Dean Hemmings, Director of The Motorbike Shop, recently took part in the Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100. Upon completing the ride and in Dean’s own words, ‘if anyone wants a cheap bike, I’m selling mine!’.

Despite Dean’s less than positive, yet comedic view on his future career in road cycling, we here at The Motorbike Shop have huge respect for his incredible achievement. Dean spent a great deal of time and energy training for the almost impossible feat of succeeding in this challenge. And succeed he did.

The money he has so far raised is all for charity and, specifically, the Samson Centre for MS. In his own words, here is why both the charity and the ride are of such importance to him…

”Some of you may know, I like a challenge…..this one may be a step too far, but I’m in training and it’s for a [...]

Yamaha’s Sport Scooter range gets even stronger for 2017 with the arrival of the new X-MAX 300. Featuring iconic TMAX inspired styling and equipped with LED headlights as well as LED position and taillights – this dynamic new sport scooter arrives in dealer showrooms in March 2017.

Its powerful new 300cc engine has been developed to give you increased acceleration and top speed compared to the current 250cc model. And Yamaha’s advanced Blue Core technology helps to make this one of the most fuel efficient engines in its class.

Motorcycle-style double clamp front forks and the new chassis give class leading handling to the new X-MAX 300 model, as well as comfort to ensure weekday functionality with weekend fun.

Equipped with a Traction Control System, huge underseat storage for 2 full-face helmets (and more) and a Smart Key keyless ignition, this premium sport scooter reinforces Yamaha’s position as the leading brand in the sport [...]

With over 160,000 units sold in Europe – and having won the World Supersport Championship 3 times in the last 7 years – the YZF-R6 is on the record as being one of the most popular and extreme supersport bikes that Yamaha have ever built. Light, agile and fast, this iconic 600cc model is the number one choice with today’s go-getting thrill seekers who are looking to progress quickly through the supersport ranks.

To underline the company’s total commitment to the supersport segment – which remains a key ingredient in Yamaha’s sporty, race bred DNA – the leading Japanese manufacturer will introduce a radically styled new YZF-R6 for 2017, that has been created using some of the latest YZF-R1 derived chassis technology together with cutting edge electronics.

With newly developed low-drag bodywork and an aggressive look that bears [...]

The Dark Side of Japan never sleeps. Hidden by the infinite darkness, a dynamic force has evolved. With both of its eyes wide open, this seminal Hyper Naked is destined to see beyond the Dark Side of Japan. Featuring menacing new twin-eye LED headlights and a dynamic new style, as well as an A&S clutch and advanced electronics, the new MT-09 is ready to uphold the MT family’s honour.

Yamaha’s Sport Heritage models have truly captured the imagination of those riders who appreciate characterful motorcycles that combine authentic heritage with modern technology and timeless style.

Each one of these motorcycles has been developed using our ‘Faster Sons’ philosophy, in which we create exciting and individually styled bikes that pay homage to classic designs from our past while giving you modern performance and riding experience.

For 2016 Yamaha are set to expand their highly successful Sport Heritage segment with the arrival of new SCR950, a stylish and purposeful looking V-twin that captures the timeless spirit of the iconic street scrambler.

Back in the 1960s the street scrambler was the bike of choice for those riders who wanted a simple, stylish and rugged motorcycle that could rip it up around the city as well as handle weekend blasts into [...]

The exciting and addictive new Yamaha Tracer 700 has been developed from the highly successful MT-07 platform, and is poised to attract a new generation of riders by strengthening and reinvigorating the current Sport Tourer line up.

Forget any preconceptions you may have about the Sport Tourer class, because the new Yamaha Tracer 700 is one of the new breed of compact and agile models that come with an emphasis on sport. The Tracer 700 is an accessible and affordable Sport Tourer that is built to take you on an exciting new journey every day. Maybe you’re heading out for a quick back road blast after work – or preparing to take a long-distance tour. In any case the Tracer 700 will take you on your own roads of life.

The Tracer 700’s inline 2-cylinder 689cc engine has [...]

Widely recognised as the most prestigious awards in motorcycling, the 2015 MCN Award winners have finally been announced in today’s edition of Motor Cycle News. With Yamaha machines winning five of the most coveted categories and with Yamaha also being voted the MCN 2015 Manufacturer of the Year, the expert judging panel have recognised both the outstanding range of Yamaha two wheelers and the resurgence of the famous tuning fork brand.

Two different MT models have scooped the top prizes in their respective classes – with the MT-07 being voted as the winner of the Best Naked (middleweight) category for the second year running, while the top selling MT-09 Tracer was voted Best All Rounder by the judges.

Equally significant is the award given to the new NMAX 125 which has been voted the Best Scooter for 2015. [...]

The Faster Sons Philosophy

Yamaha’s Sport Heritage bike building philosophy continues to move forward and evolve. Sharing its strong belief in respecting the iconic styles and designs of Yamaha motorcycles of the past, whilst intending to push the boundaries of motorcycle technology to create amazing bikes with real character that never compromise on riding ability. Yamaha called this new philosophy ‘Faster Sons’, a name that tips its hat in respect to the bikes that came before, whilst also showing pride in the faster sons of today and tomorrow, because above all, we love to ride.

To give tangible proof of this philosophy Yamaha chose to work with legendary Los Angeles based Japanese bike builder Shinya Kimura. Kimura’s shared vision of the Faster Sons philosophy led to a collaboration to produce the ‘Faster Son’, a tangible, real world concept [...]

The new entry-level NMAX features a dynamic new bodywork inspired by Yamaha’s high-end sport models, and combines edgy styling with strong acceleration together with easy manoeuvrability and remarkable economy.

Aimed at younger and active city commuters who want a new kind of affordable premium scooter that appeals to the head as well as the heart, the new NMAX widens the reach of the Urban segment by blending high-end design with day-to-day practicality.

The NMAX’s compact and sporty chassis gives stable handling with ample agility. And for strong acceleration with low fuel consumption – 45.7km/litre WMTC mode – the new 125cc 4-stroke engine features variable valve actuation (VVA) with an efficient fuel injection system.

A significant feature on the NMAX is that [...]