Motorcycle Sport & Leisure June 2017

YAMAHA MT-10SP & TOURING Hyper evolved: more reasons to buy the UK’s best-seller

2017 TRIUMPH

STREET

TRIPLE

23 PAGES

OF TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

E XCLUSI V E IN TERV IEW

LIIFE AF FTER VICT TORY Ind dian look king to adventurre bikes

KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R Tested to extremes in Peru

Ju une 2017 No.681

New 765cc motor, high-tech electronics and a great price

PLUS: HONDA X-ADV OFF-ROAD SCOOTER ◆ DUCATI SCRAMBLER DESERT SLED ◆ YAMAHA SCR950 ◆ YAMAHA XSR900 ABARTH ◆ KAWASAKI NINJA 650 ◆ 2008 KAWASAKI ZX-10R BUYING GUIDE...

E STA B L I SH E D 1 9 6 2 : T H E OR IG I NA L A N D B E ST B I K E M AG A Z I N E

Thanks for the memories...

John Milbank

W

hat other form of transport can bring such memories as motorcycling? Over the last few weeks, I’ve been thinking about how to write this, and what my favourite recollections of biking are…

Surely one of my best has to be thrashing a Kawasaki Versys 650 along the North Antrim Coast Road with my mates. The stunning scenery on a beautiful day rivalled anything I’ve experienced in France, Spain and beyond.

But that led me to my first ride on a KTM 1050 Adventure – I still remember launching out of a roundabout on the way to Krazy Horse in Bury St Edmunds, laughing into my helmet; “Bloody hell, this bike is amazing!” I bought that KTM. But surely no road could beat the feeling of riding a 2017 Honda Fireblade SP at Portimao circuit? Pulling breathlessly into the pits and being pounced upon by the Japanese engineers asking what I thought of it was pretty special (I don’t think they realised how relatively slow I am), but having Freddie Spencer give me suspension advice was just awesome.

Riding my XSR700 to Spain was incredible – I really loved doing that on my own, simply enjoying the scenery and local hospitality at an easy pace. It was adventure author Duncan Gough who put me onto a very apt Louis L’Amour quote; “Too often I would hear men boast of miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen.” Too right…

All of those memories are from my time on Motorcycle Sport & Leisure magazine, but of course, I recall the not-so-good before MSL, like crashing my first bike – a CBR600 FM – on a roundabout (while

showing off to the following driver). Or crashing a Yamaha Fazer 600 on a Welsh corner (while showing off to a colleague). Or a Honda Firestorm at Donington Park (while showing off to myself).

And then there was the off-roader that broke my ribs (while showing off to my wife). And the off-roader that tore my shoulder muscles (while showing off to my mate). See the pattern? Oh, and I tumbled off a Ducati at walking pace in front of Paul Smart once.

But I wasn’t showing off then.

As I write this, my last editor’s page for MSL, I can’t help dwelling on the great memories. I’ve met some incredible people, and made some great friends through motorcycling. Biking brings people together. That’s what makes it so fantastic, and despite working in motorcycle publishing for many years, I’ve never experienced it as strongly as I have on MSL. This magazine is so special because of its readers; there’s a distinct lack of ego about you all. I’ve always worked on the assumption that you’re more interested in the real world of motorcycling than some journalist’s fantasy; that you share my passion for experiencing everything biking can offer us, not rushing through the landscape simply to be the first.

I feel truly honoured to have, even for such a relatively short period, occupied the editor’s chair of the UK’s longest-running bike mag. Mikko Nieminen will be taking over, so please welcome him as the passionate motorcyclist that he is. And if I see you on the road, whether it’s in my new job on the internet, or just out gathering more memories, I hope you’ll return my wave…

Mikko’s view I’d like to wish John all the best with his future adventures – he’ll certainly be missed here at MSL. Luckily for us, he’s leaving the mag in great shape, and the team and I will strive to deliver the same indepth analysis, expert tests and inspiring features that you’re used to. The magazine prides itself on its quality, and the care that goes into every single article, so that’s not about to change.

John Milbank, Editor

Motorcycle Sport & Leisure’s contributors...

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.

Roland Brown

Has ridden for 37 years and been a bike journalist for more than 30. At Bike he ended up as deputy editor before going freelance. An author of 11 books, as a racer he was Bemsee 1300 champion 1984 and raced UK F1, Superstock and Superbike, plus World F1 races.

Chris Moss

Mossy has raced the Isle of Man TT, dispatched in London and ridden everything from CX500s to fullblown GP prototypes. A former chief motorcycle tester for Motorcycle News, the 53-year-old admits he’s still loving two-wheeled life, and still learning.

Peter Henshaw

Peter knows his stuff – he’s a former editor of this very magazine. Now a freelance journalist, he’s got the same enthusiasm for anything with wheels that he’s had since a child. An all-year-round biker who doesn’t own a car, he has more than 40 books to his name.

Leon Mannings

Doc Leon is a man on a mission to promote the rights and interests of motorcyclists in the corridors of power where policy is shaped.

He advises various groups including MAG, and reveals what’s really going on behind the scenes...

Get MSL extra at www.mslmagazine.co.uk 3

Contents MSL June EDITOR: John Milbank: jmilbank@mortons.co.uk DEPUTY EDITOR: Mikko Nieminen: mnieminen@mortons.co.uk SENIOR DESIGNER: Justin Blackamore DESIGNERS: Fran Lovely, Charlotte Turnbull and Tracey Barton PRODUCTION EDITOR: Dan Sharp PICTURE DESK: Paul Fincham, Jonathan Schofield and Angie Sisestean PUBLISHER: Dan Savage: asavage@mortons.co.uk GROUP KEY ACCOUNTS MANAGER: Steff Woodhouse: swoodhouse@mortons.co.uk 01507 529452 / 07786 334330 ADVERTISING MANAGER: Martin Freeman: mfreeman@mortons.co.uk 01507 529538 ADVERTISING SALES: Zoe Thurling: zthurling@mortons.co.uk 01507 529412 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 16 for offer): (12 months 12 issues, inc post and packing) – UK £50.40. Export rates are also available – see page 16 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-7PM SATURDAY 8.30AM-12.30PM 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

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Your letters

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TOURING 73

Round Britain on 30-year-old café racers

Subscribe and save money

74

Ireland: Lakes, mountains & castles

Bikers: to charge or not to charge?

Leon Mannings

76

Sicily: Europe for foodies

80

Croatia: Croatian migration

20

Test ride: Yamaha MT-10SP & Touring

84

26

Test ride: Yamaha XSR900 Abarth

Hanoi… an unexpected pleasure: Richard Millington

30

Test ride: Honda X-ADV

86

KTM 1290 Super Adventure R in Peru

34

Test ride: Kawasaki Ninja 650

94

Brecon Beacons adventure

38

Test ride: Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled

42

Test ride: Yamaha SCR950

KNOWLEDGE

46

Test ride: Triumph Street Triple

100 2008 Kawasaki ZX-10R buyer’s guide

50

Say it ain’t so: Maynard Hershon

106 Test fleet: Honda NC750S DCT

52

Test ride: Magni Filo Rosso

108 Test fleet: Suzuki GSX1250FA

58

Mike Sinclair – Kenny Roberts’ crew chief

110 Test fleet: Suzuki GSX-S1000

64

The red bull has wings... or has it?

The High Sider

66

Interview: Life after Victory

114 Tested: Blink CCTV security, Nexx Voyager helmet, TCX Drifter boots, Akrapovič can

112 My bike: KTM 1050 Adventure

118 Know your helmets

52

120 Classic test: 1973 Ducati 750 Sport 130 Motorcycle adaptation: Kevin Cameron

100

NEW Need to know ◆ Your letters ◆ First rides

Based on the XSR700, master Taiwanese builder Winston Yeh of Rough Crafts has created a machine that can be switched between a café racer and dirt tracker in less than an hour (though we reckon you’d need a team of endurance racing mechanics to do it that quickly).

True to the ethos of Yamaha’s Yard Built project, no cutting or welding is done to the original frame, yet Winston has managed to use his experience of creating the XSR1300based Guerilla Four in 2015 to produce The Corsa Scorcher and The Soil Scorpion.

“The XSR was an amazing base to start with,” said Winston. “I love the tubular frame of the 700, and the power to weight ratio is perfect for a motorcycle. With the newly designed shorter frame and detachable rear frame loop you really don’t need to cut the frame to make a proper custom shape.

“I found myself having a hard time deciding whether to go with clip-ons and make it a café racer, or with flat bars and

The bike’s designed to transform between two different versions.

make it a tracker… that’s where the idea came in; why not make the shaping as a body kit, and customers can use their own idea to mix and match suspension, wheels, brakes, handlebars, to build the bike they want?”

In order to make the kit as versatile as possible, he designed a set of triple clamps that can accommodate YZF-R1 forks, and brakes and wheels designed for an R1. He then used the same design of rear wheel, but made for the 700, to get a direct bolt-on front and rear custom wheel setup.

To achieve the ‘one bike, two builds concept’, he went to the Shark Factory for its X2E fully remote control digital suspension, making the set up adjustable on the fly for Tarmac riding or dirt fun.

The café racer version of the build features ultra lightweight carbon fibre wheels from Rotobox and clip-ons from Gilles Tooling, and an Akrapovič titanium tail pipe.

The scrambler version features lightweight forged wheels from Wukawa Industry Co, a handmade flat bar, and an Akrapovič titanium XSR700 high pipe modified for a tracker style. While the café racer uses velocity stack inlets, the scrambler runs Sprint Filter waterproof filters to make it safe to play in the dirt. Both builds share custom brake set ups from Beringer.

The ‘Faster XSR’ body kit was made with a full carbon-fibre mono-body with a smaller aluminium tank underneath, and is fully bolt-on – without any modification – fabricated by MS Pro.

The detail on the Corsa Scorcher café racer is outstanding, with a Rough Crafts custom header on the exhaust. The brake calipers and rotors are standard XSR items feeding into the Beringer top set. A Wukawa Industry sprocket runs the rear, with Gilles Tooling rear sets and MS Pro foot pegs. MS Pro controls keep everything on point on the bars, next to Rough Crafts custom grips and Rough Crafts custom Fin Style Risers.

There’s more signature in-house work with the Rough Crafts grill-type headlight, velocity stacks, fuel cap and of course the carbon body unit.

The Soil Scorpion transformation sees the XSR standard rotor and calipers removed in favour of Beringer items on the Wukawa Industry forged wheels. The new riding position is helped by Rough Crafts’ signature Fighter Bars and MS Pro controls.

The build is finished with two subtly different paint jobs by long-time Rough Crafts collaborator Air Runner Custom Paint.

“This is our first ‘double-style’ custom build from one machine,” commented Yamaha Motor Europe marketing coordinator Cristian Barelli. “The build really proves for me the versatility of the XSR700 as a base for customization.

Whether you want to create a café racer, or a scrambler, this proves that you can do both, without losing the core soul and rideability of the original machine.”

For more information visit www.roughcrafts.com

Top Stories Highways Agency not helping Drivers are today distracted by phones, sat-navs, stereos… even books and games, and this is said to be causing a dramatic rise in ‘swerve to avoid’ crashes. With footage not always available, Claims Management & Adjusting (CMA) has welcomed a clarification by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) that traffic flow CCTV should not be classed as ‘personal’ data.

In a stance criticised by drivers, fleet operators and insurers, Highways England has been using the Data Protection Act to justify the deletion of footage after only seven days, even when it might prove liability in a serious incident. It has also cited the cost of storing the recordings.

The managing director of CMA, Philip Swift, a former police detective, said: “The safety concerns around distracted driving are of course paramount, but law abiding road users should also be concerned about the sharp increase in swerve to avoid incidents, and the legal, financial and administrative headache that frequently ensues.

“Take the following very common scenario: a vehicle in the middle lane veers towards another car, whose driver takes evasive action and ends up crashing. In incidents like these it is often the

victim who is pursued, completely unfairly, for the barrier repair costs, while the negligent party is never traced. To make matters worse, the invoice for damage to Crown property will often bear a Highways England logo.

This is a double whammy for the innocent driver: Fomer police detective they’ve been involved in a Philip Swift. frightening incident, and now the public body that destroyed the video evidence is apparently after them for costs.

“Including any relevant CCTV with these claims from the start would help ensure it is the truly at-fault who pick up the bill, rather than the victims of distracted driving or the taxpayer. In light of the ICO’s advice, surely it is time for Highways England to retain and make this footage available to insurers?”

While this could be key to a large proportion of car claims, it’s also vital for motorcyclists, who are of course far more at risk from drivers too busy with everything but the road.

This dashcam footage shows how a car driver was forced into the barrier by a distracted driver.

Be a Boxer boffin We’re big fans of the Veloce Buyer’s Guide books, having used them when buying our own bikes. The latest in this formidable series covers the air-cooled BMW Boxer Twins – R45, R50, R60, R65, R75, R80, R90, R100, RS, RT and LS models from 1969 to 1994 (not the GS).

Written by contributor to, and ex-editor of MSL, Peter Henshaw, it’s a detailed, step-by-step guide giving points to look out for, the realities of living with one, relative values, spares prices, contacts, potential problems, auction guide, facts and figures and much more.

It’s said to be ‘like having a real marque expert by your side’, and at just £12.99, it’s an investment well worth making.

For more details, or to order, visit www.veloce.co.uk or call 01305 260068.

Even more great rides to come Ahead of its third season of transporting motorbikes between the UK and Geneva, Bikeshuttle has announced that it’s also offering Toulouse as a destination this year – the perfect city location for motorcyclists wanting to ride to the Pyrenees, southern France or Spain.

“We know from the amount of bikes that catch the ferry from Portsmouth to Santander or Bilbao that there’s an appetite for touring Spain and southern France without having to ride over 800 miles to get there, so Toulouse was our next obvious destination,” says Guy Buswell, co-founder of Bikeshuttle.

In the same way as that customers use Bikeshuttle to get their machines to Geneva, riders simply book their own flights to Toulouse airport, while their machine and kit is taken overnight by secure truck to the destination. Bikeshuttle recommends an early evening Easyjet departure from Luton, and can also arrange transfers to this airport.

Accommodation at the hotel Inter in Toulouse where the bikes will be dropped off can also

8 The original and the best – established 1962

be booked through Bikeshuttle. The new run starts September 7, 2017, and will continue for five consecutive weeks with the last UK departure on October 5.

The Bikeshuttle transporter will leave its Northants depot on a Thursday, drive through France overnight and have the bikes ready for collection in Toulouse by Friday morning after breakfast. On the return leg, riders would need to deposit their bikes on the Friday back at the hotel Inter in Toulouse, where they’d be loaded for transport back to the UK to arrive on the Saturday.

The cost for a return trip for a bike to Bikeshuttle’s new destination is £595, or £400 for a one way. “We’ve priced it very competitively,” says Buswell, “and are just doing five runs this year to assess the level of interest with a view to offering it for the whole season from 2018.

“It would be perfect for riders wanting to head to the MotoGP in Motorland Aragon on September 24, or you’re just 120 miles from the Pyrenees. Riding over 1600 miles on

largely French motorways can be tedious and tiring, not to mention expensive in terms of wear and tear on your machine. Also, being on a ferry for 24 hours is not everyone’s cup of tea, so this new route provides a real alternative for bikers serious about exploring southern France, Spain and even Portugal.”

MSL has used the service to Geneva, and found it a superb way of getting some stunning rides without having to trudge across motorways. For more information, or to make a booking, visit www.bikeshuttle .co.uk or call 01327 831552.

NEW Get your 2017 Jurby T-shirt Over the last two years, Wemoto has raised over £26,000 for the Manx Grand Prix Supporters’ Club through the sale of its Festival of Jurby T-shirts. This year, the company wants to raise even more.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Bob McIntyre becoming the first person ever to lap the 37.73-mile Mountain Course on the Isle of Man at over 100mph, and this year’s T-shirt design celebrates his achievement.

All profits raised from the sales go to the Manx Grand Prix Supporters’ Club. A charity that helps to fund the Manx GP’s life-saving helicopter ambulances on practice and race days during the Manx Grand Prix. The charity also supports injured MGP riders and their families, as well as donating funds to help with medical equipment such as new stretchers and a new ambulance, which will support all motorsports on the island.

The 2017 Festival of Jurby T-shirts are a stylish way of both celebrating Isle of Man racing history and helping to support current riders. They’re endorsed by John McGuinness and other racing legends, and available to buy for just £10 at www.wemoto.com, by calling 01273 597072, or in limited numbers at this year’s festival.

Multi-position footrests

Available for a broad range of dual sport and touring bikes, the Evo Footrest Kits from SW Motech allow riders to increase legroom by lowering the height and adjusting the angle of their feet.

Height can be adjusted from standard to 15mm lower, with 10 positions in between, and the foot angle can be rotated backwards or forwards by 18º.

A large dimension contact area with a removable profiled rubber insert helps absorb vibration and road shocks, and is profiled to ensure a firm grip. Each kit is manufactured from stainless steel, with tough CNC-milled aluminium alloy footrest links.

The kits are tailor-made to fit the original foot-peg mounts, and come with all required fixings and full instructions for £125.99. Visit www.motohaus.com or call 01256 704909.

Book now for the MSL Training Day

After a hugely successful day of rider training in 2016, MSL has once again teamed up with the British Superbike School at Blyton Park in Lincolnshire for a full day of road-focused motorcycle rider training in the safe environment of a closed track on July 27, 2017.

Usually costing £289, subscribers to the magazine get the experience for an incredible half price – that comes to just £144!

The day will start at 8am, with a maximum of three riders per coach on the 1.6 mile track. It doesn’t matter what your level of ability or experience, it doesn’t matter what you ride, there’ll be

plenty to add to your bike control skills. Each of the five 20 minute classroom theory sessions is followed by five 20 minute track sessions, with riders grouped according to their individual needs.

Many of last year’s students are already booking up for the new date, so register now to ensure you get a place.

Bookings are made via www. britishsuperbikeschool.co.uk, or by calling 01777 818013 and quoting your subscriber number. If you’re not already a subscriber, check out the great deal on page 16 to get the very best motorcycle magazine delivered to your door, and the fantastic discounted training.

Get MSL extra at www.mslmagazine.co.uk 9

Top Stories New Schuberth C4 flip-front

Join the BONE-shaker ride The BONE-shaker MARROW-thon charity ride between Birmingham and Burton on Trent was started in 2014 after the organiser, Katherine Sinfield, beat an aggressive form of leukaemia.

Since 2014, Katherine has gone from strength to strength, and the BONE-shaker MARROWthon has helped to raise thousands of pounds, which is then equally split between Cure Leukaemia, Anthony Nolan and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

This year’s charity ride is planned for Sunday, May 21, with bikers making the run from the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham to the National Brewery Centre in Burton on Trent.

The 35-mile route includes a rest break at the popular bikers’ meeting point of Bassetts Pole, to cater for learner riders and those not keen on travelling through Birmingham.

“Over the years we have managed to establish a great reputation for the ride, which has always run to schedule without any hassle,” said Katherine. “It’s this reputation that means more than 100 bikers regularly turn out year after year to support the BONE-shaker MARROW-thon.

While the first ride in 2014 suffered monsoon

weather conditions, every year since we have had stunning sunshine, and moving the ride to May this year will hopefully guarantee a great day.

“Our choice to finish again at the home of beer at the National Brewery Centre is also a great draw for many, as there’s always a great selection of food – and beer – on offer.”

Bikers are asked to arrive at the roof top car park at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham (postcode B15 2TH) at around 10.15am, ready for a prompt 11am departure.

The ride is fully marshalled and usually arrives at the National Brewery Centre in Burton by 12.30pm. The cost is £5, with wristbands offered on the day. All funds are split equally between the three charities.

As the route uses a small section of the Aston Expressway in Birmingham, which is classed as a motorway, learner riders should meet at the McDonald’s Restaurant at Bassetts Pole at 11am (postcode B75 5SA).

More information on the event is available at www.boneshaker-marrowthon.com, with donations for the three charities welcomed at: www.bit.ly/boneshaker2017

Priced at £549.99 for plain, and £599.99 for colours, the new C4 is claimed to be one of the quietest and best-ventilated helmets on the market, with a factory-fitted anti-fog visor (no Pin-Lock) promising a condensation-free view. An 80% tint sun visor is integrated into the C4, which uses two different sizes of shell according to head size, to ensure a perfect fit.

The shells are made from a special glass-fibre reinforced thermosetting polymer matrix, for an overall weight of just 1620g. The inner is constructed using expanded polystyrene of different densities for an ideal fit, maximum comfort and optimal impact absorption characteristics. The liner is removable, washable and quick drying, with anti-bacterial and odour-reducing properties and an integrated spectacles channel.

An antenna, two loudspeakers and a microphone are preinstalled, allowing the optional SC1 communication unit to be snapped into place and integrated into the helmet.

For more information, visit www.tranam.co.uk or call 01425 620580

Beware of mobile phone-using drivers in Scotland Drivers caught using a mobile phone while driving now face tougher penalties of six points and a £200 fine, while those caught within two years of passing their test could lose their licence.

Data from Gocompare.com Car Insurance has revealed that Scottish drivers have the highest rate of CU80 convictions, with a fifth of all drivers in Scotland having been

10 The original and the best – established 1962

caught… be especially cautious of distracted cagers here!

The study found that 19.5% of Scottish drivers have a CU80, yet the average across the whole of the UK is just 5.4%. The worst areas are Motherwell, Glasgow and Kilmarnock, with Kirkwall and Aberdeen having the lowest percentage of convictions. The second worst area in the

UK was London, at 12.4%, with the North West coming third at 6.0%. Northern Ireland promises to be the safest area, with a rate of just 0.9% The other regions showed conviction rates of: East of England 5.9%; South East 5.0%; South West 3.3%; Yorkshire 3.1%; West Midlands 2.6%; Wales 2.5%; North East 2.3%; East Midlands 1.4%.

Top Stories New Kushitani classic jacket

Join the Ducati Dream Tour Enjoy three days riding Ducati’s latest machines through breath-taking landscapes on stunning Italian roads with this factory-organised three-day tour.

The tours cover more than 600km, exploring the Emilian Apennines on roads used for testing and developing of Ducati motorcycles. Riders can choose from the Multistrada 1200 S and the Multistrada 950, the SuperSport, the Monster 1200 and the Monster 797.

Former Paris-Dakar competitor Beppe Gualini and his team of professional test-riders will accompany participants along the routes, which have been chosen to ensure the very best enjoyment of the experience provided by the exciting Ducati motorcycles, which includes a stay at the Borgo Condè resort near Forlì.

The Ducati Dream Tours 2017 begin in the late morning of the first day with a visit to the Ducati factory in Borgo Panigale, Bologna, and the new on-site company museum. This is followed by a technical briefing, after which the motorcycles will be assigned and participants will start their ride.

The first day’s route winds through 180km; on the second day riders will set off earlier in the morning and cover another stunning 235 kilometres; the third day will involve a ride of 225 kilometres. The maximum number of participants for each date is 12, and riders must have a valid motorcycle licence issued by a European Union country (so this could be one of your last opportunities to take part).

Participants must have a leather or fabric motorcycle suit, with the relative safety protection, a back protector and a full-face helmet, gloves and motorcycle boots. A limited number of complete sets of the 2017 Ducati Apparel collection may be hired, and should be reserved online at the same time as registering for the tour.

A single rider costs 1250 euros, or a rider and passenger is 2000 euros. Dates available are May 22-24, June 30-July 2, July 21-23 and September 1-3. For more information visit www.bit.ly/ dreamtour2017

New Oxford Heritage luggage This vintage-styled dry waxed cotton luggage is available as 30 and 50 litre rollbags for £79.99 and £89.99 respectively, and a 40 litre pannier set for £119.99.

All have a removable waterproof liner, external and internal pockets and a grab handle. The roll bags also come with padded shoulder straps. www.oxfordproducts.com

Protect your tank MSL reader Peter Bates has created the Billet Pro fuel tank protector, said to fit all sports and touring bikes.

Soft and lightweight, it’s compact, easy to carry and simply drops over the open tank to prevent scratches from the fuel pump.

Available in red or black for £9.99, it can be ordered from https://pro-components. myshopify.com/

12 The original and the best – established 1962

The Stem from Kushitani is a classically-styled, minimalistic jacket that’s made of soft, full-grain leather with a polyester mesh lining.

No armour is supplied, though there are pockets for a CE Level-2 back protector, shoulder and elbow armour.

The complete armour pack costs £68.79.

Priced at £449, it’s a premium product with subtle yet striking stitching details and simple waist adjusters at the sides to help keep the shape when on and off the bike. www.kushitaniuk.co.uk

Easy filling on the go Foldy Funz are collapsible folding funnels that can slip in your pocket or under your seat, making fluid changes and top-ups easy when away from your garage.

Suitable for engine, transmission and shaft-drive oil, brake fluid, coolant, fuel and more, it’s also food safe, so can be used for drinks (though probably best to have one that’s not also used for the bike).

Available in orange, yellow, red, green or blue, they cost just £5.49 from www.motogirl.co.uk (under the accessories tab)and www.onthewheel.co.uk (under the promotions tab).