MoreBikes - November 2020 - Preview

THE WORLD’S

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On Two Wheels

CAFÉ RACER SHOWDOWN ROYAL ENFIELD’S CONTINENTAL GT

VS TRIUMPH’S THRUXTON R

Which one would YOU choose?

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BUYER’S GUIDE: HONDA FIREBLADE

WORTH £99.99

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The space-age liner from Sweden

RIDDEN

The inside line on the ICONIC Urban Tiger

THE FUTURE OF HELMETS?

WINTER

gloves from Weise

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NEWS 3

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Polaris joins forces with Zero Motorcycles

Celebrating 40 years of BMW adventure

The American automotive giant has just joined forces Zero Motorcycles to electrify a range of its vehicles. At the minute, the 10-year deal includes its snowmobiles and off-road vehicles, but not the Indian Motorcycles brand.

Considering the recent news that the resurgent Indian factory is planning on releasing an electric bike in the not-too-distant future, it’s certainly possible we’ll see a Zero-powered machine eventually.

Don’t expect anything immediately though. Polaris is planning to release a new electric offering in each of its business segments (which are covered by the Zero agreement) by 2025. For now, we’ll just have to sit tight and wait and see if that includes Indian Motorcycle a bit further down the line.

New anniversary R1250GS looks to the future The German factory has used the 40th anniversary of its inimitable GS to reveal an extra trick version of the big adventure machine.

To celebrate 40 years of the model, BMW has kitted out its latest GS with a massive list of additional electronic goodies and a black and yellow paint scheme.

First off, there are new adaptive cornering lights. That’s right. The new GS and GSA have headlight reflectors which are able to swivel by 35 degrees – which means that as you turn into a corner, the headlight pivots and aims

the beam where you’re going.

They can adjust their height too, if you’re laden up with luggage or are carrying a particularly heavy pillion. Just think how much easier that’s going to make the bike to ride at night.

That’s not all. BMW’s also added dynamic traction control, ABS Pro and Hill Start Control (HSC) to the GS and GSA, and there’s also the option to add Pro Rider Modes and HSC Pro if you fancy.

There’re heated rider and passenger seats, and updated heated grips which

now offer five stages of adjustment.

There are extra power options available too, with a standard 12v powerpoint and a 2.4A USB port.

There’s an ‘eco’ rider mode if you need to squeeze a few more miles from the tank, and you can even raise the bars by 30mm without needing to buy any aftermarket parts.

At this stage there’s still been no word on when we’ll get to see the bike in the flesh, or how much we’d have to pay for the privilege of the new goodies, but chances are it won’t be long at all. before we find out.

Valentino Rossi WILL race in 2021

HOT stuff from Keis

The Doctor has signed a deal to join the Petronas Yamaha Satellite Racing Team for next year’s MotoGP World Championship.

We’ve been talking about it for months, but now the news is official and the deal is finally done. Valentino Rossi has signed a one-year extension of his contract with Yamaha, and will race as part the Petronas Yamaha team alongside Franco Morbidelli.

It was always expected, after Yamaha signed Maverick Viñales and Fabio Quartararo to the factory team earlier in the year to put a stop to Ducati poaching them. But there was still a question mark over whether or not Rossi would want to continue racing next season. The Italian told Yamaha that he wanted to wait and see how he did in the first five or six races of the season before making a decision on whether he would retire or stay on.

We expected the deal to be done weeks ago at Jerez, but demands from both sides slowed down the process. Rossi wanted to bring his entire crew with him, but Petronas were only willing to take his crew chief David Muñoz, data engineer Matteo Flamigni and rider coach Idalio Gavira. As you’d expect, that sparked a long negotiation between both sides before a deal was eventually signed in Barcelona.

It’s good to know that Rossi’s going to be around for another year. Will 2021 be the end of his MotoGP career? At this stage, it’s too early to say. He’s bagged a podium this season and believes he is capable of more, but if he’s not performing then it’s unlikely he’ll want to hang around. Plus, there’s been talk of his VR46 race team making a move up to MotoGP in the not-too-distant future, so maybe he’ll still be around the paddock after all.

​ oreBikes, Media Centre, M Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 529529 Editor Ross Mowbray

E​ ditorial design Fran Lovely Publishing Director Dan Savage Publisher Tim Hartley Email editorial@morebikes.co.uk Production Editor Mike Cowton

Heated kit specialist Keis has just released the most advanced motorcycle gloves it’s ever made: the G701. The winter gloves are waterproof, thanks to a hydrophobic Ballistic Spandex outer shell and breathable Hipora membrane, and for protection the G701 includes flexible soft armour across the knuckles and scaphoid sliders on each palm.

They’re warm too, with a layer of 3M Thinsulate insulation to complement the micro carbon fibre heating panels with Far InfraRed Radiation heatgenerating technology.

There’s an easy-to-use controller which is positioned on the back of the wrist for easy operation, enabling you to turn them on or off and change the temperature while you’re on the move. Power comes from either a 12v vehicle battery, or if you fancy you can get your hands (ahem) on the Keis portable 2600mAh Glove Battery pack for an additional fee.

Available now from £199.99. For more info, visit: keisapparel.com

Group Advertising Manager Sue Keily Divisional Advertising Manager Tom Lee Advertising Simon Meyer 01507 529310 and Billy Manning 01507 529414 Advertising deadline for December issue November 5, 2020 Sales and Distribution Manager Carl Smith Marketing Manager Charlotte Park Commercial Director Nigel Hole Customer services number 01507 529529

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4 NEWS

A nod from the Editor Launch season is upon us

Ross Mowbray

Things are going to be a little different this year...

I

t might feel that it's come round faster than usual, but believe it or not, it's that time of the year again when we get our first proper look at the new bikes for the year ahead.

But this time around it's not going to be quite the same. The big show at EICMA won't be going ahead, nor will Intermot – and Motorcycle Live has suffered much the same fate as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. But what does that mean for us lot looking to get our first glimpse at the 2021 crop?

Well, despite there not being any big shows to attend, manufacturers still need to show their newest bikes to the world ahead of them rolling out into dealers ahead of the riding season kicking off in earnest, when the weather begins to take a turn for the better in Spring. We've already seen a few of the big names getting ahead of the game. Honda’ revealed a selection of updated machines, Kawasaki’s done the same, and BMW has revealed a few trick models, too. We’re expecting that trend to continue over the coming months, with factories slowly releasing bikes one by one, rather than giving it to us all at once as they would usually. With Euro 5 regulations being put in place in the New Year, chances are we’re going to see a lot of subtly tweaked bikes heading into production, but thankfully, there’s sure to be some pretty special new stuff released, too.

What are you most excited to see in the flesh?

Editor

Three’s (not) a crowd Aprilia has filed designs for a threewheeled motorcycle, that looks to be following in the footsteps of Yamaha’s leaning multi-wheeler oddity, the Niken.

The patent offers a pretty comprehensive view of the machine and is packed with intricate details, so chances are the bike/trike is probably well on its way. At this stage we don’t know any specific information about the newest machine from the Noale factory, but considering the Italian brand is owned by Piaggio, it’ll likely be making good use of the extensive know-how needed to produce its MP3 scooter, even if there will be some big differences in the form of the front suspension and linkage system.

Triumph Trident undergoing final phase of testing Triumph has just released images of its new Trident, following it undergoing final testing ahead of its release early next year.

After revealing the design prototype last month, the Hinckley factory has now released a handful of images showing the Triumph Trident during its final road test.

That’s not a funky colour scheme.

It’s been camouflaged with Triumph test livery to keep things sort of discreet.

The fact it’s undergoing final testing means the four-year programme to develop the Trident is nearly complete. And we can’t wait to see the bike in the flesh.

As we know, the new Trident will available in Spring 2021, and will be competitively priced to give some of the other big names in the game a run for their money. No news on exact dates or numbers just yet, but chances are we won’t have to wait too much longer.

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Harley-Davidson announces podcast around Ewan and Charley’s Long Way Up Harley-Davidson has announced a new podcast which takes a closer look into the creation of the LiveWire models used in Long Way Up. The six-part series documents how near-production LiveWire models were modified to shred dirt roads, single track, and desert trails over 13,000 miles of extreme off-road conditions.

Ewan McGregor and his lifelong friend Charley Boorman travel through 13 countries over 100 days, starting in September 2019 and finishing three months later.

Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, HarleyDavidson, said: “HarleyDavidson stands for the timeless pursuit of adventure.

This podcast series is a premier showcase for how HarleyDavidson’s talented staff of

engineers and designers go above and beyond in their mission to create motorcycles that unlock adventures wherever they may lead. These efforts can be experienced in the 2020 LiveWire – a shining example of how Harley-Davidson innovates to lead in the electrification of motorcycling. It’s an experience that can only be truly understood after riding it.”

Together, this team designed, modified, and assembled a motorcycle in under 30 days.

After initial testing, the team incorporated feedback to finalise ergonomic and storage systems on the bikes. In 60 days, the motorcycles were headed to the southern tip of Argentina.

The modified LiveWire motorcycles used production

Aprilia’s working on a baby sportbike Aprilia’s been getting serious about smaller bikes for a little while. Later this year we’re finally going to see the new RS660 rolling out across dealers.

But it looks as though the Italians are on with producing something even smaller than the 660… if the Piaggio India MD’s words are anything to go by, that is. Talking to ZigWheels, the top dog in India, Diego Graffi hinted that Aprilia is looking to go head-tohead with KTM’s sporty 390s.

That suggests there’s both a full-fairing and naked model in the works, which would be designed and engineered in Italy, but manufactured in India. Chances are it’d be built around a simple single cylinder motor and be aimed directly at emerging markets in Asian. Whether we’ll see it on British shores is another question entirely…

specification RESS (Rechargeable Energy Storage System) hardware, chassis, and Harley-Davidson Revelation™ powertrain components. In addition, the motorcycles were modified with prototype rotors, wheels and tyres from the upcoming Harley-Davidson Pan America™ adventure touring motorcycle, and custom windshield, rear shock, and triple clamps made specifically for this project.

Before delivery, both modified LiveWire motorcycles were evaluated at Harley-Davidson’s Willie G. Davidson Product Development Center for initial testing and ridden under similar development validation conditions at Harley-Davidson’s Proving Grounds facility.

Listen to the H-D Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and subscribe to get new episodes of the show automatically each week.

Honda teases new Forza 750 for 2021

A recently released teaser video confirms that Honda is preparing to unveil a new Forza scooter for 2021. But this one will be bigger than ever before.

Yamaha’s TMAX has had the big scooter market cornered for years. And it looks as though Honda’s after a piece of the pie. BMW and Kymco have had a go, but neither have had much luck. But maybe Honda can do a bit better…

The Japanese giant is probably feeling buoyed by the success of its X-ADV adventure scooter, and chances are the new Forza 750 will be a road-going version of the semiautomatic DCT scooter, being powered by the same 754cc twin motor.

Thankfully, we won’t have to wait too much longer to find out even more about the new scooter, with the launch scheduled for October 14.

6 NEWS

Electric Husqvarnas coming in 2021 and 2022

Concept drawing of the E-Pilen revealed Husqvarna’s talking about launching a small capacity electric scooter next year, before following it up with two variants of the E-Pilen in 2022.

Honda’s CT125 set to arrive in the USA

KTM’s been working on electric bikes for a while. Back in 2014 it launched its Freeride E, and this year it launched the SX-E mini-bike.

So it’s not a surprise that its Swedish-Austrian counterpart is planning for the release of at least two new electric machines.

From what we’ve heard, the scooter will make it to the market first, before the E-Pilen makes it to market in 2022. The news comes after Husqvarna shared an internal document which revealed some of the key details, in addition to a concept sketch, of the E-Pilen electric motorcycle.

The document shows the E-Pilen listed under the ‘Performance and Urban E-Mobility’ category, and

confirms it will be based around a modular battery system.

It also reveals that the E-Pilen will be available with two motor options – 4 kW (5.4hp) and 10 kW (13.5 hp). That means they are aimed squarely at the learner and commuter market.

From a design perspective the E-Pilen looks similar to the Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250, and that means it’ll make use of similar equipment, too. It’ll get a pair of WP USD forks at the front and a WP monoshock at the rear.

And looking at the concept drawing, it’ll also get four-spoke alloy wheels, knuckle guards, and steel-braided brake lines.

Interestingly, production of the bike will be focused at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan factory in India.

That’s another indication of the entry-level aspirations of the bike. No news yet on price or availability, but chances are it’ll get an Indian launch before it makes it over here. We imagine more information will be revealed very shortly, so we’ll keep you in the loop.

News has emerged revealing that Honda’s pint-sized trail bike will be making it to the USA very soon. But when is it coming to the UK? Few small bikes have received as much love in recent years as Honda’s refreshed CT125. It’s a lovely little thing, that’s inspired widespread adoration since it was debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show back in 2019.

But there’s been a big question mark over when we’re going to actually see the thing on British shores – if at all.

News from our transatlantic cousins suggests that we might not have to wait too much longer after all. Or so we hope.

The American arm of the Japanese factory has confirmed that the Cubbased trail bike will be arriving on US soil in November, with a price tag of $3,899 (that would work out at just over £3,000). We’re keeping our ears to the ground and hoping Honda UK brings us the news we all want to hear very soon.

The MB legal column is compiled by managing partner Andrew ‘Chef’ Prendergast and his bike-riding barristers and solicitors at White Dalton Motorcycle Solicitors.

The firm deals with personal injury claims and its sister company, Motor Defence Solicitors, deals with all the motoring offences.

White Dalton lawyers have a vast knowledge of bike law, and they have full bike licences, too. They don’t act for insurance companies or the prosecution. White Dalton is Britain’s premier specialist motorcycle law practice, and if its professionals don’t know the answer to your question, there probably isn’t one. Don’t rely on the advice from your insuranceappointed solicitor, get proper independent advice.

For road traffic offences, call the Motor Defence solicitors on 0800 280 0912.

For non-offence cases, call White Dalton motorcycle solicitors on 0800 783 6191.

Need advice If you need advice on a biking-related legal question or query, email mail@whitedalton.co.uk. The best Q&A will be published in MB, in confidence, of course.

Q&A

WHITE DALTON 7

Our specialist motoring solicitor Andrew Prendergast guides readers through their legal trials and troubles

Q

I’m in the process of renewing the insurance for my Hayabusa (it’s an original full power model). I’ve been on the usual websites to compare, and notice some of the quotes exclude carrying a pillion. Back in the old days I don’t remember this. What’s the score if I don’t select pillion cover and then have a crash with a pillion? I popped the question up online and got about 101 different answers.

A

Take me back to the glorious 90s and my ‘yoof’. I always wanted a full power ’Busa with the 220mph clocks. Awesome! Anyways, enough of my dreams of yesteryear, your question. If you were unfortunate enough to fall off with a pillion and they got hurt, and it was your fault, your insurer would have to pay out for the pillion’s injuries and losses. This is because under the Road Traffic Act your insurer has to cover people you hurt. So far, so simple. However, if you didn’t insure yourself to take a pillion, it would leave you personally wide open. In this scenario your insurer could come after you for the money they paid out to the pillion. This is because you hadn’t complied with the terms of the policy. I had a call recently where the insurer was chasing a chap for £140k! Unfortunately, whilst he didn’t want to believe it, I had to tell him that ultimately he may lose his house over it (as funnily enough he didn’t have £140k laying around). My advice is go with ‘clean hands’ when getting insurance. If not, it could bite you in the ar#e.

Q

I live in Wales and I’ve got into green lane riding. Like loads of my mates, instead of a satnav I use my smartphone mounted on the handlebars. I had ridden a couple of hours with my mate. As we had got separated I pulled over to give him a bell. So far, nothing unusual.

I pulled the phone out of the mount and was

speaking to him when some stuck-up copper pulled up and nicked me. I told her I wasn't doing anything illegal as I wasn’t riding whilst using the phone. She reckoned because I was still sitting on my KTM 300 with the engine running and phone in hand, I was, in fact, breaking the law and gave me a fixed penalty offer. I told her I would see her in court. The cheeky copper chuckled and winked at me. I was raging.

I'm all for prosecuting people on phones whilst they're driving as it's dangerous, but I've done nothing wrong. I've been a business consultant for 10 years and am great at arguing my point. Do you think I will be found not guilty if I go to Court?

A

Before I hop into the legal advice, I can follow your logic for what it’s worth.

However, the answer to your question is no. Being a good advocate will not help you I'm afraid as you have, in fact, broken the law. If you had turned off the engine and got off the bike and made your call there would have been no issue. However, as the law states it's illegal to hold a phone to perform ‘an interactive communication function by transmitting and receiving data’, i.e., making a call whilst riding or driving. The police officer is legally correct. My advice is accept the fixed penalty offer of £200 and six points. It will be cheaper and quicker.

For more info, go to:

SOLICITORS

www.whitedalton.co.uk

8 NEWS

Honda CB125F updates for 2021 revealed

News of new bikes will be coming thick and fast over the next few months. The latest to be unveiled is Honda’s overhaul of the CB125F. Honda’s much-loved, learner-legal commuter machine has been overhauled for 2021. It’s 11kg lighter; gets a low friction eSP (enhanced Smart Power) engine to help improve fuel efficiency; revised bodywork; an LED headlight; a centre stand; and a digital dash.

Speaking about the news, Ken Tomiyasu, Large Project Leader (LPL) 2021 CB125F, said: “For us, benchmarks are important. So, we have set about a quiet revolution with our all-new CB125F, keeping its useful around town performance, but adding much greater fuel economy.

“It also features advanced low-friction technologies in the eSP engine, confident handling from its chassis, and looks that an owner can be really proud of. We are very proud that so many people will begin their motorcycling journey with Honda on CB125F, and know that it will provide pleasure and practicality in equal measure.”

First introduced back in 2015, the CB125F built on the

success of the simple and robust CBF125. And for 2021, the CB125F has been updated again. Let’s get into specifics.

Its new air-cooled, 124cc 2-valve SOHC single-cylinder eSP EURO 5 engine offers 8kW of power at 7,500rpm and 10.9Nm of torque at 6,000rpm. That’s marginally up.

Standing start acceleration has improved a bit, too – but even more importantly, its fuel efficiency is better than ever, jumping from 51km/l to 66.7km/l. That means there’s potential to cover over 800km when you brim its 11-litre fuel tank.

There’s a new, lighter tubular frame, a set of twin shocks with 5-step spring preload adjustment at the rear, and 31mm diameter telescopic forks up front. It also gets 18inch die-cast aluminium split-spoke wheels, which come clad with 80/100 and 90/90 tyres at the front and rear respectively. For braking there’s a 240mm front disc which is gripped by a dual piston caliper, and there’s a 130mm drum system at the rear. It also gets a Combined Braking System, which means that when you use the rear brake, it’ll also lightly apply pressure on the front, too.

The CB125F has been restyled, too. It’s more in line with the looks of the rest of the CB family – with a broadshouldered fuel tank and silver-finished shrouds. The engine, exhaust downpipe, fork lowers and wheels also are all blacked out.

There’s a choice of three colours: Splendor Red, Pearl Cool White and Black.

Harley-Davidson drops 750cc, 883cc and 1202cc V2 powered bikes from European range

The manufacturer has got plenty of work to do for 2021, with none of its bikes meeting the latest emissions standards.

From January 1 next year, all new motorcycles will have to meet the new Euro 5 regulations. Most manufacturers have been busy updating their ranges, but Harley-Davidson’s got some catching up to do.

The American factory will use the upcoming regulations as an opportunity to condense its line-up. And it looks as though its 750cc V2, 883cc V2 and 1,202cc V2 engines won’t be updated for 2021. That means the Street 750, Street Rod, Iron 883, Super Low, Sportster 1200 Custom, Iron 1200, Forty-Eight, Forty Eight Special, Super Low 1200T and Roadster models will

be dropped from the European line-up by the end of the year.

Adapting engines to meet the new requirements can be quite an expensive process.

And considering the low sales figures for the bikes in Europe, it’s unlikely H-D will be in a rush to update them soon. If you are a fan, you’ll probably be able to bag a bargain if you move quickly though, as dealers rush to empty their showrooms of Euro-4 stock.

Whether we’ll see these models again is another question entirely. If we do, they’ll definitely be much cleaner and more efficient…

PRODUCTS 9

✪ OUR TOP PRODUCTS THIS MONTH ✪ Each month MB features a range of new gear to help you find the best-value products on the market

Dunlop Mutant Tyres £200 a pair / www.dunlop.eu

LS2 Bob Helmet

£199.99 / www.ls2helmets.com Welcome to the LS2 Bob! The Bob’s HPFC composite outer shell offers high penetration resistance (snigger) and flexibility for energy dispersion (whatever that is), but it is very light too, weighing in at just 1000g. ECE 22.05 certified for road use, it comes in three outer sizes, for the closest fit in each size range.

The drop-down sun visor is easily operated whilst wearing riding gloves: like all LS2 visors, it’s 3D Optically Correct, and also scratch and UV-resistant. We love the 1970s motocross-style peak, which is removable by three classic poppers – remember them? We love the D-ring fastener, too! Available in sizes XS-XXL (5364 cm), the Bob comes in a choice of three solid colours – Black, Matt Black and Nardo Grey – as well as an eye-catching ‘Lines’ Black Jeans option.

This be a ‘crossover’ tyre from Dunlop, it’s called the ‘Mutant’ and it takes the concept introduced with the Sportmax Mutant further, adapting it to today’s ‘ever more popular and powerful crossover bikes’, it says here. That means taking elements from sports bikes, supermotos or powerful roadsters, and combining them with adventure bike riding positions and equipment. This new breed of motorcycle redefines the concept of sport-touring. With this versatility comes the need for a new kind of do-it-all tyre, for all roads, usages and conditions. Hence the Mutant!

Dunlop reckon that ‘Mutant’ tyres give you

the handling and stability you expect from hypersport tyres, the very best grip in wet conditions this side of racing wets, as well as the kind of durability that you would find among touring fitments.

Sounds pretty versatile to us – we like.

Sizes range from 110/70-17, 120/70-17, 110/80-18 and 120/70-19 fronts, to rears in the 170/60-17, 180/55-17 and 190/5517 sizes. These sizes pretty much cover the likes of the modern kit like the BMW S1000XR, Kawasaki Versys-style bikes, as well as the Yamaha Tracers, BMW GS range, KTM Dukes, Triumph Street Triples and older stuff with 17-inch wheels such as Bandits and Fazers.

Ultimate Puncture Repair Tool £46 / www.nippynormans.com

TCX Boots

£179.99-£299.99 / www.nevis.uk.com If you want a wide range of waterproof boots, then look no further than these from our friends at TCX. Whether riding on-road, off-road or a bit of both, TCX Boots have got you covered.

First up is the District Waterproof. Brand new for 2020, despite looking like a casual ‘high-top’, the all-weather District Waterproof boots feature a waterproof membrane and tough CE-approved construction. They come in sizes UK 4-12 and cost £179.99. Next up are the Airwire GoreTex Surround. These feature a microfibre and breathable abrasion-resistant Cordura fabric on the upper of the boot, which complements the Gore-Tex Surround technology, which promises the wearer all-round dry and comfortable feet, no matter the weather. CE-approved protection comes at the ankle, and they fasten securely using a zip and large Velcro band. Sizes are UK 5-13 and they cost £229.99. Finally, we have the Baja Waterproof and Baja Gore-Tex. These boots are TCX’s flagship adventure touring boots designed with versatility and durability in mind – perfect for use both on- and off-road.

Inside, there’s a T-Dry waterproof lining in the Baja Waterproof, or in the case of the GoreTex version, a Gore-Tex Performance Comfort Footwear liner, for effective protection from wet conditions, keeping feet dry all day. The Baja Waterproof is available in a choice of black and brown, in sizes UK 6-12, priced at £279.99. The Baja Mid Waterproof – a mid-length version – is £199.99, and the Baja Gore-Tex version is priced at £299.99.

Nippy Normans Ultimate Puncture Repair Tool combines everything needed for tubeless tyre repairs into a compact multi-tool.

Designed specifically for motorcyclists, this 4-in-1 tool contains a pair of pliers, a rasp, an insertion tool and sharp knife, as well as five ‘repair strings’ – everything needed to fix 99% of tubeless punctures.

It packs into a sheath measuring just 130 x 68 x 50mm – small enough to fit in a jacket pocket or under a bike seat.

GIVI Trekker II 35 case From £167.17 + VAT/www.givi.co.uk

This is a case that can be used as atop case and side case on most motorcycles.

The Trekker II 35 (which indicates its internal capacity in litres) combines the plastic structure with the use of aluminium sheets. You can choose between a case with a Natural (TKR35N) or Black (TRK35B) aluminium insert, based on your motorcycle’s look. This case is a Monokey model, which makes it suitable for scooters, nakeds and touring bikes alike.

Duchinni Canyon boots £139.99 / www.thekeycollection.co.uk

Duchinni Canyon are tough, waterproof, hi-top boots with retro styling and full impact protection.

Designed to take the knocks, these zip/ lace-up boots have a rugged full-grain leather upper, reinforced with toe and heel cups, and are certified to EN13634, the CE standard for motorcycle boots.

Beneath the surface, a waterproof and breathable liner keeps the weather out and the wearer’s feet dry and comfortable. The hardwearing rubber sole is oil resistant and non-slip for confident footing on slippery, wet streets.

Available in UK sizes 7-12 (EU 40-47) in vintagelook black or brown.

10  HEAD-TO-HEAD: TRIUMPH THRUXTON R VS. ROYAL ENFIELD CONTINENTAL GT

2

HEAD-TO-HEAD: TRIUMPH THRUXTON R VS. ROYAL ENFIELD CONTINENTAL GT 11

OF A KIND Top and tail ends of the café racer genre – Royal Enfield's Continental GT goes up against Triumph’s Thruxton R. WORDS: Dave Manning PHOTOGRAPHY: Gary Chapman The modern resurgence of the café racer-styled motorcycle is something of an odd one. The original raison d’être of the café racer was, as the name suggests, to race between cafés, or coffee bars or transport caffs.

The immediate thought is of James Dean lookalikes aboard BSA Gold Stars, Vincent vee twins and immaculate Tritons, ripping up the Tarmac and getting adoring looks from Jayne Mansfield stood beside the jukebox. Of course, the truth was somewhat different.

Spotty youths, aboard cheap, everyday transport maintained to a minimal standard, all with dreams of being the next Geoff Duke or Giacomo Agostini, but only getting attention not from the local fillies, but the boys in blue. The majority would’ve been riding BSA Bantams, C15 singles, or maybe even an Ariel Arrow or 350cc AJS or Matchless. A few would’ve managed to save up enough to

afford something really flash – maybe a Velocette Viper, Norton Dominator or even a 650cc Bonneville. Any rose-tinted memories of alloy-tanked Tritons by the dozen and packs of Gold Star Beezas packed outside the Ace Cafe or Busy Bee are surely alcohol-tainted.

The image of the café racer was strong, however, and many young lads would fit clip-ons, loud exhausts, single seats and mesh flyscreens to their bikes, whatever they were, in a vain attempt to emulate their racing heroes.

The Royal Enfield Continental GT and Triumph Thruxton R pretty much top and tail the current production café racer market, with the Indian machine (developed in Enfield’s R&D establishment at Bruntingthorpe) being at the budget end, while the Trumpet is somewhat more exclusive, as at over 12 grand it’s more than twice the price of the GT. The motorcycle equivalent of instant coffee versus a barista-brewed Columbian?

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12 HEAD-TO-HEAD: TRIUMPH THRUXTON R VS. ROYAL ENFIELD CONTINENTAL GT

TRIUMPH THRUXTON R

Slotting in at the top end of the ever-expanding Bonneville range, the Thruxton not only has the 1200cc version of the company’s watercooled 270° parallel twin, with a meaty 97bhp and 82ft-lb, but as it is the R spec version, it also has uprated rolling gear, with twin floating Brembo discs with Brembo Monobloc calipers and master cylinder, fatter Showa USD forks with ‘big piston’ internals, Öhlins twin rear shocks and supergrippy Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tyres, too. Oh, and it’s got narrower grips than the standard bike, although the cool, and effective, bar end mirrors are as standard. The bike that we had on test had a couple of little extras, available together as the ‘Track Racer Kit’. Most obvious is the fairing (which, alone, is an additional £695), but there’s also the Vance & Hines exhaust cans (louder than standard, but not too intrusive), the painted pillion seat cover, the tank strap, tail tidy and the very neat, short stem LED indicators front and rear.

First impressions are that it’s narrow. And hard. The seat is like a plank, and you have a lot of weight on your wrists. But the steering is very positive, and the bike really drops into the corners, and while there’s not the level of feedback from the tyres that I’d really like, you do feel every bump, ripple, pebble and groove in the road.

Initially, it feels like a late Seventies Ducati, or an early Nineties special, so hard is the suspension. It’d be ideal for a track bike, where the eagerness to turn would also be appreciated, but just a dozen miles on bumpy Lincolnshire byroads give your wrists a true hammering.

But then, jump back aboard the next day, and the bike doesn’t seem quite as extreme. This is one of many bikes that a 20-mile test ride just won’t cut the mustard, you need to spend a bit more time on board.

It being a truly modern bike, the throttle is ride-by-wire, of course, and thus has rider modes that somewhat annoyingly revert to ‘road’ after being switched off. I’d rather that they stayed where I want it all the time as, personally, I don’t feel the need to be constantly changing the rider modes on a bike that really doesn’t need the option. Of course, that is just my opinion, other riders may want to tinker occasionally.