YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE ON TWO WHEELS NEW METAL FOR 2018 January 2018 Issue 8
On Two Wheels
Learners
Commuters
BIKES TESTED THIS ISSUE Benelli Leoncino An iconic motorcycle reimagined
Buying
A pictorial look at the international shows
Riding
PAGE 18
XMAX 400 LAUNCH
PAGE 24
The Speedfight4 20 years of French flair updated
PAGE 22
CRUiSYM 300 SYM’s multi-
functional sports scooter
PAGE 28
PAGE 14
PRODUCT REVIEWS O2W’s opinion on some of the latest products PAGE 26
RIDING ADVICE & LEGAL TIPS
PAGE 30
WATTS NEW FOR 2018
PAGE 10
Tyre safety commitment Highways England is aiming to drive down the number of people killed and injured on the country’s motorways and major A-roads by focusing on tyre safety. The government company is working to slash road casualties by 40% by 2020 and believes tyre safety has an important contribution to make over the next few years. In 2016, tyre-related incidents on Britain’s roads led to eight fatalities and 120 serious injuries. Working with partners as diverse as the NHS and tyre manufacturers, Highways England is exploring and experimenting with a series of projects to help commuters – including bike riders – keep tyres in tip-top condition and reduce the number of breakdowns and blow-outs. Stuart Lovatt, Highways England’s road safety lead, said: “Tyre failure is often due to incorrect inflation or worn treads. This can lead to everything from frustrating congestion caused by breakdowns to catastrophic collisions and tragic loss of life. We are committed to dramatically reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on our motorways and major A-roads. A focus on tyre safety will be a key activity for us over the next few years with an emphasis on reaching out to particularly vulnerable road users.” Initiatives being refined or developed include: ● Two pilot schemes in Lancashire and Yorkshire equipping fire fighters with mobile 3D scanners to give drivers accurate tread depth readings and safety advice at public events ● Equipping Highways England’s traffic officer service with hundreds of manual tread gauges so they can help people make judgements about tyre health at events. ● Investigating ways of quickly scanning vehicles for other issues such as tyre tread depth or overheating brakes. ● Working with tyre firm Bridgestone to analyse the causes of tyre-related incidents and tyre damage. Tyre-related incidents can be caused by under-inflation or over-inflation, bulges, blisters and cracks and other signs of weathering. ! Info: www.tyresafe.org/
On Two Wheels
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In Brief New MOT reminder service launches
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has launched a trial version of a new service which reminds drivers by text message and email when their MOT is due. When you sign up, you’ll get a reminder four weeks before your MOT is due, then two weeks before your MOT is due, and if you fail to get it tested, you’ll be alerted that your vehicle no longer has an MOT. To subscribe, you just need to visit the DVSA website, and enter your vehicle’s registration number and a mobile phone number or email address. You’ll get a reminder every year until you unsubscribe.
All change for TGB
Met Police combat bike theft Metropolitan Police have commissioned four specialist off-road ready BMW F700GS bikes, in addition to new DNA sprays and mobile stinger devices, in the fightback against moped gangs at the centre of the crime epidemic spreading the UK. Met Commissioner Cressida Dick has called on London’s communities to ‘mobilise’ and ‘channel their outrage’ against the moped thugs to make the streets safer. She said: “I have been clear that tackling violence is my priority. I was angered by the apparent perception among some criminals that they could operate with near impunity, committing strings of offences using scooters. “We have brought all our tactics and specialists together to use every ethical option to put a stop to the rise; arrest those responsible; disrupt offenders; dismantle the criminal markets that make these offences lucrative and change the public’s behaviour to make them a part of our effort.” The new BMWs will be ridden by highly-trained motorcycle officers and will be used to set up ambushes for moped thieves, rather than for pursuit. One source said: “They will be able to get ahead of moped gangs and set up traps using the mobile stingers or the DNA spray. Editor: Mau Spencer Publisher: Dan Savage Staff writer: Ross Mowbray Contributors: Gary Chapman, Paul Fincham, Martin Freeman, Mikko Nieminen, ‘Chef’ Prendergast, Jonathan Schofield. Apologies to anyone we’ve forgotten. Editorial design: Fran Lovely Picture desk: Paul Fincham, Jonathan Schofield, Angie Sisestean Production editor: Dan Sharp Divisional advertising team leader: Zoe Thurling 01507 529412 Marketing manager: Charlotte Park Commercial director: Nigel Hole Customer services number: 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open Monday-Friday 8.30am-7pm, Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm
It gives us much greater flexibility and movement.” Police have already begun using the DNA spray – which is sprayed on suspects, who cannot be chased for safety reasons, and can be picked up under UV light if they’re later arrested. Impressively, the spray can link suspects to moped crimes committed weeks earlier. The Met said the latest statistics showed a 25% reduction in the number of powered two wheelers stolen in the last six months to the end of September. There was also a 24% fall in the number of mopedrelated crimes over the same period and rising arrest rates and convictions of prolific offenders. The Met also revealed it is using tactics successfully deployed by the Trident Gangs team to respond to scooter offences – targeting moped riding criminals for other offences where
possible. Officers are also manning a 24/7 police control room to watch for scooter offences anywhere in London and co-ordinate an immediate response to tackle them. Ms Dick said: “We know that our criminal cohort committing crime on scooters also carry knives and have links to networks who handle stolen property and who also deal drugs. So if you are a persistent phone thief – using a scooter to commit your crimes – and we can prove your involvement in other offences, such as drug dealing, you will be arrested. “This is where the public can help us. I want to mobilise communities, to channel their outrage as part of a joint effort to make our streets safer. Look after your belongings, follow our security advice and tell us about the people who are responsible for crime in your communities.”
Silverstone to host British GP for three more years Dorna Sports has announced that Silverstone Circuit will continue to host the British round of the FIM MotoGP World Championship for the next three years. The 2018 event will take place over the weekend of August 24-26, with the contract securing the future of MotoGP racing in the UK following the termination of the Circuit of Wales agreement. Carmelo Ezpeleta, Dorna Sports CEO, added: “Silverstone is an iconic British circuit, so naturally we are pleased to be able to
continue racing at this track. The United Kingdom is an important market for Dorna and has to remain on the MotoGP calendar, especially with the introduction of the British Talent Cup next year, which we hope will inspire the next generation of young British talent. We look forward to giving fans more action over the British Grand Prix weekend and I’m sure fans will be as happy as we are that Silverstone remains on the calendar for the next three years.”
Following the retirement of Trevor Barnett, who imported TGB scooters and spares under the Astro General Corporation (AGC) trade name, One-Stop-Motorcycles is dealing with all business interests relating to the TGB brand. The company has set up a new website (www.tgbparts.co.uk) and they can also be reached via email (sales@one-stop-motorcycles. co.uk) or phone on 01675 238306.
Euro 4 deadline approaches for moped reg change Time is running out for any pre-Euro 4 mopeds to be registered for use on UK roads. From January 1, 2018, the new moped Euro 4 regulations come into force. A limited number of pre-Euro 4 vehicles may still be available, but they should be clearly marked as ‘end of series’ by the importer. If you’re the sort of person who is looking for a bargain (and isn’t too concerned about owning a pre-Euro 4 moped), then keep an eye open for pre-registered stock at discounted prices.
Northants council introduces more rider concessions The forward-thinking team at Northamptonshire County Council (whom we have reported on before in O2W) has introduced a set of concessions to encourage motorcycle and scooter use throughout the county. The concessions include the use of bus lanes, road repairs and road planning to show consideration to bike riders, educating students and making it easier to access bike training, encouraging employers to provide bike rider facilities, plus additional parking areas, including secure parking with lock anchor points and security cameras.
Shocking statistics ● Young riders are 2.5 times more likely to be injured in an accident. ● Motorcyclists are 24 times more likely to be killed in a collision than other road users.
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Fan favourite Rutter to star at Winter Classic show in January
Few motorcycle racers can boast a CV that comes close to Michael Rutter’s and he will be the Guest of Honour at the Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic show. In a career spanning over 20 years, which goes back to the early 1990s when a teenage Rutter took to the track following in his famous father Tony’s footsteps, Michael has amassed a total of 14 North West 200 wins, an unequalled eight Macau victories and five Isle of Man TT wins, and he’s still on winning form in the BSB Superstock too. With his laid-back and modest approach, Michael has always been a fan favourite, and he is guaranteed to share some great stories, during his stage appearances over the weekend of January 6-7, 2018.
Exhibition manager Nick Mowbray said: “We’ve worked hard to establish the Carole Nash Winter Classic as the official start to the classic year, and this year we’re really pulling out all the stops. Due to the high demand from clubs and trade alike, two new halls have been added, making the largest show in this fantastic event’s short history. We can’t wait to see what 2018 brings!”
Scooters galore!
The scooter scene has always formed an important part of the Winter Classic, and it’s no different for 2018. Classic Scooterist magazine editor Mau Spencer has helped to grow the scooter element of the show, with plans to make 2018’s the most prolific yet: “If everything goes to plan, it looks
like this could be the biggest and best Scooter World we’ve ever done. In a bid to keep things fresh, we’re changing the format slightly, adding various interactive attractions inside (and outside) the halls to keep everyone entertained. I’m particularly looking forward to the new Mods & Rockers retro show theme, and would encourage as many people as possible to dig out the slick suits or scruffy leather jackets and join in on the fun!” The show is a chance to explore hundreds of classic bikes and scooters – offering the chance for restorers to pick up a brand new project for 2018, find the parts and spares to complete a restoration, and enjoy another year of motorcycling. It’s not too late to get your last minute entry in. ! Info: www.classicbikeshows.com
Bosch unveils its latest two-wheeled tech
Bosch’s latest intelligent on-board systems aim to make life easier for riders and increase safety too. Here’s a snapshot of what the German tech giant is working on.
The world’s first eBike ABS Bosch is launching the first production-ready anti-blocking system for eBikes in the form of its eBike ABS. The combination of front wheel ABS and rear wheel lift control helps to increase safety.
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Motorcycle stability control The world’s first complete ABS system detects the degree of tilt and individually distributes the braking force between the front and rear wheels. !
Motorcycle anti-blocking system ! Bosch’s ABS10 is now 30% smaller and 45% lighter than before. It is even suitable for small two-wheelers of up to 250cc.
Connectivity Control Unit Bosch’s connectivity control unit (CCU) uses cloud and internal data from your bike to improve vehicle safety, by monitoring vehicle stability and, if necessary, triggering the appropriate actions. The Bosch CCU can be used in many different applications – it can help locate a stolen two-wheeler, or serve as the basis for eCall, bCall, and iCall technology.
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TfL introduces training and safety initiatives Transport for London (TfL) and the mayor of London have launched a range of measures to raise standards within the motorcycle delivery industry, and on training to improve the confidence and skills of the capital’s motorcyclists. The move is part of TfL and the mayor’s Vision Zero approach to eliminating fatal and serious injury collisions by 2041. Figures published by TfL last month show that motorcycle riders and their pillions accounted for 27% of serious injuries and 28% of all road fatalities in the capital during 2016, despite making up just 2% of road traffic. TfL says it is working closely with the motorcycle delivery and courier industry to explore the expansion of the existing Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) to include those companies which use motorcycles in London. TfL is the first organisation in the country to work
with the industry to create a recognised standard for motorcycle delivery companies. This standard will cover areas such as management, operations, vehicles and drivers, and companies will be audited on factors including vehicle maintenance, rider training and good operations. Three new training courses have been created for motorcyclists in the capital to boost rider confidence, skills and knowledge before and after Compulsory Basic Training (CBT): ● CBT Preparation; a short, free online course aimed at new and young riders, which includes essential riding theory and key elements of the Highway Code. ● Beyond CBT; skills for delivery riders: a one-day post-CBT top-up course fully funded by TfL which teaches riders how to secure and ride with a load, plan routes, make safe deliveries and carry out routine checks on their motorcycle.
● 1-2-1 Motorcycle Skills; a free, two-hour, tailor-made one-to-one session with a qualified instructor. These courses are aimed at commuters and those who ride lower capacity motorcycles and riders can use these sessions to improve confidence on a particular route. To improve motorcycling and training standards further, TfL will also lobby the government for changes in the way motorcyclists are licensed and support the Motorcycle Industry Association’s training provider accreditation scheme. Karen Cole, MCIA director of safety and training, said: “Deliveries made on powered two wheelers help reduce congestion and therefore improving the safety of riders is critical. Making additional training available with accredited motorcycle training schools is a big step in the right direction and we are delighted to be involved in this project.”
Bike proud
The team at WMB Pride (wmbpride. bike), a subsidiary of WMB Logistics, conducted a recent study as part of ongoing research into British motorcyclists’ attitudes towards their vehicles. A total of 2188 Britons aged 18 and over, all of whom stated that they own at least one personal motorbike that they ride on a regular basis, were quizzed on the maintenance and upkeep of their bike(s). Initially all respondents were asked ‘Do you consider your motorbike to be one of your most prized possessions?’ to which the vast majority (83%) stated that ‘yes’ they did. When asked to explain further how well they treat their bikes, more than a third (35%) admitted ‘I treat it like it’s my own child’, with a further quarter (26%) admitting ‘my bike is given more attention and love than a romantic partner’. The respondents were provided with a list of possible tasks involving their motorbike and asked how often they undertook these tasks. 61% of respondents confessed to cleaning their motorbike on a weekly basis, 42% confessed to checking the mechanicals at least once a month and a further 17% revealed they take pictures of their bike to show family and friends, or post to social media at least once per month. Wanting to determine which region of the UK held the most bike-proud owners, all respondents were asked how long they estimated they worked on and/or maintained their motorbike on a monthly basis, as well as being asked to state what region of the UK they lived in, in order to determine regional averages. The results emerged as follows: ● West Midlands – 24 hours (amount of time spent on average per month spent working on/maintaining their motorbike) ● London – 21 hours ● Wales – 19 hours 55 minutes ● East Midlands – 18 hours 5 minutes ● North East – 15 hours ● South East – 14 hours 40 minutes ● Yorkshire & the Humberside – 12 hours 25 minutes ● Scotland – 9 hours ● Northern Ireland – 9 hours ● North West – 8 hours 15 minutes ● South West – 6 hours 50 minutes ● East of England – 6 hours
Brixton discounts its motorcycle range The UK distributor of Brixton Motorcycles has announced price cuts across its motorcycle range. The popular Austrian brand currently has three models available in its range including the BX125, the BX125 Café racer and the BX125 Scrambler. They will be priced as follows:
● BX125 – was £2799 – now £2499 ● BX125R – was £2999 – now £2599 ● BX125S – was £2999 – now £2699 The Brixton range is set to grow for 2018 with the introduction of the Granville 250 and the Haycroft 125 that were unveiled at EICMA – check out the O2W New Metal section to see what they look like.
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New handlebar muffs
NEW PRODUCTS
RRP: From £39.99 Tucano Urbano has launched a range of new handlebar muffs ready for the worst of winter. No matter your ride, TU should have the model to suit your needs. There’s the R367X model which is designed to fit trail and enduro bikes with handguards made from an EVA outer material and features a faux fur lining. For scooters without bar end weights, the waterproof neoprene R362X model features an elastic windproof adjuster – and for scooters with bar-end weights there’s the R363X model, which also promises greater resistance against the wind, directing it away while allowing access to the brake levers. ! Info: www.tucanourbano.co.uk
Scooter lighting range
RRP: Prices vary according to requirements From budget replacement units for the cost-conscious owner through to high-quality polycarbonate lens units, VE (UK) stocks them all. And for owners of automatic scooters looking to give their scooter a facelift, a wide selection of LED tail lamps and upgraded headlamp units are also available for most popular machines. In addition, VE (UK) also stocks a complete range of bulbs suitable for 6v and 12v applications, flasher lamps, and headlamp bulb holders for a huge selection of all scooters. VE also keeps the oddities in bulbs such as the 6v 0.6W speedo bulb for many older Vespas. ! Info: www.ve-uk.com
A quick glance at some of the latest products and clothing arriving on the market
Evorider ladies leather jacket RRP: £356.78 | Sizes: 46 to 60 | Colours: White/Black, Black/Pink, Black/Red, Black/Fluo Yellow Spidi’s new Evorider ladies leather race-style jacket is made from 1.2mm Italian cowhide, which Spidi claims has been designed to be the “best fit for a lady”. It comes with CE level one multitech protection fitted to the shoulders and elbows, and there’s room for a level one or level two Warrior back protector too. Externally, shields have also been fitted on the shoulders to provide extra protection. There are optional thermal and waterproof liners available to add practicality
and there’s a zip to connect to matching trousers. ! Info: www.feridax.com
Patron gloves RRP: £169.99 | Sizes: S to 3XL | Colours: Black These new Patron gloves from Alpinestars feature CE level one protection, with a new viscoelastic PU foam compound knuckle guard with a hard cover, suede reinforcements, a TPU palm slider and a third/fourth finger bridge. Alpinestars claims they have better dexterity and tactility thanks to the Gore Grip membrane, which also offers weatherproofing. ! Info: www.oxfordproducts.com
Helmet Care Kit RRP: £29.99
A perfect stocking-filler for a biker’s Christmas, the new helmet care kit from Muc-Off consists of a can of Foam Fresh helmet liner cleaner, a bottle of Helmet and Visor Cleaner, a microfibre polishing cloth and a bottle of Anti-Fog Treatment to help keep you lid in tip top condition. ! Info: www.muc-off.com
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Winter scooter tyres
Green Park jacket RRP: £299 | Sizes: S to 3XL | Colours: Dark Green The new collection from Tucano Urbano reimagines one of the most iconic items of clothing for scooter lovers – the parka jacket. During the height of the Mod culture, the fishtail parka became iconic, due to its wide availability in pretty much any military store, its low price and its practicality. In short, it was the ideal garment to ride on scooters. Its main characteristics have remained unchanged over the years: its knee length, its large pockets, its removable liner and a hood with detachable faux fur trimming. As years have gone by, new fabrics have made this type of jacket even more effective – and TU’s new Green Park jacket incorporates the latest technology with classic styling. The Green Park jacket is constructed from technical cotton outer with a HYDROSCUD treatment that makes it totally
waterproof and windproof without compromising on breathability – and all seams are perfectly sealed too. On the inside, there’s a removable polyester lining and CE level one protection on shoulders and elbows – and there’s a pocket for back protection too. It features a waterproof inner pocket in the chest area that also has a soft microfibre cover to store glasses – and is equipped with different-sized inner and outer pockets too. There’s a multitude of adjustments on the waist, cuffs and hood (removable and with detachable faux fur trimming). ! Info: www.tucanourbano.co.uk
Patron boots
RRP: Prices vary according to requirements VE (UK) stocks a great range of winter tyres manufactured expressly for colder road surfaces that are often covered with water, slush, or even snow, ensuring increased grip in slippery conditions. ANLAS: The SC-500 is an all-weather tyre with excellent grip; it’s M&S rated for use in mud and snow. Perfect for all year-round use, it’s competitively priced. Available in 10in fitments. CONTINENTAL: The ContiMove365 is rated M&S for use in mud and snow. It’s a veritable all-rounder; not only are its all-season features impressive, but it’s also easy on the environment and the rider’s budget. Available in 12in fitments. IRC: The Urban Snow excels on wet, snowy and icy roads – with hundreds of fine radial and diagonal slats helping to offer optimum traction and stability even under harsh winter conditions. Available in 10in, 12in, and 13in fitments.
RRP: £279.99 | Sizes: 38 to 48 | Colours: Black
MICHELIN: The City Grip Winter is Michelin’s dedicated winter tyre, featuring progressive sipe technology to break up the water’s surface film ensuring excellent water clearing properties. The number of sipes in contact with the ground increases when cornering to increase grip. Available in 10in and 12in fitments. MITAS: The MC20 Monsum tyre excels in wet weather conditions and is designed to clear high volumes of water, ensuring better grip on the road surface. For owners of classic scooters, selected fitments are available in a whitewall finish. Available in 10in, 11in, and 12in fitments. ! Info: www.ve-uk.com
Pioneer jacket RRP: £149.99 | Sizes: (M) S to 5XL; (F) 10 to 18 | Colours: (Male) Black, Black/Orange, Black/Neon Yellow; (Female) Black, Black/Purple, Black/Neon Yellow Weise has launched its new Pioneer all-season textile jacket – designed with the help of Weise customers. The outer shell is made from 600 Denier textile material and comes with a built-in waterproof/breathable drop liner and a removable 120g thermal quilted lining. For warmer weather, there’s zipped ventilation on the shoulders, chest and back, plus there’s removable CE-approved armour in the shoulders, elbows and back. It’s zipped-up and sealed by a Velcro storm flap, and comes with a range of adjusters on the waist, arms, collar and cuffs. ! Info: www.keycollection.co.uk
Alpinestars has launched its new CE-certified Patron touring-style leather boots. The boots incorporate a breathable Gore-Tex waterproof membrane into their premium leather chassis. Alpinestars claims they can withstand the most rugged off-road conditions while offering high levels of comfort – and they feature twin zips (one each side) to make them easier to put on or take off. ! Info: www.oxfordproducts.com
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NEWS
The latest gossip from the electric bike market
Electric at EICMA
NIU N1S
The NIU N1S may look simple in its design, but it’s packed with top quality technology of the future. It uses state of the art lithium-ion battery packs (Panasonic, Samsung and LG manufactured) and comes with a two-year guarantee. The 29aH NIU battery pack only weighs 10kg so you can carry it indoors for in-home/ office re-charging. A full charge takes about six hours, providing an 80km range, or roughly four typical days of urban commuting.
Electric motorcycles and scooters are slowly gaining momentum across Europe, with a range of schemes offering incentives to encourage the move to electric technology – and the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan acts as the perfect platform for manufacturers to introduce their latest metal to the market. This year was no different, with more electric machines than ever on display – so we sent Ross over to Milan to check out the latest offerings, and here’s a selection of his favourite electric metal... Honda PCX
Peugeot 2.0 e-powered GenZe
Bultaco Albero
www.o2w.co.uk 11 E-Schwalbe
Vespa Elettrica
NIU M1
Bultaco Brinco KTM Freeride E-XC
NITO NES
Volta BCN City and BCN Sport Rieju Nuuk Cargo
Rieju Nuuk Urban
Rieju Nuuk Tracker
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