YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE ON TWO WHEELS August 2018 Issue 15
On Two Wheels
Learners
Commuters
BIKES REVIEWED THIS ISSUE UM DSR 125
Aggressive enduro-inspired commuter
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Sinnis Scrambler 125
Buying
Riding
HONING YOUR COUNTRYSIDE RIDING SKILLS
On average, rural roads account for nearly 60% of all road fatalities. Here’s our advice on how to stay safe off the beaten track
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BMW C400X
Cool retro looks with ultra-modern refinements
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Suzuki Burgman 400 What’s new and what’s not for 2018
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THE MODULE TWO TEST IN BRIEF
● What to take ● What to wear PAGE 22 ● Pre-ride checks
New mid-sized urban commuter from BMW offers agile handling and punchy power
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ALSO INSIDE: NEWS ● EVENTS ● NEW PRODUCTS ● LEGAL ADVICE ● RIDING TIPS ● PRODUCT REVIEWS ● CLASSIFIED ADS ● PLUS MUCH MORE
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NEWS
www.o2w.co.uk 3 Want to share your latest news with our readers? Email pictures and details to editor@o2w.co.uk
80% rise in over-55s taking their bike test
The age of people taking motorbike tests is rising, with the number of over 55s taking their test increasing by more than 80% in the last five years, according to analysis of DVSA data by non-standard vehicle finance provider Moneybarn. It appears that 60 is the age many decide to cross getting a bike off their bucket list, as the number of people passing tests at this age has more than doubled. The oldest person to pass their test in 2017 was 80. Research from Saga Insurance has also revealed only one-in-five so-called ‘silver riders’ uses their bike to commute. Biking is a definite hobby for the older generation. In contrast, younger biker numbers are dropping. The A2 licence allows people to ride bikes up to 35kW and they must be at least 19 to take the test. However, the number of 19-year-olds taking tests fell by nearly 20% in the last two years. Data suggests many are holding out so they can apply for their full A licence (available for those aged 24 and over) with more than three times the number of 24-year-olds taking the full A licence test, compared with 23-yearolds taking the A2 licence test. According to the DVSA only 31% of those undertaking tests are female.
Will the 390 Adventure look like its bigger brother, the 790?
KTM’s 390 Adventure confirmed
It’s been a while coming, and we’ve seen plenty of pre-production ideas and versions of the lightweight KTM Adventure bike appearing from time to time, but this has somewhat let the orange Austrian cat right out of the bag. KTM’s India-based partner, Bajaj Motors (India’s leading two-wheel manufacturer) makes the firm’s Duke 125 and Duke 390 models. Since 2014 rumours have circulated that KTM was going to make an Adventure bike based around its 390 trellis frame and single-cylinder engine – well that’s now been confirmed and looks to be arriving next year. Styling-wise, you can bet it’ll look something similar to the exquisite 790 Adventure concept pictured here. Amit Nandi, the president of Bajaj Auto’s two-wheeled division clearly didn’t get the memo about keeping quiet about the 390 Adventure, saying: “With the 390 Adventure we will make a remarkable entry into the dual sport
segment, a high-end segment in India and one that is very appropriate with Indian roads.” The Adventure bike will be powered by the same 373.2cc unit as the 390 Duke, making just over 43bhp @ 9600rpm (although for off-road delivery that rev ceiling is likely to be lowered) and 24.28lb-ft of torque @ 7000rpm. Production of the bike is to get under way later this year with the first models being delivered in 2019. You’d think that the Indian market will be served early on in the supply chain, but it’s highly unlikely that KTM would focus on that market alone, so expect a European-wide launch in early 2019. The KTM would be a direct competitor to the BMW G310GS and Enfield Himalayan in Indian markets with the German bike most likely to be its direct competitor in the UK and Europe.
Sweden to allow bikes in low emission zones After a strong lobby from Swedish riders’ organisation SMC, bikes, scooters and mopeds will be able to ride in all Swedish low emission zones. First announced in March 2018, the Swedish government will introduce three different low emission zones from January 1, 2020.
Toyota and the Alan Turing Institute aim to predict and avoid traffic jams Noodoe now available online
KYMCO has announced that its much-mooted road-focused navigation system is now officially available online worldwide via the App Store and Google Play. The system gives users several feature options including at-a-glance directions and street-countdown indications.
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On Two Wheels
The Toyota Mobility Foundation and the Alan Turing Institute have developed a new project to make life easier for people, through the prediction and even avoidance of awkward traffic jams. Snappily titled ‘Optimisation of flow in mobility systems with artificial intelligence (AI)’, the project was born from the need to change the way we travel in urban areas. The aim is to promote a transition from current traffic management systems to more dynamic optimised systems that can be managed in real time. Alan Turing Institute CEO, Alan Wilson, said: “Our vision is that urban planners and operators should have a system that shows the data in real time to analyse the operation of the city, integrating both mathematical and computer models, as well as automatic learning models, in order to simulate different scenarios and to offer them information when behaviour patterns change. “The wide availability of data and new technologies can make transport patterns change drastically in a very short time. We hope that this will lead to improvements in the areas of health and mobility of urban populations, as well as to higher levels
of safety and efficiency in traffic management.” Toyota Mobility Foundation programme director, Ryan Klem, added: “Apart from the fact that special attention has been paid to artificial intelligence systems inside the vehicle, we’re especially excited about the opportunity to work with the Turing Institute. To apply data
analysis and AI to a complementary facet of mobility: infrastructure. We believe that mobility is essential to promote social progress and improve the lives of people around the world and this project represents an important step forward to achieve a better society and help achieve harmony between all forms of mobility for all citizens.”
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NEWS
Want to share your latest news with our readers? Email pictures and details to editor@o2w.co.uk
Motorcycle misconceptions revealed Sena and DigiLens to produce augmented reality helmets
Augmented Reality HUD display manufacturer DigiLens is teaming up with Bluetooth giant Sena to build a range of motorcycle helmets featuring integrated audio-visual HUD systems. Operating on around £45 million of investment (£20 million of which has come direct from Continental in Germany), DigiLens is spending serious cash on motorcycle helmet HUD technology. And to that end, the startup has said it’s partnering up with Young Optics, as well as Bluetooth specialist Sena, to create an AR helmet to display navigation prompts, speed, media track and incoming caller notifications; this would sit alongside Sena’s existing Bluetooth audio and smartphone integration. It’s currently a busy market for HUD display and AR helmet manufacturers with Skully, NUVIZ, Intelligent Cranium, CrossHelmet, BikeHUD, and a raft of other endeavours all working on similar concepts, although nobody seems to be able to make the idea stick just yet. Regardless, it’s good to see the tech continuing to improve, and it’ll be interesting to see how it all gets integrated into a full audio-visual riding system. • Info: www.digilens.com
New research has discovered the top motorcycle misconceptions that British motorists have about their fellow road users, believing police pursuits are illegal, front-facing speed cameras aren’t allowed to snap them and rear-facing speed cameras struggle to photograph motorcycle number plates due to their size. Only one in 16 motorists is clued-up on motorcycle laws and regulations, with over a third believing police officers aren’t legally allowed to pursue those riding a motorcycle and that front-facing speed cameras aren’t allowed to photograph or flash riders as they speed along. Motorcycle cleaning product company WMB Logistics (www. wmbpride.bike) undertook the research as part of an ongoing study into how knowledgeable British riders are, which involved 2318 people aged 18 and over being quizzed about their motorcycle knowledge.
Initially all respondents were asked if they were up-to-date on the laws around being on the road, whether in a car or on a motorcycle? The majority of respondents (47%) said ‘yes’ they were, but only for their chosen method of transport. Of the remaining respondents, 35% felt that ‘yes’ they were pretty clued-up on both, while 18% admitted that ‘no’ they probably weren’t up-to-date and could use a refresher. All respondents were then quizzed about their knowledge of motorcycle riding laws and regulations and were
asked to select all those they believed to be true. The most common false statements that the majority of Britons believed to be true were revealed to be: 1: Police officers can’t legally pursue a motorcycle (37%). 2: Front-facing speed cameras aren’t allowed to photograph/flash motorcycle riders (34%). 3: Motorcycle number plates are too small to be picked up by speed cameras (26%). 4: You can ride a motorbike holding just a driving licence (21%). 5: Riders can’t hear surrounding noises and emergency vehicles approaching when wearing a helmet (18%). Just 6% of all respondents were able to accurately identify all of the true statements, avoiding selecting any false statements. Of those, 63% were moped or motorcycle riders and 37% drove a car or van.
Ford invents system that watches out for bike riders Ford has invented a system that constantly looks for motorcycles filtering between lanes, works out how quickly they are approaching and automatically stops a vehicle from changing lanes if the motorcycle is too close! The set-up works by having two cameras mounted to the rear corners of a vehicle. These cameras are solely tasked with monitoring the areas where motorcycles filter in traffic. The system reduces the video feed to a limited range of greyscale images; on-board electronics then turn the oncoming motorcycle into a series of dark pixels. If the
amount of dark pixels in the specific filtering area reaches a certain number, then an auto-pilot takes over the car’s controls and stops the vehicle from moving out of its lane. The patent states that the system can be used in both autonomous (self-driving) and standard cars but doesn’t give a timescale for when the system will be first in place on a production vehicle. Given how far along the tech is, and that Ford is happy to show its imagery, surely it can’t take that long before we see pro-filtering protector tech on all new Fords. Now all we need is the other manufacturers to catch-up.
New metal AJS Motorcycles unveils all-new TN12 125cc naked
It’s a good looking little sport bike, with angular bodywork and aggressive styling – perfect if you’re looking to get into low cost motoring, and are looking for something that’s as happy commuting through busy streets or flicking through sweeping bends on little B-roads. Plus, its compact chassis and neutral riding position should help to offer even the newest of riders’ maximum feel and comfort out on the road.
SPECIFICATION ENGINE: 4-stroke, balance shaft, ohc,
air-cooled
FUEL SYSTEM: Delphi Electronic fuel injection MAX POWER: 7.0kW @ 9250rpm BRAKES: (F) 290mm disc; (R) 230mm disc;
(combined braking system) SUSPENSION: (F) hydraulic front forks; (R) monoshock TANK CAPACITY: 12.5 litres SEAT HEIGHT: 820mm FUEL CONSUMPTION: 83mpg PRICE: £1999 (plus OTR) INFO: www.ajsmotorcycles.co.uk
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NEW PRODUCTS
Kovix Motorcycle Security Solutions RRP: from £19.99
Vortex Carbon Modular Helmet RRP: £299 | Sizes: XS to 2XL
LS2’s Vortex Helmet comes with a carbon fibre shell, Bluetooth connectivity and dualhomologation, meaning you can wear it open and closed. And it looks pretty stylish too. Made from 100% high-grade carbon fibre (the same material used in Formula 1 and MotoGP) the Vortex weighs 1300g (less than most other flip-front helmets). LS2 says its low weight helps to keep the wearer’s head stable at speed and reduces pressure on the neck and fatigue on longer stretches (a real bonus if you’re doing big miles). Inside is a removable and washable lining for comfort, plus there’s ‘Dynamic Flow-through Ventilation’ with adjustable intake ports, internal channels and exhaust ports. It comes equipped with neck and chin curtains, a Pinlock compatible quick-release 3D optically correct ‘A Class’ polycarbonate visor, and a drop-down sun visor. The Vortex is also available with a LINKIN Ride Pal system (RRP £129.99) for the special price of £399.99. • Info: www.ls2helmets.com
Kovix motorcycle security products offers a wide choice of anti-theft devices from a mini disc lock (£19.99) to an alarmed chain lock (£124.99). For more than a decade, Kovix has designed and manufactured intelligent security products which are now being distributed in the UK by The Key Collection. The range covers all the popular styles of bike lock (disc locks, chain locks and U-locks) and many are available with built-in alarms. Kovix also produces a range of practical accessories, including 1.5m cables with an adapter that attaches
to their disc locks (£34.99), lock holders, so disc locks can be carried on the bike while riding (£12.99) and disc lock reminders (£4.99). Retail prices for alarmed disc locks start at £59.99 for the KD6; alarmed chain lock prices begin at £74.99 for the KCL8-120 featuring an ultra-strong lock unit welded to a 1.2m chain. All Kovix locks come with numbered keys, which can be replaced by most key-cutters using a unique code, without needing to copy the original. • Info: www.thekeycollection.co.uk
HJC Deadpool Helmet RRP: £469.99 | Sizes: XS to 2XL
Marking the release of the second Deadpool film (which tells the story of ex-special forces agent Wade Wilson) HJC has given its premium HJC RPHA 11 sports helmet a swanky new Deadpool paint job. The RPHA 11 is constructed from carbon fibre, aramid and carbon-glass hybrid fibre provides enhanced shockresistant performance at a lighter weight. It comes equipped with an aerodynamic top vent, a new forehead vent and redesigned side-intake vents. And if the temperature starts to heat up, it comes equipped with a multicool interior with advanced anti-bacteria fabric and enhanced moisture wicking for quick drying. It also comes with an enlarged view port offering a wide field of vision, two visors (one clear and one light smoke) and a Pinlock anti-fog lens. It’s certainly not a cheap lid by any means, but the HJC RPHA 11 has made a name for itself over the last few years as one of the best value helmets available on the market today. • Info: www.oxfordproducts.com
Crave Bear Kevlar Shirt
RRP: £249 | Sizes: XS to XL
The Crave Bear Kevlar Shirt is a clever bit of kit that looks good both on and off the motorcycle. And it comes with a full Kevlar lining which should help keep your skin intact should the worst happen. It’s a simple but well-equipped jacket with a full para aramid anti-abrasion layer (Kevlar) and microfibre lining layer for breathability. Additionally, there are pockets for CE protection on the shoulders and back, and room for D30 protectors on the elbows. There’s also a phone/wallet pocket on sleeve, one zipped inner pocket and two small breast pockets. • Info: www.dot4distribution.com
Malossi RS24 rear damper
Price: £ ask
The new RS24 rear damper is suitable for fitment to the following models of Vespa automatic scooters: Vespa Primavera 2014 on, and Vespa Sprint 2014 on. The coil over oil-based damper has a 14mm diameter chrome plated shaft, preload, compression and rebound damping adjustment; it also has low friction DU bushings and a 36mm piston. • Info: www.ve-uk.com
Polini Hi-Speed Control Variator RRP: £ ask
This variator has been developed to enhance the acceleration, mid-range and top end performance for most popular automatic scooters. The hub is produced from alloyed steel with sliding surfaces featuring a hard chromium facing that’s ground and lapped. The half-pulley is produced from an aluminium alloy with a silicon content. • Info: www.ve-uk.com
TomTom Rider 550 RRP: from £399.99 TomTom’s Rider 550 comes packed with several new features to make it faster, smarter and better connected. As with TomTom Rider models, users can plan and ride the most exciting winding roads and hilly routes, using the glove friendly 4.3in touchscreen. And chances are you’ll be able to do it quicker, thanks to a new faster quad-core processor, which delivers increased performance and smoother navigation. It also comes equipped with a
new ‘TomTom Road Trips’ feature, which allows users to discover some of the world’s best rides. Riders can browse and select routes, personalise them, and sync them to the Rider 550. And thanks to new Wi-Fi connectivity, there’s no need for wires or a computer to update the device. You can also link the sat-nav to a smartphone and take advantage of Siri and Google Now voice assistants, to play music, make a call, or send a text message. • Info: www.tranam.co.uk
Piaggio Modular Helmet
RRP: £129 | Colours: Bianco and Army Green | Sizes: XS to XXL Manufactured from tough, light thermoplastic/resin for strength and flexibility, with UV protection too, this helmet is certified to the current ECE22.05 safety standard for road use. The quick-release, micrometric chin buckle is as quick to fasten and adjust as it is to release. Other features include a scratch-resistant visor, internal flip-down sun visor and venting to the top/chin bar running through the EPS liner and out via rear exhaust vents. The textile lining is hypoallergenic, as well as being fully removable and washable. • Info: www.fowlersparts.co.uk
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PRODUCT REVIEWS Shoei Neotec II Helmet
RRP: from £519.99 | Colourway: various colour options | Sizes: XS to XXL Reviewer: Ross O2W Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ New for 2018, Shoei has unveiled its updated Neotec II flip-front helmet to fill the shoes of its predecessor, the hugely successful Neotec I. Over the last couple of months, I’ve ridden close to 2000 miles in the updated Neotec II lid – and, honestly, I’ve got nothing but positive things to say about it. From the ice-topped mountains of Austria, to the sunshine baked coast of Northern Spain, the updated helmet has held its own and handled a range of changes in temperature and humidity, plus plenty of hammering rain. In short, it’s very capable. In fact, I actually had the previous generation Neotec I and was hugely impressed with it at the time. It became my ‘go to’ lid for over a year, thanks to its comfort, ventilation and flip-front versatility – and the Neotec II is even better. Despite its name, the Neotec II has had much more than a simple upgrade. It’s packed with innovative new technologies – which work to offer various improvements in safety, ventilation, isolation, visor mechanism, visibility and comfort. The new Neotec II is made from Shoei’s extremely strong AIM (Advanced Integrated Matrix) material, and features a shock absorption liner. The inner shell of Double Density EPS is engineered to absorb different impact scenarios, helping the Neotec II to offer unrivalled protection – but the most notable changes for me are the new Neotec helmet’s completely revamped acoustics, and an updated ventilation system. Firstly, the Neotec comes with Shoei’s ‘Noise Isolators’ which sit in the cheek pads of the helmet and help to offer a big improvement in the
Mosquito Disc Lock
Dogon Gloves
RRP: circa £30 | Colours: Red, Fluoro, Chrome Reviewer: Mau O2W Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★
RRP: £54.99 | Sizes: S to 2XL | Colours: Black/Blue Reviewer: Mau O2W Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★
The Gear Gremlin Mosquito is a compact disc lock designed to fit onto the front or rear disc brake of your motorcycle or scooter in order to help prevent it from being moved forward or backwards. It secures to your bike by inserting a lockable 5mm hardened steel pin through any of the holes in your ventilated disc brake, or in between the outer disc and the inner disc mounting rotor (this option will depend on your bike’s manufacturer, or on which model of bike you own). The Mosquito lock comes with two sets of keys; it has an impact resistant die-cast steel body construction, designed to resist theft attempts. It’s a brilliant little safety lock that doesn’t weigh too much and because of its size, it fits easily underneath the seat of my scooter, safely nestled inside the protective carrying pouch that it comes supplied with – and in my opinion, that pouch is an essential part of the overall package, as it helps to prevent anything alien getting into the lock mechanism (as well as protecting
Summer is the perfect time for me to try out Tucano Urbano's summer weight Dogon gloves, which are composed of 40% polyurethane, 35% leather and 25% polyester; they also come with a synthetic suede palm and a goat leather back with 3D mesh inserts (which TU says improves the ventilation). Other features include an adjustable Velcro wrist strap, flexible rubber inserts on the knuckles, ribbed goat leather finger panels and a soft D30 palm which has a silicone patterning to help improve grip; the glove lining is 100% polyester.
any other items in the storage bay from being contaminated by any undesirable muck the lock may have picked up while being secured to the wheel disc). Obviously a disc lock alone wouldn’t stop the determined toe-rag from just lifting the secured wheel and ‘wheelbarrowing’ your bike away (you’d need to use it in conjunction with another security device – like a lock and chain – in order to help prevent that happening). Having that sort of lock/chain setup can be bulky and heavy to carry around, but the Mosquito is a light, compact, intermediate unit that does its job very well. • Info: www.thekeycollection.co.uk
amount of external noise. Plus all air flow through the sun-visor mechanism has been eliminated too – helping to offer a very quiet riding experience (according to Shoei). And in practice, it probably is one of the quietest helmets I’ve worn. The air intakes have been redesigned too, with renewed air inlets on the chin, forehead and backside. They work well, and kept me cool in baking sunshine in northern Spain. The front ventilation on the Neotec II is operated by a glovefriendly panel on the inside, while the top is operated with a smart slider; they are super easy to use. Shoei’s new patented CNS-3 visor is another new addition to the Neotec. The clever system ensures that the UV-resistant anti-condense Pinlock visor – when closing – fully connects with visor mechanism and is completely air-tight. It works really well, and I’ve had no problems with the visor fogging (in a range of conditions). Plus, the helmet also features an integrated sun-visor that is easily operated with a slider on the left hand-side of the helmet. The flip front mechanism is easy to use too, with a simple latch on the chin, which can be operated wearing gloves – and best of all, the Neotec II is homologated for use in both open and closed positions – so you can use it as an open face lid; perfect for when you’re passing through a town or village. If you’re after a versatile helmet that’s comfortable, quiet and well ventilated, albeit at a price, then I would urge you to consider Shoei’s new Neotec II. I know mine will be getting plenty of use. • Info: www.shoeiassured.co.uk
In use, the gloves are pretty flexible and didn’t seem to restrict the use of my hands in any way while I was trying to operate any of the switches or levers. I also found them very comfortable to wear with everything fitting (or being) as you would expect. One good thing about them is that they are ‘touchscreen-friendly’, so that in most scenarios, you don’t need to remove them if you want to use your
phone or sat-nav operating buttons (I wish all gloves featured this). In the scheme of things these are essentially a pair of budget range gloves, but for what they cost, they perform really well; they look good too with those little patches of colour really setting them off (and what’s more, they even match the colour of my own bike)! • Info: www.tucanourbano.com/gb/
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02W EVENTS
We’re interested in all things two wheels – from moped racing right through to custom competitions – and each weekend, there’s a rich cross section of events up and down the country to suit every taste. And to inspire you to get out on two wheels, here’s our pick of events coming up over the next couple of months.
Various venues along the Lincolnshire coast Lincolnshire Bike Week 2018 is essentially a full week-long family-friendly motorbike themed event – spanning across a full seven days of Bike Nights, Beach Races, top bands, camping, rideouts, track days at Cadwell Park and so much more, right across the Lincolnshire coast. • Info: www.lincolnshirebikeweek.co.uk
AUGUST 3-5
Camp VC Women-only Motorcycle and Outdoor Adventure Weekend
Brecon Beacons, Wales Essentially, it’s a women’s only outdoor and adventure weekend showcasing, celebrating and supporting incredible women doing awesome things. It promises to a packed weekend of motorcycles, camping, rideouts, beginner’s moto riding lessons, skateboarding, dirt-biking, free workshops, film screenings, live talks and discussions from inspiring women, photography, live music, partying and much more – all set in the beautiful Brecon Beacons in Wales. • Info: www.campvc.co.uk
JULY 18-25
Lincolnshire Bike Week
‘Get your diaries at the ready!’
AUGUST 3-5
Donington Classic Motorcycle Festival
Castle Donington Circuit, Donington Park, Derby, DE74 2RP The Donington Classic Motorcycle Festival is set to return, with up to 50 races taking place across the three days – courtesy of the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club (CRMC). There will be parades and massive display areas with event regular Steve Parrish in attendance. • Info: www.donington-park.co.uk AUGUST 4-5
Llangollen Bike Festival
Royal International Pavilion, Llangollen, North Wales The Llangollen Bike Festival has cemented itself as one of the events of the summer. In addition to displays, stunts and all the usual fare, expect some special guests floating around the show – last year they managed to get 15-times World Championship titles winner Giacomo Agostini to fly over just for the event. • Info: www.llanbikefest.co.uk AUGUST 5-11
JULY 21-22
Aberdare Park National Motorcycle Road Races
Aberdare Park, Glan Road, Aberdare, South Wales CF44 8LU A special event combining modern and classic road racing in Aberdare’s town centre at the Victorian Park; there’s stalls, food and all sorts of stuff going on over the weekend to keep you occupied between races. Popular with the TT crowd, Aberdare Park National Motorcycle Road Races has been a stalwart of the road racing circuit since way back in the 50s, with the likes of Surtees, Hailwood, Foggy and Phil Read taking part in the past. • Info: www.aberdare-park-road-races.co.uk
Ulster GP
Rusheyhill Road, Dundrod, Northern Ireland, BT28 3TB Second only to the Isle of Man TT in road racing prestige, the Ulster GP is worth a visit if you fancy watching high octane racing on the tight Northern Irish roads. More than 50,000 spectators and the rest of the racing circus descend on this small town, so expect an incredible atmosphere. Plus, when the racing isn’t on, you can ride the course yourself. • Info: www.ulstergrandprix.net AUGUST 18
DirtQuake 7
Arena Essex Raceway, RM19 1AE DirtQuake is an alternative motoring festival that encourages a diverse blend of bike fans, dirt racers, millennials, grease monkeys, celebrities, custom shop designers and speed freaks to celebrate their shared love of bikes. The event offers the unique opportunity for riders to get stuck into some dirt track racing on a world class track – with hardly any of the expense or hassle normally associated with bike racing. The concept is simple: race anything that could pass the UK MoT, in the same kit you’d ride on the street in. Sadly, race entries are now full – but regardless, it promises to be a special event. • Info: www.dirtquake.co.uk
JULY 29
World’s Largest All-female Biker Meet 2018
Lynn’s Raven Cafe, A41/49 Junction, Prees Heath, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 2AF Over a thousand lady bikers are expected to gather at Lynn’s Raven Café in Whitchurch from 9am on Sunday, July 29, in a bid to beat their existing world record of 618, which has yet to be broken. There will be stalls, plus sales of raffle tickets, lanyards and event stickers to raise funds for a number of chosen charities and sponsors. Don’t worry though gents, you’re welcome too – but only female riders will be counted for the record. • Info: www.facebook.com/groups/312233139159207/events/
Test ride a Zero electric motorcycle at your favourite biker café Electric motorcycle manufacturer Zero is kick-starting the summer with an eight-stop tour across the UK, giving riders a chance to test ride its latest model range. The transition to electric is taking
some time in the UK, but with Zero recently upgrading its battery tech, Zero’s newest models are capable of trekking more than 150 miles (250 km) without needing to stop for a charge.
The event kicked off at Ponderosa Café in North Wales – and there’s still five dates left on the tour, if you fancy swinging your leg over the revolutionary bit of kit. In order to test ride one or more Zero models, riders simply need to bring their own protective gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, etc.) and valid licence. REMAINING DATES – JULY 21: Hartside Café, Northumberland JULY 22: Otterburn Mill, Northumberland AUGUST 18: The Biker’s Cove, Scotland AUGUST 19: The Green Welly, Scotland SEPTEMBER 19: Ryka’s Café, Surrey
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