I can imagine what you significant other might think of this request for a present, but here you have it: there are plans to release a full DVD pack of Joey Dunlop’s Tourist Trophy wins. After 26 wins, I don’t whether it’s a DVD per win, but Manx firm Duke has raided its TT archival footage for a compilation.

So far 20 years and 24 wins worth of footage has been found, and fans are being called on to help complete the project.

Managing Director Peter Duke has said:

“We have access to the world’s biggest archive of road racing footage, and we have wonderful film of Joey claiming victory on 24 occasions. The race action we have is dramatic, evocative and often highly emotionally-charged.Brought together, this footage is a fitting tribute to an incredible man. However, we would like to make the final DVD as comprehensive as possible, and that’s why we are asking for help from the We still need to track down footage of Joey’s very first TT win in the 1977 Jubilee TT race, when he rode a Yamaha to victory ahead of George Fogarty.

Continue reading: Joey Dunlop: the TT wins DVD to be released

0 comments

Airbike in Dublin, Ireland, has been around since last year as the city’s first motorcycle taxi service, in an increasing trend around the world as commuters find fast transport options. The only thing being, that you can’t call them a taxi as it’s not included in the definition of “small public service vehicles”.

Whatever the case, you can get around Dublin with an Arai helmet and a sexy REV’IT! protective suit, as Airbike has both a city centre and airport service. They use Yamaha FJR 1300A motorcycles fitted with a rear passenger seat back rest, and can carry small luggage items, such as what would fit as aircraft hand baggage.

If you’re interested in knowing more, visit Airbike’s site and their FAQ section: it’s very interesting and includes tips on female passengers wearing skirts, what happens if it rains and how clean the equipment is!

Source | Motorbiker News

0 comments

The California Superbike School still has some dates free in its 2009 calendar in the UK and across Europe for its one and two day courses. While early July in the UK is all booked up, there are still places available at Silverstone South on July 21, and for courses in the Czech Republic, as for info.

If you want to try something special, a two day camp is taking place at Jerez in Spain from September 21, and places are still available. For more details on the California Superbike school schedule in Europe, see the program.

The school also conducts forums and ride days at Phillip Island and Eastern Creek in Australia. For more information on the Australian calendar, see the Aussie website. If you want to learn how to corner like a pro, this is the place to go.

Source | Bike Advice

0 comments

The Armed Forces are really taking to heart the safety of their personnel who ride motorcyles after statistics revealed that more servicemen are dying in motorcycle related accidents than soldiers killed by enemy fire in Iraq.

They’ve had MotoGP’s 2006 World Champion Nicky Hayden promote safe riding and the Department of Defense also called in legendary 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz at the third annual National Capital Region Joint Services motorcycle safety event that was held at the Pentagon in Washington, DC., because the military’s Joint Service Safety Council identified motorcycle safety and training as the number one non-combat safety concern across the services.

The Marines have commissioned Semper Ride to educate riders on a wide variety of motorcycle disciplines containing an overall responsible riding theme, instructional material, and mentoring from some of the motorcycle industries most talented riders.

0 comments

While exploring Autocar I came across Matt Saunders’ blog post about how learning drivers should take the example of learning riders and complete a Compulsory Basic Training day, just like motorcyclists have to do when learning to ride.

The day would include some basic safety guidelines and road driving trips such as good observation, good anticipation and preparation. It’s an interesting proposal for drivers who often focus on dangerous riders as proof that all motorcycles should be off the roads.

But given that riding a motorcycle can involve more assertion and better road observation - just generally better respect and road politics - than most drivers employ in their day to day driving, perhaps the same rigorous schemes in place for learning riders should apply to their four-wheel counterparts.

Saunders even suggests that drivers should take the CBT as riders, saying: “There are an increasing number of motorbike riders on the road, after all, and learning to be a good one makes you acutely aware of how you should drive to allow for them.” Perhaps we would even see some more converts from driving to riding; meaning more riders and more awareness.

Source | Autocar

0 comments

Ever wondered what the “Honda Dax T-boned Dude” looks like? Or wanted to take a peek at the weird tunings of Honda Zoomer or Ruckus? Well, you can go on a tour of Motosai.com where you can find all this and more in the world of Thailand motorcycle culture.

South-east Asia is legendary in motorbike circles for its cheery innovation and invention, fetish for scooters and bright-eyed enthusiasm for the motorcycle market on their terms . The Motosai site features news and events on the world of motorcycling in Thailand, so if you’re in the area, check it out to get the inside deal on biking in this part of the world.

0 comments

I revisited Matt’s cool KnjMoto motorcycle web comic, which you should take a look at if you haven’t already. He also has an ongoing MotoBasturds comic strip with some quirky humour and a bunch of characters you can get to know.

Matt’s comic strip is really taking off, with little blog comments posted under his comics covering issues that include everything from hybrid motorcycles to girl riders. Check it out.

Source | KnjMoto

1 comment

The successful Ducati safety campaign in collaboration with Dainese continues this year, with a Ducati-branded back protection, having sold 5,000 units in Europe so far.

Starting from last October every customer who buys a new Ducati in Europe receives a top of the range Dainese back armour, to be used in all styles of riding, including country touring, city and track riding.

The Ducati deal is about promoting rider safety for passionate Ducatisti and decreasing rider injuries in accidents. Ducati is a signatory to the European road safety plan, with the aim of saving 25,000 lives and reducing road deaths by half by 2010. More information on www.ducati.com/it/safety.

0 comments

Italy’s AsiMotoShow for vintage bikes in Varano on May 16 and 17 is sold out at only the 8th edition for this event which has become successful in Europe for fans of old bikes.

With the appearance of former famous champions and bikes, the two days will include technical and track events with parades, trial runs around the track, and a gala dinner. The event is organised by the Automotoclub Storico Italiano, with registration fees for participants but free entry for the public.

Full details of the ASI vintage motorcycle event in Varano appears after the jump, with the press release from the event, listing the various champions who will be present and other details including registration and the gala dinner.

Continue reading: Asimotoshow vintage bike event in Varano sold out for 2009

0 comments

The European Union is proposing new motorcycle laws that are likely to upset many riders, as plans are underway to introduce super sports bikes sold with a 100 hp limit to their performance. This limit has already been imposed for some time in France, but some controversy is likely to ensue.

Other possible reforms being considered are regulating the weight-power ratio of lighter bikes, introducing compulsory ABS on all models, and further limiting any tuning and touch ups to bikes. All this and the question still remains: is it too far, or sufficient or not enough to increase safety for motorcycle riders?

The example of France appears to be that nothing is guaranteed, as the country is in third last place for motorcycle rider death toll with the 100 hp limit in place since 1986.

Source | Motociclismo

0 comments