BikesureBlog

Top 10 Android Apps for Bikers

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Wilson) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:31:00 +0000

After our exploration of iPhone apps for motorcyclists, we decided to check out some of the many apps available on the Android platform. After all, being a biker is not about fitting in, and who wants the same phone as EVERYONE else!

Although I've called it a top 10, the apps are not listed in any particular order, and it is important to note that, since I have written this from a UK perspective, in some cases, equivalent apps may be more suitable if you live somewhere else. If no price is mentioned then the app is free, and in some cases there are free versions of the paid-for app mentioned, albeit missing a useful feature or two.

In case you have not seen them before, the funny black and white blocks are QR codes aka 2D-Barcodes. If your phone has barcode reading software, you can scan these and you will be taken directly to the download. If you are reading this on your phone, the links for each app will likewise take you to the marketplace download. OK, let's crack on.

Pay at the Pump
Find petrol stations with pay at pump facility, so you can save time and not have to strip off your gear - plus avoid being mistaken for an armed robber when you forget to take off your lid on the way into the kiosk. This is aimed at the UK market, and won't work too well elsewhere, but there are other apps available that cover other countries.

Fuel Prices UK
Everyone needs fuel, and no-one likes to pay more than they have to. This app will help you save money on every petrol stop. It is powered by Experian, which collects data from all the fuel card transactions fleet drivers use, so the data should be pretty accurate. The data comes on an annual subscription, with £4.99 and £9.99 variants, the dearer app gives more details on exact prices. Assuming a 2p per litre saving on each fuel stops low mileage scooterists might struggle to break even, but if you ride a bigger bike, and especially if you run another vehicle too, this app should more than pay for itself. Incidentally, this is blatantly the same app (same developers) as the identically priced AA Fuel Prices iPhone App, but without the annoying AA branding.

Trip Journal
The ultimate road trip app. Winner of the travel category in the 2nd Android Developer Competition. Use Trip Journal to record and document your travel experiences and share them with friends and family. You can track your route, record waypoints and photos and geotag everything with Google Maps and KMZ Export. The full version is well worth the €1.99, as it adds Facebook, Flickr and Picasa support as well as a useful backup facility.

CarDar Lite
This app helps you remember where you parked, and as well as cars, you can obviously use it to find your bike. Parked up at Box Hill on Easter Monday, and can't remember exactly where you left your 'Blade? Looking around you can see about 20! This app will guide you right to yours using your phone's GPS. If you are in a Multi-Storey, you can set the Level, Section and Colour too. Finding your car is simple, with a choice of map or radar view. The paid version at $0.99 removes ads and adds a parking meter feature, so you know when your time is nearly up.

BreadCrumbz
This app is an awesome way to share your own routes with mates. If you have a favourite ride out between two points, it may (unsurprisingly) not be the route Google Maps chooses. And giving directions doesn't always work out the way you think. But this app goes beyond this, as you can integrate photos of custom waymarkers, (e.g. turn left at this pretty white cottage) and tag points of interest.

SpotMessage
Geotag a meeting point and send it to your mate. Then you can go and get a cuppa while you wait for him to turn up. When he arrives, you get a message telling you he's there.

Motorcycle theory test preparation
This app will be a great help to new bikers who are preparing for the theory test. Saying that, those of us with more experience could do worse than to brush up on our Highway Code knowledge. $4.99 (but don't worry it is for the UK test). There is a car version too.

Speedometer
Ultimate gps speedometer. speed, max speed, ave speed, pace, altitude gain and loss, odometer, map, replay, charts. A pro version adds live tracking...

Augmented Views 2.0
There are plenty of traffic applications out there, and the RAC, Transport Direct, and some independent folks have decent apps, and you really should have one of them on your phone. But this app shows the future of real time traffic info. This free app takes your regular traffic info and supplements it with some unbelievable extras - live feeds from nearby traffic cameras, traffic and travel related tweets from users near you and speed trap warnings. It speaks to you as well, so you can use it on the move. For when you are not on the road, there is also an augmented reality view that orients you relative to local cameras and alerts. Some features are only available in certain areas, so you'll need to check out what's available for you. Incredible stuff, and the UK is fairly well covered, especially around London and Glasgow, along with various North American cities. In its current form, I would use it in combination with a more regular traffic app. The live pictures could really help you decide if it is worth carrying on and filtering, or if you would be better off making a detour.

Motocross Challenge
Finally, time for some relaxing fun. An entertaining game with a motocross theme. Costs $1.99 and has a pleasingly retro feel to it.

I hope you have the opportunity to try some of these apps for yourself. On Android phones, if you delete a paid-for app within the first 24 hours you get a full refund, so there is nothing to lose by trying them out.

If you have an Android phone, and you have found another app that is useful for bikers, please let me and everyone else know via the comments.

Bikesure @ Motorcycle Expo

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Wilson) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:14:00 +0000

If you are in the motorcycle trade you are probably already aware of the Motorcycle Expo being held at the NEC from this Sunday 24th to Tuesday 26th of January.

We will be there, of course, on stand 407, so please come and see us. The Bikesure Babes will be in attendance to hand out their new calendars, and, if you visit our stand, you can enter our competition to win VIP tickets to this year's MotoGP at Silverstone.

You can also sign up to our dealer network if you haven't already - and if you have been working with us already we'd love to catch up with you.

10 must have iPhone motorcycle apps

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:22:00 +0000

Dynolicious app - $12.99

Review | Official site

Dynolicious is the first automotive performance meter available for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Dynolicious uses the hardware built-in to your iPhone to measure the performance characteristics of your vehicle. No external wires or equipment are necessary, simply slip the iPhone into a cradle or cupholder and go!

Featured Highlights:

0-60 Acceleration
1/4 Mile Trap Speed and Time
Estimated Horsepower
G-forces in 360°

MOTO KIT & app for iPhone - 39€

Review | Official site

The MOTO KIT for iPhone consists of a forearm or handlebar-mounted waterproof iPhone case, an in-helmet hands-free kit and an optional external battery.

Which leads on to the...

iBike Rider - £ 26.71

Review | Official site

Are you are biker? Do you have an iPhone? Tired of missing calls? You want your iPhone to be a GPS or radar warning? It is finally possible! iBike Rider meets all your needs! You've acquired the best smartphone ever made! Enjoy it!

2XL Supercross game - $7.99

Review | Download

From the review: "I could watch the intro over and over, the graphics are unreal and the game play is stellar. It’s fast as hell on an iPhone 3GS and the controls are the best. Turning the iPhone is so natural you feel like you are really riding the bike. This is not only the best motorcycle racing game on the iPhone, it’s the best motorcycle racing game on any platform and that includes the PS3 and XBOX 360."

Moto Chaser game - $1.99

Review | Official site

The hottest racing action for your iPhone and iPod touch! Grab your bike and hit the road with Wingnuts Moto Chaser! Developed exclusively for the iPhone and iPod touch, Moto Chaser provides a unique racing experience.

Trapster app - the application is free

Review | official site

From the review: "Did you miss the days when folks would high-beam you with their headlights to warn you of parked police cars ahead? Those hiding police will get you if you’re not careful these days. Now you can have a modernized high-tech high beam solution in Trapster. Consistent use and reliance on the goodwill of others will steer you clear of speed traps."

FGPnow app (For Canada) - free

Review | official site

FGPnow! is a free mobile application that shows Canadians tomorrow's gas price around 5pm every day. Version 1.0 will provide gas prices for Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. Future versions will include prices for additional major cities.

MX Mayhem game - $0.99

Review | Download

From the review: "Moto X Mayhem is a neat dirt biking game. It may be one among many in the App Store, but it does its own little thing pretty well."

MotoGP live timing app - $2.99

Review | official site

MotoGP season 2009 at your finger tips. The official MotoGP iPhone application is your window to LIVE TIMING race information:

Race lap, rider position, lap time, gap time, top speed. Get updates lap by lap from the comfort of your home, on the go or at the circuit! The MotoGP iPhone application also provides access to race results, championship results, latest news, rider profiles and a huge photo gallery. The photo gallery is updated for each race and features official photos of circuits, riders, racing action and "paddock girls".

AccuFuel app - $0.99

Review | official site

AccuFuel™ Fuel Efficiency Tracker makes monitoring your vehicle's fuel efficiency simple and fun. Is your SUV guzzling gasoline? Is your hybrid saving you money? With AccuFuel, you'll instantly see how your driving habits affect your fuel efficiency.

WeatherBug app - free or £0.59 for elite

Review | official site

WeatherBug is the only source for truly live, local weather, providing users access to the largest network of professional weather stations in the US and thousands of locations around the world. Choose WeatherBug or WeatherBug Elite and put live, local weather in the palm of your hand.

Peterborough BMF Show

noreply@blogger.com (Carol) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:28:00 +0000

Well, it's that time of year again and the Peterborough BMF show has been and gone! Forgive me if I just wasn't as observant as I thought but did anybody see any of the 'big' names there? In may I didn't see the Honda or Suzuki stand, in fact none of the bike stands that were previously there, yes, the Goldwing Club and the Classic bikes were there, but where were all the lovely bikes that folk get to admire and sit on to size them up incase of purchase?
This is the first year I haven't camped for the weekend and have noticed how much it's changed. Also, last weekend - where was Hein Gericke? All the 'big name' producers were missing? Yes, you could bag a bargain, but very few 'big name' bargains!
Bring back the old BMF shows, that's what I say!!

Harley-Davidson websites we like

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:09:00 +0000

Silverstone Harley-Davidson

Silverstone Harley-Davidson stocks new and used motorcycles in Towcester, England. The Harley-Davidson dealership hosts a rage of new and used bikes, parts and accessories, motorclothes and merchandise. Towcester also has a Servicing department for all motorcycle service requirements.

Email: enquiries@silverstonehd.com
Tel: 01327 353444

HD Motorcycles For Sale.com

List your Harley Davidson used motorcycle for sale until sold with up to six photo's including featured ad for $ 19.95

Email: info@hdmotorcyclesforsale.com

Dukes Harley-Davidson

Duke’s Harley-Davidson® was established in 2005 and is the spin off from a previous long established dealership in Chatham.

Email: wayne@dukeshd.com

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Parts

There are many Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealerships but none are like NewRoc Harley-Davidson and Buell. From helping to raise money for Bikers for Best Friends Animal Rescue, to sponsoring and hosting events for Habitat for Humanity, Cystic Fibrosis, The Westchester Arts Council, and other local charities, NewRoc has made a name in the biker and philanthropic community.

Email: info@nrhd.com

Grizzly's Custom bikes

We are an Independent Harley Davidson and Custom Bike Specialist and can offer you a rapid supply of the parts you need, from our Shop Counter, Workshop or Mail Order.

Contact: 01303 240440

Email: sales@grizzlyscustombikes.co.uk

Riders Motorcycles

Here you'll be able to find out about new and used sales of Harley-Davidson™, Ducati & Buell motorcycles together with parts, servicing, clothing, helmets, motorcycle rental and so much more.

Please call us on any of the following numbers
Riders of Bridgwater - 01278 457652
Riders of Bristol - 0117 958 8777
Riders of Cardiff - 02920 233559

Email us on
enquiries@ridersmotorcycles.com

A positive step for bikers...

noreply@blogger.com (Carol) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:10:00 +0000

I like to read good news concerning bikers rather than the usual negatives which you often find in the tabloids ie, no bikes allowed in bus lanes, bikers getting hassle from the police in wales etc., etc., however, how fantastic would it be if what I read recently took off all over the country, even the world? I am talking about the biker friendly crash barriers that have been put up in County Durham, they work by absorbing the energy of a crashing bike and prevents rider hitting support pillars! If lives are saved then surely they should be put up everywhere? Who is the big wig that dictates where, when or even IF they are used? In my job I have noticed an increase of not only the younger generation, but also the middle aged taking up biking and would hate the thought of people being put off by stories of horrible accidents, especially ones that could so easily be prevented. It's about time we as bikers were taken seriously.

Scooter sites we like

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:26:00 +0000

Electric motorcycles by environmentfriendlystore.com
We provide the highest quality, most reliable and cost effective electric vehicles, motorcycles, scooters and motor bikes on the market!

Electric Scooters Store
TheScooterFamily offers electric Scooters, Electric Bicycles and Mopeds all at discount prices. We sell Electric, Efficient, and Pollution Free vehicles.

Phone: 908-500-5931
Email: ContactUs[@]thescooterfamily.com

Motorcycle Speakers
motorcycle speaker superstore offering top quality motorcycle speakers, 100 to 150 watt amplifiers, and motorcycle helmet speakers to fit EVERY motorcycle.

Call: (520) 399-6976
Email: sales[@]motorcyclespeakers.net

Motorbike & Scooter Warehouse
Our offering is simple - Good quality machines at affordable prices with back up from our workshop and spare parts warehouse.

From retro-styled scooters to modern day commuter motorcycles, from well established generic models to cutting edge designs, from rugged off road motorbikes to elegant, sophisticated cruisers we have established a range of scooters and motorcycles that we are proud of.

Phone: 0208 385 0566
Email: sales[@]motorbike-warehouse.co.uk

Sussex Scooter Warehouse
Low cost scooters Brand new scooters at warehouse prices

Tel: 01903 507222
Email: info[@]thescooterwarehouse.co.uk

Zhejiang Goldenkey Electric Vehicle
Electric motorcycles, scooters, bicycles and tricycles from Zhejiang Goldenkey.

Tel: 0086-135-67547203
Email: Info[@]e-mopeds.com

Newcastle Rider Training

-----------------------------
Other motorbike related sites

Biker Cafe
The UK's friendly motorcycle portal - for bikers that don't take themselves too seriously!

Auto Links Automotive Directory

Financial Directory

Financial Investments Directory

http://www.financedirectory-freelisting.com

http://www.businessfinance-directory.com

http://www.onlinebizdirectory.com

www.klottra.com

www.linksubmitdir.com

www.motorcycledirectory.co.uk/

Here come the 'leccy customs...

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Wilson) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:32:00 +0000

It was only a matter of time, following the performance of the electric TT bikes before people started trying to make them desirable, and, naturally enough the first custom electric bike hails from the spiritual home of tree-hugging hippies everywhere, California.

What might be more surprising is that it the legendary Orange County Choppers who are behind this step into the brave new world of emission free biking (well if you discount the tailpipe emissions of the rider). The commission came from electronics giant Siemens, who will take the bike on a tour of the US before selling it at auction.

I'm not sure how many bikers would appreciate a noiseless ride, but the top speed is certainly not to be sniffed at, at around 100mph.

Apparently the bike will also feature on an episode of American Chopper, so those of you with a Sky box will get a chance to see how they made it some time next year, maybe.

Meantime, here's a look at some of the Teutels best work.

Quad Bike Sites We Like

noreply@blogger.com (Chris) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:14:00 +0000

Quad Bike Tours Scotland

Quad Bike tours, guided off road quad biking trips near Fort William, Highlands of Scotland. Exciting adventure activities where a wide variety of terrain is on offer so trips are tailored to individual and group requirements.

Tel: 0845 094 5513
Email: info@quadbiketours.co.uk

Quad Bike & Activity Centre near Cardiff

Quad Biking and Outdoor Activity Centre near Cardiff, South Wales. Activities include Quad Biking, Clay Shooting, Archery, Gorge Scrambling, Teambuilding and more ...

Tel: (029) 20 831658
Email: hopkinsmith@btconnect.com

Petrol Scooter Quad Bikes

We sell Scooters, Road legal quad bikes as well as a great range of Quad, Mini Moto, Scooters,
Baotian, motocross and pit bike parts at low prices.

Tel: 02476 398085
Email: sales@petrolscooter.co.uk

Quad Bike Dealer in Derbyshire

If you need a quad bike then Derbyshire Quads is the company for you! They supply,service and repair a huge array of quad bikes and are authorised dealers for Polaris and Quadzilla.

Tel: 01335 360485
Email: info@derbyshirequads.co.uk

Agricultural Quad Bikes

Quadbikes UK specialises in Japanese Quads for agricultural or leisure.
These are perfect for use as a Utility ATV or Quadbike for your farm.

Contact: Click here for contact page

Quad biking in Devon at Quad World

If you're looking for some all terrain quad biking fun in Devon then Quad World is for you. This award winning quad biking company has been established for over 20 years.

Tel: 01392 881313
Email: deborahlawson@btinternet.com

Quad Biking Birmingham Midlands

Garlands Leisure offers quad bike trekking and quad bike racing from their multi activity site in the Midlands, 30 minutes from Birmingham, Leicester, Coventry and Leicester.

Tel: 01827 722 123
Email: info@garlandleisure.co.uk

Wales Activity Breaks

Fantastic activity breaks in Wales with Archery,Quads & clays.
Perfect for stag/hen parties. Vouchers available on their site!
Tel: (029) 20 831658

Email: info@walesactivitybreaks.co.uk

ATV Quad Shop

Quad dealer for the London area. Supplying a large range of power quad bikes.

Tel: 01227 771 831
Email: admin@jetworks.co.uk

Funky Bikes for Mini Bikes and Pit Bikes

Funky Bikes sells Pit Bikes, Dirt Bikes and Quad Bikes all in interest of having some serious fun! With nationwide delivery check these guys out.

Tel: 02476 679 997
Email: sales@funkybikes.co.uk

Top Bike Blogs, Forums and Directories

eastofenglandbikers.com - East of England Bikers. Includes chat, forums and shop.

Classic Bike Forum - We are a leading global resource in the classic motorbikes arena.

Holy Bike Leathers, Batman!

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Wilson) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:51:00 +0000

BANG! WHACK! K-POW! You can't get cooler than Batman, but even those of us who grew up watching Adam West biff the bad guys from his Batcycle, would probably not don a lurid Spandex one-piece before hitting the road. And the revamped outfits of Messrs Keaton, Kilmer and Clooney were hardly any more appealing to the average man in the street.

But, riding to the rescue on his unbelievable BatPod motorbike came Christian Bale, in The Dark Knight - a movie notable for a lengthy chase involving lots of motorcycle riding goons.

In Christopher Nolan's re-imagining of the Batman franchise, the costumes are brought right up to date, and capitalising on this to the max are UD Replicas, with a range of biker gear based on the movie. You can get Bruce Wayne's biker jacket, or sport the leather numbers worn by the Joker's henchmen.

But the best is yet to come, with the imminent release of the Batman replica motorcycle suit, comprising gloves, jacket, trousers and boots. Comprising Kevlar body armour and moulded leather attached to a hard-wearing Cordura base, with Spandex confined to a supporting role, so that you can actually move your limbs.

All in all, if you want to scare old ladies and wow children, this is the outfit to be seen in on you bike, although admittedly perhaps not if you ride a Vespa! But if you've spent you hard earned money on a nice set of leathers, make sure they are protected with a decent helmet and leathers policy - and I mean decent, many inferior products on the market will not cover the amount that this suit will retail for. You can buy the suit soon at http://www.udreplicas.com/.

Bikesure @ BMF 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Bikesure Grant) — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:14:00 +0000

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

Bikesure at MAG "into the valley"

noreply@blogger.com (Bikesure Grant) — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:03:00 +0000

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

Bikes as Art

noreply@blogger.com (Ben Dodds) — Tue, 26 May 2009 10:17:00 +0000

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.

Yamaha R1 on influx

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Wilson) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:53:00 +0000

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.

Dumbest Biker Ever?

noreply@blogger.com (Dave Wilson) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:38:00 +0000

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.

Expo 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Bikesure Grant) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:28:00 +0000

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!

Xmas at Bikesure

noreply@blogger.com (Bikesure Grant) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:29:00 +0000

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

Ducati 1098 Streetfighter

noreply@blogger.com (Bikesure Grant) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:22:00 +0000

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.

Billy Lane's DUI Manslaughter Trial Delayed

noreply@blogger.com (oneleggedfreak) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:58:00 +0000

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

Speeding Fines To Increase

noreply@blogger.com (oneleggedfreak) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:36:00 +0000

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

The film clip they did not want you to see

noreply@blogger.com (oneleggedfreak) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:55:00 +0000

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

ACPO wants to ban Motorcycles (Yeah Right)

noreply@blogger.com (oneleggedfreak) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:54:00 +0000

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.

Vigilante Motorcyclist Exposed

noreply@blogger.com (oneleggedfreak) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:46:00 +0000

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

Work hard, Play harder!

noreply@blogger.com (Bikesure Grant) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:29:00 +0000

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!

Cartoons to save Bikers Lives????

noreply@blogger.com (oneleggedfreak) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:56:00 +0000

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.