Will White 47 Racing

An introduction to Will White 47 Racing

Lap record: 1.25.226, source - thundersportgb.com

That moment you realise that the emotion you experience behind the bars of a superbike on a racing circuit is what you crave all day, every day, is the moment which opens your eyes to a whole new future. 

This is exactly what our good friend has experienced and we want you to get to know him. His name is William White. Wearing number 47, riding a Triumph 675R, Will is emerging as one of the best riders in the Thundersport Elite championship for 2017. 

Will getting ready to practice at Donington Park - March 2017

Coming 1st/2nd and 3rd in 2016, Will has more power than ever before to be on the podium for the championship – he's also a genuinely good lad. We met up with him over a soft drink to find out more about what drives his love for riding and racing. 

"I’m Will White of Will White Racing #47, I’m 25 and racing in the Thundersport 600 elite. It all started at the age of five my parents bought me a motocross bike and from there it all began. 

In 2004 I entered my first race on an 85cc supermoto and finished mid table, learning a lot and realising this was something I really had a passion for. I spent a few years between motocross and supermotos entering races and doing quite well with the odd podium finish. 

It wasn’t until 2008 I had my first experience on a road bike which just so happened to be on track, my first ever track day…I was on a 2006 Triumph Daytona 675 and thoroughly enjoyed the speed, and thrill of it all. 

2009 saw me getting my ACU license on the same 675 I’d ridden the previous year which quickly saw me entering my first races. In 2010 at Mallory Park with New Era, my first race I finished third, something I’m really proud of and still owed a trophy! 

My next race at Snetterton saw me finish 4th or 5th. I really enjoyed it all and so I got the bug from there. In 2011 I really started racing, I entered the HotTrax Club on my 675 super sport, 2011 was a year of learning. I crashed a lot but always got back up knowing I still had lots to learn and it was my drive and passion that kept me going. 

In 2012 I entered the Michelin power cup which actually saw me stay there for two seasons with some achievements I’m proud of. In 2012 I averaged a 4th or 5th finish with three podiums. In 2013 I had won every race until three quarters of the way through the season I broke my leg at work. 

With my leg healed I entered the Thundersport in 2014, which was to be a painful year. I was averaging a 4th place finish through the season until I crashed again due to oil on the track, another broken leg. 2015 was filled with ups and downs in Thundersport. 

I was really excited to be offered a ride on a Ducati 1198, being offered to race such an exquisite machine is enough to fill anyone with joy but it didn’t all go to plan. The first race of the season the bike wouldn’t run and the fuel pump packed up on the spare bike so I pulled the trusty Triumph out the van and rode that all weekend. 

Will working on the 675R at Donington Park - March 2017

The second round I was back on the Ducati but had a bad crash in practice, towards the end of the start finish straight either the engine seized or the brakes completely locked and threw me off the bike. This was a big knock for my confidence. It was after this I was also made redundant. Looking back I believe this helped me get to where I am now though, and I’m proud of that. 

Between the second half of 2015 and the start of 2016 I spent a lot of time riding motocross and I even entered some endurance races. One that springs to mind was a 10 hour endurance race and the team I was riding with finished 8th out of over 80 teams! That was awesome. 2016 saw me back in Thundersport, this time in the elite class on my 2013 Triumph Daytona 675R, which was supposed to be my dad’s track bike – thanks dad! I really struggled in the first few rounds and didn’t score any points, everything was a learning curve which is something I really enjoyed."

Will's Triumph Daytona 675R waiting to be unleashed at Donington Park - March 2017

Close ups of Will's 675R

Close ups of Will's 675R

Close ups of Will's 675R

Close ups of Will's 675R

After learning more about the bike and improving his race craft, Will finished 3rd by the end of the season. It was this season he achieved a new 600cc lap record for Rockingham, and still holds it! 

Will White 47 attacking Donington Park - March 2017

"Getting the lap record meant so much to me, I couldn’t stop smiling for days, even now it brings a smile just thinking about it" says Will.

"For the 2017 I’m still on board my 675R, and my aim is to win the Thundersport Elite 600 Championship. For me it’s not about chasing trophies though, it’s the pure thrill that reinforces why I do it.

Will's 675R posing for a photoshoot in the paddock at Donington Park - March 2017

Will White 47 Racing has several sponsorship opportunities available and we’re working with him to help achieve the best he possibly can. If you, your business or anyone you know would be interested in helping Will and promote their company at the same time – please get in touch with us via email and share this amazing opportunity for the 2017 race season.

Our email address is: birotaruk@gmail.com 

We’re helping Will secure sponsorship by the end of April 2017. So be quick!

Keep an eye out for an insight to his racing season here: 

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Cover-Zone Apollo Motorcycle Cover Review

Cover-Zone Apollo Motorcycle Cover Review

We already know that motorcyclists who keep their motorcycles outdoors have a huge choice of waterproof protective covers. We know that those that have the luxury to keep their motorcycles indoors, use a cover that they used to have for when they used to keep their bikes outside. Those that have always kept their bikes inside a garage are lucky b@stard$ probably use an old bed sheet. But we’ve noticed that although there are many brands that sell generic covers that claim to be waterproof, the choice of high quality, fitted covers (for indoor or outdoor use) is actually limited. 

You’ve already done the research. You can spend anything from £12.99 to £300+ on a motorcycle cover.

Over the years, we’ve found it's really difficult to find a cover that:

1. Fits properly
2. Is actually waterproof
3. Is breathable
4. Is high-quality
5. Is safe for the paintwork and is functional.

Are we being too picky? Should we be satisfied with the Chinese imported options available on the market? Or are you the same…? We all just want to protect our bikes from the wonderful UK conditions that we are exposed to.

It is for that exact reason that we have been working with the UK leader in vehicle cover technology, to show you, what we believe to be one of the best motorcycle covers on the market today. We are also excited to share with you, that as BirotarUK follower, you can make the most of a 15% discount with a discount code.

Cover-Zone are a UK based cover specialist that can produce covers for almost any vehicle. Yes, even Vans, Trucks, and hair-dresser convertibles like @Birotar_Jonjo’s 325ci. We are particularly interested in the motorcycle kind, of course.

Left the BMW bike at home, took the BMW car. I've never been so German in my life. #notalwaysonabike #birotarukbehindthescenes #bmw #e46 #drift

A photo posted by Jonjo (@birotar_jonjo) on Dec 3, 2016 at 7:37am PST

Here, before you, you can see the Cover-Zone Apollo. A highly technical, nano-coated out door/indoor fitted cover.

What you will notice almost immediately is that we said the cover is fitted, but it doesn’t look fitted in the picture – that’s because this is a sample cover and the measurements were made when the #Bthou was in track mode with no mirrors and was sitting on a different set of stands.

Moving on. This cover is made bespoke to your motorcycle dimensions and it is UK made. Cover-Zone has designed the Apollo to be high quality, breathable but with maximum protection against the harshest conditions.

The Apollo is constructed from a military spec fabric, in the UK, that is adorned with a Teflon coating – allowing water to simply bead off.

The Cover-Zone Apollo specs:

Fully Breathable
Fully Waterproof
Suitable for all seasons
UK made to order
Fully Tailored Stretch Fit
12 Month Warranty
Non-scratch fittings
Double Stitching
Security Storm straps

Before you read any more, you should know that the covers are made in the UK. Wait, have we already said that?  Our point is that it is not made in China. There’s nothing wrong with China – in fact, without the Chinese covers, these covers wouldn’t be as good. Our point is that because it’s made on these shores, you can expect the standard of your cover to be above standard. Because of this, it can take up to 2-3 weeks for your bike cover to be tailor made and delivered.

Cover-Zone Apollo Review – Test by BirotarUK

We have tested the cover for the last 1 month on our GSXR 1000.

The cover comes in a robust carry/storage bag. Immediately you will notice how soft the Apollo is to the touch. At first it appears to be like a windproof soft-shell, but you soon realise that it is much more than that. There is no mistaking which side is the outside thanks to the contrasting red and black colours (which can be customised at the order). Fitting the cover to the bike is not as easy as a baggy storm/plastic cover, but then again, this means that it doesn’t flap around all over the place as soon as the wind picks up!

The cover is made up of three layers. The outer layer is a knitted microfiber polyester that provides strength and resistance to weather damage. The second layer is a special waterproof layer that prevents water molecules from passing through whilst still remaining breathable & the inner layer is an ultra strong non-scratch layer to go against the bike fairings, fittings, offering cushioning and further protection. These are all huge benefits over the competition. 

One of the many features we like about the cover is that once you have it fitted on the bike, you can put your chain lock through the robust loops to secure the bike and the cover together. Could this be another form of safety device? 

Once, the cover is buckled under the bike, you’re done. The cover is fitted. And it looks awesome! 

Condensation is natural and will build up as the sun rises and warms the air around the bike but thanks to the breathable nature of the fabric, the majority of the condensation escapes.

The waterproof coating prevents water from wetting the bike – which is what you need when the bike is kept outside.

We asked the technical team at Cover-Zone about covering the bike after a ride, and their advice is to leave the bike to cool down first. If you must cover it, then cover most of the bike, leaving the majority of the exhaust exposed to allow heat to escape.

So what do we think of the Apollo? We love it. We only ever tell you about products we believe in and trust to own and use our selves. This is a premium motorcycle cover that will protect your bike and we’re super excited to be providing BirotarUK followers with a discount code to get 15% off.

Not sure if this cover is for you? Because you keep your bike indoors, or because you have a race bike that lives in a unit or in the back of your van?

Well that's alright because Cover-Zone can help you also. Check out their indoor cover: the 'Kalahari'.

Here it is, Cover-Zone Apollo 15% off code: BIR217A.

If the Apollo isn't for you, but you don't want to miss out on a discount, don't worry - BirotarUK and Cover-Zone are going to look after you with 10% off any other cover on their website with the following code: BIR217S
To find out more, or to purchase the Cover-Zone Apollo, visit the Cover-Zone website. 

Let us know if you have any questions and enjoy!

Honda CB500 - post crash photographs

Honda CB500 - post crash photographs

The BirotarUK CB500 

August 13th 2016, Snetterton 300 Circuit. The sun is shining, motorcycles are screaming past, and banter in the pit lane fills the air. The exact recipe for the start of an awesome track day. Little did we know, it wasn't going to be that awesome.

We believe that there are few things in life that match the emotion a rider experiences on track. And even fewer match the emotion of reaching the limit on a motorcycle.

Here's a short video filmed by @Tom_Rides on his R6 following @Birotar_Max  on the CB500!

Here's some footage of the CB500 being chased. Cheers @tom_rides for the footage and @birotar_max for flying on the bike! ••••••••••••••• Facebook/birotarUK Twitter @BirotarUK Birotaruk.blogspot.co.uk ••••••••••••••• Tag your pictures with #BirotarUK to feature. Follow us for regular updates. ••••••••••••••• #bikersofinstagram #pistonaddictz #bikelife #sportsbike #sportsbikelife #stickers #instamotogallery #ktm #kawasaki #triumph #yamaha #feature #ukbikelife #ukbikers #universalbikers #performance #photooftheday #acecafe #suzuki #ducati #follow #honda #helmet #cb500 #bmw #bikelife #r6 #aprilia #modified #like

A video posted by BirotarUK (@birotaruk) on Aug 16, 2016 at 8:00am PDT

Birotar Max and the CB500 at Bedford Autodrome

Four laps into session three at Snetterton, on the entry to Oggies, Birotar Max was just about take Birotar Jonjo on the outside.

The CB500 had enough of being spanked around a circuit though, so it decided to let go of all the grip on the rear and catapult Birotar Max into a collar bone braking high side (it had nothing to do with Max running out of talent!). The limit was reached.

Here are the post crash photographs that show some of the damage on the CB500. Our plan is to strip the bike, assess the damage and start making repairs. 

The good news is the bike starts and runs. Let the fun begin!

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed it.

BirotarUK 

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Dainese D-Cyclone Gore-Tex Jacket

Dainese D-Cyclone Gore-Tex Jacket

This is the latest Gore-Tex jacket from Dainese, and it has been designed to keep you comfortable in any climate. The D-Cyclone comes with a new laminated Gore-Tex shell, guaranteed to keep the water out whilst allowing moisture to evaporate through the jacket. A removable thermal liner and collar means you can wear this jacket all year round, in any weather condition.

The front of the Dainese D-Cyclone

What’s special about laminate Gore-Tex? Well, it won’t retain water in the fabric like other non-laminate Gore-Tex textile jackets. Meaning that when you're exposed to the worst conditions, the water will just run off, like water off a ducks back as they say. For the rider this means after a long (or short) ride in the rain, a quick shake of the jacket and it will be dry again ready for the next ride. No need to hang it up to dry over night, and no damp smell the next day! For those using this jacket on tour, it means you’re less fatigued at the end of the day, since the jacket isn’t absorbing water, it will remain light, whatever the weather.

The inner lining of the Dainese D-Cyclone

The jacket comes with the usual comfort features you can expect from the latest Dainese range, these include;

• Removable inner collar
• Removable thermal liner
• Air vents on the chest and back
• Waist adjustment
• Neck adjustment
• Wrists adjustment

The jacket comes with CE approved arm, shoulder and back protection. The Wave G2 back protector is included with the jacket, however we feel it’s a bit short to offer full lower back protection. The external material of the jacket is quite thick and remains stiff, offering high levels of abrasion resistance.

The external shoulder detail of the Dainese D-Cyclone

What we like about the jacket is the four fully waterproof pockets; two external and two internal with plenty space for phone, wallet, passport and any other small objects you may want to carry. It offers a comfortable fit with lots of adjustment - we didn’t feel the need to go up or down a size here (our usual size 52 fit very well). The thermal layer certainly keeps you warm without inducing a sweat thanks to Gore-Tex technology. The jacket-to-trouser fastening system has a good amount of stretch to it making for easy fastening to any of the trousers in the Dainese range.

Internal pocket demo of the Dainese D-Cyclone

We found the jacket quite stiff! With the strategically positioned elasticated areas it isn't tight on the body, it just seems to be the laminate material that may need some time relax. This is fine when you're roaming around off the bike but when riding a sports bike we found this stiffness quite restrictive in the shoulder area. On the flip side, when riding an adventure style bike, the jacket felt slightly more relaxed and it was something we could live with it until it softened up. That could take a week or a month depending on how often you ride.

A demo of the stiffness on the back of the Dainese D-Cyclone

The jacket does come with a big price tag, £679.99 to be exact. Still breathing? Good. It does sound expensive, but it really is an investment guaranteed to keep you warm and dry whatever weather you choose to ride in. For the price we'd have liked to see a removable thermal Dainese fleece or soft-shell like the one that can be found in the Sandstorm jacket. 

Compared to a similar spec jacket like Rukka for example, Dainese comes out on top in terms of style.

IG: @Birotar_Jonjo posing in the Dainese D-Cyclone

For those looking to invest in a textile jacket for use 365 days a year, and for many years to come this jacked would not disappoint. 

To purchase you can visit Bike Stop online or in store.

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed it.

BirotarUK 

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Ducati 749S

We're back with another installment of our #teaBreakreview - approx read time under 5mins 

There’s always been something special about a Ducati, the iconic red colour and that unmistakable dry clutch rattle. We decided to take the plunge into Ducati ownership and see what all the fuss was about. 

Ducati sitting pretty at Bedford Autodrome

Official Specs

Max power: 116 bhp
Max torque: 60 ft-lb
Top speed: 150 mph
Tank range: 148 miles (Big lies here!)
Weight: 186kg
Seat height: 780mm

Our Ducati was the Ducati 749S Monoposto, a single seat version of the Ducati 749S. As with buying any Ducati, full service history is a must have. But then again, the cost of the services may make you think twice. Ours has a full Ducati, and Ducati specialist service history with some services amounting to well over £700! It’ll be worth it – right? 

The 749S has one of the most aggressive riding positions we’ve experienced. Low bars, stiff suspension and a poor excuse for a seat makes for a very uncomfortable ride on our lovely British roads. Initially we had real trouble with the handling of the bike. After reading much about the wonderful chassis, it just wasn’t living up to what we had hoped so we took a trip over to Race Engineering and after they adjusted the setup it was like riding a new bike. Confidence inspiring, stable and incredible handling around corners. The only 'problem' now was the fuel consumption - at about 100 miles to a tank it was quite thirsty considering the official specs suggest we could achieve 150 miles!

Always getting attention

You can always hear a Ducati in the distance and the 749S is no different. With a full Termignoni exhaust system, the bike really did command a presence attacking all senses. If you own a Ducati with a dry clutch, you know it's not long before someone tells you it sounds like a ‘bag ‘o nails’. We laugh and say we think it just adds character.

Many people have reported the clutch as very snatchy on the 749S, but we didn’t find it much different to any other bike we’ve ridden. Although we were running a freshly uprated clutch.

Enough torque to catapult you out of corners

The 749s packs a real punch low down but really lacks at the top end of the rev range. It takes quite a while to get used to when coming from a screaming Japanese inline four. One of the nice additions you get with the S version is full Brembo brakes and these are still the best we’ve felt in a long time, great feel and loads of confidence when you’re late braking on track.

As mentioned earlier, the 749S was a real struggle on the road, uncomfortable and bone shattering so we thought we would take it on track to see what this race pedigree was really made about. With the full Termignoni system booming we’re still amazed it past the noise test, the sound tester did have a smirk though…

Coffee runs made special on the Ducati

The 749S really comes to life on track, with loads of torque to throw you out the corners and amazing brakes begging you to brake later. The handling is made sublime after a suspension set up, it’s a bike designed for the race track. Being a V twin, the back end could get quite lively when hastily shifting down before entering a corner but there was so much feedback from the chassis it felt natural and very controllable.

The Ducati at home on the race track

Overall the Ducati was a great bike for the track, but it was just too much for the road and certainly too expensive to keep just for the track. Where ever we went the 749S got attention – maybe we should have kept it as an ornament!?

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed it.

BirotarUK 

#BirotarUK

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