‘Live Fast Die Old’, a new film launched today, follows the escapades of three older bikers as they continue living life to the full despite being old enough to have free bus passes.

Getting tattoos, streaking and attending foam parties, all with their companion Daisy the alpaca – the trio of Badger, Turbo and Z-Boy live irreverently. But the one place they drop the pace is left-hand bends (or ‘left-handers’).

Aimed at male bikers between 40 and 49 years old, the film is a key part of a social marketing campaign from Road Safety Scotland, which launched last week ahead of the touring season. The film was created with input and insights from bikers, with their experience and knowledge bringing the three characters to life.

Bikers in their 40's make up 20% of all bikers in Scotland, yet account for 30% of those who are killed or seriously injured. The campaign focuses on left-handers, where a third of motorbike deaths in Scotland happen.

The campaign has a facebook page, specifically created for Scotland’s bikers. The page will offer content ranging from technique and gear tips to route planning and information on upcoming events. It will be continually updated over the next six months.

Michael McDonnell, Director of Road Safety Scotland, said: “During the biking season, it would not be unusual to see a biker die every weekend on Scotland’s roads. The Live Fast Die Old film serves as a perfect reminder to all bikers that they can still fully enjoy getting back on the road this season and, with some minor adjustments to the way they ride, will get back home safely to their families at the end of the day.”

Chief Superintendent Iain Murray from Police Scotland said: “By creating the Live Fast Die Old film, we have a fantastic opportunity to speak directly to bikers about their passion for biking and the safety aspects that go hand-in-hand with it.”

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Live Fast Die Old. A film about three men, three bikes and free bus passes - Watch it now

Belgium outfit Sarolea has launched its new 2015 Saroléa Electric Superbike at Autoworld, the vintage car museum in the centre of Brussels.

The new Saroléa is an evolution of the 2014 model and has been modified and enhanced on a number of levels. The Belgian team is now targeting a podium place at this year's SES TT Zero Race on the Isle of Man. The talented Scottish rider Robert Wilson, who flew over for the presentation, will once again ride the Saroléa SP7.

Team Saroléa are using the data obtained during last year's race and testing to optimize and improve its motorcycle. The new design has improved aerodynamics, which will provide higher top speeds. The motorcycle is considerably slimmer which also enhances the position for the rider.

Modifications to shift the centre of gravity will also increase the bikes handling. Saroléa has also managed to reduce the bike's weight. The modifications are mainly related to the use of more Carbon Fibre and more Titanium parts as well as the use of 3D printed parts.

A proprietary Vehicle Control Unit and Battery Management System have been implemented. All communication is now flowing through fibre optics.

The biggest improvement however is the new motor. It has been entirely developed in house and it has a major increase in torque. Early tests by Saroléa are demonstrating a 50% increase.

With the launch of the new SP7, it is clear Saroléa wants to become one of the major brands on the electric motorcycle racing scene. Saroléa is using the extreme racing conditions presented by the TT Mountain Course as a research and development platform for its propriety Saroléa Electric Drivetrain.

Bike specifications

SAROLEA SP7 ELECTRIC SUPERBIKE

Total Weight (kg) - 190
Acceleration 0-100 kph (0-60 mph) - 2.8 sec
Maximum Speed (kph [mph]) - 270 [168]

TYRES:
Front - Bridgestone Racing Battlax V02 120/600R17
Rear - Bridgestone Racing Battlax V02 200/655R17

BRAKES:
Front - Beringer 320mm Aeronal discs with Aerotec Radial Calipers
Rear - Beringer Aerotec 2D1 caliper

Maximum Output (KW [hp]) - 110 [150]
(Isle of Man configuration)
Maximum Torque (Nm) - 900
Battery Output Voltage (V) - 370 or more

PARTNERS

Bridgestone Europe
Beta Tools
DQ Advocates
Punch
Motokouture
Seco Tools
Beringer
Autoworld Brussels
Benton Apps
Atelier Noterman
Stoddart Racing

Pata Honda World Supersport rider Kyle Smith returns to Europe this weekend for round three of the 2015 World Supersport championship at Motorland Aragon in Spain.

Although born in Huddersfield in the UK, Smith, 23, has lived in Spain since the age of six and knows the 5.077km Aragon circuit well having scored a podium finish in last season's Superstock 1000 series on a Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.

For this season he has switched to the World Supersport Pata Honda CBR600RR and just missed out on a debut podium during the opening race at Phillip Island in Australia. Smith crashed out of the last round at Buriram in Thailand so will be looking to make amends during Sunday’s 16-lap third-round encounter.

Team entries are now open for the fourth annual Henry Surtees Foundation Brooklands Team Karting Challenge which will take place on Tuesday 30 June 2015. The event organised by John Surtees OBE, in co-operation with Brooklands Museum and Mercedes-Benz World will be staged once again at the iconic Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey and is free to spectate.

Each year the HSF Team Challenge receives tremendous support from a host of star names from the world of motorsport, business and the entertainment industry and 2015 will be no exception. Last year the event raised over £60,000 for the Henry Surtees Foundation, which was established by John Surtees, following the tragic death of his son Henry.

John Surtees OBE said “Brooklands not only has a special place in motorsport history but also the Henry Surtees Foundation, as it was one of the first fundraising events organised after the charity was formed. The event has developed over the past 3 years and this year will see the introduction of some exciting format changes. We are now taking entries for teams to participate in the HSF Team Karting Challenge. Why not put a team of four together and come and join us at the original home of motorsport at Brooklands where you will be able to enjoy the superb facilities of Mercedes-Benz World in the company of the Henry Surtees Foundation and star guests”.

Racing starts with practice and qualifying. Teams will then have the opportunity to compete in a challenging 2 hour endurance race, where competitors battle it out in Daytona High-Performance two-stroke DMAX Birel Karts in the hope of securing the conveted ‘H’ trophy.

The interval features a spectacular display of Surtees built Formula cars and Brooklands Museum exhibits plus ‘special’ vehicle demonstrations.

John Surtees continued “This year we have organised several ‘special’ vehicle demonstrations during the racing interval. We are delighted to welcome Derek Bell who will be reunited with the Surtees TS7 that he successfully raced for the team. Plus Team Lotus Works Collection will be bringing the 1965 Tasman Lotus Type 32B that Jim Clark won 9 out of 13 F1 races driving. It will be an honour to commemorate Jim’s 50th anniversary of his second F1 World Championship”.

The HSF Team Karting Challenge culminates in a prize giving Champagne reception courtesy of G H Mumm in the impressive state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz World venue where the prestigious 'H' trophy is awarded to the 2015 karting champion.

The Champagne and canapé reception will be hosted by Steve Rider and feature interviews with racers and celebrity guest participants, plus an incredible fundraising auction hosted by Malcolm Barber of Bonhams featuring exclusive artwork, memorabilia and experiences. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the fascinating exhibitions and get up close to legendary Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The reception is open to both competitors and non-racers (paid guests).

G.H. Mumm Champagne will, once again, be poured by generous arrangement with the House and Bernie Ecclestone.

All proceeds from the event will go to the Henry Surtees Foundation and Brooklands Museum Trust.

Event Prices:
Brooklands Team Challenge: Teams are based on four competitors £1,200 per team (including 4 tickets to Champagne and canapé reception)

The Champagne and canapé reception: Tickets are available to attend the reception, at cost of £65 per person.

To register your interest in entering a team or booking tickets for the Champagne reception, please contact: [email protected]

TV stars James May and Richard Hammond will be selling motorcycles from their personal collections through Bonhams at the 35th Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show at Stafford on April 25-26.

While their future as presenters of BBC’s Top Gear may be uncertain, the duo’s motorcycles are sure to attract a lot of attention.

Among the eight machines being offered by May are a 2010 Yamaha SR400 ‘Grievous Angel’ by Deus Ex Machina, valued at between £8000 and £12,000, and a 1974 Yamaha 49cc FS1-E, which is expected to fetch between £2000 and £2400.

Hammond, who’s selling four machines, is hoping for between £14,500 and £18,500 for his 2010 Norton Commando 961SE and £2500-£3500 for his 1975 FS1-E.

“Just because I’m unemployed now doesn’t mean I have to get rid of everything,” said James May. “I was going to sell these bikes anyway. And those paintings, and my collection of Scalextric cars. Honest.”

Hammond added: “As a serious collector of motorcycles, it’s important to review one’s stable regularly, and the Bonhams Stafford sale is the ideal opportunity to move bikes on and possibly acquire new ones. I also have a canoe, and some Wharfedale hi-fi speakers, if anyone’s interested.”

Ben Walker, Bonhams international head of motorcycles, said: “Jokes aside, James and Richard are offering for sale some great motorcycles from their collections, including examples of Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda and Norton – and we expect the collection to attract a lot of attention at the upcoming Spring Stafford Sale. We’re delighted that they both elected to consign their collections with Bonhams Motorcycle Department, an agreement that originated many months ago”.

The event takes place at Staffordshire County Showground, Weston Road, Stafford ST18 0BD. Appearing as guests of honour will be former motorcycle sport stars and leading industry figures Nick and Tony Jefferies.

Members of Yorkshire’s first family of racing, the pair will also be bringing along two legendary TT-winning machines to display; the Honda RC30 ridden by Nick and the Triumph Rob North Triple ridden by Tony. The brothers will be presenting show awards, signing autographs and chatting on stage with industry favourite and fellow TT champion Steve Plater.

Back at the event by popular demand is the Cavalcade, taking place in the showground’s main ring, which will see several wonderful examples of classic British and European machinery paraded for spectators and new for this year is live music in the venue’s bandstand.

The Classic Racer GP Paddock – showcasing some incredible track and road-racing machines – and the Classic Dirt Bike Experience – celebrating all that’s best about off-road – complete the most action-packed Stafford line up ever.

Tickets for the Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show are now on sale with a one day adult ticket costing just £10 when bought in advance, a £3 saving on the gate price. Passes can be purchased online from www.classicbikeshows.com or over the phone on 01507 529529.

James May in Bonhams Auction. Credit - Joe Dick