Fast Bikes - July 2019 Edition - Preview

H HOW TO B BUY A

GSX-R 11000 K1 1

TUONO V4 TU 00 FFACTORY 1100 APRILIA A’S S NAKED GETS SM MARTLY SPRUNG G

WORKSHOP

❯❯ HOW TO SERV VICE YOUR R FORKS

❯❯ TOP TOOLS RATED

JULY 2019 ISSUE 354

SPANKED

ALSO INSIDE

❯❯ RACE RIOT ❯❯ 2019 TT GUIDE ❯❯ BRIDGESTONE S22 LAUNCH ❯❯ TRACKDAY TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

No.354 July 2019

IMPROVE THEM

❯❯ WHAT GOES WRONG ❯❯ PLUS BSB BIKES

UK off-sale date – 25/06/2019

OF BLADE

❯❯ HOW TO

£4.40

❯❯ BLITZING 5 GENS

OFGLORY O GL

ISSUE 354 JULY 2019

IT’S THE NEWS! Upfront........................................... 10 All the tastiest biking titbits.

GEARED UP!

Products.......................................... 15 All the latest, coolest and trickest products.

THE KNOWLEDGE

20

Used Buyer’s Guide.........................68

Everything you need to know when buying a K1/2 Gixer Thou’.

Master Legal ...................................83

If they look like the Police, they probably are the Police.

YOUR LIFE ON BIKES

COLUMNISTS

TESTS

Neave twins .................................. 110

Cover story

Tim’s British Superstock 1000 season gets underway.

Addiction.........................................56 Scott Redding ................................111

Ben McIntosh shows off his super sexy ZX-10R.

BSB is no walk in the park for the former GP racer.

You & Yours.....................................80 Gary Johnson ................................ 112

All of your latest adventures!

Chatter ............................................82

It’s only fair we give the best readers in the world a page of their own!

WORKSHOP

We’ve lined up a bunch of Blades from past and present and put them to the test.

Aprilia Tuono Launch .....................46

Boothy has been testing Aprilia’s new electro-suspended Tuono.

Gaz’s NW200 and TT prep take a bit of a blow, Bridgestone S22 launch .................52 thanks to a crash at Oulton Park.

Bridgestone’s new hypersport tyre has been given a good old pasting at Jerez.

Christian Iddon ............................. 113 A top six finish for Iddon scores him some much needed championship points.

Steve Parrish................................. 114

Our guide to….................................86 Parrish’s take on all things bike-racing.

Servicing your forks. A step-by-step guide from the guys at Black & White Bikes.

Blades of Glory................................20

FEATURES

Project Aprilia .................................62

Uncle Clive has been putting his time into refurbishing a relic: the Aprilia RS250.

Know Your.......................................92 Brake fluid. The man from Motul tells us how important brake fluid is.

What a tool .....................................94

This month we look at a brake bleeding kit.

What is it, how does it work, and is it any good?

OUR LIFE ON BIKES

Staff Bikes.......................................96 •Honda CBR650R

•Kawasaki ZX-6R

Race Riot ......................................... 78

The Fast Bikes boys have been to Cadwell Park for some endurance racing with No Limits Racing.

62

RACE SECTION

Pit Pass.......................................... 100

The lowdown on BSB, WSBK and MotoGP.

Zero to Hero ................................ 104 If you’re lucky enough to be heading over for this year’s Isle of Man TT races, be sure to take a look at our handy TT guide.

46

WELCOME

R

emember when CDs ruled the world and a 99 whippy ice cream actually cost 99-pence? Those were the days, eh.

Time takes no prisoners, and that message hit home loud and clear on this month’s cover test.

The original Blade was before my time, but the 929 hit the mark when they launched it back in 2000. It was a piece of kit, fuel injected, with a digital speedo and brakes that could actually stop you.

But even that was trumped when the GP-esque RR hit the scene in 04, only to be gazumped in turn when the 2008 iteration metaphorically smashed its predecessor’s back doors in. I raced one in Stock 1000 in 2009 and thought it was a right weapon, as fast as any bike could get and more agile than a greased-up dolphin. And at the time, that’s exactly what it was. I still have fond memories for that Blade, but it was a product of the moment and a good chunk less capable than the latest iteration SP2 I tested recently out in Spain. The question is whether the latest and greatest will automatically win you over the most, every time? Is it always worth spending five times as much as a used model just so you’ve got more levels of traction control and built-in Bluetooth, so you don’t feel lonely when branching more than 10 miles from your house (Boothy’s a bugger for that)? It’s a good question, and one which is pretty subjective to who you are and what you want. As far as these Blades go, there’s good and bad in every one of them, as you’ll grasp when thumbing through our findings. Foibles aside, it was a real privilege to take that Honda-shaped trip down memory lane, remembering what a choke looks like and how bikes used to smell and sound before legislation spoiled the day. Yep, that test was a memorable one, but we’ve also had loads of other antics on the go. Boothy’s been slumming it in Italy on Aprilia’s fancy pogo’d Tuono V4, while Carl’s been getting an education on fork re-builds from Black & White Bikes. Our friend Clive’s given us a ringside view of his Aprilia RS250 rebuild and we’ve gone to town putting together a guide to making the most of this year’s TT. Can you believe it’s that time already? If you’re heading over, we’ll maybe see you there. Make sure to hunt down Boothy and give him whatever advice you’ve got to offer. Judging by this issue’s Race Riot report, he’s struggling to work out which way the throttle twists? Have a cracking month and enjoy the mag.

Blade runners...

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BOSS MAN

‘Dangerous’ Bruce Wilson dangerous@fastbikes.co.uk

AD MAN

Charlie ‘The Sheriff’ Oakman coakman@fastbikes.co.uk

NEW MAN

Carl ‘Pretty Boy’ Stevens teaboy@fastbikes.co.uk

RACE MAN

Mike ‘Boothy’ Booth race@fastbikes.co.uk

TECH MAN

Rob ‘Beano’ Bean

tech@fastbikes.co.uk

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NE W S & REV IEW S PL ANET FAST BIKES – NE W ME TA L,

TRIUMPH RELEASE THEIR MENTAL ROCKET III

Want something slightly silly, super-fast in a straight line and with an engine that’s probably big enough to power a cruise ship? Well, look no further than Triumph’s new ROCKET III. Firstly, Triumph looked at the outgoing model and decided that, really, 2.3 litres just wasn’t enough. Who can argue with that? It means that the new machine is powered by an utterly massive 2.5-litre engine, with a claimed power figure of 170bhp – making it the most powerful Triumph ever to leave the factory. Oh, and the most interesting part? It will make an absolutely whopping 163ft-lb of torque, which is not only a new record for Triumph, but also for production bikes as well. Utter madness.

It’s not just the engine that’s been pimped up either, as Triumph th a whole host of other goodies as have gifted the Rocket III with brakes should offer a beefy amount well. New Brembo Stylema b w Monoshock suspension and a of stopping power while new d add a classier ride, with all the single-sided swingarm should

electronic goodies you’d expect on the side: riding modes, traction control, ABS, quickshifter, keyless ignition, Bluetooth connectivity, and even a hill-hold function so you don’t make a tit of yourself.

Mind you, Triumph have managed to stick it on a diet and shed a load of weight for good measure, meaning that the newest Rocket will come in 40kg lighter than the previous model… although don’t get too excited as it will still be on the wrong side of 300kg.

We haven’t heard a figure for price at the moment, but with only 750 being made (fo or the moment anyway) don’t expect it to come in n cheap…

SILVERSTONE RESURFACING IS A GO Remember all the misery last August? Sitting in the pissing rain waiting for absolutely no racing whatsoever? Well finally, there’s confirmation that change is on the way. Okay, it’s not that MotoGP is heading to Oulton or Cadwell, but at least Silverstone is getting a full resurface… whoop whoop!

There’s been months of speculation around the situation, and it’s finally been announced that the work will start on June 10, with a full resurface taking place over the course of the month by a different company.

The biggest job is to improve the drainage, alongside slightly different gradients which will all be done with some proper trick high-tech machinery, which will be finished in July. Funnily enough, the very first race at the circuit will be Formula One in mid-July which should be a pretty big test for the new tarmac. If all goes well, then it will have to be homologated by the brains behind MotoGP before the circus hits our shores in August.

Here’s to a more successful British GP in 2019…

10 JULY 2019 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM

JULY 2019 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM 11

NEW S & REV IEW S PLA NET FAST BIKES – NEW METAL,

KTM REVEAL MOTOGP FAN PACKAGES If you’re a big fan of the GP paddock and want to get involved in one of the fan grandstands, you wouldn’t go far wrong with venturing into the orange corner.

With bikes in all three classes there will be absolutely no shortage of cheering to be done, and you could even get on the Aperol Spritz for the ultimate orange experience. If it sounds like some of you, the KTM Fan Package includes your entry ticket, KTM grandstand seating, a KTM bag, T-shirt, cap, lanyard and earplugs. Oh, and if you want to make the road trip to KTM’s home race in Austria, there is even dedicated KTM parking, which is pretty cool.

Fancy it? Well, the packages are available at these rounds, with more details at www.KTM.com: Round 5: Le Mans, France (May 19) Round 6: Mugello, Italy (June 2) Round 7: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain (June 16) Round 8: Assen, Netherlands (June 30) Round 9: Sachsenring, Germany (July 7) Round 11: Red Bull Ring, Austria (August 11) Round 12: Silverstone, Great Britain (August 25) Round 16: Motegi, Japan (October 20) Round 17: Phillip Island, Australia (October 27) Round 18: Sepang, Malaysia (November 3)

NEW APRILIA DEALS ANNOUNCED

Fancy yourself a new Aprilia? Well there’s not been a better time, with a host of new deals announced across the range.

If range toppers are your tonic, Aprilia are offering their £21,499 RSV4 1100 Factory on a 4.9% PCP finance plan, which requires a 20% deposit. If PCP deals aren’t your thing and you fancy a naked, the Italians are offering the new Tuono V4 1100RR and Tuono V4 1100 Factory which will come equipped with a free Akrapovič slip-on exhaust – as will the faired RSV4 1000 RR. Aprilia are also offering a whole host of deals on their smaller capacity bikes, from the Shiver 900 and Dorsoduro 900s to the little Tuono 125 and everything in between, meaning there is (probably) something for everyone.

For more info, head over to www.aprilia.com, or try and find your nearest dealer…

RACE REP YZF-R125 ANYONE? We loved Yamaha’s YZF-R125 on the launch earlier this year – there’s only so much you can expect from 125cc, and it delivered. But if it wasn’t sporty enough before, it’s just taken a step up.

Yep, we’ve all seen an abundance of Repsol-rep CBR125s, but now it’s Yamaha who’ve gifted their littlest sports bike with ‘factory’ treatment, meaning you can now pick up a Monster Energy Rep that matches the MotoGP bikes muscled around by Rossi and Viñales.

The YZF-R125 Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition is expected to hit showrooms by the end of May 2019 priced at £4699, which is £200 more than the standard model. Better than spanking your money on fake Monster stickers though…

12 JULY 2019 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM

ALPINESTARS 24RIDE JACKET

TESTED BY: Carlos MI LES: 2000 TIM E: 6 Months PR ICE: £279.99 ars.com WEB: www.alpinest

Being the youngest of the lot here at Fast Bikes, image is (almost) everything. And based around the fact I near enough live in a hoodie, I got all excited when Alpinestars released the new 24Ride hoodie-style riding jacket. For short blasts in the sun there’s no better way to stay protected and still look the part, in my opinion – especially when the sun is blasting through, as the aramid material keeps you nice and cool. I’ve even been on a fair few long-distance journeys and it’s been great, although as the weather dips below 15 degrees or so, I’d definitely recommend something slightly warmer. Either way, this is the coolest looking bit of riding gear I’ve had and from the very first time I stuck it on, the comfiest as well. It goes on like a doddle and the soft material on the inside makes it feel all cushty on the skin, and even though I can feel the armour throughout, it doesn’t protrude p ot ude o or dig in at all. There’s a neat little system w which allows you to put your thumb throug gh a little pocket to hold the slee eves up when sticking gloves over, an nd the pockets are nice and big with so ome good quality zips, which is always a bonus. I’ve used it mainly a without the Tech-Air system and it feels secure enough with a normal back protector (I never go out without one!) although if you do want to use one, it’s an absolute doddle to install. Mind you, be aware it does add a chunk on to the weight!

T CX MOOD GORE-TEX

Okay, it’s a style thing.

Short boots aren’t for everyone, especially amongst the sports bike community where anything that doesn’t offer shin protection is ill advised. But the occasion of an urban ride, complete with kevlar jeans and a ‘social’ destination, these boots offer a high standard of protection in a very stylish package. While TCX changed the urban scene with the release of the ‘Street Ace’ with its Gore-Tex waterproof properties, the Mood is another step forward, matching its predecessor in the waterproofing department and adding a breathable membrane, which makes the ‘wear all day’ experience all the more comfortable.

Complete with ankle protection, a reinforced toe and a stiff reinforced sole, the Mood boot offers a good level of protection for everyday urban riding.

Well placed padding around the opening of the

TESTED BY: Charlie MI LES: 1,500 TIM E: 6 Months PR ICE: £149.99

WEB: www.nevis.u k.com

boot means you can tighten them right up for added safety without compromising on comfort. Supplied with the boots is a shift strap, held on with an elastic strap.

This wraps around the boot so you don’t scuff the full-grain leather uppers. I have ridden with it on and it’s effective, although I have also ridden without it and there was little detriment to the wear on the top side of the boot. This is a leisure-styled boot, available in black and the vintage brown as pictured. My sister-in-law (who is far more stylish than me) remarked how ‘cool’ they were, without even knowing that this was primarily a motorcycle boot – so a big tick in the box for TCX there. In truth, I wear these as often off the bike as I do on. I don’t want to be crashing in them, but then I don’t want to be crashing in anything.

JULY 2019 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM 15

D REV IEW ED ND BUS ED AN THE VERY BEST KIT – US ED, AB

ARMR ARAMID SHIRT No I’ve not started a new career as a part-time lumberjack, and neither am I channelling my inner hipster. I kid you not, this IS a motorcycle jacket – well, an Aramid one anyway. Like most of us, I use a bike for a varying degree of ‘things’, whether that be commuting, going to meetings or Sunday rides, but I also do short trips on it; I’ll pop to the shops or go to the local post office, and being totally honest I can’t be arsed to put on full leathers to go two miles down the road. That for me is when a jacket like this comes in super handy. With its armoured shoulder and elbows and optional back protector pocket, it’s as

protective as I need it to be as well as flexible enough to sling on when heading out the door. Now I fully appreciate this jacket is more aimed at someone of Carl’s age who wouldn’t normally wear a jacket at all because it’s not fashionable, but if it means more youngsters wearing some protection rather than their ‘super protective’ sport tracksuits, then I’m all for it.

TESTED BY: Martin MILES: 250 TIME: 3 Months PRIC E: RRP £99 WEB: www.tri-motive.com

OXFORD PRODUCTS IT ALL WEATHER OVER SU When you draw back your curtains and the trees are bent double by the wind and the dull sky k is i awash h with horizontal rain, you m might think twice about ta aking the bike out.

Realistically you have got three e options. 1. Go bacck to bed. 2. Take the car (or the bus).

3. Be a man, wrap yyourself up and brave the weather.

Now, if riding to work all through winter is your modus operandi, then you want to be looking at sometthing a bit more substa antial than this over suit fro om Oxford, althou ugh it is perfect for throwiing over the top of your no ormal riding gear as an e extra layer of protecction. It is really light, a and provided you have go ot a large enough size, yo ou forget you are

16 JULY 2019 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM

wearing it. If you wear it over the top of a ‘race suit’ with knee sliders and a speed hump, you might find that the fit is a little awkward and restricts your movement a bit, so it’s best to whip your Winona Ryders off, if you can. Once it’s on, it does a really good job of keeping the rain off you and it acts like a bit of a wind break, too. The flap that covers the diagonal zip stops any water getting through there. I have done quite a few miles wearing this, but I have done a hell of a lot more with it in the bottom of my rucksack – it folds up into a small sack so it’s dead handy to carry around with you in case the weather should take a turn for the worse. For the price, you can’t go wrong.

TESTED BY: Boothy MILES: 4,000 TIME: 3 Years PRIC E: £44.99 WEB: www.thevisorshop.com

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