Motorcycle Sport & Leisure

By the time that this issue is opened in front of you, we should be over the worst of the winter weather and rolling headlong into the heart of Spring. I say ‘should’, as our fickle climate is perfectly capable of bringing us a surprise or two, and it’s not unheard of for May to bring some frosts and even snow. But even if it does, we still want to be out riding, right? It’s not like we need much encouragement, to be fair, but if you do then hopefully this issue will bring you some. We’re still in the midst of ‘new model launch season’, so have some new bikes to add to your wish list (remember, virtually every dealer in the country will have a test bike or…

Ross Mowbray Ross works across several motorcycling magazines. That means he gets to ride all manner of two-wheelers, from Monkey bikes to trikes. Don’t let his youthful appearance fool you, he’s a seasoned petrol-head, respected test rider and a handy off-roader, too. Richard Millington Richard has been riding for 35 years. From sports bikes in the Alps to crossing continents on adventure bikes, his experience is broad and deep. Now running Motorrad Tours, he is happy to ramble on about the GS1000E which otherwise sits in the corner of his lounge. Alan Cathcart Alan Cathcart has been writing about bikes for more than 30 years, and riding them for even longer. He’s regularly given the keys to factory prototypes and being on first-name terms with the bosses of bike companies…

NEW Need to know ◆ Your letters ◆ First rides Aston Martin and Brough Superior have taken their partnership one step further with the unveiling at the 2022 EICMA Milan Show of the AMB 001 Pro, a next level 997cc track-only Superbike inspired by Aston Martin’s mental 1160bhp 6.5-litre V12 Valkyrie AMR Pro hypercar. The strictly limited edition AMB 001 Pro is offered in a single Pro specification, inspired by Aston Martin’s no rules Valkyrie AMR Pro hypercar in taking track performance to the extreme, offering a 25% power increase on its predecessor, with its 225bhp motor producing a power-to-weight ratio of 1.28hp/kg, similar to that of a Formula 1 car. The new AMB 001 Pro’s power increase comes courtesy of a new version of the 997cc V-twin engine, whose…

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride charity event is a bit of a ‘Marmite’ affair, but whether or not you like beards, brown seats and tweed plus-fours, it’s hard to argue with the philanthropical side of the event, which raises cash for men’s health charities around the world. This year marks 10 years of Triumph as the title sponsor of the annual event, which kept going (in modified form) even during the Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020 and 2021. So it’s a fitting time for another one of Hinckley’s special limited edition bikes. This time, it’s a Bonneville T120, which is probably the most ‘DGR’ bike you could think of. The retro-styled modern classic is more authentic than many of course, since it apes a genuine Triumph model from the 1960s/70s, and is…

Top Stories Suzuki Live will return for 2023, with a full weekend of activity planned at Cadwell Park on July 15 and 16, including track sessions, a new adventure bike zone, trade stands and displays, plus special guests. Spread over both Saturday and Sunday, the event will again bring together track sessions for classic and modern machines, with novice, intermediate and experienced groups available for pre- and post-2000 Suzukis. There will also be a number of classic race bike parades across the two days. A new adventure bike zone will give V-Strom owners the chance to take their bike off-road, as well as test ride the new V-Strom 1050DE and all-new V-Strom 800DE. The zone – free to enjoy over the weekend – will include expert tuition, a skills area,…

If you have the urge to get out on track with your modern classic with like-minded riders, now is your chance! Our friends at Classic Bike Trackdays inform us that owners of modern classic/retro machines are more than welcome to join in for some trackside fun at their 2023 events. Harking back to the days when the forbears of these machines were taking your dad to race meetings, rallies, local discos and work, the retro bikes of today bring that spirit of adventure into life. Gone are the days of setting points, curing oil leaks and terrifying barely adequate brakes, the modern counterparts to the original bikes are very capable machines. What constitutes a modern classic? Any machine that is reminiscent of machines from days gone by such as the…