STARTING GRID
Editor scribes We have met some amazing and humbling motorcycling characters this summer and it is a pleasure to tell their stories to a wider audience. For completely different reasons, the tales of Dave Fletcher and the Talan Racing team are inspiring to say the least. Hero is an overused word these days, but these guys certainly live up to the title.
Contents
The adventure bike market is extremely buoyant these days, with some fantastic models coming out regularly from all the major manufacturers, and we try out a pair from Suzuki and BMW. It’s difficult to find fault with modern bikes, they are generally all well designed and engineered, so it’s a case of finding what suits you the most. Hopefully these reviews will point you in the right direction. SEB have been out and about, trying out some fabulous Welsh roads and a bit more off road competition. As per usual, we didn’t trouble the trophy engravers, but it’s the taking part isn’t it? Michelin’s Tony Charlton provides some fascinating information on that most vital of motorbike components, the rubber we choose. The small, credit card sized patch of tyre that connects us to the road is the result of a huge amount of development and engineering. Interesting stuff.
4 FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT: BMW S1000XR 8 Suzuki DL1000 V Strom 11 Bikers On Trial 17 JW Groombridge New Showroom 19 A Day At The Races 21 A True Hero
We preview Brightona, the charity event that winds up the year’s large open air motorbike gatherings. SEB are pleased to be able to support this worthwhile cause. See us there! All the best Nick
Visit southeastbiker.co.uk for events list CONTACT US ADVERTISING AND Debbie Tunstill, email: debs@southeastbiker.co.uk GENERAL ENQUIRIES Tel: 01892 459080 EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Nick Tunstill, email: nick@southeastbiker.co.uk South East Biker, Friars Gate Farm, Mardens Hill, Crowborough, East Sussex. TN6 1XH
23 BRIGHTONA PREVIEW 24 Talking Tyres 27 Freestyle Wales
PRODUCTION: Dean Cook: deancook@magazineproduction.com PRINTING: Evon Print, Henfield, Sussex © 2015 South East Biker (SEB) Magazine is an independent title and does not endorse the products or services that appear in the magazine. Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor or of South East Biker magazine. Reproduction of content is strictly prohibited without prior written approval from the editor or publisher.
COVER IMAGE: BMW S1000XR. Image courtesy of BMW.
South East Biker Magazine • www.southeastbiker.co.uk
30 THE LAND THAT TIME FORGOT 3