Motor Cycle Monthly - December 2014 - FULL EDITION

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December 2014

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January 3-4, 2015 Newark Showground NG24 2NY Adult one day ticket £7 in advance.

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£1600 street bike Exclusive review of CFMoto 150NK P18

WE loVE 2015 + + Think yourself faster Racer psychologist helps real bikers P26

Great new bikes Kawasaki H2 top speed + Honda RC213V-S: the facts from an insider

2

NEWS 3

The all-new R1 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 Tracy Barton, Sarah Scrimshaw Publisher Steve Rose Group production editor Tim Hartley Divisional advertising manager Sandra Fisher Advertising Team Leader Richard Sinclair 01507 529538 Advertising Dawn Clay 01507 529575 Marketing manager Charlotte Park Production manager Craig Lamb Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Associate director Malcolm Wheeler Advertising deadline for January issue December 5, 2014

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TMAX redesigned for 2015

THE popular 530cc twocylinder four-stroke Yamaha TMAX maxiscooter has been redesigned, with new LED dual headlights, a new front cowl, 41mm upside down forks, radial four-pot calipers, a 12v power socket and a keyless ignition/ immobiliser.

The TMAX Iron Max is a special edition with gold forks and caliper caps, exclusive seat, matt black wheels and

aluminium footplates.

The engine is unchanged in both of the new-for-2105 bikes,

THE 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 is a bike designed from scratch to reinvigorate the flagging supersport market by offering an experience as close as possible to the MotoGP YZR-M1.

The four-cylinder crossplane engine makes 200bhp@13,500rpm and 83lbft@10,000rpm (before taking into account ram-air) in an incredibly light 199kg wet weight.

Advanced computer control makes this exciting power-to-weight ratio all the more accessible, with a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) offering ‘3D controllability’ in the form of banking sensitive traction control, slide control, front lift control, launch control, ABS and a linked brake system. A slipper clutch and quick-shifter are also standard.

The new engine features titanium fracture-split con rods that are 40% lighter than steel, and forged aluminium pistons, helping to make the engine more responsive. More weight saving is seen in the titanium 4-2-1 exhaust system, aluminium

Deltabox frame, magnesium subframe and cast magnesium wheels. The bike carries a heavily sculpted 17 litre tank, full LED lights, and dual 320mm discs with new monobloc radial calipers.

Also announced was the limited edition YZF-R1M, which swaps the KYB kit for Öhlins Electronic Racing Suspension; making constant adjustments based on feedback from the IMU. The R1M also features full carbonfibre bodywork, and a Communication Control Unit (CCU) with GPS giving full datalogging including tracking, lean angle and more. This can be linked to an Android device to download data, as well as upload settings. The CCU is also available as an option on the standard R1. Buyers will need to apply for the R1M online from December 1, and those lucky enough to snap one up will also receive an invitation to participate in the Yamaha Racing Experience. www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk

New addition to MT range

still offering good performance of 46bhp@6750rpm and 34lb-ft@5250rpm.

THE 2015 Yamaha MT09 Tracer carries the 847cc three-cylinder engine making 115bhp @ 10,000rpm and 65lb-ft @ 8500rpm.

ABS and switchable traction control are fitted as standard, with the bike intended to combine exciting handling with touring practicality. The aluminium handlebars can be adjusted forwards or backwards, and the seat has two

height levels. The screen is also adjustable, and the bike comes with an 18 litre tank (good for a claimed 186 miles), hand guards

and revised selectable drive-modes for a smoother throttle response. Wet weight is 210kg. Prices are yet to be announced.

4 NEWS EVENTS

NOVEMBER 23 Huddersfield Autojumble HD1 1RG. www.phoenixfairs.jimdo.com

Ariel Bike Day @ Ace Cafe NW10 7UDD. www.ace-cafe-london.com Salvation Army Toy Run, Admiral Rodney, Southwell NG25 0EH. Meet 10am, entry price is new toy or gift.

Refreshments available.

01636 812838 16th Malvern Drive-In Classic Car & Bike Autojumble, Three Counties Showground WR13 6NW. www.classicshows.org NOVEMBER 30 Bike Day at the Ace Cafe NW10 7UDD. www.ace-cafe-london.com DECEMBER 6 Southern Classic Off Road Show / Autojumble, Kempton Park, Middlesex TW6 5AQ www.egpenterprises.co.uk 01344 883961 DECEMBER 7 Ace Cafe Club Day Xmas Meet NW10 7UD www.acecafe-london.com Toy Brass Monkey Run, The Victoria, Coalville LE67 3FA www.vicbikerspub.co.uk 01530 814718 Squires Annual Toy Run, Newthorpe, West Yorks LS25 5LX www.facebook.com/rideofhonour Minimum donation £5 or unwrapped toys. 07906 202655 DECEMBER 14 Dorset VMCC Christmas Run / dinner, Leigh Village Hall DT9 6HP 01935 872528

Kawasaki H2: the 209mph road bike

AFTER the excitement surrounding the track-based H2R, we can reveal that 2015’s road-going Kawasaki H2 will be available in limited numbers, capable of an incredible 209.2mph.

In 1999, Suzuki’s first Hayabusa was clocked on track at 200.1mph, and its gearing pointed to a possible top speed of 200.7mph at the 10,800rpm rev limit.

The Kawasaki H2R has a maximum engine speed of 14,000rpm, so calculating a theoretical top-speed based on the gearing ratios from the 210bhp engine (with ram-air) tells us that this bike will be faster than a firstgeneration Hayabusa in the first three gears, about the same in fourth and fifth, then capable of eeking out the extra speed in sixth.

Or it would, if – under the longstanding gentleman’s agreement – the ECU didn’t restrict things when the needle hits 186mph. Still, the Bridgestone Battlax RS10 tyres are ‘only’ rated to 186.4mph.

The H2’s peak power is some way off the 296bhp design goal that was quoted with the H2R, but the H2 – aside from the camshafts, head gaskets and clutch – has the same engine as the track bike, potentially making it powerful and reliable. The bike also uses a ‘dog-ring’ transmission, usually found in MotoGP and Formula 1 – a system that eliminates the need for selector forks, and thrives on fast gear changes.

This is aided by a quickshifter, Brembo hydraulics and a slipper clutch to stop the back wheel from locking during downshifts.

A ram air intake on the front is three times larger than the supercharger’s

New entry-level Kwaks

THE 2015 Z300, Z250SL and Ninja 250SL offer newer riders a great way into biking. The Z300 has a tubular steel frame, and a 38bhp engine, while the 250s carry a 28bhp motor. Find out more at www.MoreBikes.co.uk

inlet, and pushes the motor’s output up to 210bhp; without it, the engine would produce 200bhp. With BMW’s S1000RR making 199bhp, the supercharger sounds less impressive, but the H2’s peak is reached at 11,000rpm, whereas the BMW hits it at 13,500rpm. The German bike also ‘only’ makes 83lb-ft of torque at 10,500rpm; the Japanese monster hits almost 99lb-ft at 10,500rpm.

We spoke to Richard Albans of TTS Performance – an expert in supercharger tuning: “A centrifugal supercharger, like that used by Kawasaki, tends to have a more progressive boosting characteristic, making such a powered motorbike very easy to ride – I’d say that the torque delivery is much more linear than a highly-tuned normallyaspirated engine that gives a rush of torque and power.”

While the carbon-fibre fairing and wings have gone on the road bike, we still see the black-chromed plastic bodywork and the trellis frame. This

steel-tube design is said to aid stability at high speed, while maintaining a more agile 1455mm wheelbase (a Hayabusa is 1480mm; the S1000RR is 1425mm). It also helps to dissipate engine heat, though the bike does weigh 238kg – less than the ’Busa’s 260kg, more than the BMW’s 204kg.

KYB AOS-II racing forks are fitted, with motocross-style air-oil separate cartridges, and a KYB fully-adjustable monoshock at the rear. Dual radial Brembo calipers bite 330mm semifloating 5.5mm thick discs, and the rear wheel is knurled on the inside, to prevent the tyre from slipping.

As a statement of passion and ability, the H2R is a stunning machine. The H2 is the ‘sensible’ road-going sibling featuring traction control, launch control, engine braking control, electronic Öhlins steering damper, and ABS. Kawasaki has always said that the H2 would offer riders something they’ve never before experienced; it looks like the team has achieved it. www.kawasaki.co.uk

Cruiser engine retuned

KAWASAKI’S new-rider-friendly Vulcan S will use a retuned version of the Versys 650 and ER6 649cc motor, making 61bhp @ 7500rpm and 46.5lb-ft @ 6600rpm when it hits dealers early next year.

Torque is down 0.5lb-ft, but 400rpm earlier in the revs than in the Versys and ER6, while power comes in 1000rpm earlier, and is 8bhp less than the Versys, and 11bhp less than the ER6. It’s new-rider-friendly, weighing 225kg (228kg with ABS) with a seat height of 705mm and a 14 litre tank.

The foot pegs have three positions and a single 300mm disc up front is bitten by a twin-pot caliper.

NEWS 5 2015 sees Aprilia RSV4 RR hit 201bhp

THE new Aprilia RSV4 RR uses the company’s 65° V4 engine, now making 201bhp @ 13,000rpm, and 85lbft@10,500rpm. It’s got a wet weight of around 200kg, and was designed to be ‘the absolute best uncompromising superbike’. A race pack adds aluminium forged wheels and Öhlins suspension, while a limited-edition RF model comes with the race pack as standard. All bikes feature switchable ABS, traction control, wheelie control, launch control and a quick shifter. uk.aprilia.com

More torque for new Tuono FOR 2015 the high-performance naked Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 gets a larger engine now making 175bhp @ 11,000rpm and 89lb-ft @ 9000rpm.

Two versions will be available – the RR and Factory, which both feature a more protective top fairing, comfier 15mm-lower saddle, narrower bars and a kerb weight of around 204kg.

The chassis has been tweaked with a 6mm longer swingarm. Traction control, ABS, wheelie control, launch control and a quick-shifter are standard. uk.aprilia.com

Husqvarna returns with supermoto HUSQVARNA Motorcycles GmbH came to life in October 2013, with KTM Motorrad AG as its parent company.

Now with its factory in Austria, the Husqvarna brand has 111 years of heritage, from the early days of road racing to the off-road bikes of the 1940s onwards. The new Husqvarna 701 Supermoto is a return to the road with a 67bhp, 50lb-ft single-cylinder engine in a 145kg (dry) chassis.

Designed to be as slim as possible, the bike has switchable engine maps, and a ‘bad fuel’ option, for serious

EVENTS

Xmas Toy Run, Ace Cafe NW10 7UD www.ace-cafe-london.com

Normous Newark Autojumble, Newark Showground NG24 2NY 01507 529529 www.newarkautojumble.co.uk

adventurers. A slipper clutch is mated to Magura hydraulics. www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com

Two concept bikes from Husqvarna

Star Bikers 37th Annual Toy Run, The Britannia Stadium ST4 4EG www.stokebikeruns.co.uk 07720 663799 Donation of £2 plus unwrapped toy DECEMBER 18 BikerDown! FREE first-aid skills South Yorkshire, Lifewise Centre S66 8LB www.lifewise999.co.uk 01709 832452 DECEMBER 21 Paw’s n’ Claw’s Petfood Run Ace Cafe NW10 7UD www.ace-cafe-london.com Xmas Carol Service Ace Cafe NW10 7UD www.ace-cafe-london.com

Smaller capacity motor for new KTM Adventure

A SMALLER engine finds it way into the new KTM 1050 Adventure for 2015. The company says the bike is for the value-conscious, all-round riders.

The engine makes 95bhp from the V2 motor in a 212kg chassis. ABS and traction control are standard, and an A2-licence-compliant restrictor kit will be available. www.ktm.com/gbX

POSTWAR Europe saw Husqvarna’s lightweight single-cylinder bikes popular on the difficult roads and tracks of the time.

The concept Husqvarna 401 Vit Pilen and Svart Pilen (white arrow and black arrow), announced at the Milan motorcycle show (EICMA), see a mix of the company’s off-road bikes of the 1960s and 70s, and the road bikes of the 40s.

Details are sparse, and we’re usually fairly sceptical of ‘concept’ bikes, but given the obvious similarities to the KTM 390 platform, the machines

could become a reality. The WP suspension is also no surprise, given that it’s another company under KTM’s wing, though production models will have to sport a rather long tail and numberplate carrier.

Both bikes share the KTM frame and swingarm, and the single-cylinder, DOHC engine’s output of 46bhp is very close to the RC390. If launched, it seems likely that the engines will lose a couple of horses to be A2 licence compliant, and while they look to be spec’d-up, stylised 390 Dukes, we reckon the 401s looks a lot of fun.

Every Thursday from 6pm-9pm Stephen Billau and Sons Bike NightsDL1 1QQ www.sbillau.co.uk 01325 281331 Every second Saturday of every month Durham Autojumble / meet, Mill House DH7 8HJ www.dontbinitsellit.com Every Sunday of every month Cafe Plus, Badock High Street, SG7 6AX Motorcycle cafe open every Sunday, 9am-4pm 01462 895755 LIST YOUR EVENT HERE Visit www.MoreBikes.co.uk and submit it now.

6

Panigale hits 1285cc

EXCLUSIVE:

DAVE Hancock, head of Honda Motorcycle Europe product planning talks to Simon Hargreaves about the RCV213-S, announced at the Milan motorcycle show...

MoreBikes: What stage of development are we looking at with the RCV213-S? “This is an ongoing prototype; it could go into production but one of the things in the decision will be the reaction today. But we’ve been developing it and it’s pretty much at the end now. So you can see it’s 90% finished.”

THE latest Ducati 1299 Panigale takes the additional 87cc of its Superquadro 90° V-twin to produce 205bhp @ 10,500rpm (up from 195bhp @ 10,700rpm) and 106.7lb-ft @ 8750rpm (up from 98.1lb-ft @ 9000rpm).

Weight stays the same, at 190.5kg, while the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) brings cornering ABS and wheelie control. A quickshifter is fitted as standard, along with traction control and engine brake control.

The Panigale R is the homologated base for the company’s World Superbike machines, but maintains an 1198cc capacity, making 205bhp @ 11,550rpm and 100.5lb-ft @ 10,250rpm. A lithium battery helps bring wet weight down to 184kg. www.ducati.co.uk

MoreBikes: Is it going to be made?

Are you still deciding whether to build it or not?

“You could call it a halo product, or a flagship. It’s a bit like the NR750 in 1992.

I was part of that development team and we sold about 200 around the world and 15 or so in the UK. When someone asked us why we did it, we said, ‘Because we can’. It was a statement, really. Basically, I can see people asking if we’re gonna make the RCV and what’s it gonna be, but it seems everyone loves it and people already want one... so we’ll continue with it.”

Get the news first

MoreBikes: So just to clarify, can we say ‘when’ rather than ‘if’?

“Yes. Probably, yes.”

TO HEAR about the new bikes, kit and events before enyone else, make MoreBikes.co.uk your homepage.

Updated daily, the website is produced by John and Carli – the team behind Motor Cycle Monthly.

MoreBikes: Can you give a ball-park price?

“Price-wise it’s going to be expensive – it’s been quoted that it’s going to be 200,000 euros plus, or whatever...”

NEWS 7

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE ON THE HAND-BUILT HONDA RCV213-S

MoreBikes: There was a story that one of the reasons the RCV has taken so long is that Honda couldn’t agree whether to make it super-exclusive – over £100,000 – or merely exclusive, at around half that price.

“We never discussed what price it was going to be, we only ever discussed what it was. And we’ve gone up and down on the spec – we’ve changed some parts of the spec, but then we felt it had to be worthy of the RCV name. But the priority has always been to make something really, really special. The price was never the priority. Because if you’re going to go on price, it’s a completely different animal. If you look at a lot of the stuff on the bike – stuff that wasn’t talked about today; the chassis, the footrests, the cycle parts, the fuel tank, the throttle bodies, the crankcases, the forks, the swingarm... they’re exactly the same as Marc and Dani’s. Exactly.

So now you’re starting to get the picture of how special the bike really is. Yes, it hasn’t got the same engine internals because obviously MotoGP components have a shorter life and you couldn’t put them into a streetlegal bike. So you would never ride a racebike on the road for very long because it wouldn’t last. So we had to get the balance between the two; between acceptable reliability, longevity, together with the fact it’s still a special bike.”

MoreBikes: Is there a timeframe?

“It sounds really strange but because we’re doing it because we’re passionate about it, it’s a different

thing. When you’re producing a product where you set the volume and the profitability, the next thing you do is to book production time in the factory. So you effectively work backwards. So if we’re going to build a new FireBlade, we work out where it’s going to be made, then we go to the factory and book production for, say, three years’ time. And that’s what usually drives development. But with the RCV there was no production slot to be booked because they’re all hand-made.

“The production will be in Kumamoto but because they’re handmade they’ll make one a day, or something like that. It’s a bit like we used to do with the RS race bikes; if you went into Hamamatsu factory, you’d have this fantastic production line, then round the corner you’d have

these two guys building RS125s and RS250s in what looks like someone’s workshop. So that’s what the plan with the RCV would be. So it is an ultra-special, hand-built, one-off... a bit like the NR750; every one could be slightly different.”

MoreBikes: How many will you make?

“Our original plan was to make 213 – because it’s the RCV213. But if you think about it – and this is just my view – with something as special as this, there’s got to be 200 people in the world who would buy one. And if you speak to some people they say you could sell twice as many. But the last thing anyone who wants one will ask is ‘How much is it?’ I know dealers who have three or four customers ready to buy one now.

8 NEWS Ducati Multistrada gets variable timing

THE 2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 now features the Testastretta Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT), giving independent control of the intake and exhaust cams for – Ducati says – “maximum power at high rpm, fluid delivery, punchy low-rpm torque and low fuel consumption”.

Power is up 10bhp to 160bhp @ 9500rpm (250rpm higher than the previous model), while torque jumps from 92lb-ft to 100lb-ft @ 7500rpm.

An Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) measures roll, yaw and pitch, along with their rate of change to offer cornering ABS and wheelie control, as well as cornering lights (on the S models).

Of the three machines (1200, 1200 S and 1200 S D|air), all three have backlit switchgear, selectable riding and power modes and electronic cruise control, while the S models gain a Bluetooth multimedia system and dynamic suspension compression and rebound adjustment. www.ducati.co.uk

TWO NEW MOTO GUZZIS

MOTO Guzzi’s Eldorado for 2015 uses the company’s 90° V-twin in a ‘modern and luxurious interpretation’ of the 850 from the 1970s. 16in spoked wheels carry whitewall tyres, combined with LED lights and a 21

litre tank feeding a massive, tractioncontrolled 89lb-ft at just 2750rpm through the shaft drive.

The Audace uses the 1400cc engine in a darkly-styled, sportier machine. uk.motoguzzi.it

2015 Tiger more economical THE new Triumph Tiger 800 range features a 94bhp @ 9250rpm, 58lb-ft @ 7850rpm 800cc inline triple, claimed to offer 65mpg (up from the previous model’s 55mpg).

ABS, traction control and three riding modes are available on the XRx and XCx models, along with cruise control. New styling throughout is complemented by WP suspension on the XC models. You can read the full review in next month’s paper, or online at MoreBikes.co.uk. www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk

More power for the F800R THE 2015 BMW F800R carries the same 798cc engine as the previous model, but power is up 3bhp to 90bhp @ 8000rpm. Peak torque for the water-cooled, inline twin remains at 63lb-ft @ 5800rpm.

The motor also benefits from shorter ratios in first and second, for faster acceleration from a standstill.

Forks are now upside down, with radial calipers fitted. The seat has also been lowered by 10mm to 800mm, along with new handlebars and foot pegs, said to improve ergonomics.

The bike is aimed at novice riders, and has been redesigned along with new-style, lighter wheels.

ABS is standard, with automatic stability control and electronic suspension adjustment available as optional extras. www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk

New BMW Sport-Adventure bike

CLAIMED to combine touring ability with sporty performance and high levels of comfort, the 2015 BMW S1000XR takes the S1000R roadster’s engine with 160bhp @ 11,000rpm and 83lb-ft @ 9250rpm.

Switchable, Rain and Road riding modes come as standard, along with automatic stability control. ABS Pro (works when banked over) and dynamic traction control are available as optional extras.

The frame’s geometry has been tweaked to suit the XR, including a longer 1548mm wheelbase, a 64.5° steering head angle, longer suspension travel plus a 20 litre tank.

Special edition Rocket for 2015

JUST 500 of the new Triumph Rocket X limited edition bikes will be produced, each finished in a highgloss paint scheme with 8-Ball ‘grind’ effect stripes, black wheels, with hand-painted silver pinstripes, as well as black exhaust, handlebars and mirrors. www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk

NEWS 9

Ride on- and off-road at Motorcycle Live MOTORCYCLE LIVE – the UK’s biggest bike show – is so much more than a static display of the latest machinery; it also provides visitors with the opportunity to actually get on a bike and ride – both on- and off-road.

The Test Ride Zone will make a welcome return to the show thanks to Shoei, Sidi and Spada, and a great line-up of bikes from the world’s leading manufacturers. Accompanied by outriders, visitors with a full motorcycle licence can take a free test ride and get a real feel for their chosen model, before visiting the relevant manufacturer stand with any questions they may have.

For visitors keen to swap the Tarmac for the dirt, the Yamaha Off-Road Experience offers the chance to do just that on a specially designed indoor circuit.

Catering for all levels of experience, chief instructor and former Motocross Grand Prix rider Barry Johnson and his team will guide participants through the techniques needed, making sure it is an experience to remember, all for free.

Yet another opportunity to ride comes in the form of the ACU Try Trials feature, in association with Bumpy. The free 15-minute

sessions, hosted by ACU instructors, aim to give an introduction to the highly skilled discipline of trials riding on an indoor course. Trials riding demonstrations by the ACU coaches will also take place daily.

In addition to the adult riding activities, there is a wide range of free features to get kids of all ages on two wheels, including the Kiddimoto Children’s Fun Track (2-12 years);

Honda’s My First Licence (5-11 years); the Arenacross Youth MX Experience and the Try a Kuberg Electric Bikes (5-12 years) and Silverstone’s Rookie Rides for those aged 11-16. Aspiring bikers aged 16 and over can also book a free two-wheel taster session courtesy of the Get On campaign.

Motorcycle Live takes place at The NEC, Birmingham from November 22-30, 2014. Advance

tickets are just £17 per adult, £11 for Seniors and £7 for children aged 1116* (kids 10 and under accompanied by a paying adult go free). There is also a £20 advance ticket, which includes entry to the show and a three-pack of Oxford Comfy neck warmers worth £15. *Advance ticket price. Closing date for advance tickets 5pm on November 21, 2014.

All information correct at the time of release.

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

10

11

12 PRODUCTS

TESTED

PUTTING IN THE MILES WITH THE KIT THAT MATTERS

VERTIX RAPTOR-I WIRELESS HELMET INTERCOM £169.99 (single) £299.99 (pair) | www.motohaus.com / 01256 704909

Tested by John Milbank

UNTIL you’ve tried a Bluetooth intercom unit, it’s hard to believe you’ll enjoy it so much. No doubt the purity of riding a motorcycle is important to all of us, but a two-hour motorway slog to a business meeting is made all the better with some music.

Besides being able to talk to your pillion or another rider, the Vertix allows you to stream music from a Bluetooth phone, link to your GPS for in-helmet instructions, listen to the built-in FM radio, or take phone calls (if you want to).

Clarity of the intercom is very dependent on the quality of your helmet – my wife’s old Suomy limits us to about 70mph before she can’t hear me, but I did find it better when I was chatting to a mate wearing a Shoei. Rider-to-rider is good up to the claimed 800m, given a clear line of sight, and it only starts to break up when large buildings or trucks get in the way.

Vertix is proud of the noise reduction technology, and it should be – even when speeds get too great to clearly hear each other, the units somehow manage to filter out wind

noise, meaning you can leave them connected without distraction.

Some sounds – like a slight whine from the engine and passing trucks – can be heard, but to a far lesser extent than with other kit I’ve tried. I also phoned home with this fitted to my Schuberth C3 Pro, and even at 80mph my wife Helen wouldn’t believe I was riding a bike – it was that clear.

Impressive, and even with the entire front of the lid flipped open, it was only my breathlessness that made the call tricky.

When using earplugs, I tend to have the unit at full, or just under full volume – it’s the same on an Interphone, with the Vertix giving a very slightly louder max output than its competitor.

The first pair of speakers I had blew after five hours of drum ’n’ bass, but these were replaced quickly by Motohaus, and I’ve given the redesigned units (which now come with the Vertix) a real pounding without any problems.

The volume defaults to a lower level whenever turning the Vertix back on, which I’m sure is a safety feature, but it can be irritating.

Fortunately, the battery life is so good that you don’t need to remember to turn them off more than once a day, and even when playing music at full pelt, you can get a good six hours solid before having to charge up via the very convenient micro-USB port (no need to carry a special charger – it’s the same as my phone).

The button layout is well-thought-out, though I do tend to keep the small instruction booklet with my bike, in case I forget which button to press to access some features. Everything you need regularly is a quick press away, but some features require longer presses, and it can take a while before you memorise what the tones mean during use.

Fitting the Vertix is fairly easy (as long as your helmet has room for the slim speakers) and can be ordered with either a boom mic for openface, or a foam-covered adhesive mic for fullface lids. The main unit sticks on to the side of your helmet with a 3M Dual Lock (a cross between Velcro and Sticklebricks) – it’s unobtrusive and effective, but I did once knock the Vertix off while riding. The speaker cable is a good fit though, so I didn’t lose it.

A remote is available for £70 (or currently free when you buy a pair of intercoms), which gives you full control from your handlebar. It’s cleverly designed to sit above the switchgear, so doesn’t take up any of the bar’s grip space.

There are huge benefits to having an intercom, whether it’s to talk to your pillion or up to two other riders, or to listen to music, keep in contact or make the most of your GPS. So with its great noise-reduction, the Vertix is well worth a look.

PRODUCTS 13

RIDERMOUNT BLUETOOTH GPS AUDIO £67.99 | www.ridermount.com / 01473 823351 | Tested by John Milbank MOTORCYCLE GPS units – like my TomTom Rider – are great, but they’re not cheap. If you’ve already got a sat nav for your car, and can’t stretch to another for the bike, RiderMount has a clever solution.

Water-resistant cases have been available for a while, but the new Bluetooth GPS Audio is a real stroke of genius. By attaching a small microphone to the back of your car’s sat nav, you can link the audio output to your helmet’s Bluetooth intercom.

The mic has a short lead, so it’s unobtrusive when you’re using the GPS in the car. On the bike, this lead plugs into the small GPS audio box, which detects when an instruction is being spoken, amplifies it, then outputs it from a standard 3.5mm socket.

Power is supplied via a fused cable to the bike’s battery, and can be

disconnected easily when not in use.

Plug the small water-resistant Bluetooth unit into the audio output to enable wireless communication and you’re ready to ride with your car’s sat nav.

Set up is simple, with the GPS audio box tucking into the case with your sat nav (just cut away some of the foam).

The Bluetooth unit clips to the cables outside the case, and lasts for up to 11 hours on a full charge from the microUSB port. The unit then ‘listens’ for an instruction before turning on, and it disconnects again when it’s finished – cleverly this isn’t clipped, so you miss none of the directions. There’s no background noise, though you need to have your sat nav set quite loud to activate the audio unit (which has an adjustable output volume); you sometimes get some funny looks in city centres from pedestrians.

Once wired up, you have a cable to

power the sat nav (RiderMount sells a great USB power socket), and another to power the GPS audio unit. It’s not as tidy as the TomTom Rider, but it’s a much cheaper way to use technology you already own. If you have a wired headset, you can buy the GPS audio without the Bluetooth box for £37.99, and there are plenty of cable adaptors available for almost any set-up.

ULTIMATE EAR SQUIDGY CUSTOM EARPLUGS £59.99 + impressions | www.ultimateear.com / 01689 876885 | Tested by Carli Ann Smith LOSING your hearing isn’t like breaking a bone – your hearing won’t fix itself.

We all know the feeling of getting back after a rideout and hearing a slight ringing in our ears, especially if you’ve done a spell on the motorway. This could be the beginning of longer-term damage. Knowing this, I decided to do something about it, and protect my lugholes from anything permanent.

There are plenty of disposable earplugs on the market, but I couldn’t find a shape that suited me, so I decided to go custom. I had the impressions

done at an approved centre, and these were sent off to Ultimate Ear which made my earplugs and sent them back. The cost of the impressions varies from £25-£35, or you can go into the Ultimate Ear lab in Orpington and get them done for £15. You keep them once your plugs have been made, so if you need a replacement then you don’t have to have the impressions done again. Your ears change as you get older though, so it’s recommended that you get new impressions every five years.

The plugs go right down to the second bend in your ear – further than some other plugs which

just sit in the entrance. There is a technique to putting them in, which takes some getting used to, but it’s outlined in the handy booklet included, along with a carry case, and you get the hang of it quickly.

Riding with them for the first time was slightly strange… you can hear your engine but the wind noise is blocked out, and after my first trip I was sold. When they get dirty, I just wash them in a mild hand soap and leave to dry naturally, or wipe them with an anti-bacterial wipe to freshen them up. They’re really comfy to wear and now they’ve become part of gearing up for every ride.

14 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Christmas Gift Guide

COMPETITION 15

N I W an all-expenses paid trackday and safari holiday in

South Africa

JOIN SuperBike Rental company SBR for a once-in-a-lifetime track and safari holiday.

Flying out of Heathrow, for three days you’ll be given a rental bike from a choice of 250-1000cc machines, riding at the MotoGP Phakisa circuit in Welkom. You’ll even have the opportunity to participate in a club race on the Sunday.

All riding kit, tyres and fuel is included, along with accommodation and meals at the track, as well as transport to and from your hotel. The

track sessions are run by www.mratraining.co.za with SBR providing the motorcycles.

You’ll then visit Pilanesberg National Park for five days, staying for four nights in the luxury Cabanas Sun City, travelling out for incredible day and night game-drives offering up-close encounters with lions, cheetahs, leopards and wild dogs.

Tailored holidays

This package is worth an incredible £2975, but you can check out the SBR website at

sbr-southafrica.wix.com/http for more details of what’s on offer if you’re not lucky enough to win. Call Mike Joubert on + 27 743 585544 or email him at mike@sabrein.co.za to discuss your own dream biking trip.

Enter now

This really is a stunning prize, but entering couldn’t be simpler. Just click onto our website below for your chance to spend eight days riding an awesome track and seeing some of the world’s most amazing creatures.

Enter now at MoreBikes.co.uk/Competitions Competition closes January 20, 2015. Usual terms and conditions apply and must be agreed to before entering, and can be found at www.motorcyclemonthly.co.uk/competitions Additional terms and conditions also apply: • Entrants to the competition must be 18 or over • The holiday package prize must be undertaken within six months of the competition closing date • Mortons Media Group works in conjunction with third parties to offer prizes and incentives. Once the competition has been processed and relevant information has been passed to the prize provider, responsibility for the prize, its itinerary and its delivery lies entirely with Super Bike Rentals • Any changes, additions or cancellations encountered before or during the trip are the responsibility of Super Bike Rentals and not Mortons Media Group

16 LETTERS

HAVE YOUR SAY

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

★ MCM STAR LETTER OF THE MONTH ★

v

Keeping it cheap really is the best way to have fun With reference to John Wheatcroft’s letter in the November issue regarding his bargain Benelli; after a 26-year layoff, back in December 2007 I bought a 1990 Yamaha XJ600N for £380, spent about another £300 licking it into shape, and finally got my leg over a bike again.

In June 2010 – 7000 miles later and still with only about 32,000 on the clock I part-exchanged it for a 8300 mile 1996 N Suzuki RF900R. It had a sticker price of £1700, and I got £700 for the Yamaha!

On August 28 some mad woman in a Corsa Tboned me and wrecked the RF. So now I have a 2003-plate Yamaha 600 Fazer that I bought from a friend for £1300! At pushing 74 I still get a buzz when I cock a leg over a bike.

Bob Newell, via email This month’s star letter wins a fantastic pair of RST Blade gloves worth £49.99. With a double-layer leather palm, carbon knuckles and pre-curved outstitched fingers it’s a great do-it-all sports glove. www.rst-moto.com

We want more from our bikes

David Cunliffe’s letter in the October issue asked why bikes aren’t crash proof, and when they’ll become more practical. It seems to have struck a bit of a chord with many of you…

I do not think that motorcycles will ever be crash proof, but I do think that manufacturers could do more to minimise the damage when a motorcycle tips over when stationary or at a very low speed.

I think items such as a decent front mudguard, a radiator guard, rear hugger and centrestand, should always be standard.

I simply would not buy any motorcycle where I had to pay extra to have a comfortable seat.

Revd Trevor Parkerson, Ashby & Breedon Team Ministry

I own and ride several bikes, including a monoshock BMW R80 and a 1948 Vincent Rapide. Both have similar performance and fuel consumption; the older bike being slightly better on both counts.

The Vincent has adjustable footrests, brake lever, gear lever, handlebars and to some extent the seat and rear suspension. All can be adjusted to cater for different size riders or different riding positions.

I have ridden the Vincent in reasonable comfort for longish trips, including one of 1350 miles in three days round Scotland, with one day of 540 miles. It has a range of around 200 miles between fill-ups.

New Mash spotted

I went to the Classic Bike Show at Ardingly in October, where I saw a brand-new bike – the Mash Road Star, made in France. It had a 398cc single engine and weighed only 151kg. It ticked a lot of boxes for me, looked well made, and there was a lot of interest from a lot of bikers in this machine. I wonder if you have heard of it, also if there is any chance of you road testing it? I always look

Have the bike manufacturers really come on that much in 60 years? On the car side, as David Cunliffe states, comfort levels, fuel consumption, and standard equipment on even the most basic models have progressed hugely. I have a VW T4 van which will still return 40mpg when fully loaded.

I know there are some exceptions, but is it not time the bike manufacturers gave us performance, reasonable fuel economy and equipment levels comparable to their cars?

Ian Hodgkinson, via emai

I have been asking for many years why bikes aren’t adjustable. A 6ft 6in person is so different from a 5ft person and yet they are expected to fit any bike.

Bike manufacturers spend millions squeezing a few more horses into engines, but how much would it cost to provide adjustability?

I would add to David’s wish list a clock (big enough to be seen by the over fifties), a fuel gauge, gear indicator, either self-cancelling indicators or a sounder if they’re left on too long, and a socket (in a lockable box) to charge mobiles or run a sat nav. These things would cost tiny fractions of the cost of a bike, but would make a huge difference to usability.

Paul Whitfield, Alicante, Spain

forward to reading your paper every month. I pick it up from The Bike Shop in Faversham, a good lot of blokes there.

Pete Nolson, Faversham

It’s a new one on me, I must admit. Sounds interesting though, and I’m in the process of tracking down a demonstrator, so you can expect a review soon.

FIRST RIDE 17

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HELP SHAPE MOTOR CYCLE MONTHLY AND

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AS the UK’s biggest bike monthly, we talk to a lot of great people like you – real motorcyclists riding all kinds of machines around the country (and indeed the world). We love to hear from you, whether it’s in your letters, your adventures or your kit and bike reviews…

Now though, we’d like you to help us make sure MCM is the best it can be, and for your efforts, we’ve got £150 cash and more, up for grabs.

Our 2014 Reader Survey invites you to tell us what you think about the paper. What are we doing right? What aren’t we doing so well?

Are the bikes and other areas of motorcycling that we cover the right ones? Do you enjoy the way in which we put the publication together? These are some of the points that you’ll be asked to consider, so that we can ensure that we’re hitting the right mark.

Reader surveys do fulfil another purpose of course, and it’s not just satisfying our marketing team’s love of spreadsheets.

Being able to accurately quantify and qualify who is reading Motor Cycle Monthly allows the paper to work with the most relevant advertisers and commercial supporters – something particularly vital to a free publication.

Head over to the website – MoreBikes.co.uk/mcmsurvey – to give us your views. It should take you no more than 20 minutes to complete, and you have my assurance that the data is kept secure and

separated from all personal details… your inside leg measurement will not be revealed to anyone!

As an incentive to tick the boxes, we have several prizes up for grabs including £150 in cash (which we hope you’ll spend on your bike). A range of other goodies are also available, details of which can be found at MoreBikes.co.uk/mcmsurvey. Thanks in advance for your help with this…

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18 FIRST RIDE

2015 CFMoto 150NK

£1575 TBC I 149.4cc I four-stroke single-cylinder 11.8bhp @ 8500rpm I 7.89lb-ft @ 7000rpm

Tested by: Alan Cathcart Photography: Kyoichi Nakamura CHINESE company CFMoto began development – entirely in house – of its own purpose-built 650cc paralleltwin motor in 2009. This was to form a platform for a range of middleweight models of different types, of which the 650NK Naked roadster was the first.

The 650TK hard-luggage Tourer came next and a 650AK twin-cylinder Adventure Tourer is expected to debut early in 2015. It can now be revealed that this Adventure Tourer is being created for the Chinese manufacturer

by Gerald Kiska, whose Austrian-

based Kiska design company has been responsible for producing every single KTM model since 1992.

CFMoto was due to debut the first of an all-new range of bikes with Kiska design styling, powered by its own fuel-injected 150cc liquid-cooled overhead-cam six-speed singlecylinder motor at the Milan EICMA Show this month. A comparable 250300cc model is believed to be under development, too, but it’s not likely to appear until the 2017 model year. We had an exclusive test ride of a preproduction version of the 150NK before the official launch…

Tell me about the engine

Bjorn Shuster and Gerald Kiska with the CFMoto 150NK.

Though not up to the performance levels of KTM’s dohc four-valve models, even in 15kW guise, the 150NK’s Chinese-made sohc twovalve engine which produces 11.8bhp at 8500rpm, and 7.89lb-ft of torque at 7000rpm, is willing and completely smooth.

Thanks to its gear-driven balance shaft there are no vibes whatsoever, even when fluttering the 10,200rpm rev limiter. This makes the new CFMoto easy to ride for any length of time, and the fact that its riding position didn’t feel cramped for a 5ft 11in rider like myself means that it’s a valid product for Western markets, not just Asian ones.

Though easy and forgiving at low speeds in urban use, the engine has a

fair appetite for revs, with the large red shifter light on the good-looking dash flashing at 8000rpm in every gear. It cruises happily at an indicated 62mph (100kph) with the big analogue tacho reading 8500rpm.

I saw 74mph (119kph) on the digital speedo tucked well in going slightly downhill, and the CFMoto engine didn’t feel in the least bit laboured.

That low-set Euro 3 exhaust – which

even without a catalyst fitted is to my mind easily the most unlovely item on the bike – burbles away lustily, but is very quiet, so there’s lots of scope for an aftermarket system.

What’s the chassis like?

Gerald Kiska is positive that CFMoto’s bike will become a key player in the global PTW market.

“They understand how the domestic

market in China is changing, where with motorcycles banned from cities, they have now become a leisure product that young people want to buy,” he said. “But the big Chinese manufacturers can’t fulfil this demand, because such a bike has to look different and feel different to ride than the more conventional ride-towork commuter models they produce – mainly copies of 1980s Hondas.

FIRST RIDE 19 “This leaves a growing gap in the market which CFMoto has moved to exploit – and it’s asked us to help it do that, knowing this can also help establish it in a new segment of the export market it’s not present in yet.

The 150cc model had to be the first step on the capacity ladder for its customers, especially as the company had an existing engine which could be modified slightly to suit, with a different exhaust and airbox.

“The chassis can be used to support several different variants of the same platform, just as the KTM Duke has now led to the full-fairing RC models, but CFMoto wants to evaluate the success of this first version before it moves on to another sector. But this company knows how to build a reliable engine, which is the reason for its success in the ATV market.

“It understands that it must train staff properly, and that’s a key reason why it is able to insist on rigid quality control in production. Plus it understands brand marketing – it was the first to insist that its bikes are called CFMoto all around the world, when its competitors just care about shifting numbers, and let their importers call them what they like. So it is creating a

brand, and that’s one thing we can help it do with a continuity of styling, like we’ve done with our friends just up the road. (KTM)” Kiska design stylist Bjorn Shuster, who was responsible for detailing the 150NK and putting his boss Gerald’s concept into reality, has done a nice job of making the tubular-steel twinspar frame into a design feature, as on a KTM or Ducati. He’s also done good work in hiding the radiators, without detracting from their efficiency.

Should I buy one?

It’s a very dynamic-looking bike – the aggressive-looking headlamp cowl, the headlamp itself, the cast aluminium footrest hangers, and the good-looking cast wheels which are certain to end up on heaps of other bikes, thanks to their quality appearance. The whole package exudes substance – much more than you’d expect from a bike of this price – and coupled with desirable looks will appeal to teen dreamers who’ll be its likely target customers.

So what’s it like to ride?

The new single-cylinder bike has a strong visual identity, and appears

pretty classy in the distinctive shade of aquamarine blue that Kiska has designated as CFMoto’s future house colour – well, it couldn’t be orange, could it? I regularly got waved at during my 150km ride round the Austrian countryside by Harley and BMW riders who would normally disdain acknowledging the existence of anyone on a Chinese-built budget bike… this comes over as a lot more bike for the money than its killer price leads you to expect.

On my return I took to the autobahn for a fast ride home, and found that the new 150NK will sit at an indicated 70mph (113kph) for mile after mile on level ground with the Sport map selected via the switch on the left handlebar, leaving Economy for use around town (which makes acceleration rather more sluggish but with reduced fuel consumption). The water temperature stayed constant on a 26ºC day at those speeds – just onethird of the way up the scale – showing this is an efficiently designed motor.

It feels more substantial than you’d expect from a 150cc runaround, yet it’s light-steering without being nervous. I could chuck the 150NK on its side into turns and still get the grip I hoped for. That good-looking frame handles well, albeit with adequate rather than exceptional front suspension that isn’t particularly compliant over rough surfaces. The rear cantilever monoshock gives better ride quality than I expected, though. Call it a score-draw.

The one-piece handlebar delivers a comfortable, upright stance that isn’t tiring, and the footrests are a little further back than usual for a bike of this kind, delivering a sense of sportiness that’s borne out by the way it steers so sharply.

The brakes work really well, with

two panic stops presenting an examination that I’m glad they passed each time. The single 292mm front disc looks skinny but has good bite, and judging by the ring already fitted is apparently ready for the ABS that CFMoto says it’s working on for January 1, 2016, when it will be compulsory in Europe for bikes over 125cc in capacity.

The dash is legible and informative – more so than you’d expect from a bike in this category – with a digital panel showing fuel level, time, voltage, water temp and mileage plus a single trip, with warning lights on the left of the tacho.

I’d have liked a gear indicator – as the Indian-built KTM Dukes have – to allow beginners to keep track of what cog they’re in on such a smooth, relatively torquey bike. It wouldn’t cost much, and would add to the 150NK’s perceived value – after all, it already has a choice of two engine maps. But fit and finish on this pre-production prototype (made in China, not a handbuilt product of Kiska design) was really excellent by any standards.

The trick will be for CFMoto to maintain that quality in series production, but after visiting its 150,000sq m plant in Hangzhou last year and observing the series of quality control stations in action on the production lines, I’m confident that its 1520-strong workforce can deliver the goods – it already has done so on the pair of 650cc twin-cylinder models.

“The four vehicle assembly lines and three engine assembly lines operate a zero defect policy,” says the company’s marketing director, Samantha Liu. “If we want zero defects from one of our products, as we do, we realise we cannot afford to cut corners in quality control. Here at CFMoto we build up to a quality level, not down to a price,

Clocks are surprisingly high-spec.

The ABS system is still being designed.

TECH SPEC Price: £1575 / €2000 TBC Engine: Liquid-cooled, sohc, two-valve, single cylinder, four-stroke 149.4cc Power: 11.8bhp (8.8kW) @ 8500rpm Torque: 7.89lb-ft (10.7Nm) @ 7000rpm Wet Weight: 142kg Seat height: 785mm Tank size: 10 litres cfmoto.cn

yet we still remain competitive pricewise in the marketplace.”

The new 150NK is another major step in fulfilling CFMoto president Lai Guogui’s strategy to take the company forward, with a key step in that being the collaboration with Kiska design.

“Now that we have begun our collaboration with Mr Kiska and are so pleased with the results, he will take care of all our motorcycle design in future – including refreshing the styling of existing models, as well as creating exciting new ones,” says Mr Lai. “But you’ll have to wait to see what these will be!” I reckon that the 150NK is a pretty good start.

20

21

22 FIRST RIDE

2015 BMW S1000RR From around £12,500 | 199bhp @ 13,500rpm 83lb-ft @ 10,500rpm | 999cc liquid-cooled inline-four Tested by: Bruce Wilson MEET the awesome BMW S1000RR. It’s the first production super-sport bike to have the option of cruise control and heated grips.

It also has a real-time lean angle display, and an optional World Superbike-style quick-shifter.

The updates mean more aggressive styling, more tech, and of course, more power for the Bavarian company’s fifth-bestselling motorcycle.

Tell me about the engine

The S1000RR’s motor now makes a claimed 199bhp – an increase of 6bhp over the previous generation. Torque is now up to 83lb-ft. These improvements were achieved through alterations to the bike’s airbox, the fitment of lighter intake valves, new duct geometry in the cylinder head and a new intake camshaft.

A redesigned, 3kg lighter exhaust system sounds distinctively deep and throaty like the old machine, but the motor spins up noticeably faster than before.

Thomas Steinle – the engine’s developer – told me that besides the increased power, the goal was to make the motor more drivable too, allowing it pull longer and stronger throughout the rev range. This improved torque curve has huge advantages on track, but it also makes road riding much more pleasant.

An ex-works option (it has to be fitted when the new bike is ordered) is the HP Gear Shift Assist Pro – without doubt my favourite accessory on the bike. Rather than just being a quick-shifter to help you going up the ’box, it’s also a seamless down-shifter, meaning you never have to touch the clutch once you’ve got the bike rolling.

What’s the chassis like?

Dash includes a lean angle display, with the max stored till shut-off.

Small but significant changes to the RR’s chassis mean that it now offers better front-end feedback through the 120/70/17 front tyre, and more mechanical traction from the 190/55/17 rear. The steering head angle has been increased by 0.5°, and the swingarm pivot point lowered by 3mm, while increasing the wheelbase by 8mm to 1425mm.

Utilising many of the sophisticated electronics first seen on BMW’s HP4 superbike, the new RR comes with 14 stages of traction control settings, and Race-ABS through the four-pot Brembo monobloc calipers and 320mm discs.

You no longer have to use the clutch to select your rider mode, and you can

alter the level of traction control simply by touching a button as you ride. You can tweak the suspension settings through Dynamic Damping Control (DDC), where optional ‘Slick’ and ‘User’ modes complement the standard ‘Rain’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’ setups.

Despite the DDC suspension, you still have to adjust the preload on the 46mm telescopic forks manually; I reduced mine to just two rings on the front which made a big difference to corner entry, getting me on the gas sooner and harder.

As I write this, no other production bike has this level of control, and it was understandable why every journalist was raving about the system when we stopped for lunch. If there was ever a downside to rider aid technology, it would have to be its allcontrolling nature, but because you can alter everything, that’s simply not the case on the RR.

Should I buy one?

The RR always stood out for being generous in the leg department, but this model’s higher, sportily angled pegs feel more in line with the race pretensions. There’s still a long and relaxed reach to the bars, which have been slightly widened for comfort, while the taller screen has been designed to reduce rider fatigue.

Smack in the centre of the BMW’s dash is the live-fed lean angle display, where data is stored until the ignition is switched off. The system also records brake pressure, and the volume of torque resisted by the

The new S1000RR is incredibly powerful, but remains controllable. traction control system. A few years back this kind of info would have been available only to the elite of the race teams, but now it’s here for everyone to enjoy. A part of me thinks it’s a bit overkill for the road, but this bike’s race-focused performance credentials are given a major boost with the technology.

The quick-shifter’s ability to render the clutch almost redundant made riding the S1000RR akin to a step-through on steroids. It’s ridiculously easy to enjoy, and while I had to recalibrate my mind to the sensitivity of the rideby-wire system; and it’s clearly aimed at the track, it’s a very capable machine with the chassis design and technology in place to cope with the less-than-ideal surfaces UK roads can offer.

So what’s it like to ride?

Heading out on to the MonteBlanco circuit, I was taken aback by the speed at which the BMW pulled itself up to crazy speeds, and how agile it felt. The RR is a big bike, (though it weighs 2kg less than the 2014 Yamaha R1), and carves its way into apexes without any drama. My only complaint was the tendency to run in too deep on corner entry, which I sorted by pressing a few buttons to increase the compression on the rear shock, speeding up the rebound at the same time. The changes made a big difference and I didn’t need to touch a tool to make this bike a whole lot better for my riding style.

It had taken me a day to dial in, but come the fifth and final session of the day, I was in my element on the truly inspiring litre-bike, posting consistently fast times and never really feeling all that vulnerable while doing so. I can think of plenty of other bikes which would have tied themselves in knots around the Spanish circuit, but the RR just seemed to take everything in its stride.

The DDC suspension was exceptional, comfortably gobbling up the rough and bumpy surface of the track. Likewise, the brakes deserve a great deal of praise. Every lap required hard deceleration from 175mph to 40mph in order to make the tight turn into the first corner. The Race-ABS package proved more than capable of this challenge, providing fantastic power and great feel, aided massively by the self-blipping down-shifter.

To say I came away completely in love with the RR would be an understatement, and hearing its soon to be confirmed price should be just over £12,000 makes the package even more attractive.

TECH SPEC Price: Estimated around £12,500 for standard model or £14,500 for sport Engine: 999cc, liquid-cooled, inline-four Power: 199bhp (146kW) @ 13,500rpm Torque: 83lb-ft (113Nm) @ 10,500rpm Kerb weight: 204kg Seat height: 815mm Tank size: 17.5 litres www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk

24 FIRST RIDE

2014 KTM RC390 £4999 | 44bhp@9500rpm | 26lb-ft@7250rpm 375cc, liquid-cooled, dohc single Tested by: Roland Brown

IF YOU think young motorcyclists get a bad deal these days with restrictive performance limits and complex legislation, a spin on the A2-compliant RC390 might just change your mind.

A 375cc sportsbike has been on the cards from KTM ever since last year’s launch of the naked 390 Duke. Like the Duke and its other close relation, the recently launched and visually near-identical RC125, this bike is produced at Pune in India under KTM’s link with Bajaj.

It’s a stunningly attractive little bike, with sharp and typically KTM-like lines all the way from the fairing nose – with its pair of small headlights – to the tip of the seat unit. This looks like a solo seat, but the rear section is actually a pillion seat, made from a blend of rubber and foam, and complete with hand-holds below.

It’s a brilliantly innovative piece of design, and the bodywork is similarly stylish and clever, notably in the way the exhaust silencer is set into the streamlined belly pan. Smallcapacity sportsbikes don’t come much more desirable than this.

Tell me about the engine

In typical KTM fashion, it’s a relatively simple but refined dual overhead cam, four-valve single. The liquid-cooled unit was built for both the RC and Duke, and was designed to be as compact as possible, partly because it bolts into a frame whose basic layout is shared with 125 and 200cc models. The relatively short-stroke (89 x 60mm) powerplant produces its 44bhp maximum at 9500rpm, and can be revved to over 10,000rpm.

The RC follows the 390 Duke in being created for sale in all KTM’s 80-plus markets worldwide, but its

Motor just meets the power-to-weight ratio required to allow the RC390 to be an A2 licence compliant machine. specification has been shaped by European licensing laws. Its 44bhp maximum output and 147kg dry weight figure mean the single is just within the limits of power, weight and power-to-weight ratio for the A2 licence class. Even the 390 Duke’s identical engine has to be restricted by a couple of horsepower, because its power-to-weight ratio is fractionally too high, but the RC’s extra few kilos mean it can be ridden on an A2 licence from the age of 19.

What’s the chassis like?

The tubular steel trellis frame looks very similar to the Duke’s but incorporates a few key differences, including a 1.5° steeper headstock that brings rake to a sharp 23.5º and reduces trail by 6mm to just 88mm.

The wheelbase is also 27mm shorter (at 1340mm), contributing to a near neutral weight distribution of 49% front, 51% rear with a 75kg rider onboard, compared to the Duke, which puts 54% over the rear wheel.

FIRST RIDE 25 The sportier riding position also contributes to that change, as the lower, clip-on style bars pull the rider further forward to put more weight over the front wheel. The footrests are slightly more rearset, and the seat is 20mm higher at 820mm. Despite being very tall, I wasn’t particularly cramped, so it’s a good compromise.

There’s not too much of a reach to the bars, and the RC’s light weight, slimness and respectable amount of steering lock will make it very manoeuvrable for most riders. Other details are neat, including the intricately cast aluminium swingarm, orange-finished frame and wheels, and the way the front indicators are integrated with the mirror stalks.

Fuel capacity is hardly generous at 10 litres but, with consumption ranging from 50 to over 70mpg, that should be enough for a reasonable range of 100 miles or more.

Accessories include practical rear bags and a GPS bracket as well as racy crash bungs, articulated hand levers, wavy front brake disc and an Akrapovic slip-on silencer. Those would inevitably add to the cost but the RC’s five-grand price means it’s very competitive with rivals including Honda’s CBR500R and Kawasaki’s Ninja 300. Neither of those bikes can match the KTM’s blend of style, performance, handling ability and racetrack cred.

Should I buy one?

Despite its racy looks, the RC didn’t feel especially sporty after I’d climbed aboard at the launch near Modena in central Italy, partly because the bars aren’t very low or far away, so you don’t need to lean forward all that much to reach them. The view is of a simple, black-finished top yoke and a compact, orangefaced digital

If you can afford the £4999 asking price and are looking for a smallcapacity sportsbike, or if you have an A2 licence and want the most exciting machine available, the RC390 has got to be a strong contender. It’s stylish, quick, sweet-handling and even reasonably versatile.

So what’s it like to ride?

Frame has different geometry to the Duke, despite sharing the same engine.

instrument panel that is shared with the Duke. Its big, central speed numeral sits below a horizontal revcounter bar that is backed up by a change-up light, but whose numerals are too small to be easily legible.

The single-pot motor came to life with a disappointingly muted, lawnmower-like chuntering. Throttle response was pleasingly precise but very gentle – almost a bit flat at low revs – with not much doing until about 5000rpm. Then again, the bike looks so grown up that I occasionally had to remind myself that it was just a 375cc single, so I shouldn’t be expecting fierce low-rev acceleration or a throaty exhaust; and that its rider-friendliness was a more important attribute.

When we reached the open road it pulled harder above that five-grand figure, and equally importantly it felt very happy to rev, staying impressively smooth, thanks to the engine’s balancer shaft, until the change-up light flashed at about 9000rpm.

Most singles get unpleasantly buzzy at higher revs but the KTM was more than happy, which made caning it on some twisty country roads fantastic fun, the flat-out acceleration and ankle-blurring gearchanges arguably no less enjoyable for being at relatively sensible speeds.

The RC certainly proved that 44bhp could provide a lot of entertainment and a decent amount of speed in a bike as light and capable as this. On a short stretch of motorway it sat effortlessly at 85mph, feeling utterly untroubled.

And given a handful on a clear stretch, the KTM put just over 100mph on the clock with a bit more to come.

Handling was excellent: light and responsive yet

Clocks include a shift light.

Bybre is an Indian subsidiary of Brembo.

stable, helped by the rigidity of the frame and swingarm. The rear end felt slightly vague in a few bends, because there’s a generous 150mm of wheel travel and the WP unit’s dual-rate spring is quite soft at the top of its stroke. But the non-adjustable damping level is just about right, and the generous travel doubtless contributed to the thin seat still being reasonably comfortable after several hours’ riding.

The RC was also frantic fun on the twisty Modena circuit. The single picked up speed rather than charged down the short straights, occasionally hesitating when I struggled to get my oversized boot under the slightly short gearlever to change up exiting some turns. (This hadn’t been an issue on the road). The little bike’s agility and light weight made it brilliantly easy to throw around, especially through the circuit’s two slow-speed chicanes.

I was very impressed by the 43mm WP forks, which have 125mm of travel (25mm less than the Duke), gave an excellent steering feel and whose non-adjustable spring and damping rates seemed spot on. The shock worked very well, too, especially once I’d added a couple of turns of preload – the only tuning option – to suit my height and weight.

As with the 390 Duke, I was slightly

disappointed by the front brake blend of single 300mm disc and four-pot radial Bybre (Brembo’s subsidiary in India, where the RC is built) caliper.

The set-up was adequate but not great; just lacking a bit of sharpness.

But the stopper pulled the bike up hard enough if given a firm squeeze.

And it’s hard to complain too much, given that it incorporates ABS that worked well even on the track.

I also had no complaints about the Metzeler M5 rubber, the rear of which is a respectably wide 150-section tyre.

They gripped well on the road and were well up to track use, although a couple of riders slid off after losing the front end at slow speed. That’s probably simply an indication of how much frantic fun the bike was, rather than of any flaws. The RC390’s specification might have been drawn up with 19-year-old novices in mind, but riders of any age and experience can have a brilliant time on a bike as good as this.

TECH SPEC Price: £4999 Engine: 375cc, liquid-cooled, dohc single Power: 44bhp (32kW) @ 9500rpm Torque: 26lb-ft (35Nm) @ 7250rpm Kerb weight: 152kg Seat height: 820mm Tank size: 10 litres www.ktm.com/gb/ready-to-race

26 KNOW-HOW

Why a ‘custom’ bike shouldn’t mean ‘cruiser’ John Milbank visits a sidecar manufacturer that’s also a classic restorer.And a service centre.

And an MoT station.And a custom bike builder…

JASON BLACKISTON is a perfectionist. There’s a passion, a military precision and fastidiousness about him that’s clear as he explains what a custom means to him.

“Custom bikes don’t just have to mean big cruisers with fat tyres and massive engines. I want a custom bike that’s light,

A work in progress, the street tracker is shaping up nicely.

handles well, and is fast. If you can’t take it to a track and grind your boots, what’s the point?

My motorcycles have to work.”

Jason is the boss of Anson Classic Restorations in Loughborough, where he works with mechanic Matt Jones and Pinky – the woman keeping everything running while the boys play in the garage. Pinky’s not afraid to get her hands dirty, but that’s how all this started.

“I had this premises for my other business upstairs, and used the space to store my own bikes,” explains Jason. “When Charnwood Classic – a sidecar specialist – went out of business three years ago, I bought the

The outfits Anson currently offers four different outfits starting from just £2400: 1 The Bambini 2 The Comet 3 The Rapide 4 The Osprey Of course, if customers want something tweaked or even completely different, they only need to ask.

1

assets so I could have my own, ultimate workshop.”

However, the jobs he took on with the tooling, snowballed, and after producing more than 100 sidecar fitting kits, and building more than 20 outfits from scratch, Jason, Matt and Pinky are always busy.

Anson’s range of sidecars are each built to order, from the Bambini scooter sidecar to the Osprey – Jason’s clever design that allows passengers with limited mobility to easily get in and out: “If we can imagine it, we can build it. You can fit a sidecar to anything, given enough time. We did an Electra Glide a while back – it was huge!”

2

For Matt and Jason, spending time in the workshop is far more than just a job.

Jason’s first bike – in the early 1980s – was a Gilera 50 Enduro that he rode to Berlin and back, on his own, simply because his dad told him the city was about to change and he should see it. He’s owned more than a hundred bikes since then, and spends his spare time riding classic bikes, hard, on tracks

3

in the UK and Europe.

Pinky’s just bought an old CB500 as a track bike; It’s easier than the 500 Dresda Daytona I took round Cadwell the first time I was on track.

Matt owns a 45bhp Lambretta capable of over 120mph. It’s got radial brakes and an R1 shock. He’s currently

4

renovating a customer’s AJS350: “He wanted a cafe racer,” Matt tells me, “and as a very clever engineer, it’s been a pleasure to work with him.

The project’s evolved a lot over time, but he knows what he wants.” Luckily, it also fits within Jason’s rules of a bike that has to ‘work’.

KNOW-HOW 27

The cleverly designed Osprey outfit allows easy access to the chair for any passenger.

A real passion for creativity

Building brilliant outfits, restoring classics, servicing any type of bike, and performing MoTs would be enough for most close-knit teams like this, but it’s the custom bike-building that’s Jason’s dream.

Pushing past the freshly painted new sidecars, and the customers’ outfits in for the maintenance and backup Anson offers with every one, I found the makings of a stunning custom flat-tracker.

The AJS renovation is nearly completed.

“Custom isn’t the right word,” says Jason. “I want to build bespoke bikes. Machines created for a customer that are light, agile and fun. They should go – and stop – properly. They need good, sticky rubber. I’ve no time for ‘Special Editions’.

A bike has to have a soul. It’s got to have character. And it’s got to be fun.”

Jason’s building the street tracker for himself, but he knows he’ll soon hunger for something new, so it’ll eventually be sold (he wants

Jason’s Metisse – one of many classics in the workshop.

a fully kitted Manx Norton).

“We chose Beringer calipers not just because they look good, but because they’re easy to get pads for. The same with the wheels – 19in looked nice, but there’s no choice of rubber for them. Seventeen were too small, so we’ve gone with 18in rims.” Jason’s so confident that the bike will be everything he’s designing it to be that he’s promised to lend it to me to road test.

Building a bike for himself, owning it for a while, then selling it on, is how Jason loves to work. Some would say his passion for making only what he wants isn’t a great business model, but the thriving sidecar business and general maintenance keep the bills paid. For customers that want something unique – that works great on the road and the track – Jason and his team have the knowledge, skill, kit and passion to build something very special indeed.

Get in touch with Anson at www.ansonclassic.co.uk or call 01509 502534

28 KNOW-HOW Three tips for road riders

Think yourself faster Ever had a mental block about an aspect of your riding and wondered how to get over it? Carli Ann Smith meets psychological coach, Simon Darnton, who may be able to help…

Photography: John Milbank and DVSA “IT’S all about rhythm,” says Simon Darnton when asked about the most common theme that he works on with riders. He’s a psychological coach and before you turn the page, he’s not going to start telling you how to live your life, or how to ride your bike...

“A lot of people think it’s therapy – it’s not.

Simon Darnton is a professional psychologist, helping riders and racers to beat their fears.

I work with riders and racers who are highly functioning, so they can utilise and unfold their potential even further by using effective mental strategies.”

Starting off as an interest, Simon began working with riders in 2001 when he became involved with the Californian Superbike School. Since then, he’s helped racers dealing with psychological blocks and enabled them to better themselves on track, making a positive difference to their lap times.

“Riders are often frustrated with themselves – they have the top mechanics, the top bike and they’ve looked closely at the telematics of the machine, but there’s still something that’s not clicking. I’d say it’s becoming more accepted that riders value psychological work – not just on the track, but road riders too.”

Not everyone is accepting though, with some riders being dubious about having their

weaknesses exposed. “Admitting they have a problem isn’t what riders – especially racers – usually do, plus they’re nervous that when they start talking about their inner experiences, I’ll think they’re bonkers – which isn’t the case.

I’m not there to be judgmental, but people can be too judgmental of themselves. To put it bluntly, teaching them not to be their own worst enemy is a good place to start.”

How are these skills relevant for road riders?

“Both road riders and racers are often looking for the same type of fulfilment from riding.

I think it comes from being on the edge and having that extra bit of risk in their lives – it’s just that racers are further along the continuum than road riders because tracks are the best place to push themselves.

“On the road, you’ve got unpredictable surfaces; other road users and everything coming at you – that means your main focus isn’t having the throttle open all the time.

You have to have a great margin of error – a very particular state of mind. A relaxed, clear and alert head is the best bet.”

To find out more about Simon and his work, visit his website at: www.simondarnton.com

Relax – mentally and physically: Sit somewhere quiet and undisturbed, and get used to breathing. Focus on just one sensation – such as the rising and the falling of your chest – and you’ll find yourself relaxing. If thoughts intrude then let them float away.

MotoGP rider Jorge Lorenzo uses a meditation technique like this to focus. Do it before going on a ride, but with your helmet on – you’ll feel increasingly focused.

Learn to breathe properly: Sounds bonkers, but it’s important. When you tense up, you stop breathing which prevents your mind and body from working properly. Breathe deeply and from the diaphragm – it can take practice.

Develop your visual awareness: We have two parts to our vision: central vision – where we’re looking; and peripheral vision – which manages our spatial awareness. We also have mental attention and awareness. Even when you’re looking where you want to go, your mental attention may be distracted towards, for example, the edge of the road. As a result many riders can find their attention switching between one thing and another which means they don’t flow around corners. Riders need to learn to develop awareness and trust in their peripheral vision, balancing this with their focus of attention and central vision. Attention and central vision draw you to where you want to go and peripheral vision manages you through space to get you there.

Relaxing can help you to steer much more fluidly.

KNOW-HOW 29 READERS’ RUTS: FIXED BY MOTOR CYCLE MONTHLY We wanted to put Simon’s advice to the test, and asked one of our readers to tell us about their riding rut…

Julie Smith from South Yorkshire emailed us: “I passed my test 10 years ago and love biking, but I have a mental block about corners. It began on my direct access course – when nearing a corner I came off the gas. I can hear my father when teaching me to drive saying “always expect the unexpected when you can’t see, and only drive as fast as you can stop”. My instructor didn’t actually give me any useful comments other than to say through the one-way intercom: “It’s only a corner Julie,” which has stuck with me.

“I’m pretty confident and have done a day at Silverstone driving all the fast cars, so I know I can do it on four wheels. I know the theory too – positioning of the bike, body positioning, countersteering – all down to the position of my head. But it won’t all come together because I think I now over-concentrate.

“If I have a physical line to follow, I corner

well – but in open flat areas I tend to be offline. I get out of biking what I want but I don’t flow – I want to be able to ride better even on roads I don’t know.”

Simon’s advice: “It seems that you are literally lost in space because when you have something well defined guiding you around the corner, you’re okay.

“I’d suggest that you create your own guide.

Ride towards the corner at a comfortable speed, and as you approach imagine that there’s a line drawn through the corner that represents the line you want to follow. Follow this imaginary line and let your eyes be drawn ahead of you along it, pulling you through the corner. Don’t worry about what the line looks like, or whether it’s right, just try to be aware of how it influences your sense of flow. Elite racers all see lines through the corners which helps them to achieve their flow. Try laying down similar imaginary lines through all your corners to improve your flow.”

We caught up with Julie a few months after to see how she was getting on. “As soon as I received Simon’s feedback I went out on the bike that evening and felt more confident with the lines, and a lot smoother – at times I do think I was flowing. I stuck to a speed I was comfortable with and imagined a mental laser line around the bend. I can’t say I’ve got it 100% right, but it has definitely helped me improve. Two people I ride out with on a regular basis have commented separately about my riding since I’ve adopted the method, which is good as they must have seen a big difference. I come back from rides feeling more in control, and enjoying knowing I’m conquering the bends. In time I’m sure that it will become a natural part of my riding.”

Do you want Simon’s advice? Whether you’re thinking of doing your first trackday, are a budding racer or have been off the bike for a few years and are slightly unsure of getting back on; email your riding dilemma to editor@motorcyclemonthly.co.uk for the chance to get personalised advice from Simon.

30 RIDERS AND THE LAW Legal matters made simple

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. White Dalton lawyers have a vast knowledge of bike law – and they have full bike licences too. They don’t act for insurance companies or the prosecution.

White Dalton is Britain’s premier specialist motorcycle law practice, and if its professionals don’t know the answer to your question there probably isn’t one. Don’t rely on the advice from your 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 need advice on a biking-related legal question or query, email mail@whitedalton.co.uk The best Q&A will be published in MCM, in confidence, of course.

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

Q

I live and work in England but have a French motorcycle licence. I was caught speeding to work on my MT-09 the other morning; as it was early and no one was around, I was caning it and got clocked doing 98mph in a 30mph zone. I must admit I had been going quicker, making progress past the slow commuters – the policeman reckoned he had to chase me for two miles before I stopped.

While I did see him in my mirrors, I thought I could get away. When he caught up with me he went mental and told me I was riding like a lunatic. I told him he could f*** off and there is nothing he can do to me as I had a French licence. Is this correct or am I in serious trouble? I would happily pay a fine but can’t lose my licence as I need it for work.

A

Firstly, spanners like you give the rest of the biking world a bad name. Loads of bikers like to test their skills, myself included, but at those speeds you can expect to be summoned to Court. In all likelihood it will be for dangerous driving from what you have said.

If convicted, the minimum you can expect is to be disqualified from driving in the UK for 12 months. At worst you will get two years in prison. That’s in addition to a fine of up to £5000. As for having a French licence and being cocky, I have one word for you… unlucky. You should have got your facts right before gobbing off. In short, as you were driving in the UK, the UK law applies. While an English Court can’t revoke your French licence (as it is issued by another country) the English court can disqualify you from driving in the UK and/or lock you up etc. as applicable. You may want to get your wash bag ready and get legal advice once the Court summons lands on your doorstep.

Q

I sold my bike to a mate who happens to be old bill. He told me if I don’t tell my insurer I have sold the bike it’s fraud. I don’t really want to tell them as there will be a cancellation fee of £30, and the policy only runs for another two months. Should I bother telling my insurer? In my view they are just grabbing more money from me that I shouldn’t need to spend, and it’d be handy to complete another year of no claims bonus.

You will likely have an obligation as part A of your policy to update them if you no longer own the bike. If you have not

purchased another machine to transfer it to, then the policy should be cancelled.

The risk of you not cancelling it is, if someone else uses the bike and injures a pedestrian for example, then in England and Wales your insurer will have to pay out for their claim. Thereafter, if you haven’t complied with the terms of the policy, your insurer could come after you for their outlay which could run into thousands of pounds. Not good when it could have just cost you £30.

For more info, go to:

www.whitedalton.co.uk

Classified BMW R65 1980, MoT, s/s exhaust, crash bars, panniers, Surefoot side stand, auxiliary lamps, £1100 ovno. Tel. 07927 673901. Lincs.

AJS 600 Model 30, 1958, extremely gc, easy starter and great runner, good tyres, carrier and nice screen fitted, £4500.Tel. 0151 5268947. Merseyside.

APRILIA SPORT CITY C moped, like new cond, v low mileage, £1200 ono. Tel. 01767 601749.

Beds.

APRILIA SR50 Reg 10/09, 7,581 miles, MoT 05/15, new battery, starter motor, tyres all good, £690 ovno. Tel. 07775 707786. Hants.

APRILIA STRADA immac, 650cc, great bike for all types of riders, cheap, black/blue alloys, garaged for most of time before I owned it, outstandingly maintained. For more pics/info tel. 0115 8087508.

Notts.

APRILIA SHIVER black/red, 2500 miles, belly pan colour matched, showroom cond, 2012, £4350.

Tel. 01663 766266. Lancs.

APRILIA SL 1000 Falco, 1000cc, 2004, 22k, showroom cond, full s/h, recent tyres, chain/ sprockets, first £2000.Tel. 07923 492627. Burton-on-Trent.

BMW R60/7 1977, garaged since 2003, 47k, runs perfectly, new battery, oil change, orig BMW tool kit, spares, great cond for an unrestored original 1977 bike, Craven panniers inc, all elecs working, loads of history, orig service book and riders handbook, old MoTs, £1850. Tel. 0208 6606193. Surrey.

BETA 270 REV III 270cc, 6speed, road reg, with V5, exc cond, playtime use only, approx £300 spares, lighting kit, sprockets, carb etc, ready to compete, many extras fitted, all for £1135 ovno. Tel. 01404 46570. E Devon.

BMW 1150GS 2002, smart cond, full s/h, full hard luggage, 40,202 miles, h/grips, MoT Mar 15, fine weather rider, 2 owners from new, £3350. Tel. 07958 508657; 01484 862666. W Yorks.

BSA B33 500cc Single, 1958, alternator, distributor, MoT/tax, V5C, grey, vgc, 12 volts, easy starter, matching engine, frame, earlier h/lamp fitted, hence, complete Nacelle available at cost, £3995. Tel. 0772 4939086.

Tyneside.

BULTACO MATADOR 350 1976, rare model, earlier restoration, bills for £700+ in parts, new MoT (Sorned), featured in Classic M/c magazine, stunning, £2995. Tel. 01235 764269 - please leave message if I’m out. Oxon.

MoT June 15, currently drystored, on Sorn, £6999. Tel. John 0208 6465235 for more info.

S.London/Surrey.

HARLEY DAVIDSON 1200cc 2002, Custom XL Sportster Limited Edition, over 3k, chrome work, sounds/looks awesome, additional panniers, single seat conversion pipes, superb example, new MoT, £5995. Tel. 07950 398750. W Mids.

EPC SHINING 150cc scooter, 2002, met blue, 2 owners, MoT Apr 15, Honda GY6 based 4 stroke and CVT trans, carried in our motorhome, hence low 2,610 miles, £600. Tel. 01636 677069.

Notts.

EXCELSIOR TALISMAN 250cc, 1962, good overall cond, with V5, 14,674 recorded miles, orig paint, dry stored, ready for use, £2300.

Tel. 01404 46570. E Devon.

FORMULA 50 CPI moped, 50cc, black/white, red wheels, reg no.

GNO7 UXO for sale, MoT, £400.

Tel. 01227 749143. Kent.

HARLEY DAVIDSON FXRS convertible, 1993, Stage 1 tuned, Screaming Eagle carburettor and mufflers by H/D, original QD Flexane screen, canvas/leather saddle bags, luggage rack, 24k, exceptional cond for age, unmolested classic, more pics available, £7500. Tel. 01634 221 885. Kent.

HARLEY DAVIDSON FXDC Superglide, 1600cc, 2010, black, luggage rack, back rest, h/grips, under 8k, showroom cond, MoT, p/x large van, value up to £3500; why? Tel. 07880 712544. Avon.

HARLEY DAVIDSON AMF SS175 Complete rebuild using nos parts, exc cond, MoT, 1979,V reg, ready to ride, p/coated frame, respray, not imported. Tel. 01623 612538; 07960 606502. Notts.

HARLEY DAVIDSON FXDWG Wideglide 1450cc, MoT Aug 15, 19k, exc cond, Screaming Eagles, back rest, wind deflector, front drop bars, panniers, £5900 ovno.

Tel. 01223 964973. Cambs.

BMW F800 GS Black/yellow, one owner from new, full s/h, MoT until Jul 05, h/grips, ABS, h/guards, trip computer, c/stand, new back tyre, BMW top box included in sale, £4750 ono. Tel. 07715 292674. E Riding of Yorks.

BMW G650 GS SERTAO 2012, h/grips,ABS, BMW Vario panniers, 4k, great cond, £4200.Tel. 01332 864073. Derbys.

BMW R1100 Ltd Edit, 2003, special paint job, under seat exhausts, Datatag alarm, h/grips MoT til Jul 15, dealer s/h, 41k, gc, stored since 2007, small repair in seat, must sell, need space, £2395 ono. Tel. 07941 899632.

Essex.

BMW K100 1000cc, '83/84, silver, 9k genuine miles, ex BMW (GB) serviced, f/seals, tyres, battery, hard black panniers, docs, £2699; black leather boots, size 9, R/R zip, good nick, £55. Tel. 07759 607498. E Berks.

CLASSIC PUCH MAXI S moped 50cc, 1972, purple, MoT May 2015, road tax exempt, exc runner, vgc, ideal as local run about or motorhome transport, £430. Tel. 01754 830455. .

CUSTOM HARLEY low miles, runs perfect, eye catching, £800 ono. Tel. 07549 543140. Lincs.

DUCATI DARMAH SD 900 1980, exc cond, hyd clutch, s/s exhausts and mudguards, Jota handlebars, 4k since rebuild 12 years ago,

GILERA SATURNO BIALBERO 1991, 500cc, she’s Italian, exotic and single, classic early 90’s limited edition from Gilera, a truly rare bike, only 1100 made 89/91 and only 50 exported to Britain, super light/thin and seating position, firm handling reminds me of the 2-stroke 125 GP, long, narrow and providing huge lean angles, MoT, offers or will p/x for Pre-unit T110/ T120 plus cash adj. Tel. 079132 853421 (please leave contact details if no reply).

Merseyside.

GREEVES SCOTTISH 1961, 250, alloy barrel, V5, geared for road trail use, photo on the road last year after renovation, owned 15 years plus, spares, £2200. Tel. 01642 711737. N Yorks.

HARLEY DAVIDSON XL 1200 2000, 9k, main dealer service history, many chrome extras, Screaming Eagle exhausts plus originals, looks great, MoT, £3200.

Tel. 0208 302 2283. Sidcup, Kent.

HARLEY SPORTSTER Sport 1200, 1999, met blue/cream, MoT Aug 15, low 17,700 miles, exc pampered cond, extras fitted but original parts retained, always garaged, with receipts, £4000.

Tel. 01636 677069. Notts.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHX 2013 Street Glide, black, 2,478 miles, sissy bar and back rest, alarm, battery charger, exc cond-tion, serious buyers only please. Tel. (702) 490-9462.

Selling your bike is

FREE for private readers

HARLEY DAVIDSON 1600cc, showroom cond, h/grips, luggage rack,backrest,black/ chrome,2010, under 8k, standard cond, £8500 ono. Tel. 07880 712544. Bristol.

HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING 1584cc Anniversary Ltd Edition, 2008, 10k only, immac, passenger backrest, luggage rack, comfy seat, £9500. no offers Tel. 07742 151797; 07742 151797. Stoke-on-Trent.

HINCKLEY BONNEVILLE T100 790cc, 2004, 13,336 miles, extras - centre stand, grab rail, fly screen, King & Queen seat, dresser bars etc, new battery, immac, MoT Mar 15, £3750 ono.

Tel. 01630 685745. Shrops.

HONDA 400/4, 1975, F1, ride or restore, been off the road for a few years but still runs well, owned by me for 20 years, £995.

Tel. 07779 244290 . Devon.

HONDA 750 4 K7, small project mostly complete, loads done almost finished ring for details, sensible offers may be considered. £1500. Tel. 01253 729735.

Lancs.

HONDA AFRICA TWINS Great opportunity to acquire one of the best in the UK, first reg 1999 but sports a great private plate, genuine c25k, c/w full Givi luggage, h/grips, Corbin seat and Remus pipe, near new tyres, lovingly maintained with loads of history from a fastidious owner, no agencies, time wasters or dreamers please. £4500 ovno.

Tel. 07801 090452; 01507 527716. Lincs.

HONDA BLACKBIRD mint condtion, 15k, Micron cans, dynajetted and K and filter, stunning, £2950.

Tel. 07429 319742. S Yorks.

HONDA DEAUVILLE NT 650V 'S' reg, 1998, 60k, MoT until Mar 15, £690. firm. (lots of 650 Deauville spares available cheaply). Tel. 01784 461961 (ask Simon for any queries). Surrey.

Choose one of the following methods:

1 2 3

ONLINE www.motorcyclemonthly.co.uk EMAIL freeads@motorcyclemonthly.co.uk POST MCM Reader Adverts, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR

HONDA CB 200 1975, superb cond, MoT, some spares, or consider swap for 2-stroke, e.g: Bantam etc, must be mint, with docs, can deliver for few bob may way, £1750. Tel. 01270 781235.

Cheshire.

HONDA CBR 600 FV 1977, black, 25,600 miles, s/s exhaust, braided b/lines, new Dunlop qualifier tyres, datatagged, lovely cond, dealer serviced, garaged, mature owner last 7 yrs, £1400 no offers; view by appoint-ment.

Tel. 01827 880819. Leics.

HONDA CB 500X 2013, 2.5k, lowered, 39T rear sprocket, auto oiler, gear indicator, extras, £3795.

Tel. 07436 113228.

Caernarfonshire.

HONDA CBR 600 FY black/ yellow, first reg 2000, immac cond, s/h 37k, £2000. Tel. 07808 005666. Cambs.

HONDA CB 550K 1978, 27k, all paintwork and chrome in vgc, new tyres, battery great, sold with 12 months’ MoT, £2750 ono. Tel. Mick 0151 608 5770. Cheshire.

HONDA CG 125 51 plate, long MoT, exc cond, loads of new parts, 18k, sad to sell but not using it but looking after it, £750.

Tel. 07775 433995. N Yorks.

HONDA CB500 500cc, MoT, eyecatching yellow, 20k, only shield and top box, vgc, 6 speed gearbox, v reliable, perfect, £1500. Tel. 01354 610269; 07500 148900. Cambs.

HONDA CX500 EC Eurosport, 1983, A reg, black, only 13.5k, serviced regularly, my father owned this bike from new, totally orig, exc cond, new orig Honda silencers fitted, an appreciating classic, good investment at £3995. Tel. 07859 919598. N Yorks.

HONDA CBR 1100XX Super Blackbird, 2005, silver grey, 16k, MoT Feb 15, new Michelin tyres, alarm, Givi rack, h/grips, stunning bike - only £4250 ono. Tel. 07515 883087. S Yorks.

HONDA CBR 125R 2,950 miles, immac with a lot of extras: alarm, remote ignition, Xenon 6k, crash sliders, LED winkers, Datatag and a lot more, bought in April 2014, £2750. Tel. 07412 603312. Gtr London.

HONDA SILVERWING 600 Twin, 4-stroke, best Maxi scooter, out there, 62 plate, only 4,500 miles, mint, silver, never seen rain, like new cond, £3999. Tel. 01302 534155 for details.. S Yorks.

HONDA VFR 750 1997, red, 71k, MoT May 2015, vgc, £1200. Tel. 077190 83974. Cambs.

HONDA DR 125L-6 2006, only 2,500 miles, MoT Mar 15, 2 x keys, exc cond, looks like new, £1395 ono. Tel. 07906 540371.

Hants.

HONDA DREAM 250cc, 1978, 12 mths MoT, 16k, exc cond, frame powder coated, many new parts including forks, exhausts, suspension, battery, chain etc, reliable, regularly used, £1350 ono. Tel. 0790 6080814. Northumberland.

HONDA CG 125 2006, 14k, very clean bike, MoT Sept 15, £950 ono. Tel. 077190 83974. Cambs.

HONDA CM 200T 200cc, for restoration, 28k, spares or repair, V5C, £200 ono. Tel. 01626 776076. S Devon.

CLASSIFIED

Subscribe to Motor Cycle Monthly: www.classicmagazines.co.uk/MCM or call 01507 529529 ROYAL ENFIELD Classic EFI, battle green, 21k, reg Dec 2011, one owner, full s/h, hagon shocks, Scottoiler, h/grips, higher handle bars, rear carrier, passenger seat, gc, reliable bike, 85 mpg, £2800 ono. Tel. 01443 776059. Glam.

HONDA GL 1000 1980, project, 95% complete, loads of gold plate, low miles, needs slight fettling, £1000. Tel. 07914 671048. Lancs.

HONDA GOLD WING TRIKE 2007, 1800cc, triked from new using an exc CSC trike kit, 2 owners,18,500 miles, can deliver. £22,995. Tel. 07798 866071. Gtr London.

HONDA GOLDWING GL Beautiful 2 tone, Merced Green, 1520cc, first reg’d 2003, under 6k, km speedo/milometer, bills and new MoT, knee injury forces sale, £7600 ono. Tel. 01283 702601.

Derbys.

HONDA HORNET CB600-F4 (Restricted), 2005, 8,300 miles, MoT April 2015, includes luggage box, battery charger and sat nav system, ideal for new riders, £3300.Tel. 07946 711346. Essex.

HONDA PAN EUROPEAN ST 1100 2000 (X reg), blue, gc, 29k, MoT Aug 15, MRA Varioscreen Maxi (+ orig screen), s/s mufflers, Tech 48L top box, Bridgestone BT023 tyres (1k, 1 year), wax oiled s/arm, chassis, wind deflectors, h/grips, £2750 ono.

Tel. 07966 264905. Gtr London.

HONDA TRIALS 190 rebuilt twin shock, new s/s wheels, tubes, tyres, rechromed forks, total engine rebuild, parts alone cost £1600, unused, ready to trial, £2495. Tel. 074340 40520. Man.

HONDA VF700C Super Magna, 1997, 33k, MoT until Aug 2015, new battery, new front disc and pads, new front tyre, owned since 1993 and always garaged, original toolkit and manual, runs beautifully. Tel. 07977 769871.

Bucks.

HONDA VFR 400R MoT till Sept 15, advisories, steering head movement slightly stiff, anodised brake banjoes fitted, on Sorn, 32k kms (20k), NB wheels are now black, recent new parts inc wheel bearings and new tyres, clean, two keys, with 33 bhp plates, £1500.Tel. 07949 983501. Essex.

HONDA VFR 750 1997, 42k, full s/h, up to 35k then home serviced, new PR2CT tyres, Scottoiler, gel seat, seat cowl, tool kit, owners manual, h/grips, needs nothing, £1300. Tel. 07770 581335. Staffs.

HONDA VFR 800F1 vgc, 2001, W, 26k, new back tyre, new chain and sprockets, MoT July 15, £2050. Tel. 078210 57392.

Suffolk.

HONDA VFR 800FI 1999, 34k, exc cond, MoT Jul 15, good tyres, recent major service (valves/ shims etc), original toolkit and owner’s manual, colour-coded panniers, garaged, alarmed, everything works, toured Europe this summer, selling to fund project, £1850. Tel. Nigel 07799 491265. Warks.

HONDA VFR 800FI 1999, 13k, vgc, tyres, only 500 miles, serviced, new MoT, red. Tel. 07983 215274. Hants.

HONDA VTR 1000 Castrol GTX paint, Two Brothers cans, Hel lines, shorty levers, new tyres, MoT, LED lights, bike as new, 9,500 miles, must sell, £2300.

Tel. 01443 226706 for more details. Glam.

HONDA XL 185 Trail Enduro, owned 5 years, vgc, Sorned, will MoT on Q plate, £1495. Tel. 074340 40520. Man.

HONDA XL1000 VARADERO A fantastic bike, comfy mile muncher, loads of torque, 52 plate, 42k , Help for Heroes decals are from charity ride can be easily removed, full luggage (inc top box), tall screen (plus short), plus much more, MoT, new front wheel bearing, needs some tlc, good working order, buyer responsible for collection. Viewing welcome.

Tel. 07852 834764. Glam.

HONDA 100 99cc, not used for some time, quiet gc, 1984, 17,521 on the clock, not many of these bikes around, first time starter, £350. Tel. 01929 463760.

Dorset.

HONDA AFRICA TWIN 1994, 39k, MoT May 2015, Venom s/s exhaust plus original new f/tyre, red/white/blue, Givi top rack, all good, £2000. Tel. 01304 853312; 07803 194329. Kent.

HONDA C50 P reg, 1975, barn find, clean and tidy, orig, blue/white, engine and frame nos correct, made in Japan, V5, very rare bike, £975 ovno. Tel. 07835 709412. Devon.

HONDA CB 250 RSA 1980, W, 5,800 miles, time warp cond, 12 months' MoT, s/s Motad, manual, handbook, recent tyres, very original, some history, £1495 ono.

Tel. 01246 200842; 07935 175649. Derbys.

HONDA CB 500 1994, black, MoT, 40k, one owner, very clean bike, £950 ono. Tel. 0752 8000483.

Swindon, Wilts.

HONDA CBF 1000F exc, hardly used, black, 11k, 2007, brilliant bike, must go, health retirement, clothing, boots, size 9 inc, reasonable offers, will deal, ring to talk, buyer will get good deal!

Tel. 01287 640472. N Yorks/E Cleveland.

HONDA CG 125 2002, red, gc with slight damage to the tail fairing, new rear tyre and is a good starter, currently on Sorn, no MoT, £675 ono. Tel. 01304 826560. Dover.

HONDA CG125 good and reliable, 1999 reg, new chain and sprockets, f/brake and oil change, mature rider desires 600/650cc bike, presently in France - will arrange visit depending on offers. £700 sell or exchange; cash adj.

Tel. 00 33 241 832086. N Yorks.

HONDA CX500 Cafe racer, unfinished project, Manx Norton seat, R1 foot rests, £450. Tel. 07407 497775. Clackmannanshire.

HONDA VTR 1000 Firestorm, 51 reg, big tank model, 9,200 miles, MoT July 15, immac Italian red, Goodridge hoses, Powerbronze screen hugger, grab rail, data tagged, data tool alarm, v good tyres, £1995 ono. Tel. 01246 200842; 07935 175649. Derbys.

HONDA XBR 500 year's MoT, new parts, £1600 ono. Tel. 07506 562346. Kent.

KAWASAKI ER-5 4,311 miles, 2006, one previous owner from new, vgc, MoT till Oct 15, full s/h, Candy Thunder blue, Renntec engine protectors, dry weather use only, garage stored, £1800 ono. Tel. 02381 789619. Hants.

KAWASAKI GPZ 500 with rack and top box, year 1989 mileage, 30,775, MoT til Jan 2015, good running order, garaged, well maintained, current (mature) owner last 8 years, not using enough to justify keeping. Tel. 07709 207198. Dunbartonshire.

KAWASAKI GPZ 500S 2000, X reg, 13,800 miles, black, spares, repair or restore. Open to offers.

Tel. 07739 800478. Surrey.

KAWASAKI KLX 125cc replica, green/white, gas mono shock, Wavey discs, sports exhaust, improved engine, reliable, serviced, kick-start, Hatchback, transportable, good tyres, chain etc, vgc, economical, bargain only £400. ono Tel. 07922 825646. W Sussex.

KAWASAKI TRIKE 600cc, and towing device, p/coated, alloys, MoT May 2015, custom tank and seat, spare axle and driveshaft, Sorned, great fun and all included for £1950. Tel. 01404 46570. E Devon.

KAWASAKI W650 1999, red/ cream, 16,700 miles, Givi top box, side pan/s/s spokes, mint cond, plus spares, £4999 plus spares.

Tel. 01446 790157. Glam.

JIN LUN 5 TWO 250cc cruisers, both MoT March 15, full kit, one 6k, one 2k, red/ chrome, £1600 for both, will haggle separately.

Tel. 07976 480687 eves. Devon.

KAWASAKI 1100 Spectre, vgc, v original, 30k, needs registering, but paperwork supplied, £1275.

Tel. 0161 766 6353. Lancs.

KAWASAKI W650 2002, immac cond, 7,500 miles, new tyres & battery, Givi screen, MoT April (previous records available), £3250. Tel. 01683 220477.

Dumfriesshire.

KAWASAKI GPZ 900R 1984, for restoration, engine complete rest of bike in boxes some work/ cleaning done, easy project, £600.

Tel. 07949 653017. Staffs.

KAWASAKI GPZ 900R 1984 complete bike dismantled for storage (engine complete)bike in large lumps,easy project,ive no time/space, £600. Tel. 07949 653017. Staffs.

KAWASAKI ZRX 1100 1999, black/grey, 54k, full s/h, with all receipts and MoTs, two owners from new (me for 12 years). Been used all year round so cond reflects this, £1200. Tel. 07780 752654. Lincs.

KAWASAKI ZX10R 2011, performance edition, 13,500 miles, exc cond, carbon fibre exhaust, one owner from new, datatool alarm system, £4750.

Tel. 07445 731518. Herts.

KAWASAKI ZX6R F3 (1997 mod), exc cond, MoT till 10/14, European mod, I have this bike since bright new, and I’m keeping my bike as new as possible, lots of accessories and Akraprovic full exhaust and WP rear suspension, no scotches, no crashes, I’m selling it for £1500. Tel. 01273 401483. E Sussex.

KAWASAKI ZZR 400 1991, US import, 32,046 kms (approx 20k, lovely first bike, reciepts for work done, bike ready for MoT hence price, must go, needs a new home, been stood up, needs to be used, £600. Tel. Geoff on 0140445243 answerphone available leave details . Devon.

KAWASAKI EXCHANGE: Old Twin Z400/Z440/Z750, any cond considered for my immac GPZ 500, 8k, happy to buy outright, would also like Yamaha XS 650, XS 500, SR 500, all offers appreciated.

Tel. 079299 10974. Staffs.

KAWASAKI Z550 G4 553cc, 1989, blue, stored last 9 years, currently Sorned, 28,080 miles, winter project, £200. Tel. 01642 913098; 07954 098152. N Yorks.

KAWASAKI GPZ 900R A5 1988, 38k, MoT, gc, new rear tyre, brake pads, advice rear bearing, knee injury forces sale I need a lighter bike so would consider swap for a v fast 400 GIXER? £1000 ovno.

Tel. 01293 521328 eves/answerphone. W Sussex.

KAWASAKI ZRX 1100 1052cc, burgundy, 15,600 miles, exc cond, t&t May, 1998 (S), £2495 ono. Tel. 01278 425315.

Somerset.

KAWASAKI ZXR 400C 400cc, race bike, top spec, lots of spares inc wheels etc, £3000.Tel. 01624 617310 for details. Isle of Man. KTM DUKE 690 2010, black, vgc, 4000 miles, 10 mths' MoT, new tyres, 70mpg, £4350 ovno. Tel. 07583 286075. Worcs.

MOBYLETTE/MOTOBECANE MOPED 1975 for restoration, dry stored, easy project, space needed, £250. Tel. 07949 653017. Staffs.

MOTO GUZZI This is for the collector/investor rather than the rider! Vintage (1994) Special Limited Anniversary Edition No.24 of 30, museum cond, stored professionally for the last 12 years by a collector, only 9,250 miles, will be sold with year’s MoT, fully dressed in L.A.P.D. kit - MG leather panniers, tool roll, carrier, crash bars and tinted screen.

Turns heads everywhere. Tel. 07787 507519. Lincs.

MOTO GUZZI DAYTONA Centauro, carbon fibre alternator cover, exc cond, £15. Tel. 0151 531 9213. Merseyside.

MOTO MORINI Kangura 350, 1990, 16,200 miles, currently Sorned, previous owner stripped bike and rebuilt it, I had it recommissioned by NLM with bills for £900 plus on hand, £1450.Tel. 01636 677069. Notts.

NORTON DOMINATOR 600cc, 1960, MoT Aug 15, last one released from factory 1961, in red, now in black, (Norton) (records) matching nos, vgc, £5000. Tel. 01234 768981.

Bedford.

PIAGGIO VESPA GTS 250IE silver, top box and rack, first reg 01/08/2009, lovely cond, first to see will buy it, MoT Aug 15, but on Sorn, 5,600 miles, £1850 ono.Tel. 01472 825321. Lincs.

SUZUKI BANDIT 650cc, 2010, 11,500 miles, serviced, MoT, oil change every 1,000 miles, one mature careful owner from new, all receipts 2 x keys, this bike is immac and in as new cond, first to see will buy, £2500 ono. Tel. 01691 661208. Oswestry, Shrops.

RICKMAN Z1000 rare, recent Classic Mechanics feature bike, long MoT, professionally resprayed, seat recovered, Konis, Betor forks, Cibie, Goodridge hoses, Lockheed calipers and new adjustable m/cyl, carbs U/S cleaned, airbox, low miles, optional alloy-rim wire-wheels, mint, £6000.Tel. 07788 442155. Bristol.

ROYAL ENFIELD Bullet, electric start, silver, 2002, one previous owner, 13,500 miles, tested Aug 2015, new tyre battery, just serviced, rear carrier, lovely bike, £1650. Tel. 0782 8004399. S Yorks.

ROYAL ENFIELD Bullet Electra, 2010, Classic EFI 500cc electric and kick start, new Avon road rider tyres, touring screen, full set of replacementcables, tested April 2015, 7,500 miles, mint cond, £2750. Tel. 01388 608132. Tyne & Wear.

NORTON ES2 1950, all matching numbers, nut and bolt rebuild, too many new parts to list, still running in, £5250. Tel. 07736 907937. Worcs.

ROYAL ENFIELD Thunderbird, only 44 miles, unregistered and approx 5 years old, needs a good clean and slight attention, sale due to bereavement, £1600. Tel. 07914 671048. Lancs.

LEXMOTO VIXEN 125cc, 2008, 9k, two owners, cruiser style, MoT, new battery, chain and sprockets, clutch cable, 100mpg, very reliable, £400. Tel. 0161 3300664 anytime. Lancs.

MONTESA TRIALS Twinshock, 1983, MH200, vgc, practice use only, £999; BSA C15, points in the side engine cover, new, £40; re Bullet 500cc, p/tank, £35; mudguards, £20 each; single saddle, new, £30; will post. Tel. 01376 343559. Essex.

NSU L 1959, 49cc, 2 gears, V5 reg 125 NVW, rare model, rebuilt, temporary for sale, needs proper job, lots of new parts and spares, original owners manuals, info, folder full, set of NSU leg shields, can be seen running, 85% all there, gc, bets offer secures, sensible offers please, cash on collection. Tel. 01840 211762. N Cornwall.

PIAGGIO MP3 300cc, Jan 2013, tyre seal, h/bar, muffs, leg cover, carrier, top box, serviced, £5950 ono. Tel. 01704 505026 or 878376. Southport, Lancs.

SACHS R800 2002, black, MoT Jul 15, only 2 owners with just 24k, exc pampered cond, with receipts, manuals and 2 sets of keys, £2000. Tel. 01636 677069; 01636 677069.

SUZUKI BANDIT GSF 2009, 1250cc, SA K8,one owner since 2009, ROSPA Approved Riding Instructor, recent new chain, sprocket, tyres, brake pads and service - Thatcham Approved alarm, 39,350 miles. Tel. 01905 778368. Worcs.

SUZUKI DRZ 400 SM K7, 400cc, one owner from new, only done 2800 miles, 2008, exc cond, £2850 ono. Tel. 01371 856729.

Essex.

SUZUKI GLADIUS 650 12 reg, black/silver, gc, 3700 miles, extras, full s/h and all paperwork, £3550. Tel. John 07887 654353.

Mid Lothian.

SUZUKI GS500 14 yrs old, (52 plate), and 34,500 miles, daily use up to now with no probs, MoT, new rear tyre and battery, new bike means it’s time for Miss reliable to go! £795. Tel. 07850 261361. Gtr London.

SUZUKI GS500E Custom, blue, original design, unique and after market parts, MoT, £1300 ono.

Tel. Dave 07738 164333. Essex.

ROYAL ENFIELD 350 Bullet, 7k, MoT, Boyer elecs, new battery, Japanese carb, 50th Anniversary, 2000, Indian model, elec/kick start, no rust, lots of chrome, spoked wheels, gc, £1995. Tel. 02921 158467. S Wales.

ROYAL ENFIELD WDCO/B 350cc, OHV, 1946, superb fully restored cond with build history, WW2 Military. Tel. 07798 866071. Gtr London.

SUZUKI GSX 1100 FM 1994, L reg, 27,860 miles, red, electric screen, good tyres, Laser cans, Extenda Fenda, rear carrier, some new parts, avg cond, £1395. Tel. 07739 800478 for more info.

Surrey.

SUZUKI GN 400J 400cc, 1984, project bike, partially dismantled, 100% complete, 13,500 miles, some history, reasonable cond, non runner, needs tlc, Offers. Tel. 07972 657573. London.

CLASSIFIED

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SUZUKI GSXR 1000 2010, with 13,600 miles, MoT 11/15, loads of extras, full s/h, £5350 ovno.Tel. 07961 886764 for more info.. Gtr London.

SUZUKI GSXR400 1993, the rare RRSP model with ultra close box and adjustable suspension, 17k, new battery, race pipe and standard, rebuilt carbs and brakes, new MoT, £1295 ono. Tel. 07785 543499. Hants.

SUZUKI GSX 750F 11k, two owners only, met black, exc cond, new rear tyre, battery, dry miles only, t&t, £1400. for quick sale Tel. 01691 830747. Shrops.

SUZUKI GSXF 650cc, 2009, 6k, beautiful cond, servic-ed, MoT, £3195 ono; Honda VFRi 800cc, 2001, MoT, 39,800 miles, fantastic, h/grips, Oxford panniers, indicator lights, lots of service history and bills, £2350 ono. Tel. 07585 619382. Flints.

SUZUKI GSXR 1000 K1 02, MoT 8/15, vgc, 17,600 miles, new rear tyre, chain and sprockets, Akrapovic can, £2100. Tel. 07951 234378. Lincs.

SUZUKI GSXR 750 56 reg, K7, blue/white, 11,500 dry miles, recent service, MoT June 15, exc cond, must be seen, £4200. Tel. 07768 907047. Northants.

SUZUKI GZ 125 Marauder bike, took apart, selling as spares. Tel. 07770 987038. Suffolk.

SUZUKI INAZUMA 250cc, 2013, centre stand, £45; Givi rear rack, £45; Shoei multi-tec helmet, size small, £75 ono; Givi mono lock B47 blade top box, as new, £95 + p&p. Tel. 0116 2402726. Leics.

SUZUKI RM125 1985, Evo twin shock eligible, loads of money spent inc engine rebuild, new tank/forks/bearings/sprockets/etc . Tel. 07449 417260. Leics.

TRIUMPH TROPHY 900 1998, R, 16k, touring screen, Corbin seat, Scottoiler full luggage, Baglux tank, cover, h/duty, C&S, 2000, miles last 4 years, must sell, ill health, £1950. Tel. 01349 368961. Inverness.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE SE, exc cond, extras include: Hagon shocks, Norman Hyde rack, centre stand, Oxford h/grips, genuine Triumph fabric bags and stays, new Pirelli Sport demons, 1500 miles ago, bike looks and rides fantastic, viewing welcome, £4000 ovno. Tel. 07946 615114.

Gtr London.

TRIUMPH DAYTONA Super 3, 900cc, 1995, 20,400 miles, exc cond, needs two new tyres for MoT, few spares, Haynes manual, too heavy now for pensioner owner, £2800. Tel. 01226 291362. S Yorks.

SUZUKI VAN VAN 125 2005, tax March, 5k, just serviced, top box fitted, good clean fun to ride bike, £1200 ono.Tel. 01524 733604. N Lancs.

SUZUKI BANDIT HUGGER 00-04, 600cc, c/w s/s brackets and fasteners, gc, £40. inc delivery.

Tel. 07786 138879. Shrops.

SUZUKI GS 850 843cc, black, 1984, p/coated, new pipes and exhaust (genuine), (2) shaft drive, exc cond, carrier, top box, screen, c/bars, panniers, 2 owners from new, 37k, £3650. Tel. 01476 562125. S Lincs.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE America exhaust pipes, mint cond, taken off a 2010 bike when new, kept in a warm garage, get a bargain now at 25% of Triumph price, £120 ono. Tel. 02921 158467.

Glam.

TRIUMPH SPRINT 955I ST 2002/01 reg, 11 months’ MoT, vgc, nearly new Dunlop Roadsmarts, top box, h/grips, 15k only, £1995 ono. Tel. 0116 2862597. Leics.

YAMAHA FJR 1300 reg 2008, MoT April 2015, under 16k, s/h, immac, one of the best examples around, c/w full luggage and elec screen, h/grips etc etc.Tel. 07791 723949. W Yorks.

TRIUMPH SPEED 4 53 reg, 7,500 miles, full s/h, alarm, recent tyres, MoT Sept 2015, mint, £1950. Tel. 07809 686645. Lancs.

TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 2001, 955i, nuclear red, MoT till Jan 2015, Sorned.Tel. 07984 713050.

N Yorks.

SUZUKI INAZUMA 250cc, 63 reg, 1,000 miles only, very clean and gc, £1900. no offers Tel. 0116 2354013. Leics.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE 749cc, reg’d 53, new chain and sprockets, Triumph panniers, pillion red/grey tank, 28,500 miles, vgc, £2000. Tel. Geoff 01425 270418. Christchurch.

TRIUMPH LEGEND TT 1999, 900cc, 3 cylinder water cooled, 5 sp box, green/silver, 34k, MoT till Apr 15, good tyres, front screen, back box, new front disc and s/s brake pistons.Tel. 01454 850698.

Bristol.

TRIUMPH SPRINT ST 1050cc, 2008, 5k, MoT, perfect running order, one owner, Offers near to £4750 Tel. 07593 575530. S Leics.

TRIUMPH SPRINT ST 1050 2005, full luggage, Baglux cover & bag, Maxton suspension, Corbin seat, hugger, Scottoiler, K&N filter, almost new, f/discs, 48k, long MoT, £2950. Tel. 01522 789178. Lincs.

TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675 56 reg, 18,687 miles, fsh, gc, all books and keys, MoT, standard bike, £3695 ono. Tel. 07807 696980.

Lancs.

TRIUMPH DAYTONA SUPER III 900cc, 1995, exc cond, needs new tyres for MoT, (ran out Sept 6th), Haynes manual, few spares, too heavy now for pensioner owner, £2800. Tel. 01226 291362. Barnsley, S Yorks.

TRIUMPH SPRINT 885cc, 1991, blue, on Sorn, needs a good clean and bit of tlc, £950 ono. Tel. 0115 9533959. Notts.

TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 1050 13k, full s/h, MoT, data tool, extras, always garaged, fantastic cond, new bike arriving soon, £4700. Tel. 07805 208816.

Cornwall.

TRIUMPH TIGER 955I with all the sensible accessories, hugger, Scottoiler, sports exhaust, h/grips, panniers, matching top box, Michelin Anachies, 2 mature owners, 29k, used mainly for touring not commuting, any inspection, no test pilots. Contact me for loads of pictures of Silver Tiger. £2995 ono; p/x 800XC considered Tel. 0759 1054570.

Glam.

Kawasaki Zephyr Every month Steve Cooper from the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club picks out another great example of classic oriental metal.

The VJMC; run by motorcyclists for motorcyclists www.vjmc.com membership_vjmc@yahoo.co.uk Membership enquiries only 01634 361825/07948 563280 Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm

TRIUMPH TIGER 110 matching nos, in good running order, ivory/black, old/new log books, 1958, £4750 ono. Tel. 0121 559 1617; 0121 5591617.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE 2001, exc cond, 790cc, MoT Feb 2015, 46,184 miles, £2750. Tel. 01745 344432. Denbighshire.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120R 1971/K, oil in frame, matching numbers, new engine, original engine included in sale (runs poorly), fantastic blue/white colour, in original unrestored cond, £6500 ono. Tel. 07887 496456 for more detail/images. Cheshire

WHEN asked if the Beatles might ever re-form, Paul McCartney is alleged to have responded “You can’t reheat a soufflé!” The same logic doesn’t apply in the world of motorcycles…

The Kawasaki Z1 ran from 1972 to 1975, but the legend’s grown, and good examples have made serious money. Kawasaki decided in the late 80s to bung its highly calorific dessert back into the oven: First out was a 400cc retro Z1 lookalike, swiftly followed by 550, 750 and 1100cc analogues. Of the bunch it’s a threequarter litre version that offers the best all-round package.

Based around the Z750 fours (themselves uprated from the Z650), Kawasaki’s Zephyr was a naked bike before the term came into popular usage. With a visual profile similar to the late lamented Z1, the bike should have sold by the boat-load to mistyeyed thirtysomethings, yet somehow we didn’t seem to quite get it after the initial euphoric sales.

The Japanese on the other hand lapped them up, and built a huge aftermarket business on Zephyrs of every capacity. Ride-wise, the 750 Zephyr is substantially smaller and lighter than its inspirational ancestor and makes many 500s feel tubby. The air-cooled motor punches out a claimed 75bhp, along with a tidy 42lb-ft of easily-accessed torque.

The only real disappointment is the suspension, which many suggest has all the structural integrity of the aforementioned dessert.

YAMAHA RD E/F 250cc, 1979, p/coated, rebuilt, original seat pan, resprayed, OEM pipes, many new parts, Cdi plus coil, C&S shocks, decals, list goes on!! spares inc OEM pipes plus spannies, Sorned, nice standard machine, £2300. Tel. 07758 537639; 01300 341549. Dorset.

YAMAHA ROYAL ADVENTURE 1200cc, 44k, MoT til Apr 15, no tax, exc cond, £1400 ono. Tel. 07737 918904. E Riding of Yorks.

YAMAHA FJR 1300 51 plate, only 20k, new tyres, MoT Feb 2015, full colour coded Givi luggage, tall screen, h/grips, f&r fender extenders, gc, well maintained, £3600 ono. Tel. 07545 984229.

Somerset.

YAMAHA FZ6S2 2008, (naked), MoT’ Jun 15, full s/h, 14,500 miles, two keys, all documentation, one previous owner, exc cond, standard apart from Yamaha flyscreen and Givi top box, £2995.Tel. 07946 524120 or 01904 430259. N Yorks.

YAMAHA FZ6 FAZER 599cc, 2005, stunning silver, Fazer, 9,484 miles, MoT Aug 15, exc cond, c/w removable Givi top box and panniers, Scottoiler and touring screen, £2200 ono. Tel. 01642 913098; 07954 098152. N Yorks.

YAMAHA FZR 600R 1995, MoT Feb 15, new chain and sprockets, good tyres, s/s Art exhaust, new brakes, totally reliable, ridden daily, reluctant sale,£900 ono.Tel.07516 840677; 01492 203073. N Wales.

YAMAHA THUNDERACE 1996, new tyres, c/sprockets, b/pads, s/steel down pipes, MoT Feb 15, one owner from new, £600. Tel. 07530 244830 for more details.

N Yorks.

YAMAHA FZS 600 Fazer, 2003, gc, 15,800 miles, MoT Aug 2015, h/grips, part s/h, £1600 ovno with some extras. Tel. 01568 708022.

Herefordshire.

YAMAHA XJ 600S 1996, MoT 3/10/2015, 47k, blue/green, new Bridgestones, disc, pads, battery, oil, filter, buyer collects. Ready to go at £870.Tel. 07709 611175.W Yorks.

YAMAHA SRX 400 prefer good tidy runner, but anything considered. Tel. 01270 811762.

Nantwich.

YAMAHA XJR 1300 2005, vgc, black, 5500 miles, fitted with Givi screen, open to offers, £3995.Tel. 07773 880417. Cheshire.

w w w .f litw ickm o to rcycles.co .u k 0 1 5 25 71 21 97

The good news is, it’s relatively easy and cost-effective to upgrade both ends and deliver a tidy-handling bike.

Sporting an alloy swinging arm, the 750 Zephyr lacks the hinge-in-themiddle feel of its grandfather, and is actually graced with some very good brakes at either end.

If you like and admire the style of the original Z1 but wish to avoid the financial pains associated with them, a 750 Zephyr makes an awful lot of sense. It’s a fundamentally well-built machine with only a few foibles, none of which are insurmountable if you buy with your head and not your heart. Camchain tensioners can get a little tired, and carb diaphragms are known to split with age, but specialists such as Z Power have these issues sorted.

The only real showstopper could be the petrol tanks, which seem to be made of recycled 1970s Fiats alloyed with old cat food tins. If your chosen example is leaking or badly rusted, it’s a given that you’ll be battling on eBay for a good one.

So why would you buy one? They have a certain style that cleverly blends early 1970s with late 90s; the motor is almost bombproof; they can be tuned and tweaked to your heart’s content and, perhaps most importantly, they stand out in any car park that’s largely populated by the ubiquitous Suzuki Bandit. Oh and if you had any doubts about the motor’s strength, know that it reappeared from 1999-2004 under the guise of the ZR7S.

5 issues for £12 Visit www.classicmagazines.co.uk/cmmvjmc 529529 and quote code: CMMVJMC

YAMAHA XJ 600 Pre-Diversion, 1992, very low mileage (8k), exc cond and good running order, bargain at £1400 ovno.Tel. 07588 530016. Gtr London.

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

Want your fix of Japanese classics? Then you need...

Call: 01507

YAMAHA VIRAGO 535 1998, MoT Sept 2015, exc cond, lots of chrome, a real eye catcher, only 7400 miles from new, £2000 ovno. Tel. 01673 849042; 07722 869333. Lincs.

Expiry: 31/12/14. *UK only offer

If you fancy 70s style with modern peripherals, the Kawasaki 750 Zephyr might just be the bike to go for.

If I was buying one it’d be the later wire-wheeled model, resprayed in cool dark green and yellow candy.

They’re out there, and they turn up for less than two grand. A true retro bargain.

Get more from the VJMC

Now could well be the time to start thinking about buying a later Japanese classic. The prices are still remarkably low for all but the most desirable examples, and almost any of them post-1990 and in once piece are likely to be good ‘uns. Chances are even an example that’s been pushed to the back of the garage will still be perfectly viable. Fluids, oil and filter changes along with a set of tyres, and you’re almost guaranteed a bargain.

Better still, if the bike in question needs service parts there’s a raft of specialists out there who can supply OEM quality at sensible prices, with key items often including full TUV approval. The VJMC is not sniffy about fitting non-original parts to older bikes; in fact if it keeps another piece of our two wheeled history up and running we’re all for it.

There’s a 90s bike out there for you – it may not be quite as honed as a new machine – but in all honesty will you really notice? Your bank balance will; the bargains start at £1000!

CLASSIFIED

YAMAHA XJ6 2010, very low miles, gc, dry use, few extras added, good first bike, £3150 ovno.Tel. Dave 07985 622640.W Mids.

YAMAHA XJ600 1981, with 4into-1 Motad, MoT until Apr 15, £500. Tel. Andy 07582 513324.

Worcs.

YAMAHA XJ6N ABS, (2010), black/grey, v good std cond, 6k, MoT done in June 2014, 6,700 miles, fitted with Datatool Cat 1 Alarm, Open to offers. Tel. 07950 823904. Gtr London.

YAMAHA XS 750SE 3 cyl shaft drive, 1983, MoT Oct 2015, 36,700, recent clutch plates and cable, new battery and seat cover, £1150.Tel. 07896 608341. Essex.

YAMAHA XVS 1100 dark red, one owner, 2007, 35k, gc, many extras, spots screen, saddle bags, Datatag, new front tyre, MoT till Apr 2015, £3500 ono.Tel. 078120 45264. Lancs.

YAMAHA YBR 125cc, MoT Mar 15, reg 08, 9,30 miles, vgc, top box, dry miles, £1200 ovno. Tel. 01473 831338. Suffolk.unused since 2003, clean and tidy, runs, new battery, £800. or swap Japanese early Honda stuff, spares/repairs or parts cash, either way. Tel. 07815 508554. W Glam.

YAMAHA YZF 1000 CRI Thunderace, urgent exhaust manifold or all exhaust. Tel. 07925 340627.

Avon.

Parts For sale

YAMAHA XJ6N 2010, very low mileage, gc, dry use only, genuine reason for sale, ideal first bike, £2800 ovno. Tel. Dave 07985 622640. W Mids.

1200 BANDIT original screen, vgc, £10. Tel. 07936 497293.

Northumberland.

1200 BANDIT HANDLEBARS with brace, £12. Tel. 07936 497293. Northumberland.

BAR END MIRRORS to fit Triumph Street Triple, genuine Triumph parts, as new, £100 inc p&p. Tel. 07504 174923. Kent.

BMW F650GS Baglux tank bag harness, colour glacier, £30. Tel. 07767 768642. W Mids.

Subscribe to Motor Cycle Monthly: www.classicmagazines.co.uk/MCM or call 01507 529529 BMW K100 TANK BAG genuite, with expanding centre, complete, all zips good, £50. Tel. 07976 529460. W Yorks.

BMW R1200 RT front wheel with bearings and valve from 2008 SE bike, silver, £225. Tel. 07976 529460. W Yorks.

BONNEVILLE SE 2010, standard seat, only used for 50 miles, new condition, £50. Tel. 0113 2562843. Leeds, W Yorks.

CX 500B SEAT .Cash waiting for good example. Tel. Mike on 07989 244491 (leave message please). W Mids.

DAINESE LEATHER SUIT two piece, black, size 50 (5ft 8), good condition, £100. plus postage Tel. 01983 853442. Isle of Wight.

DUCATI 600/900 Monster, rear hugger and side covers, £20. Tel. 0151 5319213. Merseyside.

DUCATI SPARES mostly narrow case, (some spares wanted), Tel. 01539 722466 (leave message if no reply - no mobile nos please).

Cumbria.

EXCHANGE BSA A10 alloy head with new valve insert, guides and modified for 2 carbs, for a one carb alloy head, Tel. 07828 755038. Gtr Man. HARLEY DAVIDSON chromed exhaust, states on exhaust 'for competition only' 16" long, 45cm dia. connector, a little bluing, £20. raymond.miles2210@gmail.com Essex.

HONDA CBF500/600/100 Givi monorack and monokey top plate, £30. Tel. 07767 768642. W Mids.

HONDA NT 650 Deauville, V reg, frame, with V5C, engine, swing arm, shock, bevel drive etc, still attached, free to whoever wants to collect it. Tel. 01784 461961.

Surrey.

HONDA RS 250 wanted, front and rear wheels, may take complete bike if the right price. Tel. Mick 0151 608 5770. Cheshire.

HONDA VFR 400 NC 30 spares.

Tel. Craig 07770 987038. Suffolk.

ITOM 50cc complete engine, £160. ono Tel. 01286 660187.

Caernarfonshire.

K & N REPLACEMENT AIR FILTER to suit 2012 Triumph Speed Triple, new, unused and boxed, £30 free p&p. Tel. 07929 960363. N Yorks.

KAWASAKI KLX 250 2009 onwards, GPR alloy end can, as new, £75. Tel. 07767 768642. W Mids.

KAWASAKI Z/GT/GPZ/750, 550 complete headlamp, rust treated, rare item, £80; tail light, rust treated, £30; Z1000 28M Mikuni carbs, need cleaning, complete working order, offers; ZPZ 750A top grab rail with fittings, £30.Tel. 07973 225042. Staffs.

LARGE YAMAHA TOP BOX and frame off an XJ 600, like new, £50. Tel. 07857 622062. Lancs.

MORGAN F4 1172cc 3-wheeler, 1949, insured, £14,000. Tel. 01865 739112 (please leave message & I will return your call). Oxford.

MOTO GUZZI BREVA low seat, factory spare, exc cond, £100. buyer collects or delivery charge extra. Tel. 07803 176532. Worcs.

MOTORBIKE TRAILER two trials/small bikes or single larger bike, 10" wheels good tyres, older trailer, but solid and well made, £150. Tel. 01745 570244.

Denbighshire.

MV AGUSTA rear wheel removal special tool plus socket for sprocket removal, £15. Tel. 0151 5319213. Merseyside.

NORTON COMMANDO Interpol fairing plus Police type single seat (for refurb), Smiths chronometric 120mph speedo, Commando plastic air box assembly wanted, Commando starter motor or parts, alloy clock pod (1), why? Tel. 01772 783774. Lancs.

OIL COOLER GUARD Touratech for Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom, used, £10 plus p&p.Tel. 01349 368961.

Inverness.

PAIR OF ORIGINAL KRAUSERS off a 79 R100, no keys or frame, £50. Tel. 07857 622062. Lancs.

PIRELLI ANGEL ST 180/55Z R17 tyre, never fitted as bike now sold, £90. onoTel.0789 4078815.Notts.

R & G AERO CRASH PROTECTORS c/w all fittings/teardrop shaped bobbins for Suzuki GSF1250 GT (faired version), £85. ono Tel. 0789 4078815. Notts.

SACHS 800 pair of silencers, very good condition, £30. Tel. 0151 5319213. Merseyside.

SET OF WHEELS with OK tyres 1981 Suzuki GSX750, £20. to collect or post at cost Tel. Andy 07582 513324. Worcs.

SHOEI RAID HELMETS Crimson, XS and large, as new, £50 each; textile jackets, medium, large extra large, boots, 38 and 48, oversuits, trousers, gloves, all cheap. Tel. 07767 768642. W Mids.

SINGLE BIKE TRAILER WANTED galvanised chassis, new tyres and wheel bearings, drive up ramp, alloy plated bed, loads of strapping points, would convert to multi bike, £325. ono Tel. 07976 529460. W Yorks.

SPARES OR REPAIR: Suzuki GSX 600F 1990, presently on Sorn, non-runner, but complete, open to offers; also Baglux tank harness, to fit above bike, £50 ono; (£115 new) also spare screen, £20. ono Tel. 01270 569439. Cheshire.

SUZUKI GSX 600F Spares or repair, 1990, presently on Sorn, non-runner, but complete, open to offers; also Baglux tank harness, to fit above bike, £50 ono,(£115 new) also spare screen, £20 ono.

Tel. 01270 569439. Cheshire.

SUZUKI GSXR 1100 engine forks, wheels, brakes, everything there, all mint condition; Suzuki Bandit, 05, 1200, forks, yokes, tank, mint condition, Tel. 07436 544755.

Midlands.

TO FIT 96/97 FIREBLADE original downpipes silencer, good condition; to fit 06 600RR Honda Arrow silencer and link pipe, still in box plus single seat conversion to fit Honda 400 NC 30, full fairing and seat unit plus chain guard.

Tel. 07410 202277. Norfolk.

TWO ARIEL SQUARE 4 camshafts, one worn, needs rebuilding, other used but serviceable, £150. the pair Tel. 01584 819269. Worcs.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE AMERICA exhaust pipes, mint condition, taken off a 2010 bike when new, kept in a warm garage. Get a bargain now at 25% of Triumph price. £120. ono Tel. 02921 158467. Glam.

TRIUMPH TIGER 1050 MRA, Vario screen, almost new, £40 plus; Renntec luggage rack, unused, £40; also Oxford first time magnetic tank bag, unused, £20. Tel. 01686 688172. Mid Wales.

VELOCETTE ENGINE 250cc, fitted BTH magneto, amal, T/T carb, £985; Miller ammeter, £40; Ariel Burgess silencer, new, £60; Triumph Bonnie wiring loom, 1960, £20; Triumph c/r gearbox, 1957/8, £500; Belstaff rider's suit, £60. Tel. 0208 8944704. Middx.

WANTED YAMAHA XS250/400 front forks. Tel. Peter 01472 814659. Lincs.

WANTED! SUZUKI GSXR 750WN carburettors, must be cheap due to being skint,Tel. 07516 840677.

Flints.

WANTED:- HONDA XBR 500 workshop manual. Tel. Dave on 07541 612182. Surrey.

WHELEN LIBERTY LIGHT BAR 48" slim style clear lenses, lights up blue LED's, 4 corner LED's only, has low power option, lots of flash options, cost £1200, accept £300. Tel. Dave 0114 2206335.

Sheffield, S Yorks.

YAMAHA BULLDOG 1100 20042005, sales brochure wanted.Tel. 01902 791570. W Mids.

YAMAHA FZR 600R carburettors, good for spares or rebuild, £40; front discs, £25; two 520 chains, as new, 108/110 links, £15 each Tel. 07516 840677; 01402 203073. Flints.

Wanted

ANY MAKE OR SIZE classic motorcycle wanted from a basketcase to one in nice or restored condition. Cash waiting.

Tel. George 07811 189755. Staffs.

BELSTAFF TRIALMASTER Roadmaster, wax cotton jacket or XL 500, black nylon wanted, don't mind mucky but no bust zips please, would buy tatty jacket if cheap. Post paid or collect. Tel. 01457 877142. W Yorks.

BETA MOTARD Alp 4.0 wanted, as fitted with 350cc air cooled engine, any condition. Tel. 01405 815705. S Yorks.

DOES ANYONE HAVE a decent BMW R80RT please? I am in Norfolk, but will travel to get one!.

No fancy dealer prices please! Tel. 01842 819969. Norfolk.

HONDA CB350/250 Twin "K" Series, any condition. Tel. 02392 615955 eves only. Hants.

HONDA CB500 FOUR 1971-73. anything considered. cash waiting. Private buyer. Tel. 07759 623114. Derbys.

INFORMATION I am after name of yearly publication of motorcycle & scooters manufactured throughout the world. I don't know the name of them. Info to Peter Edwards, tel. 01752 790749.

Devon.

MOTO GUZZI NEVADA CLASSIC 750 IG, full factory workshop, manual wanted, 07 model, Tel. 0116 2716585; 07790 830525.

Leics.

RETRO JAP MUSCLE/CRUISER BIKE wanted by private buyer, must be top condition, prefer KZ1000/Z1300 V-Max, but all bikes consider any machine offered, private buyer, cash waiting. Tel. 07950 398750. West Midlands.

SIDECAR WANTED single seater with modern fittings, some renovation, not objected to maximum £500. Tel. Bob 0191 3884084. Durham.

SINGLE BIKE TRAILER WANTED with loading ramp, Cheshire/ Merseyside area, cash waiting.

Tel. 07963 826343; 01606 888844. Cheshire.

SUZUKI FRO 50/80 wanted front and rear wheels, with good chrome, rear mudguard section, would take complete bike at right price, Tel. Mick 0151 6085770.

Cheshire.

WANTED - ANY OLD MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINES or race programmes (road racing, scrambles, grass track etc) offered free for collection within a reasonable distance of Sleaford. If you are clearing out your loft I'll be glad to take them off your hands.

Tel. Pete 01529 461304. Lincs.

WANTED CYCLEMASTER wanted cyclemaster winged wheel NSU quickly or just parts.

Tel. 7790168224. Warks.

YAMAHA SR400 WANTED workshop manual, Tel. 07746 428555. Cirencester.

YAMAHA XJ 900 1991, 24k miles, unused since 2003, clean and tidy, runs, new battery, £800. or swap Japanese early Honda stuff, spares/repairs or parts cash, either way. Tel. 07815 508554. W Glam.

Parts Wanted

BORG WARNER WANTED velvet drive transmission, with reduction gear, 1.91:1 ratio, for left-handed propellor or changeable rotation, good working order essential. Tel. 01507 450453; 07582 952832.

Lincs.

GROUND LEVEL LOADING TRAILER wanted anything considered where heavy bike can be loaded without a ramp. Tel. 07828 103437. Notts.

Miscellaneous

BELSTAFF TRIALMASTER size 44, black, never worn, brand new, half price, £250. Tel. 01765 688721; 07864 335715. N Yorks.

BMW K100 1000cc, '83/84, silver, 9k genuine miles, ex BMW (GB) serviced, f/seals, tyres, battery, hard black panniers, docs, £2699; black leather boots, size 9, R/R zip, good nick, £55. Tel. 07759 607498. E Berks.

CRAVEN "CONCORDE" PANNIERS two pairs, white/silver, ex police, solid, serviceable or restore inc modified carrier/rack, £40. the lot; collect only.Tel. 0151 2608612. Merseyside.

CADILLAC FLEETWOOD SEDAN 1992, auto, white, matching leather, new MoT with sale, with s/h, 70k miles, smooth V8 motor v reliable, owned 6 years, new battery, £3995. will consider p/x Retro Jap Muscle or Cruiser Tel. 07950 398750. W Mids.

CLASSIC SUZUKI cigarette type cards, mounted in picture frame including GT750, Kettle GT550, T500, Super Six RE5 etc, c/w specs on reverse, nice collector's item, £35. Tel. 01803 607265; 01364 653515. Torquay.

FLYING JACKET leather, only worn once, cost £45, like new, size M/L, £145. Tel. 07515 641716. Thurrock, Essex.

GARMIN ZUMO 660 LM 2014, Sat nav, complete, in original box with both bike and car mounts used on a 3 hour test ride only, for sale - bargain at £250.Tel. 07503 919162. W Yorks.

GIVI V35 INNER BAGS new style, in black, still in plastic bags, never used, £50. ovno Tel. Mark on 07816 872825. Essex.

GOLDEN ERA framed Classic Motorcycle pictures, cards approx 3" x 2", with clear specification at rear, (1) Velocette, (1) Norton, (1) BSA, £15 each plus postage. Tel. 01543 675371. Staffs.

H/DUTY BIKE CHAIN and lock, approx 4ft long, canvas cooured, c/w 4 keys, £14. Tel. 01803 607265; 01364 653515.Torquay.

HEIN GERICKE one-piece leathers, red/white/black, fit 5ft 8", 40" chest, good condition, £120. ono Tel. 07544 500833.

Man. HIGHWAYMAN LEATHERS onepiece, blue/white, fit 5ft 10ins to 6ft and 11-12 stone, worn 8 times. Tel. Ken 01494 874746 for more info. Bucks.

KBC CRASH HELMET Size XXS, blue, excellent condition, £45. ovno Tel. Mark on 07816 872825 or Sue on 07971 752854. Essex.

LDV CONVOY 2500cc, turbo diesel motor home, MoT Jul 15, with awnings, designed to carry bike inside, suitable for bike transport, race meetings etc, £3250 ono. Tel. 07434 395415. S Staffs.

LEATHER JACKET: Gents Buffalo, size 46", black, pockets and zips ing old condition, all armour included, £50; no offers. Tel. 01364 653515; 01803 607265.

Torquay.

LOTS GL1200 SPARES: accessories, chrome, ladies white leather bike jacket, vgc, 34"-36", £30; gents traditional style bike jacket, black, 44"-46", £60; Spada camouflage gauntlets, large, £10; CBF 1000 mudguard, mint, £35.

Tel. 07434 513161. Lancs.

MACHINE MART Clarks temporary garage, size 12ft x 20ft, ideal for motorcycle storage and workshop, bought new in 2013, £150. Tel. 07798 866071. Gtr London.

MANUALS: HONDA XR 250L, XL/XR 500, CR 125R; Yamaha WR 400F,WR 250,WR 400 FK; Suzuki GN 250, GSXR 750 Katana, GSF 1200 Owner's Book, General BSA m/cycles (R. Bacon); 2-stroke tuning (A G Bell); Harley Sportster EVO 1986/87 Clymer. Tel. 01772 783774. Lancs.

MINI CHAMPS Laverda Jota model, brand new, unwanted gift, cost £85, accept £50 plus postage. Tel. 0151 2608612.

Merseyside.

MOTO GUZZI V7 helmet, openface, with visor (white/black/red), matches bike colours, size small (55/56), new, unused, £40. ono Tel. 01604 831349. Northants.

MOTORCYCLE JACKET XXXL Ixon Stinger, armoured, as new, black/grey, £50. Tel. 0151 678 8883. Wirral.

OXFORD TANK BAG and tail pack, never used, £30 each or £50 for both. Tel. 07544 500833.

Man. RIDE ON/OFF BIKE/SCOOTER TRAILER back folds to floor for easy one man operation, was built to take Burgman 400 scooter on holiday trips, but have carried other, larger bikes too, vgc, £350. ono. Tel. Cliff 0161 2139384.

Lancs.

RST 2-PIECE LEATHERS gun metal jacket, 48" chest; 38" waist, never worn, labels still on, £150; no offers; also leather boots, Yamaha blue/white, size M38, with knee sliders, £40. Tel. 01472 825321. Lincs.

SUOMY HELMET, brand new, black, never worn, unwanted gift, bargain at £50. Tel. Joe 0207 7915439. London.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE rear fully chromed shocks, as new, £60 the pair; Givi back box, vgc, £25; 3/4 length waterproof man's bike jacket, bargain, £20; 5 XL petrol cap, £5; sprockets, £20. Tel. 07836 700313. Maidstone, Kent.

TRIUMPH T90 DAYTONA Cafe Racer Comp, rebuild, 2k, r/in handcrafted, ali tank, ali pegs, ali rims, twin clocks, goldies, chromed h/lamp, s/r seat, tls, unique in Tr Sheen blue, a beauty! £5250; fabric jacket, XL, black, armoured, lined, £29. Tel. 07759 607498. E Berks.

TRIUMPH TIGER 1050 Renntec sports rack, unused, £40; MRA vario screen, like new, £40; also Oxford first time magnetic tank bag, 18 ltr, unused, £20. Tel. 01686 688172. Powys.

35

36 CLASSIFIEDS ACCESSORIES

EVENTS

CLOTHING REPAIRS

DYNO

EVENTS

ACCOMMODATION/TOURING

EXHAUSTS

MOT AND SERVICING

PARTS AND SPARES

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES MOT AND SERVICING

PLASTIC REPAIRS

CLASSIFIEDS 37 OFF ROAD

TOURING

WANTED

Guided Motorcycle Tours Take in the most breathtaking scenery Arizona has to offer on a Harley Davidson.

SOUTHERN TOUR - Tuscon - Tombstone - etc.

NORTHERN TOUR - Grand Canyon - Monument Valley - etc

www.adventuresinarizona.com Tel. 01243 786495 Mob. 07774 782139

TRACK DAYS

TRAILERS PAINTWORK

WHEEL BUILDING

SERVICES

TRAINING LESSONS

WEB WATCH

Trade advertisers call Jo on 01507 529468

RESTORATION TYRES

#"! #)&+#%%$(,$' *!#("$(' '+$."!!*%)#,&#-(

#"$!$

333/)4#01""2$-/.&/!*

,%,, '+, (+,, &2(!.(2 '*-,- $2%+1/2)2(" 01""2$.2#

SEATING

SECURITY SPECIALIST KEY CUTTING

Motorcycle keys cut to code Motorcycle keys made to locks

Tel: 01522 532038 Email: info@lincolnsecurity.co.uk www.lincolnsecurity.co.uk

SHOT BLASTING & POWDER COATING

SERVICING Springcourt Auto Centre Tel: 01706 631245 Specialists in motorcycles

• MoT STATION • SERVICING & REPAIRS • CARS & LIGHT COMMERCIALS • ALL MAKES AND MODELS WHITWORTH RD, ROCHDALE, LANCASHIRE OL12 0RA

SERVICES

SUSPENSION

WEB WATCH

38 USED BIKE RIDE

USED TEST:

1999 Honda VT600 Shadow

“NICE BIKE MATE…” 2014 BMW R1200GS Adventure LC

Dealer’s price: £3495 | 54bhp 38lb-ft | liquid-cooled V-twin Words and photography: Bob Pickett

THE VT600 Shadow was Honda’s ‘first big bike’ in the cruiser arena, running from 1992 to 2002 when it was replaced by a new model with an increase in capacity to 750cc.

Give me some spec

A steel-tube double cradle frame houses a 52º, 583cc V-twin engine, putting out a claimed 54bhp, which is geared to pull from low-down with maximum torque of 38lb-ft coming in early in the revs. Top speed is around 110mph, and the VT600 tips the scales at 196kg.

Braking is courtesy of a single 296mm front disc and a 160mm rear drum.

So what’s it like to ride?

Part of the VT600 Shadow’s brief was to house the smaller rider; with a 690mm seat height it succeeds admirably. My wife Laura – who stands at 5ft – was able to get her boots comfortably down.

Dealer details With thanks to Ramoto for the loan of the bike: Ramoto Motorcycles 24 Charminster Avenue, Bournemouth, Dorset BH9 1RY 01202 523999 www.ramoto.com

It features a cushioned, comfortable and slightly spongy saddle, with the pillion perch raised to give the rider a small backrest. Add this to the forward-facing footpegs and laid-back bars and you settle into the Shadow. Paddling onto the road, the VT600 felt top heavy and ungainly, but once you start up the engine that feeling disappears and it’s stable and planted.

The engine pulls hard from lowdown, and up to 40mph it really wants to get going, so you have to watch your speed. At the top end of the rev range it loses puff, and at motorway speeds any overtakes must be carefully planned. But early on the VT600 gets you away sharply and gives good drive.

Steering is slow, but predictable.

Set up early for the bends, give it a good nudge and it rolls through the corner with a reassuring stability.

The front brake is strong for the class, but the lever travel on the rear drum is excessive.

The Shadow is excellent for shorter rides, but set out on a longer haul and you’ll be aiming to pull over after around 75 miles (well within the 110 mile tank range). At this point I was fidgeting; by 80 miles I just wanted to stand up for a few minutes for a rest.

For me, the most fun was had on a stretch of rural 50mph roads from

Name: Martin Lister From: Wakefield

Bournemouth up to (and beyond) Andover. In this environment the Shadow was a delight, giving just the right degree of oomph, and a relaxed ride that just let you get on with the business of riding and enjoying it, rolling from bend to bend.

What nick is it in?

Stunning. After 15 years the only blemish is some tiny scratches by

the ignition barrel caused by the steering lock key.

What’s it worth?

The dealer wants £3495 for a 15year-old bike in pristine condition with just 5300 miles on the clock.

You have to cast the net wide to get a similar deal, but there are VT600s available for this price with more miles on the clock.

Occupation: HM Services Owned bike for: Seven months Tell us about it: In the past 10 years I’ve had a number of bikes, including a Kawasaki KLV 1000, Honda Varadero 1000, Yamaha XTZ 1200 and a few BMW GSs – both air and liquid cooled – but my current bike is by far the best I’ve owned; I can’t keep off it… I’ve done 7000 in five months! It’s fitted with nearly every Cymarc extra you can think of, including a neat tool box and crud catcher. I’ve just ordered a BMW quick-shifter too, which I’m looking forward to using.

I regularly ride round the Yorkshire Dales and whenever I can, I venture north of the border to Scotland. I have a real affinity with Fort William and the West Coast, which probably comes from my interest in the Scottish motorcycle trials which I competed in on three occasions. I’m planning a trip to France next year to visit the Millau Bridge and the mountainous Massif Central area with my biking mates Mark and Simon and my dad, Steve.

Engine: 1170cc, four-stroke, flat twin dohc, liquid-cooled Power: 123.32bhp (92kW) @ 7750rpm Torque: 92.2lb-ft (125Nm) @ 6500rpm Weight: 260kg Seat height: 890 / 910mm Current value: Around £14,250 from a franchised dealer, and approximately £12,500 as a trade in. Expect to pay around £13,500 for a private sale.

Data supplied by The vehicle check and valuation experts.

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