You can now buy HOC branded stuff, using PayPal or credit card, on-line!
Whisky glasses, knitted hat, mugs, enamel badge and T-shirts are all available at the click of your mouse. |
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Three Shires' Normandy trip a huge success
4 July 2008 |
19 HOC members and 14 bikes went for a great holiday in Northern France, taking in the D-Day beaches, Pegasus Bridge and many other sites. They all had a great time, with loads of laughs and fantastic roads.
You can read about their trip on the Three Shires site and see further pictures here. |
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Worcestershire Branch website launched
3 July 2008 |
The Worcestershire Branch of the Honda Owners Club has launched their website on the Club server at www.worcs.hoc.org.uk.
The excellent site tells you about the Branch meeting, future runs, photos and much more.
If you live in the Worcestershire area why not pop along to
The Wrens Nest, 46 Stourport Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY11 7BB on alternate Tuesdays from 8.30pm, the next meeting is on the 8th of July. For more details, please e-mail Brian or call him on 07710 067829. |
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Only a few days left to win this great read!
1 July 2008 |
You can win the fantastic book Motorcycle, by entering a simple competition in the HOC Newsletter.
It's an informative and comprehensive account of motorcycles throughout their history; from the early invention of motorbikes as a steam-powered bicycle in the nineteenth century to the roaring Hell's Angels of today's world.
Open the PDF with a description of the book's contents and special offer order form.
Join the HOC Newsletter mailing list for the latest news, special offers and great competitions. |
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Furry friends enjoy a ride and picnic
29 June 2008 |
The Northants & Milton Keynes Branch enjoyed a Teddy Bear's Picnic at Stanwick Lakes on Sunday. The warm weather, an excellent ride and good friends made for a brilliant day out.
See more on the Northants & MK website.
They meet every Wednesday at
The Ten O'Clock, 42 Main Street, Little Harrowden, Wellingborough from 8pm.
Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the activities, please e-mail Sue Beck for more details. |
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Rutter ends three year drought with victory at Mallory
29 June 2008 | BSB |
Michael Rutter took a spectacular victory at Mallory Park, with a gamble on tyres being rewarded with his first win since 2005. He headed off the challenge race one winner and BSB Championship leader Shane Byrne in a rain affected second race at Mallory Park.
Find out more on the BSB and
Eurosport pages.
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Neukirchner and Xaus win at Misano
29 June 2008 | WSB |
Spain's Ruben Xaus won the second World Superbikes race at Misano as Troy Bayliss extended his championship lead with two third-place finishes. Carlos Checa (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) was the top finishing Honda rider in each 24-lap race at Misano, scoring fifth in race one and eighth in race two, taking him to third in the championship rankings.
Read the story at BBC Sport and on the
Honda Racing pages.
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Stoner wins in Assen, but Pedrosa takes the lead
28 June 2008 | MotoGP |
The Dutch MotoGP was packed with drama at both start and finish, with Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda RC212V) taking control of the World Championship with a sound ride to second behind runaway winner Casey Stoner.
Read the race reports at
BBC Sport and on the
Honda Racing pages. |
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CB1000R official accessories unveiled ahead of launch
28 June 2008 | HONDA |
To go with the grand launch of the CB1000R on Friday 4 July at dealers across the UK, Honda have now launched a range of accessories to supplement the new bike.
There are loads of things available, from heated grips to an alarm system and an undertray to a rear seat cowl.
The standard machine will be priced at £6,950, with the combined ABS-equipped bike at £7,450.
See details of the accessories and the
bike. |
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Worcestershire Branch off to a great start!
27 June 2008 |
A packed meeting saw the official launch of the Worcestershire Branch yesterday. HOC Chairman, Andy 'Dibble' Young said "I am pleased that so many turned up on a wet and windy night. It shows the amount of support and bodes well for the future." Meetings will be held at the
The Wrens Nest, 46 Stourport Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY11 7BB, on alternate Tuesdays from 8pm, starting on July 8th.
If you ride a Honda or are already member, why not pop along and say hello, you can be assured a very warm welcome. For more details, please e-mail Brian Capewell or telephone 01562 744968. |
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Byrne and Camier claim wins
15 June 2008 | BSB |
Leon Camier and Shane Byrne took the victories in the fifth round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Snetterton. Camier enjoyed maiden Superbike glory in the opening race as he headed off the late, determined challenges from his series-leading Airwaves Ducati team-mate Byrne.
Find out more on the BSB and
Eurosport pages.
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Checa continue his title challenge
15 June 2008 | WSB |
After a double race win in America last time out Carlos Checa (Hannspree Ten Kate Honda CBR1000RR) posted two fifth place finishes in the Nürburgring races and he remains second in the championship fight.
Read the story at BBC Sport and on the
Honda Racing pages.
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SHARP publishes first results
12 June 2008 |
NEWS |
Ratings for 56 of the most popular full face helmets on the market were published after testing by SHARP - the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme set up in a world-first by the Department for Transport last year. The SHARP tests - which award ratings of between one and five stars - showed that the safety performance of helmets can vary by as much as 70%.
Go to the
SHARP website and find out if your helmet has been rated yet. |
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Honda announces world's first “brake by wire” system
10 June 2008 | HONDA |
Honda has announced the world’s first electronically-controlled “Combined ABS” for Super Sport motorcycles, aimed at combining ABS and CBS systems into one system that applies the basic advantages of both, while specifically addressing the requirements of a Super Sport context.
Get more details on the Honda Worldwide website. |
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Are cheaper new road surfaces lethal?
28 May 2008 |
NEWS |
A report by George Saunders in the Telegraph, would seem to say they are!
"It seems strange that so few people are making a fuss about the fact that local authorities in Britain have, for the past 10 years or so, been resurfacing roads with a material that is so lethally slippery that its use is banned elsewhere. One of the ingredients of this material, Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA), is an oil-based substance that remains slippery until it is worn off the surface of the road by the passage of traffic. How long this takes depends on the amount and weight of traffic using the road. It can take up to two years - or, in the case of the strip between the wheel tracks of four-wheeled vehicles, where motorcyclists can be expected to ride, never."
Read the entire article at Telegraph.co.uk and join in the discussion on the HOC Forum, thanks to Ed Case for bringing this to our attention. |
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Two great events - did you go?
25 May 2008 |
Two events took place in the HOC calendar this weekend.
Blade Day Donington, Friday 23rd May
Although it was overcast for most of the day with just a short shower, members enjoyed the day and some took bikes around the circuit. Welcome to the seventeen new members were signed up.
ACE Honda Day, Sunday 25th May
The heavy persistent rain finally stopped before lunch, but it did mean that attendance was fairly low. However members of at least 7 branches did come along.
Over £100 was raised in our raffle for the ACE's charity, 'Jeans for Genes' helping to assist Great Ormond Street Hospital in research into childhood genetic disorders. Thanks to Erica for organising the raffle.
Many thanks to Honda (UK) for for providing first prize, 2 tickets to a BSB round of the winners choice. The winner was Derek Williams, one of the twelve new members who we signed up on the day.
Once again many thanks to Honda (UK) for facilities provided at both shows. |
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Do you have a classic, mint condition Honda?
21 May 2008 |
NEWS |
This year Honda celebrates its 60th Anniversary.
To celebrate this they are staging a live event at the
British Motorshow at ExCel and need an original Cub 50 (in classic red and white), an original Fireblade and an early Goldwing.
The bikes will be used as part of the opening to the show and the producers will look after and insure any models, pay for their delivery and credit the owners in the show publicity.
You will also get free tickets to see your pride and joy in action!
The bikes will be required from 18th July to 4th August 2008 including collections and returns.
If you can would like to help, please e-mail Kirstie Shannon. |
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East Midlands Branch Rally is back
20 May 2008 |
The ever popular East Midlands Rally is on again! Now at the Beehive Farm Woodland Lakes on July 4th-6th, it is also a Saddle Sore event for HOC members. Get more details here.
They meet at The Royal Hotel, Station Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 2GP on the 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month from 7.30pm.
You will be made very welcome, please e-mail Steve Pugh for more details. |
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BMF Show a huge success for Club
18 May 2008 |
Despite the changeable, cold weather on Saturday, the BMF Show at the East of England Showground in Peterborough was another great success for the Honda Owners Club. Happily the weather was much better on Sunday.
The Cambridge Branch did another great job, decorating the marquee and organising the members who came along to help and talking to the many visitors.
Members particularly enjoyed the Cafe where, for a donation to charity, they could enjoy a drink and delicious home-made cakes.
Welcome to the 60+ new members who joined over the weekend, we hope that you enjoy your membership and make the most of what the Honda Owners Club has to offer. |
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Northants & Milton Keynes Branch have a chilly evening ride
14 May 2008 |
The regular alternate Wednesday 'Everyotherruns' are well under way and tonight, 23 bikes rode 50 miles to Milton Malsor. Read about the ride and see who went on the
Northants & MK website.
They meet every Wednesday at
The Ten O'Clock, 42 Main Street, Little Harrowden, Wellingborough from 8pm.
Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the activities, please e-mail Sue Beck for more details. |
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Manx Offshore Branch website launched
8 May 2008 |
The Manx Offshore Branch of the Honda Owners Club has launched their website on the Club server at www.manx.hoc.org.uk.
Although still under construction, the excellent site tells you about the Branch meeting, future runs, photos of past events and much more.
If you live on the Isle of Man why not pop along to The Creek Inn, Station Place, Peel, Isle of Man IM5 1AT on the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 8.30pm or e-mail Karen & John for more details. |
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South Wales Branch change website address
27 April 2008 |
The South Wales Branch of the Honda Owners Club has relaunched their website on the Club server at www.southwales.hoc.org.uk.
The excellent site tells you about the Branch meeting, future runs, photos of past events and much more.
If you live in South Wales why not pop along to Llanwit Fardre Sports & Social Club, Central Park, Church Village, Near Pontypridd CF38 1RJ on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7.30pm
or e-mail Donna for more details. |
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Dorset Branch has a new meeting place
27 April 2008 |
The Dorset Branch of the Honda Owners Club has decided to change meeting place and now meets at the The Royal Oak, West Street, Bere Regis BH20 7HQ on the 3rd Friday of the month from 7.30pm.
If you ride a Honda or are already member, why not pop along and say hello, you can be assured a very warm welcome. For more details, please e-mail Heather. |
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Northants & Milton Keynes Branch visit cracking little museum!
24 April 2008 |
Sywell Aviation Museum is one of Northampton's hidden treasures and it's just down the road from the Northants & MK Branch meeting place - so they paid it a visit last Wednesday. Read about the event and see pictures on the
Northants & MK website.
They meet every Wednesday at
The Ten O'Clock, 42 Main Street, Little Harrowden, Wellingborough from 8pm.
Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the activities, please e-mail Sue Beck for more details. |
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Riding in Europe this year - are you properly covered?
23 April 2008 |
NEWS |
Although aimed at drivers taking their cars abroad, this article could also apply to bikes, so it's worth checking. Thanks to ed case, on the HOC Forum for bringing this to our attention.
"The two million drivers who take their cars to the Continent each year have to navigate complex rules to make sure they are properly insured."
Read the story at this is money.co.uk. |
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Volunteers needed for NEC
21 April 2008 |
The HOC are having a display at the International Motorcycle Show in the NEC and need volunteers to man the stand between Thursday 28 November and Sunday 7 December.
Volunteers must be fully paid up HOC members and will receive their entry price reimbursed by the Club.
If you would like to help, please e-mail Rona with your membership number and which days you can make. |
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Dave Sansome 1946-2008
16 April 2008 |
It is with sadness that we have to regretfully announce the loss of our good friend Dave Sansome, who lost his battle with cancer on Tuesday 8th April 2008 aged 62.
Dave was a member of the HOC East Midlands Branch for some 7+ years and worked on the committee as Membership Secretary for more than 4 of those years. Many of you will know him as the face to greet you at the Annual East Midlands Rally, always cheerful and smiling, alongside his wife Lynne.
His dogged determination kept him riding his bike along with the rest of us.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Lynne and the family.
Dave, you will be missed
The Funeral will take place at Gilrose Cemetery, A50 Groby Road, Leicester at 11.15 am Thursday 24th April 2008. |
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East Midlands Branch has new Secretary and meeting place
15 April 2008 |
The East Midlands Branch of the Honda Owners Club has elected a new secretary. Steve Pugh takes over from Ian Cooke, who has run the Branch very successfully until now. Thanks Ian, for all your hard work, I'm sure that Steve will carrying on the good work.
They meet on the 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month at the The Royal Hotel, Station Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, LE65 2GP from 7.30pm.
If you ride a Honda or are already member, why not pop along and say hello, you can be assured a very warm welcome. For more details, please e-mail Steve or ring him on 01332 515767. |
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Honda launches motorcycle clothing range with Joe Rocket
14 April 2008 | HONDA |
Honda (UK) has launched an all-new motorcycle apparel range, with Joe Rocket clothing and TranAm UK distributor as the official licensed partners. With more than a decade's worth of experience in the motorcycle clothing sector, Joe Rocket's name is synonymous with style, quality and protection.
The new Honda range offers each of these qualities in both leather and textile apparel for men and women, to include jackets, trousers and racing suits, as well as gloves, tank bags, tail bags and a helmet back pack.
The full range of Honda Motorcycle apparel is available from selected Honda motorcycle dealerships across the UK. An official range catalogue is also available to download as a pdf. |
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AA go back to bikes to beat congestion
3 April 2008 |
NEWS |
AA patrols are to use electric scooters and motorbikes to beat traffic congestion and get to breakdowns in central London. The new patrols trial is the first time the AA has used bikes to attend breakdowns since the mid-1990s.
It says the bikes will be able to reach breakdowns up to 25% quicker.
Read the story at BBC News and on the AA web site. |
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More sneaky tactics in north Wales
31 March 2008 |
NEWS |
North Wales police are using a horsebox parked by the side of the road to hide a speed camera. The horsebox with two officers inside was parked near Llanrwst in the Conwy Valley on Sunday.
Read the story at BBC News. |
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Three Shires bring joy to the Sheffield Children's Hospital
24 March 2008 |
The Three Shires Branch of the Honda Owners Club took a major role in the South Yorkshire Motorcycle Egg Run again this year - in 2007 they raised over £3000. Take a look at pictures of the day on their website.
If you live in the South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire or North East Derbyshire area, why not pop along to
The Blacksmiths Arms, Barbers Row, Renishaw, Sheffield, every Monday from 8pm
or e-mail Keven for more details. |
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Kent Branch has new Secretary
21 March 2008 |
The Kent Branch of the Honda Owners Club has elected a new secretary. Mike Gallafent takes over from Bill Brown, who started the branch last year.
They meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Pied Bull, High Street, Farningham, Kent DA4 0DG, from 8pm.
If you ride a Honda or are already member, why not pop along and say hello, you can be assured a very warm welcome. For more details, please e-mail Mike. |
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BMF asks... "Insured...or are you?"
20 March 2008 |
NEWS |
It has been bought to the BMFs attention that a series of errors on the Motor Insurance Database could lead to motorcycles being impounded and disposed of in spite of being insured. The database, which is used by the police to verify riders/drivers details, could, in the worst case, show up that you have no insurance, and as a consequence your machine can be impounded on the spot unless you have your insurance with you and can prove you are covered.
You can check you are ‘officially legal’ by going to the database website at
www.askmid.com and follow the online instructions. |
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2008 bikes available as computer wallpaper
19 March 2008 |
The Gallery has been loaded with over 70 new pictures for you to use as wallpaper for your Mac or PC. This includes pictures of the 2008 Honda range.
Take a look at what you can download in the Gallery, just click on wallpaper and see what's available. |
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West Yorkshire take part in the annual Bunny Run
17 March 2008 |
The West Yorkshire Branch of the Honda Owners Club, joined the local bike club for their annual Easter Bunny Run on Sunday 16th. You can see pictures of the day on their website.
If you live near the West Yorkshire Branch why not pop along to the Wellington Hotel, Harrogate Road, Bradford on the 1st Monday of every month
or e-mail Big Steve for more details. |
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HOC Forum has changed web address
13 March 2008 |
The HOC Forum has been upgraded to the new V3 BBS software by the service provider.
There should be no need for existing members to re-register and all posts will be copied across. Please click on the link below and change your bookmarks to the new address.
If you haven't already, why not register for the new HOC Forum and join in the banter. Non-members are more than welcome. |
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Tesco launch bike insurance comparison site
10 March 2008 |
NEWS |
Not content to be the biggest UK's greengrocer, Tesco has joined forces with The Bike Insurer to search the market for the best motorbike insurance deals available.
Simply fill in one form, and let the Motorbike Insurance Finder do the rest! They say "We'll do our utmost to find you the best deal available!".
Get an on-line quote by going to the
Tesco insurance page. |
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Northants & Milton Keynes Branch talk bikes with ex-racer
6 March 2008 |
An excellent evening of questions, stories and anecdotes was enjoyed by members of the Cambridge and Northants & MK Branches, when exGP racer Keith Huewen and Honda's former Sporting Manager Chris Herring came to the Ten O'Clock on Wednesday. Read about the event and see pictures on the Northants & MK website.
They meet every Wednesday at
The Ten O'Clock, 42 Main Street, Little Harrowden, Wellingborough from 8pm.
Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the activities, please e-mail Sue Beck for more details. |
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