August 2023 issue of MoreBikes

RETRO ROADSTERS

The need toknow about Honda’s CB550

COOL

Iloveamiddleweightnaked.Spend anytimeononeandit’simmediately clearwhythey’resopopularwith thebike-buyingmasses.Quickand capableenoughtomakerapidprogress, butwithoutthesillylicence-losing amountsofpowerandcompromised comfortyou’dgetfroma‘proper’sport bike.Ireckonthey’reprobablythe perfectoptionforroadriderswholike pressingon.

There’replentyofbikestochooseif that’swhat floatsyourboat–andI’ve riddenawholehostofthecurrentcrop, includingDucati’sMonster,Yamaha’s

rmowbray@mortons.co.uk

MT-09,Triumph’sStreetTripleand KTM’s890Duke. They’reallgoodintheir ownslightlyuniqueway,withenough varietyinprice,performanceandstyling tosuitawholerangeofriders. Thereare alsoacoupleofnewbikes,inSuzuki’s GSX-8SandHonda’sHornet,whichhave receivedfavourablereviews,thoughI’ve nothadthechancetoputthemtothe testjustyet.

Thereisanotheroption,though.KTM’s 790Dukehasjustmadeacomeback–andI’vegotmyhandsononeforafew months.It’squiteaninterestingbike. KTM’smanagedtokeepcostsdown

byworkingtogetherwithChinese firm CFMOTO,whowillbebuildingand badgingthebikeonKTM’sbehalf. Firstimpressionsaregood. Themotor’s brilliant,thechassisgreat,andit’spretty comfortable,too.Intruth,it’smuch betterthanIthoughtitwouldbe,andI can’twaittorackupsomemoremiles throughthesummermonths.Ifyou’re interestedtohearmoreofmythoughts onthenew-but-oldKTM,sittightfor somefullreportsin futureissues.Inthe meantime,ridesafe.

Triumph’s NEW Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X

That’s right We’ve been talking about it for years, but Triumph has finally revealed its new A2-licence offering And there’s not one, but two, to choose from

There was speculation that the Hinkleybased firm wouldn’t sell them in the UK, instead focusing on making waves in markets where sub-500cc bikes make up the bulk of sales But we’re chuffed to here that we ’ re going to have access to the two funky, retrostyled bikes on British shores

They certainly look the part, with the Speed 400 aping Triumph’s massively successful range of Bonnevilles (with the most obvious comparison between its Speed Twin 900 and 1200), and the Scrambler 400 X does much the same (though with design cues from the Scrambler 900 and 1200). There’re a few colours to choose from, too, with the Speed 400 available in Carnival Red, Caspian Blue and Phantom Black, and the Scrambler 400 X coming in either Matt Khaki Green and Fusion White, Carnival Red and Phantom Black, or Phantom Black and Silver Ice

But the big news is that Triumph’s

developed an all-new fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 398cc single-cylinder engine to power them It’s not the most groundbreaking thing in the world, but it should offer all that’s needed to help the two new bikes stand up to the competition. Talking numbers, it kicks out 39.4bhp and offers 27.6lb-ft of peak torque

Both models also benefit from their own model-specific chassis set up, with a new frame, bolt-on rear subframe and cast-aluminium swingarm paired with suspension set ups tailored to each More specifically, the Speed 400 features 43mm big-piston upside-down front forks, a monoshock rear suspension unit with external reservoir, lightweight 17-inch wheels and roadster-specific

geometry. In turn, the Scrambler 400 X offers a slightly longer wheelbase, longer travel suspension, a larger 19-inch front wheel and wider handlebars There’s also a larger cast steel brake pedal and high-grip foot pegs, which are positioned lower and wider (to help make it more comfortable for riders who fancy getting up on the pegs and hitting the rough stuff)

There’re also plenty of mod cons on both bikes, including ride-by-wire throttles, Traction Control, dual-channel ABS (which is switchable on Scrambler 400 X), and a

torque-assist clutch. Not bad for a pair of more budget-focused bikes

Well, that’s what we’re assuming there are – because Triumph’s actually not announced the prices yet All it has said is that they’ll be ‘competitively priced’ We shouldn’t have to wait too much longer to find out though, as both models will launch in India starting soon (before going on sale here at the end of the year).

The British firm has revealed two all-new models which are set to join the range later this year.

CFMOTO800NKhits theUKnextmonth

FirstappearinglatelastyearastheNK-C22 conceptbike,theproductionmodelCFMOTO 800NKisfinallyonitsway.

Sportingaggressivenaked-bikestyling andanimpressivelistofstandard equipment,theCFMOTO800NKlooks poisedtotemptpeopleawayfromthe establishedcompetition.

Themiddleweightnakedbikemarket isboomingatthemoment–withthe newHondaHornetandSuzukiGSX8SjoiningYamaha’sMT-07,KTM’s790 DukeandTriumph’sTrident(toname justafew).Butthere’sanotheronethat shouldbeonyourradar.

BasedontheKTM790Duke(abike whichCFMOTO’sactuallybuildingfor KTMalready),thenewCFMOTO800NK ispoweredbya95hp,799ccparalleltwinDOHCenginewhichdeliversa healthy58lb-ftoftorqueat8,000rpm. That’splentytobegoingonwith–and it’smuchthesameasthecompetition. There’splentyofothergoodstuff, too,including43mmfullyadjustable KYBupside-downforks;arearshock absorberpairedwithalightweight chromoly-steel-tubeframe;aluminumalloywheels;andMAXXISrubber.Plus, there’sABS-assistedJ.Juanradialmountedfour-pistonfrontbrakecalipers with320mmdiscsforstopping.There’s evenaslipperclutch,cruisecontrol, andthreeridingmodesto flickbetween (Sport,StreetandRain).

There’salsoaslightlyhigher-spec ADVANCEDmodel,whichoffersalarger 8-inchTFTdisplaywithAppleCarPlay functionality,aquickshifteranda steeringdamper.Notbadatall.

AvailableintheUKthismonthstarting from£6999,it’ssurelywelllwortha ganderifyou’reinthemarketfora newsportyroadsterthat’salittlebit different.

ALPINESTARS SUPERTECH R10 REVEALED

Theiconicfirmhascreateditsfirst everfullfaceroadhelmet

Alpinestarsismixingthingsupand puttingitsextensiveexpertiseofcreating top-qualityprotectivekittogooduse, creatingabrand-newfullfacehelmetfor theroadandracetrack.

Itmighthavetaken60yearstogetround toit,buttheItalian firmhasdecidedit’s agoodatimeasanytotakeittosomeof thebiggestnamesinthegame,withanew highspecificationhelmet.

TheSupertechR10ispackedwith top-notchfeatureswhichshouldhelp itprovidesomeofthebestprotection, aerodynamics,ventilation,visionand comfortonthemarket.

Thatshouldcomeasnogreatsurprise, though,asAlpinestarshaslongbeenone ofthesafestpairofhandswhenitcomes tokittingyourselfout.

It’shomologatedtothenewECE22.06, DOTandFIMstandards,andit’sbuilt ofcarbon fibre.Buthowdiditcome

SCREAMINGSINGLE

KTM’sjustrevealeditslatestrace-ready 450SMR–anditlooksbrilliant.

Timeandtimeagainthe Austrianfactoryhasprovedit knowswhatit’sdoingwhen itcomestocreatingseriously capablelightweightracers–anditsnewKTM450SMR Supermotoisnodifferent.

LukasHöllbachertookhis KTM450SMRtothe2022 AMASupermototitle(andcame prettydamnclosetoclaiming theFIMWorldChampionship crown,too).Andthelatest modelpromisestobeeven betteryet,thankstofeedback fromthemanhimself.

Oneofthebestthingsabout it,isits449.9ccsingle-cylinder four-strokeenginewhichkicks outarespectable63hp(andfor 2024,KTMhasevenmanaged toextendtheamountoftime youcangobetweenservices).

Thechassisisprettycool, too.Theframeishydro-formed, laser-cutandrobot-welded, whilethereinforcedaluminum subframewascreatedbyusing computationaldynamicstudies. Suspensioncomesintheform

ofsome48mmWPXACTsplit frontforkswithquickaccess adjustersforcompression andrebound,andthere’s compressionandrebound adjustableWPXACTshockat therear.

Stoppingistakencareofby someBrembobrakes.There’sa 4-pistonradialcalipergrabbing a310mmdiscatthefront, andasinglepistonunitwitha 220mmdiscattherear.

There’reloadsofother nicetouches,includingtwo selectableenginemaps,launch control,tractioncontrolanda quickshifter.Oh,andthere’s someproperMetzelerRacetec SMK1Supermotorubberon lightweightALPINAalloyrims.

Ofcourse,allthatkitcomes ataprice,andthe2024KTM 450SMRwillsetyouback £11,249.

That’salotofcashfora 450,butwhenyouconsider you’reessentiallybuying achampionship-winning machine,itallmakessense.

tofruition?Well,it’sactuallybeen five yearsinthemaking.Withhelpfrom MotoGPracerAndreaDovizioso,thelads andlasseswholookafterresearchand developmentforAlpinestarsstartedpretty muchfromscratchtocreateabrandnewlid(asidefromafewstolenbitsof technologyfromitsmuch-loved,highlyrated,motocrosslids).

Gettingtothenittygritty,theS-R10has arigidcompositestructuremadeupof fourlayers:acarbonouterlayer,acarbon compositelayer,anaramid fibrelayer anda fibreglasslayer.Insidethere’sa clevereight-partEPSliner,whichworksto reducerotationalaccelerationtoarider’s headshouldtheworsthappenandyou enduphavingasmash. Therearecheek padswithanemergencyreleasesystem, andadouble-Dringsecuredhelmetstrap. Theteamhasalsotakenthetimetomake sureit’sasaerodynamicaspossible,with

itsteardropshapetheresultofmanyhours ofsimulationsandwindtunnelsessions. Takingthingsfurtherstill,there’sachoice oftwointerchangeablerearspoilers whichsuitdifferenttypesofriding. The shortoneisfortheroad,andthelonger oneisforwhenyou’reoutontrack(or morespecificallywhenyou'rewearing one-pieceleatherswithahump),which Alpinestarsreckonsreducesdragbyas muchas4.45%.Itmightnotsoundlikea lot,butwhenyou’reracingatthehighest level,itallcounts–andafractionofa secondadvantagecouldmakeall thedifference.

Ifyou'rekeen,there’re200limitededitionmodelssetforreleasenextyear beforethefullproductionversiongoeson sale.Sadly,there’snonewsonpricingjust yet,butconsideringtheamountoftime, effortandtechnologythat’sgoneintoit, we’reexpectingafairlyheftypricetag.

ATAGLANCE: FANTICCABALLERO700SCRAMBLER

Fanticisuppingthestakeswithitsnewestretro-inspiredscrambler.MeettheCaballero700.

1.ELECTRONICS

TheCaballeromaytakeinspirationfromthe firm’sheydayinthemid-1970s,butit alsoembracestoday’stechnologies.Withthe fitmentofaninertialmeasurement unit(IMU),it’sthe firstFantictooffercorneringABSandtractioncontrol.As wellitoffersthreeridingmodes,wherethebike’sperformanceismatchedto

theenvironment,thesebeingStreet, OffroadandCustom–thelatter allowingtheridertocreatehisown preferenceonABSandtractioncontrol, includingcompletedeactivation.

2.ENGINE

Yes,it’sYamaha’simpressive CP2unitthat’sscoredso muchpraisewhenpowering awholerangeofmachines, fromYamaha’sultra-successful Ténéré700adventuremodel throughtoroadstervariants liketheMT-07andXSR700. Onlyit’snotjustamatter ofplugandplay.Forthe Caballero700,Fantichas spentovertwo-and-a-half yearsindevelopingthismodel andtailoringtheengineunitto thisnewapplication.

3.WHEELS

Wheelsarelightweightwire-spokenumbers witha19”frontand17”rearwheel,andcome shodwithPirelliScorpionRallySTRtyres, whichhaveanexcellentreputationasroad andtrailtyres.

4.BRAKES

5.CHASSIS

TheframeisentirelyofFantic’sdesign.Ituses theengineasastressedmember,creatinga frameworkforthefrontsuspensionaheadof theengineandsubframetosupporttheseat andexhausttotherear,whiletheswingarm attachesviaengineplatesattachedtotherear oftheengine.Lightweightandminimalist,this cleverframedoesmuchtohelptheCaballero reachitskerbweightofjust175kg(13kilos lighterthantheXSR700).

6.SUSPENSION

Frontandrearsuspensionisby Marzocchi,witha45mmupside-down forkandpreload-adjustableshock,both developedwithsettingstocreatea firm yetplushridethroughoutthe150mm ofsuspensiontravel.

CABALLERO700SCRAMBLER

Price: £9699

Engine: 689ccliquid-cooledeightvalve, two-cylinder,four-stroke

Power: 74hpat9000rpm

Torque: 70Nmat6500rpm

Frame: CrMosteelsingle-frame

Suspension: (F)VRM-Marzocchi45mmupsidedownwith150mmtravel (R)VRM-Marzocchimonoshockwithpreload adjustmentand150mmtravel

Wheels/Tyres: Spokedwithaluminiumrims/Pirelli ScorpionRallySTR(F)110/80R19 (R)150/70R17

ThebrakesarefromBrembo.Thankstothe700’slightweight,asingle330mmdiscwith radial-mountedfour-pistoncaliperprovidespowerenoughforthefrontbrakewhilehelping tocontributetothesuperbhandlingonaccountofreducingtheunsprungweightand equallyreducingsteeringinertia.Therearbrakeisa240mmdiscwithtwin-pistoncaliper.

Brakes:(F)330mmfloatingfrontdisc, Brembo32four-pistonradialcaliper(R)245mm reardisc,Brembocaliper

Seatheight: 830mm

Weight:175kg(withoutfuel)

Fuelcapacity: 14litres

TESTED:SchuberthE2AdventureHelmet

Schuberthannouncedthe‘all-newE2Flip-Front AdventureHelmet’attheendoflastyear,which coincidedwithmydisciplinechangefroma regularsporttoadventureride,andhavingworn theexcellentSchuberthC3,C4andC5,Iwas keentogetmyhandsonit.

Unsurprisingly,theE2replacestheE1,a helmetthatIunderstandhadbeenwelcomed andmuchcelebratedbytheadventuremarket, andalthoughnotqualifiedtogiveaback-tobackreviewontheseupgradeshavingnever worntheE1,IknowtheSchuberthqualitythat reversedmythinking,havingbeena flip-front, drop-downvisorandinternalcommsscepticin thepast.

HavinghadsuchasuccesswiththeE1whenit launchedin2018,itwastimetoseesomething newfromSchuberthandwhatithasdelivered isadualhomologated flip-fronthelmetthat compliestotheverylatest22.06safetystandard whetheropenorclosed.Theshellisconstructed viaglass fibreusinganexclusive-to-Schuberth patentedtechniquedevelopedinitsownR&D departmentinGermanycalledDFP(DirectFibre Processing),andrigorouslytestedinitsown windtunnel.

Your firstlookattheE2istestamenttothis developmentwithveryclearaerodynamics throughoutthebuildofthehelmetwithtwolarge ventsinthechinbar,alargeairscoopabovethe visorandtwinventsattherear.

Thepeakhashadsomesignificantwork, withtwinscoopsonthefrontandsidewhich directtheaireithertowardstheventordown thesideofthehelmetaidingstabilityinanyof thethreeclickedpositionsthatthepeakcan

besettowitheasewhileonthemove.

The flipmechanism,likethatoftheC-rangeI ammorefamiliarwith,isoperatedwithonehand thatclicksanamplebuttonatthebottomofthe chinbarthatcanonlybeseenifyoulookfor it.Themajorityofthedesignsavailable,which unapologeticallycarrythecolourwaysofthe mostpopularadventurebikes(theE2Defender isveryBMW),hidethefactthatthisisa flipfronthelmetasthemechanismandopeningare hiddenaspartofthedesign.

Openthelid,andthepeakandvisormovewith it,stoppingattherightpointtoallowittolockin theopenposition.Bringingitdownagain,you hearapronouncedandreassuring‘click’ andsmartlythevisorandpeakreturntotheir originalposition.

Theclearvisorboastsclassoneoptics deliveringanexceptional fieldofview,and comescompletewithapre-installedPinlock120 anti-foglens.Thedrop-downvisorisextremely effectiveandeasytooperateviaasliding mechanismontheleft-handside(asyouride). Thereisaveryrealpleasureto findriding withthefrontup,visordown,aslongasyou don’tmindyourlook–evenSchuberthcan’t improvethat!Theinternalsofthehelmetare extremelyluxurious(Oeko-Tex100Certified apparently),removable,washableand,forme, extremelycomfortablefromtheoff.

Acustom fitisavailablewiththeadditional optionofmodifyingtheheadpadforsummer/ winterridingviaatabthatclosesoffthevent. Thepadsaredesignedtoallowforthosewho wearglasseswhileriding.

TheE2 fitswellandisheldinplacewitha

quick-releasehelmetstrapwhichispartof the‘Anti-Roll-Off-System’ensuringthehelmet doesnotcomeoffintheeventofanaccident. It’salsoveryquiet,whichishandyifyouare lookingtoutilisethepre-installedHDspeakers andantennaofthelatestSena50ssoftware, additionalfunctionalitythataddstothe1695g weightofmyM/57lid.

TheSenacommssystemincludesMesh intercom;bluetooth5.0withdualantennas; multi-wayintercom;multi-languagevoice command;anddigitalassistviaSiriorGoogle assistant.ThoughnotasystemIhaveuseda greatdeal,itwasexcellentwhenIhave,andis averyusefuladditionat£291ifpurchasedwith thelid(saving£69).WhatIparticularlylikeisthe factthatthemicrophoneplugsin,thusdoesnot needtobeinplaceallofthetime…Iamalways temptedtostartchewingit.

AnothercrackingfeatureoftheE2ishowit worksalongsideotherhelmetsinthestable.As stated,IrideintheC5andthecommssystem fromthathelmetiscompatiblewiththeE2,as arethevisors,thoughyouneedtoremovethe peaktouseit.Doingsoturnstheadventure helmetintoasleeksportstourer,whichmaywell makemyC5atouchredundant.Tintedvisors arealsoavailablefortheE2!

PricesontheE2startat£569.99asinmy helmetshownwhichistheGlossWhite.With differentcolourwaysandgraphicstheprice creepsupabit,maxingoutat£649.99(without comms).Theentiresetupisaninvestmentbut worksseamlessly,andSchuberthdoesdeliver thequalitythatyouarepayingforandthereare certainlysomedealsaround!

Q&A

Ourspecialistmotoringsolicitor AndrewPrendergastguides readersthroughtheir legaltrialsandtroubles

QDespitelivinginatinyvillage,wehaveahugeconcentration ofbikers.Westartedaclubabout15yearsagoandwe’vegot around15-20‘oldies’andabout10‘young‘uns’and.OverEaster wedecidedtoarrangeagrouprideouttothecoast.About10or soladsandlassesrockedupandoff wewent.Itwassomewhat ofa‘spirited’rideandunfortunatelyoneofthenewermembers wanderedwideonacornerwhilstovertakingoneoftheothers andhadahead-onwithaMini(thankfullya‘new’shape/size Mini).Somehow,he‘super-manned’overtheMiniandlanded inamuddy field,onlybruisinghisego.However,thebike andMiniwereawrite-off andtheOldBilldulyturnedup.

Unbeknownsttome,acoupleoftheyoungguyshadGoPro camerasontheirbikesandvoluntarilygaveplodtheSIMcards. Idiots!Andthereinliestheproblem.WhilstIwasn’tinvolvedin theaccident(Iwasabouttwominutesbehind),thevideoshows meovertakingondoublesolidwhitelinesearlierinthetrip.(It wasn’tmyfault;IhadalreadycommittedtotheovertakeasI followedmytwomatesinfront). TheOldBillhavereviewedthe wholevideoandI’venowbeensummonedtoCourtfordriving withoutduecareandattention.Myviewisthisismanifestly unfairasIwasn’tinvolvedintheaccidentwiththeMini.I’m thinkingofdefendingit.Accordingtosomepeopleonsocial media,thevideoisnotevenlegalevidence.DoyoureckonI haveadefence?

ANotbeinginvolvedintheaccidentisirrelevant.Without wantingtopreach,youdidn’thavetoovertakewithyourtwo mates,andyoushouldhaveplannedyourridingbetter.Whoever onsocialmediaissayingthevideois‘notlegalevidence’istalking absolutecobblers. ThePoliceobtainedtheevidencelegally,i.e.

someonegaveittothem,anditisadmissibleincourt.Turningto theoffenceitself,overtakingondoublesolidwhitelinesisusually textbookdangerousdrivingandattractsa12-monthbanatthe least.Drivingwithoutduecareandattentionisalesseroffenceso ifIwereyou,Iwouldpleadguiltyandtakethepunishmentbefore theCrownProsecutionServicegettheopportunitytoreviewand potentiallyapplytochangethechargetodangerousdriving.If youpleadguiltyorarefoundguiltyofdrivingwithoutduecare andattention,you’relookingatapunishmentofbetweenthree andninepointsanda fine.

QMywifehasalwayshankeredafteramotorbikeafterriding pilliononanold flame’sbikebackintheday.Attheageof63 yearsyoung,shepickedupher firstbikebeingaRoyalEnfield Interceptor650.Basicallyshewanteditforpootlingaroundtown andalittleblastouttotheseasideonasunnyday.Now,whilstshe isnotonetoharkonaboutit,shewasbornwithonlyonefullhand. Theotherhandonlyhasasmall fingerandpartofathumb(my kidsusedtocallherSebastianwhentheywereyounger!‘Underthe sea…’ha-ha).Despiteherdisability,herlifehasbeenprettynormal, i.e.,job,husband,kids,etc.,andherSebastianhandhasneverheld herback...untilnow.Longstoryshort,shewasridinghomewhen acarcomingfromtheoppositedirectionturnedrightinfrontof her.

Theresultwashersmashingintothesideofthecarandshe deglovedher‘full’forefingerandshatteredherelbowonher‘full’ side.Shehassincehadplasticsurgerytothe fingerandthereare furtherplannedoperationstotheelbow.Sheisonlysixweekspostaccidentandunsurprisinglysheisheavilydependentonmeto helpmewitheverything.Asawomanwithonlyonefullhand,that isnowinjured,nottomentionthesmashedelbow,theeffectsare

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

obviouslyworseforherassheonlyhasthe‘Sebastian’handtouse. However,hersolicitordoesn’tseemtoappreciatethatand toldhertosettlethisclaimfor£10,000.Mywifeisnotevenback atworkyet.Doeshavingapartialhandmakeanydifferenceto theamountofcompensationsheshouldget?Ordoallpeople gettreatedthesamesothereisno‘discrimination’?Hersolicitor statedthattousinthe firstmeeting.However,asalaymanthatjust doesn’tringtrue.

AThereisnowayyourwifeshouldbesettlingthisclaimyetand anysolicitorwhosuggestsotherwiseneedstogivetheirheada wobble. Theaccidentwasonlyafewweeksagoandyourwifeonly getsonechancetosettleherclaim.Shecannotcomebackfor furthercompensationatalaterdate,i.e.fortreatmentcosts,etc.If hersolicitortoldherthatallpeopleare‘treatedthesame’theyare justplainwrong. Theoldphraseisyou‘takeyourvictimasyou findthem’.So,ifyourwifeonlyhasonefullhandandhasinjured thatandtheelbowonher‘full’side,shewillneedcompensation forherparticularlosses.Tostatetheobvious,thiswilllikelybe verydifferenttoawomanwithboth‘full’handstorelyupon.For example,ifshecannotholdakettle,washherself,cook,etc.,with justher‘Sebastian’hand(thatdidmakemechuckle)torelyupon, it’sclearshewillneedmorecareandassistancepost-accident thansomeonewhohasa‘full’handtorelyuponwhilsttheother sideisinjured.Asforthefuture,itistoosoontoknowhowthis injurywillaffectherlife.Myadviceisyourwifeshouldnotsettle yet;dosomeresearchandgetasolicitorwhoisusedtodealing withcomplexorthopaedicinjuries.Sheshouldn’triskhercurrent solicitorprejudicingherposition. Theysoundaboutasmuchuse asachocolateteapot.

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

SOLICITORS

Thefirmdealswithpersonalinjuryclaims anditssistercompany,MotorDefence Solicitors,dealswithallthemotoring offences.WhiteDaltonlawyershavea vastknowledgeofbikelaw,andtheyhave fullbikelicences,too.Theydon’tactfor insurancecompaniesortheprosecution.

WhiteDaltonisBritain’spremierspecialist motorcyclelawpractice,andifits professionalsdon’tknowtheanswer

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

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

THE QUIZ MOREBIKES

WeloveabitoftriviahereatMoreBikes.No matterwhetherwe’reatapubquizwitha beerinonehandandapencilintheother, orbeingquestionedbyourmateswhen we’restoodaroundatabikenight,there’s somethingaboutknowingtheanswertoan unexpectedquestionthatgivesusanice fuzzyfeelinginside.Andifwedon’tknow, thenthere’sagoodchancewemightlearn something.That’swhywe’vedecidedto introducearegularquizsectionsponsored byourgoodpalsatFowlers(who’llbe supplyingtheprizes).

We’llbeaskingyouquestionsaboutall manneroftwo-wheeledstuff,pushingyour

It’stimetogetoutyourpens andpencilsandputyourgrey mattertothetest

memoriestothelimitandaskingyouto digdeeptotryandrememberallmanner ofstrangestufffromrightacrossthebiking spectrum.It’sachanceforyoutoshowoff yourinfinitewisdomandbeinwithashot ofbaggingsomecoolprizes.

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

HowmuchpowerdoesDucati’s MultistradaV4Rallyputout?

Weloveapairof properbiking jeanshereat MoreBikes. Theylookgood onandoffthe bike,andthey’re betteratprotecting youthaneverbefore. TheseWeiseRidge oneswe’vegotupfor grabsareAAratedfor protection.Whatthat actuallymeansisthat there’sanabrasionresistantaramidlining andsomearmourat boththekneesandhips. Prettygood,right?And they’reavailableinboth blackandblue,insizes that’llsuitbothmenand women. Wanttoknowmore? Visit:www.weiseclothing com

f e ing

£139.Worth99

InwhatyearwasBMW’sR5(thebike whichinspiredtheR18)firstbuilt?

2 5

Whichlegendarykitmanufacturerhas justreleaseditsfirstroadlegalhelmet?

7

WhenwasRoyalEnfield’spairoftwins releasedintheUK?

8 3 9

WhichBritishfirmhasrevealedapair ofnew400ccmachines?

WhichItalianscramblergetsthesame motorasYamaha’sR7andMT-07?

6 1 10 4

WhichGSdidEwanandCharleyride fortheir‘LongWayRound’?

LASTMONTH:

OnwhichroaddoesLondon’slegendary AceCafereside?

InwhichyearwasthefirstTriumph Bonevilleproduced?

Here’sthelegalbitthatyouneedtoknow

Didyouget’emright?10points,200,ACUGold,205bhp,HeraldBrute,Benelli, LakeComo,Honda,100years

Welovetoseewhatyoulot areriding–andweknow therestofyoulikeit,too. It’sjustlikepotteringaround abikenightandchecking outwhat’sbeenbrought outforablast.Nowwe’ve decidedtobringthebike nighttoyou,askingreaders tosendusphotosoftheir prideandjoyfortheworld tosee.Here’resomeof ourtoppicksfromthelast month.

ThisHondaCBF1000lookslikea properworkhorse–butit’sactually poweredbythesameengineasa ’Blade.DomHumbyknowswhathe’s doing.

Inpartnershipwith ForcefieldBodyArmour

JohnBrown’scustomSuzukiGT380 lookslikealotoffun.Particularlyon roadslikethat.

Below:“Ihavemydream 2-stroke.Boughtitin1998,now done41kmilesanditstillgoes likestink.”ChrisWebb’sSuzuki RGV-Risathingtobehold.

DexStewart’saluckyman.We’d lovehisgleamingSuzukiGT750 inourshed.

Andinperfectcontrast…here’s SteveDoherty’sabsolutelymint conditionSuzukiGT380.Whichone wouldyousoonerhave?

Left:MartinBeddows’super-cool YamahaXJR1300.Welovethe KennyRoberts-inspiredflattrack look.Topwork.

Right:WebetMarkFeltham’shad somefunonhisHondaVFR.ThatV4 motorisjoyous.

WeloveaKawasakiVersys–and EddieRyan-Smith’slookslikea perfectexamble.

GrahamSewardloveshis2007 DucatiS2RMonster.Andwhocan blamehim?

For the full lowdown on the new monster adventure machine from the Italian factory (plus a load more good stuff), scan the code and snag yourself the latest copy of Motorcycle Sport and Leisure.

HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDER

as standard, as does blind spot detection.

The fact is, Ducati’s all-new Multistrada V4 Rally is as equally capable off-road as it is on-road. And anyone who’s piloted a Multistrada V4 over a decent variety of roads will testify that this is quite a statement. Quite a moment in the story of the adventure bike Yes, the Rally will set you back £23,590 but owners will be buying a rather remarkable and clever motorcycle, one that would certainly make me smile every time I open the garage door.

Let’s get the easy bit done first Ducati has kept the power and torque output of the Rally’s Granturismo engine identical to the more roadfocused V4 and V4S Multistradas, with peaks of 170hp @ 10,700rpm and 89lb-ft of torque @ 8765rpm. However, they have added the heatreducing rear cylinder deactivation system seen recently on the new Diavel V4 that cuts the rear pair of cylinders when the bike is stationary or running below 4000rpm (depending on torque request from the rider). The alloy front frame is the same as the standard bike’s, but that is really where the similarities end – and where the Rally begins to move the game forward.

To make the V4 Multi more capable off-road, Ducati has redesigned

its extremely clever semi-active Skyhook EVO DDS suspension and added 30mm of stroke to the front forks and 20mm to the rear shock, giving 200mm of travel at both ends and increasing ground clearance by 15mm to 235mm Before anyone starts worrying about the effect on seat height, Ducati has a range of options for all sizes There is also Ducati’s Minimum Preload system, which electronically removes spring pre-load, therefore reducing seat height, when you come to stop (and is controlled by the rider, as not all riders have a 5ft 7in height issue like me). Additionally, there’s an ‘ easy lift’ system, which opens up the damping when the bike is switched on, making it easier to lift off the side stand because the suspension is soft. All of it is most welcome technology as far as I’m concerned as it means I can touch the ground with the standard seat

Other new electronics include a new Enduro mode and a smoother quickshifter, but the big talking point is the Rally’s focus on comfort, which is based around a larger 30-litre fuel tank that replaces the standard 22-litre item The manually adjustable screen increases in size (it’s 20mm higher and 20mm wider), and adaptive cruise control comes

As noted, throwing a leg over the new Rally wasn’t a problem; with the preload electronically removed my boots could touch the road on both sides Despite weighing 20kg more than the Multistrada S, and despite the extra mass of our test bike’s hard luggage, crash protection and fog lights, the Rally immediately felt far from big or heavy. I could even flick up the side stand without the tortured leg stretch required on some adventure machines.

Underway, you are greeted by a widescreen 6.5-inch dash while an attractive brushed aluminium finish to the fuel tank oozes quality and class And again, that sense of lightness prevails

After a few miles of riding twisty coastal roads in Sardinia, I had to double-check the fuel gauge as I was convinced the tank must have been empty. But no, it was brimmed, so theoretically at least, hauling 30 litres of unleaded. Yet the Rally felt so nimble, steered so effortlessly for a bike in this class, that it felt more like a sporty middleweight than a global adventure bike

The Rally defaults to a smooth and flowing ride, and settles you into a rhythmic and unhurried pace that slows the outside world even when

Power and torque remain the same as the standard Multi V4s with a quoted 170hp @10,750rpm and 121Nm @ 8750rpm. Wide service intervals remain with oil changes at 15,000km/ 9000miles/ 2 years and valve clearance checks at 60,000km/ 36,000 miles. The only mods to the Rally power unit itself are to the exhaust before the silencer and the cam timing

you are, technically speaking, going like the clappers The Touring riding mode is optimised for covering ground efficiently, and is the one to have when distance counts

Turn on to the dirt, switch into Enduro mode, and that apparent lightness once more comes to the fore Okay, it’s not a middleweight KTM 890 R, and there are limitations, but with the optional Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR rubber fitted, I was amazed by its calm off-road manners

As the going gets tougher the tall and slightly intimidating dimensions of the Rally seem to shrink Peak power is capped at 114hp and the throttle delivers instant torque without ever feeling too sharp Meanwhile, the off-road rider aids, especially the off-road ABS, work seamlessly to help you find grip. You can flip over the rear brake lever to give more direct feel when standing up, remove the rubbers on the pegs and lower the screen. It all gels

I’m a reasonably experienced offroader but no expert, and throughout the day found my confidence building as my connection with the Rally grew stronger You do have to remain aware of the wide (fixed) panniers and potentially damaging bushes and stone walls, while the front wheel can sometimes understeer on gravelly surfaces, but mainly the Rally encouraged me to mess around as if I were on a far smaller machine, and even to try the odd jump When I stopped I could electronically lower the rear ride height by removing the spring preload, so never had to worry about dropping the Rally on an uneven surface

TECH SPEC

Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally

Price: £23,590

Engine: Water-cooled, 4-valves per cylinder, Grandturismo V4

Power: 124kW/170hp @ 10,750rpm

Torque: 121Nm / 89.3lb-ft @ 8500rpm

Frame: Alloy front frame

Wheelbase: 1572mm

Brakes: 2 x 330mm radial 4-piston Brembo Stylema calipers (F), 265mm 2-piston Brembo caliper (R)

Transmission: 6 speed/chain drive

Suspension: 50mm USD, electronic semiactive with Ducati Skyhook, 200mm travel (F), Monoshock semi-active with Ducati Skyhook, 200mm travel (R)

Wheels/tyres: 120/70x19” Pirelli Rally STR, Rally (F), 170/60x17” Pirelli Rally STR, Rally (R)

Seat height: 870-890mm

Tank: 30 litres

Fuel consumption: 6.6 litres/100km, 43mpg

Weight: 227kg (dry) (260kg kerb, claimed)

Warranty: Two years

Service intervals: 9000 miles/15,000km/ 24 months valve clearance checks at 60,000km/36,000 miles

Contact: www.ducati.com

As first impressions go, I can’t praise the new Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally enough It’s not often you run out of superlatives for a bike both on- and off-road. I should add that it’s a stunning machine up close, one peppered with lovely details and finished with the highest quality. I guess the big question is whether you would be happy to take £23,590 worth of machine off-road? In fact, the model we tested, complete with panniers, crash bars and auxiliary LED lights, is priced at £26,943. Add a few more extras and you can easily push £30k and more Bike of the year? Only a full test will decide for sure but, based on what we know so far, it’s a hot favourite.

Many manufacturers claim they’ve produced a bike to take on the world, a bike that’ll take sales away from BMW’s R1250GS But nothing’s ever been quite up to the task – at least, perhaps, not until now.

Words: Adam ‘Chad’ Child Photography: Alex Photo

On both sides of the bike you’ll find closable air ducts, which look like aerodynamic wings Open, they allow cool air to flow over the rider’s lower legs, closed and you get the opposite. Ducati has also fitted hot air protection covers at each side below the seat, against the traditional trellis subframe

USEDBIKEGUIDE

Whilethere’snodoubtDucati’sMultistradaV4Rallyisaproperbitof kit,italsocomeswithaprettyserious£23,590pricetag(andthat’sjust thestandardbike).Thatsortofmoney’snotuncommonatthetopend oftheadventurebikecategory,withakitted-outmachinefromoneof thebiggestnamesinthegamegoingtosetyoubackasimilarwedge ofcash.Thankfully,there’reloadsofgreatoptionsifyou’repreparedto lookatsomethingalittleolder.Theymightnotofferthesameoutright performanceandleveloftechnologicaltrickeryasthenewoff-road -capable’Strada,buthere’reafewexcellentoptionsthat’llgetyouout exploringforafractionoftheprice.

KTM990ADVENTURE(2003-2012) ▲ £4500-£6,500

Ifyou’reseriousaboutoff-roadriding,butyoustillwantabigbike that’scapableofdoingbigmiles,thentheKTM990Adventureis anexcellentoption.It’smorebigtrailiethanadventurebike–and althoughitmightnotgetquitethesameamountofloveastheGS, it’sactuallymuchmorecapableinthedirt(andalotmorefunto ride,toboot)thanBMW’sbehemoth.

You’dprobablyexpectslightlydodgyhandlingontheroadasa resultofits21-inchfrontwheelandlongtravelsuspension,butthe KTMhasmorethanenoughcomposureontheTarmacandonly getsunsettledwhenthepacereallyhotsup.

It’spoweredbythesameraucousfuel-injectedmotorasthe 990SuperDuke,andalthoughitmightstruggletosettleatslower speeds,acrackofthethrottleisenoughtoputasmileonyour face.

HONDACRF1000LAFRICATWIN(2016-2019) £6500-£10,000

TheAfricaTwinisanother legendarynameintheadventure bikeworld.Theremightbeanew shinyversionwithabiggerengine andelectronicallyadjustable suspensiononthemarket,butthe firstofthenewATsisacracking bikethat’swellworthyour consideration.

Atthetimeofitsrelease,itwas criticisedforbeinglesspowerful andlesspunchythanitsrivals(and it’scertainlynoMultistradaV4),but there’smorethanenoughgrunt fromits95bhpmotortomakeswift progress.Andit’slighter,slimmer andmoreaccessiblethanalotof thecompetition,too,whichsurely countsforsomething…?

It’saHonda.Thatmeansitjust works.Nogrumblesorgremlins, plentyofcomfortandsuitable fornearlyallshapesandsizes. Andyouknowit’sgoingtostand thetestoftime,too.Itisagood motorcycle–bothonandoffthe road.It’lldothelot.It’salsothe newestofthebunchhereand,as such,you’vegotsomenicemod consasstandard,includingrider modesandadjustabletraction controlsettings.

TheTénéréisabignameinthe adventurebikeworld.Fromits Dakarrace-winningpedigree frombackintheday,through toitsmassivelysuccessful T7whichhaskickstartedthe middleweightadventurebike marketinrecentyears,there’s nodoubtyoucanputyourfaith inYamahatobuildawell-puttogethermachinethat’supfor handlingtheroughstuff. Butthere’soneTénéréthat neverreallygottheloveit deserved.TheXT1200Z.Okay,

itwasabitheavyandabittoo expensive.Thelastmodelwas pricedat£13,500new(which, ratherunbelievably,wasmore thantheR1200GSandKTM990 Adventureatthetime),butthat doesn’tmeanitwasn’tacracking bike.Super-stableandcapable ofbig,fast,smoothmilesin perfectcomfortwithapillionon theback,andsurprisinglyagile, too(evenonthedirtinthehands oftherightrider). It’dhavedonealotbetter andwonalotmorepraiseifit’d

havejustbeenabitcheaperat thetime.Thankfully,youwon’t havetobreakthebankanymore tobagone,withearlymodels sittingaroundthe fivegrand mark.

At120mphit’srocksteadyand cancutaneasyswathethrough fastA-roadsandnadgerystuff. It’seasytogetcarriedaway... Whatisanabsolutepainin theneckandupwardsisthe savagewindbuffetingfromthe topofwhatisaverylow-placed screen.

TheGShascarvedoutanenviablereputationasthego-tochoice foradventurousbikerstheworldover,andthisparticularmodel isanextremelyimportantpartofthatjourney.WhileEwanand CharleymighthaveuseditsR1150GSpredecessorfortheirfamous LongWayRoundtrip,thisisthemachinethateveryonewentout andboughtwhenitwentonsalein2004.

Ifyou’veeverriddenone,it’seasytoseewhy.The1170ccBoxer engineisbrilliant– flexiblebutstillpunchy,andthechassisis superb,withsilky-smoothhandlingfromtheTeleleverfrontend.It’s properlybulletproof,too,andevenarelativelyhighmileagemodel (50,000)willlikelystillbeuptothejob,nomatterwhetheryou’re nippingtoyourlocalbikenightorcrossingcontinents.Andthat’s abigpartofthereasonwhythesebikesholdtheirvalueextremely well.Findonethat’sbeenlookedafterwithafullservicehistory, andyou’llbeontoawinner.

YAMAHAXT1200ZSUPERTENERE(20102021) ▲ £4500-£11,500

BMWR1200GS(2004-2012) ▲ £3500-£8000

ROCK N’ ROLL

The R18 hasn’t exactly been overhauled for 2023 But there are a few key changes to make it stand out from the other machines in the ever-growing R 18 range, including a bigger 21-inch front wheel (which we’ve been told makes it ‘the best handling R 18 yet’); some ‘Mini-Ape’ handlebars; a redesigned headlight and speedo; and some funky integrated panniers.

Steady start to the day, with a bit of motorway work to get out and away from Munich... It’s not exactly the best place to put a bike through its paces, but it did highlight how comfortable the R 18 is – and how it’s perfect for munching some serious miles. Smooth and stable with plenty of presence, and enough grunt to nip past fast moving traffic with no trouble.

Turning off and finding some twisties, we got a bit of a chance to see how the newest R 18 handles. It definitely feels better than before. It was always good once banked over, but last time I rode the R 18 Classic it sometimes felt a bit ungainly and unsettled while getting there. The new 21-inch front wheel seems to help and there’s no problem throwing it from side to side through the turns

It is surprisingly agile.

It’s still a big old lump though, weighing in at a whopping 374kg As soon as you’re rolling it’s all

forgotten, but moving it about and dropping it right over on to its side stand and you appreciate what a hefty thing it is

The 1802cc big boxer motor is a lovely thing Massive, but lovely to use with plenty of character Power is a surprisingly meagre (considering the size of the engine) 91hp at 4,750rpm, but with 158Nm of torque available at 3,000rpm you can just wind open the throttle and let it do its thing It almost doesn’t matter what gear you’re in, it’ll just keep pulling.

The bike is very well set up, and the springs do an excellent job of keeping the bike poised on rough surfaces and composed under hard braking I've been asking a lot of it, but I've not managed to unsettle it yet.

The brakes are good, too. They’ve got a hard job on their hands stopping this whopper quickly, and although they’re not exactly pin sharp, there’s plenty of bite to pull it up efficiently And being honest, you can make full use of the ample engine braking on offer by crashing your way through the slightly agricultural (but reassuringly sturdy) 6-speed gearbox.

The finish is fantastic. BMW knows how to build bikes that’ll stand the test of time, and the R 18 Roctane is no different. You’ll pay for it though, although there's no doubt you get a lot of bike for your £21,750.

We’ve been out to Germany to ride the new R 18 Roctane. With a cracking couple of days riding planned, taking in Lake Ammersee and the Auberg mountain on the way to the town of Pfronten – I couldn’t wait to see what the newest R18 was made of.

WORDS: Ross Mowbray PHOTO: BMW Motorrad

USEDBIKEGUIDE

BMW’sR18wasalwaysgoingtohaveatoughjobonitshandswhen itwas firstreleasedonthemarketafewyearsback.Whilstthere’snot exactlyaloadofchoiceifyou’reintoyourold-schoolcruisers,HarleyDavidsonhashadthemarketcorneredforsometime.AddIndian’s currentoutputintothemix,andyoustarttoquestionwhytheBavarian firmwenttoallthisefforttocreatesomethingtotallyoutofitscomfort zone.

CredittoBMW,though.Thebigboxermotorsuitsthiskindofbike perfectly,andthequalityBMW finishshinesthrough.Andultimately,it’s greattohaveanotheroptioninthiscategory.However,you’regoingto havetohavesomeseriouscashtogetyourhandsonone,withtheR18 Roctanecominginatjustshyof£22,000.

That’swhywe’vehadadigaroundtoseewhatyoucanpickupfor alotlesscash.Theymightnotbeasrefined,aswellputtogetheror aspowerful,butthey’rereallygoodoptionsifyouwantasuper-cool cruiserwithoutspendingasmallfortune.

HarleyDavidsonSoftail(1998-2003) ▲

£5500-£14,000

Ifyou’reafteracruiser,thentheHarley-DavidsonSoftailhasgotto beinthemix.The2023versionwillsetyoubackcloseto£16,000, soyou’dbemuchbetterlookingbackafewgenerationstotryand bagyourselfabargain.Thatsaid,theyholdtheirmoneyextremely well,althoughwithabitofhuntingyou’lllikelybeableto findatidy examplethat’snotbeenmessedaboutwithforaround£8000. It’salovelythingtolookat,andwithHarley’soldtorque-rich88B 1450ccengine,well-renownedbuildquality,amassiverangeof aftermarketaccessoriestochoosefromandstrongresidualvalues, you’llbeinsafehandswithoneofthese.

YamahaVMX1200V-Max(1991-2004)

£3000-£7000

Thisisabitofaleft-fieldchoice; moremusclebikethanout-andoutcruiser,butanexcellent optionifyouwantsomething funandfeistythat’llkeepyouon yourtoes.

TheVMAXisnevergoing towinanyplauditsforits handling,withreviewersat thetime findingfaultwithits flexibleframe,squirmingback endandunrefinedbrakes,

▲

butwhenyouwindopenits throttleallisforgotten.Ifyou can findafullpower140bhp model(ratherthantheUK-only 95bhpone)you’llbetreatedto aseriouslyhealthypunchfrom thetorqueyV-Boostassisted 1200ccengine.Itshouldcome asnosurprise,then,thatthe bike’sbeentweakedandtuned byspeedfreaksfarandwide, andthereareplentyofV-Max’s

kittedoutwithturbochargers, nitroussystemsandothermad performance-focusedmods. Assuch,it’ssurprisingly trickyto findastockversionin goodshape.They’reoutthere, though,andwithabitofluck you’llbeabletobagapiece ofcultmotorcyclinghistoryfor athirdofthepriceofthebig BMW.Whocaresifit’snothing likeit…

KawasakiVN900Custom(2007-2016) ▲

£2500-£6500

Itmighthaveanenginethat’shalfthesizeoftheBMWR18,but Kawasaki’sVN900Customiswellworthalookifyouwantalaidback,chopper-stylerideforafractionoftheprice.

Itlooksthepart,whichisagoodstart,withits21-inchfront wheel,high-risebarsandfeet-forwardpegs.Handling’sgood, performanceisgood,andit’sextremelywellputtogether.What’s nottolike?Okay,itmightnothavequitethesamekerbappealor kudosasthe‘genuine’articlebutultimately,Kawasaki’sVN900 Customisagoodbikethatcanbesnappedupforsurprisingly littlecashandwouldlikelyhavelittletroubleholdingitsownwith someofthebiggerandmorepowerfulbikesinthislist,particularly onthetwisties.

Thisisthenewestmachineon thislistbyquitesomedistance. It’sactuallyabikewe’vespent abitoftimeonoverthepast coupleofyears,andit’salways impressed.Itmaynothavethe samegravitasasthebigBeemer, butitmorethanmakesupfor itinotherways,offeringtruly

outstandinghandling,silkysmoothpowerdelivery(from itsAfricaTwin-derivedmotor) andthatlegendaryHondabuild quality.It’salsoridiculouslyeasy togetonwith. It’scompetitivelypriced,too. Whenit firstcameoutin2021, youcouldsnagyourselfabrand-

newoneforlessthan10grand. It’sgoneupasmidgenow,butif youfocusyoursearchonthe first generationmachine,youshould beableto findagoodexample foraround£8000.That’sproperly goodvalue.There’salsoaDCT semi-automaticoptionavailable ifyou’resoinclined.

HondaCMX1100Rebel(2021-on) ▲ £7500-£11,500

BSA GOLD STAR AND ROYAL ENFIELD INTERCEPTOR

BLAST from the

When Royal Enfield launched its new twins, no one expected that it’d be such an impressive sales success. But will the buzz around the new BSA Gold Star repeat the scenario? Or is it being different, rather than retro, the reason for great sales in the current market?

Words: Dave Manning, Matt Hull and Ross Mowbray Photos: Gary Chapman

There’s little doubt that the new Gold Star and the Enfield twins have got a certain level of appeal to motorcyclists of a certain age and riding pedigree, and there’s certainly the argument that the Interceptor (and its sibling, the Continental GT) will have attracted sales thanks to their excellent price point, but do either of them actually appeal to younger motorcyclists?

While none of us editorial types are what you’d term as being fresh-faced newcomers to the world of motorcycling, we’re also not retirees wanting a bike that directly reflects those that we rode (or wanted to ride) back in the Fifties or Sixties Could we come to a conclusion as to which machine best suits motorcycling in 2023? Unlikely, but we can but try…

PAST

HEAD-TO-HEAD: BSA GOLD STAR AND ROYAL ENFIELD INTERCEPTOR

There’s a load more quality biking content just like this in Motorcycle Sport and Leisure every single month. In the next issue, there’re reviews of an eclectic mix of machines, including the Honda Gold Wing, Suzuki Hayabusa, Yamaha MT-07 and Moto Morini X-Cape. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg…

24 HEAD-TO-HEAD: BSA GOLD STAR AND ROYAL ENFIELD INTERCEPTOR

BSA GOLD STAR

What’s in a name? Is there a measure to which using an old name on a new product must comply? Or is it just a cheap goal with no rules from those masters of the dark force: marketing?

The Ford Mustang, once a V8 sportscar, is now the name on a milk float – I mean electric car. The Vauxhall Viva, once a family car (and great saloon racer – check out Jerry Marshall racing a Viva GT at Crystal Palace) is now a supermini; the Mini is now a bloated pig; and Triumph Bonnevilles now rarely break down, brake, corner and start with a – button.

Gold Star is one of those coffee-table names branded around biking Many will lament the loss of this incredible bike, with its powerful, nigh-on impossible to kick over single-cylinder engine; the extratall first gear of the optional racing RRT2 ’box; straight through ‘Goldie’ mega that

scared kids; and Amal GP carb trying to suck your goolies in to be compressed by the ‘high-performance’ of the time, 8.75:1 compression. And never, ever, call it a ‘Goldie’ As with many old yarns, most of it is nonsense The DBD34 Gold Star, the finest and final incarnation, made 40bhp and will now be around 65 years old, which means that even those that rode one years after it was made, will be at best 70 years old themselves

Despite its time away, the Gold Star is back adorning a fuel tank But let’s get one thing straight right away, this is no racer on the road, more a leisurely, comfortable, easy road bike But if I’d bought the BSA brand

name – like the giant Indian motorcycle manufacturer, Mahindra have – the first bike I bought out would be called Gold Star.

The new BSA Gold Star is a 652cc, singlecylinder, five-speed bike, with 45bhp and available from £7100. In the ‘I want to look like I’m in the Sixties gang ’ , it’s up against the £850 cheaper Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 twin, and Triumph’s Speed Twin 900, which is £1600 more expensive

The designers have taken their inspiration from the original bike, with spoked wheels, enclosed fork stanchions, engine cases and fake gearbox, the shapely silencer and the frame rails enclosing the tool box and oil tank The dial needles start at two o ’clock

and head down, and the necessary catalytic converter is hidden by a faux bash plate Overall finish feels good, even with certain plastic covers – I’m impressed and could imagine taking pride in this bike, it’s a looker

But throw your leg over the seat and, well, you feel a little over the top The 780mm seat height feels tiny compared to its rivals, especially the Interceptor (at 793mm). Get one foot up and the pegs are really quite forward, like a Harley 883 Sportster, the tank rising in front away from you, topped by tall, wide ’bars and clocks It’s strange how the bike doesn’t look like a cruiser, but feels like one

WORDS: Matt Hull

TECHSPEC

BSAGOLDSTAR

Price: from£7100

Engine: 652ccsingle,4valves,water-cooled

Power: 45bhp(33.6kW)

Torque: 41lb-ft(55.6Nm)

Frame: Steeltwindowntube

Wheelbase: 1398mm

Brakes: 320mmdisc,twinpistonBrembo caliper(F),255mmdisc,ByBresinglepiston caliper(R)

Transmission: 5gears,chainfinaldrive

Suspension: 41mmnon-adjustable conventionalforks(F)twinshock,preload adjustable(R)

Wheels/tyres: Spokedwheels,100/90x18”tyre (F)150/70x17”tyre(R)

Seatheight: 780mm

Fuelcapacity: 12litres

MPG: 70.6mpg(claimed)

Weight: 213kgwet

Warranty: 2years

Contact: www.bsacompany.co.uk

Pre-ridechecks–handlebarsarea nice,comfortableposition;controls fallnicelytohandiflookingalittlelike anaftermarketadd-on;seatislovely; andbothsidestandandgearlever whereyouexpectthem.Off wetrot.

Clutchislight,throttleispredictable andsteeringlockisplenty,sowith thatlowseatheightslowridingis confidentandit’seasytokeepyour feetup–thoughstrangelyIfoundit wobblyinastraightline.

Winduptherevsandyou’regoing forsecondquickly, firstislow.Gear changefeelsalright,butIkeep missingsecond,replacingitwitha falseneutral.Undoubtedlymylong legsputtingmyfootintheway–but docheckit’salrightforyouonatest ride.Youcangetupto fifth(top) quicklyandithappilyplodsaround, pickinguprelativelyfast. Thatengine isnicelysortedandthefuellinghas beenwellsorted.

45bhpdoesn’tsoundalot,butbe honest,whendoyouneedmore? The powerisfairlylinearwithnopeaks atthetop,orburpsoftorqueatthe bottom–thisisno’80sJapanese off-roadmonsterengine.Ihadthe bikefor300milesandonlyonce, whentryingtogopastanHGV,didI wishformore.Muchofthismagicis inthelowergearingcomparedtothe Interceptor.Yes,theRoyalEnfieldhas sixgears,soitcruisesatalotlower revs,makingitamorerelaxedridefor longerstints.ButtheBSAisn’tbuzzy,

andcertainlyisn’tvibey,itjustsounds busier.ItalsomeansBroadsand bendsfeelmorenatural.

Handlingiscomfortableandbasic, butIfounditfun,untilapothole wouldcomeintoview.BANG!Spring rateistoosoft,steeringgeometryis lazy,andyouneedthosewide’bars togetittoturnquickly.Butitworks

and,crucially,it’sasafesetup.And thebrakingisfarbetterthanthe Interceptorwithitslackoffrontfork travelandover-eagerABS.Ienjoyed thetwistiesontheBSA,especiallyat thespeedit’sdesignedfor.

TheGoldStarisagoodbike,and areallygreat firstbikefromBSA. Goodquality,nicelyeasytorideand

handle,looksgreat, fitsanyone.Fast enough,handleswellenough,and Igenerallyhadasmileonmyface.

The flip-sideisit’s£850morethan theInterceptorandnobetter,other thanifyoustrugglewithtallseats. It’snotlightweight;doesn’thavea centrestand;Ionlygot130milesfrom atank;andIfoundtheclocksuseless. Butregardless,it’sgreattohavethe BSAGoldStarinourworldonce again.Welcomeback!

Dave’sopinion

Iwasreallylookingforwardto ridingthenewBeezathumper, withsomeexpectationfrom therevitalisedbrand’soffering. AndIprobablyexpectedalittle toomuch…It’sa finelittle bike,forsure,butthequirky instrumentsetup,withrev andspeedoneedlesstarting fromrestatvertical(sothat wheneveryoulookeddown attheclockswhilemoving,

aglancesuggestedthatthe needleswerestraightdown attheirrestpoint);afeeling ofbreathlessnessfromthe single-cylinderlump;slow gearchangeswithwidely spacedratiosand(perhaps underdeveloped);and suspensionthatbuckedand weavedalongmyfavourite Lincolnshirelanesleftme ultimatelydisappointed.

ROYAL ENFIELD INCERCEPTOR

For a bike of this style the aesthetics are nigh-on perfect

WORDS: Dave Manning

The fact that the duo of Enfield twins brought into the market back in 2018 resulted in such overwhelming sales was only really surprising to those who considered that the adventure bike segment of the market was always going to result in the best sales A combination of an excellent price point, an ease of use, and a solid reflection of the company’s previous products meant that the Interceptor and Continental GT were almost guaranteed a high level of sales, certainly for their first year of production, if not for longer Although that price has risen slightly, it is still incredibly competitive at little more than

six grand, which compares very favourably when put alongside the new BSA Gold Star (and that’s before you’ve even ridden either of them) and especially so when you consider the price of any of the current Triumph twins.

Like nigh on every other parallel twin nowadays, the Enfield has a 270° crank that gives a power delivery, and a sound, very similar to that of a 90° vee twin, also bringing the flexibility that such an engine offers. As it stands, the Enfield, despite only being of 650cc capacity, will pull top gear from under 30mph – okay, not with any great tyre-rending force, but it is still smooth and uncomplaining

And it buzzes along really happily at motorway speeds, which is something that perhaps can’t be said for the other two bikes here It’s comfortable, too, even at motorway and dual carriageway speeds, providing you’re not the sort of person to push the legal boundaries, after which the high bars tend to give something of a parachute effect The flat seat and pillion grab rail aren’t just suitable for a passenger, but also ideal for strapping on a tail pack or roll bag, and there are far too few modern bikes with which this kind of practicality is delivered.

TECHSPEC

ROYALENFIELD INCERCEPTOR

Price: £6149+OTR

Engine: SOHCair-cooled648ccparalleltwin four-stroke,eight-valve,78mmx67.8mmbore xstroke,9.5:1compression,270°firingorder crankshaft,BoschEMS/EFI

Power: 47bhp(35kW)@7250rpm

Torque: 38lb-ft(52Nm)@5250rpm

Frame: Steeltwindowntube

Wheelbase: 1398mm

Brakes: 320mmstainlesssteelfloatingrotor, ABS,two-pistonslidingByBrecaliper,Bosch ABS(F),conventionalmaster-cylinder,240mm rotor,ByBrecaliper(R)

Transmission: 6gears,chainfinaldrive

Suspension: 41mmforks,110mmtravel (F)twinshock,88mmtravel,rearpreload adjustment(R)

Wheels/tyres: (F)36spokealloyrim2.50x 18in,PirelliPhantom100/90-18(R)36spoke alloyrim3.50x18in,PirelliPhantom130/70-18

Seatheight: 793mm

Fuelcapacity: 12.5litres

MPG: 59mpg(tested),70mpg(claimed)

Weight: 198kgwet

Warranty: 3yearunlimitedmileage

Contact: www.royalenfield-uk.co.uk

Theaestheticsare,forabikeof thisstyle,nigh-onperfect.Andthe factoryhaspushedtheconventions ofretrostylewiththecoloursthatit’s nowusing,suchasthemintgreenin the‘DowntownDrag’schemethat thisbikewears,seeminglymanaging toappealtoyoungerriders(isthat the‘hipster’setofwhomwehear somuchbutseesolittle?)aswellas thosewhorememberwhenRoyal EnfieldwasstillagenuinelyBritish brand.

Niggles?Veryfew. The fillercap recessholdswater,butitcouldhave justbeenthatthedrainholewas blockedontheonewehad. The suspensionhasareputationforbeing budget–whichisonlyasyou’dexpect forabikebuilttothispricepoint–but whenit’ssetagainsttheotherbikes thatwehavehere,yourealisethatit reallyisn’tallthatbad.Likewise,the brakesare‘only’budgetitems,being theByBreoffshootofBrembothatcan onlyreallybeconsideredaslackingif they’recomparedtonewer,highertechoptions,andaremorethan capableofdealingwithanythingthat thestandardInterceptorcandeliver. Arguably,itcouldbesaidthatthe biggestissuewiththebrakesisthat thefrontmastercylinderdoesn’t haveanyadjustmenttothelever, butifit’slittledetailslikethisthat enableEnfieldtokeeptheprice tothelevelthatitisatnow,then personallyIwouldratheraccepta non-adjustableleverandthenobtain anaftermarketoneatsomepointlater inownership…

WhilethepriceoftheInterceptor hasrisensinceitwaslaunched,it’s stillareallywell-pricedbike–despite thelackofrideraidsandadjustability, andapowerlevelsuitableforthose withanA2licence,itisstillalot ofmotorcycleforthemoney.Of course,thefactthatithasproved

sosuccessfulmaymakesomefolk chooseadifferentbike,suchisthe quirkynatureofourfavouritepastime! There’slittledoubtthatthehighsales havebeenhelpedbytheprice,butit’s alsothestyle,thebrandhistory,and thesimplicityoftheparalleltwinthat haveappealedtopurchasers.

Noteveryonewantsall-singing, all-dancing,gadget-filledelectronic wonders,butarethosebuyers olderfolkswhohavefallenbehind technology,oryoungsterswhohave allthetechtheywantontheirmobile phone,andwanttheirbikestobe simpleand fixableatthesideofthe roadiftheworstshouldhappen?

Naturally,thatlackoftechwill

alsoresultincheaperservicing,a potentiallylongerlife(lesstogo wrongmeanslessreasonstoscrap whenrepaircostsexceedvalue),and easiermodification.Andthatlatter pointisemphasisedbythewaythat theaftermarketindustryhasstepped uptoprovidepartsfortheEnfield twins,notablywithperformance goodies,helpedinnosmallpartby thefactthatEnfieldis fieldingteams in flat-trackracingbothintheUK andAmerica.

Ican’tseethathappeningwith eitheroftheothertwobrandsinthis test,andyouknowwhattheysay aboutracingonaSundaybringing salesonaMonday…

Ross’opinion

I’venotspentloadsoftimeon eitherofRoyalEnfield’shugely successful650twins,buta quickblastondryroadson bothbikesacoupleofyears agohelpedmeunderstand whythey’veprovedsopopular withbikersfarandwide.AndI couldn’twaittojumpbackon theInterceptor650toseeifit wasasgoodasIremembered. Itwas.Itwasprobablyeven better.Itmightnotbethe mostexcitingmotorcycleon themarket,butit’swellbuilt, wellsetup,characterfuland ultimately,veryeasytoride.I reckonit’sprobablythebest ofthebunchwe’vegothere, andalthoughpriceshave continuedtocreepupover theyears,Ireckonit’sstill thebestvalueformoneyby quitesomestretch.Wouldan olderTriumphBonnevillebea betteroption?That’sforyouto decide.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: BSAGOLDSTARVSROYAL ENFIELDINTERCEPTOR

▲ THEOTHEROPTION

TRIUMPHBONNEVILLET1002017-ON/ £5000-£9595

Triumph’sBonniehasbeenkicking around,insomeformorother, since1959,andifyou’reinthe marketforaretro-styledroadster andyou’vegotyoureyeoneither thenewBSAandRoyalEnfield, thenyou’dbewisetogiveita look,too.

TheHinkley-based firmhasgot awholeloadof‘modern-retro’ machinesinitsbroadBonneville range,buttheonethat’sclosest inbothdesignandethostothe twoIndian-builtbikesistheT100 (thoughtheStreetTwiniscertainly worthalook,too).

Witha900ccwater-cooled paralleltwinmotorthatthumpslike anair-coolednumber,easy-going handlingandbagsofcharacter, it’severythingyou’dhopeforfrom abikelikethis.Anditlooksgood, too,thankstothosepeashooter exhausts,wirewheelsandasmart two-tonetank.

Mostimportantly,Triumph’sbuilt

upasolidreputationforputting togetherqualitybikes,andwith over20yearsoffettlingthebike sincetheT100wasintroducedin 2000,youcanrestassuredthat you’regoingtogetawell-finished machinethat’llstandthetestof time.Thatmightbethethingthat swingsthingsinTriumph’sfavour…

TheInterceptorhasproveditself prettyimpressiveinthatarea (particularlyconsideringitsprice), butwe’regoingtohavetowaitto seehowwelltheGoldStarholds upoverthecomingyears.

Thekickeristheprice.AbrandspankingnewT100willsetyou backjustshyof10grand.You’d getalotofchangeoutofthatsort ofmoneyforbothanewRoyal EnfieldandBSA.However,ifyou’ve notgetyourheartsetonowninga factory-freshmachine,youcould pickyourselfupaverytidyTriumph that’sonlyafewyearsoldfornigh onthesamemoney.

GETTING THERE

Travellinganticlockwiseonthe NorthCircularRoad:Afterthetraffic lightsatBrentfieldRoadtakethesecond exit.Turnright,thenrightagainontothe oldNorthCircularRoad.TheAceis100 yardsontheleft.Clockwise:Takethe first exitafterHangerLane,continuenortheast uptheoldNorthCircularRoad.TheAceis 800yardsontheleft.

ACECAFE

Youcan’thaveaseriesaboutbiker-friendlydinerswithoutincludingtheAceCafe. Nowinits85thyear,theAceisakeypartofbikingcultureandhistory.

TheAceCafewasestablishedin1938 onthebrand-newNorthCircular Road.Asimpleroadsidecafecatering totravellers,particularlytruckers, withitsproximitytoBritain’sfast arterialroadnetwork,andbeingopen 24hours,theAceCafesoonattracted motorcyclists.

Theheydayswerethemid 1950s-1960s.Buyabike‘ontick’(hire purchase)andridewhateveryou likedonaprovisionallicence! Societywaschangingwith thebirthofRock‘n’Roll. The onlyplaceitcouldbeheard

wasfairgroundsortransportcafé jukeboxes.Withteenagerslookingfor theirownidentityandplacestomeet up,theAcewasbooming. Speedwaywasaweeklyeventat Wembley.Wheretorideafterbut theAceforacupoftea,meetother bikers…soon‘recordracing’was born.Dropacoininthejukebox, chooseadisc,thenracetoa predeterminedpointandback beforethesongended!Huge numberstookpart,witheven largernumberswatching. Fromhere,the‘Ton-UpClub’ wasashortstep–withnospeed limitsonthearterialroads,the challengewastohit(andhold) 100mph.

Thetabloidswerefullof shocktalesoftheTon-Up Boyswhichledtochangesin legislation:afulllicencewas neededforbiggercapacity bikes;theseremainedthe steedsofleather-clad‘Rockers’, othersadoptedscooters(Parkawearing‘Mods’).Rivalrybetween

thetwogroupsswelled,leadingto infamousclashes(anumberwere instigatedbythepress).

Notorietysawpeopleavoiding thecafés;thecarindustrybegan deliveringcheaptransportforthe masses;themotorwaynetworkdrew trafficawayfromthearterialroads. AllofthissawtheAce’scustomfall awayandthedoorsclosedin1969, becomingatyredepot.

Fast-forwardto1994whenthe first AceCafeReunionruntookplace. Organisedby(nowowner)Mark Wilsmore,anumberofmotorcycle runsconvergedattheformerAceCafe siteonSunday,September41994.It wasestimatedthatover12,000people gatheredattheoldcafesite.Clearly theoldplacestillheldastrongplace inpeople’shearts.

Overthenextthreeyears,thenewlyformedAceCafeLondonobtained planningpermissionandboughtthe oldsite.Partlaunchingin1997,the fullsitereopenedin2001. Thereare nowAceCafesinsixcities(London, KualaLumpur,Luzern,Lahti,Orlando

andBeijing),butLondonisthehome oftheoriginalAce.

TheAcehaskepttruetoitstransport cafeorigins.Wholesome,plentiful foodatreasonableprices. TheBritish Breakfast(£8.95)inthephotoconsists oftwoeggs,twobaconrashers,one Acesausage,tworashersofbacon, mushrooms,grilledhalftomato, beans,butteredtoastandachoiceof teaorcoffee.Andit fillsasteakplate. Tobehonest,theroadstotheAce

aren’texciting;itwas,afterall,a transportcafeservingthearterial roads,andthey’restillwhatservices thelocation. Thereasonforvisiting theAceIStheAce;it’saculturalicon andsuchanimportantpartofbiking history.Andtheyworkincredibly hardwithaseeminglyendless numberofbike(andcar)meets,rideoutsandevents.Ifthereisamotoring segmentnotcateredforontheAce calendarI’dbeamazed.

WORDS: BobPickett PHOTOS: AceCafeLondonandMortonsArchive

BBIKESHEDSHOW

TheannualBikeShedCustomShowtookplaceatLondon’s TobaccoDockacrosstheweekendofMay26-28. Here’salookatsomeofthebestbuildsondisplay.

Forthefirsttimetherewasatheme totheshow,‘Past,Presentand Future’.Itwasallaboutlookingto thepastforstyle,creatingbrandnewhumanstoriesinthepresent andenjoyingapeekintothefuture withinnovationandtheevolutionof performance,engineeringanddesign. Prettycool.

BikeShedMotoShowisnotaretail show(though,ofcourse,thereare carefullyselectedretailersatthe venue)butanexhibitionofthebest andmostimaginativedesignersand theirwork.Andatwhatothershow canyou–oncedonelookingatbikes, maybegettingabeerandabitetoeat –getahaircutorevenatattoo!Asthe teamatBikeShedputit:“Theshowis forthepeoplewholovemotorcycles andthepeoplewholovepeoplewho lovemotorcycles.”

Over300custombikes,carefully curatedfromacrosstheworld,were ondisplayalongsidelivemusic, art,photography,andhand-made accessoriesalongsideselected brands,retailersandexhibitors.

Thephotosshowjustafewofthe stunningarrayofbikesondisplay, bothfromthebestoftheprofessional custombikeworld,plusthose‘shed builds’(homebuildsfrominsanely talentedindividuals)thatcaught oureye.

It’sacrackingevent,that’swell worthavisit.Ifyou’rekeenongetting therenextyear,thenit’sworth knowingthatBikeShed2024willbe heldacrossthelastweekendofMay 2024.

Formoreinformationclosertothe time,visit:www.bikeshedlondonshow. com

WORDS: BobPickett PHOTOS: BobPickettandBikeShed

PeakDistrictNationalParkistheoldestoftheUKNationalParks, beingputinplacein1951.It’salsothebusiestofthe15UKNational Parks,withanapproximate10millionvisitorsperyear.However,it isstillpossibletogetawayfromthecrowdsandenjoysomeofthe beautifulscenery,welcomingvillagesandchallengingroadsthatthe areaincludes.Here’sacrackingroutetotakeinsomeofthebest blacktoptheareahastooffer.

THEROUTE

StartingfromthemiddleofMatlock,nexttotheRiver Derwent,initiallyweheadedwestoutontotheA6,to runthetraditionalroutebetweenMatlockandBuxton thatwasoncea‘riteofpassage’foranybudding motorcyclistaroundfourdecadesago.Thankstothe increasinglybusynatureoftheA6,weturnedleftin DarleyDaletoexplorethesignificantly-quieterB5057, headingthroughWinster,thenBradford(no,notthat one),beforeeventuallyrunningintothesouthernedge ofBakewell.

Ratherthanoptforatartsoearlyintheday,we turnedleft,joiningtheB5055andheadingsouthwesterlyinacrosscountryscratchthroughMonyash, acrosstheA515,andontoLongnor.Arightandaleft sawusontoEdgeTopRoad,nowproperlyintheWhite Peak,andheadingtojointheA53bytheKnightsTable pub.Herewecouldhavetakenaleftandheadedfor Leek,pasttheWinkingManandtheRoaches,butwe turnedright,andnorthwards,ontoBuxton.

BypassingtheverycentreofBuxton,andthus missingthegloriousPavillionGardens,wethenjoined theManchesterRoad,theA5004,whichbecomesa sinuous,twistingribbonofTarmacaboveGoytValley andpastFernleeReservoirontheleft,beforedropping downintoWhaleyBridge.

RatherthangostraightintothecentreofWhaley,we cutacornerbyforkingoffjustbeforetheShadyOak, climbingandthendroppingdowntocrossRandal CarrBrookbeforerisingagaintothejunctionwiththe B5470,ontowhichweturnedright,awayfromWhaley BridgeandouttowardsChapel-en-le-Frith.Another typicallygreatpieceofPeaksroad,whichisexitedall toosoonbyaleftturntoavoidthecentreofChapel (unlessyouneedfuel)toheadnorthacrosstheA6and ontoNewSmithy.

NowheadingintotheDarkPark,andtowards Glossop,theroadsbecomealittlemorefree flowing withtheA624throughLittleHayfield,beforeturning rightjustafterChunaltoavoidthetrafficofGlossop andcuttingnorth-eastandontotheA57andSnake Pass.

Whileitisstillasuperbpieceofroad,SnakePass canberidiculouslybusy,andreallyfrustratingwhen youcanseehowdeliciously flowingitis,yetyou’re

stuckbehindatruckbelchingoutdieselandleaving limestonedustinitstrail…

Butpatienceisavirtue,sorelaxandletthescenery unfold,andafteryou’vedrawnalongsideLadybower ReservoirstartthinkingabouttheDambusters,and thentakealeftintoDerwentValley,headingnorthto theUpperDerwentVisitorCentreandtheDerwentDam viewpoint.Theroadthroughtheforestryisbeautiful, butcangetbusyinholidaytimessowatchoutfor itinerantdogwalkersandcyclistsbeforestoppingfora picortwooverlookingoneofthetwodams,orbothof themifyou’refeelingsnap-happy.

Turningbackonourselves,wewentbacktoSnake Pass,turningleftandthenrighttoheadalongthe A6013roundtheeasternendofLadybowerReservoir andsouthwardstowardsHopeValley.Regardlessofthe weather,thisisastunningareatorideand,afterturning rightontotheA6187toHope,itjustgetsbetter.The flip-sidetothatisthat,inholidaysandgoodweather, itdoesgetverybusy,especiallythroughthemiddleof HopeandupwardspasttheBlueJohnCavernandup WinnatsPass.Butthisisa‘MustDo’partofthePeak District!TurningrightatthetopofWinnatsPass,the nextrightturnisadeadend(it’stheoldroad,which hasfallenapartduetosubsidence)butthenextrises throughwoodlandtothewesternsideofMamTor, beforedroppingdownonaspectacularpieceofroad thatswoopsthroughthevalleyandintoEdale.Riding straightthroughEdaleandalongthevalley floor,the roadthenturnsroundtoheadeast,thensouth,and backintoHope.ArightthenaleftontoEcclesLane continuestoheadsouthwards,turningrightontothe B6049andintoBradwell,thenoutintoopencountry andthroughGreatandLittleHucklow,withaleftonto theA623,followedbyarightontotheB6465,andafter afewmilespullingintotheMonsalHeadHotelcarpark ontheright-handsideforabreak,andaspectacular viewoverMonsalHeadViaduct.

Headingonwards,theroaddropsintoAshfordinthe Water,witharightattheT-junctionleadingyoutothe A6,andalefttoheadtowardsBakewell.Wetookthe verynextrighttosetusbackontotheroadbackto MatlockthatwehadusedwhilebypassingBakewellon theoutboundleg,butitwouldmakeperfectsenseto nowsamplethetown’smostfamoussweetcomestible.

RUBBER SIDE

Every biker should be interested in the rubber on their bike. But tyres can be a minefield even for the most experienced rider So it’s no great surprise that plenty of people choose to stick to what they know, rather than making the most of what the market has to offer.

POWERED BY

DOWN

We are going to delve a little deeper into the dark art of tyres to see what’s changed over the years since John Dunlop developed the first pneumatic tyre in 1887 and what we should be looking out for today

There are many aspects to making a tyre with the major ones most people think about being the tread compound, the tread design and the tread tyre profile, then check the LSI (Load Speed Index) to make sure it is suitable for your bike and off you go.

But as you will see there is a lot more under the rubber that combines to deliver a perfectly balanced tyre, giving feedback and confidence to the rider that the tyre will perform from the off, on cold mornings to track days, where the rider and bike are being pushed to the limits. One tyre does not fit all, and a tyre that was good 20 years ago will have been overtaken with the latest advancements in materials and production techniques.

In general, a tyre is made from natural rubber, synthetic rubber, fabric cord, steel, carbon black, plus a few chemicals to help everything

bind together Advancements in materials and production techniques are what make the real difference these days. There are a few strategies that every tyre manufacturer uses to make a suitable tyre such as the ‘magic triangle’. Take a piece of string and make a triangle with it. At the top is Rolling Resistance, bottom right Wet Grip and bottom left Wear Resistance, and let’s say an ‘average tyre’ has equal sides. If we want to make a tyre with the most grip, say a race tyre, it will reduce the rolling resistance and the wear resistance and for a race tyre this should be fine.

Now imagine the flat triangle as a 3D triangle, like a pyramid. The higher up the pyramid would be the lower performing tyres, and the lower down the pyramid the better the tyres perform. With new materials the pyramid gets bigger; throw in new production techniques and the pyramid gets bigger again.

The magic triangle is still there, its just a lot bigger and in simple terms that’s how a tyre can grip more, give longer life and be more fuelefficient today compared with yesteryear

AFTERSOME NEWRUBBER?

There’sloadsofchoicewhenitcomestokittingyourride outwithanewsetofhoops.Plentyofriderstendtostick towhattheyknow, fittingafreshsetofthesametyresthat camewiththebikewhenitwasnew.Butthat’snotalways thebestway.

Buthowdoyouknowwhat’sgood?Andhowdoyou saveafewquidwithoutcompromisingonperformance?

Howaboutlookingawayfromthe‘big-name’ firms?

Thereisamajortyremanufacturerwithtwobrandsthat hasbeenaroundforover fivedecadesandsellsrubber inover180countries–andactuallymakesmoretwowheeledtyresperdaythanthecompetition.

Let’sstartthere…

MAXXIS

MaxxishasbeenworkingwiththeJapaneseOE (OriginalEquipment)manufacturerssincethe1980s andmorerecentlywithAprilia,KTMandBMWin Europe,withallbrandschoosingMaxxisasOEin today’smarket,plusalmosteveryscooterbrand inEuropeusesMaxxis.TheOEpartnershipshave helpedMaxxisdelivertyresthatwilltakeonany brandinthemarket,withapremiumrangeoftyres offeringexceptionallevelsofperformanceand reliabilitywithtrulysurprisingaffordability.

TheMaxxisSupermaxxSportisdesignedto rivalthe flagshipsportstyresinthemarketlikethe MetzelerRacetecRR,MichelinPowerCup2,Pirelli DiabloRossoIIIandtheBridgestoneBattlaxR11, whereridersvaluegripovermileage,andcornering speedovercomfort.

TheSupermaxxSporthaseverythingtheother majormanufacturershave,exceptthepricetag. Thehighgrip,dualcompoundfull-silicatread compounddeliversexcellentdryandwetgrip.A newprogressivesteelspiralbeltwithhighdensity atthetopofthetreadformileage,movingtomiddensityasyoulean,tolowdensityatfullleangiving abiggercontactpatchthroughoutanyturn,giving reliablecorneringwithgripandstability.Ahigh drainagetreadpatternforwetdayswithreinforced treadgroovesincreasestyrestiffnessforstability.

TheMaxxisSupermaxxST2isOEonthe powerfulKTMDukeandourteamhas first-handexperiencewiththistyre. Maxxishasconfirmedthetyrewas developedwiththehelpofKTMafter manyyearssupplyingtheKTMEnduro andMXrange.

Wehavefoundthetyregives everythingrequiredfromatyreandmore, withagreatbalanceprovidingimpressing performance.It’searlydays,butweexpectgreat mileage.

Thetreadhasaninnovative3Dsidetoimprove treadstiffnessontheroad,withtheopposite sideallowedtogrow,eliminatingunevenwear andenhancingwetgripwhencornering.With thewetroadswehaveintheUK,it’sgoodto heartheV-shapedgroovedesignimproveswet performance.

CSThas finallyenteredtheradialtyre marketwiththeRideMigra.CST’s first SportsTouringtyreiswhatyouwould expectfromthelargestproducerof motorcycletyresintheworld.Developed overmanyyearsdrawingexperiencefrom itssistercompanyMaxxisandworking withOEmanufacturers,theRideMigra isaperfectblendofbalance,gripand performancedemandedbytoday’srider. ThetyrewastestedbyStevePlaterbefore beingreleasedintheUK.Stevewas amazedatthelevelofgripandashardas hetried,hecouldnotbreakthetyres’grip whentesting.It’sevenmoreamazingwhen youseethepriceofthetyre…

2023seesBickers,theimporterofMaxxis andCST,introduce20newpatternsand over100newsizesincludingmoreOE fitmentsforsmallandmid-sizemachines fromAprilia,KTM,Keeway,Lexmoto andZontes,andatthesametimeithas reintroducedtheacclaimedClassicfor Harleys,Indiansandmanymore.

CST’snewCM-NK01isapremiumOE tyreonmanyoftoday’smodernsmallcc machines.Everythingunderneaththe attractivepatternisnewwiththenew lightweightcarcassdeliveringaperfect balanceofperformanceandfeel.The newcompounddeliversatyrethatloves

toberiddenhardinanycircumstance butisalsoathomewithagentle commute.Theinnovativeprofiledesign deliversnimbleridingwithanoptimised compoundprovidingexcellentgripwithout compromisingonmileageandwearor performance.

Thegrowingadventuremarketsees Maxxisgoinghead-to-headwiththeold guardwithitsnewMaxxventureMA-ADV, designedtorivalthego-toadventuretyres inthemarket,suchastheMichelinAnakee Adventuretyres,BridgestoneBattlax AdventureTouring,PirelliScorpionTrailIIor theDunlopTrailsmartMax.Thismust beaverygoodtyreaswearetoldthat wewillsoonseetheMA-ADVasOEona majorEuropeannewbikelaunchatthe endof2023.

Maxxventureofferscomfort,stability, mileageandexcellentloadedhandling performance,allforareasonableprice. Thistyrehasbeendesignedwithmodern technologyformodernbikesandis suitableforusewithABSandtractioncontrol fittedbikes.Asneededforthis market,thetreadisanotherfull-silicahighgripcompoundwithenhancedstructurefor excellentdryandwetgrip,andisreadyto takeonallterrains,performingimpressively ontheautobahnandoff.

OnceagainCSTsupportsMaxxisinthe adventurebikemarketwiththreepatterns tosuiteveryadventurebikeinthemarket, fromtheCM-A1forsmalladventurebikes needingH-ratedtyrestomediumand largeadventurebikes fittedwithorwithout luggage.NextistheRide-AmbroCM-A3’s all-new fishscaletreadwhichhasbeen designedtooffera70/30road/off-road balancedtyre.Thetyreisathomeonthe roadofferinghigh-speedstabilityand comfortorinthemudwithgreattraction. ThenewCSTCM-AD01isanewrugged adventuretyrefortoday’ssmalltomedium adventurebikes.Thehardlookingtyreperfectly offsetsthemodern stylingofmanynew bikes.Athomeon theroad,youcan alsotaketheCMAD01off-road withitsupgraded treadcompound enhancingits resistanceto cutting.The70/30 road/off-road patternallowsa ridertochoosethe besttyrefortheirbike.

Cost-effective Classics

HONDA CB550

A stylish 70s icon for less than five grand? Yes please.

Honda was the first company to commercially market an in-line, across-the-frame, air-cooled four, right? That’d be the iconic CB750/4… which certainly isn’t cheap now. The half-litre version, the CB500F, is also making strong money but this month we ’ ve found a cracking cost-effective classic that won’t break the bank –enter stage left the CB550 series

Background

Showcased late 1971 and sold from early 1972 onwards, the CB500 Four was arguably the best of the bunch More power than the 350/4 and significantly less bulky than the 750. Around 1974 the motor was enlarged to 544cc and sold as the 550. Looking very much like the earlier bike, few could tell the difference without checking the badging Just a few years later the styling was beginning to look a little dated and sales were about to falter With the Honda Motor Corporation heavily focussed on making cars there was little resource to redesign the existing models, hence a makeover

The bike

Knowing that it’s the original 500 that makes big money we can comfortably focus on the 550 versions, of which there are three. The initial 550 is physically, structurally and aesthetically the closest to the first half-litre four Graced with four ‘tulip’shaped silencers, it’s an archetypal and timeless Honda styling job

Featuring iconic early 1970s candy paint with a black centre panel, little comes close if you want the CB500F

profile but don’t have the money. As the model went on the graphics changed a little, but little else did.

Circa 1976 and The Big Aitch is looking to make economies within its motorcycle divisions without spending anything significant on product development It’d already had good success by remodelling the CB350/4 to deliver the seminal CB400/4 and took a broadly similar approach to the 550. Out went the expensive and heavy four-pipe/foursilencer look and in came the 4 into 1 exhaust system If there was any logic to the bike market the newly-badged CB550F1 would have been another runaway success, but sadly it wasn’t What had proved to be a foolproof move with the 400/4 was anything but with the 550F1. People simply didn’t

‘get it’ – what had worked for the 400 wasn’t doing it with the revised 550. In reality the bigger bike somehow didn’t have that stripped-back look that had made the 400/4 so desirable Perhaps it was the choice of colours, the preservation of the rubber fork gaiters or the retention of a lot of the older model’s chrome Whatever the reason, the F1 failed to capitalise on the 400/4’s success It really couldn’t live up to its Super Sport branding A little later the F1 became the F2 without the rubber fork gaiters and an updated paint scheme that vaguely mirrored the CB400F2. The CB550F2 proved to be a little more popular than the F1 iteration due to its upgraded aesthetics In general terms the F series 550s had failed to capture the imagination of the bike

buying public and Honda’s hand was effectively forced. It needed to have a middleweight four but still didn’t have sufficient financing to develop anything new. This led to Plan C in the guise of the CB550K, which looked a little like the old 500 and it’s cosmetically similar 550 version. By taking the general look, panels, motor and running gear of the F2, Honda added revised graphics and colours along with a new exhaust system The generally disliked 4 into 1 unit was dumped in favour of four separate pipes and silencers, but costs were still paired back The tulip silencers were ousted in favour of four simple megaphone units that were presumably cheaper to make And that was pretty much it – by 1979 the 550 in all its various guises had been deleted from the production lists

Lineage and Legacy

What should have been the end of the 500/550 range proved to be anything but 1979 saw the launch of the CB650Z, which was essentially the original 500 pushed to the absolute limit Taking the bores as far as they could go, Honda maxxed out the design and ended up with a model that would run successfully through to 1985. Completely new panels, a 4-2 exhaust system and Comstar wheels totally transformed the bike and gained Honda a significant number of sales for a rather modest outlay.

Why you might want one now

Without exception the 550 in all of its guises is the best of the 350-750 aircooled fours Even the nominal 50cc

7

4 5 6

1 2 3

Faults and Foibles

1. ENGINE

Rattling can be either out-of-balance carburettors or a worn primary chain.

2. WIRING/LOOMS

Often bodged by POs, always check for corrosion, etc.

3. EXHAUSTS

Expensive to replace and prone to corrosion

4. SEAT BASE

Check condition and fit; missing edge trim almost impossible to find.

5. SIDE PANELS & BADGES

Well known for cracking embalms are expensive to replace

6. GUARDS

Prone to rotting on double skin sections, they’re costly to repair. Replacements will be hard to source.

7. IGNITION Misfires in damp conditions were endemic when new!

increase in capacity gives the motor a noticeable boost If you like the classic profile then the initial 550 with its four silencers is the way to go The F1 and F2 have actually aged rather well; the former is possibly cosmetically less fussy but both have their supporters. The later K versions sold well in the USA and there’s a fair few to choose from Ultimately, any of the 550s will deliver that early Honda air-cooled four feel without breaking the bank

Typical Prices

A tidy and complete original 1974 could be yours for less than £2500. A carb overhaul, service, fresh tyres and brakes could see that machine on the road for around £3k, which has to be a bargain. At the other end a really fresh 550K wanting nothing other than riding will cost you less than £5000. In between there’s a raft of options but we’d strongly recommend avoiding any that have been give the café racer look If you fancy a project, scruffy F1s are out there for less than a grand. Classic four-stroke Japanese fours really don’t come much more costeffective than this!

Summary

The classic bike scene may be in the doldrums but that also means it’s something of a buyers’ market. The Honda 550 range offers excellent VFM along with a rounded package with a range of styles, enough go to inspire, lower mass, and remarkable reliability for bike over 40 years old. When the Yamaha RD400 is making up to 10 grand, these middleweight Hondas really are something of a hidden gem

BLASTER

AfirstlookattheRFNRallyPro;anewlightweight,electric dirtbikethatcouldbethefutureofoff-roadracing

Motocrosstracksareshutting left,rightandcentre.It’sbeen happeningforyears.Neighbours whodon’tappreciatethesounds, smellsandchaosofMXaredoing theirbesttostifleoneofthemost entertaining,engrossingand exhaustingkindsofbikeracingin existence.Andasfrustratingasitis, youcansortofseetheirpoint. Notallofyouwouldfancyhaving yourquietweekendinyourrural idylldisturbedbythesoundofa two-strokecrosserbeingthrashed.

Theroad-legalone £4745(+£55DVLAregistrationfee)

Thankfully,theremightbea solutionrightinfrontofus.Electric. That’swherebikeslikethisseriously coolRFNRallyProcouldcomeinto theirown.

They’renearlysilentatfullthrottle; theydon’tblowoutanyhorrible fumes;andthey’vegotenough power,performanceandpoiseto keepeventhemostexperienced ofracersentertained.What’snot tolike?Andyoucaneventakethe seatoffandconvertitintoatrials bike.That’sprettycool.

That’sright.Ifyouwantabitofversatilityandthe chancetobombthroughtownortacklesometrail riding,there’sonethat’skittedoutwithallthegubbins tomakeitreadytorideontheroad:theRFNRS.

It’smuchthesameastheRallyProbuthasbeen restrictedtoa28mphtopspeed.Whatthatmeansis thatitcanriddenwithan‘AM’mopedlicence. Thatmeansyoucouldblastaroundon oneoftheseat16yearsold(orifyou passedyourcartestbefore2001 andhavegot‘grandfatherrights’). Howcoolisthat?

WANT MORE?

Ifyouwanttoknowjusthow welloneofthesegoesboth on-andoff-road,besuretopick upthenextissueofMoreBikes. We’vehadaproperchanceto putonethroughitspacesand wecan’twaittotellyou aboutit–butfornow, visit:www.rfnbikes. co.uk

KEYFACTS

PRICE: £4495

POWER: 7.8Kw(with12.5Kwboost)

TORQUE: 61Nm@motor/270Nm@wheel

TOPSPEED: 43mph

WEIGHT: 68kg

SEATHEIGHT: 860mm

If you’ve grown up on a diet of WSB, BSB and MotoGP and you want to emulate your idols, then you’re going to want a sportsbike. There’s plenty of choice from the big names in the game, but if you’ve got a little less cash to splash then the Sinnis GPX 125 could be the learner legal machine for you.

WORDS: Chris Bailey PHOTOS: Sinnis UK and Mark Lancaster Eastwood

Sinnis Motorcycles is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers specialising in 125cc motorcycles and scooters and has brought an impressive amount to the market in the almost two decades it’s been operating Over 60 models have been produced since it first opened its doors in 2005, with models ranging from sportsbikes and cruisers, down to scooters and one of the very few proper 125cc adventure bikes currently in production.

Its GPX 125 is a sportsbike through and through though, with aerodynamic fairing, a slanted windshield and the standard ergonomic triangle of handlebars, seat and footpegs, seen on almost all sportsbikes, which help you sit in a position which is both comfortable as well as optimising your body position to cut out as much wind drag as possible

Having only ridden nakeds, and therefore being more used to being sat upright whilst in the saddle, I was a little concerned about how I would get on with the more raceoptimised riding position provided by sportsbikes like the Sinnis GPX, where your body is encouraged to lean further forwards over the tank, with the inwards-curving handlebars and the footpegs and gears being further back than I was used to A feeling which only deepened as I saw the Sinnis GPX dwarfing the naked I had been riding However, by the time the first mile was behind me I quickly found myself settling into the ride and the positioning, and by the third mile I felt like I had been riding sportsbikes for years

When I first saw the GPX I was taken aback by how large it seemed compared to what I’d ridden before In fact if it wasn’t for those tell-tale

TECH SPEC

Price: £3199

Engine: 125cc, four stroke, four valve, Euro5, DOHC

Power: 9.5kW

Transmission: 6 manual gears

Suspension: (F) Upside-down telescopic fork

(R) Swingarm, link-actuated mono shock

Brakes: CBS, (F) 276mm Hydraulic Single disc

(R) 220mm Hydraulic Single disc

Wheels/Tyres: (F) 100/80-17 (R) 140/70-17

Seat height: 816mm

Weight (empty): 158kg

Fuel tank: 12 litres

Warranty: 7 Years

Contact: www.sinnismotorcycles.com

L plates on the bike this would easily be mistaken for a much larger capacity bike at first glance

The GPX comes in two colour varieties, black with neon blue trim is one option, with the other being the increasingly popular steel grey with a yellow trim, the latter of which was what I was lucky enough to ride

The front end of the bike has long, sleek headlights poking out from the angular nose of the bike, which slopes up towards the windshield which covers the incredibly crisp and easy-to-read digital display, which is made up of the time; your speed; current revs; a gear indicator; the total mileage (although with a few clicks of the buttons this can be changed to a trip counter instead); and a fuel bar The latter is my least favourite part of what is otherwise a greatlooking display as your fuel level is calculated by four bars, which means at any given point the best you know is you have some increment of 25% of your fuel still. I did find that using the two buttons for the screen was more finicky than I would have liked.

I couldn’t work it out by myself, and without having access to a owner ’ s manual I had to message the good people at Sinnis directly to ask for instructions

Whilst stationary, programming the screen isn’t a problem However, on the website Sinnis describes the buttons as being able to quickly make changes to the display information on the fly, and honestly, due to one of the buttons being tucked down under the right-hand side of the screen, you either need to take a hand off the throttle which is never advisable, or lean forwards to reach under and across the length of the screen with your left hand to be able

to reach the button, again not an ideal manoeuvre whilst you’re in motion. Once you move back across the angular fuel tank you reach a seat which encourages your body to lean into the most performanceorientated position possible, and is very comfortable for the ride

However, like with the vast majority of sportsbikes, the seat is designed with performance as the main goal and after a long distance you’ll feel yourself becoming more and more aware that a seat designed with far journeys in mind this is not; after a 200-plus mile ride I felt like John Wayne as I staggered away from the saddle

Moving towards the back end of the bike, the tail light is mounted on a seat, a favourite location for it in my book as it means your light is just that much more visible to following road users All in all there is no denying that this bike is a looke One sunny day I took it out on a ride-out with two other larger-capacity bikes, a KTM Duke 790 and a CFMOTO 650MT, and it was the GPX which multiple people kept coming up to check out, or to ask about (with more disbelief that this could possibly be a 125cc)

Speaking of the engine, the power on the GPX has been a delight. With a 4-stroke, 4-valve liquid-cooled engine, this 12.7bhp bike has a real bite to it, easily able to get up to 70 on the bypasses with the bike feeling like it has more in reserve should you feel the need to get that bit extra out of her, with six speeds which you’ll fly through with rapid acceleration and which will have you keeping up with traffic onfaster roads

The brakes work like a charm, with the main work done by the combined braking system offered by

the footbrake, meaning I only ever needed to engage the front brake if I needed to undergo an emergency stop, or if I was travelling through stop-start traffic systems wanting a soft, responsive stop When it comes to the handling, I’ve had the most fun on the GPX on the twisty roads dotted around Lincolnshire With the upside-down telescopic fork on the front and the swingarm, link-actuated mono-shock absorber on the back, the bike handled every road condition I threw at it with ease, meaning I felt confident as I was leaning the bike over further than I had dared on previous rides, never once feeling like the bike couldn’t handle where I was taking it

As I’ve mentioned before, I love night riding. There’s something about travelling along quiet roads listening to the hum of the engine, whilst the rest of the area is quiet and dark which I find to be incredibly peaceful, and both the dipped and full beams on the GPX did a great job of lighting my way even on roads without street lights, with clouds covering the moon. The only slight problem with the bike at night is that bright and clear digital display is just a tad too bright, so once you’ve glanced down at it and back at the road it takes a split second for your eyes to readjust to the darkness. A split second isn’t much time at all, but when you’re riding on dark roads you need every moment you can get to react to suddenly appearing changes in road condition, or bold wildlife stepping into the road.

So to sum up, Sinnis labels the GPX as an entry into the exciting, adrenaline- and performance-fuelled world of supersports bike riding – and it is very difficult to argue with that on any level. This is a bike which

handles both long straights with ease, as well as those sudden sharp corners which you abruptly find are steeper than you initially thought, and with the well-thought-out, stylish design of the bike, you’ll look great whether your tearing down the right-hand lane on bypasses, or filtering through city traffic, knowing that the bike is capable of responding in an instant to whatever change you need to make

The only final point I have is that this bike is very heavy, weighing 158kg before you fill its large 12-litre fuel tank After a close call losing the bike’s balance walking alongside it to walk it up my drive, I quickly took to sitting on it to walk it wherever it needed to go, rather than risk doing any more damage to it

The GPX is great value at £3699. However, Sinnis very recently has announced an amazing summer sale on the GPX, cutting £500 off the price tag, meaning you can walk away with the GPX for £3199, which for the versatility and great performance of this learner legal bike feels like a steal. For any learner riders keen to get into the vast world of sportsbikes, I’d happily recommend the Sinnis GPX 125.

INSURING YOUR RIDE

Insuring your bike is essential It’s actually required by law So if you ’ re riding on the road, you need to protect your new pride and joy (as well as other people’s). The minimum you need is third party cover However, that only covers your liability to other people in the event of an accident, not your own I’d always recommend looking for a comprehensive policy, which

covers both your own bike as well as other people’s vehicles, as well as injury to others It also covers you against fire and theft There are a huge amount of insurance companies and comparison sites you can go to, in order to get a quote for cover And there are many different factors which need to be considered to calculate what it’ll actually cost and,

as ever, it is well worth shopping around a few places in order to find the best possible price With so much information required, and so many ways to keep costs down, I’ve put together this guide which includes what information you’ll need, as well as things to look out for and terms you might come across during your research

Once you’ve got your gear sorted, you’ve passed your CBT and you’ve picked out your first bike, you’re almost ready to get out on the open road, but there’s still one very important step: insuring your motorbike.

WORDS: Chris Bailey

“Get insured and get riding. Just remember to be honest with your insurer at all times, use any security devices you’ve told them about, and be sure to shop around for the best policy for you.”

BikeDetails

Asyou’dexpect,the firstinitial informationyou’llneedtoprovide whenyou’relookingtotakeouta policywillbeonthebikeitself.You’ll needthemotorbike’sregistration plate,aswellasinformationonany additionalextrasonthebike(ornonfactorymodifications),inadditionto thevalueofthebike.

PersonalDetails

Abigchunkofyourquotationdetails willbecentredaroundyouasa person.Insurerswillwanttoknow yourage,yourmaritalstatus,your employmentstatus,andevenwhat youdoforaliving. Theywillalsowant toknowwhatsortofdrivinglicence youhave,howlongyou’vehelditand ifyouhaveanypoints. They’llalso wanttoknowwhetheryouhaveany advancedridingqualificationsorare amemberofanybikingorganisation, bothofwhichcouldreduceyour premiums.

It’sworthmentioningthatplaces likeComparetheMarketmayaskyou toselectprovisionallicence(evenif youhaveafullcarlicence).

Security

Securitycoversawiderangeof differentproductsandsolutions,from disclockstobikecovers,through togroundanchorsandchains.It goeswithoutsayingthatthebetter protectedyourbike,thecheaperthe policy.

Honestyisalwaysthebestpolicy here.Intheunfortunateeventthat yourbikeisstolen,yourinsurerwill expectyoutobeusingthesecurity devicesyoutoldthemabout.And fyouweren’t,theymayvery ellrefusetopayout.

Insurerswillalsoaskyou whereyourbikewillbekept vernight,whichagainwill affectthe finalcostwhich comesbacktoyou,with keepingitonthesideofthe roadbeingsignificantlymore risky(andthereforecostly) thanalockedgarageoreven driveway.

BikeUsage

Insurerswillwanttoknowwhatyou’ll beusingthebikefor,andhowmuch you’llbeusingit. Theoptionwhich coversmostbasesisSocial,Domestic, PleasureandCommuting.You’llneed toworkouthowmanymilesyou expecttotraveloverthecourseofa year. Thebestwaytodothatistothink aboutthemilesyou’llcoverinaweek (towork,college,eventsorgroupsyou goto)andtimesitby52. Theaverage UKmotorcyclisttravels3000miles eachyear(whichis57-and-a-bitmiles eachweek).However,chancesare thatmanyofthemwon’tberiding all-yearround.Ulitmately,it’sall dependentonwhatkindofridingyou liketodoandwhetherthebikeisyour mainmethodoftransportation.

AdditionalPolicyExtras

Therearearangeofoptionsyoucan choosetoaddtoyourpolicy,which canprovideextracoverataslightly increasedprice.However,ifyou’re usinganinsurancecomparisonsite, someoftheinsurerswilloffersomeof theseasstandard.

 BreakdownCover:Incaseyou breakdownattheroadside

 MotorLegalProtection:Provides covertoclaimcompensationfor uninsuredlossesifyouwerenot atfaultduringanaccident. This normallyincludespersonalinjury, excessrecoveryandlossofearnings

 PersonalAccidentCover:Which providesadditionalcoverintheevent ofaseriousinjuryorworse

 HelmetandLeatherCover:Which providescoverforyourprotective gear.

What’sthecost?

Onceyou’veputallthatinformation inyou’lleitherreceiveastraightupquoteifyou’regoingdirectto insurers,orarangeofoptionswith

abreakdownofwhatcompanies areofferingyouifyou’reusinga comparisonsite.It’simportantto notethatnotallinsurersareon comparisonsites.I’vebeenusing Bikesureformypoliciesandhave beenhugelysatisfiedwithhoweasy ithasbeentosetthepoliciesup,and althoughtheyhaven’tappearedon anyofthepricecomparisonsitesI use,theirquoteshavebeenlower thanwhat’sbeenofferedelsewhere.

Forexample,welookedtoinsure Benelli’snew2023BN125andwere offeredthefollowing:

 ComparetheMarket(myusual stompinggroundforallthings insurance):£1066.44

 Bikesure:£900.21. Thisshowsexactlywhyit’sso importanttoshoparound.I’vesaved

adecentchunkbylookingelsewhere insteadofjustgoingtothesameplace Inormallywould,somakesureyou checkafewplacesto findthepolicy whichisrightforyou. Onelastthingtokeepaneyeonwith yourpolicyisthecompulsoryexcess. Thisisa fixedamountyou’llneedto payouttoyourinsurerifyoumake aclaimonyourinsurance. Thiscan varygreatlybutisusuallybetween £250and£750,abigdifferencesowell worthcheckingbeforeyousignonthe dottedlineonanyquotes.

Andthat’saboutit.Getinsured andgetriding.Justremembertobe honestwithyourinsureratalltimes, useanysecuritydevicesyou’vetold themabout,andbesuretoshop aroundforthebestpolicy foryou.

Sixteen-year-olds have never had it so good –with a whole load of options to choose from which offer them their first taste of freedom. And if retrostyled scooters are what they’re into, then the brand-new Barletta 50 from AJS is surely well worth a look.

The50ccmarketintheUKisafunny thing.Ifyou’re16yearsoldandyou wanttogetoutontheroad,then you'regoingtohaveto find yourselfa50. Thatisyouronly option.Butthefrustratingthing isthatwithintheyear,you’re goingtobeeligibletoridea morepowerful125machine. It’satrickypositiontobeinas abuyer,particularlyayoung onewho’sunlikelytobe flush withcash,becausechancesare you’llwanttochopinyour50a yearlaterwhenyoucanlegallyride a125.Butlet’sforgetaboutlicencing idiosyncrasiesandfrustrationsfor aminute,becausebuyingyour first bikeorscooterasa16-year-oldisa seriouslyspecialmoment.

Buthowdoyougoabout finding therightrideforyou?Well,thereare afewkeyconsiderations.You’llneed decentperformance.Goodreliability. Andthepricematters,too;every pennycountswhenyou'rethatage. Oh,anditneedstolookgood,too,but beautyisintheeyeofthebeholder, soyou’llneedtoworkoutwhatsort ofstyleofrideyou’reinto first.Isit stylishscooters? Thenwe’vegotyou covered.

Ifyou’reanaspiringmodwitha penchantforDr.Martens,Skaand FredPerrypolos(nottostereotype), thenthereareafewoptionsofretrostyledscooterswhich’lllookthepart anddothejob.Ofcourse,Vespaand Lambrettaaretwoofthebiggest namesinthisworldbuttheirscoots don’tcomecheap,soyou’dbemuch betteroff lookingelsewhereifyour budget’salittletighter.

That’swherethenewBarletta50 fromAJScomesin.Itneatlyblends theclassiclinesofscootersofold

TECHSPEC

AJSBarletta50

Engine: 50cc4-strokeair-cooled

Power: 2.8bhp@7,500rpm

Transmission: CVTtwist&go

Suspension: (F)Telescopicforks(R)Single

shock

Brakes: (F)disc(R)drum

Tyres: (F)110/70-12/(R)110/70-12

Seatheight: 775mm

Weight: 102kg

FuelTank: 6.6litres

Fuelconsumption: 133mpg(claimed)

Price: £1999+OTR

Contact: www.ajsmotorcycles.co.uk

withplentyofmodernfeatures–and itwon’tbreakthebankeither.It’s equippedwitheverythingyou’dneed torazzaroundtownwithconfidence. Cominginatjustashadeovertwo grand(ontheroad),it’snotthe cheapestchoiceonthemarket. There arenumerousotheroptionsfrom somelessestablishedmanufacturers thatareonthemarketformuch, muchless(over£1000less)–butit’s notgoingtobreakthebankeither.

AJShasalsoproveditselfasasafe pairofhandsoverthelastfewyears. Itmightbeimportingbikesfrom China,butit’sdoingagoodjobof it.We’veriddenourfairshareof AJSbikesoverthelastfewyears, andthey’vealwaysimpressed. That meansyoushouldhaveafairbitof confidencethattheBarlettaisupto thejobandishappytakingabitof abeating.

Aimedprimarilyatriderswhoneed togetaboutintownsandcities,the lightweightscootispoweredbya simplelittleair-cooled50cc4-stroke enginewhichmakesafairlypaltry 2.8bhpat7,500rpm.It’ssurprisingly nippyoff theline,butitdoesrunout

ofsteamquickly.Ifyousticktourban environsyou’llhavenotrouble,but outontheopenroadyoudofeel quiteexposedwithtrafficblasting pastatspeed.

Stoppingislookedafterbyalinked brakingsystem,whichmeansyoucan applypressuretothefrontandrear brakesbysimplyusingtherear(left) brakelever.It’safrequentoccurrence onlearnerlegalmachines,asallnew 125sneedtohaveeitherlinkedbrakes orABS(andlinkedbrakesarethe cheaperchoice). They’redecentfor asimplesetup,withenoughbiteto stopthe103kgscooterquicklyand efficiently.Suspensioncomesinthe formoftelescopicforksupfront, andasingleshockattherear.It’snot complicatedorhugelysophisticated, butitdoesanicejobofsmoothingout theworstofitonroughandragged roadswhileofferingenoughpoiseto whipthroughtrafficwithconfidence. Asyou’dexpectforalittlescooter,it handleswell.It’s flickable,responsive andsurprisinglyfuntobombaround on.Ofcourse,it’shappiestintown, bobbingandweavingthroughtraffic andworkingitswayuptothefrontof queues.Butifyou’rehappycruisingat lessthan30mphthentheworld’syour oyster.Andthat’skindofthebeauty

oftheselearnerlegalrides. Theyopen upaworldofpossibilitiestoteenagers who’llhopefullygetthebiking(or scootering)bugandcontinueriding foryearstocome.

Itmightlookthepartbutinessence, theBarletta50isabudgetcommuter scooter. That’snotaslight,it’safact. It’sjustabitbetterlookingthanthe rest.Ultimately,theBarletta50is agreatchoiceifyouwantastylish

machinefromareputablebrand fornotaloadofcash.It’dbebang onfora16-year-oldlookingforan affordablewaytogettocollege;a pensionerpoppingtotheshops;or acityslickercuttingthroughtraffic togettoandfromworkeveryday. It’dalsomakeagreatsecondride;a sensible,affordableandpracticallittle runaboutthatwon’tmissabeat. Whatmorecouldyouaskfor?

WORDS: NicholasEllis

PHOTOS: GaryChapman

STARTERPACK

You’reanewbiker.Thebudgetisprobablyquitetight,butyoustillneed qualityprotectivekit(inyourearlydaysstilllearningthecraftitisarguably moreimportant).Wheretostart?Thereisahugerangeofkitoutthere,so whatdoyougofor?

WORDS: BobPickettandConnorGritton PHOTOS: BobPickettandLS2

LS2hasintroducedStarterPacks, designedtokitoutnewridersinsafe andgood-lookingkitatanaffordable price. Thekitincludesthebest-selling Rapidfull-facehelmet,waterproof Sepangjacket(A-ratedforprotection) andDartIIgloves(whichcomewitha touchscreen-capable fingerandKP1 knuckleprotection).

Ifyouweretobuyeachitem separatelyitwouldcost£205witha

LS2RapidHelmet

From£60

monochromehelmetor£215with graphics,whichisprettyreasonable asis,butifyoubuyitasabundle, thenthere’safewmorequidtobe saved(thoughyou’llhavetocheck withyourLS2stockistforitspackage price).

Totestthepackwe’veenrolledyoung gunandnewriderConnorGritton. Heputalotofthoughtintobiking beforehebegan,goingtoMotorcycle

TheRapidhelmetisaverysnug fitandthevisoris easytoliftandclose.ItisPinlockMAXreadybut doesnotcomewithone.It’sverywelldesignedand lightweightbutalsobrightsoitcanbeseen.Theonly downsideIfoundwiththehelmetwasthebreath guardwhichIfoundintrusivewhileriding.Thestrap canbeabitdifficulttoundoasIfoundwhenI first useditafewtimes,butismucheasiernowbutitis verysafeandsecure.

LS2SepangJacket

£99.99

TheSepangjacketisacomfy fitandverywell ventilatedtoreducesweat.It’salsoquitelight consideringthearmour,unlikesome otherjackets.Thejacketiswell insulatedandkeepsyouwarm oncoldmorningsandevenings. Theonlyrealdownsidetoitis ifyouwearashortsleeved T-shirt,theinsidelayer onthesleevessticks toyourarmsifyou sweat.Ithasplenty ofluminousand reflectiveelements toit,makingyou morevisibleto otherroadusers. Theinsulated layercanalsobe removedsothe jacketcanbe washed.

Livetotryoutawiderangeofbikes beforedecidingwhichonetobuy(he ownsanimmaculateCB125).Hehas astrongideaofwhathewantsfrom bikingandwhatstepsheneedstotake toachievethoseaims.Whenwe first spokeI’dnoticedhisspotlessbikeand howhe’dclearlydonehishomework onhowtosecureit(chainoff the floor, throughtheframe,notalongchain). OvertoyouConnor…

LS2DartIIGloves

£44.99

Theairventsinbetweenthe fingersare perfect.Thisreducesthechanceofyour handssweating,andthepaddingonthe glovesalso fitswellintherightplaces,isn’t tooheavyanddoesn’trestrictmovement ofyour fingers.Theyarenottoothickso youcanstillfeeleverythingwhenwearing themandyoudon’thavetokeeptaking

themofftodocertaintasks.Icanuse mymobilephonewhilststillwearingthe gloves.Ihaveworntheglovesintherain andtheyappeartobeprettywaterproof aswellwhichisabonusasyourhands don’tslipfromthecontrols.Thedesign hasilluminousyellowstripesbetweenthe fingerswhichisbrightandvisible.

“Ireally liketheDart IIglovesand haven’tfound faultwiththem atall.”

Arai RX-7V Kiyonari Trico

Tested

by: Mikko | £790 | www.whyarai.co.uk

This is my second RX-7V helmet. I used the first one for five years. To be honest, after the five years the helmet still looked absolutely fine, but I had worn it a lot over that time, and the recommendation is not to use the same helmet for much longer than that. So, it was new helmet time. Deciding what the next one would be didn’t take very long.. I had loved my Arai Sure, it costs a lot of money, but it fits perfectly for my head shape, the quality of the components is very high, and I had found it great in everyday use On top of all that, Arai had just released the Kiyonari Trico graphics for the RX7V, an updated version of the dragon design worn by triple BSB champion Ryuichi Kiyonari It’s absolutely stunning

Underneath the graphics, the helmet offers the same quality and safety that Arai always does. It features the VAS (‘Variable Axis System’) visor system with the ‘pods’ covering the visor fitting mechanism – some don’t like it, but I find it very easy to use. The only niggle about the visor is that there is no internal sun visor, which means that you need a dark visor or sunglasses for the sunny days. Not a major issue, but it would make the helmet more versatile.

Three top vents and a chin vent are all adjustable and let in loads of air if need be. There are also two little vents on the visor for added ventilation The two exit vents at the back are also adjustable. The removable lining is

anti-microbial material, and the cheek pads feature emergency removal tags, so the helmet can be taken off the rider’s head in an emergency with less movement of the neck.

There’s a pull-down chin spoiler under the whisper strip at the front, and an adjustable spoiler at the back of the helmet, although I don’t think I ever go fast enough for them to make much of a difference.

The helmet has both the ECE 22-05 and SNELL M2010/2015 approvals for safety, and it’s secured with a double-D strap

If the RX-7V had a sun visor (and, no, not that external one that Arai has on offer) it would be the perfect helmet. Even without it, it’s pretty damn close.

Bridgestone T32 tyres

Tested by: Dave Manning | £ variable | www.bridgestone.co.uk

I had some Bridgestone T32 tyres fitted to the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE Tourer While they might be ‘touring tyres’, they’ve actually proven to be brilliant, no matter the conditions.

Freezing cold autumnal mornings? Plenty of feedback, thanks. Flooded roads through Yorkshire? No dramas at all. At speeds covering a mile in 20 seconds? Perfectly stable and happy, ta! And little in the way of obvious wear so far, after more than 1000 miles.

The only thing that I’d hoped to try was a trackday before the weather turned to crap, but a few days of testing positive for Covid knocked that chance on the head. Although the dry roads that I’d travelled on through a surprisingly warm October and early November showed that they’re certainly not short of grip, and are confidence-inspiring through the twistiest of public roads. And with no dramas during the times that I was travelling on wet and greasy Tarmac, nor even when on sketchy single track covered in leaves and grime through the wilds of Shropshire. Really impressive.

BAD BEHAVIOUR

had to be taken.

Getting Japanese motorcycle firms to take on board constructive criticism was never an easy task. Whether it came from contracted consultants or factory riders, such input was generally hard to swallow.

In Oriental culture being told you might be wrong or could have made a mistake was seen a shameful loss of face. However, when Wold Champion Kenny Roberts told Yamaha’s race team the 1978 OW35 had profound handling issues they were obliged to take notice from their top rider And when the bike’s issues were reinforced by Johnny Cecotto and Takazumi Katayama, action simply

The result was the use of a De Carbon rear suspension shock absorber fitted with the traditional wound steel spring but with another, key, ingredient

The addition of a nitrogen charge to the sealed unit gave the system a second, internal, spring. As gases are compressible it was logical to expect the nitrogen would adsorb some of the excessive loads It should all have worked out well enough but fate stepped in – again!

During tyre testing during January Roberts lost the front end of the OW45, seriously injuring himself A broken spine, ruptured spleen and mangled foot put him out of contention, meaning he missed the Venezuelan GP

To add insult to injury, Cecotto retired at the same race! Two teams,

two riders and two ‘brand-new’ OW45s – and not a single point And it got even worse when Cecotto crashed at the Austrian GP, breaking a kneecap in several places – 1979 really wasn’t going well at all.

And yet despite the injuries sustained back in January, Roberts raced at Austria to take the win. The guy must have been rock hard to compete whilst still recovering from what could have been life-changing injuries

KR Snr was on a roll, taking second in Germany from Wil Hartog on a Suzuki RG500 and then taking wins at Italy, Spain and Yugoslavia

At the Spanish GP the organisers refused to pay Roberts his start money which led to some unpleasant scenes both on the podium and with then FIM. This would make the start of

riders fighting for better conditions and treatment.

If the factory thought the OW45 was behaving itself they were wrong At Assen the De Carbon shock lost its gas, relegating Roberts to eighth, and similar issues plagued him in Sweden, limiting Yamaha’s top man to a fourth In Finland the same problem had him crashing, remounting, but finishing in sixth place Roberts and Suzuki title challenger Virginio Ferrari took on the authorities at Spa over track conditions which many riders viewed as decidedly unsafe. Ferrari’s Belgium race was a disaster and the rest of his season was little better, which played in favour of Roberts

The American enjoyed a legendary battle with Suzuki-mounted Barry Sheene at Silverstone in what was

the best race of the season and one of Roberts’ career highlights

A third in France helped cement Roberts’ second world title but it had been achieved more by luck than judgement in many people’s eyes Ferrari’s disappointing results in the latter half of the season had muted Suzuki’s challenge

The OW45 really wasn’t substantially better behaved than the previous OW35 and Yamaha would need to do some off-season homework big time!

Words: Steve Cooper Photo: Mortons Media Archive

WithStuartBarkertakinganSV650asalong-termerat MotorcycleSport&Leisure,Igottheurgetoreacquaint myself,havingrackedup40,000milesondifferentversions overtheyears.

TheSV650launched nakedNandhalffairedSversions in1999.Anew(lessattractive) pressedframeandfuelinjectionwas introducedin2004,dualspark-plug headsaddedin2007.2009sawthe NreplacedbytheSVF650Gladius… itselfreplacedbytherevampedSV650 in2016(theSalsodiscontinued).

Givemesomespec

Acompactsteeltrellisframehouses a645ccv-twinengineputtingout 56kW/75bhp@8,500rpm, maximumtorqueof 64Nm/47.2lb-ft@ 8,100rpm.Seat heightis785mm.

Supportingthe 198kgare41mm non-adjustable frontforks, 7-pointadjustable monoshockrear.

Stoppingitaretwin 290mmfrontdiscs with2-pistoncalipers, single240mm,single caliperrear.

Changesfromlastyear’s model

‘Lastyear’isamisnomerforthe long-lastingSV650.Suzukitook thebestofbothpreviousmodels forthe2016relaunch(60updates

overallincludingcompacttrellis frame,exhaustraisedforimproved groundclearance,newclocks).2021 sawenginetweakstopassthelatest emissionsregs.Lowrpmassistand SuzukiEasyStartaidespullingaway andlow-speedriding.

Sowhat’sitliketoride?

Witha24-year-oldbasemodel(the latestoneis7),istheSV650still relevant?

Despiteit’ssmallsizeyou’renottoo tuckedin(pegsrearofcentre,narrow bars,situpright,whenpushingon whenit’spossibletotuckin).It’s slender,makingitagoodbikefor smallerriders(29-inchinside leg,feet flatdown).

Theengineislumpy sub-20mph.But openthethrottle anditbuildsspeed rapidly;the645cc v-twinwants toworkhard.

Suzukimoved maximumtorque uptherangesoit’s availablejustbefore maximumpower.

Handlingatanypace isexcellent;greatat filtering (heavytrafficcanbehardonthe clutchhand),back-roadblastsare hugefun,butformetheSVshineson rollingbends.Findtheseandletitarc fromcornertocorner,encouraging youtousethewidthoftheroad.

Frontsuspensiondoesthejobwith

littlediveunderbraking.Rear?Always beenabitboingy;ridingharderoron poorly-surfacedroads,expecttheodd bounceoutthesaddle.

Brakesaremorethanuptothejob, butappreciatea firmsqueeze. Thesaddleis firmandyou’llbe feelingitafterawhile;something likeaCoolCoverwouldsupplysome welcomecushioning. Thatandthe tucked-inlegspreventthisfrombeing amile-muncher.

Theclockisglance-friendlywith therightinformationdisplayedand mirrorsgivegoodover-the-shoulder feedback.

IstheSV650stillrelevant?Youbet. 75usablehorsesinalight, flickable framethatcancommutebutstill rewardiftakenouttoplay.Forthe price,youcouldbuyanaftermarket rearshockandstillhavechangeleft onthefullaskingpriceformostof it’srivals.

Howmuchdoesitcost? £7,195(thecafé-racerXvariantis £7,655).

WORDSandPHOTOS: BobPickett

BIKER DOWN

You’re out riding with friends, when one of you loses it and hits the road, hard. Or you come up to a line of traffic. Using a bike’s natural advantages you filter past… to find an accident scene. There is a car on the opposite side with the front smashed. A motorcycle is down in the road with the rider nearby, not moving. And there is another car on your side of the road, rear facing, no idea if the occupants are okay. Would you know what to do?

WORDS: Bob Pickett

This is what Biker Down aims to pass on. In 2010 founder Jim Sanderson (an active firefighter) witnessed a motorcycle accident while off duty. Using his own training as a firefighter to assist at the scene, he realised the skills and knowledge he had could be shared with fellow bikers The course, run by serving firefighters, is FREE Held at a number of locations across the country, the aim is to pass on useful skills that, should you arrive at the scene of an accident, will allow you to assess, manage and administer aid to those in need until the emergency services arrive

I attended the East London/Essex course, held at Dagenham Fire Station Run by firefighters Dan and Gary, who made it quite clear this wasn’t a training course, rather giving advice on how to handle an accident situation It most definitely was not a ‘Look at the blackboard’ situation This was a very interactive session, with observations, questions and opinions very much encouraged As we were told: “The more you put into it, the more you will get out of it ” The course took around three hours, split into three modules

CasualtyCare

Thisisthemosthands-onpart ofthesession,dealingwith howtoadministermotorcyclerelated firstaid(whatwe learnedherecan,ofcourse, beappliedtonon-bikers,but therearespecificslikehelmet removal).

Weweretakenthroughmany ofthetypicalinjuriesseen atamotorcycleaccident; administering firstaid; managingspinalinjuries;CPR; usingadefibrillator;andhelmet removal.

IncidentSceneManagement

Thismoduledealtwitharrivingon thescene,assessing,prioritising, makinguseoftheinevitable gatheringofonlookersand alertingtheemergencyservices. Thekeyisbeingcalm.Wewere givenlittlehintsonhowtogive yourselfamomenttocollect yourself,getyourbreathing undercontrol,putyourbike safelyoutofthewayandthen assesswhathashappened.

Usingasanexamplethe‘two carsonebike’example:What canyousee?Whatmight havehappened?Arethere anyimmediateconcerns(for example,isthebikerlyingina dangerousplace)?Howmany injuredpeoplearethereandwho doyoulooktohelp first?

Confidenceisanotherkey.By soundingassuredandconfident (evenifyoudon’tfeelit),people

willnaturallytakeyourlead. Makeuseofthegroupofpeople staringatthescene;getsome togoandwarnotherroadusers; isthereanyonewithany firstaid training?Gettheminvolved(orlet themtaketheleadifthey’remore qualified)invictimcare.Themore jobsyoucandelegate,themore ittakesoffyourshouldersand allowsyoutogetonwiththemost importantthing...lookingafterthe accidentvictims. Wealsotalkedthroughwhoto contactandwhatinformationis useful(wherehasithappened; howmanyvehiclesinvolved;how manyinjuredparties;anyone bleeding;strugglingtobreathe).

The Thinking Biker

Thispartisperhapsmorefor thenewlyqualifiedbikerbutstill containsalotofusefulinformation nomatterhowlongyouhave beenriding.Afterwatchinga videoofagenuineincident,we discussedhowto findvisualclues forpotentialhazards,making yourselfvisible;ridingtothe conditions.

Theattendeesatmycourse wereanexperiencedgroupso moretimewasgiventotheother modules,butwedidhaveagood discussionwithlotsoffeedback ontipsonhazardperceptionand beingseen.

Fornewridersthisisinvaluable; somuchcanbenoticedand dealtwithinadvanceifyouknow whattolookoutfor.Thissection providedplentyoffoodfor thought.

Aswiththe firstmodule, assessmentisvital.Issomeone yellingandscreaming?Then they’reawakeandthey’re breathing!Letthemknowyou’ll cometothem.Butpriorityhas tobetotheonelyingquietlyin theroad,notmoving.Arethey breathingandifsoisiteven? Thingslikehowtoapproach them,letthemknowwhat’s happeningandyou’rethereto help,thentoassesswhatis needed.Breathingandawake?

Great.Gentlyhelpthemtosit up.Ifthey’vegotahelmeton, askthemtotakeitoff(they’re naturallygoingtoremoveit easierthanyouevercan).Any bleeding?Whereandwhatisit like?Isitsomethingthatcanbe stopped/slowedbyputtingthe injuryabovetheheart?Ordoes itneedpressure?

Yourmainpriorityisthe onewhoisn’tmoving,when youcheckyoucan’t find abreath.Theyneedyour helpstraightaway.Letthe emergencyservicesknowyou

haveanon-breathingperson andyou’reabouttoadminister CPR(itwasstressed,don’t worryaboutcallingthecontrol againandagain.

Ifyou’resupplyingupdates –andinthissituationyou’ve advisedthereisalifethreateningsituation–itallows thecontrolcentretoescalate andprioritisetheincidentyou’re attending).

Shownhowtocheck breathing,removeahelmet(I volunteeredtobetheperson ontheground(I’vedonehelmet removalandCPRtrainingin thepast),andadjusttheirhead toclearbreathing,thereisonly onewaytopractiseCPRin safety:Annie.

Annieisadollwhosehead movessoyoucanpractice helmetremovalandtiltingthe head;hernose/mouthallow airflowandwhosechestworks justlikearealperson…except you’renotriskingbreakingany ribspracticingonher!(Note,if youdobreakarib,adjustand carryon.It’sbettertobreaka ribandsavealife).

Weweregivenotheruseful information(performing CPR?Doitfromtheirleft;the paramedicsneedtosetuptheir equipmentfromtheright,and intheambulanceanymonitors, etc.,areappliedfromtheright side).

Weweretalkedthroughusing adefibrillator(amazingpieces ofkit,they’relikeamini-doctor andwilltalkyouthrougheach step).

BikerFriendlyGuide

Sonowyouwanttobeoutandabout,riding thoseroads,feelingyourbikerunbeautifully andwatchingthosebugssplatonyourvisor. Onyourownoraspartofagroup,it’swhat welivefor.

We’resureyouwillhaveyourfavourite route,butifyouarelookingforafewideas onwhereelsetogo,whattodo,whereto chattolike-mindedfolkandperhapsjust haveagreatbrewataplacewhichguarantees awarmwelcome,thenthesearethepages foryou.

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

Asyoucanseefromthemap,thereare cafes,barsandvenuesallaroundtheUK whichareperfectforavisit.

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

CLASSIFIEDS

ACCESSORIES TYRES

BRAKELINES

CHROMING

NUT&BOLTS

WEBWATCH

ForSale

AJS Model30,1958,blue/black paintwork,newchromewheels andtyres,newsilencers, exhausts,chromechaincase, Pazonelectronicignition, matchingnumbers,immaculate 600cctwin,readytoride,free deliveryarranged,£5450Tel. 01723372219.Yorkshire.

BMW K75S1990,blue/black colour,81,000miles,V5C present,handbook,MoTtillend ofAugust2023,newAvonrear tyre,newfronttyre,battery, reardiscandpads,thrustpiston andbearing,clutchsplinelube, gearboxanddiffoilallbeen replacedinthelastfewyears, panniersandtopbox,gripsand handprotectors,invoicesfor mostparts/repairs,originalage relatedcondition,ownedsince January2016,£2500Email scottf675@gmail.com

DUCATI 996S,Hodgsonreplica, 2001,builtbyDucatifactory ownedUKsubsidiarythe motorcycleisconvertedfrom thestandard996Sspecification whichincludesconversionssuch asafullTermignonisystem, tintedscreenandOhlin’s suspensionaswellandplenty ofcarbonfibreextrassuchas airbox,swingarmcover,Ducati Performanceairtubes,sprocket coverandnumberplateholder, 9980milesontheclock,good Dunloptyres,newbelts,oil andfilterchangedeveryyear, £15,000Tel.07710629496.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON Lowrider 1200,2017,notyetruninmany extras,longMoT,immaculate asyou’dexpect,bargainof themonth£7000.Tel.07988 149448.Lancashire.

HONDA Superdream,1981, blue,unrestored,95%original, blue,34,000genuinemileage, runsverywell,moveforcessale, £1650ovnoTel.John01790 754293.Lincolnshire.

HONDA Silverwing600,super scooter,oneowner,Garmin550 Europe&USAfullywaterproof, allfittings,clamps,heated grips,sidereflectors,recent replacementguaranteedby Hondareplacementdrivebelts rollers,etc,£2400.Tel.07905 796557.Northants.

KAWASAKI W650,2002(02), 22,007miles,MoTMarch 2024,tyresbothgoodplentyof treadleft,oilandfilterchanged lastyearbutbikehasnotdone manymilessincethis,usedinall weatherssoisn’tinimmaculate condition,somerustinareas, viewingisrecommended, completelystandardapartfrom theaddedgrabrailandsome heatwraponthedownpipes fittedbythepreviousowner, 2keys,someoldreceiptsand MoTcertificates,V5presentin myname,£3000onoEmail. Thesluman@hotmail.co.uk

MOTOGUZZI Spada,950cc, 1981,needsfinishing,numerous newpartsandpartresprayed yellowincolour,qualifiesclassic insurance,noMoTortax,open tooffersTel.01743860362.

Shropshire.

MZ150 barnfind,oneowner, 5000milesfromnew,wasput awayrunning30yearsago,can beseeneastLondon/Essex,2 milesfromLondonendofthe M11or3milesfromjunction 26oftheM25,consideraswap withaExcelsiorTalismantwinor aGreeves250twin,£1750or nearoffer,Idon’tdomessages unlessthereisaphonenumber attachedthatIcancallbackon Tel.07883354039.

SUZUKI 1200Bandit,only 8400milesgenuine,newMoT justdone,blackAvonStorms, Remus,contactforpics-email £3295.Tel.07896281216.

TRIUMPH 21,350cc,1964,pair Bikinimodel,black/ivorytank, mintcondition,£4000onoTel. 07752312211.Berks.

HONDA CG125,1976-1985,6volt electricalpartswantedgenerator, coils,switches,wiringetcwhy? Tel.07990497310.Lincolnshire.

HONDA CBR600,1995-present, orsimilarie600cc,detailsreprice condition,locationtocollectand detailstoKenpleasetextonly,due todifficultyspeakingTel.07790 512582.Shropshire.

Miscellaneous

YAMAHA YM1305,1966,red, 3660milesfromnew,excellent condition,newpartsinctyres, battery,wingmirrors,chrome andpaint,MoTandtaxexempt, £4495Tel.07785186476. Email.paulmiller208@gmail. comWestYorkshire.

PartsForSale

BOOKS: Sox,GaryHocking,£5. MikeTheBikeAgain,£5.New EditionMikeTheBikeAgain, £5.HailwoodbyMikeandT. Macauley,£5.MikeTheFans Favourite,£8allplusp&pTel. 077875255198.WestMidlands.

CLASSICBIKE taxdischolder brushedaluminium,front securedbyaluminiumkeys, idealforthattaxexemptclassic, excellentcondition,£9posted Tel.07504327299.Devon.

ARIEL Huntmaster,1958,twin cylinder650cc,immaculate blackpaintwork,matching numberswithV5Candoriginal bufflogbook,photosavailable, restoredtothehigheststandard, readytoride,freedelivery, £6450Tel.01723372219.North Yorkshire.

AJP SPR240,Sept2022,under warranty,trailbike,274miles, newbattery,raisedgearing, sparesprocketsfewspares, £4000onoTel.01322556013; 07761687469.Kent.

BSA RocketGoldStarrep,1953, silver/black,650cctwincylinder, Goldietankandsilencer, Siameseexhaust,newrear tyres,singlesidedbrakes,twin clockschromeguards,photos available,freedeliveryarranged, £6950.Tel.01723372219. NorthYorkshire.

BSA SuperRocket,1959, red/blackpaintwork,chrome mudguards,twinclocks,T/L/S stainlessrack,Avons,V5C, datingcertificate,excellent condition,readytoride,photos available,freedeliveryarranged, Tel.01723372219.North Yorkshire.

GASGAS TXT125GP,2022, hardlyused,roadregistration, red,greatmotorcycle,great starter,trialsbike,originalfrom JohnShirtsmotorcycles,nowas longdistanceseatfitted,£4495 Email.squida225@yahoo.co.uk

HONDA NC750X,22,919miles, keptingarage,Givitopbox andGivirackwithtwokeys, Givitouringscreen,Istillhave theoriginaltogowiththebike, radiatorguard,Oxfordheated grips,(ignitionswitchedsoyou cannotforgettoturnthemoff), handguards,centrestand,fork protectors,fullservicehistory withreceipts,ownersmanual, bothignitionkeys,MoT,£4800 Tel.07761124953.

KYMCO X-citing2021,71reg, 400cc,inblue,6900miles,fsh, newscooterforcessale,never seenrain,ACEMaxiscooter,36 bhpmodeladjscreenoneowner, £3199.Tel.07784499299.

BSA A65Lightning,1964,recent overhaul,manynewpartsinc exhaustsandbattery,alloy wheelrims,goodrunningorder, £4950onoTel.07967856206. Somerset.

HONDA CM125CE,1984,part restoredcustom,powdercoated frame,swingarm,chainguard, over£650spendonnewparts, toomanytolist,runsandrides, phoneformoredetails,V5C presentonSorn,littletodo forMoT,£950onoTel.07907 458246.Warwickshire.

HONDA CBX250RSE,1985, 44,000miles,DOHCe/start single,MoTto03/2024,summer funordependablewinter commute,£1990onoTel.07543 310862.Hampshire.

MOTOGUZZI 1100Sport,carb 1996,threeownersfromnew andmybikesince1999,approx 26,500milesandrecently recommissionedsincelast usedregularlyin2013,now fullyservicedandnewMoT,the bikeisstandard,exceptadeep sumpconversiontoincreaseoil capacityandexhaustcrossover pipetoremovethecollectorbox, originalpartsareincludedinthe saleasaretwokeys,Owners Book,WorkshopManual,setof originaldecals,Venturagrabrail/ rackandoriginalsalesbrochure, aclassicGuzziwhichgoes,stops andsteersinmoderntraffic, pricereflectsnewtyres,£5750. Tel.Andy07771834069.West Yorkshire.

NORTON Dominator99,1961, silver/blackpaintwork,large historyfolderfromrestoration 2016,placedinprivatecollection, newrecommissioning,receipts, photos,V5C,stunningbike,ready toride,freedeliveryarranged, £7450Tel.01723372219.North Yorkshire. SUZUKI GSX550E,alloriginal, comeswithallpaperworkandall recipients,collectiononly,£2750 Tel.07837362828.

SUZUKI 1200Bandit,only8400 miles,newMoT,black,Avon Storms,Remus,emailforpics, £3295.Email.agreg2002@ hotmail.com

HONDA NC700/750X2014/2019 Puigtouringwindscreenwith visorforsale£60+p&pTel.Bill 07713160796.

NORTON Commando850, Mikunisinglecarbconversion kit,completenearlynew,£180. Tel.01515319213.Merseyside.

TRIUMPH 650cc,1960-62 gearboxdismantled,mostparts available,needsassembly,£75; plusclutchcoversinnerouter, £30Tel.01214757249.

Wanted

CLASSICBIKE wantedanything consideredinanyconditionby enthusiasttoppricepaidTel. 01514470147.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON newbrake discspairPFMHD002-4807 rear,ZodiacC235473HDFfront, £70thepair.SuzukiBanditbits, newfootpegs,£10.NewClutch switch,£2.50-gearlever,£20. Hendlerhandlebarsnew,£30 Tel.07704343331.Stockport.

CLYMERMANUAL for200420013Harley-Davidson Sportster,£10andbackrest/ rack,£50Tel.07832243212. WestMidlands.

KAWASAKI WorkshopManual fromKawasakidealersfora KZ400,500,550modelsforsale, £15.SuzukiServiceManualfor B120/B100pmodelsdated1966, £15.Indianmotorcyclespanner, nosizesonspanner,veryoldsuit oldIndianowner,£10.7Triumph motorcyclespanner,various sizesandages,£30Tel.07929 747650.

TRIUMPH Thunderbird900, chromeheadlightshellbucket, excellent,£90,£7postage, alsorearbrakecylinder,cover plateblack,excellent,£35,£5 postage.GL1200reg/recboxed £50,£5postageunusednew Tel.07434513161.Lancashire.

WATSONIANSQUIRE motorcycle trailer,bluefibreglass,new tyres,newinnertubes,new lights,cansendpictures,£400 ono.Avonvenomtyrelikenew, £30.150-80-16clutchcable CX500customHonda,£8Tel. 07704343331.Stockport.