Recent news that a Quasar, or strictly speaking a Phasar, had been stolen from a barn in Heddington appears to be just one version of events. Another version is that the person who owned this bike before it went to live in the barn found a buyer and simply removed it in order to deliver it to the new owner. Obviously the person who was keeping it in the barn may have other ideas, but who am I to unravel a little local difficulty in a far away land (Wiltshire) of which I know little?

A unregistered Quasar, bought as an uncompleted bike at the end of the Qusar project is reported as stolen last Thursday (20th. October 2016) from a barn near Heddington Wilts. (The village where Malcome Newell lived). Quasar specialist Mark Crowson has been put in touch with the owner and more details may be forthcoming. In the meantime anyone hearing of a Quasar for sale should contact Mark.

Just a reminder that the period for making an offer for Voyager 04 is coming to a close. Details below, if you haven't already looked. If you want to buy this bike make sure your offer is in by the 30th. April. "You have to be in it to win it"

For a full description and sale details, as well as a larger picture click on 'Latest image' - if it's still a picture of a white Voyager... If it's been replaced, the infortmation and picture can still be found in 'Image Galleries' in 'Royce Creaseys creations' - 'Production Voyagers', below the listed Voyagers

Voyager 04, the 1989 show bike is for sale. Full details will be posted, with a picture, in a couple of weeks
In the meantime anyone interested can mail roycecreasey@gmail.com with "Voyager sale" as the subject.

Here's a mail from Arnold Wagner covering his version of events at Peraves, and the news that he's continueing FF production under the name 'Monoracer' There's also an attachment of his current type approval, conformity of production certificates, and new years greetings that I haven't included. Not neccesary to read between any lines to see that he's a bit cross with Mr. Riedener....

But anyway, good news that this luxury Swiss FF production continues. (Over to you ford, etc...)

Dear friends,

I read, in a badly computer-translated, German news item found on Google, that Peraves AG, manufacturer of the 'Ecomobile' and later 'Monotracer' luxury FFs, have gone into liquidation. The story suggests that funds "evaporated" in the development of an innovative engine, unconnected with FF production and that legal action is brewing. An attempt is being made to re-start the company which does not hold much external debt. Sounds like an internal falling out between Peraves principles, into which I would not wish to intrude.

Armerican friends report that Craig Vetter, motorcycle streamlinging expert, is (15th. August 2015) unconciouse in hospital with serious head and chest injuries after hitting a deer while riding one of his bikes.

Doctors say "His numbers are going in the right directions" and we must hope that he makes a good recovery.

The 2010 Cmax will be available for sale shortly - owner no longer able to ride due to disability. It'll come with the complete set of Tmax bodywork and other parts removed for the conversion to FF, a spare new fuel pump, and be taxed and MOT'd.

When it arrives here I have to fit a new speedo drive, then I'll upload a current photo and the details supplied by the owner. If you want to see a picture now there are several on this site - image galleries - Royce Creaseys creations- 2010 Cmax.

Following my previous comments about insuring an FF I've been corresponding with Jordan Maddix of Adrian Flux Insurance (Bikesure)

Thankfully, the problem isn't FFs, or my personal habits. It's the thorny subject of 'modification'. Once, if you didn't modify your English motorcycle it wouldn't work. Now it's more like the German model, where 'modifications' largely amount to fitting parts from an 'after-market' supplier. Harley's and their legion of after-market parts are an example.

Here's a feature on Rob Hornes race FF from 'kneeslider' a race magazine that seems unaware that FFs are banned in ACU/FIM motorcycle racing - but not by the MRA. Lots of positive comments, some by familiar English FF proponents. That's the way to do it!

One wonders how long American journo's will go on calling them "Recumbant motorcycles" instead of "FFs"... Maybe they get paid by the letter.

I know everyone with a real interest in FFs, especially all the designers and constructors will be fascinated by these pics of Robs earlier creations, so here they are.

http://rohorn.smugmug.com/Other/Favorites/i-Kxbt7w6/0/X2/LR1-X2.jpg
http://rohorn.smugmug.com/Other/Favorites/i-C7MN8VN/0/X2/LR6-X2.jpg

Here's a link to the national organisation of insurance brokers. No great intelligence available on the phone regarding the problems of insuring 'unusual' or 'specialist' vehicles, but it's an avenue to expore for anyone having trouble getting routine insurance for their FF.

Rob Horne continues his new career as the world's only FF racer, here's his report

http://rohorn.blogspot.com/2014/06/race-2.html

Pictures to follow in due course.

Good to see someone making FF waves!

Insuring an FF

I've discovered a problem that may threaten not only the future of FF development in England but also the use of FFs currently in use here. It's insurance.

You might expect insurance companies to welcome safer two wheelers especially as FFs have been around as production vehicles since the Quasar. There may not be huge numbers, add Ecomobiles, Monotracers, and Voyagers to the twenty Quasars, throw in the various one-offs and the number of FFs in England is probably still short of fifty vehicles.

Obviously it's pot luck how long an picture stays in the 'latest image' slot. Sometimes days, sometimes a few hours. No problem. But when one gets replaced after afer a few hours by the Previous image, you have to wonder what's going on. Honad, not liking it up them? Human agency surely involved.

I think we should be told, preferably by the human in question.

Here's a press release from Arthur Kowitz. He's set up a race series for zero-emmission bikes in the USA that's a decisive step back to motor racing as we know it. Unlike the FIM/Azhar Hussien corporate lovefest, this is for real prototype racers. FFs? sure. Streamliners, bodywork? Definitely. The FIM, Who? The rules are very liberal, with a few oddities generated mainly by motorised bicycle people who apparantly race with controls that stick out and catch on things (like other peoples streamlined bodywork). Sounds very dodgy, but nothing that can't be worked round.

No sooner has the excitememt caused by the relaxation of the FIMs streamlining rules - and their confirmation that this permits FFs - died way, than Azhar Hussein announces that it's all changed again. According to Azhar, only the World Championship Series, consisting of a few rounds scattered across the world with none in England, will allow what he calls 'prototypes'.

Charles Hennekam, technical co-ordinator and Motorcycle Homologations Officer for the FIM, confirms in an email that it "Is possible to enter FF designs" in the new FIM formula that replaces E-GP.

He goes on to note the "Daunting" challenge of incorporating E-power into race motorcycles without factory support, something that all entrants will have to deal with.

Proving that time changes everything, the FIM have issued rules for their new E-power bike race series that don't actually ban FFs!