Torqueing Heads – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Torqueing Heads, Michael Mann and Steve Rose interview Devron Boulton, General Manager of Triumph Motorcycles UK. Bolton joined Triumph in 2008 and has held various roles, in Regional Sales and Dealer Development. He discusses Triumph's evolution, particularly the success of the 400cc models, which sold nearly 3,000 units in the UK in 2024. He touches on the challenges of attracting younger riders and the impact of electric bikes. He highlights Triumph's expansion into motocross and the importance of maintaining brand authenticity. Boulton emphasises Triumph's commitment to customer satisfaction and market adaptability. BikeSocial's BikeClub members also pitch their questions. 

Torqueing Heads is brought to you by Bennetts BikeSocial for your motorcycle news, reviews, advice, events & offers.

Bike insurance due this month? We search our panel of insurers to find you our best price for the cover you need. Get a quote today at https://www.bennetts.co.uk/ or call us on 03444122171.

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We really hope you enjoyed this podcast and video, and all the others we do for you too. Now why chat to us about it at our friendly Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bikesocial 

Welcome back to our Torqueing Heads series, our motorcycle podcast / chat show!

Join us as we dive into the world of UK motorcycling, chatting with the industry's top influencers and decision-makers. Get ready to meet the people who shape the future of motorcycling and discover their stories and businesses like never before.

In this episode alongside BikeSocial Publisher, Steve Rose and Managing Editor, Michael Mann is Bridgestone's Senior Product Manager (Motorcycles), Gary Hartshorne. Now in his 34th year in the industry and 23rd at Bridgestone, Gary talks about the following:

• His riding history and how he began working in the motorcycling industry
• The transition from Pirelli to Bridgestone
• How tyre technology has developmed during his career
• What's motorcycling going to look like in 30 years?
• Bike development vs tyre development
• Chemicals in a tyre
• Biggest development in tyres
• Tyre brand personalities
• Dispelling tyre myths
• Drum testing
• Replacing tyres: age vs mileage
• Tyre tips when not riding
• OE tyres vs over the counter
• Working with bike manufacturers
• Most popular Bridgestone tyre
• Bike popularity affecting tyre popularity

Torqueing Heads is brought to you by BikeSocial by Bennetts for your motorcycle news, reviews, advice, events & offers.

Bike insurance due this month? We search our panel of insurers to find you our best price for the cover you need. Get a quote today at https://www.bennetts.co.uk/ or call us on 03444122171.

For exclusive offers on a massive range of bike kit and events, visit https://www.bikesocial.co.uk/join

We really hope you enjoyed this podcast, and all the others we do. Now why chat to us about it at our friendly Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bikesocial

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Welcome to the all-new Torqueing Heads series - BikeSocial's rejuvenated motorcycle chat show!

Five years ago, during lockdown, we brought you Zoom-based interviews under this name. Now, we're back with a fresh twist! Join us as we dive into the world of UK motorcycling, chatting with the industry's top influencers and decision-makers. Get ready to meet the people who shape the future of motorcycling and discover their stories and businesses like never before.

First up in the hot seat alongside BikeSocial Publisher, Steve Rose and Managing Editor, Michael Mann is Kawasaki UK's Head of Marketing & Racing, Ross Burridge. 

Now in his 19th year at Kawasaki UK, and with a job that he made up himself, Ross talks about:

• The stories of how he got to where he is
• The bikes he rode as a youngster
• His dream bike now
• How the market has changed during his time in motorcycling
• What the next Ross Burridge has to do
• Who the customer is now and what they might be riding in another 19 years' time
• Top sellers
• The ZX4/6/10 range
• 10 years of superchargers and where the middleweight supercharged bikes are
• Production and distribution
• EV vs hybrid
• Bimota
• Racing: WSBK and BSB
• Supercharged Showdown event
• Superteens

Torqueing Heads is brought to you by BikeSocial for your motorcycle news, reviews, advice, events & offers.

Bike insurance due this month? We search our panel of insurers to find you our best price for the cover you need. Get a quote today at Bennetts or call us on 03444122171.

For exclusive offers on a massive range of bike kit and events, visit BikeSocial Membership.

Now why chat to us about it at our friendly Facebook group or our new community website/forum, BikeClub.

Torqueing Heads is the motorcycle podcast and video-based chat show brought to you by BikeSocial and Bennetts.

In each episode we dive into the world of UK motorcycling, chatting with a senior influential decision-maker from the industry. This is where we meet the people who shape the future of motorcycling and discover their stories and businesses like never before.

Alongside BikeSocial Publisher, Steve Rose and Managing Editor, Michael Mann, is industry legend as well as Marketing & Events Manager at Yamaha Motorcycles UK, Jeff Turner. And here we talk about the highlights of his 36-year career with the Japanese marque so far, including plenty of anecdotes.

• Jeff's journey into motorcyling
• Jeff's journey into Yamaha
• Team Bike
• Did Jeff actually race?
• 80s bike development
• FZ750 development (Team Bike)
• Jeff's first launch - Super Tenere
• Electronics working in tandem with chassis design
• Clutchless changes
• Product Planning
• Yamaha UK's relationship with racing
• Off-road school
• Yamaha's best sellers
• Chinese competition
• Questions from BikeClub members

Bike insurance due this month? We search our panel of insurers to find you our best price for the cover you need. Get a quote today at https://www.bennetts.co.uk/ or call us on 03444122171.

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Welcome to the latest Torqueing Heads episode - BikeSocial's podcast and video chat show!

Our motorcycle talk show continues as we dive into the world of UK motorcycling, chatting with the industry's top influencers (in the more traditional meaning of the word) and decision-makers. Meet the people shaping the future of motorcycling and discover their stories and businesses like never before.

Alongside BikeSocial Publisher, Steve Rose and Managing Editor, Michael Mann is Honda UK’s Head of Motorcycles, Andy Mineyko.

Now in his 21st year at Honda, Andy has recently been promoted to the top job at Honda Motorcycles UK but started his motorcycling career as a mechanic straight of school before ending up in motorcycle finance and then as an area manager for Honda before working through the ranks in business planning and commercial planning. We chat about:

• Honda’s involvement in the Isle of Man TT and the 2025 successes
• His riding history and how he began working in the motorcycling industry
• His first and current bike
• How many bikes Honda produces annually
• Biggest markets
• Where Honda’s are built
• Market share ambitions
• UK model pricing decisions vs. RoW
• Why the GB350 has been so successful
• Model planning
• How to get younger riders onto bikes
• How to improve riding skills
• Chinese influence
• eClutch and DCT
• The Fireblade’s influence
• Gadgets and innovations
• Japanese culture embodied in Honda
• The one Honda he wants to ride
• BikeClub members Q&A

Torqueing Heads is brought to you by BikeSocial and Bennetts for your motorcycle news, reviews, advice, events & offers.

Bike insurance due this month? We search our panel of insurers to find you our best price for the cover you need. Get a quote today at Bennetts or call us on 03444122171.

For exclusive offers on a massive range of bike kit and events, visit BikeSocial Membership.

Now why chat to us about it at our friendly Facebook group or our new community website/forum, BikeClub.

🎙️ Torqueing Heads EP6: The Suzuki Episode – with Paul de Lusignan

Welcome back to Torqueing Heads – the video and podcast series where we talk to an influential leader from the motorcycle world! In this episode, Michael Mann and Simon Hargreaves are joined by Paul de Lusignan, Director of Suzuki GB, for an in-depth and entertaining conversation about all things Suzuki.

🏍️ From the GSX-8TT and the return of the GSX-R1000R, to Suzuki’s brand philosophy of “Serious Fun”, Paul shares insights into product development, market trends, and the future of motorcycling. Plus, hear stories from inside the factory, the evolution of Suzuki’s lineup, and what’s in Paul’s own garage.

🔧 Topics include:

• Suzuki’s engineering and design process

• Dealer relationships and UK market strategy

• The GSX-R legacy and its comeback

• EVs, alternative fuels, and future tech

• Attracting new riders and supporting the community

• Vintage parts, racing DNA, and karaoke surprises!

Torqueing Heads is brought to you by BikeSocial and Bennetts for your motorcycle news, reviews, advice, events & offers.

Bike insurance due this month? We search our panel of insurers to find you our best price for the cover you need. Get a quote today at Bennetts or call us on 03444122171.

For exclusive offers on a massive range of bike kit and events, visit BikeSocial Membership.

Now why chat to us about it at our friendly Facebook group or our new community website/forum, BikeClub.