Ride Trader - Latest UK and world motorcycle news. www.ridetrader.co.uk

Red Arrows get air time at Suzuki off-road centre

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:41:28 GMT

The world-famous RAF Red Arrows aerobatic display team, learnt a whole new meaning of the term 'air time' over the bank holiday weekend, as they joined the Suzuki Off-Road Centre at Wheeldon Farm in Devon to try their hand at motocross.

Fresh from an air display the evening before at the Port of Dartmouth Regatta, the team headed down to the Suzuki Off-Road Centre near Totnes in Devon, to try their hand at off-road riding on a fleet of Suzuki machines at the unique venue that boasts a 30,000 Sq ft indoor arena.

With the entire team present, centre instructors Andrew and Jim Savery taught the team the techniques involved in getting 'air time' on a Suzuki motocross machine, with every one of the RAF pilots taking to the experience like ducks to water.

Suzuki Off-Road Centre, manager, Andrew Savery commented,"Naturally we were delighted to welcome the Red Arrows to the centre. As you'd imagine these guys are all adrenalin junkies, but for many of them this was an all-new experience. Like we would for any customer, we taught the guys the basics first and by the end of the day they were all comfortable enough to be jumping the bikes confidently and as you'd imagine with a group of jet fighter pilots, egging each other on."

Red 8 Squadron Leader, Graham Duff commented,"What a fantastic experience. We all enjoyed the day tremendously and have new found respect for the top motocross riders. The guys at the centre really looked after us, building our confidence and teaching techniques to off-road riding that's sure to be of benefit when we ride in the future."

The Red Arrows will be making the most of their Suzuki rider training, when they set-out on a charity ride across the entire length of mainland UK on scooters later this year. For more information visit the Red Arrows official website at: www.raf.mod.uk/reds

Pink Floyd Drummer Chooses Suzuki Bandit

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:37:10 GMT

Pink Floyd drummer, Nick Mason, is the latest high profile musician to choose Suzuki for his daily ride, after taking delivery of a Bandit 650S earlier this summer.

Mason, an original member of the iconic 60's rock group, chose the Bandit for his daily commute into London and now shares the bike with his wife, Annette, who uses it for commuting and weekend rides too.

Talking about the Bandit, Nick commented,"I've had many bikes over the years including some big adventure models, but for beating London congestion the Bandit's proved to be perfect. It's agile enough to cut through traffic and has more than enough power when you leave town. With its fairing offering added weather protection, it's been great when the weather hasn't too".

The Bandit 650 comes in standard and faired versions with handy features like ABS (faired model only), a gear position indicator and a DC power socket for powering your Sat Nav or charging your phone. The Bandit 650 range starts from £5,724 on the road and is available on 0% Typical APR finance, with a free restrictor kit available for those on a restricted licence and subject to a fully-compehensive £99 insurance offer for anyone who passes their test through a Suzuki approved training scheme*.

For more information on the Bandit range, please visit www.suzuki-gb.co.uk

Dont tar female riders with the pink brush, says Cap Green Book

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:38:16 GMT

ASSUMING that female motorcyclists want ‘feminised’ riding equipment is a mistake that could cost the industry the chance to attract new customers, according the CAP the used motorcycle pricing experts.

Alan Elsworth, editor of CAP Green Book, the industry standard trade guide to used motorcycle values, the most successful female-friendly dealers focus on safety and practicality rather than pink leathers and helmets.

In a year when the motorcycle industry has seen new bike sales reduce by nearly 7% it is more important than ever to attract new customers and women represent a still largely untapped market. But research consistently suggests that treating women differently is a mistake that could hold back attempts to grow the female biking fraternity beyond its current estimated 10 – 15% of the market.

Writing in the latest edition of Green Book, Alan Elsworth says: “A typical example of the desire among women to be treated on an equal footing came from a dealer contact recently who was selling to a married couple who were both starting out as riders. After making sensible bike choices, under the expert guidance of dealer staff, they were then pointed to riding kit and offered professional safety information.

“But when the dealer suggested the woman check out the “ladies gear” her immediate response was to ask if there was anything available non-pink. This dealer is not unique in realising that woman do not want to be treated as anything other than motorcyclists.

“It is also noticeable that dealerships run by a husband and wife team are more successful in retailing to women. No doubt they connect more easily with the female customer because they understand this fact. It is also noticeable that pink is conspicuous by its absence among the wares sold by the few specialist vendors of female biking apparel.

“The advice is, don’t tar women with a pink brush and instead realise that if women are better understood a still largely untapped market is probably there for the taking.”

Could you be the UK’s advanced rider of the year?

Fri, 07 May 2010 11:53:44 GMT

IAM seeks Britain’s best new biker – with a brand new Yamaha bike up for grabs!

The hunt is on for the 2010 advanced rider of the year – with the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) offering a new Yamaha bike worth up to £11,500 for the rider who can beat the rest in a series of tests of riding skill.

As the UK’s leading independent road safety charity, the IAM is using the competition to promote its Skill for Life programme, designed by bikers, for bikers, to make you a better and safer rider.

The “New Advanced Rider of the Year 2010” competition will mean that, until 31 August 2010, buyers of the Skill for Life rider programme who pass their IAM advanced bike test will automatically go through to get a chance to win that new Yamaha.

Journalist and broadcaster Vicki Butler-Henderson said: “The IAM are clearly committed to riders and our interests. I for one am going to take up the challenge and will apply for an IAM Skill for Life riding programme in the spring. I hope more people will join me and further improve their riding skills and enjoyment.”

Simon Best, IAM CEO, commented: “Behind the prize is a serious motive. We want to raise awareness of advanced riding and its role in improving road safety, and reach as many people as possible who could improve their riding skills and confidence.”

More details of the competition can be found at www.iam.org.uk.

Rossi’s scooter lands at Yamaha dealerships

Thu, 06 May 2010 12:10:03 GMT

The tremendous line-up of Yamaha scooters is now boosted with the addition of the updated version of the 2010 Aerox ‘Team Replica’. This 50cc scooter, the most desirable scooter on the market for young race fans, is a very ‘Special Edition’ celebrating Yamaha MotoGP racing success, most particularly Valentino’s World Championship, with striking graphics making this model the one to be seen on.

Retailing at £2,399 plus tax and first registration fee, this model also qualifies for FREE third party, fire and theft insurance (subject to status of course) under the company’s ‘Freedom Insured’ promotion until the 7thJune.

All Yamaha mopeds come with a year’s manufacturer’s unlimited mileage warranty and RAC cover giving customers’ peace of mind. And of course, these machines are amazingly frugal on fuel so are cheap to run too.

For more information on the models covered within Freedom Insured, please click on our ‘Latest Offers’ link on our home page, www.yamaha-motor.co.uk.

2010 Isle of Man 50 pence coin celebrates 50 years of Suzuki TT racing

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:24:32 GMT

The Isle of Man government has today honoured 1963 50cc TT winner and Suzuki rider Mitsuo Ito, by announcing the release of a special 50 pence coin into circulation on the Isle of Man for the forthcoming 2010 TT races.

The coin features Suzuki rider Mitsuo Ito in action at the 1963 event.

The first coin was struck by Relentless Suzuki rider Bruce Anstey, who has Seven TT wins to his credit.

The coin will be available for purchase on the Isle of Man during TT fortnight and is also available for purchase from the manufacturer www.pobjoy.com.

The coin is available in Proof Sterling Silver and Uncirculated Cupro Nickel.

First GSX-R Anniversary track day a success

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:53:57 GMT

The first GSX-R Anniversary track day has been hailed a huge success by Suzuki GB and organiser Focused Events, after a sell-out attendance saw over 135 GSX-Rs take to the Brands Hatch track in Kent on Wednesday 7th April.

The first of three special 25th anniversary track days this year, the Brand Hatch venue played host to owners of all eras of GSX-Rs along with both British Superbike teams with their riders joining the fans on track throughout the day.

Suzuki GB marketing manager George Cheeseman, commented, "What a great day. With not a slot free on track, it really was a sea of GSX-Rs. With models from every era in attendance and some really special one-off machines too, it was a privilege just to be present. With two more days to follow this year, at Snetterton and Cadwell Park we're looking forward to more GSX-R treats."

With Tommy Hill and Yukio Kagayama from the Worx Suzuki Team and Alistair Seeley and Michael Laverty from the Relentless Suzuki by TAS Team in attendance, customers also shared the track with Prodigy frontman Keef Flint and Rugby Star and TV commentator Brian Moore, who both enjoyed track time on their own GSX-Rs

British Superbike star and current series leader, Tommy Hill, was enthusiastic about the day, commenting, "It's been great to get involved in the first GSX-R anniversary day. I did a few laps on the race bike, but spent most of the day chilling out with customers and looking at their bikes. They're a real passionate bunch, so it's not really a surprise that the range has made 25 years with that kind of following."

The next GSX-R anniversary day takes place at Snetterton on 19th July. For more information on this and to upload your own images from the days visit www.imgsx-r.com.

2010 British Superbikes (BSB) Calendar and Track Listing

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:14:38 GMT

The latest 2010 season BSB dates are available at: http://www.ridetrader.co.uk/British-Superbikes-Calendar.aspx.

The calendar has been revised due to Donington Park being unable to host any of the rounds this year. The Donington Park rounds will be held at Croft 10-12 Sept and Cadwell on May 21-23.

View the link above for the full British Superbikes 2010 calendar as it stands.

Diary of a motorcycle trackday novice.

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:36:13 GMT

Always fancied taking your bike onto the track but never quite got round to it?

Paul from Ride Trader writes about his first motorcycle trackday at Oulton Park
from the perspective of a total novice.

Click here for the article: Diary of a
motorcycle trackday novice.

Kawasaki introduces KLX125 and D-TRACKER 125 new for 2010

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:54:08 GMT

Kawasaki have just announced two brand new 125cc machines. New smaller
sibling to the already hugely successful KLX250, the dual purpose KLX125
features a fuel injected, electric start, air-cooled motor mounted in a
lightweight, compact chassis.

With an off-road attitude and a slim profile, the KLX125, like its new entry
level quarter litre stablemate, will appeal to a wide range of riders including
those totally new to motorcycling.

For a dash of streetwise urban flair, the other new machine, the Super Moto
styled D-TRACKER 125 has all the credentials to make it a sure fire hit with the
next generation of riders. Digital instruments like those of the fashionable
ER-6f, upside down front forks and ultra sticky race style super moto tyres only
add to the impression of fun and good times. Already a cult in 250cc form in
Japan, the 2010 season D-TRACKER 125 looks set to be one of the must see bikes
at the upcoming NEC International Motorcycle Show.

Kawasaki’s UK Sales and Marketing Manager, Michael Johnstone, said:

“Our research with customers and dealers told us that widening of the
Kawasaki range appeal with bikes such as the ER-6n and KLX250 have attracted new
riders to the brand. Now we want to add to that and, just like the new
Get On motorcycling
campaign, we are focussing on attracting completely new people to life on two
wheels. The KLX125 and D-Tracker 125 will be perfect as first ever bikes and
ideal as an introduction to motorcycling with Kawasaki.”

Biker jailed after being clocked at 166mph

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:25:34 GMT

The fastest biker ever clocked by police in Scotland was jailed for nine months yesterday.

27 year old Neil Purves was clocked riding his GSX-R 1000 at 166mph (more than 100mph over the speed limit) on the A702, Peeblesshire.

The defence stated that "no other vehicles were using the road at the time nor were any cars parked nearby."

"I think it's fair to say the level of risk that the public were subjected to was very low but there was considerable danger to the accused himself."

His lawyer pleaded for his client to be spared a jail sentence over the "appalling" speed, saying that he was "normally a mature and reasonable young man in every way." But Sheriff John Horsburgh told Purves: "The speed at which you were travelling means a custodial sentence is the only option I have."

Procurator fiscal Morag McLintock told a previous hearing: "A police speed check was taking place when officers were alerted by a high-pitched whine from the motorcycle's engine. We believe that this is the highest speed that the police have ever recorded in Scotland."

The court was told that Purves, who has since sold his GSX-R 1000 motorcycle, covered 0.7 of a mile in just 16 seconds.

Harley Davidson announce end of production for Buell motorcycles

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:06:57 GMT

Harley-Davidson has announced that it is to stop production of Buell motorcycles.

Remaining Buell bikes will be sold through dealerships and production will wind down by October 30 2009. Warranty coverage for any new Buell motorcycles and any Buell bikes still within warranty will be honoured and Harley Davidson will provide replacement parts and service.

In an emotional video announcement on www.buell.com, ex-Harley-Davidson engineer and founder Erik Buell said:

“I will always be proud of what we have accomplished. It is a testimony to what a small group of passionate and inspired people can do, and with brilliant innovations, we’ve produced some of the best-handling bikes of all time.”

The new long-term strategy aims to drive Company growth through a focus of efforts and resources on the Harley-Davidson® brand.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc. since 1998, Buell Motorcycle Company was founded in 1983 by Erik Buell and produced more than 135,000 motorcycles. Over the past 26 years, Buell motorcycles won numerous design accolades and awards, and countless races and championships around the world, including the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike championship in 2009.

Rossi secures 7th MotoGP crown in Malaysia. 2009 MotoGP.

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 06:17:36 GMT

Valentino Rossi has secured his seventh world MotoGP crown after finishing third in the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang.

Rossi began in pole and only needed a top four finish to secure the title ahead of next weeks 17th and final race in Valencia.

Australian Casey Stoner won the race on his Ducati ahead of Honda's Dani Pedrosa, with Lorenzo fourth.

Italy's Lorenzo, 38 points behind Rossi, was forced to start from the back of the grid after being penalised for not taking his starting position on time.

Rossi, said: "It was a difficult year. This race reflected how the season went - very tough, with some mistakes and some disappointing results."

Britain's James Toseland came a disappointing 15th.

2009 Malaysian MotoGP Results:

1 Casey Stoner (Aus) Ducati 47min 24.834secs
2 Dani Pedrosa (Spa) Honda 47:39.500
3 Valentino Rossi (Ita) Yamaha 47:44.219
4 Jorge Lorenzo (Spa) Yamaha 47:50.684
5 Nicky Hayden (US) Ducati 48:03.539
6 Chris Vermeulen (Aus) Suzuki 48:05.895
7 Toni Elias (Spa) Honda 48:13.389
8 Marco Melandri (Ita) Kawasaki, 48:20.391
9 Loris Capirossi (Ita) Suzuki 48:25.137
10 Mika Kallio (Fin) Ducati, 48:25.274

2009 MotoGP Championship standings (after 16 of 17 races):

1 Rossi 286 points
2 Lorenzo 245
3 Stoner 220
4 Pedrosa 209
5 Dovizioso 152
6 Edwards 148
7 Melandri 108
8 Capirossi 108
9 De Angelis 105
10 Elias 105

Norton to showcase the new Commando 961 and cafe racer 961 at the NEC show

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 04:28:06 GMT

Norton will be displaying their new 961's at the Birmingham NEC show 27th Nov to 6th Dec 2009.

The Norton stand, located in Hall 1, will showcase the new Norton Commando 961, and the cafe racer styled Commando. Also on the stand, the Norton NRV588 Race bike, as ridden by Michael Dunlop at this years Isle of Man TT will be on display.

Visitors will also be given the chance to see the new range of designer clothing as well as the Norton Arai RX7-GP Helmet, Wolf Leathers, Bremont Watch and other Norton merchandise.

Fancy buying yourself a new Norton Commando? Tough luck! The UK allocation of the bike has already sold out. We're not surprised here at Ride Trader as the thing looks to be a real beauty. The coming weeks will see delivery of the first hand built bikes, marking the long awaited return of a Norton road bike. The bike features, black and gold bodywork, carbon fibre wheels, Ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes, carbon hugger and mudguard.

If you were debating not going to the NEC this year after hearing of a few of the big manufacturers pulling out - hopefully, Norton's presence there is reason enough for a visit. It certainly is for me anyway and i'll be stocking up on Norton t-shirts whilst i'm there.

Paul, Ride Trader.