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OCTOBER 2023 ELECTRICEXOTICA

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20 64

INSIDETHISMONTH CHEAPTHRILLS CouldHonda’sCL500bethe bestbang-for-your-buckbike oftheyear? IfthispairfromEnergicaisanythingtogoby,thingsaren’t goingtobesobadwhenwe’reallweenedoffpetrol.Aslong asyou’venotgottoofartogo...

I’vebeenhavingagreattimebeltingaroundonthe Voge300Rallythispastmonth.Broadlyspeaking, it’saChinese-builtcompetitortoHonda’smuchlovedCRF300LRallysoft-roader(abikewhichI reallylove).

It’sbeenoneofthebikesoftheyearforme.Iknew I’dhaveagoodtimeridingit,butIhavebeengenuinely surprisedatjusthowwellitgoes(andhowcloseitis totheHonda),particularlywhenyouconsiderthatthe Vogeisactuallyabout£2500cheaper.That’snottobe sniffedat.

IknowplentyofyouaredismissiveofChinesebuiltbikes,citingconcernoverpoorbuildqualityand questionablelabourpractices,asreasonstosteerclear. That’sfairenough.Butthere’snodoubtthatwitheach

Advertising SimonMeyer 01507529310 AdvertisingdeadlineforNovemberissue October5,2023 SalesandDistributionManager CarlSmith MarketingManager CharlottePark CommercialDirector NigelHole Customerservicesnumber 01507529529 Telephonelinesareopen Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm

SKILLSSCHOOL Expertadviceonhowtomaster thetightestofturns MoreBikesEvenMoreBikesOfficialMoreBikes

passingyear,thebikesaregettingbetterandbetterand better.Andwithacostoflivingcrisisshowingnosignof lettingup,ifthere’sawaytogetyourhandsonabrandnewbikethat’sasgoodasthisandstillhavechange from£4000,Idon’tthinkitcanbeignored.

We’regoingtobelivingwithitforafewmonths,and haveplanstoputitthroughitspacesatalong-distance trialeventinOctober,soit’llbeinterestingtoseehow wellithandlesabitofabeating–butif firstimpressions areanythingtogoby,Ireckonit’llbejust fine…Whatdo youreckon?DoyouownaChinesebike?

Call01507529529orvisit classicmagazines.co.uk/MB10 oremailsubscriptions@mortons.co.uk MoreBikes ispublishedmonthlybyMortons MediaGroupLtdandprintedbyMortonsPrint. Subscribeto MB andjustpaythepostage!

rmowbray@mortons.co.uk Designers FranLovelyandTraceyMarkham PublishingDirector DanSavage Email editorial@morebikes.co.uk ProductionEditor MikeCowton GroupAdvertisingManager SueKeily

TWEAKSTOTHETIGER

TriumphhasjustaddedActivePreloadReductiontoitslatest generationTiger1200s–makingthewhoppingadventurebike moreaccessibleforlessleggyriders.

HAYABUSAOVERHAUL

LeakeddocumentssuggestSuzuki’splanningsome seriousengineupdatestoitsmuch-lovedHayabusa

It’sbeenthreeyearssince Suzukilastupdatedthe ’Busa,anditlookslike theincreasinglyactive Japanese firmhasfurther plansforoneofitsmost iconicmotorcycles.

It’sgreattohave confirmationthatthebike isgoingtobesticking around. Thefutureofthe legendarymachinehas beencalledintoquestion overtheyears,particularly asitwaslefttodoitsthing throughoutthe2010s, goingwithoutanymajor updatesuntilitsmost recentrefreshin2021.

Suzukiseemedtobe stickingtotheoldadage, ‘Ifitain’tbroke,don’t fix it’,witharaftofitsbestlovedmodelsfeelinga littlebitlonginthetoothoflate.

Thankfully,itseemsSuzuki’s gotthemessage–becausein additiontoitspairofimpressive newmiddleweights,andawaveof rumoursaboutexcitingnewmodels comingfor2024,officialdocuments showthatit’sgoingtobeattending totheengineofthebikewhichwas oncethe‘world’sfastestproduction motorcycle’.

Sadly,it’snotlikelywe’llseeaload morepowerfortheHayabusa,with theupdatesseeminglyfocusedon improvingrideabilityandreducing emissions. Themainwaythat’s

goingtobedoneisbyaddinga VariableValveTimingsystem.If you’venotheardofitbefore,VVT worksbyalteringtheliftoftheintake andexhaustvalvesoftheengine. It’saclever,thoughnotexactly revolutionary,bitofkitwhichallows engineerstomoreeasily finetunetheenginetodeliverspecific characteristicsatspecificengine speeds. There’splentymoregood stuff goingon,too,thoughwe’re hopefulwewon’thavetowaittoo longtogetallthedetails,withthebig bikeshowshappeningatthestartof November.

TheBritish firmhasannouncedthatit’snowgoingto bekittingits flagshipadventurebikewithsomeclever technologythat’llreduceitsseatheightwithapressof abutton.

Whileit’snotexactlygroundbreakingstuff,withHarleyDavidson’sPanAmericaintroducingtheconcepttothe marketacoupleofyearsago,there’snodoubtthatit’sa neataddition,which’llbewelcomedbymanyriderswho oftenstruggletogetasolidfootingonthe floorwhenriding abig,talladventurebike.

MakingfulluseofitsShowasemi-activesuspension system,thenewtechnologyreducesthepreloadintherear shock,whichinturndropstheseatheight.Simple.Okay, soyouhavegottobetravellingatacertainspeedforitto work,andyou’llhavetoengagethesystembypressing the‘Home’buttonontheright-handswitchgear,butthat’s basicallyit.

It’scapableofdroppingtheseatheightbyasmuchas 20mm–andthat’sontopoftheheightreductionfromthe two-positionseat(meaningtheGTversionoftheTiger 1200candropdownto830mm,andtheslightlytaller off-roadfocusedRallycancomedownto855mm).While 20mmmightnotsoundlikealot,it’ssurprisingwhata differenceitcanmake.Itisworthnotingthatthesystem doestakeintoaccountthecombinedweightoftherider, passengerandanyluggage–andifyouwerefullyladen, youmightnothavethewhole20mmtoplaywith.

Betteryet,Triumph’sdoneanothergooddeedbyoffering tokitallTiger1200sboughtsincethenewgenerationwas releasedin2021withthesystem.Allowners’vegottodois opttohavethesystemaddedtotheirexistingmachineat itsnextservice.Topwork.

THETOURINGTREATMENT

It’slookinglikeDucati’sgearinguptogetbackintothesporttouringgame withtwonewvariantsofitsSupersport950onthewaysoon

Recently filedregistrationdocumentssuggest thatwe’regoingtobetreatedtoacoupleof versionsofDucati’sSupersport950–andthe suggestionisthatthey’regoingtobesetupfor munchingmiles.

It’dmakesense.There’sbeenanincreased appetiteforsporttourersoflate,withbikeslike Suzuki’sGSX-S1000GTandMotoGuzzi’sV100 Mandelloprovingplentypopularinrecentyears. AndthenwhenyoulookathowtheSupersport 950sitsinDucati’scurrentline-up(probablya littletooclosetothePanigaleV2forcomfort), it’seasytoimaginethatit’sperfectlypoised forreimagining.

Althoughthere’sbeennoofficialwordfrom thefactory,approvalapplicationshavebeen submittedtotheCaliforniaAirResources Boardfortwonewmodels:namelytheDucati Supersport950TandDucatiSupersport950ST. Itmightseemabitofastretchtoassumethat

thesebikesarecomingsoon,andthatthey’re goingtobetouringmodels.ButCARB filings areoftenanearlyindicatoroffuturemodels,and applyingabitofcommonsensemeansit’snot muchofaleaptoassumewhattheymightend uplookinglike.Thebigquestionthatremainsis whatthedifferenceswillbebetweentheTand STvariants?It’spossiblethatone(likelytheST) willbeahigherspecificationversionoftheT,but atthisstageit’smostlyguesswork.

Onething’sforsure,thecurrent937ccv-twin motorwillbecarriedovertothenewmodels. Andthat’sonlyeveragoodthing…it’salovely thing(despitebeingslightlystifledbyEuro-5 regulations).

Asidefromthat,we’regoingtohavetosit tightforthetimebeingforDucatitomakeit official.Hopefullythere’snotgoingtobetoo muchlongertowait,withthenextnewmodel announcementsetforthemiddleofSeptember.

NEXT-GENHIMALAYAN

We’regettingeverclosertofindingouteverythingweneedtoknow aboutthe450ccversionofRoyalEnfield’smuch-lovedHimalayan.

Anothermonth,anotherrumouraboutthebiggerversionofRoyal Enfield’sHimalayan.Onlythistimeit’salotclosertobeingofficial. Itfeelslikewe’vebeentalkingaboutthepossibilityofanupdateforthe mini-adventurerfromIndiaforyears.Weprobablyhave.Eversinceit was firstlaunchedthere’vebeenrumours,leaksandtheoccasionalspy shottokeepuswantingmore.

Butnow,withavideoofabunchofbikesboundingaboutoff-road sharedbyEnfieldbossSidLalandaselectionofclose-upsnaps obtainedbythegoodfolksatRushLaneinIndia,we’vegotamuch betterideaaboutwhattoexpect.

Sadlythere’snospecificationsheettapedto thebike,butthephotosdoofferadecentchance tolookthebikeoverandgleanafewkeydetails aheadofits‘official’release.

Fromastylingperspective,thingslooktobe muchthesame–asidefromtheadditionof alargertankandthenowwidespreadRoyal EnfieldTFT-dash.Ofcourse,thebignewsisthe newmotor.It’sthe firstproperchancewe’ve hadtoganderatthewater-cooled450ccmotor. It’sadifferentbeastentirelytotheoldair-cooled number,thoughitstillretainsacertainback-tobasicscharm.Elsewhere,there’sproperUSD forks,whicharelikelytoofferarealstepupwhen comparedtotheoldtelescopicones.

Andthat’saboutit…fornow.Hopefullywe won’thavetowaitmuchlongerasit’srumoured thatthebigrevealwillbearoundthestartof November–andwithEICMAinMilantheusual placeforthesesortofthingshappeningaround then,itdoesn’tseemtoomuchofastretch.

Ifit’sanythinglikethecurrentmodel,the Indianfactoryissurelyontoawinner.

KTM’spairofbrilliantlearnerlegalnakeds havebeenreworkedfor2024.Here’s everythingyouneedtoknow

KTM’saheadofthecurve,kickingoff the first ofitsbigrevealsforits2024newmodelline-up earlierthanthecompetition,withcompletely redesignedversionsofitslearnerlegalDukes.

DesignedanddevelopedatKTMinAustria, butbuiltinIndiabyitspartnerBajaj(whoalso lookafterthehands-onstuff forTriumph’s newly-announcedpairof400s),thetwobikes getnewengines,newchassisparts,new electronics,andsomefreshstyling,too. They’re notmessingabout.

Let’sstartwiththebig’un(it’sallrelative…). Awayfromitslooks,whichtakeinspirationfrom KTM’s1290SuperDukeRand990SuperDuke, thebignewsisthebike’snewmotor.It’sanew 398.7ccsinglecylindernumber,whichkicksout aclaimed44.4bhpofpowerat8500rpmand peaktorqueof28.8lb-ftat7000rpm. That’sjust thestartthough…

There’sanewtwo-piecechassis(withasteel trellismainframeandaluminiumsubframe) whichKTMreckonsoffersimprovedstiffness forbetterridingfeel. There’sarevisedrearshock thatnowmountsoff-centre,toofferspacefor aredesignedexhaustandairbox.Speaking ofwhich,the390getsupdated43mmWP Apexopen-cartridgeforkswith fiveclicksof compressionandreboundadjustmentupfront,

andaWPApexshockwith150mmoftravel andadjustmentforbothpreloadandrebound dampingattherear.

Addinafairlycomprehensiveelectronics package,includingcorneringABS,traction control,multipleridingmodes(includingRain) andaspecificSupermotoABSoption,which actuallyallowsyoutodeactivatetherearABS attherear,andthenewDukelookstobeonto awinner.Youcanevenselecta‘Track’setting onthenewly-added5-inchTFTdashandmake useofabuilt-inlaptimer.Prettycool.Andif thatkindofthing’syourbag,you’llbepleased tohearthere’slaunchcontrolasstandard,plus theoptiontoactivateanup/downquickshifter foranextrafee.Prettycool–particularlyfora learnerlegalride.

Thesmallerofthepair,theKTM125Duke, followsmuchthesameformula–although there’reafewsightlylesssophisticatedparts toplaywith.It’spoweredbya14.8bhpsingle cylindermotor,getsSupermotoABSasstandard, andcanevenbe fittedwithaquickshifterand blipperlikeitsbigbrother(thoughitdoescome withoutcorneringABS,launchcontroland optionalridingmodes).

Suspensioncomesintheformofsome43mm WPApexfrontforkswith150mmoftravelup

front(withadjustability)andasimilaroff-centre mountedWPApexshockabsorbertothe390 (thoughit’sonlyadjustableforpreload).

Atthetimeofwritingthere’sbeennonewson

BARGAINBLASTER

CFMotohasbeengoingfromstrengthtostrengthin recentyears–andnowit’srevealedafunky450cc versionofitsNKnakedtotakeittothemoreestablished competition.

Slottingin-betweenits300NKand650NK,the£4990, 46bhppocketrocketlooksprettywellplacedtoruffle afewfeathers–particularlywhenyouconsideritkicks outasimilaramountofpowertoHonda’sCB500Fand Kawasaki’sZ400,butcanbebaggedforlesscash.

It’snotexactlydrippingwiththehighestqualitygoodies, butifpastexperienceisanythingtogoby,theNKwill bewelluptothejob.Forsuspension,itcomeskittedout withasetofupside-downnon-adjustable37mmfront forksandamonoshockattherear.Brakingislookedafter byasingle320mmJ.Juandiscandradially-mounted caliperup-front,whilea220mmHangterotortakescare ofthingsattheback.ThetyresareasetofCSTAS5s–

pricingforeitherbike,butwithKTMconfirming thenewbikeswon’tbeavailableuntilJanuary 2024,we’vestillgotabitoftimetostartsaving somecash.

althoughits110/70×17frontand150/60×17rearwheel willmakeiteasyto fitapremiumsetofhoopsifyou see fit.

Elsewhere,there’sa14-litretank,tractioncontrol,a slipperclutch,anda five-inchTFTdashwhichoffers navigationandmobilephoneconnectivity. What’snottolike?

Itlookslikepetrolanddieselvehicleswon’tbebanned inLondonjustyet.Followingabitofanuproaraboutthe recentexpansionoftheUltraLowEmissionZone,the MayorofLondon,SadiqKhan,hasannouncedthathe willshelveplanstointroduceazero-emissionzoneinthe centreofthecity.

Theproposalwas firstmadepublicbackin2018,laying outastrategyto‘implementzero-emissionzonesintown centresfrom2020andaimtodeliverazero-emissionzone incentralLondonfrom2025’.Italsooutlinedproposals forazero-emissionzoneforinnerLondonby2040,anda London-widezoneby2050.

SimilartothecurrentULEZscheme,whichhasbeen metbyresistancebyaportionofthegeneralpublic,the schemewould‘usedisincentivestophaseoutfossilfuel vehiclesaltogether’. Thedocumentelaborates,suggesting thatvehicleswhichdon’tmeetthestandardwouldbe

allowedtodriveinthezones,butthatthey’dhave‘topay roadusercharges(similartothoseinULEZorLEZ)’.

Whilethere’slittledoubtthecapitalcouldbenefitfrom somecleanerair,validconcernshavebeenexpressed abouttheviabilityandaffordabilityofnewvehiclesfor thosewithoutdeeppockets.

ThatwasthesuggestionofresidentsofUxbridge,which votedintheConservativesinarecentby-electionahead ofthethen-upcomingULEZexpansion–withthepolls showingthatULEZwasthesecondmostimportantissue forpeopleafterthecostofliving.

Butjustbecauseit’sbeencannedfornow,doesn’tmean itwon’tbehappeninginthenearfuture.Aspokesperson forSadiqKhanhassincesaidthatthemayorwasnow focusedonachievingnet-zeroemissionsinthecapitalby 2030–inadditiontosupportinglocalcouncilswhichwish tointroduceZEZwithintheirboroughs.

NOISECAMERACONSENSUS

We’vetoldyouaboutnoise camerasbefore.They’remade upofacameraandaseries ofmicrophones,whichwork todetectvehicleswhichare makingtoomuchofaracket. They’vealreadybeenrolled outincertain‘problem’spots acrossEuropeandhavebeen trialledinahandfulofareas inEnglandsinceOctoberlast year.

That’swhytheRACthoughtit wastimetoseewhatthegood peopleoftheUKthoughtabout therollout.Aswithanystudy, you’reonlyasgoodasyour datapool,andalthoughthe RAConlymanagedtoquestion 1424motorists,it’spretty surprisingstuff(atleastfor someonepartialtotherumble ofaV-Twinorascreaming sportbike).

Thestudyfoundthata whopping58percentofpeople wantnoisecamerastobe introducedintheirarea,with just22percentofpeoplebeing opposedtotheidea(and20per centbeingunsure).

Whenaskedaboutpotential punishmentforexhaustswhich exceedthelegalnoiselimit, 39percentofpeoplefeltthe current£50on-the-spot fine wasonthemoney,although 37percentactuallydisagreed withthecurrentpunishment.

Ofthosethatthoughtitneeded work,43percentfeltthata £200 fineincombinationwith adrivingbanuntiltheexhaust wasjudgedtocomplywiththe legallimitwasmorelikeit.

Alongsidetheresultsofthe study,RACheadofpolicy SimonWilliamssaid:“Our researchwithdriversshows thereisaverystrongdesireto putanendtothescourgeof excessivelynoisyvehiclesthat disturbthepeaceallaround thecountry.”

Heidentifiedbikersasa particularproblem,suggesting thatitwaswrongthat motorcyclists“couldgetaway withmakinganunacceptable amountofnoise”.

Whiletheresponsesmaynot comeasamassivesurprise whenyouconsiderthegeneral attitudetowardsbikersinthe UK,it’salittledishearteningto seeitspelledoutsoclearly.

Welovetoseewhatyoulot areriding–andweknowthe restofyoulikeit,too.It’sjust likepotteringaroundabike nightandcheckingoutwhat’s beenbroughtoutforablast. Nowwe’vedecidedtobring thebikenighttoyou,asking readerstosendusphotos oftheirprideandjoyforthe worldtosee.Here’resome ofourtoppicksfromthelast month.

Aboveandbelow:AdamDoggetand hisHarley-DavidsonFatBoylook readyforanything.

LeighGrey’sTriumphThunderbird. They’vebeenpartnersincrime since1995.

PerryPresia’sgleamingRoyal EnfieldInterceptoralltheway fromtheU.S.ofA.

DougieMason’slovelyYamaha RD350.He’shaditanincredible23 years.

RichHall’sleanandmeanAprilia Tuono.Crackingbike.

EditorRosshasdugoutashotofhis early90sKawasakiKLR250.Itmight belayingdormantinhisshedatthe minute(shroudedbyalayerofdust) buthelovesit.

AnotherRD.Thisbeauty’sbeen ownedbyGarySargeantfor32years.

RichardAllen’ssuper-coolHarleyDavidsonXR1200.We’vealways wantedagoononeofthese.

Inpartnershipwith ForcefieldBodyArmour

OverhalfofBritishmotoristswantnoisecameras tobeintroducedandenforced

TheMayorofLondon hasscrappedplans tointroducea zero-emissionzone inthecentreofthe capital.Here’swhat youneedtoknow.

EVENTS

September16

KemptonParkAutojumble KemptonPark/ www.kemptonparkautojumble. co.uk

Onthehuntforbikingbargains? Thisistheplacetobe,withan arrayofprojects,parts,restoration servicesandmore.

September16-17

Straightliners

MelbourneRaceway/ www.straightliners.events

There’splentyofhigh-speed actiontoenjoyoverthenextfew weeks.Thisisroundsevenofthe championshipupatMelbourne Raceway.

September17

NormousNewarkAutojumble NewarkandNottsShowground/ www.newarkautojumble.co.uk Can’tmakeittoKempton?Don’t worry.Therewillbeplentymore goodstuffto findatthismonthly jumbleintheMidlands.

September17

Custom&CruiserBikeDay

AceCafe/ www.london.acecafe.com

ThefamousAceCafehas somethingcoolgoingonjustabout everyweekend.Butifyou’reinto cruisersandcustoms,thiswillbe theoneforyou.

Atthistimeoftheyear,you’restillspoiltforthingstodoand placestogoonyourbike.Fromralliestojumblesandracing totrackdays(andeverythingin-between),ifyou’reonthe huntforwheretogotogetyourtwo-wheeledfixthrough SeptemberandOctober,here’sourpickofsomeofthebest.

September22-24

WestonBeachRace Weston-super-Mare/ www.rhlactivities.com

Thisisaproperspectacle.Watch hundredsofridersbattleitout ontheseafrontinthemiddleof town.Just finishingisaserious achievement.

September23-24

MXGP&MX2MotocrossWorld Championship MatterlyBasin/ www.mxgp.com

ThebestofthebestinMotocross willdescendonthebrilliant MatterlyBasinforsometopoffroadaction.Ifyou’veneverbeen toanMXracebefore,thisiswell worthalookfortheatmosphere alone.

September23-24

BritishHistoricRacing CadwellPark/ www.britishhistoricracing.co.uk It’stimeforthe finalroundsofthis brilliantvintagemotorcyclerace seriesattheever-brilliantCadwell ParkintheLincolnshireWolds.

September23-24

Straightliners ElvingtonAirfield/ www.straightliners.events Moretop-speedstuff.Thistimeup atElvington.

September29-October1

BritishSuperbikeChampionship DoningtonPark/ www.britishsuperbike.com

ThefastestboysinBritishracing areoveratDoningtonforround10.

September30-October1

BritishMotorCycleRacingClub BrandsHatch/ www.bemsee.net

WeloveabitofBemsee.It’sproper grassrootsstuff–withplentyoftop racingonshow.

OCTOBER

October5

KrazyHorseLateNights BuryStEdmunds/ www.krazyhorse.co.uk

TheguysatKrazyHorseknowhow todoabikenight–andtheirmixof bikes,cars,bands,beersandgrub alwayshitsthespot.

October7

RufforthAutojumble RufforthPark/ www.rufforthautojumble.com

Morejumblegoodness.Thistime upinYorkshire.

October7

ClassicDrive&Ride-inDay LakelandMotorMuseum/ www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk

Thislookstobeacrackinglittle eventatthebrilliantLakeland MotorMuseum.

October13-15

BritishSuperbikeChampionship BrandsHatch/ www.britishsuperbike.co.uk

TheBSBcircusheadstoBrands

Hatchforthe finalroundofthe championship.Who’sgoingto claimthetitle?

October14-15

TheClassicMotorcycle MechanicsShow StaffordshireCountyShowground/ www.classicbikeshows.com

Althoughit’sbilledasaclassic motorcycleshow,ifyou’reinto bikes,you’ll findalottolikeat thistwice-yearlyevent.Thisone’s runinpartnershipwiththegood

folksoveratClassicMotorcycle Mechanics,soexpectlotsofgood stufffromthe70s,80sand90s ondisplay.HenryCole’sgoingto bethere,too,sharingstorieson stagefromhisTVexploits.We’ll bekickingabout,too…besureto comeandsayhelloifyouseeus droolingoveroldbikesordishing outcopiesofthepaper.

October15

Straightliners

SantaPod/ www.straightliners.events

It’stimeforthe finalroundofthe Straightlinerschampionship.And whatbetterplacethantheiconic SantaPodto finishthingsupfor 2023.

LINCOLNSHIRE

Aftersomeinspirationofwheretogoforablast?We’vegotyoucovered.

Eachmonthwe’regoingtobetakinga lookatsomeofthe finestroadstheUKhas tooffer.But first,wethoughtwe’dsharea handfulofourfavouriterunsfromourown backyard.WhileLincolnshiremightnotbe your firstthoughtwhenitcomestogreat riding,there’salotoffuntobehadright acrossthecounty(andit’snotall flat,either).

WHAT’S YOURS?

There’snothingquitelikea bitoflocalknowledgewhen itcomestofindingthebest roadsanareahastooffer.If you’vegotatopblaston yourdoorstep(andyou don’tmindsharing), we’dlovetohear fromyou.

BARDNEYBENDS

Thesurfacemightbefarfrompristine,but thistight,twisty16-milestretch,which takesintheB1190andtheB1202,isa stunner.Watchyourspeedthroughthe villages,butotherwise…enjoy.

CAISTORHIGHSTREET

TheB1225isarollercoasterofaroad, runningfor20milesbetweenCaistorand Horncastle.It’sfast, flowingandoffers crackingviewsoftheLincolnshireWolds. There’splentyoffarmtrafficandafew crossroadstocontendwith,butit’swell worthit.

WOLDSFLYER

Thisisoneofoureditor’sfavourites.StartingontheA157 nearWeltonleWold,the14-mileroadisagentlyundulating joywhichcutsacrosstheheartoftheWoldsAreaof OutstandingNationalBeauty.Evenbetter,it’sjustastone’s throwfromCadwellPark.

RUNTOREVESBY

TheB1183fromHorncastleisourgo-toquickspin whenwe firstgetourhandsonanewbike.The6.2 milestoRevesbyoffersamixofsweepers,s-bends, andsharpleftsandrights.Ontherightdayit’shardto beat.It’sjustashameit’snotabitlonger.

NEWIN

DAINESE URBACTIVE GTXBOOTS

We’repartialtoapairof‘sneaker-style’bikeboots.TheseonesfromDainese areparticularlycool–andcomepackedwithfeaturestokeepyourfeetwell protected.WithawaterproofGore-Texmembrane,anklereinforcements,a strengthenedexoskeleton,GroundtraxsolesandanOrtholiteinsole,you’ll notgofarwrong.

EVSBODYPROTECTION

£253.99/ www.evs-sports.com

Properprotectionis essentialwhenyou’re beltingaboutoff-road–andtheF2roostdeflector fromEVSismorethan uptothetask.With shoulder,chestandback protection;atwo-piece polypropylenechestplate withlateralarticulation;a gridofimpactdampening pads;aloadofventsand abio-foammouldedliner, this’llkeepyousafeand comfortableoutonthe trackortrails.

£219.95/ www.nevis.uk.com KOVIXDISCLOCK

£134.99/www.keycollection.co.uk

Lookingforsomelightweightsecuritytomake itmoredifficultforsomeonetonabyourpride andjoy?TheKovixKNX15disclockcouldbe justwhatyouneed,withitsdoublelocking 14mmdiametercarbidesteelpinanda120dB alarm.

£379.99/www.merlinbikegear.com

Merlin’sjustreleased itsnewSayan jacket.Itfeaturesan Aquaseal+laminated waterproof membrane;hasD3O level1armour fitted attheshoulders andelbows;aD3O ViperStealthback protector(with roomforanoptional two-partchest protector);azip-out 125gthermalliner; andlargechestand rearvents.Basically, everythingyou’d needfromaversatile textilejacketthat’ll seeyourightinall weathers.

QUADLOCK

£121.97/www.quadlockcase.co.uk

We’rebigfansofQuadlock.There’sareason they’resopopular–andalthoughthey’realittle pricierthanotheroptions,they’rewellworththe money.There’saloadofoptions,dependingon howyouwanttomountyourphone,andwhat extrasyouwant.Wepricedthisoneupforthe latestiPhone–optingforacase,ahandlebar mount,aweather-resistantponcho,avibration dampenerandaUSBchargingattachment.

Tryingtokeepcostsdown?Don’tworry, there’splentyofqualitykitouttherethat won’tbreakthebank.

Sharply-styledCE-certified,waterproof bootswithreinforcedtoesandheels,for lessthan£100.

Pocket-sized protection foryourpride andjoy, witha5mm hardened lockingpin andtwin sparlock chassis.

Back, chest, shoulder andelbow armourinone ruggedpackage.

Walletfriendly adventure jacketthat’s packedwith farmorefeatures thanitsprice befits.

Expandable phoneholder withbuilt-in charginganda rotatablebase–and mirrorandhandlebar mountsthrownin.

Thelatestkitthat’scaughtoureye,which’llkeepyousafe,comfortableandlookingcool.

WeloveabitoftriviahereatMoreBikes.No matterwhetherwe’reatapubquizwitha beerinonehandandapencilintheother, we’restoodaroundatabikenight,there’s somethingaboutknowingtheanswertoan unexpectedquestionthatgivesusanice fuzzyfeelinginside.Andifwedon’tknow, thenthere’sagoodchancewemightlearn something.That’swhywe’vedecidedto introducearegularquizsectionsponsored

We’llbeaskingyouquestionsaboutall manneroftwo-wheeledstuff,pushingyour

It’stimetogetoutyourpens andpencilsandputyourgrey mattertothetest

memoriestothelimitandaskingyouto digdeeptotryandrememberallmanner ofstrangestufffromrightacrossthebiking spectrum.It’sachanceforyoutoshowoff yourinfinitewisdomandbeinwithashot ofbaggingsomecoolprizes.

Allyou’vegottodoisjotdownthe answersontheentryformbelow,andsend itinusingthedetailsprovided.We’llthen pickthewinnerfromanupturnedhelmet crammedwithcorrectanswers,andthat personwillbesentabrand-newbitofkit that’llhelpthemstaysafeoutontheroad. It’sthatsimple.Getcrackingforthechance towin.Goodluck!

Whichfirmiscelebrating100yearsof buildingbikesin2023?

Whichmanufacturerpreviouslyprovided bikesfortheMotoEChampionship?

What’sthenameofthesteering systemonYamaha’sthree-wheeler?

Whichbikecomeskittedoutwitha RadarLinkedUnifiedBrakingSystem?

InwhichdecadedidHondafirst introducetheCLtoitsline-up?

LASTMONTH:

Thisjacketfrom Weisemight looklikea bog-standard waterproof, butbeneathits simpleexterior there’saraftof featuresthat’ll keepyouwell protectedon allfronts.It’s waterproof, windproof andbreathablewithalaminatedouter shell,tapelinedseams,awaterproof centralzipandahandfulofwaterproof pockets.There’salsoaremovable thermallining.Tokeepyousafeshould theworsthappen,thejacket’skitted outwithCE-approvedback,shoulder andelbowarmour.AndWeisealso offersatwo-yearnoquibblewarranty shouldanythinggoawry.Notbadat all.Wanttoknowmore?

£Worth 199.99

Visit:www.weiseclothing.com

NameKennyRoberts’mechanicalguru (whowasalsoa250worldchampion)

7

8 9

6 10

What’sthenameofKTM’srangeof bonkersnakedbikes?

WhendidHondareleaseitsVTECpoweredVFR800?

WhoboughttherightstotheNorton nameafteritwentbustthefirsttime?

Didyouget’emright?BajaAragon,25,GSX-8S,KTM,2006,Pesaro,CadwellPark, CompulsoryBasicTraining,Hamamatsu,RacingFearsNothing

QIhadmymissusonthebackandwas headingdownthemotorwayonmyDucati Multistrada1200S.Itisabigoldredbikeso thereisabsolutelynoreasonforsomeonenot toseeme.Wewereheadingforarallywestof wherewelive.However,onthewayitstarted lashingdownwithrain.Propercatsanddogs tothepointIcouldhardlyseeanything.We wereinlaneoneandduetotherain,thecar infrontstartedslowingdowntoabout50mph. AsIwantedtogettotherallyandsetupour tentandgetdry,Imovedintolanetwoandwas just filteringbetweentheslowcarinlaneone, andavaninlanetwo,whendisasterstruck. Despitehavingabigredbike,Idon’tthinkthe vansawmeandwecollided.AsIwasalongside himatthatpointtohisnearside,thevanhitmy offsidepannier. ThroughskillandexperienceI managedtokeepitupandnotcrash.However, ashehadhitme,Iforcedhimtopulloverand swapdetails.HewasnottoohappywhenI readhimtheriotact.However,asItoldhim, Iwasdoinglessthan70mph(about65mph); Iamlegallyallowedto filter;andhewould havetopayformyscratchedpannierandfor

Q&A

Ourspecialistmotoringsolicitor AndrewPrendergastguides readersthroughtheir legaltrialsandtroubles

nearlykillingmeandmypartner.Basicallyhe toldmetopokeoff andspeaktohisinsurer.I havetriedtogetthemtopayandsaidIwould accept£10,000eachformeandmypartnerfor nearlybeingkilled;plus£500foranewpannier. However,theinsurancehandlerlaughedand saidtakethemtocourt.SothatiswhatIam planningtodo.DoyouthinkIhaveagood case?

ATheysaythereisnosuchthingasastupid question.However,youhavejustshattered thattheory.Inreply,NO,youdonothavea goodcase.WhilstIaccept filteringislegal(it isoneofthegreatjoysofridingamotorbike) thereisatimeandaplacetodoit.Anddoingit inthepiddlingrainbetweenvehiclesinlanes oneandtwoonamotorwayat65mphisnotit. Ifyouwanttoknowwhoistoblameforthis, youneedtogotoyourbathroom,rightnow, andlookinthemirror.Basicallyyoumade yourownlanebetweenlanesoneandtwo;in horrendousconditionswhenyoucouldbarely seeat65mphandhadacollision.UnlessIam missingatrick,thisminor(thankfully)collision

wasyourfault.IfIwereyou,Iwouldkeepmy headdownbecauseifthevandriverreportsyou tothePoliceIsuspectyoucouldendupfacinga chargeofdangerousdriving,ordrivingwithout duecareandattention.Lastly,evenifthevan wastoblame(whichseemsunlikely),youdonot getcompensationfor‘nearlybeingkilled’.You needtogiveyourheadawobble.

QMyinsuranceisupforrenewal.Iamproperly paranoidasIdon’ttrustthemasfarasI canthrowthemaftertheyrefusedtopayout foraclaimyearsagowhenmyoldFZR600got nicked.Anyway,Idigress.Ialwaysphonethem uptodouble-checkthingsandthisyear,forthe firsttime,theyaskedifIwantedpillioncover. Ithinkitcostanextra£35orsomething(Iam old,somyinsuranceisprettycheap!).Anyway, whenIaskedthemwhatthepilliongetsforme payinganextra£35theinsurertoldmetheyget nothing. Theyreckonthepillioncan’tbenefit fromthebreakdowncover,orthekitinsurance, etc.Itmakesnosensetome.Canyouhelpme understandwhatthepilliongetsformepaying extraforthem.

The MB legalcolumniscompiled bymanagingpartnerAndrew‘Chef’ Prendergastandhisbike-ridingbarristers andsolicitorsatWhiteDaltonMotorcycle Solicitors.

Thefirmdealswithpersonalinjuryclaims anditssistercompany,MotorDefence Solicitors,dealswithallthemotoring offences.WhiteDaltonlawyershavea vastknowledgeofbikelaw,andtheyhave fullbikelicences,too.Theydon’tactfor insurancecompaniesortheprosecution. WhiteDaltonisBritain’spremierspecialist motorcyclelawpractice,andifits professionalsdon’tknowtheanswer

AItsoundslikethereareafewcrossed wires.Itisnotaboutpayingextrasothe pilliongetssomething.Youhavebeenasked ifyouaregoingtocarryapilliononyour bikesoyourinsurercanassesstherisk.The biggertherisk,thehighertheinsurance premium.So,ifyou’renotcarryingapillion, thelowertheriskfortheinsurer,i.e.ifyou crashtherewillbenopillionclaimagainst you/yourinsurer.Inthatscenario,your insurancepremiumwillbelower.However, asapointofnote,ifyoutellyourinsurer you’renotcarryingapillion(toobtaina cheaperpolicy)butthenhaveacrashthat’s yourfaultwithapilliononthebackandthey gethurt,thatpillioncanclaimagainstyou/ yourinsurerandyourinsurerwillhaveto payout.HOWEVER,becauseyouliedtoyour insurerandbrokethetermsofyourpolicy, yourinsurercancomeafteryoupersonally forthemoneytheypayouttothepillion.I hadacasewhereaclientbrokethetermsof hispolicyandtheinsurercameafterhimfor £120,000personally.Myadviceisifyouwant tocarryapillion,tellyourinsureriftheyask.

toyourquestion,thereprobablyisn’t one.Don’trelyontheadvicefromyour insurance-appointedsolicitor,getproper independentadvice.

Forroadtrafficoffences,calltheMotor Defencesolicitorson08002800912. Fornon-offencecases,call WhiteDaltonmotorcyclesolicitorson 08007836191.

Ifyouneedadviceonabiking-relatedlegal questionorquery,emailmail@whitedalton. co.uk.ThebestQ&Awillbepublishedin MB,inconfidence,ofcourse.

BUYERS’GUIDE:FLIPFRONTHELMETS

Whenitcomestokit,it’snotalways easytoknowwherebesttosplashyour hard-earnedcash.There’sanabsolute abundanceofchoiceouttheretosuit everykindofbudget,andalthoughit’s easiesttosticktowhatyouknow,there’s

KEYTHINGSTO CONSIDER

■ E-Numbers

Theall-importantnumbersareECE 22.05and22.06(intimeECE22.05will bephasedout);thehelmetmustcarry oneofthese.22.05testedsixpointsof impactontheshell,22.06increasesthis to12andaddstestingatbothhigherand lowerspeeds.22.06alsoaddstesting obliquerotationalforces(rotationalforces areaknowncauseofbraindamage). TrackuserequiresanACUGoldSticker. UKKitemarkmaybereturningforroadlids.

■ P/Jhomologation

Amajoradvantageofamodularhelmetisbeingableto raisethefront;handyfortalkingtopeople/showingyour faceatpetrolstations,etc.Notallmodularscanhave thefrontraisedwhenriding.Tobeusedbothopenand closed,thehelmetmusthaveP/Jhomologation(which meansithasbeenthoroughlytestedineachstate).P/J ratedhelmetsshouldfeaturealockingmechanismfor theopenposition.

■ Noiseandweight

Thetwomaindrawbackswithmodularhelmetsagainst fullface:weightandnoise.Theadditionalmechanisms requiredtoallowthefronttoopenandcloseadd weight.Thatsaid,therearemoremodularhelmetsbeing broughtoutusinghigherspecificationmaterialslike carbon,whichbringstheweightdowntoclosertofull facelevels.

Tobeabletoopenthefrontmeansadditionalseams; inturnthismeansmoreaccesspointsforair…more airmeansmorenoise.Thatsaid,againinhigher-spec helmets,themanufacturersare findingwaystocombat this.InaseriesofscientifictestsbyamajorEuropean helmetretailer,theSchuberthC5wasintheirtop10 quietesthelmets(alltypes)andtheHJCRPHA-91isthe quietesthelmettheyhaveevertested.

■ Anythingelse?

Likeallkit,comfortanduseareimportant.Ridea sportsbike?Thebestvisorangleisdifferenttoacruiser oradventurebike.Distancerider?Comfort,weight, noisemaybethemostimportant.Asever,thebestthing todoisgetdowntoyourlocaldealerorabigbikeshow, andgetyourhandson(andheadin)afewinthe flesh. It’sthebestwaytoensuretheright fit,andyou’llbeable topickthebrainsofsomeonewholikelyknowstheir onionswhenitcomestohelmets.

achanceyoumightbemissingouton somethingproperlygood.

That’swhywe’vecreatedthisnew seriestotakealookatspecificbitsof gear;breakingdownsomeofthekey thingsyouneedtoknowwhenbuying,

andpullingtogethersomereal-world reviewsfromriderswhocoverbigmiles inallweathers.It’snotacomprehensive list,butthesearetheoneswe’vebeen wearingoverthelastyearorso. Firstup:flipfronthelmets.

easytooperate,too–withitssimple quick-releasechinstrapclosingwitha reassuringseriesofclicks,andopening easilywithatugonitsredtab.The flip’s justaseasy.Pushintheredrelease buttonwithaglovedthumbandyou’re away.

SchuberthE2

£549.99/www.bikerheadz.co.uk/ RossMowbray

Schuberthknowswhatit’sdoingwhenit comesto flipfrontlids.They’vecarved outanenviablereputationfortheirwellequipped,intelligentlydesignedand supremelycomfortablehelmetswhich areoftenfoundonthenogginsofbig milesbikerswhoarehappytospenda fairbitofcashfortherightbitofkit. Meetingthelatest22.06safety standards,thedualhomologated flip frontlidiswelluptojobofkeepingyou safeshouldtheworsthappen–and afterafewthousandmilestogether,it’s properlyusable,too.InthepastI’ve struggledto findacomfortable fitting Schuberth–sufferingabittoomuch pressureonmyforeheadtobeproperly comfortable.Nosuchissueswiththe E2,thankstotheplushremovable(and washable)lining.Equally,ifit’snotquite rightoutofthebox,there’sanoption togetacustom fitusingavarietyof aftermarketpads.

The flipmechanismisadoddleto operate,withareassuringclickas youlockiteitherupordown–and itsstandardclearvisorisexcellent, boastingclassoneoptics,awide field ofvision,andapre-installedPinlock 120anti-foglens.There’sadrop-down sunvisorforgoodmeasure,too.The ventilation’salsotopnotch–easyto usewithaglovedhand,withenough adjustabilitytokeepmeeithercoolor fog-free.

Whileitmightsetyoubackinexcess of500quid,there’snodoubtinmymind thatit’smoneywellspent.It’spacked withqualityfeatures,iscomfortableand quiet,andmeetsthehighesthelmet standards–oh,andcomeswitha fiveyearwarranty,too(whenyouregister online).

AGVTourmodular £449.99/www.agv.co.uk/

RichardGraham

TheAGVTourmodularisaclassy helmet.Stylishandsophisticated,it’s constructedfromcarbon fibre,aramid fibreand fibreglassandoffershighlevels ofprotectioninasurprisinglylightweight package.

It fitslikeadream;alittletightasit passesovermyears,butonceI’ve squeezedmywayinside,it’sajoy.It’s

Thevisor’swelldesigned,too.Ithas apush-buttonreleaseatthefront,and anumberof firm‘click’positionsfrom closedtofullyopen.Thatmeansyou canleaveitslightlyopenwithoutit snappingshutassoonasitcatchesthe wind.Inturn,thebuilt-insunvisoris easilyoperatedbyaslidingmechanism. Thevisorcomesdownalittlefurther thanI’dlike,soasmallupward adjustmentmaybeneededtogetit locatedinthecorrectpositionabove thenose.

Thehelmetisverycomfortableand impressivelyquiet.Waterproofsynthetic leatherpipingkeepswateroutofthe helmetinteriorontherainiestofdays, andanoseguardisalsoprovidedwith thehelmet,whichcanbe fittedeasilyif youneedit(thoughI’mperfectlyhappy without).

There’snodoubtthatthisisatopendhelmet.Itisextremelycomfortable, lightweight,andwell-equipped–andit looksgreat,too.It’sverydifficultto find faultwithit,andwhileit’sexpensive, afterlivingwithitforafewmonths,it’s easytoseewhy.

HJCi100

£249.99/www.oxfordproducts.

com/SimonMeyer

I’vedoneacoupleofthousandmiles inHJC’si100 flipfrontinthelasteight monthsorso.It’sactuallymy first experienceofa‘fliplid’…andIthink I’maconvert.It’sbecomemygo-to choice–despitehavingasignificantly moreexpensivefullfaceoptioninmy collection.Thatsaysalot,Ithink.

I’vealwaysstruggledto findalidthat fitsjustright.Nosuchissueswiththe HJC.Partofthebeautyofamodular isthatyoucanopenituptoputiton, ratherthanforcingitdownoveryour ears.Thisone’squiteinterestinginthat itcanactuallybewornwiththe flipfront open,andthechinbartuckedover thetop.WhatthatmeansisthatI’ve essentiallygottwohelmetsfortheprice ofone:astandardfullfacelid,andajetstylelid,too.

Ventilation’sasimpleaffair–with aventonthechinandaventonthe topkeepingmecoolintheheatand thevisorclearwhenit’sabitnippy (aidedbyananti-foginsert).The helmetliningisremovableandmachine washable,whichisusefulonthosehot days.Thatalsomakeiteasyto fita communicationssystem.HJC’sgotits own,witharecesstowardstheback readytoaccommodate–thoughI’ve beenusingmypreferredSenasystem.It workswell,withtheunitclippedonthe sideandthespeakerstuckedneatlyinto themouldedrecessesoneitherside.

There’salottolikeaboutHJC’s flip

front.It’salittleheavierthansomeof thecompetition,butthat’sthepriceyou payforversatility,Isuppose.Personally, Ireckonit’sagreatchoice–anditwon’t breakthebankeither.

LS2AdvantX

£249.99/www.uk.ls2helmets.com/ RebeccaGraham

I’mpartialtoa flipfrontfromLS2.Thisis actuallymysecond;the firstdidmewell –butafterafewyearsofall-weather dailycommuting,it’dseenbetter days.Iwasreadyforanewone–and thetimingcouldn’thavebeenbetter, becauseLS2hadjustreleaseditsnew ECE22.06approvedAdvantX.

Theoperationofthe flipfrontandvisor issimple.Thechinbarrotates180, andthevisorrisesautomaticallywith thechinbar,makingitasimpleonehandedoperationevenwithgloveson. The flipfrontcloseswithareassuring clickandfeelsverysecure.Thevisor hasananti-scratchtreatmentandUV protection,andisPinlockMaxVision ready.APinlockinsert,togetherwith ahelmetbag,acarryingrucksackand airbagsupportforeasycleaningand maintenancecomeasstandard.

Thereisventingatthefrontandback whichchannelsairflowthroughthe helmet.Thisreallydoeskeepthevisor clear,somethingIhavestruggledwith onolderhelmetsasmyridingismostly donethroughtownatlowerspeeds.No problemswiththeLS2though,alovely clearvisorallthewaytowork!

Thisagreathelmet.Comfortable,light andwithallthesafetyfeaturesyou wouldexpect.Whatmorecouldyou askfor?

onthebike!It’snotthequietestor lightestoflids,butI’mtoldthat‘flips’ neverare.Thatsaid,it’scomfortable, andP/Jhomologatedwhichmeansyou canridearoundtown‘flippedup’and snapitshutfortheopenroad.

TheStormSVcomeswithearpockets forcommunicationspeakers.Italso hasanintegraldrop-downsunvisor; multipleventilationpoints;anti-allergic fabricremovableandwashablelining; chincurtain;nosedeflector;andanantiscratchquick-change,pinlock-ready visor.

It’scomfy,convenientandcoollooking. All-in-allalotofbangforyourbuck,as theysay.

I’vegotseveralmotorcyclehelmets buthavefoundmyselfalmostalways reachingforthisone.WouldIgobackto anon-fliphelmetnow?Probablynot!

SchuberthC5

£539.99/www.bikerheadz.co.uk/ BobPickett

TheC5isnewfromthegroundup, sharingnopartswithitspredecessor. HomologatedtothenewECE22:06 standard,itisP/Jrated(usewiththe frontupordown).

TheC5isfestoonedwithsmart features.The flipfrontcanbelockedin placeviaa(tiny)switchontheside.The visorhasa‘memory’; flipopenandthe visorpullsback,dropdown,thevisor returnstothesamepositionbefore flipping.Stickingwithvisors,thereisa tinyleverbythesunvisorcontrol;for thoseofyouwithmoreRomannoses, pushacrossanditreduceshowfarthe visorlowers.

Schuberthhelmetsareonthesmall side.WhenI firstslippediton,there wasamomentofdiscomfortthenit felt…right.Icanfeeltheliningpress againstmyforeheadmorethanmy otherhelmets,butridinginitfor extended(two-hour)intervalsitwas fine. Definitelytrybeforeyoubuy(Schuberth recommendswearingathomefora time(labelson).Ifitisn’trightthedealer willbeabletoexchangeitforanother sizeoradjustwiththecustomheadsets (availableseparately).Theplushliningis designedforglasseswearers;mineslid ineasily.

AxxisStormSV

£129.99/www.bickers-online. co.uk/MarkLancaster

IntroducingtheStormSV flip-up motorcyclehelmetfromSpanish companyAxxis.I’vebeenwearingthis sinceMarchthisyear.

Howhasitbeen?Thisismy first flip-upmotorcyclehelmetandI’ve beendelightedwithit,especiallyatthe pricepointit’sat.Theabilitytosimply flipupthefrontuponarrivingatyour destinationhasbeengreat.Especiallyat petrolstations–don’thavetoremoveit anddon’thavetobalanceitprecariously

Ventilationisoutstanding.Twofront vents(chin/visor)andtopventletin jetsofcoldair;thisisacoolplaceeven onhotdays.Keepingwithvisors,the C5hasanexcellent fieldofvision,with Class1opticsthereisnodistortion.The Visorcomespre-fittedwithaPinlock 120,soIdidn’ttesttherelease,butit’s asimplelevermechanism.Thesunvisor slideriswellplaced,comingeasilyto handtoopen(oddlyIdon’t finditas intuitivetoclose).

It’squietevenuptomotorwayspeeds, andstable,withnotahintofturbulence atspeed.It’sbeautifullybalanced, feelingevenlighterthanitweighs(just 1650g–aroundthesameasafull-face). Inshort,it’sanexcellentpieceofkit.

three-cylinder sports tourer middleweight receives an influx of technology for 2023

WORDS: Adam ‘Chad’ Child PHOTOGRAPHY: Ant Productions – Yamaha

Doesthenewesttech-laden Tracerdoitforyou?Wantto knowmore?Ourtouring-loving matesoveratMSLhavegota whoppingtestonthisverybike withyournameonit.

QUICKSPIN:YAMAHATRACERGTPLUS

Yamaha’shighlyacclaimedTracer9 GTsportstourerwaslaunched backin2021duringthepandemic and,unfortunately,Imissedthe opportunitytothrowalegoverthe newmodel.However,everyoneIspoke towhohadriddentheGTrateditvery highly,soIhadhighexpectationsof thenew2023Tracer9GT+,whichgains ahugedollopofwhizzynewtechplus somesmartupdates.

Theheadlinedevelopmentsare theintroductionofRadarLinked UnifiedBrakingSystem,aworld first, and,forthe firsttimeonaYamaha, AdaptiveCruiseControl–hencethe largeradaratthefront.Butthat’snot all:anew7-inchTFTdisplay;slick newswitchgear;alargerreardisc(for thenewbrakingsystem);anewseat design;andathirdgenerationquickshifteralldebutonthe890cctriple.

Yamahahaslefttheexcellent, charismatic890ccCP3triplealone. Thatmeansthesamepeakof117bhp asbeforewiththesame68.5lb-ft(at 7000rpm)peaktorque figure,too.A third-generation,bi-directionalquickshifterthatallowsyoutodownshift withthethrottlestillopenisadded, meaningyoucanknockbackafew gears–tothirdorevensecond–withoutclosingthethrottle. The systemissmoothandeffortless.

Likethemotor,thesuspension alsoremainsunchangedandretains semi-activeKYBunitsfrontandrear. Thiswasmy firsttimeonaTracer withsemi-activesuspensionandit didn’tdisappoint.Inmanyways,it reallyshouldn’thandleaswellasit does–thisisamiddleweightsports tourerafterall–but flickintoSports modeandthesuspensionandchassis deliverawonderfullyexcitingride.

TheBridgestoneT32tyreswarm upquicklyandoffergreatgrip,and onlyenhancetheTracer’sintrinsic feedback.Yes,therearelimitationsto thesportysideofthissportstourer: thepegswilleventuallytouchinthe softer,morecompliantStreetorRain modes,especiallywithaheavyweight rideronboard,butinSportmode theGT+wasasaccurateandalmost ashappytocarrycornerspeedasits nakedMT-09sibling.

So,thenewTracer9GT+isfun, soundsgreat,hasplentyofgruntand handles,which,asidefromthenew quick-shifter,makesitssportierside muchlikethatoftheexcellentTracer9 GT(theonewithoutthe‘+’).

However,withtheGT+,Yamaha hasinstalledradartechnologyfor the firsttime,whichbringsAdaptive CruiseControl(ACC)andtheworld’s

TECHSPECS

YamahaTracerGTplus

Price: £14,910

Engine: Water-cooled,4valvespercylinder, 3-cylinder

Power: 87.5kW/117bhp@10,000rpm

Torque: 93Nm/68.6lb-ft@7000rpm(claimed)

Frame: Diamond

Wheelbase: 1500mm

Brakes: 2x298mmradial4-pistoncalipers

Rear: 267mm2-pistoncaliper

Transmission: 6speed/chaindrive

Suspension: 43mmforks,fullyadjustable semi-activeKTB130mmtravel

Rear: Singleshockabsorber,fullyadjustable semi-activeKYB137mmtravel

Tyres: 120/7017BridgestoneT32(F),180/55 17BridgestoneT32(R)

Seatheight: 820-835mm

Tank: 18.7litres(4.2gallons)

Fuelconsumption: 5l/100km,56.5mpg

Weight: 223kg(wet)

Warranty: Twoyears

Serviceintervals: 6000miles,valves24,000

Contact: www.yamaha-motor.com

firstRadarLinkedUnifiedBraking system.Eagertodemonstrateitsnew tech,Yamahatreatedustoadecent motorwayblasttotestbothsystems aswellasthefunctionalityofthe new7-inchTFTdashandswitchgear (whichlosestheunloved‘Yamaha wheel’fromtherightbarand, hopefully,placesitinthebin).

Ihavetestedsimilarradarsystems beforeandthisnewYamahasystemis oneofthebest.It’seasytounderstand anduse,whilethenewcolourdash andnewswitchgearenableintuitive navigation.Sadly(ornot)Ididn’tget theopportunitytotrytheworld’s first RadarLinkedUnifiedBrakingSystem, despitetrying. Thesystemactsasa back-uptothelean-sensitiveABS, usinginformationfromtheradarto optimiseveryhardbraking.

Yamahaalreadyhadanexcellent bikeintheTracer9GTandallofits keyattributeshavecarriedoverto theGT+. Thesweet-soundingCP3 tripleisstillagem-likecombination ofpower,torqueandcharacter. The handling,especiallyforabikeinthe sportstouringclass,isascrispasit isreassuringwhiletheridecanbe quicklyswitchedbetweenoneof all-daycomplianceandcomforttoa responsivesportsnaked.

ButnowYamahahasmadethe TracerGTevenmoreappealingwith anear-avalancheoftechnology. AdaptiveCruiseControlandRadar LinkedUnifiedBrakingSystemarethe stand-outsandmakebothtouringand everydayridingthatlittlebiteasier andsafer.Atjustunder£15,000it’snot cheapbutyoucancertainlyseewhere themoneyhasgone.Furthermore,the GT+isonly£1800moretobuythan theGT.

“Thesweet-soundingCP3triple isstillagem-likecombinationof power,torqueandcharacter.”

USEDBIKEGUIDE

Sporttourersarenothingnew,buttheyhaveundergoneabitofaresurgencein thelastfewyears,withbikeslikeYamaha’sTracer9,Honda’sNT1100,Suzuki’s GSX-S1000GTandMotoGuzzi’sV100Mandelloprovingplentypopularwithnew bikebuyerswholikegoingfast,incomfort.Buttheydon’tcomecheap.That’s whywe’regoingtotakeastepbackintime,toshowyouthatyoucanhave plentyofthrillsforafractionoftheprice.

HONDAVFR800VTEC(2001-2012)

£2000-£4500

TheVFRwasabigbikefor Honda.The800 firstemerged in1998,andoverthefollowing 20(andabit)yearsitearnedan enviablereputationforitsbigmilecapabilitiesandpunchy performance.

TriumphSprintST1050(2005-2011) ▲

£1500-£5000

Afavouriteofhardenedbikerswhovaluecomfort,practicality, reliability,speedandvalueformoney;itshouldcomeasnogreat surprisethatyou’llseeTriumphSprintseverywheremotorcycles andtheirownersgather.

Firstlaunchedin2005,itleapfroggedHonda’sVFR800and unofficiallyclaimedthesporttouringcrownallforitself.Itsoldwell andperformedwell,withitssuccessonlyhamperedbyaturningof thetideaspuntersbegantogetatasteforadventurebikes.

Bestofall,youcan findsomeabsolutebargainsoutthere–thoughasalways,onethat’sbeenwelllookedafterisgoingtobea betterinvestment.

Althoughthemostrecent VFR800ismoreadventure bikethansportsbike,thisone herestickstoitssportyroots –evenifitdoesn’texactly offerthemostdirecthandling. Thankfully,its107bhpV4 enginemorethanmakesup forthat.

Theonlydownside, particularlyforatourer;isthat itdoesn’tcarryluggageallthat well.Thosefunkyunderseat exhaustsmakeitabittrickyto straponanythingsoft,though there’splentyofaftermarket bitsandbobsthat’llallow youto fitsomethingalittle sturdier.Thegoodnewsisthat

there’sawhopping22-litrefuel tank,abigcomfyseat,anda centrestand. Oh,andbetteryet–these

bikesarebuilttolastand well-looked-afterexamplesare topping100,000mileswithout muchtrouble.

QUICK SPIN: HONDA CL500

SMILES FOR MILES

An attractive, A2 licence-friendly, do-it-all bike for under six grand on the road? With Honda on the tank? What’s the catch?

WORDS: Matt Hull PHOTOS: Honda Europe

The£5999CL500isHonda’s loosehomagetothe‘soft-roader’ conceptithadintheSixtiesand Seventies.BikesliketheCL72, CL350andCL450werevery successfulonthewestcoastof Americaandbasedonits305, 350and450ccroadbikes,but givenlargerfrontwheelsand longertravelsuspension,wide handlebars, flatbenchseatsand asignaturehigh-levelexhaust tobehavebetteronthelarge numberof‘unpaved’roads,as wellasgivethatminimalistBaja desertvibe.Alllooksandlittle substancetheymayhavebeen, butyoungerriderslovedthem andtheysoldashedloadto wannabeSteveMcQueens.Istill haveone…

Honda’snewCL500followsthe sameethos,partlytoengagewith thosenewridersagain;partly becausethatcare-freelookisen voguepresently;andpartlyto makeagreatdo-it-allbike.It’s basedonHonda’strusted500

Rebelplatform,usingthe500cc paralleltwin-cylinderengine, matedtoaslick,six-speed gearbox.Itgives47bhpand 32lb-ftoftorque,themaximum amountofpowerallowedonan

A2licence(that’sforifyou’re19 orolder),butwithapunchofthe robusttwinandanoverallwet weight(fuel,oilandwateron board–howthehelldosome manufacturersstillgetaway withquotingadryweight?)of just192kg,theCLdoesn’tfeel aslouch.Andspoileralert:it’sa smile-inducer–RoyalEnfield,I’d watchout.

Itdoesneednotingthatmybike hadthe‘Adventurepack’ fitted, a£375extrathatincludesahigh frontmudguard,handguards, shockcoverandwiderrallypegs, plusa£147headlampcowl, whichmayhaveslightlyimproved wind-batteringathigherspeeds. Thoughitwouldbeminimal.While onthesubject,thereareloadsof accessoriesatreallyreasonable pricesforOEparts,includinga rackandtopboxandsidesaddle forthosegoingtowork.

TheCL500takesthegrand timeoftwo-and-a-halfminutesto getfamiliarwith,andaround20 milesbeforeyoufeellikeyou’ve beenridingitforyears.Kickthe slightlystiffsidestandup–there isnocentrestand–andthe’bars, wearingthosefamiliarHonda controls(completewithridiculous horn-where-the-indicatorshould-beswitches),pullinthe featherlightcableclutchandgo for firstgear.Theleveriswhere youexpect,thefootrestswhere theyshouldbe,andthethrottle givessmooth,predictablerevsto pullawaywith.Ifyou’reinatight spot,theturningcircleistight,

which,alliedtothatpredictable clutch,givesprecise,clutchslippingabilitytogetyououtof anysituation,atacontrollable speed,withnodrama.Infact, thiscouldmakeagreattraining schoolbike,suchistheuserfriendliness.

WithinminutesweareinSeville rushhourandthereisnothing noviceabout‘negotiating’ Spanishdriverswhenwork calls.TheCLislikeaterrier afterarabbit,withitsupright, commandingpositioncarryingme withgreatplanningviews,superusefulsteeringlockandnatural balance,usingallitsarmouryto haveyoucarvingthroughgaps onstationaryroundabouts,round blockagesandthroughthemelee inawayadispatchriderwould carvethroughLondonorParisin the80s.

Withthecitydulydispatched, weheadouttothehills.Thepace picksup;theCL500quicklylets youmovearoundto findyour optimalpositionforconstantly changingdirection.Thebrakes don’tbite,nordotheyrunany riskoflocking,theyjustslowyou downasmuchasyouask.Use therearifyou’veovercooked and,well,itjustslowsyoudown alittlemore.

Thesuspensionandtyresgive youenoughinformationwithout overloadingyoursenses.The extendedsuspensiontravel doesn’tgiveasee-sawsensation, nordothefriendlysoftspring ratesallowforanybottomingout,

butitdoespushthefrontintothe roadforbraking,ortherearfor accelerating.ThetyresareOE (OriginalEquipment)Japanese Dunlops;OEbuilttoapriceand notknownasthestickiesttyres intheworld(theEuropeanmarket usedtobemoredemandingof gripandperformancethanJapan ortheUSA,notsureaboutnow) butfeelprogressiveinthegripas youleanthebikeover,orbrake intoacorner,oropenthethrottle asyouexit.

Thisisgettingseriouslygood funandIjustmanagetograba glimpseattheclock–thisisall happeningbetween45-60mph. TheoutridersareallonAfrica Twinmachinesandtheyhaveno discernibleadvantagewithoutany longstraights.Butalsohavemore weighttohavetochuckaround –victoryforthelittleman!

Thereisnosinglepartofthe CL500thatshinesout–no‘halo’ element.Thebeautyofthebike isthatthepowerisperfectlyin balancewiththecharacteristics ofthedelivery,whichisinturn inbalancewiththeperfectgear ratios,selectedbythegreat gearchange,helpedbythe slipperclutch.Theenginedoesn’t overpowerthebrakes,which aren’ttoopowerfulforthespring rateordamping,thatworksin tunewiththegripavailablefrom theDunlops.Toimprovethings yetfurther,theseatingposition givesadifferentstanceandthe handlebarssuitall.Thewholebike isbalanced–itisasone.

SPECIFICATION

HondaCL500

Price: £5999ontheroad

Engine: 471ccinline,water-cooledtwin, 4valves

Transmission: Six-speed,slipperclutch, chaindrive

Power: 47bhp/34kW@8,500rpm

Torque: 32lb-ft/43.3Nm@6,000rpm

Frame: Steeldiamond

Wheelbase: 1484mm

Brakes: 310mmfloatingdisc,twinpiston caliper(F),240mmdisc,singlepiston caliper(R)

Suspension: RWU41mmforks,150mm travel(F)twinshocks,5-steppreload adjustment(R)

Wheels/Tyres: Castaluminiumwheels, 110/80x19DunlopTrailmax(F),150/70x17 DunlopTrailmax(R)

Seatheight: 790mm

Tank: 12litres

Fuelconsumption: 74.8mpg(claimed)

Wetweight: 191kg

Warranty: Twoyears

Contact: www.honda.co.uk

Backtoreality,Itriednotto waxlyricalabouttheHonda, butcan’thelpit.Youhaveafun, chuckablebikethatwillraisea smilecommuting,bearioton windingroadsandcopewith mainarteries.Itdoes55-plus milestothegallon,8000miles inbetweenservices,andshould evencarryapassengeralright, thoughIdidn’t findanyone willingtotry–thepegslook high.Finish,asfarasIcould see,isbackinthegoldenera oftheNinetiesforHonda.And thepriceisNineties,too.In caseyoumissedit,£5999on theroad.AndIcan’tseewhere Honda’smadeanycost-cutting. It’sahoot,ablast,it’sthesale ofthecentury!

ThelatestadditiontoHonda’sA2 licence-friendlyline-upsounds likeanabsolutehoot.Ifyouwant toknowevenmoreaboutit,our palsoveratMSLhavegotan in-depthtestthat’swellworth thecostofthecoverpricealone. Nevermindalltheothergreat stuffpackedintoitspages...

“ThisisgettingseriouslygoodfunandIjustmanagetograba glimpseattheclock–thisisallhappeningbetween45-60mph.”

USEDBIKEGUIDE

Thenewpseudo-scramblerfromHondaisprettycompetitivelypriced,butfiveand-a-bitgrandisstillafairbitofcashtofindifyouwanttobuyoneoutright. Whileitmightnotexactlybeanout-and-outoff-road-readymachine,we’ve handpickedacoupleofverydifferentbikesthat’llofferdecentperformanceonthe Tarmac–and(inthecaseoftheYamaha)verygoodtimesoffit.

DUCATISCRAMBLERSIXTY2(2016-2020)

£3500-£6000

YAMAHAXT600E(1990-2004) ▲

£2500-£6000

Yamaha’srugged,reliableXT600Eistheepitomeofthebackto-basicstrailbikesthatwereonceten-a-pennyonUKshores. Theykindoffellfromfavourinrecentyears,asridersgotbitten bytheadventurebikebug,althoughtherecentpopularityof ‘middleweight’machines(includingtheXT-inspiredTénéré 700)suggeststhatthetideisturningandridersarestartingto understandthatbiggerisn’talwaysbetter,particularlyonthetrails. There’snothingcomplicatedabouttheXT.Itsbeatingheartis atried-and-tested,near-bulletproof4-valveair-cooledYamaha single,whichiscapableofnomorethan90mph.Thesupension’s soft,thebrakesarealittleunderpowered,andtheseat’snoteven thatcomfortable–butasaneasy-goingtrailbike,it’shardtobeat.

Ducati’smodern Scramblerline-uphas gonefromstrengthto strengthsinceit first emergedonthemarket afewyearsago.They selltonsofbikesto puntersyoung,old, coolandnot–and whenyouridethem, it’seasytoseewhy… they’reexcellent. Refined,agileand prettypotent. Sadly,ifyouwant tobuynewyou’ve onlygotthechoice oftherangeof800s or1100s–butafew yearsago,Ducati’s entry-levelScrambler Sixty2offeredA2licenceholdersthe chancetogetinon theact. It’sacrackinglittle bike:light,nimble,and bagsoffun.Its399cc

air-cooledV-twinkicks out41bhp,whichmight notbeenoughformore experiencedriders,

butinthehandsofa newbie(orsomeone gettingbackintoit), you’regoingtohave

plentyofpokefor beltingalongB-roads andblastingthrough towninstyle.

HavingtestedandriddenlotsofdifferentbikesthroughmytimeatMoreBikes,thisyearIwasoverthemoontogetmy handsonmyfirstlong-termtestbike.Iwasabitnervousatfirst…notbecauseI’dbeengiftedthekeystoabrand-new machine,butbecauseitwasYamaha’sthree-wheeledoddity,theNikenGT.I’llbehonest,Ittookmealittlewhiletoget dialledin,butasIrackedupthemilesandstoppedthinkingaboutthatadditionalwheelupfront,Ifoundmygrooveand fellinlovewithit.It’slikenothingIhaveeverriddenbefore,andit’sallthebetterforit.Youhavetotryit.

WORDS: SimonMeyer PHOTOS: GaryChapman

1.ENGINE

TheNikenGTispoweredbythesameengineas Yamaha’sTracer9andMT-09–butit’sbeentweaked tobettersuittheweightythree-wheeler.Specifically, thecrankshafthasanincreasedmassforstronger performanceatlowerrpmandtherearesome revisedfuelmaps,too.It’sagreatmotor,butwith thatextraweighttolugaboutit'slackingsomeof theimmediacyofitstwo-wheeledsiblings(though makingswiftprogressisneveranissue).

2.BRAKES

At270kg,theNikenGT’sabigoldlumptohaultoa halt.Hardlysurprisingwhenthereisanextrawheel, suspensionforkandallthelinkagetocarryaround. Thatsaid,thetwin298mmfrontdiscs(oneoneach wheel)and282mmreardisc,grippedbyYamaha’s ownfour-pots,aremorethanuptothejob.There’s alsoABSatthefrontandrear,plusatwo-stage tractioncontrolsystemtohelpkeepthingsincheck.

3.SUSPENSION

TheNikenGTisatourer.Assuch,it'sgearedas muchtowardscomfortasitisoutrightperformance. Thatsaid,ithandlesbeingthrownaboutexceptionally well(evenwhenloadedwithluggageandapillion). Thebignewsforthelatestmodelisthattherear suspensionhasbeenreworked,withanewlinkage andrevisedspringtohelpmatchitbettertothevery stablefrontend.Itseemstohaveworkedwell,asit feelssmoothandstableevenwhenbankedoveron roughsurfaces.

4.COMFORT

TheNikenisincrediblycomfortable.I’veneverbeen onabike(otherthanabigmaxiscooter,ifthat counts)thathascomeclosetoofferingthislevelof plushness.Theridingpositionisexcellent,roomyand upright,whilethewell-paddedGTseat,adjustable screenandcruisecontrolmakemunchingbigmiles anabsolutedoddle.

5.THREEWHEELS

Althoughtomanythethree-wheelsetupmight looklikeanovelty,Icanassureyouit’snot. Theconfidencethatfrontendsetupinspiresis unbelievable.Thegripavailablefromthetwofront wheelsislikenothingyouwillfeelonanyotherbike, anddroppingitintocornersiseffortless.Sureit’sabit ungainlywhenyoucometoahalt,butgetrollingand itallmakessense,witheventhequickestofS-bends beingdispatchedwithease.

HJC i100 Modular Helmet

£249.99/ www.oxfordproducts.com

My first flip front helmet Great design and I love the drop-down sun visor Plenty of ventilation means you don’t need to worry about your visor fogging up The chin bar can be flipped up and over to the rear for city riding as well.

RST Shortie Gloves

£59.99 / www.moto-direct.co.uk Short summer gloves. Easy to pull on and really comfortable. Great protection over the knuckles and on the base, and there’s also special material on the index fingers so you can use your phone while wearing them.

Sena 50C Intercom

£470 / www.sena.com

Fantastic intercom system, which includes a 4k camera. This allows you to record your ride from your helmet, but you can also take snapshots with it. The mesh system can accommodate multiple riders for up to a mile range, and fantastic sound is provided by the Harman Kardon speakers.

Oxford Mondial Jacket

£289.99 / www.oxfordproducts.com

Great waterproof jacket with pockets everywhere. I wore it through the winter and summer and was equally comfortable in either season, once the lining is removed for the summer Equipped with elbow, shoulder and back armour A great jacket for the price.

Oxford Mondial Trousers

£239.99 / www.oxfordproducts.com

My first pair of textile trousers. They’re really comfortable and come with brace loops to keep them secured over your shoulders. Fantastic for the wet and colder months but you will be hot in the summer despite them having a removable inner lining which you can whip out (though the vents do help).

RST Pathfinder Boots

£169.99 / www.rst-moto.com

I have had a few pairs of RST boots over the years, but these are my favourite. Supercomfortable and properly waterproof, they have zips on both sides making them really easy to get on and off (and there’re double-sided Velcro tabs to make sure they're fitted snuggly). Hard to fault.

Whileitmightbeeasytodismisselectricbikesas impractical,duetoissueswithrangeandacharging networkthat’sstrugglingtokeepupwithgrowingdemand, thatdoesn’tmeantheydon’thavetheirownuniquemerits whichhelpthemstandapartfromtheirpetrol-powered counterparts. There’ssomethingquitespecialaboutbelting throughverdantcountrysideinnearsilence,withnothing butanelectricalwhirrfromthemotorforcompany. There’salottolikeaboutthenear-instantpowerand plentifultorqueontapwhichcantrumpallbutthefastest ofcombustionengines;andthere’splentyofsatisfaction

tobehadfrompluggingyourbikeinattheofficeinthe morningandleavingattheendofthedaywithafull ‘tank’ofjuicewhichyou’venothadtopayfor.It’sthe littlethings…

There’satonofchoiceatthelearnerlegalendofthe market,withbikesandscootersofallshapesandsizes designedtodominatethedailycommute.Butifyou’re a‘serious’motorcyclist,withapenchantforspeed,then you’refairlylimitedwhenitcomestoelectric. Therearea handfulof firmswho’vemadeanameforthemselvesinthe pastfewyears,andoneofthemisEnergica.

TheItalian firmreleasedits firstproductionbikeway backin2013,andoverthepast10yearsit’sbeentweaking, improvingandaddingtoitsrange,creatinganever-growing suiteofbikes(includingaprettycoolpolice-forcespecific model)andbecoming,foratime,thesolesupplierforthe MotoEWorldCup. That’snotabadtrackrecord,isit?

Witharaftofnewbattery-poweredbikesonthewayfrom someofthemoreestablishedmotorcyclemanufacturers, wethoughtitwashightimeweswungourlegsoverapair ofthesehigh-endmachines–andwhatbetterthanitsEva RibelleRShyper-nakedandExperiaadventurer.

WORDS: RossMowbrayandDaveManning PHOTOS: GaryChapman

ROAD

ENERGICA EXPERIA AND ENERGICA EVA RIBELLE RS

ENERGICA EVA RIBELLE RS

A big naked bike might just be the most amount of fun you can have on the road. They offer nearly all the performance of a proper sportbike, but without the wrist-aching, back-braking discomfort caused by being hunched over the front end. Often used for spirited Sunday rides or blasts to a local bike night, they don’t necessarily need to be up for covering big distances – which sort of makes them the perfect choice of weapon for entrepreneurial electric bike builders. That’s probably why Energica’s Eva Ribelle and Eva Ribelle RS make so much sense (or at the very least, more than its brilliant, but baffling, counterpart on the following page).

The Eva’s been in the line-up since 2016; based on the first generation of the faired Ego sportbike It was replaced by the Eva Ribelle in 2020, which was then joined by the Eva Ribelle RS in 2021. RS stands for Reparto Sportivo (that’s Italian for Sport Department), so there’re a few choice bits to help it stand above the standard model, including tweaked engine maps to improve outright acceleration and a stronger O-ring chain to cope with the extra strain.

In the flesh it’s a gorgeous thing,drawing attention wherever you go. It’s definitely Italian in its design, and a quick glance could fool you into thinking you’re looking at an MV Agusta (or even a Bimota). It’s sporty, but surprisingly comfortable. I don’t usually get on that well with anything too

aggressive, but its wide-ish bars, upright riding position and rear-set pegs offer a pretty perfect compromise for both thrashing and tootling.

It's at its happiest when being pushed, though. A twist of the throttle will have the scenery blurry in seconds, and when the going gets twisty, it remains poised and planted (partly thanks to its 260kg of mass), though still relatively flickable for a big lump. You could argue it’s not quite as much fun as one of its petrol-powered equivalents and is missing a bit of the naughtiness of, say, Yamaha’s MT-10 SP or KTM’s 1290 Super Duke R. But its refinement shouldn’t be held against it It feels every inch the premium motorcycle it is, and although its £27,540 price tag is steep, you can see where the money’s gone. There’s plenty of good stuff: Brembo brakes, Marzocchi front forks, Pirelli rubber – and that’s without considering the motor and battery That’s premium, too.

It makes a whopping 171bhp of peak power (which is about 149bhp continuous) and 159lbft of torque, which is more than enough to be getting on with on public roads, thank you very much. That does mean it’s often a bit of a challenge to get the most out of the battery Although the current Ribelle gets a more advanced unit than the previous generation, you’d still struggle to manage many more than 100 miles with relatively swift, but sensible riding

The Brembo brakes are up to the job of hauling the thing up without much trouble, though you’ll need to apply some force if you’re in a real hurry

That said, the adjustable engine braking control (which has four settings to choose from) does help, particularly when on full. There’s also a swathe of additional electronics to keep things in check, including four riding modes and six levels of traction control.

The Energica Ribelle RS is a top-level bit of kit It’s well-built, comfortable, quick and easy to ride For me, it doesn’t go far enough and doesn’t charge quick enough and it’s a little too expensive for my journalist’s wag, too That said, I’m just one person I’m certain there will be plenty (or at least a few) potential punters who have no qualms about splashing that sort of cash and covering those sorts of miles Horses for courses, and all that

ENERGICA EXPERIA

The adventure bike market is massive BMW’s much-loved GS has topped the UK sales charts for years, and head out to any bike night, race day or motorcycle show and I guarantee that a good proportion of the motorcycles in attendance are built for distance Big, comfortable and capable of covering serious miles from a single trip to the petrol station, it’s not difficult to see why But what about an electric adventurer? How does that work?

Well, Energica reckon it’s cracked it with the Experia; an adventure-style bike that’s kitted out with its latest battery technology and electric motor gubbins that’ve been developed through its work in the MotoE championship It certainly looks the part, too, with its 17-inch wheels, tall bars, luggage set and chunky front end. There’s more than a shade of Ducati Multistrada, and that’s certainly no bad thing.

The humming heart of the Experia is its snappilytitled Permanent Magnet Assisted Synchronous Reluctance Motor. It kicks out a fairly respectable, but not earth-shattering, 100.6bhp of peak power (though its continuous rating is a more meagre 78.9bhp) Thankfully, they’re not the important figures. It’s the torque that’s worth writing home about. Almost unbelievably it’s capable of offering a whopping 664lb-ft at the rear wheel. It’s a sensational motor; silky smooth and ridiculously fast, right up to its restricted top speed of 112mph. It’s slightly strange to start with, as I’m

so used to a screaming engine reminding me that I’m being a bit throttle happy Winding it open on the Experia almost feels like you’re in a very realistic video game

The problem with spirited riding is you’re going to drain the battery very quickly Energica claims it’ll manage 261 miles around town, and around 130 miles if you’re belting about on open roads at legal speeds, but I struggled to get even that, managing more like 95 miles while doing my very best to stick to 60mph (aside from a handful of overtakes). Get on the motorway for a bit, and that’s just not going to be good enough. Thankfully, the Experia can be charged in a couple of ways. You can whack it in a normal domestic socket and sit tight for seven hours while it charges from flat or, if you’ve got a CCS fast charger close by, you can top it up flat to full in around 50 minutes.

It handles surprisingly well for such a big lump, carrying its 260kg well as soon as you’re rolling That’s not really a surprise, as there’s some quality kit fitted to the bike, including Sachs suspension and Brembo brakes. It stops well, bounds across bumpy surfaces without too much trouble (despite its slightly stiff standard set up) and is plenty capable of being flicked from side to side through the twisties It rewards smooth riding, though, and a heavy-handed approach to braking and acceleration could find you in a spot of bother on greasy roads were it not for the electronics working hard in the background There’s a lot to play with

Using the smartphone-compatible 5-inch TFT dash you can flick between the 6-stage traction control, seven different rider profiles, four rider modes, four levels of regeneration, and there’s also lean sensitive ABS, cruise control, a ‘crawl’ mode and a reverse

There’s no doubt the Experia is an excellent motorcycle; the build quality is top notch, its motor is phenomenal, it handles well, it’s comfortable, it’s got luggage, cruise control and adjustable screen It’s almost perfect Or it would be if you could ignore the fact that it costs an eye-watering £25,990 (which is cheaper than it was), and in the best case scenario will only manage 100 or so miles from a single charge If I had the money and I wasn’t into big miles trips? I’d be tempted

30 ROADTEST:ENERGICAEXPERIAANDENERGICAEVARIBELLERS

There’snoquestionthatthesetwo areexcellentmotorcycles.Energica knowswhatit’sdoing;it’sbeen racingatthehighestlevel,after all–makinguseoftop-levelriders andthe finestracetracksaroundthe worldtodevelopitstechnologytothe pointit’satnow. Theyacceleratelike nothingelseandhandlejustabout aswellasanyofthepetrol-powered competition. They’rewell-equipped, well-builtandlookprettygood,too.

However,convincingyouraverage puntertospendinexcessof£25,000 onabikethat’sgoingtostruggleto manage100milesfromacharge isalwaysgoingtobeachallenge. Maybe,that’snotwhoit’sgoingfor…?

Maybeit’shappy floggingbikesto select,deep-pocketed,earlyadopters?

That’scool.Fornow.

It’sstillearlydaysinthegrand schemeofelectricmotorcycling. Thetech’sstillexpensiveandthe infrastructure’snotquitethere,but that’sprobablygoingtochange.It’s goingtohaveto.Afterall,it’slooking evermorelikelythatinthenot-toodistantfuturewe’reallgoinghaveto bitethebulletasgovernmentsacross Europe(andthewiderworld)make evermoreconcertedeffortstomeet net-zeroemissionsobligations.

Asthathappens,Energica’sgoing beprettywellplacedtomakeuseof allthegoodstuff it’slearntoverthe pastdecade.

It’lllikelybeupagainstserious competition,though,withsomeof

thebiggestnamesinmotorcycling currentlybeaveringawaybehind closeddoors,designingand developingfuture-proofsolutions inthebackground(andeven workingtogethertocreateuniversal, swappablebatteriesandcharging technology).AsidefromHarleyDavidson(andTriumph…sortof), theoldguardhasbeenabitslow ontheuptakewhenitcomestobig bikes–butoverthecomingyears they’llallbegettinginvolved.Anda bitofcompetitionwouldbegood,I reckon...

Whilemanyhardenedtwo-strokesniffingbikersdismisselectricbikes asimpracticalimitatorsofthereal thing,I’mevermoreconvinced thattheywillhavetheirplaceinthe modernmotorcyclinglandscape (possiblyalongsidehydrogenand syntheticfuels).Ultimately,ifitkeeps meontwowheelsanditdoesn’tcost theearth,I’min.

TECHSPEC ENERGICAEXPERIA

Engine: PMASyncRMelectricmotor

Power: 101bhp(peak)80bhp(continuous)

Torque: 85lb-ft/664lb-ft(rearwheel)

Frame: Tubularsteeltrellis

Suspension: (F)43mminvertedSachs shocks,fully-adjustable(R)Sachsmonoshock, adjustablereboundandpreload

Brakes: (F)2x330mmdiscswithBrembo four-pistonradialcaliper.CorneringABS(R) 240mmsinglediscwithtwo-pistoncaliper.

CorneringABS

Tyres: (F)120/70x17(R)180/55x17

Seatheight: 847mm

Bikeweight: 260kg

Range: 261miles(urban/claimed)

Price: £25,990

TECHSPEC

ENERGICAEVARIBELLERS

Engine: Oil-cooled,permanentmagnetAC electricmotorwithair-cooled,21.5kWhlithium

polymerbattery

Power: 171bhp(peak)144bhp(continuous)

Torque: 159lb-ft

Frame: Tubularsteeltrellis

Suspension: (F)43mmMarzocchiforks, fullyadjustable(R)SingleBituboshock,fully adjustable

Brakes: (F)2x330mmdiscswithfour-piston radialBrembocalipers.ABS(R)240mmrear discwithtwin-pistoncaliper.ABS

Tyres: (F)120/70x17(R)180/55x17

Seatheight: 790mm

Weight: 260kg

Range: 261miles(urban/claimed)

Price: £27,540

It’sabeautifulday…

Welcome…totheONLYplacetobeforbikersofalleras.

Ifyou’reinto thebeautiful motorcyclesand lovelypeople–thenthe Classic Motorcycle Mechanics

Showistheonly placetobethis

October14-15.

IfI’mhonest,it’sthehighlightof mybikingyear…26,000fellowclassic motorcycleenthusiastsmilling around,chewingthefatandlookingat somegorgeousmotorcyclesaswellas aguestofhonour–what’snottolike?

Like ClassicMotorcycleMechanics magazineitself,thefocusoftheshow isallthat’sbestinmodernclassic motorcycling–sothat’sbikesfrom JapanandEuropefromthe1950s throughthe60s,70s,80s,90sandeven intotheearly2000s.

WefollowtherulesoftheVintage JapaneseMotorcycleClub(VJMC)… sowesticktoitsruleof‘anything 15yearsorolder’beingeligibleasa classic. Thismeanstheshowcoversa wonderfulbreadthofmachineryand alloftheseeraswillbeondisplayin themanyhalls.Wemayevenhave somerealvintagestuff ondisplay, sotheshowcatersforalltastesin two-wheeltransport,includingrace machines,manyofwhichwillbe firedupoutsideinthe ClassicRacer Paddock. Thatisarealtreatforthe senses–butdobringsomeearplugs. Ofcourse,it’snotjustaboutthe bikes–it’saboutthebits…Ifyou’re searchingforthatelusivepartforyour specialorrestorationproject,chances areyoumay finditinourautojumble section.Witharound900traders you’resureto findsomethingyou need…orevensomethingyoudidn’t thinkorknowthatyouneeded!

Don’tforgettobringthefamily

SATURDAY

9am BonhamsStaffordSale opensforviewing

too,asthere’splentytoseeanddo, withsomeentertainmentaroundthe showgroundandplentyoffoodand drinkstandstokeepyoufedand fit. Andwhileyou’reatit,andifyou’ve gotafewquidtospend(orevenif youhaven’t),thenwhynotcheckout theBonhamsauction?Okay,some

ofthemachinesupforsalemaybea littleoutofthereachofmostofour pockets,butit’sstillgoodtodream–andwhoknows,maybealotterywin ontheSaturdaynightmaygiveyou thechancetoaddtoyourcollection? Ofcourseit’sthepeoplewhoreally makeshowslikethis,soifyou’re

thereattheeventcomeandtrackme downforachat.Weaimtohaveour 1990s-2000sstandagainthisyearand (ifyou’vegotabikethat’seligible)let meknowon:BSimmonds@mortons. co.ukandwecanmakeitfamous.

So,don’tforget…theshowisover theweekendofOctober14-15atthe

StaffordCountyShowground–that’s ST180BDforyoursat-nav. Formoredetailsoftheevent’s openingtimes,ticketprices,goto: www.staffordclassicbikeshows.com/ october/ BertieSimmonds,editor, ClassicMotorcycleMechanics

10am BonhamsStaffordSaleAuction

10.30am JohnMcCrinkhoststhelive start-upofsomeincredible machinesintheGPPaddockarea

10.30am StannageStuntTeamdisplay

intheMainRing

11am JackBurnicletalksto

HenryCole,AllenMillyardand

Guy‘Skid’Willisononthestagein

theMainHall

11am OwdCodgers’trials

demonstrationsatthe

ClassicDirtBike Experience

11.30am LivemusicbyDaisyBelles

onthebandstand

12pm StannageStuntTeaminthe

12pm

MainRing

JohnMcCrinkhoststhelivestartupofsomeincrediblemachines, plusspecialguestsHenryCole, AllenMillyardandGuy‘Skid’

Willison

12.30pm

1.30pm

1.30pm

2pm

LivemusicbyTheDaisyBelles

onthebandstand

OwdCodgers’trials

demonstrationsatthe

ClassicDirtBike Experience

LivemusicbyTheDaisyBelles

onthebandstand

JackBurnicletalksto

HenryCole,AllenMillyardand

Guy‘Skid’Willisononthestage

intheMainHall

2.30pm StannageStuntTeamdisplayin

2.30pm

theMainRing

JohnMcCrinkhoststhelivestartupofsomeincrediblemachinesin

theGPPaddockarea 3.30pm

12.30pm

HenryCole,AllenMillyardand

2.30pm

intheMainRing

3pm JackBurnicletalksto

HenryCole,AllenMillyardand Guy‘Skid’Willisononthestagein theMainHall

4pm Awardspresentationinthe MainHall

5pm Showcloses

SEE THEM ON STAGE

Tripletreatwithstars ofscreenonstage

TellyteamwillentertainaudiencesonstageatStaffordshow. MeetHenryCole,Guy‘Skid’WillisonandAllenMillyard.

He’sthemanwhohelpsbring classicbikes–andthejoysof ridingthem–tothemasses… andovertheweekendofthe Classic MotorcycleMechanics Showtherewill beplentyofchancestomeet,greet andaskloadsofquestionsofHenry ColeplustwoofhisTVpals.

Therearefewbiggernamesinthe worldofclassicmotorcyclesthan Stafford’sstarguestHenry.

Whetheryouagreewithhis opinionsornot,whetheryoulikehim ornot,inmanywaysHenrydoesn’t care…that’snothismission.

“Idon’tcarewhatpeoplesay,Ijust domythingandputbikesonthe television–that’sgood,right?”he says.

TheTVpresenter– TheMotorbike ShowonITV4hasenjoyed11series andcounting–hasimmersedhimself inhislifelongpassionformotorcycles andthetinkeringandrestoringof vintagemachines.

OldEtonianHenry(hewasthere at‘aroundthesametime’asformer PrimeMinisterBorisJohnsonand hisgreat-greatunclewasWilliam EwartGladstone)hadabackground asanewscameramanbefore movingtoproducingadvertsand documentaries,buthewantedto becomethehost,too. ➜

StarsandCarsfollowed,before seriesonterrestrialanddigital channelssuchasJunkandDisorderly, ShedandBuried,FindIt,FixIt,FlogIt and TheGreatBritishTreasureHunt. Butit’sforthebikeshe’shere,and he’skeentomeetandentertainthe showgoerswhomayhaveseenhimon World’sGreatestMotorcycleRides,or watchedhimandhiscolleaguesGuy ‘Skid’Willisonand CMM’s ownAllen MillyardonITV4’s TheMotorcycle Show. Hesaystheshow’ssuccessis because:“Wedon’ttrytopretendto beanyone.Wearewhoweareand welovetheUK,wherewego,where werideandthebikestoo.Yes,I needtheexperts:Idon’tknowabout rebounddamping,sooftenI’mjust ridingabike,aclassic,oraretroas

justanother‘oldman’,somyviewis probablytheviewofthepeoplewho aregoingtobuyandrideone.

“Youdon’twanttoseeme spannering,aswhatIdoinaweek Allenwilldoinaminute.Instead, Ijustaskthestupidquestionsand makethetea.”

Thethreeofthem,Henry,‘Skid’ andAllen,willbetakingtothestage atvarioustimesacrosstheweekend (checkpage2fordetails)totalk bikes,bikesand…morebikes!Riding, running,restoring,touring,owning, selling,competing;they’llprobably eventalkabouttheworldrecordthat HenryandAllenset.

Allenisalreadywellknownto showgoersinrecentyears,having beenastarguestinhisownright, andofcoursehehasfeaturedmany

timesandcontributedto Classic MotorcycleMechanics.He’sthefather ofmanyanincrediblecreation:think Viper,Honda6, TheFlyingMillyard oreventhatridiculouslybeautiful KawasakiH21000cc,allcraftedin hisgarage.

Finally,Henry’sman-at-arms‘Skid’ willalsobeonthesofa.Havingalso featuredon TheMotorbikeShow, ShedandBuriedandFindIt,FixIt, FlogIt,GuyisoneoftheUK’smost talentedmotorcycledesignersand builders.Justcheckouthiswork inpartnershipwithHondaUKat 5fourmotorcycles.com Theseguysknowtheirbikesand theyknowhowtoentertain…so findthemonstagethroughoutthe weekendandenjoytappingintotheir witandwisdom.

JewelsoftheEast–renownedcollection upforsaleaspartofBonhamsauction

Acollectionofsuperbmotorcycleswhichhasgraced oneofthescene’sspiritualhomesissettogounderthe hammerattheStaffordshow.

Themotorcycledepartmentofwhathasnowbeen rebrandedasBonhamsCarsisofferingtheworld-class collectionofAnthonyREastata‘noreserve’saleaspartof itstwo-dayauction,withmorethan80machinesfromthe impressiveEastcollectiononoffer.

RegularvisitorstotheIsleofManwillbefamiliarwith theA.R.E.ClassicMotorcycleCollectionlocatedwithin thegroundsof TheOldVicarageatKirkMichaelonthe TTcourse.

Attimescomprisingmorethan100machines(including thoseonloan),thecollectionwaslovinglyassembled bythelateTonyEast,whomovedtotheIslandwhenhe retiredin2002.

Alarger-than-lifecharacter,Tonywasbornin1940 andbecamefascinatedbymotorcycleswhilestillaboy, collectingabandonedmachinesleftinpeople’ssheds.He wouldgoontoenjoyasuccessfulcareerintheautomotive partssupplybusiness,foundinghisowncompany,A.R.E. Limited.Manyofthemotorcycleshecollectedcameto himviacontactsinthetrade.

TonywasaregularpresenceatStaffordshows,selling

Highlightsfrom theAnthonyR Eastclassic motorcycle collection

componentsandhydraulicliftsformotorcycles.Anactive memberofboththeVintageMotorCycleClubandFriends oftheTTRiders’Association,hewaspresidentoftheIoM sectionoftheVMCC,organisingandhostingmanyevents athisKirkMichaelmuseum.

FellowmuseumownerSammyMillersaid:“Hewasa greatman.Agreatfriend.Agreatenthusiast.”

Infact,Tonywastheownerofoneofthebestcollections ofTriumphsinprivateownershipintheBritishIsles,allof whichhavebeenmeticulouslyrestored.

Highlightsfromthecollectioninclude:

■ 1938TriumphSpeedTwin,estimatedat £12,000-£17,000.

■ 1937TriumphTiger90,estimatedat£10,000-£14,000.

■ 1938TriumphTiger80,estimatedat£7000-£10,000.

■ 1951TriumphSpeedTwin,estimatedat£7000-£10,000.

■ 1937Triumph6S,estimatedat£7000-£9000.

■ 1935BSABlueStar,estimatedat£6500-£9500.

■ 1937ArielRedHunter,estimatedat£9000-£13,000.

■ 1965BMWR60,estimatedat£7000-£10,000. TheStaffordspringandautumnsalesarethepremier Europeancollectors’motorcycleauctions. Thisweekend’s salewillbestagedovertwodays,withalllotsavailableto viewthroughouttheweekend.

Roarpower...welcometothe GrandPrixPaddock

It’salwaysacrowdfavouriteattheStaffordshows,andthis October’s‘livestart-uparea’–moreofficiallyknownastheGrand PrixPaddock–willbenoexception.

Asalwaystherewillbeahostofsuperbmachinerybeingrevved toyourheart’scontentthroughouttheweekend,butherewepick outthreebikeswhichshouldbeparticularcrowdfavourites:

LesArcher’s1949Norton

LesArcherJr(as someofourmore seniorvisitors willknowhim) wasatopclass nationaland internationalracer primarilyinthe 1950s,competing inavarietyof championships. Likemanyofhis era,Les(whose fatherLeswas alsoaleadingracerofthe1920s)competedinprettymuchany eventontwowheels;arealtalentbothontarmacandthedirt. Anearlyoff-roadsuccesswasISDTgoldin1950,competingfor themostpartwitha250ccVelocettespecialanda500ccNorton, basedona500T.ThiswasthestartofalongNortonassociation. ArcherwentontowintheEuropean500ccchampionshipin 1956. ComingtothepaddockisoneofArcher’soriginalbikes,aManx Norton490cc‘GardenGate’.Thisbikewasriddenbyhimatthe 1949ManxGPandisstillriddeninangerinBritishHistoricRaces andtheLansdowneseries.

MadMaxKwaka

Okay,MelGibsonisn’t comingtoStafford(asfaras weknowfromcheckingthe tickets),nordowehaveJim Goose(thelawmaninmovie classicMadMax).Butwhat wedohaveisafaithfully recreatedexampleofthe JimGooseMainForcePatrol (MFP)motorcyclefromthe 1979cult film.

Goose’smotorcycleisacustomisedKawasakiKZ1000,which isaffectionatelycalledthe‘Kwaka’:apowerfulandruggedbike, reflectingthecharacter’spersonalityandcommitmenttohisduty. ThisKwakarecreationbyPhilC(theUK’sself-proclaimedJim Goose)featuresastrikingpaintjobwithMFPinsigniaandis equippedwithallthegearneededtoenforcethelawinthatpostapocalypticworld.

Notonlywillthisbikebeondisplay,we’resure‘Goose’–orPhil–willbestartingitupinthelivestart-uparea.

Goinggreenwithafeastforyourears

Ifonethinggetsyourmotorrunning,itmightbethisbeastofa bike,theKawasakiZXR400R.

TheStaffordGrandPrixPaddockwillberingingtothesoundof thismachinerevving-upinallitsglory.Notonlyafeastfortheeyes butalsofortheears.

Thebackstoryofthisbikeisprettyspecial,andisoneofreal devotionfromitsowner.Afterlosingeverythinginalorry fire,Tony Griffiths,withthehelpofDerekSmith,builtthebikebackfrom scratchinhislivingroom.

Tonyoriginally turnedupwithjust arollingchassisand anengine,noteven anybodyworkinsight –theycertainlyhad achallengeontheir hands.Assoonasit wasbacktoitsformer glory,thisbeautyhit theNorthGloucester championship competition, finishing insecondplace.

1938Triumph350ccTiger80

1937Triumph600cc6S

1937Triumph500ccTiger90

1937Ariel500ccVHRedHunter

1935BSA500ccW35-8BlueStar

AnthonyREastattheIsleofMan Photo:RichardSowersby/AlamyStockPhoto

Proudprojectsonparade atthisyear’sevent

Withsummerataclose,it’llperhaps soonbetimeforyoutolay-upyour bikeandgetthespanners,spraycans andragsout.

HondaCB7500K1

RayRobinsonboughthis1972 HondaCB7500K1in,well, 1972.Hesolditonin1985to help financeahousebuildand then,30yearslater,discovered thatthesamepersontowhom hehadsoldthebikestill ownedit.

Unfortunatelythebikewas nowinbitsandhadbeenina barnformorethan20years. IttookRaymorethanseven yearstoconvincetheowner tosellitbacktohim,butin October2022hecollectedall bitsremainingandbeganthe painstakingrestorationof theHonda.

Manyhundredsofhours laterthebikewascomplete. Allwecansay,Ray,iswow!

Ifyou’renotworkingonafull restoration,thenperhapsyou’re fettlingyourprideandjoyand tendingtoallthoselittlejobs.Hereis

aselectionofjustfourbikes(private entriesinthemainhall)thathave comeoutofthegaragein2023,and whichwethinkyouneedtocheckout.

SuzukiXR69

NigelGriffithshasfaithfully recreatedaSuzukiXR69.

Hebuiltthebikefrom scratch,usingphotos andhisownintimate knowledgeoftheSuzuki GS1000racebikesthathe wasracingbackintheday.

Nigel’sengineering skillswerebroughtto bearmakingtheframe, swingarm,tank,yokes,

YamahaRD350LC

Whodoesn’tloveaYamaha RD350LC?...andDavid Smith’s1982exampleisjust sublime.

He’sownedthebikefor aroundeightyears,restoring thebiketoconcours conditionstepbystep.But aswitheverytruestroker, hewantedtoenjoyriding theRDaswellasbringingit backtofactorystandard.

Therestorationonlyused newoldstockpartsand

Davidspentalotoftime sourcingperiod-correct

parts(wefeelyourpain David),asmanyofthenew partsavailabletodayare reproductionpartsandare notperiodcorrect.

Alltheplasticbodypanels arenewoldstock,andit alsohasoriginalpaintand theoriginaldecals.

Manyofthepartshave originalmanufacturers’ finishestothemtoo,sothe bikeisprettydamnclose tohowitwouldhavecome fromthefactory. Aproperheadbanger.

exhaust,discsandmany morepartsonthisbeautiful machine.

NotonlydidNigelmake alotofthepartsbuthe actuallyhadtomakemost ofthetoolsandjigstodoit! Whatpowersthisbrute isaGS1000enginebored to1085…andwithevery conceivableupgrade possible.

OnethemainstaysoftheOctober Staffordevent,andcertainlyoneof themostpopularelements,isthe hugenumberofclubsandsocieties thatcometotheshow.

It’snotjustaboutthemembers puttingonincrediblemotorcycle displaysbutalsoaboutthembeing onhandtogiveadvice,helpwith yourrestorationandtalk‘shop’ abouttheirfavouritebikes.

Someoftheclubsarecelebrating thisyearatStaffordandherearejust

afew:

The AircooledRDClub celebrates 50yearsoftheheadbangers’bike ofchoice…yes,theRD–theonly seriouschoiceforachipshopGrand Prix. Theteamwillbeputtingonan incredibledisplayonstandM43A. Checkthecluboutonlinetooat www.aircooledrdclub.com

Theguysatthe BSABantamClub celebrate70yearsofthisincredible model. Thebikethattouchedthe heartsofmanywasaregularsight intheUK,beitontrailsoronthe

roads.Takethetimetocheckout theirstandB115andtakealookat probablyoneofthelargestshow gatheringsofthisgame-changing marquewww.bsabantamclub.com

It’shardtobelievebutit’s70years sincethe firstGreevesmotorcycle rolledoff theproductionline, andmembersofthe Greeves RidersAssociation willbeinthe CompetitionHallwithacollectionof theirfabulousmachinery.

The CossackOwners’Club comes infromthecoldtocelebrateits50th anniversaryasanorganisation,and memberswillbeputtingtogether oneofthebiggestcollectionsof SovietmotorcyclesintheUK. VisitstandB128-129 www.cossackownersclub.co.uk

It’s60yearssincethe Sunbeam Owners’Fellowship cametogether toformaclub,andmemberswill beputtingonaproperbirthday themeontheirclubstand,P6,inthe PrestwoodHall. www.onthebeam.co.uk

BMWR100CaféRacer

Lastbutnotleast,Richard Gibbonswillbedisplaying his1982BMWR100Café Racer.

Theengineworkwas sortedbyrenownedBMW engineerSteveScriminger andthebikefeaturesthe laterBMWK100forks,

Tarozzirearsetsand clip-ons,alongwithmany one-off parts.

ThisBeemerevenhasan almostcompletehistory, includingoriginalsales receiptsrightthroughto Richard’s finishedbike. Whatastunner.

TheJoeyDunlopFoundation isbringingtogetherthebiggest collectionofrace-goingHonda RC45severforthisyear’sOctober Stafford.

Bikesriddenandownedbythe Irishracelegendwillincludehis originalHonda750,asriddeninthe

1994TT–whereheachievedthird placeinboththeSeniorraceand Formula1race.

TherewillalsobeaJimMoodieexRC45;OKIenduranceracers,V&M TTbikes…thelistgoesonandifyou cannametheriderforeachbike, youshouldprobablyjoinMensa!

It’stimetogetoutclubbing…

Flameon!It’sall actionasbike team’ssettostun

Jumps, flamesandexplodingcoffins… justanotherdayatStafford,oritwill bewhenwatchingtheStannageStunt Team.

Theteamisarealfamilyaffair,and thrillsandspillsseemtoruninthe Stannageblood.DadMarkstarted hisstuntcareeratage14in1984, andwentontojoinJamesDylan’s Stuntworld.WhenJamesretired MarkboughtStuntworld International,whilehis sonAaronnowrunsthe StannageStuntTeam. Andtheexcitingline-up providessomebrilliant showsacrosstheUKand beyond,havingperformed jaw-droppingshowsallover EuropeandtheMiddleEast, includingattheMuscatFestival inOman,theGTFestivaland theNationalDayFestival inBahrain.

Butthisweekendthe

ridersaretakingtheirtalentstoThe ClassicMotorcycleMechanics Show. LedbyAaron,whonowhasmore thantwodecadesofexperience (havingstartedatthetenderage ofthree),theteamspecialisesin motorbike,car, fireandhighfall stunts.Aaronhasperformedsome ofthemostspectacularstuntsever seenon filmorTV,andhasdefinitely provenachipofftheoldblock. TheStaffordeventwillseeAaron, Conor,JordanandAmyshowcase theirexpertiseinawiderangeof stuntsandshows,beitquadstunts, rampjumps...andwithafew flames thrownintoo.TheStannageStunt Teamwillkeepyouontheedgeof yourseat!

Checkoutthetimetableofevents (page2ofthisguide)asyouwon’t wanttomissyourchancetowitness thefabulousfeatsoftheteam;an unforgettableexperiencethatwillleave youbreathlessandcravingmore!

Ifyouhaveeverwantedtoaddtoyour collectionwithoneofthemosticonicbikes ofthe1970s,orevenifyouwanttoownyour firstclassicbuthaveneverfoundtheright machineorhadthefinances,thenabrilliant competitionfromtheNationalMotorcycle Museumcouldbeyourchance.

TheacclaimedWestMidlands-based museumisgivingawayasuperb1974 NortonCommando850ccbikeinits summer2023raffle.

Thetopprizeinthemuseum’snewdraw istheimmaculateandoriginalNorton roadsterwiththehighlydesirableAP Lockheedfrontdiscconversion.

Theluckywinnerwillbedrawnatrandom onSunday,October29.Raffleticketsare availablefromthemuseum’sstandinthe mainhall(standM45)andarepricedat£2 perticket.

Butthere’smorethanjusttheNortonup forgrabs,asthesecondprizeisforany Sealeytoolproductstotheretailvalueof £1500tobepurchasedviaTheNational MotorcycleMuseumshop.Thirdprizeisa SealeyTools‘patriot’rollcabtoolcabinet (worth£719.95),withawinner’schoiceof oneoffiveflags–eachofthefourhome nationsandtheunionflag.

Goseethemuseumteam…forjusta coupleofquid,itcouldbeyou!

Time flieswhenyou’rehavingfun,orsothesaying goes.Sodidyourealisethatit’snearlyaquarterof acenturysincetheturnofthenewmillennium? Wheredidthattimego?Youblinkandyoumissit… Well,wedon’tplanonmissingit–anyofit.Inour 1990s-2000shallwewillbecelebratingbikesthat comefromeithersideofY2K;fromthesportsbeasts suchastheHondaCBR900RRFireBlade,Yamaha YZF-R1,SuzukiGSX-Rsofallcapacities,tothebikes thatarethetrue‘comingclassics’ofthetime–those thathavejusthittheVintageJapaneseMotorcycle Club’s15-yearlimit…andthatincludesbikesfrom 2008!(Doesn’tthatfeellikeyesterday?)

Why?Well,it’sdowntoaffordabilityand availability. Thoseclassicsweknowandlovefrom the1960sthroughtothe1980sareprettymuch gone,boughtupbythosewholovethem,and priceshavestartedtogothroughtheroof.Original KawasakiZ1anyone?Foroneofthosewe’relooking attensofthousandsofpounds…andthat’sifyou caneven findone.

Butwhatgoesaroundalsocomesaround,sowe arenowlookingatbikesfromthe1990sandeven theNoughtiesasthenext,richseamofclassic motorcycling.

Alreadyweseebikesfromtheearly1990sposting strongprices,beitalitre-classsportsbikesuchas theHondaFireBladeorevenmodernclassicnaked bikessuchastheoriginalT300seriesTriumph SpeedTriple.Movetowardstheendofthatdecade andthestartofthenextandyou’ll findthingsmuch moreaffordable.

Sothat’swhatwecelebrateinthe1990s-2000shall.

We’llhavearangeofbikesonourstand(ifyou wanttodonateonefordisplay,contact:bsimmonds @mortons.co.uk)aswellasabigtellywitholdraces andvideogamesandmusicfromthetime.

We’rehopingtogetateaurnpluggedin,somaybe poproundforacoffee/cuppaandachatwiththe editorBertieSimmondswho(loo/foodbreaks excepted)willbemanningthestand...manfully…

WE’RETHENEWHOMEFORTHE BACKSTREETHEROES CUSTOM BIKECHAMPIONSHIPSFINAL

Thelong-standingcompetition, hostedbytheoriginalcustombike magazine, BackStreetHeroes,will bearealhighlightofthe Classic MotorcycleMechanics Showat StaffordShowground.

Categoriesinclude:BestChopper, BestCustom,BestEngineering,Best PaintandBestNewSkoolCustom, andthe finalwillshowcasethe‘best ofthebest’custombikesintheUK… chosenfromthousandswhichhave beenenteredatheatscountrywide. Andthere’snobetterplacetoadmire themthanattheworld’slargest classicbikeshow!

MortonsMediaGroup’sexhibitions managerNickMowbraysaid: “Staffordisaboutonethingand alwayshasbeen–it’saboutenjoying motorcycles! TheteamandIare delightedtohostthe finalsofthe BSH CustomBikeChampionships–it’s aperfect fitwhilealsobringinga completelynewelementtotheshow, whichissuretopleasevisitorsboth oldandnewtotheevent.”

TRADESHOUT-OUTSTO….

It’sgreattoseeeveryoneatOctober’s ClassicMotorcycle Mechanics show,butonthispagewewantedtogivesome specialshout-outstoafewofourtradersandexhibitors…

Tyres

AftertheBridgestoneTyresteammetthe StaffordaudienceinApriltheyquickly bookedinforthisOctober’sevent.

Bridgestonehasdeliveredpremium engineeredtyresformorethan90years

Azylum

Aftermorethan35yearsofrunningthe verysuccessfulKawasakipartscompany Z-Power,founderDaveMarsdenhas startedanewsidetothebusinesswhich hehascalledAzylum.

andhasitsheartinmotorcycling. Theteamwillbeonhandallweekend totalkaboutyourtyreneedsand howtomaketherightchoiceforyour machine.

TheyarelocatedonstandonM53inthemainhall. www.bridgestone.com

DistributorMotoGBwillbeattheshow representingprimarilytheBenelli,Keeway,MBP andVOGEbrands.

It’sdefinitelyachancetocheckoutthenew BenelliTRK702,TRK702XandMBPC1002V.Thiswillbeashow exclusiveasit’sthe firsttimethe finalproductionversionsofthese threestunningmachineshavefeaturedataUKmotorcycleshow. PaytheteamavisitintheNaughty90shallonstandS21.

Retailersandautojumblesunite

The ClassicMotorcycleMechanics Showat Staffordisthekingofclassicmotorcycling events.

Withmorethan900tradersonsite, Staffordoffersthebiggestselectionof spares,parts,paints,clothing,registration

plates,oils,lubes,chainsandcarbs;infact justabouteverythingyoucouldpossibly needtogetthemostoutofyourfavourite hobby.

Bothinsidethehallsandoutsideyouwill alsofindthebestmotorcycleautojumblers

ContinuingDave’srealpassionofbuilding bikes,Azylumisgoingtoproducealimited

runofbikes,basedonthe900and1000 Kawasakimodelsbutwithamoderntwist inspiredbythecustomsceneinJapan.

Thebikesareobviouslyoriginal‘Z’models butwithup-to-datebrakes,wheelsand suspensionplusafewperformancemods… butretainingclassicZlooks.

DaveandTrevlookforwardtoyourviewsonthesebikesontheirstand,sogoandsay helloandletthemknowwhatyouthink.SeethemonstandM34inthemainhall.

VintageFlying

VintageFlyingoffersinspiringand memorable flightexperiencesinits1930s opencockpitTigerMothbiplanes.

Theexperiencedteamofpilotsand groundcrewmakedaysmemorablewith flightsoverDerbyshireandthePeakDistrict –asfeaturedontheChannel4showGuy Martin’sLancasterBomber.

Fromshorterlocal flightstotheultimate DambusterExperience–followinginthe footstepsofthelegendary617Squadron to flyoverthedamswheretheydidtheir trainingruns–youcan flyinoneofthetwo

beautifullyrestored1930sTiger Moths(namedMuttleyandPriscilla)and lookthepartin flyingsuit,sheepskinjacket andgoggles.

Treatyourselforbuyagiftvoucher.Therewillbeaspecialshowofferavailable–visitstandM30inthemainhallformoreinformation.

fromallovertheUK.Youjustneedtobrush uponyournegotiatingskills! Fromcomplete,mintclassicbikesto batteredgaragefinds,you’llfindsomuch forsaleatStafford. In2023you’llfindnamesattheshow

suchasHagonShocks,CentralWheels, AndrewSamwaysKawasakiParts, JeffHunterEngineering,RHSpecialist Insurance,HelPerformance,The MotorcycleWiringSpecialistplusmany moremanufacturersandretailers.

beautifully restored 1930s Tiger

Usefulinformation

Tomakeyourdayatthe Classic MotorcycleMechanics Showaneven betterexperience,we’vegotabar,music fromthefabulousDaisyBelles,plentyof seatingaroundthebandstandarea,plus toilets(includingdisabledloos)locatedall acrossthesite.

We’vegotfreeparkingforallincluding, onceagain,disabledparkingareaswhich areclosertothesiteentrances.

Ifyourkidsareagedunder16yearsthey cancomealongforfree.Wehaveplenty offoodoutlets,indoorcafesandoutdoor unitsservingavarietyoffood,teas andcoffees.

Ifyou’renotsurewhat’sgoingonor whereyouare,there’saninformationdesk locatedatthefrontofthemainhallwhere oneofourClassicBikeShowsteamwill beonlytoohappytohelp.

Whenyougettotheshowthereisa freemapandtimetabletellingyouallthe thingsgoingon,oralternativelyyoucan visitthewebsitewww.classicbikeshows. co.ukandyoucandownloadacopy.

■ CheckusoutonFacebookand Instagram@classicbikeshowsandTwitter (X)@classicbikeshowforallthelatest news.

COMMANDO

OurpalsatClassicBikeGuideloveanoldNorton.ButwithanewCommandoonthe market,they’vesteppedintothe21stcenturyandgivenabitofhistoricalcontextto thebrief,manicuredlaunchreports.Here’showtheygoton.

TheNortonCommando.When firstreleasedin1967,ifyou didn’thaveone,youwanted one.Or,asaBSA/Triumphfan, youhatedbutsecretlyadmiredthem. Designedandbroughttomarketin recordtimebytheamalgamatedAMC, thebikewasinproductionforabout 10yearsandwontheMotorcycleNews BestMotorcycleAward fiveyearsin arow.

Ironically,forabikerushed throughthedevelopmentprocess, theWolff Ohlins-designedbodywork wasfuturistictolookat,anditwas innovative,withtheIsolasticengine mounting(anotheraward-winning feature)tryingtotametheancient-butcanted-forwardAtlas-basedengineand swingarmmountedtotheAMC‘box.It wonheartsanditwonraces,intheUK andoverintheall-importantUnited StatesofAmerica–andwouldbecome oneofthebestswansongsoftheBritish bikeindustry.

A finalhurrahfromtheUKwasallthe Commandowouldberememberedfor... untilaprofessionalNortonspecialist

fromthatthereUSA,KennyDreer, decidedtomoveonfromrestoring andmodifyingcustomers’Norton Commandostocreateawholenew model–acontinuation,orwhatcould havebeen,shouldBritishindustry bossesnothavebeensopig-headed andblinkered.

Dreer’sideawasgradual,buying therightstothebrand,thenutilising histeam’sengineeringskillstomake originalCommandosbrake,handle andgobetter,andthenculminating inacompletepackage,theNorton VR880.Basedontheoriginalmorethan the961is,the880stillhad‘80%’new parts.Fewerthan40arereportedto havebeenmade,thoughthereisone attheNationalMotorcycleMuseumin Birmingham.

TheAmericanteamwantedmore. Theydesignedthe961,anall-newbike, includingprototypeswitha270-degree crank.Butitallgottoomuch financially andthestorysadlywentquiet–again.

ThenomadicNortonbrandentered anothernew,chaotic,excitablephase in2007,whenoneStewartGarner

boughttherightstothenameand thedesignstothe961,withaplanto buildtheCommandoinBritain.It wasre-engineeredbyasmallteam basedheavilyontheDreerdesign,the onlyissuesseeminglycreatedbyiffy managementandcash flowshortages leadingtopartssupplyproblemsand inconsistentquality.Quicklyitbecame anightmareformanycustomers,as illegal financialdealingsbyGarnerwere uncoveredthatcostmanytheirbikes, deposits,orevenworse,theirjobs. Anotherchapterended.Again.

In2020anewshiningknightturned up–intheformofTVS. Thefourth largestmotorcyclemanufacturer inIndia,whichalreadymadebikes forBMW,tookashinetothenewlyavailablefamousbrand.AndTVS hasn’ttakenthingslightly.A£10 millionfactoryhasbeenpurposebuiltinBirminghamwith,itseems, endlessamountsofstaff headhunted fromnearbyJaguarLandRover,Aston Martin,Triumph,andevensomeofthe employeesfromthepreviousNorton setup.Butinsteadofworkingwithused

partsandtryingtobuildengineson carpet,thenewNortonhasclean-air roomsforenginebuilds,thorough understandingofsuppliersandwhat ittakestobeaNortonpartner,and extensivetestingandqualitycontrol. Itevenstandardisedthein-houseTIG weldingoftheframes,usingX-ray toseehowpenetrationandstrength wasbestfoundwithwhichsettings andwhichweldingsets.Itismightily impressive,anditrecentlypumped another£100millionin.

Earlyonfrombuyingthebrandand announcingsomeplans,Nortonmadeit clearitwouldtrytohelpthoseaffected byGarner’scrookedwaysifitcould. This meantmakingnew961Commandos, butithadtobeitsway–forpride,brand reputationandlegalliability.Previous reportsoffaults,complaintsandquality controlwerelookedattocompilea hugelistofelementstobe finished better,improved,orevencompletely redesigned.So,whilethebikeyousee heremaylookfamiliar,it’sadifferent beasttoeithertheDreeroriginalorthe Garner-erabikes.

WORDS: MattHull PHOTOS: GaryChapman THANKS: MartynGuest

Fancy reading more cracking features like this one? The good folks over at Classic Bike Guide magazine have got you covered. Jam-packed full of cool stuff about classic motorcycle ownership and restoration; including road tests, buyers guides and workshop tips and tricks, if you’re into old bikes (and are partial to a modern retro), this is the magazine for you

I’ve never ridden a 961 previously but have always liked the idea of Commandos The 961 in photos looks purposeful; the SP we’re trying is the more conservative model (there is a Café Racer model with clip-on handlebars). Being an ageing racer in my own head – well, the ageing part is true – with arthritic knees, that obvious purposeful riding position and head-down notion appeals. Somewhere in between the Triumph Speed Triple and Thruxton would be great, thank you.

Starter sounds like it doesn’t like mornings, or afternoons, but again, a little twist of throttle tempts it into running at a perfect idle. Finding some B roads for cornering pleasure and immediately the Öhlins suspension makes sense It’s a softer spring rate, more suitable than any sportsbike wearing similar gold appendages, and yet still having quality damping and enough support for fun in the bends For a bike of this weight (230kg/507lb) the balance is superb, and those ‘bars, the SP being more conservative of the two models, feel spot-on. Plenty of steering leverage for the sensible geometry, purposeful riding position (for me at six foot) and pegs that feel just where they should be, even with old knees It seems to give the right amount of leaning against the wind of a naked bike, with a little cornering aggression from that position thrown in. I’m using the bike now.

Five gears? Five? The engine doesn’t need six as the spread of torque is enough that you can just use more revs in each gear In fact, all gears, I feel, are perfectly spaced. What it could use, thanks to the feel of the engine, is a sixth gear for cruising, an overdrive: 77bhp is enough for having fun on this bike, for enjoying the Norton experience, and for keeping up with your friends on today’s roads. But it is a noisy engine, with

pushrod noise from its essentially 60-year-old roots, which makes it sound and feel nicer to keep it from being higher up the rev range, so would suit an overdrive sixth... 77bhp is fun, but doesn’t help with pub Top Trumps when your rival has the Triumph Thruxton and its 103bhp vs your Norton Commando But just remember the heritage of that engine

It stems, via some major redesigns including the enormous size increase and a balancer shaft, from the 1960s Yes, it vibrates, and yes, there is a lot of engine noise without ear plugs

I think pushrod clatter But the Commando is now better in every way than any other parallel twin from the 1960s, yet still feels like a traditional twin... a feel the fantastic, if slightly too refined (in this company) Triumph and Kawasaki twins struggle to replicate It feels like my old Ducati 900SS

I’m on to my third plastic tankful of fuel, with about 130 miles safely to a tank And I must say, I like being seen on the Norton. I’m a tart It creates longer fuel stops due to strangers’ intrigue and the questions, ‘Is Norton back, then?’ or ‘I had one of those’ , as well as a few more enlightened

conversations.Itissimilartowhen IhadanearlyHinckleyTriumph–I dreadedtheoldergentwalkingupif Iwasinarush,asIliketalkingbikes, Ilovehearingstories,butoftenjust didn’thavetime.Oh,whilestationary, watchthesidestand.It’snotsuicide earlyDucati,sodon’tworry,butitis farforwardandisafewmillimetres toolong,makingthebikestandtoo uprightformylikingonanything otherthanbilliard-flatsurfaces.Not abiggie,justbeaware,andI’dhavea puckonyouatalltimes.

Qualityof finishisanicetouch whereveryoulook.Paint finishand coachlinesare firstrate,andthe casting,weldingandmachinedparts arebeautifulevenifyouarenotan engineer;eventhe‘they’ll-never-beseen’bracketsare finishednicely. Thiswillhopefullybeappreciated byall,asit’sthequalityanddetails thatpushthepriceup.Andtheyare alittleletdownbytheoddplacingof theregulator-rectifierinfrontofthe

rearwheel,thenumbersonthedials thataretoosmall,andtheoff-theshelfswitchgear.Butthenthesublime stitchingontheseatorthegorgeous Brembobrakesystemcatchesyour eyeandallisgoodagain.

TheNortonCommando961SPis nevergoingtobeeasytojustify.It’s alsoimpossibletojudgethenewTVSownedNortonbyabikedesignedin the1960s,re-engineeredbysomeone elseinthe1980s,re-re-engineered bysomeoneelseinthe1990s,and re-re-re-engineeredbyTVSasits first project.It’slikebeingstep-parentsto akidwhohashadareallybadtime for15yearsandthenyouhavetotry andmakethemabalancedadult,not apsycho.

Butagainstalloddsandnorms, itworks,providingthat’swhatyou want.Willitwinraces?No.Willit giveyouPanigalespeedthrills?No. Willitgiveyouadailyrider?Yes,if itisn’tmonotonousmotorwaysand youlivenearoneofthe fivenewly-

THEORIGINALICON

announceddealers,thenperhaps, butbuyarucksack.Whatyouwillget isanimmersiveridewhenyoupick suitablejourneysonsuitableroads. You’llgetamoreauthenticexperience thanitsrivalscangive,astheyhave beenengineeredtobesmoother, better,faster,butthatremoves anyvisceralfeel.You’llgetperfect real-worldhandling,much-needed reliabilityandthatsuperbsoundtrack. Itisimperfectlyperfect. Isitworththemoney? That’sup toyou,andwhetheryoulistened atschool,wanttospendthekids’ inheritance,orifyouwantsomething different.ATriumph Thruxtonis betteronpaperineveryway,can beservicedmoreeasily,andhas goodresiduals–asecondhandone evenbetter.Butaddacoupleof accessoriesfromthebulgingTriumph catalogueandyou’reinchingcloser tothe£16,999Norton.Anyway,this isanemotionalpurchase,notan economicalone.

InNorwichImeetupwithfriend andstalwartofthegreatand activeNorfolkNortonClub, MartynGuest,withhis1973 CommandoInterstate.His bikeisalsoblackwithgold pinstripes,sothebraceof Commandoslookwonderful together. WeheadoffonalovelyBroad south,Martinleadingonhis Mk1750ccwithaccompanying right-handgearchange.His skinnyAvonRoadridersgive plentyofconfidenceinthe standingwater,withmywide, designed-for-100+bhpstiffer carcassDunlopsandsportyside-of-comfyspringrates notgivingmethefeedbackor confidenceMartinhasinabike he’sownedformorethan20 years.Itistrulywonderfulto seeabikeasoldasmebeing riddeninsuchawonderful manner,inthewet,asitshould be.Afteracuppaandcake, weswapped.Martynwas chompingatthebit,andsowas I–I’veneverriddenanoriginal! TheMk1startedsecondkick –italwaysstarted firsttime forMartinsothat’sdownto me–andneveroncefeltlike itneededablipofthrottle topreventstalling.Iwarned Martynofthelackofsteering lockandnon-returningfootrests butneedn’thaveworried–he lookedathomeaswe wiggledthrougha littlemarkettown withcobblesand tightturns. Itwasstill raining,but Martynwas straightat homeon the961.The light,hydraulic clutchgave smoothgetaways andtightturns, whiletheampleseat gaveapositionhefeltcomfy andincontrolwith.Irelaxed, watchinganexperiencedrider learningandadaptingtoa bikethat,whilesimilarinsome ways,wastotallydifferentto theonehe’djustridden. Meanwhile,attheback,Iwas smilingsobroadlyI’msurprised myhelmetcameoff.Why haven’tIriddenoneofthese? Itfeelsmodern,itfeelssmooth, it’scomfortableanditiseasily intouchwiththemodern flow oftraffic.Isitreally50years

old?Fiveyearsolderthanmy BMW,mucholderthanthatin looks,designandphilosophy, buttheCommandojust convincesyouitcouldeasily fit intothatdailyrunnerrole.

Martynhasaddedanoft-fitted sleevedmastercylindertoaid feel,alliedtosofterfrontbrake padstogivemoreconfidence, butinthewetIwashappywith thedefaulttechniqueof50/50 fronttorear.Theelectronic ignitiongavethatenginea reliable,cough-freedelivery, thoughthevibrationsare muchmorepronouncedthan themodern,balancedengine. Martynrecently fittedanew engineheadsteadywhich, beingbeddedin,should nowberetorqued,so thatmayexplain alittle.Butthat gearboxfeels wonderful, withspacing perfectfor theengine powerjust likethenew model,and theresponseis injection-likeinits smoothness.Iwould preferthenarrowertank totheInterstateone,anda differentsetof‘barscouldbe triedtoangerthat‘chilledout’ ridingposition,butthat’sjusta personalpreference.Iloveit. Martinlikedthe961SP,and likingabikeinhorrendous ridingconditionsissurelyclose tolovingsomethinginbetter conditions.Iwasguttedtogive hisbikeback,until100yards downtheroadIbackedoff forajunctionandheardthose exhaustsburblein-betweentwo tallbuildings.I’machild.

WORDS: Steve Cooper PHOTOS: Mortons Archive

COST-EFFECTIVECLASSICS

AnyDucatiofthelastdecadeisa blendofsymbolism,socialstatus, brandingandhubrisalliedtoa damn finemachine.Owningone shoutsmoneyandstylelikelittle else.Panigales,Diavels,Scramblers, Streetfighters,Multistradasand numerousotherstypifytheBologna team’scleverandstrategicmarketing. OwninganyrelativelynewDucatiis asmuchaboutimageasitisanything else…whichcomesatasignificant cost!Shouldyouwanttosamplethe iconicbrandbutnottakeoutasecond mortgagefortheprivilege,wemight justhavetheanswer.

Background

The900SSanditssmaller750sibling weredesignedtobeDucatisforthe masseswithoutthehissy fit,prima donna,histrionicspreviouslyoften associatedwiththebrand.Graced withtheSSakaSuperSportmoniker thenamewasintendedtoinvokethe firm’srichhistory. Thisharkedback tothemid-1970swhentheoriginal beveldrive750becamean860before morphingintothehugelydesirable, blueandsilver,halffaired900SS–a bikethatoweditsveryexistence tothelegendaryFabioTagglioni–fatheroftheLtwinmotorcycle. The

‘modern’900SSwasaimedatbeinga moreaccessible,lesstemperamental, descendantoftheoriginaliconic machine.

Thebike

Ifyourmotorcyclepurchasingis basedpurelyonstatisticsthenplease feelfreetoturnthepageoverand moveon. The900SSsimplywillnot wowyoubyitsnumbers.Buyinginto theDucatibrand,andespecially sowhenitcomestotheclassics, requiresamorepragmaticapproach. We’renotlookingatmeteorictop speeds,blisteringquartermiles andthelike–ohno.Whatwehave hereisamotorcyclethatperforms inadifferentmannertoanything JapaneseincludingtheNipponese

Ducaticlonesoutthere. Themotor hasauniquesoundtrackpackedfull ofpromiseandwhenyouglanceat thespeedyou’relikelytobehugely impressedbytherateofknots. Deceptivemightbeagoodadjective hereasthetorquecurveisadmirably flat,unlikemanycontemporaryfours. Handlingis firstclassfortheperiod andcertainlynotshabbyevennow. Onceagain,andjustlikethatmotor, youwillbecaptivatedbythewaythat trellischassisgetsyouaroundbends. EventhoughthebikerunsJapanese Showasuspensionpleasedon’texpect plushlevelsofcomfort–thebouncy bitsarestillonthe firmsideofstiff Topendanchorsensureyoucanreign intheexcitementshouldyouneedto thankstotheBremboheritage.

Ducatisareinherentlyunreliable –it’sanadagethat’soverused andgenerallymisinterpreted. The 900/750SSwerebuilttoadifferentset ofcriteriatoyouranodyneJapanese missileandtheyrequireasubtly differentapproach.Regularservicing andpreventativemaintenance arekey.WhereOrientalbikesare moretolerantoilchangesbeing extendedby20%theDucatiisn’t.If thecambeltsneedcheckingand/ orchangingatagivenmileageor agethenthatiswhenyoudoit,ditto valveadjustment.It’slikecomparing aFordTransittoaFerrari–onewill takealotofabuse,theotherrequires regularattention.Andifyoucan’t committhenyouprobablyneedto walkaway.

IfyourbenchmarkisBeemersthen youwillbecruellydisappointed. Ducatislikethesearen’tprimitivebut they’renotespeciallysophisticated either.Veryvaguelyrelatedtothe 851superbike,the900SSispartway betweenaracetrackescapeeanda sportsbike.Ifitwereasteakyou’dbe somewherebetweenmediumand mediumrare.Ifyoulikeyourluxuries theDucatimightjustdisappoint,but shouldyoufancyaclassictrackday bikeonHisMajesty’starmachereitis. UltimatelyowingaDucatiisalot aboutlooksandstyle–theSStwins havebothbythebucketload.Sold 1990to2002,thebikessawamajor revisionin1998withconsidered upgradesfromthenon. TheSuper Lightversionssellforapremium andunlessthey’reamust-have, lookatoneofthemoremainstream models. They’reallsuper-cooland moreandgiveyouthebestofclassic bikeownershipwithDucatiheritage. Stunninglooks,legendaryhandling anda140mphpotentialforsensible money–whatmoredoyouneed?

The‘newer’SSmodelsowealottothe gorgeousoriginal fromthe70s.There’snothingcost-effectiveaboutthisone,though.

Here’soneoftheearly900SSs,satright besidealovelyHailwoodreplica.

FaultsandFoibles

LineageandLegacy

AlloftheDucatimotorsthatfeature belt-drivencamsarederivedfrom theoriginal500Pantahthat first brokecoverin1979–the750/900SS modelsincluded.Withsimpletoothed beltsreplacingthehorrendously complicatedbeveldrivetothecams, Ducatisavedasmallfortunein machiningandbuildcost. Theyalso startedalegendthatcontinuedfor decades,helpedrevitalisethebrand andwoninnumerableraces.It’snot over-exaggeratingthesignificance ofthePantahbysayingitalmost certainlypreventedtheDucatibrand fromgoingunder.Inaveritablesea

ofJapanesefour-cylindermachines theair-cooledtwinswereabreathof freshair.

Whyyoumightwantonenow

UntilyouhaveriddenaperiodDucati Vtwinit’salmostimpossibletograsp justhowgoodtheyare.Forgetyour computerchipcontrolledABS,riding modes,TFTinformationscreens andballistichorsepowers–thisis distilledtwo-wheeledexcellence withoutthevisceralbadmannersof ahighly-tunedmotor. Thenumbers, onpaperatleast,don’tseemstackup tothehypebutoutontheroadit’sa differentmatter.Precisionhandling; moderatemass;asoundtrack likelittleelse;allthatengineering excellenceandhistorycrammed betweentwowheels–thelistjust goesonandon.Oh,anddon’tforget thosedrop-deadgorgeouslooks:lithe, understatedandsimplydrippingin class,nothingelsecomesclose.

TypicalPrices

There’smorethanenoughtogoround sodon’tgopayingovertheodds.A privatelysold900mightsetyouback aslittle£3000,withdealersoffering similarforjust£500more.Youcan payoverourself-set£5000budgetbut probablydon’tneedto.Ifyouwanta bargaingivethe750SSsomeserious consideration;oftensignificantly cheaper,thesmallerengineversion offersacost-effectivewayintoDucati ownership.Buyonconditionand servicehistoryandyouaregenuinely veryunlikelytobedisappointed.Our choice?Asubthreegrand750SSwith freshbeltsandjustatouchofpatina–you’llnotbedisappointed.

Summary

Stunninggoodlooks, peerlesshandling, first-class brakes,thaticonicbrandand alltherightsideof fivelarge ones–what’snottolike?

Ifyoubuyonewithalittle savvy,avoidthemistreated examplesandmaintainitas a900SSor750SSisonly goingtorewardyou.Peel throughbendsliketheydon’t matter,ridethatwaveofV twintorqueandsmile…alot! It’sunlikelythesemachines willgetmuchcheaperany timesoonsobuynowwhile youcan.

1.OILLEAKS

Checkcylinderheadstudsfordamageandintegrity,somewere knowntofail.

2.BODYWORK

Checkconditionforcracksandbadrepairs;inspectmountingsfor signsofbodgery.

3.SERVICEHISTORY

Afranchisedealerorspecialistservicehistoryaddsreassuranceand value.

4.NOISES Enginenoisesmaybefromloosealternators–avoid!

5.CHASSIS Checkforcracksaroundthesteeringhead.

6.CHAINADJUSTERS Sometimesseized,oftenbent.

7.ELECTRICS

Cleanloom,terminal,switchconnectionsthatarefreefrom corrosionmassivelyincreaseelectricalreliability.

“Untilyouhaveriddena periodDucatiVtwinit’s almostimpossibletograsp justhowgoodtheyare.”

SHEENESHINESONAYAMAHA

Asthe1970sdrewtoacloseso Suzuki’sstarburnedeverbrighter. ThesquarefourRG500withits discvalveenginewasbeginningtoembarrass Yamaha.PrivateersonRGswithvaryinglevels offactorysupportwereseriouslysnapping attheheelsoftheTZ500/YZR500riders. The 1979resultshadjustfourYamahasinthetop 20positions–therestwereallSuzukis.Noone backatbaseinIwata,Japan,washappy!

Itmusthavebeenaparticularbitterpillto swallowbutthedecisionwasmadetofollow Hamamatsu’sleadandbuildasquarefour. Outwentthein-linefourmotor,outwentthe piston-portedinductionsystemYamahahad devotedsomuchtimeto,andeventhemuchvauntedreedvalveswentinthebin. Thenew motorforthe1980swasgoingtobeasquare fourwhichmanysawasamassiveclimbdown forYamaha.However,thiswasn’tthe firm’s firstcrackatasignificantlymorecompactfour. Backinthelate1960sYamahahad fieldedthe RA31/31A125andRD05/06250GPVfour bikeswithdevastatingsuccess.Doubtlessthese factshelped,tosomedegree,toassuagethe discomfortoffollowingSuzuki’slead.

Theonethingthefactoryretainedfromthe in-lineTZfourwasthePowerValvetechnology which,ithoped,wouldgiveittheedgeover theRG500s.KennyRoberts’ firstencounter withtheall-newOW54wasatthesecond raceoftheyearinAustriaanditdidn’tgowell withapoorandapparentlyrestrictedpower delivery.AweeklaterinGermanytherewas almosta fightbehindthesceneswithRoberts tellingthefactorygurustheportingwaswrong andthemarguingithadallbeencheckedin Japan.Eventually,formerworld250champion andRoberts’mechanicalguruKelCarruthers machinedthecylinderstocorrectwhatwas perceivedasbadlyconfiguredporttimings. The headJapaneseYamahaguyssimplystormedout thepitsintemper!KRwasprovedrightwhenhe wontheraceandrepeatedthesuccessaweek lateratMonza,butthatwasitintermsofwins forthenewsquarefourOW.

Thenewengineprovedtobeamassof conflictingeffects.Eventhoughithadabetter spreadofpowercomparedtotheoldin-line motor,itsdeliverywasverymuchallornothing. TheAmericanriderfoundithardtoadaptto thenewpowerunit;thehandlingwasn’tideal; andthebikehadahugeappetitefortyres–in Yugoslaviatherearwascookedbyhalfrace distance.Anewframe,carbon fibreforks, revisedyokesandmuchmorefailedtogetthe newmotortodeliverthegoods.Itwasadour seasonforRobertswithannoyingmechanical issues,awrongly fittedbrakepadandevenfood poisoningaddingtothepain.Abouttheonly goodnewsforthe firmwaswhenBarrySheene, nowbackonaYamaha,broughttheOW54 homein firstplaceatAnderstorp,Sweden. The ironywasn’tlostonYamahaeither. Thetwo timesworldchampionhadgainedbothhis titlesonasquarefour–onethatjusthappened tohavebeenmadebySuzuki!

TheVJMC–runbymotorcyclists formotorcyclists.Formembership enquiriesonly Tel: 01454501310

Email: membership_vjmc@yahoo. co.uk Address: POBox1949,Yate,BristolBS370BX

Officehours: Mon-Thurs,10am-4pm(pleaseleavea message)

Words: SteveCooper

Photo: MortonsMediaArchive

You’llhavetobeaprettyseriouscollector andvintagemachinefantodelvearound here.Butfairplayifyouwanttocommute 25milesdowntheA5eachdayona100-yearoldbike…IfweweregoingtopickasuperclassicBMWtoown,itmightaswellbethe R32–BMW’s firstmotorbike.Justover3000 werebuiltinthethreeyearsbetween1923 and1926,anditpioneeredtheBoxerengine andshaft finaldrivestillusedbythe firm today. The494ccmotorhadside-valveheads,

asquareboreandstrokeof68x68mm, 5:1compressionratioandasingle22mm carburettor. Therearsuspensionwasvery simple:therewasnone,whilethefrontwheel iscontrolledbyanattysetofleafsprings. You’llneedtopayseveraltensofthousands ofpoundsforanR32today,ofcourse–ifyou can findsomeonetosellyouone.Moreakin toanarchaeologicalitemthanameansof transport,butatleastyouwon’tlosemuch indepreciation.

ONEHUNDREDYEARS

BMWiscelebratingabiganniversarythisyear.It’sbeenbuildingbikesfora whopping100years.Wethoughtthat’saboutasgoodanexcusetotakethe chancetolookatahandfulofthemosticonicbikesinitsillustrioushistory.

Forthe firstthreedecadesofproduction,BMW’schassis techwasessentiallyasecondaryconsideration.Butinthe 1950stheycatapultedthemselvesforwardswithnotonly ‘proper’swingarmrearsuspensioninsteadofplungers, butalsoaradicalnewfrontsuspensionsetup,the ‘Earles’forks. The1955R50hasthefamiliar494ccBoxer powerplant,nowtunedupto26bhp,andthe‘fullswing’ chassis. Therewerenoneofthefancysuspensionlinkages wehavenow,ofcourse,sotheback-endwouldriseandfall

underacceleration,whilethefront-endwouldalsoliftup anddownwhenbraking,makingforalivelyride(weknow acoupleoffolkthatcouldapplytoaswell!).

Itwasahitbackintheday,butcouldn’tsaveBMW fromtheoverallmarketdownturnthatthreatened theirexistenceattheendofthe1950s.Todayitmakesa handsome,usableuber-classic,onceyougetusedtothe wackyhandlingofthefull-swingchassisandmarginal drumbrakes.

1960s:BMWR69S

Nowwearetalking,ja? TheR69S isarguablythe firstmodernBMW intermsofengineperformance, making42bhpandalmosttouching 110mph flat-out. Theenginehad beentweakedrightupwithbigger valves,morecompressionand largercarbs–indeed,early1960 bikeswouldeventuallybreaktheir crankshaftswhenrunathighrpm. Avibrationdampersortedtheissue, andtheR69Sgotbetterallthrough thedecade.

Thechassiswasstillthe‘full swing’setupinEurope,butthe USgottelescopicforksinstead, strangely. Theforkswerelighter thantheEarlessetup,withless steeringinertia,andwereamuch betterrouteforward.Indeed,the Earlessetupwoulddisappearat theendofthe1960sandBMW wouldusenormalforksupuntilthe Teleleverfront-endappearedonthe 1993R1100RS.

A1968USimportR69Sthen?As aneverydayrunneronthehighways andbywaysofBritain?Inthis economy?Whythehellnot–you’ll needaround£10,000…

Words: AlanDowds Photos: BMW/MortonsArchive

Inter-warperiod:BMWR32

1950s:BMWR50

1980s:BMWR80G/S

Theoriginalandbestadventure-sportmachine –theG/SstoodforGelände/Straße,oroff-road/ roadconcept–anditdebutedin1980lasting untilaround1987. Themotorwasa797.5ccaircooledBoxer,aspernormal,withonlyaround 40-50bhpthereand41lb-ftoftorque.

RumourhasitBMWtesterLaszloPereswas intooff-roadingandcobbledtogetherhis ownBMWtoenterintoevents.Itbecamea petprojectandwassatinonecornerofthe developmentareawhenthebigbossescameto talkaboutnewmodels–theyspotteditandthe restishistory.

By1987thenamechangedtoR80GSandthe MonoleverwasreplacedwithaParalever–the 980ccR100GScamealongthatsameyear. Thesewouldthemselvesspawnthe1100GS of1994andlater1150and1200modelsad infinitum!

Tosaythisbikehasbecomeastyleiconanda legendisanunderstatement,withBMWmakingtheir ownhomagewiththeirUrbanNineT.Butaswesay, originalisbestandyou’llspendquiteafewgrandjust findingaroughonetorestore…

By2004,whentheR1200GSwaslaunched,that two-lettersuffixhadalreadybeguntotakeoverthe bikeworld,inEuropeandtheUSatleast. TheGelande/ Strasse,oroff-road/roadconcept,wasnowaproven recipe,andwhiletheadventuretouringclassdidn’t dominatein2004thewayitdoesnow,theGSwasstill amassivesellerforBMW. Thebigoil-cooledBoxer wasnowan1170ccunit,making100bhp,butitwasthe

weightlosscomparedtoitspredecessorthe1150GS thatmadethedifference.Itwasstillabitofachunkster at199kgdry,butthatwas29kglessthanbefore. BMWwerebeginningtobringoutsomeuseful practicaltechbackthen,andstuff likeatripcomputer, advancedABS,heatedgripsandintegratedsat-nav wereallcommon fitments. The2008bikessawthe introductionofelectronicsuspensionadjustmentand morepower(upto107bhp),plusupdatedABSand anadvancedtractioncontrolsetup.Awell-sorted oneofthesewilltakeonjustaboutanymodernADV machinetodayandpricesarearound£3000-£7000.

2000S:S1000RR

BMW’sS1000RRsuperbikewassuch amilestoneinthe firm’shistorythat it’sworthinclusionhere.Firstseen in2008asaWSBKprototyperacer, theSthou’isprobablythe firsttime thatateamofBMWengineerssimply tookthedirectdesignroute. The newsuperbikehadaninline-four 16-valveDOHCengineinatwinsparaluminiumframe,withabeefy bracedrearswingarm,monoshock suspension,upside-downfront forks,triplediscbrakes–andchain finaldrive. They’dresistedthe corporateurgetoslipinsomeweird bollockssomewhere:everythingwas conventional,andusedbasicallythe samelayoutasthebestsuperbikes fromJapanhadbeendoingsincethe 1998YamahaR1. WheretheS1000RRdidstandout (apartfromitsquirkystyling)wasin itssheerperformance.Onjustabout everymetricitmatchedortopped theclassleaders–includingprice. Addonahigh-endrangeofrideraids, includingafactoryquick-shifter,Race ABS,‘Slick’powermodefortrackuse andmuchmore,andyoucanseehow BMWwentstraighttothetopofthe ‘road-goinglitresuperbike’class. Thatwasunderlinedin2014when MichaelDunlopwonBMW’s first SeniorTTracein75yearsonthe S1000RR,followinginthetyretracks ofGeorg‘Schorch’Meier’s1939

WANTTOKNOWMORE?

Nowthisisn’tacomprehensivelist. BMW’sbuiltplentymoreseriously specialbikesthanjustthese.But ifyouwanttoknowmore,thenAl Dowdshasactuallygotabookouton thisverysubject.BMWMotorcycles: 100Yearstakesaproperin-depthlook

atBMW’slonghistory;beginningwith side-valvemachinesinthe1920s,right throughtothelatestparalleltwins,and inline-fourcylindersportbikes.From the firstR32thatlaunchedBMW’s motorcycledynasty,tothelatest S1000RRsuperbikeandR18mega-

victoryontheType255Kompressor machine.

Now,anearlyS1000RRisstilla totalweapon,onroadortrack.Sure, laterbikeshave30-40bhpmore, pluswings,andevermoreadvanced electronics,butthat firstgeneration bikewillalwaysbeinfashionthough, wereckon…

Partialtobuying,ridingand rebuildingoldbikes?CMMis theone-stopshowforallthat goodstuffandplentymore. Whipoutyourphone,scanthe codeandbaganissuenow.

cruiser,ifyou’reintoBMWthenthis isthebookyouneed.Tapthename intoyoursearchengineofchoiceand you’llbeableto findacopyeasy.That said,thegoodfolksatNippyNormans arecurrentlystockingit.Maybetry there first.

Adventure-stylescootersarebigbusinessin2023. We’vetestedabunchofthemalready–buthere’s ourfirstCBT-friendlyonefromTaiwanesefirmSYM.

WORDS: ChrisBailey PHOTOS: GaryChapman

SinceIwasateenagerand firstknew thatIwantedtogetontwowheels, Iwascertainscooterswouldn’tbe forme.It'snotthatIhadanything againstthemspecifically,butinmy eyestheycouldn’tholdacandle toagoodoldgearedmotorbike. However,asIstartedridingmoreand moredifferentstylesofbike,Ifelta growingdesiretoexperienceascooter formyself–toseehowdifferentit wouldseem,andwhatsortofriding experiencetheyprovide.Sowhenthe goodfolksatMotoGBofferedtolend usthenewSYMADX125,Ijumpedat thechancetogetacquaintedwithmy first-everscoot.

SYM(orSanyangMotorforanyone lookingtogettechnical)havebeen developingwell-builttwo-wheeled ridesforover60yearsfromtheir headquartersinTaiwan.Mostoftheir stableare50-500ccscooters,although theyhaveexperimentedwithafew low-capacitybikes,too. TheSYMADX 125isoneoftheirlatestofferings.

Ihavetosayitlooksgreat–whether Iwasattheofficeorpullingupatthe shopsIhadasteadystreamofpeople cominguptodiscusshowtheADX looked.Startingatthefront,itsports twosleek,angledLEDheadlights underitslong,jaggedwindshield whichsheltersthe5”screenwhich providedalltheinformationyou’d needinacrystal-cleardisplay,your speed(alwayshelpfultoknow), mileagedoneandcurrenttime (althoughthiscanbeswitchedtotrip milesinstead).

Thedisplayalsohasanautodimmer functionmakingsureit’salwayseasily visible,andevenhasanautomatic day/nightscreenwhichswitches automatically.Movingontothe handlebars,themirrorswereagreat heightandsomeoftheeasiestI’ve hadtoquicklygetbackintoposition whenthey’vebeennudged,andlikeall scootersithasarearbrakeleverwhere theclutchwouldbeonagearedbike–meaningwithnogearsto flickbetween andnobrakedownlow,yourhandsdo allthework.

Underneaththehandlebarsonthe left-handsidethere’sagloveboxwhich canhandily fitanythingyoumight needeasyaccesstowhilstoutriding, althoughthisissimplyapushtoopen/ shutmechanismwithnolock.

Ontheright-handsidethere’sa USBsocketforchargingyourphone/ satnav,withthekeylessignitiondial

underneath,whichalsoopensthefuel capandunderseatstorage(moreonthe keylessignitionlater).

Theseatwascomfyandprovided agreatuprightridingposition,with longfootboardssoyoucanplace yourfeetinwhateverpositionfeels mostnaturaltoyouwhilstriding.It’s actuallyprettyroomyfora125.

Quiteoftentheselearnerlegal scootsarealittlecosyforanyoneof slightlylongerproportions,butthat’s

notthecasewiththeSYM.

Theunderseatstorageprovideda decentamountofspaceforpicking upafewgroceriesortransportingany day-to-dayitemsaroundyoumight needwithoutneedingtowearabag. Couldyou fityourhelmetinthere? Potentiallyifyouhadasmallone; mineisaLargefullfacenumber,and whilstwidth-wiseit fittedinperfectly, unfortunatelythestoragewasn’tquite deepenough.

Frommy firstjourneyIwas surprisedbyhowmuchfunthe ADXwastoride.Its4-stroke, single-cylinderenginekicksout ahealthy12bhp–anditpicksup speedquickly,withenoughpepto allowforwell-plannedovertakesat nationalspeedlimits,windingon outofsharpcornersorboundingup steepinclines. TheADX’senginealso hasthepopularauto-off function forwhenyou’restationary,which isagreattouchwithaneyeonfuel efficiency(althoughit’sabitofa surprisewhenthe firsttimeitcutsout atthelights).

Thebrakesconsistofa260mm frontdiscand230mmreardisc,both ofwhichhaveABS.OnceIgotused totherearbrakebeingoperatedoff thehandlebars(whichwasabitof atransition),Ihadnoissueswith thebrakes. Theyhandledgreatina numberofsituations.

Asitsnamesuggests,SYMreckons theADXisnot‘just’acommuter scooter. Theysaythatit’scapableof handlingroughandsmoothterrain withequalease–andwhileit’s difficulttoimaginethescooterbeing trulyathomeontheroughstuff, thedual-purposetyrescrossedwith asuspensionsystem(madeupof telescopicforkswitha90mmstroke onthefrontendandthetwinshock witha43mmstrokeattherear)made foranenjoyableridewhetherIwas cruisingalongstraightsandbobbling overchewed-upTarmac,orthrowing itaroundcornersonthecountry roads.AndIdomeanthrowingit

around–leaningthisscooterover feelsabsolutelynatural,andasa relativelynewriderIfoundmyself bankingfurtheroverthanIhaveon someofthebikesI’vetestedrecently. That’satestamenttohoweasyitisto ride.It’sajoyroundtown,too. That’s whereitmakesthemostsense–and gettingthebestoutofitspunchy motortobeattrafficatthelightsand nippasttraffic,whilstexploitingits slenderphysiqueto filterthroughtight gaps,isarealpleasure.

Fornightriding,youcan’tgowrong withtheADX’sheadlights. TheLEDs lituptheroadperfectlyondipped beams,tothepointwhereswitching tofullbeamalmostfeltlikeoverkillon alotoftheroadsItookiton.While onthesubjectofequipment,let’s talkaboutthekeylessignition. The ADXsportsSYM’skeylesssystem2.0, whichworkswell.Mostly.

OnemajorgripeIhadwasthe unendingbeeping.WhileIappreciate it’sdesignedasasafetyfeatureto makesureyou’reawarethatyou’re withinrangeandtheADXisstill unlocked,it’salittletooeagerformy liking,beepingeveryfewseconds. Thatmeansthatwhenyougethome andswitchoff,thebikebeepsatyou theentiretimeyou’reputtingyour variouslocksandsecuritymeasures on.Lockingthebikedoesstopthe beeping,butthenyoucan’ttouchthe biketoputyoursecuritydeviceson withoutitangrilybeepingatyouas asecuritymeasure.Smallissue,and notenoughtoputmeoff –butworth mentioningnonetheless.

TECHSPEC SYMADX125

Price: £3999

Engine: 125cc4-stroke,singlecylinder

Power: 12bhp

Transmission: Automatic

Suspension: (F)Telescopicforks(R)TwinShock

Brakes: ABS,(F)260mmdisc(R)230mmdisc

Wheels/Tyres: (F)120/70-13(R)130/70-13

Seatheight: 810mm

Weight(empty): 150kg

Fueltank: 15.2litres

Contact: www.motogb.co.uk

Anotherthingthatisworth mentioningaboutthekeylessignition isthatifyou’reridingalongandyou somehowmisplacethefob(and unfortunatelyI’mspeakingfrom firsthandexperiencehere),thebikewon’t cutout.You’llstillbeabletorideit whereveryou’regoing,butonceyou turntheignitionoff youwon’tbeable tostartitagainuntilyoulocatethe keyorgetthespareout.You’llonlydo itonce,though…trustme.

WhileImightnotbeascooter convertjustyet,Icandonothingbut singtheSYM’spraises.It’swellbuilt, wellequippedandwellworththe money.It’scurrentlyavailablefor £3999andwhilstthat’spricierthan plentyofothermodelsonthemarket fromlessestablishedbrands(and maybealittletooclosetosomeofthe bigger,moreestablishedcompetition, whichfrequentlytopthesalescharts), there’snodoubtthattheADX125is oneofthebestputtogetherbitsofkit I’veriddensofarthisyear.Asidefrom aslightlyover-eageralarm,itreallyis hardtofault.Ifyou’reinthemarket foranewlearnerlegalscooter,then it’swellworthacloserlook.

HOW TO U-TURN

When you first get your licence, practicing U-turns is probably pretty low on the list of things you want to be doing. But while riding into the sunset may be the dream, there will come moments in your biking life when you need to do a U-turn, and you don’t want that to turn the dream into a nightmare.

Executing a perfect U-turn is a muchneglected skill among both new and experienced riders, simply because very few riders bother practising it But we want to change that, because it’s a skill that can make the difference between a clumsy 12-point turn and a smooth and confident swoop.

Knowing how to do a U-turn properly can also keep you safe if you need to do the manoeuvre in traffic.

Common mistakes

The biggest mistake with U-turns is not practising them. It’s simple enough to find a quiet space to practice, but make sure that the area is safe without any other traffic giving you a fright mid-turn.

The good thing about all of this is that you are not alone. Even advanced riders often struggle with slow-speed riding and U-turns. Not many want to admit it, but if you spend any time at a biker café or a bike night, you will see plenty of examples of riders awkwardly pedalling their bikes back and forth.

Remember that not all bikes turn the same. How easily and tightly you can perform a U-turn will depend on the steering lock, centre of gravity, riding position, etc., but with practice you will be able to turn any bike.

And remember this: Don’t be a hero. A little dab of your foot to the ground to keep things smooth is fine. This is not a test, and a foot on the floor is better than a bike on the floor But with a bit of practice, you won’t even need that dab.

How to get it right

There are three key elements to doing a spotless U-turn. You need to concentrate on what you see and feel, and most importantly, believe in yourself.

Look around you for traffic and hazards. Once you’re happy that it’s safe to go, do a lifesaver check over your shoulder, then look where you want to go, not where the front wheel is. Scan your surroundings so you can take the largest safe radius for your turn.

Take your time when preparing, and make sure you’re happy with everything before you commit to the turn. You don’t want to end up rushing or panicking during the manoeuvre. Feel the throttle, clutch and rear brake They are your friends for slow riding If you have plenty of space and you are not going too slow, you can do a U-turn just on tickover without the other controls, but if it’s a tight turn or you need to go really slow, slipping the clutch and applying light and consistent rear brake makes the bike more stable and easier to turn You also need to up the revs as you pull the clutch in and apply the rear brake – you will feel when you hit the sweet spot as the bike moves forward steadily and feels stable The revs may sound a bit high, but you need that so you don’t stall, and the spinning parts in the engine add to the gyroscopic forces helping you to stay upright DO NOT touch the front brake, it’s too sharp for U-turn control Moving your body slightly may help a little, but this depends on your weight, and the weight and shape of the bike As a general rule, moving slightly to the outside of the turning arc can help balance the bike Believe in yourself – you got this! As with most things, success partly depends on you being confident about your riding, and you can only truly be confident when you have practiced the manoeuvre so much it becomes second nature. If at first it seems difficult to get it right, don’t despair, repetition and practice will get you there.

And don’t forget…

Practice the turns both ways. In the UK the majority of your U-turns will be right-hand turns, but there are times when you need to turn left, too, if the traffic layout is unusual (roadworks, etc.); you are off the public roads; there are hazards or other reasons to make a left-hand turn preferable. And, of course, if you head out to Europe, you will be riding on the right, and doing the U-turns to the left. When you do your bike test, you will need to keep your feet on the pegs for the U-turn. Once the test is done though, there are no prizes for not touching the ground, so don’t be afraid to have a little dab to help keep your balance. Try to do the turn with your feet on the pegs, but be ready to put the foot down early if needed – if you leave it too long, the bike will be more difficult to stop from falling

It’s not the sexiest move you can pull on two wheels, but mastering the technique will get you out of many a sticky situation…

LEARNER LEGAL: RIDER SKILLS

THE EXPERT

Nick Brown, Phoenix Motorcycle Training

Nick has been an instructor with Phoenix for six years, and involved with motorcycle training for the last 25 years, covering all aspects from CBT and DAS to advanced post-test training Before joining Phoenix, Nick was a serving police officer for 30 years, with motorcycling playing a major role in his work, including being a lead member in the Special Escort Group, ensuring the safety of senior royals, government ministers and visiting heads

of state He was also a key influence in the creation of BikeSafe London which is now a nationwide recognised scheme Part of Nick’s role within Phoenix is also being a key member of its inhouse instructor training and development programme, ensuring each and every instructor, new and old, is at the highest level Nick currently rides a Suzuki V-Strom for training and enjoys European tours on his Harley-Davidson

PHOENIX MOTORCYCLE TRAINING

Phoenix Motorcycle Training is the UK’s largest motorcycle training provider, with 22 local training centres. The company provides high-quality courses delivered by fully-accredited instructors, and is designed to meet a range of customer needs, from complete beginners to experienced riders.

Tel: 0330 223 4000 / Email: bookings@teachmetoride.co.uk Web: phoenixmotorcycletraining.co.uk

SPECIALISTSPOTLIGHT: BBLBATTERIES

Batteriesarebigbusinessinmotorcycling-and they’reabouttogetbigger,asgovernments encourageatransitiontoelectricvehicles.That’s whywethoughtitwastherighttimetositdownwith expertsBBLBatteriestotalkshop.

In1972husbandandwifeteam JacqualineandGrahamBultitude decidedtostarttheirownbusiness, havingobservedthattherewere‘X numberofpeoplelivinginBristol, andtheyownXnumberofcars, they’llbelookingforXnumber ofreplacementbatteries’.Bristol Batterieswasborn.Operatingfrom BristolwithitsownlabelAvon battery,thebusinessstartedtogrow atarapidrate,whichsoonprompted amovetolargerpremises.

Inthelate70s,BristolBatterieswas oneofthe firstcompaniesintheUK tobecomeadistributorforpremium batterybrandVarta,closelyfollowed byadistributioncontractwithYuasa. Theserelationshipscontinuetoday, asBBLBatteriesisoneofYuasa’s largestUKcustomers.Overtheyears, itacquiredothersuccessfulbattery specialistsandexpandedto five branches,offeringtestingand fitting facilitiesplusvastshopareasfor customerstoviewitshuge productrange.

The2000ssawa movetoalarger headquarters(still inBristol)and theopeningofits e-commercefacility, andtherenaming ofBristolBatteriesto BBLBatteriestoreflect itsgrowinginternational presence.Today,BBLhas acustomerbaseofover5000, shippingthroughouttheUK,Europe andFarEast.

GrahamBultitude,founderof BBLBatteries,said:“BBLBatteries, formallyknownasBristolBatteries, wasfoundedin1972withthe intentionofsupplyingpremiumqualitybatteriesandassociated productsacrossawiderange ofsectors.Fiftyyearslater,BBL Batteriesisstillgoingfromstrength tostrength,whichIputdowntothe factthatwehavealwaysstucktoour coreprinciples:premium-quality

products,superiorcustomerservice, andprovidingfantasticvalue.”

Withpremiumbrandsand numerousnicheproducts,notto mentionitsownon-siteNiCadpack buildingfacility,andover48years’ worthoftechnicalandspecialist knowledge,BBLBatteriesremainsa favouriteamongcustomers.

That’snotall.Itssistercompany BUEnergySolutionsoffers afull-servicerenewable energyconsultancy, findingwaysof reducingenergyusage andcarbonfootprint. Itcoversthefull rangeofrenewable energysystemsand servicessuchassolar, wind,batterystorage, LEDlighting,EVcharging pointsandCHPsystems.

WHATDOESITCOST?

Therangeisvast,encompassingcar, motorcycle,leisure,mobility,marine, golfandcommercialbatteries.In addition,BBLstockschargers/ inverters,testingequipmentanda hostofotheraccessories.Asarough guide,motorcyclebatteriescostfrom £9.46+VATto£227.62+VAT.

WHEREARETHEY?

Stickingtoitsroots,BBLBatteriesis stillbasedinBristol,withbranchesin Exeter,Plymouth,SwindonandTruro.

ALOOKTOTHEFUTURE

Normally,aboutherewewouldbelookingata productreview,butYuasaisalreadyknownasthe toprangebikebattery(they’reinboththebikes inthePickettgarage–andmylatefatheralways usedAvonbatteriesinhiscars),sowe’regoingto dosomethingabitdifferent.Withtheautomotive industrytakingrapidstepstowardselectrification, whobettertospeaktoaboutthepotential challengesofthechangingworld…?

Howdoesitseetheelectricvehiclesegment developing,especiallygiventheGovernment mandateforpavingthewayforelectriccarsby 2030andconventionally-fuelledmotorcycles tobeginphasingoutfrom2035?Also,thetwo bigissuesoftenrolledoutbythemotorcycle communityarerangeandchargetime.Howdoes BBLthinkthesectorcanaddresstheseissues?

“Asbatteryspecialists,webelievethatthe batteryindustryisonthebrinkofasignificant transformation.Inthecomingyearstherewillbea shifttowardscleanerandmoresustainableenergy sources,andthebatteryindustrywillplayacrucial roleinthistransition.

Oneofthemostsignificantdriversofchangein thebatteryindustryistheincreasingdemandfor electricvehicles(EVs).EVsarebecomingmore popularduetothegrowingconcernaboutthe environmentalimpactoftraditionalcarbon-based fuel-poweredcars.Asaresult,weexpecttoseea significantincreaseintheproductionofbatteries specificallydesignedforEVs.

Inadditiontotheshifttowardscleanerenergy sources,thereisalsoagrowingfocusonbattery recycling.Asmorebatteriesreachtheendoftheir usefullife,itbecomesincreasinglyimportantto recyclethemtorecovervaluablematerialssuchas lead,lithium,cobaltandnickel.

Anothertrendweexpecttoseeisthe developmentofnewbatterychemistry.While lithiumbatteriesarecurrentlythemostwidelyused

typeofbattery,thereareseveralothertypeswhich havethepotentialtoofferbetterperformance andlowercosts.Forexample,solid-state batteries,whichuseasolidelectrolyteinstead ofaliquidone,couldofferhigherenergydensity andimprovedsafety.Therearealsopromising developmentsin flowbatteries,whichuseliquid electrolytestostoreenergy.

Thereareseveraltechnologiescurrentlybeing developedthatcouldpotentiallyincreasethe rangeofelectricmotorcycleswhilereducing chargingtimes.

Improvedbatterytechnology:Advancesin batterytechnologycouldsignificantlyincrease theenergydensityofbatteries,allowingelectric motorcyclestogofurtheronasinglecharge. Additionally,fasterchargingtimescouldbe achievedthroughimprovementsinthechemistry anddesignofthebatteries.

Wirelesscharging:Wirelesschargingsystems thatcanchargeelectricmotorcycleswithoutthe needforcablesarecurrentlybeingdeveloped. Thistechnologyuseselectromagnetic fieldsto transferenergybetweentwoobjects,whichcould makechargingmoreconvenientandfaster.

Rapidcharginginfrastructure:Thedevelopment ofhigh-poweredcharginginfrastructurethat canquicklychargeelectricmotorcyclesisalso underway.Thiswouldenableriderstoquickly chargetheirmotorcyclesonthego,similarto refuellingagas-poweredvehicle.

Lightweightmaterials:Theuseoflightweight materials,suchascarbon fibre,couldhelpreduce theweightofelectricmotorcycles,makingthem moreefficientandincreasingtheirrange.

Overall,thecombinationofthesetechnologies couldleadtosignificantimprovementsinthe rangeandchargingtimesofelectricmotorcycles, makingthemamoreviablealternativetogaspoweredmotorcycles.”

WORDS: BobPickett PHOTOS: BBLBatteries

Biker-friendlyguide

Soyouenjoygettingoutandaboutinthe latesummer...kidsarebackatschool,you havefreedomtoridethoseroads,feeling yourbikerunbeautifullyandwatchingthose lateseasonbugssplatonyourvisor.Onyour ownoraspartofagroup,it’swhatwelivefor.

We’resureyouwillhaveyourfavourite route,butifyouarelookingforafewideas onwhereelsetogo,whattodo,wheretochat tolike-mindedfolkandperhapsjusthave agreatbrewataplacewhichguaranteesa warmwelcome,thenthisisthepageforyou.

Youcanalways findsomeinteresting roadstoandfromanyofthesegreatvenues, andit’salsoworthbearinginmindthat whenyougetthere,chancesareyou’ll find somefellowbikerskeentochataboutyour machine,yourroute...andsharetheirown experiencestoo.

Asyoucanseefromthemap,thereare cafes,barsandvenuesallaroundtheUK whichareperfectforavisit.

Sogoon,supportthesevenueswhichlove theirbikers...getoutthereandpaythema visit,youwillnotbedisappointed!

CLASSIFIEDS

ForSale

BENELLI 900SEI,1989,MarkIV, creamandblack,dryoccasional summeruseonly,justturned over9000miles,extrasinclude stainlesssteel6into6exhaust system,oilcooler,Sasche electronics,upgradedshock absorbers,Germanbuiltcrash bars,oil&filterjustchanged, privatenumberplateassigned notincluded,willrevertto originalFnumberforyear.

FeaturedinPracticalSportsbike inJune2018,£17,000nooffers

Tel.07856244647.Doncaster.

BSA GoldenFlash,1954,show winningblack650cctwin, bufflogbookandV5C,first kickstarter,verygenuinebike, runningwell,photosavailable, freedeliveryarranged,£5950 Tel.01723372219.North Yorkshire.

HONDA C90,1992,(Kreg), 10,000miles,oneyearsMoT, electricstart,Titaniumplug, recentservice,lovelycondition, £2100Tel.07976218061.

Suffolk.

HONDA CG125,1991model, 12voltelectricsandCDI ignition,enginerunsOKandall electricswork,£750ono,cash oncollectionpreferredTel.Syd 01229465311;07939430576. SouthCumbria.

ROYALENFIELD Crusader, 1962,red/blackpaintwork, newpartincludetyres,Hagons, seat,speedo,liftinghandle, lightweight,250cc,single cylinder,immaculatecondition, readytoride,photosavailable, V5C,freedeliveryarranged, £2950Tel.01723372219.North Yorkshire.

TRIUMPH BonnevilleT100,blue andwhite,cruisecontrol,centre stand,chromerack,Hagon suspension,fullMoT,excellent condition,£6750Tel.07762 342975.

HONDA CB1100RS,SW-Motech blackcrashbars,£80genuine Hondarearchromecarrier £175Tel.Phil07806701122.

Hornchurch.

HONDAX-ADV 2017onwards, K&Nairfilter,partnoHA7417, £35.Hugger,£55.Coverfender, £12collectiononlyTel.07768 202177.WestSussex.

KAWASAKI 650Versys,2018, originalscreen,£30collectiononly Tel.07768202177.WestSussex.

SUZUKIVSTROM XT650Givi Airflowscreen,goodcondition inboxwithfittinginstructions, £55Tel.Phil07806701122. Hornchurch.

TRIUMPH T100Bonneville,open exhaustslikenew,condition, chrome,£115fitsHinkleymodels

BRIDGESTONE engine/binder sold2Fishlakespleasecall. Wantedmagazineswitharticles: Cresent/Monark/R.Kurth,MBA, Tohatsu,b/stone,sell/swapUK/ USAmags:aircraft,classiccars, muscle,Mustang,4x4,trucks, Swisss/steelkettleidealcamper, £10Tel.01277200530.

CLARKE StrongarmMotorcycle Lift,ModelNUCML2,maxload 500kg,minheight105mm,max height472mm,jackisoperated byafootpedal,asnew,£70ono. Tel.01926770198.Leamington Spa.

INSTRUCTIONMANUALS

BMW K1300S30thAnniversary Edition,2014,greatcondition, Akrapovicexhaust,quickshifter, clearindicators,carbondetailing, panniers,2keys,servicehistory, 27,913miles,£6995Tel.07970 924250.

BSA SuperRocket,1959, stunningbike,red/black paintwork,chromeguards, headlamp,twinclocks,Avons T/L/Sbrake,rackdating certificate,V5C,runningwell, readytoride,photosavailable, freedeliveryarranged£6950Tel. 01723372219.NorthYorkshire.

DUCATI ST4,2002,916cc,vgc, wheelspaintlikenew,beganto Streetfighter,soneedsfinishing, shortsilencers,alloriginalparts, fairingetc,lessbellypan,engine verygoodcondition,somenew parts,handlebarconversiontwin headlights,£1000.Tel.01785 248392;07957112297.

HONDA RebelCMX250,1988, V5inkeepersname,MoT19 May2024,19,200miles,new forkseals,airfilterandfront brakesandoil,goodtreadon tyres,comeswithnewspare carburetor,Haynesmanualand optionalwindshield,deliverycan bearrangedwithin50miles, lowseatheightforshorterride, £1900Tel.07547389268.

HONDACB250 CB250,1992, newMoT,19,600miles,cycle partsfullyrestoredrecently,inc manynewgenuineHondaparts, fueltankandexhaustsystem, nicelightbike,riddenregularly, £2250Tel.07399022708.

SUZUKI RV125,VanVan, outstandingcondition,14,000 miles,2006,MoTJune2014, £1900Tel.Simon07541 083977.Surrey.

TRIUMPH Adventurer900, 18,032miles,V-reg2000, recentservice,includingvalve clearances,manynewparts fitted,includingoverhauled carburettorwithnewrubbersand airbox,alternatordrivecoupling, forkseals,extrasinclude, steeringdamper,backrest andfrontscreen,re-chroming, £3200Tel.07799123130.

PartsForSale

SE,T100.SuzukiVStromXT lightsmokedscreenwithvisor, newcondition,fits2020,2023, £80.TopboxS2,£30Tel.07592 480818.Beds.

TRIUMPH 650alternator crankshaft,goodsplinesbut thrownarodsoneedswork, camshaftenginesprockets, offerstoclear.Triumphpre-unit manuals,numbers11,14,17, 1945-62,£30pluspostTel.01282 816306.Lancs/Yorksborder.

Wanted

BMW F750GS,2018,10,264 miles,supercondition,stored indoors,completewithBMW topboxandpanniers,TomTom satnavsystem,Scottoilerchain system,handguards,factory loweredseatheight,fullservice history,£7000onoTel.Dennis 07851863357.

GILERA 150SS,1957,original bikeontheroad,notbeingused, needsnewowner,£1150.Tel. 07765187298.

HONDA CBR600FY,2001, 32,000miles,red&black,recent new,tyres,chain&sprockets, battery,12monthsMoT, tidyreliablebike,motorcycle mechanicowned£1495.Tel. 07748942271.WestYorkshire.

HONDA CB125RSprojectfor sale,1985model,engineruns OKandallelectricswork, recenttyres,£650ono,cash oncollectionpreferredTel.Syd 01229465311;07939430576. SouthCumbria.

HONDA Bros650,spotless condition,sweetrunner,many upgrades,suspension,higher barsetc,originalpartsincluded, handbook,newspares,needs nothing,collectable£2500.Tel. 01282816306.Lancs/Yorks border.

MOTOGUZZI LeMans,Mk2, unusedforseveralyears,all totallyoriginal,year1981,30,000 miles,offerswelcomeEmail.tina. sociability@gmail.com

MATCHLESS G3LS,1955, originaloilyrag,goodrunner, reconmag,agerelatedplate, £3000.Tel.07799754761. Lancashire.

NORTON Commando750 Roadster,1972,yellowledlights, therestisoriginal,runsverywell, niceandcleanhardlyusedover past12months,reasonforsale needtheroom,£8750.Tel.Tony 07908794741.Worcestershire.

TRIUMPH ThruxtonSpecial 900ccCafeRacer,2004,20,500 miles,oneowner,mudguards sidecovers,seat,Norman HydeTXfairing,loudpipes,soft luggage,3prices£6500with originalpartsaswell,£5500 aspicturedor£4500inoriginal build,opentooffers,£6500Tel. 07941725553.

YAMAHA XJ900,1996,ideal winterhackortrikeproject, runswell,MoTMarch2024, £300.Tel.07857207793. Peterborough.

BSA A65,cylinderbarrels withpistonsandrings,twin carburettorcylinderheadand twocarburettorsandaboxof mixedsidecarfittingsTel.Chris 01342894580.Surrey. BSA Bantamgearlever,splines ok,£15.PitmanBookofthe RoyalEnfieldwellused,slightly tatty,£7.PairEvershorecar rampsnodamage,£25alldry storedTel.01299266565.

Worcs. GIVIRACK and35litrepanniers tofitHondaVFR1200F,alllittle used,ingoodcondition,some verylightmarking,£200.Tel. Geoff07779304589.

WANTEDANY classic motorcycleinanyconditionfor mynextproject,tatty,rough etc,goodpricepaidTel.01514 470147.Lancs.

WANTEDSCOOTER 250cc, 300cc,YamahaKymcoorany makecondition,considered,fair pricepaidTel.01492534158. NorthWales.

Miscellaneous

BLACKREXINE forsale,new oldstock,twowaystretch, suitableformotorcycleseatsand sidecars,£8metre,2metres, £15(54”wide)ringforsample anddetailsallpluspostageTel. 01865739112.Oxford.

Francis-BarnettFalcon,81.BSA 350/500,BSA250ModelC15, Arielmodelsfrom1983,£10 eachTel.07534342021.North Yorks. MMV750S minichamp,new boxed,£175.Rare1998Italy rallyhat,£20.Largecollection magarticles,sell/swapEuro racebooks,mags,magswithb/ stone,Tohatsuarticles.Leather jacketwithtassellssizesmall, vgc,£35,pricesincpostTel. 01277200530. MOULTONBICYCLE 1960s, maroon,16”wheels,3-speed SturmeyArchergears,all complete,drystored,£70Tel. 01299266565.Worcs. TWOBIKE cyclerack,lockson totowingball,fullyadjustable withlightboard,usedtwice,£30 pluspostageTel.01865739112. Oxford.

VINCENT VOCMPHmags,books, manuals,badges,stickers,club items,DVDs,largecollection magarticles,sell/swapEuro racebooks,mags,magswithb/ stone/Ttohatsuarticles,google hubnewboxed,£100.Sheene T-shirt,poster,bookallnew £30.RareAssenTT1970shat, £20.MBA125owners/spares manuals2XVR&P4,£25.3xIOM books,new£15.Classicracer binder,40+mags,£5each.Pin badges:GP’sIOM,etc,£5each Tel.01277200530.