The announcement by the Government that vehicles manufactured before 1960 will no longer have to pass an MOT, has received a cautious welcome from the British Motorcyclists Federation.

While pleased that the Government is trying to cut down on regulation, the fact that thousands of cars and motorcycles will from 18th November no longer require an annual test of any sort is a concern say the BMF.

At the time of the consultation the BMF pointed out that there was still a lot of support from the classic world for some form of an MOT as an annual check of basic roadworthiness. The BMF’s response, while recognising that modern test standards were not suitable for 50 year old vehicles, also went on to acknowledge   that there was a problem finding testers who were knowledgeable on the limitations of older vehicles. 

The BMF also points out that owners of pre-1960 machines will still be legally required to ensure that they are safe and in a proper condition to be on the road, the problem now being though, who decides?

The Government have also said that it is allowing voluntary MOT tests and it might well mean that motor insurance providers will require historic vehicles to have been tested as proof of road worthiness, something that could also assist owners following road traffic accidents.

BMF Government Relations Executive Chris Hodder said: “Broadly speaking, the BMF is generally in favour of less legislation and regulation for motorcycle owners, but there is a very large degree of support for the MOT system and we did question whether exemptions should be made at all. We will now have to watch how the system pans out.”

A summary of response to the consultation is available here: 

Responding to our customer demand Compass Expeditions is expanding its tour offerings to include an epic 75 day ride from Cairo to Capetown in 2014.

“We are excited to be offering Africa as our newest destination as we, the owners of Compass Expeditions, have had a long time love affair with this incredible continent” says Mick McDonald, director of Compass Expeditions.

Africa is an amazingly diverse and rugged continent that has drawn explorers and adventurers the world over for centuries and we are thrilled to be able to offer our clients a chance to be part of the adventure as we ride from the bustling, ancient city of Cairo to the exotic, far Cape. The ride follows the Nile south crossing into the Sudan, then Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and finally South Africa.

“It is an epic ride that offers so much for the rider and will leave you breathless” says Brendan Barbetti, Co founder of Compass Expeditions.

Brendan has recently returned from an in-depth research trip of this route and is looking forward to once again riding Africa, his all time favourite destination, in 2014
 
For more information on this incredible 75 day expedition contact 1300 887 327 (within Australia) or +61 3 5368 2113 (outside Australia)

www.compassexpeditions.com

Stormin’ is not organised, as some people seem to think, by some big corporation with directors who are lining their own pockets, it is organised by a group of bikers, all of whom are rally-goers themselves. 

The organising committee are a group of twelve people from various walks of life who get together from February... 

See more here:  

Over 600 Veteran and Vintage motorcycles will descend on the Heritage Motor Centre for the 64th nostalgic Vintage Motor Cycle Club Banbury Run ™ on Sunday 17th June. 

The event, which is the largest gathering of pre-1931 Motorcycles & 3 Wheelers in the World, will also feature Club and Trade Stands, over 100 Autojumble pitches and special interest displays.

The Banbury Run ™ is aimed at those who enjoy the thrill of riding with other Vintage, Veteran & Pioneer bikes. Visitors can see the bikes in all their glory as they set off for their annual Run around the countryside which is an amazing spectacle to watch.

Visitors can also buy some of the best vintage fashions, accessories, curios and handmade crafts on the first floor of the Heritage Centre. There are free activities for children, including the chance to win a Giant Retro Space Hopper in the Space Hopper Hunt!

Emma Rawlinson, Event Executive for the Heritage Motor Centre stated “The Banbury Run is a fantastic event and we’re delighted to be hosting it for the fifth year with the Vintage Motor Cycle Club. Watching hundreds of vintage motorcycles cruise the roads is a wonderful sight to see!”

The Museum will be open from 9am – 5pm on Sunday 17 June with the Banbury Run ™ beginning at 10am.  Advance tickets costs £5 or £7 on the day. FREE museum entry is offered to entrants and spectators. Camping is available from Friday 15 June through to Monday 18 June. Advance tickets or camping can be purchased by phoning the ticket hotline on 01926 645029 Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm. 

www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

On 30th June 1937, Wal Handley lapped the famous Brooklands Outer Circuit at 107.57mph on a 500cc BSA Empire Star. For that lap, he was awarded a Brooklands Gold Star, the tiny enamel badge that signified so much.
  
That achievement led the BSA Company to name their top sporting 500 "The Gold Star", which became perhaps the best-known name of any British motorcycle.
 
On 30th June 2012, 75 years to the day, the Gold Star Owners Club plans a commemorative celebration at Brooklands, the world's first purpose circuit for motorsports.
 
The aim is to get more Gold Stars and Rocket Gold Stars in one place at one time than has ever happened before. Owners and riders of other BSA models are also very welcome. There will be an opportunity for Gold Star and RGS owners to ride up the Test Hill and on the Members’ Banking. It is hoped there will also be static photo opportunities for the "Goldies" and RGS in front of Concorde "Delta Golf" and on the famous Brooklands Banking
 
Among the machines attending are two replicas of Handley's 1937 winning bike, to include that built by George Wander which recently won the Ace Cafe London award at the Southern Classic Bike Show, Kempton Park. In addition George will be bringing along his 1937 Gold Star with the production number of 102, the oldest "Goldie" in existence.
 
Some of the Brooklands Museum racing machines will be run as well.
 
The event will take place from 10am on Saturday 30th June at Brooklands Museum near Weybridge in Surrey.
 
All owners of "Gold Stars" and RGS are urged to attend and help ensure a record turnout to mark this unique and historic occasion.

Entry will be the normal Museum ticket cost of £10 (£9 for Seniors). There will be a special price of £15 for riders with a pillion passenger.
 
Bikes can be ridden in or brought by van or trailer. There is no limit to the number of eligible bikes. Non-BSA owners are encouraged to make the event a destination for a ride out. 
 
www.brooklandsmuseum.com
www.bsagoldstarownersclub.com