South East Biker Magazine, February 2015

o.1 The South East’s N ine FREE bike magaz

arch 2015 Issue 37: February-M

VIVA

RETRO

TORNADO WARNING

HEARING

TEST

MOTORCYCLES

CHANGING

LIVES

ORTS P S • S T N E V E • URES REVIEWS • FEAT www.southeastbiker.co.uk Join us:

south east biker magazine

@southeastbiker

01420 488290

Petersfield Road, Whitehill, Bordon, Hampshire GU35 9AR

GSX1000S

MT125

Bonneville Cafe Racer Specialist www.britishcaferacers.co.uk/

“Suzuki has made something that might just be one of the best adventure bikes we’ve ever seen.”

(MSL Tony Carter)

“It’s brilliant fun- enough power to keep an expeienced rider’s attention” (BIKE Martin Fitz-Gibbons)

V-Strom 1000

Gladius “ If you’re after an all-rounder, anything but a GSX1250FA has to now work very’ very hard indeed to justify the extra spend” (Motorcycle News)

“I try to recall when i last had so much fun on a scooter.

And the truth is, I never have.”

(RIDE Stuart Barker)

GSX1250F

Burgman 650 “ The comfort of the 650 is excellent is excellent as a long distance, mid-range, road-based adventure tourer The 650 V-Strom is the best out there”

“The VanVan 125cc is a machine that stands out from the crowd and one that certainly punches well above its weight and class.”

V-Strom 650-A

Van-Van “The Hayabusa is a gentleman’s bIke. Those flowing lines can only mean one bike; the unique look has never been copied.” MSL (Tont Carter)

Hayabusa

“A light weight chassis featuring a compact wheelbase and race-developed suspension. designed to be The Top Performer ”

The Place To Buy a Bike In The South !

GSXR600

www.haslemeremotorcycles.co.uk

STARTING GRID

CONTENTS 4 Punching Above Your Weight 8 Viva Retro 12 New And Classic In Hampshire 14 Motorcycles Changing Lives 18 West Sussex IAM 22 The BMF, The Motorcycle Lobby And You 24 The Hearing Test 26 The JL Challenge 28 Adventures In South America 32 Bonneville Adventure 34 Tornado Warning

WHERE CAN YOU FIND SEB MAGAZINE?

South East Biker (SEB) Magazine is delivered to selected motorcycle outlets and businesses across Sussex, Surrey, Kent, London, Essex, Middlesex, Berkshire, Hampshire and Dorset. Please see website for current distribution points.

We are increasing our circulation every month, so if you missed your copy then subscribe for just £9 per annum and we will post you a copy direct to your door so you will never miss an issue ever again. Just email: nick@southeastbiker.co.uk.

www.southeastbiker.co.uk MAKING CONTACT

ADVERTISING Debbie Tunstill & GENERAL Tel: 01892 459080 ENQUIRIES: Email: debs@southeastbiker.co.uk

South East Biker, Friars Gate Farm, Mardens Hill, Corwborough, East Sussex. TN6 1XH EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Nick Tunstill, email: nick@southeastbiker.co.uk PRODUCTION: Dean Cook, email: deancook@magazineproduction.com PRINTING: Evon Print, Henfield, Sussex © 2015 South East Biker (SEB) Magazine is an independent title and does not endorse the products or services that appear in the magazine. Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor or of South East Biker magazine. Reproduction of content is strictly prohibited without prior written approval from the editor or publisher.

COVER IMAGE: Back to Classics: Project Suzuki GSXR 1100 © Suzuki GB

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

We have just visited Motorcycle Expo, the annual pre-season trade exhibition, to get a feel for what’s coming up in 2015. The mood was upbeat and most businesses were launching exciting new products and expected the year to be one of growth and innovation.

Suzuki were there with what is a bit of a relaunch after a couple of relatively quieter years on the bike front. They have the lovely new GSX-R1000 coming in the spring and, of course, are back in MotoGP. Hence the rather retro cover pic to celebrate the heritage of the Superbike. We preview some of the new models in this issue.

Technology is also having a big impact on materials for helmets, gloves and bike kit in general. It’s all getting lighter, stronger and more waterproof, which is great news for all of us. We will try and review us much of this as possible over the coming year. Our advertisers offer many of these products and we will point you in the right direction and hopefully get you some great deals.

February sees the start of motorbike events with the Carole Nash MCN Excel Show in Docklands. Several of our advertisers will be there promoting their products and services so please go and say hello and see what they have to offer.

Over the year we will be at as many bike events as possible. If you are running anything motorbike related this year, please let us know and we can help publicise them via the magazine, website and social media. We particularly want to hear about local clubs and your two wheeled adventures, so send us details and we will spread the word!

All the best Nick 3

BIKE REVIEW: KAWASAKI Z800

PUNCHING ABOVE YOUR WEIGHT

KAWASAKI Z800

“This new middle-weight contender with a knock-out punch, the Z800 proudly takes the Z family legend forwards. Forty years after the launch of the Z1, the latest iconic Z machine has the styling, personality and engineering features that Kawasaki super naked machines have become world famous for. With 806cc’s of power, urge and performance, the new Z800 looks set to take on all challengers and deliver a truly knockout punch”. Taken from Kawasaki website.

Debbie Tunstill checks out if the Kwacker lives up to its billing…

P

unching above your weight with the Kawasaki, so that is what Kawasaki have to say about their new naked Z800 but what did I think when I tested it on a cold winter’s day?

Anyone that knows me realises I am not a fan of a naked bike, I like my bikes to have fairings and to be a bit more laid over, so I was interested to hear that this bike was becoming a popular choice. Dale at JW Groombridge Motorcycles was getting one ready for a young man to pick up as we discussed the new Z800. Dale promised me I would enjoy a test ride even though I was not that keen on this type of bike.

The first thing I noticed was that I could touch the floor on the standard bike, which is a bonus straight off. I felt a little exposed at the beginning as the bike has no screen and does give you the unnerving feeling of having nothing in front of you at all. The Kawasaki Z800 is nicely styled for a bike that retails at £7,400 without the ABS. The one bug bear I have is that, due to the new emissions rules, most new 4

bikes have an exhaust that looks like an odd trumpet, but Dale tells me most customers do change the can anyway. The bike comes in three different colour options, Green/Black, Metallic Black/Flat Ebony and Stardust White/Flat Raw Greystone.

The digital LCD panel is bright and easy to read at a quick glance, the panel has a futuristic levelmeter-style tachometer, fuel gauge with remaining range and economical riding indicator. The front of the bike has a front cowl that encases the headlight which gives it that mean ant look. Kawasaki designed the Z800 with the street fighter bikes in mind, while also trying to keep rider comfort top of their list too. They gave it a chassis that has a sporty nature but is beginner friendly, whilst for the more experienced rider it is still perky and ready to go. The bike has a 6-speed transmission, which does help it adapt from filtering at low speed in traffic February-March 2015 • South East Biker Magazine

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BIKE REVIEW: KAWASAKI Z800 to opening it up on a motorway.

It has a larger rear sprocket supplying powerful acceleration when required. Kawasaki have redesigned the rider’s seat layout which has helped to supply more storage space under the pillion seat.

Off we went to battle with the Christmas shopping drivers who were thinking more about where they will be parking than motorbike riders on their travels.

One thing I noticed straight away was how quiet the Kawasaki was, mind you the Enfield that Nick was riding was so loud it drowned out all others around it. The real bonus on the Z800 is that the seat position on this bike is really comfortable especially for my short legs. This bike is well balanced too which is also a great help. The wing mirrors for me were most definitely in the wrong place, I had to keep ducking down to see them, but if you have slightly longer arms than me that wouldn’t be a major problem. The shape of them is not helpful either but does seem to be the way manufacturers are styling their bikes at the moment. I would just change them, it’s not a huge expense.

Before starting off, Dale reminded me that the bike had brand new tyres and, as it was a very cold day, the roads did have that unnerving sheen that most bikers know all too well. Gingerly we make our way into the town and this is where this bike starts to feel like it is in its element.

Filtering is easy as the bike is slim and so well balanced that it just makes it all so simple. Again the Z800 is a little quiet, so I take it slow and easy to help the car drivers hopefully see me. There are reports that having a noisier bike does not help drivers hear you coming, but my personal riding experience is that I feel it certainly does make a difference.

6

Stopping was interesting as, when parking up the bike, I could not locate the side stand as it is a bit further back than on most bikes, but again someone with longer legs would probably have no problems. The great thing about the side stand is that it is quite upright so the bike does not lean over too much, but that could be an issue on an incline.

After a coffee, we are off again, but I was on the Enfield. All I can say is that I lasted 2 miles and quickly swapped back to the Kawasaki!

The Kawasaki was so smooth, even over the bumpy roads and I started to open the bike up.

The pulling power on the Z800 is great, it would get you away from a junction quickly but won’t win a drag race against a sports bike, but that is not what this bike is made for. As a commuter bike or for a new rider this bike is perfect, it handles brilliantly and drives out of the corners too. You could have some great fun on this bike if you want a cheaper running bike which still has the punch to get you out of trouble. If you suffer from back pain on your sports bike and are thinking of changing this could be the one for you.

The Kawasaki Z800 has so much to offer for such a small price tag

when you look at what else is out there it compares well. They offer a Z800e A2 licence friendly version too.

As I said at the beginning, I never thought I would like this bike, but I can say I was impressed.

The Kawasaki Z800 is only the second naked bike to make my list of bikes I would buy. Why not check it out for yourself and take it out for a test ride? You never know, you may well be surprised like me. Thank you to Dale at JW Groombridge Motorcycles for arranging this for us.

USEFUL INFO

KAWASAKI Z800

Engine............................Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four Displacement...........................806 cm3 Maximum power......................83.0 kW {113 PS} / 10,200 rpm Maximum torque..................83.0 N*m {8.5 kgf*m} / 8,000 rpm Length....................................2,100 mm Width......................................... 800 mm Height.....................................1,050 mm Wheelbase.............................1,445 mm Ground Clearance................... 150 mm Fuel capacity.............................17 litres Seat height............................... 834 mm Curb Mass....................................229 kg Front brakes..............Dual semi-floating 310mm petal discs Rear brake..... Single 250 mm petal disc Kerb weight.................................229 kg

February-March 2015 • South East Biker Magazine

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BIKE REVIEW: ROYAL ENFIELD CONTINENTAL GT

VIVA RETRO

A cold December morning wasn’t the most appealing time to try out Royal Enfield’s Café Racer Continental GT, but hey, it certainly beats Christmas shopping…says Nick Tunstill.

V

inyl records are making a big comeback, camera film is still selling, wind up watches are super trendy.

Nostalgia is big business. The retro motorbike market is alive, kicking and growing as well.

Just look at Triumph with the Bonneville and Thruxton. Moto Guzzi has the V7 and Ducati have just launched a range of scramblers. Jap heavyweights Kawasaki even have the W800.

And it’s not just old timers that are trying to recreate a misspent youth before heading off into Zimmer land. The bike custom building boom is attracting a new generation of hipster bikers.

8

The Royal Enfield take on the Café Racer is an out of the box, misty eyed, possibly rose tinted trip down Memory Lane for some. For others, who never rode these bikes first time around, it’s a chance to see what all the fuss was about.

In the flesh, the GT looks great.

Classic style with a good balance between traditional styling and modern functionality. It’s not often you see a kick start on a 500cc bike! Don’t worry, there is an electric start as well.

So I head out from JW Groombridges a bit gingerly, conditions aren’t great and I am hoping the tyres used have moved on since the 1940’s. The bike takes

a fair amount of revs to pull away, it’s not going to scare anyone who has ridden nothing bigger than a 125. The riding position is more comfortable than it looks, the clip ons are not so extreme that your head is on the tank. Quite clever that part of the design. The sound of the throbbing single is awesome compared to modern silky smooth multi cylindered motorbikes. It really is reminiscent of a proper 60’s Brit bike.

A glance in the bar end mirrors to check Debbie was behind me told me two things. The right hand mirror was working loose due to vibration and the left was so shakey I could hardly make out anything behind. I stopped to remove the offending right mirror and attempted to adjust the left one but it kept sliding around.

Not a great start, and easily the worst mirrors I have ever seen on a bike. An accessory apparently!

Moving swiftly on, well moving on anyway, I started to wonder which bit might fall off next. However the rest of the Enfield seemed fairly solid and my confidence started to return, the tyres actually did a decent job once warmed up a bit. The speedo is in kilometers, I am not sure if that’s to give a false sense that you are thundering along at a lightning pace.

However, you could just about make out the mph dial and it was very “optimistic”. At an indicated 90mph, I can’t have been doing more than 70 and when slowing to what I was pretty sure was about

February-March 2015 • South East Biker Magazine

BIKE SOLICITORS are in my corner, and got my team “ MW riding again despite our injuries

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Car and Motorcycle accidents are awful, but the aftermath can be even worse. If you are kept away from work, off the road, or left disabled, you will need help to move on positively.

We will help make sure the accident was the worst of it and minimise the stress and complications of anything that comes after – for your sake and the sake of those who rely on and care for you.

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BIKE REVIEW: ROYAL ENFIELD CONTINENTAL GT

30mph, it showed around 40 plus mph. And no I wasn’t reading the wrong dial!

The handling of the Enfield is actually very good, it’s very well balanced and rideable. Harris Performance were involved with chassis development and this shows through. I was unimpressed with the single Brembo front disc brake. It did a reasonable job actually slowing the bike down but with no feel whatsoever.

Something you take for granted on a modern bike.

With a 500 plus cc engine delivering less than 30bhp, aspirations aren’t very high from the start. It works well enough though, the gearbox was well

10

spaced and there was enough power to have a bit of fun considering the good handling.

Twisty A and B roads are the Enfield’s territory. I had a spin along a fast dual carriageway and the engine gets very vibey above about 60mph. Best avoided!

We stopped in Dunorlan Park for a photo shoot. And the Royal Enfield certainly turned heads, even when parked next to a state of the art Kwacker. One little girl, who stopped with her mum to look at it, even said she wanted one when she grew up! Respect, and a future sale for Enfield.

Despite a new number plate, a couple of people asked me if it was an old classic. So, in that

respect, Enfield have definitely succeeded.

Overall, it’s a slightly strange motorbike that had me confused.

There are bits that are great; looks, sound, handling and sitting position. But elements that leave a nagging doubt as to why you would buy one. It’s ‘only’ just over £5000, but to me for that sort of money, everything should be spot on. It’s not a £1500 Chinese copy of something that you would expect to have some rough edges. Up against the likes of Triumph’s admittedly more expensive Thruxton, it looks a bit underwhelming. However if you want a retro looking motorbike for a gentle summer bimble that is easy to ride and not expensive to run, the Royal Enfield is well worth a look. Just don’t expect to see that magic ‘ton’ appear unless you look at the Km dial!

Many thanks to Dale at Groombridges for sorting out the rides for us.

USEFUL INFO

ROYAL ENFIELD CONTINENTAL GT

Enginer........... Type Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, Air cooled Displacement...............................535 cc Bore x stroke............... 87mm x 90mm Compression Ratio....................... 8.5:1 Maximum Power....................29.1 bhp (21.4 kW) @ 5100 rpm Maximum Torque.....44Nm @ 4000rpm Ignition System..........................Digital Electronic Ignition Clutch......................... Wet, multi-plate Gearbox.........5 Speed Constant Mesh Lubrication............................Wet sump Engine Oil......................... 15 W 50 API, SL Grade JASO MA Fuel Supply............... Keihin Electronic Fuel Injection Air Cleaner.................... Paper Element Engine Start................... Electric & Kick Wheelbase..............................1360 mm Ground Clearance................... 140 mm Length.....................................2060 mm Width.........760mm (Without Mirrors) Height..... 1070mm (Without Mirrors) Seat Height...............................800mm Kerb Weight.....(90% Fuel+Oil) 184 Kgs Fuel Tank Capacity..................13.5 Ltrs

February-March 2015 • South East Biker Magazine

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DEALER PLANS FOR 2015

NEW AND CLASSIC IN HAMPSHIRE

We took a trip to Haslemere Motorcycles, one of the south’s premier motorcycle dealers to check out their plans for 2015 and take a closer look at some interesting motorcycling creations we had heard about…

S

ituated just off the A3 near Bordon, Haslemere Motorcycles is a Suzuki and Yamaha dealer with a long tradition of excellent customer service. They offer a large range of new and pre-owned motorbikes backed up with full service facilities and a wide range of kit to boot.

It should be a good year for Suzuki. They are returning to MotoGP which will please all motorcycle racing fans. They are launching a stunning new flagship GSX-R1000 MotoGP version to mark the occasion.

Equipped with luscious Yoshimura parts, the bike comes out of the box ready to take on all comers. The same colour scheme is available for the GSX-R750 and GSX-R600 and it looks very tasty.

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There is also the new GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000FA, tapping into the market for sharply styled naked, futuristic bikes with attitude and performance to match.

A new version of the brilliant all rounder, the Bandit 1250S, is released

with new styling. The Inazuma 250F is launched, a faired more sporty version of the 250cc Suzuki. Keeping up with the high demand for adventure bikes, the new V-Strom 650XT is a great looking bike with all the boxes ticked for a machine that could do just about anything you wanted.

On the scooter front, the Address 110 is a strangely named, but smart little 113cc scooter that would be a perfect commuter or city bike.

Take a trip to Haslemere Motorcycles to see the entire Suzuki and Yamaha range and have a test ride. They also have open days and evenings throughout the year so keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest details.

February-March 2015 • South East Biker Magazine

DEALER PLANS FOR 2015

CAFÉ RACERS ALIVE AND KICKING

For the last dozen years Haslemere have also been producing some rather tasty café racers and flat trackers.

Mainly based on Triumph engines, particularly the Bonneville, these are unique motorcycles that capture the essence and style of 60’s biking and mix it with 21st century technology and accessories. Using ex demo or late engined models, the bikes are made either to a customer’s specification or conjured up by the good folk at Haslemere particularly Mark, Mike and Tom. You can simply stroll in and buy one or come up with an idea and develop it conjunction with Haslemere. Customers buy them from all over the country and indeed the world. When we dropped by there were several on display and they look even better in the flesh than in the photos.

www.mattbullphotography.co.uk

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

THE CAFÉ RACERS ARE PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH BRITISH CAFÉ RACERS

B

ritish Cafe Racers brings the heritage, style and feeling from the original Cafe Racers of the golden era of British motorcycling in to the modern age. The reliability, build quality and performance of modern motorcycles provides the foundations that underpin every new British Cafe Racer.

With each new motorcycle being a bespoke, unique and individual statement based on the latest British classic designs, you can enjoy the style, performance, sound and feel of your individual, hand build motorcycle without the maintenance, repair and reliability worries often associated with older machines.

In association with Haslemere Motorcycles, British Cafe Racers is proud to be able to produce classic Cafe Racer motorcycles for the individual that appreciates the design, engineering and style of the classic era.

The team have over 30 years’ experience in the business. From competing in the TT, international sidecar, sponsoring BSB riders and numerous other bike related activities, the BCR team has all the knowledge, enthusiasm, passion and experience you want to ensure your bike has the right engineering from the right team with the right heritage. www.britishcaferacers.co.uk 13

WHEELS 2 WORK

Shannon (17) from Hastings is on the East Sussex Wheels 2 Learn scheme, so is using it to get to college. “I use the scheme because I can’t take the bus, because I live in an area where buses aren’t very common and they don’t go to where I need to go.”

MOTORCYCLES CHANGE LIVES Public transport can be unreliable, costly and is virtually non existant in many areas of the South East. So how does someone starting their first job, travelling to college, working unsocial hours or simply having limited funds transport themselves? Nick Tunstill visits an innovative scheme based in Eastboune to find a solution...

T

wenty years ago in Shropshire a chap called Mike Tromans realised that youngsters locally were struggling to afford personal transport, so limiting their access to education, work and career opportunities. So he bought a couple of mopeds and rented them out for next to nothing. The idea gradually developed into a Wheels 2 Work scheme which has been run in around 60 counties across the UK. With funding from various sources from the Big Lottery to more recently the Local Sustainable Transport Fund, the idea behind the latest funding stream is that they eventually become financially self-sustaining.

14

In 2001, Max Jowett saw there was a need for this in Devon, an area of the country where public transport is particularly difficult to access. So with funding to run 10 bikes for 3 years, Devon Wheels 2 Work was born. Last year the Devon business managed to get 307 new bikers on the road. Max developed the business model over the years so it is now fully refined, enabling the East Sussex scheme to be launched and running efficiently from the start.

It’s a community based company designed not to make huge profits, but to be self-funding and able to deliver cost effective personal transport locally.

East Sussex Wheels 2 Work was opened in September 2013 in smart new premises in Eastbourne.

Five new employees were taken from the unemployed register and now have proper careers with appropriate training and decent prospects. I must admit when I visited I was expecting a lock up full of battle scarred scooters, but that is far from the case. The shop is as clean and organised as any motorbike shop I have been in.

There are nice touches such as the bikes lined up neatly outside.

There are large, eye catching, motorbike graphics on the walls, and the well organised work shop is integrated into the shop so there is nothing to hide. A wide range of kit and accessories are neatly displayed, most of it at affordable prices for those kicking off their biking career. But it is not just for new motorcyclists, it’s a great shop

February-March 2015 • South East Biker Magazine

WHEELS 2 WORK

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South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

19/01/2015 15:59

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WHEELS 2 WORK for all local bikers as well.

So how does the scheme work then?

Bikes can be hired for varying lengths of time with the standard period being six months. A fee of about £100 is payable up front then charges are from £26 a week for a 50cc scooter. The customer signs an agreement so they know all the conditions and understand what they are liable for.

Payments are made in advance every two weeks and the bikes have the equivalent of an “MOT” every six weeks from new, making sure they are all fully maintained and safe at all times. The bikes are smartly liveried Yamahas with 50cc and 125cc scooters with the excellent YBR125 as a manual option.

Included in the rental charges are insurance, tax and maintenance. East Sussex currently have 100 bikes in the fleet.

A provisional licence with a CBT is the minimum requirement, with local trusted bike schools being recommended for the training. As part of the agreement, proper bike kit must be worn at all times, a very wise idea particularly for inexperienced riders. The shop can supply a decent helmet, making sure it fits properly. Customers also have the option to buy their bikes if they want to go down this route.

It’s not just teenagers that have access to the scheme though. Anyone can hire a bike for short or long term usage. Ideal for seasonal workers, students home from university or even if your car or bike is laid up. They can also do short term loans if your bike is off the road but this costs a bit more.

The shop has a fully equipped workshop with qualified mechanics and tyre changing facilities and a brand new sonic cleaning facility too. You can even work on your own bike with hourly rental of workspace including tools, perfect for those without access to the space to wield a spanner.

Discounts are available for recognised bike clubs.

There is also a really nice meeting room which is available for hire with modern kitchen facilities, they will even cater for your event if you require.

I was most impressed with not only the whole set up, the professionalism and enthusiasm of everyone at East Sussex W2W, but the ethos behind the business.

Motorcycling is a blatantly obvious solution 16

Ross (19) from Eastbourne uses East Sussex Wheels 2 Work to travel to work. “Before I was with Wheels 2 Work I was always asking friends and family for lifts, so I always felt I was at their mercy. But now Wheels 2 Work has finally given me my freedom and my independence.” to many transport issues we face today. The smaller engined bikes are relatively cheap to buy and run. Their widespread use would alleviate traffic and parking issues, having a positive effect on the environment. For the authorities to recognise and support these schemes is a great breakthrough.

For those with limited access to transport and funds, this scheme could open up life changing opportunities that may otherwise not be available. From a motorcycling point of view, anything that encourages people, particularly youngsters, to try out two wheels has got to be a good thing. We bikers are an ageing group and the more of us on the roads, the brighter the future for all two wheeled users. There will be more motorcycle businesses, competition and events. We will have more clout as a larger section of society and even car drivers may take more notice of us.

So hats off to Max and all at East Sussex W2W, take a trip to sunny Eastbourne and have a look around. They will make you a free coffee if you need a short break whilst you are out riding.

You can even pick up your copy of SEB down there.

East Sussex Wheels 2 Work is open six days each week, 8.00am ‘till 6.00pm most days.

The business received a prestigious award last year wining the Social Enterprise of the Year at the Sussex Business Awards event.

Visit www.eastsussexwheels2work.co.uk for more information.

February-March 2015 • South East Biker Magazine

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Next time you’re in Hastings pop in or, better still, stay!

Ten Real Ales, Live Music and Accommodation.

Biker friendly with secure parking for hotel.

For regular live music, entertainment and beer festivals visit: www.jennylindhastings.co.uk/what-s-on.

The Jenny Lind Inn, 69 High Street, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3EW Telephone: 01424 421392 Visit: www.jennylindhastings.co.uk

South East Jenny LindBiker Inn HPMagazine 0115.indd 1• www.southeastbiker.co.uk

17 12/01/2015 13:58

THE CRAFT OF MOTORCYCLING

WEST SUSSEX

ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS West Sussex Advanced Motorcyclists (WSAM) are your local branch affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), who deliver both Skill for Life courses (advanced motorcycle training) and provide a friendly and enjoyable environment to share both social activities and development of your riding skills, with like minded people.

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SAM was founded in 1999 by local volunteers, as a charitable club dedicated to improving road safety for motorcyclists by delivering the IAM Skill for Life course, through qualified local volunteer observers. In addition to the training aspect of the club, we are also keen to offer a social programme for like-minded bikers, including ride outs and motorcycle orientated and themed events. These are often arranged around public holidays, e.g. barbeques, Christmas dinners and other similar social events that our members want to organise.

During the winter months we look to organise motorcycle and safety related evening events such as Biker Down training and talks from those in motorcycle sport or related industry.

WHO IS IN THE CLUB? We have over 220 Members in the West Sussex Branch; around 40 of these are Observers who deliver the Skill for Life programme. In 2014 we had approximately 50 new members (Associates) sign up for advanced training who benefitted from around a 90% first time pass rate with other opportunities for training for even higher qualifications. We have a 18

real diversity of members including those from the emergency services, Blood Runners and bikers from every walk of life.

Our WSAM volunteer Observers are truly dedicated to the improvement of safety and security on the road for motorcyclists that go beyond just the delivery of Skill for Life. We are closely associated with the local Police motorcyclist team responsible for the Bike Safe Programme and have supported the Sussex Safer Road Partnership at local promotional events.

IS SKILL FOR LIFE AND JOINING WSAM FOR YOU? • Would you like to get more enjoyment and fun out of your riding?

• Have you recently returned to motorcycling after a break?

• Have you fallen into bad habits?

• Have you recently passed your test and would like to develop your skills to the next level?

• Do you lack confidence in corners?

• Are you apprehensive of riding in the wet?

• Do you feel peer pressure to keep up with your mates and feel unsafe as a result?

• Have you recently had a close call and wondered why?

February-March 2015 • South East Biker Magazine

This is motorcycle hire made easy If you prefer riding on two wheels rather than four like we do then West Sussex Motorcycle Hire can give you the ride of your life on the bike of your dreams. If you are looking for the best motorcycle hire UK and further afield, look no further.

“Brilliant service, great bikes and friendly staff. Top stuff” – JF “A big thank you…for pulling out all the stops at short notice to make our hoilday a great one.

The bike a R1200GS was fab for me and the wife. Will see you all next year for more of the same.” – PW

Our fantastic rates and legendary service lets you ride in style for a reasonable price. Whether you want a bike with attitude or something sleeker for touring the countryside, you can find it here at West Sussex Motorcycle Hire.

West Sussex Motorcycle Hire HP 0115.indd 1

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13/01/2015 09:51

In Store - Online - Mobile

www.Freestylebikes.co.uk Sussex: 01892 782288 WADHURST ROAD, MARK CROSS, EAST SUSSEX, TN6 3PD Powys: 01686 807888 10 ST GILES BUSINESS PARK, POOL ROAD, NEWTOWN, POWYS, SY16 3AJ South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

19

THE CRAFT OF MOTORCYCLING

• Do you dislike the pressure of tests, but want to learn to be a better rider?

• Do you normally ride alone but would like to share the experience of group riding?

• Would you like to broaden your motorcycling social circle with like-minded enthusiasts?

• Would you like to improve your riding ability but are nervous of taking the first step?

WHAT IS SKILL FOR LIFE? Skill for Life is an accredited course in advanced motorcycle riding techniques, which is delivered to you by an assigned Qualified Observer. You will get at least 6 Observed Rides, which take the form of: Briefing - Ride – Debriefing. These are typically 2 to 3 hours per session, where you will learn to ride by THE SYSTEM (Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Acceleration) of motorcycle control and you will also learn to use a RIDING PLAN, (Observation, Anticipation, Prioritisation, Decision, Action) and “To always be able to stop in the distance you can see to be clear, under control and on your side of the road”.

You will become a more positive rider, smarter and more progressive, learning how to deal with

WSAM ANNOUNCEMENT 2015 is an important and exciting year for WSAM and we are proud to announce a partnership with Chandlers Bikes of Brighton, which will see a novel and exciting offer of free of charge accredited advanced motorcycle training to purchasers of new and used motorcycles from BMW Motorrad at Chandlers Bikes. Watch out for the BMW R1200RT with our logo at events and training sessions around Sussex.

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HAZARDS. Lastly we will help you will improve your slow manoeuvring. Once you have successfully completed the course, membership of WSAM provides you with a free annual re-assessment by our own nationally accredited Observers.

So if any of the reasons given above ring true for you, why not think about applying for some additional training in a relaxed and low stress environment with WSAM, your local biking club for advanced riders.

Contact Details: Please contact via the ‘Contact Us’ section on our website: www.wsam.info. New Member (Associate) Secretary: Melanie Peet; Existing Member Secretary: Alan Cuthell.

WSAM want to help you to enjoy your riding more, becoming more confident, safer on the road, whilst being a progressive rider with a more engaged biking experience and reduce your risk on our increasingly dangerous and challenging roads.

HOW MUCH IS THAT WORTH TO YOU? A Skill For Life course will cost you £149.00, plus a contribution to fuel costs for your observer and will include a one year’s membership to WSAM. An added advantage is that the majority of successful riders manage to recoup the costs of the course in the reduction in insurance premium for advanced riders.

This is of course dependent on a rider’s previous riding/driving record.

Please contact Chandlers Bikes directly for details of this offer by calling: 0127 342 6600, popping in at: Chandlers Bikes Victoria Road, Brighton, BN41 1YH. or visit: www.chandlersbikes.co.uk.

We are pleased to be exhibiting WSAM and our Skill for Life programme at the Chandlers Bikes preview evening on Friday 6th February at the Charmandean Centre, Worthing. The event will also feature Charley Boorman presenting his live road show and launching the 2015 BMW model range. For more information please email: newseasonlaunch@chandlersbikes.co.uk or call 01273 426600, 01273 922853 February-March 2015 • South East Biker Magazine

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www.gerbing.co.uk 21

BRITISH MOTORCYCLISTS FEDERATION

RIDER REPRESENTATION…

THE BMF, THE MOTORCYCLE LOBBY AND YOU! Whether you know it or not, the motorcycle lobby is representing you – and it needs YOUR support!

BMF Membership Services Director Pete Laidlaw with Carl Fogarty and BMF Chairman Roger Ellis

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ormed in 1960 against ‘tabloid press tales’ of ‘leather jacketed hooligans racing around our streets’, the Federation of National and One Make Clubs (FNOMC) was established. By 1965 the organisation had morphed into the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), formed to represent all motorcyclists. The BMF’s successful lobbying defeated such ill-conceived ideas as legprotectors and the 100bhp limit restriction.

“When the FNOMCC was founded, riders didn’t have to wear a helmet and speed limits meant going as fast as you could (or dared). Motorcyclists accounted for 20% of all motorists in the UK, you could learn to ride on any bike you wished and there was no CBT!” reads the history of the BMF on their website. “Amid the fumes of BSA Gold Stars and Triumph Bonnevilles, there existed a feeling that motorcyclists were not being properly represented. This led to Gerry Malin of the Vincent Owners’ Club and club representatives agreeing upon the aims and objectives of the FNOMCC.” 22

BMF’s Anna Zee (Politcal and Technical Services Director) and Graeme Hay (Government Relations Executive)

The BMF was initially concerned with the new tenyear MOT tests for vehicles, the rise of insurance and how to get better deals for riders. “We vehemently opposed the 1961 Cronin Bill that proposed passenger insurance, and legislation implemented in 1961 restricted learner riders to motorcycles no larger than 250cc.”

Since the ’60s, the BMF has continued to represent the interests of motorcyclists at a local, national and international level – winning many battles for bikers, their safety and their freedom to ride.

THE MOTORCYCLE LOBBY NOW The BMF is now a federation of national and local motorcycles clubs and individual members, representing over 80,000 people. The BMF comprises February-March 2015 • South East Biker Magazine

BRITISH MOTORCYCLISTS FEDERATION motorcyclists because of the way they are engaged of staff, its partners – including the creators of its with the machine they operate, don’t want it. magazine, Motorcycle Rider – and an army of loyal “If you say to a motorcyclist ‘we’re going to fit a and determined volunteers.

GPS device on your bike, which is to make sure you The organisation is active in Europe through FEMA don’t approach any bends faster than a “safe” speed, (Federation of European Motorcyclists Association) it would be extremely unpopular. Motorcyclists pride and FIM (Federation of International Motorcyclists) themselves on their skill in riding their machine. and also promotes three annual BMF motorcycle If rider deaths don’t fall, in line with other vehicle shows: The BMF Show in May, Kelso Bike Fest and drivers, motorcyclists will increasingly be in the Tailend. political spotlight. It’s interesting that of the 388 “We lobby MPs, MEPs, Ministers, Commissioners motorcyclist deaths in 2012 a very high proportion and Committees to ensure that your views and were single-vehicle events. concerns are heard,” says This suggests to some Government Relations that rider skills more than Executive Graeme Hay. the old ‘sorry mate, didn’t “We also educate and see you there’ may be the inform, from vehicle problem to address?” security to an online road defect reporting system.”

HOW CAN YOU HELP It’s important to be a MOTORCYCLISTS part of the motorcycle EVERYWHERE? lobby whether individually Organisations like the or by belonging to a BMF rely on members’ lobbying organisation, subscriptions, club because without your subscriptions and support, groups cannot BMF Wales Rep Keith Maguire and BMF magazine editor James Gill corporate members. represent us.

Without them there will be no lobby, no one to FIGHTING FOR YOUR represent motorcyclists RIGHTS! views or make sure our Graeme joined the BMF views are heard. early in 2014 and wasted The lobby also relies no time getting stuck into on the hard work and his lobbying work. commitment of people “Safety will be the key who give their time. thing for the motorcycle “In August 2014, I lobby to address in the had the privilege of future,” he explains. “The attending a meeting of the 2012 figures show 1,850 Bedfordshire Motorcycle deaths on UK roads. That’s BMF volunteers at the BMF Show Matters group,” he wrote halved from six or seven in the last issue of Motorcycle Rider. “This group is years ago. It’s likely that that will continue to reduce. similar to many groups around the country where Over the next 10 years, in most road-going vehicles, representatives of rider groups meet with local technology will become available in volume vehicles authorities to discuss topics that are of concern or which will make it almost impossible for vehicles to interest to motorcyclists in the area.” collide. Vehicles will simply decline to go fast enough There are many groups just like this around the UK. to crash on a bend, to sideswipe a two-wheeler or to If you are interested in this sort of work and are not run over a pedestrian. I saw it with BMW a number of already involved, the BMF would encourage you to years ago and it’s coming faster than many realise. give it a go. If there is no such group in your area, “This technology means we will happily witness a decline in the number of road deaths – possibly to the then why not consider forming one? Always remember – if you need any help or guidance, contacts or point that in 10 or 15 years we could be looking at a locations, the BMF is there to support you. Just give zero target for road deaths. drop us a line!

“The problem is that the nature of motorcycles Visit: www.bmf.co.uk, Twitter: @bmfofficialuk means they don’t lend to that technology. Also, South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

23

PRODUCT FOCUS

THE HEARING TEST

I have always thought that riding listening to music was a dangerous way to ride, especially with the way the roads are now. We ride on roads where it seems every driver wants to kill you and the roads themselves seem to have a pot hole right in the riding line. For me, to ride with music in my ears instead of the road noise seemed stupid.

So when Mercury Hearing asked me to try their bespoke earphone ear plugs, I was sceptical to say the least. Debbie Tunstill reports….

I

wear ear plugs every time I ride, as I don’t want to end up as deaf as my husband Nick, some of it is selective hearing, I am sure like most men when their wives are talking to them. I visited Mercury Hearing just before Christmas and they made casts of my ears, which really is a weird feeling. They took two casts, one for my built-in Earbud plugs and another for the Pro plugs. The Earbud plugs have the earphone already built in. They make a standard set of headphones but you can upgrade for an additional charge.

I chose my designs, which of course had to be blue; the Earbuds are blue with glitter and the Pros are blue and white marbled mix. With Mercury products you can pretty much choose whatever you want.

The Earbuds can be made out of silcone or a soft acrylic and they have vents in them so whilst riding you can hear what’s going on outside. Within the week I had my earplugs back, so off I went and tried them out.

I was concerned how the Earbuds would work for me so I tried them first on a short ride, and in pre Christmas shopping traffic I was able to hear a police siren coming down the A21 at speed from behind me. I was surprised that I could hear the music really well and still pick up the noise outside without feeling like I was in a disco and not riding a bike. I did think the acrylic Earbuds were going to be uncomfortable over a longer ride but they felt amazing.

The soft silcone Pro earplugs were a different matter, from the minute I put them in they felt uncomfortable, so after a couple of rides I popped back into Mercury at Handcross and they re-made them. Mercury were great, they understood how important it is to get the fit correct and the benefit of having their lab on the premises

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is that you can speak to the person making them and they can make changes there and then.

Now the Pro Plugs are so comfortable I hardly feel like I have them in which is the main point of having ear plugs. I know that there are many of you that still do not ride with earplugs as you feel they are unsafe. But I can assure you these earplugs are made with vents so the damaging noise is restricted but you can still hear what’s going on around you.

I know the price is also a factor for some, but when you think many of us looking for a new helmet will make sure it fits properly and is well made, and it is the same with earplugs. You can keep using them for quite some time, probably longer than most of us keep our helmets, so for £80 to £120 broken down over 5 years is a very reasonable amount.

Why not take the same interest in looking after your hearing or you may end up as deaf as my old man?

Even our kids think he will end up like the granny from Allo Allo, with a great big ear trumpet!

Drop into Mercury Hearing and check out their selection of earplugs? They are not just for bike riding, they make them for shooting and many other activities. There are options for bluetooth earpieces and if you have a partner that snores these can work wonders too.

Mercury Hearing Products, Sycamore Court, Brighton Road, Handcross, RH17 6BZ, call them 01444 400494 or check out their website now! www.mercuryhearing.com

February-March 2015 • South East Biker Magazine

PRODUCT FOCUS

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Mercury Hearing HP 0115.indd 1

19/01/2015 15:41

The adventure starts in store

R O A D

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T R A I L

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E N D U R O

MOTOWARD.CO.UK

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M OTO - X

Tel: 01403 823222 • Web: www.motoward.co.uk • Email: motoward@aol.com V I C T O R I A H O U S E , C H U R C H S T R E E T, R U D G W I C K , W E S T S U S S E X . R H 1 2 3 H J

TO P N A M E S I N C LOT H I N G A N D PA RT S • W O R L D W I D E D E L I V E RY South East HP Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk Motoward 0714.indd 1

25 14/07/2014 08:47

CHALLENGE approximately 200 miles per day. There will be at least one qualified bike technician on the trip plus a support vehicle.

THE JL CHALLENGE GET OUT THOSE TWO STROKES…

Jack Lilley, a Triumph dealer based in Ashford in Middlesex and Romford in Essex, are organising the JL 2T CHALLENGE – a ride of 1,200 miles in eight days, from Portsmouth to Porto (in Portugal), on sub-250cc 2-stroke motorcycles. They tell SEB more…

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iders will depart from our Ashford forecourt on Saturday 5th September 2015. We will ride to Portsmouth and take the overnight ferry to St Malo, and then head south through France. After crossing the Pyrenees we will turn west into Spain and aim for the mountainous border of Portugal. Great care has been taken to choose as scenic a route as possible, which avoids all toll roads and motorways. We plan to arrive at a beautiful campsite in the foothills east of Porto on the evening of Friday 11th September.

On Saturday 12th we’ll have a relaxed day to explore Porto and the surrounding hills, then in the evening, a big Party to celebrate the successful completion of JL 2T CHALLENGE. On Sunday 13th we’ll all head home.

THE CHALLENGE JL 2T CHALLENGE is designed to be, and most certainly will be, very challenging! Think ‘Paris-Dakar Rally’ rather than ‘Saga Guided Tour’! We have six full riding days in which to complete the distance, which means covering 26

THE ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD The plan is to stay on pre-booked campsites, carefully selected so that all have a restaurant and bar located either on site or nearby. All participants must provide their own camping equipment, which will be carried in the support vehicle. If anyone would rather stay in hotels we can supply a list of places within reasonable proximity of our chosen campsites, although these must be booked and paid for by the individual participant.

THE SUPPORT VEHICLE Jack Lilley Ltd will provide a van and driver for the JL 2T CHALLENGE to use as a support vehicle, to carry all our spares, tools, camping gear and luggage. There will be provision in the van for the rescue of two bikes and their riders, to be transported to the next campsite.

NOTE – the cost of providing the support vehicle will only be viable if a sufficient number of riders take part. If all those who have already shown an interest decide to take part, the van and driver will certainly be included.

THE COST JL 2T CHALLENGE is being run on a not-for-profit basis, however there are costs that need to be met. At the time of registration each participant is required to make a non-refundable payment of £499 to cover the cost of the ferry crossing from Portsmouth to St Malo (including a shared cabin), campsite accommodation fees, and the use of the support vehicle. The only extra costs during the trip will be for fuel and food.

ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE Each participant needs to provide their own motorcycle, spare parts, tools and camping equipment.

Prior to departure it is a requirement that each participant purchase: • European motorcycle insurance cover • Travel insurance that includes motorcycle touring and repatriation in case of an accident • European vehicle recovery JL 2T CHALLENGE is the Portsmouth to Porto Journey from Saturday 5th to 12th September. After celebrating on the Saturday evening, the Challenge is effectively over and riders can commence their return journey on Sunday 13th. PLEASE NOTE: Each participant is responsible for arranging their own return journey to the UK as this is not part of the Challenge ride. We can suggest a number of options for the return journey.

February-March 2015 • South East Biker Magazine

CHALLENGE THE REGISTRATION AND MEETINGS In order to secure a place on JL 2T CHALLENGE, you need to sign a registration form and pay the nonrefundable fee. We are limited to a maximum of 20 riders, and there has already been a lot of interest in the Challenge, so register ASAP! At registration you will be provided with a crate in which to store your spares, tools, camp stove etc. You will also be given a small collection of useful stuff to help you on your way, including a ‘Rider Pack’ which contains all the information you’ll need. We will be holding a JL 2T CHALLENGE meeting once a month at the Jack Lilley (Ashford) store, starting in January. These will be evening social events, so that we can all get together, compare restorations, discuss problems, etc. and share a beverage or two. A couple of months prior to departure, we will be running a Sunday shake-down test ride!

THE CHARITY JL 2T CHALLENGE is an ideal opportunity to raise some money for the hugely worthwhile charity: ‘Riders for Health’. Their organisation does amazing work providing motorcycle transport to health-workers in Africa. It is not a requirement for the participants of JL 2T CHALLENGE to raise

money. But let’s get our friends and family involved, encourage them to sponsor you by the mile, and see if we can raise the modest target of £200 per rider! There is a sponsorship form in the ‘Rider Pack’.

If you’d like to join us please email Hugh at h.mcclelland@jacklilley. com to register your interest.

Jack Lilley unveils surprise new model Guests at the Jack Lilley Christmas party in December witnessed the unveiling of their mystery vehicle which they’ve been keeping under wraps for several weeks. So we can now reveal its identity...

It’s a Reliant Robin ‘Blackhawk’ limited edition (apparently only 10 were made). They were drawn to the car because of its quirky character – it’s sure to attract plenty of attention wherever it goes. It’s in great condition and being black, was already the right colour for the corporate theme. They have added some Jack Lilley graphics to the beast and it’s now ready for the road! Watch out for it around the roads of South East in the coming months…

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

27

PAN AMERICAN ADVENTURES

ADVENTURES IN SOUTH AMERICA

With Europe on our doorstep, many bikers from the South East take the opportunity to hop across the Channel for anything from a daytrip to a few weeks jaunt around the continent. But the world is becoming a smaller place and countries that once seemed as unreachable as the moon are now on bikers’ travel wish lists. David Groves from Adventure Peru Motorcycling fills us in on a typical South American trip…

PERU October 17th 2014 I met the group flying in from the UK and USA at Lima airport Peru ready for our epic tour of some 3000 miles up the coast and Andes of Northern Peru. From there into Ecuador through to Colombia and finally reaching our destination of Cali on the Western side of Colombia.

Our group, comprising of very experienced riders, prepared for the trip and after a short transfer to our bike base at Barranca, on the Pacific coast, we set out in Lima’s traffic. They selected their Suzuki DR 650 and Honda Transalp 650 bikes and set off for Casma on Peru’s Northern coast.

We were without our top rider guide Franco Guevarra Brito who 28

was being held in Ventanillas Police Station on a trumped up charge of injuring a pedestrian in a bike altercation with a truck!! I stopped on the way to Barranca, but they would not release Franco or the bike, however after some negotiations with the top man there on the blower and a bribe paid of $300 we got bike and guide released. Franco rode through the night to meet us in Huanchauco near Trujillo, a very relieved young man and after a few beers was singing “I’m Free, I’m Free”.

Our next stop was an oil change at Carlos’s garage in Paijan,rated one of the most dangerous towns for bike travellers in Peru, I suppose it depends if you are

riding a BMW, certainly we get no problems. We then embarked on the great ride up the Andes to our own hotel base at Cajamarca over a 3000 metre high pass. A two day rest and discussion on the tour ahead followed in the comfort of our hotel before we set off for Chiclayo on the coast and the ride across one of the hottest and driest deserts in the world, the Sechura desert. We travelled to Piura ,Sullana and, as the heat increased, arrived tired but in daylight at Las Lomas. This is a frontier Wildwest style town with sand broadwalks straight out of a Clint Eastwood film. Staying at a small Hotel Kerry, which was very friendly, we left after breakfast and set off for the Ecuador border

February-March 2015 • South East Biker Magazine

PAN AMERICAN ADVENTURES at Macara. The heat was intense as we filled in the paperwork as all our vehicles and bikes are Peruvian registered. This didn’t take long, but I had time to chat with a Welsh biker, Richard Jones from Caerwy, who was going back into Peru having travelled through Colombia and Ecuador.

It was good to exchange routes and APM helped him with places to stay on his way back down through Peru and Chile.

ECUADOR Getting into Ecuador on their side took a little longer than usual with the form filling, but soon we were across and on our way, deciding to spend the night at Catamayo. A few miles into Ecuador we were stopped by an army road block. This is where speaking Spanish pays dividends and, after a few photos we were riding on some of the best engineered roads in the world to Catamayo. Next day a well earned swim in the pool, well it was Sunday!! We set off to Loja and up to Ona for a night’s stay in a lovely wooden Alpine style

family run hotel. Our back up guide Jorge had an electrical failure so Franco bike towed him, arriving in the late evening cold and wet but both with guides in one piece!! This is where having Peruvians with you helps so much, they are so resourceful. The next day the problem meant a new rectifier which would mean sourcing in Quito. So after changing to our back up bike the group headed for the city of Cuenca en route to Quito.

Cuenca is a beautiful city with wonderful colonial architecture and famous for being the birthplace and home of manufacturing of the Panama Hat. After finding our night’s stay at Hotel Duran, with its volcanic hot spa pools, we set off to explore the city followed by a great evening meal in the cloisters of the cathedral. The food generally had been excellent on all our stops and tonight was no exception. The next day was the push to the capital city of Ecuador, Quito, set right on the equator, it’s high!! On route we passed Cotapaxi, the tallest volcano in the world,

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South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

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PAN AMERICAN ADVENTURES

covered in snow but slightly shielded by cloud. Stopping to take photos it was an impressive sight. Our approach to Quito meant a big increase in traffic and then, to makes things worse, the heavens opened and we were all drenched before we reached the Hotel Teatro, right on the plaza in the historic quarter. Quito is, at 2,800 metres high, the same as Cajamarca and you feel the altitude walking the steep paved streets.The group with Carlos were able to explore the cities beautiful plazas and buildings,and even got into the Presidential Palace!!

Franco and I searched and located the Suzuki parts for our bike. with No Problemo!!! The Ecuador police use the Honda Transalp and Suzuki DR650 as their main fleet bikes so we could get spares easily at various Suzuki outlets. Soon Franco had the bike back up and running ready for the run to the Columbian border.

We reached Tulcan, the border town for Colombia and stayed in a small hotel with pool! Just across from the bus station the morning would see us rise early for the short ride to the Colombian border…

COLOMBIA We were all a little apprehensive approaching Colombia, it has had a reputation for many years regarding drugs, guns and lawlessness, a bit like High Brooms where I was born!!!

Our aim was to get to Tulcan, stay the night, then leave early in the morning for the frontier crossing at Lipales. Again we all arrived together and a pistol packing cop took rubbings of the bike frame numbers. After paying a few dollars to him and chatting to some biker friends, Gary from Canada and Antonio from Colombia who had stayed at my hotel in Cajamarca, we were through and relieved!!!! The riding in Colombia was very different; lots of army patrols and police 2 up on Transalps and Suzukis with pillion carrying a rifle at the ready. However the roads were great and the scenery stunning and we stopped the night in Pasto. We spent the evening celebrating being in Colombia in a Mexican bodega with lots of beer and a 3ft diameter Pizza listening to U2, Mana and Guns & Roses with video footage great! Chris Baker was soon up dancing with the local Colombian shapely ladies cheered on by all of APM!!!!

The relief of riding now in Colombia was obvious, but the lack of petrol soon became a real worry as garages were closed, 30

displayed signs of no fuel and ones that had petrol we saw had massive queues. The petrol in Ecuador was £1 a gallon, so we had stocked up in advance but as we got deeper into this country the less we had. I chatted to the local police where having the same bikes was a great talking point, but they said the end of the month was the worst time and further up country was no problem so approaching Popayan we got petrol!!. That route was rated by our American rider as the best road he had ever ridden in his life. He was a 70yr old ex-bike racer and had ridden all over the USA and lived in Maryland, high praise indeed. The heat was increasing as we went towards Cali, our eventual tour destination, passing numerous fields of bananas and coffee. Arriving there was like stepping back in time; lots of single storey homesteads and horse and carts. There were also the colourful buses called Chivas similar to India. This truly is a beautiful country and to explore on a bike is magical, photos do not do it justice you have to experience it from the seat of a bike!!

We had the various police and army checks mainly for drugs and guns. My guides put a bag of coca leaves in the backup seat, which put the fear of god up me when we were searched during one check. Luckily I didn’t get pulled. The police and Swat team guys we met in Cali were great to chat and take photos with. They liked the fact we had the same bikes, APM got something right there!!! We spent a few days in Cali before heading back to Popayan.

Dennis and Rodger visited the market while Franco and I looked at a Suzuki 1000 VStrom for sale at $9,000 at a garage we had bought some parts from. It was low mileage,

February-March 2015 • South East Biker Magazine

maybe one for the future? In the market, Dennis noticed they were being followed by a lone guy who suddenly grabbed Rodger’s iPhone from behind, a swift punch to the pickpocket’s jaw sent him sprawling and Rodger had his phone back!!!

A little shook up, I left them alone for five minutes!!! So then on to Ambato and Riobamba to Ecuador BACK TO ECUADOR We stopped by to visit the Latitude 0 point at the centre of the world. You can straddle both sides at this point, Later we continued back and took the by- pass around Quito, avoiding the city’s massive traffic problem, to Ibarra, a quaint town with lots of historic buildings .

The next day, hot and sunny, we set off to Otavalo on the autopista. Rodger, our USA rider, hit a pothole on the Suzuki his front tyre burst.

He held it up but after 100yds hit the deck. He is a big guy and suffered concussion and broken ribs but his protective gear saved his life. Our back guide Jorge shielded him while he was lying injured in the road as did other vehicles and we called an ambulance. I went to hospital with Rodger and Carlos followed in the back up after giving first aid and freeing off his helmet as he was going blue!! I sent the group on and we met up again after a few days as Rodger started to recover.

The reunion was at the Ecuadorian border side with Peru in Machala.

BACK TO PERU After crossing into Peru passing Tumbes, we got Rodger more treatment in a clinic and rest in Mancora by the Pacific ocean. Treatment in a clinic there was excellent, he was still in pain but moving easier.

We decided to head across the Sechura desert for Chiclayo and get back to Cajamarca, our hotel base, so Rodger could still keep to his intended flight back.

A few calls, wheelchair assistance and yes he made it back to the USA. The rest of our group stayed up at our Hotel Casa Buena Vista base for a week in beautiful sunshine, 105 degrees with a few rideouts to San Marcos and Celendin. The evenings were spent swimming and eating at my club dining room in the 5 star Hotel Laguna Seca, where the pool is heated with underground natural hot springs. There was a chance to get familiar with the local Peruvian way of life and see the historic city of Cajamarca where Pizarro first met and fought the Inca army, starting South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

what was to be the conquest of Peru in the search for gold and silver. Meanwhile our fleet of bikes are cleaned, repaired and serviced after 2 tours amounting to 5,000 miles and put away safely ready for our next 2015 April Northern tour.

ADVENTURE PERU MOTORCYCLING THE NO 1 SOUTH AMERICAN BIKE TOUR COMPANY Adventure Peru Motorcycling was first formed in 2003 after I first went to Peru in August 2000 and fell in love with an amazingly diverse country. It has the high Andes mountains, deserts, jungle and rain forest.

It has a warm climate all year.

We are pleased to offer bike tours throughout Peru, and also Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador and Colombia or, if you just want to come and enjoy a restful couple of weeks with some bike riding, then stay at our own Hotel Casa Buena Vista overlooking valle verde (The green valley). Just call or email for prices and availability on our tours and hotel stays with bike rental. Riders and pillions welcome!!! Our team of Franco, Carlos and Ozzie have been with APM since we started in 2003 are vastly experienced riders and guides. Backed up with Jorge Sanchez and our hotel staff Susan and Oswaldo are pleased to serve you traditional Peruvian dishes.

Catch us on Facebook at Adventure Peru Motorcycling or e-mail www.perumotorcycling.com.

All our bikes and the base hotel are owned and run by APM. Many of our clients come back again and again.

Dennis Carroll, 78, from Milton Keynes was on this Peru, Ecuador and Colombia trip for his 5th tour with APM and rated it the best tour yet. So we must be doing something right.

See you soon at a bike show or event this year and don’t forget to” Live The Dream” before it’s too late, don’t just talk about it do it!!!!

This year 2015 APM will be at various bike events and shows listed on our website. Our main event will be at The MCN Carole Nash bike show at Excel, Feb 13th-15th. APM are on Stand A100, so come along for a chat about riding in South America with the company that gives you the opportunity to integrate with the people, riding. The Real Peru with Peruvian bike guides.

We don’t just ride down the Pan Americana!!!!

31

ROAMING THE US

Bonneville adventure

You’ve heard of Ted Simon. You’ve heard of Sam Manicom. You may even have heard of Bruce Smart.

These are the sort of world travellers who make us dream of total escape. They left behind all that they knew and wandered off on their bikes to explore, experience and discover in the most massive way. They roamed. They drifted. They let life unfold along the road. Their trips are what dreams are made of. Review by Sandy Caulfield.

B

ut not everybody is able, or even willing, to throw everything up in the air and disappear. UK biker and adventurer Zoe Cano strikes a chord because she’s just ever so slightly different from other world travellers. Not for her the total abandonment as life as we know it to disappear off on a feel-your-way roam of the planet. No. Zoe made a plan. And this plan is within reach of most normal mortals, should you wish for it. Zoe took eight weeks out of her busy life and planned, to exacting detail, a full-blown, bells-and-whistles, cherry-onthe-top tour of the United States.

Zoe says, “It had been a life-long dream to visit a country I’d once lived and worked in, but not had time to properly visit. It’s such an eclectic place and people are wonderful”.

Zoe wanted the security of knowing where she was going to be each night, and the luxury of a comfortable bed at the end of a well-planned day. She budgeted around £11,500, she found a Triumph Bonneville T100, and she made it happen. And when she got home she wrote it all down and was very lucky to find a publisher willing to take it on. And any of us could do the same.

‘Bonneville Adventure’ is the unputdownable tale of Zoe’s amazing adventures in America. She experiences a magical mystery tour which takes in the scorching moonscape that is Death Valley, the iconic Route 66, Memphis, and the mountains and lakes of the western seaboard. And she does all of this alone.

32

From the challenging and frustration planning stage, which saw Zoe trying to raise the money, arrange bike rental and plan her route, to the gruelling hours in the saddle and the hiccups along the way, this book will have you wishing for eight weeks of your own to step off the merry-goround. And that’s the clincher – anybody can do this. It’s within reach of so many of us. If only we would put our minds to it.

Zoe is now on the circuit of motorcycle events, having exhibited all over the UK and been to America to do a book- signing tour with Triumph. Her next event will be at the Adventure Day at Ace Café in March 2015, and she will be signing books at the Overland Adventure Event 2015 at Great Missenden from 19-21 June.

The story of Zoe’s adventure is now published by Road Dog Publications USA and is available from Amazon in book or Kindle format, and from all major bookshops including Waterstones.

You can find Zoe at www. bonnevilleadventure.blogspot. com or on twitter at @bijoulatina.

February-March 2015 • South East Biker Magazine

Service • Repairs • Tyres Suspension Set-up MOTs by Appointment Tel: 01825 766351, Mobile: 07710 784876 Email: info@everestmotorcycles.co.uk Visit: www.everestmotorcycles.co.uk

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South East Biker0413 Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk JOHN HARRIS HP Ad.indd 1

33 17/03/2014 17:33

MY MACHINE

My Benelli Tornado Novocento Tre LE by Lloyd Benton

B

enelli motorcycles were founded in 1911 in Pesaro on the Rimini coast of Italy by the then recently widowed Teresa Benelli, who created the company so that her six sons, Giuseppe, Giovanni, Francesco, Fillippo, Domenico and Antonio (known as Tonio) could work. At first the company was called ‘Benelli Garage’ and handled all forms of repairs to both motor cars and motorcycles, but could also manufacture and produce the spare parts required in effecting those repairs.

In 1920 because of the engineering capabilities of Benelli, they decided to create their first engine and did this completely in–house. It was a 75cc single cylinder two stroke engine which was adapted to fit into a bicycle frame.

In 1921, the company built its first motorcycle based on the 75cc engine which by then had been enlarged to 98cc. Two years later Benelli became interested in motorsports, more so motorcycle racing; Torino who was the youngest of the Benelli brothers started riding a racing version of the 98cc machine. After a few years, Torino became very successful riding a Benelli 175cc machine and won the Italian championship in 1927, 1928, 1930 and 1931. A year later, after winning the 1932 championship, Torino was tragically killed on the road.

Just on the break of the second world war, Benelli produced a four cylinder supercharged 250cc racing bike, they wanted to race this in the 1940 season, but because of the war this was not to be. Another downside of the war was that Benelli ceased production of motorcycles until 1949.

That same year Giuseppe decided to leave the company and start his 34

own; the name of the company, Motobi. Business continued without Giuseppe with a number of different motorcycles on sale by 1951; the most noticeable of these were the 98cc & 125cc Liocino (Little Lion) models available with either two or four stroke engines.

Almost ten years passed until 1962 when Benelli and Motobi between them produced around 300 different motorcycles with a total of 550 staff. They were also being very successful in racing, winning a number of championships and world titles. Benelli then underwent a turbulent time, as did all European motorcycle manufacturers when the Japanese entered the European market. Although Benelli sold many motorcycles in America, by the late 70s Benelli stopped production. This lasted a few years until businessman Giancarlo Selic decided to back the company. Unfortunately things did not work out and the company was sold to Andrea Merloni the son of an Italian domestic goods company owner in 1995.

Merloni employed the services of British design engineer Adrian Morton to design a motorcycle masterpiece. Morton went on to create the Benelli Tornado Novocento Tre, a 900cc three cylinder four stroke machine using the latest aircraft manufacturing processes in its frame making and top grade materials such as extensive use of carbon fibre in all its bodywork. The Tornado had a titanium exhaust system and magnesium engine cases, together with Brembo brakes and Ohlin’s suspension to mention just a few.

It was decided that to promote the brand, Benelli would go into World Superbike racing and, to enable entry into this prestigious series, had to build a minimum of 150 motorcycles. So in 2002 Benelli hand built and sold the minimum amount required as a “Limited Edition” which came complete

February-March 2015 • South East Biker Magazine

MY MACHINE

with a race conversion kit which included headstock adjustment spacers to allow adjustment of rake and trail, swinging arm eccentric cams to lengthen, shorten raise or lower the swinging arm, a range of gearbox gearing, race exhaust, paddock stands and lots more, but had a price tag in excess of £24,500. In 2003 Benelli then produced a production version of the LE using cheaper parts and materials and sold them with a price tag of £13,500 which was still beyond the average motorcyclist’s reach. This is where my story begins…

In 2003 at the South of England bike show at Detling, a motorcycle dealer was exhibiting the new machine on its stand with a “one off” show price of £10,000.

I loved the look of the bike as soon as I saw it but there was no way that I could afford one until my wife’s mum said that she would help me in buying it, so the deal was done!

In 2004 the Benelli factory invited a dozen UK Benelli owners to the grand prix race track of Misano of the coast of Rimini, Italy for two days of track riding and all hospitality in between, including the revealing of the Benelli Café Racer, what a brilliant time was had!

Unfortunately in October 2006 my pride and joy was destroyed when a myopic car driver decided to jump a red light resulting in serious injuries to myself. Whist still recovering in hospital and not knowing if I could ride or not I bought an MV Agusta 1000R. Fortunately I could still ride, but after around a year decided to sell the MV, as although the bike was very fast, I found it very heavy on my wrists; I also missed my Benelli! As luck would have it, I got word of a F16 fighter pilot of the ASAF based at Mildenhall who was selling an LE. I contacted him and viewed the bike which had less than 500 miles on the clock and was registered in 2005 and, although I wanted the bike, could not afford the price he was asking, I left disappointed. Around two weeks later I had a call from the guy saying that he was being posted back to the USA in a week and had to sell the bike quick, I made a cheeky offer which was accepted, I owned an LE!!!

My Benelli is number 131 of a production run of just South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

150, (#1 being in the reception hall of the Benelli factory in Pesaro) and #150 with a private owner in the USA.) Since ownership I have been on a number of track days at Brands Hatch, Lydden and Mallory Park and as you would expect with a machine with such a high specification it handles very well and the engine sounds incredible on full throttle!

I have also entered the bike in a number of shows and won, “Best European Bike” at the festival of 1000 Bikes” at Mallory Park and “Best Superbike” at the Ardingly show.

The bike is so different from the normal bikes you see that it always gets attention for that reason alone I will never sell her!

35

South East Biker Events MARCH EVENTS

FEBRUARY EVENTS 1 Feb 1 Feb

The Ace Café 59 Club Renewal Day Trials Ringwood MCC and LCC Ringwood 1 Feb Trials CSMA Club Bagshot 6 Feb The Ace Café Bike Night and Streetfighters 8 Feb The Ace Café Singles “Thumper Sunday and MAG Fred Hill Ride out 8 Feb Trials Basingstoke MCC Newbury 11Feb The Ace Café Brit Bike Night 12 Feb The Ace Café Italian Bikes and Cars 13 Feb The Ace Café Bike Night and Bandit OC 13-15 Feb The MCN London Motorcycle Show Excel 15 Feb The Ace Café Ride Out to MCN Excel Motorcycle Show 15 Feb Trials Barnet and District MCC Harefield 19 Feb The Ace Café SuperMoto, XJROC, NABD, MAG and Classic Scooters 20 Feb The Ace Café Bike Night Rockers and Classic 21-22 Feb The Putoline Classic Dirt Bike Show Telford 22 Feb The Ace Café Flat Tracker and Mud Plugger day 22 Feb Trials Southampton and District MCC Chandlers Ford 22 Feb World Superbikes Phillip Island 22 Feb Trials Southend and DMCC Kelvedon Hatch 26 Feb The Ace Café Harley Night 27 Feb The Ace Café Bike Night, Performance and Fast Bikes

1 Mar 1 Mar

Trials Gravesend Eagles MC Rotherfield Trials North East London MCC Bayford Wood 1 Mar The Ace Café Trike Day in aid of NABD 5 Mar The Ace Café Bike Night and Streetfighters 8 Mar The Ace Café British and Classic Bike Day 8 Mar Trials Folkestone Trials Club Great Dowles Farm 11 Mar The Ace Café British Bike Night plus BMF 12 Mar The Ace Café Italian Bikes and Cars 13 Mar The Ace Café Bike Night and Bandit OC 15 Mar The Ace Café Sidecar Sunday 15 Mar Trials Bridport and Weymouth MCC Powerstock 19 Mar The Ace Café SuperMoto, XJROC, NABD, MAG and Classic Scooters 20 Mar The Ace Café Bike Night, Rockers and Classics 21 Mar Kempton Park Motorcycle Jumble 22 Mar The Ace Café Overland and Adventure Travel Bike day 22 Mar World Superbikes Thailand 26 Mar The Ace Café Harley Night 27 Mar The Ace Café Bike Night, Performance and fast Bikes 28-29 Mar Manchester bike Show 28-29 Mar The National Custom Bike Show 29 Mar MotoGP Qatar 29 Mar The Ace Café Scooter Sunday 29 Mar The South of England RealClassic Motorcycle Show & Bikejumble, Ardingly

PLEASE NOTE: we cannot be held responsible for the information provided on this page.

Much of it is provided independently. We suggest you check details with the organisers before making commitments. Further details and contacts for some of these events can be found at www.southeastbiker.co.uk.

For South East Biker Track Days contact: debs@southeastbiker.co.uk If you have an event you would like listed then email: nick@southeastbiker.co.uk.

April/May entries to be in by 5th March 2015. Entries are limited to first come first in.

The MCN Carole Nash London Motorcycle Show

S

ignalling the start of the motorcycling year in earnest, the Excel show is where you can meet up with some old mates, check out the latest bikes, kit and accessories and start planning your biking year.

This year it’s looking good. Many

of our great advertisers are there, Gerbings Heated Clothing, Helmet City, Adventure Peru Motorcycling, Mercury Hearing and Wemoto. You can pick up some great reading and DVDs from the likes of Sam Manicom and Graham Field. Make sure you mention South East Biker to secure and extra special show deal!!

The big Japanese manufacturers will be there with their new 2015 ranges as well as Triumph, KTM,

BMW, Aprilia. Moto Guzzi and Ducati. The full and up to date list of exhibitors can be found at www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com/ exhibitors.php.

You will normally see a few motorcycle racers strolling around or even competing in one of the action zones. There’s a display of Valentino Rossi bikes this year as well, which should be awesome.

We hope to see some of you there…

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37 15/09/2014 17:01

TRADE SERVICES

NEW BIKES Cooper BMW Motorrad Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UE Tel: 0845 601 8593

Servicing & Repairs Collection & Delivery

MAIDSTONE HONDA

Wivelsfield Green, near Haywards Heath Tel: 07799 852736 Notchyracing13@gmail.com

New demo bikes available to try.

Sales, Servicing, Clothing and parts.

Aylesford Wharf, Forstal Road, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7XA Tel: 01622 713950 www.maidstonehonda.co.uk

The exciting new Honda dealership in mid-Kent. Open since September 2013, we have already established ourselves as a destination for Honda motorcyclists throughout Kent and throughout the South East.

Haslemere Motorcycles

Petersfield Road, Whitehill, Hampshire GU35 9AR Sales: 01420 488290 Main Suzuki, Yamaha dealer with good quality used motorcycles and Harleys. Test ride the new GSXR600 or try some of our great 125’s on sale.

Kent Motorcycles

Dover Road (A2), CT4 6SA Tel: 01227 832601

Everything Honda, New demo’s available to test ride, CBF 125, CBR 250 and VFR. MOT’s, Servicing, Clothing and Accessories.

USED BIKES J. S. Gedge (Honda)

406-410 Old London Road, Hastings, E. Sussex. TN35 5BB Tel: 01424 423708 The one stop Honda shop.

INTA Motorcycles

99-107 Upper Stone Street, Maidstone. Kent. ME15 6HE Tel: 01622 688727 or 01622 765791

Email: intabikes@btconnect.com We specialise in quality used motorcycles and are Kent’s leading motorcycle trials specialists.

38

K&S MOTORCYCLES

SERVICING Fastlane Motorcycles 88 Priory Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 2AH Tel: 01732 363630 Email: fastlanebikes@aol.com We have a wide range of Used bikes, Clothing, Servicing, MOT’s, Parts,Track and Race Preparation.

CLOTHING

TRAINING Pan Motorcycles Tyres, Servicing, MOTs, Repairs, Sales & Training www.panmotorcycles.co.uk CBT, DAS, ERS with bike and kit hire available. We are an established training centre that can take you from CBT to advanced training.

MTS SUSSEX Motorcycle Training for Sussex, Surrey and Kent • Taster Sessions • CBT • A2/DAS • • ERS • Advanced • Back to Biking • • Free Assessments • Ladies Only Days •

Call us now on 01342 890006 enquiries@mtssussex.co.uk www.mtssussex.co.uk

MISCELLANEOUS MERCURY HEARING

GetGeared 290 Kingston Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7QE Tel: 01372 225100 Everything you need under one roof or check out our extensive website.

www.getgeared.co.uk

Helmet City Waylands Farm, Tatsfield, TN16 2JT Tel: 01959 577911

Sycamore Court, Brighton Road, Handcross, West Sussex RH17 6BZ Tel: 01444 400494 www.mercuryhearing.com Bespoke Ear Plugs Instants • Pros • Clip-in Headphones Security Earpieces • Bluetooth

HOLIDAY SAFE

Motorcycle Travel Insurance 0845 2307 622 www.Holidaysafe.co.uk/SEB

Viking Motorcycle Seats

Large range of Helmets, clothing

27A Heaver Trading Estate, Ash, Kent TN15 7HJ Tel: 07977 874075

and accessories in stock.

Seat modifications, Gel pads,

Email: sales@helmetcity.co.uk

Outlets in Chichester and Dorset.

re-covering and embroidery

www.helmetcity.com

www.viking-motorcycle-seats.co.uk

February-March 2015 • South East Biker Magazine

MOTORCYCLE SEATS MOTORCYCLE SEAT UPHOLSTERY SPECIALISTS Quality Craftmandship at Down to Earth prices

We are a small but busy workshop near Brands Hatch supplying and fitting gel pads, memory foam and standard vinyls. We have a full range of faux (fake) and genuine skins. If your seat needs recovering, is uncomfortable or too high or wide, Viking Motorcycle Seats have the solution. How about some customised embroidery? We offer a complete, bespoke service to make your bike unique. While you wait service available.

NEW PRODUCT: HEATED SEATS We now supply and fit the fantastic BRAD PADS, heated seat elements to keep you warm all year. These can be inserted into your seat at the same time as a rebuild. A very simple connection to the battery is supplied and the pads come with two settings.

Price is just £75 or £95 including wiring into bike.

Call us now on: 07977 874075

Visit: www.viking-motorcycle-seats.co.uk Email: leetheseat@hotmail.co.uk, or pop in and see us at: 27a Heaver Trading Estate, Ash Road, Ash, Kent. TN15 7HJ 30 years experience • Quality craftmanship • All work guaranteed

VIKING MOTORCYCLE SEATS