South East Biker Magazine Sept-Oct 2012

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

r-October 2012 Issue 23:Septembe

SOUTHERN SUPERRIDMERORETVIEOW

OVERLAND TO EGYPT

SUZUKI GSR750

NEW UK LICENSING LAWS

IDES • SPORTS R • S T N E V E • S TURE REVIEWS • FEA www.southeastbiker.co.uk Join us:

south east biker magazine

@southeastbiker

STARTING GRID

CONTENTS 6 Suzuki GSR750

Haslemere Motorcycles lend us the new bike

10 Southern Supermoto

Exciting and great value racing action

26 Two Boys on Two Toys

Youngsters try motocross at MXCP

28 Overland to Egypt

Sam Manicom reviews the book

14 Helmet City

30 Frontline

16 The Story of the CR750

34 Facebook Feedback

A hidden gem in the countryside

Clive Brooker tells of his one off bike

18 The Third European Licensing Directive

The new route to a licence… simple!

22 Kit Review

Furygan Duke trousers and TCX X Tour boots

24 A New Bike Watering Hole

The Best Beech, Wadhurst

A must read for every biker from MAG A round of online banter

35 A Euro Ride Out

Stelvio Pass anyone?

36 BMRC Round Up

Action from Brands Hatch

38 SEB Track Day

Last one of the year, get on it!

40 South East Events

Round up of the autumn activities

Where can you find SEB Magazine?

South East Biker (SEB) Magazine is delivered to selected motorcycle outlets and businesses across Sussex, Surrey, Kent, London, Essex, Middlesex, Berkshire, Hampshire and Dorset. See page 46 for listings.

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

www.southeastbiker.co.uk MAKING CONTACT

advertising Debbie Tunstill & GENERAL Tel: 01892 610808 ENQUIRIES: Email: debbie@southeastbiker.co.uk

South East Biker, Wirral Acre, Eridge Road, Crowborough, East Sussex. TN6 2SP EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Nick Tunstill, email: nick@southeastbiker.co.uk PRODUCTION: Dean Cook, email: deancook@magazineproduction.com PRINTING: Evon Print, Henfield, Sussex © 2012 South East Biker (SEB) Magazine is an independent title and does not endorse the products or services that appear in the magazine. Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor or of South East Biker magazine. Reproduction of content is strictly prohibited without prior written approval from the editor or publisher.

COVER IMAGE: Southern Supermoto: www.fastframephotograpghy.co.uk.

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

When we are out and about it’s always great to receive feedback about South East Biker and take onboard comments from readers. As we enter our fifth year of producing the magazine, it’s encouraging to find out that it seems to be serving the purpose it was started for.

In issue 23 we cover the excitement of Southern Supermoto racing, a review of the GSR750, a solution for a fiddly visor problem. Two young SEB readers have a crack at Motocross and we cover the new bike test. Sam Manicom reviews ‘Overland to Egypt’ on a 125 Bantam plus we have a copy of Kevin Turner’s book Bonjour! Is this Italy? up for grabs.

In particular, read Paddy’s column in Frontline. Some of the proposals coming from the EU would be laughable if they weren’t so much of a threat to biking.

As individuals we are fairly powerless in the face of this bureaucracy, but if you ride a bike and love it, seriously consider joining MAG. It’s £25, the cost of a tank of fuel on a lot of bikes these days. These guys work tirelessly to protect our freedom and rights, do what you can to support them!

Nick Tunstill, Editor south east biker magazine @southeastbiker 3

FREE no obligation legal advice available 7 days a week

You can’t plan ahead for when things go wrong…

…but when they do, who can you turn to for free legal advice?

Easy – contact Access Legal from Shoosmiths

Call us 7 days a week

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Legal Corner It pays to persist with personal We’re bikers who happen to be lawyers.

Of all road users, bikers are more likely than most to be involved in an accident that might lead to possible personal injury compensation claims.

A report by the department for Transport published at the end of June 2012 showed that while total road casualties for 2011 did show a slight decrease of 2%, motorcyclists accounted for just under a fifth of all fatalities. If you’re on a motorbike, you are more vulnerable than say the occupant of a car and those same statistics confirmed that the number of car occupants seriously injured fell by 6% during the same period.

However, many motorcyclists involved in an accident that wasn’t their fault don’t even think of pursuing the compensation they may be entitled to. They believe that if the police decide not to take things any further then that must mean there’s not enough evidence to establish fault or blame. The thinking is that if the constabulary can’t find any evidence to justify charges or possible criminal proceedings, then any possible claim is likely to be unsuccessful for the same reason and therefore not worth starting.

The standard of proof required in personal injury claims is completely different to that needed for possible criminal proceedings. We’re probably all familiar with the ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ maxim in

criminal cases where fault, blame and therefore guilt must be established with a high degree of certainty.

In personal injury cases, all a claimant has to do is prove their case ‘on a balance of probabilities.’

This means that to be successful you’ve only got to persuade the court that your version of events was more likely than not to have happened and that as a consequence, your injuries and associated losses were as a direct result of the other party’s negligence.

Contributory negligence is another reason many injured bikers think a compensation claim is not worth pursuing, believing their case would be thrown out because they would have to concede their actions were at least partly to blame for what happened. The court would consider the percentage of ‘fault’ caused by the injured party, but the only consequence of that would be to deduct a proportionate amount from any award of compensation. It does not mean that a claim would automatically be unsuccessful.

If you’ve been involved in accident, even if the police reckon it’s not worth their time investigating further, call our helpline on 03700 86 86 86 or contact us at www.access-legal.co.uk. Our specialist motorcycle team will be happy to advise you about possible personal injury compensation.

Please call our Helpline on 03700 868686 or visit www.access-legal.co.uk for more information.

We also have free guides and answers to frequently asked questions at www.access-legal.co.uk

REVEIW: SUZUKI GSR750

Suzuki

GSR750 The recent Open Day at Haslemere Motorcycles gave me the chance to have a spin on the new Suzuki GSR750.

Words: Nick Tunstill

I

rode the GSR600 a couple of years back, a perfectly good machine that doesn’t offer anything in particular to make it stand out from a wide choice of mid range bikes. As a result of this, I didn’t have high expectations of what I assumed was simply bigger capacity machine.

Wrong on all fronts here!

First of all styling, the 600 is a bit bland and definitely blends in with the crowd. Not so the 750, an arresting, modern looking bike that turned heads as it was taken out for test rides at Haslemere.

The aggressive, supermoto/street styling looks classy and should appeal to the younger rider in particular.

The 600cc-800cc band attracts the majority of new riders, giving a balance of decent power against affordability and practicality. Whereas with some of the 600’s, boredom may kick in fairly early, the GSR750 has enough for all but the hardened sports bike fans.

The engine is based on the GSXR 750 from 2005, a pretty solid pedigree. The power is much more usable 6

September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

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REVEIW: SUZUKI GSR750

for general road use, a great deal of fun could be had with this.

The conditions on the day I rode the GSR could be comfortably described as monsoon. So heading up the A3, having just put down a £2000 insurance deposit on the old plastic, meant a bit of caution was in order, initially at least. However it’s an easy and confidence inspiring machine to ride.

After a few miles and deviating onto some twisty back roads, it was a blast and in drier conditions it could have been pushed a lot further. The bike looks well put together with decent quality components and the optional ABS would be a sensible addition. The model I rode had was tricked up with an after market can, hugger etc so looked and sounded particularly cool.

The high bars make the riding position spot on and the flyscreen does an adequate job of keeping some of the wind blast and summer rain off.

As with all naked bikes, sustained riding above 90 or so becomes pretty hard work.

Overall, Suzuki have got the GSR750 pretty much spot on. I have seen some reports of some reasonable fuel consumption if riddern ‘sensibly’ and

the tank range is a good 170+, so a practical as well as a fun machine.

If you are after a first bike that will not disappoint after six months, or a machine that will deal with commuting, weekend blasts and some not too extreme touring, I would check the GSR out. £6,999 or £7,399 with ABS available from Haslemere Motorcycles and JW Groombridge.

Useful info

SUZUKI GSR 750

Top speed................................ 140mph 1/4-mile acceleration............11.2 secs Power..........................................105bhp Torque...........................................59ftlb Weight...........................................210kg Seat height................................815mm Fuel capacity......................... 17.5 litres Average fuel consumption.....45mpg Tank range............................. 170 miles Insurance group.................................12 Engine size.................................... 749cc Engine.........Liquid cooled inline four Frame.............................Steel twin spar Front brake...2x310mm discs two piston Rear brake.........240mm single piston Front tyre size..................... 120/70x17 Rear tyre size....................... 180/55x17

8

September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

Cooper Tunbridge Wells

The Ultimate Riding Machines

Join us for a great day out Cooper Tunbridge Wells Open Day: Saturday 6 October

FREE BIKE HEALTH CHECKS ALL DAY By appointment only on the day on a first come first served basis.

LOTS MORE TO SEE • Charley Boorman’s Adventure Bikes.

• Kent Advanced Motor Cyclist Group will be on hand throughout the day.

• Bike Safe • South East Biker Magazine • Kent Road Safety Unit • Find out more about the ‘World of BMW’ tours and comprehensive training programmes available.

• BMW Club • And loads more on the day!

ALL DAY BBQ Breakfast bacon rolls, steak burgers and Burwash Beauty Sausages all from 11am.

Call 01892 506 700 to find out more or email steve.franklyn@ir.inchcape.co.uk for more details.

CHARITY AUCTION At midday we will be selling off all our end of line and end of season clothing, accessories and parts to the highest bidders. We’ll also be auctioning some specially donated items from BMW Motorrad that will be well worth a look. All profits will be donated to Spinal Research.

Cooper Tunbridge Wells Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3UE. Tel: 01892 506 700

www.cooperbikestunbridgewells.co.uk

SUPERMOTO

Supermoto: racing’s best-kept secret?

A short hop across the English Channel to Europe and it’s big business. The crowds are large, the sponsorship plentiful; its participants are stars.

WORDS: www.annieholder.com PICTURES: www.fastframephotography.co.uk

I

n the UK, Supermoto hovers well and truly under the radar, yet it provides an unparalleled spectator experience, comparable only to Irish road racing for closeness to the action. As the British Grand Masters line up on the grid at Lydd Circuit in Kent, you are standing less than eight feet away and can almost reach out and touch the shoulder of the nearest rider.

Supermoto is undoubtedly the most accessible short-circuit motorcycle racing available in the UK right now, but its low profile means that only a tiny minority enjoy the excitement and camaraderie it can offer. It 10

isn’t about out and out speed; it takes guile, bravery and razor-sharp elbows. You’ve got to hold your line and your nerve, and never give an inch! I defy any motorcyclist, whatever your age or ability, not to stand beside the track and itch to have a go. It’s the lack of pretension surrounding UK Supermoto competition that makes it such a great confidence-building arena in which to try your hand at racing, whether you end up completely obsessed or just treat it as another once-in-alifetime experience ticked off that ‘bucket list’.

In these austere times, Southern Supermoto offers one of the cheapest ways to get your on-track thrills within a close-knit, supportive community that travels the country, competing on every level from Novice to Expert.

All race classes are determined by ability. You will be grouped in either Novice, Intermediate or Expert depending on your practice times.

Southern Supermoto race once a month, with the cost of a 2-day race meeting currently under £200.00. You’re September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

SUPERMOTO

guaranteed more time on track at a Southern Supermoto meeting than at virtually any other bikesport event going – try justifying value for money vs track time on a standard Trackday when a Southern Supermoto event consists of Practice, Qualifying and three races per class.

You’ll meet fellow enthusiasts from all over the country via the British Grand Masters Championship, including competing against the Scots (with the chance to ride their Supermoto circuit at Crail near Fife) and testing your nerve between the trees at Aberdare Park in Wales, as well as riding circuits in Kent, Hampshire and Shropshire.

How can I race Supermoto?

You don’t need to pass a test or attend a course. To race Supermoto, you just need to get out on track and give it a go. Southern Supermoto fosters an inclusive and encouraging environment. After all, the more first-timers that get ‘the bug’; the more good competition all club members can look forward to on track.

All you need to compete is a stock Supermoto bike

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

11

SUPERMOTO

between 250 and 650cc, two sets of wheels with wet and dry tyres, some hand guards for your handlebars, helmet, leathers and your AMCA licence (which can be purchased from Southern Supermoto for as little as ten pounds per day).

If you are a member of Southern Supermoto’s club, you really can just turn up and ride, and at a fraction of the cost of an Enduro race or a BEMSEE meeting.

What happens at a Southern Supermoto race meeting?

No lie-ins on race day! You need to be at the track by 8.00am to sign on and get your bike scrutineered (the compulsory technical check ensuring bike and kit are safe, in good condition and eligible for entry into class).

Be warned – your bike may be noise-tested during Scrutineering. A maximum of 96 dB is allowed, so it might be prudent to purchase a cheap decibel-killer baffle or use an approved enduro silencer to ensure your bike is cleared to race.

When you sign on, you will also receive your race number...hopefully it will be lucky for you!

Use your time wisely; check out the track after Scrutineering. Experienced amateur racers recommend using the dirt sections for overtaking, as a variety of lines are available. Take some time to see how the track could work for you and your riding style.

Watch the flag and start sequences to learn the procedure and understand how long the official starter 12

holds the bikes on the line; a storming start and great position into the first corner could set you up for a fantastic race!

If it’s your first time, don’t be nervous – just go for it! It could be the most exhilarating experience you’ll have this year!

Southern Supermoto was first formed by Steve and Jan Berry in 2004, running not only Supermoto races, but Youth classes and Quads too.

In 2007, the club affiliated to AMCA, introducing recorded timed laps using Transponders, meaning more accurate lap timing and rider placement. Transponder timing ensures that you are racing against riders of similar ability, allowing for evenly-matched competition.

Southern Supermoto is a club in the truest sense of the word. Witness one chap tipping off a first-time competitor in the first corner, stopping, picking up her bike, getting her going and then hopping back on to continue his own race. Yes, they’re there to compete for points, wins and trophies but, most of all they’re there because they love the sport. The red mist might well descend when the starting lights go out but once the chequered flag is waved, out come the DJ’s decks, the beers are popped open, the barbecues fire up and it’s party time!

Speaking of parties, I’ve heard the end of the season prize-giving bash universally described as ‘legendary’, but no one will tell me why. I guess you’ll just have to sign up to find out... www.southernsupermoto.net September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

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“Two seconds faster than anything else on the track” MCN Superbike Shootout 11-1-2012

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S 1000 RR Sport

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13

RETAILER HEAD’S UP

Helmet City

Passionate about Protection

Y

ou wouldn’t expect to find a motorcycle superstore tucked away next to a reptile zoo in the countryside, but this is where you will come across one of the largest selections of motorbike kit in the South East.

Helmet City is located near Tatsfield on the Kent/Surrey border, close to Westerham. The store is a bit of a Tardis, looking fairly innocuous from the outside and tucked away down a country lane.

However it contains a vast range of bike equipment within and you would be hard pushed not to find all you require for your needs and to suit your budget.

In May 2011, a huge electrical fire destroyed the previous premises and in April this year Helmet City was re-opened by Bernie.

In keeping with their name, helmets feature prominently in the shop, one complete wall is taken up with a display featuring Shark, Shoei, Arai, AGV, HJC, Viper, Schuberth, Bell and Scorpion.

Enough selection for you there??

Not only that but the storeroom holds 4000 plus lids in stock, so you stand a pretty good chance of walking out with the size and style you are after.

You want boots? There are over 80 styles in stock.

When it comes to jackets and trousers you are spoilt for choice again, Richa, Furygan, Rukka, Weisse and Alpinestars all feature plus there is a good selection of Kevlar kit and a well stocked ladiies’ section.

With Scala blutooth equipment, Oxford products and Knox protection, pretty much all you 14

need bikewise is under one roof.

Helmet City is a big player on the web, a large proportion of their business is via this medium. Check out the website for their full range.

However when you are spending a couple of hundred quid or so on bike kit, you want it to be right.

Wherever you can, checkout your local dealer as they will offer the best advice and recommend the right kit for you and your riding.

They won’t just sell you stuff for the sake of it, they want you to come back and be happy with the purchase and service. And of

course if you have any issues with it you can take it back to resolve it.

Helmet City at Tatsfield is well worth a visit, it’s also a lovely ride from all directions and easily accessible from across the South East.

Why not make a day of it and check out the lizards next door as well? There’s even a café on site for that all important brew.

Helmet City is open from Monday to Friday 9.00-5.30 and Saturday 9.00-5.00. They can be contacted on 01959 577911. www.helmetcity.co.uk

September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

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CLASSICS: CR750

THE STORY OF THE

CR750

By Clive Brooker

I

t all started a long long time ago when I loved watching racing, not short circuit but endurance.

I was working as a motorcycle mechanic for Phil Read when I purchased a 1972 CB750 in boxes. I was going to build a road going CB750 in gold but, after checking up on the prices of bits and bobs, I changed my mind!

So I looked at building something special like a café racer or a Daytona CR750 rep, but not in the Dick Mann colour, as all the CRs I’ve seen are in a gold/bronze colour. I was looking for something else that caught your eye. We ended up calling it the CR750R. After sorting out all the welds on the standard Honda frame and altering it somewhat, I sent it away for blasting and coating.

I contacted Bartel Engineering to purchase a 28 litre fuel tank along with an oil tank. He also sold me a seat, the oil pressure gauge and rev counter. This came to just over £500 back then.

Once I had the components I could start the build.

First off the wheels; I purchased the spokes and rims and laced and trued them up myself. Next up was the forks, these are standard K2 forks outside but with altered components. They are fitted with heavy springs and new damper units inside. The rear shocks are Koni dial a ride which are quite stiff, but that’s how I like it!

The brakes are standard K2 Callipers with Goodridge hoses and a gold Brembo master cylinder this gives a good strong stopping power, the rear is standard, I 16

drilled holes in the rear plate for looks and as a cooling system.

I tend not to use the back brake myself as the front stopping power is superb, I have locked the front up many a time.

Tyre wise I now run Avon AM23 these give you a good feeling both in the wet and dry. The fairing came from a friend, he had this in his garage for years but with no screen. I contacted Bill Roberts in Essex and took the fairing over to him to match up with a screen.

It was then he told me this was an original fairing from Acer Moice at Bartel Engineering and he has the rights for the screens. Bill dropped him a line and got the ok to sell me one.

The power plant It’s basically a CB750 outside, Yosh inside. It has been a strong unit for years and only let me down twice.

Once at Spa, the other time at Dunsfold when I took her just over 10,000 rpm in top gear. Each time the build cost came in at just over £1500 (ouch! I hear you say). Bear in mind the parts are like rocking horse poo.

The cylinder head was ported and gas flowed, I fitted standard 28mm Carbs flowed and larger jets were fitted to start with then I changed these to 32mm. I used CR Carbs, this gave me a better drive at higher rpm.

The exhaust is a proper RCB Honda race exhaust, giving great power output and sound. Now I have fitted the 4 into 4 exhaust the sound is fantastic, that September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

CLASSICS: CR750

tuned engine powering out of the open exhausts.

As for colour I looked around and chose a silver fairing and red tank and seat (yes I hear you say Mike Hailwood colour or 250/6). She looked great when she was done. The cost was just under two grand in all.

I have just finished build No.5, that one came in at over eight grand and is probably the best one I have done to date. One of my first outings was at Monthley in France, 10Km just past Paris. This was an old fantastic banked circuit, full of history.

I went there four years running until it was closed as the banking was breaking up. The event moved to Dijon deeper into France.

We also go to Spa Francorchamps (what can I say about this circuit apart from, ‘kin hell). In my mind it’s the best circuit in the world. I’ve have ridden there for eight years now. One year the organisers came to our pit (we had a endurance pit then) and asked if they could put the bike in the Saturday and Sunday parade, of course I said OK! All I was told was to be on the front grid at a said time.

We were alongside some of the world’s greats like Tommy Robb, Ago, Phil Read, then walking over to us was Jim Redman. He walked straight to me.

We spoke a little about the bike, I ltold him about the gears and the brakes then it was time to fire up and go.

The crowd was huge, it was as if the whole of Europe’s motorcycle eyes were on you, Jim rode her round (if you ever get the chance to hear you own bike go round a track, do it, as it will make you hair on the South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

back of your neck stand up). What a privilege it is for me to have someone like Jim Redman ride my bike.

There have been other stars that have ridden the CR, such as Paul Smart and Roger Hurst. And the late Ollie Bridewell.

Back in good old Blighty, I entered the Thudersprint in Cheshire a in a little town called Northwich. It now has 130,000 visitors in one day.

I took my bike, paid my entry fee, got all set up, then along came Frank Melling, the organiser asking me if I had a spare bike for someone to ride.

I offered the use of the CR, (I had a Moto Martin 900cc Endurance bike spare). Anyway this turned out to be Mr Ken Hutchinson from the USA (he is the Editor of Motorcycle USA).

The day started with the trial runs in the morning then we stop for lunch (a British thing) then the stars get introduced to the crowd. Jim Redman was the main star his but bike went missing (MV).

The crowd were getting restless and started a slow hand clap. I called Jim over and told him to ride round on the CR. This went down well with the crowd and Mr Melling. This was the start of a long relationship between Jim, Frank and myself.

Since that day Jim has ridden the CR in every Sprint.

The Sprint has had many stars over the years and one of my best memories was riding Ollie Bridewell’s bike, in return he wanted to ride the CR; R.I.P. Ollie.

Also the bike is ridden by Jim in Europe and at the Festival of 1000 bikes at Mallory. The CR750 has been in many papers shown all over England and Europe, been in books, on TV and also been in shows and won many trophies and cups. I’ve ridden her at circuits all over Europe and England we are working on taking her to New Zealand soon.

I’ve had my ups and downs over the years and I’m still going as strong today as when I first started. The CR does not look out of place on track. I recently rode her at Lydden Hill on a track day with South East Biker Magazine on Sat 21st April 2012. If you have never done a track day then you must try out SEB. They’re a very friendly bunch and so are the organisers.

Visit: www.CBracing.org.uk email Clive at: clivecb750r@aol.com 17

LEARN TO RIDE

The Third European Licencing Directive From January 19th 2013, the route to a motorcycle licence becomes more complicated and probably more expensive.

A1 (Standard) This can be taken on a machine between 115 and 125cc. If you are aged between 17 and 19 this will be your only option. Upon passing the A1 you will get a full licence to ride on motorways and take pillion passengers, but you will never be able to ride anything bigger than a 125cc machine that produces a maximum of 11 Kwh (14.6 Bhp) until you pass the next test (A2) when you reach a minimum age of 19 or two years after passing your A1 test.

A2 (Middleweight) The test and training must be taken on a machine of a minimum of 395cc that produces a maximum of 35 Kwh (46.6 Bhp). This can only be taken when you are at least 19 years old or two years after passing your A1. Upon passing you can ride any size of motorbike but the power is capped at 35 Kwh (46.6 Bhp) this will never increase!. The other “restriction” on this category, is the machine cannot be restricted to 35 Kwh if it produces more than 70 Kwh or 93.5 Bhp in standard trim.

D.A.S. (The Direct Access Scheme) This will still be available but the minimum age will rise from 21 to 24.

The bike engine size of at least 595cc and must produce at least 40 Kwh (54 Bhp). You must be at least 24 years old or can be taken two years after passing your A2. It is possible to obtain your A Licence at 21, ONLY IF you have already passed your A2 licence at 19.

18

September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

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19

16/02/2012 14:43

HEAD FIX

Helmet Hoo-Ha!

Replacing a visor shouldn’t be so difficult so why was it costing Terry ‘The Poisoner’ Dunn time and money replacing pods when a solution of his meant he kept his cash in his pocket

L

et’s get one thing straight, right from the off. I love my Arai. It’s the best crash helmet I’ve ever owned. Even only being able to afford the bottom of the range Condor model, it’s now pushing six years old and still every time I pull it off, my bonce comes out like a cork from a bottle. The padding is still firm and the fit is a snug as the first day it came out of the box.

BUT. I have one problem with it.

Now, the bulk of the problem I’m sure is me and my ham fisted approach to changing the visor, but I do think the Arai visor change system is fiddly and fragile.

The mechanism is hidden and the plastic retaining lugs molded on the inside of the side pods are too small, weak and brittle. I managed to separately break two pods, each time necessitating a £25 replacement pair. So I got my local bike shops Arai man to demonstrate how it’s done properly, was assured how easy it was and to be honest, he made it look like a doddle. I managed to break another pod; though having already bought two sets I did at least have a spare one ready this time.

Then I consulted with the Arai specialist on their stand at the NEC. He more comprehensively demonstrated how the visor change mechanism worked with the aid of special, transparent side pods. That was all well and good but by this time I was so worried about further breakages that when I was attending trackdays and the changing light conditions 20

meant a change of visor, I took to wandering around the paddock till I found a fellow Arai wearer.

(Not a problem there, Arai’s are popular lids.) Then I’d ask him to change visors for me, he making it look easy and me looking a bit of a spanner.

So I wrote to Arai Europe, in the Netherlands, my letter a half whinge-half apology about their hat and what I’d done with it.

Within a very few days a jiffy bag arrived with a nice letter, a pair of transparent side pods and a spare set of vent covers for my Condor, free of charge. Nice one Arai!

So, I then believed I was the only rider in the UK proudly displaying the inner workings of my Arai as I zoomed around the south coast area. I honestly thought I’d cracked the visor/pod conundrum then, being able to see where the visor pivot was, how the latching mechanism worked and how

everything fitted together. Then I broke one of my transparent pods.

Bugger!

At this point I realized it was either change to a different make of hat or come up with my own permanent fix to this problem.

So here it is.

I think it’s quite tidy, secures the side pods firmly to the helmet

September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

HEAD FIX

and can be adjusted to pull the pod in closer or let it out away from the hat till the ideal spacing is achieved. I don’t believe it affects the integrity of the hat either, being in effect just a longer extension of the screw that normally just holds the pod/visor retaining assembly to the side of the helmet.

Using the clear pod to see where the bolt hole aligned, I drilled the correct sized hole into the pod,

miked the overall depth and cut a plastic capped bolt to length then fitted the assembly to my Arai.

Hey-hey! By carefully screwing the bolt in the correct amount I now have pods which hold at the right spacing from the side of the helmet but cannot pop off with another expensive sounding ‘snap’, screwed as it is directly into the side of the helmet.

This repair/alteration has been in place for over a year now.

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

Using the clear pod as a template I drilled corresponding holes through the broken but now reusable side pods. Full paint pattern is restored. Brilliant, if I say so myself. This modification passed scrutineering at Phillip Island and Broadford race tracks in Australia and goes unnoticed during rideouts, so I am quite happy with the whole effort. I’m not sure if Mr Arai would be over pleased about my mod but, it’s my hat and my head.

The thing is though; remember me mentioning that my trusty Condor is nearly six years old?

Well, I’ve been looking to get a replacement for old faithful and guess what? They don’t make the Condor model anymore! The new bottom of the range model (read ‘in my price range’) is the Axces. On inspection, it doesn’t even come with a front vent and it still has the same visor change mechanism. So, do I really want to spend three hundred odd quid on a brand new crash helmet, then immediately start drilling holes in the sides of it?!

21

NEW GEAR

Furygan Duke Textile Trousers Time for some new textiles and this offering from Furygan is the next up in the range from the Preston trousers, so I thought they were worth a punt.

As we pointed out in a previous review, textiles need a fixed inner lining in order to meet the CE approval standards. In practice this means the trousers are bulkier than previous items. Is this going to be a problem for motorcycle gear aimed at “professional riders” who use them all year round for commuting, touring and leisure riding? Well,

the winter won’t be a problem, with the inner lining containing an aluminium layer, the Dukes are pretty cosy.

I wore them in the spring and found them particularly comfortable.

How would they measure up when summer kicked in and the temperatures rose?

Would the extra lining be an issue?

Well to be honest, it’s been hard to tell this year with the endless drizzle and thermometer barely creeping into double figures.

However when the sun comes out,

they are too hot! Basically. However in this country it makes them wearable for about 364 days a year.

One particular feature about Furygan kit is the styling, it’s spot on! The Duke trousers look great in my opinion, and are very comfortable. The hips have built in padding and there is d30 armour on the knee and hips. There is a pocket on the right thigh instead of the normal side jobs. This gives them a really stylish and practical finish. After all you don’t want your bike trousers stuffed with items.

The Furygan Duke trousers are indeed a great item for autumn to late spring. Just don’t wear them to Spain, in July!

Available from £189.95 from GetGeared, Helmet City and JW Groombridge.

TCX X-Tour Gore-Tex Boots My reliable pair of TCX Infinity boots have served me well all year round for three years but they had started to let the water in during our wonderful summer. To be fair, I had used them for motocross which wasn’t in their original job description. I need boots for everyday use, waterproof and comfortable both on and off the bike.

Step up the all new TCX X-Tour Gore-Tex Motorcycle Boots.

Apparently these include TCX’s legendary Comfort Fit System (CFS). The boots have a dual adjustment system that fits the calf on an individual

22

basis. They have been comfortable from day one, the Gore-Tex keeps them waterproof and they are warm without being too hot when the sun briefly appears thanks to the full grain leather. As with any modern motorcycle boot, the TXC have protection at the impact points and anti-slip soles. Overall a great product. Certainly a boot you could be comfortable and dry in all year round, with an excellent fitting system.

TCX X-Tour Boots are available from JW Groombridge, Helmet City, Haslemere Motorcycles and GetGeared. Expect to pay around £199.99.

Good value in my book!

September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

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

23

CHARITY

What’s happening at your local pub?

This lovely country pub has recently been taken over recently by Spencer, a biker, always a good sign! I met up with Freestyle Bikes there recently where they were running a demonstration evening of trial riding and cycling (including inside the pub). I thought it rude not to try the pint (I can recommend the Harveys) and curry deal and very tasty it was too! Spencer plans to run various bike related events throughout the year. Keep an eye out on Facebook and Twitter for future bike related events at the Best Beech.

SERV Kent We road tested the Husqvarna Nuda 900R earlier this and were mightily impressed. When we heard Freestyle were teaming up with SERV Kent to provide a bike, we thought that was a splendid idea. Jamie Burroughs, a Freestyle rider, is a big supporter and fundraiser for SERV and recently raised over £1000 towards the bike, some courtesy of you generous SEB readers. The Nuda bike with the SERV livery turns head and prompts questions, a great way to raise the profile of SERV. The Nuda is ideal for town work in particular and will be a real boon for the service.

24

September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

CHARITY What is SERV then?

We have featured this fine bunch of volunteers and their work before in SEB. Every night of the year these guys are on standby to deliver vital blood products across the country, at their own expense and on their own time.

SERV supplies a vital service for the NHS out of normal working hours.

And don’t forget the controllers, they all work as a team and we should be grateful for their contributions towards the service. You may not be able to become involved due to work or family commitments but they are plenty of fundraising opportunities that can help the whole operation.

For full information on what SERV gets up to and how you can help check out www.serv.org.uk, Freestyle can be found at www.freestylebikes.co.uk . Jamie Burroughs exploits can be followed at www.jb3.co.uk

The Best Beech Inn at Wadhurst

Best Beech Inn, Mayfield Lane,Wadhurst, Kent. TN5 6JH Telephone 01892 782046 www.facebook.com/best.beech twitter @TheBestBeech Wednesday is curry and a drink for £8-50, Thursday is Steak night and Friday is Fish & Chips and a drink for £8-50

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

25

OFF ROAD

TWO BOYS ON TWO TOYS A

The good folks at MXCP near Dover kindly offered a couple of Motocross places for two lucky South East Biker readers. Aaron 13, and Jack, 16, entered the competition and won, so have kindly sent in a write up and photos of their day.

aron’s mum Sam writes, ‘We arrived at MXCP at 12 noon ready for our session at 12.30, we were greeted by Ryan who issued the boys with their motocross clothing, gloves, boots and helmets, he was very thorough about ensuring that everything fitted correctly. Then there was a safety talk and some warm up exercises on the track before each of the boys were given their bikes, Aaron had a semi automatic and Jack had a geared bike as he has a moped, so has a little experience. Ryan and Angus were the instructors and explained all about the bikes, how they work etc.

They were happy to answer questions and were both patient and professional. There were five boys taking part in that session, each of them had individual tuition before being allowed to ride round the oval, moving on from the oval they then went onto a track with a few bends and slopes before progressing onto another more advanced track. It was great fun, they all really enjoyed it. We were very well looked after by Ryan, Angus and Rick. There is a small café so we had tea while we waited for the boys, the session ran till about 3pm which was ideal. Many thanks to all at MXCP and South East BIker Magazine for a great day out.’

Aaron wrote: ‘Hi SEB, I am back from an amazing time at MXCP in Dover.

When we got to MXCP we were fitted out with all of our motocross gear and got out on the track and started talking about how the bike works.

26

Then they show you how you ride a bike and then you had to run around the track so you know where the corners and the straights are.

We started on an oval to get used to the bike then we moved onto a bigger track which had some bends and some straights.

I was going up the inside of someone on a corner, we got on the straight and he clipped the side of me. Then I hit a rock and landed on the floor, the bike went up into the air and landed on my head! I walked over to the start finish straight to get onto a different bike. When the instructors thought we were ready we all moved onto an even bigger track with jumps as well as sloped bends. I took my brother with me and he really enjoyed it as well.’

MXCP Dover 01304 202244 mxcp@btopenworld.com www.mxcp.co.uk

September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

New SEB T-Shirts are now available!

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£11.99 inc.

P&P

A quality Fruit of the Loom product that you can wear with pride when out on your bike (or not). A pound from each sale will go to a local Air Ambulance fund.

To order log onto www.southeastbiker.co.uk or send a cheque for £11.99 to South East Biker, Wirral Acre, Eridge Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2SP. Please state which size you require and include delivery details. Available in black but if you want another colour, let us know and we will see what we can do.

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

27

BOOK REVIEW

Overland to Egypt Gordon May’s second book Overland to Egypt has just been published, and as I enjoyed his first offering, ‘Overland to India’ I was really looking forward to reading this one.

Now, I’m a great believer in the point that you can overland on anything; you just have to like riding it. But a 1952 BSA 125cc Bantam has to be the most unsuitable motorcycle to go overlanding on, ever, doesn’t it? Experienced traveller and author Sam Manicom reviews the story of the adventure.

T

his incredibly inspirational rollercoaster of a ride grabs you from the outset. In fact, anyone tempted to ride through Europe, and across the North African Arab countries of Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Jordan and Syria, should read this unique book first. With the Arab spring in full swing at the moment, no sane person should be attempting such a ride; it’s just too politically sensitive, but read on, the time will come…

From the start, this book shows off the very best of human nature and some of the finest aspects of motorcycling camaraderie. Besides that, I’d never anticipated how fascinating the world of classic motorcycles could be. Overland to Egypt gives you enticing glimpses into the history of British motorcycling, and manufacturing. The easy to absorb and very entertaining descriptions of the joys and challenges of dealing with this classic two-stroke motorcycle are inspiring. The story is packed with brilliant tips and ingenious modifications, both of which are enhanced by flashes of pure common sense and quirky solutions. You’ll soon see what I mean.

This is a story that abounds with the joy of travel on two wheels. It’s a tale of 28

endurance, innovation, and both positive and lateral thinking. At times you’ll wonder if the author is at all sane, but you’ll find yourself admiring both his philosophy, and his determination not to let him or his machine fail. You know, one of the things I really enjoyed about this book is the author’s honesty. He does make mistakes, but he’s never too proud to write about them. This gives us all the chance to learn.

Overland to Egypt is a powerful, easy-flowing read that’s dotted with historical facts – bikes, culture, and geography. It’s an enthralling mix that’s full of surprises and in fact, even the Epilogue carries just as powerful an effect as the meat of the tale.

Is a 1952 Bantam the most unsuitable motorcycle to go overlanding on? Read this book and make up your own mind.

Now, I wonder what I did with those maps of Africa…

Overland To Egypt: Paperback, £9.95 + £1.80p&p, ISBN 978-0-9561168-3-3; Hardback, £13.95 + £3.00p&p, ISBN 978-0-9561168-6-4 To buy and for more information please visit: www.overlandtoegypt.co.uk September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

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17/02/2012 14:39 29

MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP

FRONTLINE NEWS FROM THE MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP

Fighting on behalf of bikers

Long live the MoT? July 13th saw the EU Commission introduce yet another proposal, which it would appear, will effect motorcycling needlessly. It’s the new Road Worthiness Test (RWT) regulation, or, as MAG called it 18 months ago when it was first being discussed, the Super MoT. MAG’s Paddy Tyson writes…

Y

ou may think that the MoT is a good thing and for many people, especially car owners, it’s the only time they consider any element of their vehicle’s maintenance.

So why should MAG and all UK riders, be concerned?

Well for a start, if you are one of those touring riders who pull a trailer occasionally, you will have to register and MoT your trailer under the new proposal. Indeed, if you have a trailer for moving your bikes around, you’ll have to register and MoT that too.

The new MoT will also mean that brake fluid is checked for water content and boiling point and the linings and inside of a brake drum will have to be checked for oil contamination and scoring, which means wheels out. Can you see how the cost of a test is going to start climbing?

Then there’ll be noise tests to ensure your bike complies with the noise limits that were in force when your machine was first registered. This noise will be measured at slow and fast idle. Fast idle? Is your redline at 6 grand, or 16?

Along with noise, emissions will have to checked to make sure again, that your machine complies with its Certificate of Conformity, that is to say, its Type Approval as it was constructed. The proposed regulation is quite clear these and other checks are

30

necessary to ensure the bike is standard.

Of course there still isn’t any evidence that safety or emissions are adversely affected by an owner making modifications. We know this because MEPs and Government Ministers have failed to find any.

The European Ombudsman has said that the EU Commission should provide evidence and the Commission itself admitted it doesn’t have any, but this hasn’t stopped it pressing ahead with the Type Approval Regulation we’ve been fighting for two years, a part of which aims to stop you modifying your bike.

This new Super MoT will be an excellent way to police those anti-modification ideas.

So who’ll do the policing? Well in Britain at the moment, a fully qualified bike shop can provide you with an MoT, but the EU wants to stop that. It has decided that there can be no possible opportunity for foul play, so if you offer mechanical services, you will not be able to offer the new MoT, because you might be touting for work. The choice will be bike shop or MoT bay, not both.

There are a few inconsistencies though, which may not surprise you. If there is evidence that bikes without MoTs are dangerous and cause riders to kill themselves, why is there no discernible difference between countries that have a test and the 10 European countries that do not? And if that September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP

evidence is so profound, why in 2009 when the last Directive on RWT was passed, did it exempt all bikes in Europe from having to go for a test? Something terrible must have happened in the last couple of years.

The Commission also state in their justification for this proposal, that bikes become more decrepit and unsafe with every year. As soon as they turn 30 though, they’ll magically become perfectly safe and will no longer need a test. They’ll be exempt, like all emergency vehicles and armed forces vehicles, which must be inherently safe too, in the way all bikes were three years ago…

But of course it’s not an automatic exemption on your bike’s thirtieth birthday. You’ll have to prove that your bike is of ‘Historical Interest’ and to do that, you’ll demonstrate that its appearance has not changed in any way from its original construction.

That you have not improved the brakes or the wiring and that the engine hasn’t had a rebore or been altered from its original creation. Simple eh?

Or would it be easier if every modification was noted on the log-book, so that it would be clear your bike wasn’t absolutely standard and therefore should keep being tested?

It all looks like having a major impact on riders, not least because the proposal mentions a retest with every change of ownership and after an accident. It’ll certainly be a Super MoT. Negotiations are beginning now and if you chose to be a MAG member, you could really help. 01926 844064 www.mag-uk.org

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COMPENSATION

Dealing with Compensation Offers So, you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident, the other party accepted negligence and you’re about to go down the less awkward road to compensation. If you have a high value case, the insurance company of the third party may have the odd filthy legitimate trick. Biker Chris writes…

Y

our solicitors will at some point receive an offer of settlement, best case is it’s significantly under what your solicitors believe you’re case is worth. In this situation, they simply recommend refusal, trauma over, the fight goes on.

Worst case, the offer you receive is high and based on little evidence — it’s literally a figure dreamt up by the ‘other side’ to get you off their back and minimise their losses.

Now it gets tricky — the process is below (received from my Solicitors). This action has got you going against your own legal side / solicitors, because they may say that you should take it. If they say this, you are pretty much forced to accept, especially if you have no legal qualifications. As you probably used solicitors, because you don’t have the odd seven years to learn the law back to front, you’re NOT going to receive the compensation you deserve. If you go against your own solicitors advice and it then goes to court and the compensation awarded to you is LESS than the original offer, you will be liable for your own legal fees as well as the fees of ‘the other side’. Nice eh?

I don’t know how you feel, but this is disgusting and there should be a law that states any Settlement value is reinforced with enough evidence and be within 25% accurate of the true compensation owed. Of course that can be tricky, because some insurers play nasty so well, that you may be advised

Part 36: Offer to Settle

to restrict information/evidence given to the ‘other side’. Something that should NOT be a gamble, becomes one, you are completely at the mercy of your own Legal team.

How the system should work, is like this: You get injured; you recover to the fullest; and the correct compensation is awarded.

How it actually works: You get injured; you aren’t given the time to recover; you are forced to receive compensation that does not reflect your experience.

I hope for your sake that it doesn’t happen to you, but if it does, know that it’s not necessarily plain sailing just because the other side accept full liability.

With many thanks to bikerchris.co.uk. This article is purely opinions, thoughts and experiences of the author. Always seek professional legal advice such as Access Legal from Shoosmiths on pages 4-5.

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

33

FRIENDS ON FACEBOOK

Are you friends with us on Facebook:‘South East Biker Magazine’? In our new feature we ask you questions and we’ll publish your experiences.

We asked: Where’s the furthest you have been on your motorbike and was it for a reason?

Paul Pilfold: My current bike the ZX9 a round trip to Portsmouth (from Ebbsfleet area) because I was bored, but my FZR750 Genesis I took it all the way to Ben-Aut-Du (not sure of spelling) in Morocco on a Nick Sanders Tour with a few other bikers, was one hell of a ride. Would recommend the trip if you need time to get ur life back on track. My reason for going on such an old Heinz 57 of a bike was that my step dad built the bike out of lots of spare parts, and he was diagnosed with terminal cancer so my idea was to take the bike there and back, which it did with just 1 minor breakdown (dirt in carb) 10 min fix to all the other riders amazement. It’s one trip that will forever be in my mind. As we left Europe the Twin Towers were hit so it is and will always be a trip of many emotions.

Dean Cook: Hi Paul Pilfold, sounds like your step-father left a lovely legacy. Do you still have it? Any chance of uploading an image of the FZR750 ‘Heinz 57’ Very Limited Edition?

Paul Pilfold: Yes I still have it all though its been sitting in the shed for the last 4-5 years. It’s one of those things you will probably never use again but can’t bear to part with. She’s not a princess to look at but a joy to ride, those were my step dad’s words.

Paul Pilfold: I know I have some better pics of the bike in its various paint jobs, he had it purple and

Pauls’ FZR750 ‘Heinz 57’ Very Limited Edition?

yellow, then black with orange wheels, and I painted how it looks now the red ‘n’ white. I did purchase some original panels but have not had the heart to work on her, although she has been started recently. Not sure on the setting of the link to the pic but you might be able to see the rest of the pictures of the Trip. And Jimbo (my step-dad) was right, even with the tank bag and rear saddlebags she was a joy to ride.

Keith Drury: Back in the mideighties I had a honda CBX750.

I do not know why but one day I decided to go for a ride just to see how far I could get in one day. I set off from Faversham to Southampton then from

Southampton I carried on to Brixham in Devon I then cut across Devon to Bristol found the Severn bridge and rode across it to Wells.

I then got a bit lost and ended up at Builth Wells from where I managed to find Worcester and then the M5. From here I headed towards Birmingham and joined the M40 back to the M25 then the M26 M20 the A249 and then the M2 back home. I can’t remember the mileage – I think it was just over 700. I do remember that my backside was so sore that I didn’t sit on the bike for over a week. I did all this with out a map or a Sat Nav. Paul Pilfold: You can’t beat spur of the moment rides Keith Drury :) Did one yesterday with the wife, sister inlaw an her other half, left midday got back 7-ish, but now have decided the ZX9R has got to go :( 4-5 hours riding is too much for a pillion. lol. Anyone got a 800VN they want to swap? hehe...

Join us:

34

south east biker magazine

September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

SHORT EUROPEAN BREAK

Reaching for warmer climes So fed up with the wet weather in the UK, three guys decide to take five days out to hit the roads of Europe with the aim to reach the Stelvio Pass in Italy. SEB’s magazine designer Dean Cook along with his brother Phil and their friend Rick Heaps explore the roads of Europe…

W

ould you believe it. Rain, rain and more rain and we’re itching to get our bikes on the road for a few days camping.

Not being able to trust the weather in the UK, we decided we would take the bikes abroad with the aim to reach Italy’s Stelvio Pass. There’s bound to be good weather down there.

6.30am, Sunday 24th June, the morning of our departure from Shoreham-by-Sea to the Channel Tunnel and we’re slap bang under a heavy rain could.

This should pass soon…surely? Weathermen said ‘no’.

I met up with my brother Phil and our friend Rick. My brother and I both have KTM 990 SMTs – very verstaile machines whilst Rick’s bike is BMWs GS. We jump on to the A23 and head towards France.

The Channel Tunnel is probably the most convenient way to cross and get cracking to lose miles on the motorway through Belgium and Luxembourg. The rain still with us is heading the same direction and would be still with us at half four in the afternoon when we decided to give up for the day and dive into the IBIS hotel in Saarbrücken City. A welcome chance to dry off. Rick and Phil had all in one storm suit and were bone dry. My Held Hanuka jacket held up extremely well but my boots …well my feet would have been drier in a swimming pool.

The following morning the weather was dry. (Yes).

Let’s get cracking as 50 miles behind where we should be. With the weather clearing we made way towards the B500. Long sweeping 60mph bends, beautiful scenery.

What more could you ask for? We stopped to admire the view only to realise how popular the B500 actually is with more motorcyclists passing by than cars.

Heading towards mid-afternoon we reach Waldshut and purchase Swtizerland’s Motorway Vignette (about €30) before pointing our bikes towards Chapella. As we start to climb up through the Swiss Alps the weather quickly closes in and now hit the back end of the heavy rain we had the day before.

We decided to stop at another hotel to give us a

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

chance to dry out again but hotels were proving elusive.

Our prayers were soon answered. A small town with several hotels to choose from...oh hang on…they are all shut! Damn, out of season. What are we to do? It’s chucking it down and we’re miserable. No choice – just crack on. We hit Wolfgang Davos and a hotel open for skiers in the winter and bikers in the summer! Yes – they have room and a garage for the bikes. For €90 per person – who cares! We have a room, food, beer and breaksfast for the following morning.

On day three we make headway for the Stelvio Pass and with three hours in the saddle we reach Italy with smiles on our faces. We make way around to the base of the Pass and start to climb up 9000ft on the less-than-generous wide towards the top as we commit ourselves to its challenging 50 or so hairpin bends. See the video: http://youtu.be/ijzzuNnoGuw As we near the top we were greeted by Fern Hume – a single female rider from the UK attempting to reach… ‘New Zealand – are you mad Fern?’… oh and without support on her Suzuki DRZ400 on a budget of less than £8000. There’s me thinking our little five-dayer was an adverture. Please support her: www.fernsforays.com.

After a brief lunch at the top it was time to head west towards home. Mission accomplished. Still in Switzerland, we camped that evening on the edge of Lake Zug. On day four, coming up through France, we came across some fantastic roads. Get your bikes on the D431 from Cernay to find the D430, D417, D48 and D415 to Fraize. Rick, Phil and I all agreed that these French roads were far better than the B500 in Germany. We could quite happily spend a few of days riding around this region and have made note to go back there.

Couldn’t tell you where we camped on the last night as a spontaeneous decision but only realised the following morning we had to cover 500 miles to get home. This was a day of mile crunching on motorways. as temperatures reached 37ºC through Belgium. We finally arrived home about 7.30pm. Knackered but safe.

35

BMCRC, Round 7, Brands Hatch

BMCRC Round Up Words: James Sharpe, Photo: Racing Line Photography

Michelin BMCRC Minitwins / Rookie Minitwins Dan Couzens extended his championship lead at Brands Hatch, taking two wins and two seconds over the weekend.

Arguably the most competitive class at Bemsee provided some of the exciting racing it has become known for right from the off, as the front row were joined by Ashley Buxton in a five way fight for the lead in race one.

The race was red flagged after Buxton highsided his way down Paddock Hill.

The rerun was a four-lap sprint, which ended with just three thousandths of a second between first and second, as Couzens took his first win from Jones. Gilbert rode to an impressive third.

In race two Couzens was second, just over a tenth behind eventual winner King on the S&S Panelcraft SV650. Gilbert took his second podium finish in third.

Couzens took his second win of the weekend, with Tony Russo getting in on the act taking second.

Jones came through the field from the back of the grid to take third.

36

Jones would eventually get his win, as he bettered Couzens in race two.

Tony Russo again found his way onto the podium in third.

In the Rookie Minitwin classification, championship leader Karl Fitt took the win in race one.

Fitt also took the win in the second outing and extended his championship advantage. Russell Taylor and Paul Wheatley shared a second and a third each.

On Sunday, Buxton dealt with the wet and took his first win of the weekend in race one, nearly a second ahead of Fitt and Kieron Newman in third. The order remained the same in race two.

BMCRC Premier and Stock 600s / Rookie 600s Anthony Cooper put one hand on the Bemsee Premier 600 title, after taking all four wins at Brands Hatch.

David Heal, on the Littlewood Fencing Triumph 675 threatened to put a spanner in Cooper’s works early on, after qualifying on pole.

He maintained a challenge at the front, before going missing from

proceedings on the last lap.

Cooper took his first win from Stock 600 rider Stuart Wickens and Stock 600 championship leader Steve Murphy. Nick Hobden was the leading Clubman in ninth on the second Littlewood Fencing Triumph.

In race two Cooper and Wickens are first and second across the line again.

Dan Helyer put his Stock Yamaha R6 on the podium in third, as reigning 400 champion Steve Murphy fails to complete the first lap. Hobden again took the win in the Clubman class.

Sunday’s opener escaped the tricky conditions and the podium replicated the second race on Saturday.

In the final race, Cooper completed his dominance and made it look increasingly likely that he would take the 2012 Premier 600 Supersport crown, but he was chased all the way to the flag by second placed and leading Stock 600 Murphy.

Darren Jones was third across the line, while the leading Clubman rider was Rob Goodall on the Southern Classics Yamaha, who secured an excellent fourth place.

In the Rookie 600s Mike Richards and Ben Doolan took a win apiece on Saturday, Richards’ coming ahead of Doolan and Stuart Carter, and Doolan’s victory coming ahead of Carter and Christopher Beck.

On Sunday Beck secured a double win on his Suzuki GSX-R600.

In race one he bettered Richards and Doolan by nearly six seconds, and in race two he just edged Vaidas Gaurilcikas to the flag, with Doolan third.

EDI Asia Formula 400s Martin Edges Closer To 400 Title Colin Martin edged closer to the EDI Asia Formula 400 title, taking three wins from four over the weekend.

September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

BMCRC, Round 7, Brands Hatch In race one Martin checked out early on, riding to a comfortable victory, while behind, the scrap for the podium was on.

Camps, Gary Henning and Welsh were locked in an exciting battle for second, and after much position swapping, the ever-popular Welsh emerged at the front of that battle in the closing stages of the race to take second, head of Camps in third.

In race two Martin’s margin of victory was nearly five seconds, with Welsh again second, as Henning this time took the bottom step of the podium.

In Sunday’s opener there were eight non-finishers as Henning took the win from Phil Polden, while there was an excellent podium for Honda VFR400 rider James Caswell-Cox. Martin rediscovered his form in the final race, and took his third win of the weekend, ahead of Camps and Ben Palmer.

Tony Hoare seems to be on a roll after taking his first ever win in the DFDS Seaways Yamaha Past Masters at Cadwell Park, taking two wins and two seconds at Brands Hatch last weekend.

Hoare obtained his first ever podium finish at Cadwell with a third, before taking his first win. Since that third, he’s finished off the podium once.

However, his run of form may have come too late for the championship, which seems increasingly likely to go the way of twice former champion Pat Herron, who also took two wins and two seconds to extend his championship lead over Graham Higlett.

Higlett by contrast had a poor weekend, suffering overheating issues with his own bike. On a borrowed bike he managed a ninth in race one, but was back up the sharp end in race two, taking fourth. Steve King took two thirds.

On Sunday the conditions caught a number of riders out, with five riders crashing out in race one, including King. Herron strolled to victory ahead of Hoare and Simon Braby.

Hoare took his second win in race two, with Herron second and Andy Bown taking his first podium placed finish in third, after four riders went down in the tricky conditions.

Team Respro BMCRC Premier and Stock 1000s / Rookie 1000s Michael Neeves arrived at Brands Hatch with a 120-point advantage in the Team Respro Premier 1000 championship, and after a win, a second and a third, he looks set to take the championship come the end of September.

Barry Chapman qualified on pole on his BMW S1000RR, with Neeves second and Mark Lister third, while Dan Fowler was the fastest Stock 1000 to qualify South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

in fourth.

And it was Chapman who took the first win of the weekend in Saturday’s race, ahead of championship leader Neeves. Dan Fowler’s Honda CBR1000RR was the first Stock machine across the line in third, while Spencer Casely was the leading Clubman on his Jacasey Racing Yamaha R1 in 14th.

On Sunday, the conditions came in to play, and it was Kawasaki ZX-10R mounted Mark Parbury who came to the fore, taking the win by two seconds in race one, from Chapman and Neeves, as nine riders failed to finish.

James Edwards was the leading Stock 1000 in fifth and Lloyd Sutton Foster was the leading Clubman in 12th.

Neeves took his win in the final race of the weekend, ahead of Stock riders Ed Pead and Dan Fowler. Sutton Foster was again the leading Clubman in seventh.

In the Rookie 1000s, John Wilkinson took two wins on Saturday, the first ahead of Danny Campion and Michael Honey, the second ahead of Honey and Bryan Parish, as Campion failed to finish.

On Sunday Honey took victory in the rain in race one, ahead of Mark Fincham and Parish, before Parish took his third win of the season in race two, ahead Honey and Fincham.

Bumpstop BMCRC Thunderbikes Chris Matthews and Steve Palmer took two wins apiece in the Bumpstop Thunderbike races.

Matthews on his GSX-R750 took his two wins on Saturday, the first ahead of Martin Cooper and Palmer, the second ahead of Palmer and Ben Mills, before Palmer excelled in the wet on Sunday, notching his two victories, both ahead of Seb Kelly and Ben Mills.

Championship leader Adam Nelson could only muster a best finish of fifth.

Bonham’s British Historic GP Glen English took two wins, a second and a fourth at Brands Hatch in the Bonhams British Historic GP on his Matchless 500.

English took two wins on Saturday, with Andrew Taylor and Michael Russell taking a win apiece on Sunday.

Two-Stroke GP Classics Alex Symon took all the wins available in the TwoStroke GP Classic series, with the final race of the weekend cancelled.

Symon was dominant on his Suzuki RG500, his biggest margin of victory nearly 40 seconds on a grid filled with eligible Yamaha Past Masters machines.

37

SEB TRACK DAYS What do our members think?

Brian “Thank you so much SEB for such a fantastic day. Our group had a great time and we’re already booked for the next three.”

Gary (Novice Rider) “Ken, the instructor, helped me to ride a better lap and I really enjoyed my day with SEB. I will be back ” Dave (Intermediate rider) “Fantastic day out was good thanks to all of you for making it such a good day for us all. Well done!”

Look out guys, here comes Lloyd he’s behind you.

Photography by: www.fastframephotography.co.uk

Get on Track with SEB Gary a hero who rode 65 miles, rode every session and rode another 65 miles home. SEB’s hero of the day!

S

Tom Looking professional and very cool with a big smile behind the dark visor.

outh East Biker’s track day at Lydden Hill circuit in Kent caters for all abilities. The great value track day is ONLY £90.

We offer a great day on an amazing circuit, with a fun, friendly group of riders. If you’re less experienced on track, Lydden is a brilliant place to start your track day career. For seasoned track riders Lydden can test the best of them. Why not make the most of our great British Summer and get on track with South East Biker?

SEB’s track day is not just about what you do on track, it’s a social occasion too. Here are just a few things we can offer on our South East Biker’s track day experience.

Spaces are available in Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and the SEB mixed group at the discounted price of just £90, only available with SEB.

38

Former SEB’s editor Pete gets help from Ken, SEB’s instructor.

What do you get from The South East Biker Club Membership?

• VIP registration so no need to queue.

• Discounted rate is excellent value for money at only £90.

• It’s a friendly, social event, ideal for novices and experts alike.

• Our own instructor on hand for a one to one session .

• Instructor has on-board cameras to film you on track and then a de-brief after which can improve your track day experience.

• Your own unique DVD of your session for only £10, incl p+p.

• SEB’s own Photographer who concentrates specifically on club members.

• We supply Free drinks, snacks and shelter from the British weather.

Dave getting his leg down, whatever works Dave!

• FREE goodie bag, includes stickers, vouchers and much more.

• On hand Free advice to help set up your bike ready for the track.

• Purchasing a SEB track day experience gives you free membership to the SEB Club.

We know you will have a great time so book now and join in with the fun but you don’t have to believe us, why not hear from some our SEB club members.

You don’t have to own a sports bike to go on track, all makes and styles of bikes are suitable, just check out the great pictures from our last track day.

SEB track day date is the 22nd September. Book now to avoid disappointment as space is limited already. Call Debbie on 01892 610808 or debbie@ southeastbiker.co.uk

September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

PRODUCT REVIEW

WIN a signed copy of ‘Bonjour!

Is this Italy?’by Kevin Turner

M

any of us love reading of motorcycle adventures in far flung places that we will probably never visit, let alone ride to.

These are fascinating and inspiring tales by those brave souls who have given up their material possessions and gone for it, from Ted Simon to our friend Sam Manicom. However the vast majority of us can only realistically aspire to the odd European jaunt on our annual holiday.

Kevin Turner’s trip around Europe is an adventure within reach of most of us. It doesn’t take too much planning, you are normally within reach of fuel, mechanical help and comfortable accommodation.

However, there is still a sense of adventure; strange languages, foreign food, roads we have never ridden before. Kevin and his trusty SV650 escape the confines of Camberwell and set off on a month long, 4000 mile trip around uncharted (to him at least) mainland Europe. With only a vague idea of where he wants to visit, Kevin charts his trip in his own unique style and provides an insight into the highs and lows of travelling

on the continent.

From Le Mans to Spa, Kevin weaves his way around the continent’s points of interest, biking related and otherwise.

As with all biking books, the best bits are when things don’t go to plan and the author’s observations. Splendid stuff!!

Bonjour! Is This Italy? is published

by Veloce Publishing Ltd. ISBN: 978 1 845843 99 1. For information call Veloce on 01305 260068 or visit: www.veloce.co.uk To win a signed copy of this absorbing book, simply answer the following question. What is the town in France that hosts the famous 24 hour race?

Enter via email to info@southeastbiker.co.uk with your contact details or post the answer to Wirral Acre, Eridge Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2SP Closing date 31st October.

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

39

South East Biker Events SEPTEMBER EVENTS

1 Sept

Speedway, Eastbourne Eag;les

8 Sept

Brighton Speed Trials

8 Sept 9 Sept

10 Sept

v Belle Vue

Carole Nash Eurojumble,

Netley Marsh, Southampton Ace Brighton Burn Up

Speedway, Lakeside Hammers v Coventry

16 Sept

Motocross & Beachcross -

22 Sept

South East Biker Trackday,

22 Sept

Kempton Park bikejumble

Sidcup & DMCC Ltd

Lydden Hill

23 Sept

Trials - Sutton Falcons MC

23 Sept

Romney Marsh Bikejumble,

23 Sept

30 Sept

Enduro - Sudbury MCC Ltd Ham Street

Trials - Farnham MCC

OCTOBER EVENTS

06 Oct

Cooper BMW Open Day

07 Oct

Motocross & Beachcross -

14 Oct

The South of England Real

14 Oct

Brightona 2012

14 Oct

BSB Brands Hatch

21 Oct

Trials - Basingstoke MCC

21 Oct

Enduro - Portsmouth Motor

28 Oct

Trials - Southampton &

28 Oct

Trials - Basingstoke MCC

Tunbridge Wells

Sidcup & DMCC Ltd

Classic Show, Ardingly

Cycle Racing Club Ltd

District MCC

Please note: we cannot be held responsible for the information provided on this page. Much of it is provided independently. We suggest you check details with the organisers before making commitments. Further details and contacts for some of these events can be found at www.southeastbiker.co.uk.

For South East Biker Track Days contact: debbie@southeastbiker.co.uk

If you have an event you would like listed then email: nick@southeastbiker.co.uk.

September/October entries to be in by 5th October 2012. Entries are limited to first come first in.

JOIN US FROM 7PM EVERY WEDNESDAY THE HARROW INN, KENT

NEW FOR 2014: PERU TO BRAZIL

• Reguylar Bike & Car Meets • • Hot Food • Sunday Roasts • • Relaxed Atmosphere • Clubs Welcome •

HOMEMADE FRESH COOKED FOOD AND A GREAT SELECTION OF BEERS

The Harrow Inn, Harrow Road, Knockholt, Kent. TN14 7JT Telephone: 01959 532168 or visit: www.theharrowinnknockholt.co.uk

ALL RIDERS WELCOME

The Harrow In 0512 QP.indd 1

CALL 01424 838618 NOW BECAUSE LIFE IS TOO SHORT

Visit: www.perumotorcycling.com or email: info@perumotorcycling.com

The South East’s No.1

23/04/2012 Adventure 14:42 Peru QPV 0512.indd 1

18/06/2012 10:34

re meaeg!

F bik

IF YOU HAVE JUST READ THIS… THEN SO HAVE YOUR CUSTOMERS

Why not advertise your Company in the South East’s No 1 FREE magazine for bikers?

Maximize your company’s full potential by promoting it in South East Biker Magazine and make sure your company’s name reaches the customers you need.

SEB has a readership of around 20,000 in the height of summer. SEB also has an active website, Facebook Group and Twitter to keep our readers in touch with what’s going on around the South East. With a fully readable edition online our readership is worldwide.

Whatever your budget we can provide a solution; from a business card box to the prestigious cover ads, we are here to help you.

Call Debbie Tunstill today on 01892 610808 or email debbie@southeastbiker.co.uk South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

41

BIKER BREAKING POINTS

SOUTH EAST BIKER BREAKING POINTS

Here is your quick guide to biker resting points throughout our region.

If you wish to advertise your business here to 1000s of bikers then call Debbie on 01892 610808 or email: debbie@southeastbiker.co.uk

Ryka’s Café

Kent Motorcycles H’s Café

Mickleham , Box Hill, Dorking, Su rrey. RH5 6B Y Tel: 01306 88 4454

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

Rykas Café – the South Ea st’s motorbike rid ers institutio n. www..boxhi ll.co.uk

Opening hours: Mon - Fri, 7:30am - 3:30pm Sat 7:30am - 5pm 8am to 4pm Sun il 9.30pm Wed is Bike night open unt

The Bell Inn

The Pied B ull

Outwood, RH1 5PN

High Stree t Farningha m Kent. DA4 0DG Tel: 01322 862125 Bike

s welcome, good food and good company.

Loomies Café West Meon, GU32 1JX

Statio

Station Road, n Café Alton, GU Tel: 01420 8220 34 2PZ 5 Op ening Mon-Sat 6:30am- hours: 3p Late night: Sta m. Closed Sun. rts en Wednesdays 5p d March Take away servi m-9pm.

Try one of our ce available. great money quality value for meals.

Oakdene Cafê Wrotham, TN15 7RR

Wessons Café

High Street, Horam, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 0ER Tel: 01435 813999

Home of the MAMA Burger Eat In or Takeaway Welcome Now Open 7 Days A Week Mon-Fri 7am To 4pm Sat & Sun 9am To 4pm (Inc, Bank Hols)

ays Whitew é f a C Hill, ry (A29) Bu FD BN18 9

42

The Harrow Inn

Harrow Road, Knockholt, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 7JT

Six Bells

Chiddingly, BN8 6HT

Tel: 01959-532168 Extensive menu, great value with stylish restaurant.

Wednesday is Bike night with special events.

September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

SOMETHING SPECIAL

A bike NOT TO FORGET We came across this splendid machine at the ride from Ebbsfleet in aid of the Afghan Heroes campaign. We were sent the story behind and feel it is a fitting tribute to all those who have served and are currently serving our country. By Nigel Hunt.

I

served 23 years in the Grenadier Guards, hence the road name Tick Tock. The idea behind the paint job was to turn the bike into my own act of remembrance. I found a man by the name of Stewart at Bike Art, a gentleman and a perfectionist. I gave him lots of bits of paper and ideas, all he said was “I can do that”. He changed a few things for the better and what you see is what I got back.

Front Mudguard: Is the full title of the regiment and one of the 3 cap badges used set on a household division patch and a poem from remembrance with poppies.

Tank: Each side of the tank is the regimental picture called “The Roll Call” by Lady Butler and the top of the South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

tank is from an old postcard.

Right Side Panel: Are the names of the 13 recipients of the Victoria Cross.

Left Side Panel: Is the name of the recipient of the George Cross.

Rear Mudguard: List of the 10 wars that the Regiment has been involved in plus poppies.

Front Screen: Not Forgotten.

The Air filter Cover: Have the names of the fallen from the troubles in Northern Ireland and Afghanistan.

Brake fluid Cover: Regimental cypher and a colour sergeant cap badge.

As long as people look at the bike and remember the fallen it’s worked. The message is as painted on the bike , “NOT FORGOTTEN”.

43

TRADE SERVICES

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

New demo bikes available to try.

Sales, Servicing, Clothing and parts.

Haslemere Motorcycles

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

Kent Motorcycles

Dover Road (A2), CT4 6SA Tel: 01227 832601 Everything Honda, New demo’s available to test ride, CBF 125, CBR 250 and VFR. MOT’s, Servicing, Clothing and Accessories.

USED BIKES J. S. Gedge (Triumph)

10 Silchester Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex. TN38 0JB Tel: 01424 423520

Triumph bikes, quality used bikes and clothing to cope with all weather.

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

INTA Motorcycles

99-107 Upper Stone Street, Maidstone. Kent. ME15 6HE Tel: 01622 688727 or 01622 765791 Email: intabikes@btconnect.com We specialise in quality used motorcycles and are Kent’s leading motorcycle trials specialists.

44

JAM Sport Motorcycles

The Biker Store

43 The Street, Wrecclesham

Unit 2, Systems House,

Farnham, Surrey. GU10 4QS

Eastbourne Road (A22),

Tel: 01252 718606

Blindly Heath,

SALES, SERVICE, REPAIRS,

Surrey, RH7 6JD

SPARE PARTS and MOT’S Stockists in Enduro, Trials, MotorX and quality used bikes

Phoenix Motorcycles

3a Beeching Road, Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex TN39 3LG Tel: 01424 225224 Quality used bikes available, MOT’s, Servicing, Parts and Accessories

SERVICING BP Bikes

Tel: 01342 458171 Wide range of helmets, clothing and accessories.

Come down and see our large showroom.

TRAINING BikeSmart Next to Haywards Heath station Tel: 01444 446919

7 High Street, Orpington Kent. BR6 0JE 01689 836679

CBT, DAS, ERS with bike and kit hire available. We are an established training centre that can take you from CBT to advanced training.

Kingston Motorcycle Centre

MTS SUSSEX Motorcycle Training for Sussex, Surrey and Kent

Servicing, MOT’s, Race-Track Prep and repairs.

• Taster Sessions • CBT • A2/DAS • • ERS • Advanced • Back to Biking • • Free Assessments • Ladies Only Days •

Fastlane Motorcycles

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

Service and repair to all bikes Bike sales and accessories

Tel: 0208 549 5335

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

CLOTHING GetGeared 290 Kingston Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7QE Tel: 01372 225100

MISCELLANEOUS Shoosmiths

Tel: 03700 868788 enquiries@shoosmiths.co.uk Free legal advice

Viking Motorcycle Seats

Everything you need under

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

one roof or check out our

Seat modifications, Gel pads,

extensive website.

re-covering and embroidery

www.getgeared.co.uk

www.vikingmotorcycleseats.co.uk

September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

CLUBS Club

Website

Contact

69 Motorcycle Club, Dover

www.69motorcycleclub.org

01304 820181

Associated Sheppey Bikers

www.theasb.orangehome.co.uk

01795 870533

Black Phoenix RC, Sittingbourne

www.blackphoenixrc.co.uk

Brighton Easyriders

07743 427227 www.facebook.com/ brightoneasyriders

BSA Owner’s Club

www.brighton-easyriders.co.uk www.horizonsunlimited.com/ country/uk/brighton www.westsussexbsa.co.uk

Burgess Hill & Distrct Motorcycle Club

www.burgesshillmc.com

Carshalton Motorcycle Club

www.carshaltonmcc.com

020 8642 0964

Chimaeras MCC

chimaeras@hotmail.co.uk

Deal & District MCC

www.chimaeras.org.uk www.bike.org.uk/cma/ sw_london.php www.ddmcc.ocatch.com

Eastbourne and District MCC (Trials)

www.edmcc.co.uk

07733 050537

East Kent Advanced Motorcyclists

www.ekam.org.uk

07092 857898

East Sussex Advanced Motorcyclists

www.es-am.org.uk

01323 849073

Friends & Bikers MC

www.friends-and-bikers.co.uk

01634 245349

GEST Hastings MCC

www.gesthastingsmcc.co.uk

Gravesend MC

www.gravesendmcc.com

Brighton Overland Travellers

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Greenwich Motor & MCC

07871 960603

07740 341042 01322 222197

Guildford Motorcycle Club

www.guildfordmcc.org.uk

Honda Owners Club, Kent Branch

wwwhockent.org.uk

Huntsman Motor Cycle Club

www.huntsmanmcc.telinco.co.uk

Invicta Bike Club

www.invictabikeclub.co.uk

Kent Advanced Motorcyclists Group

www.kamg.org.uk

0844 585 7792

London Advanced Motorcyclists Group

www.l-a-m.org

07000 781 103

London Fire Brigade MCC

07774 422430 01322 400775 kent@hoc.org.uk

07931 627213

MAG - Motocycle Action Group (Brighton)

www.brighton.mag-uk.org

Merry Axemen The White Rock Underriver

www.merryaxemen.co.uk

Mid-Sussex British Motorcycle Club

www.msbmc.co.uk

New Life Bikers - Biggin Hill

www.newlifebh.org.uk

01959 571667

Reigate & Redhill North Downs MC

www.rrnd.co.uk

07793 659176

ROSPA Southern Advanced Motorcycle Training

www.rospasmart.com

Royal British Legion Riders Branch (RBLR)

www.rblr.co.uk

Sidcup & District Motorcycle Club

www.sidcupmotorcycleclub.co.uk

South East BMW

www.southeastbmw.com

The Half Moon Bike Club, Half Moon Inn, Cade Street, Heathfield Tonbridge & Malling MC Triumph Owners MCC Mighty South London Tsunami Riders MCC UFO’s MCC West Sussex Advanced Motorcyclists Wey Valley Advanced Motorcyclists (WVAM) Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Ass., S E Chapter

07780 704357

01634 241215 halfmoonersbikeclub@ yahoo.co.uk

www.tmmcc.co.uk www.tomccmsl.co.uk www.tsunamiriders.org.uk www.ufos-mcc.com www.wsam.info www.wvam.org.uk www.widowsons-south-east.com

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

doddiekent@hotmail.com

07870 373087

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SEB PICK UP POINTS BERKSHIRE BASINGSTOKE Mott Motorcycles ...........................RG23 7LL BRACKNELL Bahnstomer BMW Thms. Vlly.... RG12 0SH TriCounty Motorcycles............... RG12 1NQ READING Blade Honda Reading . ..................RG2 0QX SLOUGH Sid Morams Motorcycles . .............SL1 1UA

DORSET BOURNEMOUTH Crescent Motorcycles......................BH8 9RT VERWOOD Crescent Motorcycles HQ........... BH31 6AX

EAST SUSSEX BEXHILL-ON-SEA Top Gear Superstore/ Phoenix Motorcycles.....................TN39 3LG BRIGHTON Chandler’s BMW............................. BN41 1YH CHIDDINGLY The Six Bells........................................BN8 6HT CROWBOROUGH ASF Tyres............................................... TN6 3JZ John Harris Motorcycles..................TN6 1JS HASTINGS J. S. Gedge (Honda)........................TN35 5BB HEATHFIELD JW Groombridge........................... TN21 0SP HORAM Wessons Café................................... TN21 0ER MARK CROSS FreeStyle...............................................TN6 3PD PEVENSEY J.S. Gedge (Honda).........................TN24 6EX LEONARDS-ON-SEA J. S. Gedge (Triumph).....................TN38 0JB

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ESSEX BRADWELL Essex Bikers Centre.......................CM77 8EB BRAINTREE Cannon BMW Motorcycles..........CM7 3QS CHELMSFORD Essex Honda .....................................CM2 9QP COLCHESTER Colchester Kawasaki......................... C02 8JB DAGENHAM Sudden Impact . .............................. RM8 1ST FINCHINGFIELD The Three Tuns Pub .......................CM7 4NR LEIGH-ON-SEA Alpha Motorcycles .......................... SS9 3NF

HAMPSHIRE ALDERSHOT Gordon Farley Motorcycles........GU12 6LF ALTON Bahnstomer Alton..........................GU34 3DJ The Station Café / M. Snell ........ GU34 2PZ BORDON Haselmere Motorcycles..............GU35 9AR FAREHAM Destination Triumph................... PO16 0HD FARNBOROUGH Infinity Motorcycles . .................. GU14 6HG SOUTHAMPTON Crescent Motorcycles................. SO50 6AA Infinity Motorcycles . ....................SO31 8ER WEST MEON Loomies Café....................................GU32 1JX WINCHESTER Alan Lear Motorcycles................SO23 7DW

KENT ASH Viking Motorcycle Seats ............ TN15 7HJ BROMLEY The Warren...........................................BR2 7AL CANTERBURY Kent Motorcycles...............................CT4 6SA Robinsons Foundry Motorcycles....................................... CT2 7QG

CHATHAM Bowen Moto...................................... ME4 5AB DEAL The Adelaide Farm Café............... CT17 0AT DOVER Coombe Valley Motorcycles......CT17 0HG EDENBRIDGE Red Dog Motorcycles......................TN8 5AY FARNINGHAM The Pied Bull......................................DA4 0DG MAIDSTONE Laguna Motorcycles . ..................ME16 8RA Inta Motorcycles............................ME15 6HE RAMSGATE Dave Fox Motorcycles................... CT11 8PJ SEVENOAKS The Harrow Inn.................................TN14 7JT TONBRIDGE Fastlane Motorcycles......................TN9 2AH TUNBRIDGE WELLS Breakaway Motorcycles..................TN1 2RF Cooper BMW Motorrad.................. TN2 3UE WROTHAM Oakdene Café...................................TN15 7RR

LONDON CLAPHAM Infinity Motorcycles...........................W4 5YT GREAT PORTLAND STREET Infinity Motorcycles...................... W1W 5PG HANGER LANE Infinity Motorcycles........................... W5 1ET HIGH HOLBORN Infinity Motorcycles....................WC1V 6PW KINGS ROAD Warrs Harley Davidson.......................... SW6 LEYTONSTONE Double R Motorcycles...................... E11 4JT MOTTINGHAM Warrs Harley Davidson..................SE9 4QW

MIDDLESEX MIDDLESEX West London Yamaha.................TW13 6HD RUISLIP Daytona Motorcycles...................... HA4 8PT

SURREY

BLINDLEY HEATH The Biker Store/ Motorcycle Centre..............................RH7 6JJ BOXHILL Rykas Café........................................... RH5 6BX COULSDON Doble Motorcycles...........................CR5 2NG DORKING Beaky’s Motorcycles.......................RH5 4QU GUILDFORD Destination Triumph....................... GU5 0JA Harley Davidson...............................GU3 1NA LEATHERHEAD GetGeared.........................................KT22 7QE KINGSTON Kingston Motorcycles Centre.......KT1 3LG REDHILL Fins Motorcycles................................RH1 6ET SURBITON Tippets Motorcycles....................... KT6 7AW WOKING Woking Yamaha.............................. GU21 6LJ WRECCLESHAM JAM Sport.........................................GU10 4QS

WEST SUSSEX

ARUNDEL Whiteways Café.............................. BN18 9FD COWFOLD Chalet Café.......................................RH13 8DU CRAWLEY P & H Motorcycles......................... RH10 9RD HAYWARDS HEATH Bike Smart........................................RH16 1DN HORSHAM New Street Motorcycles...............RH13 5DT WASHINGTON Destination Triumph..................... RH20 4AJ WORTHING Keys Bros Motorcycles.................BN11 1UG If you would like your company to be an official distributor of seb or you would like to suggest a trader to distribute the magazine, please contact Debbie on 01892 610808 or email: debbie@southeastbiker.co.uk

September-October 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

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