Ducati Panigale 899 arriving at UK dealers

After recently making a spectacular UK debut at Brands Hatch, the 899 Panigale can now be seen for the first time at dealerships throughout the UK. Dealers will each take delivery of a demonstrator and the first customer bikes will arrive soon after.

Panigale 899 - Arriving at dealerships in the UK

 Ducati is passionately committed to further development of the Panigale concept both on the track and on the street and the 899 represents a “Supermid” version intended to be a method of entry into the world of premium performance.  With carefully designed rider-friendly features,  like  increased  seat  cushioning  and shorter final drive gearing for enhanced mid-range rideability, the new model achieves a successful mix of authentic Italian performance with everyday usability thereby offering the very best of both worlds in absolute style.

The  innovative  “monocoque”  frame  solution  and  the  new  899  “Superquadro”  L-twin  engine  uses  race-derived  electronics  to  continue  the  “bred  for  the  track  and  trained  for  the  road”  mentality.  With  the  click  of  a  button,  Ducati’s  Riding  Mode  concept  delivers  performance  with  enhanced  rider confidence by combining a number of class-leading technologies. The latest-generation sports ABS system, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Quick-Shift (DQS), Ducati’s race-derived Engine Brake Control (EBC) and Ride-by-Wire (RbW) are now all programmed into seamless, electronic rider assistance.

Its brand new Superquadro engine features a revised bore and stroke for a broad power delivery, producing 148hp (109kW) with a torque of 73lb-ft (10.1kgm). The super-smooth power unit continues to be a fully stressed member of the innovative Panigale monocoque construction, achieving both an outstanding power-to-weight ratio and ride-enhancing agility with a dry weight of 169kg (372.5lb).

The 899 Panigale will be priced at £12,495 and available in traditional Ducati red with black wheels or a stunning arctic white with red wheels. A TriOptions package is currently available at £139 per month with a deposit of 25% over a term of 37 months and an APR of 5.7%

For further details on the new 899 Panigale and to locate your nearest dealer for a test ride visit www.ducatiuk.com

The bike will make its UK show debut at Motorcycle live from the 23 November to the 1 December. For details and ticket information visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk/

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Adventure bikes just got smaller

Following a programme of successful customer rides, Bolton-based motorcycle manufacturer CCM is set to reveal the production-ready GP450 Adventure at this year’s Motorcycle Live.

CCM's GP450

Designed and built in the UK, CCM says the new GP450 is the only mid-range adventure bike geared up for long-distance travel straight out of the crate. It has a long-range tank, a Kymco-made engine previously seen in the BMW G450, and a host of accessories, including soft-luggage and hard luggage options and a low-seat, low suspension option.

The bike is expected to appeal to riders wanting something more manageable offroad than the large-capacity adventure bikes made popular by the exploits of Ewan McGregor and Charley Borman in their Long Way Round series. The low seat option and light weight of only 135kg is also expected to make the GP450 a hit with female riders, as well as those craving more off-road ability from their adventure bike.

CCM director Austin Clews explains: ‘For a long time the trend in the adventure sector has been for the bikes to get bigger and heavier. Not everyone wants that and so we have designed and built an adventure bike that can be used and ridden in difficult conditions without the fear of dropping it and not being able to pick it up. It will also cruise on the motorway and even prove ideal on the daily commute.’

CCM claims the Bond-Lite frame on the GP450 Adventure bike sets it aside from other manufactures. The frame is made up of 13 forged aluminium components, CNC precision machined and bonded together using aerospace technology. CCM says it is the first motorcycle manufacturer to use this technique to achieve a lightweight chassis with consistent flex and stress properties, leading the way with the new lightweight revolution.

In recent months the team has been busy showcasing the bike to prospective buyers and journalists, working with them to improve and refine the product ahead of its launch at the annual bike show in Birmingham. The bike was first seen at the Motorcycle Trade EXPO in pre-production form in January 2013.

The GP450 Adventure is set to cost £7995. CCM is taking orders and has a special offer at the NEC, where test rides will be available.

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Zero pulls plug on UK

US electric bike-maker Zero has pulled the plug on its UK sales and marketing operation. Zero states: “The UK lags behind other European markets in terms of readiness. As a consequence, and with much regret, we have decided to withdraw our operations from the UK with immediate effect. This decision in no way impacts the rest our business operations in Europe.”

Zero: Exiting the UK

 Only weeks earlier, at the Cenex Low-Carbon Vehicle Event, Martin Driehaus, Zero's Manchester-based European sales and marketing manager, said he was looking for more UK dealers and regretted cutting back his orders following the delay in Zero's 2013 production which meant the new machines did not arrive until May, three months later than originally promised.

“In fact, we could have sold all the bikes I had originally ordered from the US,” he told BDN. He added that he was looking forward to having a big stand at the NEC public show, as Zero had done last year. 
Zero will still be showing its 2014 range at the Milan show.

Sales manager Mark Lucock at Haslemere Motorcycles told BDN that he's “still wearing the black armband” in mourning over Zero's decision.

More details in the November issue of BDN.

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Harris classic black chrome exhaust system

The Harris Works Collection has reintroduced exhaust systems with a black chrome finish for classic Japanese superbikes of the 1970s and 1980s.

Harris Works exhaust- great enhancement to your retro rocket

 HWC black chrome systems are currently available to fit the Kawasaki Z650, Z900, Z1, Z1000 and GPZ1100 as well as Suzuki's GS1000. Fitting the 4-into-1 systems can restrict direct access to filters and drain plugs on some models, but centre and side stands can be retained. Priced at £417.60 SRP they are supplied with a road-legal baffle. Race baffles are available, in bare finish only, for £40.68 SRP.

Norman Hyde
tel; 01926 832345
www.normanhyde.co.uk

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A double dose of TT at Motorcycle Live

Motorcycle Live features a double dose of TT action this year, with two days dedicated to the Isle of Man’s flagship road racing festivals. Sunday 24 November will celebrate heritage event the Classic TT, while Sunday 1 December will be devoted to the world’s most famous road race, the Isle of Man TT. There will also be special guest appearances from top racers on a daily basis. 

Plenty for TT fans at Motorcycle Live!

Twenty-times Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness and 2013’s big winner Michael Dunlop will be leading a star-studded line-up which also includes Manxman Conor Cummins, fan favourite Bruce Anstey, SES TT Zero winner Michael Rutter, veteran competitor Ian Lougher and rising star James Hillier, who won his first TT race this year.

John Holden and Andy Winkle, Ben and Tom Birchall, Tim Reeves and Dan Sayle and 16-time TT champion Dave Molyneux along with his passenger Patrick Farrance will be representing the sidecars.

The riders will be signing autographs and meeting fans on the TT Paddock Experience stand and taking part in daily Q&As with TT commentator James Whitham on the Black Horse Stage in the British Eurosport Entertainment Zone in Hall 2. On Sunday 1 December, the TT will take over the stage, with four Q&A sessions and a special TT-themed edition of Fast Bikes Question of Bikes hosted by Steve Parrish.  Race fans will also have the chance to bag early-bird Grandstand and VIP hospitality packages for the 2014 Isle of Man TT.

Advance tickets for Motorcycle Live 2013 are just £17 per adult, £11 for Seniors and £7 for children aged 6-16* (kids five aged and under accompanied by a paying adult go free). Bike parking is free of charge and subject to availability. Reduced car parking costs of £8 – subsidised by Motorcycle Live. To book your tickets, call 0844 581 2345 or visit  www.motorcyclelive.co.uk

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Vote now for Seeley Pain Relief Trust

The Joan Seeley Pain Relief Memorial Trust has been shortlisted for a Lloyds Bank Bexley, Kent, Area Community Award worth £3000. Founded by Colin Seeley, the former GP sidecar racer, racing machine constructor and team manager, the trust was set up in memory of his first wife who died from bone cancer in 1979. Since then it has raised more than £100,000, much of it from the motorcycle community. Unlike many charities, no administration costs are paid to the trustees; every £1 collected is spent on pain relief equipment.

Former GP racer Colin Seeley

Voting closes at the end of this month. The email address for voting is: www.lloydsbank.com/communityfund - reference The Joan Seeley Pain Relief Memorial Trust. To vote, you need to enter your first name, last name and email address. Only one vote per community group, per email address is allowed. The email address will only be used for administration of the community voting process. It is important to confirm your vote on the Lloyd’s confirmation email.

Text message votes are also acceptable; code ‘Vote PBXC’ and send to 61119. The cost is the same as a normal text.

If you are on Twitter or Facebook, Colin asks that you spread the word.

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British enduro title sponsor sought

The ACU is looking for a title sponsor for the British enduro championships. While initially for 2014, it is hoped the company taking up the opportunity would go for a longer-term three-year or five-year contract.

ACU: Hunting for sponsors for a great series

 John Collins, chairman of the ACU Trials and Enduro committee, says: “ We have some enthusiastic clubs to run the series, with seven rounds planned, spread around the country. The British enduro championship is special in that it is a true enduro time-card series and is not to be confused with hare and hound-type events. Pete Plummer, with trade support, started the championship back in the 1970s and it became an instant success. In recent years we’ve struggled for support but, along with Malcolm Bates and Mick Wren who are on the ACU committee, I have been talking to Pete about next year and he has said he’ll be pleased to help.”

Full story in the next issue of British Dealer news.

johncollinsemail@yahoo.uk.pete@peteplummer.co.uk

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Kawasaki to launch its first scooter in Europe

In a move to increase its prominence in the popular urban and sub-urban personal transport market, Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki is embarking on an ambitious plan to introduce its first scooter to the European market.

Kawasaki Scooters - UK bound

 Styled entirely in-house by a dedicated design team, the new J300 scooter features exciting Kawasaki visual cues that Mr Keishi Fukumoto, head of KHI’s Styling Department comments: “It was of great importance that our first step into the European scooter market should be with a machine that embodied Kawasaki’s cutting-edge design. We are happy that we have achieved this with the styling features of the new J300.”

Of the design philosophy, Mr Fukumoto added: “J stands for Jyounetsu, which means passion in Japanese. We approached the styling and design of the J300 with the same passion as for our other significant new models for the 2014 season.”

Recognising a Europe-wide demand for stylish, easy-to-ride and reliable scooters, Kawasaki has reacted to an obvious gap in its product offering. The J300 complements other successful urban families such as the popular ER series of machines and the versatile city charm of the Versys.

With the core drive train and additional chassis elements provided by strategic vehicle partner Kymco, the development, styling and final product engineering approach has been conducted exclusively by the design and engineering team at Kawasaki’s factory in Akashi, Japan and Kawasaki’s European R&D Department.

Available from franchised dealers later this year, the J300 is set to appeal to Kawasaki enthusiasts in need of a smart commuter and to attract new riders to Kawasaki.
J300 will be unveiled to the press and public at the Eicma Milan show next month.

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RACING NEWS: TRIUMPH FACTORY BACKING FOR SMITHS

Gloucester-based Smiths Racing will contest the 2014 British Supersport Championship with official backing from Triumph Motorcycles, its fifth season representing the leading UK manufacturer.



 

Smiths Race team: Triumph backing

 Aboard 675R Daytonas, Smiths took first and third spots in the 2012 British Supersport Championship thanks to Australian riders Glen Richards and Billy McConnell. Defending champion Richards has struggled with injury this season in the Motorpoint-sponsored series but McConnell was lying in third with Richards seventh after the recent penultimate round at Silverstone. For 2014, the team will continue with two riders in British Supersport, as well as competing in selected World Supersport rounds.

Triumph Motorcycles UK and Ireland general manager Rick Cawley commented: “We’re delighted to be working with Smiths again next season. We have a great relationship with the team and very much value the passion and commitment they bring to Triumph’s race programme. They have been instrumental in taking the 675R from an award-winning road bike to a highly competitive race machine and we’re looking forward to next season with relish.”

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EVENT: International Dirt Bike Show

Organisers are hailing this year’s International Dirt Bike Show as the biggest and best ever. Doors open on 31 October at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

2013 Dirt Bike Show- biggest ever

All the major motocross, enduro, trail and trial manufacturers will be there, as well as all the latest and best riding gear, kit, parts and accessories.

For many families, though, a visit to Europe's largest dedicated off-road show is as much about the free entertainment and hands-on activities as it is about seeing the latest gear, and the 2013 event certainly won't stretch the family budget. The organising team has stacked out halls four and five with plenty to see and do. Hall four is the place to head if you want to sit back and enjoy watching others take the strain and hall five is where you can get involved.

The live arena schedule will see non-stop action with Steve Colley, three-time British solo trials champ, and his ultra-popular trials bike stunt show alternating with a series of Flattrack racing demonstration heats and finals, where the 2009 British and European Flattrack Champion Pete Boast and team will show the body positioning and brake/throttle skills involved in this hectic discipline. Show favourites Danny Butler and his Extreme Mountain Bike crew will return with a new and exciting stage set through which they'll perform impressive gravity-defying stunts, without an engine in sight.

The action continues through into hall five with rounds three and four of the new all-action Fro Systems UK Superlite minibike series taking over the weekend of the Show, with daily qualifying heats and an afternoon finale.

Family members looking to have-a-go won't be disappointed, as an array of activities, including Oset electric trials for the kids, My First Honda Licence, intro-to-intermediate trials try-outs for adults, as well as kids' quads and remote control 'crossers, will all be free-of-charge in hall five. If you're 16 and over and fancy having a crack at riding a geared road bike, the Motor Cycle Industry Association's 'Get On' team will be only too happy to assist.

Children aged ten and under go free, admission on the day of Hallowe’en is half-price for adults, and parking is free too.

Visit www.dirtbikeshow.co.uk for more details.



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EVENT: Guy Martin at D-Store relaunch

To celebrate the re-launch of the flagship UK Dainese D-Store, D-Store Manchester is holding a VIP evening with Guy Martin on 9 October.

VIP evening with Guy Martin

 Thirty pairs of tickets will be available through a raffle; 15 pairs will be available through the store's website/social media, with entry available until 11pm Friday, 4 October; and 15 will be available until 4pm Sunday, 6 October by registration in person at the D-Store Manchester. All people applying in person will be in with a chance of winning a signed Guy Martin replica AGV K3 helmet.

The evening will have a Q&A session with Guy and everyone present will receive a free limited-edition signed picture and a chance to have their photo taken with Guy. (The five best questioners picked from social media will also receive a signed poster.)

Refreshments will be provided, and special offers will be available on the full range of Dainese clothing, AGV and Arai helmets.

Dainese D-Store Manchester had a full refit during the summer and now has a comprehensive range of Dainese clothing, from the motorbike and ski collections, AGV and Arai helmets.

www.dainesemanchester.co.uk

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NICK SANDERS EXPEDITION CENTRE NOW OPEN!

Yamaha is delighted to announce that round-the-world adventurer and long-time Yamaha ambassador, Nick Sanders, has opened his Expedition Centre at his home in the Welsh countryside. After a two-year build period, The Nick Sanders Expedition Centre opened on 27th September 2013, for riders to stay and ride with the modern day legend of adventure riding, as well as learn from his vast experience.

The Nick Sanders Expedition Centre

 Between 27th Sep and 31st Oct 2013 there are 8 x 3-day Expedition Centre experiences available, which include 3 night’s full accommodation, breakfast and evening meals all for just £175 (using your own bike).

An experience with a difference

Most riders relish the thought of going on an adventure but often don’t for various reasons; money, family / work commitments, lack of confidence or just plain old lack of knowledge. So, rather than trying to teach riders how to ride, the new Nick Sanders Expedition Centre is focused instead on challenging all those negative reasons, to get riders into the right mind-set to take the plunge and commit to an adventure ride.

Whether you want to prepare for that once in a lifetime round the world trip, refine a journey across Europe or simply plan a ride in the UK, Nick and his partner Dr Caroline Taylor will talk you through your project on a one to one basis - The Expedition Centre could be thought of as a consultation process for your ‘next big step’;

“Everyone can do the ride they’ve always wanted to do,”said Nick, “we can help give you that push to go and make it cheaper and safer.”

With a maximum of 12 people on any one experience, Nick will also personally lead riders across hidden ‘white / unclassified’ roads in Mid Wales and Snowdonia – magnificent roads almost free of cars.

“I know roads you wouldn’t believe existed,” said Nick, “on a good day they are as good as anywhere I have ridden in the world.”

Authentic accomodation

The Nick Sanders Centre- a unique experience

Riders will stay in a mixture of brand new and beautifully appointed Mongolian Yurts, Log Cabins with log burning fires or the support truck that went to Timbuktu, which has now been converted into accommodation. Hot showers and drying rooms are also available.
Meals are included in the price and are of the highest standard cooked by Caroline onsite, using the best locally sourced produce from the nearby town of Machynlleth, as well as home grown herbs and salad vegetables from Nick’s land.

For full details or to book you Expedition Experience, contact Nick on nick@nicksanders.com or visit the website at www.nicksanders.com.

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EVENT: Copdock Motorcycle Show

On Sunday 6 October Suzuki GB will be attending East Anglia’s premier bike event, the Copdock Motorcycle Show, with Ipswich-based dealer Orwell Motorcycles.

Suzuki: Will be at the Copdock Motorcycle Show

Suzuki will have on show its extensive 2013 model selection, which includes two new bikes launched earlier this year. The special edition GSX-R1000Z celebrates the legendary machine and the one-millionth GSX-R to be produced since 1985, alongside the Intruder C1500T cruiser with integrated luggage, a trendy ‘all-black’ look and a high touring screen.

Alongside the new models, existing bikes on display will include the highly adaptable and adventures' choice, V-Strom 650 ABS as well as the popular middle-weight SFV650.

Suzuki ambassador and three-time British Superbike Champion John Reynolds will also be available on the day, talking about his racing career and all things Suzuki.

There will also be information on Suzuki's genuine accessory packs, as well as the rider and service plans available, all to keep your Suzuki 100% genuine.

Mark Trench from Orwell Motorcycles commented ahead of the event:

We are really pleased to be attending the Copdock Motorcycle Show with Suzuki. The show is East Anglia’s biggest bike event and it’s great to be able to bring Suzuki to its Norfolk and Suffolk fans. The event has a real mix of biking attractions for the whole family and we look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand to talk about all things Suzuki.

Other models on display include the GSX1250FA, GSR750 and Inazuma 250.

Suzuki will be based on the hard-standing area next to the stunt shows, so come and say hello.

The Copdock Motorcycle Show takes place on Sunday 6 October with gates opening at 10am until 5pm. There is something for all the family on the day with a large auto jumble, stunt displays, live music and great food.

Advance tickets are available to purchase at £7, on-the-day prices are £8 for adults and children under 14 go free! For more information visit, http://www.copdock-cmc.co.uk/Events-TheShow.htm.

Orwell Motorcycles – 200 Ranelagh Road, Ispwich, Suffolk, IP2 0AQ / Telephone 01473 257401

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