Mortons Media dumps another one But did they jump, or were they pushed? Mortons Motorcycle Media is spinning it a little differently, of course. The company is talking about the "merger" of two of its titles; specifically Classic Scootering and Scootering. But you might equally refer to a heart transplant patient as merging with a donor, never mind that one of them had to buy the farm to keep the other in intensive care. Already the Classic Scootering Facebook page is talking about being "a part of Scootering." What it probably all boils down to is the fact that the coronavirus has claimed another victim—although we suspect that both titles had in recent years been struggling a little and hoping for a general upturn in the consumer print market, or a timely excuse to cut a few losses. 
It's a shame, however, when your favourite mag, or one of your regular reads, goes down. We're only surprised that other UK motorcycle magazine sales are holding up as well as they are. Certainly, one or two of the usual suspects are counting pennies rather than pounds, and we expect to see a few more organ donors in the foreseeable future.  Be that as it may, the first issue of the new publication is out now at "all good retailers".
Note: In January 2020 Mortons Motorcycle Media shut down O2W and Motor Cycle Monthly thereby making them both organ donors to a new title, More Bikes.
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A viable prophylactic for your bonce? Here's a quick heads-up...
100,000 balaclavas. That's the number of items that Oxford Products is said to be dumping/introducing into the UK motorcycle gear retail network in an effort to stimulate sales of crash helmets.
The problem here is simple. Who the hell wants to try on a crash helmet, let alone go back into an enclosed retail environment, while the risk of catching the coronavirus is still high? Not us. We've still got a Cromwell helmet in daily use, and we're talking about Oliver, and we've no immediate plans to upgrade this until the panic's over. Meanwhile, our other more modern lids are still fit for purpose, barely. So the chances of us buying a new crash helmet in the next six months is as low as Dominic Cumming's current social and political standing. But Oxford Products clearly has higher hopes and wants to persuade bike gear dealers to persuade customers to wear a balaclava when trying on lids—and possibly other gear, and successful sales might, it's suggested, see the balaclava "gifted". Naturally, the idea is to block transmission in either direction. Think it will work? And who gets to wash/disinfect the used balaclavas? And will wearing a bally make even the slightest difference with regard to transmission of the disease? We can't imagine that any potential customers will be persuaded to participate in this scheme, but clearly desperate dealers (and they're all pretty desperate at the moment) need to do something to encourage sales. As it stands, it seems that mail order is perhaps the only practical answer. After all, by the time a crash helmet has been and gone through the post (and possibly returned) any residual Covid-19 bugs travelling in either direction ought to be as dead as Elvis. The virus, after all, doesn't appear to linger more than 72 hours on hard surfaces; but that might be incorrect. Meanwhile, if a balaclava is required, better get some latex gloves too and/or some Isopropyl rubbing alcohol and an infra red thermometer gun. And here's a thought. Given that the virus can kill you, and given that you need to try a lid to buy one, is there now a reasonable reason for the government to reconsider the repeal of the helmet compulsion law?  It could be that this virus is the best deuce yet in the Motorcycle Action Group's deck of political cards, certainly as far as the lid law is concerned.
The age of the full-body condom has arrived. Makes you fink, huh? www.mag-uk.org
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English bike dealers set to re-open Meanwhile, the coronavirus is alive and well For many, the good news is that as from 1st June 2020, larger motorcycle dealerships in England could be reopening their doors following relaxed UK government coronavirus instructions and guidance (different rules might apply in Wales, Scotland and NI, note). But for many others, this is actually very bad news because although the UK has, apparently, passed the peak of infections, it still ain't over. There are thousands of very recent infections, and more will inevitably follow if this unseasonable hot May weather persists. And what it adds up to is a possible second wave of the virus hitting us—and that second wave could arrive much later in the year when the other usual seasonal viruses return. What that in turn means is that those who might otherwise suffer mild Covid-19 symptoms might suddenly be faced with a combination of a weakened immune systems and a full-on coronavirus attack. Consequently, at Sump we feel that the imperative is to (a) at least bring the current fatality numbers down to low double digits and (b) ensure that track and trace procedures are fully operational and debugged before giving way to general impatience and the obvious appeal of a little sunshine and freedom, either motorcycling-wise or otherwise. And it's worth remembering that the government is largely relaxing the rules not necessarily because it feels the time is right, epidemiologically speaking. Rather, the rules are no doubt being relaxed because there are increasing cracks in the walls of social compliance that need to be checked, and business understandably wants to get back to business. 
▲ If you're a regular Sumpster you're already aware of our deep mistrust of governments, police forces, local councils and suchlike. So if we sign up to a contact tracing app, you can be sure we'll use a burner (disposable phone). Meanwhile, you're strongly advised to check what type of tracking system is being employed; i.e centralised or decentralised. If you can be tracked for one thing, that can easily be switched to something else. But what the hell do we know about it? Absolutely NOTHING, except what we're reading in the newspapers and listening to on TV and on the 'net. However, there are enough reasonably intelligent sounding "experts" out there strongly advising caution and recommending that social distancing be maintained for a while longer. And we're pretty much convinced. Yes, a couple more weeks of vigilance is a serious pain for many. And we're in the fortunate position that we can shut ourselves away without the kind of inconveniences facing many others. But the fact is, it's not clear if or how the virus is mutating—and all viruses do mutate (usually becoming more contagious, but less deadly). And then there are still many unanswered questions regarding transmission, higher risk demographics, etc. So we're staying locked down for a while longer. You guys and girls will make your own choices based upon your needs and personal risk assessment. But heed this if nothing else; if you must ride and visit newly opened bike shops, we reiterate that you must take the UTMOST care and minimise all forms of social contacts. Two metres is the recommended minimum and not necessarily a 100% safe distance. 
Yes, many motorcycle businesses desperately need our custom. But dead bikers don't buy bikes. Stay locked down, we say again. If we're wrong, you can enjoy a good laugh at us (and we'll laugh with you). But if we're right, some of you won't get to enjoy that luxury.
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Limited edition H-D FXDR 114-inch. UK/Eire. 30 bikes. Paint. Bars. £18,350
Triumph £100 gift card "with any new bike". Offer finishes end of June 2020
Missouri "over-21 helmet repeal" bill signed. Moves to Senate for approval
Honda Foundation: 104 bikes to Philippines Red Cross (coronavrius support)
Stuart "Garner still lurking at Norton" story: British Dealer News
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England follows Wales. Scotland will follow soon Northern Ireland is staying out of it
In case anyone missed it, the vast majority of adults living in England are now considered to have consented to having their organs harvested by the NHS or private hospitals unless they have specified otherwise.
The new law implemented under The 2019 Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Act came into effect in England yesterday, 20th May 2020, but the law has been in force in Wales since December 2015, In Scotland, the same basic presumed consent laws will apply from March 2021 under the Human Tissue (Authorisation) (Scotland) Act 2019. But in 2016 the Northern Ireland Assembly voted not to make any changes to the Organ Donation Register laws thereby underpinning the NI status quo which requires a positive opt-in system rather than an opt-out. Outraged? Supportive? Indifferent? Our feelings at Sump is that this is a sly and insidious law that effectively helps pave the way for many other kinds of Machiavellian state assumptions; such as summary seizure of personal funds, or the appropriation of private property or other assets (and the state already has plenty of powers in that regard that operate—no pun intended—on either side of the grave). Of course, our rights are supposedly protected by various fail-safe mechanisms and procedures. Except that many people feel very strongly about this subject and recognise that mistakes will be made—and on both sides of the argument. Additionally, as society collects more and more data on individual needs, beliefs, attitudes and so on, it's conceivable that recording an opt-out from the Organ Donation Register might in some way, at some point have other detrimental effects for individual freedoms, opportunities and choices. For example, the data will inevitably be collected by other parties, firms or institutions that conceivably, and discreetly, might only accept applicants for positions when said applicant is firmly "on message" regarding organ donation. Meanwhile, insurance companies might factor the opt-out in some other negative (or even positive) way. And we might be headed into all kinds of litigious issues and medical conflicts as and when the system breaks down, or when it's wilfully abused. And all systems are abused sooner or later. Worse still, we can imagine one or two other unlikely, but plausible, scenarios and unintended consequences regarding this new law that we simply ain't going to explore. 
But beyond all this is the simple and, we believe, self-evident principle that what's ours should stay ours until we expressly consent otherwise, especially when dealing with the most personal and most basic issues of our lives—and we might well be returning to this theme as and when a coronavirus vaccine is forced upon us "for the greater good", etc. Of course, families will still be "involved", whatever that really means. But clearly, the aim of the legislation is to provide more organ donations, and one way or the other the state is going to have its way. Exempt people include:
Those under the age of 18
People who lack the mental capacity to understand the new arrangements and take the necessary action
Visitors to England, and those not living here voluntarily
People who have lived in England for less than 12 months before their death It's a challenging issue for many of us. So we suggest that you think long and hard on this and then register your objections where applicable. Beyond all that, need we suggest that you continue to do  everything possible to avoid that final encounter with the grim reaper? Or should that be grim surgeon? See: Organ Donation Register See also: Welsh Assembly votes away rights
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I've opted out of this new law which you can do by going to an NHS
website [see link above—Ed]. Whilst not explicitly against organ donation, I feel that should be a proactive choice that any individual should make before anything is taken. Personally, I intensely dislike the principle that my body is a commodity over which someone else has dominion purely because I failed to an express any alternative wish. If you think your organs are necessarily going to save little Johnny who needs a new kidney or help a blind man to see, then think again and do your homework on what is done with donated bodies even when no organs are suitable for transplant. Then make your choices.—The Village Squire
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Owners of Himalayans, Interceptors and Continental GTs stop and listen A salty tale is on the way... The headline immediately above gives you the basic info. But there's a little more to be said, so click one of the links around here for the full story. Sump Motorcycle News Royal Enfield brake recall
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End the 6-month grace period mooted Millions of pounds lost to UK garages
The UK motor industry is calling on the government to bring an end to the temporary MOT exemption rules introduced on 30th March 2020. Under emergency regulations, vehicles requiring a "Ministry of Transport" test have been granted a six month grace period, the idea being to reduce the spread of the coronavirus through garages and workshops, etc.
Whilst arguably good in principle, the problem is that MOT examinations between mid-March and mid-April fell by a whopping 78% (down 601,528 tests). That drop was no doubt inevitable and had been factored into the government's original calculations. But the financial pain has started to bite—not that the motor industry has had very much to say about that aspect. Instead, the motormen are talking primarily about the number of dangerous vehicles currently on the roads (and it will be interesting to see if the danger posed by these vehicles actually manifests itself in the 2020 motoring deaths and accidents statistics as and when they're published). Meanwhile, in cash terms, if you assume that the average cost of a UK MOT is £50 (based upon both car and motorcycle tests, note), the loss of revenue to the industry for that period was around £30 million—and there are still many months to go before the grace period ends. Other motor industry concerns relate to vehicles that have been laid idle for two months or more during lockdown before being reintroduced to the road. And that industry is quick to point out that regardless of an MOT certificate, owners of vehicles are still required to keep their cars, vans and bikes in a roadworthy condition or face a fine of anything up to £2,500. It's hard to image that the government will respond to this industry call by changing the regulations. Motorists and motorcyclists will understandably cry foul if faced with conflicting demands—and will no doubt use that defence if and when anyone is actually prosecuted for failure to provide an MOT certificate. Then again, the government is also very keen to get the economy moving again, and the motor industry is a fundamental component. Stay tuned to this station, people. See also: Sump Classic Bike News April 2020
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Irresponsible bikers are making life misery for the locals Or, over-reacting locals are making life misery for the bikers Like him or loathe him, BBC Radio's Jeremy Vine has got the ears of millions of people. He'll happily witter on for hours about whatever's the hot topic of the day, and today (18th May 2020) a fair part of his programme was given over to the steadily brewing row regarding the fresh-from-lockdown UK bikers visiting the usual national "hotspots"; meaning places where riders gather to chin wag about their bikes and latest exploits, or indulge themselves in the usual racetrack antics on public roads largely unsuitable for the purpose. The show started at 12 noon and finished at 2pm, and it covered such alleged issues as: bikers relieving themselves in village alleyways and other public places general motorcycle noise nuisance the right to gather the local advice not to gather "here" during the coronavirus crisis motorcycle riding gear as ideal personal protection equipment (PPE) complaints of bikers repeatedly telling locals to eff off ...and various other crimes and misdemeanours It's typically controversial stuff with various voices (including TV presenter Steve Berry and MAG lobbyist and ex-Liberal MP Lembit Öpik) putting the motorcycle boot in and verbally fighting off the disgruntled locals who, it's said, DO want the bikers to continue visiting their neighbourhoods and parishes, but demand more responsible and considerate behaviour. You can listen to the show again for the next 29 days. So cut and paste the web address below (which we've disabled as a link). The argument and rhetoric will make you frown, laugh, and/or spit—or maybe you'll have some other interesting reaction. If you tune into the programme (via the net, of course), the biker bashing talk starts at roughly 1:28 and continues on and off until pretty much the end of the show with various listeners phoning in their views and bigotry. The underlying conclusion? Some bikers misbehave (whatever that means to you), but there ain't a lot to be done about it. The gulf between Bob the Biker and Joe Public is, after all, sometimes simply too wide to bridge. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000j8jp
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Parcel delivery riders are being sought No special training or riding skills are required
The Bike Shed in Shoreditch, London is calling on bikers nationwide to join its newly launched volunteer programme. Called the Bike Shed Community Response, the group, we hear, claims to have 500 people already signed up for the service which aims to help those in need.
Apparently, you need to sign up on the site, give details of your bike, your licence, and your insurance. Your ordinary/standard bike insurance will suffice, it's said. But we'd check with our brokers just to be certain. Also, you need to give details of your bike's carrying capacity and details of how far you're prepared to travel. Then the system goes to work and, via an app, pairs you with whatever needy person or business or whoever is looking for parcel delivery support. Sound interesting? Okay. Go talk to the Bike Shed and get rolling. If ever you need an excuse to get on your bike and ride, for many folk this one should do nicely. www.bikeshedcommunityresponse.com
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Nice sentiment from the Bike Shed, but it won't take long for the usual narcissistic bearded hipsters to abandon this concept. When you're 200 miles up the M1 and it's dark and raining and you're tired and hungry, your posing gene will force a hasty retreat back to the safety and security of the Brick Lane wine bars and barbers shops. —Harry Dawes (ex- London courier), Redhill
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The hated C-charge is back—with a 30% hike in cost The equally hated ULEZ is also with us once again A lot of folk might not realise that the London Congestion Charge (LCC) has been waived during the coronavirus lockdown. Certainly, in recent weeks there have been relatively few people entering Central London either for work or for recreation to mark the difference. But those who were on the move enjoyed a brief financial hiatus. However, as from Monday 18th May 2020 the LCC cameras are being reactivated, so to speak, and the number plate recognition software and computers will be racking up the charges once more. Worse still, from June 2020 the LCC is set to rise from £11.50 per day to £15 per day; a whopping 30% increase—and this at a time when the general public is being strongly and repeatedly advised to avoid public transport in an ongoing effort to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus. So what's going on? Well, put simply since the start of the emergency Transport for London (TfL) has seen a massive drop in its finances. In percentage terms, that's actually a 90% fall. As a result, TfL has looked to the UK government for salvation, and that's come at a price. Specifically, it's a £1.6bn bail-out—but subject to strict (and even punitive) conditions. 
However, as a small and no doubt politically expedient concession, emergency workers and NHS staff will be exempt; although it's not yet clear how that exemption will operate (but possibly in the form of rebates or reimbursements). The Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ), which had also been suspended will return along with the LCC (Monday 18th May), the charge for which is generally £12.50 per day. Does increasing the two charges make any sense when workers are also being encouraged by the government to use their cars rather than take to public transport (assuming that they can't work from home, or cycle or walk to work)? And is now the right time to hike the LCC given that half the country is reportedly approaching financial meltdown? You can make up your own mind. Meanwhile, it ought to be good news for the motorcycle trade which, if it's smart and unified and imaginitive, ought to now re-double whatever efforts it's making to get commuters straddling motorcycles and scooters. Currently motorcycles are exempt from the LCC, but many bikes are subject the ULEZ charges. Specifically, bikes that fail to meet Euro 3 emissions standards will pay the levy. But historic vehicles, note, are exempt. Check directly with TfL to see if your vehicle is subject to the tax. Note that the original implementation date for the ULEZ charge was September 2020. But London Mayor Sadiq Khan brought the date forward to April 2020 claiming that it would "reduce dangerous NO2 pollution for over 100,000 London residents". So what does Khan have to say about the reintroduction of the LCC and the hike in charges? "[The government] is making ordinary Londoners pay the cost for doing the right thing on COVID-19." Sounds about right. Then again, someone has to pay the piper, and one way on another it always falls to the tax payer to pick up the tab. However, the risk of dying imminently from the coronavirus is a lot more pressing than the risk of dying from some long term  pollution-based disorder, and it's hard to see why the financial burdens of the LCC and ULEZ can't be forestalled for a while longer. But as ever, there are no doubt complexities within complexities—and much of what we think we know about anything is probably misunderstanding and misconception. Keep listening and questioning, we say. https://tfl.gov.uk/ Update: The congestion charge operational hours have also been changed. The cameras will be rolling from 7am to 10pm, 7 days a week. That compares to the current 7am - 6pm, Monday - Friday times.
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Expect to get an automatic fine from TfL if you just decide to go and ride your classic bike inside the ULEZ, even if it has a DVLA Historic Vehicle taxation classification. Just out of interest, I checked the status for my 1969 Triumph Daytona on their web site and whilst it has had Historic Vehicle taxation class for some years, TfL said, "No it isn’t. We have no details that it is", despite identifying its colour correctly for the reg number. They say that if you think it should be exempt they require that you first register with them and then prove it is by completing all sorts of paperwork etc. and they "will consider it". This is not the first time TfL and DVLA computers don’t talk to each other over taxation class and other details.
—Brian, West Sussex
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Please contact your MP as requested by the MCIA But there are subtleties to be observed
Before following the MCIA’s recent guidance on lobbying your MP during the coronavirus crisis, motorcycle riders, dealers and industry leaders might want to consider a few timely words of caution from Sump Magazine:
1. The recently published formulated cut-and-paste draft email as suggested by the MCIA will have far less impact than individual, original emails however clumsily or artlessly written. Yes, contact your MP and remind him/her that motorcycles are a major transport solution in the Covid-19 era. But for maximum effect, say it in your OWN WORDS. Repeat: OWN WORDS.
2. The MCIA draft letter is way too long. MPs are busy people. By necessity, they speed read emails. So keep your message to less than 50 words. 100 at most. Say it fast. Keep it brief. Ride on.
3. Better still, send your message by snail mail (on your headed notepaper where appropriate). It will have even more impact.
4. Avoid jargon. Don’t say "PTW" say "motorcycle" or "scooter". And avoid too many stats and numbers. Stay on the simple message that riding motorcycles helps minimise the Covid-19 transmission risk and will help get the UK mobilised for work.
5. If you’re a dealer and can’t quite summon up the energy to do this worthy thing, then DELEGATE, DELEGATE, DELEGATE. Pick out a suitable member of your shop/business/organisation, clout 'em round the ear or something and tell them to get it sorted.
Magically, it will happen, and you will have "done your bit" for the wider motorcycling interest.
See also:
Ask Boris about the motorcycles
Beat the virus - ride a motorcycle
www.mcia.co.uk
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Bonhams auction H-D LiveWire. Covid-19 charity. £28k - £36k. 26/5/20
TfL "passenger numbers will fall by 85%" even after full operating service
£2 billion UK.gov package for cycling/walking. No mention of motorcycles
Non-binding Interpol "Red Notice" issued for Anne Sacoolas (Harry Dunn)
16-17/5/2020. REVS-Limiter virtual car show. The future for MC shows?
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Motor Cycle Industry Association seeks dealer cooperation Not before time... Crowing about your successes, however modest, isn't exactly gracious behaviour. And claiming successes that might not be yours to claim is even less solicitous. Nevertheless, we're finding it hard to overlook the fact that within 48 hours of sending the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) a press release from Sump asking support for our MOTORCYCLES.WORK initiative, we see that this august industry body representing motorcycle manufacturers in the UK has finally shifted some gears and has launched a similar initiative of its own. Actually, the move also comes less than 24 hours after we directly contacted MCIA head-honcho Nick Broomhall asking his support. Co-incidence? You can decide that for yourself. Specifically the MCIA has since written to its members advocating the dissemination of a formulated/templated letter aimed at persuading MPs to back motorcycling and extol its virtues during the coronavirus crisis. It's a worthy aim, and it took the MCIA only a few months or so since the start of the emergency to wake up to the wider possibilities of direct lobbying. You can read the full story as covered by British Dealer News—and motorcycle dealers are very much encouraged by Sump to contact their MP as requested (albeit using their own words, and avoiding jargon, and keeping it brief). Meanwhile, we note with interest (but no surprise) that the MCIA totally failed to mention or support Sump's MOTORCYCLES.WORK initiative. Come to that, Nick & Co also failed to support our hi-viz BEAT THE VIRUS - RIDE A MOTORCYCLE campaign (such as it is). Then again, we contacted all the usual UK biking publications and (so far) got ZERO response—which was exactly what we expected. Everyone out there loves motorcycling, it seems. But not if it means acknowledging anyone else viewed (however remotely) as a media competitor. Meanwhile, membership of the MCIA starts at £650 and rises to thousands of pounds depending on how many motorcycles are being registered, and in which capacity band—and that's a lot of money for what often seems like little traction. https://mcia.co.uk See: Ask Boris about the motorcycles See also: Beat the virus - ride a motorcycle www.mcia.co.uk
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I have to say, rather cynically, that when I think of the Motor Cycle
Industry Association, the 'British Car Industry' tends to comes to
mind. I wonder if they'll still call it the BCI when it goes back to
Japan/India/Germany, etc. Currently I think the MCIA is an association
of one isn't it?. Triumph. Never mind, in a more serious vein I know it includes retailers, etc. Frankly, if they miss the opportunity on this one it's hard to see how they merit the title they have. Surely they should be straining every fibre at all times to promote motorcycle use on behalf of the people they are supposed to be representing and are taking money off.
Ultimately, it's also in their own interests. This should be especially
important and a priority when it comes to altering the mindset of our
generally uninterested and/or biased MPs. Remind me never to get them to represent me if they go into the Solicitor business on the side. —The Village Squire
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Win a Royal Enfield for "£2 per ticket*" * warning; sharp practice alert The Vintage Motor Cycle Club (VMCC) is offering a 650cc Royal Enfield Interceptor as the top prize in its 2020 raffle. Like the National Motorcycle Museum (NMM) bike raffle, the tickets are being offered at £2 each. And once again, we have to point out that that's misleading. The tickets are actually 5 for £10 because you have to buy in blocks of five. Many times we've mentioned this to the VMCC (and to the NMM). But they continue to market bike raffles in this way, and ultimately that's sharp practice. Clearly the aim is to entice buyers/gamblers by offering the lowest possible entry price. Except that the true entry price is ten quid. The VMCC might argue that—hey!—they're being totally upfront. But we challenge that. Why not simply say £10 for five tickets, and have done with the double talk? But whoah! Does it really matter? And does anyone really care? Well you can decide that for yourself the next time someone entices you with, say: A HOTEL ROOM FOR JUST £10! ... and then explains that that's actually the price per hour (and you have to book for a week). Meaning that some things are true, but they're not necessarily the truth. 
Either way, the draw will take place in September 2020. And there's a second, third and fourth prize (Snap On tool cabinet, and a couple of magazine subscriptions). Note that the raffle is open to UK residents only, and that might or might not include Northern Ireland (we tried to check with the VMCC, but no one was manning—or womanning—the phones).
Anyway, that's it. We're off to look for something equally trivial (but not entirely without merit) to have a moan about. Meanwhile, ya gotta keep these maverick marketing people trussed up fairly tightly, are we right? www.vmccshop.net
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Hmm, rather ironic is this considering many VMCC sections don’t permit VMCC members to participate in road runs on their modern Royal Enfield Bullets as they claim “it’s not in the spirit of what the VMCC is all about”. —Selwyn
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The benefits of biking still don't feature in government planning But a minute or two of your time will send the guvnor a message We hardly know why we're bothering with this news item, because the vast majority of you guys and girls reading this ain't going to do much about it—and we say that without reproach or condemnation of any kind. Life is short, and there's always something else to do with your time. And political lobbying is boring. But we're making this appeal anyway, such as it is. Why? Because we're hoping that a few of you, in the light of the recent Number 10 Covid-19 TV pep talk will take the trouble to fire off an email to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and ask him about the motorcycles; specifically why there's no mention of them whatsoever in governmental back-to-work planning. Certainly we've not heard a word, except perhaps the odd mention of electric pavement scooters and pedelecs and suchlike. As ever, outside of motorcycling, bikes just don't feature in anyone's minds, and that might go some way to explain why bikers get knocked off their machines so often. We're invisible. Practically non-people. "Organ donors" according to the mercifully inimitable Jeremy Clarkson. That said, you're often only as invisible as you allow yourself to be; meaning that if you really want to be seen, raise your profile. And so to that end, you might consider taking a minute or so to fire off that email and, in your own words, ask Boris to explain government motorcycle thinking. And note that you should frame your comment as a question. That should prompt a reply, and that will help register your comment in Whitehall. 
Public transport is now inherently dangerous. Increased car usage can only end in gridlock. Cycling isn't much of an option for millions of people. Walking won't get us far, fast. But motorcycling is a little considered option among the many, and not considered at all by most transport planners. And remember; the less people generally spread the virus, the safer it is for everyone. Think Boris will personally see your email? Probably not. But if enough of us make the small effort, one of his minions just might whisper in his ear and spread our message. MOTORCYCLES. WORK. If you hit the link below, it will open a form that you can complete. We just tried it and sent a message direct to Number 10. It took us just 1 min and 17 seconds. Simple choice now; do something, or do nothing. https://email.number10.gov.uk/ See also: BEAT THE VIRUS - RIDE A MOTORCYCLE UPDATE: Make sure you check your email after sending. You'll receive an automated reply asking you to confirm your message. Click the link, and your work is done.
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The Duke 803 gets some time-limited technical support from Haynes Check the small print for details... You can access it on your smartphone, your tablet, your laptop or your desktop computer, but you can't access it on paper. Not yet, anyway. This is Haynes Publishing's first online-only-at-launch motorcycle repair manual, and this new digital move possibly sounds the death knell for the traditional means of accessing Haynes technical material. In June 2020, a paper version is planned. But we'll believe it when we see it. The models covered by the manual are: Icon (‘15-’20)
Full Throttle (‘15-’20)
Classic (‘15-’19)
Street Classic (’18-’19)
Mach 2.0 (’17-’19)
Urban Enduro (‘15-’16)
Flat Track Pro (’16)
Desert Sled (‘17-’20)
Café Racer (‘17-’20)
So as far as bikers/users/mechanics are concerned, is this really a move forward? Well, we've got mixed feelings on that score. That's because around here there are dozens of Haynes manuals propping up garage furniture or decomposing on shelves, most of them smeared with grease and flowering coffee stains and whatnot. And being the deeply sentimental types we are, there's a resonance in those pages that we'd like to hang onto and further develop for as long as possible. Beyond that, we sometimes we discover old notations and sketchy diagrams and telephone numbers scrawled between the pages (meaning that in a thousand years, after they drop the bomb, historians might discover our ancient scribblings and wonder exactly what it all meant; CALL CANDY FOR AN OILY TIME. NO RUSH). Etc. On the other hand, digital productions are easier to update, and that's a very welcome boost for a line of repair manuals that aren't always as accurate and as informative as we'd like. And then there's the issue of production costs, and digital manuals are certainly more cost efficient to produce—and that could be the difference between a company like Haynes actually creating the product and not creating it. 
But a word of caution; make sure you check the licensing details regarding this offer. A printed Haynes motorcycle manual usually cost around £25 if you buy direct from the company (subject to whatever discount deals are in place). But this digital tome is currently just £15. Great. However (and it's a fairly big HOWEVER), we see that the licensing is for just one year. So evidently, at the end of 12 months you need to buy it again. Now hands up how many of you fancy that idea? Not us. And while you're contemplating that, you might also want to join us for two minutes silence in memory of paper manuals. It's a poignant moment and puts a lump right there. No, not there... https://haynes.com
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"More Roads to Harley-Davidson" ethos is out. Back to HOG basics is in
Sante Mazzarolo, Alpinestars bike gear founder, has died aged 91
Coronavirus: 2 bikers fined. 200mi ride. Rochdale - Whitby fish & chip dash
Super Soco TSx. Electric. Age 16+. 28/45mph. Linked brakes. £2,999
The Metropolitan Police reports an 8-fold increase in speeding motorists
The Stranglers' keyboardist (Golden Brown writer) Dave Greenfield dies, 71
Visordown is looking to hire a new journo. £30k. Farringdon, London based
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If you live for racing on the Island, this year is a total washout Covid-19 strikes again It was pretty much inevitable, and now it's official; the 2020 Manx Grand Prix and the 2020 Classic TT are non events. The coronavirus is the obvious reason for the cancellation, and there's nowt to be done about it except get over it and move on. The events were scheduled to take place between August and September, but the calendar's been wiped. So if you booked ticket, you'll need to contact the IOM Steam Packet Company and see what they're offering in recompense, if anything. Ditto if you were planning to fly in—and double ditto for whatever accommodation arrangements you had in place (and as we've seen in the mainstream press, it seems that many hoteliers and guest house owners are showing little mercy). The Covid-19 virus is loose on the island, albeit in fairly small numbers. And there are deaths too, chiefly among the elderly of which the Island has more than its fair share. Consequently, after a lot of discussion and prognosticating, it was enough to prompt the authorities to take a very cautious line regarding inviting thousands of visitors onto the rock who, statistically speaking, will probably have a few cows in the herd with the dreaded symptoms. And then there's the problem of getting sufficient marshals and medics and suchlike in place. Like we said, the cancellation was pretty much inevitable. See also: Sump Magazine Classic Bike News - 2020 TT cancelled
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Hi, it looks like Steam Packet are playing ball; they have issued a statement saying they will be contacting affected passengers and will be offering alternative sailings for next year, or a refund. Different story with the guest house I used last year and had booked for this year. As you said in the article, they are showing no mercy. I got a very blunt response to my email saying the virus was not their fault, the booking was non-refundable, so tough s**t. I said I would be happy for the booking to go over to next year, but they said times were hard and they were closing up shop in September.—Andy
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Can the National Motorcycle Museum tempt you with this "NOS" T140J? Just a few "push miles" on the clock You probably know the score by now, so we'll keep it brief. This 1977 750cc Triumph Jubilee Bonneville T140J is looking for a new home. Apparently, it's never been run, it's never been registered, and it's in very good or top condition (notwithstanding being left unused for over 40 years, etc). The bike is being promoted as new old stock (NOS). But of course, it's just old stock—which helps you see it more clearly for what it is. That aside, you can possibly win this bike by entering the National Motorcycle Museum (NMM) Summer Raffle. The tickets are ten quid for five. You have to be a UK resident to enter (and Northern Ireland residents are also excluded). Second prize is a Sealey Retro Tool Chest, RRP £850 (Model No. AP28COMBO2BWS). And third prize is a luxury hotel break for two at the new Marco Pierre White Steakhouse in the Manor Hotel, Meriden, West Midlands (which isn't much use if you live in John O'Groats or somewhere similarly distant; then again, you also get a VIP tour of the museum). The draw will be held at the NMM on 30th October 2020—assuming any of us actually live that long. One more thing; debit card payments only, please. www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk
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Some of you are going to get very irritated by this article... ... but probably because you're not carefully listening to what we're saying Firstly, let's get it clear. Covid-19 is a terrible disease. We think the government guidance on how to behave during the emergency is about right. Repeat: about right. In other words, park the bike in the garage, stay put, chill, have lots of sex, watch the telly, follow the instructions on the government tin. Stay there until further notice. You know the drill. But if you do have to go out (commuting, shopping, exercise), maintain social distancing, wear a face mask (without depriving the NHS of one), avoid touching your face, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, and generally work out sensible strategies for minimising catching the disease and/or transmitting it. However... [more...]
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