South East Biker, Issue 50, April-May 2017

The South East’s No.1 FREE bike magazine ISSUE 50 • APRIL-MAY 2017

REVIEWS • FEATURES • EVENTS • SPORTS SEB: ON FULL THROTTLE SINCE 2008 southeastbiker.co.uk

STARTING GRID

Editor scribes Many moons ago when I was at school, an “old” chap came to give us a talk about motorsport. I had never heard of him, but apparently he had something to do with motorbikes so I thought it was worth turning up for. As he started his talk it soon became apparent he was something special. After all, how many people have won Premier World Championships on both two and four wheels? Throw in some TT victories and you have someone unique.

After his talk I managed to grab a few words with John Surtees, for it was he, and the older I get, the more of a privilege I realise it was to meet him.

So we would like to dedicate the 50th issue of South East Biker magazine to the great man. A motorbike and car racer from the South East who took on the world’s best and beat them all. RIP John.

Contents

4 SEB: CELEBRATING 50 ISSUES 9 The Heyday of the ‘Ped 10 How good is your solicitor?

All the best Nick

Visit southeastbiker.co.uk for events list CONTACT US

12 GETTING IT ON 15 MayDay 16 New Gear 21 News from MAG 22 Final Journey

ADVERTISING AND Debbie Tunstill, email: debs@southeastbiker.co.uk

GENERAL ENQUIRIES Tel: 01892 459080 EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Nick Tunstill, email: nick@southeastbiker.co.uk South East Biker, 2 St John’s Road, Crowborough, East Sussex. TN6 1RW PRODUCTION: Dean Cook: deancook@magazineproduction.com PRINTING: Gemini Print, Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex. © 2017 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.

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

26 OLD DOGS NEW TRICKS 30 An Asian Adventure 34 A Tale of the Unexpected 3

SEB: GLORIOUS 50

NICK TUNSTILL

When we started off South East Biker Magazine in 2008 we had no idea it would be as popular as it has turned out to be. The aim was to provide a magazine written by everyday bikers rather than professional journalists.

We are not whisked off to sun drenched hotspots to test the latest missiles and be wined and dined by manufacturers (unfortunately). Like most of you we ride bikes all year round on the delightful surfaces that pass for roads in this part of the world. We try and be as objective as possible and our test rides and product reviews are along the lines of what you would make decisions on yourself.

Our contributors come from a wide range of biking backgrounds and experience. Everyone involved in the magazine from design, website, marketing and production rides a bike, so we feel we give a reasonable opinion on real world biking in the South East. Readers also contribute to the success of SEB by providing articles and keeping us up to date with the various bike related activities across the region. Please feel free to get in touch if you have anything you would like to share with a wider audience. Contributions from MAG, the TRF, the Motorcycle Industry Association and various training bodies have provided regular insights into what is happening that may affect our biking future.

So we would like to thank all our readers for picking up SEB and giving us the feedback that hopefully makes it an interesting read. We also need to say a massive ‘Thank You’ to all our advertisers, some of whom have been with us since the beginning. Without the backing of these motorcycle businesses we wouldn’t be able to produce and distribute SEB as a free publication. We don’t have the luxury of a large media corporation backing us, so please help us by supporting our advertisers wherever you can.

As we have put together such a great team to produce SEB we thought it would be fitting to introduce everyone involved. So here are the main protagonists and a brief overview of their bikes and interests.

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Occupation: Publisher and printer.

Licence: Full licence for 36 years.

What was your first bike?

First bike was a Zundapp 100.

I used to ride around the garden at about 14. It would only bump start and burst into flames once while attempting to start it when it had a fuel leak, interesting!

At 16 my first road bike was a Casal 50 from Portugal. It was painfully slow and had appalling lights and brakes.

However it did take me on my first motorbike tour around the South East with my mate on his Puch Maxi.

I remember our tent getting robbed in Cowfold while we were in the pub.

Happy days!

What is your current bike?

Now riding a Tiger 800XRX and a Suzuki DR350. Both bikes will do pretty much anything, which is why I like them.

April-May 2017 • South East Biker Magazine

SEB: GLORIOUS FEATURE 50

DEBBIE TUNSTILL

DEAN COOK

Occupation: Magazine Production Artist.

Licence: Full licence for 9 years.

What was your first bike?

At 16, I had an orange Suzuki FZ50. It had a two-speed automatic gearbox. If it rained, water would kill the spark plug resulting in a long walk home from my Saturday job.

Occupation: Marketing and advertising.

Licence: Full licence for 9 years.

What was your first bike?

My first bike was an ex-Hampshire Police 200cc Honda Benly although it had a 125cc engine when I got it. I named it Thomas because as you pulled away it would make a ‘toot toot’ like a steam engine whistle!

What is your current bike?

My current bike is a Suzuki GSX-R 600 in MotoGP colours.

What is your current bike?

I simply love my KTM 990 SMT. A V-Twin offering a huge amount of fun — especially when I go touring. It’s taken me to France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and across the UK including an epic 1800 mile round trip to Scotland last year.

Extremely reliable and a great all rounder.

CHRIS AYLWARD

Occupation: Website guru and a surveyor What was your first bike?

My first bike on the road was a Yamaha XS400 import. I blew it up while trying to overtake a ZZR1100 on a dual carriageway.

What is your current bike?

Honda Blackbird CBR1100XX. My least pleasant riding experience was in 2010 when I shattered my pelvis, hip, leg and a few other bits, due to a car driver choosing to be on my side of the road and causing a head-on collision. I discovered that a combined impact speed of 60/70mph causes around 25 hours of surgery, 18 months in wheelchairs and on crutches and it takes around two and a half years before you can get on a bike South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

again. That was annoying and ruined my schedule for a few years, but as they say, ‘what doesn’t kill you...’. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you (yet again) to Kent Air Ambulance for saving another life, my friends and family for the morale support.

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SEB: GLORIOUS 50

LES SMITH

Occupation: Retired. 24 years as Kent Bike Cop and Police Motorcycle instructor. I also helped run BikeSafe in Kent.

Licence: Full licence for 36 years.

What was your first bike?

At 16 years old, my first road bike was a Suzuki AP50 (purple) but at 13 years old I was riding a stripped Honda C90 — the local farmer loved me. I remember it only did 15mph up hill, 45mph downhill and had pedals.

What is your current bike?

JOHN ALLSOPP

Occupation: NHS clinical manager Licence: Full licence for 34 years.

What was your first bike?

My first bike was a Suzuki ZR80 bought on my 16th birthday — I covered around 80k miles on it in a year and a half before I bought my first LC250. (Ring ding a ding lol). That bike was my ticket to personal freedom and the start of my immersion in all things bike.

What is your current bike?

Current bikes are BMWR1150RS and a Ducati 748. Both bikes are perfectly well designed for their respective purposes though. I wish I could get more modern ones!

CHARLOTTE DE LIMA

Occupation: Runs Surrey PR – an agency specialising in motorcycle PR.

BMW R 1150 GS adventure — a great retro beast, not the quickest bike but bloody tall and very heavy. Yes, I have had to pick it up but it’s kinda old school cool. I’ve got into touring — Spanish Pyrenees, off road trails and the Alps for me please.

What was your first bike?

First bike was a 1998 Honda CG125 with kick start. I was rather over enthusiastic the first time I kick-started it and ended up spraining my ankle!

What is your current bike?

I don’t currently own one.

THREE MOTORCYCLE LAUNCHES 50 YEARS AGO Here are our three picks of motorcycles launched in 1967

The Norton Commando is arguably Britain’s most well-developed twin-cylinder motorcycle. It was an outstanding sales success, both at home and overseas, and is still a practical means of transport.

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Yamaha introduced a new model known as the YR-1 Grand Prix. Producing 36hp, the engine was a twin-cyclinder, two-stroke. The motorcycle was a road racing machine with enough lights and instruments to make it street legal.

Triumph releases T100R Daytona Super Sports, first twin-carb 500cc machine.

The 1967 ‘Daytona’ was introduced to commemorated Triumph’s 1966 victory at the Daytona 200 mile road race.

April-May 2017 • South East Biker Magazine

01420 488290

PetersďŹ eld road, Whitehill, Bordon, Hampshire GU35 9AR

Enough said. www.haslemeremotorcycles.co.uk

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Approach Road, Tatsfield Westerham, Kent/Surrey Border.

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Email: helmetcitytatsfield@live.co.uk

Opening times: Mon-Fri - 9am-5.30pm Sat - 9am-5pm

" FREE OXFORD COMFY on presentation of this voucher!

SEB: GLORIOUS 50

THE 50cc moped To mark our 50th issue we take a look back at the machines that launched many of our biking careers, the humble 50cc moped…

M

ost of us riding bikes now look nostalgically back to the days of our first motorbike, quite often a much abused ‘ped. It launched our motorcycling careers but, of course, we couldn’t wait to move on to a ‘proper bike’. But at 16 (or older) it meant freedom from bicycles, buses and parents. We could cheaply go where we wanted, when we wanted, albeit at a fairly sedate pace. You and your mates could normally fix them when they blew up or ended up in a hedge. The original mopeds were literally an amalgamation of a motorcycle and pedal cycle. Although motor assisted cycles had been around for some time, it wasn’t until the 1950’s that the moped started to become a recognised machine. To a sixteen-year-old these days moped is generally a 50cc scooter, but it was very different in the peak years of the 1970’s.

Nowadays we would laugh at the thought of a 50cc MotoGP but the likes of Barry Sheene cut their teeth on them and the capacity had its own world championship until 1983. These bikes were taken seriously and as much time and effort was spent on preparing and racing them as any other class.

It was the same on the road.

When Yamaha launched the FS1-E, or the Fizzy as it is more commonly known, it was an instant success. It looked cool and not like something your nan used to go to the shops. It was a proper motorbike and could be tinkered with to reach an impressive 60mph plus. Of course this was illegal, but as a teenager speed was all that mattered (and looking cool!). The Fizzy was, and still remains, the epitome of a sports moped.

At this time Japanese motorcycle companies ruled the biking world and Suzuki brought out the AP50 and Honda the SS50. Perfectly good bikes but not as desirable as the Fizzy. Over 200,000 of these Yamahas were sold in the uk and, if you have managed to hang on to your machine, it’s a sound investment these days. Other manufacturers were soon in on the act.

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

Fantic, Garelli and Gilera also produced a range of mopeds from the unaffordable Fantic GT Super Six to enduro/trail models like the Gilera Trail and even an Easyrider style Fantic Chopper. Puch produced the Grand Prix Special in JPS colours, which was a bit… special, meaning fast and cool. All of these models now are very collectable.

For those on a limited budget, there were plenty of less cool but usable options. Puch also made the Maxi, which was a decent enough machine as long as speed wasn’t your thing and you didn’t mind looking like a district nurse.

Honda had the 50cc Supercub, the Express and several other practical but distinctly unsexy machines. Still, you bought and rode whatever you could get your hands on, and every bike gave you that lovely sense of freedom.

Unsurprisingly the government got wise to the idea of untrained sixteen year olds whizzing around at 65mph and introduced the 30mph speed cap in 1977, at the same time removing the requirement for pedals to be fitted. This was the beginning of the end for the golden era of the moped. Geared 50s now are very much sought after.

Manufacturers such as Aprilia now make super cool models like the SX50, a supermoto inspired machine that any 16 year old would sell their granny to own. But at knocking on for £3,500 you would need a very well paid paper round or very generous parents. So, for most youngsters starting out on the motorcycling journey, their weapon of choice will be a scooter, but I am sure they will have just as much fun as we ever did!

9

LEGAL ASSISTANCE

How good is your solicitor?

Tony Carter, Incident and Advice Investigation Specialist at Hudgell Solicitors explains why a solictor is the best person to turn to for help after an accident.

I

t is an unfortunate fact of life, but as members of the human race, every time we step out of our front door, whether it be as a driver/rider, as a pedestrian or at work, we run the risk of being injured quite often through no fault of our own. Accidents will happen. Simply sitting at a desk looking at a computer screen all day can cause injury (don’t I know it!).

But it is knowing who to turn to after an accident has occurred that seems to cause people much anxiety. If you think that someone or some organisation may be at fault how can you bring a claim?

Many people are told to use their insurance appointed solicitor after 10

a crash, but is this the best option?

Possibly not.

This article will attempt to explain why a solicitor is the best person to turn to for help after an accident and hopefully provide you with some peace of mind.

Over the past few years a number of “accident management” firms have sprung up around the country.

So many in fact that you start to lose track of them all. They all sound the same. And they promise big results but the reality is, your claim will often be rushed and undervalued.

These problems have been particularly noticeable in motorcycle accident cases. For some reason they always seem to get the worst deal!

A solicitor is the best person to turn to, but who to choose? Not all solicitors are the same. How do you know?

Ask them if they belong to any specialist panels such as APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) or MASS (Motor Accident Solicitors Society) for example.

Many solicitors work on a “no win, no fee” basis so should you be unfortunate enough to lose your case, then there will be no hidden surprises waiting round the corner.

If they are not, don’t use them.

They should be putting their money where their mouth is and not get paid if they don’t win your case for you.

Most importantly, a solicitor can advise you as to whether your claim is worth pursuing in the first place. What is the point of spending hours on a claim, waiting for months to sort it out only to get a pittance at the end of the day? Or where the only winner is a claims management company?

If your case is being handled properly, be patient. Some claims can take years to settle especially if there is serious injury involved.

On the other hand, if you have made as full a recovery as you are going to, the delay should not be significant, but be aware that it cannot be rushed as once the claim is settled there is very little redress later on if problems persist.

So should you be unfortunate enough to be injured as a result of any type of accident, whether it be at work, on the road or in any case where blame may be apportioned, then think of your specialist solicitor as the 5th emergency service. In a changing world they really are there to help.

If you would like more advice on personal injury claims or any other legal matter Hudgell Solicitors can be contacted on 0808 301 8554 or www.hudgellsolicitors.co.uk

April-May 2017 • South East Biker Magazine

Our large motorcycle store just outside Basingstoke, Hampshire has on display hundreds of both new and used motorcycles in our huge showroom.

We also offer a large range of clothing, parts and accessories from AGV, SIDI, RST, HJC, DRAGGIN JEANS, OXFORD PRODUCTS, OGIO, SHARK, RICHA, FURYGAN, ALPINESTARS, TCX, SHOEI, VR46, MOOSE RACING, DRIFT ACTION CAMERAS plus many more so you can be confident you are fully prepared for your motorcycle adventures!

We have a fully equipped service deptartment with factory trained motorcycle technicians to keep your bike performing at its very best. The workshop offers some of the following service, as well as MOT’s and service.

• M.O.T. While you wait (by appointment) • Tyres supplied, fitted and balanced • Insurance approved repairer • Collection and Delivery service

www.mottmotorcycles.co.uk Telephone: 01256 841110

Kempshott Hill, Kempshott, Basingstoke, RG23 7LL Open: Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5.30pm, Sat, 9:00am to 5:30pm

GET ON

Getting it On

Many of you will have come across the Get On campaign backed by the Motorcycle Industry Association. So, what’s it got do with you if you already have a licence?

R

iding a motorcycle means many things to many people. For some it’s simply cheap, efficient transport to work or college. For others riding a bike is what keeps them sane in a manic world. Whatever your reasons for learning to ride, the first step can be fairly daunting.

It’s difficult to get that first ride in a safe environment, especially if all your friends have full licences and big bikes. That’s where Get On comes in. It’s a free ‘try out’ initiative, which is run by the Motorcycle Industry Association and gives you the opportunity to experience riding a motorbike or scooter without committing to the cost of training. If you like it, you will know you want to carry on and if you don’t, then you’ve lost nothing. It’s fairly likely you will like it

FASTLANE MOTORCYCLES THE HOME OF PHASED OUT RACING

NEW AND USED MOTORCYCLE SALES FULL WORK SHOP FACILITIES MOT TESTING & TYRE BAY ACCESSORIES AND KIT

www.fastlanemoto.com Tel: 01732 36 36 30 88 Priory Street, Tonbridge, Kent. TN9 2AH 12 Fastlane Motorcycles 0416.indd

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10:45 April-May 2017 • South East 23/03/2016 Biker Magazine

GET ON

though. 4000 Get On riders were surveyed about their experience and 97% said they enjoyed it. All protective clothing is provided and instruction is from professional trainers. There are both geared and twist and go bikes available and it’s suitable for anyone aged 14 or older, although under 16s need to bring an adult. Sessions last between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the venue and you need to wear long jeans and sturdy shoes.

Booking is via the phone by calling 02476 408040, or via the website www.geton.co.uk or you can chance it and turn up on the day after 9am.

So why do we need to encourage others to try their hand at riding a bike? Well apart from the fact that it’s great to introduce someone to one of life’s great pleasures, the more motorcyclists that are on the road, the brighter the future for biking. Car drivers will be more aware of us. Manufacturers will have a bigger market and can be more competitive. Dealers and bike shops will also have more customers which is beneficial to all of us.

If you know someone who may be interested, why not pass this on? What have they got to lose?

Book by calling 02476 408040 or via the website www.geton.co.uk

2017 DATES APRIL Tuesday 11th Silverstone, NN12 8TN MAY Tuesday 16th Silverstone, NN12 8TN Saturday 20th Race, Rock n Ride, Santa Pod Raceway, Northamptonshire, NN29 7XA Sunday 21st Race, Rock n Ride, Santa Pod Raceway, Northamptonshire, NN29 7XA JUNE Saturday 3rd Uxbridge Multi-Purpose Test Centre, West London Sunday 11th BikeFest South, Goodwood

AUGUST Sunday 13th Brackley Festival of Motorcycling, Northamptonshire Tuesday 15th Silverstone, NN12 8TN Saturday 19th Bikesafe, Rockingham, Northamptonshire Fri/Sat/Sun 25th/26th/27th Moto GP, Silverstone, NN12 8TN SEPTEMBER Tuesday 5th Silverstone, NN12 8TN Sat/Sun 17th/18th Farnborough Multi-Purpose Test Centre, Hampshire, GU14 6UU

Tuesday 13th Silverstone, NN12 8TN

OCTOBER Wednesday 4th Silverstone, NN12 8TN

JULY Wednesday 19th Silverstone, NN12 8TN

NOVEMBER Saturday 25th to Sunday 3rd Motorcycle Live, NEC, B40 1NT

This is motorcycle hire made easy If you prefer riding on two wheels rather than four like we do then West Sussex Motorcycle Hire can give you the ride of your life on the bike of your dreams. If you are looking for the best motorcycle hire UK and further afield, look no further.

Our fantastic rates and legendary service lets you ride in style for a reasonable price. Whether you want a bike with attitude or something sleeker for touring the countryside, you can find it here at West Sussex Motorcycle Hire.

South Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk WestEast Sussex Motorcycle Hire HP 0117.indd 1

“Brilliant service, great bikes and friendly staff. Top stuff” – JF “A big thank you…for pulling out all the stops at short notice to make our hoilday a great one.

The bike a R1200GS was fab for me and the wife. Will see you all next year for more of the same.” – PW

13 09/01/2017 10:40

MAY DAY RUN

HASTINGS MAYDAY RUN M

otorcycle and general insurer Swinton Insurance are teaming up with Hastings based bike1066 to sponsor two key free-to-attend biker events in Spring /Summer 2017. The partnership deal includes bike1066 welcome to the Mayday Run in Hastings on May 1st and Bexhill MotoFest in Bexhill on Sea on July 30th.

The Hastings Mayday Run on May 1st is an almost legendary biker event that has been happening since 1979. Police estimate that every May Day Bank Holiday Monday up to 40,000 bikes descend on the south coast resort town of Hastings, making it bigger in one day than the Isle of Man TT is over a fortnight. Tens of thousands of bikers travel from all over Britain and Europe and gather at various meeting points across the South East of England before setting off for Hastings. The oldest, and what is seen as the traditional Mayday Run is from Locksbottom near Bromley in Kent, down the A21 to Hastings.

For many years the Mayday Run was an amazing spontaneous motorcycle happening but in 2010 the local police and council realised that the thousands of motorcycles were difficult to manage and the bikers themselves were being put off by the lack of a proper welcome and facilities in Hastings.

HEM Events Ltd, a local company run by former TV producer and bike nut Howard Martin, stepped into the breach and started organising trade stands, marshalling, first aid facilities traffic management and in the early days even BSB racing on a town centre big screen. While the event became even more popular, reaching a peak of 41,000 bikes in 2014 and being worth about £2m to the local economy, costs of course rose while council and police budgets were slashed. With the 40th anniversary of the first Mayday Run looming in 2018

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

it looked like the welcome for the bikers would have to fold and the bike influx would collapse into uncontrolled mayhem for the town.

Luckily Maidstone-based, Swinton Insurance have been attending bike1066 for the past five years or so, saw the potential of the event and have teamed up with bike1066 to help keep this historically significant motorcycle event viable, free, safe and bigger than ever.

Howard Martin of bike1066 says: “It’s great working with the team at Swinton because they really do get out and ride with the rest of us and understand what bike events are all about.

“The motorcycle market is changing fast with more women riding, electric bikes proliferating, the demographic getting older and Swinton understand that and want to give something back to the biker community at a grassroots level.”

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NEW GEAR

NEW GEAR NEW GEAR NEW GEAR IT’S A COVER UP The Oxford Dormex indoor motorcycle cover comes in four sizes to provide a smart, tailored fit to all shapes and sizes of motorcycles and scooters. Held in place by an adjustable belly strap, the breathable material helps to avoid condensation while keeping dust and dirt off the off the machine. RRP from £19.99 www.oxfordproducts.com

speedfight: 20

Peugeot has introduced a special edition of the Speedfight to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the machine that defined the new wave of sports scooters.

With more than half a million sold, the Speedfight is now in its fourth opus, but retains its racing spirit, with twin parabolic headlights giving a sharp and instantly recognisable look. The special edition also gets a black double-stitched sport seat with removable pillion cowl, snakebite sports exhaust system and aluminium footboards, to complement its red-and-white colour scheme.

Performance parts are everywhere, including new instrumentation with a trip computer, lightweight mirror stems, LED turn indicators and rear lighting and aviation style fuel cap. The dashboard has both USB and 12V sockets and is ready to take a RAM® X-Grip® smartphone holder.

There’s also an undereseat bay large enough to store a full-face helmet.

The Speedfight 20 Edition is priced at £2199 including a two-year unlimited mileage parts and labour warranty. www.peugeotscooters.co.uk 16

SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO HOLD YOUR TOOLS Fancy something a little bit different to hold your motorbike tools?

Purple Patch Workshop, based in Bristol, began in the non-motorised two wheeled sector by making waxed cotton cycling tool rolls.

Now their original version is being rolled(!) out in other sizes for us motorcyclists.

The underlying ethos of their products is to keep things minimal, functional and highly robust, and to create products that get better with age. Everything is made inhouse, in small batches, using traditional machinery. All products are based around natural fabrics such as waxed cotton, canvas and leather. All finishing hardware is carefully selected for its functionality, longevity and quality using such materials as stainless steel.

Every item from Purple Patch Workshop comes with free lifetime repairs if it develops a manufacturing defect.

Currently the motorcycle tool roll is a custom item so contact the chaps to discuss your requirements by dropping an email to: hello@purplepatchworkshop.com. The motorcycle version of the tool roll starts from £35. www.purplepatchworkshop.com April-May 2017 • South East Biker Magazine

NEW GEAR

luggage launch

OUTLAST technology

GIVI has expanded its range of hard bags dedicated to the Dolomites, the mountain range of the Eastern Italian Alps, World Heritage site and the area with the most popular mountain passes amongst bikers from all over Europe. Following the creation of the Dolomiti side cases, GIVI presents two splendid new Monokey® top cases with exactly the same technical and design characteristics: the capacious DLM46 model and the more streamlined and compact DLM30, which can be used as a top or side case on either trail or touring motorcycles.

The DLM46A top case has a capacity of 46 litres and can store two helmets. It is equipped with a security lock with dust-cover screw-top technology and has the capability to be used with a cargo bag and two thermal flasks: it incorporates all the technical features that have made the Trekker Dolomiti range both renowned and adored. The 46 litre top case retails at a price of £279 (VAT included).

The DML30 case is another gem. Developed for motorcycles such as the Ducati Scrambler and the new Yamaha XSR700 and 900, it can be used as either a top case or a side case, making it extremely versatile. It has a capacity of 30 litres, an aluminium finish, belt straps to attach other accessories from the range, standard security lock and also room to store a 15-inch laptop. It is sold at £253.59 (VAT included).

A series of dedicated accessories, such as a waterproof inner bag, a modular cylindrical waterproof bag, strap belts, support for a thermal flask etc, are already available and make the use of the DLM46 and DLM30 as top cases even more versatile With these two new motorcycle accessories the set of Dolomiti luggage is truly complete and is ready to follow motorcyclists on all their adventures!

For more information about this product or any other accessories for your motorcycle visit www.givi.co.uk or call 01327 706220

New from Weise® for 2017, the Outlast® Houston is a fully-armoured waterproof jacket, with a removable temperatureregulating lining for optimal thermal comfort, whatever the weather.

The jacket’s tough, tearresistant rip-stop outer has a waterproof/ breathable lining, which is sealed by a YKK® central zip, with a popper and Velcro® storm flap that provides reliable weather protection.

Vents on the arms, chest and back allow plenty of cooling air to flow through in the heat, while the Outlast lining regulates body temperature, helping to reduce the warm-up/chill-down cycle often experienced when riding on colder days.

Originally developed for NASA, Outlast technology utilises phase change materials (PCM) that absorb, store and release heat for optimal thermal comfort. Outlast technology is comparable to ice in a drink; as it changes from solid to liquid, it absorbs heat and cools the drink, keeping that drink at the desired temperature for longer. Outlast phase change materials work in the same way, but are micro-encapsulated, so they are permanently enclosed in a polymer shell. These micro-encapsulated phase change materials are known as Thermocules™.

All-round impact-protection is provided by CEapproved armour at shoulders, elbows and back.

Weise have provided plenty of pockets, too — both inside and out — including a large rear map pocket.

The Outlast Houston is covered by the Weise 2-year no-quibble warranty and comes in sizes small — 5XL in black and sizes medium — 3XL in black/stone, retailing for £159.99 including VAT. Call The Key Collection on 0117 971 9200 or visit www.thekeycollection.co.uk for more details.

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

17

NEW GEAR

FORT KNOX

Knox has launched a brand new website, designed to make it easier for riders to find all the information they need on the British company’s exciting 2017 collection.

The site has been de-cluttered, so it’s much easier for visitors to find

the product they’re looking for.

Along with images and specifications for Knox base-layers, armoured shirts, mid-layers, outer jackets, jeans and trousers, body armour and gloves, there are showcase videos to give viewers a better understanding of the products on offer.

There are also hundreds of customer reviews (Knox has an ‘Excellent’ 5-star rating on Trust Pilot) giving real world opinions on Knox products.

An improved stockist finder enables people to locate their nearest Knox dealer worldwide and delivery options include UPS Access Points in the UK, France, Germany and Italy.

Live chat is available during office hours, so customers can get answers to any specific questions, and the new site is mobile friendly, for easy operation on any device.

Visit www.planet-knox.com to see for yourself or find Knox on social media @knoxarmour

REST YOUR FEET A tailored riding position can make all the difference on long journeys — even the smallest amount of adjustment provides much needed relief to cramped limbs — yet only a handful of motorcycles offer any adjustability, and most of those only have movement in the seat and bars.

Available for a broad range of dual sport and touring bikes, the Evo Footrest Kits allow riders to increase legroom, by lowering the height and adjusting the angle of the foot. Height can be adjusted from standard to 15mm lower, with 10 18

spada seeker Feridax has introduced the Spada Seeker jacket, a stylish, on/off bike jacket, packed with top-tech features.

Made of high-quality military grade cotton with a fixed polyester mesh and removable Reissa waterproof and breathable lining and Ventech ventilation.

CE protectors are fitted at the shoulder, elbow and back and original YKK zips are used throughout.

There is a removable waterproof hood for use off-bike and for added safety the design includes a reflective print logo.

All seams are according to international quality standards. It comes in sizes S-XXL and orange and olive colourways. Price £169.99. www.spadaclothing.co.uk

positions in between, and the foot angle can be rotated backwards or forwards by 18 degrees.

A large dimension contact area with a profiled rubber insert helps absorb vibration and road shocks, and is profiled to ensure a firm grip — especially reassuring on dirt roads and trails, when standing on the pegs is required. The rubber insert is removable, should the rider prefer.

Each kit is manufactured from corrosion-resistant stainless steel for durability and strength, and features lightweight, but tough aluminium alloy footrest links, which are CNC-milled for accurate fit and operation.

The kits are tailor made to fit the original footpeg mounts, and come with all required fixings and full instructions. Retail price: £125.99. www.motohaus.com April-May 2017 • South East Biker Magazine

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April-May 2017 • South East Biker Magazine

Tunnels, tolls, TfL and the use of technology

A

Andy Carrott, Vice Chairman, Motorcycle Action Group

n ugly cave-dwelling creature is rearing its head. In the space left by the Trolls of folklore (who now attack people from the comfort of an armchair via the internet rather than attacking them in caves) come the Tolls who want to live in a tunnel under the Thames and take your money.

To ease congestion, Transport for London (TfL) wish to construct the Silvertown Tunnel near the O2 Arena, emerging close to Royal Victoria Docks. The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is very concerned about proposals to charge a toll for motorcycles and scooters. Historically, MAG has successfully challenged a number of tolls up and down the UK, citing delays caused by bikers accessing payment as well as the minimal impacts of powered two-wheelers (PTWs) as reasons to allow bikes free use. Rush-hour traffic does not want to queue behind a biker undoing all his (or her) gear to find the necessary wonga. The problem we now face is that technology (in the form of Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras) means electronic payment is easy.

Research carried out by Lembit Öpik (yes, that Lembit Öpik!), MAG’s Director of Communications, has concluded that some car drivers will see increased costs of 6% to 20% but riders could see their daily commute go up between 90% and 170%, which is clearly unfair. We have also discovered that transport modelling carried out for the tunnel treated PTWs South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

the same as cars, ignoring any congestion benefits brought by two-wheelers taking up less space (and causing less damage).

Dr Leon Mannings, MAG’s Campaigns & Policy Adviser commented: “TfL’s excellent study of motorcycle emissions clearly shows that enabling more modal shift from cars or vans to PTWs cuts emissions of harmful gases and reduces fossil fuel consumption in real-time journeys. Any new charge for bikes will have a negative impact on the scheme’s own objective to cut congestion and emissions. If they’re serious about cutting NOx & Co2, they should scrap plans to charge motorcycles.”

Consider this point: electric cars do not reduce congestion as they take up as much space as an ordinary car, but it is proposed that they will not be subject to a toll. Whilst they do not cause significant pollution at point of use, they certainly do cause pollution in construction, and their environmental benefits are arguable (MAG is yet to see a full cradleto-grave analysis of their true environmental impact).

So why are electric cars to have no toll but congestion busting, emissions reducing powered two wheelers to be charged?

The proposals for the tunnel are subject to a Planning Inspectorate examination to which MAG has submitted a detailed written response, with Lembit our presence at the hearings. These meetings can be long and boring but we want the rider’s voice to be heard. MAG is determined to push for PTWs to be free of tolls not just in London, but all over the country.

Motorcycles and scooters are not part of the country’s transport problems; they are part of the solution. You can help us get that message across and help ensure riders have a voice by supporting MAG. Please call 01926 844064: single membership costs £27; family, joint, affiliated club and corporate memberships also available.

21

A FAREWELL

A WW2 DISPATCH RIDER’S

FINAL JOURNEY W

By Roger Catt…

hat did you do in the war Dad? How many Germans did you shoot? Common questions my brothers and I used to ask him but he always kept a stoic silence to the latter but regaled us with many stories of the former, always starting with ‘when I was in the army’ which usually prompted a stampede from the tea table and Mum getting at least three volunteer wiper-uppers!

He joined the Territorial Army in his home town of Hastings in the mid thirties, so was one of the first to be called up once war was declared. His regiment, the Royal Sussex, were part of the British Expeditionary Force and was one of the thousands rescued from Dunkirk.

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Once back in England he was taught to ride a motorcycle and found himself dispatching in the Middle East riding a Matchless G3L. His duties included convoy work, hours of riding at 15mph (Le club run?). He said it wasn’t unusual for a rider to fall asleep and run off the road. The REME mechanic in the support truck took pity on him once and buried his bike in the sand whilst it was running, whacked open the throttle until it seized. He spent the next few hours kipping in the cab until a spare engine was fitted.

Dad said the most common problem was sand in the carburettor and most of the period pictures I found showed a large filter box mounted on the petrol tank with a hose connecting to the carb, April-May 2017 • South East Biker Magazine

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A FAREWELL though his doesn’t feature this. The Matchless was the favoured mount of most DR’s, as it boasted Teledraulic forks as opposed to the vintage type girders of Nortons and BSA’s and was also OHV against its side valve contempories.

At times there was a lull in activity so the more sporting riders arranged trials and the photo shows Dad preparing for a section. Apparently it was used in an Army publication, hence the posed look. We had a framed copy in the family home for years, I think he was quite proud of it. It seems many riders did a little tuning and modifications to their own bikes. Notice the front mudguard has been raised by an inch or two to prevent all that loose sand bogging down the front wheel.

Apart from a brief time with an NSU Quickly he showed no interest in riding or driving after being demobbed preferring to cycle, but the photo still graced the bookcase in our front room.

Fast forward twenty years or so and Dave and I are offered a basket case 1941 Matchless G3L. It hung around our workshop for a while, we made a few starts to assemble it, but other projects got in the way. After Dad’s retirement we took the various boxes over to him together with a parts list and he set about listing missing parts and cleaning and painting etc.

I remember taking him to Kempton jumble once and he proved to have a keen eye when it came to finding those missing parts.

Time marched on and arthritis in his hands limited what he could do so the bike came back to us at the workshop.

Once we had the bike assembled it was time for paint, so after masking up the rubber bits we got the spray gun out and gave it a few coats of ‘Desert Sand’ just as Dad said the Army got the local labour in Persia to do it in 1942!

Sadly Dad passed away before we had it completed so we never got to re-enact the Trial and get an up to date photo. We hatched a plan to scatter his ashes at the War Memorial in Alexander Park, Hastings, around what would have been his 90th birthday.

It was a bit of a mad dash to get it completed, but after I fabricated a fairly crude silencer and Dave sorted the ‘electrickery’ we had a complete and running bike. We managed to get an age related registration and MOT and tax in fairly short order. On the road it handled really well and the engine was a peach considering very little time or money was spent on it. I managed to find some original pannier frames at Netley Marsh jumble and a good friend donated some period bags. So we were all set.

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April-May 2017 • South East 15/01/2013 Biker Magazine 14:00

A FAREWELL The plan was for me to ride the first 30 miles and then Dave to take over for the final part to Hastings.

With Dad safely strapped in the left pannier and a ton of tools in the right to balance the plot we set off with my son Chris riding shotgun on his Honda and Dave in the van with second son Simon.

Despite the rather solemn circumstances I really found myself enjoying the ride.

We made the changeover and set off again, the bike singing along at a grand pace until we reached Battle when the engine died and Dave rolled to a halt. Just five or so miles to go and 30 plus family members waiting for us at the park. I jokingly said it was probably sand in the carb. Well, I was close. The main jet had come unscrewed completely from the jet block, I think Dave’s exuberant right hand was the cause, obviously not the chap who built the carb! I think the ‘ole man

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

was having a laugh with us. Ten minutes later we were on our way and arrived pretty much on time.

Dave and I both used it on various runs over the next couple of years and it proved a reliable mount.

As we needed space for many other projects it was sold to a military vehicle enthusiast who hopefully got as much pleasure from it as we did.

25

TRYING TRIAL

Old Dogs and New Tricks John Allsopp and Nick Tunstill head off into the wilds of deepest Kent to have a go at trials riding. We weren’t sure what to expect but certainly were hoping to pick up some new biking skills as we headed for Tricks in the Sticks…

A

fter some very cold, wet and windy weeks we were pleasantly surprised to be greeted with a mild, dry early spring day. For anyone trying a different form of biking that the pros make look so easy it’s always a bit daunting.

But as Jason welcomed us to his picturesque farm in the Garden of England we were soon put at ease. There’s no formal briefing, just a cuppa and a friendly chat to find out everyone’s experience.

The day is tailored to the participants’ experience so there is no pressure to try things you are uncomfortable with.

Jason has competed in trials and enduro events at a high level as well as raced on track and performed at stunt shows. In fact, there is not much Jason doesn’t 26

seem to have done on two wheels so he can relate to all bikers, particularly understanding the majority of us who are predominantly road riders.

We were a mixed group of four with not much off road experience apart from some green laning and a dabble at motocross practice. Being introduced to the Beta Rev 3 trials bikes showed us how light and unintimidating they are. At just 70kg and not having the obvious disadvantage of some dirt bikes of being very tall, the Betas can be ridden by anyone with confidence. Using a kickstart and not having a seat are two of the more obvious differences from your daily tool.

Jason took us through the woods on a small assessment ride and then we spent some time on April-May 2017 • South East Biker Magazine

TRYING TRIAL a large field rewiring our road brains to the skills required for trials.

Apparently it’s a lot easier to go from off road riding to tarmac rather than vice versa and we could soon see why.

Almost everything you do on a trials bike seems to be the opposite of what comes naturally on the road but, with Jason’s patient explanations and demonstrations it started to make sense.

We headed back into the woods to try out some of our new skills and the confidence slowly started to build.

Just watching Jason on the bike showed us that the Betas are very capable machines, it’s down to the rider’s skill, confidence and ability.

After lunch we were back on the field trying out manoeuvres such as locking the front and back wheels, definitely something you would think twice

about on tarmac. A more extended spell in the woods saw us tackle things we wouldn’t have attempted just a couple of hours earlier.

As the day drew to a close, fatigue started to creep in and you realise you have pushed yourself about as far as is safe and it was time to call it a day.

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TRYING TRIAL SO WHAT DID WE GET FROM THE DAY? First of all it’s great fun, very unpressurised and relaxed. Jason is an excellent instructor with a great sense of humour.

If you can already ride a motorbike then you have the basic idea of balance and co-ordination. It’s about as safe as motorbike sport can be. Yes you will probably fall off and get muddy, but most of the time you are riding at not much more than brisk walking pace so no need for over elaborate protective gear. The bikes are so light you can easily pick them up if dropped and, unless you belt flat out into a tree, you are unlikely to damage them. Jason supplies the basics such as helmets, gloves and boots but a decent pair of jeans or lightweight bike trousers and an old jacket are more than sufficient.

Without doubt you will improve not only your

28

understanding of how bikes behave on different surfaces but gain greater confidence in the wet and adverse conditions. The first time you ride a bike in the mud is always interesting but once used to it your fear soon vanishes. Years ago many of us learned to ride in fields on unsuitable bikes with terrible tyres. Once you got on the road it was easy. It’s a shame the first part of a CBT isn’t a day in a field, it would give riders a better introduction when they tackle tarmac.

We all thoroughly enjoyed it, learned skills we didn’t know we were capable of and came away with improved confidence in our abilities. It really is a worthwhile day. Jason has customers that fly in from all over the world.

So, if you live in the South East, there’s no excuse is there??

As well as group trials days, Jason offers enduro training, one to one tuition, instruction on your own bike and corporate days. Give him a call and add another skill to your motorcycling armoury.

Many thanks to Jason for his instruction, patience and, of course, supply of tea and refreshments.

Full details of Tricks in the Sticks can be found at www.tricksinthesticks.co.uk.

April-May 2017 • South East Biker Magazine

DENT REMOVAL

A DENTED PRIDE?

W

e often get asked if we know a specialist in a particular field such as a wheel builder or a seat repairer as these skilled tradesmen can be hard to track down. They are often small businesses, but are vital in providing services that larger companies don’t get involved in. One such business is Bell Automotive based in Hastings.

Steve Bell has been in the body repair and refurbishment trade for over 30 years. He has managed a Rolls Royce dealership body shop in the past. Amongst a range of services, the company offers is Paintless Dent Removal. This is a skilled art that Steve has spent many hours perfecting and is now IMI Certified in Paintless Dent Removal (PDR).

BEFORE

AFTER

He currently works on a mobile basis from a fully equipped van and likes to focus on tank repairs.

As we all know, a dink on the petrol tank is one of the most annoying things that can happen to your bike. Easy to damage it but

tricky to fix it.

Why not give Steve a call and see what he can do for you?

More information is available on the website: www. bellautomotive.co.uk or Facebook at bell-automotive.

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29 15/03/2017 10:24

TOURING

AN ASIAN ADVENTURE

S

The world is becoming a smaller place, great for us bikers who can now ride motorbikes in places we could only read about a generation ago. Co-founder of South East Biker magazine and intrepid adventurer Pete Karmios beat the winter blues and headed East…

RI LANKA, DECEMBER 2016: It is 02.35 on Christmas Eve and I’m wide awake being eaten alive by mozzies. The evil little bastards are laughing at me on the other side of the mosquito net; they obviously know how to get around it and every time I turn the lights off the dive bombing resumes — bastards! No point in just lying here wide awake and dreading the next bite, I might as well write about my biking adventures in Sri Lanka.

First off, riding a motorcycle in this country is not for the faint hearted. If you are a Hi Viz wearing, body armoured, risk assessing, safety first type of rider, you will hate it here. The main roads are polluted, noisy, 30

poorly signed and choked with suicidal maniacs who will try anything to overtake you. If you leave more than a nanometre between you and the Tuk Tuk in front, someone will try to push past. And don’t even think of playing chicken with the old Leyland busses, they will come screaming at you on either side of the road, ridiculously loud air horns blaring even if they can’t get past. No one messes with them! However, despite the chaos I didn’t see a single accident in three weeks and hundreds of miles across the south of the island.

I’m visiting a good friend and fellow biker who spends his winters on the beautiful sandy beach at Unawatuna on the southern tip of the country. The February-March 2017 • South East Biker Magazine

TOURING locals know 60 year old Mr. Ashley for his extrovert character, lip ring, long black hair and bright orange Yamaha TW 200 and for his taste in roll up fags, which generate huge interest among Sri Lankans whenever he sparks up. The U.N. should promote world peace by dishing out Rizlas and Golden Virginia!

I wanted a traillie type bike for my time here, so I did the usual Google search and found a couple of places in the capital, Colombo that had Honda Baja 250s for around £25 per day. This bike isn’t sold in the U.K. and I like the bug eyed look of the two huge headlamps. Once word got round that a daft Brit was looking to pay a fortune for bike hire, a local lad called and within a couple of hours he delivered a Yamaha TTR 250 for my approval. Okay, it wasn’t a Baja 250 but the TTR is also a fine bike.The tyres were almost bald, chain and sprockets knackered, rear pads worn way beyond their limit and head bearings were ropey - but the engine was good, everything worked and it started and ran. He took the bike away with my list of repairs and came back a couple of hours later with these items fixed so I was happy to agree £12.50 per day!

Bike sorted, we planned to leave early on the 27th and head for the highest mountain in Sri Lanka, Adam’s Peak, around 200 Kms away. At 2243 metres,

it dominates the spectacular range of Central Highlands and is a place of worship to Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. There is a shrine at the top, which is a four hour climb up a steep track and offers beautifully panoramic views of the sunrise across the southern mountains. Our route planning was a quick look on Google maps and Wikipedia; the journey seemed easy enough. However, Ashley is no athlete and wasn’t happy about the long slog up to the summit - and with only Google maps on Ashley’s phone I wasn’t sure we’d find it.

Bags and bikes packed, I went to reception to check out only to find there was a power cut so couldn’t pay by card. A long walk to the nearest ATM proved they don’t work without electricity either. Between us we stumped up enough cash for the hotel which left us no money for the journey. We detoured to Galle, the nearest city where Ashley knew an illegal money changer who gave better rates than the banks! By the time we sorted cash and filled our tanks it was midday but we were off on our adventure; the open road beckoned. Sri Lanka doesn’t have fast roads.

Even the newly built expressway has a 100kph limit and bizarrely, motorcycles are banned from using it.

Likewise, 250cc is the largest bike you can ride legally, so even our little traillies were admired as big fast

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31 15/01/2015 09:40

TOURING

bikes by the local yoofs on their mopeds.

We took the A17 north out of Galle and quickly left the overcrowded traffic of the coastal road behind us. Our little bikes opened up nicely, picking up the pace and hitting the 60kph speed limit easily. The road gradually climbed through strands of palm trees and rice paddies, gentle curves leading on to short straights and small villages. Ahead, the hills of the Sinharaja rain forest began to form on the horizon. We were making good progress and I was happily finding the cornering limits of my knackered knobblies.

Ashley was leading so I just kept the orange TW in sight and enjoyed the ride in brilliant sunshine and temperatures in the high 30s.

There are many roadside stalls selling coconuts; after an hour or so we stopped for a refreshing drink, buzzing with excitement from the ride, as well as shaking from the harshness of the single cylinder bikes. My TTR with knobblies at 60kph felt like being strapped to a huge vibrator! Halfway through our coconut drinks, a scene that would become familiar emerged. Out of nowhere, a stranger would wander over and stare at us and our bikes. We were a curiosity.

They would ask where we were from and invariably ‘England good!’ and a thumbs up would be the response. Ashley’s habit of making a roll up before the next ride would increase their curiosity and guarantee they would ask for one too.

About two hours of riding put us in the foothills of the Sinharaja range and the first of the tea 32

plantations. The road was becoming increasingly tricky, with hairpin bends and narrow bumpy tracks.

We spotted a plantation that offered refreshments so we rode up a steep, narrow lane between tea bushes, waving to the girls picking leaves and found a very warm welcome. They hadn’t had any visitors that day so they made a great fuss over us and we had several people vying to practice their English on us. We cheered our good fortune with tea from the plantation, served in delicate porcelain cups while a charming girl from the adjoining tea factory showed us pictures of her recent wedding while asking loads of questions about us. Our pleasant break was fortunately timed. As we sipped the excellent tea, a cloud ripping monsoon erupted; rain battered our veranda and sent tons of rain cascading down the hill. We dragged out our lunch until the rain stopped.

However, massive clouds were building up to our north so after smoking a final roll up and making one for our waiter, we had to crack on.

Unfortunately, monsoon rain often comes in a series of very heavy showers and the next one hit us as we entered the rain forest. We stopped to put on the ponchos that Ashley had thoughtfully packed earlier.

Ashley scrambled into his bright orange one that matched his bike and threw me the spare. With wet fingers I unwrapped the new poncho and fumbled to peel the plastic layers apart only to find it was tiny. A double take of the wrapper showed it to be a child’s poncho. Oh well, I was soaked through anyway in just April-May 2017 • South East Biker Magazine

TOURING my tee shirt but it wasn’t cold so we soldiered on.

As we climbed higher into the rain forest the weather settled into a pattern of sporadic sunshine where we would quickly dry off, followed by yet another deluge and we’d be soaked through again. Seeing ahead a particularly nasty cloud preparing to dump its load, we ducked into the shelter of a corrugated iron porch outside a cluster of small shops.

Daylight was beginning to fade and we needed a position fix. A check on Google maps showed we were in the middle of nowhere and miles from any accommodation. There appeared to be a 5 star Eco lodge about 3 miles further up the mountain from our location, but to get there meant going back ten miles to the access road. Neither of us wanted to go back and whilst debating our lack of options, a very polite man came out of his shop and invited us in. I’m usually wary of such invites and hate shopping but Ashley was in like a shot. 30 seconds later he popped his head out the doorway and waved me in.

Turned out it was a barbers and I needed a haircut so

a deal was struck. Two cups of tea, one haircut and a complimentary Indian head massage while the rain thundered outside! Our friendly barber told us that there were no hotels on this side of the mountain, which dampened our spirits as much as the rain.

Having almost dried off, I had a flash of genius. I asked him using sign language and gestures if I could have a dustbin liner to make a flimsy poncho. His lack of English didn’t help, but I think the reply was they don’t have bin liners in Sri Lanka… To be continued.

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33

17/03/2016 10:56

READERS’ RIDES

A Tale of the

Unexpected

I rode to southern France from Yorkshire. I experienced torrential rain, thunderstorms and high winds every single day! My money was wet, my underpants were wet. I wasn’t heading anywhere in particular, I was on my own, two weeks off work and just thought, ‘go south’. Nick Sykes tells of how his motorcycle trip through France provided an interesting stop over…

T

o cut a long story short, I had been riding all day. On day one, I found an old derelict building which was dry, so that was my first night’s shelter sorted. Day two and I couldn’t find anywhere to stay, it was still raining heavily and the wind was still howling.

I couldn’t risk trying to put up the Lonerider Mototent in this weather, so opted for something more structurally stable. My night was in a Hypermarket trolley shelter! Day three, still

34

rain and wind, and I just needed the first campsite I could find because there was now lightning very close and it was getting scary. I rode and rode and eventually I spotted a campsite. It was getting dark so anything would do. I rode in, but what looked like the reception was all boarded up, so I guessed it was closed. There were lots of caravans and cars, so I rode in anyway and, after 5 mins, spotted a pitch that would do me for the night.

Under trees to help me keep dry, I set up camp, had one bottle of beer and went to bed.

Early the next morning, I was woken to sounds of children playing outside my tent. It was 06.15!!

I unzipped my tent. All the children came running over to talk to me. I didn’t understand what they were saying. Seven of them were sitting on my bike. I thought it a bit odd, but they all looked very suntanned, almost Italian or Spanish looking and all were very happy in the rain.

April-May 2017 • South East Biker Magazine

READERS’ RIDES

As the rain never stopped, I decided on a rest day and walked into the town whilst my gear was drying out in my tent. I suddenly thought, “that’s weird, noone has come for my pitch money”. Anyway, I soon forgot about that. I got a few supplies in town; food and beer and bought a rubber over jacket (the only true waterproof motorcycle jacket!!)

I went back to camp and, after a coffee and french stick, got back into bed for a couple of hours. Why are there so many children on this site, I wondered?

When I woke up, I just stayed in my tent sorting my semi-dry clothing out. At around 6pm, it stopped raining for a short while and I got out of my tent for a wander around. The guy on the pitch next to me, in a really run down old caravan and awning called me over. Great guy, I wouldn’t want to fight him, so accepted his offer of a beer. We had a great couple of hours drinking and eating food that I’d never seen

before. He dried and charged my phone for me, and put all my wet clothes in his dryer, in his awning!

He didn’t speak English at all, and I didn’t speak whatever it was that they spoke on that site. It definitely wasn’t French!

In sign language, I explained that no one had come for my money for my two night’s pitch.

After a few hours of him trying to tell me, I suddenly got it. This wasn’t a campsite. It was a gypsy site and they were all Romany gypsies!

All I can say is, what fantastic people they were. They wouldn’t take any money from me after two night’s camping The guy next to me sorting all my gear out, charged my phone, fed and watered me and dried every item of clothing I had for free.

There you go. It was a rotten trip due to the weather, but I learnt a lot and will never forget the time I camped in a gypsy site!

The adventure starts in store

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•

M OTO - X

Tel: 01403 823222 • Web: www.motoward.co.uk • Email: motowardsales@aol.co.uk

V I C T O R I A H O U S E , C H U R C H S T R E E T, R U D G W I C K , W E S T S U S S E X . R H 1 2 3 H J

TO P N A M E S I N C LOT H I N G A N D PA RT S • W O R L D W I D E D E L I V E RY South East HP Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk Motoward 0117.indd 1

35 09/01/2017 10:43

BOOK REVIEW

I

velocette 350 & 500 singles

f you are in the market for a classic Brit bike and a Velocette is on your wish list make sure you buy this book first! The spiralling costs of classic bikes means there are more pitfalls than ever.

Peter Henshaw has years of Velocette experience and can help you buy the right bike for the right price. Learn how to spot a good one from a lemon. Make sure you go armed with all the relevant information and know what to look for and what questions to ask. Which is the best model for you? What are the running costs?

Will you be able to maintain it and obtain spares? All vital questions that are covered in the guide together with well taken colour photographs.

This handy pocket sized book is not only an interesting read but will repay the purchase price many times over. Priced at £12.99, the paperback book contains 64 pages with 100 photos.

ISBN 978-1-845849-41-2 Available from www.veloce.co.uk.

WIN A COPY OF THIS HANDY GUIDE! Simply email nick@southeastbiker.co.uk with ‘Book Competition’ as the subject and let us know your address.

One winner will be drawn at the end of May and receive a copy.

EAST KENT ADVANCED MOTORCYCLISTS presents its

25th ANNIVERSARY MOTORBIKE SHOW 10am to 4pm, Saturday 22nd April 2017 Lydden Hill Race Track, Wootton, Canterbury, Kent. CT4 6ET

In 2017, East Kent Advanced Motorcyclists will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary year.

We would like to invite you to the Motorbike Show we are holding on SATURDAY 22nd APRIL at Lydden Hill Race Track, in conjunction with a motor bike track day.

There will be motorbike dealer stands, motorbike clubs and stalls promoting varying types of motorbikes, motorcycle equipment and clothing.

For further information or if you would like to apply for a pitch at the event, please email the event organisers at East Kent Advanced Motorcyclists: social@ekam.org.uk For the latest information: Twitter @ekam_iam or on Facebook: http://bit.ly/EKAM-Facebook 36

April-May 2017 • South East Biker Magazine

M.O.T & SERVICE CENTRE LTD

01273 430303 ☎ www.thwaitesgarage.co.uk

Clean Bike Clinic

Opening Times Monday - Friday: 8:00 (lunch 12:30-1:30) - 5:30 Saturday: 8:00 - 12:00 noon

Unit 1 William Street, Portslade, West Sussex, BN41 1PZ

We service, repair & carry out Classes

Hi, I’m Nigel – whether you ride on your bike everyday or just on dry weekends – dirt, grime and corrosion accumulate to spoil both the appearance and eventually severely effect the condition of your machine.

1-2-4-5-7

M.O.T Testing on motorcycles &

motor vehicles,

which can be arranged either

by

“Cleaned with the passion it deserves”

telephone

or can be booked

online.

I provide a personal, caring and friendly valet service for you and your bike. I come to your home or workplace and just need to plug in and clean. I specialise in Harley Davidsons but will clean all classic and modern bikes.

MOTORCYCLE MOT CENTRE

The South of England’s only specialist motorcycle valeter covering 100 mile radius of Gatwick Airport.

TEL: 07799 688 516

Email: nigel@cleanbikeclinic.com

www.cleanbikeclinic.com

CleanBike Clinic 0417 QP.indd 1

17/03/2017 12:57

He’s the man!

Bring your bike to the man you can trust.

• • • • • • •

Small independent workshop Motorcycle MOT station Servicing, repairs and tyre fitting Modifications, rebuilds and project work Ultrasonic carburettor cleaning Authorised number plate supplier Over 30 years experience

Ian Scott is...

Telephone 01424 893543 Mobile 07866 289722 ian@themotorcycleman.co.uk www.themotorcycleman.co.uk Unit 2, Mount Pleasant Garage, Ninfield Road Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN39 5JG

Like The Motorcycle Man on Facebook

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

37

EVENTS

For a full list of What’s On visit

www.southeastbiker.co.uk/events

2nd April

SOUTH OF ENGLAND CLASSIC SHOW & BIKEJUMBLE Ardingly

BRITISH SUPERBIKES

1st May

Brands Hatch, Kent

Hastings

14th May

May Day Run 28th May

DOVER CLASSIC BIKE SHOW

Margate, Kent

Whitfield, Dover, Kent

Churchill Arms Pub Beer & Bike Fest

38

15th-17th April

April-May 2017 • South East Biker Magazine

Personal injury specialists with a track record of putting bikers on the road to recovery after accidents.

We are a specialist legal team with extensive experience of supporting people injured in motorbike accidents and providing access to the best rehabilitation support.

We also have an in-house Incident & Investigation Specialist who understands the dynamics of biking.

“We focus on securing damages that truly reflect the impact the injury has had on a person’s life and aim to compensate them for their suffering, recover their losses, and provide access to rehabilitation support to recover physically, as is best possible.”

A compensation claim with Hudgell Solicitors can put you on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.

– Matt Tuff, senior personal injury solicitor, Hudgell Solicitors, London (Winner of Modern Claims Professional of the Year 2016)

Call our accident experts today for free advice on:

0808 301 8554

hudgellsolicitors.co.uk