Table of contents for 23rd January 2019 in MCN

With a hot deal on a Honda CR250 pretty much done and dusted, I had a motocross ‘career’ all ready to go. Just finish a little enduro down in Surrey, finalise the deal and away we go. What could go wrong? A broken tib and fib later, a month off work and a total of about two weeks in hospital getting it pinned and that CR250 had lost its shine. I never raced motocross and decided to do stuff where I had less chance of breaking myself. So it never ceases to amaze me how others tackle massive injuries with such tenacity and, almost, nonchalance. Cal Crutchlow (see page 30) shattered his lower leg and yet it was never about not trying to race again as soon as possible. It…

Piaggio have announced the pricing for their 2019 models including the new Aprilia RSV4 1100 and the much-anticipated Moto Guzzi V85 TT. Starting right at the top, the 213bhp RSV4 1100 Factory goes on sale next month for a whopping £21,499. If it’s anything like the Tuono engine, it has the potential to be better on the road than the V4S (and for £3k less) but is still one hell of an outlay. The Tuono V4 1100 Factory has also had an update, including new Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension and is on sale later this month for £16,999. Arguably most interesting is the updated Shiver 900 that has a new integrated navigation system, which goes on sale in April for £7999. With the KTM 790 Duke at £8799,…

I’ve been looking at the nominations for MCN Racer of the Year. It’s a hard one this time as I love all the guys to bits and have so much respect for all of them. I’m a big speedway fan and it was great to see Tai Woffinden win his third title, but I’m also a big admirer of Jonathan Rea. Jonathan is so skilled, he makes it look effortless. He hits every apex, doesn’t make many mistakes, never crashes and he’s a four-time world champion. ‘HICKY JUST GETS ON WITH IT AND ENJOYS HIS RACING TOO’ Peter Hickman did a fantastic job in 2018. If I had to pick a winner, it’d be him. What he’s done is remarkable. He’s there or thereabouts in BSB every week and then…

We’ve nipped down to the south of France to create a glamorous MCN250. Our winter hideaway takes on a tough 250-mile mile of A and B roads, a stretch of péage, plus plenty of towns, villages, blind corners, ballistic straights, and a huge range of grippy to slippery tarmac. It’s just as demanding as our regular UK MCN250, but instead of starting in Oundle we’ve chosen Cannes. You want answers? We’ve got ’em. 1 Ready to roll In the early morning sunshine on the glamorous Cannes beachfront Norton’s V4SS is simply stunning. Locals stop to stare and scramble to take pictures. At one stage it even causes a small traffic jam as admirers abandon their cars to take pictures. Yes, the limited-edition Norton actually stops traffic. 2 Look at me…

A Kawasaki ZX-10RR would probably lap a race track a fraction quicker, while Ducati’s Panigale V4 might be faster at some tracks. But if you’re only interested in lap times you’re missing the point of Norton’s new V4SS. This is the machine James Bond would ride, the Aston Martin of bikes and a stunning road version of Norton’s TT racer. While the chassis has true TT credibility, the V4SS is also a well-mannered and comfortable road bike. It’s fast, has masses of midrange power, sounds amazing and handles beautifully. In terms of ‘feelgood factor’ the V4SS is one of the most rewarding bikes I’ve ever ridden.…

1 Research & Development Gareth does all the design work with freelance programmers where needed. The algorithms are self-learning, so it’s just a case of determining where to join the wiring on a new model’s loom. 2 Taking the strain The fixing for the strain gauge is CNC-machined from aluminium then bead-blasted. 3 Gauge assembly Fixings for the shift rod are both left and right and threads, so it doesn’t matter which one you try to screw in. 4 The control box The circuit board is assembled in Hemel Hempsted to HM’s design. You can adjust sensitivity, kill-time and direction (for road or race shift) via a single button on the back of the unit. 5 End is looming Looms are specific to most bikes and come with the correct…

THE STUDENT Phil Weston, 68, Bristol President of Iron Butt UK, Phil’s racked up 134,000 miles in four years on his Tiger 800 and thinks nothing of 1000-mile days. Phil’s riding problem ‘I don’t like stopping! After miles of riding it goes awry when I get to a car park. I’ve even tipped off, both inconvenient and embarrassing.’ THE TUTOR Mark Edwards, Rapid Training A police motorcyclist for 18 years, Mark has been training people to be faster and safer on the road for more than 20 years. Mark’s action plan ‘I’ve a few techniques that’ll help Phil shift his mindset from miles to manoeuvring and make his stopping as impressive as his riding.’ THE LESSON 1 Paddle at your peril After hours in the saddle, Phil’s still in mileage…

Despite being a Kawasaki fan, MCN reader Barry Wroe found himself in a BMW showroom when he returned to biking four years ago. After finding his feet with an F800GT, impending retirement meant Barry started to feel the call of the wild and got the urge for some two-up touring with his wife. More power was required and Barry found himself back at Balderston BMW in Peterborough checking out the tourers. “There was no way I wanted a GS,” begins Barry as he describes his deliberations. “They’re too upright, and everyone’s got one. I’d been given an R1200RT as a loan bike and liked it, but just couldn’t get over the old-man styling... which led me to the R1200RS.” Trading in his F800GT, Barry was blown away by the lengths…

What makes a scooter a super-scooter? Basically, big engines (400cc up), lots of weather protection, big seats and somewhere to stash loads of luggage. The result is great commuters often bought by mature riders who maintain them properly. Cross the Channel and they are everywhere but they are growing in popularity here too. Just be warned that thieves like them too, especially in cities. YOUR EXPERT MCN’s resident used bike guru, Neil Murray has been buying and selling bikes for decades and can sniff out a bargain or a dog of a bike at 50 paces. £2050 YAMAHA TMAX 530cc | 46bhp | 800mm seat height ● Dealer £2500-£3000 ● Private £1000-£2500 ● This one 2009, 17,000 miles Arguably the best-handling super-scooter, partly due to its monoshock rear end and…

New Ducati team-mates Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci unveiled their 2019 bikes’ radical new paint scheme at the team’s official launch in Switzerland and then declared how they’re determined to start the season on a different footing to that of last year when Dovi and Lorenzo had a particularly fractious relationship. ‘Dovi has told me that he needs my help’ PETRUCCI ON DOVIZIOSO ‘We can do really good work together’ DOVIZIOSO ON PETRUCCI The mood was set by Ducati Corse general manager Gigi Dall’Igna who made a barely disguised attack on Lorenzo when describing Ducati’s reasons for bringing Petrucci from factory-supported satellite rider to be Dovizioso’s number two. He said: “One of the things we have changed for this season is the rider strategy. We’re moving from two…

Australian Toby Price showed just how much he wanted a second Dakar crown with a truly heroic performance that saw him rock to victory despite riding in agony due to a badly-damaged right wrist. The factory KTM rider was clearly in pain right from the opening stages and it initially seemed unlikely he could fight for the podium. But his eventual victory by 9m 13s over team-mate Matthias Walkner backs up his 2016 win and was KTM’s 18th consecutive Dakar victory. ‘I thought I’d only be able to do two stages and then pull out’ Price said: “It’s been a long ten days. Now I’ll just wait and see what damage I’ve done to my wrist, but the pain and torture has been worth it. I thought I’d only be…

Despite what most people think, there is no rule that you’re automatically at fault if you run into the rear of another vehicle. This was recently proved in a Scottish court after a motorcyclist collided with the rear of a car when the car performed an unexpected emergency stop. On May 29, 2016, biker Leslie O’Donnell was riding towards Oban, Scotland on the A82. Heading north at approximately 55mph, he caught up with a car heading in the same direction at 50mph. As O’Donnell prepared to overtake, the car driver braked suddenly. O’Donnell attempted to avoid the car but struck the rear of the, by then, stationary vehicle. O’Donnell was taken to hospital where he was found to have fractured his right knee and wrist. Following the incident, O’Donnell contacted…

Triumph have launched a stunning Factory Custom version of their flagship modern classic Thruxton R model, boasting carbon fibre bodywork, high-end suspension, and an engine overhaul that sees peak power jump to over 105bhp. The Thruxton TFC (Triumph Factory Custom) is the first bike to emerge from the new division, which has been created to tap into bikers’ appetite for customised bikes, but without all the hassle of bespoke builds, nullified warranties, dodgy wiring and other ownership headaches; like getting insurance cover and damaging the donor bike’s value. The perfect café racer Limited to just 750 individually numbered bikes worldwide, with each build “never to be repeated,” say Triumph, the Thruxton TFC will be individually numbered and come with a TFC handover pack and certificate signed by Triumph CEO Nick…

BMW’s cunning ShiftCam variable valve technology has now reached the R range. Offering a seamless boost in top end power and midrange, the system is a big step forward for the long-running model. But don’t worry if your budget won’t stretch to the latest R1250R because the R-series has an impressive history and there are plenty of used bikes to choose from at affordable prices. 2019 BMW R1250R What is it? The R1250R has been updated inline with the R1250GS range. It now has the new ShiftCam engine, suspension upgrade, electronics update and TFT dash. The naked R-model is also available with new ‘sports’ handlebars for a more dynamic riding position. MCN says “Naked version of BMW’s flagship machine.” Want to buy one? £145.68 x 35 months, £2243 deposit. 2009…

‘The taskforce will strengthen our response’ The Home Office has set up a vehicle taskforce after a huge rise in theft nationally. The taskforce is chaired by Policing Minister Nick Hurd MP and includes representatives from various police forces, insurers, the London Mayor’s office and the Motorcycle Retail Industry Association. After a 7% rise in theft across the country in the last 12 months, the taskforce is hoping to replicate the success the Metropolitan police have had in fighting motorcycle theft. The initiative is aiming not only to create positive action to directly reduce the numbers of thefts, but also promote increased best practice, awareness and security. ‘We will take swift and decisive action on crime’ NICK HURD MP “We are determined to take swift and decisive action on…

Power to the NMax Yamaha introduced VVA on its NMax scooter in 2015. It was triggered at 6000rpm and the change was less aggressive How high? The high-lift lobe pushes the intake valves around 10% further into the combustion chamber than the low-lift lobe High-lift effect A high-lift lobe allows more valve overlap, which is better at high revs as the overlap helps suck the fuel/air into the chamber Low-lift effect Reduced overlap raises torque and cuts the amount of unburnt fuel that is able to escape via the exhaust port It’s a tough time for kids these days. As if the stress of ten thousand exams wasn’t enough, they don’t even get the pleasures of eye-popping two-strokes. In fact, all A1-learner legal motorcycles are restricted to 14.5bhp (11 kW)…

GREEVES SCOTTISH Here I am (centre) in 1971 with our £35 Greeves which was dressed up as a Husqvana with real decals. Robin Strickland SUZUKI TS50ER It was 1981 and I’d bought my TS50ER from new for £450. My nephew, who is now 48, is on the back. Martin Meehan BSA C11G My mother and father on a BSA in the mid-50s. As the story goes, they fell off on their way to this holiday in Somerset but they seem none the worse for it in this picture. Simon Smith I was two when this picture was taken in 1959. At present I’m riding a ZXR750R. Frederick A White HONDA CB200 My first proper bike in 1976 (I had a Mobylette before). My mother thought it was a…

BOOK NOW PADDOCK PASSES SELLING FAST Peter Hickman, the fastest man ever around the TT course, will go head-to-head with TT rival James Hillier and GP legend Wayne Gardner around the banking in the Michelin Thunderdrome at next month’s Carole Nash MCN London Show. Also confirmed for the star-studded line-up are Neil Hodgson, Kyle Ryde, Tim Neave, Richard Cooper and Tom Neave. The best way to enjoy the Michelin Thunderdrome is with a Paddock Pass which includes show entry and gets you… ● Guaranteed best seats in the house ● Meet-and-greet session with the stars ● Use of the riders’ VIP bar area ● Includes show entry from just £40 MORE NEW ROAD BIKES THAN EVER BEFORE See the latest bikes from AJS, BMW, CCM, Ducati, Ducati Scrambler, Energica, Herald,…

You may not think that something as seemingly basic as a quickshifter can make that much of a difference to a race team. But consider the number of gear changes a bike completes per lap and the amount of stress on a gearbox and you start to understand why this tech is vital for fast lap times. And in the premier class of bike racing, where performance is the be-all and end-all, nearly all the Moto2 and Moto3 grid use the same unit: a British-built HM Quickshifter. And the only reason MotoGP teams don’t is down to seamless-shift boxes. “In the 1990s I was working as an electrical engineer in the banking industry and at Microsoft, but it wasn’t my passion and so I decided to go and do my…

‘I’ve had big injuries before but nothing on this scale’ It’s now nearly three months since Cal Crutchlow had his horrific high-speed crash at Phillip Island, when he was pushed wide by high winds onto wet kerbs at the frighteningly fast Turn One. After falling and suffering a serious multiple fracture to his right ankle, he’s had a number of operations followed by extensive rehabilitation on his road to recovery. Recuperating at his home in the mountains outside San Diego, California, Crutchlow told MCN when we visited last week that things could have been a lot worse. “I knew at the start that it was a really bad injury, and my surgeon told me afterwards how close they were to fusing it because of how bad the fracture was. It’s…

Yorkshireman and BMW R1200GS Adventure rider, Justin Sargeant, says he’s spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing his favourite route because his home county is packed not just with amazing roads but also plenty of amazing views and even biker-friendly cafés where you can stop and grab a cuppa. “But this is my favourite. There’s a great mix of straights, twists, views and also loads of great cafés if you want to take a break. “On a weekend it’s a gateway to the east coast and there’s perfect biking roads from the café. I love the stretch that takes you past Fylingdales on the Whitby to Scarborough road.” ‘It’s a gateway to the east coast at the weekend’…

1. KEEP ALERT Although you’ve arrived, remain alert. Lapses in concentration cause accidents. Keep looking/planning as you would on the road. 2. OBSERVE You’re in an unfamiliar area, it may be dark and you’re probably tired so ensure you look at your surroundings thoroughly. 3. MAKE A PLAN What’s the surface like? Is there plenty of space? Where’s the exit? The answers to these will make life easier later. 4. DON’T RUSH When coming to a stop, apply the front brake gently to avoid unsettling the bike. Lightly add rear brake for more control. 5. PICK A FOOT Novices learn to plant left feet so the right can cover the brake; police use their right so can select a gear. Both are valid. 6. BE FIRM As you come to…

The 2019 WSB season kicks off today with a two-day test at Jerez in preparation for the season opener in Phillip Island in just over four weeks’ time. Since the 2018 season finished, questions have been rife as to whether Kawasaki’s Jonathan Rea, who has romped to victory in the last four world championships, can be stopped in 2019 with several squads upping their game. Beating such an established pairing as Rea and Kawasaki is no easy task. But early signs from tests in Jerez last November suggest Rea could face a tougher challenge this year, not least from MotoGP exile Alvaro Bautista who will campaign Ducati’s new Panigale V4R, which boasts MotoGPstyle winglets and packs 230bhp. With Phillip Island just around the corner, this week’s test, which is followed…

“It’s fine and we talk. I talk to most riders. There’s not really that much to say. I’ve been surprised on a few occasions like at Brno [where the pair clashed and Rea crashed out] and I thought it was quite arrogant that he stood on the side of the track and clapped trying to pin the blame on me. For him, it’s always someone else’s fault or a mechanical issue. But that doesn’t sit well with my upbringing. If I make a mistake I own up to it. “At the time I was under a lot of pressure in my private life. I wasn’t getting the best from my work and then, in my opinion, he ran wide and cut back and made some unnecessary comments to follow it…

Triumph have also confirmed that the second model in the new TFC range will be based on a Rocket. With no such model in the current range, as it was killed off two years ago by Euro4 emissions regulations, this also confirms MCN’s recent speculation that a new Rocket launch is on the horizon. Oddly touted as a concept bike at the TFC launch, Triumph say there will be a full announcement on May 1 about this second model in the range. But there’s no doubt that this is far more than just a concept. Boasting a mass of premium finishes and a dual/single seat modularity, the TFC version is a bold return for the leviathan. There’s an all-new engine that looks set to pack 2500cc and in excess of…

‘Sun, lakes or mountains with R5K you can do them all’ We all ride for different reasons. But whether you’re a commuter, summer Sunday warrior or ride year-round, it’s always good to share experiences, either at the time with friends or down the line with some epic pictures. We asked our R5K members for pictures of their best biking memories and were soon inundated with replies. Alan Walker recently took his Indian Roadmaster with wife Sue to Belach na Ba in the Scottish Highlands. He said: “Sun, sea or sand, lakes or mountains, with R5K you don’t have to choose, you can do them all.” Colin Berry recently found a pic from 2017 when he did the North Coast 500 and it’s inspired him to have another crack in 2019.…

Skinner is a winner and deserves a top ride I was disappointed and somewhat surprised to hear that Rory Skinner is struggling for a ride in 2019 (MCN, January 16). Despite being at an obvious size disadvantage, he proved to be the class of the field in last year’s British Talent Cup and it was no fluke when he won the championship outright with four wins and four seconds in the somewhat disjointed ten-race series. Despite this, he was overlooked for the British Talent Team in the Dornabacked 2019 junior world championship. The British Talent Cup organisers need to review their programme and commitment with a clearer and more defined rewards structure, particularly for the winner, otherwise their series may just become irrelevant. As for Rory, hang in there (but…

Does it get any better than this? I’m in the south of France, preparing to ride some of the most spectacular and sun-kissed roads in Europe on the Norton V4SS. Better still, it’s the very first one to roll off the production line with a plaque proclaiming it number 1/200. As I leave the glamour of Cannes, I’m barely able to contain my excitement. Very few are ever going to experience a V4SS (all 200 of the limited run have already been sold) but I’ve 250 miles ahead on our special Riviera version of the MCN250. The road clings to the cliff edge, red rock to my right, Mediterranean to my left. We drop to sea level, glimpsing the occasional trillion-Euro villa, as the V4SS stretches its legs on roads…

This week’s continental version of the MCN250 crosses over itself and heads to Vence and the D2. This is a special road, like something from a car-chase movie. The first section is fast and smooth as you ride along the valley where the Norton V4 sounds epic. The drive in the midrange is class-leading and with so little traffic it’s easy to get carried away. The views are mind-blowing at the start of the Pas de Tous Vents, so time to back off the speed and just enjoy the ride as the road carves into the mountain through roughly cut tunnels. It’s stunning. Thankfully with a vertical drop at one side and a mountain to the other, the Norton takes the change in pace in its stride; it’s simple and…

‘I can’t believe how good, simple and affordable it is’ The sun is high in the sky. There’s not a cloud in sight. It’s 20 degrees C, and the warmth seeping through my lightweight enduro kit is erasing the memory of a cold and grey English January. Just a few hours earlier I was shivering on British soil, now I’m roosting Spanish dirt on a freshly-prepped KTM, on what seems like a summer’s day and all for just £199 with Offroad Orange. I may have got up early and spent £50 for a budget SleazyJet flight to Malaga but I feel like I’ve won the lottery. After winding my way up another dirt trail to the top of yet another Spanish peak, I pause for a breather and survey our…

1 Assess the symptoms The symptoms of a decaying electrical charging system can be manifested in several ways. With the battery not charging as it should, you may discover that the engine turns over very lazily when the starter is pushed. Or, with the bike running, headlights that dim when the indicators or brake lights come on is another tell-tale sign. 2 The guilty party… A faulty regulator/rectifier is the most common cause of charging issues, and some models are more prone to problems with this component than others. The function of the reg/rec is simple: it takes AC electrical current from the alternator and changes it to DC and regulates the voltage to suit the battery’s charging requirements. 3 Know your multimeter The next step requires using an electrical…

Brit Richard Main’s Dakar ended in a serious crash on stage nine. The 53-year-old had impressed by climbing from a lowly 147 start number to running comfortably inside the top 80. Speaking from his hospital bed in Peru, he said: “I was riding over some big dipper-style dunes but one just suddenly ended and it was a sheer drop the other side. It was like riding off a block of flats.” He suffered a shattered pelvis, broken T3 vertebra, internal bleeding and a cut to his chin that required 60 stitches. Currently fitted with an external fixator he’s due to have his pelvis plated and will hopefully then be able to fly back to the UK.…

‘It’s been physically and mentally tough’ Britain’s Sam Sunderland claimed a hard-earned Dakar podium with third place against all the odds. The 29-year-old showed incredible pace to win two stages but his race hopes were hit first by stopping to help a fallen rival then being given a one-hour time penalty for allegedly tampering with his navigational equipment, a penalty later withdrawn by the organisers. He also lost over 20 minutes when he broke his rear brake caliper on stage eight. He finished the 3438-mile race 13m 34s behind winner Price. Although the 2019 Dakar was significantly shorter in terms of stages and distance, organisers made up for it with difficult navigation and brutal terrain. Sunderland told MCN: “Yeah, it’s been physically and mentally really difficult. Being 90% off-piste the…