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BMW

Fascinating BMW Facts Nobody Seems To Know

By Mark

The German carmaker BMW is renowned for producing some of the most iconic motor vehicle designs during the last fifty years. Their logo is recognisable around the world, and the brand has become a symbol of luxury. Still, there are lots of interesting facts most people don’t seem to know about the company. With that in mind, automobile enthusiasts are going to love this post. After performing a lot of research, we’ve come up with some truly fascinating snippets of information that everyone should read. Contrary to popular belief, BMW is not just another fly-by-night car firm. Over the years, people working for that organisation have done some astonishing things. So, let’s take a look at some of the most exciting facts about this upmarket automobile legend.

BMW started out making aircraft engines

BMW first came into existence during World War 1 because the German government was short on parts for its fleet of aircraft. Buying the items from overseas proved difficult due to trade restrictions and the fact that the country was in the middle of a war. The company made an incredible profit from the venture, and successfully assisted Germany in boosting their efforts. However, under the Treaty of Versailles, the German government was no longer allowed to produce airplanes after 1919. By 1920, BMW decided to shift their efforts towards motorcycles, and by 1927, the company began to focus their ambitions on automobiles. Were it not for the fact that Germany became involved in the conflict, BMW might never have become a household name.

BMW almost became part of Mercedes

In the late 1950s, BMW risked bankruptcy after a series of systematic failures. The Cold War didn’t help the situation, and money was tight. In an attempt to perform a hostile takeover, the parent company behind Mercedes tried to buy the firm. They made a point of employing redundant ex-workers in the hope of making the deal. However, eventually, a private investor came to the aid of BMW and assisted the brand in getting back on track. Still, for a while there, it looked as though Mercedes might have taken over and closed the company down. The situation was not unlike the ones we see today where Google buys their smallest competitors to control the market.

The BMW logo isn’t a spinning propeller

Most people tend to think the BMW logo is made up of a spinning propeller. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, the image represents the national colours of Bavaria. That’s the area of Germany where the firm first launched their first aircraft parts all those years ago. The blue and white colours were part of the Bavarian regional flag back then. So, the company just wanted to show some national pride when they first developed the logo. The original graphic was designed in-house at Bayerische Motoren Werke. Unfortunately, nobody knows the name of the person who came up with the concept. Still, it’s probably one of the most recognisable logos in the world. So, that individual should give themselves a well-earned pat on the back.

BMW produced their first electric car in 1972

The world is going mad for electric and hybrid vehicles at the moment. Most people seem to think they’re a new concept, but that just isn’t true. BMW created their first electric model in 1972! Unfortunately, the design never became commercially available, and there are some obvious reasons for that. The battery left a lot to be desired, and performance levels were not as BMW customers would expect. However, the vehicle still managed to travel at decent speeds all things considered. Reviewers from the time said the battery would cut out after around twenty minutes. Still, for the first attempt at electric travel, that isn’t too bad. The action also helps to highlight how this manufacturer has always led the way when it comes to innovation.

BMW built the world’s first motorcycle

Motorcycles were always going to be a difficult concept to master. However, BMW successfully bought the first one to the marketplace in 1937. The vehicle had a supercharged engine, and it could reach speeds of 278 km/hr. It’s still possible to find models from that time in motorbike museums. However, anyone who wants to purchase one will have to carefully manage your debt because they sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. So, it’s probably best to just buy some museum tickets and take a look from behind the rope. BMW managed to break the mold when they released that bike onto the market. It led to immense success, and the company reportedly produced 82,000 motorcycle models by 2009.

BMW has a slogan

Here is a shocking fact most people don’t seem to know. Contrary to popular belief, the carmaker BMW has a slogan! The phrase has been in use for more than thirty-five years, so it’s rather odd that most folks can’t repeat it. Anyone who’s ever seen an advert for a BMW car on the television will have seen these words written somewhere on the screen. Even so, the vast majority of people have never paid attention. So, here goes:

BMW’s slogan is: “The ultimate driving machine.”

Does that ring any bells? Probably not, right? Still, it’s a term the company has used to promote its products for almost four decades. Look for it the next time a promotional clip pops up on the TV.

Those were six mostly unknown facts about the German carmaker BMW. Be sure to remember them because nobody knows when the information might help them to win a pub quiz. Whatever people think about the company, BMW has achieved more success than almost every other brand over the years. From aircraft engines to the first motorcycle. From electric cars to attractive logos, the people behind that world-renowned brand name are the most innovative and creative minds in the industry. Did we miss anything important? Are there other fascinating facts about BMW we need to consider? Let us know in the comments.

Cars

5 American Classics That Changed Driving Forever

By Mark

Ask anybody what the most iconic cars of all time are and you’ll get a different list every time. There are certain cars that make most people’s list, but you’ll usually find them full of all sorts. What you often find a lack of, is American cars. Ferrari and Lamborghini always make sure that Italy features high on the list, and Germany always has Porsche and BMW to fall back on, but the United States often gets forgotten. It’s surprising because some of the greatest car companies in the world, producing models that pushed the boundaries of the automotive industry have come from America. These classics have gone under appreciated for too long and it’s time they got the credit that they deserved. So, with that in mind, here is a list of American classics that changed driving forever.

Ford Model T

It’s a crime that the Ford Model-T gets overlooked because, without it, the face of the automotive industry could be very different today. Before Henry Ford came along, cars were something that was exclusively reserved for the rich and there wasn’t many on the road at all. But in 1908, that all changed. Ford’s new automated assembly line completely revamped the car industry and changed things forever. That shift from hand crafted to automated assembly line massively reduced the cost of producing the car, and those savings were passed on to customers. For the first time ever, cars were widely available, and more importantly, they were affordable to the average citizen. Within days, there were over 15,000 orders placed and the idea of the everyday family car was born. The Model-T was built to be large enough for the family, and the introduction of interchangeable parts meant that it was easy to maintain and repair. A few years down the line, the Model-T was being manufactured and sold all over Europe, and we haven’t looked back since.

Over 100 years later, dealerships like rebel ford are still selling great cars that carry on the engineering tradition that Henry Ford started all of those years ago. You won’t catch many people driving a Model-T these days but it deserves a mention because it single-handedly kick started a driving revolution that changed the car from a luxury item for the rich, into the indispensable part of life that we know it as today.

Ford Mustang

Ford didn’t stop at the Model-T, and they went on to create the most recognisable American car in the world. The Mustang is one of the only American made cars that gets the credit it deserves, but it still needs a mention. The original 1956 model is still the most iconic and they haven’t managed to match it since, but the newer versions are still incredibly popular. So much so that in 2013, Ford developed a right-hand drive model for sale in Britain. People often mistakenly call the Mustang a muscle car, but is in fact credited with being the first ‘Pony Car’. The term was coined by the magazine Car Life to describe an affordable car with a long hood that was marketed specifically at the younger generation. Since then, the style has become very popular and plenty of companies like Chevrolet and Pontiac have released their own versions.

Chevrolet Corvette

When people are choosing the best sports cars of all time, they usually go for the big Italian companies, but some of the US companies can easily compete. The Chevrolet Corvette is one of the original and the best affordable sports cars. A Porsche or a Lamborghini is going to set you back a lot of money, but the Corvette is a slightly more realistic ambition. The first model was released in 1953 and it’s always been incredibly cheap compared to its rivals. You might think that you’re going to have to compromise on performance when you’re buying a cheaper sports car, but that’s not the case with the Corvette. The Stingray model, released in 2014 is by far the best performing car in its price range.

Jeep Wrangler

Modern 4×4’s are more about style and less about functionality. They might look nice but if you take them off-road, most of them won’t get that far. But it wasn’t always that way. The Land Rover is the most popular British 4×4 but its American counterpart, the Jeep Wrangler, started it all. The commercial model was based on the original Jeep that was used by the US army during the Second World War, so you know it’s tough. When Jeep released the Wrangler, they started a new trend in off-road vehicles for the general public that has continued to this day. The no-nonsense angular designs and the robust engine made it a classic that people are still driving to this day.

Tesla Model-S

The Tesla Model-S is the newest car on the list. It isn’t on here because it has the kind of legacy that the Ford Model-T or the Mustang has. It’s on the list because, one day, it will change the face of driving in the same way that those old classics did. Electric cars are improving all of the time and it looks as though they’ll be the future of the automotive industry. Tesla is a massive company these days but when they released the Model-S, they were a relatively small startup company. That only makes their achievements even more impressive. Early electric cars were hugely inefficient and, although the idea was good, they weren’t actually practical. You wouldn’t have enough charge to do anything near a long journey. The Model-S was the first electric car that was actually a viable alternative to petrol and diesel engines, which is why it’s so important. Since then, Tesla has been pushing the boundaries even further by developing driverless cars. Just as current driving trends can be traced back to the Ford Model-T, the drivers of the future will look to the Tesla Model-S as patient zero of the new age of driving.

Without these cars, there’s no telling what driving would look like now.

Cars

The Best Vintage Car In 2017

By Mark

Buying and collecting vintage cars is such a fun thing to do. It gives you a chance to own a piece of automotive history, while also providing you with a nice little project too. There are loads of great vintage cars out there, but 2017 has seen one model rise to the top.

That’s right, the Porsche Boxster is now one of the most sought after and popular classic cars out there right now. It’s an iconic machine with unique looks and some great features. Today, I’m going to talk you through some of these great features and show you why this is a vintage car you need to own.

2002-2004 Porsche Boxster. *(Image via:* *http://bit.ly/2wlTxoH*)

Porsche Boxster Best Features

I could sit here all day and list the best features of this classic car. However, that would leave you with a blog post that’s way too long to read! Instead, I’ve selected the top features that stand out the most:

Great Design

Ironically, when the Boxster was first released, people were a bit meh about the design. They thought it looked a bit odd, but their opinions quickly changed. Over the years, it’s become one of the most iconic car designs of the last century. You’ll recognise a Boxster from a mile away due to the way the front of the car almost mirrors the back. Each model has undergone subtle changes, but the core design remains the same even to this day. Plus, it’s a fairly small and light car, which makes vehicle transportation easier for you. You can buy one on the other side of the country and get it to your home without paying an arm and a leg to have it transported to you.

Amazing Engine Performance

One of the best things about Porsche Boxster was their engine performance. All models were designed to be quick, and you got incredible acceleration out of them. The 2004 Porsche Boxster S was the one that stood out the most to me. It had a good 256 bhp that led to a top speed of over 160 mph and could do 0-60 in under 6 seconds. It’s a classic car you can have fun with and take out on the motorways when you want to just put your foot down and enjoy the ride.

Replacement Parts Available

When you buy a vintage car, you know you’re getting an old vehicle. As such, it will probably come with a few problems and may need work done on it. But, that’s all part of the fun of buying a classic car. The great thing about the Boxster is that there are still loads of replacement parts available. Porsche themselves still stock them, and you will find plenty of dealers that have parts for different versions too. This makes your life so much easier as you can work on repairing your vintage Boxster and getting it to the best condition possible.

There are loads of versions of this car that will be great to buy. I mentioned it earlier, and I think the 2004 Boxster S is the best shout. This is purely because it’s great value for money at the moment, was the fastest version of the car, and is probably my favourite design. Regardless, any version is a great buy if you want to kickstart your vintage car collection!

Cars

Think You Can’t Afford a Better Driving Experience? Think Again

By Mark

Have you completely fallen out of love with your car and the driving experience you get when you’re behind the wheel? It’s hardly an uncommon problem, and many people assume that it’s one that they can’t really fix. After all, replacing your car with a new one is not cheap, and if you don’t have the money, you don’t have the money. Don’t despair just yet, though. Here are some ways to get a better driving experience without spending a fortune on a new car.

Use Gadgets to Enhance Your Driving Experience

There are so many great car gadgets that you can take advantage of these days. Simply having more control over your car and how it drives can be very satisfying, and that’s what the best gadgets allow. You can use everything from electronic displays and GPS trackers to bluetooth kits and dashcams. Messing around with tech and using gadgets to extend and enhance the driving experience could turn out to be ideal for you. It’s definitely not something that you should just dismiss.

You Could Always Lease

If you really want to ditch your current car but can’t afford to buy a new one, you could always choose a lease option. This is something that is definitely worth considering if you don’t have the option to buy. Leasing is affordable, and it means that you can enjoy your driving experience once more. There are plenty of companies out there, such as Leasewell, that can help you with finding a lease deal that suits you and your needs. So, maybe it’s time for you to find out more about this option.

Gradual Tweaks and Home Upgrades Have an Impact

Improving your car is not something that has to happen overnight, and you don’t have to spend a pile of cash on it either. It’s perfectly possible to carry out gradual tweaks and upgrades on your car. If you want to get real value, you’ll do this yourself. Paying someone else to carry out upgrades is just far too expensive. Learn about which upgrades could benefit your car, and then carry them out in your own time at home. Doing this really does have an impact on how your car drives.

Change Yourself Not the Car

Maybe it’s not your car that’s the problem. You shouldn’t forget that the way in which you drive your car also has an impact on the kind of driving experience you get out of it. It’s not something that many people consider because no one likes to admit their own shortcomings. But there are things you can do to become a better driver. By taking an advanced driving course and picking up some fresh tricks and skills, you can move yourself onto the next level, which could be exactly what you’re looking for.

There is no reason why you shouldn’t take steps to improve your own driving experience. You deserve an experience that’s as strong as it can be, so make the most of the ideas above.

Cars

Why The Land Rover Is Still One of The Most Sought After Cars Ever

By Mark

The Land Rover has been around for an awfully long time, and yet, it has never lost its novelty. Many new cars that are released in this day and age have a huge hype surrounding them, which quickly dies down. Not the Land Rover. The Land Rover is still one of the most sought after cars ever. Here’s why:

Unmatched As An Off Road Vehicle

The Land Rover is absolutely unmatched as an off road vehicle. There’s no other off roading vehicle out there that performs quite as well as the Land Rover. If this is something you wish to do in your car, then this is the car you need.

Faster And More Agile Than Other SUVs

Comparing the Land Rover to other SUVs, the Land Rover is faster and more agile.

Supercar Power Technology

The technology in a Land Rover is nothing to turn your nose up at; they have supercar power technology which is one of the reasons they perform so well.

Looks

Some Land Rovers may look big and bulky, but some look great and are extremely attractive. The Evoque for example, is highly sought after thanks to its stylish design and performance. If you want to look good driving your car, this is the one for you.

Best Driving Roads

5 Dream Motorcycle Roads In Europe (infographic)

By Mark

Europe has some of the most breathtaking roads anywhere to enjoy a good old road trip. Roads such as Stelvio Pass in Italy is high on most bikers road trip wish list. This road is one of the highest mountain passes to drive in Europe which shot to fame in 2008 when voted one of the best driving roads by Top Gear.

Our friends over at YourParkingSpace have created an infographic which I wanted to share on here as it showcases five of best driving roads in Europe – including Stelvio Pass along with useful information such as how to get there etc. Enjoy!

Biker Tips

Wheel-y Good Tips On Becoming A Motorcyclist

By Mark

There’s something exciting about the idea of owning a motorcycle. Perhaps we’ve all watched too many movies, but it’s undeniable that riding a motorcycle is infinitely cooler than driving a car, and I’m a huge fanatic for classic sports car too. Still, you may have always romanticised about riding a motorcycle when you were younger, but the thought of doing so in practice can be quite daunting as a beginner. Perhaps you’ve given a few bikes test drives thanks to a friend or a dealership, but you need to actually get out on the road on your own ride to really get a feel of life as a motorcyclist. If you’ve no idea where to begin then here are some top tips.

Buy the bike

Purchasing your very first motorcycle is a tough decision to make. That being said, you can rule out a lot of the sports models and restrict your search to beginner bikes. You don’t want to dive in at the deep end until you’ve at least given it a chance. You need to work your way up. You might want to start with a touring motorcycle if you’re still a beginner but you’re looking to get a lot of miles under your belt in order to really get the hang of being a biker first. You could go for a standard, smaller bike if you really watch to take it back to basics and get some practice on the road. You can always upgrade in the future.

Get the look

Now for the fun stuff; the biker look. One of the best things about becoming a motorcyclist is that you have a free pass to reinvent your appearance to show off your newfound coolness. It’s time to do a little shopping. You need to start browsing online through some motorcycle jackets, helmets, shades, and any other gear necessary to let the world know that you’re a biker now.

You don’t need to look as if you’re about to join a biker gang, of course, but this is certainly a chance to accessorise and create a fashionable new style for yourself. Most importantly, there’s a lot of biker gear out there which will keep you safe on the road too. Helmets are a life-saving piece of kit, but they can also look pretty cool with the right design. A sleek, black jacket and pants can look dark and mysterious but also be padded well enough to protect your body should you have an accident.

Get out on the road constantly

It’s like riding a bike, except it takes longer and there’s always more to be learnt. You’re never the best you can be; you can always become a better biker, but it depends on you having the confidence and determination to keep getting out there and pushing yourself harder. You’ll be riding the most advanced motorbikes in no time, but you need to be out on that road in all sorts of conditions and constantly pushing yourself.

Uncategorized

Sellers Secrets – 5 Tips For Trading in Your Vehicle

By Mark

It’s the car that you picked up your now wife in, on your very
first date. The car you drove halfway across the country for a music
festival. But alas, nostalgia is not going to get you from A to B.

Trading in will afford you not only a new car, but peace of
mind. Get the best out of your bomb, and drive away in something you actually
want with these five tips.

1. Know your worth

This is no time for smoke and
mirrors. Having a realistic idea of where your car sits in the market, and how much you
can expect for it will make the whole process easier on you and the dealer
offering the trade. It’s true that going from dealer to dealer in your own time
can be exhausting, so why not find out what you are working with by using Carsand Co who has fortunately done all the heavy lifting for you.

By entering all your car details,
the exact trade in price will be calculated and they even facilitate a new car
delivery if you find what you are after. Not
only will this type of service provider save you time but they could end up
saving you a bundle against what you thought your vehicle may or may not have
been worth.

2. Logbook

We all like to think we’re on top
of our life admin, but some things get away from us.
Luckily, mechanics and service staff are diligent with this requirement so logbook maintenance is usually done for you. We don’t always consider a log book an important
part of our vehicle maintenance, but that one missing stamp could be the reason
your trade in doesn’t reap the rewards you are due. A log book is effectively
your evidence that the vehicle has been serviced and maintained to a high
standard.

Missing a service is something
that we have all done, but missing the record in your logbook is not a habit
you want to get into. Make sure that all services, major repairs or additional
add on’s are tracked in your vehicle. This record keeping will help make sure
you get the best trade in value possible and it will also put the car’s next
potential owner at ease.

3. Multiple markets

I’m sure that Jimmy from ‘Jim’s
Reliable Used Cars’ seems like a trustworthy guy after the valuation you just
received. However, ask yourself this question; if you were renovating your
bathroom would you go with the first quote you received? Or would you seek as
many quotes as possible to ensure you are receiving the best price?

Trading in your vehicle is no
different. The first valuation could be the best, but you will never know unless you ask
the question. Seek as many varying opinions and valuations as you can. Go to
your nearest genuine car dealer to have them assess the trade in value, then
visit the local second hand car dealers to do the same.

The more valuations you have, the
greater your bargaining power when it comes to getting the
most out of your trade in. Even if you find another vehicle you want from a
particular dealer, knowing the trade in value someone else is willing to offer
could increase your negotiation value even further.

4. Research your next car

Few things in life are as exciting as a new car. There is something truly special about driving in your driveway for the first
time, beeping the horn in anticipation to show off the new beauty to the
family. By researching and knowing what type of car you are looking for next,
you can save yourself a lot of time when looking for a dealer to trade in your
old car. Depending on how particular your preferences are on your next car you
may not have a vast choice of dealers to trade in with, Cars and Co have an
enormous inventory and give the most accurate picture.

Additionally, by knowing what you want next you can
realistically budget based on the value of your trade in and the cost of the
new car. Or if you are particularly savvy you could try to squeeze those few
extra dollars out of your trade in to bring the cost of your next car down even
further.

5. Repairs are important

You may think fixing those dents, scratches or other fault with
your car might be counterproductive before trading in. However the cost of
repairing those issues before trading in could be much less than a dealer
‘estimates’ leaving them to take that off the value of your trade in. What the
dealer considers a fair price for the repairs and what the actual cost is can
vary dramatically.

Yes, it can be a hassle to arrange repairs and visit the panel
beater or mechanic before trading in your vehicle. However, in the long run you
will thank yourself that you didn’t give the dealer a reason to lower the trade
in value of your vehicle to a point where you aren’t actually saving anything at
all. Take care of those pesky repairs that have been on your to do list before
visiting the dealers for a valuation.

Trading in your car can be a tricky process if you don’t know
what you are doing, what to ask or who to speak to. The trade in value of your
vehicle is not an easy figure to calculate either. But following these tips
should help you feel more confident in the battleground that is car
dealerships. Trading in your vehicle is a great way to remove the hassle of
selling, but knowing your value is the true key to getting the best trade in
possible.

Uncategorized

Top Five Movie Cars Ever

By Mark

The car chase is one of the most fun, action-packed scenes in any film. We all love a high-speed chase and to be wowed over near misses and cool moves. But which cars made scenes like this iconic? We take a look through the five best movie cars ever:

5. Smokey and the Bandit’s Pontiac Trans Am

There’s no doubt that the black and gold 1977 Special Edition Pontiac Trans Am was the star of the show. Directed by stunt performer Hal Needham (who once claimed to be the world’s highest-paid stuntman), Smokey and the Bandit actually contained four Pontiacs. The muscle car’s engine wasn’t strong enough to power the car for the bridge jump sequence, so a Chevrolet engine was fitted into the jump car.

Unfortunately, Pontiac went out of business in 2010 after 84 years. At the height of its fame, one million Pontiac models were sold in 1968.

4. The Italian Job’s Mini Coopers

Ok, so this could be seen as cheating as there was more than one Mini Cooper in The Italian Job but they have to be in the list. The three Mk1 Austin Mini Cooper Ss, in the iconic red, white and blue became legendary because of their roles in this film.

The cars were designed for racing so actually didn’t need too many modifications for the renowned chases. Starring low key Minis rather than something faster and flashier added to the appeal: by adding a touch of British nonchalance it helped to generate a cult status for the film.

Find out more about the cars used in the movie here.

3. Goldfinger’s Aston Martin

The third film in the Bond series saw the introduction of a new car for James: the 1964 Aston Martin DB5. Achieving 0-62mph in 8 seconds, this was the ultimate in sophistication and a relationship we would see spanning 50 years.

One of the four original cars (made for Goldfinger and Thunderball) sold for £2.6m in auction in 2010. We see the model return for the latest offering, Skyfall, but it is destroyed in the final scene.

2. Bullitt’s Ford Mustang Fastback

An original review of Bullitt by the National Observer said “Whatever you have heard about the auto chase scene in Bullitt is probably true… a terrifying, deafening shocker.”

The 1968 Ford Mustang GT had a 325hp V8 to keep up with the bad guys’ 1968 Dodge Charger 440 Magnum and the car chase is widely recognised as one of the best in history. Stunts for Steve McQueen were performed by Carey Loftin, while bad guy Phil was played by stunt driver Bill Hickman. The cars were modified by Max Balchowsky, a stunt performer and former racer; with the Mustang in particular needing considerable modifications to withstand the filming. He reinforced the shock towers, replaced suspension parts and added a high performance ignition system to the engine.

1. Vanishing Point’s Dodge Challenger

There was no way we could talk about movie cars and not mention the 1970 Dodge Challenger in Vanishing Point. It is, without a doubt, the coolest piece of American muscle to ever star in a movie.

This film saw a reunion of Bullitt’s Carey Loftin, Max Balchowsky and Bill Hickman as a stunt trio. Loftin requested a Dodge Challenger for the film, known for its strength – combined with Torsion-Aire suspension. Apart from heavy-duty shock absorbers, the five Challengers bought for the film were – amazingly – unmodified.

If you fancy getting your own Challenger, you can build one on the Dodge website. If you want to take it a step further, see how much it would cost to get car insurance and buy one! You wouldn’t be the first; fellow Challenger lovers include Carmen Electra, Snoop Dogg and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

So many have been awe-struck by the Challenger: it’s now so iconic that Primal Scream dedicated an album to the car and Quentin Tarantino paid homage with his 2007 feature, Death Proof.

Uncategorized

10 Famous Male Motorbike Riders

By Mark

Bikes are a cool mode of transport and fitting in with a rock and roll lifestyle, motorbikes are the perfect paparazzi dodging vehicle, which means they’re a favourite for a celebrity get away. Well paid as these following male celebrities are, we wonder just how much they folk out on their bike insurance!

Keanu Reeves must surely win the award for the most expensive motorbike insurance due to his past history on motorbikes. In terms of cheapest bike insurance, Ewan McGregor must win this hands down with the amount of miles under his belt! So without further adieu, here’s our guide to the top ten motorbike wielding superstars.

David Beckham

David Beckham has been sporting the grease monkey look for a few years now, it was just a matter of time until he eventually invested in a bike to suit his attire – he’s recently been spotted cruising LA on a £50,000 F131 Hellcat Combat.

Brad Pitt

Pitt is a complete motorcycle devotee and is often papped out and about on his bikes; his collection includes a Ducati Desmosedici RR, Monster 696, Harley-Davidson choppers, BMW R1150GS Adventure, Triumph Bonneville and Yamaha R1 amongst others.

Ewan McGregor

Joined by his friend Charlie Boorman, McGregor has circumnavigated the globe and travelled from John O’Groats to South Africa on two wheels, a third instalment of the Long Way series is planned for 2011, where the two are expected to ride up through South America. For leisure he rides a cream-and-black Moto Guzzi arou.

Orlando Bloom

Part of the LA biker set, Orlando Bloom has been spotted on bikes the world over; riding a new Norton Commando 961 SE at the Festival of Speed, custom models in Australia and a 1941 WWII Army relic in Buckinghamshire, UK.

George Clooney

Despite a crash in ’07, in which George broke a few ribs, he’s still a two wheel fan and has been spotted most recently on his beloved Harley Davidson cruising the LA circuit.

Ryan Reynolds

The Canadian actor Reynolds gets his kicks from riding fast and is renowned for taking to the open road for long trips with his brother in Australia. His bike of choice in recent years has been a red Triumph Bonneville.

Keanu Reeves

Another old school rider, Reeves is known for his classic choice in motorbikes, including his Norton Commando. A motorcycle crash in Topanga Canyon, whilst on a ‘demon ride’, landed Keanu in hospital with broken ribs, a ruptured spleen and an increased bike insurance premium!

Gerard Butler

In July 2010, Gerard Butler won the role of Sam Childers in the movie Machine Gun Preacher, playing out the story of the ex-biker and reformed drug dealer. A biker in real life, his personal collection includes a newly purchased Harley.

John Travolta

One of Travolta’s first jobs was in a Honda motorcycle commercial, he rose to prominence as the motorcycle toting greaser Danny Zukko and played a disenfranchised middle aged American in Wild Hogs in the ‘00s. His private collection includes the obligatory Harley.

Tom Cruise

The man who rose to huge worldwide stardom whilst riding a Kawasaki Ninja in Top Gun, is one of the biggest motorcycle collectors on the LA scene – it’s rumoured that Cruise was the first American to get his hands on the uber Ducati in 2008.