MCN woman Rider

Celebrating iconic trail blazers, racers and everyday road riders

RIDER

INSIDE

PIONEERS

The women who changed biking

SKILLS SCHOOL

Boost your biking confidence

PERFECT KIT

Top rider wear for female bikers

WORKSHOP FIXES

Hot tips with Jenny Tinmouth

SUMMER SAVINGS

YEARS

3

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RIDER

WELCOME

4

EMMA FRANKLIN, DEPUTY EDITOR

FACES WOMEN BIKERS UK

‘Biking really is for all of us’ What you’re holding in your hand represents something of a watershed day in motorcycling. For the first time in the history of the UK biking press, there is a publication devoted to women motorcyclists.

A bit overdue? Some might argue, yes; for as long as motorcycles have been in existence, women have been riding them – just check out our Pioneers feature on page 6 – but over the past decade, more females than ever before are discovering the magic of motorcycling.

Which is why MCN’s female staff, assisted by leading women experts from across the industry, have brought you this special issue of WoMCN Rider, to celebrate and represent all female riders out there, and inspire more to join the ranks.

One of the brilliant things about biking is its inclusivity; it doesn’t matter who you are, if you straddle a bike you’re a biker, right?

So WoMCN Rider isn’t about segregation – it’s about representing those women who’ve always been there but perhaps haven’t been given the recognition they deserved; it’s about encouraging new motorcyclists who’ve perhaps believed that biking’s not for them; and it’s about inspiring the next generation of girls to get into biking too, so that motorcycling has a future that we can all enjoy together, as bikers.

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DISCOVER THE PIONEERS

10

SKILLS BOOST YOUR ABILITY

16

BIKE KIT COOL KIT THAT FITS

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BUYING TOP 5 BIKES RATED

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JOIN IN HOW TO GET LICENSED

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DO IT! BEAT BREAKDOWNS

31

COMMUNITY GET INVOLVED www.motorcyclenews.com July 21 2021 |

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RIDER

RIDE LIKE A GIR

No matter who you are or what you ride, get out there and do it in your own way, just like the

04 | July 21 2021 www.motorcyclenews.com

RL

ese riders do...

www.motorcyclenews.com July 21 2021 |

05

RIDER PIONEERS IN MOTORCYCLING Cottle was a factory rider a century ago

PICS DOUBLE RED, BAUER ARCHIVE, JADE GOODISON, GETTY IMAGES, PAUL ‘WOODY’ WOODLOCK

‘FOR OVER A CENTURY, WOMEN MOTORCYCLISTS HAVE SHATTERED RECORDS’

THE PIONEERS The British women who have made their mark on motorcycling over the past 100 years

There was a time when women weren’t allowed to ride motorcycles. It was considered un-lady like, we were arrested for wearing men’s bike kit, banned from racing, accused of trying to escape duties to our husbands, and laughed at. In the face of adversity and chauvinism there were those who defied convention, pushed the envelope and broke down barriers. For over a century, women motorcyclists

have shattered records and braved extraordinary feats, continuing to be pioneers to this day. WoMCN celebrates over 100 years of Britain’s greatest biking women.

‘WE WERE BANNED FROM RACING AND EVEN ARRESTED FOR WEARING MEN’S RIDING KIT’

06 | July 21 2021 www.motorcyclenews.com

1920 MARJORIE COTTLE Star of 1920s & 1930s trials After turning heads during her first trials competition in 1920, Marjorie became a factory rider for Raleigh and was considered to be one of the best riders in the country at that time. She also competed in reliability trials

and once rode 3429 miles in 11 days and 10 hours on a 348cc Raleigh. She competed in the International Six Days Trial from 1925 to 1939 as women were banned from competing in any other form of bike sport.

Cottle smashed the sterotypes

1934 BEATRICE SHILLING Brooklands Gold Star winner & WW2 hero

Beatrice ruled at Brooklands

Rode from London to Cape Town

A highly qualified engineer, Beatrice was one of only three women to be awarded the prestigious Brooklands Gold Star for lapping the circuit at over 100mph on her Norton.

Through her work in the RAF, she was responsible for developing a technique that restricted fuel flow to the engines of Hurricanes and Spitfires in WW2 to prevent them cutting out during extreme manoeuvres – known as Miss Shilling’s Orifice – saving many countless lives.

While 1930s wives were told to stay at home and prepare dinner, Theresa Wallach and Florence Blenkiron were battling through the Sahara Desert on their way to South Africa. They became the first motorcyclists to cross the Sahara and the first to ride from London to Cape Town. Florence was also the first woman to be recorded lapping Brooklands at over 100mph in 1933.

Swain rocked the TT boat

1962 BERYL SWAIN First female solo rider to finish a TT race Beryl Swain rode her 50cc Itom to 22nd place at the 1962 Isle of Man TT. The organisers later revoked her race licence, stating it was too dangerous for women. Incredibly, the ban on female racers at the event remained in place until 1978.

1997 TIFFANY COATES & BECKY LINCOLN

1935 THERESA WALLACH & FLORENCE BLENKIRON

1982 ELSPETH BEARD First woman to ride around the world At a time before the Internet, 20-yearold Elspeth ventured into the unknown with just £2500 in her pocket. It wasn’t all plain sailing though, she cartwheeled the bike in the outback and

ended up in hospital for two weeks, hit a cow in India and landed in a river.

But in the end she still rode 48,000 miles over three years, and had circumnavigated the globe by age 23.

India? We’ll just ride there…

Went two-up around the world by BMW Despite not knowing how to ride prior to departure, Tiffany Coates and Becky Lincoln decided they wanted to visit India – so rode there, two-up.

They bought a BMW R80GS, learnt the basics and set off. Once they got to India, they decided to carry on, riding to Australia and home through Africa.

What started out as an eight-month trip grew into a two-and-a-half-year roundthe-world epic.

‘ONCE THEY GOT TO INDIA, THEY DECIDED TO CARRY ON, RIDING TO AUSTRALIA AND THEN BACK HOME’

2004 MARIA COSTELLO Sets female TT lap record British road racer, Maria became the fastest woman to race the TT when she averaged a speed of 114.73mph from a standing start on a Padgett’s Suzuki GSX-R750 K2. Maria actually

achieved this record with a broken collarbone sustained in an earlier crash. Her record stood until 2009, when newcomer Jenny Tinmouth broke it on her first TT attempt.

www.motorcyclenews.com July 21 2021 |

07

RIDER

First British woman to finish the Dakar Rally Patsy finished the notorious rally at her fourth attempt – undeterred by suffering life-threatening injuries when she crashed during her very

first Dakar. She now trains and prepares other riders for rallies and enduros at her Desert Rose Riding Academy in Sussex.

Patsy blazed a trail at the Dakar Rally

2011 JENNY TINMOUTH First woman to compete in BSB

2009 CAROLYNN SELLS First woman to win a race around the TT course Twenty years after the ban on women racing at the Isle of Man was lifted, island resident Carolynn became the first and, so far, only woman to win a race on the TT course, when she rode her Yamaha FZR400 to glory in the Ultra Lightweight race at the Manx GP in 2009. In damp conditions she carved out a winning margin of 62 seconds and a fastest race lap of 107.780mph.

‘IN DAMP CONDITIONS SHE CARVED OUT A WINNING MARGIN OF 62 SECONDS’

Tinmouth with her official Honda BSB bike

The fastest woman around the TT course, Jenny also holds the honour of being the first woman to do battle in the British Superbike Championship. After a few seasons running her own team, she was elevated to the official Honda squad for the 2015 season. Turn to p26 for her getyou-home-tips.

Mountain Course winner Carolynn Sells

2012 CATHERINE GREEN First woman to win a British Championship race At a rainsoaked Cadwell Park, 39-year-old Derbyshire rider Cat took her Honda RS125 to glory in the British Motostar championship race in front of a packed-out BSB crowd and live Eurosport TV cameras. Her margin of victory was 11.5s beating upand-coming big names like Kyle Ryde, Joe Francis and Bradley Ray in the process.

Cat’s Cadwell victory is a historic one

2014 EMMA BRISTOW First Brit to win the Women’s Trials World Championship Clinching both the British and World Women’s Trials Championships this year, Emma went on to dominate the sport at an international level, winning six consecutive world championship crowns as a Sherco factory rider.

08 | July 21 2021 www.motorcyclenews.com

Six world titles for Sherco rider Emma Bristow

PIC PAUL ‘WOODY’ WOODLOCK

2006 PATSY QUICK

2018 STEPH JEAVONS First Brit to ride to all seven continents Adventurer who completed a solo around-the-world trip that took her to all seven continents – yes, including Antarctica… a world first. The journey lasted a few days short of four years, during which Steph logged 53 countries and over 74,000 miles. And she did it all on a 25bhp Honda CRF250.

2019 HAYLEY BELL Founder of the Women Riders World Relay The Women Riders World Relay saw over 10,000 women from 80 countries take part in a baton relay across the world, with Cheshirebased founder Hayley riding most of the way herself. The group also aims to help inform the motorcycle industry of the needs of real, everyday women riders. Hayley was also awarded the title of Motorcyclist of the Year 2019 by the American Motorcyclist Association.

PIC JADE GOODISON

On her Honda Moto3, Holly’s one to watch

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2020 HOLLY HARRIS First female to win a race in British minimotos Racing since she was six years old, last year Holly became the first female to win a race in the Fab Racing Senior Minimoto series, which helped her to third place in the championship.

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09

RIDER SKILLS – BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE

Beyond the c MCN’s Saffron Wilson discovers how venturing off-road has a dramatic effect on her riding skills…

BY SAFFRON WILSON MCN Reporter Has been riding on the road for 11 years but has zero off-road experience.

Loves touring and has been secretly itching to explore the road less travelled.

ADAM SHORROCK

A

s someone who has spent absolutely no time on an offroad bike, let alone actually going offroad, the thought of spending a day riding around the rolling hills of Wales gave me an uncomfortable churning feeling in my stomach. But those butterflies meant that I was the perfect guinea pig to experience a 1-2-1 off-road training day with instructor Louise Hodgkinson, at the Sweet Lamb Adventure Rally Bike Academy in Wales.

The day starts with tea and a

10 | July 21 2021 www.motorcyclenews.com

It might feel alien at first but it’s so, so good

pep-talk. As we wait for rally cars, 4x4s and even the odd horse to disappear into the 6500-acre complex, Louise explains that she got into instructing after meeting Sweet Lamb’s lead coach, Mark ‘Moly’ Molineux, while training for the GS Trophy. During this time, the pair chatted about the lack of ‘big bike’ instructors for women’s off-road training, so decided to do something about it.

“As a woman I’m happy being taught by guys,” begins Louise, as our hot tea steams in the cool morning air. “But there are quite a few women that are much

‘Louise whoops, punches the air and cheers. It’s infectious’ happier coming along and having a female instructor. Moly has a very specific way of training and we were so lucky to find him. I’ve gone through his process and he’s taught me how to translate it, so I can pass that gift on.”

With the chat over, it was now time for a short ride over to the skills area to get a feel for the bike, a KTM 390 Adventure. The gravel tracks which sweep between towering hills and a rustling stream feel alien to me on off-road tyres, sending my road-riding instincts screaming that this loose sensation was somehow very wrong. When we finally stop, Louise talks about how different it feels, why and what I need to do.

Then comes the question: “Are you ready for the next stage?” Yes, I most definitely am!

Once at the skills area, Louise

guides me through the different stance and body position I’ll need on the trails, which seem to be completely the opposite to everything I’ve learned on the road. But each time she points out a new trick or a new position, it just makes sense. Every time I master something, she whoops, cheers and punches the air with a great, big smile on her face, which proves totally infectious.

Confidence swelling and the basics mastered, we start up a gravel track and then work the back brake by repeatedly riding CONTINUED OVER k

comfort zone LOUISE’S RIDING WISDOM

Out in the glorious wilds of Sweet Lamb

Even if you’ve no interest in off-road, these tips will help you wherever and whatever you choose to ride Slow is smooth and smooth is fast

“Learning to ride with confidence and control keeps you on the trails and moving. In the end it’s more efficient than the riders who come racing past, lose it on the corner, then have to re-group to come racing past again.”

Always look to where you want to go’

“Keep your head up and look to where you want to go. If you’re

looking to where you are going, you’re turning your whole body and that means you are helping your bike go around anything.”

Back brake first

“Back brake first gives us total control of the motorbike. I think the back brake should actually be called the control pedal, because it doesn’t actually stop you properly, but it gives you control over the bike which enables you to ride smoothly.”

Steer with your legs

“Figure of 8s are quite a good example of how steering with your legs can work. While performing them, we don’t steer a bike with our arms, but we steer using our bodyweight. Try it.”

Smile

“Make sure you smile when your ride. Motorcycling is a great thing to master and it can take you on so many great adventures, on road and off.”

Get the basics right and it will flow from there

YOUR EXPERT… Louise Hodgkinson, Sweet Lamb Adventure Rally Bike Academy After learning to ride as an adult, Louise has taken part in rallies across the UK and in Europe, and qualified ninth in the world at the 2017 GS Trophy. Her training days cost from £125. www.adventurerallybike. co.uk

Riding in this environment is pure bliss

From dirt bike newbie to complete enthusiast

Riding over a plank? That’s no problem at all

Louise demonstrates what’s possible on the KTM 390

www.motorcyclenews.com July 21 2021 |

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RIDER SKILLS – BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE Tackling one of Sweet Lamb’s river crossings

‘There was one more challenge before lunch – the gully’

WE DID IT! ‘It gives you that bit of confidence’ Michelle Brooks-Oplin, 53-year-old swotted up on her off-roading skills

“After I had my children, I got back into dirt bikes. I ride with blokes and they’re a little intimidating. I’ve done a Ladies Day elsewhere with a male tutor. He was good, but Louise seems to be in tune with how women ride. It’s stupid things like our physical strength isn’t the same. You really have to work at throwing your weight around on the bike and grab it by the bars and take control.”

‘It’s the female perspective’ Sarah Pugh started offroading at 50 to join her husband, Richard, and their 14-year-old son David

“I joined the TRF and spent a year trailing behind, holding on and hoping. My husband tried to teach me, but he used the male perspective and he just couldn’t work out how to tell me differently. Louise broke it back down and built it up in layers because I have a phobia about corners and downhills.

There’s just something about a female perspective, I can’t put my finger on it.”

Coffee break and a debrief as the skills grow

‘I’ve been back twice already’

Up on the pegs, ready for the next challenge

down a steep decline, as other bikers and drivers race round the Welsh hills. It’s thirsty work and my hydration pack is getting low, but there was one more challenge before lunch – the gully.

OK, so the gully turns out to be about two feet deep and 100 yards long, but it might as well have been the Grand Canyon. We pause at the beginning of the ditch and Louise talks me through how to approach the challenge, what it was going to be like and asks if I have any reservations. But after following her example, I master it at the fourth attempt, and attack it faster

‘It’s not only the instant impact of being here, it’s what it gives you in the future’ than I thought would be possible… in double digits!

Conquering the gully is proof that Louise’s bike-handling techniques and tricks really work.

12 | July 21 2021 www.motorcyclenews.com

And it seems I’m not alone.

“My students have been awesome,” Louise says.

“Empowered. I get texts the next day saying ‘I’ve been dreaming of biking all night long.’ Even a month after I’ve seen them, they’ll be like ‘I’ve just got to share this with you…’

“So it’s not only the instant impact of being here, it’s also what it gives you in the future.”

Later in the day, I find myself crossing a stream without blinking thanks to my improving body position and confidence. From there it’s back into the skills area,

where I’m finding myself throwing the bike around with turning skids, riding over rumble strips as well as a tight bridge. After this, I don’t think I’d be phased by anything I’d encounter on the road.

With the 1-2-1 Ladies sessions at Sweet Lamb becoming ever more popular, it seems Louise has got the recipe just right. “It’s not trying to make it too girly girl,” she explains, taking off her lid. “It’s a balance, and it’s a hard balance to get. It’s that bit in the middle which is about being good quality bikers, and it doesn’t actually matter what gender we are.”

Nicola Pulfrey got a taste for off-roading when she was younger, and now she’s gone back for a bigger slice of the pie “People often teach what works for them. So when I’m stood at 5ft 4in next to a 6ft 2in bloke and they’re telling me to handle the bike in exactly the same way, sometimes it doesn’t work. Louise gets it.

She was good at suggesting different techniques that didn’t involve hefting everything around and muscling the bike about. She doesn’t try and tell you what to do, she’ll work with you.”

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RIDER SKILLS – TAKE THE PLUNGE

‘For us it’s all about technique and skill’

Laura takes a fresh approach to bike training

Meet Laura Smith, the motorcycle trainer who’s doing things differently

It’s all about delivering the best training

L

aura Smith founded Women’s Only Motorcycle Training five years ago after noticing a lack of confidence at the Ace Café’s all-female bike meet, and since then she has made it her mission to bridge the gap.

“When I was there, I thought there were a lot of women who felt scared about being on their own when they’re normally with partners or friends. I felt like we’re letting the side down, not the females themselves, but the training aspect of it.

“The problem is that the industry feels male-dominated from the start. We get women from all over the place, but they all tend to tell me they were made to feel really small by their local training school. These women are successful businesswomen, intelligent people and they are being made to feel stupid for something that they don’t understand. I have to spend quite a bit of time with them just explaining that wasn’t their fault, it was the

lack of training they received. The trainer ran out of ability because they were putting the onus on the student. It should be on the trainer to find a different way to train that person if they are unresponsive to what you’re giving them. For me, women’s only motorcycle training is about technique and skill. Initially the learning takes longer because we want the skills to be better. Once they have the skills their confidence is up because they feel more comfortable on the bike.”

O www.womt.co.uk

14 | July 21 2021 www.motorcyclenews.com

Greater skill equals more fun

LAURA’S SIX TOP TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

1 Ride a pushbike

Everyone says ‘yeah, I can ride a pushbike’. But regularly riding a pushbike and doing things like figures of eights and U-turns on it is going to help massively with balance. Every lady that comes to me wanting to book, I try to encourage them to get out on the pushbike for as long as possible.

2 Find a decent trainer

If your training starts on the wrong foot, then you’re always going to have this niggle in the back of your mind that you didn’t do it right. Find a training school that’s suitable and has bikes that are suitable for you. If you’re under 5ft 4in then there’s a possibility that the bikes they have might not be suitable for you.

3 Don’t stop at your CBT

See it as a stepping-stone, a temporary way to get up to the bigger bike because that’s what you’re trying to do – get a full licence. There is no way you would get in a car independently after six hours of training, so in my opinion a CBT probably isn’t enough to give people the necessary confidence.

as much homework as 4youDo can

When you are learning to ride, you should submerge yourself in the training. We get people who are busy, they’ve got deadlines, they’ve got jobs to do, they’ve got kids to look

after and they don’t look at the videos between the training sessions and it really shows.

Doing your homework can also be a massive factor.

5 Don’t rush it

Don’t feel pressured to get onto the bigger bike before you are ready. A lot of training schools offer an intensive course, but it’s so intense and probably a bit much for most people. I certainly wouldn’t cope well with that kind of training.

6 Your test isn’t the end

Don’t think that once you’ve got your test, that is it. I believe you’re always learning. And if at any point during your riding journey you have any issues, I would always recommend reaching out to a trainer rather than just asking your mates or just not going out on your bike.

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Representative APR

7.9% APR

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RIDER

Look great, f

GET IN GEAR

Kit expert Daisy Bell guides you through some of this summer’s hottest gear

BOOTS

NEW FO SUMME R R 2021

TCX Ikasu £160 Not only do they look like they’ve just trotted out of the pages of your fave fashion mag, the Ikasu have a hidden secret – a 2.5cm internal heel lift to help give you a little boost when coming to a stop on your bike. They’re fully CE approved with soft D30 armour at the toes, heels and ankles, plus they’re waterproof too. They function both as on-bike and off-bike footwear, as the OrthoLite footbed gives great comfort. Sizes UK 3 – 8 – true to size.

‘Trust the brands that specialise in footwear’ Ladybiker says: “If you have particularly small or narrow feet then opting for a pair of boots designed for women will help you get the best fit. Look for brands such as Sidi, Forma and TCX – these companies only make boots so know a thing are two about what makes good biking footwear and they all produce a good range of women-only models.

If you struggle getting a decent fit around your calf, consider a pair of short or lace-up boots, but make sure your trousers are long enough so that you don’t have a gap at the ankle.”

Momo by TCX £180 Super light and beautifully comfy, the Momos might look like trainers but they’re fully CE certified as bike boots, with soft armour on the ankle, heel and toe areas.

They’re also waterproof and breathable.

The best thing about these boots is their versatility, as they’re great for walking in, too. In sizes UK 3-8 – true to size.

16 | July 21 2021 www.motorcyclenews.com

Zipped stretch panel makes them so easy to put on

Forma Adv Tourer £170 Made from oil-treated leather and suede, these are proper adventure boots, and cocoon feet and lower legs with armour at the ankles, toes and heel, with a shin guard up front. Ski-boot-style bindings and a Velcro closure means these boots offer a degree of calf adjustability. Available in sizes UK 3-8 – fit is slightly small.

Sidi Performer £190 Sports boots that provide the very best in protection without compromising comfort.

With replaceable toe sliders, these boots are ideal if you’re a trackday regular or just someone who loves that sports style. If you plan to wear these over leathers, check there’s enough adjustment at the calf area.

Available in sizes UK 4-8.

Forma Eva £160 Proof that biking boots don’t have to be big, clumpy and ugly to be protective. The topselling Eva are fully CE approved and have all the necessary protection around your bony bits, but look just like everyday fashion boots meaning that they work brilliantly with riding jeans or jeggings. Plus they’re waterproof too. Available in sizes UK 3.5-8.

feel safe

and shares her top tips for getting a fabulous fit first time

JACKETS

BEST FO BEATIN R THE HEAG T

‘Seek eek advice before you buy’ Ladybiker says: “It’s always tricky to get the perfect jacket. With our lumps and bumps, every body is unique so one size certainly does not fit all. I’d say there’s still work to be done with regards getting kit that’s more true to size – unfortunately, it’s still common to find jackets that have arm lengths that increase along with the waistline! But in general the cut of womens’ jackets is a lot more flattering than it was. Seek advice from a specialist retailer; with good guidance you can get the right size first time.”

RST Paragon VI £399.99 Coming soon, this top-spec touring jacket features an integrated airbag system, AA CE rating for abrasion, and stacks of features. Brit brand RST designed the women’s Paragon VI completely from a clean sheet, meaning that the cut should be spot on. Look out for MCN’s review soon.

Available in sizes 8-20.

YOUR EXPERT… Daisy Bell, Ladybiker.co.uk

Established in 2002, LadyBiker.co.uk are the original specialists in women’s motorcycle clothing, offering an independent boutique service. Managing Director Daisy Bell has years of experience in helping customers get the best kit and prides herself on knowing biker products inside out.

Segura Oskar £150 The most stylish way to keep cool, the Oskar features permanently open mesh panels on the chest, under arms and back that allow a very cooling breeze to flow through the jacket at all times. Jackets like this, however, are pretty much a onetrick pony as there’s no waterproofing or thermal lining: warm, dry, summer use only.

Available in sizes 8-16.

Soft-touch collar adds to the Oskar’s comfort level

Spada Grid £100 One for all you cool urban chicks, Spada’s Grid is made from softshell fabric which has a semi stretchy quality to it and looks like a high-end leisure jacket. Inside, however, there’s a waterproof membrane to keep you dry, and the added bonus of CE armour at the shoulders, elbows and back. It’s available in sizes 8-22, fits slightly small.

Oxford Holwell £199.99 Gorgeous retro jacket produced by waxed cotton manufacturer British Millerain combines classic looks with modern tech.

On the outside, the wet waxed cotton provides the first line of defence against the elements, backed up on the inside by a waterproof/breathable membrane.

Available in sizes 8-20. Black, green or red.

Modeka Kalea £340 No rider’s wardrobe is complete without a cool leather jacket. This one, from longestablished German kit manufacturer Modeka, is available in an impressive range of sizes, from UK 8 right up to UK 26. Made from soft, supple goat leather, it looks and fits like a fashion jacket, but it’s actually a proper bit of protective riding gear.

www.motorcyclenews.com July 21 2021 |

17

RIDER GET IN GEAR

TROUSERS

HIGHWAISTE HEROESD !

‘Always try them on while sitting on your bike’ Ladybiker says: “Not so long ago, the only choice we had when it came to riding trousers was thick, hot, heavy leather or sweaty, unflattering cordura.

Fortunately, things have changed for the better of late and we now have protective denims, jeggings and supercomfortable softshell materials. When purchasing trousers, always be sure to sit on the bike in situ, observing armour position, leg length in relation to your boots, and how the fit is around your middle, as many of us are prone to ‘fluctuations’ here, especially in hot weather”.

GLOVES Ladybiker says: “The range of gloves available for women has improved massively. For summer riding you can choose a glove that offers decent protection but with the added benefit of ventilation. Or for a more typical British summer’s day, opt for a glove with added rain protection instead.”

RST GT leather jeans £200 If safety is at the top of your priority list, there’s still no alternative to leather. The RST GT have been awarded the highest level AAA for abrasion protection and also features CE Level 2 armour at the knees and hips. There’s also a comfort-boosting stretch area at the waist. Sizes 8-20.

Modeka Hot £70

Retro leather gloves perfect for those with larger hands. Complete with hidden hard knuckle protection, and available in a huge range of sizes: XS to 3XL.

Modeka Manda Plus £250

Alpinestars Stella SP-X Air Carbon V2 £100

A high quality plus-size option for those needing a sturdy, traditional textile trouser in UK Sizes 20-28. The Manda are made from tough 500D Polyamide outer with CE Level 1 armour at the knees, and also features a removable waterproof/windproof membrane for weather protection. And the waist can be enlarged by up to 20cm.

Bull-it Fury V Jeggings £140

Track-inspired short leather gloves that mix sports style with super protection.

With carbon knuckle armour and sliders on the palms. Available in XS-XL.

Super stretchy, comfy, flattering and most of all, protective, Bull-it Fury Jeggings feature a high waist band for both comfort and security, as well as areas of AAA-rated slide protection (but are rated overall as AA) as well as the highest level CE armour at the knees. Sizes 4-22, three leg lengths.

Furygan Jet Lady D30 £45

Ideal for those with short fingers, the leather and textile mix plus soft D30 armour provide protection and all-day comfort. Available in sizes XS-XL.

Oxford Super Leggings 2.0 £99.99 The updated version of Oxford’s massively popular Super Leggings provide a brilliantly comfortable alternative to denim. They’re made from an abrasion resistant stretch material for great fit, plus they feature a very flattering high waist band. Available in three leg lengths across sizes 6-22. Grey, burgundy and khaki available in September.

Richa Street Touring GTX lady fit £129.99

The Street Touring features a Gore-Tex membrane beneath the leather outer, which promises to keep hands dry, come rain or shine. Available in sizes XS-2XL.

www.motorcyclenews.com July 21 2021 |

19

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RIDER GET IN GEAR

Bronwen Pole is one of RST’s team of bike-mad designers

Kit for women, by women ‘Our design team is 90% female’

M

otorcycling kit has come a long way in a short time. Premillennium, female bikers either had to fork out for custommade kit or make do with wearing men’s gear. In the mid 2000s we started to see more women-specific kit hit the market, but even then it was often aimed at occasional pillion passengers and lacked the protection of the men’s equivalent.

By 2010, there was dramatically more choice, but still many lines aimed at women were quite often just cinched-in versions of men’s products, smattered with pastel colours and flower motifs, and

lacked the fit so essential for proper performance and comfort.

Roll forward to 2021 and things are much different. British kit giant RST told WoMCN: “RST is incredibly proud of its women’s collection, designed and developed in-house with its (90%) female-led design and development team. With a

‘We only make products the team would be happy to ride in’

number of the team involved in the design and tailoring process being riders themselves (as well as having extensive backgrounds in the fashion industry), we only make products the team would be happy to ride in personally - if it doesn’t pass this test we don’t make it! The kit is designed to look good and offer a solid level of protection. All of our women’s products are individually tailored; even if we make a men’s version, we design and develop the women’s style on its own.”

It’s an attitude shared by fellow British kit firm, Oxford Products who said: “Our approach to creating women’s kit is the same as the men’s, it’s just that the market

Female tech staff are now core to many kit brands’ design teams research, design and fit sampling processes are done with women instead of men!

“Each garment has its own ‘tech pack’ created from scratch; this is

a heavyweight document detailing every material, trim, panel cut, stitch, and pantone reference. This is even the case where we create ‘matching’ men’s and women’s versions of a garment. The women’s product only shares materials and trims, the rest is different from the ground up. That ‘tech pack’ document is subject to the same scrutiny regardless of end user; we market research using women’s feedback, design the garments using female designers and female feedback groups and take our samples through the fit process using women. Having a 50:50 split in our apparel team is of course extremely helpful in this process!”

www.motorcyclenews.com July 21 2021 |

21

RIDER BUY YOUR RIDE

Narrow engine makes the Street feel slim

MCN’s Alison put the Street to the test in ’15

FIVE STARS

These five brilliant bikes are the most popular models as quoted for by women looking for bike cover at motorcycle insurance comparison site www. mcncompare.com

Owners of the most popular models reveal why these bikes take top marks 2007-2015 TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE / R £3000-£6000

‘No one can resist the cheeky Street’ 675cc | 189kg | 105bhp | 805mm seat height

T

he Triumph Street Triple is a legendary bike, adored by riders of all shapes, sizes and experience levels, which is why it’s at number one in this list.

We’re yet to meet anyone who’s not fallen for its charms. It’s fun and frisky, but at the same time it’s also easy to handle, lightweight and unintimidating. The original Street Triple (07-12) has a cheeky character and feels a bit more playful, but if you want something that’s even lighter and more refined, opt for the 2013 onward model which uses the Daytona sportsbike’s taller first gear and has more weight over the front.

The current 765cc evolution is faster, but they’re not as much fun.

Be aware

Early 675cc engines can guzzle a bit of oil. Check for rattling and smoke from the exhaust when starting, and

22 | July 21 2021 www.motorcyclenews.com

for ominous bottom-end knocking.

Quite a few older Streets have been nicked, so make sure ignition, fuel cap and seat all use one key. Doublecheck engine and chassis numbers, and look to see if the lockstops are still intact. If it’s an R model it should have firmer suspension, Magura ’bars and a radial master cylinder.

Owner Lynn Ford says...

“I have a 2009 model and I think it’s a really good looking, stylish bike with a comfortable riding position. It can be easily lowered for the shorter rider, handles well and is suitable for fun riding, pootling about or fullyloaded touring. It really can do it all. The engine power sounds like a lot at 105bhp but it is surprisingly controllable, plus it sounds nice too.”

Slim-fast: 2013on Street Triple is 6kg lighter

Ride me on an A2 licence!

Bike instructor Sandra keeps a clean machine

THE LOWDOWN ON LOWERING

Can’t resist sports style?

Try a CBR500R

2014-2018 YAMAHA MT-07 £2750-£5950

2013-2018 HONDA CBR500R £3000-£4500

‘It’s grunty and pulls really well’

‘It’s the best all-round machine’

The MT-07 is the perfect mix of ease, character and fun – all at a bargain price. The 74bhp parallel-twin motor has more than enough puff for confident overtakes, and there’s loads of low-down torque for smooth, slow riding. Its low weight and great ergonomics make it manageable to live with, and it’s really compact too.

Yamaha sold squillions of them so it’s a buyers’ market out there.

With sportsbike looks but none of the discomfort, it’s little wonder the CBR500R ranks so highly in MCNCompare’s popularity stakes.

The parallel-twin cylinder bike is A2 licence compliant and makes 47bhp, meaning it’s got enough pep to keep you satisfied. Handling-wise, the CBR500R exceeds expectations. It’s responsive, well mannered, light, manageable, and glitch-free. It’s never going to catch you out.

689cc | 179kg | 74bhp | 805mm seat height

Be aware

The only place that seems to suffer is the metal pipe on the right-hand side that runs from the water pump to the

rubber hose, but if you keep it clean and free from road salt then it’ll be OK. ABS was optional on early bikes so haggle if it doesn’t have it.

Owner Sandra Aaron says...

“I’ve done over 11,000 miles on mine and I still love it. It’s light, agile, very grunty and pulls really well through the gears. I’ve put an Akrapovic exhaust on it which has given it a really great sound. At one point I was using it every day for work as a riding instructor, so I rode it all through winter and it got pretty grotty but I’d say it coped pretty well.”

471cc | 194kg | 47bhp | 785mm seat height

Be aware

The dash is pretty basic and there’s no gear position indicator (which

didn’t arrive until the 2019-current model). Corrosion due to poor quality fasteners is a common gripe, but there are very few known mechanical issues. Check the bearings well as they skimped on grease in the factory.

Owner Becki Patterson says...

“I owned my CBR500R and did over 25,000 miles on it. It’s comfortable for long trips and touring, fast and flickable enough for fun in the twisties and it sips fuel at over 80mpg. In my opinion, it’s the best all-round bike for people who love the sports aesthetic but still want something practical.”

Jacqui and the Street Twin define cool

Helen gave her 2018 Zed the big thumbs up!

2017-2019 KAWASAKI Z650 £3900-£5600

2016-2019 TRIUMPH STREET TWIN £5300-£7500

‘It’s light, nimble and huge fun’

‘A perfect marriage of old and new’

649cc | 187kg | 68bhp | 790mm seat height

Sharp-looking naked that combines perfect parallel-twin punch and stunning lightweight agility. Much lighter, narrower and lower than the ER-6n it’s based on, the Z650 is considerably easier to manhandle at low speed and far more nimble in town. It also delivers an engaging ride on the open road, has a super-light clutch, and the improved mid-range power makes the Zed feel really fun.

Be aware

Watch out for cracked exhausts where the headers meet the collector box, as the system is a one-piece

unit so expensive to replace. The two-piston sliding calipers are prone to seizing on their sliders due to corrosion if the bike is used through winter, but a rebuild kit is only £25.

Owner Helen Smith says...

“I’m 5ft 2in and the Zed’s low seat and narrow waist allows me to get a foot flat on the floor, which is reassuring, and I love how light and nimble it is in traffic. And it is also very economical, easily averaging 66mpg. The motor is strong but really managable, although I would like the exhaust to sound a bit better.”

Want to know how to make your next bike fit perfectly?

Zenith Motorcycles’ Karen Neill reveals how…

900cc | 198kg | 54bhp | 750mm seat height

Charmingly authentic retro that has those all-important classic looks with none of the classic hassle. The handsome parallel-twin pulls willingly from low down, the suspension is plush, and so too is the saddle, plus you have the security of traction control as standard. It’s also a great basis for a customisation project, as there are loads of official Triumph and aftermarket parts for you to make your bike your own.

Be aware…

It’s slightly heavier than many of its rivals so may prove awkward to push

around on your driveway. Build quality is good, but there have been reports of rust on the rear shocks, misting in the indicators, and paint peeling off the headlight bezel.

‘Make it two inches lower for just £50’ “Lowering kits are a simple way of lowering a bike, and the kit comprises a replacement linkage for the shock. They cost from around £50 and are available for most makes and models. It’ll take a maximum of an hour to fit: jack the bike up, unbolt the bottom of the rear shock, take out the linkage, replace it and you’re done.

“You can lower a bike safely by up to two inches. Lowering any more than that can start to affect ground clearance, and bear in mind the sidestand may well need shortening, too. You’ll also lose a bit of suspension travel, but unless you’re going on bumpy terrain you may not even notice it.

“The only bikes that I wouldn’t recommend fitting lowering kits to would be offroaders, track bikes or maybe even tourers, just because you do lose a bit of damping. For those bikes, it’s better to fit an uprated shock, which will allow you to customise the ride height and damping without affecting the handling. It will be quite a bit more expensive, but it does make for a better ride.” www.zenithmotorcycles.co.uk

Owner Jacqui Sage-Passant...

“The engine has a deep, guttural sound and I just love how it throbs.

The throttle response is fantastic, too.

The gear change is really smooth and finding neutral is easy, although I do occasionally find myself hunting for a sixth gear (it’s a 5 speed). The only downside is, it’s heavy and I struggle to move it with the engine off.”

Karen and her SR125 named Olive

www.motorcyclenews.com July 21 2021 |

23

Spada Clothing understands.

We get that you need ladies’ motorcycle gear that fits you right. We understand that you’re tired of it pinching and clinging in all the wrong places. We know that pink trims are not for everyone.

We understand because we are you – our ladies‘ clothing range is designed and perfected by our in house team of female developers who ensure that an equal amount of passion and innovation goes into the ladies’ range as the rest of our clothing.

Take a look to see for yourselves. You might find something you like.

BarnQ CE jacket Modena trousers Swain glove

SpadaClothing spadaclothing.com

Hugger Jegging CE

RIDER BE PART OF IT

You’ll learn so many new skills along the way

‘A CBT WILL TEACH YOU EVERYTHING, RIGHT FROM THE VERY BASICS’

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN! Inspired by what you’ve seen? Here’s how to get on the road HOW TO GET A BIKE LICENCE Here’s where to start...

To ride legally on the road as a learner, you need a provisional motorcycle licence (AM) and a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate. These let you ride a bike or scooter of up to 125cc and 15bhp (11kW). You must display L-plates and can’t use motorways or carry a pillion. If you got a full car licence before February 1, 2001, you can ride a moped without a CBT.

or small motorbike (depending on age). CBT is valid for two years and then needs to be retaken unless you pass your full bike test within that period.

What’s CBT? Compulsory Basic Training is a one day course (not a test). On it you will be taught everything from wheeling a machine around to riding safely on the road.

An instructor will assess you throughout and if you’re safely in control you’ll get a certificate qualifying you to ride a moped

Earning this is a proper achievement!

Doing a CBT will take you from a non rider to this

The next step – Mod 1 After CBT, if you want to progress to a full licence (for those aged 24+, allowing you to ride any capacity motorcycle) or A2 restricted licence (for those aged 19-23 and those who want to ride a bike 46bhp or less) you need to pass your Theory Test then a two-part practical test (Module 1 and Module 2). If you’ve never ridden before you’ll need training to pass Mod 1. Your training school will normally book you in for the Mod 1 test, which takes place on a private tarmac test area and lasts 20 minutes. It includes wheeling the bike around and using the stand, riding a slalom and figure of eight, demonstrating slow riding, doing a U-turn and emergency stop.

Once you pass you can attempt Mod 2, at a later date.

Almost there – Mod 2 This is the final hurdle to a full bike licence. Mod 2 takes place on the road and involves a road riding test which lasts at least 30 minutes. First you’ll be asked two questions which test you know how to carry out basic safety checks on a bike, then you’ll ride in various road and traffic conditions – but not motorways.

You’ll be asked to carry out normal stops, an angled start (pulling out from behind a parked vehicle), hill start (if possible) and the examiner will follow behind and give you directions using a radio.

You’ll also have 10 minutes of independent riding assessed.

With Mod 2 passed, you’re free to enjoy the world of two wheels.

www.motorcyclenews.com July 21 2021 |

25

RIDER DO IT YOURSELF!

BREAK UP WITH Pro mechanic and super-fast racer, Jenny Tinmouth arms you with the knowledge you need to sort four common roadside faults

YOUR EXPERT… Jenny Tinmouth, Two Wheel Workshop

Although best known as the first woman to compete in the British Superbike Championship and for her TT racing lap record, Jenny is a time-served bike mechanic and has run her own motorcycle workshop in Ellesmere Port since 2005. www. twowheelworkshop.com

BUMP START YOUR BIKE

WORDS EMMA FRANKLIN, PICS ADAM SHORROCK

The problem: Your bike’s battery is on its last legs or you’ve left an accessory plugged in which has sapped its power.

Now your bike won’t start on the button. But all is not lost, you can start it yourself...

1

Turn on

JENNY’S “First check that QUICK you’ve not knocked FIX… the killswitch off by

accident or the bike’s not been left in gear with the sidestand down – it’s easily done. After that, turn the key to

make the ignition come on. If the dash lights illuminate even slightly, you’ve got a chance of success.”

2 Rope in

“Find a friendly passer-by to give you a push. Or if there’s no one around, a downhill slope will work. Failing that, you can push the bike yourself by running alongside then jumping on at the last moment, but this method takes a bit of practice.”

3 Select second

“Pull the clutch in and select second gear. With the clutch still held

26 | July 21 2021 www.motorcyclenews.com

in, ask your helper to start pushing – or start rolling downhill. The bike should be moving roughly at jogging pace, and you should encourage your helper to keep pushing until the engine catches properly.”

4 Pop and plonk

“With the bike up to speed, let the clutch out swiftly in one movement and at the same time bounce downwards on the seat to add traction to the rear wheel. As soon as the engine fires, whip the clutch back in, select neutral then leave it idling to recharge the battery.”

‘Ere, Jenny, give us a push please!’

H BREAKDOWNS SORT AN ELECTRICAL FAULT The problem: Your bike is cutting out intermittently and the dash lights are flickering or have gone off completely. Before you call the recovery services, just run through these quick checks. You’ll feel amazing when you discover the problem and solve it.

1 Check the terminals

“If the terminal connections are good, trace the main wire back from the battery to under the

Feeling deflated?

Don’t panic, you can probably fix it

3 Is it blown?

“Pull out the main fuse then hold it up to the light to check to see if the metal loop inside is broken. If it is, replace it with a spare – most JENNY’S bikes’ main fuse connectors have a handy holder to store a spare QUICK – just remember to replace it FIX… again afterwards.”

“Find your bike’s battery and look at the connectors – are they tightly screwed into the terminals? If not, tighten them up. Vibrations can make them come loose and cause intermittent cutting out. Keeping them greased will help prevent this.”

2 Find the main fuse

seat or beneath a side panel to the first plastic connector. Pull open the connector to expose the main fuse.”

If the loop’s intact then the fuse is good

4 Get checked out

“If your main fuse has blown it indicates another problem elsewhere in the electrical system. Be aware that it may blow again.

Hopefully it’ll last long enough to get you home or to a professional workshop.”

The main fuse is in a plastic case that splits open

REPAIR & REINFLATE A FLAT TYRE The problem: You’ve felt your handling go weird as you’re riding along. Pulling over safely to the side of the road, you see your tyre’s totally flat… Don’t worry, though.

You could be back on your way in less than five minutes.

protect your fingers from the cold, screw in the CO2 gas cartridge to inflate the tyre. Large tyres may require a few cannisters.”

4 Under pressure?

“Ride to the nearest petrol station to check the tyre JENNY’S is inflated to the right Find the culprit QUICK pressure, and don’t exceed “Locate the cause of FIX… the speed limit given in the the puncture and mark the kit’s instructions. Get the area round it. Check the rest tyre replaced or professionally of the tyre for damage and repaired as soon as possible.” then carefully remove the cause, using a pair of pliers.”

Keep the cover Plug the hole on to protect your fingers “We recommend Grypp kits (£21.99), because they’re the easiest to use, small to carry with you, and do not require glue. Screw in the key-shaped plug and snap off the twist handle when fully inserted.”

1

2

3 Time to inflate

“Next, remove the valve cap then fit the adaptor onto the valve.

Making sure the net cover is over the cylinder body to

www.motorcyclenews.com July 21 2021 |

27

RIDER REPLACE A BROKEN LEVER

operated clutch lever, reinstall the [XHEAD] Replace a broken lever cable back into the lever first, by lining [SUB] The problem: It happens to up the slots then pushing the small us all. You’ve lost your footing and metal nipple through the hole inthe the line up the slots, then unhook dropped your bike at low speed and The problem: It happens to us lever.

Adjust out again.” cable from the cable lever before you now theall. lever’s busted.

It’s footing no biggyand – You’ve lost your can remove it.” fixing itdropped is literally a two-minute your bike at low job… speed 4.

Tighten up and now the lever’s busted. It’s newor scuzz “CleanOn up with any oldthe grease [TAG] Jenny’s fix…it is literally a no biggyquick – fixing from the pivot up the two-minute job…

“Offer upbolt. the Offer new lever tolever tothe theperch. perch.IfLine the holes then 1.

Undo bolt it’s aup cable-operated Undoscrewdriver bolt slide the boltreinstall through.the Put the nut “Grab a flathead clutch lever, cable on theinto other lightly and 10mm“Grab spanner.

Place the theside leverand first, by a flathead JENNY’S back tighten Doslots not over spannerscrewdriver on the nut on the lining upup. the then tighten, and 10mm QUICK as it can the cause themetal lever to underside of thePlace pivot bolt pushing small spanner. the FIX… bind.” to hold spanner it still, then undo the nipple through the hole. on the nut on pivot bolt the topofusing the Adjust the cable out again.” thefrom underside the pivot screwdriver.” bolt to hold it still, then undo Tighten up the pivot bolt from the top using 2. lever theRemove screwdriver.”

“Clean up any old grease “Pull out the pivot bolt and the lever or scuzz from the pivot bolt and Remove the lever will come away from the perch. re-grease it. Line up the hole in Keep the bolt andout nutthe safe.

If it’s a and the lever with the holes in the “Pull pivot bolt clutch lever, you will will come need to slacken perch then slide the bolt through. the lever away from the cable (line Keep up thethe slots, Put the nut on the other side and theoff perch. boltthen and nut unhooksafe. the cable thelever, lever)you will tighten up. Do not over tighten, as If it’s from a clutch before you remove it.” it can cause the lever to bind.” needcan to slacken the cable off,

1

2

Just undo the bolt to free the lever. Simples

3

‘IT’S NO BIGGY – FIXING IT IS LITERALLY A TWOMINUTE JOB…’

4

3.

On with the new All it takes is a “Offer upscrewdriver the and new levera to spanner the perch.

If it’s a cable-

This little lot will get you back moving

TOOLS TO THE RESCUE! “No one wants to be weighed down with too much stuff on each and every ride, but if you’re going on a decent length trip, having a few essentials with you can make the difference between a fun ride and a pain-in-the-bum ride.

Plus, if you’ve got this lot with you, you may also be able to help out another, less well-prepared biker in need too!”

1 2 3 4 5 6

Gaffa tape “Don’t take a whole roll, just wrap some around a screwdriver.”

10 & 12mm spanners “These are the most common sizes used on a bike.”

Flathead screwdriver “This may already be part of your bike’s underseat toolkit.”

Cable ties “You’ll be surprised what a humble cable tie can fix! Extremely versatile.”

Puncture repair kit “Stash one under your seat. The Grypp kits are easiest to use.”

Torch “Not just for night time breakdowns, but great for inspecting behind fairings.”

LIKE TO PACK LIGHT? “A pushbike multitool is a great little gadget to stash in your tankbag or rucksack if you don’t want to carry fullsized tools with you. Try this Topeak Alien II £36.” (www.gooutdoors.co.uk)

28 | July 21 2021 www.motorcyclenews.com

The one tool to rule them all

WE DO IT TOO! WE DO IT TOO!

‘Having a level of mechanical knowledge makes you a better rider’ Amy Cosford got into bikes aged 17 after a pillion ride on her stepfather’s R1. Now a Triumph employee, she reckons working on bikes can be addictive.

“Picking up the spanners for the first time can be a bit daunting, but everyone has to start somewhere! I learned the basics on a motorcycle maintenance course, from there I went on to achieve a degree in Motorcycle Engineering at UWTSD and now work at Triumph as a Design Engineer. But I wouldn’t know half of what I do without asking for help. Us bikers are a sort of family and I’ve found people are always willing to help and teach. It’s such a satisfying feeling fixing something yourself and learning about your own bike at the same time.

It’s also important to know basic maintenance because you never know when you’ll need it. I’ve found

‘I’VE FOUND PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS WILLING TO HELP AND TEACH’

Amy’s now restoring her VFR400

having a small emergency tool kit so useful for situations you might get into, or see someone else get into!

“I’d encourage anyone who rides to invest time in learning how to maintain and fix your bike. It can get addictive, too, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself stripping an entire bike down and painting parts, like I’m doing with my VFR400.”

Charlotte Barnes, aka @hardtailchop, has been riding since she was 17 and loves adventure touring on unlikely machines.

But when she’s not on the road, she’s boosting her skills in the garage.

“I’ve ridden motorcycles all my life, including times when I couldn’t afford to pay someone to fix them for me. Having old bikes and not much cash meant that learning to do basic servicing was a necessity.

“I’ve never taken any classes on motorcycle mechanics; everything I know has been figured out with a Haynes manual and, more recently, from YouTube and the internet. Knowing how your bike works and how to service it is really important because even if you’re still going to take it to a professional, having a good level of mechanical understanding and sympathy makes you a better rider.

“It’s not nearly as hard as you think! Anyone with a socket set and a logical approach can fit a new chain and sprockets, or put some new brake pads in. You just need a bit of confidence and that comes with having some good information at your fingertips. Working on my bikes gives a feeling of greater mastery of them. I think that taking something apart, fixing it and putting it back together again is something that more people should try!”

Monkeying around? Not Charlotte!

‘IT’S NOT AS HARD AS YOU THINK... YOU JUST NEED CONFIDENCE’

www.motorcyclenews.com July 21 2021 |

29

Advertising Feature

YouTuber and Bikesure combine to

encourage female bikers Specialist motorcycle insurance company Bikesure has teamed up with rising YouTube star Kate Ralph to help inspire a new generation of female riders.

Kate, who works in Manchester for BMW motorcycle dealership Williams Motorrad, admits she’s still pinching herself about the Bikesure deal.

I’m so small to be riding these massive bikes, then that would be brilliant. There’s plenty of women riding now but we’re still under represented and I’d love to help more get into riding.”

Username Kate, as she is more commonly known, grew up around motorcycles because her dad was passionate about them.

“I uploaded a few videos, there was a flood of comments that I replied to and the majority were really friendly, and I just started making ĵŅųå ƴĜÚåŅŸØŰ ±ÚÚåÚ ƋĘå ăüƋ ĊĜĹ ųĜÚåų ƵĘŅ ģŅĜĹŸ long-term face of the company Carl Fogarty in becoming a brand ambassador of the broker.

Kate’s personality and fun videos have inspired a whole new generation of bikers, but whatever your experience, Bikesure will be more than happy to help find you affordable, tailored motorcycle insurance.

(EPP ȉȁȉȁ ȉȉ ȍ JSV E UYSXI

She explained: “There’s pictures of me as a toddler holding a sponge and helping clean my dad’s motorbike.

“I used to ride pillion on his bike and get dropped off at school. People were like ‘wow, a motorbike’ and I’d get dropped off and feel like the dog’s danglies walking through the playground. ŮF ÚĜÚ ĵƼ ±Ƌ ŏƆ ÆƚƋ ĵƼ üĜųŸƋ ŸÏŅŅƋåų Ƶ±Ÿ terrible. It was blue with an orange flame sticker and started without a key and was dead cheap.”

Kate’s come a long way since then. She now ŅƵĹŸ ± ųĜƚĵŞĘ ƋųååƋ ųĜŞĬå ƁƆă Ø ƚDŽƚĩĜ : £ Ɓălj UƆ ų±ÏĩĘå±Ş ±ĹÚ åƋ± eĬŞ Ɨljljţ eĹÚ she gets to ride many other motorcycles in test rides and bike reviews on her YouTube channel.

Of course, it’s not all about road testing bikes; Kate’s content follows her life working in the industry and also features adventures with her father, affectionately known as Username Dad. The Bolton-based rider’s channel has more ƋʱŠŏăØljljlj ŸƚÆŸÏųĜÆåųŸ ±ĹÚ Ęåų ƴĜÚåŅŸ ʱƴå ±ĵ±ŸŸåÚ ±ĬĵŅŸƋ ŏţă ĵĜĬĬĜŅĹ ƴĜåƵŸţ %åŸŞĜƋå ŅĹĬƼ vlogging for three years, she has also built up an army of fans on her Instagram account who enjoy following her biking journey.

eƚƋĘŅųĜŸåÚ ±ĹÚ ųåčƚĬ±ƋåÚ ÆƼ ƋĘå 8ĜűĹÏĜ±Ĭ ŅĹÚƚÏƋ eƚƋĘŅųĜƋƼ

“I don’t really get why it’s taken off but my partner says people like me and the random stuff I come out or do. But I’m just me being me.

“I never expected something like this to happen with Bikesure and I was taken aback when they got in touch. It’s a really good opportunity for me and if I can inspire more women to ride, or even short people as I always get told

RIDER BE PART OF IT

CAMP VC – JULY 30-AUG 1, WALES Hosted by womens’ motorcycling collective, VC London, Camp VC is an outdoor adventure weekend of motorcycling, training, partying, camping, live music, guest speakers and more. It’s a supercool, epic celebration of women in motorcycling, where all who attend are invited to push their boundaries and smash stereotypes. Find out more at www.vclondon.co.uk

Push your own limits in wide open space

No stress, no pressure, Camp VC is super cool

JOIN THE COMMUNITY! Enjoy fun, friendship and wisdom by joining one of these great groups, clubs and events MOTORBIKE WOMEN Is a lively, inspiring group of over 11,500 members. Primarily social media-based, Motorbike Women also host regular regional meet-ups, ride outs and an annual charity treasure hunt challenge – Witch Way Round. Motorbike Women also runs a biking mentor programme, as well as a Bed & Biker scheme for travellers looking for an overnight stopover. Join in the fun at www.motorbikewomen.com

It’s a great way to find local riding buddies

WIMA GREAT BRITAIN WIMA members like to get out and about

Founded in the 1950s by American motorcyclist, Louise Scherbyn, WIMA has since spread across the globe, with divisions and members in 39 countries. Membership costs £15 per year and gives you access to discounts, as well as regular ride outs, rallies and events – even the chance to go to international meets. www.wimagb.co.uk

WOMEN IN MOTORCYCLING EXHIBITION August 21, Tutbury Castle, Staffs A one-day event celebrating the wide world of women motorcyclists. There are free practical workshops on everything from bike maintenance to first aid, inspirational speakers, wheelie machine, camping and loads more. All ages and genders are welcome, so feel free to bring your partner and kids. Tickets from £13 (£20 camping), U16s free. www.womenmoto.co.uk

Share in the knowledge of fellow bikers

CURVY RIDERS MCC

Join Curvy Riders, make friends for life

Curvy Riders is the largest womens’ motorcycle club in the UK. With regional groups all over the country, there’s bound to be a fellow Curvy Rider near you.

It’s all about having fun, learning new skills, meeting new friends… and eating cake! There’s also a yearly national weekender. Annual membership costs £15. www.curvyriders.co.uk

www.motorcyclenews.com July 21 2021 |

31

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