Classic Motorcycle Mechanics June 2022

It’s fair to say I’ve never been the sort of person to be at the cutting-edge of fashion. By this I don’t just mean about clothes, or TV shows, but anything really. I like different, I like quirky. And many of us do... Bikes can also be unfashionable. In this issue, Steve Cooper talks about how the normally unfancied Moto Morini 350K can be a decent (and cheaper) substitute to the much-loved 3 ½. He’s right… it’s all of that bike and more – but for less! Other bikes pop up in the head for the same reason. Much as we love the original 900cc FireBlades, pre-2000, the last from that decade (RR-W/X) were the best of the bunch. But, because by then the Yamaha YZF-R1 had come out, they…

PICTURES: For some reason, the GPX750R didn’t last long… which is a bit of a shame, but then it did lead to the ZXR series. In the mid-1980s the 750 class was where it was at, thanks to machines like the Suzuki GSX-R750F, the Honda VFR750 and Yamaha’s FZ750 – these were the cutting-edge 750s, which battled for sales alongside others such as Kawasaki’s own GPz750R and shaftie GT750. The GPX would be the range-topping 750, introduced in 1986, being liquid-cooled, 16-valve, 100bhp (claimed) and capable of 150mph, thanks in part to those ‘quirky’ aerodynamics. Out on the road the GPX was a real flexible machine, being able to handle both spirited riding and a two-up tour. In World Superbikes it won Kawasaki’s first race in that class with Adrien…

LS2 CHALLENGER CARBON Developed by LS2’s riders in MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3, the Challenger Carbon boasts some top tech and safety features in a classy-looking shell for road and track riding. And it comes in some new colours for 2022. The Challenger features a high-grade wide weave carbon fibre shell weighing just 1350 grams. As you’d expect, it’s both ACU Gold and ECE 22.05 certified for track and road use. The shell comes in three outer sizes, for the smallest, lightest possible helmet in each fitment range. A quick-release, wide aperture visor comes with a Pinlock Max Vision Anti Fog System as standard and there’s a flip-down internal sun visor, too. Dynamic Flow-through Ventilation keeps the wearer cool and comfortable, while the breathable, hypoallergenic liner comes with Emergency Release System…

FIREBLADE 1992-2022 From the makers of this ‘ere CMM, comes a bookazine charting the 30-year history of the Honda CBR900 and 1000RR FireBlade (and Fireblade, post 2004!) It’s made up of original pictures, interviews of those involved with the design of the FireBlade, as well as reviews of the bike and its various models throughout its 30 years. Not only does the book cover road bikes, but in its 132 pages you’ll see a full and comprehensive rundown of the successes (or otherwise) of the FireBlade in its racing career, right up to the end of 2021 and looking ahead to 2022. www.mortonsbooks.co.uk £8.99 ISLAND RACER 2022 After a few years off – for obvious reasons – Island Racer is finally back again. This 148-page magazine is packed full of…

SENA 10C EVO CAM/COMMS SYSTEM There are safety arguments for and against being able to listen to music, communicate/make phone calls or listen to sat-nav while riding. I guess it’s up to the individual. The ability to take real-time video recordings of journeys is one benefit which prompted me to check out the Sena system, with the other opportunities for communication being an added benefit. The fact that the 10C Evo bluetooth communications platform comes with an integrated camera able to capture video quality at 4K all wrapped in a sleek, compact, aerodynamic design, sold it for me. Offering four-way bluetooth intercom up to a mile is another major benefit, particularly, on a personal note, as my daughter recently passed her CBT and is now able to ride with me,…

It’s fair to say that ‘we’re never too old to learn’ and that’s true when it comes to riding motorcycles. We learn every time we head out on two wheels and that’s why the MCIA (Motor Cycle Industry Association) wants more of us oldies to set a good example and do more advanced motorcycle training. That’s why the association started a new website called ‘The Elite Rider Hub’ (www. eliteriderhub.co.uk) which carries a full list of all the available advanced riding courses. Tony Campbell, MCIA CEO, says: “As an industry we believe that better-trained riders will be safer riders and post-test training will be the best way to address this. Improving our road safety record will be key to the industry’s future. However, this is not just the riders’ fault,…