RiDE Best Buy for LS2

LS2 is celebrating its first Best Buy ‘triangle’ from RiDE following the consumer magazine’s test of sub-£200 helmets. The new Vector II beat off stiff competition from other major players to take the laurels, with RiDE declaring it a “clear winner”.

Testers were impressed not only with the quality and specification of the helmet but also the array of accessories supplied as standard, including Pinlock Max Vision and an inflatable ring cushion to support the product when changing or cleaning visors. In addition, it was the quietest helmet on test.

“It’s 15 years since LS2 launched in the UK and this is a fantastic way to mark the occasion,” said a delighted UK sales director Paul Haskins. “In the previous RiDE test, back in summer 2020, the LS2 Storm helmet achieved Recommended award, so this year’s “Best Buy” proves that as a brand, we’re always ahead!”

The Vector II is one of several new 22.06 standard models to be launched by LS2 this year, including the Advant 180-degree flip-front and the multi-functional Drifter openface.

It’s not only LS2’s helmets that are performing well in RiDE –their Swift gloves were also the magazine’s “Choice for comfort” in the 2020 guide to sporty summer gloves.

MAG campaigns on theft and parking

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is focussed on two vital bread-andbutter issues this month: bike theft and workplace bike parking provision. On the theft front, MAG booked the Ace Café as the venue for its Hertfordshire Fight Motorcycle Theft public meeting, where it will focus on crime in the county. Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd is set to be joined by Chief Inspector Ricky Bartlett and MAG’s own Colin Brown on the panel for the hustings-style meeting. Previous events in Kent and the West Midlands have seen tangible outcomes, according to MAG, and the hope is that this event will be equally effective.

Speaking as the meeting was announced, MAG campaign director, Colin Brown, said: “We are delighted to be holding this next meeting in the series at such a great venue. Our thanks go to Mark Wilsmore for allowing us to hold the meeting at the ACE Café. We already have a date set for a West Yorkshire Police meeting.

Meanwhile, a related issue is the provision of safe, secure workplace parking for bikes. MAG is investigating workplace parking facilities, with a survey asking riders for details about the availability, quality and security of workplace motorcycle parking. MAG is also asking employers to bring their motorcycle parking provision up to scratch.

Colin Brown, MAG director, said: “One thing cannot be denied; if you ride to work, you are going to need somewhere to park your bike. Motorcycle parking is often just an afterthought if not entirely ignored. Car, and increasingly cycle, parking is a given at most workplaces. But the motorcyclist is often left to make the best of a bad job. We are running a survey to get a feel for how well employers are supporting the motorcycle commute. We have also developed a simple guide with advice for employers and hope to see the standards improve by Ride To Work Day 2024.”

The MAG survey can be completed at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LSPT8HQ

Honda Yūshū Award for Belle Vue Motorcycles

THE HONDA YŪSHŪ AWARDS (Yūshū is Japanese for ‘excellence’) were set up to recognise the best in customer satisfaction and service, and the firm has recently been handing out awards to the best dealers in its European network. Belle Vue Honda Motorcycles in Southend, Essex, is one of only two UK winners, receiving a highly commended Honda Yūshū award for customer satisfaction, alongside JS Gedge, which also took a top award.

Dealer principal Dan Stilwell said, “I am pleased to confirm that Belle Vue Honda Motorcycles have been recognised with the Highly Commended Yūshū Award. Being one of only two to receive this award means so much to everyone that works here. This is an incredible achievement and reflects positively all the hard work the Belle Vue Honda Motorcycles staff have put in over many years to serve all our customers near and far.”