Fundraising efforts for sidecar aces

A series of events are being planned to raise funds to help sidecar aces Nick Crowe and Mark Cox, who were seriously injured in a crash on the opening lap of the second Sidecar race at the 2009 TT.

The fundraising, which has the full backing of Mark and Nick’s families, will include a series of events, an online auction and an appeal for donations.

The first event will be a Cave Night at Paramount City nightclub in Douglas, with ‘Minister of fun’ David Cretney, on June 26. The event starts at 8pm and tickets are £10. To book your ticket email nickcrowefundraising@manx.net

There are also plans for a sponsored sidecar push/pull around the TT course on July 4.

The online auction will start as soon as at leats 50 items are available, and a golf event, black tie dinner and other fundraising ideas are being developed.

If you would like to make a donation please visit PayPal. Once you have registered and logged in you just need to click ‘send money’, select personal and tick the gift box. Send your donation to nickcrowefundraising@manx.net

You can keep up to date with the latest fundraising news on the iomtt.com forum, and if you wish to help or need any further information please email nickcrowefundraising@manx.net

Don't forget to visit PayPal to make a donation.

Please download the fundraising poster, available in PDF format, print out as many times as you like and put it up in as many places as possible.

Electric Superbike Uses iPhone As Its Dashboard

Scrap the new iPhone, Snow Leopard, and even the Apple tablet. What I really want is this MotoCzysz Erpc, an electric superbike that not only looks amazing, but uses the iPhone as its dashboard, as you can see here:

According to Wes at Hell for Leather Magazine, the Erpc may win next Friday's zero emissions TTXGP race at the Isle of Man. He doesn't know how exactly the MotoCzysz Erpc uses the iPhone, but my guess is that it uses custom software that will mix the use of available sensors—like the GPS, the accelerometer, and even the light sensor to turn the lights on or off—and some kind of custom interface that connects it to the bike's electronic systems via USB, to give real time feedback about its mechanics. Or at least, that's how I would like the MotoCzysz Erpc to work at the TTXGP race or anywhere else.

Whatever it is, the biggest question now may be if these bike people hate vowels or what. [Hell for Leather]

Flipping brilliant! Now Japan has invented a robot that can cook you pancakes for breakfast

We've already seen a robot that can dance, do household chores and even feel 'empathy' for humans. Now a robot in Japan has proven it can prepare and cook you pancakes.he Okonomiyaki Robot was showing off its skills in cooking traditional Japanese flour pancakes at the International Food Machinery and Technology Exhibition in Tokyo.It starts by stirring all the ingredients in a bowl, before pouring the batter on to a heated cooking pan.

Chef bot: The Okonomiyaki Robot starts the process by mixing the pancake mixture and then pouring it out on a hot plate

Perfectionist: It gets the right pancake shape by using its spatulas

Voila! The robot does a last flip of the pancakes before serving them up with sauces and condiments of your choiceThe Motoman SDA10, a dexterous dual-arm industrial robot was developed by Osaka-based robot makers Toyo Riki Co.

At 4.5ft tall, and weighing 480lb, the robot is designed to operate independently alongside humans in the workplace

Report for Bikerpals

Hogs Over the Humber

As I write this we have just returned from a very enjoyable day in the

spectacular, ground shaking, company of many hundreds of other

motorcyclists who took part in the annual Hogs Over the Humber gathering

and drive across the Humber Bridge and back - all in aid of childrens

charities.

The numbers were slightly down on last year, mainly as a result of the

dreadful (and as usually happens in this country totally wrong) weather

forecast. What should have been a very wet and blustery day turned out

to be dry with the sun breaking through from time to time - and we even

stayed dry all the way home!! Just shows how philosophical the hardened

bike riders get about the English weather.

Bikerpal John Birkenshaw and my husband Rod and myself took part in the

run which was a memorable experience, with a host of extremely well

behaved and very well marshalled bikes thundering in convoy 50 miles

through the local villages outside Hull, eventually ending up at the

Humber Bridge to join in with another large group before we set off over

the bridge (see photos attached).

Large numbers of spectators, local and others, were lining the streets

in the various villages to wave us on and it was good to see that bikers

are obviously not regarded by all as dangerous and unacceptable - we

even had old ladies sitting at their gates waving as we passed.

A great day was had by all and a lot of money raised for the various

charities.

This is a not to be missed event and is open to all makes of motorcycles

(and even scooters, although none were brave enough to turn up). I

would encourage everyone to consider coming for the experience next year

- its not often that you get to ride through the countryside in a huge,

but safe, convoy and to see all the spectacular painted and chromed

custom bikes which turn out.

Julie Blake

Secretary

Bikerpals

Sat Nav on Your Bike - It's So Easy!

This simple answer to the problem of using a Sat Nav/GPS on a bike is something that many people have found their own way of working out, but until the So Easy Rider, I hadn't seen such an elegant, practical solution. The Easy Rider is a very simple, protective, strong, vibration free and 100% waterproof cover that we're going to review here.

I've never had the time or inclination to bother trying to learn the layout of London's roads, so when the opportunity to get a cheap, second hand TomTom presented itself, I jumped at the chance - cool! A new gadget! I even went to the extent of buying a handlebar mount on ebay so I could attach it to the Honda Hornet I had at the time. Of course, this was far from ideal as it didn't take much breaking power for my tank bag to shift forward and pop the TomTom off it's mount and send it skittering down the road!

Putting my Sat Nav in the clear top pocket of the tankbag worked well, although it meant using the bulky bag whenever I need the Sat Nav; also, the glance downwards I would have to make to see the device was just a little too distracting for me.

Putting my Sat Nav in the clear top pocket of the tankbag worked well, although it meant using the bulky bag whenever I need the Sat Nav; also, the glance downwards I would have to make to see the device was just a little too distracting for me.

The main problem for many bikers when it comes to GPS systems is that although the main players in the market make a great variety of models to suit differing budgets and needs, the amount of weatherproof models suitable for use on a bike straight out of the box is severely limited - to basically the Gamin Zumo or TomTom Rider range - both of which are priced out of many people's pockets and are hard to find second hand. In car systems are plentiful both new and second hand; and if you happen to drive and ride a bike, it makes sense to have the one device you can use for both situations.

The accompanying gallery of photos is referenced throughout this review.

Enter the So Easy Rider!

Made by European company Xtream Wearther, it is a very simple, protective, strong, vibration free and 100% waterproof cover for almost any Sat Nav which can be installed on almost any motorcycle in seconds. Cordura, Neoprene, Velcro and ultra strong stitching have been used throughout with a tough transparent 'window' that is thin enough to allow the touch sensitivity required to operate a Sat Nav. Now in it's third version, the So Easy Rider is already very popular in the rest of Europe.
On test were the Kit Zumo Red So Easy Rider V3 pack, a So Easy Power V2x battery and a pair of slim, Velcro-in headphones for use in a crash helmet. I used a Garmin Nuvi 350 Sat Nav on my CBR 600 FS1 Sport. To the So Easy Rider's credit, it stayed anchored to the handlebars and held my Garmin perfectly safe during a moderate speed off I had recently.

Form

Essentially the So Easy Rider consists of a Cordura® and Neoprene® soft case with a clear top facing window. Access is via a 'sealed' weather-proof zip. It's dimensions are 17 x 13.5 x 5cm / 60 g. There is a hole in the lower side of the So Easy Rider which allows for a headphone lead to be connected to your Sat Nav, this is also weather-proof (photos 1&2).

The So Easy Power battery's dimensions are 10 x 6 x 1.7cm it comes included with a USB to mini-USB lead (photos 3-7).

The headphones are about 2.5cm in diameter, quite slim and made to fit next to your ear inside a helmet. They are fixed in place with a thin ring of velcro attched to the back of some foam padding which is more than sufficient to hold them in place (photos 8-11).

What's in the box?

The first thing I noticed when opening the So Easy Rider's box was the smell of new stuff - very nice. All individual parts were wrapped seperarately with nothing floating around loose in the box. Which I think shows an attention to detail.

The Kit I was testing included the main So Easy Rider cover (photo 1), an auxilliary/extra cover for increased protection (photo 12), a 'click' finger stylus to enable more accurate use of the Sat Nav (photo 13) and a shoulder strap.

Xtream Wearther also make an 'in ear' headphone system which can be used with Sat Navs that don't have a mini-jack audio out socket. One end of this sticks over the Sat Nav's speaker and sound is fed through a transparent tube to an earpiece placed, ear bud style, in the ear cavity. However, this is not part of the review. It must be noted that neither earpiece system is included with the So Easy Rider basic kit, although I guess this saves you having to put up with a system you don't like and gives you the choice to get one that works for you.

Fitting

The cover is attached with two fairly long, Velcro covered straps which wrap around themselves so that the hooks and loops of the Velcro fasten for the complete length of the strap (photo 1).

The Velcro backed headphones are easily fastened to the inside padding of a crash helmet and the excess wire routed the to a suitable location - I chose to loosen the helmet padding and place the wire behind it with the mini-jack plug, hanging down about 6cm, close to the helmet strap on the right side of my Arai (photos 8-11).

Connecting the headphones to the So Easy Rider is done with the short mini-jack (1/8") lead included in the headphones pack (photo 14). The plug end this is placed through the hole in the bottom side of the So Easy Rider with the socket end outside of the cover (photos 41&42). The main headphone lead then connects the short lead to the headphones and can be secured to your jacket with the supplied crocodile clip. The main lead also has a useful volume control dial (photo 16).

The So Easy Power has a space set aside for it in the So Easy Rider cover with a Cordura flap separating it from the GPS (photo 17). Charging the battery means connecting the USB plug of the supplied lead into a computer and the mini-USB to the So Easy Rider, the same lead is used, in reverse, to feed power to the GPS; this means that it only powers devices that have mini-USB sockets, but most modern systems do these days (photos 7&22).

The device charges in a few hours and the power remaining in the battery is shown by five ultra bright blue LEDs on the face of the battery (photo 3). The button below the LEDs illuminates the LEDs to show the remaining power with 1 light = nearly discharged and 5 lights = fully charged. Xtream Wearther claim an extra 10 hours of use of a Sat Nav with the So Easy Power. Use of this battery would make obsolete the need to attach a power socket to your bike in certain circumstances.

The 'Click' finger stylus is attached to your selected finger with the pointer facing downwards and is secured with a non-adjustable rubber band (photo 46).

Use

As mentioned earlier, I have 'crash tested' the So Easy Rider and it survived the off very well, although admittedly it wasn't a high speed collision. It has also been at 'progress making' motorway speeds and been rock solid - gotta love Velcro.

The stylus is made to fit securely over a gloved hand, which it does well if placed correctly, but I found this can make it difficult to attach in the first place; I didn't use it because of this and lost it soon afterwards; and before you ask, yes, I had some problems selecting things on my Sat Nav.

One thing that suffers at higher speeds is the ability to hear directions via the headphones. I have even tried without earplugs, but the wind noise gets too much for me to hear directions past about 50mph. Please remember that this may also be due to my hearing ability!

The Garmin I use emits a warning beep before giving directions which I could still hear and used as a cue to take a quick glance at the Sat Nav (not a good idea, I admit) to confirm the direction. However, at regular 'city' speeds, the headphones were more than adequate. I especially enjoyed knowing that they were already in my lid rather than having to remember to put them in each time I wanted to use them.

The headphone lead is of decent quality, although there seems to be a weak point where the volume dial is connected as the lead I tested required electrical tape on either end of the dial casing to secure it to the lead. Wires inside the casing were exposed when the lead separated from the casing has caused problems with stereo separation, but not volume. Also the crocodile clip was lost fairly quickly, so it now moves about in the wind at the motorway speeds - this is only a niggle and did not affect the connection in any way.

I feel that these problems could possibly be alleviated by the lengthening of the headphones lead which would reduce the stress on any points of attachment and perhaps redesigning the clip.
The sound quality is more than adequate considering the expected use of the headphones. It would be silly to expect top-of-the-line quality from small, affordable headphones when there is gap between them and your ears which often contains fast moving air! The music I played through them was faithfully, reproduced if a little tinny (emphasis on higher frequencies - ideal for spoken directions); besides, being able to hear other traffic around you in town is a good thing.

Using the So Easy Power battery is really a no-brainer - just secure it in the case with the elastic strap, fold down the dividing flap, plug it into your Sat Nav and away you go (photos 18-20 & 22/23). I found that with the Garmin, it was better to use the So Easy Power as a portable recharger and leave it plugged in until the Sat Nav showed full charge (which it did very quickly - photo 24) and then remove the So Easy Power, rather than leave it constantly connected to the Garmin. One LED on the battery seemed to equal one full charge of the GPS in my case.

I didn't get the chance to use the So Easy Rider on my arm, although I can see that it would be secure and very useful around town especially if you have many stops to make, but less useable at faster motorway speeds.

French egg-shaped buggy could spell the end of the humble British postman on his bike

13/05/2009

The local postman delivering letters on his bike has been a staple of British life for years - but it could be all change thanks to the French.

An egg-shaped vehicle - with a top speed of just 25mph - is being trialled in two areas and could lead to a mass order by Royal Mail.

And in a move which could upset traditionalists but please saddle-sore postmen, the odd-looking buggies could put an end to the use of bicycles within the postal service

The last post: Vytenis Baltrusaitis with the Matra, built in France, which is around 35 per cent cheaper than its diesel counterparts and could replace traditional postmen delivering letters on bikes

Royal Mail fleet manager Craig Lightfoot said that if the three-month trial in Oxford proved a success, the Matra model, which is also used on the Continent, could replace a fleet of diesel Vauxhall Combo vans.Mr Lightfoot said: 'Staff are very pleased with the Matra so far and we're delighted to have one of only two in use in the country - the other is in Essex.'When the Matra arrived, a big crowd of staff gathered round to take a look, and so far the response has been very positive.'We're looking at ways of becoming more environmentally friendly and these vehicles are well-suited to town deliveries.'Some cycles could be phased out if postmen start sharing these vehicles in future.'We have about 19 Vauxhall vans in our fleet here, so ultimately the Matra could replace them.

Students in Oxford have received their letters from postman Vytenis Baltrusaitis, 32, one of the first to drive the plug-in van.'There is no power steering and the vehicle is quite slow but I don't usually go on busy roads on my route, so the round doesn't take any longer than it did before,' he said.'Children wave at me in the street and some people even take pictures.'The main thing is to remember to charge the vehicle when you get back to the delivery centre - you just plug it straight back in.'

The Matra has a range of 30 to 35 miles once it has been fully charged.The vehicle is officially classed as a quadracycle, and like a motorbike is not legally required to display a front numberplate.Mr Lightfoot estimated that the Matra would be about 35 per cent cheaper than a traditional diesel-engined van over the course of its lifetime and its load space of about 80 cubic feet matched the Vauxhall's.

He added that the electric vehicle cost the equivalent of a new hatchback car, compared with the £10,000 cost of the Vauxhall Combo - but this did not take into account modifications including cab doors to cope with winter weather.

Donington British MotoGP round in doubt.

28 April 2009

Donington Park operator Simon Gillett’s company Donington Ventures Leisure Limited has been issued with legal proceedings over £2.47million in unpaid rent.The legal proceedings mean Gillett’s company has now forfeited the lease for Donington Park and will have to pay the money owed, plus interest, plus legal costs and apply for relief from forfeiture before it can take back the lease.The situation throws into doubt not just the future of the MotoGP round but also two British Superbike rounds and a World Superbike round.

A press release from Brown Jacobson solicitors acting for Donington Park circuit owners Wheatcroft and Son Limited states:

“Wheatcroft & Son Limited, the owners of Donington Park motor racing circuit, have issued legal proceedings against Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd, the operators of the circuit, seeking £2.47m in rent arrears and forfeiture of the circuit lease.

"Lawyers at Browne Jacobson LLP, acting on behalf of their client Wheatcroft & Son Limited, issued the proceedings at Derby County Court earlier today (23rd April).

"Wheatcroft & Son Limited awarded Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd a 150-year lease back in January 2007.

"Donington Park, has since been awarded a ten-year contract to host the British Grand Prix from 2010.

Kevin Wheatcroft of Wheatcroft & Son Limited said :

“It is with great reluctance that we have taken this decision. Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd owe us nearly £2.5m in rent dating back to September 2008.

"Despite receiving numerous reassurances over a number of months they have consistently failed to meet their financial obligations under the terms of the lease.

"We have held off taking legal action for as long as possible but have been left with no choice but to commence proceedings to recover the outstanding rent and forfeit the lease.

50mph limit for rural roads

The speed limit on single carriageway rural roads is to be cut from 60mph to 50mph under government plans announced yesterday. The lower limit is to be enforced by a new generation of average-speed cameras capable of catching motorcycles. It could be imposed by next year.

Roads minister Jim Fitzpatrick said the move was needed to cut the death rate on rural roads, where seven out of 10 car crash fatalities occurred in 2007.

The 50mph limit will be proposed in a consultation to be published this summer.

The Mike Hailwood Memorial Run - March 29th

David Hailwood, Mike's son, will attend and ride in The Mike Hailwood Memorial Run for the first time this year. David returned with his wife and young son from Spain last Spring to live permantly in England. He has settled in Hertfordshire and is running a motorcycle restoration business, Hailwood Restorations. The company will restore any type of motorcycle from any period and also construct Norvin's and Triton's.

Due to David's involvement this year a record turnout is expected at the Bracebridge Street event which has been moved to the 29th March so as not to clash with Mothering Sunday. Full details are on the web page madeinbirmingham.org/hailwood.htm

The Birmingham Testers Run

No destination or date has been decided as yet but the start will be either from Soho House or Sarehole Mill, to mark the 150 year anniversary of Matthew Boulton's death.
The destination is likely to be the Llanberis Slate Mine Museum in North Wales.

madeinbirmingham.org/testers.htm

If you wish to contact me by email please use the email address at
madeinbirmingham.org/contact.htm

THE GREAT BRITISH VESPA CHALLENGE

You know that way you say your going to do something for charity but you cant decide what to do? Well I love motorbikes so I decided I had to do something bike related. But I had a bit of a problem, as bikes are just to much fun to be considered a challenge!! I thought about this long and hard and thought about the charities I want to raise money for.

My son is diabetic. He injects 5 or 6 times a day, every day. he misses out on a lot but never complains, he just rolls up his sleeves and just gets on with it. He is an inspiration to me in all aspects of my life. When its tough he gets on with it. I want to do something special for Diabetes UK, who have been a tremendous support for us as a family, so that they can offer others the same.

I am also doing this run for Riders for Health. Riders for Health supply motorbikes and support to locals in underdeveloped countries. These bikes are used by men and women who are trained by riders to deliver life saving services and medicines to villages. In short they endure horific conditions to save lives.

You can donate to Riders via my other Fundraising page:

www.justgiving.com/tommothomson

It didnt seem right for me to play on the bike for a bit and ask for money, so I have come up with a challenge!!!

On 20th June 2009 I will be riding my 125cc VESPA SCOOTER from Landsend in England (the most southerly point of Britain) to arrive in John OGroats, Scotland (the most northerly point) hopefully LATER THE SAME DAY!! When I say later the same day, its going to be hard as I will need about 21 hrs riding time so that only gives me 3 hrs for fuel stops etc.

This run will be supported fully by the Scotland chapters of the Blue Knights International MC Club and BCG Bikes, Galashields.

This run will be supported fully by the Scotland chapters of the Blue Knights International MC Club and BCG Bikes, Galashields.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The charity gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. All donations via this page are for Diabetes UK.

Thank you for your support.

Tommo Thomson.

Here is how it came about..................................

I have decided to complete a wee journey for charity that I hope will be worthy of encouraging people to sponsor me. On the 20th june 2009 I intend to ride from Landsend, England (the most southerly point of Britain) to John OGroats, Scotland (the most northerly point!) within a day! That’s leaving at 0001hrs on the 20th June and hopefully arriving before 2359hrs the same day!!! However, I have decided to do the trip on my wee 125 vespa scooter, (as featured at the Scottish Rally of 2008) which will see me in the saddle for at least 21hrs riding time with only 3 hrs left for breaks and fuel stops!!!

I know it sounds absolutely mad, but I have been inspired by my son Craig whose had a bit of a tough time recently.

My wee boy was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. It was a huge shock to us as a family. In short our old life ended and a totally new one began. Now every day we have a worry over Craigs health, where Hypos saw him collapse and where “Hypers” led to the odd stay in hospital. Everyday Craig now has to weigh his food on scales and calculate his carb intake, where everything he takes to eat is calculated and off set against his blood readings, his exercise and his 5 or 6 injections he takes through out the day. This has had a huge impact on all of us, but there are a couple of things that keep us going.

Firstly is the determination of my son, who despite the regular hypos, fingerpricks, injections and hospital stays he demonstrates a resolve and determination which is hero like. I don’t say that lightly, as that’s what he has been, a total inspiration. As well as Craigs attitude, the second key factor that has allowed me and my wife to cope is the support from Diabetes UK. They have provided us with information and advice at times when desperation fear and worry appeared to take over our thoughts. They have been truly remarkable, and an essential service to families and diabetes sufferers alike.

I know it’s a big task, but well if my boy can suffer daily, I guess its worth the pain to help him and others who rely on the support of Diabetes UK!!

In addition, I have arranged for some of the money I raise to go to Riders for Health. Riders have agreed to use the money I raise to buy a motorbike, which they will paint in Blue knights colours before deploying it to deepest Africa where it will be used by trained locals to deliver Doctors services and life saving medicines to Villages and difficult to reach people. This will directly result in lives being saved, men, women and children, all being saved by a local hero on a Blue knights bike!! I think this is truly fantastic and a fitting tribute to our fantastic club. A bike shop in Galashields in Scotland, BCG Bikes have already promised to give me £700 if I can raise another £700 for Riders, a truly awesomely kind gesture, and one that I will be forever grateful.

All I ask is that you have a look at my two websites, which I have set up. One is for Diabetes UK and the other is for Riders. If you can, please make a donation to one (eh, or both?!?). No matter how small, any kind gesture will be hugely appreciated, and will be another step closer to me reaching my target.

www.justgiving. com/tommothomson and www.justgiving. com/tommothomson 2

More importantly, I would plead with you to forward my email to all your friends and family and encourage them to do the same, as the more people who get involved the better.

I will also be in possession of some sponsor forms. If you are up for taking a couple of forms and persuading some friends and family to donate, please let me know your address and I will send you out a couple of forms. I really need your support.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. One more thing, I forgot to mention, the involvement of Scotland Chapters of the Blue Knights will be well represented, as I will of course be wearing the official Blue knights Tartan for the journey!!!! Well a Scotsmans not a Scotsman without his Kilt!!

All the best to you and yours, and as a good friend of mine once said “May your Lums lang reek!!!” (Never did know what he was talking about!)

Tommo.

Metzeler Roadtec Z6 Interact Tire Review

The Roadtec gets a new twist

Everyone – including us bikers – is looking to save a buck these days, or at least find more or better values. New guy, Obama, sure seems to be working furiously to calm the raging tempest that is our current economy, but by his repeated admissions, it ain’t gonna happen overnight.

Tire giant Metzeler may be able to help sport and sport-touring riders keep their pocket books in their pockets a little longer with the introduction of the company’s new sport-touring tire, the Roadtec Z6 Interact.

Like a number of tire makers, Metzeler has taken notice of the increase in performance of today’s sport and sport-touring machines. BMW, as an example, is claiming 175 hp and 103 ft-lbs from its new K1300S, with the K1300GT not far off that mark at a claimed 160 hp and 99 ft-lbs. Adding complexity to making a tire for such powerhouses is the fact that these types of motorcycles typically handle as well as they go fast. The Interact is Metzeler’s answer.

The Roadtec Z6 Interact: Metzeler’s answer to a world full of powerful, sharp-handling sport and sport-touring motorcycles.Interact is the next evolution of the successful Z6. In this latest iteration, Metzeler has bucked the current multi-compound trend in favor of using a single compound that “interacts” with a unique new tire carcass.Metzeler’s patented 0-degree steel belt radial structure received a neat twist, literally, in the design of this latest tire. Briefly, the outer layer of steel “threads” in a tire’s structure – the portion of the tire beneath the rubber that contacts the road surface – is said to be a 0-degree belt construction when the steel threads run, or more correctly are wound, in the same direction as the tire's rotation. A primary benefit of such construction is said to be a high level of stability at high speeds. Metzeler’s patent in this process is that the winding is a single steel thread wrapped continuously to form the belt.

What makes the Interact’s steel belt different is the steel thread itself. The thread is more like a twisted cable, similar to a guitar string, rather than being a solid wire. With this construction the ability to control thread tension in specific areas of the tire is possible, therefore controlling temperatures of the tire compound in those areas.

They are approximately 120 steel threads that make up the steel belt. The number and spacing of threads allows for a progressive reduction of the winding from center to edge, with more thread in the high tension center and less thread in the lower tension/higher grip edge. Metzeler staff explained that this progressive winding method helps contribute to consistent feel and performance when transitioning into a lean or turn

A do-it-all tire?

The perfect multi-tasking street tire would be one that retains high mileage without sacrificing grip or ride comfort. By placing more steel windings closer together in the tread center more tension is created meaning less flex in this area. Less flex means less friction, less friction means less heat, ideally meaning less wear. Conversely, in the shoulder area, more space between the steel windings means more give or flex, and as we just noted above, more friction means more heat. More heat means softer rubber which usually means better grip, in this case right where it’s needed.

Complementing this new carcass is a new, high silica content compound containing a 35-percent higher silica ratio than the previous Roadtec Z6. Claimed improvements here are better wet and dry grip, as well as consistent wear through the tire’s life.

The claimed end result of the technology in the new Interact is a single-compound tire that functions similar to a multi-compound tire while at the same time avoiding what Metzeler calls the “step effect.” The tire company defines the step effect as the different rates of wear between the different (softer on the shoulder, harder in the center) compounds on multi-compound tires, claiming the Interact’s single-compound will wear and perform more consistently from center to edge.

So what’s the correlation between our current economy and the new Interact? Seems mighty Metzeler was able to bring this all-new tire tech to market with a nominal 2-percent price increase over the previous Roadtec Z6. Prices vary widely between vendors, so do your homework and comparison shop. Furthermore, Metzeler claims the Interact will meet the same mileage as the old Z6 but continue to perform at optimum levels all the way to the end, thereby adding value to the new Interact.

Metzeler for President!

Sizes currently available are: 120/70-17 fronts; 160/70-17, 170/70-17, 180/55-17 and 190/50-17 rears. Metzeler says a wider selection will be available by this summer

Shark Evoline Review

I can safely say that as of writing this article, there aren’t many people that have seen let alone ridden their bike with one of these on their heads… Behold, the Shark Evoline.

This laddie is due out at the end of March in the UK and has a huge back log of previous orders so I doubt that you’ll see many of these on the roads just yet. The interesting fact about this helmet is that its one of the few helmets that can be ridden legally with the chin guard in the up position. I’ve worn this at 120 (KPH) :-) and can confirm that i’ts a very stable helmet on the 1200 Sport. Having tested the Nolan N-102 which was not stable I would say that this is a better helmet on the Sport. The build quality of the helmet is good and it feels very comfortable once fitted to your head.

One benefit of the Nolan helmet is that they can accept N-com whereas this helmet does not have the option of integrated comms. Initially the helmet will be available in matt black. More colours will be released by Shark later on in the year.

Back on to the helmets features… You can see from the pictures that it has an integrated sun visor. This is operated by a lever on top of the helmet. I had no problems operating this whilst moving even though I had only been wearing the helmet a couple of minutes. You can also operate the chin guard single handed too. To do so, just lift the visor up, pull the lever at the centre front and drag it up and over the helmet until it stops at the back. This is gonna be an excellent helmet in the city at slow speeds on a hot day. When you motor on a bit, just flip the chin guard forwards, pull down the visor and now you are enclosed inside a full face helmet. The Evoline is believe it or not, homologated open AND closed. This is a major difference between this and the Boxer V. The chin clasp is of a ratchet style unit which is the same as the Nolan N-103.

Another thing to note about this helmet is that its “P” rated. P stands for protection. I cant comment on whether it meets the standards of an Arai but it definitely felt good on my bonce this afternoon.

This is definitely a helmet to think about if you are in the flip front market like I am at the moment. A worthy contender.

Thanks go out to Mike @ Ultimate Bike Gear for providing 1200Sport.com with a production sample of this helmet.

Weblinks -

Shark Evoline Website

Pictured: The world's smallest car gets out of a tight squeeze
06th February 2009.

It has certainly got itself into a tight squeeze, but the world's smallest car has every right to be there.Tucked in between two vans in London's Piccadilly Circus, the Peel P50 is parked squarely by its new home.The miniature vehicle goes on display today at Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum, which promises visitors the ultimate insight into the world of the odd and bizarre.

Tight squeeze! The world's smallest car fits in between to vans in Piccadilly Circus, where it goes on display today at Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum

Amazed tourists give the driver of the Peel P50 a helping push Ripley's Believe It or Not! will add the Peel P50 to over 800 exhibits already on display.The three-wheeled wonder was designed as a city car. It was advertised as capable to seat one adult and a shopping bag.It has a single door, on the left hand

Double take! Onlookers can't keep their eyes off the mini car, which looks like it belongs on an episode of Postman Pat.

It is no surprise the tiny car makes tourists and commuters alike do a double take.It looks like it belongs more on an episode of the 1980s cartoon Postman Pat than the streets of England's capital city.At just 134cm long and 99cm wide and weighting just 59kg, it barely fits a grown business man inside.But one thing is for sure, the diminutive automobile is bound to be a massive hit.

FROM Snow to Sunshine!

our very own Yorkshireman James Toseland swaps snowbound Britain for the heat and humidity of Malaysia in the first official MotoGP test of the season at the Sepang circuit. The World’s leading riders, including World Champion Italian Valentino Rossi, return from the winter break for the three day test which starts on Thursday round the 3.447 miles circuit just outside Kuala Lumpur.

Twenty eight year old Toseland will be riding the 2009 M1 Tech 3 Yamaha for the first time and will also be familiarising himself with the Bridgestone tyres that will be used by all riders in this year’s 18 round MotoGP World Championship.

The former World Superbike Champion finished 11th in his MotoGP debut season last year and has unhappy memories of the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang.

“Crashing out of the Sepang race at such an early stage in my debut season was one of my biggest disappointments of 2008 and for that reason I’m looking forward to the forthcoming test, explained Toseland. “I thought that I had found a good setting last year, but will be working hard at the test to ensure that I have the maximum set-up and I’ll be running as many race simulations as possible. Sepang is a long and technical track, which is made even more difficult by the hot and humid weather conditions. I’m looking forward to getting back on the bike and pushing myself to be the best that I can be.”

Twenty nine year old Rossi chases his ninth World title riding the Fiat Yamaha and the three day test will give the first indications of who will produce the biggest challenge to his Championship crown in what promises to be a very hard fought season. The biggest threat could come from his team-mate Jorge Lorenzo who made an explosive start to his MotoGP career last year by finishing fourth on his debut season.

Two former World Champions Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden pose a dual threat on the new Desmosedici GP9 Ducati while third placed Dani Pedrosa hopes to start the season fully fit with his new Repsol Honda team- mate Andrea Dovizioso who was an impressive fifth in his debut season last year.

The Suzuki pair of Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen are determined to hit the ground running at the start of the season and it’s an important three days for them and their British-based team.

Like all major World sporting Championships, MotoGP faces a difficult season in the present economic recession but when the very best riders in the World meet head on the cream always rises to the top

All-New Honda Insight Hybrid Vehicle Introduced in Japan

TOKYO, Japan, February 5, 2009 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that the all-new Insight hybrid vehicle will go on sale in Japan on Friday, February 6, 2009. A five-door, five-passenger compact hatchback starting at an affordable ¥1,890,000*1, the Insight features a lightweight, compact hybrid system that combines exceptional fuel economy with fun-to-drive performance.

Designed to set the standard for compact cars for a new era, the Insight combines outstanding environmental performance with fun, responsive driving and efficient, versatile packaging. The all-new Honda Insight was developed with the goal to provide these attributes in a car that is affordable to more customers.

Offering customers exceptional fuel economy, the Insight features a newly developed hybrid system including a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine and Honda’s proprietary Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). To further support fuel-efficient driving, the Insight features the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist) as standard equipment on all models.

*	The name Insight was chosen to denote that this new vehicle provides "insight" into a new era in which hybrid vehicles come within reach of most car buyers.
*1	Manufacturer’s suggested retail price including consumption tax for the G-type

< Exceptional Environmental Performance >

	Featuring a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine and lightweight, compact Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), the Insight hybrid system offers exceptional fuel economy: 26 km/L in JC08 mode and 30 km/L in 10•15 mode.*2
	Designed to reduce air flow resistance and enhance fuel efficiency, the aerodynamic body achieves a world-leading coefficient of drag of 0.28.*3
	Standard on all models, the new Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist) is designed to help drivers further enhance fuel efficiency.

< Efficient, Versatile Packaging>

	Packaging features a compact body, low vehicle height and a comfortable interior with superior utility.
	The rear cargo area is spacious and easy to use.

< Fun, Comfortable Driving>

In the city and on the highway, the Insight offers fun, relaxed daily driving and a comfortable ride.

< Affordable Pricing >

	Cost reduction was achieved through enhanced efficiency of the IMA system and the use of parts shared with other Honda automobiles.
	Increased efficiency of production processes was achieved.

*2	G-type and L-type
*3	Five-passenger production automobiles (Honda calculations)

Key Features of the Insight

Exterior design

·	The athletic, aerodynamic exterior design reflects the responsive performance of the Insight.
·	From the front, the Insight makes a strong impression with its wide, stable stance and evokes the design of Honda's flagship for environmental performance-the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle.
·	The line traversing the middle of the body in a single motion emphasizes the low vehicle height, contributing to a sporty design.
·	From the rear, the high tail adds to both the aerodynamic performance and the stylish look of the Insight.

Interior design

·	With its advanced, futuristic feel, the interior design makes driving fun while offering a comfortable environment for all occupants.
·	The two-tiered instrument panel is divided vertically, allowing the driver to easily access important information at a glance.
·	Further emphasizing the futuristic hybrid feel, the interior features elegantly contrasting colors, textures and materials.

Powertrain (Hybrid System)

The Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) proprietary hybrid system offers exceptional fuel economy and extremely low emissions. The gasoline engine serves as the main power source while the electric motor provides additional power as needed.

Offering both exceptional fuel efficiency and ample torque, the 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine features Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which controls the idling of all cylinders. Along with exceptional fuel economy, the combination of engine and motor offers the consistent responsiveness and acceleration performance one might expect from a 1.5-liter engine.

The ultra-thin DC brushless motor is approximately 22% thinner and approximately 15% lighter than previous-generation technology.*4

Adjusting to driving conditions and battery charge level, the Power Control Unit (PCU) optimally controls the power assist and electrical regeneration functions of the electric motor.

As compared to previous-generation technology, the modules of the high-output nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery feature a 30% enhancement in both output and durability, allowing for a decrease from 11 modules to 7.*4 As a result, while providing ample output and capacity for the motor, the battery is approximately 31% more compact and approximately 35% lighter than previous-generation technology.*4

Composed of the PCU and battery, the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) is approximately 19% more compact and approximately 28% lighter than previous-generation technology,*4 allowing for placement of the IPU beneath the rear cargo area and more-efficient packaging overall.

The compact, efficient, Honda Multimatic S continuously variable transmission (CVT) helps the Honda hybrid system produce even more torque and achieve even higher fuel efficiency. In off-the-line acceleration, the CVT engages at lower rpms, enhancing acceleration performance and fuel-efficiency at the same time.

In braking, accelerating and cruising, the Insight optimizes the combination of engine valve operation and motor assist for precise energy management. As a result, the Insight offers both high fuel economy and fun driving in a wide variety of driving conditions. To further enhance fuel efficiency, the Insight can cruise on motor power alone at low speeds and features idle stop capability.

*4	As compared to the 2006 Civic Hybrid

Advanced Environmental Technologies

To help Insight owners realize the full benefits of Honda hybrid technology, the new Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist) is included as standard equipment on all models. Eco Assist combines multiple functions:

ECON mode:	With the touch of a button, this function adjusts engine output, extends the duration of idle stop, increases regenerative recharging during deceleration and achieves energy-saving control of the air-conditioning unit. As a result, more fuel-efficient driving can be achieved.
Guidance function:	This function assesses acceleration and braking practices in real time, changing the speedometer background color to indicate the level of fuel-efficiency of the driving style. Drivers can achieve more fuel-efficient driving simply by referring to this intuitive color display.
Scoring function:	Located in the center of the instrument panel, the Multi-Information Display provides a scoring function, in which the number of 'leaves' displayed indicates the level of fuel-efficient driving performance. When the ignition is turned off, both a score for the latest driving cycle (startup to shutdown) and a score for cumulative lifetime performance are displayed. Since 'leaves' appear and 'grow' as driving practices become more fuel efficient, the scoring function encourages drivers to take interest in fuel efficiency and develop more fuel-efficient driving habits over the long term. With the available Honda HDD InterNavi System, a driver can access a full history of personal scoring function results and additional detailed scoring statistics. InterNavi customers may also access via the Internet a detailed fuel-efficiency assessment of their driving practices, a history of their fuel-efficiency scores, their ranking among subscribers throughout Japan and other information relevant to fuel-efficient driving.

Environmental Performance

The Insight boasts exceptional fuel economy of 26 km/L in JC08 mode and 30 km/L in 10•15 mode.*2

All models are certified by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as complying with the 2005 -75% emissions standard.

All models are certified by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as complying with the 2010 +25% fuel economy standard.

All models comply with the 2015 fuel economy standard of Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.*5

*5	A new fuel economy standard established under the Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy.

Packaging

The Insight features a compact body with low overall height. At the same time, the packaging provides a spacious interior with a high level of utility.

The generous wheelbase of 2,550 mm and tandem distance of 790 mm provide a comfortable space for five adults.

The placement of the compact battery and PCU under the rear cargo area allows for up to 400L of cargo space.*6

*6	Honda calculations, VDA method

Chassis

·	The MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension offer responsive handling and a comfortable ride.
·	For the first time in a Honda hybrid automobile, the Insight LS is equipped with paddle shifters that allow the driver to enjoy sporty shifting and a manual transmission feel without taking hands off the steering wheel.

Body

The lightweight, aerodynamic body is compact with a low overall height.

Thanks to the aerodynamic design and meticulous wind tunnel testing of all exterior parts as well as specially designed aerodynamic underbody parts, the Insight boasts a world-leading coefficient of drag (0.28*3) and outstanding overall aerodynamic performance.

Unique to the Insight and designed to accommodate the IPU beneath the rear cargo area, the body features high rigidity in the rear frame and floor, contributing to safety and vehicle stability during cruising.

With a 52% high-tensile steel content,*7 the frame is highly lightweight and rigid.

A first for a Honda compact automobile, the windshield features reduced-infrared radiation blocking and sound-insulating functions. The cabin stays cooler in warm ambient temperatures, reducing the need for air-conditioning and enhancing energy efficiency.

*7	By-weight comparison

Enhanced Efficiency and Reduced Costs

·	Honda has made each component of the hybrid system more compact and lightweight while combining functions where possible. In particular, the battery container contains 50% fewer parts than previous-generation technology.*4 As a result of these initiatives, Honda has achieved a dramatic reduction in overall hybrid system cost.
·	In designing the Insight, Honda has carefully differentiated between parts that requiring a new design and parts also implemented in other vehicles. By concentrating resources on newly designed parts while implementing parts shared with other vehicles and rationalizing parts design, Honda has optimized affordability enhancing the value offered the customer.
·	Honda has dedicated a new assembly line at its Suzuka Factory in Japan to the production of Insight IMA motors, significantly enhancing production efficiency, establishing a strong foundation for large-scale production and substantially reducing costs.

Safety Performance

·	The Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure enhances self-protection as well as mitigating damage to other vehicles in the event of a collision.
·	Pedestrian-injury mitigation technology helps protect pedestrians from head, leg and other injuries in the event of a collision.
·	Along with the front seat i-side airbag system, the side curtain airbag system helps reduce the risk of head injury in a side impact.
·	Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), which assists the driver in maintaining control during cornering, is standard equipment on the LS-type and available as a factory option on the G-type and L-type.
·	Standard equipment on all models, the Active Head Restraint System in the front seats enhances neck and head protection in the event of a rear impact collision.

February 4, 2009

Pull yourself together, Valentino Rossi, or it’s curtains for your chances of retaining the world title

Valentino Rossi is one of the most successful motorcycle racers of all time

Top 50 sporting injuries

For a world-renowned risk taker, real life is perilous too. Ask Valentino Rossi, serial world champion and perhaps the finest and most courageous rider ever to sit on a motorbike. He has just injured himself drawing the curtains .

It’s all very funny . . . for everyone except Rossi, who has had stitches in two injuries and may be unable to take part in pre-season testing in Malaysia tomorrow. No doubt he’d be safer with one cheek on and one cheek off and his knee scraping the Tarmac as his bike corners at Mach 3, than he was doing the household chores.

The problem was that he tripped and fell – how could a man with such extraordinary muscle control and such exceptional balance be so absurdly clumsy? – and crash-landed on a glass table.

Friday, January 16, 2009

It’s the chopper you would build for yourself--if you had a factory instead of a garage.” This is Honda’s tag line for the all-new venture from the Big Red Wing – the 2010 Honda Fury.

The idea was to give the Japanese motorcycle brand some attitude, but in true Honda fashion, total riding experience was top priority. Don’t expect to see anything too radical, no 350-series rear tire or eight-foot rake here. But then again, it’s not too far off. And considering how conservative Honda usually is, the Fury cruiser sure is quite the departure from the norm.

“Full-on chopper styling,” according to Honda, outlines and defines the new machine, which some will say is conventional considering the exaggerated chopper world into which it is born. But don’t forget, the Fury is a Honda. Featuring the longest wheelbase ever seen on a production Honda machine at 71.24 inches, this is the result of a rake and trail of 38.0-degrees and 3.5 inches, respectively.

Suspension comes in the form of a 45mm conventional front fork with 4.0 inches of travel, while out back sits a single, adjustable shock with 3.7 inches of travel. This equates to a very low and easy-for-all seat height of 26.7 inches and a very spacious riding position. While we haven’t had a chance to twist the throttle (stay tuned for a February ride), sitting on the bike confirmed a very comfortable riding position for most all shapes and sizes.

Sitting between the frame spars is a 52-degree V-Twin engine that comes in at a smallish 1312cc via 89.5mm x 103.3mm bore and stroke. Compression ratio sits at an also very conservative 9.2:1, featuring a single overhead cam per cylinder, which opens and closes three valves. Fuel is fed via 38mm throttle body and PGM fuel injection, while the tranny is a 5-speed. The final drive is shaft, which is sure to limit customizing possibilities and cause many to hiss and boo.

The fuel tank and fender design is also on the Honda side of things, very clean and neat, not totally radical. It does feature a thin 21-inch front tire and fat (for Honda) 200-series rear tire, thus we commend Big Red for at least trying to push the envelope. Colors available include Blue, Silver and a Matte Black (they call it Grey), all of which are garnished with ample amounts of chrome throughout.

This rounds out the details Honda has given us at first glance. Despite a very conservative approach, considering the economic times, we commend Honda for going out on a limb. Hopefully there are a lot of mid-life crisis about to happen, as this would be a perfect bike for that. But, like all Hondas, they are always best once the wheels are turning.

This weird-looking beast is the latest creation by renown customisers Orange County Choppers. Dubbed the B-2 Stealth Bomber tribute, it’s been built to mark the 20th anniversary in 2009 of the first flight of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber plane. The bike’s front fairing and fuel tank are styled to resemble the B-2’s cockpit and fuselage, the wheels feature the American air...

A young inventor has created a motorbike with a twist - it uses two wheels but they are positioned right next to each other, giving it the illusion of being a powered unicycle. And even better, it might help save the planet.
Ben Gulak has spent several years building the electric Uno that uses gyroscopic technology - like the infamous Segway commuter device - to stay upright.
The bizarre-looking contraption has only one switch - on or off - and is controlled entirely by body movement. The rider leans forwards to accelerate to speeds of 25mph and back to slow down. It has two wheels side-by-side and has been turning heads wherever it has been ridden.

Ben Gulak designed the Uno himself with the help of a simple 3D program
The green machine is so small and light it can be taken indoors and carried into lifts - and is recharged by being plugged into the mains.
The wheels are completely independent, allowing the bike to turn on a sixpence and the technology takes the balance and guesswork out of riding a unicycle.
Its 18-year-old creator is now looking for investors to get the Uno into production and onto the streets.
Ben, from Ontario , Canada , said: 'I was inspired to make the bike after visiting China a few years ago and seeing all the smog.
'They all drive little bikes that are really polluting and I wanted to make something to combat that. I started with the concept because if something doesn't look cool people just won't be interested.

Ben Gulak turns heads from onlookers as he rides past them
'After coming up with the concept I started to build it and now have

the first prototype and the reaction has been amazing.
'It has two wheels side by side and that means it is easier to turn as they are completely independent and have their own suspension.
'The bike has a 'neutral point' and when you lean forward it accelerates
to keep the neutral point in the right place.
'It has a couple of gyros and is basically self-balancing - it takes the guesswork out of riding a unicycle.
'The bike takes a bit of getting used to because you have to learn to trust it. But it doesn't take long.
'It takes any weight and weighs 120 lbs and can fit into a lift so you can take it indoors to charge it up.
'Currently it has a top speed of 25mph, but that will be increased greatly with bigger motors.
'It has a range of about 2.5 hours and it is designed for the commute to work through busy towns. I believe this could be electrical alternative to the car. I'm just looking for an investor to help me get it into production .

The padding is made from a highly ergonomic fabric that provides freshness in all seasons, this being superbly enhanced, courtesy of the new internal air channels.
N43 AIR redefines the reference for the “Touring” market. Major technical and styling innovations put this exclusive model, with its completely innovative design, at the peak of this popular market segment.
N43 AIR is completely modular, meeting all or exceeding the most demanding riders’ needs: summer, winter, city or Touring, the N43 AIR conquers all.
The numerous possible configurations are obtained easily and quickly.

N43 AIR is distinguished by the important technical solutions, built into its design, guaranteeing maximum comfort for all users:
- utilising 5 separate air intakes, one front, two rear and two upper, the exclusive ventilation system incorporated into the design is able to effectively direct three independent air-flows;
- the VPS sunscreen, combining with the all new innovative “Deep Visor” thus called due to its contour hugging fit, providing excellent aerodynamic qualities;
- the innovative protective chin guard, which allows, thanks to a simple and practical fastening system, changing the open-face helmet into a full-face one, and the other way round.

What’s more, N43 AIR is equipped with the latest generation “Clima Comfort” inner comfort padding, which is fully removable and washable.
The padding is made from a highly ergonomic fabric that provides freshness in all seasons, this being superbly enhanced, courtesy of the new internal air channels.
N43 AIR redefines the reference for the “Touring” market. Major technical and styling innovations put this exclusive model, with its completely innovative design, at the peak of this popular market segment.
N43 AIR is completely modular, meeting all or exceeding the most demanding riders’ needs: summer, winter, city or Touring, the N43 AIR conquers all.
The numerous possible configurations are obtained easily and quickly.

The picture, courtesy of Spanish magazine Solo Moto, clearly shows the extreme nature of the bike, which features an ultra-low, Harley Rocker-C-style seat, belt final drive, sophisticated, hidden, ‘Softail’ type rear suspension and ultra-aggressive styling.

Honda Motor announced yesterday that its sales in the United States in November had fallen by 32% in comparison to a year ago. This was around the same drop as Toyota reported on Tuesday. The Honda company share price in Tokyo fell nearly five percent after the announcement. The drop in US sales takes the company back to where it was in 2000 and is the biggest drop in 27 years. Honda has already decided to freeze its plan to increase production capacity in Turkey and will delay plant construction in India by at least one year.

Honda recently announced that it is to cut production at its plant in Swindon and that this will be mothballed in February and March next year as the company struggles to cope with slowing demand for its products. The company says that there are no plans for redundancies but is offering early retirement packages in the UK.

Jenson Button: could be without a drive in 2009. Photograph: Mark Thompson/Getty Images

The global financial crisis has hit one of the world's richest sports, motor racing, as the Japanese carmaker Honda today confirmed it would withdraw from formula one before the start of next season.

The move - a desperate attempt by the company to cut costs - shocked the motor racing world and all but ended Honda's long-held dream of claiming the formula one title.

Honda's formula one team employs more than 700 people in Brackley, Northamptonshire and its drivers last season included Britain's Jenson Button.

Honda's chief executive, Takeo Fukui, said he did not know when the firm would be in a position to return to the sport.

"This difficult decision has been made in light of the quickly deteriorating environment facing the global auto industry," he told reporters.

"Honda must protect its core business activities and secure the long term as widespread economic uncertainties continue to mount around the world."

Fukui, who once said he was prepared to invest "a trillion yen" to secure a championship title, said attempts would be made to find a buyer for the team before the start of the 2009 season.

"We will enter into consultation with the associates of the Honda racing team and its engine supplier Honda Racing Development regarding the future of the two companies. This will include offering the team for sale," he said.

Fukui said the firm had no plans to supply engines to other teams: "We do not want to be half in and half out of the sport."

Honda has come under mounting pressure from some shareholders to ditch its formula one team, which finished next to last in the constructors' standings last season and costs the firm an estimated $500m (£340.5m) a year.

Plummeting demand in the US forced Japan's second biggest carmaker to lower its sales outlook for the year through to the end of March. Yesterday, it announced it would trim its UK and Japan workforce.

The crisis facing the global car industry was underlined yesterday when executives from US automakers appeared in front of the senate banking committee to plead for up to $34bn in emergency government aid.

The heads of the "big three" carmakers - General Motors, Chrysler and Ford - vowed to focus on cutting production costs and increasing fuel efficiency in return for aid.

The chief executives of GM and Chrysler indicated they would be willing to resume talks on a possible merger.

But their assurances were greeted with scepticism by committee members. "I don't trust the car companies' leadership," said Charles Schumer, a Democratic senator from New York, but he added: "We can't let the industry fail."

George Bush is reluctant to use part of the government's $700bn bailout package to support the industry, despite warnings that GM and its rivals face imminent collapse.

The president-elect, Barack Obama, said he supported measures to rescue the industry, but carmakers are concerned that his arrival in the White House in January will come too late.

NOV/2008. Keep a eye on this the worlds first, which bikerpal Mike Barker over in the IOM is taking an active par

TTXGP is about competitive innovation. Pushing the frontier and making the next leap. TTXGP allows different technologies, systems and methods battle for supremacy on some of the most glorious motorsport venues in the world. In a market place of free ideas, TTXGP is where you get your vision of the future valued.

The Grand Prix will provide an exciting opportunity for leading global innovators in racing and clean emission technologies to compete and prove to the world that being green does not mean being slow. The planned TTXGP will showcase a diverse range of vehicles capable of reaching Grand Prix race speeds. Racing teams are likely to be backed by international corporations, universities and high tech institutions, all eager to prove their credentials in the brave new world of clean emission transportation.

As part of the TTXGP there will also be an 'Open' class race for innovative cottage teams who are interested in experimenting with alternative energy sources. These teams will be required to build their vehicle to a set budget using off-the-shelf power sources only.

On the 18th of September I collected a 2006 R1200 GSA that I had purchased from DK Motorcycles. As part of the deal I chopped both my GL1800 Goldwing and a 1300 Pan European in. The deal was that the outstanding finance would be cleared and the balance left would go towards the R1200 GSA. The BMW was an import from California and had not been previously registered in the UK so any past history of the bike was at that time unknown to me.

As I had previously test ridden one of the BMW R 200 GSA’s elsewhere did not bother with a test ride but I did point out to the salesman that the bike had been “down the road” as the upper left hand crash guard had been ground down – nothing major and I was assured at the time that that was the only damage and that the visible damage was the result of a minor slide. I did notice that the head of the bolt that held the Paralever torsion bar was sticking out proud of the frame, I tried to move it with my fingers and as it did not move assumed it was fine.

With that knowledge I collected the bike and rode it from DK’s back to Shrewsbury – hadn’t gone 2 miles and the warning light came on. Stopped and filled up and it was obvious the fuel gauge was plainly faulty – read third full when it was in fact full. Started the bike again and the warning did not display again until I had gone 4 miles this time. Did some research when I finally got home and discovered that in all probability it was the dreaded diode problem. Fair enough, I rang DK’s the next morning and as I was going to Ireland for a week the next day it was agreed that I would ring them on my return and get the bike booked in for repair.

Anyway I loaded the bike up and headed for County Mayo in Ireland on the Saturday morning. First part of the journey, Shrewsbury to Holyhead was uneventful apart from the warning light coming on again. Just outside of Dublin I cranked it up and was doing about 80mph round a corner when the back end suddenly let go. I somehow managed to keep the ruddy thing upright and pulled over. Having checked everything over it soon became apparent that the bolt that should have had a nut on through the frame and paralever bar was hanging out of the recessed hole. Because of the length of the bolt it could never had have a nut fitted in the first place and was literally being held in place by a couple of threads and the pressure of the paralever bar. I managed to find a nut that fitted the paralever bolt from a nearby garage come all sorts shop and reassembled the nut bolt and paralever bar as it should have been albeit not using proper BMW parts.

Carried on to my friends place in Ballyhaunis at a far more sedate pace. On arriving I proceeded to go over the bike with a fine tooth comb and discover that the bike had lots of what seemed brand new parts on it and a fair number of second hand or well used parts.

I thought that on closer inspection the bike was in essence a cut and shut job. Whilst the bike had the OE light switch the lights were missing, on tracing the wiring through I found that one wire had the plastic connection in place but that fitting had been torn from the light itself while the other had had the complete connector ripped from the wiring.

The bar that goes across the handlebars had a cover on it, on removing the cover the bar was bent where it had hit something or someone. And so it carried on lots of new things as I said including a new screen but the side screens were obviously used. Brake discs, calipers and pipe work were all brand new yet the clutch and brake fluid containers and their lids were badly banged up and scratched. At this point I decided enough was enough and put everything back and carried on with my holiday. Rode the bike back to DK’s the following Saturday and politely told them that the bike had nearly killed me when the back end let go. Apologetic and we will sack the mechanic concerned and book it in for a weeks time.

Later day got to talking to a colleague who has a 1200 GS and compared bikes and the more you look the more it became clear something with the bike was not right. Some bolts where brand new while others were rusted, cables where snagged and paintwork chipped where it should not have been. I rang trading standards on the Monday morning who wanted to inspect the bike and pursue a charge of criminal negligence against DK. Down side to this was that the bike would be away for some considerable time. I was also told that if I could prove the bike had been in an accident I could return the bike as “not fit for purpose”.

I contacted a couple of guys I know in the US (Goldwing riders ☺ ) and gave them the previous owners details including his name and address, frame number and licence plate number. Took them a couple of days but the information that came back was that a) the previous owner was either dead or had never existed in the first place and b) the bike had been an insurance write off after being in a major front end smash. Whilst I have not been able to confirm it my sources believe the gentleman concerned was killed in the accident.

For obvious reasons I passed this information onto both Trading Standards and DK’s. Trading Standards where horrified whilst Kevin (one of the owners) at DK’s attitude was a case of so what it had passed an SVA and MOT. I then informed Kevin that I was returning the bike as it was plainly a bike that had been in accident and was I believe a dangerous bike. I asked that they take the bike back and then give me the balance that I had used as a deposit for the BMW to be paid in cash so that I could then purchase another bike elsewhere. This was by all accounts all to difficult to do and that DK’s would cancel the deal and then give me my bikes back and reinstate the previously cancelled loans so that essentially I had never made the purchase from the outset.

Because DK’s had had both of my bikes in their showroom I originally refused this as a) I needed a bike to commute to work and for some part time training motorbike training I do and b) I seen a couple of kids playing on the bike in the showroom previously. Asked why DK’s would not just give me the balance of money Kevin promptly informed me that there was not enough money in it for him – despite marking up both bikes by £2500 each. After having numerous conversations and being in desperate need of a motorbike again DK’s collected the R1200 GSA as I refused to ride it anymore. I did get the gentlemen who loaded the bike into the van to sign a document stating that I had fitted a non BMW part to the bike (the nut fitted in Ireland) to enable me get it home. I also stated that I believed the bike should not be ridden until the nut I had fitted as replaced by the correct part supplied by BMW.

Due to the way both DK and Black Horse (who the finance I had was arranged with) both work it took yet another 10 days before DK would release either of my bikes. By then I had purchased the bike 08 GSA I know have. I brought the new bike from Doble down in Surrey and I have to say that both Mike and Rob at Doble could not do enough for me.

To complete this sorry saga I notice that DK have re-advertised the bike both on their web site and on Ebay the registration number for the bike is actually DX 55UWD whilst DK plated it as DX55JWD. According to the statement on EBay I took the bike to a BMW dealer and checked the details against their computer system and discovered the bike had been in an accident. This is not true as I have had no contact with BMW regarding the said bike.

The purpose of this post is to try and stop anyone from buying this particular bike – having ridden DX55 JWD(UWD) and my new bike I have to say they ride totally different and would strongly advise all readers to avoid this bike like the plague. As for DK well I will leave readers to make their own mind up but a company that sells a bike that has been an insurance write not once but twice to my mind cannot think much of its customer base.

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Milan Show: New BMW LT is six-cylinder

BMW announces K1600 GT and K1600 GTL six-cylinder tourers

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Sat Nav on Your Bike - It's So Easy!

Enter the So Easy Rider!

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Metzeler Roadtec Z6 Interact Tire Review

The Roadtec gets a new twist

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Friday, January 16, 2009

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