NEWS
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Django scooter range upgraded With five different models to choose from, Peugeot’s Django scooter has been upgraded with the new ‘EasyMotion’ engine and SBC linked braking across the model range. Designed to Euro 4 emissions regulations, the 125cc ‘EasyMotion’ engine is fuel injected and returns 104mpg tested under World Motorcycle Test Cycle conditions, according to Peugeot. The Synchro Braking Concept now comes as standard across all models in the Django 125 range. Applying the left lever activates the SBC, which distributes braking effort simultaneously between the 200mm front disc brake and 170mm disc at the rear, slowing the scooter without locking the wheels or diving at the front. Should you need to make an emergency stop, using the right-hand lever adds extra power to the front brake. • Info: www.peugeotscooters.co.uk
KYMCO importer ceases trading MASCO, the UK distributor of Taiwanese KYMCO scooters and motorcycles, abruptly closed its doors on July 4, 2017. MASCO began representing KYMCO in 1998 and has carved out an excellent reputation over the last 19 years with its value-formoney scooters and motorcycles. In 2016, close to 1000 KYMCO bikes were UK-registered. Insolvency practitioner Moorfields has been brought in to act on the Shrewsbury-based brand’s behalf in what managing director Ian Kidson reportedly described as a “liquidation process”.
Tucano Urbano appoints new UK brand manager Italian-based apparel and accessory manufacturer Tucano Urbano has appointed Rachel Fuller as its new UK country manager. Rachel is passionate about both motorcycles and scooters. When she’s not visiting dealers nationwide, she can be found at the British Superbike rounds, Motorcycle Live and Expo
Village pub allegedly tells bikers they have been banned by brewery Motorcyclists claim they have been banned from The Royal Oak at Ulley, near Rotherham. The pub is owned by Samuel Smith's brewery, based in Tadcaster in North Yorkshire. The independent brewery, which has around 200 pubs, recently banned people from swearing on its premises – and now biker Mark Smith has been told he will no longer be served at The Royal Oak. “Before I even got to the car park a guy greeted me and said ‘we’re not allowed in, bikers are barred. I parked-up and was getting my gear
On Two Wheels
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off when a staff member came out and said ‘I can’t serve you, we’ve barred bikes’.” The staff member told Mark the decision came from the brewery and that no reason to bar him and other bikers was given. Black’s Solicitors in Leeds said bikers were not a ‘protected group’ under the Equality Act, meaning it’s not against the law for the brewery to ban a group of bikers from its pubs. We’ve contacted Samuel Smith’s Brewery for further clarification – but it had not commented at the time of going to press.
Editor: Mau Spencer Publisher: Dan Savage Staff writer: Ross Mowbray Contributors: Dave Bell, Gary Chapman, Paul Fincham, Ryan Goodyear, Viv King, ‘Chef Prendergast, Jonathan Schofield. Apologies to anyone we’ve forgotten. Editorial design: Fran Lovely Picture desk: Paul Fincham, Jonathan Schofield, Angie Sisestean Production editor: Dan Sharp Divisional ad manager: Martin Freeman 01507 529538 Advertising: Zoe Thurling 01507 529412 Marketing manager: Charlotte Park Commercial director: Nigel Hole Customer services number: 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open Monday-Friday 8.30am-7pm, Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm
Shows or at various motorcycle events. She said: “I’m looking forward to the new experiences working with Tucano Urbano will bring, especially with the presentation of the new Tucano Urbano winter apparel collection and the new innovative Termoscud® PRO, both of which I will be introducing to the UK shortly”.
KSR replacement parts Venhill has introduced replacement braided brake lines and cables for KSR Moto’s range of 125cc bikes and scooters. Powerhose Plus braided brake line kits come in a choice of colours and include fittings, bolts, connectors and washers; banjos and bolts are offered in polished stainless or chrome-plated steel. Replacement cables also come in a range of colours including black, blue, green, yellow, orange and red, with a choice of fittings in aluminium or zinc-plated steel. Kits are available for the KSR Code, GRS, Worx, and TW125 models. Prices start at £15.58 for cables and £26.30 for brake lines (all including VAT). • Info: www.venhill.co.uk / 01306 885111
Lambretta UK importer announced – models due in December The latest Lambretta scooter models will be distributed in the UK and Ireland by the MotoGB group. Initial stock will arrive early December 2017 and will hopefully be with dealers prior to Christmas. MotoGB is the UK’s largest independent importer and distributor of motorcycles and scooters, including brands such as Royal Enfield, Benelli, SYM, FB Mondial, Daelim, Hyosung and Keeway. MotoGB is a family-owned company which also has around 10 franchised retail outlets in the North West. Steve Oliver general manager of MotoGB says: “This is a real coup for us as Lambretta is the epitome of scootering both past and present. These machines hark back to a golden era of scootering but today’s Lambretta range is also thoroughly modern and reliable. These beautiful scooters are not just for the older generation, keen to recall the days of their youth, but a Lambretta is also a classicallystyled machine which is perfect for riders of any age to enjoy, whether they commute daily on two wheels or simply enjoy a ride at the weekend.”
DEALERS (& FUTURE CUSTOMERS) WANTED Steve adds: “We want Lambretta dealers and owners both past and present to call us now in order that we may provide the very best levels of support to them. We will also be looking to appoint proactive dealers in many areas.”
THE WORLD’S STRONGEST DENIM? Saint has unveiled its brand-new Unbreakable range, and claims that it is the world’s first single layer protection for motorcyclists. Saint’s Unbreakable clothing line is created by stretching and blending industrial and military Dyneema fibres with merino and cotton. If you’ve not heard of Dyneema fibre technology before – it’s used by the UK and USA military for both personal and vehicle armour, and is woven through carbon fibre to further increase strength, resistance and durability. Saint said: “We’re passionate about our motorbikes, but tired of compromising looks for safety, or safety for fashion. Saint apparel delivers great freedom and form, with world first single layer protection. With no bulky layers or liners, we provide the very best in strength and impact abrasion resistant denim, while maintaining a classic style.” The denim offers (pretty much) the same protection as leather, offering about 3.7 seconds of abrasion resistance – while being cooler, lighter and more flexible than current denim-based bike jeans. The Model 1 range features 66% blended Dyneema fibres on all impact zones, and a 10% blend through the rest of the item, ensuring protection when (and where) you need it most. It’s been thoroughly tested too, proving its 360º torsional strength while meeting European CE standards.
Saint isn’t stopping there though – it’s hard at work, further developing this innovative blend of materials, and plans to include a ‘nano-spherical finish’ to make the denim water-repellent, to further improve the stretch of the material, and to increase the use of Dyneema by up to 30%. For more information about the Unbreakable range, and to check out a brilliant video showing the ‘Unbreakable’ material withstanding a range of abuse, from a belt sander to a knife, visited the company’s website. • Info: www.saint.cc
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Yamaha’s all-new X-MAX 400 Yamaha has announced the addition of the new X-MAX 400 to its sport scooter range – and it reckons the latest model runs, handles, feels and looks better than ever before. Yamaha claims the X-MAX 400 is the perfect commuter scooter to nip through traffic in towns or cities – and its 400cc engine gives you the power to cruise at speed too. It’s undeniably a top spec machine for its class – featuring a traction control system and a smart key ignition system. It’s also equipped with motorcycle-style front forks for improved handling; and there’s dual 267mm front disc brakes with ABS for stopping, a parking brake and front and rear LED lights to help you be more visible out on the road. The X-MAX 400 also features an impressive underseat storage area, with interior lighting, and a tooladjustable two-position screen and adjustable handlebars. If you’re looking for a refined scooter to tackle some serious miles, check-o out t he new 2017 X-M M A X 400. • Info: www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk
X-MAX 400
NEW METAL
A quick glance at some of the latest UK arrivals.
The Suzuki GSX range The new GSX leaner-llegal and A2 licence ranges are set to arrive in UK dealerships in September.
GSX-S125 Thee GSX-S Th S125 (£3699) shares much w it h its spor t ier sibling, using the same engine to offer the best powerto-weight ratio and acceleration performance in the naked 125cc class. Suzuki GB marketing manager Rob Cooper said: “The new GSX-R125 means sportsbike fans getting into motorcycling for the first time can join the largest family of sportsbikes in the world. But it’s not only new riders who’ll enjoy them, with both offering engine performance to please experienced riders that are perhaps looking for a small bike for city use.” If you haven’t got £4000 in cash, you can take out a finance deal through Suzuki. With £977.86 deposit, the GSX-R125 works out at £75 per month over 48 months, while the GSX-S125 is £69 per month over the same period with £925.29 deposit.
GSX-R125 Drawing inspiration from larger capacity GSX-Rs, the new GSX-R1255 (£3999) claims the best power-toweight ratio and acceleration performance in the 125cc sportsbike class. Its single-cylinder bore is plated with Suzuki’s own, race-proven, nickel-phosphorus-silicon-carbide, while a big-bore, 32mm throttle body and advanced, six-sensor, four-hole fuel injector work to optimise fuel delivery. Setting the new GSX-R apart is a double overhead camshaft engine design (DOHC), helping to improve airflow at higher rpm. There’s also a large, 4.3 litre airbox to further increase performance. The slim, lightweight bodywork aligns it with Suzuki’s GSX-R racing
family and helps it achieve the lightest weight in its class (134kg) which helps it get off the line quickly, while contributing to ease of use and fuel economy. There’s also a new keyless ignition system, along with Suzuki’s easy-start system and a full LCD dash displaying fuel gauge, clock, and gear position indicator, alongside speedo, tacho, and odometers, and an oil change indicator light. It also has a stacked, full LED headlight and LED tail-lights.
GSX-250R The A2 licence 248cc parallel twin will go on sale at £4299. It combines aggressive, sport styling and performance with comfort and ease of use – helping to make it as at home in city traffic as it is on twisty B-roads. The engine gives optimum performance at low-to-midrange revs, producing 23.4Nm of torque at 6500rpm and peak power of 25PS at 8000rpm. Intake valves optimise airflow into the combustion chamber, helping to improve performance while reducing emissions – and a new two-into-one exhaust system further enhances midrange performance.
The clip-on handlebars are positioned primarily for a comfortable ride. A full LCD dash offers a range of information, including gear-position indicator, fuel gauge, and clock. Pay £1500 deposit, then £90.22 per month (over 36 months) and own the bike at the end of the term. • Info: www.suzuki.co.uk
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NEW PRODUCTS
Here’s a small selection of the latest clothing and other products just released
Oxford XA6 alarm disc lock
RRP: £59.99 | Colours: Black/White/ Silver, Black/White/Blue, Black/ White/Red, Black/Yellow/Red | Sizes: XS – 2XL
RRP: £49.99 | Colours: Yellow/Black The Oxford XA6 alarmed disc lock is a strong, compact and convenient solution to help keep your bike safe. It features a tough alloy hardened 6mm locking pin, a twin spar lock chassis for double strength and cut resistance, and you’ll get a minder cable and attachment eye too (so you won’t forget it’s on there and damage your disc).
Helios and Shamal summer gloves RRP: £26.90-£59.90 (incl VAT) | Colours: various according to style | Sizes: S to 3XL The Helios and Shamal glove ranges have been developed for both urban and touring use; they come with touch screen technology (the use of tactile devices while the gloves are on). The Helios range has been designed with long distance summer season riding in mind and the gloves are constructed in a combination of spandex, leather and mesh that helps protect the hand in all areas of possible impact. Inside, they feature a polyester mesh lining, adjusted by hook and loop fastening. They are available in grey/black and yellow/black in sizes S to 3XL. The Shamal has large ventilation areas to keep hands dry even on the hottest days and its EVA injected fabric provides knuckle protection. The palm is constructed from microfibre and the lining is polyester mesh; they adjust in the same way as the Helios gloves. They are available in fluo yellow/ black/grey and white/grey/black. • Info: www.hevik.co.uk / 01327 706220.
It’s not just tough; it’s loud too – emitting a 110dB alarm if it comes under attack. Oxford says it has been tested under attack conditions, so you can rest assured that it’ll perform when you need it to. It has a USB-rechargeable lithium CR2 long-life battery, comes with three keys (there’s a replacement key service available too, if you lose one)
and most importantly Oxford reckon it’ll fit most bikes and almost every type of scooter. • Info: www.oxford products.com
Envy ladies leggings RRP: £149.99 | Colours: Black | Sizes: 4-22 (Short, Regular and Long) Bull-It’s armoured Envy leggings are made in conjunction with Covec, a company focused on ‘Technical Textiles’ made from yarns of synthetic fibres mixed with natural fibres. The leggings are armoured with Covec’s new Webtech liner, offering high abrasion resistance and a low profile design. Covec is a laminated construction consisting of around 300 to 750gsm knitted textiles made of high performance fibres. The fibres offer strength, density and a softer knitted feel – while managing to outperform the highest reported figures seen in motorcycle jeans, scoring 7.97
Nitro N2000 Pioneer full-face helmet
seconds under CE EN 13595-1 test conditions. They also feature a Covec thermal barrier internally, to prevent heat transfer from road friction in the event of a crash. The Envy ladies leggings are constructed specifically for motorcycle use with a four-way stretch outer. There’s also reinforced stretch knee panels with pockets for additional armour, triple-stitch seam construction and high visibility black reflective side seams. They also feature loops for an optional belt, an embroidered Bull-it logo on the waistband and two front pockets. • Info: www.oxfordproducts.com
The all-new Pioneer N2000 full-face lid offers design and premium specifications for a budget price. It’s made from a custom designed polycarbonate injected shell and meets current ECE 22.05 standards. It also boasts an ultra-comfort fit liner system. Ventilation is a key feature, with the N200 boasting dual-position chin bar ventilation, dual brow ventilation and dual rear exhaust vents (fully adjustable), along with the Pinlock prepared, injection moulded anti-fog 3D visor with an anti-scratch coating. It also comes with a micrometric fastening buckle which offers adjustability over fit. • Info: www.nit rorider.com
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A1 LICENCE
FIRST RIDE
Bullit Hero 125 Retro-styled scrambler on a budget. The first time I rode the 2017 Bullit Hero 125 was on a soaking wet summer’s day, but the retro-styled scrambler still managed to put a huge smile on my face. I love its styling, which pays homage to classic British motorcycle design of the 60s – but it doesn’t just look good, this bike has a lot going for it.
SPECIFICATION
Bullit Hero 125 ENGINE: 125cc SOHC air-cooled twin-valve,
4-stroke, 5-speed SEAT HEIGHT: 860mm WEIGHT: 121kg TANK CAPACITY: 9 litres PRICE: £2499 (OTR) CONTACT: www.bullitmotorcycles.com O2W RATING:
★★★★★★★★★★
Deceptive looks
As a 6ft 1in larger-than-average human being, I expected this 125 to feel disproportionately small and make me look like a giant, but, I actually found the ergonomics of the sitting position very comfortable, with its 86cm ride height offering a deceptively roomy ride. The wide handlebars and easy to reach gear lever were a pleasure to use, but, some of the instruments did feel quite tightly packed together – and as I
wear an XL glove, I initially found myself tapping the horn when going for the indicators. After a few rides, I re-calibrated my hand movement and stopped telling everybody that I was turning with a quick pip of the horn and flashing indicator. Saying that, the throaty exhaust note goes some way to letting everyone know you are on your way – and what a satisfying sound that is. I kept rolling off the throttle just to hear the exhaust gargle and crackle. The dials are simple yet informative, with the speedometer in kilometres. The indicator, neutral and fuel light are small but easy enough to see at a glance.
Forward thinking
The Hero has some well thought-out design features, such as its bash plate behind the footrest and under the front forks, in addition to an engine guard, each adding that extra bit of style – which should allow the underside of the Hero to handle a bruising in a more off-road setting. The Kingstone knobbly tyres contribute to the Hero’s scrambler styling. Admittedly, I can’t imagine I’ll be taking it off-road much, but they look great – and at the speed you’re doing on the roads (around 45mph from the 125cc four-stroke air-cooled 11.5bhp engine) the tyres don’t take anything away from the on-road handling. In fact, I found
myself just optimising the corner speed and not letting off on all my favourite corners – after all, I’m not going to be breaking any speed limits on the open road. When I had to slow, the brakes where strong and able, pulling me up with confidence. The Bullit brand is imported from Dutch company Mooof which was founded in 2005; it also supplies the Neco and Beaufort brands for the UK market. But back to the Bullit Hero – if its looks are something you appreciate, then I’d recommend you get yourself booked in for a test ride. By the time you get off the bike, you’ll have a smile from ear-to-ear and you’ll be looking for an excuse to get back on. It may not be the quickest 125cc on the market, but it’s great looking and great fun.
Words: Paul Fincham Images: Matt Hull
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LegalQ&A Our specialist motoring solicitor, Andrew Prendergast, guides you through your legal troubles.
Q
I parked my bike outside the supermarket while I popped in to get some cheese (fajita night)! It’s a bright green Kwak – not exactly subtle. But a little boy (about seven years old) dented my Akrapovic exhaust can falling off his bicycle. The boy’s mum apologised, but I have a dented exhaust that will cost money to make good. I know the family, so can I make a claim against them? Surely his parents should have to pay?
GETTING ON TWO WHEELS Part 4
Module 2 motorcycle test
Thinking about getting on two wheels? This step-by-step guide will cover compulsory basic training, the motorcycle theory test, and Module 1 and Module 2 of the (full) motorcycle test.
Thanks ■ I’d like to say a huge thank you to Walt and Bill from WOLTS Motorcycle Training in Lincoln for their advice and guidance, and for helping to get me through my test first time. I opted for their Direct Access training course – and had two intensive days’ training before taking my test. If you’re looking for some training in the area, I couldn’t recommend them enough. For more information – visit www.webbsoflincoln.co.uk
A
You could bring a claim in a court of law, but before contemplating that I’d start with a polite tap on the door to see what mum’s response is, as she may just pay for the damage. I’d also ask if they have any house insurance, as that may well pay out for the dented can. If you do issue court proceedings I’d think carefully before spending your hardearned cash on solicitors. While you may have a good claim, it’s likely this would be allocated to what’s known as the ‘Small Claims Track’ because the financial value of your claim is below £10,000. The ‘Small Claim Track’ is designed so people may bring their own claims without the use of a lawyer. If you do need to use a lawyer, the disadvantage is that it would be unlikely you’d obtain a costs order against the other side. The likelihood is that legal costs will equal a large part of, or exceed the amount you’re claiming. Lastly, if he’s a seven-year-old boy, with no money and his parents don’t have house insurance, you could get a court order, but never actually get paid. 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.
Things to note:
Alright? My name’s Ross and I’m a staff writer for On2Wheels. I’ve just passed my full motorcycle test – so I have a pretty good idea of just how daunting a looming test date can be. I wanted to try and break down the process, share some of my thoughts and experiences and hopefully ease some of your worries while I’m at it. This time we’re looking at the Module 2 test – the final step to getting your hands on a full licence.
Module 2 motorcycle test
During your Module 2 test you’ll be judged on your ability to ride safely on the road, in accordance with the Highway Code – and it’ll take around an hour to complete. The test is broken down into four separate segments, which are: ■ An eyesight check ■ ‘Show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions ■ Road riding ■ Independent riding Right, let’s get into specifics. For the eyesight check you’ll be expected to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5m. You’ll fail your test if you fail the eyesight check – and for the ‘show me, tell me’ part of the test, you’ll be asked a couple of questions relating to vehicle safety, which test that you know how to carry out basic safety checks. Now it’s time to get out on the road. Your examiner will hook you up with a one-way communication system so they can give you directions – and away you go. Throughout the duration of the test, you’ll be asked to carry out normal stops, an angle start (pulling out from behind a parked vehicle) and a hill start (where possible). You’ll also have to undertake about 10 minutes of independent riding, which is designed to assess your
ability to ride safely while making your own decisions. Don’t worry though, if you forget the instructions, you can ask the instructor to repeat the directions if you do – and you won’t fail the test if you manage to go off the route either, providing your react appropriately. Throughout the test, your examiner will make a note of dangerous faults – these involve actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property; serious faults – which are potentially dangerous; and riding faults – which aren’t necessarily dangerous, but could become serious if you keep making the same mistake. You’ll pass Module 2 if you make no serious or dangerous faults (or ‘majors’) and no more than 10 riding faults (or ‘minors’). Just remember that the test is simply about showing that you have full control over the motorcycle, while constantly assessing your environment for risks. If you do, you should be fine. If you’ve already been out on the road regularly (riding on a CBT certificate), you should already be pretty well equipped to deal with the Module 2 test – but no matter what
your level of experience is, make sure you put in the practice and get some proper training in (to ensure any bad habits are picked up and worked on in time for your test). If you pass, the examiner will tell you what faults you made, if any, and give you a pass certificate which you’ll need to take with you to your module two test. If you don’t pass, you’ll have to book another test (at least 10 days later, and try again).
■ Make sure you’re kitted-out with the appropriate safety gear. Although you’re not officially being graded on what you’re wearing, you need to ensure your gear meets your examiner's expectations. ■ Make sure you’ve got your UK photocard driving licence, CBT certificate, and theory and Module 1 pass certificates with you. ■ Brush up on your Highway Code – you need to know what is expected of you to be considered safe on the road. ■ Try and relax. You know what you need to do, so just ride as you would normally and try to forget that the examiner is scrutineering your every move.
Booking your test
To book your Module 2 motorcycle test at a specialist centre near your, visit: www.dvsa.co.uk – or, alternatively, ask your trainer to book you in. It’ll cost £75 if you take it in the week or £88.50 if you take the test on a Saturday.
Words: Ross Images: Gary Chapman
Here’s Ross enjoying the freedom of the open road on an A2 restricted Triumph Street Twin.