The MCI is saying ‘Get On’ during National Motorcycle Week 2010 which runs from 18-24 July 2010.

If you’ve never experienced two wheels in any form, this is the ideal opportunity to do so.

Those wanting to try a bike or scooter can participate in the event by enjoying a FREE one-hour taster session with a Get On free ride provider in their own local area. By simply visiting the dedicated website www.geton.co.uk in less than 5 minutes a session can be booked to suit your schedule.

Steve Kenward MCI’s CEO said, “National Motorcycle Week is an important week in the motorcycling calendar because it is a fantastic opportunity for the whole motorcycling community to get active and to talk positively to their colleagues, friends and family about two-wheels.”

“The MCI encourages people to organise events such as ride-outs, charity runs and biker’s BBQs which can be enjoyed by non-riders too. It is also the time for riders to think about how to get more out of their machine, whether that means planning a biking holiday or taking some training to improve their skills on the road. ”So this year is the time to GET ON, because life is better on two wheels.”

In March, I had the pleasure of attending the MCN Scottish Motorcycle Show. Let’s get the scoring/review out of the way first of all – I can heartily recommend the show if you have an interest in bikes, although there wasn’t too much going on in terms of live events outside. However, if you have a desire to see the latest two-wheeled metal in the flesh, then you couldn’t go far wrong by taking a trip up to Scotland, as I did.

I attended on the 20th March, having set off with the post code of the Royal Highland Centre programmed into the sat nav. Ready and raring to go, I set off with less than three hours of driving to complete – which turned into slightly longer than expected due to a rather large tailback about 20 minutes from the Centre.

On arrival, car parking was simple and easy to follow and was only £3 for the whole day – so not too bad at all. By booking tickets in advance (I recommend this for all motorsport events for the following reason) my friends and I could simply go to the much shorter ‘prepaid’ queue, which allowed us straight in to the cordoned area. Simple and no fuss!

The first sight of the day was the stunt bikers over on the Monster big rig. The setup involved a number of ramps, jumps and obstacles which were being handled amazingly well by a couple of riders. This was followed by a show with some clearly very skilled riders, who demonstrated a number of stunts including no handers, wheelies and even a burn out until a tyre popped!

The meat of the show was the variety of different manufacturers that were showing the new 2010 bikes in the hopes of creating some business. By all accounts, this proved to be extremely successful, as there was a very large crowd on the day taking in the latest two-wheeled metal. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the stand-out stands!

Triumph
The highlight for me was the Triumph Bonneville. Whilst there were other more sporty bikes on the stand, the Bonnie is just a great, classic, timeless design. Granted, it’s not going to hurtle you down the motorway at terrifying speeds, but hey, is that what motorbiking is about? The Bonneville (especially the outstanding T100) is all about a relaxing scratch around and it does everything well. That’s not to denigrate machines like the Daytona, which is another great bike.

Victory
What can you say about a manufacturer that produces huge, huge machines with 106 cubic inches of engine displacement? Bikes that feature a 240 section rear tyre and look big enough to wipe out a few cars? All you can say I think is, wow. Victory motorcycles are unique – I’ve not come across anything quite like them and you don’t see that many of them on the road. Then again, it’s perhaps because not everyone is a giant and able to handle such a large machine. Nonetheless, there’s something that is intrinsically appealing about two wheeled metal of such size, even if it is a challenge to make it turn a corner! The highlight goes to the Victory Hammer S, which was a definite show highlight. The image below is the Victory Vegas 8 Ball, a more user friendly bike if you’re on the smaller size.

Victory Vegas 8ball

Yamaha
There wasn’t a lot happening at the Yamaha stand – which was rather disappointing. Whilst there was a decent array of bikes, there didn’t seem to be anything that really stood out or grabbed my attention, barring the new 2010 R1.

Ducati
For those who aren’t in the know, Ducati carry a particular type of reputation in the motorcycling world. Come to think of it, it’s not that different from Italian cars – thoroughbreds that are extremely good to ride, with plenty of power and road ability. With the potential of course for a little mechanical coaxing required thrown in for good measure. Nonetheless, the Ducati stand, thanks to bikes such as the 1198, really did catch the eye. They are beautiful, beautiful bikes. I in particularly was impressed with the Hypermotard 796 – though it did look like I’d need to grow a few inches to handle it as it should be.

Ducati 1198S

MV Augusta
Perhaps at the top of the most desirable bike in show list was the MV Augusta F4. A true superbike for the road, the F4 catches the eye, takes the breath away and will waste almost anything else on the road at the lights. MV also had the MV Augusta Brutale at the show, which is a really good looking bike. Kudos too goes to staff manning the stand. They were more than happy to discuss everything from the trip to the show to relative power outputs.

MV Augusta F4

Kawasaki
The Kawasaki Z1000 was another bike of the show. A streetfighter with aggressive styling, an aluminium twin tube frame, this is a bike that you won’t really go far wrong with. Comfortable, exotically styled and enough to make any driver wince and move out of the way when they see this coming up in a wing mirror. Kawasaki also had a number of new bikes on show including the excellent little off-roader, the D-Tracker 125 and the updated Versys model (only taller riders need apply for this one).

BMW
BMW Motorrad was at the show, though arguably with one single purpose in mind. That purpose was to show off the new to 2010 BMW S 1,000 RR superbike! The advertisements for this bike say ‘power redefined’ and I couldn’t think of a better description. The double R is a genuine race bike, even if number plates can be added. Whilst the price tag of £11,000 may look a little steep for the bike OTR, you’ll find it a challenge to be faster on two wheels – or indeed to have a faster way to lose your licence if you’re not careful!

BMW S1000RR

Custom Event – Area 51
Probably the highlight of the show, the Area 51 section of the show was simply fantastic. Less concerned about the original manufacturer designs and performance, this show was all about the look and the wild designs – in fact the wilder the better. On display were a variety of cruisers, customs and low-riders modified beyond belief. My favourite was a former Victory motorcycle with the wildest paintjob you’ve ever seen. The artistry involved must have been staggering! The live band was also very good and got the crowd dancing.

Other items
The Russian sidecar show was unique to say the least – I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like it! There was obviously a lot of skill involved and it had a number of the audience with their eyes very wide at the antics. It does make you wonder why we don’t see more of these machines on the road.

Overall
I can firmly recommend the MCN Scottish Motorcycle Show if you have any interest at all in two wheels. Whether you’re a novice or a racer, there’ll be something there for you. As for me? Well, it was great to sit on a variety of bikes. However, it did put me in even more of a quandary about what to buy next. I certainly love the look of the Triumph Bonneville T100 but Victory two wheelers are staggering. I will of course keep you all updated should I choose to roll out on a new set of wheels. In the meantime, keep checking back regularly for more event coverage.

Trofeo Abarth 500 GB

Car racing doesn’t have to be all about big V8 monsters roaring around a track. In fact, nimbler, more agile cars can often provide more entertainment for your money and none prove this more than the exciting Abarth Trofeo race series.

The series, which starts with its first rounds over the Easter weekend (3 and 5 April), features Abarth’s potent new 500 Assetto Corse race cars. Dates for the Trofeo Abarth 500 GB were recently announced and include rounds at some of Britain’s best-known circuits, beginning with the Easter races at Oulton Park, Cheshire.

Powered by a 1368cc 16-valve turbocharged engine, the 970kg Trofeo 500 race cars develop 190bhp at 6500rpm and torque of 300Nm at 3000rpm to achieve dramatic performance on the track.

The new Trofeo Abarth 500 GB series calendar is as follows:

* 3 April – Oulton Park
* 18 April – Silverstone
* 23 May – Cadwell Park (also features British Superbikes on the same bill)
* 27 June – Snetterton
* 25 July – Silverstone
* 5 September – Brands Hatch
* 24 October – Monza

This weekend, I attended the MCN Scottish Motorcycle Show, which was a fantastic experience. I’ll be doing a full run-down of the Saturday event later in the week. In the meantime, to whet your appetite, why not check out the free sampler for Practical Sportsbike magazine? It’s definitely worth a read for free.

The House of Commons heard Gordon Brown announce on 25th February: “It is important that we have a strong motorcycling industry in this country.”

During Prime Minister’s Questions Mr Brown was quizzed by the Conservative MP for St Albans, Anne Main. She asked him specifically about the issue of motorcycle testing, which has been fundamentally changed since the introduction of European legislation in October 2008.

Anne Main highlighted to Mr Brown the drastic effects the last piece of European legislation has had on the industry since the changes came into effect. Main revealed that there has been a 62% decline in the number of tests taken since the introduction of the multi-purpose test centres which saw the number of bike test centres drop massively from over 200 to around 60.

Mr Brown commented on the importance of ensuring that the specific questions raised by Anne Main MP on tests be answered and assured the House that the Transport Minister would look at the reported figures.

The Smart fortwo

I’ve decided that when I reach the hallowed 100,000 miles mark in my current car, it will be time to get a new motor (provided that, of course, I’m financially in a position to do so). I have a few choices circling in my mind, but I just couldn’t face letting my Astra go whilst it was 100% mechanically sound. It would just be heart braking to go from a machine that has nothing wrong with it to the unknown. Yes, it has some lumps, bumps and scrapes now but we’ve taken many a journey together.

One car however that I know I will not want to buy when it comes to it is a Smart fortwo. Why’s that? Well, for me, they just don’t make any sense. Assuming we’re 10-20 years in the future and battery tech is improved, electrical recharge points are everywhere and Smart fortwo electrics are extremely cheap, I can then see this type of vehicle working. But as it is, the fortwo has a very short wheelbase (not comfortable), poor handling characteristics and takes an age to get going. So, just what is the purpose behind it when the new Fiesta ECONetic is overall a much better car but with very similar fuel economy figures?

I can only assume that everyone who bought (or indeed is going to buy) a Smart fortwo are ignorant of the facts, or indeed perhaps of the laws of physics. Having four wheels at the very edges of a car is great for dynamics, but not when the wheelbase is about the same as that of your lawnmower. More importantly though, it suggests that these people completely missed the Kei car revolution in Japan.

For those who don’t know, it’s basically a ‘light’ vehicular categorisation in Japan that allows for the exploitation of tax and insurance laws, but more importantly they arose as an economic response to consumers having more than enough for a bike, wanting the practicality of a car, but not being able to afford a larger model. Think the Tata Nano and you’re there. The Smart Fortwo though bothers me as it offers the same size but none of the charm.

Which brings me on to my revelation. If we are to cut congestion, improve road safety and lower CO2 emissions, why not push motorbikes as a form of transport? Point one, congestion, will be eased as bikes are smaller and are much easier to filter. Point two, whilst motorbikes are statistically more dangerous than cars, this is only down to the fact that there are more cars on the road and motorbikes represent only 1% of traffic. If these figures started to change, people would be more aware of motorcycles. Point three – my motorbike can do about 100mpg – pretty good I’m sure you agree when it can still hit 80. Perhaps finally though, it’s staggeringly good fun – something that a Smart fortwo is lacking.

This isn’t a dig if you do have a Smart fortwo – if you do own one write in and let me know whether your car is suitable for purpose, what sort of roads you drive it on etc. I’d love to have someone out there change my mind…

MV Augusta Brutale 1090R

Just the other week, I wrote a post about vulnerable road users and the importance of awareness on the road. You can read it here. Tonight, after a particularly long and gruelling day at work, I decided to whip off the all-weather cover and get the bike going for a few miles’ jaunt.

All was well – I was actually really, really enjoying riding. Probably more than I normally do (and I like it quite a lot), as for whatever reason my riding just seemed to flow. My seating position was decent, I was getting some good speed (I hasten to add well within the legal speed limit) around the corners and generally I was having probably as much fun you can have with your clothes on, whilst going about some business.

Naturally, by the time I was kitted up, I’d eaten and was ready to roll on two wheels, it was dark. So, I opted for my high visibility jacket, trousers with fluorescent piping and decided I’d ensure that my riding style was more conspicuous (obvious) than usual by steering clear of unlit areas, keeping a very good distance from cars, taking up a clear position on the road etc etc.

I can safely say that I was having a blast of a time, probably about 12 miles worth, until some idiot spoiled it all. There’s always one though isn’t there? This one though was probably more dangerous than the average idiot though, being after all in charge of a Vauxhall Vectra with lights off – whilst moving.

The person in charge of the vehicle then reversed down the road right into my path, from behind a parked car. Slamming on the anchors it was clear that the car decided to move, whether they’d seen me or not, so I gave them a beep to say ‘I’m here – don’t kill me!‘. Then, without a word of apology, acknowledgement or any kind of other human interaction, this person completed whatever insane manoeuvre they’d dreamed in their head was a good idea in a very pedestrianised and busy area, then roared away.

This is probably the first time I came across such a complete jackass on the road whilst on my bike – this driver thought they owned it. I do wonder why people don’t get this fact. When you’re in charge of a motor vehicle, you have a responsibility to everyone else – those inside and outside the vehicle you’re in control of, to drive in a sensible, legal manner. Of course, for some, responsibilities mean nothing.

Just as the title says – it may be dark when I’m out and about, but please don’t kill me. I won’t rush, harass, intimidate, abuse or otherwise put you in danger. So please, please, extend me and everyone else the same courtesy. Just a thought before someone gets hurt and someone else goes to prison, ruining two lives.

Buell Motorbikes

Whilst this is first and foremost a car blog, I thought I’d share with you all the sad news that Buell motorbikes will be no more as Harley Davidson are focussing their efforts elsewhere. Whilst Buell motorbikes may not have been for everyone, at least they provided something different for the market and I certainly have a lot of respect for Erik Buell, who started the brand.

View the important (and emotional) message from Erik here on the official site. Few others have such a passion for motorcycling. Erik, we salute you.

My YZF-R125 is proving to have been worn in quite nicely now. The clutch isn’t quite a temperamental, the gear change is slicker and there have been no issues with getting it into neutral and sticking there. Perhaps the biggest issue over the past 10 weeks remains the seating position. Whilst riding something that’s got a supersports shape no doubt looks very cool, it does mean you’re wringing your wrists at every given opportunity/stoppage at the lights.

Cruising on the bike a nice day is a great experience – though with my inexperience I am not yet getting any lines on the tyres from leaning in too hard. A good word of advice for any learning/novice is to just take your time to get to know how the bike will react. My bike weighs around 136 kilos, so when I’m on it, I contribute significantly to the weight.

What does this mean in real terms? Any sort of shift in my balance is naturally going to affect the bike. Move your backside on the seat in a way that makes the bike unsettled and it’ll certainly let you know about it with a quick shimmy.

Best moment of the past few weeks? Learning to take a corner properly that I take very often, at a speed that doesn’t mean I’m crawling.

Worst moment? Probably just a couple of nights ago when the clutch slipped, resulting in a certain area being smashed into the tank. Not a pleasant moment!

I’m planning a ride up to Scotland in the near future, so I’ll certainly let you all know how it goes…

Yamaha YZF-R125

Well, I’m now six weeks into riding my 09 Yamaha YZF-R125.  You have to take the rough with the smooth as they say, which unfortunately means I needed to fork out for a new (rather expensive) vinyl/sticker for the right hand side fairing due to an ‘off’.  No harm done, other than to the pride of course.  Still, it’s early days and I was probably being a little bit over eager shall we say.

Brilliantly, the first service for the bike came to a very reasonable £15 – meaning it hasn’t really put me too much out of pocket.  Other costs including petrol haven’t been too bad either – 350 miles and only about £12 spent.  Very nice!

Now that the first service has been done, I’ve got access to the full rev range.  I’ve bounced it off the limiter a couple of times and there’s definitely a double power curve in there – the first up to around 6,000rpm and then again building up to the 9,000rpm maximum torque limit.  Playing with all those revs does make me want to drive something with a similar setup too – the only problem being that it can get tiresome as a setup in a car.

I intend to take the bike for a longer run when I have the new sticker set added to the fairing – but everything seems to be settling down quite nicely and I’m enjoying the experience (though not so much being boiled in the full gear every day!).