Get on a bike to beat the budget blues and stay ahead of the traffic

Rising fuel costs and increasing congestion on South West Wales roads are just two of the reasons that more people are turning to motorcycles to commute.

As the annual New Year resolutions starting to fade why not make a new resolution to do something that you will find easy to stick to and get on to two wheels - a pleasure that can last you a lifetime.

Swansea is blessed with a wealth of motorcycle training companies, dealers and experts in the field so there are plenty of opportunities to take your first steps.

Already 21,000 people have booked their ride and the organisation are seeing a growing number of interest from women accounting for 34% of participants.

Training - For others who are ready to get stuck in or have lapsed or maybe only ever completed the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), now’s the time to reap the economic and social benefits of a powered two-wheeler and take their next step to completing their test and broadening your motorcycle experience.

Experience – More and more people are enjoying off-road adventures and over land travel experiences on bikes. There is a growing number of companies that provide tours to anywhere any everywhere from Canada to Africa, so for the more experienced rider who wants to see more of the world , now is the time to stop dreaming and start planning.

MCI’s Spokesperson CEO Steve Kenward said: “Motorcycles and scooters are the best way to beat the ongoing credit crunch and turn the daily commute into a joy.

"Two wheels will let you move through traffic, with ease. Not only that, in London they are exempt from congestion charge and can also use bus lanes, so you will save time and money every day, which is certainly something to smile about”

“If you want to make commuting more fun and economical, start this new year with a new approach, get on a scooter or motorcycle and join the 1.5million other converts.“

 

 

Rea completes ‘unbelievable’ MotoGP test

Rea was given the chance to test the RC212V as a reward for his efforts with the manufacturer in the World Superbike Championship, the Ulsterman joining Honda test rider Kousuke Akiyoshi in Malaysia.

Though the test was originally scheduled for three days, heavy rain on the third of those days would see Rea get another three hours on the bike the next morning.

Though no lap times were released by HRC, Rea – who is still recovering from a wrist injury - was thrilled to have gotten the opportunity to sample a MotoGPmachine.

"Riding the RC212V has been an unbelievable experience for me! A four days test is a dream that became true and I am really happy that HRC invited me here in Sepang. Yesterday the rain didn't allow us to be on track that much and we stayed one more day. I started feeling as though the bike is "my bike" and I had some good feeling riding it. 

“I hope I have been able to give to the engineers some useful comments, even if my physical conditions were not the best because my wrist is still not 100 per cent.

“Now I will have some rest for the end of the year, and then I will be focused on my job of 2011, the World Superbike Championship. Thanks again to everybody in Honda for the great experience!”