Year: 2019

‘Plug and play’ TPMS technology to give riders precise pressure readings and absolute confidence in their tyres

• Guards against the second most common mechanical defect contributing to motorcycle accidents

British technology firm Fit2Go TPMS, a global licensee for Michelin, has launched its first tyre pressure monitoring system for motorcycles, mopeds and scooters – introducing new levels of safety for riders for whom tyre condition is critical.

The Michelin TPMS – Bike is a ‘plug & play’ retrofit kit that comes as standard with a magnetic display mount, inductive charger and two sensors, replacing the original valve caps. It brings the same direct TPMS technology already launched for the passenger car and commercial vehicle markets to two-wheels for the first time.

Designed to detect a tyre in distress through loss of pressure, fast leakage or an increase in temperature – often the sign of an impending blowout – the display provides a highly visual alert and identifies the wheel affected.

WIMA members will get a discount: use the code WIMA10 at the checkout to receive 10% off.  Fit2Go will also have a stand at the International Rally in Castleton in August. Both new systems can be fitted within minutes and come with a 12-month warranty. They are available to purchase directly from www.fit2gotpms.com and major retailers including Amazon and Ebay.

Fit2Go TPMS says it could significantly reduce the number of motorcycle accidents for which illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres are a contributary factor. The Department for Transport (DfT) has recorded 130 such accidents* in Britain between 2015 and 2017, making it the second most common vehicle defect contributing to accidents after defective brakes.

The wireless system, which does not need any programming, features a compact LCD screen which fits into a magnetic mount placed on a prominent part of the bike. The fully sealed and buttonless device can be easily removed for security when parking unattended and is small enough to fit in a pocket.

The display offers a battery life of up to three months, with the addition of a USB-powered inductive charger making it simple to top-up when the battery is running low. Once fitted, it displays the pressure of both tyres, with the option of switching from psi to bar, while toggling between front and rear at set intervals, eliminating the need for riders to carry a separate pressure checker.

Gary Broadfield, Group Managing Director of Fit2Go TPMS, says: “Whatever kind of motorcycle, moped or scooter you ride, you want to have absolute confidence in your tyres – yet few bikes offer any kind of on-board TPMS.

“Riding on incorrectly inflated rubber or suffering any kind of tyre failure on a motorbike can be catastrophic. Our system continually monitors both tyres and provides precise pressure readings, unlike indirect systems which typically only offer estimates via the bike’s brake sensors.

“In the event a tyre issue is detected, the rider will see a prominent visual alert on the display unit – which flashes as brightly as the torch on most mobile phones.”

The Fit2Go technology provides early low-pressure warnings if a tyre becomes under-inflated by 15 per cent, an enhanced alert when the pressure either drops by 25 per cent, or should the tyre be over-inflated by 35 per cent or more. It will also alert the rider to high tyre temperatures or fast leakage (at least 2 psi per minute) – a nightmare scenario for any rider, particularly at speed.

At the same time the firm is launching Michelin Tyre Pressure Checker – an ultra-affordable option for those who simply want access to precise pressure readings within seconds, and without needing to connect a pressure gauge to the valve, which is unhygienic and removes air from the tyre.

The system works by fitting an NFC-enabled pressure sensor to replace the current valve caps on each tyre. To get a pressure reading, you simply hold a pressure checker (which fits on a keyring) against the sensor to determine the precise pressure, accurate to within 1.5 psi. There are no batteries in the sensors, and the pressure checker device can be recharged via the supplied USB cable. What’s more, as well as being compatible with scooters, mopeds and motorbikes, the Michelin Tyre Pressure Checker can be used on bicycles, cars, 4x4s, vans and towed trailers too – with four sensors included in each pack.

Under-inflated tyres can seriously affect a motorcycle’s handling as they become deformed, reducing contact with the road and risking the tyre being pulled off the rim. The tyres are also more likely to overheat or be damaged by debris, whilst over-inflation can lead to uneven wear, reduced handling and poor ride comfort.

Both new systems can be fitted within minutes and come with a 12-month warranty. They are available to purchase directly from www.fit2gotpms.com and major retailers including Amazon and Ebay.

Fit2Go TPMS has also just launched its latest generation system for passenger cars. The Michelin TPMS enables drivers to monitor up to eight tyres on a single journey, including the tyres on towed trailers and caravans.

* DfT report: Vehicles in reported accidents by contributory factor and vehicle type, Great Britain, 2017

Fit2Go TPMS Ltd is a Midlands-based technology firm specialising in tyre pressure monitoring systems for fitment by consumer motorists. The company was founded by two lifelong friends – Gary Thomas, a Director of his own transport compliance consultancy, and Gary Broadfield, a Director of Technology and serial inventor for a large Japanese electronics manufacturer. Together they brought the marriage of skills required to help solve tyre pressure monitoring issues in the automotive sector. The company is a global licensee for Michelin. www.fit2gotpms.com

For further press information please contact:
James Keeler at Garnett Keeler PR on 020 8647 4467 or by email to james.keeler@garnettkeeler.com

The Rally was a huge success – click here to see some photographs from the event.

Full Report on the business and general shenanigans coming soon.

When WIMA, Women’s International Motor-cycle Association held their week long Inter-national Rally in Derbyshire in August, IAM National Observer Linda Ashmore from Dorchester & West Dorset was invited to organise a day’s Advanced Riding for some of the two hundred plus female bikers who would be coming from over twelve countries. 

National Observers Gina Herridge of Somerset, Rachel Mahy (also a police motorcyclist) & Mel Rowbottom both from Bristol, Di Woodcock of Aylesbury and Thames Vale groups, Stephanie Evans of Herts & Beds, Shirley Eden and Local Observer Coron Wybrow both from Cheddar Valley, immediately volunteered. 

Following a presentation on Advanced Riding Techniques the fifty riders who had signed up were taken out for observed rides. A really positive atmosphere encompassed the day, with many others wishing they had also signed up. All were particularly appreciative of having female observers: Monique of the Netherlands said, “We were so appreciative of their skills and how they taught us.” Julie from the UK said, “Apart from what I learned on the ride the best ‘top-tip’ was from Rachel, when she showed me, at only five foot, how to get my bike off its side stand when on a steep slope just by twisting the handle-bar, amazing, no strength needed!” 

The two days certainly raised the profile of IAMRoadSmart, particularly amongst the UK riders who could see that Advanced Ridiing could be for them. And those from abroad were quite envious of the UK having an organisation like IAMRoadSmart, it would appear that it is almost unique across the world. 

Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport, met the Motorcycle Action Group to discuss transport policy, the environment and the role of motorcycles in reducing emissions. Mr Grayling and MAG met to discuss his position on transport and the environ-ment; and to establish the extent to which he has considered powered two and three wheelers as part of the transport solution, especially in urban areas. His primary environmental focus is CO2 and its impact on climate change.

Lembit Öpik, MAG’s Director of Communications & Public Affairs, explains: ‘MAG has spent much time and effort on the environmental agenda and the Minister seemed im-pressed with this. We explored the technical aspects and we agreed to send him further information. We also spoke about how motorbikes are part of the micro-mobility option, to encourage travel with the smallest feasible vehicles.’ The Minister also understands the need to innovate in the sector. He said: ‘the British motorcycle industry failed to respond to the competitive environment in the 1960s. As a consequence, it was side-lined for decades – until it reinvented itself with a good new long-term strategy. That’s what seems to be driving the success of Triumph and others now.’ Clearly, he approves of that success and of the vision it took to reinvent British motorcycle manufacturing.

MAG believes Mr Grayling will give powered two wheelers their rightful space on Britain’s roads as long as he is presented with the right evidence. This should also lead to a further dialogue with his team. There are clear benefits in terms of road space and environmental footprint and these could play a key role in the Minister’s thinking on motorbikes and scooters. ‘At a time when British politics is generally in flux, it’s a refreshing change to meet someone in power who puts doing the right thing first,’ adds Lembit. ‘MAG can do business with him and that’s definitely a very encouraging outcome of this meeting.’