Table of contents for 1 July 2020 in MCN

Yamaha have unleashed a Ténéré 700 Rally Edition following the huge success of the standard bike since its launch last year. Already the best-selling middleweight adventure bike in Europe with over 8000 examples sold, Yamaha have now boosted the appeal of the brilliantly versatile Ténéré 700 with this uprated, more off-road-orientated model and a vast array of special accessories. The Rally Edition’s special blue/yellow livery complete with black ‘speed blocks’ comes directly from Yamaha’s very first Ténéré – the 1983 XT600Z. That bike, essentially an enlarged XT500 single with a bigger capacity fuel tank, long-travel forks and disc front brake, was built to commemorate the XT’s victories in the then Paris-Dakar Rally in 1979 and 1980. It proved such a hit that it spawned a series of Ténéré successors, including…

I dropped my H2 into my local dealer for an MoT, and he mentioned that he’d sold “quite a lot” of scooters during lockdown. “In fact, we’ve done really well on them.” Commuters not wanting to chance public transport? I hazarded. “Well, yes, them too, but mainly it’s people on furlough. They’re buying them on credit and using them for Deliveroo for the days they’re not working. Some are making more money doing that than they were in their proper jobs.” Apart from this being brilliant (and legal), it raises the question of what twist & go 125cc scooter you want, if you’re planning on doing similar or don’t fancy the risks of infection on the trains and buses. Basically, it comes down to two: the Honda PCX125 and the…

Alpinestars SMX PLUS v2 £289.99 The new SMX Plus v2 Boot blends sleek sports styling with advanced protection features. The durable and light microfibre upper is reinforced with a rugged polymer protector and the exclusive Multi-Link Control (MLC) system prevents ankle torsion in an accident while offering freedom of movement both on and off the bike. www.alpinest ars.com RST Race Dept V4.1 Airbag leathers £899 Made from a mix of kangaroo and cowhide, this suit comes with an In&Motion airbag system built in. A monthly subscription is €12, but the leathers come with a year’s free track subscription (worth €24). Stretch panels and perforations allow for ventilation and freedom of movement on the bike and the suit exceeds the AAA CE rating. The suit is available in black…

ROLAND JOHNS Age 69 Height 6ft 1in Current bikes Triumph Tiger Explorer and Thunderbird First bike BSA C10 Dream bike I love all bikes, but adventure bikes suit me “Before buying my second-generation Triumph Tiger Explorer I owned a Tiger 800 XC, which I traded in a 2010 Bonneville for. I opted for the more off-road focused 800 model as it sat taller, which was helpful as I’m over six-feet tall, and its longer suspension was also higher quality than the XR version and gave it more street presence. “After owning it for a while I updated to the 1200 as it was a better long distance tourer, especially with a pillion, due to its bigger-capacity motor. I love Triumph’s triple motor, so the Tiger was all I considered, and…

WINNING AT THE TT Ron started building frames for a local club racer called Charlie Williams. Charlie won two TTs in 1973 with Ron’s frames, which got the pair of them noticed. Charlie went on to win another seven TTs while Ron was asked to work with the Suzuki GP team. THE TWO RONS… Ron really enjoyed working with Ron Haslam): “He was lovely. He gave 100% and when he came in, he’d give you the first three things that needed to change. What more can you ask?” FACTORY HONDAS After the NR project, Ron worked for Honda Britain in 1983. The team was based at his HQ, and Ron worked with Wayne Gardner, Roger Marshall, Roger Burnett and Joey Dunlop. NORTON ROTARY Despite race success, it was a tricky…

Tested by Alison Silcox for six months As with many bikes or scooters, the valve on the front wheel of my Yamaha XMax is almost impossible to attach a foot pump to, for the price of a fancy flat white at my local coffee venue this 90° stainless steel adaptor screws into place and enables me to adjust the tyre pressure with ease. It only takes 30 seconds to fit, is simple, easy to use and is worth it’s weight in gold (or coffee beans). Quality ★★★★★ Value ★★★★★ www.oxfordproducts.com…

MY FAVOURITE TOOLS FOR SPARK PLUGS Torque wrench It is very easy to overtighten when there is a low torque figure, this type of wrench is ideal for bikes as it covers a wide range of settings. Spark plug gap measuring tool This little gauge is made by NGK. You can pick up one like it from your local parts supplier or online, for around £2.50. Bargain! Allen T-bars set These metric Allen T-bars are ideal for spinning off fairing fasteners and panels. They’re a great combo of speed and precision. Long-reach spark plug sockets These long-reach sockets are the only way to get deep-rooted spark plugs out. They feature an internal rubber ring which grips the plug to aid extraction. •Tell us about your favourite at mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com…

The speed limit on one of the UK’s best bike riding roads, the Horseshoe Pass, could be reduced to 40mph. Denbighshire County Council (DCC) have proposed the reducion in a consultation that ends at midnight today, July 1. The road is popular with bikers and is home to motorcycle-friendly Ponderosa Café at its summit. Consultation documents published on the DCC website reveal little about the reason for the change; a page entitled ‘Statement of Reasons’ contains just four words: “To improve road safety.” MCN has requested statistical evidence that the 40mph limit will make the road safer, but none has been forthcoming. Llangollen Councillor, Stuart Davies campaigned against the 40mph limit when it was last proposed in 2012. He told MCN: “People have been saying speeding was going on and…

With a glut of glorious sunshine and Covid-19 restrictions continuing to ease, #ride5000miles members in England have been sharing their best riding experiences. It’s been seven weeks since the Government declared you could ride your motorcycle to open spaces and exactly a month since it was deemed OK for groups of up to six to meet outdoors in the country. This has allowed for some truly epic riding, with many R5Kers blowing away the cobwebs with big miles to picturesque locations. This includes Paul Tidman, from Cheltenham, who enjoyed a magnificent three-hour mission last week. He said: “I went out early and just followed my nose.” Heading towards Tewkesbury and then onto Gloucester, the ride also took him to Eastnor Castle and near the Malvern Hills, before circling back home.…

Police in Manchester have been targeting anti-social riders and have started to seize vans used to transport the machines causing the nuisance. Officers have the power to seize vehicles being used in an anti-social manner if they are causing, or likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance or contravene section 34 (prohibition of off-road driving/driving other than a road) of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Greater Manchester Police seized a branded work van at Bickershaw country park along with several bikes. Imagine explaining that to your boss!…

Rider assistance systems have been the dominant field of progress in bike development over the last decade or so and the rate of technological advancement is showing no sign of slowing – with Kawasaki now working on a bike that will know you’re going into a corner before you even get to it. It’s hard to believe that it was only a little over a decade ago that Honda introduced the first sportsbike-specific ABS (in 2009), and the inertial measurement units (IMUs) that allowed the introduction of cornering ABS and stability control first appeared as recently as 2013. Since the average UK bike is 15 years old, many riders haven’t even had a chance to try these systems yet, but it’s becoming unusual to see a new machine launched that…

Suzuki GSF1200 Bandit, 2003 •22,300 miles • Private seller, Cumbria This excellent-condition, low(ish)- mileage Bandit has a good service history, stainless steel Beowulf exhaust, new chain and sprockets, recent rear tyre and new steering head bearings at 19,936 miles. And it has an MoT until April 2021. 01356 550177 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone, 2014 •8651 miles • M&P Motorcycles There’s just about enough power to play with (50bhp) and this is a versatile machine which includes traction control. This bike is in good condition and has less than 9000 miles on the clock. w w w.mandp.co.uk Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré, 2010 •9810 miles • Sheffield Motorcycle Centre Loaded with extras, this bike is in billed as being in great condition and comes with Metal Mule panniers, bashplate, engine bars, centrestand, fork…

Q ‘Blinded by the lights’ I have a problem with the claim which I am pursuing following a bike accident at night in February. I was returning from my night shift at the restaurant where I work and was on a rural road when a 4x4 came around the bend towards me. I think the driver had the main beam on and blinded me, causing me to come off the bike and hurt myself quite badly. The driver realised what happened as he saw me swerve off the road and he stopped and called the police. His insurers say he did nothing wrong and claim that he did not have his main beam on, but I am convinced he did. Is there anything I can do? Ross Barratt, email A…

You can’t help but get the impression that while the Rally Pro can be taken off-road, Triumph know that very few owners will actually do this and so they have instead concentrated on making a rugged-looking road bike with all the mod cons that road adventure riders demand. Would a world explorer want heated seats or cruise control as they cross the Namib desert? Not really, but someone on their daily commute or on a touring holiday that might involve light trails probably would, which is the Tiger’s core market. Due to their strong off-road heritage, KTM simply refuse to build anything that isn’t 100% capable in the wilds and the Adventure R almost demands you to test its abilities by firing it up a rockface. It is a bike…

The oversquare V-twin is fabulous, the chassis is fine quality, and it’s as well presented as everything else that Indian make. It’s just unfortunate that Indian’s route for expanding the FTR’s appeal affects it dynamically, as well as aesthetically. The knobblies and high bars give an on-trend retro-scrambler vibe, but also spoil the handling and make it harder to explore the potential of the engine. Fair enough if you’re thudding around the city and fashion is a deciding factor – but I’d go for the base FTR1200 (and invest in good tyres). Tech spec What it costs £12,149 On the road cash price…

• Name Jim Fricke • Age 63 • Claim to fame Curatorial Director, H-D Museum • Favourite story In 1922 a Brit called Alfred Rich Child began helping Harley grow their export business. He then formed another company, importing British motorcycles into the US, which caused Harley a huge headache. I always found it funny that the very same guy not only helped build Harley up, he also nearly drove them out of business. • Funniest moment We have many of Evel Knievel’s records. One of his jumps shows he broken numerous bones on landing but because he stayed upright he marked it down as a ‘success’.…

“I passed my test in 1996, but suffered an unfortunate off not long after and as a result my family discouraged me from getting another bike. Almost 19 years later I decided to get back on and the first thing I did was undertake advanced training with the IAM to get my skills up to speed. There are certain aspects of my riding that I question and with that in mind I needed some help in making the most of overtakes. The day was really enjoyable and Ryan explained everything in an easily consumable way, making each step very clear. I’ll be building on what I’ve learned and will also be more confident in what I’m doing.” Ryan adds “Throughout the planning phase and onwards you need to acknowledge the…

Poke it, pull it and ask some big questions Buying a bike isn’t like it used to be. Remember the weekends spent cruising between dealers? The hours circling ads in the local rag, the phone calls, the blind date-like excitement of seeing a bike for the first time? I miss those days. Sure, the interweb makes it easy for us to sell bikes and customers have an idea what they’re getting before they see it – but for me the experience isn’t as enjoyable. Worse, click-and-collect means many buyers don’t properly check their purchase. Yes, you’ve clicked ‘buy it now’ or ‘won’ an auction. But don’t send money until you’ve seen the bike. Do all the inspections you’d have done in the old days when viewing a bike out of…

In just over two weeks the 2020 MotoGP season will finally burst into life for the opening round of the championship at Jerez on July 17-19. While there have been so many changes to the world we live in over the past few months, one thing that you shouldn’t expect to deviate from the norm is the competitiveness of Honda’s MotoGP project. Honda have won the last four MotoGP world championships because they have a freak of nature, Marc Marquez riding their RC213V who can make the most of the bike’s strengths and ride around its weaknesses. In winter testing Honda had a problem due to the six-times MotoGP king struggling to recover from complications arising from winter surgery to his right shoulder. The weakness in his shoulder has handicapped…

‘Wakey wakey – and stop being so cheeky’ So, at last, it begins again – real racers on real racing bikes, going round Misano as fast as they could, and nothing virtual about of it. Of course there were no fans allowed to enjoy the bark of racing exhausts, although just the thought quickens the pulse. An internal combustion engine at full noise may not be the most ‘woke’ thing in the world, but for racing fans there’s no better alarm call. We’re going again! One can only imagine the pleasure for the riders and teams. In fact you have to imagine it, because with face masks you can’t measure the breadth or sincerity of a smile. Other Covid paraphernalia on test included intercoms for pit boxes, to avoid any…

October 2008 Garner buys Norton Motorcycles from American Kenny Dreer July 2009 Commando enters production January 2011 V4 race bike plans revealed August 2011 Vince Cable gives Norton a £625,000 government loan June 2012 First V4 appears at the TT September 2012 Pension schemes launched with Garner as sole Trustee July 2013 Factory expansion announced January 2015 Dominator unveiled July 2015 Chancellor George Osborne visits factory and bestows a £4m grant August 2016 V4 plans revealed in full July 2017 Norton hit top ten at the TT August 2017 Norton sign engine licensing deal with Zongshen in China February 2018 Garner visits China on trade mission with Theresa May November 2018 Atlas Nomad and Ranger 650 models unveiled December 2018 Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay champions Norton as a halo British…

THURSDAY 8pm, ITV4, The Motorbike Show THURSDAY 12.01pm, BTS2, MotoGP Films: Unlimited SATURDAY 4pm, EUR2, Live Speedway: European Champs from Turon, Poland TUESDAY 6.30am, BTS2, Moto3: Grand Prix of Austria 2019 7.30am Moto2 and 8.30am MotoGP KEY TO CHANNELS: DRT - DISCOVERY REAL TIME DSC - DISCOVERY CHANNEL DHD - DISCOVERY CHANNEL HD EXS - EXTREME SPORTS CHANNEL EUR1 (2, HD) - EUROSPORT 1 (2, HD) MOT - MOTORSPORT.TV CH4 - CHANNEL 4 CH5 - CHANNEL FIVE BBC BBCI – BBC INTERACTIVE ESPN – ESPN CLASSIC CHANNEL IT V DST – DISCOVERY TURBO SHED – DISCOVERY SHED INST – INSIGHT SS1 (2, 3 OR X) - SKY SPORTS 1 (2, 3 OR EXTRA) QUEST BTS1 – BT SPORT 1 BTS2 – BT SPORT 2 T VL – TRAVEL UK…

The Brooklands Show, at the legendary banked British circuit near Weybridge, Surrey, is now going ahead with a ‘Virtual Motorcycle Day’ this weekend (July 4-5). A packed programme of classic-themed events will be available via the Brooklands Members TV YouTube Channel and will include Steve Parrish in conversation with Mick Grant, Peter Hickman and John McGuinness. The Brooklands team are judging a ‘Virtual Concours’ and from 10am each day they will be streaming past events and behind-the-scenes footage. Other features include action from the Grand Prix Retro and Vintage Revival Montlhèry in France while the day will be rounded off with footage of machines roaring up the famous Brooklands Test Hill. The event is being held to publicise the #LoveBrooklands campaign which is raising much-needed funds to help keep the…

If you thought the performance two-stroke roadster was dead – think again. This all-new, British built, 250cc stroker is being created by CCM’s ex-chief design engineer Chris Ratcliffe. It is based around the Italian Vins injected V-twin motor, has a bespoke space frame with top-spec cycle parts and is set to be launched this summer priced at around £30,000. Chris worked at CCM for 10 years and led the Bolton firm’s design and engineering teams on both the 450 Adventure and Spitfire family before leaving to set up his own venture last March. His new firm, Langen Motorcycles, are planning to go into limited production next year with this neat 250. Chris says the idea for a pure, performance, old-school-style stroker but with modern technology and performance came partly from…

Alpinestars SP-8 V2 Gloves £71.99 ‘Perfect for hot summer rides’ These perforated leather gloves have a suede palm, moulded plastic knuckle protection and a Velcro wrist closure. We put them to the test over a six-month period and found they were faultless for long summer days on the road, but we wouldn’t be quite so confident wearing them on track, as there’s no wrist restraint. The perforations help keep your hands cool and fresh on warmer days like some of the ones we have been experiencing recently. They are available in a variety of colours including this black/white/red,black/white and black/white/ yellow in sizes XS-L. There’s a women’s version too, at £80 (down from £90). In typical Alpinestars style there is a finger bridge to help protect your little finger…

£13,100 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro • 888cc triple 12v • 93.9bhp @ 8750rpm • 201kg dry weight £12,599 KTM 790 Adventure R • 799cc parallel twin 8v • 93.9bhp @ 8000rpm • 189kg dry weight 1 Multiple choice There are three 790 Adventure models: the stocker, the R and the R Rally (although the Rally is limited to 500 units worldwide) and Triumph sell six different Tiger 900s: stock, low, Rally, GT and Pro versions of the GT and Rally. We are testing the most off-road focused versions. 2 Touring sportily The bumpy B-roads leading towards Grantham has several rises, over which the KTM feels a bit loose when its suspension is unloaded should you keep the power applied as you crest them. It never…

If you’ve not ridden for a while, make sure you check your bike over before that first ride. Check your lights, ensure your tyres are in good condition and correctly inflated, and that your suspension is leak-free and working as it should. Clean, lube and adjust your chain – or inspect your belt or shaft drive if you’re chain-free. Make sure your engine oil level is spot-on and give your engine, brakes and fuel system a proper once-over. Make sure your mind and body are ready, too. That first burst of acceleration or set of corners will be an assault on your senses after a few months sat on the sofa. Take it easy on that first ride out.…

RATINGS POOR ★ AVERAGE ★★ GOOD ★★★ VERY GOOD ★★★★ EXCEPTIONAL ★★★★★ Richa Infinity 2 jacket £239.99 Tested by Gareth Evans for three months, 600 miles It’s comprised of three layers – the outer shell features D3O armour on shoulder, elbow and back, 3M high-vis panels and boasts CE safety rating Level A: two down from best. It has superb venting, good adjustment around arms, waist and tail, and extremely high-quality zips and poppers. Fine for summer riding, with good airflow and sufficient waterproofing to withstand the odd squall, it won’t stand up to heavy downpours – you’ll need the centre-zipped waterproofing layer for that. Including the third thermal layer, it becomes snug for its sizing, but fits well and doesn’t restrict movement. However, it’s short for this type of…

The intervals for spark plug changes are quite high so it’s a task that doesn’t need doing very often, but there are a few circumstances that will cause them to need changing earlier. If you don’t ride regularly, or you’ve just recommissioned the bike after a winter lay-off, but have been starting it up every now and then, you may find that the engine has developed a misfire. This is because those well-meant start-ups whilst laid-up have actually caused the spark plugs to ‘coke-up’. This is because the engine has not been allowed to get up to temperature and the fuel-rich mixture has coated the electrode tips, preventing a proper spark from forming. New spark plugs will cure it, but you’re almost always better off not starting the bike at…

Aki Ajo, Red Bull KTM Ajo team owner and father of former Moto3 rider Niklas, competed in the 1993 125cc Austrian GP. Derek Crutchlow, father of Cal, won club races and titles in the 80s and also competed at World Endurance events. George Fogarty, father of Carl, came second in the 1977 Jubilee TT for Suzuki. Johnny Rea, father of Jonathan, won the 1989 Junior TT. He also competed at the NW200 and other Irish road racing events. Dakota Mamola, son of Randy, had a one-off Moto2 ride at the 2014 British GP and also competed in the MotoAmerica and World Superstock 600 championships. Freddie Sheene, son of Barry, raced CEV Moto2 at Jerez in 2014, and took podiums at a 600cc club race at Donington Park in 2013. Oli…