Motorcycle Monthly - December 2018 - Preview

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December 2018

BIKES!

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Kawasaki’s Versys 1000

Loads of technology

IS TERRAIN • S INN SINN IS T ER

And here’s a 2020 BIKE!

Adventure bike for under £2.5k!

The smartest small buys out there

BMW F850XR

Caught out in tests

We’ve been pitching prime small bikes against each other to find the best fun per pound you can have on the road.

See how the Honda CB500 fares against the Kawasaki Z300, the KTM 390 Duke, the Ducati Scrambler and the Yamaha MT-03. > More on page 20

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159bhp, chain drive

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IS TERRAIN • SINNIS INN TER S • RA N I I RA

Ducati Diavel

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NEWS 3

BMW’s smaller XR

This might be BMW’s best-kept secret of the year. And we’ve caught it out and about during low-key road tests.

REVEALED

Then make

These are the world’s first photos of BMW’s new small XR – well ahead of its official launch – caught on a Spanish road while undergoing consumption testing.

BMW was not expected to officially release the 850-powered upright roadster at the EICMA show – which means that these photos really are the world’s very first glimpse of the small XR. As you’d expect, details are scarce on the bike (at the time of printing this paper, this was still an under-lockand-key project, after all) but the level of detail present and the inclusion of so many new components strongly suggests that this is a 2020 model.

You can most likely reckon on the bike having the wrappers taken off later next year.

Here’s what we can tell you from our exclusive photographs: ■ The motor is the same 95bhp, 83Nm of torque unit as is being used in the current F850GS – it’ll also be used in the upcoming F850GS Adventure which is due to be officially unveiled at EICMA. ■ The small XR gets a longer version of the swingarm used on the GS. ■ Fairing-wise, the XR has what looks like an updated set of bodywork that appears similar to the bigger XR but has more aerodymanically efficient changes around the shoulder of the bike.

■ There’s an adjustable screen on this test bike (although that doesn’t mean that such a costly item to make will end up on the production version of the machine).

■ The small XR gets a colour TFT dash that combines all the information you need onto one screen.

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250,000 motorcycles to be recalled

Harley-Davidson has begun a massive recall due to a problem with the secondary clutch actuator of some of its 2017 and 2018 models – and it could affect as many as 250,000 motorcycles. Motorcycles from its Touring, Trike, Softail and CVO Touring and Softail ranges produced and sold in 2017 and 2018 are affected.

■ Single exhaust can is slightly upswept and efficiently tucked in towards the bike’s rear wheel.

■ On the motorcycle photographed there are hard panniers and a top box fitted so it’s very likely that there will be a GT version of the bike in the model line-up.

■ The bike is clearly made for easygoing mile-munching; check out the amount of room between the pillion seat and the pillion footpegs plus the grab handles that double-up as carrying handles built into the top of the panniers.

■ Stopping is going to be easy on the small XR with radial-mounted Brembo calipers up front.

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The amount of power in bhp from the 850cc motor

KTM goes to the Mountain on the new 1290

Here’s the 2019 BMW S 1000 RR With photos and specification of the updated superbike from the German factory leaking out days before the EICMA show (and the official unveiling) there was little surprise about what the finished version of the updated track weapon looked like.

We’ve been bringing you photos of the new motorcycle undergoing tests over the past seven months so there’s no real surprises for you here – but we do at least

have some spec now. The 2019 BMW S1000RR makes 207hp @ 13,500rpm and kicks out 113Nm @ 11,000rpm.

It weighs 197kg in road ready trim (the higher spec M version tips the scales at just 193.5kg wet).

The M spec bike gets a host of carbon parts including footrest, brake and clutch lever protectors, an adjustable seat height (814mm/824mm/849mm) a datalogger and lap trigger plus calibration kit.

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E​ ditor Tony Carter ​Editorial design Fran Lovely Publisher Dan Savage Email editorial@motorcyclemonthly.co.uk Picture desk Paul Fincham and Jonathan Schofield Production editor Dan Sharp Divisional advertising manager Zoe Thurling 01507 529412 Advertising Lee Buxton 01507 529453 Emma Knott 01507 529583 Advertising deadline for January issue December 5, 2018 Distribution 01507 529529

KTM has taken the chance to put its new 1290 Super Duke GT through its paces by handing a set of keys over to TT, Macau Grand Prix and British Superbike race winner Michael Rutter. Rutter headed out to the TT Mountain Course to test the bike. Log onto: MoreBikes.co.uk to see the video.

Marketing manager Charlotte Park Commercial director Nigel Hole Customer services number 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open Monday-Friday 8.30am-6pm, Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm

Suzuki rebuilding first ever RG500

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Independently proven pick up: 67,717 copies

Suzuki will restore arguably the most important racing motorcycle it ever produced at this year’s Motorcycle Live at the NEC November 17-25 with the rebuild of the G-54. The two-part demo builds will happen on each weekend of the show.

4 NEWS

Here’s Honda’s latest patent designs for the Neo Wing The three-wheeler, leaning Gold Wing thing is going to have power steering!

It’s been a motorcycle that’s coming ever since the prototype/ concept bike was shown to the public in October 2015, and just a few days ago Honda filed these latest designs for the production version of the huge Neo Wing.

Powered by the same 1832cc six-cylinder motor that feeds the current Gold Wing super tourer, we can now be sure that the production of the Neo Wing will

also run with at least one electric motor which will power the heavy steering units for the two massive front wheels.

Regarding items 41 and 42a, the patent says: “The actuator, 41, is an electric motor or a fluidic device configured to generate a torque around a central axis. A motor, 42a, (a rotating electric machine) including a stator and a rotor is accommodated in the housing.”

There’s no indication of when we’re likely to see this bike in the flesh – and this latest patent design is firmly set on the mechanical outlay and workings of the complex and heavy front end steering system – so we’ve clearly got some way to go before we can get out and ride a road-going version of the original Neo Wing concept.

But Honda’s still working on this bike. It’s going to happen.

NEWS 5

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But that’s not the ONLY secret from Honda!

Honda has filed new designs for a headsup-display that will beam a motorcycle’s essential information onto the inside of the bike’s windscreen.

The information will appear on a second screen mounted inside the windscreen of the motorcycle – this apes current socalled pop-up information screens in some modern cars. The patent doesn’t show that

the second screen will pop up when needed so we can assume that it will be fixed in place with the information beamed to it whenever the bike’s ignition is turned on.

The drawings show clearly that the system will beam large live numbers onto the smaller screen mounted well above where the dash would normally sit. There’s no specific details in the patent as to what

information will be transferred from dash to windscreen but the patent’s description does say that the plan is to eventually put up a variety of information on the display.

So expect things like mph, fuel level, rev counter and even sat nav directions to eventually make their way onto this system.

Exciting stuff – and it gets us just that little bit closer to having Street Hawk a reality in our biking futures (ask your dad).

Electric conversion kit made for Honda Cub

Shanghai Customs has unveiled a kit which allows you to covert an old Honda Cub to electric. All you need to crack on with the conversion is a solid frame and some forks, because Shanghai Customs kit provides everything else as part of its kit. The kit will set you back just shy of £2300.

For details go to: www.sh-customs.com

Lambo racing = near miss for wreckless rider If you fancy watching a video that’ll make your toes curl (or at least it’ll make you wince a bit) then go to: MoreBikes.co.uk and search for ‘miss’.

What you’ll find there is an amazing video that shows a superbike hero getting it all wrong as he races his mate who’s driving a Lamborghini – and the lesson to learn is ‘don’t undertake him and then add a load of lean angle at 162kph (102mph) as you try to avoid the car coming head-on at you.’

Never a good idea.

Somehow, this particular wheeled wonder manages to miss the face-plant with the car.

All down to luck rather than skill though.

Finally. Changes to the Highway Code coming which could make motorcycling that bit safer The Department for Transport is considering adding the Dutch Reach to the Highway Code – meaning drivers may soon be obliged to open car doors in a whole new way.

For the uninitiated, the Dutch Reach is a specific method for opening cars doors which is thought to have been pioneered in the Netherlands during the 70s.

It’s a simple idea – encouraging drivers (and passengers) to open their door using the hand furthest away from the door handle, which in turn forces them to turn their body and look behind them for cyclists and bikers.

At this stage, the Department for Transport is reviewing the idea –

before making a final decision about whether the safety measure should be added to the Highway Code and made into a law.

It may be accompanied by another law which would ensure drivers are liable for the damage caused to a bike, should they open their door and hit a motorcyclist/cyclist.

So if you like the sound of this way of official thinking becoming law, get on the blower or email you MP and see if they can add a bit of their political weight behind the issues.

Is this the world’s most expensive lid?

Isle of Man-based Veldt Helmets has joined forces with Italian luxury shoe maker Berluti to create an all-new limited edition modular helmet. And with a price tag of £2840 – could it be the most expensive helmet ever?

The design allows the carbon fibre helmets to be mounted with a flip-up shield or even converted into a full face to suit your needs.

6 NEWS

Bonhams takes close to £3.5m at the Autumn Stafford Sale

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1925 Brough Superior sand-racer ‘project’ sells for £264,500

Bonhams’ annual two-day Autumn Stafford Sale closed at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show at Stafford Showground in October with a staggering total of £3,479,800 raised over the weekend event.

The stars of the auction included a pack of Brough Superiors, which claimed the top four places among the ten biggest sales of the two-day Autumn Stafford Sale. The top spot went to an ex-C F Edwards, 1925 Brough Superior 981cc SS100 Sand Racer Project which, despite being completely dismantled, achieved more than double its estimate and sold to a UK buyer in the room for £264,500, the highest amount ever achieved for a dismantled Brough Superior. A 1933 Brough Superior 981cc SS100 Project sold for £161,000, while a 1924/1925 Brough Superior 981cc Project achieved £126,500.

There were also many significant single-owner collections included in the sale, most notably The Adrian Reed Collection, The Willowbrook Collection and The Mark Wilsmore Ace Cafe Collection which comprised more than 200 lots in total. Both the Willowbrook and the Wilsmore

20 mins of TT beauty collections were 100% sold, while the Adrian Reed Collection achieved an impressive £546,307, including the c.1930 Henderson 1201cc KJ Streamline Four selling for £56,580, double its estimate, and the c.1919 Henderson 1147cc Model 2 Z Four realising £48,300.

James Stensel, head of motorcycle department UK, said: “Once again, the Bonhams motorcycle department has achieved exactly what it set out to – to sell the best machines on the market at the best prices.

The top 10 sales at Bonhams ■ 1925 ex-C F Edwards Brough Superior 981cc SS100 sand racer project, £265,386 ■ 1927 Brough Superior 981cc SS100 Pendine, £167,309 ■ 1933 Brough Superior 981cc SS100 project, £161,539 ■ 1928/1925 Brough Superior 981cc SS100 project, £126,923 ■ Circa 1952 ex-Francis Williams/Basil Keys Norton“Our realistic estimates attracted bidders from across the globe, and bidding throughout was incredibly lively. Vintage projects performed particularly strongly, highlighting the continued interest in rewarding projects from the very best manufacturers. We are absolutely thrilled with the results of the sale, the success of

Berlin-based video production company Studio Kippenberger has produced a fantastic twenty minute documentary about the Isle of Man TT. Log onto: MoreBikes.co.uk and search ‘tt’ to watch it.

JPA 996cc MK1 ‘Saltdean Special,’ £80,769 ■ 1972 MV Agusta 750S, £73,846 ■ 1952 AJS 4908cc Model 20 Springtwin cutaway, £68,980 ■ 1937 Bohmerland 603cc Langtouren, £63,461 ■ 1992 Honda NR750, £62,308 ■ Circa. 1930 Henderson 1301cc KJ Streamline Four, £56,769 which underlines the vast breadth of the department’s knowledge.

We look forward to our Spring Sale in April and continuing to consign the widest possible range of top machinery and automobilia.”

Rossi’s Sun and Moon to buy

AGV has just revealed its latest Rossi replica, covering its top specification Pista GP R track helmet with 1970s-insipired ‘soleluna’ (sun and moon) graphics for the nine-time World Champion. It’s a cool £999.99 though. If you want one go to: agv. com for full spec and availability.

Other highlights at the auction included: ■ The extraordinary 1937 Böhmerland 603cc Langtouren has the longest wheelbase of any production motorcycle, and sold for £63,250 ■ The 1989 Honda VFR750R Type RC30 was in effectively ‘as new’ condition and sold for £47,150 ■ The ex-Colin Edwards,

Martin Bauer, 2012 Suter MMX1 Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle achieved £46,000.

■ The silver hip flask awarded to Rem Fowler on winning the 1907 International TT Race sold for £25,000. The hip flask is recognised as the most important piece of TT memorabilia in existence.

KTM 1090 Adventure CAUGHT while testing Words: Ross Mowbray It’s been a quiet year for KTM so far. At Intermot, the Austrian factory unveiled its new 1290 Super Duke GT, and its hotly anticipated 790 Adventure was set to be one of the stars of the EICMA show (which happened after MCM went to press) – but it looks like there’s more to come after all, with its new 1090 Adventure caught on camera in nearly finished form.

Analysing the image, it seems that many of the new machine’s components have been pulled straight from the existing 1090.

We’ve been hearing whispers that there’s a larger displacement engine on the way for 2019, in the form of a 1150cc unit – but looking at the photo, for now at least, the

power plant remains unchanged.

And it’s much the same for its chassis and suspension too.

Even its tail bodywork has been left alone.

In contrast, the front bodywork has received a bit of an overhaul, with more protection, a new larger screen, and a redesigned low down fuel tank. It’s a similar setup to the one KTM is preparing to introduce on its new 790 Adventure for 2019, which offers a couple of benefits over a conventional tank position.

First off, it allows the weight of the fuel to be held low down, making the bike feel lighter, less likely to topple and more agile.

Plus, it also means the area where the tank would normally be can be made smaller, which in turn means that the bike can be

slimmed down and even fitted with a lower seat.

That’s not all. The shape of the front end also looks like there could be space to accommodate a radar for an adaptive cruise control system, which KTM has been developing in partnership with Bosch. No guarantees, but considering KTM’s proactive attitude towards the technology, we reckon it’ll be included on production models across the range very soon.

Although it’s well on its way in the images – it looks like there’s still a bit of work to be done on KTM’s new 1090 Adventure. That suggests it won’t be unveiled to the general public this year, instead, we reckon it’ll be doing the rounds at shows this time next year.

8 NEWS

Kawasaki’s new Versys 1000 (and SE) More tech and smoother power on tap for the big roadster from the green giant.

So here’s the new-for-2019 Kawasaki Versys and Versys SE – a big update / upgrade over the old bike that’s clearly taking the fight to high spec rivals in the litre-class sector.

The bike gets electronic throttle valves which combine with the fuel injection for what Kawasaki says is a smooth, natural response no matter what the revs or engine demand.

Versys 1000 also gets an assist and slipper clutch, long-travel suspension and 17in wheels, a more upright riding position, radially-mounted calipers up front and Supersport-grade Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock brake system.

Kawasaki says that the bike also comes with the company’s Cornering Management Function which uses a Bosch IMU brain to help with bike pitch, corner braking and subtle changes to geometry to improve the handling in corners.

In addition to four rider modes, the Versys SE model will also have electronically adjustable suspension with three payloads to choose from: Rider only, Rider with luggage and Rider with pillion and luggage. The SE also gets a quick shifter, Smartphone connectivity and LED cornering lights.

NEWS 9

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Ducati’s Diavel returns Plus two new Panigales and Hypermotard’s going back to its roots, too. It’s a busy time from the Italians.

We first brought you photos of the new Diavel undergoing pre-production tests a few months ago and now the factory has unveiled the model in full.

Confirmed is our information that the latest Diavel gets the 1262cc Testastretta DVT motor which has been recently fitted to its feet-forward XDiavel cousin. Where the new Diavel differs is that 159bhp @ 9500rpm and 126Nm @ 7500rpm powerplant and that the brilliant muscle cruiser doesn’t use a belt drive like on the XDiavel but goes back to a chain drive instead.

With a variable timing system which acts continuously on intake and exhaust camshafts the engine adjusts power to suit riding conditions. On top of that, the S version of the new Diavel also gets Ducati Quick Shift Up & Down as standard for clutchless shifting.

The S version also gets fully adjustable Ohlins suspension front and back, dedicated wheels and more track-oriented front brakes.

Hypermotard

When we showed you the spy shots of the Hypermotard we said that the bike was going back to it’s beginnings, and that’s been confirmed now by Ducati.

The exhausts now move back to being an under-seat item, like they were on the original bike. A revised riding position with wider handlebars, slimmed down chassis and a new seat means that more riders will now be able to place feet on the floor easily.

The inseam measurement on the bike is 53mm shorter. Overall the Hypermotard is 4kg lighter than the bike it replaces.

There’s a 114bhp @ 9000rpm, 937cc Testastretta twin with 96btlb of torque – 80% of which is available at 3000rpm for plenty of grunt low down the rev range.

The Hypermotard gets a Bosch six-axis IMU to feed information to the cornering ABS, Slide by Brake, Ducati Traction Control, Wheelie Control

and (as standard on the 950 SP version) Quick Shift Up and Down Evo set-up, too.

Panigale V4 S Corse and V4 R

Details of the two new versions of the Panigales joining the already-packed superbike family from Ducati weren’t available as MCM went to press, but as we managed to get our mitts on these photos (below); we thought you’d like to see them. Pretty aren’t they?

10 NEWS

Haojue HJ300 unveiled in China It might have a weird name on the tank, but does this mean that a NEW Suzuki GSX-S300 is actually on the way?

Words: Ross Mowbray Haojue has just unveiled its new DR300 at the Chongqing Moto Fair 2018 in China – and we reckon that it could mean that there’s a new Suzuki GSX-S300 on the way.

Patent images of Haojue’s new DR300 have been doing the rounds since April this year. And now, the Chinese brand has finally unveiled its latest model to the wider world at the Chongqing Moto Fair. If you’ve not heard of Haojue before, it’s currently the largest motorcycle manufacturer in China. And it’s also the largest Chinese-foreign-invested motorcycle manufacturer, thanks to its intimate partnership with Suzuki.

In the past, Haojue has helped Suzuki with production – taking responsibility for its GW250 and GSX-250R. And to us, this says that the DR300 could soon become a new Suzuki GSX-S300 – all it needs is a handful of changes and a simple rebadge to be ready for the global market.

From what we’ve heard, the new Haojue DR300 (Suzuki GSX-S300) will be powered by an all-new 298cc, parallel twin-cylinder, four-valve, liquid-cooled engine, mated to a six-speed transmission. Reportedly, the new powerplant is being

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Red Bull on the golden age of two-strokes

Log onto: MoreBikes.co.uk and watch an amazing video from Red Bull about the 1990s and mad two-stroke motocross bikes. Stars like Jeremy McGrath and Jeff Emig feature. developed independently by Haojue – which means that Suzuki’s old school, long in the tooth Inazuma unit may finally be retired from use. It’s had a good run, after all…

It’s also worth noting that with the introduction of a new 298cc engine, it’s possible that Suzuki’s

range of smaller capacity machines – including its V-Strom and VanVan – could also expect an update.

From a styling perspective, the new DR300 looks quite similar to the patent images which emerged earlier this year, with its aggressive design, angular lines, small yet sharp-

looking LED headlights, swept-up exhaust, and USD gold forks. In fact, it looks a lot like a mini version of Suzuki’s GSX-S1000.

More specifically, suspension comes in the form of USD forks up front and an adjustable monoshock at the rear – while its wheels are 10-spoke 17in alloys shod with 110/70-section and 140/60-section Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tubeless tyres at front and rear respectively. Braking is looked after by a 298mm petal disc at the front and a slightly smaller disc at the rear, with dual-channel ABS being fitted as standard.

At this stage, there’s been no official confirmation from Suzuki as to whether the DR300 will get rebadged as the new GSX-S300 – but we’ll be keeping a close eye out as more is revealed.

Triumph’s latest wet bike seen on screen

You know when people say that a Triumph would make a good anchor?

Well, check out this superb video and see if it’s true. Kind of. Log onto: MoreBikes.co.uk and search ‘ anchor’.

Kawasaki unveils its 2019 ZX-6R (it’s a 636, though) In reality, this is more of a tweak than a whole new motorcycle – and the result is sure to please many Kawasaki fans around the globe.

The new Kawasaki ZX-6R sportster arrives with it’s over-sized motor Euro 4 compliant, so expect it to feature on UK roads next year.

The bike also gets updated ZX-10R-style looks and a KQS quick shifter as standard. There’s an assist and slipper clutch, a 12V power socket, Kawasaki’s intelligent anti-lock brake system, two power modes and Showa BFF forks.

New LED headlights, more power and torque (claimed), monoboloc calipers and an Ohlins steering damper as standard.

No price yet, expect that to be announced anytime now.

Jarvish carbon fibre SMART helmet. Two cameras and a retractable ‘Heads Up Display’ Taiwanese company Jarvish is getting ready to introduce two new smart helmets for 2019. The first lower-spec model is its $799 (£606) Jarvish X – which comes with voice activation and support for Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa. It’ll also let you ask for directions and weather reports, as well as control media playing on your smartphone.

But it’s the new Jarvish X-AR that we’re really excited about. Admittedly, it’s not cheap, with prices starting from $2599 – around £1972 – but it’s well equipped, with voice controls, a retractable heads-up display system and a 2k front-facing camera for capturing video and photos.

That’s not all. The Jarvish X-AR also comes with a camera on its back, which works like a rearview mirror through the helmet’s heads-up display.

Both helmets have been constructed from carbon fibre, to attempt to offset the weight of the battery which powers the hi-tech equipment that’s built in.

Talking about batteries, Jarvish says the X will last for more than six hours, while the X-AR should have plenty of life for four hours’ riding.

Both helmets will initially be available via Kickstarter (the X in January and the X-AR in the second half of 2019) at discounted rates.

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12 NEWS

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World Superbike to get three races per weekend

Chaz Davies speaks out about 2019 plans: “What’s the point of three boring races?

It’s confirmed for 2019: Saturday race, Sunday Sprint race and Sunday ‘usual’ race.

Will adding another race to each WSB weekend get you to watch the series again? Its owners are banking on it doing just that.

Race organisor Dorna – owner of both WSB and MotoGP – will leave the current 2pm Saturday race as it is but with a new ‘short’ sprint race being slotted into proceedings at 11am on the race weekend’s Sunday morning.

The action for the World Superbike class will conclude with the ‘usual’ length race on Sunday afternoon.

While there’s been no confirmation that the result of the sprint race will decide the grid for the final outing of the race weekend, there are a lot of paddock rumours about this being the case for next year and beyond.

Daniel Carrera (right), WorldSBK executive director said: “To bring a third ‘sprint race’ into the WorldSBK format for 2019 is something we have been planning for a long time now, so we are delighted to see the plans coming together. We are committed to

bringing exciting races to the fans year on year, and we think the addition of a sprint race will add to the WorldSBK experience. We are continuing to work on the final adjustments and hope to bring more details in the near future.”

Max Biaggi speaks out on race series’ future “There seems to be no way out for the WSB,” says former World Champion Not exactly a shy and retiring type, the double WSB king has had his say about how he sees the future for the streetbike-based series.

And Max Biaggi, a four-times 250cc GP World Champion and overall runner-up in the 500cc GP championship wasn’t pulling his punches about how he views the current state of the WSB championship saying: “I would like to talk about the WSB! I asked myself if any of you are

interested, I asked myself if we could interact with a topic that today is not followed by the media and social networks.

“Today everything revolves around the MotoGP, rightly or wrongly, but that’s the way it is. In these years I have witnessed the decline of the WSB, I’ve been asking myself why… I still remember the 2007 Vallelunga race in the middle of a sea of people!

“I believe that one of the main reasons (not the only one) for the decline of the series is to be found in the lack of official commitment by all manufacturers (except Kawasaki). The presence of official manufacturers guarantees greater capital, which can be used to improve the level of competition, in addition to being used for activities to promote the championship.

“In the end, it is what is done today with the excellent results in MotoGP, where we find the major commitment of six motorcycle manufacturers.

“It’s possible that the economic crisis has had a major impact on the choices of manufacturers, which has to choose where to invest the fewer resources available to them. The problem is that there seems to be no way out! How will it be possible to find new capital to support the World Championship series? How can the fortunes of such a glorious championship be raised?”

The plan for three WSB race next year might have some innovation credit to it, but the idea is far from popular with at least one former WSS world champion.

Speaking about the decision to go from two to three race over a single weekend from next year, Chaz Davies told Speedweek.com that he could not see the point of increasing the number of races – even in a bid to attract more people to watch the sport.

Davies said: “The idea with a qualifying race is okay, but my feeling is you should not change too much. I know something needs to be improved. After

all, it only takes a good race on a weekend to make people go home happy. It doesn’t take three races.

“What good is it if we have three races and they are all boring?

“There is a lot to consider, especially with the TV channels. That’s why Dorna is open to everything and has discussed with the teams and manufacturers what can be changed.

“At the end of the process something should happen but we need something that’s not too crazy. I’m open to innovation – but any change carries a risk. ”

NEWS 13

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Marquez crowned MotoGP Champion

Rossi unveils new tiny Yamaha

The latest crown was the MotoGP title. Marquez took the title in Japan at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit. It’s the seventh time the Spaniard has become World Champion. Here’s how the stats now line-up for the (still) youthful Honda man...

TITLES

■ Marquez becomes the youngest rider to win five titles in the premier class at the age of 25 years and 246 days, taking the record off Valentino Rossi (26 years, 221 days).

■ He becomes the youngest rider of all time to reach the milestone of seven World Championships, beating Mike Hailwood’s record, who was 26 years and 140 days old when he won his seventh title back in 1966.

■ Marquez joins Valentino Rossi, Mick Doohan and Giacomo Agostini as one of four riders who has won five or more premier class World Championships.

■ He becomes one of the eight riders who have more than seven titles across all categories: John Surtees (7), Phil Read (7), Carlo Ubbiali (9), Mike Hailwood (9), Valentino Rossi (9), Angel Nieto (13) and Giacomo Agostini (15).

VICTORIES

■ Marquez has won at least five GPs per season in the last nine years across all three categories: 125cc, Moto2 and MotoGP. ■ The Spaniard is the first rider to achieve the above in the 70-year history of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, beating his own record of last

season. Previously, Mike Hailwood was the only rider to have achieved at least five victories per season in the seven years between 1961 and 1967.

POLE POSITIONS

■ With five pole positions this season, Marquez increases his overall (since 1974) pole position tally to 78 across all classes.

■ In Thailand, Marquez (25 years, 231 days) became the youngest rider to reach the milestone of 50 pole positions in the premier class, taking the record off Mick Doohan, who was 32 years and 122 days old when he took his 50th pole position at Philip Island in 1997.

We’re still pretty convinced that although the MT-15 is not coming to Europe, what we’re seeing here is the template for a very MT-10SP-esque MT-125 which is on the horizon.

And if you’re in any doubt about just how important this redesign of the small bike is then consider that at the launch in Thailand, Valentino Rossi was pulled in to take the wrapper off the mini-mean machine.

Watch the video at: MoreBikes.co.uk, search ‘Rossi’

14 NEWS

How about an all black Katana to sit alongside the new silver one?

Suzuki goes public ahead of EICMA with a darker version of the retro remake.

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Now this is a bit of a weird one because you’ll know about this bike, assuming things go to plan Suzukiwise at the huge motorcycle show in EICMA in the second week of November.

But just in case the official launch of the black Suzuki Katana doesn’t happen, we thought we’d at least show you these images that we were sent early.

There’s no other information about the bike from the Japanese factory other than what we learned last month when the GSX-S1000-based new Katana was unveiled at Intermot, Germany.

That bike is, basically, a dressed-up version of Suzuki’s 150bhp, 999cc, 209kg big naked – which in turn is based on the superb GSX-R750 K5,

a legendarily good road bike from the superbike lineage. So either this is going to be a freshly black (but no other changes) Katana or Suzuki is going to use this model as an opportunity to bolt on some pretty sweet tweaks to the headline-grabbing bike. If so, figure on it getting a Yoshimura pipe, uprated suspension and more power. Looks pretty though, doesn’t it?

■ If you want to see the promotional video for the bike, log onto: MoreBikes.co.uk and search ‘Katana’ and, as always, MoreBikes will have all the details of the new model as soon as it’s launched officially by Suzuki.

Toddler shows skills

Log onto: MoreBikes.co.uk and search ‘pillion’ to see a jaw-dropping video of a toddler at the controls of a motorcycle in Malaysia. The tiny lad is worryingly good at controlling the bike, plus he’s carrying not one but two pillions too. Absolutely nuts.

Want a sweet Katana fairing that bolts on to your Suzuki SV650X? Yeah, we do too.

Check out this absolutely spot-on bit of after-market bolt-on for the Suzuki SV650X. It’s a new fairing, headlight and screen that totally transforms the attitude of the middleweight from everyday roadster into sweet modern homage to the classic Suzuki Katana of the 1980s.

Made by French firm S2 Concepts, it’s not a cheap bolt on (but it does come painted and ready to go with the headlight included) – it’ll lighten your wallet by a whole €899 (£798),

but it’s a huge change in the way the bike looks.

The fairing can also be fitted to SV650s back to 2016 although those bikes will benefit (looks-wise at least) from S2’s clipon handlebars which sell for €363 (£322).

There’s a non-adjustable smoked screen fitted which looks tall enough to be very useful on the move and the bike’s current digital dash sits neatly in the new housing.

If you want to find out more then contact: www.s2-concept.com.

Yoshi pipe for Monkey

Yoshimura say its RS-3 pipe for the new Honda Monkey boosts horsepower by 7%, max torque by 3% – and even helps the compact 125cc commuter to sound like a little weapon. Check out the video on : MoreBikes.co.uk to see for yourself.

Five ways to entertain the kids at Motorcycle Live this November Motorcycle Live – the UK’s biggest bike show – opens its door at the NEC, Birmingham, this month for a nine-day spectacular of all things two-wheeled.

The event offers something to entertain everyone, no matter what their age or ability on a motorcycle. In fact, there’s so much for kids to do, you’ll be hard-pushed to fit it all in to one day – and the best bit? Children aged 11-16 get in for just £1 and those aged 10 and under go FREE*, so you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a really great day out.

Here’s the top ten ways to keep the youngsters entertained at Motorcycle Live…

1) A taste for two wheels

The Strider Adventure Zone is back, providing a safe and friendly riding area with ramps, see-saws and rumble strips that encourage kids aged 18 months to five years to explore balance and mobility on a bike. Demo bikes and helmets are provided in this free feature that aims to give your little one a taste for life on two wheels.

2) Go dirt riding

A full-powered Arenacross Experience will return to Motorcycle Live this year, with two mini-AX dirt tracks suitable for first-time and intermediate ability girls and boys from the ages of four to 12 years. Youngsters will get

the chance to ride an ultra-cool electric AX machine, kitted head-to-toe in the latest AXbranded kit with instructions from the best AX coaches – and best of all, the experience is totally FREE!

Hunting stolen Bristol bikes

3) Take a motorcycling lesson

Youngsters aged 14 and over can take advantage of a free 20-minute riding lesson with a professional instructor at the Get On feature sponsored by Lexham Insurance. Participants will be introduced to the brakes, gears and slow speed handling, giving them that all-important first experience of motorcycling in a safe and friendly environment.

4) See a mind-blowing show

Moto-Cirque is a brand-new free live action arena that promises to bring the very latest technology together with world class stunt riders, lasers and music. With seats so close to the action, your kids will feel like they are part of the show! Moto-Cirque will take place three times a day at weekends and twice a day during the week.

5) Go autograph hunting

Motorcycle Live is one of the best places in the UK to meet racers while they’re relaxed and away from the stresses of the paddock.

Arm yourself with the daily schedule of

A group of bikers in Bristol are using social media to track down stolen bikes. The BBC has spent some time with the group, creating a short documentary about its efforts. Watch the film on: MoreBikes.co.uk and search ‘Bristol’

autograph signings and rider appearances and make it your mission to seek out as many racing heroes as you can!

Motorcycle Live 2018 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from November 17-25.

Advance tickets are on sale now priced just £19.50 per adult, £12 for Seniors, £1 for 11 to 16-year-olds* and FREE for children aged ten and under*. There is also a £25 advance ticket, which includes entry to the show and an Oxford HD MAX disc lock worth £25.00.

To book, call 0844 581 2345 or visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk

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For more information on getting on two wheels, check out our brilliant sister publication – On2Wheels

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