SECOND-HAND:
VFR800 0
RIDING KIT WORTH
£1000
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
HOW TO BUY A GOOD ON NE
L Honda CRF1000 Africa Twin
BMW R1200GS TE Exclusive
TESTED
24
HUGE POWER LITTLE WEIG GHT MEGA PRIC CE
PAGES OF TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
RIDING FROM LAND’S EN ND TO NEW ZEALAND
September 2017 No.684
DUCATI 1299 SUPERLEGGERA + BMW HP4 RACE
Does my adventure look big in this? Mikko Nieminen
W
e have a lot of ‘adventure’ content in this issue. From our test rides to the letters pages, and gear tests to travel features, the term crops up with resounding regularity. That’s probably why I’ve had so many conversations over the last few weeks about what it is, exactly, that makes an adventure, well, an adventure. And it seems that there are a lot of opinions out there. The term itself is sufficiently vague to be used to describe a wide range of activities and products, but with the increase in its use, there’s also been a backlash. Some have suggested that other terms, ‘travel’ for example, would be more suitable if a biking trip isn’t quite an adventure. But so far nobody has produced a reliable yardstick to measure where one ends and the other begins. Can you stay in a hotel during your trip if the rest of it is suitably hair-raising and still call it an adventure? Is it okay to have a shower as long as you sleep the night inside a tiny tent you erected yourself? Maybe wine gums are too much of a luxury – that would be the end of my adventures! The problem with defining what makes any activity an adventure is that no single thing looks the same to everyone. What seems a simple – even mundane – trip or activity for one can be a major undertaking to another. I would even go so far as to argue that an adventure doesn’t have to be a trip. For instance, if you’ve never ridden a motorbike and go to take your CBT, those first few yards between orange cones in a deserted car park will be an adventure, I guarantee it. But once you’ve got the hang of it and ridden for
a while you don’t even think twice about setting off from a grey concrete car park – it’s about as far away from adventure as you can get. Over the summer I’ve been having my own little adventures whenever I’ve had the chance; I switch my TomTom 450 navigator to ‘Windy Roads’ and set off. It takes a little longer to get where I’m going but I avoid the main roads, traffic and most of all, riding the same roads all the time. I have discovered new places, met interesting people and bagged some great routes on my travels. And yes, I call them adventures because for me, they are new, exciting and sometimes a little frightening – but I guess that’s just Stoke for you. I have nothing but admiration for people who take off on their bikes to explore foreign lands, spending months on the road, surviving on a small budget and the kindness of strangers, but that’s not for everyone. And more to the point, that’s not the only way to have an adventure. There are plenty of things you can do close to home to test your resilience as an adventure biker. Nathan Millward’s Garbage Run, featured in this very issue, is a great example of an adventure that doesn’t demand lots of time or money. It doesn’t even take you that far from home – but those guys definitely had a proper adventure! After giving the matter some serious thought I’ve decided that I will be the judge of what constitutes an adventure for me, and you can do the same for yourself. Don’t let anyone stop you enjoying your adventure (or whatever you want to call it) just because they think it doesn’t fit some imaginary criteria – life’s too short. Happy adventures!
Mikko Nieminen, Acting Editor
Motorcycle Sport & Leisure’s contributors... Alan Cathcart
Alan Cathcart has been writing about bikes for more than 30 years, and riding them for even longer. He’s regularly given the keys to factory prototypes and being on first name terms with the bosses of bike companies around the world allows him to bag many scoops.
Roland Brown
Has been a professional bike journalist for more than 30 years. He became deputy editor at Bike before going freelance. The author of 11 books, as a racer he was Bemsee 1300 champion 1984 and raced UK F1, Superstock and Superbike, plus World F1 races.
Chris Moss
Mossy has raced the Isle of Man TT, dispatched in London and ridden everything from CX500s to fullblown GP prototypes. A former chief motorcycle tester for Motorcycle News, he admits he’s still loving two-wheeled life, and still learning.
Peter Henshaw
Peter knows his stuff – he’s a former editor of this very magazine. Now a freelance journalist, he’s got the same enthusiasm for anything with wheels that he’s had since a child. An all-year-round biker who doesn’t own a car, he has more than 40 books to his name.
Leon Mannings
Doc Leon is a man on a mission to promote the rights and interests of motorcyclists in the corridors of power where policy is shaped. He advises various groups including MAG, and reveals what’s really going on behind the scenes...
Get MSL extra at www.mslmagazine.co.uk 3
Contents 48
18
NEWS & OPINION: 7 News
TOURING & ADVENTURE 71 Touring news
The latest bikes, gear and gizmos from around the biking world.
Mark Kemp does the Americas.
72 Day ride
16 Latest products
Flanders fields.
Top back protectors from big brands.
74 Mid ride 70 plus in the Alps.
18 COMPETITION
78 Long ride
Win Spada gear
Not all roads are equal.
20 Your letters
82 Richard Millington
Our readers discuss everything from touring to tyre pressures.
The importance of tyres.
83 Events calendar
22 Subscription offer
All the key dates for your biking diary.
Save £££s and get the mag first.
84 Yamaha Tenere Experience
30 Leon Mannings
What are the big Yamahas really like off-road?
Guidance, regulation & vicious circles.
46 The High Sider
88 Nathan Millward
“Hello, Rossi? Yes, about that World Superbike ride...”
The Garbage Run 2017.
62 Maynard Hershon Just a Honda.
88
PAY LESS
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P22
4 Motorcycle Sport & Leisure
84
TEST FLEET 96 Ducati Multistrada
1200 S
Does it withstand the temptations of a SuperSport S?
97 KTM 1290 Super
Duke GT
It's all about pure riding fun – oh, and lots of power!
98 Suzuki GSX-S1000F Will the real GSX-S1000F please stand up?
32 ROAD TESTS 10 Benelli TRK502
99 BMW R1200GS TE
Exclusive
First impressions are as expected – very good.
101 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT Mossy is feeling the love for the Suzuki again.
The Italian brand is back...
14 Can-Am Spyder F3-S Two wheels good, three wheels better?
24 Honda CB650F & CBR650F Honda’s updated middleweight bikes tested.
32 CFMoto 650MT The first Chinese bike with real potential to conquer the West.
38 Ducati 1299 Superleggera
& BMW HP4 Race
The ultimate superbikes: super-powerful, super-light, super-expensive!
48 Group test BMW R1200GS TE Exclusive, KTM 1290 Super Adventure S, Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin.
38
102 Buyer’s guide 2010 Honda VFR800.
112 Classic test 1969 Triumph T150 Trident.
KNOWLEDGE 64 Double Duck Ducati Building a twin-engined Ducati land-speed racer.
109 Tried & tested RST Pro Series Adventure III jacket & trousers, TCX X-Groove Gore-Tex boots.
110 Kevin Cameron Upsetting times.
122 Tony Carter Buying into the dream.
September ACTING EDITOR: Mikko Nieminen: mnieminen:@mortons.co.uk ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Tony Carter: tcarter@mortons.co.uk SENIOR DESIGNER: Justin Blackamore DESIGNERS: Fran Lovely, Charlotte Turnbull PRODUCTION EDITOR: Dan Sharp PICTURE DESK: Paul Fincham, Jonathan Schofield, Angie Sisestean PUBLISHER: Dan Savage: asavage@mortons.co.uk GROUP KEY ACCOUNTS MANAGER: Steff Woodhouse: swoodhouse@mortons.co.uk 01507 529452 / 07786 334330 ADVERTISING MANAGER: Martin Freeman: mfreeman@mortons.co.uk 01507 529538 ADVERTISING SALES: Zoe Thurling: zthurling@mortons.co.uk 01507 529412 SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER: Paul Deacon: pdeacon@mortons.co.uk CIRCULATION MANAGER: Steve O’Hara: sohara@mortons.co.uk MARKETING MANAGER: Charlotte Park: cpark@mortons.co.uk COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR: Nigel Hole EDITORIAL ADDRESS: MSL Magazine, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR WEBSITE: www.mslmagazine.co.uk GENERAL QUERIES AND BACK ISSUES: 01507 529529 24 hr answerphone help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazines.co.uk ARCHIVE ENQUIRIES: Jane Skayman jskayman@mortons.co.uk 01507 529423 SUBSCRIPTION: Full subscription rates (but see page 22 for offer): (12 months 12 issues, inc post and packing) – UK £50.40. Export rates are also available – see page 22 for more details. UK subscriptions are zero-rated for the purposes of Value Added Tax. SUBSCRIPTION AGENTS: Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR CUSTOMER SERVICES NUMBER: 01507 529529 TELEPHONE LINES ARE OPEN: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8.30AM-7PM SATURDAY 8.30AM-12.30PM DISTRIBUTION: Marketforce UK Ltd, 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HU. 0203 787 9001. PRINTED: William Gibbons & Sons, Wolverhampton The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. If you are sending material to us for publication, you are strongly advised to make copies and to include a stamped addressed envelope. Original material must be submitted and will be accepted solely on the basis that the author accepts the assessment of the publisher as to its commercial value. © Mortons Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage retrieval system without prior permission in writing from the publisher. ISSN: 1478-8390 MOTORCYCLE SPORT & LEISURE (USPS:001-522) is published monthly by Mortons Media Group Ltd, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ UK. USA subscriptions are $66 per year from Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 Cty Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. Periodical Postage is paid at Bancroft WI and additional entries. Postmaster: Send address changes to MOTORCYCLE SPORT & LEISURE, c/o Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 Cty Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. 715-572-4595 chris@ classicbikebooks.com
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NEW Need to know ◆ Your letters ◆ First rides
Ace arrival in Beijing for GlobeBusters GlobeBusters ride 13,000 miles from Ace Cafe London to Ace Cafe Beijing.
G
lobeBusters have arrived at the Ace Cafe in Beijing, at the end of a 13,000-mile motorcycle ride, which started at London's iconic Ace Cafe in April and took them overland through 19 countries. Record-breaking expedition organiser Kevin Sanders led the international group of 15 motorcyclists, who come from from Austria, Belgium, Qatar, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, the UK and USA, on a Triumph Explorer XCA. It took 12 weeks to complete the trip, following the northern Silk Road, from Turkey, through Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan and then across the Caspian Sea to Turkmenistan and into western China, with a detour to ride up to Everest Base Camp in Tibet. “Finally we have made it to the Ace Cafe in Beijing,” says Sanders. “It was a very hot ride into the capital and then a fantastic welcome by the local riders, customers and embassy staff. Mark and George flew in from Ace Cafe London Ltd and it was a great fun afternoon and into the evening of well-earned
celebrations. Thanks to all the riders and pillions on this year’s ride. Now some of us are getting ready for the next section to Japan, via Korea.” This is the eighth time that Kevin has ridden from the UK to China, but the first that he will continue to Japan. In 2014, after a brief stop in Beijing, he headed south, travelling through Laos and Thailand, finally finishing in Bangkok. This year he will lead a group from the Chinese capital to the eastern port of Weihai, where they depart on a brand new vehicle ferry service across the Yellow Sea to Incheon in South Korea. Then it’s a ride through South Korea to Donghae on the eastern seaboard, and another boat, crossing the Sea of Japan to Sakaiminato, from where they continue heading east to Tokyo. The whole expedition has been organised and led by GlobeBusters.
Top Stories KTM offers touring package worth £1000 free with 1290 Super Duke GT
A KTM PowerParts ‘touring package’ worth over £1000 is now being thrown in for free with every new 1290 Super Duke GT sold. The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT (£15,999), which punches out 173hp and 106lb-ft of torque, also boasts a 23-litre fuel tank, WP semi-active suspension adjustable by the push of a button, cruise control, a quickshifter, LED cornering lights, heated grips, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and LED indicators with turn reset (ATIR). Also, as standard, are changeable ergonomics for optimum rider comfort, a one-handed adjustable screen with eight positions and the incredible Motorcycle Stability Control; providing combined ABS with a cornering function
and lean-angle sensitive traction control. Different Ride Modes, affecting throttle response and traction control sensitivity, are also easily activated by the intuitive mode switch and menu screen. The free touring package applies to all new KTM 1290 Super Duke GTs purchased from official KTM Street dealers in the UK, Ireland and Channel Islands from now until stocks run out. The complimentary KTM PowerParts ‘touring package’, which has been fully developed alongside the bike, includes the Ergo heated seats for rider and passenger, the seamless Luggage System panniers key and colourmatched to the bike and a GPS mounting bracket.
New X-MAX 400 from Yamaha Yamaha has released details of the new 2018 X-MAX 400. Powered by the A2 licencefriendly 400cc, single cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine, the versatile scooter gets a series of performance and visual upgrades. According to Yamaha this is the most compact sport scooter in
its class, and 5kg lighter than the previous model at 210kg. The new X-MAX 400 benefits from a Euro 4 compliant engine, Traction Control System (TCS) and ABS, motorcycle-type dual clamp front forks and long travel rear suspension. There’s also a
8 The original and the best – established 1962
parking brake, underseat storage space for two full-face helmets, two-position tool-adjustable windscreen, ‘Smarrt Key’ keyless ignition system, LE ED lights, multi-function LCD D instruments and two-position tool-a adjustable handlebars. The new scooter will be available from autumn 2017 at an expected co ost of £5999.
NEW Bikers allegedly banned from village pub Motorcyclists claim to have been banned from the Royal Oak at Ulley, near Rotherham. The pub is owned by Samuel Smith’s Brewery, based in Tadcaster in North Yorkshire. The independent brewery, which has around 200 pubs, recently banned people from swearing on its premises – and now biker Mark Smith says he has been told he will not be served at the Royal Oak. “Before I even got to the car park a guy greeted me and said ‘we’re not allowed in, bikers are barred’. I parked up and I was getting my gear off and a staff member came out to greet me and said ‘I can’t serve you, we’ve barred bikes’.” He said a staff member told him the decision came from the brewery, and that no reason to bar him and other bikers was given. Euan Lawrence, from Black’s Solicitors in Leeds, said bikers were not a “protected group” under the Equality Act, meaning it is not against the law for the brewery to ban a group of bikers from its pubs.
“While many people would say ‘well in the plain English meaning of the word discrimination then yes it is discrimination. But for the purposes of the law and whether or not there is a remedy in respect of that discrimination – the short answer is there is not.” MSL contacted Samuel Smith’s Brewery for further clarification – but had not yet received a response at the time of going to press.
Motorcycle Live 2017 tickets on sale now Advance tickets for Motorcycle Live – the UK’s biggest bike show – are on sale now. The show will open its doors at The NEC, Birmingham from November 18-26, 2017. Buyers who pick up their tickets ahead of the show will benefit from significant savings in comparison to the on-the-door price and will also be in with a chance of winning one of hundreds of on-the-spot prizes in the show’s 2017 Golden Ticket promotion. Motorcycle Live is the chance to see the brand-new machinery from the world’s leading
motorcycle manufacturers on display in the UK for the very first time. Advance tickets are priced at just £19.50 per adult, £12 for Seniors, £1 for 11- to 16-year-olds and free for children aged 10 and under (under 16s must be accompanied by a paying adult). There is also a £25 advance ticket, which includes entry to the show and a Spada bag worth £29.99. To book, call 0844 581 2345 or visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk.
Jurby T-shirts raise funds for charity • Over the past two years, Wemoto has raised over £26,000 for the Manx Grand Prix Supporters’ Club through the sale of its Festival of Jurby T-shirts. This year it wants to raise more. It is the 60th anniversary of Bob McIntyre becoming the first person ever to lap the 37.73-mile Mountain Course on the Isle of Man at over 100mph this year, and the 2017 T-shirt design celebrates his achievement. All profits raised from the sale of the T-shirts go to the MGP Supporters’ Club. A charity which helps to fund the MGP’s lifesaving helicopter ambulances on practice and race days during the Manx Grand Prix. The charity also supports injured MGP riders and their families, as well as donating funds to help with medical equipment such as new stretchers and a new ambulance which will support all motorsports on the island. Thus, the 2017 Festival of Jurby T-shirts are a stylish way of both celebrating Isle of Man racing history and helping to support current riders. They’re endorsed by John McGuinness and other racing legends, and available to buy for just £10 at wemoto.com or in limited numbers at this year’s festival.
Get MSL extra at www.mslmagazine.co.uk 9
Test Ride
2017 Benelli TRK 502
RISE OF THE
PHOENIX Benelli is back with a bang with its all-new learner friendly adventureoriented TRK 502.
T
WORDS: Ross Mowbray PHOTOGRAPHY: Gary Chapman
he TRK 502 is the first in Benelli’s new range of middleweight machines using the same 499cc, liquid-cooled, eight-valve parallel-twin engine. It’s a fantastic engine that offers smooth power straight from the off. Thumb the starter, and it booms immediately into life, settling to a (slightly high) 1400rpm idle while delivering a muted but menacing throb. The A2 licence-friendly engine pulls from 2000rpm to the 10,400rpm redline in twist-and-go style that
requires minimal use of the six-speed gearbox – making it perfect for learners. Admittedly acceleration can be a little leisurely, but it does weigh in at a relatively hefty 213kg dry. It’s also got a 20-litre fuel tank that Benelli reckons will deliver an impressive 300-mile range. The speeds it’s capable of are more than adequate for most commuting situations; it’ll sit comfortably at 65-75mph, and if you really push it, you’ll be able to get up to 100mph – though not especially quickly, so you’ll need to plan overtakes well in advance. Gear changes are smooth and efficient. The suspension is good too,
10 The original and the best – established 1962
ABOVE: The Benelli is not afraid of a bit of water.
a little soft, but it offers a comfortable ride. The front features inverted forks, and the rear has a single telescopic oil-damped coil spring. They can feel a little spongy under heavy braking, but that’s the sacrifice for comfort on pothole laden roads. For stopping, you’ve got ABS assisted twin 320mm discs up front with twin-piston calipers, and at the rear a single 260mm disc. They’re quite progressive, and need quite a bit of pressure if you want to stop in a hurry. The wheels are both 17in, but there’s talk of Benelli introducing a more off-road oriented TRK 502 with a larger 19in front wheel.
NEW Specification BENELLI TRK 502 (2017) Engine: Twin-cylinder 4-stroke DOHC liquid-cooled 499.6cc Power: 47bhp (34.7kW) @ 8500rpm Torque: 33.2lb-ft (45Nm) @ 4500rpm Transmission: 6-speed Frame: Tubular steel Tyres: (F) 120/70-ZR17 (R) 160/60-ZR17 Kerb weight: 235kg Seat height: 815mm Fuel capacity: 20 litres Price: £5699 Contact: www.motogb.co.uk
Closest rival HONDA CB500X
Just £100 more expensive, the Honda CB500X is a tried and tested machine that’s a little bit lighter (196kg), and a little bit lower (seat: 810mm). There's not much difference in engine performance, so the final choice will come down to personal preference.
Givi panniers are a useful accessory to add to the bike.
ABOVE: The engine is friendly and perfect for learners.
The brakes are quite progressive, and need some serious pressure if you want to stop in a hurry.
The current model does, however, allow you to switch off the ABS if you fancy getting stuck into some off-road. It’s got a decent size, non-adjustable screen which did a good job of keeping the worst of the wind off me at speed – and a big fairing, and heavy duty crash protection to tuck behind too. There’s an easy to read dash, with an analogue tacho and digital speedo, with water temperature, clock, mileage, fuel gauge, a couple of trips and a gear indicator. All the lights are LED, and cast ample light at night. The seat is sunk into the bike, giving an almost
RIGHT: The dash features an analogue tacho and digital speedo.
cruiser style feel on first impressions – the pegs are a little further forward than average, and the bars can be a little bit of a reach. It does offer a great deal of comfort though, and allows you to soak up the miles in a relatively relaxed riding position. There’s a USB socket mounted on the left side of the fairing
In short, the TRK 502 is an affordable, accessible adventure tourer, with a big bike look and feel.
near the handlebar, which is great for charging a sat-nav, but sadly there’s no pocket to tuck stuff away in. The test bike also came with a couple of Givi metal cases mounted, which sadly aren’t standard equipment on the bike. They cost a shade over £400 from Benelli’s range of aftermarket accessories. In short, the TRK 502 is an affordable, accessible adventure tourer, with a big bike look and feel. It’s not made for speed, but if you’re looking for an old-school, learnerfriendly machine on a budget – that’s capable of tackling some serious miles – then it’s worth a test ride.
Get MSL extra at www.mslmagazine.co.uk 11
Top Stories Suzuki GSX250R lands in the UK • The new GSX250R has arrived in UK dealerships with an RRP of £4299, featuring an A2-friendly 248cc parallel twin that boasts an incredible 91.12mpg. The LCD dash gives the rider important information such as gear-position indicator, fuel gauge, and clock. The engine is designed to give the best performance in the low to midrange, producing peak power of 25bhp at 8000rpm. Intake valves are designed to optimise airflow into the combustion chamber, improving performance and reducing emissions, while a new twointo-one exhaust enhances performance in the midrange.
Ducati 1299 Panigale R Final Edition revealed Ducati has unveiled the new 1299 Panigale R Final Edition at the Laguna Seca round of the World Superbike Championship. An offshoot of the 1299 Superleggera engine, the Euro 4 compliant Final Edition Superquadro packs a 209bhp punch at 11,000rpm. It features a lighter crankshaft with a larger crank pin and tungsten balancing pads, while the con-rods, like the intake-exhaust valves, are made of titanium. As on Superbike engines, the two 116mm diameter pistons have just two segments and slide on steel cylinder liners. The ultra-compact monocoque structure incorporates the airbox and
plays a pivotal role in containing the dry weight of the new bike to just 179kg. The chassis set-up is the same as that on the Panigale R, characterised by Öhlins mechanical suspension and a 24° rake. Equally sophisticated and light is the complete all-titanium Akrapovič exhaust with high dual silencer (Euro 4 compliant), just like the one on the Panigale R that competes in the World Superbike championship. The electronics package features the Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and is equipped with ABS Cornering, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO,
Ducati Traction Control EVO and Engine Brake Control. These systems have default settings linked to the selected Riding Mode (Race, Sport and Wet) but can be personalised as desired. The 1299 Panigale R Final Edition also gets an all-new tricolour livery.
Triumph introduces Armed Forces discount • Triumph Motorcycles UK has announced that it will provide all active duty armed forces service personnel (Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, Territorial Army) with a discount off the price of a new Triumph motorcycle purchased from any Triumph UK dealer. There are two levels of discount, £220 on motorcycles up to 1000cc capacity and £300 discount on 1001cc capacity and over. It applies to all new Triumph motorcycle sales in addition to the final agreed price and any current customer offer. To redeem the offer, visit a franchised Triumph UK dealer.
New colours and model variants for Ninja 650 and Z650 in 2018 The Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Z650 will appear in new colours and graphics next year. The Ninja 650 will be available in grey or blue. There will also be a Ninja 650 Tourer version, which has been accessorised with engine guards, a gel tank pad, protective knee pads, a high windshield and soft
12 The original and the best – estaablished 1962
panniers complete with mounting frames. If you’re not into touring, there will be a Ninja 650 Performance, which will come equipped with smoked windshield, gel tank pad, colour coded rear seat cover and Akrrapovič silencer.
The naked Z650 will be available in 2018 in black, lime green and matte green colour schemes. There’s also a Z650 Performance option. In this guise the bike appears with a gel tank pad, colour coded rear seat cover and Akrapovič silencer.