by Nigel Baudains from https://guernseypress.com The heyday of the British motorcycle industry was on display at St James yesterday. People were queuing by the 10am opening to see about 90 machines spanning the period from 1911 to the present day. Alan Richmond, who organised the show on behalf of the St James Trust, is also chairman of The British Motor Cycle Club Guernsey. ‘I think British motorcycles appeal to the older man who probably had one in his youth,’ he said. ‘Naturally he will say that it was the best and there is a huge brand loyalty. ‘For the practical, you can strip them down to the last nut and bolt, whereas motorcycles today are computer-controlled and you dare not change a spark plug.’ Some of the bikes – nicknamed trailer queens – belonged to people who did not want to get them wet. Half an hour of riding and four hours of cleaning was no fun, he said. Vaccine centre volunteer Alan Boyd, 66, said visiting the show had reactivated his interest in motorcycles. ‘I had bikes from the age of 15 and I even managed to persuade my wife, Jo, to tour Europe with me on a [Honda] Goldwing,’ he said. ‘I sold it because I thought I was getting too old. I’m a Triumph fan. The early ones leaked oil and the electrics were always packing up. Every time you went out it was an adventure as you never knew whether you’d get back or not.’ Within a few minutes of the show opening, the hall was packed with motorcycle enthusiasts. Jackson Garage technician Wojtek Krzemien, 39, who came to Guernsey from Poland 13 years ago, was among them. ‘I just love motorbikes and I wanted to bring the boys to show them the story of motorcycling,’ he said. ‘They love motorbikes too and everything here is in such great condition.’ Other makes on show included Norton, BSA, James, Velocette, Sunbeam and Royal Enfield.

State Authorities in California, Maryland and Wisconsin announce recommendations for safety and awareness on Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

DMV reiterates safe riding practices in respect to Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
by The Bakersfield Californian from https://www.bakersfield.com

The California Highway Patrol is emphasizing safe riding and driving practices in May as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

In a news release, the CHP said that more than 500 people were killed in motorcycle-involved crashes in California in 2020 and more than 11,500 people were injured. There are more than 1.4 million licensed riders in the state, the CHP said.

With those numbers in mind, the agency strongly encourages all riders to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. The CMSP has 98 training sites throughout the state and trains approximately 55,000 motorcyclists each year. For more information or to find a training site near you, visit californiamotorcyclist.com or motorcyclesafetyca.com.

The CHP added that motorcyclists can help protect themselves by wearing proper safety gear including a U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmet, following the speed limit, riding defensively, and always riding sober. Drivers should always look at their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and always keep a safe distance.

The CHP promotes motorcycle safety with the Get Educated and Ride Safe program, funded by a $750,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All eight CHP field divisions will hold outreach events to promote motorcycle safety throughout 2021 under the GEARS grant.

“Motorcyclists who are responsible, informed, and properly equipped can help reduce rider deaths and injuries,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “Motorists are also key to reducing crashes by being aware of the dangers and challenges of motorcycle riding. Taking the time to look twice for motorcyclists can save a life.”

May Is Motorcycle Safety Month Maryland State Police Urge Extra Caution
from Maryland Government

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – The Maryland State Police are urging drivers to keep safety in mind during “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month” being observed in May.

As the weather gets warmer, more motorcycles are on the roads, and more traffic crashes are reported between vehicles and motorcycles. About 15% of all fatal crashes in Maryland involve motorcycles according to the Maryland Department of Transportation. On average, more than 60 motorcyclists die in traffic crashes on Maryland roads every year, and an additional 1,700 people, both riders and passengers, are injured in Maryland traffic crashes, according to statistics provided by the Maryland Department of Transportation.

If you are driving a car;

• Share the road. Allow motorcycles the full width of the lane at all times.
• Use care when driving near a group of motorcyclists.
• Check mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles, especially before changing lanes, merging, and at intersections. The motorcycle’s size makes it difficult to judge their speed and distance.
• Always signal if changing lanes so others know your intentions.

If you are operating a motorcycle;

• Always wear a helmet and protective gear.
• Carry your license with you and obey all traffic laws.
• Stay in the middle of the traffic lane for better visibility.
• Obey speed limits. Speeding is a factor in about 30% of motorcycle crashes according to the Maryland Department of Transportation.

Everyone on the roads should use extra caution during inclement weather, and never drive while impaired or distracted. Try to anticipate the moves of other vehicles on the road. Recognizing Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month will keep everyone safer on Maryland roads.

State Patrol reminds motorists to look twice, share the road with motorcycles
by Racine County Eye from https://racinecountyeye.com

Motorcycle fatalities increased 40% in 2020 over the previous five years’ average. May is national “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month” and the Wisconsin State Patrol is asking motorcyclists and all other motorists to share the road, be alert and safe. 2020 preliminary data for Wisconsin shows there were 2,095 motorcycle crashes, 1,788 motorcyclists injured, and 112 motorcycle fatalities.

As warm weather returns, more motorcyclists will be on Wisconsin roads. “Drivers must be in the habit of looking for motorcyclists,” Wisconsin State Patrol Captain Jason Zeeh said, “and motorcyclists should watch for other vehicles and get properly trained and licensed. Together we can save lives.”

Motorcycle crashes often occur when a car or truck driver changes lanes, turns left or pulls out in front of a motorcycle. Motorcycles are smaller and more difficult to see, especially in your blind spot. Failure to yield the right of way to another vehicle (state law 346.18) can result in a $175 citation, but penalties are much more severe if the violation results in someone getting injured or killed.

Motorcyclists can do their part by getting properly licensed, wearing visible and protective equipment, and carefully scanning ahead for potential hazards such as gravel, debris or wildlife in the roadway.

Motorcyclists have two options to get the required Class M license: pass a motorcycle driving skills test after making an appointment at a Division of Motor Vehicles service center or successfully complete a WisDOT-approved rider education course. Motorcyclists who successfully complete an approved safety course earn a skills test waiver used to obtain their Class M license.

“Whether a person is brand new to motorcycling or a returning rider, a safety course is a wise investment,” Captain Zeeh said. “Safety along our roadways requires all drivers to share the road, watch their speed, eliminate distractions and be alert.”

from https://www.wgrz.com

Buffalo-area motorcyclists take part in 31st annual safety ride. The American Bikers Aimed Toward Education event aims to remind all drivers that motorcyclists are back on the road.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, and on Saturday, 75 motorcyclists took part in the 31st annual American Bikers Aimed Toward Education safety ride.

The event is aimed at reminding all drivers that motorcyclists are back on the road. There are plenty of safety tips for motorcyclists, including the obvious.

“On a motorcycle, you want to make yourself visible,” Lee Argen of ABATE Buffalo said. “You always want as visible as possible. Daytime ride with your high beam lights on. A lot of times, I think people are not visible because their lights are either off or on low beam in the daytime.”

Drivers should never try to share a lane with a motorcycle. Always give a motorcycle the full lane width.

The one-hour event began Saturday afternoon at the Rath Building in downtown Buffalo.

by Annie Lindgren from https://northfortynews.com

Fort Collins Motorsports (FCMS), in partnership with Indian® Motorcycle of Fort Collins (IMOFC), has announced it will offer a free safety course to riders (valued at $250) with the purchase of any new make or model motorcycle from its dealership.

“Safe riding should always be a priority, and we’re excited to have an opportunity to tap into our IMRG network so that we can offer this course for free to customers,” said Jeff Sroufe, general manager of Fort Collins Motorsports. “With May being Motorcycle Safety Month, we want to ensure all of our fellow riders are equipped with knowledge of important skills to help them ‘live to ride and ride to live’ while on the open roads.”

With two dates to choose from, on May 8 and August 14, 2021, the safety course event will take place on-site at the IMOFC dealership (1800 SE Frontage Rd., Fort Collins, Colorado 80525). During the four-hour safety course, expert training will be provided by a local police officer and certified motorcycle instructor, who also acts as VP and safety director of the Northern Colorado Indian® Motorcycle Riders Group (NOCO IMRG).

Designed for every level of motorcycle rider experience, the course will cover key safety topics in a real-world style setting. Safety topics include threshold braking, obstacle avoidance, slow speed precision, and more. Each course has been organized into a three-part format, starting with an educational ‘Listen & Learn’ segment, followed by a live demonstration to ‘Watch & Learn,’ and ending with a supervised ‘Ride & Learn’ practice session.

Upon making a qualifying motorcycle purchase, riders will receive access to register for the course through an exclusive direct link. FCMS is also offering the educational (Listen & Learn) segment as a complimentary video download for those pending or without a purchase to ‘Ride Fear Free’ at www.indianmotorcycleoffortcollins.com/ridefreeRSVP.

DISCLAIMER: A completed liability waiver and valid Motorcycle Endorsement will be required for course admittance. The ‘Road Survival Training’ course is supplementary to other training courses and is not MSF Approved (completion of the ‘Road Survival Training’ course does not earn a Motorcycle Endorsement). Participants will need to come prepared with individual helmets and safety gear to use during the ‘Ride & Learn’ portion of the course.

Learn more about Indian® Motorcycle of Fort Collins at www.indianmotorcycleoffortcollins.com. To learn more about Fort Collins Motorsports, visit www.fortcollinsmotorsports.com.

After a tough start, Sam Lowes saved his best for last to claim his third podium finish from the opening four races of 2021, while Augusto Fernandez suffered an unfortunate early crash from third.

The Moto2 field had to navigate 23 laps of the Circuit of Jerez Angel Nieto in ambient temperatures of 21 degrees for the fourth round of 2021.

There were mixed fortunes for the Elf Marc VDS Racing Team riders in an outing that broke the previous Moto2 race record. Sam Lowes scored 16 important points for his world championship challenge, while Augusto Fernandez failed to finish.

Augusto Fernandez – DNF
The 23-year old enjoyed a brilliant start from seventh on the grid, and climbed four places in the first half a lap to sit a very strong third.

But Augusto’s race came to a frustrating end when he tucked the front at turn six on the third lap, a result that brings his first non-score of the 2021 season.

It means the rider from the Balearic Islands slips to ninth in the championship with 23 points.

“The positive thing is we have the speed again”

“A big shame! I made a great start. I was there and in the lead group. My pace was podium pace and I felt good. I did a 1’41.7s with a full tank on the second lap. I was third and thought it was time to relax so I could be strong at the end of the race. But I made a little mistake, coming into turn six hot with the brakes. With the full tank, the front closed immediately. I couldn’t do anything. The positive thing is we have the speed again. Also, we are constant in every practice at different tracks – the second weekend in Qatar, Portimao and here. I struggled a lot last year and now we’ve been competitive. We just have to manage the races better and know how to be at the front. I want to say sorry to the team. It was completely my mistake and now I’m already thinking about Le Mans.”

Sam Lowes – 3rd, +2.229 s.

The Briton didn’t enjoy an ideal getaway off the line, dropping from fifth to eighth by the first corner. Despite joining the back of a four-rider fight for second, Lowes didn’t feel comfortable in the race’s first half.

But the 30-year old maintained his cool and produced a late rally. He passed Remy Gardner for fourth on lap 20 and then took third from Raul Fernandez at turn two on the penultimate lap.

The result sees Lowes climb to second in the world championship with 66 points, and sits just 3 behind leader Remy Gardner.

“It’s really positive to be back on the podium”

“It was really important to get the race distance today after what happened in Portugal. We didn’t just miss out on scoring points, but we didn’t get any information for the race distance. Today I didn’t have the grip I expected in the race. But the conditions were like that. I was happy to have the speed at the end. It’s really positive to be back on the podium after Portugal. It has been another solid weekend. I want to thank the team for their help. Now we can look forward to Le Mans in a couple of weeks, where I have great memories. It’s where I scored my first win with this team!”

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com

Recreating a historic Harley-Davidson racing model without the original parts except the original engine.

Believe it or not, it’s been 118 years since the foundations of the company we now know as Harley-Davidson were laid. Somehow, the company managed to get through two hot world wars, a cold, long one, and more near-death experiences that we care count.

Such a long history means there are more models in the company’s past than in its present (and some, might argue, more than in the future). Some are so old it’s literally impossible to come across one, and people have to turn to all sorts of gimmicks to get their hands on a historic model.

Like the guys behind this build did. Trying to bring back one of Harley’s historic racing models, a Swedish museum by the name of MC Collection got their hands on an original motorcycle engine from 1916 and built a bike around it, trying to capture the essence of what was once the Model 11K racer.

The engine belonged to a Model F, and was slapped inside a full loop frame constructed (together with the forks) by former German road racing cyclist Christian Henn. The frame presents itself just like it did on the original Harley of more than a century ago, in the so-called keystone configuration, with stressed members and steel engine plates.

This way of building racers gave them better handling but, perhaps equally as important, allowed for the cylinder to be removed with the powerplant still fitted on the bike, allowing for quick intervention during races, if they were required.

This 1916 Harley was put together in Sweden more than a decade ago, and in the meantime it made it to the U.S. It was listed as for sale during the Mecum motorcycle auction this weekend, and it got sold for $57,750. As a side note though, whoever bought it will only be using it as a museum piece, because it is not street legal.

by Otilia Drăgan from https://www.autoevolution.com

Who says that you can’t commute in style? If you’re a fan of electric mobility alternatives, it’s time to forget about boring options and go for something that allows you to fully express your individuality. The fiery Tokyo electric motorcycle from OX Motorcycles is sure to catch your eye.

After releasing their first electric motorcycle earlier this year, Spanish-based company OX Motorcycles launched an interesting follow-up collection, called the Atypical Edition. The three models in the collection are all based on the first OX One electric motorcycle, but each of them represents a different facet of riding. While the Montecarlo version is the sports model and Patagonia is the off-road option, OX One Tokyo is the urban motorcycle by definition.

What stands out about Tokyo is its design. Unlike the other bikes in the range, which have a more pronounced retro-inspired design, Tokyo gives out a contemporary vibe. With a predominantly red colorway, this motorbike is meant to become a showstopper in any environment. And let’s not forget about the LED round headlight with an X-shaped screen grid that underlines its rebellious look.

But this is not just a good-looking motorbike, it’s also a smart one. OX One Tokyo has an integrated, customized technology developed by the same company. ELISA is the name of this navigation technology that can also help the rider locate their bike, improve their riding style or find out more about battery status. It simply connects to the user’s phone and it’s easy to use.

Like all the OX One motorcycles, Tokyo has an 8 kW motor, able to reach a maximum speed of 68 mph (110 kph). It also comes with two removable 70V, 30Ah batteries, each weighing 30 lbs. (14 kg). Also, one of the best things about the OX One motorcycles is that the batteries can be charged using any standard household plug and it only takes two hours to fully charge one battery.

All the motorcycles in the Atypical Edition, including OX One Tokyo, have a $7,247 (€5, 990) price tag, with deliveries beginning this fall.

by Inigo Roces from https://mb.com.ph

Easily one of BMW Motorrad’s most popular line of motorcycles is the GS. Standing for Gelände/Straße (on and off-road), the very first model debuted in 1980 in the form of the R80 G/S. The R80 featured innovative technology like the use of the shaft drive, and was later entered into the Paris-Dakar Rally.

Since then, the GS has continued to evolve with its engine displacement growing and the lineup expanding to become the family that we know it as today. To date, BMW Motorrad has been able to hand over more than 1.2 million BMW GS models to customers, worldwide.

In celebration of its 40 years of success, BMW is offering special 40 Years of GS limited edition models, each with a unique livery, across its lineup.

In a virtual launch, BMW unveiled the six motorcycle models that will be sporting this unique livery and features: the BMW G 310 GS, F 750 GS, F 850 GS, RnineT Urban GS, R 1250 GS, and the R 1250 GS Adventure. These special editions will only be available in 2021 in limited numbers while supplies last.

Each 40 Years GS limited edition motorcycle comes with a unique design that pays homage tothe pioneer of the enduro motorcycle segment, the BMW R 100 GS in ‘bumblebee’ livery.

G310 GS
The special edition lineup begins with the G 310 GS (P320,000.00). This most accessible member of the GS family, it comes with ride-by-wire technology, an LED headlight and indicators, adjustable brake and clutch levers, ABS, a stainless steel exhaust, and a luggage rack fitted as standard.

F 750 GS
Next up is the first of the parallel twins, the F 750 GS (P855,000.00). This middleweight adventure bike is fitted with an LED headlight with daytime running lamps and LED indicators, keyless ride system, a 6.5 inch full-color TFT display. It also comes with the enviable electronic riding aids like Riding Modes Pro (Dynamic and Enduro), Gear Shift Assistant Pro, ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control with MSR, Tire pressure control and a 12V and USB power socket.

F 850 GS
Higher up on the lineup is the F 850 GS (P975,000.00). Similar to the F750, it has an LED headlight with daytime running lamps and LED indicators, keyless ride system, a 6.5 inch full-color TFT display. It also comes with the enviable electronic riding aids like Riding Modes Pro (Dynamic and Enduro), Gear Shift Assistant Pro, ABS Pro, Dynamic Traction Control with MSR, Tire pressure control and a 12V and USB power socket. The F 850 also gets the enviable gold wheels.

RnineT Urban GS
Easily the hot rod of the family is the RnineT Urban GS (P1,275,000.00). This model will appeal to those that enjoy customizing with its Option 719 cylinder head covers, gold wheels, LED headlight with daytime running light, and speed indicator with on-board computer.

Among its electronic features are ABS, Riding Modes Pro (including Riding Mode Dirt), Cruise Control, an ASC. It doesn’t have to be confined to the city with features like off-road tires and heated grips.

R 1250 GS
Naturally, the flagship R 1250 GS and GS Adventure also get the 40 Years of GS treatment.

These include black and yellow Option 719 cylinder head covers, short sport windscreen in yellow, gold handlebars, gold wheels, full LED headlight with adaptive cornering function and cruising light, keyless ride, and heated grips.

Among its electronic features are Riding Modes Pro (with Dynamic, Dynamic Pro, Enduro, and Enduro Pro modes), customizable modes, Dynamic ESa with automatic load leveling and damping, Gear Shift Assistant Pro, Hill Start Control Pro, and Dynamic Stability Control with Dynamic Brace Control.

They’re now available at all BMW Motorrad dealers.

by Tom Morton from https://kgab.com

Hundreds of bikers at noon Saturday will join the annual parade through Casper to mark the beginning of motorcycle awareness month.

Casper Police will provide an escort for the bikers for the 10.5-mile route, and the parade will significantly affect traffic.

The parade begins at the eastside Walmart, heads west on Second Street then through the Old Yellowstone District, goes north over the Poplar Street bridge, turns east and back to East First Street, then east on the Old Yellowstone Highway to Hat Six Road and ending at the Hat Six Travel Plaza.

by Mercy Owusu from https://www.abc4.com

Expect to see motorcycles lane filtering, it’s legal under certain circumstances

Lane Filtering is NOT the same as Lane Splitting. Legal for roads with speed limit NOT LEGAL on Freeways.

UTAH – As the weather continues to get warmer, Utahans can expect to see more motorcycles on the road — and more motorcycles means more lane filtering.

The Department of Public Safety wants to remind drivers they can expect to see motorcycles lane filtering, as well as remind motorcyclists of the conditions under which lane filtering is legal.

What is Lane filtering?
Lane filtering is when motorcyclists move between two lanes to the front of traffic that is stopped at an intersection.

Motorcycle lane filtering was made legal under certain circumstances in Utah in May of 2019. The decision came after the Utah legislature’s passage of HB 149 during the 2019 legislative session.

Officials say the law for lane filtering was designed to prevent or reduce rear-end collisions between approaching vehicles and motorcycles stopped in traffic.

They added, unlike lane “splitting,” lane “filtering” is intended to provide a “safety pocket” for motorcycles when encountering stopped traffic.

Since motorcycle riding is seasonal in Utah, some drivers may be surprised when they see motorcyclists who are lane filtering.

Officials emphasized that lane filtering between stopped vehicles on roadways with at least two lanes in the same direction and speeds of 45 mph and lower is legal in Utah.

Having a motorcycle pass closely to your stopped vehicle can be startling. However, officials say if you’re aware that lane filtering is legal and know to expect it, you can maintain an awareness of your surroundings and reduce the element of surprise.

Motorcycles can lane filter in Utah when the following conditions are met, according to officials:

• The individual is on a roadway divided into two or more adjacent traffic lanes in the same direction of travel
• The individual is on a roadway with a speed limit of 45 miles per hour or less; this means it is never legal on the freeway
• The vehicle being overtaken in the same lane is stopped
• The motorcycle is traveling at a speed of 15 miles per hour or less
• The movement may be made safely