Motorcycle Sport & Leisure May 2021

If everything has gone to plan in the UK, by the time you read this there’s a good chance that we are allowed out on our bikes again. The lockdown is slowly easing, and with a bit of luck life will soon resemble something that we used to call normal. Hurrah! Naturally, in this awful pandemic that has wrecked lives and livelihoods for over a year, motorcycling is just a small side note. Quite rightly, it has taken a back seat for most of us, unless you have been involved in key services such as Blood Biking or delivering PPE and other essentials – if you have, good on you, I salute you! But out of sight does not mean out of mind. If you are anything like me, not riding bikes…

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. Dave Manning As a self-confessed motorcycle anorak, Dave’s particular two-wheeled penchant is for customised bikes – in each and every modified form they come. He’s a strong believer that every single bike ever made is worth trying, whether they have been customised or not. Ross Mowbray Ross works across several motorcycle magazines. That means he gets to ride all manner of two-wheelers, from Monkey bikes to trikes. Don’t let his youthful appearance fool you, he’s a seasoned petrol-head, respected test rider and a handy off-roader, too. Maja Kenney Maja…

There were plenty of patents and spy shots that paved the way to the launch of the new Pan America from Harley, but few expected it to break cover with such an impressive spec sheet. It’s powered by a liquid-cooled 1,252cc V-twin, pumping out a wild 150hp; it weighs 242kg wet; and prices start from £14,000. To put that into perspective, the self-proclaimed king of adventure bikes, the BMW R1250 GS, kicks out 136hp, weighs 249kg wet, and the base model costs £13,705. The twin cylinders of the two bikes may be pointing in different directions, but it’s clear to see that Harley is serious about breaking into the lucrative adventure bike market by challenging the biggest selling bike in the category. As most manufacturers of big adventure bikes do, Harley…

Available in three new colour schemes, there’s a range of upgrades to the popular A2 licence adventure bike that’s made waves since it was launched five years ago. For 2021 it meets meet Euro 5 emissions regulations, and gets Royal Enfield’s ‘Tripper’ turn-by-turn navigation system (which uses Google Maps through Royal Enfield’s smartphone app). It also comes with switchable ABS at the rear, and there’s a hazard warning switch too. There’s also improved seat cushioning; a redesigned windscreen; an additional plate on the rear carrier (it’s lower too, to make it easier to swing your leg over); and a tweaked front rack. The new Himalayans will come with three years’ warranty and roadside assistance as standard. Prices remain competitive, with the single colour schemes costing £4599 on the road (Granite Black,…

The Thruxton RS was launched last year, and now this update will bring the rest of the Bonneville range up to date (the updates to the Scrambler 1200 and Street Scrambler will be announced a bit later). The main changes are that the new bikes will now all meet the Euro 5 emissions regs, and that many of them boast more responsive power and less weight. From the classic Bonneville T120, T120 Black and T100, to the contemporary custom Street Twin and new Street Twin Gold Line limited edition, the laid-back Bonneville Speedmaster cruiser and the pure custom Bonneville Bobber, each one has been evolved. BONNEVILLE T120 AND T120 BLACK: Key changes Updated Euro 5 compliant 1200cc twin engine 7kg lighter New wheel rims, Brembo brakes, cruise control, road and rain…

As we move into 2021, Kawasaki has introduced a new model, the 1000 S. In fact, there are three different models to choose from because the S model is available in three options: Versys 1000 S (£12,999), Versys S Tourer (£13,799), and the Versys 1000 S Grand Tourer (£14,699), which we have on test. Essentially what Kawasaki has done is remove the base model, which was a bargain in today’s market (£11,300), and introduce a new model, the S version which is closer to the full spec SE model which comes with semi-active Showa suspension. The S version features the high level of spec of the SE, but with standard conventional, manually adjustable suspension. On test we have the fully loaded Grand Tourer complete with top box (47 litres), panniers (56…