GET UP TO SPEED
SUPERCHARGED! Kawasaki’s H2 SX takes sport touring to the next dimension
January 2018
MCM is FREE in dealers, clubs and biker cafés
#139
SIZING UP Little Versys v Big Versys
Caught out!
KTM’s 790 Rally action spy shots
Bought out!
The perfect 2018 bikers’ gift guide
Honda’s fuel cell motorcycle plans revealed
Designs from the Japanese giant show hydrogen ideas are ready
Ridden out!
BMW’s Bagger stretches its legs
Five separate drawings have unveiled a next-phase plan from Honda for a compact motorcycle powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. It’s not the first time that patents from the Japanese manufacturer have strongly pointed towards a hydrogen fuel source motorcycle but these are undoubtedly the most in-depth and detailed designs seen so far. The drawings have emerged months after Suzuki’s hydrogenpowered Burgman super-scooter went live with public trials in Japan. Here in the UK, the Met police force is also trialling seven Burgmans powered in the alternative way. Read more on Page 4
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NEWS 3
CAUGHT OUT: KTM’s 790 Adventure prototype in action
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Take all the tech from the new 790 Duke, mix it up with the incredible 1290 Adventure and voila! Something for 2018 that looks very much what a lot of motorcyclists really want... Here’s the first pics of the finished 790 Adventure KTM in action. And seeing the bike out in the hands of a factory test rider proves that the prototype we showed you first from the EICMA show in Milan last month really WAS a forerunner to a production version of the hot mid-weight Adventure bike. Our exclusive images show that the proddie-version of the bike is nearly identical to the prototype with a proddie-ready high exhaust, serious sump Powered by bash plate and same bulging lower fairing. the new LC8c via DLCPowered by the new motor, the 790 actuated coated finger followers, LC8c motor, the 790 Adventure is likely Adventure is likely electronic fuel injection, two balancer to make in excess of to make in shafts and semi dry100bhp (it’s the same excess of sump lubrication with engine as is now used oil cooler. in the new 790 Duke 100bhp If the Adventure R prototype and that makes 103bhp @ that got jaws dropping at EICMA 9000rpm and 63lb-ft of torque (pictured) gets anything near the @ 8000rpm) and weigh well same level of tech in production form under 180kg. as the 790 Duke gets then expect The 799cc two-cylinder, four-stroke the Adventure R to have ABS with DOHC inline engine has eight valves
New two-stroke bike: 90bhp and 85kg! This is the Vins Duecinquanta, a motorcycle developed and being made by five ex-Ferrari Formula One engineers. The bike gets a 244cc V-twin that can be tuned to 90bhp for the track (road trim will have it kicking out 80bhp). The bike’s chassis, bodywork and rims are made of carbon fibre, the front suspension is a double triangle set-up similar to the Telelever suspension used by BMW. The rear suspension features the single shock in a horizontal position. The bike’s radiator is mounted under the fake petrol tank and gets airflow directly through the front of the bike to keep things cool.
Supermoto mode, lean-angle sensing traction control, quickshifter+, launch control, KTM ride mode technology with customisable off-road mode and TFT dashboard. So the bike looks good in the photos and it looks even better in action – to watch video of the bike doing its thing, shot by our expert spy snapper (who gets a rather rude gesture thrown at him by the annoyed rider as he rides by) go to: www.morebikes.co.uk and search ‘790’.
Yoshi shows cool 125cc end can There’s no denying that this new steel, titanium and carbon Yoshimura end can for the 2017 Suzuki GSX-S125 ABS looks proper trick, but it’s pricey. The price ranges from £340 to £407 and the end cans tip the scales a full 38% lighter than stock, weighing in at just 2.3kg for the lightest version – 3.1kg for the heaviest. Start saving, kiddies.
KTM reveals pricing for its 790 Duke The Austrians are pricing the 2018 790 Duke (nicknamed The Scalpel... yep) to sell in numbers with the absolutely gorgeous naked roadster coming in at a suggested retail price of £8499. An A2 compliant 790 Duke will also be available at £8199.
2018 790 Duke Specification
● Parallel twin cylinder, four-stroke DOHC, eight valves actuated via DLC-coated finger followers, electronic fuel injection, two balancer shafts, semi dry-sump lubrication with oil cooler ● Six-speed transmission and PASC slipper clutch ● Maximum output: 105hp @ 9000rpm ● Maximum torque: 86Nm @ 8000rpm ● Ultra lightweight chrome-molybdenum steel frame with aluminium rear subframe, die-cast aluminium open lattice swingarm
Motor Cycle Monthly, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 529529 Email: editorial@motorcyclemonthly.co.uk
● 43mm split open-cartridge upside-down fork by WP Suspension with progressive springs ● High quality WP Suspension gasassisted rear shock with progressive spring and preload adjuster ● 12-stage adjustable tapered aluminium handlebar ● Two 300mm front brake discs with radial four-piston calipers and radial front brake master cylinder ● Cornering ABS including Supermoto mode ● Lean-angle sensitive motorcycle traction control (MTC) and motor slip regulation (MSR) ● Quickshifter+ (up and down shifting) ● Launch control ● Multifunctional dashboard with colour TFT display and illuminated menu switch
Editor Tony Carter Editorial design Fran Lovely Publisher Dan Savage Picture desk Paul Fincham, Jonathan Schofield and Angie Sisestean Production editor Dan Sharp Divisional advertising team leader Zoe Thurling 01507 529412 Advertising Lee Buxton 01507 529453 Kate Hayes 01507 529411 Advertising deadline for February issue January 3, 2018 Distribution 01507 529529 Marketing manager Charlotte Park
● LED lighting all around ● OEM Maxxis Supermaxx ST tyres as standard ● Optional KTM MY RIDE ● Price: £8499 (A2 compliant 790 Duke £8199)
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New Rossi skull art helmet is hot stuff Valentino Rossi has a new helmet design to use during the winter MotoGP tests. Primarily going out in the lid at Sepang last month, the helmet is based on Mexican skull art – and while there’s no news yet about this becoming a production helmet you can buy, it probably will make it to the shelves later next year. Instead of jewels or beads used to make the design stand out, the helmet gets a series of contrastingly-coloured, hand-painted geometric designs. Rossi said: “Huichol art immediately intrigued me, because it uses many of my symbols, like the sun and moon or the turtle. The helmet looks really good, Aldo Drudi did a great job. “We might say that the helmet has become a work of art, something we’ve never seen before.”
4 NEWS
Honda’s fuel cell motorcycle These design drawings unearthed from a heap of files registered with an international patent office show that Honda isn’t just about electric bikes and huge mpg for the future – the two wheel giant is also building hydrogen cell bikes for the next phase of motorcycling’s universe. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a fuel cell patent from Honda, but it is the first time we’ve
seen one that look so much like a conventional motorcycle. In these designs you can see that the hydrogen tank is positioned under the seat with the front part of the motorcycle being where the cells are held. The machine’s battery and brains sit lower down in the belly pan alongside the electric motor which drives the shaft to the back wheel.
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Old Bandit make over
OUT NOW! The latest issue of Classic Racer magazine has hit the shelves – so go grab YOUR copy.
The brilliant Classic Racer is out now so make sure you get hold of your copy of the best racing publication in the world. In this issue there’s a bevvy of superb features on all things classic racing including the in-depth story of the Yamaha YZR500, exclusive archive pictures from the 1960s, 70s and 80s, fantastic features on giants of the racing past like Aaron Slight, Steve Hislop and Ginger Molloy, an exclusive look at how Suzuki made its 152bhp Katana racebike plus there’s excerpts from Alan Carter’s incredible book: Light in the Darkness. It’s another jam-packed edition of Classic Racer where legends live on. It costs £4.50 and you can get it at all good newsagents or have it delivered directly to your door (and save a few quid too) by going to: www.classicmagazines.co.uk.
Nicknamed the Grey Flash, this is a 1998 Suzuki Bandit 600 that’s been bolted together with selected bits and pieces off a 1996 GSX-R750. From the bigger bike come the forks, calipers, tyres, swingarm and front fender. Pepo Rosell, the boss of Spanish firm XTR Pepo which made the bike, crafted the subframe and seat especially while the engine has been tuned and gets K&N filters. There’s a new exhaust on the bike too and that’s made by Spark. The front brakes at NG and the footrests are from Puig. The rear shock comes off a Honda CBR600. It’s beautiful.
NEWS 5
Honda ups the ante with its CB4 ‘Interceptor’ concept
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Basically, this is a dressed up CB1000 with a bit of future tech – and it looks terrific. Wow. Honda hasn’t held back on showing the rest of the world how cool its stylists can be with the CB4 ‘Interceptor’. Building on the CB4 Concept originally shown at EICMA in Milan a couple of years ago the bike looks as trick as you like but sadly, there’s little in the way of details from the factory. What looks like a fan is sited inside the round headlight, the moving parts are used to power a live, connected digital screen sited on top of the bike’s petrol tank that’s connected to the internet for traffic updates, route planning and media connection.
The concept’s colour scheme is what Honda calls Total Black, so... black. And the CB4 also gets an absolutely gorgeous underseat exhaust routing married to a single-sided swingarm. Another gorgeous bit of styling. So will we see this bike as a production machine on the road anytime soon? Possibly. Back in 2015 the CB4 concept was shown alongside a super off-roady/roady scooter concept which went on to become the Honda X-Adv scooter that you’ve been able to buy for over a year now. These things do make it to the street you see. Eventually.
Honda CB300R
Africa Twin – upgrades and Sports model for 2018 There’s some serious changes ahead for Honda’s CRF1000L Africa Twin. Engine-wise, the 998cc SOHC eight-valve parallel-twin engine still produces 94bhp and 73lb-ft for 2018, but it has been upgraded with Throttle By Wire (TBW) and riding modes (Tour, Urban, Gravel and User, which allows the rider to set and save personal preferences). The expanded Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) now
The other Africa Twin
The new CRF1000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports model adds a larger fuel tank (24.2 litres), higher riding position, greater ground clearance, heated grips, extended fairing and longer travel suspension to the mix.
features seven levels, while the outgoing model had three levels of HSTC, plus off. It remains possible to turn HSTC completely off. There are also three levels of power and engine braking available. Suspension and brakes are unchanged for 2018. The spoked wheels are now made from stainless steel, and block tyres will also be approved for fitment. Wet weight is 2kg down at 230kg (240kg for DCT version).
The fairing, screen and sump guard are all bigger than on the base model. The extra 5.4 litre fuel capacity extends range beyond 300 miles and the bike also gets an AC charging socket.
The lightweight CB300R, with ‘Neo Sports Café’ styling, features a 286cc DOHC four-valve liquid-cooled single cylinder engine – shared with the CBR300R – with 31bhp and 20lb-ft, six-speed gearbox plus brand new chassis comprised of tubular/ pressed steel frame, 41mm USD forks, radial-mount four-piston front caliper and floating disc plus preload adjustable monoshock. An enhanced specification includes full LED lighting, LCD display and IMU-based ABS.
6 NEWS
All hail the coolest retro yet The worst-kept secret in motorcycling was unveiled last month and Kawasaki’s Z900RS looks set to move the goalposts for what a modern retro can do. Paying homage to the legendary Z1 Super Four 900 of 1972, the Z900RS is anything but retro in the tech stakes. The bike gets a new lightweight trellis frame and new engine tuning that (according to Kawasaki) means that the liquid-cooled DOHC 16-valve 948cc inline four-cylinder power plant has a different character to that of the existing Z900.
The engine also gets a new exhaust design which uses Kawasaki’s first ‘tuned exhaust note’. Apparently, the bike makes the best sound at low revs when idling and lowspeed riding. Makes sense to have the best sound happening then, we suppose. A handsome bike, the Z900RS also gets an LED headlamp, indicators and taillight, as well as spokestyle cast wheels. The retro bike’s modern features include radially-mounted front brakes, a high-grade adjustable upside down fork, plus two-mode KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control) and an assist and slipper clutch. The 17-litre teardrop tank, Z1 and Z2-styled
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Husqvarna’s White Arrow coming soon round mirrors, Z inspired duck-bill tail cowl and the two-tone seat with double-stitching round up the visual details. In addition to the standard Z900RS, a special cafe racer-style Z900RS CAFE has been launched, featuring a front cowl, drop handlebars, different seat, colour and graphics.
Kawasaki H2 SX - the supercharged super tourer
New ZX-10R SE gets clever
It’s been three years since Kawasaki first showed its forced induction Ninja H2 and Ninja H2R high-end motorcycles and added to that imposing stable now comes a new supercharged sport tourer. Featuring the company’s secondgeneration balanced supercharged engine: the Ninja H2 SX aircompressing powerhouse has been developed entirely in-house by Kawasaki with what the factory says is a focus on real-world street use. Lacking in power the bike is not, with maximum power peaking at 197bhp. That goes up to an even more astounding 207bhp with Ram Air. Maximum torque is 101lb-ft. The new model’s wet weight is 256kg and in the tech department, the Ninja H2 SX features rider aids such as Kawasaki’s latest IMU-equipped electronics package, ABS, traction and cruise control, engine braking control, assist and slipper clutch, Kawasaki Cornering Management Function and power modes. To add to the touring capability of the bike, the revised Ninja H2-
derived trellis frame can carry a formidable 190kg payload. The longer wheelbase and an altered steering head angle also keep the bike stable at high speeds. The Ninja H2 SX comes in two model variants: the standard Ninja H2 SX and the Ninja H2 SX SE. The SE model comes equipped with an array of additional features such as Kawasaki’s first TFT LCD meter, lean angle sensitive LED cornering lights and a quick-shifter. It is also equipped as standard with a large windscreen, centrestand, heated grips and a 12V socket, which are accessories on the base model.
The Vitpilen 701 was first displayed as a concept bike in 2015, and will now be available to buy as a production bike in the first quarter of 2018. It joins in the Husqvarna street lineup next to the already announced Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen (‘Black Arrow’) 401. The Vitpilen 701 has a lightweight high grade chromium molybdenum tubular steel frame, the powerplant is a 692.7cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a peak power of 75bhp and 53lb-ft of torque. WP suspension and Brembo brakes complete the package. Electronics on board include a ride-by-wire system and switchable Bosch ABS. There’s also a slipper clutch to increase rear wheel grip.
Suzuki’s SV650X Taking design cues from the SV650 Rally Concept – which the Japanese firm showcased at the Osaka Motor Show in 2016 – the SV650X gets a new bikini fairing and tinted screen, clipon handlebars, and a tuck-roll seat. The SV650X uses the same 645cc V-twin engine as the standard SV650 with 75bhp and 47lb-ft, and gets Suzuki’s low-rpm assist and easy-start system. There are also new, preload adjustable front forks, which will feature across the SV range for 2018.
Harley’s Sport Glide Kawasaki has introduced a new addition to its litre-class supersport line-up for 2018. Powered by the same 998cc liquid-cooled, inline fourcylinder engine as the rest of the ZX-10 range, the Ninja ZX10R SE is the company’s first
machine to feature Kawasaki Electronic Control Suspension (KECS). The system has stroke sensors and adjustment solenoids built into the Showa suspension units, and there’s a dedicated suspension ECU that communicates with the standard fitment ECU and the inertia measurement unit (IMU) to provide a fast response in one of three settings: road, track or manual. The Ninja ZX-10R SE also features specially cast Marchesini forged alloy wheels and an up and down quick-shifter.
New 400 Ninja revealed Kawasaki has finally revealed the all-new Ninja 400. The new capacity size means that the small Ninja is now a 400 and replaces the old 300cc model in the range. The new 399cc parallel-twin engine delivers peak power of 44bhp at 10,000rpm and 28lb-ft of torque at 8000rpm. The lightweight trellis frame has a similar design to that of the Ninja H2’s and uses the engine as a
stressed member. It helps to keep the weight down, with the wet weight quoted as 168kg.
This new addition to the HarleyDavidson Softail range features 43mm inverted forks, plus remote hydraulic rear shock spring preload adjustment. It’s powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-twin engine and gets full LED lighting, electronic cruise control and a low seat height of 652.7mm. A USB charging port, keyless ignition and the Harley-Davidson Smart Security System are standard features. It gets new Mantis cast-aluminium wheels, 18in front and 16in rear, shod with Michelin Scorcher 31 performance tyres. The bike will be available in three solid colours: Black, Cherry and Silver. For more information on getting on two Commuters wheels, check out our brilliant Buying sister publication Riding – On2Wheels Learners
On Two Wheels
7
8 WHAT’S ON
What’s On: the essential dates DECEMBER 26 Ace Cafe London. Cold Turkey Meet. london.acecafe.com 31 Huddersfield Autojumble (Christmas Do). Old Market Building, Brook Street, Huddersfield HD1 1RG. Tel: Jeff 07795 505388 Email: jeffpff@hotmail.co.uk 31 Ace Cafe London. Bike Day. london.acecafe.com 31 Ace Cafe London. New Year’s Eve Party. london.acecafe.com
JANUARY
1 VMCC (Essex section). New Year’s Day Run, Writtle Green car park. Tel. 01621 892606. 1 Ace Cafe London. The Hangover Meet. london.acecafe.com 1 Ace Cafe London. German Bikes ‘n’ Cars (BMW & Mercedes). london.acecafe.com 5-6 Ards Motorcycle Show and Autojumble. Queens Hall, Newtownards, County Down, Northern Ireland. Tel. Tom Rutherford 07971 681779. 6-7 The Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic. Newark Showground, Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 2NY. www.classicbikeshows.com 7 Ace Cafe London. Bike Day. london.acecafe.com 10 Ace Cafe London. Brit Bike Night with Triumph & Royal Enfield OC & WIMA & BMF. london.acecafe.com 11 Ace Cafe London. Italian Bikes ‘n’ Cars. london.acecafe.com
12 Ace Cafe London. Bike Night and Bandit OC. london.acecafe.com 14 Ace Cafe London. Bike Day. london.acecafe.com 14 Maldon British Motorcycle Owners’ Club Bike Jumble. Memorial Hall, Newland Street, Witham, Essex, CM8 2AZ. Tel: Roger 07787 847874. Cliff 01245 262047. 18 Ace Cafe London. Super Moto + XJROC + NABD + MAG + Classic Scooters. london.acecafe.com 19 Ace Cafe London. Bike Night + Rockers & Classic. london.acecafe.com 20 Kempton Park Motorcycle Autojumble. Kempton Park, Staines Road East, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex TW16 5AQ. www.kemptonparkautojumble.co.uk 20 35th Annual Rockers Reunion. Rivermead Leisure Complex, Richfield Avenue, Reading RG1 8EQ. www.rockersreunion.co.uk 21 Ace Cafe London. AJS and Matchless OC Founders Day + Classic Bikes. london.acecafe.com 21 Malvern Drive-In Classic Car & Bike Autojumble. Three Counties Showground, Wye Halls and outside, Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6NW. Tel: 01484 667776. www.classicshows.org 25 Ace Cafe London. Harley Night. www.ace-café-london.com 26 Ace Cafe London. Bike Night + Performance & Fast Bike. london.acecafe.com 28 Normous Newark Autojumble. The Showground, Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark, Notts NG24 2NY. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk
TO GET YOUR EVENT ON THESE PAGES EMAIL jclements@mortons.co.uk
FEBRUARY
MARCH
3-4 The 38th Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show. The Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN. www.classicbikeshows.com 4 Ace Cafe London. Bike Day. london.acecafe.com 11 Sunbeam MCC Gordon Jackson Trial. Bagshot Heath, Surrey. Contact Neil Sinclair 07885 660939. sinclairndp@hotmail.co.uk 11 Ace Cafe London. Bike Day. london.acecafe.com 11 Ace Cafe London. MAG Fred Hill Memorial Ride-Out. london.acecafe.com 17-18 The Classic Dirt Bike Show Sponsored by Hagon Shocks. The International Centre, St Quentin Gate, Telford, Shropshire TF3 4JH. www.classicbikeshows.com 18 Battlesbridge Motorcycle Museum Numbfinger Run. Battlesbridge Motorcycle Museum, Maltings Road, Battlesbridge, Essex SS11 7RH. Contact Dave Evans davejoolivia@googlemail.com 18 Ace Cafe London. Bike Day. london.acecafe.com 18 Ace Cafe London. Ride-Out to MCN Bike Show at Excel. london.acecafe.com 25 Normous Newark Autojumble. The Showground, Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark, Notts NG24 2NY. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk 25 Ace Cafe London. 59 Club Renewal Day. london.acecafe.com
4 Malvern Drive-In Classic Car & Bike Autojumble. Three Counties Showground, Wye Halls and outside, Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6NW. Tel. 01484 667776. www.classicshows.org 4 Ace Cafe London. Sidecar-Trike3Wheeler Day in aid of NABD. london.acecafe.com 10 Kempton Park Motorcycle Autojumble. Kempton Park, Staines Road East, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex TW16 5AQ. www.kemptonparkautojumble.co.uk 11 Kenley Autojumble. The Portcullis Club, Kenley Airfield, Victor Beamish Avenue, Caterham, Surrey CR3 5FX. Tel. 07772 169524 or 07971 823314. www.facebook.com/ KenleyAutojumble 11 Ace Cafe London. British + Classic Bike Day. london.acecafe.com 18 Wistanstow Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Show and Autojumble. Tel. 07792 983020. Email. wistanstowbikeshow@hotmail.co.uk 18 VMCC (Essex section). Cobwebs Run from Tesco, Maldon. Tel. Dave Iszard 01621 892206. 18 Sunbeam MCC. 79th Pioneer Run, Epsom-Brighton. Contact Ian McGill 01293 771446. acsociable1@sky.com 18 Ace Cafe London. Overland + Adventure Bike Day. london.acecafe.com 24-25 Manchester Bike Show. EventCity, Phoenix Way, Off Barton Dock Road, Traffordcity, Manchester M41 7TB Tel. 01484 482005. www.manchesterbikeshow.com 25 Classic Motorcycle Show. Cafeplus, Baldock. Tel 07963 609143.
FREE track kit with every new Triumph Thruxton R Triumph is giving away a complimentary Track Racer Kit with every Thruxton R bought from an authorised dealer between now and December 31. The kit, worth £1950, includes a Café Racer fairing, a fender removal kit, brushed stainless steel slipons, front and rear short-stem LED indicators, leather tank strap and grey diamond knurl handlebar grips.
Learners Commuters Buying On Two Wheels
Riding
For more information on getting on two wheels, check out our brilliant NEW sister publication – On2Wheels
NEWS 9
Ducati refines for 2018 Here’s a look at the most important machines due from the Italian factory over the coming 12 months. Things get bigger.
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Ducati 959 Panigale Corse
Ducati Multistrada 1260 The Adventure tourer gets even bigger with the new Ducati Testastretta DVT 1262cc L-twin engine (156bhp/95.5lbft), new chassis (longer swingarm and wheelbase), more advanced electronics and a tweaked look. Four versions of the new bike will be on sale: the Multistrada 1260, 1260 S, 1260 S D-Air and 1260 Pikes Peak. There’s no increase in size for the Enduro model though, that will stay on the current 1200 platform. So what’s new? Well, all of the new bikes get that motor and an updated chassis, the Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) which controls cornering ABS, wheelie and traction control is on all models, too. On the S, S D-Air and Pikes Peak models, the IMU also links with cornering lights built into the LED headlight unit. Those models also get
The 959 Panigale Corse shares the 955cc Superquadro engine (150bhp/75lb-ft) and the die-cast aluminium monocoque frame with the standard Panigale. Where the Corse differs from the stock bike is in its trick track bits that include Öhlins suspension, Akrapovic titanium silencers, a lithiumion battery and a MotoGPesque paintjob. The Öhlins suspension consists of a multi-adjustable 43mm titanium-nitride treated NIX30 fork, and a multiadjustable TTX36 shockabsorber. The 959 Panigale Corse has a kerb weight of 197.5kg, 2.5kg less than the 959 Panigale. The electronics package includes ABS, traction control, quickshifter, engine brake control and ride-by-wire. The three Riding Modes are Race, Sport and Wet.
clutchless up and down shifts and have higher spec Brembo brakes and bigger discs. The S and S D-Air feature electronic semi-active Sachs suspension system, while the Pikes Peak and the standard Multistrada 1260 rely on manual systems (Öhlins and Sachs respectively). Cruise control and vehicle hold control are included as standard on all models.
Zero charges forward Loads of changes to the all-electric two-wheeled Zeros for 2018. There’s a new Charge Tank option on the S and DS road bikes. This 6kWh battery will accept fast charging from public charge points up to six times faster than a standard socket adding 30 miles of range in the time taken to grab a coffee or 80 miles in an hour. Zero is claiming 10% more range for its 2018 bikes, with up to 112 miles on the open road, 225 miles in the city. Expect to pay from £9910. Visit www.zeromotorcycles.com
Moto Guzzi V85 concept
Ducati Scrambler 1100 The Scrambler 1100 brings a bigger L-twin engine and better standard equipment to the Ducati Scrambler family. The new 1079cc air-cooled engine delivers 84bhp total output with peak torque 65lb-ft coming at a fairly low 4750rpm. The big Scrambler comes in three different versions: the Scrambler 1100, Scrambler 1100 Special and the Scrambler 1100 Sport fitted with Öhlins suspension. Bosch cornering ABS and traction control are standard equipment, as are ride-by-wire, rider and power modes, LED light-guide, LED rear light, LCD instruments, steel tank with interchangeable aluminium side panels, machinefinished aluminium belt covers and under-seat storage compartment with USB socket.
Moto Guzzi has revealed this gorgeous Adventure bike concept, the V85. Not many details are available at the moment but Guzzi says a new engine is being launched in the V85. It’s a two-cylinder 90° transverse aircooled 850cc which kicks out 79bhp of maximum power. Moto Guzzi believes that it will be a fun bike for on-road and off-road riding.
Three new Indian bikes Indian Motorcycle has revealed a trio of new bikes for 2018. The Scout Bobber pays homage to the stripped-down builds of America’s postwar past. The Roadmaster Elite is a special run of 250 machines with a two-tone colour, along with real 23K gold leaf badging on the tank. The Springfield Dark Horse has matte black paint with gloss black details, and will feature a quick-release windshield. Learners Commuters Buying On Two Wheels
Riding
For more information on getting on two wheels, check out our brilliant NEW sister publication – On2Wheels
10 FATHER AND S0N
Kawasaki’s family tree
Little and LARGE Does size REALLY matter? We let father and son duo Nick and Ross Mowbray loose on the latest Kawasaki adventure bikes to find out. WORDS: Ross Mowbray PHOTOGRAPHY: Gary Chapman
FATHER AND S0N 11 The riders
Ross
Kawasaki released what was, on paper at least, a competent, good value, easy to ride 650cc adventure machine in 2006. While off-road pretensions were espoused, the ‘Versatile System’ was really created with the wants and needs of the wider EU market in mind – a slightly older audience that would be riding predominantly on the road. Although not the most inspiring pitch, over the last few years a loyal following has built up around the green machine in its 650cc and 1000cc forms (the 1000cc model appeared in 2012). So, let’s fast forward to 2017 – and Kawasaki has revamped its adventure line-up, introducing the updated Versys Grand Tourer 1000 and the all-new Versys-X 300 – arguably one of the most exciting new adventure bikes to make it to the market this year. Versatile, capable and confidenceinspiring, the Versys-X 300 is the latest entry-level model from Kawasaki, which hopes to help a new generation of motorcyclists get into adventure riding, by combining big bike styling with frugal small machine running costs. These bikes are as happy nipping to the shops as they are crossing continents. They are road bikes at heart, and despite their relatively low price and basic suspension, they both handle incredibly well. We had the bikes for a couple of weeks, and in between a couple of days of pretty intense riding around Lincolnshire, we headed up the North Yorkshire Moors and back down the east coast from Whitby, taking in the scenery, enjoying the winding country roads, and getting to grips with the bikes.
A171
Whitby
Stokesley
North York Moors National Park
Chop Gate
A171
Scarborough Helmsley
and very well balanced, with its upright seating position and high bars offering excellent visibility all round – and it isn’t (too) hard to move round either. Once fired up and on the open road, the liquid-cooled, fuel-injected Versys Grand Tourer comes into its own, with its wet multi-disc clutch offering smooth and straightforward gear selection – while the ABS brake system ensures you are well covered for any situation. The Bridgestone Battlax T30 120 front and 180 rear tyres offer excellent traction on the road – even when pushed to the limits of its lean angle. Out on the trails, I found the standing riding position really comfortable and felt totally in control, even if it isn’t the machine’s natural environment. With a more appropriate tyre you would be able to push the bike harder on the dirt – but with its 250kg curb weight, I’d recommend taking a mate with you to help you pick it up in case you drop it. Comfort has undoubtedly played an important part in the Versys’ design – it’s equipped with an extremely comfortable seat that I was happy on all day, while its upright seating position and high handlebars work to offer plenty of room for the rider. Fuel consumption isn’t too bad either. Over the two weeks I had the bike I put just under 500 miles on the clock and managed to turn out a pretty respectable 52mpg – across a combination of both short and long journeys. The Grand Tourer also comes with a 47-litre topbox, and two 56-litre panniers, which come equipped with Kawasaki-branded internal bags with shoulder straps to
That’s the average mpg from the Versys 1000
We all want more out of the things we buy – everything has to have the ability to multitask, and that’s what the Versys Grand Tourer delivers. From a Sunday afternoon ride with your mates, to a weekend away touring and light trail riding (with the right tyres on, of course), this machine can deliver it all. First impressions, and yes, the bike does look big and heavy – and admittedly it is pretty heavy, with a curb mass of 250kg – but once you get sat on the bike (something I didn’t find altogether straightforward at just under 6ft tall, with the panniers and topbox on) it feels really comfortable
Nick has been riding motorcycles all his life. Originally a farmer, he was tearing around the farm on bikes, scooters and whatever else he could find pretty much as soon as he could walk. He has ridden a selection of sportbikes, motocross bikes and adventure bikes over the years, although he now enjoys a slightly more sedate pace of twowheeled travel.
Middlesbrough
52
Kawasaki Versys Grand Tourer 1000
Nick
Ross is our resident yoof on Motorcycle Monthly and one of the test riders and product gurus on Motorcycle Sport & Leisure. He’s relatively new to riding (on the road at least) having only passed his full motorcycle test a few months ago. However, he’s been riding a little 125 on a CBT for a couple of years, and he has honed his skills riding off-road (something he relishes with every opportunity).
make life easy when you arrive at your destination. With a total of 159 litres to play with, if you can’t get everything you need in the boxes on offer, then you need to be asking yourself a few questions (unless you’re heading on a round the world overland adventure, of course). No matter whether you’re powering down the motorway at speed, or meandering off through narrow country lanes and B-roads, the Versys Grand Tourer feels like the perfect tool for the job. I could see the bike coming into its own on a long trip to Europe and riding across the Alps. If you’re tempted by the Versys 1000, then you’ve got three options. There’s the standard Versys 1000, the Tourer and the Grand Tourer, which all offer slightly different packages, depending on what you’re looking for. Prices start from £10,299 for the standard Versys 1000 and go up to £11,799 for the Grand Tourer.
Pickering
Malton
A170 A165
A64
Oliver’s Mount
A19
Bridlington A64 Stamford Bridge
Driffield
A166
A614
York Pocklington
A165
A19
A1035 Beverley
Selby
A614 M62
M62
A164
A63
Hull
F S Humber Bridge
12 FATHER AND S0N TECH SPEC Kawasaki Versys-X 300 (2017) PRICE: £5149 ENGINE: 296cc, four-stroke, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin POWER: 39bhp (29.3kW) @ 11,500rpm TORQUE: 19lb-ft (25.7Nm) @ 10,000rpm BRAKES: (F) Single 290mm petal disc, single balanced actuation dual piston caliper. (R) Single 220mm petal disc, dual piston caliper. TYRES: (Front) 100/90-19M/C 57S. (Rear) 130/80-17M/C 65S SUSPENSION: (F) 41mm telescopic fork. (R) gas-charged shock with adjustable preload SEAT HEIGHT: 845mm WEIGHT: 175kg FUEL CAPACITY: 17 litres CONTACT: www.kawasaki.co.uk
Wheels
The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 features spoked 19in front and 17in rear wheels.
Brakes
Superb stopping power is on offer from the ABS assisted front single 290mm petal disc with dual piston caliper and rear single 220mm petal disc with dual piston caliper.
Comfort
Its small windscreen, wide handlebars and upright seating position help the Versys-X 300 command the road, offering comfort and (reasonable) wind protection.
Dash
The analogue tachometer and an LCD display show gear position, speed, clock, fuel level, trip/odometer and more.
Engine
The 296cc parallel twin (pulled straight from the Ninja 300) makes 39bhp and delivers 19lb-ft of torque.
Seat
The seat isn’t especially comfortable, but for taller riders Kawasaki offers a slightly higher seat with a little bit of extra padding to help out on slightly longer journeys.