RECORD TURNOUT FOR RIDE TO WORK DAY

Ride to work day 2013 - great success

Despite rain over most of the country, organisers of the industry’s Ride to Work Day on 17 June claim the largest-ever measured turnout of riders. Run to encourage the wider use of bike commuting, an estimated 9200 riders took part. The figure comes from activity on the promotion’s Facebook and Twitter pages, so it is likely the actual total is substantially higher. On 19 June, two days after the promotion finished, a mile counter feature on the Ride to Work website had recorded over 30,000 miles travelled with the count still continuing.

Manufacturer and supplier support was strong. Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and ZingBikes all encouraged staff to ride to work – some incentivising them with a bacon sandwich breakfast. Bikesure, Carole Nash, MCE and Bennetts were amongst the insurance companies to give their backing.

Dealers taking part included Triumph World, Chesterfield, Performance Triumph, Swindon, Fowlers of Bristol, Doble Motorcycles, Coulsdon, Surrey and West Coast Harley-Davidson, Glasgow.

Don Rutherford, boss of West Coast Harley, was satisfied with the day and probably summed up most dealers’ thoughts with the observation that the promotion works well as a general awareness campaign. “We used the day to generate local media coverage in the local press and radio. We didn’t see large numbers of bikers come through our doors on the day itself, but I didn’t expect to.

We laid on free coffee and buns, but at the end of the day, people were riding to work, and so wouldn’t have the time to visit a dealer on the same day. We don’t judge the success of Ride to Work Day on the numbers of people that come through our showroom on one day. We have reached a larger audience with an important motorcycling message and that means they could visit us tomorrow, next week or next month. As an industry, we need to promote ourselves and Ride to Work Day does a very good job of that.”

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SIDECAR RACE VETERAN OPENS NEW WATSONIAN SHOWROOM

Stan Dibben

Former world sidecar champion Stan Dibben was guest of honour at Watsonian’s annual factory open weekend at Blockley near Moreton-in-Marsh on 22-23 June to officially open the company’s refurbished and expanded 1200 sq-ft showroom. Dibben won the 1953 world racing championship in the chair with Eric Oliver on a Norton/Watsonian outfit.


Now in its eighth year, the event drew visitors from as far afield as Scotland and Germany. As well as a chance to inspect the factory where Watsonian has manufactured sidecars for the past 30 years, guests had an opportunity to tackle a new sidecar driving skills test.

Using one of Watsonian’s demonstrator outfits, contestants had to tackle several challenges, including knocking a tennis ball from a post into a bucket by nudging it in using the bike’s front wheel.

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DUCATI UK TRACK DAY ANNOUNCED FOR SEPTEMBER 9, BRANDS HATCH GP CIRCUIT

Share the track with Neil Hodgson

Following the success of the recent Ducati track day at Donington Park, Ducati UK are pleased to announce a further date to be held at the Brands Hatch GP circuit on September 9.

Ducati UK in association with Focused Events will again be organising one of their heralded track days for Ducatisti at the full GP Brands Hatch circuit. The 2.433 mile circuit is one the World’s most famous race tracks and thanks to its natural combination of dips, cambers and challenging corners such as Paddock hill bend it has become one of motorcycling’s favourites.

The full GP circuit is only available to use for a limited number of days per year, so Ducati riders will have a unique opportunity to experience this iconic circuit, scene of some Ducati’s famous victories in both British and World Superbikes.

The cost of the track day is £229 which includes breakfast and lunch and the chance to share track time with star riders Neil Hodgson and Niall Mackenzie who will also be available for coaching sessions. The track day is a Ducati only event and will be attended by Ducati UK staff and dealers including Rapido Sport Ducati. The British Superbike team will be at Brands Hatch hot on the heels from their race at Donington Park (subject to race conditions).

To book your place visit www.focusedevents.com

Contacts:
For further information and media please contact:
UK Press and Racing Manager 
Alan Jones 08456 718500 07718 037594
ajones@ducatiuk.com

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NORTON BEGINS EXPORTS TO CANADA

Norton's Stuart Garner, CEO, left

Norton Motorcycles shipped its first batch of ten bikes destined for the Canadian market on 18 June.

Norton Canada president Peter Howes, who is based at Newmarket in Ontario, was at Norton’s Castle Donington factory with company supremo Stuart Garner to see the Commando 961 units despatched. This shipment represents the brand’s first reappearance in Canada for more than 30 years.

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JOBS: GRAPHIC DESIGNERS WANTED

Graphic designers needed!

CONTACT DETAILS: OXFORD PRODUCTS, INFO@OXPROD.COM , 01993 862 300

Oxford Essential Rider Equipment, the UK’s favourite two-wheel accessory brand since 1973, is looking for a number of outstanding graphic designers at different stages of their careers to expand the company’s highly successful team.
The best candidates will relish working hand in hand with the company’s Marketing and Purchasing functions to create the future look and feel of its many products and brands – influencing everything from corporate image, advertising and web development to the in-store performance of its several thousand product lines.

If you are a talented, dedicated and determined individual who can to bring vision and practical design skills to an established growing business, we can offer you generous remuneration, excellent prospects and an unrivalled team experience.

Download an application form from www.oxprod.com
Alternatively, call OXFORD on 01993 862 300 or email info@oxprod.com

All applications should be completed in full and be accompanied by a letter of introduction detailing why you are the right person for OXFORD.

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JOB: SENIOR MOTORCYCLE TECHNICIAN

Senior Motorcycle Technician needed

CONTACT DETAILS: IAN TERRY, ITERRY@LAGUNA.CO.UK , 01662 681765

Are you an experienced Senior Motorcycle Technician looking for a new challenge?
Could you head the technical team in our brand-new workshop facilities and provide full diagnostic, service and repair services, to the highest professional standards?
The successful applicant must be fully qualified with several years experience of working on current-model motorcycles, will be able to communicate effectively with customers and be willing to help in developing the workshop team. Qualification as an MOT tester would be an advantage. An excellent salary package will be negotiable depending on experience and qualifications.

For a full job description and application form please call Ian Terry on 01622 681765 or email iterry@laguna.co.uk

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HOSPITALITY SUITE AVAILABLE FOR BRANDS HATCH BSB

Great value hospitality at Brands Hatch

The British Racing & Sports Car Club has one of its Brands Hatch hospitality suites available for the MCE Insurance British Superbike round on 19-21 July.

Suite B16 is on the first floor of the Brabham Stewart Centre and overlooks Paddock Hill bend. The suite is equipped with a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a fan, a full set of crockery/glassware and offers excellent views of the Indy circuit. Circuit race commentary is piped in and it also has a 42-inch Plasma TV with feeds to live broadcast coverage and the official timing screens. The TV has full connectivity so it can also be used to play presentations from a laptop or computer games. Free Wi-Fi is also available.

The suite is available at a cost of £1295 plus VAT for the whole weekend. This includes exclusive use on all three days, 28 tickets per day (which includes access to the circuit, suite and support race paddock) and 14 car park passes per day. Catering is available at extra cost. To book the suite or for more information please contact Dominic at the BRSCC on 01732 783141 or email dominic@brscc.co.uk

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AWARD FOR GHOSTBIKES

Ghostbikes: Award winners

GhostBikes.com lined up with Honda, BMW and Audi to collect an award in the first-ever eBay Motors Awards hosted by Discovery Channel’s Wheeler Dealer presenter, Mike Brewer. The Preston-based online retailer won Motorcycle Parts and Accessories eBay Store of the Year award.

GhostBikes commenced operations in 2004 as a new division of parent company, UK Good Deals Ltd. Initially retailing pocket bikes and quads, it quickly moved into top brand clothing and accessories as well as developing an own brand budget range. In 2009, activities were extended across Europe and it now sells in 25 European markets with more in prospect. Complimenting on-line sales, GhostBikes has showrooms in Deepdale Mill Street, Preston.

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BIKE TRAC SUPPORT THANKFUL VILLAGES RUN

Welsh based motorcyclists, Medwyn Parry and Dougie Bancroft, have agreed a deal with tracking specialists Bike Trac, as the duo begin their 2,500 mile Thankful Villages Run that visits all 51 villages in the UK that have no war memorial.

Medwyn & Dougie- visiting villages in the UK without war memorials

Starting from Llanfihangel y Creuddyn, near Aberystwyth on July 27, the pair who are also backed by Triumph will ride to every one of the 51 villages that were lucky to see all who fought in the first world war return, raising funds for the Royal British Legion and remembering the mental and physical scars that many returned with.

Medwyn Parry commented, "This charity ride is about recognising the places where everyone came back, but remembering that these are communities that were still scarred by the realities of war. In addition the ride respects those in the Armed Forces that have given so much over the last 100 years too. 

"We've received great support in the build up to the ride, with one village even rescheduling their fete to coincide with our visit. But this ride isn't just for us, we welcome other riders to join us too, even if it's just for a couple of hours or one leg of the journey. And if you can't make it, then why not follow us online thanks to Bike Trac."

The Thankful Villages riders commence their run on July 27 and plan to complete the 2,500 mile ride nine days later on Sunday August 4, at the same location they departed from.

To follow the ride live from July 27, please log-on to http://eventeagle.com/Map.aspx?EventName=ThankfulVillages

For more information on the ride or to donate, visit the official website - www.thankfulvillagesrun.com

More about Bike Trac:

A Bike Trac unit offers owners complete peace of mind. Bike Trac also offers handy additional functions too, so it's not just a security device that works if the unthinkable happens. Bike Trac offers a handy 24/7 web portal where owners can log-in to see the exact whereabouts of their bike, check its battery voltage, review recent journeys and even set their very own Geo Fence too. On top of this Bike Trac also offers 'Bike Down' - a great safety feature for lone riders that will notify a next of kin via text should the bike go over an 80-degree lean angle with the ignition switched on. (* additional annual subscription required, but unlike some other units includes all text costs`).

For more information please log on to www.biketrac.co.uk 

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APPLEYARD GETS MBE FROM QUEEN

The Queen- a chance to meet Colin Appleyard

The Queen congratulates a proud Colin Appleyard on his 60 years service to motorcycle sport as she presents him with the MBE he was awarded in the New Year’s Honours list. The Keighley dealer was accompanied on his visit to London by wife Peggy, son Robin, daughter Judith and granddaughter Cassie. Afterwards, the family celebrated with champagne and afternoon tea at the Ritz Hotel.

Congratulations from all at British Dealer News!

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ANOTHER RECORD FOR TT FERRIES

According to exit data from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company ferry operator, visitor numbers it carried for the 2013 TT festival matched last year’s high — which was the busiest on record for more than a decade, apart from the 2007 centenary event.

TT Ferry- busy busy!

The Steam Packet says it brought 35,000 passengers and 11,500 motorcycles to the Island on ferries between 22 May and 7 June this year. Bike figures do not include the substantial number which also come over in vans.

Advance bookings for the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling in the final two weeks of August, which now incorporates the Manx Grand Prix and the newly-rebranded Classic TT races, are currently up by 24 per cent on this point last year.

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TEST RIDE ROADSHOW SET FOR YORK SUZUKI

Suzuki's Test Ride Roadshow heads to York Suzuki this weekend, as the popular local dealer takes part in the nationwide dealer event on Saturday 15 June.

Suzuki test ride roadshow heads to York

With an additional fleet of demo machines being provided by Suzuki GB, a wide variety of model from the Japanese firm's range will be available to try on the day.

Bikes available to test ride include the award-winning GSR750, the all-new and award-winning Inazuma 250, the newly launched Burgman 650 Executive, and the popular V-Strom 650 ABS adventure bike.

Also available to try is the iconic Hayabusa, which benefits from new Brembo brakes and ABS for 2013, the legendary GSX-R1000, the powerful M1800R performance cruiser, the GSX650F middleweight tourer, and the SFV650 middleweight naked.

Gary Butfield from York Suzuki said ahead of the event, "With our own demo fleet and theadditional models being brought along by Suzuki, there will be a wide variety of bikes of people totry, and it really provides an opportunity to try something you've either not had chance to test ridebefore, or something a little different. We're looking forward to seeing everyone who comes alongon the day."

To book your test ride in advance, contact York Suzuki on 01904 625404 and find them at 179-181 Burton Stone Lane, Clifton, York, Yorkshire, YO30 6DG.

For further press information please contact the Suzuki GB Press Office (Motorcycles),Tel: 01525 270600. Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SuzukiBikesUK and follow them on twitter: @SuzukiBikesUK 

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JOBS: PR MANAGER OFFROAD MOTORCYCLES - AUSTRIA

PR Manager required at KTM HQ, Austria

CONTACT DETAILS: KTM-SPORTMOTORCYCLE AG, JOBS@KTM.AT

KTM-Sportmotorcycle AG, with its headquarters in Mattighofen, Austria, develops and produces offroad and street motorcycles, the X-Bow as well as PowerParts and PowerWear. One of our most important success factors is our team of highly qualified and motivated staff.

YOUR TASKS

• preparation and distribution of press releases/press briefings
• planning and implementation of press events in cooperation with event management
• editorial assistance concerning publications and initiation of press material and press invitations press support at tests/shootouts and product launches
• presence at the most important offroad events
• support of national PR activities (country coaching)
• editorial support of the KTM social media activities

WE OFFER YOU

• the opportunity to work within a globally successful motorcycle company
• the chance to combine passion for motorcycles with your job
• a minimum salary of £ 38,000 gross/year, a company car and fringe benefits; depending on qualifications and experience, we offer market-oriented overpayment

OUR REQUIREMENTS

• education in Journalism / Marketing in combination with technical know-how or technical education
• several years of experience in PR within the motorcycle industry
• fluently written and spoken English knowledge, additional language skills (Spanish, Italian, French) highly valued
• flexibility for travel
• passion for motorsports
• well established network within the offroad motorcycle scene
• skilful communicator with excellent presentation skills, assertive manner and hands-on mentality

Are you interested in this job? Please send your application including CV, photo, letter of motivation and any certificates to jobs@ktm.at

Please note that this job is based at KTM headquarters in Austria. We are looking forward to receiving your application!#

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END-TO-END IN A DAY CHARITY RIDE

The beast that'll do John O'Groats to Landsend. In a day...

Make a note to keep off the roads on 21 June! This is the date set by Performance Bikes road tester John McAvoy to ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End in a day without using any motorways. He and some mates are doing the 900 mile ride to raise money for Cancer Research and, to make what John describes as a near impossible challenge even more difficult, he will be riding an 1985 Kawasaki GPZ 750R that he’s prepared himself! Contributions to Cancer Research can be made at www.justgiving.com/john-mcavoy

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BIKERS HEAD TO ROME FOR THE LAST FLYING VULCAN

*British bikers prepare for 1,300 mile journey to raise money in support of the last flying Avro Vulcan, XH558
*A classic Harley Davidson Superlow® is being offered as a prize for the Vulcan summer Raffle

Bikers: raising money for the Avro Vulcan

A team of British motorcyclists will journey over 1,300 miles across Europe, from the last flying Avro Vulcan’s Doncaster Hangar to a global Harley Davidson meet in Rome, to raise money for the iconic cold war bomber. Vulcan to the Sky Trust, which operates the aircraft, has also announced that a Harley Davidson Superlow XL 833 will be one of the main prizes in this year’s summer raffle.

“As an ex-serviceman who has also done contract work for the Vulcan to the Sky Trust I am acutely aware of XH558’s historical importance,” says Adam Fleming, who will lead the group. “We are all huge fans of the project, and have been looking for ways to support her for a while. This trip ties in our enthusiasm for the Vulcan with our love of adventure, motor bikes and the Harley lifestyle, so everyone involved is really looking forward to it.”

The three day journey to the Italian capitol is part of an international pilgrimage to the 110th anniversary of Harley Davidson celebrations being held around the city. The team of 4 riders will set off on June 10th, taking their motorbikes across the channel, through France and down to Rome to meet up with thousands of other Harley aficionados. Adam, who is an experienced charity fundraiser and currently runs a recycling business, will be riding a Harley Davidson Dyna Fatbob 1690cc while sporting a specially designed one-off biker’s back patch bearing the Vulcan’s name on his leathers.

Following a challenging restoration programme, XH558 was restored to airworthiness in 2007 and is now the last flying Avro Vulcan. The stunning cold war bomber is based at Doncaster’s Robin Hood Airport where the Vulcan to the Sky Trust maintains and operates her. This iconic piece of British engineering has become one of the most popular attractions at airshows around the country where she performs annually.

“XH558 relies on donations to keep her maintained, and we are very close to the funding target to enable her to reach the first display of the 2013 season,” says Vulcan to the Sky Trust’s business development director, Michael Trotter. “Events like the ride to Rome will provide the last vital push over the line and it is great to see that members of the public are so passionate about her and wanting to get stuck in with the fundraising efforts by doing things that are a bit different and special like this.”

The Riders, with their bikes, will join XH558 for a photoshoot on Saturday 1st of June with the aim of releasing a collector’s edition poster. Adam also intends to continue his fundraising efforts after the trip by starting a Harley Davidson enthusiasts club bearing the Vulcan’s name and running regular events with XH558 as their chosen charity. The team’s motorbikes have been given a £250 service by ‘Fatboyz’, V-twin specialists in Doncaster as sponsorship for the journey.

The bike being offered as a prize at the Vulcan raffle is a classic Harley Davidson Black Superlow XL 883, a timeless design featuring a sportster tank, longer travel rear suspension, low seat height and comfortable rider cock-pit. Anyone wishing to donate towards the ride to Rome can do so through the Vulcan to the Sky Trust’s Just Giving page: http://www.justgiving.com/vts.

For more information on and to sign-up for regular email news about Vulcan XH558 and where to see her, visit www.vulcantothesky.org. To purchase a range of memorabilia, books and DVDs go to http://www.vulcantotheskystore.co.uk/ where all proceeds go towards keeping the Vulcan flying. There is also a popular Facebook community - Vulcan XH558, a Twitter feed - #XH558 and Pinterest page - vulcanxh558.

Press enquiries and interviews
Ken Pike at Market Engineering  
+44 (0) 1295 277050 / +44 (0)7810 774105 
Ken.Pike@m-eng.com

Richard Clarke at Vulcan To The Sky Trust 
+44 (0) 7541 133683
(regional and aviation press)  
richc63@ymail.com

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LAST PARADE FOR HUSABERG

For its final year prior to being merged with Husqvarna, Husaberg has upgraded its seven model range of two and four-stroke engined enduro bikes. The launch of the 2014 model range will bring to an end 25 years of production of the brand that was originally launched in Sweden in 1988 and acquired by KTM in 1995 when production was moved to Austria.

Own a slice of history with a 2014 Husaberg

Changes to the 2014 line-up include a completely new engine for the four-stroke FE250, new suspension settings for all models and improved, lighter frames for the 250/350 four-strokes. 

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TRIUMPH IS THE BMF’S BEST OF BRITISH

Triumph scooped the top Best of British Award at the first ever Voltz BMF Awards presented at the BMF Show last month.

Triumph: BMF Award

Triumph’s Tiger Explorer won the award for the Most Desirable Bike of 2012, while the Piaggio MP3 Hybrid got the Keep It Clean award in recognition of its pioneering research into alternative fuel vehicles. Best Product of 2012 award went to the Garmin NüLink 1695 LMU satnav. A special Training Award was presented to Alan Wright of the Leicester Phoenix Rider Training Scheme.

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