Metzeler VIP weekend

Group shot of the Metzeler weekend group! 

A few months ago Metzeler sent us an email inviting us to a VIP event, with no more information other than a 'please hold the date' - such teases. A few months of back and forth emails trying to tease out some more information the 'final plan' was released a week before the event.

Metzeler invited us to join them and James Hillier at the FIM Speedway British Grand Prix with all the trimmings! We've been to a few speedway events before but nothing of this scale and certainly not with the pleasure of meeting an IOM TT Racer in the flesh! @Birotar_Jonjo was gleaming with joy with one question on his mind - 'James, please tell me how to not crash a Ninja!'

So that was Saturday planned, on Sunday they organised an EPIC ride through what was promised to be some fabulous scenery. They also mentioned there would be some other surprises along the way but we'd have to wait to see what these entailed.

Saturday 22nd June 2017. 

With an alarm ringing at 7AM and a meet-up point set (McDonalds at 8AM) it was time for us to convene for our usual pre-trip B-conference (with breakfast) before our 160-something mile ride to the rendezvous point.

@Birotar_Jonjo's R1200GS & @Birotar_Max's GSXR1000 chilling for breakfast

Did we say 8AM? Someone was a bit late but not to worry we always factor in a bit of faff time…

The weather forecast wasn’t certain but it did say 40-60% chance of heavy rain, basically it was going to rain, it is the UK after all. A uneventful ‘cruise’ round the M25 and across the M4 saw us approaching Wales. Have you ever crossed the Severn bridge? It’s quite spectacular.

Let the fun begin' #ride5000miles

A post shared by BirotarUK (@birotaruk) on Jul 22, 2017 at 3:59am PDT

We arrived at the meeting point on time (for a change) to meet Simon, Barry and Jim from Metzeler, shortly after the others from the social media world arrived. Great to finally put some faces to names after months and in some cases years exchanging comments, likes and stories across social media.

We had a short ride to the hotel and just enough time to freshen up and prepare for the evening’s entertainment, the FIM Speedway GP held at the Principality stadium – Cardiff. It was at the Hotel Metzeler rider and TT extraordinaire, James Hillier joined the group. Previously our experience of Speedway is about 300 people, a tin shed and some ropey old tractor to re-level the track. Well, we were in for a real treat because the 2016 GP hosted some 60,000 spectators and this year was to be no different.

We had a half hour taxi ride with Jim (Metzeler UK Boss) and James to enjoy before the entertainment kicked off. It’s always a bit strange at first... rubbing shoulders (literally) with a professional racer and proclaiming you can’t find the hole (the seat belt – come on now!) but we all got on well.

The Streets of Cardiff as we entered the Stadium. 

The streets of Cardiff were alive with air horns, flags and people having a great time. From that point on the atmosphere was set and it was clear this event was attracting a huge crowd.

The @speedwaygp was epic. Never experienced it that scale before. The atmosphere and the great people around us made it even better. BIG thanks to @metzelermoto for hosting us in VIP. Today should be pretty good too! #ride5000miles #birotarukbehindthescenes

A post shared by Max (@birotar_max) on Jul 22, 2017 at 11:46pm PDT

Earlier on we mentioned Metzeler would provide all the trimmings, here we found out that meant a VIP package including drinks and a three course meal, nice!

Pleasantries out the way it was time to take our seats with a great view of the whole circuit, in particular we were sat on the start/finish line. The build-up was incredible – fireworks, fire, flames, fire breathers, music, you get the idea. It was a show before the show.

Holy mother of Speedways. This is the biggest we've ever seen! 😂 #speedwaygp

A post shared by BirotarUK (@birotaruk) on Jul 22, 2017 at 7:13am PDT

Selfie wankers. #birotarukbehindthescenes

A post shared by Max (@birotar_max) on Jul 22, 2017 at 8:46am PDT

If you’ve not seen Speedway before it’s basically four people on motorbikes with no brakes that race/drift around an oval circuit. It’s so simple yet so addictive, the skill needed to hustle these lightweight machines around is incredible. The smell, is something that will stick in your memory. The 500cc single gear bikes run on pure methanol and vegetable based oil, the smell is addictive, as is the noise!

The format of the Speedway means you get a good couple of hours racing. Sixteen riders take part in each Grand Prix and over the course of twenty heats each rider will race against every other rider once. The top eight scorers advance to a semi-final and from each semi-final the 1st and 2nd placed riders will advance to the GP final.

The evening concluded with a huge firework show, the crowd had been fully immersed from start to finish. After a few (more) beers it was time to head back to the hotel. Once again we were with Jim and James, now this taxi ride is something we really wish we could have got on camera although we don’t think it’s something we could have gone live with…pure comedy, a reminder that even the most professional of riders/businessmen are just normal (and very funny) people.  If you ever get to meet James, ask him if there’s a McDonalds in the Punjab, guaranteed it’ll bring a smile.

The FUNNIEST can journey with our Punjabi cab driver. "Is there a McDonalds in Pakistan?"

A post shared by Max (@birotar_max) on Jul 22, 2017 at 1:07pm PDT

To conclude Saturday we all shared a drink or two at the hotel before calling it a night at some time past midnight.

Sunday 23^rd July.

Metzeler had put us up in a very nice hotel and it would be rude not to take advantage of this, with the alarms ringing early and being told we had to be ready to ride at 10am we made sure we had enough time for a morning swim and sauna, got to keep fit and healthy, right? Not wanting to be too healthy we enjoyed a nice cooked breakfast knowing the weather wasn’t going to be on our side today.

James Hillier's Kawasaki Z1000S fitted with Metzeler Road Tech 01s 

With everyone suited up and ready to ride the heavy rain continued, no problem though we’re used to riding in any weather. To follow was some amazing Welsh roads with stunning views. The rain had eased off by now to all but a drizzle so we all stopped off for an ice cream and to enjoy the views. It was at this point we managed to get a few words from James on camera after the wild sheep had stopped playing chicken with the passing cars!

Interview with Jame Hillier! Coming soon

Welsh Sheep

Ice creams finished, interview done it was time to head back into the valleys and enjoy more of what Wales could offer. We enjoyed a good couple hours of wide open roads to tight woodland twistys, but then the Bthou started playing up, cue loss of power, cutting ignition and generally being a pain. Initially it looked like an electrical problem so we taped up some connections under the seat and the bike seemed fine again, good because it was a long way home!

James Hillier's AGV!

We finished the ride for the day around 2pm, we all stopped for a drink and chin wag before packing up to head home as yet again the rain clouds rolled in. From where we stopped it was about 170 mile ride home, James joined us for part of the journey and for the first and only time we can say we were ahead of a TT rider on the open road! On the way back we had torrential rain and hail, yes hail, in July. We managed to get our heads down and power on though making some good progress through the traffic.

Bthou playing silly buggers and the GS coming to the rescue!

About 60 miles from home the Bthou started playing up again, certainly not fun when you’re on the outside lane of the M4, we managed to nurse her to the services but couldn’t find anything obvious contributing to the problem. We’d left the heavy rain behind us but it was soon catching up so with nothing obvious wrong with the bike and the clouds getting darker there was only one option – get back on, heads down and hope for the best! Never simple is it, we had to stop 3 or 4 times on the hard shoulder but the bike would always sort it’s self out. We’re thinking a blocked/dodgy fuel filter…

Naughty Suzuki. Funny what electrical tape can solve. #birotarukbehindthescenes #birotaruk #gsxr

A post shared by Jonjo (@birotar_jonjo) on Jul 23, 2017 at 8:30am PDT

Anyway, we made it home safe and sound in the end after what was an amazing weekend.

Being side-by-side with tyre industry professionals and world class racer James Hillier opened our eyes to the true science that goes into tyre production and development. We're not experts because of it but we've certainly discovered that the knowledge and experience in Metzeler/Pirelli is what makes their tyres market leaders. We highly recommend you take the time to find out more about Metzeler & Pirelli tyres when you're next due to change your tyres. You will not be disappointed! And if you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with us - we'd be happy to help.

Metzeler Road Tech 01 Rear Tyre

We’d like to thank Metzeler for inviting us, providing the hospitality, guiding us around some amazing roads and providing some great laughs along the way!

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Riding gear. Should it be Cheap or affordable?

Riding gear. Should it be Cheap or affordable?

Here at BirotarUK HQ we’ve seen a rise in the number of "cheap gear" reviews, promising the best gear for the least amount of money. Just like you, we love saving a few quid here and there but sometimes "cheap gear" can cost you more in the long run. 

But we believe that there is a difference between "cheap" and 'affordable". If you're just starting out on a bike, or if you are a seasoned rider it is hard to gauge what is good value and what is over priced. With high-street giants retailing garments for very little, we understand that it can be freighting to turn the price tag to reveal an item of gear worth hundreds or even thousands.

So, we’ve put together a list of affordable gear that we think will get you from A to B in comfort, all year round and last for a few years too (depending on the miles you cover). We haven’t tried and tested all the gear mentioned in this review but where we have, we will let you know.

Let’s start with the most important item, a helmet, the minimum legal requirement of protective equipment you need to ride a motorcycle. At this point we’ll say we are huge advocates of always riding in full protective gear.

The most important thing about a helmet is the fit, a £600 ill-fitting helmet will be no better than a £200 properly fitting helmet. On this basis we can only recommend what fits our heads and suggest you visit your local bike shop to try on their helmets and get some expert advice, it could be a life saver after all..

With all that a side we’re a big fan of the HJC R-PHA ST for many reasons. It's a fully spec’d touring helmet that also holds a gold ACU sticker meaning it’s good for track/race use.

The HJC features:

• Good airflow vents to keep you cool in the warmer months
• Quick release visor mechanism
• Double D retention system
• Pinlock ready visor
• Internal sun visor
• Slots for bluetooth kit

HJC R-PHA ST - Image from Google

We think it’s a great all round helmet for commuting, touring and track days and it can be had from £179 (at time of writing).

When it comes to jacket and trousers we’re torn on what to recommend, but to keep things affordable we’ll go with what we’ve been wearing for the past 10,000 miles.

Birotar Jonjo, taken on a winter shoot with Wil Collins

The RST Pro Series Adventure 2 textile suit.

First off it’s not the most ‘attractive’ of 2 piece textiles but they are functional, very functional.
There’s a clue in the name, the adventure jacket has been designed with the adventure fit in mind, think more upright adventure / touring bikes, giving it a slightly looser fit. This doesn’t mean it’s not comfortable on a sports bike, we’ve used this suit on GSXRs, Ninjas and GS’ to name a few.

So what makes this a good jacket;

• 2 year warranty
• Full Connection zip
• Removable waterproof membrane
• Removable quilted thermal liner
• CE approved back, shoulder and elbow protection included
• Vents, lots of vents!
• Detachable wind collar
• Removable map pocket that doubles as a bum-bag

RST Adventure 2 Jacket - Image from Google

You’ll notice there’s lots of detachable parts meaning this can be used in the depths of winter or heights of summer. We’ve certainly been happy all year round, and think the price is good too. Before we get to the price let’s skim over the features of the trousers;

• Removable waterproof membrane
• Removable quilted thermal liner
• Full connection zip
• CE approved knee armour and pockets for hip protectors
• Slightly flared to allow a good fit over adventure boots

Again, removable inners mean you can tailor to the weather and ride in comfort, avoiding arriving to work or a meet all hot a sweaty! (Or cold and damp).

RST Adventure 2 Trousers - Image from Google

The jacket can be had for £179.99 (at time of writing)

The trousers can be had for £149.99 (at time of writing)

Gloves are an important part of year round riding and it’s hard to find a glove that’ll work in all seasons, we tend to have a set for winter/rainy days and a summer set however there is an answer for both.

Held have a glove called the Air ‘n’ Dry, whilst we haven’t managed to try them yet we have heard good things from like-minded bikers.

The Air ‘n’ Dry features:

• Kangaroo leather palm
• Gore-Tex waterproof, windproof & breathable membrane
• Hard plastic knuckle protection
• Visor wipe on index finger

In a nut shell, the palm of the glove has summer like features and the back of the glove is Gore-tex waterproofed to keep you warm and dry yet cool in the summer months.

Held Air N Dry - Image from Google

These gloves can be found for £148.49 (at time of writing)

The final piece of the puzzle is boots, long gone are the days of something big and cumbersome needed to fulfil the all-round requirement for the past two years we’ve been wearing the TCX X-Street waterproof casual boot. They are seriously comfortable, waterproof and best of all look just like a normal high top trainer.

They feature:

• Full grain leather upper
• Waterproof lining
• Toe and heel reinforcement
• Lace up closure

TCX X-Street Boots - Photo by Birotar Jonjo

We’re a big fan of these boots, tried and tested, we even wear them as casual trainers with a pair of jeans (and to do the gardening, DIY, shopping). They can be had for £89.99 (at time of writing)

The total cost of all this gear is £747.46. It sounds like a lot of money, in fact you can buy a bike for £800 but we believe these items will last you a good few years making the equivalent annual spend less than £250. 

Our point isn't that you should stop what your doing to go out and purchase these items. Instead consider the alternatives. Do your research, check out reviews and most importantly, go and try the gear on. Take your time. 

You'll know as soon as you try an item of gear, that it fits. feels comfortable and has all of the features you want and need.

Everyone is different and has different requirements, but there is a risk associated with buying "cheap gear". The price may be good, but you will find that the item won't last as long as you want it to and it may not perform in when you need it most.

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MAG defend bikers from being charged in the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ)

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has responded on behalf of London’s 200,000 every day riders to defend an exemption from user charging of bikes in the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ).

BirotarUK Photoshoot by Wil Collins of the Alexandra Palace, London city scape 

Selina Lavender, MAG’s Chair, has shared MAG’s determination to ensure an exemption. ‘The bike charging proposal was part of a package to reduce emissions – even though a shift towards motorbikes reduces emissions.  We’ve made a comprehensive submission to explain why it’s utterly counterproductive to tax part of the solution, namely powered two wheelers.’

The charge is £12.50 a day

MAG made the following points:

1. Commuters on bikes are virtually zero NOx emissions producers – and far ahead of buses. That’s why an exemption for bikes (of all ages) is right – because car drivers who shift to motorcycles and scooters reduce overall emissions due to the tiny emissions footprint of a bike.
2. Research shows if 10% of motorists moved to motorcycles for their daily commute there would be a 40% reduction in congestion. Air pollution is a feature of congestion. That means motorcycles help achieve air quality targets, so charging them makes no sense.
3. The Government says in its air pollution report published in May 2017: The impact of including motorcycles and mopeds in CAZs have not been modelled. These vehicles only represent a small proportion of total NOx emissions so it is not expected that they will be included in the access restrictions for the majority of zones.
4. Some low wage earners use bikes for financial reasons. Charging them when they produce almost no emissions – or forcing onto more expensive public transport – is a ‘tax’ on lower wage earners.  An exemption is socially fair.
5. MAG is closely following the emissions debate to ensure that bikers are not charged while other vehicles which make no contribution to reducing congestion (and emissions caused by traffic jams), such as electric cars, are exempt. This remains a key element in the campaigning work of the movement.

For full details of MAG’s response go to: https://wiki.mag-uk.org/images/7/74/ULEZ_2017_06_21.pdf

Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org