Team Bike Bol
In September 1984 two friends and I were in the local pub, the Tuesday before the Bol d’or. So I suggested we should leave in the morning for the Circuit Paul Ricard as my 27th birthday was on the Saturday of race weekend. This T-shirt was bought at the c
dealer said they had lost other sales for the same reason. How can manufacturers make fundamental design mistakes that exclude the majority of women? It only furthers the notion that ‘big bikes are for a big blokes’. Hardly encouraging to one of the few growing sectors of motorcycling. The more women who choose to ride bikes the better for the rest of us. It helps to break down old prejudices against bikers. Jonathan Sharp, email
Accidental improvement
Six years ago I had a crash, but walked away from it largely unharmed, but for a scratched little finger and a few stitches on one of my shins. I don’t remember which one as it doesn’t show. Sadly, my bike ended up in a thousand pieces. And the cause wasn’t because I was up to the usual biker mischief, no, it was due simply to a lack of concentration. Three weeks later, new bike, back on the road and up to speed again.
Six months ago a friend had a crash while overtaking a car he swears sped up during the manoeuvre. He ended up off the road, in a bank, but again largely unhurt and his bike suffered just a few scratches. So, it didn’t kill him, but it did kill his confidence. Now when we ride together we barely venture above the national speed limit. The thing is I quite like it: I can sleep better now and don’t dwell on the ‘What ifs’ quite so much. And my precious licence seems like it’s going to stay in my pocket a while longer. I can enjoy the scenery and indeed the ride more. This philosophy will only appeal to a minority of bikers, after all why would we own such machines? But one can always learn to have fun in different ways, less thrills equals less spills. So take a little more time to enjoy the ride, it’s possible you may enjoy more of it, for longer.
Phillip Wickens, email
A vintage moan
I’ve just read ‘A Ride with the VMCC’, Bike, June.
I am a VMCC member and have a collection of modern and classic bikes. However, after reading this article it made me feel embarrassed and ashamed regarding the condition of the bike John was given to ride. While vintage and classic motorcycles (and cars) are MOT and tax exempt the owner is still legally responsible for keeping said vehicles in a safe and road worthy condition. This Triumph, I consider was far from being up to MOT standard, therefore unsafe to be used on a public road. Please let your readers know not all classic bikes are like this. Stuart Allen, email
Based on personal experience I’d agree. Not all classic bikes are like this. Most are much worse. HW
The truth will out
I know he was testing a different bike when it happened, but has the Panigale V4 fried Mr Armitage’s brain? He confesses to dreaming about English historian and BBC presenter Lucy Worsley. Hope Mrs A doesn’t read his tests. Richard Taylor, email