Table of contents for September 5th 2018 in MCN

Piaggio’s new electric scooter starts production next week. The first electric Vespa features future connectivity to an artificial intelligence electronic operating system that monitors traffic conditions, road users and weather data to help keep bike and rider safe. Vespa claims it has 200km service intervals and a battery capable of 1000 charging cycles without losing efficiency. The bike features a brushless DC motor with 5.4bhp but a massive 148ftlb of torque.…

Royal Enfield have donated the last remaining Classic 500 Pegasus to the Support Our Paras campaign. The limited-edition machine was introduced this year as a tribute to the RE/WD 125 Flying Flea WWII military bike and is now sold out. Support Our Paras are selling raffle tickets for £2, all of which goes to supporting members of the Parachute Regiment and their families who have been affected physically or psychologically by the recent conflicts and Afghanistan and Iraq. To be in with a chance of winning, go to www.raffleplayer.com/supportourparas before Wednesday, September 19.…

I’m often accused of only saying nice things about the bikes I review on my YouTube channel so that the people who lend me bikes to test will continue to do so. But what’s the point of that? It would make every review worthless. This accusation of partisan corporate gobbling is hardly new; magazines have been battling similar slurs for decades but it’s just as daft an accusation there, too. Reviews have no value if they’re not honest. In reality, I try rather hard to give my honest impression. More often than not, in the interests of balance and criticism, I have to indulge in extreme nit-picking to find things that fall below par. Things like the fugly great exhaust on the current GSX-R1000, or the fact that you can’t…

Clever and colourful TFT dashes are becoming more common on motorcycles, but industry experts reckon there’s still a long way to go before the two-wheeled world is anywhere near as sophisticated as the systems used on cars.. With many motorcycle manufacturers using the Bosch system, there’s a lot of similarity between brands. It is thought that Ducati could be the first to break out of this trend and create their own virtual TFT dash, similar to the one created by parent company Audi for its cars. This system can toggle between maps, camera views and different gauge readouts. Ducati’s Stefano Trabusi said: “For a premium ride you need a premium product.”…

NEXT WEEK WEDNESDAY 5 Road Runner Riders bike meet, Fleece Inn, Mendlesham, Suffolk Entry Free Info www.roadrunnerriders.webeden.co.uk On the right late summer evening there are few things as relaxing as a ride to the pub through Suffolk countryside. From 7.30pm. THURSDAY 6 Bike meet, The Victoria Bikers Pub, Coalville, Leicestershire Entry Free Info www.vicbikerspub.co.ukA proper old-school biker pub. Expect loud rock music, quite a lot of black leather, honest grub and a banging atmosphere. FRIDAY 7 No Limits Track Evening Day, Rockingham International, Northants Entry £45 Info www.nolimitstrackdays.comIf you’ve not been to Rockingham, you’re running out of time. This is one of the last trackdays before they close the gates for good. THURSDAY 6-9 FIA/FIM Euro Finals, Santa Pod, Northants Entry from £35 Info www.santapod.comThe cream…

‘These cases come down to the size of the animal’ Q Is driver winging it? My brother came off his Bonneville when a car driver swerved into his path. The driver said he made the manoeuvre because a bird flew across his windscreen and he thought he was going to hit it. My brother did not see any bird. But anyway, the driver’s insurer are saying they are not going to compensate my brother for his injuries and damage to the bike and kit because the driver did nothing wrong and it was just a natural reaction to what the driver thought was a danger. Surely the fact that he swerved into John’s path means they should be paying up? Roger Jenkins, email A This is a bit of a…

The outright Classic TT lap record stands at 127.496mph and was set by Flying Kiwi Bruce Anstey in 2017 on Clive Padgett’s Yamaha YZF500 two-stroke former GP machine. A 127mph average lap would have placed Bruce in the top 20 in this year’s modern TT Superbike race and in the top five in the Superstock class. In 2002 the late David Jefferies set a new TT lap record of 127.29mph on board his TAS Suzuki GSX-R1000 with a time of 17min 47secs, two seconds slower than Anstey’s Classic lap record. Jefferies was also the first TT rider to break the 125mph barrier, in 2001 on his V&M Yamaha R1. The fastest lap at this year’s Classic TT was set by Dean Harrison at 125.475mph on-board his 1992 Kawasaki ZXR750, meaning…

• Getting there Get yourself to Melbourne, then either fly to Tassie’s capital Hobart, or jump on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry to Devonport (www.spiritoftasmania.com.au). A return crossing is around £418. • Hiring a bike Moto Adventure Tasmania (www.motoadventure.com.au) will hire you anything from a R1200GS to a CB400. You can choose bike-only, or a set 10-night self-guided tour, including accommodation. • When to go Go during the first three months of the year and you’ll arrive in Tasmania’s summer. A typical summer’s day will be mid-20s and cool at night for sleeping. Take waterproofs, it rains like the UK. • Make a trip of it Visit one of the best tracks in the world: Phillip Island, which is two hours south of Melbourne. You can ride the circuit with No Limits, who’ll ship…

I have to admit that I’m not really the off-road type. Sure, I was a dirt bike junkie as a kid, but my love for off-road dwindled as I got into road bikes and life on tarmac became the preference. That hasn’t stopped me from the odd jaunt down some green lanes, though, and riding the F850GS has opened up a whole world of opportunities. Wanting to get under the GS’ skin properly, I loaded up with luggage and headed to the BMW Off Road Skills centre in Wales to see what the bike can do when the road runs out. Nervous was probably an understatement, especially with me nursing bruises from a track highside. But after a 240-mile ride to their Ystradgynlais base, I was soon leaving the road…

Graham Brotherton Severn Heaven 46 miles Cross the Severn Bridge and go left onto Redhill Lane. Follow the B4461 to Alveston then bear left onto Bristol Road. Ride through Rockhampton, then take the A38. Pick up the B4066 and go right at Newtown. Ride up to Purton and hug the of Severn to the A38. Pick up the A430 for the last blast. THE ROUTE • City finish • Deserted roads • Stunning views Dave Frimley Whitehaven Wonder, 38 miles Start at Whitehaven and head north on the A595. Go left on the A597 then take the A596 up the coast road to Maryport. Turn right onto the A594 and take the A5086 to Cockermouth. Follow this all the way to Goose Butts. Then take the B5295 back to the…

“We got onto the loose stuff, and at first the bike felt really heavy, and like it wanted to go its own way, rather than where I wanted it to go. But after Pete got me throwing his little Honda around, I felt much more confident. “Remembering Pete’s advice to turn first, then use the throttle was a big help, as it meant I wasn’t scrubbing the front before I’d made the turn. Getting my body position right was a big help as it made me feel more like I was in control. “I kept the traction control and ABS switched on. Getting a feel for what the GS can do is really good. “I do quite a lot of miles each year and there’s been a few times, like…

Rusty spindles can be shockingly difficult to remove, creating many swear word-punctuated moments as well as a lot of wasted time and effort. After calling upon the types of tools that are more suited to truck fitting than to spannering motorcycles, once removed the offending spindle quite often looks like it’s been at the bottom of the sea rather than beneath a motorbike. So, if you find that your spindle is a bugger to remove then treat it to a bit of restorative work. Break out the emery cloth and WD-40 then scour off the encrusted rust. When the spindle’s clean and looking new again, coat it lightly with grease to help protect the metal from future corrosion. As with most jobs, keeping on top of things will help prevent…

Highly respected British Superbike engine tuner, John Trigger died in a tragic road traffic accident on Friday, August 24. John worked with an array of British Superbike riders and teams across the years, including GBmoto Kawasaki, Crescent Suzuki, Hawk Kawasaki, WFR Honda, Smiths Racing and TAG Yamaha, powering riders such as Glen Richards, Leon Haslam, James Ellison, Peter Hickman, Luke Stapleford and Josh Brookes to success across the British Superbike classes. John leaves a wife, Michelle, and daughters Danni, Frankie and Jasmine. All at MCN send their deepest condolences to his family and friends at this time.…

MotoGP series owners Dorna have unveiled an officially-licensed, collectable memorabilia game, which allows you to trade riders with other players to build your own virtual Grand Prix paddock. Think Panini Stickers for the web and you won’t be far wrong. The new game will allow audiences to purchase boxes of four randomly selected rider icons. Each pack could contain riders from the MotoGP, Moto2 or Moto3 grids, with a selection of rare Legends and circuit cards set to follow.…

Richard Dare from Swansea had his lovingly restored YBR125 stolen. “It was broad daylight – I heard the alarm going as it disappeared.” Richard continued: “But it’s not just the loss of your pride and joy, it’s also the anguish you feel as a victim.” Richard tracked it down, which prompted him to set up ‘Too Hot To Handle’, a Stolen Motorcycles Facebook group, which aims to spread theft details quickly so stolen bikes may be recovered. A recent post got 23,000 hits, and the group asks people to raise the alarm and report suspicious activities.…

2019 KEY CHANGES ZX-10RR Track-focused single-seat model is limited to 500 bikes, gets titanium con-rods, track-tuned suspension settings, a 600rpm higher rev limit and a 1bhp advantage over the R plus lighter forged Marchesini wheels. Available in Lime Green only. ZX-10R SE Based on the R, the SE benefits from Kawasaki’s advanced electronic suspension (KECS), and forged Marchesini wheels, while areas susceptible to scuffing and high-wear are treated to a paint finish that self-heals (Metallic Carbon Grey / Neutron Silver / Lime Green). ZX-10R Base model gets engine upgrades that take power to 200bhp thanks to reduced inertia and more aggressive high-lift cams. It also gets the KQS bi-directional quickshifter and a new Lime Green / Ebony / Metallic Graphite Grey paintjob. Kawasaki have revamped the ZX-10R for 2019 with…

Simply head online to MCN’s #ride5000miles Facebook page and vote for your favourite biking stop-off. Entice us with pictures of floury bacon baps and sizzling big breakfasts, or simply a brief eulogy as to why your nomination is the best biker café in Blighty. We’ll then visit one each week until we’ve sampled the 25 tastiest. At the end of summer we’ll reveal the five best ranking cafés on tour, and open them up to a public vote before crowning the winner of MCN’s inaugural Golden Sausage Award. Nominate your top nosh-pit at Facebook.com/groups/ride5000miles, or via mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com…

For every measurable performance (except possibly braking), the R nineT is the better bike, but that’s not the whole story. The nineT is also an AN Other BMW boxer that’s been stamped out of a machine in its thousands. If the 961 didn’t have ‘Norton’ on the tank no-one would buy it. The fact that it does and is effectively a unique, reborn, re-engineered classic that’s hand-built at Donington, in a similar way to Jaguar now re-creating some classic E-Types, brings with it tons of allure and appeal. All of that, plus our experience of 400 miles over two days without a glitch, with it having enough to pretty much keep up with BMW’s latest and with it being a lovely lump of metal, explains why, at least partly, Norton…

Stuart Garner is CEO of Norton Motorcycles. Buying the brand, and Kenny Dreer’s troubled Commando prototype, in October 2008, he set about building a small and dedicated team to relaunch Norton from a new 15,000sq-ft Donginton Park base with a new Commando. FACTORY MOVES The new Commando SE was born in the small factory unit at the side of the Donington Park circuit in 2009, with the first bikes being delivered to customers in 2010. Quickly outgrowning the limited site, Garner bought the 26-acre Donington Hall and Hastings House complex on the other side of the circuit in 2013. JAMES BOND 007 Yes, they’re machine guns. This Dominator SS appeared in 2015’s Spectre, with Garner himself playing the role of a Q-Branch technician. ISLE OF MAN TT Racing was always…

Nortons aren’t polished mass-produced machines in the way a Triumph Bonneville or Thruxton is. When you ride a California you know it has been (for better or worse) hand-built. To some this gives Norton’s range more spirit and soul, to others it means a machine not to be trusted. I wish Norton’s build quality and attention to the finer details justified their price tag as the quality of components they use deserves to shine, but for me there are still far too many rough edges on a bike that costs so much. But exclusivity is never cheap. Tech spec What it costs £16,500 On the road cash price £225 PCP per month x36 £426 HP per month x36…

‘It’s like all the world’s best roads all in one place’ Tasmania has been largely unmolested by modern life. Villages are Trumanesque quaint, the people are genuinely nice and Garden of Eden-like countryside is picture postcard perfect. Perched under Australia’s chin, 10,000 miles away, this apparently small island is the size of England. But with a population of less than half-a-million and barely any traffic to speak of, it’s the perfect place to retire, if you crave the isolated quiet life. But right now things are a little livelier. Blasting through a seemingly never-ending sequence of exquisite corners, my ears are being treated to the glorious racket of a Ducati Streetfighter S, lent to me by a good Aussie friend. You can ride here for hour after hour and burn…

‘The stylish seat proved too hard on longer rides’ Q What factory upgrades would you recommend? Alex Jessop A I have installed a couple of factory mods, with the most useful being the £25 paddock stand bobbins and a £102.64 replacement seat. As I ride 500-600 miles a week for pleasure and commuting, maintenance on the chain is key. The bobbins give me great access to this and the back wheel for cleaning, lubricating and adjusting. The standard stylish rolled seat on the SV650X is simply too thin to be comfortable over long distances so I replaced it with the plainer, thicker seat from the standard SV650, which offers slightly more padding and fits perfectly. Q ‘How would it cope with being used in winter?’ Jonathan Mahiques-Pearce A At the beginning…

‘There are loads of places to stop for a cuppa’ Michael Lee is always ready for adventure on his immaculate Cagiva Navigator. And his favourite short ride is this 47-mile Stocksbridge Loop. His Suzuki TL1000-engined machine is the perfect tool for a mix of twisty B-roads and sweeping A -roads to be found in this glorious biking country. Michael said: “It is a great route combining so many lovely parts of that side of Sheffield. “You’ll be rewarded with loads of narrow, country roads with great scenery going up and up out of Sheffield and down and up lots of hills. “This ride takes in three reservoirs including the amazing Ladybower reservoir. There are loads of places to stop for a top cuppa or to simply take in some of…

I LIKE • It’s a good all-round machine • Electronics. I think they’re fantastic • Keyless ignition. It’s truly keyless, even the fuel filler cap • Service costs are very reasonable I DON’T • I could never get the four -way adjustable screen in the right place so I ditched it for a smaller one • Lack of power. 140bhp would be perfect • Quickshifter. It’s not very smooth • The hugger doesn’t stop the shock from getting peppered with stones QUICK SPECS • 1170cc •236kg •125bhp •820mm seat height PRICE NEW £14,740 VALUE NOW £7500…

It’s easy to think that all stolen bikes these days end up shipped off to the eastern fringes of Europe and beyond. However that’s not always the case and you’ll probably be shocked to hear that many end up on UK dealer’s showroom floors as cloned bikes. According to security company Tracker, criminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods of hiding a bike’s identity to then sell them on to innocent parties, usually for a bargain price. The majority of cloned bikes are less than three years old and a staggering 80% of them end up in the dealer network. So if a dealership can’t detect a cloned bike, what chance do you have as a private buyer? You can check for hidden security marks, like Datatag or UV codes, or…

Tapered block This tool is the key to easy rear wheel removal and it’s not one you’ll find at Halfords. Make yourself a chock out of an old piece of wood. It’ll hold the wheel in place when you remove the spindle. Rubber mallet This one will prove extremely handy when it comes to putting the spindle back through the swingarm and wheel. Don’t be tempted to use a metal hammer on your spindle unless you want to risk burring over the end. Multi-purpose grease Use only a thin layer of good quality multi-purpose grease on your spindle because using too much will just attract gritty dirt. The grease will help protect the wheel spindle from corrosion once it is back in the bike. Sockets/spanners Refer to your bike’s workshop…

The ninth round of the Bennetts BSB championship marks the end of the ‘main season’, with the three-round title fighters’ Showdown kicking off at Oulton Park next weekend. At present, only Leon Haslam and Jake Dixon have confirmed their spots in the Showdown leaving the remaining four places up for grabs. Those are currently held by Glenn Irwin, Josh Brookes, Bradley Ray and Peter Hickman, but Danny Buchan and Christian Iddon are knocking on the door of the top six with Honda’s Jason O’Halloran also in with a shout. GLENN IRWIN 3RD - 187 PTS “Mathematically we aren’t confirmed as being in the Showdown, but it’d take a monumental failure really not to get in. I’m not even thinking about it, in my own head I’m there. If we can…

Ex-Grand Prix race winner and current MotoGP reporter, Simon Crafar, says Triumph’s new Moto2 engine will better prepare riders for MotoGP after trying the new 765cc triple. He also believes it should provide closer racing. Crafar said: “Riding style and lines will be the biggest difference... while Moto2 is incredibly competitive it’s not a big enough step away from Moto3 toward MotoGP. The 765 will make a step in this direction.” “The extra power will change the lines as riders will need to think more about the acceleration off the turns. The extra power also allows for more line variations so makes for overtaking. The power increase and style change together with the electronics will help prepare riders better for MotoGP.”…

‘That’s when wheelspin was at its worst’ Among things denied to 55,000 fans in the British GP stands – aside from comfort, entertainment, value for money, and a proper explanation – was a chance to see if Yamaha is any closer to breaking the trap that has led one-time title favourite Maverick Viñales into a state of melt-down, and even the ebullient Rossi into frequent episodes of gloom. It would have been interesting, had they raced, because former Silverstone winner Viñales was quickest in FP1 and race morning warm-up when it was dry; but he and Rossi qualified 11th and 12th (out of 12) when it was wet. That’s when the wheelspin that has plagued them all year was at its worst. This after the shame of Austria, where straights…

Alpinestars have launched a new range for 2019 with more road and touring focus than ever before. The Italians have also expanded their airbag-compatible clothing range with leather and Gore-Tex jackets ready to take their Tech-Air system. For the first time there are two-piece leathers with an airbag facility. The Missile suit retails at around £800 while the airbag system is an extra £1000. The good news is that the system can be swapped between all Tech-Air compatible jackets. Alpinestars are also launching seven new cold-weather gloves, all of which have been CE-certified and come with Drystar waterproof linings. The new range of kit will start to filter into the country this autumn.…

The weekend saw Honda campaign a beautiful one-off CB1000R at the annual Gklemseck 101 sprint event in German, piloted by five-time 500GP champ Mick Doohan. Built by Julian Boland and Carl Buckle (below, with Doohan) at Honda Racing in Louth, it runs on race wets for maximum cold-tyre traction and features Öhlins suspension, a delicious Akrapovic exhaust system, Brembo monoblock brakes and a bespoke longer hand-fabricated ally swingarm to limit wheelies. The retro paintjob harks back to Doohan’s Rothmans Honda GP heritage. The competitive Aussie won his first knock-out run, but was pipped in the second heat after getting sideways on launch and having to back off the gas.…

Snarling, booming and with lightning responses, Triumph’s Moto2 test bike gives electrifying performance. In a super-light Daytona-based chassis, but with huge power, acceleration is stunning, but it is the flexibility that impresses most. Around Silverstone’s nadgery Stowe circuit it allows you to pick between gears and drive out of corners at low rpm. This is combined with beautiful fuelling. Each incremental turn of the throttle is met with direct and proportional response. The engine is thrilling, yet perfectly manageable. Triumph should put it into a production sportsbike.…

‘ Cheap bikes for country types ’ I am wondering what is going to happen to the good old Cheap Hack Bike. Half my life seems to have been spent on CHBs and, even now, I have a couple knocking around. Well, three, actually. Soon to be four. People frequently comment on how easy it is to find a decent (ie: running, with a reasonable MoT, and likely not to blow up for at least a year) Cheap Hack Car and how hard it is to find the biking equivalent. I know people who thrive on bangernomics. Hell, my wife and I have a £500 Ford Focus which is used to cart tools, plants, grow-bags and all the rest to the allotment and back. But it’s damned difficult to find…

SAVE£70 Dainese D-Blizzard D-Dry jacket £279.99 Long-distance touring jacket with a waterproof/breathable membrane, removable thermal lining and Velcro straps at waist and arms for perfect fit. Available in sizes 34-50. www.jsaccessories.co.uk SAVE£32 Held Tempest Rain Trousers £26.97 With an RRP of £58, these high-vis pull-on rain trousers are great for the daily commute. Matching jacket also available. Available in sizes XS-4XL. www.getgeared.co.uk SAVE £54 Four packs of EBC GPFAX pads £162 Buy three packs of these widely acclaimed track-only sintered pads, and Bike HPS will throw in a fourth set free – that’s enough pads for four calipers. www.bikehps.co.uk SAVE30% Gaerne GP boots £189.99 Down from £269.99, these high-spec race boots feature a Lorica upper, hard armour at the shin, ankle and heel, anti-bacterical lining and magnesium toe sliders. They…

Readers Kevin Smith and son Oliver Smith (12) and friend Darryl Smith The Ride Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland and France When to do it Spring to autumn Miles 1774 Time required One week Don’t miss this “The Tremola Pass and Reims-Gueux race circuit are amazing. Staying at the Hof und Post (Innertkirchen), we were surprised to spot three Gold Wings on Dubai plates. Hotel Hof is an ideal base when exploring some of the very best mountain passes." GRIMSEL PASS Oliver with my Tiger 800XC on the Grimsel Pass, he’s counting down the years before he’s riding. SWITZERLAND Darryl and his Yamaha Tracer 700 at Lake Brienz in Switzerland. The view was incredible. FURKA PASS Oliver doing his best, ‘Wow, when I grow up!' on the Furka pass. It's amazing…

David Elder Age 37 Height 5ft 8in Current bike ZX-10R, KR-1S, Norton Dominator Been riding for 17 yrs First bike Kawasaki KR-1S Dream bike Honda RC45 “I’d just sold a KTM RC8 and immaculate 1992 CBR900RR-N FireBlade and always said to myself if I sold them I’d get something special. I was on the lookout for an RC30 or RC45 but couldn’t find a good UK bike. But while browsing the internet looking for café racers I stumbled across the Norton Dominator and was blown away. “As standard the Dominator comes with a handmade brushed aluminium tank and matt bodywork, but I wanted a unique bike so I spec’d mine with a polished tank and gloss bodywork. There’s not another in the world with this combination. “I also spent a…

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Andrew Nissen, Victoria, Austraila I live just outside Melbourne, but the best roads are in Tassie. I’ve been over seven times and for me a perfect riding day is the blast from Hobart to Derwent Bridge. There you can top up your fuel, get a bite to eat, then head to Queenstown and on to Strahan. By the end, my thighs are on fire from all the twisties. Ian Hussey, Brighton, UK Tasmania is very special and on a bike it’s like nowhere else in the world. It’s one of the few places you can just enjoy the ride and take in the nature without having to constantly check your speedo. I love how you can fill up with fuel three times in one day and never see one bit…

• Thirteen new bikes • Thousands of real-world test miles • What works, what doesn’t and what fails • How to get the most out of your new bike 5745 MILES 4928 MILES 5130 MILES 2947 MILES 7593 MILES 6054 MILES 697 MILES 7541 MILES 6119 MILES NEXT WEEK 1546 MILES 11,612 MILES…

Stocksbridge loop, 47 miles Leave Stocksbridge south on the B6088 and go left on to Stone Moor Road. Pick up Yewtrees Lane and skirt Broomhead Reservoir. Pick up Mortimer Road. After Dale Dike Reservoir, go right on the A57. Nip over Ladybower on the A6013. After the golf course, turn left on the A6187. At Fox House, go right on the A625. Take the A6101 and the A6102. After Grenoside, take the A629 at Worley and turn right onto Hermit Hill Lane, Oxspring, Snowden Hill and Underbank Lane.…

HJC CS-15 Helmet, £89.99 Tested by Alison Silcox 3 months, 1000 miles This budget polycarbonate helmet has a quick release visor, seatbelt-style buckle closure and a fully removable and washable lining. HJC lids suit my head shape and, as with others I’ve worn, it took no breaking-in and has been comfortable for long days of riding from first wear. This is a good quality lid but I’m slightly disappointed that it lacks some features that appear on other lids I’ve tested in the same price bracket. It’s Pinlock-ready but doesn’t come with the anti-fog Pinlock visor insert. It’s also a pity there isn’t a drop-down sun visor. There are plenty of colours to choose from, mine is a fluro yellow graphic version. It’s colourful and good for being seen on…

1. RST Delta gloves £49.99* I’ve owned these for many years. I can’t fault them for their comfort and build quality. 2. RST Ventilator 5 £179.99 Mesh jackets have been essential this summer, but this one has three layers so you can detach the thermal and waterproof inners. 3. Sena 20S Evo Bluetooth intercom £259.99 Instead of cutting the intercom when the sat-nav gives you instructions, it just quietens the channel down so you know your pillion’s said something and they don’t think you’re ignoring them. 4. Schuberth C3 Pro £489.99 I originally bought the C4 but the fit wasn’t very good and the intercom was bad too, so I got this instead. The field of view is outstanding. 5. BMW Allround boots £175 These are 65,000 miles old. The…

Dean Harrison’s impressive 2018 season on the roads continued with victory in the Superbike Classic TT on a Silicone ZXR750 Kawasaki. The bad weather that decimated practice week delayed the race start by several hours and affected the Bradford man’s opening pace. Harrison said: “The opening lap felt scrappy, but once I’d done the first lap I got into a rhythm and was able to go much quicker.” His second lap of 126.041mph was the fastest of the race. “I built a lead and I just controlled the race from there,” he added. He went on to win by over a minute from Horst Saiger (Greenall’s Kawasaki) and Conor Cummins on the Padgett’s Honda YZR500 Yamaha. Saiger and Cummins were separated by nine seconds after the Austrian moved into second…

The chances of a MotoGP race in Mexico City in 2019 now look increasingly unlikely, after riders hit out in the safety commission about the proposed circuit. The current F1 track in the centre of the capital requires extensive modifications if it’s to be made fit for bike racing. That means that next year’s calendar, due next month, looks set to remain at 19 races with confirmation from Finland’s new KymiRing that they won’t be ready to host a race until at least 2020.…