Tabla de contenidos para October 2025 en RiDE

‘Bikes that mix nostalgia and modern handling do it for us’ This is the best time of the year: clear roads, cool air, the summer crowds have gone home… and this issue is packed with bikes, kit and destinations to help you get the most from it. Our cover story is on the best tall-rounders – bikes that balance comfort, practicality and excitement. I still remember riding across France in a single go on a machine just like our BMW S1000XR cover bike – and revelling in the roads around Cannes when I got there. They'd all be perfect for a trip up to Ayrshire and our featured route in our Big Ride series. If touring isn't you thing, we've also pulled together a guide to the best modern classics.…

When it comes to testing and training for bigger bikes, both the MCIA and NMC have extensive proposals but agree on several key elements for a potential future licence structure, including: • A more extensive ‘CBT Plus’ for riders who want to extend their CBT beyond two years. Two years after taking the CBT Plus, a final assessment from an instructor would upgrade to a full AM (moped) or A1 125cc licence. • Revisions to rules for 16-year-olds to give them access to 15bhp ‘A1’ bikes once they have the correct training. • Changes to ‘A2’ (sub-47bhp bikes) rules, allowing progressive access with two years’ experience from 19 to 18. The NMC would like ‘A2’ to be replaced with a new ‘A-restricted’ licence, with a 47bhp limit, available from the…

Over-70s could face a driving ban if they fail a compulsory eyesight test, according to Government proposals expected in the autumn. The drink-driving limit is also set to be lowered in England and Wales so it's in line with Scotland, and car passengers will get penalty points for not wearing a seat belt. Visual conditions that affect the ability to drive are self-reported in the UK, but the new strategy would make eye tests compulsory for over-70s when renewing their licence every three years. The changes would go out to consultation before becoming law.…

Motor mouth The Bantam's peppy single-pot motor revs freely and easily, picking up pace quickly and providing more than enough go for jabbing through traffic. Six gears let you make the most of the 29bhp, with a long first ratio that's ideal for less experienced riders to get settled in the saddle. Feel at the clutch lever is light and accurate, making easy work of slow manoeuvring around town. Handling with care Despite its rather basic suspension set-up, the balance and feel of the Bantam is spot on. It's fairly firmly sprung, but adequate damping keeps it settled enough to cope confidently with the potholes and patchy repairs of city streets, while letting you make the most of the motor's modest poke on back roads. At 800mm the riding position…

FIRST RIDE SUZUKI GSX-8TT 1 IT HAS A SOLID FOUNDATION The engine and chassis are taken from the GSX-8S naked. That's a good thing – it's a considered package with little to complain about. It's grunty and sure-footed, which makes it friendly or fun depending on how you treat it. It's also a proven and reliable platform, and is good value (at least in its original form…). The only mechanical difference is a lithium-ion battery, which offsets the weight added by the new bodywork. 2 BIG TANK IS BETTER The restyle brings a new tank, which manages to hold an extra 2.5 litres (for 16.5 litres total). That means a theoretical to-empty range of more than 240 miles if you achieve Suzuki's claimed 67mpg potential. And in day-to-day use, it's quite realistic…

Yes, it most certainly can. You expect sumptuous levels of comfort, which the RT delivers, but the small details make this model so impressive. A redesigned, electronically adjustable screen leaves a still area of air ahead of the rider on all levels, so you are never ‘pulled’ into the bike by air pressure. Fatigue on your arms and body is reduced as a result. It really is remarkable. On its highest setting, even 6ft-plus riders are totally sheltered by the screen with no unwelcome turbulence on your helmet or body. You can easily smash out 200 miles in one go, which is about when the fuel light illuminates. But there is a consequence to being so well sheltered: on hot days you miss a bit of cooling airflow and it…

Q How much does it weigh? Fully fuelled, the RT weighs 298kg, 17kg more than claimed. But ours had a few heavy extras such as Vario panniers and Headlight Pro. 1 Engine The 1300cc motor has been around for more than a year in the GS and there don't seem to be any major mechanical issues. That said, electrical gremlins aren't uncommon on new BMW models – our bike had a centrestand sensor fault. 2 Details BMW have left no stone unturned on the RT and the small details are all covered. Heated options for the rider and pillion, Vario panniers, cubbyhole, loads of tech, adjustable-span levers, shortcut buttons… we can't think of anything missing. 3 Finish The fit and finish on the Triple Black model we tested was excellent, although we did…

A key-operated lock is turned one way to release the rider's seat and the other to free the pillion pad. If you have heated seats, it is best to unclip the wiring connectors at this point to prevent damage. Removing the rider's seat provides easy access to the battery as well as the two-stage seat height adjustment system, which is standard BMW design. Neatly, a small storage box under the pillion seat (with a diagnostic port in it) has a plastic lid. You could store a puncture repair kit in there, which is handy. As the RT runs a shaft drive its lack of centrestand isn't a huge issue (it costs £155). A basic toolkit is included.…

Honda NT1100 DCT ES £14,299 › 101bhp › 86lb·ft › 261kg New for 2025, the ES adds semi-active suspension alongside DCT to Honda's worthy but good tourer. With panniers included as standard, you get a lot of bike for your money. Tech and performance are down on the RT – but so is the price. Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE Tourer £15,175 › 134bhp › 83lb·ft › 234kg Far more a traditional sports tourer, the Ninja SX has received a few upgrades and a bigger motor. The SE adds an Öhlins shock while the Tourer variant includes panniers as standard. A great do-it-all but swayed more towards fun than outright mile-munching. Harley-Davidson Road Glide £27,495 › 107bhp › 129lb·ft › 380kg Harley's take on a sporty tourer features the Milwaukee-Eight 117…

BEST FOR PICNICS Stinchar Bridge Right in the heart of Galloway Forest Park, Stinchar Bridge is just a stone arch. But the view around it is picnic heaven – and the views across the hills are outstanding. Love it here. maps.app.goo.gl/2ViDA5JvB2KA3U2j6 BEST FOR TORRENTS Dalcairney Waterfall It's a bit of a trek to find, but if you're a fan of torrents of water rushing through a mini-gorge and over a low cliff in a pretty location, it's worth a look. www.scotlandfarandnear.co.uk/en/DalcairneyWaterfall BEST FOR RUINED ABBEYS Glenluce Abbey Well-preserved ruins of a Cistercian abbey in a secluded valley. Access is currently limited due to restoration, but still a cool glimpse into a different time. www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/glenluce-abbey…

SIMPLY WALKING AROUND this faired triple, admiring its lines and design, I'm catapulted back to a time when a poster of Eddie Lawson – then world champion, front wheel aloft on his Marlboro Yamaha YZR500 – took pride of place on my bedroom wall. With its distinctive dayglo orange and white livery, complemented by yellow number boards signifying the bike's premier class status, Steady Eddie's two‑stroke V4 punched out of the picture as if it were chasing victory on a final lap. This XSR performs a similar trick as it rolls out from the inky murk of RiDE's lock-up and into the light. It's a feast for my 51-year-old eyes. More memories bubble to the surface when I jump on board. The beautifully finished aluminium top yoke, low screen, and…

Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE > £13,295 > 89bhp > 81lb·ft > 230kg > 870mm seat A brilliant blend of retro and cutting-edge tech, the Scrambler combines great on-road manners with a decent amount of adventure ability. It certainly has the looks, but feels thoroughly modern. We like. Best bit The riding position is just perfect – it's like a 1970s dirt bike. Fantic Caballero 500 Rally > £7399 > 43bhp > 31lb·ft > 150kg (dry) > 860mm seat A favourite of road tester Michael Neeves (to the point he made his girlfriend buy one), the Caballero is light, super-cool and affordable. The 460cc single is fun on the road and reasonable off-road. Rally adds 200mm of suspension travel and a 21in front wheel. Best bit Just how light it is…

Alpinestars Monteira Drystar XF jacket £439.99 www.alpinestars.com THE CLAIM “The Monteira Drystar XF has been engineered to ensure that adventure touring riders travel fully protected and in optimal comfort in all climates and weather conditions. “Its two-layer laminated waterproof membrane is lightweight, fast-drying, and provides excellent breathability. Features include magnetic zippers, ergonomic adjusters, ample vents, and CE Level 2 armour. Designed for ease of use with gloves, it offers rugged durability, practical pockets, and Tech-Air airbag compatibility.” THE REALITY So far I've been very impressed with this jacket. Designed to work across the whole range of adventure riding – from off-road expeditions to tours – it's easy to see how it delivers in each scenario. There is a lot going for it – and the first is its laminate construction.…

‘RST and Oxford are waterproof and reasonably priced’ Although supplied by their manufacturers to meet a brief of ‘lightweight three/four-season waterproof gloves’, each pair of gloves in fact serves a slightly different purpose – and at wildly different price points. But taking the basic claim of being waterproof as a starting point, it's clear the Richa gloves fail almost instantly, filling up with water in seconds – and the XL fit is very tight. However, they're probably the most stylish gloves here, so it's a shame they don't perform better. The Furygans take longer to leak, but they're also cold because they're thin – and the wrist and cuff straps are poor. But they also have lots going on, with different textures and materials. Next are Knox, with perfect waterproofing…

SUZUKI KATANA |0|3|8|0|2| MILES UPDATE 04 LITTLE CHANGES CAN make a big difference. Allow me to present the Katana's new neat and stylish numberplate holder. I've been itching to tidy its rear end since first swinging a leg over it almost 4000 miles ago because – and I'll make no bones about it – I loathe the standard swingarm-mounted numberplate holder. It ugly, incongruous, and spoils an otherwise fine-looking motorcycle. It's also unnecessarily heavy, and worst of all, its positioning allows all the water and detritus from wet roads to spray up the back of my jacket and rucksack. It had to go. In its place – or rather where a numberplate bracket should always be, extruding from under the rear seat – is an ‘Eliminator’ from powerbronze.co.uk. It's far…

SUZUKI ARE CELEBRATING the 40th anniversary of the GSX-R by relaunching the GSX-R1000R in Europe. Introduced in 2001, the GSX-R1000 managed a two-decade lineage in Europe before being axed on the continent in 2022. But it returns for 2026, with prices and availability unknown at this time. Building on the superbike first seen in 2017, the new Gixer gets revised engine internals, fresh colours that celebrate on-track success over the past four decades, and a subtle set of winglets. At the heart of the new bike is the familiar 999.8cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine – now sporting 192bhp at 13,200rpm and 81lb·ft of torque at 11,000rpm. Not only is it fully up to scratch with today's emissions standards, but Suzuki say its motor's durability and tuning potential have been enhanced. While…

CCM's remaining unsold stock – and a large quantity of spares – have been bought by Gateway Auctions to sell on in a bid to continue building Spitfire models. Gateway bought the assets – as well as a licence for trademarks – after CCM's collapse in July and hope to keep things moving while an owner is found. Part one of the process saw an online auction of old stock, classic heritage models and unfinished development bikes – including the short-lived Project X adventure concept, which was listed as a rolling chassis with no engine and some 3D-printed parts. Several ready-to-ride Spitfires were also listed, including Street Motos only launched earlier this year, and workshop items. The bidding ended on August 28. Gateway say they also hope to produce between…

‘My partner's a nervous new rider. How can I help them?’ Q MY OTHER HALF has recently got their first big bike after passing their test and is struggling with confidence. What can I do to help? Kevin Lewis, Aberdeen A THE OBVIOUS ANSWER is to buy them a day's coaching from a reputable training company. This is almost always a shortcut to confidence and helps instil good habits. You could even do a course yourself (either with your partner or separately, depending on what they want) so you know what they've been taught and you can feel like you're in it together. But as a training professional, of course I would say that. If you don't want to go down that route, there's still plenty you can do to…

FIRST RIDE KOVE 800X RALLY ENDURO NUTS GOT excited about Kove's 800X Rally when it was unveiled. Light weight, a KTM-derived 799cc parallel twin, and chassis parts meant for hardcore off-roading make a big statement of intent – even disregarding the £9499 asking price. And it does, in part, live up to that promise. The seat is tall at 890mm, but it's slim between the knees, it's light, well-balanced (despite the top-mounted 20-litre tank) and not too difficult for me to manage at 5ft 7in. Hitting the trails early, the skinny knobblies and 290mm of suspension stroke meets expectations, never getting anywhere near their limit on local trails or at normal trail speeds. It's a clear cut above more balanced road/off-road rivals like the Yamaha Ténéré 700 and Aprilia Tuareg…

THE BMW RT lineage has come to define the traditional touring motorcycle, and even keep it alive in the face of the adventure bike onslaught. It's essentially in a class of one: the Honda Pan European, Yamaha FJR1300 and Kawasaki 1400GTR have fallen by the wayside, while BMW's Reise-Tourer has kept motoring on. Only Honda's NT1100 fits the general description, albeit at a lower price point with a commensurately lower overall spec. Yet despite being faced with no real competition, BMW haven't rested on their laurels and the RT has been completely revised for 2025 as the German firm expands their use of the R1300 engine throughout the modern boxer model range. This year sees the RT gain not only more performance but also some clever ‘chassis morphing’ technology that…

DCA is the RT's headline tech act, but Riding Assistant (£770) also needs to be commended. The active cruise control takes so much effort out of straight-line riding and allows you to cover greater distances with a higher level of safety (helped by the collision warning). The split-screen dash is easy to use, the navigation function is useful (although not as good as a dedicated GPS), and the ventilated phone holder is roomy. The RT's main beam headlight is excellent (our bike had Headlight Pro) but the dip has an abrupt cut between the lit and dark areas ahead and is set quite low, making it less effective than you would expect despite the new Adaptive Light Modes system.…

Riding Assistant £770 For touring, BMW's radar-assisted cruise control helps the miles pass with ease and has an auto braking function, while collision warning and lane change warning are helpful safety assists. Comfort Passenger Package £1420 The Comfort Package adds central locking and variable-capacity panniers but a top box will set you back an extra £1000 plus a £350 mounting point. You get both plus rider and pillion comfort seats for £1420 if you pick the Passenger Package instead. Variable slipstream deflectors £250 Our bike didn't have it, but we found this variable aero made a real difference to the airflow around the rider and pillion on the press launch a few months back. Hopefully it can keep the riding area cooler in summer.…

The RT makes a genuine 136bhp with 105lb·ft of torque, which is only 7bhp and 5lb·ft lower than BMW's claims. This is to be expected as our figure is power at the rear wheel. The figures are 10bhp and 4lb·ft more than an R1250RT made on the same dyno. Interestingly, the peak power and torque occur at almost the same points on the two engines – BMW obviously feel this is the optimum point for touring. The new 1300 engine mirrors the old 1250's power characteristics but adds a stack more torque throughout the whole rev range, which is exactly what you want on a tourer. THE FACTS 2025 BMW R1300RT LE Price £21,318 (£25,365 as tested) Engine 1300cc DOHC boxer twin, 4v per cyl, l/c Power 143bhp @ 7750rpm…

THE FACTS The route An all-day, 110-mile loop around Ayrshire starting on the shores of Loch Doon and ending in the town of Newton Stewart. Why it's great It has a bit of everything – rolling hills, deep forests, nadgery B-roads, sweeping As and grand scenery – in a fairly secluded corner of the country. When to go As soon as the weather picks up in spring, through to October. Just mind the midges in peak season. Where to visit Some truly gorgeous viewpoints and picnic stops. They're fond of the odd castle in the area too. A FEW YEARS AGO, I rode from Glasgow to Stranraer to catch a ferry to Northern Ireland (it's the only reason anyone goes to Stranraer) – and with a bit of time to…

DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE www.ride.co.uk Best for Big views, lochs, castles, winding roads and superb air quality Length 111 miles Route Loch Doon, Dalmellington, Burnton, Dalrymple, Maybole, Kirkmichael, Straiton, South Balloch, Barr, Barrhill, New Luce, Newton Stewart Roads A713, B141, B7046, B730, B7034, B742, B7023, B7045, B734, A714 and a load of unclassified minor roads Love it because It's a remote route that's desolate in places, achingly pretty in others, and offers some fiendish riding. Take a picture at Stinchar Bridge, looking across the Forest Park. Stop for a cuppa at Barr Community Shop and Café in Barr, on the B734. ALSO TRY… Galloway Gallop Best for Exploring an often-neglected part of Scotland with its own distinct brand of panoramic hillsides and forests, with some top-drawer riding and tarmac Length 160…

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS > £14,695 > 104bhp > 83lb·ft > 216kg > 810mm seat We're big fans of the Speed Twin, mainly thanks to the guttural punch of the engine. Add the RS's fully adjustable forks, Öhlins shocks, sticky tyres and a corner-punching attitude, you're on to a winner. Best bit The moment it digs in and drives out of a medium-speed corner. BMW R12S > £18,460 > 107bhp > 85lb·ft > 220kg > 795mm seat Helmut Dähne's burnt orange, TT-winning R90S racer from the 1970s is recreated with a modern twist and similar underpinnings to the R12 nineT. The result is a fluent, fast and hugely fun road bike that eats B-roads and has a level of finish that any 1970s racer could only dream of. It's…

MANY OF US aspire to own a British classic. A heart-warming fantasy often intertwined with rose-tinted memories of your dad's or a relative's old bike. But the reality can be more challenging. Desirable models in decent nick are rarely cheap, and keeping something that's 50, 60 or even 70 years old on the road and running sweetly takes time, patience and a level of mechanical nous that's usually honed through years of ownership. In short, it's a big commitment. There is another way. Modern retros like Triumph's Bonneville and Royal Enfield's Interceptor 650 offer similar charm, character and feel to a genuine oldie, without the often wallet-crushing outlay or need to be constantly on top of maintenance. Indeed Triumph's Bonneville, launched in 2001, is a modern classic in its own…

1 BMW S1000XR With superb handling and great pace, the XR is best for all-round performance NO MATTER HOW brilliant a bike is, it must have a market. There's zero point putting resource into a model if no one wants to buy it. Reading that demand, how it's changing or likely to, or even creating an appetite for something new is the holy grail for bike builders. BMW got it right spectacularly with its GS, inventing the adventure bike class with its R80G/S in 1980 and going on to dominate the big-capacity section of the category with its boxer-twin-engined, multitalented masterpieces we see multitudes of today. The S1000XR ‘Adventure Sports’ upright superbike's designers also deserve respect for their foresight. Its birth is based on the fortunes of another Beemer, the…

Engine is so effective The new lump boasts increased bore and stroke compared to the 660, but also has three throttle bodies rather than one on a manifold, and a more free-flowing exhaust. The emphasis is on torque and usability rather than top-end power; 90% of its torque is available in the midrange. Improved suspension Showa 41mm forks are adjustable for compression and rebound and have great feel, tenaciously resisting dive. The rear Showa shock is now adjustable for preload and rebound and has good ride quality (especially if you're a lighter rider). You can ride it all day Standard bodywork is minimal but protects well, while the addition of wind deflectors is worthwhile. The seat cossets and there is enough legroom for a variety of riders – and integrated…

TRILOBITE PARADO SINGLE-LAYER JEANS £219.99 www.trilobitemoto.com THE FACTS USED BY Matt Wildee USED FOR Nine months USED ON Nakeds, sports tourers, adventure bikes TOTAL MILES THE CLAIM “The new revolutionary Parado monolayer motorcycle jeans, certified to AAA level, provide the ideal combination of comfort and protection. They are lightweight, breathable and have large ventilation pockets. Newly developed Tri-Stretcher 5.0 fabric offers the highest possible fall protection and abrasion resistance in a single layer. Equipped with CE level 2 protectors with adjustable height. You can therefore ‘tune’ your jeans directly to your body.” THE REALITY I've been wearing riding jeans for more than 15 years and during that time I've seen them evolve from heavy, cumbersome items with an inner Kevlar ‘sock’ to single-layer, Kevlar-reinforced jeans, and now evermore technical garments…

2003-2006 | £5000-£7100 | 165mph | 124bhp DUCATI'S 916, 996 and 998 were tough acts to follow. So it's no surprise that their replacement, the 999, was and still is the firm's most divisive superbike. Loved and loathed in equal measure when launched, the latter mainly due to its styling penned by Pierre Terblanche, who was also responsible for the original Multistrada. Behind the stacked lights, complex lines, flat stance, double-sided swingarm and mono-silencer, progress was clear. As a package the 999 was a superior machine to the 916 derivatives, boasting increased power, more accomplished handling and a level of sophistication ripe for the new millennium. It was a success on track too, taking the World Superbike title in 2003 (Neil Hodgson), 2004 (James Toseland) and 2006 (Troy Bayliss). The…

If you're testing a 999, it's important to stretch its legs on open roads. Like most Ducati superbikes the 999 is uncomfortable around town; the wrist-heavy riding position and grabby dry clutch are the low points of any 999 ride. On flowing routes the 999's strengths will percolate to the fore. Accurate steering, stable cornering and powerful braking performance are essential ingredients of a 999's ride, all underpinned by romping V-twin drive and a soundtrack. Electronic assists hadn't made it to market back in the early 2000s, so a 999 is far more visceral and organic than, say, a Panigale – and, owners say, all the better for it. What's most important when viewing a 999 is service history – they don't take kindly to missed or minimal servicing. Belts…

GETTING A BIKE licence in the UK is a fraught exercise. Baffling rules and myriad licence levels make it a long-winded process punctuated with hefty training and test costs, and statistics suggest no safety benefit. Since January 2013 we've toiled under the structure imposed by the EU's Third Driving Licence Directive (3DLD) and despite Brexit the rules remain in place today. EU countries are preparing to introduce a Fourth Driving Licence Directive; it won't apply to the UK but brings an opportunity to implement a better system. The clearest indication of the current regime's failure is seen in accident statistics. Whether the idea was to reduce motorcycle crashes by adding more training and testing or, through a cynical lens, to cut accidents by making bikes harder to access, it hasn't…

BMW's 2026 International GS Trophy will take place in Romania and will use the retro R12G/S. In previous years, BMW have used the latest modern adventurers – including the R1300GS in 2024, when the Trophy visited Namibia. This time, riders from a range of countries will use the brand's retro alternative, which hit the market for 2025. The bikes used on the event will likely be adapted from standard road-going spec to help tackle the terrain. Ahead of the event, there will be eight national qualifiers – with the UK once again not included in the list. Instead, riders can qualify in Australia, China, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea and Ukraine. An international event for riders of other nations will be held at BMW Motorrad Enduro Park in Germany in…

Email letters@ride.co.uk Write to us RiDE, Media House, Lynchwood, Peterborough PE2 6EA LETTER OF THE MONTH Can old be gold? One issue I've always had with motorcycle publications is that generally they only look at new bikes. Of all the bikes out there, most will eventually have many owners and the majority of miles covered during a bike's life will be done over a period of years, not within the warranty period. How about revisiting bikes you've tested in the past? This thought came about after reading a recent test in which a Zontes R310 was tested and generally praised. While I have nothing against Zontes or any other Chinese-built bikes, I have dealt with many of these brands in my workshop and seen the quality varies dramatically. How about…

FIRST RIDE BSA BANTAM 350 YOU COULD BE forgiven if your first thought is ‘it isn't a proper BSA’ or ‘Bantams should be two-strokes’, and in a way we'd agree. But this isn't a classic bike that would struggle to hold its own in modern traffic without lashings of TLC - it's a new bike taking on the A2-friendly might of Royal Enfield and Honda's popular 350 singles. It's already doing that in its Indian home market under the guise of the Jawa 42 FJ (both brands are owned by Classic Legends, a subsidiary of Mahindra), but although the spec sheet is almost identical (give or take 1kg) the BSA Bantam 350 is heading for UK showrooms with a leaner, more contemporary, retro roadster look. The slimmer seat, smaller side…

FIRST RIDE VOGE DS625X VOGE'S SMALLEST PARALLEL twin is, er, bigger, with a new 270° crankshaft and capacity increased (581cc, not 625 as the name suggests), effectively making a new design compared to CB500-based previous models. Typically for a Chinese machine, it's surrounded by higher-spec goodies compared to those found on Japanese machines in this corner of the market – fully adjustable KYB suspension, Nissin brakes and spoked wheels wrapped in Metzeler Tourance road-biased tyres. There's also an integrated dashcam, a 7in TFT dash and tyre pressure monitors. All for £2000 less than the Suzuki V-Strom 650. It isn't perfect. The brakes are underwhelming despite the name on them, leg room is a little tight despite the 835mm seat height, and ride quality as delivered is a little firm. Voge…

No, it isn't. In Rain or Road riding modes the RT rides quite flat and is noticeably soft on its suspension. For gentle cruising it is fine, but there is a definite feel of it rolling through bends with the front end pushing a little bit, and should you encounter a few bumps it rides over them with a lot of travel to absorb the impact. It's lovely and comfortable. But as soon as you switch to Dynamic or Dynamic Pro – both of which activate DCA – the RT's character changes. With the geometry sharpened, you notice the RT has extra weight bias on its nose, giving it a more planted front end that digs in at the point you turn, and reduces the rear end's slight tendency to…

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? £21,318 On-the-road cash price £193.92 PCP per month x36 £5400 deposit, 4000 miles, 7.9% APR. £496.08 HP per month x36 £5400 deposit, 7.9% APR HOW FAR ON A TANK? HOW MUCH TO SERVICE IT? 600 miles Replace oil and filter, basic check and lube. £200 6000 miles/annual Replace oil and filter, general inspection, check fluids. £280 12,000 miles Replace oil and filter, replace spark plugs, change air filter, valve clearance check, general inspection, check fluids. £650 Additional Change brake fluid every two years, coolant every three years. Change cardan shaft (£700) at 48,000 miles. WHAT IF I DROP IT?…

YAMAHA XSR900 GP > £12,804 > 117bhp @ 10,000rpm > 69lb·ft @ 7000rpm > 200kg > 835mm seat 1980s race rep throwback based on the naked XSR900. A nod to Yamaha's YZR500 GP bike (hence Marlboro colours) and several sportsbikes of the era – TZR250 and FZR400 included. BMW R12G/S > From £14,420 > 107bhp @ 7000rpm > 85lb·ft @ 6500rpm > 229kg > 860mm seat Paying homage to the original R80G/S, this stripped-back on/off-roader harks back to the early days of adventure riding. Ultra stylish and powered by BMW's still-fabulous 1170cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin. ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 650 > From £6499 > 46bhp @ 7250rpm > 39lb·ft @ > 5650rpm > 243kg > 800mm seat Naked 650 parallel twin with the style, charm and poise of a 1960s roadster…

BMW LAID THE foundations for the adventure bike class in 1980 with the R80G/S. So it was inevitable, perhaps, that they would pay homage to their original dual-purpose offering with a knobbly-tyred twist to its retro R12 platform. The R12G/S is the result, a bike BMW say channels the spirit of the R80 with up-to-date on/off-road ability. Casting an eye over this fresh take on an old idea, there's little doubt the R12G/S can live up to the off-road claim. Fully adjustable 45mm Marzocchi forks and single shock provide 210mm and 220mm of travel respectively, as well as 240mm of ground clearance, and it sits on 21/18in aluminium-rimmed spoked wheels and Michelin Anakee Wild tyres (the 18in rear and knobblies are part of an Enduro Pack; OE fitment is 17in…

Honda GB350S > £3999 > 21bhp > 21lb·ft > 178kg > 800mm seat Gently plodding single with a style that radiates ‘70s chic. Perfect for zipping around town, short-distance commuting or as an A2 licence ride, thanks to its easy handling, linear motor and lightweight feel. Superb value at less than £4,000, and solidly built. Best bit The fact it costs peanuts and does a million mpg. Kawasaki Z900RS > From £11,975 > 110bhp > 73lb·ft > 215kg > 835mm seat Kawasaki understand heritage, as their reimagining of a 1970s icon, the Z1, proves. The two-tone paint and period badge script are evocative touches – with just the right amount of chrome to turn heads. Meaty performance, a competent chassis, and thoughtful detailing seal the deal. Best bit The sheer…

WHAT TO PAY £4500 The cheapest S1000XR we found on eBay was a 2017 Sport SE with 54,000 miles on the clock £9000 Gets you a choice of several Sport SE models with luggage from a dealer £15,000 Buys you a 2024-ish, very-low-mileage example from a dealer EVOLUTION 2015 The original 160bhp model launches 2017 Updated for Euro4. Power up to 165bhp, adds rubber-mounted bars 2020 New chassis and motor based on latest S1000RR. Extra tech includes improved semi-active suspension 2024 168bhp, restyled, taller seat, new shock…

VISITING SLOVENIA Distance from Calais 840 miles Why it's great Slovenia boasts stunning Alpine scenery, smooth roads, less traffic, friendly locals and beautiful lakes and forests – perfect for touring motorcyclists. When to go Between late May and early October, when the weather is warm and mountain passes are open. Best roads Ride the Vršič Pass with its famous hairpins, and explore Mangart Saddle, Triglav National Park, Soča Valley, Loibl Pass, and the stretch from Lake Bled to Bohinj. While you're there Don't miss Lake Bled, known for its picturesque island church, clifftop castle and emerald waters in a mountain setting. TOURING DOESN'T HAVE to be the usual treks to Spain and Portugal, or exploring the south of France. There is a whole world to explore. Last month editor Matt…

2001-2003 Aprilia RSV Mille › 128bhp › 76lb·ft › 189kg (dry) More spacious than the 999, so more comfy for taller riders. Thumping V-twin motor is reliable and doesn't require belt changes, like the Ducati. Underrated; likely to become a future classic. 2002-2005 Honda VTR1000 SP-2 › 136bhp › 77lb·ft › 195kg (dry) The SP-2 ironed out the SP-1's issues, with smoother fuelling and improved handling. Fast becoming a sought-after homologation special. 1998-2002 Suzuki TL1000R › 135bhp › 78lb·ft › 197kg (dry) A wildcard alternative that can be a real weapon once a few design flaws are ironed out. Uprate the suspension, fit a pipe and reflash the ECU, and it can deliver 999 thrills for even less cash.…

UPDATE 02 KAWASAKI VERSYS 650 GRAND TOURER |0|2|3|4|8| MILES I'VE ALWAYS BEEN a fan of middleweight bikes. They are usually lighter, nimble, and have sufficient power for my style of riding. While nice, I don't need a bike with a four-digit cubic capacity. And while some in the media look down at middleweight bikes as the preserve of ‘novice’ riders, we're a bit more forward-thinking. So, I jumped at editor Matt's offer to put the latest version of the Kawasaki Versys to the test – and one thing he was keen to find out was how it compared to the larger bikes I've ridden lately. In recent years, I've toured the UK and Europe on a Honda NT1100, Suzuki GSX-S1000GX and a curveball in the Zero DSX/R. It would be…

#1 Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird Once world's fastest production bike is world's best-value big bike HONDA'S CBR1100XX SUPER Blackbird was the original hyperbike. Named after the world's fastest spy plane – Lockheed's SR-71A ‘Blackbird’ – the 1100XX was the planet's fastest production motorcycle at the time of its launch in 1997, boasting a top speed in excess of 175mph. But as owners have discovered over the decades since its introduction, there's much more to the Blackbird than outright speed. Generously proportioned and with adequate accommodation for two, the CBR1100XX makes a fine sports tourer and all-rounder. Indeed, over the years this continent crusher has seduced many VFR owners off their V4s, such is its ability to demolish big-mile rides with absolute confidence and ease. In truth, the whole ‘hyperbike’ label…