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BIG REVEALS The inside line on the latest and greatest bikes of 2021

NEWS 3

A nod from the Editor National lockdown.

Take Two.

IT’S HERE. This is what YOU need to know about TRIUMPH’S new TRIDENT > 660cc triple > 46bhp/80bhp > £7,195

Ross Mowbray

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TECH SPEC Triumph Trident

It's not all doom and gloom...

T

here we are then. We've just been plunged back into lockdown. It's not exactly what we were all hoping for during the last few weeks of decent riding weather, but at the end of the day, there are worse things. If you're fit and healthy and you’ve got a bike in the garage, you’re doing pretty well in the grand scheme of things.

It's not all bad, however. We're being inundated with all the information on the biggest and best new bikes for 2021; we’ve still got the final round of this year’s absolutely electric MotoGP season to look forward to; and you might even be able to get in the shed and crack on with a new project (or even finish that neglected one off).

But when it comes to riding, we've all got to play the game for a little bit longer. If you need to ride – whether you're going to work, looking after a loved one, or stocking up on loo roll – crack on; but we can't be heading out to our favourite biker haunts and chewing the fat over a brew like we usually do. At least it's not scorching hot like last time. Be sensible, stay safe and enjoy the paper.

Editor

Triumph’s Trident is back for 2021 – and it’s poised to go toe to toe with some of the biggest middleweights in the game.

That’s right. The Trident is returning to the Hinckley factory’s line-up – but this time it’s an entrylevel roadster that’s intended as the first step on the Triumph triple ladder. Here’s what you need to know about the new machine.

The engine is a revised version of the 660cc three-cylinder engine that powers the A2-licence ready Street Triple S. It’ll kick out 46bhp out the box, but can be derestricted to produce 80bhp and 47lb-ft of torque.

Its frame is an all-new tubular steel number. It’s not a tweaked version of an existing set up; it’s all new for this bike – and Triumph reckon it offers accessible ergonomics and exciting handling.

Suspension comes in the form of a set of Showa 41mm USD forks up front and a Showa unit with manual preload adjustment at the rear. Nice touches for a middleweight machine. Braking comes from Nissin two-piston

calipers and 310mm discs up front and a single-piston sliding caliper at the rear. ABS is a straightforward two-channel set up. There’s no adjustment or even the ability to turn it off, but that makes sense when you consider who Triumph’s aiming this bike at: learners.

The Trident does get a pretty swanky hybrid TFT screen, that’ll definitely appeal to younger riders.

There are also Rain and Road rider modes, which adjust the throttle map and traction control intervention. The traction control can also be adjusted manually or

turned off altogether for when the mood takes you.

One of the biggest questions is how the new challenger stands up against the competition? There’s Yamaha’s MT-07 (£6,697), Kawasaki’s Z650 (from £6,649), Suzuki’s SV650 (£5,649), and Honda’s CB650R (£7,199). The Triumph costs £7,195.

That means it’s the second most expensive machine, just behind the Honda. Is it worth the cash? Can it steal some sales from its Japanese rivals? We’ll soon find out as it should be available in dealerships by the end of January.

Engine: 660cc liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder Power: 80bhp (60kW) @ 10,250rpm / 46bhp (35kW) @ 8,750rpm (A2 restriction) Torque: 64Nm (47lb-ft) @ 6,250rpm / 59Nm @ 5,250rpm (A2 restriction) Suspension: (F) Showa 41mm upside down separate function forks (SFF) / (R) Showa monoshock RSU, with preload adjustment Brakes: (F) Nissin two-piston sliding calipers, twin 310mm floating discs, ABS (R) Nissin single-piston sliding caliper, single 255mm disc, ABS Seat Height: 805mm (31.7in) Tyres: (F) 120/70R17 / (R) 180/55R17 Wet weight: 189kg (417lb) Fuel Tank Capacity: 14 litres (3.7 US gal)

FOUR the adventure Ducati reveals its new Multistrada V4

Limited releases for Bimota’s KB4 update

Bimota has confirmed that its retro KB4 sportsbike is set for a limited production run in March 2021 – and only 20 bikes will be allocated to the UK market.

Powered by a Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX-derived 1043cc inline four, it’ll get Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension, OZ wheels and a billet rear swingarm. It’s also been confirmed that the bike will feature ABS, traction control, a quickshifter, ‘cornering management’ electronics and power modes, as well as cruise control. There’s also ABS and Bluetooth connectivity.

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

The Italians have finally revealed all the details about the big bike from Bologna that we’ve been hearing about for years.

It’s been teased, leaked and spied – but now it’s finally here: the Ducati Multistrada V4. Of course, there’s a fair amount we already know about the bike. We know that the 1158cc V4 engine knocks out 168bhp

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

at 10,500rpm and 92ft-lb of torque at 8750rpm. Not bad for a big adventure bike. It’s a bit of a step down from the V4s that power the Panigale and Streetfighter, but that’s because the factory has got rid of the Desmodromic valves to help the bike achieve a 37,000-mile valve service interval.

As you’d expect, the Multistrada V4 is dripping with the latest electronics. It gets lean sensitive ABS, traction control and riding modes, which are all controlled through a new colour TFT dash (5-inch on the standard bike and 6.5-inch on the S). And you can even opt for radar-guided cruise control technology – which does what it says on the tin and then some.

It can also use a rear-facing radar unit to warn the rider of

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fast approaching traffic and act as a blind spot detector.

It will set you back another £1950 though.

It gets a set of twin Brembo radial calipers biting on to 330mm discs up front and a single disc at the rear, while the electronic Skyhook suspension remains, automatically adjusting as you ride.

Telephone lines are open Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm Call 01507 529529 or visit classicmagazines.co.uk/MB10 or email subscriptions@mortons.co.uk MoreBikes is published monthly on the third Friday of the month by Mortons Media Group Ltd and printed by Mortons Print.

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Available in standard trim (with mechanically adjustable Marzocchi suspension and M4.32 Brembos) for £15,495, as the S (with Skyhook suspension and Stylema brakes) at a cost of £18,395, or the S Sport version (with the same kit as the S, plus a different colour scheme, an Akrapovic exhaust and a carbon mudguard) for £19,995.

MB recommends bikesafe.co.uk

Independently proven pick up: 67,717 copies

4 NEWS

100bhp 183kg £10,149

Aprilia’s RS 660 is HERE The Italian factory has just released its hotly anticipated mid-capacity sportbike; and it should be a good ’un.

We’ve been talking about Aprilia’s new RS 660 for a couple of years. After seeing the prototype in the flesh at EICMA 2018 and getting a bit more information during last year’s show season, we’ve seen design documents, spy shots and videos of it out testing on track. Aprilia’s definitely not tried to keep its latest machine a secret.

But we’ve all been eagerly awaiting the official launch – confirming that we can finally get our hands on the

hot 660 sportbike. The long wait is over. It’s finally here.

Designed with ‘everyday sportiness in mind’, it looks properly sporty, which suits us. Oh, and it’s incredibly well equipped for the cash… It gets a 100bhp 660cc parallel-twin that produces 67Nm of torque, developed from the front bank of the 1100cc V4!

There’s a full electronics package: TFT Dash that lets you mess with Traction Control, Wheelie Control, Cruise Control, ’Shifter, ’Blipper and Cornering ABS, fed through a six-axis IMU. The RS 660 also comes equipped with changeable rider modes, engine

map and engine brake strategies.

It comes with an aluminium chassis, with the engine as a load-bearing element. The brakes are Brembo, with four piston calipers and dual 320mm discs on the front, and a single disc on the rear. There’re adjustable 41mm USD Kayaba forks and shock, alongside Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II hoops.

The bike weighs in at 189kg, wet.

It’s priced at £10,149, but Aprilia will cover the first year’s tax and registration fee if you pick one up before Christmas, making it just a nip over £10k… What do you think?

RUMOURS: Will we see an updated Suzuki Hayabusa in 2021?

There’s been talk about Suzuki releasing a new Hayabusa for years – and rumours from Japan suggest we’re getting closer to that becoming a reality.

We seem to hear about the possibility of a new Hayabusa every few months, but the latest rumours seem to carry a bit more clout than usual. The big news, however, is that the changes aren’t expected to be as radical as first predicted.

Sources in Japan say that while development is still definitely underway for a brand new 1440cc Hayabusa with a fresh chassis and

revamped engine, chances are we’re going to see a revised version of the existing GSX1300R first.

From what we’ve heard, the new ’Busa will follow a similar pattern to Suzuki’s recently updated Katana and V-Strom 1050, which have been tweaked to meet Euro 5 emissions regulations. That means it’ll probably make use of a good range of existing parts, and add some new styling and electronics.

We’re told the chassis will remain much the same, with the addition of new front and rear suspension.

Rumours also suggest that it’ll

get the SIRS (Suzuki Intelligent Ride System) that was fitted to the V-Strom 1050. That means the Hayabusa will get an electronic throttle, IMU-controlled traction control, cornering ABS, hill control and cruise control.

Ok, it’s not necessarily the news we were hoping for, and whether or not we’ll actually see the bike in the UK is another matter altogether, but it’s great to have a bit more of an idea of what Suzuki’s up to.

Here’s hoping we’ll not have to wait too much longer to get the inside line on the all-new machine.

GOTCHA! Spy shot of Royal Enfield’s 650cc bobber out testing Royal Enfield’s bobber has been caught on camera while out testing – and it looks like the 650cc parallel twin powered machine is good to go.

Royal Enfield’s busy. We know that there’s a number of new models in the pipeline – but one we were fairly certain was in the works was its twin-cylinder bobber.

Following the reveal of the KX Concept last year, it was more than likely we wouldn’t have to wait too long to see a production bobber from the Indian factory in the flesh. And here it is.

We knew it was on the way because it was caught out again a couple of months ago, but this is the first decent look at the all-new machine, which looks like it’s close to complete.

Although there’s been no official news from the factory, the spy shot helps us to glean a little bit of technical information about the latest machine to be built around that 650cc twin engine that powers the Continental GT and Interceptor. That means we can expect power figures in the region of 47hp and

52Nm of torque. It gets inverted forks, a single disc for stopping up front, alloy wheels and a slimline fuel tank.

For now, that’s about all we know, although chances are we won’t have to wait too much longer to find out more. Rumours suggest it’ll be arriving on the market for mid-2021.

NEWS 5

PATENTS for a NEW Triumph Tiger 850 Sport

Documents filed in the USA confirm that the British factory is working on a new version of its inimitable adventure bike.

The latest generation 900cc Triumph Tiger is currently available in four different guises: a touring-oriented GT version and an off-road ready Rally version (in both standard and PRO). But it looks like the model family could be about to get bigger, as registration documents have appeared in the States which name a new Tiger 850 Rally Sport.

Filed with the EPA, the documents reveal consumption date, which in turn suggest that the new Tiger 850 Sport probably isn’t that far away. But what’s going to be different?

Although we’ve had no official word from Hinckley HQ, chances are it’s going to be a slightly tweaked variant of the current 900. It’ll likely be designed as a more focused road bike, following in the sportier footsteps of the Triumph Tiger Sport 1050. In fact, it might actually replace that bike in the range, with incoming Euro 5 regulations sure to present issues for the larger machine.

What do we know so far? Well, the new Tiger 850 Sport will be powered

Yamaha BW’s 125 trail scooter closes the gap

by Triumph’s current 887cc triplecylinder motor, which kicks out 95hp and 87Nm of torque. While that’s a bit of a step down from the current, larger Tiger Sport which offers 126hp and 106Nm of torque from its 1050cc triple, it’ll weigh significantly less.

It’s expected that the Tiger 850 Sport will get 17-inch wheels, wider road-specific tyres and an overhauled chassis with shortened suspension.

It’s less adventure bike and more sport tourer/supermoto, and that sounds like a lot of fun to us. We’ll have to sit tight for the time being until the factory reveals more information, but for now, we’re very excited by the prospect of a sportier version of Triumph’s much loved Tiger.

With Honda’s eagerly anticipated CT125 not coming to the UK, there’s a gap in the market for an off-road ready small capacity scooter. Maybe Yamaha’s BW’s 125 could be just the machine we’ve all been looking for.

Ok, so at this stage the off-road ready scooter is only being marketed in Asia, but there’s still a chance it might make it over to Europe.

We don’t know a huge amount of information about the new machine, other than that it shares a good chunk of its chassis with the NMAX, which means it’s got 12hp, 11.2 Nm of torque, a 6.1-litre fuel tank and a total weight of 127kg.

6 NEWS

SIX models coming from Norton under the new TVS administration

Norton Motorcycles has filed the names of six new models with the European Patent Office.

Indian automotive giant TVS Motor saved Norton from bankruptcy earlier this year – and it looks like it’s serious about getting things moving again with six new models in the works.

Norton’s new owners have filed patents for the ‘Electra’, ‘Fastback’, ‘Navigator’, ‘Nomad’, ‘Ranger’ and ‘Combat’ with the European Patent Office (EUIPO).

We know our fair share about the Nomad and Ranger. The two 650cc twins were shown in concept form by the previous ownership. The rest, however, appear to be entirely new models. But it’s worth noting that the

names have all been used in the past by the iconic British brand.

The Navigator was a 349cc twin, produced from 1960 to 1965.

The Electra was a 383cc machine produced in 1963. Fastback was a version of the Norton Commando 750 in the 1970s, and Combat was a name for a new engine that was fitted to the Commando in 1972.

At this stage we don’t know any specific information about the new machines, but it doesn’t seem unlikely that they will be a selection of entry-level bikes, primarily aimed at TVS’s home market in India.

FIRST LOOK: Honda’s CRF250L + CRF250 RALLY Ahead of the official launch, the Japanese factory has released the first photos and information about its updated CRF250L and CRF250 Rally.

The standard CRF250L has been tweaked to improve both road and offroad performance – with a new design inspired by the CRF450R motocross machine. The Rally version looks much the same as before, with an oversized fairing and the Dakar-style LED headlight, but it’ll also get a larger fuel tank. Rumours suggest they’ll both also come kitted out with revised frames and longer travel suspension.

The two bikes will be powered by a new Euro 5 engine. We don’t know specifics just yet, but Honda has revealed that it’s optimised the intake and exhaust systems, and fitted a new air filter. Chances are it’ll offer much the same performance as before, so expect around 25bhp and 23Nm of torque to play with.

Alpinestars’ Rally Raid protection

Royal Enfield reveals Meteor 350 small capacity city cruiser After several delays, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 has been revealed. Here’s what you need to know about the A2 licence cruiser from the Indian factory.

Built around an all-new 349cc single cylinder engine which kicks out 20hp at 6,100rpm and 20 lb-ft of torque at 4,000rpm, the Meteor gets a doublecradle frame, 19 and 17-inch wheels, a 41mm telescopic fork up front and pre-load adjustable twin shocks at the rear. Braking is looked after by a single 300mm disc with a dual-piston caliper at the front and a 270mm disc with a single-piston caliper at the back.

At this stage there’s been no official news on pricing, because Royal Enfield won’t be revealing the 'European' version of the bike until the start of December.

Alpinestars has just released a new Tech-Air OffRoad airbag system, which has been designed specifically for professional rally-raid racers.

It’s been used by Alpinestars-sponsored riders since 2018, but now the American factory has decided to offer the kit to other racers, following the news that the Dakar Rally will require racers to wear airbags.

With rally-raid racers facing high-speed sections and big jumps, the Alpinestars TechAir Off-Road needs to be a properly capable bit

of kit. And it sounds like it is, as it protects the back, chest, shoulders and collarbones with its airbag in the event of a crash. There’s also an integrated Bionic Pro v2 Protection, which provides additional front padding on the arms and chest. There is no news right now on when the Alpinestars Tech-Air Off-Road will be made to non-professional riders, but we can surely bet that the airbag technology will be coming to the off-road sector in full force in the coming months or years.

Aprilia’s working on a new THREE-WHEELER

Aprilia has filed designs for a threewheeled motorcycle, that looks to be following in the footsteps of Yamaha’s leaning multi-wheeler oddity, the Niken. The patent offers a pretty comprehensive view of the machine and is packed with intricate details, so chances are the bike/trike is probably well on its way.

At this stage we don’t know any specific information about the newest machine from the Noale factory, but considering the Italian brand is owned by Piaggio, it’ll likely be making good use of the extensive know-how needed to produce its MP3 scooter, even if there will be some big differences in the form of the front suspension and linkage system.

INCOMING: KTM 1290 Super Duke RR

The Austrian factory has been teasing a trick version of its big naked – which will come kitted out with carbon parts ready for the race track.

The limited edition 1290 Super Duke RR will be the bigger, badder brother of the current 1290 Super Duke. It’s rumoured that there will only be 500 of them made and that it’ll shed 9kg and come kitted out with lighter parts; an Akrapovic can; carbon mudguards and fairings side; next level WP Apex Pro suspension; forged aluminium rims; and a new colour scheme. Considering how capable the standard bike is, it’s sure to be an absolute beast.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q&A

WHITE DALTON 7 Our specialist motoring solicitor Andrew Prendergast guides readers through their legal trials and troubles

Q

About 18 months ago some dopey mare spanked me off my Kawasaki Z1000. She smashed my leg up pretty bad and so I claimed for my injuries and loss of earnings. My solicitor had to issue Court proceedings as the other side wouldn’t admit liability. I’m a bricklayer by trade and easily clear about £70k a year, so I put that in my witness statement and that I couldn’t work again. My medical expert also said I could never work again, so I was able to back up my loss of earnings claim for life. However, about two weeks after swapping witness statements, the other side sent video evidence of me working on a site for about a week after the accident. It wasn’t my fault. I was skint and needed some cash, but didn’t want to get less for my claim, hence why I didn’t tell my solicitor. My solicitor did his nut and said he was sacking me for lying to him. He also reckons he is sending me a bill. I think he’s bang out of order as everyone knows you ‘over-egg’ these things so you can have a haggle later on. Also, I’m on a ‘no win, no fee’ agreement so my solicitor can’t send me a bill.

Am I right?

A

Your village just called me. Their idiot is missing. In simple terms, you have just been caught with your pants down. You have just served evidence with a statement of truth on it, i.e. your witness statement. The ‘statement of truth’ bit is a giveaway, i.e. you shouldn’t lie and so its clear, not everyone ‘over-eggs’ their claim. I don’t blame your solicitor for sacking you. I would do exactly the same thing. Further, the fact you are on a Conditional fee Agreement, i.e. a ‘no win, no fee’ agreement, doesn’t mean your solicitor can’t send you a bill. You will have had responsibilities under that agreement, i.e. to not deliberately mislead or lie, etc. You have breached that. In the short term, expect to be sacked and billed. In the longer term, you could

expect your whole claim to be struck out; the other side to pursue you for all their costs; and you may even face a prison sentence for lying to the Court. As such, go and find another solicitor now with a view to advising you on damage limitation. Also, empty your piggybank as you are likely to have to pay for this legal advice privately. Lastly, I hope you fall over with your hands in your pockets. People like you cause troubles for the rest of the honest claimants in the world.

Q

The last three months really have been a ‘dog’s life’ for me. I was out pottering for a couple of hours on my Royal Enfield Himalayan.

If you know the style of bike, you will appreciate I wasn’t flying at warp speed on ‘Hetty’ the Himalayan. I was just passing through a village in the Cotswolds when a dog came bounding out of a garden, across the village green and straight out in front of me. I didn’t stand a chance.

Hetty’s front wheel hit Hector the dog and I went down like the proverbial sack of potatoes. At this point Hector’s owner turned up and then lost the plot, accusing me of murdering him. I would just add I was lying on the floor unable to move at this point. Eventually a neighbour dragged the crazy dog owner away and the Police and ambulance crew turned up. I have just spent weeks in hospital as I broke my pelvis and spine, to get home to find a letter from the dog owner threatening to sue me. The cheek of the woman.

What should I do? I reckon I should be suing Hector, but I don’t know how I stand getting a dead dog in the dock.

A

I get losing a pet can be traumatic. However, Hector’s owner is taking the (dog) biscuit.

It is actually a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 to ‘[cause] or [permit] a dog to be on a designated road without the dog being

held on a lead’. She is lucky the Police didn’t prosecute her. As for her letter, get your solicitor (and I advise you get one) to tell her to sling her hook when they send a Letter of Claim suing her for your injuries and losses. Whilst you can’t sue Hector, you can sue his owner for letting him bolt out on the road and cause a collision with you and Hetty. The law your solicitor will quote is the Section 2 of Animals Act 1971. From what you have said, the ‘keeper’ of Hector is ‘liable for the damage’ he caused. Fingers crossed Hector was insured. If he was, the pet insurer will often deal with these types of case. If he wasn’t insured, then your solicitor will have to find out if his owner has a job, any assets, etc., to pay out for your claim because you will win on liability.

For more info, go to:

SOLICITORS

www.whitedalton.co.uk

8 NEWS

Yamaha reveals new MT-07. Small update for 2021 Japanese factory makes key changes to its much-loved bike for next year.

It’s not a massive overhaul, but there are a handful of key changes to make the new bike significantly different from the outgoing model. First off, it’s got a new look with a new three-part LED headlight similar to the recently released MT-09, and also the tank’s been reshaped.

As you’d expect, the motor has been updated to meet Euro 5 regulations, but there’s not a massive difference to the much-loved crossplane twin from the previous model. A new 2-1 pipe and an ECU are the big changes.

There are larger discs up front for improved stopping power, a set of wider bars and some new tyres.

There’s also a new LCD dash, which can be operated using a switch on the handlebar.

Norton’s OFFICIAL statement about customer deposits

Although it’s not a big change, it’s great to see Yamaha has got its much loved MT-07 ready to go ahead of the incoming Euro 5 regulations.

We can’t wait to ride it when it comes into UK dealers this March.

Honda updates ultra-fun MSX125 Grom

Honda’s mini-bike returns next year with a new name and a significant update.

On sale in Europe as the MSX125 since 2013, Honda’s ultra-fun minibike follows a tradition started in the 60s with the Monkey and continued through other much-loved machines such as the Dax and Ape up to the present day.

For 2021, the new version adds the ‘Grom’ name used elsewhere across the world (becoming the ‘MSX125 Grom’) for the mini-bike which has been an international hit with young riders, racking up sales of over 750,000 units. As a term used since the 1960s to describe young surfers, ‘Grom’ became a something of a cult machine.

The new 7.2kW air-cooled engine blends accessible roll-on performance

with useful all-round ability and now features a fifth gear for out-of-town riding, matched to a responsive, easyto-ride chassis equipped with 31mm USD forks, 12in wheels and disc brakes front and rear.

The ABS system operates through an IMU. Seat height is a welcoming 761mm, and the redesigned sharp and compact LCD meter now features a rev-counter and gear position indicator.

The biggest change for 2021 is the radical new look that brings a quirky, distinctive individuality from a new sleek LED headlight, pareddown seat unit and subframe, and super-compact side panels and tank covers.

The gold forks and brake calipers, and yellow rear suspension finish off the head-turning styling. Easy-tochange bodywork further promotes adaptability and customisation opportunities for Honda’s small bike with a big attitude.

Now officially called the ‘MSX125 Grom’, the pocket-sized funster gets a new Euro5compliant, but still air-cooled 125cc motor, while the gearbox is now five speed, rather than four.

Ride an MV Agusta with Hertz Ride Rent a bike and explore France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the USA. Never heard of Hertz Ride before? The biking offshoot of the Hertz car rental empire has a wide range of bikes for rent in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Austria, Slovenia and the United States. And now, it’s added MV Agusta to the roster.

At the minute, you’ll be able to get your hands on a Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso SCS or a Dragster Rosso in France or Italy. Portugal and Spain will be next on the list, with bikes expected to be available for the start of the 2021 riding season, with the USA following at a later date.

Norton Motorcycles has issued its first official statement outlining the company’s stance on the customer deposits received during the previous owner’s reign.

Norton’s new parent company TVS has got some work to do to rebuild the reputation of the iconic British brand. It’s being proactive though, as it attempts to right the wrongs of the previous ownership.

Speaking on behalf of the company, interim CEO, John Russell, said: “Together with our parent company, TVS Motor Company, Norton appreciates the great importance of this need to look after customers who placed deposits on orders that are as yet unfulfilled, despite there being no legal obligation to do so.

“In this initial stage of Norton’s rebuilding phase, with the powerful backing and support of TVS, the most important ongoing commitment we face is to address all open orders. We are doing our utmost to ensure all our valued customers involved can reach a positive outcome as we work to satisfy everyone, providing any balance outstanding after the deposit is taken into account is paid by the customer.”

Fair play to TVS Motors for stepping up to take on the responsibility – let’s hope this is another sign that Norton’s in a set of safe hands. We’re excited to see what comes next from the resurgent brand.

WIN a very special Pro-Am Yamaha RD250LC! If you want to win a very special machine ridden by the likes of Alan Carter (former 250cc GP winner) and Niall Mackenzie (three-time BSB champ), then now is your chance.

MoreBikes’ friends IDP Moto, who have helped out on a number of restorations that have featured in our sister title Classic Motorcycle Mechanics, have embarked on a cheap-to-enter competition to help shed the LARGE numbers of Pro-Am Yamaha RD250LC machines they have blocking up their Silverstone-based workshop.

The competition, held on www.idpmotocomp. com and Instagram/Facebook @idpmotocomp costs just £9.99 to enter and you could walk (or ride) away (ok, on a track) with a race/track-day ready Yamaha RD250LC. So what is it worth? Well, Classic Motorcycle Mechanics editor Bertie Simmonds thinks that

with the provenance of the racing bottoms that have graced the saddle and the IDP Moto expertise in setting the bike up, anything between £5-£10k…

NEWS 9

Honda reveals Forza 750 for 2021

Will it knock Yamaha’s TMAX from its maxi-scooter throne?

The Japanese factory has just launched its new Forza 750; and it’s the largest capacity scooter on the market right now.

Honda’s new Forza 750 is essentially an evolution of the long-standing Integra. It shares plenty of kit – but some clever changes mean that it stands apart.

As you’d expect, Honda’s made use of its long-stroke inline twin that was first used to power the NC700. It’s been tweaked to meet Euro 5 regulations and displacement has been increased slightly to 745cc – which helps it to kick out 58hp and plenty of low-down torque. Fuel consumption is a claimed 76.3mpg (3.7 litres per 100km) – which means that the scooter’s offering a range in excess of 215 miles (350km) from a single fuel stop.

The Forza 750 also gets Honda’s own DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission system. It uses a conventional six-speed gearbox, but it’s automatically driven by two clutches. It’s quite clever – and allows you to either ride without changing gear or by using the small paddles on the switchgear. There’s also a range of rider modes to help you find the perfect settings to suit your riding.

The big Forza has been designed using the base of a conventional motorcycle, which means that it has the advantages of motorcycle dynamics in a scooter chassis. There’s motorcycle-style suspension, with an inverted fork on which four-piston brake calipers are radially anchored and a rear shock absorber connected

to an aluminium swingarm. There’s a 17-inch rim up front which comes kitted out with two large 310mm discs, while the rear gets a 15-inch rim (like the Honda X-ADV).

It’s not exactly light, but considering its size, its 235kg weight doesn’t seem bad at all, particularly when compared to some of the competition.

It gets a TFT instrument panel and an electronic key, and there are also optional heated grips, blankets, luggage and more.

It’s also going to be available as a restricted 35kW version, which makes it suitable for A2 licence holders.

● For more information on Honda’s new Forza 750, visit: www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles

10 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Not sure what to buy the biker in your life for Christmas?

Don’t worry - we’ve got your back To help you surprise your favourite biker with something they’ll love on the big day, we’ve rustled up a shortlist of some of the stuff we’ve had our eye on for the last few months. If they like motorcycles, there’s something here that’ll be sure to spread Christmas cheer.

Clarke JSM400 Multi-Purpose Jumpstarter £119.98 / www.machinemart.co.uk

Clarke Devil 5000PTC Fan Heater £95.98 / www.machinemart.co.uk There’s little worse than being freezing cold when you’re tinkering away on a new project in the workshop. It makes the job miserable. But that doesn’t have to be the case. If you know someone who spends all their time out in the garage through the Winter, you could help make their home away from home more comfortable with the help of a heater. That’s where Clarke’s fan heater comes in. It kicks out between 3.3kW and 5kW, which is plenty of heat for even a reasonably large space, but to allow it to be set just right there’s a thermostat temperature control, a fan-only mode and two heat settings.

Do you know someone who’s got a bike that keeps running their battery flat? Do they keep breaking down and calling you for a jump? Christmas could be the perfect opportunity to kit them out and save you a trip out to get them moving.

It’s a clever bit of kit that’s capable of starting petrol engines up to six litres (and diesel engines up to four litres) up to 15 times on a single charge. It doesn’t need charging that much either (if it’s not been used, one nine-hour charge each month should do it).

It’s kitted out with a pair of LED lights with light, flash and SOS modes – and features a 12V vehicle

jumpstart output with LED connection status smart lead, a 5V USB output with four-way device adaptor cable, and can be charged using a cigarette lighter and mains charger.

Keis J501 Heated Jacket £199 / www.keisapparel.com This might well be the perfect present for the rider in your life who keeps going through the colder months - a heated jacket from Keis.

The Keis J501 heated jacket is the perfect bit of winter kit. Designed to be powered directly from your motorcycle’s battery, it’s thin enough to fit under your bike jacket with ease and yet it’s equipped with the latest Micro Carbon Fibre heat pads, which offer an even layer of heat across the chest, back, arms and collar. Toasty. If that sounds like your bag, there’s also a range of other kit from Keis – including gloves, trousers and insoles.

Triumph Adventure Centre Experience From £299 / www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk Ok, so this one’s dependant on how things open up as things get back to normal (if they ever do), but this would definitely give the biker in your life something to look forward to. They’d head to the foot of the Brecon Beacons in South Wales where they’d have an unforgettable riding experience through dramatic scenery on a variety of terrain

on the latest generation Triumph Tiger, Street Scrambler or Scrambler 1200 motorcycles.

An experienced team of instructors will be on hand to offer advice and guidance to improve off-road riding skills and techniques throughout the experience, no matter whether it’s a one-day, twoday or multi-day adventure.

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 11

Beeline Moto From £149.99 / www.beeline.co There’s a range of satellite navigation systems on the market designed just for bikers. They’re often a bit chunky, a bit clunky and a bit expensive. Not Beeline Moto’s new creation.

The simple circular display works using a smartphone to give you simple, intuitive navigation in your field of view. The interface features a large arrow which shows the current direction to head in; a dot indicates the direction at your next turn; there’s a distance reading which counts down to your next manoeuvre; a junction indicator to show roundabout exits, highway exits, lanes changes and road forks; while a progress marker offers information on how much of your journey has been completed. It’s very clever. Using the Beeline app you can also plan routes and save them in the route planner (or even import a GPX file), and even track your rides and look back on past adventures.

SHAD SR18 Café Racer Style Tank Bag £69.99 / www.shad.co.uk Here’s one for the retro bike fans. It’s Shad’s new SR18 Café Racer tank bag.

The compact eight-litre leather-effect bag is a sharp-looking bit of luggage.

Sold with a universal tank attachment, it’s suitable for any bike with a centrally positioned fuel cap, and can be fitted and removed from a bike in a matter of seconds.

It’s lockable and comes with glove-friendly zips, an internal mesh pocket for easy access and a rain cover too.

Oily Rag Heritage T-shirts £23.99 / www.oilyrag.com A t-shirt is as good a Christmas gift as any. A biker t-shirt is even better.

Oily Rag has made a name for itself by creating some seriously cool kit over the past 11 years – and these Heritage t-shirts are the latest thing to catch our eye.

The British brand produces a fairly extensive range of stylish t-shirts, caps and casual clothing – with designs based around its passion for all things motorcycling – so if these tees aren’t your thing, you’ll be sure to find something else that takes your fancy.

For the little biker in your life

The Amazing Adventures of Dorothy by Nathan Millward £10 / www.nathanmillward.com Nathan Millward’s latest book is the Amazing Adventures of Dorothy. It tells the remarkable story of a Sydney-based postal delivery bike named Dorothy who is tasked with delivering a very important parcel to the other side of the world.

It’s a bit of a departure from his usual work as it’s aimed at readers between the ages of 10-13, but the story is inspired by Nath’s own journey from Sydney to London on an Aussie CT110. The illustrated book tells to the story of Dorothy’s adventure as she crosses deserts, mountains and oceans, and learns that if you put your mind to it, anything is possible.

OSET 12.5 Eco Kids Electric Bike If you’re serious about introducing your young’un to the world of two wheels, OSET’s 12.5 Eco electric is well worth a look. Aimed at kids between the ages of 3-5, it’s the perfect beginner motorcycle for children who’ve never ridden, but has enough about it to keep them entertained as they get more confident.

With one-two hours of run time, you’re little biker is sure to have plenty of fun bombing around on this thing before it needs charging. But if they’re still getting to grips with it, there’s an OSET controller and an exclusive ‘2 dial’ system to allow easy adjustment of the

£889 / www.osetbik

es.com

characteristics of the 600w motor and throttle. It’s a clever idea, meaning it’s possible to set the bike up for learners or more experienced riders, and ensure everyone’s happy.

OSET’s bikes have the first ride for thousands of kids around the world, so it’s a solid bet for your little one. And for when they grow out of it, it’s worth noting that they hold their value well – so you’ll be able to sell it on, no trouble.