Ducatisti Alert!!

World Ducati Week 2007

If Ducati's are your thing Ducati have just confirmed that the fifth World Ducati Week is set for the June 28th to July 1st 2007 at the “Misano World Circuit” in Misano Adriatico (Rn). You can read the full details on www.inter-bike.co.uk by clicking the link above

Ride Safe.

Jon Booth
Email:webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling.swicki-eurekster.com

Leon Haslam - Airwaves Ducati Wallpaper

Calling all Leon Haslam Fans


Just a quick blog to let you all know I've just added a fantastic desktop wallpaper of Leon Haslam - Airwaves Ducati rider from the 2006 British Superbike Championship.
The desktop wallpaper is available in sizes 640x480, 800x600 & 1024x768. They can be downloaded along with lots of other great motorcycle wallpapers on the www.inter-bike.co.uk website at http://www.inter-bike.co.uk/wallpapers.asp?offset=15&action=go&category=&seltown=

I will be adding more motorcycle racing stars wallpapers over the coming weeks!

Ride Safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

A gift wrapped motorcycle for Christmas?

eBay Motors has Christmas all wrapped up


eBay Motors now offers a gift wrapping service for cars, motorbikes, vans or boats bought as a gift on ebay Motors.

So if if you fancy getting the loved one in your life a motorbike or scooter for Xmas, this solves the gift wrapping problem.

Nice one eBay!

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com

The Doctor, The Tornado and the Kentucky Kid - Clips from the DVD

Hi all you MOTOGP fans



If you're a real MOTOGP fan you'll already know about the fantastic MOTOGP film released on DVD on the 27th November entitled "The Doctor, The Tornado and the Kentucky Kid". Well in addition to showing the promo trailer on www.inter-bike.co.uk, Revolver Films have allowed us to show two further stunning clips from the DVD.

So visit http://www.inter-bike.co.uk/vidgallery.asp?gname=VG23 to watch the clips.
We've seen the whole DVD and you can read my review on the same web page. Enjoy!

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email:webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com

Ducatisti delight!

Ducati debut at the MCN London Motorcycle Show

I like many was disappointed that none of the major Italian motorcycle manufacturers were at this years International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC; many preferring to show their latest models at the EIMA show a few weeks later in Milan.

So it comes as no surprise that it has been announced that Ducati will be at this year's MCN London Motorcycle Show at ExCel to show off their new models. So for the Ducatisti out there, Ducati will have their stunning new Ducati 1098 on show, (the most powerful twin cylinder motorcycle in the world apparently), the extreme Ducati Hyermotard, and for those wannabe racers, the limited edition Desmosedici RR.

I know I'll be at the show if only to get a look and sit on these bikes. However I wonder with Ducati not being at the NEC this year and choosing to show its new models in the UK at the MCN show, whether in the coming years it could be the MCN show that manufacturers choose as the premier UK motorcycle show to release their new models to the British motorcycling public, only time will tell!!

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email:webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.co.uk.blogspot.com

A green motorcycle - 100 MPG!

Bite the Bullet for Green Transport

Royal Enfield have put out a press release reminding all just how economical the Royal Enfield Bullet Electra is. Apparently Freelance journalist Jim Reynolds achieved a remarkable 106.7mpg over 189 miles on UK country roads!

The Bullet Electra has an all-alloy 499cc engine was designed and developed in conjunction with the internationally respected Austrian power-train systems company, AVL.

So is this the future of motorcycling? I feel that with ever increasing fuel costs, that bikers will have to consider whether they can run a sports bike that can guzzle petrol faster than a car, as opposed to a bike that will take you over 100 miles on a gallon. Motorcycles were popular after the Second World War because they offered good value economic transport for the masses. In the past sixty years many motorcycles have moved into the categorey of "plaything"! It will good for motorcycling if increasing petrol costs see the return of many more to motorcycling as economic transport.

So its hats off to Royal Enfield for producing a motorcycle that will be so fuel frugal.

Ride Safe

Jon Booth
Email:webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.co.uk/blogspot.com

Bikers value post test training

Research findings reveal post-test training valued by majority of riders

The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) has published details of an EMAP survey that shows most bikers are positive about post test-training. As someone who as done their IAM Advanced Test I welcome this positive confirmation that further training is welcomed and should be taken by all bikers, in my opinion if possible!

Riding a motorbike is a constant learning process and when it come to my personal safety and that of other road users, the extra benefits to your riding and safety that further training can bring, cannot be emphasised enough.

So why not enroll for your IAM Advanced Test attend a BikeSafe assessment now!

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com

New world two man stoppie record set!!!

Third World Record for Jones and Buell

Buell reported yesterday that British stunt rider Craig Jones and former European champion and co-rider Wing Chui set a new world two man stoppie record of 305 metres at Donington Park race circuit on the front wheel of their Buell Firebolt XB12R.

So its congratulations to Craig Jones for setting his third world record.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email:webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog:http://inter-bike.blogspot.com

Mini Bike Xmas warning!

Mini Bike caution at Christmas warns Motor cycle Industry

I'm delighted to see that the Motor Cycle Industry Association has this week issued a press release urging caution when purchasing mini bikes as Xmas presents. The illegal use of mini-bikes has received much press coverage this year and in some quarters is undoubtedly having a negative effect on the image of motorcycling.
I urge anyone considering buying a mini bike for their children this Christmas to read the press release (see link above).

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email:webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com

Another birthday for Honda!

Happy 100th Birthday Soichiro Honda!

Its happy 100th to Soichiro Honda the founder of Honda, who would have been one hundred years old on the 16th November 2007 . Sadly he died on the 5th August 1991.

So lets wish Mr Honda, a man who made a massive contribution to motorcycling, a Happy Birthday!

Ride Safe.

Jon Booth
Email:webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com

A Harley-Davidson fetchs $800,000!!!!

Award winning Harley-Davidson under the hammer

Yes, a Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special fetched $800,000 at a fund raising event for ‘Reach out to Asia’ in Doha. The Crown Prince of Qatar, a noted Harley-Davidson enthusiast bought the bike.

It didn't quite beat the world record which is $801,000 paid for a Harley-Davidson – a Road King model.

Ride Safe

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Honda Blackbird

Happy 10th Birthday Honda Blackbird!

So the Honda Blackbird is 10 years old, a testament to an enduring design, which was right from the start. Sadly I've never owned a Honda Blackbird (but have had the Kawasaki ZZR1100, and ZZR1200 and the Suzuki Hayabusa is main competitors), but the Blackbird continues to sell well 10 years on and set a standard on its release that few others have attained or maintained. I know several bikers who have bought a Blackbird and just continued to stay with Blackbirds thereafter!
There may be quicker bikes out now, but not many have got the overall package so right from the beginning.

Happy Birthday Honda Blackbird, a well deserved 10 year anniversary mark for this legendary bike.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com

Good news, UK Motorcycle Registrations are up 9% in October

Motorcycle Registrations Up As Motorcycle Show Closes

The MCIA (Motor cycle Industry Association) have just released the UK motorcycle and moped registration figures for October to reveal a healthy 9% increase over the same period last year. Motorcycle sexcluding mopeds are up 13%. This is good news and from reading the MCI press release its apparent that some of the growth is in the commuter machine class.

Hopefully as fuel prices, congestion charging and may be in the future road pricing continue to increase the cost of motoring, more people will turn to motorcycles for cheap, reliable and fun transport!

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com

Now they want more Speed Cameras!!!

Motorcycle News (MCN) reports this week that the Transport Select Committee wants cameras to be hidden, for there to be more speed cameras on back roads and for cameras to be randomly placed at locations where there has never been a speed related accident and for lower enforcement thresholds.

So by their own admission then cameras have nothing to do with preventing accidents where speed is involved if they want to place them at random locations where an accident involving speed has never happened, or am I missing something? Call me cynical but could the attraction of yet more speeding fine revenue be the real reason why speed cameras should be placed just where ever the camera partnerships want?

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email:webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com

The Doctor, The Tornado & The Kentucky Kid

The Doctor, The Tornado & The Kentucky Kid DVD is due to be released on the 27th November.

www.inter-bike.co.uk are delighted that we've got 5 copies of this fantastic MotoGP DVD to give away in a free to enter on-line competition. You can enter at:-

http://www.inter-bike.co.uk/comp101106a.asp

Its you chance to relive the 2005 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix through the eyes of Valentino Rossi (The Doctor), Colin Edwards (The Tornado) and Nicky Hayden (The Kentucky Kid). Ewan McGregor (Long Way Round) teams up with Mark Neale (Faster) to bring you The Doctor, The Tornado and The Kentucky Kid, a gripping documentary of the legendary race at Mazda Race Way Laguna Seca.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email:webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com

First picture of the Ducati 1098 available

1098, the new Ducati Superbike

The first pictures of Ducati's new superbike, the Ducati 1098 S are available to view on http://www.inter-bike.co.uk. Click the story link above.
It looks stunning!!!!!

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email:webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com

So the Ally Pally Bike Show is no more!

MCN London Motorcycle Show Makes jump to ExCeL London

So for 2007 the London Motorcycle Show or should I say MCN London Motorcycle Show moves to London ExCeL. Whlist accepting things move on, I shall be sad to lose the unique atmosphere that hosting the London Motorcycle Show at Alexandra Palace gave the event. I'm sure the "Ally Pally" show will be missed by many.


Ride safe.

Jon Booth
Email:webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com

More anti-biking legislation!!!

Motor Cycle Industry Association calls on Lords to prevent Off-Road Motorcycling disaster

In a press release today the MCI (Motorcycle Industry Association)draws attention to the Second reading of the The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) bill.

MCI’s Craig Carey-Clinch said; “ The new law demonstrates a lack of respect for the law-abiding motorcyclist and will mainly serve to penalise and criminalise many because of the inappropriate and irresponsible behaviour of a few.
“Illegal use will continue, and use of the remaining legitimate routes will increase until they are saturated. Other routes will become fragmented and the character of them will change. The very character of our ancient RoW network is reliant on vehicular use which helps to keep them open and of a suitable width. Ramblers can only create footpaths, vehicle use preserves the historic appearance of RoWs and stops them from becoming overgrown and inaccessible.
“This is another example of intolerance towards minority interests. Problems have been exaggerated, attempts to enter meaningful dialogue have been rebuffed and alternative strategies rejected. The rambler and environmental lobby has weaved blatant dislike and an intolerance of alternative lifestyles into the language of reason, in a successful attempt to present a case which is out of proportion to the real problem. The voice of reasonable and co-operative users is drowned out.”

It seems to me( Jon Booth) that at every opportunity in this country the legitmate freedoms of law abiding motorcyclists are been withdrawn or challenged. If we motorcyclists, as an interest group do not fight to defend our freedoms to lawfully enjoy motorcycling, the current generations of motorcyclists may be the last to do so!!!

What do you think, let us at www.inter-bike.co.uk know?

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Sachs is saved

Sachs is Saved - Management Buy Out Secures the Future of Germany’s Oldest Motorcycle Manufacturer

Its great to hear that Sachs has been saved by a management buy-out!

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

More unwelcome anti-bike legislation!

Off-Road Registration: ‘Using a sledgehammer to crack a nut,’ says MRA

So the government thinks that making every bike have a registration plate whether its used on road or off-road will combat the illegal use of mini and toy bikes on public roads.

I think all it will do is penalise those biker who use their bikes legitimately off-road, adding more cost and red tape. Those who ride mini bikes illegally will continue to do so!

What we need is more community policing to catch the people who ride such bikes illegally, not more legislation which just makes it harder for the law abiding biker.

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Police (former) join MAG

Former Police Chief Joins Biker Campaign Group

Well not actually, but yesterday MAG (The Motorcycle action Group) announced the appointment of David Short, the former Chief Superintendent of Police for North Yorkshire to lead MAG's political campaigns in the UK.

It's fantatsic for all concerned with motorcycling that MAG has had the foresight to secure the services of David Short who is a passionate biker as well as being a former senior police officer. Lets hope that with David Shorts influence through MAG we start to get some really positive steps forward on the political scene that promote the many benefits of motorcycling; rather than the somewhat anti-biking political agenda currently prevailing in this country!

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

BMF welcomes call for more Road Policing

Roads Policing – The Good the Bad and the Unacceptable

Yesterday the BMF publicised its response to the House of Commons Transport Select Committe report entitled ‘Roads Policing and Technology: Getting the Right Balance’

Its good to see the BMF speaking out strongly about this critical issue and pointing out "that the preoccupation with the enforcement of speed limits is detracting from dealing with poor standards of driving".

My view is that speed in itself does not kill, its driver error or poor judgement founded upon poor driving standards that causes accidents. Yes, speed may well make the outcome of an accident worse, buts its driving standards the Goverment should be concentrating on, to avoid accidents happening in the first place.

More road policing, with officers on the roads who can offer objective advice to drivers and riders when needed, with prosecution if necessary, will it seems to me have more effect than a speeding ticket arriving by post, which is seen by many as just a cynical revenue raising exercise.

Just imagine how much driving standards could be raised nationally if the money spent on speed cameras was funnelled into better rider and driver training with more traffic officers on our roads.

Ride safe.

Jon Booth
webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Toseland rides MotoGP Bike!

Toseland and Charpentier try out Hayden's Honda

Well yes James Toseland has got to ride a MotoGP bike. He was invited by Honda HRC to ride Nicky Hayden's MotoGP bike on Monday this week after the Valencia race, along with World Supersport Champion Sebastien Charpentier, both of Team Winston Honda Ten Kate.

However James Toseland has made it be know he wishes to ride in MotoGP and when I was at the Honda Press Conference last Thursday at the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the Birmingham NEC, he again reiterated his desire to ride in MotoGP. He suggested in part, his remaining in the World Superbike Championship this year is because neogitaions for team places in World Superbikes are carried out earlier in the year than MotoGP.

So whilst I'm sure many of us will be delighted to continue to see James Toseland compete in the World Superbike Championship for 2007, it could be his last year in this Championship before a move up to Moto GP in 2008.

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

North Wales Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom's blog - "dreadful driving exhibited by so many motorcyclists"

Motor Cycle News this week reports again on the blog of the Chief Constable of North Wales - Richard Brunstrom with the headline "Brunstrom's blog slams bikers".
You can read Brunstrom's blog entry at:-
http://www.north-wales.police.uk/nwp/public/en/blogs/viewblog.asp?UID=1&CID=72

Earlier this year Richard Brunstrom suggested motorcycles should be banned from all National Parks and now he uses the actions of two bikers to suggest in his words "Anyone who ventures onto the roads of the UK will be aware of the quite dreadful driving exhibited by so many motorcyclists - dangerous to the point of recklessness for their own lives and for those of other road users."

Yes the action of the two motorcyclists featured in the blog and on the video clip features do show a number of undertakes and use of the hard shoulder, but are they a justification for such anti-biking comments.

Is it right that a public servant should use his position to attempt to denigrate motorcyclists based on the actions of a minority. In most sphere's life there are those that choose to flout the law, but that does not mean we are all law breakers!

What do you think? You can tell Mr Brunstrom what you think, by visting his blog and leaving your own comments.

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Bradley Smith is "Rookie of the Year" in MotoGP 125cc Championship

Bradley Smith is "Rookie of the Year" in MotoGP 125cc Championship

Bradley Smith, the 15 year old Oxfordshire schoolboy received his trophy for Rookie of the year at the MotoGP awards ceremony in Valencia on Sunday.

It is great that an English younster has made it to international level, when the competition for places at this level is so tough, as is the financial cost on parents and supporters helping Bradley get to this position.

It takes a massive amount of determination and hard work to make it on the international motorcycle racing scene, for each youngster like Bradley who makes it, their are hundreds who don't.

I wrote an article for inter-bike last year about what it takes to enter the world of motorcycle racing at amateur level entitled So you want to be the next Valentino Rossi? which gives some insight into just how tough and expensive it can be, even getting on the bottom rungs of the racing ladder.

Bradley has had a fantatsic first season in MotoGP and I look foward to seeing how well he can do in the 2007 MotoGP championship.

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

Hayden wins, Rossi loses, MotoGP history!

Nicky Hayden - 2006 MotoGP World Champion
Hayden takes title after Rossi crash, Bayliss wins race
Fortune strikes its final blow at Valencia
A day that will go down in Ducati's history

So what a momentus race the final round of the MotoGP 2006 Championship was at Valencia on Sunday. I like millions of other MotoGP fans was on the edge of my seat through out the whole thrilling race.

Against many pundits expectations Nicky Hayden won the 2006 MotoGP Championship despite Valentino Rossi's pole position on the grid and an eight point lead in the championship. Who would have predicted that Rossi would not have made a clean get away at the start and even more that he would low side his Yamaha R1 on lap four, leading to him finishing thirteenth!

Nicky's dogged determination has paid off, despite the massive set back of being knocked off by team mate Dani Pedrosa in the Portugese Grand Prix at Estoril, he is now 2006 MotoGP World Champion and Rossi relinquishes his long held crown.

So why did Rossi lose, he has said publicly:-
“Of course this is a big disappointment for me because to arrive at the final race with an eight-point advantage and then not win the title is a disaster. Basically I made two mistakes today – one was at the start and then the second one was the crash."Source- Camel Media Service

So do you think Rossi has had his day, that younger blood like Dani Pedrosa, Casey Stoner, Toni Elias will continue to challenge Rossi's previous dominance in the 2007 season, or did he just have an off-day?

But lets not forget Troy Bayliss, newly crowned 2006 World Superbike Champion, who picks up the injured Sete Gibernau's ride for Ducati and goes on to win the Valencia race, despite having not been on a MotoGP bike for 18 months! Could we see Bayliss making a return to MotoGP at some future point, who knows?

Anyway tell us what you thought of the race and the amazing result.

Ride Safe!

Jon Booth
webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk

inter-bike Speaks!

Hi to all motorcyclists and users of www.inter-bike.co.uk.
So inter-bike finally gets to speak and I finally get time to publish inter-bike's first ever blog posting. I've been passionate about motorcycles ever since I was a lad (a long time ago!) and in 2000 I decided to start www.inter-bike.co.uk as a site dedicated to motorcycling. Well since then a hobby site of 12 pages has grown into a full time job and the www.inter-bike.co.uk site now serves in excess of 3.5 million page viewings to in excess of 800,000 visitors a year with over 1Gb of content!
Through this blog inter-bike hopes to tell you about whats going on with the inter-bike site and whats new, post up topical motorcycle news snippets, tell you about issues which affect motorcycling and threaten our continued enjoyment of motorcycling and invite your comment and discussion on http://www.inter-bike.co.uk, this blog's postings and all things motorcycle!

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk