outh East Biker, Issue 57, June-July 2018

The South East’s No.1 FREE bike magazine

ISSUE 57 • JUNE-JULY 2018

40TH ANNUAL

MAYDAY RUN EVOLUTION OF A MOTORCYCLE

BE ROADSMART WITH IAM

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

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STARTING GRID

Editor scribes The decent weather has taken longer than ever to come this year, leaving thousands of bikers itching to get out on their machines on some warm and dry roads. It’s a good time to think about your biking skills, particularly if your riding has been restricted by the cold winter months. Like any other skill that requires great concentration, co-ordination and judgement, motorcycling requires plenty of practice. Before jumping back on your bike, you will no doubt check the tyres, brakes and other vital components but don’t forget you may be a bit rusty too!

So, if you have been out of the riding loop for some time, remember to ease yourself back into it, get some safe miles under your belt and maybe think about a refresher course or advanced training. This issue has an article about the East Kent Advanced Motorcyclists Group but there are many other options available.

We have reviews and previews of some of the summer’s interesting biking events in this issue and information is constantly updated via Facebook and on the website events page.

If you know of anything we should be helping to publicise please let us know.

Contents

4 EVOLUTION OF A MOTORCYCLE 10 Brush Up Your Skills 13 Metzeler Roadtec 01 Tyres 15 How Much Do You Remember?

Enjoy the summer!

Nick

Visit southeastbiker.co.uk for events list CONTACT US

18 MAYDAY RUN – 40 YEARS ON

ADVERTISING AND Debbie Tunstill, email: debs@southeastbiker.co.uk GENERAL ENQUIRIES Tel: 07913 758955 EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Nick Tunstill, email: nick@southeastbiker.co.uk

21 MAG News

PRODUCTION: Dean Cook: deancook@magazineproduction.com PRINTING: Gemini Print, Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex.

23 New Gear

© 2018 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.

28 Bikejet

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

22 Jimmy Guthrie 26 Newlands Corner 30 All The Gear, No Idea 3

MOTORCYCLE HISTORY

Evolution of HEADLINE a motorcycle S H O R E H A M - B Y- S E A PartJohn one by (Professor) Les Smith Allsopp goes in search of his inner hipster on the South Coast…

S W

o (and hatever I hate you people might starting think of with thethe wordhipster ‘so’) but subculture it has long I believe been a that theory of mineseveral that greater thingspowers can beand saidminds in its are favour at workwhere in theitmotorcycle meshes with world motorcycling. when it comes There to motorcycle are no signs development. that it is a New flashmotorcycles in the pan.

This new and is clearly ideasshown come and by the gomassive and while draw some of bothtechnology new the Bike Shed sticks, MC other in Shoreditch ideas appear as well in a as thefanfare great incredibly hailed popular as theBSMC next big show thing thatonly I attended to vanish just last as year. quickly, Additionally, to be seen thenext wayin that manufacturers museums or The have History embraced of Motorcycles the movement (2015 by creating bikes like the Triumph Bobber edition). underlines I love to see itsnew relevance. ideas come to the motorcycling Anything that world, might but draw mainly people they(who appear as otherwise just a re-hash might of an notold consider designtwo andwheels are onlyataall) into the small step wonderful forward,world but is of that motorcycling a bad thing?isIaused good to saything, ‘oh good, bothtwo for them more and BHP’the butrest who ofcares? us.

Though Also, the if you movement’s think about connection it, two BHP with this high year, profilenext three events year, like and theinDistinguished ten years’ time Gentleman’s twenty-odd Ride and BHP! You latterly see, it’sthe an evolution.

Ride of theSteady Ruperts considered promotes a positive improvement seemsimage to really of work motorcyclists in the bike in generalNow, world. in the aseyes a National of the public Trust member in general. and an English So, with heritage its emphasis geek too on (I style know, it necessarily cool isn’t it?)

Ifollows love visiting that people local venues interested and in soaking this need up a little somewhere history.

Sometimes to access it’sall just the old accoutrements houses and flower they need. gardens, but every now and again I’m struck by something Cafe Racer special. are an independent Brighton(-ish)

based The other company year who I visited started around 7 years ago at House’, ‘Down in Hove.Charles They have just moved into new premises,home Darwin’s around near 4 months ago, with the aim of being able to Orpington, Kent. hold The a better selection and range of stock as house, more well homage as offering free parking, changing rooms, to the man coffee himself, and hosting is events. set When out in you a way visitthat the shop you discover that it’s certainly allows visitors not a to case follow of style over substance. the Cafe man’s Racer journeys are theand UK’s leading supplier of retro and vintage discoveries.

The tails style motorcycle apparel and accessories of his adventures to keep areyou safe and stylish on your classic and fascinating, bike,I café spentracer, bobber, brat style custom some considerable or scrambler. time They are official stockists for Belstaff reading about Motorcycle his worldJackets and Barbour International travels, (and he as wasn’t well as even beingdressed the firstindealer Gore-Tex to introduce riding on aDeus GS either).

Ex Machina clothing to the UK .

They In thealso obligatory stock established tea shop, I began brandsto such day-dream as Davida, a little, not Bell, about Roland theSands gift shop Design selling andDarwinBiltwell alongside themed soft exciting toys, pencils emerging andbrands T-Rex bookmarks, such as Hedon no; I pondered and Resurgence about how Gear. our ‘stuff’ develops.

The shop Very quickly is run thoughts by friendly turned and toenthusiastic motorcycles. bikesurprise No nuts with there an in-depth really, myknowledge wife tells me of on all the a products regular basis theyI’m offer. obsessed with motorbikes, and she’s Theprobably Café Racer right a Bike to be Night fair. So, on the it was Wednesday only of the month. natural that I began All details to ponder on these theevents way bikes can be have found onover evolved Facebook the years under... and to draw comparisons

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June-July 2018 • South East Biker Magazine

MOTORCYCLE HISTORY between Darwin’s findings and of course, motorbikes.

Motorcycles have developed new models that have appeared over the last hundred years or so, with some surviving and some not surviving. Who decided their fate? Well, sitting in the great birthplace of evolutionist theory I’m thinking about motorcycles and how they have evolved. I’m not going to trivialise what the great man discovered, but in my lesser mind, I can see crossovers between the theory of Natural Selection and the motorcycle world and the way we make use of the best suited and most efficient stuff and how we dismiss the things that don’t work.

In 1859, when Darwin published his ground breaking study Origin of the Species, he probably didn’t expect that one day a bloke would be commenting about his life’s work within the confines of a motorcycle mag. But while looking round his home and reading about his adventures, I began to see parallels with many things related to motorcycles.

Motorcycles have been evolving for something like 150 years or so, so we are not in the realms of evolution over millennia as in the case of Darwin’s studies. The modern motorcycle with its super performance and handling would no doubt astound the early motorcycle pioneers of the late 1800s. The industrial revolution and the speed of advancing technology have no doubt helped with the pace of motorcycle developments, but having said that the early bikers would be itching to have a go on the modern stuff if they were still around today. They were

bikers after all, just in cravats and flat caps. Can you imagine what the pioneer TT riders would do if let loose on a BMW S1000RR? Motorcycles and the technology within them have changed over the years, but I believe motorcycles themselves have simply evolved not altered dramatically.

The first basic designs were pretty much right, were the fittest and have survived. Darwin claimed that only the fittest within a species survived, in this case, the motorcycle, and the best adapted, most suited to its environment would win through, and all other weaker mutations or strains would vanish. Roughly speaking if a species, (motorcycle design), did not work or were not suited to its environment it would not survive. Hub-centre-single leading front-axle steering anyone? Sorry, Yamaha and Bimota. Take a 1914 motorcycle and one from 2018. What has changed? Location of the engine? Nope, the rider sits in roughly the same place and controls the steering through handlebars, directly linked to the front suspension. The rider controls some components with foot controls and the brakes still work with the application of human pressure which in turn causes brake apparatus to mechanically grab a moving wheel. Evolution in terms of ability but only improvements to a basic layout. Why is that? Back to Darwin.

The motorcycle species has remained pretty much the same configuration for a number of reasons. Firstly there is the human form. We have to design the motorcycle to fit the operator and the role, hence why MotoGP bikes can be designed for small people.

Smaller, lighter, faster. More a physics and power to weight ratio type a thing really but essentially bikes need to fit the riders. The

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

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MOTORCYCLE HISTORY other reason is that the design and layout of a motorcycle cannot really be bettered in quantum leaps, because it was pretty good when it was first created and it survives in today’s world because it’s about right. Sometimes things are just naturally right straight away.

Motorcycle design has a purity to it, it’s like an art form. One recent example of evolution, as opposed to quantum leap is the Vincent motorcycle. In the 40s/50s Vincent launched their 500cc Comet single and 1000cc Shadow V Twin to the public and at that time the machines were seen as the bees knees. The latest thing in technology in that era. Jump forward to the late seventies-early eighties and we see Yamaha and their 250, 350 LC two-stroke twins, with the revolutionary mono-shock John Allsopp goes in

suspension. New? Mmmmm. Next time you see a Vincent in the flesh have a look at the rear end and compare their suspension to the RS350lc or Google it.

Many have tried to better the basic design of a motorcycle but few have succeeded and we have seen numerous new and weird projects over the years, but motorcycles look like they do today because the pioneers got it pretty much spot on when they first put wheels on a wooden chassis bone shaker and pushed. Just like motorcycles, modern cars pretty much look the same, this is based on the evolution the vehicle beston suited the job. Coast…

Most family search of his of inner hipster thetoSouth

HEADLINE S H O R E H A M - B Y- S E A

W

hatever you might think of the hipster subculture I believe that several things can be said in its favour where it meshes with motorcycling.

There are no signs that it is a flash in the pan.

This is clearly shown by the massive draw of both the17 Bike MC inExperience Shoreditch as well YearsShed Main Dealer as the incredibly popular BSMC show that I attended last year. Additionally, the way that manufacturers have embraced the movement by creating bikes like the Triumph Bobber underlines its relevance.

Anything that might draw people (who otherwise might not consider two wheels at all) into the wonderful world of motorcycling is a good thing, both for them and the rest of us.

Also, the movement’s connection with high profile events like the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and latterly the Ride of the Ruperts promotes a positive image of motorcyclists in general in the eyes of the public in general.

So, with its emphasis on style it necessarily follows that people interested in this need somewhere to access all the accoutrements they need.

Cafe Racer are an independent Brighton(-ish)

based company who started around 7 years ago at in Hove. They have just moved into new premises, around 4 months ago, with the aim of being able to hold a better selection and range of stock as well as offering free parking, changing rooms, coffee and hosting events.

When visit the shop you discover that it’s Tel:you 01825 766351, Mobile: 07710 784876 certainly not ainfo@everestmotorcycles.co.uk case of style over substance.

Email: Cafe Racer the UK’s leading supplier of Visit:are www.everestmotorcycles.co.uk retro and vintage style motorcycle apparel and Unit 3, Enterprise Centre, Bell Lane, accessories to keep you safe and stylish Uckfi eld, East Sussex.

TN22on 1QL your classic bike, café racer, bobber, brat style custom or scrambler. They are official stockists for Belstaff Motorcycle Jackets and Barbour International as well as being the first dealer to introduce Deus Ex Machina clothing to the UK .

They also stock established brands such as Davida, Bell, Roland Sands Design and Biltwell alongside exciting emerging brands such as Hedon and Resurgence Gear.

The shop is run by friendly and enthusiastic bike nuts with an in-depth knowledge of all the products they offer.

The Café Racer a Bike Night on the Wednesday of the month. All details on these events can be found on Facebook under...

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June-July 2018 • South East Biker Magazine 15/01/2015 09:40

Service • Repairs • Tyres Suspension Set-up MOTs by Appointment

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MOTORCYCLE HISTORY hatchbacks look the same and modern 4x4s look very similar.

Natural selection and developments steer designers from different companies towards similar results based on many factors, but mainly their designs are centered around what works best at the time. This might sometimes be a fashion thing, but function and lifestyle play a part too.

Motorcycle design is almost confined by its own self.

Anything too odd will just not work, or it might be that we, as users just won’t accept it perhaps.

Referring to the 1980s BMW indicator switch, I actually liked the individual switched indicators, one on each side of the bars, but again survival of the fittest and best suited will out. The latest BMW stuff has a more conventional,

8

naturally selected feel. Notice no Tellelever front suspension on the S1000RR? Clearly it is not best suited to the job of the super sports bike but works on the GS, mind you, didn’t see it on their Dakar Rally bikes? Like I said earlier, kit best suited for the job will win. I’ll leave it there, let it evolve…

June-July 2018 • South East Biker Magazine

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ROADCRAFT

Brush up your skills with IAM RoadSmart Modern motorcycles are superbly engineered pieces of equipment, designed to perform at a much higher level than most of us everyday riders will ever achieve. We will spend large chunks of our hard-earned income on these machines equipped with superb tyres and excellent braking systems. We will spend yet more money on the best kit, performance upgrades, luggage systems, comms, satnavs, the list goes on… But many riders, for many reasons, don’t see the point in investing in the most vital component of the motorbike, namely the rider.

T

he motorcycle test proves that a new rider is competent to use that machine but provides no clues as to how to improve on these basic skills.

One of the reasons for riding a motorbike is the sense of freedom and individuality. Being watched and instructed on how you may improve your riding skills can be seen to counter this. I know the feeling, I hate being observed doing anything practical, especially if I know I will be making mistakes that will be commented on.

A quick Facebook straw poll showed us that most of the riders who had undertaken anything from BikeSafe and the Enhanced Rider Scheme to IAM and RoSPA were glad they had done it. In fact, most went on to do more courses. It’s not for everyone, but with costs ranging from £45 (£75 for two) for BikeSafe in London to £149 to bring a rider up to IAM test standard including the test with a year’s membership of IAM RoadSmart plus the local group, money should not be a reason for not giving it a go.

One of our local groups, East Kent Advanced Motorcyclists (EKAM) are keen to tell us what they get up to and involve more riders, particularly younger bikers.

The club aims to improve the riding skills and road safety of bikers in the East Kent area by delivering motorcycle skills training tailored to the individual rider as well as running regular social events. EKAM run monthly ride outs, organised trips to various UK destinations as well as to the Continent.

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June-July 2018 • South East Biker Magazine

ROADCRAFT

All the members of the EKAM Observer Corps have qualified through the rigorous Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) process. The Club has eight National Observers and 11 Local Observers, who work in teams led by the National Observers.

All Observers have to re-qualify regularly, so skills are always current and relevant.

If you don’t know whether EKAM is for you we offer a free Ride Check. We understand that many riders want to improve their skills, be it improving cornering, slow speed control, riding through town or just their confidence, but they’re not sure what various further training options to take without having to stump up money for them first. With busier, more congested roads, hectic pressured lifestyles and the unfortunate presence of uninsured drivers and riders, it may just pay to

hone your riding techniques and improve your confidence and awareness of other road users.

Take advantage of a Ride Check and make all of your journeys safer and more enjoyable.

No tests, no published results, just a relaxed one-to-one session with an EKAM observer. For your free session, we will team you up with one of our observers who will take you out for a relaxed and stress-free observed run for an hour. They will give you feedback on where your riding is good, where there is room for improvement and give you some tips on how and what you can do to improve your enjoyment of riding your bike. On completion you will be given a comprehensive riding report.

So what you have got to lose? Well nothing!

Other than the cost of your own fuel, this is completely free. There is no obligation to sign up for anything and we hope you will enjoy your session.

To book your free session please email our ride coordinator at co-ordinator@ekam.org.uk HOW CAN I BECOME A BETTER RIDER? If you want to develop your skills further, sign up for our Advanced Rider Course. It can also help you save money too.

Is your riding up to scratch?

Would you like to be a better rider, improve on-road anticipation and expand your roadcraft skills?

If you are considering an enhanced riding course, East Kent Advanced Motorcyclists offer cost-effective guidance leading to the IAM Advanced Motorcycle Test under the IAM’s ‘Advanced Rider Course’ package.

For your FREE assessment contact EKAM today and quote ‘SEB’.

0300 2010 520 www.ekam.org.uk co-ordinator@ekam.org.uk

South Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk EKAMEast HP 0518.indd 1

16/05/2018 09:1011

TOURING

The Advanced Rider Course can help you to safely identify hazards, anticipate other road users’ behaviour and accurately assess road and traffic conditions to enable you to become a more controlled, confident, and ultimately, a better rider. When you progress to being an Advanced Rider and a member of the IAM, you can benefit from many discounts and member benefits including likely savings on your motor insurance.

INTERESTED? Then why not come along and check us out.

We meet monthly at Sandyacres Sports Club in Ashford on the third Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm, except this June and July (check out our website for where we’ll be). There are organised club rides for EKAM members on Sundays following club nights.

The address is: Sandyacres Sports and Social Club, Sandyhurst Lane, Ashford, TN25 4PE If you have any questions, email the membership secretary at membership@ekam. org.uk, or call 0300 2010 520. For more information have a look at www.ekam.org.uk or www.iamroadsmart.com

MOTORCYCLE SEATS

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12/05/2015 18:00 June-July 2018 • South East Biker Magazine

RUBBER REVIEW

METZELER ROADTEC 01

T

Here is the successor to Metzeler’s mighty Roadtec Z8 Interact sport touring tyre. Metzeler give a claimed increase in mileage of 10% over its predecessor. John Allsopp tries them out for size…

hroughout Europe the Sport Touring tyre segment has grown by 30% in the last 10 years and now occupies 38% of the total tyre market. But, rather than design and construct one specific tyre for bikes and riders who bang in the miles, Metzeler has created a tyre that will suit the commuters too.

So, my BMW R 1150 RS is the perfect machine to test these tyres.

I’d say that the best thing about these sport touring tyres are their impressive performance in changeable conditions. And, if you want changeable conditions April in the UK this year certainly delivered!

Versatility is the key to the Roadtec 01 which, as I found out, is every bit as good at high speed as

it is on low friction and even wet surfaces.

Essentially these tyres feature a tread pattern to increase water drainage while improving precision, comfort and extended mileage.

A 5% bigger (wider but shorter) contact patch versus the Z8 gives more uniform pressure distribution meaning more regular wear and increased mileage.

The carcass is more elastic to provide a better contact feeling for the rider thus being safer, while the compounds used for the front and rear differ because of their respective jobs. On the front, the gap between tyre pattern grooves doubles against the Z8s when leant over.

On the rear the grooves in the tread pattern are closer together at the centre of the tyre making

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

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RUBBER REVIEW the tyres response to the bike leaning nice and progressive with more rubber attaching you to the road.

The compound on the front tyre is made from full silica while on the rear it is a dual compound.

The centre stripe (around 20% of the tyre) is made from only 80% silica while the remainder of the tyre across each shoulder and side wall is made of full silica. This, like the fact there’s no block pattern through the centre of the rear tyre, is because when on the brakes the weight of the bike pitches forwards and less grip from that centre part of the tyre is required.

On a private road, I went to replicate an emergency stop situation on a wet surface with low grip. Having grabbed and stomped at the same time, the ABS shuddered the bike to a halt in complete confidence inspiring control. I then replicated the test on the kinds of surfaces we have in the UK, covering everything from perfect roads to dusty and worn out tarmac, cobbles and recently laid surfaces with remnant gravel.

On sweeping A roads and a number of smaller B roads and lanes (some of which were very bumpy and only wide enough for bikes), the Roadtecs stayed planted and assured, and even over the

worst surfaces, didn’t slip once.

I felt immediately comfortable and confident on the tyre and it encouraged me from corner to corner, with my speed and lean angle gradually increasing, even on my large(ish) sports touring bike.

Braking hard for corners in drier conditions, the front felt planted and never gave any indication it would give up. I always experiment carrying a bit of front brake into the bends to see how it feels, loading the front edge under braking, and the front Roadtec 01 remained stable. Dabbing the back brake or trailing in hairpins never created any moments either.

Overall, the Roadtec 01 tyres impressed. I’ll need to run them for several thousand miles in order to give you a longer term and more realistic review in terms of their durability and the claimed increase in mileage but, I’d say that the Metzelers are strong performers from the time I’ve had with them so far. Precise, stable and predictable with comfort too. While the £250 outlay may seem hefty, you’ll struggle to find another tyre that is as versatile.

Tyres kindly supplied by HoleshotPR. www.metzeler.com

The adventure starts in store

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June-July 2018 • South East Biker Magazine 09/01/2017 10:43

LEGAL ASSISTANCE

SO, HOW MUCH DO YOU REMEMBER? Tony Carter from Hudgell Solicitors provides us with some important tips if we are involved in an accident.

I

often get asked why I recommend that riders who have been involved in crashes write down as much as they can remember as soon after the crash as possible, when the insurance company or a solicitor will in due course take a statement which will then be used to support proceedings or any claims made.

OK, try this. Think of something significant that has happened to you within the past few months. Remember back to that day and try to describe, in as much detail as you can, exactly what happened. What time did you get up? What did you have for breakfast? What clothes did you wear? What was in your post? What time did you go out? What was the weather like? How much traffic was on the road? Who did you speak to during the day?

How did you get on? I expect there were many things that happened that you have completely forgotten about. Time has dulled your memory so that you struggle to recall the details exactly.

Well, since an accident is a traumatic experience, you are at the very least likely to suffer at least a

mild degree of shock. When you get home and sit down and think back through the previous few hours, I can guarantee that you will have already forgotten a number of the events (possibly important facts) leading up to the crash.

Now let’s move it on a bit. As a result of your involvement in an accident, you may (if you are lucky and depending on the severity of the accident) get a visit from the Police shortly after the crash, and they might take a full witness statement although, in all probability, you will get nothing more than a pro-forma questionnaire through the post a few weeks later. Already your memory of the events will have dulled. If there was no Police involvement, it may be some months or, in some cases, a couple of years before your insurance company or solicitor gets round to taking a statement from you. How much detail can you recall of events that occurred two years ago? Not much I would imagine.

Your account of events could be all that stands between achieving a satisfactory settlement of your claim and losing everything. There will no doubt be elements of the circumstances of the accident which may have seemed insignificant at the time but which could end up having an important bearing on the result of the case. If you had written down every piece of information you could remember, straight after the accident occurred, not only will it act as an aide memoir, but it will also give you credibility by ensuring that

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

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LEGAL ASSISTANCE your account remains consistent. It is far better to write down too much detail than to leave something out that you feel is irrelevant but which turns out to be important further down the line.

So what information should you record?

Well, for a start, make sure you don’t forget the basics. What date, day of the week and time of day did the accident occur?

What were the weather conditions and traffic flow like? This is always useful. If visibility was poor, record whether headlights were being displayed by yourself and the other vehicles involved?

What were you wearing? Proper protective motorcycle clothing is more than adequate, as this can be expanded on later, but if for example, you were wearing a high visibility jacket then say so. This could be important later on.

Describe the location and the type of road you were on including speed limits and, most importantly, any peculiar or unique features of the location. This could have an important bearing on your claim, for example was it a strange or peculiar junction layout? .

As far as the narrative is concerned, explain where you were travelling from and to, and if this was a regular journey then say so. Your account

really wants to start from about 2 miles prior to the point where the crash occurred, unless something happened earlier in your journey that you feel had a bearing.

If you can remember, include any comments made to you immediately after the crash and if you can record who said them. You should also describe any potential defendants as it may have a bearing should there be problems identifying the third party.

Finally, give an account of who you thought was at fault and the reasons why. Perhaps someone turned out of a minor junction into your path, or they just didn’t see you. Make a record of whatever you feel caused the crash. Again it may have a bearing on any claims brought.

Your recollection of events is just as important as those of anyone else who witnessed the accident. At the end of the day you experienced first hand what happened, a solicitor or Judge involved in any subsequent claim didn‘t. The more you can recall of the event the better.

So don’t forget. Write it down.

For more information on this or any other legal matter regarding a road traffic accident contact Hudgell Solicitors on 0808 301 8554 or look at www.hudgellsolicitors.co.uk

The Power of Dreams

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June-July 2018 • South East Biker Magazine 23/01/2018 14:39

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24/01/2018 11:07 17

MAYDAY RUN 2018

MAYDAY RUN 40 YEARS ON…

Having not participated in the ride in from Locksbottom for years, John Allsopp was really looking forward to it.

T

Photos: John Allsopp and Dean Cook

he fantastic opportunity to meet 12 of the originators was amazing. It may be 40 years on but the light of the love of motorcycling stills burns strong with all of these guys (including Tim Gooderson who sparked the idea).

Filming their ride down, using as much of the original route as possible, and in the company of Jim Sanderson on the fire bike, was something I won’t forget in a hurry. I’m always blown away with the amount of bikes that arrive in Hastings; this year I hear it was in the region of 46,800 motorbikes and 86,000 people. If certainly felt like it. Smiles were everywhere reflecting off chrome. Loads of stands and attractions

welcomed them to the town. The film will be edited by a BBC producer and become part of an exhibit at Hastings museum from next year.

My custom SEB lid attracted a lot of attention courtesy of Tony at www.cyclesprays.com.

My personal favourite was Ken Fox’s Wall of Death (watch out for a forthcoming article).

A total sensory experience, the sight of bikes defying gravity whilst their riders performed stunts, the roar of the engines, the smell of the fuel and the sensation of the boards flexing under your feet as they rode round was fantastic.

I spent all day looking at bikes, talking about bikes and left feeling like I’d had a total immersion experience. 40 years on and still going very strong.

18

June-July 2018 • South East Biker Magazine

MAYDAY RUN 2018

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

19

MAYDAY RUN 2018

20

June-July 2018 • South East Biker Magazine

MAGFEST 3, RALLIES AND RIDE OUTS

Andy Carrott, National Vice Chairman, Motorcycle Action Group

I

t’s a bit of a cliché but it’s the time of year when the lyric “Get your motor runnin’/ Head out on the highway/ Lookin’ for adventure/ And whatever comes our way” really does come alive for motorcyclists. We’re all looking forward to fine weather and getting in some miles and, who knows, a little adventure or two. For some readers of this fine tome, two wheels are purely transport, a cheap and efficient means to get to work. For many others two wheels represent fun, joy of life, escape from the humdrum banalities of life, even becoming a way of life. If that’s you and you want to party with a purpose, find yourself a MAG event or two and have fun whilst helping the Motorcycle Action Group raise funds.

July 27th and 28th sees MAGFEST 3, in Plumpton Green, Lewes in your very own South East, but events take place all around the country if you want to venture further afield. May 25 to 27 you can visit Somerset for the Tone Vale Tea Rally. In June you can head north for Durham City Custom & Classic Bike Show on June 3rd, or the incredible Farmyard Party 15th to 17th with its multiple stages, bars, comedy club and traders (think Glastonbury with bikes but smaller). Fancy the seaside? Try the Blackpool MAG Rally, June 29th to 1st July. Or why not try Wales, home of some great biking roads and the Aberystwyth & District MAG Rally 13th to 15th July in Aberaeron.

August sees the laid back Yorkshire Pudding Rally on 3rd to 5th followed by the End Of The Road rally in Cornwall 9th to 12th August. At the end of the month you can head north again to Stormin’ the Castle near Bishop Auckland. The line-up

of bands at these event usually has something for everyone from traditional rock covers, to hillbilly, two tone, punk and good old rock ‘n’ roll, especially at big events like the Farmyard Party or Stormin’ the Castle. At some events you don’t even need a tent as Carry Nowt Camping will sort all that out for you (for a fee of course).

Camping’s not for everyone but there are a whole host of other one day events all over the country and even Lincolnshire Bike Week supported by MAG taking place 18th to 25th July.

Just book yourself a B&B for a few days and join in the rides out, bike nights and entertainment.

All proceeds from MAG events support our campaigns to get a fair deal for bikers and scooter riders. Bike theft, road charging, unfair sentencing, secure parking and bikes in bus lanes are just some of the issues we are dealing with.

MAG is not a club: it is a political (with a small p, we avoid party politics) animal, lobbying locally, nationally and even internationally as a member of the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations.

You can get your motor running, head out on the highway and look for adventure travelling all over the country attending MAG events knowing that your entry fee helps keep you on the road.

As a full member of MAG you even get discounts at some events.

Full details of all these events can be found online where you can also join MAG. Please call 01926 844064: single membership costs £27 (family, joint, affiliated club and corporate memberships also available).

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

21

REMEMBERED

A L E G E N D, R E M E M B E R E D

JAMES GUTHRIE

J

Is someone born lucky or does a person make their own luck? In the case of motorcycle racer Jimmie Guthrie, it was probably a bit of both. David Figg looks back on his life.

immie Guthrie: winner of 19 Grand Prixs, six wins at the Isle of Man TT and three at the North West 200, he was a professional and skilful racer. Yet he also managed to survive a disastrous railway accident as well as service in Gallipoli and on the Western Front.

Born 23 May 1897 in Hawick, Rothbourghshire, Jimmie was an apprentice engineer when war broke out. He joined the 4th Battalion of the Kings Own Scottish Borderers, part of the 52nd Division which was posted to Gallipoli.

On the 22nd May 1915 whilst on route from Scotland, the train was involved in a tragic five train collision at Quintinshill near Gretna Green, which killed 226 people, 215 of them soldiers of the 52nd. Luck was on Jimmie’s side.

The Gallipoli campaign was a spectacular failure with 115,000 British and Commonwealth casualties.

Jimmie later served in Palestinian and, by 1918,

was a despatch rider on the Western front. This was a particularly hazardous occupation, but he survived the war intact.

During the 1920s, Jimmie raced on a number of different motorcycles with varying success. Over the years he broke many world records, preserving his life through sheer skill. He came to prominence when winning the TT on an AJS in 1930. This served as an introduction to the Norton team, and between 1934 and 1937 he won either the Senior or Junior race every year.

Luck? If such a thing exists, it ran out for Jimmie on 8th August 1937 during the German Grand Prix in Sachsenring, Germany. He was killed whilst competing and is commemorated at the circuit with a memorial called ‘the Guthrie stone’. In his home town of Hawick there is a plaque and bust.

My memorial is more simple. Jimmie Guthrie.

Biker. www.dave1figg.wixsite.com/thestoryfellauk

22

June-July 2018 • South East Biker Magazine

PRODUCT REVIEW

NEW GEAR

John Allsopp reviews some of the latest gear on offer

H A LVA R S S O N S B E A S T G L O V E S From the moment I tried these gloves on they felt comfortable, with soft supple leather on the outer and an almost fleecelike lining inside the gloves, which is incredibly soft and means they can be worn much further into winter than most, and a waterproof lining adds practicality. The all-black design is subtle if you’re not into bright colours.

In my experience temperatures under 5ºC will mean that you will want to turn on the heated grips (should you be lucky enough to have them) to keep your digits comfortable.

They remained stubbornly waterproof despite riding all day in the torrential April ‘showers’ I experienced recently too!

This is a technical glove similar in spec to the company’s Advance glove, just without the hard knuckle. There is extra padding in that area with

a cantilever system to improve comfort, so there is protection there. The Beast is very supple thanks to the use of goatskin. It has a relatively short cuff for those who like to put their jacket sleeve over the glove. (Stops the rain running into the top when stationary).

Part leather, part textile gives additional flexibility with extra leather on the palm and fingertip. A beast of a glove!

Overall, I’d say that the Halvarssons Beasts are a fantastic mix of comfort and performance boasting goat skin leather and textile to offer a glove that is great to use for long periods of time. The Outlast membrane works well towards regulating the temperature keeping the hand at an optimum temperature. MC Fit technology keeps the liners in the fingers where they should be and not pulling out when you take the glove off! All in all, for £99, it’s a great glove.

John Harris Motorcycles, www.jhmc.co.uk

MT FLUX HELMET MT is reckoned to be a massive name in Spain and becoming increasingly recognised here.

With flip-up helmets becoming more and more popular, I thought it’d be worth taking a look at one that’s relatively cheap.

The thing about the MT Flux is that it’s got pretty well all the features you’d want in a modular lid at a really low price.

Its chin bar opens at the touch of a button, it’s got an integral sun visor and it’s got a decent, solid feel to it.

Like all helmets for sale in the EU, it has been ECE 22-05 approved. It’s also been SHARP tested where it scored an extremely respectable 4/5 stars for safety which is very good.

That said, the Flux has got that modern aerodynamic, angular look that’s designed to reduce drag and turbulence, though it has to be said that the level of buffeting you’ll feel is always very much dependent on what sort of bike you

ride and whether you’ve got a fairing or not.

I also found it relatively noisy but, as I routinely ride in ear plugs (and flip front helmets are often more noisy) I didn’t find it a particular issue.

It’s got a decent, thick visor, is generally comfortable as well as sporting a removable liner that you could easily expect to find in a helmet around double the price. I found it did need the optional Pinlock. At 1.7kg it does feel heavy but the Airoh SV-55S is the same weight and retails around £135.

Available in gloss black/white, moody matt black and decidedly un-moody flu yellow, for the price of £79, it absolutely delivers everything you need if you’re on a budget.

The helmet was kindly supplied by GearedUp www.geared-up.co.uk

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

23

PRODUCT REVIEW

S PA D A

MARAKECH SUIT Dom Humby tries on new gear for size

S

pada have a new jacket/ trouser combination out called The Marakech.

To begin with, I wasn’t impressed with the colour as it’s brown (or Olive according to Spada) but is also available in grey (Slate apparently). But the brown can make you blend in a little bit in rural surroundings.

However, bearing this in mind, it grows on you and will be a massive hit within the riding community for all ages and abilities. Further to that, as soon as you put it on, you feel extremely well protected, almost as if you could undertake the Dakar Rally — and maybe even win it!

Back to reality now and away from those distant dreams. You are well protected, not only if you come off with its CE approved armour that comes in the form of a large back protector, shoulder and elbow armour in the jacket complemented with the hip and knee armour in the trousers, but from the elements as well.

I’ve been using the Marakech for a while now and needless to say, in the weather we’ve had (which hasn’t been great, let’s be honest), I haven’t been cold or wet. One thing I can say for Spada motorcycle clothing is when they say it’s waterproof they mean it; the Marakech is no different.

The suit comes complete with removable thermal linings in both the jacket and trousers and they are

24

both vented as well with Spada’s new Ventech System, making it a definite option for people who want/need to ride all year round in any weather.

Now then. Storage. There are plenty of pockets, so many that you may run out of things to put in them. There is a large pocket at the very bottom of the jacket on the back. I managed to fit a pair of extra gloves (my winter ones because I wanted to test out my summer ones with the jacket as well), my insulin kit, a phone charger including the plug and my e-cig charger, and I still had space and a load of other pockets available.

I was comfortable, warm and dry.

There are many adjustments that can be made while using this suit, in the form of Velcro straps around the waist of the trousers and jacket, and at the very bottom of the jacket on the sides meaning you can adjust to your heart’s content and get a perfect fit.

One of the biggest issues with riding these days is not being seen, so it’s nice to see that Spada has outfitted the Marakech with some very well-placed reflective panels and insignia on the front and back of the jacket and trousers, as well as down the arms.

Playing around with a camera with the flash on shows you how well you can be seen even in a dark colour like brown and maybe the grey.

June-July 2018 • South East Biker Magazine

PRODUCT REVIEW or even a pair of kevlar jeans.

I really try hard to pick products apart and find as many, if any, faults as I can (aside from the colour). But with the Marakech I’m really struggling to do so. It does everything it’s required to do with such ease. It’s warm, dry and comfortable; you’re well protected in every sense and visible at all times. Further testing over time could reveal a flaw somewhere, but I’m not expecting it to. It’s so well made I wouldn’t be surprised if I don’t find one.

My advice is, if you get a chance, try it out and see how you feel about it.

Spada has even added a small hook on the collar so you can hold the jacket open and not have it flapping around when riding etc. Otherwise, it comes with the usual large zip attachment that’s very easy to use to connect the trousers

TECHNICAL SPEC DENSIWEAVE high-density outer construction — matt brushed finish; Polyester twill (20% nylon, 70%polyester, ten %PU coating); Double stitched; Multiple adjustments for bespoke fit; Fix to line: Mesh polyester 100%; Official REISSA breathable / waterproof membrane; 1150gr 100% polyester quilted lining; Connection zip; Velcro cuff enclosure; CE Five piece TEKTOFORM armour; High abrasion super fabric at elbows and VENTECH cooling system throughout.

Expect to pay around £199 for the jacket and £150 for the trousers.

Helmet City, www.helmetcity.co.uk Review by Dom Humby @RiderRecommends

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Unit 11R, Skitts Manor Farm, Moor Lane, Edenbridge TN8 5RA. South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk JB Motorcycles HP 0518.indd 1

25 14/05/2018 09:26

BIKERS’ ROVE

NEWLANDS CORNER

Perhaps save this trip for a nice day, or definitely a dry one says David Figg.

Found on the A25 on route to Guildford, Newlands Corner is a particularly beautiful spot and a regular haunt for bikers. Parking is free for motorcyclists.

The journey is a pleasant one that takes you through some picturesque villages and past teashops you can remember for another time.

T

he view from Newlands is outstanding, with rolling countryside and the Weald of the South Downs spread before you.

Ancient yew trees abound, some judged to be at least 500 years old. You can walk the slopes, bird spot, or just breathe in the fresh air. There are nuthatches, green woodpeckers and you can bet a robin will be hopping around the picnic area. Roe deer are regularly seen in the woods breaking out for open country.

There’s a number of walks you can take if you have the time or the desire.

It was here in 1926 that Agatha Christie’s car was found abandoned sparking a mystery of her whereabouts. She was found safe and sound a few days later in a hotel in Harrogate under an assumed name. A fabulous hoax.

There are tables if you have brought your own food or there is the choice of a servery and a café.

The food is reasonably priced and very good.

Depending on your time, on the way back (if going in the Dorking direction) I suggest a stop

at the ‘Silent Pool’ which is just a couple of miles from Newlands. This is an atmospheric expanse of water in an old chalk quarry surrounded

by Box Trees. There is a medieval tale about a woodcutter’s daughter who was chased into the pool by an amorous nobleman. She swam away but ultimately panicked and drowned. When her father retrieved her body he found a felt hat left by the nobleman floating on the pool. It bore the insignia of none other than Prince John.

Linked and adjacent to the Silent Pool is Sherbourne Pond, which is particularly stunning with the sun reflecting on its waters.

Alfred Tennyson was said to be a regular visitor although perhaps not in his leathers!

If you are still hungry or thirsty there are a number of village pubs on the way back, or maybe you have remembered one of those tearooms you spotted on route.

I recommend the Surrey County Council website if you want further details. www.dave1figg.wixsite.com/thestoryfellauk

26

June-July 2018 • South East Biker Magazine

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

23/03/2016 10:45

27

PRODUCT REVIEW

BIKEJET

SEE THE ROAD MORE CLEARLY

John Allsopp was very excited to test this prototype device which started with an idea that Chris Hughes had. An idea born from real life experience.

C

hris recalls the time where an idea was born: “I commute all year round and during one particularly cold icy winter I had a lot of motorway miles to cover every day. It resulted in a regularly opaque visor from the trucks and cars spraying waterlogged road salt and grime that then dried as soon as it impacted the visor.

“The only solution to this, when it got so bad that cars’ lights and the sun would refract causing it to be dangerous, was to stop at a services or ride with the visor open. Which at -4ºC was not pleasant and ended up with the added factor of my eyes watering and causing issues!

“However, if a car in front of me sprayed its washer fluid and I ‘caught’ some with my visor, then I could wipe it clear.”

This sparked the idea for Chris to make his own

washer jet system for motorcyclists in winter. Of course, there are obvious advantages of using the Bikejet in other seasons as well for removing bug splatter, dust and general road mung.

A year on from visualising and making the prototype Chris is now ready to test the water with a Kickstarter campaign to raise money to move to injection moulding and mass production.

Essentially, the kit is a bar-mounted reservoir (holding a small 12v pump) which is wired to the bike’s battery. When you hit a bar-mounted switch it sprays your visor with cleaning fluid.

When you say it like that it sounds like a simple idea. But aren’t those the best ideas?

The R 1150 RS does present a few more complications in installing the kit than most other bikes but even so it only took 30 minutes

28

June-July 2018 • South East Biker Magazine

PRODUCT REVIEW to set up; and I’m the first to admit that most competent people could have probably have done it in around half the time.

Then, all I had to do was fill the 200ml reservoir with water and cleaner, adjust its angle to direct the jet straight onto my visor.

When I say jet, to clarify it’s more of a gentle spray and I found it accurate up to the legal top speed allowed on a dual carriageway with central reservation in the UK. Here, I’d have to say the RS has a reasonable screen and I couldn’t comment on its useful speed range on a naked bike.

While I was using it, I found the reservoir to last around 400 miles of regular spraying to remove road mung.

I’ve been using BikeJet since March on my personal bike and it’s shown itself as incredibly useful time and time again. I love the fact that on a long ride I don’t have to pull over and get out the visor cleaning spray and cloth. I just keep riding, being able to see clearly after a quick press of the button releasing a controlled jet of the cleaner onto the visor and a flick of my V wipe.

The visor cleaner has been developed from completely natural ingredients and will not irritate your eyes in the case of a negligent discharge, it

has also been engineered to have a freezing point between -4ºC and -7ºC allowing for use all year round. It is odourless and colourless with nothing artificial or chemically added.

For those with multiple bikes, after the intial installation, BikeJet™ can be detached from the motorcycle in seconds so you can swap between them easily and quickly.

My overall thoughts are that this was a great invention that many riders could benefit from, ranging from the regular commuter to the longdistance tourer and all year biker.

With an RRP of £27.99, it’s hardly eye-watering either (sic). www.Bikejet.co.uk Email hello@BikeJet.co.uk

John Harris Motorcycles MOT, Servicing, Parts, Accessories and Clothing HONDA SPECIALIST

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South Biker Magazine JOHNEast HARRIS 0518 HP Ad.indd 1 • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

29 16/05/2018 12:26

BOOK REVIEW

ALL THE GEAR, NO IDEA

I

Working for the magazine John Alsopp is lucky to have read about the travels of many round the world motorcyclists, including a book written by Michele Harrison

n All the Gear, No Idea, the author’s year in India, is described as a tale of a ‘belated coming-of-age’ and where she learns that every journey, by definition, is into the unknown; an unknown full of choices and opportunities.

I loved following the path of her decision to resign her job, and go buy an Enfield in Delhi, having never ridden anything other than a moped before.

With more gear than sense, her 17,000 miles journey took her through the mayhem of Delhi traffic, the mountains of Kashmir, the deserts of Rajasthan, the beaches of Goa,

the southern tip of India, the remote tracks of Nepal and the eerie Himalayan barrenness of Ladakh. She wanted an adventure to spice up a boring life and fulfil her wanderlust. She got that, and more.

This book can rightly be compared to the works of both Elspeth Beard and Jacqui Furneaux.

It is well written and conveys the experience in a vivid and accessible way.

I thoroughly enjoyed riding along with her on her journey of discovery and can say with certitude that you will too.

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22/11/2016 13:20 June-July 2018 • South East Biker Magazine

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14/03/2018 15:48

What will you do on your Catalan Adventure?

Use our rural Finca as a base to explore beautiful Spain by foot, cycle, road, trail or river! We are close to Barcelona and Aragon and have a fabulous local circuit for track days. Come to where the action is, come to Catalonia.

www.catalanadventure.com

South East Biker Catalan Adventure HPMagazine 0318.indd 1 • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

31 22/03/2018 14:17

CHARITY

RAF CENTENARY RIDE

On 1st September five riders leave Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent on a three-week trip to ride around the outside of mainland UK. They will be doing this on Royal Enfield machines including three of the new 650 twins.

T

hey will be visiting various places en route including RAF Bases both in use and not, RAF affiliated museums and members of the Indian/Polish community celebrating their part, and that of the other commonwealth countries that came to fight with us against Nazi Germany.

In total they will cover some 4000 miles and all being well ride back into the start point on 21st September. They will welcome anyone who would like to ride a section in their area with them. Daily maps are on their website at www.raf100.net and their facebook page; just enter ‘around the outside — raf100’.

Southbound B&B

Located in Saint-Ybard, 27 miles from Limoges, perfect for a break or a stopover on a tour.

Undercover bike parking.

This is being undertaken to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force and to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund,. If you would like to donate please visit the link below and please give what you can. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/peter-spowage1

DO YOU WANT REACH OUT TO OVER 20,000 MOTORCYCLISTS IN YOUR REGION? We can promote your business and services via this magazine, active website, blog, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube media. Contact debs@southeastbiker.co.uk and ask for a media pack to be sent or download details from the website.

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Mention South East Biker when enquiring. www.southboundbandb.co.uk facebook.com/southboundbandb/ 32

June-July 2018 • South East Biker Magazine

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33 17/03/2017 12:18

EVENTS

For a full list of What’s On visit

www.southeastbiker.co.uk/events

24th June

ROMNEY MARSH CLASSIC SHOW AND JUMBLE

BRITISH SUPERBIKES

Romney Marsh, Kent

Brands Hatch

29th June-1st July

27th-28th July

MALLE MILLE

MAGFEST 3 RALLY

SOUTH OF ENGLAND SUMMER CLASSIC SHOW

BEXHILL MOTOFEST

Orpington, Kent 15th July

Ardingly, West Sussex

34

20th-22nd July

Plough Inn, Plumpton Green 29th July

Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex

June-July 2018 • South East Biker Magazine

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A compensation claim with Hudgell Solicitors can put you on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.

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