new metal - Learn 2 Live

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ISSUE 01
TECHNIQUE
CALIFORNIA SUPERBIKE
SCHOOL TESTED
TRIED AND TESTED
SCOTT
REDDING
MOTOGP STAR SHARES HIS KIT HINTS AND TIPS
PLUS
KIT ADVICE
NEW METAL
TECH WATCH
OUR VERDICT
ON CLOTHING
AND GEAR
OUR GUIDE TO
2015’S KEY NEW
MODELS
OUR GUIDE
TO TYRE
PRESSURES
NEW AND
USED KIT
2015’S
NEW BIKES
FOCUS ON
TYRES
Devon
Air
Ambulance
Trust
h
t
0
1
Motorcycle Ride Out
Sunday 12 July 2015
Trago Mills, Newton Abbot to The Den, Teignmouth
83 mile route across Devon’s beautiful countryside
LIVE MUSIC
Trade stands * Refreshments
Please follow us:
#daatrideout
Could you be a
marshal for this event? Please
email [email protected]
*SPECIAL OFFER*
Pre register on-line for your
free t-shirt at www.daat.org
Register on the day from 9-10.30am
Ride Out starts at 11am
Please note t-shirts are not included
if registering on the day and will cost £5
subject to availability.
F
Contents
2015’s key new bikes
4
Tested – Ducati Streetfighter 848 8
The Knowledge – Tyres 10
Tried & tested – new and used kit 12
Competition corner –
win with PMF
16
Kit advice with Scott Redding
19
California Superbike
School tested
22
Better riding with Max Rider
26
BikeSafe
28
iBiker
29
Biker Down
32
Crash cards
33
What’s On Diary
34
BMAD (Bikers Make a Difference)35
Visit us online at
www.bikefan.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter
@SimonToyne23
THE TEAM
Simon Toyne, editor
Rode some 125,000 miles on
some 120 different bikes during
a four-and-a-half year stint as
an editor on RiDE magazine.
Loves V-Twins and trackdays.
Rides a Ducati 749S and an
Aprilia RSV-R Factory.
John Owen, photographer
John is an experienced
photographer and passionate
sports bike rider. Rides a mint
Yamaha R1.
Rachel Cope, contributor
Our resident new rider, Rachel
passed her test in January
2013. Rides a Honda CBR600F.
Gary Hartshorne, contributor
Gary is Bridgestone’s product
manager and a mine of
knowledge for all things rubberrelated. A handy road rider with
a passion for off-roading.
Peninsula Motorcycle Forum
PO Box 206
Plymouth
PL6 5WY
Telephone 01752 765710
Fax 01752 765735
Email: [email protected]
www.peninsulamotorcycle
forum.co.uk
Advertising
Nigel Flower
Tel. 01392 444773 or
07989 575961
Email: nigel.flower@
devon.gov.uk
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DPS Digital. Tel. 01529 300452.
Registered Charity No: 1077998
Promoting riding safety for Devon Air Ambulance Trust
02 | PMF BIKER
Welcome to PMF Biker, your new FREE magazine made by bikers for bikers. Produced
twice a year, and funded by the Peninsula Road Safety Partnership, we aim to promote
the joy of motorcycling with a heavy emphasis on improving rider ability and safety
or this, our inaugural issue, we’ve spent some
time with British MotoGP hard charger and HRC
Factory rider Scott Redding looking at the kit he
swears by.
We’ve also cast our eyes over 2015’s hottest bikes. For years
we’ve been told that sportsbikes are in terminal decline as
sales dwindled and thousands of riders ditched their pocket
rockets and switched to the ubiquitous adventure bikes. But
this year the manufacturers have struck back offering state-ofthe-art machinery bristling with cutting edge technology and
sophisticated rider aids. Bikes like Aprilia’s RSV4, BMW’s
S1000RR, Ducati’s 1299 Panigale, Honda’s RC213V-S,
Kawasaki’s H2 and H2R and Yamaha’s R1 have significantly
moved the game on and created an intense interest in
sportsbikes. And these bikes matter, as the technology they
use will eventually trickle down to nakeds, adventure bikes,
tourers and the likes. Turn to page 4 for more on this year’s
best new metal.
We’ve also spent time with the California Superbike School
at Cadwell Park. The school’s reputation is second to none so
we went to see whether it can live up to the hype. The results
are on page 22.
We hope you enjoy the mag. If you have any feedback
email [email protected]
See you on the road.
Sponsored by
£5
*
entry
WELCOME
WELCOME
This publication is printed by DPS Digital. Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error
in the printing of an advert. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding
that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. The Peninsula Motorcycle Forum Partnership does not officially endorse any advertising material included within the
publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying or
otherwise - without the prior consent of the publisher.
PMF BIKER | 03
NEW METAL
NEW METAL
NEW METAL
HONDA RCV213-S
Kawasaki have unveiled the road version of their supercharged
300bhp track-only H2R. The H2’s engine, which is essentially
a detuned lump from the H2R, puts out some 207bhp with ram
air, and 197bhp without. Peak torque is 98.5 lb.ft at 10,500rpm.
The bike shares the H2R’s sophisticated electronics package
including multi-level traction control, launch control, engine
braking control, ABS, quickshifter and an electronic steering
damper by Öhlins. Brakes are Brembo, with 330mm semifloating discs up front, and a 250mm rear disc. It also features
a single-sided swingarm, a first for Kawasaki, KYB suspension
front and rear and a fully adjustable rear, and high-tech mirrorfinished silver paint. The bike is expected to be available in the
UK in limited numbers and will cost in the region of £25,000.
This year promises to be a golden year for sportsbikes with the majority of
manufacturers launching new models bristling with sophisticated technology
and cutting-edge rider aids. We take a look at 2015’s most exciting new bikes
YAMAHA YZF-R1
Yamaha have unveiled their flagship all-new
2105 YZF-R1.
control, wheelie control, quick shifter, launch
control, ABS and a unified braking system.
The bike is powered by a 998cc inline four
cylinder crossplane crankshaft engine
kicking out some 200bhp without the use
of ram induction. The crossplane engine’s
uneven 270° – 180° – 90° – 180° firing
sequence gives each piston and conrod its
own individual and separate movement to
create stronger low to mid range grunt. The
engine is fitted with titanium fracture-split
connecting rods, which is 40% lighter than
steel, and this major reduction in weight
gives the new engine an extremely responsive
and potent character at high revs.
It also features a TFT LCD display, four
riding modes and a front cowl with LED
headlights. Yamaha claim the bike will weigh
just 199kg fully fuelled, thanks to lightweight
components such as its titanium exhaust
system, magnesium wheels, aluminium fuel
tank and Deltabox frame.
This is a bike heavily influenced by Rossi’s
M1 and is rammed with technology taken
from Yamaha’s involvement in the MotoGP
series – the first ever six-axis Intertial
Measurement Unit on a production bike,
banking sensitive traction control, slide
04 | PMF BIKER
It will be joined by the limited edition YZFR1M which is a more extreme version of the
new R1. The R1M will come with electronic
Öhlins racing suspension, carbon bodywork,
and a comprehensive datalogging function
that allows riders to record a wide range of
data, including lap times, speed, throttle
position, GPS tracking and lean angle.
Data can be viewed, compared and shared
on a tablet using a wireless connection
with the R1, enabling riders to
analyse the previous race
KAWASAKI H2
Honda have finally unveiled their long awaited MotoGP-inspired
production bike.The road-going bike is based on the championshipwinning RCV213V Factory MotoGP bike as raced by Marc Marquez and
Dani Pedrosa, and is essentially a race bike with lights. The prototype
was riden on to the stage by recently-crowned back-to-back GP world
champion Marquez and though details have yet to be released, we do
know the bike features carbon-fibre bodywork. The bike is expected to
use a V4 engine and has been developed by Honda Motor and HRC.
or track session and make any necessary
adjustments. Riders can also use this as a
means of communicating with the Yamaha
Ride Control (YRC) system and viewing,
downloading or changing the running
mode settings.
By using a
downloadable
Android
app, the YRC
settings can be
amended wirelessly,
allowing R1M riders
to make quick and
easy from a menu
of factory or
custom settings.
PMF BIKER | 05
NEW METAL
SUZUKI GSX-R
The big news
from Suzuki is
the launch of
their GSX-R
powered S1000
and S1000F
bikes. The GSX1000 is a naked
bike while the
GSX-1000F
is a sports
tourer with a
full fairing.
Both bikes
use a detuned
999cc engine
from the 2008
GSX-R1000
that’s been optimised to produce more lowdown grunt. It’s housed in an
all-new aluminium frame chassis and features a three-way selectable traction
control system, something even the GSX-R1000 doesn’t have. Suspension
work is done by a KYB shock that has adjustable preload and rebound, as
well as fully-adjustable forks up front, while braking duties are taken care of
by Brembo monobloc calipers.
DUCATI MULTISTRADA
Ducati’s new
Multistrada
features
Desmodromic
Variable
Timing (DVT)
– the first time
variable valve
technology
has debuted
on a V-twin
powerplant
– cornering
ABS, Ducati
corning lights,
eight-level
wheelie control, a shorter beak, and a full LED
headlight unit. The Multistrada S also gets a
Bluetooth connection which allows owners to
download an app that records data which can then
be uploaded and shared with social networks. But
it’s the Ducati’s DVT system that catches the eye.
The system can change the intake and exhaust
timing independently, and across the whole of
the rev range, optimising engine performance to
guarantee the highest power, smooth delivery and
low down grunt. An added benefit of all of this is
that the engine passes strict Euro 4 noise and emission regulations. All this means
that the Multistrada’s 1198cc Testastretta lump now produces 160hp and 100 lb.ft
of torque, up from the current model’s 150bhp and 91.8lb.ft of torque, all while
reducing fuel consumption by eight per cent. The Multistrada will be available
with four personalisation packs: Touring; which comes with heated grips,
panniers and a centre stand, Sport; which comes with a Termignoni exhaust and
a carbon fibre front mudguard, Urban; which comes with a top case, tank bag and
USB hub, and Enduro; which comes with additional lights, engine bars, radiator
and oil sump guards and off-road footpegs.
06 | PMF BIKER
NEW METAL
APRILIA RSV4 RR
Aprilia
have given
their
flagship
RSV4 a
significant
upgrade
for 2015.
The new
bike gets
more
power,
producing
201 bhp,
16bhp
more
than its predecessor. It’s also 1.5kg lighter than the model it
replaces – the camshaft has a new profile and is now 0.5kg
lighter, while the connecting rods have also been trimmed
by 0.4kg. The bike also gets a new airbox, injectors,
intake ducts, titanium valves with new valve springs and
redesigned heads. The bike boasts an updated second
generation APRC electronics system and the swingarm has
been lengthened by 14mm, though the rest of the chassis
remains untouched. Although the bike looks similar to the
outgoing RSV4, the RR features an all-new front with new
mirrors with built-in LED indicators, a new LED parking
light and a redesigned frontal fairing for better wind
protection.
DUCATI 1299 PANIGALE
Ducati have
just revealed
their new
1299 Panigale
superbike.
The 1299
Panigale uses
the powerplant
from the 1199
Panigale,
rebored to
1285cc to
produce 205bhp
and 107 lb.ft
of torque. The
new bike gets cornering ABS and wheelie control,
new electronics and a quickshifter that now works
on the downshift. There will also be a Panigale 1299
S, which comes equipped with semi-active Öhlins
suspension, an autoblipper, cornering ABS and the
wheelie control from the Superleggera. But the big
news was the unveiling of the Panigale R, Ducati’s
homologated special to allow it complete in WSBK –
it’s essentially a road-legal race bike fitted with lights.
The bike boasts titanium valves and connecting
rods, two-ring pistons and an extremely lightweight
crankshaft, which is balanced with tungsten inserts to
guarantee a maximum power of 205 bhp. The Panigale
R is also fitted with fully adjustable Öhlins suspension,
an adjustable swingarm pivot (four positions) and
a lithium ion battery which saves more than 2kg in
weight. The claimed wet weight for the R is 172kg.
APRILIA TUONO
V4 1100 FACTORY
APRILIA TUONO V4 1100 RR
The Factory is
essentially a V4
1100 Tuono RR with
added attitude. It
comes with Öhlins
suspension (forks,
rear shock and
steering damper),
upgraded brakes
(Brembo monobloc
M432 calipers),
lightweight forged
aluminium wheels
and eye-catching
Superpole graphics.
BMW S1000RR
BMW’S already
brilliant S1000RR
gets a midlife
overhaul for 2015.
The 998cc inlinefour engine has been
tweaked to create
an additional 6bhp
– peak power is now
199bhp, while peak
torque is at 83lb.ft
with a wide torque
plateau between
9500rpm and
12,000rpm, thanks
largely in part to the new, larger airbox. It’s now some 4kg lighter too,
with most of the weight loss coming by ditching the front silencer
on the exhaust. The frame is lighter too, and boasts a new chassis
geometry for improved handling. Other changes include revised
styling – the S1000RR’s distinctive asymmetrical headlights have
been swapped over – news plastics and a lighter battery. Three-mode
traction control and race ABS come as standard, while two further
modes and BMW’s semi-active suspension are available as an option.
The optional extras package also includes launch control, a pit lane
limiter and cruise control. The new S1000RR’s arrival makes the end
of the HP4, which is discontinued.
The RR is the new designation for the standard Tuono, which gets
an additional 5bhp to take its total output to 175bhp. It also gets an
enhanced APRC electronics package, a new front fairing and tail unit
taken from the RSV4 RR, a 15mm lower seat and 15mm narrower
handlebars. The new bike is equipped with Sachs suspension front and
rear, and a 6mm longer swingarm.
APRILIA RSV4 RF
How do you
make Aprilia’s
RSV4 RR even
better? Easy –
add the Noale
company’s
Aprilia Race
Package. The
kit adds Öhlins
suspension,
lightweight
forged
aluminium
wheels and
a special
‘Superpole’
paint scheme that honours Aprilia’s racing successes. The RF will
be a limited edition bike, and only 400 units will be produced.
BMW S1000XR
The long-awaited S1000XR is far from a S1000R with
clothes on – featuring a detuned version of the S1000RR’s
inline four, the bike boasts a new frame, swingarm and
geometry to help it deliver all-day comfort in its role as a
long-distance sporty mile muncher. The engine produces
160bhp and 83lb.ft of torque for plenty of low down
grunt and the bike features a wide range of rider aids
– two riding modes, automatic stability control (ASC),
traction control and ABS. optional extras include an
additional two riding modes (Dynamic and Dynamic
Pro) touring and dynamic packages, and a higher-spec
cornering ABS system.
PMF BIKER | 07
STREETFIGHTER 848
STREETFIGHTER 848
“Despite its lack of
fairings, the Streetfighter
848 feels very much like a
sportsbike, and it shines
on twisty B-roads”
GRAB IT WHILE YOU CAN
Ducati’s underrated Streetfighter may be on the ropes but it still delivers a
powerful knockout punch, as we discovered when we took it out on the roads
T
WORDS: SIMON TOYNE
he news coming from
Ducati from Motorcycle
Live is that one of their most
capable road bikes is living
on borrowed time.
The Streetfighter 848 has never
been a massive seller and Ducati
sources have indicated that it won’t be
getting the 899cc Superquadro engine
found on the baby Panigale – which
means that this year is likely to be its
last in the Ducati line-up.
And that’s a real shame, as the
Streetfighter’s combination of
high-performance 849cc V-twin and
sportsbike chassis make this a proper
weapon on everyday roads.
The Testastretta engine feels
punchy – it punts out 132bhp and 69
lb.ft of torque, and uses an 11-degree
camshaft, the same as used on the
Diavel, to help the engine make plenty
of accessible torque in the lower rev
range, thus making the bike easier to
ride, especially in town.
The bike also features an eight-stage
traction control system, a single-sided
swingarm, Brembo radial calipers,
fully adjustable Marzocchi USD front
forks and Sachs rear shock, and it
comes wired up ready to play with a
basic data-acquisition (DDA) system to
read throttle position, revs, speed, gear
selection etc. It also comes with the
plumbing in place to accept a Ducati
Performance accessory quickshifter.
Despite its lack of fairings, the
Streetfighter 848 feels very much like
a sportsbike, and it shines on twisty
B-roads. Handling and steering are
accurate and predictable, quickly
inspiring confidence, and the fuelling
is perfect. There’s no lumpiness, and
the torque really stands out – there’s no
lag at all.
Ducati have given the Streetfighter
848 a 180/60 section rear tyre to
create a larger contact patch, and
Opposite
Streetfighter feels
agile and involving on
the move
Top
Attention to detail is
exquisite
Above
849cc V-twin
Testastretta
engine features
Desmodromic valve
actuation, oval inlet
manifolds
it gives plenty of feedback, flicking
into corners with ease and feeling
planted and well-mannered. And all
that torque delivers impressive drive
through and out of the corners. This is
a bike that guarantees big grins while
letting you push harder and harder
without ever feeling out of control.
It’s comfortable too. The flattish,
wide single-piece bars have been raised
by 20mm over the previous model,
and that’s made a huge difference;
the riding position feels much more
upright meaning arms no longer feel
stretched – I took the bike on a 500plus round trip to Wales and there
were no aches or pains or tired wrists
– even when cruising on the motorway.
The suspension also feels a lot more
real-world usable, especially compared
with the 848 Evo’s – yes it’s still on the
firm side, but it’s not so firm as to be
uncomfortable, only feeling flustered
on really bumpy surfaces.
And should things ever threaten
to get out of hand the Brembo radial
calipers quickly bring things to a
standstill without the slightest hint of
grab. Yes, they have plenty of bite, but
they lack the viscousness associated
with the Mono Bloc brakes fitted to
Ducati’s superbikes.
So it’s entertaining enough on the
road, but the Streetfighter 848 also
gets under your skin when you’re
off the bike. The styling looks mean
without looking menacing, purposeful
while still looking exotic. It’s nicely
finished too and the attention to detail
is exquisite.
The only downsides to the bike are
the 16.5-litre tank, which means you’ll
be hunting for a petrol station all too
soon, and the lack of ABS, which isn’t
available even as an option.
Left
Pillion seat is high
and narrow
Right
Sachs rear shock
is a quality unit and
does a good job of
ironing out any road
imperfections
Far right
Brembo Mono Blocs
have plenty of bite
but aren’t as viscous
as the items used on
Ducati’s superbikes
08 | PMF BIKER
PMF BIKER | 09
THE KNOWLEDGE – TYRES
THE KNOWLEDGE
Part1: Back to basics
Gary Hartshorne is Bridgestone’s product manager and a mine of knowledge for all things
rubber-related. He’s also a very handy road rider with a passion for off-roading
“
WORDS: GARY HARTSHORNE
Tyres, they’re all the same right? You couldn’t be
more wrong if you tried. Not all tyres are equal and
every manufacturer produces a range of OE tyres for
a wide variety of motorcycles.
“A lot of research goes into this and the tyres themselves
will have been developed in close conjunction with each
motorcycle manufacturer to optimise the handling of the bike
in question – the changes made to the standard specification
tyre can be many or they can be simple, it all depends
on the exact requirements stipulated by the motorcycle
manufacturer.
“The changes can be significant and can encompass
everything from steering characteristics, handling, wear-rate,
grip level and improvements in high-speed stability. In fact
the list of possible changes is almost endless.
“Because of this manufacturers always recommend that
OE tyres should be replaced like-for-like. If alternative
tyre recommendations have been approved by your bike’s
manufacturer they will also appear in the fitment listing
for each bike, but alternative fitments should only be used
in the matched pairs shown for each bike. Never mix and
match tyres, and always refer to the manufacturer’s Fitment
Guide to check the correct tyre sizes and inflation pressure
recommendations.
“Sometimes OE tyres are approved for fitment on bikes
other than the bike they were developed for. This is done
because development engineers and riders have enough
knowledge and experience to realise that the changes made
to the standard version of a tyre, in order to turn it into an
OE-specification tyre, would also have benefits when fitted to
certain other bikes. But this only follows extensive testing by
development riders and it must never be assumed that any
OE-spec tyre can be fitted to any model of motorcycle.”
your pressures every time you take your bike out, and always
when the tyres are cold.
“Correct inflation pressures are critical to safe handling
¬– incorrect inflation pressures can lead to tyre damage, poor
handling and irregular and rapid wear characteristics, which
means they’ll need replacing sooner.
“If pressures have been adjusted for any kind of non-road
riding – trackdays, trail riding etc – they must be returned to
the recommended pressures for on on-road use before riding
on the street.
“All tyres lose air gradually, so it’s essential to keep your
eye on them with regular checks. And after checking your
pressures, don’t forget to add the valve cap, as this provides
added protection for the valve mechanism and an airtight
seal.”
“Incorrect pressures
can lead to tyre damage,
poor handling and
irregular and rapid wear
characteristics”
Above
Lessons learnt from
MotoGP filter down to
road rubber
Below
Take it steady and
keep lean angles to
a minimum when
scrubbing in new
rubber
Top Right
Ron Haslam’s Race
School fleet is fitted
with T30 tyres
Right
Kneedown in the wet?
Today’s tyres are grippier than you think
T Y R E
S I D E WA L L
M A R K I N G S
E X P L A I N E D
STAY SAFE – RUNNING IN TYRES
“Every rider should treat brand new tyres with respect, and
they should be ridden very cautiously for the first 100 miles in
order to condition the rubber, let the tyres settle on the rims
and provide optimum performance over the tyre’s life. This
also has the added benefit of allowing the tread surface to be
‘scrubbed-in’ and function properly, while also allowing the
rider to adjust gradually to the feel and handling properties of
the new rubber.
“After this initial period, lean angles, acceleration and
braking forces can be gradually increased, although it’s
important to bear in mind that the tyre will only work
efficiently once it reaches it operating temperature.’
TYRE PRESSURES
“Pressure play a significant role in how the tyre performs
and a tiny change in PSI above or below the recommended
pressure can have a major detrimental effect on performance
– the bike won’t handle how you want it to, will be reluctant
to steer and will feel sloppy. So get into the habit of checking
10 | PMF BIKER
THE KNOWLEDGE
190/50 ZR17 M/C (73W) BT012 Radial G
190
Section width in millimetres
50
Aspect (height) ratio shown as a
percentage of the tyre width
Z
Speed rating
R
Radial construction
17
Rim diameter in inches
M/C
Tyre constructed for motorcycle
use
73
Load index
(W)
Speed index: W: up to 270km/h,
(W): more than 270km/h
BT-012
Tread pattern
G
OE fitment suffix
PMF BIKER | 11
IN GEAR
IN GEAR
IN GEAR
ARAI RX-7 GP
Helping you choose the best riding kit, whatever your budget and bike
ALPINESTARS TECH-AIR STREET SYSTEM
Airbag technology for riders is nothing new – Honda fitted its Goldwing with an airbag in 2007 –but it seems it’s finally
started to gather momentum and filter down to riders gear.
Airbag leather suits are a familiar site on our TV screens with stars from MotoGP and road racing now wearing
airbag suits – Marc Marquez, Dani Pedrosa, Jorge Lorenzo, Cal Crutchlow and Scott Redding can be seen
putting the Alpinestars Tech Air suit through its paces while Valentino Rossi, Stefan Bradl, Pol Espargaro and
Guy Martin all sport Dainese’s D-Air Racing System. The giveaway is the electronic monitoring LEDs flashing
away on the left forearm and shoulder respectively.
And they seem to work too. Dainese claim that none of the 306 crashes by riders wearing the D-Air Racing
System between 2007 and 2013 resulted in fractures to the collarbone and shoulder joint areas, which is
remarkable when you consider the forces generated in such high speed spills.
Last year Ducati released its D-Air System which links a jacket fitted with an airbag to an onboard computer and BMW and Dainese collaborated to put the D-Air Protect System into
the DoubleR RaceAir leather suit.
However, as good as these systems are, they are both designed for specific brand
motorbikes. The new Alpinestars Tech-Air Street System is the first system that has been
designed for road use that can be used with any motorbike.
It’s a compact, self-contained airbag vest designed to snap/zip into two specific jackets –
the Valparaiso touring jacket and Viper road jacket.
It features a high pressure inflatable bladder built into the vest’s shoulders to provide allover upper body protection by covering the full back, shoulders, kidneys and chest.
Other than charging the battery, no set-up or service is required unless the bag is activated.
The on-board software features an algorithm designed specifically to predict an impending
impact. The system will detect an impact within 30-60 milliseconds of contact and maximum
inflation for the airbag takes just 25 milliseconds, and that pressure is maintained
for five seconds.
The system is powered by an integrated
rechargeable battery, which is fed
by a micro USB port. A onehour charge gives four hours
of operation, while a
six-hour charge offers 25
hours of use. The system
is automatically armed
once the jacket is zipped up, with
an LED display on the left sleeve
showing the amount of charge in
the battery. And yes, it will even
work in the rain.
This isn’t cheap any stretch of
the imagination but what price
safety? And the price will come
down once more manufacturers
embrace the technology.
NE
W
FOR
201
5
£999.99
Tech-Air Street System Vest: £999.99
Two-yearly service and diagnostic
check: £159.99
Valparaiso jacket: £599.99
Viper jacket: £299.99
www.alpinestars.com
12 | PMF BIKER
This is my fourth RX-7GP and
I have nothing but praise for it.
This is my everyday lid, and it’s
performed faultlessly on numerous
trackdays, European tours and
the daily commute to work. It’s
truly all-day comfortable, and the
powerful venting and the non-itch
lining does a good job of keeping
my scalp dry and sweat free.
The brilliant combination of visor
vents and Pinlock means you’ll
never suffer with misting, the
visor change mechanism is easy
to master, and the retractable chin
spoiler is a neat, well-thought out
touch. It’s done some 33,000 miles
in the past year and it’s performed
faultlessly, though the padding
would probably benefit from a
good scrubbing. And I know that if
the worst came to the worst that it
would look after me – I’ve crashed
in one at some 120mph, slid for
more than 110m and didn’t even get
a headache. This is very much a top
of the range lid that is worth every
penny of its hefty price tag.
Simon Toyne
*****
Price: £699
www.whyarai.co.uk
RST PRO
SERIES LADIES
VENTILATOR III
RST have come on leaps and bounds recently,
establishing themselves as the protective suit
of choice for many in the BSB paddock. And
with good reason. Not only are their products
quality, just as importantly they’re affordable.
This Ventilator III textile touring suit offers a
lot of performance for your pounds – a tough
nylon mesh outer, a removable waterproof
layer, a quilted insulating layer, armour on
the shoulders and elbows, and CE-approved
armour on the knees.
It’s cut on the sporty side, and as a result it’s
a bit shorter than some jackets, but it’s one of
the most flexible jackets on the market and
has been designed for riding all-year round –
simply remove the liners for summer riding or
add them when the temperature drops.
HJC RPHA10+
This is HJC’s top-of-the-range lid,
as worn by Jorge Lorenzo and the
recently-retired Ben Spies.
It’s an updated version of the popular
RPHA10 and features a new easier-touse chin vent, a new chin curtain and
a new, more comfortable lining. It also
comes with a Pinlock Max clear and
tinted visor as standard.
The first thing that strikes you
about this lid is the weight – it feels
ludicrously light and tips the scale
at just 1250g. And then there’s the
fit – it feels comfortable, snug and
secure. I know fit is a personal thing,
but HJC seem to have managed a rare
trick and built a helmet suitable for
all head shapes. A lot of friends tried
I love the stylish but understated looks and
it’s full of neat touches – there are a loads of
adjustments on the arms to get the right fit,
there’s reflective Scotchlite piping and panels
to make you stand out when it’s dark, plenty
of pockets, decent venting on the front and
a zip free cuff for added comfort. In fact, the
only criticism I have is that the pockets on the
trousers are just too small to be useful.
I’ve worn this on the road and it’s proven itself
to be comfortable, warm and pretty durable.
Everything – vents, armour etc – is where it
should be and it feels good on and off the bike.
I’m quite tall yet the jacket and trousers fit me
perfectly. And it works – I’ve worn it in some
awful weather and I’ve stayed warm and dry.
Quality, well-designed kit at a nice price.
Rachel Cope
****
Price: Textile jacket, £170
Textile trousers, £130
www.rst-moto.com
the RPHA10+ on at Motorcycle Live
and every one of them said just how
comfortable it is.
I’ve been testing this for some 12000
miles now and I love it. Yes, it’s a sports
helmet but noise levels are acceptable,
especially when riding with the
chin curtain fitted, and the vision is
excellent. The lining is supremely
comfortable and the visor doesn’t
suffer from misting and the vents,
while being easy to operate, offer
excellent cooling. The only niggle is
that when pushing the visor up when
paying for fuel it tends to come undone
at the left-hand side.
Simon Toyne
****
Price: £430
www.oxprod.com
PMF BIKER | 13
IN GEAR
IN GEAR
KRIEGA R30 RUCKSACK
OPTIMATE LITHIUM 0.8A CHARGER
This brilliant waterproof rucksack has accompanied me everywhere over the
past five years – eight days touring around Ireland, 10 days riding through
Scandanavia and northern Europe, long weekends watching the racing
at Le Mans, Brno, Assen and the Sachsenring, a week at the TT, and
countless other getaways – and it’s performed faultlessly every
single time.
Lithium batteries are growing in popularity among bikers because they offer significant weight
savings over their lead-acid counterparts. But they also require a specialist charger as conventional
chargers for lead-acid batteries have the potential to ruin the lithium cells.
All Kriega’s gear is designed by a team of bikers, for bikers, and it
shows – this is a high quality rucksack that is comfortable, tough
and built to munch miles without any discomfort.
As the name suggests, the R30 has a capacity of 30 litres and is large
enough to easily swallow a laptop and change of clothes for the daily
commute, or several changes of clothes and spare visor and gloves for
trips further afield.
The main compartment features a roll-top closing mechanism, which is
then secured into place with two side clips. It’s a simple but very effective
mechanism and has two advantages – it makes the bag very easy to pack,
and it makes it totally waterproof. There are also two decent sized outer pockets,
but these are water resistant only and do let water in during prolonged heavy
downpours, sturdy and easy to use zips and a useful internal pocket for carrying
important items such as passport etc.
The beauty of this
rucksack is that it
can easily be adjusted
to suit your needs – not
carrying so much? Simply
pull the six cinch-straps tight and the
bag’s contents stay securely in place.
But it’s in comfort terms that this rucksack really shines. Kriega’s clever harness
system distributes the weight evenly, which means you don’t notice you’re
wearing it. This, combined with the thick back padding mean it’s truly all-day
comfortable. I’ve worn it for some long, 13-hour days in the saddle and got off the
bike at the end of the day still feeling relatively fresh.
This bag is some five years old now and must have covered some 60,000-plus
miles but you wouldn’t know it to look at it. There’s a bit of scuffing on the outer
reflective patch on the back of the rucksack but that aside it still looks like new,
which is a testament to the quality materials and construction. Kriega are so
confident in the product that they’ve given it a 10-year guarantee. Enough said.
Simon Toyne
*****
£139
www.kriega.com
DEXSHELL HYTHERM PRO SOCKS
These mid-calf socks are 100 per cent waterproof , breathable and insulated and are the perfect sock for all-year
riding…nobody wants cold feet, right?
They’re designed to feel and fit like a normal sock and feature three technical layers which work together to keep feet
warm, dry and comfortable.
The inner layer uses a combination of merino wool and an anti-pilling terry loop, which is insulating, breathable and soft
against the skin. It runs from the top of the toe, under the sole and heel and up the calf for full thermal protection.
A waterproof membrane keeps the rain out, and works with the merino wool to allow sweat to escape, thus reducing the risk
of blisters, while the outer shell is knitted with a fast-drying yarn.
On the bike they definitely work – they’re not as bulky as Sealskinz, they’re comfortable and quick to warm. They keep feet
dry too, even in the wettest of conditions, and they’re easy to get on and off.
***
£28.95
www.dexshell.co.uk
14 | PMF BIKER
This new charger has been designed specifically to avoid the overcharging that causes lithium batteries
such big problems – maintaining lithium batteries correctly is crucial as once discharged they can be
difficult to recover.
This unit is totally automatic and assesses battery condition and selects the appropriate charge
programme: Bulk Charge for rapid recovery and Save mode to safely recover over-discharged batteries.
The Lithium 0.8A is also designed to reset the internal BMS (Battery Management System) on batteries
with a low voltage cut-out so that charging can begin. Battery condition is continually monitored, to prevent
unnecessary charging, and an alternating ‘charge and rest’ maintenance programme protects the battery
against over-discharge.
****
£54.99
www.optimate1.com
DAINESE MANIS BACK
PROTECTOR
OXFORD
TRACKER
Dainese invented the
back protector back in
1981 and this is their
latest offering – the
Manis. The name
is derived from a
mammal whose body is
covered by over-lapping
plate-like scales to form
a flexible but highly
flexible shell, and this
back protector uses the
same principal to create
excellent freedom of
movement, allowing it
to mould to the rider’s
back by elongating,
contracting and flexing
to adapt to the position
of the body while
providing reassuring
levels of protection.
The protector, which
is CE Cat 2 approved,
uses crash absorbing
materials to dissipate
energy and can
elongate and flex
laterally to protect
along its full length and can twist to follow all chest movements. The
scales are fastened to a separate layer of padding and are joined to each
other by a central pivot that lets them slide as and when needed.
Shoulder and waist straps ensure a snug fit and it it’s perforated to keep
the rider cool, even in the hottest of conditions. It’s comfortable, pretty
unobtrusive and offers excellent movement on the bike. If it’s good
enough for Guy Martin…
*****
From £59.99
www.dainese.com
Trackers
are an
effective
way of beating the
thieves and have a high success
rate leading to hundreds of stolen bikes
being recovered.
Oxford is the latest company to enter the market. We can’t
show you the tracker itself, for obvious reasons, but we can tell
you it is small, waterproof and comes with an incredible 10-year
battery life – which means it doesn’t have to be hardwired into the
bike and that it can even be transferred between bikes.
The unit is powered by DanTracker technology and can be accessed
using your mobile phone, tablet or computer. It uses GPS to track the
bike and can locate the bike anywhere there’s a mobile network. You
can even add multiple units to a single account.
Subscription fees to the service range from £60 for a year to £180 to
five years.
****
£199 + subscription fees
www.oxprod.com
PMF BIKER | 15
WIN WITH PMF
COMPETITION
We’ve teamed up with The Key Collection to give you two chances to win – a £44.98 Gear
Gremlin Seat Buddy and Brush Cleaner Kit pack and three £20.99 SDoc100 spray bundles
Win Gear Gremlin garage accessories
Take the strain out of routine
cleaning and maintenance with
these really useful products from
Gear Gremlin.
Take the weight off, relax and
scoot around the garage in style
on a Seat Buddy. All your tools
can be kept close to hand in the
integral trays, along with any
nuts and bolt you might need.
Meanwhile the Brush
Cleaning Kit contains
four different brushes to
reach those delicate, not so
delicate and hard to reach places, and
features both soft and durable nylon brushes.
WOR
TH
£44.
98
See more at www.thekeycollection.com
We have three
SDoc100 Colour
WOR
TH
Refresher and AntiCorrosion Spray
bundles to give away
£20.9
9
SDoc100 is Germany’s leading
motorcycle care brand – its colour
refresher restores and protects grey and
bleached bodywork and engine components with one
easy application.
Simply spray onto a soft, dry cloth and apply to a clean, dry
surface to remove dirt, restore an even colour and protect against
UV bleaching.
You can also protect your bike’s metal components against the
effects of corrosion with Corrosion Protectant – it even lubricates
and displaces moisture.
See more at www.motohaus.com
To be in with a chance of winning simply email [email protected]
with either Gear Gremlin or SDoc100 in the subject line.
16 | PMF BIKER
PMF BIKER | 17
KIT ADVICE
PROVEN ON THE TRACK
KIT ADVICE
KIT ADVICE WITH SCOTT REDDING
MotoGP and Marc VDS satellite Factory rider Scott Redding has spent most of
his life on track. Here he shares his hard earned kit secrets and wisdom
WORDS: SIMON TOYNE
Opposite
Redding took the premier class by storm in his
debut season
S
cott Redding began
his racing career at the
tender age of eight,
racing in the British
Minimoto Championship in 2001.
Just three years later he scooped the
MiniGP British Championship, an
achievement followed up by winning
all six rounds of the Spanish Calypso
Cup 80cc series.
After switching to the Spanish
125GP series and finishing the season
in seventh, Scott signed for the BQR
Blusens Aprilia team in 2007 and
finished second in the championship
after winning the final three races of
the season.
After switching to the 125cc
world championship in 2008, Scott
made history in front of a delighted
Donington crowd as he became the
youngest rider of all-time to win a
Grand Prix race (aged 15 years and
170 days), taking the record from
Marco Melandri. Scott was the 2008
125cc Rookie of the Year, finishing
11th overall.
Scott jumped on a factory bike
for 2009 as he continued with the
Blusens Aprilia, but his physique and
sheer size meant results conspired
18 | PMF BIKER
Left
Redding in pensive mood ahead of qualifying
at Le Mans
Above & Below
Redding putting the Factory RC213V prototype
through its paces during pre-season testing at
Sepang, Malaysia
against him and results were hard to
come by.
In 2010 he switched classes and
signed for the Marc VDS Team in
Moto2, and though it took time to
adapt he finished the season strongly,
securing 8th place in the standings.
2011 was equally frustrating, but
Scott fared better in 2012, racking up
four podium finishes on his way to
fifth in the standings.
And 2013 saw Scott enjoy his best
season in Moto2, winning the Grand
Prix of France, Italy and Great Britain
and leading the championship before
a horrible crash during qualifying for
the Australian Grand Prix left him
with a broken left wrist, effectively
handing the title to rival Pol
Espargarò.
Scott made the jump to the elite
class in 2013, riding an Open Class
Honda for the Gresini squad. His
results and racecraft were impressive,
and Scott regularly outscored
seasoned campaigners and former
world champions Nicky Hayden and
Hiro Ayoma on the same equipment.
His skill caught the attention of
HRC, who will be providing Scott
with a Factory bike for the 2015
season.
Scott’s never-quit attitude and
gung-ho riding style means he’s had
PMF BIKER | 19
KIT ADVICE
KIT ADVICE
just a moment. But by analysing the
data they’ve ironed this out and it
now works faultlessly – it will only
deploy when you’re beyond the point
of no return.
“Another good thing about
this system is that it employs two
canisters, which means it can deploy
twice before it needs replacing.
“Being an Alpinestars Factory
supported rider means I can get
my suit tweaked to my exact
requirements. I like to have them a
bit looser in the arms, so they take
this into account, and all my sponsors
logos are printed directly onto the
suit instead of being stitched on,
which makes a massive difference to
comfort.”
his fair share of big (and painful) offs
during his career, so he knows what
works and, just as importantly, what
doesn’t. He shared his kit wisdom
with us one morning at a cold and
windy Silverstone.
HELMET
“The priority for me is protection.
You only get one head, so you need to
do everything you can to protect it.
My advice is to buy the best helmet
you can afford.
“A lot of racer’s go with the helmet
manufacturer that will pay them the
most money, and often that’s not best
helmet. I’ve had massive offers in
front of me to wear this lid or that, but
I’ve turned them down, as I’m only
interested in quality.
“Protection is the most important
for me, followed closely by vision.
When you come off you’re going to
hit the ground hard, so you need to
know everything’s going to work. For
example, it’s no good having a strong
shell but a weak visor. If a visor comes
off when you crash that’s not going to
end well as you’ll either get hit in the
face by flying stones or a handlebar.
“My helmet is an off-the-peg lid,
the same as my replica you can buy.
The only big difference is that it has
been raised so it sits higher on my
Above
Redding always
wears special
colours for his home
GP. Expect this year
to be no different
Right
Redding has
quickly adapted to
life on board the
RC213V, and looks
comfortable and
quick, even in the wet
Below right
Redding on the
podium with Marc
Marquez. He’s hoping
history will repeat
itself soon
“My suit is Kangaroo leather as it offers
the perfect combination of flexibility and
strength. It’ll stretch but it’s strong too, and it
doesn’t abrade easily”
20 | PMF BIKER
head to make it easier for me to see
when I’m tucked in a racing crouch.
It’s also a bit tighter to cope with the
higher speeds we do in GP.”
LEATHERS
“Having light leathers is one thing,
but they need to be strong too. If you
come off at 180mph, it’s going to be a
big one, and you need to know your
leathers aren’t going to hole or burst.
“I also prefer my leathers to be
tight. I don’t want them flapping
around, taking my attention away
from the track. But I don’t want
them to be so tight as to restrict my
movement.
“I wear an Alpinestars Air Tech
suit, complete with airbag. I noticed
the extra bulk at first, but after a
couple of times wearing it I couldn’t
notice anything different.
“My suit is Kangaroo leather as
it offers the perfect combination of
flexibility and strength. It’ll stretch
but it’s strong too, and it doesn’t
abrade easily.
“I prefer suits with external armour
on the shoulders, elbow and knees so
that you keep sliding and don’t dig
into the tarmac. But it’s got to fit – if
the armour moves around, then it’s
not going to offer any protection as
it’ll move and not do it’s job.
“The exciting thing from my point
of view about Alpinestars is that
they’re always listening to rider’s
feedback and constantly evolving
and improving their products. Take
the airbag technology. When I first
started wearing their airbag suit in
2013, the system weighed 1.5kg. Now
it weighs 0.8kg. It’s clever too. In
the past there were occasions when
it went deployed when it shouldn’t,
because it thought the rider was
having a crash, when in reality it was
BOOTS
“I like my boots to have lots of feel
and flex, but still be protective too.
And they need to be comfortable as
you put all your weight through your
feet, and with most races lasting
some 40 minutes, that can make a big
difference.
“I wear Supertech Rs. They’re
superb, have superb amounts of
movement and are as comfy as
wearing slippers. They have an outer
boot and an inner boot and they
offer loads of protection. There’s
lots of chunky plastic around the
ankle, the inner boot is reassuringly
protective, the sole has loads of flex
and if you crash lots of parts can be
replaced quickly and easily as nearly
everything is replaceable.
“I have had people hitting my feet
and even running over them on track
and I’ve got away with it without as
much as a scratch – they work.”
GLOVES
“I need my gloves to be comfortable
and offer decent levels of feel. Your
hands communicate a lot with
the bike and control pretty much
everything – the throttle, the brakes
and the bars. You need to be able to
feel exactly what’s going on and what
your inputs are.
“But they also need to offer decent
levels of protection. It’s not good
them being too light or too thin – you
can’t sacrifice protection for lightness
and comfort.
“I wear Alpinestars and the good
thing about them is that the little
finger and ring finger are joined,
which makes it harder for you to
break your finger. A lot of other gloves
don’t have this feature and the rider’s
pay the price – just look at the what
Bradley Smith’s done to his finger.”
Above
Redding beat
Crutchlow in last
season’s British
GP and has his
compatriot firmly in
his sights this season
Below
Redding is elbow
down in most corners
and even managed to
get his helmet down
during the last race
of the 2014 season
“I’ve never really got my head
around people not wanting to
do as much as possible to protect
themselves and their vulnerable
areas like under the arms, the chest
and so on. Your ribcage can’t protect
your vital organs and stomach, and
you’re spine is critical too, so I’ll do
everything I can to protect myself as
best I can.
“Yes, it’s a bit different when you
wear them at first, but you soon forget
they’re there.”
BASE LAYERS
“These are a godsend. They make it
quick and easy to get leathers on and
off, and they keep you comfortable
on the bike. They regulate your
core temperature by wicking
away the sweat in hot conditions,
and preventing heat loss in cold
conditions. They make a huge
difference to comfort.”
PADDED CYCLING SHORTS
“I started getting pain in my arse
cheeks in 2011 for some reason. I
still have no idea why or what had
changed to trigger it. Anyway, we
played about with different seats on
the bike but it made not a blind bit
of difference. Then I started wearing
padded cycling shorts and they made
a huge difference. I’ve not had a
cheek problem since. They’re just so
supremely comfortable that I always
wear a pair when I’m racing.”
BACK AND CHEST PROTECTORS
“I can’t imagine not wearing either.
There’s no excuse not to wear either
these days as they’ve come on leaps
and bounds, and got smaller, stronger
and more comfortable.
PMF BIKER | 21
TRIED & TESTED
CORNERING MASTERCLASS
TRIED & TESTED
How the California Superbike School will help you master the art of cornering
WORDS: SIMON TOYNE
C
adwell Park is rollercoaster
test of man and machine
cut into the side of the
rolling Lincolnshire Wolds
– sweeping, fast corners mixed in with
tight, technical first-gear hairpins.
Tracks are the ideal place to hone your
riding skills – they offer the chance to
ride the same corner again and again
– and Cadwell has more than its fair
share of right-handers, something I’ve
always had issues with. I’ve been here
a few times on 600s, so I know my
way around, although every time I’ve
been I’ve struggled with two corners
in particular – the Hairpin and Barn.
But today is different. It’s wet, very
wet, and I’m riding my Aprilia RSV-R
Factory for the first time in anger.
I’ve come here to sample the
California Superbike School’s Level
1 course, although the school also
has many more days available at its
spiritual home of Silverstone, and
today promises to be the ideal way
to get acquainted with a new bike,
improve my skills and to nip any bad
habits in the bud.
Wednesday, 7.00am
It’s cold. Proper cold. And it’s wet
too. It’s been raining heavily during
the night, there’s standing water on
the asphalt and it’s drizzling. My
waterproof over jacket is doing a good
job of keeping me dry but I’m still
shivering through my vented one-piece
leathers as I scythe my way through
Lincolnshire’s rural road network. I
peel off at Horncastle, fill my Aprilia’s
tank to the brim and then ride the five
miles to the circuit’s gates.
As I make my way to the noise
testing area sat the top of Cadwell’s
famous Mountain across from the
Clubhouse I scan the selection of bikes
and riders waiting to get their bikes
checked. There’s a healthy turn out and
it’s refreshing to see the weather hasn’t
put people off. The riders are just as
varied as the bikes – seasoned club
racers in scuffed leathers mingling
with newly-passed road riders with
driving licence and sign on before
getting my paperwork, documents and
kit checked over by one of the officials.
8.04am
The safety briefing begins with Glen
Rothwell, California Superbike School
riding coach and classroom guru,
introducing himself and his team of
coaches, before he explains the day’s
schedule and what we can expect. The
theory the school is based on is that
everyone has to start from the very
beginning, regardless of experience
and ability. That means every single
rider starts with a limited drill – riding
round the track using one gear and no
brakes – and from there you change a
single technique each session, slowly
building skills and speed. We’re then
assigned our riding coach for the day
and told to get suited and booted…it’s
time to hit the track. While we’ve been
sat here the school’s teams of coaches
have been busy checking our tyres and
covering up our mirrors and speedos.
virgin sliders.
And then I cast my eyes over the
school’s bikes – a fleet of mean-looking
but absolutely pristine1199 Panigales
and 1200S Monsters, which will be
ridden by the school’s coaches but are
also available for hire by pupils.
I head to Cadwell’s clubhouse, fill
out the disclaimers, hand over my
“Good throttle control is essential
for keeping the bike stable, and
stability is key for good cornering”
22 | PMF BIKER
Above
Coaches circulate in
every session to keep
an eye on students
Middle
The school has
a wide range of
Panigales and
Monsters available
for hire
Bottom
Most sessions are
done with no brakes –
it sounds easy; it isn’t
8.42am
A group of 16 of us slowly join
Cadwell’s narrow, greasy tarmac,
tiptoeing nervously through the damp
Hall Bends before slowing for Barn,
the tight right-hander. I know we’re
not supposed to be using the brakes,
but it’s hard not to grab a comforting
handful before tipping in. It just goes
to show how much of our riding is
based on habit.
After a few sighting laps we pull into
the holding area, park the bikes up
and head to the classroom for our first
seminar.
The first seminar with Glen is all
about throttle control – one of the most
important and overlooked controls
available in a rider’s armoury. Next
time you’re at a trackday keep your
ears peeled for just how many riders
struggle to keep their bikes at constant
revs when they’re noise testing – the
telltale rise and fall of the revs always
gives the hamfisted riders away.
Mastering the throttle is at the heart of
the school’s philosophy. Get this wrong
and you won’t get much from the
remainder of the day. Glen makes it all
sound so simple – good throttle control
is essential for keeping the bike stable,
and stability is key for good cornering.
It’s a mantra that will be repeated
throughout the course of the day.
PMF BIKER | 23
TRIED & TESTED
TRIED & TESTED
12.01pm
The day’s second debriefing. Turns out
I’m countersteering too much, and this
is unsettling the bike. It needs to be a
short, sharp nudge on the bars, pushing
from the wrist and keeping the arm and
shoulder relaxed. Mike O says: “Once
you feel the bike tip in you don’t have to
have any more inputs. You’re pushing
the bars too hard and for too long, and
it’s upsetting the bike. Ease off a bit and
you’ll find it transforms the handling.
The bike will feel sharper and more
responsive.”
9.40am
We hit the track properly for the first
time. We’ll be riding in one gear
only, and we’re not allowed to use the
brakes. The aim is to try and read the
upcoming bends and to control our
entry with the throttle before applying
it smoothly on the exit for good
traction. The sun’s peering through
the thick clouds but it’s still cold, the
mercury in the thermometer barely
reaching double figures. Cadwell Park
is a 2.2-mile undulating assault on
the senses. It’s easy enough to learn
but it’s hard to master. It seems most
of us are all struggling with this most
simple of drills. I know I am. I’m
missing apex after apex, I’m struggling
to fight my natural urge to dab the
brakes before tipping in and there’s no
consistency to my riding. My coach,
Mike O, effortlessly darts in front of
me on the outside of Coppice, taps his
tail to indicate I should follow him
and exaggerates his head position to
show me where I should be looking.
It’s a slow speed riding master class
– Mike O is smooth, confident, but
more importantly, he’s millimetre
consistent.
10.13am
We pull in to the holding area by the
marshals Portakabin for our first postsession briefing. Mike O asks me for
my thoughts and then proceeds to give
his observations on what he’s just seen.
“You started off stiff on the bike and
it’s clear that you like comfort braking.
Why do you do that? You’re not
pressing hard enough to slow down,
so just try and cut it out altogether.
Your lines vary quite wildly, but once
you got used to riding with the one
gear you started to relax, and once you
relaxed you looked more in control.
Stick with it, it will come.”
11am
I take my seat in the classroom for
the next session with Glen, who has
drawn some bends on the whiteboard.
He kicks off by asking us where we’d
all turn in. The answers are as varied
as the bikes we ride. Yes, we all knew
we’d make the bend, but very few of
us give any real thought to where we
end up. And that’s the biggest problem
we face as riders. If you don’t where
you’re going to end up, it’s far too easy
to misread the road, panic, grab a firm
fistful of brake, stand the bike up and
run wide. And the consequences of
running wide can be frightening – it’s
all too easy to run off the road or into
the path of an oncoming car. It’s a very
real danger, and we as riders know
this. It’s why our self-preservation
instinct kicks in and why we often find
24 | PMF BIKER
12.07pm
We’re back in the classroom for the
final theory session before lunch. This
is all about turning the bike quickly,
and reinforces what I’ve just touched on
with Mike O during my last debriefing.
It’s a simple technique – nudge the bar
left to go left, right to go right. Doing
this lets you go deeper into a corner
and turn the bike quicker once you’re
there. By doing this the bike is more
upright, which ultimately makes it
more stable, and as Glen tells us again
‘stability is our friend’. It may seem
odd, and I know enough riders who
resolutely refuse to accept that they
do this, but the fact is that you simply
wouldn’t get round a corner if you
weren’t countersteering already. It’s
simple physics, and Glen will happily
talk you through it at length should you
be so inclined.
ourselves turning in far too early. We
need to start learning to read corners
backwards, thinking about exit points
as well as entry points.
11.41am
We hit the tarmac again, eyes scouring
the asphalt ahead for the big white
chalk marks the coaches have scrawled
on to the tarmac on the entry to the
corners. These will be our turn-in
points. The majority are a fair bit
later than most of us have been
turning in, and it takes a few laps to
get comfortable with this new corner
entry. We’re still limited to one gear
and no brakes. As the laps fly by I’m
confident that I’m hitting the crosses
each and every time, and it’s only when
Mike O blasts past down Park Straight
and urges me to stick to his tail that I
realise I’m still wide of the mark. I’m
still turning in too early, though I’m
flowing nicely through the fast flowing
sections.
Above
The school prides
itself on its
informal nature –
the atmosphere
is relaxed and
welcoming
Middle
After every track
session there’s a
thorough debrief with
your assigned coach
Bottom
Body positioning is
key to unlocking your
bike’s true potential
12.28pm
We head out on track again and try our
hands at turning quicker and sharper.
I focus on relaxing my arms and
shoulders, as per Mike O’s instructions,
and try to nudge the bars using only my
wrists. It works. I’m starting to get more
confident and can control where I want
the bike to go. Lean angle is increasing,
as is my consistency.
12.51pm
I pull into the holding area and the
transformation is amazing. Something’s
clicked and my cornering has come on
leaps and bounds. Admittedly Shakey
Byre’s lap record of 1:26.017 on his
ZX-10R isn’t under threat, but my
riding is noticeably better. The system’s
obviously working.
1pm
Everything stops for lunch. I take the
opportunity to fill the Aprilia again
while everyone’s queuing for lunch, and
then head to the cafe when the rush has
died down. I crack open another bottle
of water, my fourth of the day, and
rehydrate. The clouds break, the sun
shines and I sit on a picnic table trying
to remember everything I’ve covered in
Left
Mike O is typical of
the school’s staff – he
attended every level
as a punter before
joining as a coach
the morning as I soak up some rays.
2.41pm
Seminar four kicks off with Glen
challenging our perceptions about
rider input. We learn that a bike is
inherently stable in a straight line, and
that the only destabilising factor on
the machine is the rider. A common
mistake nearly every rider makes,
me included, is gripping the bars far
too tightly. This ‘death grip’ has a
huge negative impact on the bike as
it stops it correcting itself. This then
creates a viscous circle as we interpret
this as a lack of handling, our fear
levels rise, and we grip the bars even
tighter, preventing the bike from
correcting itself again, and thus the
handling deteriorates even more.
Glen says the solution is simple: relax.
By keeping arms loose and relaxed,
no input is transferred to the bike
and it can act as it pleases, correcting
itself as it goes along. Glen reminds
us of another important factor – keep
breathing. When we get nervous we
stop breathing and tense up, and
this tension manifests itself by the
rider gripping the bars tightly, thus
interfering with the bike’s natural
tendency to sort itself out.
3.03pm
We hit the track again and every
single rider is flapping their arms like
a gaggle of mental geese. We’re still
allowed two gears, but this time we’re
allowed light brakes. Once again the
coaches are spot on, and it’s amazing
how something as simple as relaxing
in the saddle can transform the bike’s
handling. The bike feels more under
control and you’re a lot more dialled
in to what the bike is doing. And even
though we’re allowed brakes this time
out, I’m better able to control my speed
with the throttle, and I’ve managed
to control my natural tendency to
comfort brake.
3.38pm
Mike O backs up what I’m feeling. The
only issue now is my body positioning.
“You’re a lot more confident, and your
lines are much better. What’s holding
you back is your positioning on the
bike. You’re pushing the bike away
from you instead of leaning and going
with it. Try hanging off more and don’t
fight the bike.”
4.12pm
Glen’s back in the classroom for today’s
final seminar – two-step turning. It’s
a simple process and dovetails nicely
with turn points. It goes like this:
select a turn point, slow down, and
then just before turning in look for the
exit. This should have one benefit –
speed. Two-step turning should make
the corner smoother and the enhanced
ability to read the road should result in
more speed. We’re allowed full gears
and brakes, but we’re urged to knock
our riding back. Glen says: “You’ve
been working hard all day and your
concentration will start to go. Ride at
80 per cent and enjoy it. Try two-step
turning, or play with some different
turn points and see where you end up.”
4.35pm
The track has finally dried and there’s
loads of grip to exploit, and as my
speed increases, my right knee is in
almost constant contact with the
asphalt through the right-handers. I’m
also starting to lose my smoothness
and consistency, sacrificing both for
speed, so I knock it back, decide to
stick to two gears and focus all my
efforts on being smooth. The bike
becomes more stable, I’m back in
control and slowly my speed increases
again.
4.58pm
I pull into the paddock and hunt out
Mike O for my final debrief. “You’re
much better. Your body positioning
needs a fair bit of work, but that’s easy
to sort and I reckon we could dial all
the problems out in Level 2. You’re
starting to look really comfortable and
you’re now riding the bike, instead of it
riding you.”
IS IT WORTH IT?
California Superbike School exists to
help riders master the art of cornering.
Their step-by-step training is suited
to all levels of ability and it works…
if you go with an open mind you’ll
see noticeable improvements to your
riding. You’ll be smoother, more
consistent and more confident. I
like the way that the seminars make
you challenge your own ability and
preconceptions and push you to
assess how a bike works. It’s only by
understanding these mechanics that
you can then work out how to fully
exploit your bike to get the most from
your road and track riding.
FIVE TIPS TO ENSURE YOU GET THE
MOST FROM CSS
1) Arrive with an open mind and listen to your instructor.
2) Not sure of something? Ask. There’s no such thing as a stupid
question.
3) Stay hydrated. Track work is thirsty work and you’ll be
working overtime processing and implementing the day’s
different drills. You’ll get hot, sweaty and it’s very easy to get
dehydrated, meaning your concentration (and your riding) will
go to pot. So combat this by taking on plenty of fluids.
4) You’re on track for 20-minute sessions, and in the classroom
for 20 minutes, so use any down time to watch the other
groups on track. It’s amazing how much you can take in
watching the other riders as they pass.
5) Go easy on the lunch. Digesting a big and hearty meal will slow
down your reaction times and come mid-afternoon you’ll be
really struggling to thread everything together on track.
For more details visit
http://www.superbikeschool.co.uk
PMF BIKER | 25
RIDING TO THE MAX
MAX RIDER
Greg Jarrett is one of the faces behind Max Rider, the south west’s one-stop
shop for all your bike training needs. Greg is an experienced rider and in this
column he will be sharing his wisdom to ensure you get more from your riding
WORDS: SIMON TOYNE
“
Getting the most from your bike starts with the
basics – your riding position. You need to make
sure you’re comfortable and a solid riding position
is one of the foundations for safe, fast riding. If
you’re not in the right position every single aspect of your
ride will suffer – vision, comfort, safety and speed. Many
riders get this wrong, and as a consequence they don’t enjoy
their riding as much as they could.
“You need to ensure you’ve got your upper body in the
right position. You need to be in a semi-crouch, which
means you’ll need to lean forward a little. Even if you’re not
riding a sportsbike you still need to crouch.
“Once you’re leaning forward you need to make sure
you’re arms are bent – they need to be parallel to the road,
and this will let you easily steer the bike while maintaining
a feather light grip on the bars. This featherlight touch is
important. If you hold on to the bars, properly grip them,
then all your weight is literally hanging off the bars and
you’re interfering with the bike – the bike won’t steer and
react how it was designed to, or how you want it to.
“Once you’re comfortable you need to work on your lower
half. Ideally you want to be a couple of inches from the tank
with your knees gripping the tank. This locks you onto the
Back on 2 wheels after a winter break?
Lacking confidence with cornering?
Want to polish up your existing skills?
Then come on a DAM skills day!
By participating in one of our Skills Days you will not only get one to one on-road coaching
from an IAM qualified Observer, but also practice slow riding, balance and machine control in
a safe and contained environment. You will be treated to a theory session presented by one of
our senior trainers on cornering, braking and the planned system of riding. We`ll even throw
in lunch and refreshments!
You must hold a full motorcycle license, ride a road legal motorcycle capable of the national
speed limit and not be barred from riding.
The day starts with arrival at the venue between
9am-9.30am and ends by 4.30pm.
Dates available are:
Saturday, 20th June, 18th July, 15th August and
19th September.
We ask for a donation of £25 to help cover our costs for the day and because these courses
fill up quickly you are recommended to book your place as soon as possible.
Email the event coordinator at
[email protected]
for more details and to book your place.
www.advancedmotorcyclists.org.uk
Above
WSBK winner Leon
Haslam’s gaze is
fixed firmly on where
he wants to go
Right
Greg has a wealth
of riding experience
to draw on – it’s
coaching, not training
Left
A solid riding position
is key to getting
the most from your
riding – you need to
be in a semi-crouch,
regardless of what
bike you ride
Max Rider is a rider development scheme with a difference and
prides itself on tailoring its courses to the needs of each rider,
whether that be riding in the wet, cornering, riding with pillions
and so on. Greg Jarrett is an experienced rider and is a former
police motorcyclist with some 10 years service under his belt.
During that time he was in charge of Devon and Cornwall’s
motorcycle unit and he’s now an IAM and RoSPA examiner and a
DSA-registered post test motorcycle instructor. This is the man
the instructors visit to keep them fresh, so he knows his stuff.
Visit maxrider.co.uk or call 01392 444773 for more information.
26 | PMF BIKER
“SKILLS DAY”
bike and takes the weights off your arms.
“Once you’ve sorted your body out we can focus on your
head. A rider’s head, and helmet, weighs quite a bit and this
weight can play a huge role when cornering. You’ll often
hear the phrase ‘look where you want to go’, and it’s true –
riders need to lift their vision as far forward as they can and
look through the corners. By turning your head, and not just
moving your eyes, you’ll give yourself a wider, clearer view
of where you want to go.”
What can
Max
Rider
do for
you?
If you own a sports or high
performance bike and
want to see the road ahead
from a new perspective;
let us share our A
knowledge and day’s
secrets of session
performance with
the Max
riding to help Rider team
you get more involves
out of your plenty of
bike. roadwork
featuring a
range of riding
environments
including:
Cornering clinics
Reading the road
Performance riding to
increase safety margins
Planning for junctions
Hazard avoidance
Overtaking
Urban riding
www.maxrider.co.uk
PMF BIKER | 27
TAUGHT BY THE FUZZ
BIKESAFE
iBIKER
iBIKER
How a BikeSafe course could give your riding a new lease of life
The smartphone app that lets you get more from every ride
B
T
WORDS: SIMON TOYNE
28 | PMF BIKER
his clever FREE app lets bikers from all over the world share
experiences and great routes.
It was funded initially buy the Department for Transport and is
available on iPhone and android platforms.
You can plot routes, highlight points of interest, meeting points, speed
cameras etc. You can also rate routes, share information with others on
Facebook, Flickr and Twitter, and even check the weather.
But there’s also a safety aspect to iBiker. The app uses British EuroRAP
intelligence provided by the Road Safety Foundation to highlight the most
risky roads in Britain. Then there’s the brilliant onboard videos that allow
bikers to familiarise themselves with a route before they ride it themselves.
Creating a route is really easy. On the routes selection screen, click on the
+ sign and the app should know where you are. Move the red crosshair to the
next point and build your route. Once completed you can then save the route
and share it via Facebook and Twitter.
The videos have been taken by experienced riders with local knowledge
and highlight how best to tackle accident blackspots. There’s also a video of
James Toseland talking about pre-ride checks.
A useful Links section helps riders find details of local, national and
international training schemes.
It’s worth pointing out that iBiker is not intended to be a sat nav and does
not provide directions.
All in all this is a handy tool to help you get the most from you ride – and
it’s FREE.
How to become an advanced rider
and level of experience, is to treat the
day like a normal day’s ride and to
ride exactly how you’d normally ride.
There’s no pressure to do anything
fancy, so relax and try and forget
you’ve got a police motorbike directly
behind you.”
It’s good advice as it’s all too easy
to let nerves and the occasion get the
better of you, causing you to tense up
and spoil the ride.
After the ride there’s a full debrief
where your observer will highlight any
issues and suggest ways of improving
your skills. And then a couple of
days after the event you’ll receive a
certificate in the post, and hopefully
you’ll see your insurance premium
come down the next time it comes to
renew your insurance.
Gary says: “There’s a whole host of
post-test training providers nowadays,
whether that be an advanced riding
group, advanced training, trackbased training or whatever, and
hopefully taking part in a BikeSafe
day will spark some lasting interest
in advanced riding. Any form of
advanced training is statistically
proven to make you better equipped
Above
BikeSafe is all about
identifying bad habits
and offering advice,
not lectures
on the road, and while we’re not here
to do any detailed training, we hope to
inspire you to improve your skills.”
A BikeSafe course
costs £35 and each day
is limited to 14 riders.
Course dates are as
follows:
May 17, Truro
June 7, Exeter
June 28, Barnstaple
July 4, Plymouth
]uly 11, Castle Combe
July 19, Tavistock
September 6, Exeter
September 20,
Tavistock
October 4, Truro
October 25, Exeter
Whether you’re a riding enthusiast, someone who enjoys a challenge and if you
want to fulfil your potential as a rider the IAM’s Advanced Riding course could
be for you. The course delivers advanced riding stemming from the police’s
Motorcycle Roadcraft riding manual, helping you to improve your skills,
anticipation, and riding enjoyment.
The course is based on a series of observed rides, leading to
the Advanced Riding test. Once you’ve booked a course, you’ll
be assigned to one of our local groups. You’ll be paired with an
observer from your group, who will accompany you on rides and
advise you on how to improve your riding to the advanced test
standards.
The course costs £149 reduced to £135 with the ride10 discount and
includes as many observed rides as you need to be prepared for the
test, the cost of the final test, a copy of the How to be a better
rider handbook, and your first year’s membership of the
IAM. The main benefit of taking the course is becoming a
safer rider - providing you with the skills, experience and
understanding to quickly adapt to a range of situations.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), is the UK’s
leading independent road safety charity. We exist to
improve the standards of driving and riding on our
roads, and improve the standards of road safety across
the country - primarily through delivery of Advanced
training. We also deliver a range of other training and riding
support, as well as informing and influencing government
and key decision-makers.
For more information or to discuss advanced Motorcycling please contact one of
your local IAM Advanced Motorcycling groups.
Plymouth Advanced
Cornwall Advanced
Devon Advanced
Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists
www.iampam.org.uk
www.cornwalladvanced.co.uk
Email: stefan.pitcher@
cornwalladvanced.co.uk
Tel: 01726 824219
www.advancedmotorcyclists.org.uk
Email: skillsdays@
advancedmotorcyclists.org.uk
Tel: 07753 817294
Email: chair@
iampam.org.uk
Tel: 07854 712047
(covering Postcodes PL1 to PL21
and TQ6 to TQ11)
Save 10% OFF
the IAM Skill
for Life
advanced
riding course
10% OFF
ikeSafe is recognised
as a shining beacon of
motorcycling brilliance
and rightly so – where else
will you get the chance to share the
tarmac with an experienced police
rider casting their trained eyes over
your every move on the road before
delivering an honest assessment of
your riding? Sounds intimidating?
Well, it shouldn’t – these days are all
about fun, feedback and great value for
money.
The days are run by a dedicated
team of police riders and IAM and
RoSPA observers but doesn’t offer any
advanced riding instruction. Yes, there
is a very heavy emphasis on technique
and road positioning, but this isn’t
advanced training and the team offer
no advanced instruction. Instead,
they’re on hand to offer a brutally
honest assessment of every aspect of
your riding, good and bad, with some
useful advice thrown in for free. it’s
then up to you to decide what you do
with all that information.
Each BikeSafe day starts at 9.45am
with a 90-minute session in the
classroom. It’s very informal and
touches on everything from cornering
and braking to riding attitudes and
protective clothing.
Devon and Cornwall BikeSafe
co-ordinator Sgt Gary Williamson
says: “The aim is to break the ice and
get riders, no matter what they ride,
to start thinking about what they’re
doing while they’re riding, how
they can make themselves safer and
identifying hazards on the road.”
After the classroom session and a
quick break it’s time for the real fun
to begin – the observed ride. This is
usually done on a two-to-one basis and
is some three hours long, with the lead
rider dictating the pace.
Gary says: “ There are some cracking
roads right on our doorstep and I can
guarantee that any route we use will be
varied, interesting, and fun. Biking is
about having fun as much as anything
else, and this day has been designed to
reflect this.
“Don’t be put off by the fact we’re
coppers. We’re not here to judge, we’re
here to help, to offer constructive
advice, and to help you get as much out
of your riding experience as possible.
The best piece of advice I can give
any rider, no matter what their ability
WORDS: SIMON TOYNE
To book visit the
IAM Ride web site:
http://www.iam.org.uk/ride
Just enter the code RIDE10
in the promotional code box,
when you checkout, to receive
your 10% discount.
T&C apply, see website.
PMF BIKER | 29
Peninsula
Trauma
Network
Keeping our Trauma Teams skills at an optimum level
requires continual training.
The scenarios used, need to be as realistic as possible and
this is where need your help!
We need old or unwanted Biking Jackets, Trousers or
Full Leathers in XL size.
(Unfortunately we will be unable to return any leathers, as they will be cut apart during the training)
If you have any you would be able to donate, please contact:
Julian Shafee, PTN Co-ordinator at
[email protected] or on 01752 437653
This person is
about to be
hit by a car…
Do you know
what to do?
Motorcyclists make up 1% of all road traffic, but
shockingly 19% of all road accidents involve a
motorcyclists. You could make a difference by updating
your first aid skills.
iCARE supplies motorcyclists with the knowledge and
skills to manage the scene of an accident and administer
first aid until we arrive.
icare
immediate care at the roadside
in an emergency
30 | PMF BIKER
Call 01392 453 842
to book now
business
commercial
and
If you care, we care then I.C.A.R.E
be taught by the professionals
TRAINING
PMF BIKER | 31
BIKER DOWN
CARD SHARP
BIKER DOWN
The FREE first aid course which explains what to do if you’re ever unlucky
enough to be the first person at the scene of a motorbike accident
I
WORDS: SIMON TOYNE
WHAT IS IT?
Biker Down is a first aid scheme run
by firefighters designed specifically
for treating injured riders.
The course is split into three parts,
and lasts some three hours.
DEV
O
you’ll want to avoid removing a lid
wherever possible, but if someone’s
not breathing, chances are they
won’t survive anyway, so removing
the helmet may be the only way to
save them. There’s plenty of chance
to practice each technique under
the watchful eyes of the instructor,
and they’ll only move on once
everybody’s happy.
BE SAFE, BE SEEN
The final session delves in to the
science behind SMIDSY accidents
and explores how riders can make
themselves more visible to other road
users; refreshingly, the answer isn’t
head-to-toe fluorescent clothing.
IS IT FOR ME?
The course is open to everyone,
regardless of ability or the bike
they ride. All three modules are
interactive, while the treatment
element is very hands-on. At the end
of the day, participants receive a free
bikers first aid kit, certificate, a crash
Above
Nobody wants to
come across this, but
if you do you need to
be prepared
card (see opposite page) and a ‘Great
Roads, Great Riders’ rider skills
DVD.
Biker Down is taking place at
Devon travel Academy, Westpoint,
Exeter, on Saturday, June 6. Email
[email protected] or call 01392
444773.
GIVE BLOOD
Emergency services need our help
to ensure they have the tools to do
their job, and one of their biggest
requirements is blood.
Visit www.blood.co.uk to find out
how you can give blood.
And remember to carry a donor
card – www.organdonor.gov.
You CAN make a difference.
REEWHE
E
NF
id
S
LER
32 | PMF BIKER
Join Devon Freewheelers and make a difference
R
TREATMENT
This second session is delivered
by fully-qualified life support
instructors and covers what to do
in various scenarios – if the rider is
injured but talking, if the rider is
injured, but unconscious and so on.
Some of the issues tackled include
trauma and the mechanism of injury,
snatch rescues, basic life support
techniques, CPR and when and how
to remove a crash helmet. Obviously,
T
his scheme could potentially save your life in the
event of a spill, and it couldn’t be simpler. Riders
fill out the crash card – a credit card sized piece of
card which contains space to enter information
which could be vital to paramedics including medical
history, details of any medication, blood group, next of kin
and a contact number – then place the card in the lining of
their helmet.
The rider then attaches a small green dot sticker to the
right-hand side of their helmet, and this alerts paramedics
that the rider is carrying the card.
The card scheme is fundamentally a way to help
paramedics to act fast –especially important if the downed
rider is unconscious or incoherent.
And the really clever bit is that it could also be useful to
carry one in your wallet or in your leathers as the other side
of the card features useful information if you find yourself
first on the scene of an accident.
The cards are free and will be distributed by the Devon &
Somerset Fire & Rescue Motorcycle Advocates at events such
as BMAD, Weston, Exeter, Teignmouth and Plymouth bike
nights, as well as other events across the Counties. You can
also email [email protected] to request a card.
magine riding round a corner
and suddenly being confronted
by a bike peering through a
hedge, engine running and
rear wheel still spinning. Even worse,
imagine your mate in front of you
completely missing the approaching
bend and ploughing straight ahead
into a tree. Not going to happen
to you? Think again – statistically
you’re going to be involved in an
accident every 12,000 miles. So after
pulling up, what should you do?
Welcome to Biker Down, the FREE
motorcycle first aid course designed
by bikers for bikers.
SECURE THE SCENE
This first session looks at scene
management and kicks off covering
the basics like how you can prevent
making a bad situation worse by
getting hurt yourself before moving
on to explain how to assess and
decide on the most appropriate action
to take. After establishing that you’re
not at risk yourself, the next crucial
thing to do is to make sure the bike’s
engine has stopped and assess the
scene – establish how many people
you’re dealing with, how can you
protect the injured rider and other
road users, and an order of actions.
May be you have time to position
your bike safely a fair distance before
the scene of the accident with its
hazard lights on to warn approaching
traffic of the danger ahead.
The FREE medical card for riders
that could potentially save your life
in g
For L
i fe
OUR MISSION:
To continue providing our local community hospitals,
surgeries, nursing homes and patients with the out of
hours care required should blood samples, whole units of
blood, medication, breast milk, patient notes be required for
transporting between hospitals. Ultimately we have a part to
play in a patients care plan, very few patients will ever get
to meet us as we are the unsung hero just delivering what
is required.
Volunteering
with Devon
freewheelers and
knowing that your
contribution can help
save a life is very
rewarding
We have a team of 50 strong riders all who are advanced
motor cyclist. They dedicate their spare time to providing
a weekday out of hours service (17.00 – 07.00) and 24/7
weekend and bank holiday service supporting the NHS in
delivering essential Blood, Samples, Medication and Donor
Breast Milk to hospitals and patients throughout Devon.
Occasionally we are asked to go out of county and further
afield to support the NHS and often work with other Bloodbike
groups to relay essential blood, breast milk, supplies and
medication. If you go to our website there is a story about
Felix who needed care and we were asked to transport to
London, all done free of charge to the NHS but we know how
that saved the life of Felix.
Last year we undertook 2701 missions that saved lives by
providing essential ‘supplies’ within strict time limits to enable
our excellent doctors and nurses to complete their work.
This team is ably supported by a network of 30 volunteers
providing essential fundraising support. Our annual running
cost is £150,000 which is raised through public donation
and is essential in maintaining the fleet of 11 bikes and
two Emergency Support vehicles to the highest possible
standards together with our modest HQ costs and day to
day running costs e.g. Fuel etc.
If you would like to know more please visit our website http://bloodbikes.org
If you would like to help either by riding or with essential fundraising please complete the
volunteer form here http://bloodbikes.org/volunteer-with-us and we will contact you.
PMF BIKER | 33
WHAT’S ON DIARY
PMF BIKER WHAT’S ON DIARY
BMAD
BMAD – RAISING MONIES FOR CHARITABLE CAUSES
Sunday, May 10 – Cornwall Hospice, Southwest
Damerells, Indian Queens, St. Columb, TR9 6TF.
Departing 10am. www.damerells.co.uk
Saturday, June 6 – ‘Come and meet Devon Advanced
Motorcyclists and join us on a ride out’. Meet at Exeter
Services at 9am for a prompt start at 9.30am. www.
advancedmotorcyclists.org.uk
Saturday, July 4 – ‘Come and meet Devon Advanced
Motorcyclists and join us on a ride out’. Meet at Exeter
Services at 9am for a prompt start at 9.30am. www.
advancedmotorcyclists.org.uk
Sunday, July 12 – Devon Air Ambulance Trust ride,
Trago Mills to The Den, Teignmouth.
www.daat.org/daat-motorcycle-ride-out
Thursday, May 14, Thursday, June 11,
Thursday, July 9, Thursday, August 13 –
M.A.G - Barnstaple Bike Nights. The Square Barnstaple
Friday – Armed Forces Bikers, Windy Ridge, A38.
www.facebook.com/events/1024565037568899
BIKE EVENTS
Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3 – BMAD Paignton.
www.bmad.co.uk/festival.html
Saturday, May 30 – Bideford Bike Show.
www.facebook.com/BidefordBikeShow
Saturday, June 27 & Sunday, June 28 – Somerset bike
weekend at Haynes motor museum. Sparkford, Yeovil,
Somerset BA22 7LH www.haynesmotormuseum.com/
Sunday, August 9 – Plymouth Mega Ride, Plymouth Hoe.
www.plymouthmegaride.co.uk
Friday, July 10 & Tuesday, September 8 – Rider
Performance Safety Days Castle Combe Circuit.
www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk
Date still to be confirmed – The Martin Jennings
Memorial Run, September, Garras Warf, Truro.
July (date still to be confirmed) – Rose and Crown Bike
Show, Sanford, Crediton.
BIKE NIGHTS
Bikes Nights from Easter – 6pm to 9pm
Monday – Damerells, Indian Queens, St.Columb, TR9 6TF.
www.damerells.co.uk
Tuesday – Teignmouth Bike Night, Whistle-Stop Cafe,
Teignmouth Railway Station, Teignmouth.
Wednesday – Hayle Bike Night.
Wednesday – Paignton Bike Night. www.bmad.co.uk
Thursday – Exeter Bike Night at Bridge Motorcycles on
the last Thursday of the month.
www.bridgemotorcycles.com
Thursday – RBLB, Cornwall Services,
A30 Victoria near Roche, PL26 8UF.
www.rblr-kernowsquadron.co.uk/bike-nights
Thursday – Plymouth Bike Nights.
Every other week during the season Plymouth Hoe.
www.plymouthbikenights.org.uk
Saturday, September 12 – Ilfracombe Bike Show.
www.visitilfracombe.co.uk/what-is-on/ilfracombe-events/
item/325-motorbike-show
BIKE COURSES
IAM Devon
Saturday, June 20
Saturday, July 18
Saturday, August 15
Saturday, September 19
Advanced Motorcyclists Skills Day
[email protected]
Saturday, July 11 – Police National Bikesafe and track
experience. Castle Combe Racing Circuit
www.bikesafe.co.uk
Sunday, July 5 – Police Bikesafe, Taunton.
Taunton Fire Station
Sunday, September 20 – Police Bikesafe, Taunton.
Taunton Fire Station
These dates and are accurate to the best of our knowledge, please check websites or local press for further details
prior to attending any of these events.
34 | PMF BIKER
Photography: John Clewer / JC Photosport
Monday, April 6 – Cornwall Blood Bike, Damerells,
Indian Queens, St. Columb, TR9 6TF (500 Bikes) from 11am
until 3pm. www.damerells.co.uk
Thursday – Weston-Super-Mare Bike Night.
www.westonbikenight.rblr.co.uk/
MAD (Bikers Make a Difference) the local
Torbay based motorcycle charity started way
back in 2002 with an idea by the founders Kelvin
and Jane Halloran, which was to have a social
gathering of bikers on Paignton Seafront, with the intention
of raising money for charity, whilst having a good time.
Over the years this is exactly what has happened,
Paignton Bike Night finally saw its birth in 2003 and has
gone on to become the longest running and largest regular
social gathering of bikers in the South West of England.
Having donated over £350,000 since its inception, BMAD
has become recognised as one of the major forces for local
charity work in Torbay and South Devon.
Each year on Paignton Seafront there is regularly a mile
of bikes parked side by side every Wednesday evening from
June to Sept.
Every biker who comes through the entrance makes a
donation of £1 which allows BMAD to make a difference to
so many lives across Torbay. The Wednesday evenings have
also become a huge tourist attraction.
Bikers mix with locals and holiday makers alike, the
bikers enjoying chips, coffee or ice cream, the locals walk
their dogs and the holiday makers stroll through the bikes
enjoying the evening sunshine whilst walking off their
evening meals! The atmosphere is wonderful!
BMAD also organise their multiple award winning bike
and music festival, which will take place on Paignton Green
over the early May bank holiday 1st – 3rd May 2015 and
which marks the opening of the BMAD season.
Spread over three days and attracting tens of thousands
of bikers and family visitors, the BMAD Music and Bike
Festival is one of the biggest gigs in the Devon’s social
calendar and, last year, won awards in the ‘Best Event’
categories of both the Devon and Torbay Tourist Awards.
Once again we will have around 15 hours of music on the
running order featuring both national and local talent.
Apart from the bands, there is a lot more to see during the
event, with the main display ring, custom bike show, traders
and of course not forgetting the massive line up of bikes on
the sea front.
Our nominated charities are The Devon Air Ambulance,
St John Ambulance, Devon Freewheelers (aka Blood Bikes)
and Torbay Young Carers, whilst support is also given to
many groups and individuals on a merit basis.
In 2014 bike nights and the festival together raised over
£31,938 for local charities.
Whenever you can, please give generously because ‘Bikers
are making a difference’
Dates for your diary:
BMAD Music and Bike Festival
Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3 2015
"
To advertise your bike event in our next What’s On Diary, please call Nigel Flower on 01392 444773
or 07989 575961, alternatively email [email protected]
ORGANISED RIDES
B
WORDS: JOHN CLEWER
BMAD Paignton Bike Nights are every
Wednesday evening from 6pm onwards,
June 3 – September 23 2015, except
carnival week when it will be on
Thursday, July 30.
BMAD meet every Wednesday evening in
the Spinning Wheel on Paignton seafront
(located opposite the Geo Park), however
during the summer season of bike nights
that changes to a Friday night.
For more information please check our
website at www.bmad.co.uk
or visit our facebook page.
PMF BIKER | 35
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Tel: 01752 485000
www.gtmotorcycles.com
Tel: 01278 457652
www.ridersmotorcycles.com