MAG launches nation-wide rider forums

05 Mar 2010 09:43:42 pm GMT +

As part of its Riders Are Voters campaign MAG is inviting Parliamentary candidates to attend open meetings at motorcycle dealerships. [b]The idea is this:[/b] Dealers open their showrooms late and invite riders to come and address their prospective MPs directly on motorcycling issues. A panel of candidates representing the main parties and one or two other celebrity guests, is introduced to the assembled masses and the parties are given a minute to address the throng and outline their ideas/policy on motorcycling. The floor is then open to questions on either local or national issues. Meetings are expected to last about an hour. MAG is appealing to its 40,000 affiliate club members and all media and motorcycle groups nation-wide to support the initiative. [b]Meetings confirmed so far are:[/b] March 29th, Dave Milling Motorcycles, Cumbria April 6th, Fowlers, Bristol April 8th, George White, Slough April 13th, C&A Superbikes, Kings Lynn [b]Further information:[/b] Paddy Tyson 01788 570065 Nich Brown: 01788 570066 nich.brown@mag-uk.org Ian Mutch theroad@mag-uk.org...

Power limits are back

05 Mar 2010 09:29:23 pm GMT +

A 100bhp limit is back on the EU agenda as part of a package of fresh controls which includes mandatory ABS and vehicle roadworthiness testing. While MOTs have long been a feature of British motor law they are not universally required across the EU which is keen to harmonise all motorcycle legislation. The reality is that machine defects are implicated in a tiny proportion of accidents with operator error being by far the greatest factor. Likewise no connection between power and accident rates has been established. None of this seems to bother the Commission which appears to be acting out of frustration with the persistence of high motorcylist fatality rates. The risk which bothers MAG and FEMA is that the proposals could go too far in shifting the responsibility for technical regulation away from member states and into the hands of unelected Eurocrats. The headline measures that are being considered by the Commission are a 74kW (100bhp) power limit and compulsory ABS for all bikes, anti-tampering measures, new emissions limits and compulsory periodic road worthiness testing. Some of these measures would be proposed for 'safety' reasons, despite many having little, if any, proven safety benefits. FEMA's basic position is that riders should be free to choose whatever bike they like. Indeed France, which has a power limit, is contemplating abolishing it as it serves no purpose. Similarly ABS brakes should be an option, both for the manufacturer and the rider. FEMA President, Gerard Livett, said: 'This threatens to be bigger than the Multi-Directive, which we defeated in the 1990's. Your continuing support is vital to help FEMA ensure that motorcycling has a future, and that your way of life is preserved.' ROAD comment: As MAG has warned so often, most threats to biking remain on the options list indefinitely. The ceaseless effort of a well funded and articulate rider lobby is crucial if draconian proposals are to be defeated. A portion of every MAG subscription fuels FEMA which provides all EU riders with a voice in Brussels. MAG now looks to every rider to make one simple contribution to the future of motorcycling through joining MAG. MAG’s Campaigns Manager Paddy Tyson warned: “We can’t guarantee success but we can confidently predict that without the support of the nation’s riders, motorcycling will become far more expensive and controlled while the days of the super sports bike will be over. It’s your call.”

Prime Minister Acknowledges Importance of Motorcycling in UK

26 Feb 2010 06:45:18 pm GMT +

The House of Commons heard Gordon Brown announce yesterday “it is important that we have a strong motorcycling industry in this country”. As an industry that directly employs 62,000 people and contributes significant gross added value of £2.7 billion, the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) is delighted to hear this public support from the Prime Minister. During Prime Minister’s Questions Mr Brown was quizzed by the Conservative MP for St Albans Anne Main. She asked him specifically about the issue of motorcycle testing, which has been fundamentally changed since the introduction of European legislation in October 2008. Anne Main highlighted to Mr Brown the drastic effects the last piece of European legislation has had on the industry since the changes came into effect. Main revealed that there has been a 62% decline in the number of tests taken since the introduction of the multi-purpose test centres which saw the number of bike test centers drop massively from over 200 to around 60. Mr Brown commented on the importance of ensuring that the specific questions raised by Anne Main MP on tests be answered and assured the House that the Transport Minister would look at the reported figures. The MCI looks forward to hearing the further responses on this issue and its political lobbying team will continue to work diligently for the benefit of the whole UK motorcycle industry. With a further piece of European legislation due to be implemented in 2013 it is vital that the motorcycle industry as a whole unites with one voice to work with the Government to help ensure smooth implementation of the Directive and to minimize any possible negative outcomes for the UK. Steve Kenward MCIAs CEO said. “ The MCI is pleased to hear the motorcycle industry is getting its much needed recognition from the highest quarters. We work tirelessly with Government to create an environment in which motorcycling can flourish and welcomes the Prime Minister’s support. “ The MCI’s political lobbying is fundamentally important to its activities and it hopes this positive announcement will pave the way for greater Government support and understanding of the critical issues that we need to manage to ensure the growth and sustainability of this financially important industry”

Appearing Green Is Not Enough – bmf Calls for CO2 Labelling

23 Feb 2010 08:49:24 pm GMT +

The British Motorcyclists Federation have welcomed the support of the Federation of European Motorcyclists (FEMA) in calling for CO2 labelling of all new motorcycles, scooters and mopeds. The move follows a motion put forward by the bmf at a recent FEMA meeting noting that while powered two wheelers generally have a smaller impact on the environment than cars, they are not seen as particularly green by legislators and that consumers too lack the information they need to make an informed choice. Although due to follow the readily available car labelling system within the next two years, the bmf would like to see a similar system implemented for motorcycles sooner rather than later so that fuel consumption and emission figures are available both in manufacturer’s literature and displayed at the point of sale. With the ability to filter through heavy traffic and taking up less road space than cars, motorcycles of all descriptions are liable to pollute less, but say the bmf, until manufacturers publish their green credentials, motorcyclists are never likely to enjoy the benefits of lower road tax, or even in some cases, zero tax, as enjoyed by modern, highly efficient cars. Chris Hodder, the bmf’s Government Relations Executive and proposer of the motion said: “We are constantly seeking a better deal for the powered two wheeler user but this is increasingly difficult when cars are seen to be getting cleaner by the day yet motorcycles are an unknown quantity. For the good of motorcycling as a whole, a labelling system will force manufacturers to be more open and prove their green credentials.” Already supporters of the TTXGP race series for electric motorcycles, the bmf also supports the development of zero-emission motorcycles as a way of ensuring the sustainability of motorcycling in an increasingly green transport environment.

Motorcycle Sales Support Need for Government Recognition

10 Feb 2010 09:06:17 pm GMT +

January’s weather and the acknowledged poor retail start to the new year took its toll on the motorcycle market . Statistics for all styles, being 42% lower than for January of 2009. Smaller capacity bikes are fairing better in the market. The top ten selling models reveals that there appears to be a greater demand for smaller capacity bikes, which are ideal for commuting and can offer a practical cost-effective form of personal transport. Seven of the top ten selling models are up to 125cc capacity. The top selling models include: Honda CBF 125 M and the Yamaha YBR 125. With this interest in smaller capacity bikes the top three selling manufacturers in January were Honda, Yamaha and Piaggio. In the larger capacity sectors, BMW is the top selling manufacturer with the BMW S 1000 RR and BMW R 1200 RT registering the highest number of sales. The touring sector has managed to retain some ground, experiencing a lower percentage (-22%) fall, but as it only has less than 5% market share this has had a limited effect on the overall market. The three sectors with the biggest market share at the start of 2010 are Scooters, Naked and Supersport. Steve Kenward. MCI’s CEO said “Although the climate continues to present challenges in January the industry is confident that it’s Get On campaign is showing results in the lightweight sectors. “The MCI is working hard to encourage new people to recognise the benefits of individual mobility that a powered two-wheeler offers.” However, Kenward added, “The new sales figures demonstrate how critical it is for the Government to create a level playing field across the entire automotive sector a point discussed at the recent meeting with MP Ian Lucas from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills “