Twist & Go - November / December 2014

LEARN TO RIDE! PASS YOUR CBT

334

BIKES & SCOOTERS RATED OR RIDDEN

GETAP

E CINH SURANCE

SPECIAL TESTEXCLUSIVE

YAMAHA

MAJESTYS

YOUR

PLUSYOUR CHANCE

TOWIN ONE

PASS

CBT L

ACARNABY HELMET

WORTH AROUND£90

ALSO UP FOR GRABS:

RC125

LAUNCH

TEST

EXTEND YOURRIDING SEASON (&STAYDRY)

AHAYNES MANUAL

5COPIESTO GIVEAWAY

COOLDRYCLOTHINGWORTH£70 ‘ROCKIN’RIDE’ROCKOILPACKAGEWORTH£75

Nov/Dec 2014 Issue 101

MAXISCOOTER

KTM

WELCOME

Isyour bikesafe?

After listening to a recent BBC news report, I was shocked to hear that in some UK counties the police are no longer going to follow-up instances of vehicle theft, due to the pressure of work that they are under. So where does that leave us? Well, certainly not feeling safe and secure, that’s for sure!

It would appear that members of the public will now be ‘encouraged’ to use other security methods to help ensure the safety of our property; these include buying/installing our own CCTV units and even taking our own witness statements if (God forbid) our prized possessions are actually stolen.

All of this must be sending out a message to any would-be ‘ne’er-do-wells’ out there, that it’s okay for them to steal other people’s property, safe in the knowledge that there’s very little likelihood of them ever being caught and prosecuted.

But it doesn’t end there – just think about other implications that this situation could bring down upon us.

How long is it going to be before our costly, ever-increasing-in-price insurance premiums start going up, or extra additional ‘get-out’ clauses are added to our policies to compensate the insurance companies for this eventuality?

At the end of the day, there’s only going to be one victim at the end of the chain; and there’s only one person who will get the short end of the stick and end up having to pay for it – you! So take this unwelcome news as a word of warning and make sure your pride and joy is as secure as it can be.

Lock it up, or lock it away.

WHO’SWHO?

18

40

MAU SPENCER Heading up the T&G team, editor Mau has been riding bikes since he was 16. In between the time he’s spent getting this issue ready for press, he’s been out on the road testing a mixture of bikes for this and future issues.

NORRIE KERR We have a guest rider for our maxi scooter group test in this issue – Norrie Kerr of VE (UK).

Norrie has been riding scooters for years and run his own magazine Scooter & Scooterist; he is also well-known in classic scooter circles as a very accomplished circuit racer.

STEFF WOODHOUSE Steff‘The Fat Stig’Woodhouse is our key accounts manager. In between talking to advertisers and enjoying his regular Big Mac breakfast (gets very grumpy if he misses it), he’s found time to assist us on testing bikes for our Maxi scooter article (see page 40).

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. She’s just got back from Rome where she tested Piaggio’s new Vespa Sprint 125 – just in time for this issue.

WAYNE TEMPEST Wayne can normally be found working in our IT department, but we let him out on two wheels every now and then. He’s only been riding a couple of years, but what he lacks in riding experience, he more than makes up for in enthusiasm (plus we don’t have to pay him)!

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.

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IN DETAIL

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GOSSIP ‘N’ GADGETS

Up-to-date news and product information

PRODUCT REVIEWS

A closer look at some of the latest goodies

KTM RC125 LAUNCH

Developed on the race track and now brought to the streets

YAMAHA MAJESTY 125S

A T&G road test exclusive

HONLEY OLIVER 100

Day-to-day basic transport

THE CK1 125

KYMCO’s edgy new street bike

JAWA SPORTARD

An A2 restrictable 660cc Supermoto with all-round abilities

THE KSR MOTO WORX 125

Commuting becomes fun for Wayne Tempest

TOMOS RACING 45

A funky version of its standard moped

MAXI SCOOTER GROUP TEST

Something for all budgets

BUYING WATERPROOF OVERSUITS

It’s that time of year when the weather starts to turn.

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INSURANCE KNOWHOW

Getting the best deal for your money

A FINGER ON THE PULSE

Words of advice from the latest Haynes manual

COMPLETING YOUR CBT

Top tips from the experts on getting through first time

URBAN SURVIVAL

Brush up on your observational skills

MOTORCYCLE DIARIES

It’s third time lucky for Jon

READERS’ LETTERS

Have your say on the topics you choose

READERS’ RIDES

Share your two-wheel world with us

WHICH BIKE?

Our new and expanded guide to new scooters and motorcycles

SALES AND WANTS

Find what you’re looking for in our classified section

ARE YOU A SUBSCRIBER? Get a copy of your favourite magazine before others! See page 16 for details

Editor: Mau Spencer mspencer@mortons.co.uk Publisher: Steve Rose Contributors: Jason Carpenter, Jonathan Crocker, Joe Dick, Pete Henshaw, Norrie Kerr, Mau, Carli Ann Smith, Wayne Tempest, Steff Woodhouse.

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 529464 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 £20 Europe: 6 issues £24 ROW: 6 issues £30 Archivist: Jane Skayman 01507 529423 jskayman@mortons.co.uk Subscription Full subscription rates (but see page 16 for offer): (12 months 12 issues, inc post and packing) – UK £23.10. Export rates are also available – see page 16 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 (102): Published on December 17, 2014 EDITORIAL DEADLINE: November 7, 2014

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PRODUCT REVIEWS Anti-fog Pinlock insert New spoiler for aerodynamics

Integrated antenna for communication system

Ventilation

Five-year warranty Weighs just 1570g

Schuberth C3 Pro Women’s helmet RRP: £529.99

Reviewer: Carli It may weigh just 1570g, but the flip front C3 Pro is no lightweight when it comes to features. The Pro has 23 changes from the original Schuberth C3 and the female version that I tested has been specially designed to fit ladies’heads perfectly.

It’s got a microlock fastener that allows you to get the perfect close fit and also, for the girls, there is a Coolmax liner, which has an Interpower coating for moisture removal and prevents staining from make-up – the liners are fully removable and washable too.

There’s an integrated sun visor with an easy-to-use slider at the bottom of the chin bar that is perfect to flick down when the sun is shining, and the vents – one on the chin bar and one on the top of the helmet – can be opened to let fresh air in.

I love the attention to detail on the lid.

It must have been designed by someone who is pernickety about their gear just like I am, i.e. the features such as the top vent, which can be popped off to clean the flies out, and the easy-peasy visorchanging mechanism.

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Noise can be an issue in most helmets – it’s very rare that I ever ride without earplugs as I like to look after my hearing, however, I tried it on the Schuberth and was surprised with the results. It’s one of the quietest on the market during testing thanks to an ‘integrated acoustic collar’which is the posh way of saying the gap for you to get your head into the helmet is small, which prevents the noisy air getting into the bottom of your helmet. With it being a flip front, you can put up the front and close it once it’s on your head.

Schuberth helmets have a two-year warranty – the importer, TranAm, has extended it to five years if bought in the UK after January 1, 2014 and the product has been registered on the TranAm website.

It comes with an anti-fog Pinlock insert and I have chosen to fit a darker visor for the summer months, too. Available in sizes XXS-M, I have the pearl white option but it’s also available in black, pink and a colour scheme called‘Euphoria’.

Info: www.tranam.co.uk/01425 620580

Microlock fastener

W

ith its striking looks and unmistakable sportbike styling, KTM has designed the RC125 to appeal to the young generation – or the young at heart – in an attempt to get more people on to two wheels.

ENGINE The same engine powers the RC as the 125 Duke – a watercooled, four-stroke single cylinder – and it’s certainly got some poke. In fact it’s right at the top of the power restriction for those with an A1 licence at 15bhp.

It’ll easily see you reach the national speed limit (and above), allowing you to hold your own in traffic and perform wellplanned overtakes. The alternator is larger than the one used on the Duke, in order to power those ‘love em or hate em’ double headlights at the front of the RC. Power delivery is smooth, and working up the six gears, either through sound and feel, or using the handy gear-shift indicator, there are no uncomfortable vibrations – even at the top of the rev counter.

KTM has built a partnership with the third largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world – Indian company Bajaj – working together to produce the bikes in the range under 400cc, which includes the Duke 125 and 390. After being built, all the bikes go through the factory in Austria for quality assurance and distribution.

CHASSIS The commitment from KTM is obvious: “Just because it has a smaller capacity, doesn’t mean it takes less of a priority than any of our other models.” The company is actively investing in products for a new generation of riders, and wants to give them the best they can, transferring some of the lessons learned from the flagship models such as the Super Duke and Adventure on to the RC. The suspension is a good example – the RC is fitted with WP upside down (USD) forks with the same 43mm outer tube diameter as its flagship SuperSport bike, the 1190 RC8 R. Compared with KTM’s 125 Duke, the RC has a stiffer spring inside the fork to give it more of a SuperSport feel, and the stroke has been reduced from 150 to 125mm. The rear shock has 150mm of travel, and features adjustable preload – for me the standard set-up was fine, with the bike sagging slightly when I jumped aboard.

The steering head angle has been steepened to 66.5° to give more ground clearance when leaning round corners, less trail and a shorter wheelbase. The

result is playful handling with increased agility.

A four-piston radially bolted caliper on the front, and a singlepiston caliper on the rear, developed in cooperation with Brembo, provides stopping power. The bike features Bosch ABS as standard too.

For a machine aimed at young or new bikers, this will help build confidence, even when riding on wet or loose ground.

KTM didn’t want the functional items required for riding the bike on the road to interfere with the overall look of the machine, and intended to replicate the look of the RC’s racing counterparts. You’ll find the LED indicators cleverly hidden in the mirrors, and the tail-light positioned under the rear seat cowl.

Sharp styling is key, and of course, it features those eye-catching orange wheel rims that you’ve come to expect on the KTM machines. There are some innovative touches, such as the pillion seat that looks like a solo seat cowl unit but is made from rubber – having tried it, I can honestly say it’s comfortable too.

The chunky 150mm rear tyre provides good grip, and viewing the bike from behind, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s packing more than 124cc under those fairings.

RIDE Climbing aboard the RC, the size is deceptive. On paper the 820mm seat height could put some of us shorter-legged riders off, but the dialled-in sag means that – at

SPEC: ENGINE

124.7cc, water-cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder POWER

15bhp (11kW) @ 9500rpm BRAKES

Front: disc brake with four-pot brake caliper Rear: disc brake with one-pot brake caliper, floating brake discs TYRES

Front: MRF Revs 110/70 R x 17 Rear: MRF Revs 150/60 R x 17 SUSPENSION

Front: WP suspension fork Rear: WP suspension shock absorber SEAT HEIGHT

820mm

DRY WEIGHT

135kg

TANK CAPACITY

10 litres

CONTACT

www.ktm.co.uk

PRICE £4499 PROS

Big bike tech Punchy engine CONS

Tyres

WE SAY: A strong competitor in the sports-styled 125 market.

★★★★★ www.twistngo.com 19

YamahaMajestyS Yamaha has added the new Majesty S to its 125cc urban scooter segment and we got the first exclusive UK test ride…

J

oining the high wheel Xenter and the retro-styled D’elight in Yamaha’s 125cc urban scooter segment, the Majesty S is a compact 125cc scooter aimed at urban commuters who are looking for style and reliability at an affordable price. Carli headed to Yamaha UK in Surrey to take it out for the first exclusive UK test ride…

ENGINE The engine used in the Majesty S is a ‘refined’ version of the 125cc, liquidcooled, four-stroke engine which was originally developed for the Xenter. From the lights, acceleration is strong and once you’ve made your way to the front of the traffic, it means you can stay there and power into your next gap.

Throttle response was instant and the 11.8bhp is delivered smoothly thanks to the Continuously

Variable Transmission (CVT). Power is what you would expect from a good 125cc – it’s nippy, prompt and will let you work your way through the busy town traffic.

CHASSIS Yamaha’s design team looked specifically at the ergonomics on the Majesty S. The footboard is large and flat and allows you plenty of room to get your legs forward as well as at a right angle.

There’s a well-padded dual stepped seat which provides a comfortable home for your derriere as well as featuring an inbuilt backrest for you to lean back on and enjoy your ride. Pillions are well catered for and can hold on to the grab rail on the rear and place their feet on the foldaway footpegs. When not in use, the

footpegs flip up neatly and when they’re required simply press them in to activate the release mechanism.

The 795mm seat height, narrow seat and narrow footboards mean that you can easily put your feet down when you stop at junctions or lights – something you will come to really appreciate if riding through town centres.

Inspired by Yamaha’s ‘-Max’ scooter family, the Majesty S has a new LED tail-light to clearly show other road users that you’re braking; it also draws attention to the angular styling of the back end of the scooter. There’s an LED position lamp too as well as daytime running lights to keep you seen.

The Majesty benefits from a new monoshock rear suspension system which uses a horizontal single shock absorber. The centre of gravity on the bike is low and central – which helps to give it good roadholding and responsive handling. The suspension was comfortable and added to the overall plush but fun ride on the Majesty S.

A1 SPEC: ENGINE

Single cylinder, liquidcooled, four-stroke, sohc, 4-valve 125cc POWER

11.8bhp (8.8kW) @ 7500rpm BRAKES

Front: hydraulic single disc 267mm wavy disc Rear: hydraulic single disc 245mm wavy disc TYRES

Front: 120/70 x 13 Rear: 130/70 x 13 SUSPENSION

Front: telescopic forks Rear: swingarm SEAT HEIGHT

795mm

WET WEIGHT

148kg

TANK CAPACITY

7.4 litres

CONTACT

www.yamaha-motor.co.uk

PRICE £3299

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Maxi-scooters are extremely popular over in Europe. They have it all – punchy engines, comfortable seats and plentiful storage and because of this, they’re becoming a regular sight on UK roads. We took four for a spin to the University of Lincoln to see whether these executive scooters are too cool for school…

Words: Carli Images: Joe Dick

IR X A M SCOOTE SPECIAL

SPEC:

A2

ENGINE

Four-stroke, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, dohc, 638cc POWER

54bhp (40.5kW) 7000 @ rpm BRAKES

Front: twin disc Rear: disc TYRES

Front: 120/70R15M/C 56H, tubeless Rear: 160/60R14M/C 65H, tubeless SUSPENSION

Front: telescopic, coil spring, oil damped Rear: swing arm type, coil spring, oil damped SEAT HEIGHT

750mm

WET WEIGHT

277kg

TANK CAPACITY

15 litres

CONTACT

www.suzuki-gb.co.uk

PRICE £8799 WE SAY: Luxury at its best on a well powered and performing machine

★★★★★ PROS

Lots of features for the price Cut-out footboards CONS

Fiddly fuel cap and position Hard to see switchgear at night

SuzukiBurgman 650Executive If you want a maxi-scoot with bells and whistles, then this may be the one for you…

O

riginally launched more than 10 years ago, we tested the latest in this iconic scooter’s evolution.

ENGINE

The liquid-cooled, 638cc engine offers plenty of grunt and 54bhp of power. There are three transmission modes to choose from – two automatic and one manual. Drive mode is efficient and offers smooth linear power delivery; the power mode – which engages at the touch of a button – gives you a sporty riding mode. In manual mode you toggle through the pre-set gear ratios using the up and down buttons on the switchgear.

I got around 53mpg, but was using power mode and trying out all the features so it could much higher.

There have been refinements to the engine to improve the mpg figure too.

RIDE The plush, heated 750mm-high seat, is a good place to crunch the miles.

The rider backrest is adjustable, as

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is the windshield, which can be heightened or lowered at the touch of a button on the move.

The different riding modes can be used seamlessly. Power mode is great – it makes you feel like you’re about to launch a space ship.

You could be forgiven for thinking you’re looking at a luxury car speedo when you look at the dash – clock, oil indicator, gear position (when in manual), temperature, fuel consumption, speed, odometer, ice warning, trip a/b and eco-drive indicator. The eco-drive light comes on when the scooter is being ‘operated in a fuel-efficient manner’ – which I translate to be when the throttle isn’t wide open.

Cut-out footboards made putting my feet down easy. ABS comes as standard and disc brakes adorn the front and rear. The parking brake is hidden away nicely at the rear of the pillion seat – useful to stop the 277kg machine from moving.

The five stage heated hand grips and seat heater for the rider and pillion are great – definitely a nice companion on colder days.

The switchgear doesn’t light up so it can be difficult to know what you’re pressing in the dark – you’d get used to it though.

LOOKS & STORAGE It’s an imposing machine and you get asked lots of questions when you park it.

It’s much sharper-looking than the 2012 version and has added LED position lights, black wheels and a newly designed silencer. There are strategically placed black plastic parts to give the bodywork a more compact look but still offer great weather protection.

There’s storage aplenty – a whopping 57.8 litres. You’ll find 50 litres under the seat with an inbuilt light – more than enough room to swallow two full face lids – two 1.3 litre compartments at the front and a lockable 5.2 litre glove box at the front with a 12v outlet.

Accessories include – side visor and top case – as fitted to our test model, a tunnel bag and chrome front garnish. Colour options include: grey, white and black.

KIT ADVICE

Welcometoour waterproofoversuit buyingguide Every issue we’ll be focusing on one piece of riding kit and giving you advice so that you can get the most for your money.

We’ll look at features and benefits, safety standards and bring you a few choices from different brands. Last issue we covered trousers, this time we’re talking about waterproof oversuits...

It’s getting to that time of year when the weather starts to take a turn and the rain starts to fall.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to stop riding.

By kitting yourself in the right gear and making sure you’re warm and dry, riding your two-wheeled machine will still be a pleasure.We’ve put together a buying guide to help you find your perfect waterproof oversuit…

A

lot of riding gear out there is waterproof – thanks to membranes, liners and coatings – it may be that your trousers and jacket are already going to protect you from the elements.

However, waterproof oversuits are great for sticking under your seat or keeping in your rucksack in case you get caught out, or putting on over your gear in

particularly heavy downpours.

Riding a bike when you’re soaked through isn’t an enjoyable experience – and something that the team at T&G has experienced on a number of occasions. It can make you lose concentration and your focus on the road ahead, which in turn can take your mind off important things and lead to mistakes.

TYPE There are two main choices, which are one-piece or two-piece suits – this refers to the number of parts that the suit has.

Both of them have their pros and cons, so consider which best suits you, your bike and your budget.

One-piece

Colour

As the name suggests, a one-piece rainsuit consists of an oversuit with a zip down the front.

Often the zip is longer than on conventional suits because it allows you to have more space to get in and out, plus it makes it easier to get it on over the top of your riding gear. One-piece suits are favoured by a lot of people as there is no gap at the waist for rain to work its way into. On the flip side, they cannot be worn as separate pieces and can sometimes be bulky to fold up.

You might not be a big fan of high-visibility clothing but the weather conditions in which you will be wearing the suit will be dark and miserable – therefore, consider getting a brightly coloured oversuit or one with reflective piping so that you can be seen easily by other road users.

An all-black suit may look the ‘coolest’ in the dealership but a rainsuit isn’t a particularly glamourous item so you may as well bite the bullet and get the one which protect you the most. Plus, it is highly likely that no-one will be judging how cool you look, but instead will be running around trying to get out of the rain.

Two-piece

With a two-piece suit, you have the option to wear the jacket and the trousers separately. For example, if it rains but you’re happy with your outer jacket to keep you dry, then you can just wear the trousers and vice versa. Like the onepiece suit, the items are worn over the top of your riding gear with the main aim of keeping you dry. Sometimes you can buy the items separately, too, so should you need to replace your jacket because you wear it more than your trousers – you can!

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HOW TO...

Getcheapinsurance Insurance is a necessity – riding without it means you’re breaking the law. With so many different types and companies out there – it’s hard to know if you’re getting the best deal. We’ve put together our top tips to ensure you do…

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1

Check hoses and unions for cracks

Keepingyourfinger

onthepulse:

Routinebrakesystemcheck

2

Loosen locknut (A) and turn hex (B) to adjust pedal height

Built by the Jinan Qingqi factory, the 125cc single cylinder four-stroke bike known by model code 125GY-2B uses a power plant from Suzuki’s GS125. It’s sold in the UK under various brand names including the Adrenaline Pulse, the Sinnis Apache and the Superbyke RMR.

H

aynes Publishing has produced a new service manual covering these models. To give you a taster, here’s a sample workshop routine which focuses on a routine general brake system check, ensuring that any problems are discovered and remedied before the rider’s safety is jeopardised.

DISC BRAKES BRAKE SYSTEM CHECK Ensure brake component fasteners are tight.

Check brake levers and pedals for improper or rough action, excessive play, bends, and other damage. Renew damaged parts. Clean and lubricate the lever and pedal pivots if their action is stiff or rough.

Check brake pads for wear. Make sure the fluid level in the reservoir(s) is correct. Look for leaks at hose connections and check for cracks in the hoses and unions (pic 1). If the lever or pedal is spongy, bleed the brakes.

Make sure the brake lights work. Lights should come on after any free play in the lever or pedal is taken up, but before the brake comes on. If the light doesn’t come on,

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check the bulb, holder and wiring and connectors; if good, check the switch.

The resting position of the rear brake pedal in relation to the footrest should be to suit the rider’s preference, so the brake can be applied without excessive movement of the foot. To adjust the height, slacken the clevis locknut on the master cylinder pushrod and then turn the pushrod using a spanner on the hex at the top of the rod until the pedal is at the desired height (pic 2). On completion tighten the locknut.

BRAKE PAD WEAR CHECK Visually check the friction material remaining on each pad – there must be a minimum of 1mm (pics 3 and 4).

Renew the pads if worn. On the front caliper also check the pads are wearing evenly (uneven wear is indicative of a sticking piston, in which case the caliper should be overhauled).

If the pads are dirty or if you’re in doubt as to the amount of friction material remaining, remove them for inspection. If the pads are excessively worn, check the brake discs.

BRAKE FLUID CHANGE The brake fluid should be changed every two years or whenever a master cylinder or caliper overhaul is carried out. Ensure that all the old fluid has been replaced with new, and that the level in the fluid reservoir is checked and the brakes tested before riding the motorcycle.

BRAKE HOSES Inspect the brake hoses along their entire length. There should be no sign of fluid leakage or corrosion of the metal unions at each end. Many models are fitted with braided hoses. Where rubber brake hoses are fitted, check that they are not cracked or chafed at any point. If a brake hose has deteriorated, renew it and the banjo bolt and sealing washers, and refill the system with fresh brake fluid.

BRAKE CALIPER AND MASTER CYLINDER SEALS Brake system seals will deteriorate over time and lose their effectiveness, leading to sticky operation of brake master cylinders or

CBT

SPECIAL

Completeyour CBTfirsttime

We show you what you’ll need to do to get your Compulsory BasicTraining certificate and get top tips from an expert so you can complete your CBT first time…

Words and images: Carli

Taking your first step on to two wheels and embarking on your CBT can be a daunting process; however, it doesn’t need to be.We headed back to school – motorcycle training school that is – to bring you up-to-date information as to what the course includes and top tips as to how you can get your hands on that certificate first time.

O

ver the last decade, every year around 175,000 people completed their CBTs. Compulsory Basic Training – or CBT – is the first step in a line of motorcycle training that will get you your full licence. Whether you choose to ride on your CBT for two years until it expires and renew it, or if you use it as a stepping stone to get your full licence – either way, you’ll need it.

There are five elements to the CBT, split into two parts – off-road and on road – and you can complete it on an automatic scooter or a geared motorcycle – if you’re 16, then you’re restricted to a scooter. You’re required to complete every element before your instructor hands over your certificate.

Prices of the CBT can vary – often you pay more for the privilege of using the training schools bike, too. It’s generally around £100 but can often range from £50£200 depending on location, time of year and how many days training you require.

Discuss the costs up front with the instructor and then that way, there won’t be any nasty surprises.

Let’s take a look at the elements in more detail.

The off-road elements are often held in a nice big open flat space where there is plenty of room to practise. Instructors have up to four students for the off-road section of the course and there is a 2:1 ratio for the on-road elements.

OFF-ROAD ELEMENTS A

ELEMENT A You’re required to be able to read a numberplate at a distance of 20.5 metres – with the aid of glasses or contact lens if you usually wear them. This will be tested in element A. Your instructor will also chat with you about appropriate clothing and safety while on the scooter or the bike – from helmets to gloves, and discuss with you the pros and cons of different materials.

horn, speedo, ignition, warning lights, front brake, throttle, engine cut-out switch, electric-start or kick-start and back brake pedal – where appropriate. You’ll get a chance to practise using them yourself too.

There are basic safety checks that you should do to ensure your motorcycle or scooter is safe to ride, these will be showed to you during element B. Daily checks such as: brakes, lights, mirrors, numberplates and reflectors, fluid levels and weekly checks including: tyres, control cables, suspension, steering head, wheels and spokes, drive chain and nuts and bolts, will be shown to you.

Using the brakes is also covered – without the engine on, wheeling the bike and pressing the front brake.

You will then be shown how to put the bike or the scooter on and off the stand – both side and centre – and you’ll practise doing it yourself.

It’s then time to start and stop the engine while the bike or scooter is static.

ELEMENT C In this element, you will cover: • Riding in a straight line and stopping • Riding slowly • Using the brakes while riding • Changing gear • Riding a figure of eight • Emergency stopping • Rear observation • Turning left and right • U-turns

B

ELEMENT B Your instructor will go through the controls of the bike including: gear lever, fuel tap, choke, clutch lever, dip-switch, indicators,

B

www.twistngo.com 65

READERS’ FREE ADS ROAD TAX IS NOW NON-TRANSFERABLE New road tax rules came into effect on October 1, 2014. Road tax can no longer be transferred with a vehicle when you sell it. When you sell a vehicle, you must notify the DLVA returning any unused road tax, and you’ll automatically receive a refund (if it is owed to you) for any full months remaining. You now have to apply for new road tax when you purchase a vehicle yourself.

For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/government/news/vehicle-tax-changes

Whilst we have made every effort to remove any mention as to how long a vehicle is taxed, please ignore any references that may have slipped through.

BSA C15

250cc, 1965, MoT, V5, taxed, good runner, excellent condition, £1950. Tel. 01223 872554.

Cambs

JAMES CADET

1963, 150cc, lovely orig cond, nice little showpiece, receipts from work carried out by previous owners, £1400 ono.

Tel. 01652 652253. Lincs.

SINNIS STRADA

125cc, 2014 model, electric/ kick-start, taxed, remaining warranty, 4 stroke engine, exc cond, £699 ono. Tel. 01492 585461. Denbighshire.

TRIUMPH 3TA

350cc, Twin, black/silver, 1963, excellent condition, runs well, £3850 ono Tel. 01753 869566.

Old Windsor

VESPA GTS TOURING 300

Terra Di Toscana, 2012, f&r racks and backrest, cream seat, Whitewalls, 1,562 dry miles, full s/h, only 2 yrs old, £3499. Tel. 07704 037120. Northants.

DERBI CROSS CITY

Trail bike, 125cc, 2009 model, 5,600 km, vgc, 12 months’ MoT, full s/h, new chain and sprocket, £1295 Tel. 01422 342128; 0777 9776508. W Yorks

NSU L

1959, 49cc, 2 gears, V5 reg 125 RVW, rare model, 85% all there, good cond, best offer secures, sensible offers, cash on collection. 01840 211762. N Cornwall.

SUZUKI AY50

1999, heavily modified frame and bodywork cut down, over 900 hours spent on this bike, £375. Tel. 01243 605370. Selsey, Chichester

VECTRIX VX 1 LI+

Electric scooter, excellent condition, s/h, only 8,539 miles, year’s MoT, 3 years old, best offer. Tel. 01234 881358. jeffwaistell@live.co.uk Beds

VESPA PX150

Hardly used (462km), 2012, white, Led Edit 150th Anniversary of Italian Independence, genuine history, £2695. Tel. 07870 326966. Barnoldswick

102 www.twistngo.com

HONDA BENLY

200cc, 1985, in lovely condition, reason for sale, £950. Tel. 01772 684119. Lancs

PIAGGIO FLY 125

Custom painted, (one of only five in UK painted to match the iPhone 5C), £1500. Tel. 01303 237549. pauldevall@yahoo.co.uk Hythe, Kent

SUZUKI GP100

new coil rectifier, ign switch, seat recovered, good chrome rims, forks, exhaust etc, 28k, starts with quick start squirt! £595. Tel. Paul 01202 427222. Dorset.

VESPA 250 GTV

Green, top box, front carrier and screen, one owner, only 5,896 kms, in as new condition and always garaged, £1995. Tel. 01202 486560. Christchurch.

VESPA S125

2010, scooter bears scars of city life and has been well used but looked after, cosmetic damage, sound, MoT til Dec, £1500 ono.

Tel. 07891 529988. Bristol.

HONDA CG 125

51 reg, full MoT, really nice cond, loads of new stuff, tyres and tubes, battery, exhaust etc, 18k miles, £775. Tel. 07775 433995.

N Yorks

PIAGGIO NRG 50

Power DD scooter, 12/10 mths t&t, VLM - 3,300 mls, derestricted, exc cond, 2006 model, clean/honest scoot, £799. Tel. 07930 398098. Glam.

SUZUKI GSF 600X

Trike, one lady owner from new, 9,500 miles, garaged, dry miles only, ideal lady’s trike, reluctant sale of much-loved, £3800 ono Tel. 01646 651058. W Wales.

VESPA GT60

Limited Edition, only 999 made, prototype grey, excellent condition, 20,000km, matching back box, £6000. Tel. 07939 008531. London

YAMAHA T-MAX

Vgc, h/grips, top box, extras inc new helmet and jacket, d/disc cable locks, immobiliser, 3,300 miles, £6900. Tel. 07734 466297.

N Yorks

HONDA VARADERO 125

V-Twin, 04, t&t Feb 15, work or commuter, nice cond, only 17k, good runner, 70mpg, Honda s/h, recent tyres, £1499 ono. 01302 534135 for details. S Yorks

ROYAL ENFIELD EFI

500cc Bullet, 2013, 6 mths’ manufacturer’s warranty, taxed Feb 2015, as new, full service, £3150 ono. Tel. 01271 343790.

N Devon.

SUZUKI GW 250 L3

250cc, Inazuma, 63 reg, Sept 13, very low mileage and vgc, genuine reason for sale, £2600.

Tel. 0116 2354013. Leics.

VESPA GTS 250IE

2008, silver, MoT till March 2015, 9,500 miles, vgc, regular Piaggio service, only ridden spring and summer, £2500 ono.

Tel. 01507 527264. Lincs.

YAMAHA YBR 125

Custom-style, 2011, 2,500 miles from new, full s/h, one previous owner, garaged, red, MoT till Aug 2015, vgc, £1650 ono. Tel. 02381 789619. Hants