Honda MSX 125

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Easy to use, fun and functional, the original leisure motorcycle was defined by Honda in 1963 with the iconic, small-wheeled Monkey bike and carried on – redefined for each respective generation – with the Dax and Ape. And it’s a formula that still has resonance for a completely new breed of young riders. Many of today’s teenagers – having grown up in the borderless, internet age – share a culture, fashion and spirit that defies convention. 

Instinctively drawn to motorcycling they need their first two-wheeled transport to be exciting but not unduly challenging, and want it to pack a design that makes them smile. They also have a desire to turn heads and be more than just a little bit different. To cater specifically for this generation of young riders Honda has produced the MSX125 (Mini Street X-treme 125). It’s everything expected of a Honda, in terms of performance, build quality and usability, but also wears a style and exudes an attitude all of its own.


The MSX 125 is built in Thailand, has an eco friendly and frugal four stroke fuel injected engine, four speed manual gearbox (as used in the Wave 125i), 31mm USD front forks, projector headlights and LED rear lights. No price has been announced yet but expect to see the bike in late spring.

MCI look forward to more motorcycle commuters in 2013

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The latest figures from the MCI (Motorcycle Industry) show there was a further rise in the number of new registrations of small motorcycles and scooters for 2012 - for the second year running – with the top five best sellers for the year all 125cc or just under. This is a popular size for commuting and is easily accessible to anyone over the age of 17 (16 for mopeds).

New registrations for bikes between 51-125cc saw a growth of 8.5% during 2012. Increased sales of small motorcycles have been consistent since petrol prices rose at the beginning of 2011. There is also a strong second hand market for smaller motorcycles between 101-125cc as the total parc for this engine band has risen steadily for the past ten years, rising from 154,000 in 2002 to 261,000 for the end of 2011. Figures for 2012 will be issued mid 2013.

Banish congestion

Commuting on a motorcycle, moped or scooter has huge benefits for all road users. A study published earlier this year by ACEM (The Motorcycle Industry in Europe) considered the impact of a relatively small shift from cars to motorcycles for a congested urban area in Belgium. When just 10% of drivers swapped their cars for motorcycles – time spent in traffic decreased by 40%. When 25% of car drivers switched – congestion was eliminated entirely.

Steve Kenward, Acting CEO of the MCI explained, “The growth of smaller motorcycles and scooters would suggest that more people than ever are commuting on powered two wheelers. This is an exciting trend and something the MCI has been talking to government about – in helping to solve congestion problems”.

The MCI has met with Transport Ministers recently to talk about recognising the contribution motorcycles can make in overcoming urban transport congestion.

Small motorcycles and scooters are more fuel efficient than most cars, with some doing up to 146mpg. Parking is often free, road tax is lower and there are no congestion charges or work place parking levies for motorcyclists. There is also an increasing range of electric motorcycles available. Steve Kenward is optimistic that the market will continue to be strong for 2013, “We are looking forward with confidence to another year of growth in the urban sector and are expecting an increase in sales of larger capacity machines as well, as confidence returns to the economy”.

Get on

For those who want to see if motorcycling is for them – the industry sponsors a programme called Get On which allows anyone over the age of 16 to try it for free, visit www.geton.co.uk and make 2013 the year you take to two wheels.

 

Products – January 2013

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Tucano Urbano Angus jacket

Specialist Italian scooter and motorcycle clothing giant Tucano Urbano sent us some of their excellent kit to try out recently. Being Italian means that style is of very high importance and this Angus jacket looks great, either on or off the scooter. The mid length jacket is waterproof and breathable, has taped seams, a removable hood, windproof knitted inner cuffs, a reflective logo, adjustable waist and removable Knox armour for the shoulders and elbows. I’ve only had chance to test it in light rain so far but it has kept me dry and warm although I’d wear another layer if I was travelling long distance, Tucano have thought of that as well and their lightweight Low Dog down jacket can be worn underneath and attached to the Angus, or worn as a separate jacket. The Angus jacket has become my all occasion winter coat, rather than just being worn whilst riding. It costs £174.98 but is money well spent.

BULL-IT Covec™ Laser jeans

These BULL-IT Covec™ Laser jeans are claimed to be 148% stronger than any Kevlar lined jean on the market, that’s thanks to the Covec™ material, which has been officially tested as the strongest liner in the world. The Covec™ liner protects the hips, knees and backside and also performs three times better than Kevlar in cut/abrasion resistance tests. Covec™ Laser Boot Cut are made with a slight stretch blue denim, with a grunge wash finish and a five pocket design with tailored waist band and rear pocket closures secured with Velcro. The inside is covered with a comfort mesh and knee armour pockets plus hip armour retainers. The jeans cost £129.99 and there are various styles to choose from, visit www.bull-it.com

How to repair your scooter

Published by American publisher, Motorbooks Workshop, this full colour ‘How to repair your scooter’ manual is a worthwhile buy for any scooter owner. The 160 page book contains 350 colour photos and is written by James Manning Michels. The book covers both classic and modern, two and four stroke scooters. Topics include routine maintenance and repair, troubleshooting, valve adjustments, top end rebuild, fuel system, exhausts, electrical, transmission, frame, suspension, wheels, brakes & tyres, plus body parts. The topics are written in plain English and cover the basics of how everything works and how to repair, or service many common components, problems and how to carry out services. At the start of each task it tells you how long it should take to complete the job, how much it’s likely to cost, the tools you’ll need and how skilled the job is.

How to repair your scooter costs £16.99 and is available from leading bookshops and of course internet retailers.

 

New CBT video from the DSA

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The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) have recently released a short video to help novice riders prepare for their Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). Check out the video below:

The CBT is your first step towards getting on the road and covers the basic elements of machine control. Everybody who wants to ride a moped, scooter or motorcycle on the road has to take a CBT test (unless you passed your car test before February 1st 2001 and only want to ride a moped). The CBT certificate lasts for two years and enables you to ride up to a 125cc machine. After the time is up you must either pass the practical test or complete another CBT.

Blood Bikes

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Blood Bikes are groups of volunteer motorcyclists who provide an out-of-hours medical essentials courier service to hospitals and other health institutions within their area. The volunteers deliver everything from whole blood to biological samples, medical notes, X-rays, scans and human milk for very premature babies. Blood Bikes groups pride themselves on their availability, between 7pm and 7am, 24 hours at weekends and during all public holidays. The service is offered free of charge to the NHS and all members are unpaid volunteers.

There are 18 regional groups covering 95 per cent of the UK and Ireland. This year, thanks partly to the publicity gained when Blood Bikes was featured on the Channel 5 series Emergency Bikers, new groups were formed and coverage was extended to include Wales, Lincolnshire, Warwickshire, Scotland, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Adam Roy, an HGV driver from the West Midlands, is a member of the Severn Freewheelers group. In 2012, this group received more than 4,000 call outs and between them the 60 volunteers covered in excess of 150,000 miles. In June 2008, the Bristol group was awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest award that can be given to a voluntary group and equivalent in status to an MBE.

Blood Bikes groups are always seeking new volunteers and several stepped forward when the association had a stand at this year’s Motorcycle Live show at the NEC, Birmingham, recently. As a result, an even wider geographical area will be covered in 2013, extending coverage to more than 46 million people.

Lex Woolford, a retired police officer from Worcester, cites additional reasons for volunteering for Blood Bikes. He says: “It’s a respected local charity organisation with a national remit, administered and delivered by volunteers using professional protocols. I haven’t got spare cash to donate, but I can give my time and riding skills. I like to think that what we do can make a difference to someone. It makes you feel good.”

While volunteer riders are always welcome, groups also need dispatchers and general help. The regional groups’ and Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes (NABB) are registered charities and rely on donations to keep up their good work. People can help with fund raising or by organising a sponsored event. Not to be missed is the Prescott Bike Festival on 7 April 2013 – a fantastic day out for all the family, with all proceeds donated to Blood Bikes charities. As well as many famous riders, classic and racing bikes, demonstrations, passenger experiences, fun events and live entertainment, the festival will include more than 100 trade stands – all taking place at the famous Prescott Hill Climb track near Cheltenham in Gloucestershire. More information at: http://www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk

The final word goes to Carl Pearce, a 33-year-old IT analyst from Milton Keynes: “I will be riding over New Year and giving up a weekend a month in 2013 as well as fund raising. Having a pacemaker I’ve taken a lot from the NHS and would like to give something back and help out the hospitals the best I can. Hopefully, our service can save a life and if I only help to save one person then all the fund raising and days I have given up to be on duty will be well worth it.”