On Two Wheels - Issue 12

YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE ON TWO WHEELS Win gear May 2018 Issue 12

On Two Wheels

Learners

Commuters

What do you do after an accident?

See our guide to procedures PAGE 16

BIKES TESTED THIS ISSUE

Buying

Riding

WORTH OVER £400!

PAGE 5

ROYAL ALLOY GT125

Sinnis Terrain 125

Redefining the adventure motorcycle genre PAGE 14

KYMCO Like 125 Urban retro styling PAGE 18

Herald Maverick 125 A rebel with a cause PAGE 22

Does a CBT ensure rider safety?

Or should further training be required?

PAGE 20

The RA GT125 air-cooled: a modern interpretation of the classic Lambretta styling

PAGE 10

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

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NEWS

www.o2w.co.uk 3 Want to share your latest news with our readers?

Email pictures and details to editor@o2w.co.uk

We need your help!

We want to learn more about you and your views on our products, so that we can ensure they are as relevant to your needs as they can be. So we’ve created a survey form at www.o2w.co.uk which should only take you a few minutes to complete and we’d be grateful if you could take a little time to visit our website, click the link and give us your thoughts!

By way of thanks for completing the survey all respondents will be entered into a FREE PRIZE DRAW and will be in with a chance of winning riding gear worth up to £400.

Many thanks for your participation – and good luck in the prize draw!

Mau

More three wheelers ‘on the way’ So it’s not just going to be the MT-09 powered Niken three-wheeler from Yamaha – it looks as though there’s more tri-fun on the way from the manufacturer – and that’s been confirmed by president and chief executive officer Yoshihiro Hidaka.

The news comes after we first told you about Yamaha buying patents for another leaning multi-wheeler, the Brudeli Leanster. Hidaka said: “Our company is working on various initiatives with the theme of the growing

world of personal mobility in the current mid-term plan.

This is a product line-up of LMW – leaning multi-wheel.

Since the launch of Tricity commuter in 2014 we continued research and development activities and at the last year’s Tokyo Motor Show we have presented the large size sports model, Niken, which will be launched in the market this year. Not just limited to these two models we will be expanding customer base with new values of LMW.”

Leaner, cleaner, greener Tweet Peugeot’s big-wheeled Tweet 50 scooter is now cleaner and greener thanks to a new electronic carburettor that reduces emissions and improves fuel economy.

The Tweet’s 50cc four-stroke engine is now fitted with a Dell’Orto electronic carburettor, which controls the air/fuel mixture ratio, reducing fuel consumption, as well as emissions of CO2 and hydrocarbons. That’s good news for riders too, who’ll need to fill up the 5.7 litre tank less frequently thanks to fuel economy figures of 108 mpg (2.6 litres per 100km).

At just 690mm wide, it’s narrow enough to squeeze through tight gaps in traffic with confidence. Coupled with a kerb weight of just 100kg, it makes parking easy too.

Two new colour schemes (Satin Iron Grey and Dark Blue) join the line-up, alongside the existing Jet Black and Antarctica White versions. ! Info: www.peugeotscooters.co.uk | 01202 823344

Start your bike with your fingerprint Indian-based tech start-up enterprise Nevon has come up with a bit of kit that allows you to start your bike using a fingerprint scanner, in the same way that some smartphones now use one for unlocking.

Aside from offering keyless ignition, Nevon’s fingerprint bike starter system comes with an anti-theft and anti-towing feature which will alert you instantly via text message if your bike is on the move and allows you to track its position on a map. It also allows for multiple ‘authorised’ riders to operate the bike. And best of all, it retails for just over £35. ! Info: www.nevonprojects.com

On Two Wheels

On2Wheels, The Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 529529 Email: editor@o2w.co.uk

On2Wheels is published by Mortons Media Group Ltd and printed by Mortons Print

Editor: Mau Spencer Publisher: Dan Savage Staff writer: Ross Mowbray Contributors: Louise Bradley, Andy Catton, Gary Chapman, Paul Fincham, Simon Hayes, Viv King, Mikko Nieminen, Andrew ‘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

Honda’s hydrogen motorcycle takes a step closer to production More patents have appeared of Honda’s hydrogen motorcycle – this time pointing towards it eventually going into production The latest patent drawings from Honda’s R&D office give more detail about the company’s upcoming hydrogen motorcycle. In the designs, the bike’s rear wheel electric motor is shown in detail, as is the singlesided swingarm.

There’s no indication on the overall physical size of the motorcycle, but given the outline drawing’s proportions, it doesn’t look like something small. At the very least, this hydrogen/electric motorcycle appears to be a 750cc sized equivalent bike or possibly larger.

The descriptions with the drawings go into some detail about Honda upping the structural strength of the bike’s swingarm. Previous designs

have been found to be too weak to carry the usual forces of the motorcycle’s weight and chassis passing through the unit, plus the electric motor and internal braking system – this latest design concentrates on strengthening the cast parts which make up the swingarm’s external walls.

All of this points to Honda getting serious about production concerns in the road-ready version of its first hydrogen motorcycle. With Japan’s government working to a plan to have 40,000 fuel cell vehicles on Japan’s road by 2020 (and a 160-strong network of filling stations across the country by the same deadline) things are looking much more serious for this motorcycle – expect a pre-production version of it to appear at the end of 2018 under the ‘concept’ banner.

Riding with Britain’s moped crime gangs BBC 3 has delved deep into the British underworld, spending time with some of London’s moped gangs.

The thieves use mopeds to sneak up on members of the public and get away quickly from the scene of a crime. Last year in London, more than 14,000 motorcycles and scooters were reported stolen – which means that on average, 65 bikes were stolen each day in the capital. And more than 23,000 crimes were committed using the stolen bikes – which translates to a shocking 163% rise on the previous year.

Reporter Livvy Haydock spent time with three different moped thieves in the capital city – riding pillion with a thief who points out which members of the public make good targets and which ones are protecting themselves.

She also accompanies an armed robber as he scouts jewellers in Notting Hill, and she also helps one thief, who boasts about being a good race car driver, to quit crime by giving him a chance to impress in a Formula Renault test session. She also learns about the phone security hacking involved in making the thefts profitable. One thief is filmed selling

five of the latest smartphones – all stolen within one afternoon – for £150-£250 each when the normal price on the black market is £30-40 per phone. This higher price is

because the thief’s buyer is able to recycle the phones abroad without any loss of functionality.

It’s available on BBC iPlayer now – so be sure to check it out.

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NEWS

Want to share your latest news with our readers?

Email pictures and details to editor@o2w.co.uk

Toughest places in the UK to pass a motorcycle test Analysis of motorbike test results data by finance provider Moneybarn, has shown a large discrepancy between pass rates of motorcycle tests across the UK. In the last five years, 1763 motorcyclists have lost their lives on UK roads, so effective testing for on-road riding is as important as ever. This is in line with the number of motorcycle tests taken in the UK being on the rise – to the tune of 17% in the last three years alone.

According to gov.uk data, pass rates vary dramatically across the country by up to 34%, ranging from 87% to 53%. Here’s a table (right) which shows the best and worst areas of the UK for Motorbike test pass rates: This report comes shortly after the Government announced potential changes to the motorbike test – which hasn’t been updated in 15 years. The changes aim to improve the quality of training and the national average pass rate.

Callum McPherson, Moto Stable

Secure motorcycle parking now available in Edinburgh Moto Stable is a new concept offering bikers safe parking within Edinburgh city centre – helping to tackle a rise in motorcycle theft and vandalism.

Last year in Edinburgh alone, 4530 crimes were recorded in the category of ‘theft of a motor vehicle’, with 30,535 reported incidents of vandalism related to motor vehicles.

Launched by Edinburgh resident and motorbike owner Callum McPherson, Moto Stable is a direct result of the increasing challenge of owning a motorbike in urban locations, and is more secure than the average residential garage with internal and external CCTV as well as pin-code controlled access.

Each member is given a unique access code which grants them entry to the garage 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering secure and affordable care of their vehicle around the clock.

Callum McPherson said: “After my cheap learner bike was vandalised

repeatedly outside my flat in Edinburgh, I didn’t want to commit to a more expensive machine until I had somewhere safe to store it. It didn’t make sense to me that people would buy something as valuable as a Rolex, for example, and leave it outside on the street.

“As I became increasingly aware of the problem affecting urban bikers I started to look for suitable venues.

Now with overwhelming enquires, we are already looking for our second premises, with plans for other cities.

“As Moto Stable continues to grow, we’re hoping to create a hub for the biking community, adding workshop and event space for members to work on their machines and host classes.”

Based in the heart of Edinburgh, Moto Stable is now open to members with plans to launch further locations around Edinburgh and beyond. Moto Stable is accepting applications for membership now. ! Info: www.motostable.co

Kisbee 50 updated Peugeot’s Kisbee 50 gets an updated Euro 4 compliant motor, signature lighting and fresh new colours for 2018.

Now also available in Flat 6 Red, there’s also a sporty RS version in Mad Grey. The 50cc four-stroke motor gets a Dell’Orto electronic carburettor, increasing fuel economy and reducing emissions of CO2 and hydrocarbons. The Kisbee 50 is capable of 108mpg on its 6.8 litre fuel tank, providing plenty of range between refills. At 780mm high, the seat offers a relaxed riding position and, weighing only 95kg, the Kisbee is light and easy to handle. Beneath the seat, there’s enough room for a full-face helmet.

The Kisbee 50 costs £1599* (£1649 in RS trim) and is covered by a 24-month warranty. Full specifications and details of all authorised Peugeot Scooter dealers can be found online by visiting www.peugeotscooters.co.uk * Price includes OTR charges. Government first registration fee and vehicle excise duty are not included. Price and specifications correct at time of print.

Currently the Module 2 motorbike test takes around 40 minutes and includes: ■ An eyesight check ■ ‘Show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions ■ Supervised road riding ■ Independent riding One suggestion is to introduce a

minimum seven hour training course for riders looking to move from an A2 licence to the unrestricted A category.

This means the test for riding a more powerful motorcycle would be done in a less stressful environment, where riders could focus on learning to control bigger bikes to improve confidence and safety.

Moneybarn has also created an interactive map for motorcyclists, which includes the locations of the UK motorcycle test centres with the 10 best and 10 worst pass rates. ! Info: www.moneybarn.com/ motorbike-map

Rieju moves to Three Cross Three Cross Motorcycles has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for Rieju Motos – as the Spanish manufacturer looks to expand its presence in the British market.

Founded in 1934, Rieju is best known in the UK for its RS3 sports bike and the Supermoto-styled Marathon and Trophy, all offered with Euro 4 compliant 50cc and 125cc liquid-

cooled engines, produced by Yamaha’s Motori Minarelli engine plant in Italy.

This mutually beneficial arrangement has been in place since 1964, even before Yamaha became involved.

Until now, Rieju's range of 50cc and 125cc bikes had been supplied to dealers through a wholly-owned subsidiary – but the new arrangement with 3X (who have imported Peugeot scooters into the UK since 1994) creates significant economies of scale, giving Rieju dealers and customers access to well-established aftersales support services, covering parts, warranty and technical advice.

Richard Davies, managing director at 3X, said: “Rieju is a natural fit for 3X Motorcycles. We have specialised in importing European motorcycle brands since the 1980s and the Rieju range of 50cc and 125cc bikes sits perfectly alongside Peugeot’s popular scooters, providing dealers and their customers with an exciting selection of lightweight transport solutions from the Continent.” ! Info: www.riejumoto.com

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Help bring a motorcycle mode to Google Maps

BMW to offer ride-sharing in congested cities BMW is looking to start offering up the back seats of its motorcycles and scooters to get around congested cities.

BMW already offers car sharing through its DriveNow brand, which allows customers to rent a range of vehicles by the minute. As a first step to bring motorcycles to a broader audience, the Bavarian brand is planning to start a pilot scheme this May to allow people to rent bikes (via an app) from dealers for a few days at a time – across Germany, France and Austria.

Ride-sharing has been proving

extremely popular in Southeast Asia – with Honda investing in Singaporebased Grab back in 2016 to offer motorbike-hailing services in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

BMW sees the potential broadening of its services, as one of the steps to grow BMW’s customer base threefold to 100 million users by 2025.

Peter Schwarzenbauer, who heads BMW’s Mini, Rolls-Royce and motorcycle brands, said in an interview at the Geneva International Motor Show: “This is definitely an option, but we haven’t found the

Last year, Google Maps introduced a two-wheeler mode for motorcycles and scooters in India – and with talk of it making the move to other countries, insurance specialist Carole Nash has launched a campaign to bring it to the UK. Google Maps currently provides travel routes, navigation and travel time estimates for public transport, bicycles, cars and walking.

Google Australia spoke publicly about the brilliant new feature for motorcyclists, with communications manager Kristine Arnott suggesting that while India is currently the only country with two-wheeler mode, that’s all set to change. Arnott said; “We look forward to bringing two-wheeler mode to additional countries in the coming months.

Two-wheeler mode differs from driving mode in terms of both the routes a rider may be offered, and the ETAs they will see. Routes for twowheelers take account of roads on which travel by two-wheelers is legally prohibited by local authorities, and they also take advantage of a greater portion of the

overall street grid when suggesting potential routes. This allows a rider to, in many cases, use smaller side roads to complete their journey more directly and in less time, whereas we’d rarely route a car along these same narrow side roads.

“Also, we estimate road speeds for two-wheelers separately than for cars, resulting in ETAs that should be more accurate for a two-wheeler than the driving ETA would be for that same two-wheeler – particularly if the route passes through areas of heavy traffic congestion, where a car may get stuck but a two-wheeler can pass by more easily.”

With many riders now choosing to use their phone for navigation rather than a dedicated motorbike GPS, a two-wheeler mode in Google Maps makes perfect sense. British riders have already started an online petition to have the two-wheeler mode added to their Google Maps.

If you want to help the cause, visit: www.change.org/p/googlemotorcycle-travel-time-estimates-tobe-included-within-google-maps

solution for the second helmet yet.

There’s the issue of sizing and then re-using helmets in the summer heat – it’s not ideal.”

Schwarzenbauer also suggested that BMW is considering a second, smaller electric scooter, to meet growing demand for agile twowheelers to beat city traffic. He said that the new model would be smaller than the existing C Evolution maxi-scooter that has a range of around 160km (100 miles) – but declined to offer up any more details at this point.

HAVE YOUR SAY AND WIN HELD GEAR WORTH UP TO £400!

Held by Schuberth H-C3 flip-up helmet £419.99

Complete the O2W reader survey and help us make the real-world biking mag even better. Oh, and you can win a Held helmet or gloves too!

Here at O2W we like to think that our publication offers the best bike reviews, riding advice and much more for our readers, but we realise we’re a bit biased... And that’s why we want to hear your thoughts about O2W. Whether you have been reading O2W since its inception, or just picked up your first copy now, we want to know what you think about it. What’s hot and what’s not? What do you want to see more or less of?

So, we’ve created a simple online survey at www.o2w.co.uk and we’d really appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to complete it.

As a thank-you for completing the

survey, all respondents will be entered into a FREE PRIZE DRAW to be in with a chance of winning a Held helmet or pair of gloves.

One lucky winner can choose from either a Held by Schuberth H-R2 full-face helmet, worth £419.99, OR Held by Schuberth H-C3 flip-up helmet worth £419.99. There will also be three pairs of Held Gore-Tex Air n Dry gloves up for grabs, worth £175.99 each.

Many thanks for your participation and good luck in the prize draw!

Mau Spencer Editor

Held by Schuberth H-R2 full-face helmet £419.99 Held Gore-Tex Air n Dry gloves £175.99

Complete the survey: www.o2w.co.uk ! Terms and conditions apply – see website for details. There are no cash alternatives available. ! Closing date is June 30, 2018. The winners will be the first names drawn at random.

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Arai Renegade V helmet

NEW PRODUCTS

A quick glance at some of the latest products and clothing arriving on the market

TCX Hero GORE-TEX Boots

RRP: £449.99 upwards | Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colours: range of colours and designs

RRP: £219.99 | Sizes: 36 to 48 | Colours: Black

Arai has been to On2Wheels HQ to show off its brand-new-for-2018 Renegade V helmet – espousing its ventilation and noise cancelling credentials.

Sitting in the middle of Arai’s motorcycle helmet range, the new Renegade V (like all Arai helmets) has been designed with safety at the forefront – while balancing fresh new styling in an attempt to engage cruiser and naked sportbike riders.

Running through the notable features of the helmet, let’s first take a look at ventilation. It comes equipped with a free flow ventilation system, which takes advantage of a dual intake at the front, a three position

Joining the hugely popular Hero boots in TCX’s vintage footwear series are its new GORE-TEX Hero boots, which combine retro-styling with top quality tech and protection.

The boots are constructed from fine full grain leather – and are lined with GORE-TEX Performance Comfort Footwear membranes, helping to make them perfect for all year round use. The footbed is

vent on the chin, a neck exhaust vent, a one-piece rear exhaust and side exhausts. But despite its extensive ventilation, Arai reckons the Renegade is actually one of its quietest helmets yet.

Inside the helmet, you’ll find an antimicrobial liner, replaceable cheek pads, ear cups, speaker pockets and a comfort chin curtain – all combined using Arai’s own Facial Contour System.

But best of all, the whole lot can be removed, washed and replaced.

Interestingly, the surface of the cheek pad material is treated with a noise reducing foam to help keep the helmet quiet when air passes through its air channels. The chin curtain also helps to reduce the amount of air entering the helmet – and if you’re after an even quieter ride, you can fit an optional chin cover.

It also features Arai’s unique VAS Max Vision Visor system (with Pinlock included), which was first introduced on its top of the range RX-7 helmet a couple of years ago. The clever technology helps to offer a significantly larger and smoother shell, improving the helmet’s glancing off performance and helping to keep you even safer in case of a spill. In fact, the whole helmet has been designed with ‘glancing off’ in mind – with its

Noco Battery Chargers RRP: various prices

Maintaining your battery and keeping it a peak condition when your machine is not in use couldn’t be easier with a Noco charging unit.

The G750 charger features a .75 amp charging current and is suitable for all lead acid 6v and 12v batteries. Inbuilt safety features include spark protection, reverse polarity, over-charging, open circuit, and overheating. The charger also includes smart battery monitoring which alters the charging rate based on ambient temperature, optimises the battery chemistry for increased performance and longevity, and a recovery function to help revive batteries that have seen better days.

The G1100 charger has all of the great features found on the smaller G750, but increases the charging current to 1.1 amps, and adds support for Lithium Ion chemistry batteries.

Both chargers are dirt, water, UV, impact and crush resistant to ensure a rugged product that will handle any situation. ! Info: www.ve-uk.com

anatomic and replaceable, and the sole has been designed with a specific tread to offer grip on any terrain.

They are equipped with toe and heel counters – to protect you from impact – and fasten using laces, but they also feature a zip on the inside of the boot with a Velcro band at the top, to make them quick and easy to take on and off. ! Info: www.nevis.uk.com

organic, smooth shaped exterior helping to offer improved protection.

It meets ACU Gold Standards, and comes with double-D ring fasteners – so it’s spot on for use out on the track too. Okay, so it’s not cheap – but you can rest assured that the new Renegade V is going to look after you.

It’s an Arai after all – it’s been tested internally, externally, inspected five times and comes with a five-year limited warranty. And with claims of all-day comfort, top level ventilation and minimal wind noise, we reckon the new Renegade is well worth a look.

We’ll be getting one in shortly and will be putting it through its paces this year – but in the meantime, if you want to know more, visit their website now. ! Info: www.whyarai.co.uk

Bell SRT Modular Helmets

RRP: £299.99 | Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colours: range of colours and designs Iconic helmet manufacturer Bell has unveiled its new 2018 collection – and there’s a new modular lid in the range.

Looking to the year ahead, Bell has launched a swathe of new graphics for its existing helmets, and a range of new models too. As part of its 2018 selection, the American brand has introduced its first modular helmet to the market – which is a huge departure from its race oriented history.

Made entirely of fibreglass, the new modular Bell SRT modular, flip up style helmet comes with a removable/ washable anti-bacterial interior, a drop down sun shield, a Panavision visor with class one optics, recessed EPS speaker pockets – and its glasses compatible too. Plus the lid comes with an industryleading five-year warranty. ! Info: www.bellhelmets.co.uk

Honda Forza 125

Honda Pantheon 125/150

WMB Bike Cleaners RRP: £7.99 upwards Specialist motorcycle transport company WMB Logistics is extending its offering with a new range of cleaning and lubricating products.

Using its experience of prepping bikes for delivery to ensure they arrive in showroom condition, WMB is rolling out its acid and chemical-free Premium Shampoo to motorcycle owners nationwide.

Available in 1-litre pump-spray bottles, it’s joined by 500ml aerosol cans of chain lube, silicone-free polish and kit refresher to complete the new WMB Pride range. ! Info: www.wmblogistics.co.uk

Malossi Delta Clutch RRP: various prices

Malossi has released a new ‘Delta Clutch’ for two Honda maxi scooter models – the Honda Pantheon 125/150 and the Honda Forza 125.

Malossi developed the units to provide a fully adjustable point of grip with minimal clutch slip. They have a fully adjustable assembly set-up

suitable for both road and track use, fundamental to obtaining a good start from standstill, and exiting from tight bends, where the speed of the vehicle is critical. The units allow sophisticated tuning options for a very wide range of engine revs. ! Info: www.ve-uk.com

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PRODUCT REVIEWS

Airoh Reverse-Flip Helmet

RRP: £270 upwards | Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colours: 8x colourways available O2W Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ Reviewer: Mau I’ve always been a fan of flip-up helmets, especially the ‘two-in-one’ type where the front part flips right over to convert into an open face that’s not only comfortable, but also meets modern dual homologation requirements. So having tried many different makes over the years, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the latest Airoh Reverse-Flip version from the company’s 2018 range.

It comes with an impressive list of features including Airoh’s own ‘ACVS’ ventilation system comprising of vents in the chin-guard and on the helmet’s top which flow through to air extractors at the rear. An increased field of vision is also provided by what Airoh terms its ‘extra-wide’ visor, which can be removed easily via a tool-less quick release system.

The one thing I really wanted to try out was just how well the reverse-flip system worked, because on other helmets it was sometimes a frustrating task trying to locate the switching mechanism and operate it while wearing gloves. On the Airoh, there’s a simple thumb-operated centre chin switch – just push it and the front flicks smoothly over; then once that’s done, there’s a simple one-click switch on the left side of the helmet which locks it into the open face position; to revert to a full face, just unclick the switch and flip it forward – job done. Of all the different flip system helmets I’ve tried in recent years, this one has got to be up there with the best.

Donning the helmet, it fastens-up easily via its micrometric retention system and in use out on the road it felt comfortable and functional with a minimum of wind noise. So if you’re in the market for a flip-type helmet, why not check this one out. ! Info: www.bikeittrade.com

Keis Heated Vest and Lithium Battery Pack RRP: £149.99 (Vest and free controller) / £64.98 (Lithium battery pack)| Sizes: S to L O2W Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ Reviewer: Andy Catton I wore this on some early winter rides in 2017; however, the Keis Heated Vest came into its own yesterday evening.

I had a YZF 125 to collect and bring home for my partner in Birmingham – a brisk evening and 106 miles on a 125. The first hour-and-a-bit was on motorways and this Keis vest kept me safe and warm throughout the trip. It is comfy to wear, snug fitting, well

made and looks smart. I perhaps should have thought about this before, but wearing it over two cotton T-shirts is not as effective on the medium setting; however I swapped my clothing around while stopping for a coffee, putting it over one T-shirt with the other on top, then fleece and bike jacket. On ‘high’ setting I remained toasty for an hour-and-a-half until the battery ran out on the last leg (battery life so

far has been two-and-a-half hours); it cooled slowly too, so no chattering teeth upon arrival and I enjoyed the ride.

The lithium battery comes with some charge; but the instructions state: ‘charge up the battery fully’ (indicated by a green light on the charger and an LED charge status on the battery). You can also charge the battery by USB, or by using the supplied 12v heavy duty motorcycle battery cables –suitable if you’re using just one motorcycle all the time, or would like to have heat for longer periods.

Other features include the ability to plug-in some Keis heated gloves and trousers to the jacket. The connections are very sturdy and everything fits together with a quality feel. It looks well weather-proofed and the controller is easy to operate with gloved hands.

There are three settings (high and medium are great; I didn’t try the lowest).

Having ridden through cold winters using heated grips and many layers for years, I was excited about the concept behind heated vests; it keeps your core warm, so your extremities stay warm too; and it works effectively for hands and feet, making riding in general safer and longer journeys easier. ! Info: www.keisapparel.co.uk

ARMR Moto M799 Ace Jeans

RRP: £99.99 | Waist sizes: 32 to 40 | Colours: Black or Blue O2W Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ Reviewer: Mau New from ARMR Moto are these M799 Ace protective riding jeans.

Made from a mixture of 380 grams Denim and 280 grams DuPont Woven Aramid material, they come with quite a good spec; and staying on that subject, they come with a feature not often found in riding jeans – height adjustable knee protector pockets.

These proved useful in my case because when I initially put the jeans on, the knee protectors (which are included in the price) hung a bit below my knees – one quick adjustment later and they fitted. Another useful feature is the elasticated stretch panels that are

fitted to the legs and waist, allowing that little bit of extra fitting flexibility for the individual.

Protection-wise, all the hip and knee armour is CE certified with the safety aspect backed-up by the fitting of Aramid panels to the seat, hip and knee areas. It also comes with several storage pockets (two front, two rear, plus a place to keep your coins). In use, the jeans are extremely comfortable to wear (aided of course by their ‘stretchability’ properties); they also provide a reasonable amount of wind chill protection. I like them – I like them a lot. ! Info: www.tri-motive.com

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In Brief

BMW backs e-scooters BMW managing director Stephan Schaller has said the Bavarian brand has a green future and pledged his support for electric scooters, rather than larger electric two-wheelers.

“The electric motorbike does not interest us, we are betting everything on the scooter,” he said.

“Two-wheeled electric vehicles will increase, but I believe that their diffusion will be limited to vehicles that will move in the city. They will be scooters like our C Evolution or the Concept Link presented in 2017 at the Concorso d’Eleganza of Villa d’Este. I am convinced that 2018 will see a significant increase in the sales of these models.

"I think I’m talking about scooters and not motorcycles. In order to build an electric motorbike it is certainly not an insurmountable technological challenge. You can solve every problem, but where do you imagine replenishing electricity in the desert?”

Speaking about electric vehicle range, Schaller added; “The target is to double the mileage possible in just a couple of years, and for the car it is already happening and we are working hard in this direction, like on the road to weight reduction. The C Evolution weighs 275kg, but the Concept Link will weigh much less and will be an interesting compromise between the autonomy required for city driving and maximum performance.”

Referring to production of the Concept Link, Schaller said: “It will arrive within three years, and it will be very close to the prototype shown on Lake Como by style, accessories and equipment.“ When asked about hybrid scooters, Schaller said: “We know the technology to make it happen, so much so that we have a prototype that runs on our test tracks, but the question is always the same: the final price inevitably increases, will the customer accept it?”

NEWS

The latest gossip from the electric bike market

Fancy touring on an electric motorcycle?

Zero has introduced the DSR Black Forest – the first electric bike to be specially developed for the European market with significantly improved range for touring.

Addressing one of the biggest challenges for electric motorcycle manufacturers, the Zero DSR Black makes longer trips with an electric motorcycle possible at last.

According to Zero, in the city the new motorcycle should be capable of achieving 250km – and out on the open road, about 120km. A new fast-charging system allows the Touring Zero battery to be recharged (using a type 2 charging station) in less than an hour, offering another 150km of range. Zero reckons the

combination of higher range and faster charging should be spot on for touring – providing you can get to a power source, of course.

From a styling perspective, the Black Forest is pretty much the same as the basic DSR Zero, but with a full luggage set-up, including a topbox, a more comfortable seat, better wind and headlight protection, and updated handlebars and lighting to make it more suitable for touring.

It’ll be available in dealers from April 2018, but we’re still waiting for Zero to confirm the price. Though there’s no doubt it’ll be more expensive than the standard DSR, which will set you back just under £17,000.

Committing to an electric future Harley-Davidson has announced it has invested in California-based electric motorcycle manufacturer Alta Motors, a month after HarleyDavidson president and CEO Matt Levatich told investors the company was on track to deliver its first electric motorcycle ‘within 18 months’.

Speaking about Alta Motors, Levatich said: “Alta has demonstrated innovation and expertise in EV and their objectives align closely with ours. We each have strengths and capabilities that will be mutually beneficial as we work together to develop cutting-edge electric motorcycles.”

Alta chief product officer and co-founder Marc Fenigstein added: “Riders are just beginning to understand the combined benefits of EV today. We believe electric motorcycles are the future… It’s incredibly exciting that HarleyDavidson, synonymous with motorcycle leadership, shares that vision and we’re thrilled to collaborate with them.”

H-D files for ‘H-D Revelation’ trademark Harley-Davidson has just filed an application to trademark the name ‘H-D Revelation’ – most likely for its batteries, chargers, and motorcycle powertrains.

We reckon the ‘Revelation’ is going to be the name of the engine (or family of engines) that will power the H-D electric bike that has been confirmed for production within the next 18 months – but we’ve not had official confirmation from the Milwaukee-based brand just yet.

But with the Sportster engines called the Evolution and the engines in H-D’s entry-level Street bikes called the Revolution X, it’s a small leap to assume the Revelation will be its all new electric powerplant. We can’t wait to see it.

Harley-Davidson has shown a very real interest in electric motorcycles for a number of years. Its LiveWire Project drew tremendous interest when it was unveiled in 2014, with thousands of riders clamouring for an opportunity to throw a leg over one of the prototypes. The project was eventually put on the back burner, while the H-D looked to address issues of range and cost.

And we assume, that this collaboration with Alta will help the company overcome some of those challenges; but, don’t expect Harley to change its stripes completely.

Levatich finished by saying: “We intend to be the world leader in the electrification of motorcycles. At the same time, (we plan to) remain true to our gas and oil roots by continuing to produce a broad portfolio of motorcycles that appeal to all types of riders around the world.”

TfL launches e-bike initiative Partnering with the Association of Cycle Traders and a number of electric bike retailers and brands, TfL has launched a website which allows Londoners to benefit from exclusive discounts and improved access to e-bikes. The aim of the scheme is to encourage more people to take up cycling.

This website (available via tfl.gov. uk/electric-bikes) displays more than 100 stores that are offering free test rides across the capital to encourage

people to find an e-bike that suits them. TfL has also negotiated exclusive e-bike offers with many retailers, although these are only available through the website.

TfL research indicates that more than a fifth of Londoners who don’t yet cycle are put off by thoughts of being too unfit to cycle, being unable to cover the necessary distance, feeling that they may be too old to cycle, or arriving at work and immediately needing to shower.

900 miles on an e-cargo bike Ed Oxley, one of the founders of British clothing manufacturer HebTroCo, recently rode 900 miles across Europe on an e-Bullit electric cargo bike.

He collected the bike from Larry vs Harry, the Bullit’s creators, in Copenhagen, filling it with HebTroCo merchandise before he left; then on the way back, he set up pop-up-shops in Berlin, Rotterdam and Shipley.

On his journey, Ed averaged between 60 and 100 miles a day, using up to three batteries’ worth of power depending on the terrain. You can see the video of his journey on YouTube (#bikethebullitt).

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FIRST RIDE

SPECIFICATION:

Raleigh Strada TS MOTOR: TranzX M16 36v 250w centre mount motor

Raleigh Strada TS

(55Nm)

FRAME: Aluminium 6061 FORK: Suntour SF14 MT E45, 63mm travel BATTERY: TranzX 400wh 36V 11Ah BL 19 DISPLAY: TranzX DP16 PST LCD Display, 5 assist levels CLAIMED RANGE: 125km (eco), 85km (normal) HANDLEBARS: Raleigh alloy flat bar GRIPS: Velo round grip SADDLE: Selle Royal Shadow + SHIFT LEVERS: Shimano Deore 9-speed trigger shift BRAKE LEVERS: Tektro HD-M290 hydraulic REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano Deore 9-speed 11-32

A lean green multi-tasking machine.

The Raleigh Strada TS has been designed for street and trail. Whether you’re going to use this bike for the daily commute, or for weekend trail munching, the Strada TS has it covered. I admit to being sceptical initially; not only at the initial bike’s looks (which reminded me of early bikes), but mainly the way the frame appeared. Don’t take this the wrong way Raleigh, but it looks as if you’ve bought a frame from someone else, bolted your normal bits on and slapped a sticker here or there. I’m so glad that actually riding it helped me to dispel those early impressions.

A new TranzX M16 mid-mount motor provides effortless buckets of smooth and powerful power transfer.

Combine that with the latest generation of 400Wh batteries and you’re provided with a range of 30-50 miles (dependent on your riding style and terrain severity).

The suspension fork has 73mm of travel to soak-up the bumps; it also has lock-out, so you can ride it like a rigid bike on the road. The frame also has mounting points for rear panniers and mudguards, so you can modify it to fit a multitude of requirements.

Shimano Deore and rapid fire shifters make changing gears smooth and simple. Powerful hydraulic disc brakes improve braking whatever the weather conditions (which is why we’re showing you studio shots).

Riding the TS is more pleasant than my first look gave it credit for. Solid and reliable, bold in its stance, the Strada TS puts you in that halfway house of not quite being a mountain bike, nor a flouncy, dainty racer.

Its riding position is tightly more upright, meaning your wrist won’t take a pounding and your back is happy to play for hours. Somehow the TS hides its weight very well, even when not using the assist motor. I’m sure this is because rather than throwing a lesser known and cheaper drive train brand on the already good value TS, Raleigh have stuck to the ethos of using a better-than-average product. The Shimano Deore nine-speed rear cassette works like it should and the

cassette

FRONT REAR/BRAKE: 160mm Tektro hydraulic disc CRANKSET: Alloy forged 170mm, 42t BOTTOM BRACKET: TranzX FRONT/REAR WHEELS: Impulse Tubeless rim 36 hole FRONT/REAR HUBS: RSP alloy disc 6 bolt RIMS: Impulse tubeless compatible FRONT/REAR TYRES: WTB Nano 700 x 40c with

reflective sidewall INNER TUBES: 700x38c presta RRP: £1360 CONTACT: www.raleigh.co.uk O2W RATING:

★★★★★★★★★★ Tektro HD-M290 hydraulic disc brakes give more than adequate stopping.

She’s not as bulky and weighty as I previously believed and the miles have been brushed aside with pleasure. I must also praise Raleigh for the use of such bright, noticeable colour.

Could this bike steal my heart? Very nearly; it’s so smooth to ride and the power delivery on a bike at this end of the price scale is almost the best that I’ve ridden. Sitting on WTB Nano 700 40c tyres also helps. All-in-all, this is a bike that deserves to be considered as a real contender if you’re looking for a capable all-rounder.

Words/images: Jonathan

10 www.o2w.co.uk

FIRST RIDE

A1 LICENCE

No storage space under here SPECIFICATION

Royal Alloy GT125 air-cooled ENGINE: 125cc single cylinder 4-stroke SUSPENSION: Twin spring shocks (front).

Single spring shock (rear) BRAKES: 220mm disc brakes front and rear, ABS system TYRES: 110-70-12 (front). 120/70-12 (rear) WEIGHT: 130kg SEAT HEIGHT: 770mm FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 11 litres PRICE: £2499 CONTACT: www.royalalloy.com O2W RATING:

★★★★★★★★★★ Be careful of that main stand – it won’t take much for it to spring off

Royal Alloy GT125AC One of the most popular two-wheel trends in recent years has been for the retro-styled bike, of which there has been a plethora of choice. While this has seen an influx of café racer styled motorcycles, the choice for scooterists has mainly been limited to modern interpretations of the classic Vespa scooter.

The exception to this was the fairly recent introduction of the Scomadi scooter range, based on the old Lambretta GP model of the late 1960s.

Initially, the Scomadi was produced at the Hanway factory in China, although after a few legal wranglings (some still ongoing) Scomadi production has now transferred to Thailand. The Hanway factory now produces another scooter brand – the Royal Alloy (aka the ‘RA’).

There are a number of versions of the RA scooter available in either air- or liquid-cooled versions with the option of a 125cc or 200cc engine fitment and a choice of plastic or metal bodywork. The version under review here is the base air-cooled GT125 version which kicks-off the RA range at the RRP of £2499.

Initial impressions

I’ve owned and ridden classic scooters (mainly Lambrettas) since the 1960s, so anything ‘look-alikey’ has a lot to live up to. Many of those original 1960s styling characteristics are still there, although some have been adjusted to meet modern trends and type approval standards. The main noticeable styling difference is found in the headset area with a slightly different take on the original 1960s look. If you’ve ever owned an original classic Lambretta, then you may initially struggle to get your head around the ultra-modern digital display unit, although personally I

found the layout quite pleasing to the eye – and it does provide you with a lot more information than you’d have had back in the day.

There are also a couple of other visual differences from the original Lambretta styling. To accommodate a modern auto engine the scooter has lost its original 1960s ‘Slimstyle’ looks – especially noticeable when viewed from the rear; this extra width makes the seat look quite bulbous and when initially sitting on the scooter, it takes a bit of getting used to – probably more noticeable to me as a classic scooterist than to someone who hasn’t ridden something like this before.

There are a few other subtle visual differences – like the modern Euro 4 spec silencer and cast spoked wheels, but overall, the scooter is visually quite pleasing.

Nicely laid-out instrument panel

The ins and outs

For those who like a bit more tech information, the air-cooled GT125 version seen here is built in a steel body cradle fitted with plastic body panels. The normally bulletproof single cylinder four-stroke GY6 SOHC engine fitted is the same one that can be found in many mass produced Chinese bike ranges which RA claims has been tuned to ‘deliver smooth economy while packing a punch’. It’s a fairly mid-range setup producing 7.1kw/9.5bhp which should be good for around 60mph-plus once run-in and under the right conditions (especially as the scooter only weighs 130kg anyway). Fitted with ABS, stopping power is provided by 220mm disc brakes front and rear.

Suspension at the rear is a single spring shock unit, while at the front end there’s a twin shock setup, which

is also adjustable (a fairly unusual – but very useful – addition for a scooter in this price range).

Chilling out

Before we get into how the GT125 rides and handles, I need to point out that this scooter was not a normal press test bike; it actually belongs to a scootering friend of mine, Colin, and had only been delivered to him, brand-new, the day before. Colin had only ridden 13 miles on it before handing it over (nervously) to me; consequently I had to promise to take care of it; another problem was that I was going to be testing it at the tail end of ‘the Beast from the East’ and as a consequence some of the local roads were still blocked with snow.

So with all of that in mind, I rode off up the road very gingerly to start with, especially as I could feel that the

The seat may be wide but it is comfortable

Owner’s opinion

Since Colin Cartwright loaned us his scooter, he’s had a chance to put a few more miles on it. Here’s what he thinks about it: “Overall I like the scooter; it certainly looks more ‘Lambrettaesque’ than the other copies. I like the build quality more than I expected I would (I’m quite picky). Overall it rides very well and handles well too, feeling very stable in corners.

I rode it three/four hours that first weekend, but it didn’t feel like I’d ridden it for that long when I got home. While the suspension seemed quite stiff at first, I think that’s just because I’m more used to riding 40-year-old scooters; I soon got used to it, and I guess as all the dampers are adjustable, I could soften them off to suit my taste. I also like the linked front and rear braking system; it felt more stable when pulling-up from speed. While I haven’t thrashed it yet, I have momentarily had it flat out at an indicated 62mph on the speedo (well I had to didn’t I)?

What I don’t like is the width of the seat; I’m 6ft 1in and only just put both feet on the ground at traffic lights – I wonder how much harder this will be for the vertically challenged? I also find it heavier than my classic scooters, but maybe that’s something I will get used to.”

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What’s the market choice?

Adjustable front shocks are a very useful feature

In the retro/classic scooter market, there are three competing brands:

ROYAL ALLOY

“If it was purely about money, the keenlypriced Royal Alloy range has to be a winner, as it comes with a choice of design and metal/ plastic body options”

engine was still a little tight; however, after a few miles I could feel it gradually loosening-up, allowing me to give it a little more of a push on the throttle with the engine providing a smooth vibration-free progression up to the legal road limit of 30mph. The seating position took a little bit of getting used to; initially it felt a little ‘wide’ but once I’d adapted to that, it proved to be quite comfortable; I also had to sit a little further back than I normally would as the scooter comes with an inner legshield glovebox fitted as standard – useful when it sinks in that unlike the majority of other modern autos, there is no underseat storage space (therefore nowhere to hide your helmet when parked-up). Also, at 770mm, the seat height is fairly low in the scheme of things, so at a standstill an average height person can plant their feet flat on the ground – however, because of the 12in wheels

(usually 10in on a classic Lambretta) and the way the engine fits in the chassis, the ‘feet-up’ riding position means your legs (and knees) sit fairly high and if manoeuvring through tight spaces in heavy traffic, you have to be careful your knees don’t foul the handlebars. Don’t be put off by that; it’s just a case of getting used to the scooter’s quirks; it more than makes up for this in other ways with smooth handling and good brakes; it also corners really well to on those (almost countrified) chunky tyres.

If this were my personal scooter I’d be pleased with the way it handles once I’d made one small adjustment to the factory setting of the front shocks, as it felt a little ‘over-damped’ to me. Other than that it’s a perfect town runaround, presented with a touch of classic nostalgia.

Words: Mau Images: Gary

If it was purely about money, this budget-price RA GT125 version has to be a winner; the RA range also comes with a choice of design and metal/ plastic body options, allowing the purchaser a wide variety of personal choice.

SCOMADI

The new Scomadi range could cost you a little more initially, but the company is claiming a better build quality and more longevity with the improvements it is currently making to the production line.

LAMBRETTA

We’ve seen the new Lambretta in the flesh, but have had no opportunity to try one out.

And for a range that purports to actually come from the ‘true Lambretta’ stable; there’s already a lot of debate going on about its modernistic design upgrades and how it will live up to carrying the badge of what is an iconic scooter brand.

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02W EVENTS

‘Get your diaries at the ready!’

From moped racing through to custom competitions, there’s a rich cross section of events up and down the country every week to suit all tastes.

And to inspire you to get out on two wheels, here’s our pick of events coming up: APRIL 19-23

Skamouth

Vauxhall Holiday Park, Acle New Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 1TB The twice yearly music weekend of ska, Mod, bluebeat, reggae, northern soul, rocksteady and related subculture genres returns for 2018.

Between April 19 and April 23 you can join all these legends and special acts at Skamouth: Bad Manners, 3 Generations of Ska, The Ethiopians (Neville Duncan), Secret Affair, Roddy Radiation & The Skabilly Rebels, Troy Ellis (son of the late great Alton Ellis), Big 10, Mainly Madness, Motor City Vipers, Clashed, King Zepha, New Town Kings, The Collective AKA, The Jam Project, Gangsters, Indika, celebrity DJ sets from Jerry Dammers, Trevor ‘ET’ Evans, Shimmy along with our resident DJ team Madam Scorcher, Olas Boss, Steve Greensides, Darren Bennett, Nathan & Amanda, Version Girl, Tracey Moss, Easy Skanking Crew and special guest DJ sets to be announced, Sidewinders/ Skarettes Custom Scooter Show, charity raffle, prize draws, Skamouth Market – plus the usual mix of surprise special guests too.

If you pay for self-catering accommodation everything else is free, including full access to all the artists’/bands’ performances, the DJ sessions, custom scooter shows, games room, swimming pool, restaurant, takeaway

MAY 4-6

BMAD Bike Festival Paignton Beach, Devon

outlets, Skarettes breakfast with the stars, gym, bowling, raffles, prize draws, band merchandise, market stalls and more! But act fast – spaces are filling up fast. Special prices are available for children and group bookings too. You can secure your place early by paying a deposit followed by the rest later. Weekender tickets without accommodation are also available.

Prices: from £15 ! Info: www.skamouth.co.uk

BMAD is, probably, the biggest biker, music and beer festival in the South West of England. Now in its 12th year, this year’s BMAD promises more of the same with plenty of bikes, bands and beers to keep everyone happy; and with food, traders and the wonderful beach.

Prices: Adults from £4 ! Info: www.bmad.co.uk

APRIL 21-22

The Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show

Staffordshire County Showground, Weston Road, Stafford, Staffordshire ST18 0BD The Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show is the biggest classic bike show in the world. It’s packed with thousands of classic machines and is the natural home for bike clubs to meet and show off their motorcycles; it also boasts the largest autojumble in the UK. This year, Neil Tuxworth is Guest of Honour. From his first track outing at Cadwell Park in 1969, aboard a humble BSA Bantam, to racing in British National and International meetings and scoring podiums and wins, Tuxworth has had a storied career on two wheels. He followed the Continental Circus as much as possible, scoring Grand Prix World Championship points in the UK, Austria, and Finland, and his desire to race anything with two wheels saw him competing in

motocross, sand racing and even ice racing during the winter months. With a love of road racing, it was inevitable he would be drawn into motorcycle sport’s greatest challenge – the Isle of Man TT – racking up a Manx Grand Prix win, a runner-up spot in the Formula 2 TT and five third places.

Latterly, Neil is most widely known for managing many of Honda’s racing efforts. He was the man looking after Joey Dunlop, John Kocinski and Colin Edwards to name but a few – and helping Honda win multiple World and National championship titles in the process.

Neil’s stories are sure to captivate.

Gate prices: Adults £14. Kids under 12 £4 ! Info: www.classicbikeshows.com

MAY 4-7

Skegness Scooter Rally Skegness, Lincolnshire

The Skegness Scooter Rally is back for 2018 – and again, The Suncastle on the seafront will be hosting all the bands, the custom show and the parts fair throughout the weekend. Plus, there’s a dedicated Northern Soul room at The Savoy Hotel just a bit further along the seafront.

Prices: £22 for the weekend, or £10 each for the Friday and Saturday night dos.

Custom show/parts fair entry (for those without wristbands) is £4 each; under 16s go free. ! Info: www.skegnessscooterrally.org.uk

MAY 5-7

Llandudno Transport Festival

Bodafon Fields, Llandudno, Conwy County, North Wales LL30 3BW Around 100 classic bikes will be on display as part of the wider transport festival, which is the focal point of the year for many motoring societies, including the British Motorcycle Preservation Society of North Wales.

There are road runs and a tie-in with the Victorian Extravaganza event that takes place at the same time. ! Info: www.llantransfest.co.uk MAY 5-7

APRIL 22

Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival

Rideout start: Meole Brace Park and Ride in Shrewsbury, SY3 9NB. Festival: RAF Cosford in Shropshire for the Bike4Life Festival, WV7 3EX Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Bike4Life Ride Out and Festival is one of the biggest bike events in the country, attracting more than 12,000 bikers. Join superbike legend Carl Fogarty MBE in the Ride Out. Last year, 6000 riders and pillions took part in the Bike4Life Ride Out, which was led by motorcycle and truck racing legend Steve Parrish, adventure motorcyclist and author Nick Sanders, ITV4 Motorbike Show’s Henry Cole and the Emergency Bikers Mark Hayes (Flymo) and Steve Harris MBE (Forrest).

Ride out price: £10 (rider and pillion).

Festival price: Adults £5, Kids under 16 free ! Info: www.bike4lifefest.com

Bike1066 plus ‘May Day Run’ Hastings, East Sussex

Thousands of bikers visit Hastings every May Day Bank Holiday Monday for Bike1066 – part of its tradition as “Britain’s Biggest Free-to-Attend Motorcycle Festival”. In fact, in 2014, the Bike1066 spring opener became as big as the world-famous Isle of Man TT Races, with 41,000 bikes in attendance over just one day.

Price: Free! ! Info: bike1066.com