YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE ON TWO WHEELS February 2018 Issue 9
BUYING GUIDE Flip-front helmets – the perfect compromise PAGE 29
On Two Wheels
Learners
Commuters
Buying
Riding
RIDING ADVICE
Watch out for pedestrians PAGE 26
BIKES TESTED THIS ISSUE Lexmoto Riviera 125 Cut through traffic in style
PAGE 12
Triumph Street Twin
Learnerfriendly retroroadster
PAGE 22
Peugeot CityStar 125 Miniature maxiscooter for the masses
PAGE 14
Benelli BN251
Small capacity sportsbike on a budget
PAGE 20
Benelli BN302
Tackling twisties and fighting through traffic
PAGE 21
Ready for weekend adventures, long distance tours or the daily commute: Honda’s new CRF250L Rally
PAGE 24
ALSO INSIDE: NEWS ● NEW PRODUCTS ● PRODUCT REVIEWS ● RIDING TIPS ● CLASSIFIED ADS ● WATT BIKE NEWS ● AT A GLANCE ● PLUS MUCH MORE
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NEWS
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In Brief More motorcycles on the road – but fewer accidents
Safety app partnership announced
Close Brothers Motor Finance has partnered with REALRIDER to offer free access to the motorcycle safety app for its customers, in the first partnership of its kind. REALRIDER is a crash detection app, which integrates with the BT managed 999 emergency system. In the case of an accident, the app sets off an alarm which sends the incident location and medical details such as the rider’s blood type to the nearest ambulance control room. The app also offers riders the ability to store and share routes and points of interest with fellow bikers, together with photos and comments. Riders can plan solo or group ride-outs thanks to a weather widget providing real-time or three-five day forecasting. Important prompts such as service and MOT alerts can also be sent straight from the phone’s calendar. Any rider renewing or taking-out finance on a motorcycle or accessories with Close Brothers Motor Finance will have free access to the app for the first three months.
More than 100,000 bike fans at Motorcycle Live Motorcycle Live 2017 drew to a close on November 26, 2017 after a nine-day stint at The NEC, Birmingham, where 107,072 bike fans enjoyed an interactive, entertaining and action-packed event. More than 40 of the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers turned out to debut their brand-new 2018 machinery, each one pulling out all the stops with their spectacular stands. Among the interactive show features were 10 free opportunities to ride a bike, with activities for all ages and
levels of experience. Strider and Arenacross were busy getting youngsters onto two wheels, while Get On’s Two Wheel Taster and BMW’s Rookie to Rider targeted new bikers. The Test Ride Zone, Experience Adventure and the Yamaha Dark Side MT Tour allowed licensed motorcyclists to take a selection of great models for a spin. The ACU offered the chance to Try Trials and BMW tutored people in Off Road Skills. Motorcycle Live 2018 will take place at The NEC, Birmingham from November 17-25 – save the date!
Suzuki extends three-year warranty Suzuki has announced an extension to the three-year warranty period it currently offers across its new model range, with all new on-road machines purchased in 2018 set to benefit from the one-year extension to the firm’s typical two-year warranty period. The Japanese firm has been providing the extended warranty period since January 2016 and is the only major motorcycle manufacturer to offer a three-year warranty across its entire on-road range.
Bennetts announces ladies-only California Superbike School events
On Two Wheels
On2Wheels, The Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 529529 Email: editor@o2w.co.uk On2Wheels is published by Mortons Media Group Ltd and printed by Mortons Print
Editor: Mau Spencer Publisher: Dan Savage Staff writer: Ross Mowbray Contributors: Mike Baumber, Gary Chapman, Paul Fincham, Karen Mowbray, Mikko Nieminen, ‘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 advertising team leader: 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
Are you a female motorcyclist? Fancy getting out on track? Then check this out. Bennetts Insurance has announced two exclusive ladies-only, Level One California Superbike School events, offered in partnership with Ducati. There are two ladies-only dates to choose from in 2018: ! Tuesday, August 7, at Brands Hatch Indy, Kent. ! Wednesday, August 15, at Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire. Female riders can secure a place via the California Superbike School website for £344. Current Bennetts policyholders will be able to secure an additional saving of £45 via its Bennetts Rewards scheme for themselves and a guest. The events have been launched to encourage more women to get on two-wheels and help them advance their riding skills – as well as have fun.
Male policy holders are eligible to purchase up to two spaces as gifts for family and friends.
The Department of Transport’s latest figures show that motorcycle fatalities have fallen by 13% since 2015 and are down by 10% on the average figure for 2010-14, despite there having been a 2% overall increase in motorcycle traffic. Andy Goodson, sales and marketing director for Lexham Insurance, said: “The figures are encouraging in terms of reducing the number of motorcycle fatalities on Britain’s roads. While the government spent a record £175m on improving the more dangerous A-roads in England, by reducing the number of accidents on the 10 most dangerous roads, there is the potential to save up to £17m a year. Yet the Road Safety Foundation found that a further 6111km of the UK’s roads still pose an unacceptably high risk. London is leading the way in making roads safer by introducing new training schemes for motorcyclists. TfL has published figures highlighting that motorcyclists and their pillions accounted for 27% of serious injuries and 28% of all road fatalities in London in 2016. Changing the attitudes of drivers, advanced training for motorcyclists and raising awareness of hazardous situations could significantly impact the number of ‘killed or seriously injured’ KSI’s in the UK.
Campaigners concerned about proposed ban on pillion passengers The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has expressed concerns about the prospect of a ban on pillion passengers in London – a proposal which has been put forward to help combat the scooter crime epidemic currently gripping the city. The idea has been tabled by Green Greater London Authority member Sian Berry who said: “A very small number of people are causing large amounts of fear on our streets… A local saferneighbourhood panel Chair recently pointed out a tactic used in some other countries – to temporarily ban pillion passengers across whole cities.” MAG’s London Regional representative, Tim Fawthrop, has expressed his opposition to any blanket ban: “As Ms Berry herself states, she isn’t sure this is right for London – and we agree. “While all of us recognise the need to find solutions to the scooter mugger problem, the honest law-abiding, hard-working Londoner who takes his partner to work to cut costs and commuting time will be badly affected by this. “It’s not as if the criminals will obey this law among all the others they are breaking. The police will be hard-pushed with current staffing levels to enforce it and that will undermine the effectiveness of all laws.” ! Info: www.mag-uk.org
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NEWS
Want to share your latest news with our readers? Email pictures and details to editor@o2w.co.uk
Battery Ninja 400 is revealed
Young bikers ‘2.5 times more likely’ to be injured
Highways England has selected England’s south coast (home to five of the country’s nine hotspots for young rider KSIs) to officially launch its latest motorcycle road safety campaign. The campaign targets young motorcyclists and is underpinned by a tongue-in-cheek video, which has received more than 520k Facebook views. It centres around a spoof pop-up shop, called Distressed, which appears to feature a new range of trendy clothing for young scooter and motorcycle riders. Once a customer has settled on an item, the shop assistant reveals the ‘cost’ of being involved in a collision while wearing it (e.g. ‘broken ribs, a punctured lung and three nights on life support’). The shop assistant asks: “Do you think it’s worth that cost?” Research published by Highways England as part of the campaign shows that young riders represent more than 38% of rider casualties. As such, a young rider is two-and-ahalf times more likely to be injured in a collision.
Zero welcomes budget boost for e-bike industry
Zero Motorcycles has welcomed the Government’s commitment to invest £200m in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, as well as the continuation of the existing plug-in grant. Chancellor Philip Hammond recently announced that the Government would invest £200m to support the wider roll-out of charging infrastructure, which will be matched by private investment to create a £400m ‘Charging Investment Infrastructure Fund’ to increase the network of charging points for ultra-low emission vehicles. Hammond also committed to extending the current Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) grant, which pays 20% of the purchase price of a new electric vehicle, up to maximum of £1500, until at least 2020. Currently all Zero motorcycles are eligible for this subsidy, which is arranged by the dealer at the point of sale. Zero's UK manager Dale Robinson said: “It’s good news that the government continues to recognise the role that electric vehicles can play in providing a cleaner future." The Government has also confirmed that there will be no benefit-in-kind charge on electricity provided by employers to charge their employees’ vehicles – which is good news for commuters – while also ensuring that all new-build homes will have the correct wiring to house electric vehicle charging points.
In Brief
What do you think to this Kawasaki battery-powered Ninja 400 that hinges the ‘engine’ unit out of the left side of the machine in one smooth movement? The jaw-dropping idea, outlined in the official factory patent drawings, shows how the entire power unit can be opened up from the bike itself and replaced with a fully-charged unit, or have maintenance carried out as needed. The drawings show crucial parts of the design in order to make this work. Previously thought to be an idea destined for the ZX-10R superbike, it is now clear (after Kawasaki revealed its 2018 Ninja 400 model) that the plans are based around the smaller capacity sport roadster and have actually been in the works since before the Ninja 300 was released. That hinge is figured in most of the drawings and you can clearly see how the frame will hinge – the hinge element is number 82 (52, 53) on the drawing (top left shoulder of the bike) which shows how the whole left-hand side of the frame will open up and allow the entire motor to exit the motorcycle without the need for tricky loading or unloading from the frame.
Recycling batteries the BMW way Sales of electric motorcycles and cars are increasing little by little, raising questions about a future where such vehicles have become the norm and need to be disposed of at the end of their useful life. Now BMW is working on a pilot project to re-use the redundant batteries. The battery is the most important part of any electric vehicle by price and sometimes by volume or weight, even. This won’t change, no matter how much technology advances. If there are much more efficient batteries, the vehicles will go further and faster, but the battery remains as the main base. BMW is working with an energy plant in Leipzig, Germany, which has set-up an energy storage facility using batteries from old BMW i3 cars. When these batteries reach the end of their
useful life (usually considered to be when they fail to retain 70-80% of their full load), they’ll be taken to the plant for a second use; here they’ll use energy generated by wind turbines to store power equivalent to up to 700 BMW i3 cars. The industrial storage unit can be expanded in the future, to be compatible with the next generations of batteries. For BMW, this idea shows that the future of electric mobility will also be sustainable as reusing batteries also contributes to further reducing the carbon footprint (CO2 emissions) of the entire process. This project is part of the WindNODE initiative, aimed at promoting the intelligent use of renewable energy and the development of electrical storage systems.
Touring calendar for Italy available
Road Motorcycle Tours Italy has announced its 2018 Italian motorcycle tour calendar. Tours visit destinations such as the Amalfi Coast, the Alps, the Dolomites, Tuscany, Chianti, Sardinia, Corsica, and watching the MotoGP races at Mugello and Misano. So, whether you crave twisting country roads, historical destinations, spectacular views of the mountains and the Mediterranean or 4 Star Hospitality, there is a tour for you. ! Info: enrico@ motorcycletoursitaly.com
Get your road racing head on in Wales! We’ve got ANOTHER road racing event coming to the UK – the Welsh TT! Well, it’s not called that exactly – but next year sees a two-day road race on a road circuit in Wales get under way and there’s big names involved. So get your road racing hats on and head over to Wales next August because on the 4th and 5th of the month, the first Welsh Road Race (Welsh RR) event gets going. Think of it as a weekend of accessible, easy-to-get-to fast road racing with what should end up as the two-day international event being held on a closed 5.25-mile long circuit at the Sennybridge Training Area. The Secretary of State for Defence has granted the Welsh Road Race organisers a licence to use the historic road circuit within the heart of the Crown estate and the race will be held on the original track which was used to stage the Welsh TT between 1948 and 1953. The plan is for several categories of bikes to compete, including: ● Ultra lightweight (125cc-250cc capacity) ● Lightweight Supertwin (650cc capacity) ● Welsh RR Zero electric race ● Supersport (600cc capacity)
● Superstock (1000cc capacity) Each class will consist of a maximum of 40 machines, with two motorcycles setting-off together at 10 second intervals. Each machine will be timed in order to produce an eventual winner in their respective categories. The event is also scheduled to incorporate a parade of classic and exotic machinery.
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NEW PRODUCTS
Sena 30K Communication System RRP: £289.99 (single unit) | £499.99 (twin unit) Sena has unveiled it smartest unit yet – the range-topping Sena 30k. It uses new ‘Mesh Intercom’ technology, Bluetooth 4.1, and the new Sena RideConnected app, to ensure riders can stay connected (even if their group doesn’t stay together on the road) while seamlessly streaming smartphone music, answering phone calls and listening to turn-by-turn GPS navigation. The 30K takes advantage of various technologies; there’s Sena’s Mesh intercom technology, which allows automatic connection to a virtually limitless number of 30K users; plus there’s a ‘private mode’ allowing users to communicate with up to 16 riders up to 2km (1.2 miles) away; and there’s an option to allow an endless number of ‘guests’ to listen in. And most importantly, if a rider goes out of range, the rest of the group stays connected while the 30K automatically searches for and reconnects to the ‘lost’ rider once back in range. The 30K is Bluetooth 4.1 enabled and can connect to up to three other Sena and non-Sena Bluetooth devices, at the same time as Mesh Intercom devices. The Sena RideConnected App allows users to communicate with a virtually limitless number of riders worldwide, over an infinite range, providing they’re connected to a mobile network. Features-wise, the Sean 30K is equipped with audio
A quick glance at some of the latest products and clothing arriving on the market
Hevik Titanium Jacket
RRP: £249.99 | Sizes: XS to 3XL | Colours: Black, Grey/White multitasking technology allowing users to hold a conversation while simultaneously streaming smartphone music or listening to the built-in FM radio, taking phone calls, or hearing GPS navigation. It can be operated completely hands-free, using voice commands – so the rider can move through music, phone, and intercom features without taking their hands off the bars, or their concentration away from the road. A quick charge feature means that in 20 minutes, users get five hours of Bluetooth intercom use, or three hours’ Mesh Intercom use. The 30K is water resistant and compatible with Sena’s optional Handlebar Remote control, as well as all 20S clamp accessories. The Utility App (for iPhone and Android) means owners can configure device settings and access a quick user guide with ease. ! Info: www.motohaus.com
Hevik has launched new kit for 2018, and one of our favourites is its all-new Titanium all-season touring jacket. In short, the all-weather jacket is made from 600D Ripstop Polycordura and comes with thermal and waterproof internal liners. It features external reinforcements in addition to CE level 2 protection at the shoulders and elbows – plus an abundance of adjustments points, to help achieve the perfect fit. ! Info: www.givi.co.uk
HJC RPHA 90 Helmet
RRP: £399.99 to £449.99 | Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colours: Range of colours/designs
Gear Gremlin Heated Grips RRP: £44.99 If you’re looking for something to take the edge off the winter chill, it’s worth giving Gear Gremlin’s Heated Grips a look. Manufactured from anti-split and anti-perish rubber, the Gear Gremlin FHG1 grips will easily fit onto most machines with standard 22mm diameter handlebars. Plus, the waterproof analogue controller is easy to operate even with gloved
hands, allowing you to choose from one of three settings (HI, LO or OFF) to suit the weather conditions. ! Info: www.keycollection.co.uk
Packed with innovative technology, the RPHA 90 helmet features top level ventilation, comfort and safety. It’s a well-equipped lid, reinforced with Carbon and Carbon-Glass Hybrid fabric to help provide enhanced shock-resistant performance. For ventilation, HJC’s open-close climate control system quickly expels hot air, with the intakes operated using a simple slider. There are front and rear reflective patches to help riders stay visible in low light and its 3D engineered, ergonomic interior is designed to reduce wind noise – plus its interior helps provide comfort for long distance riding. Offering excellent peripheral vision, the lid helps to reduce eye strain with the help of its sunlight blocking, anti-fog and anti-scratch visor – and its simple and secure shield ratchet system provides ultra-quick, tool-less visor replacement too. There’s also a convenient quick release system – and an easily operated sliding sunshield too. ! Info: www.oxfordproducts.com
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Forcefield FreeLite Back Protector
TMAX Over Range transmission kit
RRP: £99.99 | Sizes: S to L
Forcefield’s new FreeLite back protector offers comfort, breathability and flexibility all in a lightweight package, while still offering top quality CE level 2 protection. The ‘free fitting’ armour will shape to your body, thanks to its heat activated CD body moulding, which helps to offer huge flexibility when you’re moving around on your motorcycle. It’s secured using an adjustable waist band and elastic shoulder straps. And most importantly, the Freelite offers Repeat Performance Technology (RPT), so should the worst happen and you take a tumble, you can rest assured that the back protector is up to the job of keeping you safe – again and again. ! Info: www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com
RRP: £ ask The new Over Range kit for the Yamaha TMAX 530 2012-2016 range is built around the latest generation of the Multivar variator, the MHR Next, which has improved roller ramp, and drive face angles to widen the gear range. These changes are claimed to further improves the smoothness of the acceleration and response as well as an improved power curve. Combined with the new larger
diameter torque driver and fixed half-pulley (also included), the kit gives a noticeable improvement over the standard transmission setup. Parts included in the kit are: MHR Next Multivar variator, torque driver, two sets of rollers, fixed half-pulley, two MHR grease, torsion spring, and torsion controller, O-rings, etc. ! Info: www.ve-uk.com
D30 LP1 Armour RRP: TBC D3O’s new LP1 armour range includes knee, hip, elbow and shoulder pads, all of which are CE certified to Level 1 in ambient, wet, hot and cold conditions. The D3O material is soft and flexible in normal use, but stiffens under impact and because of its variable rate stiffening, which also means it can be made thinner for a low-profile, less bulky and more comfortable design. Plus, the new protectors cleverly use a triangular mesh design to improve airflow by 45%. Adam Turvey, D3O principal designer, said: “One of the key goals we picked out when designing
the LP1 range was better ventilation. We wanted to make our range of protectors far more breathable, while also maintaining all the things that our customers really love about our EVO range. “The new triangular geometry on the LP1s delivers just that. We tested over 1700 parts before we were happy with the entire limb range and independent testing has shown the LP1s offer a 45% improvement in breathability. They are lightweight and flexible while also offering the protection that customers expect from D3O. The improvements will mean you’re more comfortable while riding, even if you’re out all day. If you’re more comfortable, you’ll concentrate better and you’re less likely to have an accident.” ! Info: www.d30.com
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In Brief E-Bikeshop wins award
Surrey-based company E-Bikeshop has won the prestigious SBS business award, created by Theo Paphitis to reward and promote small businesses with entrepreneurship. Theo promotes business winners with dedicated profiles on his website and retweets the business to his 500,000-plus followers. Also, access is granted to an exclusive SBS club where likeminded business individuals can network and share ideas.
Pinarello Nytro electric road bike
Pinarello has unveiled its all-new Nytro ‘eRoad’ bike, looking remarkably like one of its high-end road bikes and coming with the Fazua Evation system that provides up to 400W of assistance. The weight has been trimmed to 13kg and if you take off the batteries to use it as a normal road bike it’s just 9kg. It will be available in five different frame sizes.
e-Cargo bikes
Londoners are beginning to look at fresh vehicle alternatives to travel the city’s congested streets and e-Cargo bikes are emerging as a popular contender. e-Cargo owners are finding that they are cost efficient, can often carry up to 150kg, are free to park, and generally offer a healthier and more environmentally friendly way to travel.
NEWS
The latest gossip from the electric bike market
Conversion kit designed to make e-bikes more accessible A newly launched electric bike conversion kit is set to make electric cycling more accessible by converting existing bicycles into an e-bike for an outlay of £225. The Swytch e-bike kit converts any bike into a state-of-the-art e-bike (and back again!) in seconds. An electric motor in the specially-built front wheel links up to a lightweight, compact and removable Swytch power pack sitting between the handlebars. The pack contains a lightweight battery, control electronics, user display, front bike light and a USB output. The power unit connects automatically when clipped-on.
With the power pack removed, the additional Swytch components add less than 2kg to any bike and will perform perfectly as an ordinary bike. Add the Swytch power pack, start pedalling and the electric motor gives you added boost to a top speed of 15mph (EU) or 20mph (USA and international). The initial conversion takes around 10 minutes – and can switch between traditional and electric bike in seconds. There are two Swytch e-bike conversion kits: one with a 25-mile range (three/four hour charge time) and one with a 50-mile range (five/six hour charge time). For those that don’t have a bike, Swytch offers a complete electric bike option with the 50 mile system already fitted for under £500, making it arguably the best value e-bike on the market. The company has also launched a limited edition range of one-of-akind e-bikes with the system already fitted. This line-up includes a bamboo electric bike, a vintage motorbike style ‘street cruiser’ and what’s believed to be the only electric-powered pennyfarthing in existence. Swytch says the e-bike conversion kit will help more people discover e-biking as a viable alternative to cars and public transport. Info: www.swytchbike.com
Kickstarter campaign relaunched Momentum Electric has relaunched a Kickstarter campaign with the target of making their VIT-S “the most powerful legal electric bike” available. A crowd-funding campaign was first launched in late 2016 to raise an “ambitious target amount” due to the high order numbers being demanded by the factory supplying the bike. Since then the project has moved to a new supplier, enabling the company to start production with more modest order quantities. The VIT-S funding campaign aims to raise £22,200 on Kickstarter’s ‘all or nothing’ basis (backers aren’t charged if the project fails to reach a goal).
The exercise benefits of electric bikes Researchers at a Norwegian university have conducted a study to understand the intensity of exercise a cyclist gets from pedalling an e-bike (set to maximum motor assistance) compared to an ordinary cycle. Eight male and female participants aged 23-54 – were asked to cycle one flat route and one hilly route, once on
a conventional 12kg cycle and the second time on an electric bike. The study was undertaken to better understand how the growing popularity of electric bikes can increase physical activity with the health benefits of electric bikes for commuting purposes being a particular focus point.
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AT A GLANCE
Bullit Hunt S 125
O2W RATING*:
★★★★★★★★★★
*untested, rating based on bike spec Redefines the retro bike genre
The Bullit Hunt and Hunt ‘S’ take their inspiration from classic British designs and combine retro style with modern technology.
IN DETAIL: 1 Air-cooled 125cc, 4-stroke 2 110/70-17 tyres, front and rear 3 5-speed gearbox 4 295mm single disc front brake 5 205mm single disc rear brake 6 USD front forks 7 Oil damping twin shock rear suspension 8 Colour availability: black/red, black/blue, gold/ black, silver, black
RECOMMENDED PRICE: £2199 (plus £99 OTR charges) CONTACT: http://bullitmotorcycles.com/en
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PRODUCT REVIEWS Shark Ridill Helmet
RRP: £139.99 | Sizes: XS to XL | Colours/styles: various | O2W Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ Reviewer: Paul Fincham Let’s get straight to the nitty gritty. This lid costs £139.99. So, what do you get for that kind of money? Well a surprising amount actually – it’s even Gold ACU approved, so you can rest assured that it’ll keep you safe when you are out on the road. The thermoplastic construction has an integrated sun visor which is operated via a slider positioned between the vents on the top of the lid. There’s a plethora of positions you can have the sun visor set in, so for any shaped face you’ll be able to block any dazzling sun. The noise level is acceptable even with all the venting open.
Hevik Rainstop Waterproof Oversuit RRP: £89.90 | Sizes: XS to 3XL | Colours: Black/Fluo Yellow | O2W Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ Reviewer: Mike Baumber Wet wintry weather outside brings with it the prospect of arriving at work with a wet backside and damp patches dotted all over in difficult to explain areas – that was until I was given the two-piece Rainstop HRS110 from Hevik to try out. Lightweight, breathable and PVC-free, it can bear pressure equivalent to an 8000mm column of water – leaving me with no excuses for those awkward wet patches (at least until later in life, when I won’t care anyway).
The outstanding waterproof protection offered by the Rainstop suit soon outweighs the minor inconvenience of donning a third layer. The fully adjustable waist, wrist and ankle straps enable you to put the trousers on while still wearing your boots and gloves. Off the bike it has a hood which folds into the collar and its own bag for under seat storage. Two months dry and counting; that’s a new record for me. ! Info: www.hevik.co.uk
They’ve even thought about the glasses wearing individuals among us with Shark’s own ‘Easyfit system’ making a world of difference for comfort. I found its quick release retention system fantastic to use too. Once you’ve spent a little time setting the straps up at the beginning, you’re rewarded with an exceptional fit every time. It’s so easy to use, even when wearing the thickest of winter gauntlets. Plus, after you’ve finish sweating inside the lid behind the sun visor with all the vents open you’ll be pleased to know that the lining is fully removable and washable. ! Info: www.nevis.uk.com
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Head-to-toe ladies kit from Reviewer: Karen Mowbray
Hartbury Rouge Ladies Wax Jacket RRP: £179.99 | Sizes: 8 to 20 | Colours: Red, Black | O2W Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ I love this retro-styled Hartbury jacket from Spada. With its bright red exterior, antique brass poppers, and bespoke Spada tartan lining, it certainly looks the part. But, despite its vintage appearance, it’s equipped with all the modern technology you’d expect from a brand-new motorcycle jacket. It’s fashioned from quality dry wax cotton, double stitched with a fixed waterproof and breathable membrane with fully tapered seams. And, for when the weather closes in, the Hartbury comes equipped with a removable thermal lining and a faux-fur feel collar. Admittedly, I’ve actually spent most of the year without the lining and collar, because of the jacket’s impressive thermal qualities. Thankfully I have not had to thoroughly test the quality of the protection as yet, but with CE approved five-piece armour, in the back, shoulders and elbows, I feel confident it would take care of me, should I take a tumble. If you’re looking for a stylish motorcycle jacket, which promises to keep you safe out on the road, look no further.
Rigger Reinforced Selvedge Jeans RRP: £139.99 | Sizes: 10 to 20 | Colours: Slate Grey | O2W Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ I’ll keep this brief. I chose these jeans because of their styling. I reckon they look fantastic. But, best of all, they offer ample protection in the form of reinforced 100% aramid fibres at potential points of impact. They feature CE approved knee protectors too. They also come equipped with a polyester micro mesh fixed lining, with Coolmax construction, which helps to offer year-round comfort. Plus, with the water repellent treatment to the exterior, they’re more than up to the job should the weather take a turn. All-in-all, these Rigger Reinforced Selvedge Jeans from Spada are comfortable and stylish, with ample protection. They’re well worth a look.
Freeride 2017 Gloves
RRP: £34.99 | Sizes: S to 2XL | Colours: S to 2XL | O2W Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★
Pallas Boots RRP: £109.99 | Sizes: 36 to 41 | Colours: Nubuck Black, Satin Brown | O2W Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ These new urban look boots from Spada are stylish and comfortable to wear, both on and off the bike. Made from oil distressed leather, they were comfortable right from the outset and didn’t need the usual bedding in at all. The soles feature welt construction, helping to offer plenty of grip. And for protection the boots offer reinforcements on the toes and heels, in addition to density
insert on the shin and ankle. Plus, for when the weather takes a turn, the boots are equipped with a waterproof Hipora lining, which is more than up to the job of keeping your feet dry in a downpour. This is a fabulous pair of boots. They look the part while offering all the protection you’d need – and I’d wholeheartedly recommend them.
I got my hands on (or rather, in) this pair of stylish, waterproof Freeride gloves from Spada – which received an update for 2017. Made from 100% premium aniline leather for a softer, more comfortable fit, the gloves feature a double layered padded palm with panels on each palm to offer improved grip and durability. And honestly, they are a very comfortable pair of gloves – plus, the wrap-over double pop stud fastening belt at the wrists, and strip of elastic on the wrists helps to offer an improved fit. Admittedly, there isn’t an abundance of protection on offer – but for the more casual rider, they should be more than up to the job of keeping you safe out on the road. I think they’re a fantastic pair of gloves – and if you’re in the market for a new pair, I’d suggest that you give them a go. For more information visit www.spadaclothing.co.uk
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FIRST RIDE
Lexmoto Riviera 125
A1
LICENCE
For the uninitiated, Lexmoto is a value for money brand that’s established itself as a major player in the UK two-wheel market over the last few years. As part of Chinese Motorcycle Dealers (CMD), the largest dealer network of Chinese scooters, motorcycles and quads in the UK, Lexmoto exclusively deals in affordable 50cc and 125cc motorbikes and scooters – and with prices starting from as little as £850 for a basic 125cc, it’s easy to see why Lexmoto machines are so popular. The latest scooter to emerge from CMD is its retro-styled Lexmoto Riviera – and we got a chance to put one through its paces and test its viability as a daily commuter over the course of a month.
First impressions
There’s no doubt that the Riviera is a good-looking scooter. Okay, so it isn’t going to win any design awards for originality with its classic Vespainspired styling – but that’s not the point. It’s made to a budget – so providing it’s competent and credible out on the road, I reckon the Riviera could be a winner. In short, the Riviera 125 is a fairly conventional retro-styled smallwheeled scooter. It’s compact, lightweight (coming in at only 106kg), and easy to ride too, with a comfortable, if not especially spacious, riding position. Its seat stands at 790mm, and at 6ft 1in,
I had no problems getting my feet flat on the floor with room to spare. Equipment-wise, the Riviera comes with helmet-sized under-seat storage, easy-to-read analogue clocks, easy-to-use controls and blacked out alloy wheels.
On the road
Of course, there’s only so much performance and poke on tap from a little 125cc engine, irrespective of who manufactures it and how much it costs. As such, the air-cooled, four-stroke Riviera is hardly the most powerful scoot on the market, pumping out a fairly meagre 8bhp at 7500rpm – but it’s got more than enough poke to get the jump on a line of traffic, with the power delivered linearly right through the rev range up to the redline. Out of town, it’ll reach speeds in excess of 55mph – but you’ll soon find traffic hot on your heels, particularly if there’s a hill to tackle on your route. Either way, Lexmoto reckons it should be capable of returning in excess of 100mpg – which is pretty impressive. Braking comes in the form of hydraulic discs at the front and rear. While they’re not fantastic, they’re more than up to job in and around town. However, it’s worth noting that if you grab too much of a handful, the
rear is inclined to lock up. Nothing to worry about though, it teaches caution, forward planning and smooth application. A ‘budget’ scooter can only be expected to deliver so much in terms of handling and performance. Regardless, its small, 12in diameter wheels, and relatively basic suspension (simple telescopic forks up front and a single shock absorber at the rear) help to deliver an easy and enjoyable ride. Sure, the spongy suspension is likely to bounce you around a bit on sketchy surfaces and it doesn’t beg to be thrown into corners at speed – but that doesn’t matter, it’s an absolute doddle to ride around town.
Should I buy one?
I know this ride report has been punctuated with numerous references to the Riviera’s budget credentials, and while it may not be the slickest, most stylish or best equipped scooter on the market, all the basic ingredients are in all the right places. If you’re after a scooter for buzzing around town, or tackling the inner city commute, with ample storage and a modicum of protection from the weather, this is an affordable, easy-to-use package. You could do a lot worse than checking out the new Lexmoto Riviera.
Words: Ross Images: Gary Chapman
SPECIFICATION
Lexmoto Riviera 125 ENGINE: 125cc air-cooled single cylinder SOHC
4-stroke
SEAT HEIGHT: 790mm WEIGHT: 106kg FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 6.8 litres PRICE: £1699.99 CONTACT: www.lexmoto.co.uk O2W RATING:
★★★★★★★★★★