Category Archives: News

The latest Motorcycle News. Motorcycle training news, Cardiff news, test updates, etc

Advanced Training, Advice, Cardiff, CBT, Direct Access, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Motorcycle Monthly May Edition out now.

Leave a comment

Here at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff we have just taken delivery of the new, May 2011 Edition of  ‘Motorcycle Monthly’.  This a fabulous Monthly all about Motorcycling and all things connected to biking.  It is absolutely FREE.

You can get you copy from any of our 1st Class Instructors or if you are passing, call in and collect your copy.

This edition is filled with news, reviews and competitions.  News such as having a Bikesafe Day at Castle Combe Race Circuit, a report which shows that  Driver Error is the top cause of crashes (there’s a surprise!!) and an appeal for bikers to support the Air Ambulance Charity Ride Out.

There is also report on the new tyres by MAXXIS, and it asks ‘are the any good’.  Read it and find out.  Our Instructor, Simon currently uses them on his Kawasaki GTR 1400, so when you collect your copy you can ask what he thinks of them.

Motorcycle Monthly May 2011, not to be missed.

Free at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff.

We do motorcycle training in Cardiff,  Motorcycle Training in Newport, Motorcycle Training in Swansea and anywhere in between.  Compulsory Basic Training, Direct Access Training and Advanced Motorcycle Training.  If you want it…..we do it….

Cardiff, Events, News

Sale at Bikegear 9th & 10th of April

Leave a comment

Bikegear have announced a 20% off Trade In Weekend for the 9th & 10th of April 2011.  Your local store is situated in Bridgend (Tondu Road CF31 4LH), and they have served our  ‘1st Class Riders’ well in the past.

This weekend if you trade in your old kit they will give you up to 20% off the price of any of the new stuff your fancy.

New Stuff … for old stuff… with stuff off…..  Sounds like a good weekend to me.

If you can’t make this event, don’t forget that our 1st Class Riders can pick up a voucher from us which will give you 10% off at any other time and you don’t even need to take your old trousers off for that….in fact we would prefer you to keep them on!

So get down to Bikegear for a great deal.

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

1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff Associated Web Sites

Leave a comment

Most of you are familiar with our main training web site for all you needs with regards to Motorcycle Training in Cardiff,Newport and Swansea but We would like to introduce and remind yu of our other linked web sites.

www.1stclassridertours.co.uk  This is our latest addition to our web family, and was set up specifically to give up to date information on our planned Euro Bike Tours and is well worth a visit.

www.1stclassriderblog.co.uk  This is our less formal Newsletter Blog Site for all information relating to our Monthly Motorcycle Ride Outs, Social Event’s,Charity Rides and Advanced Training.  Here you can leave comments, ask questions and express your view on all things biking.  The blog also lists information about the tours and in a way links all of our sites together.

We hope this helps you to find just what you are looking for and separates the information so that those looking to do a CBT in Cardiff don’t end up booking a trip to France instead…..(that will come later for you I’m sure).

To sign up for free automatic up dates on our activities enter your email address into the log in box on our 1stclassriderblog site and enjoy the ride.

It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Come on get clicking.  Why not pay each of our sites a visit, i’m sure you’ll find what you are looking for.  If not, give me a call and let me know so I can put it right.

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

Module 1 Motorcycle Test. Changes Introduced for Spring 2011

Leave a comment

There is an ongoing review of the ‘new’ two part Motorcycle Test after many reported complaints and problems since it was first introduced.

The DSA have announced that with effect from the 16th of May 2011 some minor changes will be implemented, whilst the main review is still taking place.

1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff feel that these changes are  sensible and relevant and bring the Mod 1 test more naturally in line with the Module 2 test.

The main changes are that all the slow maneuvering exercises will be done en bloc before the higher speed, ‘speed recorded’ exercises. Also that candidates will be given an opportunity, during the test to have a familiarisation ride around the bend in the site to get their bearings prior to the actually tested high speed exercises. This should alleviate any claim that the candidates wasn’t clear about the route to be taken through the cones.

The order for the ‘speed’ exercises has been changed in that the candidate will be asked to perform the Emergency Stop, before attempting the ‘Turn & Swerve’ Avoidance exercise.

We feel a major common sense change has been made for the speed recording in that now there will be a tolerance allowing the candidate to still pass the test even if the speed is up to 2kph below the required 50kph (32mph approx).

This is a good move, as in the past we have had excellent riders, well able to control the bike at slow speed and out on the road, but because the only recorded a speed of 49kph (less than half a mile an hour too slow) they have failed the test.

Failing to get up to 50kph was recorded as a serious fault and constituted a failure.  From May a speed of 48 or 49kph will be recored as a minor fault and a pass.  Any less than 48kph will still be seen as a serious fault  – as is the case now.

These changes should put a more natural flow to the test and 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff welcomes the changes.  If you are looking for Motorcycle Training in Cardiff of for Motorcycle Training in Newport,or Motorcycle Training in Swansea then give 1st Class Rider Training a call and we will be happy to talk you through the changes and your training options.

For full details of the test changes and to read the DSA press release on the subject, visit the DSA website, or Direct Gov.Co.uk

Advice, Cardiff, Motorcycles, News

‘Think’ Road Safety Campaign 2011

Leave a comment

1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff are pleased to give continued support to the 2011 ‘Think’ Road Safety Campaign.

We have a stock of leaflets and vouchers giving riders discount off Motorcycle Protective Clothing.  Last year we gave out hundreds of the 2010 leaflets which hopefully were put to good use enabling our ‘1st Class Riders’ so save some skin as well as their hard earned cash.

The leaflet gives good advice about wearing the correct protective clothing when riding and this couldn’t be better timed, with the onset of the warmer weather I have already seen riders our wearing just shorts and a T shirt.  (Personally, I would rather sweat than bleed).  But having said that with many of todays modern garments being weatherproof, protective and breathable there really can be no excuse for wearing ‘beachwear’ on your bike!

The image on the front of the leaflet depicts the Road Ahead as a Cheese Grater.  Need I say any more.

You can get these leaflets from us here at 1st Class Rider Training, or from any of our Instructors out and about (probably in a cafe somewhere…)

The leaflet includes a 10% discount voucher for items purchased from Infinity Motorcycles –  plus you get a free bikers rucksack if you spend over £50.

Don’t forget that our students already get 10% at Bikegear so grab yourself a voucher for that as well.

Money off and free stuff for biking………. Summer really is on its way.

Save you money…..save your skin.

Advice, Cardiff, Motorcycles, News

Motorcycle Monthly April 2011

Leave a comment

The April issue of Motorcycle Monthly is out now. Filled with a host of bike related news views test rides and competitions. Exactly as the name on the front says…. It is a Monthly all about Motorcycling.

And it’s all free. This could be the best money you never spent!

Available free from us here at 1st Class Rider Training-Cardiff. Call in and get your copy or get one from one of our Instructors. ( you’ll find them in a bikers cafe somewhere).

This issue gives a report on the new BMW 6 Cylinder 1600, advice on what to do if you have an accident and a competition to win a state of the art bike/bike/pillion set worth almost £300. Also find out why the Police seized a load of Race Bikes at Brands Hatch.

Get yours now. This is what it looks like.

Events, Motorcycle Training, Motorcycles, News

Next Euro Tour. Rouen & Normandy June 24th – 26th 2011

Leave a comment

Rouen,  The Capital of Upper Normandy. France.  June 24th – 26th  2011

Our next trip across the Channel is scheduled for the weekend of the  24th – 26th of June 2011.

For those of you looking for something different, then this is it.  Rouen and the Normandy Beaches.

Crossing from Dover to Calais on Friday morning (24th) and travelling cross country to the Medieval Town of Rouen.  Rouen is one of France’s most ancient and historic Cities.

Developed and settled over the centuries  by the Romans and the Vikings and was taken under English control after a long siege in 1431.  It became the stage for the trial and execution of Joan of Arc, before the City was returned to French control in 1449.  Overlooking The Seine it is situated in the heart of picturesque Upper Normandy.

This will be a bike trip with a difference.  So take a tour under the watchful eye of your experienced Guide/Leader. Taking a leisurely ride through very scenic countryside, this is a great trip to experience riding in France.

If you’ve never been… then you must.

It is anticipated that this trip will be quickly sold out so please ensure you don’t miss out and let me know, and get you name on the list.

Costs are as before, and will be £350 per person*.  Cost includes return Ferry Crossing for you and your bike, using the prestigious Sea France Fleet, Shared Hotel Accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast basis, Information Pack, Maps and the services of our Experienced Tour Guide/Lead Rider.

These tours are limited to 10 bikes only and are suitable for Riders of All Abilities.  Using a Group Riding Navigation System which allows each Rider to ride at their own pace, it ensures that everyone can ride safely yet still be sure that they won’t be left behind.  (This navigation system will be fully explained).

As with the last trip you will have the opportunity to purchase a personalised ‘1st Class Rider Tours’ Polo Shirt.  Embroidered (not printed) with the 1st Class Logo on breast and with ‘Rouen 2011’ across the back.  The left sleeve can be personalised with either your name or bike make and model.

These quality Polo Shirts proved popular for the Amsterdam Trip and are available at only £25.

CALL NOW TO BOOK YOUR PLACE.  07545 567 273

*Please note.  If you have travelled with us on one of our Euro Tours before, then a 10% discount off the price applies.  So instead of £350 you pay just £315.  You can’t not come can you…….

For Full Details, Give me a call or visit our new 1st Class Tours Website.  www.1stclassridertours.co.uk

France is waiting……. Come on….. You know you want to……..

Cardiff, Events, Motorcycles, News

BMW R1100RT For Sale (Again)

Leave a comment

Here it is again.  My Old BMW is up for Sale again.  Th Gent who bought it last year is moving to France but isn’t taking the bike with him.  (and I was hoping to go over and visit it sometime..)

He hasn’t ridden it much due to the snow late last year, but the bike has been garaged over the winter.  He is asking £1650 for it and it is well worth that.  It comes with the top box and BMW Touring Panniers.  S Registration with just over 81,000 miles on the clock.

Here are the photos.  If you are interested please give me a call and I will put you in touch with Tony, it’s current owner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And finally, Old Betsy in all her Glory!.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Give me a call if you are interested.  07545567273.

Advice, News

‘DVLA’ Driving Licence Scam warning.

Leave a comment

SCAM EMAIL WARNING.

I have received this in a recent email from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG – It’s well worth joining)  This warning is worthy of note.

The warning is copied below (with the original spelling!)

DVLA warns drivers of E-mail scam

The DVLA is today warning the public of an e-mail scam that asks drivers to verify their driving licence details via an online link.  The e-mail, which wrongly claims to have been sent from the DVLA, appears to be an attempt to trick drivers into providing personal details.

~~~~~

1. DVLA have not sent out an e-mail asking customers to update or verify their details.

2. The e-mail states that customers should input details to the address http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/dftverification?driversId=165&view=re3068 but clicking on the link will direct the person to http://topindiangamer.com/dvla

3. The full scam e-mail is shown below:

SCAM EMAILFrom: DVLA Subject:  Update Your License Details We are currrently upgrading our database and all drivers are required to update and verify there driver’s license details. To complete your license verification with us, you are required to fill out the form in the link below. http://www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/dft-verification?driversId=165&view=re3068   Drivers that refuses to upgrade his or her details within two weeks of receiving this verification email will lose his or her driver’s License and will have to take a fresh driving test. We sincerely apologise for any inconviniences this might have caused you. Thank you.

~~~~~

 

Advice, Cardiff, Changes, Motorcycles, News

Sixth Gear Motorcycles set to close.

Leave a comment

Some sad news if you are looking for a bike, parts and quality service. An old friend of mine, Craig who has run Sixth Gear Motorcycles, in Barry n the Vale of Glamorgan tells me that he is set to close the doors at the end of this month, (March).

Craig, formerly a Salesman at Rydale BMW (before they changed to Sytner) set up on his own just prior to Sytner taking over Rydale. The take over saw the end of BMW bike sales in Cardiff for a few years until Riders opened its doors as a BMW/Harely/Ducati dealership.

Craig had the foresight at that time to set up on his own and he has served his customers well. Many ‘1st Class Riders’ have been to him for their first bike after passing their test.

So this will be a sad loss and I wish Craig well with whatever venture he has planned. (Unlike me…. he’s too young to retire!).

If you are looking for a late bargain he still has some bikes left and he has placed his other parts and accessories on his ebay shop. Hurry if you want brake pads, oils etc as they won’t be about for long.

So this is a big ‘1st Class’ Thank you to Craig and his team and best wishes.

Visit his website at www.sixthgearmotorcycles.co.uk