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| 30 August, 2010 - France: One Motorcycle Racing Minister | Christian Estrosi, the current French Minister of Industry and Mayor of Nice, not only loves motorcycles (which is unusual for politicians), but he actually used to race them professionally, most notably in the MotoGP world.
He never won a MotoGP race, but did end up 2nd in the Bol d'Or, and even raced last year in the Legends race.
Now that's a Minister/politician after my own heart!
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| 25 August, 2010 - France: Motorcycle Rest Stops Bol D’Or 2010 | For those of you going to the Bol d'Or motorcycle endurancerace, and going by motorcycle, here are all the active motorcycle rest stops.
At the "Relais Calmos Motards" you will be able to rest between bikers, eat, hot drinks, check your tire pressure, minor repairs, etc.
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| 24 August, 2010 - France: Shocking Motorcycle Mortality 2009 | Deadly accidents in France during 2009 for motorcycle riders saw a dramatic increase, up 11.1%. A reason for the Minister of Interior to target all motorcycle riders in France with police actions.
But what they fail to mention, is that over the last 4 years, France recorded an increase of some 40% in motorcycles on the road, so on per-biker basis, mortality has gone down. And most accidents are caused by cars, not motorcycles.
But do they listen..... no!
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| 28 July, 2010 - France: The New Radar Warning Signs | This is the new radar warning sign in France. No longer do you get an advanced warning of an upcoming speed radar so you can slow down your motorcycle, but now all it tells you is that you are in a zone covered by a radar a few kilometers long.
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| 26 July, 2010 - iPhone: Best Motorcycle Roads In France | The guide to the best French motorcycle roads is now available on the iPhone as an app.
Some 100+ roads in France to ride your motorcycle on.
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| 9 July, 2010 - France: Road Mortality Rate Getting Better & Better | The French Ministry of Transportation published the safety figures of last month, and for the first 6 months of 2010.
Woow. Less and less people are being killed on the roads in France, even motorcycle riders.
So why all the new radars?
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| 2 July, 2010 - France: Cops Reward Good Drivers With Gasoline | This is one ticket I'd like to receive from the French police.
During the next 4 weekends, when France Inc. goes on holiday, the French cops in the Essone departement (=state) will be on the lookout not only for bad drivers, but also good ones.
50 lucky car or motorcycle riders will receive a ticket to get €50 worth of free gasoline.
Great idea... should work better than repression.
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| 23 June, 2010 - France: New Location Type For Radars Cameras | The French authorities, always on the look out for novel ways of parting you from your hard earned money, have found a new location for their radar cameras.
The first railroad crossing camera was installed this week, in Picardy (North France). They are hoping to catch 60 motorcycles and cars per day, at €135 per photo.
Obviously, placing barriers is not in our interest, since it doesn't generate money...
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| 21 June, 2010 - Paris: Motorcycles Are Problem #1 | The Paris police have released the 2009 mortality stats of the French capital city, and almost half of them are motorcycles.
But is that the whole story, or are the authorities hiding the real truth?
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| 16 June, 2010 - France: 18 June Another Day Of Motorcycle Protests | The French Federation of Angry Bikers (FFMC) is calling a massive motorcycle protest gathering on the 18 and 19th of June to protest the French government's lack of positive actions towards the motorcycle world.
One of the main points is to legalize lane splitting, something until recently tolerated, but now deemed illegal.
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| 14 June, 2010 - France: Cany-Barville’s Vintage Vehicles Market | At the small provincial town of Cany-Barville in Normandy, France, a few miles from my house, they held last weekend a rather large vintage cars and motorcycle swap-meet, spare parts and exposition gathering.
It was quite an interesting event, with some pristine classic cars and motorcycles.
Who ever said it was boring living in the country?
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| 14 June, 2010 - France: Declining Road Mortality In May 2010 | The road deaths for the month of May 2010 has dropped significantly, as have the first 5 months of the year.
Is this the result of strict driving rules, or is it that people take out their car or motorcycle less since it has become very expensive?
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| 11 June, 2010 - France: 4 New Motorcycle Safety TV Ads. New Campaign | The French government has come out with four new TV ads promoting motorcycle safety.
3 of the ads are targeted towards motorcycle riders, 1 towards car drivers. The ads are well done, showing you the perspective of the biker. Nice stunt work.
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| 10 June, 2010 - France: Motorcycle Illegally Parked? To The Pound | Looks like the gloves have come off in Paris, France. Already it was raining parking tickets for motorcycles who did not park in one of the rare motorcycle-only parking places, but now they're towing you to the pound, and charging you for the privilege.
In fact, you get charged the same fee as a car would have to pay, and it ain't cheap.
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| 3 June, 2010 - Voxan Brand Bought By Car Maker Venturi | French motorcycle manufacturer, Voxan, that went bust and sold piece-by-piece, has been bought (the name) by Venturi, another French manufacturer (cars) that went bust and got resurrected in 2001.
Venturi plan to produce electric motorcycles using the Voxan name. They themselves make electric cars, so they should know how.
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| 2 June, 2010 - France: Due To Bureaucracy 30% Of Radars Not Working | Due to its own inertia, the French government shot itself in the foot. They themselves passed a law making it mandatory that a neutral company inspect all mobile radar guns annually, but were so slow getting the contracts organized, that 1/3 of all mobile radar devices are not-to-be-used.
And they still haven't signed a contract, so more and more radars are unserviceable.
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| 20 May, 2010 - #fiatyamahateam MotoGP France Report: Day 0 | Here's my first report on the Le Mans French MotoGP as invitee of the #fiatyamahateam.
My hosts had not arrived yet, but went to the circuit and bullshitted myself in. Here are some photos.
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| 14 May, 2010 - France: Motorcycle Rest Areas For The MotoGP 2010 | The French MotoGP motorcycle race is on next weekend, and the French Angry Biker Association (FFMC) has put in place many motorcycle rest stops along the way, where you can tank up, get hot/cold drinks, eat, visors cleaned, mechanics, etc.
Here's a list and map of where they are, and when they are open.
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| 7 May, 2010 - France: The Life Of A Biker Is Worth Euro 100 | A motorcycle rider here in France was killed when a guy cut him off in his car. The police stated that this was 100% the car driver's fault.
But the defense lawyer dug up a mystery witness who stated that he was passed by the biker some time ago while he was speeding. So the judge said he was probably speeding at the time of the accident (despite police reports denying it).
The car driver got fined €100. That's the price of a motorcycle rider here in France.
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| 19 April, 2010 - France: A Closer Look At A Relais Calmos - Motorcycle Rest Place | A closer look at one motorcycle rest place, the "Relais Motard Calmos" put in place for the 24 Hours of Le Mans motorcycle race.
It was a small one, but between 500 and 1,000 bikers were expected on Saturday alone. Paid for my the French government, the rest area is a great place to meet up, repair your bike, inflate tires, drink coffee, eat, and all that for free!
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| 19 April, 2010 - 24 Hours of Le Mans Motorcycle Race 2010 | The 24 Hours of Le Mans motorcycle race were held last weekend, and here are 9 photos and 1 video for you to watch (the video is that of an impressive pit fire).
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| 13 April, 2010 - France: 1 Year Prison For Speeding On Motorcycle | 22 year old motorcycle rider gets caught speeding on his motorcycle. He was doing 190 kph on the Paris ring road.
The judge threw the book at him: 1 year prison (no parol), €7500 fine, license gone for 2 years, redo the driving test, motorcycle confiscated.
A bit heavy handed??? Read on!
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| 9 April, 2010 - Ride Exceptional Motorcycles In The South Of France | Now you can join the equivalent of the supercar clubs, but on motorcycles.
Columbus International, based in sunny Cannes, South France, offer an annual membership that allows you to ride one of their super motorcycles, Ducati, BMW, MV Agusta, or even a Triumph Rocket III.
Fly in to Cannes, pickup your motorcycles, ride via the beaches through the mountains, end up in the casino of Monte Carlo.
James Bond, move over;...
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| 9 April, 2010 - Motorcycle Rest Stops 24 Hours Of Le Mans 2010 | The 24 Hours of Le Mans motorcycle race is on the weekend of the 17th of April, and the French Angry Biker Association (FFMC) has put in place many motorcycle rest stops along the way, where you can tank up, get hot/cold drinks, eat, visors cleaned, mechanics, etc.
Here's a list and map of where they are, and when they are open.
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| 1 April, 2010 - France: They Just Do Not Get It | The French think they have come up with some motorcycle safety device on the roads, even the Prime Minister, says so, but in reality, it's of no use to us.
Their idea is a pole (that carries road signs, billboards, etc), that snaps in two when something crashes into it.
Only problem is that the "it" that crashes into it is a car, not a bike... we are too light.
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| 30 March, 2010 - France: Confusion About License Point System | There's some confusion about the point system for French driving license according to some smart lawyers....
According to the law, licenses delivered before 1992 are for life, and therefore can not be taken away with the point system...
Of course the government disagrees....
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| 19 March, 2010 - France: Ticket Quotas For Police Confirmed | The French daily newspaper, Le Parisien, has obtained a secret document from the Parisian police department highlighting the fact that the police has quotas for tickets.
Officers that reach their objectives receive a cash bonus.
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| 17 March, 2010 - France: Motorcycle Taxi Counter At Airport Vandalized | There is a war going on between car taxis and motorcycle taxis here in France. And the car taxis play dirty since they are loosing the legal battle.
Now, for the 2nd time in a month, the information desk at Orly, a busy international airport in France, got vandalized, furniture wrecked and computer equipment rendered useless. Imagine!!! In a busy airport where there is supposed to be security....
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| 10 March, 2010 - France: Regional Elections, Politicians And Motorcycles | The French regional elections are to be held next week, and the three main motorcycle organizations have sent all candidates an 8 questionnaire, asking them for their position towards motorcycles.
Sad.... a quarter of politicians responded, the green party want to kill all bikers, and the rest are not interested.... sad.
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| 19 February, 2010 - France: Getting Ugly, Time To Immigrate? | Yesterday the French government announced a new series of repressive measures towards vehicles in general, and motorcycle specifically!
Time to look for another country?
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| 15 February, 2010 - France: Biker Tapes His Speeding, Looses Camera, Cops Find It | A French biker decide to tape himself speeding on his Triumph Daytona motorcycle. He went out and bought a video camera, installed it, and raced on the country roads.
But... he lost his camera. Lucky for him, it was found. Unlucky for him, it was found by the cops.
To make matters worse, he went back to look for the most camera, where the cops were waiting for him. Not only has he lost his camera, but also his motorcycle and has a date with the courts.
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| 11 February, 2010 - Banks Still Not Doing Their Job! Gima In Trouble | Remember this cute retro-looking motorcycle, the French Gima 125?
It's got quite a success, with 150 orders so far. To make the motorcycle available in France, the company needs to put in place dealers, spare parts, training, etc. For that, they need €400,000. But banks just aren't interested in parting with the taxpayer's money used to bail them out. They prefer to give themselves a big bonus than to lend money.
Now the CEO of Gima has gone on hunger strike to get some attention from the media and politicians.
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| 9 February, 2010 - France: 13 March 2010 - Major Protest Ride Planned | The French government are looking at removing the last freedom motorcycle have in France; lane-splitting (filtering). Many years it was tolerated, now they want to make it illegal.
The French Angry Biker Association (FFMC) is planning a protest day on March the 13th. They will be asking all bikers to stay in the lane during rush hour, adding 100,000's of vehicles to the traffic jams.
That should show the authorities why it's a stupid idea...
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| 8 February, 2010 - Enduropale 2010: Major Upsets! Cause: Loud Pipes | After an upset for the winner, due to a too loud motorcycle, Mickael Pichon won the 2010 Le Touquet Enduropale beach motorcycle race.
1050 motorcycles started, and there were several leaders in the 3 hour race. But to loose on a too loud exhaust must be a first...
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| 5 February, 2010 - See The Le Touquet Beach Race Live On The Web | If you can't make it to France to see this weekend's crazy Le Touquet Enduropale, and don't live in France so you can see one of the 2 TV channels transmitting the race live, then there's still hope....
France 3, one of the main TV channels here, are transmitting 5 feeds from the race on the web. You can see the race as it happens. That's 3 hours of fun....
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| 3 February, 2010 - Motorcycle Rest Areas For The Le Touquet Enduropale 2010 Race | If you're planning to attend world's craziest, and biggest, beach motorcycle race, the Le Touquet Enduropale, on the weekend of 6/7th of Feb, and you're going on a motorcycle, here are the special rest places for bikers.
There are 3 of them, places motorcycle riders can go to, to get their bike checked out, drink hot drinks, and mingle with other bikers.
Also, several motorways are free for motorcycles going to the race.
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| 27 January, 2010 - France: New Average Speed Camera To Go In Operation | The French government is not content with the money the current speed radars generate. Everybody slows down before one, and then speeds up on their motorcycle.
That will shortly change. The government is installing 2 cameras, distant by several 10's of kilometers, that will calculate your average speed, and then ticket you if it was too fast.
Please go to the cash register and pay....
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| 26 January, 2010 - France: New Old Motorcycle - GIMA 125 | There is a classic, but new, motorcycle manufacturer here in France, that is reproducing a motorcycle from 1946. Called the GIMA 125, the motorcycle is an exact copy of the old bike, apart from current legislation technical specification, such as a 4 stroke engine.
The GIMA 125 will not win any speed race, but it will use only 2.5 liters per 100 kilometers. And it's very pretty....
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| 22 January, 2010 - France: Honda - No Warrantee On Professional Goldwings | It would appear that Honda France is no longer honoring its warrantee on Goldwing motorcycles used by the French motorcycle taxis.
The Goldwing was never designed to work in the city environment they are working in now, and seem to have a lot of problems, which, according to this French motorcycle taxi web site, Honda will not pay for anymore.
Dilemma for Honda....
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| 15 January, 2010 - France: New Motorcycles Sales 2009 Down | The new motorcycle & scooters sales for 2009 in France, at a first glance look pretty bad. Down 15.8%, but that's because they don't take the MP3 into account, since it has three wheels.
Piaggio have been selling the MP3 like hot-cakes (or hot croissants) in France, and if you take them into account, sales "only" fell 10%.
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| 15 January, 2010 - France: President Sarkozy Not Happy With Motorcycle Riding Minister | Frederic Mitterrand, nephew of the former French President, is the Minister of Culture and Communication. Mitterrand loves riding his scooter in Paris, but this winter he crashed on the icy roads (yes, he continues to ride, even in freezing temperatures).
This gave the French President Sarkozy a lot of grief, telling his Minister to stop riding "mopeds".
No class, no humor for the Prez.
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| 9 December, 2009 - France: Motorcycle Taxis Thank Their Cage Counterparts | After yesterday's cager taxi strike, a protest against motorcycle taxis, the motorcycle taxi in Paris say a big MERCI to their cage counterparts.
Thank you for blocking Paris traffic, since the motorcycle taxi reached record high revenue that day.
So the next time there's a strike, here's the list of motorcycle taxis in Paris.
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| 8 December, 2009 - France: Paris Taxis On Strike Because Of Motorcycles | The Parisian taxis went on strike today, paralyzing the French capital with their protest.
The reason? Car taxis want motorcycle taxi to be stopped, and not allowed to use the taxi ranks at airports.
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| 3 December, 2009 - Riding A Motorcycle Taxi In Paris Is Profitable | Motorcycle taxis are popular in the French capital, despite the attempts by many to stop them.
But do you know how much these motorcycle taxi rider earn per month?
Read on...
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| 23 November, 2009 - France: New Regional Motorcycle Safety Campaign | The state ("departement") of France called Haute-Garonne has started its own motorcycle safety campaign after the death rate on the roads for motorcycles and scooters increased.
Now, 1 out of 3 death are motorcycles and scooters.
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| 23 November, 2009 - France: Motorcycles Running Out Of Gas | More and more gas stations have converted to the ecological fuel E10, but apart from 3 motorcycle manufacturers, most motorcycles can not run the ethanol additives fuel. E10, according to many experts, is NOT ecological, and growing products for E10 means growing less fuel.
So now many motorcycles are stranded, since they've run out of fuel, and there's no gas station with proper 95 RON fuel.
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| 10 November, 2009 - Death Of French Beach Motorcycle Racer, Timotei Potisek | Timotei Potisek, a great French beach motorcycle racer has just died after a training accident on a beach. He was 25.
At the age of 25, he had already won several of the toughest beach races in Europe, including the crazy Le Touquet Enduropale.
Sad..
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| 29 October, 2009 - France And The Carbon Tax | France is going to tax CO2 starting the 1st of January 2010. €17 per tonne of CO2.
Here's what I understand of the new tax. I don't know if I've got it 100% right, since you need a double PhD to understand the formula.
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| 15 October, 2009 - 1st All Electric Motorcycle & Scooter Shop In Paris? | The 1st all-electric scooters and motorcycle shop opens in Paris, France.
With a €400 cash-back from Paris, prices are interesting, specially since charging up your battery at one of the city's charging points is FREE! Plus free parking and very low insurance, this could move many commuters to use an electric vehicle.
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| 12 October, 2009 - Harley: Funny French Print Ad | Funny Harley-Davidson print ad found in one of the French motorcycle magazines.
Sexist ? Yeah, but funny....
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| 6 October, 2009 - Congestion Charge Coming To France | Last month, the French senate approved a law that will allow French cities with more than 300,000 inhabitants to apply a congestion charge for entering their city.
None have taken up the charge (yet), but that will change.
No information was given whether motorcycles are exempt.
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| 30 September, 2009 - France: Motorcycle Study - Then and Now | A study report has been published about the motorcycle world in France. Compared to a similar study made in 2004, you can see some evolution.
Here are the salient facts of this year's research on the motorcycle world in France.
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| 21 September, 2009 - Motorcycle Trial In Shit-Kickers Country | A day in the back country of Normandy, France looking at a motorcycle trial competition.
It's a difficult motorcycle sport, very technical. Here's a photographic impression of the day..
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| 16 September, 2009 - France: Massive Communication Campaign On Road Safety | The French government have started a massive TV campaign to prevent further road deaths.
20 TV ads, each with a specific topic, will be shown over the next few weeks.
The slogan? "Accidents Never Happen By Accident".
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| 13 September, 2009 - Bol D’Or 2009 Over: Nice Photo | The famous 24 hour motorcycle endurance race, the Bol D'Or, is over for another year.
The winner was SERT -Suzuki Endurance Racing Team. Congrats!
Isn't this a beautiful photo?
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| 8 September, 2009 - France: Scorpa Then Voxan Motorcycles Go Chapter 11 | Two out of three French motorcycle manufacturers have hit it bad in these economic downturns. Scorpa went first, filing for bankruptcy protection, and then taken-over by the third manufacturer Sherco.
Now it's the turn of the main French manufacturer, Voxan. They have just filed for bankruptcy protection...
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| 31 August, 2009 - France: Motorcycle Rest Stops For Bol D’Or 2009 | For those of you going to the Bol d'Or motorcycle endurancerace, and going by motorcycle, here are all the active motorcycle rest stops.
At the "Relais Calmos Motards" you will be able to rest between bikers, eat, hot drinks, check your tire pressure, minor repairs, etc.
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| 20 August, 2009 - France: A1 Autoroute And The Taxi Lane | The main motorway into Paris from the North, the A1, has one (out of three) lane closed for traffic, and is now reserved for taxis and buses.
Even motorcycles are fined €135 when they stray into that lane, so be aware!
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| 6 August, 2009 - A Special 24 Hours Motorcycle Race | Every year, in Chaumont, France, there's a 24 hours motorcycle race, using a very special type of motorcycle: the SOLEX.
For 24 hours, mad bikers race around on a small, 2-stroke, pedal assisted, moped. The "prototypes" are able to reach 100 kph.
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| 6 August, 2009 - Trucking Your Motorcycle In France | There's now a new service in France that will transport your motorcycle anywhere in France. They offer a door-to-door service, or from drop-off and pick-up points.
Their website (in French) will give your on-line quotations...
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| 29 July, 2009 - France: Luxury Touring On A Ducati Motorcycle | Columbus International offer motorcycle tours of a lifetime! Riding a Ducati motorcycle (including the latest Streetfighter) in Southern France, eating at the top Michelin rated restaurants, helicopter transfers, driving a Formula One car, riding a Superbike or staying on your own private yacht while fishing for barracudas.
You can also just rent one of their Ducati motorcycles and tour by yourself.
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| 27 July, 2009 - Official English Document For Tourists In France | Everything you need to know about riding your motorcycle in France, in different languages, straight from the horse's mouth (the French Minister of Transport).
Downloadable Acrobat documents in English, Spanish, German, Italian and Portuguese.
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| 23 July, 2009 - Bilateral Agreement On Speeding Fines Between France And Belgium | Another bilateral agreement, this time between France and Belgium. Speeding offenses, motorcycle and car, will be exchanged between the two countries, and LEOs in each other's country now will have access to each other's car and license database.
Not fair! So far, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Spain and Belgium have created these bilateral agreements.
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| 20 July, 2009 - Tour de France 2009: Motorcycle Kills Woman Spectator | Sad. A stupid woman decides to cross the road in between bicycles during the Tour de France 2009 and gets hits by a Police motorcycle.
Sad.. for the cop, since he'll have to live with it for the rest of his life.
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| 17 July, 2009 - French Railroads Invest In Electric Motorcycle Company | The French railroads, the SNCF, have invested money in a French start-up that is going to produce an electric motorcycle/car.
The SMERA is halfway between a car and a motorcycle. Nice looking vehicle!
The SNCF are planning to place these motocars at railway stations, and renting them out.
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| 14 July, 2009 - Bastille Day 2009: I’m Out Of Here | It's Bastille Day, the French national holiday, and I've taken the day off to see what's going on in the country.
Who knows, maybe they've brought out the guillotine again somewhere...
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| 6 July, 2009 - France: Further Intolerance Towards Speeding-Money Please | France have announced that they are increasing their intolerance for speeders.
Before, if you were riding your motorcycle in town for example at 55 kph in a 50 kph zone, you were not ticketed. Now, in a 50 kph zone, you'll get a ticket riding at 53 kph!
That's a money generating law, guaranteed! It's a jackpot for the cash strapped French government!
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| 17 June, 2009 - Xenon HID Lights Outlawed In France | The Police in the French capital, Paris, have started distributing fines to motorcycles that are equipped with Xenon HID. Apparently, some obscure law forbids you to use lights that have not been supplied with the motorcycle. Even if the HID lights have received type approval, and were installed by official mechanics, you'll still receive a fine.
What other creative ways can governments come up with to get your money?
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| 3 June, 2009 - France: Fire Brigade Hold Their 10th Motorcycle Safety Course | The French fire brigade are very well respected and liked by the French. Therefore, when they organize an event, it is usually well attended.
On the 27th of June, they are holding their 10th training for cars and motorcycles. In the day long event you learn to respect each other on the road (car and motorcycle), you learn a thing or two about riding, and you get to meet professionals, even celebrities.
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| 2 June, 2009 - France: 8 Million Drivers/Riders Have Bad Eyesight | According to a French optician organization, 8 million, out of 20 million, rider/drivers have bad eyesight.
They are saying you should take regular eyesight tests (see photo of proposed test....). Your life on your motorcycle depends on your eyesight...
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| 1 June, 2009 - Paris To Create 18,000 Motorcycle Parking Spaces! Miracle | The Mayor of Paris had promised during his election campaign that he would create more motorcycle parking space. Now he is saying it will happen.... by the year 2014.
2014? That happens to be the year of his re-election campaign... hmmmmmmm...
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| 26 May, 2009 - France: More Repression On The Way | The French government is planning even more draconian measures against us car and motorcycle riders.
They are planning to confiscate your precious motorcycle, and sell it, and keep the money. Plus you still get to pay the fine...
VIVA LA REVOLUTION!
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| 20 May, 2009 - French Motorcycle Accommodation 100-1 | I've reached 99 biker friendly accommodation in France. There's still a lot more to go, but I have to change the program since it only can only count in 2 digits.
I've also made several changes to the pages.
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| 14 May, 2009 - Paris Motorcycle Show Moved To 2010 | Not only is the Paris motorcycle exhibition, the "Mondial du Deux Roues" cancelled, but they plan to hold it again next year, instead of 2011, and compete head on with Intermot AND EICMA. Silly.
There's also a strong rumor floating that Honda and possibly Yamaha will not attend EICMA this year. Bad news...
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| 13 May, 2009 - The Upside Of Some French Strikes | Don't you love it when once in a while a strike in France actually benefits you.
In this case, employees of the German tire manufacturer, Continental, have stickered one of the most productive speed radars with Continental stickers, rendering the radar inoperative for 12 days.
I wonder how many motorcycle riders have been saved from getting a speeding ticket?
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| 8 May, 2009 - Motorcycle Rest Stops For the 2009 French MotoGP | The French Angry Biker Association (FFMC) have organized free motorcycle rest stops again this year for the 2009 French MotoGP race.
So if you'll be coming on your motorcycle on one of the free autoroutes (toll free), you now know where to stop and meet like minded bikers.
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| 6 May, 2009 - France: Crisis? Maybe, But Not For Radars | There may be a crisis, but here in France, speed radars are not suffering from it. Far from it.
Radars are expected to generate more than HALF A BILLION Euros (€550 Million to be exact) in speeding fines, and increase of 28% over 2008.
This is no longer a security/safety matter, but big bucks paid for as a "tax" by motorcycle riders and car drivers.
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| 29 April, 2009 - A Strike I Do Like Here In France | The French have a love affair with going on strike. They do it so often, that its no longer fun.
But one utility company has recently started going for full strikes, and now we LOVE them. This is one strike we endorse.
Find out why.... click on the headline....
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| 20 April, 2009 - Listing of Motorcycle Friendly Accommodation In France | We've produced a comprehensive listing of motorcycle friendly camping, hotel and gites here in France.
A Google Map, with different colored icons shows you where they are, and clicking on one of the icons will give you all the info you need.
Now you can really plan your holiday.
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| 14 April, 2009 - France: Autoroute Companies Waking Up To Motorcycles | One of the main autoroutes in France, the A13 that goes from Paris to Normandy has finally installed motorcycle toll booths. This is great, since it means you no longer need to queue up for the manned toll booths.
And for me, it's excellent, since I often take that toll-road.
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| 10 April, 2009 - Crisis: Mondial du Deux-Roue In Danger | One of Europe's largest motorcycle exhibitions, the French Mondial du Deux-Roues, is in danger of having some of the top motorcycle manufacturers not attending.
According to the French motorcycle magazine, Moto Journal, Honda, BMW and Yamaha are in doubt. They have not yet cancelled, but their plans are currently unclear, and the required paperwork has not yet been submitted.
It would surely be a pity for a show that is held every 2 years to miss out of these biggies!
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| 6 April, 2009 - French Motorcycle Mag Pulls A Fast One - April 1st | The French motorcycle mag, Moto Journal, played a well done 1st of April joke on their readers (on the 2nd of April...).
The claimed, supported by good Photoshop photos, that the Paris City Hall was going to come out with a motorcycle rental service the same way they are renting out bicycles.
Photos of a self-service motorcycle rental station, publicity and a fake interview with the City Hall project manager were included.
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| 2 April, 2009 - Biker Rest Stops For The 24 Hours Of Le Mans | For those of you going to the 24 Hours of Le Mans motorcycle race, and going by motorcycle, here are all the active motorcycle rest stops.
At the "Relais Calmos Motards" you will be able to rest between bikers, eat, hot drinks, check your tire pressure, minor repairs, etc.
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| 2 April, 2009 - France: Most Stolen Motorcycles 2008 | There has been a reduction in stolen motorcycles in France during 2008.
In the top 10 of stolen motorcycles and scooters, better not have a Yamaha, since you stand a good chance of not finding your motorcycle...
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| 1 April, 2009 - France: 17.15 Million Speed Radar Photos During 2008 | Speed radars are jackpots for governments. In France, during 2008, 17,150,000 speed photos were made (for 65,000,000 inhabitants), generating €550,000,000 in revenues.
Talk about a great ROI!
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| 19 March, 2009 - France: Motorcycle Rental Listing Now With Map | The listing of motorcycle rental agencies in France has just gotten better.
All agencies, including the ones with multiple locations, are now mapped out on a Google Map. You can zoom and pan the map, and when you've found an agency you'd like to see, click on the map marker icon to get more info, like motorcycle brands and prices.
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| 9 March, 2009 - New Electric Scooters Subsidized In Paris | Paris is subsidizing the purchase of electric motorcycles/scooters at 25% of the purchase price, with a cap of €400. It also needs to be in the moped category, ie, not faster than 45 kph.
There are now some 40 recharging stations in Paris, and more on the way. Charging your car or motorcycle is FREE!
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| 5 March, 2009 - France: Bikers: 1 Government: 0 | The FFMC (the French Angry Biker Association) have gained an enormous victory. After a meeting with the Ministry of Transportation, the proposed law that would make on-the-spot technical inspections possible, towing to a garage and inspections by non-trained mechanics, is off the table for motorcycles.
From now on, we'll be consulted for all new laws, and several study/working groups have been created to make recommendations about all those other pesky laws (100 HP limit, lane splitting, bus lanes, etc).
Spring is going to be nice...
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| 26 February, 2009 - France: The 2008 +125cc Motorcycle Market Share | The 2008 market of motorcycles over 125cc looked pretty good, specially in the first half.
Here's what the market share per manufacturer looked like. The Japanese motorcycle gained the vast majority of the market (67+%).
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| 18 February, 2009 - France: A16 Autoroute Free For Motorcycle This Weekend | This weekend, for the Le Touquet Enduropale motorcycle beach race, world's craziest race, the A16 autoroute will be free for all motorcycles going to this event.
They've also added one rest point for bikers, with free hot soup to warm you up.
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| 17 February, 2009 - Motorcycle Rider Badly Hurt In The Paris Metro | In what can be classified as those "strange but true" moments of mankind, a motorcycle rider, trying to get through a rapidly closing gap, between a turning truck and the sidewalk, and pushed onto the sidewalk, and DOWN the stairs of a Parisian Metro station.
Lucky for him, there were no other people on the stairs encountering his big Suzuki motorcycle, and unlucky for him, he got very badly hurt and is in critical condition.
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| 12 February, 2009 - France: January 2009 Was A Very Safe Month | France saw a dramatic drop in road deaths during the month of January 2009....
Duh! Extreme cold weather, snow, ice and sleet doesn't really get you to go out and ride your motorcycle does it?
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| 11 February, 2009 - Motorcycle Rest Areas For The Le Touquet 2009 Race | If you're planning to attend world's craziest, and biggest, beach motorcycle race, the Le Touquet Enduropale, on the weekend of 21st of Feb, and you're going on a motorcycle, here are the special rest places for bikers.
There are 4 of them, places motorcycle riders can go to, to get their bike checked out, drink hot drinks, and mingle with other bikers.
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| 10 February, 2009 - France: Michelin Maps For Motorcycles | Michelin are not only known for their tires. They also publish excellent maps, guides books and travel guides.
Now they have released their first motorcycle rides guide book for France. A 544 pages guide book, detailing 80 of the nicest rides you can do on your motorcycle in France.
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| 9 February, 2009 - France: Massive Motorcycle Protest Planned For March | The French Angry Biker Association (FFMC) are organizing on 21 and 22 March a massive motorcycle protest ride.
The protest is about technical inspections, on request by LEOs without any reason, and all fees will need to be paid by you, even if your motorcycle is conform the rules.
Technical inspections will be conducted by people with no motorcycle training or knowledge, simple car mechanics.
This stinks.....
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| 2 February, 2009 - Parisian Motorcycle Taxis Thank The Unions | Thanks to the unions and left wing political parties in France, the motorcycle taxi is becoming very popular.
With the paralyzing strikes going on, the only way to get to work is by motorcycle or scooter, and if you don't have one, you need to rent one.... in come the motorcycle taxis to the rescue.
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| 29 January, 2009 - Renting A Motorcycle In France | When you go on holidays, you're probably like me. If you didn't get there on a motorcycle, you'll want to rent one.
Here's a list of all the motorcycle rentals I could find in France, with rates, motorcycle brands, location and more.
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| 26 January, 2009 - France: 36% Of Motorcycle Police Force Slashed | The French government has announced that since the introduction of digital radars has been so successful, there is less need for motorcycle cops.
So they are laying off 36% of all "Police National" motorcycle cops.
Too bad, since most of them are really cool cops, and served a good purpose!
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| 16 January, 2009 - France: 2008 Good Year For Road Mortality Rate | The statistics are in regarding the number of people who have died on the French roads last year.
At least this is one figure that makes people happy when it goes down, and it did. Again, for the 7th year.
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| 8 January, 2009 - Reserving A Motorcycle Parking Spot In Paris | Parking a motorcycle in Paris used to be easy; any sidewalk or dead space was fair game. But no longer! It's raining parking fines...
Now there's a service that allows you, for a reasonable price, to reserve a parking spot for your motorcycle in Paris. On an ad-hoc or annual basis.
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| 2 January, 2009 - France: Ultimate Motorcycle Rally | A new motorcycle race is going to start next year here in France. Called the Ultimate Rally, it is styled on the old fashion Monte Carlo race from many years ago.
Contestants leave at the same time from the four corners of France, all arriving at a city in the middle of France. Then they continue with different races for 2 days.
The race is open to all sorts of riders, beginners and professionals. Motorcycles, scooters and sidecars are welcome.
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| 16 December, 2008 - Revamped Motorcycle Exhibition Of Paris | The Paris motorcycle exhibition, the "Mondial du Deux Roues" is changing their formula for 2009.
Held every two years, they plan to be open for less days, and have less space, but with better content.
Gone are the accessory and secondhand motorcycle sales, gone is the Eco-village. More space is reserved for motorcycle professionals. But the price has not changed for the public.
Let's see how things go, and if they are able to keep the interest going.
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| 8 December, 2008 - Video: French Motorcycle Police/Gendarme Gruelling Training | I've written already about the grueling training the French motorcycle Police (Gendarme) have to undergo before they are let loose on the streets of France.
Between 5 and 8 months of training. Now you can see how intense their training is. Here's the video of the training, condensed into 4 minutes...
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| 5 December, 2008 - France: Buy A BMW Motorcycyle, Get €2000 Of Goodies | BMW France just announced that if you buy a brand new BMW motorcycle before the end of the year, you'll get up to a maximum of €2000 of BMW rider gear.
Not bad, even with their high prices.
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| 28 November, 2008 - Video: French No Phone While Driving Campaign | Another hard hitting and shocking safety campaign by the French government.
This one is to tell people to stop using phones while driving. The TV Ad has a good shock effect.
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| 18 November, 2008 - Made In France: Motorcycles Etc | Though France is a motorcycle friendly country with millions of motorcycle and scooters on the street everyday, it is not known in terms of motorcycle manufacturers and related gear.
But it's not true. There are quite a lot of leading companies working in the field of motorcycles, some world class. Here's a list:
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| 18 November, 2008 - Want To Race The Touquet Beach Race? Motorcycles For Rent | For foreigners who want to race in this famous and crazy beach motorcycle enduro race, the Le Touquet Enduropale, you can now rent BMW G450X Enduro or Honda motorcycles.
The Honda bikes even come with mechanical assistance during this mythical 3 hour race.
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| 22 October, 2008 - Motorcycle Hotels In France | For those of you looking for motorcycle friendly accommodation in France, there's a group of hotels and B&Bs that are presented in a website.
Together with Google Maps, you can find where you can stay, and what motorcycle services are offered. Unfortunately, most of the information is in French.
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| 30 September, 2008 - Sneaky French Police Radar | The French Police have set up a really sneaky speed trap. It's a radar camouflaged as a warning pillar, the kind you find at work-in-progress sites.
Sneaky!
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| 23 September, 2008 - France: No Motorcycle License For MP3 250 and 400 | In France you are allowed to ride a 125cc motorcycle or scooter if you have a car license for at least 2 years. Anything above 125cc takes ages and hard effort to get a license for.
But as off next month, people without a motorcycle license are allowed to ride the Piaggio MP3 250 and 400 cc scooters.
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| 11 September, 2008 - Motorcycle Rest Places For Bol D’Or 2008 | There are a large number of rest areas set aside for motorcycle riders attending the Bol d'Or motorcycle race this weekend.
Here's the list of places you can stop and rest, fill up with fuel, food, drinks, and generally relax amongst bikers.
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| 1 September, 2008 - Vintage Motorcycle Rally Of Therouldeville | Once a year, in a village 5 kilometers from my house there's a vintage motorcycle race. It's called the 4 hours of Valmont, and they have a large collection of old motorcycles running around the countryside amongst the cows.
Some motorcycle were so old that even Senator McCain would have a problem recognizing them...
Here are 20 photos taken of the event.
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| 6 August, 2008 - France: Professional Motorcycle Riders And The Law | Professional motorcycles in France (taxis, emergency, couriers, medical etc) by law need to wear the full complement of protective gear.
Not only do they need to wear them, but the gear must be approved.
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| 22 July, 2008 - France: Road Kill On A Dramatic Increase | Road kill is on the increase in France. Currently, reports have reached the 25,000 accidents between motorcycles (and other vehicles) and animals.
Wild boars represent 46% of the accidents. These small tanks are not scared of anything, and will charge a biker.
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| 17 July, 2008 - Legal Issues In France Regarding Spy Shots | French car manufacturer Renault has had a journalist from the car magazine Auto Plus arrested on 5 counts, including espionage. Why?
Because he received photos of a new car that was going to be released 3 years from now, and the photos were given apparently by an employee of Renault. This can mean that spy shots are illegal, and would safeguard a manufacturer's testing.
Damn... now I'm not going to post the spy shots of the new BMW K1800LT motorcycle....
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| 11 July, 2008 - Yellow Card For Motorcycle Riders | Using the example of soccer, the Police of Paris are issuing Yellow cards top to all motorcycle riders who brake the law "slightly".
Minor offenses are rewarded with a Yellow Card. If you get two, it's a red card, and they'll hit you to the full extent of the law.
Of course they're doing it when all of Paris is on holiday...
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| 8 July, 2008 - French Motorcycle Taxi Going Green | City Bird, one of the motorcycle/scooter taxi services of the French capital are now proposing their services using the Vectrix electric scooter.
You can go more or less anywhere in Paris on one of these green scooters for cheaper than any of the other taxi services, and you'll go ecological.
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| 19 June, 2008 - First Motorcycle Friendly Petrol Station Opens | French petrol giant, Total, have opened the first "made-for" motorcycle petrol station.
Not only is it biker friendly, it was designed for motorcycles. Special fuel pumps with shorter nozzles, payment while still seated on your bike, hooks for helmets, anti-slip floor etc.
There's even a special place to clean your motorcycle, adapted for motorcycles. How cool is that...
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| 18 June, 2008 - France: 2007 Official Traffic Accident Statistics | The official statistics for road fatalities in France during 2007 have been published.
Overall, a net reduction, EXCEPT for, you guessed it... motorcycles. We're a race menaced with extinction...
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| 18 June, 2008 - France: The Point About Safety Vests And Triangles | There seems to be some confusion on the new law starting next month about reflective safety vests and triangles.
Short and sweet: If you're on a motorcycle, trike or quad, you DO NOT need one. If you're in a car, truck, campervan or bulldozer, you do.
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| 29 May, 2008 - France: Middle Of The Road - Traffic Mortality-wise | France is no longer the bad boy of Europe with regards to fatal road accidents.
They're middle of the road (no pun intended). Here's what was happening during 2006 in Europe.....
You make your own conclusions..
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| 22 May, 2008 - France: Massive Increase In "On-The-Fly" Police Tickets | Police in Paris have begun a massive increase (1266%) of ticketing without any evidence, except the word of the Police officer.
No photo, and no stopping you... you just get a fine a few days later. Particularly targeted are motorcycle riders.
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| 13 May, 2008 - France: Electronic Alcohol Tests Mandatory? |  After 2 drinks, the risk exists |
France likes its booze and its public holidays. But both do not mix. Last weekend was a 5 day weekend, and it resulted in a record number of road fatalities; 19 so far.
Alcohol is the biggest contributing factor, and the government has decided to do something about it. It's not drastic (yet), but we'll see how it pans out.
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| 6 May, 2008 - Cheaper To Be A Female Motorcycle Rider In France | One of the bigger motorcycle insurance companies in France, AMV, has decided it's better to insure female riders. According to them, there are more and more joining the ranks of motorcycle riders, but have less accidents.
So they're now rewarded with a 10% reduction in their insurance rates... not bad.
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| 5 May, 2008 - Motorcycle Rest Stops For The French MotoGP 2008 | For the French MotoGP at Le Mans, 16 to 18 May 2008, there are again three rest stops for motorcycle riders. Get mechanical help, food, drinks, tyre inflation, visor cleaning, even sleep.
But more importantly, meet 1,000's of other bikers.
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| 21 April, 2008 - Bookshop For Motorcycles | In Paris, France, there's a bookshop specialized in car and motorcycle books.
1,000's of books, modern and classic, rare-to-find and different languages. They've got a website if you can't come to Paris.
Can't find a book? Ask the owner...
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| 18 April, 2008 - France: Motorcycle Sales Progressing | The first three months of new motorcycle registrations in France has been very good compared to 2007.
A progression of 8% over the same period last year. Kawasaki and Triumph both have had spectacular increases.
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| 14 April, 2008 - France: Motorcycle Village | There's now a motorcycle village, like what the American have done, in the North of France (close to Lille).
You'll find several motorcycle manufacturers, accessories and even a biker restaurant.
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| 7 April, 2008 - 24 Hours of Le Mans Motorcycle Rest Stops | As usual, the French government and the FFMC (French Angry Biker Association) have put in place many rest stops for motorcycle riders attending the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans races on the 19th and 20th of April.
Here's the complete list of places where you can get food, drinks, gas, tire pressures, mechanics etc, and most important, meet your brother and sister bikers.
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| 2 April, 2008 - Motorcycle GP of France 2008 Is No Longer! | No, the MotoGP of France has not been cancelled but the name may be.
Some group using the same name (Grand Prix of France) want the MotoGP to stop using the term. You know, those folks who drive cars around circuits without passing each other, and when there's a duel between drivers it's in the pits and press that they are fought, never on the circuit. Well... they want us to stop using the term Grand Prix!!!
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| 1 April, 2008 - France: VIP Motorcycle Training Sessions | Learning how to race does not need to be a Spartan event. French company 4G, with two former 500GP racers as instructors, offer a VIP package to some of the most beautiful racing circuits of Europe.
Learn how to race your motorcycle (or rent one) while sleeping in luxury hotels, eat good food and be pampered.
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| 7 March, 2008 - France: 8th Radar Destroyed By Explosion | In an action reminding of the 80's, the Anti Radar National Front (FNAR) in France, have blown up their 8th digital radar.
With a military precision, the FNAR are attacking radars, demanding that the French government lower taxes and stop repression.
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| 27 February, 2008 - France: Extending The Laws | The French lawmakers have designed new laws to make French roads safer, and them richer.
What is more important to them; statistics or money?
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| 13 February, 2008 - An Idea What To Do For July 2008 | If you've got nothing to do on the 14th of July 2008, here's a great tip. Come to France, find a spot on the Seine river, and spend the next few hours watching one tall sail ship after the other sail past towards the ocean.
The ship parade is very impressive, with 5 years ago, 7 million people attending the Armada event. Held every 5 years, this time the exit is on the French national holiday.
Do not miss it if you can!!
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| 5 February, 2008 - Video: Le Touquet 2008, Including The Crash | Here are two videos, both in French, about the Le Touquet Enduropale 2008 beach race.
The first one is the first 16 minutes of the race, including start, holeshot and traffic jams. It's commented by Cyril Despres.
The 2nd one is the near fatal crash of one of the competitors.
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| 4 February, 2008 - Le Touquet Enduropale 2008 Results | The Le Touquet Enduropale beach race for 2008 has been won by Arnaud Demeester (yet again) in a hard fought battle on a sunny but cold day.
The Le Touquet enduro had it's first bad accident since it started, with one rider in a coma.
250,000 spectators attended on Sunday.
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| 1 February, 2008 - First 3-Wheel Scooter Taxi Comes To Paris | Another motorcycle/scooter taxi company has started in Paris. Called NIP Bike Urban Transport, they used the Piaggio 400cc MP3 scooter.
Nice, cheap(ish) and fast.
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| 1 February, 2008 - France: New Police Camera Against Stolen Vehicles | The French Police have a new weapon against thieves! Called LAPI, it's a highly sophisticated infrared digital camera system.
It'll record a license plate, and within seconds tell the Police Officer if the vehicle was stolen (not only in France, but any European country).
So far, they are recovering between 1 and 4 stolen vehicles per day with 3 cars equipped with the LAPI system.
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| 30 January, 2008 - Ads: French Castrol Oil | From the same ad agency that brought the French Suzuki and Michelin ads, here are some Castrol oil ads as found in the French print magazines.
They all pretend to be washing machine ads....
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| 29 January, 2008 - Ads: French Michelin MotoGP Ad | From the same agency that brought us the French Suzuki print ads, here are a couple of French Michelin tire ads.
The first one is new, and refers to Michelin losing the MotoGP 2007 season. The others are older ones when Michelin as winning.
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| 25 January, 2008 - Ads: French Suzuki Print Ads - Part 2 | Here's the 2 part of 3 parts showing the print ads for Suzuki that can be found in French magazines.
Funny and clever play with words.
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| 23 January, 2008 - Rest Areas For The 2008 Enduropale (Le Touquet Beach race) | The famous Le Touquet beach race will be held on the weekend of the 2nd of February again, and since they are expecting 100,000's of bikers coming from all over Europe, the French government has placed 4 biker rest areas alongside the popular roads. The A16 will be free for motorcycles during the weekend.
Here are the four areas, where you can find food, mechanical assistance, coffee, gas.. etc.
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| 18 January, 2008 - French 2007 Motorcycle Market Is Doing Well | The motorcycle sales for France during 2007 has been very, very good.
For the last 5 years progression has been remarkable, thanks mostly to the 125 cc law.
Despite many attempts to curb motorcycles by the French government, sales are skyrocketing. Good!
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| 11 January, 2008 - France 2007 Road Death Statistics | The 2007 road fatalities statistics have been released for France.
2% less deadly accidents, and a 40% improvement over 5 years.
Still they continue installing speed radars like breeding bunny rabbits...
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| 3 January, 2008 - France: 2008 Will Be Tough | During 2007, France saw a record number of speeding fines.
The summer months saw 1.8 million tickets alone. 1,000 more jackpots radars are being installed, and the number of mobile radars are being dramatically increased.
It's no longer about saving lives, it's about money....
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| 7 December, 2007 - France: Scooter Publicity, or How To Make A Buck | Two wheel publicity vans are becoming more and more popular in crowded and grid-locked cities.
here's an example of a French company offering street publicity, scooters dragging a trailer with billboards behind them.
Good idea..
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| 4 December, 2007 - France: Motorcycles Pollute/Do Not Pollute | On one hand, the French government says motorcycles pollute more than cars (which is not true according to independent studies), on the other hand, the same government states that if you dump an old motorcycle for a new one, you will not get the proposed €1000 bonus that car drivers might get.
So does that mean that motorcycles pollute less than cars, use less fuel than cars?
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| 30 November, 2007 - France: Motorcycle Stunt School | One of France's leading motorcycle stunt display teams, Mechanique Show, has a school that teaches you how to be a motorcycle stunman/women.
Learn how to impress your friends (and cops).
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| 29 November, 2007 - France: The Upside Of The Strikes | The biggest winners of the French transportation strikes last week was not the French government, but the motorcycle taxi operators.
With 200% increase of their new customer, 100% increase of their trips, they hit a bonanza.
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| 13 November, 2007 - Video: More French Safety Ads | The French road safety campaigns continue. Now they're targeting car drivers that forget to put out their indicators, speed, or use their mobile phones.
All this to protect the motorcycle riders.
Don't you love the French ??
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| 5 October, 2007 - Some Changes In France | The French are looking at reducing the maximum speed on roads. Autoroutes will go from 130 to 120, country roads from 90 to 80.
They have also announced that in 2009, the region code present on license plates since B.C. is going to be withdrawn. No more knowing where the motorcycle comes from...
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| 1 October, 2007 - New French Motorcycle Safety Ad | The French and the English have got the best motorcycle safety ads, both in print and TV.
Here's the latest print ad from the French government, telling bikes to remain visible.
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| 29 September, 2007 - Paris Mondial 2007: The Girls | Here is the final post direct from Paris, and as usual, it's a look at the pretty girls that populate exhibitions.
Hope you enjoyed the show, though there weren't that many new motorcycles.
Next stop: EICMA Milan.
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| 29 September, 2007 - Paris Mondial 2007: Odds and Ends | Here's a final view of motorcycles and helmets that did not merit their own post, but were interesting nevertheless.
It's the odds & ends of the Paris Mondial 2007.
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| 29 September, 2007 - Paris Mondial 2007: Beta | Beta have always been a very specialized motorcycle manufacturer, but have recently been trying to get into the general off-road market.
Here are two of their new motorcycles.
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| 29 September, 2007 - Paris Mondial 2007: Suzuki | A quick return to the Paris Mondial for a look at the products I missed yesterday.
Here's Suzuki's new products.
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| 28 September, 2007 - Paris Mondial 2007: The End | And this concludes our "live" reporting from the Paris Mondial motorcycle exhibition.
I hope you enjoyed the quick overview. More over the next few days.
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| 28 September, 2007 - Paris Mondial 2007: CargoBike | Walking alongside the stands at the Paris Mondial Motorcycle Exhibition, I noticed this stuffed motorcycle.
It's called the CargoBike, and it's exactly that... a motorcycle to carry lots of cargo.
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| 28 September, 2007 - Paris Mondial 2007: KTM | KTM managed to create a nice surprise at the Paris motorcycle exhibition.
Apart from new (or revamped) LC4 models, they shown the CONCEPT690STUNT motorcycle.
This motorcycle will become the entry level bike for KTM.
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| 28 September, 2007 - Paris Mondial 2007: BMW | BMW's conference was disappointing. They only showed (after long speeches) the new HP2 Sport.
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| 28 September, 2007 - Paris Mondial 2007: Yamaha | Yamaha was next in Paris with a song & dance show, presenting the new motorcycles.
Here are some of their 8 new models (some were scooters which I'll skip here, more later).
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| 28 September, 2007 - Paris Mondial 2007: Honda | First press conference was from Honda in Paris. Three motorcycles were presented.
The Transalp, the CBF and new CBR Fireblade.
Here's a quick impression.
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| 20 September, 2007 - What To Expect At The 2007 Paris Motorcycle Exhibition | What can we expect to see new, or updated, at the Paris motorcycle exhibition next week.
We will be attending this Mondial du Deux Roues on Friday, and will keep you informed during the press day. So stay tuned.
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| 18 September, 2007 - Le Touquet Enduropale 2008: Registrations | Registrations for the famous Le Touquet Enduropale race (held 2nd February 2008) will open on the 1st of October 2007.
Registrations have been limited to 1,000 motorcycles (previously 1,100), so if you want to race, better hurry.
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| 17 September, 2007 - Yamaha Wins Bol d’Or 2007 | The Yamaha from the GMT 94 team wins the French mythical 24 hours motorcycle race; the Bol d'Or 2007!
First non-Japanese motorcycle was a BMW R1200S in 23rd position (in the General category, 1st in the Open).
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| 13 September, 2007 - Bol d’Or 2007 This Weekend | The famous 24 hours endurance race starts this weekend in France.
The Bol d'Or starts on Saturday 15:00. If you're coming on your motorcycle, here are all the rest places dedicated to motorcycle riders.
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| 7 September, 2007 - France: Motorcycles To Remain Less Than 100 HP | The French, through their association (FFMC) have lost their day in court.
The European Commission have decided that France is in its rights to impose a 100 HP limit on French registered motorcycles.
What's the use of a uniform Europe, if something elementary as the power of motorcycle engines can be whatever they want it to be?
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| 23 July, 2007 - Paris Motorcycle Exhibition Ready For September | The Paris motorcycle exhibition, Mondial Du Deux Roues, will open its doors on 29 September.
One of the biggest motorcycle shows, we can expect to see many new motorcycles and accessories.
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| 13 July, 2007 - France: Getting Out Of License Points Penalties | Many French drivers stand the chance of loosing their driving license after being caught by a speeding radar. But people have gotten smart. Several websites offer you the possibility to contact a "point seller".
These people sell their license points, by "owning" up to the speeding. Everyone wins; you get to keep your license, the 3rd party gets a big lump of money, and the government still get their money.
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| 2 July, 2007 - Finding Out The Traffic Situation In France | With the upcoming summer holidays, many people will be coming to, or travelling through, France. Many vehicles have radios or GPS equipped with RDS, but for those of you who don't have it, here's a French government site that shows you the traffic situation in real time.
You'll be able to see which roads are blocked, which have work in progress and where the accidents are.
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| 28 June, 2007 - MotorsTV on YouTube | The French TV station, MotorsTV, has uploaded many of their programs, in English, to YouTube. MotorsTV run programs on motorcycle (and cars) and motorcycle sports.
More videos are being added, but already you have a great choice of programs to watch, from races to product reviews. |
| 6 June, 2007 - Renting A MP3 Scooter At Paris | If you need to travel to Paris, France by airplane, you'll probably will want to go downtown with a two-wheeler, since traffic is terrible.
But how about going on three wheels ??
There's a company in Orly that rents out Piaggio MP3 scooters!
€89 per day, unlimited mileage.... off you go!
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| 5 June, 2007 - France And Motorcycle Safety Campaigns | The French Ministry of Transportation (Road Safety) has launched another hard hitting campaign to promote road safety for motorcycles.
As usual, their effective ads are not only aimed at motorcycle riders, but also at car drivers.
With a good slogan, they try to teach French car drivers to look before doing something in a car.
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| 28 May, 2007 - Touring Normandy On A Ural Sidecar | We've written a lot about exotic places to tour on your holidays, but here in Normandy, you can also book your holidays, riding the World War II beaches in style.
Moto Masala will organize your tour riding a Ural sidecar or a Royal Enfield Bullet. Prices are very reasonable, and you'll be staying in charming B&B's along the way.
What better way to discover Normandy then in style!
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| 16 May, 2007 - Paris: New Generation Radars Activated | Technology progress is not limited to motorcycles and our gadgets. Radar technology is on the increase, making radars smaller and more powerful!
Last week, three new, high tech automatic digital radars were installed in Paris (the first of many). Until now, Paris itself was spared from the plague. That has now changed.
Thankfully, the authorities warn you that there's a radar up ahead, so if you get caught, you have just yourself to blame. All new radars are backwards facing, so no escaping on your motorcycle.
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| 10 May, 2007 - Planning To Attend The French MotoGP? | As every year, the French Angry Biker Association (FFMC) is organizing special rest places for motorcycles riders who are attending the French MotoGP.
Here, you'll find many free services for bikers, like mechanical interventions, visor cleaning, tire inflation, drinks, and food. Some even offer beds.
For many, the MotoGP fun starts here!
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| 10 May, 2007 - The Price Of Fuel In France And Where To Get It | Gas prices have been soaring, and the French government is trying to stop too high prices, and open up competition.
To do this, they've created a website with most gas station's fuel prices. You can search by city, area, postcode or province. Shortly you'll even be able to create an itinerary and the site will show you the fuel prices en-route.
But the site is in French. So, here are some simple instructions on how to use the site.
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| 7 May, 2007 - France’s New President Better Like Motorcycles | The newly elected President of France, Nicholas Sarkozy, had better start liking motorcycles, since he's surrounded by them.
And if he doesn't, the next photo shows what'll happen... and that's not a nice thing...
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| 30 April, 2007 - Paris - Get Wrenched While Parking Your Motorcycle | Vinci Park, the management company of some 1,400 parking garages are now offering a special service to motorcycle in their garages.
Apart from special areas designated for motorcycle, they now offer in their first garage in Parsi, La Defense, the possibility to have your motorcycle maintained while you're on business (or shopping).
At the same time, you can also get your motorcycle cleaned.
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| 20 April, 2007 - What The French Bikers Want | The French presidential elections are this Sunday. No matter who wins, we, the bikers, are screwed.
French motorcycle magazine, Moto Journal, asked what we motorcycle riders would like to see happen. here's the list of wishes.
I honestly don't think any will see the light of day... |
| 2 April, 2007 - French Presidential Elections - Motorcycle Issues | The French Angry Biker Association, FFMC, have sent the French Presidential candidates a series of questions on their attitude towards motorcycles.
Surprisingly, the man who started the campaign against speeding by placing 1,000's of radars, Nicolas Sarkozy, is very much in favor of motorcycles. Yes to riding in the bus lane, yes to parking on side walks.
The leading contender, Socialist Segolene Royale, is totally opposed to anything that allows a motorcycle to function properly. So all she has going for her is that she's a woman, and reasonably pretty.
If only I was allowed to vote.
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| 7 March, 2007 - France: All PTW Must Have Lights On | The added the fact that now even mopeds needs to have their lights on during daytime, and this for motorcycle safety reasons. But, as usual there's a but here in France, they still want to force cars to have DRL on! How stupid can you get? Give on one hand, take away with the other.
There's French politics for you. |
| 23 February, 2007 - French Presidential Elections and Motorcycles | | The French Presidential Elections are a few weeks away, and the French Angry Bikers Association (FFMC) are quizzing the Presidential candidates on where they stand on motorcycle laws, exclusions, problems, etc. With some 1,000,000 powered two wheelers, they'd better pay attention! |
| 21 February, 2007 - Le Touquet Enduropale 2008 Announced | In case you want to participate in the legendary Le Touquet Enduropale beach enduro, with 1,000 other motorcycles, the dates for the 2008 event are now known. So mark 2 and 3 February 2008 in your calendar. If you'll be wanting a hotel, better book soon.
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| 15 February, 2007 - 930 Photos Of Le Touquet Beach Enduro | | We've placed 930 photos of the famous 2007 Le Touquet Enduropale beach motorcycle enduro race on a photo server, which you can now access.
The photos are available, more or less in time sequence, so you can follow the race as you'd see it on TV. |
| 15 February, 2007 - Green Lane Observatory - France | | After winning a major battle against the environmentalists, who were trying to outlaw all motorcycles from the green lanes and trails, a web site has been created to capture off road statistics. The web site allows you to enter any off road excursion you may have done, recording date, location, kilometers, and most importantly, encounters with other green lane users. Most importantly, you'll record if the encounter was positive or negative.
This way, when for future references, the "enemy" starts saying that motorcycles on green lanes is not appreciated, they'll have a database full of statistics proving them wrong. |
| 15 February, 2007 - French Angry Biker Association Sues France | | The French Angry Bikers Association (FFMC) are urging their members to collectively sue France at the European Courts in Brussels. The reason; France is limiting all motorcycle to 100 hp ! Since this is illegal, the FFMC are taking France Inc. to court. |
| 5 February, 2007 - Parisian Motorcycle Art Gallery | Did you know there is a motorcycle art gallery in Paris, France ?
Full of sculptures, paintings etc of motorcycles.
Currently they are exhibiting a comic book depicting the semi-erotic life of two motorcycle mechanics.
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| 2 February, 2007 - French Motorocycle Cops Fed Up! | | The French motorcycle Gendarmes are fed up with having to fine speeding bikers, so they've stopped doing it ! They don't feel they should be tax collectors. Now, for speeds of under 20 kph over the limit, you'll get a warning. Vive la France ! |
| 19 January, 2007 - Don’t Come To Paris On The 27th Jan | | Don't come to Paris on the 27 of January with a car. You're not going to be able to park. The French Angry Biker Association (FFMC) is throwing a little protest, asking all motorcycles to use up the legal parking spots of cars, thereby making it impossible for cars to park. All that because an idiot in City Hall has ordered all motorcycles to be removed from the sidewalks ! |
| 16 January, 2007 - French Radars List Jan 2007 | The French Government frequently publishes a list of all their fixed speed radars. Here's the latest edition, with an interactive map of France and all the digital speed radars.
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| 15 January, 2007 - Endurose 2007 Cancelled | | Since their paperwork was a bit late, the authorities decided to cancel the female-only motorcycle enduro, L'Endurose. French authorities are showing their true colors. Would this have happened if the event was the Tour de France ? |
| 12 January, 2007 - Give It, Then Take It Away - Politics ! | | First you needed a license and pass a test to ride a 125 cc motorcycle, then they allowed you to ride a 125cc motorcycle without a license or a test, now you need to lessons, but don't need a license for a 125 cc motorcycle here in France. Will the politicians please make up their minds. |
| 12 December, 2006 - Anti-Greenlaning Law Repealed In France ? | | First strike against the French greenies and their proposed law forbidding motorcycles from riding off road. The top government agency in France has decided that the proposed law is without merit, and condemned the greenies to pay legal costs. One small victory, but the battle still rages. |
| 9 October, 2006 - New Proposed Law For Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | | The European Commission are proposing to equip all vehicles sold in Europe with special Daytime Running Lights (DRL). So not only do vehicles need to have their lights on during the day, but the lights have to be special. Will this craziness ever end ? |
| 29 September, 2006 - Video: Riding Down The Paris Peripherique - Bad Way | | Yesterday's video of a "normal" motorcycle riding in the busy Paris Peripherique is tame compared to this one. It's the famous Black Prince who took the Paris Ring road in 11 seconds, riding his motorcycle at 250 kph. |
| 28 September, 2006 - Video: Riding Down The Paris Peripherique | | A good video clip of someone riding their motorcycle during rush hour on the Parisian Peripherique (ring road). Not excessive fast or slow, this shows you the way many Frenchmen commute to work. |
| 14 September, 2006 - Video: Crossing the Millau Viaduct | A look at the famous Millau Viaduct, world's tallest suspension bridge, and a video clip of a BMW K1200LT crossing the 2.5 kilometers long bridge.
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| 24 August, 2006 - Le Touquet EnduroPale and Foreigners | | In order to attract more foreigners to the beach enduro race, the Le Touquet Enduropale, the organizers are now offering a special prize for the first foreigner to cross the finish line. |
| 18 August, 2006 - Wine and Motorcycles; Touring France | Maybe you think that wine and motorcycles don't really mix, but if you do it professionally, like Unicorn Adventures, you could have a great holiday.
Unicorn run a fully organized wine tour of France on motorcycles. A 15 day holiday through all the wine regions of France on one of their BMW motorcycles.
Interested ??? Read on...
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| 31 July, 2006 - Paris Mayor Has Motorcycle-phobia | The idiot mayor of Paris has decided that on high pollution days, motorcycles can only go into the city on alternate days !
He's stated that motorcycles pollute between 3 and 122 times more than cars !! |
| 25 July, 2006 - Getting Worse in France ! | | The French government is stepping up their efforts to enrichen themselves (they say it's for your own safety). More radars, no more warning, average speeds calculated on autoroutes, etc etc. Living hell !!! Vive La Revolution ! |
| 12 July, 2006 - Le Touquet Enduropale 2007 - Planning | Since we've received quite some emails asking for more information on the next Le Touquet Enduropale beach race, here's information for you.
Prizes, cost, hotels, etc. Nothing to stop you from preparing this race.
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| 11 July, 2006 - New French Motorcycle Manufacturer - Wakan | France has a new motorcycle manufacturer; Wakan.
Finally there's a second manufacturer who has produced a very pretty and sexy cafe-racer style motorcycle.
The motorcycle will be available later this year, and distributed in several countries, including the UK and USA.
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| 5 July, 2006 - Tour de France 2006 & Kawasaki Motorcycles | Kawasaki is again the official supplier of motorcycles to the Tour de France 2006.
26 motorcycles are used during the race, ranging from stewards, to medical, to drinks.
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| 30 June, 2006 - French Radars Are Getting Greedy | Not only are the radars in France multiplying like little bunny rabbits (but not as cute), there are now so many, that they're putting three at a time on one spot !
Not fair !!
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| 21 June, 2006 - The French and Mobile Telephones | | The French Minister of Interior published some interesting statistics on mobile phone usage in cars. it would seem that 90+% of French drivers know it's dangerous and know it's forbidden, but still they do it !! |
| 14 June, 2006 - Paris, Peripherique and Motorcycles | The Chief Idiot of Paris, Denis Baupin (head of Transportation) wants to close down one lane on the busiest road of Paris, the Peripherique.
Anything to make life as a commuter as difficult as he can. As long as he can ride is bicycle in Paris, he's fine !
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| 8 June, 2006 - French Accidents Statistics 2005 | | The fatal accidents in French traffic statistics has been published for 2005. Another improvement over the previous year, except, as usual, for motorcycles. |
| 24 April, 2006 - Love Coast Ride | A look at the trip we took last week, with some photos of Brittany's (Bretagne) Cote d'Armor.
This place is motorcycle heaven; small winding roads, cliffs, forests, coastal villages and many great restaurants. If you're ever planning to ride in France, have a look at one possible destination.
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| 11 April, 2006 - France’s Gendarmerie New Supersport Motorcycle | The French Gendarmerie Police have purchased 50 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 high speed motorcycles ! They have formed a special "High Speed Interception Brigade".
The motorcycle is capable of 315 kph (195 mph).
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| 13 March, 2006 - Big Protest Planned In France - Greenlaning Issue | France, through Codever, is planning massive protest rides on the 18th of March, protesting the proposed laws forbidding any vehicle (horse, quads, bicycles, 4x4 and motorcycles) from riding off-road !
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| 3 March, 2006 - Christmas ? Birthday ? No, Election Time ! | | After the French Government decided to turn off the heat on motorcycles, now it's the turn of the Mayor of Paris. That can mean only one things! Yes, it's election time ! |
| 24 February, 2006 - KTM Into The Greenlane Fight | | Finally the first motorcycle manufacturer has picked up the challenge, and has started a publicity campaign to help motorcycle riders defend their rights to greenlaning. Where are the rest ? |
| 24 February, 2006 - French Government Turning Down The Heat | Finally the French government has turned down the heat on motorcycles and has started to become positive.
Are there now that many motorcycle riding voters ???? |
| 13 February, 2006 - 100 Best Motorcycle Roads In France | A new publication about the top 100 best motorcycle roads in France.
Maps, roadbooks, restaurants, hotels, camping along the way.
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| 10 February, 2006 - French License Points | | The three year statistics on the number of points withdrawn from the French driving license have been issued. A very clear progression in the number of people who have lost their driving license. |
| 23 January, 2006 - Motorcycle Sales In France - 2005 | The new motorcycle sales statistics for France during 2005 look very good.
The record number of motorcycles sold has been broken, so the French motorcycle market is looking very good. |
| 23 December, 2005 - Motorcross/Enduro Holiday In France - Kids/Adults | Don't know what to do for your 2006 holidays ? Got kids who want to learn riding a motorcycle ? Here's the solution. A high park with several motocross/enduro circuits, motorcycles or quads, all under the watchful eyes of trained staff. Activities for kids.
107 room hotel. 200 people restaurant. A great holiday !
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| 16 December, 2005 - Antiquated Motorcycle Laws - France | France have just reinforced one of their antiquated motorcycle laws. If you're caught with a motorcycle with more than 100 hp, you go to jail !
Long live the revolution ! |
| 8 December, 2005 - The "Le Touquet" Enduro 2006 - World’s Biggest Event | World's biggest motorcycle race is on for the 4th and 5th February.
The "Le Touquet" beach race, with 1,000 motorcycles competing. But it has changed format and name.
There are still a few motorcycle spots available.
Interested ??
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| 5 December, 2005 - Another Motorcycle Exhibition in Paris | Paris is to host a 2nd annual motorcycle show, the Paris Moto Show. To be held end February.
A new format show, with demonstrations and try-it-yourself tracks !
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| 9 July, 2005 - Riding Motorcycles in France | Here's a complete guide to riding motorcycles in France.
The laws, rules and dangerous spots, plus biker habits.
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| 23 June, 2005 - Parking in Paris | Parking in Paris can be daunting, so here's a quick way of finding yourself a parking place in Paris.
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| 13 April, 2005 - Motorcycle Holidays In France | | An operator has started a motorcycle holiday company for visitors to France, all inclusive motorcycle holidays. |
| 16 February, 2005 - Radar Web Site for France | A look (and translation) of a very detailed website describing all radars in France, fixed and mobile.
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| 21 January, 2005 - Last Enduro of Touquet Cancelled ! | | The last and final Le Touquet Enduro race, world's biggest, has now been cancelled (no more beach race - end of an era). |
| 5 December, 2003 - Motorcycle Taxis in Paris | Car traffic is becoming more and more difficult in Paris.
Motorcycle Taxis are flourishing....
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| 27 October, 2003 - Radars Map in France | | I've published two detailed maps of where you can find the new digital radars in France.... |
| 4 July, 2003 - Dog Poop Motorcycles | The French have scooters that are equipped with a vacuum cleaner that patrol the sidewalks and "suck" in all dog shit.....
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