BMF Welcomes Speed Camera Rethink
The British Motorcyclists Federation has welcomed the announcement by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling that there is going to be more flexibility over speed camera policy.
Over-hyped by the over-zealous, speed cameras, sited sensibly, can nevertheless reduce speed-related accidents say the BMF, but news that cameras will now be seen as only part of local road safety schemes and not treated as the automatic panacea to road casualty reduction, is a welcome change in policy.
MCI URGES MINI-MOTO CAUTION
Here’s some seasonal advice from the MCI, who are keen to see parents thinking safety when it comes to buying mini motorcycle sand ATVs at Christmas.
The Motor Cycle Industry Advises Mini-Bike Caution at Christmas
Christmas is coming and the Motor Cycle Industry (MCI) is warning ‘buyers beware’ and encouraging extra vigilance when buying mini bikes for children.
MCI is aware that there has been a massive increase in the import of poor-quality copies of these very small 2-wheelers, from around 7,000 in 2001 to 70,000 in 2004. These machines are often sold at very low prices, from as little as around £100, via mail-order or internet outlets with no local retail presence or specialist training.
MCI URGES MINI-MOTO CAUTION
Here’s some seasonal advice from the MCI, who are keen to see parents thinking safety when it comes to buying mini motorcycle sand ATVs at Christmas.
The Motor Cycle Industry Advises Mini-Bike Caution at Christmas
Christmas is coming and the Motor Cycle Industry (MCI) is warning ‘buyers beware’ and encouraging extra vigilance when buying mini bikes for children.
MCI is aware that there has been a massive increase in the import of poor-quality copies of these very small 2-wheelers, from around 7,000 in 2001 to 70,000 in 2004. These machines are often sold at very low prices, from as little as around £100, via mail-order or internet outlets with no local retail presence or specialist training.
Low Seat Enfield Bullet 500
Royal Enfield UK have developed a low seat option for their popular new Bullet Electra-X 500cc single, in response to demand from the British public.
The average UK male is 5’9” (1.75M) and the average female is 5’4” tall (1.6M) and although the Bullet’s standard 82cm seat is not tall by modern standards, riders of less than average height sometimes struggle. The new low seat option makes the machine far more manageable for shorter riders and can significantly increase confidence.
The low seat option reduces the seat height by 4” (10cm) to just 72cm, comparable to a Harley Davidson XL1200R Sportster (at 71.4cm) and 5cm lower than the Triumph Bonneville (77.5cm).
Autosport Show 2006
Autosport International 2006, 12-15 January, is storming forward, with more launches than ever before. A host of international drivers and top-flight cars from across the spectrum of motorsport are also lining up to attend the show, which is held at the NEC in Birmingham.
The biggest-ever collection of more than 600 performance and racing cars will be seen at the show. Some of these astonishing cars will be unveiled to the world for the very first time, while others will be making their UK debut. One of the headliners will be French manufacturers Ligier, who will make their first appearance at Autosport International and unveil the JS49 Sport Prototype.
Ducati at the Crossroads
What does the future hold for Ducati? Comment and analysis by Alastair.
2005 has been an eventful one for Ducati and disappointing in many ways - not least in selling motorcycles, never mind losing the WSB title.
The recent announcement by the Italian bike maker that InvestIndustrial Holdings are keen to buy out the 33% Texas Pacific Group stake, seems like progress - but is it?
Anyone can see that the Italian motorcycle/scooter industry is in decline, with their volume scooter production likely to be swallowed up, or largely priced out of business by cheaper Chinese competition in a matter of a decade, or less.
Ducati at the Crossroads
What does the future hold for Ducati? Comment and analysis by Alastair.
2005 has been an eventful one for Ducati and disappointing in many ways - not least in selling motorcycles, never mind losing the WSB title.
The recent announcement by the Italian bike maker that InvestIndustrial Holdings are keen to buy out the 33% Texas Pacific Group stake, seems like progress - but is it?
Anyone can see that the Italian motorcycle/scooter industry is in decline, with their volume scooter production likely to be swallowed up, or largely priced out of business by cheaper Chinese competition in a matter of a decade, or less.
