‘Anti-rotation helmet tech is the future — and the past’
Interesting article about new helmet laws and I noted “Rotation to blame for 60% of brain injuries.” Many years ago, I knew Dr. Ken Phillips who invented and patented an anti-rotation system that
addressed this problem. Despite successful testing, which showed a 60% reduction in rotation (much greater than MIPS system in your story), none of the major helmet manufacturers took it up despite its demonstrative ability to reduce rotation. The only one to take it on board was Lazer with the Superskin but it was eventually dropped. A shame. Robert Abbot
‘How big are your plates, cobber?’
The June issue has a complaint about numberplates and holders. I live in Australia and have always wondered about your big-asheck numberplates. Ours are about the size of two mobile phones end-to-end. What’s the story; are your coppers all myopic or something? If they are a pain, why not lobby for smaller ones? Jon Sloan
The UK police say they have to be this size so that they are easy to be spotted by ANPR cameras. Their size and shape doesn’t really bother me and I’ve never been tempted by a small aftermarket plate. Do others feel the same? MW
‘Adventure bikes HAVE gone too far’
In answer to the question ‘Has the Multistrada gone too far?’ from an old issue of RIDE, my reply to that would be ‘Yes.’ Not only Ducati but all the better-known makes have gone too far. Arguably, all the electronic gadgets have taken the rider’s skills away and many riders have been duped into believing they need all the gizmos to get from A to B safely.
It seems to me that manufacturers don’t know what to do next to impress the buying public. Comfort and real fuel economy would be a good start. Why do they need to make bikes so complicated and expensive?
I would say to riders; spend your cash on an advanced rider course instead. Terry Pope
It’s a great point about advanced riding and, while things like quickshifters take away a skill, I don’t believe there are many out there triggering their ABS and
traction control constantly. You’re right though, you don’t NEED them for good, safe riding. Neither of my nonwork bikes have any kind of rider aid. See what Simon Hargreaves thinks about the tech-packed KTM 1290
Super Adventure on p72. MW