On Two Wheels December 2018

YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE ON TWO WHEELS December 2018 Issue 19

On Two Wheels

Learners

Commuters

FIRST RIDES

Buying

Riding

WINTER RIDING ARE YOU READY?

Laura Smith’s top 10 tips

PAGE 14

Honda CRF250L Trails, twisties and traffic – Honda’s hugely successful CRF250L can do it all.

NUI M1 e-scooter A better alternative than a tube pass

PAGE 12

Herald Café 125

Enjoying the retro Café racer experience

PAGE 22

HEARING PROTECTION PAGE 16

An essential piece of motorcycle kit PAGE 28

INSIDE: NEWS ● EVENTS ● NEW PRODUCTS ● LEGAL ADVICE ● E-BIKE NEWS ● RIDING TIPS ● PRODUCT REVIEWS ● CLASSIFIED ADS ● PLUS MUCH MORE

NEWS

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NEW METAL GALORE!

It’s that time of year when manufacturers parade their new metal at the international shows. This makes it an exciting time because we get to see all the latest gadgetry – some of which is quite interesting. So it follows that most of our News section in this issue contains snippets of information on some of the new metal you could see on the roads in 2019 – enjoy!

MAG wins Clean Air Zone exemption in Birmingham The Motorcycle Action Group has won exemption for motorcycles of all ages from Birmingham City Council’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) – after arguing that motorcycles act as net reducers of congestion and pollution in the wider transport system.

Birmingham’s CAZ policy was approved by the council earlier this month – and once endorsed by government, the proposal can be implemented with the launch of the zone scheduled for January 2020. It’s the first authority outside London to propose the ‘Class D’ clean air zone model that allows for charging of all vehicles including private transport.

The Motorcycle Action Group says it had consistently argued that motorcycles act within the transport system as net reducers of congestion and pollution, pointing to studies which demonstrate that a simple 10% model shift from single-occupancy cars to motorcycles and scooters will yield a 40% reduction in congestion for all road users and result in a 7.5% reduction in CO2, a 5.5% reduction in NO2 and a 20% reduction in particulate matter.

MAG director of campaigns and political engagement officer Colin Brown said: “We are delighted that our campaign has resulted in the proposal to exempt all motorcycles from charges in the zone. This is a decision that will impact riders, not just in Birmingham, but throughout the country. Birmingham City Council

has recognised and accepted our position that motorcycles are net reducers of harmful emissions and thus should be exempt from charges.

I have found Birmingham City Council to be informed, serious about its emissions policy development and capable of understanding the science. Credit to the council for taking such a mature view. This decision sets the precedent for all future CAZ proposals in other parts of the country, demonstrating a clear endorsement of the fact that

motorcycles contribute to improving air quality.”

Lembit Opik, MAG director of communications and public affairs, said: “This excellent result in the West Midlands now has significant implications for the legitimacy of the poor decisions being made in the capital. We will be continuing our efforts to persuade [London Mayor] Sadiq Khan to reverse the illogical and counterproductive charging of pre-Euro 3 motorcycles in his Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) due to come into effect in April 2019.”

Peugeot unveils 125 Roadster and 300 Café Racer machines Peugeot is well-known for producing top quality scooters – and that’s why we were surprised when the French brand unveiled two new prototype motorcycles at the Paris Salon 2018.

Marking 120 years of history selling two-wheelers, Peugeot has unveiled its new P2X 125cc Roadster and 300cc Café Racer – and they look fantastic.

For the prototype, Peugeot has joined forces with its partner Mahindra – and has used the Indian brands Mojo model as a base. The 300cc Café Racer comes with forged

wheels, a single seat, and a Peugeot racing colour scheme, while its 125cc Roadster sibling takes inspiration from the Peugeot 515 that was built back in the 30s.

Peugeot is yet to reveal if the new bikes are only prototypes, or if we should expect them to make it to market in the not too distant future.

In theory, it’d be fairly easy for the French brand, as it could take advantage of its partnership with its manufacturing partner Mahindra.

We’ll just have to wait and see.

Call for a renewed focus on drink driving problems A new study has found that the reduction in Scotland’s drink-driving limit has had little effect on the number of people killed and injured in drink-drive collisions, and IAM RoadSmart believes it’s time to take a renewed focus on the hard core of drivers still willing to risk taking to the road after drinking.

The University of Strathclyde discovered that the lower limit for blood alcohol content in Scotland has

On Two Wheels

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not led to a statistically significant overall drop in road fatalities, especially in peak collision periods at night and weekends.

The lower drink-drive limit of 50mg in every 100ml of blood was introduced in December 2014. The limit remains 80mg per 100ml in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Surveys of IAM RoadSmart members strongly support a reduction in the limit to Scottish levels throughout the rest of the UK.

Editor: Mau Spencer Publisher: Dan Savage Staff writer: Ross Mowbray Contributors: Dave Bell, Andy Catton, Gary Chapman, Andrew ‘Chef’ Prendergast, Jonathan Schofield, Laura Smith.

Apologies to anyone we’ve forgotten.

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SYM will offer two new 125s for 2019 Taiwanese bike builder SYM unveiled two new 125cc models at the Intermot motorcycle show in Cologne – perfect, if you’re looking for your first bike on a budget.

The road-oriented SYM-NH X and adventure-styled SYM-NH T are very similar machines – aside from styling.

They share suspension, chassis and equipment, including a 124cc air-cooled

single-cylinder four-stroke engine, which kicks out just over 10bhp at 8500rpm and peak torque of at 9.5Nm at 6500rpm.

There’s also a digital dash with USB port and a 10.3-litre tank on both models.

The standard NH X comes with 17in cast wheels front and rear, a stacked double headlight, room for a pillion, and a seat height of 787mm. While the adventure-inspired NH T comes with

19in front and 17in rear wire spoke wheels, a frame-fixed front panel with an embedded headlight (Suzuki DR-style), a 10.3litre tank and a seat height of 818mm.

The new models are set to make it to market at the beginning of 2019, but at this stage, there’s been no news on prices. Expect them to be fairly affordably priced though.

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Vespa Elettrica now on sale

Brixton launches two new models Brixton’s Glanville 250 X was shown for the first time at EICMA 2017 and is now ready for series production.

It’s a completely redesigned model, with KOSO LED indicators in the handlebars, LED headlamps in Brixton design, an LED rear light and a side-mounted licence plate holder, boasting its own style. Owners will be

able to customise their machine to their personal taste. The 250cc one-cylinder injection engine is manufactured in Japan. The rear shocks are adjustable, while the front provides an upside-down suspension fork. The bike will be offered exclusively with ABS from the very start.

The Saxby 250 combines the classic design of the BX 125 with the 250cc Glanville 250 X engine. It comes with LED daytime running lights and LED indicators, digital speedometer and EFI. Both 250cc models are expected to be available as of spring 2019. ▶ Info: www.brixton-motorcycles.com

Pre-orders are now being taken for Vespa’s all-new Elettrica scooter – the iconic brand’s first electric machine, which has been hotly anticipated since it was first unveiled as a concept a couple of years ago.

The Elettrica kicks-out a fairly meagre 4kW of power, but Vespa claims it outshines traditional 50cc scooters, particularly when it comes to off-the-line acceleration and hill starts – not necessarily a huge surprise, when you consider other electric vehicles’ performance characteristics.

Maximum range from the bike’s lithium-ion battery is claimed to be around 100km – while a complete recharge (which must be done with the battery in situ on the bike) will take somewhere close to four hours.

It’ll be available in the majority of European countries at a price of €6390 (which works out at around £6000) – or, alternatively, through Piaggio’s new monthly payment system. If you opt to pay it off monthly, you’ll also get Vespa Care thrown in – which means you get a service at 36 months or 10,000km, a 12-month warranty extension, a regular battery check and road assistance too.

The first exclusive models of Vespa’s innovative new electric scooter can be pre-ordered online now. Sales will begin in Europe shortly after EICMA, before being extended to the USA and Asia at the start of 2019. ▶ Info: www.vespa.com or elettrica.vespa.com

Custom Ural inspired by the Trans-Siberian Express

Redesign ahead for Yamaha MT-125?

Celebrating MotoGP’s first visit to Thailand, Yamaha has unveiled its latest model of the MT family – the new Yamaha MT-15. And although the 150cc machine won’t be making it across to Europe, we reckon it’s pretty likely that the unveiling indicates that there are finally some changes afoot for the next generation MT-125.

Honda has long dominated the Thai motorcycle market, selling six times more motorcycles than its Japanese counterpart Yamaha – which is why the Iwata-based brand has taken the opportunity to unveil its next generation MT-15 (also known as the M-Slaz or Xabre), as part of its first visit to Thailand for the MotoGP World Championship. And considering the previous generation MT-125 is long overdue a styling update – we reckon the next generation learner-naked is going to look something like this.

One of the main differences we can see in the images is its new front end – which is clearly influenced by that of Yamaha’s larger MT models; it’s near enough identical (aside from a third lighting unit which sits just underneath the twin setup on the smaller capacity machine). And while its headlamp is inspired by the MT-09, its rear end and seat unit looks similar to that of the larger MT-10. It also gets painted wheels and gold anodised front forks – like the MT-10SP. And that’s not all. From an equipment perspective the new MT-15 also shares a surprising amount with the track focused R15 – including its upside down front forks, rear monoshock, and 282mm front and 220mm rear disc brakes. There are plenty of other differences when compared with the

outgoing MT models too: the fuel tank seems to be carried a little further forward on the bike than on the outgoing model, while it also comes with tank extensions and radiator covers, in addition to a new backlit instrument console.

With the MT-15 being unveiled in line with the Thailand MotoGP, we reckon it’s fairly likely that the MT-125 will be making it across to Europe for its official unveiling at EICMA in around a month’s time. Either way, we think it looks incredible. If we were 17 again, looking to get our hands on our first bike – the new MT-15 (or MT-125 in Europe) would be near the top of our list.

An Austrian Ural dealer has created a limited edition version of the iconic Russian motorcycle and sidecar – inspired by the Trans-Siberian Express train. Dubbed Ural Transsib, the custom sidecar outfit is based on Ural CT model – but comes with a more powerful engine, custom forks, screen for the sidecar, and arguably most importantly: a bottle of vodka hidden in a jerry can.

The dealer even claims that: “One can travel in the sidecar of the Ural motorcycle as comfortably as in a first-class cabin of the Trans-Siberian Express.”

The bike features brown seats and saddlebags, designed in the likeness of old-fashioned train seats – and comes with insulated and fur-padded

inserts for its sidecar, protecting passengers from any harsh weather conditions outside.

The motorcycle is also equipped with a samovar for the passenger to invite fellow travellers for a drink – thanks to the bottle of Samovarbrand vodka with four shot glasses, which comes concealed in a jerry can-shaped case.

At this stage, only 20 of the custom bikes have been built – but impressively, 15 of them have already been sold. If you fancy getting your hands on one, the Ural Transsib will set you back €13,850 (around £12,200) excluding tax – meaning it’s a couple of grand more expensive than the base model CT. ▶ Info: www.ural.cc

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Motorcycle crime drops in Edinburgh Operation Soteria was set up in 2016 to tackle motorcycle crime across Edinburgh using a range of tactics including DNA tagging and the deployment of off-road bikes. And as a result of these efforts, there’s been a significant reduction in motorcycle crime across the region.

Between April 1 and September 1, 2018, motorcycle theft has gone down by a whopping 60% – equating to a total of 278 fewer offences in Edinburgh. There’s also been a 54% reduction in anti-social motorcycle related reports, with 346 fewer incidents reported in comparison to the same period the previous year.

Chief Superintendent Gareth Blair, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, said: “I am delighted with the results we are seeing, as a result of Operation Soteria. Motorcycle crime has undoubtedly had a significant impact across the city, not only in terms of antisocial behaviour and fear of crime, but also on the owners of the bikes stolen. By working in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council we have created a range of preventative activity and robust enforcement to tackle this challenging issue.

“Our off-road Operation Orbit bikes, which were funded by the council, have become an integral part of the daily policing of Edinburgh, improving our ability to prevent and

respond to incidents including thefts of bikes. They have improved our visibility in key areas associated with this issue as well as engagement with young people.

“However, we will not become complacent in our efforts to tackle motorcycle crime further and will continue to use all resources at our disposal to maintain our outstanding work with partners to reduce such incidents across the city.”

MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson, said: “This reduction in motorcycle crime is a result of the way the local community, Police Scotland, local representatives, youth groups, myself as the local MSP, and other partners have all worked together to help tackle this issue.

“From what I’ve seen, over recent months there has been a noticeable change in the local community. More and more, the people of North Edinburgh have reported incidents and refused to let a minority blight or tarnish their community. I would encourage people to keep reporting incidents to the police, if and when, they do occur.”

Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, chair of Edinburgh’s Community Safety Partnership said: “It’s really encouraging to see the reductions in incidents and crime resulting from the work we have carried out with the police and other agencies.”

Yamaha’s YZF-R125 – the first 125 with variable timing!

Talk about tackling the competition head-on! This is the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R125 – a landmark small capacity motorcycle that’s going on sale as the first 125cc bike to feature variable valve timing.

The high-tech system uses a version of the system that we’ve already seen on the firm’s R6 and R1 which operates the motor’s variable valve control, fuel injection and cooling systems. The bike also gets a new swingarm and revised geometry to make it sportier.

The VVT system means more mid-range power when needed

without sacrificing any of the top top-end end fun that’s such a vital component of any small bike.

There’s also a new LCD dash with gear indicator, the seat has been redesigned and the 11-litre petrol tank re-sculpted for a more sporty riding position.

Called the Variable Valve Actuation System, the set-up is different to the intermittent-when-running Honda V-Tec set-up. With the Yamaha, the VVA system is always operating whenever the motor is running, giving the best valve position possible for

any particular speed or dem demand from the rider.

The motor also gets a new cylinder head with larger diameter valves and a smaller combustion chamber to improve the engine’s operation.

There’s a shorter swingarm bolted to the Deltabox frame, the new forks are 41mm units and the rear tyre is now a 140 section to improve stability.

The bike is being sold in black, blue or white colours and will be in dealers early next year. We love the look of this; that new fairing looks proper mean.

Putting vulnerable road users first A new strategy has been drafted by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) which aims to help make younger and older motorists safer road-users.

Safe and Active at All Ages: a National Strategy to Prevent Serious Accidental Injuries in England recommends that children in Key Stages 1 and 2 be given training so they understand how dangerous roads can be and how to stay safe when using them.

It also encourages older motorists to assess their own abilities on a regular basis to ensure that they are still fit and well enough to be out on the road.

Urban planners are urged to give greater consideration to the needs of

Mash’s Second World War-inspired Force 400 Mash unveiled its limited edition Force 400 at the annual Parish Motor Show – and it takes styling cues from the historic motorcycles used during the Second World War. Mash has some experience with creating limited edition machines, previously producing a custom Five Hundred model in partnership with Von Dutch. But now it’s going one step further

with a much more distinctive, military-styled machine.

Mash’s intention was to create a fairly honest replica of a historic military machine – like the ones used

by America’s armed forces during the Second World War. And the Frenchbrand has done a decent job, using a Mash Five Hundred 400 as the base machine, and then adding green army-style paintwork, a split seat,

and a mounted jerry – all that’s missing is a gun holder.

Available from March 2019, Mash’s latest machine will be priced around €4695 – plus an additional €149 for the passenger seat – which works out just over £4100. But, if you want to get your hands on the new Force 400 – you had better move fast, because there’s only going to be 200 units available in Europe.

vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, children and older people.

According to RoSPA itself: “The strategy seeks to address the rising number of accidental deaths in England and the heavy toll these place on the health and social care services, as well as the personal heartache that unintentional injury can cause.”

Errol Taylor, RoSPA’s chief executive, said: “Other areas of accident prevention have much to learn from road safety. In recent years, however, the decline in road deaths and injuries that we saw over previous decades has stagnated, meaning we need to also take new and more effective approaches to accident prevention on the roads.”

‘Dutch Reach’ helps protect bikers The Department for Transport is considering whether to add the ‘Dutch Reach’ to the Highway Code – meaning you may soon be forced to open car doors in a whole new way.

For the uninitiated, the ‘Dutch Reach’ is a method for opening cars doors which was thought to have been pioneered in the Netherlands in the 70s. It’s a fairly simple idea – encouraging drivers (and passengers) to open their door using the hand furthest away, which in turn forces them to swing their body round and look behind them for cyclists and bikers.

At this stage, the Department for Transport is reviewing the idea – before making a final decision about whether the safety measure should be added to the Highway Code and made into a law. Interestingly, it may be accompanied by another law which would ensure drivers are liable for the damage caused to a bike, should they open their door and hit a motorcyclist/cyclist.

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NEW PRODUCTS

Forcefield Abrasion Resistant Shirt RRP: (L1) £209.99 | (L2) £224.99

Bike-Seal Auto-Seal Bike Seal Auto Seal RRP: £43

Bike-Seal’s Auto-Seal puncture repair kit helps you get back on the road if you get caught out with a flat tyre. It’s a tubeless puncture repair kit which can be used on motorbikes, cars, vans, 4 x4s, off-road vehicles and even wheelbarrows – should you suffer a blow-out on the garden path.

It’s sufficiently compact and lightweight enough to be tucked safely under your seat, in the bottom of your panniers, a topbox, or even thrown into a rucksack.

The kit comes equipped with a tin of lubricant, a knife, a needle, a probe, six repair plugs, a Rolson multi-tool (with built-in torch) – all zipped up in a sturdy case. The kit has been TUV tested in Germany up to speeds of 186mph – so it’s going to be more than up to the job for the vast majority of riders. And don’t worry if you’re not particularly hands-on; the kit also includes a fairly straightforward set of instructions, to make repairing a puncture as pain-free as possible. ▶ Info: www.bikeseal.co.uk

Forcefield has just revealed its latest AR Shirt, taking the best bits from its hugely successful Pro Shirt XV – but making it tougher, stronger and more robust for 2019.

The new AR shirt has been designed to suit the needs of Enduro, MX, off-road and adventure riders, who demand top level protection to keep them safe on the dirt. There are a couple of options to choose from; you can opt for either CE Level 1 or CE Level 2 protection at the shoulders and elbows (depending on your intended use), but regardless, the shirt comes with CE Level 2 chest and back protectors as standard.

The main armour contact points

are also covered by an abrasion resistant material, ensuring it’ll be up to taking a bit more of a beating. There’s even a set of abdomen ‘side pads’ too. The armour is removable, meaning you can run the shirt through the wash to ensure it’s fresh for the next day’s riding.

Forcefield has also thought about comfort, with a range of features on hand to keep you cool, including three quarter length sleeves, ‘Space-Mesh’ venting constructed from lightweight, breathable, moisture wicking material. ▶ Info: www.forcefield bodyarmour.com

Yoshimura exhaust for new Honda Monkey 125

RRP: from £415

Honda recently launched a reimagined version of its iconic Monkey which set the hearts and minds of motorcyclists (and nonmotorcyclists) racing the world over.

And Yoshimura is getting in on the act, releasing a new slip-on exhaust for the likeable little machine.

Like its MSX-125 sibling (which is capable of being converted into pretty much every custom concept one could conceive), the new Monkey looks to be the perfect base for a range of custom parts and accessories.

And the first one we’ve seen is a funky-looking slip-on exhaust from Yoshimura, who say its RS-3 pipe boosts max horsepower over 7%, maximum torque over 3%, and even

AGV AX9 Adventure Helmet

Jarvish Smart Helmets

RRP: £339.99

AGV has unveiled its all-new AX-9 dual-purpose adventure touring helmet for 2019, updating the design of its hugely popular AX-8 lid.

The kit offers a huge amount of versatility with four different configurations easily achieved; the options are peak and visor, no peak and visor, peak and goggles, no peak and goggles.

It’s a carbon-aramid-fiberglass blend shell that comes with an adjustable peak and blends the comfort of a touring helmet with the style and practical performance of an off-road oriented helmet.

Constructed using a combination of carbon, aramid and glass fibre, it’s available in three shell sizes, depending on the size of your head. It comes with a removable and washable interior with moisture wicking and skin irritation treatments on both the cheek pads and crown. The helmet has also been designed to ensure glasses wearers can ride in comfort.

There’s also a removable peak and a Pinlock-ready panoramic visor system (which means it can also be used with goggles) while ventilation is provided through five vents, including an adjustable chin-vent, two brow inlets and two extractors. There’s also a micro visor opening system to help offer riders slightly more airflow.

It’s fitted using a Double-D ring retention system, which helps to keep the helmet in place even at speed. ▶ Info: www.agv.co.uk

Yamaha T-Max Starter Motor RRP: £ ask

VE (UK) has added a new starter motor for the Yamaha T-Max 500 (2008-2011) and T-Max 530 (2012-2016) scooters to its wide range of electrical products.

The starter motor is one of the highest wear electrical components on today’s automatic scooters. Should if fail, it renders the machine unusable. ▶ Info: www.ve-uk.com

helps the compact 125cc commuter to sound like a little weapon.

Yoshimura already offers some options for the Monkey: there’s its Race RS-3 system (which will set you back just under £500) and its Street RS-3 system (available for just a shade over £400). It’s also offering a new rear fender setup, to help tidy-up the bikes back end. ▶ Info: www.yoshimura-rd.com

RRP: from £606

Up to this point, no-one has quite managed to get Smart Helmets right, but we’ve just been sent details from a new manufacturer called Jarvish.

The Taiwanese company is preparing to introduce two new Smart Helmets for 2019. The first lower-spec model, is the £606 Jarvish X, which comes with voice activation and support for Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa. It’ll also let you ask for directions and weather reports, as well as control media playing on their smartphone.

But it’s the new Jarvish X-AR we’re really excited about.

Admittedly, it’s not cheap (at all) with prices starting from around £1972. But it’s well equipped, with voice controls, a retractable

heads-up display system and a 2k front-facing camera for capturing video and photos.

It also comes with a camera on its back, which works like a rear view mirror through the helmet’s heads-up display.

Both helmets have been constructed from carbon fibre, to attempt to offset the weight of the battery which powers the hi-tech equipment that’s built-in. Jarvish says the X battery will last for more than six hours, while the X-AR battery should have plenty of life for four hours’ riding.

Both helmets will initially be available via Kickstarter (the X in January and the X-AR in the second half of 2019) at discounted rates. ▶ Info: www.jarvish.com

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Dynamoto multi-directional Motorcycle Stands

The Thunderfoot

RRP: £480

RRP: £9.99

The Thunderfoot is a unique new motorcycle sidestand support system, which aims to solve the age old motorcycling problem of how exactly you’re going pick your puck up from the ground when your bike’s loaded with gear.

The Thunderfoot manages it through the use of a simple retractable cord system. That means that when you pull up to a stop, you simply hook its strap on your bike’s bars before tucking the puck under its sidestand. And when you’re ready to leave, it’s simply a case of getting on your bike, taking it off its sidestand, and waiting for the puck to retract. Simple. ▶ Info: www.thethunderfoot.co.uk

These Dynamoto Stands are clever bits of kit, which work like traditional paddock stands, but come with multi-directional wheels, meaning you can shift your bike around with ease.

Interestingly, Dynamoto is the brainchild of three Australian motorcycling mates who needed safe, quick

and easy storage solutions for their bikes between rides – and wanted to get their bikes out of storage and on the road more quickly, and with less fuss.

Designer Stephen Mcguinness said: “It began as a way of solving my own personal problem. I wanted access to my bike to be quick and easy, and often got frustrated turning it in a tight parking space. Preparing my bike for a ride was difficult, and turned me off spur-of-the-moment rides.

It was easier just jumping in the car.”

The first concept came to fruition in 2012, and in 2016 the brand launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise awareness (and capital). Since then, it’s made a name for itself across Australia and the USA – and now it’s finally available in Europe. ▶ Info: www.dynamoto.com.au

Replacement four-stroke Cylinder Kits

RRP: £ various

Replacing a scooter four-stroke cylinder kit can be a costly affair with the OE parts often running in to several hundred pounds. But now VE has introduced two new cylinder kits to help reduce the overall cost.

Piaggio Leader 125 air-cooled (VS19306): manufactured from cast

iron and includes cylinder, piston, rings, gudgeon pin, piston circlips, top end gasket set, and two valve seals. The cylinder is a direct replacement for Piaggio part number 831975.

Honda PCX125/SH125i ABS (VB15364): manufactured from

aluminium with a cast iron liner, the cylinder kit includes: cylinder, piston, rings, piston circlips, gudgeon pin, and a top end gaskets set. The cylinder kit is a direct replacement for Honda part numbers 12100KZR600 (cylinder) and 13111KWM900 (piston). ▶ Info: www.ve-uk.com

Course Kevlar Hoodie

Sealey 360° rechargeable mini Pen Light RRP: £ various

Sealey’s new LED3607G rechargeable mini pen light houses seven super bright SMD LEDs which provide up to 200 lumens output. This model includes an additional high power 1W LED in the end for use as a directional torch. It features a belt clip with integrated magnet on the back of the light as well as a strong magnet on the base which allows hands free operation. The unique 360° swivel ball joint function enables the light source

to be positioned in any direction.

The unit incorporates a high quality 1.1Ah Lithium-ion battery for longer life, no memory effect and a much slower discharge than traditional Ni-MH batteries. This model is supplied with a micro USB charging lead. ▶ Info: www.sealey.co.uk

Clarke Micro multi-function Jump-start/Charger

RRP: From £59.98

This small and lightweight portable lithium-ion power pack from Clarke acts as a charger and torch as well as being able to jump-start a vehicle with a flat battery.

The Jumpstart Micro 350 can be used as a jumpstart for cars or motorcycles with a flat battery – providing it’s got a starting current of 200A and a peak current of 400A. Plus, there’s a lithium-ion power pack with two USB 5V ports and 12V/19V outlets for

phones and computers, and there’s even a 1W LED torch built-in too.

Thrown in with the charger, you’ll also get a range of connectors including a vehicle auxiliary cable, a mains charger and a four-in-one device adaptor for phones and tablets, etc. Clarke claims that the device can be used about 20 times on a single charge – and it’s small enough to fit under most motorcycle seats. ▶ Info: www.machinemart.co.uk

RRP: £64.99 XLmoto has made a name for itself across Europe, offering a wide array of motorcycling parts and gear – and it’s just unveiled its latest clothing collection to the general public.

XLmoto’s Course brand covers everything from clothing to gear – but there’s one product it’s shouting about at the minute: the all-new Kevlar Hoodie.

Course claims that Kevlar Hoodies are smart, safe and functional – perfect for urban commuting. Plus, they’ll look just as good off the bike, as they do on it. Course reckons it’s comfortable and warm, while still offering top quality protection against abrasion – as a result of its cotton and Kevlar construction. And if you want to protect yourself from an impact, the Hoodie also comes with pockets for shoulder, elbow and back protectors. It also comes with dual front pockets, which can be zipped up, double internal pockets with Velcro closures and a heavy duty metal zipper to fasten it together.

If you act fast, you can take advantage of the massive discount currently available on the XLmoto website, which is offering the hoodie for £64.99 (saving you £85 on its typical £149.99 price tag). ▶ Info: www.xlmoto.co.uk

02W EVENTS

‘Get your diaries at the ready!’

This issue we’re taking a look at one particular winter motorcycling event which should help pull you out of those post-Christmas doldrums:

‘Fast Freddie’ set to star at the Newark Winter Classic bike show Legendary motorcycle racer Freddie Spencer, universally known as ‘Fast Freddie’, will be the guest of honour at the Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic Show, which is being held at Newark Showground, on January 5-6, 2019.

After a hugely successful career in his native USA (the 1978 AMA 250cc Championship being his first big series win) Freddie got his first taste of international racing as part of the USA team in the 1980 Transatlantic Trophy Match races, winning two events at Brands Hatch and beating World Champions, Kenny Roberts and Barry Sheene in the process.

By 1982, Freddie was a full-time Honda Grand Prix rider and in just one year in Europe, he won his first 500cc World Championship, giving him the distinction of being the youngest rider ever to secure the title at just 21 years old.

The following year saw a battle royal between fellow American Kenny Roberts and Spencer with the latter snatching the title by just two points. However, it was the 1985 season that truly cemented Freddie’s name in the history books when he did the unthinkable and won both the 250cc and 500cc titles, becoming the only rider in Grand Prix history to pull off such a feat.

A selection of custom, classic and modern scooters from last year’s event

Freddie Spencer in action at Brands Hatch in 1982 (Image courtesy of Mortons Archive) Freddie will be interviewed live on stage by former British Supersport Champion Steve Plater and will be available for autographs and photos throughout the weekend.

Event organiser Nick Mowbray said: “Having worked with Freddie before, we are really excited for him to appear at the show.

He’s a great character and will certainly help to set the scene of excitement for the classic motorcycling event season!”

Sponsored by Carole Nash Insurance, the Winter Classic event takes place over the weekend of January 5-6, 2019, at Newark Showground in Nottinghamshire. It features a huge auto jumble, trade stands, packed retro motorcycle halls and scooters aren’t left out of the equation either. They have their own display halls where among the scooter trade stands and classic scooter displays, there will be a ‘chill-out’ area hosted by Mod Radio who will be returning to provide the typical scooterist-styled musical atmospheric backdrop. Also returning to these ‘Retro Revival’ halls will be the ever-popular ‘bike start-up’ area which will bring the sounds and smells of the past into the New Year. ▶More info/advance tickets: www.newarkclassicbikeshow.com or call 01507 529529.

A stunning collection of iconic retro classic motorcycles at the Newark Winter Classic show

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A1 LICENCE

FIRST RIDE

SPECIFICATION

NUI M1 electric scooter MOTOR: Bosch 800W BATTERY CAPACITY: 26Ah VOLTAGE: 48V ESTIMATED RANGE: 60-70km TORQUE: 95Nm CELL TYPE: Lithium-ion STANDARD CHARGING TIME: 6 hours CHARGING METHOD: Direct charge / battery charge WEIGHT: 57.7kg FRONT BRAKE: Disc REAR BRAKE: Drum FRONT SUSPENSION: Sleeve, oil damping REAR SUSPENSION: Al-Ti swingarms with sleeve,

oil damping PRICE: £1900 (including government grant) CONTACT: www.sinnismotorcycles.com // www.nui.com/en

O2W RATING:

★★★★★★★★★★

A NUI way forward

On2Wheels has been test riding NUI’s all-new M1 electric scooter - putting it through its paces in rural Lincolnshire. Here’s what we thought.

In the UK, we’re getting closer to the introduction of ULEZ across major cities. For the uninitiated, the ULEZ (or the Ultra Low Emissions Zone) is a new scheme which aims to help improve air quality in big cities. It’s planned to be rolled out in London from April 2019, before being rolled out in other major UK cities.

We won’t get into the debate about the limited emissions produced by two-wheelers, when compared to their four-wheeled counterparts – or the fact that motorcycles and scooters have proven to be hugely beneficial for reducing congestion; one of the major causes of pollution. Or even that the vast majority of electric in the UK is still produced using fossil fuels.

We’ll save that for another day.

Essentially, as part of the new ULEZ system – if you’re riding an older motorcycle or scooter that fails to meet Euro 3 standards, you’re going to end up forking out £12.50 every day – which is really going to add up if you’re a regular city-dweller.

Admittedly, the vast majority of new motorcycles and scooters are exempt from the charge – for now. But as the need to clamp down on our emissions in cities grows, there are a limited number of options available to us.

One of them is electric. And that’s why we’ve been test riding NUI’s new learner-legal M1.

Who are NUI?

NUI’s fairly new to the UK, so you might not have heard of them up to this point. Established in China back in 2014, the brand launched its first generation N-series scooter a year later, and its M-series scooter the year after that to widespread acclaim.

Regardless of its recent introduction to the market, NUI reckons it’s

already the best-selling e-scooter brand in the world – with over one billion kilometres covered and 400,000 units sold by April 1 of this year. Impressive.

NUI has already won several awards around the world for its innovative approach to urban mobility – so it would seem you can be confident that you’re going to get a top quality, tried and tested machine (which is a departure from some of the other e-scooters which have appeared over the last few years). In the UK, NUI is being looked after by Sinnis Motorcycles – a Brighton-based brand which has made a name for itself over the last few years, importing an eclectic range of motorcycles and scooters from the Chinese partner factories of Suzuki, Harley-Davidson, Peugeot and Yamaha. That means it knows good quality when it sees it.

My first impression of the little NUI M1 as it rolled out the back of a van and on to the tarmac at O2W HQ was one of pleasant surprise. The compact commuter looks cool – really cool – in a sort of pared back, but futuristic way. And it seems to be well made too. That’s as good a start as any in my books.

It’s also surprisingly well equipped – coming with a handful of thoughtful and useful features and technological touches which help the NUI to really stand out from the crowd. First off, the scooter comes with a really clever smartphone connectivity feature (using a built-in Vodafone sim card) which allows NUI owners to see the location of their scooter and its battery power status when on the move. And even more importantly, considering the growth in bike and scooter related crime in large cities over recent years, it has an anti-theft

system which will automatically notify you if your scooter is moved without your permission.

An electrifying future

Delving deeper, the scooter also comes with a futuristic and easy to ready in-built display, intuitive controls, a couple of rider modes, a removable battery, a remote locking system, automatic headlights, and even automatic-off indicators.

Essentially, it’s about as well equipped as any other scooter on the market – and considering it costs just shy of a couple of grand, the amount of technology that’s been squeezed into the machine is truly impressive.

But never mind all that, the big question is what it’s like on the road…

Okay, so I have to confess, I didn’t get to spend a huge amount of time in the saddle on the NUI M1. All-in-all, I probably covered no more than 50 miles over the course of a week in my attempt to get under its skin. It’s also worth noting that O2W HQ is tucked away in deepest, darkest, rural Lincolnshire – away from cities and built-up urban environments, so arguably our testing ground isn’t the most natural environment for the NUI. Regardless, pottering through market towns, sweeping past lines of traffic, squeezing through the tightest of gaps and even meandering down the odd quiet B-road – the little NUI impressed me.

Away from its futuristic technology, the actual riding experience isn’t all that sophisticated. That’s not me complaining – by definition it’s

simple and straightforward, but still purposeful and practical on the road.

Okay, so its suspension doesn’t have a huge amount of give in it – and on a couple of occasions I did find myself clattering through potholes and over speedbumps, with the scooter’s shocks doing very little to soak-up the impact. But then again, in an urban environment, I’m not all that sure that you would have the same problem; I think you’d probably struggle to get up to the speeds I was bombing around at. Instead you’d likely be picking your way through traffic with a smile on your face.

Aside from my fairly minor criticism of the suspension, I found the brakes capable, the engine punchy, and the chassis lightweight and agile. Basically, it does everything you’d expect of it with ease. It’s a genuine pleasure to filter on – and it’s quick enough off the line to get the jump on any four-wheeled traffic. If I was living in the city and had the choice between a NUI M1 and a Tube pass for the year – I know which one I’d pick. It’d be the NUI every time.

Words: Ross Images: Mau

NEWS

AM

Artisan EV2000 e-scooter

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LICENCE

First launched back in 2015, fledgling British brand Artisan Scooter – based in the North West – has begun to make a name for itself, thanks to its stylish, retro-inspired electric scooters.

Building on the success of its EV1200 and EV1200R scooters, Artisan has unveiled its new EV2000. Essentially, it’s much the same as the outgoing model with the same 50cc moped levels of performance – but it comes with an updated motor, which works to deliver more plentiful torque and help the little scooter to take hills and headwinds in its stride.

Closer inspection

Artisan is using the same tried and tested chassis setup for its new EV2000 and it has the same styling and features as its siblings in the Artisan range.

The EV2000 is equipped with LED indicators, brake and tail-lights – and a 55W tungsten headlight with integrated sidelights to ensure good visibility. The controls seem fairly standard and where you’d expect them to be – while the scooter’s retro style dash offers a speedometer, odometer, battery charge indicator and warning light. And there’s even a built in alarm system as standard.

There are a couple of lockable storage compartments to take advantage of; one under the seat and the other in the right-hand side panel.

The latter is designed to transport your charger securely – ensuring that you can top up the charge whenever

FIRST LOOK and wherever you’re able to access a standard 13amp socket.

Extending the range

Although the EV2000 is powered by the same 1200W motor as the previous generation Artisan models, both the motor and the battery have been optimised to provide a range of around 45km from each power pack on a single charge – which the manufacturer reckons should be enough for a few days of city commuting. Interestingly, the EV2000R is available with a single or double lithium power cell, which means you can get around 90km without having to recharge the batteries.

Regarding charging, the EV2000’s batteries can be topped-up using its on-board charging system, or by

removing the lithium power cell and taking it with you.

For braking, the EV2000 is equipped with hydraulic ventilated disc brakes front and rear – while it comes with lightweight turbine style alloy wheels and specially selected low profile tyres to help offer low drag co-efficiency for reduced energy consumption.

That may all sound fairly impressive but we’re going to reserve judgement until we’ve actually had the chance to sort a test ride. Thankfully we shouldn’t have to wait too much longer to put the little retro-styled electric scooter through its paces – as we’re working on getting a test lined-up in the not-too-distant future.

Keep an eye out for our verdict in future issues of O2W. • Info: www.artisanscooters.com

Zapp launches i300 e-scooter

A new electric scooter manufacturer with headquarters in the UK has revealed a new high performance 300cc equivalent e-scooter.

Zapp claims it will be a leader in the urban transport revolution. It also claims that its new i300 model will be like nothing else currently available on the market, with affordable running costs, and appealing next generation design. The firm says it believes that innovative engineering will ensure outstanding handling and an effective delivery of torque and performance from the punchy, next-generation electric motor.

The i300 has been designed to be desirable and fashionable; customer individuality will be encouraged with a great choice of configurable options offered to meet all style preferences and budgets. A seamless ownership experience will be provided, the firm says, thanks to a convenient, innovative charging solution and customer service ecosystem.

The Zapp i300 is now available to pre-order.

• Info: www.zappscooter.com

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O2W TRAINING GUIDE

About the author

Are you ready for winter?

Laura Smith’s top 10 tips for riding during the winter months…

1: Layer up

This may seem like an obvious tip, but even experienced bikers are at risk!

The cold winter air, compounded by wind-chill easily leads to rider fatigue, loss of concentration and safety issues.

Avoid being caught-out by the cold – invest in thermal base layers and wear another thin layer over the top – perhaps a long-sleeved T-shirt, as well as a fleece. A fleece is thin enough to be worn with multiple layers and is effective at holding in body heat. Avoid hoodies – they can absorb water and quickly steal valuable warmth.

2: Look after your extremities

When a rider can no longer feel their fingers or toes, they will experience increasing issues with braking, gear changes and endurance. Rider fatigue, distraction and discomfort will follow. These are not things to be ignored and under these conditions, it’s time to stop, have a warm drink and get the blood flowing back to the extremities. In cold winter

All smiles during advanced skills training day in Snowdonia

conditions, hypothermia can easily follow and that’s not too clever on two wheels! Winter gloves and heated grips are good, but for many all-weather riders, an investment in a good quality pair of heated gloves will pay dividends and make winter riding a great deal safer and more enjoyable.

3: Prioritise bike checks

When you arrive home cold, wet and in darkness – oiling your chain and checking your bike over is easy to overlook. Don’t make that mistake and ensure that you regularly check your oil levels, water coolant, brake fluid reservoirs and fuel levels. Also check your air pressure, general tyre condition and tread. The legal tread depth for a motorcycle is 1mm of tread over 75% of the width and over 100% of the circumference. Winter salt is bad news for motorcycles, so swill-off your bike with water after every ride and use a liberal coating of ACF-50 or similar. For a full list of regular bike checks, Google ‘POWDDERSS’.

4: Allow extra time

For so many reasons, rider risk is escalated during the winter months.

The sun is lower and can be blinding.

Visibility is often reduced; daylight hours are shorter; the cold causes rider fatigue; road grip is often reduced; stopping distances can increase; other road users can be more distracted; clothing is generally bulkier and more restrictive; visors and glasses can easily steam-up – the list goes on!

In all these things, be a smart rider – increase your journey times, braking and following distances.

5: Snow means NO!

There are no circumstances where it’s safe or wise to ride in the snow – it’s just not worth the risk. For car drivers, snow equals 10 times the stopping distance; for motorcycles, every application of the brakes can be extremely dangerous.

However frustrating, just remember that ‘snow means no’ and when the white stuff is on the ground, leave your trusty steed in the garage.

6: Invest in waterproofs

Even some of the most expensive textiles can fail to keep you fully dry in heavy rain and wind. That’s an issue in the winter as once wet, the cold can quickly set in – leading to a distracted and uncomfortable ride.

Carrying an extra set of good quality waterproofs can help, as well as providing an extra layer of warmth (even when it’s not raining).

7: Don’t chance your vision

A rider’s vision is already restricted by the confines of a helmet. In the winter months, visor condensation, misting glasses and eye strain can make matters significantly worse. The wise

Laura Smith is a full-time motorcycle instructor, certified by the DVSA for the delivery of CBT, Direct Access Scheme and the DVSA Enhanced Riders Scheme. In addition, Laura organises European and UK advanced riding tours.

Laura is a partner at RMT Motorcycle Training (RMTNET.co.uk) in the West Midlands, owner of Women Only Motorcycle Training (WOMT.co.uk) and advisor at VideoBiker (VideoBiker.co.uk).

Riding in the snow isn’t much fun

thing is to stop, to take a break and to address any vision problems. Those who wear glasses should invest in anti-fog spray. All other winter riders should insist on wearing a helmet with a visor Pinlock and as an aside – the winter months are an ideal opportunity for a full optician’s eye test. (VideoBiker members get a free eye test at Vision Express – so no excuses!)

8: Don’t be too cool for high vis

Fashion is unlikely to make you more visible to other road users. This is especially true during winter conditions of low light and poor visibility. So what if you look like you work for Network Rail? High-viz garments can significantly improve rider safety, plus they offer an extra layer of weather protection. Don’t be ‘too cool’ – wear high-viz garments and be safe.

9: Adapt your riding style

Riding in the winter means adapting not only journey times, but also riding

style. During the winter and in poor weather conditions riders need (among other things) to consider slippery surfaces, making sure our movement around the road isn’t sudden or erratic, that the application of our controls is smooth and deliberate and that we don’t put ourselves in any unnecessary danger.

10: Increase your skills

The nature of winter riding can be a challenge and generally demands more skill. For those who do need to ride all-year round and in all weathers, the winter is the perfect opportunity to seek further training.

Most DVSA certified motorcycle training schools offer bespoke post-test training. Starting with an Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) assessment ride is a good idea, especially as the relaunched ERS syllabus includes the opportunity to ‘bolt-on’ relevant training modules.

VideoBiker free membership can also help, as it gives access to motorcycle training audio guides – including basic advanced.

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FIRST RIDE

Honda CRF250L The bulletproof bush beater

Trails, twisties and traffic – Honda’s hugely successful CRF250L can do it all.

SPECIFICATION

Honda CRF250L (2017)

Dual-sport motorcycles live in a land of compromise. The jack-of-all-trades of the motorcycle world, they’re just as happy tackling trails as they are splicing through town traffic and tearing-up some twisties. If I could own only one machine, it’d probably be a dual-sport. They’re versatile, lightweight – and overall, fairly unintimidating to ride.

If I’ve piqued your interest, and you’re starting to like the idea of a motorcycle that’s happy on and off-road – then there’s one machine which really stands out from the crowd. It’s Honda’s hugely successful CRF250L – a stalwart among round the world adventurers, and the perfect winter hack to deal with the crud, grime and inevitably poor road conditions that we have to put up with when riding through winter in the UK. Admittedly, Honda reckons that the vast majority of small dual-sport bikes spend most of their life on the

road – and on balance maybe that’s true. After all, they do make for fantastic daily commuters – but that doesn’t mean their riders won’t be dreaming of big adventures. At the end of the day, motorcycles are meant to be fun and enjoyable ways of experiencing the world around you – and with the Honda CRF250L, you really can experience it all.

If you’ve never tackled some trails and ridden off-road before, don’t worry, the little Honda isn’t all that aggressive or intimidating – meaning you can still have a lot of fun honing your skills, without the risk of causing too much damage to you or the bike if (no, sorry – when) you come off.

forecourt, my first impressions were overwhelmingly positive – it’s undoubtedly a well-made machine, oozing quality in a distinctly Honda way. And it looks good too – with its bright red motocross-inspired graphics and knobbly tyres contributing to create a fairly aggressive aesthetic. Settling into the saddle, everything’s where you’d expect, it’s comfortable, lightweight – and even surprisingly easy to get on thanks to its 875mm seat height. I’m 6ft 1in with long gangly limbs, so it

was unlikely to cause too much trouble for me – but regardless, I’m confident shorter riders would also find the CRF250L perfectly accessible.

Admittedly, the tried and tested CRF250L formula hasn’t changed much over the years, with Honda building and honing its hugely successful machine, rather than dramatically overhauling it. The latest generation CRF250L was released back in 2017, with a range of updates to bring it in line with the latest Euro 4 regulations.

ENGINE: 250cc liquid-cooled, single, DOHC POWER: 24bhp @ 8500rpm TORQUE: 22.6Nm @ 6750rpm FRONT SUSPENSION: Showa 43mm Telescopic USD REAR SUSPENSION: Showa 40mm Prolink single

shock

FRONT BRAKE: 296mm floating wave-style disc with two-piston calipers and two-channel ABS REAR BRAKE: 220mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper WHEELS/TYRES: 21in front, 18in rear. Bridgestone TW301 tyres SEAT HEIGHT: 875mm KERB WEIGHT: 146kg FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 7.8 litres PRICE: £4699 CONTACT: www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles O2W RATING:

★★★★★★★★★★

High expectations

I’ve been waiting to ride this bike for a long time – and as it rolled out of the van at O2W HQ, my expectations were running high. Poking around the lightweight little Honda on the

A2 LICENCE

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The changes included a larger throttle, new muffler design, revised airbox, and a larger diameter exhaust header. A larger fuel tank was also added, along with new CRF450R MX -inspired bodywork, hand guards, and increased suspension travel. Nice one Honda.

On the road (and off it)

Okay – but what is it like to ride? Well, like I said, I love my dual-sport motorcycles. If I could pick only one bike to ride for the rest of my life, it’d have knobbly tyres, wide bars, and a tall commanding road position.

Now I’m not saying it’d necessarily be Honda’s CRF250L – but it’d be something much like it. I know this type of machine isn’t for everyone – but where I live in rural Lincolnshire, it just makes so much sense. In a roundabout way, what I’m trying to say is that I’ll do my best to keep my innate bias to a bare minimum.

So, after spending a couple of weeks together, putting the CRF250L thoroughly through its paces across a range of conditions – including getting it briefly stuck in some bog-like conditions down an isolated green-lane – I’m thoroughly impressed. The balance between road and off-road performance is fantastic.

Let’s delve a little bit deeper and get into what make the CRF250L tick. First off, let’s talk about its power plant. Okay, so the CRF250L’s high-winding 250cc single cylinder engine doesn’t pack a huge amount of punch in the grand scheme of things, but that’s neither here nor there – it’s smooth and precise, with a clean throttle response. And if you

do pin the throttle open, it will get up to a fairly respectable 80mph, which is more than enough when you’re out on the open road and looking to overtake some slow moving traffic. Although I do have to admit, it’s not all that comfortable up there – with a decent amount of vibration coming through its pegs and bars. But at the end of the day, the real beauty of the Honda motor is that it instils confidence, allowing riders to grow their off-road capabilities without getting into (too much) trouble.

For stopping the little Honda comes with a 256mm wave-style disc which is clamped by Nissin twin-piston calipers up front, and at the rear it’s equipped with a 220mm disc and a single-piston caliper. In practice they work to deliver smooth and assured braking, with plenty of feel. Arguably, the feeling is much more like an off-road bike’s brakes than what you’d be used to on a road-oriented machine. What I mean by that is that they’re more linear than downright powerful – which combined with the dual channel ABS system which comes as standard, means you’re fairly unlikely to get caught out by grabbing a handful of brake.

Suspension comes in the form of a 43mm Showa inverted fork up front, which has been tuned to suit the bike’s road and off-road capability, and at the back it’s fitted with a Pro-Link rear suspension unit with a single 40mm diameter Showa shock.

It’s proven itself to be a surprisingly capable setup that’ll iron out bumps and lumps on uneven tarmac surfaces with ease – but really its off-road where the bike comes into its

Words: Ross Mowbray Images: Gary Chapman

own. I’m no racer or off-road expert, but because of its fairly taut suspension setup and light weight, I found myself really pushing the CRF250L to its limit without ever truly feeling out of control – and I’m confident even less experienced riders would have just as much fun as me. In short, it is truly surprising just how silly you can get on the CRF250L, before common sense prevails and you wind off the throttle.

Is it up to the job?

So what’s the overall verdict? Well, aside from a few shortcomings that are obvious concessions to its economy-bike status, the 2017 Honda CRF250L is a very capable machine for the entry-level or casual dualsport rider. It provides a smooth, comfortable all-day riding experience – and terrific fuel economy for your daily commute too. As far as I’m concerned, It

delivers just enough engine performance, comfort, handling and braking to satisfy a wide demographic of riders – and I’m convinced anyone would have an absolute blast chucking it down a green lane. Certainly, more experienced riders might wish for more power or better suspension performance in the dirt, but that wouldn’t stop me from sticking one of these little Hondas in my garage.

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SEASONAL AS GIFT GUIDE

If you have a motorcyclist on your gift list, here’s a quick breakdown of some of our favourite practical products to suit any budget, and delight anyone who loves two wheels.

Security and safety

Motorcycles and scooters are stolen on a daily basis – in fact, more motorcycles are stolen than new motorcycles are bought in the UK – but don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to put the thieves off and help keep your pride and joy secure.

BikeTrac HARD Ground Anchor RRP: £89.95

BikeTrac’s new ground anchor is Thatcham Cat 3 approved, with its drop forged stainless steel construction, 20mm case hardened shackle and fixing kit making it the perfect accompaniment to the

BikeTrac chain and disc lock kit. Plus, for the colour conscious bikers among us, the shackle is available in orange, red or green, ready for garage/bike co-ordination. ▶ Info: www.biketrac.co.uk

BikeTrac HARD Chain & Disc Lock Kit RRP: £149.95 to £169.95

BikeTrac’s all-new bolt-cutter proof chain and disc lock is the industry’s first 10mm Thatcham Cat 3 approved security kit. Its 10mm reinforced chain is available in a couple of lengths (either 1.2m or 1.4m) – and when used in combination with the included disc lock, offers the ability

to secure your machine to an immovable object while effectively immobilising the machine at the same time.

The lock must be cut twice before it is compromised, as the locking mechanism will not swivel when locked. Different to many other

chain kits, the BikeTrac chain and disc lock kit has been designed to be fully portable with its own carrying bag, allowing it to sit on the pillion sit – plus it weighs 4.5kg, which is relatively light for such a resilient, high quality chain. ▶ Info: www.biketrac.co.uk

Gadgets

Essential protection Black Classic Open Face Helmet

BC Battery Controllers JUNIOR 900

RRP: £37.99

RRP: £52.99

If you’ve not heard of BC Battery Controllers before, that’s because the Italian brand is fairly new to the UK. It produces a wide range of chargers and accessories, to make charging batteries across a massive range of vehicles a doddle.

The BC Junior 900 is the smallest battery charger in the BC Battery Controller range – developed primarily for battery care on motorcycles, scooters, ATVs,

snowmobiles and jet skis.

The 12V charger employs a clever eight-step charging algorithm, which can recharge and maintain, as well as being capable recovering deeply discharged and sulphated batteries (from as little as 1.25V). Additionally, it can actually be used for the slow charging and maintenance of larger batteries with a capacity up to 100Ah, like the ones that are usually

mounted on cars. In short, it’s a capable little charger. And, it comes bundled with a waterproof battery cable with eyelets and a battery cable with insulated clamps. ▶ Info: www.jawsmotorcycles.co.uk

Gear Gremlin Heated Grips RRP: £44.99

Staying warm on two wheels can become a bit of a challenge at this time of year. So, if you’re looking for something to take the edge off the winter chill, it’s worth giving Gear Gremlin’s heated grips a look.

Manufactured from anti-split and anti-perish rubber, the Gear Gremlin FHG1 grips will easily fit onto most machines with standard 22mm diameter handlebars. Plus, the waterproof analogue controller is easy to operate even with gloved hands, allowing you to choose from one of three settings (HI, LO or OFF) to suit the weather conditions. ▶ Info: www.keycollection.co.uk

fabric internal-lining for comfort and a micrometric chin strap (with adjustment) to help you get the perfect fit. ▶ Info: www.ghostbikes.com

Forcefield FreeLite Back Protector

RRP: £99.99

Forcefield’s new FreeLite back protector offers comfort, breathability and flexibility all in a lightweight package, while still

dguard eCall System and Tracker RRP: £499.99 (plus installation)

The ‘world’s first eCall system for motorcycles’ has been updated for 2018; originally launched in the summer of 2017 in the UK, dguard is the only retro-fit eCall system for motorcycles on the market. It works by sending a message, detailing your location, directly to the emergency services when it detects a crash.

Not only does dguard trigger vital emergency services response to your location, it also detects the movement of your motorcycle without a key present – meaning it can trigger a theft alert directly to your phone, while it continues to continually track your bike as you work to alert the police.

And, new for 2018, dguard comes with a ‘Touring Roadbook’ to capture your

Black is a relatively new brand in the budget bike gear category – but recently it’s cemented its place in the industry thanks to a range of reasonably priced quality kit. From jackets and jeans, through to helmets – Black does it all.

We’ve recently got our hands on a Black Classic Open Face helmet, and the quality of the finish and attention to detail (particularly considering its price) is exceptional.

It even looks good too.

Constructed from polycarbonate, in essence it’s a fairly basic open-face helmet – but there’s a couple of nice touches, including a drop-down sunshield that can be moved into position using a lever located above the left eye, a suede

routes and tours in detail. Once again, it can be accessed using the dguard smartphone app, allowing you to record journeys, speed and altitude. Plus, you can personalise your tours, add comments and share them with your friends on social media platforms.

Installation has been made easier too – thanks to a reduction in components required to fit the dguard to your motorcycle. Plus, it offers authorised installers more options to fit the unit in a covert location on the bike. And if you’ve already taken the leap and got your hands on a dguard system, rest assured, existing customers will receive a complimentary upgrade to dguard V.3 via a software update. ▶ Info: www.bikeit.co.uk

offering top quality CE level 2 protection.

Using the very latest cutting techniques and clever design, the ‘free fitting’ armour will shape to your body, thanks to its heat activated CD body moulding, which helps to offer huge flexibility when you’re moving around on your motorcycle. It’s secured using an adjustable waist band and elastic shoulder straps.

And most importantly, the Freelite offers Repeat Performance Technology (RPT), so should the worst happen and you take a tumble, you can rest assured that the back protector is up to the job of keeping you safe – again and again. ▶ Info: www.forcefield bodyarmour.com

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WOOD LANE, HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, HERTS HP2 4TP 01442 255272

www.thektmcentre.co.uk www.husky1903.co.uk

22 www.o2w.co.uk

FIRST RIDE

A1 LICENCE

Herald Café 125

The Herald Café 125 is the first taste of a modern retro Café racer I’ve had – and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Riding over the Lincolnshire Wolds and around some of the back roads, which suit a 125’s lack of power, was great fun. As an added bonus I have received more comments pulling away on the Herald than any other bike.

Non-biker friends thought it looked good; my daughter said it was cool and a biker at Tesco’s said with affirmation: “That's a nice bike that – wow!” It’s also

fun to ride and my first experience with this brand for the 300-or-so miles I’ve done has been a positive one.

A look round the bike first – let’s check out some of its features. The five-gear 125 engine is claimed to put out 9hp and in my opinion it’s not enough; you need six gears on a 125 and the full 15hp to be able to keep up with traffic on modern A-roads

without it feeling under-powered or getting completely swamped.

A trip on the A1 coming back from Stamford in the wet and wind was a prime example of this. I couldn't get over 65mph on the speedo on the hilly sections and was really wringing the hell out of the throttle – please Herald, at least use the 15hp limit; your bike would be instantly better in the usability stakes.

Maximising the positives

But let’s focus on the engine’s positives; the gears are well spaced up to fourth and then there’s a big jump to fifth gear (hence my preference for a six-gear option to keep the revs up and maximise the smaller capacity engine’s usefulness). Now talking of keeping the revs up boys and girls, it is a lot of fun on the Café; you just nail it everywhere. A trip down some barely single track roads to East Kirkby Airfield was idyllic. Lovely scenery, sunshine and huge grins; the power was never an issue – in fact it was extremely fun having to work the engine to keep it on the boil.

More power and one more gear would see small capacity Café racer perfection. As for the brakes, tyres

Words: Andy Images: Gary

www.o2w.co.uk 23

and suspension: the front brake is strong enough and the rear links with the front, I like it; controlled and pretty sharp stopping when required, although clearly not as safe as ABS systems which might put off some potential parent purchasers.

The suspension is okay; the bike has quite an old-fashioned feeling, long and low, but steering input is minimal and the RaceTek branded shocks are adjustable with dials, which I set to soft and this made the rear feel better and the front less jittery over bumpy roads. I like the fact you can dial-in the suspension setting with the easy-to-use dials which adds to the Café’s potential to be tailored to lots of different people’s riding styles.

The tyres work in the dry and are adequate in the wet, slipping once over a metal grid more than big brand tyres have slipped on the same bit of road in the past; perhaps a set of branded tyres would make a far safer and more enjoyable ride.

The styling is spot-on; I enjoyed evenings spent looking at the bike, it’s easy to wash too and has been coming up a treat even after getting SPECIFICATION

Herald Café 125 ENGINE: 124cc single cylinder, four-stroke POWER: 9.9bhp @ 9000rpm MANUFACTURER’S TOP SPEED: 55.9mph WEIGHT: 126kg FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 12 litres PRICE: £2449 (plus OTR) CONTACT: www.heraldmotorcompany.com O2W RATING:

★★★★★★★★★★

very dirty on the wet ride back from Stamford. Finish has been good over the last two months too and it would be nice to see how it would have held out through winter, not least because I would enjoying it being with me for a few more months, instead of it being returned. The long petrol tank with its aluminium strap and lovely chrome filler cap, brown faux leather seat, black spoked wheels and stylish side panels are spot-on; the paint is very deep-looking and the metallic silver is extremely shiny with the subtle Herald logo a nice touch.

I’m impressed with the finish, hence the reason for wanting to hang on to it and put it more to the test. The black air-cooled fuel injected engine is smart, as are the basic upside down black forks; both are great lookers with lots of smart chrome bolts throughout and the frame is neat. The various wires and cables upon closer inspection would look better hidden, but I don’t think that’s practical on a mid-range priced 125. The exhaust tops-off the Café; it sounds throaty, both on tickover and at low speed; it’s good for the look in town and being stainless it should stand the test of time. Then there’s the LED lights all around, including the striking front headlight, mini indicators and round rear light – oh, and the matt black front and rear mudguards.

Easy rider

Riding the Herald Café is easy; the seating position is good and 60 miles felt comfortable. The controls operate smoothly and the only slight issue I had is that you have to lift up the side

stand before you start the bike (although I do realise this is done for safety reasons).

The headlight is strong and other road users notice you day or night – a superb feature. Popping back to the styling, I like the aluminium brackets which hold it on too. And the looks really are that good you keep coming back and being pleased with them.

This package from Herald has hit the café racer trend bang on the head and lives up to the company’s website quote. This is one uber-cool Café Racer, of the moment with all the practicality of a four-stroke 125 and I didn’t see a petrol warning light since I filled-up and that was 80 miles ago; so it has a big range and appears to be doing around 120 mpg – not to be sneezed at when trying to keep running and commuting costs low.

I keep on finding more bits I like and could get animated about, as this bike is far cooler than a basic roadster and almost as practical. Before it goes back, I’m going out on it right now to do a few more miles – I’m impressed and really gelled with it.

“This is one uber-cool Café Racer”

26 www.o2w.co.uk

GET ON TWO WHEELS with

Thinking about getting on two wheels? This stepby-step guide will cover compulsory basic training, and module one and two of the full motorcycle test, following complete beginner Justin through the process to show just how easy it can be to get your hands on a motorcycle licence with Kawasaki Rider Training Services. In the last issue of O2W, Justin got stuck into his CBT – this time he tackles Module One. What’s KRTS?

Kawasaki Rider Training Services (KRTS) is a UK-wide, Kawasaki and MCIA approved network of rider training centres, which aim to deliver safe, comprehensive and fun motorcycle training to the highest level. Schools offer everything from two-wheeled taster sessions through

PART TWO

to CBTs, licence upgrade courses, to five-day training courses for riders who want to go from ‘walker’ to ‘rider’ in one sitting. But KRTS isn’t just for new riders – it also offers bespoke advanced training and rider development courses, so whatever stage you’re at in your riding career, there’s a course that could benefit you.

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

Don’t forget Before you get on with your Module One and Module Two tests, you need to ensure you’ve already acquired your Motorcycle Theory Test certificate. There are two parts to a motorcycle theory test – a straightforward (multiple choice) question and answer section, and a hazard perception test. With the right approach and preparation, you should easily be able to pass your motorcycle theory test first time.

To book your motorcycle theory test at a specialist centre near you, visit: www.dvsa.gov.uk

www.o2w.co.uk 27

Who’s Justin?

Justin’s the senior designer for modern motorcycle magazines at Mortons Media Group. That means he’s the man in charge of rustling-up features and front covers for a range of titles including Motorcycle Sport & Leisure, Classic Motorcycle Mechanics, Fast Bikes and Scootering to name but a few. Justin’s only ridden once before – around five years ago he had a go on a little CBR125 at Ron Haslam’s Race School – but since then he’s not touched a motorcycle – until now…

Justin’s taken the leap and is going to be getting stuck into Kawasaki

Rider Training Services’ intensive training course, in partnership with Shires Motorcycle Training in Derby – as he aims to get his hands on his full motorcycle licence. Essentially he’s signed-up for the five day package, which has been specifically designed to get him through each of the modules and pass his full DVSA motorcycle test.

Of course, KRTS does offer a range of courses depending on your experience and ability. No matter where you are in your motorcycle journey – KRTS can help you take the next step.

Module One

What’s involved?

Okay, so you’ve decided you’d like to ride a motorcycle – and you’ve got your hands on your Compulsory Basic Training certficate. The next step to getting your hands on your full motorcycle licence is Module One. For the uninitiated, the Module One motorcycle test is simply an exercise in bike control – the examiner will instruct you to complete a number of slow and high speed manoeuvres around a selection of cones (in a closed, off-road environment). It might look pretty complicated, but don’t panic, broken down to its individual elements it’s all relatively straightforward.

The Module One test is made up of nine individual elements – and typically takes around 20 minutes.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be getting up to: ■ Wheeling the motorcycle ■ Using the stand ■ Riding a slalom ■ Riding a figure of 8 ■ A slow ride ■ A U-turn ■ Cornering and a controlled stop ■ Cornering and an emergency stop ■ Cornering and hazard avoidance It’s worth noting, that for the hazard avoidance and emergency stop exercises, you must ride at a minimum speed of 19mph on a moped and 31mph on a motorcycle.

The examiner will be looking out for

SPECIFICATION

Kawasaki Z650 (2018 version) ENGINE: 649cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke parallel twin POWER: 50.2kW @ 8000rpm TORQUE: 65.7Nm @ 6500rpm FRONT SUSPENSION: 41mm telescopic fork REAR SUSPENSION: horizontal back-link with

preload adjustment FRONT BRAKE: dual semi-floating 300 mm petal discs with dual piston calipers BACK BRAKE: single 220mm petal disc with a single-piston caliper TYRES: 120/70Z-17 (front), 160/60-17 (rear) WEIGHT: 187kg SEAT HEIGHT: 790mm FUEL CAPACITY: 15 litres PRICE: £6199 CONTACT: www.kawasaki.co.uk

dangerous faults (these involve actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property), serious faults (these are potentially dangerous), riding faults (these aren’t potentially dangerous, but could become serious if you keep making the same mistake). You’ll pass Module One as long as you make no serious or dangerous faults and no more than five riding faults.

If you remember that the test is simply about showing that you have full control over the motorcycle, while constantly assessing your environment for risks, then you should be fine.

If you’ve already been out on the road regularly (riding on a CBT certificate), you should already be pretty well equipped to deal with the Module One test – but no matter your level of experience, make sure you put in the practice and get some proper training in before taking your test (to ensure any bad habits are picked up and worked on in time for your test).

If you pass the examiner will tell you what faults you made (if any) and give you a pass certificate which you’ll need to take with you to your Module Two test. If you don’t pass, you’ll have to book another Module One test and try again.

The bike: Kawasaki Z650 (2017)

The bike Justin used for his CBT was a compact little Kawasaki KLX125 dual sport machine – and KRTS decided to keep him on it for a little longer to allow him to get to grips with the Module One manoeuvres. Eventually though, it was time to take a step up and settle into the saddle of Kawasaki’s Z650 super-naked machine.

28 www.o2w.co.uk

Legal Q&A Our specialist motoring solicitor, Andrew ‘Chef’ Prendergast, guides you through your legal troubles.

Q

My mates and I like to head out after college for a razz and a bit of a tear-up.

However, I’ve received a Notice of Intended Prosecution for dangerous driving after posting online videos of me doing burnouts and wheelies. I gave someone else’s name so I wouldn’t get done and now the police want to interview me. I can go ‘no comment’ in the interview, but I’m worried I’ll lose my bike licence. What do you think as I really need my bike for college and work.

A

Posting videos of you committing crimes is beyond stupid. Leaving aside the dangerous riding, lying when replying to the Notice may well result in you being prosecuted for perverting the course of justice; this carries a custodial sentence if you are convicted. It’s a case of text book ‘dangerous driving’ and if the CPS can prove that your riding fell below what’s expected from a competent, careful rider and that riding that way would be dangerous, then a court will convict you – a minimum 12 months disqualification, plus you could be locked-up for up to 24 months.

DO NOT attend the interview without legal representation.

You’ll be entitled to a free solicitor for a police interview, so get one to advise on the evidence they actually have against you and what you should do moving forward.

TIPS AND ADVICE

Hearing protection Aside from drowning-out a nagging spouse or the snoring of a significant other, ear plugs are an essential piece of motorcycle kit.

Despite their value, many of us ride without them – but you need to get in the habit of wearing them every time you head out, no matter whether you’re crossing continents, or just nipping to the shops. Riding without ear plugs will eventually damage your hearing – and that’s not all; wind noise can also cause fatigue, while making it difficult to hear exactly what your engine is up to when you’re on the road.

Risk of permanent damage

A series of surveys commissioned by hearing protection specialist Auritech has revealed that around half of British motorcyclists are at risk of permanently damaging their hearing by not wearing appropriate ear protection while riding.

The research concluded that only 40% of riders always wore hearing protection, while nearly 30% never wear any kind of ear plugs when riding. Previous research has shown that wind noise can generate as much as 95dB at 62mph, enough to cause permanent hearing damage after just 15 minutes of riding without hearing protection; at 74mph, damage can be

done after just seven minutes. Of those surveyed who don’t wear protection, 17% said they were unaware of the need to wear ear plugs, while nearly two-thirds choose not to wear protection because they want to be able to hear other sounds around them, such as their bike’s exhaust note, emergency vehicles and intercoms.

Nearly three-quarters of respondents were unaware of filtered ear plugs and the benefits versus standard foam or solid plugs. Those products, like Auritech ear plugs, are designed specifically to reduce harmful high frequencies noises like wind noise, while letting through lower-pitched frequencies such as speech or alert sounds such as horns.

Wendy Faulkner of Auritech commented: “Filtered plugs give the best of both worlds. They protect you from damaging wind and road noise, but you can still hear your intercom, sirens or your bike engine. Helmets are designed specifically to protect you from head and brain injuries rather than sound insulation, so even with the quietest helmets on the market, riders risk causing

permanent hearing loss or damage to their ears in the form on tinnitus, a ringing in the ears, if they ride without ear plugs.

On the other hand, solid or foam ear plugs can potentially be dangerous as they cut-out all frequencies indiscriminately and so can isolate the wearer from external sounds, which this new survey confirmed also reduces the enjoyment of riding for many riders.

Many older riders reported that they don’t bother with ear plugs as they already suffer from hearing loss due to years of riding without protection but, although the damage is irreversible, wearing ear plugs will stop the condition getting worse.”

Encouragingly, the survey revealed that younger riders do tend to wear ear plugs while riding. The results suggest that 68% of motorcyclists in the 18-34 year old bracket wear hearing protection, compared to just 33% of 35 to 54-year-olds, while a staggering 81% of former motorcyclists said that they did not wear hearing protection during their riding careers.

Self-denial

The O2W 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 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 insurance-appointed 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 bikingrelated legal question or query, email mail@whitedalton.co.uk The best Q&A will be published in O2W, in confidence, of course.

The noise levels we are subjected to will differ depending on the bike we ride, what screen it has, as well as the helmet we use; but you can’t deny that protecting your hearing with motorcycle ear plugs should be of paramount importance.

The three main types of ear plugs to consider AURITECH ▼

These silicone Auritech ear plugs cost £19.95, but they're washable, very comfortable, come in a metal container and they work very well too.

They’re our favourite mid-priced earplug.

DISPOSABLE ▲

Foam ear plugs come in various shapes and colours and cost just a few pence so they’re pretty much disposable. Try a few different types to find a pair that work for you.

CUSTOM FIT

Custom fit ear plugs start at around £60 and are moulded to your ear canal for a perfect fit. They take a little bit of getting used to, but once they’re in, virtually all wind noise is eliminated, leaving just the sounds that you need to hear.

Facts and figures It’s not uncommon to think that most of the noise motorcycle riders experience comes from the sound the bike makes – and while loud pipes have a contributing effect, it is in fact the ‘wind noise’ produced by the turbulent air around the helmet that’s the major offender.

Looking at the numbers gives you a better idea of the levels we’re talking about: at modest 70mph motorway speeds the noise level a rider is subjected to can be as high as 105db(A), which as you’ll know from track day noise testing, feels pretty loud even at this level. At 100mph you can expect to experience noise levels up to 110db(A), which is getting close to the painful levels around 112db(A). The fastest test for motorcycle helmet sound went up to 120mph, from which the readings were as high as 115db(A)! We can’t imagine what the readings would be as you pop your head up at 150mphplus at the end of a long straight.

What’s classed as safe and what can we be subjected to before the damage sets in? Even with noise levels at 105db(A) the safe exposure time is as little as one hour and going up the scale to 110db(A), that exposure time is halved to 30 minutes. Remember that 115db(A) reading at 120mph?

Well, you can only be exposed to that for a maximum of 15 minutes before you start to damage your hearing if you aren’t using ear plugs.

It’s been said that riders who do a lot of road miles where noise is a constant, tend to be affected more, but track riders should be equally concerned, because they are being subjected to a lot louder noise levels than a road rider travelling at 70mph for a few hours.

It’s also worth mentioning that hearing loss is cumulative and is compounded every time you reach the harmful levels of noise, which means every time you hop on your bike and go for a ride you’re only increasing the chance of experiencing some hearing loss. It’s also irreversible – once it’s gone, it’s gone!

30 www.o2w.co.uk

FROM

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

MAGAZINE, MARCH 2018 ISSUE

All Lubed Up

We all know two-stroke oil’s important but what makes a good one? Stan chats with the boffins at FUCHS Silkolene to find out.

There are few people in the UK better qualified to talk to about two-stroke oil than Andy Brown, UK automotive technical manager at FUCHS Silkolene. On a recent visit, I took the opportunity to pose questions and gain insight into what makes a good two-stroke oil.

“The biggest problem with engine lubrication is the bloke down the pub,” begins Andy “On one hand they may have run an engine on a certain oil for years and that’s good knowledge to have; on the other, two-stroke riders tend to be more concerned with whether they’ve seized than about the long-term engine effects. It’s usually in the long term that oil differences become apparent.”

SC: Is two-stroke oil complex?

AB: “It’s no more complicated than four-stroke engine oil. The difficulty in formulating an engine oil is that it has to lubricate in many different aspects. Add components which combine elements of both and ask a lubricant to deal with them all and it becomes quite a complex problem.”

SC: Aren’t all two-stroke oils the same?

AB: “Yes and no. There are six UK oil refineries and every producer buys

their base oil from one of those sources at a set market price. So in its raw form all oil’s the same. The difference comes from the specific blend of base oils and the performance additives used.”

SC: How can I spot a good oil?

AB: “Although base oils are subject to an industry-wide standard, there’s no obligation for manufacturers to say which one was used. Some rely on ratings like JASO but these are only a minimum specification and were set over a decade ago. I’d advise users to look at the label for a contact number. If there isn’t one, walk away.”

SC: You’ve mentioned ‘base oil’, what does that mean?

AB: “Oil comes in five types numbered 1-5. One is basic mineral oil, four and five are fully synthetic (but different). Despite the naming, all are derived from mineral oils.

‘Fully synthetic’ simply denotes the petro-chemical processes used to create them. Although these grades conform to an industry standard there’s no definition of what constitutes ‘synthetic’ or ‘semisynthetic’. For synthetic most of the world classes Group 3, except Germany – don’t ask why! For semi

there’s no definition of the amount of synthetic, so be careful what you choose! The exceptions are castor oils which are different products entirely. That number is only part of the story; there are times when a higher grade can actually be harmful.”

SC: If all base oil comes from the same source why does two-stroke oil vary in price?

AB: “It’s the cost of additives.

Experience tells me the only way to produce cheap oil is to reduce the number of additives. A good two-stroke oil will be formulated for a specific purpose. Depending on the brief we can create an oil that will increase bhp, will extend engine life or will reduce emissions. It depends on the application.”

SC: Most two-strokes are based on 1950s/60s technology, surely a cheap oil will be enough?

AB: “A Group 1 base oil is very close to the old two-stroke oils (except castor). Back in the 1960s two-strokes were dirty things that fouled plugs routinely and needed de-coking on a regular basis, a lot of that was down to oil quality. We’ve recently relaunched our Classic Two Stroke oil (perfect for heritage machines) which has all the benefits of a modern formula.”

SC: What additives are likely to be missing in a cheap oil?

AB: “Additives which control how oil burns and cleans. Oils formulated for garden machinery tend to omit these. Without these additives,

unburnt oil can stick underneath the piston crown. Because this layer forms unevenly it causes hot points on the piston crown which can create a build-up of carbon; at worst they can contribute to a holed piston.”

SC: What about something more complicated?

AB: “Micro-welds are an issue in any engine. No matter how polished a surface looks, there’ll be peaks and troughs. As the high points pass one another, they heat rapidly and for a fraction of a second, weld together.

This leaves another uneven surface which creates the next micro-weld and so-on. The broken weld has to go somewhere and most of it ends up in oil residue, creating an extremely fine grinding paste. We can tackle that by polarising the oil particles, creating a chemical bond between oil and metal. This coats the peaks and troughs, decreases friction and reduces the likelihood of micro welds occurring. For a rider who covers lots of miles, the extra cost would be more than offset by increased engine life and longer periods between maintenance.”

SC: How do I know which grade to use?

AB: “The starting point should be the owners’ manual and almost everything’s available on the internet.

If the oil listed is no longer available, our technical support team can advise on the modern equivalent."

SC: What about more exotic or tuned machines?

AB: “Contact our technical support team, they provide excellent

technical advice. We understand how important selecting the correct lubricant is and supplying the correct advice is an important part of our business. Questions can often give a quick answer.

A lot of unusual classics shared engines, so it’s simply a case of cross referencing. For tuned engines, be prepared to answer questions. A classic car club caused problems by insisting they were racing standard engines. It took a while to work out they meant standard engine blocks; everything else had been changed, which affected our advice!”

Everyone’s an expert…..

As I said my farewells Andy smiled and said: “I’m always amazed how little consideration people give to oil. I’d bet any money that the rider who’s spent thousands on an engine didn’t buy components based simply on what was the cheapest, or which came to hand first, yet that’s what most people do with oil. The most frustrating part of this interview is knowing that people will read it, then still go and ask for advice from their mates down the pub.”

If you’re not paying attention to your oil, just remember that the only bloke down the pub worth listening to is probably Andy Brown…

Words: Stan Photographs: Stan & Silkolene press office

What’s gone before... Back issues for £4.95

CALL 01507 529529 OR VISIT WWW.CLASSICMAGAZINES.CO.UK

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

FROM

MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE

www.o2w.co.uk 31

N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 8 I S S U E …

Kickstart

The upfront section that contains all the latest news, views and product reviews that are new to the market!

Old Skool Fool

It’s always great to hear about young faces on the scootering scene. It’s inspiring; and in those moments when you sometimes might wonder if anything refreshing will enter onto the scene, people like Aaron Williams rock-up and deliver a blend of youth with an ‘Old Skool’ classic custom...

Auto Retro

Taking inspiration from an idea and then putting your own mark on your prized possession is one thing; but doing it several times to a high standard is another…

Mia Casa

Stan’s Casa 185 kit has now covered 5000 miles and has visited nine countries. This month he presents Scootering’s longest ever road test to date.

BSSO Racing

The BSSO series was once again hosted by the Time Attack Organisation to provide a fascinating range of vehicles for petrolheads to watch – ranging from Lambretta scooters to vintage Formula 1 cars!

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CALL 01507 529529 and QUOTE SCODEC18 VISIT – www.classicmagazines.co.uk/scodec18 * UK only offer and expires 31/12/18

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32 www.o2w.co.uk

TCX Hero GoreTex Boots

RRP: £219.99 | Reviewer: Ross O2W Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★

I’m pretty partial to a pair of TCX boots. Over the last couple of years I’ve had the chance to test a few pairs, from fashion-styled boots through to dedicated touring and adventure boots – and I’ve been impressed every time. More recently, I’ve got my hands on (or rather, feet in) a pair of their new GoreTex Hero waterproof boots.

Brand-new for 2018, Italian footwear specialist TCX has introduced these GoreTex waterproof boots to its ever expanding urban line. In short, the Hero boots are casually-styled boots with a retro/ vintage aesthetic – styled to look just as good on the bike as off it, while offering ample protection too. And they do the job well. 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.

PRODUCT REVIEWS

BC Battery Controllers K900 Edge 6V/12V (including 12v adaptor) RRP: £68.99 | Reviewer: Ross O2W Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★

Arguably most important is the fact that they are packed with all the necessary safety features to keep you safe out on the tarmac, as well as being really comfortable too.

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 pretty much straight out of the box. In fact, they’re so comfortable, I’ve been wearing them every day, regardless of whether I’m riding or not.

If you’ve not heard of BC Battery Controllers before, that’s because the Italian brand is fairly new to the UK. It produces a wide range of chargers and accessories, to make charging batteries across a massive range of vehicles a doodle. Earlier this year, we got our hands on a batch of its top quality kit, and have taken the chance to put it through its paces.

The BC K900 Edge is a versatile piece of kit. It’s the only battery charger and maintainer in BC’s range that’s suitable for all 6V and 12V lead-acid batteries – and can be powered using a 12V port in a car or on a motorcycle. Best of all, it’s simple and straightforward to use – and over the last few months, I’ve had no problems with it at all. What more could you ask for?

Admittedly, they’re priced at the higher end of the scale for what’s widely considered to be a fashion boot, but looks can be deceiving – and 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 definitely take a look at these boots. ▶ Info: www.nevis.uk.com

Its 6V and 12V programs have been developed for complete care of all 6V and 12V batteries, from recovery and charging through to desulfation and maintenance – as well as testing the battery at the end of the charging cycle. So if you’re in the market for a versatile battery controller, that’s as happy charging your car as it is your motorcycle – look no further. ▶Info: www.jawsmotorcycles.co.uk

www.o2w.co.uk 33

AT A GLANCE

Aprilia RS125 Replica GP

A sports bike aimed squarely at younger riders, the Aprilia RS125 Replica GP offers a good blend of style and substance.

IN DETAIL: 1 125cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine 2 Aluminium perimeter frame 3 41mm upside down front fork, wheel travel 110mm 4 Asymmetric rear swingarm with monoshock, wheel travel 120mm 5 300mm stainless steel front disc brake with radial 4-piston caliper 6 218mm stainless steel rear disc brake and caliper with single 30mm piston 7 820mm seat height 8 14.5 litre fuel tank capacity

8

WE SAY: “A range of technological refinements worthy of a true superbike”

7

RECOMMENDED PRICE: £4799 (incl VAT + OTR charges)

2

CONTACT: CONTACT: www.aprilia.com/uk

1 3 6

4

5

O2W RATING*: *Currently untested

A1 LICENCE

34 www.o2w.co.uk

www.o2w.co.uk 35

On Two Wheels

For sale

AJS 16MS 350cc, 1955, last year of the Jampot on the road, in very original condition, good reliable easy starting bike, sound engine and gearbox, new rear tyre, good front, £3495 ovno. Tel. 07551 94566.

Email: jcbeddisd11@ blueyonder.co.uk Bristol.

BENELLI RS350 1977, tax & MoT exempt, very rare bike, £1995.

Tel. 07810 162057.

Northumberland.

BSA STARFIRE 250cc, 1969, the one with the HD forks and twin l/shoe front brake, exc cond, £3250. Tel. 01376 343559.

N Essex.

BSA HAGON GRASS BIKE B25, 250 engine, rebuit, tuned, engine on petrol, new rims and s/s spokes, frame coated, your chance to own a British classic, £1500. For full details tel. Dave 07583 532153. Staffs.

CLASSIFIED BSA ROAD ROCKET 650cc, 1957, alloy hub model, with rev counter, driven from mag, all standard and show condition, red/black and chrome, a very handsome machine, £7995. Tel. 01376 343559.

Essex.

CCM 636 Scrambler, built on 2001 R30, Akront rims, brand new 19” f/Talon hubs, new TKC80 tyres, new discs f&r, new pads, new service inc cam belt, new front master cylinder and clutch perch, KE175 tank with new paint, one off leather seat, subframe with loop p/coated along with s/arm and stand, GPS retro speedo, overhauled suspension, £3795. Tel. 077070 20891.

CZ 250 1978, starts nicely, runs sweetly, many parts replaced, £700. Tel. 01803 554093. Devon.

HONDA CB500 2001, 31k, MoT, red, gold wheels, good solid bike. Tel. 01691 831139. Powys.

FAZER S2 600cc, a fantastic clean example, always garaged, 2008 model, only 10k miles, £3000 ono. Tel. 07808 879999. Doncaster.

HONDA CBR250R 2011, 8,200 miles, h/grips, top box, charging point, lowering kit, fitted comfort seat, never seen rain, owned by 86 year old, one owner, £2000.

Tel. 01748 821217. N Yorks.

HONDA CBR600 exc cond, looks great, class C, ridden daily for past 3 months and it’s worked without any problems, I’m looking for £2000 for quick sale and will consider reasonable offers. Tel. 07786 256758.

Yorks.

HONDA CG125 2004 model, 30k, excellent running order, with good tyres and electrics likewise, e/start model with fuel gauge, MoT, £1250. Tel. 07504 327299. Torquay.

HONDA DAX ST70 1978, full service, 13,032 miles, MoTs from 1997-2006 plus year’s MoT 3/9/2019, been in storage 10 years, all good, £2850 ono. Tel. 07706 865045. indiansnowy59@ hotmail.co.uk .

HONDA CBR600FY 2001, recent tyres, chain and sprockets, red/black, tidy bike, £1650. Tel. 01484 710455. W Yorks.

HONDA CBR600F 2000, 50k miles, MoT May 2019, full s/h, black, runs well, £1200 ono. Tel. 07925 128612. Oxford.

HONDA MSX125 2016, red/gold, 4,500 miles, Arrow silencer, new Michelin tyres, rebuilt seat, braided hoses, windscreen, full s/h, reluctant sale, £2250. Tel. 01293 518375. Sussex.

HONDA NTV650 650cc, 19 9 6 , repair or restoration, project, spares, mechanically sound, £150. Tel. 01480 353376. Cambs.

HONDA S/WING 2010, Super Honda 125, garaged 4 years, serviced

by Honda, new tyres, brake pads etc, with extras, 11k miles, £1600 firm. Tel. 077890 61218.

Yorks/Humbs.

HONDA VISION DX 80cc, 1988. Tel. 07905 135424.

Cornwall.

SELLING YOUR BIKE IS

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HONDA SH300 scooter, 2007, red, MoT Aug 19, good tyres and antilock brakes, big wheels, 27k, exc cond, quick and economical, £1295 ono.

Tel. 01246 200842; 07935 175649. Derbys.

HONDA NC750XD 2017, blue, mint condition, DCT Puig screen, driving lights, heated grips, 3,704 miles, registered May 2017, top box and panniers, £5500 ono. Tel. 07376 560655.

Derbys.

HONDA XR125L 2008, fully serviced and MoT Sept 2019, selling due to broken foot (sad to let go), 2,500 miles, £2500.

Tel. 0777 5816012. Bolton, Lancs. azhar712@hotmail. com HYOSUNG (SUZUKI) GT 250cc Sport, ‘V’ twin engine, upside-down forks etc etc, “Ducati appearance” budget cost but still A1 quality, 56 reg, under 7,000 miles, shop condition/serviced, A2 friendly, MoT April 19, dare to offer! £895. Tel. 01509 413426. Leics.

KTM 390 DUKE 2017, KTM guaranteed May 19, 5,340 miles, full KTM s/h, fully loaded with extras: screen, h/guards, h/grips, hugger, tail tidy, Akrapovic, crash bungs, Wavy f/disc, £2995 firm.

Tel. 07866 622196. N Yorks.

Choose one of the following methods: 1/ ONLINE www.o2w.co.uk 2/ EMAIL freeads@o2w.co.uk 3/ POST O2W Reader Adverts, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR

JAMES COMET 1948 53, rigid frame, any condition, mostly all main parts, in IF engine.

Tel. 01245 353684. Essex.

MATCHLESS G12 650, 1959, rebored with new shell bearings, 12v conversion and rewired, MoT and tax exempt, £4300 ono. Tel. 01772-613288. Lancs.

KAWASAKI 454 LTD nice low seat height, good condition, MoT May 2019, 21k, £1295. Tel. 07964 310995. W Sussex.

KSR MOTO EPICO 50, 2013, mint, derestricted scooter, 45mph, peach of a sports scoot, red, MoT until April 2019, 4,028 km, only £300; reluctant sale, a bargain! Tel. 07903 779162. Gtr Man. LEXMOTO FMS 125cc, 2015 Sept, MoT, red, 6k miles, like new, garaged, serviced, £600; Baotian BT49 QT,2 010, 4,250 miles, black, many new parts, bills, MoT 25.5.19, stored, garaged, £300, £900 the pair, manual.

01840 211762. Cornwall.

LEXMOTO VENOM 2016, 125cc, green, this bike is like new, first to see will buy, 1,200 miles from new, £1100. Tel. 01942 269134. Man. PIAGGIO X10 Executive, 2012, 13,500 miles, MoT til Aug, new battery, brake pads, 2 screens, top box, maintained to a high standard by mature owner, two previous owners, owned 5 years, selling due to lack of use, exc cond, no faults, £2200. Tel. 01795 533465 or 0790 4054370. E Kent.

ROYAL ENFIELD Crusader Sport, 1959, lots of work done but needs finishing, wheels need rebuilding, other than that its done, on Sorn, t&t exempt, £2250 ono. Tel. 01925 492595.

ROYAL ENFIELD C5 cream/ maroon, 17 miles, c/w extra sports silencer and original rider and pillion seats, all as new, with handbook etc, £3250.

Tel. 01376 343559. Essex.

SINNIS CAFE RACER 125cc retro style motorbike, very low miles (1,750), exc cond, garaged, well looked after, all paperwork, fsh, Suzuki derived engine, 4 stroke, 5 sp trans, e/start, MoT, can be ridden on CBT, windscreen not inc in sale. Tel. 07779 776508.

ROYAL ENFIELD 2016, 500cc, full s/h, good cond, as new, genuine reason for sale, £3150 ono. Tel. 01271 343790.

N Devon.

ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 500 2016, full s/h, exc cond, low miles, panniers, private reg, £3000 ono. Tel. 07713 160796.

Scotland.

SCOMADI TL125 red/ black, 2016 reg, only 1,500 miles, just dealer serviced, MoT til March 2019, great cond, £2500.

Tel. 07769 701284. Leics.

SUZUKI BURGMAN 400 2013, 4,500 miles, Givi screen, top box, as new, any trial, £3600. Tel. 07455 641125. N Yorks.

Selling your bike is FREE for private readers

Online: www.o2w.co.uk Email: freeads@o2w.co.uk Post: O2W Reader Adverts, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR Parts for sale

SINNIS APACHE 250 Supermoto, 2014, 8,390 miles, dry weather use, MoT March 2019, good cond except tachometer not working, £950. Tel. 01747 824018 or 07762 081578.

Dorset.

SUZUKI GSX 650F fuel oval carbon end can, power bronze d/b screen and hugger, Renntec rack, gel brake lines, mirror extenders, £325 plus p&p. Tel. 07904 956158.

TRIUMPH TROPHY TR6 1970, 62k miles, major rebuild 8k miles ago, full Avon fairing, v reliable, easy starter, not concours but very nice, £7500 ovno. Tel. 01978 760640. Wrexham.

TRIUMPH SPRINT ST 955I 2002, great VFR style Triple, full MoT on sale, kept indoors, totally std plus ABM higher bars, R&G bungs, orig bars inc, factory racing green, not done 12k, £2400. Tel. 07792 887729. Stockport.

YAMAHA MAXIM 1981, XJ650 Custom Model, 10 months’ MoT, recent service, new battery, excellent condition, chrome likewise, reluctant sale due to ill health, £1600. Tel. 07504 327299. Torquay.

YAMAHA first reg Mar 17, ABS model, fitted with fat grips, Powerbronze screen and protective sliders, rear bobbins for easier access to the chain, c/w front bobbins ready to fit, just had new battery fitted after the winter lay up, 113.45 bhp, an all-rounder easy, fun commute, comfortable and economical, ABS ensures that you will get maximum grip should you need to stop quickly, has always been covered and garaged, c/w orig docs and keys. Tel. 07748 806615.

YAMAHA FAZER FZS 2000, W, 20,691 miles, MoT Jun 19, 600cc, unused 7 years, in heated garage, good cond, new chain and sprockets, Scottoiler s/s rad cover, eng bars, hugger etc, too fast for 71 year old! (also s/s pipes and silencer and carrier as new, sold separately) £2000 no offers. Tel. Stuart 0191 4692783. N East.

YAMAHA MT09 ABS, £6300.

Tel. 07748 806615. W Sussex.

YAMAHA XJ650 1981, ‘Maxim’ custom import, 32k miles, Candy red, exc cond with good chrome c/bar, MoT, recent service, £1600. Tel. 07504 327299. Torquay.

YAMAHA YZF 20 0 0, vgc, 2 keys, D/t alarm, immobiliser, build last 10 years, MoT, s/s exhaust, £2250 ono. Tel. 07925 340627 for details. Bristol.

ALLOY RIMS very narrow, 19” dia, 36-hole, suit 50cc racer, £60 pair; 2.00 x 17 new (not old stock) moped, tyres and tubes, cost over £60; sell £40 the set. Tel. 01293 410976. Gatwick.

BIKE JOCKEY for bikes with side stand only, as new, cost £140, £75 ono. Tel. 07850 607141. Rutland, Leics.

BSA B25 250cc frame, forks, swinging arm and shock absorbers, ideal off-road project or road use, £195 . Tel. 07899 890537. Surrey. bsageoff@live.co.uk FT500 SPARE PARTS for sale complete engine turning, an engine in pieces, forks, wheels, carburettor, shocks and much more. We are close to Crystal Palace. Tel. John Goff 07572 124508.

HARLEY SILENCERS part no.

6568240, vgc, fit softtail etc, originally on my “Night train” 2006, will include ‘free’ belt guard, air filter cover, foot rests, £150 ono. Tel. 07840 364013. Bucks.

HONDA ST1100 panniers in midi blue metallic, exc condi, £80 the pair; rear wheel and cush drive, fitted with very usable Bridgestone 020, £50; original Honda screen, as new, £30; number plate hanger, £10. Tel. 0208 5088994. London/Essex.

ITALIAN PARTS large accumulation of Ducati, lesser amount Benelli, Cagiva, Morini, Laverda, sell or exchange anything considered? . Tel. 07833 906288. Essex.

L AMBRET TA SCOMADI FORKS and all bits to make up full set, new parts, all for Series 3/2 LI/TV/SX models, £180; Lambretta engine casings, Series 2 & 3, loads of parts to make up an engine, all Innocenti. Vespa small frame/PK lot sod parts, forks, wheels and tyres, panels, all sorts. Tel. 07907 598250 for details.

Worcs. johnbill12346@ gmail.com

LOTS GL1200 SPARES CBF 1000 front mudguard, £35; nylon touring jacket, armoured, 44”-46”, mint, £60; Thunderbird 900 side panels, black, £60 plus p&p; Hagon chrome rear shocks, mint, boxed, £100. Tel. 07434 513161.

MASH REAR CARRY RACK Roadstar 400, like new, £65 . Tel. 01943 463935.

W Yorks.

QUILL T3 stainless end can, suitable 2001 Honda Fireblade, exc cond, half listed price, £60. Tel. 01507 478397. Lincs.

SET OF 4 YAMAHA Fazer orange indicator lenses, part no 50R-00318, from a 1999 bike, good cond, £10. 07505 464654.

Stourbridge.

SPARE PARTS for Honda Superdream 250 and Suzuki GS500, £150; rebuilt engine for Suzuki GS500, £180. Tel. 01299 210758 for details. Worcs.

SU CARBURETTOR with manifold, air cleaner, fuel pipe and fuel filter, spare jets, plus manual for Harley Davidson Shovelhead Model 3, £250 ono. Tel. 01793 855055 (if answerphone please leave a message I will return your call).

Wilts.

TWIN BIKE TRAILER c/w ramp, spare wheel and trailer board. £225. Tel. 01797 222408. E Sussex.

VILLIERS 4F 98cc, engine/ transmission almost complete, £150; James Francis Barnett frame/ rear mudguard, swing arm 98/150/175 pressed steel, 1955-1959? £60; wheels, hubs, cheap 98cc, exhaust/silencer, £35. Tel. 01293 410976.

Gatwick.

TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE end can in box, £60; indicators, £20 pair; chrome mirrors, £20 pair.

Tel. 07402 223755.

TRIUMPH VOKES air filter, £40; twist grip, £20; tank grill, £20; tele fork parts, £60; Norton fork parts, call Manx racing leves, £40 pair; damper rod, £20; Ariel “Burgess” silencer, new, £60. Tel. 0208 8944704. Middx.

KAWASAKI Z200 front mudguard and back good condition, carb also seat with KZ305 engine casing, GPZ 305 clutch basket going. Tel. 07425 716876. W Yorks.

WANTED SUZUKI INVADER/ T200 1968, parts, all parts required, restoration/ winter project on the go, taken old parts off, not good enough to go back.

Tel. Kris 07581 177445.

Wales.

YAMAHA HANDLEBARS: pull back type from 650 Maxim and similar to Yamaha Special, exc condition and chrome likewise, £20. Tel. 07504 327299. Torquay, Devon.

YAMAHA R3 2017, rear seat cowl, in blue. Tel. 01242 581322. Glos.

Wanted ANY MAKE OR SIZE classic motorcycle wanted, in any condition, from a basketcase to one in nice condition, cash waiting.

Tel. 07811 189755. Staffs.

BSA BANTAM TRIALS or trail machine wanted prefer one road registered and suitable for trials, may consider Triumph Cubs an option. Tel. 01539 722466. Kendal.

CHAIN TENSIONER and sound fork stanchions wanted for Yamaha TY80 twin shock trials bike.

Tel Les 07443 394797.

Cumbria.

DURKOPP DIANA SPORT Please help, must be good condition. Tel. Graham 01322 275022.

Kent.

JACK SURTEES DEALER BADGE 1950s, the type attached to a panel on a new bike when sold, brass or alloy Forest Hill London, keen to purchase. Tel. 01223 350289 eves. Cambs. stanley.stan@btinternet. com HONDA CB200, 1976, anyone got or know where is neutral switch, can be found plese, have tried all usual places. Tel. Peter 01704 542012; 07855 590989.

Merseyside. Email: peterwoods@talktalk.net

CLASSIFIEDS

HONDA CB200 1976, anyone got or know where is neutral switch, can be found please, have tried all usual places. Tel. 01704 542012; 07855 590989. Merseyside. peterwoods@talktalk.net YAMAHA FSE1 any wanted, any condition. Tel. 07774 534400. Beds.

LEWIS LEATHERS bike jacket wanted, D. Lewis, Aviakit, any colour, size, maybe you have one taking up space at the back of your wardrobe, good price paid, older the better. Tel. 01223 350289 eves. Cambs. stanley.stan@btinternet. com OWNERS HANDBOOK for Suzuki GN250. Tel. 0161 4564218.

RICKMAN SUITCASE pannier keys, it’s a Sudhalls No. 766 required, buy, beg, borrow, whatever!! Tel. Mike 077170 75814. W Yorks.

STILL LOOKING FOR TANK for ER5 Kawasakik, 206 reg, or number of a breaker for bikes. Tel. 07986 465088.

TRAIL BIKE WANTED privately. Classic or modern, must be road based, not full Enduro or Moto-X, any condition considered, willing to travel. Tel. 07867 904777.

Derbys. cb.shipley@ hotmail.co.uk

Miscellaneous ARIEL by C. W. Walker, all models from 1933: Tuning For Speed by P. E. Irving; Modern Motorcycle Maintenance by Bernal Osborne 3rd Edition: all signs of use with no damage, £30 each. Tel. 01484 710455. W Yorks.

CUBE TEXTILE LEGGINGS size small, new, never worn, £40 ono. Tel. Ali 01793 855055 (please leave a message. Wilts.

FRANK THOMAS ‘Lady Rider’, textile jacket and trousers, size 18, black/ grey, vgc, £50; JTS ladies black leather jacket, with braided detail, insulate lining, vgc, size 16, £30.

Tel. 07821 2560204.

Devon.

FRANK THOMAS Sabre w/proof jacket, high performance tech fabric, size XXL, Ballistic hard wearing and abrasion resistant, (cost £130 new), worn about once, as new condition, bargain £50. Tel. 07504 327299.

Torquay.

CBF1000 f/mudguard, vgc, £35; reverse cone silencers, mint, £100; lots GL1200 spares, Vetter fairing, £50 inc fittings; Hagon chrome rear shocks, £100; V-Max 1200 radiator mesh, £50.

Tel. 07434 513161. Lancs.

CHILD’S KTM dirt bike clothing, pants x2, riding shirts x2, helmet, body armour, vgc, suit 7/8 year old Offers. Tel. 07968 315098. Wilts.

FRANK THOMAS KINETIK BOOT size 43, used once, as new, £30 ono; RST jacket, black with white RST motif, as new, size M42, £30 ono. Tel. 0121 3601525. W Mids. griffiths.gg@yahoo.co.uk HELMET open face, £20; boots, size 10, £20; onepiece suite, £20; large bike cover, £20; wax cotton jacket, £20; sissy bar and pad, £20; disc lock, £10; U-lock, £10. Tel. 01228 530241. Carlisle.

HEINE GERICKE black touring suit, hardly worn, also boots, gloves, etc, suit 6ft medium build man, £100. Tel. 07850 607141. Leics.

HYDRAULIC LIFT ‘B2 Superlift’, under frame type, as new, new cost £300+, bargain at v. heavy so buyer to collect, £125. Tel. 01604 831349. Northampton. cabailey83@googlemail. com LOTS GL1200 SPARES: CBF1000 front mudguard, £35; nylon touring jacket, armoured, 44”-46”, mint, £60; Thunderbird 900 side panels, black, £60 plus p&p; Hagon chrome rear shocks, mint, boxed, £100. Tel. 07434 513161.

Lancs.

PAIR OF PADDOCK STANDS as new, £35 ono. Tel. 07850 607141. Rutland, Leics.

MINI CHAMPS MODELS all as new, over 200 for sale, original event posters, Moto GP etc, signed photos, limited edition prints, call or email for full details. Tel. 07939 782121.

Cambs.

SHOEI MOTOR CYCLE sports performance jacket, medium size, includes removable zip lining & body armour for back, elbows & shoulders; £25; Belstaff Stylmartin motor cycle boots, size 7; £20.

Tel. 01582 659540. Beds.

SUPERLIFT B2 HYDRAULIC LIFT to 20” with wheels, cost new £300+, as new, 500kg capacity, £125 buyer collects due to weight. Tel. 01604 831349. Northants.

MOTORC YCLE JACKET for sale, Trialmaster Professional by Belstaff (Gold Label), size 48, vgc, £30 plus post. Tel. 078660 90035; 01565 750812.

SHOEI SPORTS PERFORMANCE m/c jacket, medium size, inc removable zip lining plus body armour for back, elbows and shoulders, £30; motorcycle, black leather, St ylmar tin boots, size 7, £20; retired biker. Tel. 01582 659540.

Luton, Beds.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE The Development History, J. R. Nelson, spotless, £10 plus postage; also Honda CB500, 1998-on, Handbook onwards, also CBF600 N8, 2008 onwards, both genuine Honda, £6 each plus postage; both spotless.

J. A. PRESTWICK MODEL 3 army motor battery charger, runs, demo, £150; Willis Jeep, 12v battery charger, pull chord start, £150; both 4-stroke engines. Tel. 01767 691209 (leave message will ring back).

Beds.

WEISE OVERBOOTS size XL, unused, waterproof with heal instep, £10; also Yamaha pull-back style handlebars from XJ650 Maxim, exc cond, £20. Tel. 07504 327299. Torquay.

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