Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Tip of the Week: Here’s Why It’s Hard To Spot Motorcyclists

By H&H Admin

There are many reasons why motorcyclists are not always visible to other road users; the main one is that too many motorists drive distracted.  

Another relates to the simple fact that human vision has limits and cannot easily detect small objects moving at high speed.  

If motorists had vision similar to that of a hawk, humans would be better equipped to identify small, fast-moving objects from afar, which would go a long way towards reducing incidents between cars and motorcycles. 

The thing is, a motorcycle takes up very little space on the road compared to a car, bakkie, truck, or bus. Coupled with speed, motorcycles not only take up a small portion of space on the road but also takes up a small portion of a motorists’ vision.  

If a rider is travelling at high speed, a driver may not register the rider’s presence until it seemingly ‘pops up from nowhere’.

The answer is for all road users to be vigilant at all times and aware of their surroundings.  Using Bluetooth and indicators (yeas, those stalks on either side of your steering wheel), go a long way towards keeping the road a safe space for motorcyclists, and other motorists.

Safety Tip Of The Week: Ride Within Your Comfort Zone

By H&H Admin

Know your abilities and make sure that neither your chosen route nor motorcycle is more than you can handle. 

Your bike should fit you, meaning:

  • You should easily be able to reach the handlebars and controls
  • Your feet should reach the ground 
  • Your bike shouldn’t be too heavy for you

Also, you should familiarize yourself with your intended route prior to starting your trip.  The better acquainted you are with how to reach your destination, the easier it is for you to focus on your surroundings and safety. 

Lastly, always ride within your comfort level regardless of whether you are in a group or riding solo.  

Tried & Test: 5 Things I Like About My GS Trophy Helmet

By Bongiwe Didiza

Wearing a helmet is one of the safest things motorcyclists can do;  and they really don’t come much better than the GS Carbon helmet range. 

I’ve spent the better part of 2021 riding off-road largely due to my participating in the GS Trophy 2022 qualifiers.  During that time my head gear of choice has been my GS Trophy inspired helmet, from the GS Carbon helmet edition.  Sleek and athletically designed, the GS Trophy helmet, looks ready for action both on tarmac as well as on gravel.  Here are 5 things I like about the GS Trophy helmet.

Lightweight, Comfy & Safe

Apart from its design, the first thing I noticed about the GS Trophy helmet was that it is quite lightweight, thanks to its 100% carbon-fibre reinforced plastic shell.  It weighs 1,450grams (with shield and dual visor) and is extremely comfy.  

I didn’t put its ability to absorb impact to the test as that would mean I would have taken a nasty fall. Rather, I believed BMW Motorrad when they offered that the GS Trophy helmet’s inner layer is made of multi-segmented expanded polystyrene which makes the helmet’s ability to absorb impact quite outstanding.  

Removeable Head And Cheek Pads

The GS Trophy helmet, (as with all the helmets in the GS Carbon collection), has removeable and washable head & cheek pads.  These are easy to detach and reinstall making cleaning the shell a breeze.  Plus, we live in an age where cleanliness is the key to good health so the removeable inner pads are quite reassuring.  

Three Dimensionally Curved Visor 

There are two visors fitted to the GS Trophy helmet.  The inner visor has anti-fog material which many riders will appreciate, while the outer visor has anti-scratch coating on both sides.  Best of all, the visor is very wide and helps immensely with peripheral vision.  Unlike with my other adventure helmets, I found that I didn’t have to turn my head very much to see what has happening around me.  

Removeable Chin Vent Flap

The GS Trophy helmet has an integrated dust filter and removeable chin vent flap both of which were handy in off-road and hot-weather riding.  I also found that the flap worked as a highly effective ventilation system.   Due to low-speeds used when riding off-road I often unfastened the flap so I could feel the welcome breeze on my parched face. Once on the tarmac, and because travelling speeds are much higher, I kept the flap in place to reduce the amount of wind from getting in and around my neck.

Removeable Peak

I’ve saved the best feature for last and you are probably surprised that the peak of the GS Trophy helmet gets special mention.  The thing is, after years of riding I have had more than my fair share of damaged peaks. Some simply couldn’t be screwed back on well enough to be as effective while others were damaged riding on treacherously rocky and slippery gravel.  As a result, I own more than one helmet and have learnt to use those without a peak for on-road riding and not to tamper with the peak on my adventure helmets.  Fortunately, the removeable peak means it can be replaced without incurring the cost of replacing the entire helmet. 

I later learned that the GS Trophy helmet is put through its paces in a wind tunnel to test how well it holds up in various riding scenarios such as wind and rain.  Having worn it over long distance rides, I can attest that my GS Trophy helmet has been aerodynamically designed to increase rider safety.  Even the integrated neck straps are scrutinised!  

Without a doubt the GS carbon helmet edition offers maximum rider safety and I absolutely enjoy it.  With all that riders have to contend with on the roads wearing the correct gear means one less thing to worry about.

Car Tip Of The Week: Look Out For Motorcyclists

Motorcycles are the most vulnerable on the road and there is a need for increased vigilance for motorcyclists, pedestrians and motorists.

Too many motorists who have hit and injured a motorcyclist claim that the motorcycle “came out of nowhere.” Because of its small size, a motorbike can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots.

Take an extra moment to look for motorbikes, when you are changing lanes or turning at intersections.

New on the Tarmac: Meet the BMW F 900 R & F 900 XR

BMW South Africa has recently launched the dynamic new Roadster F 900 R and the F 900 XR in the Adventure Sport segment.  In so doing, BMW Motorrad is further expanding its product range for the popular mid-range.

Both models offer sporty riding pleasure, straightforward handling and a unique range of equipment options, packaged to offer attractive value for money. Based on a powerful shared backbone, the two models differ significantly in terms of character and positioning.

The new F 900 R – the Dynamic Roadster for purist riding pleasure

Suitable for everyday riding, the new BMW F900 R is a dynamic roadster fashioned for self-confident, sporty and active bikers.   Aimed at experienced riders and newcomers alike, the new F 900 R’s aggressive design, sound, engine output and torque conveys an irresistible sense of freedom.

The new F 900 XR – a genuine “XR” for the mid-range

The F 900 XR boasts sporty riding dynamics combined with upright, GS-like ergonomics, outstanding long-distance and passenger suitability and a design that conveys a powerful sense of character.

The new F 900 XR also benefits from the technology transfer from the upper class: Adaptive Cornering Light and Keyless Ride are unique features in the mid-range.

In addition to sporty riders, the XR is also aimed at newcomers thanks to its low minimum seat height and attractive entry price.

Pic Courtesy of BMW SA

Technology benchmark in the segment

The two new models – the F 900 R and F 900 XR  – currently set the technological benchmark in the mid-range segment with their high-quality standard equipment (Connectivity, LED all round as standard) and their wide range of optional extras – in some cases unique in this class (including Adaptive Cornering Light, Keyless Ride, Dynamic ESA, Riding Modes Pro, Shift Assistant Pro, ABS Pro, engine drag torque control (MSR), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), and RDC.

Adaptive Cornering Light as a component of Headlight Pro, is unique in the mid-range and comes as an optional extra ex works

 

2-cylinder in-line engine along with new engine drag torque control

In the new F 900 R and F 900 XR, enhanced riding dynamics are ensured by the further development of the 2-cylinder in-line engine first introduced in 2018 in the F 850 GS.  While offering a particularly emotional sound, the engine produces 77 kW of power and 92 Nm of torque.

In addition to the standard anti-hopping clutch, the new F 900 R and F 900 XR can be fitted with engine drag torque control (MSR) for the first time. MSR prevents the rear wheel from slipping as a result of abrupt throttling or downshifting, thereby ensuring even greater safety.

Pic Courtesy of BMW SA

Two standard riding modes

The new F 900 R and F 900 XR already offer the “Rain” and “Road” riding modes as standard. The standard trim also includes ABS and ASC Automatic Stability Control, which  can be disengaged.

With “Riding Modes Pro” as an ex works option, the sporty characteristics of the new F 900 R and F 900 XR can be experienced even more intensively. The additional riding modes “Dynamic” and “Dynamic Pro”, Dynamic Traction Control DTC and banking capable ABS Pro are available, along with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and the new engine drag torque control (MSR).

Even greater safety is offered by the Adaptive Cornering Light as a component of Headlight Pro, which is unique in the mid-range and comes as an optional extra ex works. Here, the rider benefits from improved illumination of the road when cornering for even safer riding at night. All lighting units in the new F models are based on LED technology as standard.

https://heelsandhorsepowermag.com/new-on-the-tarmac-meet-the-new-bmw-s-1000-xr-taking-the-adventure-sport-segment-to-a-whole-new-level/

Readable colour 6.5-inch TFT screen with BMW Motorrad Connectivity 

The BMW Motorrad developers attached great importance to optimum readability for the instrument cluster – even in difficult lighting conditions. In addition, information diversity, display quality and user-friendliness are unmatched. The graphics on the screen are visually adapted to the sporty on-road world. Additional Core screens are available in conjunction with the optional Pro riding modes. The standard BMW Motorrad Connectivity is a unique feature in the mid-range, offering the ability to conveniently talk on the phone, listen to music or navigate while riding.

Cleverly designed ergonomic triangles for dynamic riding pleasure 

As a dynamic roadster, the F 900 R offers a particularly sporty, active seating position.

Meanwhile the F 900 XR offers an impressively active yet relaxed riding position for touring and travelling. The front fairing –  including an adjustable windshield – combines a sporty look with sound rider protection.

Various low and high seats along with the optional lowering feature also allow individual adjustment to various body heights.

Three powerful colour and style variants for an unmistakable sense of character

Three dynamic colour and style variants for the new F 900 R and F 900 XR ensure unmistakable characteristics.

The new F 900 R is available in Blackstorm metallic, San Marino Blue metallic and Style Sport in Hockenheim Silver metallic/Racing Red.

In addition to Light White, the new F 900 XR offers the two Style variants Style Exclusive in Galvanic Gold metallic and Sport in Racing Red.

Prices:

F 900 R        From   R164 700-00

F 900 XR     From    R169 100-00

Learning to master the 2-wheel

Gone are the days when bikers were predominantly male and an increasing number of women have steadily entered this space.  Vuyi shares why she too has pulled on a helmet an how her two-wheeled journey begun. 

 

I must have been about 9 years old when I first got close enough to a motorcycle to be able to touch it. My uncle Mo had rolled up the driveway on an incredibly loud piece of machinery with a grin on his face only rivalled by the one he had whenever there was a beer in his hand.  With great aplomb he had dismounted his iron horse and handed me his helmet. Fascinated but nervous, I remember slowly approaching the motorbike and studying it from headlamp to glistening tailpipe, before making a solemn promise to myself that I would one day command such a beast.  Fast-forward a decade or two (or three – who’s counting?!) and I have finally realised my childhood promise.  

For women from a conservative up-bringing the idea of taking up on two-wheels is most often interpreted as a form of rebellion.  Women are not quite expected to do that sort of thing.  Instead, we are moulded into soft-spoken care-givers whose lives are dedicated to the tireless service of others, not straddling a hulk of metal, wearing tight leathers! 

Some readers may argue that times have changed and indeed they have; however, culture and attitudes – not so much. In my view, this is one of the biggest reasons why many women may wish to, but dare not actualize learning how to ride.  Incidentally, the same highly raised eyebrows remain decisively in place when a woman rides pillion.  Perhaps holding onto a man for dear life, with one’s bosom pressed firmly against his back is what some understand as what’s meant by the saying “behind every man is a woman”.

My 8-valve, 2-cylinder, 40.2kW, 6-speed motorcycle has a large colour LED screen to display vital info and 22l of storage space. At just over 800mm from the ground its perfect for my 1.57cm (barefoot) self and being an auto means I won’t have to worry about accidentally shifting into the wrong gear but instead  allow me to focus on perfecting basic riding skills such as stopping without wobbling and accelerating from intersections without stalling the engine!

Most importantly, it will allow me to concentrate on safely navigating amidst motorists who unexpectedly change lanes or drive distracted.  For forecast for 2020 includes many adventures and happy memories but in order to live long enough to share those with you I urge all motorists to watch out for bikers.  We are people too and our loved ones expect us to get back home just as yours do. 

Vuyi regularly shares her biking experiences on @bikinginheels