Triumph goes ‘undercover’ for its winter 2015 collection
Looking for the latest winter style that combines urban cool with a hint of British retro? Triumph Motorcycles has produced a duo of ‘his and hers’ hoodies that will keep you warm this winter, while helping you look chilled!
Both made to commemorate the year 1902, when the first Triumph bike was manufactured in the Midlands, the new Sherpa clothing range is made from a heavyweight cotton/polyester mix and has a soft berba lining for a luxurious and durable finish.
The washed black ladies’ Zip Hood comes in 6 sizes (XS – 3L) and comprises subtle Triumph branding on the breast pocket and pocket lining. With an eye catching faux fur lined hood, the Sherpa is the ideal addition to anyone’s active/outdoor wardrobe. Retailing at £80, the 1902 hoodie is available exclusively via Triumph’s UK dealer network.
The gents’ 1902 Sherpa fleece comes in charcoal grey, sizes S – XXXL. With understated branding on the breast pocket and sleeve, this heavyweight garment is a must-have item for any Triumph fan looking for a durable, yet iconic casual top.Boyz and girlz in the hoodies 2
Priced at just £81, the Sherpa Fleece looks equally cool out and about, or down the pub with friends.
For further information on Triumph’s range, please visit your local dealer or go to www.triumph.co.uk
The legendary yellow container has returned to Ducati. Just six months have gone by since the Ducati Scrambler project was first presented to Ducati employees and the Borgo Panigale plant is now, once again, the focus of attention: this time to celebrate the start of production of the new bike, 40 years after the last Ducati Scrambler rolled off the line back in the ‘70s.
For Ducati, the Ducati Scrambler means the birth of a new brand, a new approach to the motorcycling world that looks beyond performance and technology to encompass freedom of expression, fun and shared positivity. To celebrate this new world and the arrival of the first bike, the area at the end of the Ducati Scrambler assembly line hosted the “Land of Joy”, with its green lawn, music, street food (provided by Foodly Street) and, naturally, the yellow container.
Celebrating the production launch of a new bike with employees is a consolidated tradition at Ducati: but with the Ducati Scrambler the event has an even deeper meaning as it fully reflects that “Land of Joy” spirit which characterises the new brand.
In addition to the team that followed its development, the technicians and the workers, the first bike off the line was also greeted by Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, together with Silvano Fini, Manager of the Borgo Panigale plant.
“This first bike is particularly meaningful to us,” commented Claudio Domenicali. “With its ‘Land of Joy’ theme, the Ducati Scrambler brand will be bringing a breath of fresh air and fun to dealerships and will provide a great product that combines modernity with heritage in a way never before seen in the motorcycle industry, a fact that fills us with enormous satisfaction and pride.”
The start of Ducati Scrambler production was also the perfect occasion to release the names of the two winners of the competition announced last 9 June: its purpose was to find, within the company, two protagonists for the new advertising campaign, the new “Franco and Elvira”, the two Ducati employees who starred in the Ducati Scrambler ad campaign of the ’70s. The new faces will, then, be those of Stefano Rendina and Federica Forlani, chosen directly by the employees and destined to symbolise the freshness, originality and joy of this latest Ducati brand.
The Ducati Scrambler will be in dealerships at the end of January in its Icon version.
Leading motorsport suppliers, engineers and decision makers from around the world will descend on Birmingham next month, for Europe’s largest dedicated motorsport trade show, Autosport International.
The 8-11 January event brings the high-performance engineering sector together on the eve of the new season, presenting significant networking opportunities and a platform to see the sport’s latest developments.
Home to the majority of Formula 1 teams including title-winners MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS, the renowned British sector is valued at generating £9 billion in sales, and accounts for more than 41,000 jobs across approximately 4,300 companies. The chance to meet local leaders face-to-face means an array of accents will be heard within the NEC.
Roughly 15% of the expected 700 exhibitors are based outside of the UK, including market leaders such as Brembo, Bosch, Capricorn Automotive, Öhlins Racing and Sadev. The winner of the 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship teams’ title, Olsberg MSE from Sweden is amongst the first-time exhibitors.
A total of 17 nations are currently represented in the group, led by 17 firms from the United States of America, 13 from Italy and 11 apiece from France and Germany. Beyond Europe, exhibitors from Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand and Taiwan are preparing for longer journeys to Birmingham.
There, they’ll meet motorsport professionals from around the world, with guests from 63 different countries among the 2014 Autosport International trade audience of 28,000 people.
“Every year, we receive significant interest in Autosport International from all over the world, and we’re looking forward to hosting international exhibitors and trade guests at our 25th anniversary event in January,” Ian France, Autosport International Show Director, said.
“That so many companies and motorsport professionals from America, Europe and beyond attend the event to network with the British sector is a testament to its standing as the hub for engineering excellence.
“We are proud to work closely with UK Trade & Investment in facilitating further opportunities for the growth of British companies, and to play our part in bringing everyone together to start the new season, wherever they are based.”
Many of the travelling exhibitors will use Autosport International to launch new products.
Brake specialists Brembo will introduce the latest additions to its GT racing line-up. A six-piston front-GT caliper is made from aluminium, and designed for discs with a greater surface area; such as Brembo’s new 390mm GT front disc brakes. Another Italian exhibitor, M.E.RIN S.r.l is launching its updated Standard Range fuel tanks, available in more than 520 configurations.
From Australia, Holinger Engineering is set to showcase its first in-line, six-speed sequential transaxle, developed as an extension of its OEM ‘kits’ for the likes of Aston Martin, Lamborghini and Porsche.
American firm AEM Electronics will announce and showcase new software for its Infinity, standalone, programmable ECU, with a range of new applications and features.
First held in 1991, Autosport International commences with two days dedicated to industry visitors, 8-9 January, incorporating Autosport Engineering in association with Racecar Engineering and the new Low Carbon Racing and Automotive Show.
Europe’s biggest motorsport show, Autosport International has joined forces with Classic & Sports Car magazine and the ever popular Silverstone Classic to bring approximately £15 million worth of historic machinery to January’s 25th anniversary event.
Led by the Formula 1 World Championship-winning Cooper T53 and famous sportscars including the Mercedes C11 and Jaguar D-Type, a total of eight iconic race cars will appear in a new feature at Birmingham’s NEC on 8-11 January 2015*. They’ll be joined by six wild road cars from the sector’s voice in the UK, Classic & Sports Car magazine, including the revered Ferrari F40.
Additional historic content curated by Autosport International exhibitors will recognise the feats of three-time F1 World Champion Sir Jack Brabham and legendary Jim Clark.
Headlining the Silverstone Classic showcase, British manufacturer Cooper’s T53 claimed the 1960 Formula 1 World Championship with Brabham behind the wheel. Brabham won five races and his team-mate Bruce McLaren, whose T53 will be on display, finished second in the standings.
Mercedes-Benz dominated the 1990 World Sportscar Championship during a successful programme in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Driven by the likes of seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher, the Mercedes C11 won eight of the nine races it entered.
The Jaguar D-Type remains a true motorsport legend. With a 3.4-litre, six-cylinder engine producing 245bhp, the British roadster won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955, 1956 and 1957.
An ex-Nigel Mansell Lotus 87 will also feature, along with an ex-James Thompson Honda Super Tourer, GT Lister Storm, Lola T70 Spyder and 6.6-litre Corvette Stingray.
“To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Silverstone Classic, we are pleased to join forces with leading race grid organisers and Classic & Sports Car magazine to present a selection of the finest race and road cars covering the most evocative 50 years of racing,” commented Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic Event Director.
“As a popular event in the industry, Autosport International is the perfect location to see the most amazing track and road cars ever, and all the race cars will be in action at the Silverstone Classic in July.”
Elsewhere within the NEC, the Historic Sports Car Club will pay tribute to the unique achievements of Sir Jack Brabham, who passed away in May and remains the only man to win an F1 World Championship driving one of his own cars. A 10-strong collection of Brabham Racing cars will be led by a Brabham BT49, which won the 1981 F1 title with Nelson Piquet.
Classic Team Lotus is starting 50th anniversary celebrations of Jim Clark’s momentous 1965, in which the Scot became the only man to win the Formula 1 World Championship and Indianapolis 500 in the same year, with a display of his F1 title-winning Lotus 33.
“We are excited to be hosting such a significant group of historic race cars to celebrate Autosport International’s 25th anniversary,” Ian France, Autosport International Show Director, said. “It represents the very best of the sport from the last 50 years and I’m sure seeing these cars will bring back some fantastic memories for many fans.”
Spanning karting to F1, modern machinery will be accompanied by stars including ex-Formula 1 ace David Coulthard, FIA World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg, FIA World Endurance Champions Allan McNish and Anthony Davidson and British Touring Car Champions Colin Turkington, Andrew Jordan, Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden.
Across nine halls, the NEC will also host the latest supercars and high-performance favourites within the Performance Car Show, presented by Landsail Tyres in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com, and exciting shows in the 5,000-seat Live Action Arena.
Tickets to the 25th anniversary Autosport International are available from £32 for adults, with children’s tickets priced from £21 and children under five years admitted for free. For more information about the show, visit www.autosportinternational.com.
BMW Motorrad UK has announced pricing for the all-new 2015 BMW S 1000 RR, which will be available from the New Season Launch on 07 February 2015 starting at £13,700 OTR.
The new version of the BMW S 1000 RR – which was originally introduced to widespread acclaim in 2009 – offers semi-active suspension and the most advanced traction control BMW Motorrad has ever produced. The new 2015 S 1000 RR offers even more technology and performance-enhancing aids than the now discontinued BMW HP4.
In addition to the standard S 1000 RR, the BMW S 1000 RR Sport will be available from £14,760 OTR.
S 1000 RR – £13,700.
Standard features:
BMW Motorrad Race ABS (switchable)
Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
Riding Modes (Rain, Sport & Race)
S 1000 RR Sport – £14,760.
Also includes:
Dynamic Damping Control (DDC)
Gear Shift Assist Pro
Heated Grips
LED Indicators
Colour Coded Pillion Seat Cover
Customers may also create their own bespoke motorcycle, by taking either model and choosing from the huge range of factory-fit options available, including Forged Wheels, Riding Modes Pro with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cruise Control and many more. Optional premium paint finishes are also available, including the iconic BMW Motorrad Motorsport white, blue and red.
A comprehensive collection of accessories, ranging from High Performance parts such as Sports Silencers, carbon-fibre panels and footpegs, through to comfort-enhancing items including luggage and screens is also being launched alongside the S 1000 RR.
Ian Furse, National Sales Manager for BMW Motorrad UK, said: “The all-new 2015 BMW S 1000 RR has set another benchmark for supersport motorcycles. With more advanced rider aids than ever before, the new RR is the pinnacle of sports motorcycle development.
“A customer choosing the S 1000 RR Sport model and adding the Forged Wheels and Riding Modes Pro options would have a motorcycle offering even more performance-enhancing technology than the incredible HP4.”
Riders purchasing a new KTM RC 125 from now until February 28, 2015, are eligible for a free official PowerParts pack, worth £550.
Launched late summer 2014, the RC 125 (£4495) shows the world that the 125cc class doesn’t have to be a stepping stone bike, built to compromise. Fitted with high specification components from WP Suspension and Brembo, the RC 125 also features two-channel Bosch ABS as standard to help make it the perfect supersport machine for young riders or those young at heart.
With many riders preferring to modify their bikes, the promotion offers riders purchasing a new RC 125 from an official KTM Street dealer in the UK, Channel Islands and Ireland, with two of the most desirable items from the comprehensive range of official PowerParts available for this new machine.
The Akrapovič Slip-on silencer, worth £464.32, replaces the standard bellypan-exit exhaust on the RC 125 with a lightweight, race-style silencer. With the internal pre-silencer removed, torque and throttle response is increased in the middle rev range along with releasing a real race bike noise. The exhaust features a titanium outer skin combined with stainless steel internal parts for the best combination of weight saving and durability.
The Neon Graphics kit, worth £93.95, contains new durable graphics for the fairing, bellypan, seat unit and mudguard to give the RC 125 an even more visually striking appearance.
Capitising on the global success of the 125 Duke, the RC 125 is much more than just a Duke with a Grand Prix-inspired fairing bolted on, but a fully-fledged machine developed in its own right for a totally different rider. The Duke’s smooth, fast and efficient 15hp, four-stroke single cylinder engine remains but the familiar steel trellis frame utilised by the naked bike is replaced with an all-new item with a more sporty geometry but with ergonimcs to fit riders of all sizes.
Utilising KTM Finance through an official dealer, riders can take advantage of a 0% APR representative finance option on a new RC 125. Requiring a minimum deposit of £99 and spread over fixed repayment plan of 24 months, the new bike can be obtained from around £185 per month (subject to status) and includes the PowerPart promotion.
A pair of Ferraris born a generation apart, the LaFerrari hypercar and legendary F40 will be in the spotlight when the Performance Car Show brings the best of the motoring world to Birmingham next month.
On 8-11 January*, supercars, high-performance favourites and classics will come together at the NEC, with the LaFerrari to appear in the Performance Car Show presented by Landsail Tyres in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com. The F40, meanwhile, headlines a display of wild road cars presented by Classic & Sports Car magazine within Europe’s largest motorsport show, Autosport International.
With only 499 to be produced, all priced at over £1 million and packed with F1-derived technology, the hybrid LaFerrari combines a V12 engine with a Kinetic Energy Recovery System to produce 950 bhp.
Accelerating from 0-124mph in less than seven seconds and weighing 1,255kg including a chassis made from four different types of carbon fibre, it’s the fastest road-going Ferrari around the marque’s test track at Fiorano, three seconds faster than the F12berlinetta.
The masterpiece will be parked outside the new Pie and Piston Pub by PistonHeads.com for enthusiasts to admire while catching up with the team behind the popular website.
“Ferrari holds a truly special place within the world of motoring. Its heritage is legendary and passion unrivalled, and continues to create amazing, sector-defining models,” said Ian France, Performance Car Show Director.
“The LaFerrari is the latest in Ferrari’s long line of phenomenal supercars, which of course includes the ground-breaking F40. We’re excited about bringing these two icons of motoring to the NEC for enthusiasts to enjoy.”
The Ferrari F40 will be displayed on a new, 14-car ‘Track Icons and Wild Road Cars’ historics feature presented by Classic & Sports Car and Silverstone Classic, within Autosport International.
Considered one of the greatest supercars ever made, the F40 was developed to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, and the last model personally approved by Enzo Ferrari before the founder’s death in 1988.
Powered by a twin-turbo V8 producing 471hp, the lightweight, mid-engined creation covers 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and became the first production car to break the 200mph barrier.
The F40 will be accompanied by a Jaguar XJR15, launched at the very first Autosport International in 1991, Porsche 959, Audi Sport Quattro SWB and Lancia Stratos Stradale in the unique collection.
Other Performance Car Show features include the Autocar Supercar display, hosting the Ferrari 458 Speciale, Lamborghini Huracán, BMW i8 and Vühl 05 in an 1,800hp showcase.
Finalists from the motoring bible’s Britain’s Best Driver’s Cars 2014 will also be put through their paces in the Live Action Arena, with the winning 458 Speciale accompanied by the McLaren 650S, Porsche 911 GT3 and Jaguar F-Type.
In the Live Action Arena and a special Performance Car Show presentation, attendees will have the first opportunity to see a selection of category winners from the prestigious What Car? Awards 2015, after the accolades are handed out on the eve of the show.
Within Autosport International, stars of motorsport such as David Coulthard, Petter Solberg, Allan McNish, Anthony Davidson, Colin Turkington and Matt Neal will be present, along with displays spanning karting to Formula 1.
Tickets to the Performance Car Show presented by Landsail Tyres in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com are available from £32 for adults, with children’s tickets priced from £21 and children under five years admitted for free. For tickets, visit www.autosportinternational.com.
Britain’s newly-crowned FIA World Endurance Champion Driver, Anthony Davidson has joined the line-up for Autosport International’s 25th anniversary celebrations next month.
Also a Sky Sports F1 expert and Formula 1 development driver for the title-winning MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS, Davidson will head to Birmingham’s NEC on Saturday 10 January, during Europe’s biggest motorsport show on 8-11 January*.
Davidson switched to sportscar racing with Aston Martin in 2009 after contesting 24 Formula 1 GPs. Two seasons with Peugeot saw numerous endurance victories, including winning the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring on his debut with the team, before he moved to Toyota in 2012.
Recovering from a horror accident in the French classic a year earlier, Davidson claimed his first 24 Hours of Le Mans podium with second in 2013 alongside Sébastien Buemi and Stéphane Sarrazin, the trio also finishing third in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
In 2014, Davidson and Buemi sealed the Drivers’ World Championship with a round to spare, having taken their Toyota TS040 Hybrid to victory in four of the eight races. The pair also finished third at Le Mans with Nicolas Lapierre.
“It’s been a truly incredible year, winning the FIA World Endurance Championship with Sébastien and Toyota Racing,” Davidson said.
“The title is the result of a lot of hard work by a lot of people, so it’ll be great to celebrate that at Autosport International in January with the passionate British fans who have supported me throughout my career.”
Davidson joins 2013 FIA World Endurance Champion Driver Allan McNish and 2014 FIA World Rallycross Champion and 2003 FIA World Rally Champion Petter Solberg on the Autosport International guest list. Other stars heading to the NEC include David Coulthard, recent F1 debutant Will Stevens and British Touring Car Champions Colin Turkington, Matt Neal, Andrew Jordan and Gordon Shedden.
“We’re excited about welcoming Anthony Davidson to Autosport International and celebrating his success in the 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship,” said Ian France, Autosport International Show Director.
“Anthony has added another chapter to Britain’s fine record in sportscar racing, and it’s fitting that he’ll be joined by outgoing champion Allan McNish to review the season and look ahead to 2015, when Toyota, Audi and Porsche will be joined by Nissan.”
Exclusive collections spanning karting to Formula 1 will be on display, along with the best of the motoring world in the Performance Car Show, presented by Landsail Tyres, in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com.
Tickets to Autosport International are available from £32 for adults, with children’s tickets priced from £21 and children under five years admitted for free. For tickets, visit
OptiMate have produced 2 million intelligent battery chargers since 1995 and the OptiMate 3 Global is the latest iteration, with many new features:
Precise microprocessor controlled diagnostics and maintenance programme
Lighter and smaller than previous model
More powerful output
Global input for worldwide compatibility
The new OptiMate3 Global diagnoses, recovers, charges, tests and optimally maintains all types of 12V lead-acid batteries rated from 3 to 50 Ah.
Fully sealed in an IP54 rated weatherproof case, it is 50% lighter than the previous model (0.4kg compared to 0.8kg), 33% more powerful (output up from 0.6A to 0.8A ) and can recover severely neglected batteries from as low as 2 Volts, thanks to cutting-edge electronics.
The Optimate3 Global’s microprocessor automatically performs hourly tests, maintaining the battery with an interactive float charge, (800mA maximum), providing advance warning of any problems. It also diagnoses sulphation (when crystals form around the lead plates inside the battery, reducing performance), and automatically applies pulses of electric current to break them down and recover the battery.
Safety features include spark suppression, automatic shut-down if short-circuited/battery disconnected and zero risk of overcharging.
The OptiMate3 Global has a wide range input (100-240V, 50-60Hz) that works with mains electricity around the world and also absorbs current irregularities better. It sells for £49.99 including VAT and there are also two and four bank options (£99.99 and £195.00) for multi-bike owners and small workshops. For more information visit www.optimate1.com.
With the silverware freshly engraved, visitors to next month’s Performance Car Show will have the very first opportunity to see a selection of winners from the prestigious What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2015.
The annual What Car? ceremony will be held on Wednesday 7 January, just hours before the Performance Car Show opens its doors at Birmingham’s NEC. On 8-11 January*, it will host sensational supercars and high-performance favourites alongside Europe’s largest motorsport show, Autosport International.
The Performance Car Show will be presented by new major sponsor, Landsail Tyres, and in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com, with the latter also curating a new-for-2015 feature.
Judged by the UK’s biggest and best new and used car buyer’s guide, the What Car? Car of the Year Awards celebrate the cars that set the highest standards in their class. A selection of category winners will be displayed in a special showcase, and demonstrated in the event’s 5,000-seat Live Action Arena.
“The What Car? Car of the Year Awards is the most prestigious car award ceremony in the UK. They are the prize every car manufacturer wants to pick up,” said Ian France, Performance Car Show Director.
“Each year, the winners are vehicles that have raised the bar in their respective sector, and we’re excited about having a selection of newly-crowned models within the Performance Car Show for enthusiasts to see for themselves.”
Landsail Tyres joins the Performance Car Show as a new major sponsor, with its broad ranges of High Performance, Ultra High Performance, and SUV tyres to be on display.
A long-standing event partner PistonHeads.com will bring an exclusive, hand-picked collection of cars to the NEC, to be parked outside the new Pie and Piston Pub by PistonHeads.com. Inside, attendees will be able to enjoy a pint and a pie with the team, getting the scoop on the latest models, whilst talking about their own projects.
“We’re proud to be working with Landsail Tyres as a new Performance Car Show partner in 2015, providing a platform to promote its extensive range of tyres to local enthusiasts,” Ian France said.
“The new Pie and Piston Pub by PistonHeads.com is another exciting addition to the show, and will provide a unique ‘local’ within the NEC to catch up with the team and get their distinctive take on the motoring world.”
The new What Car? and PistonHeads.com features accompany the popular Autocar Supercar Display, which will boast 1,800hp through the Lamborghini Huracán, Ferrari 458 Speciale, BMW i8 and Vühl 05.
A host of manufacturers will be present with stands across the Performance Car Show and Autosport International, including Porsche, Vauxhall, Renaultsport, Lotus Cars, Ginetta Cars, Noble Automotive, BAC Mono, Zenos Cars and Sin Cars.
Motorsport stars at the NEC will include former F1 star David Coulthard, FIA World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg, three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Allan McNish and British Touring Car Champions Colin Turkington, Matt Neal, Andrew Jordan and Gordon Shedden.
Displays are set to span every level of motorsport, led by the F1 Racing Grid and Dunlop MSA BTCC feature, adrenaline-fuelled shows held in the Live Action Arena and interactive activities include the scope to purchase high-speed Ginetta Thrill Rides and time on the karting track.
Tickets for the Performance Car Show presented by Landsail Tyres in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com are available from £32 for adults, with children’s tickets priced from £21 and children under five years admitted for free. For tickets, visit www.performancecarshow.com.
British bodywork specialists Skidmarx now offer a belly pan and fly screen to dress the naked MV Agusta Brutale 800.
Derived from the company’s double bubble sports bike screens, the fly screen kit offers extra protection from wind and weather. Manufactured from tough 3mm acrylic in Skidmarx’ Weymouth factory, it mounts onto the Brutale’s dash cowling, using a specially designed fitting kit. Available in clear and tinted options, as well as a range of colours, the fly screen kit retails at £59.95 including VAT.
The matching belly pan is styled to mimic the sculpted tank on the Brutale. Made in the UK from GRP glass fibre, it is trimmed to suit and supplied complete with a tailored fitting kit. It shields the three-cylinder engine from grime, grit and gravel thrown up from the road. Produced in a range of pre-coloured gel coats, as well as a plain white option for owners to paint themselves, the MV Agusta Brutale 800 belly pan sells for £99.95 including VAT.
Call Skidmarx on 01305 780808 or visit www.skidmarx.co.uk for more information.
The 2015 MCN London Motorcycle Show (13th-15th February) will be showcasing a world exclusive collection of motorcycles raced by nine-time MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi. This incredible collection will feature many of Rossi’s most famous machines including his Aprilia, Honda, Yamaha and Ducati race bikes (full list at base of communication).
In addition to this unique once-in-a-lifetime display there will be an incredible array of the new 2015 motorcycles from Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Suzuki, Triumph, Piaggio and Yamaha.
2015 looks set to be one of the most exciting years in motorcycling, with an unbelievable line-up of new models coming from the world’s leading manufacturers – and the Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show will allow fans to get up close and personal with them all. Visitors over the three days will get to see new machines such as the BMW R1200R, Ducati Scrambler, Kawasaki H2, KTM 1290 Super Adventure, Suzuki GSX-S1000, Triumph Street Triple RX and the eagerly anticipated, all-new Yamaha YZF-R1.
Alongside the latest models and world exclusive Valentino Rossi collection, the MCN London Motorcycle Show will also play host to a Norton tribute to the golden era of the rotary race bikes and the people that built and raced them. From the prototype RC588 to Steve Hislop’s TT winning NRS588, the rotary Nortons were the icons of a fabulous era in British motorcycle racing history, with machines started up on the Show stage! TV’s James May will be lending us his classic bike collection and this time it will joined by bikes from his Top Gear colleague Richard Hammond. The free live action show sponsored by Michelin will keep the entire family entertained.
Details of Rossi bikes to be displayed:
1997 AGV Aprilia RS125R- 125cc
1999 Aprilia RS250 Mugello special- ‘Valenti-Peace and Love’- 250cc
2002 Repsol Honda RC211V- 990cc
2004 Go! Yamaha YZR-M1- 990cc
2005 Yamaha YZR-M1- 990cc Laguna ‘Speed Block’ special
2008 Fiat Yamaha YZR-M1- 800cc
2009 Fiat Yamaha YZR-M1-800cc Estoril ‘Fiat Punto’ special
2011 Factory Ducati Desmosedici- 800cc
Tickets for the action-packed three-day event are now on sale, making this the ideal Xmas gift for any bike enthusiast. MCN have also just announced a brand new event, the MCN Festival of Motorcycling will be held on May 16-17th at the East of England Showground. An advance day ticket bundle of just £29.50 will provide entrance to both events.
Priced just £16 with free bike parking (and free for children under 15) you can check out the Carole Nash MCN London motorcycle show and book tickets via www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com or call 0844 5816 900
The Piaggio Group, via its Aprilia brand, has announced a collaboration with Skully, the American company pioneering the development of helmets with Heads-up Display technology (HUD). This is in order to develop new and highly sophisticated forms of rider-vehicle interaction for V4-MP, the Aprilia RSV4 and Tuono 1100-specific iteration of PMP (Piaggio Multimedia Platform), which is already available for several models in the Group’s motorcycle and scooter brands.
These combined technologies will mean the multitude of information available through the PMP system will be visible on the Skully helmet visor, in addition to the features already offered by the helmet itself. The system allows the rider to travel in improved safety, having all kinds of useful information available without having to take his or her hands off the handlebar.
The helmet replaces the vehicle instrument cluster, providing an exceptional amount of clear information that can be matched and recalled with voice command, shown on a transparent displayed positioned on an area of the visor that does not interfere with visibility. The wide angle rear camera constitutes a fundamental supplement to the bike’s original mirrors, providing a wide view and clear images without distracting the rider’s focus on the road, while the Piaggio multimedia platform, connected to the helmet via Bluetooth, takes care of providing all the necessary travel and vehicle indications.
Further Information about Piaggio Multimedia Platform
Piaggio Multimedia Platform connects your smartphone to your vehicle
In 2012 the Piaggio Group was the first manufacturer in the world to create a system which allowed the vehicle to be connected to a smartphone (and consequently to the web), thereby transforming it into an additional tool capable of providing an exceptional amount of added information compared to what is already provided by the factory instrumentation. The link between the vehicle and the internet is called PMP (Piaggio Multimedia Platform), which is already available for several models in the Group’s motorcycle and scooter brand ranges, making travel safer and more convenient. This is a window to the future which lays the foundation for a new way of looking at communication on two wheels. Once the free app has been downloaded, the Bluetooth pairing of the smartphone to the vehicle allows the various nearest authorised service centre, automatically setting navigation to reach it. PMP stores all the travel information and allows it to be studied in depth at a later time on your computer and it also contains the operating and service manual options to be viewed and easily modified to the rider’s preference: speedometer, rev counter, but also instantaneous engine power and torque, lean angle, longitudinal acceleration, instant and average fuel consumption, average speed and battery voltage are just some of the features that can be accessed. PMP increases rider and passenger safety: the tyre status monitoring feature uses the vehicle and smartphone sensors in synergy to monitor tyre wear and inflation, while the general analysis feature allows the vehicle status to be monitored, indicating the most appropriate action to take in the event of a fault, as well as the for your vehicle.
Further Information about Skully
Founded in 2013 in California’s Silicon Valley, Skully recently introduced the AR-1, the first motorbike helmet fitted with the highly advanced heads-up display (HUD) technology, until now available exclusively to military pilots. The information from the 180° rear view camera, the navigator and the weather information service is projected directly onto the helmet visor, providing clear enormous advantages in terms of safety and riding freedom
Britain’s most-successful sportscar driver of the modern era and host of last weekend’s prestigious FIA Prize-Giving Ceremony, three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Allan McNish has joined the Autosport International 2015 guest list.
Europe’s biggest motorsport show is celebrating its 25th anniversary at Birmingham’s NEC on 8-11 January*, and McNish has featured at motorsport’s highest levels throughout its history.
A winner in junior classes such as Formula 3 and Formula 3000, and a Formula 1 test driver for McLaren at 19 years of age, McNish was recruited by Porsche for its sportscar programme and quickly became one of the world’s best, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1998.
Following a season in Formula 1 with Toyota in 2002, McNish returned to endurance racing with Audi. He enjoyed further Le Mans glory in 2008 and 2013, along with the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship to go with four Sebring 12 Hour and Petit Le Mans victories and three American Le Mans Series crowns.
Remaining an Audi ambassador, he stepped out of the cockpit at the end of 2013 and has become a popular part of the BBC’s F1 broadcast team.
He’ll be joined at Autosport International by fellow Scots in BBC colleague and 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard and 2012 British Touring Car Champion Gordon Shedden. New FIA World Rallycross Champion Petter Solberg and BTCC champs Colin Turkington, Matt Neal and Andrew Jordan will also be present, with more stars to be announced.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my visits to Autosport International over the years, it is a great show and I really think it has something for every motorsport fan. I’m excited about attending January’s 25th anniversary celebrations,” McNish said.
McNish will also present the Motorsport Safety Fund’s annual Watkins Lecture on safety issues within the sport. The respected event is named in honour of the late Professor Sid Watkins, who is credited with revolutionising Formula 1 safety.
“Allan is always warmly-welcomed at Autosport International, as a great ambassador of British motorsport and one of its most popular figures,” said Ian France, Autosport International Show Director.
“His racing record speaks for itself, and Allan has taken that experience into the media, providing insightful and entertaining analysis. We’re looking forward to hearing his expert take on the 2014 Formula 1 and FIA World Endurance Championship seasons at the NEC in January.”
Motorsport stars such as McNish, Coulthard and Solberg will be accompanied at Autosport International by exclusive displays spanning every aspect of motorsport, exhilarating performances in the Live Action Arena and motoring’s Performance Car Show in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com.
Tickets to Autosport International are available from £32 for adults, with children’s tickets priced from £21 and children under five years admitted for free. For tickets, visit www.autosportinternational.com
Paying nostalgic homage to its success at the 1956 motorcycle land speed record attempt, Triumph has introduced a brand new riding jacket into its Winter 2014 range.
Exclusively available from authorised dealers across the UK, the stylish and functional jacket takes inspiration from Johnny Allen’s historic ride on the Triumph-powered ‘Texas Ceegar’ motorcycle, taking bikers back in time to the Utah Bonneville Salt Flats, when the UK last held the world speed record.
Finished in deep navy with a subtle chequered design, the jacket pairs style and safety in perfect harmony. Alongside embossed embroidery to celebrate the historic 214.40MPH record, Bristex outer fabric and a breathable Tritrex z-liner are used to guarantee 100% water and wind-proofing with optimum breathability and comfort.
High-strength removable Knox elbow and shoulder guards offer the upmost protection, while a quilted liner and zip opening ventilation panels provide maximum comfort and versatility. A connection zipper allows the jacket to be seamlessly paired with any of Triumph’s leather or fabric riding trousers, making the record-breaking jacket the perfect addition to any rider’s winter wardrobe.
With an RRP of £255, the jacket is available immediately from Triumph’s authorised national dealer network. To find your nearest dealer or to see the complete Autumn 2014 clothing collection online, please visit: www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk
Goodwood is delighted to announce that the dates for both the Festival of Speed and Revival meeting in 2015 have now been confirmed.
The Festival of Speed, which celebrates the very best from the past and present of motoring and motor sport, will be held on 25-28 June, 2015. As usual, the event will open with the Moving Motor Show on Thursday, 25 June.
Alongside the overall theme of ‘Fast and Fearless: Racing on the Edge’, the Festival of Speed will also celebrate the 90th anniversary of the motor racing’s inaugural World Championship, won by Alfa Romeo, and mark 50 years since Honda’s maiden grand prix victory as the Japanese manufacturer returns to Formula 1 with McLaren in 2015.
The event will also pay tribute to the 60th anniversary of two sensational victories; Sir Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson’s triumph on the 1955 Mille Miglia and the first post-war grand prix win for an all-British line-up; Tony Brooks in a Connaught at Syracuse.
Sports car legend Derek Bell will be honoured as 2015 marks the 40th anniversary of the first of his five Le Mans 24 Hours wins, which came behind the wheel of a Mirage-Ford.
The Goodwood Revival, firmly established as the world’s largest and most popular motor racing and vintage culture event, will take place on September 11-13, ensuring neither event will clash with the Formula 1 World Championship calendar.
The Revival will pay tribute to the legendary driver, engineer and racing car constructor, Bruce McLaren, with a special parade of vehicles associated with his career.
Tickets and hospitality packages for both events are on general sale, as are a limited number of tickets for the 73rd Members’ Meeting, which will be held on 21-22 March 2015. Information is available from www.goodwood.com or on 01243 755055
The menacing Lamborghini Huracán, award-winning Ferrari 458 Speciale and ground-breaking BMW i8 will headline the supercars on display during the Performance Car Show next month, as the best of the motoring world heads to Birmingham.
Held alongside Europe’s biggest motorsport show, Autosport International, the Performance Car Show in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com features sensational collections of the latest high-octane favourites at Birmingham’s NEC on 8-11 January*.
Bringing a combined 1,800hp to the popular Autocar Supercar Display, the Lamborghini, Ferrari and BMW will be accompanied by an emerging force, Mexico’s track-focused Vühl 05.
Other masterpieces will be hosted by What Car? and PistonHeads.com, while Autocar will also demonstrate a collection of its Britain’s Best Handling Cars in the 5,000-seat Live Action Arena. Motoring enthusiasts can also witness launches, meet car clubs and view the latest accessories at the event, which was attended by 82,000 people in 2014.
Unveiled earlier this year and picking up where the Gallardo left off, the stunning Lamborghini Huracán is aptly named with the Spanish word for ‘hurricane’. A 5.2-litre V10 produces 610hp, with the package capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds and reaching a top speed of 202mph.
In what the Italian manufacturer describes as the new benchmark in luxury super sports cars, the four-wheel-drive Huracán features a lightweight, hybrid chassis made from carbon fibre and aluminium and ceramic brakes.
The mid-engined Ferrari 458 Speciale was named in October as the winner of Autocar’s prestigious Britain’s Best Driver’s Car for 2014. With 605hp, it’s the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 ever produced by Ferrari, weighs just 1,290kg and is armed with active aerodynamics.
Sitting alongside the V10 and V8 stallions, the BMW i8 represents the future of motoring, as a revolutionary yet accessible hybrid supercar. A three-cylinder turbo engine combines with an electric motor to produce 357bhp and cover 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds, and offering economy of up to 134.5mpg.
Mexican manufacturer Vühl has made waves with its very first model, the road-legal and lightweight 05 supercar. Engineered for racetrack performance, the exhilarating Vühl 05 pairs an aluminium monocoque with a 2.0-litre Ford Ecoboost engine capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds.
“It goes without saying that Lamborghini and Ferrari are always two of the first names mentioned in conversations about supercars, so we’re excited to host the Huracán and 458 Speciale in the Autocar Supercar Display, along with the BMW i8 and Vühl 05,” said Ian France, Performance Car Show Director.
“We’re looking forward to displaying these four amazing cars and a diverse group of other supercars and high-performance favourites at the Performance Car Show in January.”
Under the same roof, Autosport International will host motorsport stars such as 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard, rally hero Petter Solberg, Le Mans legend Allan McNish and British Touring Car Champions Colin Turkington, Matt Neal, Andrew Jordan and Gordon Shedden, and displays spanning karting to Formula 1.
Tickets for the Performance Car Show in association with Autocar and PistonHeads.com are available from £32 for adults, with children’s tickets priced from £21 and children under five years admitted for free. For tickets, visit www.performancecarshow.com.
In 2013, Yamaha announced a new collaboration with Dutch oversized watch manufacturer, TW Steel. 12 months on and hot on the heels of the success of the Yamaha Factory Racing inspired Pilot and Tech watches, Yamaha is very pleased announce its continued celebration of the shared synergies of passion, power and performance, as it introduces a dynamic new six-piece TW Steel Yamaha Racing collection and two-piece VR46 collection for 2015.
Naturally sporty in their appearance, the new designs are once again available in two different sizes – 40mm and 45mm. The new Yamaha Racing wrist watch offers features that are usually reserved for much more expensive timepieces, but the ‘By TW Steel’ moniker on each watch is representative of the DNA of these exciting and unquestionably affordable models.
With each design based around a genuine carbon case, the new watches incorporate an appealing carbon fibre design dial featuring the Yamaha Factory Racing or VR46 logo. Other key highlights for the new models include:
· Steel case back featuring the brand logo
· Gunmetal plated steel crown
· Reinforced mineral crystal glass face
· Miyota 2115 3-hand movement
· Water resistant to 10 ATM
· Dial encompassing a 24-hour indicator
· Date display.
· Silicon strap available in a variety of colours featuring a gunmetal plated steel clasp*
*Except one VR46 model which features a nylon woven strap
Priced at just £99.00 inc. VAT each, the new watches are available now from your nearest Authorised Yamaha dealer. The new Yamaha Racing watches By TW Steel will appeal to all fans of the Yamaha team and GP legend, Valentino Rossi and with Christmas just around the corner, they’ll make the perfect gift for any Yamaha fan in your family!
For full details on the Yamaha TW Steel watches or to find out where your nearest Authorised Yamaha dealer is located, please visit www.yamaha-motor.co.uk/accessories.
The system consists of two parts: a receiver, which is attached to the heated garment, and a transmitter, which can be mounted on the handlebars or suitable flat surface (e.g. fairing panel). They communicate wirelessly, so there’s no routing of cables or fiddly fixings.
Both the transmitter and receiver can be used to control the temperature of the chosen garment. Each one features simple, one-button operation and LED confirmation, so the rider can set their comfort level quickly and easily, while staying focussed on the road ahead. Offering three heat levels, riders can adjust the setting to suit the conditions.
The Remote Heat Controller costs £59.99 (including VAT) and is suitable for use with all KEiS garments (except those with an existing integral controller). It is weather resistant and comes with built-in current overload protection.
For further info and details of the complete KEiS range of heated clothing and accessories, call 01256 704909 or visit: www.keisapparel.co.uk
Notes: KEiS has enjoyed an average annual growth of 30% since 2011 and is now the UK’s best-selling brand of heated clothing
Yamaha is pleased to announce that the 2015 Yamaha Racing R&D (YRRD) tuning parts for YZ125 2-stroke, YZ250F and YZ450F models are now available to order through Authorised Yamaha off-road competition dealers for a very limited period!
YRRD is the specialist supplier of official racing parts for Yamaha motocross machinery, formed in the early 1990s when Yamaha Motor Europe (YME) joined forces with former World Motocross Champion Michele Rinaldi. In the intense heat of World Championship competition, YRRD kit parts have been playing a crucial role in Yamaha’s many motocross successes over the years.
The YZ125 remains one of the top models in its class and for 2015, YRRD have improved the performance of its tuning kit with a new type cylinder head and revised mapping in the CDI unit. However, the big changes come for the championship winning YZ250F, with its reverse cylinder engine, fuel injected engine. The 2015 tuning kit benefits directly from factory team developments during the 2014 MX2 World championship, with a new uprated piston, cylinder head, valve springs, revised ECU settings and for 2015, the addition of an uprated exhaust camshaft. The new YZ250F YRRD kit offers a significant power increase over an already powerful production bike, making it a valuable investment to give you the competitive edge on track.
The YZ450F remains one of the most powerful 450cc competition bikes in its class and once again YRRD have chosen to focus on controllability by offering a hydraulic clutch kit to improve the clutch function, increase clutch plate durability, reduce rider fatigue and automatically adjust the clutch free play (avoiding the need for the rider to adjust manually).
Please note: Due to the limited and manual production processes involved in manufacturing YRRD kit parts, all orders must be placed with your local dealer by no later than Wednesday 10th December. Delivery of ordered parts will be February 2015.
For full technical details on the new YRRD kit parts and pricing, please contact your nearest Authorised Yamaha off-road competition dealer. To find out where your nearest Authorised Yamaha off-road competition dealer is located, please visit www.yamaha-motor.co.uk.
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