Motorcycle Live Ultimate Garage

Motorcycle Live (MCL) is one of the largest motorcycle shows in the UK - for this reason it attracts over 90,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to the NEC. 

If you didn't attend MCL last year, you definitely missed out! It was an awesome show and you should consider going next year if you can (19-27th November 2016). If you did get a chance to go, you will know what a variety of bikes, gear and products were on display.

We couldn't believe how many bikes were on show on vehicle manufacturer stands, and the variety of performance parts that were available.

One thing really surprised us though - if you were going to the show to look at a bike that you were thinking about purchasing, it would be really difficult not to get tempted by the other bikes. 

This is what happened to us. We went to the show to admire the machines and to choose our favourite bike from the show. With no criteria to choose a bike, we soon started believing that just one bike wasn't enough. 

Although, if we had to make a decision about our favourite bike; it would have to be this.

Just joking - the all electric Kuberg Freerider is pretty awesome, but it wasn't our absolute favourite. We have a bit of a soft for italian bikes - but what we chose was something truly special. 

The Ducati inspired Bimota DB10 - hand build by a specialist team in Rimini, Italy. Bimota say that once you confirm your order, your motorcycle will be built and is usually delivered within three months. You can order your Bimota and have it hand built to your own specification. You might have your own favourite colour scheme for the frame or bodywork, or maybe you prefer alternative seat colours and materials. wheels, brakes, suspension.

Here is some of the basic spec:

Max Power: 73.1 kW / 98 hp @ 7500rpm

Max Torque: 103 Nm / 13.4 kg-m / 76 lb/ft @ 8000 rpm

Dry weight: 168 kg  /  370.4 lb

Top speed: 220 km/h / 136.7 mph

But you know what, it doesn't even matter what the spec is on these bikes. The attention to detail and build quality is incredible, and all of the bikes on Bimota stand were breath taking. 

Anyway. Enough about italian bikes. We couldn't resist but to put together a selection of what we'd like to call the 'BirotarUK Motorcycle Live Ultimate Garage'.This compilation of bikes are the bikes we would have in our dream garage, to suit most occasions. Trust us, it was a much longer list and this is what it would come down to. What to you think?

Check out our gallery to see some of the other bikes that were at MCL!

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All the best

BirotarUK 

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Back protector review

Back injuries are one of the most common form of injuries amongst motorcyclists in the UK. Wearing a back protector is the best way to protect your spine from what could be life changing, in case of an accident. We know that’s pretty sobering.

But - fortunately for us bikers, the back is an easy area to add serious protection to. Whatever you ride, a back protector is a piece of kit that is seriously worth investing in.

Back protectors are certified to one of two safety standards: CE1 or CE2. They're both pretty safe but back protectors with the CE2 standard can halve the amount of force that transfers through to the body during an impact. According to a study carried out by TFL in 2015, wearing a back protector could reduce your chances of a back injury by 26%.

With a variety of brands offering back protection inserts in jackets, it’s worth checking what the CE rating is in your jacket’s back protection. Go on, have a look at your jacket now - what’s the rating on the back protector? Do you wear a standalone back protector? Or maybe you don’t have one?

Before you you go out on your next ride, consider if your back is properly protected. After all, Guy Martin couldn’t praise his Dainese back protector enough after his 2015 Ulster GP crash.

We’ve teamed up with Bike Stop to bring you an unbiased review of four back protectors which can be worn under your existing jacket/s.  

Forcefield Pro Sub 4 Back Protector – RRP £149.99

The Pro Sub 4 back protector will withstand greater impacts than any other back protector on the market. A great place to start right?

It’s the ‘largest’ in terms of length and width of the four we tested and initially, it seemed like it would be the most uncomfortable - however it really wasn’t. It has the highest level of impact protection (this one is even better than the CE2 standard).

Forcefield Pro Sub 4 Back Protector

After removing the back CE armour from our current jackets (RST + Hein Gericke) and donning the Sub 4, it did make the jackets feel a bit snug when leaning forward to reach the bars (not uncomfortable though).

We’d recommend trying any back protector on, under your current gear before making a purchase – if you can, try sitting on a bike to replicate the riding position. You may find you’ll need to re-adjust the straps or loosen the velcro around the waist.

Forcefield Pro Sub 4 Back Protector

The first ride with this back protector on was on the sports bikes. The Sub 4 was noticeable for the first 40 odd miles, but it has some flex and felt like it conforms to your body shape. The shoulder and waist straps are easily adjustable but very durable - which is reassuring in the event of an off.

This is certainly a back protector we would recommend but would emphasise the need to check how it feels for you, under your jacket.

Forcefield Pro L2K Evo Back Protector – RRP £119.99

The Pro L2K back protector can be described as a ‘slimmed-down’ version of the Sub 4, and it conforms and exceeds CE2. It’s comfortable to wear and it’s also fairly flexible – the honeycomb structure makes it breathable too.

Forcefield Pro L2K Evo Back Protector

Now this is where it all gets a bit clever; Forcefield tell us that the NitrexEvo (the material the back protector is made with) provides ‘Repeat Performance Technology (RPT)’ to ensure that even after multiple impacts there is no loss of protective performance.  This makes it ideal for track and race use.

Forcefield Pro L2K Evo Back Protector

The shoulder and waist straps are fully adjustable making it easy to get a perfect fit, quickly. Being thinner than the Sub 4 it was a more comfortable fit under our jackets.

Dainese Manis Back Protector – RRP £149.99

The Manis is probably the most recognisable back protector on the market. It is CE2 certified and has a hard external structure - almost iconic to Dainese style of hard protection.

Dainese Manis Back Protector

It’s formed of protective ‘plates’ connected with a tough elastic-like material making it very light and flexible. It’s slightly thicker than the Forcefield Pro L2K but still fits easily enough under our current jackets.

Dainese Manis Back Protector

The inside of the protector is soft, as are the shoulder and waist straps. The Manis has an additional chest strap - every little helps. This back protect felt perfectly comfortable on and off the bike.

Dainese Gilet Manis Nero Back Protector - RRP £164.99

The Gilet has the same structure as the Manis back protector, however instead of shoulder and waist straps it has a simple gilet with a full length zip.

Dainese Gilet Manis Nero Back Protector

This didn't feel as comfortable as the Manis as the elasticated material at the front feels quite tight (maybe we need to cut down on the pies). ‘You need a bigger size’ we hear you shout - but it has to be tight to keep the protector in place.

Dainese Gilet Manis Nero Back Protector

One thing we thought was a little frustrating was that there was also no room for adjustment. Meaning it may not be suitable for everyone.

For us, the Dainese Manis back protector is the one we would go for.

It offers great levels of flexibility, comfort and easily fits under existing (leather & textile) gear meaning weather we are commuting, touring or racing around a track, it will perform and perform in comfort.

The back protectors in this review are available to purchase from Bike Stop.

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All the best

BirotarUK 

#BirotarUK
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