New 2009 rider equipment range from BMW

This week BMW Motorrad unveiled their 2009 range of rider equipment, which they describe as "renowned for its innovative design, technical capabilities and outstanding durability and safety".

The highlight of this new range is probably the new System 6 helmet, an upgrade to the System 5 which was recently awarded a 5-star rating in the SHARP helmet safety tests.

The System 6 was launched at the Intermot bike show back in October, and BMW describe it as a "highly attractive, modern design with a number of advancements including superior size and weight". The chin strap contains an integrated neckband that stops the helmet from twisting, whilst an anti-fog double glazed visor comes as standard.

BMW have also launched the Trailguard suit, a re-design of the Santiago suit that has all-terrain riding and greater rider comfort in mind. Back, shoulder, elbow, hip and adjustable knee protectors provide additional protection.

More details on the equipment range can be found at www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk.

NEC show bits and pieces

Another round-up of the latest news ahead of the NEC show which opens to the public on Friday.

Suzuki will be launching their 2009 models in Birmingham, headed by the all-new GSX-R1000 (pictured above) as well as the new Gladius 650 and a revamped Bandit 650. Head to hall four for a chance to see the bikes in action in the test ride area.

Suzuki are also giving away free oil filters to owners at the NEC - simply collect a voucher at their stand, which can then be swapped for a filter at any authorised Suzuki dealer.



The Driving Standards Agency people will also be at the NEC launching their new rider safety initiative. The Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) is part of the the Government's Motorcycling Strategy (that's GMS, abbreviation fans!) to help reduce the number of fatal and serious accidents on the roads that involve bikes.

Qualified bikers who visit the ERS stand will be encouraged to "iron out bad habits and keep you safer on the roads... and it can help to gain riders discounts on insurance" - the words of TV presenter Louise Brady, who will be at the NEC to promote this scheme, along with former Superbike Champion and now MotoGP commentator, Steve Parrish.

New Suzuki Bandit 650 range announced

The new models for 2009 seem to be flooding in, with Suzuki announcing updates to the Bandit 650 and 650SA models at EICMA this week.

According to Suzuki, the 650 now boasts sleeker headlights, newly style mirrors, a slimmer tail light, new instrumentation, a black engine finish and newly shaped muffler ends; while the 650SA now features stacked high and low beam multi-reflector headlights and other styling updates.

The new models will be on show for the first time at the NEC Bike Show at the end of the month.

Yamaha announce the 2009 XJ6

Not to be out-done by Ducati's new model launch, Yamaha have completed their 2009 line-up with three new scooters and the XJ6 (pictured), a naked version of the XJ6 Diversion.

The XJ6 boasts a newly-developed FZ6-based 600cc engine, and is available in cloudy white, extreme yellow and midnight black.