Twist & Go - March 2015 - preview

WIN! AKYMCO SCOOTERORBIKE

392

BIKES & SCOOTERS RATED OR RIDDEN

March/April 2015 Issue 103

URBAN SKILLS:

SURVIVING SLIPPERY SURFACES

LEXMOTOFM50

FIRSTRIDE

BUYINGON

FINANCE DECODED

HOW TO

STAY

PROTECTED

QUADRO 350S FIRSTROADTEST A KYMCO SCOOTEROR BIKE WORTH £2000 AROUND

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ALSO UP FOR GRABS:

WARMDRYONE-PIECEWORTH£60 ‘ROCKIN’RIDE’ROCKOILPACKAGEWORTH£75

WELCOME

Makingridingsafer getsmysupport Anything that improves safety for the bike rider has got to be a good thing and a new initiative which has been launched jointly by the MCIA and the Association of Chief Police Officers will certainly get my backing if and when it ever gets accepted.

I’m not quite convinced by the European view that encouraging more riders onto two wheels will make roads safer – in my book, surely more bikes on the road will mean the likelihood of more riders being involved in accidents? But what two-wheeled transport does offer is a solution to congestion (or at least, a part-solution). Bikes also take up less room than a car and help in keeping traffic flowing.

The MCIA official press release talks of growing evidence that more people starting their road careers on two wheels would lead to improvements in driver behaviour towards all vulnerable road users and that it would make them better road users when transferring to driving cars. I can relate to that, having started off my road career on two wheels. I truly believe that it has given me a wider awareness of the problems that bike riders encounter. For instance, if you took off a car’s windscreen wipers and forced the driver to drive with their windows open, it might make them more aware of the effects that riders experience with rain and sidewinds.

By approving and accepting these proposals, the Government has an opportunity to tackle the safety issues faced by road users in an integrated and more cost effective way. That would be the best option, but failing that, even if only half of the proposals’ bullet points are accepted, it has still got to go some way to making riding on two wheels safer.

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WHO’SWHO? MAU SPENCER Heading up the T&G team, editor Mau has been riding bikes since he was 16. He’s also the founding editor of Classic Scooterist magazine – often leading to him being ribbed by his scooter-riding buddies – he gives as good as he gets.

PETE HENSHAW Specialises in riding small, slow bikes for very long distances. Pete doesn’t own a car and is happily dependent on two wheel transport – anything powered by petrol, diesel, pedals or slight electrical assistance. He’s a sucker for anything eco-friendly, or out of the norm.

TONY CARTER Tony is the editor on T&G’s sibling title, Motorcycle Sport & Leisure. He recently headed out to Italy for the launch of the A2-complaint V7 range from Moto Guzzi, which has been nipped and tucked for 2015. He tells us all about it inside.

CARLI ANN SMITH Staff writer on the T&G team, Carli has been riding bikes for over a decade. She loves all things two-wheeled and started her riding career on a DT125. As you can see from our cover, she’s just tested the new Quadro 350S.

JASON CARPENTER Jason has a 40-plus mile commuter into the office every day on his Zontes Tiger – even during the winter months. He’s usually found in our advertising department but often helps out with testing new products.

JON CROCKER Jon is our London-based correspondent who has fallen face-first in love with everything to do with riding motorcycles – he now writes a regular column for T&G.

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IN DETAIL

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GOSSIP ‘N’ GADGETS

Up-to-date news and product information

NEW METAL

What’s new for 2015?

PRODUCT REVIEWS

A closer look at some of the latest goodies

THE FM50

Pete Henshaw looks at the latest offering from the Lexmoto stable

QUADRO 350S

The new kid in the three-wheeled playpen

MOTO GUZZI V7 II

Nips and tucks for 2015

WK RT125

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A new retro-styled motorcycle joins the WK Bikes stable

CYCLOTRICITY STEALTH

Is this super powered e-bicycle road legal?

THE HERALD 250cc BIKE COLLECTION

Joint first rides on their new 250 motorcycles

MASH ROADSTAR 400

Styled in France; made in China; on sale in the UK

KYMCO 50th ANNIVERSARY COMPETITION

Win a Like 125 scooter, or a CK1 125 motorcycle – the choice is yours!

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LIVING WITH THE KTM DUKE 390

What’s it like to own one?

MOTORCYCLE DIARIES

Jon discovers the art of bike maintenance

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AFTERMARKET PROTECTION

Buying armour is a bit of a minefield; we help you make sense of the options

THE HONDA APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME

A great opportunity for young people

THE BORROWERS

Your guide to purchasing a bike on finance

THE JAPANESE AIR FORCE DISPLAY TEAM

You’ve heard of the Red Arrows – here’s the Japanese version

HOW TO SURVIVE OUR ROAD SURFACES

Three things in life are certain: death, taxes – and grotty winter road surfaces

THE PEUGEOT SPEEDFIGHT COOLING SYSTEM

The liquid-cooled Speedfight3 50cc engine is the subject of the latest Haynes Workshop

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Our new and expanded guide to new scooters and motorcycles

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Find what you’re looking for in our classified section

READERS’ LETTERS

Have your say on the topics you choose

READERS’ RIDES

Share your two wheel world with us

WHICH BIKE?

SALES AND WANTS

ARE YOU A SUBSCRIBER? Get a copy of your favourite magazine before others! See page 14 for details

Editor: Mau Spencer mspencer@mortons.co.uk Publisher: Steve Rose Contributors: Jason Carpenter, Tony Carter, Jonathan Crocker, Joe Dick, Pete Henshaw, Mau, Carli Ann Smith.

Apologies to anyone we’ve forgotten.

Design: Charlotte Turnbull Reprographics: Simon Duncan Group production editor: Tim Hartley Divisional advertising team leader: Richard Sinclair rsinclair@mortons.co.uk Advertising: Etta Hargrave ehargrave@mortons.co.uk 01507 524464 Subscription manager: Paul Deacon Circulation manager: Steve O’Hara Marketing manager: Charlotte Park Production manager: Craig Lamb Publishing director: Dan Savage Commercial director: Nigel Hole Associate director: Malc Wheeler Twist & Go magazine PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ www.twistngo.com www.whatscooter.com Editorial call: 01507 529408 General queries and back issues: 01507 529529 (24hr answerphone) Email: help@classicmagazines.co.uk Web: www.classicmagazines.co.uk UK: 6 issues £22 Europe: 6 issues £27 ROW: 6 issues £31 Archivist: Jane Skayman 01507 529423 jskayman@mortons.co.uk Subscription Full subscription rates (but see page 14 for offer): (12 months 12 issues, inc post and packing) – UK £24.60. Export rates are also available – see page 14 for more details. UK subscriptions are zero-rated for the purposes of Value Added Tax. Distribution COMAG, Tavistock Road, West Drayton, Middx UB7 7QE. Tel 01895 433600 © Mortons Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage retrieval system without prior permission in writing from the publisher. ISSN No 1471–0501 USA SUBSCRIPTIONS Twist & Go magazine TWIST & GO (ISSN:1471-0501) is published bi-monthly by Mortons Media Group Ltd., PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ UK . USA subscriptions are $36 per year from Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 Cty Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. Periodical Postage is paid at Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Postmaster: Send address changes to TAG, c/o Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 Cty Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. 715-5724595 chris@classicbikebooks.com Printed by William Gibbons & Son, Wolverhampton.

Some articles within these pages express the opinions of the contributors and are not necessarily those of Twist & Go. E&OE: While we do our best to ensure our information is accurate, all mention of special offers or other deals are subject to alteration by the companies mentioned.

NEXT ISSUE (104): Published on April 15, 2015 EDITORIAL DEADLINE: March 16, 2015

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New tyre for Dunlop

£ ask

The new ScootSmart 100-90x10 tyre has a 61J rating, and joins the fitment list of tyres that includes 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16in rim sizes.

Dunlop’s ScootSmart range claims to offer excellent performance in both wet and dry conditions. Its tread pattern allows for lower rolling resistance while still maintaining excellent grip under all road conditions.

Info: www.ve-uk.com

Speed camera app for Android phones £1.99 per month

TomTom is offering UK-based Android smartphone users a dedicated speed camera app. The app gives speed camera alerts to help avoid fines and drive stressfree. App users will automatically get camera reports and will also receive an update every minute, with upcoming mobile speed cameras based on the latest information from TomTom. Drivers can download the app from the Google Play Store for a free three-month trial. After the trial period, subscriptions can be purchased for £1.99 per month or £15.49 per year.

OxProds launches sub-£200

GPS tracking system

This self-contained waterproof unit (£199.99) is powered by a lithium battery with a 10-year life expectancy (or up to 14,000 tracked positions); no wiring or charging is required.

Simply conceal the portable battery powered GPS tracking system on your bike and you’ll be able to pinpoint your machine’s location via a tracker app, 24hrs a day, seven days a week from anywhere in the world that has a mobile network.

The system easily transfers between any vehicle too, so should you change bikes, simply transfer it over. You can have multiple trackers on one account too (handy for those with more than one bike).

The unit has four modes: ‘Sleep’ mode, provides a trackable location after the

Radiator hose kits £ various

Internet parts specialist Wemoto has introduced a range of Samco silicone radiator hose kits and clamp kits. They come in a range of colours to enhance the appearance of the machine.

Wemoto also offers hi-grip Samco stainless-steel clamp kits which feature fully rounded edges that prevent potential damage to the surface of the hose.

Samco silicone radiator hose kits and clamp kits are available now as direct replacement aftermarket kits. For race applications using non-standard radiators, or for bespoke parts, a longer waiting time of about four weeks is required.

Info: www.wemoto.com

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tracker has been still for five minutes. New locations are only provided if the tracker is moved to a new location.

‘Live’ mode, means you receive a new position every five minutes, providing the tracker is moving.

‘Geofence’ mode, places a geographic area around the tracker. If moved beyond this area, you’ll receive an email message and get a new position every five minutes, providing the tracker is still moving. It will show a track bearing line from the geofence area to the new location.

‘Alarm’ mode. You can report it stolen by activating the alarm button and entering your password. Your secure mark, which is always included, will now show as stolen in the system.

As well as the one-off unit purchase price, there’s an ongoing subscription cost starting from £3 a month.

Depending on where you’d like to place the unit, there are different options. Including the Tracker (EL120), £199.99; the Tracker Spy (EL121), £219.99, has a strong magnet attached for fitment; and the Oxford Tracker External (EL122) has a small GPS wire sticking out (so it can be placed in a tube and still receive GPS signal), £239.99.

A two-year warranty is standard, but there’s the option to purchase a ‘tracker for life’ warranty at point of subscription too.

Info: www.oxprod.com / info@oxprod.com / 01993 862300.

NEW METAL Take a closer look at the latest machines…

PeugeotSpeedfight4inshowroomssoon Peugeot has announced the fourth generation of the iconic Speedfight scooter – the new Peugeot Speedfight 4.

More than half a million Speedfight scooters have been built since its launch in 1997 and the new Speedfight 4 gets a new look and a new engine.

Change is most obvious from the front – twin optical 35W headlights, micro bulb crystal turn indicators, restyled grille and instrument console. The dashboard also gets a makeover, with an on-board digital multifunction computer and USB socket for smartphone connectivity.

There are two engine choices. The standard model has an air-cooled 50cc two-stroke power plant, with new Dell’Orto carburettor, producing 3.8hp

(2.8 kW) when derestricted and a 4.8hp (3.6 kW) liquid-cooled version.

Braking is beefed up with a Shuricane 215mm front disc with radial caliper and black painted piston.

There are three colour options for the standard model – blue France, flat red and fluo apple green – and a further three special edition models, the Darkside in mad black, Iceblade in icy white and Pure, also in icy white. The special editions all get the liquid-cooled engine and 190mm Shuricane rear disc brake as standard.

The new Speedfight 4 is expected to arrive in UK showrooms in summer 2015 and prices will be announced closer to the time.

Info: www.peugeotscooters.co.uk

AJSlaunchnakedsportsbike The latest bike from the AJS stable is its new single-cylinder TN12, which is powered by an air-cooled, balance shaft engine and has a five-speed gearbox.

Colour options include all-black, blue and red. It features front and rear discs with twin pot calipers, LED enhanced headlight and taillights, a digital dash with seven selectable colour choices and 17in alloy wheels. It comes with a 12 months parts and labour AJS warranty.

It comes with a recommended retail price of £2125 plus OTR charges.

Info: www.ajsmotorcycles.co.uk

HondaCB125Fbearsafamilyresemblance Honda’s original CBF125 is considered a tough, userfriendly entry-level motorcycle; the new 2015 CB125F is drawn from a fresh gene pool and while it maintains the previous model, it builds heavily on quality, ease of use and a desirable new look.

The bike has been styled with a strong family resemblance to the twin-cylinder CB500F and four-cylinder CB650F. An injection of aggressive ‘streetfighter’ attitude matches an upright riding position and wide handlebars.

The CB125F is powered by a 124.7cc, air-cooled fuel-injected ohc two-valve engine. The cylinder head has been revised for 2015 and the addition of a balancer shaft to help neutralise vibration. The fivespeed gearbox provides a wide spread of useful ratios. Peak

power of 10.5bhp (7.8kW) arrives at 7750rpm, with maximum torque of 7.5lb-ft (10.2Nm) delivered at 6250rpm.

Focus of the engineering team was around the powerplant’s real-world user friendliness (in other words, strong low and midrange torque). Honda claims a fuel economy of 51.3km/l which provides a range of over 600km – around 370 miles – between fill-ups from the 13-litre tank.

It has revised 18in wheels – 17in on the previous model – a seat height of 775mm and a kerb weight of 128kg. Dual rear shocks offer five-step spring preload adjustment and complement the 120mm telescopic forks on the front.

Six-spoke 18in aluminium front and rear wheels increase stability and ride quality over rough city streets. Tyres are

sized 80/100 front and 90/90 rear. A 240mm front disc is worked by a double piston caliper, with backup from the 130mm rear drum.

The CB125F will be available in four colour

ways: Pearl twinkle yellow, onyx blue metallic, pearl sunbeam white and candy blazing red.

Info: www.honda.co.uk/ motorcycles

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WKBikes RT125

Lincolnshire-based WK Bikes has added the new retroLincolnshire-basedWK styled, single cylinder four-stroke RT125 to its line-up of two-wheeled machines – and it’s priced at £1399…

A1

A2

The Herald 250

Huntingdon-based motorcycle importer and manufacturer, Herald Motor Co has seen an increasing amount of riders converting to its bike range. John Milbank reports on the company’s latest machines.

bike selection

DA HON APPRENTICESHIP

A

great opportunity for

youngpeople

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www.twistngo.com/whichbike THE REALLY USEFUL SECTION: WHO SELLS WHAT?

A guide to importers and point of contact

THE WHEEL DEAL

Find out what deals are currently on offer

USED AM ALTERNATIVES

There’s a moped out there to suit all needs

BATTERY CHECK

Often forgotten, but of great importance

BRAVING THE ELEMENTS

A few tips for riding in wintery conditions

USED A1 ALTERNATIVES

Three style choices highlighted

WHAT TO DO IN AN ACCIDENT

Do you know what the priorities are?

HELMET ADVICE

Tips and facts on buying and wearing a helmet

USED A2 ALTERNATIVES

Budget-conscious options to suit your pocket

WINTER STORAGE

Don’t just put your bike in the garage and forget it

Your indispensable guide to brand-new machines All the stuff you need to know; value for money; key features

AJS Digita 50 £799

AJS Firefox 50 £1049

AJS JSM 50 Motard £1599

AJS Modena 50 £1199

AJS AJS R7 125 £2150 +OTR

AJS Bobber 125 £2929

AJS Daytona 125 £2929

AJS DD125E MK2 £1749

AJS EOS 125 MK2 £2929

AJS NAC12 £1799

AJS Modena 125 £1226

AJS TN12 125 £2125 +OTR

AJS EOS 350 £3409

APRILIA SR 50 R £2171

APRILIA SR Motard 50 £1971

APRILIA RS4 50 £3271

APRILIA RS4 50 REPLICA £3371 OTR

APRILIA SX-50 £3321 OTR

49cc/4T auto/AM licence/2bhp/4.7 ltrs Scootering for the budget rider, 4-stroke economical engine but only produces 2.1bhp so don’t expect much power!They don’t get much cheaper though.

Tested:T&G Issue N/A Star rating: We say: Basic 50cc budget scoot.

49cc/4T auto/AM licence/bhp/4.5 ltrs With classic looks and modern engineering the Modena aims to be fun and value for money.

Tested:T&G Issue N/A Star rating: We say: Alternative retro-lookingVespa

124cc/4T geared/A1 licence/10bhp/14 ltrs The Daytona 125 forms part of an impressive looking line up of out of the ordinary learner legal and A2 bikes from AJS. Liquid cooled, twin cylinder engine as well!

Tested:T&G Issue N/A Star rating: We say: Tasty looking learner legal custom bike.

AJS  BMW

124cc/4T geared/A1 licence/10bhp/18 ltrs You don’t get many liquid cooled twin cylinder 125’s and this one looks quite cool too with it’s rear exit exhausts.We’ve not ridden it but it should be quite torquey.

Tested:T&G Issue N/A Star rating: We say: Twin cylinder naked 125.

320cc/4T geared/A2 licence/20bhp/14 ltrs If you’re looking for a budget custom bike then AJS is the place to go, they’ve got plenty in their range.

Tested:T&G Issue N/A Star rating: We say: More custom styling from AJS!

50cc/2T geared/AM licence/bhp/14.5 ltrs An introduction to the sportsbike world, the RS50 still retains the 2-stroke engine, rides perfectly and looks stunning.

Tested:T&G Issue N/A Star rating: We say: Perfect for budding bikers

HOW THE NEW Make and model

49cc/2T auto/AM licence/3bhp/4.7 ltrs This nippy little Firefox was new in 2012, it’s a 50cc two stroke with LED lights, rear rack and quite nice styling. Just £1049 on the road so it’s worth a look.

Tested:T&G Issue N/A Star rating: We say: Good looking 2 stroke fifty.

124cc/4T geared/A1 licence/10bhp/ ltrs Sharp race styling allied to quality components and a keen retail price could make the R7 a serious choice in the youth, learner and lightweight markets. Available in metallic blue or black.

Tested:T&G Issue N/A Star rating: We say: Single cylinder, four-stroke with sports bike styling

124cc/4T geared/A1 licence/10bhp/14 ltrs The DD125E (Regal Raptor) looks quite tasty, or at least it does for a bike costing less than £1800!

Don’t expect Japanese levels of finish on the chrome and you won’t be disappointed.

Tested:T&G Issue N/A Star rating: We say: Custom bike on a budget!

125cc/4T auto/A1 licence/5bhp/4.5 ltrs With classic looks and modern engineering the Modena aims to be fun and good value for money.

Tested:T&G Issue 98 Star rating: HHHHI We say: Great alternative to aVespa

49cc/2T /AM licence/bhp/7 ltrs Aprilia’s SR 50 R is an out and out sports scoot with a good pedigree. It’s liquid cooled two stroke Minarelli engine gives good acceleration and a decent de-restricted speed, plus scope for tuning.

Tested:T&G Issue 35 Star rating: HHHHI We say: Great Italian 50.

50cc/2T geared/AM licence/bhp/14.5 ltrs A race replica with super sports bikes looks that caters for the moped market.

Tested:T&G Issue N/A Star rating: We say: The most racey of all Honda’s 50s

49cc/2T geared/AM licence/5bhp/8.5 ltrs The JSM 50 is a great looking two stroke supermotard. It’s got 38mm forks, alloy wheels, LED lights and wavy discs.

Tested:T&G Issue N/A Star rating: We say: Smart looking supermotard.

124cc/4T geared/A1 licence/10bhp/8 ltrs Old school design, twin cylinder liquid cooled power, hard tail suspension and a sprung single saddle.The Bobber needs sitting on to appreciate how mad this 125 looks.

Tested:T&G Issue N/A Star rating: We say: How cool does that look?

124cc/4T geared/A1 licence/10bhp/14 ltrs Twin cylinder liquid cooled engine, twin front discs and the kind of styling usually reserved for bigger bikes, it’s an Orange County Shopper!

Tested:T&G Issue N/A Star rating: We say: Proper custom style 125!

125cc/4T geared/A1 licence/bhp/ ltrs Front and rear discs with twin pot calipers, digital dash and LED enhanced headlight and tail lights.

Available in 7 colour choices.

Tested:T&G Issue N/A Star rating: We say: Naked sports bike with single cylinder, air cooled balance shaft engine, 5 speed gearbox.

49cc/2T auto/AM licence/4bhp/7 ltrs The SR Motard is inspired by super motard styling, it’s powered by a two stroke engine so there’s tuning potential...

Tested:T&G Issue N/A Star rating: We say: Nice looking two stroke.

50cc/2T geared/AM licence/bhp/7 ltrs Ultra-sports motard, equipped with a latest generation engine and chassis solutions which dwarf even higher cylinder capacity bikes.

Tested:T&G Issue N/A Star rating: We say: Sports motard, with latest generation engine

GUIDE WORKS Recommended price

Short summary

Spec details

Last review in T&G What it looks like

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Our verdict/rating

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