On Two Wheels October 2019 by Mortons Media Group Ltd

YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE ON TWO WHEELS October 2019 Issue 29

TYRES TYR UR HANDY OU GUIDE TO

On Two Wheels

Learners

Commuters

Buying

Riding

TYPES MARKINGS FITTING PRESSURES WEAR PUNCTURES

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DSR BLACK FOREST

BIKES REVIEWED IN THIS ISSUE AJS Highway Star 125 A touch of retro bling

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Keeway RKR 125

A sprightly race-inspired minnow

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Herald Café 400 Enjoy the ride

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GLOVES S Choosing the right pair for you PAGE 21

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The future’s green, the future’s electric – but how does Zero’s latest adventure bike stack up?

INSIDE: NEWS IN BRIEF ● PRODUCT SHOP WINDOW ● UK EVENT GUIDE ● PRODUCT REVIEWS ● RIDING TIPS ● E-BIKE NEWS ● ROYAL ENFIELD BRAND FOCUS ● LEGAL ADVICE ● CLASSIFIED ADS

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NEWS

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MV Agusta and Loncin join forces. FOUR new models on the way for 2021 MV Agusta has joined forces with Chinese automotive giant Loncin to start developing a new range of mid-capacity motorcycles. The new bikes will be designed and engineered by MV themselves, and are expected to sit at the higher end of the rapidly growing mid-capacity market. Production will be looked after by Loncin, who have been producing engines for BMW for a few years now. MV’s made the move in an attempt to grow the brand and expand its product portfolio. Basically, it wants more bums on its bikes. And with the new range of mid-capacity machines, its eyes are firmly set on fast growing Asian markets. The factory’s four new models are expected to be available in dealerships from the end of 2021 – but the partnership is about much more than the new range of bikes. Loncin are looking to shake things up too, and with the help of MV are hoping to create new high-end 800cc motorcycles as part of its VOGE range. Yong Gao, President of Loncin, said: “The signing of this strategic agreement, which favours the coordinated growth of both parties, represents the joint response of Loncin and MV Agusta to the evolution of demand in the global market. For its part Loncin will field its knowledge of the Chinese market and its advanced production capacity,

Kawasaki unveils its all-new KLX 230

helping MV Agusta to expand its product line and increase competitiveness. MV Agusta, for its part, will use its design experience and its technological know-how in the production of high-end motorcycles to support Loncin in bringing its VOGE brand to become the leader of the Chinese motorcycle market in the premium sector. I wish every success to this model of cooperation and sharing in which we are all winners. “ Timur Sardarov, CEO of MV Agusta added: “This strategic alliance is an

important step in achieving our vision of the future of MV Agusta. Our goal is to consolidate our leadership in the production of super-premium motorcycles, while at the same time expanding our customer portfolio by offering a wider range without compromising on design and performance. We are pleased with this growth opportunity, which sees us engaged with the right partners and the right products, which guarantees our fans in the world a wider choice, but always with the MV Agusta DNA. “

Kawasaki’s getting back into the certainly not going to set the world dual-sport game, unveiling its new alight, but you can bet on it being KLX 230, to help off-road fans hit the super-reliable and efficient, as well as trails on a budget. being easy to manage for less We love our small-capacity dual experienced riders. sport bikes here at O2W – and straight It’s got a 21-inch front wheel and an from Japan, here’s a look at 18-inch rear, so it should be happy on Kawasaki’s new KLX 230. Priced under even the trickiest terrain. For braking 500,000 yen (which there’s a two pot SPECIFICATION is around £3,750), it’s caliper with a 265mm Engine: Air-cooled 4-stroke single a hell of a bike for petal disc up front, cylinder SOHC 2 valve 232cc the money. and a single pot Power: 18bhp @ 7600rpm Never mind that, caliper with a 220mm Torque: 13lb-ft @ 6100rpm though. Here’s what petal disc at the rear. Fuel capacity: 7.4L you need to know Not hugely Seat height: 885mm about Kawasaki’s sophisticated, but Weight: 134kg latest small-capacity more than up to the Tyres: (F) 2.75-21 (R) 4.10-18 trailie. Inspired by job. Kawasaki’s At this stage, that’s motocross KX series, the new KLX 230 about as much as we know about the is slim-line and lightweight, and is new KLX. There’s been no news on powered by an air-cooled 4-stroke whether it’ll make it into the UK. We’re 232cc single-cylinder engine. It’s keeping our fingers firmly crossed.

Hands-free phone ban for drivers 'Should be considered' say DfT According to reports on the BBC, drivers could be banned from using hands-free mobile phones in England and Wales if a group of MPs gets its way. Current laws give the 'misleading impression' that hands-free options are safe, they warned. While it has been illegal to use a handheld phone at the wheel since 2003, using a hands-free device creates 'the same risks of collision', the Commons Transport Select Committee said. An expert told the committee that taking a hands-free phone call caused 'essentially the same' amount of distraction as being at the legal limit for alcohol blood level in England and Wales. A public consultation on the proposal should be published by the end of 2019, the cross-party group said. Since March 2017, motorists caught using a handheld phone have faced incurring six points on their licence and a £200 fine – up from the previous penalty of three points and £100. The MPs urged the Government to consider whether penalties should be increased further 'to better reflect the serious risks created by drivers committing this offence'.

On Two Wheels

On2Wheels, The Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 529529 Email: editor@o2w.co.uk Editor: Mau Spencer On2Wheels is published by Mortons Media Group Ltd and printed by Mortons Print

Publishing director: Dan Savage Publisher: Tim Hartley Staff writer: Ross Mowbray Contributors: Stan Bates, Mike Cowton, Gary Chapman, Mech It Better (John Hanson & Ciaran Baker), Andrew ‘Chef’ Prendergast, John Sharratt, John Horgan Apologies to anyone we’ve forgotten Editorial design: Fran Lovely Picture desk: Paul Fincham and Jonathan Schofield Production editor: Mike Cowton Group advertising manager: Sue Keily Divisional advertising manager: Zoe Thurling Advertising: Emma Buxton-Rockley ebuxton-rockley@mortons.co.uk | 01507 529410 Marketing manager: Charlotte Park Commercial director: Nigel Hole Customer services number: 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm

First ‘noise’ cameras start trial It was nearly two months ago that we first brought you the news that the UK is to undergo trails of the so-called ‘acoustic cameras’ in the UK – new tech where microphone-enabled roadside tech can pinpoint vehicles with loud exhausts. Now the same technology has gone on live trial in France. Sited in the Yvelines region near Paris, specifically on the 17-corner rider’s road in Saint-Forget (take note of this specific detail if you’re out that way this summer), the units have been given the snazzy name of ‘Medusa’, according to the newspaper Le Parisien. The big news is that reports suggest that on their first Sunday of action the multi-microphoned unit on this particularly nice bit of road indicated 450 'peaks of noise'. What that means in terms of how loud the vehicles were, nobody is saying right now. But the fact that this number has been made public is clearly a push to persuade the public at large that this emerging tech is the way to go in terms of solving the perceived ‘noisy vehicles’ menace.

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NEWS

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KTM'S RC4R helps the NEXT GENERATION of racers

Herald unveils NEW Rambler 125 Herald Motor Company has recently announced the return of one of its most popular models, the Rambler. Priced at £2695 + OTR, Herald’s new 125cc version of its custom Rambler 250 is powered by a single cylinder four-stroke engine, which kicks out 9.6bhp. Available in gunmetal metallic, it comes with a tan seat, black side panels, a headlight grill, a short mudguard and LED indicators.

If you splash out, you’ll get two-year parts and one-year labour warranty, as well as two years' RAC breakdown cover. “It’s great to have the Rambler back as part of our range, especially as we received lots of requests to launch a 125 version,” said Nigel Blackwell, Business Operations Manager at Herald. For more information, visit www.heraldmotorcompany.com

KTM’s recently confirmed its support for the Northern Talent Cup, introducing its new KTM RC4R race bike. Dorna tapped up KTM to build a machine to help young racers hone their racing skills in the newly introduced Northern Talent Cup, which aims to find the top young riders from northern and central Europe and feed them into the Red Bull Rookies Cup series. Called the KTM RC4R, it’s a fourstroke 250cc machine, which is a step below the KTM RC250 R used in the Red Bull Rookies Cup. Complete technical specifications aren’t available at this time, but KTM has released a graphic which gives a decent idea of what’s going on with the compact race machine.

Speaking about the collaboration, Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsport Director, said: “First of all we are very proud that we have been selected by Dorna Sports and ADAC as a partner for the new Northern Talent Cup on the Road to MotoGP. It’s a great pleasure to work with young, talented riders and KTM is successfully doing this in other racing disciplines. We share the opinion that an easy entry-level bike was missing in the past, and we are happy to provide the appropriate machine for young riders with the ambition to reach the Moto3 category. This is especially true in relation to handling, service and cost eﬃciency. It was important to oﬀer an optimal price-service ratio. We are looking forward to the launch of

the Northern Talent Cup with exciting riders and race action. I am sure this concept will ﬁnd and produce new northern and central European talent in road racing.”

SPY SHOT: Yamaha’s NEW mini-Tracer breaks cover in Vietnam

A leaked image has emerged, which suggests that Yamaha’s working on an all-new small capacity Tracer. And chances are we won’t have to wait too much longer for the official reveal of the Japanese factory’s learner-legal sport tourer. A spy shot is doing the rounds in Vietnam, which shows Yamaha’s latest small-capacity machine. This time, it’s a slimmed-down version of its hugely successful Tracer 900 and 700 sport tourer. The snap’s been crudely doctored to hide exactly where the bike’s been captured on camera, but we've been able to glean a few bits of key information about the new bike. Assuming it’s a 125cc bike for a minute, the new Tracer shares a

sur prising amount w it h t he MT 125. As you would expect, it’s built around the same chassis and it’s powered by the same Deltabox power plant. There are differences though, including the addition of a taller screen and a set of higher handlebars. Admittedly, there is no guarantee it will make it over to British shores – or

if it is even a 125cc machine. With Yamaha ramping up its efforts to produce an eclectic mix of small capacity bikes for the ever-expanding Asian market, there is a good chance it could actually be powered by either a 150cc or 155cc engine. In fact, the Japanese factory is gearing up for the official launch of its neo-retro XSR 155 roadster later this month in Thailand – so your guess is as good as ours. At this stage, that’s about as much as we know about Yamaha’s latest learner-legal machine. There’s been no official information from the Japanese factory, but the Vietnamese are confident that we won’t have to wait too much longer to see it in the flesh.

NEWS

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Talking ’bout the next generation

Midland Scooter Centre’s new showroom shows it’s ﬁrmly focused on the future In the 1980s for anyone wanting to improve the performance of their Vespa or Lambretta there was only one name that mattered – Midland Scooter Centre. Since those initial days of tuning and one-off engine builds the business’ focus has moved towards supplying new and used vehicles together with sales, servicing and the supply of clothing. MSC remains a family business, currently run by Roz Webster, the founder’s widow, together with son Andrew.

Future vision

“We’ve been in our Stapleford shop since 1990,” began Roz. “It’s a friendly place with a traditional format:

workshop, spares counter, clothing area and a sales floor filled with bikes neatly lined up. Around the millennium we realised we were running out of space. Whilst discussing what our customers wanted, we realised we knew most of them by name. With our primary customer base not getting any younger, we needed to try something different by encouraging young riders and educating commuters to the advantages of two wheels over four. Instead of thinking what a dealership should be, we thought about what a dealership could be.” The strategy Roz devised meant expanding the business over two

New premises, new vision

sites. The traditional shop would carry on as normal, but the second has created an environment welcoming all-comers with a particular emphasis on non-riders and commuters. A city centre location was vital, but finding one was harder than anticipated. “There’s no shortage of retail space,” said Roz, “but that wasn’t enough. Commuters need convenience, having to use an out-of-town location for servicing isn’t acceptable. Finding premises with permission for both workshop and retail use seemed like an impossible challenge.”

Building the dream

The new premises on Colin Street filled not only Roz’s basic requirements, but also a dream list of extras. The new showroom had potential for dual use; is on the pedestrian route from Nottingham railway station to the city centre; is on main bus routes; and sits in the area of a multi-million pound regeneration scheme. “It couldn’t be better placed,” smiled Roz. Showroom visitors are taken into a space described as ‘outdoors, indoors’. Ornamental trees are spread around the sales floor; merchandise is arranged on ‘islands’; park benches are strategically placed; there's also a coffee bar. The aim was to create a streetscape concept, completed by images of Nottingham landmarks.

MSC team Stars of this landscape are MSC’s two-wheeler range, but they aren’t arranged in long rows in the traditional style. Instead they’re ‘parked’ in small groups or alone (as they would be in reality). The sales team are young and many are female. It’s about as far removed from the traditional motorcycle dealership as it’s possible to imagine.

New vision, new markets

Another plank of Roz’s strategy is reaching out to non-riders when the opportunity occurs. She’s a big fan of O2W and ensures copies are left in transport hubs and busy public spaces for non-riders to peruse. Another approach is to make riding accessible by working with local CBT providers to give taster sessions. Although only open a few weeks, MSC has secured a Piaggio ‘Group’ dealership status, offering Moto Guzzi and Aprilia brands alongside the established Vespa and Piaggio names. They are also dealers for Benelli and Mondial. It’s an exciting

Clean wheels

Roz sees e-bikes as being very much of the present. “Maybe it’s because Nottingham's declared itself as a ‘green city’ we’re seeing a healthy demand. In our opening two weeks we sold more electric machines than four-strokes.” Alongside Vespa’s Elettrica, MSC stock the Super Soco, the UK's largest selling e-bike range.

time for MSC and as the new premises prove, they’re determined not just to embrace the future, but also shape it.

Words and images: Stan

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NEWS

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Time to meet the new team

From backstreet Preston to Bangkok, Scomadi is a worldwide success story and now there’s a new team of bosses running the UK franchise The retro scooter market is big business and it’s founded on a simple principle. From celebrity chefs to style-conscious commuters, everyone loves the lines of a classic Italian scooter, but only hardcore enthusiasts want the hassle of maintaining one. A couple of decades ago Frank Sanderson, a Preston-based Lambretta enthusiast, began transplanting modern auto engines into classic Lambretta frames. These were bespoke creations aimed squarely at the enthusiast market, but demand soon began to outstrip supply. Unwittingly Frank, together with business partner and Lambretta tuning supremo Paul Melici, had created an entirely new genre of

Keeping legacy models on the road is a key priority

two-wheeled transport. Mass production soon followed and the brand ‘Scomadi’ entered the lexicon of both dealers and enthusiasts alike. Of course, where there’s money there’s competition, and the last 18 months have seen Scomadi engaged in a bitter legal dispute with its main competitor Royal Alloy. Fortunately, that’s now been resolved and both parties have effectively agreed to go their separate ways. With their headquarters in Thailand, Scomadi Worldwide is finally free to concentrate on looking to the future and that’s seen a rationalisation at the senior management level.

Restructuring for the future

Both Frank and Paul have relinquished control of Scomadi UK, freeing them from the responsibilities of acting as UK distributors and instead enabling them to concentrate on developing the product range. Although the immediate priority is the newly introduced Turismo Technica (TT) range, there’s sufficient ambition to justify Frank’s relocation to the factory. The ultimate responsibility for the UK distribution now falls to the new team behind the well established Preston-based Scootermoda brand, namely Spencer Coe, Nigel Godwin and Peter Reid.

“We’ve always been strong supporters of the Scomadi brand,” began Peter. “I’ve known Frank since school and have followed his genius from the early back street conversions; it’s a real privilege to have assumed responsibility for the brand here in the UK.” To accommodate this expansion, Scootermoda have moved to larger premises, splitting space between the existing business and that required for their new responsibilities. “We’re approaching this from the position of longevity,” added Peter, “keeping overheads to a minimum is a critical part of our business plan.” Part of that plan is an IT system that will enable dealers to track where available machines are in ‘live time’. “We’re fortunate to have a very loyal customer base,” said Peter. “In fact, it’s very rare for Scomadis to remain unsold for any length of time. That’s great news for us as a brand, but there have been times when deposits have been taken with no real indication as to when a machine will be delivered. That’s frustrating for dealers and customers alike, and the new IT system is aimed at eliminating any doubt.”

Stocking up

At the time of O2W’s visit, racking was still being installed in the warehouse and stocktaking was being conducted

The new team at Scomadi: Spencer Coe, Nigel Godwin and Peter Reid

of the spares that the new team had inherited. One question still to be resolved is that of spares for the Turismo Leggera (TL) legacy models. This is complicated due to the terms of the legal settlement between Scomadi and Royal Alloy, as spares for the TL are largely manufactured at the Royal Alloy factory. However, Peter is keen to offer existing owners reassurance. “We take our responsibilities to TL owners very seriously and are working with all parties to ensure that the customer experience is streamlined. "We’ve received confirmation that Scomadi Worldwide still hold significant stocks of TL parts and

news on how warranty claims and parts ordering will be handled can be expected shortly.” There’s no dispute that Scomadi’s recent past has been turbulent, but signs for the future are good. The brand now sits within the portfolio of Minor Industries, a Bangkok-based multi-national with assets of over $118 billion. They see Scomadi as having massive potential, particularly in Thailand’s lucrative prestige market. It may have started in a Preston backstreet, but Scomadi finally look poised to realise their full potential.

Words and images: Stan

PRODUCT SHOP WINDOW

Ixon Vest IX-Airbag U03 Originally the preserve of top level racers – airbag technology is starting to get a lot more accessible for the wider motorcycling public. A raft of big brands have been getting in on the action, from Alpinestars and Dainese through to RST and Helite. And the latest player to get involved is Ixon. Ixon’s Vest IX-Airbag is a clever bit of kit which works separately from your bike jacket – meaning you can wear it with any of your existing gear (providing it fits underneath). It’s also compatible with Ixon’s Vortex 2 leather race suit, which has been specifically designed to accommodate the airbag system. But more importantly – how does it work to protect you should the worst happen and you end up trading blows with the tarmac? Incorporating In&Motion’s tried and tested airbag technology, Ixon’s airbag vest is fitted with a number of sensors to detect movement, position, speed and a number of other parameters whilst you ride – and if something does go wrong Ixon claim it’ll be able to react and inflate in less than 55 milliseconds to protect your thorax, abdomen, spine, neck. And there’s also an integrated CE-approved back protector. Weighing in at 1.3kg – the wireless airbag is built from stretchy fabric and comes with a breathable 3D mesh lining inside. And its battery will last up to 20 hours at a time, according to Ixon. HERE’S THE AIRBAG’S THREE KEY JOBS ■ DETECT: The system analyses the

RRP: £379.99 + subscription fee / www.motogear.co.uk

users movements 1000 times a second, as it works to detect a fall. ■ PROTECT: The airbag cushion can be inﬂated in less than 55 milliseconds to protect a riders most sensitive and vulnerable body parts. ■ PERFECT : The airbags built-in software constantly collects data in an attempt to oﬀer improved protection. It’s undergone some extensive testing before hitting the market, both on the road and track. It’s been worn and tested by some of the top riders in MotoGP, Endurance World Championship, British Superbikes and French Superbikes – and was subsequently approved by the International Road Racing Team Association. That’s not all. The second phase of testing pitched the product out to 500 unique users – including consumers, journalists and dealers – who helped to cover in excess of one million kilometres across Europe in all manner of conditions. It’s worth noting that the Ixon IX-Airbag U03 vest requires an In&Box subscription to work. You’ll be entitled to 48 hours of free protection when you receive your airbag and In&Box control unit, but after that, you’ll need to fork out for either a monthly or annual subscription which’ll set you back between £110 and £135. Or alternatively – you can splash out and get a lifetime subscription for an additional £379.99.

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Oxford TRACKER Vantage

RRP: £199.99 (excluding subscription) / www.oxfordproducts.com The prevalence of motorcycle theft in big cities across the UK means that bikers need to be on top of their game to keep their pride and joy safe and secure. And it’s not an easy task. Alongside chains, ground anchors and disc locks – there’s one piece of kit that’s seriously important. A tracker. There’s a lot of choice out there depending on just what you need from your tracker – and the latest big player to get in on the game is Oxford, which has recently released its own TRACKER Vantage. It’s a clever bit of kit, coming equipped with integrated GPS technology and a whole range of useful features. And most impor tant ly, Ox ford say you w ill have

nationwide support from every UK police force if your bike gets stolen – which probably goes some way to explaining why its recovery rates are at an unrivalled 97%. And it’s not just if your bike gets stolen that the TRACKER Vantage comes into play. It’s also capable of automatically alerting emergency contacts set up in the app that you’ve had an accident. You can also choose the 'Protect My Vehicle' setting, and create a Geofence of 200 metres around your motorcycle. That means that if your motorcycle is moved from beyond its set perimeter, you'll be automatically alerted via email. Oxford also claims it’s very easy to repor t a theft – as all you need to do is click 'Calll TRACKER' while using the app p. The features don’t end there Th tho ough. The Oxford TRACKER Van ntage will help you find your bike if you can’t remember where you paarked. It’ll track your journeeys and allow you to share routess, and will even let you take a look at t he crime stats for where you’re planning to park up your bike. It’s easyy to set up too, with your local dealer lo ooking after the installation after you u’ve bought it - but it is worth noting th hat you’ll need to pay extra for a subscriiption to get full access to the TRACKE ER Vantage’s numerous features.. It’ll set you back £130 for one year, £2229 for two years or £299 for three yeaars. It’s not cheap – but seeminggly it’s well worth the invest ment.

FIRST RIDE

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Zero DSR Black Forest The future’s green, the future’s electric – apparently. And Zero is certainly banking on selling the idea. But how does their latest adventure bike stack up?

The Zero DSR Black Forest is Zero’s flagship model. It isn't exactly bristling with state-of-the-art extras or goodies you might find on other motorcycles costing as much, but it does take electric bikes to a new level of refinement. The styling is contemporary and the ride and handling are all up to modern standards.

First impressions

The bike is similar to many adventure-style bikes and reminded me of the Tiger 800. The core power plant is Zero's Z-force motor and battery pack. My test bike was fitted with the optional charge tank (a £2300 option) to enable faster charging from modern type 2 fast chargers. Batteries and motors aren't light, however, and at 207kg the bike is slightly heavier than my RF900! It isn't a bike for the vertically challenged and I couldn't quite get my feet flat on the ground when astride it. The panniers sit fairly far forward too, and make getting your leg over (oo-er missus) a challenge if you aren't 6ft tall. However, once in the pilot's position, the controls are well placed and the instruments uncluttered and easy to read. A phone app enables the LCD display to be configured in different ways, including allowing for customisation of the motor's torque and power delivery. The Zero, like all electric motorcycles, has no gearbox. Drive is achieved directly via a belt on a

pulley attached from the motor to the back wheel. The twist-grip delivers more current to the motor and makes it turn faster. It's a set up like an old electric scooter or push-bike – except the twist on this bike translates to a huge amount of ‘go’ at the wheel.

First ride

Time to get out on the road. Turn the ignition key on and a few lights flash, then a small green light stops flashing, indicating everything’s ready to go. After reaching for the phantom clutch lever and flapping my left foot about searching for the non-existent gear shift, I gingerly turn the twist grip and the bike moves smoothly and silently away. The bike’s instant response is excellent and makes it extremely easy to ride at a very low speed. No clutch slipping or throttle blipping. It would be a doddle taking this round a MOD 1 test, which makes me wonder how the testing and current licence categories will adapt to these machines…? Stopping at a road junction, my hand reaches for the clutch. Old habits are hard to break (it just shows how conditioned our brains get to repetitive actions). The bike slows and stops – silence; eerie silence. Pulling out, I open the throttle and feel the motor pull, turbine-like, and accelerating with ease. My initial urban ride was enjoyable, if a little terrifying. Pedestrians are blissfully unaware of my approach, necessitating a finger covering the

A2 LICENCE

horn (a habit I’m sure will develop amongst electric bike users) in the way I still retain my habit of covering the clutch with a finger from my days of racing self-destructing TZ two-strokes. On the other hand, the lack of noise from the motor makes the rider more aware of their surroundings and I found I was able to hear cars approaching at junctions or coming up behind me, which can only be a good thing. A quick spin on the bike was enough to convince me that it was a serious motorcycle and not a gimmick. So I took it home, found it a warm place in my garage and plugged it in ready for more serious days out over the coming weeks. SPECIFICATION

Zero DSR Black Forest CLAIMED RANGE: 203 miles (city), 96 miles

(highway), 131 miles (combined) MOTOR: Z-Force passively air-cooled radial flux brushless motor POWER PACK: Lithium-ion intelligent integrated battery DRIVE: Clutchless direct drive/belt FRONT SUSPENSION: Showa 41mm inverted cartridge forks REAR SUSPENSION: Showa 40mm piston, piggy back reservoir shock, adj preload FRONT BRAKE: Bosch Gen 9 ABS, J-Juan asymmetric dual piston floating caliper, 320x5mm disc REAR BRAKE: Bosch Gen 9 ABS, J-Juan single piston floating caliper, 240x4.5mm disc SEAT HEIGHT: 807mm WARRANTY: 2 years POWER PACK WARRANTY: 5 years, unlimited mileage CONTACT: www.zeromotorcycles.com/eu/ O2W RATING:

★★★★★★★★★★

www.o2w.co.uk 11

Riding for fun

This test was really to look at how this bike lives up to its advertised image of an adventure motorcycle, which are associated with freedom and an adventurous spirit, that's why most of us ride them. If electric bikes are going to be the future they’ll need to maintain this attraction or the market will dwindle to those needing cheap commuting. Out on the open road, switching the bike form ECO to SPORT mode is essential. The ECO mode limits top speed and has a linear torque and power delivery. SPORT liberates the legendary flat torque curve that people expect. The power literally comes in instantly and opening the throttle propels you at the scenery extremely rapidly. While not the fastest accelerating bike I've ever ridden, this instant response to opening the throttle means overtaking or accelerating away from junctions is exhilarating

and will leave a lot of sports bike riders baffled at their lack of progress as they lose precious fractions of seconds getting the revs up, selecting the correct gear and slipping the clutch on a fast getaway. This really is an exciting bike to ride when you wind it up. It’s so easy – no gears or clutch, no getting the revs just right to apex a bend and power out... It’s quite simply a joy to ride, and would be flattering to most. The suspension is multi-adjustable and the set up was fine for road riding. The bike copes with fast, sweeping bends well and the Pirelli MT-60s had plenty of grip, despite being a hybrid Supermoto/ road tyre. On tighter bends the Zero feels nimble and turns in as well as any of its contemporaries, but the fact that there’s always instant torque and you are never in the wrong gear means cornering is smooth and easy. The lack of engine braking may feel odd to some, although there’s a small amount which can be turned up on the app. By customising the setting, under coasting or braking, the motor becomes a generator and puts some charge back in the battery. As a two-stroke man it seemed pretty normal for me, but necessitates more brake use on corner entry. This showed up one of the deficiencies in the Zero – its back brake. It really isn't up to the job. It works fine, but it needs to be more powerful and progressive, especially taking into account the lack of engine braking

that’s normally used to scrub off speed into corners. There’s one stark difference in the way electric bikes soak up their charge and the way internal combustion engines devour fuel. An internal combustion engine has an optimum speed to work at, where the torque and power curves are flat and the revs are at an ideal level. Most engines are designed to cruise at speeds between 50-70mph and at a constant 50mph tend to give excellent fuel consumption. Conversely, in town whilst up and down the gearbox, accelerating and stopping, the engine is less efficient and fuel consumption increases. On an electric bike it’s a much simpler relationship – slower equals less power required, which equates to less battery drain, which means more miles per charge. Higher speed simply drains the battery faster. It’s this that’s the Achilles heel of using an electric bike for touring or ‘adventure’ riding.

Living with the Zero

To charge overnight takes nine hours on a mains. Range around town and trundling about is around 150-200 miles (fine for a daily commute). However, switch to SPORT mode with

instant torque on tap and 80 miles is about all you can expect. I took it on extended runs and on visits to a friend who lived 50-60 miles away. It required carefully planning a route, using an app called Zap Point – or a few hours drinking tea with it plugged in, sucking electrons from people’s homes, to ensure I’d have enough charge to make the return journey. And that’s the kicker. Charging is still so hit and miss. There’s a baffling amount of charger types and ways to pay, depending on who owns the charge station. Some are free; some require pre-payment and an RFID card; some take coins; and some just don't work. One I plugged into kept cutting out after a few seconds. On calling Zero directly to discuss, they were unable to tell me why. If electric vehicles (especially those

with a short range) are to be taken seriously, then companies really need to get a grip on this. You don't pull up at a petrol station, only to find the pump nozzle isn't suitable for your bike – but that's what can happen if you own an electric one. To my mind, the only way around this is for some sort of legislation to standardise charging – Tesla actually has lifted all its patents, but stubbornly other manufacturers aren't using them – or possibly some kind of battery exchange programme, whereby you pull up at a station and swap your dead battery for a full one and they then charge yours and repeat the process with the next person.

Should I buy one?

It's difficult to relax and enjoy the bike’s ride characteristics without that niggle of running out of charge at the back of your mind. As a commuter it's a brilliant, if extremely expensive option. As an adventure bike in the current climate, I'm afraid it just doesn't hit the mark.

Words: John Horgan Images: Gary

12 www.o2w.co.uk

Bajaj Auto and KTM to produce high-end ELECTRIC motorcycle

NEWS Energica and Dell’Orto join forces to develop ELECTRIC tech for small capacity bikes

Bajaj Auto’s executive director has once again confirmed that the Indian factory’s working to produce an electric motorcycle with its Austrian partner KTM – and this time he’s revealed it’ll be a high-end machine. It’s not exactly a surprise that Bajaj has recently been focusing on electric technology. It’s been well reported that it’s set to launch its own fully electric machine in the next few months. The big news is that Bajaj Auto’s boss has confirmed that it’s working with KTM to develop high-end electric motorcycles, taking its decade-old partnership away from traditional internal combustion engines. Bajaj’s executive director Rakesh Sharma said: “At this stage I can say that we are entering two-wheelers. We are not ready to say whether it’s a scooter or a motorcycle, but we are open to the full spectrum and we are working very closely with our strategic partner KTM to look at electric solution for high-end motorcycle also.” The move comes as the Indian Government is pushing for the widespread use of electric vehicles, as it looks to curb pollution and reduce India’s dependence on fossil fuels. We’ll be keeping a close eye on Bajaj Auto over the next few months. It sounds like there’s some interesting stuff on the way from the Indian brand – never mind as a result of its partnership with the Austrian factory.

Dell’Orto has signed an agreement with Energica to develop and produce electric ‘Power Units’ for small and medium-sized motorcycles for the next three years. The duo are betting on significant growth in the small/ medium electric vehicle market, and have joined forces to get in on the action. Together, they’re creating power units for small and mid-sized electric bikes. But the tech’s not just going to be used by Energica. The companies are gearing up to offer technologically advanced solutions to major manufacturers, combining Energica’s unique know-how with Dell’Orto’s design skills and international reach. Livia Cevolini, CEO of Energica Motor Company said: “Thanks to the know-how acquired and recognised

internationally, Energica aims to start the development of this motorisation, expanding our offer with a large volume segment with high potential growth in the world. Our teams are already working on new solutions to meet the new market demands.” Davide Dell’Orto, CTO of Dell’Orto, said: “This challenge well represents the continuous will of Dell'Orto to innovate not only in its core sector of internal combustion engines, but also in the field of urban sustainable mobility that we consider to be one of the fastest growing sectors for the future electric traction.” It’ll be really interesting to see what comes from the partnership over the next few years, as the electric two-wheeler market continues to grow.

14 www.o2w.co.uk

FIRST RIDE

A1 LICENCE

SPECIFICATION

Highway Star 125

AJS Highway Star 125 – striking a chord A touch of retro bling for the byways and boulevards

Lately, I have been thinking about tangible cultural heritage. Hang in there. In essence, this is an expression of the ways of living developed by a community and passed on from generation to generation. Examples can include traditional clothing, objects and modes of transportation. Now let us fabricate a little and take, for example, AJS as a community. Next take the brand’s cruiser range of bikes as objects and, indeed, modes of transport, and there you have it, all very tangible and cultural. AJS is a name synonymous with a period when British bikes ruled. They sat apart from their contemporaries for the very fact that they were hip and very rock and roll, with their low-slung saddles and sit-up-and-beg riding position. You might think that times have moved on, but really, they haven’t at all, because AJS is still speaking the language of rockmobility and remains all very British in its make-up, even if today’s bikes are imported from China. Ah, I here you mutter, Chinese imports, but fear ye not. Yes, the UK

market did undergo a period when it was flooded with cheap imports, but that came with little or no back-up in the way of spares or servicing requirements. Thankfully, with that sorted, today’s riders have a better understanding of the market, and as a consequence companies such as AJS have been happy to deal exclusively in imported Chinese bikes as options for the cost-conscious, with the support to match. And, of course, with the AJS marque comes that wonderful lineage of history and heritage.

Striking a pose

Now, should you be looking for a new machine boasting streamlined looks and a thrilling ride, then look away now. If, however, retro class and affordability tickle your fancy, and you want a bike for both utility and recreational use, then the Highway Star is definitely worth a second glance. This new kid on the block is AJS’s latest iteration of a learner-legal machine. Whilst it pays homage to a past culture (thanks in no small part to its uber-cool profile) it will sit

perfectly with the first-time or more mature rider returning to the fold and looking for something that offers a stable ride, has striking looks, is relatively inexpensive, and boasts excellent fuel economy. Squat it certainly is, akin to an elephant having sat astride it. Having said that, it’s not a straight-out-of-thegym muscle bike. When I first squished the seat with my hands, my immediate thought was that the Highway Star was going to offer an extremely uncomfortable ride, but how wrong I was. And as I sat astride it for the first time, I loved the fact that due to its low profile I could flat-foot the bike, a definite confidence booster at stop signs and road junctions.

Easy rider

Look upon the bike as the runt of the 125cc litter currently on the market, and you will be doing it a great disservice, because it stands proud in a class of its own. Wherever I parked up, it elicited positive comment and silent, knowing nods of approval.

ENGINE: 4-stroke, OHC, air/oil cooled, twin cylinder POWER: 8.4kW @ 9000rpm TRANSMISSION: 5 gears, chain drive FRONT BRAKE: 300mm twin disc REAR BRAKE: 240mm single disc FRONT SUSPENSION: Upside-down suspension REAR SUSPENSION: Twin adjustable rear shocks TYRES: 110/70-17 (F), 140/70-17 (R) SEAT HEIGHT: 690mm FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 19 litres WARRANTY: 2 years parts and labour RECOVERY: 1 year AA roadside/home-start package PRICE: £2999 incl VAT + OTR CONTACT: www.ajsmotorcycles.co.uk O2W RATING:

★★★★★★★★★★

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‘Yeah she turns me on, Alright hold on tight, I’m a Highway Star’.

Fire her up and the engine has a distinct burble. With the throttle wide open and pushed hard on the straight, however, with only minimal cylinder displacement to move the bike, I did it once only before settling back for a more sedate ride, and it was all the better for it. And as for that fuel gauge, over a week of riding, that needle had hardly fluctuated. Impressive indeed. So what’s not to like? Well, at times I struggled to engage the correct gear, especially when attempting to locate neutral as I rolled to a stop at road junctions. On several occasions I found I was still in second gear when I thought I had overshot neutral to first, so when I went to pull away, the engine would either stall or laboriously pick up speed. Occasionally it was a struggle to see the green light neutral indicator on the speedo dial due to sunlight or other factors, and it was then that hunting neutral proved to be a pure game of chance. Perhaps I need to calibrate my left boot in future. Whilst we are on the subject of feet, the pegs are rubber smooth and look smart and the part, but they might prove to be an issue in the wet, although the opportunity to test that thought never presented itself. Also, with my feet placed slightly forwards of the seating position in true cruiser style, and relaxing into the ride, I would unknowingly place slight pressure on the rear brake pedal, causing acceleration to falter, albeit smoothly, in turn causing some confusion in my mind until I realised what I was doing. Designed to improve rider safety, combined braking systems have been round for some time, and are, in fact, a legal requirement for motorcycles up to 125cc in Europe. With the Highway Star, by depressing the rear brake, only a proportion of the front brake is applied. Whilst it is an effective way of stopping, I found that down-shifting was enough to slow the bike rapidly when approaching junctions. What also threw me was the fact that the test bike’s speedometer was in kilometres, something that I presume will be rectified when imports begin

in earnest. Anyway, when at first I thought I had the bike batting along at 80 before my mind had autocorrected, I was, in fact, maxing out at only 49.7mph. No wonder I created the occasional tailback. This bike is definitely made for backroads enjoyment, where I felt most comfortable. On the A roads, once it got up to speed it was fine, but it did not take kindly to hills, when I found myself constantly downshifing to maintain any sort of momentum. Once having crested the brow and heading downhill, however, it was content to gallop away again. But then that brought into play the issue of vibration through the mirrors at anything over 60kpm, when following traffic became a blur.

Splashing the cash

For those looking to dip their toes in the world of bikes, then the choice can be mind-boggling, with plenty of nice examples out there, such as Suzuki’s GSX-R125, the Yamaha YZF-R125 and the KTM Duke 125, all over the four grand mark. If, however, bling is your thing, you have your heart set on charisma and want to save yourself a grand in the bargain, then the Highway Star stands apart. I love its classic cruiser profile, it looks both mean and cool in black, it

inspires confidence, it's fun to ride, it’s stable, it exudes presence, and it’s perfect for short commutes and gentle weekend rides in the countryside. No, it does not profess to be the quickest round the block, and having ridden one for a while you will probably find yourself gagging for something with more cubic capacity to park up next to it in the garage. In a roundabout way it’s akin to purchasing a cheap holiday home, something that you will happily return to on occasion and enjoy for all the right reasons. So thumbs up to AJS for opening the doors to those budget-conscious riders that hanker after a touch of vintage-style looks, tradition and cultural heritage, and are happy to rustle up around three grand for the privilege of washing and waxing, and

firing up for those weekend sunset rides along the byways and boulevards. Because what we have here is the type of bike upon which you want to grab a selfie on a lonely country road and post it on social media, it’s that cool. And while you’re at it, stick the iPods in your ears and tune into Deep Purple… ‘Yeah she turns me on, Alright hold on tight, I’m a Highway Star.’

Words: Michael Cowton Images: Gary

16 www.o2w.co.uk

PRODUCT REVIEWS EVIEWS

Oxford HD MAX Disc Lock

RRP: £24.99 / www.oxfordproducts.com / Tested by: Ross

Get an Oxford DISC LOCK with your Motorcycle Live TICKET

With motorcycle and scooter thefts increasingly prevalent in big towns and cities across the UK, keeping your pride and joy safe and secure is a tricky task. But it doesn’t have to be. Oxford’s new HD MAX Disc Locks could be just what you’re lookiing for to put off light-handed opportunists. Of course, a disc lock on its own is never going to be b a fully comprehensive solution. But it’s a great foundation to build on to help protect your two-wheeled transport. And because it’s compact and lightweight, it’s easy enough to carry around when you’re out and about. Plus, its 14mm shackle means that it fits the majority of modern bikes. I’ve been using it regularly for just over a month, and so far, so good. My bike’s not been stolen or tampered with, even when I’ve parked it on the street overnight. The real test would be if someone has a go at breaking through the lock, but thankfully, that’s not happened yet. Either way, its hardened steel construction and Sold Secure approval inspires confidence that it should be able to hold up under the pressure. Its anti-pick lock mechanism is protected by a dust cover, and you get three high security keys included. Don’t worry too much if you lose them, as thankfully there is a replacement service.

In essence, Oxford’s HD MAX disc lock is a great bit of kit. It’s easy to use, small and light enough to carry at all times, and seemingly up to the job of keeping your pride and joy safe. Motorcycle Live and Oxford Products have joined forces for 2019, so if you spend £25 on your ticket to the UK’s biggest bike show, you’ll get an Oxford HD MAX disc lock thrown in. What a deal.

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Shark D-Skwal Hiwo Helmet

RRP: £214.99 / www.shark-helmets.com / Tested by: Lisa Tams

Many of the features found on the £214.99 Shark D-Skwal are usuaally only found on more expensive helmets, so it really is a bit of a bargain. Okay, the shell may be thermoplastic rather than glass fibre, but it still meets ECE 22.055 and DOT standards, and we all know Shark is a reputable company so I have no concerns about the quality of it or the protection it offers. I've owned much more expensive lids in the past, but the D-Skwal is by far the most comfortable one I've ever worn.. It's 1,450g, but still feels much lighter than anything I've previously owned, and peripherral vision is superb, thanks to the wide visor aperture. There's an integral flip-down sun screen, which is activated by a dial on the left-hand side and while it works smoothly, I sometimes have to have a few shots at finding the dial. It would be easier to find it with gloves on if it had a slight lip on it. That's about my only complaint with this helmet, and it's a very minor one. It's quiet too, partly thanks to the visor-seal mechanism that helps to shut out noise and stop any rain from getting in. The overall shape seems to be very aerodynamic as it's stable at speed and doesn't give me neck strain from buffeting. The lining is anti-allergenic and removable for washing, and the helmet has been designed to allow riders to easily wear glasses under it. It's also SHARKTOOTH ready if you want to fit a Bluetooth system, and it comes with

a Pinlock system (including the Pinlock insert visor) to prevent fogging issues. I'm used to D-ring chin straps, but have to say that once I got the seatbelt-style buckle-strap system adjusted to my liking, I actually prefer it as it's quicker and easier. Just make sure you adjust it to the right tightness when you ﬁrst wear the helmet. The D-Skwal has vents on the crown and chin, and an exhaust vent at the rear to allow air to be drawn through the helmet. The quick-release visor system is an absolute doddle to use too – it simply pulls out of the mountings at the sides and clicks back in. If you want a reasonably priced helmet with a lot of functions and a lot of colour (including race rep) options, then you won't go far wrong with a D-Skwal.

18 www.o2w.co.uk

FIRST RIDE

A1 LICENCE

Keeway RKR 125

CROSS DRESSER

A sprightly, race-inspired minnow that’s fun to ride at a daft price Let me state from the off – and without a hint of disparagement – the Keeway RKR is a sheep in wolf’s clothing. Deliberately dressed to impress, its inspiration clearly hails from the pit lane, with those raceinspired lines reflecting a passion for the track subsumed into a road-going machine that will, without doubt, attract mostly new, young riders to the world of two-wheels, without scaring the pants off them. Placing a 125cc engine in a streamlined shell might seem somewhat left field, but sit astride the bike and you will soon come to appreciate its nuances. Whereby we would normally equate speed with adrenalin, here we are dealing with pretence over substance, but it is none the worse for that. Ride this machine and you are in control of your own destiny, rather than allowing it to take you to uncomfortable levels of insanity. That is why the RKR will sit high on the register of ‘wannahaves’.

So let’s cut straight to the chase. Stylish it most certainly is, and yes, you can mount it dressed in very expensive one-piece leathers and race boots, but try as you might, you still aren’t going to push it to more than 65mph before it peaks, but then that’s plenty fast enough for newbies to get a feel for the open road without any daft knee-down antics on switchbacks. If, however, you are keen to learn serious roadcraft skills and experience a sensible level of performance on a race-inspired minnow, then this could well be the bike that will get the lifeblood flowing through your veins. I am certainly no spring chicken, and neither do I require learner-legal plates, but that did not stop me from looking forward to trialling the RKR. What drew me to it was exactly those racing lines that I mentioned earlier. I wasn’t bothered that it wasn’t a powerhouse, and neither was I concerned about being a motorbiking elder statesman on what clearly is a

younger person’s machine. Each to their own, I say. ‘Give every ride the potential to be exhilarating’, state Keeway. So let’s see.

Drawn in

Approaching the bike, it is impossible not to be drawn to its edgy, dynamic and modern look. As a result of the partnership with Italian manufacturer Benelli, its heart lies in the new single-cylinder, liquidcooled 125cc engine. Sat in a traditional steel tube trellis frame, it offers a maximum power of 9kW at 9500rpm, with torque of 10Nm at 7500rpm. As to the rubber, the 17-inch rims mount a 100/80 front and 130/70 rear Cordial tyre. Braking is courtesy of discs, which are 260mm in diameter at the front and 240mm (CBS) on the back. So, we have a tidy little bundle which I imagine will offer simple, yet precise handling. I begin by taking it for a spin along some of Lincolnshire’s

www.o2w.co.uk 19 SPECIFICATION

Keeway RKR 125 ENGINE: Single cylinder four-stroke with four valves POWER: 9kW @ 9500rpm TORQUE: 10Nm @ 7500rpm FRAME: Arch bar Truck FRONT SUSPENSION: STD forks REAR SUSPENSION: Single shock BRAKES: Front and Rear discs, combined braking

system

TYRES: Cordial, 100/80-17 (F), 130/70-17 (R) SEAT HEIGHT: 790mm FUEL CAPACITY: 15 litres PRICE: £2,499 plus OTR CONTACT: www.motogb.co.uk O2W RATING:

★★★★★★★★★★

back roads, with the deliberate twisty thrown in for good measure. That Benelli-inspired smooth power deployment becomes immediately noticeable, as does the positive gear shift. And as for the torque, it easily allows the bike to smooth out through the apex. Impressive stuff. For all its machismo, it’s a playful, quirky bike that is a joy to ride. It ducks and dives and twitches and is certainly far from perfect, and yet it brings a smile to one’s face. For starters, that short-ish wheelbase almost threw me. With the balls of my feet planted on the pegs, the first serious touch of the front brake saw the bike nose-dive, catching me unawares and almost catapulting me forwards. It certainly ain’t subtle, and neither is the suspension, which, although soft, I found to be a bit jarring on less polished bitumen. Hitting a section of dried mud and gravel presumably shed by a tractor, the Cordials felt suitably planted and tracked well for a sporty-styled tyre at the more affordable (budget) end of the market. With that top speed of a claimed 65mph, I maxed out a few times on straights and long, sweeping bends before settling back to a more modest, but pleasurable 55mph at 8000rpm. The simple display features an analogue rev counter, digital speedo,

clock and gear indicator, the latter aid always a bonus in my book. Gear changes were constantly smooth and positive, and it was simplicity itself to power through bends and away from traffic lights. Keeway bikes are imported by MotoGB. As to the build quality, well, the RKR is of Chinese origin, so it’s not going to be perfect, although it is finished off nicely enough. Available in three striking colourways of red, white or black, the bike weighs in at 142kg, boasts a fuel economy of 100mph, and shares the engine of its sister RKF 125 naked.

To buy or not to buy…

As to that all-important question of whether I would recommend one, I can happily answer in the positive. I had no end of people commenting on its stylish looks, and whilst those of you that watch the superb Netflix series 'Sons of Anarchy' may have seen Jax whack a youth round the head with his open face helmet, exclaiming: "Never sit on another man's bike", I was happy to allow friends and strangers to try it for size. My daughter, for one, is keen to join the growing ranks of learner-legals on the road, and fell in love with the looks of the RKR, so I may find myself having to stretch the old purse strings to appease those puppy-dog eyes. Anyway, I digress. Should you fancy a small capacity, nimble, naked bike in grown-up sports clothes, which is no fire-breather but a hoot to ride, is a bit of a poser, but is in no way

intimidating, and you don’t mind being blasted off the road by the likes of a Suzuki GSX250R until, that is, you are in a position to up the ante with more dosh to play with, then this is a neat introduction to sports-style bikes. The RKR is great for a whole host of activities, from nipping down the shop, a short commute to work, heading for a local bike meet or a weekend bimble. Yes, it is a bit of a toy, but you know what, it’s a fun one at a daft price and will keep you entertained until your attention span wanders to something bigger, faster and more lairy. And as for all those quirky idiosyncrasies and that impudent spirit that morph into a sprightly little maverick at heart, it ticks most, if not all of the boxes for me, and that’s what makes it such a likeable rogue.

Words: Michael Cowton Images: Gary

20 www.o2w.co.uk

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BUYING GUIDE – GLOVES

Each issue we focus on one piece of riding kit and offer advice to help you get the best bang for your buck. We look at features, benefits and safety standards, and bring you a few choices from different brands. This time we’re talking about gloves. Even though it’s not a legal requirement to sport a pair of gloves when riding your bike or scooter, it’s highly recommended that you do. One of the first things you do when falling is to put out your hands, so surely it makes sense to make sure they’re well protected. So, what should you be looking for when you’re in the market for a new pair of gloves?

lot over the last few years and there are some fantastic alternatives to leather gloves. Often, as with jackets, textile gloves are cheaper to buy than leather. They often contain waterproof membranes too, making them water resistant so that your hands stay dry. They can be cleaned, too – often in a washing machine.

Type of gloves

Once you’ve decided on the material, have a think about the style of gloves you’d like – there are plenty to choose from. Here are the most common options. LONG OR SHORT - Some people like to tuck their gloves into their jacket sleeves – short gloves are easier to do this with as there isn’t a lot of material to try and squash in around the wrist, plus in summer, shorter gloves allow a cooling draft up your sleeve. Other riders prefer longer gloves so that they can tuck their jacket cuffs into the top of their gloves to stop the pesky wind getting in. Not only this, but longer gloves offer protection from road rash on your wrists in case of an accident. Some gloves have a zipper at the top to make the cuff wider or thinner so that they can be worn inside or outside your jacket.

To begin narrowing down your choices, think about the material you think would be best for you. The two main choices are leather or textile – each have their pros and cons, so consider which suits you, your bike and your budget. LEATHER - Gloves made from leather are often more resistant to abrasion than their textile counterparts, meaning should you need to test it out, you can be sure you’ll be protected. A lot of people find them softer and more flexible, too. It’s not just cowhide leather that is used either; sometimes goat, kangaroo or stingray leather sections are used in gloves on the knuckles or palms, due to their high levels of abrasion resistance. TEXTILE - Materials have advanced a

Style of gloves

FIVE GT2 Waterproof Gloves

RRP: £124.99 The GT2 is FIVE’s touring glove. They’re not cheap, but they come equipped with some serious features to look after your hands all-year round. Constructed from Cordura and leather, the GT2 gloves are kitted out with PU knuckles, finger guard protection and PVC palm sliders to help keep you safe should the worst happen and you take a tumble. They’re fitted with a waterproof internal Hipora membrane, and there’s also a Thinsulate thermal layer for warmth. The gloves are also fitted with memory-foam reinforcements to improve comfort, and come with a clever double closure system, which allows you to wear them either over or under your jacket. And they even come with a TouchScreen system on the thumb and index finger for handling touchscreens.

FIVE RFX4 Replica Gloves

SUMMER OR WINTER - Summer gloves often have plenty of ventilation to keep your hands cool during hotter weather – sweaty hands are often just as bad as cold ones in winter. Winter gloves are well insulated, padded, and have been specially designed to be worn in adverse weather, so are waterproof. HEATED - Great in winter, these gloves feature heated elements to keep your hands toasty. Sometimes they’re powered by rechargeable batteries, others can be hard-wired into the bike or scooter battery, or they can have a 12V socket lead. Heated gloves are a great alternative to heated grips as they can be transferred from bike to bike. Some people prefer them as they provide heat around the whole of the hand – including the tops, the area battered by the wind. RACE - These gloves are packed with safety mechanisms and armour, and are often the glove of choice for sports bike riders on the road. However, this tech often costs more money – it’s up to you if you think it is worth it. This month we’ve teamed up with FIVE to show you a selection of gloves to suit any style and budget. Here are our top three choices.

1 8 3

FIVE RS2 Gloves

RRP: £59.99

FIVE’s RS2 gloves are an award-winning pair of summer gloves – which should be perfect for keeping your hands cool when the weather’s warm, no matter whether you ride bikes or scooters. With a full-grain cowhide top and perforated full-grain goatskin and synthetic leather palm, PU metacarpal-knuckle protective shells, TPR palm slider shell and palm reinforcements, they should be well up to the job of keeping your hands in one piece, should you end up trading blows with the Tarmac. Perforated throughout, the RS2 gloves sound perfect for when the weather hots up, and with leather accordion and four-way spandex comfort gussets and Airprene cuffs, they should be pretty comfy, too. You put them on and take them off using a synthetic leather tab closure system and useful Velcro/leather on-o off pu ll tabs.

5 4

6 2

1 2 3

6 7 8

Do they have CE approval or not? Do they feature double or triple stitching on the areas that may rip?

RRP: £89.999 FIVE’s RFX4 gloves are racing-inspired and offer simple, straightforward protection in a sporty package. Perfect for all manner of riders, from scooterists to sport tourers, the gloves are constructed from full-grain goatskin and come equipped with PU protective shells on the knuckles, which sit just underneath their leather exterior. They’re also fitted with a TPR palm slider protective shell and Clarino palm reinforcements, and are fastened using a Velcro tab and an elastic cuff.

Are they waterproof? Do they have thermal liners? Wet and cold hands can quickly sap your concentration when you’re on the bike. Is there a warranty or a guarantee if they aren’t waterproof?

What protection is oﬀered on the palm? Are there leather sections or extra layers of material to be resistant against abrasions?

Are there any added features such as reﬂective strips or panels to help other road users see you?

Is there knuckle protection?

Are they long or short? Which do you prefer?

How do they fasten up? Will you be able to do it easily? If you ﬁnd it annoying or diﬃcult in the shop, imagine when you’ve had to do it a hundred times…

Do the gloves come oﬀ easily, even with the fasteners done up? If so, they might do the same in the event of an accident – which isn’t good.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FIVE’S FULL RANGE OF GLOVES, VISIT: WWW.FIVE-GLOVES.SHOP

22 www.o2w.co.uk

FIRST RIDE

Herald Café

400

Herald be thy name! Life is a journey, NOT a destination – So enjoy the ride That’s the statement header on the Herald Motor Company website. This British-based company entered the motorcycling world over 10 years ago working with partners importing classically-styled motorbikes from China. Herald Motorcycles are based in Cambridgeshire and their products are built in China, although they’re launching a new British-designed Brat this year, together with the British-built Brute 500, hopefully to be shown at the NEC show in November, and these will be manufactured at their Huntingdon HQ. As importers and distributors their staff go over each bike from top to bottom and then a team of dedicated mechanics test ride them. Our own dedicated team here at O2W also get to test ride them too and I had that opportunity to try out their latest Café 400.

Everyday expectations

With typical retro styling, traditional in looks and build, the Café 400 is a follow-up to Herald’s Classic 400 that O2W tested previously, only with the vintage looks of a nostalgic 60s café racer. It has the classic clip-ons and a very stylish 12 litre tank with brushed stainless steel tank strap with an off-set filler cap making it easy to fill-up when on its side stand (no main stand for this racer). This Café Racer-styled Herald model is sold in the UK in three colour options – Black, Cream and Gloss Red. We

managed to bag the red coloured version and it really does look the business. The SOHC four-stroke Taiwanese Honda derived engine delivers 27bhp, which doesn’t sound a lot for a 397cc machine, but let’s wait and see what it’s actually like to ride. Nice that the engine casing, etc, are all black on this model; it suits the red tank, side panels and black framework. It has drilled twin front discs along with a single on the back and 17” wire spoked wheels on the front and back. Tyres are 110/70/17 on the sharp end with a 130/70/17 on the rear. The adjustable front and rear suspension units will enable the rider to tweak the bike to their own riding style. It has a sleek-looking saddle with a seat height of 790mm, so it should be nice and low for the smaller statured rider. Dry weight is 165kg, so it’s a relatively lightweight bike. Dimensions are 2080mm in length and 785mm wide. Features include dual clocks, bullet indicators and twin pipe exhaust - I can’t wait to use the five-speed gearbox and hear the roar from these great-looking pipes. There’s a neat-looking rear extension to the mudguard - very similar to the ones on some 821/1200 Ducati Monster’s I’ve seen. To look at, this Café 400 does have an aura of fun and feel good factor about it and Herald say that this model is sure to put a smile on any riders face. So let’s see if its ‘smiley time’…

A2 LICENCE The sky’s the limit

Well actually, a tankful of unleaded will be my starting point to see what this baby is like to ride and also how far I can go on a tank of gas. I’m lucky enough to have some cracking little B roads to bomb down on my route to work. I know these rural roads well and prefer the back roads and rather avoid the mains where I can. Granted you do have to be very vigilant and keep an eye out for the counties wildlife in the form of flapping pheasants, horses and riders, night badgers who just stand their ground in the middle of the road and just wont shift and on two previous occasions during the day, where I had to slow down quite quickly, for Roe deer crossing the road. The brakes are actually pretty good with the front being quite quick to bite. A nice big set of 295mm (approx) discs at the front along with a huge-looking calliper are fitted to this model The rear brake does take a little longer to achieve its goal with the 235mm (approx) disc. I found the rear brake pedal was too close to my toes and I could feel it even through my boot, so a quick reposition of my tootsies on the footpeg cleared the distance. It doesn’t have rear sets fitted as you may have thought, possibly because it has rear passenger foot-pegs fitted so you can take a pillion, although my wife refused point blank to take up my offer - she said the seat looked uncomfortable, but actually it isn’t at all, although it’s not really spacious enough for two in my opinion.

"The Café 400 sounds awesome, such a growl from those twin pipes..." SPECIFICATION

Herald Café 400 ENGINE: 397cc single cylinder four-stroke MAX POWER: 27bhp WEIGHT: 165kg (dry) FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 12 litres SEAT HEIGHT: 790mm WARRANTY: 2 year parts/1 year labour BREADOWN/RECOVERY: 24 month RAC breakdown

cover

PRICE: £4999 plus OTR CONTACT: www.heraldmotorcompany.com O2W RATING:

★★★★★★★★★★

www.o2w.co.uk 23 The Café 400 sounds awesome, such a growl from those twin pipes and the more you give it a fistful of throttle the better and louder the roar. And it just wants to go. It’s happy pottering along at 50mph, but creeps up to 60 before you know it and then growls louder as if to say ‘come on, give it some’. On my second ride on it, I came to work via the main roads including a stretch of dual carriageway – well it’s mental! Before I knew it the speedo was registering around 70-plus and I was thinking ‘slow down man’. It just loves speed. After all it is a café racer. Top speed is around 90mph (125km/h) and it gets there pretty quickly too with no lag in the throttle as you move through the smooth gearbox. Sometimes it’s a little difficult to find neutral when you come to a standstill, but it has lots of torque when you need it. It will stay at 30mph in built-up areas, but best to drop it right down to third, otherwise it has a habit of creeping-up in speed on the unaware rider again, showing its little ‘Jokers’ head again saying, ‘we don’t like slow, we like fast’. When you do drop it down in gear the exhaust crackles and pops like a firecracker – I think that’s its new name?

No looking back

Our test bike came with rear view mirrors fitted, but to keep in with the retro-look styling of a classic 60s café racer you can remove them (as in the image of this model on the Herald website). In short, there’s no legal requirement to have mirrors on a motorcycle, so you’re not breaking the law if you have one mirror, two, or none at all. However, as a motorcyclist you need to be fully aware of traffic around you at all times, so it’s highly advisable to have two mirrors (anything behind you is invisible without them). You’ll have to use tons of ‘life-savers’ (over the shoulder looks) if mirrors aren’t fitted before making any turnings off the road, or any overtake manoeuvres too! To be honest once you get up to around 50mph on this bike you cannot really see much, as the mirrors do vibrate somewhat so again ‘life-savers’ are the norm. The suspension is quite firm, but as expected on this type of racing thoroughbred styled pocket-rocket, both front and rear are adjustable and I may look at softening-up the front, as its firm to say the least when going over road studs or manhole covers (this may also help with the mirror vibrations)? The tyres have been great so far, even in heavy torrential downpours when the roads are still warm, but very greasy. Oh yes indeedy; I was smiling like a Cheshire cat when I got home after riding it - and even more so on days two, three and four - it’s a great fun bike. It’s certainly not a long distance commuter, but for a short commute, or a weekend country rideout, then

yes, very much so. It’s a cool and fashionable bike to ride; I even started to wear my Arai Kenny Roberts replica helmet again when riding this Café 400 - all colour co-ordinated too. The instrument panel is straightforward with just the rev counter and speedo, plus your usual warning lights (although a little on the small size) all in a brushed stainless steel look. It does have a fuel gauge included (always handy in my opinion). I like the red alloy front shock adjusters and the carbonlooking headstock- very modern. It just oozes class and that feel good factor with a timeless and clean design thrown in for good measure.

Tanked-up

The 12 litre (2.6 gal) tank should get you over 150 miles (I returned an average of 65mpg on my first trip out). The fuel warning light came on with 1 bar showing on the gauge just as I pulled-in to refuel; it took 10.16 litres (2.2 gal) and had just travelled 144 miles, so it’s economical to run. My second run out averaged 79mpg with 2 bars showing and taking nine litres to cover 157 miles. My third refuel stop brought in an average of 75mpg. I

did have a slight problem with the fuel filler cap, as it’s not the easiest to lock back into place; being new, the cap seal hasn’t softened-up yet, but there is knackk to it, so practice before you get stucck at a fuel station.

Would I buy one?

I’ve not really ridden this style of bike for any length of time before, but it grows on you once you get used to the riding position, and for the right type of journey mentioned previously, then yes I would. Thank-you Herald, thank-you little ‘firecracker’ - you’ve made one smiling biker very happy indeed.

Words: John Images: Gary

24 www.o2w.co.uk

BRANDFOCUS:ROYAL

26 www.o2w.co.uk

Let history inform the future

BULLET 500 EFI Eight decades of legacy – no other marque comes close Since 1932 the Bullet has mesmerised thousands around the world with its unique styling and one-of-its-kind ride feel. The latest 500 EFI romances history on today’s terms with a seamless pairing of majestic styling, performance and reliabilityy combined with new technology.

CLASSIC 500 EFI RRP £3999 SPECIFICATION ENGINE: 499cc single cylinder FRONT BRAKE: 280mm disc,

2-piston caliper

REAR BRAKE: 240mm disc,

Relive the golden era feel of motorcycling For those who want it all. The power, the fuel efficiency, the reliability and simple, yet drop-dead gorgeous classic styling. The classic turns heads – not because it wants to, but because it can't help it.

single piston caliper (f), 110/80V-18 (r)

Telescopic, 35mm forks shock, adj preload

CLASSIC CHROME

SPECIFICATION ENGINE: 499cc single cylinder FRONT BRAKE: 280mm disc,

2-piston caliper

REAR BRAKE: 240mm disc,

single piston caliper

WHEELS/TYRES: 90/90-19

(f), 110/80V-18 (r)

FRONT BRAKE: 280mm disc,

2-piston caliper

WHEELS/TYRES: 90/90-19

FRONT BRAKE: 280mm disc REAR BRAKE: 240mm disc WHEELS/TYRES: 90/90-19

FRONT SUSPENSION:

REAR SUSPENSION: Twin gas

REAR SUSPENSION: Twin

FUEL CAPACITY: 13.5 litres COLOURS: Tan, Blue, Black

FUEL CAPACITY: 13.5 litres COLOURS: Grey, Green, Black

REAR BRAKE: 240mm disc,

A touch of elegance

RRP £4699

The Classic Chrome is based on the Classic 500 with a rather generous dose of SPECIFICATION chrome on it. Like the Classic 500, ENGINE: 499cc single cylinder, the Classic Chrome retains the twinspark quintessential classic British styling FRONT BRAKE: 280mm disc, of the 1950s – simple, harmonious, 2-piston caliper well prop portioned. REAR BRAKE: 240mm disc,

single piston caliper

WHEELS/TYRES: 90/90-19

(f), 110/80V-18 (r)

FRONT SUSPENSION:

REAR SUSPENSION: Twin

Telescopic, 35mm forks shock, adj preload

FUEL CAPACITY: 13.5 litres COLOURS: Red, Green

(f), 110/80V-18 (r) Telescopic shock

shocks, adj preload

FUEL CAPACITY: 13.5 litres COLOURS: Grey, Green, Black

RRP £4499

twin spark

RRP

The Classic Satin comes with a paint scheme £4499 reminiscent of the war era, when Royal Enfield motorcycles proved their capabilities and battle worthiness by impeccable service. It dons a SPECIFICATION younger look with styling cues you’d ENGINE: 499cc single cylinder expect from a genuine Royal Enfield.

Telescopic, 35mm forks

REAR SUSPENSION: Twin

The Trials 500 houses the same, 499cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke engine as the standard Bullit. It provides ample low and mid-range grunt, producing 27.2bhp at 5100rpm and up to 43Nm of torque, giving real, useable flexibility.

SPECIFICATION ENGINE: 499cc single cylinder,

CLASSIC MILITARY A tribute to the past

(f), 110/80V-18 (r)

FRONT SUSPENSION:

Celebrating 70 years of motorsport

RRP £4499

single piston caliper

WHEELS/TYRES: 90/90-19

BULLET 500 TRIALS

E&OE: range/prices correct at time of compilation - check importers website for updated information

Telescopic 35mm forks shock, adj preload

FUEL CAPACITY: 13.5 litres COLOURS: Green, Black

CONTINENTAL GT 650 TWIN Welcome back, rock 'n roll The new Continental GT 650 Twin evolved from the Continental GT 535 (an evolution of the Continental GT 250 – the original British café racer). Powered by the all-new 650 twin, it looks every bit like its predecessor and d perfforms bett ter.

RRP £5499

SPECIFICATION ENGINE: 648cc single OHC

parallel twin

FRONT BRAKE: 320mm

disc ABS

REAR BRAKE: 240mm disc

ABS

WHEELS/TYRES: 100/90-18

(f), 130/70-18 (r)

FRONT SUSPENSION:

41mm front fork

REAR SUSPENSION: Twin

coil-over shocks

FUEL CAPACITY: 12.5 litres COLOURS: Various options

available

ENFIELD NOTE: Prices shown do not include ‘OTR’ charges

GUN METAL

SPECIFICATION ENGINE: 499cc single cylinder

twinspark

FRONT BRAKE: 280mm disc,

2-piston caliper

REAR BRAKE: 240mm disc,

INTERCEPTOR INT 650 TWIN One of Royal Enfield's most loved classic motorcycles hailing from a time when all that mattered was that the Californian sun was out and the surf was up. The new Interceptor retains every bit of charm that made it a legend.

SPECIFICATION ENGINE: 648cc parallel twin FRONT BRAKE: 320mm

disc ABS

REAR BRAKE: 240mm disc

ABS

FRONT SUSPENSION: REAR SUSPENSION: Twin

FRONT BRAKE: disc REAR BRAKE: disc WHEELS/TYRES: 90/90-21

(f), 120/90-17 (r)

FRONT SUSPENSION:

Telescopic forks

REAR SUSPENSION:

Monoshock

FUEL CAPACITY: 15 litres COLOURS: Snow, Granite,

Sleet

FRONT BRAKE: 280mm disc,

2-piston caliper

REAR BRAKE: 240mm disc,

(f), 110/80V-18 (r)

REAR SUSPENSION: Twin

Telescopic 35mm forks

FUEL CAPACITY: 13.7 litres COLOURS: Various options

shock, 5-step adj preload FUEL CAPACITY: 13.5 litres COLOURS: Matt Black

REDDITCH EDITION VERY LIMITED UNITS AVAILABLE – place your order before they’re gone! RE have given this Classic special edition a makeover, taking cues from the motorcycles produced during the 1950s at the UK’s Redditch factory – Roya l Enfi fieeld'ss birthplace.

twinspark

WHEELS/TYRES: 90/90-19 FRONT SUSPENSION: REAR SUSPENSION: Twin

available

The mark of the heritage

SPECIFICATION ENGINE: 499cc single cylinder

FRONT SUSPENSION:

coil-over shocks

shock, 5-step preload FUEL CAPACITY: 13.5 litres COLOURS: Gun Metal Grey

RRP £4799

single piston caliper

41mm fork

Telescopic, 35mm forks

All the Himalayan's sums and parts work in perfect harmony to utilise the energy of the terrain. It cradles the rider in its SPECIFICATION low seat height; the handlebars and ENGINE: 411cc single cylinder, footpegs work in perfect sync for a air-cooled comfortable upright posture.

Whether on mountains or plains, with its legacy and time-tested performance, this is a machine you can count on. Discover the other half of your riding story, with a motorcycle that's slept under the night sky since 1901.

(f), 130/70-18 (r)

(f), 110/80V-18 (r)

RRP £3999

STEALTH Celebrate the dark

WHEELS/TYRES: 100/90-18

WHEELS/TYRES: 90/90-19

HIMALAYAN

RRP £5299

Easy like Sunday morning

single piston caliper

Built for all roads

www.o2w.co.uk 27

www.motogb.co.uk/make/royal-enﬁeld

RRP £4699

Authentic post-war details There's a time to ride, and a time to call it a day; sit back and watch the universe blaze away in all its glory. Remember the joys and pains of the days gone by, and look forward to what tomorrow brings.

Royal Enﬁeld remains as faithful to the original machines as possible that built the legend. This is the core and soul of the brand, which will continue to be inspired by legendary names from the past that will help shape the future. Signiﬁcant R&D investments in recent years have added exponentially to the brand’s quality and feel.

CONTINENTAL GT RRP £4499 SPECIFICATION ENGINE: 499cc single cylinder FRONT BRAKE: 280mm disc,

2-piston caliper

REAR BRAKE: 240mm disc,

single piston caliper

WHEELS/TYRES: 90/90-19

(f), 110/80V-18 (r)

FRONT SUSPENSION:

Telescopic 35mm forks

REAR SUSPENSION: Twin

shock, 5-step adj preload FUEL CAPACITY: 13.5 litres COLOURS: Red, Green, Blue

Find your café The standard 500cc Bullet engine increased to 535cc with a larger throttle body and hotter cam gives an additional 1.9hp. A painstaking collaboration and the best expression yet of a cultural phenomenon t hat has simply ref used to fade away – the café racer.

RRP £4999 SPECIFICATION ENGINE: 535cc single cylinder,

air-cooled

FRONT BRAKE: Brembo 300mm ﬂoating disc REAR BRAKE: 240mm disc, single piston caliper WHEELS/TYRES: 100/90-18 (f), 130/70-18 (r) FRONT SUSPENSION:

Telescopic 41mm forks

REAR SUSPENSION: Paioli

twin shock, adj preload FUEL CAPACITY: 13.5 litres COLOURS: Red, Black, Green

28 www.o2w.co.uk

Legal Q&A Our specialist motoring solicitor, Andrew ‘Chef’ Prendergast, guides you through your legal troubles

RIDERS' TIPS & ADVICE Choosing tyres

Tyres are designed for a specific riding style and environment (if you do most of your riding in the city you don’t need knobbly adventure tyres, for instance).

Last summer I got an apprenticeship with a local carpentry firm and got myself an Aprilia RS4 125. All was good – until I had a head-on crash with a drunk driver. He'd got hammered, fell asleep and drifted on to my side of the road. A superman impression followed with me landing in a ditch breaking my hip/pelvis and arm. My surgeon said I was lucky when he took all the metalwork out of my hip/pelvis last month. I’m super keen to get this all done and dusted, but my solicitor has said I need to be careful as it’s still less than a year post accident and we don’t know what the future holds. Is my solicitor just being cautious? Or trying to make more fees?

Tyre types

What tyres do you want? Roughly speaking, you can divide them into three categories: road, oﬀ-road and track. There’s plenty of choice. For road use, for example, you can choose tyres that are good for faster speeds and a sportier riding style; others are designed for varied conditions (i.e. wet); or a set that ﬁts your bike’s retro style. Remember, not all tyres are road-legal, so if you use your bike on track and road, check that you're ok to ride on both.

Tyre markings

Numbers and letters on the tyre wall tell you what it’s been designed to do. Follow the bike manufacturer’s advice on which size tyres to choose, as even a small diﬀerence can cause problems. Some tyres have numbers and letters following the wheel size. These relate to the speed and weight that the tyre is capable of handling. Another marking that you may see is 'R/F' (indicating a rear or front tyre). Some tyres also have rotational direction indicators to help you make sure your tyres aren't mounted backwards.

If you’re less than a year after sustaining serious poly-trauma that literally required you being screwed back together, I’d have advised you the same thing, because once you settle your claim you cannot come back for more compensation later (i.e. for future treatment costs such as an early hip replacement, etc). It goes without saying that you got smashed, it’s your claim and you give the instructions. However, it’s worth settling your claim properly, rather than quickly. If I were a betting man, your solicitor isn’t trying to crank his fees, but is acting in your best interests. Give yourself some time; take legal advice and then make an informed decision.

The O2W 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 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 bikingrelated legal question or query, email mail@whitedalton.co.uk The best Q&A will be published in O2W, in confidence, of course.

Bike tyres y

Fitting tyres

You can purchase and fit tyres yourself or get your local garage to source and/or fit the tyres for you.

Getting the professionals in

All you need to know

Few of us are passionate about tyres, but cleverly engineered rubber is the only thing keeping you upright as you go round a bend, in the wet, on varying road surfaces. So it pays to know which tyres to choose and how to look after them. Knowing the basics will help you choose the right tyres; it will also make them work better for you, and they’ll last longer if looked after properly. A good tyre needs a strong, light structure and must have good compound to offer durability and grip. Track slicks excluded, they need a good tread pattern to move surface water away from contact spots and

avoid aquaplaning. The tricky bit is deciding exactly which tyre combines these qualities in an optimum way for your riding style and the terrain you'll cover. If you’re happy with your current tyres, a safe choice is to replace them with the same make and model. However, as tyre manufacturers improve products, there may be more advanced options available, often offering improved performance, grip, wear and handling properties. Just make sure that the new tyres still have the same dimensions and other qualities as the old tyre (a small difference may have a massive impact on how the bike handles).

Tyres can be fitted at most bike shops and garages that service bikes. In most cases this is a straightforward operation that doesn’t take too much time or money. Some bike manufacturers make removing tyres more difficult, so it’s worth checking if your local garage can fit them for you. There are also ‘mobile’ tyre fitters that can come to your house. They should also balance the tyres as part of the service, but it’s always best to check that everything you need is included.

Fit them yourself

Fitting tyres isn’t complicated, but you need specialist tools, so it’s a good idea to work out how much they cost and how many sets of tyres you can get ﬁtted at the local garage for the same money. The exact tools needed depends on the bike, but at the very least you’ll need a torque wrench, a set of tyre levers, a tyre valve key and a balancing kit. The owner’s handbook or a relevant workshop manual should give you details of the tools and processes you need, and YouTube has many tutorial videos available.

Looking after tyres Keep your eye on tyre pressures, wear and any signs of damage. If all stays fine, you can usually get a long, loyal service from a modern pair of motorcycle tyres.

Tyre wear

Minimum road-legal tyre tread depth on bikes is 1mm (it’s worth checking tyres regularly, otherwise you might end up being fined if stopped). Also check for cracks or bulges (it only takes a couple of minutes before setting off) – it might just save your bacon if you spot a problem. Wet weather tyres have more grooves and sipes, which help break the film of surface water and give better grip. If tyres are worn below the 1mm threshold, the chance of skidding (especially on wet surfaces) increases.

Repairing punctures

It may be possible to repair a tyre rather than replace it – handy if you get a puncture on a new tyre that’s otherwise perfectly fine. Punctures in the middle of a tyre are generally easier to repair, whilst punctures on the sides tend to be more problematic. It also depends on how neat the puncture is. Because the repair method is basically to plug the hole, a plain round puncture from, say, a nail in the middle of the tyre isn’t too bad, but a longer slit is more difficult to fix. Tyre repair kits are readily available, or you can visit your local garage who’ll also be able to advise whether a repair or a new tyre is a better option.

Tyre pressure

Bike tyres don’t generally hold pressure as well as car tyres, so check tyre pressure regularly. Bikes are also more aﬀected by wrong tyre pressure than cars. If pressure is too high or too low, the bike’s handling will be aﬀected and your tyres may wear out quicker. Buying a cheap pressure gauge is worth the investment (more expensive digital options are available). Correct tyre pressures are usually shown on a sticker on a bike’s swing-arm;. If it’s been removed, consult the manufacturer or your local garage.

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MECH IT BETTER

Pre-tour prep

It’s a busy time and we’re prepping for our upcoming tour. Whenever we’re oﬀ on a longer trip we like to give the bikes a good fettle, which continues our bike tinkering theme from last month. As we look forward to riding through Europe, we’re picturing sunshine, scenery, beautiful roads and long, sweeping bends – but one thing that could ruin the dream is a bike that handles like a shopping trolley. If you’ve never experienced this misery, then take it from us, it’s no fun! Having no confidence in your machine can sap the joy from even the most beautiful of roads. Sorting out the steering and suspension, combined with a set of decent tyres, can totally transform any bike. Yet sadly tyres, steering and suspension maintenance often come lower down people’s priorities list than it ought to. Don’t worry, there are plenty of checks you can do at home. In this issue we’re looking at wheels and tyres. In the next we’ll look at steering and suspension basics. It’ll be a whistle-stop tour. We’re not going into specifics, but hopefully we can provide just enough information and motivation to get you looking at your own bike. As always, read your manuals, make your own judgements, find us on YouTube or Facebook if you need more information, and enjoy the learning curve!

Wheels

Depending on your wheel type, you’ll have a few different things to check. Some bikes, particularly older or retro types, have spoked wheels consisting of a rim interlaced with spokes of about 5/6mm thick. Alternatively you could have single-piece cast wheels which may have anything from three ‘spokes’ upwards.

Cast wheels are almost maintenance free, but inflexible; so if you hit something hard they can break. Check them over to be sure, but chances are that if this has happened you won’t be riding your bike anyway.

Cast wheels generally don’t have an inner tube, relying on the tyre seating firmly against the wheel itself to hold pressure. If the paintwork is damaged, or corrosion has built up between the tyre and wheel, they can lose pressure due to a poor seal. The only way to fix this is to refurbish the wheel or replace it.

Spoked wheels are more flexible than cast ones and were traditionally used before the advent of cast wheels. Dirt bikes and adventure machines like the BMW GS still sport spoked wheels for their flexibility. If you’re off-road, and hit something, you might be able to limp onwards, whereas a broken cast wheel would stop you. Spoked wheels rely on correct tension on every spoke to make the wheel run true. If some aren’t tensioned correctly, you get the Pringle effect and the wheel appears to wobble in the frame as you spin it. To check spoke tension, go around the wheel, selecting pairs of spokes next to each other, and squeeze them towards each other with your fingers. You’ll be able to tell if one is significantly looser. You can also tap each spoke with a screwdriver. A loose spoke will sound duller.

Fixing loose spokes is a matter of correctly adjusting the tension on each one, which affects the tension on the others. It’s a balancing act. Replacing broken spokes requires taking off the tyre and lacing a new spoke in place of the broken one. You can do this at home, though wheel building is a true art form and could take pages to explain. For now we’ll just recommend you have them looked at by a professional.

Spoked wheels are susceptible to rust. What can initially appear as surface rust sometimes hides a

 deeper problem, particularly on vintage machines. Clear away any rust as soon as you spot it. Metal polish is good, and we’ve had some degree of success scrubbing the wheel with cola and scrunched up tin foil. Just rinse your wheels well and polish them afterwards. If your wheel rim has rusted through, it may be possible to weld it, depending on the problem’s severity, but if it’s gone much further, then a new wheel is your only option. A wheel that’s compromised could collapse underneath you. Both wheel types have bearings in them, allowing the wheel to rotate smoothly around the axle. In most cases these will be of the sealed type rather than loose ball bearings. Sealed bearings are more or less maintenance-free, but don’t last forever. Worn bearings sound and feel rough as the wheel rotates. With the wheel removed it’s possible to feel for play using your finger; they should rotate freely without any play. You can also test for this with the wheel on the bike by rocking the wheel from side to side in the frame while the wheel’s off the ground. Any play or a clicking indicates the need for new bearings. Running on worn bearings eventually leads to failure and a possible wheel collapse.

Tyres

It’s amazing the times we’ve seen tyres neglected. Considering there’s only two tiny patches of rubber in contact with the road at any given time, it’s really worth checking them regularly. Above everything, tyres are the thing we are least compromising about. We buy good tyres, without exception, and always prefer to have matching pairs designed to work together. The next thing we look at is how old our existing tyres are. There should be a DOT code stamped on to the tyre wall starting with the letters DOT and ending with four digits (i.e. ‘DOT 4B08 4DHR 2910’). For our purposes, we only consider the last four digits, which represent the tyre’s age (i.e. 2910 = 29th week of 2010). If the tyres look old and don’t





 have a DOT code, they should be binned immediately. How old is too old is debatable. Personally, we wouldn’t feel comfortable riding any tyre over seven years old. Rubber degrades and perishes over time, becoming rigid, and losing its ability to stick to the road. It’s not worth risking it. If your tyres have inner tubes, consider their age, too; they perish in the same way and love to burst! A tyre is no good if damaged, so check yours for anything sticking in that shouldn’t be there. Even if the tyre isn’t losing pressure, it’s still a problem and should be repaired. Damage can also occur around the tyre's outside rim, so check those areas, too.

The legal minimum tread depth for motorcycles in the UK is 1mm deep across the central 75% of the tyre, continuously all the way around the circumference. This as an absolute minimum though; consider replacing your tyres sooner. The less tread you have, the less space water and mud has to fill before you lose traction and start skidding. A tread depth gauge is a worthwhile addition to your kit. They cost little and make this check a doddle.

8 









Tyre pressures should be checked regularly, ideally before every ride. Either way, regular checks are simple, quick and could save your life. Consult your manual for correct pressures, as they can vary a lot

depending on the style of bike you’re riding. These ‘correct’ pressures are based on an ‘average’ rider. You may want to go a couple of PSI higher at the back wheel if you’re on the heavier side or carrying luggage. If you’re not confident with experimenting, set your pressures as suggested in the manual. Tyres more than a couple of PSI over or under pressure will begin to ruin your handling and can quickly compromise your safety.

Finally, tyre rotational direction. We’ve seen this done wrong a few times. It’s a confusing system, but some tyres can be used at either end of the bike and have the words ‘front’ and ‘back’ cast into them, along with directional arrows pointing in either direction. On the front wheel, the directional arrow next to the word ‘front’ should point in the direction the wheel will rotate when travelling forwards. If you’re using the tyre on the rear wheel, the directional arrow next to the word ‘back’ should point towards the front of the bike, in the direction the wheel will rotate when travelling forwards. This can give the impression that the rear tyre is on backwards, but they’re designed to work this way as a pair. If your tyres don’t say ‘front’ and ‘back’. then they’re designed to both rotate in the same direction, so stick them both on with the arrows pointing forwards. If there are no arrows at all. then they can be put on any which way!

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AT A GLANCE Lexmotto ZSX-FF 125 EFI

IN DETAIL: 1 125cc single cylinder air-cooled four-stroke engine 2 Front telescopic forks 3 Rear Mono shock absorb ber 4 Hydraulic disc brakes fro ont and rear 5 90/90-17 front tyre 6 100/80-17 rear tyre 7 780mm seat height 8 18-litre fuel tank capacitty

The ZSX-F is the ideal partner for those needing an easy commute, and with new tech and improved performance it’s the ultimate in value for commuter motorcycling 8

RECOMMENDED PRICE: £1699

CONTACT: www.lexmo oto.co.uk

2 5

4 6

A1 LICENCE

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02WEVENTS

ARE YOU HOLDING A MOTORCYCLE RELATED EVENT?

Send details (plus images) to editor@o2w.co.uk and we will publish it here. (E&OE – please check with organisers before travelling)

We’re interested in all things two wheels – from moped racing right through to custom competitions – and each weekend there’s a rich cross-section of events up and down the country to suit every taste. To inspire you to get out on two wheels, here’s our pick of events coming up over the next couple of months SEPT 28-29

International Dirt Bike Show Stafford Showground ST18 0BD

The International Dirt Bike Show has a new home this year! The popular annual off-road event will now take place at Staffordshire County Showground. The change of venue gives show organisers an opportunity to develop the show’s format and bring in new elements. Not only is there a change of venue, but the show also will be crammed into a weekend affair. The International Dirt Bike Show is the premier indoor off-road event on the calendar and will welcome thousands of riders and enthusiasts looking to stock up on kit and accessories. Many major manufacturers will be showcasing their latest ranges, too.

OCT 6

Shuttleworth Race Day

Shuttleworth Museum, Old Warden Aerodrome, Biggleswade SG18 9EP

The smell of oil and the roar of engines will bring to Shuttleworth the excitement of mock air races and the Shuttleworth Sprint, along with vintage aircraft flying displays, live music, period paddock and exhibits, visiting car and motorcycle clubs, and fun activities to keep our younger visitors entertained. Entry applications are welcome from pre-1939 vehicles.

• Info: www.shuttleworth.org/

events/raceday/

OCT 18-20

Admission prices: Family ticket £25, adult £10, kids 11-15 £5, kids under 11 free. • Info: www.dirtbikeshow.co.uk

OCT 4-5

Bennetts British Superbike Championship

Donington Park Circuit, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2RP The penultimate round of this year’s BSB championship. Bennetts BSB events features a regular timetable of support races, including the Dickies British Supersport Championship, Hel British Motostar Championship, Pirelli National Superstock 1000 and Pirelli National Superstock 600. Weekend prices: Adults £37. Race day prices: Adults £28 advance, £34 OTD), kids under 13 free. Teens and OAP concessions available. • Info: www.britishsuperbike.com OCT 5

Ride To The Wall

Multiple start points - check website for locations

This event is a unique motorcycling fundraising ride with a dedicated service of remembrance that provides an opportunity for motorcyclists to ride as an organised group to the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire, to pay their respects and recognise the sacrifice made by the servicemen and women whose names are engraved on The Wall of the Armed Forces Memorial. Voluntary donations to charity please. • Info: www.ridetothewall.org.uk OCT 5-6

Bike Shed Festival

Lydden Hill Circuit, Kent CT4 6ET Unlike shows that display beautiful bikes on trendy plinths, the Bike Shed Festival celebrates bikes on the move – classics and retro-style customs on track and on the dirt. Weekend camping opens the day before the festival on Friday, October 4. Prices: Early bird weekend tickets from £20.99; early bird camping from £45.99. • Info: www.bikeshedfestival.com

OCT 6

28th Copdock Motorcycle Show

Trinity Park, Ipswich IP3 8UH

Regarded as the largest one-day UK motorcycle show of its kind, there were over 150 show bikes, 500 club stand bikes, over 50 individual bikes and 200 trade stands last year. This year, organisers are hoping to exceed those numbers and break attendance records.

Bennetts British Superbike Championship

Brands Hatch, Fawkham, Longfield, Kent DA3 8NG

The final round of the championship is on the Brands Hatch GP circuit. Each Bennetts BSB event also features a busy timetable of support races, including the Dickies British Supersport Championship, Hel British Motostar Championship, Pirelli National Superstock 1000 and Pirelli National Superstock 600. Weekend prices: Adults £38, kids 13-15 £22. Race day prices: Adults £28, kids 13-15 £17, kids under 13 free. Gate prices will be higher. • Info: www.britishsuperbike.com OCT 19-20

The 26th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show Staffordshire County Showground, Weston Road, Stafford ST18 0BD Celebrating the growing popularity of emerging and modern classics from the 1960s, 70s and 80s, the Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show has grown in popularity year after year and now regularly welcomes more than 30,000 enthusiasts through its doors. Taking place at the superb Staffordshire County Showground, this event features over 900 traders, dealers and auto jumble stands, offering a wealth of parts and spares for every project. There’s a host of excellent club stands, exciting live action, the Bonhams autumn sale, classic

off-road machines and special guest stars from iconic eras of motorcycling. Admission prices: Adult £14, kids under 12 £3. • Info: www.classicbikeshows.com

OCT 26

Kempton Motorcycle Jumble

Kempton Racecourse, Staines Rd E, Shepperton, Sunbury-on-Thames TW16 5AQ Find motorcycle treasure from parts to tools, plus clothing and bikes for sale with over 250 indoor and outdoor stalls featuring parts and services from specialists. Club displays normally often place in the large indoor hall. Admission prices: Adults £7 (£10 early bird before 7.45am), kids under 15 free.

• Info:

www.kemptonparkauto jumble.co.uk/kempton-bikejumble.html

OCT 27

Weymouth Beach Race

Weymouth Beach, Dorset DT4 9XE

Amongst this year’s line-up are special guest Allen Millyard, Tigers Children’s Motorcycle Display Team, Dougie Lampkin, the Dave Coates Stunt Show, Custom Bike Marquee and the Wall of Death, plus much more. Admission prices: Advance e-ticket £8.50 or £10 OTD; accompanied under 14s free. • Info: www.copdockmotorcycleshow.co.uk

The original and the best beach motorsport event in Weymouth has been going for 20 years, providing free entertainment to residents and visitors alike while raising money for local good causes. The organisers, Purbeck Motocross Club, introduce new features and build the event up every year, so go along, enjoy the free show and spend some money at the stalls on the Esplanade, which sell

everything from specialist motocross kit to hot food, cockles, bakery goods, sweets, fudge, etc. There are also a range of children’s rides and attractions to keep the whole family busy. • Info: www.amca.uk.com/ beach-racing/weymouth-beach-race

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On Two Wheels

For sale AJS Cadwell 2017, black, 125cc, 20 miles only, brand new condition, £1900 no offers. Tel. 01885 483593. Herefordshire. BMW F650GS DAKAR 2003, 13,800 miles, long MoT, good cond, owned last 8 years, inc hard luggage, £1400 ono. Tel. 01484 682822. W Yorks. BMW F800ST 2007, grey, 27k miles, MoT, h/grips, panniers, new rear tyre, £2300 ono. Tel. 01634 378157. Medway. BSA RGS 1962, genuine all docs, totally rebuilt, never used, re-advertised because of tyre-kickers and health reasons, first come first served, £20,000. Tel. 07944 001330. Newcastle.

BMW F800GSA Adventurer, 2013, fantastic, original cond, 21,700 miles, 12 mths’ MoT, all the toys, BMW h/ grips, spotlights, pannier rack, ESA, ABS, ASC, BMW alarm system, 2 rider modes (Road and Enduro), data tagged, inc set of knobblies, Givi LED large top box, super comfortable seat, £5999. Tel. 07500 773730. E Yorks.

BMW K1200RS 2005, low mileage, panniers, manual, helmet, dry rides, tyres ok, garaged, oil ﬁlter, new parts, clutch, fuel pump, starter, h/ grips, elec w/screen, £2000. Tel. 07500 119444. S Wales.

CLASSIFIED BMW K1300S 2012, good cond, 27,600 miles, MoT and warranty Nov, full s/h, ABS, ESA, h/grips, hand luggage, £5750. Tel. 07904 350868. paulwalker327@btinternet. com Cumbria.

BMW R1150RS 2004, 27k miles, MoT, just had full service, full s/h, silver grey, mint cond, with panniers and top box, asking £2800 ono. Tel. 07512 219335. S Wales.

BMW R80/7 1980, sought after Classic Airhead, refurb 2019, superb, £4000 spent, visit https://classifieds. thebikeshed.cc/details/2031 Sensible offers around £4800. Tel. 077240 19905. Email: jtcockney@yahoo. co.uk Hull.

DUCATI 600SS Cafe Racer, fantastic cond, better then new, retro conversion, MoT and service with new belt by Pro Twin, a real head turner, must see, £4995 ovno. Tel. 07973 218318 for full details. .

HARLEY SPORSTER 883 EFI 2007, exc cond, only 6k, just serviced, battery, MoT, V&H exhaust, 48 bars, 1” lower rear shock and kick stand, £4500. Tel. 07973 218318. Kent.

HONDA CB175 K4 genuine barn ﬁnd, unrestored, all orig, free tax, starts/runs, ideal for light restoration or use as is, £1995. Tel. 07905 615968. Devon.

HONDA CB250N Superdream, 1979, lovely cond, everything works, recent replacement orig and pattern parts bring it to this std, MoT, £1750. Tel. 01621 815533. pfrosty66@ hotmail.co.uk Colchester.

HONDA CB650F-A 2014, under 6k, exc cond, MoT, history, h/book, tool kit, datatag (trans), Michelin PilotRoad3 tyres, crash protectors ﬁtted, £3850 ono. Tel. 075030 38787. rogezuk@sky.com Worcs.

HONDA HORNET CB600F-2 2003, 23k, new battery, MoT, exc cond, £1475 ovno. Tel. Pete 07425 126777. petebasson11@gmail.com Norfolk. HONDA CB250N 1980, 9,700 miles, all orig, runs well but requires some tlc, exc project, needs two new tyres and new battery, Sorn, £550. Tel. 0151 3068745. Cheshire. HONDA CB750/4 1979, DOHC, spoked wheels, 8k, recommissioned, orig tools/ manual, black chrome rack, £4550. 07759 607498. Berks. HONDA CD200 1986, reliable and economical, toured by present owner, 9 yrs MoT, rack, Haynes manual and large quantity of spares, £900. Tel. 07786 298701; 01484 462230. W Yorks. HONDA FORZA 2019 reg, April latest, Super 300 scoot from Honda, adj screen and much more, 85mpg, cost over £5000 plus service done, garaged, 1k, mint, retiring 71 year old biker, £4300. Tel. Pete 07507 933182. Yorks. HONDA FORZA 2018, reg Oct 18, latest 2019 model, adjustable screen etc, 125 Honda Super Scoot, 110mpg, service done 1,000 miles, mint, garaged, £3600. Tel. 07507 933182. Yorks. HONDA TL125 two new front fork stanchions, complete, £300; two rear chain guards, TL125S, black/silver, new, £40; two TL125 rare brake rods, £30; CB72/77 two inlet/ exhaust valves, new, £80. Tel. 01484 663007. W Yorks. dougandbabs@ntlworld. com

SELLING YOUR BIKE IS

FREE FOR PRIVATE READERS

KAWASAKI ER-6F 2010, 650cc, 19,171, vgc, MoT, serviced, cheap to run, 70bhp twin cyl motor, lime green, full s/h, c/w all books and two keys, second owner from 03.2011, new battery, tyres nearly new, vgc, £2700 ono. Tel. Bart 07850 366909. RG3 15.

KAWASAKI NINJA ZX12R mint condition, MoT till Oct 26, 2019, low mileage 7,361 miles, Akrapovic race system, sounds awesome, £4995. Tel. 01492 549815; 07962 504908.

KAWASAKI VERSYS 2010, yellow, 654 genuine miles, condition as expected for low miles, factory colour matched, luggage, data tool alarm, crash protection bars, 2 keys, £3100. Tel. John 07740 853481.

KAWASAKI VERSYS 650 2017, full s/h, vgc, selling due to ill health, £5000 ono. Tel. 07842 833362. Swansea.

Choose one of the following methods: 1/ ONLINE www.o2w.co.uk 2/ EMAIL freeads@o2w.co.uk 3/ POST O2W Reader Adverts, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR MATCHLESS G5 1960, rebuilt, quite smart, many new parts, goes well, age related number, £2650. Tel. 01337 827954. Fife.

KAWASAKI Z1000 A1 1977, UK reg owned since 1981, 68,500 miles, Z1R wheels, dyna coils, Vance & Hines 4-1, braced s/arm, new battery, extras, £7000 ono. Tel. 0208 3011616. Kent.

KAWASAKI ZR7 750 2000, only covered 3k miles, new tyres, serviced, good all round cond, never seen rain, £2500 ono. Tel. 07549 752000. .

KAWASAKI ZZR600 2001, 7,400 miles dry use only, fully documented, 2 keys, match tank bag, panniers, recent Michelins, cover and disc lock, v clean, sold with MoT, £2000. Tel. 07766 328999. Staﬀs.

MOTO GUZZI 1000 Crossbow Spada Special, 1980, only 3 made in colour, original, 44k, owned 35 years, dry stored, needs recommissioning, includes full fairing, £4950. Tel. 07941 684073. Powys.

MOTO GUZZI 650 Larrio, 1982, good cond, paintwork and alloy castings in exc cond, a fast bike in it’s time, 60hp, 173kg and a low seat, ﬁtted with adj higher bars for comfort, original ones with bike, 27,500 miles, lots of paperwork/history, £2150. Tel. 01422 842229. tlevitt@ tiscali.co.uk W Yorks.

MOTO GUZZI NEVADA Club trike, 2003 Model, 8,000 miles, fully equipped, large history, MoT, vgc thr’out, £2950 ono; consider p/x late Royal Enﬁeld Tel. 01297 489578. callbrig@gmail.com Dorset.

SUZUKI 200 in great condition, 23,721 miles on the clock, sound appreciating classic, 2 stroke, good running cond, on Sorn, Tim £1395. Tel. 07707 040280. Cheshire. ROYAL ENFIELD 500cc, 2008, 3k miles, blue, v clean, £2000. Tel. 01751 431409. N Yorks.

SUZUKI BANDIT 2002, exc cond, serviced and MoT, h/grips, raised bards, rear fuel can holders, spare performance exhaust, 24k, always garaged, £2350 ono. Tel. 01952 550212. Shrops.

SUZUKI BURGMAN AN400 K7 400cc, 2006, 35,317 miles, grey, good cond, age related wear and tear, MoT, regularly serviced, c/w good s/h, assorted paperwork, superb workhorse, 400cc engine, ideal long distance as well as commuting, loads of under seat storage, easy to ride being fully automatic, just twist and go, £1600 ono. Tel. 07582 111551. W Sussex.

SUZUKI CAT C Cat C, all ﬁxed but petrol tank wrong colour, c/w std cans and seat hump, MoT on sale, £3500 ovno. Tel. 07748 361732. Leics. SUZUKI GSX 600 1991, H reg, whole bikes for spares only, no t&t, no paperwork, 2 keys, no bodywork, not started but does/should run, Viper end can, 35k miles, £250. Tel. Graham 07488 352630 for more info. London.

CLASSIFIEDS

Selling your bike is FREE for private readers

Online: www.o2w.co.uk Email: freeads@o2w.co.uk Post: O2W Reader Adverts, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR

SUZUKI GSF1250SAL0 Bandit, beautiful cond, 18.8k miles, MoT 11/02/20, bought from C J Ball & Son, Suzuki main dealer, Norwich, only selling due to lack of use, full Main Dealer service 500 miles ago, 2 keys, V5, new carbon can (orig inc), new h/grips, new monokey rack, ﬁts Givi top box, new radiator guard, engine bars, good tyres, rides faultlessly, MoT due 11/02/2020, 4 owners, £3750. Tel. 07906 710758. Gt Yarmouth area.

SUZUKI GSXF lovely example for sale due to back injury can no longer ride her, front and rear cameras, back box with padding for pillion, 25,758 genuine miles, nice sound to it, MoT ran out a couple of months ago, will pass no issues, £1400 ono. Tel. 07815 614814. nr Preston, Lancs. SUZUKI GSXF750 1998, 12 months’ MoT, 28k miles from new, top box, rack, great condition, £15,000 or swap for smaller cc bike or scooter in same condition/ around same price. Tel. 01204 391956. Gtr Man. margaret.stilwell@outlook. com SUZUKI GT750 A model, red, petrol tank, been repaired, £160. Tel. 07713 540493. Cheshire.

SUZUKI GSXR 1100M 1991, polished frame and wheels, braided hoses, Wavey discs, Yoshimura exhaust system, tinted screen and light cover, new tyres, resprayed, hugger, colour matched Ohlin suspension, 24k, £5500 ono. Tel. Malc 07817 628365. malcolmgreat2@hotmail. com Staﬀs.

TAIWAN GOLDEN BEE scooter R125x, 2011, black/yellow, 3/800 miles/ new MoT, cat N, good runner and condition, £.00ono tel £695 ono. Tel. 07949 380230. Essex.

TGB R50X 2016, absolutely ‘as new’ cond, dry-stored all its life in a garage, only 246 miles on the clock, mint cond, TGB of Taiwan participated with Piaggio/Vespa to produce this top - of-the -range scooter, build quality and overall performance are absolutely magnificent, air-cooled 2-stroke 50cc engine, equipped with elec injection and ignition, telescopic f/suspension & ‘Wavy’ hydraulic disc brakes, restricted to 30mph suitable for 16+ CBT, £1295. Tel. 01278 448690. Somerset.

TRIUMPH DAYTONA 2004, 17,500 miles, excellent, orig cond, Strontium yellow with R&G bungs and Scottoiler, good battery and tyres, MoT, I’ve owned it since 2012, 3 previous owners, 2 keys, h/ books etc, £2300. Tel. 07751 453463. Scotland.

TRIUMPH SPRINT 1050ST ABS, 59 reg, 47k miles, long MoT, s/h, Triumph side panniers. Renthal luggage rack, £2795. Tel. 07836 768687. YAMAHA XMAX 400 /300 new Akrapovac exhaust system, cost £684, in box with receipt will accept, £400. Tel. 07960 436887. Sheﬃeld, S Yorks.

TRIUMPH SPRINT ST 955I 2002, great VFR style Triple, MoT, kept indoors, full s/h, standard plus ABM higher bars, originals inc, Racing green, done only 12k, £2300. Tel. 07792 887729. ishouldbesolucky@icloud. com Stockport.

YAMAHA 400E 1999, yellow, fully restored, excellent condition, runs and rides well, £5250 ovno. Tel. 01709 571819 evenings. Natalie. louise90@hotmail.com .

YAMAHA R1 2007, 4,900 miles, Dream Machine paint, Akros, HEL lines, ASV levers, Billet rear sets, new chain/ sprockets plus all original parts, cherished bike but ageing body forces sale, £6995. Tel. 07769 971734. Wilts.

YAMAHA TDM 850 4TX 2001, Y reg, MoT 3/20, 38k miles, panniers, top box, runs/rides well, good condition for year, age related marks, has a lower seat or can ﬁt standard seat, £1500. Tel. Dave 07916 120225. Man.

YAMAHA XJ600 Bobber 1996, MoT end of Feb 2020, approx 38k miles, p/coated frame and some stainless steel parts, runs good and reliable, located in Prestatyn can deliver if needed, £975 ovno. Tel. 07856 830585. Flints.

YAMAHA X V750 Virago, excellent condition, many fitted extras, 12 months’ MoT, lady owner, 28k miles, £1825 ono. Tel. 01524 272032. Lancs.

YAMAHA XVS650 2010 (59) Dragstar, white, MoT expired April 2019, dent on r/h/s of tank, exhausts scratched, otherwise good condition, c/w Haynes manual, 3,700 miles, £2000 ono. Tel. 07963 404746. Tamworth, Staﬀs.

YAMAZAKI ROCK 50cc Sports moped, stunning, near new condi, only 11 months old, just over 1,100 miles, a 50cc with full sized motorbike looks, great tyres, digital dash, LED lights, v comfy seat, pillion grab handles, rare bike - especially in this condition, £1100. Tel. 07500 773730. E Yorks. YAMAHA FZS600 FAZER two owners, genuine 7,400 miles, blue, immac cond, any inspection welcome, MoT on purchase, £3250 ovno. Tel. 07746 956048. Merseyside.

Wanted REAR WHEEL for BSA B175 Bantam. Tel. 07786 282508 with details. STILL LOOKING FOR TANK for ER 500cc Kawasaki with ﬂat round petrol cap, 206, if you got one ring me. Tel. 07986 465088. Kent. WANTED HONDA 90 ENGINE with manual clutch (cable) fitted to C200, S90 and SS90. will collect. Tel. 0121 5728054. WANTED MOPED TOMOS or similar, any condition, must be cheap, (will collect). Tel. Barry 01527 836644. Worcs.

WANTED YAMAHA MECHANIC for my 1995 YZF 750R engine. Tel. Graham 07488 352 630. W London. WANTED YAMAHA YZF 750R spares, preferably 1995 on but all years/parts considered. Tel. Graham 07488 352 630. W London. F

Parts for sale HONDA 90 two front wheels, one with tyre/tube, £35 each; Keihin carburettor Lifelan 125 with air cleaner, new, £35; Honda CB92/95 carebuttor, PW22 HOV? Tel. 01484 663007. W Yorks. HARLEY-DAVIDSON 883C 2005 Sportser b/rest rack, £100; plus screen and ﬁtting kit, both in excellent condition, £150. Tel. 07968 071950. Derbys.

HONDA TL125 two new front fork stanchions, complete, £300; two r/chainguards, TL125S, black/silver, new, £40; two TL125 rear brake rods, £30; CB72/77 two inlet exhaust valves, new, £80. Tel. 01484 663007. W Yorks. dougandbabs@ntlworld.com EDRE SINGLE BIKE TRAILER galvanised full elecs, good tyres, inc spare good cond, £160. Tel. 01271 343790. N Devon.

Miscellaneous NEW RACING SUIT black leather/red, 44”, 5ft 10”, £150; S/H Alpine Star boots, 10, £50; black fabric jacket, XL, £25. Tel. 07759 607498. Berks. RICHA LEATHER JACKET size 54, exc cond, £70. Tel. 07968 071950. Derbys.

MOTO GUZZI SPORT/LE MANS Bible, new, £28; Velocette Racing Story, Mick Walker, new, £25; Honda Goldwing Story, as new, £15; Norton Dominator, Mick Walker, as new, £15. Tel. 01484 663007. Huddersf ield. dougandbabs@ntlworld. com SMALL TOP BOX with two keys and fitting kit, £15; sma ll s c r e e n Su z u k i logo, fits any bike, with conventional headlight, £10; wante d Hay nes manual for Honda CB250. Tel. 01484 462230 evenings. W Yorks. MOTORBIKE TEXTILE TROUSERS men size, waist 32” x length 29”, never worn, from smoke free home, £30. Tel. 07796 902669.

S PI D I R AC E LE AT H E R S one-piece, lined, black/ gold/red and white with Fieldsheer knee sliders, to suit someone 5ft 7ins tall, 42ins chest, 30ins waist, 30ins inside leg, excellent cond, recently cleaned and treated [receipt to show], £120; also one-piece wet suit, in red to go over the above leathers, £25. Tel. 07754 727265 any time. GREEVES ANGLIAN 1967, rolling chassis, of fers please; tow-a-bike, brand new, £200 ono. Tel. 07976 752528. W Mids. WEISE OVERBOOTS si ze XL, waterproof with toe section, ideal for that rainy day and very compact, never worn, hence as new! £9. Tel. 07504 327299 for details. Torquay, Devon

38 www.o2w.co.uk

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