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At least a dozen old black-framed motorcycles from the 1970s and early 1980s sit in a row in the repair shop of Connecticut Custom Cycles on South Main Street in Beacon Falls. They are not there to be turned into chromed-up and tricked-out show bikes that artist Sean Lezotte is accustomed to working with in his industrial loft with an airbrush and a stencil kit. They are being restored for road use by men and women who have had them in storage for years in garages and basements. Why? To offset Connecticut's predicament of having the highest gasoline prices in the United States.
"Most of them are just old bikes," Lezotte said. "They're not making them pretty. They're just making them functional and running. Some mechanical restoration and a little paint and they're on their way." It can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 to get an old bike up and running, said Scott Doane, who runs the mechanical end of the business at the shop. "It depends on how well it's been taken care of and how long it's been stored," Doane said. The price of cleaning up an old bike and getting it on the road is modest in comparison with the money Connecticut residents are shelling out to fill their cars, trucks and SUVs with gasoline.
Harley — taking a huge slice off the couple's fuel budget. The idea is to use the bike on sunny days and the car when the weather is bad, saving a lot of money on gasoline, said Lou Bailey, of Trumbull, who had work done on his old bike. "Some of the guys I work with are doing the same thing," said Bailey, who works for the Southern Connecticut Gas Co. A look at the number of motorcycles registered in Connecticut is further evidence. The state Department of Motor Vehicles reported that registrations this May stand at 79,129, up 5.6 percent from 74,935 a year ago. When the comparison is made with the period five years ago, when gasoline cost $1.63 a gallon, it is remarkable: up 35 percent from 58,646 in 2003.
Motorcycle dealer Rick Erickson, of RER Motorcity in Monroe, has been in business for decades, and has seen a lot of gasoline price fluctuations, but believes this time the high prices are here to stay. "I don't think it's ever going back to cheap gas," Erickson said in his repair shop, where some old bikes were being restored for daily use. He has been to Europe, where it is not unusual to see gasoline sell for $10 a gallon, and believes that's happening here. "I think we're going to take a lesson from Europe," Erickson said. Options aside from motorcycles or motor scooters include hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles. Riding a bicycle is a good option for those who live near their workplace. A motorcycle can easily get 50 or 60. Older motorcycles also do not require a lot of insurance, which makes for additional savings. "I pay maybe $200 a year for bike insurance," Bailey said.
A motorcycle requires a special license and training, but a scooter, if its engine is smaller than 50 cubic centimeters, does not. "The trouble is getting [scooters]. They are so popular they're hard to get," he said. The trend in putting old bikes back on the road is also a do-it-yourself phenomenon, as homespun mechanics put their old bikes back into shape. "We sell parts on eBay and we're getting more money for parts now," Erickson said. Old motorcycles never looked so appealing. news source : http://origin.connpost.com/
MUMBAI, May 22 - Bajaj Auto Ltd , India's No. 2 motorcycle maker, said on Thursday it expected sales to stay flat in fiscal year 2008/09 because of tighter credit, but hoped to protect margins with sales of more premium bikes and cost cuts.
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Higher prices of steel, rubber, oil and other raw materials have hit margins of vehicle makers, while firmer interest rates, aimed at checking rising inflation, have bumped up vehicle loan rates by 200-300 basis points and depressed demand. "We don't see any revival in sales," Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj said at a news conference. Bajaj Auto's vehicle sales, which had fallen every month in the year ended March, rose in April, but that was an "exception", he said. "There is a fundamental pullback in sales, and it's wishful thinking to imagine the situation will change. We're prepared for a flat market, and when sales are flat, any increase in raw material costs will certainly hurt margins," he said.
Pune-based Bajaj Auto is moving away from lower-margin 100cc bikes, and is also focusing on exports to offset softer demand in India, the world's biggest market for motorbikes after China. Bajaj Auto will make a $2,500 car from 2011 in a venture with Renault and Nissan Motor , to take on Tata Motors' similarly priced Nano, which is scheduled to go on sale later this year. Bajaj Auto said net profit in the fiscal fourth-quarter ended March 31 was 1.21 billion rupees on net sales of 20.74 billion. Rival Hero Honda Motors Ltd in April reported a better-than-expected 53 percent rise in net profit to 2.99 billion rupees, helped by sales of its more premium bikes.
NEW LISTINGS
Bajaj Auto was recently restructured and its manufacturing and finance operations were spun off as separate businesses. Bajaj Holdings & Investment Ltd, which owns 30 percent in Bajaj Auto, earlier on Thursday reported a quarterly net profit of 793.2 million rupees on net sales of 626.3 million. Bajaj Auto and Bajaj Finserv, which comprises bike insurance and auto finance businesses, are expected to list on Monday. Bajaj Auto, which also makes scooters and three-wheeled motorised rickshaws, plans to foray into light trucks, and make premium bikes with European partner KTM and with Japan's Kawasaki , a technology partner.
Bajaj, which holds 24.5 percent in KTM, may raise its stake to 30 percent if "the price is reasonable", Bajaj said. Indian bike makers rolled out 7.2 million bikes and scooters in 2007/08, down nearly 8 percent from the previous year. Bajaj sold 552,101 vehicles in the March quarter, down 12 percent despite an excise duty cut to 16 percent from 24 percent at the end of February on bikes, scooters and three-wheelers. It plans to launch two three-wheelers and four new 125cc motorbikes in 2008/09, a segment Bajaj estimates accounts for 36 percent of the market.
Its share of the motorbike market fell to 32.7 percent from 33.5 percent in 2007/08, Bajaj said, because of its declining share of the 100cc segment, which offset growth in 125cc. Shares in Bajaj Holdings ended up 3.1 percent at 672.05 rupees in a 1.95 percent weaker Mumbai market .
news source : http://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/
(NAPSI)-In 2008, the iconicmotorcycle manufacturer commemorates 105 years of American know-how, chrome, leather and steel. But instead of looking in the rearview mirror at its rich history, Harley-Davidson is keeping its eyes on the road ahead by continuing to welcome new riders into an already diverse family.
Join the Party
Harley-Davidson is the only motorcycle manufacturer that offers a branded rider education program in 42 states through its authorized dealerships. Known as the Rider’s Edge New Rider Course, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation-certified program includes both classroom instruction and training on a controlled range. Students learn how to ride on a Buell Blast, a lightweight, easy-to-handle motorcycle with a rider-friendly design. Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country also offer the Rider’s Edge Skilled Rider Course for motorcycle enthusiasts interested in taking their riding to the next level.
Since its inception, Rider’s Edge has trained more than 138,000 students-and 39 percent of those students have been women, evidence that motorcycle riders can be anyone at all. A survey in late 2003 showed that 84 percent of students get their licenses after completing the course. Among riding fundamentals, the course also addresses key safety principles, including: Positioning-Maintaining the proper lane position is part of an effective street-riding strategy. Visibility-Part of riding safely is making yourself and your bike visible to other drivers at all times. Know Your Limits-This applies to all riders, regardless of skill level. For some, this means keeping your bike at home during inclement weather or congested rush hour times.
On successful completion of the course, students receive an MSF Completion Card, which may help them get their motorcycle license and receive a discount on motorcycle insurance, depending on their state of residence and insurance provider. To learn more about an anniversary event near you or how to enroll in a Rider’s Edge course, visit the Web site at www.harley-davidson.com. America is going “hog” wild in honor of a milestone anniversary.
news source : http://www.napsnet.com/
Next month the largest British motorcycle racing event of the year takes place at Donington Park: the British round of the MotoGP.We have one pair of money-can't-buy VIP tickets to give away, courtesy of Bennetts, bike insurance provider and sponsor of British MotoGP contender James Toseland, who is contesting his first home GP for Tech 3 Yamaha. You could be part of the action on Sunday, June 22. The prize on offer from Bennetts includes a pair of entrance and hospitality tickets with the Tech 3 Yamaha team, excellent viewing opportunities, lunch and refreshments.
Unlucky entrants can find details of further Bennetts' competitions - including the chance to win a James Toseland replica R1 in May - at www.bennetts.co.uk.
For a chance to win, enter here: Regrettably, we no longer accept emailed or posted entries. The closing date for all entries is midnight on Friday May 23.
1. This prize draw is open to residents of the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland aged 18 years or over, except employees of Telegraph Media Group Limited and their associated, affiliated or subsidiary companies, and their families, agents or anyone else professionally associated with the draw.
2. Details regarding how to enter as published form part of the terms and conditions. It is a condition of entry that all rules are accepted as final and that the competitor agrees to abide by these rules. The decision of the judges is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
3. Only one entry per person. Late, illegible, incomplete, defaced or corrupt entries will not be accepted. No responsibility can be accepted for lost entries and proof of transmission will not be accepted as proof of receipt. The winner(s) will be drawn at random from all entries received by the closing date. If winning is dependent on answering a question correctly, then the winner(s) will be drawn at random from all correct entries received.
4. All entries must be received by the published closing date.
5. The winner(s) will be notified by email, telephone or letter and their name and the name of the county where they live may be published. The winner(s) will be notified within seven days of the published closing date of the prize draw. The name and county of the winner(s) may be disclosed to anyone who writes within one month after the published closing date, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope, to Telegraph Motoring Desk, 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0DT. The prize will be delivered to the winner's home address within 28 days of notification, unless the winner is notified otherwise. Prizes will not be awarded as a result of improper actions by or on behalf of contestants, illegal or otherwise.
6. The prizes as published are available on the date of publication. The prize is subject to availability and to any published restrictions. All prizes are non transferable and there are no cash alternatives.
7. The winner may be required to participate in publicity. Note that by entering into this competition you agree to have your name released as the winner, should you be drawn as a winner of the prize.
8. Events may occur that render the prize draw itself or the awarding of the prize impossible due to reasons beyond the control of the Promoter and accordingly the Promoter may at its absolute discretion vary or amend the promotion and the entrant agrees that no liability shall attach to the Promoter as a result thereof.
9. English law applies and the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts shall prevail. The Promoter is Telegraph Media Group Limited, 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0DT.
news source : http://www.telegraph.co.uk/
BRITISH biking hero and MotoGP star James Toseland has launched a month-long promotion for bike insurance firm Bennetts. James, a classically trained pianist, used a different type of keyboard for the day as he worked alongside staff at the insurance provider's Coventry contact centre.
He said: "I really enjoyed getting into the Bennetts contact centre and speaking to bikers up and down the country. "It was a completely new experience for me and pretty different to being on the race track but I hope I encouraged people to get involved with the promotion."
news source : http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/
Original Apprentice winner Tim Campbell continued his life in the fast lane with a high-speed pillion aboard the Bennetts Buell with former triple Superbike Champion Niall Mackenzie. The businessman, who managed to stay cool under pressure from Sir Alan Sugar, was unable to contain his excitement at the experience with Mackenzie - who he described as "a god." Campbell, who rides a Suzuki GSXR 750, enjoyed a flying lap at the Brands Hatch circuit in Kent in glorious sunshine, which left him speechless for a few seconds before exclaiming that the experience was "unbelievable".
"I started out by trying to be really cool at first by putting my hands on the tank of the Bennetts Buell, but before we'd even made it half way round the track I was clinging on to Niall and had my arms wrapped around him," he said. Luckily, Campbell is a Bennetts' policyholder. Tim was previously quoted as saying that he had learnt from Sir Alan how to take risks and his nerves of steel were confirmed when he stepped off the Bennetts Buell with his helmet hiding a huge grin.
The action at the re-run of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship season opener was also witnessed by celebrity motorcyclist Jodie Marsh, who rode to the event aboard a Harley-Davidson. She was unable to experience the Bennetts Buell pillion due to her recent surgery but declared that a previous pillion experience with Ron Haslam was "better than sex." She met Haslam's son and championship contender Leon on the grid yesterday as well as other British contenders Leon Camier and Tom Sykes.
news source : http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/
The Post Office has extended its range of great value insurance products with the introduction of a new motorcycle insurance policy. Scooters and motorbikes are becoming increasingly popular amongst motorists as the costs of running a car continue to rise and drivers turn to greener forms of transport. Motorcycle traffic has increased by an estimated 37 per cent over the last ten years, with 1.2 million licensed motorcyclists currently on UK roads. According to research from the Post Office, a third (29 per cent) of people who own a motorcycle do so because it is cheaper than running a car.
To meet this increased demand for two-wheeled transport, Post Office Motorcycle Insurance offers customers great value for money with a host of added benefits, including the option to insure up to four bikes on the same policy and up to £500 cover for accessories per bike. And for a limited time it is also offering new customers one month's free cover. The growing number of women bikers, who now make up 15 per cent of the UK's cyclists, can also benefit from special discounts. Female riders can claim a discount of up to 36 per cent in addition to any other discounts that are applicable. And because the Post Office searches a number of leading providers on their behalf, motorcyclists can be confident they're getting the best deal.
Unlike many insurers, the Post Office offers customers a choice of ways to pay for their motorcycle insurance - by cash, cheque, postal order or direct debit. People can also claim further discounts for no-claims, advanced training, secure overnight garaging, limited mileage and approved security systems. Post Office head of general insurance Richard Pennant-Jones said: "It's clear that the rising costs of running a car along with concerns about CO2 emissions on the environment are making motorcycles and scooters an increasingly attractive alternative. We expect the number of motorcyclists to increase further over the next few years and have launched this new policy to provide them with comprehensive cover at a competitive price.
"The Post Office is always looking for ways to help our customers and give them relevant benefits. We know many motorcyclists own more than one motorbike or scooter and therefore provide an option to insure up to four bikes on one policy, making life a lot easier for them." This follows the successful launch of Post Office car and van insurance, which have established the Post Office as the UK's fastest growing motor insurer. Currently one in every 50 cars in the UK is insured with the Post Office. Post Office Motorcycle Insurance is easy to apply for, visit postoffice.co.uk.
news source : http://www.easier.com/
A growing number of women are thinking about buying a motorbike in order to reduce spending as living costs continue to soar and lending conditions become ever tighter. According to the Post Office, one in seven women would consider swapping their car for a motorbike in order to cut costs, and 29 per cent of people who have ridden a motorcycle at some point decided to do so because it was a cheaper option.
In the past, female bikers have been relatively few and far between, accounting for just 15 per cent of the 1.2 million licensed motorcyclists on the road over the last 10 years. However, experts from the University of Huddersfield’s Motorcycle Consumer Research Unit claim that the figure is now closer to 20 per cent, and that the percentage is set to increase. In response, and ahead of peak motorbike riding season, the Post Office has launched a new motorbike insurance policy, with discounts of up to 36 per cent for female motorcyclists. It is also giving all new customers a month's free insurance.
Director of the Motorcycle Consumer Research Unit, Geoff Crowther, said: "The rise of women motorcyclists is helping to inspire new-style bikes – and we're seeing bike designs better contoured to the female biker. "It’s great that the Post Office recognises this trend and is providing a tailored insurance product for female riders too." Research also shows that women are involved in far fewer motorbike accidents than men, and University of Huddersfield research shows that women are more interested in pursuing advanced rider training than their male counterparts.
Post Office head of general insurance, Richard Pennant-Jones, added: "It's clear that squeezes on our finances are making motorcycles an increasingly attractive alternative to cars. "And concerns about CO2 emissions on the environment may coax more people out of their cars. With more bikers of both sexes on the roads than ever before, we’ve entered the market to ensure they receive comprehensive cover at a competitive cost."
news source : http://www.fairinvestment.co.uk/
The Post Office has launched a new motorcycle insurance policy, with one month's free cover offered for a limited period. Customers taking out the policy can also choose from a number of options, such as insuring up to four bikes on the same policy or taking out up to £500 accessories cover per bike. Female bikers in particular could stand to benefit from the Post Office's insurance, as they can claim a discount of up to 36 per cent in addition to any other discounts that are applicable.
According to the insurer's data, motorcycle use has increased by 37 per cent over the past ten years in the UK, with 1.2 million bikers currently on the roads. Richard Pennant-Jones, Post Office head of general insurance, commented: "We expect the number of motorcyclists to increase further over the next few years and have launched this new policy to provide them with comprehensive cover at a competitive price." Recently the Post Office urged 'health tourists' travelling abroad for medical procedures to ensure they have the correct level of travelinsurance.
news source : http://www.moneynews.co.uk/
Bikers living in North West London are over five times more likely to have their bike stolen compared to the average rider, according to the largest annual survey of motorcycle theft risk. Carole Nash, the UK’s biggest motorcycle insurance specialist, has analysed claims from its 230,000 bike insurance policyholders to pinpoint the nation’s theft hotspots, bringing bad news for Londoners and Liverpudlians.
The Carole Nash Motorcycle Theft Survey found that those living in the North West London (NW) area are at the highest risk when it comes to theft from the 117 main UK postcodes surveyed. Greater London postcodes feature in eight of the top ten highest risk areas, with Liverpool facing the worst record outside of the capital. A biker living in Liverpool’s L postcode is more than twice as likely to have their motorcycle stolen than the average rider.
Motorcycle insurance premiums are also likely to be higher in Preston’s PR postcode, which soared 64 places up the UK league – the highest year-on-year climb. But there was also good news as bikers in Hereford saw the area plummet 64 places - the HR code now props up the table with other low risk areas Galashiels (TD), Perth (PH), Llandrindod Wells (LD), the Isle of Man (IM) and Dumfries & Galloway (DG). London bikers are easily the ones most likely to make a bike insurance claim for a stolen bike, suffering over six times the risk of the lowest ranked region, Northern Ireland.
“Year in year out our survey finds that Londoners face what is, frankly, an unacceptable theft risk,” said Carole Nash’s operations director, Dave Bowcock. “We might be talking about a bike worth more than a small car, perhaps £10,000, and yet there is still a desperate shortage of secure motorcycle parking places, not just in London but across the UK. Perhaps it’s time that the authorities addressed this rather than pumping out anti-motorcycle rhetoric and incorrect figures on the number of untaxed motorcyclist which only serve to further demonise the biking community. Biking should be being championed as a congestion- busting, environmentally friendly option, not marginalised, or worse, attacked.”
But he added that bikers themselves also needed to make greater effort to protect their machines. “Whilst security features fitted as standard have improved on some models in recent years, the majority still need additional investment in devices such as ground anchors, heavy duty chains and microdot tagging systems. Leaving an unsecured bike on the street is as good as leaving out a big bag of cash.”
Adding and using security features to a motorcycle can lead to notable reductions in motorbike insurance premiums as well as reducing the hassle and inconvenience that theft or vandalism inevitably causes. The survey also found that, for the second year running, the model most prized by the thieves is Honda’s SCV100 Lead scooter. Almost six times as many motorcycle insurance claims were made for stolen scooters and mopeds as they were for the lowest risk category, the tourer.
news source : http://www.responsesource.com/
At least a dozen old black-framed motorcycles from the 1970s and early 1980s sit in a row in the repair shop of Connecticut Custom Cycles on South Main Street in Beacon Falls. They are not there to be turned into chromed-up and tricked-out show bikes that artist Sean Lezotte is accustomed to working with in his industrial loft with an airbrush and a stencil kit. They are being restored for road use by men and women who have had them in storage for years in garages and basements. Why? To offset Connecticut's predicament of having the highest gasoline prices in the United States.
