Buy a 5-day pass for Wheels & Waves, Biarritz 2020 and... ... 16 days riding around the Promised Land could be your reward Wheels & Waves 2020 kicks off as usual in Biarritz, France and is likely to be the usual fast and furious festival of fun, frolics and fraternising—all played out against the backdrop of all motorcycling culture, skateboarding and surfing. The date will be 10th - 14th June 2020. You can check the website (below) for details of that festival, but it's an irritating site splashed with that currently-in-vogue letterbox format thingy that gets on our nerves, so we won't be going there again any time soon. But this is really a story about a California road trip. And all you have to do to be in with a chance of winning a 16 day jaunt around the Golden State astride an Indian Motorcycle is buy a 5-day advance pass. 
However, we have to say that we're not very impressed with the press material regarding this offer. The organisers are giving little away, so we don't know if this includes flights, accommodation, fuel or whatever. We don't know exactly what motorcycle is available, or whether the trip includes a pillion passenger. And we don't know how much a 5-day pass will cost. Certainly, at the time of writing this there's no more information on the aforementioned website. Note too that the above advert lists the event as a "West Indian Motorcycle Tour". Hmm. And a closer inspection of the route suggests that this 16 day adventure will also visit Las Vegas (Nevada), Kingman (Arizona) and as far east as Moab (Utah). In short, it feels like this trip has been sloppily put together as an afterthought. But maybe we're misjudging it. You can decide that for yourself and then book that 5-day pass, or leave it well alone. The draw will take place during the festival.  If you're interested, you'd better check back on that site from time to time and see if more info is forthcoming.
Meanwhile, not so long ago we travelled east-west across the USA and then west-east. We detailed the journey on our Route 66 Road Trip feature. Might be worth a few minutes of your time. UPDATE: We've since learned that the 5-day pass costs €60. https://wheels-and-waves.com
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Seen a UK road sign that needs some help or adjustment? Okay. Here's an opportunity to report it ... Transport Focus is the name. It's an "independent" UK watchdog for transport users—and you can figure out for yourself what its remit is. We mention this organisation here on Sump because it's just launched a new nationwide campaign called Sort My Sign. The idea is straightforward enough. Many roadside signs in the UK are evidently either generally not fit for purpose, or need repositioning, or need re-thinking (information-wise), or need removing completely. 
Often the fix will simply involve lopping off a few obscuring tree branches or repairing storm damage or sending someone out with a pot of paint and a ladder, etc. You know how it goes. However, those signs have to first be identified. To that end, Joe and Josephine Public are being asked to report errant signage thereby giving Transport Focus more ammunition to fire at Highways England so that they're compelled to address/fix the problem. But take note that this campaign is focussed on the motorways and major A-roads that Highways England look after. So bridleways and B-roads are not in the mix. Other authorities handle these. 
All you need to do is visit the Transport Focus website, find the campaign section, and follow the brief. And if you have any other observations or thoughts about UK road signage, we're sure that Transport Focus want to hear about it. Better to light a candle than curse the darkness, huh?
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More production to shift from the UK to overseas Some jobs will be lost at Hinckley Triumph is reported to be moving more of its production capabilities to Thailand in an effort to stay competitive in a highly dynamic and challenging market. As a direct consequence, we hear that there will be job losses at the factory HQ in Hinckley, Leicestershire. But there will also be some new positions as the firm expands its R&D (Research and Development) interests, notably with regard to new lightweight models expected to come on stream within the next few years, and with regard to its increasing interest in electric motorcycles. 
Already, the majority of Triumph motorcycles are made in Thailand, many of which are supplied to other nations (specifically India and Brazil) as CKD (Complete Knock Down) kits. It's not something Triumph wants to advertise any more than is necessary. But (if it makes you feel any better) the firm does claim that production standards abroad are every bit as good as production standards at home. However, some motorcycle production will continue at Hinckley, most notably with respect to the company's high-end TFC models. In raw numbers, that will be around 6,500 units rolling through the gates each year (4,500 according to other sources). Consequently, the existing production lines will be rationalised, and new production lines will be developed. 
▲ Triumph Thailand or Triumph UK? In fairness to the company, we've no doubt that they'd rather have all production handled right here in Blighty. But there are various trade barriers, import agreements and tariffs in place around the world. That ramps up the import cost, hence the need for local manufacturing solutions. How many of us, we wonder, would stick another £500 down to pay for a 100% British-built bike? We figure that you already know the answer to that. In the real world, you have to get real. Hinckley is apparently "talking it up" pretty well and keeping the chrome shining. But it will be a great disappointment to many Triumph fans to see a further shift towards the Far East—not least because Triumph's UK workforce is going to take a hit. Yes, the factory says that wherever possible it will find new positions for the redundant staff. And we've got no doubt of that fact. But Triumph staff here in Britain take great pride in building the bikes, and the job  losses will hurt in various ways. Currently, around 65,000 Triumph motorcycles are manufactured each year. The majority of these bikes are sold overseas via a reported 650 dealers. Buy British, we still say. Or Thai-British.
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Very disappointing news that Triumph intends to produce all its bikes in Thailand for a company that trades on its Britishness so heavily. It's not good. I was looking to buy a new replacement for my Sprint GT by March 1st 2020. It was going to be a Tiger 1250, but no more. I'm sorry. They aren't the most reliable (new reg was wrecked at 5,000 miles), but since they're an imported bike, I will buy a Jap bike and get 100% reliability.
—Melanie Clift
I agree with Melanie on this one. It's already a bit of a stretch
Triumph trading on its history as it does. It's not as if the bikes
have been in continuous production or that the Bloor company has any direct connections to the original Triumph firm. If the bikes are now to be manufactured abroad as well, and the British workforce laid off, then I think Triumph should at least review its marketing strategy and stop touting its supposed 'British' credentials. Those credentials have pretty much evaporated—The Village Squire
Bloor Homes are building houses down the road from me. Think they’re made in the U.K, one for the Triumph purists/dreamers?
Some of the components may be manufactured abroad though ... like with the bikes.—Tim Ruck
It's sad, a tragedy for the workers who probably thought that because of the company's continued success that their jobs were secure, and it's more than a bit of a sell out as Triumph's reputation leans heavily on the Made-in-England heritage. I have bought Triumphs old and new, partly because they're British engineering and I identify with them (currently a T100, T140 and T398). I rate the new twins, but haven't been impressed enough to buy one yet. Now I definitely won't. If I wanted an Asian bike, I'd probably buy a Honda. The statistic that stands out for me is the majority of Triumphs are sold overseas (not in UK), and I wonder if those overseas buyers who chose Triumph would be as enthused if the "Britishness" and heritage factors weren't present. It places Triumph squarely as a competitor to the big Asian players, but without their heritage advantage I wonder how well they'll do in that game? I poo-poo'd the Kawasaki W650 as an imitation whilst accepting it's a competent bike. Still, some people bought it anyway. This changes that. —Phil Cowley, Hants
It's perfectly simple. If you want a British-built Triumph, buy one of the TFC models. They're made in Leicestershire. Triumph fans can put their money where their mouths are.—Griffo
Well I'm no Triumph purist/dreamer. In fact I prefer the products
of one of the country's defunct manufacturers. I'm also well aware of
the realities of production/costs within a global market. However, I am
suggesting it's time Triumph stopped trading on their supposed
Britishness now that they won't be manufacturing here at all and are
laying off much of their British workforce. It can't really be
regarded/sold as a British product anymore can it, as it won't be
produced here?.—The Village Squire
Hi, Living in Spain for some years and finally getting my 1960 BSA finally registered here I decided to spend some of my children’s expected inheritance and buy, in 2017, a new T120 Bonneville. Call me stupid but at the time I honestly thought that it was made in the UK. The Spanish motorbike shop it was bought from even told me that the bike was going to be delivered from Britain after my deposit etc was sorted out. It came as a big shock when a few weeks later I joined the Triumph RAT group and was told that mine was made in Thailand. These bikes are overpriced and rely on the Britishness to make people think that it costs more to make there than the truth that they are made in the far east. As an old codger, the bike is rather heavy for me when moving it around the garage, etc. It's okay on the move of course, but when it is due for replacement I will be looking at the Indian Royal Enfield 650cc as that at least lets you know where it is made and is considerably cheaper because of that. I do feel sorry for the redundant workforce in the UK who have been very loyal to the Bloor Empire, which shows that loyalty is wasted these days. I try to buy British but even my Land Rover Freelander has stopped being made, and the Discovery model which I had intended to replace it with are now being made in Eastern Europe. Where once again the workers are exploited and paid very little for their efforts. Is anything still actually made in the UK ?
Regards—Morgan, the BSA Biker (yes I know that sounds sad at my age, but who cares?)
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"£35,000" Panigale snatched by thieves Another bike was "lined-up" for theft If someone offers you a cheap(ish) V4 Ducati—especially one showing traces of brick dust—keep 'em talking while someone else calls the cops because it could be the property (or ex-property) of Moto Rapido Ducati in Winchester, Hants. What happened was that on Wednesday 19th February 2020 at around 10pm, thieves smashed through a wall at the locally well known bike shop in Winnall Valley Road and purloined the Duke, said to be valued at around £35,000. Apparently, there was CCTV and security lights, but we're told that the camera had a different line of sight and wasn't watching this particular part of the premise. Also, we're told that there was an alarm, but that was somehow circumvented. Interesting. 
Since the theft, we're told that dealer Steve Moore has been contacted by other bike dealers who report a similar modus operandi. And there are any number of jokes and wisecracks to be made about this incident. But of course, it's pretty serious stuff and erodes confidence in the bike world. Everyone understands that. On a practical side, we'd suggest (the obvious fact?) that the crooks probably knew the business at least reasonably well, so we'd start making lists of (a) people who visit the premises and/or have been spotted furtively "casing the joint", and (b) anyone who's curiously absent over the next few weeks or months. Nobody, after all, knocks down a wall on the off chance that there's an expensive motorcycle parked behind it. The game is afoot, etc. Meanwhile, here are the bike details: Ducati V4R 2020, New, unregistered:
VIN :ZDMDA04AALB010998
Engine : ZDM1000W4*001238* Sharing the news on your Facebook page is, naturally, welcomed. And if you can help the cops lay a hand on a shoulder, a reward could be coming at you. And while we remember, we hear that the bike was awaiting collection by the customer. However, Ducati is apparently shipping a replacement from Italy. Small consolation.
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This 750cc triple was won in late 2019 Now the owner needs to sell it We've seen this motorcycle before on Sump. We featured it in May 2019 and again in the June of that year. The story was that the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull was offering the above 1977 750cc Triumph T160 Trident as the top prize in its Summer 2019 raffle. Unused from new, unregistered and in pristine condition, the tickets were available (notionally) for £2 each, but were being offered only in blocks of five. So that's actually five tickets for a tenner. Es claro? Regardless, the bike was won by biker Sally Peace from (well, never mind where she's from; but she's certainly from somewhere), and naturally she was delighted. However, Sally—who is a health worker—has a few health issues of her own to deal with; as a result of which, she's planning to sell the Trident and realise some spondulicks. Yes, we can hear one or two Sump readers/visitors groaning at that. What we all want to hear is that Sally and husband/boyfriend/friend/dog/whoever are now planning a 25,000 mile extended road trip on the Trident intent on retiring to some place interesting, exotic and warm. But reality bites, and needs must. So we can console ourselves with the realisation that whatever now happens to the triple, Sally still enjoyed a great moment when her number came up. And in this life, you have to be realistic because fate takes no prisoners. 
More prosaically, the Trident will be offered for auction by Mssrs H&H on 7th April 2020, and the venue will be (appropriately?) the National Motorcycle Museum, still in Solihull. The estimate is £10k to £12k, and if the T160 doesn't fly past those numbers, there's something seriously wrong in the classic bike market (which, lately, might just be the case—more of that as and  when). Finally, need we say that we hope Sally successfully overcomes her health issues? Nope, we didn't think so. www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk See also: Sump Classic Bike News, November 2018
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The written multiple choice DVLA module will become more visual Changes to take place in April 2020 Quite simply, some folk have trouble with elementary reading and writing. They might have "ordinary" literacy problems, or they might not speak English as a first language, or they might simply be wired-up differently. Such folk, say the DVLA, often have difficulty with the written theory aspect of the UK driving test. So the government has agreed to introduce a new video component to address this problem.  Specifically, a range of video clips will be shown in the classrooms, each displaying a different motoring scenario such as driving down the high street, or motoring through the countryside, or even being overtaken by one or more motorcycles—the latter of which helps address the all-too-familiar and all-too-lethal sorry-mate-I-didn't-see-you phenomenon.
Learners will watch the videos, and after each excerpt will face a trio of multiple choice questions. The examiner will then mark their cards accordingly. Therefore, referring to written questions/instructions will be redundant. Considering how long the basic video technology has been available, it's taken the DVLA a long time to get around to this improvement to the system (assuming you agree that it is an improvement). But it looks like changes are on the way now, and we'll be grateful for that. Particular groups that will benefit from the move are those struggling with dyslexia and autism, both of which conditions often leave people isolated. The DVLA believes that the video component will help improve mobility and social welfare for all. According to John Rogers, from Disability Driving Instructors, "A picture paints a thousand words, especially for candidates with special educational needs. Having to go back and forth between the text in the written scenario and the written questions and answers was a big obstacle to understanding what was required. Video scenarios should prove much easier to follow and the questions will hopefully appear more relevant." The changes, we're advised, will be attached only to the car driving test. And we can expect those changes to arrive this April, 2020.
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Other Bauer motorcycle titles in decline But Classic Bike shows an average rise of 130 copies per month) The latest Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) figures show that Motorcycle News (MCN) print sales are still in decline. Figures just released (14/2/20) reveal that in 2019, the long-established biking newspaper sold an average of 48,525 copies per week. That's down an average of 8,314 copies per week from 56,839 (2019 figure). Or, looked at another way, that's a 14.6% drop. Currently owned by Bauer Media, these unwelcome numbers also reveal that Bike Magazine saw its average monthly sales for 2019 fall from 35,098 copies to 31,813 (down just over 9%). Classic Bike average monthly sales for 2019 are up slightly from 30,646 to 30,776 (a rise of 130 copies, or 0.4%). Ride Magazine figures for 2019 show another fall from 29,434 to 28,057 (down 4.6%). It's worth noting once again that rival Morton Media steadfastly refuses to have its magazine/newspaper sales audited. So if you're an advertiser, or potential advertiser, you can read what you like into that.
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Haynes Publishing Group sold for £114.5m to French firm Infopro Digital [NOTE: We had wrongly listed this as £14.5m. Apologies to all]
Lind Group to launch its 5th Harley-Davidson showroom (at Watford, Herts)
P&L MCs (Alfreton, Derbys) "£100,000" ram-raid. 9/2/20. £5,000 reward
Ex-racer and bike builder Giancarlo Morbidelli dies aged 86 in Pesaro, Italy
2020 limited edition 117-inch Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide. £31,474
Hull Police ruled unlawful re: "transphobic hate crime" tweet. See: Fair Cop
Big turnout at Colin Seeley's funeral (10/2/20) held at Eltham Crematorium
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Norton boss is facing the pension ombudsman And now a public enquiry is being demanded Sounds pretty damning when you read a headline like that. Stuart Garner under investigation. Therefore he's guilty as charged, so take him down and string him up, etc. Over the past few years there has been a lot of smoke at Donington Hall (actually smoke and mirrors according to some), and now it's time to put the fires out. But first you've got to find the source of the blaze. That's why owner and head honcho Garner is effectively up before the beak today (13th Feb 2020); in this instance, the pensions ombudsman which is hearing evidence from 30 aggrieved savers. Supposedly, Garner has inappropriately used these funds to help plug the hole in Norton cash flow dam and has failed to facilitate access to said funds when called upon to do so. And now that the company is on the skids, it's not clear if much (or any) of that cash will be forthcoming. Meanwhile, Meg Hillier MP, Public Accounts Committee Chair, is demanding a full-blown public enquiry into the various loans handed over to Norton by the UK government. The company, after all, was "obviously" failing. So where was the "due diligence"? And why was the likes of ex-chancellor George Osborne cozying-up to Garner? And why the %&?! did Theresa May take Garner on a trade mission to China in 2018? You know how it goes. Norton Motorcycles (or Stuart Garner, if you prefer—although there is an important legal distinction here) apparently received £4 million from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). That was in 2015. Actually, some of the dosh, we're reading, also went to 11 of the supply chain companies—and you might want to remember that. Then another £1.5 million was signed off to Norton, but apparently this money didn't enter the company pockets due to its collapse. Other treats, favours, support and encouragement has supposedly been sucked up by Garner's firm, and now that the ship is holed and heading for the bottom, the rats and hypocrites are paddling away on whatever flotsam is available. But why do we keep saying "supposedly"? Well that's because we don't know who the hell really did what to who, and who knew about it, and who was deliberately (or accidentally) looking the wrong way. We don't know anything about the legal ownership of the various Aston Martins, Range Rovers and other toys available for Garner's personal use. We don't know about any personal loans he might have received from Norton (or any of the other companies he owns, or owned). And we don't know if he's really as broke as he says he now is. And we don't know if he's done anything criminal. What we do know, or believe, is that everyone not directly involved needs to back off and let the truth be unravelled by the people best equipped to do that (whoever the hell they might be). Some pretty unsavoury accusations are currently flying around. And if you're interested, you can do your own snooping. 
There seems little doubt that over the past decade some shrewd strings have been pulled at Donington Hall, home of Norton, and there's no doubt that there are some very unhappy folk looking to get satisfaction here. But it's worth reflecting on the fact that if Garner and accountants weren't doing half the stuff they're being accused of doing, there isn't much room for them in modern business. Notwithstanding a few saintly exceptions, they're pretty much all at it one way or another. It's grimly necessary if you want to survive. So let's suck it up. Here at Sump, all we want to do is suggest that before we string up this particular nigger, we ought to let due process have its way (and yes, we think the word "nigger" is appropriate here, so save your politically correct emails everyone).  The only thing we're sure of is that Stuart Garner (who's no friend of ours) is about to get a royal kicking and might end up facing criminal proceedings whether justified or not. He's certainly guilty of something. But whether that's some form of commercial larceny, or business desperation or just ordinary stupidity (or a combination of all three) remains to be seen.
We're sitting this one out until the smoke clears.
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Re-styled with new features and the same overall power But some cost-cutting has clearly taken place Triumph Motorcycles has tweaked the "middle-of-the-set" Street Triple R and has shaved weight and, surprisingly, cut the price. Follow the link below and switch over to our Motorcycle News landing page for details. 2020 Triumph Street Triple R
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It's a four day event at Olympia this year No motorcycles are expected This event is back for another year, but for 2020 it will be held at Olympia, London. It's the 6th outing for the London Classic Car Show, and typically you can expect all kinds of quality motoring exotica on display, and (we hope) maybe a few more humble vehicles from yesteryear. To that end, the organisers are promising over 500 cars, but as expected there's no word on any motorcycles. Typically, these big ticket classic car shows are aimed way too high for the pockets of most visitors. But there is usually something of interest lurking beneath a spotlight. It's a four day event, by the way, and we have to say that we're not exactly straining at the leash to mosey on down there. The website looks pretty dull, and the press material we've seen isn't any more inspiring. Moreover we're told that this show is the "must-attend event for any discerning classic car owner, collector or connoisseur." Consequently, Ford Zodiac tyre kickers and classic scrap yard oiks (like us) might want to try elsewhere. Or follow the link below and make your own judgement. The dates are Thursday 20th - Sunday 24th February 2020. The tickets start at (whoops!) £75 for day one (with VIP access, a couple of snifters and a view of the awards ceremonies), and that price then decreases to twenty five quid (but without even a cup of stewed tea and a donut). And these are adult prices, booked. Family tickets and discount codes are catered for. And expect a £2 transaction fee. Hours are 4.30pm - 9pm for Thursday; then 10am - 6pm for the next two days; and you'll get booted out an hour earlier at 5pm on the Sunday. What larks, huh? www.thelondonclassiccarshow.co.uk
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The Hollywood star of Spartacus (1960) has died He was 103 years old When Hollywood A-list actor Kirk Douglas was born, WW1 was only halfway through. That's how far back this man's history stretches—and what a history. Kirk Douglas, who has died aged 103, was one of the greatest actors of his generation, and one of the greatest actors of all time. We count ourselves among his millions of fans, and because we like to take a sidelong look at the world beyond motorcycles, we're having an extra beer tonight in his memory as we write these words. He was born Issur Danielovitch to Jewish parents who emigrated to the USA from what is now Belarus. The family settled in Amsterdam, New York State. It's said that from an early age Douglas had his eyes on the acting profession. But as a young man he first took on dozens of non-acting roles including gardener, janitor, sideshow wrestler, bus boy and waiter. He joined the US Navy in 1941, but was medically discharged in 1944 following an accident with a depth charge. Soon after, he took his first film role in The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946) co-starring with Barbara Stanwyck. The following year (1947) he shared the screen with Robert Mitchum and Jane Greer in Out of the Past (better known, and better titled, in the UK as Build My Gallows High). 
▲ Kirk Douglas in Spartacus (1960). This will be the role for which Issur Danielovitch is best remembered. Directed by the equally great Stanley Kubrick, Spartacus cost $12 million and grossed $60million. Tough, tortured and tenacious; that was Douglas both on and off screen. Soon he was much in demand and took on one of his toughest roles (in every sense of the word) in the movie Champion (1949) in which he played Midge Kelly, a boxer determined to fight his way to the top—and in doing so knock down or rabbit punch everyone who gets in his way. In terms of intensity of performance (a Kirk Douglas trademark), you need not look any further than this movie. By comparison, Stallone's Rocky Balboa is a wimp, and even DeNiro's Jake La Motta in Raging Bull (1980) owes a punch or two to Kirk Douglas's stellar characterisation. 
Other notable landmarks in Douglas's career include Paths of Glory (1957), The Vikings (1958), Spartacus (1960), Lonely are the Brave (1962) and Seven Days in May (1964), all of which reveal new and/or unexpected facets of Douglas's acting style and personality. He took chances, and the chances took him higher. Equally challenging/notable roles for Douglas included playing Vincent van Gogh in Lust for Life (1956), The List of Adrian Messenger (1963), Heroes of Telemark (1965), Cast a Giant Shadow (1966) and The Way West (1967). He worked throughout the 1970s and 1980s and found a new antipodean audience in The Man From Snowy River (1982)—an Australian/Kangaroo western based upon lines penned by "bush poet" Andrew "Banjo" Patterson. Douglas suffered a well-publicised stroke in the 1990s that for a long while left him unable to speak. But he made a partial recovery, used the issue as a springboard to other inspiring ventures, and was still acting up to 2008 (and performed a one-man-show the following year). Beyond acting, he was a writer, poet, movie producer and director. He shared the silver screen with numerous Hollywood luminaries, notably Burt Lancaster, John Wayne, Lauren Bacall, George C Scott, Jean Simmons, Jason Robards and Lana Turner. The list goes on. Famously, Kirk Douglas is also the father of actor Michael Douglas, and he fathered three other sons (one deceased), all of whom were involved at various levels in the film and entertainment industry. 
▲ Kirk Douglas as Vincent van Gogh in Lust for Life (1956). As a biopic, it's not as faithful as it might be. But it's a highly creditable portrayal of a tormented soul struggling for self expression. Commercially it was no success at all. But Kirk Douglas was nominated for an Academy Award, leaving Anthony Quinn (as Paul Gaugin) to collect a gong for Best Supporting Actor. He appeared in over 90 movies, and performed in numerous plays on and off Broadway. He and his wife gave tens of millions of dollars to various charities. And he once famously described himself as a "son of a bitch" and "one of the most disliked actors in Hollywood." That most likely wasn't even close to the truth. And if so, he was roundly respected by his peers, friends and enemies. But he certainly had a reputation for being irascible at times and very difficult to work with. He understood that, and cited his troubled and struggling upbringing as part of his emotional baggage. Regardless, Kirk Douglas was unquestionably one of "the greats" and gave us dozens of memorable performances and hours of entertainment in various movie genres from film noir, westerns, historical dramas, war movies, comedies and mysteries. We liked him plenty and have duly noted his passing. And 103 years old? The man was nothing if not a fighter.
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www.britishdealernews.co.uk 
Ducati V4 Superleggera. Limited edition. 500 bikes. 152kg. 224hp. £85,000 Triumph dealers rewarded for service (A1 Moto Triumph, dealer of the year)
www.motorcyclenews.com Government confirms motorbikes not included in 2035 petrol ban Return of a legend: new Hayabusa spied in Suzuki patent leaks
www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial Revamped Royal Enfield 350 singles heading for Europe Festival of Jurby 2020 cancellation won’t affect charity
www.visordown.com Construction of new smart motorways halted amid safety fears
www.motorbikewriter.com Ewan McGregor admits hitching rides with cars [Long Way Up electric trip]
www.revzilla.com 
US ad-free/subs only mag Motorcycle Consumer News closes Malcolm! The autobiography of US dirt-bike racer Malcolm Smith reviewed
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Ideal for chops, trikes—and maybe even hot rods 12-volt only Available now from Alchemy Parts in Hertfordshire, UK, this robust looking 12-volt accessory might be just the thing you need to light up your rear end. We haven't seen the unit up close, so we haven't tested it. Therefore you'll need to talk to Alchemy about their returns policy and ask appropriate questions. The illumination, we're told, is provided by long-lasting/low power drain LEDs, so discuss your polarity before you buy and see if it's suitable, etc. There are two versions, both made from aluminium. Ask for part number 12212 for the black finish (see inset), or 12212-1 for the above polished example. The recommended retail price is around £40, minus a bob or two. And when we just checked (7th February 2020) the lights were in stock with more arriving soon. www.alchemyparts.co.uk
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▲ In November 2020 there will be a United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland. Many of the discussions will revolve around new anti-global warming strategies and initiatives. The UK government clearly wants to get ahead of the curve, but already critics are questioning the workability of Boris Johnson's early fossil fuel cuts ideas. Government wants to bring forward new fossil fuel vehicle ban More worrying news for petrol (and diesel) heads It's not yet written into law. And might never be. So it's important to get that straight from the start. At the moment it's just a proposal. But clearly UK prime minister Boris Johnson wants to accelerate plans to make Britain carbon neutral by 2050. To that aim, the original notion was to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK by 2040. However, if Johnson gets his way, that deadline will be brought forward to 2035. After that date, only new electric and hydrogen powered cars will be able to leave the showrooms. And motorcycles? Well we haven't yet heard anything specific about bikes. So you can make your own assumptions. But we have to wonder whether the next 15 years is sufficient time to make the transition from fossil fuels to "clean energy" (which ultimately is actually every bit as dirty, of course). We're talking about a huge infrastructure switch from phasing out petrol stations to phasing in sufficient vehicle charging points. We're talking about the inevitable winding-down/closure of repair shops and garages. We're talking about new national grid electricity generating plants. We're talking about new hydrogen production facilities. We're talking about planning issue related to those facilities. We're talking about the impact the changes might make to vehicle car dealerships. We're talking about the impact on all the other businesses that support the motor industry. We're talking about a thousand and one things that we probably haven't even thought about. 15 years is no time at all. Worst of all, it might not even be necessary. That's because many of us are still not convinced that (a) the case has been made for man-made global warming (although there's no doubt that global warming hysteria is a very real phenomenon), and (b) that ending the production and sale of ICE vehicles is likely to make much difference (although we recognise that this would be part of a much bigger clean-up plan). A growing school of thought believes that if the planet really is warming unnaturally (which is conceivable), it might be better/easier/cheaper to simply adjust to a warmer climate rather than try and hold back the tides and attempt to micro-manage the atmosphere. We are in any case headed towards a "cleaner" future, technologically speaking. We're talking about lower power consumption electrical devices, more efficient lighting and heating, better home insulation, etc. So it might be better if we didn't try and force the more "natural" pace of progress with panic-driven knee-jerk reactions. 
▲ Global warming might be happening. Or it might just be hysteria. But fact or fiction, changes are coming; either via the fickle climate itself, or simply via the politics of "climate control". When you tire of the David Attenborough/Greta Thunberg/Extinction Rebellion drum banging, check out the above movie and give the neurosis a rest. Highly recommended. Meanwhile, the underlying issue is barely being talked about let alone being addressed, and that's quite simply the matter of huge overpopulation. The UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that the current population of the United Kingdom is around 66 million. Barring some kind of unexpected exodus, we can expect that number to rise by around 5 million over the next decade or so, and we're facing far bigger demographic leaps elsewhere in the world. Already the world population is around 7 billion. But of course, the desire to increase the size of the tribe is hard-wired into the human psyche (and probably into human DNA). It's difficult to envisage Western governments doing much about the birth rate and rampant population growth, not when such governments are still addressing issues of domestic labour shortages by short-term immigration fixes and suchlike. All this aside, come 2035, where does this leave owners of existing petrol and diesel powered vehicles? We don't know. And nobody else does. For some of us "ageing" bikers, 2035 might no be much of a concern; not in practical terms, anyway. But if Johnson gets his way, the changes coming at us could arrive within the next few years. There are usually high winds before the storm. For now, don't panic. But stay alert. UPDATE: We are hearing reports that motorcycles are not yet included in the 2035 proposals. But we haven't had official confirmation. It might simply be that, once again, bikes were simply forgotten.
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Last of the single cylinder pushrod engines Classic 500 Tribute Black versions will be available from May 2020 We've been hearing for a while that Royal Enfield is to phase out its 500cc UCE single cylinder engine (as deployed in the Bullet and Classic) in order to focus on its new range of twins. Well, the immediately above Royal Enfield Classic Tribute Black model is likely to be the swansong of the range. Introduced in 2009, the handsome looking lean-burn motor gave new impetus to the Royal Enfield marque—but, importantly, without sacrificing decades of heritage. The year 2020 will see both the end of this engine, and the creation of a new limited-edition model to mark its passing. 
We're advised that 1,000 bikes will be available in the European market. Each will carry a numbered plaque, and all with be available only in two tone gloss/matt black—which is a little odd for a tribute model. We would have expected something less funereal and more upbeat. Still, we can see the appeal (and perhaps a black armband ought to be offered to hard core riders). Confusingly, we're hearing that the Classic and Bullet singles will be available throughout 2020, even though production is to end during the first quarter. So we have to assume that Royal Enfield has got sufficient models stockpiled to help wean us away from the firm's favourite son. Additionally, we're hearing that new parts will continue to be available for some time to come (as is underpinned by industrial legislation). 
We suspect that the demand for these Tribute Black models will be fairly high, and 1,000 units isn't actually very much when spread across Europe. It's a shame that these good value, good looking, generally well priced and very practical and simple bikes are for the chop. But if you don't purge the past, there's simply not enough room for the future. And that, of course, is an unstoppable force that will come at us one way or another. Better to get it on our terms. There's no specific price listed yet for this edition.
We'll probably raise a glass when we hear that the last example has rolled off the assembly line. But we'll also be looking forward to an OHC replacement. Might happen.
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Brough-Superior Aston Martin bike to unveil at MCN London MC Show
DVSA purge. 105 bike instructors & 18 training school licences revoked
Save Norton MC crowdfunding appeal. £500k target. 3 days. £65 raised
30th Anniversary H-D Fat Boy. 114ci. Vivid black only. From £20,495
Sammy Miller Museum. 10,000 sq ft two storey extension "by Easter 2020"
June charity jolly to raise homeless funds. Google "Crisis Ride 2020".
BMW to fit all new motorcycles with trackers (excluding G310R & G310GS)
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▲ Lot 195: Ex-Bud Ekins 1938 500cc 5T Triumph Speed Twin. This is a one-year-only 6-stud 500cc model (with a dodgy looking fork angle) that over the past few decades has kicked around a few owners. Bud Ekins was one of them, and so expectations were (unrealistically?) high with an estimate of $50,000 - $60,000 (£38,000 - £46,000). But the offer fell on deaf ears, and the bike did not sell. Another '38 5T (restored) also failed to sell from an estimate of $28,000 - $32,000 (£21,000 - £24,000). Almost half of the lots didn't sell on the day Plenty of bikes sold at lower than expected prices We haven't officially heard from Bonhams regarding the firm's recent Las Vegas Sale on 23rd January 2020. But that usually happens when the only news the company has to report is bad news, and that appears to be the case in this instance. We counted 127 lots in the sale of which just 66 found buyers. Interestingly, the lot numbering itself is a little puzzling. It starts at Lot 1 and stops at Lot 16. Then the count restarts at Lot 101 and continues through to Lot 211. That's a pretty effective way to hide how many lots you've got on the books—but there might be other reasons for this fractured form of numbering. So we're giving Bonhams the benefit of the doubt (albeit with reservations). Either way, the conversion rate works out at just 51.9%. Note that on the caption above (main image, top of this page) we had earlier reported a conversion rate of just 47.4%. But we miscounted and now think that 51.9% is the correct figure. Which is very low. Also, a couple of bikes were at some point withdrawn which we're treating as NO SALE lots (but you could look at it differently, and no doubt Bonhams will). Some of the lots found big money. But many sold at very low prices which could indicate a huge cooling in US classic bike prices. But first the more notable sales: Lot 161: 1918 Harley-Davidson Model 18J, $88,550 (£67,442) Lot 165Ω: 1949 Vincent 998cc Black Shadow Series-C, $97,750 (£74,449)
Lot 167: 1939 Matchless 982cc Model X, $59,800 (£45,545) Lot 175Ω: 1938 AJS 1,000cc Model 2, $43,700 (£33,283) Lot 203: 1980 Kawasaki 1,015cc Mystery Ship, $55,200 (£42,041) All prices include buyers premium
However, a lot of other blue chip/higher status stuff (for want of a better word) didn't shift an inch, including: Lot 157: 1948 Indian Factory Racer, Est $80k - $90k (£61k - £69k)
Lot 158: 1917 Henderson Model G Racer, Est $80k - $90k (£61k - £69k)
Lot 159: 1910 Harley-Davidson Model 6A, Est $85k - $95k (£65k - £72k) Lot 180: 1940 Crocker Big Tank V-Twin, Est $450k - $550k (£340k - £420k)
That Crocker has for a while been looking for a new home. Certainly, Crocker prices were substantially rising for some time. But interest has waned in little, and prices haven't readjusted. Meanwhile, here are some of the lots that were either sold cheap, or were pretty much given away to whoever last had their hand in the air: 
▲ Lot 109. 1961 Triumph T120R. This clean pre-unit Bonnie looked to be in generally good condition. A few years back you'd have to pay around £7k - £8k upward to own one. This example sold for just $6,900 (£5,225). 
▲ Lot 198: 1958 Velocette 499cc Venom. We would have expected a minimum of £7,000. Average prices are around £9,000, with top examples asking a few grand more. But this sold for only $7,475 (£5,693).
▲ 1984 Harley-Davidson XLX Sportster. Ironhead. 1,000cc. Cast wheels. Low bars. Single saddle. Straight-through pipes. Matching numbers. Fun for shorter jaunts and coffee bar posing. We used to own one. This example, which needs some re-commissioning, sold for just $2,300 (£1,751). 
▲ Lot 187. 1969 Harley-Davidson XLCH. So okay, these kickstart-only 883cc Ironheads arrived when AMF (American Machine & Foundry) was in control of the Milwaukee marque, which means that quality control at that time was ... well, less than ideal. Nevertheless, AMF kept H-D afloat when it might otherwise have sunk, and these Sportsters represent an important part of the company history. And they also have a certain period rebel-about-town charm that, we think, ought to realise more than $4,600 (£3,503). But that's all this "unmolested example" made. £3.5k. So okay, as we've said many times, auctions can throw up some very surprising results—in both directions. Nevertheless, this event has hit what feels like a new low. Bonhams makes its money by collecting a commission on sales, so these low-low prices have got to be hurting. We'll continue to look through the lots in case we've been too long at the bottle and have missed something important. And we should mention that these results don't necessarily reflect changing values in the UK. So we'll know better at the next couple of auctions from Bonhams and, for that matter, from H&H. Also, we should mention that a few British bikes did sell at "respectable" prices suggesting than there is still money out there ready to be spent, but buyers are perhaps being increasingly selective and cautious. So if you're selling, just remember not to panic. That's the best way to see prices take a rapid and expensive tumble.
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