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This is all action onboard the new D675 from Cartagena. It's top quality widescreen with great triple sound from the Arrow accessory muffler. Third gear powerwheelies down the straight and all the action you could wish for whilst waiting for Santa! Enjoy it. Tor

I have had two great days in the saddle of the 2009 Triumph Daytona. True, the first half of the first day rained away, but when we did get on the bikes it's so easy to go fast on the Daytona 675. It's still as narrow and nimble as it always was, but the 09 gets the first update since the 2006 launch. The front end has been redesigned slightly to match the designers original thoughts. The 09 thus gets an even sharper look than before. The suspension has also been reworked and Triumph claims this is one of the major updates along with a 3hp boost in top end that has also boosted the already class leading midrange. Out on the circuit that really can be felt and I continued my last sessions on Cartagena on a D675 with the Arrow muffler attached. When accelerating above 10.000 rpm there really is a much better kick than before. The Daytona 675 always was a very light supersport, the 2009 is even lighter and the scales stops at a claimed 162 kilos. Then I did a short road ride as well and I must say that along with the Honda CBR600RR the D675 is the best road alternative of the bunch in this class. All down to that fantastic midrange. More in the full article. Tor Sagen/Photography: Jason Critchell and Paul Barshon

2009 Triumph Daytona 675: updates at a glance. 3PS increase in power – from 125PS to 128PS. More torque – from 72 to 73Nm. Higher engine speed – from 13,500 to 13,900rpm in all gears. 3kg weight reduction, from 165kg to 162kg. New brakes – 15% more power, 5% more bite. New suspension – adjustable for high and low speed compression damping. Restyled cockpit, screen and headlights. Pirelli Diablo SuperCorsa SP tyres fitted as standard.

Back from the Isle of Man launch of the 09 Street Triple R now and have done my first lap around the famous TT course. Before our ride we were treated to a guided tour with Richard "Milky" Quayle that's now an ex-TT racer after an horrendous accident that you can see in one of the YouTube players below. The new Street Triple R is simply a better version of a bike that was already very good. Better suspension and better brakes have resulted in better handling. Watch our first film from the event below that includes "Milky's" TT guide, onboard footage from the Mountain and a stunt teaser by Kevin Carmichael. Much more on its way. Tor

  2009 Street Triple R   2008 Street Triple   2008 Speed Triple 

Over a week we've tested the fuel injected 2008 Triumph Thruxton 900. Check out this video that we made first...

THE Jeremy McWilliams rode the new RC8 1190 for us at Ascari. Not only is that very special track stunning to ride, it's absolutely stunning to look at through the RC8's cockpit! Especially when former MotoGP ace Jeremy McWilliams is the rider... No one went faster around Ascari that day so please enjoy the Ultimate KTM RC8 1190 launch video with the worlds fastest test rider! It is with the greatest confidence we say that this is the best film you'll ever see from that historic KTM launch. TS

Watch the ex-MotoGP hero from Belfast rate the 2008 KTM RC8 1190 from the Ascari circuit in Spain. Jezza analyses the RC8. Watch what he had to say below. TS

Triumph have made some slight improvements to the Sprint ST in 2008. The changes are a new steel fuel tank to enable magnetic tank bags, better headlights and more durable rubber on the foot pegs. That's all Triumph are telling us anyway. TS

For McWill it's all about motorcycles, preferably 200bhp+ ones. We spoke with the great man from Belfast exclusively. After amputating his ring finger, breaking the Femur, both collar bones twice and all the ribs in his body a small crash on snowboard is nothing for this man. Read everything here! TS

2008 Ducati 1098R   2008 Buell 1125R   Jeremy McWilliams

It's all out there now, the news from KTM, BMW, Ducati, CCM, Royal Enfield, Megelli, Triumph, Hyosung, Benelli and Vectrix. The 990 Supermoto, The Woodsman, CMX, Gorgeous Triumph show specials, 08 BMW's, Charley Boorman and a lot of babes! See it all here!

Now that the NEC show has just kicked off we thought we'd show you these nice pictures of James Toseland with a few very young racers. Toseland met the young superbike recruits in Birmingham city centre and had this to say:

The mighty Suzuki Hayabusa derived naked ridden onboard on the Snake Pass road between Glossop and Sheffield night and day. Watch it!   Test

Next: NEC international motorcycle show, 2008 KTM 990 SM premiere!

Just back from Texas we have added some pictures and text from the world launch in San Antonio. More pictures here. Video below.

Eicma 2007

Triumph have left some news for later this year. In Paris the upgraded Speed Triple, Thruxton 900 with new bars and fuel injection and the Daytona 675 Special Edition was launched. Not one all-new model, but the Street Triple 675 was launched early as an 08 model to satisfy demand. The Rocket Touring is literally the biggest new bike as we're talking the next Rocket III model. The Rocket Touring will as you can see on this shady picture be long and low fitted with a big wind-screen and hard luggage. We don't expect it to be too different from the current Rocket III Classic fitted with touring gear so we have added a picture of that too next to the mad Tribal we spent much time on this year. So for now our speculation of a Gold Wing version of the Rocket III is out of the window for 2008. Perhaps 2009? We really do hope Triumph will build a massive fully faired and modern mega tourer in the future, but such a bike demands heavy investment and a lot of development time. The 2008 Rocket Touring will be launched later this year in Texas and we'll be there. Raptors & Rockets have tested all the mammoth touring machines available on the market today. See links below. Tor Sagen

Rocket III   Rocket III Classic   Rocket III Classic Touring   Honda GL1800 Gold Wing   Victory Vision Tour   Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide

We did the first road test on UK roads. Here's the video including onboard, roadside and more...

2008 Triumph Street Triple

Raptors & Rockets have now done the UK's first road test of the 2008 Triumph Street Triple. Which means you will be treated to some stunning video (really, onboard, roadside, walk around etc), a huge photo gallery, test and a lot more. First impressions are of one extremely entertaining motorcycle. Even more so than the firms very own Speed Triple! We say you don't need a 1000 no more after riding the Street Triple 675! Where Triumph found all that torque whilst still maintaining a class leading horsepower figure we don't know, but one thing is for sure; the Speed Four is now firmly in the history books alongside the 600TT! Triumph has done it again and made the most entertaining naked midrange motorcycle on the market. Just wait for our onboard video and you'll see what I mean. TS

2008 Triumph Street Triple  2007 Aprilia SL750 Shiver   2007 Honda CB600F Hornet   Suzuki GSR600

Bimota Delirio   Ducati Hypermotard   Triumph Daytona 675   BMW F800S   Kawasaki Z750   Moto Guzzi Griso 850   2007 Buell XB12S Lightning

This Triumph Tiger 1050 belongs to the Triumph marketing department and one of the Hinckley employees got the shock of his life when a reckless car driver hit him from behind whilst at a standstill. The rider was catapulted forward, but luckily survived the accident which must be any bikers nightmare! Raptors & Rockets caught these pictures on mobile phone camera as evidence of how bad some car drivers observation skills are. there is pretty much nothing anyone can do to protect themselves from such an incident apart from always filtering to the front of the queue. Safe riding!

2007 Triumph Tiger 1050

2007 Goodwood Festival of Speed   Stunt School   Motorcycle Olympics   Daytona Bike Week 2007   Cycle World International Motorcycle show Long Beach   INTERMOT   NEC Birmingham   EICMA Milan   2007 Aprilia   2008 Aprilia   2007 Benelli   2007 BMW   2008 BMW   2008 Buell   2007 Ducati   2007 Harley-Davidson  2008 Harley-Davidson   2007 Honda   2007 Husqvarna   2007 Kawasaki   2008 Kawasaki  2007 KTM   2008 KTM   2008 Moto Guzzi   2007 MV Agusta & Cagiva   2007 Suzuki   2008 Suzuki   2007 Triumph   2008 Triumph   2007 Victory   2008 Victory   2007 Yamaha  2008 Yamaha  Black Metal

Suzuki GB have teamed up with the government on Isle of Man for some special Centenary edition GSX-R models. From the press release: "The GSX-R1000, 750 and 600 variations are offered in unique colour options and each bike will be individually numbered and certificated. The identifying number is located with the Isle of Man TT logo on the top yoke plate." "The bikes also display a specially-designed graphics kit featuring the TT logo intertwined with the bikes? original graphics on both side of the fairing and on the rear seat cowling. The GSX-R1000's special colour scheme is a combination of Marble Erakis Red and Metallic Mistic Silver and it will also feature the stunning and highly-anticipated Yoshimura GP Evo twin exhausts (RRP £1400), as well as a tinted screen. Only 150 units will be made available at a special RRP of £9,949. Pearl Suzuki Deep Blue and Solid Black is the colour combination for the Special Edition GSX-R750, which also features a black, double-bubble screen. At £8,199 RRP, just 200 units of the 750 option will be produced. Completing the Centenary TT GSX-R line-up is the GSX-R600, which comes in Pearl Vigor Blue and Solid Black. Like the 750, it will also carry the exclusive parts pack and a black, double-bubble screen. This extra-special GSX-R600 has an RRP of  £7,199 and only 150 units will be available."

Daytona Bike Week 2007   Cycle World International Motorcycle show Long Beach   INTERMOT   NEC Birmingham   EICMA Milan   2007 Aprilia   2007 Benelli   2007 BMW   2007 Ducati   2007 Harley-Davidson   2007 Honda   2007 Husqvarna   2007 Kawasaki   2007 KTM   2008 KTM   2008 Moto Guzzi   2007 MV Agusta & Cagiva   2007 Suzuki   2007 Triumph   2008 Triumph   2007 Victory   2007 Yamaha  Black Metal

At Triumph dealers you should be able to demo ride the Urban sports range, including the new Tiger 1050, Daytona 675, Sprint ST and Speed Triple Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th February. So bring your license out, enjoy the free refreshments and rides as well as a 10% discount on Triumph clothing. Triumph makes some really cool fashion T-shirts if you're on a budget!

On Saturday February 24th you can see the new CR&S VUN at Flitwick motorcycles in Bedfordshire. Raptors & Rockets will be there and soon we'll ride one too. CR&S is a small design company based in Milan and we have seen their bikes each year at the EICMA show. CR&S use a Rotax 654cc single cylinder engine with 54hp @ 7.000rpm and 58.9Nm @ 5.000rpm in their own hand built chassis. It's fairly close to being a supermono, but without a full fairing it still goes next to the Aprilia Pegaso and Yamaha MT-03. Both the 12.5 litre fuel tank and the oil tank is hand made in light alloy. The seat height is 800mm (+-20mm) and the dry weight 135kg. Pictures shows the VUN in various types of finish from Standard to racing. Even Massimo Tamburini himself tried one in Milan. TS

Triumph launched its flagship model, Rocket III, in 2004. With 200Nm of peak torque available at 2.500rpm it pulls with a force of 1.2G during acceleration! Not enough with massive torque, Rocket III have also got 140bhp that is transmitted through the enormous 240 section rear tyre. The Rocket III is the Rockets in Raptors & Rockets so we have published a little tribute video on YouTube. The orange Rocket III Tribal is also our current longtermer and you can read what we're up to in the blog. Soon we will add some performance pipes and there will no doubt be another video with the new sound. Triumph also recently reported of a 18% sales growth in 2006. Mainly due to the new Daytona 675, but also modern classics such as the Scrambler 900. We suspect 2007 could be another Rocket year for Triumph. The Tiger 1050 can only help further growth whilst we hear of new Rocket projects and perhaps further usage of the 675 triple engine in other platforms. Triumph have got some great engines and have shown that the triple format is highly competitive. With Paul Young racing Triumph are now also offering racing kits to Daytona 675 owners. TS

Rocket III Classic   Rocket III Tribal   Tiger 1050   Daytona 675   Scrambler 900

Victory Hammer S     Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Nightrod Special     Yamaha Vmax

It doesn't get much better than this. Yamaha UK sent us this press release:

"Enter Yamaha's fantastic competition and you could soon be riding your very own brand new YZF-R1. With 189bhp on tap, torque inducing variable intake system, a slipper clutch, fly by wire throttle plus an all new chassis and bodywork; the new R1 has already set pulses racing at its launch in Qatar. It could be you next. And to help ensure you and your new R1 are perfectly suited there’s also a set of new Dainese made Yamaha Race leathers to match!

But that’s not all.

You’ll also win an all expenses paid trip to the MotoGP in Catalunya, Spain and a place on the 2007 All-Star Riders Course! At the GP you’ll receive VIP treatment from start to finish – full team hospitality, pit tour, rider meet and greet (subject to schedule) and some exclusive team goodies to take home. If that’s not enough at the All-Star Riding Course, held at the circuit following the GP race, you’ll get expert tuition from the stars on race techniques and ride the circuit on a fleet of specially prepared R1’s.

There are two more places on the ARC course to be won and a place on the Yamaha supported California Superbike School plus some exclusive prizes at every Yamaha dealer holding an event.

All in all a bike - and competition - not to be missed!

To find out more and enter the competition visit www.yamaha-motor.co.uk. All you have to do is fill in the simple on-line entry form and make sure you’re in the Authorised Yamaha Dealer you specify on the 19th January 2007 when you’ll be able to see this awesome new bike for the first time in UK showrooms.

Yamaha draws the winners at 8pm on the night and if you’re in the dealers when Yamaha call then you win! It’s that simple.

So remember – complete the form – book a night off on the 19th Jan and make sure you’re in your local Authorised Yamaha Dealer and maybe you’ll be the One! Good luck!"

On any Sunday is one of the best known motorcycle films ever made. We did our own day that could have been called On any Friday, but that's not describing enough of how fun this short-track racing really is. So we call it On any bloody day. It rained and it was ice cold, bloody cold. But so fun. Check out the photo galleries of these gorgeous retro CCM's and soon the links will be updated so that you can read all about the bikes and how our day on the Scunthorpe dirt track oval went. TS Photo: Gary Freeman/Redeye

2007 CCM SR40 Street Scrambler  2007 CCM CR40 Cafe Racer  2007 CCM FT35 Flat Track

Cycle World International Motorcycle show Long Beach   INTERMOT   NEC Birmingham   EICMA Milan   2007 Aprilia   2007 Benelli   2007 BMW   2007 Ducati   2007 Harley-Davidson   2007 Honda   2007 Husqvarna   2007 Kawasaki   2007 KTM   2007 MV Agusta & Cagiva   2007 Suzuki   2007 Triumph   2007 Victory   2007 Yamaha  Black Metal

2005 NEC bike show     2006 NEC bike show

INTERMOT   NEC Birmingham   EICMA Milan   2007 Aprilia   2007 Benelli   2007 BMW   2007 Ducati   2007 Harley-Davidson   2007 Honda   2007 Kawasaki   2007 KTM   2007 Suzuki   2007 Triumph   2007 Victory   2007 Yamaha

The new 400cc Cafe Racer is a tribute to the 1981 TT winning CCM ridden by Steve Tompkins. CCM will launch both a naked and a faired version in Birmingham. Details: Tubular steel frame, Marzocchi 40mm front suspension and twin shocks at the rear, megaphone silencer, 400cc Suzuki DRZ engine that can be upgraded to 436 or 499cc, 18inch spoked wheels, Brembo brakes, 800mm seat height and 126kg dry weight. OTR price will be £5840. See the other new 2007 CCM, the SR40 Street Scrambler here. TS

Upd. 22/09! The 2007 Triumph Tiger 1050 has not been the best kept secret in the business this year. After countless magazines have rotted together against Triumph's wishes (in effect breaking embargos and trust) Triumph today chose to release the Tiger pictures and info. And since we didn't have the chance to either show the pictures first or ride the bike first we are giving you a nice big picture that shows all the details better than anywhere else until now. But we will have one of the first proper road tests (not just a day's impressions) on UK soil this year. The bike will be officially launched to the world press in Las Vegas in November. The new Tiger features a tweaked 1050cc 115bhp version of the... Read the rest here, and also the news about the 2007 Sprint ST, Triumph America and Speedmaster.

Coming...

Suzuki GB have coughed up their third special in just as many weeks (GSX-R Phantom and Bandit GT). This time it's the GSR600 that has received some goodies. The bike gets a small cowl for some extra wind/rain protection and a radiator cover. All at £5199 OTR. "Available in the matt black colour scheme only, the new GSR600S comes without premium for the same recommended retail price of £5,199 on the road. And with the standard GSR600 available until the end of September on the 0% typical APR Finance offer that enables customers to ride away after paying a deposit of just £1". GSR 600 test

Suzuki is offering a limited edition version of the GSX-R1000 in a grey colour scheme with a Yoshimura tri-oval silencer thrown in at the same price as an ordinary GSX-R1000. Suzuki GB only have 200 units to sell so if you want one give your Suzuki dealer a call. TS

K6 Suzuki GSX-R1000 test

If you fancy taking your GS or other offroad bike through Spain and France on trails specially organised for the trip World of BMW sent us this release:

ZX-12R has been the one and only real contender to the high speed throne after Suzuki launched Hayabusa in 1999. Kawasaki UK will not import any new ZX-12Rs in 2007 and are now selling off the last 20. “There are now less than 20 brand new ZX-12Rs in our warehouse and they will be shipped to dealers over the next few weeks,” commented Kawasaki’s Marketing Manager, Martin Lambert. On the road price will be: £9.345

Both BMW and Ducati has announced that they will be present with special activities at this years Goodwood festival of speed. BMW will attend the traditional hill climbing event where Dakar racer Charley Boorman and ex MotoGP racer Jeremy McWilliams will challenge the vertical on a F 650GS and K1200R. Other attractions from BMW:

Triumph has teamed up with Umbro and the FA to decorate a Bonneville with England World Cup colours. The bike can be seen at Selfridges on Oxford Street in London during the World Cup and has been signed by the England squad. One lucky punter will ride it away after the World Cup final. Triumph says in its release: "To enter, simply visit Umbro Football Fever at Selfridges, fill out a form between the above dates and hand in to one of the hostesses – the draw will be made at random on the day of the World Cup Final." Well, what are you waiting for, run to Selfridges in Oxford street and who knows you might need to buy a bottle of bubbly whilst there. TS

Shakey Byrne and James Haydon from the Rizla Suzuki BSB team were present in Manchester to show off their new Dainese leathers and fans had the opportunity to get autographs and a chat with the guys. The store is located on 1 Portland street just next to Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city-centre. TS

Yamaha has just announced that they will sponsor the BSB organisers with 4 XT660R off-roaders and 5 Aerox 50 scooters. They will function in many roles on race courses around the country such as "taxi bikes" to bring riders back to the paddock after wiping out on track. Picture taken at "new" Donington park. TS

After winning the first World Superbike race in Qatar this year Toseland seems to be back on track. Toseland was the 2004 World Superbike champion with Ducati. James is now on Winston Ten Kate's Honda CBR1000RR.

If you buy a new Suzuki* before 31 March this year Suzuki throws in the first three services for free.

*Models included in the promotion are - GS500, GS500F, GSF650, GSF650A, GSF650S, GSF650SA, SV650, SV650S, SV1000, SV1000S, GSF1200, GSF1200S, GSX1400.

The 12th annual National motorcycle show at GMEX in Manchester was a big disappointment if you are interested in the 2006 bikes. Only Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda, BMW, KTM-offroad and Ducati were present through North-West dealers. We spotted the occasional Yamaha on the floor and a couple of customised Triumph's. The highlight was if possible the beautifully painted Triumph Rocket III from Fast Line superbike Centre in Preston and the pretty girls from Kawasaki dealer Rocket Centre in Blackburn. Triumph were not even present, and the story goes that the factory in Hinckley had offered to pay for a stand, but it would have had to be shared by four North West dealers. The end result was that there were no Triumph stand at all. G-Mex is basically a show where the dealers hope to sell as many motorcycles and gear as possible. It's all a bit shallow because of that. Road & Racing motorcycles from Hyde occupied their usual stand, but this year with Suzuki. The stand was one of the nicer ones. BMW Williams also had a big stand, but from what we could see it was mainly to sell second hand K1200LT's. Ducati were present with a tiny stand that easily could have been ignored. KTM offroad dealer One11MX from Altrincham, Manchester had a stand designed for the offroad punter. There were no KTM road bikes present. Good old Hunt's Honda that trades from Manchester made sure Honda had a big presence with a selection of the 2006 bikes. apart from the customised Rocket III and the Kawasaki girls our favourite were the grand Ural tourer from Ural UK. Their motto is "Dare to be different" which is almost the same as Triumph's "Go your own way". Anyway it is worthwhile checking out the boat-like sidecar with a fully equipped (with woollen rug and curtain made from Russia's best green silk) camper van attached. Ural also launched the new Wolf MK3 trike.

The bigger than life event and show stopper were when ex-racer turned motorcycle journalist James Whitham challenged R1 globetrotter Nick Sanders on the drag strip on mini-moto's. Ahead of the race James commented: "I was always good off the line, so I reckon I can beat Sanders over 30 metres!". James won indeed and commented: "My start was pretty good and I was expecting Nick to come past but I didn’t see anyone. I read my pit board after about one lap and I had plus six so I turned around and there was no one there. I wondered what had happened and if Nick had been wiped out or something. The team have worked really well this weekend with my mini-moto and Pirelli gave us the perfect tyre for the race. The mini-moto is always fast and it was really quick here so all I had to do was sit on it and ride it back and forth"    

The drag strip were just next to Straightliners Drag racing pit corner.  Video Drag racing. TS

06 January it is time for motorcycle show again, this time in Manchester. Raptors & Rockets will be there to check out the mood. Last year Triumph premiered the Speed Triple with this blue tribal paint and there is loads of activities such as a pocket bike drag race featuring James Whitham and Nick Sanders. It'll be fun so make sure you check out Manchester this weekend. Dainese will also open it's brand new D-store in city centre Manchester in January. TS

Rutter equals record sixth win in Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix-Hotel Fortuna

Michael Rutter, the 32-year-old British racer stormed to a convincing sixth victory in the 39th running of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix-Hotel Fortuna this afternoon to equal the record set by Ron Haslam in 1987.

Rutter, on board the 1000cc Red Bull Honda, led the 15-lap race from start to finish and set a pace quicker than any of his rivals were prepared to go.

Within four laps he had opened a lead of more than two seconds over his closest rival, John McGuinness (1000cc Stobart Honda).

By the chequered flag Rutter had stretched his advantage to 16.6 seconds over McGuinness.

Scotsman Les Shand (1000cc A.I.M. Racing Yamaha) charged through from fifth place on the opening lap to pass Welshman Ian Lougher on his 1000cc Slingshot Racing Honda on lap nine to take third spot.

Photo special soon under the Roadracing link.

 

Barclays Premiership Trophy set to ride into Birmingham for the International Motorcycle and Show in association with The Sun

 Football fans and bikers will unite in Birmingham at the end of October with the arrival of the Barclays Premiership Trophy at the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show in association with The Sun. The trophy, the highest accolade in British football, will be on display for four days at the Birmingham NEC. It is hoped that the trophy, which will be on show at the Barclays stand on October 30 and 31 and November 3 and 5, will bring even more sport lovers to the show where they will also witness the biggest launch of new bikes ever seen in the UK.

 The arrival of the Barclays Premiership Trophy at the NEC will give visitors yet another thing to add to their list of must-see attractions at this year’s International Motorcycle and Scooter Show. The show is already set to surpass all previous years with an unparalleled number of interactive features available for the public to try. Visitors of all ages and abilities will be spoilt for choice for things to try out at the show. Top bikes will be available to try for free across many different features including the ‘Off Road Experience’, ‘Try a Yamaha Supermoto’, and the ‘Bike Ride Out’. Participating visitors are simply required to pass an alcohol breathalyser test and show a valid driving licence. Even those as young as five will be catered for with the ‘My First Honda Licence’ feature!

 The Barclays Premiership Trophy is one of the most famous symbols in football. Due to its value its actual worth is never revealed and it is always flanked by two security guards when on display. The trophy was made by Crown Jewellers Aspreys and stands 3 foot 5 inches tall and weighs a whopping 55 lbs. Barclays PLC is title sponsor of the FA Premier League until the end of the 2006/ 2007 season in a deal worth £57million. The FA Premier League is now the most popular domestic football league in the world and is watched in over 195 countries, with a regular global home reach of over 600million.

Press release from motorcycleshow.co.uk.

Shane Byrne got the honour and opportunity to prove himself on Troy Bayliss Camel  Honda ride in Sepang. Shakey finished 14th and grabbed two points. However only two riders finished behind him. Next round is in Qatar where they have got loads of real camels for Shakey to try as well. TS

Thieving scum! Night to Monday 12/09/05 some thieving scum visited our in-house photographer and nicked both his 2004 Suzuki GSX-R600 and 2002 Suzuki GSF600 Bandit. If you see any of these two bikes anywhere in the UK or abroad report what you saw to both the Police and us. INFO The GSX-R is all yellow as shown in the photos. The Bandit is dark blue as shown in the photo. Take note of the two reg numbers and let us know if you see any of them. The two bikes were stolen from Didsbury in Manchester. These three images are completely copyright free for you to use if you want to help us find the bikes.

New Brit motorcycle stamps The early 1900's saw amazing growth in motorcycle development and manufacture in Britain. Hundreds of companies produced their own versions of these nippy machines, but only a few brands are now nationally recognised. The Motorcycles stamps picture the evolution of the motorbike in British history. From the 1914 Royal Enfield to the 1991 Norton F.1 each of the six bikes has been carefully illustrated by celebrated British artist Michael English. The 60p Brough Superior stamp is one of the stamps we use when sending out the R&R DVD. So what are you waiting for? Stamps can be ordered online from royalmail.com for GBP2.87 for all six. 1930 Brough Superior 60p stamp National motorcycle week 17th-24th July 2005 This week is the National motorcycle week. All over the country there will be various activities to promote motorcycling. Ride to work day is the main day. This takes place on the Wednesday during the week and it is a day for all bikers and scooter users to get out on two wheels and ride to work. It is also the time to invite a friend or colleague to get on the back and join you so they can experience the convenience, thrills and fun. Facts about motorcycling: Back to Basics ? The active UK rider population is around 1.5 million. ? An estimated 5 million people in the UK have a driving licence with moped or motorcycle entitlement. ? Women accounted for 15% of the people who passed their test in 2003/04. Women passed ? 6,819 Men passed ? 46,963 ? Identical journeys take less time with a motorcycle than a car. By 40- 60% in London and by around 33% for other commuters. ? A typical scooter consumes between 55% and 81% less fuel than a car on the same journey (EC Motor Vehicle Emissions Group). ? Commuting accounts for two thirds of all motorcycle journeys. ? Five motorcycles can be parked in a space occupied by one car. ( Statistics compiled March 2005) Even a Mini is a big troll compared to a motorcycle. Copyright Tor Sagen 2005 GSX-R 1000 still the daddy MCIA has just released the 2005 half year figures. They show that Suzuki GSX-R1000 still is the king of all bikes when it comes to numbers. Here's the top ten list for the six first months new registrations this year. 1.Suzuki GSX-R1000-1.772. 2.Honda CBR1000RR-1.421. 3.Honda CBR 125R-1.372. 4.Kawasaki ZX-6R-1.121. 5.BMW R 1200GS-1.109. 6.Yamaha YZF R1-1.085. 7.Yamaha YZF R6-1.053. 8.Honda CBR 600RR-974. 9.Honda SCV100 Lead-936. 10.Suzuki GSX-R600-887. All in all there has been 57.664 new registrations in 2005 after six months. That is only -1% compared to 2004. Congestion busters In the wake of proposals by the Association of Rail Operating Companies (ATOC) to impose congestion charging on rail users, the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) says that the incentive to switch to motorcycling is stronger than ever. The Association is highlighting the top ten reasons why bikes and scooters are the best congestion busters. ATOC has announced that it is considering introducing a congestion charge on trains to help reduce the expected increase in the number of rail passengers over the next ten years. MCI is advising people that there is an alternative which attracts no such charges, is cheaper to run on day to day basis, is far more reliable for door to door journeys and is unaffected by congestion. The Motorcycle. MCI has identified ten key benefits of taking to a motorcycle, scooter or moped and why people should use them to ride to work ? Journey times - they are almost always vastly reduced. ? Freedom - to travel where and when you want to, without the constraints of public transport timetables ? No user charges beyond the cost of petrol, insurance and the tax disk ? Pollution ? the use of scooters and motorcycles can help cut pollution ? Cost-effective ? can be cheaper to buy and run ? Parking - motorcycles and scooters take up less parking space ? Less Stress - motorcycles allow users to leave home later and arrive earlier, more refreshed and ready for work ? Overcrowding - motorcycle use avoids the daily grind of delays and hot stuffy, overcrowded buses and trains ? Congestion ? Motorcycles are almost unaffected by congestion and because it doesn't contribute to hold ups, helps to reduce road congestion for everyone ? Flexible ? Motorcycles can be used for all types of journey, as and when riders wish 1.446 new GSX-R1000's on UK roads. MCIA recently released the stats for the 5 first months of 2005 and Suzuki tops the list with 1.446 sold GSX-R1000. 1.Suzuki GSX-R1000-1446. 2.Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade-1212. 3.Honda CBR 125R-1042. 4.BMW R1200GS-908. 5.Yamaha YZF R6-873. 6.Yamaha YZF R1-867. 7.Honda CBR600RR-808. 8.Kawasaki ZX6-R-792. 9.Suzuki GSX-R600-762. 10.Honda SCV100Lead-700. Now, all of you know how the GSX-R looks like so here's a pic of number 10, Honda SCV100 Lead. Cat & Fiddle road closed The Cat & Fiddle road, A537 between Macclesfield and Buxton is closed for resurfacing. It will take approximately two weeks until it is opened again. the road is closed between Macclesfield and the Cat & Fiddle pub. The pub is still open for visitors though. We visited today and it was temporarily closed, but will be open again tomorrow. The A54 is open but with more traffic than usual so ride carefully. We encountered debris from a lorry in a blind turn that might upset the handling of your bike if you hit it. other than that you have got the usual cow shit, mud and sheep on the road. Here at R&R we love that bit of tarmac, but for the next two weeks we'll ride somewhere else. The popular Cat & Fiddle road Calling UK MV owners We have just received this press release from MV Augusta Corse: "Dear Friends, I am glad to inform you that we have organized the first MV AGUSTA CORSE DAY that will take place in Rimini-San Marino 9th July 2005 and we will be very happy to meet all UK's MV AGUSTA owners. The program of the day is the following: At 17.00 rendez vous at Augustus Arch in Rimini City centre from 17.00 to 19.00 city centre festival, sponsored by Rimini city Council, with a host of events and stands including our staff with our technicians and our products, clothing, accessories and gifts. Usually more than 50.000 people visit this fair each year. At 19.00 an MV MOTORCADE will start through Rimini city centre, continuing up to the Republic of San Marino. The Parade will pass some of the Rivera's most characteristic attractions, moving from the city centre to the promenade and then through the countryside to reach the castles of San Marino. At about 20.30 arrival in the centre of San Marino at Cava Antica (car park 6 all reserved for us for our motorbikes) with refreshment stalls. At 21.00 the evening continues with a fantastic rock concert. At 22.30 the suspense starts for the MV AGUSTA RACING DAY LOTTERY EXTRACTION, to win one of the 300 exclusive BRUTALE GLADIO BIKES (N. 300). Lottery tickets are at your disposal at a cost of 20,00 euro each. Hurry to reserve them only 1000 are available! By buying a lottery ticket you can take part in an important charity project, with part of the proceeds donated to the Association Progetto Sorriso for the children of the orphanage of Bitola (Macedonia). Raffle tickets will need to be reserved through Three Cross Motorcycles. Tickets for the main event will be available free of charge from Three Cross Motorcycles on 01202 823344, or from any MV Agusta dealer." David Perceval with 3X tells us that the event is open to all MV owners and friends, and that they will be able to send a ticket (although the event is free) to anyone who wishes to go along. So what are you waiting for, give them a call on 01202 823344 ! R&R says: Bring passion and leave your Ducati t-shirt at home. Scott Smart will no longer race for Suzuki Crescent. One thing is for sure, Smart move, but for who? This lady maybe? Easton wins on Ducati 749R It has been a long time coming for Ducati UK in the Supersport class to take a win. Today at Croft they did. "I'm so pleased with this result and I can't thank the team enough for all their efforts", commented Stuart. "It's been frustrating to be so close for so long, but at last we've shown what we are capable of achieving and I look forward to being on the top step of the podium a lot more this season". Team Manager Ken Foley commented, "Were all overjoyed for Stuart. We all knew a win was around the corner but just needed a little bit of luck to make it happen. We're now looking forward to moving further up the championship table at the next round of the series at Knockhill at the end of the month". Stuart's weekend finished on a high as he was awarded rider of the day by series sponsors Bennett's. British MX GP Check out the MX&SM page for the latest from the British MX GP. Carl Nunn is showing good form. Photographer: R. Archer Ducati UK support Red Arrow charity ride For the third year in succession Ducati UK is offering support to the Red Arrows Aerobatic team as they once again stage a ride in aid of charity, this year for Macmillan Cancer Relief. For 2005, their ride is a very personal tribute to Red Arrows team member Flight Lieutenant Matt Jarvis who sadly died from Cancer earlier this year. Waved off on their journey today from Silverstone Circuit by The Ducati Corse Xerox World Superbike team and reigning World Champion James Toseland, the three man team who are all using Ducati motorcycles plan to visit 10 UK race circuits, eventually arriving at their final destination at Croft in Yorkshire for the British Superbike round. Red Arrows Squadron Leader Dicky Patounas commented, ?We are extremely pleased to be able to make this trip in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief and are very happy to be able to join forces again with Ducati UK. This year's trip is a very personal one for all involved and we hope to be able to raise bigger funds and awareness for Macmillan Cancer?. Donations can be sent to ?The Red Arrows? Appeal, Macmillan Cancer Relief, 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7UQ or credit card donations call 0207 840 4900. For more information on the journey visit www.ducatiuk.com Ride the K1200R in LA Test BMW's K1200 R - in Los Angeles BMW Motorrad is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to test ride the new 163 bhp K1200 R muscle bike in California, USA. Simply by visiting www.respect1200.com and entering the online competition, one UK motorcyclist will join others from around the world and ride the motorcycle of the moment in the city of Angels, courtesy of BMW. The K1200 R won't officially be launched in BMW dealerships until 4 June but the excitement has already begun. Enthusiasts can enter this exclusive competition now by visiting the special www.respect1200.com micro site, which also includes detailed specifications, downloadable screen savers, plus a short film clip showing BMW's roadster in action in Arizona. The deadline for all competition entries is 10 June. Customers can call BMW's information line: 0800 777 155 or visit www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk for more information. European Superbike School Ducati Sport Days Ducati UK and the European Superbike School are pleased to announce a new partnership offering customers the opportunity to ride 749 and 999 Superbikes at two of the UK's top race circuits. Branded ?Ducati Sport Days, the new initiative will see two regular days where customers can book to test ride a 749 and 999 on track whilst getting expert tuition on their own machine, with a special one off day at Silverstone Circuit on the 28th July for Ducati enthusiasts. Ducati Uk's managing director Tim Maccabee commented,? We are really pleased to be able to offer these dates in conjunction with the European Superbike School. As well as offering the usual benefits we believe the Ducati Sport Days will give attendees a unique experience on board a Ducati Superbike whilst learning a top UK race circuit?. Attendees on these special days will also have expert tuition available in the form of World Superbike star Frankie Chilli and ex British Superbike Champion and current Moto GP rider Shane Byrne. The dates for the Ducati UK / ESS Sports Days are as follows: JUNE 15th - BRANDS HATCH (Indy circuit) JULY 28th ? SILVERSTONE AUGUST 8th - BRANDS HATCH (Indy circuit) The cost per person for the Ducati UK / ESS Sports Day is ?249 or just ?211 if reserved via their website www.europeansuperbikeschool.com, Or call 0870 241 5159 2006 Tiger The 2006 model has a new cylinder head and crankcases, with revised water hose routing and wiring for a visually tidier engine. The motor has also been fitted with a slicker shifting gearbox and a backlash eliminator gear that greatly reduces noise and vibration. The Tiger also comes with factory-fit accessories - panniers, heated grips and a centre stand - all for the OTR price of ?6,999. For 2006 the Tiger has two new coats - vibrant Caspian Blue and subtle Jet Black - plus the existing, ever-popular Aluminium Silver. Last year Triumph also claimed to have sold out all 04 Tigers so launched the 2005 model early. Go Tiger! K1200S Rockingham Test ride BMW's new high speed tourer at Rockingham for free! Thursday 5 May and Monday 20 June are two dates that should be in any sports bike rider's diary because BMW Motorrad UK is offering a free test ride of the new K1200S at Rockingham circuit in Northamptonshire and is inviting motorcyclists who are thinking of buying a new sports bike this year to test it on the track. The K1200S is the most powerful motorcycle BMW has ever produced. With 167 bhp on tap and a zero to 62 mph acceleration time of just 2.8 seconds, it offers riders performance, handling and road-holding qualities not previously associated with the old German brand. The K1200S offers more than outright top speed and acceleration. It can be specified with the class-leading Sports-Integral ABS braking system and is also the first production motorcycle to offer electronic suspension adjustment options (according to BMW ed.), whereby spring preload and damping can be adjusted at the press of a button to suit whatever road situation the rider encounters. This system also takes into account whether the rider is carrying a pillion passenger or luggage and can be adjusted accordingly. Riders who are interested in testing the K1200S as well as their own motorcycle on Rockingham's National Circuit should contact their nearest BMW Motorrad Dealership at the earliest opportunity to register their details. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis and successful participants will have three, 15-minute sessions on the circuit two on their own bike and one on the K1200S. Riders can choose to attend either in the morning or the afternoon of 5 May or 20 June. The track event will be run for BMW Motorrad by the California Superbike School. Added attractions on the day will be the opportunity to road test selected models from BMW's current range, as well as discovering more about the World of BMW customer activity programme, which includes tours, events and riding skills courses. To find the location of your nearest BMW Motorrad Dealership call 0800 777 155, or visit www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk Political corner Bike riders and scooterists welcome safety initiatives and expect governments to introduce practical measures, according to research commissioned by the Motor Cycle Industry Association. Half of bikers (51%) state that a political party's transport and motorcycling policies can influence the way they vote, so there is clear message to politicians as the campaigning gets underway. Three-quarters of riders (75%) also said that a government that has a more positive approach to motorcycling could contribute to motorcycle safety on the roads. In light, of the recent launch of the National Motorcycle Strategy which has introduced a number of proposals to ?mainstream? motorcycling, bikers can hope that the new government will continue with these positive developments. Access to bus lanes for bikers is positively welcomed by 87% too. Existing schemes in areas such as Bristol demonstrate that bus lanes can be used by bikes and scooters without compromising safety for other road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. Riders recognise that Local Authorities have a role to play in making roads safer. Improving the conditions of roads is considered to be the most beneficial action they can take with 85% of respondents agreeing. On the other hand, only 1% of riders think adding more traffic calming measures such as speed bumps would creating a safer riding environment. Local Authorities are currently developing Local Transport Plans (LTP). This process will be completed early in 2006. With a national strategy in place and increasing levels of guidance and advice available, local authorities now have no excuse for ignoring motorcycles in their transport plans. Craig Carey-Clinch MCI's Director of Public Affairs said, ? Riders are not making unrealistic demands, what they are asking for from government are sensible and practical measures that will provide safer roads for motorcyclists and all road-users alike. ?These measures are closely linked with National Motorcycle Strategy and the MCI's manifesto which is calling on Government to implement these goals in order to develop a sustainable future for motorcycling in the UK.? Motor Cycle Industry Association Ltd Starley House, Eaton Road, Coventry CV1 2FH Tel: 08700 70 6242 (08700 70 MCIA) Fax: 08700 70 3291 (08700 70 FAX1) www.mcia.co.uk British Grand Prix MX1 ---------------------------------------- MOTOCROSS Gundersen aiming for British Grand Prix comeback (23.04.2005) ---------------------------------------- Factory MX1 KTM rider Kenneth Gundersen has pencilled in a return to World Championship action on June 5th at Matchams Park, the scene of the British Grand Prix and round seven of the FIM series. The Norwegian is currently riding in Germany and getting back to speed but the cartilage operation he underwent last year still needs time to fully heal before he can take a step into the competitive arena. The 23 year old will visit the same Swedish specialist who has been assisting with his rehabilitation on Monday 2nd May for a keyhole examination. With an expected positive verdict Gundersen can then press onwards with his plans to be ready for Great Britain. Gundersen was injured at the Grand Prix of Germany almost one year ago. “Kenneth has been improving every day both with the knee and also with his speed on the bike,” said Team Manager Toby Gustafson. “I think Namur will come a bit too soon after the medical check, and with Teutschenthal and Japan close afterwards it makes sense for him to look at Matchams at the beginning of June. Kenneth has been training like mad and is in really good physical condition; he is very dedicated. We want to make sure that he comes back at the right time and has every chance of starting off with some good results.”