Survival Skills - the Newsletter
Is the motorcycle industry at last moving away from its HP obsession?
REMINDER - ELEVENSES IS A DAY EARLY THIS WEEKEND
[Based on the in-depth item in Sunday's ELEVENSES live webcast]
Last time out I was talking about all the moments I could remember that the motorcycle industry was due to die. And I mentioned that the industry - if not on life support - certainly was coughing and spluttering, with KTM's difficulties, H-D posting huge drops in sales, electric bike manufacturers failing to turn the corner to production and retailers closing down. An online article said: "people aren't buying enough bikes". Well, dur.
But much to my surprise, the Milan EICMA show has seen a rash of new motorcycles, and many are not the HP-obsessed machines like KTM’s proudly-announced 1390s which produce an absurd 190 hp which they say are "for thrill-seekers who live for fast-paced adventure".
There's more to driveability of a motorcycle than stratospheric hp figures. The more important number is the torque figure, and the fact is that manufacturers have known that for years, but the hp arms race has been what sells bikes.
But it seems that with the need to put cheaper and less-powerful bikes on the road, the manufacturers have had to rethink their marketing strategy. That's why we're starting to see more and more adverts which include lines such as 'delivers 80% of torque all the way from 3000 rpm to..." Tune in on Sunday for a look at new A2 licence friendly machines from Fantic and Aprilia, as well an improved Guzzi V7, plus Honda’s GB350.
ON-ROAD TRAINING - right now I’m off the bike thanks to aggravating an old hip injury, I’ve called time on my on-road training for this year, but that means I’ve more time for ONLINE COACHING. Sessions are available weekdays and weekends, and I’m making a push to familiarise people with the benefits of ‘distance learning’. Here’s the set of three articles explaining how they work.
FoF Sep 27 Why take an ONLINE COACHING SESSION? Pt 1
FoF Oct 4 Why take an ONLINE COACHING SESSION? Pt 2
FoF Oct 11 Why take an ONLINE COACHING SESSION? Pt 3
ELEVENSES - join me twice weekly for news & views from our passion - the world of two wheels. Everything from politics to bike launches.
In today’s show… Harley-Davidson targeted for retaliatory trade tariffs... man charged with blowing up London ULEZ camera... October registrations continue downward market trend... helmet & clothing recall issued over failure to meet standards... John 'Mooneyes' Cooper awarded honorary degree... how do you wire in this Oxford LED mirror... lightweight new Zero off-road bikes... Royal Enfield spin-off 'Flying Flea' electric brand... Honda GB350RS comes to UK... Aprilia reveal 457 Tuono... Moto Guzzi update the long-running V7... two 460s from Fantic... in-depth today - are you buying from a reputable seller; some warning signs...
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
Focuses on delivering genuine SURVIVAL SKILLS, not just technical competence or the ability to quote Motorcycle Roadcraft from cover to cover, you can choose your own Survival Skills course - focus on gaining confidence or fixing riding issues, or discover a fresh approach to coping with anything from twisty rural roads to city centre commuting - there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ training or 'standard test’ with Survival Skills, just coaching tailored to YOUR wants and needs.
There are 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.
ONLINE RIDER COACHING - wherever you are, whenever you want
Focused sessions across a wide range of riding topics. Or pick-your-own for a truly personalised experience. Every session includes easy-to-perform PRACTICAL EXERCISES to make the link with what you’ll do on the road!
ONLINE COACHING - it’s the SMART & FLEXIBLE way to improve your riding knowledge.
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NOW LOADING TIPS on TUESDAY / SKILLS on SATURDAY 2024 - INDEX
Each year - 100 articles for SUPPORTERS & SUBSCRIBERS!
FREE DOWNLOAD - Advanced Riding in 500 Words
SoS Nov 9 Getting the most out of a training course Pt 2
FoF Nov 8 'I don't agree but never mind' Part 2
60 Second Science Nov 7 #19 Why modern crash helmets have aerofoils
Elevenses 478 Wed 6 Nov - motorcycle news, tips & views
ToT Nov 5 Discover how your bike behaves Part 4
COMMENT Nov 4 Emphasis on PPE is post-crash treatment
Elevenses 477 Sat 3 November - motorcycle news, tips & views
HALLOW'EEN OFFER - free Survival SKILLS e-book with ONLINE COACHING
A QUICK SHOUT OUT to last week's KoFi supporters and subscribers
Marc, Sandy, Howard, Nick, Jon, Kelvin, Halam, Michael (who bought a download copy of my Survival SKILLS ebook), Dave, Helen, Brian, Damo (who purchased the MIND over MOTORCYCLE ebook) and Anonymous - thanks mightily for your support!
LEARN ABOUT THE SMIDSY COLLISION & HUMAN VISUAL PERCEPTION
Why not visit the 'Science Of Being Seen' website?
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS or SUGGESTIONS - THEN GET IN TOUCH
I love hearing from you. If there’s something you’d like me to cover in a written article or maybe in an ONLINE TALK SERIES events, let me know. Contact Me via chat
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