Electronic tagging for motorcycles (criminal or not)!!!

The BMF have highlighted in a press release today the DVLA (Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority) consultation document on the pros and cons of using EVI for motorcycles as a means of addressing both tax evasion and criminal activity.

So they suggest that motorcyclists alone should have their bikes tagged!! So are we more statistically likely to be criminals or avoid our road tax? Where do the ambitions of the surveillance state end?

Do you as a law abiding motorcyclist want to have your motorcycle electronically tagged so "Big Brother" can know your every movement when your on your motorcycle?

This proposal is a slur against all law-abiding motorcyclists and a gross infringement of our civil liberties, do you want to have your motorbike electronically tagged and hence you when your on it, just like a criminal?

I'm amazed that this can be be put forward as a sensible policy possibility.

How much money has been wasted on this idea so far? Money that would have been better spent on putting more policemen on the beat and back in patrol cars on our roads.

I urge all fellow motorcyclists to resist this proposal by backing the BMF, MAG and writing to your MP to object.

Tell inter-bike what you?
We'd love to hear your views.

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

More great motorcycle book reviews by Ian Kerr on www.inter-bike.co.uk

Just a brief blog to tell you all I've just put up six more great motorcycle book reviews by Ian Kerr, they cover the following publications:

• The Modest Manxman by T.M. Sheard.
• Riding Man by Mark Gardiner
• The History of the Clubman's TT Races 1947 - 1956 by Fred Pidcock and Bill Snelling
• 100 Years of The Isle of Man TT by David Wright
• TT100 by MIck Duckworth
• Vincent and HRD Motorcycles by David Wright
  

All reviews can read from the home page of www.inter-bike.co.uk

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Paradise lost?

I had a chilly but free flowing ride on the Sunday past with very little traffic.Riding the south west loop I was planning to explore a few more places but the cold took away some of my normal enthusiasm as the sun hid away until mid afternoon and when it did show it was too little too late.Not far south of Rathdowney you will see a sign on your right to Mt Barney national park. A few nice curves

Kawasaki Versy road test

Versatile or not?

Read my latest road test of Kawasaki's new all-rounder the Versys with comprehensive picture slide show on www.inter-bike.co.uk by clicking here.

Its the mid range bike that thinks its a big bike!!

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Motorcycle Pictures of the Week

Here are my Pictures of the Week as displayed on the Motorcycle Views Web site. These are taken from the Moto Pic Gallery. See Nancy on her Honda Shadow A.C.E. and Buck with his Harley Fat Boy.

If you'd like to see your bike as Picture of the Week, submit a picture of you and your bike along with a description of the bike.

Motorcycling in Scotland

MAG UK today published a press release highlighting the release by the Scottish Executive of a document entitled "Motorcycling in Scotland - Guidance for Local Authorities".

It would seem that this document recognises motorcycling as a legitimate form of transport which benefits society by helping to reduce traffic congestion, reduce environmental damage and increasing social mobility.

At last a positive view of motorcycling, shame these views are only expressed north of Hadrian's wal, but its good start!

Read the full MAG press release on www.inter-bike.co.uk by clicking here.

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Biker Tribute to CBR600 Hottie

I've ridden in a few biker tributes and funeral processions. It's sad to know that a fellow rider has died while riding his or her bike. Here's the story of Sherri Linkous of Largo, FL killed while riding to work on her sportbike on July 17, 2007. Known as CBR600 Hottie, Sherri had friends all over. Read her story on sptimes.com and then view the tribute video, below.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally - August 6-12

Each year, hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists head toward, what many feel, is the motorcycling mecca of the world -- Sturgis. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota takes place this year August 6-12. Check out my article on this great motorcycle rally. See if you can see me waving in the picture when I attended the 1993 rally. Getting about time to go back at least one more time.

Harley-Davidson Recalls 2006 VRSCR Models for Exhaust Hazard

Harley-Davidson has issued a recall of certain 2006 VRSCR motorcycles.

Certain motorcycles were built with a condition whereby the pant leg of some riders can have direct contact with the exhaust pipe. This condition could cause the pant leg to char or burn, which could lead to the possibility of injury to the rider.

2403 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Harley-Davidson Recalls 2006-2007 Sportsters for Exhaust Hazard

Harley-Davidson has issued a recall of certain 2006-2007 Sportster XL1200L and Sportster XL1200N motorcycles.

Certain motorcycles were built with a condition whereby the pant leg of some riders can have direct contact with the exhaust pipe. This condition could cause the pant leg to char or burn, which could lead to the possibility of injury to the rider.

18784 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

BMW Motorrad will acquire Husqvarna Motorcycles

Didn't see this one coming! MV Augusta Group has announced that BMW Motorrad are to acquire the off-road motorcycle company Husqvarna Motorcycles. Apparently BMW Motorrad intend to continue to run Husqvarna as a separate company. You can read the full details of this interesting motorcycle industry takeover on www.inter-bike.co.uk, by reading the fill MV Agusta press release here.

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

The BMW HP2 Megamoto is finally here!

If you've been hankering after a new BMW HP2 Meagamoto, well its in BMW Motorrad UK showrooms now. Who wouldn't be interested in this new BMW motorcycle with an impressive 113hp and 115Nm of torque in a bike weighing only 179kg, all wrapped up in a high quality megamoto package.

Read the full details of BMW Motorrad's press release on www.inter-bike.co.uk at
http://www.inter-bike.co.uk/tblnewspop.asp?news=1876

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Good Motorcycle rides # 35

Tullebudgera Creek RoadI found this one day by chance, as mentioned in another post I was investigating the ghost road on Google Maps that seems to go up the side of Springbrook mountain on the south-eastern side. Or in other words the Springbrook road appears to continue instead of ending at the English Gardens cafe. Knowing there was no road I decided to use it as an excuse to explore around

Review - Grip Puppies

The MV Agusta has a high frequency buzz that is invasive at certain rpm. All inline fours I have ridden buzz a certain amount as V-twins all seem to pulse and shake at low rpms. The fours tend to buzz more as the rpm's rise is to me this more invasive as the twins seem to smooth out after a few thousand rpm.

The Brutale's engine buzz is unfortunately the amongst the worst I have experienced as

Tour de Springbrook

Today I dared to venture out into the winter air again and decided instead of going to the Laverda club bike show (Brisbane's biggest bike show) I would do a tour of my own around Springbrook mountain inspired by the mystery of Google map showing a ghost road.The show would have been good, I saw many bikes heading north on the M1 as I rode down to Mudgeeraba, but somedays I just like getting out

Common sense prevails - the off -road bill dies!!!

At last some common sense has prevailed. The Off Road Vehicles (Registration) Bill has been withdraw due to opposition by Government, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), and lobbying by the MRA and other organisations.

So the risk of trials bikes, motor cross bikes, circuit bikes, and quads, being forced to carry number plates has gone for the time being.

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

National Motorcycle week 15th – 21st July 2007

Don't forget its National Motorcycle week 15th – 21st July 2007. So ride your bike, scooter, moped and show all those people stuck in their tin can's that a motorcycle, scooter or moped is the green transport, that is the fun way to get about!

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

BMW G650 Xcountry road test

I've just put up on www.inter-bike.co.uk, my road test of BMW's new G650 Xcountry, a newcomer on the UK's roads.

Read about my fun day out in the country on BMW's new lightweight single cylinder motorcycle. Its fun but at a price.








Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Suzuki Rome launch

Suzuki launched a host of new motorcycle models at an exciting press launch in Rome at the beginning of this month and inter-bike correspondent Ian Kerr was on there to report on the whole event.

You can read Ian's motorcycle feature article on the launch off the following new models:-

• 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa
• 2008 Suzuki B-King
• 2008 Suzuki GSX650F
• 2008 Suzyuki Sixteen scooter

on www.inter-bike.co.uk by clicking -
Suzuki's Rome launch.

Plus there's an accompanying photo slideshow so you see first hand what these exciting new Suzuki models look like!

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Buell launchs a sportsbike

Buell has announced the launch of the the Buell® 1125R, an all-new high-performance sportbike.

Read the full details of this new Buell sportsbike on www.inter-bike.co.uk
by clicking on the link below:-

2008 Buell line-up features new liquid-cooled 1125R sportsbike

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

The Harley-Davidson XR 1200 TM® will go into production

Harley-Davidson have announced that the Harley-Davidson XR 1200 TM® will go into production for the European market in the spring of 2008. So finally the concept becomes a reality.
Read all all about this exciting new Harley-Davidson model, by reading the full press release on www.inter-bike.co.uk, see link below:-

Harley-Davidson XR 1200 TM® gets the green light for production

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Family of Dead Motorcyclist Sues Over Lack of Enhanced 911

From the Northwest Herald regarding a suit brought by the family of a motorcyclist who died in a cornfield in Illinois after he was unable to identify his location by cellphone:

"The family of a Capron motorcyclist who rescue workers could not find for hours filed a wrongful death lawsuit Monday against officials from two counties. The man had called 911 from his cell phone after he crashed in a cornfield near Harvard.

An attorney for the family of Kurt A. Regnier alleged McHenry and Winnebago County officials were negligent for not using available funds to promptly upgrade their emergency telephone systems, upgrades that would allow police to pinpoint within 500 feet from where cellular 911 calls were dialed."

This story has received considerable online comments (over 120) with almost every viewpoint represented. The rider was legally drunk according to the story and the county had already received funds to upgrade their 911 service to allow GPS location capability but had not even begun work on the project. Read the details of this tragic story and don't forget to scan through the many comments.

Ducatisti Delight!

As promised I've just put motorcycle journalist Ian Kerr's great article covering the 2007 World Ducati Week up on www.inter-bike.co.uk.
If you weren't there, revelling in an all thinks Ducati, here's your chance to read what you missed - click here, to read the full feature on inter-bike.

However best of all Ian took loads of pic of WDW 2007 s, and there are over 100 plus Ducati photos to view in a slideshow accompanying the article, a true Ducatisti Delight!





Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Harley-Davidson Announces Lineup for 2008

Harley-Davidson has announced its 2008 lineup to include three new models: Dyna Fat Bob, Rocker, and Rocker C.

Also being celebrated in 2008 is the 105th anniversary of Harley-Davidson with many events being planned.

New for 2008 will be an optional Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS).

Here's a link that gives details and also provides a link to the Harley-Davidson site.

Be part of it.

I've just published on www.inter-bike.co.uk, Tammy Milsom's amusing account of her she, a friend and her beloved Honda Fireblade took part in the filming of a Bennetts Motorcycle Insurance TV ad in North Wales for the Bennetts: Be a part of it’ advert campaign.

You can read Tammys full article in our Motorcycle Features section at http://www.inter-bike.co.uk/feature_arch.asp?id=30




Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

GSX-R1000 tops the charts.

Suzuki’s legendary GSX-R1000 has topped the UK sales charts again Its the best selling motorcycle in the UK, year to date!!!






Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Fancy a Team FIAT Yamaha Scooter?

Yamaha Motor UK have just announced the launch of the Yamaha Vale scoot. A FIAT Yamaha Team replica, thi motogp style scooter is priced at the same RRP as the standard Aerox, £2,199.00 on the road, it includes FREE RAC cover and TPO insurance too!



Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Help MAG fight motorcycle congestion charging

The Motorcycle Action Group has put out a very useful press release about proposals contained in Manchester’s congestion charging scheme to charge motorcycles, which MAG rightly sees as the thin end of the wedge as far as cities in the UK are concerned.

If you want to help oppose the imposition of congestion charging on powered two wheeler use in the UK, I urge you to read the press release on www.inter-bike.co.uk, which can be read here.

Further MAG's excellent full and detailed response to the Manchester congestion charging scheme can be read by downloading MAG's pdf document from:-
http://www.network.mag-uk.org/congestioncharging/MAG_UK_Response_to_Manchester_Congestion_Charging_Consultation_1_.pdf

However MOST IMPORTANT, please sign MAG's petition against congestion charging for motorcycles at:-
http://campaign.publicaffairsbriefing.co.uk/home.aspx?cid=c51e28b4-1215-404a-88fc-122369424b6e

we here at inter-bike have!!

We'd be interested here at www.inter-bike.co.uk to know hat you think about Manchester's proposal to apply congestion charging to motorcycles? Add your commet to this blog entry.

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

The Triumph Street Triple is officailly launched

Triumph officially unveiled the Triumph Street Triple too over 5,000 Triumph owners on Saturday, 30th June, at the Triumph Tridays in Neukirchen, Austria.

Based around the award wining Daytona 675, this is surely a striking new addition to the Triumph range.

Read the full details of this new Triumph motorcycle on www.inter-bike.co.uk by clicking here.


Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

RoSPA - Safer Motorcycling Work

RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) have put out an excellent press release entittled "RoSPA helps employers to promote safer motorcycling" full details of which can be read on www.inter-bike.co.uk, by clicking here.

RoSPA is trying to encourage employers to promote safer motorcycling and are making available free, an excellent online document called "Safer Motorcycling at Work", which can be downloaded from www.rospa.com/roadsafety/info/motorcycling_through_work.pdf

This publication is well worth a read by all motorcyclists, it contains loads of motorcycling safety advice, an introducation bymotorcyclist Suzi Perry and some harrowing facts!
E.g.: Powered Two Wheelers account for about 1% of road traffic but about 18% of fatal casualties and 19% of serious injuries

We all need to promote safer motorcycling, so I urge you to read this document and start promoting safer motorcycling through your work place.

YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE!

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

More coming on World Ducati Week 2007

Just a quick note to let you know inter-bike correspondent Ian Kerr was on the ground at World Ducati Week 2007 for www.inter-bike.co.uk and we will be publishing extensive photo's and an article from Ian on this exciting Ducati event on www.inter-bike.co.uk , in the next few days. Watch this space!


Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

The Ducati Desmosedici RR makes its first ever public appearance

The pre-series version of the Ducati Desmosedici RR was ridden by Ducati MotoGP Team test rider, Vittoriano Guareschi at Misano as part of World Ducati Week 2007.

To see more pictures and read more about this exciting new bike on www.inter-bike.co.uk, click here.


Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Suzuki launches a host of new models!

Suzuki GB have announced the launch of not one but five new Suzuki motorcycles today. In a press launch in Rome, journalists learnt of the following new models:-

• The new Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa
• The soon to be launched Suzuki B-King
• The new Suzuki GSX650F
• The Suzuki C1800 Intruder
• The new fuel-injected Suzuki RM-Z450

You can read the full details of Suzuki's press release on www.inter-bike.co.uk by clicking here.

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

2007 MotoGP Day of Champions Pictures

I've just completed work on a 100 picture slideshow of this years amazing Riders for Health MotoGP Day of Champions at Donington Park race circuit on the 21st June 2007.

The slide show contains pictures of most of the current MotoGP riders including Valentino Rossi, Casy Stoner, Nicky Hayden, Alex Barros, Colin Edwards Makoto Tamda, Carlos Checa, Randy De Puniet, Anthony West, John Hopkins, Toni Elias, Dani Pedrosa, Marco Melandri, Sylvain Guintoli, Shinya Nakano, Loris Capirossi, Alex Hofmann, Chris Vermeulen and Kurtis Roberts.

There are many pictures of the days race attractions and of the huge auction of MotoGP items.
Best of all this was a record day for Riders for Health the official MotoGP charity which raised a staggering £217,000.

Well done to all involved.

Hope you all enjoy the slide show which can be viewed on www.inter-bike.co.uk at http://www.inter-bike.co.uk/dayofchampions07.html

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/