South East Biker Motorcycle Forum

Diesel spills clean-up thanks to KillSpillsThanks to the efforts of the KillSpills anti-diesel spill campaign, the Department for Transport (DfT) is to undertake a two-year study into the problem of diesel spillages and the most effective way of cleaning them up.

The KillSpills campaign, founded in 2003 to counter the menace of diesel spillage and particularly the danger it presents to motorcyclists, say that this major step forward means that as an integral part of the DfT’s business plan, the project will produce guidance for local authorities and the Highways Agency to follow, so ending the confusing array of procedures and solutions currently adopted across the UK.and it has been rewarded with commitment from government. www.killspills.org.uk

The DVLA has come to its senses over the licence entitlement fiasco, after pressure from various motorcycling organisations. Many riders had sent off their licences for an update only to receive them back with the motorcycle entitlement missing. Unless you could prove you had passed the relevant test, it meant going through the whole process again. The DVLA will now (hopefully) return your old licence with a hole punched in it. You must enclose a stamped addressed envelope and a request for the return of your licence.

Vito Ippolito, the president of the FIM, motorcycle racing’s governing body, sees a return to the 990cc engines. This increases speculation about a merger with World Superbikes. It seems unlikely to happen in the short term but costs could dictate the outcome. Valentino Rossi supports the idea along with a reduction in electronic rider aids. He reckons removing around 70% of the existing technology would improve the bikes and the racing.

New Bikes for 2010After a fairly quiet 2009, several of the major manufacturers will be launching major new models with completely new designs rather than minor tweaks.

Honda will be launching their VFR1200, aimed at being a versatile all rounder. Several events will take place in the south east to mark the launch and we hope to bring you further details via the magazine, website and Facebook.

BMW reveal their out and out superbike the S1000RR which will be available for demo in the spring. Can the German giants break the Japanese and Italian hold over the litre sportsbike market?

Ducati are bringing out an all new Multistrada 1200. This classy looking bike features the highest quality components and gives the Italian firm an excellent range of quality machinery.

Norton will be back in business with the hotly anticipated 961SE. With a combination of classic British looks and the latest technology, this bike should hopefully provide a launch pad to put the famous British company back where it belongs at the forefront of motorcycling.

Triumph are one of the few bike companies to have a successful year. Look out for an increase in their range over the coming twelve months.

It’s been a tough year for motorcycling, hit by the recession, the new test fiasco and evermore interfering government legislation. However the model ranges and quality of bikes now on offer is awesome. There are plenty of deals to be had, with manufacturers offering low or 0% finance, or throwing in kit and accessories. More machines now offer higher spec as standard and features such as ABS are becoming the norm. If you are lucky enough to have any cash after Christmas, it could be a great year to buy that dream bike!