Motorcycle Sport & Leisure August 2021

With such a long, cold and rainy spring, the arrival of summer sun, longer days and the ceremonial removal of the thermal liner from the riding jacket feels blissful. Not just because riding bikes is much better in sunshine than rain, but also because our ‘new normal’ everyday life revolves a lot more around outdoor pursuits. The weather seems even more crucial this year as all plans for foreign travel are still on hold. With even the usual destinations in Europe flitting between green and amber in the Government’s temporary traffic lights of travel advice, it’s not yet the time to head out for a Euro-tour. The Alps, Pyrenees and Picos will have to wait. Their time will come, I’m sure, but for now I am nervously checking the weather…

With such a long, cold and rainy spring, the arrival of summer sun, longer days and the ceremonial removal of the thermal liner from the riding jacket feels blissful. Not just because riding bikes is much better in sunshine than rain, but also because our ‘new normal’ everyday life revolves a lot more around outdoor pursuits. The weather seems even more crucial this year as all plans for foreign travel are still on hold. With even the usual destinations in Europe flitting between green and amber in the Government’s temporary traffic lights of travel advice, it’s not yet the time to head out for a Euro-tour. The Alps, Pyrenees and Picos will have to wait. Their time will come, I’m sure, but for now I am nervously checking the weather forecast…

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 heart of it all. He’s an all-year-round rider who does not own a car. 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…

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 heart of it all. He’s an all-year-round rider who does not own a car. 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…

With the R6 being limited to track riding as it’s not road legal, The arrival of the new road- and track-ready R7 is big news. The R7 features radial-mount 4-piston front brake calipers, fully adjustable KYB 41mm inverted forks, link-type Monocross rear suspension, and an Assist & Slipper clutch. It’s powered by Yamaha’s 689cc CP2 engine, which features a 270-degree crankshaft that gives an uneven firing sequence. The 4-stroke inline 2-cylinder DOHC 4-valve liquid-cooled CP2 engine delivers strong and linear torque across a wide rpm range, making it a lively performer in all gears and at all engine speeds. Maximum power of 72.4bhp (54kW) is produced at 8750 rpm, and more significantly the maximum torque of 67Nm is achieved at 6500rpm, giving the a R7 strong standing start and roll-on acceleration.…

With the R6 being limited to track riding as it’s not road legal, The arrival of the new road- and track-ready R7 is big news. The R7 features radial-mount 4-piston front brake calipers, fully adjustable KYB 41mm inverted forks, link-type Monocross rear suspension, and an Assist & Slipper clutch. It’s powered by Yamaha’s 689cc CP2 engine, which features a 270-degree crankshaft that gives an uneven firing sequence. The 4-stroke inline 2-cylinder DOHC 4-valve liquid-cooled CP2 engine delivers strong and linear torque across a wide rpm range, making it a lively performer in all gears and at all engine speeds. Maximum power of 72.4bhp (54kW) is produced at 8750 rpm, and more significantly the maximum torque of 67Nm is achieved at 6500rpm, giving the a R7 strong standing start and roll-on…