Motor Cycle Monthly - July 2014 - Full Edition

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July 2014

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ECOSPORT Yamaha’s awesome 124mpg MT-125 P18

BIKESAFE £45 will make you

safer and faster P26

THE FACTS How a new end-can affects your bike P32

HOnDA CTX1300

A Pan-European engine in a bagger chassis: Can the baby Gold Wing win a new audience?

2 NEWS

Motor Cycle Monthly, Media Centre, Morton Way,Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 529529 Email: editorial@ motorcyclemonthly.co.uk Editor John Milbank Staff writer Carli Ann Smith Editorial design Tracey Barton Publisher Steve Rose Group production editor Tim Hartley Divisional advertising manager Sandra Fisher Advertising Team Lead 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 August issue July 4, 2014

Subscribe to MCM and just pay the postage!

Call 01507 529529 or visit classicmagazines.co.uk/MCM or email help@classicmagazines.co.uk

2moroRider – the recordbreaking global charity rider

Motor Cycle Monthly’s website – www.MoreBikes.co.uk – has exclusive updates on this inspirational journey around the world. Here’s the story so far from a young rider on his Triumph Tiger...

ONE month after leaving the Triumph factory in Hinckley on a Tiger 800 XC, 22-year-old Rhys Lawrey has covered 5200 miles and reached Uzbekistan, a landlocked country in Central Asia.

Rhys, who was born in Cambridgeshire and grew up in New Zealand, is attempting to ride into the record books as the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe by motorcycle, and still has another 58 countries to visit and 45,000 miles to travel.

His first week was spent riding down through Europe, averaging 350 miles a day, but it was in Albania that Rhys got his first taste of things to come – poorly maintained roads, often closed, and everything from dogs to

donkeys running free on them.

Having crossed the Bosporus into Asia, Rhys rode through Turkey the following week.

“As you travel east you notice that the population becomes more self sufficient and the pace of life slows right down,” says Rhys.

“The towns are smaller and you don’t see any tourists, so the locals are really excited to see you. When you stop at traffic lights they’re all hanging out of their car windows, asking where you’re from, where you’re going and how much the bike cost, because they don’t see big bikes over there.”

From Turkey, Rhys headed North into Georgia, then to Azerbaijan,

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

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Independently proven pick up: 67,717 copies

Leaving the road for fuel can have disastrous consequences…

Rhys crossing Turkmenistan on his Tiger 800 XC.

where the ferry takes a day to cross the landlocked Caspian Sea into Turkmenistan.

“As soon as you step on to the ferry that crosses the Caspian Sea you realise that you’re starting a whole new chapter in adventure travel. I rolled off the ferry at 9pm and was stuck in customs until 7am the following morning. I had to present my paperwork at 15 different booths around the compound.”

It was in Turkmenistan that Rhys had his hardest day’s riding.

“Petrol is relatively scarce in Turkmenistan and it is important to refuel at every opportunity, so I dived off the main road when I spotted a service station and decided to take a short cut across some dirt, only to discover it was deep sand. The bike sank to its axles and I was rescued by a lovely Turkman family, who helped me drag the bike out and then gave me a bottle of Coke to rehydrate me.

Having fuelled up, I hit another patch of sand, slowed too much, then overcompensated and fell off. Luckily the Metal Mule panniers saved the bike and I escaped with nothing more than cuts and bruises.”

Once across the border into Uzbekistan, Rhys will ride to Kazakhstan, where his Triumph Tiger

800 XC will get its first service before entering China. Rhys is raising money for The Prince’s Trust, asking for a donation of just £1 for every continent he crosses (up to a maximum of six).

You can follow his progress, view his video diaries and make a donation at www.2mororider.com Get exclusive updates on our fantastic new website: www.MoreBikes.co.uk

3

4 NEWS BMW recalls R1200RT

ALL 2014 R 1200 RTs with Dynamic ESA have been recalled. The BMW statement says: “With immediate effect all 2014 R 1200 RT with Dynamic ESA must not be ridden. At this moment, we cannot guarantee that the plunger rod assembly for the rear suspension unit will not fail.

“Customers will be contacted by their dealer immediately and asked not to ride their motorcycle. While this is extremely disappointing for our customers their safety is BMW Motorrad’s priority.”

A BMW spokesman told us that around 2⁄3 of the 500 RTs already sold in the UK have Dynamic ESA, but that dealers would be completing the work as quickly as possible.

Scottish show is set to be the North’s best bike event WITH star names such as Giacomo Agostini set to attend, the Great Scottish Bike Show is expected to make its mark in a big way this summer…

A host of dealers, manufacturers and traders will come together on August 9-10 to offer visitors the chance to access the best and latest machines and accessories.

Exhibition manager Nick Mowbray said: “Our move to a facility as

Meet Troy Corser at the Oakley Bike THE Oakley Bike Festival will take place on Saturday, July 26, at the Oakley Sports and Social club ground Church Lane, Oakley, Bedford, Bedfordshire MK43 7RU. Meet former World Superbike Champion, Troy Corser, TV host Steve Plater, as well as group member Grant Wagstaff, who successfully competed at the IoM TT in 2014 along with other racing competitors Richard Cooper (BSB) and Olie Linsdell (TT2014 competitor).

More than 40 stands and exhibits will be on show, covering major motorcycle brands, clubs, vintage and veteran bikes, specialist race bikes and many attractions for all the family. For more details visit oakleymc.net/obf-14/

impressive as the Royal Highland Centre signals our intention to make the Great Scottish Bike Show the most complete biking weekend in the north of Britain.

“We’re scaling new heights here at Classic Bike Shows with our everexpanding portfolio and we look forward to proving what we here all know; motorcycling in the UK is very much alive and well.”

Giacomo Agostini, the 15 times world champion, will be the event’s special guest of honour, talking with showgoers and presenting awards to the owners of the machines selected as the best on display. With 122 career victories, Agostini holds the record for Grand Prix race wins with fellow Italian legend Valentino Rossi – the only other man to have surpassed the 100 mark.

Accompanying ‘Ago’ at the event will be Alex George, a three times Isle of Man TT race winner who’s sure to be popular in his native Scotland.

The action doesn’t just take place

Meet racing legend Giacomo Agostini at the show.

Ducati announces Monster 821

Bultaco is back!

BULTACO has announced its return to the motorcycle market with a pair of electric bikes. The Rapitán and Rapitán Sport will, the company claims, use brushless, air-cooled motors to generate 54bhp, and a whopping 92lb-ft of torque.

Top speed is said to be 90mph, with a range of 125 miles in the city, dropping to 68 on open roads (87 miles combined figure).

A quick charge could take as little as 45 minutes, with initial production

inside either, with stunt displays from the irreverent Purple Helmets alongside competitive racing in the form of Scottish Supermoto and Moped Mayhem.

There’ll be more details in next month’s issue of Motor Cycle Monthly, plus a fantastic feature giving you some of Scotland’s best biking rides to make a long weekend of your trip.

A one day advance ticket costs £6, a discount of £2 on the gate price. Gates are open from 10am to 5pm on both Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10. To book, see the banner on the MoreBikes.co.uk homepage, or call 01507 529529

run of 200 bikes expected to be available in 2015.

For more on this story, search for ‘Bultaco’ on MoreBikes.co.uk

HAVING delivered more than 290,000 Monsters since the original concept more than 20 years ago, Ducati is offering the new model with its highly successful 821 Testastretta 11° engine.

The new bike combines 112hp and 65.9ft-lb of torque with a 179.5kg dry weight.

It also features eight level traction control, three level ABS and three level ride-by-wire.

Available in UK Ducati Dealerships from July 2014 costing £8995 (with a Dark version at £8795), the

motorcycle will also be available to restricted licence holders with a 35kW (47bhp) version.

5

6 NEWS

WIN VIP tickets to the Donington Park

MCM has teamed up with Pirelli to offer readers the chance to win three pairs of weekend entry tickets plus VIP hospitality on the main race day at the Donington Park round of the 2014 MCE British Superbike Championship on September 5-7.

Pirelli is the control tyre supplier to the Superbike class plus Supersport, Superstock and Triumph Triple Challenge all of which will feature at Donington. This year has seen a technical move from 16.5in to 17in diameter Diablo Superbike tyres.

This means technology will be transferred more quickly to road

New Schwantz kit from Suzuki

ANYONE who buys a set of the new SPORTEC M7 RR tyres before September 15 should retain proof of purchase (receipt or invoice) and register via the website or Facebook app for the chance to be guest of honour during EICMA 2014, with the participation in a dedicated test riding workshop to be held in Milan from November 6-9. For more information visit www.metzeler.com CELEBRATING the 1993 World Champion’s long and successful career with Suzuki, the company’s new clothing range is designed by Kevin Schwantz, featuring his famous ‘34’ race number and signature red and black colour scheme.

The collection includes a T-shirt, polo shirt, hoodie, and baseball

cap, available in sizes S-XXXL from £15 for the baseball hat from UK Suzuki dealers, or online at www.suzuki-gb.co.uk or Suzuki GB’s official eBay store.

Sign up to the MoreBikes.co.uk newsletter (look for the box on the home page) to be in with a chance of winning some of this great gear!

Honda’s first ‘School of Motorcycling’ centres products, as the ‘know-how’ gained from racing activities on the same dimension wheels that we now see in dealers showrooms, will benefit a vast majority of road riders.

For your chance to win, answer the following question. Pirelli’s latest sport-touring tyre is called: a) Scorpion Trail b) Angel GT c) Diablo Supercorsa

Enter now at www.MoreBikes.co.uk/competitions See online for full terms and conditions. Closing date July 18, 2014

Win chance to be a Metzeler test rider

HONDA UK has launched four licensed motorcycle training centres in the south of England as part of a new initiative: the Honda School of Motorcycling.

The four schools – which include: 21st Moto in Kent, Belle Vue Motorcycles in Essex, P&H Motorcycles in Crawley and Doble Motorcycles in Surrey – will offer courses for all levels of rider including CBT, conversion courses, refresher training and full licence qualification.

The initiative is part of both Honda UK’s and the wider industry’s drive

to make it easier for new riders to start their journey into motorcycling and for inactive riders to return. Figures reveal a total of five million licence holders in the UK – with just 1.2 million active riders. This points to nearly four million lapsed riders and close to 50 million adults in the UK who are yet to experience the many benefits of holding a motorcycle licence.

For further information visit: www.honda.co.uk/ schoolofmotorcycling or call 0845 490 0134.

Enjoy a BBQ & factory tour with Watsonian WATSONIAN Sidecars is hosting a summer barbecue at its factory in the Cotswolds on Saturday, June 28. The company has been making sidecars in the Heart of England for 102 years and 2014 is the 30th anniversary of its move to the current location, near the market town of Moreton-in-Marsh.

Attractions include a barbecue serving freshly cooked local produce, an opportunity to see how a sidecar is made inside the factory and a chance to take a sidecar driving skills test on Watsonian’s specially created obstacle course, with a prize for the most talented driver.

Watsonian is also the franchised dealer for Royal Enfield motorcycles and Peugeot Scooters in the Cotswolds, and there will be a selection of demonstrators to ride on the day. Call 01386 700907 or go to www.watsonian-squire.com for details.

7

8 NEWS Local paper tries to act ‘street’: Fails A DORSET newspaper was giving laudable coverage to a charity rideout. Unfortunately, the cub reporter, trying to show they were ‘in touch with their inner biker’, advised: “More than 100 bikers will be putting the pedal to the metal”.

So they’re just using the rear brake? Or stepping on manhole covers during the ride?

Trading Standards issues lid warning TRADING Standards officers have issued a warning to anyone who has bought a Jiekai JK 100 or JK 1000 crash helmet. A small number of the helmets were seized from a supplier in Peterborough, but Trading Standards are worried the helmets may have been sold elsewhere.

Some of the helmets tested failed to meet impact and energy absorption requirements and the chin strap could be pulled apart by hand.

The helmets also feature a chin cup, which is prohibited under European safety standards.

The helmets are labelled JK 100 on the packaging and JK 1000 on the helmet, with an additional label on the back bearing the numbers GB811-1998.

Officers could not comment on the safety of other Jiekai helmets, but urged bikers who believe they may have one of the helmets to stop wearing it immediately and to check with their supplier.

If you have one of these lids, please get in touch with us.

See bikes as art, and the Moto Gymkhana

A BIG new free to attend family friendly festival, celebrating the birthplace of British motorcycle racing will take place on July 27 at Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex.

Shaw Harley-Davidson, the East Sussex Harley dealer and builders of the award winning Speed and Custom range of bespoke bikes, and HarleyDavidson authorised tour operator Orange & Black have teamed up with bike1066 to launch a Motorcycle as Art exhibition to Bexhill MotoFest.

Round IV of the UK National Moto Gymkhana championship – the dynamic urban trials sport imported from Japan – is taking place out on the car park of the Art Deco De La Warr Pavilion supported

by Holiday Safe.

Anybody aged over 18 with a minimum CBT can participate.

See some of the finest bespoke custom bikes built by Shaw’s Speed and Custom such as the 1950s futuristic styled Bell&Ross B-Rocket and the striking ultra contemporary Batbike.

Meanwhile Orange & Black offers guided tours, custom tours, selfguided tours and authorised HarleyDavidson rentals across the USA, making legendary rides such as Route 66, the Blues Highway or the Pacific Coast Highway (and many others).

These are available to anyone with the desire to ride where their heart takes them.

For further information, visit bexhillmotofest.com

Somerset police bikes to get speed cameras THREE police motorcycles in Avon and Somerset will be fitted with speed cameras to trap speeding motorists. The bikes will support nine speed enforcement vans.

A number of roadside speed cameras across the region will also be switched back on in the next few months.

Chief Superintendent Ian Smith said the motorbikes “will extend the support we are able to offer

communities affected by speeding”.

He added: “As the motorbikes are smaller (than the vans) we’ll now be able to support many more places.”

Campaign group the Alliance of British Drivers has spoken out against the move, saying: “We need to re-examine a lot of our speed limits which have been reduced to a level where no one obeys them, and the police should become much more visible.”

Yamaha release new Majesty S scooter four-stroke sohc four-valve

THE Yamaha Majesty S Scooter is now available. Complete with new bodywork, it offers a spacious flat footboard area and a refined version of the 125cc liquid-cooled

New naked from Kymco

KYMCO has launched a new CK1 125cc Naked Sports motorcycle, priced at £1999.

With a new four-stroke air-cooled ohc 125cc engine, the CK1 should be cheap to run, making it an affordable choice for commuters. Top speed is 65mph, and Kymco claims the CK1 can achieve well in excess of 100mpg; based on average petrol prices, £10 worth of fuel could, in theory, cover more than 160 miles.

Available from mid-June 2014, the bike includes a two-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty. Kymco finance incentives are also available.

For further information visit www.kymco.co.uk

design that was developed for the Xenter – providing 11.8bhp @ 7500rpm. Prices start at £3299. For more visit www.yamaha-motor.co.uk

9

10

DON’T MISS 11

What’s on… and where to go

Summer is in full swing and when we aren’t on our bikes, we’re planning where we can go on them next! We’ve got a list of the year’s events on our website – MoreBikes.co.uk – updated every week, where you can submit your own event too. Here’s a selection of events going on in July 2014…

Saturday, July 5 – Sunday, July 6 Bikefest Kelso Borders Union Showground at Kelso (TD5 8LS).

Entertainment, music, trade stalls, a funfair and a lot of bikes. Camping available. www.thebmfshow.co.uk Sunday, July 6 ’Normous Newark Autojumble Grab a bargain as RECOMMENDS Newark Showground (NG24 2NY) plays host to the famous autojumble.

Early bird tickets (8am-9am) £10 and general public admission (from 10am onwards) £6. 01507 529470 or www.newarkautojumble.co.uk

MCM

Sunday, July 6 SharpRider – DSA Enhanced Rider Scheme – Edlington Supported by Notts/Leicester Police and Fire Services.

Two day course with Riding Appraisal on day two. Receive a Certificate of Riding Competence graded A-D – which could get up to 15% insurance discount. Various dates and venues throughout the year. www.sharprider.co.uk

Saturday, July 12 Triumph Live Heritage Motor Centre Motor Museum (CV35 0BJ) will play host to Triumph Live. Arena acts include international trials champion, Steve Colley, extreme stunt rider, Kevin Carmichael and Triumph Street Triple star, Julien Welsh. Adult tickets cost £28 and accompanied children (under 16) are free. Camping from £12pp. www.triumph-live.com

MAG, BMF, IAM and ROSPA/RoADAR group members. Call Martin Harris on 07824 449011. www.rainbowtda.co.uk

Saturday, July 12 Stourbridge MCC Custom Show Family friendly event with all-day disco. Bikes welcome from 10.30am. £1 admission – all donations to local charities. Prizes for best classic trike, rat, streetbike, Harley, chop, scooter and overall best in show. www.theriverrooms.com

Sunday, July 20 Ace Cafe 70s Bike Day Eric Patterson, holder of a number of Bonneville Speed Trial records, is guest of honour at Ace Cafe London (NW10 7UD) – showcasing his modified 1000cc V-twin Vincent powered motorcycle. www.ace-cafe-london.com

Sunday, July 13 Ride-In Beaulieu Motor Museum £6 per bike and rider. Pillion extra £6.

Tickets £10 and £20 on the day. www.wheelersevents.co.uk

Saturday, July 26 3rd Cumbria Custom Show Entry £10 on the gate from 10am – includes overnight camping and evening entertainment. Proceeds to Great North Air Ambulance. Trophies available in a number of categories. www.facebook.com/groups/cumbri acustomshow

Sunday, July 13 Motorcycle specific first aid course – Edinburgh £65 per person, includes training, first aid booklet and certificate valid for three years. Group or club block bookings available. 10% discount for

Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20 British Superbikes – Brands Hatch GP Fifth BSB round at Brands Hatch in Kent (DA3 8NG). www.britishsuperbike.com

Saturday, July 26 Ride for Life Beyond Sight Loss A 340 mile ride to raise money for

blind and vision-impaired military veterans. Registration £15 per rider.

Starts in Llandudno, North Wales. If unable to ride whole journey, you can join at one of the stop-off points. www.blindveterans.org.uk/bikeride Sunday, July 27 The TT comes to the Wheatsheaf TT winner, Steve Plater and 12-time British Champion Roger Marshall will be joined by Andy Kershaw at The Wheatsheaf in Louth (LN11 9YD) for a day all about the TT. Exotic race machinery, raffles and live music.

Event in aid of the TT Riders’ Association. 11am-7pm.

MCM

RECOMMENDS

Sunday, July 27 Bexhill MotoFest FREE. Shaw Harley-Davidson and Orange & Black bring a unique Motorcycle as Art exhibition with bike1066 to Bexhill MotoFest. Round IV of the UK National Moto Gymkhana championship is also taking place and can be entered by anyone over the age of 18 with a minimum of a CBT. www.bexhillmotofest.com Thursday, July 31 – Sunday, August 3 Bikes on the Farm Four days of live music, entertainment, traders and motorcycles at Pump Bottom Farm (PO20 7EH). Wheelie machine and rolling road. Over 18s. Advanced tickets and camping available. www.bikesonthefarm.com

Do you have an event you want to shout about?

Simply visit MoreBikes.co.uk/events to have it listed on the website and for the chance to have it listed in the events section in the paper.

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

12 PRODUCTS

TANRD TEIESTD ED

Bike & Style book with soundtrack

Tested by: John Milbank RRP: €49.95 (£40) More info: www.earbooks.net/en +49 (0)40 890 85-433 If you want a book that makes you feel great about being a biker, this is it. The 180-page coffee-table publication comes with a 10in vinyl featuring seven classic rock tracks, including Born to be Wild and The Road to Hell. While we all know vinyl is best, there’s also a download code to get all the tracks as 256kbps MP3s.

As I write this review, listening to the soundtrack and flicking through the book again, the idea, from Ear Books in Germany, makes brilliant sense.

Classic rock may seem something of a cliché for bikers, but looking at shots of Freddie Spencer and Evel Knievel while listening to Steppenwolf makes me want to get out on the bike.

There are some stunning photos in the book, but it’s disappointing to also find a few low-resolution images spoiling the quality impression, as well as some design touches that intrude a little too much.

This isn’t a book for fact-fiends (and being bilingual, half the space is taken up by the German version of the text), but it’s full of iconic bikes, people and kit (though where is Lewis Leathers?!).

It’s a very enjoyable title to leaf through whenever you want to remember how cool you are.

Kushitani Elevation one-piece leather suit

RRP: From £1879 More info: www.kushitaniuk.co.uk 01205 820114 Made from 1.5mm vented pre-stretched leather, the waterresistant treated suit is fully customisable for sizing, colours and detailing: ‘Easy Order’ and ‘Full Custom order’ are available. For ‘Easy Order’ a downloadable pack contains a sizing chart, colour palette and instructions to get the 19 measurements needed to assemble the suit. With ‘Full Custom Order’ every panel is specially made for the specific customer.

AGV K3-SV Rossi replicas

RRP: £179.99 More info: www.agv.co.uk 01773 864420 Both the Winter Test 2012 blue and the Gothic 46 black paint schemes are now available to order on the AGV K3-SV. The helmets feature an integrated ventilation system and the aerodynamics minimise drag, lift and noise. There is a removable breath deflector, windproof chin protection and a micrometric fastening system on each.

Available in sizes XS-XXL.

TANRD TEIEST D ED

Duchinni D405 helmet

Tested by: John Milbank RRP: £79.99 More info: www.thekeycollection.co.uk 0117 977 9200 It’s easiest to say what you don’t get with this budget lid: A quick-release, anti-fog visor. And, ermm… that’s it!

The D405 is an EC22.05 approved helmet with ABS shell, quick-release seat-belt style chin-strap, integrated flip-down sun visor, and a removable, washable lining. A vent on the chin and a pair on the top can be opened to control air flow, while there’s an exhaust vent at the rear. People often ask if a lid’s noisy, but I’ve yet to find a helmet that doesn’t require earplugs, and the D405 seems no worse than many other helmets I’ve tried.

There are plenty of anti-fog treatments available – my favourites are Muc-Off’s Premium Anti Fog Treatment and FogTech from www.visorvision.co.uk – so the lack of an anti-mist visor shouldn’t be too much of an issue. It’s worth noting that there’s no way to just crack the visor open a little – the first step is set quite high, revealing an opening too wide for any speed.

The lining is very soft and comfortable, though I did initially find the lid pressed very hard on my forehead, making it really

Knox Covert gloves

uncomfortable. Often described as ‘a conical-headed freak’ by my colleagues, most of my helmets need a bit of breaking-in. In this case, I found it helped to remove a small piece of foam from the front of the interior, but everybody’s head is different (and you shouldn’t really mess around with the construction), which is why it’s always a good idea to try any helmet on before you buy it.

The D405 offers superb value for money, with far more features than its price tag should allow. Combined with very nice styling, and just a £10 premium if you go for one of the XRR graphic versions, budgetconscious riders would be well advised to check it out.

RRP: £99.99 More info: www.planet-knox.com | 01900 825825 Designed for summer riding, the Covert glove features OutDry waterproofing technology that keeps the glove thin, light and waterproof. Made from Korean cowhide, the palm and fingertips are reinforced with Pittards’ goat leather. Patented scaphoid protection is provided by low-profile Knox SPS sliders.

PRODUCTS 13 NZI 3D RCS Full Carbon custom-designed helmet

RRP: £459.99 More info: www.ve-uk.com A lightweight carbon-fibre shell in a custom design of your choice. Simply supply images and NZI will create your design and send you proofs.

It features a detachable and washable liner and fastens with a double-D ring. There’s a ‘One Push’ ventilation system and a mistretardant visor.

Ventura bike pack for Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom

RRP: L-brackets £105, Pack Rack £52 and 47 litre Mistral Pack £150 More info: www.ventura-bike.co.uk | 01256 704909 Consisting of three elements: L-brackets, Pack Rack and Bike Pack – the system is lighter than hard luggage and more stable than soft. The L-brackets are fitted to the bike using existing mounting posts, the Pack Rack slides into the brackets and is secured by two locking devices. The soft luggage then slides into the rack and is held in place by QL clips.

Swift Chain from Wemoto.com

RRP: From £5.96 More info: www.wemoto.com 01273 597072 Sold as standard or heavy duty – a heavy-duty O-ring chain is available as an upgrade. The range covers all popular Japanese and European motorcycles with a cut length listing for more than 10,000 models. Can be purchased as part of a kit alongside Sunstar or JT front and rear sprockets.

Kappa RA306 bum bag

Tested by: John Milbank RRP: £33.98 More info: www.kappamoto.com | 01327 706980 I needed a way of carrying my GoPro and Drift camera kit on press launches, but didn’t want to lug a rucksack with me as we constantly stop for photoshoots.

The Kappa RA306 is perfect – featuring five zipped pockets, I can

REDANT Motorcycle Cleaner and Power Clean

Tested by: John Milbank RRP: £7.95/£9.49 More info: www.redantbikecleaners.com 01424 212776 For general cleaning, REDANT’s Motorcycle Cleaner is easy and safe to use on all bike surfaces. Just spray the bike and leave it for 3-5 minutes before washing off. It’s reasonably priced, at less than £8 for 1 litre, but you can also buy it concentrated, which, REDANT claims, can be diluted 1:10. At £11.99 for one litre it’s great value.

For really ingrained filth, Power Clean is sprayed on and left for five minutes (ideally after using the standard cleaner). It changes colour as it works, going from clear to purple, and smells

TRIED

cram suction cups, mounting brackets AND TESTED and more into the tough 840D polyester pouches. There’s also an elasticated lace retainer on one of the pouches, which can hold a 500ml bottle of water when you’re off the bike.

The main pouch has a net pocket inside to help organise your kit, and a water-resistant zip. However, I wouldn’t want to keep my wallet or anything electronic in it if heavy rain was likely, as a thorough soaking sees water creeping inside – it’s a shame there’s not a pull-out waterproof cover built in.

Fortunately, press launches tend to be in the sunniest parts of Europe, but even in the UK, the RA306 – with its comfortable padding and quality construction – offers a brilliant way to carry those extra essentials you just can’t ride without.

TANRD TEIED STED

like rotten eggs. Despite the stink, I used it to clean my dirt-bike’s swingarm of several years’ grease and grot to great effect.

Watch out for a tough comparison test of many of the latest cleaners in MCM soon.

New seat racks from SW-Motech

RRP: £126.42 More info: www.motohaus.com 01256 704909 Designed to replace the pillion seat, the seat rack uses the same fitting/lock mechanism and simply clicks in place to provide instant carrying capacity. The units are made from CNC-machined aluminium alloy and powder coated for corrosion resistance. Available to fit a number of machines.

14 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 ★

Help support the poppy appeal Sorry dad!

It was in the very early 50s that I became interested – no, mad is a better word – in motorbikes, and the money from my paper round was spent on The Motor Cycle newspaper. When I finally got my first bike (a 1938 250 AJS) it was my dad who persuaded mum to let me have it.

The mid 60s arrived along with the Japanese bikes, and over a pint in the local with

I’m a retired forces veteran and member of The Royal British Legion Riders Branch, where our goal is to raise both awareness and funds for the Poppy Appeal, utilising our passion for motorcycles.

In July I’ll be riding 5400 miles across Europe in just five days. If completed, I will become the first British rider to complete this ride (independent verification is carried out by the appropriately named ‘Iron Butt Association’).

My unescorted journey commences at the border city of Carlisle, onto the first checkpoint at John o’ Groats. I then ride to Land’s End, before heading to the Cinque ports. Once across the channel, I’ll check in at Sir Norman Foster’s Millau Viaduct, before heading west.

My final continental checkpoint will be Cape St Vincent in Portugal, when I’ll ride directly back to Carlisle.

This year is the 10th anniversary of The Royal British Legion Riders Branch, and we’re hoping to raise our collective charity total to £1,000,000.

Mark ‘Moped’ Anderson RBL Riders Branch: www.rblr.co.uk

We can’t wait to hear how you get on Mark. To make a donation to this worthy cause, click on www.justgiving.com/mark-moped-anderson

dad, I was discussing these new kids on the block, when he suddenly vehemently exclaimed that under no circumstances was I to buy or even ride a Japanese bike. “It’s a war thing,” was all he said and the subject was closed.

Dad sadly passed away many years ago and I’m now 74 with my Ducati ST3 in the garage as I write this. I’ve just finished Eric Loma’s

book, The Railwayman, and it was the reading of his wartime horrors that brought back the memory of what dad had said to me nearly 50 years ago.

After riding and owning Hondas, Kawasakis, and Yamaha (and thoroughly enjoying the experience) I feel I now know why he lectured me so strongly in the pub that day. Sorry dad.

David Hughes Each month, our star letter will receive a six month subscription to their choice of one of our fantastic motorcycle magazines!

Mind the gap

Your excellent feature on spark plugs has unfortunately perpetuated the biker’s myth that new plugs come with the gap pre-set.

As some bikes have different gap settings, despite using the same spark plugs, how can a particular plug be exactly right for all bikes it fits? For instance the old Suzuki two-stroke triples had a larger gap setting for the middle cylinder.

Brand new spark plugs come with the gap roughly set to be usable straight from the packet, so if optimum performance is required then some careful gap setting will be needed to align it with the manufacturer’s ideal settings.

Andy Reid

We asked NGK to comment… “Your reader’s letter is correct in that for older vehicles there were fewer part numbers of spark plugs produced, so gap setting used to be a common practice to ensure the plug gap was set suitable for each machine.

“With modern machines, spark plugs have become much more application specific, which is one of the reasons why we now have more than 800 individual part numbers. One part number may now only cover six or seven entries, compared with older listings when a part number may cover 30-40 models.

“A good example of this is our current car spark plug catalogue; more than 50% of the entries have no gap information published, as the plug listed is pre-set for the intended vehicle. In the motorcycle catalogue, we still publish gap setting for every line, but in most

cases the recommended item is manufactured with this gap pre-set, as it contains over 230 unique spark plug part numbers.

“The plugs that we recommend for the engine are usually those that have the gap setting that matches the recommendation of the vehicle manufacturer.

“But, more importantly, some of the designs are such that it is impossible to change the gap, especially with multi-ground electrode spark plugs: In trying to change the gap it alters the geometry of the firing end, so it is definitely not recommended to do so. Fine wire plugs must be treated with great care, and again we would not recommend altering the gap setting.”

For more information about NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd and its products and services, visit: www.ngkntk.co.uk

WIN

COMPETITION 15

Tucano urbano bike kiT

1st PRIZE worth £385 ■ Urbis 4G – the best selling medium cut motorcycle jacket with detachable inner fleece waistcoat ■ Firewall Gloves ■ Panta Urbis waterproof trousers ■ WB Fleece Collar

Motor Cycle Monthly and MoreBikes have teamed up with Tucano Urbano to offer three lucky winners one of three great packages worth a combined total of over £1000!

Tucano Urbano’s package of prizes includes three of its most popular motorcycle jackets! Synonymous with stylish Italian scooter and motorcycle clothing and accessories, Tucano Urbano aims to blend style with practicality and safety. The brand was born in 1999 in Milan, and its diamond toucan symbol can now be seen all over the world.

2nd PRIZE worth £330

■ Giacca Trip – the stylish touring jacket with removable inner jacket ■ Trip Gloves ■ Panta Diluvio Light waterproof trousers ■ WB Fleece Collar

closing date:

Friday, July 18, 2014

Competition administered

by Motor Cycle Monthly.

Terms and conditions apply and can be found at www.motorcyclemonthly.co.uk

3rd PRIZE worth £299

■ Libeccio – the ever-popular medium cut jacket suitable for all-year-round use ■ Bat Gloves ■ Diluvio waterproof trousers ■ WB Fleece Collar

To enter this FREE PRIZE DRAW, simply enter your details online… it’s that simple!

Go to morebikes.co.uk/competitions

16 First ride

Honda CTX1300 £14,999 | 83bhp @ 6000rpm | 78lb-ft @ 4500rpm 1261cc 90° V4 liquid-cooled four-stroke

Tested by: John Milbank Photography: Zep Gori, Francesc Montero, Ula Serra, Felix Romero BETWEEN small-capacity bikes, and the ‘king of tourers’ – the GL1800 Gold Wing – there’s long been a gap in Honda’s range waiting to be filled. The F6B and new F6C help to bring the ’Wing’s magnificent six-cylinder engine to a wider audience, but Honda has launched the V4-equipped CTX1300 (which is styled on the F6B) in a bid to attract riders looking for a tourer that’s a bit smaller and lighter.

This is a bike designed to offer ‘real world’ practicality with more performance and handling than a ‘traditional’ air-cooled V-twin baggerstyle cruiser. C stands for comfort; T for technology and X for eXperience.

So, did the Japanese engineers meet the brief?

Tell me about the engine

The CTX uses the 1261cc eight-valve 90° V4 of the ST1300 Pan European, with some major revisions to boost low and midrange torque: new camshafts, valves and 34mm throttle bodies, along with revised valve timing, and throttle response, as well as taller gearing.

Peak power has been reduced, being considered unnecessary on a bike with such cruiser aspirations: The CTX is down 34bhp from the Pan, and torque has dropped 6lb-ft. However, both of these come in at 2000rpm

lower. The result is an engine that can – as any cruiser lump should – be ridden very lazily. On the twisty French roads of our launch, the Honda was happy to be left in third gear, driving easily out of tight corners, and blasting past cars and trucks. Fourth and fifth are great on longer, more open roads, and second was only really needed on the tightest of switchbacks and mini roundabouts.

During our ride – which saw a lot of stop-start, and very few open straights – the bike recorded a fuel consumption of 44mpg, so Honda’s claim of 48.6mpg should be fairly easy to achieve.

The new 4-2-2 exhaust uses unequal pipe lengths to enhance the sound of the motor. Adding 150mm to the pipes from cylinders two and three offsets the resonation of the pulses to ‘emphasize the V4 rumble’. Riding the bike, you mostly just notice the whirr of the lump, but there’s a good bass note bouncing back down tight streets and valleys. It’s a sound that’s easier to appreciate when you’re being overtaken by the CTX.

What’s the chassis like?

This is an all-new steel double-cradle frame, with 38.1mm main tubes. An aluminium swingarm carries the shaft-drive on twin, preload

adjustable shocks, along with nonadjustable 43mm upside-down forks.

Twin 310mm discs at the front, and a single 316mm rear disc are grabbed by three-piston calipers, using Honda’s combined braking system.

When the rear brake is applied, the centre piston of the front left caliper is also operated. There’s no link from the front to back, but this saves some weight over the dual combined system used on the F6B. Honda’s traction control system (TCS) monitors front and rear wheel speed, plus various engine

parameters and throttle position, looking for variations that could mean an imminent loss of traction. If the TCS senses wheel-spin is possible, engine power is momentarily reduced (not cut) for a seamless, unobtrusive traction control. It can be turned off, but was a particularly useful thing to have on the loose, gravelly lay-bys of the French launch, and will be a big help on greasy, wet roads.

Ground clearance is good by cruiser standards, and if you do touch it down, the hero-blobs on the folding pegs offer plenty of warning, and there’s enough lean left to get you out of a misjudged corner.

Should I buy one?

The biggest market for this bike is going to be the USA – inevitably competing against the likes of HarleyDavidson, it’s a different proposition to the twin-cylinders, but the level of technology and performance make it a great bike for big miles.

The panniers are bolted in place, so can’t be popped off when you reach your destination. It’s also a shame that

– like many leather saddle bags – they aren’t wide enough to take a full-face lid. Extra storage above the stereo controls is handy for coins, though too small for a smartphone, but a top box is an option if you want to expand your bike’s capacity. Of course, the fact that the panniers are narrower than the mirrors makes filtering a lot easier and safer.

Linking your device to the audio kit is simple through Bluetooth (a first for Honda), the large buttons allowing you to easily change track, adjust volume, or stop the music altogether (plus you can also pair it up with a Bluetooth helmet kit).

All the lights on the bike are LEDs, while five-stage heated grips and self-cancelling indicators are also standard: By monitoring the wheelspeed sensors and ABS modulator, the bike ‘knows’ when to switch them off. During tighter turns, there’s a difference in wheel speed between the front and back wheel, so the winkers are cancelled when you’re riding in a straight line again (where the difference is zero). In overtakes, or

First ride 17

The audio system offers plenty of connection options.

The LCD gives full music info when connected through Bluetooth.

Rear shocks are adjustable for preload only.

V4 engine is derived from the ST1300 Pan European.

more open bends, there’s less difference in the wheel speed, so under 31mph they’re cancelled after 120 metres. Over this speed, they’re cancelled after seven seconds. It works brilliantly, though I found myself having to think about not cancelling them, the urge to flick the switch off being so ingrained.

If the idea of a Gold Wing or F6B appeals to you, the CTX is well worth a test ride – this really does feel like a younger brother of the big machines, offering more than enough grunt for some very enjoyable and relaxed rides in a smaller, lighter package. This is a very different bike to the Pan European, sharing only the foundation of its engine and drivetrain.

excellent automatic transmission) isn’t an option on the CTX, but with the engine performing so well at lowmidrange, it really is unnecessary.

Despite being surprisingly heavier than a Pan European, the weight falls away as you ride. It’s not as nimble as a Pan (it’s almost 15cm longer for a start), but it’s still very easy to flick around tight 180° mountain bends, and practice soon sees U-turns mastered.

The seating position is fairly feetforward, with long, swept-back bars that offer easy control of the bike. The low seat isn’t quite as plush as that on the F6B, but it’s still very comfortable.

The low screen does an excellent job of keeping your head away from any buffeting, regardless of your height (I’m 5ft 11in, but tried raising myself up and squatting down with no change in noise). The design does lower the mirrors, and while you’re

So what’s it like to ride?

Some web-chatter has claimed disappointment that DCT (Honda’s

always aware of what’s behind you, a clear view often requires a small lift of the elbows, and the raised hydraulic clutch reservoir blocks some of the view to the left.

The traditional analogue speedo and tacho are clear and easy to read, and are backed up by an LCD offering odometer; trip meter; fuel consumption; ambient temperature and clock. Occasionally this was hard to read in bright sunlight, but I didn’t notice it being a problem for the majority of the trip.

The proven engine offers great performance, and even with the reduced power, bringing the peaks down so far in the rev range makes for a very easy ride, with more than enough on tap when you want to go for an overtake, or simply speed things up a bit.

Honda has managed to cram high levels of technology and handling into the CTX. It’s no sports-tourer (that category’s covered with the VFR), it’s a cruiser-tourer, and a fine place to spend many enjoyable rides.

TECH SPEC Price: £14,999 Engine: 1261cc 90° V4 liquid-cooled four-stroke Power: 83bhp (63kW) @ 6000rpm Torque: 78lb-ft (106Nm) @ 4500rpm Curb weight: 338kg Seat height: 735mm Tank size: 19.5 litres www.honda.co.uk

18 FIRST RIDE

Yamaha MT-125 Under £4000 TBC I| 14.8bhp @ 9000rpm 9.2bhp @ 8000rpm | 124.7cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder Tested by: Carli Ann Smith JOINING the already successful lineup of the MT-09 and MT-07, Yamaha has introduced the brand-new MT125 to the family, so that A1 licence holders can join in the fun.

The supersport backbone of the YZF-R125 has been developed into an urban Streetfighter. The result: A torque-filled, economical 125cc bike with styling taken from its very attractive big brothers, leaving no doubt that you’re part of the MT clan.

Tell me about the engine

The MT’s lump is the same as the new YZF-R125: a single cylinder four-stroke with a strong emphasis on efficiency. Despite riding all day, the fuel indicator hardly moved, and I got an incredibly impressive average of 124mpg from the machine – that’s more than some scooters! The test route took in the busy streets of Barcelona, with its hundreds of traffic lights and city commuters, as well as the twisty mountain roads.

It’s got a really nice character for a 125, and packs a whole lot of attitude despite being the baby of the bunch.

The six-speed gearbox is smooth and allows you to reach the national speed limit easily, making country roads a pleasure. It’s a punchy engine with power throughout the revs, and unlike a lot of 125s, you don’t always have to

change down to get that lower end torque for safer overtakes.

What’s the chassis like?

Both the MT and the 2014 YZF are developed from the 2008 YZF-R125, and feature the same engine, wheel rims, brakes and exhaust. However, sat astride the MT, it feels like a completely different machine to the new sportsbike: The handlebars are larger, and have been raised which gives a great feeling of control. The shorter tank of the MT provides a hip position that’s further forward – 42mm to be precise – and puts you right over the centre of the bike.

The suspension has been redeveloped on both models, and features a new link design, which allows for the carrying of a pillion without bottoming out. The amount of sag was noticeable on both machines – when you sat on them, they squatted down considerably, reducing the seat height and meaning that even at 5ft 6in I could place my feet down with confidence.

When riding, the linked monoshock rear suspension and KYB USD forks absorbed the bumps and dealt with changes in road surface brilliantly. The wheel rims have been specially developed, and have a ‘Y’ shaped design running with a Michellin 100/80 x 17 front and a 130/70 x 17 rear tyre, which provided plenty of grip.

Should I buy one?

Whether you’ve just got your A1 licence, are looking for a weekend toy or are after an economical way to get to work, then the MT could be a good choice for you. It’s a friendly bike that inspires confidence so would suit beginners, but the character makes it a fun ride for experienced motorcyclists too.

It’s unmistakably part of the MT gang with its front air intakes, distinctive headlight and aggressive styling. While the price is still to be announced, a Yamaha spokesperson said that it will be under £4000. There are a number of accessories available too including a 39 litre top case, crash protection, knuckle guards, fly screen, LED indicators, tank bag and not forgetting the sweet-sounding Akrapovic exhaust.

Colour options include race blu, matt grey and anodised red – all of which are striking, perfectly emphasising the angular lines. The bike will be hitting dealers in the middle of August. Keep an eye on MoreBikes.co.uk to find out news of the MT roadshow, where you can try one out as early as July.

So what’s it like to ride?

Riding in and out of town was great fun, and I was able to hold my ground easily on the bustling streets. Power delivery was

The Yamaha YZF-R125 IN 2008, Yamaha launched its YZFR125, and to date has sold more than 45,000. Following feedback from more than 2700 dealers in Europe, Yamaha decided to refresh the YZF for 2014. Despite more than 70 new components on the machine, and a claimed extra 11mpg available from the engine, the price for the model remains the same at £4349.

Product planning manager Oliver Grill commented: “Racing is one of Yamaha’s key values, it’s part of our DNA and we won’t give up on the segment. Despite the market, we will continue to bring out new bikes.”

The R125 aims to appeal to entry riders – those looking for a sporty style ride and wanting to start their sportsbike journey.

The complete range means that if you start on the 125, you can work your way up to the R6 and then the R1. The new-look R125 takes styling inspiration from the MotoGP bike

and the R6. It looks – and feels – much bigger than a 125.

Out on the road, the bike handles well and gets plenty of admiring glances. The rigidity of the front end has been increased from that on the previous model and it gives confidence going into even the tightest of bends. With your weight forward on your wrists, the riding position might not be for everyone, but it is a sportsbike so is to be expected and all adds to the experience. It has a real ‘big bike’ feel, I found I had plenty of room and even those who were 6ft didn’t look out of place on the machine.

It benefits from a number of new components and features the same engine, brakes, exhaust, wheels and LCD dash as the MT-125. As with the MT-125 the front and rear suspension has been redesigned to provide comfort for rider and pillion.

It’s more economical than you might

think too, I got over 100mpg on our test route which was surprising for a bike of this style and included a session on track.

There are a number of accessories available including an Akrapovic exhaust, double bubble screen, roller protector, LED indicators, USB adaptor, tank bag and 12v DC socket.

Colour options include matt grey, race blu and anodised red. It’s already in UK dealers, so go and take a look – and test ride…

TECH SPEC Yamaha YZF-R125

Price: £4349 Engine: Liquid-cooled, 124.7cc, four-stroke, single cylinder Power: 14.8bhp (11.0kW) @ 9000rpm Wet weight: 140kg Seat height: 825mm Tank size: 11.5 litres www.yamaha-motor.co.uk

smooth and braking prompt. The rear braking system is the same as the previous model – a single piston floating caliper – but the front brakes are new, featuring a floating 292mm disc with a radially mounted four-pot caliper.

Looking down at the dash you can see all the vital information easily.

Yamaha designers took inspiration from the simple layout of smartphones: Turned off, the screens are black, but when you turn the key each of the three sections come to life.

The centre screen shows rpm and speed, while the right-hand side displays the fuel indicator, clock and odometer. The left consists of the engine temperature, maximum speed, average speed and fuel consumption data which can be switched using the button on the right-hand switchgear.

The fuel indicator and other graphics use angular graphs rather than the standard bars, which make information easily absorbed when you glance down. The gearshift indicator is handy and lets you get the most from the 125cc engine by flashing when it reaches 10,000rpm.

The upright riding position was comfortable, with the whole package making for a very nimble ride.

Aggressive looks, sharp handling and a keen price combine with the superb fuel economy to make this is a truly brilliant piece of engineering.

Digital dash is influenced by smartphones

Four-piston radial calipers are more than enough

TECH SPEC Yamaha MT-125

Price: Sub-£4000 – TBC Engine: Liquid-cooled, 124.7cc, four-stroke, single cylinder Power: 14.8bhp (11.0kW) @ 9000rpm Torque: 9.2bhp (12.4Nm) @ 8000rpm Kerb weight: 138kg Seat height: 810mm Tank size: 11.5 litres www.yamaha-motor.co.uk

19

20 First ride

Avon 3D X-M tyre Motorcycle Sport & Leisure’s editor,Tony Carter, tests Avon’s latest rubber

Words: Tony Carter Photography: Chippy Wood/Gareth Harford/Avon At £225 the new Avon 3D X-M hypersports-cum-touring tyres aren’t an impulse buy, but if you want to make a smart choice with your rubber for 2014 then they should be vying for the top of your wishlist.

Designed for both hypersports and touring bike riders, Avon’s new 3D XMs cost £225 a pair. Tyre technology has come a long way in the last 10 years, so the prospect of a tyre with the grip and wear that the 3Ds promise is enticing...

In the past, if you rode a full-on superbike then there was plenty of choice, but if you wanted something a bit more resilient you’d opt for sportstourer tyres. The Avons sit right between those two categories, being the first to combine high-end grip with something a bit more sturdy for the road. Branded as a sport-touring tyre, the new rubber gets its grip from the company’s 3D Ultra sport tyre range. Avon claims a whopping 20% more mileage from the X-M (stands for eXtra Mileage…) than the Storm 2 Ultra tyres, thanks to a modified tread gauge.

Basically, the inclusion of 3D Sipes in the tyre (see boxout) dramatically reduces the amount of heat build-up in the tread, improving longevity.

The new tyres also get an improved range of profile thanks to the Advanced Tread Arc Combination – Tri Arc – for serious levels of handling and stability, even at high speed.

Made with a Tri-compound structure the tyres also get a metal belt wound onto the carcass, with the windings closer to each other in the middle than at either edge of the central belt. Varying the size of the gaps like this stops the tyre ‘growing’ at high speed, which in turn makes the whole tyre feel much more stable on motorways.

So what are they like to ride?

I split my time between two bikes for this test: the latest Yamaha FJR1300 and the Triumph Explorer 1200. The FJR puts much more emphasis on the front tyre performance than the Triumph, with the Explorer a more balanced motorcycle that needs plenty of feel from the rubber at both ends in order to exploit to its fullest.

Right from the off the 3D X-M was impressive. In seriously tricky and wet conditions the tyres got up to temperature very quickly and felt perfectly stable, even when I was deliberately trying to provoke a slide on slippery, mud-strewn surfaces.

Grip was never in doubt and both bikes felt secure, planted and totally predictable when leant over as far as I could, given the grip (or lack of it) offered by the varied road surfaces.

Tracking through the delights of Wiltshire and through Cheddar Gorge itself, the 3D X-Ms were instantly forgettable – the highest compliment I can pay a tyre. No vibration, no undue

Yellow: A durable medium compound for improved mileage.

Red: A soft compound for maximum grip at high lean angles.

Blue: Undertread – This is where tyres can overheat first. traits that took away from the quality of the ride. The tyres remained safe, secure and planted throughout the day.

Out of the Gorge and we got a chance to stretch the bikes’ legs, and again the tyres performed well at high speeds on fast, sweeping stretches of road.

The rubber really shone with the FJR: This can be a bike that sometimes is a touch heavy to steer depending on the tyres fitted, but on the Avons the Yamaha was light and neutral. Certainly the profile of the tyre when the bike is upright is triangular enough to keep the weight off the front rubber, which makes for much less stress and smoother runs.

In terms of initial feel, the 3D X-Ms performed excellently. We’ll need a long-term test to verify Avon’s claims of longevity, but as far as grip, stability and reassurance on the move go, the 3D X-Ms are mightily impressive.

For more info, and to see a map of the route Tony enjoyed on this test, grab the August issue of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure magazine.

What are 3D Sipes?

3D Sipes is the name given to a very particular type of groove built into the tyre.

To understand what they do you’ve got to bear in mind that grooves in tyres are there to dissipate water. Fair enough.

But the grooves themselves create flex points, especially in the contact patch. This can cause instability, increase wear and cause the tyre to overheat.

It’s here that the Sipes differ from normal grooves.

Basically, Sipes are very thin grooves. Adding Sipes helps the tyre warm up faster as the tread flexes more and creates heat (similar to intermediate type race tyres) however, too much heat can be created. 3D Sipes have interlocking three dimensional points (that look like teeth) that limit the amount of flex, which in

turn helps to control the amount of heat generation.

They work by being open grooves when the tyre is upright and as the tyre leans over more they close up, the teeth fit together and they let the tyre for that area operate more like a sticky, hot slick. Clever stuff.

21

22 THE LONG TERMERS

THE LONG TERMERS John Milbank introduces some of the fleet of bikes being tested this year.

SINCE time began, bike journalists have been knocking on manufacturers’ doors to ask for ‘free’ bikes. Typically, they’ve been collected in early spring, returned early winter, and if the manufacturer is lucky, the bike’s taken on by someone who does more than just wash it once a month and stick a new exhaust on.

Here at MCM and our parent company Mortons, we’ve all got our own bikes (I’m a die-hard CBR600 fan, and also have a WR250F). Staff-writer Carli has her own R6, and the teams on our sister magazines have a mixture of sporty, practical, and sometimes downright weird bikes. My point is that we know what it means to spend real money on a motorcycle, and we also know how damned lucky we are to swan around on some of the greatest new machines launched this year, so here’s our promise to you: We’ll ride as many varied routes as we can on these bikes, and tell you honestly what they’re like to live with. Now let’s get started.

Kawasaki Z1000SX

Tested by: John Milbank Price: £9915 with top box Current economy: 43.9mpg Miles so far: 1280 MY RIDE to work covers 50 miles of busy A- and tight, poorly finished (and often mud/grass/poo/turnipcovered) B-roads. Any bike that’s going to keep me smiling on this hack needs to be fast enough to fly past tractors before the next bend, comfy enough to make me look forward to the ride home, and stable enough to deal with the detritus that litters my route. The Z1000SX has it all.

The inline-four makes 140bhp and 82lb-ft – having long been happy with the 100bhp of my CBR600, I don’t mind admitting I was a little intimidated by the extra grunt of the green monster. I needn’t have been.

There are two power modes: Full; and a restricted setting takes the edge off to about 70% via a milder throttle response. There are also four levels of traction control, including off. These are un-intrusive systems that, like the ABS, work very well to help control the bike on dodgy surfaces. It doesn’t take long to realise that full power equals full fun, but I’ve still left the traction control on its minimum setting, just in case the farmer’s left me a present. If only the electronics could have saved the catastrophic blow-out I had on the way home one day. Still, the bike stayed upright.

Long journeys have always been a pleasure, even in the rain (the screen does a good job of deflecting the wind blast) though I have suffered a bit of a numb bum after an hour or so. To be

fair, I get this on most bikes, though I’ll be giving a Kawasaki gel seat a try over the next few weeks.

I’ll be heading off to Scotland soon for a lads’ holiday, but I already know the bike’s going to help me enjoy myself. In fact, my only complaint as a commuter/tourer is the luggage capacity. It was delivered with 56-litre panniers (a £461.95 option), and while each will carry a full-face lid, their shape meant I couldn’t fit even my 13in laptop inside. I’ve now got the 47-litre top box, which is cheaper, and despite the smaller capacity, a lot more practical. I can get all my work junk in there, or a pair of full-face lids.

It’s worth thinking carefully about what luggage you want if you buy it with your bike, as the top box can’t be used with the panniers – it’s one or the other thanks to a completely different mounting system. On long journeys I’ll be using the top box and aftermarket soft luggage… to be honest, I don’t miss the panniers at all – being wider than the mirrors, they made filtering a somewhat fraught affair.

Who says commuting can’t be fun?

I’ve got a TomTom Rider mounted on the bike. I’d resisted a sat nav for a long time, thinking they took away the freedom of biking, until my boss pointed out that they’re great if you leave them turned off, ride wherever your heart desires, then turn on to get home. The Rider takes that a step further, offering to take you on ‘winding routes’. I might be late for some meetings, but have had fun getting there.

When chopping up my favourite bends, the extra weight and luxury shows the bike is slightly more tourer than sports. Compared with a sportier, lighter bike, it just doesn’t feel quite as secure on bumpy, fast corners, but that’s to be expected.

I’m also hoping to get some track time in soon, which should give me a chance to really stretch the bike’s legs.

THE LONG TERMERS 23

KTM 390 Duke

Triumph Bonneville

BMW R1200RT

Tested by: Gary Pinchin Total miles: 741 Price: £6599 This easy going, enjoyable, mildmannered, comfortable bike excels on even the potholed roads of a recent 175-mile hack. With plenty of grunt to beat the traffic, the thin saddle was always comfortable: “I can’t get enough of it.”

Tested by: Steve Rose Total miles: 2735 Price: £16,805 Despite this big bike’s touring moniker, it’s more than capable of annihilating even the trickiest Lincolnshire corners. The Telelever front suspension is proving much easier to set up than the electronic (now recalled) rear.

WK 650i

Suzuki V-Strom 1000

Tested by: Mike Penny Total miles: 700 Price: £3899 Mike’s taking a while to get used to a lack of smooth, low-down power from the WK’s twin cylinder motor. The bike’s been to a track day with great success, and the quick-handling 70bhp bike still holds its own with larger bikes when out for a play.

Tested by: Tony Carter Total miles: 3417 Price: £9999 A weekend away in the Lakes gave a solid test of the big-twin’s touring ability and comfort. “I was very happy sitting on the back of the bike for a good few hours at a time,” said pillion Rosie. Through all weathers the bike handled perfectly.

Tested by: Carli Ann Smith Price: £4499 Current economy: 58mpg Miles so far: 1262 BEING 5ft 6in I often have to use my tiptoes, but the KTM fits me perfectly.

There’s plenty of torque produced by the single-cylinder, four-stroke engine, and the noise out of the standard exhaust is great. Through town the 390 is perfect for filtering with its bottom-end power, while the upright and high riding position means that you can easily see over the tops of cars to find gaps.

The 390 shares its chassis with the 125cc version, which makes for a very nimble machine when sauntering past cars. It’s extremely comfortable, with very little weight on your wrists, so racking up the miles isn’t a problem, and I don’t feel double my age when I get off.

Out on the country roads – which make up most of my daily commute – the Duke and I are in our element.

Working my way around the six-speed transmission I was surprised by the amount of power that I had to play with (42.4bhp to be precise) and overtaking is a dream. I’ve developed a new-found love for the roads I travel every day, and often now choose the longer way home to make the most of the great routes.

The disc brakes on the front and rear offer confidence-inspiring stopping power, and the ABS gave me peace of mind even in the three hailstorms I’ve ridden in over the last few months. I also really like the suspension: it gives a

decent amount of feedback without being uncomfortable.

Besides commuting and taking my BikeSafe assessment (see page 26), I’ve also enjoyed some trips to the coast with my mum for fish and chips, and headed out on a few group rides where the bike always gets plenty of attention.

So far, I’ve found the KTM to be a great all-rounder. It’s economical and comfortable enough for my daily commute, but has the speed and styling to be an enjoyable weekend toy – I’m yet to find something I don’t like. Now, where to next?

For more insight into the full launch fleet, grab a copy of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure magazine.

24

25

26 know-how

The best £45 you’ll ever spend Whatever your experience, skill or confidence, BikeSafe is a fantastic way to brush up on your riding skills. Staff writer Carli Ann Smith went out with the Cambridgeshire traffic cops, and she’s sharper than ever!

Words: Carli Ann Smith Photos: John Milbank I WAS being followed closely as I weaved my KTM 390 Duke around the Cambridgeshire countryside; my mirrors filled by a policeman on a BMW R1200RT, watching my every move. He pointed for me to pull over.

Before I could nervously remove my lid, he was off his bike and by my side saying: “What a cracking ride”. I’d just completed my BikeSafe riding assessment.

Non-biking friends and family will gladly tell you that statistics say bikes are dangerous. Well here’s a stat for you: 63% of UK bike crashes involve just one vehicle: the motorcycle.

As bikers, it’s all too easy to blame the dozy car drivers: the idiots on their phones, or the easily distracted in their protective metal cages. If they do make a mistake, we’ll be the ones who come off worse, so yes, we have to think for them, but the vast majority of incidents could be avoided, leaving the responsibility for our safety squarely in our laps. A huge proportion of those accidents also happen close to the rider’s home – when danger is least expected.

BikeSafe is a police-led project run throughout the UK, with the aim of reducing the number of us bikers being hurt on the roads, and to

MYTHS: BUSTED

A few common misconceptions about BikeSafe. And why they’re all wrong.

I don’t want to give up my time on a weekend to be shouted at by a policeman – it’ll be boring.

You’re not going to get shouted at. Riding bikes is meant to be fun, and BikeSafe gets that across. You go for a ride with a Policeman behind you who isn’t going to give you a ticket, but instead a certificate to say what a great rider you are – how is that not cool? The cops give up their own time to deliver the courses, and aren’t paid extra for it.

I won’t be allowed to overtake anything so will probably have to ride around really slowly.

You’re asked to ride as you usually would, not sit behind

encourage us into additional post-test training. Through a classroom-based presentation and an observed ride, bikers are shown advanced techniques, and given brilliant advice on how to improve their road riding.

How they can stay safe.

“We’re not here to tell you to ride everywhere at 30mph: it’s about teaching you to ride as you normally would, but ensuring you can do it safely,” said PC Stuart Appleton.

“We’re bikers ourselves so we get it: We’re not here to ruin the fun.”

Training wherever you are

The course follows a national syllabus, so no matter where you are in the country, you’ll learn the same (the format in which it’s delivered and the cost may differ slightly, but expect to pay between £40 and £60).

I went along to a session run by Cambridgeshire Constabulary, led by PC Simon Burgin. Our 22-strong group, made up of sportbike riders, tourers and a Harley clan of all ages completed a day in the classroom, watching videos and bantering with each other. This really isn’t about sitting quietly while the cops tell you what to do – everybody laughed and joked together, and even the most

cars on B-roads. A ‘progressive’ ride will be looked on favourably, and your instructor will want to see you overtake and/or filter safely – there’s a whole section for it on the feedback form.

I’ve passed my test, I don’t need any more training. I’m good enough.

Police riders have to go through over six weeks of solid training before they’re qualified, and are re-tested every year. With any rider, there’s always room for improvement, and even if you pick up just one tip it’s well worthwhile. Insurance companies think so too, and many will knock you some money off your premium if you’ve done posttest training.

experienced riders (many come back every year for a refresher course) learned something from the day.

Clutching goody-bags full of Highway Codes, Police Rider’s Handbooks, key rings, neck warmers, emergency kits and more, there was a real buzz as we prepared to leave in the afternoon, everyone looking forward to the practical side of the course.

Two weeks later I was back at the Huntingdon police headquarters.

Nationally, there’s a two-to-one rule, so there will never be more than two riders out with one trained police assessor. The guys at Cambridgeshire work on a one-to-one ratio so I had nowhere to hide. “Just ride like you would if I wasn’t here and most of all, enjoy it,” said PC Dave Osbourn, my assessor for the afternoon.

Despite having ridden bikes for more than 10 years, I was still nervous. An hour is a long time when you’re being followed by a fully marked police bike. But, even after managing to make a wrong turn as I left the car park, the butterflies soon disappeared, and I just pretended Dave was a mate who I was heading out to the coast with. The route allowed me to show how I rode on dual carriageways, motorways, country roads and through quiet villages. The dominating presence of the BMW that had made me nervous at the beginning now gave me a feeling of ease and slight rebelliousness. I did keep giggling in my helmet that I was being followed by a policeman and, more importantly, I was having a brilliant time doing it.

Becoming a better rider

The biggest thing I learned during the class session, and by reading the

Classroom sessions are useful and fun.

Carli gets her assesment after an hour’s ride.

Highway Code, was the importance of road positioning. It makes a huge difference in terms of visibility – both of the road ahead, and of you by other road users – which will help you stay out of danger. Having worked with race teams, I know about apexing bends: many bikers do it on their Sunday ride outs, myself included until the course, but on the road it’s all about taking it wide and opening up the view. Try it, and you’ll be amazed at how much more progressive you are. Check out our video of the police riding style by searching for ‘truth about traffic cops’ at www.MoreBikes.co.uk.

Around two thirds of the way into the ride, Dave overtook me so I could follow him, and watch his lines. The way he commanded the 270kg+ machine looked effortless, and the level of skill he exhibited was aweinspiring. He used the full width of the road for visibility, and knew just when to get on the power. When overtaking, there’s no hesitation – if it’s clear and safe, say the police riders “Lock it, load it and fire.”

Pulled over in a small village – curtains twitching as the locals thought I was being nicked – I was given constructive feedback of every bend, roundabout and overtake.

Nothing was missed, and everything was noted and discussed with pointers given on how to improve, but I’d passed with flying colours (and with a better score than editor John too, who’d come along to take photos, even if I do say so myself ).

“A lot of people change their minds about the police when they’ve spent time with us doing BikeSafe,” said PC Simon Burgin as he handed me my certificate. “They realise that we’re bikers just like them, and enjoy a good ride out too. The attitude of the

people on the course means that they’re all in the right mind-set to learn more, and we’ve never had to tell anyone to get a taxi home. We’ve taught people who’ve just passed their test aged 17, right up to a gentleman who was 76.

“The aim is to educate the motorcyclists on the road, and encourage them to think ahead: anticipating others’ mistakes and leaving room for them. We want them to be proactive riders, armed with the right skills to stay safe.”

I’m already researching what I can do next – whether that be with the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists, RoSPA (Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents) or the ERS (Enhanced Rider Scheme) – I’ve got the advanced riding bug now. Give it a go… blatting down twisty roads being chased by the law has never been so much fun!

For more information or to find your local BikeSafe course visit the website: www.bikesafe.co.uk -

28

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.

RIDERS AND THE LAW Legal matters made simple 29 Specialist motoring solicitor Andrew Prendergast guides our readers through their legal trials and troubles...

Q

I think I’ve got myself in serious trouble. I got knocked off my old Bandit 600 several months ago. It’s worth about £1400 and I only use it when it rains as I don’t want to dirty up my Triumph.

I was insured third party only and somehow or other my bike ended up getting taken away from my garage and I was provided with a brand new hire bike. I was told by the chap who dropped off the bike from the hire company all the costs would be paid by the other side. However, I did sign a contract that says otherwise.

There’s now a couple of grand in hire charges and about £600 in storage fees, which is going up every day. The problem I have is, my insurer now wants to settle the claim against me on a 50/50 basis, and to be fair that is about right.

However, I’m worried about the 50% that may not be paid by the other side. What can I do?

I sympathise with your situation, but there is A not usually such a thing as a ‘free lunch’, to coin an old phrase.

Firstly, I always advise any client that they have to mitigate their loss: ie do everything they can to stop the claim increasing. Therefore, as you had another bike and a garage, there is a very real chance a judge would award you nothing for a hire bike and storage, because the argument is, you did not need it.

Secondly, you need to check any paperwork you signed with the hire company. If you have signed to say you are liable then it will likely argue you are liable to pay for its charges. You can argue against this giving evidence of what was said but it may need a judge to sort it out.

Being practical, at this stage I would call the hire company and see if it will accept 50% of its outlay. Often a company will take a reduction and deal with the third party direct as it does not want to go to court. was riding with my IAM group past a sports QIclub where the local team was playing

cricket. Apparently ‘Big Tony’ nailed the ball for six, and unfortunately hit me square in the face of my open-faced lid. Unsurprisingly I wobbled off course and hit the back of a parked car.

Despite it sounding like something from a Carry-On film (and I do have a sense of humour) I have broken my wrist, lost a front tooth, smashed up my bike and now have a claim against me for the trashed parked car. Is it possible to bring a claim?

“NICE BIKE MATE…” 2004 SUZUKI GSX-R 750 K4

To use a bad pun, you may not be A ‘stumped’ in this situation (I hope that tickles your sense of humour). Potentially

you can bring a claim against the local sports club if you can prove it failed to take reasonable care in the circumstances.

This would likely include the location of the playing field in relation to the road, the amount of vehicles using the road, the nature of the game(s) being played, how often games were played and what steps had been taken to protect people: ie a big fence.

If you can prove that a reasonable man would come to the conclusion that the risk of damage to people using the roads was not too small, your claim should be successful.

For more info, go to:

www.whitedalton.co.uk

Name: Alex Culbert From: Lincolnshire Occupation: National account manager Owned bike for: One year Tell us about it: I’ve always loved the GSXR – both in looks and what it could offer.A friend told me of one for sale at my local dealership, so I went to have a look and fell in love. It was mine straight away, and I returned home with a smile on my face.

Despite the salesman telling me to take it easy, I found out that I couldn’t just rev it like I had my old Bandit the hard way as the front wheel shot up in the air. I’ve now got a relaxed relationship with the Gixxer, and we’ve got to know each other well. I’ve a trip to France with three of my ex-Army friends for the D-Day anniversary this year. I’m 48 years young so hopefully my wrists and back will survive the trip, but I’m looking forward to the adventure and spending more time on my bike.

Power: 151bhp (113kW) @ 12,800rpm Torque: 64lb-ft (87Nm) @10,800rpm Engine: 749cc, four-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled Weight: 163kg Seat height: 825mm Current value: Dealer £3900; Private £3200; Part-ex £2710

30 KNOW-HOW

Back to basics:

CHAIN AND SPROCKETS Looking after your bike is easy! John Milbank shows you how with his 2000 CBR600FY. GOOD chain maintenance should mean this isn’t a regular job, and while you need a few tools to replace your chain and sprockets (which should always be done as a set), a few simple tips make it a lot easier.

Chains should be kept clean, and well lubed, but fitting a Scottoiler could really extend the life of your chain, and save you faffing with messy sprays after every ride – check out one of our reader reviews at www.MoreBikes.co.uk and search for Scottoiler.

I’d strongly recommend getting a Haynes or Clymer manual (I use both!) for your bike, even if it’s just to have the correct torque settings.

You might notice that the chain is already broken in the first few steps, and the new sprocket fitted – that’s because I’d just replaced the swingarm bearings (a future article) and forgot to pass the chain around the swingarm! I had to lay the cut chain back on the new sprocket to do the job, but the steps are the same.

1

3 With the rear spindle loosened off, and the adjusters fully slackened, you can slide the wheel forward to replace the front sprocket.

7 Remove the nuts holding the old sprocket in place.

8

4

A good-quality chain tool like this one from Wemoto.com saves a lot of hassle

4 Now block the wheel on the other side (or use the brake again).

5

5 Tighten the front sprocket to the torque in your workshop manual (torque wrenches don’t need to be expensive).

8 While the wheel’s out, it’s worth checking that your cush rubbers aren’t perished or worn. If they are, replace them all.

9

9 Fit the new sprocket, using the recommended torque settings.

10

6

1The best way to remove the front sprocket if you don’t have air tools is to lock the rear wheel with a piece of wood (or get a friend to stand on the back brake).

2

2 Take the front sprocket cover off, then remove the nut, though you’ll probably need a long ‘breaker bar’ to do it.

3

12 Use the grease that should come with the chain, and lube up the connecting link. You’ll most likely be using an O-ring chain, so make sure you slide one on each leg.

13

13 Push the link through the two ends of the chain, then put the other greased O-rings on the two ends, and offer up the plate.

7

17

17 With the tool off, check the link is pressed fully home, and that all four O-rings are in place.

18

14

18 Now you can swap the press plate with the rivet tool.

10 Pop the wheel back in, but don’t tighten the spindle bolt.

6 With the rear wheel now removed, you can split the chain. The tool I got from Wemoto is tough, and capable of splitting a chain by pushing a link through. It’s still recommended to grind off the face of the pair of rivets, but I decided to simply cut the chain.

Be sure to protect the bike from sparks, and make sure there are no fuel leaks! Splitting the chain has the advantage that you can use the old link to temporarily join the old and new lengths, making it easier to pull the new one through the hugger and around the front sprocket.

16 Using two spanners, the tool pushes the plate over the link. Make sure you have everything lined up throughout the process.

11

19 14 Take your chain tool and – checking its instructions – fit the plate press.

15

11 Now lay the new chain on to the sprockets (or thread it round using the old chain as a leader if you didn’t just hack it like me). As long as you bought the set to suit your bike, and haven’t changed the sprocket sizes, the length should be fine.

15 This tool needs setting to position ‘A’ to work correctly when pressing the chain’s link plate on.

12

16

19 After setting to ‘B’, it’s simply a case of tightening the tool. You need to put a hell of a lot of force into this to fold over the rivets, and you must remember to do both of them. Keep checking your work, and ensure the link doesn’t get over-tightened and bind. An extra 10 minutes here, removing the tool, checking and replacing, will save you hassle down the line. When you’re happy that the rivets are rolled over, adjust the chain tensioners, and tighten up the rear wheel. Job done!

For a great range of parts and spares, check out www.wemoto.com or call 01273 597072

31

32 KNOW-HOW

How to build a...

bike exhaust

John Milbank takes a closer look at the real technology inside motorcycle end-cans.

Words and photography: John Milbank

IT’S ONE of the most popular aftermarket accessories for a bike, but have you ever really considered what goes into a motorcycle exhaust end can?

Ian Birch is the owner of Pipe Werx in Ormskirk, Lancashire and happily proclaims: “Everyone thinks there’s an amazing science in exhaust cans.

There’s not. Basically, a can is a can.”

Refreshing honesty, but it turns out there’s a bit more to it than that…

The history of Pipe Werx

Ian worked as a Volkswagen mechanic after leaving school, then moved to a VW tuning company, specialising in engine conversions.

In 1997 he squeezed a 200bhp VR6 engine into his own brand

Ian Birch, founding owner of Pipe Werx, with his ZX-10R-based ‘Latte racer’.

new VW Polo in just two weeks, then built a twin-engine Golf, and started Dubsport, making crazily powerful VWs. Next, after a few years making performance car brake discs, he got involved with exhaust development for another company. Finally, he saw the opportunity for quality aftermarket exhausts, and in 2006 Pipe Werx was born.

Initially, the company built cans for cars: Business was great, but there was only time for small custom runs of bike exhausts, so Ian split the company and franchised the car side of the business which is also based on the same plot.

Ian’s a biker at heart: “My first bike was a DT50 when I was 16, but I got my mate to put a DT80 motor in. Then I got a tuned FS1E. On my 17th birthday I got a DT125, passed my test within three weeks, then was out on a 350LC. Since then there’s been too many to remember.” Now he’s got a Kawasaki ZX-10R-based cafe racer (dubbed ‘Latte racer’) and an Aprilia 1200 Dorsoduro.

What’s different about Pipe Werx cans?

Ian explains: “Whether it’s a £600 high-end, big brand or a cheap Chinese offering, 99% of companies use the same basics: two-inch

perforated tube, packing/ wadding, a sleeve, rivets and end caps. But the difference is about the quality of components, tight tolerances between these, and the care taken in assembly.

“I wanted to offer a quality product that would be delivered on time, with the best customer service,” says Ian, who works alongside ex-racer and office manager Martin Allen; Thundersport racer Dean Court in the workshop, along with apprentice Ste Hargreaves and Ian’s wife – Donna – who looks after the accounts. “Right now the business is a good size. We could expand, but in a way I don’t want the

KNOW-HOW 33 company any bigger, so we can keep control of the quality and the service.”

Pipe Werx offers a lifetime guarantee on all its products, so does all it can to make sure there are no warranty returns: “We use gastight rivets – the heads can fall off traditional rivets, leaving a hole for the gases to blow out of. We also use exactly the same wadding as Akrapovic, which is expensive, but it doesn’t blow out of the can after a few months.”

High quality stainless steel – not just for the link pipe, but the perforated tube too – and supple, foil-lined carbon fibre add to the quality, while the billets are made to be a very tight fit: “It makes assembly tricky, but we don’t fill gaps with silicone, and the whole thing stays solid for years. We sold more than 2500 cans last year, with not one warranty problem.”

Having dozens of styles and options for more than 130 bikes (including many older machines), you’d expect the company to be one huge warehouse, but because every can is made to order and despatched within 24 hours, it’s not much bigger than a double garage.

You can see one being made by searching for Pipe Werx at MoreBikes.co.uk or use the QR code on this page.

“We make pretty much everything here, and have been developing cans and link pipes since the business started. We regularly get new machines in, like the KTM 390 Duke recently: every mounting point and dimension has to be spot-on. From getting the bike in to having the product ready for sale takes just two weeks – being a small team we can move very quickly.

“We had a guy ring up recently for a VFR1200 Crosstourer exhaust. We didn’t have one, so he came down, we measured it up and now it’s on the books. Another customer had a ’Blade RR8 with Arrow headers, so we made a link pipe to suit the setup. We’ll do fully custom work too, though do tend to leave it until winter, when orders are a little quieter.

What performance gains can you expect?

“When you make an end can, all you’re really doing is tuning the noise,” says Ian. “All the important gas flow happens in the headers (downpipes). A lot of the gains in race header development is for top end, at the detriment of the bottom end, which isn’t what you want on the road. Having said that, we’ve gained 10bhp in the midrange on a Fireblade with the link pipe eliminating the catalytic converter.”

There can be substantial weight savings to be made (6kg on some bikes), but most customers are simply after a better sound. “We also get a lot of people who worry that car drivers don’t hear them when they’re filtering, as standard bikes can be so quiet now.”

And does your bike need the fuelling adjusted? “If people use one of our baffled cans, with a standard set of downpipes, they won’t need to rejet carbs, or remap fuelling.”

Getting a second opinion

Dean Court assembling one of the cans in the Ormskirk workshop.

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

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

O versize linings available.

Alloy brake shoe casting.

Allm akes and m odels catered forat com petitive prices.

UK collection and delivery.

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

Of course, it’s easy for any company to make bold claims about its products, but having seen the care and quality that goes into them, I wanted to test one on my 2000 Honda CBR600.

I took the road-legal titanium oval pipe with carbon outlet and

removable baffle, to race engineer Mark Brewin at BSD.uk.com With the OE header pipes and can fitted, years of neglect to the 14-yearold carbs had the bike running rich (shown by the bottom blue line being low). Fitting the Pipe Werx can with its baffle in has improved the mixture (the red line), and given me some reasonable performance gains. You can see the bike on the dyno at MoreBikes.co.uk again searching for Pipe Werx.

Mark was happy with the old CBR, and more importantly, was confident that fitting one of these cans (with the baffle in) to a standard bike, running correctly, shouldn’t see it needing any jetting or mapping work. Removing the baffle could make the bike run a little lean, so at this point you’d want to start thinking about the fuelling. Of course, it also wouldn’t be road legal

Gastight rivets (the one on the right) are used throughout. anyway, and once you’re into serious track use, you’d be daft not to get the bike set up by a company like BSD. Despite being good value, Pipe Werx also offers the Hawk range, which has the same high quality components, but without some of the time-consuming TIG welding techniques, or specialist carbon fibre mouldings needed for the Pipe Werx caps. For more details on all the exhausts, check out the website at www.pipewerx.com

34 Adventure

A short ride in the jungle Riding the Ho Chi Minh Trail would be challenge enough for many people.

Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent decided to do it on a Honda Cub...

Our exclusive excerpt from her book

Words & Photography: Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent Biker, author and TV producer Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent set out from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, on a 25year-old pink Honda Cub called The Pink Panther in the spring of 2013. She spent the next six weeks following the Ho Chi Minh Trail; a legendary transport network which had once spread 12,000 miles through Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

The means by which Uncle Ho’s communist North was able to send resources to defeat the USA-backed South, the trail was the fulcrum of the Vietnam War. Having encountered the trail while making a BBC documentary, Antonia decided to return, alone, to explore what remained of this oncemighty web before time, nature and development swallowed it forever.

Here we join Antonia in Attapeu province in southern Laos as she sets off for what she thinks will be an easy day’s ride west to the Mekong.

After almost a month of struggling through the truong Son mountains she’s looking forward to an easy day on tarmac. But, as she is soon reminded, life is rarely what you expect it to be…

Talieng village on the road to Dak Cheung, Laos.

WItH Panther washed and my panniers botched together, I set off west for Si Phan Don, a backpacker haunt on the Mekong. It was 130 miles away near the Cambodian border, but on flat tarmac I’d be there in seven or eight hours. I rode straight across the plains, past small bans, desiccated fields and muddy ponds boiling with water buffalo.

Stopping at one to take photos, I scarpered when a grumpy albino bull with drooping horns eyed me crossly.

Having so recently been in Africa I was still suspicious of their apparently placid nature. If their savannah cousins were so dangerously irascible, surely these ones were prone to the odd tantrum.

A few miles to the north rose the sheer southern shoulder of the Bolaven Plateau, an extinct volcano that spreads across much of Champasak and Attapeu provinces.

Up there were waterfalls, rivers and luxurious resorts, down here was flatness and wilting heat.

It’s funny how we don’t miss things until they’re gone. A few days ago I’d have given one of my back teeth to be gliding along this smooth black surface. But today, as the truong Son receded to shadows behind me, the prospect of a day on tarmac seemed too easy, dull even. I thought of the

A Vietnamese moped supermarket!

mountains we’d battled over, the disappearing jungle, the breakdowns, my time with the Mistys and Mick and John: I didn’t want my Laotian adventure to be over.

But Laos hadn’t finished with me yet. Soon the tarmac disintegrated to suspension-shattering dust and potholes, swiftly followed by a river crossing. At least 60m wide, there was no visible way to cross. Behind me a group of white-shirted schoolchildren gathered under a tree to watch, hooting and cackling like vultures as I waded in up to my thighs. Could they help me carry it across? I asked them in sign language. In response, they guiltily pointed downriver and said ‘bak – ferry’. A mile south, a sharpfaced boy rowed me over on a wooden pontoon, smirking as he tried to charge me $10.

On the far bank – beyond two huts selling petrol, snacks and water – three dirt tracks wiggled off confusingly in different directions. None of them looked like the main road west. On my one map of Laos the road from here to Highway 13 on the Mekong was marked as a thick orange line dotted with settlements. It was the country’s most southerly east-west artery – it had to be in decent condition.

But the ‘road’ was a slender, deeply rutted track made almost impassable by sharp slabs of black volcanic rock and fallen trees. For an hour my wheels slid down ruts and the engine scraped over jagged basalt, the floral shirt I’d put on to mark our survival of the truong Son darkening with sweat and dirt. then, on a beautiful stretch of earthy track through undisturbed jungle I stopped for water and a pee.

Patches of sunlight trickled through the jade canopy, butterflies flopped and fluttered and a bird trilled in the trees. I stood, listening, feeling,

Adventure 35

Antonia and the Pink Panther, after a tough race to Ban Laboy. imprinting the moment as a memory – in a few weeks’ time my adventure would be over and life would move on.

I wanted to savour every second of it, to live in the now, to remember what it felt like to be alone in the jungle.

Three hours from the huts, I was nowhere near Highway 13. Instead I was puzzling how to navigate another seemingly impossible 20m river crossing deep in the forest. Up and down the bank I rode, weaving through trees and bumping over roots, trying to find people or a way across. A lone woman with a bulbous goitre shrugged and carried on gathering wood. Two men fishing on the far bank did the same.

There were people here, this was a ‘main’ road, there had to be a way across. Returning to the ford to puzzle over the matter, I heard the faint

screams and laughter of children.

Ducking under branches and scanning the ground for bombies (small, but deadly unexploded bomblets from US cluster bombs) I walked through the trees to find them. The shrieks got closer and then receded eerily, echoing through the forest.

‘Sabadi!’ I waved, when I spied the gaggle of bodies splashing in the water.

Twenty heads turned and squawked with excitement and a young woman scrubbing clothes on a rock looked up and smiled. I made motorbike motions with my hands and pointed up river.

They understood. At the woman’s command the herd of glistening, nut-brown imps stampeded out of the water and up the bank, flocking around me as the leader, a wellmuscled ruffian of about 10, held up five fingers with a vulpine smile. 50,000 kip, £4.20: it was a lot, but I was in no position to negotiate. We had a deal.

Lao children are a world away from our mollycoddled urban offspring.

Smart as bobcats, by the time they’re eight they can hunt, fish and look after each other, roaming the jungle in feral packs. This raggle-taggle bunch of Mowglis may have only come up to my waist but they were tougher than most British adults would ever be. Small as they were, I had to trust them. I jokingly made strong man gestures with my arms, at which they giggled and bounded off through the trees, naked bottoms glinting in the sun.

By the time I caught up with them they were swarming around Panther, the leader hacking at lengths of bamboo with a machete, marshalling his tiny troops. It was a scene straight out of The Lord of the Flies. Removing my luggage, I watched as they thrust two long poles through the spokes and hoisted my precious Panther over their heads.

The leader barked his orders and in they dived, five or six children on either side. I stood on the bank with the smallest ones, clapping and whooping with encouragement. The bamboo buckled. Brown water lapped at the wheels. But slowly they wobbled across. Triumphant, they put Panther down on the far bank and hurtled back for their money.

The leader took my fistful of notes and sat on a rock, divvying out the booty with the professionalism of an Irish bookie. When it had all been snatched away he looked at me with imploring eyes and said ‘dollar, dollar’.

I knew then that I wasn’t the first foreign biker to come this way.

The track continued through sundappled jungle, across narrow rivers and up steep rocky banks. Some were so vertical it felt more like an exercise in rock-climbing than biking. The wheels jammed in crevasses. The engine thudded on rocks. And I yowled like a Soviet weightlifter as I heaved, lifted and pushed Panther up steep ladders of black rock.

“You are going to get up here Panther,” I yelped through gritted teeth, as I forced it up a slope. The fire of determination had been lit again.

Come blood, hell or high water I was going to get us to Highway 13.

At 4pm we hit another wide river crossing where the water rushed over the black, slippery rocks of a shallow causeway. Not bothering to take my sodden boots off, I steered Panther over the first rocks, only to be hollered at by a teenage boy on a moped behind me.

Grabbing my top box, he hauled me backwards out of the water and made it clear I should follow him, smiling kindly. Over the rocks we bumped, sliding, splashing, straining, thudding; aching and soaked to the thighs. On the other side I thanked him and he

Crossing a river in Southern Laos needed some help. was off, racing ahead of me on a sandy track belted by brown fields.

At last, I was out of the jungle.

■ To find out what happened to Antonia on the rest of her journey down the Ho Chi Minh Trail you can buy her book, A Short Ride in the Jungle: The Ho Chi Minh Trail by Motorcycle. It was released in April and is available online and in all good bookshops. To read more about Antonia and her adventures check out www.theitinerant.co.uk or follow her on Twitter @AntsBK Through her trip down the UXOlittered Ho Chi Minh Trail Antonia was raising funds and awareness for British NGO Mines Advisory Group (MAG). To find out more about their work in Southeast Asia and elsewhere see www.maginternational.org

36

Classified APRILIA RX50 MoT and tax March 2015, new fork seals, new battery, fun to ride, restricted to 30mph but loads of potential if you wanted to make it go faster.

Tel. 07707 419800. West Midlands.

APRILIA SCOOTER SA50R red/black, 1,150 miles from new, mint condition all round, taxed till 31/8/14, powerful 2-stroke engine, very reliable, £1600 ono.

Tel. 01584 876498. Shrops.

BETA REV 3 250cc, 2008, trials bike, it has road document so it can easily be put on the road, vgc, loved, garaged, light dry use only, maintained regularly, £1900. Tel. 01983 756228. Isle of Wight.

BMW 1150GS 2002, one owner, 35,800 miles, new MoT, all original, ABS, heated grips, original panniers, religiously serviced, always garaged, completely reliable bike in excellent condition, £3500. Tel. 01803 762111. Devon.

BMW G650GS 2012, 1800 miles, centre stand, heated grips, spoke wheels, excellent condition, five months warranty, £4495. Tel. 07831 406310. Devon.

BMW K100 LT 1990, 980cc, converted to trike 2012, full bodywork respray, t&t, 47k, Casarva rear conversion, leading link front forks, £6500 ono. Tel. 01271 375027. Devon.

BMW F650 Funduro, 1994, red, MoT, valid until Oct 14, 68k miles, good reliable bike, just needs a little work, spare parts inc, workshop manuals, lots of work been carried out on this bike, £700. Tel. Stewart on 07719 512397. London.

BMW K75RT 1995, a pensioner’s toy, 103k miles, full BMW dealer, s/h, up to 85k miles, self serviced after, full luggage and everything works, t&t, consider swap for a Mono boxer. £1450. Tel. 07549 182059. Suffolk.

BMW R1100 RS 1085cc, very clean bike, 64k miles, on Sorn, will have full MoT when sold, some new parts fitted, £1650 ono. Tel. 01776 705259. Dumfries & Galloway, Stranraer.

BMW R80RT white, 1980, unknown mileage, currently on Sorn, BMW alloy wheels, converted to unleaded fuel, electronic ignition and voltage regulator, BMW h/grips & panniers, final drive ratio raised to 33:1 & speedo changed to match, hence unknown mileage, two owners from new, twin front ATE disc brakes, £2500 ono. Tel. 07785 209869. S Yorks.

BMW R850R 04 reg, black, mileage 27,674, t&t May 2014, fitted six speed gearbox, hand protectors & heated handgrips, adjustable flyscreen, BMW panniers & aftermarket top box, regularly serviced, £3000 ono. Tel. 07785 209869. South Yorkshire.

BMW K75C 1985, original/right condition for year, silver/blue, full s/h, 80k miles, comfort seat, BMW panniers, top box, my bike for 25 years, £950. Tel. 01229 717232. Cumbria.

BMW R1150 GS Adventure, 2003, 49k miles, vgc, lots of history, full BMW aluminium luggage, fog lights, engine bars, touring screen, Remus can and 'Y' piece, MoT til Jan 2015, tax til Apr 15, £4250. Tel. 07775 696416. Hants.

BMW R1200RT SE March 2012, 5,500 milestone, mature owner, blue, top box and bag, cylinder and tank protectors, ESA, ASC, ABS, h/seats and grips, taxed, s/h, mint, £10,200 ono. Tel. 0115 9654925. Notts.

BMW R25/2 250cc, 1953, good unrestored condition, reg no 4185 H,all documents present,£5000.no offers Tel. 0113 2841262.W Yorks.

BMW R1150R 2002, MoT 17.03.15, top box, BMW panniers, CF hugger, extender, chrome cyl head covers, cyl head protectors, Givi screen, s/s braided hoses, h/grips, garaged, vgc, £2950. Tel. 01275 461019. Bristol.

BMW R65 1980, red, 17,600 miles, MoT 7/3/15, taxed, crash bars, handbook, good tyres, garaged, vgc.Tel. 01275 461019.

Bristol.

BMW R65 1981, the later, better, more powerful R65, excellent condition, full MoT, stainless pipes, panniers, recently fully refurbished with over £600 new parts and immaculate new paint, £2250 ono. Tel. 07760 733053.

Warks.

BMW F800 ST 798cc, 6,600 miles, 12 months' MoT, ABS, h/grips, computer, white indicators, c/stand, full luggage, Sorned, one owner, Nov 2007, £2850. Tel. Eddie 0777 9483023.

Twickenham, Middx.

FREE for private readers

BSA A65 LIGHTNING Rocket 1964-5, new rear rim, spokes, 90% stainless fasteners, 7k miles, stainless mudguards, £4000. Tel. 0141 6416392. Lanarks.

BULTACO SHERPA trials, 250cc, 1973, totally rebuilt new parts where needed, electronic ignition, nearly new tyres, powder coated frame, nice bike, rides well, £900 ono. Tel. Brian 07548 531007 anytime. Shropshire.

CLIPIC 80cc trials bike, recently serviced big wheeled, good runner, £850 ovno. Tel. Mark 07900 261386. Somerset.

BSA A10 650cc, 1958, in good original condition, £4000 ono. Tel. 07766 955509. Lincs.

BMW R1150GS Adventure 53 reg, 39,000 miles, vgc, full service history, Sargent seat, touratech Pro-Zega panniers, many extras, £4600 ono. Tel. Tim 07956 983627. W Mids.

Selling your bike is

GILERA COUGAR 125 125cc Custom, MoT/taxed, very economical, reliable, 202, 11,400 miles, heated grips, good order, £950 ono. Tel. 07544 766128.

Staffs.

GREEVES GRIFFIN 380cc, 1972, restored to excellent condition, many new parts, very fast bike, £2300 ono. Tel. 07954 315967.

Essex.

HARLEY DAVIDSON Fat Boy, 1584cc, 2009, professionally custom painted, vgc, Harley Davidson Fat Boy, 6 gears, only 21k miles, 6 mths’ tax, 11 months’ MoT, Vance & Hines exhaust, detachable windshield plus sissy bar & rack, the photos don’t do it justice. More photos available on request, £10,500.Tel. 0208 643 7487. Surrey.

DERBI SENDA 50 2009, 17k miles, top end rebuild, 12 months’ MoT and tax, £1200. Tel. 07975 871134. Gtr London.

BMW R90S 900cc, 1975, orange/silver, good condition for year, import from the Netherlands, age related number, some work done, ride or restore, £4250 ovno.

Tel. 01773 862761; 07800 527698. Notts.

BMW F800 ST 2012, 30,000 miles, engine paint needs tidying, runs, great s/h, £3950. Tel. 01244 332435; 07564 960647.

Cheshire.

BMW F800GS yellow 2009, 12,000 miles, fsh, one owner from new, BMW topbox, heated grips, trip comp, ABS, handguards, centre stand, £4850 ono. Tel. 07715 292674. E Riding of Yorks.

BMW FGS 650 800cc, blue, 2010, vgc, 9000 miles, tax, new MoT, brand new Bridgestones, OB computer, ABS, hot grips, extra 12v socket, high screen, LEDs, handguards & more, Bespoke panniers & toolbox available separately, £4200 ono. Tel. 07958 521846. W Sussex.

BMW G650 GS white, 4,300 miles, 2012 (12 reg), 650cc, ABS brakes, power socket, h/grips, c/stand, h/guards, r/hugger, front fender extender, data-tag, full BMW s/h, vgc, £4250. Tel. 01423 523154. N Yorks.

BMW GS 800cc, '63 reg, Dec 2013, 1,600 miles, ABS, h/grips, c/stand, hand protectors, front and rear mud slings, factory alarm, immobilisers, vgc, £7250 ono. Tel. 01522 697721. Lincs.

BMW K100LT 1992, 48k, bodywork good, excellent mechanically (inc tyres), Nivomat, h/grips, £950. Tel. 0203 5665886.

BMW R1150 RT 1150cc, 20k miles, LW02 NBY, s/h, recent battery, good tyres, elec screen, 11 months' MoT, 2 months' tax, ABS c/stand, BMW panniers, Givi top box, £3250. Tel. 01823 288874. Somerset.

BSA A65 LIGHTNING 1969, tax exempt, new MoT, too many new parts to list, with invoices, too heavy for me now, £4000 ovno.

Tel. Dave 07891 324735. Lincs.

BSA A7 500cc, 1954, unfinished project, new front tyre, engine rebored, new pistons, crank rebuilt, elec gin, rewired, has dating certificate, could deliver at cost, £2250 ono. Tel. 01275 830922. Bristol.

BSA C11G 250cc, 1955, t&t free, rebored, new cam shaft and followers, new rear chain, not yet run in, £1650 or make me a sensible offer Tel. 01524 733604.

Lancs/Cumbria border.

BSA C15 250cc, 1961, blue, good condition for year, could deliver at cost, with V5, £1395 ono. Tel. 01275 830922. Bristol.

BSA A10 1959, red/black, good condition,t&t,mag overhauled,new rear shockers, alloy cylinder head, good tyres, £4000 ono. Tel. 01772 635161 for more details. Lancs.

DUCATI M600 Monster, 1997, P reg, red, good condition for age, small dent in tank, 9300 miles, seat cowl, great handling bike, ready to ride or a good base for restoration, MoT till June, tax till September, £1250 ono. Tel. 07881 733409. Roxburghshire.

DUCATI 916 red, 20k miles, belts, 7k miles ago, MoT Jul 14, first reg 1998, ill health forces sale, £4500 ono. Tel. 01352 711163 for further details. N Wales.

DUCATI SPORT 750 standard bike, fair condition, in matt black, on Sorn, MoT May, 14,571 miles, £1400. Tel. 01665 605496.

Northumberland.

DUCATI ST4 916cc, 2004, only 1200 miles, one owner since new, serviced, MoT Jul 14, tax end Feb 2014, zero gravity, dark screen, Ventura sports rack and touring rack, carbon fibre racing pipes inc micro chip, original pipes inc chip, up front dash GPS/charging socket, brand new Michelin Road 2 tyres, always garaged, super condition for year, well looked after, original Ducati booklets, spare key, new Multistrada forces reluctant sale, £3595. Tel. 07734 245086. Shrops.

HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster 883cc, 1995, immac cond, 9300 dry miles, Wolf painting on tank, new battery, £2500. Tel. 01625 421574. Macclesfield.

HARLEY DAVIDSON 1200, custom, Bobber, Cafe Racer, one of absolutely stunning zero, one off beast, Bespoke 16” front & rear chrome & alloy wheel with Avon 500 rubber, handles like a Ducati, the bike is lavished with Roland Sands and Joker machine parts, wide glide front end, custom paint and airbrush in Stars & Stripes, loads of chrome and polished alloy partstoo much to list, long MoT & tax, rides & runs like a dream, £14,995 orno Tel. 07748 654532. Leics.

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

HARLEY DAVIDSON Fat Boy, 1584cc, 2009, professionally custom painted & very good condition, six gears, only 21,000 miles, six months tax and 11 months MoT, Vance & Hines exhaust, detachable windshield, plus sissy bar & rack, photo doesn’t do it justice, more photos available on request, £10,500.Tel. 02086 437487. Surrey.

HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster 883 Low, registered 2006, black, 9k miles, new MoT, vgc, £4000.

Tel. 01935 706269. Somerset.

HARLEY DAVIDSON 2007, HD Dyna Super Glide trike, converted

by TrikeShop UK, new tax and MoT, 7,300 miles, regularly serviced with no expense spared, mint condition, alarmed, lots of extras inc, bought from the genuine Harley catalogue with receipts inc, kept in garage and extra cover all its life when not used and plugged into an optimiser. Tel. 01269 845800. Carns.

HARLEY DAVIDSON 883 Sportster, 2004, lots of extras, Screaming Eagles, 12 mths' MoT & tax, new bike forces sale, £3500 ono. Tel. 07748 117118 after 6pm. Shrops.

HARLEY DAVIDSON DEUCE purple/ice, 2001, £££’s spent! chrome components & braided cables etc...too much to list! all aftermarket parts "genuine Harley Davidson" apart from £600 Vance & Hines pipes c/w easy fit touring seat & snakeskin (thong) seat, full leather touring bags /brackets (all cost £2000 alone!) Stage 1 tuned from new, fully serviced & maintained, new clutch last year, year's MoT, 6 mths' tax, £9500 ono. Tel. 07966 526526. Surrey.

HARLEY DAVIDSON SP159 Fatboy Special, 2011, V&H pipes, Brawler seat, stunning in black denim, £11,995 ovno. Tel. 07583 882776. E Riding of Yorks.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON Sportster 883R, orange, 2005, 6,800 miles, MoT, spoke wheels, H/D side-kick seat, luggage rack, full Stage One, excellent condition, £3950. Tel. 01983 568616. Isle of Wight.

HONDA CB 1977, new tyres, windscreen, back box, t&t till March 2015, main stand, s/stand, elec start and kick-start, beautiful condition, 10,200 miles, owner workshop manual, front chrome mudguard now fitted, £1700 ovno.Tel. 01226 713950. S Yorks.

HONDA CB 500 1999, twin, screen, top box, immac cone, year’s MoT and tax, perfect machine, 20k miles, £1500. Tel. 01354 610269. Cambs.

HONDA CB250N Superdream, 1979, 13,800 miles, full MoT, full tax, electric & kick start, loads of new parts, Avon roadrider tyres, good condition, 54 mpg every tank, 100% reliable in my year owning it, £950. Tel. 01494 562241. Buckinghamshire.

HONDA CB400/4 1975, P reg, 37,247 miles, red, vgc, MoT April 2015, alloy wheels plus spares, some history, £1795. Tel. 07966 015607. Suffolk.

HONDA CB500 1999, lovely condition, 29k miles, £1495. Tel. 0743 5522107. johnlodge66@ gmail.com Surrey.

HONDA CB600 Hornet, 600cc, red, vgc, 23k miles, 1998, kept in dry, 12 months’ MoT, taxed May 2014, £1200 ono. Tel. 0121 6288246; 07956012523. B’ham.

HONDA CBF 250 2008, 6k miles, blue rack, centre stand, serviced, new tyre, workshop manual, £1850.Tel. 01298 22783. Derbys.

HONDA CB 250N Super Dream Deluxe ‘Y’ reg, 1982, blue, fully restored, (new piston rings plus decoke plus been Slick 50 treated), frame resprayed in pearlescent black, engine, carbs and forks and wheels polished and bits rechromed, 17k genuine miles, Sorn registered, lots of new parts. For more information please tel. £1000 plus all spares (£1150). No offers on motorcycle (spares negotiable). Tel. Charlie 07812 363906. S Yorks.

HONDA CBF 500 blue,ABS, 4900 dry miles, t&t, full s/h, hugger, fender extenda, Smartwater, this machine has been pampered with five oil changes in less than 5k miles, immac, always protected with Scottoilor ACF50, even in summer. Tel. 07833 684342.

Kent.

CLASSIFIED HONDA CBF125 2010, black, excellent condition, 1500 miles, t&t end May, one owner, £1550.

Tel. 01458 273232. Somerset.

HONDA CBF125 2010, red, excellent condition, low mileage 4700, tax till 31/03/15, MoT till June, two owners, £1600 ono. Tel. 01208 816402; 07450 123933.

Cornwall.

HONDA CBF125 Learner legal/ commuter, vgc, only cosmetic few marks as expected, Honda warranty & Honda roadside assistance until 30/6/2014 still valid for next owner, full service history, one previous owner, first MoT is due on 01/7/2015, Givi top box included with 2 keys, also included Oxford Monster security lock, it comes with its original manual, service book & two keys.

Tel. 07446 143093. Middx.

HONDA CBR400 NC29, 1990, t&t, 35,834 km/h, nice clean bike, some history & spare parts, £700 ono. Tel. 07715 881042. Lincoln.

HONDA CBX shaft drive outfit, runs well, new tyres MoT January 2014, Sorn declared 16” Fireblade front wheel fitted on sidecar needs replacement fork seals (which I have) hence advertised price of £1600, cheap fun outfit, cash sale only, test ride only with insurance/cash up front (bend it you own it), all texts from unknown numbers automatically deleted, also have new and never worn bike jackets for sale both with body armour size 40/42. Tel. 07747 020725. Essex.

HONDA CD200 Benly, reliable, economical small classic bike, Rickman fairing, MoT, full service history, have owned for over three years and used daily, has been a great bike & never let me down, untidy and rusty therefore needs work to make nice. Tel. 01923 461289. Hertfordshire.

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

HONDA GOLDWING 1800 GL ABS, 2004, red, fully dressed, loaded with chrome, extra illumination spot lamps, siren, stereo, reverse gear, immaculate, no damage or corrosion, 40,200 miles, no time wasters, £10,000.

Tel. 0151 6788883. Wirral.

HONDA HORNET 600 F-2, 2002, excellent condition, 29,461 miles, new tyres, alarm, heated grips, Scottoiler, MoT till May 2014. Tel. 07961 075477. Cambs.

HONDA INTERSTATE GL1200 project bike, recent cam belts, gold colour, excellent engine, good throughout, needs alternator to complete, restored, renovated, lack of funds stops completion, 1986 reg, 51k miles, Offers Tel. 07930 663930. Lancs.

HONDA MT50 1986, fully restored including engine and gearbox rebuild, excellent condition, runs and rides perfectly, 1500 miles since full restoration, MoT, £2000 ono. Tel. 02380 428755. Hampshire.

HONDA CBF250 2006, MoT 29/4/2015, road tax 28/2/2015, 13k miles, Hagon shock, Rentec rack.Tel. 07581 036152. N Yorks.

HONDA CG 125 57 reg, black, 7k miles, runs and looks like run, many extras and new tyres, all old MoTs, first to see will buy, £1150.

Tel. 01992 700033. Essex.

HONDA CBR 1100XX 1137cc, red, 1999 Nov, only 8,800 miles, MoT, new tyres, battery, chain and sprocket, back box, two panniers, vgc, £3200. Tel. 01299 825673.

Worcs.

HONDA PAN EUROPEAN trike, 2004, converted by B&B Customs 2011, 29,000 miles, 12 months MoT, £6750. Tel. 01270 213802.

Cheshire.

HONDA SFX 50 year’s t&t, T reg, very clean, low mileage, £425.Tel. 0208 2417884. Surrey.

HONDA ST1300 2003, 24,000 miles, vgc, fsh, h/grips, touring screen, mudguard extender, uprated headlights & horn, EBC HH B/pads, Optimate charging lead, Iridium plugs, K&N A/filter, meticulously looked after & regularly maintained, tax August 2014, MoT April 2015, £5195 ono.

Tel. Ken 07791 536485. Lancs.

HONDA TLM220 1988, trials road registered, mono shock totally restored put back into its original colours, powder coated frame, full lighting fitted, very nice bike, £1600 ono. Tel. 07548 531007 anytime. Shropshire.

HONDA TRANSALP 1997, genuine mileage, 23k, £1600 ono.

Tel. 07779 763859. Swansea.

HONDA VF 500 F2F 1986, 33k, regularly used until garaged several years ago due to illness, hence needs recommissioning, Battlax tyres, totally standard other than Goodridge lines, a worthwhile project, £300. Tel. 0116 2234757. Leics.

HONDA CHALY CF70 3-speed, auto, 2 new tyres, three new gears and clutch, chrome is ok, V5, new centre stand, no rust, £700. Tel. 01782 392090. Staffs.

HONDA CBR 600 Repsol, 2011, 4,200 miles, MoT Mar 15, tax Sep 2014, Ackropovic full exhaust system, new Bridgestone tyres f&b (500 miles on them),custom dream machine, Repsol paint-work, only ridden in Summer, heated garage over winter, vgc, lovely bike. Tel. 07436 275141. Essex.

HONDA CBR 600F-P 600cc, 1993, California yellow/silver, 20k miles, pro maintained, Scootoiler, MoT/tax tip Feb 2015, full service record, £1700.Tel. 01450 376475; 07909 191834. Scottish borders.

HONDA CBR1100XX Blackbird, 1999, T reg, black, fuel injection model, fsh, 29,400 miles, MoT March 2015, tax 31st August, Meta alarm/immob, Datatag, two keys + two fobs, D/bubble screen, SW-Motech Givi rack, Scottoiler, garaged, £2495 ovno. Tel. 07737 244747. Surrey.

HONDA CBR125R 2012, 62 plate, only 275 miles, drives brand new, urgent sale £2750. Tel. 07919 955559. .

HONDA DEAUVILLE 650 1999, 20k, very good cond apart from small scratch, exhaust, Sorned, MoT, mature 2nd owner, £1900.

Tel. 01403 241413. Horsham.

HONDA F6C 1500cc trike, converted by BB Customs 2012, 12 mths’ tax, 6 mths’ MoT, 16k miles, screen, panniers, spotlights, back rest, rack, lots of chrome, data tool alarm, mint condition, £11,500. Tel. 01228 530241. Carlisle.

HONDA GB 400 1986, restored to original? 12,277 kms, superb cond, taxed and tested, dry ridden, some spares, £2500. Tel. Bob 01332 702496; 07973 863564. Derbys.

HONDA PAN EUROPEAN 1100 1998, 50,450 miles, full s/h, tax and MoT to Aug, tank cover and bag, h/grips, alarm, good tyres, wind deflectors, standard and taller screen. Tel. 07947 612371.

Halifax, W Yorks.

HONDA PC800 1996, 18,000, datatool alarm, great touring bike, £1500. Tel. 01295 253207.

Oxfordshire.

HONDA PCX 2011, 15k miles, perfect showroom condition plus many extras, £1750. Tel. 0796 2075701. pavelip@aol.com Gtr London.

HONDA CB 1300cc, new 12 months' MoT, 6 mths' tax, 21k miles, c/stand, fly screen, rear hugger, two owners, immac cone, garaged, red/white, must go as I am moving, £3250 ono. Tel. 01424 425856; 0777 3084372. E Sussex.

HONDA XL125 Varadero, 2012, black, top box, belly pan, full Honda SH, recent Honda service, 3250 miles, one previous owner, garaged, excellent condition, £3600. Tel. John 07961 617278.

Monmouthshire.

HONDA XR 125cc, 11k miles, £1250. Tel. 07809 704642.

Cumbria.

HONDA 400 SUPER FOUR grey import, 94, L, 42,700km (26,500 miles), MoT & tax to Aug 14, Tel. 07970 811806. Glos.

HONDA CB 1300 08, ABS, 6,800 miles, naked black, Honda flyscreen, heated grips, Beowulf can, rad guard, hugger, extends crash bungs, tank pad, BT016's, goes as good as it looks, worth viewing,Tel. 01452 780280. Glos.

HONDA CB250 Red, 12 mths' tax and MoT, low mileage, great little bike, £900. Tel. 07719 777175.

Bristol.

HONDA CBF 250 just serviced, new chain, good condition, taxed/MoT, £1800. Tel. 07703 778934. Leics.

HONDA CBF125 2010, red, black, top box, totally mint, 4000 miles, tax & MoT, just past test. Tel. 01446 790157. Glamorgan.

HONDA CBR 1000 RR7 2007, Fireblade, blue, 3,600, MoT and tax, Sorned, £5200 ono. Tel. 07856 987122. W Yorks.

HONDA CBR 600FX 1999, T plate, 13,500 miles, aftermarket end can, screen, originals inc, some marks but good condition for age, classic insurance group, 5 mths tax, 11 mths MoT, recent filters & fluids, excellent first big bike, £2000 ono. Tel. 07798 556743. Lincs.

HONDA 90 CUB 85cc, two new tyres, tubes, screen box, 21k miles, 11 mths tax, MoT, good runner, brand new rear wheel, 1978, E44 EHA, £600 ono. Tel. 01384 348419. W Mids.

HONDA CBR-RR 600 04 reg, immac, original condition, with extras included, £3000. Tel. 07960 273344.

HONDA CD 200 200cc, 1984, rideable when taxed and MoTd, they both just run out, hardly used last year, that's why I'm selling, new tyres, goes well, offers wanted. Tel. 01243 268816. W Sussex.

HONDA CRF 250X lowered (can return to height), 54 reg, 10 mths' MoT, tax till Aug, recent full service, selling as barely used, £1800. Tel. Rob 07890 808582.

Monmouthshire.

HONDA CX 500 1978, early Z model, 35k miles, fair cond, MoT, Sorned, ride or restore, £650. Tel. 07949 653017. Staffs.

HONDA CX500 Cafe racer professional conversion, ex display "Cafe Racer kits", MoT May 15, very good condition, cheap insurance, sounds great, 20k miles, reliable, new battery, appreciating era, loads interest whenever you stop, £2995. Tel. 07799 202204. Devon.

HONDA CX500 EC Eurosport, 1983, A reg, black, only 13,500 miles, serviced regularly, my father owned this bike from new, and it is totally original, excellent condition, new original Honda silencers fitted, an appreciating classic, solid investment at £3995. Tel. 07859 919598. N Yorks.

HONDA DEAUVILLE 1999, 21k, tax and test, good condition, 52 ltr top box, £1400. Tel. 07904 502193; 01422 316310.W Yorks.

HONDA EXPRESS MOPED 2 stroke, 1981, runs, with original bill of sale, top box, leg shields, £185. Tel. Nick 0208 4228511.

Gtr London.

HONDA FIREBLADE RR1000 56 plate, 34k miles, taxed Sept, MoT Oct, vgc, £4300. Tel. 079640 40636. Crewe, Cheshire.

HONDA HORNET 600 2009, 8,050 miles, best colour blue Givi rack and box, three service stamps then serviced myself as I was a service engineer before retiring, well looked after, first to see will buy, Baglux tank bag to match, hugger, flyscreen, Tel. 07884 970403. Shrops.

HONDA NC30 400cc, taxed, new fairings, rebuilt shock, new battery, 31,000 ams, all history, not mine but very genuine low mileage bike, requires tyres for MoT, priced accordingly, bargain at £1895. Tel. 07718 611600.

Essex.

HONDA NC 700X unmarked, as new 2000 miles, 12 reg, red, £4600. Tel. 07545 444810.

Lancs.

HONDA NIGHTHAWK CB 250 2001, red, 24k miles, Motad, new tyres, MoT, good condition, £500. no offers Tel. 07855 36322.

Worcs.

HONDA NTV 1997, 650cc, full MoT, good condition, £850. Tel. 01745 570874. North Wales.

HONDA PSI 125 black, 15k, 17.7.10, MoT 18.6.14, tax 30.6.14, immaculate, good runner, £1200. Tel. 07961 888790. Essex.

HONDA SHADOW 750 1998, S reg, MoT until April 2015, 10,600 miles, £2600. Tel. Richard 01260 252319. Cheshire.

HONDA ST1100 2001, 41,000 miles, new MoT, tax Sept 2014, stainless steel exhaust, heated grips, braided hoses, custom seat, Givi top box, wind, tall screen deflectors, service history, £3450 ono. Tel. 07778 804780.

Somerset.

HONDA TRANSALP 2001, 12,600 miles, MoT Sep 2014, tax end Oct, h/grips/engine crash bars and belly pan spoked wheels, 2 seats, good tyres, clean and in very good condition, £1650. Tel. 07949 569509.

Cheshire.

HONDA TRANSALP XL650 V4, 2005 Adventure, 29,833 miles, excellent condition, £2500. Tel. 07904 541547. Gtr London.

HONDA V750 1986, Custom import, tax and MoT, £900 ono.

Tel. Ken 0770 1073404. W Sussex.

HONDA VFR 750 White, 1990, 44,600 miles, new Michelin tyres and rear disc, recently serviced, tax & MOT til Jan 15, new ignition switch, fuel filter, vgc for age, £1500. Tel. Davy 0772 3075969.

Northumberland.

HONDA VTR 250 Red, T reg, 1998, Japanese import, rare UK bike, 13,800 mls, t&t March 2015, new battery, new front tyre, recent rear tyre, exc cond for year, £1180. Tel. 01556 610855.

Kirkcudbrightshire.

HONDA XL125 Varadero, legal learner, 60 plate, 6400 miles, good condition, 12 months MoT, read the reviews great bike, £2500 ovno. Tel. 07764 6497544.

Buckinghamshire.

HONDA XR 400 05 reg, 9 months' tax, will put 12 mths MoT on, only 2,900 miles, vgc, needs nothing, £2000. Tel. 0191 4135205 for more details. Tyne & Wear.

JAMES CAPTAIN 197cc, about 1958 pre-unit, new exhaust, alloy rims, tidy looking bike, needs ignition unit, £595; Tomos "50" moped, blue, original, £185; MBX 50 engine, frame, hubs, £95. Tel. 07775 558399. Surrey.

JAMES CAPTAIN 1956 Roadster, 197cc, garaged in the Isle of Man, ready to ride, fully restored, tested and Manx taxed, engine and gearbox reconditioned by Villiers Services, contactless ignition conversion, unless cash, no collection until funds are fully cleared, Tel. 07624 419339.

KAWASAKI GPZ 500S 1995, full MoT, taxed Sept, new tyres, new pads, stainless 2-into-1 exhaust, recent chain and sprockets, excellent running order, £600 ono.

Tel. 01625 612939. Cheshire.

KAWASAKI SPECTRE 100 shaft drive, 30000 miles, black chrome exhaust, needs registering, all papers supplied, £1395. Tel. 01617 666353. Manchester.

KAWASAKI VULCAN CUSTOM 2007, 9100 miles, Vance & Hine exhaust, Quick release Paladin back rest, w/luggage rack, Quick release windscreen, K&N lifetime air filter, saddle bags, Cruise control, new rear tyre, garage kept, beauty, tax 30 June 2014, MoT 25 March 2015, £3650. Tel. 07730 090940. Cambs.

KAWASAKI VULCAN EN500 1993, 4,800 miles, excellent condition, tax Aug, MoT Aug, selling due to health problems, £1650 ono. Tel. 01767 445575.

Beds.

KAWASAKI ZZR 600E t&t 30/4/15, 41k miles, new rear tyre, battery, caliper seals, C&S, oil and filter, serviced regularly, good commuter/tourer, rack/box, helmet, textile suit included. Text for info to £1000 ono. Tel. 07758 515696. Lincs.

KAWASAKI W800 SP 12 plate, black/gold wheels, approx 4500 miles, one owner, some warranty left, £4000 no offers Tel. 01883 348771. Croydon, Surrey.

KAWASAKI ZX10R D6F, 2006, green, 13,500 miles, t&t, immaculate condition, kept garaged, mature owner, ITM alarm and immobiliser with certificates, Akrapovic exhaust, Renthal chain and sprockets, much loved bike, £3900.Tel. 07789 774442 please text. Isle of Wight.

KAWASAKI ZX10R D7F 2007, used but definitely not abused, 25600 miles, still a very clean and very very quick bike, c/w s/h and previous owner receipts, just had full service & new clutch, front & rear brake pads, six months tax, MoT March 2015, mechanically well looked after, runs and rides perfectly, got pillion seat & footrests which go with bike, Meta 357t alarm with two fobs, all three keys & codes, all previous MoTs, £4000.Tel. 07752 127553. Essex.

KAWASAKI ZZR 1100 C1 1990, H, 53k miles, 12 months MoT, no tax, Remus s/s exhaust system - as quiet as standard, new fork seals, recent Hagon rear shocker - still guaranteed, s/s lines, recent recon front callipers,h/grips (not connected at present), runs & rides very well, very tidy standard condition, £1295.

Tel. 07881 516673.

KAWASAKI ZZR 1400 blue, 2007, 11k miles, taxed to 30/9/14, MoT to June 15, Datatool chain oiler, fuel exhausts, removable baffles, top box, new battery, radar detector, Summer use, garage stored, excellent condition, £5495 ono. Tel. 01295 272068. Oxon.

KAWASAKI Z750 LAF 2010, (60) black, 4,300 miles, full Kawasaki s/history, showroom condition, MoT due 23 Oct 2014, extras include belly pan, rear hugger, tail tidy, give screen plus Cat 1 alarm immobiliser, sorry no test rides, £4350. Tel. 07827 919615. Hants.

KAWASAKI B2/KZ650 green/ gold, 1978, excellent original bike except Netta exhaust, 38k miles, many new parts; too many to list, MoT, on Sorn, tool kit/handbook, £1500 ovno. Tel. 01364 653515.

Torquay, Devon.

KAWASAKI ER500 500cc, 1999,V reg, 45k miles, clean, tidy and reliable, twin headlamp fairing, MoT Nov 2014, new battery, good tyres, £795 ono. Tel. Spike 01306 877604; 07854 925369. Surrey.

KAWASAKI GPX 600R Taxed and tested, 28/2/15, 39k miles, red, grey and blue, new front tyre, good runner, oil and filter, tappets, spark plugs, coolant all renewed, 1993 C6 model, £1000 ono. Tel. 07758 515696 (text me for info). Lincs.

KAWASAKI GPX 750R 1987, 10 months' MoT, 4 months' tax, 36,500 miles, this bike is cosmetically OK, very cheap horsepower, is reliable, fast and lightweight, could deliver at reasonable cost, £650. Tel. John on 0116 2698966 for details. Leics.

KAWASAKI KZ 650 1978, Stardust silver, totally renovated, £3500 ono. Tel. 01446 790157.

Glam.

KAWASAKI VN 1500cc Meanstreak, 2002, a real head turner!!, very well looked after, army paint job, looks impressive, low dow performance, smooth touring, speeds, purchase the bike in 2007 in Germany, with 17k kms (10.500 miles), owned the 7 years, only done 32,000 klm (20k miles), tax/MoT 05/07/14 (but will have new MoT), service by local garage, recent oil change & filter, new battery/front & back tyre, drag pipe (very loud), viewing welcome but no test drive or pay in full before test drive, full UK V5. Tel. 01628 627797 or 07833 907053. Berks.

KAWASAKI VN800 800cc, superb, economical cruiser, long tax and MoT, very low mileage, new back tyres, various extras, very clean and looked after bike, demo welcome, £2850 ono. Tel. 01282 871958 eves/w'ends. Lancs.

KAWASAKI W650 2002, 41,000 km, excellent condition, sensible extras, regularly serviced, MoT till August, £2650. Tel. 01539 725292. S Cumbria.

KAWASAKI W800 black, 2k miles, 2013 model, extras, chrome rack, still under warranty, mint condition, example £5750.

Tel. 01285 861462. Wilts.

KAWASAKI ZR7 750cc, W reg, 2000, 24,500 miles, mint cone, 6 months tax, 3 months MoT, new tyres, just been serviced, bargain at £1450 ovno. Tel. 07791 241063. Llanelli, Carms.

KAWASAKI ZX6R 2008, Ninja, blue, underseat exhaust, seat cowl, 7,647 miles, dry miles only, clean, tidy, lovely ride - selling due to having a baby, £4000. for a quick sale Tel. 07966 537744. Bristol.

KTM DUKE 3 654cc, 2010, 3k miles, black, t&t, Ergo seat and hand guards, fully adjustable suspension, unused first 3 years, not many left in this clean condition, 70mpg, £4650. Tel. 07583 286075. Worcs.

LAVERDA JOTA 1977, the most comprehensive history file, excellent condition, £12,950. Tel. 01432 371775. Hereford.

LAVERDA JOTA 180 1976, good original condition, a fine example of this iconic machine, three previous owners, new battery, recent new stainless 3-into-2 exhaust box and front forks reconditioned, £11,000.Tel. 01677 422808; 07785 585528. N Yorks.

LIFAN MIRAGE 125cc, 3k kms, complete second bike for spares, £950. Tel. 01205 723809. Lincs.

MATCHLESS G11 600cc twin, 1956, excellent condition, much stainless, £3850. Tel. 01625 421574. Cheshire.

MATCHLESS G80S 1957, 500 Single with Squire ST2 sports sidecar, vgc, taxed, one owner, restored in 2001, £3600 ono. Tel. Barry on 01634 716319. Kent.

CLASSIFIED

Selling your bike is FREE for private readers

Online: www.motorcyclemonthly.co.uk Email: freeads@motorcyclemonthly.co.uk Post: MCM Reader Adverts, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle LN9 6JR SUPERSCOOT PIAGGIO 400 XEvo, 2007, 7,200 miles, belt & rollers and new rear tyre done for this sale, MoT/tax till end Oct, £1995. Tel. 07923 439635.

Cambs.

MATCHLESS G80 1949, t&t free electric ign & Mikuni carb, cosmetically challenged but reliable, leaks oil for England, £2600 will swop or p/x Tel. Andy 07980 837005. West Yorks MONTESA 4RT 250cc, with twin programmable throttle, body leads and maps inc, (one of a kind monster energy), £2300. Tel. 0777 2926060. N Yorks.

MORINI DART 350cc, two owners from new, only 10k ams, recent cam belt and stainless silencer, owner giving up motorcycling, £2400. Tel. 01689 832945. Kent.

MOTO GUZZI LE MANS Mk V, 1000, 1991, a great bike with sensible mods inc: Piranha elec ign, K&N's, stainless exhaust system, flat top twin cable carb conversion, full Goodridge hoses, new pads, plugs and all oils and fluids changed, MoT May 2015, 34k miles, £3750 ovno. Tel. 07400 276997. Dorset.

MOTO GUZZI NORGE 1200cc, black, 2009, t&t, 18k miles, full luggage, service history, vgc, owner falling apart, £4950 ono.

Tel. 01970 890244. Mid Wales.

MT350 Good working order, 1996 model, MoT until Oct, 14k on the clock, £2000. Tel. 07795 844190.

Gtr London.

MV AGUSTA absolute mint condition, never seen rain, only 2500 miles from new, MVA private plate, main dealer serviced, t&t October, £7300. Tel. 07751 852330. North Yorkshire.

MZ ETZ project bike, 125cc, black, complete but needs tlc, no keys or paperwork, will post photos to serious enquiries, offers.

Tel. 01702 540265. Essex.

NSU QUICKLY 49cc, F23 3-speed model, dual-seat, rear suspension, alloy brake hubs/wheel rims, good tidy sound useable machine, many new parts fitted, running order,V5C, £750. could deliver Tel. 01268 735135. Essex.

PHILLIPS PANDA P40 Mk 1 moped, 1959, good original condition, dry stored, tax and MoT exempt, original transferable reg no, £595; no offers. Tel. 07547 999515. Glos.

PIAGGIO HEXAGON LXT200 only 13000km, had new cylinder head/barrel/rings/stainless downpipe at 8000km so barely run in, almost new Metzler tyres, been Sorned in garage for 12 months, new MoT till April 2015, very good original condition, very quick, practical scooter, £650.Tel. 07964 275404. Glamorgan.

PIAGGIO B125 Learner legal touring scooter, 2003, tax and MoT, 8k miles, dry use only, viewings recommended, immaculate solid economical, scooter, £800. Tel. 07812 485433. Wilts.

PIAGGIO FLY for sale is my with under 400 mile from new, only selling because my license has been revoked due to ill health, £1500 ono. Tel. 0113 2893077.W Yorks.

PIAGGIO ET2 Twist & Go, 2001, 49cc, tax and MoT until Sept, good runner, £350 ono. Tel. 077924 25475. Oxon.

ROYAL ENFIELD Bullet 350cc, 1957, Redditch built, Enfield club machine dated as original, complete bike, garage stored, restoration/renovation project, with V5C, and original log book, £1350. Tel. 01299 266565.Worcs.

ROYAL ENFIELD Bullet 65, 04 reg, excellent condition, screen, carrier/top-box, heated grips, new battery, tax, MoT, £2200 ovno.Tel. 07842 800176. Lancs.

ROYAL ENFIELD 500cc Bullet, 06 reg, 3100 miles, MoT Dec 2014, some tax, silver, £1895 ovno. Tel. 07772 797112. Derbyshire.

ROYAL ENFIELD 500cc, 2007, 2000 mile, 11 mths’ MoT, excellent condition, new battery cover, chain lock, some spares, £2200 ovno. Tel. 07717 520983; 01386 56016. Worcs.

ROYAL ENFIELD CRUSADER 250 1959, restored to high standard by previous keeper, cosmetically beautiful, new rims, spokes and exhaust, 12v conversion, starts, runs and stops well but engine leaks oil, £1500. Tel. 0116 2698966 for details. Leics.

SACHS MADASS 125 4,500 miles, one Septuagenarian owner from new, immaculate, front/rear carriers, raised gearing plus standard chain/sprocket, handbook, workshop manual, MoT/ taxed, crazy collectable German rarity, £1000 ono. Tel. 01303 237147. E Kent.

SUNBEAM MOD 5 1930, sell or exchange, p/x for 1920s AJS Big Port or other Sporty (racey)! model, rough project or goer! Tel. 01978 842668. Clwyd.

Yamaha Drag Star WHEN it comes to buying a Japanese cruiser, you’re well served by the four big manufacturers. Since the late 1970s they’ve all offered a wide range of models: from 125cc learner bikes right up to the six-cylinder excess of Honda’s amazing Rune (and now the new F6C). Kicked-out forks, lashings of chrome, and a low seat are normally pretty much de rigueur. Along with plenty of mass.

Yamaha has always figured large on the factory custom scene, and typical of the company it has generally approached the concept from left-field. Its XV535 Virago was a perfect example, offering the custom look in a smaller and more manageable package that appealed to shorter-legged riders. Working on the basis that it was on to a good thing, in 1997 Yamaha pensioned off the biggest Virago and launched a custom machine that many would argue is the thinking man’s

Japanese factory cruiser; the XVS650 Drag Star.

Better thought-out and executed than the XV535, more cubes bring more power and torque. Also key to the bike’s success is the fact that it’s substantially more modern than the old 750 or 1100 V-twins. Both of these were first generation, full-on, purposedesigned factory customs.

The outgoing XV535 rightly came in for criticism regarding durability and finish, but the Drag Star benefited from dealer comments and customer feedback into what was lacking on previous models. Of course any machine that features chrome plating will need a bit of TLC, but Yamaha made a real effort with its new middleweight: High quality paint and plating, allied to a rust-resistant resin coating on the spokes clearly demonstrated lessons had been learnt.

Okay, so cruisers might not necessarily be everyone’s cup

SUZUKI BANDIT 650cc, 2010 reg, 10,000 miles, one mature owner, perfect as new condition, serviced with oil change every 1000 miles, all as standard very good price, thus no offers, but you wont find a better example, £2800.Tel. 01691 661208. Shropshire.

SUZUKI BANDIT 650SA with ABS, Datatool alarm and h/grips, 9 months’ tax, 5 months’ MoT, careful lady owner, superb bike, £3500 ono. Tel. Lesley on 07906 858111. Middx.

SUZUKI GS 500F 500cc, 2007, black/silver, only 2,400 miles, full fairing, tax and MoT to March 2015, full s/h, Bridgtestone tyres, A2 license, friendly as its 46bhp, excellent condition, £2100 ono.

Tel. 01326 212625 for details.

Cornwall.

SUZUKI GS 850 1979, 12 months’ MoT, nylon coated frame, Goodridge hoses, 31k dry miles, new rear tyre, excellent runner/condition, owned 30 years, full history, £1800. Tel. 07977 374968. W Glam.

SUZUKI GS550 1978, 28,500 miles, MoT April 2015, tax August, new rear tyre, many new parts, fitted over three year restoration, £950. Tel. 07718 733075. Notts.

SUZUKI DRZ 400S 2006, yellow, 10500 miles, just serviced, long t&t, good condition, lowered seat, handguards, sump guard, worth viewing £2295. Tel. 07712 474811. Warks.

SUZUKI DRZ 400E 2005, 9000 miles, good condition & well maintained, only £1650 or with Supermoto conversion as shown, wheels, chain & sprockets etc, £1950. Tel. 07766 710372.

Dorset.

SUZUKI GSX 750 1989, F reg, runs well with top box, easily removed, MoT Aug, £500 ono. Tel. 0115 9414487 or 07804 876373. Notts.

SUZUKI GSX650 FLO Sept 2010; blue; only 2400 miles; MoT & tax August 2014, mint condition, hardly used, beautiful bike, one owner from new, full centre stand, full touring screen, £3850. Tel. 07970 843092; 01923 821223.

Greater London.

SUZUKI GSXR 1000 2006, 18,000 miles, vgc, 12 months’ MoT, £5000 ono. Tel. 07922 544786 or 01526 353453. .

SUZUKI MARAUDER 125 2001, 8,148 miles, vgc, MoT/tax, garaged, genuine reason for sale, £850.Tel. 01787 880084. Suffolk.

SUZUKI GSF650 2009, 3650 miles, metallic silver, full panniers, heated grips, hugger, full MoT, five months tax, many extras, excellent condition, £5500. Tel. 07766 126140. West Midlands.

SUZUKI BANDIT 1200 1999, V reg, black, only 21k miles, regularly serviced, valves & carbs recently calibrated, MoT to May 2015, owned from new, excellent condition, Scorpion stainless oval plus boxed original silencer, now collectable, £2495. Tel. 07859 919598. N Yorks.

SUZUKI RG150 classic, two Stroke new & unused bought in 2005 and been on Sorn in storage, has new wheels/forks/ tyres + originals, full power model (36hp) call for details/pictures, £2250.Tel. 01788 815032. Warks.

SUZUKI SV650S white, reg June 2013, less than 500 miles, crash bungs, oil and filter first serviced, £3800 ono. Tel. 07909 687095.

Hants.

SUZUKI BANDIT 650SA with ABS, Datatool alarm and heated grips, 9 months' tax, 5 months' MoT, careful lady owner, superb bike, £3500 ono. Tel. 07906 858111. Berks.

SUZUKI BURGMAN 400 2009, 59 plate, black, 15,500 miles, MoT until Oct 14, 5 months' tax, full s/h (last serviced Dec 13), receipts for all work available, great cond, runs really well, kept under cover on a private driveway, used daily, a reliable commuter, capable of long distance touring, Givi monokey rack, h/hand grips, two keys, extended (removable) screen. Tel. 07946 553071. Gtr London.

SUZUKI DR 125 SM 2011, (Supermoto) Suzuki warranty until 10/08/2014, not had first MoT yet, Limited Edition colour, 3,800 miles, one owner, Pirelli tyres like new, RK Excel wheel rims, Nissin brakes, 250mm f/disc, 220mm r/disc, 4 stroke, 100 miles per gallon, £8 to fill the tank, Tel. 07715 450914. St Helens.

SUZUKI GSF 650 Blue, SAK6 S, blue, 07 reg, ABS, MoT March 2015, 6 months' tax, good condition, £2250 ovno. Tel. 01506 834464. W Lothian.

SUZUKI GSX 125cc 2011, blue, taxed Dec 14, MoT Feb 2015, always garaged and only 2,400 miles, runs perfectly with no issues apart from its mature owner! bought a bigger bike and need garage space.A decent bike at a fair price . £999. Tel. Kev 07855 625502. Seaton, Devon.

SUZUKI GSX 1400 Stunning, black, 2007(57) plate, mature owner last 5 years, only 5900 dry miles, many extras, £4650. Tel. 01740 652426. E Riding of Yorks.

SUZUKI TL 1000 SY 2001, 43k, Ohlins rear, Busa front, GP cans, £1995. Tel. 01236 764606.

Lanarks.

SUZUKI GSX 750 Katana, flip-up headlight, 1984, UK import, 1997, original condition, MoT, tax and new tyres, 21,200, £2100. Tel. 07774 855771. Lincs.

SUZUKI GSXR 750 K4, 04 plate, three owners, 31k miles, full s/h, vgc, MoT Aug 15, tax Oct, £2500 ono. Tel. 01903 522614 for more info.. W Sussex.

SUZUKI SV 650 6,700 miles, fantastic condition for year, MoT Sept 14, tax July 14, £2100. ono, no sensible offer refused Tel. 07816 898173. Lincs.

SUZUKI TEMPTER 400 1997, MoT/taxed, blue, double sided, TLS drum, f/brake, excellent condition, looks like British single, v rare, low mileage, £2500. Tel. 0777 9068009. Shrops.

SUZUKI V-STROM 2010, one owner from new, 20,500 miles, new 12 months' MoT, many extras, £3495 ono. Tel. 0796 6000029. Bucks.

SYM SYMPLY 125cc scooter, silver, 2009 only 6000km, 4 stroke twist & go, fantastic condition, good as new, underseat storage, needs nothing, long MoT, tax end May, very cheap at £795 ovno.Tel. 01845 523846. N Yorks.

SYM 125 motorcycle 1 owner, 4k miles, taxed & tested, excellent condition, Tel. 07842 216729.

Derbys.

TRIUMPH Speed Triple 955i, 2003, new battery, decent tyres, 12 months t&t, £3100.Tel. 07503 623906. Merseyside.

TRIUMPH AMERICA red/silver, very nice bike in every way, new MoT, new tax, just back from garage, all ready for summer, 14.800 miles from new by mature rider, wire wheel model, rare now, plus other accessories that will be offered to the buyer, £3200 ovno.

Tel. 07597 123507. Bristol.

TRIUMPH ST TRIPLE R 675cc, 2013, white/red, 2,900 miles, still in warranty, cowling, screen, £6495. p/x cheaper bike, why?

Tel. 07951 818730. W Sussex.

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

of tea, but they do have a place in both the current and classic scenes. Know that USA magazine voted the XVS650 Drag Star both Cruiser of the Year and Best Value when it was launched, and you get some idea of how highly regarded the bike is.

Add that a tidy higher mileage, private sale example can now be bought for less than a grand and it begins to get even more attractive.

For those who remain cynical about cruisers, the XVS650 might just be the machine to win them over.

A number of sceptical professional road testers have variously described the bike as the perfect introduction to the style; hugely enjoyable; surprisingly agile; amazingly comfortable etc... also high up on the plaudits list come comments about the unobtrusive shaft drive; light clutch; silky gearbox and peachy motor.

Fuel consumption is a subject on everyone’s minds these days and here the Yamaha is well ahead of the field with the potential to give a genuine 60mpg. Factor in the 3.5 gallon tank with that sumptuous seat and you have the genuine potential to cruise for 175 miles before worrying about looking for a petrol station.

What’s not to like? Well if you’re used to sports machines the front brake might come across as a little weedy, but in the factory cruiser world it’s actually seen as better than most. Even online forums seem to have little to whinge about. The most popular thread seems to be poor running directly attributable to low use and decaying petrol.

If that’s the worst the naysayers can come up with, then the XVS650 might very well be an alternative to Harley’s 883 Sportster.

You wouldn’t, perhaps, think that ancestry of factory custom

motorcycles is a particularly emotive subject. After all, the very concept is something of an anathema. Custom bikes by definition are supposed to be one-offs expressing the rider’s individuality, so turning out several thousand kind of defeats the object in many people’s mind. Depending on whose records you look at, the first Jap cruiser was either Yamaha’s XS650SE or Kawasaki’s Z650CSR. Arguably the Yam genuinely looks the part, but both these apparent toe-in-the-water exercises confirmed there was a market worthy of further exploitation.

The origin of Japanese factory custom machines is something of a moot point with classic enthusiasts. Some argue it was a cynical ploy to use up

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old stock; others suggest it was a way of taking sales from Harley-Davidson on its home turf. Whatever the reasons and logic it worked.

Countless would-be H-D riders bought into the Japanese cruiser scene, and these machines now form a very significant market to all the main players. The Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club makes no distinction between custom cruisers, cafe racers, full-fat restorations or daily riders. If your bike is over 15 years old you’ll fit right in.

The VJMC; run by motorcyclists for motorcyclists www.vjmc.com membership_vjmc@yahoo.co.uk 01324 410519

CLASSIFIED TRIUMPH 955 Speed Triple, 2003 on 53 plate, immaculate, just under 12,000 miles extensive history, valves clear-ances done last year during major service, new battery, many extras inc carbon fibre frame protectors & bar ends, mirror extenders, custom levers, alarm,Trident high level titanium exhaust, original exhaust/seat etc included, £3250.

Tel. 07964 275404. Cardiff.

TRIUMPH 5TA 500cc, 1959, taxed, matching nos, 12v elec ign, TW1 leading brake, alloy mudguards, std exhaust plus Siamese, vgc, £3100. Tel. 02380 879749 for more info.. S'oton, Hants.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE 865cc, 2007, silver, 30k miles, K&Q seat, NJB shocks, new front Battleaxe, 11 months, MoT, tax, vgc, £3200.

Tel. 01245 353297. Essex.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T100, 865cc, 110th Anniversary model, silver/green, 2013, as new condition, centre stand, K&Q seat, £6850 ono. Tel. 0116 2402726.

Leics.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE 750 1981, T140E, 12,581 original miles, red/white, twin carbs, lovely bike, great starter, fast, dry stored, on Sorn, new brakes, battery, £4500 ovno. Tel. 07719 451362. Worcs.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE AMERICAN 865 Aug 2011, blue/white, Triumph Q/R screen, rack and sissy bar, loud exhaust, plus originals, centre stand, 1,900 miles, £5000.Tel. 01323 833694.

E Sussex.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T100 790cc, Anniversary model, low mileage bike, 5,200 miles, good condition, fitted with centre stand, screen, rack, silver and orange, first to see will buy, £3750 ovno.

Tel. 01207 232918. Durham.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE AMERICAN 2006, tax July 14, test Sept 14, fly screen, custom seats, all chrome extras, sissy bar and rack, £3500 ono. Tel. Nigel 01246 431269. Derbys.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE SE 2013, orange and black, still under warranty, as new, 2000 dry miles, centre stand, Givi box, variflow screen, £5500. Tel. 07778 728058. Merseyside.

TRIUMPH DAYTONA 955I Speed Triple, silver, Cat D, but just fairing damage and removed, fat bars and twin headlamps fitted, stumpy exhaust, 2001 reg with 11 months' MoT, exc cond, £1695 ono. Tel. 07799 823910. Cambs.

TRIUMPH ROCKET III 2300cc, final drive unit, shock absorbers, rear wheel, tyre, rear light, rear seat, mudguard, from 2007 machine, been tricked, surplus to requirements, sensible offers please. Tel. 07773 128422. Kent.

TRIUMPH ROCKET THREE Phantom black, 2013/13, 1500 miles only, Triumph warranty, crash bars, Sissy bar, Triumph cat 1 alarm, tax,V5, paper work, keys & fobs intact, £9750. Tel. 07775 680094. Essex.

TRIUMPH SPRINT 1050 ABS, (rare), 07 plate, 17,300 miles, burgundy, kept garaged, good condition, tax and MoT, genuine buyers only please. £4050 ovno.

Tel. 01353 654055; 07970 395684. Cambs.

TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD 900cc, 51 plate, 18k miles, 10 months' MoT, excellent condition, ill health forces sale, £2900. Tel. 01422 847049. W Yorks.

TRIUMPH SPRINT ST 955i, Tornado red, one owner from new, 18,267 miles, mint condition, new tyres and battery, £4850; genuine sale also available wide rang elf as new Triumph clothing, cost £1000, now £500. Tel. 01246 233812. Derbys.

TRIUMPH ST SPRINT 1050 2006, blue, MoT May 2015, no tax, on Sorn, 24,800 miles, pulls like a train, loads of grunt, new battery and sprag starter, a bargain £3000. Tel. 0118 9734072; 07834 352300. Berks.

TRIUMPH SPRINT ST 04, 41k miles, blue, h/grips, hugger gel seat, Scotoiler rack and panniers, full s/h, MoT 2/2015, some scratches on l/h fairing but no cracks, bargain at £1900 ono. Tel. 07815 163661. W Sussex.

TRIUMPH T21 350cc, 1962, matching frame/engine nos, complete engine rebuild, original log book, some history, taxed/ MoT, genuine buyers please.

Offers over £2500. Tel. 01389 759408. Dumbartonshire.

Subscribe to Motor Cycle Monthly: www.classicmagazines.co.uk/MCM or call 01507 529529 TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE R 2009, 675cc, 13,580 miles, MoT July 2014, tax Aug, full s/h, super bike, beautiful orange, many extras inc Datatool System 4 alarm immobiliser, belly pan, seat cowl, fly screen, gel seat, lady owner, £3990 ono. Tel. 08715 590700. Beds.

TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD 900cc, 02 plate, red/silver, having only done 4,891 dry miles, in showroom condition, lots of chrome, £5250. Tel. 01424 712319. E Sussex.

TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD 1600 inc £3000 Triumph accessories, 13,500 miles, immaculate, a much admired example, £7750.

Tel. 0758 4066040. Lancs.

TRIUMPH TIGER 100SS 1966, reluctant sale of this very useable machine, vgc, log of expenditure dating back 18 years, just had MoT, £3750. Tel. 07848 838378 for appointment to view.

Somerset.

TRIUMPH TRIDENT 750 T160 1977, sold new by Bridge Motorcycles, Exeter, one previous owner, 5,277 miles, original, untouched, dry stored, original purchase receipts, MoTs, history, documents. £15,000. Tel. 07835 709412. Devon.

YAMAHA DRAGSTER Classic 1100cc, 2005 reg, 9,600 miles, taxed/MoT, vgc, too many extras to list, for sale due to health reasons, £3700 ovno. Tel. 01485 544944. Norfolk.

YAMAHA BULLDOG BT1100cc, 02, 30k miles, no t&t, on Sorn, top box, good working order, selling due to new bike, £ono or swap for RoyalEnfield, £1750 ono. or swap for Royal Enfield Tel. 01432 830035. Herefordshire.

YAMAHA 600 DIVERSION Std. cond, good tyres, brakes, chain, etc, 39k miles, everything works as it should, Haynes manual, £900. Tel. 01474 746854. Kent.

YAMAHA DIVERSION XJ 900S 1998, 36k miles, blue, new battery, top box, on Sorn, £1250 ono. Tel. Richard 01932 821977.

Surrey.

YAMAHA R1 998cc, 2001, new MoT, currently Sorn but can tax, 19,000 miles, very clean bike, well looked after, just recently serviced, tyres only done 1000 miles, £3000.Tel. 07799 060609.

West Sussex.

YAMAHA FAZER FZS 600, 2003, good condition and running order, Datatag, fender extender, MoT July, 12,000 miles, £1575 ono.

Tel. 07765 070417. Lincs.

YAMAHA FAZER 600cc, 2004, blue, six months tax, four months MoT, good condition, £1900. Tel. 07763 529059. Kent.

YAMAHA FAZER 600cc, 02 reg, eye-catching yellow/black, mint condition, good extras, t&t, needs nothing, ready to ride away, Tel. 01579 343947 for further details..

Liskeard, Cornwall.

YAMAHA FAZER 1000cc, 07, mint, one owner from new, 6 months tax and MoT, 18k only, metallic red, been stored 2 years, too big for rider, p/x big scooter, £3995. Tel. Trev 07759 567151; 01942 888114. Man. YAMAHA FAZER 1000 2002, 22k miles, full MoT, new Nitron shock, immobiliser,oval exhaust,Scottoiler, Goodridge hoses, crash protectors, belly pan, hugger, luggage & lots more, new oil/filter, good tyres & chain/sprockets,£2500.Tel.01933 278051. Northants.

YAMAHA FAZER 600 S2 12 months' MoT & 6 months' tax, black very good bike, lots of history and receipts, excellent condition apart from small crack on fairing, 40,000 miles, runs perfect, also helmet, jacket, armoured boots, etc, at extra cost if interested, size medium, sorry can't respond to texts so please email or Tel. 07855 688555. Merseyside.

YAMAHA FZS 100 Fazer new tyres, chain sprockets, recent service, 33k, full s/h, lots of extras, or swap adventure bike, why? £2750. Tel. 07800 517512 for full spec. Milton Keynes.

YAMAHA FZR 600 Genesis,1995 N reg,American import, (UK dials) 30,700 miles, MoT Nov 14, no advisories, all previous MoTs available, tax July 14, mature owner last 16 years and always garaged, s/s downpipes, good tyres, scrape on exhaust only cosmetic (easy and cheap to replace but not necessary), road bike but could easy be converted for track. £895 ono. Tel. 07729 372278. E Riding of Yorks.

YAMAHA MIDNIGHT STAR 1300cc, 2007 (57), 3,300 miles, MoT Oct, tax Sept, s/h, perfect condition, many extras, no time wasters. £4400. Tel. 075700 40493. Gtr Man.

YAMAHA MS 50E “Popgal”, superb condition, only 2,500 miles, posh bike for posh people, shaft drive, elec start, fuel gauge, helmet lock, V5, ride or show, it’s a sweetie, £950 firm Tel. 01270 781235. Cheshire.

YAMAHA XJ6 Lowered Diversion F ABS, on a 10 plate, 13,411 miles on clock, two owners, full s/h, new Meta alarm, Scottoiler, tank cover, new gold chain and sprockets, Michelin pilot tyres, tax til Mar 15, will put new MOT on, Givi panniers and rack if wanted, £3395. Tel. 07877 665022. W Sussex.

YAMAHA MT03 2008, excellent condition, t&t, h/grips, Scottoiler, pannier rails, 10,000 miles, runs perfect, £2800. Tel. 07772 926060. N Yorks.

YAMAHA R1 59 reg, black/gold with tail tidy & tank protecter, immaculate condition due to very low mileage of 2289, why pay £12,000+ for a new one when you could buy this for £6950, new MoT when sold. Tel. 07880 437688. Bristol.

YAMAHA R1 08, reg 2009, 16,000 miles, UK bike, US spec (missing flash and hazards on left hand switches), end cans, stubbies, all original parts, good tyre, full history, data tool 4, test rides recommended, lowered but can be re-adjusted to suit taller person.

Tel. 07917 248286. Cheshire.

YAMAHA RD 250 1977, 5 months' road tax, 5 months' MoT, lots spent on parts, ongoing project, parts missing, front indicator, centre stand, matching now, Tel. 07443 224944.

Northampton.

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YAMAHA RS200 15k miles, 1982, vgc, t&t, elec/kick start, new pads, chain and sprockets, 12v, much history, rare example in this condition, £1350 ono. Tel. 01582 596948. Beds.

YAMAHA SRX 400 1985, 17,432 ams, fully restored, top end o/hauled, beautiful condition, dry ridden, ready to show or ride, t&t, some spares, £1700. Tel. Bob 01332 702496; 07973 863564.

Derbys.

YAMAHA TY80 72cc, kids trials bike, runs, ideal for restoration, £175. Tel. 0208 3867210. Herts.

YAMAHA VIRAGO XV 535 exc cond, full MoT, stainless Motad, screen, backrest, my wife’s for 17 years but hardly used, v low miles, recent tyres, £1295 ono.

Tel. 02476 603932; 0776 0733053. Warks.

YAMAHA XJ 600S Diversion, W reg, 32,500 miles, met red, very good condition, new tyres, MoT till Apr 15, no tax, Tel. 01639 700728. Glam.

YAMAHA XS 6500 1977, 31,500 miles, s/s rims and spokes, Norton Peashooter silencers, black and yellow, owned 11 years, now too heavy for me, £2500. Tel. 07919 672390. Lancs.

YAMAHA V-MAX 1200cc trike, full power Jaguar axle, all s/s, 30k miles, Datatool alarm, immobiliser, custom paint, LED lights, year’s MoT, registered 3-seater seat belts, new clutch, battery, rectifier, £5000. Tel. 01322 370805. Kent.

YAMAHA XJ6S Diversion, 2010, 4,850 miles, showroom condition, MoT March 2015, tax May 2010, £3700. Tel. 07749 819106. W Mids.

YAMAHA XJ750 Cafe Racer, 1981, new build with one off bespoke alloy bodywork, new tyres, many new parts, too much to list, comes with 12 months MoT & six months tax, £3600 ono.

Tel. Alan 07745 553398.

Northumberland.

YAMAHA XJ900S Diversion, 2002, tax Sep 2014, MoT April 2015, 21,500 miles, as new tyres, recent battery, top box, original handbook and tools, all past MoT certs, good condition, £1500 ono.

Tel. 07742 203993. Lancs.

YAMAHA XJR 1300 SP 2000X, 8,000 dry miles, blue, mint condition, Scorpion cans, Goodridge hoses, Givi screen s/s cooler cover, £2200. Tel. 07813 249967. Warcs.

YAMAHA YZF 1000cc, red/silver, s/room condition, 2 keys, alarm, immob, data tagged, new tyres, MoT and tax, low mileage, £1850. ono; poss p/x Tel. 07925 340627.

Avon.

CLASSIFIED

Selling your bike is FREE for private readers

Online: www.motorcyclemonthly.co.uk Email: freeads@motorcyclemonthly.co.uk Post: MCM Reader Adverts, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle LN9 6JR YAMAHA XV 500 1983, good condition, mag wheels, mono shock,with original tool kit,£575.or swap for fender or Gibson electric guitar Tel. 01747 821673. Dorset.

YAMAHA X-MAX YR 400cc, latest model, too powerful for mature owner, looking for bad boy/girl to tame it, used 10 weeks only, ‘mint superscoot’, hold on and enjoy a ‘super ride’, £4444.

Tel. 07500 163078. Humbs.

YAMAHA YBR 250 4,200 kms, UK bike, heated grips, Scottoiler, centre stand, excellent condition, Tel. 07738 384878. W Yorks.

YAMAHA XV535DX shaft drive, 1999, 7500 miles, new MoT, new battery, workshop manual, handbook, recent tyres, dealer serviced, £1595. Tel. 02380 262834 or 07843 352979.

Hampshire.

YAMAHA XVS 950A Midnight Star, 2009, t&t Mar 15, 5,200 miles, polished to death, almost every extra fitted, full s/h, £ ovno, Immaculate, one previous owner, £4950 ono. Tel. 07736 021456.

Cheshire.

YAMAHA XVS1100A 2006/7, Dragstar, black & chrome, just 20,000 miles, one owner from new, immaculate, t&t many extras just, £4200 ono. Tel. 01257 793509. Lancs.

YAMAHA YBR 1,204 miles, 10 months’ tax, 2012, vgc, two keys, new Givi top box, garaged, dry use only, £1560. Tel. 01633 669121. Newport City, Wales.

YAMAHA YZF-R125 registered Sep 2012, 449 dry miles from new, garaged, perfect condition, 15 miles from Cardiff, £3100. Tel. 07739 525920. Glamorgan.

Parts For sale

AJS STORMER 250cc, matching crankcase, £80; conroe assembly, £100; inner timing cover, £30; all in vgc. Tel. 01209 212276. Cornwall.

BMW R100 RS/RT 1982, seat, grab rail/rack, chromed, good condition, £35 will post. Tel. 01902 331807. Wolvs.

BMW R1200GS Remus stainless exhaust can, matt black, all fittings, as new, £225. Tel. 07771 807042. Lancs.

BMW R80/R65 genuine mono shock handlebar, screen, excellent condition, cost £268, sell £100.

Tel. 01902 331807. Wolvs.

BMW RS FAIRING taken off R90S, c/w fittings, indicators, brackets and screen, in R90S colours (orange), vgc, £295. ono; buyer collects. Tel. 07800 527698; 01773 862761. Notts.

BREAKING: HONDA CB 250K 1972, complete bike, Honda SS50, 1976. Tel. 01291 423392.

Chepstow.

BATTLAX BRIDGESTONE 170/60ZR17 TYRE 5mm tread, good condition, £20; also top box, fibreglass, £6.Tel. 07752 443794 for more details. Denbighshire.

CARBURETTOR original 276, 15/16". S7/S8, £65; amal concentric with cables, 600 series, £75; forks S8, with yokes, less ears for h/light, £120; sidecar fittings, S7 hub, £40; rocker cover, £45; s/plugs, alloy cover, £45.Tel. 01407 830090.

CB900 ENGINE CASES with crank, rods gears, £65. Tel. Vick on 07804 563383. W Mids.

CAGIVA M170 125cc, frame 1993, swing arm, top and bottom yoke, sub frame, footrest, hangers, all p/coated in black, also tank, seat pads, radiator, front mudguard, seat, plastic, job lot, pair indicators, TDM 850, 96 onwards, unused Gen Yam, £25 plus post; motorcycle denim jacket, med good cone, padding on back and sleeves, all zips and fasteners good, £29. Tel. 01744 181226.

07837 638409; Merseyside.

CG125 PARTS seat £25; headlight brackets £20; clock bracket £10; batery holder £10; rear light and mudguard £15; silencer £20; foot pegs £10 a pair, plus a few other parts or £130 the lot. Tel. 07752 443794.

Denbighshire.

CG125 PARTS: seat, £25; rear light, £10; kick start, £15; battery holder, £10; side panel, £7; rear mudguard, £10; honda forks badge, £7; and some other parts or the lot, £90.Tel. 07752 443794 for more details. Denbighshire.

CLARKES STRONG ARM m/cycle lift, ideal for Harleys & quads etc, excellent condition, £80 ovno. Tel. John on 01795 533465. Kent.

DIVERSION PARTS Haynes manual £10; screen £10; coils £20; starter motor £25; cdi £20; rectifer £15; oil pump £15; engine cover £5; light switches £10 each plus some other parts or £140 the lot. Tel. 07752 443794.

Denbighshire.

DOUGLAS MAG TWIN £150; Lister water pump, £75; tonneau centre zip cover, £50; carburettors, 376/375, 389/276, c130 Sunbeam S7 & 8 parts, lots of sidecar fittings, old 1 leg vice, £45; oil cooler, 8 1/4" x 3" x 2 1/4", £45. Tel. 01407 830090.

Anglesey.

DUCATI STANDARD CANS with chip, only 2,500 dry miles, £60.

Tel. 07711 539523. W Sussex.

EBC FA 174 HH rear motorcycle brake pads, unopened, £15. Tel. 078940 78815. Notts.

EXTRAS: HIGH RISE RACE CAN (original exhaust also included), tail tidy, rear hugger, seat cowl (passenger seat also inc), belly pan, rear luggage rack, 3,400 miles, (West Midlands) Tel. 07783 456330. W Mids.

FULL TOURING FAIRING white, with screen, indicators and fittings, vgc, £90 ono; also 80s Sports full fairing and screen, no fittings, £40 ono; top half fairing, white, with screen and fittings, £40 ono. Tel. 01977 510546. W Yorks.

GARAGE CLEARANCE of Suzuki Goose 350 parts, includes rear subframe suspension and wheel, carb, speedo & tac, clip ons, panels, instrument panel, many other bits and pieces including nuts and bolts, any offers. Tel. 0113 2712564. West Yorkshire.

GIVI V35 PANNIER LINERS in new condition, pair of inner soft bags for V35 case. Monokey side panniers, new, but no packaging; equipped with two pockets, handles and a shoulder strap, £17.

Tel. 07949 569509. Cheshire.

HARLEY DAVIDSON Sundowner seat, deep bucket, fits Fatbob, £100. Tel. 0777 3347177; 0121 4768734. B'ham, W Mids.

HONDA C50 TO C90 ignition switch and helmet lock, both in good working order with key £20, also fiberglass top box, £8. Tel. 07752 443794. Denbighshire.

HONDA CB 1300SA 1300cc, mono rack, side arms, Givi mono rack, 3 top plate, Puig d/bubble screen, dark tint, Tel. 07541 165229. Glos.

HONDA CB 250 69-75, pair Hepolite +0.5mm, nos boxed pistons with cylinders bored to suit, unused, £100; Suzuki ZR50 incomplete rolling chassis for restoration, 1980/1, £75. £75. Tel. 01293 410976. Gatwick.

HONDA CB 500T 1976, almost complete engine plus some spares, £195. Tel. 0781 1062596 Herts. info. more for hamerhub@gmail.com PARTS: CD200 HONDA Dismantled engines, forks, wheel and lots of small parts, no tank, exhausts, mudguards or seat, best offer for the lot. Tel. 01536 516786. Northants.

HONDA CB 750 K1/2 spares, hubs, chainguard, clocks, £100 the lot; Velocette engine, 250cc, 1934, excellent, £998; Lucas headlamp, 1930s, ammeter and switch, £250; Harley headlamp, 1940s, new, still wrapped, £250.

Tel. 0208 8944704. Middx.

HONDA CB250 FRONT FORKS straight and in excellent clean condition, diameter 33mm, 71cm long, £70 ono. Tel. 01704 831968. Merseyside.

HONDA CB900F2 crank cases with internals, crank + rods, gears etc, £65 ono. Tel. Mike 07989 244491. West Midlands.

HONDA CBR 600F 1988, 36k miles, unused 10 years, a few missing bits, £395; also Yamaha SR125 bits, seat, tank, stands, rear brake pedal, £17 lot; rear racks, CG 125, CB125, SR 125, £10 each; buyer collects. Tel. 01525 378332. Beds.

CBR600FT/FV/FW HONDA extended rear mudguard/hugger, £20. Tel. 01902 276738. W Mids.

HONDA CX500 broken for spares, various items, Yamaha V-Max, rear mudguards, Yamaha FJ1200 fairing, engine parts, gearbox, rear wheel side cover etc, Kawasaki GT 500 tank, good condition; Guzzi Pantera fairing. Tel. 01268 696803. Essex.

HONDA DEAUVILLE 650 2002 model, breaking - Simon Tel. 01784 461961. Heathrow area.

HONDA F6C VALKYRIE Jardine exhaust system, nice tone, not too loud, £160. Tel. 07711 539523.W Sussex.

HONDA GOLDWING GL1000 exhaust system, Jama original, chrome, very good condition, £175. Tel. 01617 666353. Lancs.

HONDA MTX 125 1983, spare parts:- exhaust, £15; clutch, £15; gaerbox, £30; reed valve and inlet manifold, £10; c/head and water jacket, £10; sump guard, £10; air box, £10; top & bottom yokes, £10 the pair. Tel. 01935 706269.

Somerset.

HONDA NC 700 Skidmarx, large screen, as new, £40. Tel. 0121 7449111; 07729 910982.W Mids.

HONDA VFR 750 front pads, £10; Haynes & Clymer VFR 86-94 workshop manuals, £10 each; post at cost, pads new in boxes, manuals, vgc.Tel. 02380 812440.

Hants.

HONDA TRANSALP 650cc, Honda low seat, as new, £50. Tel. 01455 553254. Leics.

HONDA TRANSALP 650 XL seat, high variation of the Transalp seat, excellent condition, this is a complete seat, £150. Tel. 07979 569509. Cheshire.

HONDA VFR 800 ('01-'12) luggage fitting rack, with panniers, (one crash damaged), spare keys and lock included, Pearl Heron blue (PB332), Collection preferred. £80 ono. Tel. Surrey.

6511175.

0208 tobini@btinternet.com HONDA VFR V-TECH Staintune exhaust, excellent condition, no Power Commander needed, c/w removable baffles, these are the best sounding/locking cans you can put on a VFR, cost new £1800, price £600. buyer collects Tel. 01795 534693. Kent.

KAWASAKI KMX 125/200 spares: Z200, GPZ 550 H2, GT 550, GPZ 600R, GT 750, GPZ 400 a/c 86, GTR 1000, Honda CBX 750 engine, spares, headlights, forks/yoke, wheels, fairing, frame, clocks, oil cooler and pipes, Moto Guzzi 18" wheels, alloy, black.Tel. 07858 134475. Durham.

KAWASAKI VN CLASSIC 1700, black, 3,500 miles, tax Mar 15, due 1st MoT this year,pristine condition, garaged, leather panniers and leathers inc, £8000 ovno. Tel. 07753 447560. Wrexham.

KAWASAKI Z KONI DIAL-A-RIDE Classic twin shocks, suit Z650/750/900/1000/1100 & GPZ, adj pre-load and damping, newly p/coated springs, vgc, no leaks.

Can email photos. £95. Tel. Simon 07788 442155. Bath.

KAWASAKI ZX6 F2-F3 600cc, one pair of Armstrong brake pads, boxed, unused, £13 plus post; front oil cooler pipes for ZZR 1100, G model, good condition, £15 plus post; 2 Givi top plates, one plastic, one alloy, £10. each or both for £18 Tel. 01744 638409; 07837 181226. Merseyside.

KAWASAKI ZZR 1400cc, 2007, full standard exhaust system, no rust, £80 ono; original screen, excellent condition, £25. Tel. 01295 272068. Oxon.

KRAUSER PANNIERS c/w keys and rack, good clean set for your classic bike, £120 ono. Tel. 01704 831968. Merseyside.

KAWASAKI Z200 front & back mudguard, left & right panels, Haynes Z200 manual for sale, then a Golf front grill, bumper, Mk 2 and Astra tail lights, Mk 4 for sale.Tel. 07789 233263.W Yorks.

LAVERDA 1000 FRONT FORKS absolutley straight, needs rechroming, £100 ono. Tel. 01704 831968. Merseyside.

LIGHTNING NEW BSA 650 7.5.1. pistons, +40, c/w new rings and gudgeon pins, make is AE, £100. pair Tel. 075440 62517. Notts.

LOWER SEAT for 2012 Suzuki 650 V-Strom, as new, £50 ono; pair of large pannier lids for Honda Deauville, dark red, vgc, £50 ono.

Tel. 0116 2402726. Leics.

MATCHING TYRES 2.75 x 18 and 3.00 x 18, taken from new bike, delivery mileage, £25 pair; original Triumph 650 pistons, now E6862, std, £80; Classic Race style fibreglass petrol tank, 3 gall??, £20. Tel. 01293 410976. Gatwick.

NITRO MOTORCYCLE HELMET large, gold with Visa and JTS black leather bike gloves, large, thermal lined, as new, £25. both Tel. 01543 372978. W Mids.

NUMEROUS GL1200 SPARES spares and chrome bits, rear section America/Speedmaster silencers, boxed, £300; CBF tank cover, tan, £35; CBF front Vetter £30; mudguard, Windjammer fairing, £150; Diversion 900 handbook, £10.Tel. 07930 663930. Lancs.

ORIGINAL HONDA EXHAUST from a 2006 fuel injected CBR 600F, Honda part no 18310MBW-G01, in excellent condition with a rubber stop for the centre stand and threaded hole for an oxygen sensor, £50. or open to reasonable offers. Tel. 07769 321550. Aberdeenshire.

PAIR BRIDGESTONE Battlax tyres, 120 x 70, 170 x 60 suit VFR750, FNTOFV, some Triumphs, Suzukis, Yamahas, Buells, absolutely transforms handling, bought for now sold 750FV, £175 collected or plus £30 courier local delivery free. Tel. Paul 07876 524870; 01522 792104. Lincs.

PUIG CRASH PADS for Yamaha FZ6 04-10, £25; crash mushrooms as new, buyer collects. Tel. 07981 286469 for details. Gtr London.

R1200 RT front wheel from 2008, 13,000 mile bike, complete with professionally bearings, straightened and painted,£275.Tel. Derrick 07976 529460. W Yorks.

RENNTEC HANDLEBARS anodized, blue, 22mm dia, 75cms long, new/unused; pair baffle packs for Scorpion carbon cans, 11cms dia x 40cms long, Tel. 01372 842327. Surrey.

R & G AERO CRASH PROTECTORS c/w all fittings/teardrop shaped bobbins for Suzuki GSF 1250 GT (faired version), £85 ono.

Tel. 0789 4078815. Notts.

SPARES FOR KAWASAKI GTR 1000 1991, wheels front/rear, battery tray, belly pan, left side fair, left side panel, fuel switch, starter motor, solenoidCDI unit, final drive, drive shaft, clock, boxes with brackets, no keys, fairing screw location board, £130. Tel. 07453 283560. W Mids.

SUZUKI 1200 K6 Bandit Yoshimura TRS s/s tri-oval exhaust, link pipe and strap inc, immac, £140 ovno. Tel. 07984 379407. W Mids.

SUZUKI B120 cylinder barrel, (new), £40; Haynes manual, £5.

Tel. Mike 01932 785992. Middx.

SUZUKI BANDIT 1200 Haynes manual, 95-04, 600/1200, vgc, set of Mk 1 1200 pilot jets, 37.5, 09492-35010, unopened set of 4, manual, £15; 4 x jets, £15 posted.

Tel. 01962 733677. Hants.

SUZUKI BANDIT 1250 GSF rear grab handle, in black, to fit 2009 model, £15. Tel. 07949 569509.

Cheshire.

SUZUKI HYABUSA K5 1300 Baglux tank cover, silver/blue, K5, 2005 plus bag, as new, used twice, £130. may split, sold bike.

Tel. 07920 141700; 01655 331721. Ayrshire.

SUZUKI BANDIT 1250/650 Beowulf silence plus rad, grill, as new, £160. Tel. 01432 265726.

Hereford.

More reader ads online at

www.motorcyclemonthly.co.uk

42 CLASSIFIEDS ACCESSORIES

EVENTS

INSURANCE

ACCOMMODATION/TOURING

The Lion

Llanbister, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, Mid Wales LD1 6TN. Tel/Fax: 01597 840244 Email: lionhotel_llanbister@btinternet.com www.lionhotel-llanbister.co.uk

Small, friendly, family run country pub set in beautiful unspoilt countryside of Mid Wales.

Bed and Breakfast available or self catering in log cabins half a mile from The Lion.

INDOOR STORAGE AVAILABLE

BIKE CLEANING MOT

EXHAUSTS

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

MOT AND SERVICING

T: 0 12 0 2 3 74 0 4 2

M : 0 70 17 5 10 0 0 8

BOOKS

DYNO

CLASSIFIEDS 43 MOT AND SERVICING

RESTORATION

SERVICES

OFF ROAD SEATING

TOURING SHOT BLASTING & POWDER COATING

PAINTWORK

SECURITY SPECIALIST KEY CUTTING

Motorcycle keys cut to code Motorcycle keys made to locks

Tel: 01522 532038

SPEEDOMETERS/COMPUTERS PLASTIC REPAIRS

PARTS AND SPARES

W E H AV E M O V ED

TRAILERS

Un it51, W rights Bu sin ess P ark, CarHill, Balb y, D on casterD N4 8D E

Fora ll you rG en u in e & Pa ttern ed Spa res

Tel. 01302 32 98 03/01302 365 42 2

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

TRAINING COURSES

N FL M OTOR CYCL E Trade TR AIN IN G & TES TIN G advertisers • C BT TRA INING call on • FULL TEST/ DIREC T A C C ESS D riving Standards Agency 01507 Approved 524004 Te l: 0 190 2 494422 SPARES AND REPAIRS

D M S D IS C OUN T M OTOR C YC LE S P AR ES

Email: info@lincolnsecurity.co.uk www.lincolnsecurity.co.uk

SERVICING

TRACK DAYS

TRAILERS TYRES

TOOLS

44 CLASSIFIEDS TYRES

WEB WATCH

WANTED

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#"$!$

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

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

45

46 USED BIKE RIDE

USED TEST:

2012 Honda NC700X

“NICE BIKE MATE…” 2005 DUCATI 999s

Dealer’s price: £4595 | 51bhp | 46lb-ft | Liquid-cooled parallel-twin Words and photos: Bob Pickett

TAKE half a car engine, stick it in a funky trailbike-style frame, shove the fuel tank under the saddle. Bike shed project? Nope, say hello to Honda’s attempt at, while not saving the planet, at least using up those precious fossil fuels that bit slower: the NC700X.

Give me some spec

The NC700X features a 690cc, fourstroke parallel-twin putting out a modest 51bhp. It’s effectively half a Honda Jazz car engine; the car and bike teams put a lot of collaborative time into making this work. It’s held together by a tubular-steel diamond frame and sits on non-adjustable 41mm forks, and a single rear shock. Honda’s Combined-ABS brakes (1 x 320mm three-piston front caliper, 240mm single-piston rear) providing the stopping power.

So what’s it like to ride?

From the look of it, you’d expect the NC700X to be tall, but I could get

Dealer details

With thanks to John’s of Romford in Essex for the loan of the bike: www.johnsofromford.co.uk Tel: 01708 726048

my heels down on both sides (I have a 29in inside leg).

This is the manual version (an automatic transmission DCT version is also available), and the engine redlines at a very unmotorcycle 6000 revs, but compensates by providing instant power at the slightest twist of the throttle. Second gear is good for 50mph so for town work you could stick with that all day. But that would miss out on the slick gearbox – given the low revs and need to change gear that comes with it, this box is a godsend. In town, the lack of revs is never an issue. But out on the motorway, I went to accelerate to perform an overtake and hit the redline. A quick change up, and crack open of the throttle sorted this, but it’ll catch you out until you’re used to the performance.

The NC will easily handle motorway work (115mph top speed), but is best cruising at 80 in top.

But the jewel in the NC700X’s crown is the handling – its looks belie its turning ability. It tips in quickly and easily, and holds the line with complete confidence thanks to all the weight being carried so low. The mass of ground clearance means you’ll find yourself leaning the NC way over very quickly.

Name: Mick Maxworthy From: Grimsby Occupation: Pipe fitter and welder Owned bike for: Two years

The C-ABS is more than up to the task; new riders will not have any ‘big brakes stopping hard’ scares with good feel from the lever. A practical nod is the storage space where the tank traditionally lives, which will take a full-face helmet or a couple of shopping bags.

What nick is it in?

There’s some cosmetic damage on this one. The right-side bar weight has quite a scrape and the top of the exhaust has some chrome scratched off, which over long-term could cause some issues.

Should I buy it?

If you’re all about top end, screaming engines and track days, no. If you do a lot of town riding, prefer not to make a lot of trips to the petrol station and enjoy cornering, then yes.

The dealer wants £4595 for this 2012 bike with 11,650 miles on the clock, with some cosmetic damage. A price search was a little tricky, as there are not too many with a similar mileage, but around £4600 appears to be the norm, with bikes generally well looked after.

Tell us about it: In my previous job I used to look after a collection of bikes and restore any that needed it.The owner bought a smashed up 999, and it was my task to get it back to its former glory – I was rewarded with the job of being his test pilot. It was like nothing I had even ridden before and I fell in love straight away. I had to have one.

A few years later, I was in my local dealer looking for a new bike and as soon as I saw my Ducati 999s, I bought it, without even taking a test ride.To this day, I still get the same buzz from it as that first trip out. It’s fitted with a Termignoni race pipe (and a Power Commander to make sure the fuelling’s right), plus it’s covered with carbon fibre replacement panels. It’s also got a slipper clutch, and a few more naughty tweaks hidden away to give it a few more horse power. Many people see the rattle of the dry clutch as a down side, but love it or hate it, it gets me noticed!

Power: (standard) 140bhp @ 9750rpm Torque: (standard) 80.2lb-ft @ 8000rpm Engine: 998cc V-twin Weight: 186kg Seat height: 780mm Current value: Dealer £6000; Private £5000; Part-ex £4300

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