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Motorcycle News, News

Road rules campaign ignores motorcycles

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A campaign to highlight road rules to motorists ignores motorcycles at a time when the fatality rate is high and motorcycle awareness is vital, says the Motorcycle Council of NSW.

Chairman Steve Pearce says it is a dangerous oversight in the annual Road Rules Awareness Week (April 8-14, 2019).

“How do we encourage awareness and discussion around the motorcycle rider road toll?” he asks.

“I would like to see published analysis of the current fatality rate, so we can maybe draw some lessons from what has happened to others.

“I know the analysis is available, it just needs to be publicised.”

His comments follow a recent state of five motorcycle fatalities in a week and seven more deaths so far this year than the previous year.

The only reaction from the police so far is to highlight a few examples of riders caught riding at extreme speeds.

Road rules campaign

Road Rules Awareness Week is part of the Towards Zero campaign by the Transport for NSW Centre for Road Safety which has featured videos such as above. 

Community Education Officer Cassady Southern confirms that they “don’t have any motorcycle specific material going out over the road rules week”.

However, riders can ask specific motorcycle road rule questions in a Facebook Live session with Centres for Road Safety boss Bernard Carlon on Tuesday, April 9, at 5.30pm.

The campaign will also feature press releases; Facebook posts, promotions in Service Centres and train stations and “stakeholder communication kits”.

But they will include no motorcycle-specific information.

However, Cassady points out that they post about motorcycling “regularly” on their Facebook page.

“A recent motorcycle lane filtering quiz on our Facebook page performed really well,” Cassady says.

However, it was a pretty simple quiz and didn’t reveal much at all.

Road Safety Quiz: Is this fully licensed motorcyclist in the picture lane filtering legally?a) Nob) Yesc) Yes, under certain circumstancesPost your answer in the comments below.

Publiée par NSW Road Safety – NSW GOV sur Mardi 26 février 2019

Safety agenda

Steve questions the expense of the road rules campaign and the motorcycle-specific Roads We Ride YouTube safety videos.

“Is this a good allocation of funds into saving riders lives?” he asks.

Steve says riders need to “take back the agenda” on motorcycle safety.

He also suggests riders “focus on correcting habits and building awareness of not only the environment we ride in, but also our own skills and limitations”.

“Sure, there are always SMIDSY incidents, as we are hard to see, especially if drivers are not looking.

“Let’s work to understand the controllable factors first, then look at the road rules.”

Steve Pearce chairman of the Motorcycle Council of NSW Look for motorcyclists in Motorcycle Awareness Month roadside assist ignores
Steve Pearce

Our view

The Transport for NSW road rules campaign that ignores riders has missed a great opportunity to make motorists aware that lane filtering is legal.

They say the campaign gives “NSW road users the opportunity to improve their knowledge of the road rules, including new or commonly misunderstood rules”.

So why not lane filtering?

It is also misses an opportunity to alert interstate riders of the differences in rules compared with other states at a vital time when riders from other states will be visiting NSW during the Easter holidays.

Double demerit points will also apply during the Easter holidays from April 18-22.

Find out if they apply to interstate riders.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

4 Motorcycle Trends in 2019 That Can Make You Some Serious Money

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(Sponsored post)

What do bikers believe in the most? I’d venture a guess that the most common answer is freedom. When you’re going down the highway at 130km/h, you get the impression that the world is your playground. Nothing can stop you when you’re moving that fast, with the wind blowing in your face and all is right with the world. That feeling you get is freedom, and that’s what a motorcycle represents.

Even if you’ve never thought about it as such, your love of motorcycles can also be your pipeline to financial freedom. The motorcycle industry is currently experiencing some interesting changes. With those changes come a stream of new trends that a savvy entrepreneur with a love for two wheels and a motor could take advantage of.

If you want to make money with your love of riding, tap into these four trends that the motorcycle industry is experiencing.

1. Shifting to a Younger Demographic

The motorcycle industry was built by the Baby Boomer Generation. Their desire to get on the open road and enjoy all that life had to offer meant that the motorcycle lifestyle was a perfect match for them. However, as the Boomers grow older and start to retire, they just aren’t investing in the industry like they used to. That’s a problem in and of itself but it gets worse: there aren’t as many young riders to take their place.

That’s quickly changing. Execs of motorcycle manufacturers all over the globe are slowly starting to realise that they’ve failed to reach a younger, progressive, more diverse audience. And they’re working to change that. Gone are the big, flashy, $30K Harleys of yesteryear; in are the vintage cool models that harken back to the 50s and 60s, when motorbikes had their own unique edge. That, and they cost under $10K.

How You Can Bridge the Generational Gap

One of the biggest reservations Millennials have about getting into motorcycles is the cost. Already rattled by record levels of student debt and ever-growing inflation, Millennials are more frugal, whether they want to be or not. Buying a big, expensive Harley just seems like another unnecessary debt.

What they’re asking for is an easier, more inexpensive way to get into the lifestyle. Ride-sharing, which has been popularised by the Uber and Lyft models for cars, could easily be extended to motorcycles. You could rent out your own bike, or even develop your own mobile app centred around motorcycle ride-sharing.

2. The Rise of the Electronic Bike

(Image: Intermot) E-Scooter electric scooter women female plug money
Electric scooter/bike from E-Scooter (Image: Intermot)

There was a time when vehicles powered completely by electricity was the stuff of science fiction. With a greater emphasis on environmental conservation against the rising cost of fuel, automotive manufacturers across the globe are trying to turn science fiction into science fact. The motorbike industry is no exception.

A Super Charge for Your Bank Account

As the demand for electric bikes grows, manufacturers are going to invest more money into R&D and marketing towards these electric bikes. Many sources from within the industry and those who watch it closely say that electric bikes will be what saves the industry. By investing now, when giants like Harley Davidsons’ stocks are at their lowest point, you can enjoy a big return on your investment when those stocks grow.

3. Growth in Motorcycle Accessories

While actual sales of bikes have been slowing for the past few years, sales of motorcycle accessories have continued at a healthy pace. It may not seem apparent why at first, but consider the following:

  • As technology advances, helmets, pads, gloves, and the like become more lightweight and more supportive
  • Old accessories wear out and need replacing
  • Bikers who’ve lived their entire life riding on two wheels can’t ever have too much gear

When you consider all of the above it makes perfect sense. People may struggle to drop $15K on a new Ducati but it’s not too hard to get a $50 jacket with the logo of a beloved brand.

Give the People What They Want

No big mystery about how to tap into this steady source of revenue. If you want to make some good money through accessories, you need to start up an online business that sells them. The advantage of using a web-based platform is that you can opt for a drop-shipping model. This means that you don’t have to maintain or ship your own inventory. When you do get an order, you contact your supplier, and they ship the product directly to the customer. You make money, your supplier makes money, your customers get great products – everybody wins.

4. Women Want to Ride Too

Harley Days 2016 - Wollongong, Australia. money
(Image: Harley-Davidson Australia)

If there’s one demographic that the motorcycle industry is kicking itself over, it’s women. Back in 2015, the number of women riders reached a new all-time high. The Motorcycle Industry Council reported at the time that women accounted for around 14% of all riders on the road. The issue is that companies are marketing to the same group they have been for close to 40 years: Baby Boomer men. As far as women go, the industry’s outlook has been way out of touch – make it smaller, make it pink.

The awesome thing is that women riders, especially in Australia, are gaining traction, whether the industry pays them any attention or not.

Make the Ladies Feel Welcome

Because it’s good business, and because it’s the right thing to do, you need to start looking at ways to encourage more female ridership. One thing you could consider doing is to start your own motorcycle rider’s training service. As more young riders get into the life, especially young women, they’re going to want mentors who can help them get into the lifestyle, choose the best gear, and of course, learn to ride.

It’d also be an awesome idea to start your own women’s motorcycle club. There’s plenty of MCs out there that cater to men exclusively. It’s way past time that the ladies had their time to shine.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

NSW Police cite speed in tragic week

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NSW Police look set for a major crackdown on riders in the wake of five tragic motorcyclist deaths in the past week and a rider clocked at 193km/h in an 80 zone in north-western Sydney.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the state’s Traffic & Highway Patrol Command issued a statement saying that the motorcyclist’s behaviour is the sort that is costing lives.

“Twenty motorcyclists have died so far this year in crashes, which is seven more than the same time last year,” he says. 

“The actions of this rider could easily have added to these sad and tragic numbers on our roads.”

Sydney rider

Police allegedly detected a 27-year-old man riding a Kawasaki at 193km/h about 1am on Thursday in the 80km/h zone on Old Windsor Road, Bella Vista.

The rider was taken to Castle Hill Police Station where he was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for the offences of drive at speed dangerous to the public, and exceeding the speed by more than 45km/h.

His licence was also suspended.

The North Kellyville man is due to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Friday 24 April 2019.

Knee-jerk reaction

Sadly it seems this incident, plus the tragic coincidence of five rider deaths in the past week could lead to a knee-jerk reaction from policer the new NSW government.

Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Steve Pearce has warned riders that their behaviour could be “a big factor” in motorcycle crashes.

Steve Pearce siege highway combined braking ombudsman scrooge poor road repair reduce killer holiday regulations bias tragic
Steve Pearce

“In the case of motorcycle accidents, it is very hard to generalise when it comes to the cause,” he says.

“My view is rider attitude is a big factor. Attitude drives decisions. Decisions to speed, drink or use drugs before riding, wear inappropriate riding gear, this is a consequence of our decisions. 

“Car drivers make poor decisions and get away with it. Poor decisions by riders can be life or death decisions.

“I also think personal temperament is a big factor. Our emotions can quickly change decision making from cautious to aggressive, risk averse to risk taker.

“If we could train riders to monitor their temperament and attitude, I think we would see less motorcycle related trauma on our roads.

“I don’t think speed itself can be blamed, However we have to remember that the decision to speed introduces risk. Contact with roadside infrastructure and other vehicles at speed will punish you if it all goes to crap.”

Tragic deathsRoad safety crash accident motorcycle scam emergency reduce injured tragic

The five NSW rider tragedies in the past weekare:

  • Just before 7.30pm on Friday, emergency services were called to the New England Highway near Whittingham, after a motorcycle and two cars collided. Officers from Hunter Valley Police District rendered assistance. The 50-year-old rider died at the scene.
  • About 8.30am on Saturday, a motorcycle and a utility collided on Putty Road, Howells Valley, about 50km south of Singleton. The motorcycle rider, a 44-year-old man, sustained serious injuries and was flown to John Hunter Hospital, where he later died. The driver of the utility, a 58-year-old man, was uninjured. He was taken to Singleton Hospital for mandatory blood and urine tests.
  • Just after 4.30pm on Sunday (24 March 2019), emergency services were called to the Great Western Highway at Meadow Flat, following reports a motorcyclist had come off his bike. Officers from Chifley Police District attended and found the 59-year-old man had died at the scene.
  • A 73-year-old rider died on Tuesday about 12.30pm. The KTM KTM rider was part of an organised ride heading south on the Lakes Way, between Smiths Lake and Bungwahl. Police say the man was negotiating a sweeping left-hand bend when his bike collided with a Toyota Hilux in the north-bound lane. Other motorcycle riders attempted to resuscitate the man, but he died at the scene. The 45-year-old male Toyota driver was tested at a nearby hospital and the motorcycle seized for mechanical testing. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
  • About 7.30am on Wednesday a motorcyclist died after losing control and crashing near Moree. The male rider, aged 57, died at the scene. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Our condolences to the families and friends of the riders.

Police ask anyone with information about these incidents to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

(Main image of an unknown rider: NSW Police Facebook page)

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Niken and Diavel score Red Dot Design honour

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The three-wheeled Yamaha Niken and the Ducati Diavel 1260 power cruiser have won Best of the Best awards at the prestigious annual Red Dot Design Awards in Germany.

It is the third Best of the Best award for Yamaha following honours for the XSR900 in 2017 and MT-07 in 2015.

Yamaha Niken three-wheeler neowing
Niken

Ducati has also scored three “Best” wins, following the successes of the 1199 Panigale in 2013 and the XDiavel S in 2016.

Red Dot Ducati Diavel 1260
Diavel 1260

Each year since 1955, the “Red Dot Design Award” has been assigned to the most original and worthy entries in terms of design and innovation.

A jury of 40 international design experts made their selections after evaluating more than 5500 products in a host of categories.

Winners are permitted to display a prestigious Red Dot label on their product.

The other winners of the Best of the Best awards in the automotive section were the Mazda3 and the Ferrari Monza SP1.

Red Dot Ferrari Monza SP1
Ferrari Monza SP1

There are awards in 36 categories including, furniture, watches, electronics, financial services and retail.

Red Dot awards are handed out to many of the entries, but only the cream of the crop receive a Best of the Best.

Companies use the distinction to position their brands and thus highlight their quality and design leadership around the globe.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Thailand is new motoring powerhouse

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Thailand has become one of the powerhouses in the automotive world, manufacturing motorcycle brands as diverse as BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Triumph and Royal Enfield.

It’s now the largest automotive manufacturer in South East Asia and the 12th in the world, thanks to protective tariffs, corporate tax breaks and a central location wth several ports for export.

Powerhouse

Every dual-cab ute and Honda car, plus small Mazdas, Fords and MG sold into Australia are made in Thailand.

There are also more than 1800 automotive parts manufacturers in Thailand including the premium Swedish Ohlins suspension and BMW batteries for electric cars, scooters and future motorcycles.

Thailand BMW battery factory
BMW’s Thai EV battery factory

Motorcycle manufacture is also growing in leaps and bounds with Royal Enfield the eighth to announce it will open a factory in the country.

In 2015, Thailand made 1.8 motorcycles, with domestic sales of 1.6 million and exports of 350,000 units.

At the moment, the only motorcycles exported to Australia from Thailand are 80% of the Triumph range and some small- and medium-capacity Japanese bikes and scooters.

Harley-Davidson CFO John Olin says their Thai plant came online late last year.

“As we explained when we announced this project in 2017, we intend to utilise it to make more of our products accessible to customers and targeted international market,” he says.

However, Harley-Davidson Australia spokesman Keith Waddell says the company has confirmed to them that “motorcycles for Australia will not be assembled in Thailand”.

That could change in years to come.

Thailand skeptics

Troy Bayliss checks Ducati Scramblers dirt tracker workers
Troy Bayliss tours the Ducati factory in Thailand (Image: Ultimate Motorcycle

When Honda announced it would be importing most of its cars from a new factory just outside Bangkok about a decade ago, there was some skepticism among Australian motoring journalists that they would be accepted by Aussie motorists.

So Honda Australia organised a tour of their factory which I attended.

I was surprised to find a state-of-the-art facility built on a greenfield site with supervisors walking around wearing white gloves and a floor so clean you could eat your dinner off it.

One supervisor told me the quality was strictly controlled, but the humid environment actually cured plastics and rubber better for a longer life than in vehicles made in Japan.

However, another manufacturer told me the humidity destroys some rubber very quickly.

To Aussie drivers, there now seems no problem with Thai-made cars. In fact, our top-four-selling vehicles are all Thai made.

The vehicles are good quality and the Thai-Australian free trade agreement makes them good value.

Likewise, there should be little concern with Thai bikes.

However, some say the recall problems Triumph has suffered in recent years are a result of Thai production.

Rather than a lack of quality production facilities, it’s more likely the rush to get new models on to the market as is the case with most motorcycle manufacturers.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Police action in 2 states over rider deaths

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Police in NSW and Victoria have launched special operations in response to a rapid escalation in rider deaths so far this year.

The NSW action comes after the deaths of three riders in as many days.

Meanwhile, Victorian Police Operation Kinetic will add 300 shifts over the next 10 weeks to increase patrols of the state’s roads follows a doubling of motorcycle fatalities this year.

Victorian Motorcycle Council chairman Peter Baulch says the extra patrols were to be expected given the high rider toll.

NSW deaths

The three NSW deaths over the weekend were:

  • Just after 4.30pm on Sunday (24 March 2019), emergency services were called to the Great Western Highway at Meadow Flat, following reports a motorcyclist had come off his bike. Officers from Chifley Police District attended and found the 59-year-old man had died at the scene.
  • About 8.30am on Saturday, a motorcycle and a utility collided on Putty Road, Howells Valley, about 50km south of Singleton. The motorcycle rider, a 44-year-old man, sustained serious injuries and was flown to John Hunter Hospital, where he later died. The driver of the utility, a 58-year-old man, was uninjured. He was taken to Singleton Hospital for mandatory blood and urine tests.
  • Just before 7.30pm on Friday, emergency services were called to the New England Highway near Whittingham, after a motorcycle and two cars collided. Officers from Hunter Valley Police District rendered assistance. The 50-year-old rider died at the scene.

Our condolences to their families and friends.

Steve Pearce Motorcycle Council of NSW treasurer texting distracted sentence siege rider deaths
Steve Pearce in action

Motorcycle Council of NSW chairman Steve Pearce says he is “always saddened” to hear of rider deaths.

“I think we all consider the effect on families and friends, and also the emergency services who have to attend the accident scene,” he says.

“A day out enjoying an activity which gives us so much joy can quickly change for the worse.”

Dangerous riding

NSW Police say they prosecuted several riders over the weekend for traffic dangerous offences:

  • About 12:20pm on Sunday, Highway Patrol motorcycle officers observed a motorcycle travelling towards them on the incorrect side of the road, while overtaking another vehicle across double yellow lines. The rider was issued an infringement notice for ‘not keep left of the dividing line’, fined $337, and lost three points.
  • About 3.35pm on Sunday, Hunter Valley Highway Patrol were carrying out “stationary speed enforcement” on the New England Highway at Lower Belford when they detected a motorcycle travelling at 169km/h in a 100km/h zone. Police activated lights and sirens and directed the rider to stop. A 25-year-old Dubbo man has been issued a traffic infringement notice for speeding by more than 45km/h and his licence was suspended.
  • About 11:20am on Saturday, at Carrathool, officers detected a rider at 160km/h in a 110km/h zone while overtaking another vehicle. The 19-year-old provisional licence-holder was arrested for  a blood/urine analysis and issued an infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit over 45km/h. He was fined $2345, his licence was suspended for six months and his registration for three months.

    Rider deaths
    Rider stopped by NSW Police for speeding

Vulnerable riders

NSW Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the state’s Traffic & Highway Patrol Command said there had been 18 rider deaths so far this year. That’s six more than at the same time last year.

“Drivers and riders alike need to make sure that they are doing the right thing and sharing our roads safely,” he says.

“Highway Patrol officers will continue out in force to prevent further harm to NSW road users; however, we need the help of the public to stem the current rise in fatalities.”

Steve provided these statistics that show motorcyclists are vulnerable road users:

  • 17% of motorcycle fatalities involve alcohol levels over the legal limit;
  • Excessive speed is attributed to 54% of motorcycle fatalities; and
  • 8% of motorcycle fatalities involve fatigue.

He says the highest number of motorcycle fatalities are in the age group under 30 while fatalities in the 50-59 age group tripled over the past 10 years. Males are the majority of fatalities (96%) and 17% of motorcyclists killed do not hold a valid Licence. 

“These statistics don’t mean we should stay home,” Steve says.

“We just need to understand the risks we face as motorcyclists, and apply some basic risk strategies before we ride out.”

NSW Motorcycle Council rider advice 

Ride to conditions: More than any other road user, motorcyclists are vulnerable to road conditions. If it doesn’t feel safe to continue, then stop and wait until conditions improve. You are the best judge. Toughing it out generally is an indicator of subjecting yourself to additional risk. 

Risk assessment: The best road riders are risk managers. Take your own risk assessment before you go out for a ride. How much experience have I had with the type of riding I am about to start? Am I totally comfortable on the motorcycle I am riding? How fit am I? is the motorcycle well serviced and ready to go? If you have any doubts about your ability, readiness or fitness, its probably a good idea to stay home and polish the beast! There will be plenty of other opportunities to ride.

Training and experience: There are plenty of rider training schools offering skills development and refresher courses. If you can’t get to a course, spend some time on the Rider Risk video series on YouTube for riding and survival tips.

Rest every couple of hours: Plan your ride. On your way there will be some great places to stop and rest, and enjoy the local hospitality and scenery. Taking a regular break will keep you fresh and alert.

Don’t drink and ride: This is one of the easiest strategies we can implement to survive.

Speeding: It’s not the speed that is the problem, it’s what happens when a speeding rider has to cope with either changing road conditions or the random act of another motorist. Trees, guardrails, other moving objects, slippery road markings, gravel and potholes are not your friends when you come off a speeding motorcycle. Leave it for the racetrack.

Wear the best gear available: Research indicates that wearing the best protective gear available leads to a much better chance of survival. Why? Comfort and protection. If in doubt, refer to the testing results on the MotoCAP website and the MCCNSW Helmet videos.

https://www.motocap.com.au/

http://www.mccofnsw.org.au/a/402.html

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Female riders create safe space to share

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Female riders have created a “safe space for women riders” with the East Coast Female Riders (ECFR) Facebook group. 

Founders and moderators April Ryan and Rebecca Bell say the group started almost two years ago as a “small, humble idea”.

“The group was created to provide women who share the same hobby with a support network that they felt comfortable interacting in,” says April.

“ECFR was created to provide women with a place to ask questions, post their thoughts and find likeminded individuals who share the same passion – riding.”

Membership increased to more than 1000 in its first year, and now sits at about 1600 riders from Victoria to Far North Queensland, with 95% engagement and almost 1000 posts a month.

Hard times

East Coast Female Riders Female riders create safe space to share
Rebecca (left) and April

The founders say their group has not been without adversaries.

“We were ridiculed, abused, threatened and even had mock groups made about ECFR at the beginning,” April says.

“Regardless of backlash, ECFR has successfully empowered women to where the amount of involved, capable and talented women joining in on the hobby has increased exponentially.

“Regardless of including a variety of women from all walks of life, and all types of motorcycles, this has created a community where complete strangers are now best friends who will all help each other out at the drop of a hat”.

Female rider issuesEast Coast Female Riders Female riders create safe space to share

The group has also helped “shed some light on the consistently untapped, and underrepresented market of female riders in both marketing, and general social aspects”, they say. 

“A key pain point is the lack of female gear made and available in Australia,” April says.

“When we have met with suppliers to potentially alleviate this, the answer is often that ‘women come in so many different shapes and sizes, which makes it difficult for us to make women’s gear … so we simply don’t’.” 

They say the industry has a mistaken belief that women riders are too few to bother.East Coast Female Riders Female riders create safe space to share

While no official statistics are kept, it is believed female riders represent about 10-12% of the Aussie rider population, but is growing at a rapid rate. 

This compares with the USA which is about 20%, rising by 10% in the past decade and making it the highest proportion of female riders in the western world.

The next biggest female contingent seems to be New Zealand with 16%, closely followed by Germany with 15%. 

“While times are changing, and women riders are becoming more prominent, it’s still disheartening to be treated differently, but it only solidifies how brand-loyal women, and especially women riders, become over time when they find branding that represents their needs,” April says.

Charity work

Rather than just another Facebook group, April and Rebecca say they have endeavoured to give back to the community by organising several charity events.

An example was their Share the Dignity female sanitary product donation ride, which involved Brisbane women purchasing, and then riding from various locations to donate, sanitary items to homeless women and domestic abuse survivors. East Coast Female Riders Female riders create safe space to share

“ECFR is so much more than just a group; it’s now like a family. It has become a platform for rider concepts, ideas, training, skills honing, advice and issues,” April says. 

“We have watched women who were too anxious to look at their motorcycles after accidents, become track riding ‘extraordinaires’ through the support, advice and ongoing understanding of complete and utter strangers – but only because the strangers were a part of ECFR.

“We have watched young, new learners blossom into confident filtering commuters through the guidance and ongoing mentorship in our ECFR mentorship program.”

The program matches riders seeking further experience or expertise in a new area, with experienced riders in that particular skill, in their areas to act as mentors.

ECFR also holds monthly member forums at various locations which are live streamed to all members to ensure transparency of issues, upcoming changes, events and more.East Coast Female Riders Female riders create safe space to share

April and Rebecca say that the way ECFR is set up has helped their members discuss and get advice on difficult issues affecting their lives whether it be motorcycle related, or personally related such as divorce, domestic abuse and mental illness.

The group will celebrate International Female Ride Day on May 4 with several morning rides around Brisbane ending at Brisbane Motorcycles for free food and drinks for all IFRD participants.

Riders are encouraged to “dress up”.

“This is to celebrate women who ride, and show solidarity in numbers,” April says.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Home movie shows The Great Escape stunts

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A home movie showing an Aussie rider’s involvement in the making of 1963 film The Great Escape has surfaced after more than 75 years.

Australian rider Tim Gibbes (pictured above with the original bike and current owner Dick Shepherd) was selected to perform stunts in the famous movie while he was competing at various motorcycle events in Europe.

However, he did not perform the famous jump scene which was done by movie star Steve McQueen’s friend Bud Ekins who died in 2007.

Tim, aged 85, is the only surviving motorcycle stunt performer from the movie.

Home movie

The home movie was shot by his wife, Joan, and was shown on Sunday (24 March 2019) at a 75th anniversary screening of the movie in London which Tim attended.

Tim says he has only seen The Great Escape a couple of times.

He says he took “a code of silence” not to talk about the filming, so the home movie was “put away”.  

It shows Tim riding as a Nazi soldier who is trapped by McQueen’s character stringing a wire across the road.

Steve McQueen with Bud Ekins and Tim (obscured) while filming The Great Escape in 1962 (Image: Getty Images)

“During the first take I overcooked the slide and went straight into the cameraman filming the stunt,” he told the Daily Mail.

“I thought he just had a bruise or something, but someone told me he’d broken his leg and so I decided to sneak off set before I got into trouble. 

“But as I was walking away the director shouted my name and called me over. And he remarkably told me to do exactly the same thing again. He said the sight of a motorcycle coming straight towards the camera would thrill audiences. 

“So we got another cameraman and did the whole thing all over again, but this time we made sure the bike was able to miss the poor chap filming.”

Tim says he was “ashamed” to be seen wearing the Nazi uniform while filming in Germany only 17 years after the war ended.

Great Escape jump scene

He and Bud also helped prepare the famous Great Escape fence jump scene on a Triumph TR6.

“We spent a long time finding the perfect dip in the ground to launch the motorcycle over the barbed wire,” he says.

“Bud and I had a few practice runs at riding up from the dip, and it wasn’t an easy stunt.

“The Triumph wasn’t really the right bike to be doing it on; it made things a lot more difficult. It was just an ordinary street bike with fancy tyres, one that you’d use to go to the shops. 

“It wasn’t a stunt Steve McQueen could have attempted, and the film crew wouldn’t have let him do it anyway as they had to ensure a big star like him didn’t get injured. 

“Even Bud, who eventually did the stunt, said he was only going to try it once and then I would have had to try and do it myself. He said before he did it that he didn’t want to do it. But he managed to get it done.”

Tim’s tally

Tim Gibbbes performing in a Welsh competition escape
Tim Gibbbes performing in a Welsh competition

Tim won three win International Six Day Trial medals for Australia, including the first in 1956.

In 1961, he married Joan and moved to Palmertson North, New Zealand.

He continued to race, winning a total of six Gold and one Bronze ISDT medals.

Tim stopped competing at the age of 60 and has since been honoured with a John Britten Innovation and Service to the Industry Award, a Motorsport NZ Distinguished Service Award and in 2016 he was inducted into the MNZ Hall of Fame.

While in the UK for the movie anniversary, Tim says he will also the visit Dick Shepherd Triumph motorcycle museum, The Triumph factory at Hinckley and the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Extra police hours for more patrols

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Victorian Police will work an extra 300 shifts over the next 10 weeks to increase patrols of the state’s roads after a tragic start to the year.

So far this year there have been 76 lives lost on Victorian roads compared with 51 at the same time last year.

That includes 20 riders, double the number from 2018.

The five-year rider fatality average is nine, according to figures from the Transport Accident Commission which is funding the extra police patrols.

Consequently, motorcyclists rate a specific mention in the Victoria Police media release about the extra patrols which they call Operation Kinetic.

In the latest rider fatality, a Harley-Davidson rider was found dead on Sunday morning (24 March 2019) by a passer-by on Gumley Rd, Mt Mercer.

Police are yet to determine the cause of death and are investigating.

Patrols for bad behaviour

Road Policing Command say Operation Kinetic focuses on addressing bad behaviour of our road users.

That includes drink and drug driving, high speed on rural roads, “as well as motorcyclist, pedestrian and cyclist safety”.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Taylor says “different regions are battling different issues that drive up their road trauma”.

Operation Kinetic will feature priority areas including Bendigo, Dandenong, Epping and Shepparton.

radio jock calls fr rider ban on highway long weekend patrols
Rider fatality on Melbourne’s Monash Freeway last month

“Local police will look at problematic locations and particular patterns in bad driver behaviour and target accordingly,” he says.

“This gives us our best chance to influence drivers across the whole state.”

“We see first-hand time and time again the devastation experienced by the victims’ families, as well as our first responders directly because of road trauma.

“Enough is enough and action needs to be taken. Every time a motorist sees police on the road it is a reminder to follow the roads rules.

“We have seen increased motorist compliance from road rule enforcement, so we will have additional police in the community to make this happen.

“The community can’t continue with their current driving habits as it is ultimately killing friends, family, and loved ones.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Basic Buying Guide For A New Motorcycle

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There are plenty of people who enjoy riding motorcycles. If you fit into this category, there is a good chance that you would like to buy one for yourself. This is completely fine. Just remember that you’re going to face an uphill battle along the way. Buying a bike is not going to be easy. You’ll have an abundance of options to choose from and this can make the process immensely difficult. Within this guide, you’re going to be provided with tips for ensuring you get the best bike for your specific needs.

The Type

First and foremost, you should find out what type of motorcycle you want. There are many different types and they’re all unique in one form or another. For instance, dirt bikes look much different than sports bikes. At the same time, they’re designed to be used for different purposes. As the name implies, a dirt bike is going to be used on dirt terrain. A sports bike will be used primarily on the roadway. If you’re looking for a comfortable, convenient way to travel, you may want to buy a scooter or cruiser.

Either way, you need to familiarise yourself with the various types so you can find out which one is going to work best for you.

Considering Brand

Another thing to remember is that there are plenty of companies that make motorcycles. Again, they’re all different in some way or another. Therefore, you will need to take the time to learn more about each brand before moving forward. Harley Davidson tends to make street legal motorcycles that are often associated with biker gangs. Kawasaki makes a little of everything. Be sure to research each company to find out what they offer. You should also learn about their warranties and other amenities they provide to their customers. Doing your research in this category will make a big difference in the long run.

If you’re looking for a safer ride, you should definitely check out the XDS bicycles official website.

Read Customer Reviews

Before making your decision, it is paramount that you take the time to read customer reviews. Remember that there are plenty of good motorcycles out there. One of the best ways to find a good one is by reading customer reviews. What have others said about the motorcycle? Is it actually dependable? Do they like the way it rides and drives? Reading reviews from previous and current drivers can make a world of difference in the long run.

Test ride

At the end of the day, you’re not going to know how much you like the bike unless you get out there and experience it for yourself. Therefore, you should not hesitate to take the bike for a test drive. Doing so will allow you to get a feel for it. Do you like the way it drives? Does it feel comfortable? Is it actually fun to drive? These are questions that you need to ask yourself. The only way to find out is by driving the bike. Take it for a test spin and you’ll know whether or not it is the bike for you.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com