BIKE (March 2020)

FACTS AND FIGURES


» 217 miles of mixed roads is Fuel figures
the longest run I’ve done before
bottling it, which was 51.3mpg. 39
This drops dramatically with
more enthusiastic throttle use. MPG
AVERAGE

Tank size:
Wet 21 litres
Distance to
fuel light:
weight 140 miles
Range:
257kg 180 miles

Price Rake
27º
£14,399

Seat height
840mm










‘Most riders will spend

their lives in the velvety


midrange, which will whisk Wheelbase 1520mm Trail 106mm

you up to cruising speed PERFORMANCE TESTING


with no apparent effort’ » Not as brisk off the Performance
line or fast flat-out
as a Multistrada 0-60mph: 3.93s
or S1000XR. But 1/4 mile: 12.16s
@ 112.9mph
with figures Top speed: 133.8mph
identical to a (indicated 139)
late 90s Ducati 40-80mph top gear: 8.91s
900SS it’s not Braking 70-0mph: 55.9m
exactly slow, speedo accuracy
and the smooth 30mph: 27mph
flexibility is an 60mph: 56mph
on-road highlight. 90mph: 86mph


ALTERNATIVES


BMW S1000XR
£13,990

» Updated for 2020, the XR
is a comfy superbike with an
000
S
S1000RR-based 160bhp engine.
1
Way sportier than the Versys.
W a y s
Ducati Multistrada 1260 S
D uc a
7,
1
3
£17,395
£
» Mighty twin, top performance,
M
ig
»
l s
a
e
r real sense of tech and luxury.
e
Se m i -
Semi-active ride not as comfy or
p
co
composed as the Versys’.
m
Triumph Tiger Sport
£10,950
» Getting old, but the 1050cc
triple is an ace road unit. More
jacked-up Speed Triple than
Kwak-style adventure-tourer.
101
10 1

The Big Test




























e
Dash features
t
a
Da
s
f
h
r
s
e
u
lean angle sensor.
le an angle sensor .
i
I
t w
It will end in tears
l
a
e
s
r
n
l e
n t
d i
Practicality
I have never experienced a bike as practical as the Versys 1000
SE, over so many miles. And if you’d told the 18-year-old me
he’d be embracing clip-on luggage at 24, he’d have laughed
in your face. If you want a premium all-rounder, capable
of swallowing a week’s worth of clothes for your annual
European bike tour, or the weekly food shop, then look no
further than this Kawasaki.
During my weekly commute, I’m often seen without the
103-litres of optional luggage available to the SE in its various
GT trims, preferring to ride with my trusty Kriega R30
rucksack. However, for the weekends, it’s worth splashing out
the £593.90 investment on panniers and £165.95 for the 47-litre
colour-matched top box. The only niggles with the topbox
were that it took some force to attach it to its base plate,
and the lock started seizing after a particularly salty winter
ride. With the case removed, the rack also sticks out like the
captain’s quarters on a pirate ship.
Daily usage also dictates the chain requires a small tighten
every 600 miles, and after 14,000 it’s well past its best. With
a centrestand as standard, adjustments should be a doddle,
but the bulbous exhaust end-can partially obscures the right
adjuster, limiting spanner rotations to a quarter turn at a
time. Annoying. Also, the base of the rear hugger is the perfect
shape to collect road crud, which needs to be scraped out on a
weekly basis.
The LED lights are superb – riding unlit country lanes at
night has never been so easy. However, they’re so powerful
they can draw agitated flashes from drivers at night.

Quality and finish
Finished in sparkling green, the Versys’ paint is what Kawasaki
call ‘self-healing’. The idea is that because it never quite
cures, it will flow over tiny scratches. After 14,000 miles and
dozens of washes, it does seem to work. Look closely and the
paintwork is bizarrely scratch and swirl free.
I
t
‘In any other era – one where
e
e
y o
n
n
n a
r
a – o
e w
e

h
r
h
r e
The bodywork is a doddle to clean because it has very few ‘ ‘ I n a n y o t h e r e r a – o n e w h e r e
t
r
e ma
d
’
n
r
u
t
ve
sn
e a
w

t
the adventure market wasn’t
h
e
a
panel gaps to trap dirt and polish. Washing is important in t t h e a d ve n t u r e ma r k e t w a sn ’ t
k
winter – both the centrestand and ignition barrel refuse to
i
i
t
sh
ly
ly
sh
i
ea

r
k
k

ea
h
h
t
i
r
f
f
a
k
p p
ed w
c
c
k
a
ed w
play ball if left for a week without soap and clean water. packed with freakishly
Up front, the touring screen loosens itself from time to
l
i
t
i
i
n – we
l
i
r
b b r i l l i a n t co m p e t i t i o n – we ’ d
o
brilliant competition – we’d
n
p
e
t co
’
m
d
a
t

time. And for such a vast sum of money, I would expect it to
be electronically adjustable, rather than manually altered
d
all ride Versys 1000s and live
y
n
d l
0

l
ive
i
s a
0
e V
l r
e
rs
s 1
0
by way of two chunky screws. The left handlebar grip has a a l l r i d e V e rs y s 1 0 0 0 s a n d l ive
also loosened over time, from tugging on it during daily
i
l
y eve
p
ha
happily ever after’
p
e
r
’
t
r
a
f
applications of the centrestand. ha p p i l y eve r a f t e r ’
10 2
102

Comfy seat, great screen
and chunky hand guards. Power and torque
We can confirm the Versys
is a nice place to be
» Ignore that hollow at 5500rpm. You never notice it on the
road, where the Z1000-based four is the epitome of silky-
smooth thrust. Sure, 30bhp more would put it closer to the
spec of rivals, but on real roads you don’t need it – progress
is effortless (and accompanied by an addictive intake roar).



120 Power
110.1bhp @
8800rpm
100
torque
73 lb.ft @
80 7400rpm



60



40



20



0
2000 4000 6000 8000 10,000

tyres



» The original Bridgestone T31s did 5500 miles before the
rear was square and close to the wear indicators. Dunlop
SportSmart Mk3s improved the handling and lasted a similar
distance. Avon Spirit STs were okay, but lacked feel and rear
grip under hard acceleration in single-digit temperatures.


accessories


Slip-on Akrapovic titanium
exhaust £806.95
» The standard end-can looks
awful. This official accessory is
far tastier and might make chain
adjustment easier, but it’s pricey.


Frame sliders
£164.95
» It’s a large top-heavy bike, so
a bit of topple-over protection
might be nice, especially if you’re
vertically challenged like me.

Colour-matched panniers
£472.95
» 56 litres from the pair, and
they clip onto the standard grab
handles. Handy, easy to use, but
can be a pain to fit and remove.


Radiator guard
£79.95
» It’s a Versys, not a GS, and so
you're not going to be tossing
rocks at the rad. Still, could save
a stiff repair bill.



103

The Big Test







KAWASAKI VERSYS 1000 SE All this and the
paint heals itself
of swirls and
Contact kawasaki.co.uk scratches

Engine 16v DOHC inline four
Capacity 1043cc

Fuel system fuel injection
Transmission six speed, chain
Frame twin tube aluminium
Front USD fork, electronically adjustable rebound
suspension and compression, manual preload, 150mm
wheel travel
Rear monoshock, electronically adjustable
suspension preload, compression, rebound, 152mm
wheel travel
Front brakes 2 x 310mm discs, four-piston radial calipers

Rear brake 250mm disc, single-piston caliper
Tyres 120/70 ZR17, 180/55 ZR17




‘Once aboard it’s


easy to fall in love

and… Quite frankly

such a big bike


really should not

handle itself so well’






Verdict





The Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE is not a BMW-rivalling long-
legged ballistic missile. Nor is it a fully-fledged adventure
bike thanks to no claimed off-road prowess and road
biased 17in wheels. Instead, it’s a supremely comfortable,
well-refined sports tourer combining a velvety smooth
four-cylinder engine, with clever electronics, enough
grunt to keep you engaged and stacks of two-up comfort.
Granted it’s not pretty to look at, but once aboard it’s
easy to fall in love with the cushion-like ride and throaty
engine tone as you chase the lean sensors into the red. Two-up it’s comfy for both; switchgear is not backlit and is positioned annoyingly close
Quite frankly such a big bike really should not handle together; semi-active adjustability; screen is best in its lowest setting
itself so well.
Despite the refinement Westlake reckons his money
would be headed in a different direction: ‘The SE is a
sophisticated, well-engineered bit of kit and a brilliant
tourer, but if I was buying new I would still go for BMW’s
GS or Ducati’s Multistrada. In many ways the base model
is the better value bike – there are plenty of ex-demos for
sale under £10,000.’
With prices starting at £14,399 (it’s £300 more for the
2020 model), the SE is a serious investment, however I am
yet to find a bike quite as versatile for less money.

Bike rating 9/10



104

Next Month
















5















bikes that matter in 2020



First tests of BMW F900XR, Honda Fireblade,

Kawasaki Z H2, Triumph Tiger 900 andÉ












































?











[PLUS]



» Phillip Island Classic » The Mat Oxley Interview

» Adventure motorcycling pioneers » Temptations, projects and more…






April issue on sale 26th February




105
10 5

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WWW.JUSTBANDITS.COM Consultants Ltd, registered in England and Wales no. 2600841.

Advice, guidance and things to do with bikes EXPERTS IN

THIS ISSUE












Hugo Wilson
Multi bike owner
£
Lifelong rider, loves an
old knocker, copes
well with a spanner.











Mike Armitage
High mileage rider

Hates cars, rides
every day, holidays in
a caravan.



BIKES RIDING

Ducati 848: the buying guide [108] Cairngorms: Glorious rides [124]
Aprilia Caponord: a good idea [108] Getting onto tall bikes: Try this: [124] John Westlake

Michelin Pilot Road 5: tyres tested [109] New Zealand: Go [125] Used bike dabbler
Honda Africa Twin: Living with [110] Heated kit: Our favourites: [126] Lapsed Bike editor,

’80s & ’90s sportsbikes: Temptation [112] Race memorabilia: Found [126] home mechanic, likes
a trials bike.
Overloading and The Old Bill: Law [113] Places to go: Events [127]

Honda Street Tracker: Selling [114] Shoei helmet: Tried and tested [127]

Triumph TR6R: Project [114] Classic TT: Book now [127]
Triumph Sprint ST: Fettling [116] Racing indoors: Anticipation [128]

276 bikes: Road test verdicts [118] Neevesy in Catalonia: Road test [128] Michael Neeves
Road tester
Grass roots: how was the Dakar? [122] Honda MVX250F: Weird & wonderful [130] If it’s new and worth

riding Michael’s
flicked the ignition.




Tool of

the month


Andrew Dalton
With my tools at one end of the garage and
the best natural light at the other, working on Biking lawyer
bikes used to entail a lot of walking. A wheeled He knows about bikes
chest was the answer, but there’s and the law. Pay
some dreadful cheap tat about. Then attention at the back.
I saw this online (£135), with reviews
saying it’s brilliant. And it is. It’s big PLUS
(1m tall, 0.5m deep, 0.8m wide), and
solid, weighing over 53kg. Aldi rotate these Mark Williams
offers so it’s not on sale now, but keep an Founding editor
eye on the website for its return. JW Simon Hewitt
aldi.co.uk/specialbuys
Dakar novice
John Naish
Project habitualist
Chippy Wood
Proper bloke



107

Know How







[ Buying ]
Ducati 848











The last Ducati sportsbike true to the V-twin,

steel trellis, cam belts and single-sider

template. And so affordable…



ROUGH RUNNING

Obviously you’re looking at a bike with a full history and regular
cam belt changes at a pedantic dealer. Doing anything else is
risky. Stalling, wobbly tickover and gruff running affected a few
1098s, on which the bike’s based, but 848s should be fine – so
treat lumpy running with caution, especially with accessory
pipes. Getting the injection tweaked with a map per cylinder is
beneficial, and a new idle map makes it easier to start.



WATCH FOR WATER

The battery is behind the fairing and gets blasted by spray from
the front wheel. Earlier models have the relay for the fuel sys-
tem here too, and its lack of a water seal can mean the electrical
connectors corrode and stop the fuel pump working. Ducati FROM
tried to solve the problem by sealing all the gubbins away to
stop the water causing problems – but they still corrode. Get £4500
the owner to drop the fairing panel off and have a ruddy good
look for furry bits.


BRAKING SHENANIGANS

Large-diameter discs and meaty-looking Brembo calipers
offer plenty of stopping power. Unfortunately, this power is not STUCK IN GEAR
matched by their ability to survive soggy British summers. The
discs are the main issue because they corrode, especially the The gearbox’s pawl arm (or gearchange actuator arm) has a spring that
semi-floating buttons that attach the rotor to the carrier. Once can break, locking the bike in gear. There’s only one way to release the
the corrosion has got hold they stick in one position, rather gearchange, and that's to remove the left-hand cover and put the arm back
than floating, which causes premature wear to discs and pads. into the correct position, and then set the arm-to-selector alignment – which
In bad cases the front brake lever will pulse very slightly, as if the of course requires a special tool that won’t be in your Halfords’ toolkit. Make
discs are warped – have a good feel on the test ride. sure the gear lever isn't in a funny place and that gears engage as they should.






[ Overlooked ]
Aprilia Caponord






World-class quality, from £6500



» If you want a used adventure bike that’ll do huge miles in comfort
with a pillion go for Aprilia’s Caponord Rally. The 1197cc V-twin
is refined, handling is steadfast, and it features all the toys –
including semi-active suspension with truly opulent ride quality
and automatic preload. It’s amazing. It’ll be tediously reliable
too: rear suspension sensors can seize, fuel level senders give false
readings, and the tank swells if too much high-ethanol fuel is used
(but shrinks again if left empty). Otherwise this quality 1200 should
see-off six-figure mileages without issue. MA



108
10 8

IT'S JUST A FILTER
‘Of course it requires If the engine feels like it's bumping into a soft rev limiter, or won't cleanly


a special tool that go beyond 8000rpm, don’t assume mechanical or electrical horrors are
lurking. There’s a fuel filter located inside the fuel tank that should be
won’t be in your replaced every 6000 miles – but it’s often overlooked by owners (and also
by less-than-thorough dealers). If it becomes blocked the fuel supply is
Halfords’ toolkit’ restricted and the V-twin develops hesitancy higher up the rev range, or
under heavy load.




single-sider

If the bike’s been owned by a jetwash enthusiast (like our own Paul
Lang), or has been ridden in the rain a lot, it’s likely the swingarm has
filled with water. Not just a few drops, but several litres. This water
ingress causes the pivot bolts and eccentric chain adjuster to seize.
Some owners (and dealers) drill a 3mm hole on the underside of
the swingarm to drain. Ducati also fitted a heavy rear spring which
results in many owners messing with preload and damping to try and
get a more compliant set-up. Make sure, in the process, they haven’t
butchered the adjusters by being heavy-handed.



COOLING

Get on your knees and take a peek at the radiator – you’re looking
for leaking coolant. On 2008-2009 848s the cooling fins can
separate from the mounting bracket up near the top-left corner
which allows fluid to ooze out. Ducati replaced dicky radiators
with a revised and beefed up unit, but some bikes may have
slipped through the warranty net. Ask if there's any evidence of it
being changed and double-check for that tell-tale leakage.





2008-2012 DUCATI 848

Engine 849cc, liquid-cooled, 8v desmo V-twin Power 122-126bhp
Torque 62 lb.ft Top speed 164mph Rake/trail 24.5˚/97mm
Wheelbase 1430mm Dry weight 168kg Seat height 830mm
Tank size 15.5 litres Economy 40mpg

Bike verdict Engaging road-going superbike with a compelling mix of
old-school lean-loving Ducati handling and modern dynamic. Decent
service intervals and reliable, too. £4500 feels like robbery.
Bike rating 9/10







[ Tried and tested ]

For year-round riding




Michelin Pilot Road 5

Used for: 2500 miles Price: Front £108, rear £150 Info: demon-tweeks.com

» Technically, these aren’t winter tyres, they’re Michelin’s premium sports tourers, but nevermind
that – Michelin could easily market them as the ultimate rubber for year-round riders. They are
outrageously good in the cold and wet. I fitted them to my Triumph Sprint 1050 in October and if
the temperature is above 5-degrees or so they let you have a feisty ride, wet or dry. They might
be able to pull this trick off below 5-degrees but when it’s that cold I can’t muster the bravery
to find out. A relatively sporty profile means they feel lively compared with my previous sports
touring tyres and the rear is showing no signs of squaring off so far, despite a pounding on the
A14. Highly recommended (the tyres, not the A14). JW



109

Know How







[ Living with ]
The good,






the bad






and the





befuddling


SCREEN
Whether you like this seems dependent on your height. For me (6ft) it is
perfect on the lowest setting, keeping my lid in an oasis of still air, with
just enough downdraft to blow raindrops off my visor. But a 6ft 2in mate
hated it because of buffeting and the higher settings made it worse. Honda’s current Africa Twin is laced with
touches of genius, such as the self-aware
transmission. However, John Westlake also
has good reason for utter befuddlement…

























CORNERING LIGHTS
Having experienced the cornering lights on Kawasaki’s Z1000SX and
Ducati’s Multistrada, I wasn’t expecting much. But the Honda’s really
work, hosing the inside of corners with white LED goodness. It’s a basic
system – those lower extra lights only come on as you lean.






























CORROSION INDICATOR SWITCH
We got the bike with 400 miles on the clock and there was already lots Honda are amazing. They produce a DCT gearbox that’s so clever it
of corrosion on plenty of fasteners. Maybe it was run-in under the sea. should be on University Challenge and then make an indicator switch
Shame, because the finish on the engine cases, frame, plastics and you can’t fricking find. It’s in a thicket of other switches and after 250
wheels is great and will probably scrub up beautifully for decades. miles I still fumble. As for finding the right button in the dark, forget it.



110

WWW. WEWANTYOUR












CASH













FOR YOUR


TFT DISPLAY
Honda provide two displays – a big touch-sensitive one, and a smaller
LCD one for essential info. You link your phone using Bluetooth and use
a satnav app on the top screen while seeing speed, fuel etc below. But it
BIKE
only works with iPhones. ‘Meh,’ say all we Android users.















NOW














Dual ClutCh tRansmission (DCt)
Honda’s DCT is so clever I think it’s achieved sentience. Sometimes, for
example, it is mischievous – in Tour mode I manually downshift prior to Great price
an overtake, but if I wait too long, it sneakily changes back up without
me noticing. It is unfeasibly good, yet my jury remains out on DCT.
Free collection




Free, immediate


bank transfer










SELL YOUR BIKE NOW





WeWantYourMotorbike.com/bike
CHAIN OILING
It’s a touring-ish bike with no centrestand as standard. Cue grumbles.
There are no locations for paddock stand bobbins either and you can’t
hoik it over on its sidestand because it’s too tall. I ask for Honda’s official 01625 836376
method: oil a length of chain, walk forward, oil another length, walk, oil…

Know How




[ Temptation ]
Golden-era appeal










Sportsbikes came of age in the late 1980s and early 90s. Fancy some extruded aluminium,

genuine race-rep design and curious acronyms? Bring your Arai Giga this way... Mike Armitage




















£7695 £17,995 £15,995

Ducati 851 Suzuki GSX-R750RR Yamaha RZV500R



» Keep your 916, thanks. Yes, it’s the iconic » Surely the most attractive GSX-R ever made. » Suzuki’s RG500 grabbed headlines in the
Ducati sportsbike, but I’ll take an 851 any day Just look at that iconic up-and-over frame, 1980s (partly due to the giddy performance of
of the week. First, it’s more significant. The 8v, single seat and braced swingarm. Just 500 fettled press bikes), but Yamaha’s RD500LC was
DOHC, desmo, liquid-cooled V-twin set the of the RR were made in ’89 to homologate it arguably closer to the GP bikes that inspired both
blueprint for fast Ducatis until the V4 arrived. And for racing. The inline four reverted to a long- models. The Japanese-market RZV version is
with injection and engine management, it set us stroke design like the original slab-sided even closer: as well as the twin-crank two-stroke
on the path to today’s oh-so-rideable Panigales. 750 (because small race teams were already V4 and quad expansion chambers, it has a hand-
Second, it’s more usable than a 916 with better experienced in tuning it), with special cases, welded alloy frame instead of the RD’s mild steel,
weather protection and less cramped riding crank, conrods, carbs, clutch and exhaust, more suspension adjustment, plus foot pedals
position. Third, it’s the bike that won the first-ever plus a close-ratio ’box, race-ready swingarm and clip-ons in cast alloy. This one has been
WSB title. And fourth, it’s... well, a bit less of a and aluminium tank. This minty one has come repainted but is otherwise original, and has only
cliché. This peach has only done 10,600 miles. from Japan and has only done 6900 miles. done 4000 miles. Imagine the noise and smell.




















£6195 £29,995 £69,995

Yamaha TZR250 Magni Australia 98 Honda NR750


» Not the TZR we got in the UK, but a reverse » Italian chassis specialists Magni have built » I know the NR racers were rubbish. I know
cylinder (or 3MA for code nerds). Yamaha’s frames for engines from Honda, MV Agusta and the road bike’s measured performance looks
parallel-twin two-stroke was always said to Suzuki, but are best-known for wrapping tubes unimpressive, and I know that seventy grand
be based on the TZ racer, and in ’89 the gap around Guzzi’s big V-twins. Success in 1991 is ridiculous money for a bike. But there’s truly
between track and road almost disappeared. for Aussie racer Owen Coles in the Battle of the nothing like an NR750. The oval-piston V4 (with
The frame became almost identical and the Twins led to a 1993 road bike called the Australia, eight conrods and 32 valves, it’s effectively a
cylinders were spun round – the carbs hang off with a four-valve carb’d engine. It was upgraded big-bang V8) has a textbook torque curve, and
the front of the cases, behind the front wheel, in ’98 with the injected eight-valve engine from the feel of the power delivery is like nothing
giving the twin expansion chambers a straight Guzzi’s Daytona (like the racer had used), and else. Sounds ace, too. The chassis is utterly
run out the back. Just like a TZ. Not imported became this Australia 98. Just 50 were built. composed on normal roads, and the finish is
to the UK, this is a ‘Mk2’ 3MA with USD forks in Rare, handsome, and with loads of appeal simply exquisite. It’s simply a magical thing. This 1994
the rare toothpaste scheme. Love those pipes. from being so unexpected. bike is all original and has done just 7300 miles.





2
11
112

[ Law ]




‘An overloaded




bike is easy to





achieve…’






s you read this, and your body into 12 kilos of Vario panniers, along
digests its way through festive with tank bag, top box (about 10kg) and
A excess, remember the average roll bag and that leaves us with just 44
Britain will gain 6lbs over Christmas. kilos for a pillion or just under 7 stones
And most will hang on to a fair chunk of in kit. That is one very small pillion.
it until the good weather returns. Which So, an overloaded bike is an easy thing
also explains how leathers curiously to achieve. This is made even worse if
£26,995 shrink over the winter period. you fully farkle your bike with extra

But the carrying capacity of
electronics, bash plates and engine
Honda RC30 special your motorcycle does not increase protection. It is all part of the payload.
in line with your waist. And it is
» Pristine RC30s fetch £40k or more. Instead extraordinarily easy to overload even an The fine is how much!?!
of buying one and never daring to ride it, buy ubertourer, with or without that post- So what are the legal consequences of
this instead to experience what Hislop, Foggy Christmas insulation. overloading? On a GS the electronic
and Merkel got to play with. Japanese-spec I remember one disgruntled reader suspension will do a good job of
with the smaller headlights, it has a race-style once wrote in convinced he had been disguising an overloaded bike, and you
shorter swingarm, JB-Power magnesium mis-sold a bike. He was a substantial will not draw a traffic policeman’s eye
wheels, adjustable rearsets, Öhlins shock, fellow, but more rugby player than like five likely lads in a Vauxhall Corsa.
full exhaust system, larger radiator, lower sumo. His wife, on the other hand, But if you are going to be overweight
gearing... Yes, it’s still expensive, but the sound was of normal weight but despite this you could be slapped with an immediate
and feel when leaping Cadwell’s Mountain or when they added in their kit they prohibition notice. Of course you could
caned around the Isle of Man will be something
no modern superbike offers. Proper tool, this. were too heavy for the bike. Or to be (if feeling brave) ask your pillion to get
more accurate, over 40kg beyond the off and walk to bring you under the
payload of the bike. weight. Otherwise the
Unfortunately for our police officer or VOSA
solid chap the carrying ‘The fine for enforcement officer
capacity of the bike can seize your bike
appeared in the brochure a modest there and then. If your
and if it were a factor overload is overloading is 10% or
of key importance, he less (21.6 kilos on the GS)
needed to ask before he one or two the maximum fine is
bought the bike. £5000 – whether or not
weeks pay’ you get the maximum
It adds up… fine depends on your
£8195 quickly income. But on the bright side it is a


Suzuki GS1200SS So, let us consider the ubiquitous non-endorsable offence. Budget on a
R1250GS – a popular, two-up touring
fine for a modest overload of one to two
» Launched in 2001 – but it sneaks in because machine. BMW make no secret of weeks take home pay, but it is also a
the big inline four motor is from the Bandit and so its payload (unlike certain other conviction for future insurance.
based on the GSX-R1100, and the styling is full- manufacturers who seem to regard However, the real problem is not legal,
on 1980s F1/endurance racer. Created to feed payload as a state secret), which is only it is the fact that your motorcycle tyres,
Japan’s desire for big retro sportsbikes (before 216 kilos. A big, but not huge, man can brakes and suspension are designed
1993 there was a 750cc limit, so they couldn’t get easily weigh 100 kilos, add helmets for its maximum payload and braking,
a GSX-R1100, Katana or the like when they were boots and a suit and you’re up to 120 handling and tyre adhesion are all
new), this is a proper muscle bike. Best of all will kilos; I was surprised to discover my compromised by overloading. The only
be the look on mates’ faces when you say you’ve helmet, boots, body armour and enduro answer is to shed weight, whether that
got a GS... and roll up on this, not a beaky boxer. suit come in at just under 20kg and this be kit, farkles or body mass.
» All these are for sale at Extreme Trading, is all pretty lightweight gear for warm
0800 056 2270, classicandrare.co.uk weather off-road touring. We now have Andrew Dalton
96 kilos left. Put 30 kilos of luggage at White Dalton Solicitors


113
11 3

Ǯ Selling ǰ Ǯ Project ǰ




So you
Reality bites: ‘custom
bikes are for rich folk,
and that’s not me’



want to be





the Fonz?








A benevolent soul bestows a not-
mint 1968 Triumph TR6R on Naishy.

‘Fix it and you can keep it,’ she tells
him. And so begins a battle of wills

to get it going and stop random bits

falling off. Naishy isn’t winning…













Born to lose



Bike’s founding editor dreams up,

builds and finally sells his latest project



’ve been around the custom world long enough to know about the
pain that ensues when it’s time to flog your bespoke beloved.
PE
P
L T
PE
TRO
TRO
L T
P
A
A
I Last year I was one such hopeful, specifically so’s I could use PETROL TAP
the proceeds from selling my Honda SuperDream ’tracker to turn a
i
i
ke a R
e
ke a R
n
i
t
n
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t
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i
n w
s
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u
b
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n w
b
s
s
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i
i
s
i
a
s
e
k
L L
k
Leaking like a Russian website.
a
e
e
e
a
.
.
e
recently acquired SWM Gran Milano into a post-apocalypse street-
’
Cheap
o
thanol
Cheap ‘ethanol-proof’
‘
e
p
o
Cheap ‘ e thanol - - p r r o o f f ’
fighter. However, realistically aware that I’d not get the £4500+ it
r r replacement now on order. . .
der
or
or
placement
w
on
on
w
e
e
no
der
placement
no
cost me to build the blighter, I put it on fleaBay at £2500 but got not a
nibble. I also listed it in the online classifieds run by Britain’s premier
custom emporium, Bike Shed, but still no takers.
E
NCER
SIL
SILENCER
Further online twiddling unsurprisingly revealed most up-for- SIL E NCER
sale custom bikes don’t sell. And if they do, it is for nowhere near
Cr
Cr ash damaged.
ash
Crash damaged.
damaged.
their asking prices. The reason? Most amateur builders are trying At t t e m p t t o f i i t t
Attempt to fit
m
t t
At
p
e
o
f
to recover the cost of a poorly executed bike or, worse still, an r r replacement aborted
abor
abor
t
placement
ed
ed
placement
e
t
e
unfinished project. The underlying irony being, one’s man’s highly af af t t e r r f inding silencer
e
silencer
inding
f
after finding silencer
t
lded
o
welded to frame.
fr
e
ame.
personalised dream machine is another man’s ho-hum. w w e lded t o fr ame.
But because I used professional tradesmen to do the things I can’t,
the end result at least looks good – unlike most of ’em on fleaBay.
However, as hopes of turning the SWM into a poor man’s Ronin
R
O
T
R
R
U
B
CA
T
CARBURETTOR
E
faded, I reluctantly re-advertised the Honda at less than half its CA R B U R E T T O R
BOWL
BO
WL
build cost. Within two days a very nice man bought it sight-unseen, BOWL
proving beauty is in the eye of very few beholders and anyone selling Main jet f e ll int o bo t t t t om
bo
Main jet fell into bottom
om
Main
ll
e
f
jet
o
int
a custom must be willing to take a big hit. All of which tells me o o f f l l o a t b o w l l . S t t i i l l l g o t t
f f
of float bowl. Still got
t b
a
o
l g
o
. S
o
w
home.
home.
me
me
custom bikes are ultimately rich, or at least multi-skilled, men’s me home.
playthings. Which sadly excludes yours truly. MW
114

Know How








’ve owned Japanese bikes since getting my AP50 sports bowl. The bike sputters home. The Amal’s bellmouth Naishy
moped at 16. But I’ve always fancied a Sixties Triumph also rattled off somewhere. Performance is unaffected. attempting to
not look a gift
I 650. Fonzie any one? Top tip: when things fall off don’t bother replacing them. horse in the
Last January I was gifted one. My missus’s best mate Meanwhile, my new imperial tools are revealing the mouth
had to stop riding a decade ago, following a back injury. frustrations of Brit-bike fettling. It took Triumph 35
Her beloved Trumpet rotted in a shed, then languished in years to finally make the tappets accessible. That’s two
boxes. She said that if I got it going, I could have it. years after this bike was built.
It’s a 1968 (‘best year’) TR6R – like a Bonneville, but with Next, I’ll refresh the engine oil – if you want to start a
a less fussy single carb. I love the filthy Eighties bastard fight online ask about the best viscosity.
look, so no need for costly repainting. And it makes a I’ll also attempt to swap the clutch plates. They’ve
fantastic racket. What could possibly go wrong? surrendered to the Trumpet’s 46 horses. Best types? Six
My ignorance about old Brits was circumvented by plates or seven? Another chance to spark online rows.
persuading Classic Bike’s spanner-guru Rick Parkington to Last time I entered my lock-up, petrol fumes knocked
assemble the bits and teach me to build the motor oil-tight. me backwards. The Trumpet’s fuel taps had sprung
The rest, which Rick called, ‘shake-down stuff,’ was left leaks. Not the bike’s fault, really. Ethanol-proof
to me. ‘Learn and enjoy,’ he smiled. replacements are on order.
I’ve learnt that ‘shake-down’ means ‘vibrate off’; Meanwhile I’m hoping the Trumpet
in the past six months I’ve ventured out no more won’t self-ignite, taking with it my Z1
than ten miles each trip, but regularly returned and H1 Kawasakis.
a few components lighter. The good news is I have found a
When the bolt securing the Zener diode perfect, shop-battered, NOS side
disappears, the diode stops working and boils panel cheap on eBay, to replace
the electrics. But it’s not so bad when the Amal the plastic one that came with the
carburettor’s innards fall into the float bike. It hasn’t fallen off yet. JN
































ZENER DIODE SUSP E N SION
ZE
ZE
SION
E
E
N
N
N
R
SUSP
DIODE
DIODE
R
E
SUSPENSION
led
loose
loose
r
r
Rat
Rat
s
Rattled loose and nearly Hagons replaced horrible
s
placed
placed
led
t
e
e
t
nearl
H H
horrible
horrible
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nearl
and
agon
agon
and
i
ignited the electrics. . . ’80s Marzocchis. Only
i i
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0
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s
0
s
s
8
8
r
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d t
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e
f f fitted after buying
d a
f
t
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centrestand. Stand
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and
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and.
and.
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v
subsequentl
subsequently removed as
subsequentl y r emo v e d as
o
f
spring
get
t
couldn’ t t get spring t o f i i t t . .
couldn’t get spring to fit.
couldn’
CLUTCH
H
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LUTC
C C
LUTC
i
a
p
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l
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y a
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e
p
p
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d
Slippy as a greased
S S
s a g
s
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r
s
eel. Next stop,
x
Ne
eel
s
,
eel . . Ne x t t s t t op ,
op
cra
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h
comedy crash
comed y cra s h
s
comed
B
c c o urs e in B r itish
e
urs
r
in
itish
course in British
o
at
p
ch
clutch-plate
e
clu t t ch - - p l l at e
clu
replacement.
e
placement
r r e placement . .
CARBURETTOR BELLMOUTH
LLM
TO
AR
LLM
ET
OUTH
B
R
ET
R
OUTH
U
U
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TO
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Vibrated off a few rides ago, no effect on performance. . .
b
f a f
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d o
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f
f a f
b
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, n
, n
115

Know How







[ Fettling ]
Salt and prepper











Confronted with the aftermath of a mechanically incompetent sardine John
Westlake restores his Sprint ST’s mechanical integrity in readiness for winter…






























































C HAI N O I LE R
CHAIN OILER
Without an automatic oiler one winter can see off a chain. And I’m not
W i t h o u t a n a u t o m a t i c o i l e r o n e w i n t e r c a n s e e o f f a c h a i n . A n d I ’ m n o t
t
y p
i
t
t
s
a
e i
n l
u
i
h
a
e g
r
h
b
e – t
o k
n
m
s t
a
e
r
c
k
e
a
t c
r
t
e
e
e
s s
y c
n
i
e
c
v
c
convinced by chain lube – the gritty paste it creates seems to knacker
n
o
d b
a c h a i n f a s t , u n l e s s y o u c l e a n i t a f t e r e v e r y r i d e . B e c a u s e t h e o i l u s e d i n
a chain fast, unless you clean it after every ride. Because the oil used in
a
r
e t
t
e
t
l
o
o c
u
r
s i
v
i
s
e m
h
s
u
a
e a
e
h
a
r
b
automatic oilers is thinner, it doesn’t seem to create the abrasive mush. .
o
h
c o
s
n
e
t
e
r
t d
, i
n
m
e
t s
m t
i
e
n
a
i
s t
’
i
G previous owner’s Then I removed the airbox, which came off surprisingly
Westlake battles
Obviously, the air filter was atrocious (£25 for a new one).
etting a motorcycle through winter unscathed takes
preparation, especially if you’ve bought it from
someone who, it turns out, has the mechanical nous
ups with the good
rubbers had been wrecked by someone shoving them on
grace we have
of a sardine. Having discovered a few telltale signs of idiocy mechanical cock- easily. I flipped it over and sure enough, two of the three inlet
– engine case bolts done up finger tight, brake pads covered come to expect when they weren’t aligned properly. There was no way they
in grease etc – I thought I’d better do a thorough winterising could have made an airtight seal. I thought the distinctly
job. Inevitably this turned out to be convoluted because of non-standard popping noise on the overrun might have
multiple mechanical turds scattered by the sardine. somehow been caused by the faulty Scottoiler vacuum line,
The first and fiddliest job was removing the non- but this seems a more likely culprit. Ten minutes on eBay
functioning Scottoiler vSystem – that’s the model that nets a decent used airbox for £27.
plumbs into a vacuum connector on the throttle bodies so it Next job is lathering on the corrosion inhibitor – easier to
means getting the airbox off. My trepidation was well placed. do when the bike’s in a state of undress. The best technique
116

Coolant

Because I’m now utterly paranoid Fast Parts!
about the previous owner’s
mechanical ability I changed the
coolant to make sure there was
the right amount of antifreeze in SOLE UK
it. It’s worth doing if you’re in any DISTRIBUTOR
doubt – the consequences of the
coolant freezing are too diabolical to Grand Prix Pedigree...
contemplate. Street Bike Prices!


CorroSion
proteCtion


I bought a litre of ACF50 about five
years ago (it’s £26 now) and I’m
only about half way through. The
difference it makes to crapply plated
bolts and fasteners is amazing. Other
corrosion inhibitors recommended
by Bike’s other winter riders are
FS365 and XCP Rustblocker.


Heated gripS

Essential. These Oxford grips were
already on the Sprint. I’ve fitted
them before and they’re easy to put
on – they wire straight to the battery H Highest quality available, widest range of
and use witchcraft to determine chain & sprockets anywhere, from mopeds
when you’ve switched the ignition to superbikes... We stock the lot!
off. Used with heated gloves they
make long journeys in freezing
temperatures entirely tolerable. INTEREST
Road, Track FREE
& Race Wheels FINANCE
tyreS


Once you’ve ridden on decent H Forged Aluminium – up to
winter tyres you’ll never go back to 33% lighter than stock
struggling through on never-warm- H Forged Magnesium
up sports tyres or bakelite touring – up to 45% lighter
than stock
jobs. Most modern sports touring
tyres work well in the cold and wet SOLE UK
because of the high silica content DISTRIBUTOR
and I’ve got Michelin Pilot Road 5s on
the Sprint at the moment. They are
outstanding (see p109).


Europe’s No1 for
control products

H Throttle controls, grips,
switch gear & handlebars
H Used by most of the GP
I’ve found isn’t spraying it on, but simply soaking a rag in paddock
the stuff and wiping it over bolt heads, fasteners, banjo clips,
engine cases etc.
With that done, I fit a Scottoiler xSystem. This uses
electricity rather than a vacuum to open the valve which SOLE UK
drips the oil on the chain and in my experience is far more DISTRIBUTOR
reliable (and a darn sight easier to fit) than the old vacuum
system. I’ve had no problem with it draining the battery on
previous bikes. www.biketorqueracing.co.uk
Now I just need the eBay airbox goodness to turn up and
my Sprint can hit the salt. Note to self: don’t buy motorcycles We are UK importers and distributors for all the products shown.
off mechanical sardines. JW Massive Stocks • Trade Enquiries Welcome • Next Day Delivery
Phone: 01373 464252 • email: [email protected]
Unit 15 • Handlemaker Road • Marston Trading Estate
Frome • Somerset • UK • BA11 4RW

knowledge This isn’t a limp brochure-style round-up of all the bikes you can buy.
Listings have tested, with comparable on-the-road prices plus data, expert
No, your guide is far more useful as it only contains bikes that we


opinion and must-know detail gathered by fussy full-time testers. We
do hundreds of thousands of miles, dyno, datalog, weigh and answer

the big questions. Don’t buy a new bike without reading this first.





Bike Price engine ToP sPeed Power mPg Bike verdicT raTing TesTed
aPriLia uk.aprilia.com, 00800 15565500 Bike’s choice: RSV4 is everything a full-on race rep should be
rsv4 rr £15,999 999.6cc v4 186mph* 196bhp** 36mpg Super-sharp, fast, high-tech and underrated. Exotic RF depreciates as quick as it rides. 8/10 sep ’18
Tuono v4 1100 Factory £16,999 1077cc v4 168mph* 173bhp** 40mpg* Supernaked is fast, sharp, hi-tech, yet civil and calm if needed. Ace road-going sportsbike. 9/10 aug ’19
dorsoduro 900 £8999 896cc v-twin 125mph* 93bhp** 40mpg Looks are deceiving: this is more solid, friendly all-rounder than edgy, thrilling supermoto. 6/10 aug ’18
rs125 £4499 125cc single 75mph* 15bhp** 80mpg* Four-stroke single is essentially Derbi’s decent GPR125 with tweaks and RSV4 styling. 7/10 dec ’13
arieL arielmotor.co.uk, 01460 78817 Bike’s choice: loads of options and extras, but it’s got to have girder forks
ace £28,345 1237cc v4 165mph** 173bhp** 40mpg* Machined alloy frame, Honda V4, girder forks, endless choices. Fast, capable, work of art. 8/10 Jun ’19
BeneLLi benelli.com, 0844 4128450 Bike’s choice: not ridden it yet, but their naked 750 is coming this year...
Trk 502 £5116 499.6cc twin 95mph* 46bhp 72mpg** Great value long-distance tool but lacks a little balance and refinement. Don’t pay over £5k. 6/10 mar ’18
Bmw bmw-motorrad.co.uk, 0800 777155 Bike’s choice: yeah, it’s predictable... but brilliance of the GS can’t be ignored
k1600 grand america £22,530 1649cc inline 6 154mph** 156bhp** 41mpg** Toys, comfort, steamy engine, impressive handling... It’s a bunga-bunga party on wheels. 8/10 oct ’18
s1000Xr sport £14,260 998cc inline 4 155mph 161bhp 43mpg Truly ace high-tech mix of sports, adventure and tourer. But Kwak Versys 1000 is £5k less. 9/10 nov ’16
r1250rT £14,575 1254cc flat-twin 142mph 117bhp 50mpg Defining tourer might not be to all tastes... but latest 1254cc ShiftCam version is truly great. 9/10 mar ’19
r1250gs £13,550 1254cc flat-twin 133mph 115bhp 44mpg Grunty, nimble, able, easy, clever. Still the adventure datum. Endless versions and options. 10/10 may ’19
r1250rs exclusive £13,980 1254cc flat-twin 150mph* 134bhp** 50mpg Fast, comfy, accomplished proof that sports-tourers aren’t dead. More tech than NASA, too. 10/10 nov ’19
r1250r £11,220 1254cc flat-twin 150mph* 134bhp** 60mpg** Ace variable-valve motor in frienly, comfy, capable chassis. Better pure road bike than a GS? 9/10 aug ’19
r nineT £12,450 1170cc flat-twin 139mph 101bhp 49mpg Cheap? No. Beautifully made? Oh aye. Glorious mix of modern ability and classic charm. 8/10 aug ’18
r nineT urban g/s £10,765 1170cc flat-twin 139mph 101bhp 49mpg Classy roadster with wide-bar’d controlability and trad’ styling. Also in Scrambler form. 8/10 mar ‘18
r nineT Pure £10,215 1170cc flat-twin 139mph 101bhp 49mpg Entry-level nineT based on Scrambler. All the style and sensations of the posh one for £10k. 10/10 may ’17
s1000rr m Package £19,700 998cc inline 4 190mph* 207bhp** 44mpg** Astounding engine, super-sharp chassis, every possible gizmo. Amazing. Base model £15k. 9/10 dec ’19
s1000r £11,380 998cc inline 4 156mph 159bhp 40mpg Presence, performance and practicality. Sport has all tech widgets for just £12,965. Superb. 10/10 oct ’17
F850gs £9875 853cc twin 120mph* 94bhp 58mpg Smooth parallel twin and dirt-ready chassis. The GS we’d use to solo round the world. 9/10 oct ’18
F750gs £8225 853cc twin 110mph* 76bhp 69mpg** Slim front tyre and 19in wheel make this detuned 850 the better road bike. Sport is £9300. 8/10 may ’18
g310gs £5320 313cc single 88mph** 34bhp** 84mpg** Decent quality, easy to ride, but missing a defining GS character. Not peanuts, but good. 7/10 mar ‘18
Brough suPerior broughsuperiormotorcycles.com, +33 0562 892 460 Bike’s choice: SS100 is fabulous, but we hear a turbo is coming...
ss100 £59,999 997cc twin 130mph* 100bhp** 45mpg* Great detailing, engaging dynamic, serious look-at-me. Expensive, but hey – it’s a Brough. 8/10 oct ’16
ccm ccm-motorcycles.com, 01204 544930 Bike’s choice: of the various Spitfire variants the flat-tracker looks best
spitfire Foggy edition £11,995 600cc single 100mph* 55bhp** 50mpg* Feel-good ride, custom looks, scythe-like cornering, hard ride. Expensive, but exclusive. 8/10 Jun ’19
spitfire Bobber £9995 600cc single 100mph* 55bhp** 56mpg Curious mix of laid-back bobber styling with stiff chassis and revvy power. Not mega, but good. 8/10 Jan ’20
ducaTi ducatiuk.com; 0845 718500 Bike’s choice: you’ve got to ride the Panigale V4... truly astounding
Xdiavel £17,441 1262cc v-twin 159mph 147bhp 50mpg Feet-forward style, trad’ Ducati grunt and sportiness... but ride way too hard. Flash S is £20k. 7/10 mar ’17
multistrada Pikes Peak £21,201 1262cc v-twin 156mph* 158bhp** 43mpg Top-of-range Multi’ is super-exciting, yet all-day comfy. Amazing adventure-sportsbike. 9/10 mar ’19
multistrada enduro £17,901 1262cc v-twin 150mph* 158bhp** 45mpg* Brilliant, clever, fast, all-roads adventurer with a dash more off-road ability than expected. 8/10 Jan ’19
multistrada 1260s £17,401 1262cc v-twin 156mph* 158bhp** 54mpg** All-roads skill, semi-active ride, fit chassis. Softer and smoother than 1200 it replaces. 9/10 mar ’18
monster 1200s £15,041 1198cc v-twin 155mph* 150bhp** 45mpg* Looks a bit like the old M900 but it’s a modern high-tech smoothy. R (£16.3k) is track ready. 8/10 Feb ’17
Panigale v4r £35,141 998cc v4 195mph* 221bhp** 35mpg* Head-down, short-stroke, 16,500rpm nutter. Useless unless you’re a racer... when it’s ace. 8/10 oct ’19
Panigale v4s £24,941 1103cc v4 192mph* 214bhp** 38mpg Staggering. Light, hi-tech, powerful, sexy, and so, so fast... yet (almost) as usable as a Blade. 10/10 Jul ’19
scrambler 1100 £11,001 1079cc v-twin 110mph* 83bhp** 45mpg* 1100 Evo-engined, easy-riding Scrambler has charming twin and more comfort than 800s. 8/10 aug ’18
Panigale v2 £15,141 955cc v-twin 160mph* 157bhp** 36mpg ‘Enty-level’ superbike is fast yet friendly, sharp yet usable. Far better for most than the hairy V4. 9/10 Feb ’19
supersport £12,141 937cc v-twin 145mph* 113bhp** 43mpg* Monster frame, Hyper’ engine, Panigale style. Top, usable, sporty road bike for normal folk. 9/10 Jan ’18
multistrada 950 s £13,501 937cc v-twin 140mph* 113bhp** 48mpg* Ace 950 (below) with a heap more toys and Ducati’s best semi-active ride. Excellent, if pricey. 9/10 nov ’19
multistrada 950 £12,041 937cc v-twin 140mph* 113bhp** 48mpg* We prefer this ‘small’ Multi’ to the 1260. Eager engine, easy handling, fabulous all-rounder. 9/10 may ’19
hypermotard 950 £11,141 937cc v-twin 140mph* 113bhp** 45mpg* Great Mutlistrada engine, fine spec, fun, bit of a looker – but limited by supermoto leanings. 7/10 may ’19
monster 821 £10,141 821cc v-twin 145mph* 106bhp** 38mpg Style, noise and feel are very Monster. Decent... but there are better nakeds at this price. 7/10 Jan ’18
scrambler desert sled £10,141 803cc v-twin 120mph* 71bhp 55mpg* High-rise twin looks, rides and feels great, and almost works off-road. Best 803cc Scrambler. 9/10 oct ’17
monster 797 £8141 803cc v-twin 125mph* 71bhp 55mpg Handles, entertains, and looks the part. Better road bike than Scrambler. Pity price is high. 7/10 Jun ’17
scrambler icon £8341 803cc v-twin 123mph 71bhp 56mpg Looks the part, feels the part, and popular. Limited usability though. Street Twin is classier. 7/10 dec ’16
energica motocorsa.co.uk, 01747 811196 Bike’s choice: they build a sportsbike, but Esse Esse makes more sense in cluttered UK
eva esse esse9 £21,999 electric motor 125mph** 87bhp 60mpc Great acceleration, response, quality. Cheaper than was, but still pricey. Got a charging point? 7/10 aug ’18
FanTic fanticmotoruk.com Bike’s choice: there are three versions of the Cabellero, but just go for the best colour (so that’s the Scrambler)
cabllero scrambler £6399 449cc single 100mph* 43bhp** 60mpg Rev-happy, ex-enduro single in a light, good-quality package. Frantic on long rides, but top fun. 8/10 oct ’19
harley-davidson harley-davidson.com, 0871 6412508 Bike’s choice: the Fat Bob has looks, finish, good ride... and funny name
cvo street glide £32,095 1868cc v-twin 115mph* 80bhp* 50mpg Bold, loud, glitzy, pricey. Most refined and usable big H-D twin yet, let down by choppy ride. 8/10 nov ’17
FXdr 114 £17,995 1868cc v-twin 120mph* 91bhp** 44mpg** Drag-bike styling, huge back tyre, massive stomp, dubious cornering. Fat Bob much better. 6/10 nov ’18
Low ride r s £15,825 1868cc v-twin 115mph 93bhp* 50mpg** Top looks and noise, more fun to ride than you think. But better in California than Croydon. 6/10 Jan ’20



Bologna’s best



» Ducati aren’t the only Italian brand in Bologna. In the same private hands for 60 years,
Italjet are just down the road and have a new factory to make this: the Dragster. Evolved
from the ’95 original, the ‘Urban Superbike’ has a trellis frame, load-separating front end
and adjustable suspension. It’s available in 125 and 200cc. And we reckon it’ll be mega.



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road TesT Back issUes

BLUe = Available just on iPad
red = Available on iPad and Android
orange = Available in print only



** Claimed * Estimated

Bike Price engine ToP sPeed Power mPg Bike verdicT raTing TesTed
Ultra Limited £24,695 1745cc v-twin 105mph* 67bhp* 43mpg H-D take on a tourer. Best-ever ride and handling, water-cooled heads. Good, if not ace. 7/10 nov ’13
Livewire £28,995 electric motor 115mph* 104bhp** 90mpc Superbike acceleration, jet-like noise, decent handling, smooth, well made. And expensive. 6/10 oct ’19
road glide special £22,995 1745cc v-twin 105mph* 67bhp* 42mpg Ride, finish and 8v motor much better than old H-D. War of the Worlds fairing blows minds. 6/10 may ’15
street glide special £22,895 1745cc v-twin 115mph* 40bhp* 45mpg* Classic looks, decent suspension, good finish and latest 8v motor is the best yet. Fine thing. 8/10 dec ’16
sport glide £15,295 1745cc v-twin 116mph 99bhp 51mpg Hammering engine, civil road manners. One of the most appealing H-Ds – and now cheaper. 7/10 sep ’18
Fat Bob £15,825 1745cc v-twin 115mph* 75bhp* 44mpg** Bold looks, fine details, huge punch, and surprisingly usable too. 1868cc option is £15,495. 8/10 Feb ’18
Breakout £18,855 1745cc v-twin 115mph* 75bhp* 50mpg** Low-slung, drag-inspired cruiser that rides better than expected. Classy, refined hot-rod. 8/10 dec ’17
street Bob £12,295 1745cc v-twin 110mph* 75bhp* 50mpg** Classic chopper-ish lines, clean handling, modern 8v power. But new Fat Bob is far better. 6/10 dec ’17
1200 custom £10,495 1202cc v-twin 110mph* 55bhp* 45mpg* Clip-ons, sporty suspension and big brakes turn Sportster into café racer. Kinda works OK. 7/10 Jul ’16
Forty-eight special £9995 1202cc v-twin 110mph* 55bhp* 45mpg* The essential Harley, devoid of excess weight and touring gubbins. Plus a pre-Bike engine. 8/10 Jul ’18
iron 883 £8895 883cc v-twin 105mph 44bhp 56mpg Usual cruiser limitations, but good looks and details, and better ride than old ones had. 7/10 dec ’15
Honda honda.co.uk/motorcycles, 0845 2008000 Bike’s choice: Crossrunner is almost perfect, yet super-affordable
gL1800 gold wing £27,499 1833cc flat-six 112mph 125bhp** 51mpg Still opulent, but super-tourer now has cunning front suspension and its best ride ever. 8/10 sep ’18
crosstourer £11,499 1237cc v4 130mph** 133bhp** 43mpg Noise and floaty ride are GS-like, finish is classy, V4 is strong. And it’s £2k less than a base GS. 8/10 may ’12
cB1100rs £9999 1140cc inline 4 130mph* 86bhp 43mpg Better-handling 70s superbike version of CB. Fine thing. 20bhp more would be nice. Ace price. 7/10 aug ’17
cB1100eX £9799 1140cc inline 4 130mph* 86bhp 43mpg Classy retro is smooth, usable, charming, if lacking a little soul. Great quality, yet bloody cheap. 7/10 Jun ’17
Fireblade sP £19,999 1000cc inline 4 185mph* 189bhp** 49mpg** Mega Öhlins suspension, ace rider aids, superb quality. New one coming, so eye-rubbing deals. 9/10 Jan ’20
cBr1000rr Fireblade £15,999 1000cc inline 4 185mph* 189bhp** 49mpg** The refinement we expect, in a proper package. New one this year so there are amazing deals. 9/10 Feb ’18
africa Twin adv’ sport £14,649 1084cc twin 130mph* 97bhp 44mpg All the tech, plush optional semi-active, classy feel, huge range, stupid switchgear. So close... 8/10 Feb ’20
africa Twin £13,099 1084cc twin 130mph* 97bhp 47mpg Feels like a big, refined enduro bike, so offers something different to a GS. Cheaper, too. 8/10 dec ’19
cB1000r £10,399 998cc inline 4 145mph* 141bhp** 31mpg Fast, luxurious, high quality – and has a touch of the soul Honda have been lacking. Nice. 8/10 Jun ’18
vFr800F £9999 782cc v4 141mph 98bhp 46mpg Classic VFR charm and ability, modern air. In class of one. Furs-up in winter, mind. 9/10 Jun ’14
crossrunner £9999 782cc v4 134mph 98bhp 46mpg VFR for adventurers is almost faultless: smooth, brisk, comfy, well-made, and yet oh-so-cheap. 10/10 dec ’15
X-adv £10,249 745cc twin 105mph* 54bhp** 70mpg* Off-road scooter you’ll never take off-road. Pricey too. But it’s the finest giant scoot. Top fun. 8/10 dec ’18
integra £8699 745cc twin 105mph* 54bhp** 70mpg* Based on NC750. Half bike, half scoot is nice, but somehow lacks the benefits of either. 6/10 apr ’14
nc750X dcT £7799 745cc twin 110mph* 54bhp** 62mpg Flexible twin, top mpg, clever gears, big storage, well made. Not flash, but oh-so-very useful. 10/10 Feb ’17
cBr650r £7729 649cc inline 4 140mph 94bhp** 52mpg Flexible, handsome, fun, fast-enough road sportsbike. Remember 1990s CBRs? You’ll love it. 9/10 aug ’19
cB650r £6999 649cc inline 4 140mph 93bhp** 50mpg Naked version of CBR (above) is fabulously balanced. Quality, dynamic, value all superb. 9/10 may ’19
cB500X £6069 471cc twin 110mph* 43bhp 68mpg* Well-made, able, A2 adventure bike. Naked F (£5599) and faired R (£6099) are even nicer. 7/10 may ’19
crF450L £9469 449cc single 80mph* 24bhp** 55mpg* CRF dirt tool detuned for dual-purpose use. Ace on trail, not very good elsewhere. And £9k! 7/10 apr ’19
crF250L £4899 249cc single 78mph* 23bhp** 70mpg* Fine green-laner and friendly urban commuter. Rally (£5599) has big tank, useful screen. 7/10 mar ‘18
monkey £3699 125cc single 65mph* 9.2bhp 105mpg Supersize Monkey: MSX (below) in convincing 1960s mini-bike custom. Fun, not practical. 7/10 oct ‘18
msX125 £3389 125cc single 70mph* 11bhp* 105mpg Half Monkey bike, half proper bike. More giggles than a naked bouncy castle party. 8/10 aug’13
HUsQvarna husqvarnamotorcycles.com/gb Bike’s choice: Supermoto is desirable, funky, silly... and yet usable day-to-day
701 supermoto £9799 693cc single 121mph 71bhp 54mpg Engaging, fun at sensible speed, frugal, sexy, friendlier than it looks. Proper midweight tool. 9/10 sep ’17
701 enduro £9799 693cc single 120mph* 71bhp 54mpg Proper dirt bike, yet refined, frugal and plush on the road. Big-tank LR (long range) version, too. 9/10 apr ’19
vitpilen 701 £8899 693cc single 125mph* 71bhp* 56mpg KTM 690 with classy styling, ace single, lively ride. Knobbly Svart’ version is more comfy. 8/10 sep ’19
svartpilen 401 £4799 375cc single 105mph* 43bhp** 65mpg* Built for A2 riders avoiding the mainstream. Not bothered? Buy KTM’s 390 crowd-pleaser. 7/10 Jul ’18
indian indianmotorcycle.co.uk Bike’s choice: classic character, modern quality, sensible price – Scout Sixty is a market leader
roadmaster £26,199 1811cc v-twin 110mph* 90bhp* 40mpg* Fully-loaded, over-the-top celebration of touring opulence is actually very good. 7/10 may ‘15
chief dark Horse £22,349 1811cc v-twin 120mph* 90bhp* 40mpg* Trad’ Indian style with mighty V-twin, fine ride, good finish and everything painted black. 8/10 nov ’13
chieftain £22,899 1811cc v-twin 120mph* 90bhp* 40mpg* Half-faired, long-haul version of Chief with luggage and quicker steering. Impressive. 8/10 nov ’14
challenger £24,699 1770cc v-twin 112mph** 122bhp* 46mpg* Full-on tourer with ace water-cooled motor, physics-defying chassis, full tech. Watch out, H-D. 8/10 Jan ’20
FTr1200s £12,999 1203cc v-twin 140mph* 120bhp** 45mpg* Likeable, stylish, high-quality V-twin flat tracker. Sporty ride is a tad firm, mind (non-S is softer). 8/10 Feb ’20
scout £11,699 1133cc v-twin 120mph 100bhp** 45mpg* Distinct, classy mix of trad’ style and modernity. Mean Bobber version (£12k) is very black. 8/10 Feb ’18
scout sixty £10,349 999cc v-twin 110mph* 78bhp** 45mpg* Style, quality and details of big ’un (above), but affordable. Finest ‘medium’ cruiser there is. 9/10 nov ’17
kawasaki kawasaki.co.uk, 01628 856750 Bike’s choice: has to be the Ninja H2. It’s simply like nothing else
ninja H2 £26,645 998cc inline 4 183mph 205bhp 25mpg Glorious excess in a hi-vis cotton-wool world. Part-throttle acceleration is mind-blowing. 10/10 Feb ’17
ninja H2 sX se+ £22,145 998cc inline 4 186mph* 197bhp** 39mpg Sports-touring exotica. Not perfect, but classy, usuable, and that motor... Base model £16.5k. 8/10 Jun ’19
ZZr1400 £12,545 1441cc inline 4 186mph 193bhp 38mpg Continent-eating ability, epic rush, fine handling. The legendary ZZR name is deserved. 8/10 Jul ’18
versys 1000 £11,345 1043cc inline 4 144mph 114bhp 47mpg Jacked-up Z1000SX is comfy, practical, brisk, smooth, ugly. Trendy? No. Excellent? Oh yes. 9/10 may ’19
ninja 1000sX £11,145 1043cc inline 4 149mph 140bhp** 43mpg* Not as classy as a VFR, but UK’s most popular Kwak is a great, fast, sporty, comfy do-it-all. 9/10 Jul ’18
Z1000 £10,645 1043cc inline 4 147mph 131bhp 37mpg Eager chassis, fit motor, bold looks, firm ride. Very distinct... but why is faired SX cheaper? 7/10 aug ‘15
ninja ZX-10rr £21,345 998cc inline 4 180mph 189bhp 44mpg The already-capable ZX-10R with tuned motor and fancy wheels: basically a base for racing. 9/10 Jun ’18
ninja ZX-10r £14,645 998cc inline 4 180mph 189bhp 44mpg Amazing race-derived motor, handling, electronics. SE with semi-active ride is £19,292. 9/10 Jun ‘18




From delicate to pudgy



» This is the ’83 XL600R by James Parker. A prototype for his RADD front end, he took it to
Honda America where it was tested by W. Rainey. He was impressed, but Honda chose to
carry on with the hub-steered Elf racers, so Parker built an FZ750. There was such interest
when it was at the ’87 Milan show that Yamaha used the design on their GTS1000 tourer.



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ROAD TEST BACK ISSUES

BLUE = Available just on iPad
RED = Available on iPad and Android
Listings ORANGE = Available in print only






BIKE PRICE ENGINE TOP SPEED POWER MPG BIKE VERDICT RATING TESTED
Z900RS £10,445 948cc inline 4 140mph* 108bhp** 46mpg Modern Z900, tweaked into a retro. And better for it – dynamic, feel and detailing are great. 8/10 Jan ’19
Z900 £8695 948cc inline 4 145mph* 123bhp** 52mpg** If you grew up on inline fours, this feels ace. Not as agile or punchy as MT-09, but very good. 7/10 Sep ’17
Versys 650 £7395 649cc twin 115mph* 62bhp* 54mpg* Twin-cylinder tall-rounder is a great multi-purpose tool. Full-kitted Grand Tourer is £8792. 9/10 Oct ’15
Vulcan S £6595 649cc twin 115mph* 61bhp** 63mpg* Affordable, good-looking, modern cruiser with ER-6 power. Surprising ability, keen price. 8/10 Jan ’18
Ninja 650 £6745 649cc twin 130mph* 67bhp** 70mpg* Z650 dressed up in ZX-10R costume. Comfy, easy-to-ride, cheery twin for J. Rea wannabes. 9/10 May ’17
Z650 £6495 649cc twin 130mph* 67bhp** 70mpg* Confidence-inspiring Zed is fun, fit, frugal. More fun than SV650, nicer build than MT-07. 9/10 Mar ’17
Ninja ZX-6R £9642 636cc inline 4 165mph 116bhp 44mpg Full-on sports 600 now has TC, modes and a big snout. Focused, but surprisingly rideable. 8/10 Aug ’19
Ninja 400 £5697 399cc twin 110mph* 44bhp 63mpg** Pricey A2-legal entry sportsbike with nice bits: assist-slip clutch, LCD dash, bungee hooks. 8/10 May ’18
KTM ktm.co.uk, 01280 709500 Bike’s choice: fast, light and funky, but safe and secure – 790 Duke is a wonderful creation
Super Adventure S £15,599 1301cc V-twin 155mph* 160bhp** 50mpg* Looks like an adventure bike, but it’s a super-high-tech all-roads missile. Staggering thing. 9/10 Dec ’17
1290 Super Duke GT £17,199 1301cc V-twin 159mph 158bhp 45mpg Mad power, sports handling, all the toys and eats miles. Couple of iffy bits, otherwise ace. 9/10 Jan ’19
1290 Super Duke R £14,799 1301cc V-twin 160mph* 161bhp 42mpg* Ballistic, sharp, imposing look, full gizmos, yet friendly and usable. New one due, so grab a deal. 9/10 Jan ’20
790 Adventure R £12,599 799cc twin 130mph* 95bhp** 67mpg** Eager power, proper dual-purpose suspension. Better off-road than Tiger 800 or F850GS. 9/10 Nov ’19
790 Adventure £11,299 799cc twin 130mph* 95bhp** 67mpg** Flexible motor, proper image, easy to manage. It’s good, but a Yamaha Ténéré is better value. 8/10 Sep ’19
790 Duke £8999 799cc twin 140mph* 102bhp** 64mpg** Light, punching twin is also a doddle to ride with great electronics: our 2018 Bike of the Year. 9/10 Oct ’18
690 Enduro R £9799 690cc single 115mph* 73bhp** 60mpg* Super-clever Duke/Husky 701 lump in long-legged trailie. Pukka, classy, dual-purpose tool. 8/10 Feb ’16
RC 390 £5249 373.2cc single 107mph 42bhp 53mpg Fast, frantic, flighty, yet efficient and usable. Dissolves in winter. In 125 form too (£4399). 6/10 Jul ’15
390 Duke £4749 373.2cc single 108mph 41bhp 70mpg* Revvy, eager motor in agile 125 chassis? Yes. Looks like the 1290 and less toy-like than it was. 7/10 Jun ’17
125 Duke £4249 125cc single 75mph* 15bhp** 100mpg* Indian-made Duke for teens is huge pan-Europe success. It’s perky, handles and looks top. 7/10 Jun ’11
LEXMOTO lexmoto.co.uk, 08445 678887 Bike’s choice: Adrenaline shows affordable doesn’t have to be flimsy
Adrenaline £2073 124cc single 72mph** 11bhp** 96mpg* Ex-Suzuki motor, adjustable suspenders, decent finish. Not perfect, but impressive value. 8/10 Aug ’15
MASH mashmotorcycles.co.uk; 01264 889012 Bike’s choice: all variants based on same package – pick the best looking
DirtStar Scrambler £4496 398cc single 80mph* 28bhp** 70mpg** Inoffensive aesthetics, affordable price, steady performance. Simple two-wheel pleasures. 6/10 Nov ’16
Roadstar £4096 398cc single 80mph* 28bhp** 70mpg** French brand, made in China, fine Honda-based motor. Some iffy details, but cheap and fun. 6/10 Dec ’17
MOTO GUZZI uk.motoguzzi.it Bike’s choice: authentic feel, period cool, yet boogies on back lanes – the V7 is a belter
MGX-21 Flying Fortress £19,999 1380cc V-twin 125mph* 96bhp** 45mpg Mad carbon-clad Batman tourer with 21-inch front wheel. Cali’ is nicer, but this is cooler. 7/10 Dec ’16
California Touring £17,999 1380cc V-twin 125mph* 96bhp** 41mpg Classic Guzzi looks, lots of modernity, surprising dynamic. Don’t buy a H-D without testing this. 8/10 Oct ’13
V85 TT £10,899 853cc V-twin 120mph* 80bhp** 62mpg** Convincing road-going adventurer. Capable dynamic, fine quality, charm and great looks. 9/10 Jan ’20
V9 Bobber £8999 853cc V-twin 110mph* 55bhp** 55mpg* Pleasing V-twin in a trendy, well-made package. Shiny Roamer (£8699) looks a bit too ’80s. 8/10 Jun ’16
V7 III Special £8699 744cc V-twin 105mph* 47bhp* 56mpg Style, feel, ride and badge all spot-on. Less-shiny Stone is £7999, bling Carbon is £8799. 9/10 Dec
MOTO MORINI motomorini.eu Bike’s choice: if you’ve got the cash, the factory’s ‘One-Off Department’ will do you a custom to your spec
Milano £13,700 1187cc V-twin 145mph* 114bhp** 42mpg Instant chunky power, firm and direct chassis, neat 70s paint. Buying is a gamble, but it’s cool. 8/10 Nov ’19
MUTT muttmotorcycles.com, 0121 439 4774 Bike’s choice: endless ‘custom’ versions available, so get creative
RS13-125 £3570 125cc single 80mph* 12bhp** 80mpg* Retro 125 built in China to Mutt’s spec, finished in UK. Knobblies are limiting, but a decent thing. 6/10 Nov ’18
MV AGUSTA mvagusta.co.uk, 0844 4128450 Bike’s choice: F3 800 adds grunt to delicate, sexy middleweight
Turismo Veloce 800 £13,875 798cc inline 3 136mph 110bhp** 48mpg* Adventure bike? Nah, it’s like a high-rise sportsbike. So-so ride, busy dash, but it’s good. 8/10 Jan ’19
F3 800 £14,375 798cc inline 3 161mph 148bhp** 34mpg* Crisp, punchy, trim. Easier on the road than a 600 but still focused – needs a track to really shine. 8/10 Apr ’14
Brutale 800 RR £13,850 798cc inline 3 153mph** 125bhp** 40mpg** Top engine, oh-so-nimble, great looks, ridiculous hard ride. Base bike (£12.3k) is a bit better. 6/10 Apr ’19
NORTON nortonmotorcycles.com; 01332 812119 Bike’s choice: Go for the Commando variant that looks best – they all feel similar
V4 SS £44,000 1200cc V4 190mph* 200bhp** 35mpg* Limited-edition Brit exotica. Muscular motor, super-stable chassis, superb details, big price. 8/10 Jun ’19
Commando Cafe Racer £16,495 961cc twin 128mph 82bhp 50mpg Satisfying motor, fast steering, fine looks, hand-built price. Decent mix of modern and trad’. 8/10 Oct ’10
PATON krazyhorse.co.uk.com; 01284 749645 Bike’s choice: There’s only one road bike available. Good job it’s brilliant
S1-R Lightweight £24,745 649cc twin 135mph* 71bhp** 55mpg* Replica of TT winner. ER-6 motor, bespoke Italian frame, top-drawer parts. Pricey but superb. 8/10 May ’15
ROYAL ENFIELD royalenfield.com/uk; 0844 412 8450 Bike’s choice: it’s tough... Interceptor has the appeal, Himalayan has the practicality
Continental GT £5699 648cc twin 100mph* 47bhp** 65mpg* Cafe racer has flexible motor, light handling, keen price – but Inter’ version (below) is nicer. 8/10 Apr ’19
Interceptor £5499 648cc twin 100mph* 47bhp** 65mpg* Charming twin has authentic feel, fine looks and great price. Think Indian-made Guzzi V7. 9/10 Aug ’19
Classic £4699 499cc single 80mph* 27bhp 80mpg* Simple Bullet (below) with more style. Hi-tech as a brick, but a cool, engaging weekend toy. 7/10 Dec ’17
Bullet £4199 499cc single 80mph* 27bhp 80mpg* Not retro, but a real old bike they forgot to stop making. Basic, slow, but oddly appealling. 6/10 Dec ’17
Himalayan £4199 411cc single 80mph* 25bhp 84mpg Refreshingly different, reassuringly usable. Rugged build, laid-back motor and decent ride. 8/10 Apr ’19
SUZUKI suzuki-gb.co.uk; 0845 850 8800 Bike’s choice: all-new GSX-R1000R hasn’t R1’s looks, but is otherwsie fabulous
V-Strom 1000 £9545 1037cc V-twin 135mph* 99bhp** 45mpg* Stout twin, solid, fine spec, but not a GS rival. New tech and DR BIG styling coming this year. 7/10 Jun ’17
GSX-R1000R £16,745 999cc inline 4 186mph* 199bhp** 45mpg* Variable-valve engine with grunt and power, slick chassis, top electronics. A serious thing. 9/10 Jul ’18
GSX-R1000 £14,345 999cc inline 4 186mph* 199bhp** 45mpg* The wow, epic ability and gizmos of the R (above), but less-posh suspension. You won’t tell. 9/10 Jul ’18
Katana £12,145 999cc inline 4 150mph* 143bhp 45mpg Superb GSX-S (below) given edge it lacks with sharp 80s-inspired styling. Bold yet usable. 8/10 Nov ’19
GSX-S1000F £10,645 999cc inline 4 153mph 143bhp 45mpg Upright sports, not a sports-tourer. Not flashy, but fast, composed, plush: a modern ZX-9R. 8/10 Sep ’15
GSX-S1000 £10,645 999cc inline 4 149mph 143bhp 45mpg GSX-R motor, supple ride, comfy, fine finish, low price. Hard to fault, but lacks a little ‘wow’. 8/10 May ’16



Getting stuck in



» Royal Enfield just had their huge Rider Mania event in India. Backed by Red Bull, the mad
three-day bash had a custom show, evening parties, trail riding, moto-football, slow riding
race plus a slide school on modded Himalayans, fuelling rumours there’s a flat track-style
650 twin coming soon. But we’re most impressed by the commitment of this chap.



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** Claimed * Estimated

Bike Price engine ToP sPeed Power mPg Bike verdicT raTing TesTed
gsX-s750 £8145 749cc inline 4 145mph* 113bhp** 58mpg** Ex-GSX-R750 engine, decent chassis, good ergonomics. It’s good, just a bit shy on fizz. 7/10 apr ’17
v-strom 650 £7745 645cc v-twin 115mph* 60bhp* 45mpg More able and better-equipped than ever, still cuddly and cheap. Not stand-out, but good. 7/10 Jul ’17
sv650X £6745 645cc v-twin 122mph 74bhp 50mpg Standard SV with on-trend tuck-and-roll seat, bikini fairing and clip-ons. Buy the stocker. 6/10 may ’18
sv650 £6145 645cc v-twin 122mph 74bhp 50mpg Chirpy, cheerful, usable, quick, proven, though Yam MT-07 has a bit more zip and charm. 7/10 apr ’19
v-strom 250 £4997 248cc twin 85mph 25bhp** 88mpg** Capable, easy to ride, keen price, lots of options. But gruntier rivals cost same on finance. 5/10 mar ’18
gsX-r125 £4474 124cc single 80mph* 15bhp** 123mpg** Perky motor, better power-to-weight than rivals, and cheaper. Won’t suit big-boned, mind. 9/10 nov ’17
gsX-s125 £4174 124cc single 75mph* 15bhp** 123mpg** Naked version of trim GSX-R. Light, agile, stable, but not as ‘complete’ as the sportsbike. 8/10 nov ’17
swm swmmotorcycles.com; 01264 889012 Bike’s choice: missing Yam’s XT660? Buy a SuperDual and see the world
superdual X £7045 600cc single 120mph* 54bhp** 50mpg Ex-Husky single, made in China, built-up in Italy. Decent, punchy, mid-size dual-purpose trailie. 7/10 sep ’19
sv440 r silver vase £3620 436cc single 82mph* 32bhp* 50mpg Chinese Honda-based single, finished in Italy. Simple fun. Used to be £5k so now a proper steal. 7/10 nov ’16
TriumPh triumphmotorcycles.co.uk Bike’s choice: Speed Twin whacks ticks in so many boxes
rocket 3 r £19,500 2458cc inline 3 138mph** 165bhp** 35mpg Big really is beautiful. Huge motor is amazing, but the astounding thing is it handles too. 8/10 Feb ’20
Tiger 1200 XrT £16,300 1215cc inline 3 131mph 122bhp 44mpg Adventure-tourer is heavy, but has easy handling, smooth power, fine quality and toys. 8/10 aug ’18
Thruxton r £12,400 1200cc twin 130mph* 96bhp** 50mpg Trad charm, modern sporting ability, classy finish. Becomes more powerful RS this year. 9/10 sep ’18
scrambler 1200 Xe £12,400 1200cc twin 130mph* 96bhp** 50mpg Thudding big twin in tall, plush, quality trail bike with a dash of dirt skill. Loads of toys, too. 8/10 nov ’19
scrambler 1200 Xc £11,500 1200cc twin 130mph* 96bhp** 50mpg B-road-ready 1200 is top quality, high tech, pleasing, but Street Scrambler is better value. 8/10 mar ’19
speedmaster £11,650 1200cc twin 110mph* 76bhp** 55mpg** Low-slung Bobber transformed for the USA with beach ‘bars, shiny bits and pillion perch. 8/10 sep ’18
Bobber Black £11,650 1200cc twin 120mph* 77bhp** 56mpg Bobber (below) with smaller front wheel, twin discs, and better ride quality. Impressive. 9/10 sep ’18
Bonneville Bobber £10,650 1200cc twin 120mph* 77bhp** 56mpg Bonnie as low-riding solo bobber. Lazy wallop, top quality, rides better than looks suggest. 9/10 may ’18
Thruxton £11,000 1200cc twin 130mph* 96bhp** 50mpg Lower-spec chassis than the R, but matters not on the road. Subtle, refined, able café racer. 9/10 aug ’17
speed Twin £10,700 1200cc twin 130mph* 96bhp** 50mpg Thruxton grunt, T120-based chassis, Street Twin looks... and mega. The retro-supernaked. 9/10 oct ’19
Bonneville T120 £10,600 1200cc twin 120mph* 79bhp** 54mpg Lolloping grunt, steadfast chassis, top finish. Hasn’t Street Twin’s agility, but has finer ride. 9/10 sep ’18
speed Triple rs £13,600 1050cc inline 3 160mph* 148bhp** 38mpg Presence, posh chassis, big wheelies, tech. Sportiest Triumph, but a bit too focused for road. 9/10 mar ’19
Tiger sport £10,950 1050cc inline 3 140mph* 124bhp** 45mpg* Sporty, solid, comfy, easy – the best 1050cc Tiger yet. Adventure? No. It’s a tall Speed Triple. 7/10 sep ’18
street scrambler £9300 900cc twin 110mph* 54bhp** 60mpg Street Twin with semi-knobblies, taller ride, high pipes. Bit more spacious and stable. Nice. 9/10 Feb ’19
street cup £8800 900cc twin 110mph* 54bhp** 60mpg Cafe racer job on great Street Twin. Long shocks, clip-ons, screen... but actually not as fine. 8/10 sep ’18
Bonneville T100 £8900 900cc twin 110mph* 54bhp** 60mpg All the style and easy-going pleasures of the T120. Makes 24bhp less, but is £1000 cheaper. 9/10 sep ’18
street Twin £8100 900cc twin 110mph* 54bhp** 60mpg Handsome, pleasing, well-made retro now with more grunt and better chassis. Really good. 9/10 Feb ’19
Tiger 800 XrT £12,300 800cc inline 3 130mph* 95bhp* 61mpg Comfy, frugal, practical, flexible, laden with desirable toys. But there’s a new 900 coming... 9/10 may ’19
street Triple rs £10,300 765cc inline 150mph* 126bhp 43mpg* Lots of power, glittering spec. Top naked sporstbike, but lacks old Street Trip’ easy-access fun. 8/10 dec ’19
street Triple r £9300 765cc inline 3 149mph 118bhp 42mpg Fast, crisp, fine spec. Gruntier and plusher than RS (above) but still sporty. MT-09 more fun. 8/10 apr ’18
yamaha yamaha-motor.co.uk, 01932 358000 Bike’s choice: Well priced, nicely made, ace to ride – Ténéré 700 is a glorious thing
FJr1300a £14,945 1298cc inline 4 148mph 131bhp 42mpg Best-ever FJR isn’t defining, but is very good. Semi-auto AS (£17.5k) has elec suspension. 7/10 mar ’16
super Ténéré raid £16,195 1199cc twin 135mph 96bhp 50mpg Overlooked Super Ten with useful accessory pack. Not fashionable, but a truly great bike. 8/10 apr ’19
yZF-r1m £22,145 998cc inline 4 186mph 192bhp 40mpg MotoGP-derived electronics + track-focused superbike = incredible. Limited availability. 9/10 Feb ’20
yZF-r1 £16,945 998cc inline 4 186mph* 192bhp 40mpg Stiff, tall, high geared on road, but raciest of the race reps is special and peerless on track. 9/10 dec ’19
mT-10 sP £14,745 998cc inline 4 153mph 152bhp 38mpg Already amazing MT-10 with R1 SP’s electronic suspenders. Great, if not obviously better. 9/10 may ’17
mT-10 £12,245 998cc inline 4 153mph 152bhp 38mpg Fast, sporty, friendly, great spec. Bit thirsty, but mega. Touring version (£12.8k) even finer. 9/10 nov ’16
scr950 £9145 942cc v-twin 110mph* 51bhp** 60mpg It’s the XV cruiser (below) in a scrambler costume. Shouldn’t work, but actually has appeal. 8/10 Jun ’17
Xv950r £9045 942cc v-twin 110mph* 51bhp** 60mpg Trendy, straightforward rival to H-D Sportsters. Usual cruiser limits apply but it’s quite nice. 7/10 oct ’14
niken £13,945 847cc inline 3 125mph* 104bhp* 46mpg Lose preconceptions: rides and feels like a bike, but so much more grip and confidence. 8/10 aug ’18
Tracer 900gT £11,195 847cc inline 3 129mph 112bhp** 47mpg Fabulous upright sports-tourer with distance additions. Swift, stable, comfy and confident. 9/10 Jan ’19
Tracer 900 £9595 847cc inline 3 129mph 112bhp** 47mpg All the presence, ergonomic joy and practicality of an adventure bike, honed for the road. 8/10 Jan ’19
Xsr900 £9345 847cc inline 3 130mph 104bhp 49mpg Ace MT-09 (below) in ’70s get-up. Not ‘authentic’, but as fun and the best-value sporty retro. 9/10 aug ’18
mT-09 sP £9745 847cc inline 3 130mph 104bhp 49mpg SP has Öhlins rear, KYB front, R1M paint job, blue seat stitching. Good, but base model nicer. 8/10 nov ’18
mT-09 £8745 847cc inline 3 130mph 104bhp 49mpg Mint motor, nimble chassis, gurgling noise, easy to ride. No more snatchy throttle either. 9/10 sep ’19
Ténéré 700 £9145 689cc twin 120mph* 72bhp** 55mpg* Great MT-07 motor in Dakar-style chassis. Charms on the road, rocks on a trail, and good value. 10/10 Feb ’20
Tracer 700 £7545 689cc twin 125mph* 70bhp 56mpg Super-fun MT-07 with practical niceties. The datum for all-rounder value. GT even better. 9/10 may ’19
Xsr700 £7445 689cc twin 119mph 70bhp 49mpg Mega MT-07 in period costume. Proof that retro looks can work with a modern dynamic. 9/10 Jun ’16
mT-07 £6695 689cc twin 122mph* 74bhp 48mpg Perfect blend of price and appeal. 2018 update brings firmer suspension and comfy perch. 9/10 may ’18
yZF-r6 £12,245 599cc inline 4 172mph 114bhp 38mpg Hardest, sharpest 600 ever, now with full electronics and R1 looks. Friendly? No. Mega? Yes. 8/10 Feb ’19
yZF-r3 £5547 321cc twin 102mph* 41bhp** 65mpg Light, revvy, fun-to-ride, well finished. Ability and spec fight for best A2 sporstbike title. 8/10 may ’19
yZF-r125 £4674 125cc single 80mph* 15bhp 92mpg R1 looks, big bike feel, clever engine. Easy to see why they sell so many to enthusiastic teens. 8/10 may ’19
Zero zeromotorcycles.com, +3172 5112014 Bike’s choice: SR/F is pricey, but shows the potential of these whizzy battery jobs
dsr Black Forest £18,145 electric motor 110mph 69bhp 3.3cpm Electric adventure bike is actually pretty good. Until you can’t find a charging point... 6/10 sep ’18
sr/F £19,045 electric motor 124mph** 110bhp** 300mpg** Quick, decent range, simple to ride, easy to like. Bit drab to look at, usual charging point issue. 8/10 sep ’19




Better than chiPs



» Yamaha’s FZ750 was cutting edge in ’85, with five valves per cylinder and quick-steering
16-inch front wheel, and Keith Huewen was ’87 British Superstock champ on one. So it
was clearly the obvious choice for the Japanese police. There was even a Policewomen’s
Motorcycle Division that all used the FZ750P with siren, lights, panniers and raised fairing.



121
12 1

Know How














Ǯ Challenge ǰ




‘After




all the





grief I've




actually





ridden





a stage’





f
h
k
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of a Da
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The life of a Dakar
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privateer is many parts
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Sim


o
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Sim
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jo jo
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joy. Simon Hewitt lifts the
H
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n
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lid on ra
lid on racing in Saudi
a
d
S
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lid on ra ci ng i n S a u d i i
n
month before the start of the Dakar Rally Pre catastrophic Drag’on Rally rescued me again offering work space under
and, with my collar bone healing, I thought engine implosion their awning throughout the race, although I’d have to work
and all is going well
A as on top of preparations. Wrong. The on my own bike. I was massively relieved that I wouldn’t be
I w
outfit in Dubai, who were meant to be building my bike, on my own. One more problem solved.
announced they couldn’t get the parts in time. At Riyadh it took five frustrating days to get my bike out of
Fortunately Drag’on Yamaha in France, who manufacture customs and onto a truck to Jeddah. The truck broke down
the conversion kits that turn the WR450F into a competitive (obviously, how didn’t I see that one coming?) and arrived
rally bike, were able to sort out a bike fast. But not fast with hours to spare for scrutineering.
enough to get it onto the Dakar organisers’ boat from After the trauma of getting to the start, the first day’s
Marseille to Saudi, so it’d have to be air freighted to Riyadh. riding was the most relaxed I’d been in months. It was
It finally left France on 26 December. The race was due to fantastic to be out on the bike but it was only the third riding
start 5 January. There was more aggravation to come. day I’d done since my collarbone operations in October, so
On 28 December, the day I’m flying to the Middle East, I took it easy. After daydreaming about the Dakar for years,
I get a message saying the support team from Dubai wouldn’t and all the grief getting here, I’d actually completed a stage.
be at the race. So I’m about to board a plane to Saudi Arabia The next few days were tough, but manageable. I had a
with no guarantee of a bike, no guarantee of a team, a half- problem with the bike’s fuelling, missed a waypoint and
healed collarbone and no bike fitness whatsoever. Saying suffered huge blisters on my hands. When there was an issue
goodbye to my girlfriend at the airport it all became too I’d get caught by the trucks and cars, and once you’re in their
much and I broke down in tears. What the fuck was I doing?  dust it’s a nightmare. The going varied from rocky tracks to
122

'Hello. Anybody
there?'





NEED











BIKE

Some of the
conrod






FINANCE?













rrѴ mѴbm; o




;| rruo
;7Ŗ
‘This has been the


most extraordinary
bm7 +o u bh;

experience of my life’
oo7 -m7 -7


u;7b| omvb7;u;7



dunes, and the distances are big. By the finish of stage 6 there !;ru;v;m|-ঞ
; ! ƒƒ ƑѷŖŖ
were 120 bikes still running, I was 104th and still in it.
Day seven featured the longest timed stage of the rally at + )
340 miles. The first section to the refuel was fast and flowing
and I arrived in good shape. Thirty miles later, riding up a
dune, my engine stopped with a horrifying crunch. It was " r;u bh; o-mv 1o hņ0bh;
locked solid. I had to admit defeat and the helicopter came
to get me. Back at the bivouac the mood was sombre – one of
my heroes, Paulo Gonçalves, had crashed and passed away. ƏƐѵƑƔ ѶƒƕƑƕѶ
The next stage was cancelled out of respect.
So I’m out of the race, but for 2020 the organisers created
a ‘Dakar Experience’ category to allow competitors who are
forced to retire for mechanical reasons, but have got their
bikes going again, to continue. My girlfriend and dad are
Ŗ$;ulv -m7 1om7bঞomv -rrѴ " 0f;1| |o v|-| v bmbl l -]; ƐѶ ;-uv oѴ7

flying out to watch me ride stages 11 and 12. ŖŖ!;ru;v;m|-ঞ ; ; -lrѴ;ĺ 0ouuo bm] £3,000 over ƒѵ om|_v b|_ -

As I write this, stage nine is taking place, but my bike is u;ru;v;m|-ঞ
; ! o= ƒƒ Ƒѷķ |_; -lo m| r- -0Ѵ; o Ѵ7 0; £125.74 a

back together with a fresh engine so I’ll be riding tomorrow. lom|_ķ b|_ - |o|-Ѵ 1ov| o= 1u;7b| o= £1,526.64 -m7 - |o|-Ѵ -lo m| r- -0Ѵ;
o= £4,526.64. " r;u0bh; o-mv bv - |_oubv;7 -m7 u;] Ѵ-|;7 0 |_;
bm-m1b-Ѵ
This has been the most extraordinary experience of my life, om7 1| |_oub| ķ u;]bv|u-ঞom m l0;u ѵƕƐƔƕƖ " r;u0bh; o-mv bv -

and I want it to continue. SW 1u;7b| 0uoh;u -m7 mo| - Ѵ;m7;u ); 1-m bm|uo7 1; o |o - Ѵblb|;7 m l0;u


o= Cm-m1; Ѵ;m7;uv -m7ķ =ou v 1_ bm|uo7 1ঞomvķ ; l- u;1;b
; 1ollbvvbom

Make
[ Glorious ride ] the most of
Scotland’s the Cairngorms




» Tomintoul’s Clockhouse
Restaurant is worth a stop for
Cairngorms Laird’s Steak. » And while you’re
dinner, tea or a snack. Delights
include Drunken Fungus and the

in Tomintoul pay a visit to The
Whisky Castle. Tomintoul’s
own ten-year-old single
malt is a good
Bike’s camera wielding Chippy Wood has ridden and shout.

photographed every great road in the UK. Including these…



ot every road can change your life, but take two hours Drop into Tomintoul, turn left and stay on the A393 for
to ride around the far side of the Cairngorms and Braemar. Next head for the Lecht ski centre. The road is
Nyou might be inclined to disagree – after my first pure swirling black asphalt and it climbs steeply toward an
experience riding here I seriously thought about selling-up eventual summit, then over the top and down the other side
and moving to Scotland. It’s that good… towards Cock Bridge. Enjoy more hairpins then hook a left.
The route starts in the north on the A95 outside Stay on the A939 across more heather upholstered hillsides.
Grantown-on-Spey. After crossing the river, you turn left At Gairnshiel Lodge swoop onto the B976 and follow this
on the A393 heading for Tomintoul. The skies look massive tiny road up and over, cutting the corner off a main tourist
up here. This isn’t yet a classic – the tarmac is pockmarked route. After you’ve dropped in for tea and cake with the
with storm damage, and it’s narrow – but you get the sense Queen at Balmoral (seriously, there’s a cafe) pick up the A93
of heading towards something special. Slowly, the brownish again and start the long haul to the summit at the Spittal of
purple Cairngorm slopes expose themselves like dark Glenshee – it’s the highest A-road in the UK. This is fast and
faraway clouds. Trees are left behind as the road wraps across flowing territory, meandering between hills and mountains.
moorland hillsides like a grey ribbon flapping in the wind. Up here it’s cold even in summer, and often cloudy and
Dodge a couple of gravelly hairpins at the Bridge of Brown damp so be prepared. But as the road drops down again
then stop for a cuppa at the tea room. towards Blairgowrie, it becomes a dramatic roller-coaster
Onwards, through more trees, and you’re on an old ride – good suspension, brakes and a willing wrist help.
military road, built in the eighteenth century so’s the British Arrive at Blairgowrie, catch your breath, buy local jam and
army could surpress highland insurrections. Is that the consider the history that, 260 years ago, paved the way that
sound of bagpipes, or wind, that’s creeping past my ear plugs? you’ve just come. CW





[ Try this ]

Getting on a bike with a tall seat - stop the wobbles



Hugo Wilson



















Set-up Make the tripod Start the engine

» The bike should be off the stand, in first gear, » Get your chest parallel to the bars, and with » With your left foot on the floor, and your
with the engine off and the bars turned away hands on the grips, swing your right foot over right foot on the footrest, pull the clutch in and
from you on full lock. Like this the bike is stable the seat and put it onto the right side footrest. start the engine. You’re now ready for action,
- in gear and on full lock it can’t move, and with Don’t try to reach the floor. If you can’t reach so it’s tempting to shuffle across the seat and
the bars turned away from you there’s lots of the peg just let your foot hover above it. Rely on get both feet down. Resist. That’s when the
room to wave your leg about. the tripod of wheels and left leg for stability. wobbles start, so don’t compromise the tripod.



12
1244

Know How



























































‘Catch your breath, buy

local jam and consider

the history that, 260 years


ago, paved the way that

you’ve just come’







[ Go ]
New Zealand





» WHY GO? New Zealand is a jazzed-up hyper-real
version of Britain, but without the traffic congestion;
they drive on the left and they speak English, but
everything else is much more of an acid trip. Where
there’s a muddy pond in England there’s a bubbling
pit of hot mud in NZ. Deep, noisy jungle replaces
woodland. Delete pigeons for laser-green singing
parrots. The South Island is like Scotland, if Scotland
went to the gym and took steroids. The hills are now
mountains, and huge glaciers elbow their way to the
fore. But what about specific rides? Don’t miss the
Coromandel Peninsula just outside Auckland or the
Go epic Arthur and Haast Passes in the south.

» Only now, point the front wheel in the Go February, March and April. Bike found a
direction you want to move, release the clutch, stunning flight deal for mid-February: £482 return.
pull away, pick your left foot up from the floor Ben Lindley
and shuffle your backside on the seat as » FLYRIDE
required. Stopping? Go for the tripod effect, paradisemotorcycletours.co.nz,
and stick with the one foot you put down. openroad.nz, vfrnewzealand.com



12
1255

Know How





ǮOur favouritesǰ


Heated kit






There’s still no sign of a repeat Beast
from the East (at time of writing), but it’s

still that heated kit time of year. Brrrrrrr…





Gerbing XR heated gloves £169 gerbing.co.uk
º First, the good news. The way these gloves deliver
heat is superb – the microfibre elements distribute heat
so evenly you can’t feel any hotspots and they’ve kept
my hands warm on freezing mornings. They are also
100% waterproof and the new connectors are easier to
attach. The bad news is that neither of the velcro cuff
straps attach properly unless you have extremely thick
wrists – the velcro is simply in the wrong place. Also, the
new push buttons are positioned so that your jacket
cuffs cover them up. JW




Avade heated shirt £130 avade.co.uk
º This is a base layer, worn next to your skin.
Power comes from a battery carried in a shirt
pocket, and temperature is controlled by
a button on the right-hand sleeve. It’s
good for 5-6 hours and I’ve never used ‘The new
full heat. Downsides? You need to fiddle
with gloves to access the control button season of
and, while it is very comfy on or off the
bike, you have to strip off to remove it, so prestige bike
maybe not ideal for commuters. HW
sport starts


here’
Gerbing Premium jacket £199.99 gerbing.co.uk
º Fix a harness to your bike’s battery, plug it in and
whoop at the warmth. Heating wire goes round the
full jacket – front, back, arms, collar – and warms
everything. Fit, materials, finish and comfort are
way better than other jackets. £199 is a lot (you
need a £49 temp controller too) but warmth
and comfort are ace, and you get a lifetime
warranty. I wear just a T-shirt, this, then textiles Ǯ Found ǰ
ZLWK WKH WKHUPDO OLQLQJ RXW HYHQ ZKHQ LWoV ť&
It’ll power gloves too. Mega. MA
Every Easter, from
the early 1970s to the
Keis heated jacket £199 keisapparel.co.uk mid-eighties, UK race
º If I’m on a bike and it’s cold I guarantee I’ll IDQV ưRFNHG WR ZDWFK
be wearing my Keis heated jacket. Thanks to big name racers at
heated panels across the back and chest, and
down the arms, it keeps me toasty. But, its real the three round UK
party trick is its collar also heats up. Game v USA Transatlantic
changer. My jacket is old so go for the new J510 Trophy series. This
– it is lighter, has better cable management, a 1982 race programme is on eBay for £9.99.
dedicated controller pocket and elasticated
sides for a better fit. Plus it comes with wires to That year Sheene and the UK won, and
hook up heated gloves. PL Freddie Spencer crashed out early. HW


126

World Superbikes Ǯ Events ǰ
kicks off in
February
Diary dates





9 & 23 February
Sand Racing, Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire

º Sand racing is a fortnightly event on Mablethorpe beach in
winter. Great racing and donkey rides for the kids. Check the tides
(and times) before travelling, and wrap up warm. Frostbite is a
distinct possibility.
mablethorpe.info

14-16 February
Carol Nash MCN London Motorcycle
Show, Excel, London

º Our signal for the start of a new year. New bikes, indoor race
action and kit (see p128). There’s a helmet amnesty with free gifts
to encourage you to trade in your out-of-date lid (see website for
details). Parking’s expensive for cars, so go by bike.
mcnmotorcycleshow.com

28 February - 1 March
World Superbikes, Phillip Island, Australia

º The new season of prestige bike sport starts here. Catch it on
telly, or better still, use it as an excuse to visit Australia.
worldsbk.com

7-8 March
Carol Nash MCN Scottish Motorcycle
Show, Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh
º New bikes, trade stands and a big classic display at the Scottish
riding season’s flag-drop.
scottishmotorcycle show.com


Book now...


Classic TT



º The Classic TT weekend is 28-31 August. Organise
PIC: DUCATI friends, ferry and a place to stay now. Or miss out.
iomtt.com, visitisleofman.com







Ǯ Tried and tested ǰ


Another great Shoei. But…




Shoei GT Air II with Sena SRL2 communications system

Used for: 6 months Price: helmet £549.99 and Sena system £259.99 Info: shoei-europe.com
º Shoei’s top end GT Air II ticks all the boxes you would expect of a £549.99 lid, and it engages
seamlessly with the Sena SRL2 communication system – listen to music, make calls, and
navigate without having to endure battery packs and large black plastic flashing boxes stuck
to the side of your lid. The significant elephant in the room, however, is the £259.99 additional
payment for the communications gubbins which rockets this helmet combo to £809.99. The
other issue is the much-complained-about-online leaky visor. Even when clicked down as hard
as possible water penetrates, streaking down inside and even between the Pinlock. I’ve tried
clear and tinted visors yet the problem persists. PL


127
127

[ Anticipation ] [ Road test ]


The






Guilleries,






Spain











This month Michael Neeves is
Hicky #10 getting
round the outside of tarmac tasting in Spain. And you
Neil Hodgson #100
should too, given half a chance…
A race is a...





...race. P Hickman readies himself for

another crack at the LMS invitational...
I


did this race at the London Motorcycle show for the first time
in 2019 and it was really good fun. It’s lairier than people give
it credit for. We’re not going that fast, but the racing is stupidly
close. My only problem is that the bikes are little Honda CRF100s
and I’m three or four stone heavier than everyone else. I’ve got a
CRF at home because I like practicing flat-track and I’ve raced at
Pete Boast’s place, but everyone is pushing as hard as they can so
it’s difficult. When I did it there was Richard Cooper, Karl Ryde,
Tom and Tim Neeve, Tarran Mackenzie… they’re all tiny and fast.
I was three seconds a lap slower so I needed a jump start to beat
them. But they let me win a couple of races. Peter Hickman

» See Hicky race at the 2020 London Motorcycle
Show, Excel, London, 14-16 February. Book tickets at
mcnmotorcycleshow.com


















PICS: CHIPPY WOOD Left to right: Richard Cooper, Hicky, Wayne Gardner, Tim Neeve,





Tarran Mackenzie, Kyle Ryde, Neil Hodgson and James Hillier


128
128

UK
Know How

GERMANY


FRANCE









ou could pop in a pin anywhere on a map of north Or, there’s the ferry to northern Spain option, where you
east Spain and lose yourself in a slice of motorcycling can skirt the mountains across Spain from east to west, but
goo
Y dness, but the 51-mile stretch from Roda you risk the wrath of the Bay of Biscay. Which, if your
de Ter to Sant Esteve d’en Bas on the C-153, down sea legs are as wobbly as mine, is hell on water for
the C-63 to Les Planes d’Hostoles and on to 24 long hours.
Constantins on the GI-531 and GI-532, near An upright, sporty naked like the new
Girona is one of the picks. Z900 (p78) is made for The Guilleries, with
It takes just over an hour to storm wide bars for muscling your way through
through if you ride it like you should, a seemingly never-ending barrage of
which is kind of what you do on a new tight, technical slow and medium speed
bike launch, but if you’re partial to corners. The Kawasaki’s surprising
a view, towering trees, blue sky and grunt lets you use tall, lazy gears, but
sunshine this is the place for you. on most bikes second and third will be
During the autumn the forest-lined the magic numbers. A wristy race rep or
clumsy tourer would be hard work, but
roads are a riot of orange, brown and you’d battle through.
PIC: DOUBLE RED, ULA SERRA more like leafy south of France than the beaches and beers of the Costa Brava. MN
green, making this Catalan region feel
When you’re done, you’re spoilt for
dry and dusty Spain. It takes two days to
choice with more dizzying dashes nearby.
Aragon, Alcarras, Catalunya and Parcmotor
ride here from Calais: grind out day one to
circuits are close and if that’s too much there are
Carcassonne and from there it’s fairy-tale roads
up and over the Pyrenees and into Spain.



























































‘It takes just over an hour


to storm through if you

ride it like you should’




129

Know How







































































[ Weird & Wonderful ]
Honda MVX250F











Honda’s first-ever two-stroke road bike was a V3 inspired by their GP racer, which had
leading-edge design, pipes protruding everywhere... and it’s the rarest 1980s stroker…





ust look at all those expansion chambers. Chuffed by the instant wheels and an in-board front brake with a caliper grabbing the inside of
success of the NS500, their first two-stroke Grand Prix racer, a disc, to overcome early disc brake problems of being awful in the wet.
J Honda waded in with their first road-going smoker in 1983: The MVX was only sold in Japan, plus a few in Australia and New
the MVX250F. Rushed into production to celebrate the NS, it might Zealand. Seizures were common (rear cylinder, funnily enough) and
have been two years behind Yamaha’s twin-cylinder LC but brought Honda’s quick-fix of using more two-stroke oil just made the bike dirty.
something different. Two cylinders? Pah. The all-new MVX was a V3. The ‘sports-commuter’ 250 just didn’t cut it against racier rivals either.
The layout was a tribute to the GP bike, but where the NS had two It was only sold for part of ’83 and some of ’84. Think about the time,
cylinders sticking up and one forward, the 250 was the other way round. effort and cost of pushing a new model through design, development
The 90˚ liquid-cooled V3 had two separate cylinders out the front and and production, to ditch it after a year. Honda replaced the MVX with
the middle single cylinder up out the back. An inline triple with 120˚ the NS250R: an alloy-frame V-twin and another fresh model (replaced
firing intervals is balanced but a 90˚ V3 isn’t, so Honda used a beefed- after two years by the all-new NSR250; the NS evolved into the NS400,
up conrod for the rear cylinder – thicker, heavier and with a 50% larger but that bike’s V3 was nothing to do with the engine from the MVX).
little end, the idea was it matched the reciprocating mass of the two Rarity makes MVXs hard to find, but original examples do crop up.
front conrods and effectively made it like a 90˚ V-twin. Well, sort of. Cheap when they do – £2500 or so gets a usable one. It won’t be as fast
It wasn’t the only alternative engineering. As well as a trendy sharp- as an RGV or reliable as a TZR, but the Honda is a third of the price and
steering 16-inch front wheel, the MVX had bolt-together Comstar there’s literally nowt like it. That’s worth celebrating. Mike Armitage


130

£115 PER MONTH



Plus deposit and optional final repayment.







Representative Example


Based on 2020 Z900 on K.Options PCP


36 Monthly Repayments £115.00 Interest Rate (Fixed) 6.08% Purchase Fee* £10.00


Customer Deposit £1,517.31 Total Amount of Credit £7,527.69 Cash Price £9,045.00

Optional Final Repayment £4,533.00 Total Amount Payable £10,190.31


Representative APR 6.3% APR Agreement Duration 37 Months *Included in Optional Final Repayment.




Tailor the perfect deal for you at WWW.KAWASAKI-KALCULATOR.CO.UK









Credit is subject to status and is only available to UK residents aged 18 and over. K.Options Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is only available through Kawasaki Finance, a trading style
of Black Horse Ltd, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH. Finance figures are applicable at time of print and are subject to change. Finance offer ends 31/03/2020.
Representative example based on 4,000 miles per annum. With K.Options Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) you have the option after you have paid all of the regular monthly repayments
to: (1) Return the motorcycle and not pay the Optional Final Repayment. In this example if the motorcycle has exceeded 12,333 miles, a charge of 7.2p (including VAT at 20%) will
apply per excess mile. If the motorcycle is in good condition (fair wear and tear accepted) and has not exceeded 12,333 miles you will have nothing further to pay. (2) Pay the Optional
Final Repayment to own the motorcycle or (3) Part exchange the motorcycle subject to settlement of your existing finance agreement; new finance agreements are subject to status.

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compared to other providers)


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event of an accident which is not your fault Multi-Bike policy* †




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As with all insurances, terms and conditions apply. *† Based on an average customer saving of £134. Saving compared to buying two separate Carole Nash policies via the call centre. Average customer = 56 year old male with 10 years
NCB, riding a Honda CBR 900 RR Fireblade and Triumph Speed Triple. As of July 2019. Carole Nash Insurance Consultants Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, firm reference no. 307243. Registered in
England and Wales no. 2600841.