South East Biker, Issue 44, April-May 2016 by The Magazine Production Company

The South East’s No.1 FREE bike magazine ISSUE 44 • APRIL-MAY 2016

GO GO GIRLS

TRAVEL TIPS

IN THE FASTLANE

BRUSH UP YOUR SKILLS

REVIEWS • FEATURES • EVENTS • SPORTS SEB: ON FULL THROTTLE SINCE 2008 southeastbiker.co.uk

STARTING GRID

Editor scribes All the main motorcycle manufacturers have unveiled impressive models in their line ups this year that will appeal to new and experienced riders alike. In fact, the options on offer are so varied it’s hard to know where to spend your hard earned cash. On all fronts, sports, adventure, touring, cruiser and even retro bikes with a modern twist, all bases are covered. Features such as ABS, rider modes, traction control, fly-by-wire and electronically adjustable suspension are now run of the mill even on many entry level machines. These days there’s no such thing as a bad bike, it’s just picking which machine suits you best. So get along to your local dealer for a test ride and check out what’s on offer. In this issue we look at how you can get on two wheels in the first place – not as easy as it was a few years ago. See if you can persuade a mate or family member to get a bike licence, you know how much fun there is to be had! If you have recently passed your test, are a returning rider or just want to get the most from your motorcycling, we have an article from the IAM, one of many further training options. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the website and Facebook for the latest information on local events. Feel free to inform us of anything you feel should be included. We are happy to spread the word wherever we can.

Contents

4 BRUSH UP YOUR SKILLS 5 Things ain’t what they used to be 7 IAM and advanced training 10 Street Triple launch 12 In the Fastlane

All the best Nick

Visit southeastbiker.co.uk for events list CONTACT US ADVERTISING AND Debbie Tunstill, email: debs@southeastbiker.co.uk GENERAL ENQUIRIES Tel: 01892 459080 EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Nick Tunstill, email: nick@southeastbiker.co.uk South East Biker, 2 St John’s Road, Crowborough, East Sussex. TN6 1RW PRODUCTION: Dean Cook: deancook@magazineproduction.com PRINTING: Evon Print, Henfield, Sussex © 2016 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.

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

15 TOURING TRAVEL TIPS 20 Bike 1066 22 Talking tyres 25 Any old gear? 20 Go Go Girls 30 Products on test 32 An intrepid adventurer 38 Events 3

MOTORCYCLE TRAINING

BRUSH UP YOUR SKILLS Many years ago, you passed your bike test pretty much by turning up and staying upright for half an hour. I took mine in the snow in Tunbridge Wells and the examiner only saw me each time I went around the block as he was on foot! Pre-test training was rare and certainly not available or affordable for most youngsters. Once passed, L plates in the bin, as big a bike as you could afford and off you went. Again, very few motorcyclists undertook any more training afterwards to sharpen their skills. Nick Tunstill

hese days things have changed massively. Obtaining a licence in the first place is an expensive and convoluted process. And gaining your licence is only the first step on really learning to ride a bike. A raft of further training is available from the Enhanced Rider Training Scheme, the police run BikeSafe courses plus the well established IAM and RoSPA routes. So why take further training once you have passed 4

your test? Surely you are up to a standard that will keep you safe? Well yes, the motorbike test(s) mean you can carry out certain manoeuvres on a purpose built pad and then a 40-odd minute road ride, making sure you cancel your indicators and do the appropriate observations. Along with the Theory test, none bears a great deal of relevance to real world riding. Most of the learning happens after you receive your pass certificate. April-May 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ South East Biker Magazine

MOTORCYCLE TRAINING

Okay. Hands up. Who understands the Third European Licencing Directive?

Further training makes sense on many levels. First of all, it helps to make you a safer and more confident rider. Many novice motorcyclists have areas they would like to improve, but so do more experienced riders. Modern bikes are so well designed and engineered that only the top riders would have any chance of finding their machine’s limits. But with a bit of training most motorcyclists would be able to get a lot more from their bike and out of their riding than they even realise. It’s ironic how many are happy to spend thousands of pounds on a top quality bike with superb suspension, tyres and brakes but won’t invest a hundred quid and some time to get the most out of it. Formal training and testing with an instructor or observer isn’t for everyone, but there are plenty of other ways to improve your skills. Why not sign up for a novice track day? There are road bike track days, women only days and racing schools such as those run by Ron Haslam where you can hire the bike, kit and have professional instruction? You will emerge a better, more confident rider with a lot more understanding of what you bike is capable of. Off road experience really helps your riding as well. Learning how to control a bike while it slips around in the mud and gravel makes you realise that a bit of water or mud on tarmac isn’t too daunting. So, in this issue Peter Karmios fills us in on the hoops that have to be jumped through to get your licence in the first place and Paul Jessop from Kent IAM tells us why that route is an option for further training. South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

GETTING YOUR LICENCE: THINGS AIN’T WHAT THEY USED TO BE… We thought we would clarify the latest rules on obtaining a motorcycle licence for those planning to take to two wheels. Unfortunately we are totally confused by it all so asked an expert, Peter Karmios of Bike Smart Motorcycle Training to explain it.

elephone rings… “Good morning, Bike Smart!”. Caller: “Hi… Erm, I’ve been thinking about getting a bike, and errm… Well, I’m confused, and I need some advice…” (Deep breath, count to three...) “Okay, no problem!” In the glorious, golden past, we weren’t so confused. If you wanted to ride a bike, you just did! Maybe get some good (or bad!) advice from friends about how the twiddly bits work and what side of the road you should ride on and off you go. Of course, falling off and hitting things was all part of the fun; a great way to learn, hitting things. Crashing gives you an incentive not to make the same mistake again… Then came the interfering government busybodies who decided that “crashing” was a bad thing and no 5

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MOTORCYCLE TRAINING way to learn anything in our lovely new Risk Averse world. So, the brand spanking new Driving Standards Agency declared “No more crashing – or we won’t let you play with your bike!” Okay, here’s the plan… How about we make people go to school; teach them how to not crash? Brilliant! Who says Civil Servants aren’t capable of joined up thinking?! That was in 1990. Now, almost everyone knows – or thinks they know about Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and to be fair, it’s a pretty good system that works reasonably well. There are a few glitches, but that is more to do with rogue schools and the government’s inability to police its own standards. CBT is simple enough; turn up, get some good advice and tuition, convince your instructor that you are not a menace to yourself and other road users and you’ll get a shiny certificate to prove it. Where it got a LOT MORE COMPLICATED is when the above Civil Servants realised they’d actually done something right and were encouraged to have another go. Over successive years and changes of leadership, the Whitehall mandarins have tinkered, added, revised, buggered up and then more or less given up and let the E.U. finish what they started. This brings us up to date with the sexy bit of legislation known as the Third European Licencing Directive. Yes, as I’m sure you must have known, there were two Directives before and another one in the pipeline – none of which our government has been involved with but we are lumbered with anyway. It’s the E.U. trying to make good Europeans of us all and imposing a standard licence and test system on all countries in the E.U. Have you tried imposing anything on the Greeks? In Crete last year I was told that wearing a crash helmet was for poofs – forget telling them how to actually ride a bike! I’ve observed a motorcycle test in France, and it bears no resemblance to the test we have in the U.K. We find ourselves again in that familiar situation where our government feels obliged to uphold and enforce the law, and is quite good at it. However, our neighbours think this attitude is very un-European and rather foolish, just like paying taxes. Until we either leave the E.U., or swallow the next dose of legislation, our current rules are so complicated that most people I speak to have no idea what they are entitled to ride. So, my good deed for the day is to try and explain rules that don’t actually make sense… At 16, you are considered old enough to have a licence and ride a moped on the road (not more than 50cc or quicker than 30mph). However, you won’t be allowed ride anything bigger or take a full motorcycle South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

test even if you rack up thousands of miles on your Ped. At 17, you can have a grown up 125 with a CBT! (not more than 15 horses though). You can even take a motorcycle test… And be allowed to ride up to a 125cc bike… However, you will be able to lose the L plates and cruise our motorways… At 19, the world is yours – but only on a bike up to 35 kilowatts. Remember, you are a good European now! That’s 47 horses in old money. And you are stuck with this restriction for life. Either 2 years later, or at age 24, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) as it has now grown up to be, will take £90.50 off you to let you re-take your test on a bigger bike so you can lose the restriction… Except the bike you will actually use may be exactly the same bike you use for the restricted test. The current favourite training bike is the Yamaha MT07. It’s a great bike and can be fitted with a clever little device that is smarter than our 100 billion euro a year law makers. Flick it one way and you have a bike fit for 19 year olds. Flick it the other way and it is now a wild, snarling beast that only a 24 year old is capable of riding! Well, I hope the above has made sense and the muddy waters of motorcycle licencing are now as clear as a vicar’s conscience. No? Okay, I wrote this article, it’s all perfectly true, and it doesn’t make any sense to me either!

ADVANCED RIDING

One of the prominent advanced rider training groups is the Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists. Paul Jessop from one of our local groups supplies more details…

EB has always been very supportive of rider training and have kindly offered the opportunity for an article to showcase our group and its activities. So, who are we and what do we do? The Kent Advanced Motorcyclists Group (KAMG) is a registered charity, one of many regional car and motorbike groups affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM). Formed in 1980 we were the first dedicated IAM motorcycle group and in the 36 years since then we have gone from strength to strength; currently we have over 300 members. Our main purpose is to provide coaching to motorcyclists to enable them to ride to an ‘advanced’ standard, evidenced by gaining a pass on the IAM test ride. 7

MOTORCYCLE TRAINING KAMG is very much a club as well as a training organisation, our group magazine, ‘Riders’ is published quarterly and we hold a monthly meeting with a guest speaker in the Kentagon at Brands Hatch. Past guests have included such notable figures as Shane Byrne and Austin Vince as well as a certain Mr and Mrs Tunstill! We also enjoy monthly group rides, midweek fish and chip runs on summer evenings and tours in the UK and on the continent. Slow riding skills can be developed on one of our machine control days. Away from the saddle, there is a summer barbecue on the Kentagon terrace (weather permitting). WHAT IS ADVANCED RIDING? Advanced riding is achieved by learning the system known as IPSGA as used by the police and set out in the Roadcaft manual which, in turn, forms the basis of the IAM’s own guide How To Be A Better Rider. IPSGA is the acronym for the sequence of steps which make up the system: Information; Position; Speed; Gear; Acceleration. Out on the road, these steps are applied constantly to anticipate, identify and plan how to progress through each of the myriad hazards encountered on any journey. It may all sound a bit clunky at first, but it works! Just try following a police rider some time, progress looks effortless — but it’s all in the planning. Post test, if you want to challenge yourself, you could consider taking the Masters test. This requires an extended ride at the standard of a police response – although, unfortunately, we are not allowed blue lights! WHAT BENEFITS WILL YOU GET? Your riding will be smoother and safer and you will prospectively be able to save money on your insurance, either through IAM Surety or one of many other companies who recognise the IAM qualification. BikeSafe days are an excellent and deservedly popular way to gain post test experience and if you have attended one of these you will probably have been encouraged to consider further training with a group such as ours. 8

Another very popular option for riders looking to extend their skills are the Fire Bike rider skills days run by the Kent Fire & Rescue Service at Brands Hatch. Observers from IAM groups, including KAMG, and RoSPA assist at these events which are designed to be an introduction to both further training and riding the famous Brands Hatch Indy circuit. There are scheduled to be 6 such days during 2016, the first being held on 20th April. For a bargain £55 you get two 20 minute sessions on track and a full day’s training covering first aid, hazard perception, slow speed control and an observed ride. Bookings can be made through the MotorSportVision (MSV) website, under trackdays. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with your local IAM group. If you’re reading this magazine, your group could be Kent, East Kent, Essex, Thames Vale, East Sussex, West Sussex, London, East London, Wey Valley or East Surrey. Our own website can be found at www.kamg.org.uk which includes links to other IAM groups as well as to the IAM group search page from which all national groups can be found. Happy riding! FURTHER TRAINING • RoSPA: www.rospa.com • BikeSafe: www.bikesafe.co.uk • Kent Advanced Motorcyclists: www.kamg.org.uk or visit IAM Directory: www.bit.ly/IAM-Groups • Freestyle Training: www.freestyletraining.net • Kent Fire and Rescue Ride Skills Day. Book via www.msvtrackdays.com • Haslam Race School: www.haslamraceschool.com April-May 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

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NEW METAL

TRIUMPH STREET TWIN LAUNCH EVENING AT JACK LILLEY

This year there has been a particularly impressive array of new bike launches. The Street Twin is a great example of a machine that captures classic style, utilises modern components and electronics but can be customised to your own taste. The bike will suit new and older riders alike as well as appeal to younger urban bikers… The new Street Twin was launched at Triumph dealers throughout the UK in February. The all-new model features a 900cc parallel twin watercooled engine which punches out a healthy 18% more torque than the previous Bonneville. With styling influenced by the new wave custom scene, the Street Twin is aimed at riders who wish to customise their bike and there are three ‘Inspiration Kits’ available to help Street Twin owners personalise their machine to their own requirements. These are the Scrambler, the Brat Tracker and the Urban Inspiration kits. The new engine comes with ride-by-wire fuel-injection which helps to achieve cleaner emissions and fuel efficiency, up a whopping 10

36% on the previous Bonneville. This is Triumph’s most contemporary new Bonneville; built to slot straight into today’s rider’s lifestyle. It’s built for fun, built to ride with a smile, and built for owners to customise. Benefitting from the pinpoint accuracy and instant throttle response of Triumph’s next generation ride-by-wire fuelinjection and engine management system, the Bonneville Street Twin is engineered with a charismatic 270° firing interval for an immaculately smooth, linear power delivery through the smooth five-speed gearbox. The look of the new 900cc engine has also been beautifully crafted, with stylish black engine cases and a very high level of detailing. Incorporating

contemporary engine components alongside signature features from the iconic Bonneville engine to enhance that authentic Bonneville silhouette. The all-new upswept brushed stainless steel exhaust system of the Street Twin has been developed and tuned carefully to look great and deliver the unmistakable sound of a genuine British twin, with a rich, fruity note to match its lively character, tuned to a level you can feel as well as hear. Behind the new 900 engine’s stylish exterior sits a cutting-edge liquid cooling system, carefully integrated to minimise its visual impact. The Street Twin also includes: ABS which enhances rider confidence, safety and control; traction control which takes advantage of the ride-by-wire system – the switchable traction control system optimises the delivery of the Street Twin’s amazing torque; slip assist clutch feels lighter and easier to ride; ride-by-wire enhancing throttle responsiveness, safety and feel; LED rear light Incorporated into the classicallyinspired tail set-up, bringing a distinctive rear light pattern and power efficiency; under-seat USB socket provided so riders can charge up their essential devices; engine immobiliser with a transponder integrated in the new Street Twin key; and stylish feature packed single clock, incorporating a digital menu system. Riders can add accessories which would also then be accessed via the clock display including a tyre pressure monitoring system. New, elegant switchgear presents simple fingertip controls for easy access to the key features on the clock. www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk www.jacklilley.com

April-May 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

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BIKE BUSINESS

IN THE FASTLANE

We spent a very interesting saturday morning at Fastlane Motorcycles in Tonbridge and came away feeling the great passion for bikes that runs throughout the place…

ustin Ogilvie started Fastlane in October 1992 in nearby Hildenborough and they moved to their current premises on Priory Street, near Tonbridge station in 2000. When you walk into the large used bike showroom I guarantee there will be bikes there that will get you all dewy eyed! Classic 70s, 80s and more recent metal that those of a certain age lusted after in our youth. Some of these beautiful machines are for sale and some are definitely not. But the eclectic mix makes the showroom a fascinating trip on its own, even if you are not in the market for anything. Everyone there is a dyed in the wool biker, with Justin regularly touring on- and off-road and Stuart and Jamie competing successfully in the No Budget endurance racing on their Yamaha R6, winning it in 2012 and 2015. Many phrases spring to mind when chatting with Justin and the engineers, Stuart and Jamie. A real love of motorbikes, proper old fashioned service, and the feeling that they would go that extra mile to help out a fellow motorcyclist. That’s not always the case in the motorcycle, or any other industry, in these money making times. However, it’s really refreshing to come across a bunch that genuinely care about what they do. Stuart joined the business just six months after Justin started Fastlane and Jamie is the new boy, having clocked up a mere 16 years of service! Loyal staff is always a good sign of a well run company. A good sign of customer loyalty is the steady trickle of 12

people just dropping in to have a chat and a coffee. Fastlane have a good range of used bikes as well as selling new Kymco scooters, which they have been doing for around 16 years. They are particularly keen on buying and providing low mileage, clean sportsbikes. Prices on the website range from £2000£6000, with a typical, low mileage, five to six year old and well looked after sportsbike being around £4000. They won’t buy and sell crashed or insurance recovered machines. Justin’s basic rule is that he will only buy and sell bikes from the public and only ones that he would buy and ride himself. Attention to detail is key, and they will only sell a machine that is thoroughly prepared and will not give its new owner any trouble. Fastlane sell between 100 and 150 motorbikes a year. They also have some cheaper, older and off road bikes if required. New and used bikes bought from Fastlane qualify for a free MOT each subsequent year. As this time of year, many are looking to change their bikes or even jump on one for the first time. It’s well worth spending some time with the Fastlane guys and talking to them about what’s the best bike for you and your needs. There is a tendency for new motorcyclists to buy a machine that’s too big for them, whether in physical size or raw power. Justin and the boys have ridden pretty much everything over the years on and off road and on track. They have toured, raced and commuted, and still do. So they will be able to point you in the right direction and won’t April-May 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

BIKE BUSINESS sell you something unsuitable just to shift a bike. Fastlane boast a fully equipped workshop with engineers capable of anything from a spark plug change to a full engine rebuild. All are qualified to put your bike through the MOT and undertake any servicing required. They have built up a vast amount of worthy contacts over the years which means they are happy to take on a huge range of work from engineering to race preparation or painting, if they can’t do it themselves or supply it they will know someone who can. A range of tyres is available so you can ride over and find out the best rubber for you and your bike. They also tell me they like a challenge! So, if you have a query on your bike that you can’t get much joy from elsewhere, why not give them a call? As well as the showroom and the workshop, there is a wide range of motorbike kit and related accessories available on site as well. As with the bikes, they will only sell kit and accessories they know are up to the job. Much of it is sensibly priced which is a real bonus for those just starting out in biking. The ARMR Moto kit is a UK company (www.armr-moto.com) and offers a range that is stylish, well made and affordable. A

decent textile jacket, for example can range from £80 to £160. As Justin says, “We don’t want to sell anything to anyone that doesn’t do what it is supposed to. We don’t want unhappy customers!” They also sell the popular MT range of helmets. MT has been making motorcycle helmets since 1968 and distributes them in over 50 countries. Whilst not having the branding image of Shoei or Arai, they offer an affordable, quality product that is up to the job. Prices range from £60 to £140 and cover all areas of biking helmet requirements. Casual protective motorcycle clothing is becoming ever more popular as biking has slowly evolved into a leisure activity over the last few years. Fastlane have a range of kit to cater for this market, which particularly appeals to the leisure and younger motorcyclist. If you are looking for the complete package of bike, kit and accessories at a price that won’t give your bank manager a nervous breakdown, Fastlane could be the place to stop by. If you have an offspring or know a youngster with limited funds, this would be a great place to take them to kit them out and see how a proper motorbike shop is run. You will be sure of a warm welcome!

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TRAVEL TIPS

TOURING TRAVEL TIPS Many of us will be planning our Euro jaunts in the coming weeks. The regulations vary from country to country and from year to year (so much for EU integration!) so we suggest you check the latest information before departing. John Allsopp, director of 1066 motorcycle tours, gives us some tips on riding in France and Spain which are a couple of the most popular destinations. FRANCE any of the French ports are close to fast roads, allowing you to head off on your bike in whatever direction you choose with the minimum of fuss. If you have a specific destination in mind (perhaps in the south of the country) and you want to get there as soon as possible, then obviously the main (and frequently toll-charging) motorways are your best bet for opening up the throttle. If you’re not in such a big hurry you’ll find that a lot of these major roads have lesser-graded routes running roughly parallel with them. The advantage here is that these, apart from being free of charge, are usually much less busy. And, in many respects, a whole lot more interesting for bikers. The French road network stretches over one million kilometres with 15,000kms of these being motorways or ‘Peages’, which typically have motorway service and rest areas every 20 kilometres. Rates are calculated between the point of entry and exit with a ticket being obtained at your start point and handed in at the exit. Cash and credit cards are accepted and it is a quick and efficient way to cover large distances. However, the best roads and motorcycle routes are to be found on the D and N routes,

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

equivalent to A and B roads in the UK. If you want to make progress without having to pay on the motorways the RN roads are an efficient conduit to move through France. As well as speeding and the regulations on having reflective strips on both your helmet and clothing, the French are very strict with their drinkdrive laws. The normal blood alcohol content limit is 0.49 grams/litre (g/l), and 0.19g/l for professional drivers. Drivers detected with levels between 0.5g/l and 0.8g/l receive a fine. Those with levels above 0.8g/l face court. Also, remember the rules 15

TRAVEL TIPS on carrying a breathalyser. If you need to wear spectacles for riding you will need to carry a spare pair with you, or face a fine. Staying with the general advice, if you break down or have an accident, if possible park in the emergency lane if available and then call 112 on your mobile if there is no fixed phone box nearby. If you are involved in any collision with a French vehicle, you will be asked to fill in a Constat Amiable (an amiable declaration) by the driver of the other vehicle involved. Be especially careful if you do not speak the language and try to call your own insurance company and get the advice of a local French representative before signing anything. If someone is injured, even if you were not at fault, then you must remain at the scene until the police can attend. Like the UK, when there is injury or when the road is blocked police must be called. Just in case you didn’t know, French law says that all motorcycles when moving must display dipped headlights — yes, even in broad daylight. Also, most European countries require you to carry a full set of

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April-May 2016 • South East 17/03/2016 Biker Magazine 10:56

TRAVEL TIPS replacement bulbs for your bike. You can be fined for not being able to show these when asked to. General speed limits are: 130kph on motorways which reduces to 110kph in the event of rain, 110kph on express highways and 90kph on the majority of secondary rural roads. 50kph is the general rule for towns although it drops to 20-30kph in certain areas and at times can be lower for two wheeled vehicles. While in the UK we are used to large signs at the start of every speed restriction such as when entering towns or villages, the reduction is often not indicated in France apart from the town or village name being displayed at the start of the restriction and it ends when the same town name has line through it at the end of the town boundary. Speeding is quite rigorously enforced with static and mobile speed cameras as well as unmarked police vehicles. Radar detectors are illegal even if they are not used. If caught with one, fines are very heavy and you still have to go to court and may have your bike confiscated. Anybody caught in excess of 40kph above the speed limit is likely to have their licence confiscated, which could make onward travel difficult. Fines are payable on the spot and they will expect you to get money from a cash machine if you have insufficient funds on you to pay the fine.

SPAIN

From the Brittany Ferries’ arrival port of Santander and Bilbao in northern Spain your riding options are virtually unlimited. And in a country that is more than double the size of Britain but with a significantly lower population, there should be very little to get in your way. An excellent network of road links allows you to head off quickly in whatever direction you fancy; not that you have to travel very far for your first taste of truly wonderful scenery. The road network is made up of 166,000 kilometres of different class roads, with 4,964 of these being on the coast serving over 8,000 beaches and 16,000 being of motorway standard. Six major motorways

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TRAVEL TIPS link the major towns with two coastal motorways running down the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts and carry an A or E prefix. In the main these ‘Autopista’ are in good condition and mainly toll free, but those that are not have an additional prefix of P (peajes). Lack of road maintenance in some areas can make riding on some roads hazardous — especially in parts of south-west and northern Spain. Overall the quality of road surfaces is still very variable and you need to take care and be prepared to deal with uneven surfaces, narrow lanes and frequent diversions or hold-ups due to road-works. Spain has not had the best road safety record of late and recently the Spanish government have been tightening up, hence the recent temporary reduction in speed limits on main roads from 120kph to 110kph. It is now common to see checkpoints at various junctions where standard documentation checks take place, but increasingly so do breath tests. Changes in legislation now give a court the authority to imprison an offender for 3 months. All fines must be paid on the spot, with police escorts to a cash machine common for those with no money on them. (Some police vehicles now have card readers!). Failure or inability to pay may result in imprisonment! The Autopista now have a maximum speed of

120kph unless otherwise stated. The normal Autovia or normal dual carriageways have speed limits varying from 80 to 110kph while the Carretera Nacional (N or CN prefix to road number) have limits between 60 and 100kph. Carretera Comarcal (C prefix to road number) are basically country roads that vary between 60 and 100kph. While the Carretera Local highways are normally individually signposted but do not generally exceed 100kph. Like France and Portugal, radar detectors are illegal, again heavy penalties for those who use them to detect with the large number of unmarked cars and static checks now being used to cut fatalities. Heavy fines are also now being handed out for crossing solid white lines, which have figured heavily in their crash statistics. Also please be very aware of the Spanish Laws relating to the use of ‘in-helmet’ communications, for example to your GPS. They are basically illegal! Spain is of course well known for its love of motorcycling with nearly two and half million powered two wheelers being registered. Although most countries have particular anomalies two are worth noting. Spanish drivers do not usually stop at zebra crossings unless they are accompanied by traffic lights. So take care when approaching one if

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18 JOHN HARRIS 0316 HP Ad.indd

09:27 April-May 2016 • South East 22/03/2016 Biker Magazine

TRAVEL TIPS

Travel top tip list

there are cars behind you and you adopt the UK stance, because you could be hit from behind or to have an irate driver shout and blow his horn at you if you slow and stop without a light. Also, some towns and villages have flashing amber lights prior to a normal traffic light. If you are riding at or below the speed limit, the red traffic light will change in your favour. If not, the light will remain on red to slow you down! In some areas, like France, to turn left across a dual carriageway you are expected to go into a pull-in on the right and wait until it is clear in both directions. This does at least prevent you sitting in dangerous position between two carriageways. If you need glasses for driving you do have to carry a spare pair with you as in France. In case of an accident or breakdown, do not sign any forms that you do not understand even if asked to by an official. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible for a local representative. Visit www.bit.ly/Motorcycle-Travel-Tips for more details.

• Reflective strips on your helme t and clothing. • You must carry a breathalyser. • Spectacle wearers must carry a spare set. • In an emergency you can call 112 from your mobile. • If involved in an incident do not sign paperwork until you have spoken to your insurance company. • A set of replacement bulbs. • Puncture repair kit. • Radar detectors are illegal in France , Spain and Portugal. • In-helmet communication is illega l in Spain. • Check the legal requirements before you travel. • All relevant paperwork: passport, driving licence, tickets, hotel reservations, breakdown cover, insurance, medical insurance, motorcycle documents. • And don’t forget to take a spare key!

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. 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.

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

“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

MAY DAY

bike 1066 spring opener

Known as The Mayday Run to bikers, this takes place on May 2nd this year. Old hand John Allsopp shares his experiencesâ&#x20AC;Ś

ike1066 Spring Opener is now the biggest free to attend one day motorcycle event in the UK. With over 40,000 bikes descending on the town in 2015, Hastings on May Day now attracts more visitors in one day than the world famous Isle of Man TT races do in a fortnight. It all started back in 1979 when a young naval engineer named Tim Gooderson decided to get a bunch of his mates together for a ride on what was the first official May Day bank holiday monday. About 100 bikes rode from Locksbottom in Kent to Hastings and inaugurated what has become the annual Mayday Run. While thousands of bikes still make the ride from Locksbottom to Hastings every May Day, many more now also come from all over the country and near continent with organised runs from the Ace CafĂŠ in North London, Box Hill in Surrey and even Ghent in Belgium. Hastings on May Day has become a biking Mecca whatever the weather. Also on May Day in Hastings is the lively and vibrant Jack in The Green folk festival that takes place up on the West Hill area around the castle. With many people dressed in traditional green folk costumes and live music all around the town mixing with the smell of petrol, leather and the energy of the bikers there is something quite unique about Hastings on May Day. 20

With over 60 motorcycle, market and food traders on the car park and throughout the town, Hastings has something to offer not only bikers but also the many families who visit for the day. By working with the police and local council, as well as other authorities, Hastings on Mayday has not only managed to increase the amount of visitors to the town but also made it one of the safest motorcycle April-May 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ South East Biker Magazine

MAY DAY events to attend. The organisers are very proud that motorcycle accidents on the day are rare despite the amount of motorcyclists visiting going up from about 5,000 to over 40,000 (according to Sussex Police monitoring). The motorcycle visitors are also very valuable to the local economy as it is estimated that they are worth about £2m in one day alone. Hastings on Mayday is a great day out and everybody is very welcome. I myself attended May Day as soon as I passed my test in erm.....1983. At this time I lived literally around the corner from Locksbottom, coincidentally enough. Last year I even had a stand there which was a right turn up! The event these days has become quite a different beast from those early days with all the attractions, stands, and even a big screen TV in the town centre. The eclectic mix of bikes and people sums up the experience to me. As you wander around, the variety of bike fans is pretty unique. There are back patch riders, scooterists (yes with fish tail parkas and tonic suits and everything), sports riders in one piece leathers rubbing shoulders with those who could be described as ‘lifestyle’ in cut offs and beards you could hide a badger in. All around me I can see smiling faces and people

soaking up the ambience. Whenever I think of it the words of Ewan McGregor spring to mind ‘it’s all about the bikes…always has been and always will be’ Hastings bike1066 Spring Opener and Bexhill MotoFest are both now sponsored by Carole Nash. John Allsopp runs 1066 Motorcycle Tours. While you are down in Hastings why not drop in to The Jenny Lind Inn for some refreshment, or even make a weekend of it and stay a night or two? It’s a genuine freehouse with an excellent range of beers and ales and is run by a biker family. The Inn is in the old town just a short stroll from the seafront.

Freehouse Pub and Hotel

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

21 12/01/2015 13:58

TYRE TALK

Talking tyres

This is a good time of year to check the rubber on your steed before you start racking up the miles. And there are plenty of options from the big manufacturers…

ichelin has announced the launch of its new tyre – MICHELIN Anakee Wild – in markets around the world, from February 2016. Destined for big trail bikes, it is a radial tyre designed for dual purpose on and off-road use. The new MICHELIN Anakee Wild is aimed at bikers who seek adventure, either solo or with a passenger, who set out on treks, whether alone or in groups, for a weekend or longer, those for whom biking means expeditions, experiencing and discovering. It is aimed at riders who want to break away from the tarmac roads and fully exploit the potential of bikes designed both for roads as well as the most uneven, sandy, stony and muddy tracks. The new MICHELIN Anakee Wild tyre was thus designed to adapt to all terrain types and situations, as well as the most varied climates. In short it is a ‘multi-purpose’ tyre that demonstrates its performance according to the conditions it is subjected to. Currently available in four radial sizes, including those equipping the ‘flagship’ bike in this category, the BMW R 1200 GS, the range of available sizes for this tyre will be completed by three additional sizes during the year, thus covering most of the trail bikes available on the market. Meanwhile Dunlop have introduced the Roadsmart III. The company claims they offer improved grip in both the wet and dry and better mileage. The new tread design and nano technology compound give great feel, stability and confidence in all conditions. The tyres are aimed at the sports tourer market and from heavy, large capacity tourers to mid sized twins.

MAIN FEATURES • Superior ride comfort has been achieved by the introduction of the Slim High Bead Apex-2 along with the HES-JLB (joint-less construction), which combine to help the tyre absorb bumps, while the Camber thrust Tuning Technology (C.T.T), combined with new pattern design, construction and profile increases the handling performance. These same features result in a ride quality that apparently reduces rider fatigue! • The MT3 (multi-compound technology) results in a high wearing centre compound developed with abrasionresistant high-molecular weight polymer to not only increase the tyre life, but also significantly improve the wet grip as well as low temperature grip, while the shoulder compound is comprised of a grip focused microparticulate silica compound designed to achieve superior corner grip. The result is up to a 44% increase in mileage compared to the previous product that retains excellent corner grip! • Wet grip is further enhanced by the cross groove tread patterns that significantly increase the level of drainage as well as ensuring a firm contact with the road. Selected dealers are running a special promotion on the Roadsmart III tyres. Contact Everest Motorcycles in Uckfield on 01825 766351 for further details.

April-May 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

BOOK REVIEW

GRAHAM FIELD: DIFFERENT NATURES We caught up with Graham at the NEC where he kindly provided me some winter reading….

ased on three different motorcycle trips over a 12 year period, Graham’s latest book charts his adventures from the Arctic Circle to Mexico. Both with mates and solo, the trips are fascinating reflection both on the highs and lows of the road and his personal journey. It’s a bit of a cliché but Graham’s writing is highly enjoyable and readable. With a huge variation in culture, temperature and scenery, the book charts Graham’s thoughts on life, the geography and people he encounters. It’s not glamorous but brutally honest both about himself and his encounters. Through Arctic Tundra, deserts and to the Pacific Ocean, Graham’s trip isn’t about having a flash bike with all the expensive

goodies but the sheer joy of two wheeled travel and the excitement it brings. Not many of us have the will or opportunity to undertake these extended trips but even just reading about it makes you want to jump on your bike. There’s no doubt about it, a motorbike ride, whether for an hour or a year, really clears the head and gives you time to think about life. A great read from a top bloke, highly recommended! Different Natures can be bought via Graham’s website www.grahamfield.co.uk for £12.99 and available on Kindle.

Service • Repairs • Tyres Suspension Set-up MOTs by Appointment 17 Years Main Dealer Experience

Tel: 01825 766351, Mobile: 07710 784876 Email: info@everestmotorcycles.co.uk Visit: www.everestmotorcycles.co.uk Unit 3, Enterprise Centre, Bell Lane, Uckfield, East Sussex. TN22 1QL

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk Everest Motorcycles HP 0115.indd 1

23 15/01/2015 09:40

MICHELIN TRACK DAY OFFER

MICHELIN LAUNCHES ICONIC RIDING DAYS Tyre giant Michelin has unveiled a series of riding experiences at iconic venues across the UK.

ustomers buying a set of tyres from Michelin’s track-focussed Power range will be eligible to attend a track day hosted by legendary racer Terry Rymer for just £49. The Michelin Power Days will include 120 minutes of track time, tyre technical workshops and track day

tuition from Terry himself. Refreshments are included and riders will also receive a photo and a limited edition T-shirt and mug. Four iconic circuits have been secured by event partner GTC Motorcycle: Knockhill, Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Mallory Park. James Dimmock, Marketing Manager for Michelin motorcycle tyres in the UK and Ireland, said: “The Power range has been really well received, and we know these days will allow riders to get the most out of their tyres and their time on the track. Having the likes of Terry Rymer on board will be a big pull. He will be able to offer customers some real insights and he is well aware of the role top quality tyres play in staying safe and pushing the boundaries of performance.” GTC Motorcycle director Matt Sunderland said: “We’re really excited to be co-ordinating the Michelin Power Days. We know riders will have a fantastic time and we’re looking forward to putting on track days that will help them return some blistering lap times.” Places are limited and they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Eligible customers buying a set of Michelin Power SuperSport Evo, Michelin Power Cup Evo, Michelin Power Slick Evo or Michelin Power Rain in 2016 can apply for the Power Days. Proof of purchase will be required at the point of booking. Full T&Cs: www.gtc-moto.co.uk/michelinpowerdays

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April-May 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

MOTORECYCLE

HAVE YOU GOT ANY OLD GEAR?

hile riding (and breaking down) in Wales last year we came across a helpful bike dealer who took used and unwanted motorbike kit in and sold it to local youngsters who had limited funds. I was going to bin my gloves as I had bought a new pair but they grabbed them off me and said they could get a fiver for them. Fair play! The revenue raised went to the local air ambulance. What a great idea, we thought. Most of us who have been riding for some time have old kit that we no longer use but would welcomed by someone on a budget or who is starting out in biking. We raided our own loft, shed and spare room and have come up with stuff we don’t use to kick it all off.

Our plan is to have some used but serviceable kit on our stand in Hastings on Mayday. The long term aim is to have drop off points that we can collect from and then we can sell at shows and via other channels. All proceeds will go the region’s air ambulance services. If you are interested in donating or organising a drop off point, please get in touch. All bike kit is welcome apart from used helmets. Please use common sense though, a single glove or accident damaged stuff is not much use! Email nick@southeastbiker.co.uk.

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.

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 South East Magazine Viking VinylBiker HP 0515.indd 1 • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

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.

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25 12/05/2015 18:00

COMPETITION

WIN A PAIR OF MICHELIN

MOTORCROSS TYRES WORTH £100 It’s time for new rubber as the biking season kicks off in earnest so here’s a chance to grab a pair for nowt! A better way forward

Compared to its predecessors (MICHELIN StarCross 3 and 4) the MICHELIN StarCross 5 range features a new, lighter casing design which offers easier and quicker handling with no loss of durability due to the use of stronger, higher density materials. This more flexible casing also offers a number of other benefits for riders, including: • improved traction in a straight line and more progressive handling in corners • the ability to run higher pressures (with no loss of grip or comfort) to reduce the risk of the tyre coming off the rim • no ‘running-in’ needed as the flexible casing offers great performance from the starting gate

WE HAVE TWO PAIRS UP FOR GRABS

Medium Compound 90/100-21 & 120/90-18; and Soft Compound 90/100-21 & 110/100-18 To enter simply answer the following question: How many versions of the Michelin Starcross 5 tyres are available in the range? Simply email your answer to nick@southeastbiker.co.uk with your preferred pair and the winners will be drawn on May 31st 2016.

The adventure starts in store

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April-May 2016 • South East 13/03/2015 Biker Magazine 10:12

MICHELIN Starcross 5 MICHELIN Starcross 5 is the high performance motocross tyre tested and approved by riders of all levels, from world championship riders to amateur racers. Adaptable and versatile for all terrains â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sand, soft, medium and hard â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an easy selection choice. A better way forward

GEAR REVIEW

GO GO GIRLS! There’s a new style of clothing for ladies which I was asked to test. The new, hot on the market Kevlar lined leggings. Yes, you heard me leggings, that are Kevlar lined but feel like leggings. Debbie Tunstill

oGo Gear say “Like all GoGo Gear products, they are designed to look like regular fashion leggings but offer the protection of Dupont™ Kevlar® abrasion resistant fibres and CE-approved removable and adjustable knee protectors.” They are stretchy with the feel of leggings with knee pads and hip pockets for protection to be added. They are great looking and so comfortable. The sizes are pretty much bang on but, as mine are a little big around the waist, there are belt loops which help to give a great feel. The annoying thing about a lot of trousers can be when you lean over on a sports bike you get that cold draft down your back. With the GoGo Gear leggings this doesn’t happen. This is due to the Dupont giving stretch in the leggings. They look like the ones you would normally wear, they fit like a glove and even on my chunky legs they are actually quite flattering. They are stylish enough to be able to walk around in at an event without feeling like the Michelin man. The leggings have a gathered section on the knees where knee pads can be worn and what usually happens to me is they fall down to my shins, but with these leggings that doesn’t happen. There are also pockets on the hips for extra padding but, to be honest, I don’t need any more padding so I didn’t put these in. Riding all day in the leggings I didn’t once have to pull them up which is my usual routine when getting on the bike. Of course I cannot say how they will perform in

hotter weather but from now on I will be wearing these most of the time. GoGo Gear is an American company so the leggings can only be seen and tried, at the moment, at Fastlane Motorcycles, Tonbridge, Kent. There is a website where you can order a pair, try them on at home and if you need to change the size, as long as they have not be worn, they will exchange them. For SEB readers only you can get 10% DISCOUNT by either taking the magazine into the shop or add SEB01 when you order online. So girls check out the GoGo Gear website at www.gogogear.co.uk, sizes go up to size 26.

Fashionable clothing with protection Ladies Kevlar Leggings Full Kevlar, removable and adjustable knee protection

FOR SEB READERS £10 USE CODE OFF ‘SEB01’

www.gogogear.co.uk 28 GoGo Gear QPL 0316.indd

April-May 2016 • South East 16/03/2016 Biker Magazine 08:59

PRODUCT REVIEW

Warm hands mean happy me! T his winter riding my new bike there was definitely something amiss. I could feel it in my bones, my fingers anyway! Only one thing for it, heated grips. I originally had R&G Racing Products Heated Grips on my SV and they lasted a good four years so I thought let’s try their latest ones. Riding in the UK can still be cold in the early mornings and evenings during the summer months so making sure your hands are warm is important. R&G have 3 different types to choose from, depending on the style of your bike, Handle bar/clip ons, Cruiser grips and ATV’s.

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

They have five heat settings which goes up to 60ºC and warm up very quickly. The heated grips are really easy to fit, or so I am told, but if you run in to problems R&G have a short video to show you how on their website. It really does make sense to keep your hands warm for comfort but safety, if your hands are cold, there is nothing worse than riding along and your fingers going numb. I would highly recommend this product and Ride magazine awarded them their best buy. Check them out on the R&G Racing Products website and at £40 plus postage and packaging they are an amazing price.

PRODUCT REVIEW

Products on tesT Taking advantage of NEC show offers and winter sales, Nick Tunstill invested in some kit and bike equipment for this year…

irst of all, a chain oiler. I have tried various methods of chain lubrication over the years, from gear oil, variants of aerosols to automatic systems. All have pros and cons, cost versus ease of use and reliability. I tested a Tutoro system which was inexpensive and simple to use. It worked well for a time but the oil delivery tube end fitment was flimsy and I lost a couple. The market leader in chain lubrication is the Scottoiler system. So I decided to invest in their V system with the Lube Tube accessory that increases capacity by approximately three times. The V stands for vacuum and works by using the bike’s engine vacuum to operate the diaphragm of the reservoir’s dispensing system. Model specific fitting guides are available and some kits are produced to match certain makes and models of bikes. Fitting takes about an hour by someone competent! (not me). On the Tiger 800 the whole kit fits neatly under the seat. The flow

rate is adjustable with a simple thumb wheel and takes a bit of adjustment to obtain the optimum delivery of oil. The main components of the kit are a Reservoir Metering Valve (RMV), an injector (which feeds oil onto the chain and sprocket from the chain oiler), a bottle of Scottoiler motorbike chain lube and the parts required for a variety of fitting options. Some bikes may require special parts which are available free of charge from Scottoiler. Please refer to the bike specific install guides on the website where these parts are highlighted. CHAIN OILER SYSTEM FROM SCOTTOILER What does the vSystem chain lube system do? • Increases the life of your motorbike chain and sprockets by up to 7 times • Improves performance • Significantly reduces motorbike chain maintenance • Saves you time, money and hassle So will it be worth the £99.95 for the kit? Well a can of chain lube will cost you about a tenner. That will last you around 1000 miles. With the Scottoiler you get a 250ml bottle of oil that should last about 7,500 miles, which is 7.5 cans of traditional lube costing around £75. With the added bonus of a dramatically extended chain life, on paper it’s a no brainer. Time will tell…

TRIUMPH H2 SPORT JACKET AND JEANS

I also took advantage of the winter sales to replace my ageing, sagging leather kit. As with all motorcycle kit, the technology incorporated into leathers has meant they bear no resemblance to the kit we bought twenty years ago. Leathers were hot in summer, cold in winter and as waterproof as a piece of Kleenex. Bearing in mind leather still offers the optimum in protection against abrasion, developing the materials to be comfortable and practical all year round has become something of a Holy Grail for kit manufacturers. After a visit to Jack Lilley in Ashford I came away 30

April-May 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

PRODUCT REVIEW with the H2 Sport Jacket and matching jeans. The kit is made from 1.2-1.4mm Brazilian leather incorporating TFL heat reflective coating. What’s that then? Well, as we know, dark colours absorb and retain heat which has always been an issue with leather kit in summer. However TFL’s patented technology is incorporated into the leather and does clever stuff with solar rays meaning more are reflected and not retained in the material. The coating should also preserve the leather for longer, protecting it from some of the sun’s harmful rays. To keep you warm in winter the jacket boasts a removable quilted liner. It also has a TriTex waterproof, windproof and breathable liner. TriTex is a membrane material developed by Triumph to keep the rain out whilst keeping the wearer comfortable. All clever stuff. Other features of the H2 are: Zippered AirFlow Tech ventilation panels; internal and external pockets; 3M anthracite reflective piping; side adjustment zippers; removable CE certified Knox elbow and shoulder armour with

connection zipper to Triumph pants and jeans. The matching H2 Sport pants have the same features with a clever system to adjust the position of the knee protectors. You also get zipped ventilation on the thighs. The garments contain synthetic flex panels from the underarm to elbows on the jacket and groin and back of the knees on the pants. So far, riding through winter, the kit has performed well. The jacket is extremely warm and comfortable once broken in. The pants can get a bit draughty when it’s really bitter, but a pair of lightweight thermals sorts this. The comfort and fit is perfect and they look stylish and modern too. We shall see how they perform throughout the spring and when it gets warmer….The Triumph H2 jacket retails at £326 and pants at £265. Not cheap at £600 for a set but I would expect them to last a good few years.

The End at Reunification Palace in Saigon

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

ADVENTURE

An Intrepid Adventurer

We caught up with David Stokes recently, who was doing a fascinating presentation to Kent IAM. At an age when many are taking up bowls or maybe pottering about in the garden, David has more ambitious ideas…

t the age of 61 David caught the Bike Bug! This manifested itself after a slightly tipsy evening in Morocco with a mate called Dennis. Morocco’s economy is run on 50cc mopeds; almost everything is carried on them. They thought up a wheeze to ride one scooter each back to the UK. For various reasons that was not possible so, undaunted David rode a 50cc scooter from the UK to Morocco and back. That was it, he was hooked! A year later he passed the motorcycle test and the world, as they say, was his oyster. He has since ridden a 50cc scooter to Marrakech and back, 5,500 miles, driven one of Piaggio’s 3 wheeled Ape50s (pronounced Apay) from their factory in Italy to the then Reliant factory in Burntwood; 1,200 miles in twelve days. To Istanbul in a SmartCar, as well as a trip to Marrakech in another Smart Car. In June 2010 he rode a twenty year old Honda CD250U to Damascus and back and has an even bigger trip in the pipeline. 32

The bike was designed to take its owner to work and not to take on trips of eight thousand miles or more, but then that is the challenge. He admits to an unconventional look on life and loves to ride or drive any vehicle that is designed for local use and see if it will go the distance. The Sym scooter did, as did the Ape50 and the Smart Car. David recounts his first motorbike (or more accurately scooter) trip that kickstarted it all. MOPED TO MARRAKESH BY DAVID STOKES As the Mobicane sold in Morocco does not come up to present EU type approval standards, one cannot get it registered in any EU country. We initially thought in our innocence that I could send Dennis the money, he would buy it and armed with the engine and frame numbers I could get it registered in the UK and then fly out with the plate and ride it home as an adventure, not so! Undismayed I approached Steve Oliver of Moore Large of Derby to lend me a Sym Jet Euro 50X. The Sym range of scooters are made in Taiwan and have after a few years caught up in terms of quality and style with their well known and better established European and Japanese competition. The Sym Jet Euro 50X is a stylish scooter, comfortable April-May 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

ADVENTURE and although only 50cc this tiny engine has a surprising amount of power. Having automatic transmission is a bonus allowing the rider to just sit back and twist. The fuel tank is located at the rear of the foot space behind a small hatch and the two stroke oil tank filler is found under the lockable seat just in front the top box carrier. At 6.3 litres I found it necessary to carry a couple of spare litres, strangely this was found most useful in France, which was the only place I ran out, owing to the strange decision that many of the unmanned petrol stations take only home grown French fuel cards and not Visa or Mastercards; a minority do however. So, there I was with a borrowed scooter, a very smart scooter with a top box and space under the saddle for stuff, however, not enough for a five week jaunt to North Africa. I needed more carrying capacity and the Christchurch company of Bifax came to my aid in lending me a set of their Slipstream expandable panniers along with a Coolflow Summer Mesh Jacket and a pair of jeans to match. Pyramid Products lent me the camping gear, tent, sleeping bag, and two camping mattresses and a set of saucepans. Cooking gear came from Coleman in the shape of a lightweight petrol stove and Aladdin provided a

‘thermos’ flask in a rather fetching shade of pink. The Sym Jet Euro, now called Mr. Sympson, handled all the weight well and I felt comfortable riding at the top speed of around 38mph. When compared to the GPS speed reading, which I am told is accurate, Mr. Sympson is 5kph (3mph) optimistic. I felt that keeping the revs under 8,000 rpm would be sensible and would maybe see me getting home without outside help from a breakdown truck. I can tell you that Mr. Sympson did not put a foot wrong, never missed a beat, started every morning and gave not one hint of trouble. We covered 5,000 plus miles and

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ADVENTURE the engine sounded just the same, delivered the same amount of power, and was capable of the same performance as it did before we set out. I used mostly lead free petrol and only had to use ‘Super’ in Morocco twice when lead free was not available and only semi synthetic two stroke oil was used. Much of the fun and enjoyment that goes with a journey such as this is in the planning; and I obtained ‘Rough Guide’ books of France, Spain and Morocco and maps for all three countries. For a trip such as this ‘Rough Guide’ books are best. Lonely Planets are great for those who travel by car and stay in hotels, but for the not so well off or those who wish to stick to a stricter budget, for me it is Rough Guides. To help with navigation in Europe Garmin lent me their waterproof Zumo kit and Maplins sent along their Bluetooth helmet receiver, which could also be connected to the mobile. All very space age. A tiny tool kit was assembled and put into a small plastic

zip up bag, the Ring Auto Electric company sent along a small four amp battery charger so if the battery flattened under the strain it could be topped up overnight, in the end it wasn’t needed. Ring also provided a rechargeable LED inspection lamp, which was great in the tent. The trip through France and Spain was fun and the scenery, especially in France, was as always beautiful. The Spanish really ought to take more pride in their country and stop slinging their litter all over the place. Thirteen days of travelling and dropping in on three sets of friends saw me in the Port of Malaga boarding one of Acciona Trasmediterránea Ferries to the Spanish enclave of Melilla. I stayed in a cheap hotel and the next day sallied forth to the Moroccan border expecting to wait for hours to get across. In fact a customs official took pity on an old man on a scooter and almost held my hand as he took me through the various hoops getting stamps here and there.

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ADVENTURE Thirty minutes after arriving at the border I was looking for a place to buy insurance for Mr. Sympson, as no European Country will insure you for Morocco. With the insurance paid for, I rode off into scenery that was quite different to Spain. It was desert with a bit of scrub; sheep and goats graze but there is a lot of sand between each plant giving the scene a feeling of the sheer emptiness. It’s an illusion though; wherever you stop, it can be in the most inhospitable place, the most out of the way and furthest from human habitation place, you stop and someone appears, seemingly from no-where. Visitors to Morocco soon discover it’s a poor country, so nothing is wasted, nothing is thrown away. Morocco doesn’t so much recycle as reuse. The trip through the Atlas Mountains is where I learnt how to lean the scooter through the bends. Mr. Sympson climbed and descended with aplomb, in spite of carrying very much too much weight and, after what seemed an age, we reached the target of my journey, Marrakech. There I met a modern day vagabond in the shape of Steve, who retired early from the wine trade fourteen years before and started travelling and hasn’t stopped since. We had dinner together and swapped stories (his were more colourful); then wandered around the Djemaa el Fna one of the craziest city squares in the world. It is home

to snake charmers, story tellers, belly dancers, outdoor restaurants and Arab bands that all add to the smoke and the cacophony in a place that assaults the senses. I stayed at the Hotel Ali at 250 dhs a night, which at about £15, was cheap. There is a bar at the nearby Hotel Tazi and many ladies of the night, which adds to the general flavour. From Marrakech I headed for the small town of Ounara where my good friends Carole and Dennis have a house in the country. Dennis is a self-confessed motorcycle nut and he taught me a few things, the most important being that as long as you ride two wheels you are in a vast club of folks who look out for each other. I was pleasantly surprised that motorcyclists passing me would move their foot off the footrest to say ‘Hi’. It was a wonderful trip that entered me into the fellowship of the world of two wheels and those who like to ride. The return journey through France was uneventful and being tired after nearly five weeks, I felt that I could be forgiven for heading straight for home. The Sym performed superbly and without a problem. For such a tiny engine, with a piston the size of an eggcup it is a testament to the designers and the engineers who made it, fabulous! You can follow David’s adventures at www.gowithstokes.com. This article was first published in Rider’s Digest.

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