikes are heavier than the normal ones, and the amount of energy taken to pedal these bikes provides the perfect amount of strengthening exercise for all the elemental organs. It takes care of joints, bones, and muscles and increases the rider's core strength.

    Cheaper Mode of Transportation

    Who among us doesn’t look for new ways to cut back on unnecessary expenses? The entire middle-class community is constantly looking for ways to increase their savings. Well, electric bike motors only cost you 5-8 cents every day, and you will only have to spend $1-$2 for an entire month. Instead of taking the long and tedious public transportation, you can not only enjoy the commute with your electric bike but also save mother Earth, nature, and your money at the same time.

    Bottom Line

    With the advancements in science and the busy routine schedule of the modern era, no one has the time to work out and get the right amount of exercise daily. Electric bikes are bliss for everyone who manages a tedious and tiring daily life.  wheel-lake-e-bike-bike-water-bicycle-tour-Piqsels

    Your commute to and from work will invigorate you with the perfect zing of revitalizing energy if you use an electric bike. Enhance your way of life with an e-bike and live to the fullest.

     

     

     

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  4. Royal Automobile Club’s Torrens Trophy awarded to Peter Hickman, Emma Bristow and Crescent Yamaha

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    The Royal Automobile Club honoured three winners of its prestigious Torrens Trophy at a presentation dinner on Monday 14 March at the Pall Mall clubhouse in London.  It was the first time the Trophy could be awarded in person since speedway legend Tai Woffinden was recognised for claiming his third Speedway World Championship in 2018.  

    Guests included James Toseland and Ian Kerr MBE - both past winners of the Torrens Trophy - plus a notable roll call of motorcycling personalities and industry figures, including 2021 British Superbike Champion Tarran Mackenzie.
     
    Three trophies were awarded, the first being to 2019 winner Peter Hickman for his trio of Isle of Man TT victories that year, and for seeing the world's fastest motorcycle road lap record of 136.415 mph at the Ulster Grand Prix.

    Staffordshire-born Hickman has become one of the leading road-racers and his TT wins were described by former racer Barrie Baxter – Chairman of the Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee – as being ‘pure poetry’.

    Hickman said: 'I'm obviously really proud to have won the Royal Automobile Club's Torrens Trophy.  It's such a prestigious trophy that many great names have won over the years.  A massive thank you to Alan, Rebecca and everyone at the former Smiths Racing Team.'

    After a two-year hiatus, the Isle of Man TT returns this year and Hickman is looking forward to picking up where he left off in 2019. With five TT wins now under his belt, he’s determined to add to that, and has entered six races including Superbike, Supersport, Superstock and Supertwin.
     
    The 2020 Torrens Trophy winner was Emma Bristow, who claimed her seventh consecutive FIM Women's Trial World Championship.  Bristow’s success marked the first time in more than 40 years that the Torrens Trophy has been awarded to a female motorcyclist. It’s also the first time that the trials world has been recognised, despite that discipline being close to the heart of Arthur Bourne. The former Editor of The Motor Cycle and Vice Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club wrote a column under the pen name ‘Torrens’, and it was in his honour that the trophy was inaugurated in 1979.  
     
    In 2014, Bristow became the first British rider to win the Women’s FIM Trial World Championship and continues to dominate the sport at an international level. In 2020, she won the title after going unbeaten in the TrialGP Women class, with six wins from six starts.
     
    Having started riding motorcycles at the age of four, the 31-year-old from Louth, Lincolnshire is now a nine-times world champion, having also won two World SuperEnduro Championships. Add to her tally 10 Women’s British Trials Championships, two Women’s European Trials Championships, one Latin American Championship (mixed gender category) and she’s without doubt one of the UK’s most successful female athletes.
     
    Bristow said: ‘I’m truly honoured to have won the Torrens Trophy – and to be the first female winner. I’m really looking forward to 2022 and I’m already working hard to try to win another World Championship and break the current record of 35 GP wins. I still want to keep improving and developing as a rider. Yes, I hope my success inspires more girls to get into two-wheeled motorsport, but for me it’s also about girls seeing it’s not just the men who can ride bikes at a high level. We can succeed if we work hard, and this is something I’m really passionate about.’ 
     
    The final winner on the night was the Crescent Yamaha WorldSBK team, which was awarded the Torrens Trophy for becoming the first British team to win the Riders', Teams' and Manufacturers' titles in the 2021 FIM World Superbike Championship.  
     
    Founded by Edward ‘Ted’ Denning – who rode his Triumph in Guernsey’s sand races before World War Two – Crescent Racing has been competing at the top level in national and international racing for the past 25 years. It has won races and Championships in everything from British Superbikes and World Superbikes to MotoGP, enduro and moto cross, and since 2016 it has run the official Yamaha team in World Superbikes from a state-of-the-art purpose-built facility in Dorset.
     
    Paul Denning, Managing Director of Crescent and Team Principal, was delighted to receive the prestigious award: ‘We have been aware of the Torrens Trophy for many years and have greatly enjoyed seeing such British stars as Sam Sunderland and Cal Crutchlow receive it in the past. For Crescent Yamaha to be recognised by the Royal Automobile Club and the Torrens committee is a real honour and we are so proud to receive the 2021 award, which only adds to the satisfaction of the team’s achievements last year. We are now very much focused on looking forward towards the 2022 season and doing everything we can to again be competitive, but the Torrens Trophy is a great way to cap off 2021!’
     
    Royal Automobile Club Chairman Ben Cussons said: ‘The Royal Automobile Club has always had a close association with the motorcycling world since the Club formed the Auto Cycle Club in 1903, which went on to become the Auto Cycle Union in 1947. I would like to extend a huge congratulations to our Torrens Trophy winners for the past three years and thank Peter, Emma and the Crescent Yamaha team for their outstanding achievements and contribution to the motorcycling scene – they are everything the Torrens Trophy represents; each of them providing a true showcase of British motorcycling skill and technical excellence’  
     
    In addition to Ben Cussons, the Club’s Torrens Trophy Nominations Committee consists of ex-motorbike and car racer Barrie Baxter, respected motorcycle journalist and TT winner Mat Oxley, commentator and former racer Steve Parrish, Club member Richard Bourne (son of Arthur Bourne), and ‘Queen of Bikers’ Maria Costello MBE, who has held the Guinness World Record for being the fastest woman to lap the Isle of Man TT course.
     
    The Torrens Trophy
    The Torrens Trophy recognises an individual or organisation considered to have made an outstanding contribution to the cause of safe and skilful motorcycling in the United Kingdom, or to have made an outstanding contribution of technical excellence to further the cause of motorcycling in the UK, or to have shown outstanding skill in international motorcycling sporting events.
     
    The Torrens Trophy was first awarded in 1978 in memory of Arthur Bourne, a motorcycling journalist who wrote a column under the name ‘Torrens’. Arthur Bourne was also a Vice-Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club. It is awarded only when the Club feels that the achievement justifies it. Previous winners of the Torrens Trophy include:
     
    2018 Tai Woffinden for being the most successful British speedway rider in history.
    2017 Jonathan Rea MBE for being the first rider to win three consecutive World Superbike Championships.
    2016 MotoGP racer Cal Crutchlow for being first British rider to win a premier class World Championship Motorcycle Grand Prix in 35 years.
    2015 Eleven-time TT winner Ian Hutchinson for his outstanding determination, courage and overcoming adversity to win multiple TTs.
    2014 Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne for becoming the first man in history to be crowned British Superbike Championship on four occasions (2003, 2008, 2012 and 2014).
    2013 Tom Sykes for being crowned the 15th World Superbike Champion, the fourth from Great Britain and only the second rider to win for Kawasaki in the series for 20 years.
    2008 World Superbike Champion James Toseland was awarded the Trophy for his immense contribution to raising the profile of motorcycle racing in this country.
    1998 Ian Kerr of the Metropolitan Police for 20 years of tireless work in promoting safe and responsible motorcycling.
    1989 BMW in recognition for its contribution to motorcycle safety through the development of its anti-lock braking system.
    1981 Dave Taylor MBE for his vast contribution to motorcycle road safety.
    1980 Transport and Road Laboratory.
    1979 Lieutenant-Colonel Fredrick Lovegrove OBE.

    The Royal Automobile Club
    The Royal Automobile Club was founded in 1897 and its distinguished history mirrors that of motoring itself. In 1907, the Club was awarded its Royal title by King Edward VII, sealing the Club’s status as Britain’s oldest and most influential motoring organisation.
     
    The Club’s early years were focused on promoting the motor car and its place in society, which developed into motoring events such as the 1000 Mile Trial, first held in 1900. In 1905, the Club held the first Tourist Trophy, which remains the oldest continuously competed-for motorsport event. The Club promoted the first pre-war and post-war Grands Prix at Brooklands in 1926 and Silverstone in 1948 respectively, while continuing to campaign for the rights of the motorist, including introducing the first driving licences.
     
    Today, the Club continues to develop and support automobilism through representation on the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and RAC Foundation while promoting its own motoring events including London Motor Week, which features the free-to-attend Regent Street Motor Show and the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

    The Royal Automobile Club also awards a series of historic trophies and medals celebrating motoring achievements. These include the Segrave Trophy, the Tourist Trophy, the Dewar Trophy, the Simms Medal, the Torrens Trophy and the Diamond Jubilee Trophy.
  5. Mitas introduces a new version of the popular SW-07 SPEEDWAY tyre

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    Mitas introduces a new version of the SW-07 SPEEDWAY tyre, one of the tyres most commonly used by speedway racers all over the world. The most advanced speedway tyre Mitas has ever made, it is specifically designed for the highest level of competitive speedway racing.

    Gustavo Pinto Teixeira, Vice President Two Wheels at Trelleborg Wheel Systems, says: “The introduction of the new Mitas SW-07 SPEEDWAY tyre represents our continuous commitment to supporting all our riders with the perfect product in any challenge they have to face. We can’t wait for speedway racers to start using this new version and are sure that it will help them to achieve amazing results. We are proud that the development was supported by many top speedway racers. A special thanks to all the racers with whom we have been working closely during the development stages.”