Motorcycle Industry hit by Credit Crunch

Yesterday the Motor Cycle Industry Association Press Office put out a press release highlighting the dramatic fall off in powered two wheeler sales in February for the UK, down a massive 25% from February 2008.

The motor cycle industry is now asking the UK government for help! It is asking the government to suspend vehicle excise duty (VED or road tax) and the first registration fee on all new mopeds, scooters and motorcycles for a minimum of one year to support the market and recognise the green advantages of motorcycling.

I wonder after all they have spent out supporting the banks and car industry, if the government will hear the plea or even have the money?

All of us the motorcycle industry have to hope so!!! Up to 15000 UK jobs and £3 billion annual turover depend on it.

Ride safe.


Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Watsonian Monza sidecar and Yamaha XJR1300 outfit

Watsonian-Squire have put out this great picture today of the Watsonian Monza sidecar and Yamaha XJR1300 outfit. Their sidecars are still hand built by British craftsmen in the heart of England.

Ride safe.


Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Say "NO" to power limits

The BMF have put out a press releases today that draws attention to the proposal of draconian motorcycle power limits being imposed on motorcycles throughout the EU. You can read the full press release on www.inter-bike.co.uk here.

In a nutshell, EU type approval regulation framework, up until now only applying to cars and commercial vehicles, is being considered for motorcycles. One of the main components is to limit power to 100bhp (74Kw), whilst the proposed framework has some merits, I am sure all motorcyclist out there will not want a mandatory power cap. They have the 100 BHP limit in France now, but and has not received a road safety benefit from it.

Please lobby your MEP while you can now to stop this becoming law!
The BMF have a draft letter you can use, available at http://www.bmf.co.uk/pages/bmf_main_pages.php?main_page_id=778 and a list of MEP's at http://www.europarl.org.uk/uk_meps/MembersMain.htm

The full EU consulatation document is available at http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/automotive/mcwg_meetings/27_02_2009/index.htm

Make your voice heard now, else we may well see the motorcycle power cap happening!

Ride safe.


Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/