Inhoudsopgave van 16 March 2016 - MCN

It feels like an eternity since Rossi and Marquez were exchanging harsh words and shocked glances in press conferences, before eventually trading paint and protestations on and off the track. But the wait is finally over. This weekend sees the first round of MotoGP 2016 kick off in the desert of Qatar. So who’s your money on? Get all the inside information you need in our 32-page MotoGP preview supplement.…

We’re giving away a brand new, A2 licence friendly KTM RC390 at this year’s MCNLive! event on April 16-18. The RC390 is one of the most agile and exciting small capacity machines available and an exciting prospect for motorcyclists of any age and experience. To be in with a chance of winning this stunning machine all you have to do is book an apartment – and make sure you are part of the audience as the draw is made. This incredible giveaway is just one part of a huge final weekend at MCNLive!After 22 years at the Skegness venue we’re rolling out some of the best live music, thrilling live action and great retail stands to make sure MCNLive! goes out with a bang. There are very few apartments left,…

How and did you first get into bikes? It was round about the time of the Suez Crisis (1956) so there was petrol rationing. A pal of mine’s father was an engineer and needed some petrol coupons so he bought a Triumph Tiger 80 – which was a 350cc, pre-war single – because it came with some petrol coupons! We rode that thing round and round the fields for hours. I was about nine or 10 at the time. What your first bike? I rode my dad’s BSA Bantam for a while but the first bike I actually owned was a 250 AJS Sapphire. It looked gorgeous but it used to break a crankshaft every 6000 miles. I wanted to buy a 500 Velocette but my dad wouldn’t let me.…

Every buyer of an RC213V-S has the choice of spending even more money by taking up the option of the accessory ‘track kit’, which adds approximately £15,000 to the £140,000 price tag. The track kit boosts power from the fully road-legal 140bhp to a far more visceral 212bhp – and it’s far more than just a new ECU. The owner of this bike ticked that box, and it was fascinating to see what he’s getting for his money. The track kit arrived in its own branded flight case, which was mounted on polystyrene blocks inside another flight case. Once the outside case is unbolted and the two twisting locks are opened, the lid can be lifted and we got our first glimpse inside. Inside the first layer of the crate…

Every week, MCN prints the best pictures sent in by readers or website users. You can post your pictures on to our Facebook page or email them to mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com We want the full array of weird and wonderful images that reflect your biking life. As you can see here, we are happy to celebrate the lighter things from the world of biking.…

One of the side-effects of the new Euro4 emissions regulations could be a return to the glory days for performance exhausts such as this new three-quarter system from Yoshimura. With the environmental grip tightening, high-powered bikes are being more strangled than before and fitting a race exhaust system is once again delivering the impressive power gains it used to in the 1980s and 90s. This Alpha system is Yoshi's latest design, with a more angular end-can that's available in either a stainless steel or carbon-fibre finish. The link pipe is available in either titanium (5.5kg lighter than standard) or stainless steel (4.2kg lighter), with the price reflecting that. But Yoshimura are open about the fact that ditching the bike's catalytic converter is responsible for most of the claimed 5% increase…

OWNING & RIDING Q Why is my battery’s charge draining away? The fairly old battery on my 1996 Honda CBR600F went flat, so I replaced it. I used the bike just once before parking it up for two weeks, but then the new battery was flat. I’ve checked the voltage drop with the battery off the bike and it went from 12.47V to 12.34V over 48 hours. When refitted to the bike the voltage dropped much quicker, going from 12.43V to 12.17V in seven hours. The bike doesn’t have an alarm, so what could be the cause? Des Ellard, email Answered by Scott Bullett, Doble Motorcycles This problem affects many bikes and the culprit is probably the regulator-rectifier. If a diode has gone it creates a short that allows some…

The otherwise fabulously appointed circuit in Buriram, Thailand had three unpleasant surprises up its sleeve for the riders this year. Seriously bumpy areas of tarmac at three key corner apexes had been relayed just a month or so before the race. And the resulting lack of grip led to everybody avoiding the patch in turn three completely, even in the heat of desperate overtaking manoeuvres. Nicky Hayden explained: “We had to go round it. We spoke about it with race direction and they said that they had to repave it. It was too bumpy. It wasn’t too bad in the end but it was a good thing it didn’t rain. I think if it had rained it would have been a problem. Other than that I am very impressed with…

One thing that will remain largely constant for Rossi in 2016 is the specification of his Yamaha M1, after both he and Lorenzo chose to reject Yamaha’s 2016-specification bike in order to stick with the machine they took to the constructor’s crown last season. Yamaha were one of a handful of manufacturers caught out by the impressive development pace of the new Michelin tyres, building a new chassis that suited the rear grip-orientated tyres first tested by the riders during the 2015 season. However, no one expected the French firm to turn up to the 2016 winter tests with a much-improved new tyre that ended up acting much more similarly than anyone expected to the outgoing Bridgestones. As such, Rossi’s M1 machine will revert back to what he knows best,…

Marc Marquez has put the MotoGP circus in a tricky position ahead of this week’s opening race in Qatar – a position where it seems no one has any idea of just what the double world champion is capable of doing. Marquez was beleaguered throughout the winter testing campaign by a Repsol Honda that seemed to develop a new problem just as soon as the team fixed an old one. From a too-aggressive engine to electronics that just didn’t work, from Michelin tyres that gave no confidence to a frame that they couldn’t get to turn, the team jumped from issue to issue, always chasing the all-conquering Yamahas while seemingly unable to ever get any closer. But that all changed in the closing minutes of the final day of testing,…

One piece of good news to come out of the Qatar test for Dani Pedrosa was a lack of any signs of the debilitating arm pump that struck him at the Losail track at the start of the 2015 season. It was at Qatar last year that the issues were finally brought to a head, forcing the 30-year-old to take time away from the sport to undergo a highly invasive operation to remove the fascia from the muscles of his forearms in order to relieve the compartment syndrome inflicted upon him by the force of holding on to a MotoGP bike. Coming away from the tests in the same shape he returned to the championship last year after his surgery, he spoke about his feelings of relief . “It’s the…

While many of their factory rivals have struggled, Ducati have had no issues in making the switch to the new electronics and control software. Taking the strategic move last season of moving the satellite bikes over to the new electronics before they became mandatory, Ducati Corse boss Dall’Igna told MCN that it’s left them with a big head start on their rivals in that respect. “Frankly speaking, I’m happy with the software. The job we did over the last few years with our satellite teams means we’ve reached a good compromise already. On the tyres point of view, we still have some work to do but we have to improve, but for sure, the feeling that we have with the new software is really good, and I think we can…

‘It’s the most challenging race in America, and exactly where we need to be’ Victory will return to the famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado this year with a modified version of the Project 156 racing bike – adding further weight to speculation that a true Project 156 road bike will make it into production. The US firm are still refusing to officially confirm this, but insiders say something much more radical is under development, and could revealed later this year. The company will also be returning to the Isle of Man TT with their Victory Empulse RR electric bike, and racing a new version of the battery-powered machine at Pikes Peak. It’s all part of the plan in to turn Victory into a much sportier brand, entirely…

Triumph are lining up a huge range of test bikes for the upcoming MCN Festival of Motorcycling including the ultimate, go anywhere Tiger Explorer XCA and stunning new Thruxton R. The MCN Festival is shaping up to be the event of the year. Not only because the event offers a huge retail zone, thrilling live action – including MotoGP star Colin Edwards – and a classic bike parade and a giant autojumble, but also because it gives you the chance to ride a load of new bikes! Manufacturer test bike rides were a sell out in 2015 and this year we’re lining up an even bigger range of bikes. To whet your appetite, Triumph have just confirmed an impressive list of bikes for both road rides and the ‘Try an…

For an adventure bike to truly excel, it has to bring together two distinct worlds. It needs both a 21-inch front wheel and long-travel suspension to roll over obstacles the way an enduro bike can, and also a sizeable multi-cylinder engine to cruise serenely at speed like a tourer. Back in 2008, at a time when the rest of the adventure world was evolving into bigger, heavier, road-focused machines, BMW created the F800GS. Lean, tall and purposeful, it marked a return to those adventure ideals. However, receiving only a few tweaks in 2013, and fresh rivals like Triumph’s Tiger 800XC, a new F800GS seems overdue. So it’s surprising that the ‘new’ 2016 model is only new in the sense of colours and cosmetics. Mechanically it’s completely unchanged from last year,…

‘Ducati have waved their sporty wand and created an extremely capable track bike’ To many, motorcycles represent more of a leisure pursuit than a day-today transport – and there’s nothing wrong with that. You don’t have steak every day, you savour it on special occasions. It is mainly this type of person that Ducati’s Hypermotard 939 SP will appeal to as, let’s face facts, the SP is an expensive indulgence, not a commuter hack. But none of that diminishes the fact it’s brilliant fun and offers huge smiles-per-mile. As its name suggests, it’s a big capacity bike with its roots firmly in the supermoto world. What that means is a pushed-forward motocross-style riding position, low pegs and an inherent ability to misbehave thanks to a thumping engine that started its…

The mission Kawasaki’s J125 scooter launches the firm into the competitive 125cc market. We pit it against the big-hitters at a bike training centre to find out if the J125 has the skills to be a learner-friendly best-seller. The bikes Kawasaki J125, £3799 The new kid on the block blends a perky 125cc motor with executive scoot values. Honda PCX125, £2699 With 2100 sold in 2015, the PCX is the market leader, and therefore is the one the new J125 has to beat. Honda CB125F, £2699 With 1400 sold in 2015, it’s the replacement for the CBF125, a bestseller since 2009. Yamaha MT-125, £4099 With 1650 sold in 2015, the baby MT was the bestselling geared A1-category motorcycle. The riders Andy Davidson MCN Staff Writer Age 28 Height 5ft 7in…

TANK PAD MAP LAXEY WHEEL – Built in 1854 ‘Lady Isabella’ is the largest working waterwheel in the world. KIPPER MUSEUM – See how a herring is salted before being smoked over oak and wood chips. KIPPERS – You can’t go to the Isle of Man and not sample a kipper, so after touring the museum buy a few kippers and eat them on Peel seafront. TOMTOM RIDER The new TomTom RIDER has been redesigned for life on the road and, with MCN, we’re going to help you discover, explore and enjoy new routes each week. Download each from motorcyclenews.com/  greatrides onto an SD card and your TomTom Rider will show you the way. How many racetracks can you just turn up at unannounced and ride around to your…

Gaerne GP1 £249.99 Tester Liam Marsden Time tested Five months What’s good? These are some of the comfiest boots I’ve worn – they’re not too stiff and required little bedding in and despite the fact they’re race boots they’re actually quite warm. I was wearing them during February in single-figure temperatures and my feet stayed warm. When temperatures were higher last summer the breathable antibacterial lining kept the boots from turning stinky. The GP1s allow my foot to move naturally for walking and riding while limiting movement to prevent hyper-extension in an accident. The Velcro closure on the inside of the boots feels very strong and overall the boots feel safe and secure. What’s not? There’s not enough adjustability at the top of the boot for my skinny calves, which…

QATAR Round 1, March 18-20 Losail ARGENTINA Round 2, April 1-3 Termas de Río Hondo AMERICA Round 3, April 8-10 Circuit Of The Americas SPAIN Round 4, April 22-24 Jerez FRANCE Round 5, May 6-8 Le Mans ITALY Round 6, May 20-22 Mugello SPAIN Round 7, June 3-5 Catalunya NETHERLANDS Round 8, June 24-26 Assen GERMANY Round 9, July 15-17 Sachsenring AUSTRIA Round 10, August 12-14 Red Bull Ring CZECH REPUBLIC Round 11, August 19-21 Brno GREAT BRITAIN Round 12, September 2-4 Silverstone SAN MARINO Round 13, September 9-11 Misano SPAIN Round 14, September 23-25 Aragon JAPAN Round 15, October 14-16 Twin Ring Motegi AUSTRALIA Round 16, October 21-23 Phillip Island MALAYSIA Round 17, October 28-30 Sepang SPAIN Round 18, November 11-13 Valencia…

Jorge Lorenzo has dominated winter testing, topping four out of nine days and two out of three tests, with only a bad result at Phillip Island blotting his ledger. On top of that, he did double the number of laps within a second of the lap record than any of his competitors, 11 laps under the lap record, and finished the opening test of the year nearly a second faster than the rest. We already know Lorenzo is fast – he proved that last year by bossing the seven races he won, leading every one from start-to-finish. But what has given him such a huge advantage in 2016 before the season has even begun? Rather counter-intuitively, it seems that his new speed is coming from the step backwards that MotoGP…

‘Once I get on track and I’m comfortable then I know how to go fast’ While Ducati may have a rider lineup more than capable of taking race wins, they may also have a secret weapon in the quest for wins in 2016 in the shape of double world champion Casey Stoner. Officially returning to the manufacturer in only a testing capacity Stoner nonetheless looks almost certain to venture onto track for a number of wildcard appearances. MCN’s sources have revealed that Stoner and the team have already agreed financial terms for a limited series of appearances, so it seems like only a matter of time before his racing return – potentially at both his own and Ducati’s home races at Phillip Island and Misano. Speaking to MCN, Stoner said:…

‘The fact that we were able to put in so many laps without problems gives us a lot of motivation’ Components No surprises here, as KTM choose to go with neighbours Akrapovic for the exhaust system, and WP (which is wholly owned by KTM) for the RC16’s suspension Drivetrain KTM are working with drivetrain specialists Xtrac, suppliers of gearboxes to the team’s Dakar bikes, to develop the now-standard seamless gearbox Frame Staying true to KTM history, the bike sports a steel trellis frame like those used in the company’s roadbikes Engine A 90° V4, with 81mm x 48.5mm bore producing around 270bhp With the 2016 MotoGP season just getting underway, it may seem presumptive to be looking forwards to 2017. But with the emergence of KTM’s new RC16, it may…

Reigning Moto3 champ Danny Kent knows that his world title will count for nothing on the Qatar Moto2 grid MOTOGP BY 2017 Having turned down a Pramac Ducati ride in MotoGP for 2017, Kent isn’t planning on waiting much longer for a premier class chance. He said: “We all want to go to MotoGP and it is a risk because if I have a s**t year then the opportunity to go might never come. (Alex) Rins has shown that you can win races in the first year and I am sure if we can do that after winning the title in 2015 we should have the door open to move to a few MotoGP teams in 2017. It all depends on my results this year because I won’t be getting…

‘At Jerez I felt good with the tyres, then bang, no warning, I crashed’ After seven seasons of Bridgestone as official tyre brand, MotoGP is switching to Michelin. At last November’s Valencia tests the company made a shaky, crash-strewn start to their five-year term as MotoGP tyre supplier, but now riders and teams are getting up to speed with the new rubber. During preseason testing at Sepang, Phillip Island and Qatar’s Losail circuit, many riders bettered their 2015 lap times by several tenths of a second. Michelin’s rear slick already offers significantly better performance than the Bridgestone rear. However, most riders are still struggling to get enough feel from the front, leaving them concerned about front-end crashes. As always, we will only know the full reality of the situation once…

Sundays are sorted again as MotoGP 2016 kicks off in Qatar. But as much as we love absorbing every moment of action live on TV we also enjoy demonstrating our intimate knowledge of the sport we love to all who’ll listen. Well, now you can transform yourself into a walking encyclopedia of MotoGP knowledge with MCN’s ultimate guide to the 2016 world championship. From engine allocations to penalty points, we’ve got it all covered in this one-stop guide to the 10 key rules and regulations you should be clued up on for 2016. 1 Aerodynamics Ducati pioneered a double-wing on their Desmosedici last season to help prevent wheelies, and in doing so inspired other manufacturers to follow. For 2016 rules regarding wings have been introduced on safety grounds. Wings are…

Unintentional TV phenomenon Guy Martin will be racing his Tyco BMW S1000RR against a Red Bull Formula One car driven by ex-racer David Coulthard as a one-off TV show to launch Channel 4’s coverage of the F1 championship. Due to be broadcast tomorrow evening (Thursday, March 17) at 9pm, the duo will battle it out at Silverstone with a variety of challenges. Channel 4 say: “Guy Martin is fascinated by Formula 1: the cars, the engineering and the racing. In this special programme, broadcast ahead of the launch of Formula 1 on Channel 4, Guy goes head-to-head with racing legend David Coulthard, pitting bike against car in a test of speed unlike any Silverstone has seen before. “With David in a Red Bull RB8 Formula 1 car (with an 11-man…

How on earth do you go about redesigning a machine is as evocative as the Triumph Bonneville? Well, for a start, you look very closely at the market and identify exactly who you are wanting the bike to appeal to. And it is this key decision that has formed the whole attitude of the new T120 Bonneville models. Back in the day, the Bonneville was a sportsbike – and an extremely fine one at that, which is why its name has remained so highly regarded all these decades later. But that was yesterday’s Bonneville; today’s Bonnie is a very different motorcycle, bought by a very different sort of rider. It’s a time machine, bristling with modern tech, but stylistically harking back the original’s halcyon days. You have to hand it…

With the single-cylinder G650GS quietly discontinued for 2016 (though unsold 2015 bikes are still available), the F700GS takes its place as the junior model in BMW’s GS range. That’s a role it’s perfectly placed to fill, as everything about the bike feels purposefully new-rider friendly. It’s closely related to the F800GS, but sits 60mm lower thanks to shorter suspension, with a right-way-up fork instead of the 800’s inverted unit. Wheels are cast instead of spoked, with a smaller 19-inch front and a skinnier 140-section rear tyre. Calmer cams reduce power by 10bhp, but capacity remains at 798cc – as it has since 2013, the ‘700’ part of the name doesn’t relate to engine size. Just like the F800GS, the changes for this year take the form of a new two-tone…

While the SP commands the showroom attention, the majority of UK sales will be the lower-spec standard model. Although calling it lower-spec is somewhat unfair. The 939 comes with the same engine as the SP, but where the sportier model is track-focused, the base one is more road targeted. What this means is a non-adjustable fork, a 20mm lower seat height and slightly less aggressive brakes. Does it detract from the fun? Not at all, it makes it more practical and you get to keep nearly £2500 in your pocket compared to the SP. On the road the fork strikes at a balance between firm and compliant, taking the bounce out of supermoto-style long-travel suspension and giving a more secure ride. When you roll into bends the Hypermotard gives much…

There it is. Inside a simple aluminium flight case, shrouded with a plain white plastic cover that details the contents beneath in basic, black type. No fanfare – nothing but that stark lettering to hint at the wildly exotic contents inside. This is one of first customer Honda RC213V-S to arrive in the UK. This may be a £140,000 MotoGP road bike replica, but there’s none of the hustle and glamour of a MotoGP paddock here. It’s a bitterly cold, grey and wet day in Batley, Yorkshire - the home of the world-famous Padgett’s Honda dealership which has turned out some of the most successful Isle of Man TT race bikes in history. It’s also one of the only official HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) workshops in Europe. This crate, as…

Used bike expert Neil Murray's advice – Don't Buy Project Bikes – is plain wrong. There's three project bikes in our road and the average age of the three ’projecteers’ is somewhere around 74. Bikes are not just for riding or buying and selling; they are memories, smells, sounds, loyal friends, the hope of eternal youth and the means to escape to adventure. Your reader Mike showed us his X7 last week because he understands this and rightly feels proud of his work in the face of adversity. Doctors would do well to prescribe project bikes in place of Valium. Just as addictive but much better for the soul. Phil Routledge, email Ed: We all love projects. Neil’s point was more that you should be very wary of snapping up…

1 Fluid levels Quick and easy – consult the owners’ manual for the procedure for oil level checks, especially in the case of dry sump bikes, which are slightly more involved. Do the same for the coolant level (if applicable), and eyeball the brake fluid levels and condition. Easy to do, but the consequences of missing a low level can be grave. 2 Are your papers in order? You should have checked when buying, but just double check the MoT is current, and tax the vehicle in your name. Both can be done online through www.vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk – remember that any vehicle is now automatically un-taxed on date of sale, the seller gets a refund and it’s up to the new owner to tax it again. When you sign the V5…

BMW S1000RR (2012-14) Although most recognise how revolutionary the original BMW S1000RR was, many forget how big an advance the second generation was in 2012. Familiar, asymmetrical bodywork hid a smoother power delivery, extra low-down torque, an improved chassis and suspension and much more refined electronics. This all makes the German contender much more refined and usable but still as potent as ever. It was updated again in 2015, but this is still a benchmark bike. What you’ll pay today £8800-£13,000. But should you? Only just starting to date. Astonishingly able, potent, classy and with great dealer back-up. Suzuki GSX-R1000 K5/6 (2005-06) With an all-new, MotoGP-inspired GSX-R1000 due later this year, now’s a perfect time to remember the last time Suzuki were at the top of the superbike tree –…

‘Ryan is so enthusiastic and will be a brilliant asset to the team’PHILIP NEILL In a shock move, veteran Irishman Ryan Farquhar will replace Guy Martin in the Tyco BMW squad at this year’s TT. Tyco’s popular Lincolnshire star has opted out of the Isle of Man event to compete in a cycle race in America, leaving the seat of his BMW S1000RR free for 40-year-old Farquhar to ride in the Superbike and Senior TTs. “When Guy said he wasn’t doing the TT the ride became available and it all just fell into place,” the three-time TT winner explained. “I was at the right place at the right time and that is often how these things work out. For me it felt as if it was just meant to be.”…

1956 JOHN SURTEES WINS THE SENIOR TT ON HIS WAY TO HIS FIRST 500GP WORLD TITLE June 8 1956 “After more than his share of bad luck in the Isle of Man, John Surtees had a trouble-free ride in last Friday’s Senior TT race – to gain first place at an average speed of 96.57mph. This was the 22-year-old Londoner’s first TT victory and it was the first time that the MV factory carried off the Senior Trophy.” 1956 FIRST TEST OF BSA DBD34 GOLD STAR June 13 1956 “When this temperamental, uncompromising, two-wheeled, testosterone hot-rod is on song there is little else on the street, track or dirt to touch it. Riding and owning a DBD34 Gold Star is a challenging experience and yet immersingly fulfilling when the sun…

‘I have excitement for the year, it feels like we’re starting again from zero’ It’s hard to question that 2015 was a very special year for Rossi. He won races, beat Marquez, battled with Lorenzo and took the title race down to a dramatic final round showdown in Valencia. He showed beyond reasonable doubt that, even at 36 years old, he could still fight for a title and it’s unlikely he’ll be thinking any differently on the eve of the 2016 season. His breathtaking 2015 highlighted that he has lost none of his desire to succeed and it’s clear that his thirst for success remains unquenchable. Ultimately the title fight came down to Rossi and Lorenzo, but the way they constructed their respective seasons was very different. While eventual champion…

After his renaissance during the second half of 2015, Dani Pedrosa looked like a man set to continue his redemption by fighting for the title in 2016. With new Michelin tyres to suit his high-corner-speed 250GP riding style and less electronic restraints, Pedrosa was widely being viewed as the dark horse of the forthcoming season. But on the verge of the season opener in Qatar, that promise looks to have fallen apart after a winter of nightmare testing where he has struggled to get to grips with the latest generation Honda RC213V, leaving him devoid of confidence. Making his lack of pace even harder to swallow is the fact that after he returned from career-saving arm pump surgery he was a revelation taking two wins in controlling fashion. “Last year…

It’s been a hard few years for Ducati since Casey Stoner left at the end of 2010, furious at his treatment by the Borgo Panigale factory after a season beleaguered with illness. And things only got worse from there. A disastrous spell with Valentino Rossi, fighting to manage a bike plagued with chronic understeer, never brought the fairy-tale ending that so many prayed for. Recent years haven’t improved their lot much either, as Cal Crutchlow, Andrea Dovizioso, and Nicky Hayden all tried to come to terms with the Desmosedici and failed; it’s now six long years since Ducati’s last premier class win - Stoner’s final Phillip Island victory back in 2010. However, the 2015 season at long last showed that there might be light at the end of the tunnel.…

Chassis Like many of the manufacturers, Suzuki seem to have been caught out by their 2016 frame design. Working to suit Michelin tyres that have evolved rapidly since the initial testing at the end of 2015, they, like Yamaha, look set to relegate the new bike to the museum. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with the 2015 machine, though, and the same sweet-handling chassis – by far the strong point of the bike – that the riders say allow them to ride just about any line. Gearbox Suzuki have caught up with their factory rivals when it comes to gearboxes, rolling out a fully seamless up-and-down ’box after extensive testing. Making for smoother corner entry and exit as the ’box works to reduce the power ‘kick’ that comes…

In 2016 three seriously fast Brits will line up on the MotoGP ready to do battle - and there is a lot at stake. While each of them remains adamant that their fellow countrymen are just other riders that they have to beat – deep down they will be fighting hard for the accolade of top Brit and also top satellite rider in what promises to be an intense year of competition. MCN got them all together to get their take on the season before digging even deeper to get their thoughts on each others’ chances of success starting this weekend in Qatar. ‘Hopefully Bradley and Scott will finish behind me!’ BRAD Winter test performance Valencia 2015 - 10th Sepang 2016 - 10th Phillip Island 2016 - 13th Qatar 2016…

‘I’ve not yet shown I what I’m capable of’ John McPhee heads into his fourth full-time world championship campaign with lofty ambitions on the all-new Peugeot Moto3 machine. A race win on the rebranded Mahindra and move to Moto2 in 2017 sit highly on the Scot’s wish list, so MCN got his thoughts on both. McPhee on his 2016 championship goals “When I had a bike that was working well for me last year I was up there. I had a couple of pole positions and I was fighting in that lead group. I want to be fighting at the front from the word go, and I’ve not won a race yet so I’d like to tick that off the list. It depends on the bike but I’ve got a…