D DUCATI MULTI 1260S B BEHIND THE ’BARS OF A COMFORTABLE BRUTE
WORKSHOP
❯ HOW TO CHANGE YOUR OIL AND FILTER ❯ ECU FLASHING & FUELLING ❯ TOP TOOLS RATED OJECT ZXR-8 ❯ PROJ
MAY 2019 2 20 019 ISSU ISSUE UE E 352
’S ERE Y BU UIDMT-10T G AHA ESEN
No.352 May 2019
Printed in the UK
US$10.50 CanC$13.99 Au Aus$12.99 NZ$13.80 UK£4.40
R YAM6 - P 201
EEMER BBRILLIANCE
BMW S 1000 RR BLITZED
BRIDGESTONE VS DUNLOP VS CONTI VS METZELER VS PIRELLI VS MICHELNENTAL IN
PLUS
❯ ZERO TALKS SR/F ❯ HONDA CBR500R LAUNCH ❯ VR46: THE ROSSI SCHOOL FOR RACERS ❯ LEARNING TO RIDE FAST… THE OLD SCHOOL WAY
ISSUE 352 MAY 2019
IT’S THE NEWS!
Upfront ........................................... 10 All the tastiest biking titbits.
GEARED UP!
Products.......................................... 15 All the latest, coolest and trickest products.
THE KNOWLEDGE
Used buyer’s guide ......................... 72
Everything you need to know when buying a Yamaha MT-10.
Master Legal ...................................87 Some old-fashioned policing techniques.
YOUR LIFE ON BIKES
40
Addiction.........................................56 A super-sexy Harris Performance R1.
You & Yours..................................... 78 All of your latest adventures.
Chatter ............................................80 It’s only fair we give the best readers in the world a page of their own!
TESTS COVER STORY
BMW S1000RR launch ................. 20
WORKSHOP
Dangerous Bruce got the chance to put the brand new Beemer through its paces on the track.
Rob’s ZX-8 is nearly complete.
Honda CBR500R/F launch........... 30
Project Ninja ...................................82
Our guide to ....................................88
Changing your bike’s oil and filter.
Know your.......................................92
Frodo took Honda’s new pocket rocket for a spin in Spain.
Ducati Multistrada 1250 ............. 40
Spark Plugs. NGK give us all the facts.
Boothy took Ducati’s behemoth for a belter of a blast.
What a tool .....................................94
Six Slick Shootout....................... 46
Impact guns - are they any good?
OUR LIFE ON BIKES
Staff bikes.......................................96 More models, more miles and more mods. •
Husqvarna FC 350
•
Honda CB1000R
RACE SECTION
Pit Pass............................................98 The lowdown on BSB, WSBK and MotoGP.
Dangerous put the laps in on six of the best slicks on the market to find the best of the best.
FEATURES
Zero SR/F Unveil ......................... 36 Boothy went to ’Dam to check out the Zero’s new lecky loonie bike.
62 Back to (old) school ........................ 62
Boothy went to Mugello to learn now to ride properly with ex world champ Alex Gramigni.
Track Bike Builder........................... 66
Bruce finally managed to get some laps on his Gixer.
VR46 in MotoGP ........................... 102
SUB
Rossi isn't just a fast motorbike racer.
COLUMNISTS
Neave twins .................................. 110
It’s been a long winter, but Tim is finally ready to go racing.
Scott Redding ................................111 Introducing our new columnist.
Gary Johnson ................................ 112
Fresh from his Spanish testing programme, Gaz makes final adjustments to his ZX-10R.
Christian Iddon ............................. 113
Iddon tells tales from the international Press launch for the new S1000RR.
Steve Parrish................................. 114 Parrish’s take on all things bike-racing.
4 MAY 2019 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM
20
RIBE C S e8 pag See etails d r fo
WELCOME
Whatever the weather
H
ow was your heatwave? February might seem a distant memory by now, but I for one couldn’t get enough of the window of warmth that brightened up 2019 just about long enough for most of us to blow the cobwebs from our end cans. I only hope you made the most of that moment because the weather’s been pretty miserable since, including on the launch of the all-new BMW S 1000 RR. After months of hype and more teasing than a horny housewife, the moment finally came to cock a leg over the revolutionised Beemer… and it was lashing it down in Portugal. Would you believe it? Still, without wanting to give the game away too much, everything worked out just fine in the end, gifting us with the only dry laps of any UK media (and most other nations, too). The RR was everything I hoped it would be, as you’ll grasp by reading my report, so if you’re toying with the idea of treating yourself to a new Bahnstormer this season, there’s no reason to hold back. In other news, Carl’s been out to play on Honda’s new CBR500R and Boothy’s been terrorising the neighbourhood on a gangly Ducati. If you’ve got a gut the size of his (he’s not pregnant) and you’re looking for big power and big comfort, it turns out there are some great options on the market and you’ll likely find the Multistrada 1260S to be right up your street (…or green lane). If it’s garage-themed goss that you’re after, there’s also plenty for you to get stuck into while the weather warms up, including this month’s step-by-step guide that’s covering an oil and filter change, plus top tool talk and all the things you ever wondered about spark plugs. Rob’s back with another update on his ZXR-8 project bike and I’ve been getting stuck in with the electrics on my GSX-R1000. It’s been a pretty busy time of late, but with good reason; the new season is just about here and we don’t want to miss a moment of it. On that note, I just want to say thanks to all of you folk for filling up our ‘You and Yours’ pages with all your escapades, and that we’re looking forward to keeping tabs with all of your antics this season. Thanks for your support. Enjoy the mag!
20
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BOSS MAN
‘Dangerous’ Bruce Wilson dangerous@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
TECH MAN
Rob ‘Beano’ Bean
tech@fastbikes.co.uk
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NE W S & REV IEW S PL ANET FAST BIKES – NE W ME TA L,
DAINESE EXPERIENCE GETS YOU ON TRACK WITH VALENTINO ROSSI & THE ACADEMY No, this isn’t a fix. Dainese, who have just launched their ‘Dainese Experience’ are genuinely allowing you the opportunity to ride with some proper Italian heroes, taking place at Misano on April 17th. From those with little experience to full on budding racers, the riding masterclasses come in a variety of different options with the flagship being the Dainese VR46 Class – led by the man himself. By the time you’re reading this it will have already been auctioned off (for charity may we add), but it’s a proper on and off track experience with the GOAT coaching you through. You get a couple of track sessions, a couple of classroom sessions and all on their own prepped R1s and in some snazzy AGV and Dainese gear to wear as well. Don’t fret though, as there are plenty of other classes to choose from if you missed out on the big one. From the top-end normal race class at £1,169, where the instructors include Franco Morbidelli and Lorenzo Baldassarri, down through the basic race classes at £669 and £449, there’s a choice for everyone. Hell, there’s even novice-friendly riding safety classes at £269 and £129. You need to be able to go round Misano within a 1:55 for the top classes which is a pretty decent time, and for all the classes besides the VR46 you’ll need to supply your own bike. Fancy it? Well, for more info check out www.dainese.com
YAMAHA ANNOUNCE LOW-RATE FINANCE OFFERS
KTM HOST SILVERSTONE FAN STAND With ’19 plates in stores and summer just around the corner, Yamaha are offering up another tasty incentive, with low-rate finance offers across their range. Rates start at just 0% APR over a threeyear term with low monthly repayments and deposit, whether you want to go down the PCP route or crack on with Hire Purchase.
10 MAY 2019 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM
From the MT range to the new R125 we spanked a few months ago, Yamaha have it all covered, and as an example it means you could ride away on a brand new R1 for less than £200 a month, which is mental. For more info, or to go and spank some cash go see your local dealer or check out www.yamaha-motor.eu/gb for more details.
Are you a big of the Austrians in orange? Do you fancy supporting them at Silverstone come summertime? Well look no further than their very own fan stand… Situated in Copse A (turn one!) opposite a nice big screen, the KTM are offering up their very own KTM FAN PACKAGE, which will set you back £125 – the same as regular seating in the same area. However, by going down the KTM route, you’ll also receive a branded bag, t-shirt, cap, lanyard and set of earplugs. Not bad, eh? For more info, check out www.ktm.com/ motogp
MAY 2019 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM 11
NEW S & REV IEW S PLA NET FAST BIKES – NEW METAL,
Zef Eisenberg hits 176mph… on ice!
ROAD RACING MAKES A RETURN TO OLIVER’S MOUNT After months of speculation, it’s finally been confirmed by The Two Four Three Road Racing Association that two meetings will go ahead this year. First up is the Barry Sheene Classic on July 27 and 28, and the Gold Cup from September 27-29. Road racing fans rejoice! Further updates will follow in the next few weeks, but at least now there’s some certainty in the return of road racing to English shores once again.
You might have seen stuff online that Zef Eisenberg was heading to Sweden in order to try and hit 200mph on ice – and yeah, although he may have just missed the mark, he came pretty damn close. “On its first run, the bumps and tyre flex from the ice caused metal fatigue, ripping apart the stainless steel inner carcass, puncturing both the front and rear tyres,” his MadMax team told us. “But he nailed the throttle anyway, and managed 160mph on two flats…” He had another go, and this time another front puncture caused a 113mph tankslapper. On ice. As if that wasn’t enough, he had two more goes where the front tyre failed once again, first cutting the brake hoses, and then ploughing through the Hayabusa’s radiator... only after he’d knocked on the door of 176mph. “It’s been the craziest, maddest race event that I have ever
WIN! WIN! WIN! Three pairs of Hood Jeans up for grabs – prizes worth over £479 must be won! Here at Fast Bikes, we know that our readers love free stuff! So we’ve teamed up with our friends at Hood Jeans to offer you the chance to win one of three pairs of their K7-AA Infinity Motorcycle Jeans – worth a whopping £159.99 each! These jeans are made to a high specification with revolutionary D30 T5 X knee and hip armour, and offer the best protection while riding. In 2018 they were the first motorcycle jeans to be certified in the UK to the new PPE regulation for AA-rated protective clothing for motorcyclists. They offer a hi-tech double layer construction, which gives excellent abrasion protection, while the Airflow mesh improves comfort by making them more breathable and even softer than previous versions. It also contributes to injury reduction, should the worst happen. They sound amazing, right? To be in with a chance of winning, here’s how to enter: 1. Go to www.fastbikesmag.com 2. Fill in your details 3. Press enter 4. Sit back, relax and wait Competition closes: 05/05/19 Good luck! There are no cash alternatives available. The winners will be the first three names drawn at random. Terms and conditions apply. To view the privacy policy of MMG Ltd (publisher of Fast Bikes) please visit www.mortonsmediagroup.com/privacy.
12 MAY 2019 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM
participated in,” Eisenberg told us. “Racing on ice is not easy or for the fainthearted. If record breaking was easy, everyone would be doing it! Next year, Team MADMAX has already committed to return with far more knowledge, bulletproof tyres and radiator, so that we can hit the big 300 kph speeds, and beyond…”
14 MAY 2019 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM
D REVIEW ED ND BUS ED AN THE VERY BEST KIT – US ED, AB
SP ENGINEERING HC-R CAN TESTED BY: Martin MILES: 1000 TIME: 3 Months RRP: £239.95 WEB: www.spengineering.co.uk
When there’s more noise to be made but you don’t know what to get, who you gunna call? SP Engineering, of course. Being local to the lads at SP, they were our first port of call when I needed something meatier for the CB1000R long-termer exhaust, and it’s fair to say I was extremely pleased overall. It looks great and the sound is ever so slightly deeper over the OEM block that we had taken off, and it’s probably saved on some weight, too – although only a touch. We tested the performance of the HC-R can on the dyno at JHS, and while the BPH increase isn’t as high as we’re used to from SP, it’s important to remember that this is just the end can and the Euro 4 cat is still fitted to the CB, which is
restricting the overall performance. If you want the power, then you’re really going to need to look at a full system and take your savings with you, but if you want a great-looking exhaust with no power loss and a marginal gain, then have a look at the vast range available at SP for a modest cost.
BIKETEK WHEEL SPINNER TESTED BY: Charlie MILES: N/a TIME: A couple of years PRICE: £38.95 WEB: www.bikeittrade.com
A simple, but effective piece of kit that helps you maintain your bike. The Wheel Spinner is nice and easy to use. As you roll your bike on to the metal rollers, put your side stand down on the puck supplied (which steadies the bike as well), and you can spin the wheel to your heart’s content. I have had this in my garage for a couple of years, admittedly always opting to use paddock stands in the past, but they are currently otherwise engaged on my project bike. Thus, when the CB1000R needed some attention, and I had no stand to employ, this really was invaluable. With the back wheel free to rotate, you can lubricate and maintain your chain in place and spin your wheel for cleaning, all without hoisting the bike up in the air. With the option to
change the distance between the rollers to suit your wheel size, and with a max weight of 200kg, this is a very real alternative to a maintenance stand, dependent on your use. It would certainly make my garage essentials list.
MAY 2019 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM 15
D REV IEW ED ND BUS ED AN THE VERY BEST KIT – US ED, AB
ALPINESTARS BELIZE DRYSTAR GLOVE TESTED BY: Pretty Boy MILES: 1500 TIME: 6 Months PRICE: RRP £110 WEB: www.alpinestars.com
Riding bikes is all fun and games until you’ve got a long old trot to do in piss-wet, freezing cold weather – and let’s face it, in summer gloves that is absolutely no fun at all. This is exactly why I went down the Belize Drystar route from Alpinestars. They aren’t massively expensive, aren’t bulky, big or chunky, and they can fit easily into my rucksack in case I’m caught in a shower, all without taking up barely any space. They were incredibly comfy from the first trial, and although they’re a multi-material riding glove e,
CUSTOM FIT GUARD PLUGS TESTED BY: Martin MILES: 1000 TIME: 2 Months RRP: £69-£99 WEB: www.customfitguards.co.uk
I’m not sure about you lot, but I personally like to ride with as little noise as possible. Now, that doesn’t mean I want to block out everything, but I find wind noise extremely intrusive, especially on naked machines like the Honda CB1000 long-termer bike I was running. For me, the only option other than squidgy plugs was to get custom moulded ones, so I chose the Custom Fit Guards CF Auto, which have a special filter built in to tackle high-frequency sounds and cut down on wind and engine noise - almost like a secondary ear drum. The overall plug has a shallow fit, so it’s comfortable under any lid and I was able to wear them without any discomfort. I also got a pair of blockers that come with the CF Motor Blocker
16 MAY 2019 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM
plugs, which block even more noise (around 30bd) and are perfect for when I fancy a proper blast on bikes such as the CB, where wind noise can be extreme on a longer trip. The guys at Custom Fit attend a lot of the main bike shows, so there’s always a chance to get fitted for a pair and have a sit down while the moulds set. Anything that protects your hearing is worth it in my opinion, but if you don’t agree, you won’t be able to hear my opinion in a few years’ time, so it won’t matter.
there’s a hard knuckle section and aramid reinforcement throughout, meaning they still feel pretty damn sturdy in the case of a spill. I’ve worn these for hundreds of miles on end and it’s fair to say that they do a cracking job of keeping my hands both dry and warm, although if I did have one little bugbear, it’s with the wrist closure system. It’s fine when just going over leathers, but with a bulky jacket or any clothing that isn't skin tight on the wrist, they’ll have to go underneath the sleeve. It’s just personall preference, mind!
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Forty-eight Autumn 2018
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MOTO MEMORIES // TECH TALK // MONTESA COTA 200 // BULTACO MATADOR
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