Survival Skills - the Newsletter
My post on surfaces hits the spot, but Ryan Fortnine & body armour sets the cat amongst the pigeons
The latest FortNine video appeared on Monday - April Fool's Day in case you had forgotten - and it was entitled "Why I stopped wearing motorcycle body armour". I recommend you go watch the video but essentially what Ryan says about body armour is that "I never questioned its usefulness." But when he got to wondering whether a CE level 1 pad would be enough, or whether he should fit the clunkier CE level 2 items, "you don't have to dig deep to see these things in a different color". And the video ended with him tossing his protectors away and walking off into the sunset. My comment on Elevenses on Wednesday was that “it's important to be realistic about what even the best body armour achieves for you” and that “a major crash will result in an impact that is so hard that no matter what protection the bones get, our internal organs will tear apart.” Predictably, the issue set off an immediate reaction, from riders and experts alike and triggered a response video from Bennetts Bike Social within. Tune in this morning as I come back to the story with the latest developments.
Meanwhile, the ‘TIPS on TUESDAY’ post on surfaces obviously hit a spot - it got many times my average viewing on Facebook, so make sure you don’t miss it. There may be some riding tips you hadn’t considered when it comes to dealing with our moon-like cratered roads.
Finally, here’s your very last chance to take advantage of my ‘Easter Madness’ special offers which went out over the holiday break. Don't miss out - they won't be available at this price again for many months... and now as the riding season gets under way, it's the perfect time to treat yourself to some 'better biking' books and to plan your improvement for the coming year.
Join me twice weekly for news & views from our passion - the world of two wheels. Everything from politics to the latest bike launches.
In today’s show: government consults on bikes in bus lanes in England and Wales (again)... parking charges proposed for bikes in Bath... Medway threatens nuisance riders and drivers... lane splitting signed into Colorado law... Pierer Mobility - sales up, operating profit down... Suzuki to run factory-backed 'sustainable' GSX-R1000R at Suzuka... QJ Motor patent V-twin with dummy rear piston... new budget cruiser for A2 licence holders from CFMoto... in-depth today - Ryan FortNine and body armour - the experts strike back...
Make a brew, grab a biscuit and pull up a chair ready to tune in to keep up with the latest motorcycle news and sometimes controversial views, plus in-depth items on biking generally. Join me, Kevin Williams, twice a week on Wednesday and Sunday at 11am for 30 minutes of topical news, controversial views and better biking tips!
Watch live or catch up later at www.youtube.com/survivalskillsuk
GOT A QUESTION OF YOUR OWN? Let me know and I’ll try to answer it. If you have an awkward question, it’s science that usually has the answer.
ON-ROAD RIDER COACHING - courses aimed the individual
I’m back with my unique brand of ON-ROAD training that focuses on delivering genuine SURVIVAL SKILLS, not just technical competence or the ability to quote Motorcycle Roadcraft from cover to cover. Choose between courses that focus on delivering confidence or fixing riding issues, or gaining the necessary knowledge and skills to cope with anything from twisty rural roads to city centre commuting - you won’t get a ‘one-size-fits-all’ course with Survival Skills, but a session which is tailored to YOUR wants and needs rather than a standard test.
You can choose between ONE, TWO, THREE and FOUR DAY courses or pick a short TWO-HOUR SESSION on specific topics. Choose convenient start points around London’s M25, or if you’re more central, I have a challenging route leading out of NW London from the North Circular road at Brent Cross. So if you want to take your riding above and beyond the regular advanced standard, drop me a line.
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ONLINE COACHING - it’s the SMART & FLEXIBLE way to improve your riding knowledge.
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NOW COMPLETE TIPS on TUESDAY / SKILLS on SATURDAY 2024 - INDEX
100 articles for all SUPPORTERS & SUBSCRIBERS - get access on Ko-Fi TODAY!
THE INDEX - every TIPS on TUESDAY / SKILLS on SATURDAY from 2024
EASTER MADNESS OFFERS - VERY LAST CHANCE!
MISSED FRIDAY'S OFFER - get it here: https://ko-fi.com/s/034e882ea2
MISSED SATURDAY'S OFFER - get it here: https://ko-fi.com/s/2362ab146d
MISSED SUNDAY'S OFFER - get it here: https://ko-fi.com/s/6c24300a40
MISSED MONDAY'S OFFER - get it here: https://ko-fi.com/s/0f53a3c9ff
SoS Apr 6 The Limit of Grip and how to operate within it
FoF Apr 5 Same data, different interpretation
VIDEO NASTY Apr 4 Side space is part of the Safety Bubble
Elevenses 417 Wed 3 Apr - motorcycle news, tips & views
ToT Apr 2 Newbie Mistakes #18 Skittled by surfaces Pt 1
COMMENT Apr 1 Safety campaigns? Or better-designed training?
Elevenses 416 Sun 31 Mar - motorcycle news, tips & views
A QUICK SHOUT OUT - to last week's KoFi supporters and subscribers - Sam (who bought a book), Kiss (who bought two of the Easter Madness offers), Howard, Nick, Paul (who also bought two of the Easter Madness offers), Sue, Kelvin, Nigel, Halam, Mike (who bought Tarmac Tactics) and anonymous - thanks mightily for your support!
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