After yesterday’s European Plenary session at the Parliament in Strasbourg for the vote concerning the Road Worthiness Testing proposals from the European Commission, FEMA (Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations) as the representative of their members, i.e. European Riders’ Organisations, has released some information on what happened in the vote.

Similarly SMC (Swedish Association of Motorcyclists) and FFMC (French Federation of Angry Bikers) have released independent information for their members and respective motorcycle communities in their own countries.

Several of the rider organisation representatives were present at the vote in Strasbourg including, Morten Hansen (NMCU), Eric Thiollier (FFMC), Dolf Willigers (MAG NL) and Chris Hodder (BMF).

However,  the final vote by the EU Parliament on the amendments, which brought motorcycles back into mandatory RWT, was  postponed and referred back to the TRAN committee (Transport and Tourism) committee, chaired by UK MEP Brian Simpson, to begin discussions with the Council of Ministers and the European Commission.

The European Commission’s position is to include motorcycles within RWT, the Council of Ministers deleted motorcycles from their position, TRAN had also deleted motorcycles with a compromise to look at the statistics within three years to see if RWT for motorcycles is necessary either to mandate or leave this decision to member states. For example in the UK we already have RWT,  commonly known as the MoT and this would not change.

Although Chris Hodder (Government Relations) from the BMF, has stated that this (the vote to include amendment 117) is a defeat but at the same time, not a victory for the European Commission, we would consider that this is all part of the parliamentary procedure.  In other words, it isn’t over until the Barber Shop Quartet (or in this case the Barber Shop Trio i.e. the Commission, Parliament and Council ) join together in harmony!

As the EU Parliament has said, “Parliament adopted amendments to the Commission proposals on Tuesday which it wants to be the basis for negotiations with Council with a view to agreeing the revised legislation at first reading.”

At Right To Ride we are rounding up information from all our sources and will have a full report on the vote on Road Worthiness Testing and its meaning for motorcyclists.

View the article and what others are saying on Right To Ride EU

THE team behind some of Britain’s biggest and best motorcycle shows is consolidating this year’s programme before further expansion in 2014.

Classic Bike Shows, organiser of events such as the International Dirt Bike Show and the International Classic MotorCycle Show, had planned to launch a new event this September in the garden of England – the Carole Nash Big Kent Bike Show.

But, having already taken on successful new events at Lanark and Newark over the past year, the decision has now been made to reschedule the Kent launch for 2014.

The Kent County Showground in Detling will remain as the venue, with the delay allowing for planned renovation work to get underway at the location, meaning enhanced and redeveloped facilities will be in place when the much-anticipated weekend arrives.

Exhibition manager Nick Mowbray said: “Having expanded our portfolio of events in the last year, we have taken a decision that gives us the necessary time to inject the kind of quality into the Big Kent Bike Show that is expected of us by our visitors.”

A two-part course designed for riders who want to enhance their skills and take their riding to the next level, working towards the DSA Enhanced Rider Certificate, a national DSA qualification, which is recognised by most leading Insurance companies and could earn you a discount on your premiums.

PART ONE: A one day course at the Heritage Motor Centre

·         Welcome and safety briefing / Morning Coffee

·         Theory including Collision causation factors and the main areas where bikers crash.

·         Basic machine checks

·         Slow riding and machine handling

·         Cornering techniques/principles

·         Lunch (one course including Tea or Coffee)

PART TWO:  Mutually agreed assessment on another day

·         Dedicated two hour assessment ride out on a 1;1 basis

·         Debrief from assessment

·         DSA Enhanced Rider Certificate.

Price: £105.00 per person

24 August & 5 October 2013, 9:30am -5pm

Includes hand outs and guidance to take away, limited to 12 places.

www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

French manufacturer Furygan has created a new range of leather jackets designed with racing in mind. The Race, Akira, Block and Brutale Evo are new-for-2013, combining Furygan’s renowned style and quality with its on-track expertise developed with pro racers.

Although they differ in style, the four jackets do have some similarities, for example each one is crafted from CE homologated 1.4mm waterproofed leather. Areas exposed to abrasion in a crash situation are reinforced with triple stitching to avoid tearing and each jacket features D3O T5 Pro Evo level 2 armour in the elbow and shoulders and a back protector (1621-2 level 1 central back type), offering full protection without restricting comfort and movement. The back protector pocket in each can also accommodate a level 2 full back protector as an added extra.

Each jacket features Furygan’s Skin Protect lining and a thermal padded lining that includes aluminum inserts on the chest for maximum protection against the cold. There are two connecting zips (one short and one full) mounted on an elastic belt, adjusters on the waist and four pockets – two inside and two outside. All four jackets also carry the Ergomax label, ensuring maximum comfort and a perfect fit, with the Race carrying the Ergomax Racing label.

Combining all Furygan’s sports jacket expertise and developed and tested by pro-riders, the top-of-the-range Race jacket, made from full grained leather, is a must-have for any serious sports bike rider. It incorporates removable foam inserts on the chest to protect from fuel tank shocks and aids rider posture, as well as a racing hump for aerodynamics. New integral racing sleeves – equipped with bi-stretch Cordura and constructed with a triple stitching technique – offer unparalleled comfort and mobility. This sports jacket also has external protection shells on the shoulders and elbows. The Race is available in black-white-silver, black-white-red and black-silver-fluorescent yellow, sizes S-3XL with an RRP of £439.99.

Made from Ago plain matt leather, the Akira was the first jacket of the new generation to include external protection shells on the elbows and shoulders. The ergonomic design of the jacket includes the Furygan AFS system - vents with water repellent zips on the chest and back that can be opened to create an airflow through the vest. Leather stretch behind the shoulders and Cordura stretch on the elbows, as well as neoprene inserts on the collar and wrists ensure maximum comfort. The Akira is available in black-white and white-black, sizes S-3XL with an RRP of £379.99.

The Block, made from soft and extremely resilient Ago leather, is classed as a top racing leather jacket. With the inclusion of a racing hump, racing sleeves with bi-stretch Cordura inside the arms, neoprene inserts on the collar and wrists and leather stretch behind the shoulders and elbows, the high-end ergonomics make for a comfortable sports fit. This jacket also includes external protection shells with aluminum inserts for elbows and shoulders. The Block is available in black-chrome, sizes S-3XL with an RRP of £379.99.

The Brutale Evo is made from full grained leather and combines quality leather construction with classic Furygan styling. It incorporates racing sleeves with bi-stretch Cordura stretch inside the arms for a comfortable fit as well as leather stretch behind the shoulders and the elbows. Neoprene inserts on the collar and wrists are also included. The Brutale Evo is available in black-white, sizes S-3XL with an RRP of £369.99.

www.nevis.uk.com

Stormin' as usual will have a great line up of bands on two stages over the weekend...

We will have some of the best bands from the North East, some old Stormin' favourites and some newbies & some top tribute bands too.
Confirmed bands include: A Foreigners Journey, ...   See more here: