Motorcycle Code of Conduct for London Bus Lanes

With the forthcoming opening of London Red Bus lanes to motorcyclists on the 9th January the MCI (Motorcycle Industry Association) has published a Code of Conduct for motorcyclists who will be using the bus lanes. The Code has been developed with the Metropolitan police and supported by riders groups, Motorcycle News and motorcycle dealerships.

So if you intend to ride your motorcycle or scooter in the soon to be opened London Red Bus lanes you can download a copy of the Code from the MCI website at www.mcia.co.uk, it comes as both a leaflet and a business card in cut out and keep format.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

2009 Ducati 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition video

Just posted the following motorcycle video up on www.YouTube.com and www.inter-bike.co.uk of the 2009 Ducati 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition at the 2008 Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show.


Created by Ducati as a tribute to legendary World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss, this limited edition motorcycle will only be produced as a limited run of 500 units. With its unique colour scheme by Aldo Drudi and approved by Troy this could be the ultimate 1098 R to own. With a numbered plague on the top yoke and the added bonus of a full racing exhaust system including 102dB carbon fibre mufflers by Termignoni (strictly for track use only), a dedicated ECU, branded bike cover and rear paddock stand.

Simply stunning!

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

10 tips for a Bulletproof Motocross Clutch

Just a quick blog entry to say we've just published a new feature article on www.inter-bike.co.uk today, entitled 10 tips for a Bulletproof Motocross Clutch. This Motocross training article is by http://www.mxtrainingjournal.com.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan VN1700 Voyager video

Just posted the following motorcycle video up on www.YouTube.com and www.inter-bike.co.uk of the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan VN1700 Voyage at the 2008 Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show.



The world's first full dress Japanese V-twin tourer featuring belt drive, six speed gearbox and electronic throttle valve system.
The Kawasaki VN1700 Voyager has all the necessities for long distance motorcycle touring.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

2009 Ducati Streetfighter S video

Just posted the following motorcycle video up on www.YouTube.com and www.inter-bike.co.uk of the 2009 Ducati Streetfighter S at the 2008 Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show.



Ducati's new naked Streetfighter S features an awesome 115bhp of power and 115Nm of torque in a street fighter set up that will certainly turn heads!

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600cc cruiser video

Just posted the following motorcycle video up on www.YouTube.com and www.inter-bike.co.uk of the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600cc cruiser at the 2008 Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show. The new Triumph Thunderbird is due to go on sale in the summer of 2009.



Enjoy!

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Bikes, Camera, Action!

Harley-Davidson recently ran a contest that encouraged women who ride motorcycles to make a two minute video showing the joy of the ride.
There were a great many entries but the winning video came from Vickie Sampson with Her Need for Speed (see video below).


In addition Harley-Davidson announced Melissa Kosars Girls Night Out video as one of two first runner-up winners and Marta Masferrers Here Comes the Bride as the other runner up video winner (see videos below).





I hope after watching these excellent videos you will agree they show the true joy of the ride!

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

A Good Wash Job !

Just a quick blog entry today to say there's a new Motorcycle Feature article on www.inter-bike.co.uk entitled Elementary Motocross Bike Maintenance: a Good Wash Job, kindly supplied by http://www.mxtrainingjournal.com/

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Ian Lowry interview

We were at the Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show on the 27 November 2008 and filmed this great interview of Ian Lowry by Julian Ryder on the Suzuki stand.
Former British Supersport rider Ian will be riding for Relentless Suzuki in the British Superbike Championship in 2009.



Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Sylvain Guintoli interview

We were at the Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show on the 27 November 2008 and filmed this great interview of Sylvain Guntoli by Julian Ryder on the Suzuki stand.
Former MotoGP rider Sylvain will be riding for Crescent Suzuki in the British Superbike Championship in 2009 aboard next years Suzuki GSX-R1000.



Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

UK Motorcycle Registrations dip!

Figures released yesterday by the Motor Cycle Industry Association reveal that motorcycle registrations were down 16% for November, compared to November 2007. 7,517 mopeds, scooters and motorcycles were registered in November, compared with 8,947 in the same month last year.

However for the 11 months of this year are just 2.4% down with 133,099 powered two wheelers registered.

Not unsurprisingly the biggest seller in November was Yamaha's XC 125 scooter and in 2007, 45 per cent of the 146,000 machines registered for the first time, had engine capacities of up to 150cc.

Motorcycling at last appears to be increasing the Department for Transport released figures last week that show the number of people taking the motorcycling test increased to 88,000 in 2007/08, the highest number since 2000/01.

So the motorcycle industry appears to be holding up well in this credit crunch, as it appears people turn to low capacity powered two wheelers.

Ride safe.


Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

New Honda Models for 2209

Honda have launched a number of new or revised models for 2009, many of which were available to see on the Honda stand on the Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show, these included:-


Honda have launched the new Honda CBF125. Honda claim that he CBF125s DNA combines everything that Hondas founder, Soichiro Honda, instilled into his first motorcycles affordable, reliable, safe, good quality and a joy to own and use.

Doubless this new 125cc motorcycle from Honda will prove to be as popular as the outgoing CG125.


With apparently the best selling scooter range in Europe, Honda have further expanded their SH range of scooters with the newly revised 2009 SH125i scooter with a host of styling changes.


Honda have once again updated their highly successful CBR600RR for 2009 with the addition of optional electronically-controlled Combined ABS and a host of other improvements, including lower weight, new undercowl, significant engine changes, new exhaust system and new instrumentation.


Like the CBR600RR the CBR1000RR has the option of electronically-controlled combined ABS for 2009. The 2009 Honda CBR1000RR is available in HRC tricolour version to celebrate 50 years of Honda racing victories.


Honda have updated the popular middleweight offering of the Honda CB600F Hornet for 2009 with new adjustable suspension, styling updates including black metallic parts, a new meter panel and a brand new colour range.


Honda have introduced upgraded off-roaders in the guise of the 2009 CR450F and the CR250F.

The CRF450R is slimmer, lighter and more powerful and includes an all-new and lightweight fuel-injection and ignition system, which features a revolutionary fuel-injection indicator with engine stop switch to show the pre-race condition of the fuel-injection system a first for Honda


The CR250F benefits from a number of changes to the engine and gearbox and more edgy styling for 2009.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

New Yamaha models for 2009

Yamaha have launched a host of new models for 2009 all of which they are currently displaying at this years Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show.



These include the awesome new Yamaha VMAX. Yamaha have used this bike to showcase it's cutting-edge engine and chassis technology from the YCC-I and YCC-T engine control systems, plus the aluminium frame and the radial-mounted 6-piston front brakes, all providing 200 PS* and 167 Nm of torque.

All I know is it looks fantastic!



From radical to more conventional, Yamaha have relaunched their tried and trusted Diversion as the new Yamaha XJ6 Diversion. The bike has a new lightweight front cowl and a new look and a newly developed 600cc engine. The new model is also offered with ABS as an option.




From mid range to top range, Yamaha have again massively revised their top Sports bike the legendary R1. The new 2009 Yamaha YZF-R1 has the most significant development in engine and chassis technology. With an all new 998cc engine influenced the championship winning M1. The bike now has a slipper clutch.
The new engine is housed in a newly designed aluminium Deltabox frame.

Again I just think the new black and gold colour option is just stunning.

For those of you who prefer cruisers, Yamaha have launched an all new Yamaha XVS950A Midnight Star with a newly-designed 942cc high-torque air-cooled V-twin SOHC engine.


For those of an off-road persuasion there is the new Yamaha WR125X and WR125R enduro and supermoto models.
.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Suzuki National Dealer of the Year

Crescent Motorcycle Company Ltd has been awarded the accolade of Suzuki National dealer of the Year at the recent Suzuki dealer conference.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Buells new Streetfighter the 1125CR

Buell have launched a streetfighter for 2009, the Buell Streetfighter 1125CR, which is Erik Buell's vision of a modern Cafe Racer. It has clubman style bars and a flyscreen rather than a screen, with a geared down 146 bhp Helicon engine to give it more torque.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Suzuki show off Bandit

Suzuki are presenting the revised but ever popular 650 Bandit at this years Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Many new BMW motorbikes for 2009

BMW Motorrad have a launched a host of new models for 2009, most of which are available to see at this years Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show, they include:-


F 800 R - A highly distinctive naked mid-market segment model that adds an urban edge to the F 800 series.

K 1300 GT - A fast, comfortable and supreme tourer, the GT is expected to retain its 'best sports tourer' crown.

K 1300 S - Simply the fastest motorcycle BMW Motorrad has ever produced. The K1300 S is a top-of-the-range hypersports bike, combining blistering power with innovative technology to offer rapid everyday, or long-distance, riding capability.

K 1300 R - A striking, muscular naked bike, with extremely high performance, the K 1300 R is the most technically advanced in its class.

S 1000 RR - The first ever superbike in the BMW Motorrad range. The race bike will make its debut in the 2009 World Superbike Championship, with a road version of the superbike available to buy in early 2010.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Motorcycle sector need to respond to the DSA consultation

Both the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) and the RMI Motorcycle Retailers Association (MRA) have joined together to push motorcycle manufacturers, retailers and trainers to respond to the consultation on proposals for the new motorcycle test outlined by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

The DSA is putting forward a modular test whereby the off-road and on-road elements of the test will be taken separately, but the consultation also includes proposed test fee increases!

Full details of the DSA proposals can be found at http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Category.asp?cat=594. Responses can be submitted on-line or in writing to The Driving Standards Agency, The Axis Building, 112 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham, NG1 6LP. Comments on the proposals must be submitted by January 9, 2009.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

The new 2009 Suzuki Gladius

Suzuki GB are showing their new mid-range motorbike the Suzuki Gladius with its 650cc V-twin engine at this year's Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

The new 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 K9

Suzuki GB are promoting their new 2009 Suzuki GSX-R1000 K9 at this years Carole Nash International Motorcycle and Scooter Show.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Protest about motorcycle parking fees

Both the BMF (British Motorcyclists Federation) and MAG (Motorcycle Action Group) have come out in support of a protest on the 14th December against parking charges introduced for PTW (powered two wheelers) by Westminster City Council.

These charges running contrary to the Government's aim to make motorcycling mainstream and London Mayor Borris Johnson's recent decision to make London more motorcycle friendly.

Both organisations are backing the No to Bike Parking Fees Campaign (NTBPF) (notobikeparkingfees.com).

The demonstration being held at 11am on Sunday 14th December 2008 at Golden Square, London, W1.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Ducati wins top MCN awards

Ducati won two top awards at the MCN (Motorcycle News) national awards ceremony.

The most important and prestigious award was the Machine of the Year which was presented to Tim Maccabee for the Desmosedici RR and the second award was for the coveted title of Manufacturer of the Year.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Kawasaki Versys - best machine in class award

Kawasaki's versatile mid range Versys won Best Machine in Class award at the MCN (Motorcycle News) awards.

The new 2009 Kawasaki Versys includes colour coded detachable panniers as standard as well as an adjustable blade angle screen and crash protectors.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/