Table of contents for 10 December 2025 in MCN

‘Even at idle you can feel that KTM hard edge’ NEW 1390 SUPER ADVENTURE S EVO, P26 FIRST RIDE Worth the wait As the expression goes, good things come to those who wait – and we’ve certainly had to be patient for our first official ride on KTM’s range-topper, the almighty 1390 Super Adventure S Evo. Put on ice for a year while the company rode through financial difficulties, we’ve had plenty of time to wonder how the newly enlarged 1350cc V-twin complete with Camshift variable valve timing and new semi-auto AMT gearbox was going to perform, plus ponder how the cutting-edge adaptive radar with group ride feature will work. The wait is over as MCN Tester Justin Hayzelden brings you our verdict… PAGE 26 TOP STORY Biking’s Happy New…

SAVE £6463 £55,332 Ducati Panigale V4S Bautista OK, it’s still 55 grand, but this limited-edition Panigale is one of just 219 built, paying tribute to Álvaro Bautista’s 2023 WSBK victory. There’s oodles of bling including numbered billet triple clamps, a signed fuel tank, Akrapovic silencer, nine-disc dry clutch, adjustable Rizoma footpegs, Brembo Stylema R calipers and MCS master cylinder. www.vertumotorcycles.com SAVE £2998 £20,498 Kawasaki ZX-10RR As close to showroom fresh as you’ll find, this four-mile old ZX-10RR represents a serious saving over buying new. superbikefactory.co.uk ● Engine 998cc ● Power 200bhp ● Weight 207kg ● Seat height 835mm SAVE £2799 £16,899 KTM 1390 Super Duke R Evo KTM’s ballistic 1390 Super Duke R Evo combines superbike-rivalling power with bags of supermoto attitude while being refined too. motorcycles.juddracing.com ● Engine 1350cc…

GET 12 ISSUES FOR JUST £19.99 Subscribe to MCN now at: greatmagazines.co.uk/mcn-offer Moto Morini have finally confirmed the Europe-wide release of their fully faired Corsaro Sport – over three years after the bike first broke cover. Pricing is yet to be confirmed and final specs are thin on the ground, but what we do know is that the middleweight supersport is set to hit dealers from the second half of 2026. The new bike is positioned as the most aggressive member of its family – which also contains upright models called the Corsaro and Corsaro GT. The same engine is shared across the trio, meaning the Sport makes use of Moto Morini’s 749cc dry-sump 90° V-twin engine complete with MotoGP-esque counter rotating crankshaft, which is good for a claimed 94.7bhp…

Oxford Montreal 5.0 £199.99 This jacket has a lot to live up to, being the replacement for one of Oxford’s best-selling garments, the Montreal 4.0. Unlike the old jacket (which incidentally won MCN sister mag RiDE’s Best Buy), it features improved airflow and has a much larger chest vent. It also has two extra storage pockets and is made from recycled polyester. Most importantly, it’s now CE rated to AA. www.oxfordproducts.com Enduristan Hailstorm 50 £TBC This could well be the perfect option for those who want to haul luggage on a bike without a rack, as it attaches to the seat instead. It uses a thick plastic base plate to help it stay rigid on the go and can also attach to Enduristan’s other luggage ranges, which is quite handy…

Send your bike pics to: yourpics@motorcyclenews.com THE WORLD’S WARMEST BASELAYERR www.zerofit.co.uk…

THE DETAILS Open all year round – by request January and February normandybikerfriendly.fr 15 Rue d’Ambrières, 61330 Ceaucé, France France is a brilliant place to ride and even if you don’t want to roam miles from the UK, there are so many great roads, routes and places to enjoy close to the coast. In Normandy, you have the historic beaches, Mont St Michel and miles of twisty riding roads that are smooth as silk. And now, there’s a place to stay which welcomes bikers with open arms. The Old School House is run by Peter and Lisa Yeldon and has been standing since 1897. Along with great rooms, rustic staircases and an altogether cosy atmosphere, there’s a games room and a kitchen table which can sit 26 at once. “The…

Le Chai Villa Further south in France, but extremely biker friendly and surrounded by great routes. 553 Rte des Châteaux, 24240 Thénac, France www.lechaivilla.com Buccleuch Arms The perfect stop off if you’re heading to the highlands or playing in the borders. High St, Moffat DG10 9ET www.buccleucharmshotel.com Shepherd’s Rest Pub and campsite in the middle of Northern Ireland with no phone signal. Bliss. 220 Sixtowns Rd, Draperstown, Magherafelt BT45 7BH www.shepherdsrestpub.com…

THE MCN TEST THE HOTTEST BIKES EVERY WEEK £9700 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport 853cc air-cooled V-twin 4v 66.4bhp @ 6900rpm 220kg weight (wet) £9395 (paint options £500 extra) Triumph Speed Twin 900 900cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin SOHC 8v 64bhp @ 7500rpm 216kg weight (wet) Having an historic name on a bike’s tank carries a lot of sway with buyers due to emotional attachments forged during formative two-wheeled days. Brands such as Laverda, Bimota, BSA, Norton, Triumph, Moto Guzzi and many, many more, all hold a special place in buyers’ hearts, conjuring memories of riding pillion with dad, lusting after an exotic machine that appeared in the pages of a well-thumbed magazine or visiting a bike show to sit on a display model and dream. Everyone’s memories are different and that’s what…

‘It’s about the charm’ The Guzzi V7 Sport looks, feels and sounds faithful to its predecessor (thankfully without the clip-ons) and this gives it an added dimension when compared to the Triumph Speed Twin 900. Guzzi fans will appreciate the fact it is still very much a machine built in the Mandello del Lario factory, maybe by some of the same people who assembled the original in the 1970s, while those who just want a cool-looking retro will be drawn to the Sport’s styling and historic name. The Triumph, however, is a slightly different prospect. Despite carrying the Speed Twin name, the new model bears little resemblance to its predecessor aside from engine layout. It is a modern naked given retro styling and a name from yesteryear. If you owned…

RATINGS Exceptional Very good Good Average Poor 8 months ON TEST Cardo Freecom 4X intercom £243.95 ‘Get connected for less’ Tested by Robin Kirkley for eight months The Freecom 4X sits in Cardo’s midrange tier, aimed at solo riders or smaller groups of up to four, with a 1.2km (0.75-mile) range, compared to their top-tier Packtalk intercoms that connect up to 15 riders over 1.6km (one mile) using both Bluetooth 5.2 and Mesh. Despite its mid-tier status, the Freecom 4X is packed with technology, including voice control and impressive audio quality via JBL speakers. After over eight months of use on my HJC i80 flip-front helmet, it’s clear why the 4X is among the most popular intercoms with bikers. The Freecom 4X connects to your smartphone and manages multiple phone…

Changing wheel bearings is one of those maintenance jobs that seems intimidating at first, but in reality is well within the reach of any rider willing to take their time and work carefully. Like chain maintenance, it’s a task that is relatively inexpensive, deeply satisfying, and has a huge impact on the way your motorcycle feels on the road. Wheel bearings are under constant stress, carrying the full load of the bike while spinning at high speed and enduring water, dirt, and road grime every time you ride. Over time, moisture and contamination work past the seals, washing away grease and allowing corrosion and wear to set in. When bearings begin to fail, you may notice vague handling, rumbling noises, or a wheel that doesn’t spin as freely – all…

MCN Sports Editor goes behind the headlines When Michael Laverty launched the MLav riding academy five years ago the aim was to develop young British talent in the world of racing. It started with young riders battling on minibikes. The academy put a structure in place, taught them how to go racing and as a result started a fast-track programme any young rider would dream of. Fast-forward to 2025 and the entire project has grown exponentially, exceeding even Laverty’s ambitious mindset. They now operate an established team in Moto3, have a Junior GP team, a British Talent Cup team not to mention their foray in to big bikes, taking TT legend Ian Hutchinson to one of his best road campaigns for years and dominating the hotly contested British Superstock championship…

Checking out the ones to watch in the MotoGP world You might not know the name Casey O’Gorman too well just yet, but you should; and by the time you’ve finished reading this, you will. Casey is an incredibly gifted prospect from Ireland, who’s signed up with the SIC58 Racing Team on a Honda for the next two seasons in the Moto3 World Championship, after a scintillating few wildcards and a massive amount of success and speed in his early career. British Talent Cup winner and Junior World Championship podium finisher, O’Gorman has a bright future, and we caught up with him to give you an insight into life as a new Moto3 prospect. Eyes on the prize As a young rider, O’Gorman has risen quickly through the ranks, spending…

Going behind the headlines in the BSB paddock Rhys Irwin made it to the top of the British Supersport mountain this year as he defeated Ben Currie to claim his maiden crown. It was a huge mountain to climb as well, as Irwin battled five-time champion Jack Kennedy, 2024 champion Currie, and 2015 winner Luke Stapleford. MCN caught up with the Irishman to learn more about his career so far. Doing it as a family Racing is in Irwin’s blood. Dad Ivan was a racer, as is brother Caolan, so Rhys was always going to be keen to race motorcycles. “I turned six on the Thursday, and did my first race on Saturday,” Irwin told MCN. “For as long as I can remember, there’s always been motorbikes around. I was…

What’s needed now, MCIA boss Tony Campbell suggests, is a renewed focus on attracting fresh faces from the oftenover-looked younger demographic. With the average age of a UK full lenience holding biker now sitting at 54, Campbell warns manufacturers have ‘lost sight’ of younger riders – and this could be the missing link holding back growth in British biking. “We started to think that sixteen- and seventeen-yearolds weren’t interested – and they weren’t – but they’re interested in jumping on illegal e-bikes or scooters, so they’re clearly not averse to powered two wheelers. “Motorcycling has become unaffordable for them – with insurance, licensing, the cost of kit and so on. We’ve got to make access easier. “To do this, we’re lobbying the government for a licence review – we need…

Just weeks after breaking through to the UK market, Hero MotoCorp have confirmed that their X Pulse and X Pulse Pro 200 dual-sport models will feature as part of a 2026 line-up. Shown at the recent Motorcycle Live event, the duo will be available from February under the MotoGB banner, priced at around £2499 in standard trim, or £2699 for the Pro model – both are then subject to a £300 on-the-road charge. Both machines fall clearly into the do-it-all, go-anywhere camp, featuring long-travel suspension, back-up kickstarters, engine bars, and sump guards as standard – accompanied by small windscreens, handguards, and pillion provisions to help with everyday use. The X Pulse follows on the heels of Hero’s newly released Hunk 440, using a modest air-and-oil-cooled single producing a claimed 18.9bhp…

Alongside the chance to win a new Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS super-naked (see P11), the nice folks at insurance comparison site MCN Compare are also now chucking in a range of Furygan urban riding kit to go with it. To be in with a chance of winning both the bike and the protective clothing, all you need to do is get a motorcycle insurance quote with MCN Compare online between now and 11.59pm on January 26, 2026. Alongside the 180bhp, threecylinder brute, the prize will now include a £239.99 Furygan Sektor Roadster Evo jacket and a £209.99 pair of K12 X Kevlar straight-cut riding jeans. ‘The Furygan K12 jeans are AAA rated’ The AA-rated Sektor, which comes fitted with a hood for a more casual look when off the…

‘Why size could matter for the W’ Kawasaki have been quick to respond to the growing trend for cheap and basic retro models and for 2026 there is a new W230 about to land. With a price of £4654 the W230 is set to go head-to-head with the likes of the Honda GB350S (£3999), BSA Bantam 350 (£3499), Royal Enfield 350 range (from £3899) and Triumph Speed 400 (£5345). But I think there is a better alternative to buying a new W230 – a used W800. Having ridden all of the new breed of small-capacity retros, I feel some riders may find the shine wears off them quite rapidly. I understand why the Honda has sold so well, because it is extremely competitively priced and it looks great but if…

‘Too good to be true’ The lead-up to Black Friday brought the anticipated deluge of dubious ‘bargains’ from online rogue vendors. One reader flagged a social media advert for heated socks at the astonishing price of £13.99 (reduced from £26.99) – about the same cost as a pair of basic merino socks, minus the electronics. As ever, the offer was too good to be true. The vendor claimed a New Oxford Street address, lending an air of legitimacy, but a quick look on Google Street View showed premises that hadn’t been occupied for some time. Trustpilot reviews completed the picture: customers charged more than the advertised price, goods not delivered, and refusals to provide full refunds for faulty items. I added a comment under the advert with these findings to…

mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com motorcyclenews motorcyclenews MCNnews STAR LETTER IN ASSOCIATION WITH Riding from the Ashes… Just back from the Perth Ashes Test (let’s not talk about that) but stopped off in Mauritius. While my wife was happy to sit by the pool/beach, I found a Royal Enfield 350 Bullet to hire and set out to explore the island. A motorbike is a great way to see life outside the confines of a hotel, mile after mile of stunning beaches you can ride on to, friendly fishermen, temples on the shore, waterfalls, teenagers on unbaffled 125s screaming along lying on the tank, and even in the busy traffic going into the capital it’s still relaxing. Hire a bike and see the whole place, not just the hotel. Chris Allen, Buckingham With the winter…

This week I went with Paul Lee (he owns a load of Foggy Petronas FP1s and other cool bikes) up to Scott Leathers to get measured for a new one-piece. It’s run by a guy called Jim and he’s a one man band, making them from scratch in-house. He’s well established and has been in the paddock for years. It’s quite an interesting story because there is a whole sector of old-school craftsmen making leathers independently of the big companies. Although I didn’t get any for myself, I do have experience of getting fitted for leathers having been to Spidi as well as RST. At Spidi, we went and had a little look at the factory, and it was a really professional outfit with someone who showed you all the…

Send your trips to yourpics@motorcyclenews.com Readers Bobby Kennedy and Brian Kelly, Ireland The ride An organised tour with TibetMoto, taking in Everest Base When to do it We went in October – sunny days and peak visibility Tell us about the trip After a day and a half acclimatising, sightseeing, and collecting our permits, we picked up our bikes (CFMoto 800MTs) and rode straight into early morning rush hour traffic – a baptism of fire for our 350km first day. The next eight days took in sights such as: Kamba La Pass for a breathtaking view over the turquoise Holy Yamdrok Lake; the 108 switchbacks of Everest Road to Base Camp; Gyatso La Pass at 5200m and the panoramic view of the five 8000m giants, including Everest itself; and Suge…

THE FACTS ‘Questioned on the controversial looks, engineers pointed to the wind tunnel testing’ In 1983, exactly 60 years after the first boxer was fitted to a BMW, the firm debuted a completely new engine – the longitudinal inline-four. This liquid-cooled two-valve-per-head engine was tilted 90-degrees to the left and came with a double overhead cam, Bosch LE-Jetronic fuel-injection and shaft drive. Dubbed the BMW Compact Drive System, it was fitted to a whole new family of models – the K-Series - with the K100 the first to arrive, boasting 90bhp. Well-received, especially in Germany, the K100 led to the launch of the K100RT and RS and with Motorrad now gaining in confidence after a very tricky period in the 1970s (the success of the G/S basically saved them), DM…

A recall has been announced by KTM and Husqvarna regarding ECU software issues on the 2024-2026 KTM 390 Duke, plus more recent 390 Enduro R, 390 SMC R, 390 Adventure R, and 390 Adventure X models. An update is also required on the 2024-2026 Husqvarna Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401, which share the same tech. The update is required to prevent stalling at low RPM, and will be carried out for free by a dealer. MotoGP charity auction launched Biking charity, Two Wheels for Life have launched their annual Christmas auction, with more than 100 items to bid on, signed by a whole panoply of MotoGP legends. Lots include race-worn riding kit, as well as artwork, and bike parts – including a rear wheel from an LCR Honda grand prix bike,…

Grab a new Honda for £119.50! Talk of FIM no-limit championships Man of the Year time again We’re blessed to have a huge MCN archive, and sometimes, it’s the strangest things that jump out. That’s the case when looking back through the December 4 issue from 1968, where a simple advert caught our eye. There’s a paper full of awesome stories, sports coverage and the latest news, but a Honda ad made us stop, stare and read back over and over. That’s because, the new Super Sport 50 was offered at just £119.19. Sure, it might only be a simple, four-speed 50cc but that’s less than most PCP deals will cost per month in 2025. But then again, it’s not all as black and white as the advert. Although that…

KTM have confirmed dates and details for their 2026 Europe Adventure Rally, which will take place from September 7-11 in Umbria, Italy. The non-competitive event is limited to 250 places and covers three-days riding, based in the medieval town of Gubbio, with loops exploring Lake Trasimeno, gravel trails and the peaks of Monte Foce and Nerone. Riders can choose from graded routes, and registrations open on January 20. Visit ktm.com for more.…

Merlin Burslem D30 Eco jacket £184.99 Get that retro look for less With the arrival of a new wave of temptingly priced retros, increasing numbers of us have a cheeky little modern-classic – or even pukka oldschool 50s and 60s models – tucked away. But while riding a classic is to be encouraged, wearing vintage kit is quite another matter; aside from the obvious age-related weakening, old riding clobber literally wasn’t made to today’s protective standards. Luckily, there are stacks of options when it comes to vintage-inspired kit. This list of bargain bike gear brimming with old-world charm should put a smile on your face almost as much as a that threadbare old denim jacket from the 1980s. It’s AA-certified, features a waterproof outer and a laminated liner, plus D3O…

Aside from the clever recharging tech, the Hiro uses a modular platform that will eventually spawn four further models. The platform is built around the powertrain first, with a trellis frame dropped on top. Further models will be made different purely by swapping between two different subframes, and changing handlebar and foot peg position, as well as bodywork. Benoit continued: “When we discussed what type of bike to make – whether a Streetfighter or café racer – we realised that it would only target a small niche. With a modular platform, we can reach different micro-markets. We already have four designs planned and will add an adventure or sport bike later.”…

Q ‘Is extra cover worth it?’ My motorcycle insurance is up for renewal this month and I was wondering if it is worth paying extra for legal costs cover? I have always opted for it but luckily have never had to use it. I was thinking I could save money by not having it. Can you let me know if it is really worth it, or if it is just a money-making ruse? Rebecca, email A You are referring to a before the event legal expenses insurance policy. These policies can protect you if litigation is needed to pursue a claim. They can be useful but often don’t cover what you would expect them to. For example, insurers frequently refuse cover if you want to choose your own specialist and…

In 2026 I’m just hoping to continue training with different disciplines of motorcycling. I’ve been racing short circuits most of my career and want to get better at everything. I’m really enjoying the off-roading and the trials, but aside from that, I just want to get out on trackdays and do as much riding as I can – and to be honest, as much as I can afford as well! Although, I’m not taking my foot off the gas. My mum is getting a new roof put on my dad’s garage, so I’ve taken two of his bikes to get them out the way. One is an old CBX550 that’s always been pretty bad, but he’s also got this Matchless. Now I’ve got it out, I think I’d actually like…

JOIN THE MCN PIT STOP BREW CREW www.motorcyclenews.com/pit-stop Wednesday December 10 BIKE MEETS Squires Cafe, Newthorpe, near Sherburn in Elmet, West Yorks 01977-684618 or www.squires-cafe.co.uk The Old Stores, Pontblyddyn, Mold, Flints 6pm-9pm 07548-224866 or Facebook: The Old Stores Motorbike cafe Loomies Moto Cafe, West Meon, Hants. Open till 9pm www.loomiescafe.co.uk Brit Bike Night Classic and Modern, Ace Cafe, Stonebridge, London 6pm 020-8961-1000 or www.london.acecafe.com The Pathfinder Cafe, Blackbushe, Surrey. From 10.30am-1pm Facebook: Pathfinder Cafe Thursday December 11 BIKE MEETS Vic Bikers Pub, Coalville, Leics www.vicbikerspub.co.uk Nadee Bike Meet, Lagon Bar & Grill, Findern, Derbyshire. 6pm Facebook: Nadee Bike Meet The Whistlestop Motorcycle Club, Rhyl Rugby Sports & Social Club, Rhyl, Denbighshire. From 5pm 07544-143494 Vintage Metals, Coleford, Gloucestershire 6pm-10pm www.vintagemetals.co.uk Iron Bull Roadhouse, Basingstoke, Hampshire. Facebook: Iron Bull Roadhouse Vintage…

‘Tech feels effortless’ The ease with which it covers ground means you quickly forget about the tech that’s making it feel so effortless, allowing time to reflect on the efficacy of KTM’s ‘More is More’ strapline. Yes, it’s more powerful, more capable and more advanced than the 1290, but it also has a side that’s more relaxed when you want it to be. That extra dimension is what previous models have lacked, and might just be enough to elevate the 1390 to a class-leading position. THE FACTS £18,699 2026 KTM 1390 Super Adventure S Evo…

Triumph unveiled the Speed Twin 500 5T in July 1937 and it went on sale in 1938. Created by Edward Turner, it was an air-cooled parallel-twin that borrowed heavily on existing designs to make it both cheap and reliable. Light and refined when compared to big singles, it formed the bedrock of sales both before and after the war and remained in Meriden Triumph’s range until 1966. The name was re-launched by Hinckley Triumph in 2019 on the Speed Twin 1200 before the Street Twin was renamed Speed Twin 900 in 2022. Moto Guzzi first developed the V7 for use in Italian police bikes and was initially an air-cooled transverse 90° V-twin of 700cc, hence the name. The brainchild of engineer Giulio Verare Carcano, Guzzi’s V-twin was released in 1966…

The 1989 launch of the K1 coincided with Yamaha unleashing the FZR1000 EXUP, a bike that blew the K1’s claims of being a superbike into the weeds and also destroyed the Kawasaki ZX-10, Honda CBR1000 and Suzuki GSX-R1100. Unhindered by the K1’s self-imposed 100bhp limit, the EXUP produced a claimed 129bhp and weighed just 209kg (dry). And it looked much more conventional with a stylish full fairing and cost nearly £2000 less than the K1 at £5649. Add to this 17in wheels giving the Yamaha modern handling traits and it is easy to see why riders took to the EXUP in their droves. When Honda launched the FireBlade in 1992, any remaining notions the K1 had to being sporty were thrown right out of the window.…

MCN’s website has expert opinion and buying advice on hundreds of used bikes, regularly updated and packed with insight. Here are three of the latest – visit motorcyclenews.com for dozens more. 2022-2025 KAWASAKI Z650RS Owner’s rating Kawasaki’s modern retro is based on the Z650 parallel-twin but has a lovely attention to detail. Owners love the handling and engine but feel let down by its lack of equipment. 2018-CURRENT HONDA MONKEY 125 Owner’s rating How can you not love a Honda Monkey? Owners score it highly as despite its 125cc engine’s fairly limited performance, the Monkey is a delight to ride. For short distances… 2015-2021 YAMAHA XSR700 Owner’s rating Yamaha’s MT-07-based retro can never be described as good looking, however it is amazing fun to ride. It is even better with…

Maintaining a healthy motorcycle drivetrain is not a time-heavy investment – a spot of oil every few hundred miles, a good scrub every now and again, and the occasional adjustment to keep free play just right – and yet, time and time again, ropey chains and sprockets are a common sight. The latest example happened upon by Japs Motorcycles boss Stephen Fryatt was on an under-loved Yamaha YBR, which was so poorly maintained that, if the back wheel was rotated slowly, the chain would simply derail. A twisted mess, long past its best, the chain flopped around, its movement only restrained by clattering against the swingarm – and the cogs it was pulling were no better. Unsurprisingly, the inevitable happened: the chain came off while in use, jammed the back…

‘Truth is, we’re miles away…’ Michael Laverty and Leon Haslam’s academies have to be commended because they are trying and that’s all that anyone can do. But the brutal truth is that compared to what Rossi is doing at the VR46 ranch, we’re miles away. We’re miles away if the aim is to get a British rider not just sat on a MotoGP grid, but winning a MotoGP race. I’m sorry. I went to the VR46 ranch for the big 100km dirt tack race. I took Dean Harrison with me and when he got off the bike he just said to me ‘What chance have we got?’ Dean is the sort of person that tells you how it is, zero bullshit and he came in from getting his arse completely…

Going behind the headlines in the MotoGP paddock Any rider that can overhaul a 60-point deficit to win a World Championship must be pretty special and Diogo Moreira fits the bill having finally made good on his promise to become 2025 Moto2 World Champion and earn himself a spot in MotoGP. MCN analyses the reasons why the 21-year old Brazilian is likely to succeed in the premier class. 1 Consistency, consistency Once Moreira feels comfortable on the bike, he’s able to reel off strong results almost at will. That much was clear from his rookie Moto3 campaign, when he ended the year with eight top eight results from nine. A look at Moreira’s results across a victorious Moto2 campaign in 2025 showcased that same textbook consistency. Aside from Argentina (rear…