THREE CHANCES TO WIN £20.99 WORTH OF SDOC100 GEAR FREE

HELPING YOU GET MORE FROM BIKING ISSUE 01

TECHNIQUE CALIFORNIA SUPERBIKE SCHOOL TESTED

TRIED AND TESTED SCOTT

REDDINGMOTOGP STAR SHARES HIS KIT HINTS AND TIPS PLUS KIT ADVICE NEW METAL TECH WATCH NEW AND 2015’S FOCUS ON USED KIT NEW BIKES TYRES OUR VERDICT OUR GUIDE TO OUR GUIDE ON CLOTHING 2015’S KEY NEW TO TYRE AND GEAR MODELS PRESSURES WELCOME Devon Air Trust WELCOME Welcome to PMF Biker, your new FREE magazine made by bikers for bikers. Produced 10thMotorcycle Ride Out twice a year, and funded by the Peninsula Road Safety Partnership, we aim to promote Sunday 12 July 2015 the joy of motorcycling with a heavy emphasis on improving rider ability and safety or this, our inaugural issue, we’ve spent some Sponsored by time with British MotoGP hard charger and HRC THE TEAM Factory rider looking at the kit he Contents 2015’s key new bikes 4 swears by. Simon Toyne, editor F Tested – 848 8 We’ve also cast our eyes over 2015’s hottest bikes. For years Rode some 125,000 miles on The Knowledge – Tyres 10 we’ve been told that sportsbikes are in terminal decline as some 120 different bikes during Tried & tested – new and used kit 12 sales dwindled and thousands of riders ditched their pocket a four-and-a-half year stint as rockets and switched to the ubiquitous adventure bikes. But Competition corner – an editor on RiDE magazine. this year the manufacturers have struck back offering state-of- win with PMF 16 Loves V-Twins and trackdays. the-art machinery bristling with cutting edge technology and Kit advice with Scott Redding 19 Rides a Ducati 749S and an sophisticated rider aids. Bikes like Aprilia’s RSV4, BMW’s California Superbike Aprilia RSV-R Factory. S1000RR, Ducati’s 1299 Panigale, ’s RC213V-S, School tested 22 Kawasaki’s H2 and H2R and Yamaha’s R1 have significantly Better riding with Max Rider 26 John Owen, photographer moved the game on and created an intense interest in BikeSafe 28 John is an experienced sportsbikes. And these bikes matter, as the technology they iBiker 29 photographer and passionate use will eventually trickle down to nakeds, adventure bikes, Biker Down 32 sports bike rider. Rides a mint tourers and the likes. Turn to page 4 for more on this year’s Crash cards 33 Yamaha R1. best new metal. What’s On Diary 34 We’ve also spent time with the California Superbike School BMAD (Bikers Make a Difference) 35 Rachel Cope, contributor at Cadwell Park. The school’s reputation is second to none so Our resident new rider, Rachel we went to see whether it can live up to the hype. The results Visit us online at passed her test in January are on page 22. www.bikefan.co.uk 2013. Rides a Honda CBR600F. We hope you enjoy the mag. If you have any feedback Follow us on Twitter email [email protected] @SimonToyne23 Gary Hartshorne, contributor See you on the road. Gary is Bridgestone’s product manager and a mine of knowledge for all things rubber- related. A handy road rider with a passion for off-roading. * Trago Mills, Newton Abbot to The Den, Teignmouth £5 Peninsula Forum entry 83 mile route across Devon’s beautiful countryside PO Box 206 Plymouth PL6 5WY Telephone 01752 765710 LIVE MUSIC Fax 01752 765735 *SPECIAL OFFER* Email: [email protected] Trade stands * Refreshments www.peninsulamotorcycle Pre register on-line for your forum.co.uk free t-shirt at www.daat.org Please follow us: Advertising Register on the day from 9-10.30am Nigel Flower #daatrideout Tel. 01392 444773 or Ride Out starts at 11am 07989 575961 Could you be a Please note t-shirts are not included Email: nigel.flower@ if registering on the day and will cost £5 devon.gov.uk marshal for this event? Please subject to availability. Designed & Printed email [email protected] DPS Digital. Tel. 01529 300452. Registered Charity No: 1077998 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 Promoting riding safety for Devon Air Ambulance Trust 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.

02 | PMF BIKER PMF BIKER | 03 NEW METAL NEW METAL HONDA RCV213-S KAWASAKI H2

Kawasaki have unveiled the road version of their supercharged NEW METAL 300bhp track-only H2R. The H2’s engine, which is essentially This year promises to be a golden year for sportsbikes with the majority of 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. manufacturers launching new models bristling with sophisticated technology The bike shares the H2R’s sophisticated electronics package and cutting-edge rider aids. We take a look at 2015’s most exciting new bikes including multi-level traction control, launch control, engine braking control, ABS, quickshifter and an electronic steering damper by Öhlins. Brakes are Brembo, with 330mm semi- YAMAHA YZF-R1 floating discs up front, and a 250mm rear disc. It also features a single-sided , a first for Kawasaki, KYB suspension front and rear and a fully adjustable rear, and high-tech mirror- Yamaha have unveiled their flagship all-new control, wheelie control, quick shifter, launch finished silver paint. The bike is expected to be available in the 2105 YZF-R1. control, ABS and a unified braking system. UK in limited numbers and will cost in the region of £25,000. The bike is powered by a 998cc inline four It also features a TFT LCD display, four cylinder crossplane crankshaft engine riding modes and a front cowl with LED kicking out some 200bhp without the use headlights. Yamaha claim the bike will weigh of ram induction. The crossplane engine’s just 199kg fully fuelled, thanks to lightweight uneven 270° – 180° – 90° – 180° firing components such as its titanium exhaust sequence gives each piston and conrod its system, magnesium wheels, aluminium fuel own individual and separate movement to tank and Deltabox frame. Honda have finally unveiled their long awaited MotoGP-inspired create stronger low to mid range grunt. The It will be joined by the limited edition YZF- production bike.The road-going bike is based on the championship- engine is fitted with titanium fracture-split R1M which is a more extreme version of the winning RCV213V Factory MotoGP bike as raced by Marc Marquez and connecting rods, which is 40% lighter than new R1. The R1M will come with electronic , and is essentially a race bike with lights. The prototype steel, and this major reduction in weight Öhlins racing suspension, carbon bodywork, was riden on to the stage by recently-crowned back-to-back GP world gives the new engine an extremely responsive and a comprehensive datalogging function champion Marquez and though details have yet to be released, we do and potent character at high revs. that allows riders to record a wide range of know the bike features carbon-fibre bodywork. The bike is expected to This is a bike heavily influenced by Rossi’s data, including lap times, speed, throttle use a V4 engine and has been developed by Honda Motor and HRC. M1 and is rammed with technology taken position, GPS tracking and lean angle. or track session and make any necessary from Yamaha’s involvement in the MotoGP Data can be viewed, compared and shared adjustments. Riders can also use this as a series – the first ever six-axis Intertial on a tablet using a wireless connection means of communicating with the Yamaha Measurement Unit on a production bike, with the R1, enabling riders to Ride Control (YRC) system and viewing, banking sensitive traction control, slide analyse the previous race 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.

04 | PMF BIKER PMF BIKER | 05 NEW METAL NEW METAL GSX-R APRILIA RSV4 RR APRILIA TUONO APRILIA TUONO V4 1100 RR Aprilia V4 1100 FACTORY The big news have given from Suzuki is their the launch of flagship The Factory is their GSX-R RSV4 a essentially a V4 powered S1000 significant 1100 Tuono RR with and S1000F upgrade added attitude. It bikes. The GSX- for 2015. comes with Öhlins 1000 is a naked The new suspension (forks, bike while the bike gets rear shock and GSX-1000F more steering damper), is a sports power, upgraded brakes tourer with a producing (Brembo monobloc full fairing. 201 bhp, M432 calipers), Both bikes 16bhp lightweight forged use a detuned more aluminium wheels 999cc engine than its predecessor. It’s also 1.5kg lighter than the model it and eye-catching from the 2008 replaces – the camshaft has a new profile and is now 0.5kg Superpole graphics. GSX-R1000 lighter, while the connecting rods have also been trimmed that’s been optimised to produce more lowdown grunt. It’s housed in an by 0.4kg. The bike also gets a new airbox, injectors, all-new aluminium frame chassis and features a three-way selectable traction intake ducts, titanium valves with new valve springs and The RR is the new designation for the standard Tuono, which gets control system, something even the GSX-R1000 doesn’t have. Suspension redesigned heads. The bike boasts an updated second an additional 5bhp to take its total output to 175bhp. It also gets an work is done by a KYB shock that has adjustable preload and rebound, as generation APRC electronics system and the swingarm has BMW S1000RR enhanced APRC electronics package, a new front fairing and tail unit well as fully-adjustable forks up front, while braking duties are taken care of been lengthened by 14mm, though the rest of the chassis taken from the RSV4 RR, a 15mm lower seat and 15mm narrower by Brembo monobloc calipers. remains untouched. Although the bike looks similar to the BMW’S already handlebars. The new bike is equipped with Sachs suspension front and outgoing RSV4, the RR features an all-new front with new brilliant S1000RR rear, and a 6mm longer swingarm. mirrors with built-in LED indicators, a new LED parking gets a midlife light and a redesigned frontal fairing for better wind overhaul for 2015. protection. The 998cc inline- APRILIA RSV4 RF four engine has been tweaked to create Ducati’s new How do you DUCATI 1299 PANIGALE an additional 6bhp Multistrada make Aprilia’s – peak power is now features RSV4 RR even 199bhp, while peak Desmodromic Ducati have better? Easy – torque is at 83lb.ft Variable just revealed add the Noale with a wide torque Timing (DVT) their new company’s plateau between – the first time 1299 Panigale Aprilia Race 9500rpm and variable valve superbike. Package. The 12,000rpm, thanks technology The 1299 kit adds Öhlins largely in part to the new, larger airbox. It’s now some 4kg lighter too, has debuted Panigale uses suspension, with most of the weight loss coming by ditching the front silencer on a V-twin the powerplant lightweight on the exhaust. The frame is lighter too, and boasts a new chassis powerplant from the 1199 forged geometry for improved handling. Other changes include revised – cornering Panigale, aluminium styling – the S1000RR’s distinctive asymmetrical headlights have ABS, Ducati rebored to wheels and been swapped over – news plastics and a lighter battery. Three-mode corning lights, 1285cc to a special eight-level traction control and race ABS come as standard, while two further produce 205bhp ‘Superpole’ wheelie control, a shorter beak, and a full LED modes and BMW’s semi-active suspension are available as an option. and 107 lb.ft paint scheme that honours Aprilia’s racing successes. The RF will headlight unit. The Multistrada S also gets a The optional extras package also includes launch control, a pit lane of torque. The be a limited edition bike, and only 400 units will be produced. Bluetooth connection which allows owners to new bike gets cornering ABS and wheelie control, limiter and cruise control. The new S1000RR’s arrival makes the end download an app that records data which can then new electronics and a quickshifter that now works of the HP4, which is discontinued. be uploaded and shared with social networks. But on the downshift. There will also be a Panigale 1299 it’s the Ducati’s DVT system that catches the eye. S, which comes equipped with semi-active Öhlins The system can change the intake and exhaust suspension, an autoblipper, cornering ABS and the BMW S1000XR timing independently, and across the whole of wheelie control from the Superleggera. But the big the rev range, optimising engine performance to news was the unveiling of the Panigale R, Ducati’s The long-awaited S1000XR is far from a S1000R with guarantee the highest power, smooth delivery and homologated special to allow it complete in WSBK – clothes on – featuring a detuned version of the S1000RR’s low down grunt. An added benefit of all of this is it’s essentially a road-legal race bike fitted with lights. inline four, the bike boasts a new frame, swingarm and that the engine passes strict Euro 4 noise and emission regulations. All this means The bike boasts titanium valves and connecting geometry to help it deliver all-day comfort in its role as a that the Multistrada’s 1198cc Testastretta lump now produces 160hp and 100 lb.ft rods, two-ring pistons and an extremely lightweight long-distance sporty mile muncher. The engine produces of torque, up from the current model’s 150bhp and 91.8lb.ft of torque, all while crankshaft, which is balanced with tungsten inserts to 160bhp and 83lb.ft of torque for plenty of low down reducing fuel consumption by eight per cent. The Multistrada will be available guarantee a maximum power of 205 bhp. The Panigale grunt and the bike features a wide range of rider aids with four personalisation packs: Touring; which comes with heated grips, R is also fitted with fully adjustable Öhlins suspension, – two riding modes, automatic stability control (ASC), panniers and a centre stand, Sport; which comes with a Termignoni exhaust and an adjustable swingarm pivot (four positions) and traction control and ABS. optional extras include an a carbon fibre front mudguard, Urban; which comes with a top case, tank bag and a lithium ion battery which saves more than 2kg in additional two riding modes (Dynamic and Dynamic USB hub, and ; which comes with additional lights, engine bars, radiator weight. The claimed wet weight for the R is 172kg. Pro) touring and dynamic packages, and a higher-spec and oil sump guards and off-road footpegs. cornering ABS system.

06 | PMF BIKER PMF BIKER | 07 STREETFIGHTER 848 STREETFIGHTER 848

“Despite its lack of fairings, the Streetfighter GRAB IT WHILE YOU CAN 848 feels very much like a Ducati’s underrated Streetfighter may be on the ropes but it still delivers a sportsbike, and it shines powerful knockout punch, as we discovered when we took it out on the roads WORDS: SIMON TOYNE on twisty B-roads” he news coming from it gives plenty of feedback, flicking Ducati from Motorcycle into corners with ease and feeling Live is that one of their most planted and well-mannered. And all T capable road bikes is living that torque delivers impressive drive on borrowed time. through and out of the corners. This is The Streetfighter 848 has never a bike that guarantees big grins while been a massive seller and Ducati letting you push harder and harder sources have indicated that it won’t be without ever feeling out of control. getting the 899cc Superquadro engine It’s comfortable too. The flattish, found on the baby Panigale – which wide single-piece bars have been raised means that this year is likely to be its by 20mm over the previous model, last in the Ducati line-up. and that’s made a huge difference; And that’s a real shame, as the the riding position feels much more Streetfighter’s combination of upright meaning arms no longer feel high-performance 849cc V-twin and stretched – I took the bike on a 500- sportsbike chassis make this a proper plus round trip to Wales and there weapon on everyday roads. were no aches or pains or tired wrists The Testastretta engine feels – even when cruising on the motorway. punchy – it punts out 132bhp and 69 The suspension also feels a lot more lb.ft of torque, and uses an 11-degree real-world usable, especially compared camshaft, the same as used on the with the 848 Evo’s – yes it’s still on the Diavel, to help the engine make plenty firm side, but it’s not so firm as to be of accessible torque in the lower rev uncomfortable, only feeling flustered range, thus making the bike easier to on really bumpy surfaces. ride, especially in town. And should things ever threaten The bike also features an eight-stage to get out of hand the Brembo radial traction control system, a single-sided calipers quickly bring things to a swingarm, Brembo radial calipers, standstill without the slightest hint of fully adjustable Marzocchi USD front grab. Yes, they have plenty of bite, but forks and Sachs rear shock, and it they lack the viscousness associated comes wired up ready to play with a with the Mono Bloc brakes fitted to basic data-acquisition (DDA) system to Ducati’s superbikes. read throttle position, revs, speed, gear So it’s entertaining enough on the selection etc. It also comes with the Opposite road, but the Streetfighter 848 also plumbing in place to accept a feels gets under your skin when you’re Performance accessory quickshifter. agile and involving on off the bike. The styling looks mean Despite its lack of fairings, the the move without looking menacing, purposeful Streetfighter 848 feels very much like Top while still looking exotic. It’s nicely a sportsbike, and it shines on twisty Attention to detail is finished too and the attention to detail B-roads. Handling and steering are exquisite is exquisite. accurate and predictable, quickly Above The only downsides to the bike are inspiring confidence, and the fuelling 849cc V-twin the 16.5-litre tank, which means you’ll is perfect. There’s no lumpiness, and Testastretta be hunting for a petrol station all too the torque really stands out – there’s no engine features soon, and the lack of ABS, which isn’t lag at all. actuation, oval inlet available even as an option. Ducati have given the Streetfighter manifolds 848 a 180/60 section rear tyre to Left create a larger contact patch, and 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 THE KNOWLEDGE your pressures every time you take your bike out, and always when the tyres are cold. “Correct inflation pressures are critical to safe handling THE KNOWLEDGE – TYRES ¬– incorrect inflation pressures can lead to tyre damage, poor Part1: Back to basics handling and irregular and rapid wear characteristics, which means they’ll need replacing sooner. Gary Hartshorne is Bridgestone’s product manager and a mine of knowledge for all things “If pressures have been adjusted for any kind of non-road rubber-related. He’s also a very handy road rider with a passion for off-roading riding – trackdays, trail riding etc – they must be returned to the recommended pressures for on on-road use before riding on the street. WORDS: GARY HARTSHORNE “All tyres lose air gradually, so it’s essential to keep your Tyres, they’re all the same right? You couldn’t be eye on them with regular checks. And after checking your more wrong if you tried. Not all tyres are equal and pressures, don’t forget to add the valve cap, as this provides every manufacturer produces a range of OE tyres for added protection for the valve mechanism and an airtight “ a wide variety of . seal.” “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 “Incorrect pressures in question – the changes made to the standard specification tyre can be many or they can be simple, it all depends can lead to tyre damage, on the exact requirements stipulated by the motorcycle manufacturer. poor handling and “The changes can be significant and can encompass everything from steering characteristics, handling, wear-rate, irregular and rapid wear grip level and improvements in high-speed stability. In fact the list of possible changes is almost endless. characteristics” “Because of this manufacturers always recommend that OE tyres should be replaced like-for-like. If alternative Above tyre recommendations have been approved by your bike’s Lessons learnt from manufacturer they will also appear in the fitment listing MotoGP filter down to for each bike, but alternative fitments should only be used road rubber in the matched pairs shown for each bike. Never mix and Below match tyres, and always refer to the manufacturer’s Fitment Take it steady and Guide to check the correct tyre sizes and inflation pressure keep lean angles to recommendations. a minimum when scrubbing in new “Sometimes OE tyres are approved for fitment on bikes rubber other than the bike they were developed for. This is done because development engineers and riders have enough Top Right Ron Haslam’s Race knowledge and experience to realise that the changes made School fleet is fitted to the standard version of a tyre, in order to turn it into an with T30 tyres OE-specification tyre, would also have benefits when fitted to certain other bikes. But this only follows extensive testing by Right Kneedown in the wet? development riders and it must never be assumed that any Today’s tyres are grip- OE-spec tyre can be fitted to any model of motorcycle.” pier than you think TYRE SIDEWALL MARKINGS EXPLAINED STAY SAFE – RUNNING IN TYRES “Every rider should treat brand new tyres with respect, and 190/50 ZR17 M/C (73W) BT- they should be ridden very cautiously for the first 100 miles in order to condition the rubber, let the tyres settle on the rims 012 Radial G and provide optimum performance over the tyre’s life. This 190 Section width in millimetres also has the added benefit of allowing the tread surface to be ‘scrubbed-in’ and function properly, while also allowing the 50 Aspect (height) ratio shown as a percentage of the tyre width rider to adjust gradually to the feel and handling properties of the new rubber. Z Speed rating “After this initial period, lean angles, acceleration and R Radial construction braking forces can be gradually increased, although it’s important to bear in mind that the tyre will only work 17 Rim diameter in inches efficiently once it reaches it operating temperature.’ M/C Tyre constructed for motorcycle use TYRE PRESSURES 73 Load index “Pressure play a significant role in how the tyre performs (W) Speed index: W: up to 270km/h, and a tiny change in PSI above or below the recommended (W): more than 270km/h pressure can have a major detrimental effect on performance BT-012 Tread pattern – 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 G OE fitment suffix

10 | PMF BIKER PMF BIKER | 11 IN GEAR IN GEAR in the past year and it’s performed ARAI RX-7 GP faultlessly, though the padding would probably benefit from a good scrubbing. And I know that if This is my fourth RX-7GP and the worst came to the worst that it I have nothing but praise for it. would look after me – I’ve crashed IN GEAR This is my everyday lid, and it’s in one at some 120mph, slid for performed faultlessly on numerous more than 110m and didn’t even get Helping you choose the best riding kit, whatever your budget and bike trackdays, European tours and a headache. This is very much a top the daily commute to work. It’s of the range lid that is worth every truly all-day comfortable, and the penny of its hefty price tag. powerful venting and the non-itch ALPINESTARS TECH-AIR STREET SYSTEM lining does a good job of keeping Simon Toyne my scalp dry and sweat free. Airbag technology for riders is nothing new – Honda fitted its Goldwing with an airbag in 2007 –but it seems it’s finally The brilliant combination of visor ***** started to gather momentum and filter down to riders gear. vents and Pinlock means you’ll Price: £699 Airbag leather suits are a familiar site on our TV screens with stars from MotoGP and road racing now wearing never suffer with misting, the www.whyarai.co.uk airbag suits – Marc Marquez, Dani Pedrosa, , and Scott Redding can be seen NEW visor change mechanism is easy putting the Alpinestars Tech Air suit through its paces while , , Pol Espargaro and to master, and the retractable chin Guy Martin all sport Dainese’s D-Air Racing System. The giveaway is the electronic monitoring LEDs flashing FOR spoiler is a neat, well-thought out away on the left forearm and shoulder respectively. touch. It’s done some 33,000 miles And they seem to work too. Dainese claim that none of the 306 crashes by riders wearing the D-Air Racing 2015 System between 2007 and 2013 resulted in fractures to the collarbone and shoulder joint areas, which is I love the stylish but understated looks and remarkable when you consider the forces generated in such high speed spills. RST PRO it’s full of neat touches – there are a loads of Last year Ducati released its D-Air System which links a jacket fitted with an airbag to an on- adjustments on the arms to get the right fit, board computer and BMW and Dainese collaborated to put the D-Air Protect System into SERIES LADIES there’s reflective Scotchlite piping and panels the DoubleR RaceAir leather suit. to make you stand out when it’s dark, plenty However, as good as these systems are, they are both designed for specific brand VENTILATOR III of pockets, decent venting on the front and motorbikes. The new Alpinestars Tech-Air Street System is the first system that has been a zip free cuff for added comfort. In fact, the designed for road use that can be used with any motorbike. only criticism I have is that the pockets on the RST have come on leaps and bounds recently, It’s a compact, self-contained airbag vest designed to snap/zip into two specific jackets – trousers are just too small to be useful. the Valparaiso touring jacket and Viper road jacket. establishing themselves as the protective suit I’ve worn this on the road and it’s proven itself It features a high pressure inflatable bladder built into the vest’s shoulders to provide all- of choice for many in the BSB paddock. And to be comfortable, warm and pretty durable. over upper body protection by covering the full back, shoulders, kidneys and chest. with good reason. Not only are their products Everything – vents, armour etc – is where it Other than charging the battery, no set-up or service is required unless the bag is activated. quality, just as importantly they’re affordable. should be and it feels good on and off the bike. The on-board software features an algorithm designed specifically to predict an impending This Ventilator III textile touring suit offers a I’m quite tall yet the jacket and trousers fit me impact. The system will detect an impact within 30-60 milliseconds of contact and maximum lot of performance for your pounds – a tough perfectly. And it works – I’ve worn it in some inflation for the airbag takes just 25 milliseconds, and that pressure is maintained nylon mesh outer, a removable waterproof awful weather and I’ve stayed warm and dry. for five seconds. layer, a quilted insulating layer, armour on Quality, well-designed kit at a nice price. The system is powered by an integrated the shoulders and elbows, and CE-approved rechargeable battery, which is fed armour on the knees. Rachel Cope by a micro USB port. A one- It’s cut on the sporty side, and as a result it’s hour charge gives four hours a bit shorter than some jackets, but it’s one of **** of operation, while a the most flexible jackets on the market and Price: Textile jacket, £170 six-hour charge offers 25 has been designed for riding all-year round – Textile trousers, £130 hours of use. The system simply remove the liners for summer riding or is automatically armed add them when the temperature drops. www.rst-moto.com once the jacket is zipped up, with an LED display on the left sleeve the RPHA10+ on at Motorcycle Live showing the amount of charge in HJC RPHA10+ and every one of them said just how the battery. And yes, it will even comfortable it is. work in the rain. This isn’t cheap any stretch of This is HJC’s top-of-the-range lid, I’ve been testing this for some 12000 the imagination but what price as worn by Jorge Lorenzo and the miles now and I love it. Yes, it’s a sports helmet but noise levels are acceptable, safety? And the price will come recently-retired . especially when riding with the down once more manufacturers It’s an updated version of the popular chin curtain fitted, and the vision is embrace the technology. RPHA10 and features a new easier-to- excellent. The lining is supremely use chin vent, a new chin curtain and comfortable and the visor doesn’t £999.99 a new, more comfortable lining. It also suffer from misting and the vents, comes with a Pinlock Max clear and while being easy to operate, offer tinted visor as standard. excellent cooling. The only niggle is Tech-Air Street System Vest: £999.99 The first thing that strikes you that when pushing the visor up when Two-yearly service and diagnostic about this lid is the weight – it feels paying for fuel it tends to come undone ludicrously light and tips the scale at the left-hand side. check: £159.99 at just 1250g. And then there’s the Simon Toyne Valparaiso jacket: £599.99 fit – it feels comfortable, snug and secure. I know fit is a personal thing, Viper jacket: £299.99 but HJC seem to have managed a rare **** trick and built a helmet suitable for Price: £430 www.alpinestars.com all head shapes. A lot of friends tried www.oxprod.com

12 | PMF BIKER 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 Lithium batteries are growing in popularity among bikers because they offer significant weight past five years – eight days touring around Ireland, 10 days riding through savings over their lead-acid counterparts. But they also require a specialist charger as conventional Scandanavia and northern Europe, long weekends watching the racing chargers for lead-acid batteries have the potential to ruin the lithium cells. at Le Mans, Brno, Assen and the , a week at the TT, and countless other getaways – and it’s performed faultlessly every This new charger has been designed specifically to avoid the overcharging that causes lithium batteries single time. such big problems – maintaining lithium batteries correctly is crucial as once discharged they can be difficult to recover. 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 This unit is totally automatic and assesses battery condition and selects the appropriate charge and built to munch miles without any discomfort. 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 As the name suggests, the R30 has a capacity of 30 litres and is large with a low voltage cut-out so that charging can begin. Battery condition is continually monitored, to prevent enough to easily swallow a laptop and change of clothes for the daily unnecessary charging, and an alternating ‘charge and rest’ maintenance programme protects the battery commute, or several changes of clothes and spare visor and gloves for against over-discharge. 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 £54.99 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, www.optimate1.com 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. DAINESE MANIS BACK OXFORD The beauty of this rucksack is that it PROTECTOR TRACKER can easily be adjusted to suit your needs – not Dainese invented the carrying so much? Simply back protector back in pull the six cinch-straps tight and the 1981 and this is their bag’s contents stay securely in place. latest offering – the But it’s in comfort terms that this rucksack really shines. Kriega’s clever harness Manis. The name system distributes the weight evenly, which means you don’t notice you’re is derived from a wearing it. This, combined with the thick back padding mean it’s truly all-day mammal whose body is comfortable. I’ve worn it for some long, 13-hour days in the saddle and got off the covered by over-lapping bike at the end of the day still feeling relatively fresh. plate-like scales to form This bag is some five years old now and must have covered some 60,000-plus a flexible but highly miles but you wouldn’t know it to look at it. There’s a bit of scuffing on the outer flexible shell, and this reflective patch on the back of the rucksack but that aside it still looks like new, back protector uses the which is a testament to the quality materials and construction. Kriega are so same principal to create confident in the product that they’ve given it a 10-year guarantee. Enough said. excellent freedom of Simon Toyne movement, allowing it to mould to the rider’s back by elongating, ***** contracting and flexing £139 to adapt to the position Trackers www.kriega.com of the body while are an providing reassuring effective levels of protection. way of beating the The protector, which thieves and have a high success is CE Cat 2 approved, rate leading to hundreds of stolen bikes DEXSHELL HYTHERM PRO SOCKS uses crash absorbing being recovered. materials to dissipate Oxford is the latest company to enter the market. We can’t These mid-calf socks are 100 per cent waterproof , breathable and insulated and are the perfect sock for all-year energy and can show you the tracker itself, for obvious reasons, but we can tell riding…nobody wants cold feet, right? elongate and flex you it is small, waterproof and comes with an incredible 10-year laterally to protect battery life – which means it doesn’t have to be hardwired into the They’re designed to feel and fit like a normal sock and feature three technical layers which work together to keep feet along its full length and can twist to follow all chest movements. The bike and that it can even be transferred between bikes. warm, dry and comfortable. scales are fastened to a separate layer of padding and are joined to each The unit is powered by DanTracker technology and can be accessed The inner layer uses a combination of merino wool and an anti-pilling terry loop, which is insulating, breathable and soft other by a central pivot that lets them slide as and when needed. using your mobile phone, tablet or computer. It uses GPS to track the against the skin. It runs from the top of the toe, under the sole and heel and up the calf for full thermal protection. Shoulder and waist straps ensure a snug fit and it it’s perforated to keep bike and can locate the bike anywhere there’s a mobile network. You A waterproof membrane keeps the rain out, and works with the merino wool to allow sweat to escape, thus reducing the risk the rider cool, even in the hottest of conditions. It’s comfortable, pretty can even add multiple units to a single account. of blisters, while the outer shell is knitted with a fast-drying yarn. unobtrusive and offers excellent movement on the bike. If it’s good Subscription fees to the service range from £60 for a year to £180 to On the bike they definitely work – they’re not as bulky as Sealskinz, they’re comfortable and quick to warm. They keep feet enough for Guy Martin… five years. dry too, even in the wettest of conditions, and they’re easy to get on and off. ***** **** *** From £59.99 £199 + subscription fees £28.95 www.dainese.com www.oxprod.com www.dexshell.co.uk

14 | PMF BIKER PMF BIKER | 15 COMPETITION WIN WITH PMF 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 WORTH these really useful products from Gear Gremlin. £44.98 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. See more at www.thekeycollection.com

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16 | PMF BIKER PMF BIKER | 17 KIT ADVICE KIT ADVICE PROVEN ON THE TRACK 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

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 Opposite class in 2013, riding an Open Class Redding took the premier class by storm in his Honda for the Gresini squad. His debut season results and racecraft were impressive, and Scott regularly outscored Left seasoned campaigners and former Redding in pensive mood ahead of qualifying at Le Mans world champions and Hiro Ayoma on the same equipment. cott Redding began Above & Below His skill caught the attention of his racing career at the Redding putting the Factory RC213V prototype HRC, who will be providing Scott through its paces during pre-season testing at with a Factory bike for the 2015 tender age of eight, Sepang, Malaysia racing in the British season. S Scott’s never-quit attitude and Minimoto Championship in 2001. gung-ho riding style means he’s had 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 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.”

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 Above “I’ve never really got my head core temperature by wicking difference. his fair share of big (and painful) offs Above head to make it easier for me to see Redding beat around people not wanting to away the sweat in hot conditions, “I wear Supertech Rs. They’re Crutchlow in last during his career, so he knows what Redding always when I’m tucked in a racing crouch. do as much as possible to protect and preventing heat loss in cold wears special superb, have superb amounts of season’s British works and, just as importantly, what It’s also a bit tighter to cope with the GP and has his themselves and their vulnerable conditions. They make a huge colours for his home movement and are as comfy as doesn’t. He shared his kit wisdom GP. Expect this year higher speeds we do in GP.” compatriot firmly in areas like under the arms, the chest difference to comfort.” wearing slippers. They have an outer with us one morning at a cold and to be no different his sights this season and so on. Your ribcage can’t protect boot and an inner boot and they windy Silverstone. your vital organs and stomach, and LEATHERS offer loads of protection. There’s Below PADDED CYCLING SHORTS Right you’re spine is critical too, so I’ll do Redding has “Having light leathers is one thing, lots of chunky plastic around the Redding is elbow “I started getting pain in my arse everything I can to protect myself as HELMET quickly adapted to but they need to be strong too. If you ankle, the inner boot is reassuringly down in most corners cheeks in 2011 for some reason. I and even managed to best I can. “The priority for me is protection. life on board the come off at 180mph, it’s going to be a protective, the sole has loads of flex still have no idea why or what had RC213V, and looks get his helmet down “Yes, it’s a bit different when you You only get one head, so you need to big one, and you need to know your and if you crash lots of parts can be changed to trigger it. Anyway, we comfortable and during the last race wear them at first, but you soon forget do everything you can to protect it. leathers aren’t going to hole or burst. replaced quickly and easily as nearly of the 2014 season played about with different seats on quick, even in the wet they’re there.” My advice is to buy the best helmet “I also prefer my leathers to be everything is replaceable. the bike but it made not a blind bit you can afford. Below right tight. I don’t want them flapping “I have had people hitting my feet of difference. Then I started wearing “A lot of racer’s go with the helmet Redding on the around, taking my attention away and even running over them on track BASE LAYERS padded cycling shorts and they made podium with Marc manufacturer that will pay them the from the track. But I don’t want and I’ve got away with it without as “These are a godsend. They make it a huge difference. I’ve not had a most money, and often that’s not best Marquez. He’s hoping them to be so tight as to restrict my history will repeat much as a scratch – they work.” quick and easy to get leathers on and cheek problem since. They’re just so helmet. I’ve had massive offers in itself soon movement. off, and they keep you comfortable supremely comfortable that I always front of me to wear this lid or that, but “I wear an Alpinestars Air Tech on the bike. They regulate your wear a pair when I’m racing.” I’ve turned them down, as I’m only suit, complete with airbag. I noticed GLOVES interested in quality. the extra bulk at first, but after a “I need my gloves to be comfortable “Protection is the most important couple of times wearing it I couldn’t and offer decent levels of feel. Your for me, followed closely by vision. notice anything different. hands communicate a lot with When you come off you’re going to “My suit is Kangaroo leather as the bike and control pretty much hit the ground hard, so you need to it offers the perfect combination of everything – the throttle, the brakes know everything’s going to work. For flexibility and strength. It’ll stretch and the bars. You need to be able to example, it’s no good having a strong but it’s strong too, and it doesn’t feel exactly what’s going on and what shell but a weak visor. If a visor comes abrade easily. your inputs are. off when you crash that’s not going to “I prefer suits with external armour “But they also need to offer decent end well as you’ll either get hit in the on the shoulders, elbow and knees so levels of protection. It’s not good face by flying stones or a handlebar. that you keep sliding and don’t dig them being too light or too thin – you “My helmet is an off-the-peg lid, into the tarmac. But it’s got to fit – if can’t sacrifice protection for lightness the same as my replica you can buy. the armour moves around, then it’s and comfort. The only big difference is that it has not going to offer any protection as “I wear Alpinestars and the good been raised so it sits higher on my it’ll move and not do it’s job. thing about them is that the little “The exciting thing from my point finger and ring finger are joined, of view about Alpinestars is that which makes it harder for you to they’re always listening to rider’s break your finger. A lot of other gloves feedback and constantly evolving don’t have this feature and the rider’s “My suit is Kangaroo leather as it offers and improving their products. Take pay the price – just look at the what the airbag technology. When I first Bradley Smith’s done to his finger.” the perfect combination of flexibility and started wearing their airbag suit in 2013, the system weighed 1.5kg. Now BACK AND CHEST PROTECTORS strength. It’ll stretch but it’s strong too, and it it weighs 0.8kg. It’s clever too. In “I can’t imagine not wearing either. the past there were occasions when There’s no excuse not to wear either doesn’t abrade easily” it went deployed when it shouldn’t, these days as they’ve come on leaps because it thought the rider was and bounds, and got smaller, stronger having a crash, when in reality it was and more comfortable.

20 | PMF BIKER PMF BIKER | 21 TRIED & TESTED TRIED & TESTED CORNERING MASTERCLASS How the California Superbike School will help you master the art of cornering

WORDS: SIMON TOYNE

adwell Park is rollercoaster driving licence and sign on before test of man and machine getting my paperwork, documents and cut into the side of the kit checked over by one of the officials. C rolling Lincolnshire Wolds – sweeping, fast corners mixed in with 8.04am tight, technical first-gear hairpins. The safety briefing begins with Glen Tracks are the ideal place to hone your Rothwell, California Superbike School riding skills – they offer the chance to riding coach and classroom guru, ride the same corner again and again introducing himself and his team of – and Cadwell has more than its fair coaches, before he explains the day’s share of right-handers, something I’ve schedule and what we can expect. The always had issues with. I’ve been here theory the school is based on is that a few times on 600s, so I know my everyone has to start from the very way around, although every time I’ve beginning, regardless of experience been I’ve struggled with two corners and ability. That means every single in particular – the Hairpin and Barn. rider starts with a limited drill – riding But today is different. It’s wet, very round the track using one gear and no wet, and I’m riding my Aprilia RSV-R brakes – and from there you change a Factory for the first time in anger. single technique each session, slowly I’ve come here to sample the building skills and speed. We’re then California Superbike School’s Level assigned our riding coach for the day 1 course, although the school also and told to get suited and booted…it’s has many more days available at its time to hit the track. While we’ve been spiritual home of Silverstone, and sat here the school’s teams of coaches today promises to be the ideal way have been busy checking our tyres and to get acquainted with a new bike, covering up our mirrors and speedos. improve my skills and to nip any bad habits in the bud. 8.42am A group of 16 of us slowly join Wednesday, 7.00am Cadwell’s narrow, greasy tarmac, It’s cold. Proper cold. And it’s wet tiptoeing nervously through the damp too. It’s been raining heavily during Hall Bends before slowing for Barn, the night, there’s standing water on the tight right-hander. I know we’re the asphalt and it’s drizzling. My not supposed to be using the brakes, waterproof over jacket is doing a good but it’s hard not to grab a comforting job of keeping me dry but I’m still handful before tipping in. It just goes shivering through my vented one-piece to show how much of our riding is leathers as I scythe my way through based on habit. Lincolnshire’s rural road network. I After a few sighting laps we pull into peel off at Horncastle, fill my Aprilia’s the holding area, park the bikes up tank to the brim and then ride the five and head to the classroom for our first miles to the circuit’s gates. seminar. As I make my way to the noise The first seminar with Glen is all testing area sat the top of Cadwell’s about throttle control – one of the most famous Mountain across from the virgin sliders. Above important and overlooked controls Clubhouse I scan the selection of bikes And then I cast my eyes over the Coaches circulate in every session to keep available in a rider’s armoury. Next and riders waiting to get their bikes school’s bikes – a fleet of mean-looking an eye on students time you’re at a trackday keep your checked. There’s a healthy turn out and but absolutely pristine1199 Panigales ears peeled for just how many riders it’s refreshing to see the weather hasn’t and 1200S Monsters, which will be Middle struggle to keep their bikes at constant put people off. The riders are just as ridden by the school’s coaches but are The school has a wide range of revs when they’re noise testing – the varied as the bikes – seasoned club also available for hire by pupils. Panigales and telltale rise and fall of the revs always racers in scuffed leathers mingling I head to Cadwell’s clubhouse, fill Monsters available gives the hamfisted riders away. with newly-passed road riders with out the disclaimers, hand over my for hire Mastering the throttle is at the heart of Bottom the school’s philosophy. Get this wrong Most sessions are done with no brakes – and you won’t get much from the “Good throttle control is essential it sounds easy; it isn’t remainder of the day. Glen makes it all sound so simple – good throttle control for keeping the bike stable, and is essential for keeping the bike stable, and stability is key for good cornering. stability is key for good cornering” It’s a mantra that will be repeated throughout the course of the day.

22 | PMF BIKER PMF BIKER | 23 TRIED & TESTED TRIED & TESTED 9.40am 12.01pm Left with the throttle, and I’ve managed almost constant contact with the Mike O is typical of to control my natural tendency to asphalt through the right-handers. I’m We hit the track properly for the first The day’s second debriefing. Turns out the school’s staff – he time. We’ll be riding in one gear I’m countersteering too much, and this attended every level comfort brake. also starting to lose my smoothness only, and we’re not allowed to use the is unsettling the bike. It needs to be a as a punter before and consistency, sacrificing both for brakes. The aim is to try and read the short, sharp nudge on the bars, pushing joining as a coach 3.38pm speed, so I knock it back, decide to upcoming bends and to control our from the wrist and keeping the arm and Mike O backs up what I’m feeling. The stick to two gears and focus all my entry with the throttle before applying shoulder relaxed. Mike O says: “Once only issue now is my body positioning. efforts on being smooth. The bike it smoothly on the exit for good you feel the bike tip in you don’t have to “You’re a lot more confident, and your becomes more stable, I’m back in traction. The sun’s peering through have any more inputs. You’re pushing lines are much better. What’s holding control and slowly my speed increases the thick clouds but it’s still cold, the the bars too hard and for too long, and you back is your positioning on the again. mercury in the thermometer barely it’s upsetting the bike. Ease off a bit and bike. You’re pushing the bike away reaching double figures. Cadwell Park you’ll find it transforms the handling. from you instead of leaning and going 4.58pm is a 2.2-mile undulating assault on The bike will feel sharper and more with it. Try hanging off more and don’t I pull into the paddock and hunt out the senses. It’s easy enough to learn responsive.” fight the bike.” Mike O for my final debrief. “You’re but it’s hard to master. It seems most much better. Your body positioning of us are all struggling with this most 12.07pm 4.12pm needs a fair bit of work, but that’s easy simple of drills. I know I am. I’m We’re back in the classroom for the Glen’s back in the classroom for today’s to sort and I reckon we could dial all missing apex after apex, I’m struggling final theory session before lunch. This final seminar – two-step turning. It’s the problems out in Level 2. You’re to fight my natural urge to dab the is all about turning the bike quickly, a simple process and dovetails nicely starting to look really comfortable and brakes before tipping in and there’s no and reinforces what I’ve just touched on with turn points. It goes like this: you’re now riding the bike, instead of it consistency to my riding. My coach, with Mike O during my last debriefing. select a turn point, slow down, and riding you.” Mike O, effortlessly darts in front of It’s a simple technique – nudge the bar then just before turning in look for the me on the outside of Coppice, taps his left to go left, right to go right. Doing the morning as I soak up some rays. exit. This should have one benefit – IS IT WORTH IT? tail to indicate I should follow him this lets you go deeper into a corner speed. Two-step turning should make California Superbike School exists to and exaggerates his head position to and turn the bike quicker once you’re 2.41pm the corner smoother and the enhanced help riders master the art of cornering. show me where I should be looking. there. By doing this the bike is more Seminar four kicks off with Glen ability to read the road should result in Their step-by-step training is suited It’s a slow speed riding master class upright, which ultimately makes it challenging our perceptions about more speed. We’re allowed full gears to all levels of ability and it works… – Mike O is smooth, confident, but more stable, and as Glen tells us again rider input. We learn that a bike is and brakes, but we’re urged to knock if you go with an open mind you’ll more importantly, he’s millimetre ‘stability is our friend’. It may seem inherently stable in a straight line, and our riding back. Glen says: “You’ve see noticeable improvements to your consistent. odd, and I know enough riders who that the only destabilising factor on been working hard all day and your riding. You’ll be smoother, more resolutely refuse to accept that they the machine is the rider. A common concentration will start to go. Ride at do this, but the fact is that you simply consistent and more confident. I 10.13am mistake nearly every rider makes, 80 per cent and enjoy it. Try two-step wouldn’t get round a corner if you like the way that the seminars make We pull in to the holding area by the me included, is gripping the bars far turning, or play with some different weren’t countersteering already. It’s you challenge your own ability and marshals Portakabin for our first post- too tightly. This ‘death grip’ has a turn points and see where you end up.” simple physics, and Glen will happily preconceptions and push you to session briefing. Mike O asks me for huge negative impact on the bike as talk you through it at length should you assess how a bike works. It’s only by my thoughts and then proceeds to give be so inclined. it stops it correcting itself. This then 4.35pm understanding these mechanics that his observations on what he’s just seen. creates a viscous circle as we interpret The track has finally dried and there’s you can then work out how to fully “You started off stiff on the bike and this as a lack of handling, our fear loads of grip to exploit, and as my exploit your bike to get the most from 12.28pm it’s clear that you like comfort braking. levels rise, and we grip the bars even speed increases, my right knee is in your road and track riding. Why do you do that? You’re not We head out on track again and try our tighter, preventing the bike from pressing hard enough to slow down, hands at turning quicker and sharper. correcting itself again, and thus the so just try and cut it out altogether. I focus on relaxing my arms and handling deteriorates even more. Your lines vary quite wildly, but once shoulders, as per Mike O’s instructions, Glen says the solution is simple: relax. FIVE TIPS TO ENSURE YOU GET THE you got used to riding with the one and try to nudge the bars using only my By keeping arms loose and relaxed, MOST FROM CSS gear you started to relax, and once you ourselves turning in far too early. We Above wrists. It works. I’m starting to get more no input is transferred to the bike relaxed you looked more in control. need to start learning to read corners The school prides confident and can control where I want and it can act as it pleases, correcting 1) Arrive with an open mind and listen to your instructor. itself on its Stick with it, it will come.” backwards, thinking about exit points the bike to go. Lean angle is increasing, itself as it goes along. Glen reminds 2) Not sure of something? Ask. There’s no such thing as a stupid informal nature – as is my consistency. as well as entry points. the atmosphere us of another important factor – keep question. 11am is relaxed and breathing. When we get nervous we welcoming 3) Stay hydrated. Track work is thirsty work and you’ll be I take my seat in the classroom for 11.41am 12.51pm stop breathing and tense up, and working overtime processing and implementing the day’s the next session with Glen, who has We hit the tarmac again, eyes scouring Middle I pull into the holding area and the this tension manifests itself by the drawn some bends on the whiteboard. the asphalt ahead for the big white After every track transformation is amazing. Something’s rider gripping the bars tightly, thus different drills. You’ll get hot, sweaty and it’s very easy to get session there’s a clicked and my cornering has come on interfering with the bike’s natural dehydrated, meaning your concentration (and your riding) will He kicks off by asking us where we’d chalk marks the coaches have scrawled thorough debrief with all turn in. The answers are as varied on to the tarmac on the entry to the your assigned coach leaps and bounds. Admittedly Shakey tendency to sort itself out. go to pot. So combat this by taking on plenty of fluids. as the bikes we ride. Yes, we all knew corners. These will be our turn-in Byre’s lap record of 1:26.017 on his Bottom 4) You’re on track for 20-minute sessions, and in the classroom we’d make the bend, but very few of points. The majority are a fair bit ZX-10R isn’t under threat, but my 3.03pm Body positioning is riding is noticeably better. The system’s for 20 minutes, so use any down time to watch the other us give any real thought to where we later than most of us have been key to unlocking your We hit the track again and every groups on track. It’s amazing how much you can take in end up. And that’s the biggest problem turning in, and it takes a few laps to bike’s true potential obviously working. single rider is flapping their arms like watching the other riders as they pass. we face as riders. If you don’t where get comfortable with this new corner a gaggle of mental geese. We’re still you’re going to end up, it’s far too easy entry. We’re still limited to one gear 1pm allowed two gears, but this time we’re 5) Go easy on the lunch. Digesting a big and hearty meal will slow to misread the road, panic, grab a firm and no brakes. As the laps fly by I’m Everything stops for lunch. I take the allowed light brakes. Once again the down your reaction times and come mid-afternoon you’ll be fistful of brake, stand the bike up and confident that I’m hitting the crosses opportunity to fill the Aprilia again coaches are spot on, and it’s amazing really struggling to thread everything together on track. run wide. And the consequences of each and every time, and it’s only when while everyone’s queuing for lunch, and how something as simple as relaxing running wide can be frightening – it’s Mike O blasts past down Park Straight then head to the cafe when the rush has in the saddle can transform the bike’s all too easy to run off the road or into and urges me to stick to his tail that I died down. I crack open another bottle handling. The bike feels more under the path of an oncoming car. It’s a very realise I’m still wide of the mark. I’m of water, my fourth of the day, and control and you’re a lot more dialled real danger, and we as riders know still turning in too early, though I’m rehydrate. The clouds break, the sun in to what the bike is doing. And even For more details visit this. It’s why our self-preservation flowing nicely through the fast flowing shines and I sit on a picnic table trying though we’re allowed brakes this time http://www.superbikeschool.co.uk instinct kicks in and why we often find sections. to remember everything I’ve covered in out, I’m better able to control my speed

24 | PMF BIKER PMF BIKER | 25 MAX RIDER “SKILLS DAY” RIDING TO THE MAX Back on 2 wheels after a winter break? Lacking confidence with cornering? Greg Jarrett is one of the faces behind Max Rider, the south west’s one-stop Want to polish up your existing skills? shop for all your bike training needs. Greg is an experienced rider and in this Then come on a DAM skills day! column he will be sharing his wisdom to ensure you get more from your riding 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 WORDS: SIMON TOYNE 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 Getting the most from your bike starts with the in lunch and refreshments! basics – your riding position. You need to make You must hold a full motorcycle license, ride a road legal motorcycle capable of the national sure you’re comfortable and a solid riding position speed limit and not be barred from riding. “ is one of the foundations for safe, fast riding. If The day starts with arrival at the venue between you’re not in the right position every single aspect of your ride will suffer – vision, comfort, safety and speed. Many 9am-9.30am and ends by 4.30pm. riders get this wrong, and as a consequence they don’t enjoy their riding as much as they could. Dates available are: “You need to ensure you’ve got your upper body in the Saturday, 20th June, 18th July, 15th August and 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 19th September. riding a sportsbike you still need to crouch. We ask for a donation of £25 to help cover our costs for the day and because these courses “Once you’re leaning forward you need to make sure fill up quickly you are recommended to book your place as soon as possible. you’re arms are bent – they need to be parallel to the road, Email the event coordinator at and this will let you easily steer the bike while maintaining a feather light grip on the bars. This featherlight touch is [email protected] important. If you hold on to the bars, properly grip them, for more details and to book your place. 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. www.advancedmotorcyclists.org.uk “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 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 Above What can WSBK winner Leon knowledge and day’s Haslam’s gaze is secrets of session fixed firmly on where Max performance with he wants to go the Max riding to help Right Rider team Greg has a wealth Rider you get more involves of riding experience out of your plenty of to draw on – it’s bike and takes the weights off your arms. coaching, not training “Once you’ve sorted your body out we can focus on your bike. roadwork do for featuring a head. A rider’s head, and helmet, weighs quite a bit and this Left weight can play a huge role when cornering. You’ll often range of riding A solid riding position environments is key to getting hear the phrase ‘look where you want to go’, and it’s true – you? the most from your riders need to lift their vision as far forward as they can and including: riding – you need to look through the corners. By turning your head, and not just Cornering clinics be in a semi-crouch, regardless of what moving your eyes, you’ll give yourself a wider, clearer view Reading the road bike you ride of where you want to go.” Performance riding to increase safety margins Max Rider is a rider development scheme with a difference and Planning for junctions prides itself on tailoring its courses to the needs of each rider, Hazard avoidance whether that be riding in the wet, cornering, riding with pillions Overtaking and so on. Greg Jarrett is an experienced rider and is a former Urban riding 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. www.maxrider.co.uk

26 | PMF BIKER PMF BIKER | 27 BIKESAFE iBIKER TAUGHT BY THE FUZZ 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 WORDS: SIMON TOYNE WORDS: SIMON TOYNE

ikeSafe is recognised his clever FREE app lets bikers from all over the world share as a shining beacon of experiences and great routes. motorcycling brilliance It was funded initially buy the Department for Transport and is and rightly so – where else available on iPhone and android platforms. B TYou can plot routes, highlight points of interest, meeting points, speed will you get the chance to share the tarmac with an experienced police cameras etc. You can also rate routes, share information with others on rider casting their trained eyes over Facebook, Flickr and Twitter, and even check the weather. your every move on the road before But there’s also a safety aspect to iBiker. The app uses British EuroRAP delivering an honest assessment of intelligence provided by the Road Safety Foundation to highlight the most your riding? Sounds intimidating? risky roads in Britain. Then there’s the brilliant onboard videos that allow Well, it shouldn’t – these days are all bikers to familiarise themselves with a route before they ride it themselves. about fun, feedback and great value for Creating a route is really easy. On the routes selection screen, click on the money. + sign and the app should know where you are. Move the red crosshair to the The days are run by a dedicated next point and build your route. Once completed you can then save the route team of police riders and IAM and and share it via Facebook and Twitter. RoSPA observers but doesn’t offer any The videos have been taken by experienced riders with local knowledge advanced riding instruction. Yes, there and highlight how best to tackle accident blackspots. There’s also a video of is a very heavy emphasis on technique James Toseland talking about pre-ride checks. and road positioning, but this isn’t A useful Links section helps riders find details of local, national and advanced training and the team offer international training schemes. no advanced instruction. Instead, It’s worth pointing out that iBiker is not intended to be a sat nav and does they’re on hand to offer a brutally not provide directions. honest assessment of every aspect of All in all this is a handy tool to help you get the most from you ride – and your riding, good and bad, with some it’s FREE. 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 How to become an advanced rider Whether you’re a riding enthusiast, someone who enjoys a challenge and if you with a 90-minute session in the want to fulfil your potential as a rider the IAM’s Advanced Riding course could classroom. It’s very informal and be for you. The course delivers advanced riding stemming from the police’s touches on everything from cornering Motorcycle Roadcraft riding manual, helping you to improve your skills, anticipation, and riding enjoyment. and braking to riding attitudes and and level of experience, is to treat the Above on the road, and while we’re not here protective clothing. day like a normal day’s ride and to BikeSafe is all about The course is based on a series of observed rides, leading to to do any detailed training, we hope to the Advanced Riding test. Once you’ve booked a course, you’ll Devon and Cornwall BikeSafe ride exactly how you’d normally ride. identifying bad habits and offering advice, inspire you to improve your skills.” be assigned to one of our local groups. You’ll be paired with an co-ordinator Sgt Gary Williamson There’s no pressure to do anything not lectures observer from your group, who will accompany you on rides and says: “The aim is to break the ice and fancy, so relax and try and forget advise you on how to improve your riding to the advanced test get riders, no matter what they ride, you’ve got a police motorbike directly A BikeSafe course standards. to start thinking about what they’re behind you.” costs £35 and each day The course costs £149 reduced to £135 with the ride10 discount and doing while they’re riding, how It’s good advice as it’s all too easy includes as many observed rides as you need to be prepared for the they can make themselves safer and is limited to 14 riders. test, the cost of the final test, a copy of the How to be a better to let nerves and the occasion get the rider handbook, and your first year’s membership of the identifying hazards on the road.” better of you, causing you to tense up Course dates are as IAM. The main benefit of taking the course is becoming a After the classroom session and a and spoil the ride. safer rider - providing you with the skills, experience and quick break it’s time for the real fun After the ride there’s a full debrief follows: understanding to quickly adapt to a range of situations. to begin – the observed ride. This is where your observer will highlight any May 17, Truro The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), is the UK’s usually done on a two-to-one basis and issues and suggest ways of improving leading independent road safety charity. We exist to Save 10% OFF is some three hours long, with the lead your skills. And then a couple of June 7, Exeter improve the standards of driving and riding on our roads, and improve the standards of road safety across the IAM Skill rider dictating the pace. days after the event you’ll receive a June 28, Barnstaple the country - primarily through delivery of Advanced Gary says: “ There are some cracking certificate in the post, and hopefully training. We also deliver a range of other training and riding for Life roads right on our doorstep and I can you’ll see your insurance premium July 4, Plymouth support, as well as informing and influencing government guarantee that any route we use will be come down the next time it comes to and key decision-makers. advanced varied, interesting, and fun. Biking is renew your insurance. ]uly 11, Castle Combe For more information or to discuss advanced Motorcycling please contact one of about having fun as much as anything Gary says: “There’s a whole host of riding course July 19, Tavistock your local IAM Advanced Motorcycling groups. else, and this day has been designed to post-test training providers nowadays, To book visit the Plymouth Advanced IAM Ride web site: reflect this. whether that be an advanced riding September 6, Exeter Cornwall Advanced Devon Advanced “Don’t be put off by the fact we’re group, advanced training, track- Motorcyclists http://www.iam.org.uk/ride September 20, Motorcyclists Motorcyclists www.iampam.org.uk Just enter the code RIDE10 coppers. We’re not here to judge, we’re based training or whatever, and Tavistock www.cornwalladvanced.co.uk www.advancedmotorcyclists.org.uk Email: chair@ in the promotional code box, here to help, to offer constructive hopefully taking part in a BikeSafe Email: stefan.pitcher@ Email: skillsdays@ iampam.org.uk when you checkout, to receive advice, and to help you get as much out day will spark some lasting interest October 4, Truro cornwalladvanced.co.uk advancedmotorcyclists.org.uk Tel: 07854 712047 your 10% discount. of your riding experience as possible. in advanced riding. Any form of Tel: 01726 824219 Tel: 07753 817294 (covering Postcodes PL1 to PL21 T&C apply, see website. The best piece of advice I can give advanced training is statistically October 25, Exeter and TQ6 to TQ11) 10% OFF any rider, no matter what their ability proven to make you better equipped

28 | PMF BIKER 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 traffi c, but shockingly 19% of all road accidents involve a motorcyclists. You could make a difference by updating your fi rst aid skills. iCARE supplies motorcyclists with the knowledge and skills to manage the scene of an accident and administer fi rst aid until we arrive.

If you care, we care then I.C.A.R.E be taught by the professionals Call 01392 453 842 to book now business

immediate care at the roadside cand ommercial icare TRAINING in an emergency

30 | PMF BIKER PMF BIKER | 31 BIKER DOWN BIKER DOWN CARD SHARP The FREE first aid course which explains what to do if you’re ever unlucky The FREE medical card for riders enough to be the first person at the scene of a motorbike accident that could potentially save your life WORDS: SIMON TOYNE his scheme could potentially save your life in the magine riding round a corner event of a spill, and it couldn’t be simpler. Riders and suddenly being confronted fill out the crash card – a credit card sized piece of by a bike peering through a card which contains space to enter information hedge, engine running and T I which could be vital to including medical rear wheel still spinning. Even worse, history, details of any medication, blood group, next of kin imagine your mate in front of you and a contact number – then place the card in the lining of completely missing the approaching their helmet. bend and ploughing straight ahead The rider then attaches a small green dot sticker to the into a tree. Not going to happen right-hand side of their helmet, and this alerts paramedics to you? Think again – statistically that the rider is carrying the card. you’re going to be involved in an The card scheme is fundamentally a way to help accident every 12,000 miles. So after paramedics to act fast –especially important if the downed pulling up, what should you do? rider is unconscious or incoherent. Welcome to Biker Down, the FREE And the really clever bit is that it could also be useful to motorcycle first aid course designed carry one in your wallet or in your leathers as the other side by bikers for bikers. of the card features useful information if you find yourself first on the scene of an accident. WHAT IS IT? The cards are free and will be distributed by the Devon & Biker Down is a first aid scheme run Somerset Fire & Rescue Motorcycle Advocates at events such by firefighters designed specifically as BMAD, Weston, Exeter, Teignmouth and Plymouth bike for treating injured riders. nights, as well as other events across the Counties. You can The course is split into three parts, also email [email protected] to request a card. and lasts some three hours.

SECURE THE SCENE Join Devon Freewheelers and make a difference This first session looks at scene OUR MISSION: FREEWH management and kicks off covering N EE O LE To continue providing our local community hospitals, V R E the basics like how you can prevent S surgeries, nursing homes and patients with the out of D Volunteering making a bad situation worse by hours care required should blood samples, whole units of with Devon getting hurt yourself before moving blood, medication, breast milk, patient notes be required for freewheelers and R transporting between hospitals. Ultimately we have a part to knowing that your on to explain how to assess and i di ife contribution can help you’ll want to avoid removing a lid Above card (see opposite page) and a ‘Great ng For L play in a patients care plan, very few patients will ever get decide on the most appropriate action to meet us as we are the unsung hero just delivering what save a life is very wherever possible, but if someone’s Nobody wants to Roads, Great Riders’ rider skills rewarding to take. After establishing that you’re come across this, but is required. not breathing, chances are they DVD. not at risk yourself, the next crucial if you do you need to We have a team of 50 strong riders all who are advanced thing to do is to make sure the bike’s won’t survive anyway, so removing be prepared Biker Down is taking place at motor cyclist. They dedicate their spare time to providing engine has stopped and assess the the helmet may be the only way to Devon travel Academy, Westpoint, a weekday out of hours service (17.00 – 07.00) and 24/7 scene – establish how many people save them. There’s plenty of chance Exeter, on Saturday, June 6. Email weekend and bank holiday service supporting the NHS in to practice each technique under [email protected] or call 01392 delivering essential Blood, Samples, Medication and Donor you’re dealing with, how can you Breast Milk to hospitals and patients throughout Devon. protect the injured rider and other the watchful eyes of the instructor, 444773. and they’ll only move on once Occasionally we are asked to go out of county and further road users, and an order of actions. afield to support the NHS and often work with other Bloodbike May be you have time to position everybody’s happy. groups to relay essential blood, breast milk, supplies and your bike safely a fair distance before medication. If you go to our website there is a story about the scene of the accident with its BE SAFE, BE SEEN GIVE BLOOD Felix who needed care and we were asked to transport to hazard lights on to warn approaching The final session delves in to the London, all done free of charge to the NHS but we know how that saved the life of Felix. traffic of the danger ahead. science behind SMIDSY accidents Emergency services need our help Last year we undertook 2701 missions that saved lives by and explores how riders can make to ensure they have the tools to do providing essential ‘supplies’ within strict time limits to enable TREATMENT themselves more visible to other road their job, and one of their biggest our excellent doctors and nurses to complete their work. This second session is delivered users; refreshingly, the answer isn’t This team is ably supported by a network of 30 volunteers by fully-qualified life support head-to-toe fluorescent clothing. requirements is blood. providing essential fundraising support. Our annual running instructors and covers what to do cost is £150,000 which is raised through public donation and is essential in maintaining the fleet of 11 bikes and in various scenarios – if the rider is IS IT FOR ME? Visit www.blood.co.uk to find out two Emergency Support vehicles to the highest possible injured but talking, if the rider is The course is open to everyone, how you can give blood. standards together with our modest HQ costs and day to injured, but unconscious and so on. regardless of ability or the bike day running costs e.g. Fuel etc. Some of the issues tackled include they ride. All three modules are And remember to carry a donor trauma and the mechanism of injury, interactive, while the treatment If you would like to know more please visit our website http://bloodbikes.org snatch rescues, element is very hands-on. At the end card – www.organdonor.gov. If you would like to help either by riding or with essential fundraising please complete the techniques, CPR and when and how of the day, participants receive a free You CAN make a difference. volunteer form here http://bloodbikes.org/volunteer-with-us and we will contact you. to remove a crash helmet. Obviously, bikers first aid kit, certificate, a crash

32 | PMF BIKER PMF BIKER | 33 PMF BIKER WHAT’S ON DIARY BMAD BMAD – RAISING MONIES FOR CHARITABLE CAUSES WHAT’S ON DIARY WORDS: JOHN CLEWER To advertise your bike event in our next What’s On Diary, please call Nigel Flower on 01392 444773 MAD (Bikers Make a Difference) the local Torbay based motorcycle charity started way or 07989 575961, alternatively email [email protected] back in 2002 with an idea by the founders Kelvin B and Jane Halloran, which was to have a social gathering of bikers on Paignton Seafront, with the intention ORGANISED RIDES Thursday – Weston-Super-Mare Bike Night. of raising money for charity, whilst having a good time. www.westonbikenight.rblr.co.uk/ Over the years this is exactly what has happened, Monday, April 6 – Cornwall Blood Bike, Damerells, Paignton Bike Night finally saw its birth in 2003 and has Indian Queens, St. Columb, TR9 6TF (500 Bikes) from 11am Thursday, May 14, Thursday, June 11, gone on to become the longest running and largest regular until 3pm. www.damerells.co.uk Thursday, July 9, Thursday, August 13 – social gathering of bikers in the South West of England. M.A.G - Barnstaple Bike Nights. The Square Barnstaple Having donated over £350,000 since its inception, BMAD Sunday, May 10 – Cornwall Hospice, Southwest has become recognised as one of the major forces for local Damerells, Indian Queens, St. Columb, TR9 6TF. Friday – Armed Forces Bikers, Windy Ridge, A38. charity work in Torbay and South Devon. Departing 10am. www.damerells.co.uk www.facebook.com/events/1024565037568899 Each year on Paignton Seafront there is regularly a mile of bikes parked side by side every Wednesday evening from Saturday, June 6 – ‘Come and meet Devon Advanced June to Sept. Every biker who comes through the entrance makes a Motorcyclists and join us on a ride out’. Meet at Exeter BIKE EVENTS Services at 9am for a prompt start at 9.30am. www. donation of £1 which allows BMAD to make a difference to advancedmotorcyclists.org.uk Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3 – BMAD Paignton. so many lives across Torbay. The Wednesday evenings have Photography: John Clewer / JC Photosport also become a huge tourist attraction. www.bmad.co.uk/festival.html Saturday, July 4 – ‘Come and meet Devon Advanced Bikers mix with locals and holiday makers alike, the Motorcyclists and join us on a ride out’. Meet at Exeter Saturday, May 30 – Bideford Bike Show. bikers enjoying chips, coffee or ice cream, the locals walk Services at 9am for a prompt start at 9.30am. www. www.facebook.com/BidefordBikeShow their dogs and the holiday makers stroll through the bikes enjoying the evening sunshine whilst walking off their advancedmotorcyclists.org.uk Saturday, June 27 & Sunday, June 28 – Somerset bike evening meals! The atmosphere is wonderful! Sunday, July 12 – Devon Air Ambulance Trust ride, weekend at Haynes motor museum. Sparkford, Yeovil, BMAD also organise their multiple award winning bike Trago Mills to The Den, Teignmouth. Somerset BA22 7LH www.haynesmotormuseum.com/ and music festival, which will take place on Paignton Green over the early May bank holiday 1st – 3rd May 2015 and www.daat.org/daat-motorcycle-ride-out Friday, July 10 & Tuesday, September 8 – Rider which marks the opening of the BMAD season. Sunday, August 9 – Plymouth Mega Ride, Plymouth Hoe. Performance Safety Days Castle Combe Circuit. Spread over three days and attracting tens of thousands www.plymouthmegaride.co.uk www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk of bikers and family visitors, the BMAD Music and Bike Festival is one of the biggest gigs in the Devon’s social Date still to be confirmed – The Martin Jennings July (date still to be confirmed) – Rose and Crown Bike calendar and, last year, won awards in the ‘Best Event’ Memorial Run, September, Garras Warf, Truro. Show, Sanford, Crediton. categories of both the Devon and Torbay Tourist Awards. Once again we will have around 15 hours of music on the St John Ambulance, Devon Freewheelers (aka Blood Bikes) BIKE NIGHTS Saturday, September 12 – Ilfracombe Bike Show. running order featuring both national and local talent. and Torbay Young Carers, whilst support is also given to www.visitilfracombe.co.uk/what-is-on/ilfracombe-events/ Apart from the bands, there is a lot more to see during the many groups and individuals on a merit basis. Bikes Nights from Easter – 6pm to 9pm item/325-motorbike-show event, with the main display ring, custom bike show, traders In 2014 bike nights and the festival together raised over Monday – Damerells, Indian Queens, St.Columb, TR9 6TF. and of course not forgetting the massive line up of bikes on £31,938 for local charities. BIKE COURSES the sea front. Whenever you can, please give generously because ‘Bikers www.damerells.co.uk Our nominated charities are The Devon Air Ambulance, are making a difference’ IAM Devon Tuesday – Teignmouth Bike Night, Whistle-Stop Cafe, Saturday, June 20 Teignmouth Railway Station, Teignmouth. Saturday, July 18 Dates for your diary: Wednesday – Hayle Bike Night. Saturday, August 15 BMAD Music and Bike Festival Wednesday – Paignton Bike Night. www.bmad.co.uk Saturday, September 19 Friday, May 1 to Sunday, May 3 2015

Advanced Motorcyclists Skills Day " Thursday – Exeter Bike Night at Bridge Motorcycles on [email protected] BMAD Paignton Bike Nights are every the last Thursday of the month. Wednesday evening from 6pm onwards, www.bridgemotorcycles.com Saturday, July 11 – Police National Bikesafe and track experience. Castle Combe Racing Circuit June 3 – September 23 2015, except Thursday – RBLB, Cornwall Services, www.bikesafe.co.uk carnival week when it will be on A30 Victoria near Roche, PL26 8UF. Thursday, July 30. www.rblr-kernowsquadron.co.uk/bike-nights Sunday, July 5 – Police Bikesafe, Taunton. Taunton Fire Station BMAD meet every Wednesday evening in Thursday – Plymouth Bike Nights. the Spinning Wheel on Paignton seafront Sunday, September 20 – Police Bikesafe, Taunton. Every other week during the season Plymouth Hoe. (located opposite the Geo Park), however Taunton Fire Station www.plymouthbikenights.org.uk 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 These dates and are accurate to the best of our knowledge, please check websites or local press for further details or visit our facebook page. prior to attending any of these events.

34 | PMF BIKER PMF BIKER | 35 NewDucMTS1200_DougStaffAd 13/3/15 14:00 Page 1

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Maximum control, true fun and real safety are ensured by electronics based on the new Bosch inertial measurement unit. With four Ducati Riding Modes, just one push of a button changes the bike to suit all needs. Have everything. Will travel.

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GT MOTORCYCLES RIDERS OF BRIDGWATER 10-12 Elburton Road, Plymstock, Riders House, Wylds Road, Plymouth PL9 8JQ. Bridgwater TA6 4DH. Tel: 01752 485000 Tel: 01278 457652 www.gtmotorcycles.com www.ridersmotorcycles.com