Table of contents for 27 May 2020 in MCN

We spoke to eBay about keeping safe and they offered the following advice: Always view the vehicle before sending any money Requests for payment via bank transfer can be a sign of a scam. Buyers should start and complete the purchase on eBay, where possible, so they are covered by the eBay Moneyback Guarantee. We know that this is not possible with classified ads, however, in this case the buyer should still inspect the vehicle before sending any money Learn about the seller and review their feedback Research the approximate value of the vehicle you are interested in buying, and compare on other sites. If the price is too good to be true, it probably isn’t genuine eBay offers safety tips for buying a vehicle on eBay on their Safety…

THURSDAY 5pm, EUR1, BSB Lockdown Lowdown: A host of guests join Eurosport to discuss the season gone by and the future of British Superbikes THURSDAY 12.45am, BTS1, MotoGP: The Greatest Years FRIDAY 5pm, EUR1, Superbikes: Whit & Friends – Eurosport’s James Whitham discusses the state of play in the world of superbikes alongside a number of special guests MONDAY 6.20am, Quest, Shed and Buried: Henry and Sam are in Suffolk KEY TO CHANNELS: DRT - DISCOVERY REAL TIME DSC - DISCOVERY CHANNEL DHD - DISCOVERY CHANNEL HD EXS - EXTREME SPORTS CHANNEL EUR1 (2, HD) - EUROSPORT 1 (2, HD) MOT - MOTORSPORT.TV CH4 - CHANNEL 4 CH5 - CHANNEL FIVE BBC BBCI – BBC INTERACTIVE ESPN – ESPN CLASSIC CHANNEL IT V DST – DISCOVERY TURBO SHED – DISCOVERY…

Milenco are offering MCN readers a free Milenco Padgett’s heritage T-shirt that celebrates their TT team with every Snaefell lock purchased. The Snaefell is Milenco’s most hardcore piece of bike security and has been awarded the Sold Secure Diamond rating. The chain is made from 22mm links, while the lock has a 35mm steel core that clamps it together. To claim your free T-shirt all you need to do is send a copy of your proof of purchase to sales@ milenco.com along with your address and chosen size.…

We all know riding is excellent but other people don’t. So as people return to work, they’re going to want a way of getting there that avoids public transport and doesn’t cause congestion. Step forward the motorbike. So if you know anyone who hasn’t tried a bike, point them to www.motorcyclenews.com/advice/ learning-to-ride. There’s loads of info on how to get started, and how little time and money is required to do it.…

Harley-Davidson have revealed a limited edition custom FXDR that will only be sold in the UK and Ireland. It’s not a huge change – it’s still running the standard softail frame and 1868cc motor as the stock FXDR but it’s more than enough to stand out. The biggest change is the paint: gone is the plain white in favour of white, black and gold across the tank, tail unit, headlight and front mudguards. It’s all hand painted, including the pinstriping, by Image Design Custom right here in the UK. It also means that should you buy one, it comes with a proper Harley warranty unlike a fancy paintjob of your own. As well as the paint, the clip-ons have been swapped for a pair of single-piece drag bars. ‘The paint…

BMW K1200S, 2005 •33,719 miles • Superbike Factory If you’re after a hyper-tourer the big K is classy and breath-takingly effective and the 1200 is something of a steal compared to the later 1300. Although this example has done a fair few miles, the bike is robust and a full service history should give peace of mind. www.superbikefactory.co.uk Honda CBF600, 2006 •18,257 miles • In2Moto This completely capable all-rounder has an MoT until January 2021 is HPi clear and looks clean and classy. w w w.in2moto.co.uk Kawasaki ER-6F, 2016 •22,397 miles • Robinsons of Rochdale This well looked-after machine can commute, tour, and scratch should the mood take you. It comes with a full pre-delivery inspection and an extended warranty and full AXA breakdown cover can be arranged (at a…

Q‘Can I get future surgery covered by my claim?’ I had an accident in 2017. I am now approaching settlement of my case and my solicitors sent a statement of financial losses to the other side with a breakdown of the money which I am claiming. I was advised to claim the costs of private surgery for a hip replacement and revision surgery, which the surgeon acting for me has said will be required over the next few decades. The other side’s solicitors have sent us a “counter schedule” not offering to pay anything for this surgery as they say that due to likely medical advances the hip revisions will not be required and I could have the surgery on the NHS. Can they do this? James Barnsley, Sutton ‘You…

BRIAN FLEMING Age 54 Height 5ft 10in Current bike 2019 Suzuki GSX-S1000F Been riding 15 years First bike Kawasaki ER-6F Dream bike Kawasaki H2 SX SE+ ‘I passed my test in my late 30s as it was something I always wanted to do and spent the first couple of years being what I would describe as fair-weather weekender. I had a Kawasaki ZX-6R which I loved to ride, although my body aches said differently – so changed that for a BMW F800GT which I found comfy but a bit dull, which lead to the Suzuki GSX-S1000F. ‘Having the comfort and weather protection of a tourer but with the power delivery of the GSX-R K5 engine really appealed. I’ve had it a year now and have done 3000 miles. Overall, I…

Based on the F850GS, it was interesting to see how BMW’s all-rounder would perform. Could a re-hashed adventure bike really be more than the sum of its borrowed parts and challenge Yamaha’s Tracer 900? And from just £9825, would the expected BMW ‘premium’ feel be intact? The answer to both is a definite yes. Riding the new F900XR at its launch and doing hundreds of (pre-lockdown) UK miles showed it to be fabulously agile, easy to ride, high quality and amazingly rounded. And performing so well in tests has lead to a stream of questions from readers, so it’s time to answer the biggest ones... What’s it like compared to the BMW R1250GS? Simon Bannister The GS is unique: its ShiftCam engine has huge stomp, its load-separating chassis gives a…

THE OWNER Simon Relph, Senior Designer Age 55 Been riding 41 years Got any other bikes in the garage? Triumphs, Yamahas, Velocettes, Hondas, KTM, Norton, Bultaco, Ariel, Montesa, NSU, Royal Enfield + more I always loved the story about Johnny Cash building his Cadillac by taking home one piece at a time when he worked on the General Motors production line. Just like Johnny, I knew I wouldn’t be able to afford a T110 Desert Sled, but what if I started gathering parts bit by bit? I’d cut my restoration teeth building a 1961 Triumph Tiger Cub TR20 trials bike some 30 years ago, but had always had my eye on its big twin brother, the Tiger 110. Fate intervened when I was giving a friend a hand to pick…

“My CB500X has covered almost 53,000 miles in two years. A fair chunk of that was racked up tackling the Trans America Trail in 2018, which was the reason why I bought the bike in the first place. The Honda came on my radar as I was researching the best bike to use for the trip, which is when I also stumbled across Rally Raid who make adventure parts. Then I discovered that they were selling their 350-mile demo CB500X, which came pre-fitted with uprated suspension and other rally-spec parts. So I bought it and off I went. “It performed impeccably on the trip and has done ever since. I now use it for commuting and every day it just wakes up and goes, unlike its owner! I’ve even managed…

Allen T-bars These metric single hex T-bars give excellent feel and speed for removing bolts. Just spin them off, and pinch them back up. Multimeter tester As the name suggests, this is a tool for accurately measuring a multitude of electrical values: voltage, resistance, continuity, and a whole lot more besides. Genuine parts Using OE parts is the way to go for reliability and peace of mind, but some cheaper pattern alternatives can be just as good so take advice from an expert dealer. Screwdrivers Everyone needs a good set of quality screwdrivers. Most bikes have crosshead screws that are of the JIS standard so look for a set that bears the JIS code. •Tell us about your favourite at mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com…

The urge to get out and explore somewhere new has never been stronger. Enforced lockdown means I’ve never ridden so few miles in the first half of the year and with an Africa Twin sitting in my garage awaiting adventure, it’s been a painful abstinence. Hopefully, our freedom is on the horizon. But although our rides are currently limited by the health crisis, that doesn’t mean we can’t organise our next escape to happiness, plan to boost our skills, buy the kit we need so we’re ready to travel, get our tyres sorted and even pick the dream bike to do it on. Preparation and planning are crucial to any perfect adventure ride, so whether you’re a total novice off-road or a seasoned expert, now is the time to plan…

£13,845 BMW R1250GS • 134bhp • 105lb.ft • 249kg • 850/870mm seat It might be the default adventure bike buy, but there’s a good reason for that. Brilliant 1250 ShiftCam engine, exceptional on road, remarkable off-road, laden with tech and a million accessories to allow you to personalise it to your every whim. Yeah, it’s good. £11,300 Kawasaki Versys • 118.3bhp • 75.2lb.ft • 253kg • 840mm seat More tourer than pure adventure bike, it’s a great choice for buyers who know they’ll rarely tackle more than a gravel drive, but who want the adventure look. The 118bhp, 1043cc motor itself isn’t big on character, but it’s certainly got some poke and is backed up with great rider aids. £15,849 Yamaha XTZ1200 • 110bhp • 86.2lb.ft • 265kg • 845-870mm…

Don’t stop rolling Try to keep your pace above walking speed, as momentum will help the bike to be stable, and to pass over rocks easier. Exit point You will have planned your exit point, but make sure you know what’s next. Do you need to stop, accelerate, turn? Danger zone Diving into an unplanned descent can be a disaster. Jeff’s lack of plan led to him grabbing his front brake and he crashed. Assess the drop Approaching the drop is a crucial phase. Stop if you need to, so that you can view, or even walk, the descent to plan your path. Get set to descend Stand up, get your weight over the rear wheel, cover the back brake, keep your eyes up and on your path ahead. Set…

“Michael’s tips were gradual and good. I really appreciated him taking the time to walk me round the sections. I’ve learned to put more weight on my legs when I stand up; to push the bike down to do sharper turns and to look ahead. For example, don’t look at the next cone; look up, at the next two or three. “I’ve done every country in Western Europe on this bike, and quite a few in Eastern Europe. But I haven’t had enough practice at this kind of riding and as I’m starting to do more adventurous trips I feel I need it. I’m riding to Portugal soon to go trail riding, and then I’m planning to go to Greece. “I’m intrigued that Michael suggests bar risers. I always thought…

I’ve done it again. Bought a bike on the spur of the moment, having ingested a stiff G&T followed by a hefty slug of Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, a gorgeous Italian rosé delivered by the case from the Wine Society, and consumed with some smoked haddock plus spinach from my wife’s allotment. Enough of food: the bike… Last year, I sneered at some trader who was trying to unload a Moto Guzzi V50 for four grand. And I like, no, I love Guzzis. When I bought my Le Mans Mk II, I thought it would appreciate. It hasn’t and V50s haven’t either. I bought one, well, my wife urged me to buy it in another wine-related incident a few years ago, for two grand and when we sold it a couple of…

£12,347 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX Touring • 1043cc 16v inline four • 140bhp @ 10,000rpm (claimed) • 235kg wet (claimed) £10,347 Suzuki GSX-S1000F • 999cc 12v triple • 150bhp @ 10,000rpm (claimed) • 214kg wet (claimed) If someone says ‘all-rounder’ you’ll probably imagine something tall, semi-knobbly and sprouting a beak. But, despite perceptions and trends, the traditional sports-tourer is still very much alive and well. Kawasaki’s Z1000SX has been their best-selling UK bike for almost a decade thanks to mixing performance and ease of use with touring ability. Kawasaki clearly see a bright sports-touring future too, as the Zed-Thou-Ess-Ex has evolved into the sharper Ninja 1000SX for 2020. And for those with fond memories of old-school sports-tourers there is Suzuki’s GSX-S1000F, which still follows the time-honoured path of taking a sportsbike…

MEETING ROSSI “I was playing at a club in Rimini when I felt someone grab my leg, I looked down and it was Rossi! He also saw me standing on the grid at Phillip Island, jumped off his bike, said ‘Hey Carl’ and shook my hand.” BIKE TOURS “We used to organise a trip called Destination Ibiza, which was epic, Tasmania is incredible to ride and you get everything from New Zealand: you feel like you’re in a picture postcard.” MOTOGP “I love meeting riders. I had the opportunity to hang with Cal at Phillip Island. They let me sit on his No.35 Honda for some pictures but told me not to touch the throttle or the clutch!” RC30 ON-TRACK “One of my best trackdays was in NZ on my…

Rival bikes may be a tad more exciting or offer additional practicality, but the F900XR is probably the best-balanced middleweight. You get the same rumble (and oh-so-important brand) as a GS; the image of the best-selling S1000XR; performance to match Yam’s Tracer 900; and some of the workhorse appeal of a Honda NC750X. Much more than a spruced-up F850GS, it’s a superbly balanced bike in its own right. In fact, I’d take the 900 over its S1000 big brother. Tech spec What it costs…

Held Iconic Evo Large £61.99 Not the biggest, not the flashiest and certainly not weighed down by gimmicks and needless features. This is a solid, well-made, traditional tailpack that gets all the basics right, feels well-made and, given its price, represents fantastic value. The main section is expandable from a modest 12 litres to a decent-sized 21 litres, though in use the real amount of storage space seems a lot more than these claimed figures. There’s also an external pocket and a built-in bungee net on top. Once you’ve fitted the two mounting straps under the pillion seat, the Iconic Evo clips on and off quickly and easily – it’s an extremely convenient solution. The straps can be pulled down reassuringly tight too, which means that even when the bag…

When you vote, you’ll be entered into a free prize draw to win one of ten official Isle of Man TT T-shirts. These hugely popular ‘Gold Bikes’ tops feature the Isle of Man TT dates, 1907-2020, with the traditional course map on the reverse. Of course, 2020 official Isle of Man T-shirts could become very exclusive, so are a must for all TT fans from around the world. See the full range of Official Isle of Man TT Merchandise visit www.isleofmanttmerchandise. com – orders are processed on the spot and purchases can be delivered world-wide. How to enter Go to www.motorcyclenews.com/greatest-tt-races,pick your choice of the greatest Senior TT race and enter your details to be included in the draw.…

This coronavirus thing could just end up spoiling bike racing. You might think it already has. By stopping it happening. This is just the beginning. Even when we do get going again (we will, surely?), the implications are long-lasting. It will (the wise men say) change the way we live. We will have to apply social distancing to everything. Including racing. Imagine a British GP (remember them?) with social distancing rules. No overtaking, unless by prior written agreement, always preserving a gap of at least two metres. A disappointment, when you think back to classic touch-and-go Silverstone battles, up to and including last-year’s Rins versus Marquez win by 0.013 of a second. Compulsory processional racing. An echo of a past best forgotten. ‘Umbrella girls? That’s asking for trouble’ Those intimate…

£11,299 KTM 790 Adventure • 94bhp • 64.9lb.ft • 189kg • 850mm seat The 790 Adventure is the slightly less nuts version of the R model. The flexible, punchy and frugal engine is a real road and track pleaser, and thumps out a healthy 94bhp – which means that A2 licence-holders can get one with a restrictor kit, too. A great everyday do-it-all option. £9999 Honda VFR800X • 104bhp • 55.3lb.ft • 242kg • 815/835mm seat The Crossrunner is a little long in the tooth, but such a great bike. Blending the best of two separate biking genres: the flexibility and exciting attitude of a naked performance machine with the upright riding position and rugged appearance of an adventure bike. £11,100 Triumph Tiger GT • 83.9bhp • 64.1lb.ft • 192kg…

Garmin zumo XT £429.99 ‘It’s a military grade sat-nav’ Garmin’s Adventurous Route option has been a firm fixture on zumo sat-navs for a few years, allowing riders to find the twistiest, most engaging roads to their destination. However, the brand new XT takes things to the next level. Designed specifically for adventure riders, the all-terrain XT has been pre-loaded with full European off-road topographic maps displaying public green lanes and land boundaries, overlanding points of interest, campsites and more. Plus, you can toggle between a traditional map view or BirdsEye HD satellite imagery at the touch of a button. As well as this, there’s also Garmin’s traditional European road mapping offering the latest Adventurous Route algorithm, hazard warnings, and easy route sharing. The 5.5-inch edge-to-edge display is Garmin’s brightest…

Triumph have unveiled the Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition – a limited run of their Scrambler 1200 XE, with a few added touches that make it a bike fit for a secret agent. The bike is inspired by the 25th Bond movie, No Time To Die, which is due for release later this year. The film features Bond and some baddies duelling on two wheels, and we all know bikes are more fun than Aston Martins, so Triumph have made this bike to let you have a bit of Bond in your garage. Underneath, the Bond edition is a standard Scrambler 1200 XE, which means it’s powered by the 1200cc water-cooled Bonneville twin, with a Scrambler tune. That means 87bhp and 81.1lb.ft torque – more than enough to both to be…

If you see a listing you believe to be fraudulent, the first thing you should do is report it to eBay and they’ll check it as quickly as they can. If you’re unlucky enough to be caught out, the best place to report this sort of crime to is Action Fraud, however success is far from guaranteed. Roughly half a million cases of online fraud are referred to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, but only around 40,000 ever have enough evidence to be picked up by police for investigation. Of those, around a quarter actually lead to someone being charged for a crime. However, that shouldn’t put you off reporting them. Action Fraud say: “Every report we receive matters, it provides information to build a better picture of the scale…

To celebrate their dealerships beginning to reopen across Europe, Indian are running a competition where you could win yourself an FTR1200. All you need to do is get down to your local dealer and take one for a spin before the end of July – and leaving behind your details, of course. If you’re the lucky one, they’ll give you a ring and the bike is all yours – if you get really excited and buy one before the draw takes place, they’ll give you your money back. Can’t say fairer than that!…

Royal Enfield have issued a recall for the Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650 and Himalayan, to fix a potential problem with corroding Bybre brake calipers. The firm have recalled 15,200 bikes in total – however, Royal Enfield say just four UK bikes have suffered this issue. A Royal Enfield spokesperson said the problem was due to “longterm exposure to riding on roads treated with certain salts, or a combination of salts, to prevent formation of ice during winters.” If your bike is affected, Enfield will be in touch for inspection, cleaning and parts replacement if required in the first instance. The calipers will be replaced as a preventative measure before the end of 2020. Royal Enfield said: “We would like to reiterate that the 650 Twin motorcycles, the Himalayan are…

We’ve teamed up with Yamaha to offer MCN readers the chance to win a brand new Ténéré 700 plus loads of amazing accessories. The bike will come with a full Explorer Pack as well as a Yamaha Adventure suit. As if that wasn’t enough, the lucky winner will also enjoy money-can’t-buy one-to-one expert off-road training at the Ténéré Experience. The prize has a combined value over £11,000. We’re big fans of the Ténéré 700 because of its impressive engine, chassis and suspension. This MT-07 powered adventure bike weighs just 187kg dry, so it’s pure unadulterated fun with an impressive spread of power. The winner’s machine will come kitted out the Explorer Pack, with alloy panniers, making the bike alone worth £10,559. The winner will also receive individual training with an…

Arai Chaser X £314.99 ‘Inspired by the top spec RX-7V’ Made with a fibre shell and triple-density inner protective layer, this lid has a fully removable and washable lining, double D-ring closure and comes with an anti-fog Pinlock insert. It’s got a similar ventilation system to that of the top-spec RX-7V, with a large intake duct on top of the helmet. After 4000 miles of use over a five-month period, MCN’s tester said it delivered everything you’d expect from a lid in terms of comfort, visibility, aerodynamic stability and good venting. The only minor quibbles being it’s not the quietest lid on the market and is slightly heavier than many. There are loads of different colour options at this price and it comes in sizes XS-XL. www.helmetcity.co.uk Richa Lockheed…

I know it’s not popular, but I like Suzuki’s GSX-S1000F. It’s not got colour this or adjustable that, but the core bike is very good: it steers and handles sweetly, gives great connection from the tucked-in riding position, has an inline four that makes you wonder why we demand big twins and triples, and is keenly priced. It’s a capable sporty bike. The problem is Kawasaki’s new Ninja 1000SX is a proper sports-tourer, so has a wider range of abilities. It’s a bike you can jump on and use for anything, from tedious commute to occasional trackday, two-up touring holiday to lazy weekend pootle. It’s also stuffed full of attractive tech and has a more modern (and glossy) feel than the Suzuki – and also than any adventure-style all-rounder for…

Andy Scutt, Guildford “I’ve been to five V.I.N.C.E events now and my team has booked in for our sixth – why? Think of the best green-laning day you’ve ever had and times it by 10. That’s the event. The navigation is challenging, the riding adventurous and the scenery breath-taking and I’m properly addicted! “If riding mountain trails for hours and barely seeing anyone, climbing up through deserted villages and ski resorts in search of checkpoints and socialising into the small hours with like-minded folks sounds good, then you’ll probably enjoy the trip as much as I do.”…

2019-2020 Honda CB500X New longer-travel suspension, 19in front wheel, ergonomics, styling and engine tweaks combine to make a good bike even better. The tank is narrower for better accessibility, a bigger airbox helps unlock more mid-range grunt. 2016-2018 Honda CB500X A light tweak addresses a few niggles and sees the 2016 model get an LED headlamp, slightly taller screen, span-adjustable brake lever as well as adjustable preload front and rear. 2013-2015 Honda CB500X The third model in Honda’s new CB500 range received adventure styling, longer suspension and a roomy, upright riding position. Basic LCD dash, cast wheels and wide bars. At 47bhp it’s also A2 licence compliant. 2013-2019 Honda CB500F Naked roadster version provides the basis for the X and uses the same tubular steel frame and 47bhp 471cc parallel-twin…

An easy way to avoid busting your electrical system is by not overloading it in the first place. These days there are all kinds of gadgets and gizmos to attach to your bike, but their current soon adds up. Sure, fitting a handlebar-mounted sat-nav cradle and USB charge port shouldn’t affect things, but if you’re also running a full set of heated kit then you’ll start to draw some serious energy. Keep a check on accessory power consumption by working out the total extra wattage they use. It’s fairly simple to do, just look at your accessories’ spec to see their current drain (amps) then add them all up and multiply by voltage to get Watts. Then take a look at the electrical spec page in your machine’s workshop manual…

Glorious weather and lockdown-softening tempted one Tiger 1050 owner to drag his bike out and go for a short shakedown. But the moment he thumbed the starter, his 2007 Triumph went into a lockdown of its own with an ominous graunching. Simon Harris, of GP Motorcycles in Pontypridd, told us: “I was pretty sure what the issue was before it even arrived in the back of a van.” ‘The backlash was enough to shear teeth off the gears’ To get big triples to spin up fast enough to fire into life you need a decent kick from the battery so the starter motor’s gear meshes into an idler which engages with the sprag clutch on the crank. Unfortunately for this guy, he’d simply parked his bike up at the end…

With so much talk of the mercurial talents of Marc Marquez, the arrival of Fabio Quartararo, Valentino Rossi’s demotion or the future of three-time runner-up Andrea Dovizioso (see page 62) Suzuki’s Alex Rins remains conveniently under the radar. But given both his and the Japanese factory’s progress over the past five years resulting in a breakthrough 2019, maybe it’s time to take notice. Rins certainly thinks so. “I want to continue like this because I believe a lot in myself and this team,” says the man who won two MotoGP races in 2019. Which is two more than Quartararo and Rossi managed and the same number as Dovizioso and Maverick Viñales achieved last year. “The work the team is doing is awesome. They trusted me during the evolution of the…

Valentino Rossi and his VR46 gang wasted no time in getting back on track as lockdown measures continue to ease within Italy. Rossi spent a full day at the Misano circuit onboard his specially prepared Yamaha R1 alongside his prodigy Franco Morbidelli and his half brother Luca Marini. The nine-time world champion looked tired but more than satisfied by the end of the day. With the 2020 MotoGP season provisionally set to finally get underway in Jerez, Spain on July 17, Rossi wasn’t the only rider upping his activity in a bid to be as prepared as possible for race action. World champion Marc Marquez and his 2020 Repsol Honda teammate and brother Alex continue to train hard on motocross bikes in Spain, as does three-time MotoGP runner-up Andrea Dovizioso…

The main factor hampering the Dovi and Ducati negotiations is budget and that is only set to get worse. While factory teams historically have the budget to pay the big bucks for the right rider, the lingering Covid-19 pandemic has made all businesses re-think their previous strategies and MotoGP and its teams and riders are not exempt. Like all of the factories in MotoGP, Ducati had to halt production for weeks during the outbreak, which will have huge ramifications for their overall profitability come the end-of year balance sheets. There are even rumors that some teams are trying to renegotiate and reduce the latest round of rider contracts and salaries despite them already being confirmed.…

£9799 KTM 690 Enduro R • 73.75bhp • 54.2lb.ft • 146kg • 910mm seat The crazy orange thumper got a decent update last year, giving it the latest LC4 engine with twin balancers, and a new IMU full of electronic support. There are Street and Sport rider modes, lean-sensitive TC, XPLOR suspension and a quickshifter. Go nuts for further. £4949 Honda CRF250L • 24.4bhp • 16.6lb.ft • 146kg • 875mm seat The CRF’s dimensions, ergonomics and low weight make it as useful in town as on a gnarly trail, and if power ain’t your bag, then this robust 250 will take you anywhere – albeit quite slowly. But as the big adventure bikes flounder, you can hop into the horizon like a mountain goat. £4499 RE Himalayan • 24.5bhp •…

Leather gauntlet-style gloves that provide plenty of feel as well as CE-level protection. Lined with Aramid-fibre fabric for abrasion resistance as well as hard TPU armour across the knuckles, the Adventure-X look tough enough to take a tumble. Yet they’re light weight and ventilated enough to keep hands happy in hot, sweaty conditions. Secures around the wrist using an adjustable hook and loop Velcro closure. Available in sizes XS-XXL in black or blk/silver. rst-moto.com…

Our local Yamaha dealer has recently taken delivery of a new Ténéré 700 demonstrator (later than he hoped as Yam have been selling every one that comes into the country). It’s only been out a few times, but the black plastic side panels are already scuffed from eager customers seeing what it’s like to stand on the footpegs in their chunky adventure boots. This shouldn’t put you off. Yes, the panels start to look scruffy – but it’s just something that occurs when you use the 700 as intended. And it’s why Yamaha have made that part plain black – it’s simple, and easy (and cheap) to replace. So if you’re looking at buying a used adventure bike, don’t focus on getting something that looks showroom-fresh. If a KTM 950…

“My tiny little brain kept getting overwhelmed on hill descents, and I was never really in control before. I wasn’t using proper body positioning at all and Pete helped massively with sorting that out. Once I got the body position right, I could stand up comfortably and cover the rear brake easily. “I was a little bit shakey at first, and kept stalling as I was going too slowly. But in the end I got used to descending with a little more momentum and using the rear brake to help me control my speed. “It was really good. We did it repeatedly to get the technique right, and rode down a hill that was as steep as the one I’d fallen off on before, which boosted my confidence. I realised…

Get it moving Getting used to your wheels skitting around on the dirt is step one. Ideally start with a loose surface over a firm base. Increase momentum Riding at walking pace reduces your stability over rough surfaces, try to progressively increase speed to improve stability. Danger zone A first foray off-road can be disastrous if you just ‘go for it’. Build up slowly in an open off-road space until you have good control. Use the back brake Practice locking the rear wheel with the brake to make the bike skid and to identify how much brake force you can use. Add some throttle In a straight line, practice adding throttle to get the rear spinning so you can understand how much drive is available. Look up! Once you increase…

“We got onto the loose stuff, and at first the bike felt really heavy, and like it wanted to go its own way, rather than where I wanted it to go. But after Pete got me throwing his little Honda around, I felt much more confident. “Remembering Pete’s advice to turn first, then use the throttle was a big help, as it meant I wasn’t scrubbing the front before I’d made the turn. Getting my body position right was a big help as it made me feel more like I was in control. “I kept the traction control and ABS switched on. Getting a feel for what the GS can do is really good. “I do quite a lot of miles each year and there’s been a few times, like…

Stand up, look out Stand up and place your weight through the pegs, relaxing your arms, and survey the best path ahead. Don’t look down. Weight for turns To turn hard, weight the inside peg and push the bars down, then transfer your weight to the outside peg for control. lift and drive Pulling out of a turn, weight the outside peg before adding throttle for more control and to prevent the back wheel spinning. Danger zone It’s tempting to use as little throttle as possible, but a stall often leads to a crash. Keep the revs up and cover the clutch. Use your vision As you move on, keep looking as far ahead as possible to plan the least stressful route, implementing steps 1-4. Workit Let the bike do…