Motor Cycle Monthly - December 2013 - Full Edition

ExcLUSIvE NEc discounts and offers!

December 2013 FREEMEE www.motorcyclemonthly.co.uk TAK E HOM

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A nod from the editor Motor Cycle Monthly, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 529529 Email:editorial@ motorcyclemonthly.co.uk Editor John Milbank Staff writer Carli Ann smith Editorial design tracey barton Publisher steve rose Group production editor tim Hartley Divisional advertising manager sandra Fisher Advertising Dawn Clay Marketing manager Charlotte Park Production manager Craig Lamb Publishing director Dan savage Commercial director nigel Hole Associate director Malcolm Wheeler Managing director brian Hill Advertising deadline for January issue December 2, 2013

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MotorCycle Monthly is published monthly on the last Friday of the month by Mortons Media Group Ltd and printed by Mortons Print Ltd.

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If you ever find yourself in Munich, you really should visit the BMW museum.

The new nineT was launched there, and I was lucky enough to spend a couple of hours wandering around, taking in the stunning bikes from the past 90 years. In the picture, I’m stood in front of an R32 – the first bike the Bavarian company ever produced.

What’s really impressive about the museum is the fact that all the bikes are regularly ridden. The curators are proud of their machines, and they want them to be enjoyed for what they are – modes of transport.

A lot of bikes back home will be getting laid up for winter now. While it’s understandable that we might not want to ride our expensive metal on the salt-laden UK roads, let’s not forget that there are always the odd dry and sunny winter weekends – we bought our bikes to ride, and it doesn’t take much to keep them clean over the dirtier months (there are some great products to help you out, or you can do it on a budget, as I found out on page 27).

Of course, many of us will be riding through all weathers, by choice or necessity, so we asked our reader panel how they keep themselves safe during the dark nights – check it out on page 46.

If you’ve picked this paper up for the first time at the NEC Motorcycle Live show, then welcome on board. MCM is the UK’s biggest bike monthly, and the fact that it’s free means you can get your biking fix every month, saving cash for your ride. Talking of saving money, we’ve rustled up some great offers for the show – just take the vouchers on pages 24-25 to the stands for some exclusive deals.

During the nineT launch, BMW generously gave the world’s press each a

Contributors Carli Ann Smith visits Shaw Speed and Custom MCM’s staff writer is obsessed with bikes.

She’s currently riding a Honda CB500F on her 80 mile commute, and when she’s writing for our sister mag, Twist & Go, you’ll find her at club meets and charity toy runs with her bike-mad mum.

Simon Hargreaves gives a history lesson Simon H, 46, started riding 32 years ago and hasn’t stopped since. For the last 22 years he’s made a living writing about bikes, and is even more passionate and fascinated by them now than he was then. He currently owns a Honda VFR750 and a Triumph Trident Sprint.

limited edition coin, celebrating 90 years of Motorrad. Sitting here on my desk is number 68 of 300, and I’d like to give it to one of you... but you’re going to have to convince me! Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/motorcyclemonthly then post your own comment saying why you should win it. If you want to really get noticed, why not share your post with your mates, and get them to like it too?

John Milbank Editor

Scott Redmond guides your buying choices Over two decades of buying, selling and breaking motorcycles, Scottie is a lover of both a munter and a minter. He enjoys all aspects of motorcycling, from the pleasure of a quick blast to the buzz of attending motorcycle-inspired events.

Roland Brown rides the Ducati 899 Panigale Roland Brown has been testing motorcycles for a living since 1982. He contributes to magazines and websites in 20 countries, and has written 12 books about bikes. A former international level racer, he has tested everything from classics to factory MotoGP bikes.

Tony Carter tames the KTM Super Duke R As seen on Eurosport’s coverage of British Superbike and World Superbike, Tony’s the editor of our sister mag, Motorcycle Sport and Leisure, and has been riding bikes for almost 30 years. He currently owns a Suzuki RGV250 and a Yamaha YZR500.

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Bike HUD: From DIY solution to a world first

John Milbank checks out the latest in helmet technology that could change the way we ride.

DAVE VOUT is a modest man – a civil and structural engineer by trade, and it’s hard to believe nobody’s already thought of the innovative product he’s launching at Motorcycle Live this year.

A few years ago he owned a stunning GSX-R1000, but this solidly-built man found that his leathers pushed up at the back of his neck, pressing against his helmet and making it difficult to turn his head. Combined with his wide shoulders that blocked the sports bike’s mirrors, he then started looking for something that could help him see behind more easily.

The brain of the Bike HUD, prior to being encased in waterproof resin.

Helmets are already available that use mirrors to give you a view of the world behind, but besides wanting to keep his Shoei, he was disappointed a pillion could block that, and when looking into a corner’s exit, he couldn’t see the road behind. He wanted a video camera and a head-up display (HUD).

After months of research, he failed to find a solution with the versatility and performance he expected... so he decided to make his own.

By his own admission, Dave doesn’t have the skills to create the complicated lens system required for a HUD, or the electronics and software knowledge to control it, so he’s worked with UK Optical Plastics (which previously designed helicopter gunship sights) on the lens system; Bytesnap Design for the electronics; and Bluefrog Design, a product development company.

After selling his bikes, and investing his family’s savings and pensions, he scraped together enough money for the design, tooling and marketing of the first batch of stock. As he needs further investment to get the product on the shelves, he’s also using crowd-funding, which helps start-up companies to raise money (see later to get involved).

The Bike HUD started life as a rearview system for any helmet, but each brain-storming session revealed new possibilities: speed display; revs; gear; time; temperature; indicators.

Then a track mode became a possibility, with huge potential for racers to gain instant telemetry and pace information. There are more ideas in the melting pot, but pending patents see us sworn to secrecy.

It all sounds good, and it’s easy to promise the world without delivering, but that’s why I was sat in Dave’s garage, just a few weeks before Motorcycle Live. This isn’t ‘vaporware’ this is a working product, and I’m the world’s first journalist to be given the chance to try it.

Does it really work?

The Bike HUD computer controller was sitting beneath the seat of Dave’s Honda Africa Twin. The plastic cases had been formed by his 3D printer, prior to the injection moulded components being finished, but the electronic hardware – the display and lens system, as well as the circuitry, with USB and expansion ports, and an HDMI socket – is complete.

A prototype switch unit is neatly attached to the handlebars, and the lens

Dave Vout of Bike Systems with the prototype head-up display fitted to a Shoei. is cleverly attached to a Shoei lid. Dave’s already shown me how easy it is to remove, and pop into another lid, and while plugging the single wire into the controller is quick and easy, it’s one of the areas that he promises will be refined on the finished production version.

At first, it was hard to get the display into my eye-line. I was wearing my glasses for this ride, and the lens cut straight through my view. I thought I’d need to swap to contact lenses, but after a couple of minutes I became aware of a clear ‘0’ (my speed) and a gently pulsing horizontal line (the idling bike’s revs). Using the display was more about adjusting my perception than fiddling with the helmet-mounted assembly.

After pulling away, I could see my speed increasing as it changed colour.

The unit’s programmed to show speed in white under 30; red under 40 and blue at 50 and above, but that can be easily changed by the user. After just half a mile I came across a speed camera near a pedestrian crossing, and

suddenly it all made sense. I was aware of my speed being displayed in white, so I knew I was under 30mph and didn’t need to take my eyes off the road to glance at the speedo. While we all gain a perception of speed, and need to use our clocks less, that perception is easily changed after a long motorway blast, or riding home from a track day.

Ten minutes into the ride I started to notice the fact that I could tell the time, and see the temperature in the small display, yet despite this lump of plastic sitting in the lower left opening of the lid, my peripheral vision was barely affected. That’s not to say it’s invisible – while it didn’t stop me seeing any hazards as I approached them, it was sometimes in just the wrong place to cover the bike’s left mirror. It took a tiny twitch of my head to see it when I was stationary, but when riding it fell back into view. It’s an effective compromise.

Anti-reflective coatings should increase the brightness of the finished display by up to 10%, but I tested it without them. Cloudy, with the sun occasionally poking through, a dark

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MV’s first sport-tourer since the 1970s

The finished optics, sitting in a prototype 3D printed case.

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£35

Bike HUD can be easily switched between lids.

visor made the HUD much clearer. I found it harder to with our voucher on p25 see when riding into the sun, but you probably need a good couple of hours to get used to reading the HUD. By the end of my 20 minute test, I was confidently switching through the various modes without losing my view of the road.

THE MV Agusta Turismo Veloce is powered by a 798cc, liquid-cooled triple. Making 125bhp at 11,600rpm, and 62lb-ft at 8600rpm, the Italian company claims it gives the perfect blend of agility and performance. A counter-rotating crankshaft – derived from MotoGP, and introduced on MV’s F3 675 – is said to significantly decrease the effects of inertia as the bike changes direction.

The Veloce uses a tubular steel frame and aluminium alloy swingarm, along

Try it for yourself

Dave’s biggest problem as he markets the HUD, is going to be getting people to give it more than a cursory glance.

Pop a lid on quickly and you’re unlikely to be all that impressed, but give it a few minutes and it gets clearer.

It’s not for everyone, but new riders; track day enthusiasts; racers and experienced adventurers could all find it’s got a place in their lid.

You can try, pre-order, or win the Bike HUD at Motorcycle Live. The first models are expected to retail at around £300, but Dave’s company – Bike Systems – will be offering a 28 day money back guarantee. All he asks is that you give the kit a fair trial.

A cleverly designed control unit is easy to use with thick gloves on.

Ironically, bearing in mind why Dave started this project, the one thing I couldn’t do was to see behind me – the evolution of the design took the system off in new directions.

A rear-facing camera is just one of the add-ons promised, so it’s another reason why we’ll be following the Bike HUD with interest.

For more information, visit www.bike-hud.com or to invest see www.seedrs.com/startups/bike-hud

Check out loads of the new bikes for yourself at Motorcycle Live on November 23 to December 1

with Sachs upside-down forks and a single rear shock. The Lusso version also features MV’s chassis control system – a semi-active electronic control system that monitors and adjusts the suspension’s hydraulic settings for the best response to varied riding conditions.

Panniers with a 60 litre capacity also come with the Lusso, along with an electronic gear change, immobiliser, heated grips, integrated GPS and an anti-wheelie system.

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Harley-Davidson BMW’s new releases brand-new bikes

THE new Street 750 and Street 500 bikes from H-D are the first allnew platform from the company in 13 years. Designed for the stop-go traffic of urban environments, with brand-new liquidcooled V-twin ‘Revolution X’ powertrains, they’re claimed to have nimble agility, with the trademark Harley look and sound.

Matt Levatich, president and chief operating officer, HarleyDavidson Motor Company, says: “Both the Street 750 and Street 500 were designed with thousands of hours of input from young adults in cities around the world. This guided both the attitude and capabilities of these motorcycles.”

The Revolution X engine will be housed in a new, narrow chassis, with a low seat height, new suspension and broad handlebar. Both signature Dark Custom motorcycles feature a premium, minimalist style – a blank canvas for riders to customise.

R1200RT tourer

THE new R1200RT is powered by the liquid-cooled motor of the R1200GS. Making 125bhp at 7750rpm, and 92lb-ft at 6500rpm, the boxer engine is carried in what BMW says is a more agile, continuous frame chassis, offering superior handling precision and comfort.

Two riding modes: Rain and road, plus automatic stability control come as standard, but there will also be an optional electronic suspension adjustment system available at launch.

The S1000R: a race bike for everyday use

THE close resemblance to BMW’s excellent S1000RR is clear, but the Germans have modified the 999cc fourcylinder engine for a punchier response throughout the rev range. With the aim of providing the ideal machine for everyday and sporty road riding, low and midrange power and torque have been increased. Max rpm has been reduced, with the peak of 160bhp now reached at 11,000rpm, while 83lb-ft of torque comes in at 9250rpm.

Until 7500rpm, the new bike makes around 7lb-ft more torque than the RR. Automatic stability control and ABS comes as standard, with rain and road modes, with dynamic traction control available as an option.

Honda’s new touring cruiser

THE new CTX1300 is Honda’s response to mature bikers looking for more power, performance and spec than a traditional air-cooled cruiser offers.

Traction control, ABS, LED lights and a Bluetooth stereo pair with the V4 engine derived from the ST1300 Pan European. The water-cooled 1261cc lump features modifications claimed to

Honda’s enhanced range for 2013

IN ADDITION to the other new bikes announced, Honda has revealed the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP – a track-focused special edition with Öhlins suspension and Brembo monobloc brakes. It shares the 2014 CBR1000RR’s uprated cylinder head for improved torque and a 3bhp power increase, hiding beneath a special Tricolour paint job.

THE VFR800F is updated with fresh styling, brand new telescopic forks, Pro-arm swingarm, and wheels. The bike now features adjustable seat height, traction control as standard, ABS, heated grips and Honda’s new self-cancelling indicators. It’s 10kg lighter than the previous model, with the engine retuned for greater low and midrange torque.

THE Crosstourer V4 adventure sports bike is further refined with Honda’s selectable torque control system, new self-cancelling indicators, reshaped seat and a new camouflage colour scheme, plus software upgrades to the optional DCT gearbox and a new low-seat accessory option.

FOR 2014, the NC750S and X continue to be aimed at a budget concious market, but gain an extra 75cc, more power and torque, twin balancer shafts, new exhaust and taller gearing – plus a host of detail upgrades including ABS as standard and revised software for the optional DCT gearbox.

THE new CBR300R offers a step up the Super Sport ladder for less experienced riders, with 4.5bhp more power and 2.4lb-ft more torque than the CBR250R, thanks to an extra 37cc, plus, Honda claims, an improved throttle response and ABS brakes.

THE Integra scooter gets improved ergonomics and new styling, with a capacity increase of 745cc, 3bhp more power and 4.5lb-ft more torque, plus refined Dual Clutch Transmission software and a new lightweight aluminium swingarm.

bolster low and midrange torque, as well as introduce a more ‘characterful’ sound from the exhausts.

The bike has a 735mm seat height, with the 19.5 litre tank located beneath to lower the centre of gravity. A claimed fuel economy of 48.6mpg should give a range of around 205 miles.

Two new ‘real-world’ sports middleweights HONDA’S CBR650F is far from a bored-out CBR600. The DOHC 649cc four-cylinder engine is completely new – engineered to deliver high torque through the low-to-mid rpm range, especially below 4000rpm. Crisp pick-up above 6000rpm and economical cruising at highway speeds was said to also be a focus of the bike’s young Japanese design team.

A low centre of gravity and slim layout are combined with high-set clip-on handlebars, while the steel diamond frame has been tuned for sporty, but well-balanced handling, adding to the

‘all-round excitement’ that Honda is aiming for.

Teishiro Goto, large project leader CBR650F says: “The CBR650F is designed to conquer corners with ease and also be great around town.

It offers a sporting edge but makes no compromise to rider lifestyle.”

The new CBR is claimed to make 86bhp at 11,000rpm, and 46lb-ft of torque at 8000rpm.

These are lower figures than the current CBR600RR, but the peaks are lower in the revrange. The CB650F is identical in specification to the CBR, but with a street-fighter inspired styling.

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Triumph’s new bike roundup

Yamaha shows its ‘dark side’

AFTER significant development investment, the UK’s best-selling large-capacity bike brand now includes 24 different bikes in its line-up. Expect to see these four new machines in dealers around spring 2014…

Thunderbird Commander

AIMED at the ‘fat custom’ market, the Commander features the world’s largest capacity parallel twin bike engine. The 1699cc lump is claimed to produce 93bhp at 5400rpm, and 111lb-ft of torque at 3550rpm. The fuel-injected bike features a six-speed gearbox, belt drive and ultra-wide tyres.

THE MT-07 continues the style of the MT (Masters of Torque) range, powered by an all-new 689cc inline twin. The bike has a mass-forward style and upright riding position for greater agility, while the DOHC motor (carried in a new backbone-style tubular steel frame) makes 74bhp and 50lb-ft at 6500rpm. This lightweight engine is designed to work with the six-speed transmission’s ratios to make the torque more accessible throughout the rev range.

The bike has a curb weight of 179kg and an 805mm high seat. A 47bhp A2 licence compliant version will also be available across Europe.

Thunderbird LT

THE LT shares the Commander’s huge engine, but adds removable leather saddle bags, spotlights, a screen and white-walled tyres. Aimed at the classic touring cruiser market, the bike makes good use of chrome, hand-painted coach lines, an art-deco style rear indicator and exclusive Triumph tank badges.

A classic single returns

THE Yamaha SR400 is described as a chance for today’s riders to experience the simpler, more traditional design of bikes. Ideal for customising, the tubular steel chassis carries a 400cc, fuel injected, air-cooled engine making 24bhp and 17lb-ft. A kickstarter continues the retro theme of a bike many of us remember from our first days of motorcycling.

Race-inspired MT-09 Street Rally

AVAILABLE from early 2014, this new variant from Yamaha pushes its supermoto stylings further with a slim, flat seat; headlight cover; new foot rests; side number plates and knuckle guards. Yamaha claims that the wind deflector and headlight cover will allow for more comfort at higher riding speeds.

America, America LT and Speedmaster

THE new 865cc bike is intended as an entry point to the company’s cruiser range. The parallel-twin motor makes 60bhp, and combines with a low 690mm seat height and a 250kg curb weight. The LT adds to the entry level America with a tall screen, leather panniers and a pillion backrest. The Speedmaster shares the same motor in a stripped-down bike with a 19in front wheel.

Yamaha’s new breed of custom

THE XVS1300 Custom combines ‘chopper’ styling with a 1304cc liquid-cooled V-twin, claimed to produce 72bhp at 5500rpm, and 76lb-ft of torque at 3000rpm. The bike’s said to combine straight-line handling through its long-rake front end, with a frame geometry

that lends itself to light, agile handling at low speed.

The 670mm seat should appeal to shorter riders, while the fenders are made of steel – perfect for owners who want to customise their bikes by cutting the mudguards down.

Caterham’s SUV bike: The Brutus 750 Tiger 800XC Special Edition

FOR 2014, the Tiger gains black paint, with metallic red highlights, and a red frame.

The bike keeps its 799cc triple engine, 21in spoked wheels and adventure styling.

CATERHAM Cars (famous for its ‘Seven’) was purchased by the Caterham Group in April 2011, and is now hoping to expand into the motorcycle market with prototypes of a pair of electric bikes, and the striking Brutus 750.

Described as the ‘SUV of motorcycles’, it claims the bike will work equally well as a street bike, offroad machine, or a snowmobile (after a four-hour

conversion, including removing the swingarm).

Production is said to start as early as spring 2014, with prices being ‘affordable’. We spoke to Caterham bikes in Milan, where it told us that while a rideable version of the bike hasn’t been built yet, it will use a CVT automatic engine from a quad-bike, and will even have an optional sidecar to bolt on.

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Suzuki’s sport adventure tourer THE 2014 V-Strom 1000 ABS will be the first bike to feature the Japanese company’s new traction control system.

Continuously monitoring the front and rear wheel speeds; throttle position sensor; crank position sensor and gear position sensor, it reduces engine output upon detecting any wheelspin, by adjusting the motor’s timing.

The bike uses a redesigned, 13% lighter chassis, and new KYM upside-down forks with full adjustment. A more compact shape means the new bike comes with a 20 litre tank (the previous model held two more litres), while the new clocks gain a huge amount of detail, from air temperature to gear position.

The engine is now 1037cc (up from 996cc), making a claimed 99bhp at 8000rpm and 76lb-ft at 4000rpm. These aren’t big increases, but while peak power is 400rpm higher up than the previous model, peak torque is achieved at a substantial 2400rpm lower.

Kawasaki’s aggressive supernaked BESIDES the obvious, aggressive styling of the new Z1000, this is more than an unfaired Z1000SX. New, Tokico monobloc calipers are radially mounted, operated by a radial pump master cylinder, which gives more braking force with less effort, as you’re pulling the piston, rather than pushing it as in a traditional master cylinder.

The new bike’s forks are tuned for a “plush feel, and an ability to cope with aggressive sport riding as well as relaxed country cruising”.

The engine has been uprated, and Kawasaki claims more power, torque, and greater throttle response.

We’ll be testing the bike shortly, so keep an eye on our website for updates, and expect a full review in the January issue.

Ace 1200CR on show at the NEC

SEE IT AT THE Ace 1200CR Street Special is a limited edition bespoke motorcycle built in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, by the custom and speed shop Krazy Horse, in collaboration with Ace Cafe London’s Stonebridge Motor Company. The bike celebrates Harley-Davidson’s, 110th anniversary, and the 75 years of the Ace! Based on the iconic V-twin engine from Milwaukee USA, the four cam 1200cc gas-flowed, ported, polished and heavily tuned motor, producing 78bhp and 82lb-ft torque, is housed in a bronze welded, nickel plated featherbed frame of seamless, cold drawn

T45 carbon manganese steel tubing.

Goodridge ‘carbon black’ brake lines and stainless steel fittings hook up the special lightweight black anodised Ace calipers, six piston front and four piston at rear, machined from 6082-T6 aluminium by Harrison Billet, with a pair of 11in laser cut, diamond ground finish, induction hardened stainless steel ‘wavy’ contour discs providing race track performance braking.

Built in England and powered by America, the new cafe racer will cost £22,725 and be on show at Birmingham’s Motorcycle Live.

‘Bikies-only’ prison established in Australia QUEENSLAND has established a ‘bikies-only’ prison, to deal with its gang-related problems. Inmates will be locked up for up to 23 hours a day, and will have their motorcycles crushed.

Other measures being introduced include banning gang members from owning tattoo parlours and bans on some gang members wearing emblems.

“Just as we’re going to crush the criminal motorcycle gang enterprises, we’re going to crush the bikes,” said the state’s attorney general, Jarrod Bleijie.

There is no word as to whether inmates will be forced to wear pink overalls – a ‘punishment’ that has been applied in other high-security prisons in Australia as this is felt to be ‘degrading’ by inmates.

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Nick Sanders opens his Expedition Centre

AFTER a two-year build, Nick Sanders has opened his Expedition Centre at his home in the Welsh countryside and is already announcing experience dates for 2014.

Whether you’re preparing for a trip around the world, want to refine a journey across Europe or simply head off on a hike in the UK, take a trip to the Expedition Centre for some one-onone advice and guidance from the man himself. It’s not just talking; there’ll be plenty of riding too as Nick leads you through some ‘white/unclassified’ roads in Mid-Wales and Snowdonia which are almost free of cars.

“I know roads you wouldn’t believe existed,” said Nick. “On a good day they are as amazing as anywhere I have ridden in the world.”

There’s a real mix of accommodation available with yurts and log cabins available to book for the duration of your stay.

There’s even the possibility of staying in the support truck that went to Timbuktu which has now been converted into accommodation. Visitors will also be able to watch films in the 32 seat cinema at the centre.

Visit the website at: www.nicksanders.com

The Pope sells his Harley

POPE Francis has donated his 110th anniversary Harley to auction to raise money for a homeless hostel in Rome.

The pontiff was given the motorcycle, along with a jacket, when Rome hosted Harley’s 110th anniversary celebrations. The sale will fund the renovation of Caritas’ Don Luigi di Liegro Hostel and Soup Kitchen at Rome’s Termini station. The two projects have operated since 1987 to help relieve the suffering of about 1000 people every day.

Monsignor Enrico Feroci, the director of Caritas Rome, said: “It is a precious gift that has once again made us happy in feeling the closeness of our bishop to the poor of the Church of Rome. We are deeply grateful to Pope Francis for this.”

Non-slip manhole covers installed on Plymouth roads

KTM reveals all new faired RC125, 200 and 390 KTM is set to reveal three new fully faired bikes in 2014: the RC125, RC200 and the RC390 (shown here).

After successfully entering the Moto3 World Championship, winning the title in its first year, dominating the current season, and after launching the official

MY 2014 cup bike for the ADAC Junior Cup powered by KTM, it is now only logical for KTM to offer street legal sport bikes that benefit from the track racing experience.

The RC390 ABS is powered by the same 44bhp engine as the 390 Duke, but it’s carried in a

new frame, with a shallower steering angle, shorter wheelbase, greater ground clearance and higher seat.

The heavier weight of the new bike, compared to the Duke, means that no restriction is needed to comply with A2 licence requirements.

PLYMOUTH City Council has commenced replacing traditional metal manhole covers with new anti-skid ones. The new covers – made from a composite of resin and glass fibre – are said to be more durable than their metal counterparts and require minimal maintenance.

The first covers have been installed at three busy locations across the city (Outland Road, Forder Valley Road and Embankment Road) and contractor Amey has been commissioned to install several more in the coming months.

10 DON’T MISS

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What’s on... and where to go

MCM

RECOMMENDS

We may be in the depths of winter, but that’s no excuse to stay indoors and suffer withdrawal symptoms from two wheels.There’s more than enough to keep you busy over the winter months with local motorcycle groups meeting regularly and events going on nationwide.

Sunday, November 17

17th Annual Charity Christmas Hamper Run. The rideout departs from Wheelgate Adventure Park, White Post, Farnsfield (NG22 8HX) at 11.30am. Bring long dated tinned/ packet goods that will be made into hampers for pensioners at Christmas.

Refreshments and raffle will be provided. For more information call John on 07875 131417.

Sunday, November 24

Bottesford Toy Run. This Nottingham Triumph Owners Motorcycle Club event meets at the Red Lion Pub at Bottesford (NG12 0ED) at 11am ready for the ride to the Meres Leisure Centre at Grantham and then on to Home Start at Melton Mowbray. All riders are welcome.

Donations taken on the day and riders are asked to bring a toy or two. For more information call John Bartlett on 01780 762531 or 07790 583082.

Sunday, November 24

Huddersfield Autojumble. Opens at 10am, with many autojumble traders.

Also runs on Sunday, December 29.

For more information visit http://phoenixfairs.jimdo.com

Thursday, November 28

Chester Harley-Davidson Thanksgiving event. Traditional hog roast from 7pm-9pm. Head to the dealership for a night of tattoos, traditional pinstriping demonstrations and a number of special offers on bikes, parts, accessories and clothing. Entry is free but guests need to RSVP to sales@chesterhd.co.uk as places are limited.

Sunday, December 1

Southwell Salvation Army Christmas Toy Run Meet at the Admiral Rodney in King Street, Southwell (NG25 0EH), at 10am, ready for ride out at 11am.

Riders should bring a toy as a donation. The ride will head to the Salvation Army Centre, Mead Way, Balderton, near Newark (NG24 3GA).

For more information call John Judson on: 01636 812838.

Boston Motorcycle Riders Association Toy Run Now in its sixth year, the Boston Motorcycle Rider Association is putting on its annual toy run.

Leaving from The Hammer and Pincers at 11am. Bring a wrapped toy as a donation.

For more information call 07595 374522 or email info@bostonmotorcycle-riders-association.co.uk

Saturday, December 7

Lincoln Harley-Davidson Christmas Event. Starting at 11am, Lincoln Harley-Davidson will be getting in the festive spirit and giving visitors discounts on collectables and clothing. There will be a Christmas tree and seasonal refreshments in case you get thirsty. For more information call 01522 850098.

Saturday, December 14

Biker First Aid Courses at Forest of Dean. Rainbow Training & Development Academy offers the course for £59 per person. This includes the training, a first aid booklet and a certificate valid for three years. If you’re part of a group or a club, block bookings are available. 10% discounts are available should more than one person from the same organisation or address attend.

For more information visit www.rainbowtda.co.uk or call Mark Harris on 07824 449011.

Body copy

Sand Racing at Mablethorpe Sunday, December 8

Now in its 42nd racing season, Mablethorpe Motor Cycle Sand Racing Club’s meets are going strong. There are a number of classes including junior, road machine, motocross, sidecar and ATV/Quad. So there’s really something for everyone. Wrap up warm, get on your wellingtons and head down to see the fun unfold.

MCM

RECOMMENDS

Due to the weather and beach conditions precise times can’t be predicted however racing will start 1½ hours after rider sign-in time (10am). The racing also takes place on Sunday, December 22. For more information visit http://xtremeaction-images.com/sandrace Image supplied courtesy of xtreme-action-images.com

MCM reader Jonathan Schofield went to Mablethorpe to see the racing for himself. Check out his report at bit.ly/mablethorpe

Sunday, December 15

Star Bikers Stoke on Trent 36th Annual Toy Run. Participants should arrive at 10.45am to start at 11am from Britannia Stadium in Stoke on Trent.

The parade will end at The Kings Hall with a live band.

A donation of £2 and a toy is required to take part on the run.

For more information see www.stokebikeruns.co.uk

Do you have an event you want to shout about?

Simply send in all the relevant details to: guide@motorcyclemonthly.co.uk for the chance to have it listed in our ‘Don’t Miss’ section and on our Facebook page.

Last-minute changes are out of our control, so we advise you check details with the organisers before making your trip.

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The good that bikers do

RST Adventure II

Following on from the huge success of its Adventure textile jacket and jeans, RST has taken on board the feedback of high-mileage users to create what it believes to be the ultimate outfit for the world’s toughest conditions. Designed for the riding position of adventure bikes, it’s packed with features: a water bladder pocket; removable map pocket that transforms into a bum bag; Cordura 500D & Ballistic 1660 construction; removable waterproof breathable lining and removable quilted thermal lining; double and triple stitched seams and CE armour. Expect to see this in dealers shortly.

RRP: Jacket £249.99, Jeans £199.99 More info: www.rst-moto.com

Dublin Ladies of Harley ride out for charity

Staff and visitors at Dublin HarleyDavidson turned out in force to support the annual Ladies of Harley ride out in aid of Action Breast Cancer.

Around 60 riders took part, and the event, so far, has raised €2250 for the worthy cause.

For further information visit: www.dublinharley-davidson.com

The Bike Experience to continue good work

Since its creation in 2011, the Bike Experience has helped 75 disabled motorcyclists get back on two wheels and members will continue their work from Silverstone in 2014.

In 2013, the team ran 15 events at three different venues and had a presence at a further nine promotional events. The oldest rider to get back on was a 78-yearold gentleman and the rider who’d had the longest break from biking was 51 years.

To find out more about the charity search: The Bike Experience on Facebook or visit their website on: www.tbex.co.uk

R&G Protect the Air Ambulance and SERV Blood Bikes

Motorcycle damage protection product specialist, R&G has donated 30 of its Deluxe Helmet Bags to Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance and SERV (Kent) Blood Bikes charities.

R&G donated Aero Crash Protectors, Radiator Guards and Shock Tube shock protection to the SERV Blood Bikes for their fleet of Yamaha FJR1300s and Suzuki Hayabusas. The company also donated 30 helmet bags, saving the charity a further £2700.

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The Essential Buyer’s Guide: Ducati Desmoquattro Twins

ED

Tested by: John Milbank, Editor RRP: £12.99 ISBN: 978-1-845844-30-1 More info: www.veloce.co.uk Having owned two Ducatis, I thought I knew all I needed to when I started looking to buy another Monster. Veloce Publishing’s book

by Ian Falloon proved me wrong.

A mine of useful information, there’s far more than the usual things to check on any motorcycle (though this is all here too). The smallest details and issues are covered: Did you know that Ducati switched to a three-phase voltage regulator in 1999; or that pre-1995 748 and 916 cush rubbers tend to disintegrate?

I’d been talking about bikes with a friend who’s an independent Ducati specialist – everything he told me was in the book.

My only criticism would be that the pricing information – obviously designed to avoid reprinting the book in different parts of the world – is a little confusing, but if you’re in the market for a Ducati, or simply a bit of a geek, this book comes thoroughly recommended.

Dainese Carve Master GTX

A brand new jacket for 2014, the Carve Master GTX is made from abrasion resistant Mugello fabric with cowhide leather inserts. The water-resistant outer is complemented with a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex membrane, as well as a cleverly designed rain gutter, to help keep you dry; CE approved armour and air vents for the summer.

RRP: £389.99 More info: www.dainese.com

Zircotec exhaust coating

Motorcycle exhausts have to deal with a lot, including the delightful British weather, stone chips, grime from the roads and being scuffed by pillions or riders. Zircotec has launched its new endurance range to provide riders with a durable coating to protect and enhance their exhaust systems. This is claimed to prevent overheating and reduces the risk of riders or pillions burning themselves. The coating is available in three colours: black, metallic black and graphite.

RRP: Prices vary by exhaust, but prices start at £42 per downpipe or collector and £132 for a single silencer, or £198 for a double silencer.

More info: www.zircotec.com

12 PRODUCTS R&G Heated Grips

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Tested by: Roger Jones RRP: £39.99 More info: www.rg-racing.com Come rain or shine, I would much rather be out on a motorcycle than stuck in a car, but in the winter my hands tend to get cold quickly, so heated grips on my BMW 650 ST were a must.

I took a Stanley knife to the original grips to get them off but unfortunately the new heated grips were just longer than the originals (BMW grips are shorter than standard), so I made some simple spaces to pop inside the new ones. To prevent draining the battery, I decided to fit the unit into a relay in the headlight so that they switch off when the bike does. BMW had also provided an extra wire especially for heated grips so that made it easier.

There’s only one switch to worry about: press once to get them on and then you can scroll through the five different heat settings. They heat up quickly and I find that by starting them out at their hottest, it heats the grips up and then you can put them at a lower setting.

I use them every single day, especially in this weather, and find that they keep my palms nice and warm. I also fitted some hand guards to my bike to

New boots from TCX

TCX has added four new waterproof boots to its 2014 collection and is planning to add even more throughout the year. The S-Speed WP has been designed for road and track use, featuring interchangeable front sliders, increased ankle protection and an anti-bacterial footbed; the Track Evo WP boots have a highly wear resistant sole with knobbed tread, designed to suit the adventure and off-road bike market.

There’s a reinforced shin plate for protection and an elastic collar to fit tightly to the calf to help keep mud out From the Touring line, the X-Ride WP is for mid-range tourers and commuters. It’s a shorter boot than many others and features a hardwearing sole with specially designed tread to offer extensive grip. While the X-Rap WP may look casual, it’s claimed to offer a high level of protection, including CE certification and a reinforced toe and heel area. The laces go to the top of the boot for a tight fit.

RRP: S-Speed WP – £169.99, Track Evo WP – £189.99, X-Ride WP – £119.99 and X-Rap WP £129.99 More info: www.nevis.uk.com

GIVI Hi-visibility Waterproof luggage

GIVI has introduced two new bags to its waterproof luggage range which will fit onto the majority of motorcycles and scooters, courtesy of easy-to-use fitting straps. Made of a thermoplastic polyurethane (that’s TPU to you and me), they’re extremely light, while their neon yellow design helps the rider to be seen on the road. The WP406 tank bag has a capacity of 20 litres and is RRP: WP406 soft bag – £60.65, square in shape. The WP407 has a 30 WP407 seat bag – £50.07 litre capacity in its cylindrical shape.

More info: www.givi.co.uk

Rukka Armaxis jacket

protect the tops of my hands from the wind chill factor.

Together they make the perfect combination.

At just £39.99 I didn’t mind the extra bit of messing around to get them to fit my bike properly, and they do fit standard 22mm bars perfectly.

The first bike jacket to feature the new YKK AquaSeal zipper, the Rukka Armaxis is claimed to be completely waterproof due to a special coating on the zip’s teeth, eradicating the need for an additional flap. The outer jacket is made from a highly abrasion resistant, waterproof and breathable Armacor material, featuring ventilation zips and a removable storm collar. The inner jacket is an elastic softshell with a Windstopper membrane which can be worn separately as a casual jacket.

Available in black, red or yellow, it can be connected to any pair of Rukka trousers by a zip at the back.

RRP: £1000 Sizes: Men’s 46 to 62 More info: www.rukka.com

Yamaha MT-09 Akrapovic Exhaust

Designed for Yamaha’s new bike, this exhaust amplifies the growl already produced by the triple cylinder machine and features an MT09 logo etched on the stainless steel silencer. It’s fitted with a removable baffle to make it noise compliant, but requires the catalytic converter in order to make it fully road legal.

RRP: £939.99 (+£76.49 for the catalytic converter) More info: www.yamaha-motor.co.uk/accessories

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YSS extends its shock range

Internet parts specialist, Wemoto, has increased its range of motorcycle and scooter YSS shock absorbers due to high demand.

Every component is made ‘in-house’ at the YSS factory and the shock springs are heat treated for added strength and durability. ach shock absorber is engineered and set to the ideal specification for each bike so that they are ready to fit straight out of the box.

YSS shock absorbers with adjustment options have a straightforward click system, allowing them to be returned to their original settings easily.

The full YSS range has ABE certification from German regulation authority, TUV and come with a two-year warranty.

There’s free UK shipping on orders over £175 too.

More info: www.wemoto.com

Tom Sykes Replica SHARK Lid

GoPro Hero 3 Black

Tested by: John Milbank, Editor RRP: £359 More info: madison.co.uk/gopro Currently at the top of the range, about four months now. The the GoPro Black edition stands out simple interface can take a little with its ability to shoot at 120fps at getting used to, and not having a a resolution of 720p. This puts screen on the camera (an optional super-slow-mo footage in the one is available) means it can be a hands of us all, which looks great little hit and miss to set up. with bike footage. Even at full HD Fortunately, most of us have (1080p), the GoPro will shoot at smartphones now, so it’s relatively up to 60fps. simple to connect to the camera to Many of the features of the Black adjust settings, or get a live view of are targeted at professional users – what it’s seeing. the Protune mode outputs raw I’ve shot various videos with the video footage that’s perfect for camera, including the Royal Enfield broadcasters. An included remote launch (see it at bit.ly/mcmenfield), control uses WiFi to activate and and have been blown away by the set the camera though you need to image quality. You’ll get the best be aware that using this, and the from it if you spend a little time in free iPhone/Android app to your video editing software – I use connect to the camera will impact Final Cut Pro X – but this is a on the battery life. superb piece of kit. Or course, it’s Recording footage with a fresh far from cheap, so do think battery gives an hour and 40 carefully about whether you need minutes of use – fine for most the ultimate performance of the purposes, but you’ll probably want Black edition... It’s worth checking to invest in one or two spare packs. out the Silver and White versions I’ve been using this camera for at £279 and £199 respectively.

Kappa DryPack Collection

Italian company Kappa has developed its DryPack collection. A range of bags made from Tarpaulin, a coated polyester that restrains water leaking.

The range includes a 30-litre tail bag priced at £36.71, a 30-litre rucksack with a roll-top opening for £46.09, a 20-litre tank bag which can be fitted

with magnets or elasticated straps and used as a rucksack for £64.45 or if you’re looking for something bigger, a 50-litre tail bag which is priced at £44.87.

After Tom Sykes clinched the 2013 World Superbike Championship at Jerez in October, SHARK helmets has launched the Speed R Sykes Replica. The helmet features Tom’s unique design and includes chrome detailing, and the inspirational words in Japanese which include: Power, success, courage, belief and karma. It fastens with a double Dring strap and has provision for a Pinlock. It’s got a sunvisor mechanism and includes SHARK’S Easy Fit system for glasses wearers – a small section of foam padding can be removed from either side of the liner at the sides of the eye port to allow room for the temples of eyeglasses to fit.

RRP: £309.99 Available from: www.nevis.uk.com

Weise Montana Element heated gloves

These brand new gloves from Weise feature Thinsulate Supreme thermal lining as well as heated filaments running around the fingers. There are two heat settings, one at 45°C and the other at 60°C, all at a touch of a button on the cuff. They’re powered by a rechargeable internal battery unit, so there are no wires attaching it to your bike,

Keis X800 Heated Outer Gloves

Keis has added a new outer glove to its collection for winter 2013/14 which feature micro alloy element technology. The gloves come with a fused supply lead for connection direct to a 12volt vehicle battery. A ‘cigarette lighter’ adapter is also available for vehicles fitted with a 12v power socket. If you’ve got an OptiMate type charger lead already fitted then this can be used to power the unit too. They draw 2A, and can also be connected to a number of other heated items in the Keis range. There are four heat settings to choose from – low, medium, maximum and off – which are selected by pressing the button of the cuff of each glove.

RRP: £149.99 Sizes: S-XL Available from: www.keisapparel.co.uk

and there’s 3M Scotchlite piping on the back and a chamude (synthetic leather) overlay panel on the right glove for improved grip.

RRP: £199.99 Sizes: S-3XL More info: www.thekeycollection.co.uk

RRP: From £36.71 Available from: www.kappamoto.com

Hi-Viz LED H-Band

Tested by: John Milbank, Editor RRP: £24.99 More info: stores.ebay.co.uk/motocentraleu While some riders turn their nose LEDs are needed, so battery life is up at hi-viz kit, there’s no denying excellent (mine’s still going after its effectiveness. Reflective gear 10 hours), and the control unit can help you shine in a car’s uses a single button to cycle headlights, but it’s not always as between off, on, and flashing much use if you’re approaching a modes.

T junction. Enter the H-Band, from I found a flaw with mine when a Moto Central. Using two AA good soaking one night left the batteries, it has orange Light unit working erratically. Water had Emitting Diodes at the front, and got into the battery box, which red at the back, hidden beneath also contains the small electronic the bright, reflective straps. The circuit. It dried out quickly, and clever design means that only four works flawlessly again now,

Knox Techstyle Winter Glove

New for winter 2013, this glove from Knox features its Scaphoid Protection System (SPS). Located on the palm of the glove, it features two plastic sliders to eliminate the ‘grab-effect’ that is commonly associated with scaphoid injuries. The palms are made from goat skin and have water-resistant nylon on the back, while the insides are packed with Thinsulate insulation. An adjustable wrist strap means that the gloves can be worn under or over a jacket sleeve.

RRP: £69.99 Sizes: S-XXL Available from: www.knox-armour.co.uk

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appearing to have been caused by a wire that was trapped in the case during assembly. As the batteries need changing so infrequently, it’s not a problem to wrap a little insulation tape around the edges of the small box, and across the two screw holes.

Despite this niggle, the H-Band is still a great value way of increasing your safety during the winter commute. See how well it works at bit.ly/mcmhband

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Bullet carnuba wax spray kit

Shoei NXR new helmet range

EXOGLO 3F Ladies Bodywarmer

Tested by: Carli Ann Smith, Staff Writer RRP: Outdoor version – £179.99, motorcycle version – £129.99 More info: www.exo2.co.uk This body warmer has three heated areas – one large kidney panel and two chest panels which wrap you in blissful heat for up to five hours depending on the heat level selected.

I have to admit, I’d always been slightly dubious about heated products as sometimes their claims outweigh their ability, but that certainly isn’t the case with this product. The body warmer heated up quicker than I would have imagined and the three levels of heat available enabled me to adjust the bodywarmer to the required temperature at any given time.

There are two versions available: outdoor and motorcycle. With the outdoor version you get a mains charger unit along with the power pack to power the warmer without connecting to your motorcycle – great should you want the versatility of using it off your machine. I wore it while wandering around the Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show at Stafford.

This version also includes a very handy remote control, to set your temperature.

With the motorcycle version you get a fused power cable with terminal rings to fit directly to your bike battery, but you can add the power pack later for £55.

Packed with Primaloft lining, the bodywarmer works really well even without the heater on. Now that I’ve tried it, you’d be hard pressed to make me ride without it.

This is the seventh new design from Shoei in less than five years, and features a newly developed CWR-1 visor system, which is claimed to improve clarity of vision. The thickness and the curvature of the anti-fog visor has been optimised, and a new baseplate offers a ‘down and press’ action for

easy opening and closing of the visor. It features washable inner lining and improved internal cheek and ear padding to help reduce wind noise.

RRP: £389 Plain, £479 Graphics Sizes: XXS – XXL More info: www.shoeiassured.co.uk

Kushitani is now available in the UK

Founded in 1947, Kushitani suits and products have been used by many of the World’s best riders including Kevin Schwantz, Wayne Gardener, Randy Mamola, Norick Abe and Simon Crafar.

However, despite this they’ve never been easily obtained in the UK. After partnering up with a UK distributor, Kushitani has launched the ‘Race’ range, featuring tailored bespoke and customised race suits, gloves and under suits., with ‘Street’ wear, luggage and accessories range planned to be announced in 2014.

There are seven suits for men and three for women, ranging in price from £1099 for the Glide design right up to the AIR-BAG Performance Suit which starts at £2099. The GPR-6 Race Glove features a Kangaroo palm with a Keptrotec inner for strength. It’s available in black, blue, red or special edition white and is sized from S-XL. It is priced at £189.99.

RRP: Various More info: www.kushitani-uk.co.uk

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Tested by: John Milbank, Editor RRP: £11.25 More info: www.bulletpolish.co.uk This great value kit contains 500ml of ready-to-use wax spray, and two good quality microfibre cloths. I’ve long used fairly expensive hard waxes on my bikes and cars, so was sceptical of this waterbased spray. First impressions are good – it’s very simple to apply, and unlike my usual wax, doesn’t leave a hard-to-remove residue around details like raised badges and fasteners.

To test how hard-wearing it is, I divided my black car’s bonnet up into four patches to compare this, and a range of other brands: Collinite (a quality hard wax); SDoc100 Gloss Wax Spray and Meguiars NXT 2.0 Liquid Wax. The Bullet was easy to apply, but appeared thin compared to the others. However, after two weeks on the car, and around 400 miles of bad weather, the water is beading the same on all four patches. Running my nail across the bonnet, they all feel as smooth as each other, and the difference is clear compared to the untreated areas.

Being water-based, I’m also quite happy to use this wax on my Arai Rebel helmet – it’s keeping the shell shining, and the visor beautifully clear and rain-free. Bullet is effective, easy to apply, and great value: I’m impressed.

Save 15% off all Bullet products when you spend over £11.25. Simply enter code BIKE15 at the checkout.

LETTERS 15

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HAVE YOUR SAY I blame you lot at MCM!

It all started a few months ago with a trip to our local motorcycle shop, picking up a free copy of MCM and reading it from cover to cover. I decided for a few quid I could have it delivered here to the Isle of Man. Bargain!

So over the months, avidly reading the articles and wishing that I was a lot younger in years and also having retired and been made redundant last year and moping around the house, my wife said why not buy another motorcycle just to tinker with. Looking through the local adverts in the local newspapers and online I came across a Honda CB500V for not a lot of money with only 7000 miles. It was a bit scruffy and needed large helpings of TLC, but at last I had another motorcycle.

Inspired by MCM, I decided to go the whole hog and get some luggage for the bike, and have ended up riding the Lake District; Edinburgh; Ingleton and many more.

Not only do I enjoy the bike rides but also the characters I have met on the trips. Taking photos and passing on email addresses to keep in contact with. I even joined the Youth Hostel Association – for around £16 a night it’s pretty good value for money and there’s quite a fair selection of places to stay.

So, there is life left in the old dog. I can thoroughly recommend a return to biking. Yes, I blame you lot at MCM for my predicament and loving every mile I do on that motorcycle. Must go, my latest copy of MCM has just dropped through the letterbox. Off for another good read.

Keep up the good work and thanks.

Hugh Leslie, Isle of Man Thanks Hugh – it’s great to know you enjoy it so much! Make sure you look out for us on your trips out! John

We want to hear from you! Whether you’ve got a great riding tip, an interesting story to tell, or simply need to get something off your chest, get in touch today. email: editorial@motorcyclemonthly.co.uk Post: Your letters, Motor Cycle Monthly, Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR Or why not post on our Facebook page. It’s a great chance to get chatting with us, and hundreds of like-minded bikers. See you at facebook.com/MotorCycleMonthly

How times (and bikes) have changed

Having been riding a RD500LC for 20 years and an EXUP 100 for 10 years, I part exchanged these for a 2008 Triumph 1050 Sprint in January of this year. What a difference in handling! I didn’t realise how much things have changed.

When I first rode it I thought it was brilliant and I’m glad I bought it. I have since been to Scotland and am planning more long distance trips next year, including a trip to the Isle of Man TT. I loved my old bikes but am glad I changed.

Trevor James Hopefully we’ll see you at the next TT! John

Mud, mud and more mud!

Seems ’tis the season of mud on the road from tractors. One might think that slowing to 20mph from whatever you were doing would be adequate, but the mess I rode over needed walking pace. I nearly lost it on a left-hander, and not wanting to apply the brakes or lean over, I found myself on the wrong side of the road before pulling up. Luckily, nothing was coming. I got home and rang the police who said that there was already an officer on the way to ensure it was cleaned up.

Having replayed the scenario over in my head a few times, I reasoned that had I chosen to either apply the brakes or lean over (or both) I would possibly have ended up in the same place, but separated from the bike and possibly hurt (in the wallet too). I don’t see how ABS would have changed the outcome as the brakes would have backed off, causing me to run wide in an attempt not to lean the bike over. So, guys, really slow down, ignore the prat behind you in the car, trying to push you along a bit faster.

Have a safe ride!

Colin Gray It’s a bad time of the year for mud... all we can do is take it easy, and keep looking at the type of farmland around, to try to predict where the farm entrances might be. John

★ MCM STAR LETTER OF THE MONTH Memories of my speedway passion

Reading the excellent, descriptive and exciting report by Carli Ann Smith I was transported back 66 years to when, as a young girl in Coventry, I watched speedway for the first time.

From that night, and all subsequent Saturday evenings, with my father, at Brandon watching the Bees, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to fly past the chequered flag – as the winner of course!

Many thanks Carli for ‘putting me on the bike’ as you ventured round the track. I do hope your obvious enthusiasm and enjoyment of the training day with Wayne Carter has

shown there are opportunities for anyone to give speedway a try. To train in such a safe environment with those who’ve been there, done it and probably got the T-shirt is too good an opportunity to miss.

To all the speedway loving girls who wonder what it would be like and also dream of having a go, why not do it? I’m aged 72 and would have loved to have been given the chance. Here’s your opportunity! Who knows, you could be the first girl to challenge Woofy. Think about Ana Carrasco (current Moto3 competitor). She followed her dream, jumped on a bike and look where she

is! Could you be her speedway equivalent? If so, I’ll be your first fan and follow your career with great interest.

Dorothy Snowden It was great to give it a go and I would recommend it to everyone. I think I’d need A LOT more practice to challenge Woofy! Carli Each month, our star letter will receive a six month subscription to their choice of one of our fantastic motorcycle magazines!

Joe’s riding lesson mistake

It was with horror that I read your Testing times article. Joe Dick says that as “soon as the examiner’s hand was raised, it was back brake, front brake”. I’m sure you must all know that the front brake should be used before the rear, apart from during slow manoeuvres.

Obviously this is not what he did on the test, or he would not have passed. He must have

made a mistake when writing the article.

Hopefully you will print a correction in this month’s paper.

Tony Fuller We’ve had stern words with Joe, and can only apologise for the mix up. Looks like his excitement at passing got the better of the facts! John

16 First ride ‘The Beast’

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KTM 1290 Super Duke R £13,999 (tbc) | Liquid-cooled V-twin 180bhp | 106lb-ft Tested by: Tony Carter Words: Tony Carter / John Milbank ON PAPER, KTM’s new Super Duke R delivered instantly, but importantly for is a terrifying prospect: a two-cylinder a road-bike, it’s delivered smoothly. engine with more capacity in one pot KTM’s previous twins sometimes than all four in an R6; the styling of a suffered from a bit of a snatchy output, supermoto on steroids; 180bhp… hell, but the fly-by-wire system used in KTM even calls it ‘The Beast’. the Super Duke R is positively This is an all-new motor for the Super gentlemanly.

Three switchable Duke family, taking over from the 990. modes allow the rider to choose The previous engine was all about the from ‘rain’ (capped at 100bhp), ‘street’ power, with a sharp (full power, calmly throttle response delivered), and ‘sport’ making it great fun (the full-fat, high DiD YOU KNOW? (if you’re into what caffeine, you’d-betterKTM started life in 1934 some might call a be-aware, sunshine ‘hooligan bike’). mode). As early as as a metal work shop: The thing is, the 990 2500rpm, this lump is Kraftfahrzeuge ‘only’ made 123bhp. capable of producing Trunkenpolz The 1290 looks like 74lb-ft (150% of the Mattighofen it’s going to live up peak torque an R6 to its intimidating makes), with the nickname…

32lb-ft remaining coming in over the next 4000 revs.

Tell me about the engine There are a lot of clever electronics The huge power and torque of the KTM taming The Beast, courtesy of Bosch is actually surprisingly well mannered. and Keihin, but they’re really not Obviously, it needs treating with noticeable. Traction control is a big respect – this twin doesn’t have the help, and will also limit wheelies peakiness of a high-revving four- (though it can be turned off if that cylinder superbike – the power is upsets you). Despite all this

performance though, the KTM has a 15,000km (9300 mile) service interval.

What’s the chassis like?

In a world of lightweight, complex alloy frames, the Duke stands out with its chromium-molybdenum-steel, powder coated trellis frame. 48mm WP upside-down forks and a WP monoshock aren’t revolutionary, but they’re competent and balanced. The rear shock copes with huge dollops of power in a terrifically calm way, mated to the single-sided swingarm which isn’t just for aesthetic benefits – it

means the large single exhaust can be routed in a more acute way to keep the angle of lean high. The forks are split, so compression and rebound damping are taken care of by individual legs, which is claimed to give greater damping control and accuracy.

Adjustments to the settings are easy thanks to plastic knobs – no need for a screwdriver here.

The ride is firm, but it’s very stable – large unfaired bikes can sometimes get a little flappy under hard acceleration, but the KTM keeps it all under control.

The digital dash will look very

familiar if you’ve ridden the KTM 1190 Adventure. A small screen to the left and controls on the left handlebar let you access the three riding modes, as well as accessing the ABS and the traction control settings. There’s a subroutine called Supermoto which allows the ABS to work on the front wheel but cuts it to the back wheel, just in case you happen to have aspirations of sliding the back-end into corners.

The 1290 is very narrow to sit on – look at the bike from the rear and the whole thing doesn’t appear much bigger than the 190 section Dunlop

‘The Beast’ First ride 17

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So what’s it like to ride?

Viewed from the rear, the V-twin layout gives the bike a narrow profile (especially when compared with Tony’s rear!).

Sportsmart2 rubber. The usual slim seat means that even shorties like me (5ft 8in on a good day) can easily touch the floor when stationary, and overall the centre of gravity of the bike means that paddling it around, or making U-turn after U-turn with your feet up, is a doddle.

Should I buy one?

The 1290 is as nimble as any naked motorcycle currently on the market and it’s surprising how easy it is to throw around – you do have to keep telling yourself it’s a 1300 just because, apart from when you crack the throttle open, it doesn’t feel like a bike of that size at all.

KTM seems eager to push the idea of this being a bad boy’s bike, and in a market that’s rapidly distancing itself from mind-blowing speeds and racerep bikes, it’s possibly a good plan to dominate a niche. What’s really striking about this bike, however, is not the awesome power: you don’t get off it feeling like you’ve just been at warp

speed. The real shock is just how controllable, how usable and, dare we say it, almost practical this bike can be.

At the time of writing, KTM wouldn’t commit to a firm cost for the bike, saying that the price of around £13,000 will be confirmed at Motorcycle Live.

That’s a lot of money, but this is a highly advanced machine (we wouldn’t be surprised if it’s closer to £12,500 when they do tell us).

If you hanker after the days of rejetting and balancing carbs, servicing your own bike, and tinkering with the coils then this probably isn’t the machine for you. However, accept that stringent emission laws, and the quest for ever higher power outputs mean that most mechanics now need a computer by their side, and you might want to consider the Super Duke R. It’s never going to be an all-out tourer, but in the same way that many riders loved to own the Hayabusa as the world’s fastest production bike, buying the new KTM could have a similar kudos.

On the road, the KTM is a bit of a con (in the best possible way). It looks like it lives on raw meat, and there’s no denying the presence that the 1290 has.

Riding it, you’re instantly reminded of KTM’s heritage: you’re pitched slightly forward and there’s a wide-grip handlebar up front; the footrests are tucked up high and back, and it all feels oh-so-purposeful. But you can do a lot of miles – we did close to 200 on the launch ride, and all of that was going from corner to corner, with no aches or pains at the end of it. Tick the box for riding position then.

Before we took the bikes out, the route was described by KTM development rider and former GP racer Jeremy McWilliams as: “A full day of riding – some great roads at the start then we ride over some very bumpy, narrow, rough roads before we get to the really slippery roads...” You could almost hear the world’s press’ bum cheeks clenching at the thought of taking The Beast out in

TECH SPEC

KTM Super Duke R

Price: £13,999 (tbc at Motorcycle Live) Engine: Liquid-cooled 75º V-twin Power: 180bhp (132kW) @ 8870rpm Torque: 106lb-ft (144Nm) @ 6500rpm Weight: Approx 199kg Seat height: 835mm Tank size: 18 litres www.ktm.com/gb

these conditions, on roads with 1000ft drops behind the small barriers, yet there was no drama, just big grins.

Yes, we had the traction control turned on, and the ABS pumping away when braking ambitions outweighed grip, but so what? This bike makes you feel great.

So, it’s without any fear of contradiction that I can tell you that this bike is really not a beast. It might have the heart of a wild (and rather angry) lion, but it’s kept in check by one of the most advanced electronic brains in today’s bikes. Just don’t let it hear you call it a big softie…

The 1301cc lump is new for the Super Duke R, producing 4bhp more than a 2014 Honda Fireblade.

The three riding modes, and ABS and traction control can be set with the buttons on the left bar.

A small luggage system, available from KTM, is a nod towards the practical side of the bike, and should be more than enough for a weekend of fun.

A single sided swingarm allows the exhaust to tuck up and out of the way for greater lean angles.

18 THE MCM TEST 250 race-rep

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Honda CBR250R

Honda chose a single-cylinder, limiting the number of moving parts, with the aim of reducing internal friction, which should mean better fuel economy and lower running costs.

£4100 OTR I 249cc four-stroke single 26bhp I 17.6lb-ft @ 7000rpm

What’s the chassis like?

Tested by: Carli Ann Smith Photography: Joe Dick

HONDA INTRODUCED the CBR250R with the idea of fusing the handling and styling of its iconic, large capacity CBR range with a smaller engine for riders seeking a first bike, better fuel economy, or just something nimble to chuck around town.

With brand new colours being introduced this year, including the iconic Repsol racing livery, we decided it was time to put the little race-rep through its paces.

Many bikers are looking for more affordable options for transport, or

something that fits into the new licensing rules. It’s come to be expected that smaller bikes have the benefits of low running costs, but many riders, understandably, don’t want to give up striking looks and the excitement that comes with the machine’s bigger brothers.

The CBR250R fits the bill perfectly – wrapped up in a weather-beating full fairing, emblazoned in this paint scheme, it makes the you feel like MotoGP stars Dani Pedrosa or Marc Marquez when you pass a shop window...

Tell me about the engine

The liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine has plenty of grunt for a 250 four-stroke, ready to perform at any speed in town, or out and about on country roads. I didn’t have to worry about changing gear a million times through the six-speed transmission, just to find some extra power to overtake. Where I found it particularly good was filtering through town – the CBR gave me the grunt I needed when I wanted it, without playing hard to get.

so it’s a great alternative to a scooter or more classic looking smaller capacity set of wheels. One of the biggest things I noticed was the amount of confusion on people’s faces when I told them it was a 250, many had been fooled into thinking that it was packing more cc under the full fairings than it was.

A steel diamond twin-spar frame houses the engine – its lightweight construction makes it easy to So what’s it like to ride? manhandle the bike, which reacts The CBR’s a confidence inspiring ride quickly when you shift your weight that makes you feel comfortable, but at even slightly around. It’s a sporty riding the same time you get the thrills and position, with your legs pinned to the fun of riding something that feels side of the bike and weight forward sportier than a 250. It’s easy to forget onto your wrists. that you’re not on its This gives great 600cc brother, though DiD YOU KNOW? control, but as with you soon remember all sports bikes, the when you’re overly Honda’s first product on constant pressure ambitious and don’t the market was a Honda on your wrists can plan your overtakes, be quite tiring after but it still has enough A-Type in 1947 – a longer ride. poke for nipping basically a push-bike with The little CBR is through town, or a two-stroke engine. the first of its kind enjoying B roads. to include the Riding the Honda, I option of combined ABS, which uses a was taken back to when I first passed three-pot caliper on the front (two-pot my test: the freedom of getting out on on the non-ABS version). When you the road for the first time without an grab the front lever, two of the front instructor (my first bike was an old, caliper’s pistons push against the brake used CBR6). It’s at home in the town pads. Push the foot pedal down, and and the country, but really it felt like it the rear brake is applied, before a was in its natural habitat on the open mechanical delay valve actuates the road with bends to twist round – that’s third piston at the front. when the bike and handling came to The ABS is controlled by a small, life and made me smile the most. lightweight electronic unit which all adds an extra £150 onto the RRP and TECH SPEC 4kg onto the weight, but I’d say it was Honda CBR250R worth it as a great way to inspire Price: £3950 (£4100 with ABS) confidence, particularly in new riders.

Engine: Liquid cooled, four-stroke,

Should I buy one?

If you’re looking for a stepping stone to a larger bike, or you’re after something that looks the business, but is cheap to run, then I’d say yes. At 26bph, it fits firmly into the 47bhp A2 licence limit,

Don ’tS lip it - G rip it B ra k e Sho es & Clu tc h Pla tes

professionallyre-lined with top quality m aterials forveteran,road and com petition use.

O versize linings available.

Alloy brake shoe casting.

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UK collection and delivery.

1 R a w fo ld s Ind Es t, B ra d fo rd R o a d , Clec k hea to n, W es tYo rk s B D 19 5 LT Tel. 0 12 74 8 6 2 6 6 6 W eb s ite: w w w .s a ftek .c o .u k Em a il: s a les @ s a ftek .c o .u k

four-valve single cylinder Power: 26bhp (19.4kW) @ 8500rpm Torque: 17.6lb-ft (23.8Nm) @ 7000rpm Weight: 161kg (165kg C-ABS version) Seat height: 780mm Tank size: 13 litres

www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles

20 FIRST RIDE ‘Practical’ Italian

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Ducati 899 Panigale

Ducati’s sporty middleweights The 899 Panigale follows a distinguished line of mid-sized models in what Ducati refers to as its “hyper-sport” line. But the 899 is distinctly different from the others of the last 20 years in being designed to be more of a street bike than the larger-capacity model from which is descended.

Traditionally it’s the smaller capacity bike that is the rev-happy, top-endy hooligan that demands to be ridden hard at all times, while the bigger V-twin has a slightly more torquey and laid-back character.

That was certainly true of the 748, which was launched in 1995, a year after the 916 had arrived to take Ducati’s eight-valve desmo line to new heights. Its 748cc engine made 100bhp and needed revving close to the 11,000rpm redline as often as possible. It was fast and hugely entertaining but much harder work than the grunty 916.

That was also largely true of the 749, which followed the 999 in 2003. Ducati had made an effort to give the mid-sized model more midrange but its 748cc Testastretta motor still required plenty of revs.

Ducati made an effort to create a rider-friendly V-twin with the 848, which followed the 1098 into the range in 2008. But the 134bhp V-twin was still a raw, racy machine.

And its successor the 848 EVO, launched three years later, was unashamedly designed for revs and speed, with reduced midrange and a 6bhp higher maximum of 140bhp.

By comparison the 899 Panigale, with its emphasis on comfort and on low- as well as high-rev performance, is a subtle but very definite change of direction.

£12,496 | 898cc liquid-cooled V-twin 148bhp | 73lb-ft Tested by: Roland Brown Photography: Ducati

THE 899 PANIGALE looks almost identical to the 1199 that began the Panigale family two years ago, but it’s distinctly different — and not just in its engine capacity.

Basically the 899 has been created to be a bit more of a practical streetbike than the fearsome 195bhp 1199. Ducati says the new ‘supermid’ is aimed equally at road and track use, while the 1199 is more biased towards the track.

The 899 is intended to be fast but unintimidating; to give the rider more of a feeling of dominating the bike than is possible with the ferocious openclass V-twin. With its aim of riderfriendliness the new machine also differs subtly from its predecessor, the aggressively rev-happy 848 EVO. Of course the 899 is also intended to be more financially accessible than the big Panigale and to follow the 848 by attracting a wide range of customers, including those stepping up from smaller bikes or moving to Ducati from other brands. It incorporates cost-saving features in both engine and chassis but retains the Panigale family layout, as well as a list of features including a high-

The 899 performed well, even in the wet conditions.

tech electronics package, with quickshifter and ABS braking as standard.

Tell me about the engine

The 898cc, eight-valve desmo V-twin engine follows the Superquadro format, with dimensions of 100 x 57.2mm that mean it’s almost as radically oversquare as the 1198cc unit.

Other Panigale features include the cam drive by chain and gear, rather than belt as on the 848; and the flyweight that acts as a decompressor at low revs, allowing a smaller starter motor and battery.

Redesigned cylinder heads include new cams and larger valves than those of the 848. The peak output of 148bhp at 10,750rpm is 8bhp higher, and the new engine makes notably more torque below 6500rpm. Its overall gearing is also slightly lower, which Ducati says helps give better acceleration from low speeds.

The new engine includes a few costcutting measures, such as the use of aluminium instead of magnesium for clutch, cylinder head and oil sump covers. But the 899 follows the bigger

Panigale by featuring a sophisticated electronics package that includes three riding modes — Race, Sport and Wet — for rapid fine-tuning of power output, throttle response, traction control, engine braking and ABS level.

What’s the chassis like?

In similar fashion the 899’s chassis is also very much a Panigale family creation, based on a monocoque aluminium frame that acts as the airbox and uses the engine as a stressed member. The smaller V-twin unit is rotated back slightly, allowing slightly racier steering geometry.

Ducati says it can get away with this because the 899 isn’t as wheelie-prone as the ferociously powerful 1199.

Some expense is saved by using a steel instead of aluminium rear subframe, and there’s a twin- instead of single-sided aluminium swingarm.

Suspension combines Showa’s familiar 43mm big piston forks — used here for the first time on a Ducati — plus a similarly multi-adjustable Sachs monoshock. Front brake calipers are Brembo Monoblocs but they’re the conventional M4 units rather than the 1199’s top-spec M50s.

Should I buy one?

If you’re captivated by the style, technology and performance of the Panigale but couldn’t justify such a hardcore or expensive bike as the 1199, then why not? At £12,495 the 899 is far from cheap — in fact it costs more than plenty of open-class superbikes — but it delivers a big dose of Panigale magic in a package that is more rider-friendly as well as substantially less expensive.

Both the ABS and the softer suspension would be welcome features on the road, where the 899 offers a few more advantages over its 848 EVO predecessor. At 17 litres its tank is a useful 1.5 litres bigger, which should increase practical range to almost 50 miles. Ergonomics are also

slightly more relaxed, which should improve comfort.

Despite the wet launch weather, I left Imola even more impressed by the Ducati than I’d expected to be.

Although the 899 can’t match the larger-capacity Panigale’s awesome power output and acceleration, it has more than enough of both for the street coupled with potential to be an excellent track-day bike too. The 899 is not just a less powerful and desirable version of the 1199, but a fast and capable superbike that would arguably be better suited to many riders, especially for road-going use.

So what’s it like to ride?

Rain at Imola meant there was no chance to see what the 899 could really do in a straight line. But it was clear that even this so-called baby Panigale is a seriously rapid superbike, with more low-rev grunt than its 848 EVO predecessor, as well as a stronger topend kick. That 148bhp maximum should give a top speed of around 170mph, with a smooth and sweetrevving feel.

Acceleration was also helped by the gearbox, which was impressively slick and aided by the efficient quick-shifter, unlike the notchy 848 EVO that I rode at Imola a couple of years ago.

Selecting Sport mode generated as much extra wheelspin and traction control action as forward motion, even before the rain started coming down harder, eventually cutting short the test. Despite being tall I found the bike reasonably roomy, but wasn’t the only rider to find my boot occasionally slipping off a too-smooth footrest in the wet.

The chassis was also very impressive, at least as far as the conditions allowed.

At 193kg wet (very wet, in this case) the 899 is 5kg heavier than the 1199 but lighter than the 848 EVO despite having ABS as standard. As well as having steeper geometry than the big Panigale

it also has a narrower 180-section (instead of 200) rear tyre that should also aid manoeuvrability. Spring rates at both ends are roughly 10% softer, intended to give a little more roadgoing comfort, as is the thicker seat.

The Ducati certainly steered very sharply and accurately through Imola’s chicanes, and railed through the faster curves feeling very stable. Without riding it on dry Tarmac it’s impossible to know how well its suspension would have coped, although the Showa BPFs and the Sachs shock unit are well tried and multi-adjustable components.

One chassis part that did have a chance to shine was the front brake, which even in the wet was superbly powerful, backed up by the grippy front Pirelli and the ABS system.

The tank holds a useful 17 litres.

A Sachs monoshock sits at the rear.

TECH SPEC Ducati 899 Panigale

Price: £12,495 Engine: Liquid-cooled 90º V-twin Power: 148bhp (104kW) @ 10,750rpm Torque: 73lb-ft (99Nm) @ 9000rpm Kerb weight: 193kg Seat height: 830mm Tank size: 17 litres www.ducatiuk.com

BMW nineT Launch report 21

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Unfinished symphony

Celebrating 90 years of motorcycle innovation, BMW finally unveils its new bike, yet admit it’s not really finished! John Milbank was at the launch…

BMW also offers a dual seat to use in place of the cafe racer style you can see above...

... or by removing just four screws you can go for a single seat ‘chopped’ style.

WITH THE well-earned success of BMW’s GS and GS Adventure series of bikes, a departure from what some would consider ‘the norm’ was always going to ruffle a few feathers. Since its first machine – the R32 – was launched back in 1923, BMW has often been considered a manufacturer of functional, or some people might say predictable bikes. The thing is, those people would be wrong.

Bayerische Motoren Werke has pioneered Yet after spending many years designing this creative ideas since the R32: the first boxer (a flat celebration of German engineering, they want engine whose pistons move in a horizontal you to change it! plane) to be matched with a shaft drive; the first Every part of the nineT is ready to be tweaked, supercharged motorcycle in 1935; the first mass- and it’s not simply a cynical money-making produced bike with a full fairing in 1976; the first exercise to tie you into the aftermarket on/off-road machine capable of touring in 1980 catalogue. While numerous options for (the R80G/S); the first bike with ABS in 1988; headlights, seats, exhausts and more will be Telelever suspension in 1993; the brutal 161bhp available from BMW, every member of the naked K1200R in 2005… management team I spoke to was enthusiastic Now it’s created a bike that, in the designers’ own about what the best custom houses would make words, compromises functionality for style, and is of their new child. Roland Sands, a top US bike a canvas for the rider seeking individuality… gone designer, was involved in the original R90S is the Telelever suspension so typical of BMW, concept bike, and I’d not be at all surprised to replaced by the upside-down forks and brakes of see one of the new nineTs emerging from his the S1000RR; there’s no weather protection; and workshop over the next few months. the engine is still a more classically styled airThanks to homologation laws, the bike’s cooled lump. This bike is all about the emotion of number plate currently sits above, and slightly a motorcycle – the raw feeling of needing to own behind the rear wheel (as you’d expect), yet it and modify something simply because it’s ‘cool’. takes just four bolts to remove the rear The nineT was unveiled to the subframe. If you want to go for world’s press in BMW’s a single-seat layout, then you Munich-based museum, and can create your own holder, or DiD YOU KNOW? being able to look at what it’s use BMW’s kit that moves the created over the last 90 years, plate and lighting to a BMW’s first vehicle was many of the design decisions mounting point on the rear the R32 – for many years it start to make more sense. hub. Only available in black for was primarily a bike Talking to Edgar Henirich now, the area of exposed manufacturer that also and Ola Stenegard of the BMW brushed aluminium on the made some cars. design team, it’s hard not to get tank is a tantalising glimpse of caught up in their enthusiasm what could be to come… for bikes. Ola tells me that the pair of them have With a UK launch date of March 15, 2014 (and been customising their own machines for many an expected price of around £11,500), it seems years (Ola was chopping Hondas and Kawasakis likely we’ll see plenty of options becoming before he was 18). Only now do they believe the available nearer the time. The bike’s ready for time is right for the company to produce a bike production, and ready for the road, but it’s far aimed at the cafe racer culture that’s rapidly from complete. To truly ‘finish’ this bike, the emerging from dark, back-street garages. A owner is expected to give it their own stamp, culture that’s even finding a foothold in the and I’m pretty excited to see where that’s going fashionable limelight of Shoreditch and beyond. to lead…

22 REALLY USEFUL SECTION

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A brief history of braking If you think the throttle is the most powerful force in your right hand, you’re wrong. It’s the lever just in front of it...

Words: Simon Hargreaves WHAT GENERATES the most force: a modern, fuel-injected, 160bhp, 1000cc V-twin revving at 9000rpm, or four pistons not much larger than milk bottle tops, acting on a pair of discs the size and thickness of an average dinner plate?

Correct. It’s the brakes. On a good day with a good launch using good tyres on a modern bike – say, a new Ducati Multistrada – you’ll hit 70mph from a standing start in 70 or so metres, or after four seconds. However, if you jump on the Multistrada’s brakes at 70mph, you’ll come to a halt in around 50 metres, in only three seconds.

And this difference only increases as the speeds go up. By the time you’re doing 125mph or so after half a mile, braking to a standstill takes less than half that distance.

It’s a fact: your brakes are more powerful than your engine.

Braking: a leg

Braking wasn’t a priority for the pioneers of powered two-wheelers; it was hard enough making the damn things go forward. Deceleration was an afterthought and, for a while, sticking out a leg was the most effective means of slowing down (etymologists disputing the origin of ‘break a leg’ as an ironic wish of good luck would be advised to consider the early development of motorcycling: literally, ‘Brake! Your legs!’).

In 1885, German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach built a rudimentary internal combustion engine for the purposes of locomotion.

Acknowledging the limitations of their

prototype in propelling something as unwieldy as a four-wheeled carriage, they instead fitted it to a wooden bicycle and created what some claim to be the world’s first motorcycle, the Reitwagen (although it actually had four wheels and was predated by steam-powered two-wheelers).

The Reitwagen had a top speed of 0.5mph, which is 3mph slower than a brisk walking pace. Nonetheless, Daimler and Maybach fitted a brake, adapting technology itself only developed 16 years previously on the bicycle in which a lever-operated leather ‘spoon’ on an arm pressed against the rear wheel. History doesn’t record how useful it was; the prototype Reitwagen caught fire on its maiden voyage and the rider presumably had more pressing matters to which to attend.

A few years later, having proved their engine (and reduced its combustibility), Daimler and Maybach went off and developed their engine for other, less useful vehicles like boats, airships, and these funny little things called cars... never catch on.

In 1894 the Hildebrand & Wolfmüller featured a more sophisticated pushrod spoon brake bearing down over the front tyre, actuated by a conventional right-hand handlebar lever (which also automatically closed the throttle). By now the pneumatic rubber tyre had been invented (pre-Reitwagen, but not used on its wooden wheels) and this, combined with basic steering geometry and weight distribution, led to the arrival of the thing that really makes brakes work: grip.

The Reitwagen used a leather ‘spoon’ to slow the awesome speeds this 1885 bike was capable of.

Tales from the gripped

Grip is the thing that makes everything a bike does, work. Without grip there’s nothing for a braking motorcycle to brake against – which is why you fall off when you brake on ice. And there’s nothing to accelerate against. And there’s nothing to stop you falling over when you lean. Without grip, a bike is significantly less useful than a beached whale.

When your tyres have grip, you can make your engine more powerful to exploit it. You can mess about with frame materials, weight distribution, steering geometry and suspension – make your bike handle better – to exploit it. And you can make your brakes better, to exploit it.

Which is why in the first half of the 20th century, with the presence of rubber, motorcycle technology exploded. Many mechanical systems on bikes now (we exclude the wonders of electronics) were developed, tried, and maybe rejected, in those first 40 years. And almost any brake system you can think of was tried: early Royal Enfields came with a pushbike-style rim caliper brake at the front, and a spoon brake at the rear acting on an inboard rim. By 1909, a rear drum brake was introduced on the Belgian FN Four (the first inline four-cylinder) – the drum principle of ‘shoes’ inside a hub bearing outwards on the walls proved a reliable, durable and popular design for the next 60 years.

It’s a disc race The Belgian FN Four used ‘shoes’ inside a hub-mounted drum in 1909.

One example of an early brake system developed then discarded was the disc brake. In 1902 a mechanical system was tested on four wheels, but the

absence of hydraulics, inadequate materials technology and the poor state of the road network meant high failure rates. It took until the mid-1960s for anything resembling a modern disc brake to appear.

There’s some dispute about who developed disc brakes first. The 1962 Lambretta TV175 had a mechanically operated disc brake and in 1966 in America, a company called Rokon built a bizarre two-wheeled drive off-road bike called the Trail-Breaker which had a mechanical disc brake on the front gearbox. Over here, engineer and racer Peter Williams developed and fitted a hydraulic disc brake to his racing Matchless in 1965, while the Lyster Manx Nortons of 1966 also had them.

The first commercially available racing hydraulic discs were claimed by AP Lockheed, which modified its fitment for a racing Mini to bolt a front disc to the 1966 Kirby Rickman Metisse.

But the first proper road bike to get a disc brake was Honda’s 1969 CB750, with a 209mm single front disc and single piston caliper. Road tests of the time acknowledged the disc’s theoretical advantage over drum brakes – better cooling efficiency, better durability and greater reliability, less weight and lower cost. But disc brakes weren’t universally accepted from the start – in particular, their wet weather performance was dismal. A film of water would build up between the brake pad and the disc and is, as any skier will tell you, a very effective lubricant.

But the advantages of discs were so great, not being able to stop in the wet was a small price to pay while we waited for the solution. And while we waited, Phil Read won the first 500cc

world title using AP Lockheed twin discs on his MV Agusta in 1973.

Presumably in the dry. And by the time the solution for wet weather braking arrived, in the form of sintered metal brake pads with a cocktail of compounds to determine feel, heat absorption, friction and wear rates, most large capacity bikes had twin discs at the front and, increasingly, a disc at the rear too.

Don’t stop me now...

In 1981 the new Suzuki Katana had enough power to lock its front wheel, which meant it either needed grippier tyres, more effective weight distribution or better front suspension to stop more quickly. What it didn’t need was more brake power.

Thus the subsequent development of brakes has been as much about feel, lever effort and inventing new adjectives as much as outright stopability. Yes, we’ve had improved performance from racing-derived brake system design – monobloc radial calipers, radial master cylinders, braided hoses etc. – so that now, as in 1981, brakes have enough power to easily either lock the front or tip the bike on its nose (depending on its centre of gravity). In some ways brake development mirrors engine development – okay, we have enough power already; controlling it the new technology battleground.

So in 1988, when BMW and automotive parts giant Bosch introduced anti-lock brakes (although Royal Enfield trialled a Dunlop system in 1958 and Soichiro Honda patented a drum brake ABS design in 1959), the emphasis was not on producing more

REALLY USEFUL SECTION 23

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Right: BMW was the first to market ABS brakes, but Soichiro Honda filed a patent for a drum system in 1959.

Advanced ABS... the future of stopping?

1

Early Royal Enfields used a push-bike style front brake on the rim, and spoon brake at the rear. stopping power but making brakes work more effectively than, literally, humanly possible.

Honda was thinking along the same lines. It introduced a linked brake system as early as 1976 on its RCB1000 endurance racer, in which the rear brake also activated the front, primarily to reduce rider effort during the race.

By 1982 Honda fitted linked brakes to the GL1200 Goldwing; by 1993 it was debuted on the CBR1000F, a year after ABS appeared on the Pan European and on Yamaha’s hub centre-steered GTS1000 (which also featured single front and rear discs with a six-piston caliper gripping the former).

Early ABS systems were relatively crude – the units were heavy, their performance was intrusive (with a familiar pulsing at the lever) and easily activated (the GTS1000 could be persuaded to momentarily release its brakes if braked hard enough over bumps). But today’s anti-lock brakes have developed to the point they’re transparent under all but the most extreme riding conditions. And, controversially, European legislation is demanding ABS becomes mandatory on all bikes built after 2016 (backed, naturally, by companies who stand to profit, like Bosch).

But it’s hard to argue against the facts (or at least, Bosch’s representation of statistics): something like 60% of bike accidents are ABS relevant, and of those half would at least feature a reduced collision speed, and over a third would be avoided altogether (presumably based on stopping distance data). They believe, and it sounds plausible, that one in every two bike accidents could be positively influenced by ABS.

2

3

Late-braking news

The very latest development in braking is a new type of anti-lock system developed by KTM and Bosch that, believe it or not, works in corners as well as when the bike is upright.

Available on the 2014 1190 Adventure and Adventure R models, and as a £330 software upgrade to the 2013 Adventure (but not on the 1290 Super Duke, yet), the system takes lean angle data from the bike’s traction control system and uses it to modulate ABS control. It means the bike can be braked, front or rear, as hard as possible while leaned over at extreme lean angles, and will not lose grip.

MCM tried the system at Bosch’s test facility in Germany, and can reveal it is indeed an extraordinary development and it’s utterly impossible to lock the wheels while leaned over in a corner.

Instead, the tyres chirp briefly, and the bike slows down. It won’t even change line mid-corner – brake, and you can still steer with as much force as you like (as long as you’re braking; if you aren’t, the ABS obviously won’t bail you out).

Time will tell if the system is truly infallible – the true test will be when riders get into panic-braking situations and target fixate, especially in the wet.

But it’s one of the most bizarre, potentially life-saving, technological developments we’ve ever experienced.

The bike really does feel, to all intents and purposes, uncrashable.

Unless, of course, you actually ride it into something. And even then you’d be travelling more slowly when you hit whatever it was, assuming you had the presence of mind to slow down at all.

Either way, it’s fair to say the history of braking isn’t over yet.

4

5

Grabbing a handful of front brake mid-corner on a KTM equipped with the new Bosch system sees the suspension compress and the tyre squash down, yet the rider can safely continue through the turn, and come to a controlled stop.

Try that on a 1990s sportbike... actually, don’t!

Honda launched the first road bike with a disc brake in 1969: the CB750.

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Motorcycle Live

We’ve got you some superb deals for the NEC show this year – just take this page to the stand on each voucher for some fantastic savings and freebies...

Whether you’ve picked up this copy of the UK’s biggest bike monthly at the NEC, or you’ve grabbed it from your favourite dealer, club or bikers’ cafe, make sure you keep it with you! We’ve worked hard to bring you some exclusive discounts and freebies, so head over to the stands and get yourself a deal.

Of course, there are many more great ways to enjoy the show. Here are 10 reasons why 2013 is going to be a great show...

1) All the new bikes

Probably the top reason for the annual pilgrimage to Birmingham for most bike fans is to see all the new machinery for 2014 make its UK debut. All the big names in biking are there, bringing with them a whole host of shiny new bikes for you to feast your eyes on. Check out Triumph on 4A30; Honda at 2D30; KTM at 3D25; Kuberg at 3E28... you’ll find all the manufacturers here (and probably the MCM team drooling over the new metal too!).

2) Meet the stars

With the race season done and dusted, Motorcycle Live is the best opportunity to meet the stars of BSB, SBK, MotoGP and more in a more relaxed environment than a high-pressure paddock. Expect on-stage

Q&As and rider signings galore... don’t forget your autograph book.

3) Movie time

Another new feature for 2013, Behind Bars – the Movie is a must-see, 25 minute fly-onthe-wall look into what makes our heroes heroes. We get a behind the scenes look at the life of top racers Cal Crutchlow, Shane Byrne, John McGuinness, Scott Redding, Tom Sykes and Tommy Searle. The everpopular Nick Sanders Cinema is also back, but with a new twist for 2013.

4) A stunning stunt show

New for 2013 is the FREE Crank’d Live Action Show, where the UK’s top twowheeled talents are lining up to showcase their sensational skills. Crank’d takes homegrown superstars from BMX, mountain bike trials, motorcycle trials and road bike stunt riding and then blends these pedal and petrol-powered performers together for a battle of the cranks over a bespoke indoor playground comprising dirt ramps, jump boxes, high jumps and flatland sections.

5) Learn a new skill

Motorcycle Live is the perfect place to broaden your two-wheeled horizon. If you’ve never ridden off-road before, or you

want to hone your fledgling skills, the FREE Yamaha Off-road Experience is the perfect way to get a taster, while the FREE ACU Try Trials Area in conjunction with BUMPY aims to introduce you to the skilful trials discipline. All equipment and expert instruction is provided so there are no excuses!

6) Take a test ride

The Test Ride Zone will make a welcome return, thanks to Shoei, Sidi and Spada, and a great line up of bikes from leading manufacturers. Accompanied by outriders, you can get out on the open road and get a real feel for the model of your choice – all for FREE. All safety equipment will be provided.

ExClusIvE sHoW offERs 25

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7) Get the kids on two wheels

8) Get your mates on two wheels

The motorcycle industry’s Get On campaign will be offering FREE two-wheel taster sessions to novice and born-again bikers. For visitors with no experience at all – or even those who have spent some time away and want to get back into biking – the Get On arena should be the first port of call.

9) Nonstop entertainment

The British Eurosport Entertainment Zone featuring the Black Horse Stage will occupy the heart of Motorcycle Live.

Steve Parrish and James Whitham will keep the crowd entertained with interviews and chat shows, along with a variety of interactive games – many of which will be new for 2013 – and quizzes such as the ever-popular A Question Of Bikes.

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Spend £120 or more and get a FREE R&G Visor Pouch worth £12.99 and a FREE R&G cap worth £9.99 when you show this voucher to the stand’s staff (while stocks last).

10) Zones and themed days

Ogle at the weird and wonderful machines in the BSH Custom Xtreme Zone, admire the stunners of the 70s in the Retro Zone and appreciate some even older beauties in the Classic Zone.

There is so much eye candy you won’t know where to begin. Sunday, December 1 is a celebration of the Isle of Man TT, with guest appearances from all the big names.

For more info, or to book tickets log on to www.motorcyclelive.co.uk or call 0844 581 2345

10% off at Calsport Calsport, Stand 4A55

MCM readers can save a healthy 10% off all products at Motorcycle Live on the Calsport stand. Present this voucher and claim your discount on top gear including: Akrapovic; Yoshimura; ASV; Gilles; Galfer and much more!

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Budding bikers have more to do than ever before at Motorcycle Live 2013, with no fewer than four FREE, live features aimed at getting the little ones on two wheels.

New for 2013 is the Try a Kuberg – Children’s Electric Motorcycles feature, while the Kiddimoto Children’s Fun Track, the ever-popular My First Honda Licence and the Red Bull Pro Nationals MX Experience will all be back.

Half price winter warmer pack

Infinity Motorcycles, Stand 3E62 Infinity Motorcycles has a very special offer exclusively for MCM readers visiting Motorcycle Live. Infinity’s triple winter warmer pack, containing a balaclava, inner gloves and neck tube, normally sells for £14.97. Present your MCM voucher to the staff on Infinity’s stand in Hall 3 (E62) and it’s yours for just £7.50.

While stocks last!

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REALRIDER® automatically detects if you’ve had a crash and contacts the Ambulance Service with your last known location and medical details.

The first 100 visitors to the REALRIDER® stand 3E64 each day across the show will get the REALRIDER® app and REALsafe 12 month annual subscription FREE (RRP £25) on producing this voucher.

We’ve teamed up with Arai to offer the chance to win this fantastic, limited edition

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Delivered in its own presentation case, there are just 300 coming into the UK! Simply hand this completed voucher to the staff on stand 3G15 at the show for your chance to win.

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Or enter online at www.whyarai.co.uk/mcm ❑ By entering the competition you agree to Arai sending exclusive new products, events, competitions and Arai motorcycle specific information included in our newsletter. To opt out follow the unsubscribe link in all correspondence.

26

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Myth busted Bike cleaning 27

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‘Is Fairy Liquid a good bike wash?’

Fairy facts

It’s a question many people ask, but never seem to get a straight answer. John Milbank decided to find out, once and for all...

The front of the bike was covered in bugs that had been there for months.

On the left, there are still bugs after a vigorous scrub with washing-up liquid.

CHATTING with MCM reader Dino Heath at a bike meet the other week, we got into a discussion on bike cleaning. Dino shines up his R1150GS with washing-up liquid, but I’d always thought this contained salts that could cause corrosion. Back in the office the next day, I found a case of cleaning kit from SDoc100, and a test was born...

With a bucket of Tesco washing-up liquid and water for one side of the filthy Tiger Sport (our household budget doesn’t stretch to the big brands), and an array of posh cleaning products for the other, I started with the cheap – and very foamy – option.

The bike was covered with road grime, and a very unhealthy splattering of bugs on the front. Using a microfibre wash mitt, most of the general road crud floated off quite easily, but the bugs took a hell of a lot of scrubbing. It’s fair to say that I’m a bit anal when it comes to vehicle paintwork – while the Triumph’s white paint shouldn’t show rubbing marks like black can, I still prefer to be a lot more gentle than I was.

Cleaning the crevices around the engine was a little harder – it’s tricky to get the mitt into the smallest areas, and while a jetwash would help, I tend to be wary of them on unfaired bikes for fear of messing with the electrics.

Cleaning the nearside of the bike with SDoc100’s Gel Total Cleaner was a lot easier – the sticky gel hangs onto the surfaces of the bike, and can be left for between five and 15 minutes, depending how grubby it is, before spraying with a hose, and agitating with a sponge where needed. A cuppa break meant I waited the full amount of time, and the bugs did come off a lot easier. Some still needed a gentle rub, but generally they just floated clear.

Getting into the small parts of the engine and underneath the tail was much easier with the gel, although I did notice the rubber hoses had a little bit of a discoloured film over them after washing (some wax spray soon sorted this).

My only issue with the Gel Total Cleaner is the price – I used nearly a third of the bottle cleaning half the Tiger, and at £15.99 a pop, that’s not to be sniffed at. To be fair, the bike was in a terrible state, and regular cleaning should see you using a lot less.

Looking at the front of the bike, the

KTM Off-road Experience

MCM sent staff writer, Carli Ann Smith, to try out off-roading under the watchful eye of Ady Smith at the KTM off-road school.

Words: Carli Ann Smith

Carli prepares to take on the motocross track.

DRIVING DOWN the single track farm road, I was both excited and nervous about what the day would present. I’d booked on to the KTM off-road experience but I had no idea just what an ‘experience’ it would be.

Apart from bombing around a field on a DT125 when I was a teenager, I had next to no previous offroad history. I thought that this would hold me back, but after talking to a number of other participants on the day, I was put at ease by their great mix of riding experience. It wasn’t like I was going to be let loose with no training either, and my teacher for the day would be Ady Smith. Having competed in British Championship Enduros every year from 1983 until the end of 2000, and winning a number of supercross and supermoto events at national and international level – who better to teach me?

There was a selection of bikes for us: two- and four-strokes with capacities from 125cc up to 500cc. Quite a line-up, and we were each going to get the chance to try every one.

Sponge showdown – washing-up liquid versus premium cleaning kit. difference was obvious – the offside still looked a little grubby, and I could feel bug juice as I ran my finger across the painted surface. I’d missed the odd stubborn mark on the nearside, but considering the state of the bike when I’d started, the SDoc100 had done a great job.

For details of SDoc100 products go to www.sdoc100.co.uk

Kitted out with all the gear – everything from gladiator style body armour, knee protectors and huge boots that protect your shins and ankles – the day started with us going round the easy section of the track to learn the basics for the day: tight turns while sat down and stood up, the right standing position, clutch control and braking technique. We had plenty of time to practice our newly learnt manoeuvres and have fun on the bikes, but all that riding meant I was pooped by the end of the morning session – I’ll quietly admit to being rather pleased when it came time to head back to base and get a drink. During the break it was clear that we all had different levels of experience, but could all share our tales of heroism (and spills).

Ady and his team gradually opened up sections of the motocross track throughout the day which presented us with new challenges. There were tight twisty wooded sections, open tracks to get some speed up, and a particular jump where I had my first ‘big air’ moment. Ady likened it to “pieces of the jigsaw coming together” and he was completely right. The techniques and skills we’d learnt throughout the day all came together on the track resulting in hours of fun.

I drove home with a huge smile on my mud covered face and the smile was still there when I arrived, 231 miles later.

I would thoroughly recommend the day – even if you’ve got no off-road experience it’s a great introduction. What I loved was that even for those who had ridden off-road before there was more than enough for people to hone their skills and get their knobblies into. It would make a great Christmas, birthday present or just a weekend away. Grab some mates, get on the website and book a date and venue to suit you – if you like two wheels and having fun, you’ll love it.

Have a go...

The KTM off-road school www.adysmith.co.uk There are a number of packages to suit everyone whether you have all of the gear or not. Simply log on and check out the dates available. Dates for 2014 will be announced soon.

Does washing-up liquid damage your vehicle?

We asked Dr Bob Eden BSc MSc PhD MICorr (Member of the Institute of Corrosion) for the ‘science bit’: “Washing up liquid does contain a ‘salt’ but this is the active ingredient and should not be confused with road salt. There is nothing in a washing-up liquid that will exacerbate corrosion – there’s no sodium chloride salt to worry about.

“The issue regarding corrosion is the ‘chloride’ bit of the salt. In ‘chloride nests’ at the base of a corrosion pit, the chloride exists as hydrogen chloride, which in damp conditions creates a solution of dilute hydrochloric acid, and it’s this acid that does the damage.

“You need to avoid ‘chloride’ from any and all sources – e.g. seawater, road grit, fish and chips (but not washing up liquid).

When I wash my aluminium bodied Lea-Francis, a dash of Fairy is just fine...”

Dirt buddies

Tom Yates, Polegate “I’ve had a fantastic day, it was a great experience I just wish it was longer! You get to go at your own pace and don’t have anyone breathing down your neck telling you that you can’t do certain things as at some schools.”

Steve Donald, Hellingly “I’ve had a great day. I haven’t ridden a bike for 17 years, so a day like this was a fantastic chance to get back on in a controlled place and try out off-roading.”

Mike Lambert, Polegate “I’d definitely come again, you have the opportunity to do what you want and try things out.”

Simon Turnbull, 50, Haslemere “I chose to do the school on my 2012 KTM 250EXC-F. This was the fourth time I’ve done the school after my first experience in 2009.

I like it so much because Ady really wants to make a difference to your riding whether you’re a beginner, you’ve been a few times or you’re an experienced rider who’s thinking of changing their bike and has come to try the range. If you want to do or try something specific, Ady will try and incorporate it into the day.

You learn something new each time and everyone always leaves with a buzz. I haven’t done Ady’s camp in Wales yet so I’m hoping to do that next year.”

28 SUBSCRIPTION OffeR

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6 issues for £20.00 Classic Bike Guide explores the world of classic motorcycle ownership and restoration. Beautiful photographs illustrate reviews of rare machines and profiles of the best British bikes of yesteryear. There’s all the latest news too, plus views from our knowledgeable columnists, detailed workshop guides, event reports and thorough road tests.

4 issues for £20.00 Classic Dirt Bike is all about motorcycles made for the rough stuff.

It features news and reviews on everything off-road from pre-65 to twinshock and evo in trials, scrambles, enduros and motocross disciplines. Events are given full coverage and it’s all illustrated with photographs of machines and their riders in action.

6 issues for £20.00 The Classic MotorCycle brings together news, reviews and archive images from the golden age of motorcycling. Legendary machines, riders and races are celebrated through lavish illustrations and detailed reports. Drawing on an archive stretching back to 1903, TCM offers an unparalleled insight into more than a century of motorcycle development.

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6 issues for £20.00 Motorcycle Sport & Leisure can claim to have more world scoops and exclusives than any other motorcycle magazine. It’s got the latest news, test rides and in-depth interviews.

There are amazing touring tales from every corner of the globe done on bikes of every capacity too... plus strong views from its expert columnists.

12 issues for £16.00 Old Bike Mart offers the UK’s largest selection of classic motorcycle classifieds. It features the latest news, reports from the classic racetrack, part and tool reviews and newly discovered historic machines... plus hundreds of ads to browse.

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7 issues for £20.00 RealClassic revels in the nuts and bolts of running, riding and rebuilding real classic motorcycles. Expert and enthusiastic real-life riders from across the world share their passion for old bikes from all eras via test rides, rebuild reports, retro recreations and reviews. Subscribers join the RealClassic Club with exclusive benefits.

6 issues for £20.00 Classic Racer gives a passionate insight into the golden days of motorcycle racing. Legendary riders are interviewed, the high-powered machines they rode are examined and past racing triumphs are celebrated.

Reviews and reports from the world of classic racing are beautifully illustrated with period photographs from the vast Mortons Archive.

6 issues for £20.00 Scootering is the world’s number one scooter magazine. The best customised and restored scoots are showcased in glorious detail with owner interviews, tech specs and beautiful photographs that pick out every carefully crafted detail.

There’s rally reports, buyer’s guides, reviews, music, nostalgia and top technical tips too.

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6 issues for £20.00 Twist & Go has the latest news from the current scooter and light motorcycle markets. It features new model tests, technical tips, product reviews and lifestyle reports too. The What Scooter section and Used Scooter Price Guide are a must if you’re in the market for a new scooter or lightweight motorcycle.

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30 InspIratIon Custom Harleys

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The gentlemen of custom Carli Ann Smith takes a trip to Shaw Speed and Custom in Sussex, to get the inside line on its award winning bikes... ● Cream paint palette and art deco artwork

● Heavily modified tank. Sits low with underside cut out revealing knuckle-style rocker covers

● Signature oil tank

● Leaf sprung solo seat

The Gentleman 39 was based on a Harley Blackline ● Clear powder coated frame – shows off the craftsmanship of build and rainbow effect of re-welding

● Offset headlight

● 16in front and rear wheels with retro Firestone tyres The Gentleman 39 was built purely for the Speed Shop to show just what it could create with a softail chassis...

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Custom Harleys InspIratIon 31

www.motorcyclemonthly.co.uk RIDERS HAVE been customising their Harley-Davidson. That gave us the two-wheeled machines since they were golden ticket to go to Sturgis in August invented. While some may change 2010 (Sturgis plays host to the AMD handlebar grips or add on some decals World Championship of Custom Bike in the quest for individuality, others Building final), where we won! The take it a little further and completely emails came flooding in, we built more rebuild them from the chassis up. bikes and it’s gone on from there!”

Customisation is ingrained within the By working with big brands such as brand of Harley-Davidson, and with Bell & Ross, Ralph Lauren and thousands of parts and accessories to Rockstar, the Speed Shop gained purchase and fit, owners have got a vast awareness and encouraged people array of looks to choose from. But what who may not necessarily have thought if you’re looking for something about owning a motorcycle to think completely unique? Enter Shaw about getting their licence and starting Harley-Davidson. their journey on two wheels.

Opening in 2002, Shaw stocked While they make one-off pieces of art, Harleys and Buells, however after the the team at Shaw Speed and Custom discontinuation of Buell in 2009, the understands what’s at the heart of dealership experienced a hole in trade motorcyclists – the ability to ride – so with half of its business, including bike makes nothing but ‘rideable’ customs. sales and workshop time, essentially “It depends on the level of disappearing. While many dealers may customisation that’s required – one have sat back with their hands on their year we may have a number of super heads, Steve Willis, dealer principal at detailed customisations which go right Shaw H-D, found an alternative which down to the frame. The amount of time complemented the core business. that takes restricts the number that we “We wanted to take custom to can physically do. But it tends to another level, we’d been doing a few average out at around 20 a year. but now had the capacity to do more.

“While the customising journey is “There was an empty stockroom at different, we aim to make the end result the back of the technical department the same for everyone – a bike that the which we transformed into the Speed customer loves, which contains Shop. You can look down into the elements of their personality and fits workshop and see into their life. We have the bikes being 75 bikes on the DiD YOU KNOW? worked on; it’s a website so a lot of great one-to-one people come in with a Some of the Shaws area which gets favourite which forms bikes retail for more people thinking the basis, we ask than £60,000 about what they people to send in want from their things that reflect custom machine.” themselves as we need to know what You may think that Steve had a clear type of person they are.” plan of action about the future of the Steve puts himself into the custom shop, he didn’t: “In 2010 we customer’s shoes and looks at the bike took part in the International Custom with their persona to judge the build as Bike Championship with Strike True II they would. and won the category for Modified “The bike has to be part of them, so

Based on XL1200N Nightster Sportster, the XLST3 was the third motorcycle to be built in the iconic Strike True family. as project manager I become them. We keep in touch with the customer throughout the build, and send regular updates and images, but sometimes the customer doesn’t see the whole bike until the unveiling when it’s complete. There’s a huge amount of trust with these projects.”

With so many breathtaking customs on the website and an extra 20 being made every year, is it possible to have a favourite?

“It’s often not about the finished bike, it’s the whole experience. I’d say our first world championship bike, Strike True II, is my favourite. It ticks all the boxes and is timeless. We can take it to a skate park and the kids would love it or take it to a vintage rally and they’d like it. Everyone can visualise

themselves on it and find elements that they love.”

Custom doesn’t just have to mean a complete rebuild and can be any detail.

Steve has his own analogy...

“It’s like interior design. People have nice homes and want to stay but they want a change. This change could be putting new cushions on the sofa or it could be knocking down a wall.

There are different levels and it’s the same with customising a bike. Speed Shop is open for everyone, with all budgets, whether it’s new handlebar grips, a chopped rear end or a fullblown rebuild.

“The retro vibe with a modern twist is always a winner. Styling from the 1930s and 40s always works, as do fat rear tyres. Recently there’s even been

something of a motocross theme.

Knobbly tyres and chain conversions (replacing the belt drive with a chain) have been popular this year. We’ll see if it’s a trend that will stay!”

With further exciting and high profile projects in the pipeline for 2014, we can’t wait to find out what they do next!

To check out a selection of Shaw Speed and Custom’s work visit: www.shawspeedandcustom.co.uk

Are you a fan of custom bikes or do you have your own? Why not post a picture of your dream machine on our Facebook page? facebook.com/MotorCycleMonthly

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32 ADVENTURE Italy (via Eastern Europe)

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My long way round

MCM reader Tony Gibbins relates his story of one R1200GS, 11 countries, 24 days, and a lot of rain...

Tony at the 1142m Brocken Summit, at the Harz Mountains, N Germany.

Tony couldn’t resist snaps of the strange place names of Netherlands.

AFTER serving for 18 years in the Sussex AA Roadside Breakdown Patrol Service, riding the once familiar yellow BSA M21 motorcycle and sidecar, I accepted a promotion to be a technical adviser at one of the AA Insurance offices near Stockport where I now live with my nonbiking (but very understanding) wife Sue. I retired 12 years ago and I suppose all those years in the insurance world stuck behind a desk gave me a yearning for the open road...

Born in the early 1940s, I was destined to have a certain interest in Second World War events so I included in my adventure’s itinerary a stay in Colditz Castle, visits to the Arnhem Bridge, and the concentration camp memorial sites of Birkenau, Auschwitz and Dachau. I also wanted to visit a school friend now living in Serramonacesca in the region of Abruzzo, Italy. For added interest and to satisfy my steam railway ‘nerdship’ I also included a trip on the Harz Mountain Railway.

The ferry from Hull arrived early in the morning at Rotterdam. My first destination was the bridge across the River Rhine at Arnhem which was part of the Second World War ‘Operation Market Garden’ This event featured in the film A Bridge Too Far. My route successfully allowed me to cross the bridge now known as the John Frost Bridge named after the British Army

Tony taking a break at Buda, with stunning views towards Pest.

commanding officer who first reached and defended it. I had a coffee break beside the River Rhine and tried to gain an impression of how it could have been in September 1944.

Having crossed the border into Germany I arrived at my hostel in Wewlesburg to give me an early start for a day on the Harz Mountain Steam Railway up to the ‘Broken ‘summit (1142m). I loved my castle accommodation with its commanding views across the forested German countryside.

The following morning as I set off the weather was a tad inclement. By the time the train had reached the summit the weather improved sufficiently to show the panoramic views of old East Germany. ‘The Broken’ mountain was one of the Soviet Blocs’ intercontinental ballistic missile early warning stations.

Unfortunately my exciting day ended grimly as I approached my overnight accommodation in ex-Second World War prisoner of war camp; Colditz Castle. The bridge across the River Mulde from the town of Grimma to the town of Colditz was under water, so my route was blocked.

After a good night’s rest at a Hotel in Naunhof, I wondered if I could still visit Colditz Castle. Doubts arose as I came to a halt at another police roadblock at Grimma. I very much appreciated the policewoman who jumped in her cop car and led me by another route to a point where I couldn’t go wrong. It was good to eventually reach and gain entry to Colditz Castle and I spared a thought for all those PoWs who spent their years of captivity trying to get out!

I was now committed to using my maps and phone to navigate to my Prague hostel as the night before the sat nav on the GS would not recognise that I was in Germany! I was only successful in finding my hostel in Prague by reverting to plan ‘C’ - a taxi

Parked up outside the Verona Colosseum in Italy during a lunch stop.

which I secured from a helpful petrol swollen Danube it was a great saving in slower journey to Innsbruck via the station attendant! cost and time. wonderfully scenic Brenner and I looked out of my hostel window the Riding over the mountainous terrain Pennes Passes. The following day I set next morning to see across the road a of Bulgaria to my hostel in Sofia in out for Munich and visited Dachau shop dealing in installations of Garmin heavy rain was very atmospheric. I Concentration Camp Memorial Site. satellite navigation systems. Eureka! hoped for drier and warmer weather in On leaving my Dachau hostel the next At this stage in my journey I had the morning. Sadly it was not the case morning my route on the autobahn cottoned on to why my sat nav was as I set off for my hotel in Thessaloniki was very fast before turning off for misbehaving. I had, when rearranging in Greece. Once over the border, Freudenstadt and a ride on the B500 some routes on the unit, inadvertently miraculously it became hotter and I road though the Black Forest. After my erased my maps and not realised it! soon dried off. obligatory forest picnic in a sun Thankfully I left Prague with all my My overnight stay in Thessaloniki drenched idyllic spot I rode on into routes and maps restored for all the enabled me to loaf around in the sun Baden-Baden. I had just enough room countries I was to visit. the following day and also to view for some gateau.

I arrived in Poland amid great rain some of the sights. Later in the day I My hostel at Heidelberg was very clouds, and later in the day mist as I got rode off into the sunset towards the entertaining. My room overlooked the higher into a forested hillside area close port of Igoumenitsa to catch the adjacent zoo where two elephants in to my hostel at Ustron. The following midnight ferry to Italy. After docking in their enclosure were charging around day I visited the concentration camp Bari in brilliant hot sunshine the Italian chasing each other! memorial sites of Auschwitz and autostrada provided a swift route to The day after, rain stopped me from Birkenau where I was overwhelmed by Pescara before turning inland towards taking my planned scenic route the sights, silence and reverence of my Serramonacesca, high in the following the River Rhine as I headed fellow visitors. Following my visit I rode mountainous part of Parco Nazionale northwards. I elected to take the on to my hostel in Krakow. della Majella. autobahn to visit the Second World On my journey through Slovakia I Nothing could have prepared me for War battle site of Remagen on the enjoyed the rural my welcome in swollen River Rhine. After passing rolling green and Serramonacesca at through Bonn I rejoined the autobahn golden landscapes my friend Ian’s farm. and I was soon at Valkenswaard, my TONY’S TOP TIP as I rode on towards All the locals were Netherlands hostel.

Planning is key, so research Hungary. celebrating the The Valkenswaard hostel was an the distance between I found it difficult Festival of Antonio interesting site as I observed a plaque places you intend to visit or to decide on my over the two days I commemorating the fact that during have booked to stay and try accommodation in was there!

We the Second World War it was where all to plan breaks every 50 Budapest.

My enjoyed evening the allied ground troops and armoured miles or two hours. decision was to stop meals in the street as transport assembled prior to between Buda and church bells rang out, embarking on their mission to cross the Pest on a hostel boat moored on the bands played and the evening Arnhem bridge into Germany.

River Danube. This turned out not to fireworks were so spectacular. The It seemed that historically my entire be possible due to severe flooding of Italians certainly know how to party. journey passing though 11 countries the riverside waterfronts. I found an In the past I’ve enjoyed various scenic and covering 4250 miles had come full alternative hostel in a drier area of Pest. routes returning from Ian’s but on this circle in 24 days. The places that I The views from Buda, high above the trip it would be a different route. First I visited had been on my ‘visit list’ for a flooded River Danube, were very had a high speed run on the autostrada number of years so it was well worth it picturesque. up the east coast of Italy to Bologna for to do my version of the ‘Long Way After a happy two days travelling an overnight hostel stay. I reached Round’ to see my friend Ian and his around Budapest on the tram system it Verona the following day and had a wife Carole in Italy. was time to ride on into Romania and get exposed to its culture and roads.

As I was passing through Transylvania I deviated from major to Had a fantastic riding trip, or minor roads and had to cope with very planning one this year? Whatever your poor surfaces. The roads may have adventure, we’d love to hear about it! The been a lot slower, but the landscapes most interesting and well-written stories could and scenery were worth it as my GS, make it into the paper, and if you’d like a bit of an aided by its Metzeler tyres, very nimbly incentive, we’ve got a set of Metzeler Tyres to progressed around the numerous give away for each story published. potholes, uneven surfaces and You can choose from either Metzeler Roadtec animal debris.

Z8, Tourance Next or Karoo 3s. The Roadtec Z8s My route through to the have been certified by the Motorrad Test Centre as the Romanian/Bulgarian border was Clujbest sports touring tyre in the set, while the Tourance Next is the high-tech Napoca, Sighisora, Medias and Sibiu. tyre for adventure bikes (standard fitment on the R1200GS). The Karoo 3 Is The border crossing ferry from Bechet a knobbly dual-purpose adventure tyre suitable for off-road use and long to Oryahovo on the Bulgarian side of distance on Tarmac. For more info on Metzeler’s award winning range of the River Danube was a great cause of tyres, go to www.metzeler.co.uk concern for me due to the flooding upriver already experienced in Prague and Budapest. An enquiry email soon Please send your stories to mcmeditor@mortons.co.uk with produced an ‘okay to proceed’. At six ‘My adventure’ in the subject line. euros to cross the fast flowing and

Win Metzeler tyres

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 33

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Christmas Gift Guide

Legal matters made simple RIDERS AND THE LAW / CoMpETITIoN 35

www.motorcyclemonthly.co.uk

sets of

Cold Killers clothing to be won Windproof yourself this winter and carry on riding through the seasons with Cold Killers mid-layer clothing.

We have six sets of Cold Killers sport tops and pants, each worth £99.98, to give away.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, the sport tops and pants are produced using a windproof three-layer laminate. The hydrophilic membrane at its core creates a water repellent barrier to keep both wind and rain on the outside and warm air on the inside, while the soft airflow fleece on the back allows the skin to breathe. This helps the wearer to maintain a stable temperature.

Soft and stretchy, the sport tops and pants fit comfortably beneath outer wear, and can be used while motorcycling, mountain biking, hiking or horse riding. The garments can also be machine washed, so are easy to keep fresh.

They are available in a range of sizes to fit both men and women.

To be in with a chance of winning one of six sets of Cold Killers clothing, simply answer this question: Question: Where are Cold Killers products made?

A. United Kingdom B. United States of America C. United Arab Emirates

For more information visit www.coldkillers.co.uk

enter free online at:

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Q&A

The MCM legal column is compiled by managing partner Andrew ‘Chef’ Prendergast and his bike riding barristers and solicitors at White Dalton Motorcycle Solicitors.

The firm deals with personal injury claims and its sister company, Motor Defence Solicitors, deals with all the motoring offences. All White Dalton lawyers know everything about bike law – and they have full bike licences too. They don’t act for insurance companies or the prosecution.

White Dalton is Britain’s most specialist motorcycle law practice, and if its professionals don’t know the answer to your question there probably isn’t one.

Don’t rely on the advice from your insurance appointed solicitor, get proper independent advice.

For road traffic offences call the Motor Defence solicitors on 0800 280 0912 For non-offence cases call White Dalton motorcycle solicitors on 0800 783 6191

Need advice?

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

The six lucky winners will be drawn from all correct entries received by the closing date specified. Full terms and conditions can also be found on the MCM website.

No cash alternatives. Competition is only open to UK.

Specialist motoring solicitor Andrew Prendergast guides our readers through their legal trials and troubles...

Q

I bought a new Triumph a year and a half back, on finance. Four months ago I got wiped out by an old biddie, in an Austin Allegro of all things (yes it was in poo brown), who was on the way home from a vintage rally. Luckily no one got hurt but both vehicles were written off. I am fully comprehensive insured but they have valued my bike at less than I owe the finance company and then paid me. The payment was £1500 short of what I owe.

I have told my finance company that I am not paying for a bike that I don’t have any more and stopped paying. However, they have now threatened to take me to court. That can’t be right can it? Why should I pay if it’s not my fault?

A

Firstly, at least no one got hurt and on a positive note there is one less poo brown Austin Allegro on the road! Secondly, your finance company can take you to court and would win if you do not repay them. While it is rubbish that you have to pay off something you no longer have, you signed the agreement to repay them the money that originally bought your bike. A lot of people struggle to get their head around this but it may be easier to think of it in terms of a bank loan – i.e. if you borrowed £5000 over four years, but failed to make the payments, the bank could sue you.

Q

I was filtering through traffic when I saw a bus indicating right and moving out of a bus stop to my left. There was a van to his right and I went for the gap in between. Because the bus was pulling out I got stuck in between the van and bus and then fell off my bike. Both drivers stopped so I have their details. Filtering is legal, so who can I sue, the van or the bus or

Closing date:

Dec 16, 2013

“NICE BIKE MATE...”

1995 BMW r100rT

both? Luckily I captured the whole incident on my helmet camera. The police turned up and but the officer wasn’t that interested. However, I have tracked him down and sent him the video showing what happened. Hopefully the van or bus driver will get prosecuted. What do you think?

A

Are you a complete spoon? We evolved over thousands of years and can supposedly be intelligent. Are you the missing link? In short, unless I am missing something, this accident was entirely your fault. Yes, we all make mistakes (I once rear ended a massive parked bus while riding a Honda C90 at the age of 17!) but you can’t sue someone because you made a mistake. To coin a phrase: ‘Where there’s blame, there’s a claim.’ The problem you have is the blame is with you. As for the video, you have just offered yourself up on a plate for prosecution. If the police officer reviews it you can expect to be summonsed for driving without due care and attention or possibly dangerous driving.

For more info, go to:

Name: Reg Gibson From: Skegness occupation: Retired traffic cop owned bike for: 18 months Tell us about it: “In 1982 I bought a brand new Honda Silver Wing.The paint was falling off within six months, so I chopped it in for a BMW and have stuck with the brand.

I’ve had no problems with this one – I service it myself – but the carbs do tend to go out of balance. I’ve always loved this model, so bought a 1995 as it was the last of this bike. I’ve just got back from Moto-bins, as the previous owner had put the wrong fork oil in.Anything other than 5wt and I find the bike’s too crashy.”

Power: 60hp (44kW) @ 6500rpm Torque: 55lb-ft (74Nm) @ 3500rpm engine: 980cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled, boxer twin

www.whitedalton.co.uk

Kerb weight: 229kg seat height: 807mm Current value: Dealer £2100; Private £1800; Part-ex £1200

MOTOR CYCLE M

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A COLLECTION OF Eight Classic bikes, all vgc, low mileage (may separate), Triumph Greeves, BSA etc, No offers please. £17,000. the eight. Tel. 01376 343559. Essex.

AJS 1937 MODEL 22 Twin Port 250cc, reg 7** XUV non trans, V5C Sorn, original condition! requires tlc! nice bike, £3250.Tel. 07747 807303. E Sussex.

AJS STELLA 350-9B 320 Twin custom cruiser, only 500 miles, screen, rack and top box, illness and old age forces sale, £2000.

Tel. 02476 373635. N Warks.

APRILIA PEGASO FACTORY 660 08 (58), 3,400 miles, vgc, oil/filter just done, 2 keys and books, MoT 5/14, tax 11/13, £2650. Tel. 01361 884222.

Berks.

ARIEL HS Mk 3, 56 fully restored, matching numbers, 6,600 miles since build, alloy tank/rims, stainless guards/fasteners, rare model, £6995. Tel. 01225/776528. Wilts.

BIAMO RENEGADE 124 2005, twin port, recent battery, MoT/tax Aug 2014, £500 ono Tel. 02476 335966. Coventry.

BMW 100 RT 1982, 1000cc, sidecar outfit, t&t, exc cond, Crusader sidecar, only 6 produced, has Gullwing doors and RC fitted, p/x trike, lighter outfit or 3-wheeler, £3900. Tel. 0191 3884084. Durham.

H

L Y

Classified

BMW 1200GS Triple, black, 61 plate, Dec 2011, 7k, s/h, BMW engine bars, oil cooler guard, HID h/lamp, headlamp guard fender extender and spot lamps, exc cond, £9200. Tel. 01277 840982. Essex.

BMW F650 GS 04 reg, ex-police bike with only 9,200 miles, t&t until Nov 13, just fitted new chain and sprocket, f&r pads, plugs, oil & filter plus more! £3200. Tel. 01592 743181.

Fife.

BMW F650CS 02, 13,500 miles, centre stand, top box, heated grips, clean & tidy, MoT & tax May 14, ideal commuter or winter bike,. Tel. 01902 337561. W Mids.

BMW F650GS 2005, 9,000 miles, s/h,. Tel. 07831 406310.

Devon.

BMW F800 ST Apr 2011, 3,809 miles, factory lowered suspension, full sump guard, s/s rad grill, ABS, h/grips, BMW panniers, BMW rear carrier bag, mirror extensions, immac, £6200. Tel. 01754 873628.

Lincs.

BMW K1100RS ABS, 1993, maroon, 40k, tax 30.04.14, MoT 30.08.14, panniers, top box, tank bag, mechanically excellent but paintwork tatty, hence £1200. Tel. 07876 282774. Derbys.

BMW K1200 GT/SE 2006, 24k miles, immaculate, fully equipped, £5550 ono Tel. 01760 720057. Norfolk.

BMW R100S professionally rebuilt with steel Steib S501 sidecar, an immaculate sporting combination, £7300.Tel. 01803 401517. Devon.

BMW R1100RS M reg, 57k miles, non ABS model with less to go wrong, t&t, a few cosmetic scrapes and scratches, but includes panniers, garaged and ready to ride, £1200 ono Tel. 0776 5001512. Merseyside.

BMW R1150 GSA 2005, sliver, 24k miles, full s/h all BMW dealer, just had 24k service, vgc, full BMW alloy luggage set, lots of extras, £5250. Tel. Dave 07941 637982 7am till 9pm.

Somerset.

BMW R1150 RT Met blue, 52,400 miles, matching panniers & top box, headlight protector, replacement taller screen, intermittent fault on rising screen, MoT Mar 14, tax Feb 14. Tel. 01747 853228.

Dorset.

BMW R1200 GS 2009, silver, non ABS, taxed and tested Apr 2014, excellent condition, panniers, heated grips, immobiliser, low seat, rear hugger, full BMW s/h, 22,300 miles, £6500 ono Tel. 07731 851033. E Riding of Yorks.

BMW R1150RT 2001, silver, year’s MoT, tax Jun 14, 26k miles, good condition, new rear tyre, top box, engine guards, excellent bike, £3200. Tel. 07801 737806. W Lothian.

BMW R1200 RT 2005, grey, 29,750 miles, MoT/tax, on board computer, s/h, full luggage, heated seat & low seat, heated grips, elec screen, bargain price £5700. Tel. 01584 810258. W Mids.

BMW R1200RT LE 2009, black, one previous owner 26k, vgc, all usual LE extras + few, elec everything and complete hard luggage, new BT023, long tax, new MoT, £8700 ono Tel. 01437 563021. Carmarthenshire.

BMW R80ST 800 Cafe racer, eye-catching bike, lots of new parts inc TT100 tyres, battery, exhaust, MoT, £2500 ono Tel. 07904 968906. London.

BMW R850R 1995, 22k, MoT Feb 2014, tax Jan 2014, s/h, good cond, factory h/grips, fender extender, top box, fly screen, 12v socket, good tyres, back nearly new, £1750. Tel. 07747 708166. Warks.

BMW RT 1000 1982, t&t, sidecar is a Crusader, only one known on road out of 6 built, gull wing doors, £4000 or will swap for a trike, 3-wheeler, lighter outfit, or a classic bike, why? Tel. Bob 07812 822897; 0191 3884084 for full spec. Durham.

BMW K75S 750cc, 1992, mint condition, 8,600 miles, owned since 1999, second owner, the bike is now too heavy, £3950.

Tel. 01604 810545. Northants.

BMW R100 RS (1981), red, MoT May 14, new tyres, battery, s/s exhaust, fork brace, progressive fork springs, etc....runs really well, absolute bargain at £1450. Tel. 01332 557625 for more details. Derbys.

BMW R1150 GS 2001, 35,500 miles, blue/white, nice condition. MoT March. Tax August 2014, ABS, panniers, heated grips, new battery, superb tourer, £2900. Tel. 07779 813847. Denbighshire.

BMW R80RT Monolever, 1985, dark blue, 56k miles, taxed and tested, recent new disc brake parts and ignition parts, good runner, Avon AM tyres, good condition, £1750 ono. Tel. 01708 531917. London.

BSA D1 BANTAM 125 replica, GPO Bantam, MoT Jul 14, taxed, historic, only 3 previous owners, many new parts, couple of faults to sort, hence £1750. Tel. 01752 843990 for further details. Cornwall.

BSA GOLDSTAR B25SS 1972, stunning, show bike for 6 years, match nos, rebuilt engine 1k miles ago, runs lovely, lots of chrome, many polished parts, s/steel spokes, tax exempt, £3500 ovno. Tel. 07774 727003. Hampshire.

BSA A7 500 1954, unfinished project, rebored, elec ign, new front tyre, engine frame nos correct from dating cert, £1700.

Tel. 01664 564275. Leics.

CHOPPER MONKEY BIKE petrol, 50cc, nice looking, runs like new, with gears, year 2000, only £200. Tel. Dave 01376 325383. Essex.

DT50 MX been restored, full year’s t&t, 1993 model, (L-reg), £600 ono Tel. Mark on 07817 922486. London.

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GREEVES SCOTTISH 24TDS 1961 model, restored a few years ago for showing, not used since, c/w dating certificate, £2699 ono Tel. 01246 201322; 07546 533754. Derbys.

Authorised D ucati Service and P erform ance Centre 22 years C ertified D ucatitrained Friendly & professional service.Com petitive rates.

SPEC IA LIST IN R O A D ,TR A C K A N D R A C E PR EP. C allJeffG reen

01858 535411

DUCATI 851 S3 (Strada 3), aluminium fuel tank, Ohlins r/shock model 851, increasingly hard to find, in original condition, 14k miles from new, I also have for sale an original Ducati 888.(). Tel. 07789 265296. Norfolk.

DUCATI 916 BP 1998, excellent condition, 20k miles and one owner from new, t&t, new cam belts fitted, recent new battery, s/h, std bike, good financial investment, £5500. Tel. 07810 658994. W Yorks.

DUCATI 916 SPS 1998, red, s/h, new belts, head shimming, battery, oil and filter etc, vgc, MoT, first to see will buy, be quick, £6750. Tel. 01329 827831. Hants.

EXCHANGE GILERA GP 800 2010, 5,500 mile,s long t&t, 2 brand new tyres, recent full service, very fast and comfy for large motorcycle, why? £4500.

Tel. 01244 332435; 07564 960647. Cheshire.

GREEVES HAWKSTONE 250 1961, fully restored condition, engine renovated by Villiers Services, road reg, taxed and MoT, £3000. ovno Tel. 01228 560502. Cumbria.

FAMOUS CATCH 23 Chopper for sale, Buell Cyclone 2 engine, award winning Chopper, p/x WW11 British military motorcycle, or sell £9750. Tel. 07850 685905. Kent.

GAS GAS TXT 200cc (2000 Andorra) trials bike, exc cond, v clean, lots of shiny ali and chrome, plastics vg, vg tyres, V5, main dealer serviced, light use, collect £1500 ono Tel. 07724 612637. Milton Keynes, Bucks M1, jct 13.

GILERA DNA50 2001, automatic moped. tuned and derestricted, starts first time, v reliable, MoT Aug 14, 16k miles, usual marks for its age, scuff on side of headlight, £550 ono Tel. 07854 902171. Cheshire.

GILERA GP800 Exchange 2010 Super scooter for large classic motorcycle, t&t, new front tyre, 6k miles only, recent full service, cash either way £4250 cash either way Tel. 01244 332435; 07564 960647.

Cheshire.

GREEVES 250 Sports Twin, 2 stroke, 1960, for restoration, with V5, rare machine, £1650.

Tel. 07896 608341. Essex.

HARLEY DAVIDSON XL 1200R Sportster, 2010, 12,500 miles, MoT April/Sorned, full s/h, Stage 1 Hines/Vines pipes, detachable rack/pillion/ft, crash bars 2 new tyres, excellent condition, £6250. Tel. 07588 397223. Leics.

HARLEY DAVIDSON XL 883R 2010, 2,700 miles, vgc, quick release sissy back rest/gel seat, puncture sealed tyres, s/h, tax & MoT till Apr 2014, £4595 ono Tel. 0759 1054514; 01254 608716. Lancs.

HARLEY DAVIDSON XLH 1200 This bike is on a J plate it is an 883 conversion, Stage 1 tuned, straight through slash pipes, grey on grey flames, 25k miles on clock, t&t Mar 2014, £4200 ono Tel. 01472 503780. Lincs.

HARLEY DAVIDSON XLH 1200 Sportster 883i orange exc.condition, 6500 miles, £4250 ovno Tel. 07816 236265. N Yorks.

HARLEY DAVIDSON XR1200X 2010, 3,300 miles, 12 months’ t&t, dry miles only, always garaged, new rear tyre, mint condition, no mods, £7250 ono Tel. 07881 274496. Cornwall.

CLASSIFIED HARLEY SPORTSTER as new, only 1200 miles, XL 883C Custom, pearl 2-tone blue, Screaming Eagles, many HD extras, remote lock, big tank fitted, stunning, as new, ride away, taxed,. Tel. 01823 490320. Somerset.

HARLEY SPORTSTER 883 1992, black, s/s stage one, low progressive shocks, best in show trophy, very unique, beautiful cond, manuals, some parts and full history, £2750.

Tel. 07722 664113. Kent.

HINCKLEY THUNDERBIRD Cafe Racer, 1996, chrome tank and panels, alloy guards, rear sets, clip-ons, single and dual leather seats plus all original equipment, superb condition, twice in Torque magazine, original owner, £2500. Tel. 07792 678476. W Mids.

HONDA CB 1977 reg, t&t, immac cond, new tyres, windscreen, top box, 10,100 miles, engine and gearbox, superb condition, kick-start and elec start, any trial, £1700 ovno.

Tel. 07712 355422. S Yorks.

HONDA CB125F 2012, black, vgc, only 2,567 miles, serviced and garaged from new, still under factory warranty, £1625 ono Tel. 07794 658809. Warks.

HONDA CB500 good condition, V plate, 41k miles, red, tax & MoT til end Mar 14, £1000 ono Tel. 07926 283536. Bristol.

Subscribe to Motor Cycle Monthly: www.classicmagazines.co.uk/MCM or call 01507 529529

HONDA CB500S-Y 02 reg, black, long t&t 2014, only 15,640 miles, MRA touring screen & std, hand guards h/grips, Givi rack, new hagon shocks,full docs, org bill of sale, superb example, hence £1750.

Tel. 0751 4004445. S Yorks.

HONDA CBF 600SA-8 ABS, excellent unmarked condition, only 3 yrs old, 8,500 miles, full s/h, 11 months’ t&t, Givi top box, rear hugger, £3600 ono Tel. 01642 762615. N Yorks.

HONDA CBF125 4000 miles. £2150. Tel. 07449 780422.

London.

HONDA CBR 1000FS 53,500 miles, top and side boxes, new stainless 4-into-1 exhaust, r/tyre, chain and sprockets, brakes serviced, new brake pads, stamped service book to 43,528, t&t,. Tel. 07876 222441. W Mids.

HONDA CBR 400/NC 29 three owners from new, last one being a lady owner for last 11 yrs! only 17k miles/10k miles on clock, long MoT, lack of use forces sale, £1695 ono Tel. 07986 166004. Notts.

HONDA CBR 600 FJ 88, 15,444 orig miles, Sorned, no t&t, plugs, oil/filter, f/tyre, clean, never raced, all works, may need carbs setting but a great classic, V5 my name, £600 or swap KLR 650, DR, XT, why?

Tel. 07849 876510. Kent.

HONDA CBS 500, 2003, blue, MoT Sept 14, Tax Mar 14, large Givi top box, full s/h, 2 keys, books, immac cond, £1500 No offers. Tel. 01446 412146.

01446 412146.

HONDA CBX 750 12 months’ test, 6 months’ tax, 27k, been sat in garage 14 years after previous owner gave up biking, now on the road again, just serviced, good tyres, rear rack, £750. Tel. 01702 302658.

Essex.

HONDA CD 175 1970, fully restored, needs MoT and recommissioning to finish, with V5, £750. Tel. 0113 2562843. W Yorks.

HONDA DEAUVILLE NT 650V Red, X reg, t&t 2014, good runner, professionally maintained, s/h, £2250 ovno. Tel. 01386 881819. Worcs.

HONDA F6C immaculate 2001 UK bike, fsh, very low mileage, show winner, the best Valkyrie available, £7750 ono Tel. 01226 751518 or 07515 883087. South Yorkshire.

HONDA CB500R 1994, in BRG, one previous owner, genuine 8,500 miles only, tax & MoT, extras include screen, crash bars, carrier, lovely bike well worth £1750. Tel. 07562 990276.

Lancs.

HONDA CBR 1000 FH 1000cc, yellow/blue, new tyres, brakes, battery, calipers rebuilt, rear disc levers, 1988, F, seat good, nice gearbox, spare carbs etc, recent MoT, taxed Feb 14, first £850 ono. Tel. 07799 847631.

Beds.

Words: Scott Redmond

When the world of the superbike was at its height in the 80s, Honda decided its litre machine would be a comfy mile muncher. Genius.

HONDA CBR 600 FN 1995, Farnham tuned Maxton fork, Ohlins shock, new wets on wheels, stands and log book, £600. Tel. 0208 2549099; 07802 195098. Surrey.

HONDA DEAUVILLE 650 silver, full s/h, 11 months’ MoT and tax, just serviced, garaged, 23k miles, bargain, £3200. Tel. 07759 750113 after 6pm.

Scottish border.

HONDA CBF 125 in silver, excellent cond, 09 reg, 7k miles, MoT till Aug 14, Sorned at moment, £1295. Tel. 07840 972535. Lancs.

HONDA HORNET 90 MoT 5/14, Wavy discs, new chain & sprockets, top box, Hornet radiator grill, sports exhausts which make the bike sound awesome, runs superb, vgc. . Tel. 07739 309630. Notts.

HONDA F6C 1520cc, Valkyrie, 1999, excellent condition, owned for 8 years, £5000. Tel. 07711 539523. W Sussex.

HONDA AMERICAN Street Scrambler, 1971, UK reg, lots spent, excellent condition, may p/x for British bike, first to see will ride away. Tel. 01772 635161. Lancs.

HONDA CBF 1000 2002, 1000cc, 2012 model, black, 2k miles, latest hugger model, single exhaust, £5500; mudguard extension, heated grips, centre stand, Honda top box, vgc, digital speedo, genuine reason for sale, Tel. 01354 677374; 07970 268610.

HONDA CBR 1000FS RR4 Fireblade, 10,500 miles, full s/h, MoT Feb 14, tax May 14, mint condition, any inspection welcome, £3995. Tel. 01825 733035. E Sussex.

HONDA FIRE BLADE 900cc, 26k miles, 1934, the original blade, fully serviced, new stainless downpipes, new disc pads, front and rear owned last 10 years, back injury forces sale, new battery etc, Offers. Tel. 07551 527770. Yorks.

HONDA FIREBLADE RR2 954, 2002, 41k, tax until end Jan, MoT til Jun 14, lots of history, the bike is a Cat C but all is fixed and is in daily use, viewing welcome £2450 ono Tel. 07513 454314. Gtr London.

HONDA F6C VALKYRIE 1500 trike, 16k, 2001, t&t, windshield, twin spots, studded saddle bags, back rest, carrier, cruise pegs, green/ivory, mint, alarm, immob, £12,250 ono Tel. 01228 530241; 07979080413. Carlisle.

HONDA CB550 F1 1976, 12 months' MoT, on Sorn, some tlc, required reasonable condition, rideable classic, genuine reason for sale, £1400.Tel. Bob 077290 57290. Beds.

HONDA NTV 650 1995, Powerbronze fairing, top box, Baglux tank bag, good tyres, taxed Apr, MoT Aug, 49k miles, old age forces parting with faithful friend, £600 ono Tel. 01833 695224. Durham.

HONDA PAN EUROPEAN 1996, 1100cc, vgc, 29,500 miles, tax & MoT Mar 2014, good tyres, only selling because I have bought a 2005 Pan, only done 2,300 miles, £2600 ono Tel. 01642 475649; 07923 442688. N Yorks.

HONDA HORNET CB600F-6 2007, excellent condition, 17,600 miles, recent new tyres, chain, sprockets, brake pads, spark plugs, oil and oil filter, service history, £2500 ovno.

Tel. 07833 305037. Beds.

HONDA PAN EUROPEAN A fine example of one of the best touring machines around, never seen a winter, t&t, 15,156 miles, ready to munch those miles with you and your pillion, £4995. Tel. 01782 946789; 07743 273955. Staffs.

HONDA NC 700S 2012, as new, 489 dry miles, centre stand, extras, Honda warranty, 2014, taxed, bargain, must sell, £3900 ono Tel. 01824 709910; 07769 740812. N Wales.

HONDA PCX SCOOTER 61 reg, only 1200 miles, showroom condition, garaged, s/h, warranty 100-120 mpg, taxed, must be seen, £1750. Tel. 01926 330503; 07742 639581. Warks.

Honda CBR1000F

THE ORIGINAL CBR1000FH of 1987 arrived into an arena bursting with Japanese sports bikes, the second incarnation, which we’ll be focusing on here, arrived in 1989 and also lined up against much more focused machines from other manufacturers.

The CBR1000F has stood the test of time much better than its more focused rivals, which is probably down to a mixture of Honda build quality and the fact the CBR rarely fell into the wrong hands.

For a 20-odd-year-old bike its future hasn’t looked rosier. If you like your bikes with fewer factory fitted gadgets and appreciate quality then this could be just what you’re looking for.

Engine: Nothing too fancy going on here, a hunk of a water cooled engine beats away under acres of bodywork. A double overhead cam, 16 valve inline four kicks out an effortless 130bhp. This beefy power isn’t hidden high up the rev range, it’s exactly where you want it on a sports tourer: slap bang in the midrange. A clutch rattle at tick over isn’t anything sinister to worry about, it’s a genuine case of ‘They all do that sir.’ Talking of rattles, the cam chain rattling can also be an annoyance. The gearbox can be clunky, but fresh clutch fluid can usually sort that out.

Handling: This falls into two categories for most CBR pilots: solo riding and touring mode. Hard solo riding will show up the bike’s lack of sporty suspenders at each end, the plus side though is the modern wheel sizes (3.50 x 17 front, 5.50 x 17 rear) which means there’s a whole world of tyres out there to suit your needs. For a weighty bike (235kg) it hides its bulk well once moving, and its lard is actually a blessing when on a blowy motorway – it will happily sit planted mile after mile even in iffy crosswinds.

Ride: The CBR1000F is as happy doing 30mph down the high street as it is doing 150mph on an autobahn.

The harmony of the triangle between bars, seat and pegs is pretty spot-on, even for 6ft plus tall riders. The seat is matched in comfort by the ample tank’s range, easily allowing 150 miles before either need attention.

The standard screen does a good job and taller aftermarket items can only add to the comfort of mile munching. Night riding is a pleasure thanks to the two bulbs in the large headlamp.

Equipment: Other than the colour coded grab rail there isn’t really any equipment to mention. The clocks are clear and purposeful though the fact there isn’t a clock annoys me more than it should. There’s plenty of room to stick a digital item though. The Christmas tree of idiot lights sits proudly above the almost car inspired console. The centrestand is a welcome addition.

Finish: The CBR1000F was built in an era when Honda’s finish was legendary throughout its entire bike range, the paintwork for example will still shine with minimal effort. The swingarm though is one area where a few yen was saved, under the silver paint lurks a steel item with all the associated negatives of rust if not kept thoroughly clean from muck. The standard shock and exhaust will be long gone by now, but replacement systems follow the original fitment four-into-two setup. Under the bodywork things are usually pretty healthy: hoses; fittings and wiring tend to survive in good shape.

Model history: 1987 CBR1000FH is launched 1988 CBR1000FJ arrives with sharper looking paintwork 1989 CBR1000FK is launched. Totally new model.

17in wheels at each end and a sleeker jelly mould design 1990 CBR1000FL fresh paint, otherwise unchanged until the 1992 FN model 1993 CBR1000FP outgoing model gets a bit of a makeover style wise and linked brakes make an unwelcome appearance What to check: Look behind the fairing: the side panels have built-in bumpers, a neat touch but any serious bump can cause problems behind the plastics. Shocks will be shot if original, even more so if

the bike’s been used for touring.

Regulators are a weak spot: replacements are cheap though.

Chuck a piece of alloy plate under the new regulator to help it to dispel heat, being hidden from the wind doesn’t aid its lifespan.

One area where corrosion can creep in is on the cooling system: radiators are prone to collecting road crud, or worse, having their fins clogged or buckled All of these blights will affect cooling, but don’t be too upset if a previous owner has fitted an override switch to turn the fan on. A coolant change is a worthy investment.

Three overall pros: Superb budget tourer, build quality and reliability.

Three overall cons: The jelly mould looks aren’t to all tastes. It’s no lightweight. Finding one for sale… owners tend to hang on to them.

Value for money: Try and find a bike that’s been loved, any sensible extras like luggage or Scottoilers are an advantage. Avoid aftermarket paint jobs – a sure sign it’s been crashed – and four-into-one exhausts don’t work any better than the stock fourinto-two set up.

Servicing/maintenance: Most owners tend to change oil and filters before the suggested 12,000 miles quoted in service manuals. Valve clearances are good for 12,000 miles too. The hydraulic clutch fluid and brake fluid benefits from a yearly change.

Insurance: Lexham Insurance quotes the following on a 1990 Honda CBR1000F worth £1500: 41-year-old male in Derby (riding for 10 years with three years’ NCB and three points for speeding).

TPF&T: £184.93 (£350 excess) Fully comprehensive: £280.66 (£350 excess)

41-year-old male in London (riding for 10 years with three years’ NCB and three points for speeding).

TPF&T: £224.22 (£350 excess) Fully comprehensive: £342.34 (£350 excess) Used prices 1987-1988 FH FJ models. £750 private, £1200 trade 1989-1992 CBR1000FK-FN. £1000 private, £1750 trade 1993-1995 FP FR linked brake version. £1500 private, £2000 trade Numberplate crunching is less important on older bikes. Quite often an older bike might have less miles than a newer one. You’ll also be less likely to find one in a shop, older bikes are often taken in part exchange and resold at auctions.

TECH SPEC Engine: 998cc, 16v inline 4 cylinder, dohc Power: (claimed): 130bhp @ 8600rpm Bore and stroke: 77 x 53.6mm Chassis: Steel box-section Suspension: 41mm air assisted conventional forks (F).

Adjustable monoshock unit (R) Brakes: 2x 296mm discs, twin piston calipers (F).

256mm twin piston caliper (R) Wheels/tyres: 120/70/17 (F). 180/55/17 (R) Wheelbase: 1505mm Weight: 235kg Seat height: 780mm Fuel capacity: 21 litres Colours: Red/white. Blue/white

Useful contact

www.cbrforum.com www.hoc.org.uk

CLASSIFIED

Selling your bike is FREE for private readers

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HONDA REVERE NTV 600K, tax Feb, MoT April 2014, Datatagged, heated grips, tyres, vgc, high mileage, petrol pump rebuilt, £575 ono Tel. David 01483 286887. Surrey.

HONDA S/WING FES 125cc scooter, ABS version, 2012, 62 reg, 741 miles, warranty, tax till Sept 14, fantastic, black, c/w match top box and loads of under seat storage, one owner, £2860. Tel. 07753 522292.

Surrey.

HONDA SH125I Red, regi Aug 12, immac cond, 2,200 miles, 35 ltr back box, tall front screen, economical runner, full s/h, one very careful lady owner, £2200.

Tel. 7958704441. Somerset.

HONDA ST 1100 02, 13k miles, s/s pipes, h/grips, vgc, £3900.

Tel. 01728 685878. Suffolk.

HONDA SUPER BLACKBIRD late 2004, 54 reg, one main owner, 10,750 miles from new, full Honda s/h, standard bike, original bill of sale, tax and test, lovely machine, silver, £4750.

Tel. 01270 841032. .

HONDA VFR 800FI 09/2000, X, 36k, owned for nearly 12 years, exc cond, regularly serviced and maintained, original screen and seat hump supplied, many extras inc Givi luggage, t&t, £1895. Tel. 07779 374056. E Yorks.

HONDA CG 125 1983, long MoT, lovely condition, new rear tyre, top box, wheels as new, used daily, very reliable, £450.

Tel. 0116 2877574. Leics.

HONDA FIREBLADE RRY 1999-2004, double bubble screen, £50.

Tel. 0208 3012913. Kent.

HONDA H100S, red, ideal first bike, runs very well, no t&t, should pass without any trouble, £550 ono. Tel. 01530 455720. Leics.

HONDA MT50 1987, good condition for age, MoT and tax till Feb 2014, nice first bike, £475 ono. Tel. 07944 389190. Beds.

HONDA SILVER WING GL 650 1985, 26,650 km, t&t, pan and top box, good condition for year, £1350 ono. Tel. 07535 720913.

N Yorks.

HONDA VT125 Shadow 2003, ideal first bike, good condition, 8,530 miles, t&t Jul 14, £1950.

Tel. 01642 826214. N Yorks.

HONDA VTR 1000 Firestorm, 2000, X, pearl yellow met, 18k, fsh, all receipts/MoTs, full MoT, Datatool and Smartwater, small crack below n/s indicator, otherwise immac std cond, £1595 ono Tel. 07956 208091. E Mids.

KAWASAKI C1 ZX9R 1998, S, exc cond, MoT Apr 14, mothballed in winter, religiously cleaned/ polished/chain oiled/serviced, extras, 22,444 miles in Spain/ w’ends, performance can, £1600.Tel. John 01438 812864. Herts.

HONDA VTX-S 1300 Cruiser, £1500 worth of extras, beautiful bike, reg 31.12.08,. Tel. 07843 916075. Lanarks.

HONDA XR 250 UK, 1985 model, MoT and taxed, engine deceased, non runner, loads spares, Clymer manual, it’s now a vintage collectable, v rare, £600. Tel. 077350 39988. W Sussex.

QUAD BIKE 90cc, bored out, 35mph drum and disc brakes, elec start, blue, good clean condition, front and rear lights, £350 ono. Tel. 077240 53912.

Cambs.

KAWASAKI ZX6R Ninja F3, P, 1997 model, t&t, first reg 2012, owned from new, Akrapovic, WP r/suspension, K&N filter, LSL clip-ons, lot of assessories, kept originals, 55k, £1600. Tel. 01273 401483. E Sussex.

KAWASAKI GPZ 900R 1984, expensive overhaul then dry stored since! team green, good cond, running order, space needed, Sensible Offers please Tel. 07949 653017. Staffs.

KAWASAKI KZ 650 1978, American import, 1978, very nice, almost original condition, including handbook, tool kit and stickers, new tyres, brakes and electrics, must be seen, t&t, £1600 ovno. Tel. 01803 607265; 01364 653515.

Torquay.

KAWASAKI VN1600 Classic Tourer, 2006, 23,500 mls, s/h, datatool alarm, S4, red, intercom, air suspension, t&t, 3 owners, great tyres, Vance & Hines pipes,. Tel. 07730 333049 for more info.. Wilts.

KAWASAKI ER6-F 2009, excellent condition, 12 months’ MoT, top box and paddock stands, cash only on collection, £2595 ono Email: alanpalin@ hotmail.co.uk Cheshire.

KAWASAKI VN750 Immaculate condition for age, very good runner,. Tel. 01202 736432.

Dorset.

KAWASAKI ER6F 650 2013, 1,800 miles, mint, black, £4995. Tel. 01792 895678; 07584 375526. W Glam.

HONDA SUPER FOUR 400 1995, taxed and tested until 2014, excellent original condition, £1050 ono Tel. 01974 282613. Aberystwyth, Wales.

HONDA VFR 1200 DCT white, 2012 reg, 2,100 miles, Honda heated grips, R&G frame bungs, black/white custom leather seat, recently serviced, asnew condition, never seen rain, h/garage, £8250. Tel. 07840 480155; 01908 562771. Milton Keynes.

HONDA VFR 750 0 £1600. Tel. 07778 507170. E Riding of Yorks.

HONDA CB 750 shockers, fork and eye, CB400/500/550 coils, electrics, brake rod, switches, Hysong 125 cruise, 54 model forks/yokes, front wheel, front m/c and caliper, seat, side panels, rear mudguard, white/brown, harness clutch lever, engine casings, clocks etc, Tel. 07858 134475.

Durham.

HONDA XRV 750 Africa Twin, 03, mint condition, 25k miles, dry Summer use only, tax/MoT, never dropped, many extras, Remus can etc, no time wasters, £3750. Tel. 07814 835145. S Wales.

HONDA C90Z 90cc, 1980, exceptional example, 6k miles, fully recommissioned, owned 17 years, new tyre, battery, filters, oil plug, rear opportunity this condition, original windshield, offers/exchange bigger single MZ/Jawa. Tel. Andrew 07929 910974 anytime. W Mids/Worcs.

HONDA CB 1300cc, 2004, red/white, MoT/taxed, 21k miles, new tyres, fly screen, garaged, immac cond, £3500 ono. Tel. 01424 425856; 0777 3084372. E Sussex.

HONDA CB500R 1994, in British racing green, 8500 miles, one previous owner, vgc, tax & MoT, extras, lovely bike, £1650. Tel. 07562 990276.

Lancs.

HONDA CBS 500 2003, blue, MoT Sept 14, tax Mar 14, large Givi top box, full s/h, 2 keys, books, immac cond, £1500. no offers Tel. 01446 412146. Vale of Glam, Wales.

HONDA CD200 lots of parts, dismantled engines, forks, wheels headlamp shells, too many to list, Tel. 01536 516786. Northants.

HONDA VT 250 250cc, starts first time, good condition, everything works, becoming classic, £495 ono. or will break if enough interest. Tel. 01204 574813. Lancs.

KAWASAKI ER6N 60 reg, petrol green, 5,800 miles, screen, h/grips, braided brake pipes, Scottoiler, c/bobbins, 2 brand new Michelin tyres, Baglux tank cover, tax, MoT, s/h, immac, £3750 ono. Tel. 0191 2375555 or 07831 643825.

Tyne and Wear.

KAWASAKI VN900 Classic, 2007, MoT Jun 14, 15,400 miles, Jardine 2.5” drag pipes, Kawasaki pannier bars, leather throw-overs, Pyramid plastics screen, also orig Kawasaki exhausts, £3850. Tel. 01507 481706. Lincs.

KAWASAKI ZG1200 B6 1992, good clean bike, 32k miles, rare example in the UK, fully loaded for touring and very comfortable, £3300 ono Tel. 01296 429933. Bucks.

KAWASAKI ER6N 2011, 8000 miles, pearl white, å£600 of extras, mint and pampered, £3500 ono Tel. 07747 553575.

Anglesey.

KAWASAKI GPX600R 1995, only 4,600 miles and 3 owners, immaculate and original, MoT and tax til July 2014, new tyres, coolant, thermostat, brake fluid, oil and filter, £2350. Tel. 07795 820381 for details and pics.

Hants.

KAWASAKI ZR7 1999, full s/h and lots of new bits, great little bike for day to day use, 12 months’ MoT,. Tel. 07740 986402. Kinross.

KAWASAKI ZX9R K2 Ninja 898, £1000 spent recently on rebuild, immac cond, full titanium exhaust system, new tyres, new chain/ sprocket, LED indicators, new pads and much more, with conformation, fast and reliable, only selling due to upgrade, MoT, £1400. Tel. 07711 079687. Somerset.

KAWASAKI ZX-6R (636) immac, 6,400 miles only, t&t, garaged, Acumen gear indicator and Powerbronze r/hugger fitted, pre-reg by dealer in 2005 - purchased Mar 06 with zero miles, £3200. Tel. Bill 07583 460760. Merseyside.

KAWASAKI ZX7R L03 Plate.

19k miles Good Cond. Sensible mods. Super bike, but points dont mean prizes! £2050 ovno.

Tel. Clive 01484 861608. W Yorks.

KAWASAKI ZZR 1100 1998, D6, 27k, MoT Sept 2014, tax till end of year, Bridgestone tyres, bike in very very good cond, for any more info or pics £1695.

Tel. 07948 175482. W Mids.

KAWASAKI ER 650F Black, 2009, only 895 miles, perfect condition throughout, only two owners from new, all keys and books, R&G crash bungs, lovely bike, £3000. Tel. 07717 467567. Cambs.

KAWASAKI ER6F 2006, black and red, 11 months' MoT, 5 months' tax, heated grips, 17,700 dry miles, very good cond, chrome radiator guard, good starter bike £2200 ono.

Tel. 07791 391520. Durham.

KAWASAKI KLE 500 2006, 10k miles, good reliable winter bargain, h/grips, c/stand, replacement tyres at only £1500. no offers Tel. 07594 662090.Tyneside.

KTM SUPERDUKE 2008, 11,500 miles, tax Feb 14, MoT Oct 14, recent service, Rottweiler air box, full titanium Akrapovic system, Dyno tune 120bhp at r/wheel, £4850. Tel. 01522 878960. Lincs.

LAMBRETTA LI150 S3 1967, professionally restored, all original, very reliable, everything correct, 12 months’ MoT, free tax, must be seen, £3495. Tel. 01664 565778; 07836 251850. Leics.

MORINI DART 350 two owners from new, only 6k miles, recent cam belt, stainless silencer and battery, owner giving up motorcycling, £2400. Tel. 01689 832945. Kent.

MOTO GUZZI LE MANS Mk 11 Cafe Racer, 1979, non standard clean, tidy condition, lots of nice after market bits, fast, loud and reliable, £2800 ovno. Tel. 07789 968512. Norfolk.

NGTF V8 KIT CAR 1999, two owners, Rover 3.5, V8, Holley carb, 5-speed, wire wheels, hood, tonneau cover, lovely condition, tax exempt, MoT, £7995 p/x combination or trike Tel. 07798 866071. Herts.

NG-TC 1.8 2-seater sports, hand built, minimal use, 5mm GRP body tub in steel chassis, MGB r/gear, red/tan leather black tonneau and hood, £6999. Tel. 07759 607498. E Berks.

ROYAL ENFIELD Crusader Sports 250cc Cafe racer, early 6os bike but re-reg 1980, runs great but needs tlc, fantastic classic British bike, cheap bike as 73 now. Tel. Steve 07790 658549. Carmarthenshire.

MOTO GUZZI V40 Capri, 400cc, 1986, less than 3k miles, on Sorn, lovely condition, £1600.

Tel. 07938 397202. Wisbech.

MOTO GUZZI V50 Mk 2, 500cc, 1978, 35k, tax Mar 14, MoT May 14, refurbished & rebuilt 2006/7, all s/s exhausts, silencers & fasteners, K & N filters, good tyres, r/shocks, £1500. Tel. 01896 830577.

Scottish borders.

MOTOGUZZI BREVA 750 IE 12,000 miles, t&t, new gel battery, full touring spec, two screens, h/grips, mirror extensions, engine bars, c/stand, manuals, tool kits, Battleaxe tyres, immac, £2750. Tel. 01252 702436. Surrey.

MOTO GUZZI V50 Mk 2, 1980, 500cc, black, MoT, 44k, s/s exhaust, new battery, tyres and seat, recent service with air filter, o/filter & brake pads, good paintwork, 2 keys, workshop manual, £2100. Tel. 01704 876596. Merseyside.

MZ 301 ETZ + Squire sidecar, tax and MoT, runs well but cosmetically challenged, recent rear suspension dampers, head bearings and fork seals, £900 ono Tel. 07773 409335. Worcs.

MZ ETZ 125 Saxon Roadstar, 33k miles, currently on Sorn, £375 ono Tel. 0116 2897417.

Leics.

MZ RT 125 spares or repair, new chain and sprocket, start motor, clutch, clutch cable and battery, £300. Tel. 07967 268023. Gwent.

MZ-SIMSON S50B1 50cc Apr 1980, 1,800 miles, MoT Oct ‘14, lightly restored to exc cond, Plethora of new parts, complete 63cc kit fitted and professionally set up, £1295. Tel. 07764 848602; 01922 724204. W Mids.

NORTON ATLAS 750cc, 1965, rebuilt to show standard, bills available to see, matching numbers, superb condition, £8500 may take small bike p/x Tel. Pete 01905 21667 anytime.

NORTON SPRINTER 1926, in great running condition, but sadly now for sale, seen near Woodchurch, £7500. Tel. 01233 860564; 075850 685905. Kent.

NORTON JUBILEE 350cc, 1961, blue/grey, on Sorn, runs well, needs tidy up, £1000 ono; Squire sports side car, new hood and tyre, some fittings inc, £200 ono. Tel. 01945 589349.

Cambs.

PANTHER M75 350 1956, restored 3 years ago, 300 miles since, good looking machine in green, show condition, 3 owners, historic tax (free) MoT not required, £3750. Tel. 01392 841575. Devon.

ROYAL ENFIELD 350cc Classic Bullet, mint cond, black/chrome, only 3,700 miles, t&t, 2014, p/x Suzuki 125 Van Van, cash either way, ready to go, 2000, X reg, £1595. Tel. 01302 534155. Yorks.

ROYAL ENFIELD Bullet 500 deluxe, 2002, MoT/tax, 12k miles, vgc, Boyer ignition, power box, recent Monobloc carb, battery, rear tyre, runs well, £1495. Tel. 07884 458492. Kent.

SPORTSTER 1200C 5,700 miles, Sundowner seat, back rest, slip-ons with detachable baffles, sounds good, not too loud, crash bar, Harley s/s clocks, mint condition, bought new,. Tel. 07795 460277. Norfolk.

SUNBEAM S8 500cc, 1957, tax free, original transferable reg no, matching frame and engine nos, superb condition, £5250.

Tel. 01480 461424. Cambs.

PIAGGIO X10 EXECUTIVE 350 ABS, 2013, 700 miles, immaculate, £4300. Tel. 01684 296394. Glos.

PIAGGIO ZIP superb condition, a “one off” tribute to Madness (The Nutty Boys), most decals custom made, fully remote alarmed and immobilised, tax til end May 14, MoT til Feb 14, £850.Tel. 07868 843489. Kent.

SUZUKI 84, 750cc, black alloy, one off custom Bobber/Chop NEW BUILD, MoT, tax, been stood for few months as the build worked out just a shade too tall. (30”) approx, swop etc, this build cost inc time twice the asking price, £3000 ono; swap bike car etc, p/x private sale Tel. 07504 632261 for further info and to view. .

PIAGGIO SKIPPER 125cc, 03 plate, blue, MoT, tax March 14, top box, 5,241 miles, never dropped, nice condition, £400 ono. Tel. 01256 770742. Hants.

QUAD BIKE Dinli Dl801, 2008, 448cc, black, petrol, geared, 5,100 miles, MoT till April 2014,great working order, fantastic for playing around on or for the road, £1800 ono Tel. Josh on 0785 5052549. goundrill20@ hotmail.comE Riding of Yorks.

SUZUKI BANDIT GSF 650 2010. 9,600 miles, as new condition, one mature owner from new, first to see will buy, £2800 ono. Tel. 01691 661208.

Shrops.

SUZUKI INTRUDER 125 2005, MoT and tax, one owner from new, fair condition, £1450 ono.

Tel. 01443 820391. Glam.

SUZUKI INTRUDER 1600 grey, 2005, 05 reg, 12,528 miles, MoT Sept 30, 2014, no tax, stacked with extras, £4500 ono. Tel. 077489 74067 for more details. Glos.

CLASSIFIED SUZUKI 1200N BANDIT Mk 1, 12,100 miles, vgc, 11 mths’ tax and test, no time wasters please, £2000 or swap R1 Blackbird, why? Tel. 07909 502193; 01422 316310. Yorks.

SUZUKI BANDIT 650 2010, 9,200 miles, superb, as new, serviced condition, mature owner, first to see will buy, £2800. Tel. 01691 661208.

Shrops.

SUZUKI BURGMAN 650 Executive K8, 2008, black, good condition, 33k miles, t&t, just had full service, new tyres, brake discs and pads, £2950 ono Tel. 01642 884235.

Durham.

SUZUKI BURGMAN AN400 K2, reg 30.8.02, MoT 11.9.14, tax 30.4.14, 15,600 miles, large screen, large top box, new tyres, immac, £1700 p/x Royal Enfield 500cc, elec or kickstart, mint, low miles Tel. 07712 355422. S Yorks.

SUZUKI GSX 1400 2002, blue and white, 29k miles, good tyres, chain and sprockets, full Akrapovic, t&t, good cond, some small marks on tank, £2650. Tel. 07846 104644.

Glos.

SUZUKI GSX 1400 blue and white, 2007, 12,360 miles, part s/h, last done at 8,900 miles, excellent condition, Power Commander, rear hugger, LED r/light, Renthal bars, Oxford grips, £3600. Tel. 01782 852978. Staffs.

SUZUKI GSX 600F 600cc, F reg, 29,751 miles, runner, on Sorn, no MoT, £395 might break if enough interested Tel. 07752 443794. Denbighshire.

SUZUKI GSXR 750 SRAD 1997, tidy rear end light conversion, good condition, never raced, £1550. Tel. 0797 6077450. N Yorks.

SUZUKI GS 125 1982, good condition, black, excellent runner, 26,065 miles, new back tyre, year’s MoT, £695. Tel. 07828 188593. W Sussex.

SUZUKI INTRUDER VL1500 S reg, 31k, immac, c/w beach bars, saddle bags, orig exhaust, spare switches, hydraulic lift, custom black, silver/gold, Sorned, MoT til end Apr, £3750 ovno. Tel. 07855 252942. Kent.

SUZUKI GSX 2010, 650cc, FLO K10, Pearl black, 6,343 dry miles, Laserline alarm/immob, Givi top box/rack, R&G frame/tank protectors, d/b smoked screen, MoT, full s/h,.

Tel. 07860 309326. Gtr London.

SUZUKI GSX 1250 FA 2010, 2,300 miles, mint condition, silver, garaged, t&t, £4000; no offers. Tel. 07804 250750. Glos.

SUZUKI MARAUDER GZ 125cc, 2001, 8,086 kms, black, t&t, ready to show or ride, old man’s toy, £850. Tel. 01787 880084. Suffolk.

SUZUKI DL 650 V-STROM 2012, only 1,450 miles, still as new unmarked, loads of extras, two keys, manuals and full s/h, bargain £4500. Tel. 07875 628888. S Yorks.

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SUZUKI RF 900R 1997 TAX END OCTOBER MOT TIL JUNE 2014. Great condition, no rust, £1600 ono Tel. 07734 412851.

Cambs.

SUZUKI RT1800 MR trike, 10k miles, very good running order, will put full MoT if sold, back end built by Panther trikes, £16,000. Tel. 07931 722037. E Riding of Yorks.

SUZUKI RV 125 04 reg, reliable fun bike, 4 months’ MoT, 9 months’ tax, new chain and sprockets, new rear brake shoes, tyres good, just had service, £850 no offers Tel. 01380 818594. Wilts.

SUZUKI SV 650S Converted to Bandit bars, 1999, good cond for age, t&t, left fork needs new seal, have all parts to put back to std at a price, small dent in tank,. Tel. 01425 617249.

Hants.

SUZUKI VL 125 K2 2003, 5,044 miles, full MoT, new battery and plugs, garaged, very good condition, silver, £1750.

Tel. 01639 761313. Glam.

ICONIC SUZUKI RV 125cc Van Van (sand bike), 2010 reg, only 3,170 miles on clock, MoT until July 2014, currently Sorned, in shed, no tax, v economical, ideal learner, commuter or fun bike, great Christmas present, only £1350. ovno Tel. 01407 710571 (please leave name/number calls will be returned). Anglesey.

SUZUKI BANDIT 1250 Street Fighter model, reg 2009, MoT 12 mths, tax 6 mths, excellent cond, two owners, 4,807 miles, 2 keys, service book, lots of extras, orig parts inc, £3999 ono.

Tel. 07794 282915. Derbys.

SUZUKI DRZ 400S 2003, less than 4k miles, blue/white, as new, 12 mths' tax and MoT, £1750. Tel. 07923 492627.

Burton-on-Trent.

SUZUKI GS 500 K reg, 18k, spares or repair, engine running, no tax or MoT, £295. ono; or swap for shot gun or air rifle.

Tel. 07511 693814. Lancs.

SUZUKI GS 550L 550cc, 1981, customised, custom twisted, high bars, custom grips and levers, mini indicators, K&N air filters, new battery, plugs, oil and filter, new Avon tyres, 24k miles, short loud pipes, tax 02/14, MoT 04/14, looks and sounds great! £725. ono. Tel. 07704 343331. Stockport.

SUZUKI GS1000G Black, 1980, UK model, reg 1982, shaft drive, 9k miles, MoT Sept 14, tax Sept 14, mint condition, £6000 spent to bring to condition, £3500 ono. Tel. 01332 831674. Derby.

SUZUKI SV 650S 02 reg, metalic black, only 6,500 miles from new, long MoT, tax Oct, new tyres, super original condition, tool kit, documents etc, all present, no mods, £1600 ovno.

Tel. 07776 226041. Northants.

SYM JOYRIDE 200 Superbike at home this winter, commute instead on my 2006 Joyride, low seat, l/weight, good weather protection, huge under seat storage, 90mpg, 75mph, 3k kms, t&t, £650. Tel. 01748 818945. N Yorks.

SYM XS 125k, 60 plate, one owner, 11 months’ t&t, excellent condition, 4k miles, fitted top box, £1400. Tel. 07842 216729. Derbys.

TIGER 955I 2005 model, all extras, full s/h, 24k miles, two owners, MoT June, tax March, £2495 ono or sensible offers Tel. 07724 827373. E Sussex.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE 865cc, black, reg 2010, centre stand, 3600 miles, garaged, mint condition, taxed 6 months, MoT, £4995. Tel. 01451 821397. N Glos.

TRIUMPH TWENTY ONE 350cc, 1963, fully restored show standard, matching numbers, over £3,000 spent, bills available, t&t, ready to ride or show, £3750.Tel. 01905 21667 anytime. Worcs.

TRIUMPH TROPHY 1200 02 reg, 22k, datatag heated grips, new MoT, new tyres, beautiful condition, s/h and books, £2200 ovno. Tel. 077350 39988. W Sussex.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE AMERICA 2011, met black, pristine, main dealer s/h, 3,708 dry miles, new touring seat, full Triumph leather luggage, Data tool alarm, no offers and no dealers, Sorned, £5000. Tel. Malcolm 07814 127383. Lincs.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE AMERICA 2002 model, 10,100 miles clocked, recently serviced with 3 months, road fund licence, 9 mths’ MoT remaining,very good condition, being sold with all the extras, £3150.

Tel. 01324 716283; 07808 786778. Stirlingshire.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T100 2011, black, 60 reg, 4,600 miles, full s/h, fitted with Watsonian Square GP Manx sidecar outfit, excellent condition, loads of extras, all receipts, £7800 ono Tel. 01947 811636; 07790 554539. Whitby.

TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675 SE 2010, 4,186 miles, full Triumph history, data tool alarm, gel seat and seat cowl, also has pb chain oiler, tax till Jan, MoT till June, excellent condition, £5375. Tel. 07917 192700. W Mids.

TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 955I 2003, 24k miles, datatool alarm, 5 mths’ t&t, £3100. Tel. 07503 623906. Merseyside.

TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD Reg 7.7.95, 6k miles, Triumph leather panniers, full screen, MoT July 14, tax Nov 13, very good all round condition, owner retiring, £2950 ovno. Tel. 01933 353665. Northants.

TRIUMPH TIGER 800 Road, 2011, superb cond, £1500 of extras, specially adapted to for very short or long legs! Cared for by pensioner with 50 yrs experience. More pics available.

Tel. John 01626 369407; 07751 314562. Devon.

TRIUMPH TIGER 1050 exc cond, one owner from new 2009, 4,600 miles, 1300 miles since serviced, Scottoiler, h/grips h/guards, datatag, touring screen, fender extender, t&t, £5300 ono Tel. 01983 554917.

Isle of Wight.

TRIUMPH TIGER 800 2010, 5k miles only, heated grips, hand guards, engine bars, headlight cover, Givi rack etc, standard and low seat, always garaged, £5300 ono Tel. 01795 423202.

Kent.

TRIUMPH TIGER CUB 62 model, original reg no (valued £500), matching engine frame numbers,. Tel. John 01626 369407 or 07751 314562.

Devon.

TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE R Dec 2008, 8k, exc cond, mat graphite, alarm, h/grips, Baglux tank cover, fly screen and visor screen, belly pan, rad covers, seat cowl, hugger, new tyres, t&t, s/h, £4495. Tel. 01926 330503; 07742 . Warks.

TRIUMPH TIGER CUB T20SL 12 volt, stainless fasteners/spokes, girling gas shocks, 2,300 miles since restored, v tidy, £2700 ono Tel. 07733 474959. S Yorks.

TRIUMPH T100 SS 1964, all matching nos, original reg, lots spent, viewing a must. For details tel. £4500. Tel. 01772 635161. Lancs.

VELOCETTE LE 200 1956, no V5, non runner, hand change, hand start, Mk 1, good compression on engine, £600. ovno Tel. 07923 837658. W Sussex.

TRIUMPH TRIDENT T150V 750cc, 4-speed, 1971, 40,800 miles, service/upgrade history, matching numbers, electric starter added, Boyer ign, Hinckley hydraulic front disc brake, progressive front fork springs, alloy rims, unleaded head, on Sorn, £3550. Tel. 01743 873438. Shrops.

TRIUMPH TWENTY ONE 350cc, 1963, fully restored, show standard, matching numbers, over £3,000 spent, bills available, t&t, ready to ride or show, £3750.Tel. 01905 21667 anytime. Worcs.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE 865 chrome rear sissy bar and fitting kit for Hinckley Bonneville, genuine Triumph part, £50. plus postage Tel. 02894 467480; 07951 481622. N Ireland.

TRIUMPH DAYTONA 955I 1999,T reg, yellow, 31k, carbon silencer, chain gaurd & hugger, Scottoiler, spare brand new rear tyre plus standard exhaust, £1250. p/x considered for 600 Bandit Tel. 01773 781713; 07811 431066. Notts.

TRIUMPH TIGER CUB 200, 1963, MoT, historic vehicle, profes-sionally painted, good chrome, starts and rides superbly, new battery, frame p/coated, exhaust and front tyre past best, £2500. Tel. 0777 6033626 for more info.. Essex.

TRUMPH T90 Cafe racer, specially built Daytona BTM-end forks, ali rims, twin clocks, Goldie pipes, ali pegs, s/r seat, h/crafted ali tank, str bars, engine run in, superb, unique lightweight sports bike in metallic sheen blue, £4950.Tel. 07759 607498. E Berks.

VENTURA ROYALE XVZ1200 in super condition, came from America 2012, with 2k, now has 31k miles, c/control, lots of warning lights on computer monitor, computer a/susp, t&t, £2950 ono.Tel. 07851 701973.

VESPA 125cc auto scooter, 02 reg, 7,500 miles, 12 mths’ MoT & tax, blue, £895. Tel. 07772 797112. Derbys.

VESPA ET4, blue, 7500 miles, 125cc, automatic, 12 months' MoT, £895. Tel. 07772 797112.

Milton Keynes.

V-MAX TRIKE 30,000 miles, taxed/MoT, custom paint, alarm, immob, 3-str, many extras, everything s/steel, long range, petrol tank, LED lights, exc cond, show winner, £5000.

Tel. 07773 128422. Kent.

YAMAHA XT 600E 2007, genuine 4k miles, lovely bike and very pampered, good reliable air cooled motor, bargain, £2500. Tel. 01492 870333.

Denbighshire.

YAMAHA 125 Custom on a 13 plate, used to pass CBT, 280 miles only! This is an excellent buy at £2375. Tel. 07850 129476. W Mids.

YAMAHA 125 CYGNUS automatic scooter, 2009, 1,825 miles only, grey, one lady owner, good condition, full s/h, 12 months’ MoT and tax, new battery, top box and screen, £1200. Tel. 07725 137579. .

YAMAHA 350 YPVS F2 1991, UK model, full fairing, fully restored, black with silver decals, 12 months’ MoT, must be seen, £2495. Tel. 01664 565778; 07836 251850. Leics.

YAMAHA FAZER FZS 600 Taxed and tested Feb 2014, good order, Givi rack, engine bars, stainless exhaust, Haynes manual. Tel. 7886841411.

Lancs.

YAMAHA FZ6 FASER S2 2008, black, only 8,170 miles, 12 mths’ MoT, 6 mths’ tax, new tyres & Scottoiler, exc cond only flaw a very very small dent in tank, maintained by engineer owner, £2970 ono Tel. 01206 367922. Essex.

YAMAHA FZ750 1985, one of only 23 left in UK, very attractive in Red Bull Racing livery, 12 months’ MoT, £950. Tel. 01387 267369; 07762 885045. Dumfries.

YAMAHA MAXIM 550 1982, tyres, chain, sprockets, brakes, battery recently replaced, seat recovered, Motad exhaust, low seat height, 35,500 miles, taxed and tested, £700 or £800 with full Givi luggage. Tel. 01543 572076. Staffs.

YAMAHA R1 998cc, 2000 Streetfighter, low mileage, t&t, £1500. Tel. 07761 888900. N Yorks.

YAMAHA AEROX 50cc, black, 2011, 3k miles, owned from new, still under warranty, used for college run, ideal first bike, brilliant runner, £800 ono. Tel. 07908 176256. Cambs.

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YAMAHA TDM 900 2013,April, 2k miles, black, warranty until Apr 15, Hepco Becker luggage, SW Motec Q/D racks, SAVE £1500 on new, £6395. Tel. 07971 419340. Worcs.

YAMAHA XJR 1300 19k, full s/h, year’s MoT, new year tyre, 4-into-1, datatag, just serviced, Renthal bars, beautiful condition, ready to ride, £2400. Tel. 07800 517512. Milton Keynes.

YAMAHA THUNDERACE in original beautiful condition, low mileage for year, 1996, 8 mths’ MoT, new tyres, chain sprockets, Exup valve, fully working, loads of spares. Tel. 07511 512774. E Sussex.

YAMAHA XJR 1300SP 1999, beautiful condition, under 20k miles, full s/h, lots of extras, MoT Sept 2014, new rear tyre, wants for nothing! Offers close to £2400. Tel. 07800 517512.

Bucks.

YAMAHA T-MAX 500cc, 06, 19k, MoT May 14, taxed Oct, h/grips, rack/top box, air deflectors, charging lead, recent full service, V belt replaced at 13k, full s/h, vgc,. Tel. 01582 596948. Beds.

YAMAHA YBR 2012, Learner Legal, 1,474 miles, absolutely perfect condition, has been run in properly and never dropped or crashed. £1800. Tel. 07723 382334. Warks.

YAMAHA TR-1 1981, 1000cc V-Twin, 10,980 dry miles, excellent condition, sought after, bullet proof motor, just serviced, £1695 ono Tel. 07951 105792 for details. Derbys.

YAMAHA YBR 125 58 plate, new MoT, rear tyre, front mudguard and speedometer cluster, recent new front tyre, done 10,813 miles, taxed, tidy, reliable, learner legal first bike, £1100. Tel. 01373 813531.

Somerset.

YAMAHA VIRAGO 535, 1995, (M), tax & MoT, good condition, only 19k miles, £1300 ono Tel. 07970 716011. W Mids.

YAMAHA VIRAGO XV535 1986, rare original imported in 1996, underseat fuel tank, MoT 16/4/13, tax end Oct but can re-tax at cost, 21,500 miles, well maintained, little used, £1295 ovno. Tel. 07531 797168. W Mids.

YAMAHA XT 350 350cc, 1988, scruffy but has been a reliable runner, may require some work for next MoT, no dealers please. £695 ono. Tel. 01332 842536.

Derbys.

YAMAHA YP 250 MAJESTY 2001, red, low mileage, long MoT, vgc, £850. Tel. 01256 389631; 07808 235038. .

YAMAHA YZF 750R 95, M reg, 14k miles, immaculate condition, mechanicals 100%, MoT, v rare, history, lots of extras and spares,. Tel. 07917 865070.

Somerset.

YAMAHA YBR 125 Black, 57 p;ate, 825 dry miles, 11 months' MoT & tax, one elderly owner, garaged, new battery, £1250. Tel. 01295 710664.

Oxon.

YAMAHA VIRAGO 535 XVS 1997, 10,900 miles, my cherished bike, lovely condition, maroon, grey/gold tank cheeks detail, buttoned leather seat, no modifications, regular oil/filter change/almost new set tyres/ garaged/MoT May 2014, taxed Feb 2014, require downsize, £1995. Tel. 01803 712939.

Devon.

YAMAHA VIRAGO XV 535DX Fantastic, lots of extras, good tyres, MoT June 14, taxed Nov 13, 17k miles, runs perfectly, great example for year, W reg, fine example of this sought after cruiser, £2100 ono. Tel. 07503 173727. Taunton.

YAMAHA X-MAX 250 2011, black & silver, 1,975 miles, as new, full s/h, £2950 ono. Tel. 01706 212870. Lancs.

Parts For sale APRILIA RS 250 front Brembo disc (also suit Cagiva Raptor), as new, £30. Tel. 07552 541258. Herts.

BEOWULF stainless steel rad cover for Suzuki Bandit GSF 1250, £40 ono. Tel. 0789 4078815. Notts.

BEOWULF RADIATOR and cooler covers, stainless for VStrom, £35; Rush slash cut slipon pipes for Harley Fatbob boy, £100; engine protection bars, black, exc cond for V-Strom, £45; top box mounting plate, as new for V-Strom, £15; Buffalo motorcycle jacket, black, with lining and armour, XL size, brand new, £50. Tel. 0151 2578093; 079460 24647.

Cheshire.

BMW K75S Skidmarx tinted screen, £25; BMW R100 f/mudguard, white, deep valance, 1978- ish, £10; MZ 250cc parts including alloy centre stand, IFA carb, with air intake, alternator, round headlamp with rev counter, speedo indicators, wiring harness, 2 air boxes, + other bits, £30; Honda 250 XL, 1984-ish, rear wheel, good condition, J18X1.85 with sprocket, snail cams, break shoes, anchor plate, nobbly tyre, £80 all plus p&p. Tel. 01384 271767. W Mids.

BMW K SERIES 750/1000, £12 plus p&p; BMW electric screen, complete, bought to fit to K75 RT, good condition, never fitted, don't know if it works or not, £60. Tel. Keith 01706 526497.

BMW K1200S (not K1300) Rizoma rear sets, as new, boxed, cost £450 new, for sale £250 + p&p reasonable offers considered. Tel. John 01484 400293.

W Yorks.

BMW LS FAIRING with headlight, engine bars and pannier rails, all fittings, £150. Tel. 01299 266742. Worcs.

BSA C15 250 engine, less piston, clutch, rear hub, frame, no docs, £110.Tel. 0121 4757249.

B'ham.

EBC FA 174 HH rear motorcycle brake pads, unopened, £15.

Tel. 0789 4078815. Notts.

GENUINE BMW F800 ST/GT top case. 28L, only few months old, like new. Tel. 07967 644491. Staffs.

GIVI S310 SPOTLIGHTS complete kit, as new, used once, £60. inc p&p Tel. 07504 174923. Kent.

GIVI MONOKEY fitting kits for: ZZR 1100 Kawasaki, 19901992; Triumph Tiger 900; Yamaha XJ 600 Diversion, £25 each. Tel. 0208 3012913. Kent.

GREEVES alloy beam frame, 1960, with forks, wheels,s /arm with engine plates for BSA, £575; late C15 engine unit, complete, £425; frame making pipe bender to make Griffon etc frames, £220. £220.Tel. 01376 343559. Essex.

GSX 750ET ENGINE for spares no cams/geny, £50. Tel. 07949 653017. Staffs.

GSXR 750/600K/Z Ohlins race shock, £250 + Sprint steering damper, £50; Haynes manual, £5. Tel. 07873 498867. S Wales.

HAYNES MANUALS Triumph Unit 350-500, '58-'73 MZ 150250, '69-'79, £8 each; vgc BSA fork seal tool, new, £10. plus p&p Tel. 01883 623049. Surrey.

HAYNES MANUALS Honda CB 250 & 400N, 1978-1984, £8; Honda CX/CL 500 & 650 VTwins, 1979-86, £8; Honda 250 & 325 Twins, 1968 on, £6; Suzuki A100, 98cc, all models, 1969 on, £6 all plus p&p. Tel. 01686 670346. Powys.

HINCKLEY BONNEVILLE PARTS silencers tors, hardly used, £100 + £15 p&p; oval style mirrors, drilled stem part no 9638032, £70 + £8 p&p; seat with white Triumph printed logo on back, £80 + £15 p&p; rear shocks, £120 plus £10 p&p; fuel cap, £10 plus £5 p&p; all hardly used. Tel. 01256 326174. Hants.

HONDA 400 F/F1 gasket kit A, all gaskets are new in seal, £25.

Contact by email please as in and out of the UK, thanks for looking. Tel. 07749 240254.

C a m b s . flash2424@hotmail.co.uk HONDA CB 250 Dream petrol tank, NTV 600/650, Yamaha TDM 850 r/b tank, Kwak GPZ 400 a/c, 86 petrol tank, Suzuki GSXR 250, 92 model, black petrol tank, Hyosung 125 front wheel, forks/yokes, 04, front brake m/c caliper, Honda CB 250/4 jade spares, Tel. 07858 134475. Durham.

HONDA CB 400/550 coils, wiring harness, electrics, switches, starter motor, brake rod, Suzuki Mk 1 Bandit air box, front mudguard teal blue, tail light and black trim, front frame infills, Bandit 400 engine, £200; runner, 35km exhaust, £150; clock, £35; air box, £20; footrest l&r, £20 each, 90 model. Tel. 07858 134475.

Durham.

HONDA CD 200 lots of parts, forks, wheels, dismantled engines, too many to list. Tel. 01536 516786. Northants.

HONDA CD200 PARTS dismantled engines, forks, wheels, headlamp shells, lots of small parts, too many to list. Tel. 01536 516786. Northants.

HONDA CLIP-ON HANDLEBARS Honda 41mm clip-on handlebars, nice straight set of 41mm clip-on bars for VFR 400R/NC30 or similar, only £25 ono. Tel. 01344 428667. Berks.

HONDA DEAUVILLE 650 tinted windscreen from 2002 model, perfect condition, £60 plus p&p.

Tel. 01704 534510. .

HONDA SUPER DREAM 250/400 two new chrome downpipes and used collector box, vgc, £100 plus p&p. Tel. 01656 784729. S Wales.

JARDINE EXHAUST SYSTEM for Honda F6C Valkyrie, nice tone, not too loud, £200; Ducati standard cans for 748, with chip, only 2,500 dry for £60.Tel. 07711 539523. W Sussex.

KAWASAKI 250R Scorpion silencer, road legal, £80. plus carriage Tel. 07788 641949. N Wales.

KAWASAKI GT 550 forks/yokes, l/h footrests, clocks, harness, switchgear etc, Kawasaki GT 750 forks/yokes, other parts GPZ 550 H2 swing arm/shocker, grab handle, seat etc. Tel. 07526 415320.

Durham.

KAWASAKI KLE 500 lowering kit, lowers bike by 60mm, brand new with instruction leaflet, £30. Tel. 07754 521747 or 01296 425095. Bucks.

KAWASAKI KZ 1100 shaft, and Kawasaki KZ1000 genuine work-shop manuals, vgc, £25. the pair ono Tel. 07775 680094.

Essex.

KAWASAKI KZ400/500/550 dealers service/workshop manual, like new; also Honda CB92/ 95 service/workshop manual, dated 1964and Suzuki B120 owners manual C 1965, £15 each; can post. Tel. 07929 747650 for more details.

Clwyd.

KAWASAKI VERSYS 650 engine protection bars, SW Motech, new/unused, cost £155, accept £85. plus carriage Tel. 01539 725198. Cumbria.

KAWASAKI Z200 front mudguard and back, also left, right side panels, Haynes Z200 manual for sale, then a Mk 2 Golf front grill, bumper and Astra Mk 4 tail lights.Tel. 07789 233263.

W Yorks.

KAWASAKI ZX7R petrol tank, green, no dents, £55 ono; Suzuki GSX 1400 Power Commander inc CD and lead, £100; no offers.Tel. 0777 9749254.W Mids.

LH SIDE FAIRING for Triumph Sprint GT, will fit ST, slight scratch in middle, repairable, £75; also Sprint sports windshield, £45.Tel. 02920 655375.

S Glam.

MAGNI BMW 1000cc MBI, in exchange for magni Moto Guzzi or anything else, unusual; trailer, 3-bike, new sturdy box section, steel construction, mini wheels including spare, £250.

Tel. 01268 710946; 07833 906288. Essex.

MV AGUSTA F4 TANK red, air box cover (small chip), £80. Tel. 01554 777209. Carns.

NOLAN BLUETOOTH BASIC KIT 2 + kit 3, unused present, still in warranty, £125. Tel. 07908 785556. Lincs.

ORIGINAL SILENCERS for sale for Yamaha TDM 900, excellent condition, as new, £195. Tel. 01482 868376. E Riding of Yorks.

PETTER COWLING (4 cyl head barrel),AVA1 (new cond), £1; oil drip lubricator, LE resto, £1; Petter wall chart, PV8, £1. Tel. 01270 767149 am/pm.

Cheshire.

R & G AERO crash protectors, c/w all fittings/teardrop shaped bobbins for Suzuki GSF1250 GT, (faired version), £95 ono.

Tel. 0789 4078815. Notts.

RENTEC REAR RACK and tail pack for Triumph Bonneville/ Thruxton, chrome, as new condition, £70; VFR V-TEC 09 Honda inner bags for panniers and top box, £70; Baglux tank cover for VFR V-TEC, white/black, £50; all items good cond. Tel. 07745 020903. Aberdeenshire.

RENTHAL REAR CARRIER black, early, ZZR600 rear fitting, used, £40. Tel. 07949 653017.

Staffs.

RICKMAN POLARIS FAIRING white, good condition, slight damage, I would repair, with headlight, winkers, radio, £50 ono; whit Rickman top box, vgc, £20 ono; black Krauser top box, vgc, £25 ono. Tel. 01273 812101. Sussex.

ROYAL ENFIELD 250cc crankcases; Triumph pre-unit engine parts; Norton M50 oil tank and tools tray; BSA A65 silencers, NA89 unity, never used, perfect condition; long megaphones, exc cone, Extriton clip-ons; 9" rise handlebars; Atlas petrol cap. Tel. 01981 500674. Herefordshire.

SCHUBERTH C2 flip up, black, size 56/57, as new, £175 ono.

Tel. 07974 700532. Ayrshire.

SCORPION EXHAUST CAN oval s/steel for Kawasaki ER6/Versys, like new, not scuffed, all parts to fit included, fits models 2007-2011, removable baffle, light-weight, excellent sound, increased performance, even with baffle in place, £150 ono.

Tel. 01406 258724. Lincs.

SIDE CAR Black, Old British chassis possibly Canterbury??

Body just a Shell possibly Velox?? Small wheel, small screen, rear rack, home made cover, was used for camping gear, £295. ono; possible p/x for another sidecar. Tel. 01977 510546. W Yorks.

SUZUKI SVK7 650/1000 tail tidy, £30; Honda Hornet radiator cover, £30; SV suspension risers ("Dog Bones"), £20. Tel. 01543 301662. Staffs.

SINGLE BIKE TRAILER excellent condition, plenty of lashing points, spare wheel, loading ramp, recently repainted, tows very well, can deliver locally, £95.Tel. 0191 285 8856.Tyneside.

SUZUKI GSXR 1000 K6, K5, PCIII, Gilles rear sets, ASV levers, smoked lenses, HEL brake lines, workshop manual, carbon hugger.Tel. Brett 07951 818730 for details and prices..

W Sussex.

SUZUKI RGV 250cc, VJ23, full body kit with mudguard and smoked windscreen, brand new, lucky strike paint job, bought in error, £250. Tel. 01384 831042. W Mids.

SUZUKI RV/TS 125 2-stroke engine, parts; Honda CB 250K, 1972, breaking, phone for details Tel. 01291 423392.

Chepstow.

SUZUKI X7 FRAME no log book, needs paint, cylinder head, complete clutch basket, standard bars and fibreglass front mudguard, needs work, £50. Tel. 07983 983473. Lincs.

SCOOTER FIT BIKE TYRE 12/13 scooter tyres, Pit bike 8"/10"/12"/14"/16" front and rear, too many to list, phone/text with size, can be posted Honda CB 250 Super Dream spares, air box, wiring harness, switches, inner rear mudguard, mirrors, headlamp, footrests etc. Tel. 07858 134475. Durham.

TOMASELLI clip-on h/bars, chrome, vgc, £15. cash will go to charity Tel. 01234 710977. N Bucks.

TRIDENT 900/93 clutch plate assembly, £50; Suzuki 65XR 750M, 92 clutch, complete, £75; carbs, £70; clutch cover, £15; alternator, £50; rocker cover, £10; cams, £30; sump, £20; wiring harness, £30; reg/rec, £25; CDI £75; coil, £100; V-Max front seat, black/grey, £70. Tel. 07858 134475. Durham.

TRIUMPH (HINCKLEY) BONNE-VILLE Norman Hyde classic silencers, good chrome, vgc, £200; also Triumph summer screen with all fittings and instructions, 2" scratch on screen, £50 plus p&p. Tel. 01782 924262. Staffs.

TRIUMPH 955 SPRINT /RS petrol tank, red, no fittings, few paint chips, £15; swing arm with linkages suit 955 Sprint RS, £25; buyer must collect. Tel. 07776 226041.

Northants.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE RACK seat, petrol cap, new condition, £100 levers Triumph Tiger 1050, 2010 model, new, black, cost £150; Offers. Tel. 07969 181499. Altrincham.

TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675 hele bars, Tracstars, all fittings and instructions, cost £265; carbon fibre hugger, cost £70; Bobbins rear, cost £30, all half price and as new. Tel. 01305 761058.

Dorset.

VELO VALIANT PARTS m/c gearbox, £50; clutch etc, £45; cylinders, £20; heads, £20; rocker covers, £18; rear drive, £35; shaft/joint, £40; swinging arm, £30; take the lot only £250. Tel. 01407 830090. Anglesey.

VELOCETTE MOV 250cc engine, fitted BTH mag, £1000; Ariel Burgess silencer, £50; Triumph Bonnie carbs, r/float, £250; Bonnie wiring harness, £20; Lucas Altette horn, £100; bracket, £100; Triumph telescopic forks, £250. Tel. 0208 8944704. Twickenham.

VFR 1200 Givi PLX 209 pannier rack, to be used with V35, also M5M monolock topbox plate, £100. Tel. 01204 883999.

Lancs.

VFR 800 V-TEC GIVI PLXR 166 pannier rack, used with V35 panniers, £75. Tel. 01204 883999. Lancs.

VINCENT RING SPANNER pair off, suit Vincent owner, very old British made spanner, stamped Vincent and with a V mark, £15. each Tel. 07929 747650.

Clwyd.

VINCENT TWIN timing cover, £150; pair mk 3 cams, £60; G3 gearbox shaft, £100; Lucas Altette horn, £100; bracket, £10; amal air lever, £20; primary chain, £20; Tommy bar, £28; more spares. £150. Tel. 0208 8944704. Middx.

WUNDERLICH CRASH BUNGS to fit BMW K1200R/K1300R, as new, only £35. Tel. 01625 531109. Cheshire.

Fo ra ll yo u rYa m a ha n eed s, b ikes, pa rts, servic e a n d c lo thin g fro m the b est!

W innerso fYa m a ha M a stero f C usto m erC a re A w a rd 2 010

w w w .f litw ickm o to rcycles.co .u k 0 1 5 25 71 21 97

CLASSIFIED YAMAHA FJ 1200 cylinder head, £50; rear wheel, £30; clutch, complete, £30; Honda CX 500 tail unit, £20; pair of carburettors, £40. Tel. 0208 2004868; 075700 99544. London.

YAMAHA MT01 pair of Quill Evo 2 silencers, with removable baffles, awesome sound, Tel. 07856 193519. Kent.

YAMAHA NOS ALLOY RIMS 1.85 x 18, 36h 94418-18166, still wrapped, not mint, £60 each; used 2L/S front wheel (YDS 5?), £75; Puch GP50 chain guard, 310; bronze tailpiece, £10; Kawasaki Z250 Twin handbook. Tel. 01293 410976. Surrey.

YAMAHA TDR 250 J, 92, spares, fork/yokes, gaiters, f/wheel spindle, speedo, £200 + p&p; fairing/headlamp/frame, dash and trim, £75 + £25 p&p; petrol tank/cap/tap, £70 + £15 p&p; TZR 250 wheels, swing arm/shocker, spindle, rear m/c carrier, £100 + £25 p&p; frame V5 needs repainting/powder coating, £175 + £25 p&p. Tel. 07526 415320. Durham.

YAMAHA XS 650SE seat, £35; side panels, £25 pair; air boxes, £30 pair; rear alloy rim, 16", £30; yokes, £30; clocks, £35; 55mph import, XJ 650 chrome headlight, £35; Kawasaki GPZ 550 HZ swinging arm/shocker, £75; rear mudguard, £30; complete other parts available. Tel. 07858 134475. Durham.

Wanted

KAWASAKI W650 wanted, £2000 cash waiting.Tel. 01332 833553. Derbys.

A BIKE IN YOUR SHED? Older bike wanted as project by enthusiast. Can be road, off-road or racer of any kind. Can be non-runner or unfinished project, prefer air cooled but anything considered, why? Tel. Colin on 07754 887584.

Cambs.

ANY BIKERS OUT THERE got a book called "Buttons The Making Of A President", by Jamie. If so I'm interested in buying it, must be cheap as unemployed.

Tel. 0797 7037840. B'ham.

BMW R90S WANTED in Daytona orange, sensible mods, OK, must be very good condition. Tel. 07790 778062. Leics.

EXCELSIOR AUTOBYKE 98, rear mudguard wanted, both halves,Tel. 01473 747880. Suffolk.

GL1000 GOLDWING WANTED runner preferred but anything considered, also looking for good spares, Tel. 07828 103437. Notts.

HONDA XBR 500 wanted, side stand and fork brace, also engine protection bars for Kawasaki ER500, 1998, A2 model, Tel. 01257 462185.

Lancs.

JAP, MUSCLE, RETRO OR CRUISER wanted, private collector seeks KZ1000, XS1100, Z1300 V-Max or similar, must be good condition, cash waiting, why? Tel. 07950 398750; 01384 823222. W Mids.

MZ ETZ 125/150 FRAME with V5 wanted, any condition. Tel. 07845 318312.

TRIUMPH JACKET or Harley Davidson wanted, size 2XL, must be good condition, also looking for same size T-shirts, must again be good condition, cash waiting. Tel. 07950 398750; 01384 823222. W Mids.

TRIUMPH OR HARLEY DAVIDSON jacket, size 2XL or 3XL, must be good condition, prefer leather but all jackets considered, cash waiting. Tel. 07950 398750. .

TRIUMPH TROPHY/BONNIE 649 wanted, front hub for 6770 model, have 1971 on conical hub for swap if necessary, Tel. 01626 369407; 07751 314562. Devon.

UNWANTED BIKES anything considered, any condition, give me a ring you might have what I am looking for. Tel. 07967 407608. Wrexham, N Wales.

YAMAHA DT 250MX 249 for restoration as winter project, runner preferred, Tel. 01793 852245. Wilts.

YAMAHA RD 250 LC complete or non runner, black or white, as near to Suffolk as possible at this time, I have no van, sensible price please Tel. 07599 552650 after 6pm eves only, cash waiting. Suffolk.

YAMAHA TTR 250 wanted headlight for a Yamaha TTR 250, Tel. 07753 247682 anytime. Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Parts Wanted CHROME FORWARD CONTROL wanted chrome forward control footrest support l/h side, Harley p/no. 33695-03 to fit a 03 dyna glide, also chrome/black battery top cover for same bike after 6pm Tel. 07787 379908. Cheshire.

HONDA CB250 1995, metal front mudguard wanted, Tel. 0116 2124910. Leics.

KAWASAKI ZZR 1100 D engine, wiring, carbs, air box, starter, alt, £400 ono; GPZ 900 engine, £150; ZXR motor with carbs, £100. Tel. Alan 0191 4164668. Tyne & Wear.

SUNBEAM ENGINE WANTED: OHV Mod 9-90 or 350 to fit in 1930 frame, any condition or incomplete rusty bike (rough condition), Tel. 01978 842668.

Clwyd.

TRIUMPH DAYTONA 900 1994 seat hump wanted. Tel. 07947 855302. Northants.

Subscribe to Motor Cycle Monthly: www.classicmagazines.co.uk/MCM or call 01507 529529 TRIUMPH 5T NACELLE top wanted or swop for pre unit Duplex Nacelle top, 1955,Tel.Tony 07443 438187. Sheffield.

TRIUMPH ROCKET III Touring, front chrome, embelleshing badge for mudguard part no A9930171, also for same upgrade exhausts, to enhance power, must be top quality, year of bike 2008, why? Tel. 07950 398750. .

WANTED BMW R80 mono cylinder heads, consider complete bike, Tel. 07974 822880.

W Mids.

WANTED BSA A10/7 standard petrol tank, would consider 5 gal fibreglass, Tel. 01723 515546. N Yorks.

WANTED CX 500 80/81 spares, mainly seat, collector box, silencers, Tel. 07914 768602. B'ham.

WANTED ECU MAGNETI Marelli Digiplex 2S Med 446A or Med 501a to fit 1992 California 3 carb model, in working order, Tel. 01376 519958.

Essex.

WANTED INNER TIMING COVER for Sunbeam Model 10, as in photograph, casting nos. 1569M 4400, also looking for outer timing cover, footrests, chainguard and rear carrier for same machine, other parts considered.Tel. 0115 9821410.

WANTED KAWASAKI W650/ EJ650 complete engine or complete accident damaged, write off bike. Tel. Bri on 07761 859424.

WANTED TRIUMPH WW11 generator square alloy barrels for 500cc twin, Tel. 01252 617068. Suffolk.

Miscellaneous IXS SKAR leather Gortex motorcycle trousers, unworn xmas present, size 38-40 (Û58), £100 ono. Tel. 0789 4078815. Notts.

ALPINE STARS BOOTS Roam waterproof, black, 46/11 UK, vgc, £40 plus post. Tel. 07801 727321. Lancs.

BARRY SHEENE glossy Illustrated coffee table Haynes hardback biography. Michael Scott's Definitive Biography, out of print and scarce, mint condition, £10 plus post. Tel. 07788 442155. Bristol.

BELSTAFF JACKET large, Cordura Airthena, black/gold, boots, gloves, trousers, £45.Tel. 01622 728181. Kent.

BEOWULF RAD COVER s/steel for Suzuki Bandit GSF 1250, £40 ono. Tel. 0789 4078815.

Notts.

BOOKS: Triumph Owners Handbooks, 650 and 500 Twins; Book Of The Jap Engine, W. C. Haycraft 1948; Book Of The Triumph Twins, W. C. Haycraft; Book Of The AMC Singles, W. C. Haycraft; Tuning For Speed by "Slide Rule" of Motorcycling; Motorcyclists Workshop by Torrens. Tel. 07758 515696; 01507 442519. Lincs.

BOYS LEATHER JACKET and trousers, years 7-8, also leather boots, size 3, very good condition, no marks, £50.Tel. 07950 318454. Staffs.

BSA ADVERTS:- From the Bantam to the Golden Flash on mag cover 1952 nice colours, Golden Flash extra comfort Jan 1960, £3. each inc p&p Tel. 01563 516786. Northants.

BSA SERVICE SHEETS for 350/500 singles, very old, suit restorer/owner, Offers Tel. 07929 747650 for details .

Clwyd.

BRITISH BIKE MECHANICS MAGS rare, x14, first issue 01 (Oct 87 - Dec 88), missing Oct 88, A1 condition in folder, may post (3k weight), £30. Tel. 07885 388376. Lancs.

CADILLAC FLEETWOOD SEDAN 1992, auto, long MoT, taxed, white, low miles, history, very smooth V8, 4900cc, will consider p/x Retro Jap Muscle or Cruiser, why? sell £3995.

Tel. 07950 398750. W Mids.

FRAMED QUADROPHENIA POSTER A Way Of Life Levis 28” x 20”, new, £45; also two framed Lambretta prints, 22” x 18”, £35 each, £35 each. Tel. 01484 663007. W Yorks.

FRANK THOMAS Aquatec 4-in1 trousers, size XL, short leg, roughly 36-38 waist, never worn, still with labels, £70. half price Tel. 01942 884775. Manchester.

FRANK THOMAS BOOTS ladies, size 7, £20; BMW summer Gortex/leather gloves, size 6/6.5, £15; collection or post at cost.

Tel. 07812 350169. S Yorks.

GIVI MONOKEY 46 ltr top box with frame together with fitting plate for BMW F GS current series slight damage to box, £160 ono. Tel. 01476 568249. Lincs.

GIVI SAT NAV CASE waterproof case, two large pannier lids and inner bags for Honda NT700, 2 Givi base plates (mono lock), Moto Guzzi 1200 sport lower seat and inner pannier bags, 2012 Suzuki 650 VStrom lower seat, Offers Tel. 07852 326696. Leics.

GIVI TOP BOX large, and mounting plate, £90; leather jacket, large, £25. Tel. 07866 444632. S E London.

HALVARSSONS NEWMAN motorcycle gloves, size 10, great condition, £45 ono. Tel. 0789 4078815. Notts.

HARLEY DAVIDSON Clymer manual, soft tail, FLS, FXS, FXC, 2006, 2009, £20 plus postage.

Tel. 07801 727321. Lancs.

HAYNES MANUAL Kawasaki air cooled Fours, 1980-1991, Suzuki 250/350 Twins, 1966/1978 Yamaha 250, 400cc, 2-stroke Twins, all £9. plus p&p Tel. 01430 423971. E Yorks.

HAYNES MANUAL for Triumph Daytona, Speed Triple, Sprint and Tiger (97 to 05), unused, £10 plus postage. Tel. 07761 857674. N Wales.

HEIN GERICKE mans blouson style motorcycle jacket, Large, waterproof, windproof, CE protectors, thermal lining, new, never worn, cost £130, will sell for £50. Tel. 0121 4536830.W Mids.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TT original vinyl Sound Stories - Vol. 1 1957-1964 and Vol. 2 19651968, excellent condition. Offers Tel. 07761 857674. N Wales.

HONDA ST PAN 1300cc, tank cover, black, Baglux, £40; inner panniers, bags, plus top box, bag, genuine Honda, £60. Tel. 07515 016415 . E Sussex.

HONDA TOP BOX 45 ltr and rack, genuine Honda from CBF 1000, yellow/gold metallic, used once, £140; AGV crash helmet (XS), met silver and black, worn twice, £95. Tel. 01275 374056. Bristol.

IXS SKAR leather Gortex motorcycle trousers, unworn Xmas present, size 38-40, 58 Euros, £100 ono. Tel. 0789 4078815. Notts.

JACKET large size, black/red fabric, modern style, armoured, storm flap pockets, zip-in liner, adjust belt, as new, £25. plus p&p Tel. 07759 607498. E Berks.

KAWASAKI VERSYS 650 engine bars, S W Motech, new, boxed, cost £150, accept £95 plus carriage; HJC swing open face helmet, black/silver, medium, new cost £70, accept £25 plus postage. Tel. 01539 725198. Cumbria.

KRIEGA R25 back pack, as new, used twice, mint, £45; Sidi Vertebra boots, size 7, £20; Heine Gerick Pro-Sports leather pants, unmarked, 34" waist, armour knees, shins, £30. Tel. 0298 6580317. Surrey.

LUGGAGE SET Full hard case from Kawasaki KLV 1000, includes mounting bracket/rack, 1 Tech 48 ltr top box, 2 Kappa 40 ltr side panniers and keys, will possibly fit other racks, £265. ovno.Tel. 0781 5063504.

Carns.

LADIES J&S MOTORBIKE JACKET lined, almost new, pink panel, XXL, give-away, worn 5 times, £25. Tel. 07562 712188.

Notts.

MENS IXS TFL cool leather motorcycle trousers, CE knee protector 360 zip, to fit 36" waist, as new, cost £130, sell for £35.

Tel. 07721 456272. Gtr Man. MOTORCYCLE BOOKS for sale.

Tel. 01624 897998 for list. Isle of Man. MOTORCYCLE BOOTS Weiss model, WBLM 46, brand new, size 11; more A large 10, cost £70, sell £40; buyer collects.

Tel. 01827 895891. Staffs.

MOTORCYCLE BOOTS short leg, Nitro "Street Hopper", black, size 12, never worn, bargain at £20. Tel. 01827 895891; 07980 978518 buyer collects. Staffs.

MOTORCYCLE BOOTS size 11, good, £30. Tel. 07970 268610; 01354 677374.

MOTORCYCLE BOOTS top of the range Daytona Travel Star GTX, size 11, never worn, made in Germany, cost over £400, sell £300. Tel. 01827 895891; 07980 978518. Staffs.

MOTORCYCLE JEANS British made by Hood, blue, fully Kevlar lined, heavy denim, waist 38in, leg 34in, absolutely brand new, cost £70. buyer collects Tel. 01827 895891; 07980 978518. Staffs.

MV AGUSTA top quality lined red fleece, long XL embroidered badge, new, unworn, £35; modern Belstaff wax cotton XL jacket, undamaged, £90; ditto large overtrousers, £45; WD 1944 leather jerkin, £75. Tel. 01293 410976. Gatwick.

ONE-PIECE LEATHERS black, 38"/40" chest, 31" inside leg, 6ft, CE armour back arms, knees, thighs, shoulders, good condition, £130. Tel. 01259 760836. Scotland.

OWNERS MANUAL for Suzuki TS 185, 70s/80s models, £20; Haynes manual for Honda CB450 twins (Black Bomber), good condition. Tel. 01291 423392. Chepstow.

OXFORD FIRST TIME magnetic tank bag, unused, £25; also Triumph 1050 Tiger, Rentec rack, unused, £45. Tel. 01686 688172. Mid Wales.

RETRACTABLE SECURITY 1 POSTS two, h/duty, 3 ⁄2" square x 24", above ground, retracts flush with ground, galvanised and powder caoted, cost £240 each, £160 the pair.

Tel. 01625 613600. Cheshire.

PEUGEOT 407 SE Hatchback, 2005, manual, recent MoT, taxed, 70k miles, with history, recent 2k spent on clutch, tyres, cam belt, water pump etc, swap for retro Jap muscle bike, V-Max, K21000 etc, why? or sell for £1695. Tel. 07950 398750. W Mids.

R & G AERO crash protectors, c/w all fittings/tear drop shaped bobbins for Suzuki GSF 1250 GT (faired version), £95 ono. Tel. 0789 4078815. Notts.

RENNTEC RACK ZX12R black, £25 ono; standard screen ZX12R, £15 ono; non fango top box plus mounting plate, Universal fitting, black, holds full face helmet, £15 ono; black cargo tail pack, £15 ono; all good condition, Tel. 0797 6077489. N Yorks.

RNM 228 registration no, on retention, £700. Tel. 01524 735039 . Carnforth.

SCREEN TINTED 171⁄2 x 161⁄2 handlebar fittings for most bikes, vgc, £30; full face helmet, new, 59 to 60cms, silver black, air vents, spare visor, cheek pieces, Quick release strap, bargain, £25. Tel. 01767 692234. Beds.

SET OF 4 FRAMED PRINTS signed by Jim Blanchard, 1999 road racing kneeler/outfits, rider passenger 22” x 18”, £50 each; framed Marlon Brando print, 1950s on Triumph Motorcycle, 26” x 23”, £25. Tel. 01484 663007. W Yorks.

SHOEI HELMET size small, as new, hardly worn, Tel. . Derbys. stephen1.harrison@tiscali.co.uk SPEEDMASTER SEAT 2006, as new, £100 ono. Tel. 07594 420715. Notts.

SPADA TEXTILE SUIT 2 piece lined, size medium,40" chest, 32" waist, £40. Tel. 07983 809735. Warks.

SCHUBERTH S1 helmet, black, size 60-61, Troy Lee flames on sides (removable), very good condition, £60. Tel. 0208 3012913. Kent.

SPEEDWAY GRASS TRACK leathers, black/white, round neck, 42/44, good zips, £80; wanted Yamaha DT 250 kickstart, reg no G100 VY, on retention, Groovy Baby, £1250. Tel. 07814 181152. Dorset.

TEARDROP CARAVAN HOME built 4ft 5” wide x 8ft long, marine ply construction, Morris Minor wheels, £800 ono. Tel. 07910 947743 (no texts please). Staffs.

TIGER 1050 Renntec rack, unused, £30; Bandit 1250 Skorpion carbon end can, £50. Tel. 01686 688172. Powys.

TRIUMPH TIGER EXPLORER panniers with fitting kit and key, as new condition, used once, £370 ovno.Tel. 07966 163493.

Mid Lothian.

TRIUMPH WORKSHOP MANUAL genuine, and Owners Handbook for 650 Unit Construction 6T Thunderbird TR6 Trophy T120 Bonneville, £30.

Tel. 01795 539878. Kent.

TT LEATHERS black leather jeans, 38" waist, 31" inside leg, little used, £75. Tel. 01259 760836. Scotland.

YAMAHA XJ6 2009 onwards, accessories rack, top box, screen, alarm, etc, too many to list, total cost approx £700, will accept £250 the lot,you won't be disappointed, all like new, £250.

Tel. 07786 107768. Lancs.

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46 ReadeR panel Stay safe this winter

www.motorcyclemonthly.co.uk

Who better to give you an honest biking opinion than another biker? This month our reader panel tells you how they stay safe and visible on the roads in winter…

“Make sure your lights are working properly and check your headlight alignment is correct. If you can’t do this yourself any MoT station will be able to do it.

“Check your kit too. Replace your visor if it is causing lights to flare and affect your view in the dark.

Wear HiVis if you prefer, but it is no guarantee. How long since you had an eye test? Consider advanced rider training and remember that if it is more difficult for you to see then it will be the same for ALL other road users too. Make allowances for this. Stay safe.”

James Fawcett, Liverpool

“Well, you should already be riding around with dipped lights on regardless. If your gear only has minimal reflective strips on it, a HiVis jacket is good investment, but avoid the cheap ones with a velcro fastener, as these just end up flapping everywhere.

“Ride defensively, read the road well ahead and anticipate drivers not seeing you. In such instances, ease off the throttle and beep your horn – better they mutter “what’s his problem?” than pull out and hit you.

If they’re still some distance away, start weaving side to side a little – the horizontal movement of your headlights will be easier for them to spot and distance gauge than a static light. If you find yourself filtering (slowly) through a traffic jam in the dark or at dusk, consider putting on your hazard lights, as your headlight viewed in a mirror will just merge into the lights of all the other vehicles.”

Arthur Yarwood, London

“I ride a KTM 990 Adventure – it’s bright orange. I clean it at weekends but if I am out during the week, especially after sundown, I make sure the lights and indicators are clean. If the weather is bad and visibility is poor I will resort to wearing a HiVis coat or waistcoat, I have both! I swear by my pinlock visor in autumn/winter, it’s one of the best buys I have ever made. I sometimes travel with panniers fitted, so I stuck some orange self-adhesive reflectors on them facing forwards and red behind.”

Rob Claydon, Kingsbridge

“When I was a police officer I had the benefit of being trained to ride a motorcycle to the Police Roadcraft system. I assume that I am invisible and keep a constant look out for idiots. Using these principles tends to give me a good margin of safety in case I am not seen. So far in over 50 years of motorcycle riding I have never been involved in a collision with another vehicle. I’ve had some close calls but my safety margin and idiot anticipation riding techniques have always helped me to stay clear of trouble.”

Martin Vick, Luton

“Keep warm and dry to remain alert and comfortable. Non-restrictive layers are best – it’s often colder earlier in the morning, so you can leave a layer off later in the day when it might be warmer. Keep visors, screens and lights clean and make sure your tyres have plenty of tread. Make sure your lights are correctly adjusted too. Watch out for the additional hazards at this time of year – wet leaves, mud, standing water and soon ice/frost.

With regard to the latter, check out your local highway authority’s salting routes on its website or ask for a hard copy and plan your journeys on these when frost is forecast. It’s cheaper to rinse your bike off each evening than repair it when you’ve both slid down the road several yards.”

Martyn Allen, Gainsborough

“I wear a HiVis vest, keep my visor clean and make sure my lights are clean and working correctly. Clothing and footwear should be warm and waterproof too. Don’t forget about your tyres and brakes and check them regularly for defects.”

Steve Clarke, Shrewsbury We asked Mark Edwards, advanced riding instructor at Rapid Training, what he does: “In winter visibility is more difficult for everyone and the most effective way to make sure you are seen is to be careful with your speed when filtering in traffic or approaching junctions. You can wear all the HiVis you like, but you must allow others time to see you if you want to stay safe.”

MCM is YOUR free paper, so as well as bringing you the latest news and inspiring features, we want to hear what YOU have to say.

Each month, we’ll be emailing our 500+ strong reader panel with a few questions, covering everything from their opinions of the latest bikes, to riding tips, workshop workarounds and clothing dilemmas. Why not email your details to readerpanel@motorcyclemonthly.co.uk and we’ll add you to the group.