Emma Franklin: “Motorcycling is my life”

What does it take to test a motorcycle? Can you explain the process and how you get ready for it?

It all starts with research. In the case of a new model launch, it helps if you can ride the previous version of the bike or its nearest rival before you depart for the launch to remind yourself. Then you need to read the press pack (containing all the specs and technical info), and then jot down any thoughts or questions that come to mind. I also like to remind myself of the manufacturer’s claims for a particular bike so that I can specifically appraise them during the ride.

During the test, it’s something of a skill to separate the emotional joy and zen-like feelings that I described earlier in order to be more objective and more ‘business-like’ so that you can accurately assess how the bike’s performing. But of course, the two cannot and should not be totally separated, because we all buy our bikes because of how they make us feel… Either way, I’ll make sure to jot down lots of notes in my notebook or voicenotes each time I stop to remind me of various points.

We’ll then do action photography at various locations on the ride, which involves riding back and forth around a corner or series of corners for the photographers/videographers. This can often take a fairly long time, especially if more specialist shots are required such as tracking shots, which mean we need to ride extremely close to the rear of a car – almost front tyre on the bumper – whilst a photographer hangs out of the open tailgate and shoots us!

Sometimes, especially on track, we’ll use datalogging to back up our opinions. We’ll do this with lap and section times, apex speeds, lean angles, as well as top speed, acceleration and braking performance data. I do enjoy using data in this way, and particularly always loved doing comparative tyre tests because of this fact.

How has your life changed from motorcycles?

Motorcycling is my entire life! It’s my day-to-day job; it’s also how I met my partner and it’s his job too (he is a freelance road tester and racer); it’s our hobby/pastime as we spend our weekends at the racetrack and evenings in the garage getting the racebike ready or catching up on all the MotoGP/WSBK or BSB action on the TV. I’ve been entrenched in motorcycling for more than half my entire life and I can barely remember a time without it now!

What’s the biggest lesson motorcycling has taught you?

Motorcycling, particularly racing, has taught me some valuable life lessons – especially how to control my emotions, and not let fear limit my capabilities as a human. I believe we’re all capable of so much more than we allow ourselves to ever think is possible – sometimes it’s just a case of taking the leap, letting go and seeing how far you’ll fly – you’ll always surprise yourself.

How would you describe the women’s motorcycle community in the UK?

It’s absolutely thriving! Last year I attended a world record attempt for the biggest meet-up of female motorcyclists, which took place outside the Triumph factory, and 1549 women turned up. The place was buzzing and it was brilliant to see. It’s wonderfully supportive and there are lots of groups cropping up whereby you can go and ride with other women and share hints, tips and experiences. 

Three years ago, MCN launched WoMCN Rider – a special pull-out supplement especially for female motorcyclists. It’s to our knowledge the first and only publication of its kind and it was really well received by the UK readership – both female and male – as well as the industry as a whole.

What more do you think could be done in the motorcycle world to encourage more women into motorcycling and racing?

This is motorcycling’s greatest challenge right now, and not just in terms of encouraging women… In the UK at least, we need to do something to attract more younger riders of all genders into motorcycling. It’s a big problem and part of it is down to the fact that the licensing system is too complex and expensive. And racing… well, that is prohibitively expensive; even a weekend of club racing will cost £600 at the very least!

But, those issues aside, in terms of inspiring more women, then for me the answer lies with greater exposure. To be honest, I think the biggest thing that’s currently limiting womens’ involvement in motorcycling (other than cost and time pressures) is women themselves. I think up until recently, it was still viewed by some women as something masculine, only because we didn’t often see women riders represented in the media. Obviously, this wasn’t helped by the fact that there was very little in the way of women-specific bike kit, plus back then industry – like a lot of the motoring industry – was geared towards men in terms of how it was publicised and advertised.

But now, things are very different. There’s a great range of women’s kit available, bikes themselves are a lot more diverse and user friendly, and the wider industry is works harder to demonstrate that is really is inclusive. So, like I say, there’s very little to stop more women joining the motorcycling community – if you think you’d like to ride a bike then give it a go. 

It’s not for every women, just like it’s not for every man – but biking is for everyone who wants to be a biker. 

It’s great now that we’re seeing so many young women getting into bikes and racing – last year there were 10 females racing across the series in the British Superbike paddock; 10 years before that in 2012 there were only three. I just think that the more girls that see what a fantastic sport motorcycle racing is, the more will end up giving it a go for themselves. 

ph. credits: Motorcycle News/Bauer Media