RiDE April 2018

I’M OF AN age where, if I’m asked “What’s the best bike in the world?”, the words “Honda VFR750” are halfway out of my mouth before I remember what year it is. Honda more or less invented what we recognise as the modern sports tourer with that bike — it was one of the machines that inspired me to ride. But, great as it was in its day, the world has moved on. So what does it take to make a great sports tourer in 2018? There’s no single formula but lots of still-great versions of the sporty, comfortable machine that can cover huge distances and nail apexes with equal ease. We’ve dedicated a chunk of this issue to celebrating these brilliant, versatile motorcycles — and there’s one for all tastes…

Martin Fitz-Gibbons Deputy editor This is the bleak mid-winter of my discontent. I’m tired of gritted roads and gritted teeth, of anti-rust potions, thermal linings and endless darkness. Reading about a ride through the Pyrenees warms my heart, my mind and my spirit. Summer’s coming. PAGE 36 Kev Raymond Features writer Like a lot of you, I imagine, I’m feeling green. With envy. The Kawasaki H2 SX looks like an interesting and, more to the point, hilarious bike — a supercharged sports tourer. But I’m not riding it. The editor kept that job (swine). At least I get to read about it. PAGE 80 Caroline Barrett Editorial assistant Two years ago I had a cruiser as a long-term test bike and, to be honest, I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. Could I live with another? This…

NEW SPEED TRIPLE STREETS AHEAD New Triumph Speed Triple RS High-spec supernaked claims to be ‘the ultimate hooligan’ TRIUMPH HAS REVEALED the new Speed Triple RS — the most powerful, most sophisticated and lightest version of the streetfighter yet. Its 1050cc triple now makes 148bhp and 86lb·ft — up from the current bike’s 138bhp and 83lb·ft. lts 105 new engine parts (including a new cylinder head) are enhanced by a more free-flowing exhaust system, which Triumph claims will make this “the best-sounding Speed Triple ever.” As well as the extra thump and noise, the new RS has lots of new electronics. Gadgets include a 5in colour TFT dash (as used on the Street Triple RS), cruise control, backlit switchgear and keyless ignition. ABS and traction control are both now full cornering systems, using lean-angle…

AFFORDABLE ADVENTURE Want to take your adventure bike on an unforgettable trip but without an unforgettable cost? Insurance firm Bennetts is offering its customers discounted places on two accompanied tours later this year: the Welsh Safari (three-day on-and-off-road, £175); and the Coastal Adventure in Cornwall (three days, on-road only, £99). Accommodation is camping on both trips, keeping costs down. Both events are being led by veteran two-wheeled traveller and RiDE contributor, Nathan Millward. MUCKY AUSTRIANS After two weeks, 5500 miles and 14 fiercely fought stages through Peru, Bolivia and Argentina, the 2018 Dakar Rally was won by Matthias Walkner. It marks the first Dakar win by an Austrian rider and the 17th consecutive victory for KTM. Last year’s winner and top British hope Sam Sunderland (not from Sunderland) retired on the fourth stage,…

ROBOT DRIVERS A motorcyclist is suing General Motors following a collision with a self-driving car. Photographer Oscar Nilsson was involved in the crash with the Chevrolet Bolt in San Francisco on December 7 and has since started legal proceedings. It’s understood the Bolt was returning to its lane after aborting a lane-change, while Nilsson was filtering through traffic on his Honda S90, struck the side of the car and fell off. RESPONSIBILITY London mayor Sadiq Khan ruffled feathers online after tweeting that motorcycle manufacturers needed to “step up” to reduce bike theft. Following a meeting with the mayor, Motorcycle Industry Association CEO Tony Campbell said, “We know the mayor would like to hear there is a ‘magic bullet’ which can be fitted to all bikes to stop them from being stolen, but unfortunately…

Vaud, Switzerland This is a military road from Aigle to Sarnen. At the weekend, the roads are empty and the views over Lausanne are great. Dave Cockle Andorra We caught the Tour de France in the Pyrenees. I’m in the King of the Mountain dress I’d made before the trip. Carol C Howell Sicily, Italy On a long tour of Europe on my Triumph Street Triple R, spending Christmas in Sicily. That is Mount Etna in the background. Royce Plyer Col du Galibier, France This was taken by my brother — without me knowing — at the top of the Col du Galibier. The road to and from this point is a must for anyone planning a European adventure. Lee Smith Aquitaine, France Me and my Honda CB500F, with my boyfriend’s Ducati Multistrada 1200 alongside, near Bordeaux on our…