Honda dealers, Honda—Ian Muttoo (Flickr.com)

The start of 2012 has seen Honda (UK) develop its retail network; both expanding with existing franchisees and recruiting several new franchise partners. These additions across the pan-brand business illustrate confidence in the Honda brand, with investment being made in the long-term future of its dealer networks.

Developments in the Car business include Gilder Honda completing the acquisition of the Chesterfield dealership, to operate alongside the Sheffield and Rotherham businesses bought in 2011. North Wales Honda now operates the Honda brand in Llandudno, whilst Norton Way Motors, who also own Chiswick Honda, have opened the doors on a brand new dealership in Wimbledon Park, previously an area without Honda car representation. Other investments within the car division include Harratts of Wakefield and Cloverleaf in Bracknell, both of which have recently moved to newly built state-of-the-art premises.

Three new franchises have opened in the motorcycle dealer network in recent months, and with a further three set to open in early summer, this is an indication of continuing strength of the motorcycle sector. Smiths Honda is now open for business in Chester, whilst Blade Motorcycles have begun trading in Swindon. In Plymouth GT Motorcycles has reopened at its established destination dealership on Elburton Road. These new additions to the motorcycle dealer network will further help Honda strengthen its number one position in the market.

The Power Equipment Division is experiencing continued growth as businesses look to expand with Honda in anticipation of peak season approaching for all four product areas. Russell Gas & Mower Centre has taken on the Lawn & Garden franchise in Edinburgh, while Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd has expanded representation to their premises in Albourne. Other openings in Lawn & Garden include Burnside Garden Machinery in Glasgow, and Balgownie Ltd in Inverurie. In addition to L&G, A.M.Phillip (Agritech) Ltd has taken on the Energy franchise for Fraserburgh.

Mark Weatherhead Ltd now holds the ATV franchise in Royston, likewise Wilsons of Rathkenny Ltd in Ballymena. Marine Division sees Motortech Marine Engineering gaining the franchise for Portsmouth, Rock Marine Services take the franchise in Wadebridge and a boat builder partnership has been established with Devon based Seaswift Boats, these changes greatly improve national coverage.

Nick Campolucci, Honda (UK)’s Head of Dealer Development commented: ‘The continued investment into Honda franchises, by a variety of existing and new partners illustrates that despite challenging economic conditions, businesses have the confidence to invest in Honda.

With an all new Civic recently launched and new CR-V to follow later this year, 2012 sees two key models in our car product line-up refreshed. Similarly, Motorcycles has seen seven new 2012 models launched, with several more planned throughout the year. These new products, along with our commitment to dealer commercial training, will maintain Honda?s place as motorcycle market leader.

Our Power Equipment division also continues to introduce new products to their 4 market areas. This when combined with a strategy to support dealers through stronger retail promotions, has been exceptionally well received by the dealer network and our customers.’

Click here for Honda Dealers

The organisers of Motorcycle Live 2012, the UK’s biggest bike show, are looking for real people to represent the length and breadth of the British biking community in the 2012 advertising campaign.

Motorcyclists of all genres, shapes and sizes are welcome to apply, with 25 successful candidates being invited to a special photo shoot at the Day of Champions at Silverstone in June. The photographs will form the print and online advertisements for Motorcycle Live, which will take place at The NEC, Birmingham from 24 November to 2 December.

Hopeful entrants can apply via the Motorcycle Live Facebook page by getting creative and demonstrating their passion for all things two-wheeled. This can be via a motorcycle-themed video, a photograph that captures why they love biking or a written entry that shows why they should be chosen to represent the UK’s bikers – anything they want as long as it makes you stand out from the crowd.

“Motorcycle Live is, and always has been a show for the bikers of the UK, no matter what type of motorcycle they ride or what their area of interest,” explains Finlay McAllan, Managing Director of event organisers, MCI Exhibitions. “We strive every year to bring people what they want to see and to represent all the different types of motorcyclist out there – from sports bike riders to off roaders, classic collectors to custom fans and many more. Who better to show this diversity and to represent the bikers of Britain than the bikers of Britain themselves?!”

As well as the chance to star in the ads, winners of the ‘Motorcycle Live needs you!’ search will receive two tickets to the Day of Champions on Thursday 14 June (ahead of the Silverstone MotoGP weekend) and two tickets to Motorcycle Live.

For more details and to enter, visit www.facebook.com/motorcyclelive.

TCX has released a range of new colour options for its X-Street sneaker, which will be available in UK dealers from this month. Since the release of the X-Street into the 2012 collection, demand has been high for the stylish but practical motorcycle sneaker, which lead to TCX introducing new colours for both men and women.

Originally launched in a black waterproof version, blue waterproof has now been added, along with new non-waterproof colours in navy, denim and white. Motorcycle sneakers for women come in colours blue and grey with pink detail and a dark grey waterproof style.

The X-Street is a versatile footwear option that will not look out of place around town off your motorcycle, however they come into their own when used on a bike. Thanks to TCX’s development work, the X-Street has gained full CE Certification and boast safety features such as ankle, heel and toe reinforcements. All colours of X-Street are available at TCX dealers at £89.99 for the waterproof versions and £79.99 for non-waterproof.

To find your local motorcycle sneaker dealer visit, www.nevis.uk.com

Following on from the launch of the popular GSX-R1000 Sports Pack that was unveiled in March, Suzuki brings another great accessory choice to customers, with the launch of the GSR750 Street Accessory Pack.

Highly acclaimed since its launch, the GSR750 scooped the Motorcycle News Best All Rounder award in 2011, before going on to take Zoo Magazine’s Bike of the Year award too. Praised for it’s strong engine, sporty handling and styling, the GSR750 goes one step further this year with the recent introduction of an ABS version too.

The Street Accessory Pack offers six bespoke items, all individually designed for the GSR, and retailing for £549 including VAT and fitment, also offers a saving of over £150 on the individual items.

Included in the pack is a single seat cowl, tank protector and fuel cap trim, belly pan, wheel rim decal and fly screen

The GSR750 Street Accessory Pack is available from all authorised Suzuki dealers now, the kit can also be viewed online at www.suzuki-gb.co.uk.

The Furygan first fully CE-approved collection under its new Motion Lab label has arrived in the UK and is now on sale in dealerships across the country. The range of textile and leather products is fully compliant with European standards in terms of protection for motorcyclists and delivers one of the the highest levels of protective performance in the motorcycle apparel market.

The new collection of textile jackets extends from the top-of-the-range Titan to the summer-ready Sidney Vented 2-in-1…

The titan of textiles
The Titan is inspired by Furygan’s racing roots but still offers everything a rider should expect from a multi-purpose touring jacket. Packed with the high tech Furygan features such as ‘Skin Protect’ lining, 3D honeycomb lining and the Air Flow System, the jacket is breathable, waterproof, thermo-regulated and tear and abrasion resistant.

As with all Furygan jackets, the Titan comes complete with removable D3O homologated protection in the elbows and shoulders and a D3O level 1 central back protector fitted as standard. The back protector pocket is also compatible with the D3O level 2 full back protector, which is available as an added option. With seven pockets, two connecting zip options, adjusters at the chest, neck and waist, a zippable anti-wind and rain flap and a neoprene neckband, the Titan is made for riders who refuse to compromise on style, practicality and protection.

The Titan is available in black/white and black/red, sizes S-4XL and with an SRP of £269.99.

A world-first in vented protection 
The Sidney Vented 2in1 represents a world-first in motorcycle protective clothing. Along with the Furygan Aspi Vented and Summer Vented, it is the first vented textile jacket to be fully compliant with European standards. The Sidney Vented 2in1 is so named because it not only keeps the rider cool with mesh panels but also dry, thanks to a breathable and waterproof removable lining.

In terms of protection, the jacket features Furygan’s ‘Skin Protect’ lining for abrasion and tear resistance, D3O homologated protection in the elbows and shoulders, a D3O level 1 central back protector fitted as standard and reinforced stitching on areas exposed to tearing. Three pockets, a connecting zip, waist and arm adjusters and an internal 3D honeycomb lining for thermo-regulation in all weathers make the Sidney Vented 2in1 as practical and comfortable as it is safe.

The Sidney Vented 2in1 is available in black/white, sizes S – 4XL and with an SRP of £179.99. A non-vented version is also available with an SRP of £229.99.

The perfect pair
The new Duke textile trousers are compatible with almost all of Furygan’s 2012 CE-approved textile jackets. Designed to face tough conditions, the Duke trousers make a dependable garment for any rider, but particularly those that refuse to be stopped by the elements. Come cold weather, wind or rain, the Duke trousers promise a warm, dry and comfortable journey with the highest level of protection.

The robust polyester Duke trousers feature ‘Skin Protect’ lining, D3O protection in the knees and hips, a waterproof and breathable insert, a removable thermal padded lining, waist and leg length adjusters and an external pocket. They are available in black, sizes S – 3XL and with an SRP of £189.99.
 
For more information on Furygan products and the Motion Lab collection and to find your nearest dealer visit www.nevis.uk.com or call 01425 478936.

The two best selling bikes in the UK now represent even better value, with both the Honda PCX125 and CBF125 available at 0% APR over 36 months, with a minimum deposit of just £99.

This creates a saving of approximately £180*, which equates to 125 litres of fuel**, and means a lot to two of the most fuel efficient machines on the road. In PCX125 terms that’s enough fuel to travel more than 3,500 miles and more than 4,400 miles on the CBF125.

With fuel efficiency figures of 129.9mpg for the PCX125 and 160.2mpg for the CBF125, plus with a range of other fuel efficient models across the whole range, including the Vision 50, SH125 and NC700X, owning a two-wheeled Honda represents one of the most affordable (and stylish) ways to get around.

Journey time can also be significantly shortened aboard two-wheels, especially when commuting inner-city. And if commuting under 10 miles each way per day, it is possible to run both the PCX125 and CBF125 on less than £5 a week***.

Whichever way you look at it, the numbers add up and it has never made more sense to get on a Honda. For further details on the current offers, or for more information on Honda’s range of fuel efficient scooters and motorcycles, visit your local Honda Motorcycle dealer, visit www.honda.co.uk or call 0845 200 8000.

* Compared with previous Honda finance scheme of 4.9% APR over 36 months, with £99 deposit
** Fuel price calculated at £1.44 per litre
*** Based on 19 mile round commute over a 5 day working week. Fuel price calculated a £1.44 per litre

As with all offers and finance options, full terms and conditions apply. Please see www.honda.co.uk: http://www.honda.co.uk/ or a Honda Motorcycle dealer for full terms and conditions.

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Honda PCX 125 review:

New Honda PCX125 gets claimed 133mpg Motorbike reviews
The Honda PCX125 Europe’s biggest selling powered two wheeler last year has been revised for 2012 with a new engine with a claimed 133.9mpg.

Honda CBF125 review:

Video Honda CBF125 road test Motorbike reviews Latest Bike
The new Honda CBF125 has a huge task ahead of it for such a small motorcycle it has to live up to the reputation of the bike it replaces the legendary Honda CG125. MCN road tester Adam Child put the motorcycle through.

From May 2nd till May 6th Zolder Circuit in Belgium formed the ecological heart of European mobility. Large and small manufacturers presented their greenest two-wheelers and cars and the European e-Motorbike and e-Scooter of the Year were elected. The perfect opportunity for all those interested in discovering where we stand today in clean mobility and to have a chance to admire the latest ecological technology from the front
row.

This year’s “Clean Week 2020” was celebrating its third full edition and the organisers are planning to carry this event on till 2020. After this year’s election of Clean Car of the Year – won by the Chevrolet Volt, Opel Ampera and Mitsubishi iMiev – for the second time as part of Clean Week, a winner was also chosen in the category EMotorbike, the E-Scooter, the E-Bike and the E-Quadricyle. While electric cars are being talked of everywhere, more and more alternatives on two wheels are arriving on the scene.

European eMotorbike and eScooter of the Year

A jury of twelve specialised European motorcycle journalists gathered last week in Zolder for extensive testing of all kinds of battery driven two wheelers, coming from brands like Brammo, Zero, Vectrix, IO, E-Max, Govecs, Dumco, Nimoto, Novox, Peugeot, Sens, Sym, Noveco, Emco and Solex.

The prizes in the European E Motorbike/E-Scooter election finally went to the Zero S (motorbike), to the Govecs Go! S 2.4 (scooter – 25 kms/h), the Govecs Go! T 2.4 (scooter – 45 kms/h), the Vectrix VX1 (+ 45 kms/h) and last but not least to the Nimoto City 350 (Moped – 25 kms/h).

Belgian eBike and eQuadricycle of the Year

Next to the European election there was the Belgian eBike of the Year event, with participations of eMove, Gazelle, Graville, Kettler, Nimag and Sev. In the category of electric bikes, the eMove C300 model dominated, taking the best styling prize too.

Finally there was the Belgian eQuadricycle of the Year, let’s say the small electrical city car, with 6 candidates for two titles: in the category “Passenger”, the Renault Twizy came first, beating the Electric Drive Budyy and the Estrima Biro.

In the category “Commercial”, the spoils went to the Electric Drive Goupil G5, followed by the Electric Drive Goupil G3 and the Philco Cityfort.

Information & images – Elections
Koen Wijckmans | jury.elections@circuit-zolder.be | +32 475 45 57 67

Information & images – CLEAN WEEK 2020
Debby Wilmsen | debby@dpcommunications.be | +32 498 52 24 79
Frederic De Gezelle | frederic@dpcommunications.be | +32 473 97 98 13

FEMA – Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations

Honda london, View from Honda—nahtanoj (Flickr.com)

Honda is back supporting EcoVelocity for a second year running, as it moves to its new home at ExCel in the heartland of London’s dockland. Running from Saturday 5 May through to Sunday 13 May, Honda will be showcasing a selection of hybrid and British built models as part of Honda’s ‘Future Garden’ area as well as communicating all its good news on its innovative environmentally aware manufacturing processes.

Visitors to Honda’s Future Garden can mingle round Honda’s range of environmentally friendly hybrid cars – CR-Z and Jazz Hybrid – and British built models – CR-V SUV and new Civic hatchback and also take them for a spin on a specially-constructed 3.5 mile road track. Test drives can be booked in advance through the EcoVelocity website as well as offered on a ‘just turn up’ basis.

Two wheel fans will also have the opportunity to take a closer look at the Vision 50, a moped that offers reliable, fun mobility at a low price and a staggering fuel efficiency figure of up to 146.9mpg*. The hugely popular ‘new for 2012′ NC700X will also be present; a versatile crossover motorcycle that also offers an astounding 78.8mpg**.

To celebrate the launch of the new Civic, Honda will be running a competition throughout the show where 9 lucky people will win a £200 Marks & Spencer gift card. As a little extra treat, Honda is giving a free coffee voucher to all Honda bike and car owners who show their key to staff in the Future Garden area.

EcoVelocity, the low-carbon motor event, is running from 5th – 13th May at London’s ExCeL, alongside Grand Designs Live. Further information and tickets can be bought in advance at www.ecovelocity.co.uk or by calling 0844 209 7352.

Shane Byrne—ozzzie (Flickr.com)

Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki pairing Shane Byrne and Stuart Easton arrive at Oulton Park this bank holiday weekend handily placed in the top six of the 2012 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship and with three races around the undulating Cheshire venue, they are hoping to continue where they left off at the previous round.

Whereas Brands Hatch didn’t reap the rewards they were hoping for in the opening race, double BSB champion Byrne, from Sittingbourne, and Hawick’s former British Supersport champion Easton bounced back with a superb performance at Thruxton which saw Shakey climb the podium as Easton followed him home in fourth place.

The weather forced the second Brands Hatch race to be postponed so in addition to the regular two BSB races on bank holiday Monday, there will be an additional one at Oulton Park on the Sunday and with the three races held so far producing three different winners, both Byrne and Easton will be looking to add their names to the list.

Both riders have good form at Oulton Park with Easton taking victories in 2009 and 2010, as well as being on the podium twice at this meeting last year prior to his season-ending crash at the North West 200. Byrne, meanwhile, took double wins in his championship winning years and along with Easton, rates it as one of his favourite tracks.

Also arriving at Oulton Park in magnificent form is the team’s Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship star, Keith Farmer, whereby the Clogher, Northern Ireland rider is looking to build on his two victories in the opening two rounds. The Superstock 600 champion from last season won the only race to be held at Oulton Park last year so will be hoping to maintain his 100% record on the Kawasaki ZX-10R.

In addition to the team’s BSB activities the PBM UK MotoGP team will be in action at Estoril where Cumbrian James Ellison contests round three of the MotoGP World Championship aboard a CRT-specification Aprilia ART. Ellison was unfortunate to retire when in the points last weekend in Jerez so will be hoping to make amends at the Portuguese track.

Shane Byrne: “I’m looking forward to going racing again as these past two weeks have driven me mad and I can’t find any more DIY to do! I like Oulton Park and it’s important this weekend as we have three races and it’s also the team’s home race so we need a good set of results. I’d say the podium has my name all over it so hopefully it will be the top step a couple of times at least.”

Stuart Easton: “I like all the tracks in the series but Oulton Park is one of my favourites as it is proper old school and has a bit of everything. I’ve had some reasonable success in recent times so I need to continue those sorts of results and get as many points as we can. There are three races this weekend and I want to be spraying some champagne for sure!”

Keith Farmer: “This will be only the second time I’ll have raced at Oulton Park but I don’t see that being a problem. The two races so far have gone to plan but by winning them both and leading the championship, I’m now the target so I have to deal with that pressure and stay consistent.”

Paul Bird: “Oulton Park arrives at a good time for us and I think we can make a big impression this weekend. It’s traditionally been a big meeting for the team in the past and this weekend will be no different with lots of friends, family and sponsors there. Shakey and Stuart always go well at Oulton and Keith is just on fire this season so we are feeling very confident.”

Shane Byrne motorcycle racer
in Lambeth London often known as Shakey is a British motorcycle road racer champion of the British Superbike Championship 2003.…

Stuart Easton
Stuart Easton born July 21 1983 in Hawick is a Scottish motorcycle racer. He was the 2002 British Supersport champion riding for Paul.…

2012 British Superbike Championship season
The 2012 British Superbike season will be the 25th British Superbike Championship season. spectacle of the British Superbike Championship.…

MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship Thruxton:

Honda tt legends, One of the Padgetts Honda Superstock 1000 riders—distillated (Flickr.com)

Honda Motor Europe has announced the Honda TT Legends stand-in rider line-up for the second round of the 2012 Endurance World Championship, which takes place at the same time as the team’s namesake event, the Isle of Man TT. Samsung Honda riders Michael Laverty and Jason O’Halloran will team up with former British Superbike champion Ryuichi Kiyonari for the 8-hours of Doha in Qatar on 10 June.

Kiyonari is no stranger to endurance racing, having won the legendary Suzuka 8-hour race in Japan four times. The Japanese rider – who is currently competing in the Asia Road Racing Championship with the Musashi Boon Siew Honda Racing Malaysia team – has achieved many of his career highlights aboard the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade. This includes all four Suzuka victories and the three championship titles he won with Honda (UK) Racing’s BSB outfit, which is run from the same UK base as the Honda TT Legends.

Laverty is one half of the Samsung Honda BSB line-up for 2012 and O’Halloran competes in British Superstock for the same team. While Laverty is new to endurance racing, O’Halloran has competed in the Suzuka 8-hour and both riders are already familiar with the 2012-spec Fireblade. They are now looking forward to stepping up to the challenge on behalf of the Honda TT Legends.

Neil Tuxworth
With all four of our regular riders taking part in the Isle of Man TT, we decided that the best solution for the 8-hours of Doha was to select current Honda riders to form a stand-in team. Kiyo knows the circuit and has worked with many of our crew members before, while Michael and Jason are in the 2012 BSB squad so feel at home on the Fireblade. I’m sure that the decision will stand the team in good stead for the Qatar race, giving us one of the strongest line-ups at the event.

Ryiuchi Kiyonari
I want to thank Honda for giving me this opportunity. I have won the Suzuka 8-hour four times now, and Qatar is not a new course for me, so all I am thinking is winning the race for the team. I hope that we can achieve this.

Michael Laverty
I’m really looking forward to the experience, especially racing alongside Kiyo who has had so much success at Suzuka. I’ve never done an endurance race before and I’ve never been to Qatar but racing in the desert should be good fun. I don’t have any expectations on the result, but it would be nice to put in a good performance under the Honda TT Legends banner while the boys are at the TT.

Jason O’Halloran
I did the Suzuka 8-hour in 2008 and really enjoyed the experience. Endurance racing is not something I’ve focused on in my career, but it’s great to get this opportunity with Honda and fill in for the regular guys while they’re on TT duty. I’m really looking forward to riding with Kiyo and Michael – they’re two riders of great pedigree and I think we’re in with a good chance of getting a decent result. I’ve never ridden at Qatar before but it looks like a great circuit and I can’t wait for the whole experience.

As Kiyonari, Laverty and O’Halloran take on the 8-hours of Doha, regular Honda TT Legends riders John McGuinness, Simon Andrews, Cameron Donald and Gary Johnson will all be taking part in the Isle of Man TT. McGuinness and Andrews will form a two-man squad for the Honda TT Legends, while Donald and Johnson will compete for Wilson Craig Honda and Padgetts of Batley respectively.

Honda TT Legends Isle of Man TT Preview 2011: