South East Biker Magazine, February-March 2016

The South East’s No.1 FREE bike magazine ISSUE 43 • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2016

A BIG EVENT

LUGGAGE OPTIONS!

TEST: CF MOTO 650TR FAST AT 14 REVIEWS • FEATURES • EVENTS • SPORTS SEB: ON FULL THROTTLE SINCE 2008 southeastbiker.co.uk

STARTING GRID

Editor scribes Motorcycling these days is, by and large, a leisure activity. Of course, many of us ride to work and use bikes as part of our job, but the growth in track days, off roading, short trips and touring holidays has been particularly noticeable over the last few years. Not many of us will undertake anything as extreme as a solo trip around Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia on a Honda Cub like Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent, who supplied the cover photo. However, most of us will take off on our bikes for a weekend or longer at some point. In this issue of SEB we take a closer look at some aspects involved in packing up and heading off on your bike.

In fact, you don’t even need a bike of your own these days. With the far flung touring destinations offering bikes to rent and companies like West Sussex Motorcycle Hire and RoadTrip offering great deals, you can chose your perfect motorcycling holiday riding the bike of your dreams.

With a new biking season dawning Les Smith gives us tips on how to prepare your bike and yourself if you have had a winter riding layoff. Terry “The Poisoner” finishes the tale of his first race meeting and we catch up with the next generation of racers, local boy Joey Lambden.

Paddy Tyson takes the CF Moto 650 on a serious long term test, and tells us why we should seriously consider one. And, of course, we review Antonia’s book “A Short Ride in the Jungle”. That should get you out on your bikes…

Contents

4 TEST: CF MOTO 650TR 8 New Year’s Resolution 12 Travel without insurance?

15 FINDING YOUR WAY 18 Luggage Options 22 Ride in Peru 23 A Big Event 26 Helmet Review: Caberg Duke

All the best Nick

Visit southeastbiker.co.uk for events list CONTACT US ADVERTISING AND Debbie Tunstill, email: debs@southeastbiker.co.uk GENERAL ENQUIRIES Tel: 01892 459080 EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Nick Tunstill, email: nick@southeastbiker.co.uk South East Biker, 2 St John’s Road, Crowborough, East Sussex. TN6 1RW PRODUCTION: Dean Cook: deancook@magazineproduction.com PRINTING: Evon Print, Henfield, Sussex © 2016 South East Biker (SEB) Magazine is an independent title and does not endorse the products or services that appear in the magazine. Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor or of South East Biker magazine. Reproduction of content is strictly prohibited without prior written approval from the editor or publisher.

COVER IMAGE: Courtesy of Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

28 A PINK CUB AND A JUNGLE 30 Freestyle opens new store 31 Knobbly tyre review 32 Fast at Fourteen 34 Events 3

LONG TERM TEST

CF MOTO 650TR Looking for a reasonably priced tourer?

Paddy Tyson spent many miles on the CFMoto’s 650TR

W

hatever happened to the touring bike? They grew in size, weight and complexity over the years, and so did their price tag. Honda’s Deauville hardly set the pulse racing, yet it was a class leader (and only entrant) of the middleweight touring category and even its price had climbed to almost ten grand when it was finally axed in 2014.

As year-on-year bike sales figures increase, they also show we have switched our allegiance away

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from big touring machines, but what if a lighter, spritely, but much less complex middleweight arrived on the market, complete with built-in luggage and an exceptional fairing? What if it could cruise all day at well above the legal limit, still manage over 50mpg and cost about £3,500? Would you buy it for the commute or European holiday?

Let me repeat that. £3,500. And yes, I am talking about the bike in the pictures, a 650 twin making 70hp, based entirely on Kawasaki’s excellent ER6 and February-March 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

LONG TERM TEST yet looking uncannily like a small Pan European.

It’s a CFMoto 650TR and I’ve had one on long-term test for 8,000 miles. I failed to wash it in the winter to see if the fasteners disappeared. I rode it in torrential Welsh rain, searing Portuguese heat and used it offroad. I think I’ve got the measure of it, both good and bad, so here goes.

THE DRIVETRAIN With almost 46lb-ft of torque and 70hp this 8 valve parallel twin won’t set the world alight but it can cover great distance smoothly. Below 3,000 rpm there is some snatch in the transmission and this can be amplified if the chain needs adjustment, but generally, the Ducati Energia ECU and 38mm ITT Throttle bodies meter the fuel cleanly. From 3- 8,000 rpm the eager twin pulls constantly without any great steps or power surges, but above that there is just an increase in noise and mechanical thrashing. Revving out to the 10,500 rpm redline makes no discernible difference to acceleration. It really isn’t that kind of bike, but if screaming an engine is your bag, you probably won’t have read past the opening picture of a pannier anyway.

The 6 gears are pleasantly spaced although you need a firm foot to engage them. If you’ve ridden a Versys or ER6 you’ll know exactly what I mean.

The gears match the torque of the oversquare (83x60mm) engine well and it’s possible to make very swift and pleasant progress using only the top two gears and rolling on and off the throttle. If there’s a weak spot in the drive system it’s that chain. Due to the stainless steel exhaust (utilitarian commuter credibility) doing all of its silencing right beneath the engine, there’s no room for a centre stand.

BODYWORK, CLOCKS AND ELECTRICS Because this minitourer doesn’t have a main stand and the panniers aren’t removable, chain maintenance is the proverbial pain. Of course you could fit a Scotoiler, but not having removable panniers is also an oversight, when tailored inner bags aren’t an option either.

The panniers themselves don’t stick out too far so don’t get in the way of filtering through traffic.

They are waterproof in use and only on one occasion South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

after an overnight deluge while resting on the sidestand, did one of the side-opening boxes leak.

The locking mechanism could be levered apart by a determined thief, but on the plus side, there are simple but effective latches fore and aft which ensure that the box can’t burst open while riding, even if you don’t close the main handle completely.

Set into the main fairing, just behind the imitation speakers, are two handy ‘glove boxes’, one of which is lockable. These are completely waterproof and of a good size for dry gloves, a UK map, disc lock etc. The plastic lids do feel very cheap however and the paint 5

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February-March 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

LONG TERM TEST on the coloured surfaces of all the bodywork could never be considered thick and lustrous. Surprisingly, the fasteners are much tougher and a whole winter without a wash didn’t blemish them, but some paint did start to lift of the footpegs, where the alloy went a bit fuzzy.

While I’m on bodywork, the sculpted seat (795mm) is comfortable for the 200 mile range the 17.5l tank offers, but if you have long thighs your knees will rub uncomfortably on the fairing return. The addition of a pillion severely restricts the rearward visibility in the mirrors, which themselves act as both wind deflectors for the hands and binnacles for the LED indicators.

Sitting buffet-free behind the competent screen, the clocks remind you of bikes from the 90s.

The large analogue speedo and rev counter are easy to read and there’re small digital fuel and temperature gauges, but no fuel warning light. There is a big red ‘P’ light though, which is clearly adapted from a different country market and now means the side stand is down – something of an irrelevance with the various compulsory safety cut-out switches that are in place.

For touring there is also a digital clock, a single trip meter and a waterproof 12v power take-off, but strangely CF Moto have chosen not to place it within one of the glove boxes. The headlight is split, with a single bulb for main, but there are also a row of daytime LEDs. CHASSIS The span-adjustable levers are standard fare. The cable-operated clutch is light and pleasant to use and the front brake operates a pair of twin-pot calipers that bite on 300mm drilled discs without the help of ABS, or servo assistance. The rear brake is a single piston caliper grabbing a 225mm disc. There’s no ABS option offered, but in unison with the Continental Road Attack 2 tyres the braking power is more than adequate, if a little wooden.

Those tyres may be a little too good for the chassis though. It’s a tubular steel ‘diamond’ affair which uses the engine as a fully-stressed member and which has 41mm Kayaba forks and a Kayaba monoshock.

The steering is a little slow as again, there’s nothing hi-tech. To the eye it looks much like the offering from Kawasaki, but I can’t help feeling that because the materials aren’t quite as good throughout, the superb grip offered by the Continentals is just too much, South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

which causes some flex and weave when pressing on.

This may sound obscure, but when I found myself in Portugal with a rapidly wearing rear, I found the first shop that had a 160/60 x 17 in black and bought it. An old stock Michelin Pilot, it improved things immensely as it just didn’t grip nearly as well and wasn’t matched to the longer-lived front 120/70 x 17 Continental.

CONCLUSION I’ve failed to break it in any serious way although the clutch cable failed while in Devon and a repair was fashioned by Crobba Customs in Paignton. The rear nearside indicator lens has let some water in and in torrential rain the left-hand switchgear must fill with water because full beam occasionally comes on, whether the lights are on or not! I had similar things happen with Italian bikes I’ve used, which is called character. I suspect in this instance it’s called poor quality, which is unfair. Did I mention this bike can be had new for £3,500?

Surely this is the tool you really need in the South East for the daily slog to work. With an MOT now due after four years on a new machine, just how far can it really depreciate? Perhaps the era of motorcycles as cheap transport is back. I’ve certainly been swayed. I bought this test bike rather than give it back.

Visit: http://bit.ly/WK-Bikes-650TR USEFUL INFO

CFMOTO 650TR

Engine

Liquid-cooled dohc eight-valve paralleltwin four-stroke Capacity 649.30cc Power Output 69.73bhp @ 8500rpm Max. Torque 45.72lb-ft Engine Mng. EFI electronic fuel injection with Ducati Energia ECU. Gearbox Six-speed with gear primary drive Chassis Tubular steel diamond frame Suspension Front: 41mm KYB/Kayaba telescopic fork; Rear: Extruded steel swingarm with Tubular bracing and KYB/Kayaba cantilever monoshock Wheelbase 1415mm Weight 208kg Brakes Front: 2 x 300mm steel discs with twinpiston calipers; Rear: 1 x 225mm single disc with single-piston caliper Wheels Front 120/70ZR17; Rear 160/60ZR17 Seat Height 795mm Fuel capacity 17.5 litres Top speed 125mph

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PREPARATION

New Year’s Resolution With the new motorcycle season just around the corner, hopefully you are all looking forward to getting out on your bikes again after the wet and windy winter. Having said that it may be, like me, you have been riding all year anyway. But it’s always worth taking a minute to have a look towards the new season and check a few things as the weather picks up. Les Smith, a retired Police motorcycle instructor, prepares you for the year ahead.

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reckon it’s a good idea to check out some important bits and bobs in preparation for the season ahead, especially if you’ve been away from the bike for a few months. You will need to tune back into a biker mindset. So here’s a few things to ponder over.

I’m sure you will agree, riding a motorcycle is not like driving a car. It will have gears and an engine, true enough, but bikes are more alive than a box with wheels. Bikes talk to their riders, they communicate in a way cars can’t.

Don’t get me wrong, I drive a car too and it offers transport with comfort and a form of practicality bikes just can’t match. However the driver of either a practical Golf (me) or a Maserati (not me) is still somewhat detached from the world outside. Things like the sound system, the phone and even the ‘chatty’ passenger can isolate a car driver from the outside world. Riders, as I’m sure you’ll agree, feel more in tune with the outside world. I know some modern bikes have far more than the likes 8

of heated grips nowadays, like some new Triumphs for example, ‘heated seats’ for rider and pillion for goodness sake. Very nice I’m sure but the rider is still outside feeling the elements.

Us motorcycle riders require a certain understanding of the machine and the environment, a rider needs to understand road conditions and grip levels. These things mean much more to a bike rider than some other road users. For instance, even things like a busy queue of traffic ahead which means a hold up for car drivers, but as bikers we the have the option to filter if it’s safe.

Reading the signs and sensing what’s going on ahead has always been a valuable lesson for riders to get tuned into, even if you are new to biking. It’s something to look at and learn as early as possible.

The making of a good road rider is not based on machine control skill alone, although being able to control the bike is a good start. It’s a lot more than that.

The mechanics of control over the machine is only part of the equation, and, after a lay up over the winter, it is good to get re-accustomed to the feel of what’s going beneath and going on around you and understanding February-March 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

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PREPARATION

where you are on any given road. Winter riding requires a style of its own. We generally ride in a much more conservative way (most of the time), self preservation being a good thing. Riding ‘Johnny Up -Right’ style, dodging manhole covers, pot holes and white lines works for me in the slimy mornings and I’m sure you are the same.

The relationship between a rider and other vehicles and how they fit into the road layout and landscape is also a valuable tool to get to grips with. After the bad weather begins to fade away and riders need to reaquaint themselves with the benefits and pleasures of riding drier roads in warmer weather, things like grip levels, speed, acceleration, changing gaps in traffic, not being seen by car drivers become important! It’s all about tuning back into planning and timing. The ‘road language’ changes with the seasons.

The ‘language’ (road language or vehicle language), and understanding it, is just one of many things crucial to a biker’s survival. It’s vital that we understand this when making good progress. Understanding the road, the vehicles on the road and whatever else is ahead is achieved by latching onto the signs and clues as they appear. It is vitally important when overtaking for instance, that a rider is able to work out what is happening ahead and all around. As a motorcycle rider we have to understand not just how to overtake another vehicle but when to, or when not to. Am I in the right place? Do I have a proper view? Is the road surface good? (understanding the language).

There are many ways you can gain or refresh experience on a bike as you probably know. Training with big organisations is one. I’m not going to harp on too much about training, but it is worth looking at some elements. There are track days too, as well as learning from ‘trusted’ riding mates and so on. Having said that, I don’t believe that experience alone is the best route to better riding, you have to survive long enough first to get experience. Don’t discount training with proper trainers as a way of gathering up knowledge quickly through tuition and then putting it into practice. This will accelerate the learning process, and may save you from having that bad experience.

Practice will make you a better rider and leaning from others is always useful. Life long learning is best, (i.e. you are never too good to learn). So if you do feel a little rusty, take a few days to get back into the swing of it, or have a day out with a trainer to brush up on a thing or two. But the training and the riding side is not all you need to look at, there is the matter of the bike itself.

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Before you even jump back on the bike, or in preparation for the new season, have a good look at the bike. It may be obvious but check the bike over properly before you set off. If you’ve been using it all year, then a good visual once over may be all you need.

But check that the road crud and muck has not chewed any of the bits on your bike. If you have had your bike parked up in the garage or shed, or even living room, as some of you do, still have a good look over it as things can change while stored.

Tyres for instance; check that they are still in good nick before you get out on the road.

This goes without saying, but just have a quick look and check the tread depth. Work on the theory that a couple of mm of tread is best, the limit is 1mm across the tyre but, as the roads may still be a little greasy, I’d feel happier with more than the minimum.

Check that the pressure is right too this is very important , don’t go by feel, use a gauge.

Check in your user’s manual if unsure.

I know there are riders who may like to mess with tyre pressures (you trackgods know who you are) but trust me, Mr Bridgestone, Mr Michelin and others know what they are on about and probably know what’s best for road riders on their tyres.

Check that the brakes are in proper working order too, obvious again but plenty of meat on the pads is a good start and

February-March 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

PREPARATION check that the controls are working smoothly with no sticky calipers or levers etc.

Lights and horn should be in working order too.

All this may sound a bit obvious, but force yourself to have a quick look, it’ll take 5 minutes at the most, and you can head out knowing that at least the basic stuff in is good nick. Oh and don’t forget petrol, you would be surprised!

So with the bike checked and you are happy it is in good nick, you’re almost set to go. If you are not confident with any bits on the bike then get it checked professionally. I know the fear is that a garage will try to sell you stuff or services you don’t need but if you are not happy with something it might be worth a visit. Any bike shop worth their salt ought not to rip you off, they want you to come back for other stuff so it’s in their interest to be fair.

With the bike fettled and kit sorted, the temptation is there to get out and large it. Please don’t. A blast out to your favourite road for a session is not the best idea after a break or a plodding commuting winter.

Having a tear-up might sound like a good idea, and it may well blow the cobwebs out but just take you time. Take your time getting back into the groove, it will pay dividends in the long run.

Riding a motorcycle is not rocket science, I know

that, and you never actually lose what you have in terms of skill, it is ‘like riding a bike’ after all, however, a lay off will take some getting back from.

Get used to the grip levels, braking pressures, acceleration and timings, mixing with the traffic and so on again. Within days you will be back up to pace and loving it as always.

So get your bike out, check it over, switch brain on and look well ahead, not just up the road but to the season’s riding too.

Keep it upright.

• Les is a retired police motorcycle instructor with years of experience training operational police riders in fast road and VIP escort skills as well as off road biking.

• Les now offers high level road skills training, together with adventure bike trail-riding and off road skills to riders seeking to get the most out if their motorcycle. If you would like to contact Les direct for a day’s training in the South East he can be contacted direct on les8125@gmail.com.

If anyone fancies a weekend away in Wales for some extended riding with training built in email debs@southeastbiker.co.uk and we can arrange a tailored trip.

Freehouse Pub and Hotel

Next time you’re in Hastings pop in or, better still, stay!

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For regular live music, entertainment and beer festivals visit: www.jennylindhastings.co.uk/what-s-on.

The Jenny Lind Inn, 69 High Street, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3EW Telephone: 01424 421392 Visit: www.jennylindhastings.co.uk

February-March 2016 • South Jenny Lind Inn HP 0115.indd 1 East Biker Magazine

11 12/01/2015 13:58

TRAVEL INSURANCE

TRAVELLING WITHOUT MOTORCYCLE TRAVEL INSURANCE – IS IT WORTH THE RISK?

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There is nothing better than jumping on your bike and heading for the open road. However, many bikers do not realise the potential risks of travelling without Motorcycle Travel Insurance.

nfortunately when travelling abroad unforeseen accidents and holiday disasters can strike at any time, and these types of misfortunes can be disastrous for bikers who rely solely on themselves and their bike to complete their trip.

What if you have an accident and need emergency medical treatment? What if you fall ill and cannot ride your bike home? What if your motorcycle kit is damaged or stolen? – Many people wouldn’t know what to do in these terrible situations, and most would be unable to afford the potential costs involved.

The benefits of purchasing motorcycle travel insurance definitely outweigh the potential risks – but it is still something many people overlook or do not realise is available.

At Holidaysafe.co.uk we specialise in affordable

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February-March 2016 • South East 13/01/2016 Biker Magazine 15:52

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JOURNEY PLANNING

Finding your way!

For those who haven’t ridden abroad before, the most common concerns are riding on the other side of the road and getting lost. Riding a bike abroad is much easier than driving a car for obvious reasons. And finding your way around is not as daunting as it seems…

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echnology has revolutionised the way we travel over the last few years, and the mighty SatNav has changed the way we find our way around more than anything else. The gadgets certainly divide opinion! Old school purists still like to plot their course on a series of maps and rely on the skills previous generations utilised. Others don’t want to chance getting lost/ running out of fuel/not being able to find a McDonald’s, so use every bit of technology available. Most like a combination of old and new technology. We like to think of ourselves as adventurers, but when you could really do with finding your way somewhere in a hurry, technology is a useful ally.

Even if you are on a guided tour, it’s quite pleasing to have some idea of where you are going or where you have been. And nothing beats a printed map on this front.

They are cheap, don’t take up much room and don’t need charging or batteries! You can unfold them, plan your route and see what interesting diversions lie along your route. Maps and map books also make a great souvenir of a trip if you mark your route and points of interest. They are however, difficult and potentially dangerous to read on the go and won’t always tell where you actually are when lost. Pulling over constantly and trying to read something in the rain and dark doesn’t always contribute South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

to the holiday experience!

Make sure you carefully select the scale of any maps you take.

Often an overall map of your complete trip with a couple of localised ones with a larger scale is ideal. A map of Western Europe with a scale of 1cm to 17km (1:706000) is ideal for planning the major routes. For more detailed, localised planning, a scale of 1cm to 4km (1:400000) will show you all the relevant roads you are likely to encounter. A compass can be useful! Sometimes you may not even know which direction you are heading in.

SatNavs again vary enormously in price. If you want one to simply use as back up or get you out of trouble, you can pick one up from 15

JOURNEY PLANNING £30. It won’t be waterproof and you won’t be able to play with it using motorbike gloves but it will do the job if in a jam. You can stick one in a plastic bag in a tank bag pouch and listen to the instructions via an earpiece. Though, be warned, this is illegal in some countries.

Specific motorcycle satnavs from the likes of TomTom and Garmin will set you back £200 and more. However they are designed to be used on bikes with gloves, in all weathers and contain a multitude of functions. Routes can be planned and logged, windy and hilly roads are highlighted and they can be synced with other devices, take phone calls and make toast if required!

The latest Smart phones incorporate all the GPS technology and mapping you are likely to need if stuck so it’s worthwhile familiarising yourself with how it all works before you go. It’s also a good idea to put an auxiliary power connection on your bike.

They are inexpensive and unobtrusive but damn useful to top up a phone or SatNav battery.

And if you get lost? It’s part of the fun, you never know what you might discover…

What else is worth taking?

• A set of custom earplugs. Not only will be you saving your hearing but they help to lessen fatigue. If you listen to music or are wired up to SatNavs or blutoo th, get a set made that accommodates this facility. Ask Mercury Hearin g for advice.

• Cable ties and spare bungees don’t take up much space but are dead handy in many situations.

• Spare gloves. If a pair gets soaked and you have room, dry gloves can make for a much more comfortable trip.

• Tool kit, either one that comes with the bike, make your own or buy a Motion Pro Trail Tool as recommended by Austin Vince!

• Puncture repair kit. There are many variations of these but look for one that contains items to both plug the tyre and inflate it. They are only really designed to be a temporary repair so you can make it to an approved motorcycle tyre specialist.

• Disclock or chain.

• Check the legal requirements for each country you are visiting.

The rules change regularly and there is a lot of confus ion and rumour about what is and what is not required.

• All relevant paperwork including: passport; tickets; hotel reservations; breakdown and medical insurance; motorcycle documents.

• And don’t forget to take a spare key!

MOTORCYCLE SEATS

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Call us now on: 07977 874075 Visit: www.viking-motorcycle-seats.co.uk Email: leetheseat@hotmail.co.uk, or pop in and see us at: 27a Heaver Trading Estate, Ash Road, Ash, Kent. TN15 7HJ 16 Viking Vinyl HP 0515.indd

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HEATED SEATS

We now supply and fit the fantastic BRAD PADS, heated seat elements to keep you warm all year. These can be inserted into your seat at the same time as a rebuild. A very simple connection to the battery is supplied and the pads come with two settings. Price is just £75 or £95 including wiring into bike.

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February-March 2016 • South East 12/05/2015 Biker Magazine 18:00

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LUGGAGE OPTIONS

LUGGAGE OPTIONS Soft panniers, hard panniers, tank bags… the options are a plenty but which are likely to suit your next trip?

Nick Tunstill loads up the luggage…

S

o, you have got the trip booked, sorted the bike and kit out.

You just need to find a way to carry all those essential items you will need on your travels. There are a couple of important questions to ask yourself before you jump on that ferry: Are you taking a pillion? This will obviously have a major bearing not only on how much you will be carrying but also the comfort of your passenger and the stability of the bike; How much stuff do you actually need to take? There are essentials; wallet, documents, phone with charger, maps, satnav, glasses, any medication etc.

All of these may be hard to obtain once you have set off. Then you will need riding kit. Depending on the season and where you are going, choosing the right kit is a bit of an art. You don’t want to be too hot, too cold or wet at all. A decent waterproof suit is well worth having. If you can take a lightweight vented jacket and trousers then it’s simple to add more layers to keep warm and it is surprising how good waterproofs are at keeping you warm when worn over summer kit.

Most of the important stuff will fit into a tank bag or medium sized rucksack, so the rest of your luggage will be carrying your non essential bits. For obvious reasons, the lighter you can travel, the better. There is less to lose, less to lug about, less bulk and weight on the bike. Clothing is now available is most countries of the world and it’s not a hard job to wash t-shirts and socks in hotel sinks and showers as you travel.

So, rather than start with everything you might need, make sure you have everything you will definitely require and then add a few bits that would be useful.

With bike touring becoming more and more popular, motorcycle luggage is big business. You can spend a serious amount of cash on the factory and other specialist options but make sure that is really what you need. A set of mountings and hard luggage from one of the main manufacturers can set you back £1000 or more. It’s designed for that model of bike and will ensure it will be relatively easy to fit and use and may feature common keys and other user friendly features. However it can be bulky and do you really need all that capacity?

A tank bag is a really useful bit of luggage. They range in size, style and fitment considerably, but it’s pretty handy having storage in front 18

February-March 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

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“Brilliant service, great bikes and friendly staff. Top stuff” – JF “A big thank you…for pulling out all the stops at short notice to make our hoilday a great one.

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19

LUGGAGE OPTIONS of you that is immediately accessible. The simple ones attach with built in magnets and, again, can be bought from £15 upwards. If you are still a believer in the power of maps, like me, get one with a clear pocket on the top. If you want to travel really light, you may get away with just a decent tank bag that will do the job. Most tank bags are soft or semi rigid but there are rigid and lockable versions on the market now.

A waterproof roll bag can be a good, cost effective solution if you want something flexible that can be used on and off the bike. You will probably need to use some of the motorcyclist’s oldest friends, bungees. Not always ideal, but they work if used properly and aren’t expensive.

If you are a fan of soft luggage, saddle bags are a simple solution and another cost-effective option worth considering. Just bear in mind how they sit on the bike and whether they are likely to interfere with any components such as the exhaust or be in the way for a pillion. Also check out if they are waterproof, it’s a pain having to dry out all your clothes after a wet ride.

Luggage specialists such as Ventura and Kriega offer a wide range of flexible and modular soft luggage that is unobtrusive and waterproof. Keeping the luggage centralised with these systems can help the bike ‘s stability and makes filtering less of a chore. The packs

are designed to be added to so a small selection of bags can give you a wide range of options depending on whether you are heading off for a night away or a month long jaunt. The top of the range kit is not cheap but it is well designed and will last a lifetime if looked after. The downside of most soft luggage is security as it’s designed to be easily put on or taken off the bike and not generally lockable.

The good old top box or case is a good place to start on the hard luggage front. A simple lockable plastic one can be had for £15 upwards. An aluminium manufacturer’s or premium brand could set you back a few hundred. They may look more stylish and will be designed for the bike but essentially serve the same purpose. It’s well worth considering a top box so you

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February-March 2016 • South East 21/09/2015 Biker Magazine 13:40

LUGGAGE OPTIONS

are secure on and off the bike. They are also pretty useful if you stop and want to stash helmets somewhere safe as well. Decent ones should be waterproof and often contain lift out liners. The downside is that they can add considerably to the bulk of the bike. You need to bear in mind they are susceptible to scuffing and will cost a fair bit to replace. Some thought and research now could save you a lot in the years to some.

Work out what you really need it for, how much you want to spend and how transferable the system is. A well thought out investment in luggage now may pay off for years to come. Have a chat with one of our advertisers to find out what’s best for you and your bike.

have somewhere to lock away valuable items when not on the bike. It can be a pain having to remove bags every time you stop for a coffee. Normally a single key is needed both to lock the case and remove it from the locking plate. Kappa and Givi make a decent range of cases in all sizes. Specialist luggage companies such as Metal Mule, a British business, design and supply top of the range metal luggage that not only looks very stylish but is extremely functional too. If you are planning to invest in this level of kit make sure you can transfer it from bike to bike when you change. Normally it’s just a question of a different mounting system.

Hard panniers are always a popular option. You can get an awful lot of luggage in them and they

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ADVENTURE

2016, Start of a New Year!

What could be more of an adrenalin rush than riding a motorbike across the Andes of South America?

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or Adventure Peru Motorcycling this year means celebrating 15 years of operating their specialist bike tours, firstly just in Peru, but now including Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile and Colombia.

They have to make a special mention for ex Royal engineer Dennis Carroll who will be 80 this year and has ridden in all the countries they operate, completing some seven tours. They have arranged a special four-week tour starting 27th October 2016 to celebrate Dennis’s loyalty to his favourite areas of Northern Peru, especially the white sand beaches at Mancora and the wonderful roads of Ecuador. Interested in joining in? Contact them asap.

Their special guest last September 2015 High Andes Tour was Tom Hartland who won a prize for a free £3,500 trip donated by APM. His story is featured in the March issue of BIKE Magazine.

Adventure Peru now have a Hyundai 12 seater back up vehicle. Their workshops and garages at the Hotel Casa Buena Vista house their 11 Suzuki and Honda bikes where mechanic

Franco works his magic before and after each tour.

Adventure Peru continue to raise money for charity; a local Peru school in Llacanora.

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February-March 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

‘THE POISONER’

A BIG EVENT Following on from last issue, Terry “The Poisoner” fulfils a long held motorcycling ambition, to compete in a bike race…

W

e await the start of practice. For me there’s a bit of pacing up and down.

There’s a bit of looking at the bike for the umpteenth time to check that it still has two wheels and they’re in the right places. There’s a bit of sitting in the chair staring fixedly at the floor.

Not sure but this might be nerves. As if to break the spell, out of the blue our friend Tom Palmer turns up, all the way up from the West Country just to offer his support. Most might not have heard of him but in our circle he’s a bit of a legend.

2013 1300 pre-injection champion with NG road race club, former endurance racer and rider in this year’s Manx GP. Also known as an impressive crasher on occasion and has suffered for his racing passion now and then. He immediately starts to offer words of encouragement, advice and pulls out his pad and gets us on line to the lap times and other race info. Suddenly we seem to have gained a team manager. Hey, look at us, we’ve gone a bit professional!

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

We’re finally away, out onto the track for practice/ qualifying and once you’re rolling the nerves disappear and you can get on with the good bit, riding. I’m feebly doing 1:30-1:29 laps. Ray is bang on at a constant 1:24 and Matt is putting in 1:21’s. He brilliantly beats the chequered flag by a couple of seconds and gets in an extra lap as most others are coming in to the pits. With a practically empty track he bangs in a magnificent 1:19 and bags us 36th on the grid out of the 54 teams on the start line. Star!

I feel sheepish about being a good 10 seconds slower than my team mates but Tom is upbeat. “ Ten seconds between the three of you is a good spread as a team. Having a super fast rider carrying a super slow rider is bad for a team. We’re just about right.” I can live with that. Let’s race.

Ray offers to step up for the Le Mans start, and for the right reasons too. His CBR 600RR is the only fuel injection bike and it will start straight on the button.

Also he has two seasons of race starts under his belt compared to novices Matt and me. I offered to hold his bike whilst he sprints across and jumps on once the lights go out.

Chan, another mate/rider with NG racing drops in for a chat. He too is here to support his friend who is 23

‘THE POISONER’ also racing today. ‘Support’ seems to be the word that sums up this racing paddock the best. Anyway, when he hears that I’m bike holding at the start he gives me a wry grin.

“You’ve got the most dangerous part of the whole race.” he says. “ There’ll be 54 racers all vying for position when they get under way whilst accelerating flat out through a huge group of fast, slow and ‘still pulling out into traffic’ bikes! Let your rider go.” he advises, “ Don’t watch him, just flatten yourself against the pit wall and look BACK down the track to see what’s about to come past you.” He laughs at the look on my face and adds. “ You’ll do fine. People are hardly ever killed nowadays!”

Gulp. I’m not 100% sure he’s joking.

In truth it was actually very exciting. Chan’s dead right though about the mayhem of the start, with fast guys making slow starts, slow guys getting good starts and a great melee of bikes weaving and zig-zagging away in a frantic dash for the first bend. Ray makes a good go of it and he’s within the lead group as they hit the first corner, Abbey, and the pack disappear from sight in a cacophony of sound. The race is on!

20 minutes later Ray comes in, Tom swaps the transponder to my bike and I’m along the pit lane, up the slip road and out onto the track. I’m racing!

Let me put one thing straight right now. You may think you are a pretty handy rider in the fast group on a trackday. Trust me, it counts for nothing in a race.

People are friendly and careful on a trackday. Pass at arm’s length. Overtake on the straights.

Only overtake on the outside.

Really?? Racers are aggressive.

Not nasty, but aggressive. During my time on the track that day I personally collected three waved apologies as I was passed by guys close enough to be touched by their bikes, and on my very last lap a racer came under me on a high speed left hander and took my clutch lever off as he went past! But in the heat of the moment it’s not that terrifying, it’s bloody exciting! I’ll hold my hand up and say straight out that I got passed a lot but managed to pass a few myself. In fairness though, out of the 54 teams racing only 18 were running 600’s.

The rest were litre bikes so even head down arse up along Hanger Straight at a good 150mph+, bikes were still flying past at a rate of knots. Holding your

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February-March 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

‘THE POISONER’ all round and friendly and congratulatory words and own against these guys in the corners though was an handshakes all across the garages. Brilliant! absolute blast.

What a day. Everyone had pulled together and those We three raced through the afternoon, as much in who helped but were not even riding made the whole fun as racing with no real chance of finishing near the event extra special. Team pointy end, but that didn’t RB Motors, really can’t mean we weren’t trying. thank them enough, they Ray was brilliantly rock were all magnificent. solid with his consistent As a post script to the times. Matt rode a day, when No Limits put fantastic race too and out the full results on had the honour of taking their website it showed the chequered flag for that we were 49th out RB Motors. His girlfriend of 54 entries. But that’s Charlie was as good as her not the whole story. In word and pit boarded for Ta-Da! Team RB Motors. Top blokes one and all. truth the result didn’t the race. She was on the matter as much to us as to the teams fighting for the pit wall, up and down like a bee’s wing for the whole championship, it was after all our first time and we three hours. What a trooper. And all the while Tom were very happy to get through it with maximum was swapping transponders, giving team talks and fun and minimum bother. Having said that, we gave encouragement and monitoring everyone’s lap times. our best effort and out of the 5 teams below us in the He was quick to notice my lap times starting to tail standings, 4 of them were 600s so I make it that we off as both my tyres went off (a new experience for were actually 14th out of 18 in our class. So, not so me, that) and had me called in earlier than expected bad after all. in that last session. Matt went out and was straight Don’t expect us to be on a podium anytime soon back on the pace. Don’t look now but I think we were being a bit professional again. As I said, the chequered but as far as Ray, Matt and myself are concerned, team RB Motors totally rock! flag was his and then it was all over. Phew! Big grins

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

25

GEAR REVIEW

CABERG

DUKE

System/Modular/Flip-Up/Flip-Front helmets, or whatever you want to call them, are becoming ever popular with commuter, touring and adventure riders. They are for the bikers who appreciate the wind in the face and enjoy uninterrupted views of the scenery around them. But they come at a price…or do they? Dean Cook pops a Caberg Duke on his bonce.

T

he rush of the wind in the face, being able to make brief stops to fill up (you or the bike) without taking the helmet off, relish uninterrupted views as you ride, and generally enjoy a more comfortable experience; these type of helmets are certainly great to wear. However, riding at higher speeds will soon have you closing the front the moment you experience an airborne insect giving you a stinging fat lip and is the only downside I can probably offer.

A decent system helmet can cost a fair few hundred quid but the increase in popularity has meant manufacturers are offering reasonably priced options. So what is out there today?

Flicking through the pages of the internet I picked out the Pinlockready Caberg Duke which replaced the popular Caberg Konda and successor to the Caberg Trip helemets a few years back.

Wearing this particular helmet on a ride out for the first time I found the chin guard locked open. I wasn’t able to close it without using two hands; this meant pulling over. I soon realised there was a little 26

P/J switch which offered the option to open/shut or keep it locked open. What is this P/J feature?

I might be wrong but according to the little research available it is not road legal to ride flip-front helmets in the up/open position. P means ‘Protective’ (closed) and J means ‘Jet’ (open). The Duke has been tested in both open and closed positions and complies with ECE 22.05 standards and is one of the few ‘dual EC homologated’ motorbike helmets so you can ride road legal with it as a full-face helmet or with the flip-front raised up.

So, what’s it like to wear?

Very comfortable although feels a little less dense than my Shoei Neotec which comes in for high praise as being a completely versatile helmet. I can wear the Neotec for hours at a time yet I found myself doing the same with the Caberg Duke. The head is kept cool with the rear air flow extraction feature.

As with the Shoei Neotec the Caberg Duke also comes with an integrated dropdown tinted sun visor. No more need for sunglasses.

Comes in handy when you What is the P & J switch? turn a corner right into February-March 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

GEAR REVIEW

blinding low sunlight — one flick of a lever on top of the helmet and any potential visual issues are avoided. The Duke’s visor could do with being a little deeper.

The sporty appeal of the Duke, which is available in eleven colours, offers great visibility but is a little restricting to the sides where the Neotec is generous on that front. It would also be great to see a little groove in the cheek cushions for those that wear thickarmed glasses.

In terms of connectivity to other riders, I am not sure if you can attach a Scala or other devices but it can be equipped with Caberg’s Just Speak 5 Universal Bluetooth kit.

To note safety tests; Shoei’s £470 Neotec flip-up helmet scores a very good 4 out of 5 on Sharp’s Helmet Safety Scheme (www.sharp.direct.gov.uk), however the Caberg Duke scores a perfect 5 out of 5 and costs from just £145! All in all, it’s a great helmet at a great price.

PROS: 5/5 for safety, colour options and price.

CONS: It can be locked open whilst on the move if the P/J switch isn’t correctly positioned.

South East stockists include: Helmet City and Inta Motorcycles.

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DemonSkinz HP Magazine 0914.indd 1 • www.southeastbiker.co.uk South East Biker

.co.uk

21/01/2016 11:5227

BOOK REVIEW

A SHORT RIDE IN THE JUNGLE A solo motorcyclist, Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent took an adventure down the Ho Chi Minh Trail…on a pink Honda Cub.

In Xom Peng with Jeep

A

ntonia has led a fascinating life working as a TV producer on projects around the world for the BBC and ITV. In 2005 she was talked into riding a Tuk Tuk back to England from Bangkok by a friend. This ended up setting the Guinness World Record for the longest auto rickshaw trip and became the subject of her first book, Tuk Tuk to the Road.

This was the start of Antonia’s adventure writing career and has led to a life of motorcycling, television producing and arranging and taking part in world wide adventure trips.

A Short Trip in the Jungle traces what remains of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a vital transport network in what we now call the Vietnam War, although it involved more than just that country. Vietnam is now a popular holiday destination, not just for backpackers but more conventional travellers as well.

But Antonia reveals a lot more 28

about this region than you will find in your local travel brochure.

The legacy of this conflict has affected several generations across Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Of course, there were long lasting consequences in the USA as well.

The story of a single European female undertaking a dangerous motorcycle trip in Asia is impressive on its own. Throw in the facts that Antonia selects a pink Honda Cub, is venturing into some pretty uncharted territory riddled with unexploded bombs and dangerous jungle creatures makes for a fascinating read. It actually turns out that the Honda isn’t as daft a selection as you may think as it’s a popular bike in that part of the world and the availability of parts and local mechanics to fix the machine make such a trip more achievable.

Considering a fair amount of the trail is off road and along mud encrusted jungle roads, the Honda is still an interesting choice!

Antonia encounters illegal loggers, former US fighter pilots, eccentric bomb disposal experts, gold miners, wildlife traders and tribal chiefs. She excellently captures

Crossing a river in southern Lao

February-March 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

BOOK REVIEW

Panther and tank in Picasa Dakcehung area Picasa

On the road to Dakcheung Picasa Moped supermarket river La Hap Picasa

Stuck on Mondulkiri death highway

the extreme highs and lows of a trip of this scale. The physical and mental endurance she goes through are very apparent, but her determination to succeed and complete the adventure are quite an inspiration.

If you have an interest in history, particularly of the military kind, A Short Trip is a fascinating read as it stands. The Vietnam War has slipped from the public eye, but I learnt an awful lot about the conflict I remember seeing covered on the television news as I grew up in the late 60s and early 70s. The long term effects on the region are not something you necessarily think of once a war ends. Seeing how the people of the country deal with the aftermath is dealt with really well in the book.

The other big issue Antonia covers is how the region is dealing with the stripping of its natural resources South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

and the pressures of countries trying to balance short term economic gains against long term loss of their natural resources.

A Short Trip works on many levels and is an absorbing, informative and well written book. As a historical, environmental and motorcycle adventure book, it really works. For more information on Antonia’s books and adventures have a look at www. theitinerant.co.uk. The books are available to buy from Amazon or you can get a signed copy via the website.

If you fancy an trip somewhere off the beaten track with Antonia and her team check out www.edge-expeditions.com.

The End at Reunification Palace in Saigon

29

BUSINESS UPDATE

NEW PREMISES FOR FREESTYLE

O

ne of the largest off-road motorcycle dealerships in the UK, Freestyle, has recently taken on the previous premises of Chichester Honda. With two stores already (one just south of Tunbridge Wells, and one in Wales) this will be the next step in a countrywide ambition for Freestyle.

The well established off-road store will be branching out into road bikes plus road clothing and accessories.

The new store in West Sussex will be a solus Yamaha dealership stocking all Yamaha products including superbikes, scooters and the Yard Built and Heritage ranges as well as the off-road YZ and WR’s already in the existing Freestyle showrooms. The classic Steve

Now

McQueen coffee shop will also feature as well as the ever present ethos of quality, knowledge and excitement which the brand of Freestyle stands for.

In a prime position on the Chichester by-pass roundabout, the site has a constant stream of traffic past its doors all day long, so there will be no shortage of passing potential customers! With the aim to open by mid Febuary, it is all systems go to get the store rebranded and stocked, as well as suitable new staff hired and trained.

For more information on Freestyle take a look at their website www.freestylebikes.co.uk or see their Facebook and Twitter pages @FreestyleBikes

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Powys: 01686 807888 Sussex: 01892 782288 February-March 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

NEW RUBBER

If you like it with knobs on…

In the last issue we reviewed Michelin Starcross 5 tyres aimed at motocross riders of all levels.

Michelin produce four versions of this range for use across various terrains. However, if you want a tyre that will work well both off and on road and is not so focussed, the choices become harder….

V

arious forms of off road biking have become more and more popular over the last few years.

Most off road disciplines involve turning up in a van and unloading the bike so tyre selection can be made depending on the terrain and weather. However, if you use your bike for greenlaning then road work will be part of the brief. To use one tyre both on tarmac and dirt all year round and on varying surfaces is always going to be a compromise. The AC10’s are biased more towards off road use than on tarmac but are a good choice for an all round tyre. Michelin describe

them as a motocross practice tyre, light enduro or trail tyre. They are homologated for road use but not recommended for a long road journey.

On my DR350 they have done a decent job on most surfaces. They are up to the challenge for all but the hardest of green lanes and give a confident feel in most conditions to an occasional non hardcore off roader such as myself. For more serious stuff something more focussed may be suitable.

On road they do take a bit of getting used to but I have ridden on them all year round and in varying conditions and haven’t experienced any major dramas. You do have to ride them to their capabilities though. I can’t push the DR much above 60 without the front becoming unstable. But for getting around the country backlanes, a shortish commute or a winter trip on grotty road surfaces, the AC10’s hold up well. With the off road bias you aren’t going to get huge mileage out of them down to the softer rubber compound . However with a pair costing under £100 they aren’t going to break the bank.

Check out www.moto.michelin.co.uk for the full range and list of local dealers.

South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk

31

YOUNG RIDERS

Fast at Fourteen!

As we were wandering around the pits at a BEMSEE meeting late last summer, we started chatting to a (very) young lad and his dad from East Sussex about how he got into racing and what his plans were for the future. Then we watched him race…

M

y name is Joey Lambden, I am 14 years old and I am currently racing in the Kawasaki junior cup with BEMSEE (The British Motorcycle Racing Club).

I started out riding a Chinese mini-moto when I was 7 years old at a little kart track in Lancing, West Sussex, despite crashing 8 times on my first afternoon out, I really enjoyed it and couldn’t wait to go again.

Most Sunday afternoons we would be at Lancing and I got faster and faster until I was the fastest rider there. It was then we decided to go racing, we went to a track in Angmering, West Sussex, where they hold races once a month.

The first year was a learning curve, but by the second year I had become Sussex 32

and the Club Champion, racing a 4.2 Polini. I retained these titles the following year. At the age of 10 I moved onto the British Championship in the junior mini moto class.

I finished 2nd in the Championship in that year and second again the following. During that 2nd season I had my first experience on a geared bike, a 50cc Derbi engine Metrakit. The bike was old compared with the competition but I rode hard, getting a few podiums to finish 4th overall.

The following year we upgraded the Derbi to a 70cc engine to compete in the Metrakit 70cc Championship where I finished 5th racing against boys who are now competing in BSB and in Spain, which I was very pleased with. As with all forms of racing it costs a lot of money, so to keep racing we took the club racing route with BEMSEE and the Kawasaki Junior Cup, open to any rider aged from 13-18 years old. It is a fantastic club and a great class where we run with the seniors also on Kawasaki 300 Ninja’s. We race at a number of tracks including Brands Hatch GP and Silverstone.

This year I achieved podiums at Cadwell Park and Snetterton, as well as taking the fastest lap award at Cadwell Park. I finished 7th overall in the Championship despite missing 2 rounds.

But I also know I crashed too many times when I was running with the leaders instead of biding my time to get in front! This coming season I aim to learn from last season, improve my riding skills and win the Championship.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Terry Everest, from Everest Motorcycles in Uckfield for all his help and support throughout the year and our good friend Andy North.

February-March 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

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MOTORCYCLE MOT CENTRE

Ian Scott is...

Telephone 01424 893543 Mobile 07866 289722 ian@themotorcycleman.co.uk www.themotorcycleman.co.uk Unit 2, Mount Pleasant Garage, Ninfield Road Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN39 5JG

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Service • Repairs • Tyres Suspension Set-up MOTs by Appointment 17 Years Main Dealer Experience

Tel: 01825 766351, Mobile: 07710 784876 Email: info@everestmotorcycles.co.uk Visit: www.everestmotorcycles.co.uk Unit 3, Enterprise Centre, Bell Lane, Uckfield, East Sussex. TN22 1QL

South EastMotorcycles Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk Everest HP 0115.indd 1

33 15/01/2015 09:40

EVENTS 12 -14 February

The Carole Nash MCN Motorcycle Show ExCel, London 20th March

Overland & Adventure Travel Bike Day Ace Café

12th March

Bike Jumble

Kempton Park, TW16 5AQ

34

20th Ma

The Pionerceh r Run Epson to Bri gh ton

27th February

Arena Cross

SSE Arena Wembley 28th March

The South of ssic Cla England Real Show Motorcycle ble e Jum & Bikrd ingly A

February-March 2016 • South East Biker Magazine

BIKE SOLICITORS are in my corner, and got my team “ MW riding again despite our injuries

“

Talan Skeels-Piggins The world’s first paraplegic racer.

Car and Motorcycle accidents are awful, but the aftermath can be even worse. If you are kept away from work, off the road, or left disabled, you will need help to move on positively.

We will help make sure the accident was the worst of it and minimise the stress and complications of anything that comes after – for your sake and the sake of those who rely on and care for you.

Contact us today to speak to an expert

020 3551 8200 or bikes@mwsolicitors.co.uk www.mwsolicitors.co.uk - @MWSolicitors