Índex per May 2016 a RiDE

Scottish Highlands My 2014 Triumph Tiger Explorer and my brother’s Yamaha XT500, which he bought new in 1977. This was taken near Ardvreck Castle in Sutherland. He’d just ridden the XT across from his home in Germany to stay with me in the north-west Highlands, where I’m lucky enough to have some of the country’s best biking roads on my doorstep. We had a good few days making the most of them – Jamie Armes-Harris India I first went to India about eight years ago. I bought a Royal Enfield in Delhi, my friend taught me to ride it and we toured Rajasthan together. It was scary and difficult at first but I grew to love it. I returned a couple of years after and toured the west coast, travelling…

“The Versys 650 was probably the biggest surprise of all” WITH THE CHALLENGE complete we could finally swap between the bikes. For the remainder of the A68 and the A1 back down to Ferrybridge I took the Versys. After the CB125F it felt as much of a motorcycle mountain as the GSA. In truth, for the money, it’s more than even that: the Kawasaki is comfortable, easy, reasonably equipped (it even now has an adjustable screen), has a peach of an engine and, basically, can do it all – and all for just £6985. If that isn’t a winner, I don’t know what is. After that, with darkness descending and our bodies aching, the mighty GSA cossetted me for the final 100 miles of A1 home – and I couldn’t…

IF ANYTHING SHOULD be a rule of thumb when travelling on a bike, it’s this: pack light. And yet so many people just keep on piling on extra gear until the bike can take no more. Overpacking not only makes your bike heavy and handle badly, it invariably ends in you angrily rifling through all your belongings at the side of the road, looking for the thing you really need, then struggling to get it all back into the pannier from where it came. The other extreme – just the gear you are standing up in, a credit card and passport – also has its drawbacks, but there’s a healthy balance. Here’s our guide on what to take and how to pack it. LUGGAGE As a solo rider, two panniers…

WAITING QUIETLY IN the far north of India lies Spiti, a magical valley, a place of surreal beauty that nestles against Tibet, bridging the border between Hindu and Buddhist cultures. To get there, high Himalayan passes must be crossed, precipitous roads negotiated and climatic challenges endured. A typical circumnavigation of the valley would begin and end in historical Shimla, the summer capital of the British Raj. Travelling to the north, the route winds snake-like across the Himalayan foothills before following the frothing, glacier-fed Sutlej River into the district of Kinnaur, where things get seriously steep, the road carved into the vertical rock face. By riding day four, the road leaves the Sutlej Valley and climbs through a series of crazy switchbacks, reaching 12,000ft at Nako, before descending into Spiti Valley…

“It would be a shame if you didn’t ever stray on to the dirt” DUAL PURPOSE Both bikes impressed on some varied trails in Portugal. Even with its more road-orientated seat height and front wheel, the 700 wasn’t out of its depth. 800 OR 1200? F800GS is such a great all-round bike it does make you question the need for the more powerful, heavier adventure icon. AT THE LAUNCH of the 2016 BMW F700GS and F800GS I ask Ulrich Ast, product manager of the whole parallel-twin range, what his favourite model is. The 6ft 5in German answers: “It depends on what you want to use them for – I mean the GT has a belt drive for less maintenance, the naked R is fun and the F700GS is a good…

THE BETTER A rider you are, the more you’ll enjoy Ducati’s new Hypermotard 939. This is a bike that’s purpose-built to celebrate the joys of riding, with little or no thought given to practicalities, comforts, or any of that sensible stuff. The Hypermotard is aggressive, flighty, nervous and raw. It’s an animal of a bike that dares you to try to tame it. So the better you are at pulling wheelies, controlling rear-wheel skids and riding through tankslappers, the more you’ll love this two-wheeled hooligan. But therein lies the problem. There aren’t many of us who would be prepared to live with a bike that’s so focused. While it may be cooler to keep a tiger as a pet, most of us know a tabby cat is a lot easier…

“It’s so easy to work on and just keeps going”Robert Roalfe, R1150GS owner ADVENTURE TANK One of the more popular mods for the 1150 is to fit the tank from the Adventure model, giving an additional eight litres of capacity. Always check on the logbook that you’re looking at a genuine Adventure – not a base model with the Adventure tank. HEADLIGHTS Many owners are underwhelmed by the headlights on the 1150. Additional spotlights, usually fitted to substantial crash bars, are popular – and if you’re looking at a bike without them, consider adding them. TUNING Some coax more performance from 1150s by taking them to specialist dyno houses to get the ECU remapped – twin-spark machines particularly seem to benefit. The most popular tuners on the forums seem to…

“Good planning makes smoothness and speed possible” THE BEST RIDERS are a bit like swans – no matter how hard they’re working, it always looks effortlessly serene. And the thing is, quite often it is effortless and serene, because what makes the difference isn’t anything physical. It’s the mental work they do that shows in how they ride. Largely, it can be summed up in one word: planning. Sorry it’s not a sexy word, like “speed” or “acceleration” or even “smoothness” – but the simple fact is that good planning is what makes acceleration, speed and smoothness possible. Good planning makes every ride safer. Good planning depends on good observation - looking well ahead and taking a broad view. That means not only looking at the furthest point of tarmac,…

HOW IT’S DONE Oval Motorcycle Centre boss Simon Fraulo shows the London Show crowds how to lift the front wheel up to check for binding brakes. THE LONDON MCN Motorcycle Show has become the season’s appetite whetter, getting us all ready for the biking year ahead. RiDE decided to help with some quick on-stage guides to making your bike feel like new with help from Simon Fraulo, owner of the Oval Motorcycle Centre, based in South London. There you can hire a space to work on your own bike with the watchful attention of fully qualified staff, ready to help if needed. They also offer a range of confidence-building DIY courses. Simon started by demonstrating how to check the brakes on your bike. This included checking brake pads to make…

Tyres have always been a mystery to me. I defer in such matters to my learned colleague Matt Hull, who doesn’t claim to be an expert but is far more adept at spotting the difference between tyres. However, I feel as though my learning has come along quite a lot in the last year, thanks in large part to the V-Strom. The Suzuki arrived on Bridgestone Trail Wings, and then out of curiosity we switched to the new Avon TrailRider. The Avon has a bit more of an off-road look to it, and proved to be noticeably grippier not only on the rough but also on the road. The downside was that it was not very long-lasting. For its final couple of thousand miles it went back on to Trail…

Cheap and cheerful I have recently returned to biking after an absence at the grand old age of 48. I find reading your magazine most useful and informative. To get me back into the swing I purchased a 2002 Honda CB600F Hornet. I got it at a bargain £1450 with 20,000 miles on the clock. This included a Givi rack and top box and a spare exhaust, which turned out to be a Micron race can. It had no service history but having done my research I felt confident it wouldn’t have any major problems. A full service with Honda, to put my mind at rest, revealed nothing major. Brand new Michelin Pilot Road 3s transformed the handling from the squared-off rear, and other upgrades have included Goodridge brake hoses,…

1 WEARING AN ICON Even a well looked after helmet won’t last forever, so it’s important to change your lid every few years. But that doesn’t mean you have to abandon your brand or style of choice – there’s now a huge variety of designs and finishes available, including retro shapes and iconic badges, with all the benefits of current materials and know-how for a safer and more comfortable riding experience. 2 VENTILATION The basic look of the full-face helmet has barely changed in 40-plus years, but today’s best helmets are head and shoulders better than their predecessors. Ventilation in particular has improved immensely, helping the rider stay comfortable and minimising misting. 3 APERTURE There’s no substitute for trying a helmet on. That’s the only way to find out how…

1 THE RIGHT ANGLE If your riding is all about getting tucked down behind the screen of a sportsbike, you need a helmet that’s angled to suit you, otherwise your view will be restricted. 2 AIR FORCE Fast track riding is a physically demanding experience that can easily got hot and sweaty if your helmet isn’t well ventilated. 3 SPOILERS For many riders, wings and spoilers are little more than a novelty. But at track speeds, they can make a real difference to lift and buffeting. 4 WEIGHT It’s got to be tough enough to be safe, but that should come from smart, lightweight materials, not bulk. 5 QUICK DRYING However good the ventilation, you can still get hot and sweaty. That’s why a moisture-wicking, quick-drying, easily washable lining is…

1 OUTWARD STYLE Urban riding kit has to do the tough job of looking like appealing casual clothing while being packed with the protective features of more-obvious bike kit. This makes finding well-tailored gear important, to keep the protective materials where they should be and increase comfort. 2 INNER STRENGTH The good stuff is all concealed beneath the surface, with a liner of anti-abrasion material. The area covered by the liner is crucial: more coverage, more protection. There is a trade-off: more lining can mean more weight and makes for a warmer garment. The key is finding kit that offers the right balance for how you’re going to use it. 3 ARMOUR With riding jeans, look for options to add armour to knees and hips. With shirts and jackets, there…

Richa Arctic Warm, dry and comfortable, at a great price. Abrasion and impact test results are impressive too, thanks to sturdy construction and well placed reinforcements. If you need one pair of gloves for all year round, these are hard to beat. Expect to pay £80 www.nevis.uk.com Alpinestars GP Pro Thick but supple leather is at the heart of these traditional sports gloves. You get a lot of feel but not at the expense of protection. The plastic-reinforced cuff won’t fit inside many sleeves. Expect to pay £170 www.alpinestars.com Knox Handroid Innovative and very effective gloves with groundbreaking protection on the fingers and palm, and an easily adjusted wrist fastening. Much more comfortable than they look, and highly protective. Expect to pay £170 www.planet-knox.com Arc-On Competizione Thick but flexible kangaroo…

1 THE ‘T’ WORD For many riders, ‘touring’ used to be something that other people did. But really it’s just riding a motorcycle for the sheer pleasure of it, sometimes for days or even weeks on end. And advances in clothing mean it’s now a safer, more comfortable and more attractive option for more riders than ever. 2 ADAPTABLE Why should you need a different jacket for different types of journey? Why shouldn’t a jacket have a hint of sporty styling, with adventure-derived ruggedness and commuter-friendly practicality? No reason at all. In fact, many do. Size adjusters, vents, removable linings – these are now fitted to many jackets at different price points. 3 DESIGNED TO GO THE DISTANCE As well as a waterproof membrane, a touring jacket needs waterproof zips,…

1 CHOICE OF STYLES ‘Leather biker jacket’ is one of those everyday sayings that, upon closer examination, turns out to mean something slightly different to everyone. Different lengths, different zips, different pockets – there’s so much that can change, while still providing the timeless pleasure of wearing a quality bit of riding kit. 2 MATERIALS There’s more than one sort of leather – goat, kangaroo, cow, etc – and plenty of different ways to finish each one. You need to feel a jacket, not just look at a photo, to see if it’s the one for you. 3 ADJUSTMENT Like all riding gear, leather jackets need to fit snugly at the waist, collar and cuffs if they’re going to keep you warm. The best manage to do this without compromising…

Sportsbikeshop Mostly online, but their HQ in Lincolnshire is also a shop. www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk Infinity 12 shops (some selling bikes too) all staffed by enthusiasts, and loads of online bargains. www.infinitymotorcycles.com Get Geared Friendly shops in Leeds and Surrey, and online too. www.getgeared.co.uk JTS Big value, big choice and not afraid of big sizes, the Coalville shop and mail-order business has been going for 25 years now. www.jtsbikerclothing.com Bike Stop The used to be just a great place to buy Dainese in Hertfordshire; now they do 20-odd top brands. www.bikestop.co.uk Moto Central The website’s good, the shop is superb, and smack in the middle of England. www.motocentral.co.uk Adventure Bike Shop Suffolk-based shop and online store. www.adventurebikeshop.co.uk Touratech Welsh store is set amid some great riding roads. www.touratech.co.uk Moto Legends Their Surrey…

ANDALUCÍA, SPAIN THERE ARE SO many reasons to visit southern Spain – from the MotoGP at Jerez on April 24 to the brilliant food, warm weather, amazing scenery and the roads… More than anything, there are the roads. Andalucía is blessed with some of the most spectacular riding in Europe. There are mountains, gorges, forests, plains, historic towns and castles, not to mention miles of beaches and sleepy fishing villages on the Mediterranean, all linked by quiet, well-surfaced highways that riders beaten down by a British winter can only dream of enjoying. In other words, it’s biking heaven. This road is the CA-9104 in the Grazalema National Park, halfway between Jerez and Málaga. It’s one of our favourite roads, but only one of many brilliant roads in the region. Getting…

THE WEATHER TENDS to be kind to the south coast - the sun often shines on Weymouth. As a tourist town, it’s well set-up to receive biking visitors. True, many visitors head there just to get the ferry to the Channel Islands, but there’s some outstanding riding in the leafy lanes inland from the sea. There’s plenty to see along the way on this one-day ride. It heads out along the heritage coast – if you take your walking boots, you could always stop along the way for the short stroll out to scenic Lulworth Cove. Continuing further east, the route’s planned coffee stop is in the shadow of the spectacularly atmospheric Corfe Castle. Heading back inland, the route passes close to the impressive Tank Museum at Bovington. It skirts…

“The few significant updates make quite a big difference” LUGGAGE Panniers are standard. Yamaha now say the optional 50-litre top box can be fitted at the same time as the panniers – a first for an FJR. LED LIGHTS Indicators, tail lights and headlights are all LEDs. Headlights include banks of adaptive cornering lights. SMOOTH RIDE Electronic suspension offers a good range of adjustment for firm, sporty solo riding or plush, relaxed two-up cruising. “It’s as capable as it’s ever been and the changes help it step up nicely” TWO-POSITION SEAT The seat is broad and comfy, and can be switched from 805mm to 825mm by removing and refitting plastic mounts. EXTENDED RANGE With an overdrive sixth gear dropping revs at cruising speed the 25-litre tank should have an even…

THIS IS THE UK-spec version of the new Indian Scout Sixty, the only difference from the US-spec version we rode a couple of months ago being that this has ABS fitted as standard. And what a crucial difference that is. The non-ABS brakes are OK, but having ABS gives that extra confidence to use the bike harder on unfamiliar roads. And when you use it hard you realise that the Scout Sixty is so much more capable than most other bikes you’d class as cruisers. The 78bhp, 999cc V-twin, with its five-speed gearbox, proves more than enough to get the juices flowing. It’s every bit as smooth as the 134cc-bigger standard Scout, which has a six-speed box. Around town, few cruisers can live with it away from the lights, and…

THERE WASN’T MUCH wrong with the CB500F, launched three years ago as a simple, conventional middleweight twin targeted at the A2 licence category, as well as those going up a class from a 125 and those going down from something bigger and more powerful. It’s sold pretty well, along with its siblings, the sportier-looking CBR500R (see box) and the adventure-ish and pillion/luggage-friendly CB500X (see next month’s RiDE). So, wisely, Honda haven’t done much to it in this refresh. Just a few small changes – but they’re all worthwhile, and result in a bike that’s appreciably better than the outgoing model. The changes span the cosmetic and mechanical. The styling has been sharpened, with less plastic bodywork, showing more of the frame and the engine with its new bronze-coloured cases; also,…

FROM A QUIRKY desert racer on the fringes of the mainstream in 1980, the BMW GS has become one of the world’s favourite bikes. While there’s a straight line of descent from the original R80G/S to today’s R1200GS, the family has spawned many additional models – not to mention a huge range of rivals. More than 20 per cent of all new bikes sold in the UK in 2015 were adventure bikes – and the GS was the biggest-selling model. But what’s the best way to get one, especially if you don’t have £14,640 for a brand new R1200GS TE? We asked owners of different GS models about their experiences with their bikes – good and bad – to find the best options for all budgets. We also talked to…

“Each evolution has been a step forward”Will Haylock, R1200GS owner SCREENS The mounting system is different to that used on the other GS models, so the Tobinators and some screens that are popular on other models don’t fit the LC. A popular mod is fitting inserts to increase the size of the hand guards, further breaking up the flow of air that reaches the rider and reducing buffeting. KEYLESS RIDE A factory-fit option, from 2015. When the key fob is close, you can press the button where the key slot used to be to wake the bike up, then thumb the starter as normal. When you stop, press the button again to turn it off (press and hold for the steering lock). Unlike other keyless systems, you don’t need the…

#10 Norton Commando Where did it come from? Produced from 1967 to 1977, the Commando drew heavily on earlier Norton twins. It was similar on paper to the bike it replaced, the 750 Atlas, but with a couple of critical differences. The styling was spot-on. And the frame, developed by Stefan Bauer with Bob Trigg and Bernard Hooper, broke away from decades of the Featherbed (welded twin loop, swingarm, heavily braced headstock). The Commando had a large-diameter single top tube and – crucially – made use of rubber mountings. This Isolastic system defeated the worst of the vibration that turned people off British twins, given the smoother new Japanese alternatives. What changed? As the years passed the engine grew from 750 to 850cc, the front brake switched from drum to…

Kits come with an assortment of wires, pads, foam covers, mics, fixings and control units. It can all look a bit daunting, especially if you haven’t pulled your helmet apart before. The quality of the instructions varies wildly. Get the speakers as close to your ear canal as possible, the mic as close to your mouth as possible and the wires and plugs hidden away so you can’t feel them. The mic needs to face your mouth. Work out where your ear canal sits in the helmet. Some helmets are made with a recess for speakers but this may not be right for you. You may need a little ingenuity to sort this - if in doubt see your dealer. To get the best fit you may need to cut…

BLUE CAR SPOTTED Good long-range observation helps you see the car at the junction on the left early. Now planning begins. SPEED AND POSITION Rider slows and takes a wider position. Keep watching the car and consider options. MOVE LEFT? If the car turns right, this leaves you ready to brake and/or pull into the left of the lane. MOVE RIGHT? If the car turns left, moving across further helps you pass (if it’s clear). If not, slow and follow. QUEUE SPOTTED Rider notices that traffic is slowing ahead. Is it safe to overtake? Best get a plan… DANGER ONE Is this car – or any car in the queue for that matter – going to turn right into the side road? DANGER TWO Is the vehicle waiting in the…

“The full extent of its character can take a while to emerge” HOW MANY TIMES have I heard this: “If I had to spend my own money on a bike to take me to work every day and ride at weekends too, the V-Strom 650 is hard to beat.” If I had a tenner every time I’d heard it, I’d have enough money to put down a handsome deposit on a V-Strom 650XT. And I’d use it for riding to work every day, and at weekends. Because it really is a quite exceptionally good bike, though the full extent of its character can take a while to emerge. It doesn’t bowl you over. The wow factor is largely absent. The individual components may not be anything particularly special (though the…

“It copes brilliantly with everything” WHEN COLIN GAVE me the keys to the Suzuki GSX-S1000 and told me, “Take it and see what you think,” I must admit to being grateful and excited, but a bit apprehensive. I’ve ridden my share of bikes, but the GSX-S was being advertised as “Performance Unlimted”, a “Pure Sport Roadster” with which I could “Own the Streets”. It all sounded a bit too focused for my immediate liking. Most of the hype revolves around the engine, which is derived from the firm’s legendary 2005 GSX-R1000. While it’s proven in a pure sportsbike chassis, I had my doubts that it’d make a great engine in a naked road bike – I feared it’d be a bit frantic and, frankly, too powerful to be something I’d…

“Hoover the floor, clean the windows, paint walls white” #6 Spring clean your garage Uncomfortable truth first: most of us clutter up our sheds and garages with relics, projects, cast-offs, rainy-day dreams and unidentifiable bits… rubbish, in short. You WILL NOT end up with a tidy garage if you don’t throw this stuff away. You need to be ruthless with yourself: do you have the ability, time or tools to turn that pile of bits into your dream cafe racer? If not, then junk it or sell it or give it away. Ditto anything that’s snapped, rusted through, frayed or melted. Bin. One step up from rubbish, there’s going to be a stack of possibles and probables: things you actually might want, perhaps if you change your bike, or lose…

YAMAHA HAVE HIT pay dirt with their interlocking MT, Sport Heritage, Yard Built and Faster Sons sub-brands. The MT-07, MT-09 and their various offshoots have sold in vast quantities. Modern technology, retro-ish styling, easy customisability and a highly competitive price – it’s a combination that’s proving irresistible. The imminent MT-10 looks certain to follow suit. But it wasn’t always so. The current use of the MT label comes a decade after Yamaha’s first attempt, in the form of the MT-01 and 2006’s MT-03. So confident are Yamaha at the moment, they’re happily disregarding that 660 single-engined MT-03 and redeploying the name for 2016’s new 321cc twin. The MT-01 proved to be a dead end. Our launch report in 2005 noted the titanium end cans, the radially mounted brake calipers, the…

1 WEIGHT Cheaper materials are often heavier, so a helmet that looks like good value might feel heavier than more expensive rivals (although there are many exceptions to this rule of thumb). Don’t just check the label – try the helmet on. 2 MATERIALS The lining will be in contact with your skin for many hours at a time, sometimes in hot conditions, so look for fabrics that are good to the touch and have moisture-wicking qualities. 3 SIZE AND SHAPE There’s so much choice of decent helmets that you don’t need to settle for anything other than a perfect fit. One manufacturer’s idea of ‘Large’ won’t be another’s, and the shapes differ too, so you need to try a lot of lids on. 4 STRAP Several types are in…

1 PROTECTION Some boots – like these – have more protection than meets the eye, with reinforcements inside the outer leather layer. Boots don’t have to be particularly tall to help you in a crash – but taller boots will protect you better from flying road debris. Trainers, DMs, hiking boots or work boots don’t come close. 2 WATERPROOFING There’s no need to put up with anything other than genuinely effective waterproofing. Specialists such as Gore have worked closely with boot makers to provide breathable waterproof membranes, good enough to keep you dry whether you’re riding in heavy rain or standing in a puddle. 3 COMFORT Boots should be comfortable and supportive straight away. Just as riding kit works best with a technical base layer, GoreTex boots work best with…

1 DRY Check whether the bag you’re buying is waterproof, or does that just apply to some part of it, or does it rely on having an inner bag or outer cover fitted for its waterproofing? They’re all viable options, but make sure you’re getting what you think you’re getting, or you could all too easily end up with damp undies. 2 SECURE How does it attach to the bike? Does it come with the necessary straps, and are they compatible with your bike, or will you end of bodging it with bungees? 3 FLEXIBLE Compression-fit systems on soft luggage have the great advantage of allowing you to shrink the bag down to the size you need, so you’re not lugging around any excess bulk. 4 OFF THE BIKE Unlike…

1 THE RIGHT BALANCE Outlast is perfect for motorcyclists because of the complex demands we put on any item of clothing. We ride through all weathers, and by going faster or slower, or through our riding style, we heat up and cool down whatever the weather’s doing. Outlast’s job is to keep your temperature steady, avoiding distracting and uncomfortable variations. 2 EASY TO USE Advances in materials technology are all very well, but they have to be applied in a user-friendly way. So the details matter – like a collar that’s easily adjusted in gloved hands. 3 SAFER BY DESIGN Reflective and fluorescent materials are now being used in remarkable ways, helping to keep riders safer in the daytime and at night, and often actually enhancing the style of a…

1 RETRO VS OLD FASHIONED There’s never been so much choice of waxed cotton and other retro jackets – some of them basically casual wear, others more authentic, while many use a variety of fabrics and finishes to get the look right without making the jacket as slimy and smelly as waxed cotton really was back in the day. 2 HIDDEN DEPTHS If you’re serious about riding in a retro jacket, you’ll need to check that it comes with armour and a thermal layer, or provide your own. 3 SIZE ADJUSTMENT The classic waxed look is on the baggy side, so you’ll need size adjusters at the collar and waist, and ideally the arms and bottom of the jacket too, to stop the wind and rain working their way in…

SPORTIER SPORT New Triumph Tiger Sport revealed THIS IS THE 2016 Tiger Sport, the latest incarnation of one of RiDE’s favourite all-rounders, unveiled at the London Motorcycle Show. It gets a bunch of changes similar to those gracing the Speed Triple featured in last month’s RiDE, including a new exhaust and combustion chamber that help make it clean enough to satisfy Euro 4 emissions regulations. Full spec, price and on-sale date have yet to be confirmed, but Triumph say the inline triple gets a ride-by-wire throttle, three switchable riding modes, traction control and cruise control. The styling has been sharpened up, the mirrors and footpegs are new, as is the height-adjustable screen, while hand guards are fitted as standard. The only question is, will the injection of technology change the…

THE FIRST EVER MCN Festival of Motorcycling was held last May, just over the road from RiDE HQ at the Peterborough Arena. It turned out to be a welcome addition to the biking calendar and it’s back this spring, on May 14-15. The format has been kept largely the same, while the ticket prices have been pruned in response to feedback from those who went to the first one. This year there should be plenty for every motorcyclist to see and do. Decades of road and race bikes will be there, many of them being ridden, with some big-name riders taking part too. Whether your taste veers towards customs, classics, adventure, race or touring bikes, there will be club and trade stands for you. And we’ll be there too –…

BMW R1200GS Adventure £13,050 1170cc boxer twin 123bhp 260kg 66mpg (claimed) 436-mile range (claimed) Honda CB125F £2699 125cc single 10bhp 128kg 151mpg (claimed) 432-mile range (claimed) Kawasaki Versys 650 £6985 649cc parallel twin 68bhp 216kg 60mpg (estimated) 277-mile range (estimated) WHEN HONDA INTRODUCED their new CB125F, one figure stood out from its specification sheet: a claimed fuel consumption of 151.1mpg. Think about that for a second: more than 150 miles from one gallon of gas. That’s huge. So huge that even with a modest 13-litre tank capacity, Honda’s newbie has a theoretical range of 432miles. That’s the sort of range normally associated only with humungous-tanked adventure bikes, like BMW’s 30-litre R1200GS Adventure. And that got us thinking. In these days when it seems usual for a bike to need refuelling…

Graham Field His travels have included a trip to Mongolia on a KLR650. “I just take it one day at a time. I don’t enjoy research; I do enjoy the element of surprise. You don’t need all the stuff. You just need to tie up your loose ends and go. That said, having the visas in my passport was great peace of mind. Also medical insurance, with repatriation. “The first time I went, my panniers were packed like a work of art. But then as soon as I wanted to buy something to eat later there was nowhere to put it. So now I make sure there’s a little bit of space for a banana, a loaf of bread, etc. That’s the best thing I take with me – some…

“Some useful rules for motorcyclists have come from Europe” Andrew Dalton’s legal Q&A Andrew Dalton, ex-dispatch rider, now a solicitor-advocate and barrister with 20 years’ experience with bikers, gives the inside track on what the biker needs to know to stay on the right side of the law. Q WHAT HAPPENS TO bikers if we leave the European Union? Over the years, the EU has been involved with – or blamed for – legislation connected to everything from border controls and import duties to the riding test and horsepower limits. What will happen if we vote to say in or stay out? A IF YOU NEVER take your bike to Europe, very little. Instead of the European Union making regulations for bikes with their unelected Eurocrats, unelected Whitehall bureaucrats will…

“There’s not one new Explorer, but eight” SHE’S ELECTRIC All new Explorers have an electrically adjustable screen – the first time one has been fitted to an adventure bike THREE TRENDS HAVE defined motorcycling’s past decade: large-capacity adventure bikes; three-cylinder engines; and brain-curdlingly clever electronics. And yet, curiously, just one machine combines them all. The Triumph Tiger Explorer’s burly presence, sieved-cream-smooth motor and wealth of standard-fitment gadgets has proved incredibly popular. But even one of Britain’s best-loved bikes can be improved – and that’s the goal of the 2016 Explorer. Or Explorers, as there’s not one new model but eight. Like the Tiger 800s, the Explorer now splits into cast-wheel XR and spoked-wheel XC, with each style offered in basic (XR, XC), mid-level (XRX, XCX) and kitchen-sink (XRT, XCA) spec.…

WELCOME BACK The 2016 SV gets a simple, round headlight just like the original model – and in stark contrast to the more heavily styled SFV650 Gladius. THE 2016 SV650 may be an evolution of the SFV650 Gladius, but it aims to return to the simple essence of the original ’99 SV. The headlamp is now round again, and there’s less plastic along the sides. The seat and tank are narrower (making it easier for short-legged riders to reach the floor), and weight is down by 8kg. Engine updates have added 4bhp. Suzuki have changed the airbox (for better high-rpm power, a better sound and better midrange response), given it new twin-plug cylinder heads (for better economy and emissions), and swapped the exhaust (for a lighter, better looking one). The…

THIS IS THE Blue-Line edition of the Metropolis, Peugeot’s three-wheeled scooter. Blue-Line is just about cosmetic changes, but since we last rode the Metropolis it’s had some mechanical changes. These are focused at the front end, with new dampers and steering geometry. The result is a lighter, more intuitive feel. The old heaviness has gone – now you forget there’s a third wheel. Why is there a third wheel? To give new riders confidence, and to improve everyone’s chances of staying right way up after hitting diesel or cow poo. It’s aimed at car drivers wanting a cheaper, smaller alternative, and can be ridden on a car licence if it was gained before 2013. The overall package is extremely attractive; good materials and good design are evident throughout. The engine…

THE LATEST ADDITION to Yamaha’s MT family rips the fairing off the YZF-R3, a sweet-handling little beast that sits within the A2 licence restrictions. It doesn’t feel like a small bike, helped by the bars being 40mm higher than the R3’s and 20mm further back, and 40mm wider as well, which gives you great leverage at lower speed. Where on the R3 the riding position makes you feel like you should be trying to get your knee down everywhere, this feels quite natural at a more relaxed pace. The suspension is surprisingly compliant, which gives very good ride quality, but is a bit wallowy when you do up the pace. You have to plan ahead and keep it smooth, all the time working hard with the throttle and gearbox to…

“It’s confidence inspiring and easy to ride”Stuart Collins, F650 owner LUGGAGE AND TOURING EXTRAS Hard luggage is a popular addition – BMW panniers especially. Hand guards, tall screens, replacement seats and bar risers are common ergonomic tweaks to improve long-distance ability. Most bikes will have factory-fitted heated grips. FENDER EXTENDER/HUGGER Small, simple mods can make a big difference – a caring owner will have taken steps to keep more of the road muck on the mudguard and off the engine. SUSPENSION The standard suspension is basic. On high-mile bikes it will be very tired. Check the fork seals for leaks. Getting the forks and shock reconditioned can transform the bike. THE LOWEST-COST WAY to join the GS club is with an F650 – the original is so old it doesn’t…

“It never drinks a drop of oil and it’s still running perfectly”Jon Holland, R1200GS owner LUGGAGE Panniers are practically compulsory and top boxes are common. BMW’s boxes are popular – especially the expandable Vario luggage on the standard bike – but don’t be surprised to see other options on the Adventure. Touratech and Metal Mule metal luggage commands the premium. SCREEN The screen divides opinions – especially on the standard model – with many owners complaining about buffeting. A popular extra is the Tobinator kit, which gives a far greater range of adjustment to fine tune screen height and beat the buffeting. Some owners of the standard GS fit the larger screen from the Adventure, but a popular alternative is the steplessly adjustable Givi Airflow screen. SUSPENSION With ageing suspension…

“Check what you’d pay over two years not three” YOU MAY DECIDE that what you really want is a box-fresh, all-yours, brand new GS. There is something special about being the first owner of a bike – and BMW want to make it easy for you to experience that. It varies from dealership to dealership, but something like 40 per cent of BMWs are sold on finance – and 90 per cent of those are sold on PCP rather than HP. What’s the difference? Basically, with good old-fashioned hire-purchase (HP) you put down a deposit, pay your monthly amount and, at the end of it, the bike is yours. Simple. With a personal-contract purchase (PCP) deal, you put down your deposit, pay your monthly amount and then at the end…

“I thought, ‘Here comes that bloody roundabout again…’ ” “I’D BEEN RIDING the BMW F700GS since Monday morning and everything was starting to gel. I was concerned by all the scaremongering stories about the swerve manoeuvre in the Module One test on Wednesday, but once I got that right it all felt instantly better – especially when I was told I’d passed!” Sarah Norman, RiDE’s marketing manager, has mastered several steps on her foray to a full licence – at first with a 125 on her CBT, and then with the larger BMW F700GS for two days preparing for the Mod One test. With that completed, it was instructor Ian’s job to build on Sarah’s confidence to get her through her final exam: Module Two. “I felt quietly confident,” explains…

FILTHY BUSINESS The Crossrunner has a small rear mudguard, but you’d never guess from the way grime get everywhere – a larger hugger is needed. WINTER WARMERS Heated grips are standard and very effective, apart from the slightly fiddly button for switching between the five heat levels on the left bar. OUR HONDA CROSSRUNNER has had a slightly tough time of it this year. It’s been shuffled about from one rider to another, like a rescue dog being bumped from one pound to the next – when what it really deserved, what it really needed, was one person to take it home and love it. Because this is a bike you could grow to love, though that might not be immediately apparent when you heave it off the sidestand for…

1985 Yamaha YZ490 Dating from a time when dirt bikes were developing at a cracking pace, this is a YZ490, introduced in 1982 as the replacement for the world title-winning YZ465. It included Yamaha’s new BASS (Brake Actuated Suspension System) technology: a cable ran from the brake pedal to the shock’s compression valving. Pressing the pedal opened a valve in the shock to lighten the compression damping. The aim was to reduce wheel hop during braking through bumpy sections. The result was only a partial success. Still, the gold Takasago wheel rims look lovely. This particular bike has a rare ex-factory race engine with a flat-slide Keihin carb and a Platinum exhaust. How much? £4460 2004 Benelli Tornado Tre 900RS Benelli’s history could be taught as a case study in…

1 ADAPTABILITY As bikes get more capable of multi-tasking, riders are demanding gear that can cope with on-road and off, extremes of temperature, and long, varied days in the saddle. 2 ADJUSTMENT Vents, visors, peak, chin bar… there’s lots that can be adjusted, and it needs to be quick and easy. 3 LIGHT WEIGHT As helmets get more complex, the use of modern materials can keep the weight down without compromising safety. 4 AERODYNAMICS The shaping of a helmet is a blend of art and science: the aim is minimal buffeting and low noise. 5 PROTECTION What it’s all about, ultimately. Whatever the style, however many features are fitted, a helmet needs to meet the official safety standards – and will only offer optimum protection if it fits the rider…

1 THE PERFECT BALANCE No two riders are the same, but certain helmets are widely regarded as having that elusive quality of being not just light but well balanced, so that when you’re riding you’re not conscious of its weight. It’s a quality particularly prized by racers. If you can find a helmet that feels just right, that’s well worth the effort of visiting a few dealers to try on a wide range of helmets. 2 QUALITY FEEL Until you’ve tried a really classy helmet, you don’t know what you’re missing. But if you find the right helmet to suit your tastes, it can transform every ride into a much more special experience. It isn’t necessarily the most expensive helmets that feel best – it’s entirely subjective. And remember that…

1 MATERIALS There are many good materials for bike gear, but there’s a reason Gore-Tex has such a good reputation – and it’s a reputation they’re keen to protect, by insisting that the name is only applied to seriously good gear. 2 EXTREMITIES A waterproof jacket is no good if rain can work its way in at the collar and cuffs. A high collar isn’t to everyone’s taste, but a detachable tall collar gives you the option of maximising your defences in the worst weather. Cuffs that can go under or over gloves give you some useful options. 3 ADJUSTERS Look for a workable combination of arm, waist and side adjustment, allowing you to get as snug a fit as you want at different times of the year. 4 REINFORCEMENTS…

EDZ Innershell Shirt So thin that you can pack it away into a jacket pocket and always have it with you, this RiDE favourite comes into its own when the temperature drops. Just slip this on inside your jacket and it will keep the cold evening air at bay. The offset zip avoids collar clashes. Expect to pay £50 www.edzlayering.com Dane Thor Soft Shell Jacket This mixes breathability, windproofing and water resistance to help out both your base layer and outer layer. Superb gear. Expect to pay £80 www.daneclothing.uk EDZ Mid-Layer Jacket Cosy without being sweaty, this is another simple bit of great EDZ kit. The full-length zip makes it easy to put on and take off. Expect to pay £30 www.edzlayering.com Alpinestars Tech Layer Top A simple design executed…

1 IT’S YOU V S THE WEATHER Textile clothing made especially for motorcyclists has been around for decades. What’s changed is that it’s got much, much better. Even at the budget end of the market, you can expect it to not just work but to excel at its basic job of keeping you warm and dry. Clever use of modern materials (such as Cordura) and design solutions (like double-zip storm fronts) puts today’s textile jackets and trousers firmly on your side in the battle against the weather. 2 COMFORT A plastic bag could keep you dry, but you’d be clammy and uncomfortable. When you’re buying bike gear, check for a combination of breathable membrane and ventilation to stop you overheating. 3 ADAPTABILITY Today’s textiles can multi-task. Removable thermal layers, zip-up…

1 WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY There are plenty of weather-beating solutions used in motorcycle gear, but one of the highest profile is Gore-Tex, in particular the Pro system that bonds the breathable, waterproof, windproof membrane into the fabric of the jacket, rather than having it inside as a separate layer. 2 IT’S ALL ABOUT HOLES Ingeniously, Gore membranes use holes that let moist air out, but don’t let rain in. That’s why it’s crucial to keep Gore-Tex gear clean: the holes can’t work properly if they’re clogged. 3 SIMPLE PLEASURES When used well, a laminated membrane allows a jacket (or trousers, or gloves) to perform more effectively than bulkier, heavier garments, which is a clear boon for motorcyclists. 4 THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS Although many jackets use Gore membranes, the various…