Bike Stop Blog

It used to be that the thought of a 200bhp motorcycle would be enough to strike terror into the heart of new and experienced riders alike. These days, however, the power may be immense, but the electronics and engineering controlling it have advanced at an equally impressive rate. With a selection of motorcycles on offer with power in excess of 200bhp, we take a look at the latest and greatest from BMW: the fearsome M1000R hypernaked.

It's an argument that's plagued pubs, cafes and offices for generations. Each side has strong opinions. The bikers attack with flowery descriptions of how fast a litre sports bike is whilst the car drivers parry with vague descriptions of contact patches and braking ability.  As the conversation goes on, each side becomes more entrenched and less willing to concede. Before you know it, the bikers are claiming that no car can beat a bike around the TT circuit, and the drivers are pointing out that no bike will beat an F1 car around Silverstone. The discussion doesn't really move after it reaches this point, aside from each tribe making unfounded assertions about the other tribes' mothers. It's high-brow stuff, naturally.

I'm not mechanically minded. When I hold a spanner, the sky darkens, crows crow, and church bells toll. Having said that, there are a few simple, essential tasks that all of us should stay on top of. They're simple to perform, too. At worst, you'll have a clean, shiny bike when riding. At best, they'll help you avoid putting your bike in a hedge.

Monthly Rideouts - pretty much the first Sunday of every month, March till November:

Congratulations! You've successfully passed your CBT, aced your theory test, spent an afternoon messing about with traffic cones, and, finally, an experienced external observer has deemed you competent. You've got to grips with all the controls, mastered the turn in the road without putting your foot down, and enjoyed your first taste of two-wheeled freedom. Patience, time and money have paid off, and you're now a fully-fledged biker. All you need now is a bike!

Coming off your bike isn't a fun experience. It's not great for the bike, your body, your wallet or your mind. I've had a couple of offs in my time as a rider and just about come through them without any lasting damage. Do what you can to avoid them in the first place and make sure you're prepared should the worst happen.

A few months ago I got a set of ACS Custom ear moulds and I thought I would give you an update of how I am getting on with them.