NW HONDA BIKES • ISSUE 17 • MAR 2016
nW honda bikes MONTH
MAR
ISSUE
17
FORECAST
Springtime soon!
MOTO GP STARTS!
20TH
SOCIAL
CONTACT DEALER
20.03.16
IT’S BACK
THANK MOTOGP FOR THAT
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ITS BACK (SOON)!
The 2016 MotoGP season starts
THE MAN BEHIND THE MAGIC Interview with Neil Tuxworth
ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND? Honda Adventure Centre now open
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OUT AND ABOUT IN 2016
A fantastic calendar of Honda events!
CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP
CBR1000RR FIREBLADE SP Less Weight, More Power. Massive Potential
BUSY AT NORTON WAY Awards, Conferences and more
CHECK OUT OUR LATEST UPDATES AND INFORMATION ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
NW HONDA BIKES • ISSUE 17 • MAR 2016
GUESS WHO'S
The team of Marquez and Pedrosa launched the 2016 bike in Indonesia. The new RC213V, will look to bring the team victory in 2016 MotoGP World Championship. The bike, was initially introduced at the start of the 2012 season, and featuring a modified chassis it has been adapted to suit the new Michelin tyres and electronics package. Honda collected three successive Teams’ titles with the RC213V between 2012 and 2014, but missed out in 2015 as Yamaha returned to the top of the standings. The RC213Vs will also be used by LCR’s Cal Crutchlow and Marc VDS duo Jack Miller and Tito Rabat. Marc Marquez, who is one of only four riders to have won world championships in three different categories, is confident of success in 2016. Marquez set pulses racing back in 2013 when he became the youngest ever rider to win the MotoGP championship and the first person since Kenny Roberts in 1978 to do it in their first season. He then followed that success in 2014 but missed out last year due to some reliability issues in the early part of 2015. Marquez believes
We are excited that MotoGP is back in March, with the season starting at the Losail International Circuit for the Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar. The duo of Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa return for Repsol Honda and look at regaining the form that saw them claim both Riders and Constructors championships in 2014.
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NW HONDA BIKES • ISSUE 17 • MAR 2016
BACK? success will come in 2016 saying “I’m confident the HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) engineers and my team will come up with more improvements as we get used to the new software”. This optimism is shared by Honda Executive Vice President Shuhei Nakamoto, who commented “We are working on our new engine but I believe our engineers will be able to give Dani and Marc a good machine to fight for the championship.” Dani Pedrosa who has spent his entire career with Repsol Honda believes he is in good shape for the 2016 season and is looking forward to the season ahead. He commentated that the pre-testing schedule puts everyone in a great position: “I’m happy this year we are testing at three different circuits in such different weather and track conditions; I think it will be very useful to help us to better understand the new engine, electronics and tyres.” Norton Way Honda would like to wish Repsol Honda riders Marc and Dani the best of luck in 2016 in bringing the Championship title back to Honda’s hands. You can give yourself a taste of the MotoGP action with the amazing range of super sport bikes at Norton Way Honda. All offer you the fine balance between incredible engine performance and lightweight, pinpoint chassis that’s exhilarating on the road and the track.
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CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE ONLINE
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thi orMag uxndwThe NTheeilManTBehi NW HONDA BIKES • ISSUE 17 • MAR 2016
nyone who has an interest in Motorcycle racing is sure to know who Neil Tuxworth is! He is the man behind Honda Racings success for well over two decades. So what separates Tuxworth from many of his counterparts, well he has had an impressive career on the rider’s seat too. Norton Way Honda are proud to give you an insight into Tuxworth, ahead of another racing season, thanks to MSL Magazine.
Neil’s love for motorcycle racing started back in 1959, by visiting Cadwell Park. He would find himself cycling to the circuit to watch big names like Phil Read and Bill Ivy do battle. At the age of 14, he started to volunteer at the track to help marshal, by working the flags, clearing up litter and doing whatever he could do to help. His interest continued to grow, resulting in buying his first set of leathers and helmet. This was the start of his racing career, in his first year of competing he won 80 races at Cadwell Park, resulting in winning a few championships and getting sponsored. His racing career began to take off winning National, British and International events at the Lincolnshire track, before stepping up to GP racing abroad. Neil did a lot of racing in his career, riding a total of 66 TT races, with his best result being a second place finish. The vast range of racing for Neil include grass-track racing, sidecar racing, sand racing and ice-track racing, he really did a bit of everything.
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TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW, CLICK HERE
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NW HONDA BIKES • ISSUE 17 • MAR 2016
“To win you need a good motorcycle, a good team and a good rider. Without all three you’ll never perform to you potential. ” - Neil Tuxworth, Honda Racing
Neil Tuxworth leads Steve Wright start 350 Race Olivers Mount 1981
So what’s changed from racing in the 70s to today? Well much more money is now involved; it is also more recognised and acceptable than it used to be. Back in the 70s if you had a caravan you were considered to live a very luxurious life and many mechanics at the GP weren’t even getting paid. Nowadays there are so many more boundaries and places were people can’t go. This means there is less access for the spectators. Neil tries to counter this by insisting all of his team members have good banners and interact with the fans. Neil started working for Honda in 1989, working from Chiswick which is now our
Partner dealership! After being there for six months, he and the rest of Honda racing moved to Louth in Lincolnshire. In 1999, Honda upgraded the site by building a purpose built structure, incorporating designs and input from the whole team. From the guidance of Neil his team has managed to achieve three world superbike titles, four BSB titles, 63 TT race wins and numerous superstock & supersport championships. So what is his key to success? Neil believes to win you need a good motorcycle, a good team and a good rider. Without all three you’ll never perform to you potential. His teams incorporate these three by 5
priding themselves on great team ethics, picking riders carefully and then finally knowing Honda make fantastic motorcycles. Neil believes you can make a good person into a good mechanic, but you can’t make a good mechanic into a good person. This is key to his success, and making sure the right people are on board. Not all of his team come from a racing background, an example of this is his engine builder used to work in a bike dealership. He highlights Motorcycle experience is being more important, as you can learn the racing scene.
Honda Adventure Centre Now NW HONDA BIKES • ISSUE 17 • MAR 2016
Honda has opened a place to discover adventure riding! The new Adventure centre offers expert tuition from experienced Honda instructors, as well as the opportunity to test ride the entire adventure bike range.
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NW HONDA BIKES • ISSUE 17 • MAR 2016
TO READ THE ARTICLE ONLINE, CLICK HERE
exclusive discount offer We are proud to announce that we will be offering an exclusive discount at the Adventure Centre for anyone that purchases an Adventure Bike with Norton Way Honda. Contact our Sales Team for more information The courses are over two days, and you will be taught skills such as finding the balance of your bike, downhill turns, advanced riding positions, technical hill climbs and more. The course is available on 3 different levels. Level One- For road riders who have not ridden adventure bike or have very little off road experience. Level TwoFor road riders who have ridden off-road before or used to riding adventure bikes. Level ThreeFor experienced riders who have taken part in Level Two and want to put their skills to the test in a more advanced and technical day. (All riders must be 21 years of age or over and hold a full and valid UK motorcycle licence).
The Honda Adventure Centre is set in South Wales, the heart of some of the very best Adventure motorcycling terrain in the UK. The area provides endless trails with spectacular, scenic views along the way. The centre has been built to satisfy all riders from novice to experienced, and is big enough to stretch the largest fuel tank to and beyond its limit.
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Honda: out and NW HONDA BIKES • ISSUE 17 • MAR 2016
This year Honda is out and about with their fantastic product range at shows and events around the country. Here are some of the main attractions to look out for:
JUN 24th- 26th: Goodwood Festival of Speed
MAY 28th- JUN 10th: Isle of Man TT
One of the highlights of the road-racing year is the Isle of Man TT. This year riding for the Honda Team are John McGuiness and Conor Cummins, both on the CBR1000RR Fireblade. Both riders are hoping for great things this year, and McGuiness is determined to hold onto his 2015 senior TT title.
This year Goodwood celebrates the most powerful competition bikes and cars in the history of motor sport. With the theme ‘Full Throttle – The Endless Pursuit of Power’, there will be even more racetrack thrills than usual. The festival opens as usual on the first day with the Moving Motor Show, where the world’s top manufacturers – including Honda – showcase their latest models and new concepts.
“Smashing the lap record was the best feeling, but I know that there’s some great competition out there who are looking to take that from me. I’m confident in the Fireblade, and also myself, I know I have a good package to get back out there next year and do it again,’ he says.
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d about in 2016 NW HONDA BIKES • ISSUE 17 • MAR 2016
SEPT 16th- 25th: Southampton Boat Show
Thousands of boats will gather on the south coast for the biggest and best marine show of them all. The Honda Boat Show Eye will be the centrepiece again, a unique experience lifting you 100 feet into the air for a bird’s eye view of show and spectacular 300-berth marina.
JUL 29th- 31st: Carfest North AUG 26th-28th: Carfest South These events get more popular every year and so far have raised £6.7 million for Children in Need. The motoring line-up is still being confirmed but it’s been announced that Bryan Adams and The Corrs are headlining at the North event at Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire. And Will Young and James Morrison are lined up for the South at Laverstoke Park Farm in Hampshire.
NOV/DEC: Motorcycle Live Dates are still to be confirmed for this, but it’s an unmissable event for bike fans everywhere. Expect to see the latest models, star riders and cool accessories. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HONDA’S ACTIVITIES THIS YEAR 9
CBR1000R N W H O N D A B I K E S • I S S U E 1 72 • M OC AR T 2 0 1 56
Less Weight, More Power. Massive Potential. The CBR1000RR Fireblade SP has been designed for one purpose: Performance! The bike takes the Total Control Philosophy and re-engineers it for the track.
The additions of Öhlins front and rear suspension, Brembo mono-block front brakes, a single seat unit and unique Tricolour livery creates an exclusive machine focused purely on cutting lap times – nothing else. The CBR1000RR Fireblade SP injects a shot of pure adrenaline every time you get on the seat, due to the performance that takes Total Control. Weight saving has been at the heart of the thought process for the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP, with the chiselled rear sub-frame being lighter to counteract the race specification parts, shaving 1kg over. The 999.9cc four-cylinder engine is armed with a gas-flowed cylinder head and polished ports. Peak power has increased by 2kW to 133kW and 35mm exhaust downpipes boost mid-range torque.
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RR
NW HONDA BIKES • ISSUE 17 • MAR 2016
FIREBLADE SP
CLICK FOR FULL DETAILS ON THIS OFFER
The concept hasn’t changed for Honda since 1966, by delivering a perfect combination of advanced power, balance and handling. This is the reason why Honda continues to dominate road races like the Isle of Mann TT. But don’t let Honda’s team riders have all the fun- get out there and try one for yourself. The CBR1000RR Fireblade SP is currently available with a £1,000 Deposit Contribution. This means it can be yours for just £149.00 a month at 5.9% APR Representative on Personal Contract Purchase. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS FANTASTIC OFFER HERE
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NW HONDA BIKES • ISSUE 17 • MAR 2016
BUSY MONTH FOR NORTON WAY GROUP We have had another busy period across the group with plenty of different events and success from our employees. We thought this would be the perfect opportunity to give you a brief insight to what has been going on. CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE ONLINE
AM AWARDS 2016
A group of 10 employees represented Norton Way Group at the AM Awards on the 11th February 2016 at The International Convention Centre in Birmingham. The evening was dedicated to acknowledging exemplary performance, innovation and high achievers in the industry. The evening consisted of Award giving in 5 different sections: Digital Awards, Excellence in Business, Manufacturer Awards, Retailer Awards and Headline Awards. Norton Way Group successfully achieved nominations for 4 different awards: Best Sales Team (New or Used Cars), Best Fleet Operation, Best Dealership and Best Retail Group (Up to & including 10 sites). We were delighted to cap the night being Awarded ‘highly commended’ for our Fleet Operation.
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NW HONDA BIKES • ISSUE 17 • MAR 2016
SALES & AFTERSALES CONFERENCE 2016
We held two conferences in February, one for our sales staff and the other for aftersales. The conferences were at Wembley Stadium, London, home of the England National Side. This meant the staff got the opportunity to take in the information from the conferences over a fantastic pitch side view and then take part in a stadium tour, giving everyone an access all areas pass. The purpose of the conference was to discuss the company’s performance in 2015 with its staff and then to highlight some of the key achievers. Some of the notable winners included Russell Bull- Sales Executive of the Year, Michael Pluckwell- WalcottTechnician of the Year, Andrew Singh- Service Advisor of the Year, Andrew EnglandParts Advisor of the Year and Clare Carverhill- Rourke- Telesales Advisor of the Year. Chiswick Honda also took the honour of winning both Sales Team and After Sales Team of the year.
STAR OF THE YEAR 2015
Our quarterly employee awards came to a conclusion for 2015, with the Star of the Year award. Employees could nominate their colleagues for people that they feel had shone in 2015 and deserved recognition. After numerous nominations, the group eventually picked two winners - Michelle Payne, Group Payroll Manager and Anthony Barton, Chiswick Bike Parts Manager. Michelle received 4 nominations for the award, with everyone commenting on her attitude, contribution to the company & the HR department and finally the big job of keeping over 380 employees happy by making sure they are paid correctly.
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THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER!
NU16 REG PLATES ARE HERE
Speak to our sales team today for more information about our jaw dropping oers and current available stock.
HEADLAMPS LOOKING FADED & NOT PERFORMING? LEAVE THEM TO US. At Norton Way Honda Bikes we can make your headlamps look as good as new with our Norton Way Honda Headlamp Repair Treatment
Don’t fail your MOT and get the Norton Way Honda Headlamp Repair Treatment now for ONLY £60+VAT To have your bike back to you as good as new in next to no time, ask one of our team today to arrange a no-obligation consultation.
Norton Way Group Norton Way North, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire SG6 1BL www.nortonwayhondamotorbike.com Tel: 01462 754 700