MOMODESIGN smart phone accessories from Interphone

Motorcycle communication specialists Interphone have teamed up with MOMODESIGN to create a new collection of accessories for iPhone, smartphones and digital cameras that will appeal to motorcyclists. Established in 1981 as a specialist in the research and development of car design, MOMODESIGN Style Centre has become an international brand with a strong identity and philosophy.

Cases provide an additional level of protection from the inevitable bumps and scrapes 'phones are likely to encounter during regular use on the road.

For Apple's popular iPhone4 Interphone created a hard case with a flap opening that allows the owner to use the touch screen without removing it (£25 including VAT). There is also a hard cover for the iPhone4 manufactured from ultra lightweight carbon fibre (retailing for £29.99).

For users of other smartphones, the Momo-sleeve comes in three different sizes to carry medium, large and extralarge phones; made from thick fabric it has an integral strap for easy phone removal (price £19.99).

For compact digital camera users Interphone produce a hard case with padded interior and zip closure for just £16.99.

Contact Motohaus Powersports on 01256 704909 or at www.motohaus.com

BMF BACKS DRIVING TEST PETITION

The UK's largest motorcycling organisation is backing a campaign to ensure bike-related questions are included in the driving test to help raise awareness of motorcyclists on the road.

An online petition calling on the department for transport "to ensure that biker related questions are compulsory in the driving theory test" has been created by Bennetts, one of the UK's leading motorcycle insurers.

"Since inattentiveness by other road users causes the majority of motorcycle accidents, the BMF has consistently called for further initiatives to raise the awareness of all vulnerable road users" says the BMF's Government Relations Executive Chris Hodder. He continues: "With over 1.3 million motorcycles on Britain's roads it's incredible that prospective drivers can currently pass the test without answering a single question relating to motorcyclists. We would encourage all our members to sign this petition".

Hannah Squirrell, Director of Marketing at Bennetts adds; "The petition has been approved by the government and we need to get at least 100,000 signatures in order to have this raised in the House of Commons. Bikers are an important group of road users and it's essential they are recognised within the driving test."

Motorcyclists and drivers alike can sign-up online via the official government link: epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/26272

Ugly Fish photochromic and polarized lenses for 2012

Aussie eye wear specialists Ugly Fish have added photochromic and polarized lenses to their 2012 eye wear range. Photochromic (which darken on exposure to UV light, helping to protect the eye) and polarized lenses (which help reduce glare from wet road surfaces) are now available across the motorcycle sunglasses range.
In depth:
Established in 2001, Ugly Fish is Australia's number one selling brand of motorcycle eye wear. All Ugly Fish motorcycle sunglasses feature polycarbonate de-centered lenses, the lightest and most impact resistant of all plastic lenses. Approved to the European standard for motorcycle goggles, they won't shatter if they come into contact with flying objects or during a collision/fall. Designed to be distortion free, provide high optical clarity, and with anti-scratch and anti-fog coatings – the latter on both sides of each lens – they offer crystal clear vision at all times.
New lens options:
For 2012 many models will be available with optional photochromic or polarized lenses to further improve performance. Photochromic lenses darken automatically on exposure to UV radiation, helping to protect the eye from damage - essential when riding for extended periods in bright sunlight.

Also popular with fishing and watersports fans, polarized lenses help block the often intense glare caused by the reflection of sunlight from wet surfaces, which makes them well-suited to riding on the UK's notoriously changeable weather conditions, when sunlight can glare off road surfaces and other vehicles between showers.

The Glide, Cruise, Ultimate and Slim models are available with both photochromic and polarized lens options, while the Armour and Force with polarized only. All have an RRP of £89.99 including VAT.

For details call 0117 971 9200 or visit: thekeycollection.co.uk.

Editor’s Notes: Polycarbonate De-centered safety lenses comply with European Safety Standard I.S. EN 1938-1999 and Sunglasses Standard I.S. EN 1836-2005 Personal Eye-equipment.

Sign-up for Southern Africa, sharpish

Adventure-seeking riders only have a few weeks left to snap up the last few remaining places on GlobeBusters' first Southern Africa Expedition. The fully guided, five-week, 5500-mile trip starts in Nairobi and takes in Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia, ending at the southernmost tip of Africa - Cape Agulhas - in October. Bookings for the remaining places are being taken until 1st March.

Starting in Nairobi and taking in no fewer than six countries, GlobeBusters inaugural Southern Africa Expedition offers riders and pillions the chance to sample some of the world's most challenging roads and terrain, breathtaking natural wonders, and varied wildlife and peoples.

Highlights of the 5500-mile journey through the sub-Saharan region include the Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Victoria Falls, Nkhotakota Game Reserve, the historic town of Livingstone, and ends with vibrant Cape Town and a ride to the southernmost tip of Africa: Cape Agulhas.

Although this will be the first time GlobeBusters has led an expedition on this particular route, it will be a welcome return to the continent for the crew, as both expedition leader Richard Millington and support driver Jeff Condon have extensive experience of the African continent.

Richard first rode in South Africa in 2004, and most recently has been back as part of the Discover Our Earth Expedition in 2010. Jeff has completed a year-long trans-continental ride ending in Cape Town. Richard said: "We are both really looking forward to getting back to Africa and sharing the incredible experiences that the continent has to offer."

The expedition takes place from 16th September to 20th October 2012. Prices start from £7495 and include pre-expedition advanced road training, an FBOS first aid course and all preparatory and final briefing meetings. Booking close on 1st March 2012, to allow time for logistics and detailed preparation. Call 08452 304015 or visit www.globebusters.com for information, and to book your place.

Ends

Editor’s Notes:
GlobeBusters was founded in 2002 by Kevin and Julia Sanders, Double Guinness World Record™ holders for the Fastest Circumnavigation of the World by Motorcycle and the Trans Americas by Motorcycle. GlobeBusters was the first overland motorcycle expedition company in the UK, specializing in taking riders on amazing journeys to unusual destinations and remains at the forefront of the assisted motorcycle overland expedition sector. No other company can give you the same quality of experience.

Beat inflation and congestion with Peugeot Scooters

UK customers can save £500 on the price of a new 125cc Vivacity scooter while stocks last. Peugeot has slashed the price of its popular 125cc Vivacity scooter by 24% in a move designed to attract more inflation-weary commuters onto two wheels. Sales of scooters in the UK rose by 16.7% this January, following an increase of 11.7% during 2011 (source www.mcia.co.uk), as motorists looked for more fuel-efficient alternatives to their cars in the face of spiralling petrol prices (a litre of diesel cost 10.5% more in December 2011 than in 2010 – source www.theaa.com).

This rising demand for scooters is expected to continue following recent announcements that rail fares will rise by an average of 5.9%, while parking charges at many stations will increase by up to 5%, forcing commuters to consider alternative transport options.

Research by the Office for National statistics shows that 3 out of 4 people work within 30 minutes from home and Peugeot has targeted this sector with a range of 50cc and 125cc scooters priced to appeal to riders on a budget, resulting in a 46% increase in UK sales.

Developed specifically for adult urban riders, the 125cc Vivacity is just 690mm wide (2 feet 3 inches) so it can filter through city traffic with ease and squeeze into the tightest parking spots. With generous 22-litre storage bay beneath the seat and an additional 13-litre compartment in the front there is plenty of carrying capacity and Peugeot thoughtfully included a 12v power output for charging accessories on the move.

Normally selling for £2099, the Vivacity 125 models in red and ivory are currently available for £1599, a saving of £500, while stocks last. Available through participating dealers and covered by a 24-month unlimited mileage manufacturer's warranty, visit peugeotscooters.co.uk or call 01202 823344 for details.

Sdoc100 Visor and Helmet Wipes

Sdoc100's pocket-size Visor and Helmet Wipes are a handy way to clean road spray and winter grime from visor, screen and lights while out on the bike.

Simply lay the specially formulated wet wipe on the visor and allow to soak for 30-60 seconds, then polish off with the dry wipe that's included with it, for a clear, streak-free and transparent finish.

Produced by Germany’s best-selling brand of motorcycle cleaner, using the same surfactant technology, Sdoc100 visor wipes are safe and convenient to use on all types of visor.

Packed in a pocket-sized sealed pouch, Sdoc100 visor wipes are easy to carry in a jacket, so they are close to hand when needed, and there's no danger of leakage.

One wipe should be sufficient to clean visor, screen and headlight.

Sdoc100 Visor wipes sell in packs of 10 for £9.50.

Call 01256 704909 or visit sdoc100.co.uk for more information.

Watch the product video here.

James Ellison wears Knox Handroid in MotoGP

James Ellison will be protected by Knox when he returns to MotoGP™ for the 2012 season. One of only two British riders in MotoGP this year, James is the sole rider of the UK based Paul Bird Motorsport team and will be riding an Aprilia CRT.

“We are really excited to continue our relationship with James and help him with his second venture into MotoGP. This will give the Knox brand excellent exposure on a global scale” says managing director Geoff Travell. “MotoGP has the largest worldwide audience of all televised motorcycle sport and we are confident that by supporting James our products will be seen on the widest platform possible, which will only add further credibility to the Knox brand and give our distribution partners the tools they need.”

James has chosen to wear Knox Handroid gloves, with their unique patented exoskeleton over the fingers and new dual compound scaphoid protectors, as well as the Knox Aegis back-protector.

To celebrate the team's UK theme Knox have produced a special colour scheme pair of Handroids for James. For further information, call Knox on 01900 825825 or visit knox-armour.co.uk.

Watsonian centenary rally

Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry, 18-19th Aug 2012

Watsonian sidecars celebrate their centenary this year and to mark the occasion the British manufacturer is throwing a party at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry on 18-19th Aug 2012.

Founded by TF Watson in 1912, Watsonian has survived two world wars, the Great Depression of 1929 (and numerous economic recessions that followed) and a devastating factory fire in 1930. Today the company still makes Great British sidecars in the Heart of England, exporting across the globe. Visitors from around the world are expected - Watsonian's Japanese distributor, Corofi, will be riding a couple of outfits to the rally.

Attractions at the Centenary Rally include a display of historic sidecars along with the company archives, driving skills test, prizes for Best in Show, celebrity guests, trade stands and an opportunity to test ride Royal Enfield motorcycles, which have been distributed by Watsonian since 1999. Watsonian is keen to hear from owners of interesting or unusual outfits and three-wheelers, whether Watsonian or other makes, who would like to show their vehicles at the event.

Camping and self catering accommodation is available on site, as is the Stoneleigh Park Lodge guest house. On Saturday evening there will be entertainment with a live band and bar.

Tickets for the weekend cost £10 per person in advance; day tickets will only be available on the Sunday and can be purchased at the gate for £5.

For more information on the Centenary Rally and the full range of sidecars, trailers and motorcycles available from Watsonian-Squire call 01386 700907 or visit watsonian-squire.com.

Belly Pan for Ducati Monster 796

New for 2012 from Britain's largest manufacturer of motorcycle screens and bodywork, the belly pan for Ducati's Monster 796 provides welcome protection from road grime and spray for the naked bike's exposed Desmodromic L-Twin motor.
Derived from current race belly pans, the Monster-specific model is manufactured from GRP glass fibre in Skidmarx' Weymouth factory. Tailored to fit around the contours of the engine and exhaust system and allowing access to the engine oil sight glass, the belly pan utilises existing mounting points and is supplied with a fitting kit.
Monster owners can choose from a range of pre-coloured gel coats or a plain white option, should they wish to paint the belly pan for an exact colour match.
The Skidmarx Monster 796 belly pan retails for £99.95 including VAT and versions for the 696 and 1100 Evo models of the Monster will be available soon too.
For more information on the full range of Skidmarx bodywork, including screens, huggers and belly pans to fit most popular models, call 01305 780808 or visit skidmarx.co.uk.

Work wonders in your workshop with Venhill

Upgraded: Venhill Workshop Cable and Hose Kits:
Venhill's handy workshop kits now come in a compact and durable toolbox that's easy to transport, for sporting applications, and won't take up too much space in the workshop or garage. In addition to a selection of British-made cables or hoses from the specialist manufacturer, each kit comes complete with the corresponding high quality fittings needed to upgrade control cables and hydraulic lines for motorcycles. Ideal for modern and classic machines for road, track or dirt, Venhill Workshop kits are suitable for professional mechanics, racing teams, enthusiast bike builders and DIY repairers alike.

Workshop Clutch/Throttle Cable Kit
Self-contained kit containing everything needed to replace/upgrade motorcycle and scooter clutch and throttle cables. Housed in a durable tool box that is sectioned for quick and easy access to components. Separate snap sectioned lids ensure that smaller components won't get mixed-up or lost. Comes complete with 10 metres of conduit (with a black PVC cover), 10 metres of low friction liner and 10 metres of inner wire; plus a variety of nipples and high quality fittings, which can be adapted for a range of models. There are enough fittings in the kit to make at least 10 lines (5 clutch and 5 throttle), and additional fittings, conduit and wire can be purchased separately as required. Price £145.38 including VAT.

Powerhose Plus Dealer Kit
Contains everything needed to replace brake lines with Powerhose Plus. Comes in the new durable tool box, with a choice of factory-tested, self-aligning brake lines and fittings in separate sections for quick and easy access. Contains 30 assorted hoses, ranging from 150mm to 725mm in length, plus a selection of fittings needed to cover a wide range of motorcycles, quads, scooters and specials. Powerhose Plus Kits are available with either Chrome or Stainless fittings, and as with the Cable kits, additional fittings, hoses and banjos can be purchased  separately as required. Price: £621.62 (chrome fittings), £774.87 (stainless fittings) including VAT.

Full specifications and fitting instructions are available to download from venhill.co.uk or by calling the Venhill team on 01306 885111.