Streetbike gets Dainese…

 

Dainese the ultimate in motorcycle clothing…
Dainese worn by the ultimate motorbike racers…
Dainese the expression of Italian style, creativity & engineering…

And now

Dainese are coming to Streetbike in January 2012…

Without a doubt Dainese is one of the strongest brands in the motorcycle industry, and a brand that Streetbike have been trying to get for almost 15 years. A recent change in their European distribution set up finally gave us the opportunity we had been waiting for and we went for it !!!

12 months of hard negotiations culminated in Gary, Bob & Leanne making the trip to Dainese’s stunning Vicenza location in Italy last week to cross the T’s, dot the I’s, and select our initial stock, ready for you to drool over. 

But first they got the full tour from the amazing reception area, through the imaginative “back protector” styled showroom…

Everywhere they went they could see Dainese’s legendry quality and attention to the ultimate detail…

 

From cool handles to inlaid floors…

  

to innovative video display and the awesome building itself. It was everything you would expect from the top top brand that is Dainese.

So why January 2012 – simple we are going to gut the current clothing department and bring you something as amazing as the Dainese brand to house the collection of products - and that takes time. Time to plan, time to do, time to train all our staff, time to put together an amazing launch…

In the meantime here are a few things to wet your appetite…

 

 

 

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Yamaha announce 2012 Model Changes…

Now don’t get too excited folks - the chances of us actually being able to buy these before the second quarter of next year is, as yet unknown, but hey let’s dream a little shall we…

So, first up we have a whole slew of “WGP" 50th Anniversary Bikes…



You’ll eventually be able to get this colour scheme for…

Yamaha YZF-R1
Yamaha YZF-R6
Yamaha YZF-R125
Yamaha FZ8
Yamaha Aerox

Yamaha say’s…

“To celebrate half a century of success in Grand Prix racing, Yamaha has developed a limited quantity of exclusive ‘WGP 50th Anniversary White’ motorcycles and scooters.
Based on the classic colour schemes debuted on the YZR-M1 by Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies in 2011, this very special timeless livery is inspired by the famous red and white ‘speedblock’ design featured on Yamaha’s pioneering Grand Prix racing machines.”

Next up – Yamaha have created a new line of of matt grey machines with the inspired name of Grey Line.

You’ll eventually be able to get this colour scheme for…

YZF-R1
YZF-R6
YZF-R125
FZ8
Fazer8
XT1200Z Super Ténéré

Not all the bikes have images yet but here’s what Yamaha have made public…



Yamaha say’s…

“Giving off a subtle satin sheen, the Series Grey finish gives a whole new raw yet exclusive feel, and this eye-catching livery is aimed riders with an eye for style who appreciate the unique fusion of ‘back-to-basics’ looks with advanced Yamaha technology. 

Stylists have recognised for a long time that grey is one of the most effective colours when it comes to enhancing curves and highlighting flowing lines. Its low-reflective surface adds a new dimension to the appearance of the bike’s bodywork, and the neutral grey finish reacts differently with varying light levels to change the appearance of the machine.

Aimed at design-conscious riders who want a bold new look that challenges tradition and projects an understated and unique image, Series Grey will be offered as a limited-edition colour option.”

There are a few other models that have “new” colours for 2012

FZ1 Fazer – will be available in Competition White
YZF-R125 - will be available in Competition White and Yamaha Blue
YBR-125 – will be available in Mistral Grey

That’s your lot for colours – there are no new models in the On-Road range.

The only bike that has been updated is the YZF-R1 which has had the following tweeks…

New 6-mode Traction Control System
For the 2012 season the R1 is equipped with an advanced new 6-mode TCS (Traction Control System) which has been developed using feedback gained from the winning Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP racer.

The new Yamaha TCS constantly monitors sensors in the front and rear wheels, and when any rear wheel spinning is detected the system alerts the ECU which instantaneously adjusts the degree of throttle opening, fuel injection volume and ignition timing. With six settings plus an ‘off’ mode, the R1’s new TCS can be adjusted to suit differing rider requirements, as well as a wide range of surface and weather conditions - and when used in association with the existing three-mode Variable Map Function, the 2012 R1 offers a total of twenty-one engine set-up options.

Optimised ECU
In order to achieve a new level of driveability, the 2012 R1 also benefits from the fitment of a new re-mapped ECU. The revised mapping covers the degree of throttle opening for the YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle), as well as the fuel injection volume and the ignition timing functions. These changes to the ECU improve low to mid-range controllability and out-of-the-hole performance – which, in the real world, equates to stronger acceleration when powering out of slow corners, and better roll-on acceleration when overtaking.

New YZR-M1 style handlebar crown
Another YZR-M1 inspired feature on the 2012 R1 is its new handlebar crown, which is based on the design featured on the Yamaha MotoGP factory race bike. Manufactured from gravity-cast aluminium, this high-specification component underlines the machine’s quality feel and appearance.

Also new is the special relief pattern cast into the handlebar crown’s back face, which helps deliver an outstanding balance of rigidity to complement the handling characteristics of the compact short-wheelbase chassis.

Newly-designed footrests
For 2012 the footrests have been redesigned, and they now feature a modified tread pattern of cast aluminium protrusions which deliver improved feel and fit. This revised design enables the rider to shift their feet easily and quickly for more efficient body weight transfer when cornering.






New-look low-drag front cowl
A new-look front cowl is introduced for 2012, and as well as giving the R1 a more menacing ‘glare’, the latest low-frontal-area design offers improved aerodynamics. Compared to the existing model, the section beneath the two ‘eyes’ of the headlights has been opened, and a sharper line is created above the ‘eyes’.

The central nose portion of the cowl sits higher than the existing model, and the surfaces either side of the nose portion have been reshaped. Although relatively subtle, the combined effect of these changes is to refresh the face of the 2012 R1, while at the same time reducing drag.

LED position lamps and linear illumination
The new cowl is equipped with LED position lamps, and a new reflective finish is incorporated in the lower edge of the twin headlight assemblies to give an ‘eye line’ illumination effect when the position lamps are on. Together with the newly designed cowl, this linear illumination makes for a dramatic look, especially during night time riding.





Hexagonal silencer tail caps
The latest R1 benefits from new hexagonal silencer tail caps for an even sharper and lightweight look, while new protectors fit tightly around the silencers to give a more compact looking tail.








That’s your lot folks – no doubt we’ll be able to actually see these bikes in the flesh at the NEC Bike show BUT if you want a “WGP" 50th Anniversary Bike RIGHT NOW we have 3 in stock of current models that we have had painted by specialist Dream Machine…

We have...

Yamaha YZF-R1
Yamaha YZF-R6
Yamaha FZ6

 

Call the sales guys now for pricing…


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Crackin’ Night Chief…

The Guy Martin night here at Streetbike was an absolute blinder. Easily our busiest night event ever.

Our "door clicker" recorded 892 people but people were coming in through a second door which we didn't clock for over an hour. Some people stayed outside, away from the crowds. We're claiming a 1000 people thru the premises. It was mental for most of the night.

The police came twice. (Always a good sign). No problems at all.
Most of ‘em just wanted a photo with Guy!

We had bikes and cars parking over the road on the shops and on the pub car park.

Our live band was a top bunch of 13 year old kids from Henley Academy called "The Unknown”. This was their first proper gig, which Guy thought was ace. They rocked.



We had Mike playing his organ for MacMillan Cancer Research in between the band sets.
The full on "Phoenix Nights” effect. Awesome.

The event, with all your help, raised £1800 for our causes. (Macmillan and a local
appeal for a lad in the trade who had a bad "off" a couple of months ago). We feel
we could have raised more. We will address that next time. We will also be looking
at a new P.A system. Some people couldn't hear at the back. Mind you, we've not
had to deal with those sorts of numbers before and we didn't have much time for
rattling buckets.

And the man himself?

Mr Guy Martin was a total and utter star .......once we got him out the workshop :-))


He chatted, drank tea, signed autographs, drew the raffles and posed for hundreds
of photos with customers all night. He worked his absolute rocks off and didn't leave
until nearly 1.00am!!! After he had handed over the keys to new owners of 61 plate
bikes. Something they'll never forget. He, like the rest of us, looked absolutely
kn***ered at the end of it and he had a truck to MOT the next morning!!

We would like to thank everybody who supported the event. Thanks very much. We
never take it for granted. We're always grateful : -

Charlotte, Jonathan Martin from Suzuki GB and Mark Mc Carville @ TAS Racing for
arranging Guys attendance. You made a difference. Thanks.

For giving us raffle prizes...

Dave Mathers – Fowlers
Ade & Ade from Midwest
Steve Clifford – Feridax
Swampy - Oxford Products
Planet Knox
Toby from Nevis
Terry From Moto Direct

And also those Trade people who attended...

Paul De Lusignan, Tom Tanaguchi & Dan Lynch from Suzuki GB.
Steve Kenward from the MCIA .
From R & G - Alan Garrett
From Oxford Products - Swampy & Dean Spiller.
Kevin from Pro Bolt.

Thanks for your support. Hope you enjoyed the night.

And, in particular, thanks to all the Streetbike bods - who worked their
absolute nuts off on the night and the weeks running up to it.



Here's to the next one.....Rossi next anybody???

More pics on our Facebook page and our Flickr site.


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What a great Saturday August 27th was here at Streetbike…

So what went on then...
A few weeks ago we where approached by Russell’s’ Hall Hospital's Make a Wish team about a girl called Emma whose secret wish is to "Ride a Yamaha Motorbike".

 
Emma with her Mum and little bro…

Naturally we said we could help and, thanks to Steve in Training, Yamaha UK and you guys we arranged a really special day for her…

First up, Emma is old enough, and we’d checked with her doctors at Russells Hall, because we realised we could let her ride a Yamaha on her own in our training park out back.

So - after a quick safety briefing from Steve – she was off…



…and she was really good – so good we quickly arranged another surprise for her for later in the day…






Much as the Yamaha Giggle is well, a giggle – we were pretty sure Emma’s idea of a dream ride on a Yamaha involved something a little bit bigger…



So for the next part of the day Steve took her out for a two hour ride around some of the brilliant biking roads not far from us here at Streetbike…

Meanwhile back at base we’d been asking on Facebook & Twitter for as many Yamaha riders as possible to turn up to welcome her back…



Many Thanks to all those who did, despite the fact it rained for the entire hour before she came back !

As a thanks to those who did brave the weather and cheered her in, we asked her to pick her favourite Yamaha from those in the car park. Congratulations to Chris as she loved his blue YZF-R125 so he won the 10 years of Vale at Yamaha coffee table book.



But we hadn’t quite finished yet – we had a few presents from us and from Yamaha UK to help her remember her special day…

She really loved the jacket we’d given her to wear – imagine how thrilled she was when we let her keep it !!!

Plus many thanks to Yamaha UK who had sent up a really special goodie bag for her with 2 x coffee table books, a couple of bags, pens, stickers, mug, DVD and, a proper Yamaha race shirt.

AND – if that wasn’t enough, remember how we said she did really well on her taster session in the training ground…

We gave her a CBT training course as well…

Thanks to everyone who helped to make Emma’s wish come true…

Her Mum said on Facebook afterwards…

“I can't thank Streetbike enough for today. I haven't seen Emma smiling so much in a long time.”

PLUS…
Long time customer Mike played live all day and Chris, our Recovery Manager, set up his Karaoke and sang all to raise money for McMillan Cancer Support...



Thanks to those of you who dumped some money in the buckets and joined in the fun. We’re going to rattle the buckets again on Guy Martin Night this Wednesday – let see if we can fill ‘em ‘cause McMillan are such a good charity.

SO…
That was it - a day of giving here at Streetbike. Thanks to everyone who came along and supported these two great worthwhile events…

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Want to help raise money for the Jack McMahon Appeal…

Every year TT nut Peter Hogg goes to the island and takes, literally, thousands of photos…

Last couple of years we’ve uploaded the lot to our StreetbikeUK Flickr site for you to enjoy too…

This year Pete’s picked some of his favourites, had ‘em blown up, and has given the lot to us to raise money for the Jack McMahon appeal…

All Pictures only £5 each…
Pick the picture you want…
Put the cash in the box in the Café…

Don’t worry about getting it home – we’ve got envelopes, just ask…

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Alex’s DL Adventure…

“You’re going where to do what ???”

Llandrindod Wells to pick up our New Suzuki DL650AL2 demo bike…

Rather than simply delivering the bike to dealers Suzuki decided to give 1 lucky bike sales team member from each of their dealers the chance to have a real experience of the bike under different riding conditions…

That’s why Alex was heading to Llandrindod Wells in remotest mid Wales.

Llandrindod Wells is actually the home to one of the largest and longest established time-card Enduros. Every year the town and surrounding area welcomes hundreds of riders, all there to experience some of the toughest and most scenic terrain and roads in Europe for the Welsh Two Day Enduro.



Better pack your pyjamas', a clean helmet and get on the train then Alex…



Nice gaff Alex – yeah, yeah it’s got a bar…



A HA a map – now you won’t get lost…



Base Camp – which ones ours Alex ???



This one - Oh yeah baby – looks good with the stickers on Alex…





Nice reservoir Alex…



Would this be number 2 on the handy map Alex ? It is – ACE !



Off Road Bit – better have a fag Alex and get your nerves up.
You last went off-roading when ??? Never !!! Oh you’ll enjoy this then !!!!
(Gary ! check the company insurance would you mate, we might need it….)

So after all that what did Alex actually think of the new Suzuki DL650AL2…

“I have to say the 2012 DL650A is just fab! By the time I'd arrived back at Streetbike I'd covered 186 miles and the fuel consumption was 62 MPG!....and there was 2 "blocks" left on the fuel gauge!

The bike felt extremely planted on the road, the handling was sublime and confidence inspiring to boot! The riding position was very comfortable and the new seat made a big difference. The screen being closer to the rider also made a vast improvement in reducing buffeting and overall wind noise. So overall a top bike that's going to be very popular with our customers and quite a few are booked in for demo rides already.

The Off Road experience was my first so I was apprehensive to say the least....particularly as I knew I'd got customer demo's this weekend! However, once I'd wobbled away and got going it was great fun! The DL felt stable and well balanced on the loose surface, and also demonstrated the smooth responsiveness of the new motor. I think the track chosen was a great way to demonstrate the off road capability of the bike and once I got to the end without any drama's I was very impressed!”

That’s what Alex thinks – what do you think. Call the guys, book a demo ride and let us know…

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Tamworth Trio Take a Ticket To Ride.

When the  Mott family decided they’d had enough of wasting time and money on their daily commutes, they turned to another Tamworth-ite to pave their way on to 2 wheels.

Steve Mott, from Perrycrofts and his two sons, Ben from Glascote and Sam from Stonydelph turned to Gary Marshall, formerly of Fazeley, to help turn their dreams into reality. Gary was the son of Ken Marshall, who ran Herald outlet “Marshalls News” on Deer Park estate throughout the 70’s and 80’s.

“I’d thought about getting a bike for my daily commute to Brum for years”, said Steve, “And when the two lads turned up at my house on their 125’s one day – that was it! ”

Ben and Sam might have lit the fuse under dad by turning up on their bikes but Steve took it a stage further by bypassing the smaller 125cc machines and going straight to training for his full bike licence and moving straight up to a bigger bike.

“At Gary’s Suzuki and Yamaha motorcycle showroom, Streetbike in Halesowen, they have a rider training school on site which meant I could train to my licence and get my 650cc Suzuki Gladius Motorcycle in one deal at one place.  I’d known Gary from his Marshalls News days which was important to me ‘cos when you’re doing something like this you need to trust the people you’re dealing with. The training was done safely and professionally and I was on my new Suzuki in a month”.

And the two lads – Well they weren’t having that, so they were straight on the phone to Gary to book their training too….and order their bikes at the same time.

Sam – “It was easy. Training , licence and bike in one deal. And the real clincher was Suzuki offering Comprehensive insurance for £99 on the bike I wanted”.

Ben – “Yes. It was a no brainer in the end. And the Suzuki SV650S bikes we’ve had are perfect “First Big Bikes”. Real fun to ride”.

And as for the benefits? Steve says.

“I’m now saving £40 a week and half an hour a day on my commute, which is great. But more to the point, it’s the change in lifestyle that’s the real deal.I don’t throw my briefcase across the room any more when I get home anymore, because I’ve just wasted an hour of my life in traffic. It’s just less stressful and more fun”.

A view totally echoed by the two lads. As Sam says,

“We got into bikes to save money and that’s been great but it’s the scene and people that will keep us hooked on bikes”. 

Gary says

“It’s been a great journey, keeping my Tamworth connections alive and getting the whole Mott family through their tests and on to bikes. It’s been an inspiration to us all at Streetbike. So much so, that we are now launching a whole “Ticket to Ride” programme where we manage the lot, from novice to licence to bike as safely, professionally and quickly as possible…with the emphasis always on safety. It’s already proving a hit”.

Let your mates know about Streetbike’s “Ticket to Ride” : All in One Deal – All in One Place

TRAIN – TEST – RIDE – ENJOY

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