HEADS ROLL AT KAWASAKI

Let the good times roll, and some heads too...

The board of directors at Kawasaki Heavy Industries has voted to sack a trio of top management.

Apart from dissenting votes from the three members involved, the rest of the board unanimously passed a resolution on 13 June to dismiss company president Satoshi Hasegawa, senior executive vice president Mitsutoshi Takao and senior vice president Masahiko Hirohata. They will formally resign their directorships at Kawasaki’s forthcoming annual general meeting.

An explanatory statement said: “This is due to arbitrary management actions of the above personnel in neglect of the view of the majority of the board of directors. The board had but to deem such actions questionable and unaligned with what the board considers as good corporate governance and compliance, and made appropriate decisions.”

Following this cull, Shigeru Murayama was elected as the new president. Murayama had previously headed up Kawasaki’s aerospace division and been a senior vice president on the main board. Motorcycle division supremo Hiroshi Takata was elevated to a senior executive vice president role, along with three other directors. Shigehiko Kiyama will take over as president of the motorcycle business.

Story first seen on www.britishdealernews.co.uk

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Nurburgring for sale- a cool £100 million

Bidding for the Nürburgring has begun, with the race track and its associated facilities expected to sell for around £100 million.

fancy a piece of The Ring? So to speak...

Constructed in 1927, the ‘Green Hell’ fell into bankruptcy last July and the track has been in need of a buyer since then. The new owner will take over 300 employees and 12.8 miles of tarmac famed for its danger and risk.

The 90-year old Nordschleife has the possibility of being sold to more than one investor, who would purchase the Nürburgring free from the £338 million worth of debt that caused the previous government-supported owners to file for bankruptcy. Currently the Nürburgring has a yearly turnover, estimated at around £50.7 million.

Can't beat a bit of Ring action...

Unique in its appeal, the Nürburgring sale has drawn protesters who voiced their opposition to the track’s private sale. Many of those protesters would rather that the Nürburgring went back into public ownership as it had been previously, securing the Nordschleife as a public facility rather than a private acquisition.

Hmm. Doing the Maths- investment paid back in two years.... (Strokes beard....)

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RIDE TO ITALY FOR THE LAST FLYING VULCAN

*British bikers prepare for 1,300 mile journey to raise money in support of the last flying Avro Vulcan, XH558
*A classic Harley Davidson Superlow® is being offered as a prize for the Vulcan summer Raffle

Bikers: raising money for the Avro Vulcan

A team of British motorcyclists will journey over 1,300 miles across Europe, from the last flying Avro Vulcan’s Doncaster Hangar to a global Harley Davidson meet in Rome, to raise money for the iconic cold war bomber. Vulcan to the Sky Trust, which operates the aircraft, has also announced that a Harley Davidson Superlow XL 833 will be one of the main prizes in this year’s summer raffle.

“As an ex-serviceman who has also done contract work for the Vulcan to the Sky Trust I am acutely aware of XH558’s historical importance,” says Adam Fleming, who will lead the group. “We are all huge fans of the project, and have been looking for ways to support her for a while. This trip ties in our enthusiasm for the Vulcan with our love of adventure, motor bikes and the Harley lifestyle, so everyone involved is really looking forward to it.”

The three day journey to the Italian capitol is part of an international pilgrimage to the 110th anniversary of Harley Davidson celebrations being held around the city. The team of 4 riders will set off on June 10th, taking their motorbikes across the channel, through France and down to Rome to meet up with thousands of other Harley aficionados. Adam, who is an experienced charity fundraiser and currently runs a recycling business, will be riding a Harley Davidson Dyna Fatbob 1690cc while sporting a specially designed one-off biker’s back patch bearing the Vulcan’s name on his leathers.

Following a challenging restoration programme, XH558 was restored to airworthiness in 2007 and is now the last flying Avro Vulcan. The stunning cold war bomber is based at Doncaster’s Robin Hood Airport where the Vulcan to the Sky Trust maintains and operates her. This iconic piece of British engineering has become one of the most popular attractions at airshows around the country where she performs annually.

“XH558 relies on donations to keep her maintained, and we are very close to the funding target to enable her to reach the first display of the 2013 season,” says Vulcan to the Sky Trust’s business development director, Michael Trotter. “Events like the ride to Rome will provide the last vital push over the line and it is great to see that members of the public are so passionate about her and wanting to get stuck in with the fundraising efforts by doing things that are a bit different and special like this.”

The Riders, with their bikes, will join XH558 for a photoshoot on Saturday 1st of June with the aim of releasing a collector’s edition poster. Adam also intends to continue his fundraising efforts after the trip by starting a Harley Davidson enthusiasts club bearing the Vulcan’s name and running regular events with XH558 as their chosen charity. The team’s motorbikes have been given a £250 service by ‘Fatboyz’, V-twin specialists in Doncaster as sponsorship for the journey.

The bike being offered as a prize at the Vulcan raffle is a classic Harley Davidson Black Superlow XL 883, a timeless design featuring a sportster tank, longer travel rear suspension, low seat height and comfortable rider cock-pit. Anyone wishing to donate towards the ride to Rome can do so through the Vulcan to the Sky Trust’s Just Giving page: http://www.justgiving.com/vts.

For more information on and to sign-up for regular email news about Vulcan XH558 and where to see her, visit www.vulcantothesky.org. To purchase a range of memorabilia, books and DVDs go to http://www.vulcantotheskystore.co.uk/ where all proceeds go towards keeping the Vulcan flying. There is also a popular Facebook community - Vulcan XH558, a Twitter feed - #XH558 and Pinterest page - vulcanxh558.

Press enquiries and interviews
Ken Pike at Market Engineering  
+44 (0) 1295 277050 / +44 (0)7810 774105 
Ken.Pike@m-eng.com

Richard Clarke at Vulcan To The Sky Trust 
+44 (0) 7541 133683
(regional and aviation press)  
richc63@ymail.com

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Son's 11,800 mile ride to lay mother's ashes in County Durham

A man is travelling thousands of miles by motorbike from Australia to County Durham to lay his mother's ashes where she was born.

Paul Brown's mother Patricia was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2004 and died in May.

She was born in Bishop Auckland in 1933 then moved to New Zealand in 1961 before moving to live with her son in Australia after she was diagnosed.He now plans to travel 11,800 miles (19,000km) from his home on Australia's Sunshine Coast to Bishop Auckland on his motorbike. The 51-year-old will carry her ashes across Australia, Russia and Europe before ending his journey near to Westerton in Bishop Auckland.

'Feeling of relief'

He said: "This is something I have to do, not only for my mum and her family but for all suffers of Alzheimer's and dementia.

"The sad part is from that point on you watch helplessly as this person you know as your mother slowly become a shell with no memory or recollection of anything.

Patricia Brown was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2004

"She started in a low care ward before moving to high care once she lost the ability to walk. "For the last few years she just lay there. "I suppose the one saving grace is that when they finally pass away it hasn't come as a shock unlike if they are killed in a car crash. "It is sad that you kind of feel relieved for them because, when the dementia is in its advanced state, it is no way to live and you just hope they have gone to a far better place."

Mr Brown sold his car to help fund the trek and completed the first section of the journey during April - a 4,600 mile (7,500km) ride around eastern Australia.

Once his bike has been shipped to Korea, he will fly there, collect it and is expecting to begin the major leg of the journey in June.

He hopes to reach the north-east of England in September when he plans to lay his mother's ashes next to his grandmother's ashes in St James' Church in Coundon.

'Soul-destroying disease'

Armed with a sleeping bag, tent, food and drink, he said one of the biggest tests has been administration.

"The biggest challenge so far was finding out just how to go about getting bikes into Russia, all the paperwork I might need such as passports, visas and insurance," he said.

"Also travelling alone in a place like Russia brings its own worries, not only for me but my family back in Australia." Mr Brown is raising money and awareness for Neuroscience Research Australia and The Alzheimer's Society. "It's not so much the money, it's more making people aware of this soul-destroying disease and if we don't do something shortly our health system is going to struggle."

The new Mad Max helmet from Shark. Sorry, the new Raw from Shark...

Looking like something straight out of a Mad-Max movie this new helmet from Shark can be worn with or without the Goggles and with or without the face mask. We think it looks very cool indeed and really like the different paint schemes available.

Check 'em here

Mad Max movie extras standard issue?

Here's the Manufacturers words: (By the way, 'comfortable natural fibre interior' means 'Bamboo' to me and you....)

• An urban biking helmet that combines compactness and great looks.
• Comfortable natural fibre interior and ventilation system using air vents and diffusers.
• QRGS: quick release goggle system
• Double anti-fog and antiscratch visor
• Facial protection mask
• Aerodynamic outer shell
• Easy fit for glasses under the goggles

Side view of the Shark Raw- Bad Ass ain't it!

• Constructed from injected thermoplastic resin
• Outside anti-scratch & inside anti-fog visor treatment
• Quick release visor system
• 2 shell sizes: optimal morphological adjustment
• Micro lock buckle system
• Use the 'delicates' or 'cold cycl'e and place inside a washing net
• Planned location for SHARKTOOTH®

Retro Racer Profile: Bill Ivy

Bill Ivy, not usually talked about as much as the likes of Read, Sheene and Agositini, but Ivy could hold his own amongst the best of them.

Bill Ivy, over 20 GP wins

William David Ivy better known as Bill Ivy (27 August 1942–12 July 1969) was a British Grand Prix motorcycle road racer from Maidstone, Kent.

Bill Ivy

Ivy started racing motorbikes at Brands Hatch in 1959. He raced in the Grand Prix motorcycle racing championship towards the end of 1965, where he finished fourth in two 125 cc races and third in a 250 cc race. In 1966, he raced for the works Yamaha team, won the first race of the year at the Montjuich Circuit in Spain, and took three more wins—not enough, however, to beat Swiss rider Luigi Taveri, who beat Ivy to the title by six points.
In 1967, Ivy dominated the 125 cc championship: he won eight out of twelve races to claim the World Championship by 16 points over Phil Read. On top of this, he won two 250 cc races in France and Belgium.

In 1968, Ivy and teammate Phil Read controlled both the 125 and 250 cc championships. In the process Ivy also became the first 125cc rider to lap the famous Isle Of Man TT Mountain Course at over 100 mph. As the season progressed, Yamaha ordered them to win one title each, with Ivy scheduled to win the 250 cc championship and Read the 125 cc championship. After securing the 125 cc title, Read ignored Yamaha's orders to tie with Ivy on points. The tie break was decided on overall race times, and Read took the title.

Bill Ivy

Ivy announced his retirement from motorcycle racing, stating he would race Formula Two cars during the next season. Despite showing some impressive results in Formula Two, he was enticed back to motorcycling by an offer from Jawa in 1969 to race their 350 cc motorcycle. The season started promising, as he took two second places behind Giacomo Agostini. 

However, during practice for the fifth race, on the Sachsenring in East Germany, Ivy was touring back to the paddock with his helmet resting on the tank when his motorcycle's engine seized. He was thrown from the bike, sustained massive head injuries, and died in hospital.


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London's Salon Privé - lovely bikes and lobster luncheon

Approaching its eighth year in 2013, Salon Privé takes place from the 4th to 6th of September at West London’s Syon Park and is firmly established as the UK’s most prestigious Luxury Super Car Show & Concours d’Elégance.  Several new product debuts, as well as the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance, the Art and Memorabilia Fayre, and a host of exclusive luxury goods exhibits place Salon Privé among the leading automotive shows of the world, alongside the U.S.’s Pebble Beach and Italy’s Villa d’Este.  www.salonprivelondon.com

Following last year’s outstanding success of the motorcycle classes at Salon Privé, the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance is delighted to welcome back the two-wheel category in 2013.  A broad category of ‘Sporting Motorcycles’ together with ‘Oddballs and One-Offs’ will make up this year’s two motorcycle classes.

Yves Campion’s 1932 Moto Gillet

Among the highlight entrants already signed up for the ‘Sporting’ class is 1960s racer, Reg Everett, who achieved many successes on Greeves and Yamaha bikes, notching up 25 wins out of fifty rostrum places.  Reg is entering an extremely rare 1964 250cc Yamaha TD1A racer – the first racing Yamaha in the country, and one that gave him a famous victory over Brands Hatch champion, Derek Minter, on his home turf. 

Reg Everett’s 1964 Yamaha TD1A 250cc

Among the Oddball class early entries is a unique 1953 Norton Tom Tom, entered by renowned Norton single-cylinder specialist and author of ‘Flat Tank Norton’, Dr George Cohen.  In addition, Belgian motorcycle author Yves Campion has entered a seldom seen 1932 Moto Gillet, presented in a condition that has to be seen to be believed.

Dr George Cohen’s 1953 Norton Tom Tom

Custom motorbike builder Allen Millyard is entering the ‘Flying Millyard’ 5-litre Vee-Twin Engine, following his success with a class-winning 100cc Honda in 2012.  The cylinders for this year’s creation are from a 1930s Pratt and Whitney radial aircraft engine, with everything else hand made. Allen is currently building a 1930s style board racer around the engine.

The ‘Flying Millyard’ 5-litre Vee-Twin engine under construction in Allen Millyard’s workshop

With the above and many more continuing to be entered to the ever-growing Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance motorcycle classes at Salon Privé, 2013 is already shaping up to be another exceptional year for both bikes and cars on the lawns of Syon Park in September.  

Entries may still be accepted for the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance, for more information on entering a car or motorbike please visit http://www.salonprivelondon.com/concours/register.asp 

Tickets for Salon Privé can be purchased at www.salonprivelondon.com or by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0808 100 2205.  Entry is fully inclusive of Pommery champagne, lobster luncheon, English afternoon tea and full access to all areas. 

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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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