Table of contents for 30th October 2019 in MCN

Episode three of the BBC’s new documentary: ‘The Met: Policing London’, featured officers from Operation Venice as they pursued and investigated a series of scooter crimes. During one scene, PCs Andy Reeder and Allan Baker-Perkins discussed the difficulty of using what they describe as ‘a high-risk tactic’. “You have to balance up so much in a very short space of time,” said PC Reeder. Later in the episode the tactic is used to bring a pursuit to an end. ‘The Met: Policing London’ is available on the BBC iPlayer.…

Suzuki’s Motorcycle Live builds and restoration projects have become a mainstay of the manufacturer’s stand. Last year they restored the first ever RG500, prior to that Kevin Schwantz’s 1989 RGV500 and a 1985 GSX-R750F were returned to their original condition, the Team Classic Suzuki Katana was built at the show, and in 2014 a TL1000S was assembled from scratch. This year Suzuki will stick with the square-four, two-stroke theme, with two of Barry Sheene’s race bikes getting the restoration treatment after arriving back in the UK from Australia earlier in the year. The twice-world champion’s 1984, Harris-framed, DAF-sponsored XR45 will be refurbished along with a special XR23A; a 652cc big-bore RG500, which was raced in the Trans Atlantic series and the F1 Championship back in 1979. The bikes will be…

Q ‘Can I claim against idiot cyclist?’ I was riding along the Finchley Road in London when a cyclist came out of a side road to my left without stopping. I did my best to not take him out but lost control and came off. I ended up crushing my ankle and am still on crutches. Although the cyclist did not stop (!) a witness caught up with him and called the police. He was arrested for failing to stop and the police have provided me with his details for a civil claim. The problem is: what if he has no money? Cyclists, unlike motorists, don’t need to have insurance. Liam Barnes, London ‘You may be able to claim against his home policy’ A You are correct that it is…

No engine configuration has had such a prolific turnaround in fortunes, popularity and success as the humble parallel twin. From backbone of the British bike industry in the mid 20th century, to virtually extinct by the early 2000s, to now powering every conceivable shape, style and flavour of machine. Perhaps its most popular manifestation is Yamaha’s 689cc design. Debuting in the 2014 MT-07, the motor’s feisty delivery powered the naked on to become Yamaha’s most-bought bike across Europe and, according to the firm, “one of Yamaha’s best-selling bikes of all time”. That covers a remarkable amount of ground. In the five years since its arrival, Yamaha have repurposed the motor in the retro-styled XSR700 and the taller, more practical Tracer 700. But its biggest challenge yet is in powering the…

FIRST RACE TEAM In 1996, Crescent Suzuki enters BSB with a pair of Suzuki GSX-R750Ts. The riders are Paul Denning and Ian Cobby, although quickly Paul takes on a team managerial role and is replaced by Jim Moodie. BSB CHAMPIONS Having secured three British Supersport titles, Crescent take the 2004 BSB title with John Reynolds. Yukio Kagayama takes third. “The factory were so happy it led to them asking us to run their MotoGP project.” MOTOGP WINNERS 2007 sees Chris Vermeulen take the team’s first win at a wet Le Mans on the 800cc GSV-R. He follows it up with a third at the Brit GP and finishes the season in 6th place, two positions behind John Hopkins in 4th overall. WSB CHAMPS Crescent swap to WSB for 2012, running…

“It is truly amazing that after 400 races Valentino maintains so much commitment and motivation for every aspect of racing. It is extraordinary in such a very tough sport as MotoGP and it is something for which I have huge respect. “And then there is what Valentino has given back to the sport on all levels with his success and global profile and the contribution to young riders through his riding academy which Yamaha supports. “And then there’s his endless enthusiasm for his devoted fans. “Valentino’s race win at Phillip Island in 2004, which clinched his first championship with Yamaha, was an awesome moment. It was mission accomplished for the project in Valentino’s first year with Yamaha and my first year as team principal. “Valentino’s mother Stefania was there with…

Mike Allsop Age 50 Bike BMW R1200GSA Mike rode from Birmingham for the event and camped close to the school. “The last time I rode off-road was when I was about 15 when we used to it ride around a field, but it’s not quite the same! “I’m on my second GSA and always wondered how they are off-road. I’ve only ever used them as a touring bike. After today, I can see they’re seriously good. “Going down hills was a highlight and if you’d told me this morning I’d be doing 50mph on a trail, I’d have said ‘No chance.’ “It makes you think more about what you’re doing. We all ride in a certain way and you have to tell yourself you’re now off-road and you need to…

It’s hard to believe I’ve been testing the mammoth Versys 1000 SE since early April, tackling the back end of winter, a summer of weekend blasts, thousands of commuting miles in all weathers and even a trackday. With every new challenge, my admiration for the bike has increased; capable of hours of continuous comfort when you need it, as well as boasting bags of backroad ability when you fancy a good scratch. It’s good on fuel, gives a smooth power delivery, and would be the ideal companion for cross-continental epics. However, it hasn’t all been plain sailing. This is the story of our first 10,000 miles together. 600 miles Being just 5ft6in tall, early rides on the Versys felt quite daunting. With the bike weighing 257kg wet and with a…

1979 The first back protector, designed by Mark Sadler with input from Barry Sheene, was inspired by a lobster’s body – and became known as the ‘Aragosta’. 1993 An evolution of the Aragosta, BAP featured overlapping plates which gave great impact protection without compromising freedom of movement. 1996 Space was the first to feature a honeycomb structure beneath the outer shell. 2002 The fourth generation of back protector introduced cooling ventilation. 2013 The Manis was inspired by the Pangolin - the only mammal to have scales. 2016 Pro-Armor is where safety and comfort combine, thanks to great ventilation. 2019 Pro-Speed uses 40 years of know-how to produce the ultimate in Dainese back protection. Available as an in-garment item, or as a standalone layer of security. Dainese products, including the D-air…

Richa Nimbus textile jacket £349.99 Tested by Ben Clarke for 12 months, 6000 miles I wouldn’t normally consider a £350 jacket to be a budget option, but if you take a look at top-end laminated kit, the Nimbus suddenly seems very reasonable. The zips are chunky, strong and easy to operate with cold hands, and the stitching feels really strong, too. So far, so good but unfortunately the jacket doesn’t keep the water out during longer rides in bad weather, leaking at the arms and the zip. On the plus side, it does keep you warm with its removable liner, and the ventilation on warmer days is effective. The Nimbus comes with CE Level 1-approved D3O protection at the elbows and shoulders as well as a back protector. The reflective…

Cleaner There are loads of excellent bike cleaners available, such as Rock Oil’s Dirt Blaster (£9.99). Apply direct to a bike that’s been wetted, then leave to dwell for a minute. Application brush Having a selection of brushes for getting into those hard-to-reach places saves a lot of time and allows you to do a better job. Anti-corrosion products and microfibre cloths MCN’s favourite corrosion protection solutions are ACF-50 (£12.49) and XCP Rust Blocker (£14) because they both provide long-lasting coverage. Always apply with a clean microfibre cloth. T-bar Allen keys These provide ideal feel for removing the fastenings on bodywork and fairing panels. •Tell us about your favourite at mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com…

Do you remember where you were on March 31, 1996? Maybe crawling round on all fours, a grown-up wiping up behind you. Or maybe even not yet born at all? Rossi remembers. Riding in his first GP at the steamy old Kuala Lumpur circuit of Shah Alam he came sixth. Later that year he would take the first of what’s currently a total of 115 grand prix wins. You couldn’t fail to notice him. A teenager who modelled himself on Prince Valiant, he was everywhere, like, as the saying goes, a rash. He has been ever since. Charming and ruthlessly cynical in equal measure – and heroically successful. Sunday in Australia marked his 400th GP, one among so many records. How to put it into proportion? Well, how about waking…

“Marc is so young and fast I think it will be easy for him to go ahead of my 68 wins in the premier class now that he has 55 victories. For sure he will win many more races and titles. At Phillip Island he was very clever, he studied Viñales for the whole race to learn the best way to overtake him. Many times he came alongside and then he closed the throttle to wait for the best moment. The Honda is very fast now and when he passed the Yamaha on the final lap it was easy.”…

THIS WEEK THURSDAY 31ST ‘Harleyween’ Bike Night Reading Harley-Davidson, Reading, Berkshire. Entry 6pm-9pm Info www.lind.co.uk THURSDAY 31ST No Limits track day Donington Park GP Circuit, Derbyshire Entry£89 Info01525-877087 or www.nolimitstrackdays.com FRIDAY 1ST MAD Tour - Steve Parrish Melton Theatre, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Entry7.30pm, Standard ticket £21, Concessions £19.50 Info01664-851111 or www.madtour.co.uk SUNDAY 3RD Ton Up Day Ace Cafe, Stonebridge, London Entry9am-5pm Info020-8961-1000 or www.london.acecafe.com TUESDAY 5TH Squires Cafe Firework Display Newthorpe near Sherburn in Elmet, West Yorks EntryFrom 6pm, fireworks start approx. 7.30pm Info01977-684618 or www.squires-cafe.co.uk YOUR HANDY EVENTS GUIDE Find more great things to do in your area…

Suzuki’s stand will also feature Richard Cooper’s National Superstock 1000 Championship-winning GSX-R1000 and Alex Rins’ GSX-RR, which won the British Grand Prix at Silverstone this year. Cooper took 11 wins on his way to winning the 2019 superstock title and finished off the podium just once. He’d wrapped it up with two rounds to spare. Rins’ Silverstone victory means Suzuki has won two of the last three British Grands Prix. Suzuki will be on stand 4D20 in hall four.…

Even considered exclusively as a road bike, the Ténéré is the best choice here. It may be a sliver down on power and agility, but those tiny detriments are more than made up for by its huge advantages in suspension quality, chassis composure, comfort and overall air of quality. The MT-07 offers great value, never fails to entertain (as long as you’re in a similar mood) and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. The Tracer is a solid all-rounder but the least convincing proposition – especially now that an even more practical version of the 689cc twin exists. All three testers agree: the Ténéré would be our pick for another lap of the MCN250.…

Indian’s new Challenger is a smooth operator and its PowerPlus motor is the star of the show. Packed with grunt, the big bagger is fast and refined with a dash of burbling American character. It’s supremely comfortable, but the controls aren’t perfect and the screen can be troublesome. It’s composed for a bike of its size and shines on long motorways, flowing corners and even in the tight stuff, but it can be unwieldy at walking pace. It’s not cheap, compared to its competition so only serious V-twin touring fans need apply. Tech spec What it costs £24,999 To be confirmed…

CARMELO EZPELETA DORNA CEO ‘Valentino has been an incredible rider and he is showing this now more than ever. And his personality is fantastic, always giving something positive to the series.’ COLIN EDWARDS FORMER TEAMMATE ‘It’s phenomenal and makes me feel older. It’s unbelievable that Valentino is still doing it at 40. But with no kids and no wife it’s a bit easier. His whole life is motorcycles.’ JEREMY BURGESS EX-CREW CHIEF ‘The most impressive thing was his calmness in the garage. 2001 on the Honda NSR500 was very significant, the final year of two-strokes. He really loved that bike.’ GIGI DALL’IGNA DUCATI CORSE DIRECTOR ‘His most important contribution is that he’s attracted fans outside of motorcycling. He’s driven interest in MotoGP to a massive new level.’…

Level One, £519 Learn off-road basics, bike balance, manoeuvring, low-speed control and light trails. Level One – Targeted Training, £519 A Level One course exclusively for women. Run twice a year. Level Two – Foundation course, £519 This consolidates everything you’ve learned in Level One and refines core skills like body position and clutch control. Level Two, £519 With more complex trails and tracks, this puts skills into practice, as well as working on more difficult terrain. Level Three, £519 More advanced techniques for true off-roaders. Skills include power slides and slide turns. www.offroadskills.com…

• Twelve new bikes • Thousands of real-world test miles • What works, what doesn’t and what fails • How to get the most out of your new bike • The best mods, parts and accessories tried, tested and reviewed • No punches pulled • See the whole fleet story so far online at motorcyclenews.com 8593 MILES BMW S1000RR Sport 4432 MILES Ducati Diavel S 4795 MILES Triumph Speed Twin 3764 MILES Ducati Scrambler Café Racer 1411 MILES Indian FTR1200S 3917 MILES Suzuki Katana 10,497 MILES Yamaha Niken GT 8884 MILES KTM 790 Adventure R…

I LIKE • The stylish, practical panniers. • The spoked wheels and the whole look of the bike. • The reliability. I always know that it’s going to get me home. • The fact that Triumph is a British brand employing people in the UK. There’s a great pride in that for me. I DON’T • It’s a very heavy bike to manoeuvre with the engine off. • The dash is too hard to read accurately and the LCD info is very small. • The headlight could be brighter, but I have restricted it with the guard. • The wire wheels are hard to clean. QUICK SPECS • 900cc • 54bhp • 198kg • 750mm seat height PRICE NEW £9500 VALUE NOW £7500…

A few of us in the showroom ride all year round. A bit of it is wanting to ‘out man’ each other when it’s really cold, but in the main it’s because there’s no better way to beat the traffic than on a bike. And two wheels are always fun. Keeping our bikes in good nick doesn’t take as much effort as most people think. The main thing is a decent anti-corrosion spray – Putoline PPF-52 is good (and brings plastics up a treat), and ACF-50 is very effective. These prevent the chemical reaction that causes rust and fur. They also mean you don’t have to wash the bike every ride. I do mine once a week, hosing with cold water – you might think hot water is the way…

• BREATHABILITY The level of ventilation of a back protector determines its comfort and, consequently, a rider’s confidence, particularly on the hottest of days on road or track. • LOADDISSIPATION The capacity to disperse the energy from an impact is the main characteristic of a protector. The force absorbed is not transmitted to the body of the rider. • LIGHTNESS This sort of lightweight protector can be more comfortably worn over a longer period of time, without affecting your riding or movement in the saddle. • AREA COVERAGE A large back protector coverage area means greater protection. It is essential to choose the right balance between coverage and freedom of movement. • FIT& INTEGRATION Fit and integration with the jacket or leathers are essential characteristics in order to allow as…

Many of us have experienced that cold chill when we stare at an empty parking space and realise that our bike has been stolen. A Honda Deauville rider in Ipswich went through similar emotions when he thought his shock absorber had gone walkies. ‘The owner told us someone had nicked his shock’ “He was in quite a flap, pointing at the vacant mounting point and wondering who would do such a thing,” explained Chris Self, of Chris Self Motorcycles in Ipswich. Chris quickly reassured him that no crime had taken place as he could push up and down on the rear end and feel the shock working. The single shock the bike uses is tucked away near the front of the swingarm, and that vacant cast mounting point was because…

Italjet have announced the return of their much-loved twist-’n’-go Dragster scooter with the statement: “We are not joking!” Using a hub-centre-steered front end and an exposed trellis frame in red or yellow, the Dragster certainly demands attention. It will be available in 125cc, 150cc and 200cc forms, all now being liquid-cooled, four-stroke (not two-stroke as before) singles. There’s no word yet on price but MCN will be at EICMA to bring you all the latest news as we get it.…

BSB champion Scott Redding and WSB king Jonathan Rea will lead the charge of racing stars at Motorcycle Live in Birmingham next month. The show runs at the NEC from November 16-24 and will see a stack of stars attend over the nine-day event. Redding will appear on ‘BSB day’ on Saturday November 23 when he’ll be posing for selfies with show-goers and signing autographs. There also be a host of TT stars, including Michael Dunlop, James Hillier and Bruce Anstey at the event on Sunday, November 17.…

I took a ride to the English Electric Motorcycle Company the other day with this whiny voice in my head repeating the mantra that ‘electric is the future, we’re running out of gasoline, the death of the combustion engine is nigh.’ Blah blah blah. And boy do I feel ignorant now. One of the most impressive advantages that electrics offer over their gas-powered brethren is their inherent ability for extreme acceleration. With huge torque that is instantly available with a twist of the wrist, it’s unarguable that electric motors are capable of performance that is nearly impossible to match with petrol. After gripping on for dear life I’m convinced they’re the future, but it’s not led by emissions. Will we miss the good old combustion engine purr, after all #loudpipessavelives,…

The family of Harry Dunn are beginning legal action against the Foreign and Commonwealth Office under the belief that the information it provided to the Northamptonshire police was unlawful. At the same time, they have also referred the Police to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Family spokesperson Radd Seiger said: “We are absolutely clear that the Foreign Office’s decision to advise Northamptonshire Police that Mrs Sacoolas had the benefit of diplomatic immunity was unlawful and we’ll be seeking a judicial review of that decision to have it quashed.” Northamptonshire Police have since said they intend to travel to the US to interview Sacoolas under caution.…

Gerbil smugglers Congratulations to Scott Redding for his BSB triumph, but I find it hard to believe he’d say anything as stupid and inappropriate as: “I’ve been like a dog let out of a cage.” Who keeps a dog in a cage? Perhaps he’s thinking of a budgie? Or a gerbil? Chris Myers, email Bruce Almighty Loved John McGuinness’ column about the great Bruce Anstey (MCN, October 23). It’s time there was a bravery award with his name on! Robert Boss, email Great service, thanks I contacted Parkroad Motorcycles of Shirley Road, Southampton late one afternoon and did a great deal with Carl for two Arai Helmets with Pinlock inserts. The service was second to none. The helmets were swiftly dispatched and, incredibly, I received them the next day, furthermore…

Once you’ve been inspired by the incredible tales from some of the UK’s best-known travellers, head over to the RiDE magazine workshop area for hands-on demonstrations of the tasks and challenges you could be faced with on your travels. From off-roading a fully loaded bike, to changing a tyre in the bush our professionals have the experience and knowledge to get you back on track. Better still, all workshop sessions and stage talks at the show are completely free.…

• ‘We learn to balance a bike with one finger’ It’s something I say to myself 50 times as I approach the brow of the rock-strewn, gravelly hill, ready for the descent: ‘Whatever you do, don’t touch the brakes.’ Tipping past the point of no return, the BMW R1250GS’s engine braking saves me from an expensive and almost certainly painful fall. Ignoring the loose cobbles and crevices, I force myself to look at the horizon. Then, with the ground levelling out, I apply some gentle throttle before snicking second, blasting up the track and roosting any onlookers, with a beaming smile on my face. Just 24 hours earlier I’d swung my leg over the R1250GS for the first time, trembling at the prospect of what was before me. I’m in…

Living on the edge of the pretty South Downs, Mike regularly takes a spin out on his Ducati Diavel to explore some local biking roads. One of his favourite routes is littered with biker-friendly cafés. It starts at Goodwood Motor Circuit, ends at Loomies and passes Whiteways, meaning there’s plenty of chance to combine some fantastic riding with a decent cuppa. “I like the fact there’s loads of clear straights and sweeping bends as well as some tight twisties,” he says. “It’s great, there’s so many different types of roads to ride and villages to enjoy.” ‘It’s a great way to spend an afternoon’ FACTFILE Downs and out – 43 miles Leave Goodwood Motor Circuit behind and head to Chichester, pick up the A27 then peel off on the A29.…

The look of a bike is one thing, but the sound of a bike, well now you’re talking. For me, my ultimate is a big thumping single. To my ears, it’s unbeatable. The big twin Scrambler 1200XE ought to be more fruity, but is lacking a good soundtrack to go with its stunning looks. And even with £700 of Arrow’s great looking twin headed stainless-steel silencer, there was very little to write home about. After a bit of research on the internet I found Italian company Free Spirits (www.freespiritsparts. com), who produce a handcrafted H-pipe (de-cat) for €308 excluding tax, this replaces the standard Triumph header pipes thus doing away the built-in catalytic convertor, allowing the 1200 twin to breathe properly. There are no shortcuts to fitting the header pipes,…

“I came here thinking I needed to sharpen my braking, but when Mark pointed out my overtakes needed work I realised even if I was the best at emergency stops I wouldn’t have been able to stop in time if I needed to. I think I’ve a track mentality because of the bike I ride – I’ve got to get past the vehicle in front because it’s in my way. As I ride every day and don’t drive much, I don’t appreciate what it’s like from a car driver’s point of view to have this big, green bike filling your mirrors. Now I realise I’ve got to give myself more space and time, and it feels good being smoother and slicker. I can make more progress by taking a bit…

1. Halvarssons 310 leather jacket £279 I’ve got two of these (the other’s red) and like them because they fit so nicely. It has protection in all the right places and I like the fact it zips to my trousers. The pocket zips can be prone to getting caught on the lining, though. 2. Halvarssons Rider leather trousers £279 They’re comfortable, fit right and attach to the jacket. It’s difficult to find good women’s kit but these are spot-on. The knee protection is very good and they feel much more secure than jeans or leggings. 3. Shark Spartan Carbon helmet £369.99 I was disappointed to begin with, as it was too tight. It’s bedded in a bit since and I love the look of it. 4. TCX…

• ‘The Pro-Speed’s exclusive aluminium internal structure offers maximum protection against impact’ COMPANY STATS COMPANY Dainese SPA FOUNDED 1972 HEADQUARTERS Colceresa, Italy NUMBER OF STAFF Over 800 UK DAINESE STORES Four Even a motorcycling icon like Dainese can’t sit on its leather-clad laurels for long. The Italian firm has been leading the charge to combine style with safety since 1972, and relentless innovation is one of the primary reasons for their success. Back in 1972, founder Lino Dainese, who was just 20 at the time, began making protective apparel for motorcyclists. He started with leather trousers for motocross riders, and things grew quickly from there. Right from the off, Dainese looked for new and improved ways to protect riders and to manufacture his bike clothing. He studied the injuries that…

Founded in 1972 by Lino Dainese, true to its mission of advocating and delivering safety in dynamic sports, the company designs advanced protective head-to-toe gear for motorcycling, winter sports, cycling, horse riding and sailing. In 2007 Dainese acquired the iconic premium sport helmet manufacturer AGV, established in 1947. The new Dainese Settantadue brand, established in 2017, reinterprets the design of historic garments that are a part of the stylistic heritage of the group, with a contemporary twist. Dainese and AGV products represent the technology frontier in the field of protection for dynamic sports and are used by the world’s top athletes including Valentino Rossi.…

Applying an anti-corrosion treatment to your bike is a job that can’t be rushed. You need to set aside at least half a day to make sure that your bike is spotlessly clean, polished and dry before you start the application. Then you need to methodically work the product into each and every metal part, paying particular attention to the areas that take the most winter abuse, such as exhaust downpipes, fork legs and low-slung fasteners. This is a labour of love – the more time and care that you can devote to it, the better the product will perform. If you don’t have the time or attention span to devote to this task but still want to benefit from the rust-beating benefits, you can always just splash your cash…

‘It’s great – but bittersweet as I’m leaving Yamaha’ Alex Lowes had one of his best-ever race weekends to fend off teammate Michael van der Mark and Puccetti Kawasaki’s Toprak Razgatlioglu to secure third in the WSB standings – just before Razgatlioglu takes Lowes’ seat at Pata Yamaha team in 2020. The Brit, who’ll ride for Kawasaki alongside five-time champion Jonathan Rea next year, qualified on the front row for the first time in seven months before leaving Qatar with two thirds and a fourth. “It’s great to get third in the championship,” declared the 29-year-old. “I’ve managed to be consistently fighting for the podium. It’s a great ending but bittersweet as I’m leaving Yamaha. I’ve really enjoyed working with the team. I’m proud to be third and will enjoy…

‘This feels awesome. What a year it’s been’ One year on from the terrifying 150mph crash at Phillip Island’s scary first corner threatened to end his career, Cal Crutchlow conquered his fears to give himself an early 34th birthday present in Australia by finishing a brilliant second. The Briton watched last year’s race from a Melbourne hospital bed loaded up on painkillers after suffering multiple fractures in his right leg and ankle when he fell at Doohan Corner in FP2. The Honda rider was then side-lined for the remainder of the season before going through months of rehabilitiation to battle back from injuries which he feared would prevent him from ever racing again. Crutchlow may have a reputation as a hard man but even he conceded that his high-speed smash…

MotoGP rookies Pecco Bagnaia and Joan Mir both scored season best results in the Australian GP. Moto2 world champion Bagnaia finally delivered for his Pramac Ducati team with a thrilling ride to fourth from 15th on the grid, just 0.1s behind teammate Jack Miller. “I can’t be disappointed so close to the podium,” he said afterwards. “It’s an important step forward.” Factory Suzuki rider Mir was a further 0.3s behind in fifth after a last lap pass on Ducati’s Andrea Dovizioso. “I had a lot of good fights in the race which again showed the Suzuki has podium potential if we start closer to the front,” he said.…