RiDE December 2019

We’ve had a great time putting together our naked-bike special in this issue — simply because when it comes to riding, no other motorcycle offers the same wind-in-your-face, bugs-in-your-teeth experience. Of course, there are bikes that go further, go faster and are more comfortable over distance — but the sense of fun on a fairing-free bike is second to none and the diverse mix of bikes is astounding. Right now, I don’t know whether to sign up for an MT-10 SP with a big dealer discount or plump for something lovely from our used guide. You’ll feel the same — and the feature starts on p52. Talking of used bikes, in the refreshed RiDE magazine you’ll find more than ever before. Buying a machine — new or used — is one of…

British Columbia, Canada This is me and my son Edward about to depart Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada for a north-to-south traverse of the Continental Divide from Canada through the USA down to Mexico. We made it 2500 miles, as far as Steamboat Springs in Colorado, before my son’s KTM 1190 Adventure developed electrical gremlins which led to an early bath. The Husky 701 was reliable (apart from three punctures and a leaking auxiliary fuel tank). Still, we now have an excuse to go back to finish it! We were supposed to do this ride last year but Edward crashed my KTM 1290 Super Adventure in the UK.…

Rhodes, Greece I hired an XT660 (with dodgy brakes!) in Rhodes, Greece, for just €48. It was such a blast I did it twice during a ten-day holiday. Don’t forget to pack your swim gear and towel though, because riding right onto a beach, jumping off the bike and taking a plunge into the sea to wash off the road dust is a fantastic bonus! James Dickson Ardennes, Belgium This picture was taken at La Rocheen-Ardennes, during a short tour to eastern Belgium. My mate Dave was on a CB1000 and I was on my R nine T. Fabulous scenery and roads. The best bit is that you can ride right into the middle of town and park up for a coffee. If I’d been in a car, I’d still be looking for…

‘We’ve done 5000 miles this year on our R1200GSA, exploring the roads around our home in Basel and a 10-day European tour.’ Sean and Emily Denton ‘I’ve done 8000 miles two-up with girlfriend Sarah this year. We spend most of our time on the bike. I couldn’t ask for a better passenger.’ Lee Parsons ‘My gorgeous fiancée, Kim Wilson, is the best pillion ever. We have done thousands of miles together all over the UK and Europe.' Ian Speight ‘I enjoyed a two-up ride with Lisa Carmichael to Elan Valley Reservoirs. I’ve done 5000 miles this year, alone and with a pillion.’ Andrew Beale ‘We rode across southern India from Bangalore to Fort Kochi, via Munnar, aboard a Royal Enfield Bullet 500.’ Nicky and Neil Sinclair Sign up now! www.facebook.com/#ride5000miles…

RIDE READER ANDY Woolley has a long biking history, stretching way back to the lairy two-strokes of his hooligan youth in the late seventies. But it’s offroaders that have taken precedence for the past decade or so. His current XT660 is a new addition, after a break from riding — in fact he’s only had it a couple of days and this will be his first proper ride on it. “It wants some things doing, but it’s in amazing condition for a 13-year-old bike. Smooth too, for a big single.” It’s the ideal bike for tight, twisty roads with variable surfaces, and Andy’s about to show me a nice selection of those. “I’ve only recently started exploring all the backroads out this way, but there are some belters if you…

Best time of day to ride “Weekday early evenings are good. Daytime, there’s a lot of farm traffic and couriers using the back roads to avoid traffic and cameras on the main routes.” Best corner “It’s not so much a single corner as such but the whole way the B6047 flows together if you ride it right, just works for me. Otherwise there are some tricky bends on the Halstead-Braunston road.” Be careful at... “Pretty much everywhere. It’s farming country out here, so that means muddy or dusty farm entrances, tractors round blind bends and spilled crops at harvest time. Quite a few horses and lots of cyclists too. “ Best place for a cuppa “The Carington at Ashby Folville at lunchtimes and evenings, otherwise there’s a good café at the sailing centre on the south side…