Bikesure Blog - motorbike insurance blog

Bikesure @ BMF 2009

After a stunning April of hot weather and high pollen counts, it was soon May.......I had been hoping for much of the same as we packed the car up and headed to the Peterborough BMF.

I was wrong

Rain.........all that was forecast was rain. I really shouldn't have got my hopes up as for the last 10 years the heavens have opened on the show on now less than 8 occasions!

We didn't really need the sat nav as being based in Kings Lynn the journey took less than an hour...including a quick stop at Tescos for "refreshments"....cough, cough!

Tagging along with the me in the Bikesure posse were Jon (quote clerk), Jemma (PA and flux babe ) and Laura ( renewals staff and flux babe ). Bringing glitz, glamour and muscle to the show (and that was just the girls)

Bikesure hoodies line up for their mugshot

A quick check in at the hotel and we all convened for a couple of beers and a chat, mainly about hair, make up and clothes.........we were soon joined by the girls ( these jokes don't get any better )

Saturday morning and me and Jon arrived at the showground with Bikesure tent in hand. After doing these shows for over a year now the setting up took all of 3 minutes.

Just before the heavens opened we were joined by the girls and with laptops in hand we were up and running with quotes!

We like red

Now I know what you readers of this blog like to see and its not pictures of us working. So to rush things along I will let you know that we had a blast, sold policy's and gave out loads of freebies.

I never knew you could spend £8.50 on pic n mix but I did!

We met loads of people over the weekend and a few familiar faces. Special mention to Mo from the Bandit Owners club (of which we are the official insurer ) who kept us going with tea and coffee. Also a shout out to that BMF man who lent us the use of the buggy.....good work!

As the company are getting bigger and better, we hope to keep attending this show as many years as possible. So be sure to pop into the red tent next time your down and come say hi

Here come the girls............

The girls about to be jumped by a crazy man in pink glasses

Bandits

The less said about the last photo the better.....but what a lovely white fence!!!

Grant

Labels: Adrian Flux, babes, bikesure, BMF, funny, girls, motorbike, motorcycle, trike insurance, wr250, young rider insurance

link | posted by Bikesure Grant at Friday, May 29, 2009
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Bikesure at MAG "into the valley"

As MAG's official insurer, we were invited to East Yorkshire to attend “into the valley”. A two day event on the grounds of the Sledmere estate. Its a chance for MAG members and friends from around the country to turn up, set up camp and drink.

On arrival we were quick to put the Bikesure stand up and may I say with military precision. Its fair to say we are seasoned pro's at this now. It was the usual plan of action for the weekend, give out quotes, hand out goody bags and generally talk insurance!

No sooner had we placed the free sweets on the table we were inundated with people. Now I'm sure some of these people wanted to talk insurance and generally tell us how wonderful we are but truth is it was all about the sweets!

The weather held out to be a beautiful sunny weekend which for a bank holiday came at more of a shock that Jons choice in music on the drive up.

Around us were stands ranging from helmet sales, camp shops and even a kilt stand! Yea, that's right kilts! Other attractions included the

“best in show”, comedians,live bands and the odd drunk biker littered around the site.

All in all we had a fantastic time in Yorkshire, from learning there is nothing like mobile phone signal and that the nearest shop in 7 miles away. I would also recommend a pint and a bite to eat in the Triton Inn just round the corner. Biker friendly and easy to find I would rate it 10/10.

This show is only one of a number that fill the calender this year. You are entitled up to a 15% discount from your insurance when you join MAG. Proof that it pays to be a member of one of the biggest rider organisations in the UK.

Grant

Labels: Adrian Flux, cheaper motorcycle insurance, mag, Motorcycle Racing, streetfighters, young rider insurance

link | posted by Bikesure Grant at Wednesday, May 27, 2009
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Bikes as Art

In the new art theme on influx, there is a great article with a question and answer with Scott Pommier. The Canadian photographer has a great love for the art of the motorbike, after photographing his initial love, skating, he says his love for motorbikes started here,

"I remember visiting Vancouver when I lived in Toronto, and some friends I had out there had bikes. We were at the skatepark just getting ready to leave and they jumped on their bikes and I had to follow in my car. I felt like I was really missing something. That was when the seed was really planted."

When photographing bikes Scott Pommier's most favoured muse is the Harley Davidson, and especially the Sportster models due to the simplicity of the bike.

There are also some great bike related articles from influx daily. A similar article, Deus Ex Machina, takes a look at Deus bikes in Sydney Australia which is a workshop, design studio and café all in one. Another great article looks at what makes Ducati cool and looking at the Dunlop Brothers, Robert and Joey.

Labels: Canada, Ducati, motorcycle, Photographer, Toronto, Vancouver

link | posted by Ben Dodds at Tuesday, May 26, 2009
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Yamaha R1 on influx

Image by wordman1 via Flickr

Over at influx, the online magazine of Adrian Flux and Bikesure, there is a great post about the new Yamaha R1, focusing particularly on Yamaha's revolutionary cross-plane crankshaft.

The post is attracting quite a lot of comment from bike fans, with debate over whether the awesome performance of the R1 on the track is down to the new crankshaft, or more to do with Valentino Rossi's riding skill.

Perhaps you agree, or maybe you think the equally innovative 6-caliper brakes played a part, either way you can pitch in with your comments on the Yamaha R1, or read up on some of Yamaha's other motorcycle innovations, over the years.

Labels: cheaper motorcycle insurance, influx, magazine, Motorcycle Racing, Valentino Rossi, yamaha, YZF-R1

link | posted by Dave Wilson at Tuesday, April 07, 2009
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Dumbest Biker Ever?

These clips demonstrate why, in this country at least, we have not only CBT, but also require people to take a proper test when they want to ride something a bit bigger than a moped.

Labels: cbt, crash, funny, learner bikes, learning to ride, motorcycle instruction, motorcycle test

link | posted by Dave Wilson at Monday, April 06, 2009
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Expo 2009

For the second year running I was fortunate enough to be asked to attend the motorcycle expo show at the NEC.

Expo has a glowing reputation as being the only motorcycle show aimed solely at businesses within the trade. Its a chance for company's to show case their new products and lines for the forthcoming year.

Bikesure were represented this year in some style (if I do say so myself). Attracting the "punters" to our stand were Flux babes Laura and Chelle, as if that wasn't enough they were met by....ME (bit of an anti climax there). Also supporting the stand (not literally) were our underwriting manager, affiliate manager, marketing rep and affiliate rep. Not their real names by the way but I thought I would throw some posh titles in there.

The main emphasis on the three day show was to promote our dealer affiliate scheme which rewards dealers/businesses that refer our insurance company with £30 every time a policy is taken out following this. Also, if a dealer/business has a website, we can arrange for a banner or designated web page that once clicked takes them to our Bikesure quote and buy website that is tailor made with info on the dealer/business complete with photo's, opening times and directions!!!

But back to the show..........numbers were down slightly by about 10% on last year as the credit crunch took a hold and shook a few businesses. This didn't seem to put of a lot of people as they trapsed through the doors. The stand proved a hit as we were in updated with more new signings than Manchester City! Not to mention the goody bags which we full of magazines, pens, key rings and even a Fluxbabes calender....some things money cant buy!

So if your interested in signing up for the affiliate scheme than give us a ring and start earning money whilst you sleep!

link | posted by Bikesure Grant at Tuesday, January 27, 2009
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Xmas at Bikesure

To get us all in the festive spirit this year, the company have been pulling out all the stops to ensure that xmas cheer is felt all through the business!!!!

Think its fair to say at least £4 has been spent on decorating the floor with tinsel and decorations lining the ceilings!!!.....only joking.....£5.

This year also saw the introduction of the "dress your manager" game. The only rules being that the fancy dress had to have a christmas theme ( obviously ).

Drawing the short straw for bikes was our manager Kev or "Big man" as we affectionately like to call him. The fact that he is 6'7" made our job even harder, I mean where do you find a costume to fit that????.............so we made him look like this......

Notice the attention to detail, from the elf ears to the bells on the end of the shoes no expense was spared!!!!

Other entry's included:

After much deliberation and a much publicised election recount the winner was announced in front of a baying audience........drum roll please........and the winner is.............

BIG MAN!!!!!!!.......I mean look at that face...doesn't that just sum up the joys of xmas, the spirit of good will....blah blah blah!!!!

So there you have it, as xmas draws ever closer you can be safe in the knowledge that we are keeping our spirits up all thanks to the dignity of our managers.......how it should be!

Merry Christmas

All at Adrian Flux

link | posted by Bikesure Grant at Thursday, December 18, 2008
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Ducati 1098 Streetfighter

Ducati reveal the new 1098 streetfighter......and I love it!

Hitting our streets in Spring 2009 the 1098 naked is bound to make riders around the UK forget about the credit crunch and trade in their current ride for the new kid on the block!

It looks as if the boffins at Ducati have taken the old 1098 and stuck it in an X-ray machine and thought......"lets make one that looks like that instead!!"

The 1099cc desmo testastretta engine delivers 155hp which isn't too bad when you consider the frame is mainly tubular steel, theres also room for the Mrs on the back, if she can hold on!

The L-twin provides a hell of a lot of muscle, topped with enough torque to make you sit up and take notice! The longer swing arm is equipped to make sure the bike loses none of its superb riding capabilities.

link | posted by Bikesure Grant at Tuesday, November 25, 2008
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Billy Lane's DUI Manslaughter Trial Delayed

Celebrity custom bike Builder Billy Lane has had his DUI manslaughter trial delayed till next year due to scheduling problems.

At a hearing in Viera, Circuit Judge Meryl Allawas “reluctantly” cancelled the December trial after the defence and state’s witnesses were unable to move existing schedule conflicts.

Lawyer Greg Eisenmenger said, “ Trials are typically scheduled months in advance to avoid such problems”.

Assistant State Attorney Tom Brown told FLORIDA TODAY. The trial was tentatively rescheduled for February the 9th before Circuit Judge Robert Burger.

Billy Lane 38, could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted, The offence is DUI manslaughter, On Labor Day 2006 Billy Lanes Truck was involved in a collision with a motorcycle being ridden by 56 year old, Park Ranger, Mr Gerald Morelock who died due to injuries sustained at the scheme.

Police said Lane’s blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit when he crossed a double yellow line to pass cars near Melbourne Beach, striking Mr Morelock’s motorcycle head on.

Attorneys said they expect Lane’s trial to last up to 2 weeks and that they anticipate pre-trial publicity could result in a lengthy jury selection process.

Stay Safe,

Oneleggedfreak

link | posted by oneleggedfreak at Tuesday, November 25, 2008
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Speeding Fines To Increase

Well who would have thought it?

Speeding fines are to be increased and could see you banned after two offences,

The new system of fines will not be based on the current fixed penalty system, the new 6 point system will only come into affect when the driver goes over a set speed limit.

For example in a 30mph area if a driver will still receive 3 points and a £60 fine for any speed allegedly up to 45mph BUT if a motorist goes above 45mph in a 30 zone they will receive 6 points and a £100 fine.

There were calls for a change in the penalty system after there was an increase of 20% in child road deaths last year. As research has shown that a pedestrian hit by a car at 35mph is twice as likely to be killed as one hit at 30mph.

Here is a list of the proposed speeds when the 6point penalty will be imposed.
32mph in a 20mph zone.
45mph in a 30mph zone.
57mph in a 40mph zone.
70mph in a 50mph zone.
82mph in a 60mph zone.
And finally
94mph in a 70mph zone.

As of yet unsure when these will come into effect so just take things a little more steadier.

Stay Safe,

oneleggedfreak

link | posted by oneleggedfreak at Thursday, November 20, 2008
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The film clip they did not want you to see

We've all heard the news story,

The BBC ran a news article said to show speed camera's causing accidents and them somehow the article disappears,

Well hear it is the two clips show cars crashing due to sudden braking causing the drivers to lose control as soon as they realise there is a speed camera ahead,

The news article was originally aired in April but vanished soon after even after numerous requests under the freedom of information act,

Draw your own conclusions,

Stay Safe,

oneleggedfreak

link | posted by oneleggedfreak at Friday, November 14, 2008
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ACPO wants to ban Motorcycles (Yeah Right)

The Association of Chief Police Officers have told the Commons Transport Committee that it's time to consider banning motorcycles from the roads.

They consider them to be 'motorised toys' which may not belong on the public highways.

The association apparently based its call on the false claim that production motorcycles can top speeds of over 200mph.

In fact, not a single production bike has broken the 200mph barrier unlike many of the production cars,

So if the ACPO want to ban motorcycles how about first of banning all cars say over 1300cc or all 4x4's (except for agricultural use).

Proposals from the Association of Chief Police Officers to ban motorcycles were written under the direction of a three-time convicted speeder South Yorkshires Chief Constable Meredydd Hughes.

Meredydd Hughes, who was last year banned from driving for his latest offence, has “overall” responsibility for the department that produced the memo, the association confirmed.

A spokesman said the South Yorkshire chief constable was “head of business area for uniformed operations including road policing”.

Hughes publicly stepped down as ‘head of road policing, business area’ after receiving a 42-day ban for reaching 90mph in a 60mph zone. The revelation he is still performing the same role suggests this was nothing more than a smoke-and-mirrors face-saving exercise.

ACPO has tried to play down its proposals, made to MPs in the influential Commons Transport Committee.

The association issued a statement claiming it was not seeking to ban motorcycles but adding: ‘Alongside a range of other road safety bodies in the UK and Europe, ACPO believes it may be appropriate in future to consider restriction on high-powered machines with extraordinarily high top speed capabilities.’

It claimed the proposals had ‘referred to consideration of restrictions on the use of off-road motorcycles’ – even though they had specifically asked whether high-powered bikes belonged on ‘our congested roads’.

Hughes' speeding ban led him to be branded a “complete buffoon” guilty of “mind-numbing hypocrisy” by late anti-speed camera campaigner Paul Smith of Safe Speed. In his ACPO road-policing role, the diminutive police chief had taken a hard line on speeding.

Despite coming into the job in 2005 with six points on his licence from two speeding offences, he’d called for more cameras.

In 2006 he created a special legal team to scare people out of contesting speeding charges, saying: “Come and get us if you think you’re hard enough.” MCN later revealed the team was a private company – and Hughes was director.

Come on guy's it just isn’t going to happen, what about civil liberties and freewill, or are these going to be taken away from us to,

Stay Safe,

oneleggedfreak.

link | posted by oneleggedfreak at Thursday, November 13, 2008
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Vigilante Motorcyclist Exposed

Who would have thought it the vigilante motorcyclist Mr Geoff Smith, who films and reports people overtaking him has been exposed with a few dirty skeletons in his wardrobe,

Apparently the do-gooder has been jailed in the past for pocketing donations around £1800 from an ambulance charity he was running.

He also has had several motoring convictions in the past himself, Including driving without a licence and no M.O.T or insurance and also stealing a motorcycle that was on loan to his charity and to top it all off he was convicted of speeding while riding his motorcycle fitted out with blue flashing lights, Smith claimed he delivered organs to hospitals for his charity, Solent Ambulance Service.

Hampshire Police Officer DC Jonathon Waterhouse later said, “ The only organ he could transfer is some liver from the butchers”.

During the trial for stealing the donations and bike, Smith’s own defence said “he’d deluded himself throughout “ adding: “there is also an element of enjoyment wearing the uniform, the sirens and dashing around at speed.

Now no doubt we have all made some mistakes in the past – so I’ll let you draw you own conclusions to this sorry tale.

Stay Safe,

Oneleggedfreak

link | posted by oneleggedfreak at Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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Work hard, Play harder!

After a record breaking increase in sales for the month of October, we were treated to a nice meal and a few social drinks down our local chinese. Who says company's don't look after the well being of their staff??

After ringing round for almost 2 days to find a restaurant that would accept us,( cant understand why??he he ) we stumbled across Silk Road Chinese.

Needless to say the night started in the nicest of spirits untill.....well.......untill we found the spirits!

N.B If you ever need to "slip off" to the little boy's room, please make sure your drink is somewhere safe. The last thing you want is someone running the inside of a chili around the rim.......b**dy hilarious!

Apparently the best way to enjoy a shot of tequila is to down the drink and squirt the juice of a slice of lemon in your eye.

Now your probably as lost as I am but the trick is not to blink......try telling that to our Harry!

A lovely meal was followed by a few drinks in the bar compliments of Bikesure Insurance...now you cant ask for fairer than that!!

Well there you go!

Its nice to know that in this time of the "credit crunch" alcohol sales in Norfolk are doing just fine!

link | posted by Bikesure Grant at Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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Cartoons to save Bikers Lives????

CARTOONS COULD SAVE BIKERS’ LIVES.

A EUROPE-WIDE safety initiative is launching a cartoon strip that could save the lives of bikers.
A 13-part cartoon series, each focussing on a different threats posed to bikers on the road, will attempt to educate them about the dangers in a humorous, light-hearted way.

The Europe-wide bike industry group behind the scheme is the Association des Constructeurs Européens de Motocycles (ACEM), however, the British Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) has given its full backing to the campaign.

ACEM said that the comic strip medium is “user-friendly” and will cover a variety of topics including dangerous road surfaces, diesel spills, badly repaired surfaces, night riding, winter riding, and dangerous, badly designed bends.

The cartoon’s hero is Lucky 13, a buck-toothed biker with a wispy moustache and a red, Ducati Monster-style bike.

The MCI’s Craig Carey-Clinch said: “Road safety is a priority for the motorcycle industry and the British government, so we welcome this European-wide campaign and urge riders to make full use of the tips and information in each of the cartoons.

“We also hope that road engineers, planners and policy makers will take note, and make better provision for the increasing numbers of PTW riders in the future.”

Anti-establishment cartoon biker Ogri has been a popular addition to Bike magazine since the early 1970s and has even appeared in pages of the Daily Telegraph; Lucky 13 will hope his positive safety message will have a similar impact.

To see the complete series of cartoons visit www.acem.eu/cartoon.

Quick pass me the Beano & Dandy.

link | posted by oneleggedfreak at Wednesday, November 05, 2008
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Motorcycles to have access to bus-lanes

Motorcyclists will be allowed in the capital’s bus lanes from January 5, London Mayor Boris Johnson has said.

The move will start as an 18-month trial, after which a decision will be made on whether to make it permanent.

Johnson said: “Londoners know that I am determined to make it easier for them to get from A to B in our great city. And I have long been staggered that while motorcyclists can use bus lanes in many other cities and some of our Boroughs they were not allowed to use the Transport for London red routes that crisscross the capital.

“One of the ways we can ease congestion is by encouraging more people to get on their bike, whether pedal or powered, and I believe they should be able to share our bus lanes successfully and safely. At the end of the trial period I will listen carefully to the views of all our road users and then make a decision about whether this should be a permanent arrangement.”

The change will apply to red route bus lanes managed by Transport for London, the capital’s transport authority. They make up 40% of all London’s bus lanes.

It will come as bad news for the London Cycling Campaign (LCC), whose current campaigns include ‘protecting cyclists from the dangers of motorcycles in bus lanes’. Opening bus lanes to motorcycles was one of Johnson’s pre-election manifesto pledges.

LCC boasted in June of handing the Mayor a petition with 3,500 names urging him to reconsider.

An MCN petition urging Johnson to press on and name the date we could expect to use the bus lanes gained 3,900 signatures.

link | posted by oneleggedfreak at Tuesday, November 04, 2008
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Vigilante Biker or just Vigilante

A vigilante motorcyclist has revealed how he rides dead on the speed limit, films bikers who overtake and hands the footage to police.

Riding instructor Jeff Smith uses a helmet-mounted camera to film continuously for up to three hours while riding his ex-police Honda Pan European.

The 62-year-old from Southampton said: “I record all the idiots that, while I’m doing the normal correct speed, are flying past at 80 or 90mph.

“If someone overtakes at a bit extra speed in a 30mph zone, I would also report them because they shouldn’t be doing it.
“I know various police officers. I just download the film onto a DVD and give them a disc and it’s down to them what they do.
“I estimate people’s speeds, pass film on to police and it’s down to them whether they catch them next time.”

Oddball Smith, who claims to never break the speed limit, believes his efforts are necessary to tackle a plague of irresponsible riding. He said: “As you will appreciate, it’s mainly because we get a lot of re-born bikers at the moment.

"I met one recently who said: ‘I only passed my test two months ago and I’ve bought an R1.’ I said: ‘You’re a bloody idiot. Did you go back to your training school and ask them to teach you how to ride it?’”

The former courier isn’t sure whether anyone has been charged based on his evidence but hopes his efforts have led police to target motorcyclists more. “I know the police do act,” he said.

“Yesterday at a local bike meet we had the roads policing unit there. Every weekend now Hampshire Police are out all over and so is East Sussex when we come into their area, which is good.”

A spokeswoman for Hampshire Police was unaware of Smith’s actions. Asked what the force would do with his footage, she said: “We would look at it".

Now personally speaking as a biker myself I feel we have enough to look out for on the roads let alone keeping an eye for Mr perfect who NEVER speeds.

If you ever meet this gentleman on your travels just wave and say Hi!!!!

link | posted by oneleggedfreak at Monday, November 03, 2008
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Sorry Sir, How many points?

We're not sure if this is a record, but a biker in Southampton has just been handed 39 penalty points for repeatedly speeding at speeds of up to 88mph in a 30 zone, as well as pulling a wheelie for the camera. He was also banned for 18 months and fined for his trouble - you can see the report here, or watch the local news report.

Of the seven times he admitted to in court, Steven Skilton was caught at speeds of 88, 82, 77, 72, 54, 58 and 83 miles per hour on his Kawasaki ZX-10R.

Anyone can make the odd mistake and go a bit too fast on a bike as powerful as this Ninja, but repeatedly flouting the law is sure to attract the interest of the plods, even if your numberplate isn't visible. Sure enough, I hear they pulled out all the stops to catch this guy, and eventually tracked him down by his jacket - a rare Dainese number that was sold to only a couple of people in the UK.

It can be difficult getting motorbike insurance with convictions, but thankfully Bikesure can help in most cases, and you may even find, that for one or two SP30s, your quote might not be any more expensive than if you have a clean license, although if you have managed to rack up 39 points, I'm afraid you may be looking at a rather hefty premium for a few years.

Labels: cheaper motorcycle insurance, convicted rider, kawasaki, motorcycle, ninja, speeding, sportsbikes

link | posted by Dave Wilson at Wednesday, October 01, 2008
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Enduroland 2008

What do you get when you a have a farmer with a lot of land, 500 people with quads and motocross bikes, beer on tap and a free weekend?

The answer my friend is ENDUROLAND!!!

Enduroland is the brain child of Nigel ( "bosshog" as he is known in the quad world ) and his ever supportive wife Micheala. Its an event that's held at a farm in Northamptonshire almost every month where you pay a weekend fee and can ride your vehicle on one of their numerous enduro tracks.

Being the biggest quad insurer in the UK, Bikesure were invited along to offer quotes at the weekend and discuss any insurance related questions, oh and to blag a ride onBazza's Relentless!

I also took the opportunity to have a passenger ride in a rage buggy! These are 0-60 in 3.5 second vehicles that take your breath away....literally! Bearing in mind they are fitted with a CBR 1000 engine and I weigh next to nothing.....it FLEW!!!!! Its the nearest thing you can get to being inside a rally car!

Needless to say I did get to have a quick spin on Bazza's relentless 400 and to be honest it blew me away. I loved every second of it even though I looked and acted like a complete novice, ( apologies Bazza for stalling it on numerous occasions )

The weekend proved to be a great success with the local ambulance crews on their toes as a couple of bike riders had a quite pain full meeting with a tree!

Big thanks to all at Enduroland who made us feel welcome!

Grant

link | posted by Bikesure Grant at Tuesday, September 30, 2008
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Bikesure at Taz Motorcycles - Peterborough

Saturday 13th September saw us invited down to Taz motorcycles in Peterborough for their open weekend.

Taz Motors is East Anglia’s largest motorcycle dealership and the areas only Aprilia centre. Taz has a reputation of outstanding service with their supply of new and used motorcycles, a fantastic service centre and a clothing department stocking all the top names in clothing and accessories.

As their official recommended insurer we were there to offer quotes for the weekend, give insurance advise and hand out goodie bags.

Oh did I mention we were joined by Chelle and Laura to offer a bit of class and sophistication to the event?

The hardest task of the weekend had to be trying to get them off the bouncy castle, it was mainly the kids complaining, the dads seemed to cheer!