Motorcycle Sport & Leisure April 2021

Mikko takes another tumble, but this time there’s a twist… I’ve had a few crashes, but this latest one is just taking the biscuit. A new personal low, no doubt about it. If truth be told, I’d rather not even talk about it, but here we go… If you have ever done an advanced riding course, you may have been told that all cars are potential hazards for motorcyclists. It doesn’t matter whether they are hurtling towards you out of control or if they are neatly parked and firmly stationary – they are all out to get you. Over the last few weeks when our old friend, the Beast from the East, came to visit again, I saw a frightening number of drivers completely unprepared for the icy conditions: they were sliding sideways…

Nathan Millward A reluctant adventurer, Nathan's first big trip was riding home from Australia on a 105cc Aussie post bike. Nathan now runs Garbage Run tours and resides in North Devon where attempts at learning to surf have all been in vain. Currently running a Moto Guzzi V85TT. 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. 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 of all kinds, though bikes are really at…

The original Hayabusa shocked the world with its unique looks and mind-bending speed (a speed limiter was quickly introduced to limit it to 186mph) when it was first revealed at the turn of the millennium. And now, after a little pause in availability, we have been treated to a new incarnation of the big bad ’Busa. It’s not as much of a move forward in terms of looks as some commentators had hoped for, but with over 550 new parts, Suzuki’s new Hayabusa is a hell of a lot more than just a facelift… The 1340cc engine has been heavily redesigned for the 2021 model, with the aim of boosting performance. For starters, the ’Busa has new, lighter pistons, more rigid and lighter conrods, new camshaft with revised cam profiles, a new…

In 1921 Indian Motorcycle unveiled the Indian Chief. Now, a century later, it has revealed three new models. All featuring a steel-tube frame, and powered by the Thunderstroke 116 motor with 162Nm of torque, the new Indian Chief Dark Horse, Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse and Indian Super Chief Limited offer three different takes on the classic American V-twin. The bikes feature a 15.1-litre fuel tank, preload-adjustable rear shocks, keyless ignition, cruise control and ride modes. Wheelbase is 1626mm, seat height 662mm, wet weight 304kg, and lean angle 28.5 degrees. Chief Dark Horse The Indian Chief Dark Horse features stripped-down, mechanical styling highlighted by drag handlebars, 19-inch cast wheels, mid-mount foot controls, a slim headlight bucket and a solo bobber seat. The Chief Dark Horse is offered in Black Smoke, Alumina Jade Smoke…

Husqvarna has just announced that it’s producing a new learner-legal version of its Svartpilen roadster. The baby Svartpilen promises a punchy but unintimidating 125cc motor, nimble handling and frugal fuel consumption. Weighing in at 146kg, the Svartpilen 125 is well kitted out for a learner machine too – with ByBre brakes, a Bosch ABS system, WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge forks, WP APEX rear shock and a pair of 17” spoked wheels which come clad with Pirelli rubber. And with its unique styling it’s sure to turn heads wherever you go too. Available in UK dealers from February 2021, the Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 will set punters back a fairly hefty £4,499.…

The XDiavel range gets a transformation for 2021 and becomes Euro-5 compliant, with a new exhaust and revised fuelling. There are three models of the feet-forward Ducati cruiser to choose from: the standard XDiavel Dark, the sporty S version, and the mouth-watering, top-spec Black Star, which we have on test. We’re told the Black Star is inspired by the world of sports cars, which explains the eye-catching livery. The glimpses of red are a lovely touch, and be sure to check out the red DVT cylinder heads. Apart from these aesthetic touches and an increase in power for the Testastretta 1260 (actually 1262cc), the Black Star features lightweight forged wheels, saving 2kg. Other highlights are improved Brembo M50 calipers, DLC coated adjustable forks like the S version, and a ‘high-grip’ suede fabric…