Bootcamp video series offers top riding advice
Watch all six episodes and take on board tips around speed, cornering and more for a brilliant biking year
‘It’s easy to get into bad habits when you’ve been riding for a while’
What better way to prep for an action-packed year of motorcycling than spending a bit of time with MCN’s Chief Road Tester Michael Neeves as he shares some wise words in a special new series of Bootcamp videos?
Whether you’ve been battling through Britain’s wet and windy winter or tucked up indoors awaiting warmer weather… there’s sure to be something in this new video series that makes this coming year of biking your best yet.
It’s all too easy to get a bit giddy once lighter nights and warmer weather arrive and the opportunity to wind it on through some finally-dry sweepers presents itself, along with the sun on your back and that gorgeous smell of warm tarmac in your nostrils.
A brief pause for thought and a sit-down with a cup of tea while watching this latest series of BikerTek/MCN videos might just make everything even better as the new biking season gets underway.
There are six videos in the series, with all of them now released. These cover speed management, cornering, overtaking, tiredness, lever adjustments and general motorcycle maintenance.
Neevesy is joined by MCN reader Gavin Freeman as they rattle around some of the challenging routes that often feature in MCN road tests.
BMW S1000RR owner Freeman has been riding for about six years. He said: “It’s easy to get into bad habits after you’ve been riding for a while, so getting someone so experienced to have a look at what you’re doing is priceless. I have learnt so much from shooting these six videos with BikerTek and MCN.”
In the latest video to go live Freeman’s bike is taken to ex-World Superbike and British Superbike star Chris Walker’s Kawasaki dealership where it receives a thorough going over.
Basic checks are made to ensure that everything is in top working order. Walker reveals the key areas to check regularly, and how to make sure there are no issues lurking just beneath the shiny plastic fairings.
Walker said: “We have seen some right sights over the years and it tends to be with smaller bikes that get hammered.
“We check the bike’s electrics, controls, chain, brakes, tyres, bearings and seals, and help the owner make any changes or updates that we think may improve the safety or integrity of the bike.
“The most common issues we see tend to be around chains and sprockets. A check of this type, can also highlight the areas that need most attention.
“In this case, the bike has obviously been well looked after and there are no serious issues, but this is not always the case.”
Freeman is on hand for the entire BikerTek/MCN series as he offers a perspective that everyday road riders can relate to.
The videos also contain a great deal of riding advice which can be applied to almost any ride and any situation, as well as top tips on how to ensure that your bike is set up and maintained properly.
Helen Page, of BikerTek, commented: “This will be our third year supporting the video series and we’ve had such good feedback from viewers that we couldn’t wait to get involved again. Neeves’ no-nonsense attitude and down-to-earth riding tips means there’s something here for everyone.”
BikerTek is all about enjoying biking life on the open road and they will be visiting various motorcycling events, rallies and bike cafes this year. A stunning custom-built machine will be the star of the BikerTek stand. The Old Empire machine is made from BikerTek’s unique range of parts.
See all six of the Bootcamp videos now at www.bikertekshop. co.uk. There will also be event details and more information on the firm’s special parts featured on the website.