South East Biker July-August 2012 by The Magazine Production Company

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

ust 2012 Issue 22: July-Aug

w intervie tar S 3 oto M

DANNY WEOBPEBD

M MADNEARSITSY FOR CH

INTO AFRICA

EN V A E H E K O R T -S O TW

ROB GUIVER

ON TOP

ROUP MOTORCYCLE ACTION GATION

LUDICROUS LEGTISULRES • EVENTS • RIDES • SPORTS

REVIEWS • FEA

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CELEBRATING

301982-2012 YEARS

SUZUKI DEALER OF THE YEAR 2011 – AFTER SALES

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STARTING GRID

First of all, apologies for the front cover picture of Issue 21, giving the impression we

CONTENTS 6 99 Problems

Danny Webb charts his season so far

8 Danny Gets Dirty

The Moto3 rider on his day off

10 Know Where Your Bike Is

A GPS security device reviewed

12 Helmet Review

The patriotic Shark Vision R

14 Two Stroke Heaven

Terry Dunn rebuilds an RGV250

16 Jogle4Brad

Moped madness in aid of charity

were in for a long 24 Into Africa

hot, drought afflicted, perfect biking

summer! Those long warm sunny

Excerpts from Sam Manicom’s brilliant book

30 Frontline

Latest news on the ongoing struggle against the EU

32 My Kool Blue Dream

A Harley dream come true

34 Rob Guiver 2012

Running well in the Triumph Triple Challenge

36 BRMC round up

Club racing season in full swing

40 South East Events

Plan your summer biking

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: Danny Webb.

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

days have yet to appear and the rain has affected many motorcycling events and ride-outs. However there is plenty going on over the next couple of months to get on your bike and see. This issue features some local riders competing in BSB and Moto3 plus the Bemsee round up. Sam Manicom tells of his African adventures and some intrepid moped riders travel the length of the UK for charity. Terry Dunn has a nostalgic rebuild of a classic two stroke and we have as much information about local biking events as we can cram in. Enjoy the rest of the summer, let us know of any events you would like promoting and we will do our best to post on the website, Facebook and Twitter. Nick Tunstill, Editor southeastbiker @southeastbiker 3

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Legal Corner Are tinted/dark visors road legal? We’re bikers who happen to be lawyers. Summer isn’t yet upon us but different shades of visors are starting to appear on those sunny days. It is hard not to be blinded by the sun when riding a motorbike when you are using a clear visor and many of us use a tinted visor. So what is road legal? There is some help out there in the form of legislation and guidelines from the Department of Transport. Section 18 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 subsection 3 a and b states that if a person driving or riding a motorbike on a road uses an appliance of any description for which a type is prescribed under this section, and that appliance is not of a type so prescribed, or is otherwise used in contravention of regulations under this section, he is guilty of an offence. The act also includes someone selling such items. The Department of Transport gives simpler guidelines on legal visors. Visors are to have a trademark or trade name on them and should have the words ‘Daytime Use Only’ if they are unsuitable for night time use. They should also have an international approval mark consisting of a circle surrounding the letter ‘E’ followed by the number of the country. In the UK BSI Kite Mark BS 4110:1999 applies specifically to visors. This ensures that visors let enough light through; visors that let less than 50% light transmission is illegal. Dark tint and iridium visors have particularly low light transmission rates and are normally

therefore illegal. On reputable websites that sell visors there is usually advice on which visors are road legal. What is the stance taken by the Police? This very much depends on the particular force and officer dealing with the matter. Most will be sensible and will be aware of the guidelines given in the ACPO National Motorcycle Enforcement Strategy (2008). These guidelines state that if tinted visors are used by motorcyclists during daylight hours, then a police officer should give the rider advice only, on their use. If used during the hours of darkness or conditions of reduced visibility then an officer should check the tint of the visor using ‘Tintman’ equipment where available. The guidelines recommend a pragmatic approach and only in cases where there is an obvious danger should prosecution be considered. So the general rules that the police follow are that visors should let through 50% of light transmission (dark and iridium visors don’t) but if you are stopped during the day and you have less light transmission through your visor you are likely to get advice from the officer. However, if you use a tinted visor when it is dark you may face prosecution. It’s worth taking a sensible approach. I wear a tinted visor on sunny days but also carry a clear one in case of sudden darkness.

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

SPOTLIGHT: DANNY WEBB

Problems

Although on paper a serious contender for the Moto3 GP title, Kent star Danny Webb’s run of cruel luck on the Mahindra machine sees him yet to score a point in the 2012 championship standings. Words: Annie Holder. Images: Fastframe Photography

anny craves “a proper shot” at the Moto3 GP crown, but a catalogue of technical issues have resulted in 5 DNFs from the first 6 rounds of the 2012 season. In development terms, the brand new Mahindra/ Oral has a mountain to climb, but Danny can’t hide his disappointment at the run of poor form. The team are trying everything they can to improve performance, but are definitely on the back foot when compared to Honda and KTM, who’ve had many years of building 4-stroke engines for their off-road bikes, prior to adapting that technology for the new 2012 Moto3 class. What frustrates Danny most is that his championship position doesn’t accurately reflect his experience or ability. It’s hard to be cruising down pit lane with a broken engine when you know you 6

should be pushing for a top 10 race position. Danny remained upbeat in the build-up to his home GP at Silverstone – “It’s a great track, I really like riding there” – with the hope that a UK race could bring the best of British luck to his blighted season. Encouragingly, Danny’s weekend started well; up to 6th at one stage during Free Practice and finishing Friday’s timed session in a strong 11th. Saturday’s Official Qualifying saw him achieve a solid 21st place, with teammate Marcel Shrötter languishing 14 grid positions behind on identical machinery. With the Silverstone circuit bathed in race day sunshine, the home crowd believed that Danny’s fortunes were about to change. He maintained a consistent 20th in the race with the hope of his first finish since Qatar, until the Mahindra’s technical gremlins resurfaced, forcing Danny to retire his machine a heartbreaking 6 laps from the end. Danny’s wealth of past experience in 125GP racing could prove invaluable in getting him through what is proving to be his toughest season to date. The 21-year-old’s favourite tracks of Phillip Island and Sepang are still to come, and the fortunes of the Mahindra team can surely only improve with more track time, technical data and continued rider input. Danny is certainly a Moto3 GP title contender, and he’s hungry for success. A difficult season could be just what it takes to prove his mettle. Webb’s rivals better beware – Danny’s biding his time, honing his skills and dealing pragmatically with the challenges and disappointments that can help to define a true champion. 2012 might be Danny’s toughest season yet, but who knows what 2013 will bring?

July-August 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

Cooper Tunbridge Wells

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£1765* worth of accessories with the R 1200 GS Loaded and waiting, the rugged go-anywhere R 1200 GS now comes with an amazing £1,765* worth of complimentary must-have accessories

• Akrapovic Sport Silencer – this titanium silencer gives • Set of expandable Vario Panniers – Specifically the GS even more grunt. Weighing in 2.5kg lighter than made for the R 1200 GS, the stylish, durable and flexible Vario Panniers are perfect for carrying luggage on longer standard version and homologated for use on public roads and EU-wide, the Akrapovic sport silencer is perfect for journeys. What’s more, using the integrated lever, the carrying capacity can be adjusted from approximately 30 those wanting that extra edge to 39 litres on the right hand side and 20 to 29 on left • Scratch resistant Tinted Windshield – look cool, calm and collected with this ultra-sleek tinted windshield • Large Tank Bag – made especially for the R 1200 GS, the large tank bag is perfect for carrying additional equipment on your unstoppable adventures. The fully waterproof, hardwearing tank bag is as flexible as they come, with an expandable storage capacity of 13-19 litres

• Vario Pannier inner cases – packing and unloading doesn’t get easier with the R 1200 GS inner cases - built to sit within the Vario Panniers. These cases are water repellent, volume adjustable, have foam corners for improved impact protection and come complete with detachable carry strap

To find out more call 0845 125 5851 or email steve.franklyn@ir.inchcape.co.uk to book a test ride.

Cooper Tunbridge Wells Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3UE. Tel: 0845 125 5851 or visit: www.cooperbikestunbridgewells.co.uk * Offer applies to the three versions of the 2012 model R 1200 GS (Standard, Triple Black and Rallye) that are new and first registered to retail customers between 01 June and 31 December 2012 inclusive, subject to availability or until stocks last. The Offer is not available on any version of the R 1200 GS Adventure. BMW Motorrad reserves the right to substitute alternative accessories of an equivalent value. The £1765 value of BMW Accessories is the 2012 recommended retail price including VAT. The standard exhaust and windshield are also supplied to the customer with the motorcycle upon delivery. Accessory fitting costs may apply at the discretion of the supplying BMW Motorrad dealer.

SPOTLIGHT: DANNY WEBB

How does Kent’s top Moto3 GP star spend his downtime? Playing in the mud, of course!

Danny gets dirty! S

outh East Biker spent a morning chasing Danny Webb around a private Enduro track in Kent, seeing how he keeps race-fit and stays alert between GPs. The day was hosted by James Burroughs, Freestyle Racing Husqvarna’s British Sprint & Enduro Championship rider, fresh from successful completion of May’s Scottish Six Day Trial. Joining James and Danny were top UK comedian and biking enthusiast Ross Noble and his ‘Romaniacs’ teammate and off-roading mentor, ex-Dakar Rally competitor Clive ‘Zippy’ Town. All the action was captured by Steve from Fast Frame Photography. For more shots from the day: www.fastframephotography.co.uk. For information on Danny Webb and his 2012 Moto3 GP season, log onto his website at www.dannywebb.com, or follow him on twitter @dannywebb99. Ross Noble has just returned from a tour of Australia. Follow his exploits on twitter @realrossnoble. ‘Zippy’ and Steve can train you to ride off-road at www. adventureridingacademy.com, owned and run by Dakar Rally legend, Patsy Quick. Thanks must go to James Burroughs for hosting the day at his track. Find out more about James at www.jb3.co.uk. Donate to James’ current charity, SERVKent at: www.justgiving.com/James-Burroughs-SSDT

July-August 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

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SECURITY

Know where your motorbike is after it has been stolen

Unlike our wonderful political leaders I thought I would declare an interest in this product as we are selling it through South East Biker Magazine. We came across this device last year and believe it offers a cost effective, self monitoring tracking system. Our designer Dean Cook bought one and we asked him to give us his appraisal plus another customer from our database. If you are a MAG member, or decide to join, there is a £25 discount on the RRP so we hope to encourage more bikers to join the organisation that protects our biking freedoms.

ith so many motorbikes being stolen today it makes me think it will only be a matter of time before mine is. Let’s face it, it could only take a few moments for a couple of men with a van to lift your pride and joy and it’s gone…even from a garage as my cousin unfortunately experienced recently. When you start to think how much time and money you have spent on your joy, it only becomes a real pain, after your bike has gone, when you realise all the extras aren’t covered on your insurance. Prevention is the best policy, so even if you had the best security devices to protect your machine, is there a system that could tell you where your machine is after it has been nicked? Yes there is. I installed a tiny GPS device from MotoTracker. Quite simply it broadcasts GPS co-ordinates to your mobile phone. Because it is slightly larger than a matchbox it can be hidden quite easily and discreetly on your bike. Apart from buying the device the only other additional cost is a 99p PAYG SIM Card and credit that should last a fair while as it only sends text messages. I charged up one of the batteries and installed it along with the SIM card. Activating the SIM card was a little challenging but then it was simply a case of registering the device with my phone by sending it an administration text message then it 10

sent back a confirmation text. It couldn’t have been easier. MotoTracker comes with a power unit but to test it I hid the device on my machine without hard wiring the power unit to the bike’s battery only to find after one day it text me to say the GPS battery was low. Okay, it needs the power unit for sure but not being technically minded how difficult could it be to attach it to the bike’s battery? Ten minutes is all it took. Easy. The power will now be constant without having to worry about ever recharging it for as long as my bike isn’t left standing for many months for the battery to go flat. All I need to do now is to turn the device on, send it an activation text message then relax. If anyone were to move my machine now, it would send me a text message every two minutes – even if the bike was in a back of a van. I can report its movements directly to the police with its location practically on a live level. I can even call the device then hang up and it will send me a text message with its current status. Now that’s handy if, for example, my brother would like to take my machine for a ride. I can check on his location (and speed) without him knowing about it! Now it has more benefits than I initially thought! Having had it for several weeks now I have had no real issues apart from on one occasion it remembered July-August 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

SECURITY its last activated location when I deactivated it by text before a ride. This only became apparent when I came to reactivate it at my destination. Physically turning it off and on again before activation by text will ensure it has established a fresh location and will be ready to act. I found this didn’t affect it in activation mode when I forgot to deactivate it before riding to work one morning and saw several text messages when I reached the office. The messages received on my smart phone showed me the time, GPS co-ordinates, speed in KPH, battery strength and Google Maps HTML coding showing the position at the time the text was sent. Clicking on the Google Maps HTML code took my smart phone through to Maps, which showed the road I was on. On my phone there is a little icon of a person that takes it into street view, this can be especially helpful seeing any potential garages or outbuildings where your bike could be hiding. So a combination of this GPS device, text messages and a smart phone makes this a formidable system that should be feared by any thief. If your beloved bike is ever stolen you will know about it as it happens. Is there a downside to this system? Yes. You won’t be able to see the thieves’ faces when they are caught red-handed when the police pull them over.

What biker’s say…. Andrew Crawley

“Having had a Harley stolen before, I’m a bit paranoid over this one so having seen an advert in Motorcycle Action Groups’ ‘Road’ magazine I decided to invest in a MotoTracker. It’s simple to fit, can run on an internal battery or off the bike. Easy to set up and lets me sleep at night... It uses GPS to track location and is highly sensitive. But if, like me, location makes it hard to use the movement setting you can use the speed setting instead. Anytime I want to know where my bike is, I just phone the tracker and it texts back coordinates that I can view on a smartphone map App. And as any thief will be off in a hurry, I will know the instant it moves. An excellent investment. Problems? The build quality of the peripherals isn’t great, but when the power convertor jack fell apart the Technical Representative drove down the next day with a new unit and was happy to chat for 25 minutes about how to use the tracker effectively. Superb customer service. The power unit is a little bulky to hide effectively on a stripped-down bike but wouldn’t be an issue on a sports bike or tourer and the Tracker is just tiny. Overall it’s just what I wanted, simple to operate and the company care about their customers enough to fix problems instantly. Oh, and the box it comes in is really neat... :-)”

Around 80 motorbikes are stolen everyday… …don’t let yours be the next! Protect your bike and valuable kit with the cost-effective MotoTracker Security System. If your motorbike moves, without your knowledge, it will just simply text you.

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The device will text your motorbike’s current GPS co-ordinates and speed so you, or the Police, can track it live via Google Maps or a web-enabled phone. The small unit can be hidden practically anywhere on the bike. It works via a Pay-As-You-Go SIM* or your free text allocation by obtaining an extra SIM card from your mobile phone provider. There are no annual fees but mobile phone costs may apply. If you ever want know the current position of your motorbike… it’s quite simple…just call the device and it will text back with its location. Also included in the kit: Two RFID (Radio Frequency IDentity) Microchips and four Anti-Deterrent Anti-Tamper Holographic ID Tags which should deter any motorcycle thief. * SIM Card not included. Optional SIM Card set up service available for £20 including £10 phone credit.

The complete kit is just £149 plus £3.50 P&P. Optional SIM card fitting and set up service available.

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

mototracker.co.uk 19/06/2012 09:13

PRODUCT REVIEW

Fly the flag By Debbie Tunstill

know you will read this saying “Oh no, not another Shark helmet review” but Shark for me is the only helmet manufacturer that suits my very unstable neck. I have tried a lot of other makes AGV, Scorpion, Nitro and HJC but Shark is the only one that has helped me with long hours on my bike, without getting off with a splitting migraine. I saw the new Shark Vision-R Jack ST at the Motorcycle Live 2011 show at the NEC and knew I had to have it. The Shark Vision-R helmet’s weight is amazing so I didn’t think they could improve on the last model. Speaking to the representatives at the stand they told me, “the Shark R&D engineers created a full face helmet that offers the panoramic view of an open-face helmet, with the ‘widest angle’ currently on the market, combined with the safety of the latest generation of full-face fibre shell. “ This helps the helmet to feel so much lighter, even though it does not weigh any less than its predecessor. It is just so much better balanced, held in the middle the helmet does not move the balance is so good. The previous model felt like it wanted to roll slightly back and that is where the difference shows. We all know the way that a design can be re-worked so many times before it becomes perfect, but Shark must have worked really hard to improve this so much in such a short time. The back of the Shark Vision-R helmet is slightly cut away so riding a sports bike or a track day it won’t dig in to the back of your neck. I was surprised as I went down a size from 12

small to extra-small, the shell of the helmet, from the nose to the chin, seems shorter in depth so gives a real sense of freedom for your neck. I tried a number of the Shark helmets on at Groombridge Motorcycles’ ladies night and fashion show evening back in March. It was a great opportunity to see clothes being worn rather than just on the hanger as so many garments look better on. There were a wide range of Shark helmets to try and the Vision-R Jack ST just stood out for me. Another Shark patent is the little black lock mechanism, with no key necessary, the visor lever is situated just under the tinted visor lever, it locks the visor in the anti-mist position. The lock opens the visor just a tiny amount to keep the air circulating. It’s easy to miss the little lever but if you have problems with fogging, make sure you know where it is because it really does work. I know many people with other manufacturers’ helmets have to open their visor with their thumb to stop it misting up and their visors keep closing so they have to repeat the action again and again. The Shark lock does this without it being open too far or the wind opening the visor completely as you ride along. It’s been designed to operate smoothly and easily without having to remove your gloves. It’s such a small, clever way to get ventilation on a hot day too, riding at speed you still need fresh air circulating on which stops you riding with your visor open. The worst thing about having your visor open in summer, is

it leaves your face free for kamikaze bumble bees to hit you in the cheek, which is really painful, as I am sure you all know. Last September at the SEB Lydden Hill track day, due to my unfortunate high side (a touch of the red mist), my prized Lavillia RSR Shark union jack helmet had to be retired, to my disgust. The Lavillia replica helmet was my all time favourite helmet, I know it sounds stupid to some people but I love the Union Jack design so, when I saw the new designed Shark Vision-R Jack ST, I knew I had to have it. The new Shark helmet is so comfortable its now my favourite and people do comment on the design. It really stands out when riding alone with it’s bright white back ground is hard to miss.The Shark Vision-R Jack ST features are: • Easy fit glasses system. • Main shield injected, New Anti Scratch // Anti Fog coating guaranteed for four years that can be re-activated. • Sun shield label UV 400. • Removable and changeable comfort padding. • Neck pad “PVC Free”. • Chin cover. • Ventilation system with optimised Venturi. • Sharktooth ready. The price for this great Shark Vision-R Jack ST is £299.99 but I have found it priced at £279.99 with some of our advertisers. There are a number of retailers that advertise within South East Biker Magazine that stock an extensive range of Shark helmets for customers to try. Check out Groombridge Motorcycles, Heathfield; The Biker Store at Blindley Heath; Helmet City, Tatsfield; GetGeared, Leatherhead; and Haslemere Motorcycles for a good stock of Shark Helmets and tell them SEB sent you.

July-August 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

RGV RESTORATION

What happened when I got a sudden desire to fill my garage with blue smoke! By Terry Dunn

eople get urges. Bikers get urges. I got an urge. It started simply enough. Me and the guys had motored up to the VJMC bike jumble at Popham airfield, near Basingstoke. The VJMC or Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, Hampshire section, holds this annual event so it’s almost exclusively Jap bikes and bits, unlike Kempton Park which is predominantly Brit stuff. So, there we were strolling around taking in the sights and on the lookout for the odd bargain, when my eyes light upon this bike for sale. It was way too expensive but the machine in question was an absolutely mint, bright yellow Yamaha RD400DX. All at once I got all gooey eyed and my 14

sight got all rose tinted as I start recalling the heady days of 197980 when I was the proud owner of an RD250DX. Coffin tank, speed blocks, in bog standard trim and in a rich, deep blue. Cor! I came to realize that I hadn’t owned a decent capacity 2-stroke in over 20 years. I got an itch as the idea formed, stewed on it for a couple of days then dug out an old photo of me and my RD, and I got an urge. To get a 2-stroke. I loved that RD, even though it eventually helped put me in hospital for two weeks at the cost of some broken bones and one perfectly good kidney. Still, a 2-stroke, eh? The thing to have after the DX’s and X7’s was of course the water cooled jobs, but I went four stroke with an absolutely gorgeous Honda

400-4, and the rest as they say is history. Still, a 2-stroke, eh? Now, this urge went onto the back burner but never left me, until a mate who races TZR250’s put me on to a lad called Ollie who had a 250 he had intended to do up. But then he was unfortunately involved in a nasty car smash, suffering a bad head injury, and had not ridden since. That was 2 years ago, so now Ollie wanted to sell. I wanted a look first and a meet was arranged. He lives with his parents on a small holding and, in the corner of a barn under a piece of old curtain, was this very shonky looking old RGV250. Flat and bald tyres, rusty chain, aftermarket plastics and a bristle brush paint job were the immediately obvious faults.

July-August 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

RGV “What a heap of …” Ollie put in the key and turned. Nothing. “Battery’s flat.” I stated the obvious. “Yeah, but it’ll start on the generator.” I give him my best ’oh really?’ sideways glance while he kicks the thing over. After a couple of prods, unbelievably, it starts! I have no idea what noises I’m listening to among the various whirls and crackles of a V twin water cooled 2-stroke being blipped, but at least it didn’t sound like a handful of spoons in a tumble dryer. “ Er … seems OK.” I say sagely, and, thanks to that urge, before I know it I’ve parted with £400 for a rusty, ropey, smokey 22 year old banger without even a current MOT. It then took the two of us to push it up onto my trailer with its flat tyres and semi solid chain. Once back in my garage I cleared the decks then began to dismantle it. At least Ollie had thrown in a Suzuki workshop manual, much appreciated when I found out that Haynes don’t do a book of lies for this model. Cleaning the parts as I went and replacing the rusty or shagged nuts and bolts with stainless ones, it came apart like some 3D Lego model. The power valve, oil pump and carburetor cable system was a bit of a ‘mare (9 cables in all) but on the whole it was fairly simple and actually good fun. A gasket set cost £50 (good grief!) and other than not splitting the cases or pulling out the gearbox, I did a full nut and bolt rebuilt. The after market plastics I refurbed as best I could with £45 worth of rattle cans. The rest was really checking and reassembly. I make it sound so easy but it had its moments and the work took almost ten weeks. Adjust and set of the power valves was an education and I must give a big thank you to the RGV250.co.uk website. They were extremely helpful in places where the manual was less than specific. Oil seals and odds and ends like the carb choke assembly parts were ordered from Crescent Suzuki in Southampton. Although the man behind the counter at first thought some of the parts I requested might be made of ‘unobtainium’, they always came through and usually got the bits to me in a week or so. New brake pads all round came courtesy of the Kempton Park South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

bike jumble and after a £200 lay out for a pair of tyres (standard front but 140/60 x 18 rear) we were just about there. Time for the first test ride. I’ll be honest; I was a bit dubious about this. Not that I doubted my skill on a rebuild, but d’you remember my earlier mention of a beloved 400-4? Two years ago I bought a scruffy example, refurbed it and was really looking forward to taking it for a spin; memories of excitement filled blasts along the A272 all those years ago were still rich in my mind. Well, time, technology and Terry Dunn have all moved on a bit since then. Let’s just say it was a bit of a disappointment and I sold the bike on. There’s some truth in the old saying about not meeting your heroes. So, off I go on the RGV. It’s small, bordering on tiny, but makes a nice noise. I’ve barely got to the main road when a couple of bikers going the other way give what seem to be serious nods of approval. I’m beginning to like this! There’s useable power up to 8000 rpm. It’s good enough for tootling around town and filtering. Then, once on the open road, making sure the engine is fully up to temp, it’s time to give it some revs. At 8000 rpm the power valves open and, whey-hey! Keep it between 8000 and the 11000 redline and this is really fun! With its diminutive size and narrower tyres you can point it where you want to go in an instant, and it will hold whatever course you choose, even if you have to make adjustments mid bend. An R1 slashes through a corner like a cutlass, the RGV cuts through a corner like a dagger! I discover a great game called ‘exit the bend at eight’. Do this and you catapult out of the corners. It takes off like a stabbed rat and can reach three figure speeds with little effort. My old RD was never like this. Mega! Back in the garage I check her over and just find a couple of loosened bolts but that’s it. No major dramas. Nothing leaked and nothing fell off. This is a cool machine. Let her bed in a bit and, d’you know, I feel an urge for a trackday coming on. 15

ALL FOR CHARITY

Jogle4brad Charity Ride 50cc Honda C50s, Monkey bikes and FS1Es to take a trip from John O’Groats to Lands End! Sounds like utter madness but to do it? Matt Teague, a bunch of mates endure the journey for charity.

t was decided from early on in the planning that with there being such a large number of us taking part, it would be best if we were split up into groups of  similar bikes. The groups were C50’s, monkey bikes, FS1E’s, twist and go’s …and slow shit! Each group had a designated leader, and all the relevant spares etc were kept together in support vans that were following the groups. The trip started for me on the Thursday morning when Carly (my other half) dropped me and Darren (one of the other riders who had stayed at our place the night before) up to Clacket Lane services about 6 in the morning to be collected by the minibus. From here we headed up to Beaconsfield services on the M40 to collect a couple more, then made our way up to Carlisle. 16

We got there about half an hour too early to check into our Travelodge, but then headed into town for an unexpectedly good night out, you wouldn’t believe how much fun can be had in a Wetherspoons with a bunch of blokes you’ve never met before. Day two saw us all clamber aboard the minibus again, me complete with pillow liberated from the Travelodge to perch on as the minibus was the most uncomfortable thing I’ve ever sat in. We stopped for a couple of breaks but made John O’Groats in good time. The place is an absolute let down, at that point we realised that we were travelling the right way! If you’d spent a week riding the other way to get there you’d probably feel like hanging yourself when you arrived. I got my tent up while it was still

reasonably dry. Anyway, my bike arrived shortly after with a bunch of others that had been brought up together on a trailer. I jumped on for a quick whizz around the place and ended up in the pub, where we had a quick dinner, a pint of something local and a riders’ briefing. Then off to bed for an early start. The Ride: Day 1 After a quick continental breakfast we had some group photos at the  ‘start line’, we got into our riding groups ready to head off.  Approximately 134 miles, straight down the east coast on the A9. Some stunning scenery to be seen here, and some big hills! We all stopped at  Dunrobin Castle to get some group photos, which was really nice, before setting off again in our groups trying to cause minimal disruption to  the local

July-August 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

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ALL FOR CHARITY traffic. That didn’t stop one of the locals stopping to tell us what a pain in the arse we were, and that he’d had enough of charity groups clogging up local roads....he was towing a caravan and blocking the road while he told us this...oh the irony. Anyway, we had a couple of breakdowns in other groups, and one girl who had never ridden before went off the road, down a ditch, up the other side and hit a tree stump, sending her straight over the handle bars. She got up, dusted herself off and got back on and carried on, fair play to her! We headed down across Dornoch Firth, past Inverness and onto Loch Ness. Loch Ness is absolutely huge, and the roads around it are great. It poured hard most of the day, but we arrived at Borlum campsite to be greeted with hot soup and rolls, before setting our tents up and having a barbeque cooked for us. One of the guys disappeared into the back of his horsebox support vehicle and came out with what looked like a duvet and a desk fan, which he strapped to himself, started up and disappeared off across the next field, narrowly avoiding some power lines. Then he took off and flew over the Loch to get some great photos of the campsite and surrounding  area. This is the guy who was to be christened Crazy Bob. Day 2 Approximately 153 miles! It was cold, and raining hard for most of the day, but the route took us past the rest of Loch Ness, up Glen Coe and past Ben Nevis, and also past Loch Lomond. We stopped for a tea and bite to eat at the Green Welly stop at Tyndrum. Absolutely beautiful scenery again, but was hard to appreciate it with the weather. At the peak of Glen Coe we actually rode up into the cloud, which was pretty cool, and pretty freezing!! After we dropped down the other side, most of the bikes in my group, the FS1E’s, were suffering with the damp. With the spark plug being directly behind the front wheel, the rain water flicks up onto the plug and lead, and they misfire and won’t run. We all soaked our plugs in WD40, and I came up with the idea of cabletieing a finger from a latex glove over my plug and lead, which did the trick and kept everything running smoothly. Towards the end of the route we had to cross the Erskine Bridge, which wouldn’t be a problem in a car, but 18

for us on our little bikes nearly caused a mass pile up. As you join the bridge, it merges you into the fast lane of traffic coming from the motorway, which was hairy enough on our 30mph machines, but added to that as we reached the highest point of the bridge we were pretty much stopped by the headwind coming straight at us. I thought I was going to start going backwards. From here it was a short but very wet ride to where we were staying the night, at Bridge Of Weir, near Glasgow. Hot soup was dished out again, but we had the luxury of a proper building to stay in, one of the guys on the ride had organised his local village hall for us to use, complete with drying room and tumble drier (I wrung my socks and gloves out when I took them off). We also had the use of a workshop to repair a few bikes that needed attention, and everyone was chipping in sharing tools and parts etc, which was good. The camp support team made us a cracking chili that night, and most of us slept in the hall, in the warm and dry. Day 3 Approx 163 miles! This took us through Glasgow, and down through Penrith, with a photo stop at Gretna and over the border into England. But, not before we very nearly had a fight with a very big very angry red-faced Scotsman, who nearly knocked one of our group off his bike on a roundabout, despite the fluorescent yellow hi-viz jacket he had on. The guy pulled over and started fist waving and swearing at us, so we all hopped off the bikes to stand by our mate, and Mr. McAngry’s equally large angry son joined in too. This was quickly resolved when Jurgen (the biggest Swede you’ve ever seen and crazy Bob’s mate) came around the corner into view and McAngry realised there must be loads of us. He told us to “f**k off ootta ma country” before jumping back into his car  and disappearing. Anyway, we had showers on and off, and the riding was going well. My group was mixed ability, with myself and one other guy being the most experienced bikers, so whenever we got the chance we were flat out trying to ring every last bit of speed out of the poor little bikes, then pulling over up the road to wait for the others. The group had settled into a good riding rhythm by now, with everyone finding their feet and a riding style that suited being in a group.   There were some cracking bits of road, especially as July-August 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

ALL FOR CHARITY we came into the Lake District. We were held up when our Sat Nav threw a wobbly and decided to try and take us over a mountain track with a 25% gradient, which wasn’t going to happen. This held us up by about an hour, and by the time we worked out where we were, and where we were supposed to be and we rolled into the campsite at Bays Brown Farm in Ambleside, it was pissing hard and pitch black, and getting on for 9.30 at night. I’ve never been so grateful for a cup of hot soup and a bread roll! After dinner I got roped into fixing broken down mopeds again, and, by the time I’d finished, it was midnight. I couldn’t face pitching my tent in the dark in the pouring rain, for the sake of six hours sleep, so slept in the back of a minibus, with the aforementioned rockhard seats. Day 4 An easy 135 miles! This took us across the Penines, and was a fairly uneventful day for our group. One of the riders from another group was given a producer by the Police, and one in another group was taken away in an ambulance to get his face stitched back together after clipping a kerb, going over the bars and face-planting the road in an open-faced helmet. He went home for a good night’s kip (he lived nearby) and rejoined us the next day, but couldn’t ride as his lid was

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

rubbing on his stitches. He let another rider use his ‘ped to replace one that had died. We had hail and rain, but finished the ride dry. We arrived in good time at our rest stop for the night at Worksop Rugby Club, where  we had a carvery roast dinner laid on for us, the bar was open, and a  few of the local scooter club turned out on some nice Vespas and Lambrettas. A local DJ turned up too and put on a northen soul party for us. Day 5 140 miles, but probably the hardest day for everyone. This was the reason for our detour accross to Nottingham – we all met up and rode into Nottingham hospital as one big group (of around 65 mopeds!) and were greeted by a local councillor, the local press, several hospital managers, the Brads (charity) crew and some of the kids that have come through cancer at the hospital. We had a few photos taken, and had a speech from Brad’s mum, and then from one of the girls that had come through. There wasn’t a dry eye to be seen and it really brought home why we were doing it, and just made it all seem so worthwhile. Especially when they announced the total at that point was around £28,600. Up until this point, I’m not afraid to say that I’d been doing it for pretty selfish reasons, because it just seemed like it would be a good laugh and a great adventure, but

ALL FOR CHARITY this was really humbling, and made us all feel like we were really helping to do something positive. We stood on the site where they are planning to build the first dedicated teenage cancer unit in the country, in the grounds of the hospital. The route from here took us down the Fosse Way (an old Roman road) past Leicester, Warwick, over the M40 into Moreton-In-Marsh, and finally into Cirencester, where we stayed the night at a great old pub built at a canal tunnel. Brian had arranged dinner and a pint at the pub, which was fantastic, and gave everyone a chance to relax and reflect on the day we’d just had.  My bike exploded on the Fosse Way, which we thought was terminal, but it just turned out to be unburnt fuel due to a knackered spark plug, which had detonated in the exhaust and nearly blew the end of the silencer out! A quick plug swap and It was off again! Day 6 141 miles. This route took us through Bath, past Shepton Mallet, past Honiton, through Exeter and over the top of Dartmoor. We stopped en-route to visit a bike garage that Brian (the event organiser) had bought an RD50 from, and took a few photos of the bikes outside etc. One of our group managed to melt his piston on his freshly restored  FS1e, but he weighs 22 stone so nobody was really surprised. As usual, we had rain, but some sun too, so all arrived dry, which was nice. Our home for the night was another pub in Lydford, Devon, where again Brian had organised dinner for us. Day 7 96 miles then 33 miles. We set off after breakfast, with a leisurely jaunt of just 96 miles down to Lands End. This was pretty much all A30, so not particularly interesting but we covered a lot of ground in good time. We had previously decided to meet up as a group before Lands End so we could all arrive together, but decided against this on the day due to logistics. Instead we all just arrived in our groups, us being the last group 20

to arrive, riding in carefully choreographed formation and being met by massive applause from all of the other groups that had gathered to see us all in. The feeling of seeing Lands End as we rode the last half mile was overwhelming. I was so pleased to have made it, but at the same time I was gutted that it was all over. We had the usual photos at the sign etc, at which point Crazy Bob decided to raise his moped (a very old Raleigh Runaround which he had pedalled most of the way!) over his head for a couple of photos before throwing it backwards over the cliff! This bloke was a loon. He was then reminded that we still had a 33 mile ride to the Stithians showground where the VW Action Southwest show was being put on to mark the end of the ride. His mate Jurgen (the massive Swede) recovered it, kicked it back into shape and got it started, and off they rode again…Loons. We all set off in our groups again to meet up in a Travel Lodge car park, to re-group, and ride the final few miles through the country lanes to all arrive at the showground together. The looks on the faces  of the locals as a swarm of 65 mopeds came buzzing through the villages was priceless! We arrived as planned as a group, and received a very  warm welcome from the show-goers who had already made it to Stithians. The show itself was great, not a massive turnout, but that didn’t seem to matter to us, its was great for us all to let our hair down with our new found friends, have a few drinks and dance like idiots. Would I do it again?? In a heartbeat. If you wish to donate to the fund go to www. justgiving.com/jogle4brads July-August 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

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

SAM MANICOM: Extracts from INTO AFRICA

INTO

Africa One day at work, Sam Manicom suddenly realised that he didn’t like his job any more. But then he realised that he didn’t have any responsibilities, at all. He didn’t owe anyone any money and could, with a bit of ‘sellingeverything-he’d-got’, gather together enough cash to ride the length of Africa. There was one slight problem though. He didn’t know how to ride a motorcycle, but that wasn’t going to stop him. Within three months he’d learnt to ride and had made it to the edge of the Sahara on a 1991 BMW R80GS – that model because two blokes in his local pub had told him that the bikes were bullet proof, and idiot proof... We catch up with him in an excerpt from his book ‘Into Africa’. He’s down in Tanzania and has just been released from jail following an accident of the type that overlanders pray will never happen. 24

…Back on the road to the Malawi border again, I had a strange feeling that something wasn’t right so checked my gear and the bike, but all seemed OK. As I was having a drink of water, a voice from behind said, “Where are you coming from?” A simply dressed young man was standing there watching me with his head slightly tilted to one side. I explained the story and he relaxed. He’d been sitting in the shadows of a roadside bush when I arrived and had been watching ever since. “Is something wrong?” he asked. For some reason it felt quite OK to tell him about the really odd feeling that was still niggling at me. I’d wondered at first if it had been sixth sense telling me that someone was watching, but as the feeling was still there and we were now talking, it couldn’t be that. It felt as if there was something unfinished or something had been forgotten. I asked him where he was from and Domu talked about his village; it seemed to be quite a long way almost due north from where we were. “It is very remote”, he said, “We virtually never see outsiders there.” It wasn’t far from the edge of the dry interior lands of Tanzania and it seemed that he had set out to find out what went on in the outside world. He was very excited, though trying hard not to show that he was nervous. I recognised his feelings exactly. He’d learned English in mission school, a Scandinavian one I suspected, as his words were accented in a delightfully bizarre way. This reminded me of the first time I’d met a man of Pakistani descent who had been brought up in Glasgow. As he talked about home, his eyes shone and I realised that my odd mood had gone. Perhaps this July-August 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

SAM MANICOM: Extracts from INTO AFRICA

village was reachable. Domu knew what a map was but didn’t understand it, so there in the dust of the roadside he drew a series of instructions, mostly using town names and then land marks. I copied them carefully into my notebook. He also told me that no one had ever been to the village in a vehicle and that he wasn’t sure if it could be done on the bike, but it seemed like a great idea to try. I had enough food and water, and the bike felt amazingly light without either American John or Captain Joseph aboard, so pointing her north I set off. I didn’t have any doubts about making it, which was odd really as I should have done, and normally would have. Henry David Thoreau wrote ‘Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you have imagined.’ Looking back, this was just about the first time on the trip that I was going anywhere with complete confidence. It just felt like the right thing to be doing. Maybe the odd sensation had been the desire to leave Tanzania on the buzz of a high of success and not with the edgy feeling of needing to escape the events of the road to Mbeya. A roadside bus stop hotel housed me for the night in a bare room with a single bed and cockroaches for company. I set off again in the very early morning, happy to have just my own company once more. The landscape had dried out and the previous day had been very warm. Plenty of drink stops combated the heat, the road disappeared and then eventually the sandy track became too soft to ride. If it had been possible to ride in a straight line then perhaps I could have gone further, but the track twisted and curved through the bush. I’d made it over rocky paths and at one stage had followed a dried up riverbed. At this point I could have turned around, but decided South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

SAM MANICOM: Extracts from INTO AFRICA to risk hiding the bike in the thorn bushes (with luck I wouldn’t pick up any thorns in the tyres). After brushing away the tyre and footmarks (probably quite uselessly, but it made me feel better), I carried on down the track on foot. From Domu’s drawings it looked as if there was a two-day walk left to do but at least the land was flatter now. Perhaps naively, I still felt total confidence in what I was doing. Fit, healthy and with plenty of food and water, this trip could be done. I stopped to rest in the hottest three hours of the day and in the afternoon the trail meandered me onwards, passing landmark after landmark that were always roughly where they were supposed to be. That night, sleeping under a thorn bush, there were just the sounds of the wind and the silence of a full moon for company. I didn’t see or hear another living thing at all, but my boots did get a thorough shaking out in the morning. I’d read that snakes and scorpions like empty footwear. By the end of the next day doubt was easing into my mind – the village wasn’t where it should have been. My water supply was nearing the point of no return – if I didn’t turn back soon, I wouldn’t be able to make it back at all. Perhaps I was being stupid but I gave myself another couple of kilometres to find the village. If unlucky, I could still make it back OK. But then, after only another half a kilometre, a straggly bunch of goats let their herder know that there was a stranger around. The startled boy ran off up the track and by the time I’d followed him to the rough-fenced village, the people were expecting me. A group of old men sat outside the largest hut on rough benches, and one kitchen style chair – a badge of rank. All eyes followed me suspiciously as I moved cautiously across towards them. Squatting down to the level of the men on the lower seats, I tried my Swahili. Not an eyelid blinked and not a facial expression changed. English didn’t work, nor did my lousy French and my few words of German (tried with the thought that as this had once been a German colony then maybe one of these older men might understand me) didn’t work either. Not a blink. Resorting to sign language started to get me somewhere. I tried to convey to the man who was 26

obviously the chief, that I was harmless and would it be possible to stay for a week to learn about his village? I explained about meeting Domu and gave the presents of salt, sugar and soap that I had brought with me. Then I had a strong urge to pinch myself. This really was me, in a village, in the middle of Africa. Months ago, I’d been selling shoes in a completely different world. Suddenly there were smiles and then handshakes. The men moved along to make room for me to sit and the other village folk carried on about their business, though they all still had at least one eye on me as they went. I sat and watched life go by. My parents, who’d worked in Africa for a while, had probably been in a similar situation to this, but a considerable amount less was known in those days about life in the villages. I’d had television documentaries and the National Geographic magazine to learn from. They’d had books whose chapters had titles such as ‘Heathen Practices’, ‘Cannibalism and Secret Societies’ and ‘Getting to know the Black Man’. The chapter called ‘The Native Love Feast’ had not lived up to its title. The men around me carried on talking between themselves and it seemed that one in particular was the main storyteller. He told his stories by talking and by making gestures with hands that looked as hard as leather, as did his feet. His face was lined by creases that bent and flexed as his expressions dramatically changed with each turn in the story. He appeared to be telling the tale of a hunt from days gone by. I was sure that the story had been told many times before, but attention was complete and every so often one or another of the men would excitedly join in for a moment or two. There were satisfied expressions all around as the tale came to an end. I found myself being part of the evening’s entertainment for the village whilst putting up my little two-man tent. The chief was most impressed and was not too dignified to climb in and lie down. However, he didn’t seem so impressed with the lack of headroom. Fires were lit and it appeared that a party had been planned; a goat had been killed and was being roasted over the coals. The women of the village had been busy cooking cassava, which was yet another pretty tasteless July-August 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

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Hot Food • Raffle • Awards • Live Music See you there at The Huntsman Pub, next to Eridge Railway Station, just off the A26, three miles south of Tunbridge Wells. For Information call Mark: 07831 401140

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

SAM MANICOM: Extracts from INTO AFRICA stodge; this one made from a white centred root. They were also cooking a sort of spinach vegetable, which I later found out was the leaves from the top of the cassava plant itself. In a village like this, nothing would be wasted. At last, just after ten we all sat down to eat, the women on mats, the men on chunks of wood and the chief on his kitchen chair. The sleepy eyed younger children ate and were speedily banished to bed, but the men stayed talking until well after midnight, and I was extremely happy when they did finally head for their huts. By then I was almost at falling over stage. The village came awake shortly after five thirty, leaving me feeling that my eyes had only just closed, but not wanting to miss anything I slid out of the tent to watch. The women were bent over fires making the breakfast porridge, the boys had long gone with the goats and the cattle, and a baby was wailing somewhere. The younger men were up and were already repairing tools or tucking new thatch onto hut roofs but the older men were nowhere to be seen. Scrawny chickens pecked and clucked their way between the huts looking for morsels that were invisible to me. The cocks looked as if they had sucked in their waistlines and were strutting around with measured, stiff legged paces as if regally surveying their domain. Finally the older men emerged and the maize meal porridge was slopped with all the grace of a school dinner lady into pottery or wooden bowls. As we ate with our fingers, I dreamt of a little sugar or cinnamon or chocolate, or anything to give it some flavour. As a novice, I managed to keep everyone amused with my decidedly inept attempts at scooping. Very messy, and not a job for the bearded! Sitting with the Mzees outside the chief’s hut again,

the conversations gently flowed once more. The storytellers gave the feeling that some of their tales were being told in my honour and even though I didn’t understand everything, I understood enough to grasp the tale of the great drought when all the game went away and the spring almost dried up. I saw the battle between them and the village next door, and was there when the chief killed a lion as a young man. All told with words, mime and drawings on the beaten earth of the village floor. The days slipped by… Into Africa is packed with colour photos and pen and ink drawings, and is available on Kindle and in paperback from all good bookshops including Waterstones and Stanfords of London. You can also get signed copies direct from Sam via his website www.sammanicom.com But we have news. Into Africa has just been released on i-Tunes as an Enhanced e-book (May 2012). This version includes many colour photos, a significant number of which have never been seen in public before. But not only that, there are video clips with Sam in which he explains some of the feelings about making a trip like this, and more… There’s more news that we can pass on too. Sam tells us that he’s been receiving a flow of letters and emails from those who are blind, partially sighted, dyslexic, or simply would rather listen to a book than read one. Many of those letters have been from commuters and holiday makers. So, Sam has just finished recording Into Africa at Kite Studio in Cambridge and soon it will be available for download…details to follow or keep an eye on Sam’s website.

July-August 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

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

16/02/2012 14:43

MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP

FRONTLINE NEWS FROM THE MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP

Fighting on behalf of bikers

The Legislation lash up Apparently we live in a ‘civilized world’, one in which we have faith that our judicial and legislative systems are based on the principle of evidence. It’s why, in some legal cases, the accused get off if there isn’t enough evidence to ensure a watertight conviction. Similarly, most new laws are only introduced to counteract some identifiable problem. MAG’s Paddy Tyson writes…

t’s a generally sound principle that we should be proud of, which is why it’s so terribly frustrating to watch legislation being prepared in Europe that will affect motorcycling so profoundly and yet has absolutely no evidence to justify its introduction. Some people believe there is no issue with the proposed EU Type Approval Regulation which is due to be voted on 25th Oct 2012, but generally when pressed, the same people haven’t actually read it. Perhaps they believe no riders have ever fitted an end can, remapped their ignition, or changed their sprocket sizes, but I get out and about to a lot of bike meetings and I beg to differ. Part of this EU regulation wants to stop us modifying our powertrains because some Eurocrats believe it’s unsafe and environmentally damaging. But what about the principle of evidence for these planned laws? MAG is concerned about the content of these new proposals, but is also deeply concerned about the fact that we are yet to see any evidence to justify their introduction. And if MAG is so off-track and there is nothing to worry about, why did the EU Ombudsman say that the EU Commission has a case to answer? Why does it believe that the Commission seems to have proposed something without

justification and in so doing breached the Treaty of the EU itself? Why has the UK Government gone to such huge public expense conducting an impact assessment on the EU proposals, and also found that there is no evidence? Why does the Commission state in Annex XVIII of its own proposal that there is no baseline data available to even establish if there is a ‘problem’ with modified bikes being unsafe or harmful to the environment? Why has an MP belonging to the party in Government here, formally requested that the UK consider taking the EU Commission to court and why has he been supported by MPs from all other parties? Why have MEPs written to the EU Commission and demanded to see proof and justification for these new laws? Why did the Minister for Transport (Norman Baker) state in writing to the Houses of Parliament, May 17th; “The Commission has not published any indicators to support the extension of antitampering measures to unrestricted motorcycles as part of their current proposal… The Department’s (DfT) impact assessment could not find evidence to support anti-tampering measures on unrestricted July-August 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

MOTORCYCLE ACTION GROUP

motorcycles and on this basis the (UK) Government has opposed proposals to extend anti-tampering measures to unrestricted motorcycles” (a form of anti-tampering already exists on restricted bikes up to 125cc). This proposal has already passed the Committee stage in the EU Parliament. It’s been public for over 18 months. One committee examined it and voted on amendments they wanted to see before presenting their report to the EU Parliament for acceptance. All this without evidence. Negotiations continue at all levels and all the lobby work has returned the great news that new bikes over 47bhp may now be excluded from the forthcoming laws, which should be welcomed, but what evidence is there that changing the sprockets on a 650 single will damage the environment or be unsafe when doing it to a 900 triple will not? MAG remains opposed to anti-modification laws, and I am particularly opposed to laws that have no

basis in fact. If legislators get this, a very interesting precedent will have been set and the EU will, I believe, have lost any credibility it may have had. Our Government continues to fight our corner in Brussels too and as riders and voters we must continue to support them and get our MEPs to fight for us in the EU Parliament. MAG is working on an amendment with MEPs that will be tabled in the EU Parliament to ensure that the wording of Article 18 (anti-modification) is acceptable and unambiguous. We will not put our heads in the sand and hope for the best. There is no-one else speaking for riders. Join us. Motorcycles shouldn’t be penalised, but be celebrated as a solution to traffic congestion and poor city air quality. There’s plenty of evidence for that. Have a great summer. To join MAG visit, www.mag-uk.org or telephone: 01926 844064

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31 07/01/2011 14:22

READER RIDES

My Kool Blue Dream

By Tracy Beeden

used to own a Yamaha RD 250 about 28 years ago, then the law changed and I was not able to ride any bike over a 125, so I had a Yamaha 125 until that was stolen and set alight one night! Shortly after that I took my car test and that was that. While out riding as a pillion my partner’s bike, a VN 2000 Classic, I was thinking of my old RD 250 and how good it felt riding it, I don’t know why it took me so long before wanting another one and once I had made up my mind I was pretty desperate to get back riding my own bike a.s.a.p. So that week I booked my CBT and started looking at bikes. I sat on a Harley Davidson Sportster 883 and my dream began. Within a week I had completed my CBT at 1066 Motorcycle Training in Bexhill on-sea were I was made to feel very relaxed. Following this I brought a Honda 125 Shadow, a cruiser style which was new to me, so back on the road just after one week. I was enjoying the new experience of a cruiser but this was not enough I really wanted a bigger bike and a full licence. I continued training for my full

licence with 1066 Motorcycle Training who were very friendly, we had fun and made it easy. So on with the plan, Theory test, mode 1 (off road bit) and mode 2 test (on road bit) = full licence. During this time my partner and I went over to Shaws Harley Davidson, which now feels like my home from home as they are very friendly, made me feel so valued and they kept the refreshments coming and remembered just how I like my coffee. I sat on a Sportster 883 SuperLow in the showroom, it felt great, just my size as I am quite short, and I thought what a great looking bike, so now I am feeling excited and keen to get on and pass my test. Before leaving Shaws my partner and I saw a Harley Davidson soft tail Heritage classic and both fell in love with it. He test rode it and agreed a part exchange on his VN. So when looking for a bike for me we end up buying one for him? I completed my Theory test on 15th June and ordered my new bike on the 17th, a Cool Pearl Blue 883 Sportster SuperLow also having the side panels and belt guard sprayed blue to match the tank and July-August 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

READER RIDES

mudguards with added, saddlebags and windshield, this wouldn’t be ready for 2-3 weeks. Then on the 15th June I failed my mode 1 test! I felt so gutted, having ordered my new bike and then just failed. However I then passed it a week later on the 26th June and was back on track. Just over another week I passed my Mode 2 on 6th July, I couldn’t believe I would ever get there. My new bike was not ready for at least another week…this was a long wait. The 12th July – the day had come and I was nervous as I had never ridden such a powerful bike and was so excited because I was going to pick up my new bike. I had not seen what the new sprayed parts would look like on the bike, when I saw it I thought it was just how I imagined it would look like, great and different to the other ones. The saddlebags looked good and the windshield was a quick release one so I could take it off easily as and when I wanted to. The switches and Alarm system were explained. The Harley Davidson ‘Smart Security System’ which meant a hands free South East Biker • www.southeastbiker.co.uk July-August 2012Magazine • South East Biker Magazine

alarm and immobilised ignition system, sets itself 5 seconds after the rider walks away, the rider carriers a Fob which is recognised by the bike. The engine was started and it sounded so sweet, not too loud, the engine had a sweet distinctive Harley purr. On riding it away, it felt so good I couldn’t believe it, the nerves soon disappeared as it felt like it was made for me, was smooth, and steady, very steady at slow speeds approaching junctions. This bike is great to ride and feels easy, it has a lot of torque, 5th gear only wants to be used when going at higher speeds. Now this was a new experience and more than I had hoped for. I call her my “Kool Blue dream “. I love riding my new bike, the only thing is the road has slightly scraped the exhaust pipe once on the A21 roundabout at Pembury and once on a long sharp corner on the A259 just before Rye, I think the road was a bit high, well that’s my excuse! I’m riding all the time, loved going out for days and riding with others. Not long ago I was wishing the dream, now I’m living the dream… 33

RIDER UPDATES

ROB GUIVER 2012 THE SEASON SO FAR… Rainhams Rob Guiver, after many successful years racing in the British125GP series, takes on an exciting, brand new challenge for the 2012 season by racing a Triumph Daytona 675cc machine in the Triumph Triple Challenge series. By Sally Bly.

made a slight mistake and Phil cut back on the run up to Druids, but Rob managed to outbrake him and take the lead back from him. Rob led for the rest of the race and was run close by another former 125 rider Tom Hayward, until the last 2 laps when he managed to pull out a 2 second lead, and eventually won the race by 4 seconds. For Rob to win the 1st race of the season was fantastic but to win it on his birthday made it a dream start on his new bike! The next day the weather had taken a turn for the worse, track conditions were really bad and there wasn’t a lot of grip. As track conditions were so bad the officials called the 5 lap race a result, and gave awarded half points. This put Rob in 2nd place of the championship 1 point off the lead. Apart from the bad weather it has been a great start to the championship for him.

Brands Hatch Round 1 After doing some pre-season testing at his favourite and local circuit Rob felt confident of starting the season well over the Easter weekend on the Indy circuit. The conditions for Race 1 were half wet and half dry. Rob opted for wet tyres, made a good start and was 2nd into the 1st turn, by the end of the 1st lap took the lead from South African series regular Phil Atkinson, going into Paddock Hill Bend. Rob

Thruxton Round 2 The 2nd round of the championship later the same week took Rob to Thruxton. Last year Rob won the 125 race here so was hoping to repeat the same performance. The 1st race was towards the end of the day and by then the track had completely dried up after earlier rain. Rob made a great start and was 2nd into the 1st turn, then dropped down to 3rd mid lap, and got back up to 2nd by the end of the 1st lap. At the end of the 2nd lap Rob took the lead which he held until the end and won the race by over 3 seconds. Rob also set the fastest lap which meant he would start from pole position for the next race. It was a great victory and even though he struggled with arm problems he was happy to make the distance, and was looking forward to the next race. The second race of the weekend was dry but it was very cold and windy, Rob made a great start and got the holeshot into the 1st turn, but was quickly passed into the 2nd turn by Phil Atkinson. Phil and Rob swapped places for the next couple of laps until another South African rider, James Egan joined them for a three way battle for the lead. It was a very exciting race and the riders swapped places near enough every lap, Rob was starting to struggle with his arms as they were

he popular one make race series with riders on identical race tuned machines is featuring at nine of the twelve British Superbike meetings this year. Rob will be supported by his loyal sponsors from previous seasons, Tom Barrett, Mick Carter of Auto Mech services, Paul Clark of Vertex Moulding, Mark Roberts - RST/ Moto direct and Airoh Helmets together with two new welcome sponsors Jamie and Gaz Webster of Protein 5, and CMP Telephone Services. Additionally each rider entering the series receives support and back up from the series organisers and T3 racing. You will be able to keep up with Rob’s progress during the season by following him on Facebook and reading his race reports from every round of the championship on his website www.robguiverracing.com or better still come along and support him at the nine BSB race meetings where he will be racing and meet Rob and his team in the Triumph paddock area.

July-August 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

RIDER UPDATES becoming very weak, with 2 laps to go Rob made his move to the front got his head down and gritted his teeth and pushed as hard as he could for the last 2 laps. This big effort managed to pull a 1 second gap to win his second race of the weekend. It was a fantastic feeling and Rob now led the championship by 25 points. Oulton Park Round 3 We went to Oulton Park in Cheshire last weekend for the 3rd round. Oulton is is one of Rob’s favourite tracks and he had been on the podium on every visit to the track over the last 3 years. On the Saturday the Triumph Triples had one` practice session, Rob managed to get 5 laps in and was fastest overall by a second, it was hard to find a set up only having so few laps, so he was looking forward to Sunday’s qualifying session to get some good track time. He only had one session on Sunday again, this time the Triumphs were due to have a 25 minute qualifying session. Rob managed to get 6 laps in before it started to rain, he sat the rest of the session out because the track was too wet to go any faster but still managed to set pole position by 1.5 seconds. Rob was gutted though that he hadn’t had a lot of track time over the weekend so far, but was really happy to have pole position for the 1st race on Bank Holiday Monday. There was drama in Monday’s morning warm up session, Rob ran into Hizzy’s chicane a little bit too hot and decided to take to the grass as he wasn’t going to make the turn. Just as he was about to rejoin the track he dropped the bike on its side on the wet grass. Rob was fine and the bike had only minor damage, The team got the bike repaired with plenty of time before the 1st race. 20 minutes before they were due to go out on track for Race 1, the heavens opened up

and it bucketed down with rain. Rob was a little bit nervous going into the race as he still didn’t have a lot of confidence in the wet, but he got off to a good start and was 3rd into the 1st turn He decided to hold position in 3rd to find out where the grip was and to see what the 2 riders at the front were doing. Half way through the race Chrissy Rouse took the lead from South African Phil Atkinson but, Chrissy crashed coming out of Shell Oils hairpin. Chrissy`s bike was in the middle of the track and Phil and Rob had to go either side of the bike to avoid it. A lap later Rob was confident enough to take the lead from Phil, but he soon passed back, finding a bit more grip than Rob had and he was riding really well. Rob tried to make a pass on the last lap but was just not quite close enough but he was really pleased to have finished 2nd and felt that he had now gained his confidence back in the wet. The 2nd race was the last race of the day at 5.30, it was very cold but the track had dried up. Rob made a good start and was 2nd into the 1st turn but then took the lead and led for most of the race, with Phil Atkinson right behind pushing hard. On lap 7 coming down into Cascades Rob had problems with his visor misting up due to the weather and couldn’t see. Phil then took the lead.Rob had to lift his visor to clear the mist so that he could see again ! Once he could see again he set about going after Phil and made a pass going into the 1st turn but ran wide and he passed Rob back. Rob managed to pass Phil at Lodge Corner starting the last lap.and then rode defensively, braked as late as he could,and managed to hold Phil off for his 4th win of the year. Latest News – Round 4 Snetterton May 25-27 Qualified:1st, Race :1st position and 7th position.

Trials and TrIibulations… WORDS: www.annieholder.com PICTURE: James Burroughs, www.jb3.co.uk

ain, hail, sleet, snow, high winds, long days, heavy ‘flu and a dislocated kneecap…all in a week’s work at the world’s toughest trials event. South East Biker is delighted to report that James Burroughs successfully completed the Scottish Six Day Trial, surmounting gruelling challenges and battling illness and painful injury, raising money to purchase a new bike for the charity SERVKent.

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

Catch up with James’ SSDT event diary by visiting www.jb3.co.uk. It’s still possible to donate to a very worthy cause via: www.justgiving.com/JamesBurroughs-SSDT. Please give generously, YOU might need SERVKent’s help one day. A big thank you to everyone who has already donated and to James’ sponsors for their invaluable assistance. 35

BMCRC, Round 4, Oulton Park

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

BMCRC Michelin Minitwins Couzens Extends Championship Lead Dan Couzens extended his championship lead in the Michelin Minitwins, taking a win and a second place over the Jubilee weekend. Jones made the start in race one on Tuesday, and led out of turn one and down the hill. But braking downhill into the first left hander for the first time the race leader crashed out. That left Couzens and Gilbert to get away at the front, but Charlie King, who made an excellent start after qualifying in 10th, soon joined them, and after sitting third until the halfway stage, he fought his way past Gilbert and then Couzens on lap four. The pace quickened, with King and Couzens breaking away from Gilbert. But 2011 champion Couzens had no answer, and King took the win on the S&S Panelcraft Suzuki, just over a tenth ahead of Couzens. Gilbert joined them on the 36

podium in third. In race two the leading three got away together, with Couzens leading Buxton and Gilbert, and a three way fight for the lead ensued. The order remained the same from start to finish, yet just over half a second covered all three of them at the flag. Jones, who scored no points in race one and started the second from the back of the grid, did his best to minimise damage, the 15 year old coming through the field to take fourth. Jones, riding the only Gladius in the field, was up to seventh after just one lap, before getting up to fourth a lap later. But he was unable to chase down the leading group. Joseph Buxton and Karl Fitt took a win apiece in the Rookie class. Rapid Solicitors National Junior Cup Five Riders On The Podium In Two Races At Oulton The Rapid Solicitors National Junior Cup arrived at Oulton for the

third round of the championship, fresh from action at the Donington World Superbike round. And after two races on the Cheshire circuit, five different riders adorned the podium. Aaron Maxfield on his MAE Industrial Trucks Kawasaki Ninja 250 that took the win in race one ahead of Grigor, after youthful exuberance got the better of Hill, and he crashed out on the opening lap. Law finished third. In the second race Hill took the win nearly two seconds from Grigor. Law looked like he was set for another podium in third. However, he was passed by Thomas Lodge on lap four and Max Alexander passed him on the last lap, relegating him to fifth. Lodge was third. EDI Asia Formula 400s More Bad Luck For Welsh In Title Hunt Richie Welsh qualified his Yamaha FZR400 on pole position but going out onto the warm up lap for the first outing,Welsh dropped it

July-August 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ South East Biker Magazine

BMCRC going to the Shell Oils hairpin, and failed to make the start. That left Martin on the David Simon Tuning Honda CBR400 to take the win after hitting the front on lap three, with Gary Henning second and Andrew Gill third. In the second race Richie Welsh managed to come through the field to take the race win, ahead of Henning and Martin. However, Welsh’s DNF and Martin’s two point scores means he extends his lead at the top of the championship to 58 points. DFDS Seaways Yamaha Past Masters Records Smashed As Parbury Returns Mark Parbury put in a rare appearance in the DFDS Seaways Yamaha Past Masters, riding the TZR250 his father used to race in the class, and promptly set about beating lap records. He took the win, and was followed across the line by Michael Russell and Jesse Jones. However, with Russell ineligible in the points, second was awarded to Jones, with Steve King third. In race two Parbury took off into the distance again, and the battles ensued behind. Parbury took the win, from King and Pat Herron. BMCRC Premier 1000s Chapman Double Win In Premier Class Barry Chapman made his first outing in the Bemsee Premier 1000s, and took two wins the class. Chapman took the overall win in race one, ahead of Stock winner Seb Bulpin. Third across the line was the AP Broome Landscapes BMW S1000RR of Chris Barnes. The third Stock 1000 was Ed Pead in fifth, behind the second Premier 1000, Jordan Simpkin, in fourth. The third Premier 1000 was series leader Michael Neeves, down in ninth.

Daryl Dance was the leading Clubman rider, also BMW mounted. In race two Bulpin took the overall win on his Stock BMW, ahead of Chapman, who was leading Premier 1000, and Dan Fowler, who was third and second Stock 1000. Jon Waghorn was the third Stock runner in fourth. James Folkard on his Ducati 848 was the second Premier bike in sixth, with Neeves one place back in seventh, and rounding off the Premier 1000 podium. The leading Clubman rider was Daryl Dance in 15th. Michael Honey took both wins in the Rookie 1000 class on his Suzuki GSX-R1000, closing the gap on series leader Danny Campion, who was absent from proceedings. BMCRC Premier 600s Simpkin And Cooper Share Spoils In Premier 600s Jordan Simpkin returned to Bemsee action at Oulton Park, and took pole position on his Go Racing Yamaha R6. Cooper got away at the front and took the race win by just over a second. He was chased across the line by Jordan Simpkin, the leading Stock 600. 13 seconds later was Ogden. Darren Jones and Joe Carnell were ninth and 10th, and second and third in the Premier class, while leading Clubman was Jed Angles on his Kawasaki ZXR600 in seventh. In the second race Simpkin took the overall race win, just ahead of Cooper, the pair first in the Stock and Premier class respectively. Making up the race podium was Ogden in third. Ogden was also second in the Stock class, with Steve Murphy fourth and third in the Stock class. Second and third in the Premier class was Jones and Dave Shelvey on his Suzuki GSX-R600 respectively, while leading Clubman was Angles in sixth. Ben Gallaway and Ben Doolan sit first and second in the Rookie

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

championship, and shared the spoils over the weekend. BMCRC Thunderbike UK Double For Kelly Seb Kelly qualified on pole and took both wins in the BMCRC Thunderbike class, his first win coming ahead of Tony Russo and Adam Nelson. In race two Russo was relegated to third, as Kelly took the win from Ashley Buxton by two tenths of a second. BMCRC F1 & F2 Sidecars Bell and Belsey Dominant In Cheshire

Suzuki LCR1000 pairing of Phil Bell and Tony Belsey were dominant in the Bemsee sidecars, the F1 outfit taking both wins, the first by 30 seconds. But as British championship runners, they did not take points. The F1 win in the BMCRC class was awarded to Cable and Pawsey in race one, and Archer and Grimes in race two. F2 pairing Miles Bennet and Shelley Smithes were second on both occasions and the leading F2 outfit. Bonhams BHGP/WRR Landsdowne Cup English And Palmer Share Spoils Glen English and Chris Palmer took a win apiece in the Bonhams BHGP/WRR Landsdowne Cup. English won from Michael Russell and Palmer, and in race two Palmer won from Andrew Taylor and Russell. 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!

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.

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. • FREE goodie bag, includes

Dave getting his leg down, whatever works Dave!

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 days dates are Saturday 21st July and 22nd September. Book now to avoid disappointment as space is limited already. Call Debbie on 01892 610808 or debbie@ southeastbiker.co.uk

July-August 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

PRODUCT REVIEW

Solving stormy showers By Debbie Tunstill April showers turned into the wettest April on record for the UK, so for motorcyclists it was a damp start to the season. June started without much promise and summer seemed to have been the two great weeks we had in March and May. It seemed a far off dream of a Sunday spent riding the lanes, finishing at a pretty country pub and sitting in its garden, in the afternoon sun. Anyway, after so much rain my winter jacket gave up and started to leak. OK, It’s 4 years old and it needed a bit of care and attention, I thought it could do with help resisting the rain. There are a number of products on the market to waterproof motorcycle kit but the name of one product caught

my eye, Storm waterproof spray in a can. The Bikerstore at Blindley Heath, demonstrated the effect when sprayed on a tissue with the Storm waterproofer, it created a complete barrier, the water formed droplets that just fell off the tissue. Storm waterproofing spray is suitable for breathable materials and Gore-Tex products too. I bought two cans even though they say that one can is enough to waterproof a couple of items. I wanted to waterproof was my jacket, trousers and hopefully my gloves. I managed

to do all of those and another pair of gloves, being quite generous to each garment, all out of one can. The can sprays darker so you are able to see the coverage of item and where you are spraying but dry invisible. It must be done in a well ventilated room and they dry quickly but I left them over night. Storm waterproofing (UK) do inform you that the spray may darken some fabrics but on all the surfaces I used it on it made no difference. A can cost under £8 and it’s worth it so your dry and ready for our beautiful summer weather. The benefits of using Storm waterproof spray: • Quick drying • Non staining finish • Suitable for all materials Storm waterproofing products are available at The Bikerstore, Blindley Heath or direct www.stormwaterproofing.com/ application/waterproof/sprayon-waterproofer-500ml.html

Service • Repairs • Tyres Track Day Preparations MOTs by Appointment 17 Years Main Dealer Experience

Tel: 01825 890313, Mobile: 07710 784876 Email: everest.motorcycles@yahoo.co.uk Visit: www.everestmotorcycles.org.uk Unit 3a, The Oaks Farm Workshops, Framﬁeld, East Sussex. TN22 5PN

Bring this advert with you and get a MOT for JUST £25! Everest Motorcycles HP V2 0312.indd 1 South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

17/02/2012 14:39 39

South East Biker Events 1 July 1 July 6 July

JULY EVENTS

Battlesbridge Show Essex

Goodwood Festival of Speed

Lakeside Hammers v Birmingham

7 July 8 July 8 July

Kempton Park Bike Jumble

14 July

Haslemere Motorcycles Open Day

15 July 15 July 21 July 21 July 21 July 22 July 22 July 27 July 29 July 29 July 29 July

Ham Street Show

Southern Comfort Rally Lodsworth

Brighton MAG Show Shoreham North Weald Show & Sprint Eastbourne Eagles v Birmingham

South East Biker Trackday Lydden Hill

Lakeside Hammers v Coventry BSB Brands Hatch

Enduro - Portsmouth Motor Cycle Racing Club Ltd

Eastbourne Eagles v Kings Lynn

AUGUST EVENTS

3 August Lakeside Hammers v Belle Vue 4 August Eastbourne Eagles v Peterborough

4 August Fire Station Bike Day, Crawley Fire Station

5 August TRACK - Grass Track & Long Track - Southend & DMCC

11 August Trials - Braintree & DMCC 17 August Lakeside Hammers v Eastbourne Eagles

18 August Eastbourne Eagles v Wolverhamptom

19 August Enduro - Portsmouth Motor Cycle Racing Club Ltd

19 August Trials - Basingstoke MCC

19 August Bike Megameet and Jumble Popham Airfield

24 August Lakeside Hammers v Peterborough

Enduro - Sidcup & DMCC Ltd

27 August Kent Chrome and Cruisers

Huntsman Motorcycle Show

31 August Lakeside Hammers v Poole

Trials - Basingstoke MCC

Rally Sittingbourne

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 August 2012. Entries are limited to first come first in.

NEW FOR 2014: PERU TO BRAZIL

CALL 01424 838618 NOW BECAUSE LIFE IS TOO SHORT

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

Adventure Peru QPV 0512.indd 1

18/06/2012 10:34

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

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

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

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

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

Mickleham , Box Hill, Dorking, Su rrey. RH5 6B Y Tel: 01306 88 4454 Rykas Café – the South Ea st’s motorbike rid ers institutio n. www..boxhi ll.co.uk

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

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.

July-August 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

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.

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

Tel: 01342 458171 Wide range of Helmets, large stock of Furygan, Richa and many more. Come down and see our large showroom.

TRAINING BikeSmart Next to Haywards Heath station Tel: 01444 446919

SERVICING BP Bikes

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

MISCELLANEOUS Shoosmiths

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

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

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

July-August 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 IAM

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

SEB PICK UP POINTS BERKSHIRE BRACKNELL Bahnstomer BMW Thms. Vlly.... RG12 0SH TriCounty Motorcycles............... RG12 1NQ READING Hein Gericke ................................... RG30 1EH SLOUGH Hein Gericke .........................................SL1 2EJ

DORSET BOURNEMOUTH Crescent Motorcycles......................BH8 9RT Hein Gericke.......................................BH9 2EG 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

ESSEX BRADWELL Essex Bikers Centre.......................CM77 8EB BRAINTREE Cannon BMW Motorcycles..........CM7 3QS Hein Gericke...................................CM77 8GA

CHELMSFORD Essex Honda .....................................CM2 9QP COLCHESTER Colchester Kawasaki......................... C02 8JB FINCHINGFIELD The Three Tuns Pub ......................CM7 4NR GANTS HILL Hein Gericke........................................IG2 6NQ

HAMPSHIRE

MAIDSTONE Hein Gericke................................... ME14 2UU 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 WELLING Hein Gericke................................... DA16 3PA WROTHAM Oakdene Café...................................TN15 7RR

KENT

CHISWICK Hein Gericke.........................................W4 5YT CLAPHAM Infinity Motorcycles...........................W4 5YT GREAT PORTLAND STREET Infinity Motorcycles...................... W1W 5PG HANGER LANE Hein Gericke....................................... W5 3QP 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 STOCKWELL Hein Gericke...................................... SW9 9AE

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 Hein Gericke..................................... GU14 6EJ PORTSMOUTH Hein Gericke........................................PO1 5ET SOUTHAMPTON Crescent Motorcycles................. SO50 6AA Hein Gericke ...................................SO15 1GG WEST MEON Loomies Café....................................GU32 1JX WINCHESTER Alan Lear Motorcycles................SO23 7DW 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

LONDON

MIDDLESEX KENTON Hein Gericke....................................... HA3 8BL 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 PURLEY Hein Gericke.......................................CR8 4DA 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 CHICHESTER CMW Motorcycles..........................PO19 7JG 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

July-August 2012 • South East Biker Magazine

V i k i n g M o t o rc yc l e S e a t s M O T O R C Y C L E S E AT S P E C I A L I S T

AVA I L A B L E W H I L E YO U WA I T St a n da rd R ec overs Re fo ams & Gel s C u s tom s & R ec o nd it ion s N EW - EMBRO IDERY!! T-S h ir t s, F l ee c e s, C a ps V inyls and Ba nners 2 7 H e a v e r Tr a d i n g E s t a t e , A s h R o a d , A s h , K e n t T N 15 7 H J ( N ea r B ra n ds H a tc h) N ow w it h o n- s ite ca fé

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