Royal Mail Releases Triumph Motorcycle Stamps

In celebration of “the glory years of British motorcycle design,” the Royal Mail on July 19 will issue a set of six stamps in its ongoing “Transport” series.

The “Transport” series began in 2001 with stamps picturing buses. Jetliners appeared in 2002. Toys — “Transports of Delight” — were featured in 2003. Classic locomotives and ocean liners were commemorated in 2004.

Now, for the first time, motorcycles will appear on a “special stamp,” or commemorative, set.

Artist Michael English created the detailed illustrations on which the stamp designs were based. The bikes featured and stamp denominations are:

Can Edwards or Hayden Beat “the Doctor” at Laguna?

The last time GP bikes took to the Laguna Seca rollercoaster, the Doohan years were just beginning. Now we are in the fifth season of Rossi domination and the up-coming USGP at the revised and improved Laguna Seca Raceway may offer the best and maybe even the last chance to prevent the 26 year-old Italian superstar from running the MotoGP table.

The Laguna race is supposed to be a Yamaha party, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the factory, but the factory Honda team would love to spoil the party with what would be the first win by a factory Honda since Valentino’s last Honda win on November 2, 2003.

Can Edwards or Hayden Beat “the Doctor” at Laguna?

The last time GP bikes took to the Laguna Seca rollercoaster, the Doohan years were just beginning. Now we are in the fifth season of Rossi domination and the up-coming USGP at the revised and improved Laguna Seca Raceway may offer the best and maybe even the last chance to prevent the 26 year-old Italian superstar from running the MotoGP table.

The Laguna race is supposed to be a Yamaha party, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the factory, but the factory Honda team would love to spoil the party with what would be the first win by a factory Honda since Valentino’s last Honda win on November 2, 2003.

You Are Where You Look

Since racers are more often than not traveling at warp speed, they must anticipate what their racebike is going to do long before it happens-which means looking far ahead of their present location.

We know we’re constantly harping on this subject, but we’ve seen one too many accidents lately that were caused by a rider getting into a corner a little too hot, locking up the brakes and/or straightening the bike, then running off the road. We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to not only look where you want to go, but also to scan far enough ahead of yourself; this is basically a recital of the racing mantra, “Don’t ride the front wheel.”

Bike of the Week: Kawasaki ZX-9R C2

This immaculate ZX-9R is fitted with a Scorpion Exhaust, Carbon Hugger and Smoked Screen. One of the best you will see anywhere.

Colour: Green
Year: 2000
Mileage: 8000
Location: Plymouth
Engine: 899cc in-line four
Power: 143.00hp (104.4kw) at 11000rpm
Cooling System: Liquid
Gearbox: 6-speed
Fuel Capacity: 19.00 litres (5.02gall)
Dry Weight: 183.0kg

GT Motorcycles are offering this bike for £4299.00

If you would like to take a closer look, feel free to drop into our Plymouth showroom, or browse our online selection of bikes on this website.

Bike of the Week: Kawasaki ZX-9R C2

This immaculate ZX-9R is fitted with a Scorpion Exhaust, Carbon Hugger and Smoked Screen. One of the best you will see anywhere.

Colour: Green
Year: 2000
Mileage: 8000
Location: Plymouth
Engine: 899cc in-line four
Power: 143.00hp (104.4kw) at 11000rpm
Cooling System: Liquid
Gearbox: 6-speed
Fuel Capacity: 19.00 litres (5.02gall)
Dry Weight: 183.0kg

GT Motorcycles are offering this bike for £4299.00

If you would like to take a closer look, feel free to drop into our Plymouth showroom, or browse our online selection of bikes on this website.

Braking and Downshifting

Some hints on braking and downshifting from the experts at sportrider.com…

Shifting gears smoothly is one of the hallmarks of a competent rider. Downshifting properly poses the greatest challenge for novices because miscues lead to an unsettled chassis at inopportune times-like entering a corner. What makes the task difficult is the right hand must manage to brake and blip the throttle to match the engine speed to the road speed. Having your hand in the proper position will make the process easier. When the throttle is completely closed, your wrist should still have a slight downward bend (right)-not choked-up drag-racer style (left). Now practice maintaining constant pressure on the brake lever, while quickly rolling the throttle on and off. This is how you’ll match the engine speed to the lower gear, and prevent the front end from bobbing up and down due to uneven brake lever pressure.