Содержание выпуска: 02 August 2017 — MCN

MV Agusta has announced new financial backing which should safeguard the firm’s future and see it return to full production. MV Holding now controls 100% of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., after receiving investment from ComSar Invest, part of Black Ocean Group. This means Mercedes AMG no longer owns 25% of MV Agusta S.p.A., with MV Agusta Holding having bought the German car manufacturer’s shares. The controlling stake of MV Agusta Holding will be held by GC Holding, the investment company of MV Agusta president Giovanni Castiglioni, while ComSar Invest will be a minority shareholder. Giovanni Castiglioni, President of MV Agusta, said: “The transaction with ComSar in our holding company through a capital increase and the acquisition of the shares represents an important milestone for our plan which has as a…

Moriwaki Engineering was founded in 1973 by Mamoru Moriwaki. Already a very quick motorcycle racer, Mamoru learnt his engineering trade under Hideo ‘Pops’ Yoshimura and later married Pop’s eldest daughter Namiko before setting up his own tuning and chassis firm in Suzuka. After spotting a talented youngster called Wayne Gardner and signing him up to his race team, Mamoru’s reputation grew, and in the 1980s he formed very close links with HRC, often using Honda engines in his own chassis. In fact, so close was the partnership that in 2003 HRC allowed Moriwaki to race its RCV engine in their own chassis, leading to the MD211VF. Moriwaki won the first ever Moto2 world championship in 2010 and continue to be close allies with HRC (the RCV road bike’s chassis is…

‘We’re researching as far back as 1700 to find a solution’ “The Peak District National Park has the authority to close routes in the park, which we as recreational motorists have been able to use in the past. I’ve been riding these trails since 1972 and they’ve now become more popular, especially in the last ten years. “So the Peak Park Authority are trying to get rid of the green lanes by putting traffic regulation orders on various routes and close them one by one. The Peak Park has a political set of ideas which are anti recreational-motorist and want to stop motorcycles from using green lanes completely. “What we have to do to fight this is find historical evidence which shows that motorised vehicle users have been free to…

HIGHLIGHTS • Fuel-injected Euro4 engine • Combined brakes • Removable exhaust baffle • A1 licence legal New for 2017 and with a host of Euro4-pleasing parts such as new brake system and fuel-injection, the SWM SM125 also looks so trick. This 125 is mean and purposeful and has lots of details that you don’t often get on a small-capacity bike with a £3500 price tag. The motor, which is built by SWM at their Italian factory, has a double overhead cam four-valve head, fuel-injection and even a cool red rocker cover – a subtle hint at its Husqvarna roots. On the chassis front you get inverted forks while the shock’s spring preload is adjustable and I love the handhold cut-outs just below the seat as well as the engine’s sump…

Michael Neeves Age 47 Height 6ft Best touring moment “My first ever Ring trip in 2002 on my old Ducati 916” Ben Neeves Age 38 Height 5ft 7in Best touring moment “A lap of Tasmania this year on a Ducati Panigale” Bob Stockley Age 50 Height 5ft 7in Best touring moment “Going to Almeria then on to Africa on a BMW S1000RR” Dave Lockhart Age 51 Height 5ft 9in Best touring moment “Riding to the Bol d’Or in the ’90s on my old EXUP race bike” Gareth Harford Age 37 Height 5ft 9in Best touring moment “Coming back through the Alps from Misano on my KTM 1190” James Docherty Age 36 Height 5ft 8in Best touring moment “Thrashing through the Black Forest on a bunch of super-nakeds”…

PARIS-DAKAR CREDIBILITY It was the first true Paris-Dakar replica – of the all-conquering NXR750, which was victorious from 1986-89. ONE OF THE BEST NAMES It was suggested by one of Honda’s European sales staff who reportedly said: ‘It must be a real Africa Twin if it has the V-twin engine that raced through Africa.’ A legend was born. AN ON-BOARD COMPUTER Ok, it was more a sophisticated twin timer/trip meter than a true computer, but this was 1990 after all… PEERLESS ROAD PRESENCE It might have been built for the desert but with the Africa Twin we discovered monster trailies made great road bikes, too.…

Don't be blind to signals from other road users either. Brake lights and indicators are valuable forms of communication Used the horn to alert a car of your presence? Soften the effect with a polite wave Use your position to give information to others about your next move Every time you are out and about riding you are communicating with other road users, giving and receiving information. For example, each time you squeeze the brake lever you are illuminating your brake light and thereby informing other traffic that you are slowing. Every time you put your indicators on you are having a non-verbal conversation with other road users. Every road journey is an interaction with other road users and we all rely on each other to communicate. It is this…

alison.silcox@motorcyclenews.com ‘As expected, Sport mode is the most fun, and ideal for country roads’ HONDA X-ADV Price £9599 Fuel 13.1 litres @ 69.78mpg = 200 miles Weight 238kg Seat 820mm Power 54.04bhp Torque 50.18ftlb I feel I should be wearing a white coat and not a leather jacket with all the scientific testing I’ve been doing. Well, I say scientific testing with my tongue slightly in cheek – what I’m trying to work out is which of the Honda X-ADV’s gear modes is right for me. Unlike other auto gearboxes, Honda’s DCT can work automatically or be manually controlled with paddle shifters on the left handlebar. The first bike I rode with this system was the Honda NC700X in 2011 and then I wasn’t quite so inquisitive, so never really…

‘Your problem is the delay, as your rights diminish with time’ Q Does my Intercom refund bid sound like a lost cause? I purchased a Buhel D01 motorcycle intercom headset at a bike show in October 2016. At the show the demo seemed OK, if a bit resonant. The first time we tried the unit out on the bike was six months later. It is sold as a unit for use with motorcycles but it is useless above 40mph. I returned the unit on the basis it wasn’t fit for purpose and asked for a refund of my £225. The seller refused, though they did send me the intercom back. Is there anything I can do? JR, Stratford-upon-Avon A Given the time that passed between the purchase and complaint, your…

1999 Aprilia RS250, £5995 Sold on behalf of a customer, this bike has done just 2884 miles from new and is in immaculate condition. Located in East Sussex, the bike will be sold with keys, paperwork and a fresh MOT. 1973 Suzuki GT750, £14,980 Has done 157 miles since an engine rebuild in December 2014 and a full restoration. The bike is a dealer sale and is offered with a finance package and delivery available worldwide. 1988 Suzuki RG500, £14,999 West Sussex dealer sale in pristine condition. Standard model, with a full engine rebuild 500 miles ago by Padgett’s. The bike has a full service history, including every receipt.…

‘The goal now is to win the title. Andrea is full of condidence’DUCATI BOSS PAOLO CIABATTI Andrea Dovizioso and the Ducati MotoGP squad have been a revelation in the opening nine rounds of the 2017 season. Their incredible step up in form has reignited the Italian firm’s potential as a title challenger with Dovi only six points adrift of championship leader Marc Marquez at the mid-point of the season. After a seven-year absence from the top step of the podium, Dovi took a stunning victory at his home race in Mugello and then promptly backed it up just seven days later with victory at the Catalan Grand Prix. But despite what looks on the surface like an incredible change in form for both rider and manufacturer, Dovizioso has been insistent…

‘I had a sleep in the back of the van today’ MICHAEL DUNLOP Dunlop’s Supersport race victory at Armoy followed an all-night shift to replace the engine on his R6 MD Racing Yamaha after he blew a motor during Friday evening’s first 600cc race. “We worked hard to get the engine in overnight and I had a sleep in the back of the van today” he said. Dunlop won the race by 3.3 seconds from Derek McGee (B&W Kawasaki) and James Cowton’s similar McAdoo ZX-6R. Dunlop’s form in the Supersport class had been patchy over the past couple of seasons before his Supersport TT win in June. “I can still ride a 600 and, on a level playing field, I can win.” he said. “At the Isle of Man TT,…

‘My first individual stint in the race was more than 30 laps – it was tough’LEON HASLAM ‘Even my stomach muscles and my throat were cramping up’LEON HASLAM Leon Haslam took a stunning podium finish for the factory-backed Team Green Kawasaki squad at this year’s Suzuka 8-Hour, after doing the lion’s share of the work for the three-man squad only a month after suffering a broken back at the Knockhill round of BSB. Riding alongside team-mates Kazuma Watanabe and Azlan Shah Bin Kamaruzaman on the ZX-10R, Haslam’s pace during qualifying dictated an unusual strategy for the race that saw the Malaysian rider sitting out the entire race and Haslam doubling up on his time on the bike. Completing five of the eight hours of the race, in 35…

JASON O’HALLORAN Honda Dream RT Sakurai Finished: 10th The Australian BSB regular had a strong race for Sakurai Honda to rally them from 18th to sixth on his opening run, but told MCN after the race that despite losing places in the closing stages, he was delighted with the performance of the privateer squad. “Normal bike racing has you out there racing alone, but in endurance you’ve got three guys in a team and a bike that you share. We have to be happy with tenth place on a private bike with the amount of effort the factory teams put into this race.” CHRISTIAN IDDON BMW Motorrad 39 Finished: Not classified (154 laps completed) Despite a disastrous crash for Iddon and the BMW Motorrad 39 squad after team-mate Raffaele de…

Motorcycle Live is GO! Advance tickets for Motorcycle Live at the NEC (November 18-26) have just gone on sale, at £19.50 per adult, £12 for Seniors, £1 for 11-16 year olds and free for 10 and unders. Call 0844 581 2345 or visit www.motorcyclelive.co.uk. Ride like a pro Yamaha are inviting dirt lovers to try the firm’s new flagship MX weapon, the 2018 YZ450F, as well as the 250F and 125. The tour rolls into the Apex Motocross venue in Worcester over the Friday and Saturday of August 25-26. Info: 01543 466282 or steve.harley@amca.co.uk. Vozz is this? Vozz Helmet have unveiled a new lid that does away a chinstrap by clamping onto your noggin like a protective clam shell. Vozz say it can be removed more easily in the event…

Indian Motorcycles have revealed a mass of 2018 model updates and three all-new models: the Scout Bobber, Roadmaster Elite and Springfield Dark Horse. The American firm has been revitalised over the last few years and is leaning heavily on its heritage that stretches back further than Harley-Davidson’s, A nip and tuck Beyond the three range additions are a smattering of updates to keep the range fresh. The Scout now comes as standard with a pillion seat and pillion footpegs. The telescopic front forks have been replaced by cartridge forks, and it gets Pirelli tyres. There’ll be two new colours, too (Metallic Jade and a Willow Green/Ivory Cream). The Chief Classic gets whitewall tyres, wire spoked wheels and chrome hand controls, and will be available only in Burgundy Metallic, while the…

Yoshimura Suzuki’s Josh Brookes pulled off one of the most astonishing saves we’ve ever seen at this weekend’s Suzuka 8- Hour race in Japan. At one point, it all looked lost and you could almost hear a collarbone snapping. The Aussie said: “I had just one flying lap in qualifying, put my knee in the dirt on the inside of turn two, it dug in and ripped me off the bike. But I got back out in Q2 and all went smoothly…” Brookes and team-mate Sylvain Guintoli finished the race in seventh. SEE 5-PAGE SUZUKA SPECIAL: P79…

WHERE IS THIS? 1 Which long-cornered 1970s circuit is pictured here? WHAT YEAR? 2 It had a crazy, 17,500rpm rev counter, when was it introduced? WHERE IS THIS? 3 It’s meant to be the UK’s twistiest road. But what’s it called? WHO IS THIS? 4 This rider pioneered elbow-down riding. Who is he? WHO MAKES ’EM? 5 These are brilliant all-round tyres. Which company makes them? HOW MANY TITLES? 6 How many world titles have these chaps won between them? WHAT’S IT FROM? 7 What bike did this crazy multi-cylinder motor power? WHO DESIGNED IT? 8 Which Italian design genius penned this stunner? WIN AN MCN MUG! Get them all right and you could win an MCN mug! Fill in the answers, include your name and address and send them…

‘I’d love to be able to ride the way that Valentino Rossi can’ QUICKFIRE ROUND • Fast/Intermediate/Novice: Intermediate, I’m too old for fast now! • Mudortarmac:Mud • Four-strokeortwo-stroke: Two-stroke • Darkvisororclear: Clear • Satnavormap:Map, I still use them all the time • DealerserviceorDIY: Do it yourself Q1 What are you currently riding? I’ve got an Africa Twin DCT, a great all round bike, but my favourite bike from everything I get to try at Honda is the Gold Wing. I’m looking forward to seeing the new one next year as I think I’ll have to get one. Q2 Which living motorcyclist do you most admire? He may not be alive but I still have to say Mike Hailwood. After just six months of racing he won the 125cc, 250cc and…

Ducati Akrapovic exhaust £1920.64 Give your Supersport the factory racer look with this full underseat pipe titanium exhaust system. More power, less weight, more bling and an eye-watering price tag. Suzuki GSX-S1000F tall screen £279.00 In standard trim, the GSX-S1000F doesn’t offer adequate high-speed wind protection. This official Suzuki accessory is a useful 100mm taller than the stock item. Yamaha Tracer City Tank Bag £130 Yamaha’s official accessory 11-litre (expanding to 15 litres) bag has a quick-lock system for easy mounting and removal, plus a map holder, side pockets and a rain cover. Metzeler Roadtec 01 tyres £250 MCN’s sports touring tyre of choice for the last two-years. They offer an unrivalled level of dry and wet grip, poise, stability, ride quality and durability. TomTom Rider 42 £299.99 TomTom’s entry-level…

1 GO WEST, MY SON A87 from Invergarry to the Isle of Skye ‘Sweeping bends on smooth tarmac, little traffic and stunning scenery’ Nominated by Graham Allan “The best road in the country is without a doubt the A87. Personally, I think heading west is the better direction - full of sweeping bends on smooth tarmac, with little traffic and stunning scenery. Don’t forget the iconic photo opportunity at the end!” Length 99 miles Love it because A snaking ribbon of tarmac that makes its way through Northern Scotland, it’s a challenging route that heads through towns, past lochs and along stretches of coastline, before finishing in the tiny town of Idrigil. These are fantastic roads, with the views to match. Take a picture at Eilean Donan Castle, near Dornie,…

‘The prospect of riding some fine Spanish roads has got me just a little bit excited’ Price £14,299 + accessories - £2609.70 Weight 238kg Seat 860mm Power 160bhp Torque 103ftlb Fuel 23l at 49mpg = 269.5 mile range michael.guy@motorcyclenews.com Aside from being out there riding my bike, not a lot else gives me as much pleasure as the anticipation of embarking on a big bike trip. The planning – bike prep, sorting out which route to take – is all part of the experience for me, and that process is now well underway. You can see the details of all the touring kit I’ve fitted in anticipation of my long-haul ride on these pages. In terms of the route, I had loads of ideas of where to go this year,…

‘As safety has advanced, even 200bhp superbikes can feel sterile’ SUZUKI GSX-R1000R Price £16,099 Fuel 16 litres @ 47mpg Weight 204kg (tested) Seat 825mm Power 199bhp Torque 87ftlb michael.neeves@motorcyclenews.com My time with the GSX-R has shown it to have some of the best electronics available on any superbike. It shares the same hardware as many of its other rivals, but its flexibility, and the ability to switch it off to allow more fun than its rivals, has proven to be a very strong ownership point. Road bike electronics have come a long way in the past decade. Ducati’s 2008 homologation special 1098R was first to be fitted with traction control, as we know it today. Wheel speed sensors measured the Italian superbike’s wheel slip and clever algorithms told the ECU…

Motorex Chain Kit £30 To celebrate their 100th birthday, we’ve joined forces with Motorex to give away a chain cleaner/lube bundle. Enter until Aug 25 Billy Art Jonathan Rea print £30 Jonny Rea is at the top of his game and Billy has captured his fantastic riding prowess in this painting. We’ve a copy of the limited edition print up for grabs. Enter until August 7 EDZ Merino Polo Shirt £55 This can be worn in either hot or cold conditions and it’s made from a special, anti-odour material which keeps you feeling clean and fresh when riding. Enter until August 21 Optimate 3 Charger £60 Here’s a last chance to win one of these Optimate chargers, which keep your battery charged and recover it from deep discharge Enter until…

THE EXPERT Andy Proctor 42, is a biker of 25 years standing and the General Manager at R&G with a special interest in electrics and R&D. ‘White-light’ LEDs are actually at the ‘blue’ end of the light spectrum and were invented by three Japanese physicists in the 1990s who went on to win the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics for their work. Compared to filament bulbs, LEDs don’t draw so much current, produce many times more light, last longer and are smaller than conventional bulbs. Industry standard for life-cycle is 50,000 hours per LED, or six years’ continuous use, and a single 10W LED can throw out an 800-ft beam that is a lot more intense than standard bulbs the closer you get to your bike. THINGS YOU NEED TO…

Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish greed from optimism. I see a bike, usually something old-ish and described as a classic (anything over 20 years old seems to be called a ‘classic’ these days, in the way every shonker found in the back of a garage is a ‘barn find’), but then my jaw drops at the price. There are two types of seller doing this. One is somebody who has taken a lot of time and money painstakingly restoring or refurbishing a bike. He has decided that because he’s spent six grand on doing it, the bike has to be worth that and more, to take account of his time. Sorry, but no – it’s not. The second person is someone (usually a dealer) who’s flying a kite, having seen…

2002 Kawasaki ZX-6R Colours Green and black, silver and black Dealer £2200 Private good £2000 Private average £1800 This one Dealer sale, 26,156 miles, £1994. Mods include can and screen. 2003 Kawasaki ZX-6R Colours Green, black, blue Dealer £3500 Private good £3000 Private average £2800 This one Clean and relatively standard. It’s done 23,846 miles from new and is a dealer sale, up for £3499. 2004 Kawasaki ZX-6R Colours Green, black, blue Dealer £3500 Private good £3000 Private average £2800 This one Dealer sale for £2991. It’s done 22,704 miles and has a range of aftermarket bolt-ons. 2006 Kawasaki ZX-6R Colours Green, silver, black Dealer £3900 Private good £3500 Private average £3200 This one A private sale with an MoT until March 2018. All three keys, 12,200 miles, £3300. Insurance…

‘You’re constantly changing gear, throttle open on the side of the tyre’JOSH BROOKES The MCE British Superbike Championship heads to the fastest circuit on the calendar this weekend with the super-quick, flowing Thruxton playing host to the seventh round of the championship. The 2.36-mile circuit presents a unique challenge as riders cover the distance with an average speed of 124mph – one of the highest average speeds of any circuit in the world, including MotoGP. “Thruxton is unique,” explains lap record holder Josh Brookes, who took the double victory at the Hampshire circuit last time he raced there on his way to the 2015 BSB title. “When people outside the UK ask what my favourite circuit is and I reply with Thruxton they’re like, ‘Where?!’. “There’s a theme, or a…

‘It is hard to find motivation when you’re running in 60th place’JOSH BROOKES Josh Brookes and Sylvain Guintoli left Suzuka with mixed emotions, finishing seventh after an incredible fightback from last place. The third rider in their team, Takuya Tsuda crashed on just the seocbnd lap of the race and they dropped to 68th, and last. The squad had shown excellent pace throughout the weekend’s practice and qualifying, with Guintoli admitting after the race that he believes they had the pace to be the only team able to challenge the dominant factory Yamaha effort for the win. “It was a great experience, but I’m disappointed with the result – and what makes it even more disappointing is that we had the pace to be on the podium and maybe even…

‘Fielding two factory teams of rookies certainly suggests so...’ The Suzuka 8-Hour is often touted as the most important race of the season to the Japanese manufacturers, as evidenced by the plethora of factory bikes, GP and WSB stars and factory technicians that flood to the race to help their respective companies take top honours. There are none of these to whom it has traditionally meant more than Honda. The race was the brainchild of Soichiro Honda, and is held on the company’s home track. Yet now we’re pondering how strong Honda’s commitment is after yet another disappointing showing in an important year, with both the 40th anniversary of the 8-Hour and a new Fireblade to sell. Turning up with two factory teams of rookies and young riders like Jack…

Honda’s new Gold Wing has been lingering in the wings for so long that the gold might need a little buffing before it emerges at this year’s Milan show. But all the indications are that it’s going to have been worth the wait. Traditionally considered the pinnacle in touring comfort, technology and excess, the big Wing has fallen behind its peers in recent years, but Honda are set to radically shake the market with an all-new bike for 2018. Traction control, engine modes, cornering ABS, and integrated infotainment systems are base requirements now, and with the firm’s Dual Clutch Transmission accounting for a serious contribution to their sales, and technology such as semi-active suspension now commonplace, the ingredients are all there for a complete reinvention of the legendary tourer. Project…

NEW Springfield Dark Horse Features a matt black version with gloss black details, an open fender to showcase 19in 10 -spoke and blacked-out front wheel, plus a quick-release windshield. Expected to arrive in late 2017. NEW Roadmaster Elite Ultra-premium Elite has a two-tone cobalt blue and black colour, gold leaf badging on the tank, Ride Command system, 300W audio system, chrome front and rear bumpers, and pillion armrests. NEW Scout Bobber Takes the Scout 1133cc platform and tweaks the engineering and style to include lowered suspension, repositioned pegs, wider bars, chopped fenders, and blacked-out everything. £11,299.…

It does not seem that long ago that I wondered into a small newsagents and bought a ticket for the first ever National Lottery, dreaming of a multimillion pound spending spree. Actually, it was a while ago – 23 years ago (1994). A lot can happen in 23 years! Like the complete phasing out of the internal combustion engine – if the Government’s recent announcement is to be believed! By 2040 all diesel and petrol engines are to be banned, so says the Government in its latest environmental plan. The Government has been bullied into making this shock announcement after campaign group ClientEarth took legal action and a judge ruled that more needed to be done sooner to improve air quality. No mention of motorcycles yet, but you can be…

These new-generation sports tourers are a riot of speed, excitement and gadgetry, mixed with big dollops of comfort and practicality. They’ve come a long way from the old ‘sensible shoes’ sports tourers of the past. Yamaha’s new MT-10 Tourer Edition exemplifies what it takes to make the ultimate all-rounder. Fuel range is a moot point, but that classy engine, electronics, cornering poise, all day-comfort and value for money make it a clear winner.…

‘I keep updating it – and it gets better every time’AFRICA TWIN OWNER, TIM POOLE AFRICA TWIN FACTFILE 1988 to 2003 647/742cc, 52° 6-valve V-twin + 57/62bhp + 61mpg Contacts www.xrv.org.uk, www.hondaafricatwin.com Want one? £2750 (scruffy) to £5200 (mint late model) Adventure bikes may be the motorcycling success story of the last decade or so but there’s one machine above all others that truly put the category originally on the map in the late 1980s – Honda’s brilliant Africa Twin. In fact the Honda monster trailie, or Dakar replica (we didn’t call them adventure bikes back then) was so successful and popular it remained in production for 15 years through three different incarnations. And even then, long after it had been replaced, the clamour for a new Africa Twin continued and…

1 ‘You don’t need a sat-nav’ Just use your iPhone or Android in a case. Use the CoPilot app – it’s customised for motorcycles. I’ve never had a problem in 10,000miles of trips. Nicholas Gibbs 2 The week before you leave Load your bike up as you intend to tour and go for a test ride. Then set your suspension –even if you have a posh bike with auto or press-button settings. It will make your ride a lot easier if you have distributed the weight and suspension correctly. John Ireland 3 Sticker to the right side If you’re worried about riding on the wrong side of the road. Put a small sticker on the bottom right hand side of your visor (view looking out of your helmet) then when…

Luggage The first additions for my big trip are a topbox and panniers. I’ve decided on official KTM items as they’re designed specifically for this bike. The styling is a little bland – a bit ‘BMW’ – and I was tempted with more rugged alloy cases, but the brackets and carriers needed to make them fit put me off. The KTM items are sleek and from the minimal use I’ve put them through so far are easy to use, appear waterproof and are easy to get on and off. Akrapovic end can There is no need to adjust the fuel mapping with the new exhaust – it’s a simple case of plug and play. I’d be lying if I said I could feel any increase in power, but that is…

Yamaha YZF-R1 For the anti-wheelie alone. It allows the most stunning corner exits with the front wheel just a couple of inches in the air, but no power cut. Ducati Superleggera It’s Ducati’s most advanced system and allows anyone (rich enough) to feel the full effect and drama of a 215bhp bike, while retaining a decent safety net. BMW HP4 Race The way it cuts the system is very audible – you can hear every time the spark cuts, just like when you hear a WSB bike. It gives an extra level of feedback.…

K-Tech go retro K-Tech have created a new range of suspension kits, designed to give your retro bike the modern handling it deserves, in a style befitting the genre of bike. The new Razor shock and Tracker fork ranges have been designed to fit both single and twin-shock machines, including Triumph’s Scrambler 900 and Kawasaki’s ZRX1100 and 1200. www.ktechsuspension.com MP3 range has a growth spurt Piaggio have expanded their three-wheeled MP3 range to include the new MP3 300 Sport LT and MP3 500 Sport LT. These are both new entry-level bikes and include fewer features than some of the other current models. Other machines have also received updates such as ABS and traction control. www.uk.piaggio.com Sub 3k e-bikes A new electric motorcycle has been launched in the UK, designed to…

‘Noisy exhaust pipes, air filters and stuff like that are common on these bikes’ “The 2003 to 2004 Kawasaki ZX-6R has always been a good bike for us but there are a couple of things to look out for with them. “The rear shocks are set quite hard, so they tend to not take the bumps of the road very well. As such, a good modification would be to get a better shock, or to soften the preload – to help take the bumps better. You could also alter the compression damping a bit. “These bikes also came with gold paint on the front and rear brake calipers. After heavy mileage, this paint tends to flake if you don’t look after them. “The calipers are also prone to seizing. There…

It can be hard for a home-grown British race fan to get their heads around the Suzuka 8-Hour event, for one major reason – the sheer lunacy of it. Tens of thousands of rabidly passionate fans, a culture totally alien to what we are used to in the West, plus some of the world’s fastest racers battling in the dark make it a race meeting that needs to be seen to be believed. We’ve picked a few highlights that give you an idea of how crazy the place really is...…

1. Yamaha Factory Racing Team (Lowes/van der Mark/Nakasuga) 8h 32.9s 2. Kawasaki Team Green (Haslam/Watanabe/Kamaruzaman) +2m 9s 3. FCC TSR Honda (Aegerter/Hook/ de Puniet) +1 lap 4. MuSASHi RT HARC-PRO Honda (Miller/Nakagami/Takahashi) +2 laps 5. YART-Yamaha (Parkes/Nozane/ Fritz) +4 laps 6. Honda Dream Racing (Koyama/Iwato/Yamaguchi) +4 laps 7. Yoshimura Suzuki (Guintoli/Brookes/Tsuda) +4 laps 8. Satu Hati Honda Team Asia (Pratama/Zaidi/Wilairot) +5 laps 9. MotoMapSUPPLY FutureAccess Suzuki (Waters/Aoki/Konno) +5 laps 10. Honda Dream RT Sakurai Honda (Mizuno/O’Halloran/ Stauffer) +5 laps…

‘Honda were strong at the start but we were smoother’ALEX LOWES ‘We knew we had good pace, even compared to last year’ALEX LOWES The Yamaha World Superbike pairing of Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark say they’ve shown exactly what they are capable of by taking a stunning win at the Suzuka 8-Hour race alongside Japanese Superbike champion Katsuyuki Nakasuga on the factory-run R1 machine in Sunday’s race. The favourites did not put a foot wrong and made the win look relatively easy, finishing a lap clear at the chequered flag. Lowes also set a new lap record for the four-mile track as the team dominated. Completing the whole eight hours of the race without a single problem while their rivals struggled with crashes and technical failures…