Motorcyclists (including scooter and moped riders) like to have a bike that is in good condition and that won’t break down, so part of owning a motorcycle is to regularly maintain it and when necessary, repair it or get it repaired. We all know that sometimes replacement parts can be expensive and not always easy to find. So, it makes sense to ask riders about their experiences and the cost of getting their bikes repaired as well as finding replacement parts. This survey aims to identify the cost of motorcycle repairs, in particular those motorcycle parts sold by … [Read more...]
FIM – Thailand – ABS – Brakes
Thailand – The FIM - Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme on their visit to the TTK Asia test facility says that a Combined Brake System (CBS) for small motorcycles is not good enough compared to ABS (Antilock Braking System) in an emergency stop. FIM said this after the TTK ASIA Test facility was visited on the 18th December 2018 by FIM Asia President Stefan Carapiet, FIM Director of Public Affairs John Chatterton-Ross, and Thongchai Wongsawan, President of FMSCT (Federation of Motor Sport Clubs if Thailand) Thailand. What the FIM said in full was that, … [Read more...]
CCM Spitfire Flying International
CCM - Clews Competition Machines – When somebody reaches out from behind the walls of their HQ, to share their exciting news, then here at Motorcycle Minds it is only not just polite but also interesting to report on their news, especially as they mention that they are setting their sights on overcoming European Whole Vehicle Type Approval. We have heard of CCM, we knew it was a motorcycle company in England that produced motorcycles, but we never had any reason to take notice until now. We knew CCM was an iconic name though not knowing what the CCM initials stood … [Read more...]
A Bit Of Brough
Brough Superior – Every now and again an article catches our eye because it stands out encompassing a specific motorcycle with its history and its future. In this case the Brough Superior, as this iconic machine emerges from the past. A past that has been attached to the legend of “Lawrence of Arabia”. The article that caught our eye, was recently published in The Road magazine (Motorcycle Action Group – members magazine). The editor, Ian Mutch welcomes back the Brough Superior and not only salutes Mark Upham, the marque’s fourth owner, his team of engineering artists … [Read more...]
MoT Exemption Curbing Enthusiasm
United Kingdom – GB Only – The UK Government in the form of the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Roads, Local Transport and Devolution, Jessie Norman MP announced last week the outcome of a consultation by the Department for Transport (DfT) regarding vehicle exemption from the MoT. The main announcement was, after considering the responses to the September 2016 consultation, the decision to exempt most vehicles constructed or first registered more than 40 years ago, on a rolling basis, from the requirement for annual roadworthiness testing from May … [Read more...]
BMF Technical Notice: Tyre Safety
United Kingdom - British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) - The BMF has just released a technical notice regarding tyre safety, the notice is reproduced in full below. During 2016, the BMF were made aware of a number of instances of unusual & unexplained tyre deflations. The matter was bought to our attention by a BMF affiliated owner's club. The tyres were manufactured by a corporate member of the BMF, Avon Tyres. The problem affected the Road Rider range of Tubed/Tubeless fitment tyres. The tyres, fitted appropriately to classic spoked wheels, had punctured inner … [Read more...]
Great Britain – MoT Extension
Great Britain - The UK Government is seeking views on proposals for extending the date of a vehicle’s first road worthiness test, known as the MoT (Ministry of Transport) test date from 3 to 4 years for cars, motorcycles and vans through an open consultation in Great Britain. The rest of the UK - Northern Ireland - and other European countries, already have the 4 years date in place for cars, these include France, Ireland, Italy and Spain (motorcycles after five years), as well as Denmark and Norway although some do not necessarily have testing for motorcycles eg … [Read more...]
