WIN
MOTOGYMKHANA
EXPERIENCE
L IA C E P S E IK B IC R ELECT
STORM
FORCE H-D LIVEWIRE & ZERO SR/F DOES SIZE
MATTER?
TRIUMPH SCRAMBLER 1200 VS STREET SCRAMBLER 900
YI NG G U BU
RI
M
ET
S
◆
O ORT T
U
E
SP
ID
◆
NG HEL
September 2019 Issue 708
PLUS: LAUNCH TEST: YAMAHA XSR700 XTRIBUTE ◆ EURO-TOURING: BMW R1250GSA ◆ CLASSIC TEST: 1972 MOTO GUZZI V7 SPORT ◆ A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BLOOD BIKER
The times they are a-changin’ Mikko Nieminen In this issue we have gone big on electric bikes. I appreciate that it will divide opinion, but it felt like the time was right to have a good long look at what's happening on the greener side of the fence. Some will find it interesting, others will call it sacrilege – personally I haven't yet decided which camp to join. But I know we’d better start swimming or we'll sink like a stone, for the times they are a-changin'. Over the last few years electric bikes have developed at a staggering pace. The batteries have got smaller, the range bigger, and the overall riding experience more akin to what you would expect from a motorcycle rather than a milk float. The latest electric bikes – the ones we’ve tested for this issue – even look good. It feels like electric bikes are (almost) there. Another big boost for e-biking comes from the men in suits, armed with red tape. The European emissions regulations are getting ever more draconian, while towns and cities are starting to introduce penalties for vehicles running on fossil fuels – in some places you get a lot of stick for running old cars and bikes. Call it taxing, highway robbery or environmental planning, the fact is that many big cities will be no-go zones for old vehicles that can't meet new emissions standards. Electric bikes benefit from financial incentives too, such as the government grant for buying a new electric motorcycle. It's a significant help (up to £1500), but the prices of electric bikes are still so high that it seems like a drop in the ocean. The economic argument for electric is that once you’ve bought a bike, the running costs are much lower with no money spent on petrol, oil, servicing, etc. I guess the real cost comparison will be possible in a few years’ time once the lifespan and related costs of current electric motors and batteries are clearer. It's obvious that electric motorcycles have the upper
Electric bikes are coming. Are we ready? hand when it comes to emissions, but what isn't quite so clear is where all the electricity is coming from to power them. At the moment, here in the UK we still depend heavily on fossil fuels to generate electricity – so are we just moving the emissions down the line from using the energy to producing it? According to Energy UK, the trade association for the GB energy industry, 42% of the UK’s electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels, 21% by running nuclear reactors, and 24.5% by renewable technologies (stats from 2016). Things have to change significantly for electric vehicles to really be a green option. One thing that I have been wrestling with is whether electric bikes should be compared to internal combustion bikes at all. On the one hand it seems like the most obvious thing to do, but does it work? There are so many things that don't translate: electric bikes have no vibrations, no (real) noise, no scorching exhaust pipes and they don't spill oil all over you. Some of those things I will miss, some not so much. Maybe riding an electric bike requires a new mindset, not just a green attitude: although they have two wheels, a familiar shape and many shared components with traditional bikes, the riding experience is rather different. I'm not saying it's better or worse, but it's different. It's not quite like comparing a horse and cart to an automobile, but the difference is clear. If you haven't tried one, go and test ride any of the current crop and let me know what you think. Are the times a-changin' or are the wheels still in spin?
Mikko Nieminen, Editor
Motorcycle Sport & Leisure’s contributors... Roland Brown
A bike journalist for more than 30 years, Roland has contributed to countless publications worldwide and authored a dozen books on bikes. He has tested machines ranging from Rossi’s YZR-M1 to a 1923 Douglas, but still can’t decide which type of bike he most enjoys riding.
Chris Moss
Mossy has made a living from bikes since 1985 – first as a motorcycle courier in London, and then as a journo from 1995. He’s raced, ridden and tinkered with hundreds of different bikes, but he’s the first to admit there’s still loads to experience and learn.
Alan Cathcart
Alan Cathcart has been writing about bikes for more than 30 years, and riding them for even longer. He’s regularly given the keys to factory prototypes and being on first name terms with the bosses of bike companies around the world allows him to bag many scoops.
Matt Hull
Matt is the Editor of MSL’s sister title, Classic Bike Guide. As well as being an expert on old metal, he’s spent years testing, touring and tinkering with modern machines. A highly regarded road tester, he’s happy to put any bike through its paces.
Ross Mowbray
Ross works across the modern motorcycling magazines at our publisher, Mortons Media. That means he gets to ride all manner of two-wheelers, from Monkey bikes to trikes. Don’t let his youthful appearance fool you, he’s a seasoned petrol-head, respected test rider and a handy off-roader, too.
www.mslmagazine.co.uk 3
Contents
PAY LESS
Get the original & best bike magazine every month
P32
44 NEWS & OPINION 7
22 10
34
32 35
TOURING & ADVENTURE
News
61
Your letters
62
The biggest news in motorcycling this month.
MSL readers, the word is yours.
Latest products
Interesting items from riding kit to accessories.
66
Maynard Hershon
It's not what you do, it's the way that you do it – or is it?
Subscription offer
Chance to save £££ every month.
Electric storm
E-bikes are coming. Are you ready? Here's all you need to know.
56
Kit guide
58
The High Sider
Things to check when buying a sports touring helmet.
How do you script a racing retirement?
4 Motorcycle Sport & Leisure – established 1962
Touring news
Two Spaniards do big American miles on BMW R80s.
Day ride
Gran Canaria has everything from beaches to mountains.
Mid ride
Riding a Pan European all the way to Portugal.
14
70
Richard Millington
72
Long ride
76
History Boy
80
Events
Le Mans – 24 years, and 24 hours later…
Harleys take on South India.
This month: Elan Aqueduct.
The main biking events in August.
September 2019
TEST FLEET 88
BMW R1250GS Adventure
This month the GSA is in its element – going further, higher and faster.
94
96
50 ROAD TESTS 14
24
44
50
Does size matter?
Triumph Scrambler 1200 and Street Scrambler 900.
Yamaha XSR700 XTribute
It's not all new, but it's definitely fun to ride.
Harley-Davidson Livewire
The first electric bike from the big V-twin king.
Yamaha Niken
Track day gives new insights into the three-wheeler.
Kawasaki Versys 1000
The green giant wants to talk about lean.
97
Honda CB650R
98
Triumph Scrambler 1200
Not a natural tourer, but the CB can cover the distance.
Plenty of positives, and one surprising negative this month.
99
Suzuki GSX-S1000F
Is this the bike for you? Take Stu’s test to find out.
100 KTM 1290 Super
Adventure S
Accessories and brain massage make the orange one a happy bike.
101 Honda VFR800X
The Crossrunner reveals itself as a real do-it-all kind of bike.
102
Zero SR/F
Is this the bike that makes electrics a viable option?
KNOWLEDGE 81
82
Painted helmets
How can you make your helmet stand out? Get it custom painted.
What's it like?
A day in the life of… a Blood Biker.
102 Buying guide
2018 Honda CB650F is a tempting used buy.
110 Classic test
1972 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport – a sporty transverse twin.
24
EDITOR: Mikko Nieminen mnieminen@mortons.co.uk DESIGNERS: Charlotte Turnbull, Fran Lovely & Tracey Markham PRODUCTION EDITOR: Mike Cowton PICTURE DESK: Paul Fincham and Jonathan Schofield PUBLISHING DIRECTOR: Dan Savage PUBLISHER: Tim Hartley GROUP KEY ACCOUNTS MANAGER: Steff Woodhouse swoodhouse@mortons.co.uk 01507 529452 / 07786 334330 GROUP ADVERTISING MANAGER: Sue Keily DIVISIONAL ADVERTISING MANAGER: Zoe Thurling zthurling@mortons.co.uk 01507 529412 ADVERTISING SALES: Charlotte Mountain cmountain@mortons.co.uk 01507 529538 SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER: Paul Deacon pdeacon@mortons.co.uk CIRCULATION MANAGER: Steve O’Hara sohara@mortons.co.uk MARKETING MANAGER: Charlotte Park cpark@mortons.co.uk COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR: Nigel Hole EDITORIAL ADDRESS: MSL Magazine, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR WEBSITE: www.mslmagazine.co.uk GENERAL QUERIES AND BACK ISSUES: 01507 529529 24 hr answerphone help@classicmagazines.co.uk www.classicmagazines.co.uk ARCHIVE ENQUIRIES: Jane Skayman jskayman@mortons.co.uk 01507 529423
SUBSCRIPTION: Full subscription rates (but see page 32 for offer): (12 months 12 issues, inc post and packing) – UK £51.60. Export rates are also available – see page 32 for more details. UK subscriptions are zero-rated for the purposes of Value Added Tax SUBSCRIPTION AGENTS: Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR CUSTOMER SERVICES NUMBER: 01507 529529 TELEPHONE LINES ARE OPEN: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8.30AM-5PM DISTRIBUTION: Marketforce UK Ltd, 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HU. 0203 787 9001. PRINTED: William Gibbons & Sons, Wolverhampton The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. If you are sending material to us for publication, you are strongly advised to make copies and to include a stamped addressed envelope. Original material must be submitted and will be accepted solely on the basis that the author accepts the assessment of the publisher as to its commercial value. © Mortons Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage retrieval system without prior permission in writing from the publisher. ISSN: 1478-8390 MOTORCYCLE SPORT & LEISURE (USPS:001-522) is published monthly by Mortons Media Group Ltd, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ UK. USA subscriptions are $66 per year from Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 Cty Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. Periodical Postage is paid at Bancroft WI and additional entries. Postmaster: Send address changes to MOTORCYCLE SPORT & LEISURE, c/o Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 Cty Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. 715-572-4595 chris@ classicbikebooks.com
117 Tried & tested
Helmets, boots and bags put to the test.
122 Kevin Cameron
You'd be surprised how much bike development has changed riding styles.
Independent publisher since 1885 The Professional Publishers Association Member
Having trouble finding a copy of this magazine? Why not Just Ask your local newsagent to reserve you a copy each month?
NEW Need to know ◆ Your letters ◆ First rides
WIN! A Motogymkhana
experience for MSL subscribers WIN WIN IN
MOT YMKH OG
A
NA
I
f you have never seen or tried Motogymkhana, the best way to explain it is that it's like trying to complete a slow-riding course set out with traffic cones as fast as you can. It takes practice, patience and a sharp mind – for a better idea, have a look at some of the incredible YouTube videos of the sport. Motogymkhana is also a great way of developing your riding skills. Controlling the bike through tight bends, zigzags and circles is tricky – and remembering which way the course goes is even harder. But once you get the hang of it you can feel your riding improving immensely. It's great fun, you can do it on your own bike, and you don't need to be a racer to take part. Everyone can have fun with Motogymkhana regardless of their levels of skill, experience or need for speed. Here at MSL we're big fans of this extremely accessible motorcycle sport, and we have
OC 9 TO BER 3, 201
W
Get to grips with the art of machine control under expert guidance
EXPE IENCE R
teamed up with Motogymkhana UK to offer six of our subscribers the chance to experience it completely free of charge. What we can offer is a half-day experience with Andrew Freeman from Motogymkhana UK and the MSL team at the Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire on October 3, 2019. The day will cover all the basics of Motogymkhana, from
riding techniques to kinds of bikes that are most suitable, but best of all you will get to experience the riding in practice. And if you really like it, you will get a free entry to the next round of UK competition. The six lucky participants for the day will be picked at random from all the competition entries we receive. All you need is your own bike and riding kit, a full motorcycle licence, and a
subscription to MSL (the last one you can arrange easily, just see page 32). Oh, and you need to fill in the competition entry form at www.mslmagazine.co.uk by September 1, 2019. Good luck everyone! Hopefully see you at Bruntingthorpe! ■ The six winners will be chosen at random. There are no cash alternatives available. Terms and conditions apply. To view the privacy policy for Mortons Media Group (publishers of MSL) visit: www.mortonsmediagroup.com/ privacy Closing date: September 1, 2019
What is Motogymkhana? Moto Gymkhana is a high energy, technical motorcycle sport that doesn’t take itself too seriously. To find out more, visit: www.motogymkhana.org/uk
www.mslmagazine.co.uk 7
Top Stories Off-road style from Yamaha and Deus
Retro off-roading Swank Rally 700 from Yamaha and Deus combines form and function The partnership between Yamaha and Deus has produced some cool bikes over the years. Since 2013 there has been the Deus SR400 'Lightning', the XJR1300 'Eau Rouge' and the XV950 'D-Side', based on original Yamaha models. The latest offering, the Swank Rally 700, is a Deus customised XSR700. The XSR's 689cc twincylinder motor and the lightweight chassis formed the base for the new project. With off-road entertainment and action in mind, Deus mounted a Yamaha Super Ténéré 1200 front end, including forks, to the XSR, along with a 19in front wheel. Softer springs were used to account for the lower weight of the XSR700 and an Öhlins
mono-shock rear was used to balance the suspension. Kineo tubeless spoke wheels were fitted front and rear, wrapped in Metzeler Karoo rubber. Custom work includes a hand-beaten aluminium tank and a handmade saddle, as well as a hand-crafted aluminium skid plate. Keeping in true vintage off-road style, Acerbis front and rear fenders are mounted and Acerbis aluminium supports hold vintage plastic hand guards. A proper throaty growl signs off the Swank Rally 700 with a custom 2-in-1 SC exhaust. The Swank Rally 700 broke cover at this year's The Reunion bike event at the Monza circuit, Italy, in May before attending the Sardinia Swank Rally.
Suspension that automatically lowers your bike when you stop First unveiled last year in prototype form, Showa’s new EERA Heightflex suspension system is rumoured to be available as soon as 2021. In essence, it’s a shock absorber, which will automatically lower the height of your bike as you reduce speed, making it easier for riders of a shorter stature to reach the ground as they come to a stop. Admittedly, it’s not totally new technology. Suspension manufacturers have been working on this kind of system for years. But Showa’s system doesn’t have chunky electric motors or control systems. Instead, the system consists of a small hydraulic pump,
Triumph extends free breakdown cover Owners of a new or pre-owned Triumph motorcycle bought at an authorised dealer will benefit from free, extended breakdown cover of two years, an extension of 12 months on its previous offer. The plan covers owners at the roadside and at home, and also includes recovery in the UK and 20 other European countries. Developed in partnership with the RAC, it covers riders if they break down or are involved a road traffic collision. It also covers any other riders when they have the owner’s permission to ride.
8 Motorcycle Sport & Leisure – established 1962
which works to maintain the pressure of the shock absorber (when you’re on the move) via a small electronic valve. When the pressure is correct the valve closes, the pump stops and the suspension stabilises. When you stop, the absence of pressure in the hydraulic pump (caused by movement) lets the valve open and the shock absorber lose pressure. The preload lowers (in about one second), allowing you to get your feet on the floor more easily. Moving off again, the hydraulic pump reacts to the oscillation of the shock absorber, gradually increasing pressure until it’s back to normal suspension height.
ENJOYED THIS PREVIEW? THE BEST ACTION IN TRIALS AND MOTOCROSS
DIRTb bike ke
VELO MAC MA S SPECIAL PECIAL NORTON RT RTON INTER AJS SCEPTRE SCEP E SPORTS! SCEPTR SPORTS POR ! PORTS
CLASSIC
#48
ISSUE
Forty-eight Autumn 2018
OCTOBER 2018
No. 330 October 2018 £4.30 UK Off-sale date 31/10/2018
MOTO MEMORIES // TECH TALK // MONTESA COTA 200 // BULTACO MATADOR
3.60
Running, Riding & Rebuilding Running, Rebuilding Real RealClassi RealC Classic C lassi Motorcycles
BOXER CKS TRIC
HOW THE LEGEEND BEGAN
SUPERMAC’S TRIUMPH DRAYTON
PRINTED IN THE UK
PLUS MOTO MEMORIES TECH TALK MONTESA COTA 200 BULTACO MATADOR AN HOUR WITH: GERRIT WOLSINK
£3.60 US$9.99 C$10.99 Aus$8.50 NZ$9.99 PRINTED IN THE UK
HOME, JAMES!
UNIVERSITY GRADUATE
#48
001 Cover_OCT.indd 1
AT THE CASTLE
DRUMLANRIG 2018 D 20
WINNER
SUPER PROFILE: ARIEL’S HT3
GREEVES ESSEX TWIN BUYING GUIDE // STRIP YOUR TWOSTROKE // BSA B31 RESTORATION // MALLE MILE // CAFE RACER CUP // SHETLAND CLASSIC // THE CLASSIC TT // MIKE HAILWOOD REPLICA
CLASSICS
65 PRE65 PRE
PRINTED IN THE UK
R 2018 ISSUE 174 OCTOBER
N48 2018 US$15.99 Aus$14.99 NZ$18.99 UK£5.50 UK Off-sale date 15/11/18
BUY SELL RIDE RESTORE
13/09/2018 10:34:50
001 CDB Cover_048.indd 1
02/08/2018 14:53:55
001 Cover_174.indd 1
03/09/2018 10:18:26
•SINGLE ISSUES •SUBSCRIPTIONS
CLICK HERE
www.classicmagazines.co.uk
ENDOFPREVI EW
I fy oul i k ewhaty ou’ v e r eads of ar ,whynot s ubs c r i be,ort r ya s i ngl ei s s uef r om:
www. c l as s i c magaz i nes . c o. uk