Twist & Go May/June 2017 by Mortons Media Group Ltd

THE T&G GUIDE TO FLIP-UP HELMETS

413

BIKES & SCOOTERS RATED OR RIDDEN

M E T RO P O L 400 RXR IS UPGR ADE Bigg

e r wh better brakeeels, traction con s & tr for 2017 ol

SWM RS125 R

THE ALL-NEW ITALIAN 125

THE

XADV

WATCH YOUR BACK!

Honda launches the crossover adventure scooter

A GOOD BACK PROTECTOR IS AN ESSENTIAL PIECE OF KIT

MODERN-LOOKING AND PLENTY OF GIZMOS

YAMAHA TMAX DX Latest version of

Europe’s best-selling maxi-scooter reviewed

May/June 2017 Issue 116

LEXMOTO VIPER 125

Editor: Mau Spencer mspencer@mortons.co.uk Publisher: Dan Savage Contributors: Gary Chapman, Pete Henshaw, Mau, Mikko and Ross Apologies to anyone we’ve forgotten. Design: Fran Lovely Picture desk: Paul Fincham, Jonathan Schofield, Angie Sisestean Divisional advertising manager: Martin Freeman mfreeman@mortons.co.uk 01507 529538 Advertising: Zoe Thurling zthurling@mortons.co.uk 01507 524412 Subscription manager: Paul Deacon Circulation manager: Steve O’Hara Marketing manager: Charlotte Park Commercial director: Nigel Hole Twist & Go magazine PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ www.twistngo.com www.whatscooter.com Editorial call: 01507 529408 General queries and back issues: 01507 529529 (24hr answerphone) Email: help@classicmagazines.co.uk Web: www.classicmagazines.co.uk UK: 6 issues £22 Europe: 6 issues £27 ROW: 6 issues £31 Archivist: Jane Skayman 01507 529423 jskayman@mortons.co.uk Customer services number: 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-7pm Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm Distribution: Marketforce UK Ltd 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HU © Mortons Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage retrieval system without prior permission in writing from the publisher. ISSN No 1471–0501 USA SUBSCRIPTIONS Twist & Go magazine TWIST & GO (ISSN:1471-0501) is published bi-monthly by Mortons Media Group Ltd. PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ UK. USA subscriptions are $36 per year from Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 Cty Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. Periodical Postage is paid at Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Postmaster: Send address changes to TAG, c/o Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 Cty Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. 715-572-4595 chris@classicbikebooks.com Printed by William Gibbons & Son, Wolverhampton. Some articles within these pages express the opinions of the contributors and are not necessarily those of Twist & Go. E&OE: While we do our best to ensure our information is accurate, all mention of special oﬀers or other deals are subject to alteration by the companies mentioned. NEXT ISSUE (117): Published on June 21, 2017 EDITORIAL DEADLINE: May 31, 2017

CONTENTS

GOSSIP ‘N’ GADGETS

10 12

ON TWO WHEELS

LONG DISTANCE MASH UP

HONDA X-ADV

PIAGGIO MP3 WINTER ORDEAL

TMAX DX LAUNCH

FLIP-UP HELMETS

LEXMOTO VIPER

WATCH YOUR BACK!

SWM’S RS 125 R

WHICH BIKE?

Up-to-date news and product information.

22 28

Having trouble finding a copy of this magazine?

Why not Just Ask your local newsagent to reserve you a copy each month?

What’s in line for the future.

PRODUCT REVIEWS

A closer look at some of the latest goodies.

The new scooter that’s causing a stir in the Adventure sector.

Yamaha’s Tmax is the best-selling maxi-scooter in Europe – here’s the latest version.

The latest variation on the Lexmoto Venom theme, and to Euro 4 spec.

The all-new Italian 125.

METROPOLIS 400 RX-R

Peugeot’s three-wheeler gets an upgrade.

Is it possible for the new Mash Black 7 to achieve 100mpg on a 190 mile ride in just one day?

Testing the bike’s mettle over 3500 miles through a snowy, muddy and wet winter.

Our step-by-step guide to what makes them so good.

A simple piece of riding kit could save your bacon.

Our expanded guide to new scooters and motorcycles.

The future is ‘On Two Wheels’ The roots of Twist & Go can be traced back over 20 years and ever since those early days T&G has always strived to keep up with the changing pace of a fast moving world. And we are just about to enter a new phase which could prove to be our biggest jump ever as we morph from a ‘paid-for’ publication into a ‘free pick-up’ newspaper. It will be a radical change for us; not only will we be available free of charge, but we will also

4 www.o2w.co.uk

be publishing under the new name of On Two Wheels. Some of you may have worked all of this out already, because if you’ve tried to access the T&G website you’ll have found yourself redirected to our new website www.o2w.co.uk which is already up and running. As a consequence of this, the next edition of T&G will be the last in its current format. If you have an ongoing subscription that goes beyond the next edition, we will write to you to confirm

how many issues remain, the value of them and send a refund via cheque. Making these changes will enable us to develop and diversify – not only within the new O2W free paper publication, but also in conjunction with our internet outlets on Facebook and Twitter. If you go to page 10, you’ll find out more about O2W, where you can pick it up and our plans for the future.

www.o2w.co.uk 5

NEWS

Latest industry figu figures (Information supplied by the MCIA)

FEBRUARY 2017 & YEAR TO DATE COMPARISONS BY ENGINE BAND Feb 2017

Feb 2016

% Change

Feb2017YTD

Feb2016 YTD

% Change

0-50cc

445

520

-14.4%

849

1049

-19.1%

51-125cc

1608

2448

-34.3%

3485

4993

-30.2%

126-650cc

664

747

-11.1%

1578

1715

-8.0%

651-1000cc

667

828

-19.4%

1597

1854

-13.9%

Over 1000cc

514

429

19.8%

1273

1150

10.7%

4972

-21.6%

8782

10,761

-18.4%

TOTAL REGISTRATIONS 3898

Tuning your BMW C650 £ various

Malossi’s latest tuning products for the BMW C650 Sport are now available via VE (UK). The Wild Lion (VB327290) exhaust has minimal noise output while improving overall performance. It’s manufactured from stainless steel and finished in black with a full carbon fibre end cap, featuring a removable DB killer. The Multivar variator (VB517304) offers a redesigned face and roller ramp angles to obtain the best power transfer from the scooter’s engine. The 02 Controller (VB555721) connects inline between the original Lambda sensor and the CDI converting the received signals and modifying them for optimal air-to-fuel ratio and increasing performance. The Forcemaster 3 (VB555732) features 4 CDI mappings options depending on your tuning level, and a redesigned user interface. Info: www.ve-uk.com

Xtrace Lux helmet RRP £169.99

Caberg’s Xtrace helmet can be used in multiple configurations, all of which can be achieved without the use of a tool. The helmet is equipped with a double visor system (both anti-scratch treated) and is Pinlock ready. There are three air vents; the lower one on the chin guard drives air directly to the inner side of the visor to avoid misting; the two top vents channel fresh air through numerous air grooves; while the rear vent discharges hot and stale air. The lining is removable and washable. Info: www.cabergcares.co.uk

6 www.o2w.co.uk

HIGHEST REGISTERING MODEL IN ENGINE BAND

MAJOR BRAND SALES

0-50cc

Longjia LJ 50 QT-3L ECHO 50

Honda

922

Piaggio

164

51-125cc

Honda NSC 110 WH

159

Yamaha

392

KTM

151

126-650cc

Honda CB 650 F

BMW

272

Lexmoto

140

651-1000cc

Yamaha MT-09 ABS

Kawasaki

231

H/Davidson 119

Over 1000cc

BMW R 1200 GS ADVENTURE

Triumph

212

Direct Bikes 116

Noodoe brings new scooter connectivity KYMCO has released information about their new Noodoe app technology, which will be available on the Like 125i and AK550 scooters, as standard, when they launch in the UK. This brand-new app-connected Bluetooth technology gives scooter riders a simple and safe way to benefit from many connectivity features that car drivers use, including a new ‘Smart Compass’ navigation system and fun social and communications functionality. Various screens can show a weather forecast, a digital speedometer, a trip computer and a ‘Smart Compass’ navigation system. It all operates over Bluetooth via the rider’s phone, running the Noodoe app. The Smart Compass does not show a traditional map or street, so as not to distract the rider who may only glance at the display briefly. Another feature shows points of interest like petrol stations and KYMCO service centres. The app also helps riders find their scooter by

showing a compass indicator to the last place they parked. Using the Noodoe app, users can change screen colour or design and upload it to their scooter. There’s also an online library enabling users to share designs. You can take a photo and transfer it to your display too. Noodoe also has the ability to show notifications such as missed calls, Facebook messages and incoming emails – the difference is that with

Noodoe it will ONLY show these notifications in Stop Mode, i.e. when the scooter’s speed is at zero, to prevent riders pulling their smartphones out of their pockets while at the traffic lights. For now, KYMCO states that this type of app-integration is completely new for the scooter market and that it will become, like in the car world, a feature that every scooter rider will want to have and expect in the future.

LOW COST INSURANCE

0845 600 1664 | lexhaminsurance.co.uk Authorised & Regulated by the FCA

NEW Piaggio’s latest incarnations

KYMCO maxi-scooters KYMCO has launched two brand-new, fuel-injected maxiscooter models. The X-Town comes in 125cc (£3699) and 300cc (£4599) variants. The range builds on the strengths of KYMCO’s Downtown maxiscooter. It’s slimmer than its predecessor and includes new aluminium wheels, leather seats, chrome controls, an LCD dash, an abundance of under-seat storage (with room for two full-face helmets), twin LED headlights and a distinctive ‘X’ shaped LED tail-light. KYMCO claims its liquidcooled four-stroke, single cylinder fuel injected engines

OptiMate 2 smart charger RRP: £52.99 Claimed to be capable of increasing battery life by up to 400%, OptiMate 2’s fourstep programme brings the battery to full charge, then switches to a unique maintenance mode: keeping the battery at 100%, while providing power to the on-board computer, display or anti-theft alarm at the same time. It’s easy to use and fully automatic – just plug in and forget – it also features a ‘30 minute charge / 30 minute rest’ cycle to prevent overcharging, and includes reverse polarity protection and ‘no spark connection’ for complete safety. Weighing 450g and capable of working with any AC supply between 100-240V, OptiMate 2 can be carried on trips and tours, as well as used in the home workshop. The weatherproof cover also allows operation outside. It comes with a three-year warranty. Info: www.tecmate.com

Piaggio has introduced a range of autonomous vehicles under the guises of ‘Gita’ and ‘Kilo’. The units can track their owner and follow behind them like a faithful dog – in fact Piaggio claims that it could even walk your dog. They can keep up with you if you are jogging too as they have a top speed of 35kph.

allow the scooters to reach top speeds of 65mph and 75mph respectively – and the automatic CVT transmission has been updated to further improve gear shift efficiency. The X-Town 125cc also benefits from a CBS (Combined Brake System), while the 300cc version features Bosch ABS. Both versions are available to order now, with the 125cc coming in a Mercury colourway and the 300cc in Matt Black. The X-Town also comes with a twoyear manufacturer’s warranty; insurance and finance packages are also available. Info: www.kymco.co.uk

125 cylinder kits £ various

The latest additions to VE’s standard cylinder kit range can be used in both automatic scooters as well as several Moto 125 machines. The cylinder is supplied with top end gasket set, piston, piston rings, gudgeon pin, and piston circlips, allowing for a simple overhaul of the engine’s top end. The new cylinder kit is suitable for fitment to the following models: Beta Motard RR 125 4t (WR172); Fantic Caballero 124 4t LC Euro 3; HM CR ME F X 124 4t LC; Husqvarna SMS 4 125 4t Euro 3; Rieju Marathon Pro 125 4t LC Euro 3; and Yamaha X City 125, Xmax 125, WR 125 R/X, YZF R125 versions. Info: www.ve-uk.com

Draggin launches the Rebel stretch jean Draggin’s new Rebel is a straightleg, light blue jean manufactured in a soft denim and designed to give that worn-in appearance with no visible seams or signs of the protective lining. The brand’s worldwide-patented RooMoto® protective lining comprises of MR7.0 knitted DuPont™ Kevlar® and Dyneema®, which Draggin claims to be the world’s strongest fibre. All major crash points are fully covered: backside, hips, knees, side of the leg and thighs. Every pair of Rebel jeans comes with hip and knee pockets for Draggin’s CE approved armour that can easily be removed and reinserted when you are on and off the bike. Info: www.dragginjeans.net/ store-locator.html

www.o2w.co.uk 7

NEWS

The new YS125 5 – Yam Yamaha’s replacement for the YBS

Houston jacket RRP: £159.99

The Weise Outlast® Houston is a fully-armoured waterproof jacket, with a removable temperatureregulating lining. The jacket’s tough, tear-resistant rip-stop outer has a waterproof/breathable lining, which is sealed by a YKK® central zip, with a popper and Velcro® storm flap. Vents on the arms, chest and back allow cooling air flow while the Outlast lining regulates body temperature. All-round impact-protection is provided by CE-approved armour at shoulders, elbows and back. Weise has provided plenty of pockets – both inside and out – including a large rear map pocket. The jacket is covered by the Weise two-year warranty and comes in sizes S to 5XL in black, and sizes M to 3XL in black/stone. Info: www.thekeycollection.co.uk / 0117 971 9200

New YSS damper range £ various

YSS manufactures over two million shock absorbers and dampers per year and the latest range is available via the VE (UK) network. The latest fitments available include various front/rear fitments for the Vespa PX, GT and GTS ranges. Info: www.ve-uk.com

8 www.o2w.co.uk

Yamaha’s new YS125 is replacing the outgoing YBS125. According to Yamaha,those looking to trade in their old YBS will get a machine with a new aircooled two-valve SOHC, Euro 4 compliant engine claimed to offer lower fuel consumption, greater fuel economy and an increased riding comfort. Priced from £2799 upwards, there will be three colour options available (red, white, black); a full accessory range will be available, which includes a sport screen, a rear carrier and a 30-litre top case – all of which will turn it into a capable, lightweight commuter motorcycle. Info: www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk/ products/motorcycles

Comfort seats get ‘sensitive’ cutaways

Fred picks up his e-bike keys from 21st Moto

First UK customer benefits from ‘plug in’ grant for e-bike Fred Murphy from Redhill, Surrey was the first customer in the UK to benefit from the Government’s Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) subsidy for electric vehicles. Mr Murphy bought his Zero FXS motorcycle from Swanleybased 21st Moto; the e-bike has a claimed average range of 60 miles, and a top speed of 85mph. It can be charged using a household

three-pin plug, with faster charge options, which can reduce full charging time to two hours. Up to now the ‘plug in’ subsidy has only been available for electric cars and vans, but it can now be applied to electric motorcycles and scooters, so long as they meet certain quality criteria, which includes having a battery with five years’ warranty and a good range.

Airhawk has updated its air-filled motorcycle seat cushions with new cutaway sections around sensitive areas and redesigned cell geometry. The Comfort seating system uses air pockets to minimise pressure points on the pelvis and spine, as well as providing shock absorption and vibration protection, to provide relief from the discomfort many riders experience during long stretches in the saddle. The new, updated cushions feature an additional centre cut-out area, running from front to back, for extra pressure relief and‘non-contact’of sensitive areas. Air cell geometry has also been redesigned, to improve airflow under the rider and eliminate ‘hot-spots’. Each cushion comes with a breathable and water repellent polymesh cover, which helps to keep the rider cool and dry. The sidepanels also feature a three-layer knit polyester for air circulation. The new Airhawk motorcycle cushions are currently available in three versions: the‘Cruiser R’Large and Small, and the‘Dual Sport’for smaller, narrower seats, all of which retail at £135 including VAT. Airhawk Pillion Pads sell for £120 (including VAT). Call Motohaus Powersports on 01256 704909 or visit www.motohaus.com forr details.

LOW COST INSURANCE

0845 600 1664 | lexhaminsurance.co.uk Authorised & Regulated by the FCA

Cornering the carbon neutral e-bike market Two Shropshire entrepreneurs are aiming to revolutionise commuter and leisure travel with the introduction of an electric scooter range. Chris Allen and Adam Knight spotted the potential while on a business trip to China and have decided to import direct from the manufacturer to establish their new business, e-Scoot. At a starting price of £1999, they plan to introduce three models to market as part of e-Scoot’s introductory Beagle series. The ES1 has a fixed battery and is suitable for those with a garage where the scooter may be stored and charged overnight. The ES2 has a removable battery (ideal for owners living in a flat or apartment or when parking their scooter outside an office). Both models have a top speed of 30mph and a claimed 45 mile range on a single charge. The third model – the ES2GT – has two removable batteries and a claimed range of 70 miles with a faster acceleration speed. All models are fitted with an alarm

Chris Allen and Adam Knight from e-Scoot with one of their new range and steering lock. The first 20 scooters purchased will include free delivery to anywhere in the UK and free DVLA registration. Buyers can choose a combination of seat and body colours (viewable on the e-Scoot website at www.e-scoot.co.uk). A GPS tracker mobile phone app and additional accessories are also being developed.

Duchinni helmet gets a makeover

LED handguards RRP: £ ask

Barkbusters, the motorcycle handguard specialist, has introduced an auxiliary LED light attachment for its handguards. By fitting these LED lights, the visible distance to the bike midpoint is increased, resulting in other road users becoming more aware of the rider. The auxiliary lights are available in both white and amber for fitment to JET, VPS and STORM plastic handguards. Sold in pairs, each consists of 15 super-bright LEDs offering outstanding visibility in traffic while keeping power consumption low. The lights allow parallel mounting functionality so that both indicator and position lights can be mounted together on one handguard. An optional resistor is also available for use with the indicator lights to correct the flash rate if necessary (code: LED-RES-001). Info: www.barkbusters.net

Duchinni’s D501 open-face helmet has had a makeover with its Garage collection of retro graphics. The classically-shaped open-face shell is made from ABS with a traditionallooking stitched trim and goggle strap at the back. Its appearance is enhanced by a choice of three graphics – two in an urban matt finish and one in eye-catching metallic red, white and blue, giving it a flavour of the swinging Sixties. The D501 Garage comes in sizes XS-XL in Black/Green and Black/Orange at £59.99 and in Blue/Red metallic finish at £69.99. All Duchinni helmets are manufactured to the UNECE Regulation 22.05 (the safety standard required for riding on British roads, as well as throughout most of Europe). Call 0117 971 9200 or visit www.thekeycollection.co.uk for details.

READER’S LETTER Chocolate teapots Dear Mau, Just read the SYM Maxsym 600i review in T&G115, undertaken by Pete Henshaw. I have to say that it does look to be a very competent contender in this maxi-scooter class. When I saw the picture of the ‘warm air’ vent I thought what a great feature, I really hope it works; but alas I was left disappointed to read that it didn’t. I think the term ‘chocolate teapot’ may have been used. I remember a similar system being employed on the Gilera Runner many years ago and if I recall that didn’t work either. Why is it so difficult to get this feature to work? Hot air from the engine is directed via a vent to the rider. Sounds simple enough – car manufacturers have been doing it for decades. Of course it’s not quite the same is

it? The hot air in the car system is directed via the vent with the help of a blower fan into a cockpit of still air, thus creating a very pleasant warm environment on a cool day. On the scooter, the hot air leaves the vent, hits the atmosphere and any warmth will simply disappear ‘like a fart in the wind’. I don’t feel it would be possible, unfortunately, for such a system to ever truly work on a scooter – a real shame. Anything that keeps a rider comfortable (and therefore alert) is a good thing and maybe should be considered a safety feature rather than a comfort one. With this in mind isn’t it about time the manufacturers started to equip our two-wheeled machines with heated grips and seats as standard? Gavin Hunt

I love my scooter! I retired in December 2015 and getting my motorcycle licence was a dream of mine. So in the summer of 2016, I successfully passed the two day Nova Scotia Safety Services motorcycle course. Within one week I was the proud owner of a Yamaha 125cc 2008, four-stroke engine scooter. It was love at first sight; it needed some tender loving care so after two days of cleaning, polishing and changing the fluids, the scooter came back to life. When I purchased the bike it had 18,400km on it. This summer I’ve put on many kilometres and find myself driving with a smile. Here in Fall River, Nova Scotia, the cold weather sets-in around the

beginning of December, so at the time of writing, the scooter is in the garage for winter storage and I’m patiently counting down the days to get back on the road. Teresa Smith

www.o2w.co.uk 9

10 www.o2w.co.uk

Oﬀ the press and out on the streets It was an exciting time at On Two Wheels when the first edition of our new ‘free pick-up’ newspaper arrived back from the printers a couple of weeks ago. Seen here are staff writer, Ross and O2W editor Mau looking though the first edition which is now available free of charge for anyone to collect at vvarious pick-up points around the UK (as shown on the map opposite) – just go into your nearest outlet and help yourself. And if you aren’t sure exactly where that outlet is, then just log-on to our website at www.o2w.co.uk and follow the link in the O2W Extra dropdown menu.

WHAT EXACTLY IS O2W? On Two Wheels (or O2W as we affectionately call it) is our brand-new free pick-up newspaper that aims to do exactly what it says on its

cover… to get people onto two wheels. Although running concurrently with Twist & Go for the next few months, it is scheduled to replace it in the not-too-distant future (see page 4 of this magazine for more details). O2W will offer all the information and advice you need to get on the road; from acquiring your licence, to saving money on your daily commute and improving your riding. Each issue will be packed with handy information on subjects such as machine suitability for commuting or pleasure plus bike and products guides – and that’s not forgetting an abundance of up-to-date news and features. Written by a team of experienced motorcyclists and easily accessible to all new riders, O2W is the publication that the motorcycle industry has been waiting for.