Table of contents for 3 March 2021 in MCN

‘It’s sad to have lost a chance to be champion’FABIO QUARTARARO TALKS 2020 MOTOGP KICKS OFF When racing becomes a mental fight Fabio Quartararo had what many people saw as the perfect opportunity to dominate in MotoGP during 2020 – a golden chance to take the title. But he fell apart and Mir triumphed. So what went wrong. We speak exclusively to the French star and hear in his own words about the metal struggles and pressure he faced, and how he beat himself into losing the title. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW P36 TOP STORY Your biking year begins here… With the rules changing in relation to lockdown restrictions, we take a look at what the Government have declared as the roadmap towards greater freedom and ask what it means for recreational…

Dorset dealer Moto Corsa Motorcycles are expanding their range to include Aprilia. Located in Gillingham just off the A303, Moto Corsa will stock the entire range from the RX125 to the RSV4 superbikes. Likely of most interest to many will be the new RS660 sportsbike and the soon-to-arrive Tuono 660. There’s even a café, so once things open up again there’s almost no reason not to stop by. Top-notch safety Knox have a new version of their Shield jeans and they’ve been approved to CE AAA rating. The jeans are made from ‘Spectra’ stretch denim, which has enabled Knox to make them from a single layer with no extra lining. The Spectra is woven into the jeans and is claimed to be 40% stronger than aramid fibres. There are is…

Transport Secretary Grant Schapps has announced plans to scrap the controversial ‘Vnuk’ motor insurance law. The law was introduced across the EU following a ruling by the European Court of Justice in 2014. The case involved a Slovenian farm worker who was injured when he fell from a ladder after it was struck by a tractor. As the tractor was used entirely off-road, it was not required to have insurance. The case was referred to the court, which extended the requirements for insurance to cover vehicles’ ‘normal function’ and not just use on a public road. The implications of the ruling were huge. For a start it meant that all vehicles, even those not registered for road use such as track bikes or motocross bikes (or even forklift trucks and…

HJC FG-ST (tian white, kume green) £99.99 ‘Top notch lid at a bargain price’ We’ve been scouring the internet for this week’s batch of bargains and have set ourselves a budget of £100. There are loads of fantastic buys out there and we’ve rounded up a great mix of goodies that’ll spruce up both you and your bike. How about treating yourself to this HJC? It’s been reduced by a massive 55% via specialist helmet retailer, Helmet City. This lid has a lightweight, wind tunnel tested fibreglass shell and there is a fully removable and washable lining. A drop-down sun-visor will be welcome for sunny Spring rides and the HJC comes with an anti-fog visor insert. A double D-ring strap, grooves for glasses wearers and a quickrelease visor are quality…

‘GPZ1000RX prices are ready to rise’ I’ve never known the market so difficult to read. First, lockdowns and then a foul winter brought biking to a halt. There really aren’t many used bikes being advertised and those that are are labelled as ‘lockdown projects’, which makes a change from ‘barn find’. What is noticeable is that 50-somethings are taking the opportunity to revisit their youth. So finally, Kawasaki GPZ900R prices are lifting off. In August 2019, I noted they were still undervalued and that prices had to rise. Now, really good ones are fetching £4500-£5000 instead of £3000-£4000. Such is the interest in late 80s/early 90s bikes that the GPZ1000RX and first ZX10 are sure to follow. With the 1000RX, you’re getting basically a hogged-out 900R lump (the engines are…

How does the battery do it? The science that creates forward motion Remember your science days and the teacher talking about electrons? Well, it is the flow of these that makes electric bikes run and that flow is all thanks to chemistry in the battery. What’s inside? Electric vehicles use lithium-ion batteries, which work using exactly the same flow of electron principles as a lead/acid battery however where a lead/acid but contains lead oxide, lead and an electrolyte solution of sulphuric acid with distilled water, a lithium-ion battery has a different construction. Within a Li-Ion battery is lithium, which is chosen because it has a high tendency to lose electrons, meaning less of it is required to make electricity but it is also highly reactive in its pure form. Inside…

THE PLAN My friend Richard and I (Aprilia Caponord 1200 / Tiger 800) were going to France but changed to a UK adventure in September. ● Reader Mike Washington ● The ride Tour up to Arran ● Miles 900 ● Tell us about it Overnight stops at Portpatrick, then ferry via Ardrossan to Corrie (Isle of Arran), Carradale (Kintyre peninsula), Arrochar on the northern tip of Loch Long followed by a tour of The Trossachs east of Loch Lomond, with a final night near Peebles. ARRAN STOP View from a Corrie hotel window on the Isle of Arran! We couldn’t agree more about the benefits of two wheels LOCAL BREW We couldn’t resist a stop at the Lagg Distillery on the Isle of Arran. Obviously no tastings while riding……

Q ‘I took a slide on the road salt’ A week ago, while commuting on my bike, I had a low-speed accident as I left a roundabout which had been heavily salted/ gritted due to the freezing weather. The front wheel went from under me as I negotiated the bend leaving the roundabout. I have no doubt that it was because of the salt/grit. Although it was dry, it was still very frosty out. Can I get compensation from the local authorities/council for the bike repairs and my damaged clothing so I don’t have to claim on my insurance? I have a large excess which I don’t want to pay. Andy, email A You are going to have real difficulties with a claim against the local authority for this accident.…

Graham Maddison Age 68 Height 5ft 9in Current bike BMW F700 Been riding for Over 50 years First bike Lambretta LD150 Dream bike Moto Guzzi TT85 I’ve been riding for more than 50 years and in that time have owned a Lambretta, Matchless, AJS, Moto Guzzi, Ducati, Cagiva, two Hondas, three Yamahas, three Triumphs and four BMWs. My current bike is a BMW F700 and I chose it for its low weight, versatility and touring ability. I’ve also added power points, engine bars and hand guards. I’ve had it for two and half years now and done about 9000 miles. I like riding abroad in sunny new countries, but I’m starting to run out of Europe now. I also rode to St Petersburg in 2019. I like the idea of…

While the 2020 season will go down in the history books for its brilliant racing, high drama and unpredictability, it will also be remembered for the spectacular disruption caused by Covid and the absence of world champion Marc Marquez. While no one wants to take anything away from Joan Mir and co, the season would have almost certainly had a different flavour had Marquez not been injured at round one. “Marquez is the one who pushes you to surpass yourself,” explained Quartararo. “He’s also the reason I had a great season in 2019. Even if it seems impossible for him to come back in time for the first race this season, I hope he will be back with us very soon.” But as the 2020 season showed, it’s not just…

Stick a pin in the map and as soon as restrictions allow, book yourself some me-time and get out there. If you’re planning to be away overnight or a few days, it’s wise to book accommodation for each night so at least then you have a target to aim for, even if you don’t really have a plan of how to get there. And always let someone know where you are staying as well as your rough route. On the subject of safety, consider downloading and using the What3Words app — which gives every grid square reference in the world a unique three-word code — making it easy to share your precise location with friends and family www.what3words.com. Other than that the joy of it is that you can ride…

‘Make sure it’s the bike it claims to be’ If, like me, you trawl classifieds and online auctions for that next bit of two-wheel temptation, you may have seen frames and V5s advertised for more than it’d cost to buy a new frame from the manufacturer. Which obviously seems like madness. They’re used to legitimise stolen bikes. And it’s worryingly common, especially with bikes of the era and type shown here. A bike will be nicked, broken down, then rebuilt on a ‘clean’ frame that’s been bought with a matching V5. The stolen bike’s frame is destroyed and the ‘new’ numbers-matching bike and logbook can be off-loaded onto an unsuspecting buyer. These bikes are hard to spot. But to start with, question any bike that’s being flogged for noticeably less…

The new owner of a 2007 Yamaha R1 was really chuffed with his new acquisition, but that joy soon turned to pain. Experienced spannerman Bernie Roe, of Zenith Motorcycle Workshop in East London, said: “He’d had lots of shiny stuff done; Akrapovic pipe, anodised pegs and levers, which must have cost him a few quid. The following week he came in with the bike in a van, saying: ‘It made a funny noise, then the battery died, and now it won’t start.’ “When we pulled the stator cover off, there was a collective sharp intake of breath in the workshop. It was carnage.” The rotor magnets are glued on with epoxy and after repeated heat cycles they can become detached, stick to the stator and possibly break up and go…

Kawasaki’s venerable water-cooled, cassette gearbox equipped 650 parallel twin engine once again powers a whole family of new iterations for 2021. Offering outstanding performance in terms of friendly power delivery and responsive chassis characteristics, these bikes aren’t just aimed at new riders, they boast more than enough poise, poke, spec and composure to keep even the most seasoned rider addicted to the ride. Time go naked in public If you prefer your Ninja without its cloak, you need the naked Z650. The Sugomi presence of the hard edged yet supremely rider friendly Z650 will be accentuated in 2021 with dual throttle valves, LED lighting and a trellis type tubular chassis echoing that of the mighty Z H2. Engine refinements contribute to cleaner emissions and increased mid-range torque, new tyres offer…

Kawasaki’s venerable water-cooled, cassette gearbox equipped 650 parallel twin engine once again powers a whole family of new iterations for 2021. Offering outstanding performance in terms of friendly power delivery and responsive chassis characteristics, these bikes aren’t just aimed at new riders, they boast more than enough poise, poke, spec and composure to keep even the most seasoned rider addicted to the ride. Time go naked in public If you prefer your Ninja without its cloak, you need the naked Z650. The Sugomi presence of the hard edged yet supremely rider friendly Z650 will be accentuated in 2021 with dual throttle valves, LED lighting and a trellis type tubular chassis echoing that of the mighty Z H2. Engine refinements contribute to cleaner emissions and increased mid-range torque, new tyres offer…

As in any crisis, you soon get to see the very best and worst of humankind. But the sheer volume of good people doing spectacularly good things for others should be what we remember most when this terrible struggle against Covid is finally over. The timing of the Government’s roadmap to relaxing the restrictions we all live under feels all the more poignant in the week that Captain Sir Tom Moore – a shining light amidst the gloom of Covid – was laid to rest. His love of bikes and racing, and of course his military service, meant he knew what freedom really felt like and that sometimes you have to fight for it. The ‘win’ isn’t always simple or immediate, though – and that’s very true of our prospects…

Touratech have a new adventure touring boot called the Destino Touring 2 HDry. The boot is made from leather laminate, which the firm say is both durable and waterproof. You get a robust sole, protectors on the shin and ankle, a double layer of leather on the heel and forefoot, as well as heat protection on the inside of the leg. They cost £262.30. Head over to shop.touratech.com for more info. Seeing the light SW-Motech have new high beam lights for adventure and touring bikes. The Evo High Beam lights put out 800 lumens creating a narrow, long distance beam. The units use low-consumption LEDs that put less strain on your bike’s battery. The lights are model specific and fit to existing mountings. Visit: sw-motech.co.uk for model-specific price information. Give…

LS2 Foggy Storm helmet £129.99 This Carl Fogarty tribute features red and gold graphics, on a matt black/red background and has the Foggy eyes logo front and rear. The shell is made from KPA (Kinetic Polymer Alloy) and the helmet weighs 1400g. The quick-release visor comes with a Pinlock anti-fog shield. Behind that sits a dropdown sun visor. It is available in sizes XS-XXXL for £129.99. www.ls2helmets.com Dunlop SportSmart Mk3 rear (for mid-sized sportsbikes) £188 Some of the best-selling mid-size sportsbikes are among the models that can now be fitted with Dunlop’s SportSmart Mk3, following the release of a new 160/60 x 17 rear. The Mk3 offers all-weather ability with rapid warm-up, long life and decent wet weather grip. www.dunlop.eu/en_gb/motorcycle Skidmarx tank cover for GSX-R1000 from £129.95 Based on a…

A club racer has raised hundreds of pounds for the Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex charity, by donating a share of every sale from his self-published book about racing. Steve Male, 58, from St Leonards-on-Sea published Sylvie & Me through Amazon on April 29, 2020 and has since raised £220 for the group – which he says is enough to fund two life-saving bags of blood or plasma. “It’s through the support of those like the Air Ambulance and the marshals that we can ride around on motorbikes,” Steve told MCN. “We are all immensely grateful to them and they appreciate every single penny.” With the Air Ambulance charity requiring more than £15million a year to sustain their services and 88% of this coming through donations, Steve continued: “Everything they…

FANTASY SHOPPING ON A REAL-WORLD BUDGET Every week we give a different rider a wodge of fictional cash and ask them to ‘buy’ the bike that sets their soul on fire. This is Niall’s pick... 1998 – 2021 PRICE DROP NEW TO USED £4399 Triple BSB champion, former 500GP factory rider, proud Scot and father to BSB riders Taz and Taylor, Niall Mackenzie’s life has always revolved around bikes. When not annoying the neighbours riding around the flattrack course he built with his lads in the garden (wife Jan gave up a 33% stake in the lawn...), Niall commentates for Eurosport and BT Sport, instructs on track, is half of Mackenzie Hodgson Insurance and looks nervous in various pit garages as his sons battle on track. So what bike would…

mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com motorcyclenews motorcyclenews MCNnews Not so smart motorways Just read your article on smart motorways (MCN, February 24). So Grant Shapps reckons it’s not feasible to remove them, if he and the head of Highways England were made to sit in a broken-down Nissan Micra and wait for assistance it might concentrate their thinking!Phil Bentick, email Just thinking of No1 Much as I don’t want to risk upsetting McPint, I was very surprised by his comments on running the No1 plate and even more surprised by his thoughts on the TT starting order (MCN, February 24). Many world champions don’t run the No1 plate, while others do. Joey won five world titles on the bounce and didn’t run No1. Starting at No3 at the TT never did him any harm…

CHIEF ROAD TESTER £13,150 £14,375 AS TESTED BMW R nineT ● 1170cc 8v flat twin ● 108bhp/86lb.ft ● £167.50 per month PCP £10,700 TRIUMPH SPEED TWIN ● 1200cc 16v V4 ● 96bhp/83lb.ft ● £101.92 per month PCP BMW and Triumph are head and shoulders ahead of the game when it comes to creating modern, old–school charmers with sizzling performance. There are machines that do the job of cruising in a haze of yesteryear bliss for a lot less, but the R nineT and Speed Twin are apex predators. Both are stripped-down, straight-barred roadsters, detailed to within an inch of their turn-ups with big brakes, quality suspension and electronics hidden neatly away. Both have tank badges with genuine history – the Triumph is Steve McQueen and the Beemer the soldiers chasing…

RIDING THE MANX “Taking to the Mountain course in 1982 was a dream come true as the TT means so much. I remember sitting at the top of Bray Hill and saying to dad ‘we’re here, we’ve done it...’” FLATTRACK IN USA “My first flattrack race in America in 1994 was incredible as I was the first Brit to compete. In 2006 I got my Pro licence and I raced there until 2009, scoring top 10 finishes.” SPEEDWAY CHAMPIONS “In 1999 Sheffield Tigers won the Premier League title, which was the first time they had achieved this. Being part of that team was pretty amazing.” FLATTRACK CHAMP “Taking the 2009 British flattrack title was special. I may have been running the series but there were some bloody good riders.”…

GUEST ROAD TESTER Yamaha have achieved their goal by elevating the thrill and credibility of the MT-09. It’s now taken a step closer to the image and appeal of the Triumph Street Triple and KTM 890 Duke and comes alive on winding roads. Gripes like the uncomfortable seat and uninspiring dash are relatively minor compared to the confidence, enjoyment and value (just £99/month on PCP) the new bike brings. Its outright performance will leave you wanting more from time to time, but it’s as happy to be as much a sturdy every-dayer as a bike to excite and constantly reassure. THE FACTS £8999 YAMAHA MT-09…

1 Don’t be afraid to ask for help Whether it’s running out of fuel, getting stuck in precarious predicaments or at worst, which has also happened, dropping the bike and needing to help pick it up, stuff does happen. Being on your own you do need to be brave enough to admit defeat at times and just ask, generally someone will give you a hand. 2 Take charge Make sure you have a charged battery pack for your mobile, just in case you get stuck in some tricky location and need help. 3 Rescue me! Take out breakdown cover and travel insurance, you need to know that you are covered and can get home. 4 Enjoy yourself Stop frequently and enjoy the view. Travelling on your own will usually mean…

• Fit and comfort rated • Design, construction and CE scores rated • Waterproofing tested with all-weather riding RATINGS • Exceptional ★★★★★ Very good ★★★★ Good ★★★ Average ★★ Poor ★ MCN BEST BUY Held Cold Champ Gore-Tex gloves £190.99 ‘So close to perfection’ Tested by Richard Newland for six years, 25,000+ miles These Held Cold Champs are so close to perfection. While many three-season gloves look, feel and perform more like something you might wear for a snowball fight, Held have managed to develop a glove that feels sporty, protective (certified to EN 13594:2015), functional and tough enough to cope with all but the harshest temperature drops. They feel superbly plush, with a 3M Thinsulate quilted liner backed up with Thermoplush fleece on the back of your hands. They’re…

I’ve still got new bike pride, so even though it’s used daily I make an effort to keep it clean. I can’t see me ever getting bored with the power and there don’t seem to be any limitations that will affect my riding. My PCP is over four years, so I’ll be keeping it for the duration, but I’ll likely exceed the mileage (I would’ve done more Like 6k Last year, but Covid put a stop to that) Overall, it’s a very simple bike to use and is perfect right out of the box. HOW GOOD IS THE RUBBER? Bridgestone Battlax S20R I’m still on the OE tyres and although they get a lot of flak on owners forums I’ve got on fine with them. They’ve got around 1000 miles…

Saving you money on essential bike maintenance 1 Don’t assume knowledge Removing wheels is one of those tasks that on the face of it appears relatively easy, however you can easily create problems for yourself if you’re not familiar with the correct process and sequence for your particular model, as it often varies from bike to bike. Any errors can cause wheels to be misaligned, so check your owner’s manual for specific details. 2 Gather your equipment Make sure you have the correct tools. Typically, you need a large socket for the rear and front spindle nuts, or a large Allen key adaptor. Common sizes are 17mm, 19mm, 22mm and 24mm. With the bike still on the ground, crack the spindle nuts then put the bike on front and rear…

Franco Morbidelli was Yamaha’s highest-placed rider last year, securing three victories and title runner-up spot to Joan Mir. The Italian put a tough 2019 behind him and rose to the top of the pile when Yamaha desperately needed somebody to lead them through difficult times. Morbidelli did that on the 2019 A-Spec M1, a bike which he will ride once again in 2021, albeit with some upgrades which will be revealed at the Qatar test this weekend. Such is the ability of Morbidelli on the 2019 bike, Yamaha are now focusing on making this year’s 2021 factory Ml a hybrid of the two machines. They want to create something similar to that which Morbidelli and crew chief Ramon Forcada have created, and almost perfected, in the last 12 months, whilst…

No, it’s not the expected range-topping sportsbike. Three reasons: first, a used 848 is staggeringly good value, starting at £4500 for a 2008 bike (a grand less than a 1098). Second, you get more power than a 999, sweeter handling than a 1098/1198 due to the slimmer rear tyre plus the free-revving character of Ducati’s ‘small’ V-twins. And third, there’s exclusivity too - yes, they did red ones, but matt black isn’t exactly the usual Ducati hue, and glossy white bikes really stand out. Engines are robust and reliable. Be wary of bikes with aftermarket pipes that have grumpy running. Make sure the gear lever sits where it should and that ratios engage cleanly, as the spring on the gearbox pawl arm can break and lock it in gear. Radiator…

No, it’s not the expected range-topping sportsbike. Three reasons: first, a used 848 is staggeringly good value, starting at £4500 for a 2008 bike (a grand less than a 1098). Second, you get more power than a 999, sweeter handling than a 1098/1198 due to the slimmer rear tyre plus the free-revving character of Ducati’s ‘small’ V-twins. And third, there’s exclusivity too – yes, they did red ones, but matt black isn’t exactly the usual Ducati hue, and glossy white bikes really stand out. Engines are robust and reliable. Be wary of bikes with aftermarket pipes that have grumpy running. Make sure the gear lever sits where it should and that ratios engage cleanly, as the spring on the gearbox pawl arm can break and lock it in gear. Radiator…

SAVE £4950 £13,999 Kawasaki ZX-10R SE The ZX-10R SE features Kawasaki’s (and Showa’s) first self-adjusting forks and shock. The range-topping machine also gets the lightweight Marchesini wheels and autoblipper from the homologation special ZX-10RR. Preston Motorcycles have great deal which makes the bike more tempting than ever. • www.prestonmotorcycles.co.uk SAVE £4909 £17,490 Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1100 One of the fastest production superbikes and even better value than its rivals with £4909 off. • www.mandp.co.uk • Engine 1078cc • Power 217bhp • Weight 199kg • Seat height 851mm SAVE £3000 £10,499 Yamaha Niken That extra wheel upfront divides opinions but put your prejudices to one side and you might be surprised by how much fun it is. • www.tamworthyamaha.com • Engine 847cc • Power 113bhp • Weight 263kg • Seat height…

THURSDAY March 4 2am, QUEST, American Chopper: Siemens Electric Bike SATURDAY March 6 5.15pm, INSIGHT, Power & Sport: Wheels – Emma Bristow, trials legend MONDAY March 8 3pm, EUR2, Bennetts British Superbikes: Highlights from Donington Park 2020. Also Bennetts BSB Extra at 4pm 7pm, EUR2, Bennetts British Superbikes: Snetterton 2020. Also British Superbike Extra at 8pm TUESDAY March 9 3pm, EUR2, Bennetts British Superbikes: Highlights from Silverstone 2020 4pm, EUR2, Bennetts BSB: Highlights from Oulton Park 2020 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 ITV DST –…

As the world continues to battle the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the MCN events team anounced last week that they have taken the difficult but necessary decision to postpone the Devitt MCN Festival of Motorcycling until autumn. While the decision is being made in the interests of the health and wellbeing of all involved, we’re sure you’ll share our disappointment at the postponement. But it’s not all bad news as we’re delighted to confirm that the festival will still run in 2021 at its established home, the East of England Showground, Peterborough, on September 4-5. We’re also delighted to confirm that the programme remains as jam-packed full of brilliant stuff as usual including test rides from the major manufacturers, an abundance of gear and kit bargains, extraordinary allaction…

BMW’s ‘Motorrad Days’ festival has been cancelled, meaning two years in a row without the event. Typically taking place in Garmisch, right in the middle of the Bavarian Alps, the event is a free weekend of bikes, beer and bratwurst. This year was due to be the first time the event took place in its new home in Berlin. No announcement has yet been made yet on when it will return, or where it will take place. Roll up for raffle There’s still time to get tickets for the National Motorcycle Museum Winter raffle. Tickets are just £2 with the top prize a 750cc Triumph Bonneville T140D Special with just 11 ‘push miles’ on the odo. There’s a second prize of a Sealey bike lift and a third prize of…

CHIEF ROAD TESTER It’s a close call. Each bike is deliciously finished and detailed, easy to get on with and compared with their cheaper, less powerful rivals, they are genuinely quick and sharp in the bends. If you like your Sunday mornings to end with a silly grin and flies in your teeth, these are the bikes for you. The Triumph is the one you’ll buy with your head. It’s cheaper, more polished and comes with everything you need to tickle your classic taste buds – from its Monza fuel cap to the burble from its big parallel twin engine. The brakes, suspension and tyres (in the winter) aren’t quite as good as the BMW’s and it isn’t as roomy, but if you can live with those things you’ve just…

GUEST ROAD TESTER Kawasaki’s 2021 ZX-10R is more race bike-like than ever. It still has the same smooth, screaming engine, but it now has a more extreme riding position and suspension set-up, making it an even better trackday tool than before. The changes take a small amount of comfort away for taller riders but the improvements more than make up for the discomfort on long journeys. With its advanced electronics, top shelf brakes and suspension, it’s an improvement over the old model and has all the makings of being able to live with the best. THE FACTS £15,799 2021 KawasakI ZX-10R…

Scott Carpenter Moto Guzzi Breva 750 “I passed my test and got my bike licence in 1996 and two weeks later went off on a 10-day solo tour, which changed my life forever. I love travelling alone, and probably two-thirds of my trips are still done that way. The other trips I take are with a long-time trusted friend. “When you travel alone, you ride as far as you want, eat what want, go where you want and stay exactly where suits you. For me, after that first trip in 1996 I was a more confident person when I came back, than I was when I left. “This year, with being confined to the UK, I am planning to travel to Wales or Scotland, these are both areas I would…

MARTIN WARD “After 3500 miles, the new Blade has lived up to all expectations. Every ride is an event, an event of high revs, three gears, silky suspension and beautiful aesthetics. I use a gear less than on my previous 2013 Blade, and fifth and sixth are overrun gears for motorway only. On the bumpy Highland roads where I ride, the Öhlins active suspension absorbs the rough surface. The fuelling is spot on and the pops and bangs on downshifts are totally addictive. On sweeping roads it feels so light, it dives in and holds a line effortlessly. The engine requires a love of high revs. Above 6k it takes off, then above 11k it’s on a different plane. It’s a proper thriller!”…

1 SW-Motech Blaze Panniers £276 These are great as they save any faffing around with bungees and bin-bags and they are much cheaper than hard panniers. Jim Robinson, Derby 2 Oxford Products Aqua T50 roll bag £64.99 My wife rides pillion and finds it easier to get on/off than with panniers in place. Dan Poxon, Worksop 3 Kriega US30/ US20 £145/£129 I used this combo for a trip to Europe. Everything stayed dry and the luggage is easy to use. Gav Fraser, Dromara 4 QBag Waterproof roll bag £10 It has 60-litres of space but it folds down neat and tidy with a couple of ROK straps. Bargain! David Forbes, Liverpool 5 Givi Outback panniers and top box £634/ £389.50 I can carry what I need securely. The downside is…

It’s easy to get complacent about maintenance tasks so I always make sure I consult the owner’s manual of whatever bike I’m working on. But while doing this week’s piece, I stumbled across a bit of detail that made me question whether the manual had a translation glitch, just like they used to in the 1980s. Within the instructions for removing and installing the front wheel on a 2020 Honda Fireblade SP, the owner’s manual mentions that the caliper bolts must be replaced with new every time they are removed. I asked a Honda technician if this was the case and he confirmed that the manual was correct and the bolts should be replaced each time. It was the first time I’d heard of caliper bolts with such a short…

John McPhee and Jake Dixon remain on the Petronas books in Moto3 and Moto2 respectively and expectations of the two are certainly high. This is especially true for McPhee who enters his ninth fulltime campaign in the lightweight class and his third with Petronas. Last year a bright start saw the Scot become a title contender, but three DNFs and some disappointing results in the second half of the year ended his challenge. “I know John can be super-fast, and he is very fast, but he just needs to put everything together, make a good season and not make as many mistakes as he did last year,” Team Director Johan Stigefelt said. “The biggest boost for him is Darryn Binder coming in because we’ve been missing a fast teammate. As…