Category Archives: Motorcycle Training

Motorcycle Training news, from 1st Class Rider Training – Cardiff.

Advice, Cardiff, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Motorcycle Helmets. EU Safety Rules and Sharp Testing.

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Let’s go back to the very beginning.

When a student attends 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff for a CBT. (Compulsory Basic Training) one of the first elements that we cover is the clothing and protective equipment, of which the Safety Helmet is the ONLY legal requirement.  We spend a great deal of time making sure that each student is given all advice needed in order to make the right decision about choosing a Motorcycle Helmet.

It’s more than just picking one that matches the colour of your bike or your leathers.

EU Rule

The minimum standard was always denoted by the British Standards  ‘Kite Mark’ sticker which was affixed to the outside of the helmet.  But now that the UK has come under the EU Ruling the safety standard applicable to the UK is ECE R22-05.

The ’05’ is not a date  but the paragraph within Regulation 22 that applies to the safe standard of helmets to be used in the UK.

This can be shown on the helmet in a number of different ways and is not always easy to find.  Sometimes shown by a sticker on the outside shell of the helmet.  Or this could be shown on a label stitched into the chin strap or a label stitched in the inner lining of the helmet.  Always check that is shows ECE R22-05.

I have seen a student arrive for training with his own helmet, which on inspection had a label R22-04.  This was bought outside of the UK and would not be deemed legal for use in Britain as it was not up to the 05 needed for UK.

So beware if you buy your helmet on holiday abroad or from the Internet. It must be R22-05 to be deemed to be up to the old British Standard.  Also beware of buying a second hand helmet as you don’t know how it has been cared for.

There may be internal damage that is almost impossible to determine….until it’s too late.

Do it up!

To comply with UK Traffic Law, the helmet must be securely fastened. So for some reason with some (not all) young scooter riders who find that riding with the chin strap flapping, undone is ‘cool’, it’s not.

It’s illegal and in an impact the helmet would fly off their head leaving them exposed to any impact. Not so cool !

If you are riding with your helmet undone remember the wording of the regulations state it is an offence of ‘failing to wear a safety helmet securely fastened’.  so the law sees it the same as if you didn’t have one on at all.

Fitting

If you buy you helmet from a reputable dealer then they will advise you as to the best helmet for you and help with choosing the correct fitting.

The helmet should be a snug fit but with no pressure points. Remember that the padded inner lining will ‘give’ over time and the helmet may get to feel looser so keep this in mind when trying on helmets to buy.

Care

Look after your helmet.  After all it’s the only thing looking after your head.  Do not use any abrasive cleaners on it. Warm soapy water would be sufficient.  Don’t paint it.  You don’t need to with the selection of colours and designs on the market but solvents in the paint can weaken the outer structure of the helmet.

Some helmets have removable liners to be able to be washed but check with the manufacturers information for details of your particular choice.

Make sure that the fastener works and the strap is not frayed or torn.

Something I have never understood, and I have seen it many times, is that when a rider gets off the bike he takes his gloves off and stuffs them inside his helmet for ‘safe keeping’.

Now bear in mind what is  or could be on your gloves.  Road dirt or they may be wet and damp, if you’ve been riding in the countryside they may be splattered with muck off the road and we all know what that is, and in the winter the roads are covered with salt and grit.

All this on your gloves so the last place you want to put them is inside your lid!

So the EU Rating is the minimum standard.  But what is the SHARP rating all about?

SHARP

SHARP is the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme, and it provides an independent assessment of the protection a helmet could offer in an impact.  SHARP uses a 1 – 5 Star rating system.  The more SHARP Stars a helmet has the better protection it will give.

At SHARP they purchase helmets for testing from normal UK stock in motorcycle shops and dealers across the country, in a variety of sizes.

They carry out tests at three different energy levels (more than the current EU Testing requires).

Although all helmets must meet minimum legal safety standards SHARP tests reveal the differences in safety performance of motorcycle helmets available in the market.

Chosen at random from the SHARP information leaflet here are ten helmets that have achieved the SHARP Five Star rating.

AGV: GP Tech. A

ARAI; GPX5

BELL; M1, &  M4R Carbon

BUELL; Turbulent

LAZER; LZ6

MARUSHIN; 777 Samura

NITRO; N1700VF

SHARK; RSR2

SHOEI; XR 1100

I acknowledge that there are more and also that this is not an exhaustive list.  For full details check out the SHARP website.

Just remember…when it comes to choosing a helmet, it’s your head going in it so choose wisely and look after it.

Motorcycle Training

European Motoring

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When travelling in Europe be sure to take with you all the essential, legally required equipment.  The list applies to cars rather than motorcycles but you risk an on the spot fine if you are found without these items.

The items can be purchased separately from places like Halfords or other similar outlets but surprisingly enough Aldi are currently selling a European Motoring Kit.

It all packs away in a convenient holdall and for just £14.99 is a useful way of getting it all together.

The kit contains 2 Hi Visibility Vests, a universal spare bulb kit (but you may need to check that this complies with your particular vehicle) a warning triangle, headlight beam benders, and first kit and a useful glovebox torch and a GB sticker for the rear of your vehicle.

The only extra needed would be a Fire Extinguisher. A legal requirement in France where it is deemed to be every Citizens Duty to assist in a fire.

So don’t get caught out this summer.  Get down to Aldi and check it out.

Be sure to check the legal requirement for the particular country you are visiting and don’t forget, it applies to the countries that your are simply passing through to get to your final destination.

Motorcycle Training

How Much Does a CBT Cost

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How Much Does a CBT Cost?

You can expect to pay upwards from £100 for a CBT.  The CBT normally takes a day to complete, but check with the training organisation if there would be a charge if you needed further training to complete the CBT on a second day.

With some Training Schools (such as 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff) the cost of the CBT includes the use of the bike.  But some training schools will make a charge for bike hire.  So check that at the time of booking.

Also with 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff the cost of the CBT includes the loan of equipment such as a Safety Helmet, Motorcycle Jacket, Gloves and waterproofs for the duration of the course.  some training schools may charge for this, or not provide it at all.

The DSA guidelines allow up to 4 students to be trained by 1 instructor for the CBT, at 1st Class Rider Training I limit this to a ratio of just 2 students.  This makes for a better learning experience for the student and closer supervision by the instructor.  Check the size of the group at the time of booking.

At 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff the CBT costs £125 and includes the use of the bike, plus the loan of protective equipment and you are guaranteed a small student group of just 2:1.

Motorcycle Training

Hein Gericke Money Saving Offers

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Hein Gericke are currently running two ‘Money Off’ offers.  If you register on line at the Hein Gericke UK website you will be sent a link which enables you to apply for a £10 gift card.  This Gift Card can be used for purchases of over £30, and is valid until September 2010.

Also Hein Gericke are running another money saving offer.  You can collect a special offer £40 ‘cheque’ which is redeemable in store against purchases of over £160.

These special offer ‘cheques’ are available free of charge from us at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff and are only valid until the end of May.  So don’t hang about.

So now may be the time to buy that new kit that you’ve been promising yourself.  What better excuse to visit Hein Gericke – Cardiff.  They are giving money away!

Advanced Training, Advice, Cardiff, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Motorcycle Assessments by the Fire Service

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South Wales Fire & Rescue Service are due to launch a new Motorcycle Safety Scheme.  With a new model Ducati Motorcycle based at Whitchurch Fire Station in Cardiff they are inviting members of the public, who already hold a full bike licence, to have their riding assessed.

A team of three dedicated Fire Service Officers are operating the scheme with the intention of reducing road casualties.

They say that almost two thirds of the Fire & Rescue Service calls relate to Road collisions and less and less are call outs to fires.

So in a clever step to protect their budgets they are turning their attentions to Road Safety and Casualty Reduction.  Throughout the region they already play host to the Pass Plus Cymru Scheme aimed at newly qualified car drivers.

This is another step in ‘getting the message across’.  They say that the intention is to promote the Bikesafe Scheme and to promote ‘Post Test Training’.

The Fire Officers have all undertaken a Basic Standard Police Riding Course and their efforts must be applauded.

But what you must remember is that these officers are NOT qualified Instructors.  They are not professional instructors.  They can assess and advise.

The only place to get professional instruction is from a Professional Instructor.

Professional Instructors, such as those at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff are highly trained and are able to recognise faults in your riding, but not only that, they can analyse the fault and work out remedial corrective action to rectify the fault.

We support the Fire & Rescue Service in this campaign and look forward to working with them to further achieve their goal of reducing motorcycle casualties.

We will keep this post up-dated as the further details are released.

Advanced Training, Advice, Changes, Motorcycle Training, News

The Hundred (mph) House Inn Closed

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The Hundred (mph) House Inn, used many times by 1st Class Rider Training on ride outs and Advanced Training has closed!

This quirky Country Pub in the village of Bleddfa, Mid Wales was owned by Racing and Bikes enthusiasts and served some of the best Steaks around.

Always with a warm welcome for bikers and offering free overnight camping this was a must see place.

A country pub on the outside but inside jammed full of Motorcycle, Ferrari and racing memorabilia.  The chimney breast in the dining room even had half a car emerging through the wall!.

A visit there today, whilst Advanced Training, sadly we found it closed, boarded up and For Sale.

We’ll ‘watch this space’ to see if it re-opens, especially to see if the ‘Bikers Welcome’ still exists.

A sad loss in the eating directory of 1st Class Rider Training!

Motorcycle Training

Afghan Heroes ‘Thunder Rally June 2010

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IT’S OFFICIAL

THE AFGHAN HEROES “THUNDER RALLY” 2010

Fri 25th June – Sun 27th June
Chepstow Racecourse

I have received the following email which I have published here for anyone who may wish to attend to support the Afghan Heroes Charity.

Following the success of the Wootton Bassett Bike Ride and the wonderful tribute made by the Bikers to the people of Wootton Bassett and the charity Afghan Heroes we would like to thank the Bikers the public and are Armed Forces for their support by introducing the inaugural THUNDER RALLY. Proposed as an annual event the Thunder Rally will provide a weekend of fun and entertainment, with all proceeds going in support of our forces.

The Race Course at Chepstow is the first venue, and we have pleasure in confirming the following itinerary for the weekend, which will be updated through our website as additional bands and acts are secured.

General

Afghan Heroes has secured a Funfair to operate from Friday afternoon through until Sunday, including attractions like the waltzers, dodgems Bouncy Castles, Reverse Bungee and some of the biggest rides in the country.

Chepstow opens its doors on Friday June 25th at 2PM

The Main Stage livens up at 6PM on the Friday, we will be providing live entertainment all weekend including:

  • Just Supposing
  • Stephanie Benson
  • Matt Shaw (Meatloaf)
  • The Cheap Suits
  • The Jugg Band

plus lots more……..We have created a food and drinks village as well as a merchandising village.

Saturday

  • Lets Ride, routes are currently being identified to ensure a memorable ride-out!
  • Afghan Heroes has secured a Battle of Britain fly past, comprising a Lancaster Bomber, Spitfire and Hurricane scheduled for 1PM.
  • A parachuting display team will be dropping in!!
  • The White Helmets Army Motorcycle Display Team, will be followed by the Tigers (Junior Display Team).
  • The Custom Bike Show will be sure to attract a considerable amount of interest with fantastic machines on show, within its own dedicated Marquee.
  • See live – The Grinder Girls
  • A Rally Car sponsored by the Army.
  • We aim to provide a live-link to Afghanistan, we need the help of the BBC, ITN to achieve this however.

After darkness the Mud Wrestling begins!!!

Registration will close on the 31st May 2010, all Thunder Rally merchandise is ONLY available pre-ordered through the website when you register. Each person needs to register individually, under 10 years are FREE.  You can register at the Afghan Heroes Web site.

Afghan Heroes Ltd

Unit 1, Wayside, Evercreech, Shepton Mallet, Somerset. BA4 6QW.

E-Mail: info@afghanheroes.org.uk

Registered Charity No: 1132340

Advice, Cardiff, Changes, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Motorcycle Action Group (MAG)

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The Motorcycle Action Group, or MAG as it is known is a volunteer lead riders’ rights organisation with a local and regional branch structure, that has been building in strength and diversity since it began in 1973.

MAG is the representative voice of riders in local and national government and passionately defends all that is good about motorcycling.

MAG campaigns to protect and promote motorcycling and the interests and rights of all riders, from learner to advanced.

MAG celebrates biking and the freedoms and independence it provides, through it’s support of parties, rallies, sport and competition, touring and travel, and through the camaraderie all riders share.

MAG works directly with politicians and civil servants but still employs other forms of direct action if necessary to ensure the rider’s voice is heard.

Current Campaigns

Current Campaigns include;

AGAINST;  Latest EU proposals to prevent owners modifying their bikes.

AGAINST; Over complicated and expensive Learner laws.

FOR; Non slip manhole covers and proper road maintenance.

FOR; Access to bus lanes and free, secure parking.

Past Successes

Won; An exemption from congestion charging and most bridge tolls.

Defeated; EU proposals for a 100bhp limit on bikes.

Changed; Proposals for continuous taxation and insurance of bikes not in use.

Moving Forward

With MAGS position on working groups within the DSA DfT, and DVLA MAG continues to ensure that the voice of the rider is heard at the centre of democratic government.

They support the RAV campaign (Riders Are Voters) in the pre-election run up.

Benefits of membership include;

A representative voice in local and national government.

The Road. An 84 page colour bi-monthly magazine mailed directly to members.

Bikesure,  low cost motorcycle insurance from Adrian Flux,

Legal Helpline, free 24/7 advice on any legal problem provided by access legal.

These are just some of the member benefits.  visit the MAG web site for full details.

So why not join today?  Annual individual membership is just £25.  Application forms are avaialble for me at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff.  Give us a call.

I am a member and 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff are about to become Corporate Members and we will be able to offer discounts to other MAG members on our training and tours.

Watch this space for details and we will keep you posted.

Cardiff, Changes, Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Meeting with Phillip Hammond MP

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As a member of The Federation of Small Businesses I was invited to a small group meeting with Phillip Hammond MP,  The Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury,(Monday the 19th April),  to discuss pre-election issues relating to boosting the economy, and issues relating to business.

The meeting was hosted by Jonathan Evans, the Conservative Party Candidate for Cardiff North, and included representatives from a broad spectrum of businesses.

Some of the sectors represented were, Post Office, Accountancy, Estate Agents, Electrical Retail, Flood Damage Restoration,  and I was there representing my business, 1st Class Rider Training.

A number of matters were discussed but I was given the opportunity to put to Phillip Hammond the issue of the current state of the motorcycle industry, being hit by the introduction of the new test, the closure of local bike testing stations, the disparity between how the test is delivered in the rest of Europe compared to how the DSA implemented it in the UK.  Also the fall in test numbers since it’s introduction were raised and the knock on effect that this would have on the motorcycle training, sales and accessories market.

To be honest, he didn’t really have an answer! Which I guess is understandable.  He was vaguely aware of the problem, as his own constituents had raised the issue of the closure of their local test centre, but when I related to him the experience of the Aberystwyth Motorcycle Training School faced with a 200 mile round trip for a ten minute Module 1 test he was shocked to hear of such a situation.

Whilst I don’t think the meeting would achieve any immediate change, it certainly served to get the issue raised at higher levels.

When issues like this are raised in conjunction with the MAG (Motorcycle Action Group) campaign of RAV – Riders Are Voters, it must have a positive effect.

Couple all this with the changes to the Driving Licence Groups for bikes coming in with the 3rd EU Directive, the Motorcycle Industry is under threat, and this would have far wider reaching implications to the economy, congestion, and pollution than many Politicians have yet considered.

It’s time they listened.