Motorcycle Sport & Leisure

with freedom comes responsibility

Well, that didn’t take long. I barely had time to enjoy my newfound post-lockdown freedom to ride where and when I want before I was harshly reminded about the limitations of that right, and the penalties that follow if you don’t comply with the rules. As the lockdown restrictions on riding bikes were lifted, I ran into a speed trap pretty much straight away. Grrrr… I know that there aren’t many good excuses for speeding – certainly none that the authorities are likely to consider – but somewhere deep inside I still find it difficult to take the fine and the points on my licence without a grimace. After all, we always want to be able to justify our own actions. It’s only ever other people who are in the wrong. I…

motorcycle sport & leisure’s contributors...

Kev Raymond Kev has been writing about bikes since 1990, and riding them since acquiring part shares in a CZ175 field bike in 1980 or thereabouts. He likes long continental touring trips and short, fast back-road blasts and doesn’t like motorways or loud pipes. 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…

suzuki updates its big naked

The first thing you notice about the new Suzuki GSX-S1000 is the updated looks. The redesign is bold, and it’s sure to divide opinion, but at least Suzuki has taken a firm step away from the previous model. The bodywork, stacked LED lighting and MotoGP-inspired winglets are all new, with a focus on sharp, angular, aggressive lines. The bike is available in blue, grey or black, with textured radiator shrouds and side panels that feature an urban camo-inspired design. The inline four-cylinder engine produces more power and a broader spread of torque in the lower rev ranges to deliver ideal naked sports bike performance. Changes include a new intake and exhaust camshaft, valve springs, clutch and exhaust. Peak power is 150bhp at 11,000rpm. The power increase comes despite the new model meeting the…

honda’s tempting finance deals

Honda is offering aftersales extras, preferential finance rates and a test ride incentive to those looking to buy a new Gold Wing, Africa Twin, Fireblade, or a number of other models. Those taking up the aftersales and finance package will benefit from three complimentary services: a one-year extended guarantee, one-year extended European Roadside Assistance, plus a one-year complimentary Datatool subscription for the advanced anti-theft technology. The three-year finance deal has a borrowing rate of 4.9% APR wrapped in with a £500 incentive, courtesy of a pre-purchase test ride for the Wing or Twinkie, while the Blade comes with a £1000 incentive. There are plenty of offers for other models in the line-up. For full details see www.honda.co.uk…

royal enfield goes flat tracking

Royal Enfield has debuted on the European racing circuit by collaborating with Gary Birtwistle, the reigning 2019 European and British Hooligan flat track champion, for the 2021 DTRA Flat Track racing season. Gary will campaign Royal Enfield’s purpose-built flat track racing motorcycles, the Twins FT, in all races in the 2021 DTRA calendar. To complement the racing sponsorship, Royal Enfield has developed a partnership with Gary to launch a UK flat track learning experience under the banner of ‘Dirt Craft’. Dirt Craft is designed for riders of all experience and skill levels who want the opportunity to try out flat tracking on the FT411, a customised RE Himalayan. To book and find out more, see www.dirtcraft.co.uk…

bmw presents the new bmw c 400 x and c 400 gt

BMW has updated its middleweight scooters, the C 400 X and the C 400 GT. Both machines are now Euro 5 compliant, while still producing peak power of 25kW (34hp) at 7500rpm and 35Nm of torque at 5750rpm. They are now fitted with ‘electronic throttle grip’ and electrically operated throttle valve, as well as a new engine management system. Other new features include Optimised Automatic Stability Control (ASC) with automatic radius calibration, new front brake calipers, and a storage compartment with enhanced lighting and USB charging socket. Prices are: C 400 X - £6545. C 400 GT - £7290.…