Motorcycle Sport & Leisure

let me get this straight...

The other day when I was riding to work, I glanced at the dash and nearly wobbled off my perch when I noticed the air temperature: -1.5C. It had only been plus 1 when I set off, so the difference wasn’t huge, but seeing that minus sign before the digits was a bit daunting. Still, I was warm with plenty of layers, heated kit and heated grips, and the road ahead was nice and dry so I didn’t need to worry about ice. As an added bonus I soon found a long line of traffic ahead of me at a complete standstill, with plenty of room to filter past. It was like it was meant to be.It made me think though: what is it that makes us ride all…

motorcycle sport & leisure’s contributors...

Roland Brown A bike journalist for more than 30 years, Roland has contributed to countless publications worldwide and authored a dozen books on bikes. He has tested machines ranging from Rossi’s YZR-M1 to a 1923 Douglas, but still can’t decide which type of bike he most enjoys riding. Chris Moss Mossy has made a living from bikes since 1985, first as a motorcycle courier in London, and then as a journo from 1995. He’s raced, ridden and tinkered with hundreds of different bikes, but he’s the first to admit there’s still loads to experience and learn. Peter Henshaw Peter is our history man. He’s written more than 60 books and is a former editor of this very publication. Now a freelance journalist, he writes about transport…

triumph goes custom

Triumph motorcycles have been popular subjects for custom builds the world over, and in 2019 the British brand is launching a fully factory-backed custom offer.Although Triumph has made custom versions of its bikes before, now the business is going global, with 750 unique, numbered bikes to be launched of each factory custom design.The first Triumph to get the factory custom treatment is the Thruxton from the Bonneville range. The new Thruxton TFC will up the game in performance, technology, engineering, specification and finish. At 105bhp, it pumps out 10bhp more power than the standard Thruxton R, thanks to significant engine upgrades, including lighter components, high compression pistons and revised ports and cam profile. Torque figures aren’t shabby either, peaking at 85lb-ft. Lightweight carbon fibre bodywork includes a one-piece…

concept rocket tfc

The Rocket TFC concept showcases the next TFC model to come, and will be launched on May 1, 2019 with full details and specifications.Triumph’s legendary Rocket III was launched in 2004. Fifteen years on, and Triumph promises the new Rocket TFC will feature great performance, cutting- edge technology, muscular presence and unique engineering innovations. ■…

motorcycle sport dodges ‘vnuk’

Persistent lobbying by the MCIA and other members of the motorcycle and motor sport business community, to exclude motorcycle and motor sport from the EU’s Motor Insurance Directive (MID, sometimes referred to as Vnuk), has achieved success with the European Parliament.IMCO, the European Parliament committee responsible for MID, has voted to exempt various vehicles from the scope of the Motor Insurance Directive.The proposed judgement threatened motorcycle and motor sport by making road traffic insurance compulsory during off-road use (e.g. on a motor racing circuit). This would require a form of insurance not commercially available and according to the insurance industry, probably unachievable.There are further hurdles to overcome, including gaining the agreement of the EU Council and the inevitable delays caused by the forthcoming EU elections, so although the final…

zero per cent finance on suzuki gsx-r1000r

Suzuki GSX-R1000R is now available on 0% finance until the end of March 2019, both on PCP and hire purchase deals.Requiring a minimum £1,000 deposit, the British Superbike and Superstock 1000 race-winner can be had for just £212.83 per month over 37 months on a PCP agreement. Alternatively, with a deposit or trade-in of £3,298, it can be ridden for just £149, with an annual mileage allowance of 6,000.The GSX-R1000R is full of MotoGP-inspired tech, including a mechanical variable valve timing system, 10-stage lean angle-sensitive traction control system, quickshifter and auto-blipper, cornering ABS and launch control, as well as Showa Balance forks and rear shock.For more information, visit bikes.suzuki.co.uk ■…