Tabla de contenidos para September 2024 en RiDE

One problem with ‘autonomous’ vehicles is defining them - and it’s not helped by car makers using vague or misleading terminology to describe their systems. Officially there are six levels of autonomy and only the top two are truly driverless: 0 No autonomy - all control is by the driver. 1 Driver assistance - a single automated system, like adaptive cruise control. 2 Partial Automation - vehicle can control steering and speed with constant human oversight. 3 Conditional Automation vehicle controls most of the driving with a human override. 4 High Automation - vehicle controls all driving, and can be driverless, but within limited circumstances, for instance on certain roads or within geofenced, pre-mapped areas. 5 Full Automation - no human needed in any circumstances. The best production advanced driver-assistance…

Initially all is good on the Z7. It is quite low and narrow, so getting on and off it is easy, but you soon notice the pillion seat is not only narrow but also angular in shape and extremely firm, and the pillion pegs are too high. Also, there is no pillion grab rail and the strap that runs across the seat is useless. It instantly reminded me of being on a sportsbike, especially as the rider’s and pillion’s seats are separate, with the pillion sat much higher - and at no point did I feel comfortable on it. In EV mode the acceleration wasn’t too fierce, but the clunky automatic gear change made me think I was on the back of a novice rider, lurching me forward at every…

BEST FOR CLASSICS Kilgarvan Motor Museum, Kilgarvan Just a stone’s throw from the Ring of Kerry is this famiiy-run motor museum. Although not quite on par with Beaulieu, it is nonetheless a friendly and interesting stop for many, and gives the opportunity for a cuppa as well. www.kilgarvanmotormuseum.ie BEST FOR THE FORCE Skellig Michael tours, Portmagee After searching the galaxy, Rey found the reclusive Luke Skywalker on Skellig Michael - or rather the legend that is Mark Hamill. An hour’s boat ride from Portmagee, you can either circle around the island or set foot on it www.skelligislands.com BEST FOR BOOZE Killarney Brewing and Distilling Co., Killarney If you’re interested in the brewing process for beer and spirits, then this is for you. Take a tour of the facility with tasting…

Put it on your card A functioning physical credit card (or a Revolut/Monzo card, increasingly popular for their favourable exchange rate) is essential for fuelling, because unmanned petrol stations or pay-at-pump are the norm. Don’t rely on contactless payment on your phone (or a dodgy chip in your card, as Rich found to his inconvenience). Accommodation consternation We used Airbnbs, which can be affordable and pleasant. Some French hosts to consider bed linen and towels ‘extras’ - check before making a non-refundable booking. Variable limits France lowered D-road speed limits to 80km/h a few years back, to widespread outcry. Some départments raised that to 90km/h, but not all, and the national speed limit sign could mean either depending on where you are. Enforcement is mainly by camera - human enforcement…

John o’ Groats to Land’s End… BEFORE THERE WAS the NC500, there was JOG to LE (or LE to JOG, the uphill version). It was the UK’S blue riband distance ride; the bucket list must-do spoken of in hushed, reverent tones, the one that inspired quiet awe in the uninitiated and thousand-yard stares from the few who’d seen things you people wouldn’t believe. Like, John o’ Groats at 5am. You wouldn’t think riding a mostly dull 843 miles (the distance has varied over the years as roads were rerouted) - more than half of it plodding along on motorways - would bestow such legendary status. But back then riding from John o’ Groats on the northern tip of Caithness (once voted Scotland’s most dismal town - locals refused to accept…

Length 160 miles Route Calais, Guîries, Lumbres, Verchocq, Auchy-lés-Hesdin, Filliévres, Frévent, Doullens, Flixecourt, Breteuil, Beauvais. Love it because It’s a real adventure from the moment you get off the ferry. Tiny French villages, perfect open trails, challenging mud and ruts. Take a picture at Every hilltop vantage point - you won’t be able to stop yourself for a while. Stop for a cuppa at It’s worth stopping at the Columbus Café in Beauvais. Easy parking and a great selection of coffee and cakes. DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE www.ride.co.uk TOP TIP Don’t be afraid to miss out a section if you need to. The clay-like mud around here gets very slippery after a rainfall.…

DECENT VENTING Knuckle vents work well - they are breathable and cool in summer. THE CLAIM “Advanced sports gloves with cowhide and goatskin construction. Perforated cowhide on the thumb, hook and loop adjustment at the wrist and cuff, and an integral visor wipe. There’s silicone grip at the palm, and hard knuckle and finger protection. Finger bridge protects the little finger in the case of a fall.” THE REALITY I’ve been using these gloves for four years on a wide variety of bikes and in different situations, and I’ve been very impressed with their performance - especially when you look at their reasonable price. Back in the darkest months of Covid, when we couldn’t do enough miles to award a RiDE Best Buy triangle, these scored well in our gloves…

CROSSOVER (OR TALL-ROUNDER) bikes are the perfect option for those wanting long-distance comfort and adventure bike practicality, but who still desire superbike performance and agility. And these long-suspension, high-performance offerings are getting better and better, as BMW’s established S1000XR and Suzuki’s new GSX-S1000GX prove. But do they make sense for your pocket? Wouldn’t it be smarter to simply buy a sports tourer, like a GSX-S1000GT or an R1250RS? Can a tall-rounder really offer all the practical benefits of a high-end adventure bike, while still being able to light your fire like a bona fide sportsbike? And if so, which crossover deserves your cash? To find out, we’ve pitted Suzuki’s new GSX1000GX against BMW’s standard-bearing crossover, the S1000XR. On paper there’s quite a gulf between them, financially at least. The BMW…

Where are the panniers? It’s in the same price bracket as Yamaha’s Tracer 9 GT+, which comes fully laden with luggage, it’s a shame that Suzuki charge over £1000 for panniers. That said, it gives flexibility to try other options - and I will be in the next issue. Suzuki’s app is worth it I’ve been surprised at how easy the Suzuki mySPIN app has been to use. Once loaded on my smartphone, along with a navigation app, I connect it to the dash and my routes are clearly displayed. The TFT dash is a winner Some bikes of late have had too much info displayed on the dash, but the GX has just the right amount. Plus, it clicks from day to night mode even if the weather goes…

ONE MONTH ONLY I’M A BIG fan of middleweight adventure bikes. I own a BMW F800GS and enjoy having the capability to not only tour, but also dabble in the dirt on occasion, while having room to pack camera gear for work. Seeing the email drop into my inbox asking if I’d like to photograph some of Wales and Ireland’s finest routes aboard Triumph’s Tiger 900 Rally Pro seemed like a good way of seeing how it compared to my benchmark GS. First impressions were extremely good. It’s not only loaded with everything to make the journey comfortable, but it also wears the right parts, with its adjustable Showa suspension and Brembo Stylema stoppers helping the Tiger to justify its high £16.5k (with panniers) price tag. Even though my first…

…to a celebration of the great British B-road. It was more than 100 years ago (1922 to be precise) that the Ministry of Transport started to classify roads as Class I and Class II (soon to be A and B) - and even then, there was the same distinctions as there is now. A-roads were for getting to places, B-roads were for the roundabout route - less direct, twistier and for the machines of the day; much more of a challenge. And while bikes aren’t troubled by public roads today, the theory remains the same. I’m a firm believer that the best biking in Britain happens on Bs. The selection of B-roads in this issue are some of the best in the UK. Each is unique, but offers a level…

DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE www.ride.co.uk B852, Loch Ness Monster of B-roads Length 24 miles Route Fort Augustus to Dores Beach Ride it because It’s a crazy climb up above Loch Ness with unique views over the loch, then indulge in a continental-style wiggle around the fringes of Loch Tarff. It then climbs higher up onto a plateau with more amazing views, and then runs along the edge of Loch Ness before arriving at Dores Beach near Inverness,the best beach on the loch. Best corner The section around Loch Tarff. Best view Looking back at Loch Ness at the viewpoint. Stop for a cuppa at Waterfall Café at Foyers. DON’T LOOK BACK! The views are majestic so stop for a look not while you’re riding! B709, Borders Second-longest Length 60 miles Route…

DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE www.ride.co.uk B3223, Devon The joy of Exmoor Length 23 miles Route Dulverton to Lynmouth Ride it because It’s a brilliant south-to-north tour through Exmoor National Park that packs challenge, twisties and great views into its 23 miles. There are so many highlights, but our favourite section starts climbing through a dense, tree-lined canopy with a hairpin bend and a summit that makes you higher than anything else around. Wonderful all year round but best in summer. Best corner The double switchbacks near Hillsford Bridge. Best view The open moorland and 360° views after the Caratacus Stone. Stop for a cuppa at The Harbour Shed chippy in Lynmouth. THE BEST BIT The first part is so twisty, it’s worth doing it late in the day for a clear…

B6341, Northumb Run to the castle Length 28 miles Route A696 to Alnwick Castle Ride it because A fast, wild run though amazing topography. Follow the B6341 through Elsdon and you’re rewarded with a fast, exciting romp. There’s the chance of a quaint break at Rothbury but the road beyond climbs through the trees and gets twistier. The craggy reward of Alnwick Castle at the end makes it worthwhile. Best corner The sweeper before Beeswing Lodge. Open and grippy, panoramic views and positive camber. Best view The pine-lined vista near Tumbieton is a joy. Stop for a cuppa at The Queens Head in Rothbury. Good for lunch and worth considering for rooms. DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE www.ride.co.uk IT CAN GET GUSTY Watch for winds on the moors, especially on the faster…

Chichester, West Sussex My first day of retirement, so I had a little run down to Itchenor on Chichester Harbour. It was a beautiful day for a run out on my Triumph Bonneville T120. Nick Hoath Sognefjord, Norway I’ve just returned from a solo trip to the Norwegian fjords on my new Tracer 7 GT. I travelled through Denmark, across to Norway on the ferry, and up towards the Fjords. The weather was amazing and the views and roads even better. Robert Callaghan Arctic Circle, Norway This is my husband, Guy, and I on our trip earlier this year to the Arctic Circle in Norway. We did nine countries and 4900 miles in 33 days on our trusty Suzuki V-Strom. Sue Williams Stelvio Pass, Italy I’m just back from a…

I WAS RIDING my bike in a 60mph zone behind a small car on a rural A-road. The car jammed its brakes on suddenly. I grabbed my brakes - my bike has ABS - but did not have enough time to stop before I clipped the back of the car. I sustained a fracture to the base of my thumb and this is going to keep me off work for some weeks; I am self-employed. As soon as I had picked myself off the ground, the driver got out. She was concerned and polite, and explained a squirrel had run out in front of her and she braked hard to avoid running it over. She said she was aware of me behind her but reacted to the squirrel “as an…

Stopping woes have been banished Yamaha’s ADVICS calipers lack feel and power, and have oversensitive ABS further undermining them on just about all of their big-bikes. The MT-09 SP’s Brembos are so much better in every regard - we’re hoping Yamaha follows suit and rolls out new stoppers across its range to mimic the improvement seen here. Perfect punch 117bhp doesn’t sound like much, but with peak torque delivered at 7000rpm in a bike that only weighs 194kg, it feels plenty urgent with great throttle connection in street mode. It’s easy to ride at low speed, smashes overtakes like traffic is parked, and is one of the best wheelie tools available. If you’re a professional rider in closed course conditions, obviously… Better than an MT-10 I certainly think so. The…

1 THERE’S AN AUSTRIAN HEART The 799cc twin is taken from technical partner KTM - it’s more or less the same engine as the 790 Duke, which was reintroduced last year as a cut-price entry level model when production shipped out to CFMoto’s Chinese base. It’s not totally identical - power and torque is fractionally reduced for reasons CFMoto hasn’t explained (possibly exhaust/airbox differences), but the slightly softer delivery isn’t a bad thing - the 790 can be a bit coarse. It’s still making more than any other rivals, with a sweet gearbox and decent manners. 2 IT’S A MIXED BAG OF TECH Cruise control is standard and works well, as does the two-way quickshifter and switchgear, though the odd LED indicator tell-tales on the handlebar are only useful if you’re prone…

THE BIG RIDE THE FACTS The route It’s a straightforward loop from and back to Killarney in County Kerry. You can do it clockwise or anti-clockwise but the latter leaves the best bit till last. Leave Killarney and follow the N70 alongside Dingle Bay on the Wild Atlantic Way and around the headland at Cahersiveen towards Waterville. Follow the road out to Caherdaniel and along the edge of Kenmare Bay, turning right at Sneem. From Kenmare, head inland to Moll’s Gap and then back to Killarney through the National Park. Why it’s great The scenery is amazing with so many different flavours; the roads are mind-blowing, even if the surface is sometimes a bit sketchy; and the hospitality is superb. When to go School holidays are busy (like everywhere) so…

Best for Varied scenery and stunning roads Length 108 miles Route Killarney, Kiliorglin, Kels, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Sneem, Kenmare, Moll’s Gap, Killarney Roads N72, N70, N71 Love it because The roads are incredible fun and the scenery is immense, ranging from towering mountains to the crashing Atlantic. Take a picture at There are so many spots but Ladies View lookout is a great option, looking down the valley towards Killarney. Stop for a cuppa at If you’re stopping for a picture, then grab a cuppa on the rooftop terrace of the cafe at Ladies View as well. DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE www.ride.co.uk TOP TIP The section from just before Moll’s Gap to Muckross Lake forms the stage of the same name from the Rally of the Lakes. ALSO TRY… Best for A…

A HEAD OF ME, a perfect gravel road wends its way to the horizon, cutting between the swaying glow of yellowing corn and under the bluest of skies. The Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition bounces and bounds over the dirt, its WP suspension making smooth of the undulations. I’m living the adventure bike dream - and I still can’t quite take in the fact I’m living it just 10 minutes after rolling Off the Eurotunnel. Hie Norden laps up the bumps and heads towards the horizon, clicking off the kilometres as we head towards our far-off destination. The next few days are all about dipping our toes into the world of overland travel. Recently, I’ve become more than a little obsessed with the Trans Euro Trail - a pan-Europe on/off-road network…

Furygan Tom gilet £99.99 www.furygan.com ‘Thin but keeps you warm’ Getting the right mid-layer can be tricky but this is great. I generally don’t feel the need for insulation on my arms, and while very thin it’s remarkably warm thanks to the use of PrimaLoft, a recycled material. I have used it inside an outer layer and over just a summer base layer in mid single-figure temperatures and felt fine. It also rolls up tiny so it’s easy to stow away. The neck is comfy, and sizing and fit are perfect. Jim Blackstock Venhill Vampire £132.19 www.venhill.co.uk ‘So bleeding easy to use’ I’ve been using this for well over a decade, so that sizeable asking price comes to just a tenner a year - for a tool that makes one-person…

SEPTEMBER 2023 COMBINATION SPANNERS Gedore R09105010 £39.50 A quality, well-fitting set with the highest failure strength. A worthy addition to any home toolkit. RECOMMENDED Tong TT1236 £48.31 OCTOBER 2023 RIDING JEANS Furygan K11 X Kevlar £189.99 A great-fitting pair of jeans that are comfortable, supple and don’t look like riding jeans, with acceptable protection. Pictured right Resurgence Gear Café Racer £245 Superlative protective abilities in a stylish and well-made pair of jeans. Design won’t suit everyone though - and neither will the price. Pictured far right. NOVEMBER 2023 ADVENTURE TOURING BOOTS Alpinestars Corozal Adventure £319.99 Superb fit and comfort for road riding, backed up with excellent feel and confidence for off-road adventures. A great boot. RECOMMENDED Forma Terra Evo Dry £309.99 TCX Drifter £319.99 DECEMBER 2023 DISC LOCKS Squire Defiant…

INSURANCE £435.34 (£450 excess) £435.34 (£450 excess) Comprehensive quotes based on a 52-year-old male engineer, married, licence held 25 years, nine years’ NCB, no claims or convictions, for social, domestic and pleasure use. Bike is garaged at postcode WA14 1NU, Quotes supplied by MCNcompare.com in June 2024. PROJECTED COSTS PER MILE BMW 77.0p SUZUKI 72.0p Based on fuel, tyres, depreciation, servicing and insurance over three years and 15,000 miles. VERDICT The BMW is more expensive due to its initially high cost and depreciation, but its servicing costs are lower.…

WHAT MAKES A great motorcycle? Technology? Not necessarily. Vast power? Often redundant on today’s roads. Price? Always a consideration but value matters more than outright cost. No, for me, there is one thing that makes a great motorcycle: wanting to ride it again the moment you kill the ignition. And that’s exactly what I felt when I got home from meeting Bruce at Stonehenge and picking up the diminutive Honda. I couldn’t wait to get back out on it again. Like any naked machine, it will happily do medium-distance high-speed roads, but just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. What this bike really excels at are the kind of roads you find down in deepest, darkest Devon; a combination of technical B-roads and some faster and more…

DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE www.ride.co.uk B4574, Ceredigion Underneath the arches Length 18 miles Route Rhayader to Devil’s Bridge Ride it because Although only 18 miles long, it takes the best part of 40 minutes to ride. The B4574 includes stunning views across the Elan Valley, fiendishly narrow winding sections between hills, a few open, faster bits, and parts that look like they’ve been transported here from Austria. Few UK roads contain so much variety in only 18 miles. Best corner The twisty section before and just after the Hafod Arch. Best view All of it is impressive, but the views across Elan are gorgeous. Stop for a cuppa at Woodlands Café, just past Devil’s Bridge. WAKE UP SHEEPLE! Watch for errant sheep along the first part of the ride. B4560, Powys…

TRIPLE SPORT JACKET £450 Sporty leather jacket with panels and removable D30 armour. TRIUMPH X ALPINESTARS SMX-6 V2 £250 High-spec, CE-approved track and street riding boots. BRADDAN SPORT JACKET £450 High-quality classic jacket with modern levels of protection. TRIPLE PERFORATED PANTS £400 Sports leather construction with breathable mesh lining. TRIPLE SPORTS GLOVES £180 Sporty gloves with leather upper and kangaroo leather. TRIUMPH X ALPINESTARS J-6 £185 Waterproof and CE-approved protective riding shoes. *All available from www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk…

Royal Enfield has introduced the Guerrilla 450 roadster that starts at just £4850 when finished in silver. It sits on the Himalayan 450 platform, sharing the same 452cc DOHC single-cylinder ‘Sherpa’ engine that produces a claimed 39bhp at 8000rpm. It also uses the same overall tubular frame, housing the engine as a stressed member, but the head angle and subframe have been altered for both styling and handling purposes. The price rises to £4995 for ‘Playa Black’ and ‘Gold Dip’ and to £5050 for ‘Yellow Ribbon’ and ‘Brava Blue’ making it one of the cheapest models in its class. Claimed weight is 184kg with 90% of its fuel onboard, with a 780mm standard seat height. It rolls on 17in wheels, and sits on 43mm forks built by Showa. The scrambler-styled…

Q I’VE BEEN RIDING for years but still feel nervous overtaking anywhere other than a straight road with miles of clear view. I know I’m missing overtaking chances, but I can’t seem to improve. What am I doing wrong? Kev Giles, Kingston upon Thames A YOU’RE RIGHT TO flag a problem here, Kev, because overtaking shouldn’t make you nervous (or excited or frightened). If you’re on a modern bike larger than 600cc, overtaking should feel easy, safe and unremarkable. But it’s not a simple skill, so let’s consider what could be causing your nerves. Successful and stress-free overtaking is fundamentally about forward planning, so that could easily be your problem. As soon as you see the vehicle - which could be half a mile away if you’re looking nice and…

THE ENTRY-LEVEL BMW F750GS (which was actually an 850) has been morphed into the F800GS this year, which uses its own version of the 895cc F900R engine. Why the misleading names? Who knows… But deceptive nomenclature aside, your gateway to new GS ownership is a solid option in the sub-90bhp (so A2-restrictable if needed), £10k-ish adventure class. The engine is the only big change, bumping power to 86bhp and 67lb·ft of torque (nearly 10bhp and 6lb·ft over the 750). That’s 18bhp down on the rally-inspired F900GS that also received the same basic engine this year, but crucially torque is only 1.5lb·ft less, despite the reduction in power above 7000rpm. That means it never feels like a downgrade in normal riding: roll-on grunt is good whether enjoying B-road curves, squirting through…

The Fishery, Dromavallay Located next to a gallery and a salmon smokehouse, the Fishery café is a perfect spot to stop. If the weather is nice, sit outside by the river; if not, sit inside and bask in the hospitality. Great coffee and cakes. www.facebook.com/launeriver Smugglers Inn, Waterville If you’re doing this route in one day, you can afford the time for a proper lunch. And that’s what the Smugglers Inn offers - local beef and seafood with a view to die for. Lovely rooms if you break your trip up. www.smugglersinn.ie Avoca café, Moll’s Gap Downstairs is a local craft shop, and upstairs a café with stunning views down the valley towards Killarney. It’s not cheap but it’s worth every penny for the view and to be at Moll’s…

YOU WANT GOOD roads? You need hills, maybe small mountains. Not big ones - the novelty of endless hairpins and straights wears off, and the higher you go the colder it gets, with increased chances of fog, rain and snow at times of year even those used to British weather cannot comprehend. That’s why I’m drawn to the areas of mid and southern France known as Massif Centrale; big lumps of volcanic rock for sure, but the peaks don’t match up to the Alps or Pyrenees. The conditions tend to be more consistent, and the roads vary between sub-60mph scratching, and open, sweeping runs across the top of the plateaus. Suits me. You’d enjoy riding anything here, but for my sporting Speed Triple RR long termer, it’s more fun than…

50/50 tyres Metzeler Karoo 4 £300 The minimum requirement for this kind of riding are tyres that have enough bite to work in the mud. Navigation Garmin zūmo XT2 £529 User-friendly rugged satnav is easy to use, but we also had a phone app as backup. Decent luggage Oxford Atlas T20 £99.99 Oxford’s new Atlas system is rugged, waterproof and easy to use. We like a lot. Breathable kit RST Ranger jacket and pants £699.98 Great modular suit with separate waterproof and thermal layers, and lots of venting. Lightweight and built for adventure. Heavy-duty boots Sidi X-Power £359.99 Heavy-duty MX-style boots are essential when riding a 200kg bike off-road as they resist crushing and thick, stiff soles give comfort for hours standing on the pegs. These are good. First aid…

A TOUCH OF CLASP Magnetic clasp for the main straps is high quality and very sturdy. Easy to use too, once you figure it out… WATERPROOF ZIPS High-spec YKK zips do exactly as they claim and have proven waterproof so far. Oxford Atlas B20 Rucksack £149.99 www.oxfordproducts.com THE CLAIM “Will keep your kit safe and dry. Offers magnetic Speed Lock Sternum Strap and Duraflex® buckles and tri-glide adjustment sliders. The bag features YKK AQIIAGUARD® zips with glove-friendly pullers and three-point adjustable roll-top opening. There’s an under-seat security strap (for use when attached to the motorcycle as a tail pack) and ergonomic shoulder straps for freedom of movement. It also features a detachable waist strap, and a direct-vent system creates a breathable back channel. Lifetime guarantee.” THE REALITY We’ve used this…

Like this road? Here’s how to turn it into a great day’s ride Route Ely, Wicken, Barton Mills, Icklingham, Great Barton, Finningham, Eye, Metfield, Halesworth, Eye. Length 90 miles Ride it because it takes in some of the best parts of East Anglia - from the charm of the tiny cathedral city of Ely to the open fens of Wicken to the perfect B-roads celebrated in this feature. There’s history, charm and a huge variety of riding to be had. Best view We’d have to take our pick between Ely Cathedral or Wicken Fen. Nearest big town Ely Stop for a cuppa at Suffolk Jungle Room in Wisset. Not cheap, but it’s amazing quality. Aim here 52,318557, 1.149301 GREAT FRY-UP Stop here for some ace food.…

YOU HAVE TWO choices: use either your phone or satnav. You can use our Google Maps link as a guide, but you can also use a GPX (GPS Exchange Format) file of your chosen route. All satnavs have the facility for importing GPX files and some smartphone nav apps do the same tiling. Maps Me is popular, but we use Bike GPX, a simple and free nav app that uses Apple Maps as a base and was devised for cycling, but also works great for motorcycling. Importing the GPX file depends on your device. Older satnavs need connecting to a computer; newer versions will connect to a phone app that transfers the file to the satnav via Bluetooth. If you’re using a phone app for your navigation, simply download the…