A summer of bike shows and modifications are upon us, and so, getting your bike ready for it all is a high priority. Tightening a few bolts, charging the battery, and ensuring its sparkling clean to glint and gleam in the sun.

However, if you’re leaving your bike on its prefitted kickstand whilst you – or possibly numerous people – are all wandering around it, fiddling with this and tweaking that, you don’t want to risk your motorcycle being nudged and knocked over, potentially causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

So, to avoid moments like that, a paddock stand is the perfect item. Used to support your motorcycle, and hold it securely, paddock stands are perfect for carrying out all types of work on your motorcycle, giving you easy access to all parts of your motorcycle, for both repairs and cleaning, meaning your bike will be perfect to show off in the sun.

Paddock stands are also perfect for holding your motorcycle safely if at a show, so that all of your fellow fanatics can bask in the glory of your shiny bike, with no risk of it being knocked over.

So if a clean, repaired motorcycle, an ego boost, and saving hundreds of pounds sounds tempting to you, paddock stands are the perfect solution.

When you’re leaning forward, hitting 70mph with the wind whizzing by as you fly down an empty dual carriageway, the last thing on your mind is superficial damage to your tank, however, once you’re off the bike, the reality will become more clear.

Zips, buttons or studs on your leathers, whilst vital for your safety, can cause a fair amount of scratches on any unprotected  motorcycle tank, potentially ruining the aesthetic appearance of your motorcycle.

This is why, one of the first investments new motorcyclists should make, is to purchase a motorcycle tank pad. Tank pads are rubber pads, which are stuck to your motorcycle tank (as the name suggests) and provide protection from any zips or buttons which could cause damage.

Not only do they provide fantastic protection for your tank, they come in a huge array of designs, shapes, sizes and colours, meaning they look pretty darn cool, and what more could you want?

British summer time is ‘officially’ here, and we are all waiting and hoping that it will kick in over the next few months, giving us some prolonged sunshine, rather than the usual ’2 week’ summer that seems to briefly swing through the UK before leaving us for another 10 months.

With the season almost ready to kick off and motorcyclists all over the country gearing up for what we hope to be a good few solid months of hairpin bends and roaring straights throughout the British countryside, and maybe even further afield throughout the continent. It is vital that you ensure your motorcycle is all tuned up and ready for the onslaught.

Getting the tyres pumped up, filling the tank with fuel and giving it a good clean is going to be on many peoples ‘to-do-list’ for the next few weeks, however there is an important thing to check, which many people will forget, and be let down by.

If you motorcycle has been sat in the garage, not being used, throughout the winter, than it is likely that the battery will be low or worse, flat. Unlike regular batteries in your remote control, which run down through usage, the batteries of motorcycle’s are quite the opposite, when being used the alternator keeps the battery charged and powers the electrical systems, so without usage, the electrodes cannot maintain momentum and the battery will run flat, leaving your plans in tatters.

Ensuring you have a motorcycle battery charger in your equipment should be top of your list preparing for the summer be them 12v trickle chargers or simple accumate’s, topping up the battery will set you free for a summer of motoring, as opposed to sitting home thinking of what could have been.

Why clean your motorcycle?

If you have paid good money for a motorcycle it is always important to make sure it looks its best. It would be a waste to spend so much on a new motorcycle just to let it get dirty. If you are wanting to sell your motorcycle then making it look “spick and span” is a great way to catch a potential buyers eye and could even increase the value or what the buyer is willing to pay. When cleaning a motorcycle you get so much more than just a clean look, you learn more about the parts and are more likely to spot if something is wrong.

What you will need?

A must own tool when cleaning a motorcycle is a paddock stand. A paddock stand is perfect for any and all maintenance jobs and every motorcycle enthusiasts should own one or have access to one. For the best results I recommend using a pressure washer or a high pressure spray nozzle, a paint brush cut down to around 2 inch’s and degreaser to get chain lube and grease off your motorcycle. You will also need a high standard cleaning agent and WD40 as well as some motorcycle shampoo (not washing up liquid as anything that contains salt should be avoided) and a good quality absorbent cloth to soak up access water. To finish off the motorcycle to a high standard you will need a good quality wax.

For tools you will need any and all Allen keys to remove the body work. This is essential as the amount of dirt and grim that gets under the bodywork can be harmful to your motorcycle and removing this will give it the professionally cleaned look.

Step 1 – Make sure you have placed your motorcycle on your paddock stand for ease of access. Connect your hose to a pressure washer or high pressure pray nozzle. Try not to do this after a long ride and it would be ideal if your motorcycle was cold so the soapy water doesn’t dry to quick.

Step 2 – This is very important, apply lube to the chain to prevent the links getting water damage or build up (very important). Use the cut down paintbrush to apply degreaser to any areas with collected grease or oil (most commonly the rear rims front sprockets etc) and gently dab it off. Do not soak the baring’s or the chain as these will dry and seize up.

Step 3 – Now its time to spray your motorcycle with the cleaning agent or soapy water. With this you can go crazy on any areas where dirt has built up and only use a light mist on the areas like the tank, screen and switchgear. Spray as much as you can on the front of the engine as this is where grime collects. If some of the grime refuses to loosen up you can always dab it with a sponge or cloth to help loosen it.

Step 4 – Now its time to fire up the pressure washer and blast away the loose dirt, this will prevent scratching when washing the soapy water with a sponge. Always start at the top of your motorcycle and gradually work your way down but don’t aim directly at the switchgear or any areas with bearings. Also use a softer spray when cleaning the radiator.

Step 5 – Take your motorcycle off of the paddock stand and grab your handlebars firmly. Now you have removed it from your paddock stand and have a hold of your motorcycle, lean it to the side and onto your knee. This will help your motorcycle dry off . Once you have done one side make sure you do the other side. Now you have dripped off the access water put your motorcycle back onto your paddock stand and remove all fairing. Soak up excess water with a cloth and make sure you concentrate on your engine as this is a lot more important than bodywork.

Step 6 -Apply your cleaning agent to areas which couldn’t be reached with the fairing on. These areas should be things like the radiator and cylinder head. Use the washer to to blow all the cleaning agent off but take car not to hit delicate part’s of your motorcycle such as the battery, it would be a good idea to protect these areas with plastic bags.

Step 7 -Mix the motorcycle shampoo with warm water in a bucket and use a clean sponge or cloth for cleaning. Wash the panels you have removed and then rinse it off with clean water. Leave them to dry and wash the rest of your motorcycle and again rinse with clean cold water.

Step 8 – Remove access water and when your motorcycle is dry apply the WD40 to any working parts such as the switchgear and throttle. Make sure your motorcycle is as dry as possible before applying the WD40.

Step 9 – Now the body work is dry from earlier you can put it back on your motorcycle again and grease up the fastener threads. Make sure you also grease up areas like pivots.

Step 10 – Motorcycle’s will get scratch’s over time because of loose gravel and grit on the roads but if you see one you could always give them a touch up with paint from your local dealer. For the small scratches you can always try to buff them out while washing your motorcycle and use T-cut renovation cream if you have any.

Step 11 – Now it’s time to get busy with your polish or wax to make sure it shimmers and shines in the light. Make sure you take your time when applying your wax or polish as you want it to look its best.

Finished

Now you have finished it is time to enjoy the look of your freshly cleaned motorcycle, if done properly it should look as good as a motorcycle in a showroom with a shine that the sun glimmers off. I would recommend you do this at least once per month or if you are going to sell you motorcycle the day before someone comes round to see it. The more often you do clean your motorcycle the more you will lean about it and also grow attached to it.

If you are in need of some paddock stands they have a large selection for sale in the link. For cleaning agents they can also be bought on that website but there are plenty of cleaning agents all over for,  perfect for every part of your motorcycle, from screen cleaner and leather wipes, right down to alloy wheel wax.

Motorcycle covers can be used to help protect your motorcycle especially in these dreadful conditions. Here in the UK we have suffered really bad snow and high gust’s of wind which can cause damage to your motorcycle. Not to mention the usual British tradition of rain through all seasons (its not looking to bad at the moment though) which will eventually lead to your motorcycle being damaged if it isn’t cared for properly.

The best thing to do with any motorcycle would be to keep it in a garage or a safe place where the weather carn’t get to it and damage it. However not everybody owns a garage but there are some cheaper alternatives to buying one.

One of the best forms of protection against the elements when leaving a motorcycle outside would be to use a motorcycle cover. Motorcycle covers come in many shapes and size’s so make sure you check which one would be best for your motorcycle before buying one. When choosing a motorcycle cover check that it will fit your motorcycle, this may sound strange but a cover would be no good to you if it is to small to cover your bike.

Depending on what you are wanting to protect your bike from should depend on which range of motorcycle covers you should buy. If you are wanting to keep it outside and safe from the rain then a waterproof motorcycle cover would be the better option. These come in all shapes and sizes but attractiveness shouldn’t be your main concern, its only to protect your bike when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

You can also get motorcycle dust covers which would normally be used to stop loose grit, mud and obviously dust from clogging up your bike. These would be a good idea should we have a dry and sunny patch or if you want to keep your bike extra protected when in a garage.

As well as motorcycle covers you could always but a paddock stand to keep your motorcycle elevated off the ground, this would help protect the tyre pressure when leaving it for a long period of time but i always think its better to be safe than sorry and do checks on your bike should it have been left alone for a while.

Other than motorcycle covers there are also bar muffs and handlebar muffs which can be used as added protection but is not really important. Hopefully this year we will have a summer where we don’t have to worry about the rain but as the British weather is more unpredictable than Lady Gaga choosing an outfit i wouldn’t count on it.

Yamaha is celebrating its second consecutive year at the top of the sales charts and with a change in the management structure is aiming for the hat-trick by maintaining its position in 2011. As reported last month, Yamaha UK’s Managing Director Andy Smith has been promoted to Vice President Sales and Marketing Operations at Yamaha Europe based in Amsterdam. Andy aims to be spending four days a week on the European job and then one day a week supporting the UK operation back at Brooklands. Moving up to PTW Divisional Manager is Adam Kelley, who has worked his way through the ranks over a ten year period, starting out as Area Sales Manager for the South West.

In fact, Adam’s industry heritage goes back further than that, from working in the local bike shop down in Newton Abbott after leaving college and surviving a number of takeovers to become a Branch Manager for the Motorcycle City Group. Throughout that period, Yamaha was always his focus so when the South West ASM opportunity arose it was an easy decision to go for it.

Over the following years Adam’s area spread to cover the South East and London, then back to the South West again before taking the step up to National Sales Manager two years ago.

The new National Sales Manager is Stuart Swaby who has been Sales Manager with the Yamaha marine division for two years.

The ASM team remains the same with Zoe Tetlow covering London and the South East, Symon Charles covering Wales and the South West, Martin Wood covering the North and Scotland and Paul Cross covering the Midlands.

“We aren’t going to be making any changes to the way we are operating now,” says Adam. “Why change a successful formula?

Yamaha’s dual level dealer network is working well for everyone it seems. The growing band of Lightweight Dealers are able to stock all motorcycles up to 125cc and all scooter models and these are mostly new dealers you have previously held European or smaller franchises. There are currently 26 Lightweight Dealers and 117 Full Line Dealers and there are no plans to cut the network.

“We can expect some dealers to move from one group to the other over a period of time, but we certainly aren’t looking to cut the network, as we are still looking at ways of increasing the market and our share of it,” explains Adam.

Motorcycle helmets have come a long way since 1885 when Gottlieb Daimler created the first ever motorcycle helmet. Speed was clearly not an issue back then but as time goes by so does the demand for more speed and improved protection for motorcyclists. Now in the modern day motorcycle helmets are not only important but they are required but the law and they have saved thousands of lives.

Motorcycle helmets may not be the most practical of things but they do offer safety and save lives which is what is most important. But as times have changed and technology has become more and more advanced motorcycle equipment has revolutionised as well. It wasn’t to long ago when all you could do with a motorcycle helmet is wear it, now there are many features and additional extras which have made helmets more practical.

One of the biggest industries in the world is mobile phones and when riding a motorcycle it become’s nearly impossible to answer the phone while riding. By the time you have pulled over to a safe spot and took your helmet and gloves off the caller has probably hung up. Now with some helmets they offer the ability to sync bluetooth items to your helmet. This means while you are riding you can easily answer the phone hands free and still concentrate on the roads while taking them important phone call. Not only can you sync your phone to some helmets but there is also the ability to sync MP3 players and your GPS to make riding more enjoyable and easier to find wear your destination is which is fantastic for couriers.

Not only are there new features but there are plenty of design’s and different models available such as full face helmets, open face helmets, half helmets, motocross helmets and many more. Many people have more than just one helmet and depending on the weather or ride they get the option to choose how they look. Just like everything in the world branding has become a big seller and with many top brands such as Arai helmets, Shoei helmets, Caberg helmets, Scorpion helemts, Icon helmets and more dominating the motorcycle helmet industry and trying to vouch for your money.

Technology will continue to change over the up coming years and motorcycle helmets will surly change with it. Over the next 10-15 years it wouldn’t surprise me if some motorcycle helmets come with built in sat navs. Technology already exists like this on mobile phones, you can point your phone in-front of you and on the screen there would be a path that shows you where to go to your destination. They could quite easily incorporate this into a helmet so the visor comes up with a line of the best route to take.

With all of these new features and brands it is clear to see how motorcycle helmets have progressed over the years but one factor which seems to be less important to helmet dealers is safety. Safety is the only reason we wear a helmet yet the promotion of safety seems to be dwindling and new features seem to be the main focus now. When purchasing a motorcycle helmet make sure you remember why you are buying it so a sales rep cannot deter your focus onto something else. If you get easily swayed by sale rep’s it might be an idea buying online where they cannot influence you.

In the snowy and icy conditions safety is one of the most important factors and ensuring you have the right type helmet and protection. If you would like a helmet that offers great protection and features then Caberg helmets would be a good choice. When looking for a motorcycle helmet the most important thing is thats its safe and you feel comfortable with it.

Big-inch V-twin Honda VT1300CX carries custom cool to a new high
Honda (UK) Motorcycles has announced an exciting and new V-twin custom model – the radical Honda VT1300CX – to the UK for 2010.

For many years the chopper motorcycle has summed-up a particular breed and passion of two-wheeled cool. Many are home-built machines – some made to quite basic specifications. But with the VT1300CX you can have all the presence and pose of a chopper, but with the reassurance of Honda’s enviable style and build quality.

The VT1300CX is a whole new breed of cruiser, showing Honda’s wild side and playing on the popular chopper genre. The machine is powered by a 1312cc 52-degree fuel-injected V-twin found in the popular VTX1300 machine, but featuring re-profiled camshafts and a new exhaust system. The single-pin crank gives the bike a unique sound which growls through the machine’s twin stacked pipes. Meanwhile, the radiators for the liquid-cooled machine are neatly tucked out of sight for a more ‘traditional’ look. It also boasts a new programmed fuel injection system, further contributing to the impressively low fuel consumption of 56.5mpg*.

For cruisers and choppers, style is king and the head-turning looks, coupled with great attention to detail of the VT1300CX, are a milestone. The overall classic profile accentuates the whole chopper look. This is thanks to the widely-raked front forks, the small, high-set 12.8-litre fuel tank which sits behind the single chrome headlight, down to the striking nine-spoke front and seven spoke rear wheels. Dominating the mid-section is the punchy V-twin motor, while the slim front tyre is exaggerated by the fat and wider rear tyre. The whole look is completed with a ‘hard-tail’ look rear-end and an LED tail-light.

The long, low chassis is lean with its stretched-out wheel base and sleek lines, which cloak a single shock rear suspension system with an aluminium swing arm and adjustable rebound and preload adjustment. This combination provides riding comfort that’s far above the norm for a chopper.

The VT1300CX – with its great package of looks, sound and feel – is effectively Honda’s first factory-finished chopper and has the longest wheelbase of any production Honda ever – a full 1805mm between both axles. But, despite this and its radical looks, it’s still a Honda, which means the ultimate in performance and poise as well as good fuel economy, with fun and easy of riding and assured handling.

For customers who want to add an individual touch to their VT1300CX and make it even more unique, a range of accessories will be available to include:

• A tubular chrome backrest and optional backrest pad for pillion comfort
• A wide, low screen with chrome stars for protection from the elements when cruising the streets
• Colour-matched front spoiler for increased custom appearance
• Chrome-plated steel rear fender to complete the solo-seat look

The VT1300CX will be available in two colours – the striking glint blue wave metallic provides an eye-catching option, while the graphite black accentuates its extravagant styling. The price of this new model will be announced later in the year.

Terms of reference and call for evidence

In January 2009 the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) announced that the motorcycle test would be split into two parts: Module 1 contains the specified manoeuvres element of the test including exercises designed to assess the rider’s ability to control their machine safely, including avoidance and emergency stop exercises; and Module 2 includes an eyesight test and at least 30 minutes of on-road riding, assessing the rider’s ability to safely interact with other road users. This took effect in April 2009. The decision to split the test in two is the result of changes to the practical driving test for motorcyclists introduced this year as a consequence of the European Second Driving Licence Directive – though the decision to deliver the new test in two parts and via multi-purpose test centres was taken by the Government, following two rounds of consultation.

Concerns have been expressed that there are too few test centres and that some test candidates are now required to travel long distances to reach their nearest test centre. Concerns have also been raised about the safety of riders taking the off-road test, particularly the ‘swerve and stop’ test.

The Transport Committee will hold an inquiry into current motorcycle testing arrangements. In particular:

1. Has the DSA interpreted the EU Second Driving Licence Directive correctly and applied it appropriately?
2. Are the off-road motorcycle tests safe and appropriate?
3. Is the number of motorcycle test centres adequate and are the locations satisfactory?
4. What is the impact of the recent changes in motorcyclist testing?

Interested parties are invited to submit evidence by Tuesday 22 September 2009.

Guidance on submitting written evidence

It assists the Committee if those submitting written evidence adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Submissions should be as short as is consistent with conveying the relevant information. As a rough guide, it is usually helpful if they can be confined to six pages or less. Paragraphs should be numbered for ease of reference. A single-page summary of the main points is sometimes helpful.
   The submission should be in a form suitable for monochrome photocopying.
2. Evidence should be submitted in Word or Rich Text format, by e-mail to transev@parliament.uk. The body of the e-mail should include a contact name, telephone number and postal address. It should be absolutely clear who the submission is from, particularly whether it is on behalf of an organisation or in the name of an individual.
3. Once accepted by the Committee, written evidence becomes the Committee’s property and it may decide to publish it or make other public use of it. You should not publish evidence submitted to the Committee. If you wish your submission, or any part of it, to be treated as confidential, then please indicate this clearly when you submit it.
4. Though the Committee is happy to receive copies of published material, formal submissions of evidence should be original work and not published elsewhere.
5. Committee staff are happy to give further advice on any aspect of the Committee’s work by phone or e-mail.

More detailed guidance on giving evidence to a select committee is available on-line at: http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/witnessguide.pdf

FURTHER INFORMATION:

1. Committee Membership is as follows: Mrs Louise Ellman (Chairman)
   (Liverpool, Riverside), Mr David Clelland (Tyne Bridge), Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering), Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington), Mr Eric Martlew (Carlisle), Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin), Ms Angela C Smith (Sheffield, Hillsborough), Sir Peter Soulsby (Leicester South), Graham Stringer (Manchester, Blackley), Mr David Wilshire (Spelthorne), Sammy Wilson (East Antrim).
2. Transcripts of evidence sessions for the Committee’s inquiries can be found on the Committee website at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmtran.htm

Committee Website: http://www.parliament.uk/transcom/

Watch committees and parliamentary debates online: http://www.parliamentlive.tv

Publications / Reports / Reference Material: Copies of all select committee reports are available from the Parliamentary Bookshop (12 Bridge St, Westminster, 020 7219 3890) or the Stationery Office (0845 7023474). Committee reports, press releases, evidence transcripts, Bills, research papers, a directory of MPs, plus Hansard (from 8am daily) and much more, can be found on http://www.parliament.uk

Santa Pod Raceway may be the home of European Drag racing, but there’s still one event every year that impresses even the most hardened of fans; The Main Event on Friday 22nd to Monday 25th May. This is the first round of the prestigious European Drag Racing Championship and features the largest race entry and most packed Motorsport paddock anywhere in Europe! Over 250 teams, and 15 race classes make this event unrivalled for both the quality and quantity of racing.

Exemplifying the very greatest, fastest, loudest and craziest spectacles in drag racing, the entire weekend gathers the most brutal machines in Europe and pits them head to head in an epic display of rubber burning, nitro-snorting insanity! Both cars and bikes are represented, with some of the entrants able to hit an incredible 300 mph in just 5 seconds!! If this wasn’t impressive enough, on the track in-between the racing will be the awesome Fireforce and Firestorm Jet Funny Cars, plus Ronnie Picardo’s gravity defying Wheelie Truck.

Off-track action is equally as exciting with loads of entertainment and attractions aimed squarely at families looking for a great weekend away. Full camping facilities are available and under 16s even go for free! There’s fun for the whole clan with Kids entertainment, side shows, traders, Fun Fair and full catering & bar facilities all weekend with evening entertainment in Fuelers Bar on Saturday and Sunday.

Adrenaline junkies will also love the car crushing Monster Trucks Podzilla and Red Dragon attempting to out jump each other in the Live Action Arena, along with the world record breaking Stunt Driver Terry Grant and Trials rider Chris Doney.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will also be making fly pasts with a Lancaster, Hurricane & Spitfire on Saturday and Monday afternoons, plus a Hurricane on Sunday. Don’t miss a chance to see these iconic aircraft in action.

Advance ticket prices start from just £27 for the action packed Saturday or Sunday, with both days totalling £49 and the entire 4 day event costing just £55. With the kids getting on for free, It could be the best May Bank holiday you’ve ever enjoyed!

For more details please visit www.santapod.com or call the team on 01234 782828.

Bike Classes Include:

• UEM Supertwin Bike – Thundering 700bhp motorcycles
• UEM Top Fuel Bike – 200mph, 1000bhp drag bikes
• UEM Pro Stock Bike – Screaming, petrol-burning motorcycles