ISSUE 395 MARCH 2017 £3.99
accessories
clothing
editor:
NIK SAMSON
nik@backstreetheroes.com 07884 052003
74
SPORTSTER BAR HOPPER
just the thing for blatting the city streets
24 TRIUMPH SAINT
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80 BSA A10 BOBBER crossover classic with a history all of its own
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30 MOONEYES SHOW
publisher:
JULIE BROWN
86 SPORTSTER
the biggest Japanese custom show of them all
design:
GARETH WILLIAMS
36 SUZUKI GS750 BOBBER
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STREETBIKE
no cowboys were involved in the building of this!
BILLY MANNING
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48 BANDIT CHOPPER
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NIGEL HOLE
freelance contributors:
SIMON EVERETT, SHOVEL PHIL, HORST ROSLER, MOTOGRAPHER, DOUG WARREN, LOUISE LIMB, PAM BARAUD, STUART WORSFOLD, JO CAMPBELL, GREG WINN, TOM KELLY, MR BRIDGES, EMMA WARREN, SELINA LAVENDER, RICK HULSE, WILL WEBB, CHARLEY CHARLES, SIWER OHLSSON, GAME OVER CYCLES, TOMASZ PULSAKOWSKI, OLD EMPIRE MOTORCYCLES, DAVE M
H FACEB ES) O UT THE BS CHECK O ACK STREET HER (B K GROUP FACEBOO OES – H BS E AND TH CK STREET HER P U AT BA ICIAL GRO THE OFF
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part four of the touring Scotland story…
glorious beast from the east
–
92EVENTS
– our guide to the best rallies, shows, parties and runs!
96TECH 100HOW TO
– fuel lines and how not to catch fire
– create a decoupage paint scheme, part the second
6
OPENFACED – all that’s
new and happening in the custom bike world
8
MR BRIDGES’ 104 MOTORCYCLE DIARIES
10ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
108MAG NEWS
12LETTERS 14READERS’ LIVES
113NEXT MONTH
PRODUCTS – loads of good
stuff for you to spend your hardearned on – things you really can’t live without in your life – have your say about ... well, owt really!
– four pages of your pictures and our silly captions ... yeah, sorry about that.
A) ROAD 18(ALMOST TEST NM4 Vultus
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ON A HARLEY, 62HALF HALF ON A HONDA
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A) ROAD 20(ALMOST TEST – the hip and happening Ducati Scrambler
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58CENTRESPREAD
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– Louise Limb’s latest artistic offering
ride height
– sorting out the front
– our regular column by the MAG chairnongenderspecificperson
– what’s in the mag next month … obviously!
114RICK HULSE
– the musings of one of the most eloquent thinkers in bikerdom!
The latest n ews (given th the second at I’m writin week of Jan g this in uar dangerous masters in W for them to estminster (o y) from our lords and drive too fa cl on who you ose to bikes r W h it eh st an all, dependin believe actu , g or brake un to swerve across in fro d too ally runs the that they’re expectedly, nt planning to country) is it in a car eith m ’s not that g of them test and the er. reat if you’r motorcycle ake both the car drivin e g test more d ifficult. So now they This news w ill be welcom ’re talking ab more difficu ed, no doub us who belie out making lt t, ve, partially , that the dis by those of that ’s all lau again for new road use things the car test par an d rs and really going able and commendab anyone wan d the bike test is a little ity between le, to tin unfair – scheme of th make any difference but is it has to jump g to gain a full motorc in ycle licence th ings? I mea n, I’ve just st the grand learn to dri agility prize rough so many hoops ve they’d win th ar at telling me is and the one thing ever ted to e car licence h Crufts, while anyone w ho wants a yone keeps as a much ea ‘this is how test ’, which you drive to si unfair that p im eople who w er time of it. It does seem p your test, yo plies that, once you’v ass your ant to ride a go through e the rigmaro u b ik d o e n h ’t av h e av to le of up to fo e to worr y ab passed in the same tests, while ur separate wan sa o can just bec fe and controlled man ut driving doesn’t it? Es nabe car drivers have ome another ner – you to sit only tw pecially as th twat like ev on the road o ere are so m er yone else selfish and dangerous th any more ca , . rs their drivers an there are bikes and so should be tr Surely this is ained to a h , therefore, w ro ng ? Surely you sh igher standar drive (or ride) Now I am aw ould striv d. in ar because you the safest and best man e to difficult over e that the car test has g ’re in control ner possible ot more the years an of a metal that co d uld do others ton or so of very solid theory test to that the addition of a a significant harm if you hi o should mak am t ep more aware another way them with it? Or, thinking ount of of what they eople , sh about it ou should and ld shouldn’t be n’ t yo u and best man d do ner possible rive (or ride) in the safest much eviden ing, but I don’t see because you of a ton or so ce ’re in of complex test of these more significant am very solid metal that coul control s making for d do you a ou nt of harm if you hi bet drivers, do yo it? I’d’ve thou t something u? Almost ev ter ght so… with ery time I go ou t on Brita see people d in’s roads I riving discourteou selfishly, sly an just plain bad d ly, not just tow ards motorbikes, but with other ca rs too, and wh ile it’s much more The fact is th at they like, bu they can make any test t until they ca as difficult as n change th the average e mindset o driver (and, f yes, I am pic here mostly king on , but it it’s not really applies equally to biker drivers s too) goin roads safer, g to do anything to mak , is it? It’s us th e our at nee – not the law . As the old sa d to change ying goes ‘y can’t legisla ou te agai matter how nst stupidity’, no hard you try.
NIK
MARCH 2017
5
The big news for this year’s You’ve Been Nabbed rally, organised by the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD), is that it’s moved site! For 2017, the event moves to the Cheshire Showground at Tabley, near Knutsford, in Cheshire (WA16 0HJ), but apart from that it’s still business as usual – 20-plus live bands in three marquees, three discos, the usual fantastic stand-up comedy show, a big raffle, entertainment and rides for kids, cheap beer (three bars including a real ale bar featuring a range of 60 beers and ciders), hot showers, trade stands, and lots more. And, as well as that, us lot here at Back Street Heroes are sponsoring the custom show, and providing ten trophies in all the usual classes, so get your custom bike there! Pre-booked tickets cost just £30 (until 29th April), and then they’re £35 on the gate. To get an advance ticket send a cheque (payable to NABD) to NABD, Unit 20 The Bridgewater Centre, Robson Avenue, Urmston, Manchester, M41 7TE (A5 stamped addressed envelope please) or ring 0844 415 4849. See you there!
Joining the new Street Cup in the Street Twin line up for 2017, Triumph’s new Street Scrambler brings a significant update to the iconic Triumph Scrambler. It has the iconic Bonneville silhouette combined with clean lines, but has an interchangeable pillion seat and aluminium rack as standard, removable pillion pegs and hangers, steel high grip ‘Bear Trap’ adventure-style front ’pegs, an all-terrain style bash plate, a ribbed Alcantara-style twin seat with contrast stitching and Triumph embossed logo, aluminium headlight brackets and a black headlight bezel, a
distinctive competition-inspired number-board side panel, new front mudguard mounts to suit the larger front wheel, and unique detailed dual compound rubber knee pads for enhanced grip. Available in Jet Black, Matt Khaki Green, and Korosi Red/ Frozen Silver with jet-black handpainted coach lining and unique tank decals, it has the critically acclaimed 900cc Bonneville hightorque engine, and is perfect for around town and light off-roading. For more information check out the Triumph website at www. triumph.co.uk or visit your local Triumph dealer.
cou rse, the a few pas ses too. Of ma king a ver y be l wil car jet rce Firefo as we ll. urn ret y, fier y lou d, and ver le shows ltip mu ing ke FMX team do There’ll also be the Bro monster truck zilla Pod bs, clu le cyc m motor each day, displays fro you can pick up ath, a trade area where demos, the Wall of De ertainment for ent high-octane musical a bargain or three, and . Bar lers Fue night in the campers on Saturday g not only a et Heroes will be runnin And us lot at Back Stre Custom Bike BSH 7 201 the of nd a rou custom show, but also your bike! There – just turn up and enter Building Championship will be displays of custom machines of all varieties too, so it’s more than worth you coming along. Day tickets are just £10.40 ile red by advance, wh Rock ‘n’ Ride, sponso e, Rac s 6, one 201 nd in eke ut we deb cessful and for this second Following its hugely suc bargain Pod Raceway in May, a ta are San to s urn ret , Principal Insurance speed. at £18.40 – get all about the need for running of the event it’s tional Drag Bike Na U AC the yours from the of nd rou l to cia es offi Bik an ny Th ere’ll be g from six-se cond Fun nin run website at ww w. s sse cla all and h eet Bikes, cha mpion shi ps, wit street-legal Sup er Str racerockride.co.uk g bike will be ma kin Eric Tebou l’s roc ket
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MARCH 2017
The Carole Nash Irish Motorbike & Scooter Show is returning to Dublin’s RDS, from 3-5th March, and there will be more than 120 exhibitors and a host of live action thrills – it’s a must for all two- and
The idea of a Fat Bob rideout was suggested on a Facebook page called UK Fat Bobs (Harley-Davidson), and the idea quickly grew into reality with so many enthusiastic riders wanting to be part of it. In May they did a rideout around the Lake District, and 21 Fat Bobs attended the ride, with most booking to stay over on the Friday and Saturday nights. This year’s Fat Bob rideout will be on 27th May, and around 30 bikes and 45 people have already confirmed. Anyone who owns a Fat Bob can come, and can join the FB page (Fat Bob Only Rideout Saturday 27th May 2017), and once again the ride will be around the Lake District (different route this year).
three-wheel enthusiasts. This year’s show has a variety of attractions including live action demonstrations, off-road races, interviews with top racing stars, new 2017 motorcycles, lots of accessories, a round of the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, the Ace Stunt Starz competition and stunt shows, competitions and much, much more. Tickets cost just 13 Euros a day and motorcycle parking is free – check out www. irishmotor bikeshow.com for more info.
NEW OXFORD CATALOGUE Oxford Products have launched their new 2017 catalogue, and this year’s book (both paper and online) is crammed full of new and funky stuff, including a new range of retro-styled clothing that looks reet smart. Get yours from anywhere that stocks the Oxford Products range or online at www.oxprod. com
This year’s Bristol Bike Show will be held on 19th August at the usual site at the St Nicholas Market in Bristol, and the big news for 2017 is that they’re going to be running a Biker Build Off competition prior to the event, and the entries will be judged by luminaries from both Zodiac and Custom Chrome! There’ll be the usual conventional bike shows and all the usual attractions too so make a note in your diary to remind yourself a little closer to the time. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for more info.
Custom Lids is a small company based in Malta who specialise in bespoke helmet artwork, but they take orders from customers anywhere in Europe. Give them a theme or design and they’ll create a personalised hand-painted helmet for you. They can also supply a new helmet from the Bell, DMD and Biltwell range, and each helmet is a unique piece of mobile artwork created with great pride, passion and enthusiasm as well as attention to detail and a desire to be different. They’ve already undertaken collaborations with Hedon Helmets and 78 Motor Co in the UK, and Lowbrow Customs in the US, they’ve exhibited at the last two Bike Shed shows in London, and have supplied their work worldwide as far afield as the US, Brazil, Australia, Germany and France! If you want to see their work in the flesh they’ll be exhibiting at the next Bike Shed show in May or you can check them out on Instagram (customlid) or Facebook (customlidsmalta) or you can email customlidsmalta@ gmail.com
Ahead of its third season of transporting bikes between the UK and Geneva, Bikeshuttle has announced that it’ll also be offering group booking discounts from 2017. If groups or clubs of 10 riders or more all book at the same time, Bikeshuttle will deduct 10% of the usual fare, making the return price for one bike just £391.50, a saving of £43.50 on list price. Bikeshuttle is the only weekly scheduled service transporting bikes to central Europe, and is proving very popular with touring motorcyclists as it not only saves them the tedium of riding the 1,500mile return motorway trip through France, but it also affords them more time discovering great alpine routes; up to three days more time. Bikes are dropped off at their East Midlands depot where they’re loaded on to a purpose-built lorry, which travels overnight through France to Geneva. You then fly to Geneva, arriving fresh to start your touring adventure the following morning. For more info, see their website at www. bikeshuttle.co.uk MARCH 2017
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After the Marvel superheroes range of 2016, HJC are announcing a new w Star Wars range for 2017. There will be two new graphics to start the range; a Kylo Ren-style helmet and a Boba Fett one, and more will be announced through the year as the range grows. Stockists, prices and more details on the range can be found at www.oxford products.com produ
RSD have taken their original Tracker Pipe and decreased the weight, improved the performance and simplified the tip, creating the Track 2-into-1 High Pipe, and they say there’s no better option when you’re looking for ground clearance and an aggressive look on your 2004-’17 Sportster (excluding Roadster) and 1986-’17 Softail. Available in a ceramic Black Ops finish as well as ceramic Black with Chrome, they cost £858 from anywhere that stocks the MAG Europe range – check out www. mageurope eu for your nearest place. mageurope.eu place
These fibreglass Airtech Cafe Racer cowls from the US are made for universal use, which means that installation will require custom fitting. Windshields are available in clear or smoked, and mounting bolt kits for these are sold separately. Prices and more information can be found at www.wwag.com 8
MARCH 2017
Featuring an advanced tread d pattern and disstinct, angular profile,, the Supermaxx Spo ort allows quick, precise i and d responsive handling. The silica compound, formulated for optimum traction in dry and wet conditions, allows for cooler running temperatures and maximum grip on both the track and street. Furthermore, the revolutionary radial carcass uses mono-spiral Kevlar construction to maintain tyre uniformity at high speeds. All combined, the updated Supermaxx Sport is a sport bike tyre. For more information on sizes etc., check out the Maxxis website at www.maxxis.co.uk
These Burly satin black powdercoated steel foot-boards are TIG-welded for strength, and the serrated surface offers a bite that makes these boards offer superior grip for easy riding in standard to extreme situations. Available for both rider and passenger, you can get them from anywhere that stocks the Motorcycle Storehouse range – check out www.motorcyclestorehouse.nl
ROKK KER WAX COT TTON JACKETS These cclassic slim-fit jackets, in a denim jacket sstyle, are from cool clothing supremos Rokker and made from the finestt wax cotton from British Millerain (500 g/m2), and have an inner made of high quality cotton-check. They don’t com me with armour as standard, but do have pockets on the shoulders, elb bows and back to take it. Available in both men’s and ladies’ styles, you can get them frrom anywhere that stocks the Rokker range or direct from R Rokker themselves at www. R ttherokkercompany.com
S&S, one of the most trusted and well-respected names in the V-twin performance business, have now developed an EC-approved stealth air cleaner kit for Dyna and Softail models up to 2016 and Sportster with EFI (2007-16). Retail price is £155 (plus VAT), and covers need to be ordered separately. Get yours from anywhere that stocks the Drag Specialties/Parts-Europe range – find your nearest place at www.partseurope.eu
This E-approved LED headlight unit features high and low beam, as well as the Halo circle that you may use as a daylight running light or parking light, and comes complete with external ballast and connector for three-
post H4 connectors, as well as the 2013-up H13-style connector. Maximum power draw is only 45 watts. They fit most 7” headlight units, but can also be installed without a housing too. Get yours from your local Zodiac dealer or www.zodiac.nl
PUBLIC ENEMY CUSTOMS CLOTHING Public Enemy Customs in Horsham are now doing a range of their own clothing – T-shirts, long sleeves l and hoodies. Prices start at £12 and there e are men’s and d ladies’ design ns, and you can get them from m Public Enemyy Customs on 01403791482 2 or at www. publicenemy y customs.uk
This new kit incorporates two new innovative designs; the Smart-Stop and the Silver Bullet Plus, and when used in conjunction with each other the result is a compact, ergonomic and intuitive compressor for airbrushing. The ARISM viz has a DC motor for universal usage (100-240V), and is designed to draw less power than comparable AC compressors and is also quieter. Smart-Stop pauses the compressor when the airbrush is placed into its holder, and restarts it when it is taken off again. The first of its kind on the market, it is compatible with pressure regulators and bleed valves. The next generation of the ever-popular Silver Bullet airbrush combines the moisture filtering effect with a built-in bleed valve, creating a multi-functional add-on offering greater control at your fingertips p in an ergonomic and compact design. Get yours from The Airbrush Company on 01903 76780 00 or www.airbrushes.. com
MARCH 2017
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According to o crime data from the Office of Nattional Statistics mo ore than 33,000 motorbikes, scooters and mopeds are stole en each year, so the new Y-Cam range of indoor Evo and outdoor cameras’ll give you peace of mind that the valuable e items inside your garage are monitored day and night. Simply set up a zone and then if anything enters this t area you get an instant alert sent direct to your smartpho one, and unlike traditional security systems, the cameras let you see and hear what’s happening at your home fro om anywhere, on your smartphone or tablet. The Y-Cam indoor Evo is available to buy from Y-Cam at www.y-cam.com or from BT Shops and Amazon for £129.99. The HD outdoor camera is available for just £179.99 or there’s a Starter Kit which includes an Evo and an Outdoor camera for just £259.
At less than £60 and with sleeves that can be adjusted as the wearer grows, this new Ranger children’s jacket is a very cost-effective way to ensure younger passengers are properly kitted out when they go for a ride. The Ranger is a waterproof textile jacket with a removable thermal liner, CE-approved armour at the shoulders and elbows,, adjustable Velcro straps at the cuffs, upper and lower arms and waist for a snug fit,
and as the wearer grows the sleeves can be adjusted for length by means of an expansion zip on the upper arm. Retailing at £59.99, it comes in sizes XS (6-7 years) to XL (13-14 years) in a choice of either black or black/neon yellow. For details on the complete range of Buffalo motorcycle clothing and accessories, call the Keyy Collection on 0117 971 9200 or visit www. thekey collection. co.uk
More goodies from the clothing meisters Rokker – these Iron Selvage and Iron Selvage Raw are high quality motorcycle jeans that don’t have rivets so they won’t scratch your paintwork. They’re straight cut with a button fly, and the outer is made from finest 11.5oz Red Selvage Raw-Denim, while the inner material is a SchoellerDynatec abrasion resistant, wind resistant, water repellent protective one. Delivered in a canvas bag with a free T-shirt, you can get them from anywhere that stocks the Rokker range or direct from Rokker themselves at www.therokkercompany.com
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MARCH 2017