Tyresafe cited figures from the Department for Transport from 2008 that claimed that there was a 28% increase in the number of motorcycle accidents where illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres were a contributory factor.

The organisation also claimed that statistics from VOSA, the motor vehicle testing agency, also suggested that motorcycle users need to pay greater attention to their tyres, with VOSA claiming that tyre defects in 2008/9 contributed  to 26,000 motorcycle MOT failures, equivalent to 75 per day, representing an increase of 1,500 on the previous year and an increase of 2,500 when compared with 2006/7.

“The sharp rise in the number of bike accidents being caused by faulty tyres is very worrying and completely unnecessary,” comments Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. “Tyres play a vitally important safety role for motorcyclists and it is essential that they are properly maintained and looked after. Simple, regular checks of pressure, tread depth and condition could have gone a long way to preventing all of these avoidable accidents. Tyre safety is a year-round activity but it is particularly important for those riders who do not use their bikes all of the time to give their tyres a thorough inspection before they start using them again this spring. They should then make these checks part of their regular routine throughout the riding season.”

To combat the problem, motorcycle dealers across the UK will be offering free tyre safety checks throughout April, giving bikers the chance to get a free, no obligation visual inspection, looking in particular for any cracks, cuts or bulges in the tyre which can make it both dangerous and illegal. Examiners will also look for any irregular wear patterns which can be a sign of problems with other components, set-up or riding style. Pressures will be checked against the recommended levels with any necessary adjustments made for any pillion or pannier loads. Finally, the tread depth will be examined to make sure the tyre has sufficient tread to remove water from the road surface and meets the legal minimum tread requirements.

“Checking tyre condition, pressure and tread depth is a very quick and simple process,” added Jackson. “By taking just a few minutes to regularly carry out these checks, riders can significantly improve their safety and reduce their likelihood of being another road casualty statistic. For riders who are unsure about how to carry out the checks themselves they simply need to pop into their local dealer who is supporting bike tyre safety month where they can have the checks carried out for free, by qualified professionals.”

For further information about motorcycle tyre safety including a free downloadable information leaflet, visit www.tyresafe.org.

TyreSafe’s top tips for motorcycle tyre safety

1. Check your tyre pressures from cold at least once a week using an accurate gauge
2. Inflate tyres to the level recommended in the manufacturer’s handbook
3. Inspect tyres for cuts, bulges, uneven wear or objects embedded into the tread pattern and replace if necessary
4. Use dust caps to keep dirt away from the valve core and to act as a secondary air seal
5. If your rims are cracked or bent they should be replaced immediately
6. Check that your tread depth is not below the legal minimum of 1mm (for bikes over 50cc)
7. Replace old or damaged valve stems
8. Select the correct type of tyre for your machine and riding style
9. Check that both tyres fitted to the bike are made by the same manufacturer and have the same tread pattern
10. Make sure that your tyre has been fitted the right way round by checking the directional arrows on the sidewall
11. When replacing tube type tyres always use a new inner tube
12. Make sure your tyre/wheel assembly is balanced correctly
13. Keep oil and grease off your tyres using detergent if necessary
14. If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your bike to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.

The new The Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009, which came into force on January 1, will require the manufacturers of automotive batteries to register as “producers” and offer a free collection and disposal service to garages as well as “final holders”, typically restorers and customizers. Proposers will also be required to report on how many waste batteries have been collected and sent for recycling.

The regulations also introduce a blanket ban on the landfill disposal or incineration of waste industrial and automotive batteries

Ian Lucas, Minister for Business and Regulatory Reform, said: “These regulations are designed to complement the excellent recycling rates traditionally achieved for industrial and automotive batteries.

“In simple terms, business users of industrial batteries, and final holders of automotive batteries, such as garages, End-of-Life Vehicle authorised treatment facilities, and Civic Amenity site operators, will no longer be faced with the costs that may be incurred through recycling scrap batteries. These costs will now be met by the producers.”

Hand built in Switzerland using British-made electric motors, Quantya intend to grow the market of forward-thinking, eco-friendly commuters and fun-loving adrenaline seekers. Comparable in size, weight and performance to a 125cc petrol bike, Quantya are both quick off the mark and extremely easy to ride.

Most importantly the Quantya bikes do not emit any harmful fumes, are virtually silent, and, with only nine moving parts, cost almost nothing to maintain and even less to run.

The Quantya Track is a dedicated off-road machine that has been designed to put the broadest smile on even the most experienced dirt biker’s face. It has already proven extremely reliable and popular after extensive testing in Europe’s bike hire and ride centres.

The Quantya Strada is a softer, road-going trail bike that affords city commuters and weekend trail riders a stylish and practical alternative to a petrol-powered vehicle and is years ahead of its competition.

Ian Mitchell-Innes, Director of Quantya UK Ltd says: “We think it is important that people not only get to see, but also ‘feel’ the power and performance of our two new models. It is a great way for us to dispel the myths and express the progress and advantages of electric power, while also having fun with potential customers and the public.”

Finlay McAllan, Managing Director of MCI Exhibitions, added: “The Show has always been a leader in bringing the latest developments in the biking world to the consumer and we’re delighted that we will be able to showcase such innovative bikes as the Quantyas.”

With towns and cities becoming increasingly clogged up by traffic congestion, the ability to beat the traffic during rush hour is one of the biggest attractions for new riders to “Get On” two wheels.

Of course, for the new rider, filtering through traffic can be somewhat daunting. Town and city centre driving has its own unique set of potential hazards but by following a few simple tips, you can help yourself to a stress-free commute.

It’s important to keep your concentration when filtering through traffic. Motorists have a tendency to inadvertently let their mind wander whilst they are stuck in traffic and so you need to anticipate that a driver may decide to change lanes or make a sudden movement without checking their mirrors.

Be aware of vehicles emerging from junctions in between queues of traffic. The view for the driver leaving the junction is likely to be obscured by the vehicle that is letting them pull out, particularly if the driver intends to turn right, in which case he will come across your path should you happen to be filtering through.

If you’re riding between lines of cars, actively look for indications of what the driver and passengers are doing. If a driver or passenger intends on getting out it could result in a door being opened on you.

When overtaking, make sure you look out for the vehicle you’re about to go past moving into your path, so you can avoid a parked car or cyclists. Also remember that cyclists often change quickly between lanes.

Also remember to pay special attention to road surfaces. Potholes are an unfortunate reality of town riding. Look ahead and make sure you pay attention to any sort of road surface imperfections.

Whilst choosing the right bike is all important, the accessories are also crucial to ensuring that you get the most from your two-wheeled freedom. From the obvious kit such as the helmet and gloves to the sometimes neglected additional extras, here’s our run-down of the must-have accessories for your motorcycle.

Helmet

It goes without saying that the first thing on your shopping list should be a good helmet. Whilst there are plenty of helmets on the market, all with their own price tag, look for a helmet that is suited to what you will be using it for. You wouldn’t use an open-face helmet for motocross for instance.

If you’re unsure as to the right helmet, the government’s new SHARP testing scheme could help you here. In the same way that Euro NCAP is a test of how safe a car is in an impact, SHARP tests and grades how helmets cope with a series of tests. Five stars is the highest score, one is the lowest. All helmets on sale in the UK should conform to British Standard BS 6658:1985 (and display the ‘kitemark’) or UN ECE Regulation 22.05. If you do not wear a helmet conforming to these standards, your bike insurance could be invalid.

Also make sure that you get a helmet that fits correctly. Read our guide on how to find the right size helmet here.

Clothing

Aside from the helmet, leathers (or protective jackets and trousers) along with boots and gloves are all essential wear when you step on your motorcycle. As any MotoGP or World Superbike rider will testify, these pieces of equipment can prevent serious injury after a fall.

Security Equipment

Unfortunately, whilst some motorcycles will turn heads thanks to their stunning looks, there is a criminal fraternity out there who will have their eye on your pride and joy. Thankfully, you can keep your bike secure and your motorcycle insurance premium down with some relatively inexpensive security measures.

Get yourself a good lock and chain, fit an alarm that will sound if the bike is subjected to any significant movement in your absence and where possible, keep your bike or scooter in a locked garage.

Gadgets and Gizmos

All optional of course, but there are plenty of gadgets out there for bikers to enjoy. Sat nav companies have all rushed into the biking market recently and both bike-to-bike and pillion passenger intercoms remain popular.

With the help of Get On, who are aiming to encourage new riders to experience the excitement, freedom and convenience of biking, we have come up with a series of checklists that you can follow to ensure that you’re riding legally and safely.

Documents

The first thing that any rider should do is check that their documents are all correct. This includes the V5 logbook, motorcycle insurance documents, road tax (VED) and MOT (where applicable). Other optional services, such as breakdown cover, are also recommended.

Brakes

Make regular checks to ensure that you have plenty left on your brake pads and check that both the disc and shoes are in good condition. Also remember that brake fluid runs out and doesn’t re-fill itself. Without the brake fluid, you don’t have any brakes.

Tyres

Cracks can appear on tyres during winter time, even though you may not use your bike, so make sure that you pay close attention to your tyres, particularly in cold weather. Also keep a look out for nails, bulges and make sure your tyres are always at the right pressure. Even the smallest puncture can cause a serious blow-out at high speed.

Remember to check the tread depth on your tyres, which must be a minimum of 1mm throughout a continuous band measuring at least three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and round the entire outer circumference of the tyre. If the grooves of the original tread pattern of the tyre do not extend beyond three-quarters of the breadth of the tread (as is the case with many motorcycle tyres) any groove of the original pattern must also have a minimum depth of at least 1mm. The penalty for riding with tyres that do not meet this requirement can be as much as a £2,500 fine and three penalty points per tyre.

Fluids

Regular oil changes can increase the performance, smoothness and longevity of your motorcycle, so make regular checks. Also remember to keep all major fluids topped up, even if you have not used your bike for a while. Particular areas to pay attention to are the coolant and the oil in the fork seals.

Chain and Sprockets

Winter can also cause problems with chains and sprockets. Cold temperatures can cause a chain to seize and become weak in places, so make sure all your links are loose and your sprockets don’t have too much wear in them.

Lights

Make sure your bulb is working and generating light and check the positioning of your headlight to avoid blinding oncoming drivers. Remember to check your tail light, brake light and indicators as well.

One of the great benefits of riding a scooter or motorbike in a city is avoiding congestion. Instead of sitting in a jam with your engine idling uselessly, you can filter between the stopped cars and buses and keep moving. More and more councils, recognising that two-wheelers can help them beat congestion, are opening up bus lanes to motorbikes and scooters as well as bicycles.

Bristol was way ahead of the rest of England with a trial in 1996, and has allowed motorcycles to use bus lanes throughout the city for nearly ten years.  Which makes it easier and safer for riders to pass the frustrated drivers on four wheels. Another reason to finally get on that scooter or motorbike!

So where else can you enjoy the extra road space? Northern Ireland welcomes motorcycles in all bus lanes, but in most places you need to check the road signs for that cool, retro silhouette.

We know that bus lanes are open to motorcycles in Peterborough, Colchester and Derby. Grimsby and Hull have opened up theirs too, as have Sunderland and Sheffield. Birmingham gives motorcyclists the legal right to use bus lanes, but we haven’t been able to find any actual roads where it’s happening!

In the South, Reading, Swindon, Bath and North East Somerset are sharing their lanes with us, Plymouth have an 18 month trial scheme, and of course the M4 bus lane between Heathrow and London is open to motorbikes as well as buses and taxis.

In London the picture is more complicated. Some boroughs, including Hammersmith and Fulham, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton and parts of Westminster, do allow scooters and motorbikes in their bus lanes. But Transport for London - TfL - are also running a trial scheme on ‘red routes’, certain express roads into central London. So if you can see a thick red line at the edge of the bus lane in London, you’re probably legal.

Yes, using bus lanes is still seen as an experiment in many places, with other road users still to be convinced that we can share nicely. In fact, a code of conduct has been agreed to help avoid friction between bus lane users.  And remember, other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists may not be expecting you to be in that bus lane. Meaning it’s more important than ever to be alert, and to have good road manners.

People walking on the pavement will be looking out for two things in a bus lane - buses (large and very visible) and bicycles (small but slower moving). Even if they see you coming, they may not register that you’re coming towards them as fast as a bus. So take it easy, especially when the pavements are busy. Give distracted commuters a wide berth in case they step out to use the bus lane themselves.

Pedal cyclists feel vulnerable and don’t want a motorbike passing them so close that they can feel your breeze. Show them some courtesy and give them as much room as you‘d want if a lorry was overtaking you. Don’t overtake them on the inside, and don’t bust the speed limit. You’re already moving faster than all those cars, be gracious in victory.

Bear in mind, too, that cyclists sometimes need to move across the lane for all sorts of reasons - to avoid a pothole, or preparing to pass a parked car, for example. They probably can’t see you behind them - how many bicycles have you seen with rear view mirrors? And in a bus lane they’re probably not expecting you to be there at all, so the fact they can hear your engine won’t help (unless your engine sounds like a bus - in which case you’ve got your own problems!). So give them as much room as you can, all the time.

Overtaking buses and taxis within the lane is a bad idea too. You may think you can squeeze through that little gap, but even if you’re right, you can’t see what’s beyond the bus. If passengers have just got off it, they’re pretty likely to cross the road, and they pretty unlikely to expect you to be moving when everything else is stopped.

Most drivers are generous enough to let you pull out into the main traffic lane and overtake, realising that you’ll be back in the bus lane and out of their way in a few seconds. And if you acknowledge that with a nod or a wave, they’re even more likely to do it next time.

But, like pedestrians and cyclists, other drivers won’t be expecting you to appear in an empty bus lane. So take extra care at junctions, side roads and entrances. Yes, a lorry pulling out of a driveway should be looking out for cyclists as well as big red buses, but they won’t be used to a vehicle no wider than a bicycle but approaching as fast as a bus. If they pull out in front of you, it’s not spite, it’s just seeing what they expect to see, instead of what’s really there - you, braking hard and scowling.

And bear in mind that cars turning off the main road may not spot you coming. Be fair - before you started riding, did you always look twice for motorbikes? If you’re approaching a side road, watch out for cars indicating left, and try to stay where they’ll see you. And remember that a gap in the traffic might mean a kind driver is letting somebody turn in front of them - and across your path.

Get On has a section on improving your motorcycle skills - worth a read, whether you’re an experienced rider or thinking about learning to ride. If you want any more tips, the MCIA has agreed a code of conduct for using bus lanes with a coalition including riders’ groups and the Metropolitan Police. And for Noel Edmonds our tip is - if you want to use the bus lanes - get on a motorcycle!

Data from Tracker UK released last week revealed claimed that the company had helped police to recover £300,000 worth of stolen motorcycles in 2008, highlighting the problem that motorcycle thieves still pose.

Of course, the figure doesn’t tell the whole story. Tracking devices are fitted to only a small percentage of 1.26million motorcycles currently registered on British roads and although Tracker do boast an impressive recovery rate, there will invariably be some motorcycles which, even with a tracking device, are never seen again.

More interestingly, it seems that the criminal fraternity are taking a shine to models at the lower end of the price scale, with more and more low-value motorcycles and scooters being recovered by the police through Tracker.

It all puts the issue of bike security back into the spotlight. Crime has historically risen during economic recessions and so keeping your bike secure should be on your priorities list.

For those with high value models, tracking devices make sense. Spending anywhere between £200 and £400 on a tracker, not forgetting the annual subscription, to protect a £10,000 motorcycle would generally regarded as a decent investment. The chances of getting your bike recovered are good, saving you plenty of hassle and your bike insurance excess.

But for owners of lower value models, it’s a bit more difficult. By the time that you’ve added in the cost of the unit, a ‘duration of ownership’ description and installation, you could be facing a bill of anywhere between £680 and £1,074 - a significant outlay for any motorist.

So what are the alternatives? Well, the traditional security solutions of alarms, locks and chains still suffice for the majority, as does a bit of common sense.

Quite, poorly lit backstreets and secluded, unmanned multi-story car parks are the natural habitat of the car and motorcycle thief, so it won’t come as earth-shattering advice to read that you should think about where you should park up.

Locks and alarms come in various forms. Thatcham approved alarms benefit from the approval of the bike insurance industry but need to be professionally installed, whilst other alarms can either be installed by the owner. Depending on how much you’re willing to spend, you can also benefit from features such as text message alerts, which alerts you by phone whenever your bike receives any unwanted attention.

As for locks, the most common of which tend to take the form of a brake disc lock, shackle lock or the tried and trusted “heavy duty chain and padlock”, although the latter can be more complicated to transport. That, coupled with a heavy duty anchor lock at home, provides a strong deterrent at the very least.

For more information on bike security products, visit the Insidebikes Product Reviews section.

For peace of mind, insure your bike with leading bike insurance provider Carole Nash. Get an online quote or call us on 0800 804 7952

Whilst the traditional ride-out along the country roads to the British coast is very much part of the biking experience, a smaller but still significant number of enthusiasts will be heading to one of Britain’s many race circuits to put their skills to the test.

Track days are big business. With overheads constantly on the increase, race circuits are increasingly trying to turn themselves into venues that don’t just generate revenue on race weekends but instead, are put to use all year round. As a result, all of the major circuits, including Donington, Brands Hatch, Silverstone and Oulton Park, offer riders with nothing more than a driving licence to hit the throttle on their own tarmac.

So what’s involved?

Costs, schedules and conditions will vary from track to track and event to event. With many circuits subject to noise restrictions, certain vehicles will be restricted from certain events although most standard road-legal bikes shouldn’t be affected.

Booking a track day itself will usually require little more than a valid driving licence, race standard safety equipment (ACU Gold standard helmets, full-zip leathers, boots and gloves) and your own motorcycle.

One thing to consider though is that in most cases, your standard motorcycle insurance policy will not apply to any activity on a race circuit. Whilst insurance is not a requirement for taking part in a track day, it is recommended by most circuit organisers as it protects you from any costs that may result from an accident. This can include damage to your or a fellow rider’s bike, personal injury and any costs that may affect the circuit itself, such as charges for closing the circuit to clear an accident or recover a vehicle as well as any damage to crash barriers or other fixtures. If in doubt, talk to your bike insurance provider.

The days themselves will include an obligatory safety presentation which will cover everything that you would reasonably expect before you are let loose on two miles or more of unrestricted tarmac. The briefing will cover issues ranging from track etiquette, such as overtaking and racing lines, through to riding technique and safety procedures, including flag colours and pit boards.

Following a visual check of your bike and equipment from one of the instructors, riders will be split into groups and taken out on a series of familiarisation laps with an instructor, just to allow you to get acquainted with the riders. From then on, it’s all down to you.

Group sessions will, typically, last for 20 minutes each and most circuits run a three-group system. Between sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to refuel, talk about your lap with fellow riders or get one-to-one advice from the circuit instructors.

Of course, not everybody will be putting in the kind of performance that would have Valentino Rossi worrying about his MotoGP championship and, despite what you may think, not everybody on these track days is an experienced amateur racer. Even if you are a complete novice to race riding, following just the very basic advice will ensure that you have an enjoyable and above all safe day of riding.

Track Day Do’s and Don’ts.

Before you even head onto the road to the circuit, make sure that you have your photo card driving licence (some circuits may also ask for the paper counterpart) that proves that you are able to ride that category of motorcycle.

If you are planning on getting track day bike insurance, do it before the day. Also ensure that you have all of the necessary safety equipment.

Also remember to fill-up before you get to the circuit. Some tracks will have fuelling facilities, although they tend to cost a few pence per litre more, whilst some will require you to drive to the local forecourt.

Of course, for your own safety, checking that your bike is mechanically sound is also essential. The key components of your bike, such as the brakes, chain and tyres are going to be subjected to a lot more stress than they would normally be, so make sure that everything is in perfect condition.

At the track, listen to the safety briefing and take on board what the instructors say. They’ve got plenty of experience of the circuit and you won’t be the first novice that they’ve taught.

Remember that track days are not competitive races. Don’t concern yourself too much with lap times and how quickly other riders in your group are riding. If you push yourself too hard, lap times could end up being the last thing on your mind.

If you happen to come off your bike, follow the directions of the circuit stewards and marshals. Never run onto the track to recover your bike.

Above all, enjoy the day! Riding at one of the UK’s famous racing venues should be an experience to remember, to make sure that you enjoy yourself.

Unveiled at Sunday’s World Superbikes round in Monza, the new S 1000 RR has been loaded up with race-developed technology and a 193bhp engine bolted into bike weighing just 183kg when dry.

That gives the S 1000 RR a power-to-weight ratio of just 1.05 kg for the non-ABS version, with the anti-lock breaking system adding a further 25kg to the dry weight.

Also included is a DTC Dynamic Traction Control system and several riding pre-sets which, at the touch of a button, allow the rider to pick the right setting for the road conditions.

BMW’s styling team have been given plenty of creative licence, with a “cross-eyed” headlamp arrangement sure to divide opinion amongst potential buyers.

Adrian Roderick, General Manager BMW Motorrad UK, said: “Never before has a BMW motorcycle been conceived and built more consistently for supersport riding, in terms of its concept and overall construction.

“However, the new S 1000 RR retains many of the virtues so typical of every BMW to this day: Excellent riding dynamics, combined with supreme everyday riding qualities; precise handling together with supreme riding stability; outstanding performance combined with unparalleled active safety; as well as dynamic optimum ergonomics and aerodynamics.”

The serial production machine BMW S 1000 RR is available to order in BMW Motorrad dealerships with deliveries expected at the end of the year following its 5 December launch. Prices have yet to be confirmed although BMW have described them as “competitive”.