Table of contents for 9 August 2017 in MCN

‘The new Norton 650 will almost certainly be our most popular bike’ When news broke that Norton had sold the design for their 650cc parallel-twin engine to Chinese firm Zongshen, the reaction was mixed. Some people were questioning why they’d done that instead of finishing their current bikes, while others were worried that the Norton brand would be watered down. We spoke to CEO Stuart Garner to find out just what the deal is all about and why they’ve done it. “Well, we’ve got all the pub experts jumping on us and saying we’ve sold out to China, which is absolutely not the case,” says Garner. “It’s actually the reverse. We’ve been developing the 650cc platform for ourselves and, after speaking to Zongshen, we’ve completely separately developed a low-performance engine.…

Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS) is a semi-active suspension system that can be found on the firm’s Multistrada models. Launched in 2013, the set-up works by creating an imaginary point above the bike, and then uses vertical accelerometers, on the triple-clamps and subframe, to calculate the sprung data, and sensors on a fork leg and the lower swingarm to calculate the unsprung data. The imaginary point can be thought of as a hook that is suspending the bike in the sky from its front and back wheels, and the data that’s gathered from the sensors is fed into an algorithm that alters the suspension’s compression and rebound damping every 10 milliseconds. This keeps the bike at the optimum level for a smooth ride. In essence the system automatically, and very rapidly,…

Colourful Kwaks Kawasaki have added new colours to several 2018 bikes, including the Vulcan S, Versys 650 and Z1000SX. The biggest winner is the Z1000SZ, which will be available in Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Graphite Grey, Emerald Blazed Green, Metallic Carbon Grey, Metallic Fusion Silver and Metallic Flat Spark Black. Honda flying high An 8% boost in sales combined with a weak yen have given Honda a financial boost in the first quarter of this year. Despite the success of the new Fireblade, the growth is mostly due to increased sales in developing markets such as India and Vietnam. Increased control Ducati are offering owners of the 2015 and 2016 Panigale 1299 the opportunity to upgrade their bikes to the new Traction Control EVO. The upgrade costs £373 at a…

DAVIDA SHORTY GLOVE £51.48 The popular Davida Shorty is now available in grey and tan leather, adding more colour options to an enduring classic. www.davida-helmets.com MALLE MAX HYBRID BACKPACK £299 Malle make beautiful, functional gear, and the Max is no different as it can be swapped from a backpack to a pannier and back, with just a few changes to the straps. www.mallelondon.com EL SOLITARIO T-SHIRT £36 A simple cotton T-shirt from the famous Spanish customisers. The slim-cut T bears the El Solitario wolf logo, so you can show your support. www.elsolitariomc.com BUILT MAGAZINE £4.99 A magazine dedicated to custom bikes and the people who make them what they are. If you worship at the flat-track altar or drink from the chopper chalice, this is the magazine for you. www.builtmag.co.uk…

HOW MANY WINS? 1 How many Ulster GPs has the nation’s favourite road racer won? WHO IS THIS? 2 Who is the fast man behind the big, bushy beard? NAME THIS MAN 3 Can you name the man who designed the first Fireblade? WHAT BIKE IS THIS? 4 Recognise this sharp-looking dash? Good, name the bike... WHO’S THE HEADCASE? 5 He nearly got his head down a few years ago. Name him. WHO IS THIS? 6 This man got to try an RCV as a bit of a treat. Who is it? WHAT DID IT START? 7 Which two advances were super-naked firsts on this bike? WHAT’S THE BIKE? 8 It’s a super-rare, super-fast 125 from the 1980s… WIN AN MCN MUG! Get them all right and you could win…

Oli’s not the only one who’s got the most from our campaign “Didn’t need the target as normally do 7-9k a year, but have loved reading and sharing stories and photos. Given a lot of folk the encouragement to do more on their bikes, and hints and tips on routes are excellent from members. Glad I signed up.” Graham Allan “Loved it. Great photos, stories and interesting info. I was advised to put 4000 miles down for my insurance when I started in mid-September, I’ve done over 9000 already, but it really doesn’t matter how many you do; it’s just the fun it brings to us all.” Kawa Sally “I think it’s the best biking initiative I’ve ever seen. I know a lot of people easily do 5000 miles a…

Dexter Optimus Flash £94.99 This polycarbonate full-face helmet comes with an internal sun visor, as well as multi-density foam for an improved fit. The helmet is pinlock ready and the interior is removable. Duchinni D405 XRR £89.99 This helmet has an aerodynamic design for a cleaner airflow over the wearer’s head, which should also improve sound-proofing qualities. The lining is removable and fully washable and there is also a chin curtain. HJC CS-15 Plain £79.99 An entry-level helmet from HJC, the CS-15 has a quick-release visor system and there is a glasses grove for reduced temporal pressure, as well as a quick-release fastening system. LS2 Stream Solid £89.99 A full face touring helmet with a drop-down sun visor and a quick release Pinlock visor. There is a detachable chin curtain,…

Q Will I really have to give some of my sick pay back? In September, 2016 I was knocked off my bike by a car driver who didn’t see me and pulled out of a junction. I was unable to work for three months and was signed off by my GP once I was out of hospital. I recently went to see the third party’s medical expert. I have just been sent his report and it says that only one month off work was reasonable. This is ridiculous as I was in hospital for the first week. Now I may have to repay my employer for three month’s sick pay, yet will only going to get a month’s pay from my opponent. How is this fair? Theo Davies, Cardiff ‘Employers…

2002 Yamaha FJR1300 £2750 59,500 miles on the clock. A perfect machine for those wanting to travel big miles for little money. This bike also comes with panniers, a touring screen, heated grips and a radiator guard. 2002 Yamaha FJR1300 £2800 34,911 miles on the clock with an MoT until March 2018. Comes with panniers, a Givi rack and top box, as well as an added luggage rack. There is some service history. 2002 Yamaha FJR1300 £2800 A private sale, this bike has done 37,000 miles, comes with a top box and has recently had a full service. The bike comes with plenty of history and is fitted with good tyres. Well worth a look.…

‘This crash is going to haunt me for a long time’ JOSH BROOKES Josh Brookes and Anvil Hire Yamaha were on course for a fairytale double at Thruxton this weekend right up until the moment the Aussie dramatically crashed out of the lead of the second race. Brookes was in imperious form in the opening encounter as he seemed to cruise comfortably to his first race victory since leaving the series as champion in 2015. An intelligent ride in race two saw him bide his time before pouncing on his rivals to take the lead and it all looked set to go his way until he tucked the front on the penultimate lap, handing victory to Smiths BMW’s Peter Hickman. The crash is his second in as many rounds after…

McConnell out Billy McConnell looks set to miss the next round at Cadwell Park after a heavy crash on his Quattro Plant FS3 Kawasaki in the opening race saw him sustain a dislocated hip and heavy concussion. A Ray of hope? Sylvain Guintoli and the Bennetts Suzuki team saw a glimpse of hope with progress at Thruxton seeing the 2014 World Champion finish eighth in race two – his strongest finish of the year. However, he was still bettered by young star Bradley Ray in race one. Ellison’s nightmare McAMS Yamaha’s challenging 2017 season took a turn for the worst with both James Ellison and Michael Laverty severely off the pace at Thruxton with rear grip issues all weekend. Their best results were ninth and 13th in race two. Hondas…

‘Happy with Silverstone, but we’ll also talk to Donington’ CARMELO EZPELETA The British Grand Prix could be set for a return to Donington Park, after MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta exclusively confirmed to MCN at the Czech Grand Prix that their contract with the ill-fated Circuit of Wales project is finally dead in the water. The news opens the way for both Silverstone and Donington Park to bid for the race in the future, with MCN’s sources indicating that both are keen to take up the mantle. Ezpeleta confirmed to MCN that the 10-year contract that they signed in 2014 to host the race is now null and void – news that has come as no real surprise after last month’s refusal by the Welsh government to provide the financial backing…

The Classic TT, powered by Bennetts, has fast become a bucket-list event for any bike fan, mixing a laid-back festival atmosphere with spectacular racing from some of the Isle of Man TT’s biggest stars, aboard machinery that would otherwise be confined to museums or private collections. This year’s event kicks off on August 19 for two weeks, with an action-packed schedule of racing, parades, entertainment and fancy-dress parties – all in keeping with the vintage theme. For full details, visit www.iomtt.com Title sponsors Bennetts have got a special prize package on offer – exclusive to MCN readers – with some money-can’t-buy activities thrown in for good measure. One reader will win a trip for two to the Classic TT from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 August, including: return transport, accommodation…

‘Saddlebags open to reveal a plethora of Captain Fawcett grooming products” Richie Finney, the man behind gentleman’s grooming brand Captain Fawcett, was after creating a unique bike that embodied him and his company, so he teamed up with Linzi Mumford, of IOC Design and Fabrication, to make something special. Mumford has a passion for all things steampunk, as well as a background in furniture restoration, and both of these influences were channelled into the build completed by Newmarket Harley-Davidson. The base bike is a Dark Custom Forty-Eight, so it’s packing the air-cooled 1200cc Sportster engine. Yet the real showstopper are the saddlebags, which open to reveal a plethora of Captain Fawcett grooming products and a mirror – effectively turning the bike into a mobile grooming station. “The idea for the…

“Labour MP smashed in face with brick by motorbike thug”, read the headlines over and over again. Now I don’t wish to be picky (obviously, I do), but what the headline should have said was something along the lines of: “Labour MP smashed in face with brick by a thug, who just so happened to be riding a motorbike, but he’s most definitely not a motorcyclist in the true meaning of the word!” Point is, these people are thugs not motorcyclists. The rising crimewave – especially in London – is appalling and the police are getting seriously concerned about the vicious attacks that are making most Daily Mail readers quiver in their Hush Puppies (see page 6). But the knock-on, negative effect it’s having in motorcycling must be tackled... by…

HIGHLIGHTS • A1 licence-legal café racer • Electric start • Combined Braking System • Two-year warranty There’s one standout feature on Bullit’s range – and it isn’t the retro styling. It’s the price. The Spirit café racer is £2395, while the urban enduro Hero is just £100 more. That’s fantastic value for two bikes that look as good as they do. But are they just style over substance? Both are effectively cheap Chinese 125s dressed in a cool retro style. Is there anything wrong with that? In my book, no – because it gives learners the option of two funky 125s for a song. The Spirit uses a Chinese copy of Suzuki’s GN125 motor, an air-cooled SOHC two-valver that’s been made Euro4 compliant via fuel-injection. It’s as old as the…

“Its engine hums, the seating position is brilliant, it loves the twisties and so do I” MCN READER, KEVIN WEBER TIGER 1050 FACTFILE 2006-2017 1050cc transverse triple 115-123bhp + 133mph + 40mpg Contacts: www.tiger1050.com or www.triumphrat.net Want one? £3500 (scruffy) to £10,900 (new) ‘I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT!’ “I bought my Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport new in 2015 after a test ride, and I fell in love with the power, handling, noise and how it just shoves off the line!” reader James Donald told MCN. “I love the upright riding position and the ease of use; it’s effortless – and the motor will just keep cranking. I’ve never had a problem with it, and I have developed a love for the strong triple engine with which I hope to continue…

1 Harrington Arms, Macclesfield A reat pub with great food and plenty of bikers to chat to – Wednesdays, from 7pm. Contact: 07843 223593 2 Iron Horse Bike NIght, Market Deeping, Thursday, 6pm-11pm, Great food, a warm welcome and loads of bikes. ironhorseranchhouse.co.uk 3 The Romping Cat, Old Woods, Bomere Heath, Shrewsbury, Friday evening. 01939 290273 4 Oasis Biker Cafe, Monmouth Road, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales. Saturdays. 01873 855375 5 The Square and Compass, Darley Dale, near Matlock Bath, Derbys, so great roads and plety of bikes about. Sundays are best. Events and bands are common here, so check ahead. Email: info@thesquareandcompass.co.uk GET GET YOUR YOUR MEET MEET ON ON THE THE MAP MAP If you have a bike-friendly cafe aenue w and nt wan et yo get r mee you…

‘The bike’s all-round abilities will be put to the toughest of tests’ DUCATI SUPERSPORT S Price £12,995 Fuel 16 litres @ 41.9mpg = 148 miles Weight 210 kg (kerb) Power 113bhp james.archibald@motorcyclenews.com My Ducati Supersport S has been asked to perform more on the sporty side since I took delivery of it in May. Short back-road blasts and a Donington Park trackday certainly saw it earn its sporting stripes. But now it’s time to see if it can cover decent miles in relative comfort? Ducati have never claimed this is a Yamaha FJR replacement or even a Honda VFR800 rival (although many have made that comparison), describing it simply as a sportsbike for the road. The implication is that this bike is capable of anything. If you really want to…

I recently warned against overpriced bikes with misleading descriptions. Sure enough, the following day my eyes fell on an online auction for a Honda CB750KZ - the first DOHC model. Bidding was already over five grand, thanks to a glowing description that referred potential buyers to the fact that SOHC Honda CB750s were now fetching up to £25k (which they are in some cases). It also claimed that this was the last air-cooled Honda 750 and that the DOHC bikes were ‘originally only sold in the USA, but a few were sold in Europe.’ This simply isn’t true. It was launched in Europe, as well as in the US. Fact: the KZ model was withdrawn very fast. It suffered from a few mechanical issues but chiefly, it was an overweight,…

‘These are good, reliable machines, with no particular weaknesses’ “The TMAX has always stood head and shoulders above the maxi-scooter opposition. I once did 55,000 trouble-free miles on an early one. It’s a scooter that handles more like a motorcycle, but at the same time it’s super-practical and comfortable. “2013 saw a redesigned frame and swingarm, with a tooth rubber drive belt replacing the previous enclosed drive chain. These resulted in a significant weight saving and mass centralisation. “Mechanically speaking, apart from a 30cc capacity increase and the addition of fuel injection, the bike is little changed from its inception in 2001 – proving how good it was to start with. “The service intervals are 6000 miles, with sparkplugs, filters and primary belt at 12k. There’s also a valve-clearance check…

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 9 10am-7pm: Practice THURSDAY AUGUST 10 10am-9:30pm: Practice & Dundrod 150 Races Race 1: Dundrod 150 National Race 2: Ultra-Lightweight/Lightweight Race 3: Dundrod 150 Challenge Race 4: Dundrod 150 Superbike Race 5: Supertwins SATURDAY AUGUST 12 9:30am-6:30pm: Ulster Grand Prix Races Race 1: Superstock 1 Race 2: Supersport 1 Race 3: Ultra-Lightweight/Lightweight Race 4: Superbike 1 Race 5: Supersport 2 Race 6: Supertwins Race 7: Superbike 2 TV TIMES Friday August 11: Dundrod 150 Highlights BBC iPlayer Saturday August 12: Live commentary on Sportssound from 10.30am on BBC Radio Ulster and at bbc.co.uk/sportni Monday & Tuesday August 14-15: Two one-hour highlights programmes, BBC One Northern Ireland at 10.40pm Saturday August 19: UGP Highlights, BBC 2 at 11am…

‘Mossey’s absence ignited the fight for the Showdown’ Luke Mossey is set to miss the next MCE BSB round at Cadwell Park after a free practice crash at Thruxton saw him side-lined with injuries. The JG Speedfit Kawasaki rider, who sat second in the series standings ahead of this weekend, clipped the grass on the exit of the final turn in Saturday’s final free practice, launching him from his ZX-10RR. He and the bike then flew down the start finish straight before hitting the ground near turn one, where he became tangled in the machine. The session was immediately stopped and Mossey, who was conscious, was tended to by trackside medics. He was taken to hospital where it was later confirmed he’d sustained a stable fracture to his L2 vertebrae.…

‘It annoys me when people call me an ‘also-ran’ and write me off’PETER HICKMAN Peter Hickman blasted himself into MCE British Superbike title contention with a victory and second place at Thruxton this weekend as he capitalised on his his rivals’ mishaps to move into third in the standings. The Smiths BMW rider has finished every race this year inside the top 10 and began to make real ground as he fought for the victory last time out at Brands Hatch. However, despite his consistency, he had been unable to finish on the podium until a stunning performance this weekend. Notching up his fourth BSB win, the Lincolnshire ace says it’s time people started taking him seriously as he moves to secure his first ever appearance in the title fighters’…

While British fans will all have their opinion on where the British Grand Prix should be held in the future, they’re not the only ones who can’t agree – as shown when we asked Cal Crutchlow and Bradley Smith where they’d like to see the event held in the future. Bradley Smith: Stay “Silverstone is for me a track designed for MotoGP – and Donington really isn’t. It has a very nice layout, it’s very good for spectators, but Silverstone is really designed to let us open up a Grand Prix bike and really crack on with it, with the fast, flowing nature of the track. It’s one of our rare chances to do that every year, and I wouldn’t want to lose it off the calendar.” Cal Crutchlow: Move…

5 th  CAL CRUTCHLOW Started 5th Fifth place meant that Cal Crutchlow leaves the scene of last year’s incredible debut win pleased with what he salvaged from the weekend, after a high-speed crash on Alvaro Bautista’s oil on Saturday left him in severe pain for Sunday’s race. He said: “It would have been nice to battle with Pedrosa for the podium, because I came in when he came in – but he did a better job of passing Petrucci on the restart than me, and it was so difficult to pass the Ducati.” 16 th  SCOTT REDDING Started 23rd Scott Redding was left fuming as another poor result has made his MotoGP future even more shaky. Able to make the most of both his skill in the wet…

Leccy Lightning strikes twice US electric motorcycle manufacturers Lightning are running a bike at Bonneville Speed Week. They have entered an LS-218 with the hope of breaking the 220mph barrier. The LS-218 is named because it previously achieved 218mph at the same event. Ducati not for sale After months of speculation that Volkswagen will be shifting Ducati, Reuters are reporting that the supervisory board sees no reason to sell. The potential move did not receive support from other investors either, suggesting that the firm will remain in the VW Group for the foreseeable future. Driven to distraction A study by automotive repair company Kwik Fit has revealed that 34% of car drivers use a mobile phone without a handsfree kit while driving. This runs in tandem with a 24% increase…

‘I’m helping riders who may have been seriously injured’ “I had a short motocross career, in which I raced for around six years. I progressed through the smaller series and had success racing in America, but I crashed in 1979 while trying to avoid a crashed rider. I hit his bike at speed, which finished my racing career, but luckily I already had a career in retail. “I’m fortunate enough to be pretty self-sufficient, so I can spend all my time concentrating on charities after setting up the Holden On Tight charity, which supports the two-wheel community. I know a lot of people in the motorcycle industry; from AMA to MotoGP and Motocross, which really helps with the charity work. I’ve also been given a lot of stuff over the…

Alpinestars riding kit £179.99-£199.99 What’s good? Spruce up your look with this new Alpinestars gear. The Deep South Denim cargo trousers have abrasion and tear resistance, while the Sektor Tech Hoodie is water repellant and can be worn underneath another jacket, or on its own. What’s not? The Sektor hoodie offers minimal protection for the user and the kit is not cheap. www.alpinestars.com Oxford F1 luggage £29.99-£99.99 What’s good? The F1 range replaces Oxford’s First Time Luggage series, and boasts more sophisticated styling, as well as being harder wearing with a removable waterproof lining. Every bag comes with five colour choices. What’s not? They are not heatproof, so care needs to be taken when fitting the panniers. www.oxfordproducts.com Bull-it Envy leggings £149.99 What’s good? Latest ladies leggings feature Covec armour…

BSA C15 My home-built C15 crossing the line at the ’69 TT. At 75, I’m still looning it on my Hornet. Lovely! Dave Edwards SUZUKI AP50 Me with my first bike, a Suzuki AP50, in 1981. Loved that bike. Doug Hyem BSA LIGHTNING AND GOLD STAR Me and my mate John – he is on his DB34 and I’m on my Lightning clubman in full Dunstall livery. The location was Thornton Heath, Croydon, circa early 1960s. Deeter Wearing TRITON 500 My best all-British bike: a Triton 500 in 1969. Bri Landles DOT WR250 Me on my mate’s Dot at Parkwood Springs, Sheffield in 1965-ish. I had a Dot, too. No fear, no gear. But that didn’t stop us. Dave Savage ITALJET 50 Me back in 1978, aged 4, barely able…

• 959 Panigale £13,795, 150bhp, 200kg The baby Panigale has the best balance of power and handling of the family. It’s full Euro4-spec and will carry on in 2018. • 1299 Panigale £17,995, 197bhp, 190.5kg Entry-level 1299 Panigale might not have flashy suspension and wheels, but it has the same brutish power and clever electronics as the S-model. • Panigale R £28,995, 196bhp, 184kg Homologation special for superbike racing. The smaller-engined 1198cc R is lighter than the 1299, has sandcast engine cases and manually adjustable Öhlins. • 1299 Panigale R Final Edition £34,995, 209.5bhp, 190kg With its Panigale R chassis, 1299 electronics and Superleggeraderived motor, this is the last big V-twin Panigale to be made. • 1299 Superleggera £72,000, 215bhp, 167kg Only 500 built (and now sold out). Carbon frame,…

‘Expect to be killed at every junction. Drivers don’t care...’ QUICKFIRE ROUND • Fast,intermediateornovice group?Intermediate • Mudortarmac?Tarmac • Four-strokeortwo-stroke? Four-stroke • Darkvisororclear?Mirrored • Glovesinorglovesout?Short • GPSormap?Brain • Dealerserviceordoit yourself?Dealer Q1 What are you riding? I’ve got a Ducati Panigale 1299, an XDiavel S, a Kawasaki H2 and a Honda CRF250. The H2 is the one I go to when I go for a ride with the lads. I’ve just had a new exhaust system put on it and seen over 240bhp on the dyno. It’s just lightning fast. The XDiavel S is so comfortable and beautiful to ride. I can’t quite get my head around it, because it rides like a sportsbike, yet you’re sat in this custom bike position. I sold my Bonnie to buy it, which I miss…

THE ADVENTURE SPORTS CATEGORY Along with Ducati’s first Multistrada 1000, the Tiger 1050 was the first ‘adventure’ bike aimed solely at the road. HIGH-BARRED HOONING Trail bars? Check. Long-travel suspension? Check. 115bhpplus, a 10k redline and 130mph? Oh yes indeedy… GREAT TRAILIE HANDLING 1050’s road bias meant 17in rims, street rubber, big brakes, firmer suspension... an adventure bike that could hang on to sportsbikes. TIGER 1050 SPORT Without the 1050, the current 2013 Tiger 1050 Sport, with yet more performance, manners and refinement, wouldn’t be here.…

1 A HIDDEN GEM B2042 Sevenoaks to Edenbridge “The road’s like the Nürburgring but free – and with far less traffic” Nominated by Rob Wright “A narrow, twisting route lined with thick rows of trees, this really is like the Ring in miniature!” Length 10.7 miles Love it because Located in a picturesque, secluded setting, it’s the perfect place to let your bike off its leash a little without the bother of too much traffic. Take a picture at Stop off at Ide Hill for a picture. Overlooking the road you have just climbed up, it can offer fantastic views. Stop for a cuppa at Try the Woodman pub, just outside Ide Hill. the perfect place for a for hot drink, not something stronger! Watch out for Look out for…

RIDING EXPERT Rupert Paul Over 30 years’ of riding, instructing and testing under his belt. Take any bunch of long-experienced, rufty tufty bikers going on holiday and you can guarantee one thing. Eight out of 10 of them can’t ride for toffee at low speed. You don’t believe me? Watch those flailing, paddling feet as they wobble up the ramp on the Isle of Man ferry. Or down the ramp to the Channel Tunnel train. They can be riding Harleys, grand tourers, sportsbikes or 125s – it makes no difference. Eighty on the M20 is a piece of cake, but doing one mph confidently on a slippery ramp is another thing entirely. It’s as if going slowly isn’t worth bothering to learn. So here’s an outrageous assertion: any self respecting…

‘I’d never realised quite how comfortable the Suzuki is’ ‘I’m probably a bit harsh on the V-Strom, as it can be fun’ Price £7,899 (plus £1158 of accessories) Fuel 20 litres @ 50mpg = 210 miles MPG 52.6 Weight: 216kg Seat 835mm Power: 71bhp Torque 46ftlb oli .rushby@motorcyclenews.com Four months with the V-Strom 650XT and I’m creeping up on the #ride5000miles target. It’s been an interesting four months; we’re becoming a bit like an old married couple. There are days when we get on and days when we don’t. I cover a lot of miles up and down the country as part of my job as BSB reporter for MCN, but having the target has been great motivation. On days when I need to chew up a long-distance trip, including…

‘The force of the impact smashed the muguard, lights and bent the pipe’ HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE Price £22,385 Fuel 22.7 litres @49mpg = 245 miles Weight 376kg Power 88bhp jordan.gibbons@motorcyclenews.com It was all going so well. In my last report I said how after around 5000 miles it had all come together and I was really gelling with the bike. Summer was upon us and I was cruising around with the music blaring and the wind in my beard. Then one sunny evening I was riding home down the A1 and pulled off to get some petrol. I stopped at a roundabout and just as I was about to move off, I saw something approaching very quickly. The next thing I know, I was skittering along the ground and the…

New RM-Z is less than £7k – just! The 2018 Suzuki RM-Z450 will be available with a launch price of £6999. The bike will arrive in UK dealerships in September and has received upgrades including a new frame and swingarm, as well as engine revisions to gain more power and a flatter torque curve. www.bikes.suzuki.co.uk Pop pills for power gains Fuel additive specialists FTC are about to launch a new fuel pill for bikes, designed to improve acceleration, reduce emissions and boost MPG. Known as the ITC (In-Tank Catalyst), customers will be able to enjoy discounted prices if they enter promo code ‘MCN’ at the checkout, when ordering. www.ftcdirect.com Pistons in the Park 2017 Lincolnshire Showground will be playing host to a car and bike show on Saturday. August 12,…

‘It gets fast, hot and heavy. When the weather’s good it’s always good racing’ MICHAEL DUNLOP Road racing’s biggest stars will be back in action this week as the Ulster Grand Prix gets underway on the epic 7.4-mile Dundrod circuit. Located just outside Belfast, the circuit is famed as the ‘world’s fastest road race’ boasting a lap record with an average speed of 134.089mph, set by Ian Hutchinson on his way to victory in last year’s Superbike race. Hutchinson, who took a stunning four victories from five starts at last year’s event, won’t be on the grid this time around as he continues to recover from the leg injuries he sustained in his Senior TT crash. Hutchy’s absence will only make it closer as some of the biggest names in…

Former Royal Marine Mark Fincham tragically lost his life in an incident during Sunday’s Pirelli Superstock 1000 race. The 37-year-old, who had part of his leg amputated after a road accident in 2007, was involved in a two-bike incident at the final corner. He was treated at the scene before being taken to the medical centre where he succumbed to his injuries. All at MCN send their deepest condolences to the family, friends and team of Mr Fincham at this time.…

When Jake Dixon stormed to a surprise debut double victory at Knockhill back in June, his true MCE British Superbike Championship credentials were still relatively unknown. Having not even finished on the podium before, it wasn’t clear whether Dixon’s double was just a flash in the pan at a quirky circuit or if he’d become a full-time BSB frontrunner. After a somewhat average Snetterton and Brands Hatch for the 21-year-old, it had started to look like he wasn’t quite ready to make the next step but fighting against the odds at a track said not to suit the Kawasaki, he returned to the podium at Thruxton last weekend. His pace was impressive from the off as he topped the opening day’s practice before going on to take his debut BSB…

‘Both teams are independent outfits with little or no support’ Small BSB teams shine Hickman’s race two win gave the Smiths BMW team their first taste of MCE British Superbike glory on the same day that Josh Brookes rewarded the Anvil Hire TAG Yamaha team with their first visit to the top step. Both teams are small, independent outfits with little or no support from the manufacturers they represent and neither had enjoyed much success in the series prior to this year. These victories, along with Jake Dixon’s Knockhill double and double rostrum at Thruxton, go to show just how level the playing field is in British Superbikes as smaller, privateer teams put themselves into championship contention alongside the bigger, manufacturer-backed efforts such as Be Wiser Ducati and JG Speedfit…

With an action-packed day both on and off track, what better way to spend the day than at Silverstone for the Friday of the British GP MotoGP weekend? All three classes will be on track throughout the day for free practice sessions, ahead of qualifying on Saturday. Off track there is plenty to do and see, too. In the Ezone, Yamaha, Ducati, Suzuki, KTM and BMW will have their model line-up on display for visitors to try for size. There’s also plenty for the kids to do with Oset electric bikes available for children aged four-12. There’s also a fun fair packed with rides and stalls. A whole host of GP racers will make appearances on the stage during Friday evening’s entertainment and they will be followed by a top…

‘I entered the pits understanding the bike would be ready – and it was not’ JORGE LORENZO Jorge Lorenzo was denied the chance to fight for a podium finish at the Czech Grand Prix, after a series of mistakes by his factory Ducati team during Sunday’s race. Lorenzo pitted only a handful of laps into the race to discover that his second bike wasn’t ready for him, forcing him to concede valuable time sitting while his machine’s set-up was modified. But making the situation even worse for the five-time world champion after the race was that it wasn’t his decision to enter the pits when he did – he revealed that he had followed team orders expecting that his number two bike would be ready to roll straight out. Lorenzo…

Oliveira and Binder stay at KTM KTM have extended their deal with Aki Ajo to run their Moto2 project for two years, as well as retaining Miguel Oliveira and Brad Binder for next year. They could be joined by two more KTMs with Valentino Rossi’s Team Sky in talks to switch from Kalex. Miller’s secure as Redding stews Jack Miller’s switch to the Pramac Ducati squad for the 2018 season looks to be all sorted, despite a big-money offer from Honda. The news leaves Scott Redding out in the wilderness – a situation not helped by yet another tough weekend. Two new rounds set to join MotoGP The MotoGP calendar looks set to grow to 20 races with official confirmation that Finland’s new KymiRing will join the calendar in 2019.…

‘When I saw P1 +18 on my pit board, it was like the sun had come out!’ MARC MARQUEZ Marc Marquez says that a mistake in tyre choice during Sunday’s Czech GP was the catalyst for him taking a stunning and comprehensive victory. The Repsol Honda star looked strong throughout the weekend in both wet and dry conditions, but with heavy rain falling just before Sunday’s race and leaving the grid lining up on a damp but rapidly drying track, it was more good luck than clever planning that led to his crushing win. Choosing to go with the softer of Michelin’s two wet rear tyre options (one of only two riders on the grid to do so) the gamble failed for him when the tyre burned out in only…

‘We have to concentrate and perform well at every race’ DANI PEDROSA Repsol Honda man Dani Pedrosa secured a strong second position at Brno – and admitted that he’s learning from the experience of his younger teammate Marc Marquez. Pedrosa also conceded that while he believes that he’s a championship contender in any conditions, he’s keen to keep his concentration on the details and let the bigger picture take care of itself. He said: “Normally, when it’s still a bit wet and you have to switch to slicks you must be super-focused and super-committed. This is usually a strong point for Marc, as he’s always very good in these conditions; we have to be able to keep the same concentration in the future because these details are very important. “We…

‘We have to look at this rule – it is very dangerous’ A collision between Aleix Espargaró and Andrea Iannone during Sunday’s chaotic flag-to-flag pit stops at Brno has prompted a discussion about the dangers associated with having up to 25 MotoGP machines diving in and out of pit lane at the same time. The crash happened when Espargaró’s Aprilia crew released him on his second bike into pit lane, failing to see Iannone swooping into his own garage thanks to the position of other machines blocking their line of sight. Iannone collided with the Aprilia, falling from his own bike and knocking over both a number of crew and his team-mate Alex Rins’ second GSX-RR. The Spaniard held his hands up after the crash and admitted that the blame…