Thepositivit yofbikersand biking
Some people really don’t understand why I love motorcycles and the people who ride them. If you’re reading this,then you know Itry to explain the whole camaraderie,the fraternity (whateveryour gender or persuasion),the shared passion, but theystill don’t understand. Nor do they understand the healing propertiesofsitting in the garage tinkering withabike.Orcleaning it,in anticipation for thenext, soul-cleansingride.I love motorcycling and pretty much99per cent of all that goeswithit, and writing about the Honda Deauville this month reminded me why Right, this isn’ta sob story, but Irode the-then new 2006NT700V Deauville just afew weeksafter my wife hadpassedaway, aged just 33. Honda’sPRperson of the time rang me and told me to come to Greecewith themto ride the Ville and the CBF1000. It wasn’tan invite:itwas ademand. As afreelancer,I didn’t have amagazine to‘sell’ the road test to but they didn’t care,they wanted to get me out and about.Other moversand shakers in the industry called to seeifI was okay.Fellow
journalists called round and helped out; neighbours baby-sat my daughter;even famous bike racers rang me.Many people from the bikeindustry attended thefuneral, not because they knew Nat, but because they wanted to support me.I’ll never forget that. And then there was the Greece trip. While theDeauville andthe CBF weren’t the most excitingbikes in Honda’srange,itwas the first time I’dbeen on twowheels for afew weeks, but the feeling of just riding ‘anything’ was like arefreshing mind-shower.Myanxieties, worries,fears were gone,for awhile.The sensations are the same today when Iride… There’smuch to be said for ‘bikepeople’ as well as motorcycling.You will meet someof the best friends you’ll ever want or need and experiencesensations on twowheels that cleanse your soul and keep you sane
Editor
BSimmonds@Mortons.co.uk
44 ❙ TOOL OF THE MONTH
Ralph Ferrand looksatanother vital workshop device.Spanners!
48 ❙ Q&A
Mark Haycockwithmore tips
52 ❙ WORKSHOP: LATHES
Ralph with part two of his workshop special
56 ❙ SHOW US YER SHED
What on earth (orbelow earth) is this?
58 ❙ PROJECT DUCATI/SUZUKI SINGLE
Scoop once morewithhis weird single love-in!
62 ❙ PROJECT HONDA CBR900RR FIREBLADE
Jeff Ware begins hiswork on an UrbanTiger model
66 ❙ YAMAHA RD400 DAYTONA SPECIAL
Steve Cooper on aYamaha limited-edition
72 ❙ BAY-WATCH!
Kev Raymond looks atwhat projects are outthere…
80 ❙ YAMAHA SR500
Richard Farnish finishes this single
86 ❙ PROJECT HONDA CBR250R
Ralph finallyfinishesthe pocketrocket forDonna
92 ❙ PROJECT HONDA NT650J
John Nutting and his V-twin return!
006 ARCHIVE
What have we foundinthe CMM archive this month?
008 CMMSTUFF
New kit, tools, tyres and tested stuff
012 NEWS
News and views for June
018 EVENTS
What’shappeninginthe next few weeks on two wheels
020 FEEDBACK
What are you all talking about this month?
022 SHOWUSYOURS
We want to see what’sinyour shed andsee what you looked like back in theday!
026 1999 SUZUKI GSX1300R HAYABUSA
Andy Bolas rides astill very rapid speed demon!
036 2022 ROYALENFIELD INTERCEPTOR
In hisfinalreport, Dan Sager talks about luggage
038 2006 HONDANT600V DEAUVILLE
Bertie Simmonds recalls the launchofabike that IS NOT DULL!
046 SUBSCRIBE AND WIN!
Lots of goodiesfor new subscribers!
050 RETRO REBOOT
How abouta Rothmans painted Honda three-cylinder two-stroke?
097 NEXT MONTH
What’shappeninginthe July 2025 issue
098 PIPHIGHAM
Pip reminisces about old projects
Noriyuki Haga
Three-time WSBrunner-up
Lethal weapon!
WORDS: BERTIE SIMMONDS PIC: MORTONS ARCHIVE
Aprilia currently carries the number one plate in MotoGP with Jorge Martin, who won the 2024 title on his Pramac Ducati.
Sadly,it’snot been the defence to his title that the Spaniard has wanted, with pre-season and training crashes being followed up by more brokenbones (ribs this time) and apuncturedlung. Let’s
hope he can come back stronger as the ApriliaRS-GP 2025has potential.
But then this hadpotential, too. The ApriliaRS3 or ‘RS Cube’launchedatthe BolognaShowatthe endof2001,ready for the newfour-stroke MotoGP season the followingyear,itwas to be riddenby former 500cc race winnerRegis Laconiin aone-man team. He would take abest
result of 8th(twice) with theteam taking 33 points in themanufacturer’s championship in that first year
Designed by Cosworth Racing, it was thought that thethree-cylinder motor was asliver of aFormula 1engine, complete with ride-by-wire throttle and pneumatically actuated valves. At timesin its debutseason,itwould record the
cmm St uf f
Thelatestridingkit,top tools, tyres, retroclothingand more!
SHARK OPEN-FACE HELMETS
With summer on the way,SHARK has three stylish open-face lids to choose from, including the SKWAL i3 Jet and SKWALJet
The SKWAL i3 features active brake lights using an inbuilt triaxial accelerometer to activate the red LEDs on therear of the helmet when braking
Both the SKWAL i3 Jet and SKWAL Jetare made from aLEXAN high-impact polycarbonate shell with multi-density polystyrene liners.Available in sizes XS-XXL,across twoshellsizes, there’san integrated sun visor,micro-lock buckle closure and SHARK’sEasy Fit systemfor glasseswearers.The SKWAL i3 Jet is pricedfrom £269.99 and is available in 11 colouroptions.Anadditional complementary colour match visor comes as standard in the box with the SKWAL i3 Jet HELLCATgraphics
Ifyou don’t want the active brake light system, you can choose theSKWAL Jet, pricedfrom £189.99 and available in seven colours
£39.60
The RS Jet combines styleand functionality.The large visor has afour-point anchor system and it comes with aPinlock 120 Max Vision insert as standard, and aremovable internal UV380-treated anti-fog sun visor
The shell of both the RS Jet andRSJet Carbon is made from afusion of multiaxial composite and carbon-fibre.The interior is perforated suede padding and ALVEOTECH sanitised-labelledtextile for antibacterial, anti-sweat and anti-odour properties.There’soptimum ventilation, amicrolock chin strap,and the RS Jet is fully intercomready.Available in sizes XS-XXL, theRSJet is pricedfrom £299.99 andthe RS Jet Carbon from £339.99. There are 10 colourstochoose from in the RS Jet and 12 options in the RS Jet Carbon. The RS Jet Dark Shadow options include both aclear and black visor in the box as standard www.nevis.uk.com
BETATOOLS TRAVELLING TOOK KIT
Ooh we love this. Forthose of youthat love to travel far and wide on your modern classic you’llknow that you need to be prepared. Thatdoesn’t mean youhaveto carry aboy scout on the back, buthavethe tools you need in case you need to make roadside repairs
£189.99
This Laser Tools Electric Fluid Extraction Pump (part number 9122)isapowerfulyet easy-to-use 12V oil pump designed for quick and mess-free engine oil extraction. Ideal for engine oils,warm, thinner gear oils andautomatic transmission fluid, this self-priming pump works best when the oil is at 40-50 degrees C. The motorpumps out 60W of power,ithas two pick-up pipes,a maximumrun time of 30 minutes and it’sportable and convenient. Youshouldn’tuse this with water,petrol or paraffin. You have been warned! www.lasertools.co.uk/ Product/9122
This Beta Toolskit is tailormadefor life on the road. The kithas alarge number of double-ended spanners; arange of allen keys for various fixings; screwdrivers in flat-head and Phillips screws; amulti-tool; LED inspection torch; rollsofelectrical tape; various nylon zip-ties;and it comes in a sturdy roll bag which you can add your own tools to and then secure it to your bike With asupposed retail price of £290 we’ve seen this lovely bundleretail recentlyfor just £139 –soget in quick! www.beta-tools.com
LASER TOOLS COMBINATION PLIERS
www.lasertools.co.uk/Product/9121 LASER TOOLS ELECTRIC FLUID EXTRACTION PUMP
Struggling with stripped or damaged screw heads? Laser Toolsintroduces the Combination Pliers (part number 9121), a versatile tool that goes beyond standard pliers by incorporating aunique patented dual-groove jaw design. When you’re dealing with stubborn low-torque fixings,whether screws or smallrounded bolts,these pliers are designed to makeremoval easy and efficient. They’re reat forgeneral gripping tasks,too
Unlike standard pliers,which often struggle to griparound or damaged screw head, these specially designed pliershavea dual-groove jaw pattern that bites into the screw from multipleangles.This ensures a secure grip,allowingyou to apply maximum torque without slipping –even on heavily damaged fasteners
www.classicmechanics.com
WEMOTO REPLACEMENT PARTS
More goodnews for those of uswith old saucy modern classic bikesfrom the late 1980s to the 2000s.Wemoto has got replacement cush drive rubbers for the Honda VFR400 NC24 (VFR400 RH-RJ –1987-1988) which cost £56.70 retail. If you’re more into your Suzukis,then
www.facebook.com/ClassicMechanics/
check out the replacement foot-peg assemblies.These replace those on the GSX1300R Hayabusa (1999-2012), the DL650 V-Strom (2004-2021) andthe DL1000 V-Strom (2002-2019). Retailing at £19.61. www.wemoto.com
VANUCCI LADIESBOOTS
Vanucci has releasedthree newboots dedicated to female motorcycle riders.The boots are:
RV6 Performance: Made for precisionfast road/track riding, the RV6 bootsfeature arace-tested microfibre construction, enhancing protection,durability and ease of maintenance.Key safety features include plasticreinforcements on the shin,heel, calf and ankle for increased protection in key impact areas,as well as replaceable toe sliders
Designed specifically for women’s feet, the RV6fasten via asecure outer zip and ratchetsystem. Available now in avariety of sizes/ colours from £214.00.
VUB-3 Lady: Amore urban boot, but offering style and functionality,
the VUB-3 are constructed with durable microfibre material, asturdy rubbersolefor optimal griponand off the bike,aswellasreinforced ankle protection. The simplelace-upstyle and acomfort textile lining make the VUB-3 sturdy but also easy to live with on and off the bike.Availablein many sizes from £111.
VAB-8 Sympatex: perfect for riders who enjoy touring and all-year-round riding, the unisex VAB-8 boot features full-grain, hydrophobiccowhide leather, aSympatex climate membrane,and are waterproof, windproof and breathable.Theyalso feature IPAcertified ankle protectors and atextile-reinforced toe area for added safety www.louis-moto.co.uk
www.twitter.com/cmmmag
YAMAHA THE NEW DAWN
Yamaha The New Dawn –Isle of Man 1961-1981 looks at the famous motorcycle manufacturer’sforay into the most famous road-races in the world. Written by Matthew Richardson, the book has 168 pages,with 10 colour and 20 black-and-white pictures and a foreword by CharlieWilliams.Inside,the story traces the beginnings of Yamaha in the early 1960s through to the early 1980s.Big names such as Phil Read, Bill Ivy,Mick Grant and Chas Mortimer are mentioned and manyare quoted in the book, too.It’safascinating and exciting race through two decades of Yamaha road-racing.Right nowthe book is down to £17.60, too –well worth alook! www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
MARC MARQUEZ: EVERYTHING OR NOTHING
Written by some-time CMM contributor Stuart Barker,thisisthe story of Marc Marquez, hispath to glory through eight world championships while tackling terrible injuries,aswellas battling the likesofValentino Rossi
It’sfair to say the Spaniard haschanged the sport of MotoGPforever,with his never-say-die attitude,unique riding style and undeniable courage.That courage has seenhim come backfrom near blindness to race and also from major arm surgery: both times he came back to win races again. The book traces his beginningsin racing right up to the start of the current MotoGP season where –aswewrite this –hehas dominated
The book is from John Blake Publishing/ www.bonnierbooks.co.uk– but it’seasier to get from Waterstones.It’sgot 336 pages and acolour plates section. www.waterstones.com
From: £111
cmm Tested
Riding kitworn, tools twirled&tyres turned
MATTIS SODA 7BLASTING POT
Idoafair bit of bead blasting of small components in my little blast cabinet, and sand blasting of bigger stuff with aseparate pot blaster,but the problemis the grit and dust gets everywhere,soI always shy away from doing things like engine casings because it’s impossible to guarantee they’re clean afterwards
So,for ages I’dbeen meaning to get akit to convert my little blastingpot to use BakingSoda
Not acomplicated set up,but it does require some selfassembly –and a chunky compressor.
occasionally –it’sless aggressive,sodoesn’tdamage the surface,but it’salsowater soluble and not gritty at all,so you can simply wash off any residue and don’t have to worry if abit gets left behind.
IspottedaSealey conversion kit on eBay but wasn’t sure if it would fit my genericpot, so I emailed the sellertoask. Martin at sandblasters co uk got straight back to me to say that yes,itwould fit, but advising me
First proper test, before andafter – happywith that! (yes, Iknow it’snot abike part –sorry!).
not to buy it: instead he suggested Ispend an extra tenner or so and buya dedicated kit, so that’s what I did, collecting it and afew bags of blast medium (£40 a 25kg sack) from theirbase in Nottinghamshire oneday when Iwas in the area and saving myselfalumpof shipping cost.
Once home,atfirst I couldn’t get on withitatall –itseemed as though the control for the soda feed didn’t really do anything.This turned out to be because it wasn’t doing anything –the grub screw that held the knob on had come loose!
With that sorted, it all started to makesense.Martin had suggested starting with the smallest nozzle,and a working pressure of about 80psi, so Ifollowed that but ended up abit lower in the end –you get to apoint where raising the pressure just
makes more mess without doing any more work, because the soda is disintegrating as soon as it hits the surface
I’m still getting the hang of using it, and Ithink I’m probably wasting alot of soda at the moment. I’mnot finding it that good at really stubborn paint finishes on engine casings either,although thatmight be technique or settings –time will tell. But it’salready helped me clean up some carburettor and cylinder headparts which I would otherwise have hadto do manually or farm out to a specialist, so it won’t be long before it’spaid for itself
The only criticismI have is the hose is abit short but it’d be easy enough to rig up a longer one.Word of warning: you will need ahealthy compressor,asittakes at least 18cfm at anominal 90psi. Kevin Raymond
www.sandblasters.co.uk
cmm News
SLIPPERY SAM TRIBUTE TRIDENT
If there’sone iconic Triumphthatspringsto mind, probablythe firstone is the‘Slippery Sam’.Thiswas thefamousTriumphrace bike whichwon fivesuccessive Production TT wins between 1971-1975and it is this machinethat this new Triumph Trident660 is an homage to.
Don’t worry, you’re not seeingthings. Slippery Sam was also the basis of aspecial Trident 660 model launched last year,too.
This version, called the ‘TridentTriple Tribute’, is based largely on the660cc three-cylinder naked roadster,itwill be available for one year only,and cost acool £8045.
The new Triumph Tridenthas successfully brought new ridersintothe Triumphfoldbut it’s also been popular with older bikers (editor Bert’s mate inhis 60shas oneand he loves it.) The
combination of punchymotor and low cost is appealing to manyriders across theboard
The Tributehas the80bhp motor with anew ‘Sport Mode’, corneringABS,tractioncontrol, quick-shifter,cruise control andconnectivity to yourmobile phone.Itcan also be restricted so an A2 licence holder can rideit.
The Tributebuildsonthiswith aone-off ‘Slippery Sam-esque’ paintscheme, with matchingfly-screen, silver belly-pan andthat famous ‘number 67’asworn by theoriginal race machine.
What do we think? Well, we can’t say it’smuch like theoriginal (see inset picture) butwecan’t blame Triumphfor cashinginonsucha legendary machine. For more, go to: www. triumphmotorcycles.co.uk
CMMneeds you... yesYOU!
We are calling onour loyal readers forfeedback foraforthcomingseries of features on insurance.
We’re finding moreofour valued readers are having issueswith insurance cover –and we want to know why for the purposes of afeature. Have you recently been refused cover forsome reason?Maybe youcan’tget the same sort of multi-bikepolicyyou once had, or perhapsthe
sheer cost of the policy is prohibitive, even considering your experience and no claims discount.
So, if you’ve got stories to share do drop us aline at: bsimmonds@mortons.co.uk
And the samegoes for our regular sections. We need more ‘ShowUsYours’ and‘The Way We Were’ as well as letters, Q&A queries and the like. C’mon, get involved in CMM!
cmm News
BILL SNELLING:1947-2025
CMM was sad to learn of the passing of motorcycle racing historian Bill Snelling in April, just after celebrating his 78th birthday
Bill was born in Canterbury, Kent, and was immediately hooked by bike racing when he went to the Isle of Man TT as a 13-year-old on his father’sVincent. Visits to the TT soon became more frequent, with Bill even staying on the Island for more than ayear when he found employment there after the 1975 event.
Bill would findthe lure of Mona’sIsle too much and became aresident as well as entering the 1978 ManxGrand Prix Newcomers race on aSeymour Velocette Metisse, finishing 12th out of 20 in poor conditions. He then took 53rd in the MGP Senior riding the samebike, and 45th in his only other MGP
appearance, in 1980 on aDucati. With hislove for the TT aconstantin his life, he would producemany books on the eventand even release hisown autobiography.Almost as importantly,he was the custodian of atreasure trove of more than aquarter-of-a-million digitised images of racing on theIslandcalled FoTTofinders BikeSport Photo Archives
CMM editor Bertie Simmonds says:
“I first met Bill in the late 1990s at the IsleofMan TT as he’d just co-produced a book on Honda’sTTwins. Followingthat Iknew where to go, notonlyfor pictures from theTTbut also for information and Bill’snuggets of wisdom. Forthe last five years hiswork hasbeen in CMM as wellas ClassicRacer andIslandRacer.I’ll miss him.” CMM sendsits sympathies to his wifePat andfamily andfriends.
IslandRacer 2025!
If you want to read about the Isle of ManTT races then you need to get hold of Island Racer 2025.
Brought to you by theteam that brings youClassic Racer and ClassicMotorcycle Mechanics, Island Racer isthe world’s largest and best TT racing publication. The TT Races on the Isle of Man is more thana century-old tradition as each May thousands of motorcycling fans and racers convene on theisland to witness some spectacular racing. This yearthe event runs from 26 May to7June.
BIG MAC IN APUB!
Following on from the successfulevenings with the likes of multiple British champ John Reynolds andKeith Huewen,another star will beataKettering pubbeingquizzed byCMM editor Bertie Simmonds.
Rob McElnea is aformer world superbike and grandprix racer as well as British superbike champion.After he stopped racing in 1993, he became one of themost successfulteam managers/owners in theBSB paddock, as well as helpingtofind the racers of the future in the shape of startingthe Yamaha R6 Cup.
The nightisMonday, 16 June and tickets cost £15. The pub is at 48 Woodland Avenue, Barton Seagrave, KetteringNN15 6QP
Formore information go to: www. thestirrupcupbartonseagrave.co.ukoremail: info@thestirrupcupbartonseagrave.co.uk
Eachyear its 140pages deliverthe most incredible photos, articles and interviews with the modern gladiators who do battleon the world’s most punishingmotorcycle course –aswell as relivingsome of the big stories from more than acentury of racing. 2025’sIslandRacer focuses on thebiggest names and thefastest motorcycles that are taking on TT 2025 and uncovers thestories behind the headlines.
Priced at £9.99, get yours at: https://www mortonsbooks.co.uk/book/island-racer-2025your-guide-to-the-2025-isle-of-man-tt
Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 9DT:www.shuttleworth.org/events/
JUNE
1 VJMC Bike Bonanza
Sammy Miller Museum,Bashley Crossroads, New Milton, HampshireBH25 5SZ. Tel: 01425 620777. Web: www sammymiller.co.uk
2 JUNE ISSUE OF REAL CLASSIC OUT NOW
3 Bike Night
Ceasefire Café, Yapton Road, Yapton, Arundel,West Sussex BN18 0HR. 5pm tilldark. Tel: 07427 873961.
3 MCC Dover’sBike Night
La Salle Verte Café,Cannon Street,Dover,Kent CT16 1BZ. 6-9pm. Tel: 07875 452522.
3 Bike Nite
Churchill Arms, Daggons Road, Alderholt, Fordingbridge, HampshireSP6 3AA. 5pm start. Web: www.churchillpub.co.uk
3 Sugar Loaf Bike Night
Old Sugar Loaf, 44 High Street, Dunstable, Beds LY61LA. 6pm start. Tel: 01582 601326.
4 Gosport Motorbike Social
Rolling Scones, Rowner Road, Gosport,Hampshire PO13 9UB. 6-8pm. Tel: 023 9258 3226. Email: therollingsconesgosport@ gmail.com.
4 Mott Motorcycles’ Meet Mott Motorcycles, KempshottHill, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG23 7LL. 5.30-8pm.Web: www mottmotorcycles.co.uk
5 Late Night
Krazy Horse, Empire House, Lark Valley BusinessPark, BurySt Edmunds,Suffolk IP32 6NU. 6-9.30pm. Web: krazyhorse. co.uk
5 Full Throttle Thursday Veloce Club, 5Bury Mead Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 1RT. 6-9pm. Tel: 0208 050 4684. Email: hello@veloceclub.co.uk.
5 Charterhouse Auctions
Long Street Salerooms, Long Street,Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS. Tel: 01935 812277. Web: www.charterhouse-auction.com
Cuckfield,West Sussex RH17 5DW.7pm start.
14
8 VJMC Hampshire Section’s Bike Jumble
Weyhill Country Market, Weyhill, Andover,Hampshire SP11 0PP &.30am start. Email: barterjohn770@gmail.com.
8 Dam Good Bike Meet
Dam Good Dough,NeneCourt, Wellingborough, NN8 1LD.
8 ’Normous Newark Carand Motorcycle Autojumble
Newark Showground, Lincoln Rd, Coddington, NG242NY.Web: www.newarkautojumble.co.uk
8 BSA Owners Club Day
Sammy Miller Museum, Bashley Crossroads, New Milton, Hampshire BH255SZ.Web: www.sammymiller.co.uk
10 Worcester Auto Club Ride-In and Barbecue
Tower Buildings, Perdiswell Park, Worcester WR3 7SN. 6pmstart.
12 NationalChopper Club
South Downs’Bike Night Wheatsheaf Inn, Broad Street,
ScottishClassic MC Show
AyrRacecourse, Whitletts Road, South Ayrshire KA8 0JE. Web: www.ayclassicmc.com
14 VMCC South Dorset’s Breakfast Meet at theThree Compasses, Charminster,Dorset DT2 9QT.Tel: 01935 83242. 14
Rickinghall Classic
Autojumble and Swap Meet at Rickinghall Village Hall, Hinderclay Road,Rickinghall, Diss, Suffolk IP22 1HD9am12pm. Tel: 07806 437722. 14
Daventry MC Festival
Daventry Town Centre, Northants. Web: www.daventrybikefest. co.uk
15
Harley-Davidson Meet
Sammy Miller Museum, Bashley Crossroads, New Milton, Hampshire BH25 5SZ.Web: www.sammymiller.co.uk
15
Father’sDay Spitfire sit-in experience, Shuttleworth, Old Warden Park, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire,SG18 9DT:www.shuttleworth.org/events/
Post to Mechanics,POBox 99,Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ or email your pictures to editorial@classicmechanics.com
Dave drones on…
Yesterday Iadjusted the tappets on the Super Dream then took it for atest ride. It definitely felt better.Itwent up to 40 no bother,where it was astruggle before. Itook it to Waldridge Fell for aphoto opportunity.Ionly did three miles but it wasfantastic! Thoroughly enjoyedit: both tinkering and riding. Idid another five miles on it today,too.
brake pedal as Ihave to lift my rightfoot even higher to press it.
We love to hear from you, so why not let us know what you like, or dislike, in YOUR magazine. Simply get in touch by sending emails to: letters@classicmechanics.com or direct to the editor at BSimmonds@ Mortons.co.uk or post your letters to the normal address. The best will win oneof our lovely T-shirts!
Food for thought!
The footpegs are very high up for my knackered knees. I didn’t used to have that trouble but Ihad anew right knee in December so bending it up high is abit of astruggle, plus Ineed the other one doing. That one crunches around abit when Ichange gear. Ineed to lower the back
Oh, the magazine? Well, the latest copy of CMM arrived on Saturday.I am getting through it quite quickly! It’sstill a cracking magazineand I’m a long-term subscriber,but there seemstobealack of pages as opposed torecent years. I don’t hate anything about the mag, it’sbloody brilliant!
Dave Hardy
Bertie says: “Dave! Glad you like the magazine, good luck with theotherknee. As to pagination, we are set by our budget and sales are apart of that, so please spread the good word!”
In one of yourlast few issues you were askingwhatkind of topic readers would like to see in the magazine. Well, I would like to read abouta Guzzi Falcone, aDucati Pantah 650, or even a Morini 500 V-twin,a Laverda 750, aGT750 Ducati... And why not areview of a CX500/Honda XLR500 of
the same brandoraVFR750 Carat? The list is endless and Iguess every readerhas hisown choice.
Remi Balestie
Bertie says: “Thanks for this Remi. Andyou learn somethingnew every day.I had no idea the VFR was called the Carat in some markets?”
The GTSrocked
What abike, what arevelation!
My introduction to theYamaha GTS came as ademo bike loaned as acourtesy bike from Webbs Yamaha, adealer in Lincoln,whilst my FJ1200 was undergoingaservice. Unfortunately for Yamaha it was way in front of its time: an absolute stonking machine at every level apart from the price. And at the time Ijust couldn’t justify it. Also, as
good as theFJs were (I had three in total and they take some beatingonthe long haul) the GTSwas the better for theEuropean tours the wife andIstill enjoy.Itwas with aheavy heart Ihanded the keys over on the Monday to Webbs.
Dave Clark
Bertie says: “Understood! We love thelater FJR, too! As does Pete over the page.”