Motorcycle Sport and Leisure July 2017 by Mortons Media Group Ltd

SPY SHOTS:

FIRST GLIMPSE OF THE NEXT GENERATION BMW F900GS

2017 BMW

RALLYE

OF TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

R1200GS

PAGES

FROM BRISTOL TO THE SAHARA

The original adventurer goes back to its roots

YAMAHA R6 Who said the 600cc Super-Sports class was dead?

Fallin ng asleep on the bike at 100mph and nd other th adventures d t

SU UZUKII V-STROM 650 6 The perfectly fo ormed middleweight adve enturer PLUS S DUCATI MONSTER 797 ◆ KAWASAKI Z900 Z BUYING GUIDE: 2013 TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPL LE ◆ KTM 1090 ADVENTURE R ◆ H-D STREET RO OD

July 2017 No.682

TH HE CRAZY WORLD OF NICK SANDERS

Welcome to your MSL... Mikko Nieminen

ou may have noticed an unusual face at the top of this page, so please allow me to introduce myself: I’m Mikko, and since John Milbank stepped down as the editor of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure, I find myself as the new man in the hot seat. John has left the magazine in great shape, and I will strive to maintain the high standards that he has set as he disappears off on new adventures. To say that I am humbled and honoured to step into the boots that John and so many other outstanding editors have worn before me would be an understatement. In fact, I’m absolutely buzzing, I can’t believe my luck, and I keep pinching myself at regular intervals just to make sure it’s not all just a dream. I’m no stranger to the mag: I’ve written for it for two years, and been an avid reader for many more. But most importantly, I share its passion for motorcycling. I may not be the fastest or flashiest rider out there, but riding a bike – any bike – always puts a smile on my face. Whether it’s commuting, touring or throwing my leg over a motorcycle just because I can, motorbikes quite simply make me happy. And that’s what this magazine is all about: celebrating motorcycling in all its forms and inspiring our readers to enjoy their bike and rides. It might be a new (and let’s be frank, virtually unpronounceable) name at the top of this page, but it’s not all change here. I may have less hair and more pies in my belly than the previous editor, but fear not: as far as the magazine goes, nothing major is about to change. In my opinion – and I hope that you’ll agree with me – the in-depth road tests, expert opinions

and inspiring features that MSL is famous for are the core of this publication’s identity. So, that’s exactly what we’ll keep on delivering – unless, of course, you disagree. This is your magazine first and foremost, we just put it together for you. So please let us know how you think we’re doing, and what you would like to see more or less of. Your opinion really does matter to everyone involved with this publication, so don’t be a stranger! That brings me nicely to the team behind the mag: we are in a lucky position to have a great group of people involved, including ex-editors, long-term contributors and some of the most prominent freelancers in the industry – so you can rest assured that the publication is in good hands. Whether it’s a bike test, technology piece or a touring feature, we have the best people to bring you up to date with what really matters. So there we are. Introductions over, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and talk bikes and riding! And we sure have some great new bikes tested in this issue from the new BMW R1200GS Rallye (is it the ultimate adventurer?), to the reborn Yamaha R6 (the saviour of the 600cc super-sports class?). Add to that the touring section that covers rides from Bristol to the Sahara, and the knowledge articles sure to start a few informed pub conversations, and hopefully it’s starting to look a lot like an issue of MSL that you’re used to. I sincerely hope you enjoy it!

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 ridden for 37 years and been a bike journalist for more than 30. At Bike he ended up as deputy editor before going freelance. An 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 Motor Cycle 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 written more than 40 books.

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 MSL July 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 Holly Furness PRODUCTION EDITOR: Dan Sharp PICTURE DESK: Paul Fincham, Jonathan Schofield and 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 18 for offer): (12 months 12 issues, inc post and packing) – UK £50.40. Export rates are also available – see page 18 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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38 NEW

A picture is worth a thousand words: Richard Millington

News: Long Way Back?

Events & Club focus

Liqui Moly arrives in the UK

Subscribe and save money

When the going gets rough… MotoScotland gets going

Your letters

Brexit boost for UK bike test? Leon Mannings

Nick Sanders interview: The world is not enough

Test ride: Suzuki V-Strom 650

Test ride: BMW R1200GS Rallye

Sisters are doing it for themselves

Made for me: Maynard Hershon

Test ride: Ducati Monster 797

2013 Triumph Speed Triple buyer’s guide

Test ride: Kawasaki Z900

102 Test fleet: Honda NC750S DCT

Test ride: KTM 1090 Adventure R

104 Test fleet: Suzuki GSX1250FA

Test ride: Harley-Davidson Street Rod

105 Test fleet: Suzuki V-Strom 650

Test ride: Yamaha R6

The reign in Spain: The High Sider

106 Test fleet: Ducati Multistrada 1200 S

TOURING

KNOWLEDGE

107 Test fleet: Suzuki SV650

‘Boutique’ tours are go

110 Tested: Bering Carter jacket, Hood jeans, Absaar mini jump starter, Oxford tank bag

England: Bristol and west

112 Classic test: 1981 Kawasaki GPz550

Italy: Europe for foodies, part two

Africa: Pass test, head south

122 Technology is not a choice: Kevin Cameron

112

NEW Need to know ◆ Your letters ◆ First rides

Long Way Back? Charley has been saying lots about a possible third time out on bikes with Ewan in another adventure.

otorcycling man Charley Boorman has said that he and Ewan McGregor could do a third Long Way motorcycle trip. Although the comments made by Boorman might come as a surprise to some, it does follow the mention of a third trip, tentatively called Long Way To Go and revealed in the last few pages of The Long Way Down book. Boorman made the announcement earlier in May on BBC Radio 5 live’s programme while being interviewed by presenters Nihal Arthanayake and Sarah Brett. During the chat Boorman told the pair: “We always talked about doing a third one, whether that’s South America or somewhere else in the world…” When Arthanayake asked: “Not the Middle East?” Boorman replied with: “Well not at the moment but, you know, everything changes, but you know I’d love to do another one with Ewan and we said that maybe we do it when we’re much older and really grumpy and we’d go ‘oh it was much better in our day!’ Going ‘Look at all these people riding so fast!’ “It would be quite fun, wouldn’t it? “So there’s all these possibilities and there’s so much more to do in life and I love that. You know, I lost my sister to cancer quite a

long time ago now and I remember thinking ‘Gosh, she died so young and so out of the blue really’ and I always thought that I don’t want to miss out and I don’t want to sit

there, if I make it to 80, 90 I don’t want to sit there and think that I wish I’d done a bit more you know, there’s so much to do out there.”

Ewan says he wants to do it, too Boorman’s talk of a third big trip with acting mate Ewan McGregor might have grabbed headline this past month, but it’s not the first time this sort of trip with the pair has been suggested. Back in 2010, talking on The Late Show in the USA, McGregor said that he wanted to do a big trip from South to North America. This was backed-up by Boorman later that year when Charley confirmed that a third series of Long Way was planned with Ewan for 2011: “It should be crazy stuff with us riding through South America. I’m expecting jungles, bandidos and drug lords...” It went quiet on this for some time until June 2015 when Ewan talked again about the South America trip, saying that it was still in the planning stage but adding that it could also take in a route through the Baja Peninsula in California. He said: “I’d love to do South America one day, all of it. But I think the next one will be Mexico or Baja. “I’d like to explore Baja. I’ve never done it and I know a lot of bikers go there and it’s

like good trails, good tracks off-road and on-road. So I think that will be my next trip.” The Baja California peninsula, in north-west Mexico, is over 770 miles long, and one of the country’s most inhospitable regions with four deserts, and several dormant volcanoes but in terms of distance, this section of the trip would be a comparative walk-in-the-park compared to what the pair managed in their 22,000 mile long journey from London to New York in The Long Way Round in 2004. In fact, the entire route from southern California to Tierra del Fuego in Chile is just under 7000 miles so the whole trip is quite a bit shorter than what we’ve seen before. However, as late on as March of this year McGregor said that there were, “No plans at the moment,” for a third instalment of the popular series. But with this latest chat from Charley there’s every chance that this may have now found some traction in the TV world.

Top Stories

Spy shots: 2018 GS BMW caught out during tests There’s plenty of changes between the bike that we’ve got now and the motorcycle to come. Here’s the latest spy shots of BMW’s nextgeneration middleweight GS – this is the bike that will replace the current F800GS. The bike is due to enter the German company’s line-up later this year to be a motorcycle on sale in 2018. It will be the top-of-the-range for the middleweight Adventure machines with familiar, but sharper, styling. It gets an all-new aluminium frame, revised engine layout to make the new parallel-twin motor more narrow than others in the range. The final drive is also moved from the right of the bike to the left. The exhaust on the new bike now exits the chassis on the right, the old F800GS’ unit was a left-side exit. From our picture of the new bike alongside the current bike in the back of the truck (the new bike is on the left, current model on the right) you can see how narrow the bike’s shoulders and petrol tank cover are, also. The bike gets a new aluminium swingarm and a stronger subframe too, to increase luggage carrying capability. If we compare the old F800GS Adventure, alongside the new F900GS – you can really see how much smaller the new bike is in comparison to the older machine. The new bike was run in the test session with a small, standard windscreen and no handguards.

What is also clear from our picture of the pair side-by-side is that the mid-point of the bike, where a rider’s legs reach down to the floor, has been made specifically more narrow

than on the older machine. BMW has done this to make the bike easier to paddle about on and to increase the amount of foot on the floor without having to reduce seat height.

BMW boss: We will launch 14 new models this year and you’ll be able to choose between drive trains It’s good news for BMW fans – in a new statement by Harald Kruger, chairman of the board of management of BMW, the factory boss says that there’s a load of new bikes slated to appear this year. Here’s what Kruger says about the next 12 months from the German factory: “There will also be 14 new BMW Motorrad models this year. Our customers will be able to choose between a wide range of different drive trains.”

8 The original and the best – established 1962

Kruger goes on to talk about the firm’s plans for electric vehicles (he doesn’t specifically talk about cars in this but uses the phrase ‘vehicles’) adding that in the 2017 financial year BMW has “set ourselves the goal of selling 100,000 electrified vehicles”. The company also announced that in the first three months of 2017, BMW Motorrad sold more than 35,000 motorcycles – 5.5% more than last year’s record figure. In terms of line-up for 2018, we’ve already

seen the Akula/Apache S310RR (which will become the BMW S310RR because BMW and Indian company TVS have worked together on producing the small superbike) we’ve also seen the HP4 RACE which has now gone on sale to the general public and we’ve brought you spy shots of the new F900GS which will replace the current mid-size GS in the range, but Kruger’s comment about different drive trains could be an indicator of shaft and chain drive options across popular models.

NEW

REVEALED! Britain’s most profitable speed cameras  The most productive camera charges £1661 a day  The same camera racked up over 6000 speeding

offences in just one year!

The nation’s highest earning speed cameras have been revealed, as part of new research from Carole Nash Insurance Consultants. The UK insurance broker submitted freedom of information requests to the UK’s largest county police constabularies. The results reveal which speed cameras have caught the most instances of motorists breaking the speed limit over one year and highlight the dangerous areas of the UK’s roads where motorists are advised to take extra care. The data revealed Britain’s five highest earning speed cameras were: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

A1 / Great Ponton northbound, Lincolnshire – £606,400 M180 west of River Trent, Scunthorpe – £583,500 M25 London Orbital junction 17-18, Rickmansworth – £538,500 M25 London Orbital between junction 5 and Clacket Lane Services – £373,300 A12 Stratford St Mary Southbound – £305,400

Located just south of Grantham in Lincolnshire, motorists driving northbound along this stretch of the A1 racked up the most fines in the UK, according to the new data. The camera, which has now been replaced with a more efficient logging set-up, charged an average of £1,661 a day in just one year, making it one of the most lucrative cameras in the country. Bikers and drivers travelling along the M180 close to Scunthorpe are also prone to speeding, with a camera on this stretch of road, west

of the River Trent, racking up 5853 speeding offences in a year, totalling £583,500. Unsurprisingly, Britain’s busiest motorway had two locations that featured in the top five. A camera between junctions 17 and 18 of the M25, close to Rickmansworth, was responsible for 5385 speeding tickets in one year, with motorists traveling an average of 62mph in the 50mph zone. A camera between junction 5 and Clacket Lane Services on the London Orbital issued 3723 fines to motorists who were averaging 61mph on this 50mph stretch of road. Rebecca Donohue, head of marketing at Carole Nash, said: “With some speed cameras issuing tickets that amount to well into the hundreds of thousands it’s understandable that, at times, motorists feel like they are being taxed again. “We wanted to find out which roads are prone to speeding motorists to help raise awareness of the dangers in those areas and encourage bikers and drivers alike to take extra care on these roads.”

Royal Enfield set to buy Ducati? Royal Enfield has (reportedly) been approached by The Volkswagen Group regarding the possible acquisition of iconic Italian motorcycle brand Ducati. Volkswagen is looking to offload as it considers options to fund a multi-billion pound shift to electric vehicles following the recent emissions scandal – and one way to release a bit of capital is to sell the Ducati brand. In 2016, Ducati posted sales of around £500 million, selling over 55,000 motorcycles worldwide. Ducati’s annual earnings for VW are estimated at around £85 million euros, and the Italian brand’s current market valuation is estimated to be over £1.25 billion euros. According to recent reports in the global financial press, VW has already hired investment

bank Evercore to evaluate the current market value of Ducati. Eicher Motors-owned Royal Enfield is already one of the most profitable automobile brands in the world, and reports suggest that Eicher is already examining terms related to the Ducati acquisition and possible asking price. When asked about the possibility of Ducati becoming part of the Eicher Motors stable, Siddhartha Lal, MD & CEO, said: “I have a general view on such things. We are always open to thoughts and ideas. But as you know, we are the most focused and selective company… so basically, without saying absolutely no to anything – because we never say never – we are zeroed in on our own opportunity and we do not want anything to distract us.” Get MSL extra at www.mslmagazine.co.uk 9

Top Stories Great White SHARKs

• SHARK Helmets has released a limited and numbered edition of the Race-R PRO White SHARK Replica of the helmet worn by Jorge Lorenzo at the 2016 Aragon MotoGP. There’s a worldwide production run of just 1500 and each lid comes one in special premium packaging. The helmet comes in an exclusively designed White SHARK box that matches the helmet graphics, with a White SHARK helmet cover, a Dark Smoke tinted anti-scratch/anti-fog visor, a pair of Skull Rider SHARK Attack sunglasses, sponsor stickers and SHARK eyes stickers also included. The Race-R Pro White SHARK Replica is expected in the UK from early June 2017 with an RRP of £659.99. To find your nearest dealer, visit www.nevis.uk.com or call 01425 5 4789 478936.

2018 Isle l of Man TT ferry

• The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has confirmed provisional bookings for sailings to the 2018 TT will open at 8.30am on Monday, May 29. Provisional bookings, which are held with a deposit, can be made by visiting www.steam-packet.com or by calling 08722 992 992 (UK) or 0044 8722 992 992 (ROI & outside UK). Deposits for foot passengers have again been held at £10, with vehicle deposits remaining at £50. Confirmation of sailings and fares will be sent out towards the end of 2017, with final balance payments due during February 2018.

BMW confirms 212bhp HP4 RACE carbon superbike

Yours for £68k and there’s only going to be 750 of them made BMW’s HP4 RACE carbon superbike is going on sale to the general public. For nearly £70k. Weighing just 7.8 kilograms, the frame will form the basis for the 750 individually-crafted HP4 RACE bikes being produced. Both wheels are also made using the same high-tech carbon fibre laying technology and are 30 per cent lighter than those made of conventional materials. BMW says that the RACE’s engine, electronics, brake and suspension technology put this

version of the HP4 on the same level as current factory superbike racing machines. Weighing just 171 kilograms when fully-fuelled and track ready, the HP4 RACE is lighter than the current World Superbikes and in the same league as most MotoGP factory prototypes. Developed purely for the race track, the HP4 RACE comes with a World Superbike spec engine, producing 212bhp. The HP4 RACE comes equipped with Öhlins FGR

BMW HP4 RACE:  Carbon fibre main frame in monocoque construction weighing just 7.8 kilograms.  Racing engine output of 212bhp @ 13,900rpm and a maximum torque of 120Nm @10,000rpm.  Self-supporting carbon fibre rear frame with three-stage height adjustment function.  Carbon fibre wheels 30% lighter than alloy forged wheels.  Öhlins FGR 300 upside-down forks.  Öhlins TTX 36 GP spring strut.  Brembo GP4 PR monoblock brake calipers with 320 T-type racing steel brake discs (thickness: 6.75mm) at the front.  Close-ratio racing gearbox with adapted transmission ratios.  Weight-optimised electrical system featuring light lithium-ion battery with 5 Ah.  2D dashboard and 2D data recording including logger.

10 The original and the best – established 1962

300 upside-down forks and TTX 36 GP rear suspension – the same as used in both World Superbike and MotoGP racing series. Brembo GP4 PR monoblock brake calipers also come straight from the world stage. An extensive package of electronic controls are viewed and controlled through the 2D dash, with data logger included. Dynamic Traction Control, Engine Braking and Wheelie Control can be programmed for each gear, according to rider preference.

 Dynamic Traction Control DTC (programmable for selected gears at 15 levels).  Engine Brake EBR (programmable for selected gears at 15 levels).  Wheelie Control (programmable for selected gears).  Launch Control.  Pit Lane Limiter.  Light trim parts made of carbon fibre with snap fasteners.  Paint finish in BMW HP Motorsport colours.  Production run of 750 units, each individually crafted.  UK price of £68,000 and available from September 2017.  Bikes will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and can be ordered at all BMW Motorrad Centres in the UK.

Top Stories OFFICIAL Honda designs for the V4 superbike REVEALED It’s real. It’s the V4. It’s real. That truly was worth saying twice. The reason? These actual, finished drawings of the bike from Honda itself. Real designs, real details, really want to ride it. Oh boy… Here’s the official patent filed by Honda for its 2018 V4 superbike. Cleverly, Honda filed the patents under a description for a redesign on the footrest hangers rather than registering these patents as anything to do with a motorcycle in an attempt to keep things quiet, but our story exposes the secrets for you. The way these designs were filed were to make the whole package look like some basic metal changes to an anonymous Honda vehicle, but a small part of the overall design outline relating to these documents has to show other factors of the motorcycle, namely the routing of the exhaust pipe from the rear cylinder of the motor – it’s this pipe that also has to be slightly changed to take in the footrest changes, too. The drawings also have to show an outline of the motorcycle that both the exhaust routing and aero bodywork relate to. And that’s how we’ve got our hands on these official designs for the finished V4 superbike. In the side-on view of the complete bike (right) note these things: the engine outline as a dotted line which is marked like this because it’s hidden away behind the bodywork. It’s clearly a V – also note the number of pipes from the front cylinder

Ross Noble takes on the Scottish Six Days Trial for TV Ross Noble has taken part in the infamous Scottish Six Days Trial for a new three-part TV series called Ross Noble: All Torque. The series is set to be shown on Dave, and will follow motorcycle fanatic Ross Noble as he takes part in the Scottish Six Days Trial. The three, hour-long episodes will observe Noble as he takes part in the: “Legendary challenge where the best motorbike riders in the world come together to race a hundred miles each day in a true test of stamina, ability and willpower.” Noble said: “This is one of the most technically difficult motorcycle challenges in the world – you have to ride for eight hours a day for six days on a bike with no seat. But as I do stand-up as a job I’m hoping that will help!” Dave hasn’t announced the broadcast dates for Ross Noble: All Torque – but we do know it’ll be shown later in 2017. 12 The original and the best – established 1962

and the pipes out the back cylinder which snake back around on themselves before joining up with the main, single low-mounted exhaust. On the large rear single seat unit. Other views on the patent describe the way the air flows through a ‘wing’ built into the rear unit (in the drawings below, the top of the ‘wing’ is item 43b, the gap for the air to flow through is item 50a). This is, so far, the only nod towards aero on the future model but given the length and width of the seat unit, plus the detailed description of how the air can travel down through the seat unit, it’s a major factor in the V4’s development.

Dinosaurthemed e-bike from Mugen and Honda! • Japanese developer and tuning house Mugen has joined forces with Honda to build an electric motocross bike – inspired by the T-Rex dinosaur. Mugen unveiled the E-REX prototype on the Honda stand at the recent Tokyo Motor Cycle Show – and if you look closely, you’ll also be able to spot Showa suspension and Nissin braking components (both brands which Honda owns), so just like the Mugen Shinden TT racebikes, no expense has been spared when it comes to top-spec parts. You might have also spotted the carbon fibre brake discs on the E-Rex – but we’re trying not to get too excited just yet, because it is still a concept.

The 110cc Ducati Monster lookalike

• This is probably one of the cutest ‘lookalikes’ from the Asian copycat market so far. Called the Monster 110 and costing just over £1k, this mini-me isn’t made by Ducati (you probably guessed that) but by Ho Chi Minh City based Quang Phu’ong Motor. The tiny take-offs have gone on sale in Vietnam and are physically the same size as a Honda MSX125.