Motorcycle Industry Trade News snippets

A couple of interesting stories emerging from our trade pals at British Dealer News:

UK built Peregrine Motorcycle debuts at NEC Show


The Peregrine ‘OW16 Replica’.

Retro style, modern technology

Nowhere else in the UK can you get your hands on a brand-new, hand built, parade eligible, fully road-legal two-stroke sportster. The ‘OW16 Replica’ combines authentic, classic Yamaha race bike looks with a subtly updated specification that brings the riding and owning experience firmly into the 21st century.

How the original Yamaha OW16 looked

Its on-the-road price is expected to be around £19,000 and can be built to your specifications- available Spring this year!

www.peregrinemotorcycles.co.uk


First Chinese TT Racer

Race version of this expected to debut at the TT in June

WK Bikes plans to enter the first Chinese motorcycle to race in the Isle of Man TT. Though the entry had not been made at the time of writing, WK’s general manager Henry Maplethorpe says this is serious intent and an entry would be sought following initial track testing.

The race bike, a WK650 twin version of the one in the picture above, was displayed at Motorcycle Live. It is being prepared by WK dealer Hampshire Motorcycles in Waterlooville for the  Supertwin TT race, rider yet to be named. 'The ultimate aim is to produce an off-the-peg budget racer for £7000', said Maplethorpe.

Ex-Racer buys Matchless


Veteran Italian entrepreneur and ex-racer Franco Malenotti, who sold the Belstaff apparel brand he had owned since 2004 to Swiss luxury goods and fashion group Labelux last Year, has satisfied his taste for iconic British bike-related brands for a second time, emerging as new proprietor of the historic Matchless motorcycle marque. Matchless, founded in 1899 by the Collier family and builder of the first single-cylinder TT winner in 1907, was acquired by AMC in 1938 and continued in production until 1966, when AMC went bust.

Matchless G80- something like this to be produced again?

The marque re-emerged in 1987 when Les Harris needed a replacement product after his licence to manufacture Meriden- style Triumph twins expired. Harris then produced a Matchless G80-monikered 500cc single with an Austrian-made Rotax motor and Italian parts-bin running gear until 1990.

After a further 16 years of oblivion, the name subsequently changed hands again when it was auctioned by Bonhams for £45,000 in 2006. The buyers were a quartet of Greek motorcycle enthusiasts - Panagiotis Mariolopoulos, Nikolaos Stoumbos, Ilayali Galani and Panagiotis Zarifopoulos. However, their fantasy of using the marque on a range of modern bikes never came to fruition.

Malenotti says that he plans to revive the marque with an initial limited-edition production run of a retro Matchless bike inspired by the 1960s-era G8O. He also reportedly adds that a part of the new Matchless business plan centres on having an extensive apparel and accessories line to accompany motorcycles, making the new company very much an exercise in vintage motorcycle lifestyle branding.  

This latest Malenotti enterprise is apparently to be based in London, but perhaps not Plumstead, Where the original factor was located. 

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Round the World on an old CT-100 post bike

Englishman Nathan Millward has completed his round the world adventure on a retired Australian post bike, riding it from Sydney Australia to the American city of San Francisco.
The Mansfield-born adventurer covered a total of 29,000 miles, travelling at an average cruising speed of 37mph and passing through 19 countries along the way.

Round the World on a CT-100, that's Nathan Milward

The first part of the adventure took Millward from Sydney to London, a 23,000 mile journey undertaken after only two days of planning. As Millward explains; ‘I’d been out in Australia for nine months when I was suddenly told my visa was coming to an end. I had a return ticket to England, but was in no rush to get there and so I just set off riding, on the bike I already had, in the clothes I already owned, and made it up as I went along. I thought it might take me five months...’

This journey from Sydney to London took Millward nine months, seeing him pass from Darwin to East Timor, along Indonesia to Malaysia and Thailand before finding a way around Burma and on to the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu. India and Pakistan followed, with the refusal of an Iranian visa forcing him through Northern Pakistan, over the Himalayas and the second highest road in the world (18,000 feet), in to China, then on through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine and Poland before finally, just as winter was about to set in, reaching the English Channel and home.

Monument Valley

Millward wrote a book about his impromptu adventure, it being launched in Australia as Going Postal, and now retitled for the rest of the world simply as; ‘The Long Ride Home,’ a book, which in his own words doesn’t try and glamorise the realities of riding across the world on your own; instead the times of happiness, sadness, loneliness and fear; also themes of regret and faith that if you keep on riding you’ll get there in the end.’ Millward concedes that the book as a thinly veiled message to the girl he left behind.

Having completed the book, Millward continued his journey west, patching up the bike that had brought him all that way and loading it on an aeroplane bound for New York. For Millward it was a case of déjà vu. ‘I didn’t really have a plan or a route in mind, all I wanted to do was get to San Francisco and in the end that took us (me and the bike) six weeks and six thousand miles. We passed through the guts of Detroit and Chicago, down old Route 66, over the Rockies, through to Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Las Vegas until finally we hit the Pacific and the Golden Gate Bridge.’

Across the World on a Honda 100. Piece of cake...

Speaking of the journey, Millward admits, ‘In a lot of ways, the ride across America was harder than the ride from Sydney to London, simply because it feels such a big country, and there are so many different routes you can take to get across it. The traffic is also faster and the pace of life much quicker than the speed I was able to travel at. The mid-west was long and lonely and at times I felt quite vulnerable, but once I made it to Colorado I really enjoyed the landscape and the people. Death Valley was my favourite place, and riding through Monument Valley at sunset was just superb.’ 

In spring 2013, Millward and his bike – affectionately known as Dorothy – intend on making the final push north to Alaska, with a sequel to the Long Ride Home due not long after. As Millward explains, ‘It’s hard to stop once you’ve started because on the road you find so much freedom and space. No one is hassling you to do things or be someone you’re not. You can just sit there on your bike and ride all day and get lost in the world, seeing things and meeting new people. After Alaska I’d love to ride down the Pan American Highway to Argentina, and then I guess we’d have no choice but to stop, or end up in the sea.’

Book available- a good read, we reckon...

For more information on Millward’s adventures visit www.thepostman.org.uk. Or to order a copy of the Long Ride Home visit the Motorcycle News online shop (shop.motorcyclenews.com) where the book is currently available to UK customers for £9.99 including postage and packaging. Buyers outside the UK see Millward’s website for more information. Alternatively, for the Kindle edition see Amazon.

Cloud9 Notes

Dorothy is a 2004 model Honda CT110, or ‘postie bike’ as they’re known in Australia. She was used to deliver the mail in Queensland before being retired off at 30,000 kilometres.

The only modifications for the trip was an extra tank from a Honda XR250, mounted in the step-through, as the original tank is beneath the seat. She now has 90,000 kilometres on the clock (55,000 miles) and is still running original engine and piston. 

Millward previously worked as a motoring journalist, writing for Auto Express in the UK, and for the Australia title, MOTOR. He is now 32 years of age.

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UK Motorcycling- 1880s to now!

Here's a really interesting chronology of motorcycling- Documenting when Marques first appeared, changes in tests, GPO winners, etc..

It's heavy going, but it's very interesting. For example- by 1916 there were already 150,000 motorcycle registered in Britain.

• 1880's Motorcycles invented! The world's first petrol driven motorcycle, was allegedy the 1885 Daimler Reitwagen!
• 1897. First A.J.S Produced in the UK with a Mitchell (USA) engine (A. J. Stevens & Co. Ltd)
• 1902. First Triumph produced in the UK at Coventry.
• First Norton built in the UK at Bradford Street in Birmingham.
• 1903. First Harley Davidson produced in U.S.A. (Harley-Davidson Motor Company)
• 1904. First Velocette built in UK by by Veloce Ltd, in Hall Green Birmingham,
• 1905. 21,521 machines registered in Britain.
• 1907. The first ever Isle of Man TT race was won by Charlie Collier on a single cylinder Matchless at an average race speed of 38.21 mph. The winner of the twin-cylinder class was Rem Fowler riding a Norton at an average race speed of 36.21 mph.
• 1910. The First BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) Motorcycle built in the UK at Small Heath, Birmingham.
• 1916. 150,000 motorcycles registered in Britain.
• 1920. More than 200 marques available.
• 1921. First Moto Guzzis produced.
• Rally Industries Gradual Payments (R.I.G.P.) start offering motorcycle finance (later to become Black Horse)
• 1923. First BMW's produced in Germany
• 1924. Over 500,000 machines registered for use.
• 1930. Highest ever road user casualty rate at 1,582,000.
• 1934. Speed limits introduced.
• 1935. Comedy Movie No Limit, starring George Formby as fictional TT racer George Shuttleworth released.
• Cats eyes introduced.
• 1938. New registrations slump to 30,093
• 1940-45. Don't mention it, but the army suddenly required a very large number of motorcycles!
• 1946. Piaggio produced the Vespa
• 1947. First Honda Produced. (The Honda Motor Company)
• 1949. First Kawasaki Produced.
• The First ever Moto GP is won by Leslie Graham (UK) on an AJS
• 1950. First Ducati's produced in Italy
• Moto GP won by Umberto Masetti (Italy) Gilera
• 1951. BSA buys Triumph Motorcycles.
• Moto GP won by Geoff Duke (UK) Norton
• 1952. First Suzuki produced in Japan (Suzuki Motor Company)
• Moto GP won by Umberto Masetti (Italy) Gilera
• 1953. Movie The Wild One fearuring Marlon Brando released.
• Moto GP won by Geoff Duke (UK) Gilera
• 1954. First Kawasaki produced in Japan (Kawasaki Heavy Industries)
• Moto GP won by Geoff Duke (UK) Gilera
• 1955. First Yamaha produced in Japan (Yamaha Motor Corporation)
• Moto GP won by Geoff Duke (UK) Gilera
• First NSU produced in Germany
• 1956 Moto GP won by John Surtees (UK) MV Agusta
• 1957 Moto GP won by Libero Liberati (Italy) Gilera
• 1958 Moto GP won by John Surtees MV Agusta
• 1959. 650cc Bonneville launched.
• Moto GP won by John Surtees (UK) MV Agusta
• 1960. Learner riders restricted to motorcycles under 250cc and must display L-plates
• Moto GP won by John Surtees (UK) MV Agusta
• Highest recorded number of motorcycles in use.
• 1961. MOT Test for motorcycles older than 10 years introduced.
• Moto GP won by Gary Hocking (Rhodesia) MV Agusta
• 1962. “You meet the nicest people on a Honda” Advertising campaign launched.
• Moto GP won by Mike Hailwood (UK) MV Agusta
• 1963. Moto GP won by
• Moto GP won by Mike Hailwood (UK) MV Agusta
• 1964. British motorcycle industry starts collapsing.
• Moto GP won by Mike Hailwood (UK) MV Agusta
• 1965. Moto GP won by Mike Hailwood (UK) MV Agusta.
• 1966. Moto GP won by Giacomo Agostini (Italy) MV Agusta
• 1967. MOT Test threshold reduced to 3 years.
• Moto GP won by Giacomo Agostini (Italy) MV Agusta
• 1968. First Aprilia produced in Italy.
• Moto GP won by Giacomo Agostini (Italy) MV Agusta
• 1969. Movie Easy Rider released Starring Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicolson.
• Moto GP won by Giacomo Agostini (Italy) MV Agusta
• 1970. 86 decibel noise limit introduced for motorcycles larger than 125cc (not implemented until 1982)
• Moto GP won by Giacomo Agostini (Italy) MV Agusta
• 1971. Motorcycles first used after 01/01/71 required to be equipped with dipped beam headlight
• Moto GP won by Giacomo Agostini (Italy) MV Agusta
• All motorcycle riders required to have passenger insurance
• Motorcycle minimum age raised to 17. Moped age left at 16
• Movie On Any Sunday featuring Steve McQueen released
• Roger Donaldson's original 1971 documentary Offerings to the God of Speed featuring historical footage of the real Burt Munro. (later remade as, the Worlds Fastest Indian)
• 1972. Moto GP won by Giacomo Agostini (Italy) MV Agusta
• 1973. Wearing of crash helmets made compulsory for all motorcycle riders.
• Moto GP won by Phil Read (UK) MV Agusta
• Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) formed by riders protesting against the unjust introduction of compulsory helmet legislation.
• 1974. Moto GP won by Phil Read (UK) MV Agusta.
• 1975. Requirement for motorcycles to carry a front number plate abolished.
• Moto GP won by Giacomo Agostini (Italy) Yamaha
• 1976. Government exempts followers of Sikh religion when wearing turbans from helmet law.
• Moto GP won by Barry Sheene (UK) Suzuki
• 1977. Mopeds first used after 01/08/77 not permitted to have maximum design speed greater than 30 mph.
• Moto GP won by Barry Sheene (UK) Suzuki
• 1978. Moto GP won by Kenny Roberts (USA) Yamaha
• 1979. Movie Mad Max is released starring Mel Gibson
• Moto GP won by Kenny Roberts (USA) Yamaha
• 1980. 77 decibel limit on Mopeds first used after 1/10/80.
• Moto GP won by Kenny Roberts (USA) Yamaha
• Right hand sidecars banned on motorcycles registered after 01/08/81
• Highest ever UK motorcycle new registrations at 315,641.
• Movie Silver Dream Racer featuring David Essex released.
• 1981. Moto GP won by Marco Lucchinelli (Italy) Suzuki
• 1982. EEC 86 decibel noise limit implemented.
• Two part motorcycle test introduced (1981 act) part 1 off road and part 2 on road!
• One year ban introduced (1981 act)
• Moto GP won by Franco Uncini (Italy) Suzuki
• 1983. Learner riders restricted to 125cc motorcycles (1981 act)
• Motorcycles required to have main beam headlights.
• Moto GP won by Freddie Spencer (USA) Honda
• 1984. Ban on motorcycle trailers repealed.
• Moto GP won by Eddie Lawson (USA) Yamaha
• 1985. Repeal of the offence of rider aiding and abetting passenger who fails to wear a helmet.
• Moto GP won by Freddie Spencer (USA) Honda
• 1986. Motorcycles first used after 1/4/86 required to have direction indicators.
• Moto GP won by Eddie Lawson (USA) Yamaha
• 1987. EC 87/56 stage one (82 decibel) noise limit becomes Euro law. Stage 2 (80 decibels) planned for 1993.
• Moto GP won by Wayne Gardner (Australia) Honda
• Motorcycles first used after 1/4/87 to have brake system approved by UN/ECE regulation 13.05
• BSI stamped aftermarket exhausts made compulsory.
• Crash helmet visors required to comply with BSI standards.
• Government proposes that new motorcycles be fitted with leg protectors.
• Annual new registrations fall below 100,000 - lowest level since 1949.
• 1988. Leg protector proposal withdrawn.
• Moto GP won by Eddie Lawson (USA) Yamaha
• EC makes draft proposal for separate licence for motorcycles over 400cc
• Euro Demo Strasbourg, France.
• 1989. Moto GP won by Eddie Lawson (USA) Honda
• 1990. The Part 1 test is scrapped and replaced by Compulsory Basic Training (see below)
• CBT introduced, certificate lasts for 3 years, part 2 still on road with examiner watching.
• Learners can no longer take a passenger Up until 1990 a learner could take a passenger on the back of a motorcycle as long as the passenger had a full motorcycle licence.
• EC Type Approval directive proposed.
• Euro Demo II, London England.
• Moto GP won by Wayne Rainey (USA) Yamaha
• 1991. EC licence directive becomes EC law without 400cc limit.
• EC proposes 100 bhp maximum power output from motorcycles.
• TRRL accused of scientific fraud over its handling of LP research. They are largely exonerated in Glaister & Cesari report.
• Moto GP won by Wayne Rainey (USA) Yamaha
• 1992. Hinkley Triumphs Launched.
• EC Type Approval directive becomes EU law
• Euro Demo III, Brussels, Belgium.
• Moto GP won by Wayne Rainey (USA) Yamaha
• EU proposes Anti Tampering regulations (French). These are later included in the Multi Directive.
• 1993. EU proposes 'Multi Directive'. Contains 80 decibel upper noise limit, anti tampering and emission limits.
• Moto GP won by Kevin Schwantz (USA) Suzuki.
• 1994. EU publishes White Paper calling for leg protector legislation
• 100th Gatso Camera installed in UK.
• Euro Demo IV, Paris, France.
• Moto GP won by Michael Doohan ( Australia) Honda
• 1995. New ISO standard for leg protector crash test dummy introduced.
• Postponement of EU power limit until new research is conducted.
• UK implements stage one of EU directive 87/56 and reduces maximum noise limit to 82 decibels
• EU proposes Design Protection regulations.
• Moto GP won by Michael Doohan ( Australia) Honda
• 1996. Advanced Riding Techniques motorcycle training school is started.
• Only UK licence holders are able to take a UK Motorcycle test.
• Re-tests revised – a test candidates must wait 10 working days before retaking a practical DSA test (only if you fail).
• TRL promote motorcycle air bags and 'leg bolsters' at ESV conference, Australia.
• Euro Demo V, Brussels, Belgium.
• Draft plans for EU roadworthiness testing (MOT) discussed.
• Draft EU 'End Of Life Vehicles' directive published.
• UK implements EU licence directive in July. 2 year 33 bhp restriction for newly qualified riders. Direct access test & Theory Test.
• Moto GP won by Michael Doohan ( Australia) Honda
• 1997. longer CBT by making the road ride ( Module E) a compulsory, legal minimum of two hours.
• Theory Test introduced for all provisional licence holders.
• Different categories of motorcycle test introduced, A1 (lightweight), A2 (Standard), A (Full)
• Photo ID required for all practical & theory tests from March.
• EU Multi Directive becomes European law. Maximum noise limit set at 80 decibels. Europe wide implementation July 1999.
• All main UK political parties publish 'motorcycling manifestos'
• Honda Belgium attempts to restrict parallel motorcycle market. They win a court case against a parallel importer.
• Labour wins the General Election by a landslide. The DoT becomes the DETR and consults on an integrated transport policy.
• Europe starts to look at End of Life Vehicles (ELV) and Roadworthiness testing regulations.
• Disagreements between EP and Council on Design Protection regulations. The issue moves into conciliation.
• Honda UK issue legal ultimatum against parallel importers.
• First MEP Ride.
• Meeting between Government and motorcycle groups to discuss transport policy.
• Moto GP won by Michael Doohan ( Australia) Honda
• 1998. FEM and EMA merge to become the FEMA.
• MAG holds mass lobby of Parliament to argue for inclusion into transport policy.
• MAG Scotland and MAG Cymru re-launched to focus lobbying on forthcoming devolved Parliament and assembly.
• Work continues in Europe on ELV and Design protection. Motorcycle Telematics appear on the agenda.
• Statutory Off-Road Notification introduced to combat VED evasion and improved quality of DVLA data (January).
• Successful lobby by FEMA leads to plans for European design protection are shelved for at least four years.
• Second MEP ride from Strasbourg Parliament.
• Compulsory daytime headlights proposed by PACTS. MAG campaign leads DETR to distance itself from the proposal.
• Commission Fuel tank Directive attempts to reduce diesel spills from trucks.
• Publication of Integrated Transport White Paper. Motorcycles recognised as alternative mode for the first time.
• Government Advisory Group on Motorcycling announced. First meeting discusses road safety strategies.
• Commissioner Martin Bangemann refuses to acknowledge the end of the BHP issue in a letter to FEMA.
• Euro Demo VI in Bonn. Germany highlights ELV directive and other German and European anti motorcycle legislation.
• Large percentage rise in motorcycle casualties Inclusive meetings at invitation of DETR to discuss road safety strategies.
• DETR acknowledges that rider-led initiatives are more likely to be successful than blanket safety legislation.
• MAG promotes Bikesafe 2000.
• One Year Ban consultation published. Government finally agrees to change legislation.
• First 'contact' meeting of the Advisory Group at DETR.
• Highest motorcycle & moped sales since 1970's.
• Moto GP won by Michael Doohan ( Australia) Honda
• 1999. Introduction of new photo-card licences. Both parts of the licence (the paper and the card part) must be produced for the licence to be valid for the CBT, Theory Test and any practical DSA test.
• New legislation reverts new drivers to learner status if 6 penalty points accumulated within 2 years.
• Local Authorities to produce local transport plans with community input.
• Treasury consults on VED banding. MAG forces #5 refund after budgetary mistake.
• Commission fund crash barrier project.
• Honda UK drops legal action in out of court settlement with parallel importers.
• First full meeting of Advisory Group. 5 task forces charged with statistics & data, areas of research, environment & fiscal measures, integration & traffic management and safety & security.
• DETR consults on road and congestion charging.
• DETR consults on speed & safety.
• Ad-hoc motorcycling forum established by the Scottish Office. Scottish guidance recognises the motorcycling option.
• Draft transport plans show that over 100 local authorities are considering options for positive motorcycling policies.
• New Highway Code published - suggests daytime lights and 'dayglow' clothing.
• DSA consultation proposes removal of car license - moped entitlement, motorcycle license - light car entitlement, & dropping the one-year ban.
• Euro Parliament Elections lose several prominent motorcycling MEPs including Roger Barton.
• Rights of Way consultation.
• European Young Rider of the Year funded by Commission.
• Third MEP Ride from Strasbourg Parliament.
• Speed review approaches conclusion, Commissioner Manning's Zero Tolerance call invokes fury.
• Moto GP won by Àlex Crivillé (Spain) Honda
• 2000. Leaded petrol finally withdrawn.
• Drink Drivers rehabilitation scheme introduced.
• Touch Screen Theory Test Introduced January.
• Third European Driving License Directive proposed by Commission.
• London Assembly & Mayoral Elections.
• Pro-motorcycle policies introduced by UK Government.
• Full DETR guidance on local transport plans considers a positive approach to motorcycles in local transport planning.
• The Government’s road safety review proposes an action plan, which receives cross-motorcycle community support.
• Car drivers to continue to have the right to ride a moped with a full car licence once ‘familiarisation’ training has been taken.
• Moto GP won by Kenny Roberts Jr. (USA) Suzuki
• 2001. All CBT certificates issued for motorcycles and scooters from the 1st February, will now only last for 2 years.
• Full car licence holders who passed their car test before February 1st 2001 will still be able to carry a pillion and do not have to display L-Plates on 50cc mopeds only.
• All new car licence holders must complete a CBT before riding a moped.
• Those full car licence holders who take a CBT for a moped will have a certificate (DL196) that lasts for the life of their driving licence.
• All new motorcycle test candidates must do a Theory Test regardless of their licence.
• National Motorcycle Strategy Promised is for 2003.
• Motorcycles are excluded from London congestion charging.
• Motorcycles registered after 1.9.2001 are not allowed to have a front number plate.
• Motorcycles allowed access to bus lanes / secure parking provision. (Only in a few towns/cities like Bristol and Reading and a few others and not across the whole UK.
• The old two years on, one year off restriction for provisional motorcycle licences is abolished. A new provisional motorcycle licence will last for the life of the licence.
• Moto GP won by Valentino Rossi (Italy) Honda
• 2002. Motorcycle Vehicle Excise Duty categories are expanded.
• Hazard perception test introduced as part of the motorcycle Theory Test. Candidates are required to click a button as they see 'emerging' hazards during a video clip. The Theory Test is extended by 20 minutes to include this element.
• DTLR publishes its motorcycle parking advisory leaflet.
• Moto GP won by Valentino Rossi (Italy) Honda
• 2003. New questions are added to the start of the practical motorcycle test. These questions relate to basic maintenance and precautions that need to be made to your machine to ensure safe riding. There are two questions, one asks you to tell the examiner how to adjust or check a part of the machine, and the other asks you to show the examiner how you would check or adjust part of the machine. A failure to answer both correctly will result in one minor point in the overall test result.
• Home Office publishes its first motorcycle theft index.
• Moto GP won by Valentino Rossi (Italy) Honda
• 2004. Introduction of Continuous Licensing and Harmonised Registration Certificates to combat VED evasion, vehicle fraud and improve quality of DVLA data. (S.O.R.N.)
• Moto GP won by Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha
• 2005. Moto GP won by Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha
• 2006. Movie The worlds fastest Indian featuring Anthony Hopkins released.
• Moto GP won by Nicky Hayden (USA) Honda
• 2007. Moto GP won by Casey Stoner (Australia) Honda
• 2008. Only valid passport or photocard driving licence now accepted for identity on both theory and practical tests.
• DSA organised a meeting for all the motorcycle training schools for 23rd January at the National Motorcycle Museum.
• The new two part test (2DLD) was due to be implemented in August 2008 - but was postponed.
• Delay of the proposed two part test planned for September 28th 2008 now becomes April 2009.
• Moto GP won by Moto GP won by Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha
• 2009. Introduction of the "new" 2 part two part test at M.P.T.C.'s (April 29th 2009)
• The *Transport Select Committee (TSC) held an inquiry into the current motorcycle testing arrangements on the 14th October 2009.
• Moto GP won by Moto GP won by Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha
• 2010. New riders passing their test drops to an all time low, along with sales of motorcycles.
• The Independent ride is introduced to the Module 2.
• On Tuesday 23rd March the *TSC published their report announcing that ‘millions had been wasted on new super centres’. The MCITA were delighted that the TSC raised awareness of the issues that face trainers due to the implementation of the Directive and specifically commented on the lack of sites, the distance of the sites and the trainer booking system.
• DSA announce the Learn to ride Programme (L2RP) and motorcycle test review and invite stakeholders to be a part of the process. 
• Moto GP won by Jorge Lorenzo (Spain) Yamaha
• 2011. Motorcycle industry in crisis with lack of new customers.
• Motorcycle test "tweaked" in May 2011 after months of hard work and lobbying by industry. (50 kmh reduced to 48 kmh = 30mph)
• Movie I Superbiker released following the 2011 BSB series.
• Moto GP won by Casey Stoner (Australia) Honda
• 2012. New theory test introduced to stop new drivers/riders learning by rote. (memorising the answers)
• Bike Channel launched on Motors TV, Europe's first dedicated motorcycle only series of programmes.
• Moto GP won by Jorge Lorenzo
• 2013. Introduction of 3DLD which see's 3 new catgories of motorcycle for testing, A1, A2 and A. all are age limited and subject to further training or test to move up to the next level.
  
  
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Beautiful Custom Royal Enfields

Former Royal Enfield franchised dealer Bruce Maconochie has turned an interest in custom bikes into a full-time business. Last year he sold his family bike and car business (established 40 years) in Didcot, Oxfordshire, and set up BMCC (Bruce Maconochie Classic Custom) at Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire.

He and engineer Al Charlton are concentrating on creating Bobber-style Royal Enfield singles, but will also customise other machines. So far they have produced 12 Royal Enfield Bobbers, two of them sold to the Rockabilly fraternity. They also buy an sell, repair and service motorcycles.

“Interest is growing and it’s becoming harder to source bikes" says Maconochie, whose 500 RE Bobber, with hand-change, hard tail rear and electric speedo in the tank,  retails at about £8,500 depending on the cost of the donor bike. “We build the bikes to be ridden,” he emphasises.

Here's a 500 Classic E-Start Bobber, 2004, just 1300 miles covered- £3,495.

Details: tel 01235 847345 www.oxfordshireroyalenfield.co.uk

Story as seen in British Dealer News www.dealernewsonline.co.uk 

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Now that's the way to do a bike test!

Our buddies at TBM- Trail Bike and Enduro Magazine- decided on a  very different approach when testing a new KTM 690SMC-R against a classic Honda CR500 hybrid.

Girls, bikes, a 57 Chevvy, a 1941 Tiger Moth and a Norfolk airfield to be exact. Here's how the 'Planes, Trails and Automobiles' feature from earlier this year panned out-

Everyone rocks up in the Chevvy. Bikes and all.  Tiger Moth arrives and the race is on.

Fly Girls Caz n' Sophie- TBM got our attention at precisely this point...

Both bikes were remarkably even over the 1km course. The CR500 got the jump but the KTM 690 eventually reeled it back in by the end of the runway. Both were miles quicker than the Moth though, apparently!

Wait for the Moth- and they're off!

Very cool way to run a feature chaps. Well done! 

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Welcome! To the Cloud9 Blog

Cloud9's blog goes hand in hand with our YouTube, Twitter and Facebook activity and is designed to bring you our News and Musings from the wonderful world of motorcycling.

Right now we give you a picture that sums up how we roll in the two-wheel world: 

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