Table of contents for 19 May 2021 in MCN

‘Riding in the rain just comes sort of natural’JACK MILLER ON PUDDLE-DODGING TOP STORY Yamaha reinvent the R7 legend A new R7, you say? Yes, the legendary name is back on the fairing of a sportsbike, but this is no super-exclusive pension-decimating homologation special. No, this is a wildly attractive looking middleweight that blends sharp styling with the MT-07’s fun, frugal and fruity powerplant. While it’s most certainly a sportsbike, Yamaha claim it’s still going to be comfortable for the road – and at around £8000, on the wallet, too. PAGE 4 ON TEST It’s a bit of a Monster Ducati have been playing a bold evolutionary game over recent years. They ditched V-twin power for their flagship superbike, then for their flagship Multistrada, got rid of the Desmo system…

To help mark the 10th anniversary of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, Triumph have created a one-off Thruxton 1200 RS that will be given away to one lucky fundraiser. To enter and stand a chance of winning, fundraisers need to fill out their profile, donate to their own profile, donate to another random profile and raise a minimum of $250 (approx. £178). There’s still time to enter the DGR and be in with a chance of winning, which takes place on May 23. For full details head to gentlemansride.com. Bennetts sold again Motorcycle insurance broker Bennetts has been sold to Right Choice Holdings, the business behind other brokers, such as Bike Devil, for an undisclosed sum. The sale comes after Ardonagh Group, owners of Carole Nash, were forced to dispose of…

Harley-Davidson are launching a new all-electric motorcycle brand called LiveWire – taking the same name as their E-motorcycle. In a buzzword-laden announcement, H-D said the new LiveWire brand will, among other things, be an ‘agile disruptor’, be ‘headquartered virtually’ and have an ‘innovative go-to-market’ business model. Despite the new name, it seems both LiveWire and Harley-Davidson will be inextricably linked for some time. For a start LiveWire will be working with bikes already developed at Harley. The new brand will also make use of Harley-Davidson dealers and help develop future electric bikes for Harley. So what is the point of this? It could be to help free the electric image from that of the old Bar and Shield. At the time of going to press, Harley couldn’t confirm whether they…

Nippy Normans are well known for their aftermarket BMW accessories but now they’ve launched a universal dual USB socket that can be fitted simply at home. The sockets come in two versions: panel mount (£39), which replaces a cigarette lighter style and handlebar mount (£44), which comes with its own fitting bracket. Both units come with fused wiring ready to be hooked up to your bike’s battery or wiring loom with simple tools. For more info, visit www.nippynormans.com. Charging ahead Super Soco is now the fastest-growing powered two wheeler brand in the UK according to Motorcycle Industry Association figures. Not only that, but the firm’s 125-equivalent CPx scooter is the eighth best-selling model in the UK for 2021 so far across all fuel types. CEO Richard Jordan said: “We are…

Oxford Boss Alarm Disc lock £89.99 ‘This will make bike thieves think twice’ With lockdowns ending and everyone becoming a bit more active, it’s a good opportunity to spruce up your garage, shed or man/person cave. We’ve been trawling the web for bargains and found everything from shelves, to cleaning products through to bike security. There’s an attractive deal for everyone. Infinity Motorcycles, for example, have enticing deals on locks and chains, with savings of up to 58%. Take this Oxford Boss Alarm Disc lock. It has a built-in 100dB alarm – that’s enough to make any opportunist thief think twice. It’s also been approved by Thatcham and is built to withstand attacks from bolt croppers, is waterproof, vibration proof, heat proof and frost proof. It also comes with a…

Three bikes are about to move out of my lockup (one is a horrible old 1963 Triumph that a friend stashed there) and this means there’s a ‘Garage Vacuum’. Since I sold my old-school Kawasaki GPz750, I’ve been looking for a similar cheap, basic 750 that can be used as a commuter, fun bike, maybe even a tour or two. I like simple bikes. They can be picked up cheap and have excellent appreciation potential – GPz750s are changing hands for at least £500 more than I paid for my last one. So what about Suzuki’s GSX750F? I last mentioned one of these in 2016, saying: “It’s as fast as Honda’s VFR750, as reliable as they come, relatively cheap and easy to maintain.” Nothing has changed, including the price. Five…

YOU’RE NEVER RIDING ALONE For decades now, 75% of suicides in the UK each year have been male, and the reasons behind the statistics are complex. But for middle-aged men there are two that dominate: relationships and career. They define how we feel about ourselves and influence how others view us – and this is one of the great things about motorcycling, because when bikers get together it’s so inclusive. It’s about the bikes, about the ride – you’re not just trying to judge whether you’re superior to the person next to you. But career and relationship issues are a huge lever – and when there’s pressure on either one, the other suffers too. What follows is often a cycle of isolation, self medication, and – far too many times…

Q ‘Builder’s debris left me with serious injuries’ I had an accident last month when I hit a 2 x 4 batten on a bend in the road. I was in hospital for four days with a broken hip and I am still recovering and off work. Is there anyone I can claim against? The police who visited me to take a statement say they don’t know who was to blame. James, Taunton A This will depend on whose batten it was and where it came from. There may be CCTV available showing where it originated. If there is and you can identify a vehicle or the name of a building company that deposited it then you could claim against their insurer and they would be hard pushed to defend…

Readers Matt Little and friends The ride Off-road and a spot of wild camping (with permission) in and around Wiltshire How many miles? 200 including 20 miles off-road When to do it Anytime when the forecast is promising! Time required It’s a fun weekend Tell us about the ride Dan successfully navigated the ford you see here on his 1991 Enfield Bullet, Richard decided to go for the bypass route to save getting wet feet on his 1961 BSA Bantam. Unfortunately my 1959 BSA Golden Flash was too wide for the bypass and it either lacked power or suffered water ingestion so needed to be pushed out of the river to be dried in the sun but that is all part of the fun when you are doing off-road riding…

KEY TO THE AREA ■ SOUTH WEST ■ CENTRAL ■ NORTH & SCOTLAND ■ SOUTH EAST Wednesday May 19 BIKE MEETS ■ Squires Cafe Newthorpe, near Sherburn in Elmet, West Yorks. 01977-684618 or www.squires-cafe.co.uk ■ The Blue Anchor Southport, Merseyside, 7pm. Facebook: Southport Carousel Bike Meet ■ The Plough Cadsden, Nr Princess Risborough, Bucks www.plough-at-cadsden.co.uk ■ Ryka’s Cafe Box Hill, Surrey www.rykas.co.uk ■ Loomies Moto Cafe West Meon, Hants. Open till 9pm www.loomiescafe.co.uk ■ The Old Stores Pontblyddyn, Flints. 6pm-9pm. 07548-224866 or Facebook: The Old Stores Motorbike cafe SPEEDWAY ■ Leicester Lions Leics www.leicesterspeedway.com ■ Poole Pirates Dorset www.poolepirates.co/ TRACKDAYS ■ No Limits Snetterton, Norfolk. £124. 01525-877087 or www.nolimitstrackdays.com Thursday May 20 BIKE MEETS ■ Iron Horse Bike Night Iron Horse Ranch House, Market Deeping, Lincs. 6pm-9pm 01778-346952 or www.ironhorseranchouse.co.uk…

It’s Britain’s toughest road test route. A fun but punishing mix of A-and B-roads, busy motorway, towns and villages. It’s all Britain’s road types compressed into one route. There are three sections and we combine the two that best test the bike’s character. On average we ride 450 miles per bike, per test. MCN 250 MILE ROAD TEST ● THE HOTTEST BIKES ● EVERY WEEK ROUTE 1 122.73 miles of fast-flowing A and B-roads ROUTE 2 126.94 miles of open A and B-roads and towns ROUTE 3 117.88 miles of big A roads and motorway WEATHER WATCH…

DEPUTY EDITOR, MOTORCYCLING Over the years I’ve been fortunate enough to ride many Monsters, from the original M900 through to the air-cooled 620, 800 and 797, the over-the-top S4R, to the 1100s and still current 1200. So, I cockily thought I knew what to expect from the new one. But it’s a genuine, slap-in-the-face surprise. More agile and easier to sling about than an MT-09? Better feel and presentation than an 890 Duke, and more cheeky fun than a Street Triple? Blimey. The all-new Monster is a complete reset that brings it smack up to date with contemporary rivals, not only on engine performance and handling capability, but also in terms of equipment, quality and rideability. It’s as fruity or friendly as you want. And while the ten-and-a-half asking price…

★★★★★ Bruhl MD1900+ dryer £135 ‘I never knew I wanted one, but damn it’s good’ Tested by Richard Newland, five months This has to be relatively high on my list of products I never knew I needed – but damn it’s good. ALL bikes suffer from aggravating areas that are impossible to dry, and some moisture traps cause real problems over time, especially around engines, clocks and looms. But the Bruhl is the answer. This reverse-hoover blows like a hurricane and the various nozzles give you blade-like control to direct the air and expel water from surfaces and crevices with ease. It’s ridiculously gratifying to use and 100% effective. The motor is 1600W, and if you want hot air it also offers a 500W integral heater (although cold air does…

‘Be sure you can insure a big beastie’ You pop into a dealer, stumble across your dream bike and buy it without thought. Good for you – the thrill of an impulse buy is hard to beat. The shock can then come when you give your insurance firm a quick call. We’ve seen plenty of riders who buy a bike only to discover after the fact that the insurance is way, way pricier than their current machine – especially when dealing with super-fast hyperbikes. One customer sold his on because he wasn’t willing to stump up for the overinflated premium. It’s no good going online and using a generic model either; get the reg of the actual bike and use that – with computers sorting today’s quotes a small fact…

This 1998 Honda CBR900RR-W looked immaculate when it came into Bike Moto’s workshop. The owner had just acquired it with only 12,000 miles on the clock and a history of dry storage, but he wanted the brakes overhauled. When mechanic Tom Johnson started to strip the brakes down, the pads had plenty of meat left on them and there was nothing untoward until he split one of the front calipers. Tom said: “As it came apart there were nasty blobs of granular jelly tucked into the rear of the pistons. I’m surprised they still worked. “Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture and those blobs were where the contaminated fluid had descended through the brake system over time.” DOT4 brake fluid used in bikes has a ‘dry’ boiling…

#66 Tom Sykes • Nationality British • Age 35 Season three for BMW. For the first time the ‘M’, which has long since featured on cars, now appears on a motorcycle. It’s a factory effort and there’s a professional feeling in the garage, headed up by SMR’s Shaun Muir and BMW Motorrad’s Marc Bongers. Like the Ducati, Honda and Kawasaki, the beemer has sprouted winglets. Sykes’ target is a second title after 2013. For 2021, he is partnered by Michael van der Mark. #31 Garrett Gerloff • Nationality American • Age 25 On the brink of becoming America’s first WSB winner since Nicky Hayden five years ago. A year ago he was an unknown Texan, now he’s a known entity thanks to his rookie WSB season and Valencia 2020 outing…

‘You have to stay on the bike’ He’s one of the most experienced riders on the grid, so to go for an ever-decreasing gap over a wet patch with 22 laps to go is not what Sam Lowes should be doing. He knows better than that. He seems to have a chemical reaction in his brain that when anyone is getting away he has to respond. Why go for such a risky move with so many laps to go? You have to finish the races. It must be hectic though, riding that bike in Moto2, you’ve made a bad start there are people up the inside of you, the leaders are getting away – the curve balls are being thrown everywhere. Sometimes you just have to accept that it’s just…

Veteran MotoGP correspondent shares his unique racing insight ‘It feels like a win for me,” said Fabio Quartararo, with a beaming smile, after coming third. How so, when first place is everything? It reflects a measure of maturity that should strike fear into his rivals. This is Fabio’s third season in MotoGP, after patchy Moto3 and Moto2. His first two showed that big bikes worked better for him, but results remained patchy. Nobody won more than his three races last year, but erratic results elsewhere dropped him from early favourite to eighth overall. Quartararo was undone by occasional arm-pump and more frequent mental fragility, losing crucial confidence when the going got tough. This year, he looks like a different rider. Le Mans provided the perfect illustration, it was his first…

WINNERS Johann Zarco Jumped from 10th to fifth during his bike swap and reaped the rewards of using the medium wets to climb to second. Jack Miller The eventual winner kept his cool whilst those around him made mistakes. Double long lap penalty? No dramas for Jack. Pecco Bagnaia Despite his double long lap penalty, the swap allowed the Italian to go from 19th in the dry to fourth using the medium wets. LOSERS Alex Rins Mere seconds after exiting pit lane the Suzuki rider lost the front at turn four. He later crashed again at turn three. Marc Marquez The Spaniard’s bike swap almost went too well. He had the lead, got excited and crashed at turn 14 and again at turn six. Joan Mir Having crashed before he…

Time will tell how significant Pecco Bagnaia’s stunning charge from the sixth row to fourth place in Le Mans could be. You can’t help but feel though that if the Italian does lift the 2021 crown, Sunday’s chaotic race will be looked upon as one of the defining moments. An overheating Michelin soft rear rain tyre on a rapidly drying track in Q1 dumped Bagnaia down in 16th on the grid. Nineteenth at the end of lap three, he was then busted with a double long penalty for a pit lane speeding offence during the hectic flag-to-flag bike swap. On lap 11, it looked like being a damaging day for Bagnaia’s early title aspirations as Fabio Quartararo led his home round, while the factory Ducati rider was over 30 seconds…

If you fancy even more punch – why not take a look at the allnew Speed Triple 1200 RS? All the same aesthetic style and aggression as the Street Triple, but with super-naked rabid performance crammed into a compact and beautifully built package. Triumph could’ve spoilt the Speed Triple 1200 RS by adding too much power in a quest to keep up with the super-naked Joneses, but they haven’t. Instead, they’ve produced a machine in their own inimitable style with a beautifully refined new engine that’s as friendly as a Street Triple’s, until you pull the pin and then it’ll keep up with the best of them. It has a voracious appetite for corners, too. It’s finished more conservatively than flashier rivals, but it’s superbly built and equipped – and…

Suzuki Hayabusa £16,650 | 1340cc | 264kg | 187bhp | 800mm The return of Suzuki’s virtually all-new Hayabusa for 2021 is big news. It’s the first new hyperbike in over a decade, invigorating a class that had seemingly become obsolete. It revives the concept of a hugely-powerful and fast, luxurious, mile-eating road machine and it sees the Busa return as Suzuki’s flagship bike. It’s a more than worthy reincarnation, too, that’ll surely keep its legions of fans happy – even if it’s not actually any more powerful or faster than Suzuki’s original record-breaker. Handling is steadfast, long and stable, with a classy, magic carpet ride thanks to improved suspension. Brakes are the latest big discs and Brembo Stylemas so we’ve no complaints and there’s a whole new suite of electronics…

If you fancy even more punch – why not take a look at the allnew Speed Triple 1200 RS? All the same aesthetic style and aggression as the Street Triple, but with super-naked rabid performance crammed into a compact and beautifully built package. Triumph could’ve spoilt the Speed Triple 1200 RS by adding too much power in a quest to keep up with the super-naked Joneses, but they haven’t. Instead, they’ve produced a machine in their own inimitable style with a beautifully refined new engine that’s as friendly as a Street Triple’s, until you pull the pin and then it’ll keep up with the best of them. It has a voracious appetite for corners, too. It’s finished more conservatively than flashier rivals, but it’s superbly built and equipped – and…

Think about naked middleweights and the first bike that always springs to mind is the legendary Street Triple – the bike that’s been the benchmark since Triumph first stripped a Daytona of its fairings and delivered one of the cheekiest and sweetest road bikes ever. The Street Triple has always hit the nail on the head, astounding riders with its sporty chassis and storming motor – not to mention its affordable price. And the most versatile of the range is the R model. More than capable of the daily commute and town riding, it’s also phenomenally engaging when you are in the mood for sporty riding. Its suspension is set slightly firmer than on the S, quite compact due to the small size of the bike, the riding position is…

Yamaha have quite a bit of experience with parallel twins. There was their first four-stroke (XS-1 in 1970), all the two-strokes, the 1980s giant trailies, the TDM and TRX… and of course the MT-07, the energetic-yet-efficient naked that reset our understanding of value. Whacking a fairing on the MT for the Tracer created perhaps the best-value all-round bike of modern times; cheerful, fun, frugal, reliable, well made, it’s a real giant-killer. GTs (like this one) have a tall screen, even comfier seat and luggage. Yamaha’s 689cc eight-valve parallel twin isn’t just great to use, it’s also wonderfully reliable. All examples of the engine are made in Japan (even though the Tracer, Ténéré 700 and XSR700 are built in France) and they don’t go wrong. It’s rare to need adjustments at…

I don’t really ‘do’ hero worship when it comes to racers. In my eyes they’re all demigods who may look human, but have abilities that are distinctly other-worldly. But it really struck me whilst watching the MotoGP at the weekend that I’m actually even more invested in the racing because I don’t have a favourite rider in the premier class. So, as Viñales carved his way to the front I felt that all-too-familar hope that this race might really be the turning point for his consistency. That, admittedly, was short-lived. Perhaps less popular amongst the masses was the joy at seeing Marquez bully his way balletically to the front, followed shortly after by the pain of his ignominious exit stage-left only to deliver a trademark carve back through the field…

The Government recently announced that a ‘stocktake’ of smart motorways had taken place, with the result being the decision to scrap certain variants. In the UK there are two types of smart motorway: ‘Dynamic Hard Shoulder’, where the hard shoulder comes in and out of use, and ‘All Lane Running’, where there is no hard shoulder just emergency areas. After the report was released, the Government claimed ALR motorways were much safer than DHS motorways, in fact much safer than regular motorways, so they intended to scrap DHS motorways and convert them to ALR. However, an investigation by Private Eye magazine has shown that the numbers don’t quite add up. The Government say that the ‘live lane fatalities’ per 100 million miles consistently land between 0.13 and 0.17 in any…

HJC RPHA 11 Streamline Crutchlow £499.99 Still spinning laps on the Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP team, Crutchlow’s helping the factory squad win races through his work as test rider – and he’s doing it in one of these, HJC’s top-spec RPHA 11. HJC have launched a new Crutchlow Streamline paintjob, complete with the Brit rider’s number and Monster Energy logos. www.oxfordproducts.com Racebikebitz/Samco Sport Fireblade coolant hose kit £126 28 Racebikebitz & Samco Sport have developed a new hose kit for the latest Fireblade. The eight-piece bundle comes in red, blue or black. The company claim the aftermarket hoses last longer than OE and work well at high temperatures and pressures. Handy for spicy summer trackdays! www.racebikebitz.com Alpinestars GP Force Phantom leathers £769.99 These are made from bovine leather and promise top…

John Russell will step down from his position as Norton’s interim CEO to make way for Dr Robert Hentschel, who joins the British firm from Valmet Automotive. A new role of Chief Technical Officer has also been created and will be filled by Vittorio Urcioli, whose CV includes former roles as Head of Powertrain at Lotus Cars and Project Leader at Ferrari and Aprilia Racing. Sudarshan Venu, Joint Managing Director of parent company TVS Motors, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank John Russell for his accomplished leadership, experienced judgement and clear vision during his time as interim CEO of Norton. “Under John’s tenure, with investment and support from TVS, Norton has returned to a firm footing and made marked improvements to engineering and product quality, which…

Let Morbidelli have it There is Franco Morbidelli busting a gut trying to get the oldest bike on the grid to perform and Rossi saying he doesn’t know what to do to get his protégé a factory bike. How about giving him yours Vale, as you are not using it? If Yamaha are not careful they will lose Franco to a team that will appreciate his talent. Paul Dowsett, email Who’s driving driverless? Despite having no driver, surely in the case of injury or damage the person listed as the policyholder on the insurance of the driverless car should be held responsible and even banned from owning a driverless car or lose their licence even though not actually driving. No person without a licence should be allowed to own a…

1 Blu Belles Cafe Bike nights on a Friday in Milton Common and they celebrated the end of lockdown with a cake eating comp. Our kinda place. facebook.com/Blu-Belles-Cafe-106135284448239 2 The Haven bike night The Haven in Salisbury is running bike nights every Thursday from May 20 until September. www.thehaven-salisbury.com 3 Iron Horse Ranch House One of MCN’s top 10 cafes are starting up bike nights on Thursday May 20. www.ironhorseranchhouse.co.uk 4 The Long Itch Diner From May 20, bikers’ night is back at the Long Itch in Southam. www.facebook.com/thelongitchdiner…

FRIDAY May 21 7pm, EUR2, World Superbikes: Season Preview SATURDAY MAY 22 8.45am, EUR2, Live WSB from Aragon: Superpole and Race One 3.15pm, EUR2, British Speedway: Highlights of the first round of the British Speedway Premiership SUNDAY May 23 9.30am, EUR2, Live World Superbikes from Aragon, Spain: Superpole Race and Race Two. Highlights at 8pm KEY TO CHANNELS: DRT – DISCOVERY REAL TIME DSC – DISCOVERY CHANNEL DHD – DISCOVERY CHANNEL HD EXS – EXTREME SPORTS CHANNEL EUR1 (2, HD) – EUROSPORT 1 (2, HD) MOT – MOTORSPORT.TV CH4 – CHANNEL 4 CH5 – CHANNEL FIVE BBC BBCI – BBC INTERACTIVE ESPN – ESPN CLASSIC CHANNEL ITV DST – DISCOVERY TURBO SHED – DISCOVERY SHED INST – INSIGHT SS1 (2, 3 OR X) – SKY SPORTS 1 (2, 3 OR EXTRA)…

Caroline Wheelhouse Age 63 Height 5ft 3in Current bike Monster 696, Monster 796 Been riding Three years First bike Honda Hornet 600 Dream bike Custom bike built to suit me “I’ve only been riding for three years but should’ve moved from the pillion seat years ago. My first bike was a Honda Hornet, and I currently have two Monsters – a 696 that I ride through winter and a 796 Anniversary for the rest of the year. I bought the 696 after sitting on a friend’s bike and being impressed by its small size. Moving from the smooth four-cylinder Honda to the V-twin was quite an experience but one I soon came to enjoy, so a year later I added the 796. “I’m keen to see the new Monster in…

1 LS2 Pioneer MX436 £119.99 It’s compatible with motocross goggles and a great price. It works well with glasses but the built-in sun visor mechanism can be a bit hit and miss. Dean Leith, Scarborough 2 Nexx X.WED2 £349.99-£399.99 Not too much noise and it’s comfy. Integrated intercom saves having a huge lump on the side. Lewys Priehs, Norwich 3 Arai Tour-X4 £499.99-£599.99 Nice wide opening for great visibility. I especially like the vents at the top of the visor. Ian Grant, Leicester 4 Schuberth E1 £449.99-£529.99 This is very comfortable, with good ventilation and the flip top is useful. You can remove the peak, too. Colin Hitchcock, Winchester 5 O’Neal Sierra 2 £149.99-£154.99 Not too expensive, comfy, The peak can catch the wind a bit, but I think it’s…

‘I feel far more relaxed now’ “I was lacking confidence about how hard I could brake, what it feels like when the ABS activates, and how much I can trust the system. “When the ABS all kicked in it felt very different. It was the first time I’ve activated the ABS, but I felt confident enough to keep the lever pulled in and let the system do its job. Even without the ABS activating, I was surprised how fast I could stop. “I feel far more relaxed about hard braking now. To know that the ABS is effective, and how it feels means that I won’t panic when it activates. Now I need to practise using the front and rear brake together.” Mark says “You spend most of your time…

Saving you money on essential bike maintenance 1 Counting teeth When ordering new sprockets, it’s important to select the correct one for your needs. Models often have various sized sprockets that you can order, each with a different number of teeth. Deviating from the standard spec will change the final drive ratio, altering performance, and even upsetting the speedo. Your manual will give you the number of teeth. BRUCE’S TIPS Often a sprocket’s size/number of teeth is stamped onto the side 2 Get tooled up Every chain and sprocket has a limited life and will wear out at a mileage depending on the bike’s power and how you use it. It’s an easy job to do at home, but you’ll need the correct tools: a large single-hex socket to fit…

WSB GURU LOOKS AT THE SEASON AHEAD MOTOGP MILLER’S LE MANS MIRACLE… • It’s Aussie rules as Jack Miller defies all the odds (and penalties) to win, p70 1 KAWASAKI Race starts – 832 Wins – 158 Podiums – 454 Riders’ titles – 8 Look at the bikes Kawasaki have homologated … twice as many variants than anyone else! They are constantly evolving to win. 2021 is more evolution than revolution: the same geometry with improvements – you can’t see how it wouldn’t be competitive. The big thing is aerodynamics. Kawasaki have a system which directs airflow inside the fairing and through the radiator; now hotter and expanded, it passes with greater volume and speed through a new duct, creating more downforce. The newly-shaped fairing also means less disturbance around…

BT Sport’s technical guru unmasks secrets at the sharp end of MotoGP 1 Slicks on a wet track The trickiest part of a flag-to-flag race is when raindrops begin to fall whilst the riders are on slick tyres. In light rain the riders continue for as long as possible in the hope that the shower will pass. Adhesion diminishes with each drop, but an incorrect decision to pit early will ruin your race. From the moment the rain starts it’s difficult to predict how much grip is available, the majority slow their pace, brake, lean and accelerate gently, which in turn causes tyre temperature to decline and if they drop beneath 80°C grip suffers. It’s a double-edged sword; grip remains good if you can push the tyres and maintain the…

Yamaha have quite a bit of experience with parallel twins. There was their first four-stroke (XS-1 in 1970), all the two- strokes, the 1980s giant trailies, the TDM and TRX… and of course the MT-07, the energetic-yet-efficient naked that reset our understanding of value. Whacking a fairing on the MT for the Tracer created perhaps the best-value all-round bike of modern times; cheerful, fun, frugal, reliable, well made, it’s a real giant-killer. GTs (like this one) have a tall screen, even comfier seat and luggage. Yamaha’s 689cc eight-valve parallel twin isn’t just great to use, it’s also wonderfully reliable. All examples of the engine are made in Japan (even though the Tracer, Ténéré 700 and XSR700 are built in France) and they don’t go wrong. It’s rare to need adjustments…

1 Who does it work best for? Riders who want to change their new bike every two or three years, want low monthly repayments and aren’t bothered about owning the bike outright. 2 Who is it not suited to? Riders who want to keep their bike until it wears out and those who want to own their motorcycle. 3 Are there mileage limits? Yes, usually around 5000 per year, though these are often adjustable up to 24,000 miles. If you go over the agreed mileage you might incur additional charges. 4 Can I ride it like I stole it? Yes, provided you maintain it like you own it. Usual wear and tear is allowed, but nothing that could constitute abuse or neglect. We have heard no tales of dealers being…

Can I get a PCP deal on a used bike? Yes. Many dealers offer this, and it’s down to the choice of bike, and you, as to whether this is better than the deal you could get on a new bike. Generally the bike has to be under three years old and must usually be under five years old at the end of the PCP term. But because of the lower retail price you might be able to afford the repayments on a straight loan, which could work out cheaper. The bonus with buying nearly new is that a chunk of depreciation has already gone. Can I swap manufacturers? Yes. The new dealer will pay off what’s outstanding on the bike (provided it’s in good condition) and roll you into…

BMW R18 £18,998 | 1802cc | 345kg | 90bhp | 690mm Launched last year, BMW’s jaw-dropping R18 is a cruiser that really stands out. Not only have the German firm’s styling department managed to strike a great balance between heritage and modern looks, their engineers have given it real soul thanks to an all-new, purpose-built 1802cc air-cooled flat twin. Putting out an impressive 90bhp with a hairy-chested 117lb.ft of torque, the big boxer not only looks and sounds fantastic, it also delivers some serious stomp through a beautifully- designed exposed shaft drive, which only adds to its kerb appeal. This is a bike built for cruising and if that sounds like what you are after, the ride won’t disappoint. But despite looking like a cruiser, the R18 can still cut…

£8499 KTM 790 Adventure The 790 Adventure is the ever-so-slightly tamer and more road biased version of the Austrian firm’s 790R. As an overall package the parallel twin feels classy, substantial and confidence inspiring. Perfectly suited for any rider who wants the spirit of adventure but without the GS bulk. • www.onthewheel.co.uk SAVE £750 £10,150 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 Suzuki are offering £750 off the base V-Strom 1050, and 3% three-year PCP or HP deals. • bikes.suzuki.co.uk • Engine 1037cc • Power 106bhp • Weight 236kg • Seat height 855mm SAVE £1000 £8995 Yamaha MT-09 SP The SP is really nicely screwed together with a flawlessly finished R1M-style paintjob, blue wheels and classy details. • appleyardmotorcycles.co.uk • Engine 847cc • Power 113bhp • Weight 193kg • Seat height 820mm SAVE £1081…

There are plenty of other warning signs that a trackday bike offered for sale has been stolen. A snapped steering lock is a pretty good indication something is wrong and is also something you might not think to check in the heat of the moment when your mind is already riding over the mountain at Cadwell Park. Likewise, a damaged ignition barrel, aftermarket keys, a complete lack of vehicle history or a hastily applied or recent colour change that can’t be accounted for should also ring alarm bells.…

The Devitt MCN Festival of Motorcycling is returning to the East of England Arena on September 4–5 with a huge line-up of entertainment, bargains, live music, test rides, live action and so much more. Moped Mayhem The madcap endurance race that was the highlight of the old BMF shows in the 1980s and 90s is making its long-awaited comeback at the festival. Known for its wild racing, huge grid, eclectic machines and raucous atmosphere, you won’t want to miss it. NEW FOR 2021 Classic two-stroke display Yamaha’s RD LC was 40 in 2020 and we’re creating a belated birthday party with a two-stroke display, fire ups and stage talks. Plus, if you turn up on a two-stroke over 125cc you’ll be able to park in the VIP bike park, Elsie’s…

Ventura Evo Luggage is now available for both the 1000 and 1100 variants of Honda’s Africa Twin range. Consisting of three separate elements and with prices starting from £364.62, the soft ‘Evo Pack’ luggage is designed to slip on and off easily, with two positions for either solo or two-up riding. The bags are available in four sizes, ranging from 12 to 60 litres. Virtual Ducati museum tour The Ducati Museum in Bologna will reopen to visitors on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting from May 21. However, for those unable to attend, from May 22 there will also be a ‘Ducati Museum Online Journey’ – allowing you to take a guided tour through the impressive exhibition via a tablet, PC or smart TV. For more information and booking tickets, head…

Ride further in 2021 with a little help from our one-stop event guide The Super Sausage Café has been an all-day breakfast emporium and biking pilgrimage for the past 12 years. It’s famed for its location on the A5 surrounded by lush biking roads, the general feel-good atmosphere and, more importantly, its menu. Never been? With restrictions lifting further, now’s the time to pay a visit Gail Murray, co-owner of Super Sausage with husband Chris and son Simon, said: “Everything is about freshness and fresh food and that’s what brings people back. “Our mushrooms are bought in fresh; our sausages are bought in fresh; we do lovely black pudding which comes from Carluke in Scotland – an award-winning place. Our eggs are free range and we also make our own…

MCN staff and readers share their favourite routes This is one of my favourite routes near MCN HQ. Our journey begins in Stamford, head north through to Corby Glen on the B1176 until you reach the junction with the A151. Turn left and pass through the village, on the outskirts hang right towards Grantham. Take the first exit at the roundabout with the A52 and head south, follow signs to Colsterworth. From here the B676 twists and turns, to Buckminster, where you turn towards Sproxton and Stonesby. On the outskirts of Eastwell turn left through to Old Dalby before heading into Ashfordby. Follow the signs to Melton Mowbray and stop off for a legendary pork pie before taking the B6047. It’s mile after mile of glorious, undulating tarmac that dissects…

With a twist on the normal procedures to ensure that the ride is Covid-secure, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is taking place on May 23 in one of three formats depending on your location in the country, and the world. You can take part in a normal Covid-safe ride with restrictions and distancing at either end, a route-only ride so you meet up and go, or you can go it alone with a solo ride. What is the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride? The dapper rideout began in 2012 to raise funds and awareness in support of men’s health, namely men’s mental health and prostate cancer. Participants come together (or not in the last two years) in cities all over the globe and suit-up for a ride in their best kit. In 2019,…

DEPUTY EDITOR, MOTORCYCLING MCN 250 MILE ROAD TEST ● THE HOTTEST BIKES ● EVERY WEEK £10,643 otr Ducati Monster ● 937cc dohc 8v desmo V-twin ● 109bhp @ 9250rpm (claimed) ● 188kg (wet, claimed) Disregard everything you know about the Monster. Forget all about steel trellis frames, cooling fins, low-slung handling and weighty dynamics. Ignore too any preconceptions of it being a makeshift model assembled from parts swept off the storeroom floor. The V-twin is completely revamped for 2021 – and it’s potentially the surprise of the year. It grabs attention in just the first few yards of today’s thrum around the B-road route of the MCN250. Tall, slim, the Monster has delicate low-speed handling, super-light steering and is fabulously agile. Previous versions in a model run lasting almost three…

MULTIPLE CHAMPION John won the South Midland Centre trials championship a record-breaking 10 times, more than any other rider in the centre’s history. IT’S IN THE BLOOD As well as following father John in business, son Chas emulated him by winning the South Midlands Centre Championship in 2011. He’s also competed in the Scottish Six Day Trial. GLOBAL GLORY Jack, 34, is also a mean MX and enduro rider, coming 9th in the tough Erzberg Rodeo. He also travelled the globe as minder for world championship trials rider James Dabill. STAYING POWER The Lee family believe their expert advice and passion will see them through for many more years to come.…

SENIOR WRITER The CBR650R is the last of a rare breed – an engaging four-cylinder middleweight sportsbike, capable of thrilling on the road. The new forks are composed, and the engine remains the refined, unintimidating package it was before. That said, it lacks the wow-factor of the pricier Aprilia and a TFT dash would be nice. The seat is uncomfortable after about an hour, too. If you’ve already got the old one, then the updates here do not justify a need to upgrade. For everyone else though, it’s a novice-friendly superbike lookalike that’s practical for the daily commute and poised enough for weekend fun. THE FACTS £8049 Honda CBR650R…

APRILIA RS660 The rider Dan Sutherland, Senior Writer Contact dan.sutherland@motorcyclenews.com DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 S The rider Richard Newland, Editor Contact richard.newland@motorcyclenews.com YAMAHA TRACER 9 GT The rider Alison Silcox, Office Manager Contact alison.silcox@motorcyclenews.com HONDA CRF300 RALLY The rider Simon Relph, Senior Designer Contact simon.relph@motorcyclenews.com KAWASAKI ZX-10R The rider Ben Clarke, Assistant Editor Contact ben.clarke@motorcyclenews.com BMW S1000R The rider Michael Neeves, Chief Road Tester Contact michael.neeves@motorcyclenews.com HARLEY-DAVIDSON PAN AMERICA The rider Jordan Gibbons, News Editor Contact jordan.gibbons@motorcyclenews.com SUZUKI GSX1300R HAYABUSA The rider Emma Franklin, Deputy Editor Contact emma.franklin@motorcyclenews.com NEXT WEEK TRIUMPH TRIDENT 660 The rider Gareth Evans, Online Editor Contact gareth.evans@motorcyclenews.com…

Replacing your chain and sprockets is a satisfying task, especially if you’ve maximised the mileage out of them. The fresh components will make your bike feel like new again, with that perfectly damped, creamy-smooth drive every time you pick up the throttle. That said, although it is a fun job to do, you don’t want to be doing it too often, so always go for a premium chain and sprocket set. Some, like the set we used from JT Sprockets, will be manufactured to a higher spec than the OE – JT are one of the only sprocket makers in the world to use super-tough C49 high carbon steel. And remember, you should always replace your chain and sprockets together, so quite often it’s more cost effective to buy a…

A new-look WSB calendar sees the opening two rounds run back-to-back, two new circuits with Most and Navarra, plus three races on consecutive weekends in September and into October. The final two rounds in Argentina and Indonesia are unlikely given Covid and the fact the Indonesian track is not yet homolgated. R1 Aragon, Spain May 21–23 R2 Estoril, Portugal May 28–30 R3 Misano, Italy June 11–13 R4 Donington Park, UK July 2–4 R5 Assen, Netherlands July 23–25 R6 Most, Czech Republic August 6–8 R7 Navarra, Spain August 20–22 R8 Magny Cours, France September 2–5 R9 Catalunya, Spain September 17–19 R10 Jerez, Spain September 24–26 R11 Portimao, Portugal October 1–3 R12 San Juan Villicum, Argentina October 15–17 R13 Mandalika, Indonesia November 12–14 WHERE TO WATCH Eurosport continue their comprehensive coverage of…

INSIGHT FROM PADDOCK VETERAN COLIN YOUNG Marc Marquez squandered the opportunity of a dream comeback win with a combination of brilliance and brain-snaps. Marquez’s speed and strategy in a rain-hit flag-to-flag Le Mans race ended in despair with two heavy crashes (laps 8 and 18) and he briefly led his first race since July 2020 before disaster struck – twice. HITS Mixed conditions master Marquez reminded everyone of his bravery and mastery in compromised conditions when heavy rain swamped the Bugatti circuit. With a breathtaking surge on a slick-shod Honda RC213V Marquez appeared to pull-off a race-winning move to leap-frog from sixth to first in the chaos of rain tyre bike swaps going into lap five. This was Marquez at his daring, quick-thinking best. Pit Stop brilliance Marquez executed an…

YES ‘You can’t ignore the number of crashes’ MICHAEL GUY Sports Editor Should the premier class of motorcycling race in the rain? Yes, absolutely. Should they do so year after a year at a track famed for its ice rink like surface and Baltic track temperatures? No. The fact that 117 riders crashed over a single weekend simply cannot be ignored. The infamous Turn 3, complete with the fittest marshals in MotoGP, saw the lions share of them – 37 to be precise. But it was not only the frequency of the crashes that cause concern, it was the nature of them that should be the catalyst for a simple date change. Viñales crashed on an out lap, Rins was only seconds into his wet race stint. Two world class…

LE MANS CIRCUIT 16 Petrucci 16 17 Marquez M 16 18 Bradl 11 19 Rossi 9 20 Oliveira 9 21 Marini 9 22 Lecuona 8 23 Savadori 2 FINAL POSITIONS MOTOGP FINAL POSITIONS MOTO 2 11 Dalla Porta +28.989 12 Chantra +28.749 13 Bulega +29.316 14 Ramirez +31.605 15 Arenas +32.080 16 Syahrin +32.571 17 Baltus +33.309 18 Baldassarri +39.036 19 Dixon +41.069 20 Vietti +45.599 21 Marcon +1’19.160 FINAL POSITIONS MOTO 3 11 Migno +42.347 12 Yamanaka +42.739 13 Dupasquier +42.756 14 Guevara +50.891 15 Izdihar +52.753 16 Kofler +53.054 17 Nepa +53.568 18 Foggia +1’18.995 19 Fellon +1’19.103 20 Binder +1’54.124 21 Toba +1 lap 22 Alcoba +4 laps…

Think about naked middleweights and the first bike that always springs to mind is the legendary Street Triple – the bike that’s been the benchmark since Triumph first stripped a Daytona of its fairings and delivered one of the cheekiest and sweetest road bikes ever. The Street Triple has always hit the nail on the head, astounding riders with its sporty chassis and storming motor – not to mention its affordable price. And the most versatile of the range is the R model. More than capable of the daily commute and town riding, it’s also phenomenally engaging when you are in the mood for sporty riding. Its suspension is set slightly firmer than on the S, quite compact due to the small size of the bike, the riding position is…

WELCOME Jon Urry, MCN’s PCP guru The way we buy new bikes has changed dramatically over recent years, with PCP fast becoming one of the most popular ways to get that new metal into your garage. The overall outlay is less with PCP; as long as you don’t pay the final balloon figure (which means you never actually own the bike). Equally, if you want to change machine during the contract period, or even swap brands during the process, that’s pretty easy, too. This flexibility and lower monthly outlay make PCP about as close to a win-win situation as you’re likely to get. It means that you can ride these new bikes for less than you might have imagined. And what’s more, you can have another new one in three…

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R £15,950 | 998cc | 207kg | 200bhp | 835mm For 2021, the WSB-dominating ZX-10R gets a serious makeover. As well as a more aerodynamic fairing (now with obligatory winglets), the engine makes even more power, the chassis is updated and there are uprated electronics including a new TFT dash – and all for just £199 a month. Ducati Panigale V4 £20,356 | 1103cc | 175kg | 211bhp | 835mm The Panigale V4 is right at the top of the sportsbike tree. Small updates last year made Ducati’s flagship less aggressive to ride and as a result this model serves up a more enjoyable experience. You still get a thumping 211bhp, it’s now just a little easier to use. Ducati SuperSport 950 £12,536 | 937cc | 210kg |…

Are there any pitfalls to Personal Contract Plans? Yes, of course there are. But they’re very clearly defined. The key to doing the perfect deal is being completely clear about what the plan entails, and being utterly confident that it meets your needs. There are two key points worth noting as part of the deal: Negative/negligible equity in the deal Most riders who buy their bikes on PCP will roll their deal over to a new bike when the term comes to an end, hopefully using the equity in their deal as a deposit for the next bike. This is lovely in theory, but there is a growing trend among our four-wheeled friends for the Guaranteed Final Value (GFV) to be nigh-on identical to the value of the car. Bang…

Think about naked middleweights and the first bike that always springs to mind is the legendary Street Triple – the bike that’s been the benchmark since Triumph first stripped a Daytona of its fairings and delivered one of the cheekiest and sweetest road bikes ever. The Street Triple has always hit the nail on the head, astounding riders with its sporty chassis and storming motor – not to mention its affordable price. And the most versatile of the range is the R model. More than capable of the daily commute and town riding, it’s also phenomenally engaging when you are in the mood for sporty riding. Its suspension is set slightly firmer than on the S, quite compact due to the small size of the bike, the riding position is…

Yamaha have quite a bit of experience with parallel twins. There was their first four-stroke (XS-1 in 1970), all the two– strokes, the 1980s giant trailies, the TDM and TRX... and of course the MT-07, the energetic-yet-efficient naked that reset our understanding of value. Whacking a fairing on the MT for the Tracer created perhaps the best-value all-round bike of modern times; cheerful, fun, frugal, reliable, well made, it’s a real giant-killer. GTs (like this one) have a tall screen, even comfier seat and luggage. Yamaha’s 689cc eight-valve parallel twin isn’t just great to use, it’s also wonderfully reliable. All examples of the engine are made in Japan (even though the Tracer, Ténéré 700 and XSR700 are built in France) and they don’t go wrong. It’s rare to need adjustments…

If you fancy even more punch – why not take a look at the allnew Speed Triple 1200 RS? All the same aesthetic style and aggression as the Street Triple, but with super-naked rabid performance crammed into a compact and beautifully built package. Triumph could’ve spoilt the Speed Triple 1200 RS by adding too much power in a quest to keep up with the super-naked Joneses, but they haven’t. Instead, they’ve produced a machine in their own inimitable style with a beautifully refined new engine that’s as friendly as a Street Triple’s, until you pull the pin and then it’ll keep up with the best of them. It has a voracious appetite for corners, too. It’s finished more conservatively than flashier rivals, but it’s superbly built and equipped – and…