GET UP TO SPEED
THE WORLD’S
BIGGEST BIKING MONTHLY!
RIDDEN
Caught out #1
Husky’s SECRET 801 Scrambler
FREE INSIDE
➥
FREE SHOWGUIDE IT’S THAT NEWARK TIME OF YEAR!
January 2019
#151
£8150 73bhp
Caught out #2
KTM’s FINISHED 790 Duke R
Cops ram moped muggers!
W800 cafe racer Funky return for Kawasaki naked
The Met Police force has started a new campaign to combat the spiralling problem of criminals using two wheels to help them commit crimes in the capital – by ramming the scumbags off their stolen scooters and bikes. In incredible footage from onboard cameras mounted to police cars, criminals on the run from the force are soon out of options as the blue line closes in on them and uses ‘Tactical Contact’ to force them off their bikes. The latest effort to turn the tables on the criminals has delighted the motorcycle community and a large proportion of the public too, but after MP Diane Abbott voiced her opinion against the development Met Police chief Cressida Dick responded in very blunt terms about why the police had taken this drastic course of action. > More on page 4
2 
NEWS 3
Check out Husqvarna’s SPY SHOTS 801 Classic Adventure It’s a proper retro-looking Scrambler that’s loaded with tech. And until right now, it’s been a well kept secret. Words: Tony Carter Husqvarna is working on a scrambler motorcycle with funky styling that echoes some of the major cosmetic touches of the Svartpilen and Vitpilen roadster models. Our exclusive spy shots show the new bike undergoing secret tests today and from what we can see, the prototype is already looking like a ‘proper’ modern Husqvarna for the road. Because Husqvarna is owned by KTM, it’s pretty clear that a lot of the Austrian company’s tech and mechanical parts used on the newfor-2019 KTM 790 Adventure have been carried over onto this project – which we’re expecting to be officially unveiled at the tail end of 2019. As such, this could actually end up being one of the first 2020 bikes seen in the flesh. Putting aside the styling for a moment, we can see that the bike is using the same rolling chassis and parts as can be found on KTM’s new adventure bike. So the 801 Classic
Adventure/Scrambler Husky will make somewhere in the region of 105hp and 87Nm @ 8000rpm from it’s eight-valve, DOHC motor – which is even running with a KTM engine stamp in the bike we’ve caught with our long-lens spy shots. The Husqvarna’s tubular steel chassis and die-cast, open-lattice swingarm ape the KTM too. The cast wheels of the KTM have been dropped for spoked versions on the 801. Up front the Classic Adventure/Scrambler gets 43mm USD forks from WP and although we can’t see any brand name on the single read shock, it looks the same as the WP gas-assisted unit on the KTM 790. If so, the Husky will have spring and pre-load on the rear. The ABS brakes are KTM-stamped with the front featuring radiallymounted four-piston calipers grabbing two 300mm discs and the rear is a top-mounted two-piston caliper on a 240mm disc. But it’s the fairing, tank surround and seat styling where the bike is
FAIRING
Then make
your essential, one-stop website.
Get up to speed. Every single day.
unmistakably Husqvarna. The bench seat extends a long way behind the rider (so there’s plenty of space for a pillion) and the rear LED light styling echoes what we’ve seen on the Svart and Vit brands. The small fairing combines with the petrol tank surrounds and shoulders for a more updated 1960s look too. The upright riding position, high exhaust can and short front mudguard add to the purposeful on/off-road look.
On the prototype bike there’s a two-colour digital dash (expect a full-colour TFT option when this bike goes into production) and drilled plates behind the rider and pillion footrests – these are for riding position development as the motorcycle continues through it’s design and build cycle and aren’t expected to make it to the dealership-ready version of the bike in 2020.
DASH
Tiny headlight surround sits on the Svartpilen-esque round LED headlight.
Want your motorcycle news FIRST, FRESH and FREE?
Two-colour TFT dash at the moment. Expect this to go full colour with customised graphics.
SWINGARM
Energica and Samsung team up to produce their first motorcycle Energica has revealed its futuristic new concept bike which has been built in partnership with Samsung, the Bolid-E. It comes with a pair of Samsung Galaxy phones mounted as ‘intelligent mirrors’ which run a live feed from high-definition cameras built into the bike plus can also work like a ‘Heads up Display’, analysing and highlighting obstacles and threats on the road ahead.
Die-cast, open-lattice swingarm is straight off the KTM Duke.
HIGH CAN
Plenty of ground clearance with the exhaust routed up and out of the way.
FORKS
43mm USD items from WP, fully adjustable.
Rare Foggy Petronas bikes are up for sale
No prices yet for the iconic 2003 899cc triples which in road trim kick out nearly 140bhp, but a few of the ultra-rare WSB homologation specials are being put on sale by Lanzante Motorsports in the UK. Previous examples have gone for £25k up.
FRONT BRAKE
KTM stamped two-piston calipers, same as on the 790 Adventure. Grabbing two 300mm discs.
THE WORLD’S
BIGGEST BIKING MONTHLY!
Motor Cycle Monthly, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 529529
POWER
Reckon on around 105hp and 87Nm of torque. The same motor on the 801 as used on the new 790 Adventure from KTM. E ditor Tony Carter Editorial design Fran Lovely Publishing director Dan Savage Publisher Tim Hartley Email editorial@motorcyclemonthly.co.uk Picture desk Paul Fincham and Jonathan Schofield Production editor Dan Sharp Divisional advertising manager Zoe Thurling 01507 529412 Advertising Lee Buxton 01507 529453 Emma Knott 01507 529583 Advertising deadline for February issue January 3, 2019
FOOTRESTS
The prototype is running large adjuster plates on the front footrests and the rear pillion pegs for ease of movement during development.
MUDGUARD
Short guard up front underlines the retroScrambler style of the new bike.
Japanese firm A-Tech has released a range of bolt-on bits that turn a BMW 310GS into a mini-superbike. Using the tiny single engine and chassis parts from the TVS Apache, a bike codesigned by TVS and BMW, the minime is road legal too. Looks incredible.
Distribution 01507 529529 Marketing manager Charlotte Park Commercial director Nigel Hole Customer services number 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open Monday-Friday 8.30am-6pm, Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm Subscribe to MCM and just pay the postage!
Call 01507 529529 or visit classicmagazines.co.uk/MCM
or email help@classicmagazines.co.uk Motor Cycle Monthly is published monthly on the third Friday of the month by Mortons Media Group Ltd and printed by Mortons Print.
Bolt-on kit can create mini-BMW superbike
MCM recommends bikesafe.co.uk
Independently proven pick up: 67,717 copies
For more information on getting on two wheels, check out our brilliant sister publication – On2Wheels
4 NEWS
Moped raiders
RAMMED!
Met Police unleashes new ‘tactical contact’ approach to scooter crime. You do bad things on a two-wheeled vehicle, they’ll drive a police car into you. Words: Ross Mowbray It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for. Right now the Metropolitan Police is using a tough new approach to ‘moped’ crime which sees highly trained officers ramming scumbags who commit serious levels of crime involving two-wheeled getaway mopeds and bikes. The dramatic change, where specially trained, so-called ‘Scorpion’ drivers use their police cars to ram riders and pillions off their bikes, has been highly praised by the motorcycle community and large sections of the public. Previously, criminals using two wheels to escape the police and used aversion tactics like removing helmets or riding pavements or through pedestrianised areas to avoid capture with officers wary of causing injury and facing potential prosecution for their actions. With that concern set aside for now with the latest efforts by the Met to curb the criminal wave, it means that the criminals are taken out of the ensuing chase before it can get under way.
Dramatic footage of officers ramming fleeing thieves off their scooters in London was released by the Met at the end of November and was immediately praised by the general public and former officers – despite some people, including Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott criticising it as dangerous. But now Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick has come out in defence of the new front line policing tactics. Ms Dick said pursuit drivers are: “Supremely well trained,” and the ramming method has resulted in only a “very small,” number of injuries. She went on to say that the tactic has been brought in because the Met has had to “put the fear back into the criminal.” Commissioner Dick admitted that at least two moped-riding thieves had suffered broken bones after being rammed by police cars – but went on to defend the tactic and her officers, adding: “My officers make life and death decisions every day of the week, they’re very accountable. They make
the best possible decisions. We are in a risk business.” Ms Dick said the freedom to ram scooters was brought in to deter moped crime: “We’ve had to put the fear back into the criminal. These are people who have been repeatedly left in no doubt whatsoever that there’s a police car right behind them. If you look over your shoulder and drive on as fast as possible, putting the public in danger, you should expect that we will come after you.”
“My officers make life and death decisions every day of the week. They’re very accountable. We are in a risk business.”
Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick
NEWS 5
Want your motorcycle news FIRST, FRESH and FREE? Then make your essential, one-stop website. Get up to speed. Every single day.
Police respond to criticism
Met Police driver under investigation Officer could face criminal charges after ramming 17-year-old rider off moped.
The tactic of highly-trained police officers using their vehicles to knock ‘moped’ thieves off their bikes has proved controversial. But senior officers, including the Met’s commissioner Cressida Dick (see opposite), have defended the use of tactical contact, saying it was needed to stop dangerous chases and has helped reduce moped crime in London by more than a third. The tactic has also been backed by Prime Minister Theresa May, who said a “robust” response was needed from police to what she described as a growing problem of people using mopeds to commit crimes such as bag and phone-snatching.
“We’ve had to put the fear back into the criminal. These are people who have been repeatedly left in no doubt whatsoever that there’s a police car right behind them.” Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick
What happened to cause this? The growth of scooter-related crime has exploded by 1000% over the last three years in the UK – but it’s London that’s seen the highest spike in crime, with more than 19,000 separate offences recorded last year alone. Police forces across the country have been previously criticised for failing to properly deal with offenders – particularly for not pursuing suspects if they weren’t wearing helmets. But that’s changing, with specially-trained Metropolitan Police officers now able to ram thieves, even when they’re not wearing helmets, riding dangerously or disguising themselves. Of course, forces up and down the country have employed a range of other tactics to aid the fight against scooter and motorcycle crime, including the use of automatic tyre deflation devices and DNA tagging spray. And it seems the tactics are working – with a reduction of ‘moped crime’ in London by 44% between January and October 2017 and 2018 (from 19,455 to 12,419 offences). Commander Amanda Pearson of Frontline Policing, said: “The Met is at the forefront of tackling moped and motorcycle crime and I am pleased to see that we have seen a reduction in offences. However, we are not complacent and we will continue
to work tirelessly across London to maintain this downward trend. “Operation Venice can call on all manner of tactics from an experienced investigation team to police helicopters to tackle and arrest offenders. There is a perception that if you remove your helmet or fail to stop for police when requested to do so we will not take any further course of action. “This is untrue. The public quite rightly expects us to intervene to keep London safe. Our highly trained police drivers weigh up the risks and decide upon the most appropriate tactics in those circumstances.” Pearson added: “Our message is clear: we can, we will and we do target those involved in moped and motorcycle crime at every opportunity.”
Moped Crime offences in London 2017-2018 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Up to 45% OFF heated grips with Suzuki
Suzuki’s heated grips are slim and easy to use with three heat settings. Running until the end of February 2019, the offer’s available across Suzuki’s entire V-Strom adventure range, its GSX-S1000 and GSX-S1000F, and its Burgman 400 maxi-scooter.
Cafe Racer kit now available for an R3!
GG Retrofitz of California has just revealed its latest conversion kit which turns a standard Yamaha YZF-R3 into a retro-styled café racer. Called the Rocket Street, the super cool kit is compatible with Yamaha’s YZF-R3 models from 2015 to 2018. The kit consists of a windshield, individual trim parts, and a tank cover. The standard version will set you back $1198, which works out just shy of £1000 (the graphics cost a further £250). Visit: ggretrofitz.com for more.
19,455
2017
Moto Guzzi returns to racing with its V7 III
12,419 JANUARY TO OCTOBER
of firearms or the use of restraint. It is always a matter of whether it’s reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances. But it would be wrong to offer guarantees in every case. Independent scrutiny is a vital part of public confidence in the way policing is done.” If he is prosecuted, the officer could be charged with actual bodily harm or grievous bodily harm. And the Met could also decide if there is a case to answer for misconduct, which could eventually result in dismissal. The boy later pleaded guilty to five offences at youth court, including theft, dangerous driving, and driving without a licence.
JANUARY TO OCTOBER
A police officer could be facing criminal charges, after knocking a teenager off a moped while carrying out the Met’s new ramming tactics. An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) was launched after the collision in Eastern Way, Erith, at around 2.15am on November 7 last year. The officer carried out the ‘tactical contact’ to stop a 17-year-old boy from riding dangerously. The rider (who was not wearing a helmet) was admitted to hospital with serious head injuries as a result of the police manoeuvre – but was later discharged. And now, a decision is due over whether evidence gathered by the police watchdog should be passed onto prosecutors. The tactic has been used 60 times since January by the Met in its fight against moped crime – and so far there’s been three injuries following pursuits by officers, although not all were due to tactical contact. The Met said it had self-referred all instances to the IOPC. An IOPC spokesman said: “Ultimately no police tactic can ever be used with impunity in a country where we police by consent – be that tactical contact, the use
Police forces across London have responded to Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott’s criticism of the Met’s new tactic of ramming fleeing scooters and motorcycles. The Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington took to Twitter to say that officers are “not above the law” and that “knocking people off bikes is potentially very dangerous”. But Camden police officers hit back, saying that someone who is responsible for law-making should realise that using tactical contact to terminate dangerous pursuits was “entirely within our lawful power”. Camden Police said: “Someone who’s responsible for law-making (or at least debating and ratifying new legislation) should probably realise that using tactical contact to terminate dangerous pursuits is entirely within our lawful power… And our responsibility.” Officers from Waltham Forest also replied, saying: “To mitigate risk to the public and also offenders, we use a range of tactics including tactical contact. There has been a significant reduction in motorcycle and scooter crime with a decrease of 10,974 offences to date this year in comparison to 2017.”
2018
Moto Guzzi is returning to the race track in 2019, launching its own Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance Trophy in partnership with the Italian FIM. And to show what we’ve got to look forward to, the iconic Italian bike builder has shown off a modified V7 III which is eligible to compete. There will be five races on the calendar, which will run for a duration of 60 minutes each – and will be kicked off using a Le Mans style start. Teams will consist of two riders, and they’ll switch halfway through the race.
For more information on getting on two wheels, check out our brilliant sister publication – On2Wheels
6 NEWS
The Italjet Dragster is BACK! IT’S back! The hottest, coolest ever modern scooter is back! Italjet has brought back the only scooter to ever (really) appeal to big bike riders and youthful hooligans alike. Built between 1998 and 2003, the original Dragster was churned out by the Italian factory with a choice of engines (two- and four-stroke). It made 22bhp and handled really well. Plus, it looked like the caterpillar stage of an arm-wrenching superbike. With one of these in your garage next to your 916 or GSX-R1000 and you were a serious superbike player – even when you just wanted to pootle to the shops on your scooter instead of dragging the big bike out for five minutes. Right, so the original Italjet Dragster was incredible. And this latest version of the bike looks like it’s picked up where the first incarnation of the mega scooter left off. The new Dragster comes with either a 125cc or 200cc motor which makes 15hp and 12.5Nm in small form or
Call 01507 529529 or go to www.classicmagazines.co.uk/mcm20
20bhp and 17Nm as a 200. It gets a CVT transmission and a belt drive. The single front swingarm (yeah!) carries a 12in wheel with a 120 tyre. The rear wheel is a 13in unit with a 150 fitted. Bremspower takes care of the stopping with a 175mm disc brake and a 250mm on the back (this scooter comes with combined braking front and rear and comes with ABS). Weight wise, there’s not much to the new Dragster – the 125 tips the scales at just 108kg with the 125 weighing in at 112kg. No prices have yet been released for the new Dragster in either red or yellow colours, but reckon on the 200 costing somewhere in the region of €5000 and the 125 being around €4500. They should be available around May next year.
You like this R9X enduro?
KYMCO introduces SuperNEX electric high-performance supersport motorcycle
Us too. It’s made from a BMW R nine T. Cool. Over the years Touratech has made a name for itself producing an eclectic mix of protective parts, accessories and luggage for a range of touring and adventure motorcycles. In that time, it’s also created a range of one-off tricked out machines to showcase just what can be achieved with its gear. But now it seems like it’s going one step further, producing a limited run of its all-new RX9 enduro machine – which has been built from the bones of BMW’s R nineT.
GET MCM DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR FOR JUST
Of those reliable and customisable underpinnings, the RX9 makes use of the base bike’s air and oil-cooled 1200cc BMW boxer engine – which has been tuned to offer better traction at low speeds. Chassis-wise, there’s some top quality components on offer too. It comes with upside-down forks up front, with closed cartridges from TT Suspension replacing the original insides.
“If you want one, you’d better not hang about because the R9X is being produced in an exclusive small series.”
Best of all, the spring preload, damping of the traction and compression phase are all adjustable. The rear unit from Touratech Suspension also comes with the same setting options. There’s 21in and 18in wheels at the front and rear respectively – with high-strength aluminium rims made by Haan Wheels. That’s not all: there’s a Sinter clutch made by ZF Race Engineering, a Stealth-type silencer from AC Schnitzer, a 7in diameter LED headlight from Speaker, Magura handlebars, foldable hand levers which are protected by robust guards, a slimline sports seat, and a Motoscope Pro instrument panel. Each RX9 will be built by hand at Touratech’s factory. During a two-day handover workshop the customer will get intensive instructions for the adjustments of the sports suspension as well as one-to-one off-road training – but if you want to get your hands on one, you’d better not hang about because the R9X is being produced in an exclusive small series. We’ve not heard anything yet about pricing, but if you’re after more information, visit: www.touratech.de/R9X
Taiwanese brand KYMCO is probably best known for its small and mid-capacity scooters, so the big reveal of its new electric SuperNEX might come as a bit of a surprise. The SuperNEX is in essence an electric superbike – and from what we’ve seen so far, it’s a sophisticated bit of kit, with aggressive, sports-styling and a range of unique features. The bike comes with KYMCO’s own FEP (Full Engagement Performance) electronics package, which includes launch control, rearwheel lift control, traction
control, and various riding modes. It’s fairly well equipped with Brembo brakes, Öhlins suspension and a twin-spar aluminium frame. And, in a departure from typical electric bikes, it comes with a sixspeed gearbox and slipper clutch. KYMCO claims that its gears help to improve not only its efficiency and responsiveness, but also its acceleration and top speed. As a result, KYMCO claims that the SuperNEX can go from 0 to 60mph in 2.9 seconds, from 0 to 125mph in 7.5 seconds and from 0 to 155mph in 10.9 seconds.
8 NEWS
Kawasaki’s Versys SE ups The full-spec details of the radically updated roadster make for great news. Last month we managed to get some early detail of the big Kawasaki for 2019 and now we have all the details about what Big Green has done to the Versys and Versys SE. And what the factory has added to the already popular bike in what is a big shake-up for 1043cc inline fourcylinder motorcycle is quite amazing. Here’s the details:
1/ NEW inline four engine
The 1043cc inline four has, according to Kawasaki, strong torque at all rpm (especially in the low-mid range), and a new intake howl. Electronic throttle valves are used for the first time on the 2019 Versys and the bike has of Electronic Cruise Control. The electronic throttle valves mean ideal fuel injection and throttle valve position, which means smooth response and prime engine output at all throttle positions while the bike also gets an assist and slipper clutch which gives both a back-torque limiting function as well as a light lever feel.
2/ Long-travel suspension + sporty 17in Wheels
Lightweight 17in wheels front and rear mean quick, sporty handling.
3/ NEW KCMF (Kawasaki Cornering Management Function)
Using feedback from a compact Bosch IMU, the KCMF system monitors engine and chassis parameters throughout the corner, modulating brake force and engine power for a smooth transition from acceleration to braking and back
again, helping bike and rider keep on a consistent line through a corner. On the Versys 1000, KCMF oversees the following systems: ■ KECS (this is on the SE version only) ■ KIBS (including pitching management and corner braking management)
set traction control, power delivery and suspension character to suit a given riding situation.
4/ NEW radial-mount front brake calipers
9/ NEW adjustable windscreen
The ø310mm front petal discs are now gripped by highly rigid radial-mount monobloc calipers complemented by a radial-pump front brake master cylinder.
5/ KIBS (Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System)
KIBS is now standard equipment on the Versys 1000. This is the same base system used on the Ninja H2 and Ninja ZX-10R, with programming and settings revised to suit street riding needs.
6/ NEW KECS (Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension) (SE)
KECS adapts to road and riding conditions in real time, providing the ideal amount of damping. KECS also includes electronically adjustable rear preload. Riders can choose from three payload modes (each with +5/-5 adjustment): ■ Rider only ■ Rider with luggage ■ Rider with passenger and luggage
7/ NEW integrated riding modes (SE): Sport, Road, Rain, Rider (manual)
All-inclusive modes that link KTRC, Power Mode and KECS allow riders to
8/ NEW KQS (Kawasaki Quick Shifter) (SE) Enables clutchless upshifts and downshifts for seamless acceleration and quick and easy deceleration. The adjustable windscreen can now be adjusted from the rider’s seat.
10/ NEW two available seats
Two front seats are available: the standard Comfort Seat features thicker urethane cushioning, providing the comfort to enable long hours in the saddle, while offering taller riders a relaxed knee bend angle. The accessory Low Seat (20mm lower) comes from Kawasaki’s Ergo-Fit accessory range.
11/ NEW LED lights
Each of the new LED headlamps features low and high beams as well as position lamps. Each of the three builtin cornering lights has a fixed direction and is activated based on lean angle.
12/ NEW instrumentation
The analogue-style tachometer is complemented by a full digital LCD screen (STD model), or a high-grade full colour TFT LCD screen (SE model).
13/ NEW Highly Durable Paint (SE)
Kawasaki’s new Highly Durable paint and Highly Durable matte paint feature a special coat that allows scratches to repair themselves.
Tyga unveils new Honda RS250R road bike project It’s an old-school Grand Prix Race bike that’s been adapted for riding on the road.
The Kawasaki W800 is back – in Street or Cafe clothes
One of the most enduring and identifiable Kawasaki motorcycle families, the Kawasaki parallel twin, air-cooled W stable will house two more thoroughbreds in 2019 bearing the names W800 Street and W800 CAFE. Having little in common with previous iterations, the newly born Euro 4 compliant twins
are “90% new” with a whole host of styling, technical and practical changes having been made. Sharing a completely new chassis, each machine has new brakes – including a rear disc for the first time on a W – as well as ABS and LED lighting.
NEWS 9
the game 12 13
Colours and prices...
9
COLOURS
Versys 1000: ■ Pearl Stardust White / Metallic Spark Black ■ Candy Steel Furnace Orange / Metallic Spark Black Versys 1000 (SE) ■ Emerald Blazed Green / Pearl Storm Gray ■ Metallic Flat Spark Black / Pearl Flat Stardust White
7
PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
The Versys 1000 is available now from dealers and the Versys SE won’t be on British shores until February 2019. The Versys 1000 will cost £11,199 (RRP excl. OTR charges). The Versys 1000 SE will go on sale at £14,399 (RRP excluding OTR charges).
6
11
10 3 5 2 1
8
4
Gibernau is BACK!
Thailand-based Tyga Performance has made a name for itself over the last 20 years, since its inception, with its eclectic mix of race-oriented parts, accessories and full bodywork kits – and it’s just unveiled its latest project, a super trick Honda RS250R that’s been kitted out for the road. Historically, Tyga’s projects have always involved turning a road bike into a race replica or a track bike – but this time it’s the other way round. It got its hands on a Honda RS250R GP machine, and fitted it with a range of aftermarket parts to get it ready for the road. And here it is, Tyga’s very own RS250R-S. The RS250R was a racing machine manufactured by Honda to compete in the 250cc class of the Grand Prix motorcycle World Championship. It was conceived as a production racer for customer teams and privateer riders, and debuted in 1984 as a development prototype, racing in the domestic All Japan Road Race Championship and some rounds of the World Championship. The Tyga guys managed to get their hands on a used 1993 model that was missing a few bits of stock bodywork and components – making it the perfect base for their latest project. Apart from changes to the wiring loom to allow its lights to be powered, there were a
Remember MotoGP star Sete Gibernau? Well he’s coming back to racing in the MotoE electric bike class with Pons Racing. MotoE will make up part of the MotoGP race weekends starting next year.
handful of big changes necessary to get the bike ready for the road. First off the RS250R runs open carbs. The later model has ram air and an enclosed air box, but Tyga’s early model had just a tray so everything from stones to flies could be sucked into the carbs. The solution was to install one of the later ram air model enclosed air boxes which Tyga itself produces, and open the inspection door at the front to allow for air to enter via the forward section. And within the air box itself, Tyga installed a sheet of air filter to fully seal the rear part of the air box where the carbs suck. Clever. Next up, its chokes – on a stock RS250R, the chokes are operated by two knobs on the carb bodies themselves, but to make it easier Tyga added a choke lever near the radiator which can be operated via cables.
As you’d expect, it’s a well kitted out machine, with Brembo GP4-RXs linked to the Brembo 19RCS master cylinder via a HEL brake system, and an Ohlins shock at the rear – but other than that, the chassis modifications are mostly small, detail changes. Wheels are a pair of beautiful white rims supplied to Tyga exclusively for the bike. Other Tyga components include a set of stainless steel exhausts with carbon/ Kevlar silencers, a CNC step kit, a 3D printed fuel filler cap. The bodywork, made by Tyga itself from carbon with a Kevlar layer on the inside, is the main event. It’s a gorgeous bit of kit. The seat cowling is an adaptation of the TYGA Performance RGV 250 (BPFT-9026) unit, and it comes with a carbon registration holder and turn signals. Mint.
A 2019 Supermoto F850GS? Yes please!
Check out this F850GS supermoto for the road from German company Wunderlich. It’s called the 850 SuMo. The specialist company took the F 850 GS and stuck new spoked wheels on it, then went to town with bits from it’s catalogue of bolt-on parts to make what is one of nicest GS conversions we’ve seen. Makes you wonder if we’ll see something like this as an official bike next year, doesn’t it?
10 NEWS
Yamaha’s new Ténéré 700 arrives After two years of showing the world its T7 prototype, the Japanese factory finally puts the middleweight Adventure bike out in dealers. BODYWORK
The ability to shift your body weight forwards and rearwards to suit the terrain ahead is crucial when you want to maintain full control in off-road riding situations, and so the Ténéré 700 is equipped with a flat 880mm high seat and slim body that allows maximum rider agility. The compact bodywork and narrow fuel tank also let the rider grip the tank with their knees whether sitting or standing.
WHEELS
Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres are fitted as original equipment, and because the Ténéré 700 features a competition type 21in front wheel/18in rear wheel combination there’s a wide choice of tyres to suit different conditions.
INSTRUMENTS
The multi-function LCD display features gear position, fuel level, two trip meters and estimated fuel range, as well as average and instant fuel consumption and more. The cockpit is designed to accommodate the fitment of aftermarket navigation devices, enabling you to add extra equipment to suit your own requirements, including GPS, road book readers and smart phones.
FUEL TANK
The slim fuel tank has a 16-litre capacity and its narrow rear section offers plenty of rider mobility and knee grip. Yamaha claims that the tank has a range of over 350km from a single fill-up.
Want your motorcycle news FIRST, FRESH and FREE? Then make your essential, one-stop website. Get up to speed. Every single day.
FACE
The new Ténéré 700 gets a distinctive looking headlight assembly that is a direct spin off from Yamaha’s latest factory Rally bikes and the T7 concept machine. Four LED headlights are stacked in a two plus two layout and protected by a clear nacelle – and with two LED position lights at the base. Here’s what Yamaha has plugged into the production version of the punchy 689cc four-stroke go-anywhere motorcycle.
FORKS
Flex resistant 43mm forks – with 210mm of travel.
Dubai cops flying into action
Dubal Police has begun officer training on how to ride flying dronepowered motorcycles and the force says it wants two officers on patrol within a couple of years. “We have two crews already training to use the hoverbike and we will increase the number. The vehicle will be used by 2020 in first-responder roles because of its ability to access hard-to-reach locations,” Brigadier Al Razooqi told Gulf News.
Robbie Maddison rides on Dutch canals
REAR SHOCK
The Ténéré 700 is equipped with a rally-bred link-type rear suspension. The bike features a lightweight aluminium swingarm for low unsprung weight. There’s 200mm of travel. Another significant feature is the remote adjuster that lets you finetune the preload settings while you’re on the move.
ENGINE
The new Ténéré 700 is equipped with the 689cc parallel-twin engine. The key characteristic of this compact CP2 engine is its strong and linear torque output that gives instant throttle response and what Yamaha says is outstanding acceleration. Producing maximum torque at 6500rpm, Yamaha says that this motor gives excellent fuel economy.
FRAME
Yamaha’s designers have developed an all-new lightweight double cradle tubular steel frame that combines a low weight with strength, making it ideally suited a variety of riding conditions. Featuring a compact 1590mm wheelbase and a slim body, the chassis delivers responsive handling characteristics, and with 240mm of ground clearance the Ténéré 700 should be able to tackle uneven surfaces with ease.
The NIKEN GT Fitted with a range of special equipment, the new NIKEN GT has been added to the range with luggage carrying abilities and more comfort than the non-GT version. The bike comes with a higher screen, a specially designed comfort seat, and 25-litre semi-soft side cases. There’s also heated grips ensure riding comfort in all weather conditions, and there’s even an extra 12V outlet to power or charge various devices. ■ Advanced leaning multi-wheel technology ■ Deep lean angle, maximum 45 degrees ■ Ackerman steering, double upside down front forks
■ Fully adjustable rear suspension ■ 847cc, three-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC CP3 engine ■ TCS, QSS, A&S clutch, D-MODE, Cruise Control ■ Hybrid steel and aluminium frame ■ All-weather four-season long distance Sport Tourer ■ High screen ■ Comfort seat ■ Heated grips ■ Semi-soft 25-litre ABS side cases ■ Rear carrier base with passenger grip ■ Main stand ■ Second 12V DC outlet ■ Dedicated GT colours (Nimbus Grey with black front forks, and Phantom Blue with gold front forks)
BRAKING
The braking system consists of dual 282mm wavy front discs and a 245mm wavy rear disc. You can disable the ABS whenever required by activating the kill switch while stationary. With the ABS turned off you can take full manual control, and in particular you can choose to lock the rear wheel deliberately.
Promoting a Red Bull-sponsored beach race, professional stuntman Robbie Maddison took his modified motocross bike to the Dutch canals for his latest blast on water. It’s pretty cool. To watch the video log onto: MoreBikes.co.uk and search ‘Robbie’.
2019 SV650 gets new brakes and colours
Suzuki’s SV650 will come with improved stopping power in 2019, thanks to an upgrade to new fourpiston front brake calipers. The bike will be available in several colours including dark red trellis frame with red wheels, silver, all-black, and white and black with blue frame and wheels. Learners Commuters Buying On Two Wheels
Riding
NEWS 11
KTM’s 2019 790 Duke R is finished Our snapper caught SPY SHOTS the red hot roadster out on the road in secret
GET MCM DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR FOR JUST
Call 01507 529529 or go to www.classicmagazines.co.uk/mcm20
Spanish tests. Here it is.
We’ve been bringing you spy shots of the 2019 790 Duke R from KTM for a while now, we know what the bike looks like in prototype form and now we’ve bagged our spy shots of the bike in finished, ready-to-go guise. All that’s missing from the 2019 naked bike is the Austrian firm’s orange paint. Aside from the finishing cosmetic touches, this is the all-new 790 Duke R done and dusted. The Duke R is, as the big R in the name suggests, a specced-up version of the new 790 Duke and gets radiallymounted Brembo calipers, fully adjustable WP suspension front and rear and the sharpest single-seat unit we’ve seen for a long time. Our spy shots were taken in Spain with the bike going through the last phase of tough on-road testing before any last-minute tweaks are carried out ahead of production. Clearly keen to give the bike as rough a time as possible while it can, KTM has started using Moto3 racer Luca Grünwald –
who has contested the class in GP for KTM since 2013 – as a test rider for the upcoming R model. The upswept exhaust and tightlytucked-in pipe profile around the motor means that this 790 will have a huge lean angle. The bike will also come with three rider modes, and will be equipped with cornering ABS, traction control and a motor slip regulator, plus a Supermoto riding mode.
Isle of Man 2019: Plans in place for LIVE TV coverage of the races! The 2019 Isle of Man TT Races could be the first watched live around the globe as a new broadcast deal looks set to revolutionise the way fans interact with the 112-year-old event. Two Hollywood-based companies have formed a new Isle of Man company Global Motorsports Ventures to develop content for television, film, online streaming and gaming platforms. Pilgrim Media and Digital Circus have partnered in the new company to produce a comprehensive coverage package of the TT, including a ground-breaking live broadcast of the 2019 event. Pilgrim is run by Craig Piligian (pictured left) responsible for hit series including American Chopper and Fast N’ Loud and the CEO of Digital Media Circus is former Discovery Channel president Clark Bunting (pictured right) whose many credits include The Cold Blue and Yellowstone Live. The partners have reached agreement with the IOM Government’s Department for Enterprise in a deal which appears to add to the existing post-event highlights that have been broadcast in recent years on ITV4 and various international channels. No confirmation of the channels or media for the live or highlights packages in 2019 have been
Fancy having the OFFICIAL MotoGP season review?
confirmed at this stage. A new contract to distribute TT TV coverage was signed with NorthOne Television in July this year after a tender process that commenced in May 2018. NorthOne sold exclusive UK TV rights to ITV4 from 2009 to 2018. The feasibility of broadcasting the TT races live has always been severely limited by the nature of the 37-mile TT circuit. The challenge of transmitting live images from multiple remote locations and a helicopter has so far been seen as the main commercial, as well as technical, hurdle. But a comprehensive and successful test of transmitting live pictures from the most challenging TT locations and the helicam during TT2018 has shown that live coverage can be viable.
It’s been an incredible year of MotoGP racing and what better way of reliving the edge-of-the-seat moments than with the official MotoGP Season Review? Licensed by Dorna (MotoGP bosses) there is only one official book and this is it. As you’d expect, the photographs are jaw dropping and with it being penned by THE racing wordsmith, Mat Oxley, there’s loads of detail in the tome. The MotoGP Season Review 2018 has an RRP of £35 but ordering direct from www.motogpbook. com saves £7, meaning that if you get the keyboard fired up then you can bag the must-have year end book for £28 including postage.
3CT Prototype The chic Yamaha 3CT prototype is full of tech and original design features, including a 3D printed seat – the first time this technology has been featured on a Yamaha chassis. The 3CT is equipped with a Tilt Lock Assist system that supports the rider at a stop while the scooter remains upright. It’s an innovative design that does not lock the front suspension, keeping the vehicle smooth in stop and go
operation as well as beingable to move it on foot at parking locations. But the driving force in the 3CT prototype is its Blue Core 300cc engine, which has helped to make the XMAX 300 the best-selling sport scooter in Europe. No news yet about when the 3CT will be making it to market – but it’s a sure sign of things to come from Yamaha as the company continues to concentrate on its threewheeled output.
Rare Sheene interview footage is unearthed
A film producer has just released a largely unseen interview with Barry Sheene from 1982 – and it includes some fantastic quotes from the British racing legend. These include him remembering a time he had to steal diesel from a construction site in Munich to get to a Grand Prix in Austria in 1971. It’s well worth a watch if you’ve got 20 minutes to spare. To see it, log onto: MoreBikes.co.uk ans search 'Sheene'
Brixton Motorcycles reveals NEW 500cc concept motorcycle Burgeoning bike brand Brixton Motorcycles has made a name for itself over the last few years with its range of retro-styled 125cc machines – and now it’s stepping up its game, unveiling a range of new production-ready 250cc models, and a 500cc concept. Essentially, it’s an inline two cylinder engine with 486cc capacity, eight valves and two overhead camshafts – and Brixton claim it has already proven its stability over a series of extensive tests and across tens of thousands of test kilometres. At this stage, it’s not yet been homologated, but Brixton are planning to make full use of the 35 kW limit of the A2 licence category the bike will sit in when it arrives in 2020.
Learners Commuters Buying On Two Wheels
Riding
For more information on getting on two wheels, check out our brilliant sister publication – On2Wheels
12 NEWS
The bar has just been raised Ducati’s 2019 Panigale V4R is weaponised art.
Want your motorcycle news FIRST, FRESH and FREE? Then make your essential, one-stop website. Get up to speed. Every single day.
2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R – £34,995
When we brought you the first photos of the 2019 Ducati Panigales last month we didn’t have any further information about the bikes that were then yet to be unveiled at EICMA in Milan. Well, now we’ve got the lowdown on them and it’s the V4R that stole the show and continues to make headlines around the world. It’s arguably THE motorcycle to top the new model pyramid for the coming year and is effectively a World Superbike homologation special on the road. Starting with the peak power from this bike – the V4R (with a full Akrapovic pipe) kicks out 234hp at 15,500rpm. We’ve told you that top figure with the full pipe fitted because, let’s be honest here, you’re not likely to ever see or hear one of these incredible machines with a stock exhaust fitted. If you’re buying a V4R then you’ll want the full Monty from the motor, right? Ducati says that compared to the previous R version, the Panigale V4R is even more specialised in the Panigale family line-up. The modifications extend far beyond the engine and suspension set-up: for the first time they also include an Aero Pack designed directly by Ducati Corse in close collaboration with the Ducati Style Centre to improve on-track aerodynamic efficiency. The 1103cc 90° V4 engine has been replaced with the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R powerplant which brings it within the displacement limits established by WSBK championship rules. The bike features a new fairing incorporating wing elements of MotoGP origin. It also has race-grade Öhlins suspension with mechanical adjustment and an aluminium swingarm with an adjustable four-position pin. Moreover, the front frame has been modified to achieve the stiffness targets set by Ducati Corse.
Sophisticated electronic controls borrowed from the Panigale V4 S now have revised threshold levels to make them more compatible with and more suitable for pro rider requirements. Unlike the 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale, designed to provide fluid power delivery and excellent low-rev pulling power for optimal road use, the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R version offers more extreme performance as power delivery has been designed primarily for track riding, rather than on-road capability. The Desmosedici Stradale R features lighter internal components and greater air intake efficiency, which allows faster engine rev-up and shifts the rpm red zone higher to improve acceleration. The result is 221hp (162kW) of power (with the stock exhaust system) – which responds instantaneously to throttle movements – at 15,250rpm (EU homologation values), 2250rpm higher than on the 1103cc. It’s not just the racing-inspired livery that makes the Panigale V4 R unmistakeable. An aerodynamics package requested by Ducati Corse includes screen, nose fairing and side fairings specifically designed to reduce drag. It also features specially shaped air vents to keep things cool during intense track use. GP16-derived carbon fibre wings augment stability, reducing electronic control intervention. The suspension system has been optimised for track use too, as you might expect. Both the steering damper and the Öhlins suspension mount mechanically adjustable top-drawer components. More specifically, the brand new pressurized NPX 25/30 front forks take as-standard Öhlins components to new heights. The rear TTX36 shock absorber completes the package.
Yukio Kagayama’s new racing Katana is a masterpiece We showed you the first incarnation of Yukio Kagayama’s racing Katana last year, but now the former WSB, MotoGP and BSB star has debuted his new version of the bike, we’ve got the photos of it from our friends at Young Machine in Japan – and this bike… it’s just gorgeous.
The main changes to the GSXR1000-powered bike are the motor and the swingarm, the latter now being swapped with the previous double-sided unit for a super sexy single-sider option. Kagayama said: “Changing the swingarm to a single-sided version
has changed the whole nature of the bike when we’re racing. “It’s not as stiff, which means that you can feel a lot of the bike moving around especially under power coming out of a turn. It’s great fun and a really nice bike to ride.” So yeah, it’s a racing bike. Yeah, it’s in Japan. Nope, you can’t buy it and Suzuki probably won’t offer a road-going version of the 190bhp motorcycle but look at it… wow.
Main as-standard features: ■ 90° Desmosedici Stradale V4, R version, 998cc, 221hp (162kW) at 15,250rpm ■ Forged steel crankshaft with reduced stroke ■ Moulded aluminium pistons with single compression ring plus oil ring ■ Titanium con rods ■ Titanium intake valves ■ Oval throttle bodies (Ø 56mm equivalent) and aerodynamic throttle openings ■ Dedicated variable-height air intake horns ■ Exhaust manifolds of optimised length ■ Cylinder heads with larger intake ducts ■ High-permeability Sprintfilter P08 air filter ■ Lightened, optimised-stiffness aluminium alloy front frame ■ Pressurized Öhlins NPX 25-30 forks with manual adjustment ■ Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber with manual adjustment ■ Öhlins steering damper with manual adjustment ■ Single-sided aluminium swingarm with adjustable pivot height (four positions) ■ Total Black Marchesini forged aluminium wheels ■ Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres (rear 200/60) ■ Braking system with Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers ■ Aero Pack with carbon fibre wings ■ 16-litre aluminium fuel tank with racing lay-out ■ Carbon fibre front mudguard ■ Carbon fibre rear manifold heat guard ■ Dedicated seat ■ 15/42 final transmission with 520 chain
■ Full-TFT 5in screen ■ Riding modes (Race, Sport, Street) ■ Electronics package with six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU) including: ABS Cornering Bosch EVO; Ducati Traction Control EVO (DTC) EVO; Ducati Slide Control (DSC); Ducati Wheelie Control EVO (DWC) EVO; Ducati Power Launch (DPL); Ducati Quick Shift up/down EVO (DQS) EVO; Engine Brake Control EVO (EBC) EVO. ■ Pit limiter ■ Lap timer EVO ■ Keys for fast selection of controls ■ Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) ■ Full-LED headlight with daytime running light ■ Single-seater configuration ■ Ducati Data Analyser (DDA+) with GPS module ■ Lithium-ion battery ■ Supplied: aluminium mirror hole covers, plate holder removal kit
NEWS 13
GET MCM DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR FOR JUST
Call 01507 529529 or go to www.classicmagazines.co.uk/mcm20
Guy Martin appears in court charged with having a fake driving licence Controversial rider Romano Fenati making a COMEBACK to racing with Marinelli Snipers squad in February! The disgraced former Moto2 racer will make his return to racing in Moto3 in 2019. Fenati will complete his punishment handed out by the sport’s governing body, the FIM on February 21, 2019 at which point he will be confirmed as a rider in the two-man line up for the Marinelli Snipers team. The Snipers squad is the team that Fenati was sacked from following the brake-grab incident that happened between him and rival Stefano Manzi at Misano last summer. After the incident Fenati announced his retirement however, following a swift set of political manoeuvring by GP bosses it was announced that Fenati would serve a period of time
out of racing before coming back to the sport in 2019. With immediate effect, the punishment meant that Fenati missed the final races of the Moto2 2018 year. What will be a surprise to many is that the 22-year-old Italian is returning with the Snipers team where he will be a team-mate to Tony Arbolino. Fenati does have form in the smallest class though where he raced between 2012 and 2017 and bagged 10 wins and 13 more podiums so expect him to be quick from the off. So far there’s not been an ‘official’ announcement about Fenati’s return but expect to hear the details directly from MotoGP bosses Dorna in the near future. Until the third week of February, Fenati cannot officially test with other Moto3 competitiors in preparation for the season but he is allowed to head out in private tests until then.
Ex-motorcycle racer Guy Martin has appeared in court on a charges relating to having a false driving licence. Martin, of Barnetby in Lincolnshire, has appeared in front of Lincoln Magistrates’ Court to hear charges against him about a driving licence used with “intent to deceive”. The 36-year-old pleaded not guilty to two charges when he appeared in court. His case will now go to crown court where Martin will appear on December 13 for a plea and trial preparation hearing. Guy Martin is accused of possession of a driving licence with intent to deceive between December 4, 2017, and May 15, 2018, relating to “a document so closely resembling a licence that resembled an Irish driving licence as to be calculated to deceive”. He is also charged with making a false statement by claiming he was the holder of an Irish driving licence for the purpose of obtaining a UK licence on May 14, 2018.
Get a custom Bell
Bell has joined forces with custom helmet painter Helmade to create a custom helmet design platform – which allows you to personalise your lid when you buy it. For more information, and to create your own lid, visit: www.bellhelmets.com
£100 off some Dunlops XLMoto is throwing around some serious discounts at the minute – you can get a pair of Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart II tyres for £100 off list price. Go to xlmoto.co.uk for details.
14 NEWS
Honda unveils the 2019 CB650R
It’s a smaller brother to the 1000cc Neo Sports Cafe roadster we saw last year.
GET MCM DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR FOR JUST
Call 01507 529529 or go to www.classicmagazines.co.uk/mcm20
The 2019 CBR500R
The Honda four-cylinder engine looks very similar to the CB1000R funky naked roadster, comes with 41mm Showa SFF USD forks, radial-mount four-piston brake calipers, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), assist/slipper clutch and a new dash. A 35kW conversion for A2 licence holders will also be available. Compared to the streetfighter-styled CB650F, which it replaces in Honda’s line-up, 6kg has been saved from the chassis thanks to a revised frame, fuel tank and footpegs. Those 41mm Showa SFF USD fork, radialmount four-piston calipers, floating discs and new wheels are all new on the R, uprated from what we saw on the lower-spec F. Tapered handlebars make for lighter steering and Honda says that the riding position is on the sporty end of the naked spectrum. The CB650R also shares the CB1000R’s distinctive round LED headlight (all lighting is LED) and modern LCD instrument display, which includes a Shift Up and Gear Position indicator. For the 650cc engine, a revised intake and exhaust, plus new cam timing and compression ratios bring a 5%
The 2019 Honda CB500X
Honda’s CB500X gets new off-road styling and improved wind protection plus longer travel suspension, 19in front wheel and tapered handlebars. Its twincylinder engine has more low-to-mid range power and torque, and is now also equipped with an assist/slipper clutch. New LCD instruments and LED indicators round out the updates. Taking cues from the Africa Twin the CB500X looks much more the part for 2019, especially with its longer travel suspension, high-specification singletube shock absorber, enhanced rider ergonomics and a bigger front wheel. And while the CB500X’s engine maintains the 35kW peak output required for A2 licence holders, it now makes 4% more power and torque between 3000 and 7000rpm, thanks to revisions to the inlet, exhaust and valve timing. The new dual-exit exhaust muffler features an enhanced exhaust note and the engine now also features an assist/slipper clutch. New LCD instruments include a Shift Up and Gear Position indicator, and the indicators are LED to match the rest of the lighting.
peak power boost and smoother, stronger torque delivery through the mid-range. The engine revs to 12,000rpm, an extra 1000rpm compared to the CB650F. An assist/slipper clutch is fitted to ease upshifts and manage fast, successive downshifts; Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) maintains rear wheel traction.
Honda’s A2-compatible ‘pocket rocket’ gets an aggressive, aerodynamically-driven sports makeover, plus a racier riding position. The engine has more low-to-mid range power and torque, and is also now equipped with an assist/slipper clutch. New LCD instruments and LED indicators round out the updates. Its engine maintains the 35kW required for A2 licence holders and it now makes 4% more power and torque from 3000 to 7000rpm thanks to revisions to the inlet, exhaust and valve timing. It also now features an assist/slipper clutch. New LCD instruments feature a Shift Up and Gear Position function and the indicators are now LED, to match the rest of the lighting. While the chassis
remains essentially unchanged a new rear shock absorber delivers consistent damping performance and improved control.
Here’s the new CB500F
Honda’s A2-compatible naked has been given an aggressive look and new tapered handlebars. Its twincylinder engine now has more (claimed) low-to-mid range power and torque and is also kitted out with an assist & slipper clutch. New LCD instruments and LED indicators round out the updates for 2019 with the bike’s new LCD instruments feature a Gear Position and Shift Up indicator; this is set to a default 8750rpm but can be adjusted in 250rpm increments between 50008750rpm. The CB500F will be available in the following colour options; Grand Prix Red, Matt Gunpowder, Black Metallic, Pearl Metalloid White or Candy Energy Orange.