Motorcycle Monthly September 2017

GET UP TO SPEED WIN WIN WIN

5

September 2017

sets ets of Avon Spirit ST tyres up for grabs in our brilliant MOTOBALL competition this month

MCM is FREE in dealers, clubs and cafés

BMW R1200GS Rallye 1

2018 Spy Shot New Ninja 400

More fun More tech More adventure

WORLD LAUNCH REPORT

2

2018 Spy Shot

BMW’s S1000RR

Bikers claim brewery ‘ban’

3

2018 Africa Twin

Sharper. Better.

A brewery which recently barred swearing in its pubs is at the centre of controversy surrounding an alleged ban on motorcyclists.

A biker has claimed he was told that he would no longer be served at The Royal Oak at Ulley, near Rotherham.

The pub is owned by Samuel Smith’s brewery, based at Tadcaster in North Yorkshire. Samuel Smith’s, which has around 200 pubs in its business, recently banned people from swearing on its premises.

Read more on Page 4

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NEWS 3

Kawasaki closes down USA streets to shoot commercial for NEXT YEAR’S Ninja 400 We’re getting a new 400 Ninja for next year and these pictures confirm it.

As you’d expect, there’s no details on the new bike but you can be sure that this motorcycle is definitely going to be a part of the 2018 model year because Kawasaki has been using the new bike to shoot a commercial in America. And from the footage gathered we can clearly see the name ‘Ninja 400’ on the bike’s numberplate.

Streets in Milwaukee (naturally, the birthplace of Harley-Davidson) were closed while the Japanese firm filmed for two days. Reports have the bikes riding through intersections and the film crew ensuring that everything for the new model is shot in a city-scape rather than any open-road action.

There’s been some speculation for a while about a new 400 being added to the Kawasaki range and the actual motorcycles look a lot more like the current small Ninja (albeit with a pretty racey facelift) rather than the mini ZX-10/er6f hybrid that illustrators have been imagining.

Expect the bike to be launched at the end of this year with its sights firmly set on the upcoming BMW S310RR, Yamaha R3 and KTM RC390.

The new Ninja 400 will have more mid-range torque than the current bike and a tad more top-end, too.

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Foggy recovering after suffering huge crash

Carl Fogarty is recovering following a massive crash that left him with 10 broken ribs, a broken shoulder and a punctured lung. The WSB legend was taking part in the Dirt Quake event last month when he had a big fall from his Triumph.

Foggy said: “It was going mega. I won five out of six race heats. Then had a little crash. Two broken ribs a punctured lung and a broken shoulder blade. Nothing really too bad.” He later added: “The rib count is now up too 10 broke!!” (sic) Fogarty, who retired from the superbike track in 2000, has promised wife Michaela he will not be racing again. He said: “That’s it now. I am not going to race any more. It’s going to take me a while to heal from this one!

The return of the feisty, sport, usable sportster 400cc class for the road looks about ready to make a serious return in 2018.

NEW Honda Africa Twin Rally revealed – more power, less weight!

Honda is hard at work developing its new Africa Twin Rally, a lightweight, off-road version of its Africa Twin – and Spidi have released some footage of the off-road animal in action as part of its latest campaign.

You can watch the video for yourself by logging on to: www. morebikes.co.uk. Search ‘Africa’ on the site when you get there.

With talk of the upcoming Yamaha XT700Z Ténéré Rally arriving in road and rally versions in the not too distant future (see pictures of the T7 prototype from Yamaha in action on Page 10), Honda is also working on development and commercialisation of the Honda Africa Twin Rally – its even more off-road oriented adventure machine.

New Suzuki GSX250R arrives in the UK

At EICMA in 2015, Honda confirmed the resurrection of its iconic Africa Twin, presenting a concept bike similar in style to the upcoming Rally model. But, that wasn’t the bike that made it to market first – the current incarnation is a heavier, faired, road oriented mile-muncher.

The Honda Africa Twin Rally promises to build on the solid foundations of the current Africa Twin, stripping back the adventure machine to create an off-road monster with two main differences: more power

Motor Cycle Monthly, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 529529 Email: editorial@motorcyclemonthly.co.uk

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 manager Martin Freeman 01507 529538 Advertising Zoe Thurling 01507 529412 Kate Hayes 01507 529411 Advertising deadline for October issue Thursday, September 5, 2017 Distribution 01507 529529 Marketing manager Charlotte Park

and less weight. The new Rally model will offer 5bhp more and weigh in 7kg lighter than the standard model. That means that the Rally will have around 100bhp for its 200kg weight – on a longer suspension. It’ll also feature 21in and 18in wheels, an MX-inspired fender and a Dakar style screen.

Honda hasn’t confirmed when the Rally will make it to market – but with a finished version making an appearance in Spidi’s promotional video, the Africa Twin Rally can’t be far away.

The wheelie that lasted for 500km+... ouch

Commercial director Nigel Hole Customer services number 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open Monday-Friday 8.30am-7pm, Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm

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The new GSX250R has finally made it to the UK – and the A2 friendly, 248cc parallel twin pocket rocket is now available at Suzuki dealerships, at a price of £4299.

The bike makes 23.4Nm of torque at 6500rpm and peak power is 25bhp at 8000rpm. Intake valves are designed to optimise airflow into the combustion chamber, which should help to further improve performance while reducing emissions. There’s also a new two-into-one exhaust system.

MCM recommends bikesafe.co.uk

Independently proven pick up: 67,717 copies

Japanese rider Masaru Abe has set a new world record for the longest wheelie at the Kawaguchi Auto Race facility. Riding a Yamaha Jog scooter, the 33-year-old kept the front up for 8 hours, 18 minutes and 43 seconds.

Copious amounts of painkillers were needed by the mono-wheeling man to keep the pain in his back at bay as he set the new record of 500.5322km (311.016 miles) at the Auto Race in Saitama in Japan.

4 NEWS

SPY SHOT:

BMW 2018 S 1000 RR caught out in tests

This is the first picture of the 2018 BMW S 1000 RR. The bike has been caught out and about by the top German magazine Motorrad.

From what we can see on the picture, the new bike is getting a raft of changes including a new swingarm, bodywork (check out the swanky new fairing), a very race-oriented rear end, smaller exhaust end, new headlight/face, mirrors in the indicators and widely-rumoured revisions to the engine for more mid-range and top-end.

Here’s the old bike, pictured below, so that you u can compare the two.

Overall, this next-gen version of the Germanic superbike is pretty Italian-meets-Triumph looking. It’s impossible to say whether the new trellis subframe that we can see in the picture will remain exposed – but if it does then that’s really going up the sex-appeal that bit more.

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Aaron Slight guest of honour at Stafford Kiwi Aaron Slight – undoubtedly the best rider never to win the World Superbike title – will be guest of honour at the 24th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show at the Staffordshire County Showground on October 14-15.

As fast and smooth on the track as he was flamboyant and controversial off it, Slight will have some entertaining tales to share with the Stafford audience.

And with more than a decade of racing in World Superbike for Bimota, Kawasaki and Castrol Honda teams, the friendly New Zealander will have plenty of great races to draw from. The Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle

Mechanics Show is the largest show of its kind in the world majoring on the later Japanese and European scene. This year it promises to offer the usual successful mix of almost 1000 trade and autojumble stalls, club stands, Bonhams’ record-breaking auction, live entertainment in the Classic Dirt Bike area and Classic Racer Grand Prix Paddock plus there’s the live Restoration Theatre.

Ticket prices are £12 for adults, £11 for seniors or £3 for under-12s if bought in advance. Parking is free.

To find out more or to book advance tickets go to: www. staffordclassicbikeshows.com/ october or call 01507 529529.

Yamaha unveils its all-new X-MAX 400

Motorcyclists allegedly banned from village pub Motorcyclists claim to have been banned from The Royal Oak at Ulley, near Rotherham.

The pub is owned by Samuel Smiths brewery, based in Tadcaster in North Yorkshire.

The independent brewery, which has around 200 pubs, recently banned people from swearing on its premises – and now Biker Mark Smith has been told he will no longer be served at The Royal Oak. “Before I even got to the car park a guy greeted me and said ‘we’re not allowed in, bikers are barred. I parked up and I am getting my gear off and a staff member came out to greet me and said ‘I can’t serve you, we’ve barred bikes’.”

He said a staff member told him the decision came from the brewery, and that no reason to

bar him and other bikers had been given.

Euan Lawrence, from Black’s Solicitors in Leeds, said bikers were not a “protected group” under the Equality Act, meaning it is not against the law for the brewery to ban a group of bikers from its pubs.

“While many people would say ‘well in the plain English meaning of the word discrimination then yes it is discrimination. But for the purposes of the law and whether or not there is a remedy in respect of that discrimination – the short answer is there is not.”

We’ve contacted Samuel Smiths Brewery for further clarification and to get its official response to this story – but it has declined to comment up to this point.

Yamaha has just announced the addition of the new X-MAX 400 to its Sport Scooter range – and it reckons the latest model runs, handles, feels and looks better than ever before.

Featuring a traction control system and a smart key ignition system, it’s also equipped with motorcycle style front forks for improved handling; and there’s dual 267mm front disc brakes with ABS for stopping, a parking brake and front and rear LED lights to help you be more visible out on the road.

That’s not all – the X-MAX 400 also features an impressive underseat storage area, with interior lighting, and a tooladjustable two-position screen and adjustable handlebars too.

TECH SPEC Engine: Single cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC 395cc Power: 24.5 kW @ 7000rpm Torque: 36.0 Nm @ 6000rpm Front suspension: Telescopic forks with 110mm of travel Rear suspension: Unit swing with 107mm of travel Front brake: 267mm Hydraulic dual disc Rear brake: 267mm Hydraulic single disc Front tyre: 120/70-15 Rear tyre: 150/70-13 Seat height: 800 mm Wet weight: 210 kg Fuel tank capacity: 13 litres

6 NEWS

Grab these FANTA ASTIC mags

The BEST biking titles for your motorcycling month on sale NOW!

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This month’s Motorcycle Sport & Leisure is packed to the rafters with biking goodness. The team did a massive, mega-Euro trip on a KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, tested Kawasaki’s new Versys-X300 mini-adventurer and the same firm’s full-fat Versys 1000, went to a track school, investigated the pros and cons of a used KTM 390 Duke, had a spin on a classic Moto Guzzi V50 Monza, tested the most interesting electric bikes available in the UK and went on the launch of the latest Suzuki Burgman. Want more?

How about a competition to win a cool £1000 worth of Gore-Tex kit? Done e!

boutt the worlld off Wantt to know more ab classic, custom and retro bikes? This month c Classic Bike Guide gives you all you need to C know when buying a Hinckley-made Triumph k Bonneville, how to look after them and even B how to tune them. There’s BSA’s fabulous h DBD34 Goldstar, Velocette’s MSS, a rather D asty Rickman Z900 and a fascinating story ta bout the Vincent Grey Flash. There’s loads ab bout old two-strokes and the team also ab akes a look around Old Empire Motorcycles, ta ne of the best custom builders in the UK. on

Classic Motorcycle Mechanics is the place to go to if you love Japanese and European bikes that are 15 years or older. While CMM concentrates on 70s and 80s core classics this brilliant magazine also looks at the bikes that helped start the Japanese domination of the motorcycle industry in the 1960s. Modern classics of the 1990s are a big part of the mag, too. Packed full of insight, wisdom, inspiration and (of course) practical help and advice – CMM is the place to be!

Want them? Yeah? Here’s how to get them...

It’s pretty easy, you can get all of these great magazines down at your local newsagents, probably in your local supermarket too. But if

you fancy getting them on a brilliant subscription offer (money off, delivered to your door, earlier than they go on sale in the shops) then

visit: www.classicmagazines.co.uk and the people there will make sure you get your monthly hit of the best biking magazines. Simple as that.

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8 NEWS

WIN WIN WIN! More MOTOBALL fun and games!

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Get yer missing-ball thinking cap on and YOU could win one of five sets of brilliant Avon Spirit ST Tyres worth over £200.

Suzuki reveals prices for the new GSX-R125 and GSX-S125 The all-new GSX-R125 and GSX-S125 are set to arrive in dealerships this September with launch prices from £3999 and £3699 respectively.

With a deposit of £977.86, the new GSX-R125 can be ridden away for £75 per month over 48 months, while the GSX-S125 can be had for £69 per month over the same period with a £925.29 deposit.

For more information on the GSX-R125 and GSX-S125, visit: www.suzuki.co.uk

Send your entries here...

MCM Motoball Competition, AUGUST, Mortons Media Group Ltd, PO Box 99, Horncastle Lincs, LN9 6LZ. The closing date for entries to be with us is September 20, 2017.

Terms and conditions apply. For full terms and conditions for the competition, please see www.morebikes.co.uk. The winner will be the first name drawn at random as described. There is no cash alternative available.

Telephone: ....................................................................

✁

in the lid and if there’s multiple entries that are equally close then a single winner will be pulled out at random from those sent in.

Okay, so we’ve made all that really clear. Get your crosses going on, fill out the form, cut out the entry from this page, no photocopied entries or anything like that, enter as many times as you want using forms cut from MCM and then send them to us.

Boom. Simple. Good luck with your Motoball mojo!

.......................................................................................

Here’s the details...

1: You have FIVE crosses.

original image and form cut from MCM. If you want to enter more than once then just take as many MCMs as you want.

5: Put your feet up, enjoy reading the rest of your MCM and wait for the Postie to bring you the fruits of your labours.

Well, that will happen if you are the lucky winner pulled at random from the upturned helmet on the editor’s desk.

Those who are deemed closest to the centre of where the ball is in the original image will be put

.......................................................................................

It’s very easy to take part in this competition. And it’s completely FREE, too!

Here’s what you have to do.

Firstly, study the large picture below. This is a picture taken from an old game of Motoball where the two worlds of motorcycling and football were brought together for no apparent reason.

Our pixel fairies have been hard at work on the photograph and, through hours of meticulous work, have removed the football from the original picture.

What you have to do is place your crosses on the picture wherever you think the CENTRE of the ball originally was in the image. And you have FIVE crosses to use.

That’s it. No more. FIVE. If you put more than five on your entry, it won’t be accepted.

2: Put your FIVE (we mentioned that it’s FIVE, right?) crosses on the ORIGINAL page. This one, the one that you’re reading right now.

MCM is FREE as you know, so take it home. Take more than one copy home if you want to and get your crosses mojo going on there.

The point is, we will only accept entries on the original photo and page from the paper.

3: Once you’ve got your FIVE (okay, we’ve said FIVE enough now, you get it) crosses on the photo, put your contact details on the form alongside the shot, cut around the dotted line and send your entry into us at the address in the box alongside these words.

4: You can enter as many times as you like. But each entry MUST only contain five crosses and each entry MUST be on an

Name: ...........................................................................

HOW TO ENTER

profile can work to its full potential while keeping the tyre temperature down to give the maximum mileage possible.

Staff writer Carl Stevens said: “The Spirit ST does an incredible job; okay you won’t see them plastered around racetracks but for wet feel, longevity and value for money they are a solid option for long range hooning sessions.”

Address: .......................................................................

Avon has unleashed its new Spirit ST tyre – which is said to offer up to 10,000 miles on a single set. The Advanced Tread Arc Combination, Enhanced Stability system and Lifetime Profile Engineering on the tyre work collectively to create consistent stability with stress distributed evenly throughout the carcass; meaning the varied tread

Norton opens its own technical academy Plans for an all-new British-made motorbike have taken a step forward with the opening of the new Norton Technical Academy, which aims to train up to 300 young engineers over the next couple of years.

The academy, in Leicestershire, will train 40 Norton apprentices and team members in the first year, alongside an additional 60 (or so) from ETG. In the next two or three years it is hoped that figure will have risen to between 250-300. The facility will also be used by other companies that want to train staff in advanced manufacturing, as well as ETG customers and technical partners who want to demonstrate their technology on live projects.

It will also act as a prototyping area for Norton to quickly trial new parts for its bikes.

Here’s where the ball was previously We started this competition a couple of months ago and now all the entries are with us for that first month’s game we can show you where the ball was in that image.

We’ll show you each previous competition’s original image in sequence each month. It’ll probably help you get an idea of where we take the ball from each month! Get your Motoball eye in, so to speak!

Surfboard Honda C70: the Deus Sea Sider

* Here’s the image as we printed it...

* And here’s the original.

Custom house Deus has unveiled its latest creation, a gorgeous Honda C70 that’s capable of carrying a surfboard.

The base 1974 Honda C70 has been customised with a range of vintage parts (including handlebars, lights and wooden basket pulled straight from a bicycle), imported rims from Japan, and a Honda-Astra scooter engine from the mid-1990s.

Despite its limited power, the C70 ‘Sea Sider’ is capable of carrying two people and one board at the same.

10 NEWS

Honda and Yamaha set to start electric scooter testing in Japan

Last year it was announced that Honda and Yamaha would be working together to manufacture electric scooters – and it’s been confirmed that they’ll begin testing for the E-KIZUNA Project in Saitama City in Japan this September.

Under the E- KIZUNA Project banner, both manufacturers are embarking on a project to assess the viability of global expansion of electric motorcycle use.

They are focusing on three key objectives; the reduction of CO2 emissions, the diffusion of electric motorcycles and the resolution of transport problems in areas with accessibility issues.

Saitama residents will have a fleet of 30 Yamaha E-Vino to play with, as well as ‘rent and change’ batteries available at several locations around the city – including one in the Station Saitama-Shintoshin and in public car parks too.

A motor-sharing system is also being considered for those who need it.

Both factories say that they hope the project will offer new solutions to current industry issues and will be applied in future projects in which both Honda and Yamaha will manufacture electric scooters using shared technology.

Yamaha’s T7 Adventure prototype in action Check out these brilliant pictures of the upcoming Yamaha T7 Adventure bike undergoing some off-road testing with our German cousins at Motorrad Magazine.

The bike has already been out in action before with Italian bike magazine DueRoute – about five months ago – but these recent pictures show that the bike that’s about to join the line-up for 2018 hasn’t changed very much since then.

The bike is powered by a 270 degree crossplane crank, 700cc CPS paralleltwin motor – thought to kick out 74bhp. It is believed to tip the scales at something around 180kg. The radical, real-Dakar-esque styling and huge seat height steer the bike much more towards something purposeful rather than fashionable for plodding along the high street on.

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Demon Tweeks offering free finance package and free delivery on tyres How about this for a way to buy fresh tyres for the year – Demon Tweeks are selling Pirellis with interest free finance and free delivery!

The deal means that you can buy a three-pack of tyres (two rear and one front) from Demon Tweeks directly. The tyres in the offer are Pirelli Angel GT, which has a lot of fitments for a lot of bikes.

Here’s a few examples of the deals up for offer right now: *This is for a 120/70/17 & 190/50/17 package: 12 Months 0% – 10% Deposit: Pack price – £399.97 Deposit – £40.00 12 Monthly Payments – £29.99 Total Amount Payable – £399.97

18 Months 0% – 10% Deposit: Pack price – £399.97 Deposit – £40.00 18 Monthly Payments – £19.99 Total Amount Payable – £399.97

12 Months 0% – Zero Deposit: Pack price – £399.97 Deposit – £0.00 12 Monthly Payments – £33.33 Total Amount Payable – £399.97

18 Months 0% – Zero Deposit: Pack price – £399.97 Deposit – £0.00 18 Monthly Payments – £22.22 Total Amount Payable – £399.97

12 WHAT’S ON

What’s On: the essential dates AUGUST 20 British Motorcycle Preservation Society Annual Motorcycle Show. www.bmpsnwales.org.uk 20 Sunbeam MCC First Summer Pioneer Run. Handscross, Sussex. Tel: 01306 628297 or 07907 694751. Email: events@sunbeam-mcc.co.uk 20 Haynes Bikers’ Breakfast Ride-In. Haynes International Motor Museum, Sparkford, near Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7LH. www.himm.co.uk 20 Kenley Autojumble. The Portcullis Club, Kenley Airfield, Victor Beamish Avenue, Caterham, Surrey. Tel: 07772 169524 or 07971 823314. www. facebook.com/KenleyAutojumble 20 Ace Cafe London. Ladies’ Day – Bring What Ya Run. london.acecafe.com 20 LE Velo Annual Rally. Fairfield House, Coventry Road, Pailton, Rugby CV23 0QA. Tel: 01785 713702 23 Bike Night. The Plough Inn, Town Street, South Leverton DN22 0BT. Tel: 01427 880323 27 LE Velo Lancs & South Lakes.

Downham. Tel: 01772 782516 27 Ace Cafe London. Harley Day with Warr’s – 60th anniversary of 1957 Sportster. london.acecafe.com 27 Cheshire Classic Motorcycle & Car Show. Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 9JY. Email: info@ classicshows.org Tel: 01484 667776 www.classicshows.org 27 Sammy Miller Run. Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, Bashley, New Milton, Hampshire BH25 5SZ. Tel 01425 620777, museum@sammymiller.co.uk, www.sammymiller.co.uk 27 Open Day. Coalhouse Fort, East

Tilbury, Essex RM18 8PB. Tel: 01375 844203. www.coalhousefort.co.uk 27 Autojumble. The Clitheroe Auction Mart, Lincoln Way, Clitheroe BB7 1QW. www.hoylespromotions.co.uk 27 Ripon Autumn Car & Bike Show.

Ripon Race Course, Ripon. www. markwoodwardclassicevents.com 27 The 2nd Annual Taunton Autojumble.

Taunton Rugby Club, Hyde Lane TA2 8BU. Tel Pete Dear 07977 643852.

28 Blenheim Palace Festival of Transport.

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxon OX20 1PP. Tel: 01484 667776 Email: info@classicshows.org www.classicshows.org 28 Notts Classic Motorcycle & Car Show.

Thoresby Park, Ollerton, Notts NG22 9EP. Tel: 01484 667776.

Email: info@classicshows.org classicshows.org

SEPTEMBER

1-2 The 24th Carole Nash Eurojumble.

Netley Marsh, near Southampton SO40 7GY. www.classicbikeshows. com Ticket hotline: 01507 529529 2 Rufforth Autojumble. Rufforth Park, York. Tel: 01904 738620. www.rufforthautojumble.com 2 Classic Motorcycle Show.

Buntingford. Tel: 07963 609143.

2-3 Sunbeam MCC Ginger Beards Trial.

Jackson Woods, Horsmonden Tel: Neil Sinclair 07885 660939 Email: sinclairndlp@hotmail.co.uk 3 Classic Motorcycle Show. The White Lion, 46 High Street, Baldock SG7 6BJ. Tel: 07963 609143.

3 LE Velo Lancs & S Lakes. Bolton Abbey Railway Stn. Tel: 01772 782516 3 Ace Cafe London. VJMC Bike Day. london.acecafe.com

TO GET YOUR EVENT ON THESE PAGES EMAIL jclements@mortons.co.uk 3 Grampian Transport Museum: Grampian Motorcycle Convention.

3 Charterhouse Auctioneers Classic Car and Motorbike Auction. Classic Motorbikes.

3 NW Classic Motorcycle Show.

Cholmondeley Castle, near Malpas, Cheshire SY14 8AH. Tel. 01484 667776. Email: info@ classicshows.org classicshows.org 7 Krazy Horse Late Night – V-Twin Night. Krazy Horse, Empire House, Lark Valley Business Park, Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk IP32 6NU. www.krazyhorse.co.uk 7-10 FIA European Drag Racing Championshps inc FIM Drag Bikes.

Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough, Northants NN29 7XA. www.santapod.com 8-10 Ace Cafe Reunion Weekend. london.acecafe.com 8-10 VJMC North Yorks Camping Weekend. Arosa Campsite, Seamer YO12 4QB. Tel: Brian 01759 373768.

9 Classic Motorcycle Show. Letchworth Rock Fryer, 33 Ley Avenue, Letchworth SG6 3EE. Tel 07963 609143.

9 South Midlands Autojumble. Ross-onWye Livestock Centre, Oveross, Rosson-Wye HR9 7QQ. Tel: 01989 750731. http://tinyurl.com/js7nqos 9-10 30th Borders Classic Bike Show.

Lacon Childe School, Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire. Tel: Jim Reynolds 01299 270642. Email: uncle. jim@icloud.com Facebook: Borders Classic Bike Show 9-10 CRMC Anglesey. www.crmc.co.uk (provisional) 10 Sunbeam MCC Constable Run. Monks Eleigh, Suffolk. Tel: Marian

Johnson 01206 827867 Email: marj_35@btinternet.com 10 Garstang Autojumble. Hamilton House Farm (on A586, off A6), Garstang, Preston PR3 0TB. Tel: Ian Sherrard 07836 331324 (day) or 01772 323654 (6pm-8pm). Email: info@ garstangautojumbles.co.uk. www.garstangautojumbles.co.uk 10 Motorcycle Raffle. Dover Transport Museum, Willingdon Road, Whitfield, Dover, Kent CT16 2JX. Tel. 01304 822409. Email. info@ dovertransportmuseum.org.uk 13 Bike Night. The Plough Inn, Town Street, South Leverton DN22 0BT. Tel: 01427 880323.

13 Charterhouse Auctioneers Classic Car and Motorbike Auction. Classic Cars – Royal Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN 14 LE Velo Lancs & S Lakes. Brinscall (meet behind Swimming Baths).

Tel: 01772 782516.

16 Sunbeam MCC Ninth Sunbeam Sept Challenge. North Yorks. Tel: Alec Thompson 01751 431478. Email: alec81.thompson@mypostoffice.co.uk 16 Kempton Park Motorcycle Autojumble.

Kempton Park, Staines Road East, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex

TW16 5AQ. Tel: 01507 529435 www.kemptonparkautojumble.co.uk 17 The 28th Annual Great Potteries. Pet Food Cavalcade, Port Vale Football Club, Hamil Road, Burslem, Stoke on Trent ST6 1AW. www.petfoodcavalcade.com 17 TOMCC South Hants Triumph Gathering. Hunters Inn, Swanmore.

17 Ace Cafe London. Blue-Haze Day – Fantic & Fizzy Frenzy & 2-Strokes. london.acecafe.com 17 Huddersfield Autojumble. Old Market Building, Brook Street, Huddersfield HD1 1RG. Tel: Jeff 07795 505388 Email: jeffpff@hotmail.co.uk 17 Salisbury Motorcycle & Light Car Club Arbuthnot Trial. Starts from The Barford Inn, Barford St Martin. Tel: Mike Viney 01725 514801.

17 Romney Marsh Bikejumble. Marsh Road, Hamstreet, near Ashford, Kent TN26 2JD. www.elk-promotions.co.uk 17 The Bulldog Run. Clymping Village Hall, Junction of Church Lane and A259 to Littlehampton, West Sussex.

Tel: 07900 465517. www.sbmoc.vpweb 17 Haynes Bikers’ Breakfast Ride-In. Haynes International Motor Museum, Sparkford, near Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7LH. www.himm.co.uk

Learners Commuters Buying On Two Wheels

Riding

For more information on getting on two wheels, check out our NEW sister publication – On Two Wheels.

13

14 FIRST RIDE

Brave New World Harley’s new machine is unlikely to replace anything in the hearts of current H-D riders, but it could be pivotal for the future of biking...

Pictures: Stefano Gadda & Lionel Beylot Hardcore Harley devotees best look away now. Flag-waving Trump supporters probably won’t be impressed either, but for many riders – particularly those a little younger – be they open-minded new bikers, or indeed anyone looking for their first Harley, this could well be a game-changer.

This bike handles. It’s powerful, its got decent suspension, and it’s comfortable. And I don’t mean for a Harley. I mean that it’s great when you keep in mind that it costs just £6745.

That’s not much more than an MT-07. And it’s a grand less than a Triumph Street Twin.

Let’s deal with the naysayers first.

About half of all the bikes on US roads are Harley-Davidsons, so the company needs to encourage new riders into biking – with that market share, it’s not easy to get many more riders of competitor motorcycles to make the switch. The aim is to get two million new riders on board in just 10 years, and what market research has shown is that there are

an awful lot of people who want to get into the H-D brand, but don’t see anything that tempts them. They want something that’ll be easy to use in the city ty, y but will handle well on the open roads too.

Customers in the emerging markets want the same – the current Street 750 is very popular in India, and in total, there are now 35,000 of them on the world’s roads.

It’s the company’s third best-seller in the UK (behind the Iron 883 and Forty tyy Eight), so hopes are high for the new Street Rod, which promises 20% more power (69.7bhp @ 9000rpm) and 10% more torque (47.9lb-ft @ 4000rpm) than the Street 750.

That’s for the European market – US bikes are slightly down on those figures, but only by about 2%.

Logistically, it makes sense that the US Street range is assembled in the States, and all the others are assembled at Harley-Davidson’s factory in India, which has the same processes, equipment and

65.7

That’s the claimed miles per gallon for the Rod

quality tyy control. Parts for all of the machines are sourced globally, from the mirrors to the frame. If that’s a problem for you, then perhaps you’d prefer a machine with a Milwaukeemade motor.

Impressive outlook

Still here? Good – let’s move on from any unnecessary worries over who makes what, and look at how well this bike works. For a start, it’s not simply a dressed-up Street 750.

The European-built ‘High Output’ 749cc Revolution X engine has high-flow heads with increased lift and duration from the single overhead cams, a freer-breathing air intake, dual-port 42mm Mikuni fuel injection bodies (the Street 750 has a single 38mm unit), and an optimised exhaust.

The chassis has a 27° rake (Street 750 is 32°), the tank – which is the same 13.1 litre unit – is moved further forward, and the swingarm mounting point is different. The preload-adjustable shocks are new, as are the unadjustable upsidedown forks, the cast wheels, which carry Michelin Scorcher tyres, tyy the swingarm, and the LED tail-light and indicators.

FIRST RIDE 15 TECH SPEC Price: £6745 (Vivid Black), £6995 (colours) Engine: 749cc liquid-cooled single overhead cam V-twin Power: 69.7bhp (53kW) @ 9000rpm Torque: 47.9lb-ft (65Nm) @ 4000rpm Transmission: 6-speed Final drive: Belt Chassis: Steel tubular frame with steel swingarm Suspension: (F) 43mm unadjustable upsideown forks; (R) Twin piggy-back shocks, adjustable for preload Brakes: ABS, braided lines (F) 2 x two-piston floating calipers, 300mm discs: (R) two-piston caliper, 300mm disc Wheels: Michelin Scorcher tyres (F) 17in x 3.5in; (R) 17in x 4.5in Seat height: 765mm Fuel tank: 13.1 litre (2.9 gallons) Kerb weight: 238kg Contact: www.harley-davidson.co.uk

So? Waddya reckon...?

This bike really is a lot of fun to ride fast, but I wasn’t the only one to struggle to find neutral when the engine was running. One rider found that dialling the slack out of his clutch lever cured the problem, though it’s a shame that the clutch and brake levers aren’t span adjustable – when braking hard with two fingers, it can be too easy to trap the other two against the grip.

While it’s no tourer, the pillion seat would be comfortable enough for short journeys, with a reasonable amount of space. However, the standard, relatively low preload position would need to be increased for a couple on a day trip.

It’s easy to forget you’re riding a Harley when hustling the Street Rod through corners.

None of us expected it to handle this well. That’s not a criticism of the brand, just that it’s part of the character of the While you still need a key to operate the ignition, a fob arms the standard alarm and immobiliser as you walk away. The twin-piston calipers and 300mm discs (with ABS) are unchanged, but you’ll now find two up front.

The styling appears a little confused to me, the wide, angular tail not quite gelling with the teardrop tank. And that number plate carrier is a bit plasticky looking.

The dash has a single dial with an analogue speedo and a small LCD that can display two trips, an odometer, clock or gear and revs, as well as a trip that starts when the fuel light illuminates. Fuel economy is claimed to be 65.7mpg (up from the Street 750’s 61.4mpg), which would give a potential range of up to 189 miles, though realistically – especially when taking advantage of the relatively high performance – expect to be filling up every 100 miles or so, to be on the safe side.

Seating position

Fuel tank

The high pegs make it a little cramped for taller riders. The bars are well positioned and the seat comfortable enough for a full day’s riding.

It’s the same one as fitted to the Street 750, and at 13.1 litres.

average ‘traditional’ American muscle machine. And I guess it has to be said that some of that character is lost in the Rod. This is the most Japanese-feeling Harley ever built.

The exhaust note is adequate but here, sadly, Euro 4 regulations have strangled things, and it’s particularly noticeable when riding with a Forty Eight burbling beside you. At lower speeds, the pops and bangs that have been engineered into the overrun sound good, but as wind noise intrudes, all that can be heard is a high-pitched metallic clatter.

Harley-Davidson’s engineers should still be congratulated – those who want to be able to say: “I ride a Harley”, but also need city-riding practicalities, more-than competent handling in the twisties, and an incredibly accessible price, should certainly arrange a test-ride.

Mirrors The new mirrors give a clear, vibration-free view of the road behind.

Fast and twisty

This was no ordinary Harley-Davidson launch – we were almost immediately on fast, twisty roads, and the Street Rod loved them. Overtakes took none of the planning often necessary on a big, lazy American Vee, and it changes direction pretty enthusiastically, with little work necessary.

The seating position feels quite tight at first – lean angles of 37.3° on the right and 40.2° on the left (it’s 28.5 on both sides of the Street 750) have been achieved by setting the pegs quite high, relative to the 765mm seat (which is 45mm higher than its sibling). I’m 5ft 10in, and my 44-yearold hips protested a couple of times when I climbed on.

Engine

Chassis

Brakes

With new heads and cams, dual throttle bodies, larger air intake and revised exhaust power is up by 20% over the Street 750, and torque by 10%.

A new frame carries upsidedown forks and piggy-back shocks.

A pair of twin-piston calipers, biting 300mm discs, provide reasonable stopping power.

There’s no span adjustment on the lever though.

16 FIRST RIDE

But the bars are well positioned and the seat is suitably comfy fy, y so besides those two instances of mild cramp, I found the 115 mile test ride around Ronda in southern Spain to be very comfortable.

Having your feet beneath you means that, unlike on feet-forward Harleys, you can lift your bum off the seat for severe potholes and speed bumps. Yet I really didn’t find I needed to; the bike might dive a bit when snatching the brakes, but it’s otherwise firm enough to be ridden in a very spirited fashion – the unadjustable (bar rear preload) suspension really is surprisingly compliant and works well.

The turning circle is great. Combined with the ease with which you can get your feet down, this is a confidenceinspiring bike for the city ty. y It’s a shame then that the rear brake lever is too high, even when adjusted to its lowest point. Frank Savage, H-D’s manager of industrial design, told me that they’ll be looking at adding a bit more adjustment, though this could mean the lever might start to touch down at full lean.

H-D The pegs fold up, but in typical tyy fashion, they don’t spring back. They’re also rather small; much of the space taken up by chunky kyy linkage and hanger assemblies. In normal, fast riding, they don’t hit the Tarmac – it was only when we were taking photos that they started to scrape, but despite the exhaust’s heat shield also touching down, it always felt safe and under control.

18 NEW RIDER Learners Commuters Buying On Two Wheels

Riding

For more information on getting on two wheels, check out our NEW sister publication – On Two Wheels.

First Ride: Aprilia RS125 The latest track inspired 125cc pocket rocket from Aprilia.

Designed, developed and (mostly) built in Italy, Aprilia has launched its new Euro 4 125cc sportbike, aimed at younger riders, commuters, and all-round enthusiasts of smaller capacity machines. Aprilia thinks that the bike is one of the best on the market in terms of design, construction and technical features – and after being lucky enough to ride one out on a track in Germany; I’d be inclined to agree.

The new 2017 Aprilia RS125 is inspired directly by Aprilia’s flagship superbike, the RSV4. Like its big brother, the RS125 is equipped with a sleek, aerodynamic fairing, a triple headlight, and a unique aluminium frame. And, let’s be honest, it looks awesome.

Superbike styling and technology

The Aprilia RS 125 looks like it’s designed for the track. It has forward mounted semi-handlebars, setback footpegs, a saddle-fuel tank,

TECH SPEC Aprilia RS125

Engine: 124.2cc, four-stroke, DOHC, electronic injected, liquid-cooled Seat Height: 820mm Weight: 134kg Contact: www.aprilia.com/uk_EN Price: £4699 Licence: A1

O2W’s top tips for wet weather riding in partnership with Very few motorcyclists actually enjoy riding in the rain, but most have been caught out in a downpour at some point. So, to help make your wet weather riding as enjoyable as possible and keep you safe out on two wheels, here’s some advice from Mark Lewis, director of standards at the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

and a racing inspired exhaust. It’s equipped with solid upside-down front forks, while the rear suspension comes in the form of a racing-derived monoshock (which is sadly, nonadjustable). The braking system uses a 300mm disc on the front and a 220mm disc on the rear, assisted

by Bosch single-channel ABS and traction control.

The riding position encourages you to get tucked in and lean over the tank – and it feels really capable when being thrown into corners at speed. The ABS assisted brakes are more than capable of slowing you up, safely, and quickly too when you need them.

Engine

The beating heart of the Aprilia RS 125 is a modern 125cc single-cylinder, DOHC four-stroke, four-valve liquidcooled engine. It offers enough grunt to get the bike up to speed pretty quickly, even if you do have to be quite aggressive with the throttle and gears. It’ll sit quite comfortably at 60mph, and is capable of getting up to around 75mph, so should be perfect for the city, out on country roads, or even on the track – but I wouldn’t fancy being near a motorway on one.

Equipment

Even the instruments are racing inspired: from the analogue rev counter to the multi-function digital display, which allows you to flick between multiple readings (including a 20 lap stopwatch). The bike also offers connectivity between the bike and your smartphone, with the help of an additional Aprilia accessory. The latest version of the RS125 also boasts (according to Aprilia) the largest storage compartment in the 125cc motorcycle market, a space that can hold and charge a 6in tablet.

Should I buy one?

Although not the most comfortable motorcycle on the market, if you have an A1 licence and you’re yearning for a sporty motorcycle that will allow you to build confidence out on the road, you should definitely test ride the new Aprilia RS125. It’s available in three designs; Silver Speed, Black Speed and a limited edition Aprilia racing colour scheme too.

■ Begin with your pre-ride checks. Focus on the tyres, lights and lubricant. Too little tread, low pressure and sidewall damage could contribute to sudden loss of grip or tyre failure.

■ Don’t forget to switch your lights on if you feel you might not be seen, especially in poor conditions or at dusk.

■ It might sound obvious – but make sure you stay as dry as possible. Rain seeping through old leaky clothing will drain your heat, strength and concentration.

■ Keep your visor clean, and if you don’t have a Pinlock system, ensure it is treated with a fog-resistant product.

■ All inputs; whether steering, braking or acceleration, should be as smooth as possible.

■ Visibility will be seriously reduced on busy roads due to spray from other vehicles. Anticipate that you may not have been seen by other road users and plan accordingly, paying particular attention to your positioning.

■ Be extra careful at roundabouts, near petrol station forecourts and on newly laid tarmac as there may be oil on the road. Oil will sit above the water and is not always visible, so ride with an appropriate level of caution.

■ Finally, take extreme care when riding over standing water.

You have no idea how deep it may be or what may be below the surface. Grip the bars firmly and keep the machine as upright as possible. Remember to try your brakes after exiting deep water and periodically in wet conditions, to get rid of excess water and ensure they’re working correctly.

Mark is a former advanced police motorcyclist with over 37 years of biking know-how. He rode police bikes operationally in London, and clocked 18,000 miles on ‘blue lights’ and siren duty in a single year. He’s also been a trainer and examiner for police motorcycle students in the past – so you can rest assured that he knows what he’s talking about.

20 GREAT TO DO

Brecon Beacons

ADVENTURE When it comes to exploring the Brecon Beacons, you can’t beat experiencing it by bike…

Words: Bruce Wilson Pictures: Llel Pavey and Bruce Wilson Measuring 835 square miles, the Brecon Beacons National Park is massive. It’s one of the largest in the UK and one of the most stunning.

Especially when you start getting off the beaten track to see it from the less-travelled lanes and trails that criss-cross it like a spider’s web.

Most people don’t know about these routes and probably never will, unless they join the BMW Off Road Skills’ (ORS) Brecon Beacons Adventure.

Headed by 10-times Dakar competitor Simon Pavey, the training centre is based in the small town of Ystalyfera, just north of Swansea. It’s known for its three-tier adventure bike tuition, which takes place in an enormous private playground, perfectly suited to pushing the limits of anything and anyone.

But a less well-known side of the company is its off-road adventures. The popular Brecon Beacons Adventure takes place over two days, twice a year, and is open to anyone who’s completed the school’s Level One training course.

At the booking stage you can choose between any of BMW’s GS-range models. I went with the F800GS – it lacks a lot of its bigger brother’s technology, which means you can’t depend as much on electronics to get you out of trouble, but I fancied a challenge so chose it for the trip.

In my group were eight other riders, plus Simon himself and fellow instructor Chris Northover. A great pair of guys, they led us out in convoy on the local roads.

Ystalyfera sits in a valley, so whichever way you go leads you into the hills. Our bikes were fitted with off-road rubber, so the pace on the Tarmac was steady. Wherever you looked, the views were stunning; lush green pastures with waterfalls and rock faces. Postcard stuff.

ORS puts no pressure on anyone to perform like a Dakar rider; the aim is fun. Despite being in the advanced group, the initial pace on the dirt was slow and considered.

Wide tracked and overhung by trees, it didn’t take much riding to feel completely removed from civilisation; it was exciting and unnerving at the same time. Having clocked up a few miles, the trail ended and we found ourselves back on another remote and narrow road.

It had been the perfect warm-up.

We’d come to ride trails, but there

was a real pleasure in exploring the local, winding roads, which seemed devoid of traffic. Thirty minutes later we pulled up once more. We’d arrived at a hole in a hedge, not much wider than a bike. This was to be our first proper green lane and we set off one by one. The F800 is narrower than the GS, with the biggest advantage being its cylinders tucked away within its frame. The trail descended sharply, the tree stumps on each side of the steep banks etching outwards and catching the cylinders of the 1200cc riders. Now was the time to start concentrating, carefully determining the best route downwards while making sure not to apply too much front brake and lock the wheel.

The addition of deep ruts made the ride even more exciting, bouncing the bike all over the place and giving the impression that the GS was crossed up. It wasn’t, but by the time I’d reached the bottom of the slope, I felt like I’d had 10 minutes on the edge.

A river crossing up ahead brought everyone to a stop, offering a much needed breather. Traversing it one at a time, I’d caught my breath and despite a few slides on the slippery stones below the water, the crossing was straightforward enough.

Just around the corner was the next major challenge; a steep climb. With everyone’s bikes dripping wet, the soft soil below was getting a good watering, which made the challenge of rounding an uphill corner and racing up a harsh climb even more difficult. This was where some people got stuck.

Fancy a go?

Besides offering some of the best off-road tuition for all levels of rider, the BMW Off Road Skills team offers adventures around the world. Check out the calendar at: www.offroadskills.com

GREAT TO DO 21 I tried it Bike: BMW F800GS This is the second time I’ve done the Brecons Adventure, and I think I’ve managed to enjoy it even more this time.

Getting lots of off-road training is great, but you can’t beat being let loose to ride routes like the ones you do on this trip; it’s so liberating. I really like the simplicity of the system; all you have to do is turn up and everything from the bike to the accommodation is perfectly organised, so all you have to do is worry about enjoying yourself.”

The disadvantage of traction control is that it reduces the machine’s output and costs you momentum. A number of the R1200GS riders had elected to keep the aid switched on and they stopped halfway up. Heavy throttle hands only made it worse, digging the rear wheels into the ground. Chris and Simon had their work cut out, yanking bikes out of ruts and showing riders the best techniques to make it to the top. Progress was slow but eventually everyone was up.

Hundreds of acres of trails, varying in altitude and complexity, were to be our play pen for the next few hours.

It felt like a lottery win.

Despite all three groups being in the forest at the same time, the sheer vastness of the complex meant that we seldom saw one another; the only sightings often being across the valleys. Simon and Chris had got the measure of our group’s ability and went out of their way to help us have the most enjoyable few hours

Rachel Andrews, Southampton. possible. Gradually increasing the pace of the ride, along with the technicality of the terrain we were riding, it wasn’t long before we were made to feel like proper adventurers.

Having never met any of my fellow riders before the day had started, it was great to see how quickly they’d dismount their own machines to get stuck in and lift me and my bike up, each time I toppled over. As the riding went on, the frequency of assistance increased as we began to take the bikes down ridiculously tight and complex routes. From riding down stone-based streams, to bashing bracken in forests, it was relentless and it felt epic.

Throughout the ride Chris and Simon had been offering sound advice, whether on how to pick the bike up or how to master hill starts; the information was delivered in a clear and non-patronising way.

At one point we arrived at a fallen tree – some two feet in diameter –

blocking our path. I thought it crazy when Simon suggested we ride over it, but that’s exactly what he did and he showed that it was possible.

One by one, we each rode our bikes up and over this natural obstacle, witnessing some funny and terrifying scenes along the way. But the point is that we all achieved what none of us would have considered before that day. Without realising what was happening, we were upping our game.

Fed and rested, the following morning saw a prompt start, kicking off the second and final part of the tour. Everyone’s confidence was up and there was a hearty feel to the morning’s first trail, which turned out to be fast and mostly loosestoned. Because someone fancied a swap, I’d also managed to land

myself an R1200GS. The differences between it and the F800GS were considerable, with the bigger bike being much torquier and easier to ride. The clutch felt lighter and the weight lower, and easier to manage.

The suspension, set in Enduro mode, absorbed imperfections better and the power and versatility of the motor meant I had to worry far less about which gear I was in. It also felt more comfortable when sat down on the branching stretches of roads. The other advantage to the bike, as I was soon to discover, was that when you fell off it the cylinders meant the bike

was propped slightly off the ground, so was easier to pick back up.

The ride back to base was sobering; the caked mud on our bikes and kit a reminder of a memorable weekend of adventure bike riding. Everyone had had a great time and already people were talking about booking onto the following Brecon Beacons adventure. As we all gathered to be awarded a certificate of completion and biking goody bag, it became apparent that a large proportion of those who’d been on the event had already partaken before, and were likely to do so again.

TEN

The number of Dakars Simon Pavey has contested

22

WATCHES 23

Time piece

Tissot: T-Race MotoGP Tissot is the official timekeeper of MotoGP, which is a pretty important job when you stop and think of it. As an official partner, the Swiss brand has knocked up some tasty MotoGP flavoured arm wear, and this T-Race is one example of the extensive racy range. Using a chronograph design, it offers a classy carbon look without being too deferential to the race series. It’s only on the back that the branding becomes evident.

There are some natty touches, like the brake disc bezel and tyre tread back of the bracelet, putting this watch on pole position.

‘Only’ 3,333 will be made available…

The intersection of the Venn diagram that has motorcycle riders on one side and watches on the other covers a pretty big area.

That’s because most of us are clever enough to tell the time. It’s also because we appreciate fine engineering, the sophisticated amalgamation of metal and leather and like a little bit of biking bling dangling off our arm.

When it comes to watches with a motorcycle bent, there are plenty to cho oose from. Proper watch geeks will no doubt sneer at the fact that these aren’t worth the same as a semi-detached house in Redditch, but we think they all look rather good and we’d love to wear them all – at the same time, too. Some haave a manufacturer flavour, others are connected to racing, so whatever your taaste you’lll fi fin nd some wrist biking bling here to get you revved up…

£995 www.tissot.co.uk

Ducatti: Road Master Italian artisans Ducati offer this classic tiimepiece for the discerning Ducatisti.

It uses a metal case with a steel top ring, steel crown and steel counter buttons. The strap is, again, hewn from steel. Water resistant to 30m an nd looking every inch the class act – wh hat else were you expecting from Ducati?

Carbon fibre?

TW SSteel: VR46

KTM: Chronox

TW Stee el has got the Yamaha gig sewn up, even n to the extent of making all of Valentino o Rossi’s watches. There are a range of VR46 timepieces, and this is the ba ase model at £345. You want a fancier strap and more exclusivity? Then you’re e looking at £550. It uses a Miyota movvement, is made from 316L steel, is PVD titanium coated, features a carbon dial and is water resistant to five atmospheres.

It would make the man ‘very ’appy’ if you bought one…

KTM borrows a Japanese clockwork mechanism in making the Chronox – and isn’t scared about showing it off either. The case is made from stainless steel while the strap is of a rubber construction. It’s water resistant to 10 atmospheres, and looks decidedly flash, what with the obvious orange mated to the visible innards.

£259 www.ducatiuk.com

£345 www.twsteel.co.uk

Azimuth: SP-1

Suzuki: Watch This is the only official Suzuki option, and it is subtly styled if the Big S is your main manufacturer. It’s water resistant to five atmospheres, uses a silicon strap, the face has carbon inserts while the case is made from black stainless steel. We’re not sure what the wording says, but it probably means ‘G Gixers rule’.

£88.50 £88 50 www.suzuki-gb.co.uk www suzuki gb co uk

If anyone wants to go left field and plump for some crazily designed number to dangle from a wrist, then this is the model you’re after – the Crazy Rider. Retailing at nearly £5k, you’re really going to have to

want this one, but at leas st it gives it its best shot with h a truly unique chain design requiring a bit of brain recalibratio on to get to tell the time. Only 100 models are being made. Good luck trying to sell those… …

CHF 5,250 www.azimuthwatch.com

£205.43 www.ktm.co.uk

Sekonda: Triumph

Kawasaki: Carbon

Perfect for the rough stuff, this tough-built Sekonda offers all the e Triumph branding you’ll ever nee ed – as well as digital functionality on the chronograph married to the class sic sweeping arms. Predominantly grey, g the red flashes brighten the place up, important should you be look king to see if it really is water resistan nt to its claimed 100m depth. There are plenty more ‘evening’ watches in n the range, but we like this one – and the price.

Flashes of green are the giveaway that we’re dealing with a Kawasaki watch here. This carbon tachymeter uses a carbon face with a small Kawasaki Racing Team logo to demote its provenance and links to racing. It uses a metal strap, is water resistant to 10 atmosphere es and looks ruddy swish, if you’re asking us.

£79 www.triumph.co.uk k

Lotus: Marc Marquez If you fa ancy celebrating Marc Marquez’s fifth world champ pionship, then why not do it on your arm? This natty little number from Lotus (not the car folk) uses a rubber strrap, offers a quartz movement, boasts a ch hronograph function and is water resistant to five attmospheres. This is one of a number of MM93 watches ma ade by the Spanish firm, so if th his classy red, black and white e number isn’t your thing, then there are plenty of others to choo ose from. £179.99 www.lotus-watches.com

TW Steel: Yamahha MT If you’ve got yourself a Yam maha MT of any flavour, then you’ll kno ow it has a clock function on the dassh.

For all those moments whe en you’re not on the bike you’’ll need some sort of object to tell the time – and that’ss where this TW Steel watch h comes in. It doesn’t come with a built-in light, so you’ll have to use it in the day if you’re in the Dark Side.

Elsewhere, it uses a smart leather strap, a big calibre Japanese movement and it looks lovely while doing alll this – even down to 10 atmosphe eres… £335 www.yamaha-motor.eu

£265.95 www.kawasaki.c co.uk

Wryst: Isle of Man TT Wr Switzerland meets the Isle of Man in this Wryst watch desig gned specially for the races. This limited edition watc ch is a qualityy unit, using DLC coating on the case, crow wn and buckle e to protect it from nastyy scratches. There’s lots of en ngraving on th he rear to de enote how sp pecial it is, while the fron nt is ce ertainly unique e.

This year’s TT race winners all got one of these, so yo ou’ll be in some very fast company. It’s wate er resistant to 10 00m. £695 www.wryst-timepieces.com

24

FIRST RIDE 25

Going Rallye (ing) BMW W ups the th ante t Claimed to be the most off-road focused GS yet, and coming fitted with off-road tyres (road tyres are a no-cost option), BMW’s R1200GS Rallye sets itself up as a serious piece of kit.

Words: Nathan Millward Pictures: BMW The most notable change to the basic machine is an optional 20mm lift to the suspension, making it even more capable in the dirt, and possibly the machine that those of us who enjoy riding our big bikes off-road will salivate over.

Standard Rallyes cost £12,730 (just £480 more than a standard GS), and come fitted with a bench seat (previously a £286 option), plastic frame guards, wider footpegs, plastic radiator guards, smaller Sport screen and black spoked wheels from the GSA. The test machines were also fitted with optional crash bars (£323.23), as well as the Dynamic Package that adds LED headlights, Gear Shift Assist Pro, Riding Mode Pro and LED indicators for a total of £1490 extra. The bikes also had Hill Start Control activated at no extra cost and were also missing the centrestand – in order to give the Rallye more ground clearance. If you need a centrestand, you can add one by getting the £205 passenger kit, or as a dealer fit option when ordering.

For the UK there is also a Rallye Sport at £14,625. For the most part this mimics a top spec GS, just in Rallye colours, but with a standard two-tier seat, regular touring screen, road-biased ty tyres y and the centrestand. It gives you the look of the Rallye, but without any of the compromises. It also features niceties such as LED headlights, Hill Start Control, Gear Shift Assist Pro, ty tyre y pressure sensors and heated grips.

Adding ESA and cruise control bumps that price up to £15,775.

Interestingly, none of the bikes out in Portugal featured the optional Sports suspension that gives that 20mm lift. The Sports suspension is essentially that of the GS Adventure, fitted to the regular GS Rallye at a cost of £290. It raises the ride height front and rear, and also shortens the wheelbase slightly as a result. It is also

more stiffly sprung than the standard set-up. Sports suspension was deemed by the Off Road Skills team to be too focused for most of the novice riders they have coming through the school, where the ability tyy to get feet down on the ground is more important than an extra half inch of ground clearance. You can also order the bike with a low suspension option (£175), giving a seat height of just 800mm.

Regardless of the depth of changes to the Rallye – or lack thereof – it’s hard not to admire the way the GS still performs in the dirt. The key is its weight distribution and balance, brought about largely by the flattwin engine configuration keeping most of the weight down low. I won the slow speed race on mine at the Overland Event last year, mainly because at a standstill it’ll almost stand up on its own. Then you have the perfect relationship between bars and pegs for stood-up riding and a throttle response that, despite being ride by wire, is naturally fluid and progressive, making it very easy to control rear tyre tyy slip, even if you disengage traction control completely (something many riders prefer once they’ve got the hang of a big bikes in the dirt). The new Dynamic Pro traction control and ABS Pro do seem more effective on the dirt than ever, but for me, you do lose a little bit of feel when they are activated.

With that in mind, we have to add a caveat with these kinds of large capacity adventure bikes, in that they can be wonderful off-road, and can fl flatter l the novice rider no end, but it is largely down to context.

When it’s not your bike, you’re riding these perfect trails suited to the BMW, and you’re surrounded by instructors and people to help pick it up should you drop it, then your increased confidence can only lead to improved riding skills.

26 FIRST RIDE

But flip that around and be on your own bike, riding solo on the muddy trails of the UK and quite quickly a 250kg machine can be a menace, especially if you get it bogged or wedged in a rut on its cylinders. If you’re a novice to true off-road riding (not gentle fire tracks), then ignore the marketing spin because you’re still far better off buying a 250cc trail bike and leaving bikes like the GS – even the Rallye – to the Tarmac.

The Rallye is likely to be a great success, in the same way that the Triple Black has been for those wanting the prestige of a different colour scheme. As an engineering exercise, it could be seen as something of a disappointment. It doesn’t do enough, or go far enough in its changes to promote it as a standalone model in the way the legendary HP2 that influenced this paint scheme was.

It would have been good for BMW to have given us a proper off-road biased

GS, with 21in front, 18in rear wheels, perhaps regular telescopic front suspension rather than the Telelever, and a significant reduction in weight.

German firm Touratech, in conjunction with BMW, has recently built such a thing, called the Rambler.

That bike – sadly not for sale – features a revised fuel tank, deleted fairing, and front suspension from an F800 Adventure. In doing so they have managed to shave an impressive 40kg from the weight of the liquid-cooled GS, and it’s the bike that I’d love to see BMW putting into production. But who would buy it? Maybe a few serious off-road heroes with plenty of money, as the price tag would probably need to be in the region of £20,000 to justify the production run, and that’s if it could even pass Euro 4. The rest would languish in dealers, or leased out on PCP deals and never taken near dirt because on those terms of agreement you can’t afford to rack up

2000

The £ price split between the BMW and Africa Twin

any off-road damage. BMW has wisely built the bike that will sell, rather than the bike some of us had hoped for, which, in business, is completely understandable. As it is, the Rallye serves as a perfect plateau between GS and GSA, adding intangible cachet to the regular bike in the way that the previous Enduro model never did.

For £12,730 you’re getting a hugely desirable machine without having to add a whole lot of accessories, as you once did with the upgrade to TE model. The standard bike is what I would order – managing without ESA, cruise control and tyre pressure sensors – as at that base price I’d see the Rallye as something I could afford to get out and use, and possibly take on a big trip.

Equally, with the Rallye Sport, BMW has been smart in realising that the majority of customers might like the colour scheme of the Rallye without wanting all the compromises that go with it (screen, seat, centrestand and tyres). The £14,625 Rallye Sport fulfils that need quite nicely, and as a result will probably be the most desirable, and popular variant.

What this gentle attempt at a more off-road focused GS does allow, however, is for the likes of KTM with its new 1090 Adventure R, to gain some traction. That bike has all the right ingredients, from a 21/18in wheel setup, WP long travel suspension, 125bhp, proper crash protection as standard and a tempting price tag of £12,149. It’s the bike you might well choose over the Rallye if you were contemplating putting a large capacity adventure machine through its paces off-road.

That or a Honda Africa Twin, which, despite this year’s price rise to £10,849, is still £2000 less than the basic Rallye.

Has BMW done enough to stay ahead?

Time will tell.

TECH SPEC BMW R1200GS RALLYE

Price: £12,730 (£14,543.23 as tested) Engine: 1170cc, air/liquid-cooled flat twin Power: 123bhp (92kW) @ 7750rpm Torque: 92lb-ft (125Nm) @ 6500rpm Transmission: 6-speed Final drive: Shaft Frame: Tubular steel Suspension: (F) 190mm travel Telelever, non adjustable; (R) 200mm single shock, adjustable for preload Brakes: ABS (F) Twin 305mm discs, four-piston radial calipers; (R) Single 276mm disc, twinpiston caliper Tyres: Choice of road or off-road fitment (F) 120/70/19 (R) 170/60/17 Seat Height: 860mm (890mm with Sports Suspension) Kerb Weight: 244kg Fuel Capacity: 20 litres (4.4 gallons) Contact: www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk

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FIRST RIDE 29 Wheels/tyres

Bench seat

Those changes in detail...

Cross-spoked wheels from the GSA complete the offroad look. Choose road or off-road biased tyres when ordering at no extra cost.

Standard on the Rallye, replaced by a regular twotier seat on Rallye Sport - it’s a touch slimmer than the standard seat.

All 2017’s bikes in the range feature a catalytic converter, judder damper on the transmission output shaft and reworked transmission. The modifications for Euro 4 add approximately six kilograms, but the biggest change to the way the bike rides is the revised gearbox. There’s always been a heavy clunk when going into first gear from neutral – call it a character trait of the GS – but it’s softened by this year’s updates, if not as slick as that of a Japanese four-cylinder.

The other noticeable change, and one that’s been present since 2015, is that both the GS and GSA get the heavier flywheel that the GSA originally came with. The lighter flywheel of the original GS made it quicker to rev but also easier to stall. The heavier flywheel seems that bit doughier to get moving, but it does have a bit more chug for slow speed manoeuvring. Out of the blocks and onto the winding roads of

Riding modes

Centrestand

Road and Rain modes come as standard, Riding Mode Pro (£385) adds Dynamic and Enduro, while a plug that comes with the bike gives access to Dynamic Pro and Enduro Pro. Riding Mode Pro also adds the lean anglesensitive traction control and ABS. Regular traction control and ABS come as standard.

Deleted on the Rallye to give better ground clearance, but fitted to the Rallye Sport. You can add the stand to the Rallye as part of the £205 passenger kit, or as a dealer option when ordering.

the Algarve, the current bike feels like my own 2014 model GS, but with a mechanical polish. Slicker, smoother, less clunky in the gearbox, but that same usable spread of power, easy to ride, well balanced and deceptively light once moving.

Despite the Karoo 3 dual-sport tyres (depending on production cycle the bike can also come with Continental TKC80s) it handles well; flat, stable and with those wide bars easy to pitch into corners. The rubber offers good grip but is noisier than I remember; as noisy in fact as the Michelin Anakee Wilds.

The Michelins are even more off-road biased, last longer than the Karoo 3s and the Continental TKC80s, and would be the tyres I would fit if I really was wanting to go off-road on a GS, especially in mud. Alternatively, a Heidenau K60 is a ‘better’ road tyre than the three mentioned, and still offers a bit of visual off-road flare, as well as much longer wear rates.

30 FIRST RIDE New technologies

New for this year and an option on the Rallye, is the uprated electronics package, now featuring lean-anglesensitive Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and ABS Pro. The latest Gear Shift Assist Pro (effectively a quickshifter, both up and down) I can take or leave – the strength of the flat-twin boxer motor has always been the torque in the mid-range, with a preference for short-shifting, at least as far as my riding style goes.

Ridden in this manner I’m not sure the Gear Shift Assist works so well, sometimes fluffing up changes, still giving something of a crunch on the occasional down-change in the lower gears. Alternatively, if you’re the type of rider who likes to give your bike some stick through the cogs then you’re probably better suited to it.

Hill Start Control (a no-cost option) was also a technology I could live without (I admit I’m something of a Luddite). You engage the system by pulling the brake lever when stationary, and release it either by pulling the lever a second time or letting out the clutch. For the first few times – and I wasn’t alone – I stalled the bike by not giving it enough revs to overcome the resistance of the brake.

You adapt to it, and for a fully loaded bike on steep foreign roads it could come in handy. But again, for me, it’s something that doesn’t particularly add much to the core GS package.

The electronic suspension however (a £755 option) was something I missed more than I thought I might on these machines. The manual set-up proved perfectly competent on road and trail, despite its lack of adjustment (only preload at the rear), and there’s something appealing about the simplicity of it, but on a GS, where you might be transitioning

from on to off-road with regularity – or even just loading it up with luggage – I longed for the ability to firm or soften the suspension on the fly. The lack of electronic damping control also meant that the bike didn’t float quite so well over rough surfaces, and just lacked that little bit of comfort and finesse that I’d grown used to on my own ESA-equipped machine.

For 2017, the system also features self-levelling technology, measuring the weight of the load and setting the preload accordingly. Previously you had to do that manually, switching between rider, rider with luggage, rider with pillion, and rider with pillion and luggage. Now the system does all that for you. With no bikes in Portugal equipped with ESA it was impossible to test, though it does sound like a worthwhile incremental improvement.

Out on the trails

In terms of changes to the way the Rallye performs off-road, the biggest difference is to the footpegs, which might seem of insignificance, but wide pegs give you better feel and control of the bike. Those on the Rallye are the same as fitted to the Adventure model, so could be retro-fitted to any GS. The smaller screen is also handy off-road, giving you a better view of the trail ahead and making the front of the bike feel smaller and more manageable, a sensation aided by the tightening up – and smartening up – of the front end design for 2017 bikes.

It would have been interesting to try the bike with the 20mm lift of the Sports suspension, but the truth is that on the type of trails we were riding it wouldn’t have made much difference, bar the increased bridge to the floor when coming to a stop.

My own standard ride height GS does

bottom out sometimes when riding off-road in the UK, so I have a sturdier AltRider sump guard fitted, as the original bashplate bolts directly into the sump, where a heavy impact could potentially wreck your engine.

More generally, it was a shame to see the once aluminium heel plates replaced by black plastic on the newer bikes as they seem to tarnish quickly, as do the Rallye’s frame guards. Even the grab rail at the rear seemed more susceptible to scuffing and abuse than that of previous years. I also miss the fact that the steering lock on the latest model no longer operates with the bars turned left or right; now only left.

It was a handy feature when parking in tight spaces or trying to chain two bikes together.

Some of the plastics around the upper fairing, especially the winglets either side of the screen, also seem flimsier and to have more flex after the redesign, the advantage of course

being that they shouldn’t snap quite so easily when hit off-road. Otherwise, the larger instrument design is a big improvement, making speed and revs much easier to read.

The single bench seat of the Rallye looks great and is that little bit narrower than the stock one, though whether it’s as all-day comfortable as the standard two-tier seat was hard to tell as there’s a lot of stop-start riding on a bike launch.

It can still carry a pillion, but only if they don’t mind sitting close.

The Sport screen was surprisingly good at deflecting the wind and conveniently uses the same fasteners and adjustment mechanism as the standard bike. If you plan on doing a lot of off-road work then consider fitting a Cymarc screen brace (available for £59.99 from Nippy Normans), as the plastic screen struts on the GS are prone to stress fractures and are a swine to change, though at least comparatively cheap to purchase.

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PRODUCTS 33

Weise Dakar Adventure Jacket & Jeans Jacket – RRP: £259.99 // Colours: White, Black // Sizes: S-5XL Trousers – RRP: £199.99 // Colours: White, Black // Sizes: S-5XL

Renowned touring clothing specialist Weise has just unveiled its latest adventure jacket and jeans, the Dakar.

It’s equipped with all the features you’ve come to expect from the premium adventure brand, including CE level 2 protection on the shoulders, elbows, knees and back, a removable waterproof drop liner plus a few clever extras too. In fact, the firm reckons it’s the most versatile gear its produced during its 30-year history.

The jacket’s waterproof drop-lining, quilted thermal lining and winter neck guard can all be easily removed – if the weather warms up and you need to shed some layers. Plus, you can unzip the large panels at the chest and back and fold them neatly away in the pockets provided, revealing large mesh vents. Plus, there are also two-way zipped vents running from the cuff to the top of the arm – while the jeans have vented panels on the thigh too. The Dakar Jacket is hydration pack prepared, with a rear pocket and drinking tube outlet ready to go.

Plus, there’s a large removable rear map pocket, ideal for carrying, well, a map – though you could keep your valuables in there instead.

Weise also offers a two-year warranty meaning you can rest assured that you’ll get your money’s worth from this pricey, but ultimately, top specification kit.

For more information, visit: www.thekeycollection.co.uk

Italian luggage specialist Givi, has just launched the latest addition to its extensive range to make transporting your gear easier than ever before. In short, the new Givi S410, allows any monokey topbox to be transformed into a trolley for easier transportation off the bike. It’s a clever bit of kit that fits between the topbox and baseplate.

The opening and locking mechanism is the Givi Security Lock, and it features a built-in aluminium telescopic handle with four stop positions. And most importantly, Givi claims the wheels will offer smooth movement no matter the surface.

For more information, visit: www.givi.co.uk

RRP: £249.999 // Colours: Black // Sizes: 8-20

RRP: £134.99 // Sizes: S-L

Fitting is ach hieved d usiing a three point adjustable waist fastening and shoulder straps – and it also features breathable vent holes throughout, to help keep you cool. For more information, visit: www. forcefieldbodyarmour.com

Dguard – the world’s first eCall system for motorcycles RRP: £499 with two years SIM subscription, plus an additional fitting fee* *Fitting costs depend on the type of motorcycle, location etc.

– but it’ll typically cost £50.

The dguard eCall system utilises sophisticated sensor technology to detect a crash and contact the emergency services in a matter of seconds – in line with a new European initiative that aims to bring rapid assistance to motorists involved in collisions anywhere in the EU. The sensor is a sophisticated bit of kit and works a bit

RRP: £117.50

Spada Baroque Ladies Jacket

Forcefield Pro L2KK Dynamic Back Rotector

Forcefield has recently updated its award-winning L2K back protector for 2017.

Getting into specifics, the updated Pro L2K Dynamic back protector meets current CE Level 2 safety standards,, while offering a softer and more flexible moulded protection layer, helping to improve comfort and allow the armour to mould to the rider more easily.

It’s made using NitrexEvo a unique high-tech shock absorbing material which offers Repeat Performance Technology to ensure that even after multiple impacts there is no loss of protection performance – while Kevlar thread is used to hold the various materials together.

GIVI Wheeled Trolley

like a magnetic field, detecting a rider’s presence, or lack of it, on the bike. The emergency services are given an automated spoken message, with the GPS coordinates of the accident. If the injured rider is wearing a Bluetooth headset and is able to speak, then the dguard will connect the emergency call directly.

There’s a Deutsch Mobile Sim built into the module – on a roaming data contract, so it’ll connect to whichever provider is offering the strongest signal, and it’s capable of automatically communicating in 18 individual languages.

It also comes with a handlebar mounted SOS button, which allows a rider to call the emergency services for another person. Importantly, an inadvertently placed emergency call can be stopped within 15 seconds by pressing the button twice (or more).

The dguard also features a clever theft warning function, which will warn if your bike is moved without your presence – and you will get a message straight to your smartphone. The app will also send you an alert when your bike is moving and provide updated GPS data while it’s on the move.

For more information, visit: www.bikeittrade.com

The new Ladies Baroque cruiser jacket from Spad da combines classic, retro-styling with the best of modern technology.

It is made from handfinished, distresssed 0.9mm aniline sh heep hide, and incorpo orates a four-piece set of Tektoform armou ur to help keep you u safe out on two wheels – there’s a back-protectorr pocket too, but you’ll need to add your own armourr.

It features an ornate-patterned d red internal fixed d lining and gun metal zips for an authentic finish.

Plus, there’s a diamond quilted removable lining too, helping to make this jack ket even more versatile.

For more inform mation, visit: www.sspadaclothing.c co.u uk

MT Atom Tarmac Helmet

RRP: £139.99 // Colours: Black/White, Black/Fluo Yellow // Sizes: XS-2XL The all-new Atom Tarmac is the latest flip-front lid from MT Helmets. It’s aimed primarily at touring and longdistance riders, with the invaluable flip-front offering the wearer both flexibility and freedom.

The polycarbonate shell comes in a couple of sizes, to achieve the best fit. It features an anti-scratch visor with a fast removing system and lock system mechanism, plus a drop-

down internal sun visor. There are also multiple vents and a spoiler, to offer ventilation through the helmet.

Wind noise is minimised with the help of a new four-way neck curtain system and lower liner flaps – and there’s also a removable anatomical inner lining, and a micrometric buckle for fitting.

For more information, visit: www.tri-motive.com

34 TRIED &

TESTED

Furrygan Coburn Jacket

Tested by: Ryan Goodyear RRP: £399 // Colours: Rusted // Sizes: S-4XL Lookin ng for something a little bit more retro and sttylish than your average textile jacket, but to still provide the same protection and practiccality? Furygan has developed your answeer, the Coburn.

Furyygan’s tribute to its own legendary GTO jaacket, the Coburn features the same should der design and quilted red lining as the GT TO but this is now paired with modern safety technology and premium protection ponents. comp On the exterior of the jacket you have three reinfforced zipped pockets, zip adjustable ffs and waist along with a secure popper cuff to kkeep the collar closed. It is available n black and brown waterproof treated in leather, which is very subtle, allowing ffor a straight fit and no stiffness in movement.

The interior features a zipped m inside pocket, and a very stylish quilted i red r leather lining made from Coolon, which makes for maximum breathability w and a comfort. A thermo-aluminium lining caan also be added as an option.

When it comes to protection and safety W

the Coburn is CE approved as PPE. D3O protectors feature in the elbows and shoulders alongg with the option to add extra protection at the rear of the jacket with either a central backk protector or a full back protecto or.

Wearing the jacket day in and day out gave me the opportunity to test it in all weather conditions and temperatures. The leather performed very well in wet and cold conditions, keeping me dry and warm throughout and in the warmer weather it became breathable and light.

My back did feel a little exposed d due to lack of protection – but thankfully I didn’t have to test th he protection on offer. It’s also worrth adding that the armour is barelyy noticeable when wearing the jacket, and alllow for maximum flexibility and comfo ort.

For more information, visit: www.neviis.ukk.com

Richa Original Jeans Tested by: Andy Catton RRP: £149.99 // Colours: Blue // Sizes: 30-44in (in a range of leg lengths) These stylish, well-fitting Richa motorcycle jeans have proved themselves over around 1000 miles of winter, spring and summer riding to be an extremely versatile, comfy, warm and often worn choice of motorcycle jean.

The fit is brilliant, my partner preferring the look of these Richa jeans over my older Held pair – a big win, as is the colour and feel of the Denim, no doubt helped by the Cordura material.

This mixture of corduroy and Denim strengthens and makes the jeans feel extremely tactile.

Standard features include lots of handy pockets and a zip up fly, helping ease of use in all those vital situations!

Pocket stitching and the jeans’ branding looks impeccable and the jeans accommodate a variety of sizes of belt too.

Motorcycle features include strengthened stitching to aid safety plus D30 armour in the knees and hips as standard, which is comfy to wear and textured to be protective if an accidents was to occur, which fortunately it has not in my time with these jeans. A smooth inner lining materiel helps dressing and undressing quickly and removable Denim loops around the feet help hold the jeans in place while riding.

I can vouch for the warmth of these jeans, riding from Lincolnshire to Essex and back regularly throughout the winter months. With a winter oversuit on the top I stayed warm and now the summer is here I feel confident and safe in the Richa jeans.

For more information, visit: www.nevis.uk.com

AGV Compact-ST Helmet

H CRASED TEST

Tested by: Ryan Goodyear RRP: From £199.99 // Colours: Black, White, Black/ Yellow, Red/Grey // Sizes: XS-XL I’ve worn a lot of helmets in my brief time on earth, both on and off road, and I must say the AGV compact has to be in my top five favourite ones, bar a few minor gripes which I’ll get to in a bit. It’s the first fliplid I’ve used for a long period of time, and I have become a complete fan of the flip feature and its endless beneficial practicalities.

Not only does this helmet feature a one handed flip front operation and dual homologation for use with the chin bar open or closed. It also has a list of other features, such as the integrated internal smoked sun visor with single handed operation (achieved by using the lever mounted on the helmet), alongside a scratch resistant polycarbonate visor that is treated for total protection from the sun’s

UV rays, a removable liner and an integrated ventilation system.

The helmet is aggressively styled and it looks great, if you’re after a cool, stealthy look. But from a safety perspective the matt black lid isn’t the most identifiable, personally, I prefer to stand out and be seen going to down the road wearing slightly brighter colours.

Nevertheless the outer shell is made of a robust highly resistant thermoplastic, which I have been able to put to the test.

Having just touched upon the importance of being visible and standing out to other road users, I recently experienced what happens when you don’t – and put the helmet to the test after a car pulled out in front of me, having not seen me. I swerved to avoid the collision and lost

control of the bike I was riding, which threw me off with my head saying hello to the road surface first. The helmet did its job, sliding along the tarmac, and I walked away from the accident with a few cuts and bruises and a minor headache.

Overall, I rate this helmet highly.

It comes in a wide range of sizes and coming from a reputable manufacturer you’re guaranteed a top quality lid that you can trust.

For more information, visit: www.moto-direct.com

TRIED & TESTED 35 TCX Hero WP Boots

Caberg XTRACE LUX Helmet

Tested by: Nick Mowbray RRP: £169.99 // Colours: Brown // Sizes: 3.5-13

Tested by: Ross Mowbray RRP: £169.99 // Colours: Black/Yelloow, Red/White/Blue // Sizes: XS-XXL

These new boots from TCX are both stylish and comfortable to wear both on and off the bike, and they’re easy to put on too, thanks to a small zip on the inside which is sealed with Velcro at the top. And the top quality leather that they’re made from doesn’t take much bedding in either – so they are comfortable straight out of the box.

The soles offer plenty of grip, the toes and heels are reinforced, and there’s extra padding for gear selection – so these TCX Hero boots offer everything you’d need from

fashion-styled motorcycle footwear. Plus, they’re waterproof too, and have held up in some pretty torrential downpours so far.

Of course, they’re priced at the higher end of the scale, but if you’re after a pair of multi-purpose boots that look fantastic both on and off the bike, that promise to offer the protection you need out on two wheels – you should take a look at these boots.

For more information, visit: www.nevis.uk.com

Caberg has aimed its new mid-range XTRACE helmett at riders who are passionate about street enduro and off ffff road. So really, this is a multipurpose lid that’s made to keep you safe no matter whether you’re cruising throu ugh town or blasting down green lanes. In fact, the lid can n actually be adjusted to suit its purpose, taking advantage of multiple possible configurations which can be achiieved without the use of tools. The options are; with the peaak and visor, without the peak or without the visor (allowing you to use googles in an off-road environment).

The Caberg XTRACE is made from a polycarbonate shell, which is available in a couple of sizes to help off ffer ff the best fit without compromising safety. It’s equipped with a double visor system – which includes a Pinlock ready anti-scratch visor on the outside that offers a fantastic field of vision, and an easy to operate, flip down, anti-scratch internal sun visor to help improve vision in direct sunlight.

Ventilation is provided by three air vents, which are relatively easy to operate while wearing gloves. There’s a vent on the chin guard which drives air directly to the inner side of the visor to avoid misting; while the two vents on top of the lid channel fresh air inside the helmet through numerous air grooves and the rear vent removes hot and stale air.

The venting is good – forcing plenty of air through the helmet, keeping you cool while preventing the visor fogging. There’s also a removable and washable lining made

from transpiring fabrics – which is invaluable if you’re intending to use this lid off-road, as it’ll inevitably need a wash after a hard day on the trails.

The wind stop device under the chin guard and the breath guard are both removable too.

Overall, I’m really impressed with this helmet. It’s comfortable, light when on, stylish and practical.

Admittedly, wind noise can be a little painful at consistent high speeds (mainly when you’re on a motorway) – and the peak can be a bit of an inconvenience in a similar environment. But, with the option to configure the lid yourself, then you’ll easily be able to find a set-up that works for you and your next two wheeled adventure.

In short, Caberg is offering a lot of helmet for the money – with three separate setups in one refined package. You should definitely check this lid out.

For more information, visit: www.cabergcares.co.uk

36 KNOWLEDGE Marjorie Cottle was one of Britain’s best trials riders.

Faye Taylour on her Douglas speedway twin.

Elspeth Beard was the first English woman to ride around the world.

Marjorie Cottle at Scottish Six Days.

Sisters are doing it for THEMSELVES Words: Mikko Nieminen Photography: Mortons Archive, Elspeth Beard, Lois Pryce, Jenny Tinmouth, Jody Perewitz, Zoë Cano, Mediacross

Forget about motorcycling being a lads’ world. There are – and always have been – plenty of women riding fast and far. Here’s a look at some of the most prominent female riders past and present…

Olga Kevelos – one of Britain’s leading female competition riders.

Close your eyes and picture a biker.

Chances are the image is rather manly.

Yet women have been riding bikes ever since there were bikes to ride, and the numbers seem to be increasing. Out of around five million full motorcycle licence-holders in England, roughly 500,000 are female. Not all of these licences are actively used to ride bikes, but the figures still point to roughly 10% being women riders.

So who were the pioneering females that got on two wheels, despite the mutterings of the guys worried about their fragile egos? And who are the big names of today? Here’s a handful that most inspired us...

To Africa, Asia and beyond

Theresa Wallach was one of the trailblazers. Born in London in 1909, Theresa went on to become a racer, motorcycle adventurer, military dispatch rider, engineer, author, motorcycle dealer, mechanic and riding school instructor.

In 1935 Theresa and her friend, Florence Blenkiron, rode from the UK down to South Africa on a 600cc single-cylinder Panther with a Watsonian sidecar and a homemade trailer. Crossing the Sahara, riding through equatorial Africa, and finally arriving in Cape Town, they managed the whole trip with no back-up – not even a compass to hand. Following the trip, Theresa wrote a book, The

Rugged Road, which tells the story of their epic ride.

Heading, quite literally, in a different direction, Peggy Thomas from Surrey was an inspiration in the 1950s. She toured Scandinavia on her 125cc BSA Bantam, and then in 1950 headed over to Canada, the US and Mexico on the same bike. For her American trip, she brought with her a special pillion, Matelot, her Airedale terrier, who travelled in a box behind her. Peggy wrote a book about her travels under the dual title of A Ride in the Sun and Gasoline Gypsy.

The first woman to ride around the world solo was French journalist and writer Anne-France Dautheville, who by 1973 covered 12,500 miles over three continents, riding a 125cc Kawasaki. She continued her world travels until 1981.

Back in England, Elspeth Beard, the first English woman to ride around the world, began her journey in 1982 on a BMW R60/6. From the UK, she shipped her bike to New York City, riding on to Canada, Mexico and Los Angeles. Then it was shipped to Sydney, and Elspeth spent a good while travelling in Australia. Next she travelled to Singapore, riding back into Europe across Asia. She arrived back in the United Kingdom in 1984, having travelled 48,000 miles. She is publishing a book, Lone Rider, about her travels, due out in July 2017.

Pioneering women of America

Crossing the United States from coast to coast is still at the top of many bikers’ bucket lists, but imagine what it would have been like to make that journey more than 100 years ago.

The First World War was raging in Europe – although the Americans hadn’t yet joined in – and women would still not be allowed to vote in the US until 1920.

Unfazed by the obstacles, in 1915 Effie Hotchkiss decided to ride the breadth of the US on an 11-F HarleyDavidson with a custom-made sidecar built to accommodate her mother Avis. They became the first women to ride across America after they completed their trip from Brooklyn, New York to San Francisco.

UK roads, tracks and trails

Back in the UK, Marjorie Cottle was one of Britain’s best-known motorcyclists in the 1920s, and is considered to be one of the greatest trial riders in the country – male or female. She won several medals in her career, including gold at the Scottish Six Days Trial in 1923, and the Silver Vase at the International Six Days Trial in the Lake District in 1927, as part of an all-female team along with Edyth Foley and Louie McLean.

In the process she became a walking advertisement for women in motorcycling.

KNOWLEDGE 37 Lois Pryce, adventure rider Lois Pryce is an author, journalist and world traveller who specialises in solo travel on small-capacity motorcycles.

Since jumping on her first bike, a 1959 BSA Bantam D7, Lois has ridden a variety of bikes on her adventures. The first trip was a 20,000 mile ride from Alaska to Ushuaia – the southernmost town in the world, at the tip of Argentina – on a Yamaha XT225. That was followed by 10,000 miles from London to Cape Town on a Yamaha TTR250.

With three books, a heap of articles and regular public speaking appearances, Lois is on top of her game: “On the whole, I find men to be supportive of what I do, and they often tell me that they buy my books for their wives She might not have been the first female racer, but Beryl Swain is certainly among the most influential; in 1962 she became the first woman to compete as a solo rider at the Isle of Man TT. She finished 22nd out of 25 finishers, with an average of 48mph on her 50cc Itom. Unfortunately, the racing world was not ready for fast women back then, and banned them from riding the TT circuit until 1978.

That didn’t stop Rose Hanks in 1968 from racing the TT as a passenger in 1968, in a sidecar outfit piloted by her brother-in-law, Norman Hanks. The pair finished in second place, making Rose the first woman to ever stand on the winners’ rostrum at the TT. When Hilary Musson entered the TT

and daughters to inspire them to ride and have adventures – which is very cool! Of course, I have experienced some patronising comments and sexist attitudes over the years, but I would say that people like that are in the minority, thankfully.”

Formula 3 in 1978, she finished 15th.

Hilary’s daughter Gail carried on the family’s racing tradition, achieving – among other merits – 6th place in the 1998 Manx GP. In the Junior TT of 1997, Sandra Barnett set the fastest ever lap by a woman rider at 114.63mph, on her way to 12th place.

One of the best-known female racers of recent years is Maria Costello, who for five years held the Guinness World Record as the fastest woman at the Isle of Man TT, when she lapped the Mountain Course at an average of 114.73mph in 2004. She was also the first female solo rider ever to claim a podium spot on the island, taking third place in the Ultra Lightweight category of the 2005 Manx Grand Prix.

Jenny Tinmouth, racer & mechanic Jenny Tinmouth’s passion for motorcycles started at home: “My dad has always had bikes – an old AJS, a Matchless and a Honda CBX550, so it was normal for me to get one as soon as I was old enough. My first bike was a Suzuki TS125X.” “I love the challenge, the adrenaline buzz and the satisfaction you get from

Elspeth Beard returns from her ground-breaking round the world trip.

racing,” she admits. That passion has taken her from a humble start of scraping together enough money to finance racing on her own bike with tyres pinched from a scrap heap, to lining up on the British Superbike Championship grid on a factory Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.

Arguably the biggest moments in Jenny’s racing career so far were recorded on the iconic Isle of Man TT. In 2009, Jenny took to the Mountain Course as a newcomer on a bike she had never raced, and smashed Maria Costello’s previous women’s lap record with an average of 116.8mph in the senior TT. Jenny was back on the Rock in 2010, and broke her own record with a 119.945mph lap.

Away from the Tarmac, British women have also proved fast and fearless. Patsy Quick was the first British woman to compete in the Dakar rally in 2003, and the first to finish the rally in 2006.

There’s still work to be done to ensure that everyone gets a fair chance regardless of their gender, but, with so many inspirational female riders of past and present, and plenty more rising through the ranks, things are looking bright for future generations…

Livia Lancelot, motocross racer Livia Lancelot is a professional motocross racer of 10 years, and a team owner in the World and French Championships.

She started riding at the age of four. Today Livia is a double

World Champion, European Champion, six-times French Champion, and she has got two medals at the X-Games in the US. In addition, she’s the only woman to have ever finished in the top 20 of the MX2 class in the World Championship, and the only woman in the top 40 at the iconic Le Touquet beach race.

Riding a Kawasaki 250 KXF, Livia has excelled in motocross, and doesn’t feel that gender was ever an issue: “I have always been respected by the guys around me. It was never a problem to be a woman in this sport.”

Above: Theresa Wallach with her sidecar in a desert en route to Cape Town.

Right: Patsy Quick was the first British woman to compete in the Dakar.

Jody Perewitz, land-speed racer When Jody’s not racing her V-twin at speeds of over 200mph, she can be found custom painting motorcycles at her father’s shop, Perewitz Cycle Fab, in Halifax, Massachusetts.

Jody holds 15 land-speed records. She was the first woman to ride an American motorcycle over 200mph, and the first female on a V-twin to get into the Bonneville Salt Flats 200mph club.

Jody’s race bike, the ‘264’, is a fully custom-built 1966cc V-twin, with peak power of over 315bhp and 295lb-ft of torque. Her current record on the bike is 208mph, but she’s aiming even higher.

The recipe for her success in a high-testosterone environment is simple: “I believe that a lot of my success comes from absolutely loving motorcycles. And having a cool dad who let me do whatever the ‘guys’ were doing. Women are becoming more and more accepted, and I try to encourage them to keep going. If you enjoy riding, then do it! Don’t let anyone hold you back, no matter what it is.”

38 TEST

Conti-nual greatness

Changing rubber is the single biggest improvement you can make to your motorcycle. Sports-tourers take note of these tyres.

Words: Carl Stevens Pictures: Continental Sports-touring, or the art of going somewhere very far away at a fairly rapid pace, is becoming increasingly popular. So popular in fact that most major tyre manufacturers are investing mega bucks into the development of suitably spectacular rubber; offering high mileage and high grip virtues.

That’s the nature of Continental’s new ContiRoadAttack 3s, which I got chance to nail around some of Mallorca’s finest roads.

Old vs new

Flying straight to the launch from thrashing around Cartagena on-board a GSX-R750 with cut slicks, it’s fair to say I wasn’t expecting much at all in terms of feel from a tyre made for longevity and wet weather riding.

But it turns out I was in for a pleasant surprise, because Conti has put a shed load of work into developing the latest incarnation of its popular RoadAttack rubber.

The third gen tyre’s been bettered all round, with an optimised tread design for improved grip in the wet, while handling has been enhanced through Continental’s own EasyHandling technology. This works alongside the multi-compound tech to make the edges nice and soft, while the middle is still hard enough to cope with as many miles as you can throw at them.

Even the stability’s been taken care of with the new ZeroDegree belt system, which is designed to offer dependable support at all speeds. Compared to its predecessor, the warm-up time and handling efficiency have increased (according to Continental’s stats) by 5%, mileage has risen by 10%, and wet grip is up a massive 15%.

Getting to grips

Gifted a whole day’s riding and across a tantalising variety of great roads, the hardest thing was choosing which bike to ride first. Ducati’s Multistrada 1200 kicked things off with a steady jaunt through towns and local back roads.

The pace was pretty chilled, but the tyres had no problems dealing with the tight bends, cobbled roads and bucket-loads of bumpy tarmac we were travelling. The handling was predictable and grip was never an issue. But it begged the question, how would they fare when the pace got hotter? Surprisingly well, is the answer to that one.

Considering the longevity you get from the ContiRoadAttack 3s, they give heaps more feeling then you’d expect and plenty of warning when things get a little sketchy, which is the most impressive aspect of these sporty little hoops. As the speed increased, I managed to nab myself

a Yamaha MT-09 for a few miles, causally getting my knee down at every given opportunity.

These roads were far from perfect, and greasier than a used car salesman, but the Contis took it all in their stride and kept me sunny side up without any moments.

But the real test of performance came later that afternoon, when me and another geezer sloped off to crank up the pace and go in search of the limits of the rubber. BMW’s lethal S1000R seemed the perfect tool for the job and, with the traction control switched right down, I gave it the berries. Sure enough, I did find the tyre’s limits, but I was impressed with how much you could ask of the tyres before they started breaking traction.

Exiting first and second gear corners with a handful of throttle proved to be the Conti’s nemesis, but the heaps of feedback on tap meant I was never in danger and could react to get the slides under control. They didn’t feel like a tyre made for longevity at all.

You could really push on the front into the turns and squat the back down on the way out, without encountering poor stability or lardy handling. I was really impressed.

Time to Attack

At the end of the day, these ContiRoadAttack 3s do what they say on the tin; let you attack the road.

Size range Fronts: 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W) TL 110/70ZR17 M/C 54W TL 110/80R19 M/C 59V TL 120/60ZR17 M/C (55W) TL 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W)TL GT 120/70ZR19 M/C 60W TL 100/90R18 M/C 56V TL 110/80ZR18 M/C (58W) TL 120/70ZR18 M/C (59W) TL Rears: 150/70R17 M/C 69V TL 160/60ZR17 M/C (69W)TL 180/55ZR17 M/C (73W) TL 180/55ZR17 M/C (73W)TL GT 190/50ZR17 M/C (73W) TL 190/55ZR17 M/C (75W) TL 170/60ZR17 M/C 72W TL 190/50ZR17 M/C (73W)TL GT 190/55ZR17 M/C (75W)TL GT 130/80R17 M/C 65V TL 130/80R18 M/C 66V TL 150/70ZR17 M/C 69W TL 160/60ZR18 M/C (70W) TL 170/60ZR17 M/C (72W) TL They don’t claim to be track rubber, but I reckon they’re more than good enough for the typical street rider, regardless of what bike they’re riding.

And, if the longevity and wet weather qualities are as good as what Conti is suggesting them to be, there’s no doubt these tyres are going to be a winner.

They’re available in 10 different sizes for the front and 14 for the rear, meaning you can fit them on pretty much anything you fancy, with prices starting from roughly £270 a pair (for a typical 120/180 combo).

For more info check out: www.conti-bike.co.uk.

}

TEST 39 EASY HANDLING

Better feedback, easier handling and confidence inspiring feel from the construction.

RAIN GRIP

Optimised tread design for better drainage in wet conditions.

MULTI GRIP

Temperature controlled curing, with different compounds over the tyre.

TRACTION SKIN

Enhanced feel from the very off thanks to the micro rough texture.

ZERO DEGREE

The zero degree steel belt that is the backbone of the tyre, giving greater stability at all speeds.

40 USED TEST

BUY

Classic Motorcycle Mechanics ✮✮✮ Get YOUR issue of the BEST place for great bikes from the 1970s, 80s and 90s NOW from your newsagent or go to: www.classicmagazines.co.uk

TECH SPEC Engine Type: 1284cc, liquid-cooled, 16-valve, inline four Maximum power: 116bhp @ 7500rpm (claimed) Maximum torque: 86lb-ft @ 6000rpm (claimed) Transmission: 5-speed Final drive: Chain Frame: Steel double cradle Suspension: Front: 43mm telescopic cartridge forks adjustable for pre-load only.

Rear: Twin Showa piggyback reservoir shocks adjustable for rebound and pre-load only.

Brakes: Front: Twin 310mm discs with Nissin fourpiston calipers Rear: Single 245mm disc, 256mm disc, Nissin two-piston caliper Tyres: Front: 120/70-17 Rear: 180/55-17 Seat height: 790mm Wheelbase: 1515mm Dry weight: 224kg Fuel capacity: 21 litres

Riding Used:

Honda’s CB1300

The boss of our sister magazine Classic Motorcycle Mechanics has been enjoying the delights of a recent ‘classic’. Yeah, we feel old about that, too...

Words: Bertie Simmonds Pictures: Joe Dick Right, it’s time for me to get my apologies/excuses out of the way very early doors. Firstly, you’ll see that this bike really is ‘only’ 14 years old. It’s not quite in that 15-year VJMC ruling that we at CMM try to stick to.

For that I apologise. But look at it!

It’s a real UJM (a universal Japanese motorcycle) with pure, clean lines and

naked as the day it was born (well, rolled off the production line). It’s what we would term a ‘coming classic’, something we feature now and again so that you can think ahead of what to tuck away for the future.

Second apology then… I love these bikes and had one from new for a year and did a ton of miles on it, so I will try and keep the following lot of opinion objective, as much as a purely subjective ride on an older bike can be, that is.

When the CB1300 first came out in this form in 2003, Honda UK was expecting big things. Now, the bike had been around since 1998 back ‘home’ but not in this clean, classic form.

As I approach the big CB1300, I’m struck by just how big it is – even compared to one of its illustrious forebears. It’s that big tank, that chunky 180-rear section and – well – I’m a big lad, so I generally shy away from wearing white. It makes me look bigger but the CB1300 is loud and proud.

That 1284cc lump looks good definned for this version, so you know this ain’t no air-cooled four. Swing a leg over the wide seat, grab the wide

bars, spread your knees around the (yeah, you’ve guessed it) tank and let’s get ready to rumble.

The big clocks are old-school cool.

Okay, so there are some LCD touches here, with fuel-gauge, clock and odometer, but LCD was also seen on lots of 1980s bikes. The idiot lights and indicator lights though are pretty similar to your 1970s steed.

We’ve said it’s big and wide and it’s no lightweight – but at 224kg it’s still a fair few kilos lighter than a CB900F and (with around 110bhp) anything between 10-15bhp more powerful too. I’m mentioning power and weight together here not for sportsbike-style performance but the sheer balance of the big CB which is apparent as soon as you hoike up the sidestand and release that light, hydraulic clutch.

Because, be it around town or down some twisties, the Honda CB chassis engineers got the performance of the 1300 cock-on. At slow speeds you don’t feel the bulk of the

CB1300 working against you, while at speed out of town the Honda (understandably) rides like a modern bike, despite the looks.

I always remember never really being able to fault the rear-end (Showas adjustable for rebound and pre-load only) while the front wasn’t quite as good, but if I recall I simply upped the preload to not far off max and left it there… Same here today, really.

Aiding this composure is that silky straight-four motor: it provides all the lowdown grunt that you could ever need but it doesn’t overpower what the chassis provides. With the CB1300 you have handling and horses working together, with neither overdoing it. You don’t get too much of anything with the CB, unless of course it’s sheer presence.

Now, this isn’t the place to talk about rivals – I did ride them all (and owned some) back in the day – but in isolation the CB works very well indeed and you won’t want anything else… unless… well, unless you look at

12.4

The amount of litres of under seat storage

the Kawasaki ZRX1100/1200 with that Eddie Lawson paint and small fairing.

Still, I can speak from experience here (9500 miles in seven months, a 220-mile daily commute) and say that those clocks can deflect a fair amount of windblast, even if I did bottle it and fit a small fly-screen. And while we’re talking about the looks, in the classic Honda white/red she looks stunning.

I do remember some cool and butch black or silver offerings, too…

As I tip-toe around the leafy Northants roads it’s all starting to come back. You do get quite into the handling and start to throw the bike around a bit. This example had 21k on the clocks and the only bugbear was the brakes. They look like the ones you see off the old CBR600 or Blade from the early 2000s and could well be. I recall them being better than this on the CB1300 and this was despite the fact that this bike had braided lines.

Practicality-wise there’s plenty to love on the big CB: analogue clocks hide two LCD displays which hold two trips, time, date, ambient air temp, stopwatch and fuel gauge.

Then there’s the impressive underseat storage space of 12.4 litres which can hold plenty of stuff.

USED TEST 41 Honda CB1300 family tree Our journey here may help you choose your ‘modern’ big-bore CB. First comes the Honda CB1000 ‘Project Big-1’.

Yes, it’s a daft name but thankfully it was soon dropped (it was an American brand of toilet cleaner) and re-badged the CB1000 Super Four. This 1993 machine used the CBR1000 motor and was a sweet-handling, grunty thing.

Despite this, it failed to shift in big numbers in the UK before deletion at the end of 1997. Prices: well, you can now get a Big 1 for around £2000.

The CB1300 came c along in Japan J in 1998, using u the motor from f the V-Maxa-like a Honda X4, which w was popular there. t CB1300 colours harked back c to t a golden era, aping schemes worn by bikes like s the t CBX1000 and CB900F. For 2003, the bike would get an 2 update and finally be imported u into the UK following its launch in Sicily early that year.

The bike was a 1284cc inline four with liquid cooling and fuel-injection. Frame was a steel double cradle, albeit with good Showa suspension and Nissin brakes nabbed from the then-current Fireblade. Decent ones now start at £3k.

An update came in 2005 when the bike was mildly re-engineered with slimmer side-panels to help those who are challenged in the inside leg department touch the ground.

Honda also later released a scalloped seat which took around 30mm off the seat height. Engine timing and fuelinjection settings were also changed to improve low-down throttle ‘feel’, making it less lurchy. The big addition for 2005 was the inclusion of a new model, the half-faired SA, which brought more practicality to the range with a weatherstopping stylish bikini cowling.

In the UK, the later SA models aped the look and colour scheme of the original Honda CB1100RB of 1981 – the bike that started Honda’s ‘R-type’ family – with red frame and gold wheels.

Colours have included black, silver, blue and the popular Honda racing white with red.

Interesting fact: the CB1300’s project leader Hara-san had been with Honda since 1971, he therefore knew big naked bikes the first time round. As well as that, he was project leader for the CB1000 Super Four/Project Big 1.

‘Big-1’

With the CB1300, there’s also been space under the seat for U-locks, too.

So, pretty practical for a big naked.

That’s the good news, what of the bad? Well, they were really quite thirsty and many owners re-jet via a Power Commander (although I remember around 145 miles on average to the fuel light) some owners reported vibration (I didn’t), some owners said ground clearance was an issue but the big thing was the finish.

For a Honda it was typically good, but that dash of practicality meant you often rode it in all weathers, so it did need looking after.

Exposed engine parts – which were almost of a semi-polished finish – could suffer, as could fork legs, which always were a typical Honda

issue from the mid1990s on.

It’s probably fair to say that the ‘original’ 2003 UK CB1300 didn’t quite catch the imagination of the bike-buying public back in the day, which is a shame as it was clearly the best-handling ing bike in its class. I remember upping the power of mine by 15bhp with a full-system Akrapovic, adding some rear-sets and adding to the sound and attitude of the bike. It is ideas like that which fill my mind now when I prepare to hand the bike back to its owner: thinking of what a bike this could become.

First CB1000 name (and the name of a USA toilet cleaner)

Hell, it’s ‘just’ a Honda CB inline four, but I’ve loved my time aboard her and I know that – hidden just under the surface – is so much more! Maybe the next few years will be kinder to the unsung UJM – the Honda CB1300. I hope so as it’s a cracking bike, well worth a good look.

42 IT HAPPENED

Fabulous 4-Hour!

You’ve got to go to this.

This summer, something special happened at Donington Park. It’s being repeated for 2018. Go. You’ll love it.

Words: Bertie Simmonds Pictures: Kevin Larkins and Bertie Simmonds It may have been a year in the making and longer in the dreaming, but Classic Bike Trackdays delivered with the awesome inaugural Endurance Legends event at Donington Park earlier this summer.

From the on-track action through to the club stands, the sidecar passenger rides to rubbing shoulders with the racing stars of yesteryear – the event had it all.

Despite slightly naff weather on the Saturday, the Sunday saw the sun shine and the grandstands were packed for the main event of the

weekend – the 4-Hour classic race.

As if that wasn’t enough, racing legend Freddie Spencer led some of the parade laps and was there to speak to fans. What made the event a winner was the ability to pop into the pits and see the amazing machinery up close and personal, chat to the riders and experience the action in the pits: this was an informal event and very good fun. Like bike racing used to be.

Massive big-ups have to be given to the organisers Classic Bike Trackdays and the hard work of Darin Frow, Rob Scott and all the CBT team. They put together and ran a brilliant event which promises to be even bigger and even better next year. Yup, you read that right, it’s all happening again next year and (if rumours are to be

believed) for the foreseeable future.

Rob from Classic Bike Trackdays said: “Everyone put in so much hard work to put this event on. We are so pleased that it went as well as we could have expected. In fact, it probably went better! The track action was superb, the vibe in the paddock was brilliant and there was so much to see and do over the weekend that we hope the visitors had a great time and will come back again.”

On-track the big focus was on the Team Classic Suzuki entry of the Vintage Parts-backed Katana, ridden

by James Whitham, Steve Parrish and Michael Neeves. Sadly a first lap crash for Whit – who wanted to get in front and pull away – meant the lads had an early bath. Neate Racing took the overall honours in the main feature race.

IT HAPPENED 43 We raced! We loved it!

What are the bike eligibility rules?

Endurance Legends F1 (751-1300cc) shall be run as two classes:

■ F1 Classic: two-valves per cylinder (the minimum tyre diameter is 17in and maximum tyre width is 180mm) ■ F1 Superbike: four-valves per cylinder, aircooled only, no Suzuki EFE bikes or cylinder heads (the minimum tyre diameter is 18in and maximum tyre width is 160mm)

Endurance Legends Formula 2 (247-750cc)

■ Air-cooled, or liquid (oil or water) cooled, twostroke or four-stroke engines.

■ Wheels may be 16, 17 or 18in diameter but restricted to a maximum rim width of 3.5in

for the front and 5.5in for the rear.

■ The appearance of all machines must represent the period it raced in. Bodywork must have period appearance e.g. fairings and seat units based on MotoGP units are not allowed.

■ Electronic dashes, throttle position sensors, slipper clutches, quickshifters, USD forks, radial or six-piston calipers etc. are not allowed.

■ Although not strictly an eligibility issue, slick tyres, hand cut tyres and rain tyres are not allowed. Treaded tyres as supplied by the manufacturers only.

■ No modern, non period engines can be used.

■ No flat-slide carburettors can be used, unless they were original fitment when new.

Stuart Boatwright, Andrew Finlay and Greg Roberts raced a 1986 Yamaha FZ750 1FN at the Endurance Legends event as part of Team Early Stocks.

So how was it, Greg?

“Stuart’s partner Sonia took the reins as team manager, bringing in youthful expertise to the team in the form of Tom Baskerville – timing/logistics, Kieran Maidment – fuel / tyres and F1 technician Viv Cowley was engine management.

“With 49 teams on the entry list we knew we were going to have play the long game to nick a half decent result.

Saturday morning brought rain but afternoon qualifying brought drier conditions and we came out in 29th position on the grid with a decent 1m 26s.

“The sun came out for Sunday’s race and we all knew what we had to do, finish without penalties, crashes or blow-ups and not run out of fuel: easy! Misfires, starting glitches and clutch issues plagued us throughout practice but no excuses from hereon out, we just needed a half decent start.

“The lights went out and Andrew couldn’t get her away, the old FZ bogged and we were down in third from last at Redgate. Not good. All three of us had two 45 minute stints to do so it was going to be a long afternoon. Andrew pulled it back though with a spirited first session and we were back in

the hunt. My turn next, a quick fuel top-up and a nice clean handover and I was out there.

Three laps in and a couple of riders went down and out came the safety car which gave me a few laps to settle down and get into some sort of rhythm: 45 minutes seems an age on track when you’re more used to 10 or 15 minute scratch races but we managed to stay out of trouble and get back into pit lane before handing over to the boss Stuart.

“Stuart was going really well and we must have been around 26th place. The next pit stop and there was a problem, oil lights on in the turns and braking, must’ve been burning a bit off so we had to do the first of two oil top-ups just in case: it cost us a lap or two but that’s endurance racing.

“I was up for it in my second session and I felt good on the FZ, got decent space and got into a few scraps with the odd GSX-R and FZ600 which was great, stuck two or three consecutive 1m 25s laps in towards the end of my stint which I was reasonably happy with considering the tyres were beginning to fade.

“Getting into the last few minutes and we thought we could be in for a top 10 finish in F2. Stu finished to a great cheer, eventually giving us eighth in class. What a weekend, I’ll never forget it. When’s the next one Stu?”

44 SPORT

What’s it all about: the Classic TT… From August 19 to September 1, the Classic TT – presented by Bennetts – rumbles into action over on the iconic Isle of Man, offering fans and enthusiasts the chance to experience the sights and sounds of the TT throughout the ages.

What is it?

As the name suggests, the Classic TT is a festival of motorcycling, complementing the popular Isle of Man TT races. Usually held in August/ September it’s after the Isle of Man TT, which is usually held in May/June.

It’s a chance to see motorcycles from yesteryear – normally found in private collections and museums – ridden around the 37.73 mile circuit by riders of today.

Who can you see there?

It’s more of a case of who isn’t attending. Everyone loves the Classic TT presented by Bennetts, a whole raft of present day riders to racing legends will be in attendance – along with celebrities who love two-wheels. With an extremely laid back atmosphere and fancy dress commonplace – and actively encouraged – there’s plenty of opportunity to meet the greats as they wander around the paddock.

What can you do there?

There’s plenty of action on track – and off. Roll back the years to the golden age of motorcycling and relive the sights, sounds and smells of the past.

Qualifying takes place from Monday August 21 until Friday, August 25 with the Bennetts Senior Classic TT Race and Lightweight Classic TT race taking place on Saturday, August 26 as well as the Lap of Honour for pre1975 vintage machines.

It’s not a coincidence that there’s no racing on the Sunday, as the Classic TT Party – held on Saturday, August 26 – has become a hallmark of the event. Featuring a live band covering some chart-topping songs of the period, it’s a chance to let your hair down and have some fun. Fancy dress is encouraged – this year’s theme is the 1950s – but get in quick, as tickets sell out fast.

Bennetts has 20 pairs of tickets for the party to give away to current policyholders – but be quick, they’ll be awarded to visitors to their stand on a first come, first serve basis.

There will be a book signing by John McGuinness too on the Bennetts stand on Saturday, following the release of his official autobiography, Built for Speed.

On Sunday, August 27, the Classic TT Heroes Dinner is hosted in the VIP Hospitality Suite.

SPORT 45 What makes the Classic TT so special for me...

It’s chance to meet a racing great as you enjoy your dinner and listen to hosted Q&As. Tickets can be bought on www.iomtt.com.

On Monday, August 28, it’s the turn of the Junior Classic TT race, Superbike Classic TT Race, MGP Newcomers race and the Lap of Honour for post-1975 retro bikes.

There’s also the huge Festival of Jurby on Sunday, August 27, which

sees thousands of bike fans enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of hundreds of rare and exotic racing and touring bikes. Often attracting over 10,000 spectators, the festival event plays host to over 5000 bikes and historical vehicles – as well as being a magnet for racing stars from motorcycling history. There’s live music as well as retail and food stands.

John McGuinness A 23-times TT victor and Bennetts-backed rider, John McGuinness is synonymous with the Isle of Man and motorcycle racing, the Classic TT holds a special place in his heart: “I won’t be riding at the Classic this year after the crash I had at the Northwest 200 back in May, which also ruled me out of the Isle of Man TT. It’s not been easy but I managed to get over to the TT to see bit of the racing and I plan to go to the Classic for a couple of days too. It’s such a brilliant event and a great atmosphere, I can’t imagine not going.

“Last year was really special as I got my first ever Classic TT win in the Bennetts Senior Classic TT Race on the Roger John McGuinness.

Winfield Paton. I had to retire in my previous three attempts, so it was a case of fourth time lucky, and even though I’ve got 23 TT wins to my name, getting my first Classic win was just as satisfying!

“The old bikes can give you a bit of a battering in comparison to the modern day stuff so it’s a different kettle of fish winning a classic race.

It was a special time for me and the team and it was great to be able to give them the race win that they deserved after being so determined for the last few years.

“As I can’t contest my win this year, the team is looking for someone else to take on the ride. It’s tough for me, but I completely understand that they still need to go racing. It’s funny really, even though there’s no prize money or championship points, the Classic TT is just as important for riders and there are lots of people who want to get involved.

“I love the laid-back vibe of Classic TT. I’m always up for the fancy dress and the whole family get involved.

Me, Becky and the kids usually go all out on the theme – we love it! The atmosphere is great and you’ll often see me messing about in the paddock with the other riders. I’m a bit limited with my leg this year so might have to take it slightly easy, but that doesn’t mean I can’t dress up!

“I’d definitely say that the Classic TT presented by Bennetts should be on every bike fan’s bucket list. It’s a special event to attend.”

Richard Cooper Bennetts Suzuki competitor in the National Superstock 1000 Championship, Richard Cooper, loves the Isle of Man: “I was over at the Isle of Man TT this year in May – it’s a trip I like to make every year to be honest. I usually head over with a few of my mates all riding on customised Honda C90s – we ride all over and watch from as many places as we can to watch the races.

“This year, I’m heading over for the Classic TT – it’s my first time at the event and I can’t wait.

I’ve never been before but always wanted to and it’s an event that seems to be getting bigger and bigger every year.

“I love riding modern bikes but really enjoy looking at the classic stuff so to be going over there to watch them and getting a chance to ride a classic Suzuki on a parade lap – what could be better?”

The Classic TT presented by Bennetts action begins on Monday, August 21. For more information, visit: www.iomtt.com/Classic-TT

46

THE INSIDE LINE TO CLASSIC JAPANESE IRON WITH STEVE COOPER FROM THE VJMC 47

The engine part 6: rebuild

“TThe home of the Japanese classic”

Two-stroke owners rejoice as you only have to fit a new head gasket and the cylinder head gasket itself. Your four-stroke cousins will have a lot more to do when they decide to get on with the rebuild, too.

Words: Steve Cooper Picture: Mortons Media Archive With air-cooled twostrokes there isn’t really that much to a head gasket, it’s just a sheet of copper with a series of holes in it. But if your beloved stinkwheels is a water-cooled one then you have a quandary on your hands. Do you use a pattern gasket or do you fork out for a genuine OEM example? Of course we’re making the assumption that the manufacturer still makes the head gaskets… which they may not!

The general consensus is that OEM is the way to go every time unless the pattern gaskets come with a proven record. Little is more irksome than finding that the cooling system is emptying itself into the cylinder(s)!

Of course the same scenarios can be applied to four-strokes, pattern versus OEM, and the same decisions need to be made. However, that said, it is the two-strokes that seem to be most disadvantaged by pattern head gaskets. So back to the strokers; gasket and head in place, add fittings, use a torque wrench, tighten in the

specified sequence (if given) and it’s job done or close to it. Should there be no given sequence for pulling the head bolts down, opt for diagonals or as near as possible.

Back to the four-stroke head – the gasket can go on top of the cylinder block taking note of any specific O-rings that may also be required.

Workshop or factory manuals are the best sources of knowledge or someone who knows these engines inside out…which means the bloke down the pub should not be consulted. Following the manuals you’ll see that around this point the cam(s) is(are) added and this is where you need to have de facto data readily to hand.

There’s a specific methodology to this particular task and it involves having the crank shaft at a predetermined position which is used as a datum point for the positioning of the camshaft and its attendant sprocket. Essentially what you are doing aligning the camshaft with the crank shaft via pre-set markings while attaching the cam chain to the cam sprocket; of course you did remember to add the cam chain to the crank

shaft previously didn’t you? We’ll assume you did and hastily move on.

With the cam(s) at the appropriate position(s) the cam chain is ‘draped’ across one or two cam sprockets according to the engine type. The manuals will give you precise instructions or data regarding how many links/plates/pins/rollers need to be between the uppermost teeth of a double overhead cam engine.

With a single cam you are excused sorting this one out! If the book says x links/plates/pins/rollers then that is the number; x+1 or x-1 will mean potentially instant carnage when you fire the bike up so get this one wrong at your peril! Most manuals advise that the job is done with the cam chain adjuster set to its slackest which makes sense and should be obvious but sometimes isn’t.

One note on cam chain adjusters; the Japanese manufacturers have had a mixed track record on these devices and some of the automatic versions are less than successful. Before refitting the old one or replacement version thereof check out owners groups and forums regarding what’s recommended by owners for your

bike. Get the right one now and you’ll be unlikely to ever need to replace it ever again.

So assuming all is well and the cam timing is correct the head can be bolted down at the specified torque setting. Don’t guess this; a torque wrench is cheaper than a deformed cylinder head! Now set the cam chain tension and turn the engine over by hand. If anything feels stiff, wrong or binding, stop and recheck the cam timing as the chances are you’re a tooth out on the sprocket(s).

If it all feels good, carry out a few more turns just to be sure. The end is now in sight! Shortly the engine will

Want your fix of Japanese classics? Then you need...

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finally be reunited with the frame so have a quick sanity check to confirm you have all the fixtures and fittings ready. Dependant on the motor it may be beneficial to leave off the starter motor and other peripherals if they can be added on once the engine is in the frame. As we’ll see next time, motors are rather heavy and space is at a premium.

The VJMC – run by motorcyclists for motorcyclists.

For membership enquiries only: Tel: 01454 501310 Email: membership_vjmc@yahoo.co.uk Address: PO Box 1949, Yate, Bristol, BS37 0BX Office hours: Monday-Thursday,10am- 4pm (please leave a message)

FIRST RIDE 49

Ride long and prosper with twin The Vulcan S completed the ‘family’ of bikes built around Kawasaki’s 649cc parallel twin engine – don’t ignore this motorcycle. You’d enjoy riding it.

Words and pictures: Bob Pickett Arriving in 2015, it added a cruiser option to the Er-6n road bike, more sporty Er-6f and adventure styled Versys. In this guise it loses a few mph at the top end in exchange for more torque at earlier revs.

We took out a 2016 ‘Special’ (different paint job, sculpted tank, shorter anodised levers), fitted with datatool alarm, heated grips, radiator guard and a 12V socket neatly placed by the clock.

Give me some spec

A high-tensile steel double pipe perimeter frame houses a 649cc parallel twin that puts out 61bhp/45kW @ 7500rpm with maximum torque of 63Nm/6.4kgf-m @ 6600rpm and capable of a 115mph top speed. The package weighs 223kg wet, brought to a halt by a single 300mm, two-piston calliper front disc and 250mm, single calliper rear.

So what’s it like to ride?

Initially the standard peg placement caught me out, more forward than I was expecting (the dealer sat me on a standard bike with ‘Ergo-fit’ option; three peg positions, three different saddles and handlebars.

That nine-point configuration lets you set the Vulcan just right), but adapted quickly. The bars were a relaxed reach and the comfortable seat hugs and supports nicely. Knees slot into the sculpted tank – NB. Not a sculpted tank on the standard bike I sat on – and wrap around it.

It feels ‘grown-up’. New riders will feel they’ve moved up, experienced hands will be happy with the dimensions.

As you will have noted from the specs, it isn’t a typical cruiser engine, appreciating being revved to get the best out of it. Sitting around 6000 revs (it has a rev counter) it is silky smooth.

It will hold motorway pace at ease, has good drive at overtake time but will roll along easily at town speeds (get the revs up in first then move into second – it doesn’t appreciate short-shifting that early).

It is a great handling bike – okay, it is not as sharp as its Er-6f older brother, but it let me weave through a scattered pile of detritus off the back of a flatbed without backing off – rolling easily into corners (it likes to describe smooth arcs). Need to tip in further? Apply pressure to the inside peg and over it goes, far more quickly than you would imagine.

Brakes were great. They’re configured to be friendly to newly qualified riders, but have all the power you need to stop the 223kg alongside control (gentle lever squeezes give loads of control at commuter dawdle speeds).

What nick is it in?

A year of regular riding (as all bikes should have) has had no effect on the Vulcan; it is absolutely spotless.

What’s it worth?

The dealer wants £4999 for a 2016 model with 3886 miles logged and desirable accessories fitted, with factory warranty still remaining.

This bike won’t stay there long at

that price; my dealer search revealed a 2015 bike for sale for £5294 with 1644 miles recorded to a 2017 bike with 903 miles under the tyres for £6799.

Thanks to East London Kawasaki/ Bacons Motorcycles for the loan of the bike: East London Kawasaki/ Bacons Motorcycles 737-741 Eastern Avenue, Ilford, Essex IG2 7RT Tel: 0208 252 6020 www.baconsmotorcyles.co.uk

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Th he MCM legal column is compiled byy managing artner pa Andrew ‘Chef’ Prendergast and P his bike-riding barristers and ssolicitors at White Dalton W Motorcycle M Solicitors.

S The firm deals with personal w injury claims and its sister a company, Motor Defenc Defence Solicitors, company 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 MCM, in confidence, of course.

Q&A

WHITE DALTON 51 Our specialist motoring solicitor Andrew Prendergast guides readers through their legal trials and troubles...

Q

I am a pizza delivery rider in Liverpool. I had an American Hot getting cold on board so I bumped up the curb, rode about 50ft past a queue of traffic and then turned left into a cul-de-sac. I then got nicked by a booby on the beat. He had run after me.

He was a wee bit sweaty and out of breath when he caught up with me and didn’t respond too kindly to my suggestion he should keep in better shape.

I also may have called him a fat knacker (but no-one witnessed that – tee-hee!). He said my riding was appalling and went mental shouting at me. I now have a court summons for dangerous driving. I accept I rode on the curb but no one was there apart from two young lads who just hopped out of the way so one got hurt. Also the policeman shouldn’t have shouted at me and I want the court to know that.

Can I defend this?

A

Poking a big angry bear will only make it angrier in my experience. Should the bear aka Mr Policeman have been angry in the first place? In my view, yes. You utter idiot. You rode on the path, that is illegal and it is ‘dangerous’ on your own evidence. Dangerous driving carries with it at least a compulsory 12 month disqualification from driving.

You should be pleading guilty and putting forward mitigation to try and obtain the most lenient sentence possible. As for pizza delivery, time to get some bicycle shorts; you’re about to get fitter.

Q

I totalled my two week old Yamaha R1 and bust my leg after I fell off on a track day. I’ve been riding for 20 years and have loads of track experience. I crashed after trying to get past some proper slow idiot on a bend. I went to go past and lost the rear end. It then gripped again and high-sided me off. If the slow bot hadn’t been there I would have been on the perfect racing line. It kicked off after I threatened to beat him up for being useless. I tried to claim on my fully comp insurance for my bike but they told me I wasn’t covered. Is that right? If so, can I sue the organiser for letting useless people on the track?

Estonian police ram speeding biker

Holy Moley, here’s what the police report said: “The rider was doing 124mph in places and had no motorcycle licence.” It happened on a Friday night in Tallinn. The footage is pretty jaw-dropping and you can watch it on: www.morebikes.co.uk.

Search ‘Estonian’ on the title page.

A

Breaking your leg is never fun so I wish you a speedy recovery. However, there is no one to bring a claim against in this scenario as the accident was your fault. You were an experienced rider, knew the risks and went out on the track knowing the score. You can’t sue someone else for being slower than you on a race track and being on the “racing line”. As for your insurer, if you haven’t insured the risk of taking your bike on a track and crashing, then you are not covered for the damage and they are not liable to pay.

For more info, go to:

SOLICITORS

www.whitedalton.co.uk

Sealey launches range of hi-vis trolleys

Sealey’s new hi-vis green workshop trolleys are ideal for stuff like power tools and bulky biking equipment which is too big for a traditional tool chest. Both the new CX109HV and new CX110HV include 14 tool retaining holes, which are perfect for keeping small tools on hand, too.

Both models have a total load capacity of 160kg. For more details, price etc. go to: www.sealey.co.uk.

52 ACCESSORIES

EVENTS

PAINTWORK

SERVICES

TRAINING COURSES

TYRES PARTS AND SPARES

BRAKE HOSES

EXHAUSTS

PLASTIC REPAIRS CHROMING

WEB WATCH MOT AND SERVICING

SEATING

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

SERVICES

DYNO TRAILERS

EVENTS

NUT & BOLTS

Classified FREE Selling your bike is

for private readers

BMW K1200GT MoT April 2018, 8,600 miles, some s/h, very good garage stored, two side panniers, rear rack, £5500 ono. Tel. 07712 185142. Gtr Man.

2 MOTO GUZZI ZIGOLO’S 98cc and 110cc, may part exchange for modern bike up to 125cc, both to be sold together, 98cc complete, 110cc dismantled, both with V5Cs, many new original parts fitted, I’ve owned both for approx 30 years, £1600. Tel. 07840 251105. es28jd34@gmail.com Lancs.

AKRAPOVIC CBR fantastic condition, lady owner, very low mileage, never been wet, gear pos indicator fitted, possibly the best, lowest mileage, condition, at this price, for sale today, garaged under blankets all year round, hardly ever ridden, gorgeous learner bike, perfect first bike, fully A2 compliant, MoT, £2050.

Tel. 01684 296394. Glos.

APRILIARS1251996,nicecondition, 8,500 miles, runs well, many new parts, tyres, brake pads etc, £1350 ono. Tel. 01932 821977. Surrey.

BMW 1150GS 2003, 90k, acquired in 2010, one previous owner who had done 21,500 in 7 yrs, I’m proud to say I’ve rectified that by putting on another 70,000, mechanically sound, cosmetically it doesn’t look bad for a 14 yr old bike that’s done 90k, £2350 ono. Tel. 01709 273265. S Yorks.

BMW 650GS 800cc, 59 plate, Lava orange, 17,400 miles, MoT to May 2018, s/h, centre plus s/ stand, back box, power socket, multifunction display, single key ignition/fuel lock, garaged, £3400.

Tel. 07882 975719. Derbys.

BMW F800ST 2009, with factory lowered suspension, seat height 765 mm, 19,500 miles and just serviced, blue, Givi top box and panniers, fitted with higher screen and a lightweight silencer, both original items included, h/ grips, onboard computer, main stand fitted, vgc, £3400. Tel. 01752 408297. Devon.

BMW K100RS 1984, owned 25 yrs, 54k miles, taxed till Feb 2018, MoT March 2018, excellent condition, recent new tyres, battery and service, some spares, Clymer manual, helmet and gloves, any trial, lovely bike shaft drive, RT bars, very reluctant sale, garaged, bargain £1100. Tel. 01737 762487; 07478 651506. Surrey.

BMW F800R SPORT 2015, 3,300 miles, full s/h, not run since annual service, immac, light white/black satin gloss, dynamic and touring packs, data tag, comfort seat, bar risers, hugger, K&N air filter, delivery incl at asking price or sensible offers, £5250. Tel. 01361 884222; 07484 838053. Scottish Borders.

BMW K1200RS 2001, red/frost blue, serviced, 38k miles, extra panniers, £2550; Buffalo leather racing suit, black/red, new, 5ft 10”, 44-46”, £185; Alpinestar leather boots, 44/10, £50; textured lined jacket, black/red, 44/46”, £25. Tel. 07759 607498.

E Berks.

CAN-AM 250 Rotax Enduro, 1978, 5,561 miles, exmilitary, owned 30 years, MoT 2002, not used since, needs recommissioning and registering, £1000. Tel. Neil 07836 208050.

Herts.

CCM GP450S First reg 23rd June 2016, one owner from new, c/w factory soft pannier kit never used, tool kit, first aid pack, cush drive, body decal kit, factory extras include extended gear lever, rear foot pegs, rear chainguard. datatag marking system and Power Commander, still 11 mths’ factory warranty, low mileage, never been off road, dry use only, £6250 ono. Tel. 01772 611818. Lancs.

DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1200 ABS, 2010, 8,700 mls, one owner, FSH, garaged, MoT, h/ grips, spots, rack, standard screen plus tall screen, recent Pilot Road 4s, a lovely bike, £6950. Tel. 0781 2032793.

Cornwall.

CUSTOM HARDTAIL CHOP/ LOWRIDER show quality, CB900FC Honda engine, MoT, custom paintwork WWI themed, billet yokes and risers, new tyres, Goodridge hoses, two-pack: engine, wheels, handlebars and parts, Suzuki SRAD 750 forks, Tokico 6-pot calipers, Yamaha R1 wheels, Marving 4-1 custom Zorst, much mirror polishing, £6750. Tel. 07790 177352.

Norfolk.

DERBI TERRA 125 road style, reg 2013, 5,217 miles, 15bhp, excellent condition, new battery/chain and sprocket/wheel bearings/front fork oil and seals/oil filter and oil, done very little since then, great fun bike, looks bigger than a 125, Sorn last year so no MoT, ill health forces sale, £1600 ono. Tel. 07769 868212.

DUCATI ST2 1997, excellent condition all round, 23k, owned by me for 6 years, matching hard luggage & standard exhaust included, very reluctant sale, 12 months MoT on sale, £2195. Tel. 07810 162057.

Northumberland.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON Soft-tail Heritage, fully chromed, in black, stunning top of the range Harley cruiser, c/w 2 keys, MoT, (no recommendations), s/h, leather luggage and tool bags, removable from screen, full set of 4 spotlights and good Whitewalled tyres, classy machine, always garaged, never ridden in rain, £8000 ono. Tel. 07840 144084 for more info.

Cheshire area.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON Sportster XLH1200, 1990, Sorned from 1st July, 12 months MoT, 14,339 miles, garaged, owned since 2012, purchased as project, now time to move on, MoT’s and all receipts, Stage 1 Dynojet, K&N filter, braided s/s front brake line, LED indicators, rear lights, stoplight, chain drive, sale includes all parts to return to original, including tank, seat, fenders, exhaust etc, plus additional 2-1 exhaust, seats and more besides, see pics, two bikes for the price of one!!! £4500. Tel. 01278 459097.

Somerset.

HONDA NC750X DCT auto, 16k service done, many extras, 70+mpg, vgc, £3500. Tel. 07938 804583. Notts.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON Sportster 883, 100th Anniversary, 2003, many extras, good condition, 13k miles. Tel. 01686 420205.

Mid Wales.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON Sportster, reluctant sale due to moving home, blue, lack of use and lack of space, 7,300 miles on the clock, a brand new MoT, extras include Screamin’ Eagle II Stage One (sounds gorgeous!), Harley heated grips for those cold days, forward controls, crash guard and quick release tall screen, alarm and immobiliser, black oil tank cover, spare foot peg, single seat and rack, it’s wired up ready for Optimate type battery charger, c/w original Harley owners manual plus a Haynes repair manual, £5000 ovno; cash on collection. Tel. 07717 206857. E Sussex.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON as new and totally original old school Classic Harley, fabulous 1340 Evo Electra Glide - California Special, genuine 3,800 miles from 1988, only one in UK, air suspension, black, red coach lines, gold tank logos, full MoT and original old MoT to validate mileage, stored but always maintained and serviced correctly by enthusiast, dignified haggling welcome! offers on £7695 ready to go. Tel. 07796 284585. Norfolk.

HONDA CB1000F 07 plate, 33k, with MoT, loaded with extras, full luggage system, radiator guard, bobbins, Baglux tank cover, rear hugger, front mudguard extender, colour matched, small crack on the fairing apart from that in very good overall condition, owned and ridden by my good lady partner for the last 6 years plus, £2595 ono. Tel. 01325 463815. Durham.

HONDA CB400/4 imported all documents to go with the bike, just undergone restoration, 1976, 56k miles, 12 months MoT, many parts powder coated and re-chromed, new tyres, battery and elec ignition fitted, tank resprayed and sealed, engine has been completely stripped and rebuilt with many new parts, £3595. Tel. 07977 339045.

Worcs.

HONDA CB500 2003, 8,700 miles, one previous owner, top box, screen, RG bungs, Smartwater, always garaged, MoT March 2018, Haynes manual, retiring, £1400 ono. Tel. 01782 953511. N Staffs.

HONDA CBF1000 ABS (2008), very good clean condition, well looked after, recent service with extras, tool kit and books, MoT May 2018, 20,800 miles, £2850.

Tel. 07946 484209. W Yorks.

HONDA CBR125 RW-9 vgc, new parts inc brand new front fender, battery, mirrors, front tyre, rear tyre has only done few hundred miles also chain and sprockets have only done about 500 miles, only 9,023 miles on the clock, fuel injection model with starter switch, MoT until April next year, no advisories, £1495 ono. Tel. Matt on 07586 444851. Hants.

HONDA CBR600F 1998, full MoT, 16k miles, immaculate condition, £1475. Tel. 01249 814129; 07400 623679. Wilts.

Choose one of the following methods:

1 2 3

ONLINE www.motorcyclemonthly.co.uk EMAIL freeads@motorcyclemonthly.co.uk POST MCM Reader Adverts, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR

HONDA FMX 650cc, 2007, good condition, excellent runner, new battery and pads, 22k, 12 months’ MoT, road use only, garaged, sale due to lack of use, documented history, £1750 ono.

Tel. 0777 6598417. Merseyside.

HONDA HORNET 600 F2 faired model, 2002, very low mileage, I am the second owner, 2,400 miles in first 13 years now on 6,200, some marks on engine cases due to previous owner otherwise very clean, see photos. Giving up due to arthritis in both wrists at age 69 reluctantly, can supply photos if needed, to include Abba stand, £1950. Tel. 07572 155700.

Spilsby.

HONDA NC750D Integra (automatic), 2015 motor scooter, large selection of parts available for sale. Tel. 07956 898606.

HONDA CB500 49T, 1999 reg, 29,200 miles, MoT Jul 18, top box, panniers, good condition, very reliable, too heavy for 80 year old OAP, £800 ono. Tel. 01244 815899. Flints.

HONDA NSC 50R 64 reg, 2015, 850 genuine miles, vgc, full REPSOL livery as Honda model supplied when new, CBS braking system, £1100. Tel. 07842 774822.

HONDA VF1000F GAVIN this bike has your name on it! reg no. D394 GAV. 1987, Italian import in 1998, 52k miles, has had new front discs and pads this year, new plugs, oil and filter, new air filter, nos bottom radiator last year and replaced top rad, with good second hand tyres are Conti-go, about 3 years old but only done 2,500 miles at most! Selling because it is too big and heavy for me now, engine makes a lot of clattering when cold, but once hot runs smooth and quiet, I would like somewhere near £700 open to offers. Tel. 01787 462702.

Halstead, Essex.

HONDA VFR400 NC24 1989, G reg, 30k miles, Repsol colours, single seat, new tyres, pads, battery, braided hoses, long MoT no advisories, recent service and carbs tuned, new ABE chrome stanchions, have also dual seat and cowls, £1450 ovno Tel. 07969 418942. Fife.

HONDA VTR 1000 Firestorm, 37k miles, full Remus high level s/s exhaust system, braided hoses, adjustable levers, d/b screen, hugger, fender extender, seat cowl, MoT at point of sale, £1995. Tel. 07714 692795. March, Cambs.

HONDA CBR600 California model, 1993, on Sorn last 3 years, dry garaged, regularly run, generally good condition but will probably require new tyres for MoT, garage space now needed, £600. Tel. 01450 376475; 07909 191834.

Lothian and Borders.

HONDA CBX550 F2 1983, 16,500 genuine miles, absolute stunning condition, lots of history and service, she wants for nothing, runs and rides perfectly, these are getting rarer by the minute! MoT, £2750. Tel. 0785 4057391. Herts. hamerhub@gmail.com HONDA CG 1990, all original documentation, genuine 6,382 miles, MoT October 2017, needs minor attention, runs well, all original, garaged, £1000 ovno. Tel. 01253 765654; 07432 450357. Lancs.

HONDA CM200T 1981, only 16k miles, good condition for age, MoT 8 months, new battery, £649. Tel. 01524 427818. Lancs.

HONDA PCX ‘S’ 125cc, mint, super scoot, yes super Honda 125, kept in first class condition, always covered in heated garage, try and find better, 4k, many extras, bargain - only £1700. Tel. 07852 650477. Yorks.

HONDA TL 125cc, Sammy Miller Hiboy, 1976, immac condition, runs like a Swiss watch, new barrel & piston just fitted, £2500 no offers Tel. 01322 275022. Kent.

HONDA XL650 Transalp, 2007, 39k miles, high screen, centre stand, crash bars, top box, running lights, s/steel fuel end can, recent service, 12v socket, spare seat & screen, MoT Mar 18, can send pictures, vgc, £1795 ono. Tel. 07704 343331. Stockport.

KAWASAKI Z250 250cc, 1980, 4-stroke twin, complete running, many new parts incl brakes, master cylinders,lines,ignitioncomponents, tyres and panniers, workshop manual, silver blue fairing, £750 ono. Tel. 07931 204726; 01423 565388 for details. N Yorks.

KAWASAKI ZZR1400 2007 model, brilliant condition, only done 26k miles from new, I’m the third owner, I have it booked in tomorrow for it’s MoT which I am sure it will pass with flying colours, bog standard bike with no mods whatsoever apart from the Optimiser charger lead which I fitted and a 12V socket with an adaptor bracket for a sat nav, no test rides sorry until I have payment in hand but it’s fully road legal and I can always take you on the back for a trial blast, I’m sure the first to view it will buy it, asking £4200 open to sensible offers. Tel. 07515 406787. Wrexham area.

KYMCO low mileage, learner legal moped, ride this machine from 16, £17 a year road tax, good little commuter, high mpg, single cylinder, a/c, disc brakes f&r, elec or kick start, new battery, full MoT and s/h, weight dry 92kgs, fun to ride, £625 ono secures. Tel. 07840 144084 for more info. Warrington, Cheshire.

KSR WORX 125 motorbike, 11 months’ MoT, selling 2014 year, F reg, £1000. Tel. 01332 720920 after 6pm. Derbys.

CLASSIFIEDS MZ ETZ 251 1990, MoT June 2018, new clutch cable, petrol tap membrane, cold start device rubber, side stand, ride away, £560. Tel. Richard 01803 867160. S Devon.

MOTOGUZZINUOVOrollingchassis, repainted, new tyres, (just needs an engine!),deluggedwasbeingbuiltas cafe racer or bobber style, £950. Tel. 01978 842668. Clywd.

SUZUKI GSX-R 1100L 1127cc, 43,259miles,1991,originalcondition.

Tel. 01325 311982. Durham.

FREE

Selling your bike is for private readers

TOMOS FLEXER MOPED 49cc, pristine condition, garaged, full service history, 222 dry miles, weight only 55kg, first reg Aug 2014, on Sorn but run monthly, £495 ovno. Tel. 07720 994380.

Wadebridge.

SUZUKI GSX-R WR 95, 24,000 miles, vgc, owned since 2004, MoT 03/07/18,mature owner,Metz tyres, £2950. Tel. 07592 855060. Derbys.

TRIUMPH TROPHY 1200 4 cyl, 2002, one owner, MoT May 18, many extras, ideal tourer, £1995.

Tel. 07929 630103. Oldham.

NIPPONIA BRIO 125 2013 plate, immaculate bike, 1500 miles, barely run in, £595. Tel. 01726 842073. Cornwall.

PIAGGIO MP3 250cc, 2007, blue, 18,000 km (under 12,000 miles), MoT Jan 2018, most MoTs, new parts fitted, receipts for £843, both keys, V5 in my name, immob, clock, fuel gauge etc, handbrake, handbook, boot and under seat storage, vgc, £1795 possible part exchange bike and sidecar or Moto Guzzi?

Tel. 079130 32864. Yorks.

ROYAL ENFIELD 350cc, Pre65 Trials bike, this machine has been rebuilt using a 250 Crusader lightweight frame, new alloy rims, stainless spokes, engine rebuilt, new forks and rear Falcon shocks, full details ring Dave £3000. Tel. 07583 532153. Staffs.

SUKIDA SK125-4 125cc, MoT May 2018, 2008 reg, low mileage, good clean bike, £475 ono. Tel. 07857 605095. Herts.

SH125I Givi screen, top box, MoT Feb 18, 15,500 miles, fsh, recent belt and rollers, good condition, deep metallic red, £1095 ono. Tel. 07941 650144. Northants.

SUZUKI BANDIT 650S 2005, lovely condition, only 11,665 miles, new MoT, many extras, Scottoiler, engine bars, hugger, centre stand, rear rack, regular service, good tyres, reluctant sale, £1600. Tel. 01270 213306. Cheshire.

SUZUKI BURGMAN AN 400X, 1999, black, 18,782 miles, MoT, excellent condition, runs well, no bad scratches or broken plastic, rear carrier and top box, bargain, £650 need room. Tel. Jeff 07799 563150. Warks.

SUZUKI GS1000 1982, G (shaft drive), reg WPR568X, 83,737 miles, recently rebuilt with many new parts included, piston rings, valve seals and clutch plates, all receipts available, MoT until May 2018, £3995 or sensible offer Tel. Allen on 07806 530510.

Somerset.

SUZUKI GT750M 1976. 57k miles, Candy red, lovely condition, Higg Speed pipes, over £5500 spent with majorrestorationcompany,beautiful example of an iconic machine, £8995. Tel. 07977 929614. Essex.

SUZUKI INTRUDER 1800 BOSS, only 3,319m (great cond), low mileage, Cobra swept pipes - looks and sounds amazing, tank dash, ape bars, (original bars & risers are available, so the new owner has the choice of stock or custom), Holshot machined aluminium grips and foot pegs, black engine bars, above extras amount to around £2000; pass seat and cowl, serviced, receipts and keys, first genuine buyer will buy this beauty, £9200 ono. Tel. 07894 078815. Notts.

SUZUKI K1 2002 track bike, V5, Sorned, 2 keys, owner’s manual & Haynes workshop manual, receipts and print-outs. Spec: Race bodywork, Arrow race exhaust system with baffle, braided hoses, quick throttle, crash bungs, K-Tech suspension, carbon f/mudguard, Wavy r/disc, Power Commander, c/w spare set of wheels with wets and discs, tyre warmers, box of spares (levers/filters/sprockets), all you need for a foray into track days. One issue: I fitted a second hand engine in 2006 which turned out to have a small crack in the left side crankcase. I have had the area welded but when cold there is a very slight oil leak, once the engine is up to temperature leak ceases, I have done 3-4 track days per year for the past decade on this engine without a problem, £1300. Tel. 0121 250 4014 (leave contact message).

Birmingham.

SUZUKI SV650 2005, 55 reg, 6000 miles, 12 months’ test, one previous owner, very original condition, small area of flaking paint on engine, reason for sale, very little use, £2100. Tel. 01302 570841; 07980 536006. Doncaster, S Yorks.

SUZUKI VZR1800 B.O.S.S. Intruder, 2015 reg, 3,419m, low mileage, Cobra swept pipes looks and sounds amazing, ape handlebars, black genuine Suzuki engine bars, Holeshot aluminium grips & passenger pegs, passenger seat cowl never used, T-Rex extender (tank dash), cost $200 from Mean Cycles, serviced by dealer & service book stamped at around 800 miles, drive oil changed by me at same time, 3419 miles at time of writing, stored dry garage from new, battery kept on optimate charger to maintain, I have original bars & risers so if you want to switch back to standard bars you can, great cond, £9300 ono. Tel. 0789 4078815. Notts.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE 865cc, 2009, 14k miles, white, centre stand, rear carrier, pannier frames, Triumphs leather panniers, windshield, great condition, £3200 ono. Tel. Mike 07747 306823; 01492 516460.

Conwy.

TRIUMPH JUBILEE 1978, 750cc, completley rebuilt, 12 months’ test, ready to ride or show, £7500. Tel. 01706 852775. Lancs.

TRIUMPH T90 DAYTONA Cafe Racer Special, ali tank, pegs, rims, t/clocks, comp build, run in, unique, £5555. Tel. 07759 607498. E Berks.

TRIUMPH TIGER 800cc, 2011, 45k miles, one owner, s/h, recent tyres, MoT March, rack, c/stand, downsizing, £3150.

Tel. 01825 840601. E Sussex.

TRIUMPH TR6 650cc, 1970, matching engine and frame nos, new TT100s, new silencers, many parts coated and full 12 months’ MoT, runs and looks great. Tel. Dave 07583 532153 for full details. Staffs.

TRIUMPH TROPHY 1200-4 used front and rear wheels, new forks, rear shock absorber, screen, grab handles, side stand and front mudguard. Tel. 07929 630103. Oldham.

YAMAHA FAZER FZR 600cc, MoT Apr 2018, new tyres, good condition, extras, 2001, £1300.

Tel. 01474 564865; 07431 887498. Kent.

YAMAHA FZ1 immaculate condition for age, only done 19,955 miles, MoT 12/07/18, s/h - done by a friend, no service book, reason for sale got a new bike, £3000 ono.

Tel. 07729 132632 only phone between 12pm and 5pm.

Blackpool.

YAMAHA MT-09 Tracer, an MRA screen for a Yamaha MT-09 Tracer, excellent quality screen is a grey tint and in vgc with no major marks or scratches, maximum height is 36cm and maximum width is 32.5cm, direct replacement for original screen, equally effective as original screen and enhances the look of the bike, selling due to change of bike, £40. Tel. 07952 883720.

Solihull, W Mids.

YAMAHA RD200 1980, vgc, runs well, German import, with paperwork, MoT, space needed hence reluctant sale, £2000.

Tel. (07866) 590918/ (01902) 333558. W Mids

YAMAHA MT-07 65 reg, Lava ref/black, 4k, ABS, data tag, full dealer s/h, remaining manufacturer’s warranty, over £1000 of extras including: Yamaha h/ grips, Puig sports screen, gel pad seat conversion, c/stand, Neoprene shocker cover, mirror extensions, Yamaha cigarette/power outlet, battery charger socket/power outlet, 30mm handlebar risers, Intaride bike mounted 2-way radio system, including second radio and spare battery, carbon fibre hugger, mudguard extensions front and rear, immaculate and unmarked, probably one of the best equipped bikes in the country, health forces sale, £5100. Tel. 01922 375555 or 07831 643825. Tyne & Wear.

.

YAMAHA TDM 900 2002, perfect working condition, some cosmetic problems, 68k (1500 done by me), very well taken care of, perfect engine sound, perfect gearshift, everything working as it should, doesn’t need even one penny invested, you can ride it away, new set of tyres fitted one month ago, MoT until August 2017, c/w box and heated grips as seen in pictures, £1400. Tel. 07456 018249. London.

YAMAHA YBR 250cc, my bike from new, well looked after, 2009, 29k miles, screen top box, new s/s front pipe, nearly new tyres, well looked after, overall in excellent condition, £1500 ono.

Tel. 07964 196949. Lancs.

YAMAHA DT175 MX 175cc, wanted for restoration project, parts for Yamaha DT175 MX, may consider full bike. Tel. 01709 361365 anytime. S Yorks.

YAMAHA V-MAX 1200, 2000 reg, 3000 miles, not yet run in, Ohlins shocks, carrier, engine bars, 12 months’ MoT, superb, carbon fibre model, no time wasters, mint, £5800. Tel. 07434 513161. Lancs.

YAMAHA XJ600N 600cc, 1997, very good condition throughout, MOT to June 2018, new tyres, smooth reliable bike, mature owner, £900. Tel. 01487 711333; 07555 586954. Cambs.

YAMAHA XJSA DIVERSION 600cc, 09 reg, 12k miles, 9 months’ MoT, newish tyres, recent oil and filter change, books, three keys inc red one, repair kit, owned for last 3 years, good condition, £1900. Tel. 07971 378406. S Wales.

YAMAHA XSR1300 1250cc, 2000, 40k, MoT July 2018, p/ coated Whitewheels, vgc, h/ grips, good all round, reliable, £1950 ono. Tel. 07811 726601.

Sussex.

ZONTES 250cc, 16 plate, full s/h, MoT, well looked after, lovely bike, new bike forces sale, £1800 ono. Tel. 01843 586080.

Kent.

YAMAHA TY250 TWIN SHOCK 1977, good mainly original condition, new tyres, usual patina for 40 year old machine, £2200 ovno.

Tel. 07810 523742; 01505 690004.

Y A M AH A V I R A GO 5 3 5 1993, 12 months MoT, 19,600 miles, recent service including new battery, £1000. Tel. 07963 931492.

Derbys.

YAMAHA V-MAX 1985, ‘First Generation’, US import, excellent condition, 45k, exceptionally clean, immac, s/s exhaust, Haynes manual, pristine, MoT May 2018, receipts, £8000 ovno Tel. Colin on 0790 3082146; 0115 9726996. Notts.

Parts for sale

AFTERMARKET DUNSTALL SILENCERS for new Triumph Bonneville T100, British made, sounds great, just like the bike was meant to sound, cost £238 new been on bike 12 months good condition, £80. Tel. 07951 69569. Blackpool.

BAGLUX TANK BAG (blue), vgc, £45; Baglux tank cover, Suzuki SV1000S/650S, vgc, (blue), £45. Tel. 07776 427703. Beds.

BIKE TEK BIKE MOVER/DOLLY for bikes with centre stand, only up to 600kgs, as new, cost £140, accept £75. Tel. 07850 607141. Rutland, Leics.

EXHAUST FOR BMW K1200RS good condition, £60; the following from a 1990 K100RS rad grille, rear light, front cowl and windscreen, seat, headlamp, rear mudguard, sundry plastic and tubular bits, swinging arm requires attention, unrelated new tank bag, £120, no cherry picking or offers Tel. 01736 752494.

Cornwall.

FOR BMW K1200/1300S/R Abba Superbike stand and fittings, vgc, £65. Tel. Mike 07790 349042. Cheshire.

GENUINE ALUMINIUM Honda cross tourer top box with fixing plate, brand new with key, can post or collect in person, £450.

Tel. 07833 155885. Bolton area.

GS 1200 LC BEOWULF 2013, s/ steel radiator guards, very good condition, no longer required, £30 less than half price. Tel. 07946 484209. W Yorks.

HARLEY SPORTSTER 883 2014, original silencers, as new, 45mm bore, £100 pair; Tiger Cub front rim, 17” with Michelin tyre, £15.

Tel. 01297 489578. Dorset. calllbrig@gmail.com HARLEY-DAVIDSON Men’s El Camino II biker collar, black leather jacket - mid-weight, vintage, genuine cow hide leather with polymesh lining; zip-out, removable, polytwill vest liner; two front vertical vents and two back exit vents; body armour pockets at elbows and shoulders, biker collar, zipper front, slightly pre-curved sleeves, zipper cuffs, removable belt at waist, snaptab epaulets, two zipper handwarmer pockets, snap pocket on left side, two interior pockets and one MP3 player pocket, size: medium, unworn, £199. Tel. 07700 706215. Guernsey. gjv@ cwgsy.net HONDA CBF1000 hard panniers and stays, mint, £250; Vetter fairing, £50; despatch gauntlets, £20; lots GL1200 spars, rear section silencers, Speedmaster/ America boxed, mint, £300; Thunderbird/Legend chainguard, £20. Tel. 07434 513161. Lancs.

HONDA CO/CM200 200cc, CM125/200 seat, vgc, £30; CD200 rear wheel, complete, £30; engine, no runner, £15; brakes, £5 each; clocks, £15; other CD spares to clear, too much to list! Tel. 01787 479063.

Essex.

HONDA VFR 750 screen still in box, £15. Tel. 07402 223755.

Surrey.

HONDA VTX 1300S original exhaust, only done 2k miles, £250. Tel. 07447 946170.

Stafford.

KAWASAKI VERSYS 650cc, bagster gel seat, unused, cost £300, £80 ovno. Tel. 07758 40206. Essex.

KTM 390 DUKE PARTS:- Tel. 07580 130388. S Cumbria.

R1200GS LC 2013 onwards, front engine guard, cylinder guards, Puig hugger, £110. Tel. 079320 47132. Chester area.

RICHA MOTORCYCLE LEATHERS blue/black/white, size UK 38, D48, zip together, very good condition, with knee and elbow supports, £85. Tel. 07464 046812. Bromley, Kent.

ROYAL ENFEILD Constellation, 700cc, 1959, gearbox, crank, clutches, heads and lots more, £700. Tel. 0785 4057391 for more info. Herts. hamerhub@ gmail.com SUZUKI KATANA GS 1982, needs work or good for a project, Tel. 078960 84797 for more info.

Norfolk.

SUZUKI TS50ER engine with big bore kit fitted and exhaust front pipe, £75; Suzuki GT500 kick-start lever, £40; Kawasaki KH250 rubber clock surrounds, £40; CZ175 kick-start lever, oil pump, oil tank, £50; Honda r/h switchgear, new, suit late 70’s, early 80’s, £50. Tel. 01505 690004; 07810 523742.

TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE 2002, silencer, new, still in box, £55.

Tel. 07402 223755. Surrey.

TRIUMPH T100 Rentec rear carrier, REN7256B/C plus fitting instructions, almost new, (free choke nob included), £40 ono.

Tel. 01296 713864. Bucks.

YAMAHA MT-01 PARTS genuine silencers and manifold brand new unused £160; lightweight racing engine chain cover brand new, £50; MT01 paddock stands, £25 each; mirror extenders, £10; all parts either brand new or in excellent condition. Tel. 07814 621967.

Berks.

YAMAHA TY175 magneto and magneto cover, may need rewound? £50. Tel. 01505 690004; 07810 523742.

Z900 WHEELS Takasago, front 185 x 19, June 1973, rear 213 x 18, March 1973, original wheels in very good condition, £400 plus post. Tel. 07927 739574.

Derbys.

Choose one of the following methods:

1 2

ONLINE www.motorcyclemonthly.co.uk EMAIL freeads@motorcyclemonthly.co.uk

Wanted AJS 1956, good starter/runner, restored or part restored. Tel. Andy on 07801 136762. Somerset.

ANY CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE WANTED in any condition from a basketcase to one in nice condition, cash waiting. Tel. 07811 189755. Staffs.

HONDA REVERE NTV 600cc, rack wanted. Tel. 07704 965760. Glos.

SUZUKI VX800 800cc, 1990, wanted cast-front wheel and fork legs - desperate! Tel. 01380 726421. Devizes, Wilts.

TRIUMPH TIGER CUB ENGINE round barrel type, with separate distributor, many new parts, £550 ono. Tel. 01202 873171; 07740 588281 for details or pics. Dorset.

WANTED A MAJORITY of ‘99 KX250 spares for a project (I believe 99-01 are the same), any breakers with complete bike for breaking or spares or repair, complete engines, seat etc please email Email: bruce_ leeuk1@yahoo.co.uk with photos (no phone calls, ex directory, will exchange numbers if needed).

WANTED EARLY 1970s HONDA 450, DOHC, engine complete, why? Can collect. Tel. Paul 078130 77665. Worcs.

WANTED MOTORCYCLE any condition or make, up to £500.

Tel. Barry 01527 836644. Worcs.

YAMAHA VIRAGO XV535 I’m looking for forward controls for my 535 so if you’ve got some please ring. Tel. 07711 554059.

Parts wanted ANY CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE WANTED in any condition from a basket case to one in nice condition, cash waiting. Tel. 07811 189755. Staffs.

WANTED HEATED GRIPS incomplete set ok but must have right hand grip, in good condition.

Tel. 01484 462230 or 07786 298701. Huddersfield.

Miscellaneous 2 RED PADDOCK STANDS front and rear with adj width pins, for bobbins, good condition, both for £30. Tel. 01142 589093.

Sheffield.

ADVENTURE BIKE RIDER magazines, issue 1-36 in 6 binders, buyer to collect, £40; Motorcycle voyager, issue 2 to final 15, buyer to collect, £15.

Tel. 01603 868368. Norwich.

ANY OLD MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINES or race programmes (road racing, scrambles, grass track etc.)

Offered free for collection within a reasonable distance of Sleaford.

If you are clearing out your loft or garage I’ll be glad to take them off your hands. Tel. Pete 01529 461304. Lincs.

ARAI TOUR X4 helmet, X/S, black/orange, brand new, boxed, never worn, unwanted gift, £295.

Tel. 01527 853959; 07841 538409. Warks.

BARBOUR JACKET 1960s, good condition, no tears or repairs, 38”/40” chest, £25. BMW D system, 6 helmet, 60/61 silver, new condition, half new price, £195 Tel. 02392 214606. Hants.

BEOWULF CBF1000 s/steel radiator guard, vgc, £25. Tel. 07946 484209. Bradford.

BIKE TEK bike mover/dolly for bikes with centre stand, as new, £30. Tel. 07850 607141.

Rutland, Leics.

BIKE TRAILER single spare wheel lightboard and loading ramp, all very good condition, £200. Tel. 01446 790157.

CRASH HELMET: open-face Bieffe, white, medium 58 size, in excellent condition and lightweight leggings, £15. both Tel. 07504 327299. Torquay.

CROWTREE JACKET Ladies black leather, hand made, 48” chest size, and jeans style trousers 44” waist, with D ring/ Velcro fastener for comfort fit and adjustability, plain black, two separate pieces with zip fastening to join two pieces together, fully lined with two internal pockets in jacket, vgc, £20 can post via courier for £20.

Tel. 07505 327028. N E Lincs.

FRANK THOMAS shorty riding boots, EV51, UK 7, vgc, black/ red, £15. Tel. 07464 046812.

Bromley, Kent.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON BOOKS 8 for £100 p&p extra Tel. 0208 6416866. Surrey.

HAYNES MANUALS as new Honda CB250RS Triumph Daytona SP Triple and Tiger Yamaha TDM TRX, £10 inc post Tel. 01684 563997. Worcs.

KAWASAKI W650 1999, petrol tank, blue/silver carbs, f/fender hand bars, mirrors and more.

Tel. 01446 790157.

LADIES TEXTILE JACKET size 22, £20 ono; short biker boots, size 42, £15 ono (both hardly worn); Oxford Aquatex outdoor scooter cover (top box model), £10. Tel. 07748 208312. Durham.

METZLER TYRE suit K100, 95%, £50. Tel. 07759 607498.

ON TWO WHEELS approx 110, Old Bike Mart, approx 125, Classic Bike Guide, approx 40, £45 cash the lot Tel. 07464 812046. Bromley, Kent.

ONE-PIECE SUIT waterproof, XL, red/black, vgc, £30. Tel. 07762 119769. Surrey.

OXFORD TAIL PACK unused, £20; Oxford tank bag, unused, £20. Tel. 07544 500833. Man. PAIR OF BIKE paddock stands, with bobbin hooks, as new, £35. Tel. 07850 607141. Rutland, Leics.

RICHA OVER TROUSERS size XL, with quilted protection, (never worn). Jacket: OSX, size L (hardly worn). Viper helmet, RS, V5, size M, (hardly worn), ideal for new biker, £100 the whole lot Tel. 01727 832693.

St Albans, Herts.

SARGENT CUSTOM MADE SEATS for 2010 to 2012 Ducati Multi-strada 1200, there are front and rear seats. They are stylish and comfortable, £190. Tel. 01372 721022. N Surrey.

SHOEI HELMET Qwest airfoil, size L, 59/60cms, pin lock visor, black/ white, never worn, RRP £429.99, accept £99 still in box Tel. 07850 607141. Rutland, Leics.

SINGLE MOTORCYCLE TRAILER strong and robust spare wheel mudguards and loading ramp, lighting board and safety chain, £200 ono. Tel. 01446 790157.

TAKACHI HELMET open-face, black, size small, vgc, £20. Tel. 07762 119769. Surrey.

THE USED BIKE GUIDE: UBG from issue one all the way through to issue 169, only 2 missing.....22 and 53, as a fairly frequent contributor it may be that those contained my masterpieces and have been squirrelled away for posterity..!

At least 2 others have my articles included. The first 18 are carefully filed in binders that were on sale at the time, an excellent overall guide to almost every bike in use from ..well...at least the early 80s! easily sell for £1 each at fairs and even online.... so 168 of them should be worth a fair bit to either a collector or someone looking to sell on, £40 postage/ collection by arrangement. Sorry not willing to split! Tel. Richard 01328 856585. Norfolk.

TRAILER TENT tow behind motorcycle, will sleep 2 canvas cover s/s rack spare wheel, excellent condition, £1600 ovno. Tel. 01506 656708; 07742 389862 after 6pm. W Lothian.

WATSONIAN SQUIRE sidecar RX4, exc cond, no rips or tears on hood or seat, large boot for your luggage, will carry 3 kids or 1 adult and 1 kid, £1600.

Tel. 01506 656708; 07742 389862 after 6pm ovno.

W Lothian. rossclarkson@ btinternet.com YAMAHA MT-09 Tracer, rear rack for Yamaha MT-09 Tracer, genuine Yamaha official part, rack is in good condition, rack is a direct replacement for grab handles and includes appropriate fitting kit (ie bolts and spacers), simple DIY fitting job, I used this with a 32ltr top box attached, rack is in good condition with no major marks or scratches, enhances options for carrying kit/gear on this bike, £40. Tel. 07952 883720. W Mids.

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