Watsonian relaunches Meteor sidecar

Watsonian re-launched its Meteor sidecar at Motorcycle Live, more than 60 years after production of the original version ceased.

Sidecars: Iconic, great fun

Only 601 of the initial Meteor were built by Watsonian, between 1946-49, using a batch of RAF Mosquito bomber reserve-fuel tanks that it had bought from the Air Ministry shortly after the end of the Second World War. Made from stretched and spun plywood, the tanks were light and aerodynamic, so Watsonian adapted them to use as sidecar bodies.

The body shell of the modern Meteor is produced from glass fibre, using a mould taken from one of the original plywood bodies. It sits on a tubular steel chassis, manufactured in Watsonian's Cotswold factory, which is uprated from the 1940s design with the addition of a shock-absorber and 16″ wheel. Measuring 2100mm x 1000mm, the Meteor has a 390mm wide seat. A fold-down screen is mounted on a cast-aluminium bar in front of the cockpit and the seat tilts forward to provide access to storage space behind.

Priced at £3995 including VAT, the Meteor - pictured here attached to a Moto Guzzi V7 Racer in front of de Havilland Mosquito TT35 at the RAF Musuem, Cosford - is available in a range of gel-coat colours. With more than 100 years’ experience, Watsonian offers fittings for a wide range of modern and classic motorcycles and can provide a factory fitting service.

www.watsonian-squire.com or see them at Motorcycle Live, Stand 3E28.

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Plan to revise CBT and fresh push on rider safety

The Young Drivers Green Paper, announced in March but yet to report back, will set out a plan to improve Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). And the government has pledged to commission research shortly better to understand the uptake of CBT and the candidates’ motivations.

Robert Goodwill MP

 At the same time, the motorcycle industry and police chiefs are keen for a fresh push to improve biker safety, on which much less was spent by the authorities than on cycling safety.

Speaking at a closed conference of invited road safety and transport policy influencers, held in London earlier this month, Robert Goodwill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, described the green paper as a “series of proposals to reform young driver training which will include a chapter on young motorcyclists”.

A biker himself, Goodwill said the CBT was “only intended to be a starting point in learning to ride and going on to take a full motorcycle test” and that “we need to ensure it continues to be fit for purpose in addressing the needs of young riders, thus enabling them to be safe and responsible road users”.

The minister began his address to the conference – organised by the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) and the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) - by revealing his personal connection to motorcycling:  that he had a motorcycle licence himself and that his son had recently taken his test just ahead of the 3DLD changes to avoid what he described as the “palaver” of the new licence regime.

He told delegates that the UK had the best overall road safety rate behind Malta and ran through the stats specifically for motorcycling:

•      The lowest number of motorcycle fatalities since 1921
•      9% decrease in motorcycle fatalities between 2011 and 2012 from  362 to 328
•      5% fall in those reporting serious injury - down to 5000 a year
•      Importantly, the number of motorcycle casualties fell faster than a slight drop in motorcycle traffic -  4% fall in casualties against a 2% fall in motorcycle traffic

He acknowledged that the Government “wants to see these numbers reduce still further”.
The minister referenced the Strategic Framework for Road Safety, published in May 2011, which, he explained, “sets out our policies and a clear vision for reducing road accidents and collisions involving all modes of transport”.

He mentioned that “motorcyclist safety is currently a priority issue for the department’s Think! campaign”. It reminds drivers to look out for motorcyclists, particularly at junctions, and to see the person behind the helmet.

The minister explained that the “testing economic times” meant that local government, like central government, was facing tough choices on spending but that local authorities were funded to tackle road safety issues, in other words, that the funding was ring-fenced. He said local communities, rather than Whitehall bureaucrats, were best placed to design local road safety solutions to meet local road safety challenges, and that included deciding where to focus their resources.

“Over the period of this parliament , the government will be giving a billion pounds to local councils, enabling them to improve transport infrastructure including the design of better and safer roads.”

He added £600million was being used to fund changes to local transport through the local sustainable transport fund, which gave local authorities power to deliver their own transport projects, such as the Wheels to Work schemes.  He praised the W2W concept, explaining how it “helped people to come off benefits and regain independence”.
He also acknowledged that riding a moped could improve awareness of safety on the roads, knowledge of the Highway Code and road signs, which could in turn make it easier to learn to drive a car. He added that riding a moped had additional benefits in terms of being able to help drivers be aware of other vulnerable road-users such as cyclists.
He described Wheels to Work as a “value-for-money way of bringing people and jobs together”. He added: “We will certainly continue to encourage inclusion of these schemes in the transport planning process.”

He summed up by saying he recognised the role the industry, police and stakeholders made in promoting safe motorcycling through initiatives such as BikeSafe and in working in partnership, but that there was “much more we can do” if we wanted to see motorcycling fall further.

 “I applaud the commitment from the industry, police and stakeholders who feel it’s time for a greater impact to be made in the key influencing areas of motorcycle safety, especially if we are to see the kind of safety breakthrough that we all desire.”
The conference also heard a call for a “braver approach” to bike safety.

Karen Cole, director of safety and training at the Motorcycle Industry Association, said there had been “numerous” schemes that had helped to half the rider road death rate since 2003.  However, she warned that the “gentle slope down” meant motorcycle safety was no longer seen as a priority by many and she feared the number of serious motorcycle accidents could begin to rise again if safety education at local and national level become a casualty of budget cuts and shifting priorities.

She concluded: “We have benefited from almost ten years of safety initiatives but these seem to be winding down now.  We’ve achieved all we can reasonably expect to achieve via these traditional safety routes. The achievements of everybody, and there’s so many people involved, should be applauded, but it’s time to take a much braver approach.”

Deputy Chief Constable Dave Griffin began his address by explaining why the police and MCI were collaborating. “This is a first we have seen Acpo and the MCI sharing a platform. It might seem odd to some to have business and policing on the same platform. Actually, that’s because we want the same thing. And I think in terms of social corporate responsibility, I know nobody that does it better than the MCI. I know you want to promote motorcycling but your attitude towards safety is commendable.”

He considered that since 2010 there had been a “strategy void” regarding motorcycle safety and that the conference was about “the genesis of getting that going again”.

He went on to explain how persuasive figures from Europe were in putting forward the case for more motorcycles. “When I look at comparable statistics from around Europe in particular, why is it that in some of our European partner countries, per kilometre travelled you are much safer on a motorcycle than you are in the UK?

“It seems counter-intuitive that by having more motorcycles on the road, more power two wheelers, you can reduce casualties. I took some convincing, but when I started to see the evidence, which you will hear this morning, it was quite a powerful argument and today is about thinking differently.”

Craig Carey-Clinch, public affairs adviser to the MCI, looked in more detail at casualty rates for motorcyclists in comparison to other modes of transport  – particularly cars and cycles.  He said that while fatalities for motorcyclists were down 40% compared with the baseline figures for 2005-09, this was still too high proportionately to car drivers.

He noted the huge disparity between spending on motorcycle safety and safety for cyclists, which he suggested was down to an “image problem” for motorcycling.

He explained that the public, political and local authority attitudes to motorcycling were based on “outdated notions” and pointed to market trends as offering a more insightful means of understanding contemporary motorcycle use. 

“Since the recession we’ve seen the emergence of motorcycles being used for very different things,” he explained, “with naked-type machines and scooters really in the ascendency, super-sports coming down, adventure sports going up. So you’re seeing much more use of motorcycles for practical purposes. We’re not the same as we were when attitudes to policies were developed.”

He also presented statistics showing that accident rates were reducing faster for rural roads than for urban ones, suggesting extra work was needed in urban areas.

What do you think on the important issues raised in this article?
E-mail editorial@dealernews.co.uk

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Toseland launches debut album

Double World Superbike Champion James Toseland is offering up some exclusive racing merchandise to fans wanting to pre-order his band’s début album. Toseland turned to music after his racing career was forced prematurely to conclude because of wrist injuries sustained in a testing crash.

James Toseland

Toseland: Debut Album, due for release in March 2014, will include the band’s recently released debut single Renegade and EP Life is Beautiful and to celebrate, the former MotoGP star is offering fans a new way to get involved as he teams up with www.pledgemusic.com.

Fans can purchase the album alone or up the ante with a range of exciting goodies and exclusive experiences. Items up for grabs include all the latest Toseland merchandise, including T-shirts, caps and jackets, while fans wanting that little bit more can get their hands on one-off collectables such as a pair of racing leathers worn by James at the 2009 Italian Grand Prix and the singer’s own Yamaha keyboard.

Several exclusive experiences are also available, including dinner with James and rock star Toby Jepson, a gym training session with Toseland in London and the chance to join the band on tour for a day. Fans who pre-order the album will also get access to the latest Toseland news first and rare content from the studios.

A full list of the goodies and experiences available can be seen at www.pledgemusic.com/projects/toseland.

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JOB: Service advisor wanted

CONTACT DETAILS: Natalie, natalie@colwynbaymotorcycles.com , 01492 535959
We are looking for an experienced Service Advisor to join our successful aftersales team within an established family-run motorcycle dealership.

Working in a team environment, you will be responsible for providing a first class service to our customers who want to book their motorcycles in for service, mot or repair. You will be required to liaise with the workshop, to manage work in progress whilst keeping customers informed of the job status. You'll also be required to help customers with their general servicing enquiries and for resolving any service related queries to the customer's complete satisfaction.

The Service Advisor will need to ensure that the workshop environment is fully loaded and will also perform various administration tasks including invoicing and warranty claims. Data capture and service related marketing campaigns will be a day-to-day requirement. This is a customer focused and process driven role.

Other Benefits
A competitive salary will be offered to the right candidate. This is a great opportunity to work within a thriving motorcycle dealership.

Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be process driven, personable and able to achieve high levels of customer service. Strong communication and IT skills, and a thorough understanding of motorcycles will be essential qualities for this post. Prior experience of working with the Honda and/or KTM brands is desirable.

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JOB: Parts Advisor

CONTACT DETAILS: Natalie, natalie@colwynbaymotorcycles.com , 01492 535959

We are looking for a Parts Advisor to bring their experience and knowledge to our Aftersales department working within an established family run motorcycle dealership.

Working in a team environment, you'll be responsible for looking after both customers and the workshop for all their parts requirements. Your expertise will be used to determine the parts a customer may need as well as sourcing these items where necessary. You'll also supply our workshop with the parts for customer's bikes helping to ensure work can be completed on time.

The Parts Advisor needs to ensure the smooth running of the Parts department and will also perform various administration tasks including invoicing and warranty claims. Data capture and parts related marketing campaigns will be a day-to-day requirement. This is a customer focused and process driven role.

Other Benefits
A competitive salary will be offered to the right candidate. This is a great opportunity to work within a thriving motorcycle dealership.

Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be process driven, personable and able to achieve high levels of customer service. Strong communication and IT skills, and a thorough understanding of motorcycles will be essential qualities for this post. Prior experience of working with the Honda and/or KTM brands is desirable.

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Brands owner slams new circuit funds

A row has broken out between the owners of racing circuits in the UK and the Welsh Assembly, backers of the ambitious plan to build a motorsport complex in South Wales at a cost of £280million where work is due to start before Christmas.

Wales: Investment on the way

Jonathan Palmer, owner of four circuits including Brands Hatch and chairman of the Association of Motor Racing Circuit Owners (AMRCO), has protested at government money being given to the project and suggests that figures for jobs created and annual attendances are unrealistic.

 It comes at a time when Mallory Park has been liquidated and Silverstone has had to sell land surrounding the circuit to a developer because of bank debt caused by its own development costs.

AMRCO is concerned about the unfair effect on competition in the market: "Wales can bid for MotoGP against Silverstone - one will have government subsidies, the other will not," explained Palmer, who also voices major doubts about the new circuit’s business model.   “It looks to us as though a circuit deep in Wales will struggle to survive. The figures produced for visitor numbers and jobs created seem astronomical given the realities of a business in which there is already overcapacity”.

Although the project is not yet fully funded, the Welsh Assembly has put in £2m and discussions are advanced with private investors, according to the Heads of the Valleys Development Company. Planning permission for the 800 acre site which will embrace a business and technology park, motocross and karting circuits and other leisure facilities has been granted by Blaenau Gwent Council.

An adviser close to the project  has been quoted as saying :"This is not just a racing circuit. It is a development in an area of high unemployment and is a major project of regeneration which is why the Welsh assembly is right behind it."

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Mallory Park placed into liquidation

At a meeting of the creditors of Mallory Park (Motorsport) Ltd (MPML) on 19 November it was agreed the company should be placed into liquidation.

Sad times for Mallory

Administrator Ian Robert, partner at Kingston Smith & Partners, commented: “We received a good deal of interest in MPML from several parties within the motor racing industry. However, the decision of the landlord, Titan Properties Ltd, to refuse discussions with any potential purchasers has regrettably left no other option but for the company to be placed into liquidation.”

At the application of the majority creditor, Titan Properties Ltd, Mr M Chamberlain of Chamberlain & Co will be appointed Joint Liquidator, alongside Ian Robert, when the administration ends.

Robert added: “It is likely this process will lead to the landlord resuming control of the site and thus the future of Mallory Park and any further racing there will be in his hands.”

It was anticipated MPML would be placed into liquidation by 29 November.

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Rare Ducatis for sale in Vegas

Bonhams is to auction the Silverman Collection of rare Ducatis at its January Las Vegas motorcycle sale. The auctioneers have already announced that the Pierce Museum collection of Harley-Davidsons will headline the event.

Rare Ducatis up for grabs

Comprised of Italian thoroughbreds, the Silverman collection is renowned for having the best of the best. Like the world-famous Silverman collection of Native American artifacts, universally regarded as one of the best in existence, the collection of Ducati motorcycles is described as "second to none".

Following the owner’s passion for racing and, indeed, the DNA of the marque itself, most of the collection is built around competition models. For instance, featured is a 1973 750SS Imola Short Stroke. Based on the motorcycle that roared to victory in the 1972 Imola GP, capturing both first and second places with factory riders Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari, this is the model that launched the Ducati legend. As Classic Driver magazine once wrote: “With an engine note as moving as an opera by Verdi and curves as beguiling as Sophia Loren’s, it is the all-time favorite model from the Bologna manufacturer."

Then there is a rare 1974 750SS Green Frame Round Case – never sold new in the US – with its boisterous symphony, powerful motor and low production numbers. Bonhams says it represents one of the finest and most desirable of all Ducatis. And there's a 1978 Ducati 900 NCR, the same model that propelled legendary racer Mike Hailwood to a victorious comeback (after an 11-year hiatus!) at the Isle of Man and Mallory Park.

Perhaps most noteworthy, however, is the original-condition 1984 750SS TT1 campaigned by Pablo Real. In addition to being the progenitor of the successful four-valve Ducati racers that paved the way for world Superbike domination, TT1 models are rare and come up for sale very infrequently, let alone one with documented race history. Better still, not one but two TT1s are being offered!

Other multiple same-model machines from this astounding collection include two or more TT2s, F1 Desmos and F1 Montjuics, something that is practically unheard of, in addition to the many other fine examples from the group.

The Bonhams Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction will take place at Bally’s Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip on Thursday, 9 January.  The catalogue becomes available this month.
bonhams.com/vegas

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HONDA RCV1000R PROTOTYPE

Honda Racing Corporation has introduced the Honda RCV1000R prototype machine to be used from 2014 in the MotoGP "Open" Class (prototype machines with Magneti Marelli hardware and software, 24 litre tank and 12 engines per season). The goal of this new machine, which will be sold and not leased to the teams, is to compete in MotoGP with a reasonable budget. 

Nicky Hayden's 2014 ride

Together with HRC executive vice-president Shuhei Nakamoto, project leader Tomonori Sato presented the final machine to the world’s media. The RCV1000R chassis is based on the current RC213V prototype bike, as is the engine - a 90º V4 producing over 175KW of power at 16,000rpm, utilising spring valves and a traditional gear box.

The bike will be delivered with Öhlins suspension and Nissin brakes. 

Four riders will race on the RCV1000R in 2014, Nicky Hayden and TBC second rider (Aspar Team), Scott Redding (Honda Gresini Team) and Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Team). HRC test rider and two-time World Champion Casey Stoner has already tested the RCV1000R and provided positive feedback to HRC engineers.

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Bikers are ‘forgotten cousins’

Bikers are the Government’s ‘forgotten cousins’ when it comes to safety, despite the role of powered two-wheelers in cutting congestion, according to the AA.

Ed King - AA President

AA president Edmund King, addressing a major motorcycle conference in London on 11 November, (see additional story) said: "We have heard much lately about improving the safety of cyclists from the Prime Minister downwards, yet motorcyclists appear to be the forgotten cousins. This is despite the fact that motorbikes and scooters can play a vital role in helping to reduce congestion and enhance mobility in our towns and cities.”

King said: "We need to ensure drivers are much more aware of the presence and possible presence of motorbikes and, indeed, cycles on our roads. It is worrying that half of all drivers are often caught out by 'invisible' motorcycles seemingly coming out of nowhere. Motorcyclists also need to always be aware that they might not be seen.

"We need a step change in attitudes to provide a positive role for powered two-wheelers in our transport strategy. Safer, more fuel-efficient bikes coupled with serious inclusion of motorcycling within transport policy could bring benefits for all road users. All too often motorcycling is written off as deemed to be unsafe."
King made his call for a change in attitudes after he revealed a survey showed more than half of all drivers (57 per cent) are often surprised when a motorcycle appears from nowhere.



 

This finding comes at a time when provisional government figures show an 8 per cent increase in motorcyclists killed or seriously injured in the spring this year compared with spring last year.

King addressed the issue of "Sharing the roads: Changing attitudes" by highlighting a recent AA Populus poll of 21,165 conducted between 11-17 October 2013. The main findings were:
 

•     57 per cent of car drivers are often surprised when a motorcycle appears from nowhere. This increases to 63 per cent among females and drivers over 65 years of age. London is the region with the greatest percentage of drivers surprised by motorbikes appearing from nowhere (60 per cent).
•     92 per cent recognise that motorcyclists are vulnerable and always give them more space.
•     40 per cent believe that motorcyclists are inconsiderate. The number increases in London (46 per cent) and the south-east (44 per cent) and among females (43 per cent) and those aged 25-34 (49 per cent).
•     88 per cent of drivers say they always look out for motorcyclists. This increases to 90 per cent of 45-54 year olds who are perhaps the born-again bikers.
•     85 per cent admit that motorcyclists are sometimes hard to see. 88 per cent of females and those aged 24-34 believe this. The south-east is the region with the highest percentage admitting this (87 per cent).

King also pointed out that there was a considerable cross-over between drivers and those on two wheels, with some 18 per cent of AA members holding a motorcycle licence.

Interestingly, King said the survey showed bikers would be safer if there were more on the road. When the survey asked what people thought if there were a lot more motorcycles on the roads, it found:
 

• 54 per cent say they would be more aware of motorcycles
• 25 per cent would be more likely to consider motorcyclists as legitimate road users
• 13 per cent would personally consider using a motorcycle for their daily commute
• 35 per cent would make more concessions in their driving for motorcyclists
• 24 per cent would hope that more drivers took to motorcycles so they could benefit from reduced congestion.

King concluded: "We need to work in collaboration with others when looking at transport policy always to think once, think twice, think bikes."



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LUXURY TT ACCOMMODATION UP IN SMOKE

Members of the motorcycle trade, individuals or companies with bookings for next year’s TT at the four star Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club complex in Santon on the Isle of Man need to start an urgent search for alternative accommodation.

Sad news - Mount Murray Hotel & Country Club fire

The main hotel building was destroyed this morning (7 November) in one of the largest fires seen on the Island in recent years. Mount Murray had been a popular venue for business presentations and corporate hospitality events during the TT festival.

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COMMERCIAL SUCCESS FOR CLASSIC TT

Research by the Isle of Man Government Treasury Economic Affairs Division shows that its revamped 2013 Festival of Motorcycling in late August — headlined by the new Classic TT and incorporating the Manx Grand Prix races and a pair of two-day trials events plus the VMCC Festival of Jurby — proved a resounding success.

Classic TT - very much a success

A comparative study set against a previous survey based on the same format, carried out at the 2009 Manx Grand Prix, highlighted a 50 per cent increase in visitors to 13,407 over the intervening four years. Ferry passengers were up by 37 per cent and the number of people flying in through Ronaldsway Airport for the festival grew by 172 per cent.

The report says visitors spent £8.4m during the 2013 festival, up from £4.9m in 2009, and this yielded more than £1m in tax revenue for the Isle of Man Government.

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Motocross takes off across the country

Suzuki claims motocross is taking off as amateurs head off-road at weekend events across the country.


 

Motocross: Taking off

 “From kids participating in junior championships to seasoned veterans still plying their trade at club level, motocross brings a host of people together with a shared interest,” says the Japanese manufacturer, which features motocross machines in its model ranges.
Suzuki points out that star motocrossers the world over were once budding talents taken to weekend race meetings by their families, while even a lot of star road racers started out in the dirt of their local motocross track. Many, including Tyco Suzuki's British Superbike star PJ Jacobsen, still use motocross to train in the off-season.

When discussing the popularity of motocross at youth and amateur level, Neil Prince, a former British 125 champion and who is appointed manager of Team GB in the prestigious Motocross of Nations event, said: "Motocross is definitely a growing sport at both youth and amateur level, and that's great for the sport and individuals involved. But what's more important is the focus it gives young people in their lives, not to mention the skills learned too.

"As many communities right across the UK will testify, when young people are engaged and interested in a subject, the whole community benefits, helping to keep young people off the streets. I took part in local motocross before I moved to the British Championship and there was nothing like it; the paddock atmosphere and the friends you made, plus learning about the mechanics of the bike and the sport, made it an invaluable experience that taught me many life lessons early on."

For riders interested in trying the sport, Suzuki actively promotes the Motocross Challenge Project - a charity-based initiative that not only provides taster courses for riders of all ages, but also works with schools and local authorities, opening up the world of motocross and engineering to students.

For more information on the MXCP visit www.mxcp.co.uk , or contact the team on 01304 202244.

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