Motorcycle Sport & Leisure November 2021

When my mate Matt first said it, it sounded like such an innocent, passing remark – helpful and encouraging even. Not long after, I was convinced that it was NOT innocent, I definitely couldn’t get past it, and I sure needed help… It all started very innocently. I was visiting Matt, and we talked about bikes. We both write about them for a living, which together with limited imagination and unrefined social skills means that we talk about bikes a lot. We both have old BMW airheads, and like any proud or desperate owner we are simply compelled to talk about them at length. Quite often our natter is like the greasy trails of engine oil seeping out through little cracks in the gaskets of those big old boxer engines. We get distracted,…

When my mate Matt first said it, it sounded like such an innocent, passing remark – helpful and encouraging even. Not long after, I was convinced that it was NOT innocent, I definitely couldn’t get past it, and I sure needed help… It all started very innocently. I was visiting Matt, and we talked about bikes. We both write about them for a living, which together with limited imagination and unrefined social skills means that we talk about bikes a lot. We both have old BMW airheads, and like any proud or desperate owner we are simply compelled to talk about them at length. Quite often our natter is like the greasy trails of engine oil seeping out through little cracks in the gaskets of those big old boxer engines.…

Ross Mowbray Ross works across several motorcycling 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. 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. 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…

Ross Mowbray Ross works across several motorcycling 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. 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. 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…

Suzuki has revealed its new GSXS1000GT sports-tourer. The new GT is based on the GSX-S1000 that was updated earlier this year, and utilises the same 150bhp litre-capacity inline four-cylinder engine. However, the GT gets a full touring makeover to make the bike worthy of its Grand Touring title. Suzuki says that the tall screen and wind-cheating bodywork reduce rider fatigue; a plush rider’s seat is complemented by a comfortable pillion pad with easily-reached grab rails and ample legroom; while the optional hard luggage can accommodate full face helmets, ensuring the GT makes light work of two-up touring. A comprehensive electronics suite comprises a plethora of rider aids, performance-enhancing systems, and creature comforts to boost the GT’s touring ability, including a 6.5-inch colour TFT dash with smartphone connectivity, cruise control, a bi-directional quickshifter…

Suzuki has revealed its new GSXS1000GT sports-tourer. The new GT is based on the GSX-S1000 that was updated earlier this year, and utilises the same 150bhp litre-capacity inline four-cylinder engine. However, the GT gets a full touring makeover to make the bike worthy of its Grand Touring title. Suzuki says that the tall screen and wind-cheating bodywork reduce rider fatigue; a plush rider’s seat is complemented by a comfortable pillion pad with easily-reached grab rails and ample legroom; while the optional hard luggage can accommodate full face helmets, ensuring the GT makes light work of two-up touring. A comprehensive electronics suite comprises a plethora of rider aids, performance-enhancing systems, and creature comforts to boost the GT’s touring ability, including a 6.5-inch colour TFT dash with smartphone connectivity, cruise control, a…