Inhaltsverzeichnis für April 2019 in RiDE

THE BIGGEST PRODUCTION motorcycle in history looks like it’s about to get even bigger. Within Triumph’s announcement of its new Triumph Factory Custom range is this ‘Concept Rocket TFC’. Triumph is keeping the specs up its sleeve until May 1 but promises it will be ‘ultra-rare, ultra-premium’ and ‘nothing short of the ultimate motorcycle’. On close inspection it looks like a new engine, almost certainly larger than the original’s 2294cc capacity, in a new monoshock chassis. Fingers crossed a less-rare, less-premium version is planned.…

1999 The unrestricted one > Original top-speed hypersports tourer with a 173bhp 1299cc inline four (tested 150bhp at the rear wheel). Was the only bike to hit 194mph prior to top-speed limits introduced in 2000. 2000-2007 The restricted one > Suzuki introduced a top-speed limiter, which cut ignition above 300kph (186mph), though measured power remained the same. Subframe swapped from aluminium to stronger steel in 2001. Minor ECU upgrades in 2003. 2008-2012 The even faster one > Overhauled model with 1340cc engine, uprated chassis, new styling and numerous cosmetic and practical upgrades. Claimed power up to 197bhp (180bhp at the wheel) but speed still limited to 186mph. 2013-2019 The one with Brembo brakes and ABS > As per previous model but with addition of Brembo (instead of Tokico) front brake…

AROUND 18 YEARS ago, I was walking past a Suzuki dealer and I knew nothing about bikes,” says 31-year-old Hayabusa owner Kyle Gibson. “But there was one parked outside that I just couldn’t stop looking at. I said to myself, ‘If ever I have a motorbike, that’s the one I want.’ Later I spoke to a friend and told him I’d seen this bike. He had loads of little motorcycle models, and one of them was the bike I’d seen. He said, ‘Do you know what that is? That’s the fastest production bike in the world.’ I was like, ‘It’ll take a while, but that’s the bike I want.’” Now, 18 years later, Kyle owns the bike of his dreams. Not everyone comes to Suzuki’s Hayabusa with such single-minded dedication…

Culture shock The Silk Road takes you through some the world’s poorest countries — The ‘Stans’, all ex-Soviet Union. Russian is the common language and countries are Muslim but alcohol is widespread. Meals are largely meat on a stick and don’t expect boutique hotels — homestays, yurts or camping will be the options. Borders need research as there can be security issues and not all are open to international travellers. Outside capital cities, infrastructure and medical facilities are basic. However, the hospitality and generosity of the peoples, the ancient towns of the Silk Road and the stunning scenery more than compensate for the challenges. Road conditions Varied and challenging: tight, twisty mountain switchbacks; mud and gravel; long straight potholed roads; camels, goats and unpredictable traffic; rapidly changing temperatures, altitude and…

Royal Enfield claims the Interceptor’s new 648cc twin makes 47bhp at 7250rpm, with 39lb·ft of torque at 5150rpm. A dyno run reveals how much actually gets to the rear tyre — and in this case, it’s good news. Measured power is 44bhp at 6900rpm (in line with the typical 5-10% transmission losses), while true torque is fractionally higher, making 40lb·ft at 5000rpm. Both power and torque curves are smooth and natural, with no obvious dips, spikes or peaks in delivery and a measured rev limit of 7400rpm.…

THE MOST SIGNIFICANT thing that struck us during this test was just how quickly any of these chains could be cut. Admittedly we weren’t doing it at night, in the rain, with a half-charged cordless angle grinder and chains being held by a mate. But what is clear is the larger the chain link, the longer it will take to cut through. Compare a 10mm chain taking around 27 seconds to the 25mm chain taking three minutes: there’s a direct relationship between the two. On that basis, it’s hardly surprising the all-new Almax Series VI tops the tables in terms of strength. It is a huge bit of metal and by far the most expensive here but despite this, it is deserving of a RiDE Best Buy triangle for its…

1 Chain all the bikes together. It’s far harder to nick eight bikes in one hit than it is one bike all on its lonesome 2 Choose secure parking. If you’re overnighting, book a hotel that offers secure parking. Worth the extra 3 Post a guard. Seriously, if you and your mates are at an event, why not take turns in keeping watch over the bikes 4 Check for trackers. Have a quick look every morning and evening for suspicious boxes 5 Look past the expected. Is that person wheeling a bike away from a parking area at an event nicking it?…

UPDATES The GS was updated in 2017 with a revised gearbox and a Euro4-compliant motor as well as an upgraded ESA system that includes a self-leveling function and revised settings. Oddly, a few ‘2016.5’ models exist that feature the updated motor in the old chassis SWITCHGEAR The switchgear on the GS isn’t very robust, with kill switches failing and occasionally other items, such as the indicators. Check all is well RECALLS The GS was recalled for a faulty sidestand switch and possible shaft seal failure in 2014 and the fixed fork tube issue in 2017. Check recalls have been completed by running the VIN SUSPENSION Always check the ESA shocks to see if there are any leaks and they work. Some firms will rebuild them and a few offer ESA-compatible…

FINISH The amount of metal on display means it is easy to spot a cared-for bike over one that has had a harder life. Check the chrome areas for signs of corrosion and all the fasteners as they are weak points BRAKES The T100’s two-piston single caliper is prone to seizing, meaning a rebuild is on the cards so check for sticking pads. A new OE seal kit costs £30 (pistons are £63) and a shop should charge you roughly £50 in labour to do the job MISFIRE There have been a few cases of water getting into the T100’s coil, causing a misfire. It’s a cheap fix with a used coil costing less than £40 and a new unit only £106, plus fresh HT leads and plug caps CARBS…

UPDATE Updated in 2018 with a new ride-by-wire throttle, three set and one user-definable riding modes, four levels of torque control, revised suspension and a lighter engine balancer shaft. The Adventure Sports model has a larger 24.2-litre tank and off-road upgrades ACCESSORIES Honda sells its own pannier kit and topbox, costing £585 and £388 respectively. If you are considering luggage, buy a bike with it already fitted as it will be cheaper than purchasing after DCT The Africa Twin was sold with Honda’s optional DCT gearbox, an extra £800 on the RRP. On the used market it doesn’t affect the asking price as it isn’t hugely popular SPOKES Corroded spokes is a common thread on forums and a bugbear of many owners. A few have also experienced switchgear issues with…

GEARBOX The gearbox on the first generation can be fragile on track, mainly down to BMW’s quickshifter having too quick a kill-time. Third gear was updated by BMW in later models, so ensure all is ok SERVICE COSTS The RR needs a minor service every 6000 miles, major at 12,000 and valve clearances every 18,000. While a minor is £180 and a major £250, checking valve clearances boosts this to over £500 so be wary of bikes around this ELECTRICS The switchgear suffers from faulty buttons due to water ingress. Check everything works as replacement can be expensive. The immobiliser can also have problems, so make sure it works EXTRAS BMW-fitted extras such as heated grips or HP parts are always appreciated and help keep the RR’s value up. Be…

TOP OF THE RANGE Performance Sport model features Öhlins shock, Akra exhausts and Brembos 2012 - current > 188kg > 264kg > £4000 to £13,000 Why you want it Much like a Hayabusa, the ZZR1400 is a bike totally dominated by its motor. Also a fairly sporty machine, the ZZR has the benefits of modern technology where the Busa’s development has largely stood still over the years. Why you don’t If you are in the market for a newer ZZR, it may be worth considering the H2 SX as Kawasaki’s supercharged sports tourer has everything the ZZR lacks when it comes to modern tech. Watch out for While the early bikes are cheaper, it is advisable to go for the post-2012 second-generation model with its stronger motor, better chassis and…

HAS IT BEEN CRASHED? MT-10s are modern-day hooligans, so look for usual crash symptoms 2016 - current > 158bhp > 210kg > £7990 to £11,499 Why you want it The MT-10 operates on so many levels. It’s a naked R1 with a sportsbike chassis and re-tuned current-model crossplane motor so is happy to go bonkers. But it is also a relaxed naked with a roomy riding position, reasonable weather protection and decent spread of torque. A bike for any occasion. Why you don’t The throttle response can be a little aggressive and the look is challenging rather than pleasing, but it is hard to fault, with economy its only real blight. It struggles to hit 40mpg, so 140-mile to a tank. Watch out for A de-cat link pipe and ECU…

‘A lightweight, capable machine with off-road credentials that eats miles’ WHEN BMW INTRODUCED the F800GS in 2008, it seemed to make perfect sense. Its top-of-the-range, big-bore GS models had got ever-more bloated, complex and harder to handle. What people needed was a lightweight, capable machine that had off-road credentials but could still chew up and burp out miles. This bike was the solution. Using a retuned version of the punchy parallel-twin engine first seen in the sports-touring F800S in 2006, it kicked out 84bhp, weighed 207kg and had proper off-road ability, thanks to long-travel suspension and a 21-inch front wheel that allowed the use of proper knobbly rubber. For many savvy riders it was the perfect halfway house — delivering more than adequate performance in a manageable package and has…

In response to a BMW owner being charged £45 for changing a bulb, my tale is at the opposite end of the spectrum of customer service. I’ve owned an old waxed-cotton Belstaff jacket and trousers for more than 30 years. For at least the last 20 years, they’ve spent their time unused in an unheated garage and time, cold and damp have made them suffer. I was about to chuck them out after a bit of a clear out. Fortunately, I went to the Greenwich Market Bike Shed event just before Christmas and got chatting to a guy on the Belstaff stand. I mentioned my old Belstaff waterproofs and he suggested popping them up to Belstaff House. I did this and to cut a long story short, they have just…

These Oxford Comfy multi-functional neck tubes offer all-year comfort and normally cost £14.99. They’re lightweight, breathable and wind resistant and are made with a seam-free construction for maximum comfort. You can wear a Comfy any way you want but here are a few of the many options to get you started: Beanie Face mask Neck tube Bandana Full-face balaclava Open-face balaclava *Please note colours will vary and cannot be specified. Call 0800 103 2844 Quote ref RiDECOMFY Closing date: 31st March 2019 Terms and Conditions: Important to note that at the time of ordering we will ask you to cover the postage by credit/debit card and a payment will be taken of £1.26. Colours may vary and cannot be specified. Call times are Monday-Friday 8am-8pm and Saturdays 10am-6pm. Calls are…

FANCY A BRILLIANT do-anything motorcycle for free? Yamaha and Motorcycle News are offering the chance to win a new-for-2019 Tracer 700GT in a free prize draw. Powered by the punchy and characterful parallel twin from the MT-07, the 700GT also comes with a high touring screen, a comfort seat and 20-litre panniers. At £8142 the Tracer 700GT already looks like a great-value machine, but you could own one without spending a penny if you enter this competition. To enter, just visit www.motorcyclenews.com/winayamaha by May 31 2019. See entry page for full terms and conditions.…

52.662748, -0.924360 MEANDERING, TWISTING AND reflecting the rise and fall of the land around it, a great British B-road is a thing to behold — and few are better than the B6047, a serpentine blast that has the rewards of the country’s best pie shops at the end. We love the B6047 on RiDE for its challenge, its scenery and the pastry-cased meaty pleasure promised at the end of every ride. A destination for local bikers, it stretches from Market Harborough to Melton Mowbray, cutting through the East Midlands countryside. Fast and well-surfaced, it never asks too much of you but is exciting and flowing enough to create a sense of joyful equilibrium — and best of all, it works on almost any bike. With tarmac that finds confidence-inspiring traction…

THICK, OILY CLOUD clings to the Brecon Beacons like a mouldy cloak. The cheerless grey mizzle could persuade a rider to hole-up in a roadside café and wait for summer. But cheer up mate! The pearl-white Suzuki Hayabusa crouches down into the granular tarmac like a ground-hugging streamliner, its snouty bullet-train form so low-level it’s as if I’m cocooned, protected from the elements by sheer velocity. The purring surfeit of performance — 180bhp at the back wheel, as subtle as a lead clog – is almost entirely untapped, yet still propels us with smooth, astonishing speed on tickover alone. It might be extinct but a GSX1300R is still awesome, whatever the weather. The Busa’s propensity for pace is why we’re in South Wales, to acknowledge 20 years of hypersports touring…

Start/Finish Crickhowell/Carmarthen Time 7 hours Distance 191 miles The Brecon Beacons, easily accessed from the M5/ M50, is a great place to ride a bike whatever type it is — there’s something for tourers, adventure bikes, sportsbikes or middleweights. The Beacons are criss-crossed with a network of tarmac; some roads are better than others. This route zig-zags through the hills, with twisty A and Bs (B4560, A4069), scenic undesignated roads (Talybont reservoir) and fast As (A470, A4509). The Beacons are popular with tourists and get busy, like all National Parks, during holidays. Our route then takes us to Pendine Sands along the A40, with an unplanned diversion at the end via the A477 and Summerhill. After Pendine, we burned extra fuel with a loop up to Newcastle Emlyn (B4299), then…

1 MONTH AHEAD BRITISH MOTOCROSS, ROUND 1 March 10, FatCat Motoparc, Doncaster There’s more to bike racing than MotoGP and BSB, you know... And if you like to get close to the action, then top-level motocross is well worth a look. There’s a full programme of competition with MX1, MX2 and MX2 Youth races, as well as practice and qualifying. MX1 is for 450cc 4-strokes and up to 250cc 2-strokes but in practice, it’s almost all 4-stroke machines these days. Same in MX2, where most riders opt for 250cc 4-strokes rather than smaller smokers. In MX1, Honda-mounted Jake Nicholls will be hoping to convert last year’s runner-up spot to a national title, and with reigning champion Evgeny Bobryshev heading back to MXGP, he’s got a good chance. It’s the same…

STYLING Very much a baby Blade, the CBR650R gets a new fairing, LED headlights and attitude ENGINE The 649cc four has been retuned for a touch more power and a longer rev range CHASSIS Upside-down Showa forks, radial brakes and a stiffer frame mean the new Honda is both agile and stable THE PROJECT LEADER of the CBR650R, Noriyoshi Tsutsui, is very definite when I ask if his bike is designed to fill the gap left by the CBR600RR’s demise. I get a curt “no” before he elaborates, to explain the CBR is a bike to be enjoyed on sporty day-trips but with the practical ability to do lots more besides. In short, a bike more in line with the CBRs of old. And that’s good news. The CBR650R can…

It’s one of the most crucial lessons you learn, when you get your first push-bike; lock it up wherever you leave it because if you don’t, it might not be there when you get back. However, that ‘might’ from 20 years ago has become ‘likely’ today. Motorcycle crime is rampant and we have to take security seriously if we want to keep hold of our bikes. While a lock and chain is top of the list for cyclists, so it is for motorcyclists — just on a larger scale. The theory is simple — if your bike is locked to a solid object with a meaty lock and chain, hopefully it will deter thieves or make them move on to the next bike with a smaller or no chain. We…

When it comes to what weighs on a motorcyclist’s mind, the chances are that security is one of the biggest worries. Sadly, it’s with good reason — motorcycle crime seems to be on the rise again and while the Metropolitan Police’s response is well known and polarising, looking after your motorcycle begins with you, the owner. To find out what you can do to stand the best chance of keeping your bike or getting it back if the worse should happen, we spoke to leading security expert, Dr Ken German. Ken knows a thing or two about security – he holds a PhD in International Vehicle Crime, ran the Met’s Stolen Vehicle Squad and was instrumental in forming the Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group following Norwich Union’s withdrawal from the motorcycle…

TRACKDAY USE Loads of R1s end up on trackdays, so always give the bike a good inspection for any signs of track abuse or crash damage and hints such as lots of GoPro mounts or crash protection. Ideally you want a bike that has been cosseted on the road, not thrashed around a track RECALLS The R1 and R1M were recalled in 2015 for the possibility of a fire due to an O-ring on the oil delivery pipe being improperly fitted. Under extreme circumstances this could fail, leading to oil leaking onto the hot exhaust system. The R1M was also recalled for a piston rod nut potentially coming loose OUTSTANDING FINANCE A lot of R1s were sold on PCP or finance packages, so when buying privately (dealers will check this…

UPDATED MODEL The MT-07 was updated in 2018 with improved suspension featuring more support and the shock gaining rebound adjustment. The motor was untouched but the look was given a bit of a refresh, the seat altered and lights revised FINISH The MT’s finish is a little budget and it does have a few areas that you need to keep an eye on. Some of the welds can rust and the fasteners quickly begin to oxidise if not treated with an anti-corrosion spray. Once the rot sets in, you are fighting a losing battle… SUSPENSION The MT’s shock and forks come in for criticism for not only being way too soft but also losing their damping very quickly. Inspect both for leaks and bounce the bike to ensure the damping…

THE FIRST SP In 2014 Honda released an SP version alongside an updated road bike. With Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes and a blueprinted motor it wasn’t hugely popular and used prices are surprisingly reasonable CASH SAVER While the 2012 bike got new wheels, an LCD dash, revised Showa suspension and a sharper look, underneath it is very similar to the generation that ran from 2008 ABS Honda states the ABS system should have its fluid changed every two years but due to the complexity of the system this takes three hours! So it is generally left unchanged, especially on older bikes, potentially leading to damage if dirt gets into the pump FAIRING The Blade’s intricate fairing is a little flimsy and broken lugs and panels are common, especially in the…

SUSPENSION LINKAGES Access is tricky so it often gets skipped and the linkages seize as a result MODEL VARIATIONS Standard is A, AS has semi-auto gearbox and semi-active suspension. AE has normal gearbox with semi-active UPDATES Updated in 2006 with bodywork and semi-auto gearbox. 2013 saw ride-by-wire HOW MANY GEARS? It took Yamaha until 2016 to introduce a sixth gear alongside a slipper clutch 2001 - 2018 model > 145bhp > 292kg > From £2500 Why you want it Yamaha has always taken a different approach to its rivals when it came to its full-dress tourer and the FJR’s emphasis is more towards the sporty end of the touring spectrum. So while the FJR may have a slightly smaller fairing and a less-relaxed riding position than a Honda Pan European,…

GO INJECTED 2007-on model with fuel-injection is the easiest and nicest to ride 1999 - 2016 > 98bhp > 245kg > £2500 to £8500 Why you want it Big, relaxed and packing a spirited large-capacity air-cooled motor, there is lots to love about the XJR1300. If you are after a bike for cruising, it’s a great option and bang on current fashions. Also, due to its long lifespan, starting prices are low. Why you don’t The chassis can feel stuck in the 1990s and its suspension, despite the Öhlins badges, is pretty basic. Avoid the ‘Racer’ version as drop bars are uncomfortable. Watch out for Finish is poor on older models with paint flaking off forks and motor a common irritation. It was updated in 2015 with a 6.5-litre smaller…

TCX Clima Surround Gore-Tex boots £249.99  www.tcxboots.com Tested by Martin Fitz-Gibbons, Deputy Editor THESE TOURING BOOTS claim to provide maximum breathability while still being completely waterproof. This magic trick is down to the use of something new to motorcycle boots (though already used in other types of footwear, such as hiking and mountaineering), called Gore-Tex Surround. As well as having the waterproof membrane built in to the boot, the Clima has been designed — in a partnership between TCX and Gore-Tex itself — for as much airflow as possible. Most of the upper is made from Cordura, a breathable mesh fabric, rather than leather or synthetic microfibre. Additional airflow comes from the dozen rectangular holes adorning the sides of each boot’s sole — not something you might expect to find…

SPECIFICATION £13,999 • 998ZZ pXrXllel twin • 94Yhp • 257kg (meXsured) • 24.2-litre tXnk • 920/900mm seXt DESPITE BEING ALMOST a decade old, Honda’s dual-clutch gearbox still feels bafflingly new-fangled and foreign to me. If anything, it has the air of an invention from a slightly dystopian future. DCT could prove to move humanity another step closer to The Machines taking over, as we hand simple tasks over to computers. No clutch lever, no gear pedal, but an intelligent self-changing gearbox. “I’m sorry Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that block downshift…” Launched in 2010 as an option on the VFR1200, Honda has updated, adapted and refined the system since. DCT is now available on the NC750 family, two Africa Twins, the Crosstourer and the Gold Wing. And it’s pretty…

SPECIFICATION £11,424 • 1037ZZ M-twin • 99Yhp • 232Bg • 20-litre tXnk • 850mm seXt SO I FINALLY got to ride the V-Strom. And I love it. It’s tall — as I knew it would be — but I can get my feet down and that’s enough. The seating position is beautifully upright, giving not only a superb view of traffic and scenery but it also means my back isn’t screaming after ten minutes. My motorway commute is over all-too-soon and with the heated grips and a pair of heated gloves (see page 94), I still choose it over the car even at 0°C. While it’s a weighty thing, and that weight is high up, it’s not ungainly; it goes round roundabouts nicely, flits across country extremely well — stable…

Where can I get biking travel insurance? When I tour abroad on two wheels or get frog-marched to an airport by the Mrs for a beach holiday, I always travel with my E111, (soon to be a make-do ice scraper), and travel insurance. It is only when I get really bored, normally on a sun lounger, that I read the small print on the insurance. It is then I read I am only covered on a motorcycle up to 125cc... oh bugger! Seems I’ve been winging it for years. What is your suggestion for say a ten-day European tour on my 1000cc motorbike in case of an enforced dismount and medical care? Graham Frost R There are dedicated policies out there. Carole Nash, for example, offers dedicated travel insurance for…

I’m a long-term RiDE subscriber and was surprised to see the Star Picture in the Your Rides section in the March issue. The caption did explain helmets were removed just for the photo, but many of those riders were still without jackets, gloves or other protective clothing. I would tend to consult RiDE’s kit reviews before shelling out hard-earned money on expensive kit and the consistent quality of these reviews is a major reason why I still subscribe. It seems bizarre that a photo like this would get published that ignores all sensible riding standards. No doubt they had great fun but setting an example for younger riders has to be a major priority for all of us. R We liked the picture because we thought it captured a sense…

Perth, Western Australia Recently visited a school mate who lives in Perth. We headed north on a three-week road trip, as far as the Karijini National Park. Gareth Harris Almodôvar, Portugal This is my Triumph Tiger Sport in the hills around Almodôvar. The Triumph has given me confidence again after not riding a motorbike for more than 30 years. Andy Ostrowski Les Arcs, France Me and my bro in Les Arcs in June 2018. What a beautiful part of the world to explore. Tony Coleby Teignmouth, Devon My Africa Twin about a mile from home shortly after I bought it. We’ve now been to Spain, Ireland and the West Country. Tony Early Buzludzah, Bulgaria My ‘Biker Babe’ on a post-retirement ride to Istanbul. This is Buzludzah in Bulgaria, off the…

Launched in 1999, the Hayabusa was Suzuki’s Honda Blackbird-eating top-speed sports tourer (literally; a Hayabusa is a Japanese falcon that preys on blackbirds). With obvious nods to GSX-R technology, the 1299cc, 150bhp (measured) inline four and beam frame were all-new. The second-generation Hayabusa is powered by a 1340cc, 180bhp (measured) inline four, with a long bore/stroke ratio giving it huge low-down grunt and midrange — at 5500rpm it’s making 100bhp and 180bhp at less than 10,000rpm. That’s a very condensed power-band and makes for an incredibly flexible motor. The second-gen’s chassis maintains the same geometry and frame as the original bike but gets a beefier swingarm, new brakes (four-pot radial Brembos instead of six-pot Tokicos or, later, 4-pot radial Tokicos), revised suspension and a restyle. SPEC Price £n/a Engine 1340cc…

HAVING RIDDEN THROUGH Colombia I was completely taken aback by Cartagena’s beauty and friendly atmosphere. It was in stark contrast to Medellín, where I had stayed a few nights ago. I had a great time in Medellín thanks to the Ducati crew and the Gentleman’s Ride host, Gustavo. That said, it’s not a place I felt safe walking around — the levels of drug addiction and poverty are visually evident. Accidentally booking myself into a love hotel in the worst part of town didn’t help things. No wonder it was cheap… Cartagena boasts a colourful and vibrant culture which is reflected in the colonial buildings, painted accordingly and draped in flowers. Great food is available everywhere and it’s still cheap, despite being a holiday destination. After a few days enjoying…

SOMETIMES ALL A bike needs is a bit of a restyle to allow it to stand up and be counted, which is exactly what has happened with the CB650R. In a former life, it was the somewhat nondescript CB650F but in transforming into the CB650R it has emerged as a genuine contender. Inheriting all the same chassis, suspension and engine updates as the CBR650R, the naked CB650R takes a different styling path and instead of a full fairing, draws inspiration from Honda’s neo-retro CB models. And it does it well. This classy look gives the bike a genuine feeling of quality (interestingly, both R models are built in Thailand, rather than Japan) that is backed up by the same high-spec chassis components as the CBR. However, on the naked CB,…

Ignition key releases the right side-panel, revealing a relatively generous toolkit (C-spanner, extension bar, 4/5/6mm Allen keys, 24/14mm spanner for axle nuts, 10/12mm spanners, double-ended screwdriver) in a nice pouch. Pull the knob to release the seat, which uncovers the fuses, ECU and diagnostics port, but no storage space. Getting to the battery requires more work: remove the toolkit and its plastic holder (three 10mm bolts) to get at the positive terminal; take off the left side-panel (one 4mm hex-head bolt — don’t drop the tiny washer) to get at the negative. Sliding the battery out (via the right side) requires another bolt and bracket to be removed. A bit of faff.…

‘It offers something new, and needed, to the retro market’ LET’S REFRAIN FROM getting all tabloid and declaring the Interceptor 650 to be the best-value bike in the history of the universe. Just £60 more buys Honda’s ultra-practical CB500F (£5559), and only a few hundred pounds separates it from Suzuki’s far more exciting and capable SV650 (£5842). But there’s no doubt that the Interceptor really is a lot of bike – with miles more garage presence than a CB or SV – for not very much money. And in 2019 it really does offer something new, and much needed, to the retro market. Clearly, for most RiDE readers, the Interceptor is a very long way from being quick, complete or capable enough to be their only machine. What Enfield has…

It might not feel like it but next month will mark the start of spring — and that means a new bike-buying season starts now. Here are 20 machines to whet your appetite — compiled from search results on mcnbikesforsale.com combined with feedback from readers and dealers. These are the most searched-for and the most in-demand bikes in the UK. Over these pages you’ll be given everything you need to make an informed purchase — what’s good and what’s not, what to pay and impressions from owners about the reality of owning one. You just need to work out how to pay for it. You don’t really need that new bathroom now, do you?…

ECCENTRIC HUB ADJUSTER Seized hubs are a constant worry on older, single-sided swingarm bikes, so look for any signs such as rounded teeth that hint the adjuster has had excessive force applied to it. Ask the seller to demonstrate it moves freely DASH Water can find its way into the VFR’s LCD dash, damaging the circuit board within. A replacement unit is costly but there are guides on the internet explaining how to strip and fix your own one REGULATOR / RECTIFIER Reg/rec and generator issues are fairly common on older Honda models so it is worth testing these units using a voltmeter (if you are unsure how, check the internet). Aftermarket units cost roughly £50 for a reg/rec and £150 for a generator. Be wary of lots of plug-in…

EARLIER MODELS The 883 has been around for years, however unless you are a real enthusiast it is best to avoid the pre-2004 bikes as their motors lack rubber-mounting, causing very intrusive vibrations. From 2004 until 2006, the 883 ran carbs before fuel-injection arrived in 2007 BELT AND PULLEY Some 883 models lack a lower drive-belt cover (owners also often remove it) and this can leave the belt and pulleys vulnerable to damage from stones getting caught in them. Always check the condition of these items as they can be expensive to replace WIRING The 883’s wiring is often bodged when owners fit aftermarket accessories, so remove the seat and inspect underneath for any signs of tape joints or poor-quality connectors. Once gremlins get into the loom they are very…

THEFT The Street Triple is a popular target for thieves, so as well as inspecting the frame and engine numbers for signs of tampering, always do an HPI check. Also ensure the same key operates the ignition and seat locks FRAME DAMAGE The weld that connects the headstock to the frame can rust and crack in an impact. Inspect this and if in doubt, walk away ELECTRICS Switchgear failures are common and the clutch lever switch is also a weak point, leading to a non-starting bike. Early models have weak reg/recs but it’s an easy fix FINISH The Street Triple’s finish is fairly good — as long as it is well looked after. Any that aren’t will show corrosion, flaking paint and will look dog-eared. Be picky, there are loads…

UPDATES The RT’s air-cooled boxer twin gained twin cams in 2010, adding more poke FINAL-DRIVE BEARINGS Listen and feel for excessive wear on the final drive bearings, as they are costly to replace OIL LEAKS Watch for an oil leak where engine and gearbox meet or end of shaft drive CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER This can start to weep. A new unit is £50 and swapping is simple 2005 - 2013 model > 108bhp > 259kg > From £4250 Why you want it The final air-cooled generation of BMW’s excellent tourer is arguably the best RT on the market, as this ultimate mile-muncher marks the culmination of more than 30 years of development. Boasting a huge fairing that protects both the rider and pillion, as well as sumptuous levels of comfort…

ELECTRICS Blackbirds can suffer from typical Honda reg/rec issues. Quiz the owner 1996 - 2007 > 162bhp > 254kg > £1750 to £5000 Why you want it The Blackbird may have a reputation as a hyperbike but it is far better thought-of as a fast sports tourer. Boasting high build quality and excellent comfort, it is not only very quick, but also very practical and its motor has loads of relaxed torque. Why you don’t The Blackbird is getting on a bit now and starting to show its age. Used bikes will need their suspension overhauling as the fork springs are notoriously soft and weak and also the shock isn’t the most robust item. Watch out for Early carb’d bikes (pre-1998) have a smaller fuel tank but, ironically, updated injected…

Investing in a new bike is a serious business, whether it’s a spanking new Panigale R or a new-to-you 20 year-old commuter. You owe it to yourself and your wallet to get the best deal you can but few of us make enough of those deals to really know how to swing things in our favour. So we’ve asked a few experts in the field to share their experience. Between them they’ve bought and sold more bikes than they can remember — and they’re very, very good at it. 1 Don’t rush in Timing is important. Martin “Dealers usually work to quarterly targets, so for example the middle of March is a good time for a deal as deadlines loom. Same goes for promotions on new bikes — you’ll get…

RIDING IN EUROPE is great fun, but the organisation, such as sorting the practical and legal logistics and the time that it takes to get to the good bits of riding, mean it isn’t everyone’s cup of espresso. The Moto Guzzi Experience offers ready-made tours in some of the Europe’s most beautiful locations and on lovely bikes. However, it isn’t cheap: just over £1000, plus flights, for a four-day trip. We headed to Tuscany to see if it was worth it. DAY 1 After a two-hour flight and a similar coach transfer, I and the other ten Brits on the experience pulled up at Hotel Montaperti, in the heart of Tuscany. We had a few minutes to check in, drop our bags and meet another 20 riders from different countries…

QI TOOK MY bike out for a cold but spirited ride at the weekend. However, I passed a liveried-up ‘Safety Camera Partnership’ van probably a bit quicker than I should have. I didn’t see a camera flash or anything. Have I been caught, do you think? I am even more confused by these new ‘smart motorway’ gantry cameras. I passed a sign that was showing 60mph and I was doing 70mph. Will I get a ticket? A THE MIDDLE of January marked the start of TisPol’s speed-enforcement week. You may not have heard of TisPol but it is the European Traffic Police Network. That is likely to become a thing of the past for UK bikers riding the roads in Great Britain, given Brexit on the horizon; however, speed enforcement…

Bike 2014 Triumph Tiger 800 ABS Total miles 143,018 Rider Philip Weston Age 68 Miles per year 20,000 I WAS LOOKING FOR a replacement for my Fazer, which I loved, and tried a Tiger for size at the NEC. It felt similar and looked alright so I bought one — didn’t even take it for a test ride, as I might not have liked it and would’ve had to look for something else! “I’m the president of the Iron Butt long-distance riding club and this bike has been built for long-distance riding and durability, with mods that include spotlights, crash bars, spindle bungs, two GPSs, short levers, a foldable gear lever, and a Scottoiler. The auxiliary fuel tank is attached to the side-box mounts (I don’t use panniers) and fitted…