Table of contents for 16 August 2017 in MCN

New look motard Ducati have unveiled a new colourway on the Hypermotard 939. The new bike comes in Star White Silk, which teams satin white bodywork with a red frame and red wheels. The new paintscheme is available from Ducati dealers now. Electric flop Police in Northern Ireland have confirmed that people who ride electric bicycles must have a motorcycle licence, wear a helmet along with the appropriate tax and insurance. The law was changed in the UK to allow for this, but the law was never changed in NI. Ride with Kev Suzuki are giving fans the chance to ride to the Brit GP with Kevin Schwantz. Schwantz will be at the Super Sausage cafe for a typical English breakfast from 8:30am, before riding on to the British round…

BMW’s Telelever system was first introduced on the R1100RS in 1993, although the concept was first penned by British engineer Nigel Hill in 1984. Hill devised a front end called the Saxtrack that he used on a Saxon/Motodd Laverda race bike, which inspired BMW to create its patented Telelever system. The Telelever system separates the two functions of front wheel guidance and suspension with a wishbone and pair of ‘forks’, which combined together, resemble a conventional front end. A pair of fork-like structures that have sliding tubes, but aren’t damped, grip the front wheel but a link attached to the frame supports the lower yoke. This support is damped via a monoshock, which BMW say gives less flex when braking or going over bumps than a telescopic fork. In addition,…

‘It’s a stunning experience that’s not so much a wave of torque but a tsunami’ HIGHLIGHTS • Bagger ‘streamliner’ design with fixed side cases and integrated lights • Six-cylinder inline four, 158bhp, 129.1ftlb of torque • Shorter electric adjustable screen • Electronic suspension as standard This is BMW’s first ever bagger. Some could never have imagined BMW would build such an overtly American offering – but they have. At first sight producing a ‘Bagger’ appears relatively simple for BMW: chop down the full dress K1600GTL and, hey-presto, the K1600B. But it’s never that easy. While the wheelbase, ESA suspension and powerful in-line six-cylinder engine remain the same, the rear is completely new. The sub-frame is changed and lower than the standard GT’s. The stylish panniers incorporate the rear light and…

'It has an amzing engine, stable chassis and it's tested the bottle of many riders' HAYBUSA FACTFILE 1999-2017 1299/1340cc four-stroke four + 175/194bhp + 190/186mph Contacts www.ukbusas.org or www.hayabusa.org Want one? £3950 (scruffy) to £12,599 (new Z model) Few bikes re-write the so-called performance rulebook. Fewer still, in so doing, become so iconic, so memorable and develop such a devoted following that an abbreviated version of their name says it all. ‘Blade’ is one classic example. But when it comes to outright speed, Suzuki’s Busa, remains The Daddy, has now been so for the best part of two decades over two models and still has a huge fanbase. Reader Ian Brown is among them. “I owned a Suzuki Hayabusa which I purchased brand new in 2001,” he told MCN. “I…

The MT-07 is due a facelift to bring it in line with the more angular MT-10 and MT-09. Expect the twin-eye look instead of the current single light and the MT-03 and MT-125 to inherit the same styling. There is talk of a refreshed YZF-R125 and the YZF-R1 is due a visual update and possibly the introduction of some headline grabbing-extras such as an up and down quickshifter. It is hard to see where Aprilia can turn when it comes to new models. MCN is predicting a very quiet year for them aside from new paint schemes. Expect a few small Euro4-compliance updates, but no more headline grabbers aside from possibly a family of Gold Wings using the same platform. While the Ninja 300 is certain to gain the Euro4-compliant…

TRACK EXPERT Michael Neeves MCN Chief Road Tester Thundersport GP1 Elite racer and Ron Haslam Race School Elite instructor Be an old smoothie Rain doesn’t need to spoil your trackday but the key to safe riding in the wet is being smooth on the controls and shifting your weight around. Concentrate on the straights; braking and accelerating hard when upright, and taking it steady in the corners. Be progressive on the brakes Gently release the throttle and wait for the weight to transfer to the front tyre before braking. Squeeze the front brake lever lightly at first, to get the front tyre dug in, then progressively harder, feeling for grip. Finish braking before tipping-in. Blip the throttle on down-changes to reduce engine braking. V-shape cornering Do your turning off the…

‘It took two hours riding to get a sore butt, but after a stretch all was fine’ ‘After my trip I felt a little bit invincible on the 124.7cc Duke’ Price £4099 Fuel 13.4 litres @ 47.1mpg = 178.6 range Weight 137kg (dry) Seat height 830mm Power 15bhp Torque 9ftlb Colours Orange, white maria vallahis@motorcyclenews.com Touring is seen as the preserve of big-capacity bikes – riding across the country, eating up the miles. But do you really need a 1200cc motorcycle to go touring? And could my little Duke cope with luggage, panniers and a schlep from Cambridge to Wales? There was only one way to find out and after a weekend away camping in Wales I knew the answer – the Duke is capable of tackling most things.…

‘Passers-by ask me how old it is and are shocked when I say it’s a new bike’ TRIUMPH BOBBER Price £10,500 Fuel 9.1 litres @55mpg = 112 miles Weight 228kg Seat 690mm Power 76bhp Torque 78ftlb liam.marsden@motorcyclenews.com The time has come to dive head-first into Triumph’s huge range of accessories for the Bobber and make it a little more my own. It’s not like the Bobber needs it, it’s already the best-looking bike on the fleet and gets attention wherever I park it up. I was volunteering at an animal sanctuary recently the owner, Clive, who rides a Bonnie took a liking to the Bobber and spent a good 30 minutes pouring over every detail. I can’t blame him, Triumph have done a great job packaging the Bobber to make…

1999 Suzuki GSX-R600 £1750 A dealer sale from Leicestershire, this bike has done just over 27,000 miles from new and remains a fairly standard example. 2000 Honda CBR600F £1895 Another dealer sale, this bike has done around 43,000 miles, yet remains in great condition. This bike comes with a new front tyre, fresh service and MoT. 2002 Kawasaki ZX-6R £1994 This 2002 dealer sale has done 26,000 miles and has received a number of aftermarket modifications in its lifetime, including improved front brake lines.…

Suzuki stars to shine at trackday Suzuki are hosting an all-star trackday on Silverstone’s GP circuit on September 4. The Bennetts BSB duo of Taylor Mackenzie and Sylvain Guintoli will attend, as well as Superstock 1000 front-runner Richard Cooper. British 500 GP race-winner Simon Crafar will also be there. www.bikes.suzuki.co.uk See all of 2018’s hottest models Tickets for this year’s Motorcycle Live at Birmingham’s NEC arena are now available. The UK’s biggest bike show will take place between November 18 and 26, with adult tickets starting at £19.50, £12 for seniors and just £1 for children aged 11 to 16 (kids 10 and under go free). www.motorcyclelive.co.uk GSX-R gets BST treatment Lightweight wheel gurus BST have unveiled a new set of carbon rims, designed for the 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000. Part…

Leon Haslam will be looking to get his 2017 MCE British Superbike title challenge back on track as the series heads to Cadwell Park this weekend. Known as the ‘Party in the Park’, Cadwell is one of the most popular BSB weekends of the year as fans arrive in their droves to watch riders negotiate the technical Lincolnshire circuit, and of course, launch themselves over the infamous Mountain. Having held the lap record since 2006 and finally breaking it last year, Haslam will be hoping to make a return to the top step for the first time since Oulton Park in May after a troubling mid-season for his championship attack. After hitting the back of James Ellison’s stricken Yamaha at Oulton, Haslam’s season spiralled downhill with a crash in practice…

 After a fairy-tale Senior TT victory with the all-new Suzuki GSX-R1000, Michael Dunlop came back down to earth with a thud as he struggled to find pace at this year’s Ulster Grand Prix. ‘Michael is never happy if he doesn’t win; that’s why we employ him’ STEVE HICKEN While he was never far off on the Superbike or Supersport machine, the Ballymoney man failed to finish on the podium in what was a disappointing final meeting of the year for the 15-time Isle of Man TT winner. “Michael did everything right, we’re just learning as we go with this bike,” said team boss Steve Hicken when talking about why his Bennetts Suzuki team were unable to mount a challenge. “There’s nothing particularly wrong with the package, we need a bit…

Bruce Anstey should be on the front of every motorbike magazine in the world after this win! I’m chuffed to bits the RCV has won one, but it was Bruce who did it. I’ve always said it would suit him. He started out on 250s and it’s just a big 250 really. We’re talking about beating a world class rider here in Peter Hickman. Last weekend he was first and second in BSB, so for 48-year-old Bruce Anstey to come here and beat someone of that standard is incredible considering he hasn’t ridden since the TT! We brought the RCV racing because I thought it’d inspire Bruce. We’d done 209mph on the Fireblade at the North West, won the Superbike TT the year before, so we just fancied a change.…

 While the focus remains on the final seat up for grabs at Marc VDS Honda, there are also options at Avintia Reale Ducati, with it looking like Hector Barbera and Loris Baz’s contracts will not be renewed for next season. ‘Rabat brings sponsorship in the region of €1 million with him’ The most certain name linked with the deal so far seems to be that of former Moto2 world champion Tito Rabat, with rumours circulating for months that the Spaniard, who brings with him personal sponsorship in the region of €1 million, would be joining the squad for next year. The second rider linked to the team seems less certain, however, with KTM test rider Mika Kallio and Moto2 rider Xavier Simeon both linked to the squad. Kallio is believed…

Sunday’s win marked the first time that Ducati’s new aerodynamic fairing has taken a race win, with Dovi opting to use it for the first time following Jorge Lorenzo and Danilo Petrucci’s initial first tests with it last week in Brno. Sacrificing around 3-5mph over last year’s winglets in return for approximately 40% of the effect of the old (and now-banned) fairing in terms of downforce, Dovizioso was adamant after his win that while they had a big advantage last year because of their aerodynamics at the Red Bull Ring, he doesn’t believe that it played too much of a role in Sunday’s stunning win. “There are positives and negatives to the fairing – it isn’t just all positive. And so, we have to make a decision for the future…

Aspar switch to KTM in Moto3 The Aspar Moto3 team will move from Mahindra to KTM in 2018 after the Indian firm’s decision to quit Grand Prix to concentrate on their Formula E project. KTM may also withdraw their factory Red Bull Ajo KTM Moto3 effort to focus on Moto2. Ex-champ Kent back in 2018 Former Moto3 champ Danny Kent will be back in Moto2 full time in 2018 and 2019, after signing a two-year deal with Team Speed Up. The manufacturer have previous experience with UK racers with Sam Lowes in 2014 and 2015. Rossi set to expand KTM Moto2 project Valentino Rossi’s Team Sky squad have been linked to a switch from Kalex to KTM in 2018. The move could see them line-up alongside the officially supported factory…

While the factory bosses at Yamaha seem at something of a loss about how to deal with ultra-fast satellite riders Johann Zarco and Jonas Folger beating the factory machines in nearly half of the season’s races so far, Sunday’s podium men all had their own ideas of what needed to be done about Zarco in particular! ANDREA DOVIZIOSO “Zarco has proved that he’s really strong and really fast, but it’s quite strange to see. Yamaha took a decision to change the bike and they know what they saw during the winter, but it looks like it hasn’t worked.” MARC MARQUEZ “I’d like it if it continued like it is – if he’s behind me and in front of both Yamaha factories it’s better! Maybe I’ll buy him a beer at…

Harley-Davidson Street Glide 1745cc | 376kg | 110ftlb | 685mm Cash price (Black) £21,245 Deposit £4275.45 Mileage 4000pa Rate 9.9% APR Optional final payment £12,467 A stripped-back version of Harley-Davidson’s big tourer, and aimed at riders who appreciate the bagger look, the Street Glide Special has a ‘bat wing’ fairing, hard saddlebags, a remote preload adjuster on the rear and disc brakes with ABS. It also features a mini wind deflector and dual halogen headlights. Another recent addition is the excellent Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine (the CVO version also comes with the 114 engine) – the most powerful and coolest-running motors Harley have ever built. Smoother, stronger and more durable, the 107 boasts a crisper throttle response from the four valves per cylinder powerplant. Dominating the dash cockpit is a top-of-the-line…

‘This is an opportunity to create a lower entry point into Triumph’PAUL STROUD Triumph recently announced they had entered into a non-equity partnership with Indian motorcycle manufacturers Bajaj to “deliver a range of outstanding mid–capacity motorcycles” but they gave away little else. We spoke to both Triumph and Bajaj to find out just what we can expect from the two brands. “The two organisations have been talking to each at a senior level since 2007,” says Paul Stroud, Chief Commercial Officer at Triumph. “Both organisations felt that the opportunity would help us both grow internationally. However, we’ve only been developing this particular partnership for the last six to nine months. “Triumph are an iconic motorcycle brand and we’ve enjoyed fantastic international growth over recent years. What the partnership provides is…

‘I’ve seen the great support that this community offers’ Dr Fred MacSorley MBE is the definition of an unsung biking hero. One of Irish road racing’s flying doctors for 30 years, ‘Doctor Fred’ as he is known in the paddock, hung up his leathers after this year’s Ulster Grand Prix. More often than not, Dr MacSorley has been one of the first on scene in the event of a road racing incident at both the big Irish international events, such as the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix, as well as smaller road races. Working as a crucial part of the Motorcycle Union of Ireland Medical team, he has unquestionably saved many lives at the roadside during his years of service. After road racing legend Ryan Farquhar crashed badly…

MCN’s #ride5000miles members have been making the most of the summer with some epic trips, all posted on our Facebook page. Our tourer of the week is Eric Backhouse, who is enjoying a European tour we are all envious of. He said: “The ride though Slovenia was terrific, the weather and the roads are ace. Crossing over into Italy and all seemed well until I was crossing over a pass in the Dolomites and the heavens opened. It was unbelievable but it all dried up ten minutes after getting to the hotel. Typical.” How to join: To join the group, log onto www.facebook.com/groups/ ride5000miles. OUR PARTNERS BENNETTS Motorcycle insurance experts, make insuring your bike hassle-free, so you can focus on your next ride. www.bennetts.co.uk METZELER Metzeler have a wide range…

Electric is the future The government was not “bullied” and anything that resets our species’ self-destructive approach to transport is to be welcomed (MCN, August 2). The selfish myopia of a bunch of leather-clad mostly white middle-aged men in England does not change the need for us to stop producing carbon dioxide. Fancy riding on Venus? Didn’t think so. Mark Hucke, email Dorna cocked it up Your news item that Dorna’s arrangements with the Circuit of Wales project are now cancelled comes as no surprise. However, I find it laughable that Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta could make the comment: “The contract with Circuit of Wales is completely finished, because they have harmed the matter – but we solved the situation by working directly with Silverstone.” The matter was harmed by…

This new-for-2017 campaign is up and running and we need YOU to get involved. This competition is not about a load of faceless judges being locked away in a dark room, it’s about you telling us who deserves something back. And with cash prizes up for grabs, it’s well worth taking a moment to make your thoughts known. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for you and your hero to be part of the Carole Nash stand at the Motorcycle Live show at the NEC in November. Carole Nash are offering £2000 in prizemoney for the top three-placed heroes and their nominators. The hero crowned the overall winner will be presented with the Carole Nash Biking Hero 2017 trophy at Motorcycle Live. Now we appreciate that some of these biking heroes…

A NEW SPEED KING Those early, unrestricted ‘Busa’s regularly recorded high 190s at the timing strip – sometimes more. A GREAT NAME Hayabusa is Japanese for Peregrine Falcon, the fastest diving of all birds which, apparently, feed on blackbirds… RADICAL AERODYNAMICS Those distinctive lines were developed in the wind tunnel with little concession to beauty. Suzuki wanted it to be ugly. DRAG BIKE FOR THE ROAD The Busa was instantly a straight-liner’s fave and turbo versions, such as those created by specialists Holeshot Racing, became common.…

Earlier on in the year I bought a Yamaha MT-125 to get to work on and it’s a very good comparison with the Duke test bike. We took both of these bikes on our big Wales trip. This is what I noticed. Gearchange heaven The KTM has a better gearbox. Finding neutral on the MT is a ball-ache. Paired with the lack of a gear indicator, the squidgy gear changes make it all too much of a guessing game. The KTM does have a gear indicator and the gearbox is a bit more positive and this means it feels a lot more reassuring for a new rider like myself. Ergonomic wonder The KTM has wider handlebars and is closer to the rider, which means you put slightly less weight on…

Q What’s the best shortie waterproof jacket? Please can you recommend a waterproof two-piece textile suit with a short jacket. My current suit fits me really well and is comfortable, but neither the jacket nor the trousers are anything other than showerproof. After an hour in the rain, I am completely soaked through. Robbie Tulloch, email A Answered by Keith Roissetter, Infinity Motorcycles If your older gear is still in warranty, I think you should get in touch with your dealer, as there is clearly a problem. As alternatives which zip together, I would suggest the Alpinestars T-Jaws with the Gore-Tex Patron trousers, or maybe the Dainese Super speed jacket joined with the firm’s Galvestone Gore-Tex trousers. We have limited experience with the Spidi Warrior Sport H2Out jacket and H2Out…

In the mid-1980s, Kawasaki ran an advert with the caption: ‘Before you buy a new one, check out the price of an old one’, to draw your attention to the excellent residuals of certain old-school Kawasakis. They could swap that today to: ‘Before you buy a used one, check out the price of a new one’ because some of the deals around now can really make you blink. I was wondering why, for example, someone would want to pay £9800 for a used 2016 ZZR1400 (admittedly with only 500 miles on the clock) instead of buying a new one for just £10,900. OK, so the new ones will have tax and PDI charges added, but if I were blowing 10 grand, I’d be comparing used prices against new very carefully.…

 While he might have missed out on Saturday’s Superbike wins, it’s hard to take anything away from Peter Hickman’s achievements at last week’s Ulster GP. ‘I’m laid back about everything, it winds the missus up no end!’ PETER HICKMAN In less than seven days, he won his first MCE British Superbike race of the season at Thruxton before going on to take four victories and break the lap record (albeit for a brief period) at the Ulster Grand Prix. Currently sitting third in the BSB championship onboard the Smiths BMW and having achieved more podiums than any other rider across the North West 200, Isle of Man TT and Ulster GP, Hickman’s results mark his best season to date on both the short circuits and roads, which is all the…

Record for Lintin Ivan Lintin clinched a new Supertwins lap record as he beat Dan Cooper. Just 0.024sec separated the two across the line after an intense four-lap battle. Cummins is back! Conor Cummins made a return to the podium after fighting for victory in the final Superbike race. Having spent most of the year struggling with injury, he finished third to take Padgetts’ eighth podium of the meeting. Jamie Hodson 2016 Manx Grand Prix Supertwins Champion Jamie Hodson passed away after an incident in Thursday’s Dundrod 150 National race. His brother, Rob, was involved in the same accident but suffered no serious injuries. MCN joins the wider racing community in extending our deepest condolences.…

 Dan Kneen was left frustrated after an intense last lap battle with Dean Harrison saw him miss out on victory in the second Superbike race by just 0.1 seconds. ‘I’m a bit annoyed at the move. It’s not right, is it? DAN KNEEN Once he’d got to grips with the Tyco BMW, which he was riding in place of the injured Ian Hutchinson, Kneen was on the money during Saturday’s races and started on a high with a podium in the Super-stock class. He’d go on to battle with Harrison for third in the feature Superbike race, missing out on the rostrum by just 0.06 seconds. However, a scrap with the Yorkshireman on the final lap of the second big bike race resulted in contact at the hairpin leaving Kneen…

 With Sam Lowes out at Aprilia, he’ll be replaced at the factory team by another British rider, as Scott Redding was extended an eleventh hour lifeline to take over from his countryman. Despite Redding denying the news throughout the weekend, his manager Michael Bartholemy confirmed to MCN following Sunday’s race that he would be replacing Lowes. ‘Now for next year Scott is fixed at Aprilia. It is for one year with an option’ MICHAEL BARTHOLEMY He said: “There was contact with Redding but it stopped at the beginning of July when it appeared Sam was their rider and they sounded committed to him. But now for next year Scott is fixed at Aprilia. It is for one year with an option in favour of Aprilia; this is normal for factories…

‘We call him Professor’ “It is a very important victory because we feel we have been title contenders since Mugello but it seems no one believed that it was possible. But on Sunday Dovi proved he can be a challenger. Now we can call him Professor Dovi because the strategy he had during the race was fantastic. When he was overtaken by Marc it was on purpose. Everything Dovi did was because he knew the race would be like this. “We discussed the race before the start and Dovi was clear what was going to happen and that’s how it turned out. Dovi did exactly what he told us he would do. “The winglets we had last year are very different from what we have now and today we again…

‘It was a difficult race for me, for Maverick, for all the team’VALENTINO ROSSI  The factory Yamaha MotoGP camp is in turmoil after yet another poor weekend for team-mates Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi at the Austrian Grand Prix. The pair were unable to do anything better than sixth and seventh respectively, coming home behind the satellite Yamaha of Johann Zarco for the third time this season. Despite looking strong in the early stages, Rossi complained afterwards that their problems started as the battle progressed. With the bikes once again losing rear tyre grip in the second half of the race, it marks a continuation of the issues caused by Yamaha’s 2017 specification chassis – an issue that the frame was specifically designed to cure. Rossi said: “It was…

The weekend’s action at the Red Bull Ring was plagued with rider safety concerns and even threats of the first rider strike since Misano in 1989 after a series of crashes during Moto2 practice highlighted concerns first raised by former world champion Casey Stoner 12 months ago. With a number of guardrails close to the track and with corner entry speeds being so fast, Stoner questioned safety after a test last year – especially in wet weather conditions. Those concerns, shared by many others on the grid, were further compounded during Friday’s Moto2 free practice session, when the combination of heavy rain and the nature of the weather-resistant asphalt at the mountainous circuit meant that the first corner in particular was slippery. With a number of riders playing skittles with…

From humble beginnings, less than ten years ago, the Brackley Festival of Motorcycling has grown into one of the best motorcycle shows around. This year over 20,000 people came to see the famous displays and the bike park was fit to burst with over 8400 machines crammed in. The real success of the event lies not in its ability to bring in bikers, but in its popularity with the local townsfolk as thousands comes out each year to see the amazing display. This year the event grew bigger again with a special Café Racer Show sponsored by the Ace Café, running alongside the Custom Bike Show. The real centre piece of the event was the parade of classic racers down the town high street. Parades ran throughout the day, totalling…

1 Kawasaki Ninja 650 James has had a Ninja 650 this year and he says it’s more than just a commuter 2 Triumph Street Triple RS Joe shows us why you don’t need 200bhp and clip-ons to have a good time 3 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT Oli tells us how the 650 is getting on with his 138-mile commute. 4 GSX-R1000R Onboard Neevesy takes us on a 100mph+ ride around Brands Hatch 5 The GSX-R: Dyno & more And for general GSX-R fun, Neevesy talks us through his first two months Watch all these and more at tinyurl.com/ya7y4akr…

 “I have always been passionate about motorcycles, mechanics, technology, design and sculpture,” says Nicholas Baux, creator of this fine machine. “One day I said to myself: why not combine all of these passions in one and modify motorcycles! ‘I melted aluminum to 700°C. What a skill to learn!’ “For me the Royal Enfield are the stuff of myth and the 500 Bullet represents the traditional British single par excellence: big torque, good vibration, beautiful engine. I bought a shabby Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Classic in 2012 and wanted to put my hand and my spirit into this bike. “The original Bullet is a beautiful motorcycle, but I wanted to refine the model to the maximum. I wanted this to look like it could be in the Royal Enfield catalogue. “I…

OXFORD T-SHIRT £19.99 This 100% cotton, retro t-shirt has more than a hint of a certain Tennesse-based whiskey maker, but it’s cool nonetheless. www.oxfordproducts.com REV’IT COOPER GLOVES £84.99 Protective, classy and stylish, these gloves have a viscoelastic knuckle protector as well as their PWR shield on the palm. www.revitsport.com BUILT MAGAZINE £4.99 A magazine dedicated to custom bikes and the people who make them what they are. If you worship at the flat-track altar or drink from the chopper chalice, this is the magazine for you. www.builtmag.co.uk…

Ah bliss. The editor’s away on his summer hols, which means we get our annual opportunity to lift our noses from the grindstone, plonk boots on desks and waste a morning or so working out exactly what new bikes we will (and won’t) be seeing over the coming weeks. Luckily, as summer turns into autumn and the new-bike season beckons, we’re pretty well positioned to make the big calls. We can turn to our contacts inside the factories as well as our plucky band of spy photographers sitting in the bushes outside. We have colleagues in the major manufacturing cities of the world as well our in-house news hounds – easily the most irritatingly informed pair of nosy parkers on the planet. And on page 30 you can see the…

1 KEV’S BEST MATES? Schwantz raced at the Suzuka 8-Hour in 2013. Name his two team-mates? 2 WHO MAKES THIS? Which company has just sold the rights to this engine? 3 WHICH YEAR? The Africa Twin started as a 650 in 88, but when did it grow to 750cc? 4 NAME THE TRACK The TT was stripped of its Brit GP status in 77 – which track took over? 5 WHO’S THE HIPPIE? Name the dude sitting on the scooter as he readies for some Classic fun and games... 6 PIPE UP! Which bike does this very distinctive exhaust belong to? It was a Kwacking machine! in 2006! 7 NAME THE YEAR? TT super-hero Joey Dunlop is looking mean in Misano, but can you name the year? 8 WHAT’S THE…

‘I daydream and spend the whole time locked in my own thoughts’ QUICKFIRE ROUND • Fast,intermediateornovice group? Intermediate • Mudortarmac?Tarmac • Four-strokeortwo-stroke? Four-stroke • Darkvisororclear?Clear • Glovesinorglovesout? Out • GPS ormap?Map • Dealerserviceordoit yourself?Do it myself Q1 What are you riding? My main bike is my BMW R80 GS Basic, but I also have and a BMW R60, a 350 Beta Alp and Yamaha 225 Serow for green-laning and rallies. Q2 Which living motorcyclist do you most admire? Nick Sanders, for what he’s achieved. I managed quite a few of his tours with him so I saw what he did – riding bikes, writing books, making films. Q3 What’s your worst riding habit? Daydreaming. Sometimes I can spend the whole time concentrating so much on my own thoughts that I…

Off-road the KTM is the easy winner. It made me, an enthusiastic rather than super skilled dirt pilot, 20% more confident – and I rode 20% faster too. If you’re going to attempt some serious excursions off-road on your global adventure or weekend in Scotland then you should buy the KTM. However, if you’re unlikely to encounter any truly challenging terrain then the BMW is a decent off roader and a better road bike. THANKS TO: Sweet Lamb Adventure Bike Riding Academy • Glanrhyd, Pantmawr, Llanidloes, Powys SY18 6SY www.adventurerallybike.co.uk 07794 937 011 • Info@adventurerallybike.co.uk…

‘The E6 winds and wanders like heaven’s own strip of tarmac’ Miles Scenery Roads For most of us, Norway is the cold, snowy, sticky-out bit across the North Sea. It’s famous for inventing Vikings, fjords and nil pwun in the Eurovision Song Contest. But why go to the effort of riding a bike there? It’s not even easy – the last passenger ferry from the UK to Scandinavia sailed in 2008, so now it’s a two-day ride from Calais up through Denmark and a ferry from Hirtshals to Kristiansand in southern Norway (or into Oslo) before you even start. Well, the reason for riding the E6 in Norway is because it’s the most astonishing road in Europe. There’s nothing to measure it against: the Alps are a mere garden rockery…

1 Loomies, A32/A272 West Meon, Hampshire. Call in for great food, loads of bikes and a friendly atmosphere 01730-239440 2 Santa Pod, Bedfordshire. Check out the Run What You Brung this Saturday night. www.santapod.co.uk 3 Vic Bikers Pub, Coalville, Leicestershire. www.vicbikerspub.co.uk 4 Revved Up Teabar, High Street, Walton on the Naze, Essex. Call in for a cuppa and a warm welcome. 07974-408542 5 Seaways Cafe, Fimber Road, Fridaythopre, Fridaythorpe, Driffield YO25 9RX. As recently visited by #Ride5000 member Sally Weighill and riding friends from the group. 01377-288203 GET YOUR MEET ON THE MAP If you have a bike-friendly cafe aenue w and nt wan et yo get r mee you on tmeet monthe comap tact,ema sonl: mcn sam. @ williams motorcyclenews.co.uk@motorcyclenews.com…

‘More focused than any superbike, but the sense of fun makes it engaging’ BMW R NINET RACER Price £11,615 Fuel 17l @ 40mpg = 149-mile range Weight 220kgSeat 805mm Power 108bhp Torque 86ftlb matt wildee@motorcyclenews.com For the last 15 years I’ve been totally immersed in high power, low weight and bikes that teeter on the cutting-edge of technology. The R nineT is my break, a change from my former life – and this switch is something that mirrors many sportsbike owners. In recent years bikes like this have become more attractive – cute café racer styling, an interesting engine configuration and decent power. But is it enough? The answer is both yes and no. The quality of the boxer twin’s power delivery makes up for the relative lack of horses.…

Enter at winit.motorcyclenews.com Signed Sheene tribute mag £14.99 Sheene’s best friend Steve Parrish has signed this exclusive Barry Sheene tribute mag. Enter until: September 10 Sheene & Roberts Exclusive Print, £30 The legendary 1979 500cc British Grand Prix was one of the closest fought battles ever and this great photo of Sheene and Roberts captures the essence of the race. Enter until: September 3 Box BX-1 Full Face Helmet £50 We have a small Box BX-1 full face lid up for grabs, it’s got a quick release visor, is fully vented and comes in a variety of designs. Enter until: August 31 Sportsbikeshop Gift Voucher £50 Would you like to spend £50 at the UK’s largest motorcycle on-line retailer? You can if you win this £50 Gift Voucher…

Q What info do I need to get after a crash? Not wishing to tempt fate but my biking mates have told me I need to gather various bits of information after any crash so I can be sure of getting the right compensation – not that I am planning to crash! What sort of things should I be considering? Mike, Kent A You should always seek medical attention. This will allow your injuries to be documented in your medical notes to assist in quantifying your compensation and will ensure you receive the treatment you need. You should make sure the police have been called to attend the scene. They will investigate the accident, take statements from witnesses and those involved and will give their account of things. If it’s serious,…

2008 Kawasaki ER-6n £1950 Seller says Only 2500 miles, one owner, excellent, hand guards, crash bungs, seat lowered. Neil says Ignore the fact that it’s nine years old, this has decades of life left in it. 2003 Yamaha XT600E £1950 Seller says Very nice, 7600 miles, recent service, new battery. Neil says One of the last of the bog-basic four-stroke true trail bikes and wonderful. I’ve owned two over the years. 1999 Yamaha YZF-R6 £1951 Seller says Standard except for tinted screen, quiet engine, new tyres, recent oil/filter change. Neil says A true head-banging sports 600. Fantastic fun, if uncompromising. MCN BIKES FOR SALE 13,273 bargain bikes for sale right now!…

 “These bikes do tend to get a bit of a hard life as commuters and big-mile machines. They’re not the most fun bike to ride, but they are bulletproof and do go on and on, which is why people tend to use them. ‘If you don’t check over a bike you could end up with a right bag of nails’ “They are quite basic, so running costs are low. I don’t think there have been any recalls on them either. “We used to see a few of them that were left outdoors and the electronics would corrode in certain places. This could cause things like indicator and number plate lights to stop working. They are not expensive things to fix and it could cost almost nothing to sort out if…

 “If someone had said to me at the start of the week ‘you will win the superbike race and be the fastest road racer in the world’- I wouldn’t have believed them,” Dean Harrison said after achieving exactly those feats on the Silicone Kawasaki at last week’s Ulster Grand Prix. ‘Dan Kneen came past me flat out before Wheelers and I thought the job was f*****!’ DEAN HARRISON The Bradford man inherited the coveted “fastest road racer in the world” tag from fellow Yorkshireman Ian Hutchinson after obliterating Hutchy’s 2016 mark with a new speed of 134.614mph in the first feature superbike race. In spite of his pace, Harrison could only finish third in that race but he made no mistake in the final big bike event. “I really wanted…

 Sam Lowes’ tenure as a factory MotoGP racer will come to an end at the end of the 2017 season, after Aprilia bosses confirmed at the Austrian Grand Prix that they would be exercising a break clause in their two-year contract to sack him – only a week after senior management assured him that his job would be safe for next season. ‘Since the news I’ve had a messages from Moto2 teams’ ALEX LOWES However, despite the blow only 11 races into his career in the premier class, the happy-go-lucky former World Supersport champion told MCN that the news has come as something as a relief to him, after months of uncertainty. “There’s been a lot of rumours over the last few months, but all along my personal feeling over…

‘A lot of people expected us to win easily in Austria, but the rules have changed’ANDREA DOVIZIOSO Andrea Dovizioso silenced any remaining critics who think that he and his Ducati Desmosedici are not 2017 MotoGP title contenders by securing a stunning victory over Marc Marquez at Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix – see p4-5. It was his third win of the 2017 season. And while he might have gone into the weekend as the favourite thanks to Ducati’s all-conquering form at last year’s race, it wasn’t the abundance of speed from his Ducati that enabled him to take the fight to Marquez, it was his supreme race-craft that cemented his position as a genuine title contender. Yet despite now sitting equal with Marquez in wins and trailing the reigning champion…

12th SCOTT REDDING Started 15th Scott Redding finally managed to pull together a strong weekend from start to finish at the Red Bull Ring, coming away from the race pleased with rounding off a consistent practice and qualifying with a points-scoring finish – even if he did take a gamble on tyres! He said: “I expected to go into the top ten, but I’m still happy enough with my result. I opted for the hard rear tyre on the grid after not doing a single lap with it all weekend and didn’t know what to expect, and I struggled to get temperature into it in the early stages.” 15th CAL CRUTCHLOW Started 9th Caught out by aggressive riding in the opening laps of Sunday’s race, Cal Crutchlow’s battle was over…