RiDE February 2017

AND NOW FOR something a bit different. This issue comes out at a time of year when many of us are riding less, and perhaps have a bit more time for reading some longer, more reflective stories. So, for the first time, here’s our Review of the Year. As ever with RiDE, there’s a mix of bikes, gear, riding and events – but looking back, rather than forward. Normal service will be resumed next month, when we guide you through the vast variety of bikes competing for your money, and the different deals available. I hope you enjoy our Review of the Year. Please get in touch with your thoughts on the highs and lows of 2016, and your hopes for 2017.…

Matt Hull Technical editor The Ducati Desert Sled is the first new bike I’ve seen for years that truly lights my touch paper. If it actually works off road as well as its XT500 looks intimate, this could be everything I’m looking for in a fun bike. Simon Weir Deputy editor The new BMW R1200GS? It’s going to be the same as the old one, right? Well, even if it is, that’s no bad thing. But what if BMW have improved it? I can’t wait to see what they’ve done to try making the world’s best-selling big bike even better. Kev Raymond Features writer I can’t wait to try the Ducati Multistrada 950. Yes, me, who doesn’t really like adventure bikes. But this one looks different - it’s a sportsbike with alternative clothes and best of…

If you want retro GS looks but don’t plan to stray far off-road, the new R nineT Urban G/S is your next bike. It shares much with the Scrambler, but its look is a nod to the bike that started it all, the R80G/S from 1980. But if, by contrast, you’re all about two-up mile-eating, the K1600GTL has been upgraded for 2017. As well as a mild facelift, it now comes with an up-and-down quickshifter and electronic suspension as standard, along with storage boxes in front of your shins.…

“Buyers can get closer to their ideal BMW R1200GS” The 2017 BMW R1200GS gets not only the exhaust and engine management changes required to satisfy the new Euro 4 emissions regulations, it also splits into a bigger, broader family. By choosing different factory-fitted styling and mechanical packages, buyers can get closer to their ideal GS. The Rallye package features different styling, and a unique combination of blue, red and white bodywork and blue frame. It has a different seat, screen, footrests and wheels. Tougher, longer-travel suspension is an option. The Exclusive package is less radical, being essentially a well-specified, road-biased version of the basic GS, with cast wheels and sombre paint. At the other end of the scale, the Indian-built G310R roadster now has an adventure-style sibling, the G310GS. RIDE SAYS… All of a sudden the…

Kawasaki have taken the parallel twin engine from the Ninja 300 and put it in an upright chassis to create the adventure-style Versys-X 300. There’s no serious attempt to pretend it will be much use off-road, but the long-travel suspension should help it make light work of the potholes and speed bumps on the commuter runs that will be its main use. The Urban version has a top box, centrestand and hand guards, while the Adventure has crash bars, a centrestand and panniers. The Versys 650 and 1000 continue largely unchanged, other than getting some new paint schemes for 2017. RIDE SAYS… For years, various adventure-minded riders have been complaining about the lack of small-capacity bikes that are versatile enough to go off-road and carry luggage if required (aside from Honda’s excellent CRF250L). But…

Suzuki’s strong new line-up for 2017 features two new 250s. Both share some parts with the Inazuma twin, but are different in style, riding position and equipment. The V-Strom 250 is an adventure-styled road bike designed to be easy to ride, with a low seat and gentle power delivery. It comes fitted with a screen, 12-volt power outlet, rear rack and mounting points for the optional panniers. There’s a beak that nods to Suzuki’s off-road heritage, but the wheels are on-road 17-inchers. The GSX250R has a sporty full fairing, lower bars and a skimpier two-piece seat. The Inazuma itself is no longer part of the range. There’s also a naked version of the GSX-R125, announced two months earlier. The slim and nimble GSX-S125 claims the best power-to-weight ratio in its class, as well…