NAUG NAUGHTY & NAKED HUTCHY LETS RIP HON NDA CB1000R & MV B BRUTALE 800RR
EXCLUSIVE
PLUS WHY THIS YEAR COULD BE THE BEST TT EVER!
INTERVIEW
JUNE 2018 ISSUE 340
TE BIG BORE BRU 1,340CC £11,599
SUPERCHARGED 998CC £18,099
AKI S A W A K SUZUKI VS H2 SX SE HAYABUSA
D E E P S HIGH LERS
HUST
PERFEECT 10 KAWA ASAKI’S ZX-1 10R SE
TO: ION HOW UR SUSPENS
SUSS YO PEED TRIPLE BUY A USED S
MASTER SNETTERTON
PLUS:
LIVIN NG WITH A DAY YTONA 675
TESTED
DUNLOP SPORTSMARTT TT & BRIDGESTONE T31 TYRES
ISSUE 340 JUNE 2018
IT’S THE NEWS!
Upfront............................................. 8 All the juiciest goss.
GEARED UP!
Products.......................................... 12 All the latest, coolest and trickest products.
THE KNOWLEDGE
Used Buyer’s Guide......................... 72 Triumph Speed Triples, what to know.
MASTERCLASS
Riding .............................................. 78 What you lookin’ at?
Legal ................................................ 81 Accidents caused by poor workmanship.
Track Attack....................................92 How to master Snetterton 300.
Know Your.......................................96 Lightweight wheels; HPS explain all the benefits of carbon fibre.
24 LAUNCHES COVER STORY Honda CB1000R ............................ 18
You & Yours.....................................82
The new ‘Neo Sports Café’ themed CB was set to impress, we headed to Spain to see if it did.
Chatter ............................................84
Kawasaki ZX10-R SE ..................... 24
YOUR LIFE ON BIKES All of your adventures!
It’s only fair we give the best readers in the world a page of their own!
Addiction.........................................60 Speed Triple with added bling.
OUR LIFE ON BIKES
Project Gixer ..................................86
COVER STORY Could Kawasaki’s new electronically suspended Ninja be the perfect ten?
60
COVER STORY
MV Agusta Brutale 800RR ............ 37 Could this be the latest and greatest middleweight naked to come out of Italy?
Bridgestone T31 ............................ 42 Looking for a sports touring tyre? The T31 could be right up you’re street.
Dunlop Sportsmart TT................... 54 Can Dunlop’s sporty new road tyres cope on the track?
FEATURES COVER STORY High Speed Hustlers ..................... 28
Frodo finishes off his race bike with some trick K-Tech suspension.
We pitch Kawasaki’s all-new supercharged super-tourer against Suzuki’s stalwart speed machine – the Hayabusa 1300.
Staff Bikes.......................................99
Used Triumph Daytona 675 .......... 46
Neil picks his new KTM test bike up as Carl gets reacquainted with the Ninja 400. • •
Fast Bikes reader Adam Oats tells us what it’s like to live with the tremendous triple 2012 675.
• KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Yamaha R6 • Kawasaki Ninja 400 Suzuki GSX-R1000R
Suspension School ....................... 66 We send Frodo back to school to learn all about the intricacies of suspension.
RACE SECTION
Pit Pass.......................................... 106 The lowdown on BSB, WSBK and MotoGP.
Mission Impossible....................... 110 Can Hutchy defy the odds once again?
37
Race Riot ....................................... 116 What we get up to when we’re not putting together the best mag in the world.
COLUMNISTS
Neave twins .................................. 119
Tim gets round one out the way as an injured Tom watches from the pits.
Gary Johnson ................................ 120 Christian Iddon ............................. 121 Two rounds in our man’s had his work cut out.
Steve Parrish................................. 122 Parrish’s take on WSBK, BSB and MotoGP.
SUB
Last minute prep and loads for testing.
RIBE C S See page 88 for details
WELCOME
Low tech, high fun...
I
t’s crazy how tech’s taken over. Probably like you, I don’t have to think back too far to a time when traction control and the rest was the preserve of the GP gods, but now rider aids are more common than chlamydia. This isn’t meant to be a rant about tech, though. It’s more a case of grasping reality and highlighting how times have moved on irrevocably. Most modern sportsbikes come bristling with tech and Kawasaki’s H2 SX SE is no exception. We pitched the supercharged sensation against an old school Hayabusa for this issue’s cover test, and had a right hoot in the process. Both bikes were great for their own individual reasons, but while the Kwacker held the key to no-nonsense, drama-free fast riding, there was a big part of me that envied Boothy (that doesn’t happen very often) each time he cracked the technophobic Suzuki’s throttle wide open and unleashed relentless power wheelies, plus the odd bit of rear wheel steering. He looked to be having a right laugh, while I was treated to a colourful disco display from the H2’s life-preserving systems. It was a sign of the times and a nod to the way things used to be when manufacturers brought out nigh-on 200bhp bikes, such as the ‘Busa, with little more assistance than ABS for comfort. Are we likely to ever see such bikes again? Judging by the new bikes we’ve tested this month, including the MV Agusta Brutale 800RR, Kawasaki ZX-10R SE and Honda’s new hi-spec CB1000R, probably not. And there’s about as much chance of Suzuki holding back on tech when it releases the highly anticipated next generation Hayabusa as Pretty Boy has of winning a club race – check out the Race Riot section for the odds on that one. Still, there are loads of great tech-free bikes on the used market, including the Daytona 675 we’ve featured in our Reader’s Rides piece this month; a straight talking pocket rocket. I’ve never known any other bike so universally loved as the Daytona. I’m a big fan too, and so is my little brother Brod, who’s just claimed four podiums on his. Boothy’s also a lover of his own wee Trumpet, which he’ll be contesting at this year’s TT – make sure to throw him some abuse if you see him. Yes, the greatest show on earth will soon be upon us and we’re pretty optimistic that it will be epic. One man who’s desperate to be there and challenging for wins is Ian Hutchinson, who’s told us all about his battle to be fit in time, plus lots of other great insight. Enjoy the mag and make the most of this great weather.
28
Look at those fuels... Join us on Facebook:
Download Fast Bikes:
Facebook.com/ FastBikesMagazine
Mortons.co.uk/FB
View Fast Bikes video content:
Join us on Twitter:
youtube.com/ fastbikesmag
@FastBikesMag
BOSS MAN
‘Dangerous’ Bruce Wilson dangerous@fastbikes.co.uk
WEB MAN
Benjamin ‘BJ’ Kubas Cronin beej@fastbikes.co.uk
AD MAN
Charlie ‘The Sheriff’ Oakman coakman@fastbikes.co.uk
NEW MAN
Carl ‘Pretty Boy’ Stevens teaboy@fastbikes.co.uk
RACE MAN
Mike ‘Boothy’ Booth race@fastbikes.co.uk
SUBSCRIBE!
See page 88 for the best deals, or visit classicmagazines.co.uk/fb
MONTH 2017 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM 7
, NEW S & REV IEW S PLA NET FAST BIKES – NEW ME TAL Hillier’s flying at the moment.
2018 TT: THE BEST EVER? By the time you read this the TT will be but a stone’s throw away and we at Fast Bikes can’t wait to see the greatest show on earth get its wheels rolling (May 26 to June 8). The annual pilgrimage to the Isle of Man seldom disappoints, and while we’re collectively devastated to hear of Bruce Anstey’s poor health and concerns surrounding both John McGuinness’ (re)damaged leg, plus Hutchy’s continued fight for fitness (read his exclusive interview inside), we’re optimistic that the rest of the best road racing gladiators will be keener than ever to grasp glory with both hands. Arguably, considering the collective brilliance of Anstey, McGuinness and Hutchy, their absence pretty much leaves the door wide open for the likes of Hillier, Harrison and Hickman to come of age and claim big bike victories. All these eager youngsters have clocked in excess of 130mph average laps, and considering they’re all back riding on familiar motorcycles with the same teams as last year, this
could turn out to be their best chances ever to Anstey will take the top spot. be missed. Well, assuming multiple Tourist Trophy winner and 2018 favourite Michael Dunlop doesn’t have anything to say about it. As someone put it to us, ‘that guy could win round there on a seaside donkey’, and who are we to argue? Following his recent decision to ditch Suzuki and head back to his roots with Tyco on a Beemer, you’d have to be pretty brave to bet against the Ulsterman. But even if he reigns in the litre bike races, the big question’s whether he could ever mirror Hutchy’s five in a week masterpiece – only time will tell. One thing’s for sure, the 2018 TT is set to be one to remember, as much for its absent riders as it will be for its potential new victors. Let’s have it!
KTM LAUNCHES SAT-NAV APP AS 790 DUKE HITS SHOWROOMS We got pretty excited about KTM’s brand new 790 Duke last month, and now it’s now finally arrived in dealerships, you can too. Nicknamed ‘The Scalpel’, the 790 Duke comes in at £8,499, and is finally available to go and buy or test ride alongside a massive array of Powerwear and Powerparts – each developed alongside the KTM 790 Duke from day one, for boosting performance, practicality or style. The other good news is the bike’s been kitted with rider-friendly smartphone software that interacts with your phone and transforms your dash into a sat-nav. The KTM MY RIDE app also lets you listen to music and receive phone calls on the go. Better still, the app’s also available for use on the 125 and 390 Duke, 1290 Super Duke R, 790 Duke (with additional hardware) and comes standard on the 2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S & R. To find out more, head down to your local dealership or www.ktm.co.uk 8 JUNE 2018 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM
‘At the next junction...’
NEW S & REV IEW S PLA NET FAST BIKES – NEW METAL,
RST AND ARAI JOIN THE FAST DUCATI ROADSHOW BIKES TRACKDAY EXTRAVAGANZA! ANNOUNCE THEIR 2018 DATES!
Ducati are taking their model fleet on the road, so you good folk can test them. The demo fleet includes the new Panigale V4 S, 959 Panigale, Multistrada 1260, Multistrada 950, SuperSport and the brand new Scrambler 1100. All models are subject to availability and the booking of test rides in advance is recommended, which can be done via your local dealer.
Those of you who’ve been living under a rock might not have heard Fast Bikes has paired up with MSVT for a trackday on June 10. We’ve got loads of great partners on board for our circuit-based shenanigans, with gifts and advice aplenty from some of the biggest biking brands known to two-wheels. And we’re delighted that Arai helmets have joined us for this soiree, and will be offering free servicing and guidance on owners of Arai and AGV lids. Better still, RST’s also joined the ranks and will be offering their own promotions and competitions to make your trackday the best one yet. Keep an eye out on www.fastbikesmag.com for more info and to get booked on!
You can catch the Roadshow at: April 14-15 Ducati Glasgow, The Green Welly Stop, Tyndrum, Perthshire April 21-22 Ducati Cambridge Harston CB22 7PZ April 28 Ducati Bristol, Brislington BS4 5LR April 29 Riders of Bridgwater, Bridgwater TA6 4DH May 5 Ducati Manchester Sale M33 7AJ May 6 DMC Moto Stoke TBC May 26-27 Ducati P/borough Wansford PE8 6JN June 2-3 Ducati Norwich Newton Flotman NR15 1PN June 9 Sheffield Motorcycle Centre, Sheffield S3 8GZ June 16-17 Pro Twins South, Godstone RH9 8LJ June 23 Rosso Ducati Dublin, Dublin 22 June 24 Millsport Motorcycles, Ballymoney, BT53 6JR Jun 30/Jul 31 Laguna Performance Centre Ashford TN23 1EN July 7-8 GT Motorcycles, Plymouth PL9 8JQ July 14-15 P&H Motorcycles, Crawley RH10 9RD July 21-22 Moto Rapido TBC July 28-29 Ducati Nottingham, Beeston NG9 2DB August 4 Ducati Coventry, Coventry CV6 2JJ August 11-12 DMC Moto, Preston PR2 5BW August 18 Ducati Croydon, Croydon CR0 2BQ September 16 Ducati Oxford, Abingdon OX14 1RL
Farmer Brod needs to ‘kerb’ his enthusiasm.
MV AGUSTA REVEALS BRUTALE 800RR AMERICA Fresh from the release of their updated 2018 Brutale 800 RR (which you can read about in this issue), MV’s just revealed the America version – which comes in a stunning metallic blue colour scheme with a star-studded tank and ‘comfortenhanced’ padded seat. Performance wise, the America is identical to the standard Brutale 800 RR, with its revised gearbox and electronics for 2018. Inspired by the 1975 MV S America 750, the Brutale 800 RR America also comes with an individual production number and is marked with ‘America Special Edition’ on the instrument cluster, although it’s not a limited production run (and a certificate to pin on your wall). If you fancy one, it will set you back £15,940 which is £2,100 more than the standard RR, and will be available from May. MV’s gone all US of A on us.
WHAT’S ON IN MAY May 4-6 – BMAD Bike Festival (Devon) May 5-7 – Bike 1066 and May Day Run (Hastings) May 6 – Nightingale House Motorbike Ride out (Llangollen) May 12-13 – Pendine Speed Week (Wales) May 15-19 – North West 200 (Ireland) May 19-20 – MCN Festival of Motorcycling (Peterborough) May 19-20 – Race Rock ‘N’ Ride (Northants) May 24-28 – Mach 3 Motorbike Festival (Powys) May 25-27 – Blackford Pre-TT Classic Road Races (Isle of Man) May 25-27 – FIM World Superbike Championship (Donington Park) May 26-June 8 – Isle of Man TT (Isle of Man) May 28 – Margate Meltdown
Get some of this in your diary.
10 JUNE 2018 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM
ES T PERF ORMA NC E PRODUC TS ALL THE LATEST, CO OL ES T & TRICK
ALPINESTARS BELIZE DRYSTAR GLOVES The Drystar gloves from Alpinestars offer both safety and style in abundance. Made from a multi-panel, multi-material construction, they have a DRYSTAR PERFORMANCE sealed triple layer membrane for both waterproofing and control sensitivity. Alpinestars say the Drystar will keep you cool, dry and safe. They come with a matt carbon knuckle guard and an innovative new wrist closure system for added safety as well, while the fingertips are touch screen compatible for everyday use in today’s world. There are stretch accordion inserts on the fingers and hand alongside an ergonomic stretch insert between thumb and palm for the ultimate fit, and they’re certified to CE level 1 for peace of mind.
£139.99
www.alpinestars.com
ALPINESTARS SUPERTECH R BOOTS Alpinestars’ range-topping Supertech Rs have kept many a famous foot safe, from the likes of Shakey in BSB to Marquez and Lorenzo in MotoGP. In 2015 the Supertech R were redesigned to include a rubber sole, shinplate and front flex area, which combined with the external TPU shin protection and bio-mechanical ankle brace means you’ll get the ultimate in safety. They offer a degree of water-resistance while still being breathable, with comfort coming in the form of a soft TPU stretch panel and a construction of full length microfibre. For 2018 they come in a range of new colours!
£399.99
www.alpinestars.com
SPEEDYCOM THUMB BRAKE Used by an array of riders from trackdays to world level racing, the thumb brake from Speedycom is a great offering to give you that little bit more freedom when controlling the rear brake – whether it be controlling wheelies or hitting the anchors. Specifically designed for racing and track days, the kit comes complete with its own black anodised fork clamp which can be extended to 54mm fork diameter, a full adjustable thumb brake lever, stainless steel fixings with anti-vibration washers and a 13mm bore master cylinder. You also get the brake line, reservoirs and pipe for the brake in an easy to fit kit.
£461.99
www.speedycom.co.uk
OXFORD TANK GRIP Brand new from Oxford are these Tank Grips, which fit to the side of your tank in order to give you a better grip with your legs. Being oil, chemical and temperature resistant, the grips are made to be sturdy. The ‘hollow tooth’ structure of the material provides mechanical grip ideally suited for leathers. Each pack includes two grips with pre moulded cut lines allowing for a custom fit. You can stick them on securely with top quality 3M adhesive.
£24.99
12 JUNE 2018 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM
www.oxfordproducts.com