Tabla de contenidos para December 2022 en RiDE

‘I ordered an ADV350 in August’ Adrian Leach “I ordered the Honda ADV350 back in August and have been given no firm delivery date. It's estimated to arrive between December and February 2023 but further information should arrive in November when dealers are updated by Honda. “I'm buying the bike to keep the PCP mileage down on my BMW R1250GS, which I bought new in June 2021. Supply chain issues is the reason being given. “The BMW would have been a problem too but the model and specification I wanted was already in the UK warehouse. In 50 years of biking and buying 20+ new bikes, I have never had a problem previously.” ‘My MT-09 SP took nine months’ Kevin Fox “I ordered a new Yamaha MT-09 SP way back…

FIRST RIDE MOTO GUZZI V100 MANDELLO S 1 GUZZI HERITAGE MEETS NEW TECH Like Guzzis of old, the Mandello has a transverse V-twin engine and shaft drive but with a modern twist. The new 1042cc motor is the company's most powerful, making 113bhp and 77lb·ft of torque — 82% of it is made at just 3500rpm. It's smooth, urgent, characterful and much of the old rocking motion has gone thanks to a new counter-balance shaft 2 IT'S GOT WINGS A production-bike first: flaps on the top of the tank automatically open to a 30° angle in Touring mode at 43mph, or can be programmed via the dash menu to deploy between 19mph and 56mph. They stay permanently out in Rain and tucked away in Street and Sport. They reduce air pressure on…

On the dyno, the CFMoto made a genuine 89.4bhp with 56lb·ft of torque, which is close to its claimed figures and around 20bhp up on a Ténéré 700, for example. However, it is a little down on the 92.6bhp and 63.6lb·ft that a 790 Adventure made on the same dyno and the CFMoto has a higher rev limit. This is probably down to having to pass more stringent emissions regulations than when the 790 was introduced in 2018. Like most engines tweaked to hit Euro5, it runs very lean and the fuelling snatch on small throttle openings is a common Euro5 issue, which can usually be dialled out with an ECU remap. THE FACTS CFMoto 800MT Touring Cost £11,299 Engine 799cc, DOHC parallel-twin, 4v per cyl, l/c Power 94bhp @ 9000rpm (claimed) 89.4bhp…

Yamaha Ténéré 700 £9900 > 72bhp > 50lb-ft > 204kg (claimed) A very competent on and off-road machine, the Ténéré is powered by the CP2 paralleltwin motor as used in the MT-07 and the Tracer 7. However, it lacks electronics with only ABS present and it isn't angle-responsive. A charmingly basic bike, it has been a good seller for the firm thanks to a low price tag. KTM 890 Adventure £11,449 > 103bhp > 74lb-ft > 216kg (claimed) The Adventure is KTM's more road-targeted middleweight and is powered by the new 890 engine. You get a TFT dash as standard, angle-responsive ABS and TC and a 20-litre fuel tank but an up/down shifter is an optional extra alongside cruise control and luggage. Aprilia Tuareg 660 From £10,600 > 79bhp >…

Errington Coffee House Busy coffee stop and café at the intersection between the A68 and the B6318. Always good for a brew and a breakfast, and always service with a smile (even for a bedraggled motorcyclist). facebook.com/erringtoncoffeehouse The Riverside Kitchen Popular spot for bikers (there is always a couple in the car park) as well as walkers and cyclists — and deservedly so, with breakfasts, jackets, pies and salads on the menu, plus plenty of room to eat and relax. theriversidekitchen.co.uk House of Meg Little village café just off the B6318 before the river in Gilsland — perfect for a quick bite to eat before tackling the really gnarly stuff. Space to park and tables outside. Awarded ‘Best Village Cafe’ in Carlisle Awards in 2019. houseofmeg.co.uk…

AGV Tourmodular From £449.99 www.agv.co.uk THE CLAIM “Tourmodular has obtained ECE 2206 homologation and is the result of the AGV EXTREME SAFETY manufacturing protocol. The helmet's unique structure in carbon, aramid fibre and fibreglass guarantees both solidity and lightness. The metal visor mechanisms are designed to maximize both field of vision and protection area; the optical class 1 visor is up to 4 mm thick for superior protection. The AGV Micro-opening system allows you to keep the visor open for airflow while it is securely attached to the chinguard” THE REALITY We loved AGV's SportModular, a sports-style flip-front and while the new Tourmodular is more aimed at touring riders, it is just as impressive. Initially, it seems large — a function of being a spacious flip-front; however, it's not too…

SW-Motech Universal GPS kit with phone case £65 www.sw-motech.co.uk THE CLAIM “All-round, worry-free package including weatherproof phone case and various mounting components. The T-Lock mount enables quick mounting onto the Universal Navi kit” THE REALITY Whether mounting to your ‘bars, mirror stem or headstock, this kit has a wide variety of fitting options to suit most bikes and with clear instructions for each. The case is well made and locks securely with a quarter-turn, so it's easy to mount and remove. It's versatile and great value but screen protectors on some phones affect the touch functionality through the case's window. And if you want to charge on the move, you need to cut the slot open yourself, reducing its waterproofing capability.…

Nikwax Visor Proof £8.70 www.amazon.co.uk This was the Best Buy in our rain repellent product test in the April 2021 issue and although its performance was not quite as effective as the Ipone winner, it is much nicer for the environment; water-based and with no nasty chemicals. It is extremely effective and gets rid of water with it barely touching the visor. Being water based, it tends to be removed by its very purpose but generally, I tend to reapply when I stop for juice. I decanted some into a small spray bottle and keep it in my pocket whenever it rains — it's brilliant. JIM BLACKSTOCK Pharoa Robson boots £69.99 www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk I was impressed with these when I tried them for Latest Kit Rated. Now, with 1000 miles in…

DECEMBER 2021 SINGLE-LAYER RIDING JEANS Knox Shield £249.99 www.planet-knox.com Bull-It Tactical Icon £139.99 www.bull-It.com As the winning products are no longer available, these two are Recommended options. The Knox gave the best protection in the test while the Bull-Its also did well with a lower price and Level-2 armour. JANUARY 2022 CHAIN CLEANERS Oxford Products Chain Cleaner £8.99 www.oxfordproducts.com Well priced, effective and simple to use, it did exactly what was asked of it. And it smelled nice too. RECOMMENDED WD-40 Motorbike Chain Cleaner £8.49 Sportsbikeshop Chain Cleaner £4.99 FEBRUARY 2022 SUB-£100 WINTER GLOVES Richa Ice Polar GTX Gloves £99.99 www.nevis.uk.com Across the board, the Ice Polars performed very well and their waterproofing was excellent. A great option for winter riding that won't disappoint in any area. RECOMMENDED Weise Montana…

GARAGE SINCE ITS LAUNCH in 2016, Yamaha's MT-10 has proved to be far more than just a supernaked. It may pack a chassis, electronics package and crossplane inline-four that is closely derived from the firm's YZF-R1 sportsbike but the refinement and aerodynamics, matched to a comfortable riding position, see it remain remarkably adept and easy-going for day-to-day use. However, it can be made even more eye-catching if you select the SP version, which adds Öhlins semi-active suspension and unique paint. But are the mods worth the extra £2500 and do they make a real difference on the road? The reality of the ride On paper, the updates to the 2022 MT-10 models seem to have narrowed the gap between the stock bike and the SP. Where the previous SP model…

Minerstown, County Down, Northern Ireland My Yamaha Ténéré just loves every surface it's on - even a beach! The glorious Mourne Mountains are in the background. Dessie Moore Moffat, Scotland I took my Triumph Tiger Sport for its first proper mile-munching ride recently with a group of mates. We completed a four-day ‘End of Summer’ trip taking in the Yorkshire Dales, Northumbria and the Scottish Boarders. This is us outside the Buccleuch Arms Hotel in Moffat, an amazing biker-friendly hotel where Dave and his family team couldn't do enough for us. Left to right in the picture are me, Karl, Steven, John, Matt and Damian. Dave, the hotel's owner, took the picture but that's his GS! Simon Hardacre Ben Nevis, Scotland I took my Suzuki GSX-S1000 GT on a trip…

Best time to ride “Probably afternoon in the summer as the sun catches the hills to best effect, but there's no bad time. If you ride in winter, be careful. The road gets high and there can be streams running across the road that freeze.” Best bit “The climb out of Llangynog has bends and views aplenty which open up to a sweeping open road across the moors until you descend down towards Bala. In this 15-20-mile stretch, there is a bit of everything. On the right day, you will reach Bala with a big smile on your face, guaranteed.” Be careful at… “About five miles in you need to be careful at the crossroads in West Felton. It's 40mph and there's a safety camera. Llynclys crossroads is busy and…

DUCATI HAS LAUNCHED a new Multistrada designed to take the fight to BMW when it comes to long-distance adventure-touring ability. The Multistrada V4 Rally builds on the standard 1158cc sports adventurer with a new dedicated off-road Enduro mode, which reduces power and minimises traction control on loose surfaces. The ‘extended deactivation’ system, which is active across all rider modes, sees the rear cylinder bank of the V4 motor switch off at idle when stationary (already a feature on the standard V4). It can also shut down on the go, reducing emissions and increasing range, with the cylinders re-firing when speeds increase or when the rider demands more power. There's also a new screen which has grown 40mm in height and 20mm in width. The tail has been stretched, moving the…

Mash has released a Trail version of its X-Ride 650 Classic, first seen in 2020. The Trail is powered by the same 647cc, air-cooled single-cylinder engine as the Classic, producing a claimed 40bhp and mounted in a steel-tube chassis. Designed as a ‘soft roader’, it boasts a new 21in front wheel and an 18in rear, allowing proper dual-sport rubber. There is also a new, stronger swingarm and progressive linkage, while the 43mm forks are adjustable for preload and rebound. Mash is hoping to plug the much-needed gap between adventure bikes and proper off-roaders. The Trail weighs 167kg, makes 39bhp and costs £5599 + OTR charges. Bike thefts still at alarming levels Bikes are 11 times more likely to be stolen than a car, according to figures tracked down by the…

‘My son was knocked off. There's now a dispute about hospital negligence. Who is right?’ Q MY 17-YEAR-OLD son was knocked off his 125 in a straightforward-enough collision. A driver got impatient and abruptly turned left into a bus lane that my boy was riding in; the bus lane is open to motorcyclists. Sadly, my son took a slide and hit the kerb and did quite a lot of damage to his knee. Well, more accurately, either side of his knee. He was treated at our local hospital and 18 months down the line, the hospital has come straight out and told us that his leg was not fixed correctly. The surgeon has apologised and my son will have to go in to have his leg refractured, re-set and he…

COMING IN AT a smidgeon under £3500 on the road, this is the new Sinnis SM-XE. A tall, slim, 125cc trail bike, it adds yet another flavoursome branch to the Brighton brand's expansive tree of small-capacity machinery. And it's really rather good too. The SM-XE is propelled by a singlecylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve engine made by Korean firm KR Motors. With a claimed 14.8bhp, it has enough power to cruise at a comfortable 65-70mph if it's plunging downhill. Clutch and gears are slightly stiffer than expected and the higher ratios are grouped much closer together, to give some off-road ability. It handles well, which is a little unexpected given its large-diameter front wheel and the fact that the company also sells a road-only version. The suspension on the Sinnis is exceptional…

It's OK but does lag behind cutting-edge rivals. The problem CFMoto has here is that the 790 engine is a little ‘first-generation’ and that always means it is a bit rough and ready. KTM upgraded to the 890 in just a few short years and you can see why. Quite lumpy, with a notchy gearbox that can be hit and miss and a grabby clutch, the parallel-twin is acceptable when you allow it to rev but it is always lacking a little midrange and isn't the smoothest on a constant throttle. When you compare it to other rival middleweights, it feels a generation behind the game, which is exactly what it is. And the poor electronics exaggerate this sensation even further……

ECU remap Around £500 An ECU remap (if the dyno house can access the ECU) should remove the snatch on the throttle and alter the engine braking. These should improve the quickshifter action. Tyres From £200 If you are a predominantly road-based rider, a set of more tarmac-biased tyres would be a great addition as they offer more grip in both the wet and dry than on/off-road tyres. Metzeler Tourance Next II tyres are excellent and so are Pirelli Scorpion Trail II. New brake pads Around £54 There is no reason why the CFMoto's brakes should be so poor. The first thing to update would be the pads for some higher-friction alternatives, to give much-needed initial bite.…

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? £11,299 £162.49 PCP x 36 after £2825 deposit, 4k annual mileage. £4548.50 final payment. 9.9% APR £269.92 HP x 36 after £2825 deposit. 9.9% APR HOW MUCH TO INSURE £245.61 Fully comp, £350 excess £248.12 TPF&T, £1250 excess 2022 model, worth £11,299. Based on a 52-year old male engineer, married, licence held for 9 years, 8-years’ NCD, no claims or convictions, for social, domestic and pleasure use. Bike is garaged with postcode WA14 1NU and annual mileage 5000 miles. Quote supplied by www.MCNcompare.com in October 2022. HOW FAR ON A TANK? HOW MUCH TO SERVICE IT? 600 miles Replace oil and filter, basic check-over and lube. £130 9000 miles Replace oil and filter, change air filter and check fluid levels. £230 18,000 miles Replace oil and…

There is much to like about the CFMoto and, on paper, the 800MT Touring ticks every box thanks to a ‘known-brand’ engine and a spec list that more than matches and, in most cases, even exceeds anything its rivals boast. And all for a saving of around £3000 when compared like-for-like. However, having and integrating this tech are two very different things and the 800MT Touring feels like a bike that isn't quite the finished article yet and is still in need of a fair bit of refinement. On a machine that costs upwards of £11k, and considering just how competitive the middleweight adventure-bike market is, that means it falls short of the mark, despite being excellent value for money to buy new. The problem is that just buying parts…

BEST FOR THE WALL Black Carts Turret There are many places to get close to the Wall, but this is one of the easiest — park in the lane, jump over the wall and you can touch the stone laid by hands some 1900 years ago. Spooky and poignant. Price of entry FOC www.english-heritage.org.uk BEST FORT Housesteads Fort One of the UK's best-preserved Roman forts, the five-acre site housed up to 800 soldiers drawn from across the Roman Empire for several hundred years. Walk around the ruins, visit the museum, enjoy the superb views. Price of entry £10.00. Bike parking £3.00 www.english-heritage.org.uk BEST FOR ICE CREAM Kiln Green, Langholm At the end of the ride, park up and enjoy a victory 99 at Pelosi's ice cream van on the green…

BMW R1250RS ⟩ £13,125 ⟩ 135bhp ⟩ 104lb·ft ⟩ 243kg The RS is the brilliant BMW that no-one buys. Living in the shadow of the long-legged R1250GS and the opulence of the R1250RT, it is fast (quicker than a GS or RT), comfortable and can be tanked along at sportsbikeworrying pace on twisty roads. A true 50/50 sports-tourer with a brilliant engine. Harley Davidson Pan America ⟩ £15,595 ⟩ 148bhp ⟩ 94lb·ft ⟩ 258kg After a flurry of publicity, Harley's Pan Am has already slipped from biking's mainstream. As an all-round adventure bike, it isn't as accomplished as a GS, a Tiger or a Super Adventure, but it is an excellent tourer. Tall gearing, great comfort, wind protection and oodles of midrange make it highly effective. Yamaha Niken GT ⟩ £9995…

BMW F900R ⟩ £8765 ⟩ 104bhp ⟩ 67lb • ft ⟩ 211kg The F900R deserves far more credit than it gets. Launched into the midst of a pandemic at a time when all the attention went to the touring-loving F900XR, it boasts a rorty 895cc motor, sweet handling and a level of build quality that's nicer than a Yamaha MT-09. BSB-supporting race series should help to make it desirable in 2023. KTM 390 Duke ⟩ £5149 ⟩ 43bhp ⟩ 26lb • t ⟩ 150kg The Duke is a proper option for anyone wanting a cheap, able commuter or lightweight second bike but sadly just gets pigeon-holed as ‘suitable for A2 licence-holders’. But with a punchy single-cylinder motor, an aggressive attitude and lots of fun without ever seeing triple figures on…

‘A MASTERPIECE OF ROLL-ON POWER’ HONDA CROSSTOURER 2012-2021 ⟩ 127bhp ⟩ 92lb • ft ⟩ 275kg ⟩ 850mm seat Why it's great The best use of Honda's VFR1200 engine, its tallness means it handles more playfully than the VFR and better ergonomics mean more comfort too — especially for bigger riders. Of course, it is easy to discount the Crosstourer as dull, but the opposite is the case — this is a superb example of how adventure bikes with absolutely no dirt pretensions make great road bikes. Smoother and more sophisticated than a GS of the same era, the motor is an unsung masterpiece, full of roll-on power and a baritone rumble from the 76° Unicam V4. Few bikes are as accomplished at piling on the miles but because they've…

Oxford DigiGuage £26.99 www.oxfordproducts.com THE CLAIM “This is our most advanced digital pressure gauge.” THE REALITY This tiny gauge will fit in your pocket and reads in five units including PSI and Bar. It will fit both Schrader and Presta valves so do your motorcycle and pushbike and has a built-in light. It's super-easy to use and read the rear tyre on our GSX-S first time with no air loss, though it needed a couple of goes for the front. Not cheap mind, but good. Puig Plus screen £67.99 pyramid-plastics.co.uk THE CLAIM “Simple to install Puig Screens arrive with comprehensive fitting instructions and any additional fittings which may be required.” THE REALITY The same basic screen is available for a number of bikes and is the one tested on our…

WE ALL KNOW how important base layers are to your motorcycling wardrobe. Whether in winter, using layers to keep warm or in summer to help wick moisture away from the skin, they play a part yearround. And in many cases, they help to improve comfort as an intermediary between your jacket and your skin itself. And for some, a windproof under-layer and can be a godsend, protecting your core from the windchill that saps your strength. They are very useful in a number of ways: firstly, if you've got kit that doesn't protect you from draughts very well with a poor-sealing main zip or sleeves, these can help significantly. A good windproof layer can make a poor-performing jacket feel much better, without having to shell out hundreds of pounds for…

MT-10 SP MT-10…

Ducati Streetfighter V4 £19,551 ⟩ 205bhp ⟩ 91lb-ft ⟩ 201kg Ducati has calmed the V4 since launch, making the 205bhp Streetfighter more manageable. Amazing handing and aggressively styled, the engine responds beautifully. The S version with semi-active Öhlins suspension is £21,651. Suzuki GSX-S1000 £11,199 ⟩ 150bhp ⟩ 79lb-ft ⟩ 214kg Very much old-school, the GSX-S is lacking an IMU and therefore angle-responsive electronics. However, its inline-four has bags of drive, the price tag is right and it has enough gizmos to keep you safe and secure. There is no semi-active suspension option. Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 £14,600 ⟩ 173bhp ⟩ 90lb-ft ⟩ 209kg Based around the RSV4, the Tuono packs a 1077cc V4 as well as cutting-edge electronics. It's a brilliant bike with a tempting price but worries remain over…

GARAGE LONG-TERM TEST BIKES YAMAHA TÉNÉRÉ WORLD RAID |0|3|0|8|1| MILES UPDATE 06 IT'S BEEN WONDERFUL month of road riding with the Ténéré, chasing the last warmth of autumn and revelling in the grip of roads that I know all-too-soon will be frosted with salt and slick with slime. The highlight has been a day cutting lines and revelling in the unexpected solitude of a network of B-roads and country lanes that cross Northamptonshire and the Cotswolds which I inadvertently discovered while trying to find an interesting route to the Caffeine and Machine petrolhead pub/café venue for a staff meet-up. Instead of taking the A14 and M6 before heading south, my route from Towcester to just south of Coventry has it all. There's every kind of surface and fast, smooth sweepers,…

GARAGE RiDE'S BIKES TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE RS OWNED 2 YEARS I BOUGHT THIS Triumph Street Triple RS new in 2020 and, three summers later, struggle to think of another bike I'd rather jump on and ride, it is light, pointy, punchy, comfortable and pleasingly bedecked in Öhlins and Brembos. Its 765cc triple is an absolute screamer, too, like the very best from the golden era of sportsbike middleweights with an added dollop of midrange torque. However, it can't do everything. Let's get straight into this month's thousandmile autoroute return to Northants from a holiday in the Spanish Pyrenees, and an almost deadstraight, 19-hour schlep of petrol stops and fumbling for my credit card at the péage. It's all about wind direction and airspeed when you're mile-crunching on a true naked,…

Tyres I chose Pirelli Diablo Corsa IVs (from £269 for 120 front/180 rear pairing) for a promised blend of sportiness and mileage — and also got precision and planted certainty, whatever the surface or weather. Pirelli says they're “made for the mountains”. Agreed, plus the ride home afterwards as well. Lights The nearside headlight unit shipped water in heavy rain then stayed wet. On the way home both DRLs failed. Investigation pending. Battery The original Yuasa became unreliable this year, losing charge after a few days without a start up. I replaced it with another one from Halfords before the trip (£50,99). Luggage Kriega US-30 Drybag for my clothes and a US-10 on top for my camera, with both securely strapped to a loop fit-kit specific to the 765 (£19).…

Fantic's new XEF Rally calls on the firm's impressive Dakar racing experience. The XEF is powered by a 450cc single, housed in a double-girder frame made of an aluminium front and steel rear. A 30-litre fuel tank provides plenty of range and is, in fact, two tanks - one lateral and one central, to aid shock protection and the ergonomics of the bike. Damping comes from KYB 48mm adjustable front forks and an adjustable KYB rear set-up. Stopping power is via a Moto Master calliper on a single 300mm front disc and a 245mm disc rear. The XEF has a seat height of 955mm, a 1480mm wheelbase and weighs 140kg. A limited ‘Launch Edition’ version of the bike will also be released. Prices have not yet been confirmed.…

Just finished reading this month's RiDE and wanted to say a massive ‘thank you’ for Jim Blackstock's article on his longterm test on the Royal Enfield Interceptor, with budding motorcycling enthusiasts Noah and Maddie! I've had my kids riding pillion with me over a number years since they've been able to wear a helmet and touch the foot pegs. Now they're 11, 14, 16 and one just off to university at 18 - only this evening the younger two were asking when we could ride down from Epsom where we live to see their brother at Portsmouth Uni - via a coke and burger at Loomies of course! Getting out together at weekends on my BMW R1250RS with each of them in turn for some Dad and son/daughter time has…

‘I want to lean over more. What do I do?’ Q I'VE BEEN RIDING for three years and this summer, I set myself a mission to get the bike leant over more in corners. I was hoping I might even get my knee down. I did improve a bit but a lot of rides were stressful and I didn't really enjoy them. What am I doing wrong and can I get better at leaning the bike over? Kyle Albright, email A THE GOOD NEWS is that you can get better at leaning the bike over. The bad news is that you're going about it the wrong way. Lean angle is the product of good cornering, not an ambition in itself and if you corner well, you'll lean the bike over…

VESPA HAS UPDATED its classic-looking twist-and-go to make it easier to ride and more enjoyable to live with. The updated GTS 300 comes in four models: a base in traditional hues, more modern Super, athletic SuperSport and the fully-loaded Super Tech, which we're riding today, with matt paint and a smart new TFT screen featuring connectivity. But what remains constant is the insatiable ability to slice through city streets, the rider beaming from ear-toear as they leave the jams in their wake. Keyless ignition is now a feature of the whole GTS range, making step-through twist-and-go life easier than ever. Wind the throttle on and the single thrums as the CVT slings you up the road. And no matter how cobbled or potholed your route, this Vespa keeps its composure.…

Visually, the CFMoto doesn't scream ‘budget’, which is in part thanks to KTM design guru Kiska's excellent work on its styling. The gold anodising on the spoked-wheels’ rims is a nice touch; the fairing's fit and finish is good; and the number of add-ons that come as standard such as the panniers, brush guards, crash protection, centrestand and so on give it an air of quality. There are a few rough edges though; the logo on the tail says 800MT-S, presumably in reference to the Sport and not the Touring model, and the adjustable screen's mechanism is a simple unscrew and loosen rather than a neat click adjuster. But that's being picky. Visuals aside, when you are on the go, the CFMoto initially impresses. The seat is nicely padded but…

NEW BIKES CFMOTO 800MT TOURING What's better on the Japanese bike? Swapping from the CFMoto to the Suzuki, the first thing you notice is just how easy-going and compliant the V-Strom's engine is. Refined to the point of being almost unable to fault at all, despite being a big capacity V-twin the throttle connection on the Suzuki is sublime, meaning you can feed in minimal throttle openings with precision. At low speed or pulling out of junctions, this predictability makes the heavier Suzuki feel far more controlled than the lighter CFMoto simply because you have faith in how the throttle and the bike will react. The Suzuki's power is also lower in the rev range so there is less need to chase revs, something that again results in an easier-going…

DUCATI SUPERSPORT S 2017-2020 ⟩ 112bhp ⟩ 71lb • ft ⟩ 210kg ⟩ 810mm seat Why it's great “I ride 15,000 miles a year in ail weathers and I've been lucky enough to have a go on lots of bikes - but every time I jump back on the SuperSport, I think no, this is perfect for me. It does everything I want - long tours, it was great on track, I can go for a pootle round or I can thrash it about. It's happy doing all of it. It looks amazing - elegant and sporty at the same time.” Doing the miles “It's been all over Europe. The longest day was about 400 miles but for 250 miles a day, it's ideal - the bars are a bit…

Before the Challenge I attended Level-1 of the BMW Off-Road skills course. Designed as a foundation for adventure riding, it teaches the basics of off-road machine control, balance and trail-riding that are all put into practice on events like this. It's also huge fun, with knowledgeable, approachable instructors, a surprising amount of freedom and a great venue in Walters Arena. Best of all, it feels safe and novicefriendly, with groups divided into experience and ability. By the end, I was amazed what I, and the big R1250GS, were capable of. Level-1 costs £595 for two days of riding but includes bike hire, fuel, third-party insurance, two lunches and an evening meal. www.offroadskills.com…

Spada Alberta trousers £129.99 Spadaclothing.com THE CLAIM “A-rated trousers with four-piece armour. Large mesh vent and quilted detachable lining. Reinforced seat panel and accordion pleats above knee.” THE REALITY The Alberta trousers are not mesh but have large vents behind the 600D fabric. They are a snug fit but comfortable though the lining of the outer tends to move around with the thermal liner removed and the knee armour can migrate, needing re-adjusting. Breathability is good with the vents open though less so with them closed. They have kept all rain out so far and with the liner in, are warm enough to be worn through three seasons. Leg cuffs go over most boots.…

MERLIN EDALE JACKET £329.99 www.merlinbikegear.com THE CLAIM “The Edale waxed-cotton motorcycle jacket is a great option for riders looking for a retro-styled wax jacket that will see them through the winter. The Cotec fabric is stronger, lighter and more breathable than traditional waxed cotton. Edale makes use of Outlast temperature-regulating technology in the thermal liner. Brass-finished press studs and YKK zippers adorn the outside of the jacket, and the inner lining has colour-matched Marton Mills tartan.” THE REALITY I'd never considered waxed-cotton to be a viable material for modern motorcycling but was intrigued to try it. The Edale is not a light jacket but that brings with it a certain reassurance. The outer is made from Cotec and it is very windproof and has kept water out on all the…

RiDE readers’ highs and lows of owning a V-Strom ‘No plans to change — she's golden’ DEANO LEITH, 49 2014 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom MILEAGE 37,000 “I test rode a demo DL1000 and instantly fell in love. I'd considered an R1200GS but was put off by servicing costs and reliability concerns. Since then I've done four big Alpine tours and three Highlands one. I love the torque, commanding riding position and handling although it can feel a little top heavy at low speed. I've no plans to replace my ‘Strom; she's golden.” ‘I would — and have— recommend it’ BOB SCHOFIELD, 67 2016 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom MILEAGE 18,500 “I bought it at the beginning of 2020 with 5000 miles and topbox, Suzuki panniers and Puig screen. Previously I'd had a VFR800Fi…

YAMAHA MT-10 YAMAHA MT-10 SP PROJECTED RESIDUALS HOW MUCH TO INSURE? £384.97 (£350 excess) £384.11 (£350 excess) Comprehensive quotes based on a 52-year-old male engineer, married, licence held 25 years, 9 years’ NCB, no claims or convictions, for social, domestic and pleasure use. Bike is garaged at postcode WA14 1NU. Quote supplied by www.MCNcompare.comin August 2022. PROJECTED COSTS PER MILE MT-10 62.6p MT-10 SP 62.6p Based on fuel, tyres, depreciation, servicing and insurance over three years and 15,000 miles. WHAT ABOUT FINANCE? £154.10 a month × 36 £2700 deposit 4000 annual mileage, 7.9% APR £7402.50 final payment £188.19 a month × 36 £2700 deposit 4000 annual mileage, 7.9% APR £9180 final payment Verdict Though total depreciation is the same, the more exclusive SP loses a smaller proportion of its larger…