Information - Positioning - Speed - Gear - Acceleration The Newsletter for the Northamptonshire Advanced Motorcyclists John Martins Bike Trip “the hair dryer was put to good use” PAGE 15 NAMMC.ORG.UK Northamptonshire Advanced Motorcyclists email:[email protected] IAM Affiliate: 7226. Reg. Charity No: 1107148 Page 1 February 2013 Issue 43 Information - Positioning - Speed - Gear - Acceleration This months edition of Forward Progress is my 12th, therefore making it a year since I took on the role of editor. I would like to thank everyone that sent me there jokes, contributions and stories that helped filled the pages, and hope that I can count on your support in the future. I’ve said this before, but if you want to tweak the newsletter with your ideas, then just let me know, and Ill do what I can to accommodate, also if you want to be included in the advertising sections to advertise your business, then just drop me a line. Also for the next couple of months, I will be running loads of articles about those great, great, great examiners, that do a fantastic job, and in my opinion should all be given knighthoods, which coincidently, are the same great, great people that will be taking me for my test in the next couple of months. That said, if I fail, then flogging them in public with big sticks would also be a good idea!!! James Editor www.nammc.org.uk DISCLAIMER The views expressed in Forward Progress are those of the individual contributors and are not necessarily those of the Editor, Northamptonshire Advanced Motorcyclists or the Institute of Advanced Motorists, unless so stated. DATA PROTECTION ACT 1998 Members are advised that the name and address details are held on a computer database. We will not disclose such information to any third party, but where appropriate we will use such information in carrying out the Group’s various functions and services Members not wishing their details to be held in this way should advise the Secretary, in writing, or the Group may breach the requirements of the Act The contents of this newsletter are copyright Northamptonshire Advanced Motorcyclists and should not be reproduced without prior permission. email:[email protected] IAM Affiliate: 7226. Reg. Charity No: 1107148 Page 2 Information - Positioning - Speed - Gear - Acceleration Also available in handy, wallet sized format. (Available on request) email:[email protected] IAM Affiliate: 7226. Reg. Charity No: 1107148 Page 3 Information - Positioning - Speed - Gear - Acceleration First Chinese motorcycle enters TT CF Moto leave their mark in the history books The WK650i that will be entered in the 2013 TT WK BIKES will be entering into the 2013 Isle of Man TT, a first for a Chinese manufacturer. The Hampshire-based firm will be entering the WK650i in the Lightweight class. The bike will be prepared by Hampshire Motorcycles. WK isn't an actual manufacturer, it is the UK brand name for motorcycles made by CF Moto in China. Australian David Johnson will be riding the bike, he scored a top 15 finish in both Superstock and Superbike races in 2013 with a fastest lap of 125.831mph. Paul Phillips, TT and Motorsport Manager, Isle of Man Government, commented:"The TT is back on the map worldwide and this campaign could well represent the start of a new era in motorcycle racing. We originally introduced the Lightweight Race to the TT schedule as it represents an affordable way to go racing and already in only its second year it has become an established part of the TT." email:[email protected] IAM Affiliate: 7226. Reg. Charity No: 1107148 Page 4 Information - Positioning - Speed - Gear - Acceleration 2013 Triumph Tiger Sport Sharper, more powerful Tiger flaunts sportier intentions Engineers have focused on improving power and handling: the chassis has been strengthened and suspension upgraded for sharper cornering, while the 1050cc triple now pushes out 123 bhp and 77 lb-ft of torque - 9.8 bhp and 4.4 lb-ft over the 2012 bike. A new exhaust and revisions to the intake system are behind the additional output, while a one-tooth larger rear sprocket improves acceleration. Triumph claims that the Tiger Sport is also 7 percent more economical with fuel. The fully adjustable suspension features new springing and revalved damping to give the Tiger Sport its sharper feel, while a marginally steeper steering angle and slightly longer wheelbase are said to improve precision, feedback and stability. Bodywork has been revised, with a new tail unit, side panels and screen, and a new belly pan is now standard. Four reflector-type headlights replace the previous projector units, reducing weight and, Triumph says, substantially improving the lighting performance. The seat is 5mm lower (down to 830mm) and narrower at the front to improve reach to the ground and make the bike more accessible to a wider range of riders. The rear seat has also been lowered for better wind protection for the pillion. A single-sided swingarm and a stronger rear subframe allow the fitment of larger optional panniers, with double the payload of the previous ones at 10kg each. Prices for the Tiger Sport will be announced next month, with bikes in dealerships from March. email:[email protected] IAM Affiliate: 7226. Reg. Charity No: 1107148 Page 5 Information - Positioning - Speed - Gear - Acceleration A SKILL FOR LIFE Free Better Biking Day Become a better rider with the Northamptonshire Advanced Motorcyclists. Saturday 27th April 2013 with “observes” starting from 10am onwards If you’re passionate about your biking, Book your place for then let the Northamptonshire your free “observed” Advanced Motorcyclists give your ride, and chat to our skills a boost, improve members about the your techniques and benefits of joining increase your confidence the Northamptonshire and ability, allowing you Advanced to get more from your Motorcyclists. riding experience. To book your free place, call 08700 427648, or email [email protected] www.nammc.org.uk email:[email protected] Obelisk Centre, Obelisk IAM Affiliate: Rise, 7226. Northampton. Reg. Charity No: 1107148 NN2 8UE Pa ge 6 Information - Positioning - Speed - Gear - Acceleration French bike cops' helmet hell Furious French continue to defy just about everything MOTORCYCLE officers in the Morbihan region of France are making a stand against shoddy issued kit, exercising their right of withdrawal (a work stoppage for safety reasons), specifically citing the poor state of their helmets. Patrolmen were issued with their latest helmets in 2007, but have become disgruntled since replacements have not been forthcoming. Helmets usually have a working life of between three and five years, depending on intensity of use. Police riders are now refusing to take to the road on their bikes, opting for their squad cars instead. According to the police union, within just a year and a half of use, the helmet shell had begun to flake. Officers were told that it was not detrimental to safety, but subsequently the situation has worsened. 'The shells become brittle and no longer protect crash. Visors, weather-worn, no longer offer the minimum visibility. Inside, the foams are packed and no longer maintaining normal protection' said Dominique Le Dourmer, departmental secretary of the GSP Police Unit. 'It is not acceptable for us to continue to drive in these conditions.' 'Under the intensive use of the national police motorcyclists, the situation is alarming.' The Ministry of the Interior has promised replacements by the end of the year - but not in time to stop these uppity cops from making their voices heard. The administration has blamed 'supply issues'. Motorway junction signs are usually positioned a mile and a half mile in advance. Use them to plan your exit speed and lane position early email:[email protected] IAM Affiliate: 7226. Reg. Charity No: 1107148 Page 7 Information - Positioning - Speed - Gear - Acceleration Booby trap found on the Isle of Man Police have appealed for information A SMALL road has apparently been booby trapped on the Isle of Man. According to iomtoday.co.im, the crude trap was found on a 'green way' road (a right of way that vehicles can use but that is not tarmaced) near the town of Peel - this is latest in a series of booby-trapping incidents reported in the area. A member of the public stumbled upon the traps (pictured), which had apparently been 'left intentionally on the track'. They constitute two six inch square pieces of plywood with two inch nails hammered through. Investigating Constable Ian Scott said: ‘This matter is being treated very seriously. ‘It is an offence to cause anything to be on a road that would be obvious to a reasonable person that it was dangerous to do so. ‘While we can only speculate as to the motivation of those responsible at this time, the objects are presenting a very real danger to users of the Green Way Road in this location. ‘Not only could the likes of pedal cycle and motorcycle tyres be damaged causing the riders to lose control, but walkers and livestock using the lane could equally face serious injury if the objects were stepped on. ‘Green way roads are a public highway and can be used by all concerned as long as they comply with legal requirements.' Anybody with any information regarding the incident should contact Isle of Man Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, or Peel police station on 842208. A reward may be payable as a result of your information. email:[email protected] IAM Affiliate: 7226. Reg. Charity No: 1107148 Page 8 Information - Positioning - Speed - Gear - Acceleration Side-saddle only for female pillions Ban on women straddling motorcycles proposed in Aceh, Indonesia Breaking the law WE may moan about the latest EU laws effecting how we ride bikes in Europe, but a proposed change in the law in Aceh in Indonesia may see female pillions limited to side-saddle riding only.