MCE: I understand you're the proud owner of the latest R1, Steven. How do you rate it?
SB: It's awesome - really awesome. I had the previous year's model before this one, but it's very different. The power delivery is amazing.

MCE: They sound very different to the previous models - do you know what they've changed?
SB: I don't know the exact terminology but I think they call it a Rossi Crank, as the bike's been developed in the same way as Rossi's MotoGP bike. It makes the power delivery really smooth. Some of my mates say they don't like it, but I love it!

[Note: the official terminology says the R1 has a ‘MotoGP-derived short-stroke engine with a crossplane crankshaft'. This delivers uneven firing intervals, which accounts for the unique Yamaha sound that's somewhere between a traditional in-line four cylinder and a twin. Simple eh?]

MCE: What did you have before the two R1s?
SB: Nothing. I got an R1 for my first bike after doing the Direct Access test.

MCE: Wow - starting off on an R1? That's punchy!
SB: Well, you've got to do these things properly or not do them at all, I reckon.

MCE: I imagine that wasn't cheap to insure?
SB: No, not exactly. Well worth it though.

MCE: Did you insure with MCE?... I have to ask!
SB: I didn't to be honest. I went with E-Bikes.

MCE: What made you swap to us then?
SB: To be honest, I gave MCE a try when I got the new bike and they gave me a quote that E-Bikes couldn't get near. There was about £300 difference, so it was a fairly easy decision.

MCE: Lovely. We've been working hard to negotiate the best rates in the industry, so that's great to hear! We've also been working hard to bring the best of the BSB to our policyholders through Club MCE. I hear you've been getting stuck in?
SB: I have. I was planning to go to Mallory Park, so I put my name down on the Club MCE website for a pillion lap with one of the BSB riders.

MCE: And did you get it?
SB: I sure did.

MCE: Who took you round?
SB: I went with Dan Linfoot, which was great ‘cos he rides a Yamaha R1 like mine! Considering he had me on the back, he really flew round. The most impressive thing was the braking though: I couldn't believe how late he left it and how hard he hit them!! It's quite an unnerving feeling, but it's great to see what these bikes can do in the hands of an expert. It was a real privilege - it's not something many people get to do, so thanks MCE!

MCE: So I guess you got access to the pits and paddock as well did you?
SB: I sure did. It's amazing to get so close to the riders and teams - the BSB is so open and friendly. They had the England match up on the big screen so we were all there watching the football together! If you go to watch the MotoGP everything is fenced off and you can't get close but with the MCE British Superbikes everything is really laid back. Obviously it makes a big difference if you're a Club MCE member - you can get access to more or less anywhere you want to go, which is incredible. Walking around with the likes of Karl Harris and Kiyonara is a great feeling.

MCE: Do you plan on doing any more Club MCE experiences?
SB: Definitely. I'm going up to Cadwell at the end of August so I'll soon be getting my name down for something. I need to get back on that website!

MCE: What do you fancy?
SB: I'm not sure - all the experiences are quite cool, but I think it will probably have to be the pace car lap or ‘walk-the-track'. I'm a big fan of Nissan Skylines (I used to drive one before I got into bikes) so I'd love to get a lap in the GTR.

MCE: Everyone I've spoken to has really loved it. They've got so much power and grip it's unbelievable!
SB: I know - they should be great fun around Cadwell too. It's not exactly wide! But I also fancy walking the track with one of the riders. It's a tricky circuit so it would be good to listen to one of these guys explaining how they take certain corners and jumps. Maybe I can pick up a few tips. I usually ride with an ex-racer, so it would be good if I can teach him a thing or two for a change!

MCE: Too true.
SB: In fact, if I can give a mention to a couple of the people I ride with it would be great? My best mate is John Smee, who's always up for a blast on Sundays and Thursdays and there's also Amy Martin who puts up with me and is always willing to lend me a few quid when the tank's empty! Last but not least there's Daimon Holland. He needs to hurry up and get another bike!

MCE: ...Yep... and an MCE policy so he can join Club MCE!!!