AA warns bikers of "Road-Rust"

The AA have put up information for riders about the dangers of many "fair weather" riders bringing their bikes out again. Here is the article:

25 March 2009

AA breakdown patrols use motorbikes in some major cities

As thousands of people dust off their motorcycles and take to the road for the first time in months, AA Motorcycle Insurance is advising bikers and other road users to beware of the dangers of 'road rust'.

Many bikers are 'rusty' having not ridden their bikes all winter as are many car drivers who have grown used to having fewer bikes around.
AA comment

Simon Douglas, Director of AA Motorcycle Insurance, says: "We have all heard of road rage, but at this time of year the big danger to bikers is 'road rust' among drivers who have lost the habit of looking out for bikes. The skills of many motorcyclists need polishing too after a long lay-up, so it's important for both to be aware of the risks as the results can be tragic.

"Bikes can be repaired or replaced, but bikers cannot."

Most of Britain's 1.6 million motorbikes will be back on the nation's roads over the next few weeks – a period that normally also sees a big upsurge in accidents. Claims involving motorbikes typically soar by up to 40 per cent in spring, according to analysis by AA Insurance in conjunction with BLD Ltd, the motorcycle accident management specialists.

Longer days and mild weather are set to lure thousands back onto their bikes, as will Easter holiday excursions. But especially hazardous in the lead-up to the holidays are busy rush hour traffic and the school run, which account for a disproportionately high number of accidents.

Mike McMillan of BLD explains: "Fewer than 20 per cent of all motorcycle accidents that involve another party are wholly, or partly, the motorcyclist's fault so it is vital that all road users take extra care – especially in heavy traffic."

Another particular hazard this spring is winter's legacy of damaged roads. The AA estimates that icy weather earlier this year caused a 40 per cent increase in road damage, pushing the UK's pothole count up to 1.5 million. Hitting a pothole at speed on a motorcycle can have devastating consequences.
Safety tips for bikers

Safety tips for bikers from the AA's own motorbike-based breakdown patrols and BLD include:

* Make yourself visible – riding with your lights on at all times increases your visibility to others on the roads
* Always wear protective clothing – even for short trips – including a helmet, protective jacket, trousers, boots and gloves
* Slow down as you approach bends – accelerate out, but make sure you keep to the speed limit. Accelerate and brake smoothly and take extra care in the wet
* Constantly monitor your riding and think about your speed, road position and distance from other traffic. Be aware of your environment and potential hazards such as cars pulling out and damaged road surfaces
* Seek feedback from skilled riders, try a BikeSafe assessment or Advanced Rider training course
* Keep your bike maintained – regularly check wheels and tyres, brakes, battery, lights, oil and chain or shaft
* The quality of fuel and oil can deteriorate over time if your bike is not used for lengthy periods – check and replace if necessary before returning to the road

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/news/road-rust-warning-as-spring-heralds-return-of-the-nations-bikers.html

New Kawasaki Models for 2009

Since getting into biking and going to the MCN show in ExCeL back at the beginning of the year, I have always loved the ER-6F. It has been at the forefront of the selection of bikes that I am deciding between for when my restricted period on the license runs out next year. My only reservation of it has been the styling. Compared to many of the other bikes out there, it always had a somewhat "passive" styling, not any more! The new 2009 model looks fantastically aggressive. Kawasaki Press Release:

20/09/2008
2009 KAWASAKI ER-6f

SPORTIER PERFORMANCE PLUS NEW NINJA LOOKS.

Building on the key values of its highly acclaimed predecessor, the new ER-6f continues to offer a package that is both fun and easy to ride, and matches its sporty street performance with aggressive new Ninja supersport styling.

KEY FEATURES

COMPACT, QUICK-REVVING ENGINE

The balance of compact size and good power offered by the ER-6f's predecessor was the key to its success. To fit into its trim package, an in-line four would have been too wide and a V-Twin too long. The only engine design that offered both good power characteristics and the requisite compactness was a Parallel Twin. While maintaining this balance, the new engine gets a number of tweaks that offer smoother low-mid response and a quicker-revving character.

LIGHT-HANDLING CHASSIS

The key to the ER-6f's compact size is its amazingly compact Parallel Twin engine, which permits the use of a narrow, lightweight frame. The result is a bike with the dimensions of a 400 and the power of a 650 that welcomes beginners with a "Come on, let's go for a ride!" attitude, while also offering plenty of performance for more experienced riders. Changes to the frame, swinging arm and suspension result in reduced vibration and lighter handling, making the new ER-6f more accessible than ever.

SLEEK, SUPERSPORT STYLING

Styling inspired by our Ninja supersport models gives the front fairing of the ER-6f the look of a modern supersport machine. Sharp edged lines move forward, giving the bike a more aggressive, crouching appearance. Simple in design, the ER-6f avoids all superfluous design flourishes; lines were made to flow as long as possible. The new, taller fuel tank, minimalist-design bodywork and sharp tail cowl give the bike a compact, purposeful appearance. Attention to the smallest detail contributes to the new bike's high-quality finish and undoubted appeal.

So what is different, well from the pictures the styling is much more in line with the Ninja brand providing a more aggressive and angular style. Gone are the soft rounded corners, in are the sharp lines. Still retained is the under slung exhaust, but now the rear end sports a very tidy set of LEDs for the side/brake light, as very much in vogue at the moment. The dash seems to have had a major uplift, gone are the two analogue dials and in is a LCD pod.

Here is a little montage for use as a desktop wallpaper.

Bike parking map

I have been on the lookout for a map of the UK where you can park your motorbike. Have found a comprehensive one that covers London, but want one that deals with the whole of the UK. To that end I have started up a Google map with an open collaboration so that people can add their town's/city's/village's local parking areas.

Not being a big web developer I would really like to have this as a stand alone application that has better verification but as I am not, I will rely on people not abusing it. Any locations found not to be valid will be removed. You will also need a Google account to edit the map.

Biker Parking Places

Out and about

Having just brought the latest edition of MCN I had a flick through the "Coastal Roads" booklet. Very interesting read and well worth having a look if you can. One of the suggestions (no. 14) is a trip around Coastal Britain and it also has some links that I thought I would put up here, in part so I know where to find them!

Biker Friendly Hotels and B&Bs
UK Campsites
Petrol Prices

Recorded for posterity.

Filtering accident

Over on GBBikers "Bossdog" has posted up a letter that was used by another person when they were knocked off of their bike while filtering. The title link of this post will take you to it if you have the need for such a letter. It goes to great detail about how "Lynw" was in the right, the insurance was going for a 50/50 but ended up 100% in her favour. It is also a good read to refresh on our highway code relating to filtering and what our responsibilities are.

Motorist attacks camera van

Found a great little story on the MCN website:

"A crazed motorist is being hunted by Australian police after he attacked a speed camera van with an axe.

The unknown motorist smashed the window of the camera vehicle before fleeing the scene when the camera operator triggered an alarm.

Police in Melbourne hope to use the speed camera footage to trace the motorist, who they believe was upset at being photographed."
Original post

As much as I find camera vans annoying, maybe a little extreme?!

SHARP - The Helmet Safety Scheme

The title link will take you to the new Government website called "SHARP" Safety Helmet Assessment Rating Program. They aim to test all the helmets on sale in the UK. An interesting thing to read is the motorcycle press saying that an expensive Arai scores less then a £50 Laser. However if you watch the video that is on the site, it explains that they measure the amount of energy that is absorbed by the lid and how much is then transferred to the brain.

I am not a specialist in impact testing so cannot comment on how accurate the simulations are compared to real life events, however it must be good that there is a standard test that shows how good or bad a lid is at absorbing impact energy, regardless of label or price band.

Why not had a look and see if your helmet is on yet, if it isn't it should be soon once they (SHARP) have got round to it. Interestingly my helmet manufacturer isn't even listed!