Motorcycle Monthly - October 2019 - Preview by Mortons Media Group Ltd

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#160

October 2019

OH NO! When MotoGP goes BAD Accelerates like a superbike✸The chassis is brilliant✸Sounds like a movie special effect

GOTCHA!

Ducati’s V4 Streetﬁghter caught on VIDEO PAGE 3

XSR Tribute Through rose-tinted spectacles PAGE 40

IT’S HER RE

Triumph’s 765 Moto2 bike forr the road is GO

PAGE 6

NEWS 3

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Big and muscly, the V4 Streetﬁghter looks like it’ll be one of the roadbikes of 2020 to be on. Reckon on around 200bhp and loads of tech.

CAUGHT OUT!

You can see just how small the Panigale is and just how much like its bigger brother V4R it is, too.

Ducati's 2020 Streetﬁghter and Panigale 959 exposed

Words: Ross Mowbray

We’ve been telling you for months that Ducati’s gearing up to release its new Panigale 959 and Streetfighter V4 this year – and now there’s proof. The two bikes have been caught on camera while out testing in Italy, and aside from their paint jobs, they look ready to go. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen the bikes in the flesh. They’ve been photographed while out testing earlier in the year, but it is the first video we’ve seen both of them out on the open road. Because this is a video that was caught by a member of the public, the quality isn't the best in the world, but you can definitely see the size and detail of the two bikes that are going to spearhead Ducati's 2020 assault on the roadbike market. The Streetfighter is, essentially, a naked Panigale V4, with the addition of higher and wider handlebars and a new fairing. Chances are it’ll be much the same as the V4 specification-wise (so reckon on it kicking out around 200bhp – the V4 itself makes 214bhp @ 13,000rpm and 91.5lb-ft of torque @ 10,000rpm, expect the same amount of torque, but somewhere lower in the rev range), but there’s

Two new Scramblers

According to EPA documents that have been filed in the States, Ducati’s going to be adding two new Scramblers to its line-up for 2020 with a new 1100 Pro and 1100 Sport Pro on the way. The EPA documents actually confirm that the new models share the same 86hp, 1,079cc air-cooled engine as current 1100s, so reckon on them being more focused with uprated chassis parts.

This is the current Panigale V4R. The Panigale 959 will be styled to look just like this bike whilst the Streetﬁghter is essentially this bike without a fairing and a bit more of a relaxed riding position. been no confirmation from the Italian factory just yet. That’s not all. Alongside the new Streetfighter V4, the new Panigale 959 has been caught on film. Again, we don’t know much about the smaller (and more affordable) Panigale just yet. Rumours suggest that the new 959 won’t be powered by a V4 engine, and will instead be powered by a V2 unit. Beyond that, it’ll likely share its brakes, front forks, subframe, face and seat with its hot-to-trot Panigale V4 R track-weapon sibling.

WATCH THE VIDEO WATCH THE VIDEO WATCH THE VIDEO

Log on to: MoreBikes.co.uk and search ‘Streetﬁghter’ to see the ACTUAL video of these bikes.

You Romaniac!

The Red Bull Romaniacs is a seriously tough race so watch this POV video of Manuel Lettenbichler’s victory at the 2019 event. Watch as he tackles steep hill climbs deep in the Carpathian Mountains to take the win in front of thousands of spectators. Go to MoreBikes.co.uk and search ‘Red Bull’.

Bosch is working on a 3D dash (and it’ll probably end up on the next generation of bikes) Bosch has just announced it’s working on technology to introduce 3D displays into the automotive world, and although it’s primarily thinking of cars, Bosch’s track record suggests we won’t have to wait too much longer to see it on a bike. Bosch was the first brand to create a digital gauge for the automotive world – for the Audi Quattro in 1994 – and now the German technology giant has revealed it’s experimenting with 3D dash units. Bosch has done some research too,

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which has revealed that 3D dashboards will allow motorists to process information more quickly, which is only ever a good thing. And you won’t need to wear special glasses to read it either. Dr. Steffen Berns, President of Bosch Car Multimedia, said: “The display’s depth of field means drivers can grasp important visual information faster, whether from an assistance system or a traffic jam alert. Alerts that seem to jump out of the display are much more obvious and urgent.”

Motor Cycle Monthly, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 529529 Editor Tony Carter Editorial design Fran Lovely, Tracey Markham and Charlotte Turnbull Publishing director Dan Savage Publisher Tim Hartley Email editorial@motorcyclemonthly.co.uk Production editor Mike Cowton

Picture desk Paul Fincham and Jonathan Schoﬁeld Group advertising manager Sue Keily Divisional advertising manager Zoe Thurling 01507 529412 Advertising Mirela Vulaj 01507 529409 Advertising deadline for November issue October 3, 2019 Distribution 01507 529529 Marketing manager Charlotte Park Commercial director Nigel Hole

R6, R3 and R125 colours 2020

Yamaha’s released the new colours for its R6, R3 and R125 bikes in 2020. At first glance, the new colours aren’t dramatically different to the outgoing 2019 models. Amid the blue and black schemes is this cracking fluoro/white paint job shown on the R125. Looks terrific, doesn’t it? Customer services number 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm Call 01507 529529 or visit classicmagazines.co.uk/MCM or email help@classicmagazines.co.uk Motor Cycle Monthly is published monthly on the third Friday of the month by Mortons Media Group Ltd and printed by Mortons Print. Subscribe to MCM and just pay the postage!

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4 NEWS

Motor Cycle Monthly Hello from the Editor of MCM

Tony Carter

Time for a show

s we start looking into the autumn, our attention turns to the crowning of champions in our sport or new models appearing at the myriad of shows in Birmingham and further afield in Europe and Japan. And so it is with this month’s issue of the world’s largest motorcycle monthly publication. Not only do we have spy shots and secret designs exposed for the first time, we’re also getting excited about the miles we’re riding on bikes like Ducati’s bonkers and brilliant Diavel 1260S. The fun doesn’t stop there, either. Have you seen what we’re giving away as a prize for completing our Crossword this month? Yep, tickets to Motorcycle Live at the NEC. If you’ve not been to the big show in Birmingham November 16-24, then make this year the year that you do. If you’re not lucky enough to win then make sure you take advantage of the ‘Get your non-biking mate in for free’ promotion that the Motorcycle Live bosses are running this year. You’ll find details of that on the news pages of MCM this issue. Grab these other free tickets quickly though. There’s 1000 to give away and they won’t be around for long. Of course, before we get all the way into November we’ve got the UK’s biggest and best motorcycle show going on at Stafford next month. The Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show happens on October 19-20 and it should be an absolute must if you like motorcycles and motorcycling.

‘‘

It’ss an absolute must if you like motorcycles.

The Staffordshire County Showground hosts the massive show with over 900 traders, action throughout the weekend and brilliant motorcycles from the 1970s, 80s and 90s. There’s race bikes started up in the Parc Ferme section, rare memorabilia to buy, the brilliant Bonhams autumn sale and tonnes of things to keep motorcycle fans of all ages happy and busy. It’s one of the great times out on a motorcycle in the UK. And it’s just around the corner. Take the free show guide in this issue of MCM, plan your route and we’ll see you there.

tcarter@mortons.co.uk

SECRET Harley-Davidson engine plans revealed New overhead-valves will mean quicker motors that look like the traditional lumps

Patents filed by Harley-Davidson confirm that the iconic American factory is working on the successor to its Milwaukee Eight power plant. Harley-Davidson has long since relied on traditional, air-cooled V-Twin engines, and it doesn’t look like things are going to change too much, with the American factory filing patents for a new air-cooled V-Twin power plant. The headline news is its new overhead-valve system, which will allow the engine to achieve higher engine speeds than the current Milwaukee-Eight engine. Basically, the patents show that the four-valve-per-cylinder engine has pushrods on each side of the cylinder – with each rod activating a single rocker arm. When the rod moves up, the rocker pushes two valves down. The patent also suggests that the new design will increase performance and make the engine easier to maintain and work on. More specifically, the new engine will redline between 6,800 to 7,000rpm, whereas the current Milwaukee-Eight engine redlines at about 5,500rpm.

H-D’s 2020 Streetﬁghter and Pan America Adventure bike snapped in FINISHED form! Check out this brace of photos from a H-D dealer conference showing the American brand’s two big hitters for next year, the ‘Adventure bike’ Pan America and the ‘bigmuscles’ Streetfighter. We’ve seen both of these bikes before of

course, when the USA firm first unveiled the motorcycles as part of a several model range-for-the-future way back in July, 2018. Back then the bikes were clearly prototypes that had been washed over with the photoshop oshop flannel. These latest lat photos

FIRST PHOTOS ✸

however… well, they’re the real deal. There’s no difference in tech info about the bikes (yet), but what we do know from these snaps is that the finished Pan (1,250cc V-twin) and Streetfighter (975cc liquid-cooled motor) are done for a 2020 on-sale date.

NEWS 5 Low Riders S.

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your essential, one-stop website. Get up to speed. Every single day.

Here’s all you need to know about Harley-Davidson’s 2020 ofﬁcial line-up... so far H-D’s confirmed it’s relaunching the Low Rider S and a new CVO Tri Glide trike – and it’s also introducing a new H-D Connect subscription-based smartphone service and its Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS), which offers new rider-control tech including traction control and advanced Antilock Braking System (ABS).

NEW LOW RIDERS S

There’s a new Rider S coming for 2020. With a Milwaukee-Eight 114 powerplant fitted into a Softail chassis, it’s kitted out with premium suspension components, raised handlebars, a mini fairing, a solo seat and blacked-out finishes.

NEW ROAD GLIDE

The Road Glide Limited two-up tourer is getting an update for 2020, too. It comes with premium luxury touring features, including painted pin striping, a gloss finish inner fairing, heated grips, Slicer II Contrast Bright wheels, a new tank and front and rear mudguard medallions. Powered by H-D’s inimitable Milwaukee-Eight 114, it also gets some premium touring suspension (with an easy-to-adjust rear shock) and Reflex Electronic Linked Brakes with ABS. It also comes with the Boom Box GTS infotainment system with a colour

touchscreen offering navigation, communication and entertainmeent options. That’s not all. There’s also Black Finish Option for the 2020 0 Ultra Limited and Road Glide Limited models, giving these models a sinister blacked-out lo ook direct from the factory. The Black Finish package includes: Slicer II cast aluminum wheels finished in Gloss Black, fuel tank, front and rear fender medallions with a Gloss Black fill surrounded by a Charccoal border, Gloss Black powder coated powertrain, covers and exxhaust plus black Tour-Pak luggaage carrier hinges, latches and rack, a black console, footboards, hand dlebar, gauge trim rings, hand co ontrol levers, mirrors, and foot controls, black LED Daymaker headlamp, trim ring and LED fog lam mps (Ultra Limited only), and black fork lowers, fork covers, engine guard and saddlebag guards.

Alpinestars has launched a new pair of Supertech R’s inspired by Cal Crutchlow. The limited edition Supertech R race boots are inspired by the man himself – with distinctive white, black and fluorescent yellow colour scheme, plus Union Jack detailing. Cost is around £430.

Road Glide.

Motorcycle friendly

Repsol has updated 25 of its petrol stations across Spain to make them more biker friendly. The garage forecourts now get a non-slip surface coating, angled air pressure attachments, a range of wash boxes and a motorcycle hot air dryer. Plus, there’s a selection of dedicated motorcycle parking which is protected by CCTV.

NEW CVO MODELS

Finally, there’s a CVO Tri Glide trike joining the CVO Limitted and CVO Street Glide models fo or 2020. Powered by a Milwaukee-E Eight 117 powertrain, H-D’s limited production, premium CVO O bikes are kitted out with advanced teechnology gy, y exclusive components and d showstopping finishes.

Crutchlow GP boots

CVO Models.

1000 miles through Baja on a couple of Monkeys Watch the pretty epic trip captured on video MotorTrend has recently released a brilliant half-hour film showing American bike journos Ari Henning and Zack Courts attempting an epic 1,200-mile road trip down the Baja Peninsula on 125cc Honda Monkeys. It’s a brilliant piece of film that’s well worth finding a bit of time to watch in full. Ari and Zack’s big-budget On Two Wheels series has been some of the best biking content on YouTube and now they’ve created a new series called Throttle Out. Thankfully, the first episode of them traversing the Baja Peninsula on a pair of Monkeys is completely free. Watch it now.

Suzuki All-stars

Go to MoreBikes.co.uk and search ‘Suzuki’ to watch the second AllStar 125 race. A gaggle of racing stars punting GSX-S125s around Bruntingthorpe kart track. Bradley Ray, Richard Cooper, Luke Stapleford, Billy McConnell and Josh Elliott slug it out in brilliantly brutal action. Worth a watch. Learners Commuters Buying On Two Wheels

Riding

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

6 NEWS S

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2020 Triumph Daytona 765

W Words: Ross Mowbray

Moto2 on the road: Triumph goes public with the 765 It's a road bike. It's based on the racebike. It'll go like a rocket (it's not the Rocket though...). We’ve been telling you there was a new Daytona 765 on the way from Triumph ever since the British brand first confirmed its link-up with Moto2 back in 2017. And it’s finally here. The Daytona’s got a rich history of racing success, with the previous generation 675cc triple taking wins right across the world. It claimed victory at the Isle of Man TT, the British, German, French and World SuperSports championships, and even at the Daytona 200. And it’s still going strong, with Peter Hickman taking the Supersport Race 2 win at this year’s Isle of Man TT. But with Triumph becoming the official engine supplier to the Moto2 World Championship, it was only a matter

of time before the next generation Daytona went into production. The headline news is the Daytona’s Moto2-derived 765cc engine. It kicks out 128bhp of peak power at 12,250rpm and 59lb-ft of peak torque at 9,750rpm. That makes it Triumph’s highest powered production 765cc engine ever. And it’s not just the engine that’s new and improved. The new Daytona’s lighter than the previous generation machine, and the new bike’s fitted with some serious kit, including new top-spec Brembo Stylema brakes, fully adjustable race-proven Ohlins suspension and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres. It’s got some top tech built in, too.

There’s a full-colour TFT dash with an official Moto2 start-up screen, five riding modes including a specific Track mode, and Triumph’s own Shift Assist up and down quickshifter. If you want to get your hands on the first ever Moto2-licensed road bike

you’ll need to act fast – Triumph’s only producing a limited run of 765 motorcycles for the US and Canada, and 765 for Europe, Asia and the rest of the world. Pricing has been confirmed at £15,765 – which pitches the new Daytona just above the Speed Triple RS.

Motorcycle Live 2019: Bring your nonmotorcycling mate along for FREE The UK’s biggest motorcycle show, Motorcycle Live, is offering motorcyclists the opportunity to get their non-motorcycling mate into the show for FREE (there’s 1000 complimentary tickets available on a first-come-first-served basis) – or get two tickets for half price, depending on how you split it! Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, between November 16-24, Motorcycle Live is an annual pilgrimage for bike enthusiasts across the country, but show organisers understand that there’s always a non-biking mate that just needs to experience how great motorcycling is to make that step to two wheels. As a result, Motorcycle Live is now offering a limited number of FREE tickets to the show for non-motorcyclists on Thursday November 21, 2019. Terms and conditions apply. To claim a free ticket for Thursday November 21, you have to buy a full-price ticket – either in advance or on the day – and bring their ticket and their non-

ENGINE TYPE: Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder CAPACITY: 765cc BORE STROKE: 78 x 53.38 COMPRESSION: 12.9:1 MAX POWER: 128bhp @ 12,250rpm MAX TORQUE: 59lb-ft @ 9,750rpm FUEL SYSTEM: Multi-point sequential electronic fuel injection with SAI. Electronic throttle control EXHAUST: Stainless steel 3-into-1 exhaust system. Stainless steel underbody primary silencer. Arrow titanium secondary silencer FINAL DRIVE: Chain CLUTCH: Wet Multiplate GEARBOX: 6-speed with Triumph Shift Assist FRAME: Front – Aluminium beam twin spar. Rear – two-piece high pressure die cast SWINGARM: Twin-sided, cast aluminium alloy FRONT WHEEL: Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 17 x 3.5 in REAR WHEEL: Cast aluminium alloy 5-spoke 17 x 5.5 in FRONT TYRE: 120/70 ZR17 REAR TYRE: 180/55 ZR17 FRONT SUSPENSION: Öhlins 43 mm upside down NIX30 forks with adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping REAR SUSPENSION: Öhlins TTX36 twin tube monoshock with piggy back reservoir, adjustable, rebound and compression damping FRONT BRAKE: Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial mono-block calipers, Twin 310 mm ﬂoating discs, switchable ABS REAR BRAKE: Brembo single piston caliper, Single 220 mm disc, switchable ABS WIDTH INC. HANDLEBARS: 718mm HEIGHT WITHOUT MIRRORS: 1105mm SEAT HEIGHT: 822mm WHEELBASE: 1379mm RAKE: 23.2° TRAIL: 91.1mm WEIGHT: TBC TANK CAPACITY: 17.4L

TURN TO PAGE 10 TO SEE HOW YOU CAN WIN Motorcycle Live TICKETS FOR FREE!

motorcycling mate to the Press Office to claim their free ticket. Once your non-motorcycling mate has shown their licence (with no motorcycle category on there) and you’ve shown your full-price ticket and licence (with a motorcycle category on there), you’ll get a free one – simple as that. It’s then up to you and your mate how to split the cost…

AND

Tickets also give visitors access to see the spectacular live stunt show in the MotoCirque Arena. Start planning your day now as tickets are on sale. There are savings to be made too, with advance tickets priced at just £19.50 per adult, £12 for Seniors, £1 for 11-16 year olds. Did we mention

it’s FREE for children aged five and under? For the second year, there is also a £25 advance ticket, which includes entry to the show and an Oxford Products Secure HD Max disc lock worth £25.00, which is collected at the show. New for 2019, car parking has been

subsidised by show organisers, with advance car parking £10 and £12 on the day. Motorcycle parking is FREE, so why not kit your mate up and take them pillion for the full experience and to save even more money. To book or for more information, call 0844 581 2345 or visit: www.motorcyclelive.co.uk

NEWS 7

Suzuki reveals the 2020 SV650’s colours

GET MCM DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR FOR JUST Call 01507 529529 or go to www.classicmagazines.co.uk/mcm20

Watch this Vid 1

Log on to MoreBikes.co.uk and wrap your eyes around a 1970s American Public Service film about motorcycle safety that is hosted by Peter Fonda and Evel Knievel. It’s one of the best things you’ll see this year. Log on and search ‘Fonda’.

It’s not the most earth-shattering news, we’ll give you that. But in terms of a very popular bike being of interest to a lot of people on the roads right now, Suzuki knows how important this sort of thing is to its customers. The SV650 now comes in a new metallic silver with a blue trellis wrapped around the 645cc V-twin engine and blue wheels. A matt black version gets a red frame and wheels, while those looking for a more understated SV650 can opt for a gloss black model with black frame and wheels. The 2020 SV650 has a RRP of £5,999.

Watch this Vid 2

Once you’ve enjoyed the Fonda/ Knievel video, stay logged on to MoreBikes and search ‘MotoGP’ to see a very private bit of after-race chat between Alex Rins, Maverick Vinales and Marc Marquez. It’s enlightening!

8 NEWS

Get yer diary out! MotoGP releases the provisional schedule for 2020

Plans are already being put in place for next year’s MotoGP season. And the provisional calendar for all of the action has just been released. The big news is it looks like we’re going to see 20 races next season, with the addition of the Finnish GP. It’s still waiting for its official FIM Homologation, so there are no guarantees at this stage. Either way, here’s a complete look at the provisional 2020 MotoGP calendar.

New rules for MotoGP 2020 – it’s about knee sliders and jump starts

Grand Prix

Circuit

08 March

Qatar*

Losail International Circuit

22 March

Thailand

Chang International Circuit

05 April

Americas

Circuit of the Americas

19 April

Republica Argentina

Termas de Rio Hondo

03 May

Spain

Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto

17 May

France

Le Mans

31 May

Italy

Autodromo del Mugello

07 June

Catalunya

Barcelona – Catalunya

21 June

Germany

Sachsenring

28 June

Netherlands

TT Circuit Assen

12 July

Finland**

KymiRing

09 August

Czech Republic***

Automotodrom Brno

16 August

Austria

Red Bull Ring-Spielberg

30 August

Great Britain

Silverstone

13 September

San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini

Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli

04 October

Aragón

MotorLand Aragón

18 October

Japan

Twin Ring Motegi

25 October

Australia

Philip Island

01 November

Malaysia

Sepang International Circuit

15 November

Comunitat Valenciana Comunitat ValencianaRicardo Tormo

When you try to get a Ducati motor into a Yamaha chassis during a race... This happened at the British round of the MotoGP in the early stages of the race when Petronas Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo hit the brakes hard to avoid eventual winner Alex Rins, as the latter tried to avoid a crash. Quatararo’s Yamaha folded on the brakes and in the immediate aftermath Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso had nowhere to go but midriff of the Italian bike. Thankfully, Quartararo was uninjured in the fall. Dovi suffered temporary amnesia, but according to his team his memory returned within minutes. “We had a good start, but unfortunately on the first corner Rins overtook me,” said

➠

* Evening ** Subject to FIM Homologation *** Subject to the Contract 2020 Pre-season Tests Date

Test

Circuit

19/11/19

Valencia

Comunitat ValencianaRicardo Tormo

26/11/19

Jerez

Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto

7/02/20

Sepang

22/02/20

Qatar

Losail International Circuit

➠

The Grand Prix Commission has confirmed its updated rulebook for MotoGP racing in 2020. Here are the new rules from the sport’s big brass: * Penalty for Jump Starts The fixed penalty for a jump start has been changed from a pit lane ride through – with riders now being obliged to perform two ‘long laps’. The long laps must be completed within five laps of the rider being notified of the penalty. * Moto3 and Moto2 Class Tyres Riders proceeding from Qualifying Practice 1 to Qualifying Practice 2 will now receive an additional front tyre. This change will be first put into effect at the British Grand Prix. * Materials Used in ‘Sliders’ With immediate effect it is prohibited to manufacture or modify knee or other sliders to include any material that, when in contact with the track surface, may cause a visual disturbance to other riders.

Date

Oh NO!!!!

Redding’s off the WSB join the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati team, which is something that I’ve wanted for a long time, because to be able to work with a team that can fight for a world title is really a great opportunity for me. Obviously now I have to remain fully focused on the British Superbike Championship, because I want to try and win that title with the Be Wiser Ducati before stepping back up to a world championship again. A big thanks to all those people who have helped to make this dream happen, and now I can’t wait to get on the factory Panigale V4 R bike in the World Superbike Championship.”

➠

Scott Redding is heading to World Superbikes for 2020, joining the ARUBA.IT Ducati team for 2020. Redding will replace Spanish sensation Alvaro Bautista (who has been rumoured to be on his way to Honda), and race as part of a three-man squad alongside Chaz Davies for the Italianbased factory team. The news isn’t a huge surprise after Ducati Corse Sporting Director Paolo Ciabatti revealed that Redding was “first on their list” as a possible rider to complete their 2020 line-up. Speaking about the news, Redding said: “I’m so happy to

Quartararo. “He lost quite a lot of the rear and I shut the throttle a bit too aggressively to not go into him and I just make a big slide. Unfortunately I had a highside. “I am okay, quite lucky that I haven’t broken something, that is positive. I didn’t even see that Dovi had touched the bike – he went over the bike. It was just after when I got up I saw he crashed also. “If Rins didn’t make a mistake, for sure we would have kept sliding and just at this moment I was starting to pick up the bike. For me was just a matter of luck.” Flippin’ heck – what a way to start to make a Brit GP start, eh?

10 CROSSWORD

IT’S THE MOTOR CYCLE MONTHLY

CROSSWORD!! Wo Crossword compiled by Ben Rumbold of MotoXwords

We’ve got 10 pairs of tickets to Motorcycle Live 2019 to give away for our Crossword winners! That’s £500 worth of tickets to the UK’s largest new motorcycle show. And all you have to do is complete the crossword

opposite, cut it out and send it to us. Simple as that. Get yer best biking brain on, get ﬁlling in the puzzle and we’ll draw 10 winners out of the upturned MCM helmet.

rth

£500

Get to Motorcycle Live 2019 The UK’s biggest motorcycle show, Motorcycle Live, takes place at the NEC from November 16-24, offering unrivalled two-wheeled entertainment for bike fans of all ages. If you want to check out the latest new bikes, show a nonriding friend the wonderful world of two-wheels, catch up with friends, meet biking celebrities or simply have a fun day out with the family, you can do it all at Motorcycle Live. Whether a rider or an

enthusiast, there’s plenty to see and do with 10 free opportunities to ride, non-stop live entertainment and the chance to see all the latest models from the top manufacturers. Tickets also give visitors access to see the spectacular live stunt show in the Moto-Cirque Arena. Advanced tickets are on sale now, and visitors will once again benefit from frozen ticket prices, as well as the newly subsidised car parking charges. Motorcycles can park for free.

Group discounts are available. Order 10 or more adult or senior tickets for a 10% discount*. This year the show is encouraging riders to bring their non-riding mate to the show – so much so, that Motorcycle Live is offering a limited number^ of FREE tickets to the show for non-motorcyclists on Thursday, November 21, 2019**. Terms and conditions apply. To book or for more information, call 0844 581 2345 or visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk

NOTE: *Terms and Conditions apply. Call 0800 358 0058 for more information. ^One thousand complimentary tickets are available on a first-come first-served basis. **One complimentary ticket will be issued per non-motorcyclist over the age of 16 who is accompanied by a motorcyclist who has purchased a full-price ticket. Offer can be redeemed on Thursday, November 21, 2019 only. No cash alternative offered. Free ticket allocation is at the full discretion of Motorcycle Live show organisers.

CROSSWORD 11 1

10 11

Retro-up the R3

13 16

17 18 19 20

24 27

28 29

This amazing Kenny Roberts GP500 retro bodykit for the Yamaha R3 is being sold by Californian company GG Retrofitz and costs $1,198 for the Race (track) version and $998 for the Street (road) set up. Fitting the kits is a simple bolt-and-go job with no modification needed to the motorcycle for the bodywork. With the road kit you get the headlight and mirrors and with both set ups you need to fit the new handlebars. For more information go to: www. ggretrofitz.com

32 33

September Issue #159 Last Month’s Answers:

Across

1: An easy-to-change window for your helmet. (5,7,5) 8: When front wheels aren’t steering in standing water they’re doing this scary thing. (11) 11: Bruce, black-helmeted TT veteran and multi-time winner. (6) 12: Super quick Honda named after a Lockheed aircraft. (9) 13: Early 60s Ariel model, a stripped-down version of the Leader 250cc two-stroke. (5) 16: They make prizes, unless they’re on your licence! (6) 18: The sort of bike a lot of schoolboy racers start on. (4) 19: Japanese chain makers that pioneered the sealed ‘O’ ring design. (2) 20: Electric tools that make holes. (6) 23: A silencer, or a popular drinking vessel. (3) 24: Portuguese manufacturer AJP’s flagship 650 adventure model, now in its 7th incarnation. (2) 25: The first of two words synonymous with French racing on two or four wheels. (2) 26: American Superbiker Ben Bostrom’s similarly talented younger brother. (4) 27: The bigger this is for your forks, the more difficult it will be to turn. (5) 29: The follow-on from a concept design is to make this, your first physical model. (9) 31: Czech manufacturer specialising in electric off-road bikes. (6) 33: Setting of the sprockets to aim for higher running speed at the expense of acceleration. (4,7) 34: Samsung’s clever rear view system being developed for future electric bikes. (11,6)

Down

1: Classic scooter movie starring Sting and Phil Daniels. (12) 2: Pioneering Greeves two-stroke off-road model from the 1950s, it took on the champions and won! (10) 3: Antonio, not your typical blonde Swedish Speedway ace with Brazilian parentage. (8) 4: The difference between the top of your suspension travel and the seat level with you on it. (3) 5: Add a hand gesture to 23 across for a growing crash helmet brand. (1,3) 6: What a manufacturer can do to clutch plates to make them harder wearing. (6)

7: Racing son of Wayne, Australia’s favourite motorcycling son. (4) 9: American manufacturer of lubricants, nothing to do with Star Wars. (5,3) 10: First name of the ever-popular Superbike star known as the Samurai of Slide. (8) 14: Didn’t quite conquer the Doctor, but with four 250cc titles the nickname stuck. (5,7) 15: Hizzy’s famous rotary steed for his most famous win at the Isle of Man. (5,7) 17: Alternative steering method employed by the radical new Arc Vector. (3,6) 21: Cold, clear, and at its most lethal, black on the roads. (3) 22: “This.. Is…” a bold Greek name taken by a massive Dutch moped manufacturer. (6) 28: Flamboyant Aussie Superbiker who recently suffered a shocking physical assault in his home town. (6) 30: Quality sprocket makers with a sharp claw? (5) 31: You might ironically call 11 across a flying one. (4) 32: In a crash, some advise that you do this as well as tuck your arms in. (4) 33: Our reigning Speedway world champion, by his much shorter first name. (3)

1 Peugeot Metropolis,8 Claudio 9 Estoril 11 Out 12 Tom 13 Piggyback 15 Grass Track 18 No Stop 20 Camshaft 21 Motorrad 25 Lights 27 GSX-R 29 Boxer 33 Danny Webb 35 FIM 36 Hue 37 Angelis 39 Unscrew 40 Boost Level Display

Down

1 Packing 2 Gauloises 3 Trooper 4 & 24 Down Energica Esse Esse 5 Rut 6 Porta 7 & 19 & 30 Down Santa Pod Raceway 10 Loket 14 YZ 16 Rea 17 T-Bars 18 Nuts 20 Cal 22 Rookie Cup 23 Ace 26 Gadea 28 Rebound 31 TY 32 Thumb 34 Night 38 Lee

Here’s the legal bit that you need to know

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12 THINGS TO KNOW AND DO

Communications Systems

CARDO SYSTEMS PACKTALK BOLD

Buying an intercom doesn’t have to be a jargon-ﬁlled experience – but what should you be looking for when buying a communications systeem? Intercom, music player, headset – whatever you call it and however you use it, there are some basics to think about when buying a communications system. Do you really need that five-mile range or is 100m more

£314.99 (single) and £559.99 (duo pack) www.cardosystems.com www.pama.com/ cardo

suitable? Will it impact the fit of your helmet? By asking the right questions before you part with your cash, you can be sure you’re buying exactly what you need and ultimately end up with a product that suits you.

CONNECTIVITY

Take a look at how many other devices the intercom can connect with, and how it does it. Ideally you want a system that’s easy to use and simple to connect (with other brands, too). Check if you can connect it to your phone or sat-nav so you can receive phone calls, play music and hear instructions through the headset.

2 SPEAKERS

Be sure to check the quality of the speakers. Try having a conversation with your passenger in a car with all the windows open as you’re travelling down the motorway – that’s pretty much what it will be like through the intercom with bad speakers.

3 BATTERY LIFE

The last thing you want to worry about while riding is if your intercom battery will run out. Check that the battery life of the unit suits what you plan to do with it or look for options that can be charged on the go.

2 1

INSTALLATION

How easy is it to install? There are a number of scenarios which could happen if a system is not easy to fit – none of which end in your favour. Therefore, it’s important to see how easy it is to fit into your helmet.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2019 SEPTEMBER 14 Kempton Park Motorcycle Autojumble. Kempton Park, Staines Road East, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex, TW16 5AQ. www.kemptonparkautojumble.co.uk Tel 01507 529529. 14 Poker Run. Sammy Miller Museum. www.sammymiller.co.uk 14 Sunbeam MCC 11th Sunbeam September Challenge. North Yorkshire. Tel Alec Thompson 01751 431478. Email alec.thompson7@ pobroadband.co.uk. 14-15 National Rally of Scotland. Various checkpoints in Scotland. Cost £12 or £32 for a team of three. Contact Colin Pate, 45 Elmwood Park, Livingston, EH54 8SP. Email colinbpate@yahoo.co.uk. 14-15 PS Track weekend. Cadwell Park Circuit, Louth, Lincs, LN11 9SE. www.classicbiketrackdays. com Tel 07971 424472. Email info@ classicbiketrackdays.com. 14-16 Cum ‘n’ Dribble In’t Ribble. Whittingham Social Club, Old Hospital Grounds, Whittingham, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 2JE. Tel 07971 530190. Email info@ jestersmcc.org.uk. 15 Romney Marsh Classic Bikejumble. Hamstreet, nr Ashford, Kent, TN26 2JD. www.elk-promotions.co.uk Tel 01797 344277. Email events@elkpromotions.co.uk. 15 Blue Haze Day (2-Strokes, Fantic & Fizzy). Ace Café, Ace Corner, N Circular Rd, Stonebridge, London, NW10 7UD. london.acecafe.com 15 MotoGP - Round 13 - Gran Premio Octo di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini. www.motogp.com 15 Stratford Autojumble. Stratfordupon-Avon Racecourse, Luddington Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 9SE. www.stratfordautojumble.co.uk 15 Cafe Racer Rendezvous. Sammy Miller Museum. www.sammymiller.co.uk 15 VMCC (Dorset Section) Last of the Summer Wine. Hinton St Mary Village Hall, Hinton St Mary, Somerset,

DT10 1LT. dorsetvmcc.co.uk/events Tel 01258 860864. 15 VMCC Cheshire Cats Section Tiddler Run. Anderton Boat Lift, Northwich, CW9 6FW. Email Robert - moon93@ ntlworld.com. 18 VMCC (Essex Section) Midweek Run. Tesco car park, Maldon. Tel Dave Iszard 07543 901340. 18 VMCC (Dorset Section) Midweek Run. Dorset’s Crafty Barn and Tearoom, Unit D, Milton Mills, Milton Abbas, Somerset, DT11 0BQ. dorsetvmcc. co.uk/events Tel 01258 860864. 19 Greetham Gathering. Great Lane, Greetham, Rutland, LE15 7NG. www.greethamgathering.co.uk Tel 07759 052146. 19 LE Velo Lancs & S Lakes. Barley Visitor Centre. Tel 01772 782516. 20-22 MGCGB Red Kite Rally. Baskerville Hall, Clyro Court, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5LB. www.redkiteweekend. wordpress.com 20-22 Yer Tiz Rally. Newton St Cyres Recreational Ground, Station Road, Newton St Cyres, Devon, EX5 5AT. www.yertizrally.co.uk Tel 07790 277340. Email yertizrally@live.com. 20-22 Coming Together Mods & Rockers Charity Weekender. Yew Tree Inn, 3 Church Lane, Cauldon, Staffordshire, ST10 3EJ. Tel Simon 07731 871044, hughessimon55@yahoo.com; Andy 07837 207669, andrew.fox36@ googlemail.com. 20-22 7th Annual Haggs Horizons Unlimited Adventure Meet. Haggs Bank Bunkhouse & Campsite, Nentsberry, Alston, Cumbra, CA9 3LH. haggsbank. com. Tel 01434 382486; 07919 092403. Email info@haggsbank.com. 20-22 British Superbikes - Round 10 TT Circuit Assen. www.britishsuperbike.com 21 Eckington Motorcycle Day. Eckington Town Centre, Eckington, S21 4EH. Tel 01246 431459. Email keithriley777@btinternet.com. 21 Scorton Auto & Bike Jumble. North Yorkshire Events Centre, Scorton, DL10 6EJ. Tel Bert 07909 904705. 21 South Midlands Autojumble. Rosson-Wye Livestock Centre, Overross, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7QQ. Tel 01989

WORDS: Mikko Nieminen

TO LIST YOUR EVENT EMAIL jclements@mortons.co.uk

750731. 21-22 10th Nailsea International Bike Show. Ring O Bells Pub, 4 St Mary’s Grove, Nailsea, Bristol, North Somerset, BS48 4NQ. www.nailseabikers.org.uk Email nailseabikers@hotmail.com. 21-22 NSA (National Sprint Association) Autumn Sprint. Westonzoyland Sprint Strip, Westonzoyland Airfield, Somerset, TA7 0LZ. www. nationalsprintassociation.org 22 Normous Newark Autojumble. Newark Showground, Newark, Notts, NG24 2NY. www.newarkautojumble. co.uk Tel 01507 529529. 22 Custom & Cruiser Bike Day. Ace Café, Ace Corner, N Circular Rd, Stonebridge, London, NW10 7UD. london.acecafe.com 22 Ride to Save Lives - Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. Newark Showground, Newark, Notts, NG24 2NY. Tel 01522 548469; 07584 438125. Email ride@ ambucopter.org.uk. 22 Portsmouth MAG Show. Boardwalk Port Solent, Hampshire, PO6 4TP. Tel 07741 464624. Email Portsmouthrep@mag-uk.org. 22 Breakfast Meet. Battlesbridge Motorcycle Museum, Essex, SS11 7RF. www.battlesbridge.com/events Tel 01268 769000. 22 Salisbury Motorcycle & Light Car Club. Arbuthnot Trial. Start: Wyndam Arms, Dinton. www. salisburymotorcycleandlightcarclub. co.uk Tel Ian Standen 07855 420684. Email chairman@ salisburymotorcycleandlightcarclub. co.uk. 22 SBMOC Bulldog Charity Run. www. sbmoc.vpweb.co.uk. Tel Richard Bennett 01243 542928. 22 Forden Vintage & Classic Bike Show & Autojumble. Forden Community Centre, Forden, nr Welshpool, SY21 8NE. Tel Richard 01938 580615/07989 475070. Email richdavysj@gmail.com. 22 MotoGP - Round 14 - Gran Premio de Aragon. www.motogp.com 24 Poole Dream Machines - Final night of the season. The Quay, Poole, Dorst, BH15 1HJ. Tel 0845 234 5560. 24 British Two-Stroke Lincolnshire

Branch Club Night. Sausthorpe Village Hall, Sausthorpe, Spilsby, Lincs. Tel Andy Jones 07940 447570 or Jay Smedley 07502 222754. 27-28 Estonians MCC Captain Cook Run. Starts at: The Captain Cook Museum, Stewarts Park, Middlesborough, TS7 8AT. Tel 07533 204101. Email estoniansmcc@hotmail.co.uk. 27-29 Dubs of Anarchy. Ashdown Farm, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 7EN. www.dubsofanarchy. co.uk Tel 07395 289387. Email dubsofanarchy@hotmail.com. 27-29 22nd Kamikaze Cave Run. Silver Sapling Campsite, Silverdale, nr Carnforth, Lancs, LA5 0JJ. www. mobilechaosmcc.co.uk Tel 07908 426606 (after 4pm). Email daveemmerson1969@gmail.com. 27-29 World Superbikes - Round 11 French Round. www.worldsbk.com 28 LE Velo Northampton Gathering. The Lamb, Stoke Goldington, MK16 8NR. Tel 01604 499858. 28 VMCC (Dorset Section) Breakfast Meet. Henstridge Golf & Leisure, Marsh Lane, Henstridge, Somerset, BA8 0TG. dorsetvmcc.co.uk/events Tel 01258 860864. 28 Circencester Autojumble. Livestock Centre, Castle Market, Driffield Road, Circencester, GL7 5QY. 07831 421455. 28-29 BACKFIRE B Fest Weekend. The Old Railway Station, Church Road, Stamford Bridge, York, East Riding of Yorkshire, YO41 1DG. www.backfireltd.com Tel 07718 420630. Email paul.backfire@outlook.com. 28-29 The International Dirt Bike Show. Stafford County Showground, Staffordshire, ST18 0BD. www.dirtbikeshow.co.uk 29 59 Club Day & BSA Bantam Club Meet. Ace Café, Ace Corner, N Circular Rd, Stonebridge, London, NW10 7UD. london.acecafe.com 29 The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Various cities in UK and Ireland. www.gentlmansride.com 29 North Manchester Custom & Classic Bike Show. The Ramsbottom Cricket Club, Acre Bottom, Ramsbottom, Rossendal, Lancashire, BL0 0BS. Tel 01298 938082 or 07748 258256.

Email NorthManchesterBikeShow@ hotmail.com. 29 Huddersﬁeld Autojumble. Old Market Building, Brook Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1RG. www.phoenixfairs.jimdo. com Tel 01773 819154 or 07795 505388. Email jeffpff@hotmail.co.uk. 29 Sand & Motorcycles. Pages Park, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4TG. www.facebook.com/ SandAndMotorcycles. Free entry, bikes of any age welcome. Tel 01525 373888.

OCTOBER 2019 02 VMCC (Essex Section) Midweek Run. Tesco car park, Maldon. Tel Dave Overy 01621 893450. 02 VMCC (Dorset Section) Lunch Meet. Henstridge Golf & Leisure, Marsh Lane, Henstridge, Somerset, BA8 0TG. dorsetvmcc.co.uk/events Tel 01258 860864. 03 Mod n’ Mini Night “Italian Special”. london.acecafe.com 03-06 Wales Rally GB. www.walesrallygb.com. 04-06 Bumtoberfest. Essex Outdoors, Rewsalls Lane, East Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8SX. www.bumtoberfest.co.uk Tel 07708 419987. Email muddybumclub@live.co.uk. 04-06 British Superbikes - Round 11 Donington Park GP. www.britishsuperbike.com 05 Ride to the Wall. Various locations converging to National Arboretum, Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire, DE13 7AR. www.rrtw.org 05 NSA (National Sprint Association) Dakota Raceway South West. Smeatharpe Airfield, Devon, EX14 9RF. www. nationalsprintassociation.org 06 End of Summer’ Scooter n’ Mod Special. Ace Café, Ace Corner, N Circular Rd, Stonebridge, London, NW10 7UD. london.acecafe.com 06 Copdock Classic Motorcycle Show. Trinity Park, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 8UH. www. copdockmotorcycleshow.co.uk.

E&OE: All events are subject to change. Please check with the event organisers before booking accommodation or travelling.

Th he MCM legal column is compiled byy managing pa artner Andrew ‘Chef’ P Prendergast and his bike-riding barristers and ssolicitors at White Dalton W Motorcycle M Solicitors. S The firm deals with personal w injury claims and its sister a company, Motor Defenc Defence Solicitors, company deals with all the motoring offences. White Dalton lawyers have a vast knowledge of bike law, and they have full bike licences, too. They don’t act for insurance companies or the prosecution. White Dalton is Britain’s premier specialist motorcycle law practice, and if its professionals don’t know the answer to your question, there probably isn’t one. Don’t rely on the advice from your insuranceappointed solicitor, get proper independent advice. For road trafﬁc offences, call the Motor Defence solicitors on 0800 280 0912. For non-offence cases, call White Dalton motorcycle solicitors on 0800 783 6191.

Need advice If you need advice on a biking-related legal question or query, email mail@whitedalton.co.uk. The best Q&A will be published in MCM, in confidence, of course.

Q&A

WHITE DALTON 13 Our specialist motoring solicitor Andrew Prendergast guides readers through their legal trials and troubles

Brexit fun for everyone! Two years ago I was riding down the motorway when I was side swiped by a European cousin from France driving an HGV. Ironically, I was heading to France on my Honda ST1300 Pan European for a holiday. The only Pan I used after the collision was a bed pan as I was laid up for three months with a broken pelvis and leg. The driver was truly sorry and his foreign insurer admitted liability straight away. However, when it comes to the value of my case, it hasn’t settled and we have issued court proceedings in England. If a ‘no-deal Brexit’ happens, will I have to go to France for the trial? I am also really worried I will not get my compensation even if I win at court.

‘Brexit’ and ‘fun’ are not two words that naturally fit together in my book, whatever way you voted. If there is a no-deal Brexit there will be changes to the laws followed in personal injury cases. Because you have already issued court proceedings in England, the law provides that the courts in England and Wales will continue to apply the existing jurisdiction rules to cases where the proceedings were commenced, but not concluded, before Brexit. So in short, you will not have to go to France

For more info, go to:

SOLICITORS

www.whitedalton.co.uk

for the trial. However, if you win, but the foreign insurer does not pay your claim, there will likely be some issues regarding the jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of the judgment you obtain. Therefore, if there is a no-deal Brexit you will likely have some different legal hurdles to get over and it will likely affect your claim. I would add that this is written in September 2019 so everything is very much up in the air and unfortunately I cannot give you any definite answers. Anyone who claims otherwise is full of it.

I’d been doing up my old KTM and headed out last month for a test ride around my village. I think the local busy body has reported me as the Police have come looking for me. Between me and you I admit I was pulling wheelies. However, it was in the car park of the local recreation ground, i.e., not on the main road. The Police now want to interview me, but as I was on private land I think I’ve got a defence and am going to tell them as much. What do you think?

Little beauty

After the launch of Yamaha’s XSR155 in India, the Japanese factory has now unveiled three custom versions of its small capacity neo-retro machine. The after-market kits are made by Faster Sons in Japan and although there’s no news that these are going on sale outside of Japan just yet, we might end up seeing these bikes here in Blighty in 125cc format instead of 155.

The local recreation ground car park is a public place so you haven’t got a defence on that basis. Moving forward, pulling a wheelie is classic 'dangerous driving'. If convicted it’s a minimum disqualification of 12 months and you could be locked up for a maximum of 24 months (but the latter is highly unlikely from what you’ve said). Before you do anything, get some legal advice before doing the Police interview. Ideally you want to know the strength of the evidence against you before putting your hands up. If you can’t afford one, the state must provide you a duty solicitor if you ask for one. If the CPS can’t prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your riding fell ‘far below what was expected of a competent and careful rider’, you will be found not guilty. So knowing the evidence is going to be key in what you decide to do next, i.e., admit and try to mitigate or go not guilty and see if the CPS can prove the case against you.

Learners Commuters Buying On Two Wheels

Riding

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

14 WORLD LAUNCH REPORT

On a charge (r)

If you were to commit to an electric Harley-Davidson, what do you reckon life would be like? We know. We've ridden it. And it ain't all roses-in-the-orange-and-black garden. WORDS: Tony Carter PHOTOGRAPHY: Harley-Davidson

What you need to know This is the first electric motorcycle to come from the Milwaukee factory, but it won’t be the last. We know that there are at least another two bikes planned, with more on the way. Prices for LiveWire start from £28,995 – so it isn’t cheap. What you really want to know is the following: 140 miles incity riding, 88 miles of combined stop-and-go and motorway movement. You can charge it in 40 minutes (80% charge), whilst to get 100% charge takes an hour. Aaaannnd, the bike is supposed to be able to go from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. It comes in orange, yellow or black.

I don’t like soy milk. Oh, I know that I SHOULD like it. I know that merely by drinking it instead of cow’s milk I could live to be a thousand years old. I know kn n that the simple act of becoming a soy milk user would also be good for the planet. With each sip of the white stuff a baby polar bear would be ensured a ripe run to adulthood. Blurgh. It doesn’t taste nice. It’s not good to cook with. It’s something that’s good for me and the planet,, but in reality tyy

it’s a pale pastiche of the good stuff. I’ll stick with the fat-laden creamy goodness thanks. Until you make soy milk taste just like it. Then, and only then, will I even consider going near soy milk again. You can see where I’m going with this, can’t you? When HarleyDavidson sent MSL the invite to attend the world launch of LiveWire in Portland, Oregon, USA, I jumped at it. But as the time ticked down to the action on the all-electric production bike,, myy heart started to sink.

Just look at the hard figures to see why my balloon started to deflate: 249kg; 105hp (78kW); 146 miles range if you’re riding in the city tyy all the time; 70-mile range at 70mph. Urgh. I say again, Urgh. So it was with something of a heavy vyy heart that I dutifully turned up for the ride under leaden skies in the selfconfessed ‘weird’ city tyy or Portland. And a few hours later I was bloody well converted. I’m as shocked about this as you aree.

WORLD LAUNCH REPORT 15 Charging it The LiveWire motorcycle features a RESS (Rechargeable Energy Storage System, or the main battery) composed of lithium-ion cells surrounded by a finned, cast-aluminium housing. The LiveWire motorcycle is also equipped with a small 12-volt lithium-ion battery that powers the lights, controls, horn and instrument display. Charging can be completed using an on-board Level 1 charger that plugs into a standard household outlet with a power cord that stores below Here’s the good things about this motorcycle that I’d rave to you about, were you to ask me in a pub: “’Ere Tone, is it any good then?” I imagine you with a cockney accent. Dunno why. Firstly, it’s all about that engine. Or motor. Or turbine. Whatever you want to call it. And the connection to the just-about-perfect throttle. I’ve yet to ride ANY bike where the power is delivered so instantaneously and in such a great way. It’s addictive and you find yourself smiling every time you crack open the right hand and belt forward. It’s genuinely like you’re sitting on a big elastic band under tension and then all that pent-up kinetic energy is released in the best and smoothest way possible. The bike might only have 86lb-ft of torque (which, to be fair is quite a bit in comparison to others in the market), but to have 100% of that available at 1rpm and have it all the way through to 15,000rpm – is brilliant. Then there’s the riding position. For a 5’ 8” goon like me, it’s great. Feet are tucked up pretty high and sporty; the bars initially felt too narrow, but by lunchtime they were the perfect size; and the ‘tank’ is narrow and largely out of your field of vision. Being in charge of LiveWire is a pleasant place to be. Oh, and the mirrors performed superbly. They’re not big enough and sit too low to the handlebar (this isn’t a niggle, Harley, it’s a complaint – two minutes on the bike and we’d all worked that out – who on earth has been test riding this from the factory?), but that aside, they were

TECH SPEC 2019 Harley-Davidson LiveWire

the motorcycle seat. LiveWire can also be charged with a Level 2 and Level 3, or DC Fast Charge (DCFC), through a SAE J1772 connector, (USA), or CCS2 – IEC type 2 charging connector. Basically, you use a Level 3 DC Fast Charge station when you’re out and about and doing this means that you can get an 80% charge in 40 minutes, a full 100% charge in an hour. All Harley-Davidson dealers who sell the LiveWire motorcycle will offer a public charging station.

Price: From £28,995 Engine: Revelation. Internal permanent magnet synchronous motor with water jacket cooling Power: 105bhp (78kW) Torque: 86lb-ft (116Nm) Transmission: Single speed, belt drive via bevel gear Frame & swingarm: Aluminium cast Wheelbase: 1,490mm Seat Height: 780mm Weight: 249kg Tyres: Michelin Scorcher ‘Sport’ Front: 120/70 ZR17 58W Rear: 180/55 ZR17 73W Suspension: (F) Showa 43mm inverted Separate Function Forks - Big Piston (SFF-BP), fully adjustable. (R) Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion Lite (BFRC-lite), fully adjustable Brakes: (F) Dual 4-piston monoblock radial mount and 300mm ﬂoating discs; (R) dualpiston rear and 260mm ﬂoating discs. ABS Battery: Lithium-Ion, 12.8V, 24 Wh, 120A Capacity: 15.5kWh total, 13.6kWh min usable Charging: Onboard DC to DC conversion Range: City 146 miles. Highway (70mph sustained) 70 miles. Combined 95 miles Contact: www.harley-davidson.com

clear at all revs and all speeds. No combustion engine = no vibration ya see. Lovely. Another huge plus with the bike is… well… the way it has a heartbeat. Kind of. A literal heartbeat-type of trick that it does when you’re at a standstill with the motor turned on. Obviously, the bike is completely silent when you stop, so to remind you that you are sitting on a bike – and that’s a bike with the motor turned on – Harley has made LiveWire sort of buzz underneath you every couple of seconds. It sounds weird and at the start of your time with the bike, it is weird. But you quickly get used to it. By the end of the launch ride I was actively happy when we stopped at a junction and the bike buzzed away

Chassis One of the clever things with the lay-out of LiveWire is that the bike combines the powertrain as a stressed member of the chassis within the aluminium frame. This is done to increase rigidity. LiveWire is hung on quality springers with fully adjustable Showa suspension front and rear. The Showa BFRClite (Balanced Free Rear Cushion-lite) mono-shock rear suspension is complimented by Showa SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork-Big Piston) up front, balanced to match the performance and adjustability of the rear shock and deliver lowspeed damping control. LiveWire is fitted with Brembo Monobloc front brake calipers gripping dual 300mm diameter discs – naturally, the bike comes with ABS as is the norm on all new bikes these days, and a Traction Control System as standard. Tyre-wise, the

bike gets co-branded H-D/ Michelin Scorcher tyres (180mm rear/120mm front). As far as rider aids go, the bike has a heady seven selectable riding modes on offer. Four of the seven are set as standard from the factory, with the remaining three modes able to be fine-tuned by the rider to suit their needs exactly. The bike gets an Electronic Chassis Control (ECC) system with the individual functions monitored being used together to keep the bike upright. The ECC looks after mid-corner ABS, Traction Control and Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS), which it does by modulating the amount of torque at the rear wheel. An inertial measurement unit and the bike’s ABS sensors combine to dole out the right amount of power for lean angle/ throttle requirement and upright position of the bike.

16 WORLD LAUNCH REPORT with one of the gears spinning up briefly every two seconds. I know I sound daft saying this, but it’s just like a heartbeat. It really is. It feels like the bike is alive. The Showa forks and rear suspension are decent, but felt too hard. More time on the bike would have had me tuning them down a touch. The front brake felt not up to much. There wasn’t a lot of feedback from the lever and I never felt at home with it. Which is odd because I usually like the Brembo radial monobloc calipers. I can’t tell you why I didn’t this time, but I didn’t. I like the bike’s 4.3” TFT colour display, which is touch sensitive and allows you to dial in what you want courtesy of sliding bars on the screen. It can also be tilted back and forth to suit your riding position and is great to read in dull conditions and unrelenting bright. direct sunlight. Honda, take note. If this is sounding like a bit of a lovein, then I suppose it is. I do have some criticisms of the bike, though – and these are the reasons why I couldn’t say in all honesty that I would stump up the £28,750 asking price for this bike, PCP or no PCP. Firstly, the charge. Harley says that if you think of this bike with a mobile phone analogy then you understand how they made it. The idea being that, like you do with a mobile, you use the bike in the day for what you need and then charge it overnight. Ok, I’ll buy that. But we rode for probably around 70 miles on the launch. For 95% of that I had the bike in Sport Mode, and with less than eight miles to go (ish) my bike was

What about the noise? Well, the Harley might be a state-of-the-art electric motorcycle of the future, but it’s not a quiet bike in the sense that you might expect. Yes, there’s no conventional engine noise (no conventional engine!), but what you do find when you ride the bike is a not

down to 13 miles of range left. It’s the first time on a launch where I thought I might have to do something drastic to get back to the hotel. Then there’s the lack of infrastructure of charging stations. Harley is putting a charging station in every dealership and that will have two cables to charge two bikes at the same time. This is good, but on the launch we were in Portland – a selfconfessed eco city – and with my bike getting close to critical charge levels, I didn’t see one charging station. Until charging stations are as common and plentiful as petrol stations, how are we going to do this electric bike thing? Do we need swappable batteries instead of charging a lump overnight? It’s a bigger question, but such an important one that it’s genuinely holding me back from having one of these. Which is a shame because I bloody love this bike. The clever app that links to the bike and tells you when it’s been moved, sending a URL locator to the cops if the bike is moved outside

Not exactly holding back Matt Levatich, HarleyDavidson’s President and CEO, hasn’t been holding back about what a landmark moment for H-D this motorcycle is. He said: “We’re at a historic juncture in the evolution of mobility, and Harley-Davidson is at the forefront. “Innovation that moves the body and soul has always been at the heart of our brand, and this next chapter in our history is about creating products and opportunities for existing and aspiring riders of all ages and walks of life.

“Our vision for the future is all-encompassing. For all ages, from urban professional to exurban retiree, and from commute-minded to thrillseeking, we are creating the products and opportunities for existing and aspiring riders to feel the transformative power of the two-wheeled riding experience. “These two concepts are further statements towards our commitment to lead in the electric mobility space that begins with the production in 2020 of LiveWire.”

unpleasant gear whine when you twist the throttle. LiveWire actually produces a tone that increases in pitch and volume with speed. It’s not made by some sort of speaker hidden away, but the audible cue comes from a specific cut made into the teeth of the Livewire’s gears.

of a geo fence you stipulate, is great. The riding modes where you can reduce the re-gen power grab from the back wheel or dial in the bike exactly how you want are easy, well thought out and should be industry standard. And then there’s the noise. Yes, it’s electric, but that VVVNNNRRRrrr whine from the gears that gets louder as you get faster is spot on. You don’t miss the engine noise at all. In fact, when you hear a combustion Harley amid a gaggle of LiveWires, the petrol-powered bike sounds archaic in comparison. I’ll go back to what I said at the beginning. I’m as surprised as anyone at how much I LOVED riding this bike. But the charging universe, and LiveWire’s own run-time, isn’t yet on par with my world. And until it is, my money is still going on stinky twostrokes and 1980s petrol-propelled superbikes. But do ride a LiveWire. I promise that you’ll be blown away by it. Especially if you don’t ride very far on a daily basis. It’s brilliant fun.