Sport Bike Law

If you are searching for used cars Newcastle, then there are several alternative ways to go about it.

Before the days of the internet there were only two options. You could traipse around the very many used car dealers in and around the city and its suburbs visiting showrooms and forecourts until you found something you like and in your price range. This would always be a hit and miss affair as you would never known whether your next visit would yield a better buy than the current one or if you should really retrace your steps as the car you saw two hours ago was really the best one you had seen all day. There is no realistic strategy to such a random search and the likelihood is that you would end up with a non-optimum vehicle for your needs.

The other option was the classifieds. You could buy some local newspapers and scour the classified ads in the motors section or alternatively you could buy a publication such as exchange and mart. This would help you to find private sellers as well as car dealers who were selling vehicles that met your criteria, but quite often all the best buys would go quickly and many of the classified ads would be out of date.

Fortunately that is now all in the past as the internet has taken the strain on your behalf. Today you can find highly sophisticated websites with the latest technology search engines and databases that can locate a car for you literally at the click of a button. One such site is motors UK. Just go to the site an enter your postcode and information on the type of car you are looking for, you can be as general or as specific as you wish, and the site will find large numbers of them in Newcastle and the region along with detailed information on the cars and how far away they are from your location.

The Aprilia Dorsoduro is a motocross style bike in appearance. The bike that was once more associated with the dirt track is now set to make an impression on the daily commute. The popularity of these bikes as road bikes has risen drastically in recent years.

It may seem unusual that these bikes have made the transition into every day usage so easily, but their ability to channel immense amounts of torque into their large wheels and the high seating position offering control and visibility, means that they fair very well on our roads.

The previous model Dorsoduro has a powerful 749cc, 4 valve, double overhead cam, V-Twin engine which provides 92bhp. This bike made a big impact on the UK market. The seat is over 34inches off the road which some riders may find daunting but the bike is very light and nimble.

2011 sees the release of the mighty 1200cc Dorsoduro. It falls in the Supermotard category. It produces 130hp and accelerates above 125 mph easily. Traction control helps to make the Dorso 1200 much more manageable. Anyone who loved the 750 will find this bike incredibly satisfying.

The Aprilia has a tri-map ride by wire system from which you can choose different modes of performance. Sport mode is obviously the most responsive but might not be always suited to everyday road use. Touring and Rain modes are also available with Touring being the best option for road use.

The front and rear suspension are adjustable and the braking is sensitive and assuring.
The fuel tank is small as naturally the bike is not naturally made for cruising long journeys. The market will be mainly for commuters.

For a biker who wants a different kind of biking experience full of torque and quickly transferred explosive power the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 could be an interesting investment.

Everyone knows that prior to taking a motorbike onto the road or even investing in such a vehicle, you must look into good insurance cover.

However insurance premiums can vary dramatically and choosing the correct policy can be a little tricky for new bikers.

The pricing of policies varies due to a number of factors, these may include your area, your age, your experience, the age of your actual bike, your excess cover, your driving claims history, security and desirability and if you have in fact received any training. Some drivers are able to receive good discounts on their policy cover if they have taken extra measures to ensure that they are a better driver, such as advanced tests and enhanced driver schemes.

The younger you are the more costly your insurance cover will be, this is mostly due to the fact that you have little experience on the roads, meaning your hazard awareness may be quite poor and therefore accidents are often more common amongst younger drivers.

The age of your motorcycle won’t make a significant amount of difference to your cover, unless of course it is an extremely old bike. You may therefore be able to look into classic insurance.

The size of your vehicle makes a big difference to the less experienced driver, however it won’t greatly affect the insurance cover of those who are more experienced, as controlling a bike with more power won’t be a problem for them.

Where you live plays a huge part in your cover and takes elements such as how much traffic there is and if there is a high crime rate in that particular area into consideration. It is more common for a motorbike to be stolen from your home than a car, if you do not have theft insurance then the insurance company will become liable for any third party claims, which in turn will increase your rates.

The less chance there is of the motorbike being stolen, the less it will cost to insure, it is therefore worth looking into keeping your bike in a locked garage when not in use or investing in some kind of approved security system.

Investing in a quality motorbike insurance policy often comes at a premium, but the reassurance you receive is much greater than with a cheap motorbike insurance.

Woman Urges CPS To Be Tougher After Uninsured Driver Escapes Ban

Serious injury lawyers from Irwin Mitchell urge motorists to drive more carefully after victim suffers “life changing injuries” in crash

A woman who was hospitalised for eight days when she was knocked down by an uninsured driver is urging the CPS to be tougher on those who commit driving offences. Her call comes after the driver that caused her injuries escaped without a driving ban.

Jane Pratt, aged 50, from Wakefield, was left with a string of injuries including fractures to her skull, pelvis and ankle when she was run over on a zebra crossing in Bradford Road on 7 December 2010.

Even though a judge at Batley and Dewsbury Magistrates court ruled that the driver, who was driving his uncle’s car and was uninsured, was at fault for the crash, the judge was unable to hand out a driving ban because the driver had only been charged with careless driving.

Serious injury experts from law firm Irwin Mitchell are working to secure a rehabilitation package for Mrs Pratt who is still suffering from her injuries six months after the accident.

She said: “I will have to live with my injuries forever when the man who caused my injuries was allowed to continue to drive and get on with his life as normal. It’s just unfair.”

Charlotte Foster, a solicitor in the Serious Injury team at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Mrs Pratt suffered life changing injuries as a result of an accident that was in no way her fault, and no matter what penalty the driver received her injuries could never have been reversed.

“Motorists need to remember they have a responsibility to drive carefully and safely, and must be aware that all too often dangerous driving results in disastrous consequences for the victims.

“Reckless driving demonstrates a complete disregard for the safety of others and puts the lives and wellbeing of innocent people at risk.”

Further details of the case can be found in the Irwin Mitchell Media Centre at http://www.irwinmitchell.com/news/Pages/Woman-Urges-CPS-To-Be-Tougher-After-Uninsured-Driver-Escapes-Ban.aspx.

About Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell is passionate about the law and providing clients with the very best legal advice and guidance.

Currently employing 2,200 people in the UK, the solutions are tailored to the individual needs of each case; from personal injury claims, through to advice about professional negligence.

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Legal advice, law, serious injuries, personal injury, claims, compensation, motoring, crime

Mark Duffell
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Mark.Duffell@IrwinMitchell.com
0870 1500 100

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Motorcycles are the least common type of vehicle on the roads in the United Kingdom. The Brits fancy a strong sturdy car or the occasional red double decked bus. To own and ride a motorcycle in the U.K., one has to adhere to strict and stringent rules. There are two types of legal compliances. The first type is those that the rider must adhere to. The second type is the legal requirements that the vehicle must comply to.

For the rider, he or she must possess a motorcycle license. Only those aged 17 years old and above are allowed to apply for the provisional driving license. To obtain a motorcycle license, the individual must complete the compulsory basic training. The successful completion of the compulsory basic training will be rewarded with a DL196. With the DL196, the eager rider can now pursue the theory and practical tests. The DL 196 expires in two years. To avoid retaking the compulsory basic training, the rider would need to pass both theory and practical test within the two years.

Before the motorcycle can hit the roads, it requires a registration document called the VRD which contains details like the model of the vehicle, the year or registration, engine type and size. The vehicle license or also known as road tax is required to be displayed on the vehicle. The road tax fee varies according to the engine size. A 150cc engine will have a lower fee as compared to a 600cc engine. The road tax can be obtained from the nearest post office.

In the United Kingdom, there are a few types of motorcycle licenses designed for different motorcycle types and sizes. They also differ with the rider’s age. The 3 types of UK motorcycle licenses are as follows:

Light motorcycle licence (A1)

The A1 license is the only legal licence for minors above 16 and below 17. With this license, you will be allowed to ride a bike powered not more than 25kW, which is normally around 50cc and classed as a moped. Its design speed is usually not more than 50km/h.

Restricted standard motorcycle licence (A)

For beginners, you will be entitled to sit for the restricted license test at any age. It is also the only A license option you have if you are below 21 years of age. In the test, you will be examined on a 125cc motorcycle. After obtaining the license, you will be restricted to a motorcycle not exceeding this size for two years. Some riders above 21 still opt for this type of license as they are more at ease with smaller motorcycles and do not intend to ride larger ones. With this license, you will be allowed to ride a motorcycle not greater than 33bhp.

Unrestricted standard motorcycle licence (A)

For those above 21 years of age, you will have the opportunity to take the unrestricted motorcycle test. Upon obtaining the unrestricted A license, you are allowed to ride a motorcycle of any size legally. The test will be taken on a bike over 33bhp and around 500cc. Acing the test means you will be able to purchase bikes without any restrictions.

There are a few traffic regulations regarding pillion riding on motorcycles. Here is a synopsis of the main and common regulations for you to gain knowledge within minutes.

* If you are a holder of provisional motorcycle or moped licence, apart from being banned from riding on motorways and riding without L or D plates, you are also not allowed to carry a pillion passenger.
* After taking a test on a bike of engine capacity of 75-125cc and obtaining a full light motorcycle licence (A1), you are allowed to carry a pillion passenger and pull a trailer.
* Your motorcycle should be adapted to be able to carry a pillion safely, meaning it must have a rear seat and foot pegs for a passenger.
* On a motorcycle, only one passenger is allowed to ride on the pillion seat.
* Both rider and pillion should wear a safety helmet.
* The pillion should sit astride facing the front throughout the ride.
* There is no age restriction on pillions, but any pillion should be big enough to hold on while riding, able to sit astride with their feet on the footrests and able to comprehend and follow your instructions.

Failure to follow the above regulations will result in legal offences. Though some issues may not be covered by pillion laws, some behaviour may cause you to be convicted as the authorities will decide that it is dangerous to carry a pillion under certain circumstances, resulting in prosecution for dangerous riding.

Usually the rider is the one to be prosecuted, though sometimes it is possible for the pillion to be prosecuted if they were at fault. If you are found guilty, you will face a fine up to 1000 pounds, 3 penalty points as well as discretionary disqualification from riding.

In the UK, many youths rush at the opportunity to get a motorcycle license the moment they come of age. However, before that, new license takers need to understand the following requirements in order to obtain a full motorcycle license.

First of all, you should get a provisional motorcycle license. There are two types of provisional licences, namely:

Provisional moped license (Group P) which can be held from 16 years old without time limit. Holders are not allowed to ride with speeds exceeding 50km/h. Their mopeds should have an engine capacity less than 50cc, and weigh less than 250kg. It can be de-restricted to become a motorcycle licence.

Provisional motorcycle license (Group A), can be held by anyone from the age of 17 years old, with time limit. Those issued after 1st February 2001 expire when the holder turns 70, while those issued before that are only valid up to 2 years. A learner’s motorcycle allows engine capacity up to 125cc and a power output up to 11kW.

Only if accompanied by a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate, then a provisional license holder will be able to ride on public roads with an L plate or D plate. If you want to upgrade your provisional licence to a full motorcycle licence, you will have to obtain a pass in a motorcycle theory test as well as a practical test. Only then will you be able to obtain a light motorcycle license (A1) or a standard motorcycle license (A).

The A1 license is obtained through a practical test on a bike between 75-125cc. With it, you can ride any bike below 125 cc and 11kW. The A license, obtained with a test motorcycle of 120-125cc, allows you to ride a bike up to 25kW with a power/weight ratio below 0.16kW/kg.

Before obtaining a full motorcycle licence, all riders would have to undergo a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) test. It was introduced by the UK Ministry of Transport in 1991 for provisional licence holders; it is now a legal requirement for all learners no matter what type of licence they possess.

The CBT certificate has a 2 years validity and is obtainable from an Approved Training Body (ATB) after completing the course of training. Without a CBT, provisional license holders are not allowed to hit the roads on two wheels. You will also be refrained from motorcycle insurance until you obtain a valid CBT certificate.

Compulsory Basic Training is designed to cover motorcycle controls, manual handling, routine daily checks, protective wear and equipment as well as riding techniques such as starting, stopping, changing of gears, turning (left and right), observation and signalling, and controlled emergency braking. An introduction regarding defensive riding and a talk of road using will also be provided. You will also undergo a practical on-road riding through a variety of obstacles and hazards.

The training bodies will need to obey regulations such as the provision of fluorescent jackets as well as an off road student/instructor ratio of 4 to 1 and 2 to 1 on road. CBT training can be taken on various types of bikes, including mopeds and automatics, with the exception of three wheelers or bikes with a sidecar. Then, your CBT will be restricted to those bikes only.

After the CBT, get yourself a learner bike, insure it, and practice, then after passing a theory and a practical test, and you may then obtain a full motorcycle license!

MOT is the abbreviation for the Ministry of Transport, and sometimes it refers to the MOT test – Ministry of Transport test, an annual test to ensure the safety of automobiles, road-worthiness aspects and emissions. Any vehicles in the United Kingdom that are over 3 years in age and used on public roads are required to go through the MOT test. Any other vehicles can go through the MOT test too. It doesn’t matter whether they are unregistered at that time or temporarily imported.

Many local car repair garages are authorised to issue certificates after performing the MOT test and their employees are all trained and certified by the Department and Transport and VOSA. They have their own licensed MOT testing centres as well. For motorcycles, there are 2 test classes – Class I for motorcycles and mopeds below 199cc as well as Class II for motorcycles over 200cc.

Standard components covered by the MOT test include steering, suspension, lighting, emissions as well as safety in passenger transport. Whereas the individual tests cover the body and vehicle structure, seats and seat belts, mirrors, horn, steering, suspension, brakes, exhaust system and emissions, wheels and tyres, fuel system, lights, and the registration plates.

Before sending your bike for an MOT test, check your headlights, tail lights, indicator lights hazard warning system and reflector for any chips and cracks, and ensure that all are fitted and functioning properly. Also check to make sure that your wheels and tyres are suitable for road use and the tyres should not be worn. There should also be no leak in in the oil tank. These should reduce the fail risks in your test.

All riders must send their bikes for the MOT test, to ensure their own safety, as well as the safety for their passengers and other road users.