South East Biker, Issue 63, June-July 2019

The South East’s No.1 FREE bike magazine ISSUE 63 • JUNE-JULY 2019

BEXHILL MOTOFEST

BERLIN OR BUST JOHN ROOSTER: CLASSIC & CUSTOMS O75 REVIEWS THE ZERO DSR REVIEWS • FEATURES • EVENTS • SPORTS SEB: ON FULL THROTTLE SINCE 2008 southeastbiker.co.uk

Jackets and Vests • Airbag you reset yourself • 4 year guarantee • Try before you buy • Free UK shipping

New 2019 fully vented airbag jacket Keep cool without missing your optimal protection • High ventilated textile with mesh • TURTLE Technology with SAS-TEC level 2 back protector • Elbow and shoulder protectors, black leather reinforcement

neck

d

hidden C

O

et

ail

• Adjustable cuffs

2

• Removable waterproof and windproof thermal liner

cyli n der

• Retro-reflective panels for 360°C night visibility

Unlock your deal with Code SEB19 at Checkout www.lovelifeandride.com email info@lovelifeandride.com call 0118 328 0338

STARTING GRID

Editor scribes The South East has some excellent biking activities to choose from as we enjoy the long, sunny days of summer. Many of the traditional motorcycle shows have gradually evolved into festivals such as the Malle Mile, which takes place just south of London. It promotes itself as “The British inappropriate motorcycle race and exhibition in motion”. The weekend celebrates British summertime with live music, a big party and bike racing in various forms on a wide variety of machines, many hand built. It’s a kind of motorbiking Glastonbury; there is even the option of glamping. The positive aspect of this type event is that, along with likes of The Bike Shed, it is opening motorcycling up to a new, and often younger audience. It doesn’t matter whether this is your particular scene or not, but introducing new ideas and people to motorcycling in general is vital for the future.

Of course there is still a wide range of the more traditional shows and rallies to choose from, so there is something for everyone to ride out to and enjoy. One of the best events in our area this summer is the Bexhill Motofest at the end of July. It’s a proper family day out, so forget the lawnmower for a day and bring along the kids. More details are inside this issue including a rideout from Bury Hill to Bexhill.

Contents 4 Berlin or Bust

8 BEXHILL MOTOFEST 9 Bury Hill to Bexhill Run 11 REVIEW: Zero DSR 12 How times have changed 17 A cautionary tale

Enjoy the sunshine Nick

Visit southeastbiker.co.uk for events list CONTACT US ADVERTISING AND Debbie Tunstill, email: debs@southeastbiker.co.uk GENERAL ENQUIRIES Tel: 07913 759955 EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Nick Tunstill, email: nick@southeastbiker.co.uk PRODUCTION: Dean Cook: deancook@magazineproduction.com PRINTING: Gemini Print, Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex.

COVER IMAGE: Mark Van Driel, Switchback Zero Rotations Image recreation: Dean Cook © 2019 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

18 JOHN ROOSTER CLASSICS & CUSTOMS 21 Pedestrian Accidents 22 Back roads to Monte Perdido 25 Keeping the brakes on 26 Halvarssons Walkyr 27 Back to Berlin 28 Unlimited Passion 29 Shiny side up 30 Ultimate Hearing 34 SERV Day 3

ADVENTURE

22-HOUR RIDEOUT

BERLIN OR BUST

Last year we published an article by Stephen Cooper who rode his Kymco scooter to Valencia and back in 48 hours. We catch up with him as he attempts to ride to Berlin and back in under 22 hours.

I

like France. In fact, I like France a lot.

However, I tend to like France a lot less when the one commodity that we needed, petrol, had run dry. It was very annoying! Annoying because on this particular day my fellow rider, Tony Green, and I were setting out to prove that not only could you ride 1000 miles in a day, but you could safely pass the 1200 mark while at the same time attempt to break Scomadi’s record of 1050 miles in 24 hours.

To verify our attempt we needed timed fuel receipts, not only for the start and finish but also to verify our way-points during our ride.

Witnesses would also be required in case doubters thought that we’d fabricated any of it.

On the topic of witnesses, we noticed that there

are very few available (sober) at around 2am in French hotel car parks. Without a receipt to prove the pair of us were there, we had to resort to photographing our bikes' odometers just before we left to confirm our departure time plus our

4

June-July 2019 • South East Biker Magazine

ADVENTURE respective mileage. We’d do the same again on our return around a day later.

Tony would be riding a Honda NCX 750, and I would be using my trusty KYMCO Downtown 300. A week before this ride, it went to Colwin Motorcycles in Sittingbourne where the Kymco received a new belt and rollers, a pre-emptive oil change plus a pair Michelin Power Pures. Tony would be employing the use of a throttle lock and an Airhawk seat cushion.

At precisely 2.05 am we mounted our respective rides, gunned their very different engines then gingerly rode out of the hotel gate towards the coastal road that would take us north towards Oostende. Within minutes of leaving I disgraced myself by riding down the southbound slip road as opposed to the north. I stopped, kicked myself for not paying attention, turned the KYMCO around, nodded sorry to Tony then hung my head in mock shame all the way to Ghent. As we rode towards it, riding parallel with the coastline, a peach coloured moon hung in the sky off to the right for a good hour or so. Even though it was just past 2.30am, the coastal road was rammed with freight. Overtaking was proving to be difficult as often two trucks would run next to each other for miles as one attempted a pathetic attempt to inch past the other. The printed map that I’d taped to my screen for convenience decided that it didn’t like being helpful, so it detached itself from the inside of my screen then proceeded to flap around like an errant sail.

We pressed on while swinging east for Antwerp then broke off right after a couple of junctions for Duisberg, Essen and Dortmund. We were heading for Berlin where we would meet our witnesses, briefly eat, then return to Calais aiming to complete the attempt in 22 hours. We ideally wanted to complete fuel stops in no longer than 15 minutes and stretch our fill-ups to 150-170 miles per tank, so this should equate to 2¼ hours of riding between breaks. Our progress to Essen was a quick one as the roads were nice and empty, but as we reached the city limits, we had to slow to an agonising pace. Dortmund felt very similar but had no delays due to a deep viaduct cutting the town in two. Our speed increased as we pressed on for Kassel where we are treated to the beauty of the German countryside.

For the next couple of hours, all we could see were green rolling fields of corn being tossed around by the wind. I had to keep reminding myself to keep looking forward and not either side of me at the gorgeous flowing vista that stretched for miles in each direction. We were making great progress until we encountered a

three-car pile-up that had blocked both lanes of the Autobahn. As we picked our way through the traffic, our progress was accompanied by a crescendo of drivers leaning on their horns at the audacity of us ‘English trailblazers’ trying to make a way to the front. Is filtering through traffic illegal in Germany? (Yes, unless the traffic is stationary apparently — Ed).

At our next fuel stop, we called upon our witnesses at Berlin to confirm our ETA at the Berlin city limits. Once completed we pressed-on for the loop around Kassel. We stopped for a brief glance at the map as the sun looked like it was in the wrong place. It felt like we were heading in the wrong direction, but once we’d checked the map to reassure ourselves we were heading East, we remounted then cracked on toward Leipzig Airport to avoid the city’s centre.

With the planes on our right, we sped toward Berlin and seemed to be bang on time for our liaison. Moments later, as we joined the on-ramp for the Berlin Ring Road, everything stopped.

Once again we gingerly meandered our way through the traffic as another crescendo of horn blaring erupted in our wake. Even a German biker broke loose to tag on the back of our rebellious train.

Once we were finally clear of the logjam, we sped on to meet our first witness who was patiently waiting at the old border post between Brandenburg and the outskirts of Berlin.

Introductions and apologies were made, and we were taken to the Spinners-Brucke to where we would meet our second witness. The SpinnersBrucke or Mad Bridge is a famous motorcyclist’s hang-out which is usually heaving with bikes and scooters at the weekend; it provided a perfect lunch pad to our turnaround point at Avus, just 10 minutes away. We were touched by a stroke

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

5

ADVENTURE

of genius. While we fueled up and headed up the dual carriageway for Avus, witness number two would order our food, and by the time we returned it would be on the table. Awesome!

Just before we filled our tanks for the return journey, a moment of weirdness materialised. As we rode into the petrol station opposite we both saw a man at the back of a box van with a set of trimmers giving another man a haircut while three more ‘customers’ watched on… very odd!. Tony then saw a guy get out of a car on the station’s forecourt and start playing his guitar to anyone who would listen. We rejoined the road to Avus to pose in front of the famous hotel. Avus is the site of a racing circuit and the hotel used to be the commentary box/viewing point at the end of the straight. They raced there from 1921 to 1998.

After 45 minutes rest we got kitted-up and ready for the return journey. By now it was 1pm, and we had already covered 639 miles so all we needed were another 561 and we were done.

Ahead on mileage, we scrapped a route that would take us further north into Holland then left it up to the Nav to get us home. Oddly enough it came up with exactly 561 miles, so we hit confirm and left for home.

As we rejoined the ring road to head back west, the traffic on the opposite side had actually got far worse. We rode for about seven miles, but all we could see in the opposite carriageway was stationary traffic, bumper-to-bumper, whereas all we had were clear empty roads. The Autobahn ‘2’ took us in the direction of Hanover in a very speedy fashion, so it swiftly became a pattern of ride, stop, fuel, nibble, drink then repeat. There was a bit of happiness caused by a road sign outside Essen announcing we were passing the town of ‘Wankum’.

The dark cloud that we spotted on the outskirts of Antwerp didn’t look that menacing at first, but as we got closer, it grew as black as pitch while lightning started to flash diagonally across our path. A few moments later the deluge started.

Biblical ‘Matrix’ rain landed on us with such volume that Tony’s Nav started to scroll through its own menu unaided.

As we were about 150 miles out from Calais and roughly two hours from the end we decided not to sit it out under a petrol station forecourt but plough on through the storm. Soon, after deciding to press on, I felt the first trickle of water breech my waterproofs and cascade along the seam of my thigh sending a cold shiver down my spine. Whichever direction we rode the storm seemed to pre-empt our intended transit and adjusted its course accordingly.

With the rain slowly petering out behind us we retraced our route around Antwerp’s ring road then got our heads down for the final blast to the coast.

Our penultimate fuel was stop coming so, as we both wanted to end on a high, we agreed to up the ante. We had been riding for around 20 hours, and although we were aiming for 22 hours to complete the ride, 21 was looking possible, so we stiffly got back on, engaged in a brief conversation about breaking the speed limit and gunned it towards the hotel for the finish.

I have to say that even though you are riding with a friend, it can also be a very solitary experience. The coastal road back to Calais is dangerous enough during the day what with a never-ending crosswind and lunatic lorry drivers, but at night it can be positively scary.

Sadly, our misdirected efforts were all in vain as we finally rolled in at 11.15pm making our time 21 hours and 10 minutes with a total of 1214 miles ridden. At the finish, both of us were totally shot to bits, but never the less excited at achieving our goal and breaking a record. We congratulated each other then stumbled, John Wayne style, to our respective hotel rooms to catch up on some much-needed sleep.

If you ignore our stop at Avus, we averaged 60mph while consuming £160 worth of fuel and attaining 60mpg. The Downtown had one 10mm nut loosen off a little around the rear mudguard.

It didn’t even fall out. The oil level remained the same throughout. That’s not bad considering that this was the third time I’d put this scooter through this special kind of torment.

I want to thank Tony, KYMCO UK and Colwin Motorcycles Sittingbourne for their never-ending support and interest.

6

June-July 2019 • South East Biker Magazine

12

GOOD REASONS TO JOIN THE TRF 7

1

ESTABLISHED Helping motorcyclists responsibly and sensitively access the countryside since 1970

2

GROWING The TRF is an active club with over 5000 members to ride with and 43 groups meet new friends with similar views

3

ACCESS Knowledge of over 6000 miles of Green Roads including all of your local lanes.

By comparison there are only 2000 miles of Motorways!

4

IMPROVE Develop riding skills with monthly beginners rides, accredited training and access to advanced rides

5

IDENTIFY Be seen as a Professional & Responsible Trail Rider with bike stickers and a membership card

6

DEFENCE We will back you legally if you are stopped riding a Green Road

SUSTAINABILITY Support the fight to TRF keep lanes open and maintain your rights to use them

8

ACU EVENTS TRF are an ACU club and you can gain access to ACU Events and training

9

INSURANCE The TRF provides insurance and training for ride leading and events

10

CONTACT Member only trail riding groups and comprehensive maps of legal lanes

11

FUN We ride all year round – whatever the weather

12

TRAIL MAGAZINE The only Trail bike focussed magazine in print and sent to your door

TRAIL RIDERS F E L L OW S H I P

Find your local group at www.TRF.org.uk

EVENTS AND RIDEOUTS

BEXHILL

MOTOFEST

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

BEXHILL MOTOFEST A FREE-TO-ATTEND MOTORCYCLE FESTIVAL Bexhill Motofest is once again set to deliver a fantastic free-to-attend event showcasing another stunning street stunt showdown which takes place on Sunday 28th July 2019.

S

ponsored by Swintons Insurance, Bexhill Motofest is fast becoming another innovative one-day motorcycle festival which the whole family are sure to enjoy.

Headlining this year’s event will again see Hollywood stunt performer and legendary Guinness World Record Holder, Mark Van Driel from Two Brother’s Racing Stunt Team supported

by Bull-It Jeans.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy fantastic free live music by The Rockitmen playing great rockin’ party anthems. If you’re in the mood to shop, there will be a variety of traders selling motorcycle apparel, goods and services. A 100bike Harley-Goldwing cavalcade is undoubtedly going to be one sight to see. With over 50 pubs, restaurants, cafés and coffee shops and motorcycle parking for hundreds of bikes, there is something for everyone!

For the latest information, head over to www.facebook.com/bexhillmotofest

8

June-July 2019 • South East Biker Magazine

EVENTS AND RIDEOUTS

ARE YOU HEADING FROM THE WEST TO BEXHILL MOTOFEST? This year, for the first time, a dedicated group of bikers recently announced the ‘Bury Hill to Bexhill Run’ which takes place on the same day.

Supported by Whiteways Café, Bexhill Motofest, On The Wheel Superstore and, of course us here at SEB, the run should make for a great social turnout for any biker from the west of Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey. Come and join them at the popular Whiteways Café at Bury Hill, north of

Arundel, for the run down to Bexhill on Sunday morning. They aim to leave between 9.30-10am.

There are two routes on offer and it’s your choice which one you take; a leisurely run through the countryside north of the south downs, or the faster A27. You can also switch routes at the Cuilfail Tunnel at Lewes if you wish. All roads lead to Bexhill Motofest.

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! With the recent announcement on O75’s YouTube channel, you can grab your chance to win one of just ten limited-edition Bury Hill to Bexhill Run t-shirts. Watch now: http://bit.ly/buryhill-bexillrun-announcement for your opportunity to win one.

For more information visit, Like and share: www.facebook.com/buryhilltobexhillrun

HONDA • DUCATI • KAWASAKI • SUZUKI • TRIUMPH • YAMAHA Quality used road bikes and trials specialist.

Peugeot scooters.

All you need for you and your bike.

Spares, Tyres, Servicing and MOTs. Great selection of clothing and helmets.

Gas Gas, Beta, Sherco trials specialist.

Expert advice and off road parts/accessories SHOEI • ARAI • SIDI • SPADA • RST • HEBO • AIROH ALPINESTARS • OXFORD • MOTUL • CASTROL

Call: 01622 688727 / 01622 765791

99-107 Upper Stone St, Maidstone, Kent. ME15 6HE Email: intabikes@btconnect.com

www.intabikes.com

Inta 0113 HP Biker Ad.indd Magazine 1 South East • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

15/01/2013 14:009

USED MOTORCYCLES WANTED

SALES, MOTS, SERVICING AND TYRES • FREE LOCAL COLLECTION AND DELIVERY ALL MAKES SERVICED AND REPAIRED FROM CLASSICS TO THE LATEST MODELS

www.jb-motorcycles.co.uk 01732 867971 / 07717 013566

Unit 11R, Skitts Manor Farm, Moor Lane, Edenbridge TN8 5RA.

MOTORCYCLE SEATS

JB Motorcycles HP 0518.indd 1

14/05/2018 09:26

MOTORCYCLE SEAT UPHOLSTERY SPECIALISTS Quality Craftmandship at Down to Earth prices

We are a small but busy workshop near Brands Hatch supplying and fitting gel pads, memory foam and standard vinyls. We have a full range of faux (fake) and genuine skins. If your seat needs recovering, is uncomfortable or too high or wide, Viking Motorcycle Seats have the solution. How about some customised embroidery? We offer a complete, bespoke service to make your bike unique. While you wait service available.

Call us now on: 07977 874075 Visit: www.viking-motorcycle-seats.co.uk Email: leetheseat@hotmail.co.uk, or pop in and see us at: 27a Heaver Trading Estate, Ash Road, Ash, Kent. TN15 7HJ 10 Viking Vinyl HP 0515.indd

1

HEATED SEATS

We now supply and fit the fantastic BRAD PADS, heated seat elements to keep you warm all year. These can be inserted into your seat at the same time as a rebuild. A very simple connection to the battery is supplied and the pads come with two settings. Price is just £75 or £95 including wiring into bike.

VIKING MOTORCYCLE SEATS

30 years experience • Quality craftmanship • All work guaranteed

12/05/2015 18:00 June-July 2019 • South East Biker Magazine

REVIEW

ZERO DSR — IT’S ELECTRIFYING

Watt a positive electric motorcycle with a shocking amount of amp-le torque. Motovlogger, O75 takes one for a ride…

H

as the time arrived for electric bikes? Yes... and no. Charging times and distance are certainly issues, but they are continually improving. Thanks to On The Wheel Superstore in Southwick, Sussex, for kindly lending me a Zero DSR for a quick first-impression review.

With the DSR, I feel Californian–based Zero have tried to tick all the boxes to get a very wellrounded bike that will appeal to a broad spectrum of motorcyclists. To be fair, many boxes have been ticked. Aesthetically, for a 14.4V battery-fitted bike, it’s great to look at. The black and gold effect is a great colour choice.

As we sit on the bike, the posture is perfect for my size, being a 16-stone 5ft 11-inch lump that I am with a 33-inch inside leg. The seating is comfortable. Turning it on, we hear nothing.

Absolutely nothing. It is recommended to keep the kill switch off if sitting on the bike for any length of time as to pull back on the throttle will mean denting the car in front, damaging the bike and leaving you wondering what just happened.

Taking the gearless bike out on the open road in Eco mode is just a breeze…and that is literally all I can hear; as well as the subtle electric-train-like whine from the compact brushless motor. Around town, it’s so easy to manoeuvre in between stationary vehicles as you creep up in stealth mode. Beware of pedestrians as they are certainly not going to hear you coming.

Out on the open A-roads, I pop the bike into Sports mode and pull back the....

“WOAAAAAAAAAH! What the heck just happened?” The surge of torque is incredible and quicker than a Suzuki GSX-R 1000. Shame

it doesn’t have the same top-end speed which terminates at around 95mph (no, I didn’t do this speed, officer!). With Pirelli MT-60 boots on, it grips better than I had expected. With heightened-senses, I am grinning from ear to ear.

As we hit the dual carriageway, Eco mode isn’t such a great idea as its top speed is 70mph (I’d like to see another 5mph here). Being limited, you’re going to struggle to overtake vehicles.

Switching to Sports mode (which could take time to kick-in) will give you the additional speed to overtake but will drain the battery faster.

All-in-all, a full charge will give you around 120 miles in Eco and 80 miles in Sport, but it does make this bike a very viable option for commuting.

A 30-mile round trip could give you three day's use before it needs charging overnight. Each charge, well that’ll put about £2 onto your electric bill (Isn’t that just 33p each way?).

Service costs? Well, none really. No oil changes, no filters, no mechanical parts to replace. All that needs replacing are the tyres, brakes, brake fluid and maybe a bulb or two. The carbon belt needs changing every 20,000 miles. The 5-year warranty battery should last for 25,000 cycles — equivalent to 250,000 miles. Who’s going to do that kind of mileage in a bike’s lifetime?

Even if you are not thinking electric, do take one for a test ride. It’s an immense amount of fun.

Ride with me now and see how I got on with the Zero DSR: http://bit.ly/Zero-DSR Contact: www.onthewheel.co.uk

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

For more O75 vids, subscribe:

www.bit.ly/o75vids

11

A LOOK BACK IN TIME

HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED

A

Tony Carter is in reflective mood…

while back I was chewing the fat one evening with a couple of lifelong biking buddies and we started to reminisce about the so-called “Good old days” and how much better motorcycling seemed to be then than compared to now. More to the point it got us thinking about how times have changed and whether we were looking too much through the proverbial rose-tinted glasses (probably…ed).

Now don’t get me wrong, being in my late 50’s, I don’t consider myself old, (well not yet anyway). I started riding in the early seventies with what was then the state-of-the-art Yamaha FS1E 49cc moped complete with pedals (and before you all start laughing aloud, does anyone remember the Fantics or Gileras?) and which was unrestricted and could, on a good day downhill with the wind in your favour, do 55 flat out. Although to be fair my bike, despite being modern for its day, was already about five years old and it had about ten previous owners before it came into my possession. But it was still somewhat quicker than today’s offerings which have a maximum design speed of 30mph.

Others went for the Honda SS50 which was not only the slowest moped on earth known to mankind but was also the only four stroke available at the time but it was probably the most reliable.

When I first started riding, there was no such thing as Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).

Back then you applied for your provisional licence shortly before your 16th birthday (which was a paper licence only), went to your local dealer and picked out the bike you wanted or, more to the point, could afford. Then either on or shortly after your 16th birthday you would trot along to the dealer, helmet in hand (usually a second-hand job that was far too big) who then handed over the keys and said something like “see you soon”. If I remember correctly, third-party insurance cost the princely sum of about £10.

Wearing proper kit, other than a helmet, did not even come into the young rider’s thinking

or vocabulary. The wearing of helmets had not long been made compulsory, so it is probably fair to say that there was no real science or knowledge about what a properly fitting helmet would or could do (for all the good they did anyway), but perish the thought of forking out for proper protective kit.

We did wear gloves, often old flying style gauntlets, but wearing leathers was a pipe dream other than occasionally one of our group would turn up wearing a leather jacket which now would be deemed about five sizes too big and would probably have offered about as much protection as a paper bag.

The comment by the dealer of “See you soon” still sticks in my mind to this day, but at the time struck me as a strange thing to say as it was unlikely that I would be returning to buy a new bigger bike anytime soon or at least for a year or so. But what they (the dealer) knew from experience was that it would not be long before we youngsters would drop our new pride and joy and end up returning to have it repaired or buying parts to make it useable again. Being poor and unable to afford repair bills, we very quickly learnt from our mistakes, and we soon discovered how to make workable and cheap running repairs as a result of our lack of ability, clumsiness and being very ham-fisted.

On top of this, there was a lot less traffic on the roads in comparison to today, even as recently as the ’70s, and so any mistakes made on the road were often not quite as catastrophic

12

June-July 2019 • South East Biker Magazine

A LOOK BACK IN TIME as they are today, despite the lack of proper kit being worn by the majority of us.

Training wise? Well, there was the option of taking the only motorcycle course available at the time which was the RAC/ACU course (a forerunner to the Part 1 test), but training was something only the cissies did, not us hardened sports moped riders with our fantastic fifties who had been riding for all of two minutes.

As soon as I turned 17, I got rid of the moped and I moved on to my first ‘bigger’ bike or ‘proper’ bike. It was the awesome Honda CD175.

In those days, as some of our older readers will remember, we could ride up to 250cc on ‘L’ plates. I am not talking about the later Benly, but the original CD175 with the fully enclosed chain case and the speedo that was built into the headlamp nacelle. Those who had money went for the sportier Honda CB175 which had luxuries such as an electric start and rev counter, but the old CD was a good solid, reliable workhorse for me to learn my early road craft on.

I ran that bike into the ground within a few weeks but I did pass my test on it. In those days it was a 10-minute ride around the block (in my case in Henley-on-Thames, which has long since closed as a driving test centre) with the

examiner standing on the street corner, and provided you did everything right when you were within his view, you passed. You stood a 95% chance of passing your test without any training whatsoever, and you had to be a real mobile disaster if you did fail.

Having passed my test a couple of weeks after my 17th birthday, I then moved onto bigger and better things, namely the Suzuki GT380 Triple which, at the time, was a state-of-the-art bike and sat nicely alongside the GT550, GT750 Kettle and GT500 Twin.

Blimey, what a mistake that was! Middle cylinder was forever seizing, electrics were

The adventure starts in store

R O A D

•

T R A I L

•

E N D U R O

MOTOWARD.CO.UK

•

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 Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk Motoward HPBiker 0117.indd 1

13 09/01/2017 10:43

A LOOK BACK IN TIME

very dodgy, and ground clearance was OK if you liked sparks flying out from the bottom set of exhausts every time you cornered. I also remember that it was super comfortable (well anything was after the CD175) and touches such as the gear indicator on the dashboard were nice additions and it always looked like it was doing 100MPH while standing still, but that is probably the only good thing I can say about it.

Within 12 months I was growing tired of two strokes; I then found the joys of big 4-stroke multi-cylinder motorcycling in the shape of the Honda CB500/4 (well it was big at the time).

This to me was proper motorcycling. From that point on I never looked back and went on to own a multitude of multi-cylinder Japanese fours which continues right up to the current day with my most recent bike, the Honda Blackbird.

Now the reason I mention all this nostalgia for the old days is that in their day these bikes were the dog’s danglies (well, they were to me and my friends) and more to the point, some of the things we did on these bikes defy description.

Remember frames were super flexible, tyres were skinny and made of 95% nylon (or so it appeared), and yet we used to hoon around on these things like the top racers of the day.

If you dared to mention to anyone with more than 12 month's riding experience that you might know more than them, you were either liable to get the threat of a smack in the mouth

or simply ignored. So you looked, listened and learned until you eventually became accepted into the biking community.

You learnt to fix your own bike. It was a case of having to as most of us couldn’t afford to buy genuine parts. Bolt-on extras, such as huggers or alarms, were unheard of. The major accessories were an aftermarket horn that worked, a brighter headlight bulb and maybe a set of crash bars and it was amazing what you could fix with a 10mm ring spanner, an adjustable spanner and a screwdriver.

It was these formative years that I considered my motorcycling apprenticeship and I learnt so much in those first four or five years. Yes, I

14

June-July 2019 • South East Biker Magazine

A LOOK BACK IN TIME ADVENTURE & TRAVEL made mistakes, loads of them and I still do. I crashed, thankfully causing damage only to my bike and my pride, but it helped me develop as a rider while still having a lot of fun.

I still get asked what my favourite early (ish) bike was? To this day, I still regret not hanging onto my Honda CB900F2B in the early ’80s.

It was the first bike I owned with a proper fairing and mirrors that actually worked. It was comfortable, plenty fast enough with a top speed of around 130mph (which was quick for the time) and easy to work on. I toured all over Europe on that bike and really got my money’s worth from it.

HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED Today’s bikes are far superior in many ways to the ones I grew up with; especially my old 900F2B. To a degree, I admit that I am probably looking too much through those rose-tinted glasses I mentioned earlier. I do feel that we as motorcyclists have lost a certain something that was ever present in the old days, although I can’t quite put my finger on it. Was it that you felt more of being part of the bike and could feel everything through the seat, footrests and handlebars?

I know that the roads of today are much busier. Training and testing requirements are now far more stringent (which is a good thing in my opinion). Enforcement of traffic laws is far greater than it was in my youth. Kit is far better and superior, but in my mind, I still have this feeling that we had far more fun back in the ’70s and ’80s than perhaps we are able to do now, maybe for the very reason I mentioned. Who knows?

Reading this, you probably think that I no longer enjoy riding; far from it. I still enjoy my motorcycling immensely, but in many ways, I do feel fortunate that I grew up in an era when proper fun could be had on a bike rather than being all pose and talk that we seem to get today.

I have been riding for over 40 years. What I do know is that I have been very fortunate to have enjoyed a career that has, by and large, revolved around motorcycles. I have met many wonderful people in the motorcycling community and made many friends because of bikes. I wonder what today’s new riders might be saying themselves in another 40 years?

As I say, how times have changed!

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

15

Service • Repairs • Tyres Suspension Set-up MOTs by Appointment 17 Years Main Dealer Experience

Tel: 01825 766351, Mobile: 07710 784876 Email: info@everestmotorcycles.co.uk Visit: www.everestmotorcycles.co.uk Unit 3, Enterprise Centre, Bell Lane, Uckfield, East Sussex. TN22 1QL

16 Everest Motorcycles HP 0115.indd

1

June-July 2019 • South East Biker Magazine 15/01/2015 09:40

A CAUTIONARY TALE Andy Carrott, MAG National Vice Chairman, does fuel tasting…

“T

he sun has got his hat on, hip hip hip hooray” or so the old song goes. Well, the sun did have its hat on — briefly — but now it’s the May Bank Holiday weekend and we have had sun, rain, sleet, gales and hail all in the space of 30 minutes. Not that I’m bothered about the weather: I’m in the shed.

What I am bothered about is my bike won’t go.

Not putting diesel in it would have prevented this from happening and rather than in my shed I would have been in a large heated barn in Yorkshire drinking beer, watching bands and talking bikes with my friends at a fund raising event for the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG).

If you have seen my previous articles you will have read about political and road safety issues affecting bikes. What I haven’t recently done is tell you much about MAG. MAG is trying to get the best deal for riders.

We can only do that if we have the funds to employ professionals with the right skills. We are very fortunate to employ Lembit Öpik (who has contacts throughout the political establishment), and Colin Brown, who probably knows more about the facts and figures of motorcycling than any other person in the UK! Together, they make an excellent team.

MAG consists of local groups, regionally based and, combined with individual members and affiliated clubs, form the national organisation.

Simply being a member is all that we ask. The more members there are, the more money we have, the more we can do; it is as basic as that.

You could go along and get involved with a branch, and have a great time, but you don’t have to. Try and find a MAG event in your area and support it. See the website www.mag-uk.org and local Facebook pages for details.

SAVING RIDERS A SMALL FORTUNE MAG has saved some riders a small fortune in London by securing exemption opportunities from the punitive ULEZ charges. We could only do this by having professional support in negotiations, and that costs money. Total exemption from charges is being achieved elsewhere. So you might benefit financially as well as having someone arguing for the best

outcome for riders. Plus, you get a bi-monthly magazine, discounts on insurance, breakdown cover, travel insurance, etc. £27 is a small price to pay for getting the rider’s voice heard. You can join MAG online at www.mag-uk.org or by calling 01926 844064.

Club affiliations and corporate membership for businesses are available too.

As for my diesel-filled BMW, my insurers decided the breakdown cover included with my insurance did not include this and I would need to pay £225 for someone to come and drain the tank and refill it. I wasn’t too far from home and friends came to the rescue with a trailer. Luckily I had only put in eight litres of diesel before I realised my mistake. After draining the tank (receiving more than one mouthful of fuel in the process) and refilling, the bike refused to start. A biker neighbour came round to help with a mug of tea.

Plugs and fuel filters were checked. Not sure that we got all the diesel out, we drained it again (and I still hadn’t learned my lesson with the syphon) and put in fresh petrol. After flattening the battery three times on the starter motor the bike spluttered, then coughed, then fired up, emitting a huge cloud of blue-grey smoke. After the smokescreen cleared the bike was ticking over and revving smoothly. More tea was consumed in celebration and I now have four gallons of a petrol diesel cocktail to dispose of…

The moral of this tale? Look what you are doing (if I tell you I was distracted by a bunch of flowers left on the petrol pump it will sound bizarre, but that is actually what happened); I prefer the taste of diesel to petrol (please don’t try this at home); biking buddies are great; read your breakdown cover small-print; join MAG! Andy Carrott, MAG National Vice Chairman The Motorcycle Action Group is the country’s leading organisation when it comes to representing riders’ interests and you can be a member for just over 50p per week. Please call 01926 844064: single membership costs £27 (family, joint, affiliated club and corporate memberships also available).

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

17

CUSTOM BIKES

JOHN ROOSTER CLASSICS AND CUSTOMS Ray Cross finds out what makes the Main Man tick…

I

find myself in the unassuming village of Chelsfield. A handful of shiny new Herald motorbikes are sitting out front of the workshop. Inside I’m greeted with the delightful view of customs bikes in progress, and magnificent finished builds. Some bikes are almost unrecognisable due to the sheer amount of work and modification that’s been put into them.

John Rooster is the man behind this set up.

The flames of his enthusiasm, already lit from being around motorbikes from an early age, were fanned when at the age of 11 his father bought him a Suzuki trail bike. His first riding experiences came courtesy of a man called David Taylor (he wheelied round the TT course) who owned a club in Dartford near Bluewater quarry where John used to go on a Sunday with others to learn the

basics of riding. John remarks that the smell and noise from the two-strokes scared him, but there was something about it that “gets you going”, definitely something we can all relate to there.

He had modest beginnings in the garage.

Snapping bolts on the headstock and generally causing the shenanigans you’d expect an 11-yearold mechanic to. John remarks that he grew up in the best era of biking, the days where you could walk around the paddocks at Brands Hatch and meet your heroes. For him that was Barry Sheene, and jumping to the other end of the spectrum, Eddie Kidd.

Two wheeled sport like moto x and road racing, particularly the TT were those he wanted to emulate. But he didn’t have the money, he wanted the fix and the buzz. John would buy things no one else wanted. There was a breakers yard in

18

June-July 2019 • South East Biker Magazine

CUSTOM BIKES Greenwich that proved to be fruitful, bartering for unwanted and non-running stock he could pick up for £30- £40 that may have had a V5.

After buying a Zed 250 frame and using the remains of a friend’s crashed Suzuki GSXR 750 John set about making a frame to fit the 750 lump. Through hard work and a fair amount of elbow grease he built a frame, and turned the “Kawazuki” into a hybrid drag bike.

Bike stuff was all he wanted to do, he’d get a few beers in, the tunes on and build bikes. Getting a coffee with mates up on Blackheath on a freshly built machine with oil and petrol pouring out the sides! Though his mates wanted him to build bikes for them, he wasn’t doing it professionally, yet. He did have what he called “proper jobs” but he didn’t like them, being unhappy working lots of other hours for other people. He was only able to do what he really loved on evenings and weekends. That was until about four years ago when his partner fell pregnant. Not wanting to be one of those dads that came back from work and was unhappy everyday, he took a gamble.

He scraped every penny he could together and started his business building bikes for other people. The defining moment came when he went to the NEC in Birmingham. It was here he

came across Herald. Not having heard of them he admits he had lost touch with the British bike scene.

He was drawn by the look of Herald bikes and thought they looked really cool with their metal tanks and twin shocks. Like they had come out of the 50’s with the imagery and style, and only cost a few grand! The gents at the Herald

The Power of Dreams

Weave through city traffic, on to the motorway, then out to the unknown.

New for 2019

CB500X Telephone: 020 8399 2417 312-320 Ewell Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 7AW

www.honda-tippetts.co.uk Tippetts Honda 0119 HP.indd 1 South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

15/01/2019 13:25 19

CUSTOM BIKES

stand were really chatty and passionate about the company, they weren’t just salesmen, says John. He picked up some literature after chatting and walked away. It was on the drive back from Birmingham that he was really pondering the idea of working with the brand. Thinking along the lines of becoming a distributor for them, perhaps customising them, adding his own personal touch and selling them. This was in November and, by December, he had a Herald rep visit him and had numerous phone calls to discuss the business proposition. Herald at the time were trying to offer a programme of getting custom builds direct from them. Mutt, who were part of Herald, suggested taking some bikes and customising them, with people paying a bit more for them.

This idea really took off. With the integration of an excellent marketing department, actor Tom Hardy and newspaper spread, Mutt became a highly sought after brand. Herald, smartly using Mutt’s success as a guideline, took John up on his offer. He was going to be the South East’s only distributor, customiser and service agent.

Their current range comprises of Honda based 125-500cc engines in café racer or off-road styles.

Happily, both Herald and John’s business have grown in the last 2-3 years. There were certain things clients liked and didn’t like about the standard bikes and John was able to change it all. Anything from different tanks, to colours and speedos. He has an excellent relationship with Herald, with them trusting him enough to offer a 2 year warranty on his custom builds.

When it comes to customisation, John isn’t picky about what he’s doing. He’s obsessed with

wheels and engines. Whether it be a scooter from the ’80s or a full blown super naked. His preferred type of bike is the Mad Max style, it’s what he chooses to go out on if he goes out on any rides.

He’s currently building a little chopper style bike for his son, with a 50cc engine. His 2 year old, who’s not long been walking, is going to be the envy of his nursery. It’s John’s passion, he doesn’t care that it’s cold and that sometimes it’s wet and he’s out in the rain. He’d rather be welding or hammering a bit of metal at 8 at night while everyone else is watching TV. It can be a love-hate relationship of course. He explains that wiring is a nightmare, Triumphs especially. “Modern day electronics on bikes are so hard to get around. When people want the ignition moved or speedo changed from a modern Triumph, the bike won’t start”. John is a qualified sparky by trade, he jests that he’d rather wire up a whole factory than try and find an earthing problem on a bike. His rule of thumb is if it’s still got carburettors and hasn’t got an inbuilt chip in the key, it’s going to be alright.

His future aspirations revolve around the establishment of a “one stop shop” for bikers, incorporating a barbers, a bar, a coffee shop, a tattooist and in-house mechanics. And, of course, vehicles, everything from hot rods to classics and café racers to sportsbikes. The search is already on for a suitable premises.

The future of John Rooster Customs is a bright one. I strongly recommend checking out his work if you haven’t done so already. I’d like to say thanks for his hospitality and time. www.roosterscc.com

20

June-July 2019 • South East Biker Magazine

LEGAL SUPPORT

MW SOLICITORS

PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS — IS THERE A CLAIM?

O

n 13 April 2019, The Sunday Times ran an article on motorcyclist Dexter Fielding. Approaching a busy central London junction on his motorbike, he had to make a split second decision: hit a pedestrian who had stepped out into the road without looking, or take evasive action. He chose the second option. He veered and avoided the woman but slid off his bike and suffered injuries.

The article states that the pedestrian apologised to Dexter at the scene, admitting the accident was her fault, but later refused to admit liability. He was later advised by his insurer Carole Nash that he couldn’t make a personal injury claim and closed his file. It was only when he went public with his complaint did Carole Nash advise him he was covered for ‘personal injury’ after all — because he has bought a policy add-on. However this additional policy is apparently not typically included in fully comprehensive policies, and in Dexter’s case, will pay out only up to £350 even if Carole Nash accepts his case.

Dexter’s full compensation for personal injury for his fractured wrist and hand, financial losses from his loss of earnings, and his other expenses, would be much higher than £350, so this add-on policy would appear to be very restrictive.

What is therefore worth considering is whether Carole Nash’s purported advice to Dexter that he could not make a personal injury claim was correct?

Whilst liability may be disputed in a pedestrian accident, the first consideration would be whether the pedestrian had any third party or public liability insurance, which a personal injury claim could be made against.

This would most likely be included in a home insurance policy. Even if the pedestrian had no such insurance, they may have the funds to meet a claim, so it would be worth considering what assets they had.

If the pedestrian had no public liability

insurance and no funds to meet any claim, the motorcyclist’s own insurance policies might provide a route to a claim, under a clause known as reverse indemnity. Again these clauses are sometimes included in home insurance policies.

I acted for a motorcycling client Peter (not his real name) a few years ago where he had just left work at a Birmingham Hospital and was riding home on his motorbike. A female pedestrian ran out into the road and Peter was unable to avoid colliding with her. Peter was injured and the female died. It transpired that the female had just left an appointment at the mental health clinic and that it was a deliberate act by her to commit suicide. She had no public liability insurance nor any assets, but Peter had a reverse indemnity clause on his home insurance and a successful personal injury claim was made on that policy.

Other road users who have suffered injuries by the deliberate acts of pedestrians have not been successful. In Jones v Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, Mr Jones was driving a Highways Act gritter when a man ran into the path of a nearby lorry, whose driver Mr Nash was unable to avoid hitting the man who was killed. As a result of Mr Nash braking the rear nearside of his lorry collided with the cab of Mr Jones’ gritter, and Mr Jones was seriously injured. Mr Jones’ claim to the CICA for compensation for injuries caused by someone committing suicide was not considered to be a crime of violence and his claim was unsuccessful.

Therefore in pedestrian accidents, whilst it may seem at first that an impecunious and uninsured defendant means that no personal injury claim can be made, further investigations may reveal that there is a way forward.

Philip Scarles is an Associate Solicitor at MW Solicitors and has assisted many motorcyclists injured in accidents. He can be contacted on 01732 758544 or email: Philip.scarles@ mwsolicitors.co.uk. www.mwsolicitors.co.uk

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

21

TRAVEL

BACK ROADS TO…

MONTE PERDIDO

The vast wealth of knowledge that Duncan Gough has accumulated over the years by travelling around Spain means he can provide detailed routes to ensure you ride the best roads, see the hidden and not so hidden treasures and make the most of your precious time.

M

any bikers travelling to Spain arrive at the port of Santander and then explore the northern coast and the Picos or take the fastest route south. For a few extra quid on top of your holiday fund you can arm yourself with one of Duncan’s excellent guides complete with hand drawn illustrations.

Not only are they entertaining to read but are an invaluable source of information.

Back Roads to Monte Perdido outlines an eight

day tour staying at the lovely Paradors of Limpias, Sos del Rey Católico, Bielsa and Santo Domingo de Calzad.

22

June-July 2019 • South East Biker Magazine

TRAVEL

Back Roads to Monte Perdido is available for £12.99. For more information and ordering details, look at www.duncan-spanish-travel.com.

WHAT IS A PARADOR??

The Spanish Paradors were set up by the government in order to use the income to make a contribution to the upkeep of the buildings and to help beautiful regions with few economic resources.

The Parador hotels are situated throughout Spain, from Galicia in the North to Andalusia in the South, also in the Canary Islands and in Ceuta

and Melilla, the two Spanish cities in North Africa.

The building is often part of the heritage of Spain although there are some modern hotels in a spectacular location.

As the state maintains the buidings, it tries to locate Paradors in areas where it is not in competition with the private sector and many are in smaller medieval towns and villages first inhabited long ago.

We have stayed in some of these lovely hotels and found them to be excellent value as well as being located in some fantastic areas and utilising magnificent buildings. www.paradoresofspain.com

Explore Catalonia on two wheels

On trails...

On tarmac...

220€* per person for 3 nights with 2 day’s riding Includes self-catering accommodation, use of Honda CRF250Ls,

fuel, third party road insurance and guide. Maximum group size 3 Road and off road day tours tailored to experience.

Novice friendly - a great introduction to trail riding...in the sun! * Based on three riders

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

23

BIKING ROUND UP

I

WEMOTO RAISE THOUSANDS FOR CHARITY

n March, at the official launch of the 2019 Isle of Man TT, Wemoto handed over a £16,590 cheque to the Manx Grand Prix Supporters’ Club.

The cheque was a result of the company’s fundraising efforts in 2018. The money will help fund the MGPSC’s life-saving helicopter ambulance, used during the Manx Grand Prix. It is also used to support injured riders and their families.

Wemoto began raising money for the club in 2015, through the sale of its exclusive Festival of Jurby T-shirts.

A new t-shirt is designed in-house each year celebrating the late-August festival.

Now that its fourth fundraising year is complete, Wemoto is happy to announce that it has surpassed the £50,000 mark and has now raised

£65,000 for the charity in total.

It is grateful to everyone who has bought a t-shirt over the years and to those in the industry who’ve helped support the cause.

Wemoto’s 2019 T-shirt has recently been released. Complete with a print of a vintage racer at the famous Kate’s Cottage — an iconic part of the Isle of Man Snaefell Mountain Course.

The T-shirts are available to buy at wemoto.com or in limited numbers at this year’s Festival of Jurby. They are just £10 and all the profits raised go towards supporting racers on the Isle of Man. 2019 Festival of Jurby T-shirts now available at Wemoto. www.wemoto.com www.wemoto.com/parts/jurbymerchandise

24

June-July 2019 • South East Biker Magazine

BIKING ROUND UP

KEEPING THE BRAKES ON

W

emoto is now stocking TRK brake caliper repair kits for thousands of popular models.

The front and rear kits include all the seals, boots, covers, grease and clips, where applicable, for the full repair of each model. Most contain stainless steel nipples and copper washers.

TRK kits are made to Japanese quality and easily compete with the top brands.

They save time and money when compared to buying the items individually, with prices starting at just ÂŁ9.25.

The kits cover models from 1970s to 2019, with popular manufacturers including Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM

and Triumph.

Classic models covered include Honda CX 500, CB 750 F, GL 1000 and GL 1100; as well as Yamaha XS models, SR 500, XJ 650 and many more! www.wemoto.com

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

25

PRODUCT REVIEW

KEEPING OUT THE ELEMENTS

HALVARSSONS WALKYR

John Allsopp tries out the Swedish company’s new jacket offering

I

WALKYR ON TEST In what can only be described as torrential rain, the jacket never let in a drop. It is also quick to dry once hung up after the ride.

I was impressed with how the suit kept me comfortably warm on the colder days. The windproof nature of the hi-tech materials certainly does the job.

This makes the jacket very comfortable without being at all bulky. Alongside regular base and mid layers, I’ve been comfortable in the winter in a T shirt.

Until the weather warms I can’t comment on its performance in higher temperatures but I predict it may be warmer than conventional gear. Currently I can only base this on the experience of getting warm whilst wandering around on foot in between riding.

n the UK, Halvarssons is perhaps the bestknown of the three motorcycle clothing brands designed in Sweden by Jofama.

Lindstrands and Jofama are the other two. The company has a well deserved reputation for high-quality, mid-priced, layered gear. This Walkyr jacket is one of their newer laminate range.

The Walkyr jacket is coated in Teflon to repel rain and dirt and is reinforced with HI-ART. This is Jofama’s own abrasion resistant material. There is adjustable CE-approved armour in the shoulders and elbows.

The key feature of this jacket is a water and windproof ‘Dryway’ laminated membrane. Like Goretex, this allows moisture to escape from the inside while preventing water getting in from the outside.

There are reflective strips in key areas, a removable liner made of Outlast and Thinsulate to add a layer which helps regulate body temperature in both hot and cold conditions.

Like all jackets from Halvarssons, the Walkyr doesn’t come with a back protector, but does have an ample pocket to hold one so riders can use what works for them best.

Venting in the shoulders and an open yoke at the back aid air circulation. The sleeves are very wide which means that you can wear gloves both inside and outside of them with ease.

There is also a hi-vis vest supplied with the Walkyr jacket. It slips on over the jacket and once zipped up can be worn without the irritation of it flapping about.

OVERALL IMPRESSION The Walkyr jacket delivers Rukka-like levels of waterproofing, alongside Dropliner comfort at Dropliner cost. I can honestly state that this is the best riding jacket I’ve had in 36 years of riding daily. A clear five out of five review.

Available in Black and Black/Fog, expect to pay around £499.

• Textile 2-layer • Teflon coated • HI-ART® reinforced • Dryway+® laminated membrane • Outlast ® temperature-regulated removable liner, with Thinsulate ® • Adjustable CE-approved armour Level 2 • Can be complemented with a CE-approved back protector • Ventilation, expanded system with open yoke at the back, contributing to increased circulation • Attachable to pants • Adjustable jacket & sleeve width • Reflectors • Removable hi-vis vest • CE certified to class “AA” A massive thank you to Bolt Bikes for supplying this test item. www.boltbikes.co.uk

26

June-July 2019 • South East Biker Magazine

BOOK REVIEW

BACK TO BERLIN Back to Berlin is a thoughtful documentary about the 2015 Maccabiah Games, held every four years.

T

hey were invented in 1912 to give Jewish people a sporting outlet owing to anti-semites throughout Europe banning them from an increasing number of sports organisations and clubs, and also because burgeoning Zionism was encouraging a new kind of pioneer health and fitness.

The 2015 games were held in Berlin at the site of the notorious Nazi Olympics of 1936, at which Hitler flounced out in a petulant rage at Jesse Owens’ victory over the master race. In honour of the traditional Maccabiah motorbike rallies of the 1930s that once passed through European capitals to gather support for this new sporting event, a group of Israeli athletes, with friends and

family, ride their own motorbikes from Tel Aviv to Berlin in time for the games. On the way they visit pertinent sites across eastern Europe. All the participants have a personal connection to the holocaust and two of the bikers are holocaust survivors.

They ride with the Star of David on their bikes, and wonder how this will go down in Poland and Hungary where anti-semitism is on the rise.

They encounter Syrian refugees and ponder their forebears’ own bitter migrant experience, but, far from showing fellow feeling, one Syrian tells them that he was taught to hate Israel. Finally, the bikers make a visit to the Nazi death camps, and look into the abyss of evil and horror.

Obviously this is not a light hearted motorcycle film, but it shows how motorbikes can bring different people together for many varying reasons. Sometimes the most tragic of episodes can unite people and have a positive outcome.

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

27

PRODUCT REVIEWS

UNLIMITED PASSION

Active Foam Cleaner and Thunderbolt Wipes Dom Humby gets polishing…

I

don’t know about you, but I love going to showrooms and looking at new bikes. They look so clean and crisp without a single spec of dirt on them. When you then look at your own machine with possibly a few knocks and bumps and most likely caked in dirt, it can be depressing.

I know many of you look after your bikes meticulously but cleaning the bikes is not exactly my favourite way to pass time! Getting all the bits and bobs like a hose pipe and/or pressure washer, sponge, chamois, etc out alongside an ever more varying amount of cleaners to get the job done and make your machine look its best…yeah, I’m not going to lie, I’d rather be riding than cleaning.

However, it is necessary and, as if by magic, I was given a new cleaning product.

Unlimited Passion’s Active Foam at £13.99 is a bargain and here’s why. To put this into context, how long do you spend cleaning your machine?

10...20...30 minutes or more? Especially when you have to get into all the tight, hard to reach nooks and crannies of your bike. If it is seems to take an awfully long time, then this cleaner could be for you. It’s simple and straightforward to spray on, wait 30-60 seconds, rinse and buff out with a microfibre cloth or just go straight to buffing.

Once this has been done the cleaner deposits an anti-static film coating that repels water and dirt.

And even better, you can use it anywhere on your machine. You can also clean your helmet with it!

I cleaned my Shark Skwal 2 helmet with Active Foam and and it came up gleaming, as did my 1998 Honda Hornet 600.

From a possible 30 minutes or more cleaning our much-loved machines, we can shave that down to 20 minutes or less if you’re being super speedy about it. All in all, this means more time riding and enjoying our machines, which for me is a definitely a win. I cannot fault Unlimited Passion’s Active Foam, it’s simple, easy to use and will give you showroom results.

Unlimited Passion’s Thunderbolt Wipes are baby wipes for your bike and kit; they can be used on just about anything. Simply get a wipe and fold it twice in half so you have a small square and four small cleaning cloths, then start cleaning and change the cleaning area of the wipe as it

gets dirty. As long the wipe is still wet it will still clean, and as with the Active Foam, you don’t need any water. Once you have done the bit of cleaning you want, simply get the microfibre cloth supplied and buff it out. You can use these for a quick spruce up of your bike and kit but, in all honesty, there is no reason why you can’t do a fully-fledged strip and clean. Granted it would take a little longer than the average quick spruce up, but the end result would be just as good as the Active Foam and quite possibly better than some other cleaners.

Before you go ‘hang on, what do you mean a fully-fledged clean with wipes?’, it is possible and no you won’t be using the whole pot of wipes.

Depending on how clean your bike is, it can be done in a little as three wipes for a quick spruce up or closer to five for a dirtier machine.

When it comes to cleaning your helmet, you can use the same technique on the exterior of your helmet and visor with just one wipe.

I rate these wipes and will continue to use them until something better comes along, if that’s possible. At £32.99 it seems a little on the expensive side, however, for that you get a large quantitiy of wipes and a microfibre cloth for buffing. With that in mind I can totally justify the price as they are just that good.

Videos of these products are available on the SEB YouTube Channel: SouthEastBiker https://bit.ly/2DpX1eU www.shop.unlimitedpassion.co.uk www.facebook.com/UnPassUK

28

June-July 2019 • South East Biker Magazine

PRODUCT REVIEWS

SHINY SIDE UP

Ray Cross starts buffing with a new motorbike cleaning product….

F

or some, winter consists of cuddling up on the sofa, putting on the fire and getting cosy. But to me, and certainly a lot of bikers, it means blowing the cobwebs off your textiles and fighting to keep your bike looking presentable.

The seemingly unending rainy periods, coupled with frequent road gritting, are a truly deadly combination for bike cleanliness and corrosion.

It’s a good thing I’ve been sent Shiny Sauce to accompany my growing arsenal of cleaning products.

This cleaner is a cost-effective option and, at only £8.99, it’s cheaper than a lot of similar products available on the market. The solution doesn’t buck the trend of being biodegradable, environmentally friendly and PH neutral.

Asides from my internet history, this sauce can clean it all; road muck, light grease, brake dust and even light oil contamination. It’s just as easy cleaning your bicycle or car (inside and out) and there is even a subsidiary company called Shiny House using just the Sauce to professionally clean your home or office.

Within minutes of application,

it’s making light work at getting through the build-up of dirt around my front sprocket and engine covers. After a thorough 20 minutes of vigorous cleaning, the bike is coming up

looking just like it’s come out of the showroom. In particular, my fuel tank has been left with a nice shine to it, not too dissimilar to the shine you’re left with after using wax products.

One thing to note is that it’s important to really wash all of this solution off as it does tend to streak fairly easily.

However, you can wash any residue straight off again with a little more Sauce and water.

Drying with a chamois or microfibre rather than dripdrying will also do a lot to stop any streaking and prevent water marks from forming. One handy way that the Sauce differs from a lot of the competition is that if you do leave it to dry on, it has no UV-reactive ingredients that will cloud paintwork in bright sunlight, and it won’t end up streaking your alloy parts, bleaching anodised finishes or perishing rubber.

All in all Shiny Sauce gives you a good finish at a reasonable price. It’s nice to see with this product that the lower price hasn’t jeopardised the quality.

Thank you to Aegis Moto for supplying the cleaner, which can be purchased from: www.shinysauce.com or from the growing number of national retailers listed on the Shiny Sauce website.

HEADING FROM THE WEST TO BEXHILL MOTOFEST? SUNDAY 28TH JULY 2019

www.facebook.com/buryhilltobexhillrun SUPPORTED BY:

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

29

PRODUCT REVIEW

EAR PROTECTION

ULTIMATE HEARING PROTECTION Motorcycle Squidgy Plugs tested by Dom Humby

I

’ve been riding for around 15 years on and off and over the years I’ve seen people use various products to protect their hearing, from those small plugs you get given at events to full blown, custom moulded Bluetooth ear plugs. Personally, until recently, I’ve not bothered to use any and over the years I’ve found that fatigue and tiredness played its part when riding. Luckily I’ve not had any bad luck regarding my hearing....so far. I got in touch with Ultimate Hearing Protection in Orpington who make custom CE certified Hearing Protection plugs. They took my ear moulds at Motorcycle Live and fairly soon after I received my custom plugs in the post, complete with SEB logos as well.

So do they make a difference?

A resounding YES, they do is the answer. Upon opening the jiffy pack that contained my CE certified Squidgy ear plugs, I was greeted with a small carry case that said “Made For Dominic Humby” printed next to the Ultimate Hearing Protection logo. Opening it up I found my Squidgy plugs (made from medical grade silicone and CE certified EN352-2 SNR 30), two cleaning wipes and some comfort gel. Once in, the plugs fit perfectly and, although you can tell there’s something in your ear, it’s not uncomfortable and it doesn’t take long to get used to wearing them.

After wearing the Squidgy plugs for about a month I was out at my local bike stop of choice, the Custom Café in Bexhill, and I decided to head home. After chinwagging for a bit I decided I wouldn’t wear my Squidgy plugs as it was getting late and I only had about a ten minute ride home. At that point I realised how much the Squidgy plugs make a difference. After five minutes the noise was almost unbearable. It was at that moment I told myself I’m never riding without hearing protection again. If you have any questions about protecting your ears and hearing

when riding, or anything else that involves loud noises, then be sure to give Ultimate Hearing Protection a call and they will make sure you’re sorted.

The custom Squidgy plugs are £65 which is a reasonable price to pay to safeguard the health of your hearing.

For that you will have: • Attenuation; 30dB • Material: medical grade silicone • Custom fit • Fully hygienic/cleanable • Choice of colours • Excellent reducing properties to 30dB • Indicated for each ear • 1 year guarantee Ultimate Hearing protection also offer a range of hard wired and Bluetooth CE certified plugs as well. www.ultimateear.com or call 01689 876885 Catch Dom Humby on Facebook: Motologue599

30

June-July 2019 • South East Biker Magazine

THE ROUTE 1066 CAFE A21 ROBERTSBRIDGE

COMING UP SATURDAY 8TH JUNE BRITISH BIKE NIGHT

SATURDAY 22ND JUNE MODS & ROCKERS FROM 6PM

CAFE FULLY OPEN

FULL DETAILS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE BIKE NIGHT - THE LAST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH

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 South East Biker 0416.indd Magazine Fastlane Motorcycles 1 • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

31 23/03/2016 10:45

BIKER LISTINGS

BIKER DIRECTORY EVENTS ELK PROMOTIONS Classic Motorcycle Events in the South East

www.elkpromotions.co.uk KIT AND ACCESSORIES BOLT BIKES Motorcycle Helmets, Clothing & Accessories

01424 272121 www.boltbikes.co.uk

TIPPETTS

THWAITES GARAGE

New and used Hondas, servicing and parts

Servicing and MOTs

020 8399 2417 www.honda-tippetts.co.uk WARR’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON New and used motorcycles, kit and accessories

0208 857 9198 www.warrs.com SERVICING, PARTS, MOTS

01273 430303 www.thwaitesgarage.co.uk WEMOTO Huge range of motorcycle parts instore in Sussex and online

01273 597072 www.wemoto.com SPECIALIST SERVICES

MOTOPORT LTD

EVEREST MOTORCYCLES

EXOTOGG THERMAL ARMOUR

Stockists of high-quality brands – Gerbing Heated Clothing, Dane, Difi, Draggin’ jeans & Bayard helmets

Servicing, Repairs, MOTs, Tyres & Track Prep

the elements

01892 457373 www.gerbing.co.uk www.daneclothing.uk www.draggin-mc.co.uk LEGAL SERVICES HUDGELL SOLICITORS

01825 766351 www.everestmotorcycles.co.uk

01223 911 117 www.exotogg.com

FASTLANE MOTORCYCLES

LOVE LIFE & RIDE

Motorcycle Sales, workshop, MOTs, tyres & kit

01732 363630 www.fastlanemoto.com

Personal injury specialists

0808 301 8554 www.hudgellsolicitors.co.uk MW SOLICITORS

INTA MOTORCYCLE SERVICES Used bikes, servicing, tyres, parts & MOTs

01622 688727 www.intabikes.com

Serious Injury Specialists

01732 758544 www.mwsolicitors.co.uk MOTORCYCLE HIRE WEST SUSSEX MOTORCYCLE HIRE

JB MOTORCYCLES Used bikes, MOTs, Servicing

01825 766351 www.jb-motorcycles.co.uk THE MOTORCYCLE MAN

Motorcycle Hire made easy

MOTs, Servicing & Repairs

01243 780039 www.westsussexmotorcyclehire.co.uk

01424 893543 www.themotorcycleman.co.uk

NEW AND USED BIKES FREESTYLE BIKES New and used Yamaha and Husqvarna on and off road

Portable protection from

MOTOWARD Off road Yamaha specialists, workshop, parts, kit & accessories

Airbag Vests and Jackets

0118 328 0338 www.lovelifeandride.com VIKING MOTORCYCLE SEATS Seat upholstery specialists, repairs and upgrades

07977 874075 www.viking-motorcycle-seats.co.uk TOURING AND HOLIDAYS 1066 MOTORCYCLE TOURS Worldwide motorcycle tours

07592 193399 www.1066motorcycletours.co.uk KAAPSTAD MOTORCYCLE TOURS Specialists in Motorcycle Holidays and Safaris in South Africa.

01403 823222 www.motoward.co.uk

01525 377520 www.Kaapstadmat.com

SNS MOTORCYCLES

CATALAN ADVENTURE

New and used bikes, servicing and parts

Servicing, Tuning, Tyres & Track Day Preparation

bike hire in Spain.

01473 257401 www.orwell.co.uk

0778 8711533 www.snsmotorcycles.co.uk

01892 782288/01243 859655 www.freestylebikes.co.uk ORWELL MOTORCYCLES

On/off road guided tours and

0791 375 8955 www.catalanadventure.co.uk

IF YOU’RE INTETREST IN A LISTING HERE PLEASE EMAIL NICK@SOUTHEASTBIKER.CO.UK

32

June-July 2019 • South East Biker Magazine

M.O.T & SERVICE CENTRE LTD

01273 430303 ☎ www.thwaitesgarage.co.uk

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

Exclusive offers with SUZUKI for all Defence Discount Service (DDS), and Blue Light (BLC) Card holders.

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

MOTORCYCLE MOT CENTRE

New & Used Motorcycle Sales, Accessories, Servicing Clothing, Parts MOT WWW.ORWELL.CO.UK

 01473 257401

200 Ranelagh Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 0AQ

“I was going to be a star”

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

I am a personal injury solicitor with over 30 years experience and have helped many motorcyclists whose careers have been compromised by accidents.

For a free, no obligation discussion on how I could help you contact me, Philip Scarles, at MW Solicitors: Philip.Scarles@mwsolicitors.co.uk

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

Most people are ambitious in their careers. They start at the bottom and work their way up. But achieving promotion requires being on top of your health as well as your work skills. So if you suffer an injury, even if you recover sufficiently to return to your pre injury job, any prospect of seeking promotion may be out of the question. Your losses could include earnings, pension and benefits.

or call 01732 758 544.

Like The Motorcycle Man on Facebook

www.mwsolicitors.co.uk

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

33

EVENTS

SERV DAY

Ace Café, Sunday 2nd June 2019

S

ERV riders are ordinary bikers doing an extraordinary job! SERV started in Surrey and expanded across England from The Wash to Portland, before becoming too unwieldy and separating into individual charities, but all still operating under the SERV banner. Now there are eight groups covering most of this area.

The service is operated entirely by unpaid volunteers providing a free blood delivery service to NHS hospitals and also, vitally, to most of the air ambulances in the region so that they can carry out lifesaving at incident transfusions. The other growing area of service is the collection and transfer of donated breast milk for neo natal babies.

Each year there is a gathering where all SERV members can meet each other and see the latest bikes they are operating. Bikes come and go all day. As some groups operate over the weekend some are even sent out on calls. Last year a SERV Sussex bike was directed back to Chichester to collect a batch of breast milk and take it to Clacket Lane Services on the M25 for collection

by SERV Kent and onward delivery to The Medway. The day is also used to promote blood running both to the riding and general public.

This year it is combined with The Ace Café’s Motorcycle Awareness Day. Anyone interested is welcome to come along, meet the volunteers and get further information on the groups operating in their area.

Romney Marsh Classic Show & Bikejumble 10am Sunday 23rd June

Great Classic Motorcycle Show & ‘Jumble

Live Music from 1066 Rockitmen : Beer Tent : Hog Roast

Need more space in your garage? Cheap garage clear-out stalls Free BikeMart Display-to sell area - Contact us now for details.

at Hamstreet, Near Ashford, Kent TN26 2JD

Summer Classic Bike Show

10am Sunday 14th July

With Dave Degens : The Honda Years

SoE Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex RH17 6TL

Romney Marsh Classic Bikejumble

©ELK Promotions 2019

10am Sunday 15th September

at Hamstreet, Near Ashford, Kent TN26 2JD

South of England Classic Show & ‘Jumble : Sunday 27th October South of England Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex RH17 6TL

Contact Us: ELK Promotions, PO Box 85, New Romney, Kent TN28 9BE

01797 344277 34

www.elk-promotions.co.uk June-July 2019 • 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