Table of contents for 16 December 2020 in MCN

INSIDE YOUR 5-IN-1 XMAS SPECIAL GLOSSY 2021 ARAI CALENDAR Make a date with your bike life SPORTS REVIEW OF THE YEAR 28-PAGES of insight from an amazing year of racing highs 2021 RIDING INSPIRATION 24-PAGES of brilliant ideas to help you plan an epic 2021 THE HOTTEST NEW BIKE KIT 8-PAGES of the best new lids, gloves, boots, jackets & more! TOP STORY Isle of Man TT races revamped Don’t think for a minute that a two-year break from TT racing means that the Isle of Man organisers are sticking their feet up on the desk and having a well-earned sabbatical. Far from it. We caught up with TT supremo Paul Phillips this week, who revealed exclusively to MCN that the team are working flat-out to create a hugely revamped…

Clothing experts Klim have released a new midlayer called the Override Alloy, an adaptaion of the popular Override jacket with lighter Insulation for better breathability and movement. The 60g Thinsulate Insulation remains on the front of the jacket and arms but is replaced with grid fleece on the underarms and back, which Klim say makes it better if you ride with a backpack. Available in S-2XL in Grey or Red, £156.99. H-D here… finally Harley-Davidson have announced that we’ll find out everything there is to know about the new 1250cc Pan America adventure bike in February. It’s been nearly three years since the bike was first announced and at times we’ve wondered if it will ever arrive. There’s a lot of pressure on the bold new adventure bike to succeed,…

Police are urging people selling a bike through Facebook to be vigilant after a scam led to the theft of 10 bikes in Corby, Northamptonshire. Sellers were coaxed into letting the ‘buyer’ meet them in town before letting him go for a test ride — from which he didn’t return. PC Mark Walker, who is leading an investigation into the thefts said: “Be very careful when selling bikes or vehicles on social media.” If anyone thinks they’ve been offered a stolen motorcycle, please contact mark.walker@northants.pnn.police.uk.…

Schuberth C3 Pro Split £349.99 ‘Using 50 years of know-how’ Schuberth have been in the business for over 50 years and are known for making some of the best lids on the market. In their time they’ve kitted out police, army and fire services, they’ve also made lids for the Formula 1 paddock. This flip-front design is made from fibreglass, has a quick-release fastener and the lining is fully washable and removable. There’s a drop-down sun visor and anti-fog Pinlock insert. We put the lid to the test, over an 18-month period and it was as comfortable on day one, as it was after 30,000 miles of wear. We found the padding plush and easily washable, the visor easy to remove for cleaning and vents simple to operate with a…

Kawasaki’s Z H2 was already a ferociously quick bit of kit, but now the Japanese firm have released an SE model featuring Showa’s Skyhook Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (EERA) suspension. What is that mouthful when it’s at home, you may ask? In short, it’s a nifty bit of kit that can transform the quality of your ride. Skyhook is actually a principle rather than a specific bit of technology. In layman’s terms skyhook suspension imagines the bike is suspended by a hook in the sky that supports the sprung weight of the machine, hence its natty name. The idea is that the suspension is set up to allow the wheels to track the dips and rises in the road surface without radically altering the bike’s vertical position. If you watched…

Getting your hands on the recently released Kawasaki Ninja H2-powered Bimota Tesi H2 or incoming retro KB4 sportsbike looks set to become easier in 2021 with the UK importer confirming plans for a UK dealer rollout, starting in the first quarter of next year. Existing bikes are currently only available through distributor, Bimota UK, however the Norfolk-based operation have stated this could be increased to a batch of around five dealers early in 2021, to sit alongside the official release of the Ninja 1000SX-derived KB4. “We’ll start to see a dealer network in the first quarter of next year,” Bimota UK director, James Horton, told MCN. “It’s a premium brand and bikes need to be serviced and a customer who’s going to purchase a Bimota should expect that. “There’s never…

CHARLEY BOORMAN Every week we give a different rider a wodge of fictional cash and ask them to ‘buy’ the bike that sets their soul on fire. This is Charley’s pick… Global adventurer Charley Boorman has just completed the third instalment of the Long Way TV series alongside his friend and fellow bike-nut Ewan McGregor. So with some time on his hands, what would be top of Charley’s used bike searches? “This is an easy decision,” says Charley. “I owned a Honda XR600R for a short period of time in the mid 1990s and I still really wish I’d never let it go - it is one of my very few regrets in life. That bike was beautiful, it was immaculate, which is so rare for an off-road bike. “At…

“Working as an insulation surveyor I do about 20,000 miles a year visiting building sites, hospitals, school, etc, most of which are in urban areas. I used to have a BMW RT but it was so big and heavy I struggled to get it out of sites if the terrain was poor and occasionally even got stuck. In the end I started to use my Ariel Huntmaster instead. “Last year the thought of an electric bike got into my head and so I started to read up about them and after weighing up the pros and cons the Zero seemed to make financial sense as well as being practical, so I bought the DS from the English Electric Motor Co. “The DS’s upright riding position is very comfortable, which is…

● Reader Jim Heynderickx ● The Ride A twisty ride through the South Downs National Park to Hayling Island, Chichester, and Birdham ● Miles 103 ● Don’t miss this Both the south and north legs of the ride through the South Downs National Park are rural, scenic, and have fast sweeping bends On the route back up country, it’s fun to ride through Midhurst. THE ROUTE THE BIKE 2018 KTM 1090 R, which has great road manners and performance in Sport mode, but long suspension and TKC 70 tyres for the tricky bits. THE RIDE Hayling Island is a great stopping point for lunch or coffee during the ride. THE SEA It was freezing and foggy as I left London but it got better the further south I went. LUNCH…

Q Roundabout blame game I was involved in an accident when I avoided hitting a van that changed suddenly into my lane on a roundabout. He was on the inside lane in very slow moving traffic (around 5mph), and I was between two exits. Due to me having to avoid the van, the bike hit the ground and I came off. The other driver did not indicate before turning and denied responsibility. I contacted my insurer and they said I was at fault as I avoided a collision with the other driver and fell off afterwards! I don’t accept this as the reason for my evasive action (and thus the crash) was due to their sudden change in direction without indication! Jason, Hove A Your insurer is wrong. If the…

‘Learn to laugh at rain and cold’ You’ll think I’ve lost the plot, but I enjoy winter riding. Sliding past traffic is more satisfying when the drivers are depressed by the darkness, and charging your lungs on a crisp, fresh January ride is a real pleasure. Or it is with proper prep. My staff ride all year round, and have key tips to pass on… First, don’t buy heated grips. They warm your palm but don’t stop the wind icing your digits. Invest in 12v heated gloves instead - and if you can, get a jacket liner as well. They add 30 seconds to kitting-up time but are a game-changer. Second, don’t waste money on anti-rain visor treatment; nothing is as good (or cheap) as furniture polish. Stop your kit…

BRUCE DUNN MCN’S expert technician 1 Select your scale A battery’s state of health is expressed by its voltage, so you need to measure it using a multimeter set to the correct scale. Within the ‘V’ (voltage) portion of the dial the values are broken down to five scales. We are measuring only around 12 volts, so the dial needs to be set to the 20 volt mark. BRUCE’S TIPS Only check after the bike has not been started in the last 12 hours 2 Does it measure up? A battery’s health will suffer through prolonged periods of non-use, and parasitical drain from accessories such as alarms and GPS will accelerate this. With the ignition in the off position, check the voltage with your multimeter. A healthy battery should be…

ROADS IOM TT SET FOR BIG OVERHAUL • TT boss promises new classes and bikes to wake the ‘sleeping giant’ p58 This year’s MotoGP world championship was like no other, with more first time race winners than ever before. Not only did world champion Joan Mir and runner- up Franco Morbidelli win their first races in 2020, so too did Fabio Quartararo, Brad Binder and Miguel Oliveira. The Frenchman, South African and Portuguese are part of the new generation of MotoGP stars, taking over from the recently departed Cal Crutchlow, Andrea Dovizioso, Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Iannone. So what is the secret to their success? FABIO QUARTARARO 8th 2020 MotoGP world championship 3 race wins: Spanish, Andalusian and Catalan GPs Fabio Quartararo was the revelation of 2019 - the rookie…

Motorcycle specific travel insurance is the one thing you can’t travel without. Like riding gear, it isn’t important until you need it, then it quickly becomes the most important thing in your entire life. Personal travel insurance covers your health if you have an accident, but the majority of policies (even those that say they cover bikes) won’t cover you for travelling on a bike. They tend to have caveats like it must be a 125cc or you can’t spend consecutive days riding it as your main mode of transport. But luckily there are specialist providers out there, just read the fine print and make sure you’re covered.…

Furygan Heat Blizzard D3O £249.99 These heated gloves from Furygan can help banish chilly digits. The outer is goat leather and there’s a waterproof and breathable membrane. The 37.5 lining helps to maintain the ideal temperature and moisture content while there’s D3O armour to keep your hands safe. The gloves can be powered by the included batteries or an optional hardwire kit that gives an extra heat setting and use either push-button operation or can be controlled by Bluetooth through an app, allowing single-touch control of both gloves, pre-heating and a host of other handy features. www.nevis.co.uk Richa Arctic GTX £119.99 The Richa Arctic WP glove has been a firm favourite on UK roads for a while and building on the success of the firm’s waterproof cold-weather glove, the company…

Indian Motorcycle are currently offering a £400 part-exchange bonus when you trade-in your bike and trade-up to a new 2020 Chieftain, Chieftain Darkhorse or Chieftain Limited before December 31,2020. Plus, they’ll give you an additional £200 accessory contribution to spend on authentic Indian Motorcycle accessories and clothing. The Indian ‘Trade-up’ programme gives you the option to choose from a variety of the finest machines in Indian’s growing family of baggers and tourers including the Chieftain, Springfield and Roadmaster, then really make it your own by choosing an additional bonus from the extensive range of authentic official Indian Motorcycle garments and accessories. It’s a family affair Indian’s Thunderstroke powered air-cooled baggers and tourers set the standard for American motorcycles. All models benefit from ABS, cruise control and fly-by-wire throttle; plus there…

MotoGP’S 2020 season will be remembered for being brilliant and bizarre in equal measure. Racing under the cloud of Covid-19 produced a ridiculously unpredictable season, with records broken and history made every weekend. A first Suzuki World Champion in 20 years and five first time winners were among countless highlights of a season that crammed 14 races into 19 weeks. MCN went number crunching at the end of an unforgettable season to see what it all means. 17 YEARS KTM became the first new manufacturer to win in MotoGP since 2003 34 Covid-19 meant for the first time in 34 years (since 1986), MotoGP didn’t race outside of Europe Spills meant for the second year in a row, Johann Zarco was MotoGP’s most prolific crasher Spanish riders have won the…

“Our rider strategy was to secure two talented guys with the potential to reach the top of MotoGP. “We wanted to develop Suzuki riders rather than fight other factories and still not get the right one; that also takes a big budget. With Alex and Joan we saw an opportunity because of their talent. “When we signed Joan early in 2018 (for ’19) I could see that a generational change was looming. At that time there was Lorenzo, Pedrosa, Dovi, Rossi and Crutchlow with Marc Marquez and Viñales the younger guys who’d won. In 3-4 years I thought that only Marc and Maverick would still be in MotoGP. “Now there is a much bigger group of young riders capable of winning - Quartararo, Morbidelli, Oliveira, Binder, Miller, plus Bagnaia is…

BT Sport’s Michael Laverty investigates what made the underdog Suzuki GSX-RR the bike to beat in 2020 Suzuki were surprise 2020 Champions. While their 2019 progress was evident, no one tipped them ahead of this season. The team have gradually improved each area of the GSX-RR since returning to MotoGP in ’15 - no big steps, just meticulous attention to detail culminating in a bike that can do everything at a high level. The bike’s main strengths are its smooth engine character packaged into a chassis that has a bigger operating window than their rivals’ machines. This is how Suzuki did it. 1 Chassis Suzuki returned to a full aluminium chassis for 2020, the carbon bonded sections used on the 2019 version where not seen this season. That illustrates Suzuki…

JOSH BROOKS | 1st Down under back on top After losing to Scott Redding in 2019 by five points, Josh Brookes was determined to set the record straight in 2020. It wasn’t easy, but the Aussie was finally able to secure his second British title - five years after his maiden BSB crown. The first 10 races of the season were a mixed bag for Brookes who struggled to deliver his usual levels of consistency. Over the course of a given weekend, he could be on the podium one race, then as low as eighth in another. The main issues were chatter and also having to scrap bike setups from 2019 due to the larger, wider Pirelli tyres. The Aussie also crashed spectacularly in race three at the opening weekend…

JONATHAN REA | 1st That’s six on the bounce Despite having Scott Redding on a Ducati and Toprak Razgatlioglu on a Yamaha, Jonathan Rea again proved that the smartest rider wins. Not only that, he did it with four of his favourite circuits – Assen, Imola, Donington and Losail – all off the calendar thanks to the Covid-19 reshuffle. His continued relationship with Kawasaki brings with it a frightening snowball effect which lessens the development challenges from one season to another but they have always maintained a ‘step-by-step’ mantra and never, ever get complacent. Rea’s qualifying performances – combined with rivals’ struggles – were one of the keys. As Superpole sets the grid for two races, plenty of points were gained here. In fact, Rea won five of the eight…

Gallic grit Loris Baz Valiant effort. Less advanced electronics and little testing due to a lack of funding hindered the season. Still bagged four podiums and eighth in the championship. Fast learner Jonas Folger Adapting to WSB electronics was tough but Folger showed flashes of brilliance - enough to seal a BMW deal for 2021. Injury time A testing crash wrecked plans for Leon Camier, while Sandro Cortese is lucky to be alive after Portimao. Marco Melandri returned for five minutes... WORLD SUPERSPORT Andrea Locatelli Phenomenally dominant. Always craves more. He will surprise in World Superbike! Danny Webb 11th overall in a tiny but great team. What a fabulous effort. WSS 300 Jeffrey Buis Showed a smartness the rest lacked. Common sense wins titles. Tom Booth-Amos Rapid and clever. Robbed…

As we were compiling this monster double-issue of MCN to hopefully guard you from tedious sherry-fuelled interactions with your least favourite relatives over the festive period, I took a few minutes to look back over every 2020 issue of MCN. It’s been one hell of a ride. The pre-apocalypse editions revealed a year accelerating towards being one of biking’s best ever — then the landscape changed overnight in March as the full horror of the pandemic took hold. But what has characterised many of the issues since is the spirit and heart of UK bikers, who have stood tall to show that they are some of the very best people in our communities. From fundraising work to help struggling charities, to new bloodbikers, to emergency community support riders — and…

£13,999 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory Aprilia are clearing the decks with offers on the 2020 Tuono Factory. One of the best is from Motorcycles Direct who are lopping £4000 off and throwing in an Akrapovic carbon end can worth £999. The Tuono is an exceptional super-naked which comes into its own at the extreme ends of fast and relaxed riding. ● www.motorcyclesdirect.co.uk SAVE £1148 £8999 Suzuki DL1050A V-Strom There’s over £1100 off the comfortable, calm and composed V-Strom at Alpha in Essex. ● www.alphamotorcycles.co.uk ● Engine 1037cc ● Power 106bhp ● Weight 236kg ● Seat height 855mm SAVE £900 £3999 Kawasaki J300 If you want a commuter scooter to save using public transport in these Covid times, this J300 is a good place to start. ● bransonsmotorcycles.co.uk ● Engine…

We first revealed news of Royal Enfield’s new Meteor 350 in November and now we can reveal the price. For Europe, Enfield are planning three trim levels of the 20bhp machine by the time it arrives in dealers next spring, starting with the Fireball, which comes in bright colours, for £3749, followed by the Stellar, which comes with a backrest and more muted colours, for £3839 and the Supernova, which has a backrest, screen and two- tone metallic paint, for £3909. Get protected To increase the safety of their participants, Motorsport Vision are mandating that from next year all trackday riders must have lever guards to prevent accidental application of the front brake. Don’t worry it won’t cost you the earth - generic ones that form the bar end start…

Pyramid Fly Screen for Triumph Speed Twin £155 This stylish, hand-painted, colour-matched acrylic screen gives added protection and improved looks. Pyramid say their fly screen is simple to fit and uses existing mounting points where possible. There are comprehensive fitting instructions and any additional fittings which may be required. www.pyramid-plastics.co.uk Maxton Fork overhaul and NR4 shock for Aprilia RS660 £1038 Maxton can help make the new Aprilia RS660 pretty much perfect on the roads with a revalve and respring of the OE forks and a new NR4 shock. Those after track action can upgrade to the SD25 fork cartridges (£810) and a replacement GP10 shock (£936). www.maxtonsuspension.co.uk Tuzo Strika Blue aramid jeans £89.99 These reasonably-priced biking jeans offer great CE-approved (AA-rated) protection and decent features which mean they rival jeans…

MONDAY December 21 11am, EUR2, Superbikes: MotoAmerica WEDNESDAY December 23 7pm, EUR2, Dakar Rally: 2020 highlights THURSDAY December 24 4.30am, CH5 The Chocolate Challenge with Hairy Bikers FRIDAY 25 December 7.30am, ITV4, Goodwood SpeedWeek Highlights SUNDAY 27 December 5pm, EUR2, British Superbikes: Race of 2020 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 ITV DST - DISCOVERY TURBO SHED - DISCOVERY SHED INST - INSIGHT SS1 (2, 3 OR X) - SKY SPORTS 1 (2, 3 OR EXTRA) QUEST BTS1 - BT SPORT 1 BTS2 - BT SPORT 2…

After the unveiling of the R18, BMW parts specialist Nippy Normans started wondering: what if that hulking great engine wasn’t just confined to powering a cruiser? What if it could power a tech-laden super tourer based on BMW’s most popular model: the GS? So for a bit of fun, after a few glasses of sherry and some mince pies, this is what they came up with. As the name implies, the R1800GS would be powered by the 1802cc air-cooled lump from the new R18. Unlike the R18, however, the motor in the GS would be tuned for power rather than torque, although there would likely still be a lot of shove on tap and just like the R18 most of it would be available from just 2000rpm. In the R1800GS,…

Honda have announced big changes to their 2021 CBT-friendly Vision 110 scooter. Equipped with fresh styling, a new part-LCD display and keyless ignition, there’s also a new chassis and engine. At 100kg wet, the Euro5-friendly 109.5cc scoot produces a claimed 8.6bhp and is capable of 162 miles between fill ups from its 4.9-litre fuel tank. Always on hand Italian maestros Tucano Urbano have released a new glove catchily named the TAAAC. The TAAAC is a waterproof winter glove made from a mix of softshell and goatskin, with a microfibre lining. As well as typical winter features, such as a visorwipe and thermal lining, the TAAACs also have a pocket that’s ideal for a gate fob, payment card or even a key. The TAAACs are available now in sizes XS-3XL with…

motorcyclenews motorcyclenews MCNnews New knee and back biking Having read Alan D McCord’s letter (MCN, December 9) here is my experience: It all started a couple of years ago with a sore knee. I ignored it but my wife and brother told me I needed to get it sorted, so I went to see a consultant and that’s when the questions started. ‘How old are you?’ ‘Sixty two…’ the knowing look said it all, ‘well your knee is going on 80, it’s worn out. What have you been doing?’ Deep breath, ‘well been racing and riding motorbikes for the last 45 years and got into racing jet skis for a bit of fun.’ ‘You should know better at your age,’ was the response, ‘you’ve got two choices painkillers for the…

£8100 Triumph Street Triple S • 660cc inline triple DOHC 12v • 46.9bhp @ 9000rpm • 186kg wet weight (est) £5699 Royal Enfield Interceptor • 648cc parallel twin SOHC 8v • 46.3bhp @ 7100rpm • 202kg wet weight £7199 Honda CB650R A2 • 649cc inline four DOHC 16v • 46.9bhp @ 10,500rpm • 202kg wet weight Riders often get confused between how power and torque translate to an engine’s performance. Although they are intrinsically linked, the simple way of thinking about the differences between the two is to imagine a wall. Power is how hard you hit the wall – torque is the force you use pushing through it. Why does that matter? Well, if you are restricted to an A2 licence, you are only allowed a maximum of 46.9bhp…

When it comes to an A2-legal bike, the Street Triple S is undeniably the best machine here. The fact Triumph have designed it specifically for A2 riders means that in no way does it feel compromised and the triple motor’s low-down torque characteristics perfectly suit being limited in power, not grunt. It’s the most expensive bike tested but it is the most complete and has that overall feeling of being a balanced package that reminds me of what made the original Street Triple model such a joy to ride. I really wanted to like the Honda as I love the full-power CB650R but the restricted model is a disappointment. The jerky throttle gives the impression that Honda have lazily slapped on a restrictor to meet regulations. It’s a real shame.…

LIGHTER “The batteries and electric motors can be smaller than even the smallest two-stroke so we shave more than 20kg off the equivalent petrol bike. It means we can make bikes suitable for children as young as two!” LESS INTIMIDATING “There’s no noise with the electric motor, nor do we have petrol, heat, fumes - all things that can become a danger. So the child feels no inhibitions in getting on and getting started.” RIDE ANYWHERE “Being almost silent, OSETs can be ridden in the back garden - no winding up the neighbours! Zero noise and low environmental impact opens up many more venues for riding and practice.” A BROADER CHURCH “With the OSET there’s just a battery to charge and a no-maintenance electric motor - so we see many…

Torrot, who make GasGas petrol engines, are also an electric bike manufacturer, and you have recently acquired Pexco, the German company that was the premier E-bicycle company in Europe — and folded it into Husqvarna electric. Where does that process put the launch of electric Husqvarnas? By the end of last year we had integrated Pexco’s E-bicycle operation 100% into our Group. At the beginning of this year in January we had a projected turnover of around €90 million for 2020, so around 65,000 units. But that was before Corona when sales took off, so now it will end up at around €110 million of sales, representing 75,000 units. So the electric bicycle is the real Corona era product, because of course everybody can ride an electric bicycle — you…

2020 Ducati Panigale V2 I managed to get one of my dream bikes this year and absolutely love it. I get no end of compliments wherever I go. Getting there is theatre and the handling is perfection. Having ridden and owned two Triumph Daytona 675s in the last 12 years, I decided due to age and experience it was time to go up a peg for more power, modern technology, the dream of the Ducati ownership experience with a hope of the renowned soul and character. It was love at first sight and then a test ride in May had me hook line and sinker. The 955cc desmodromic V-twin engine is absolutely breathtaking — it pulls like a bullet train — and oh, that noise! The mechanical grip is so…

OSET 12.5R £1149 ‘You can hear the rider’s delighted shrieks!’ Tested by Emma Franklin and Angus Dunn Time tested 12 months, 50 miles The OSET 12.5R is a higher-spec version of 12.5 Eco, the smallest bike in OSET’s range, designed for kids aged 3-5. Although both bikes share the same 24v 600w motor, twin 12V lead-acid batteries, and chassis, the Racing features disc brakes, as well as flashier alloy handlebars, wheels and pegs, plus adjustable suspension. Key to both bikes is the ‘2 dial’ system which allows you to moderate both speed and throttle response, this meant we could moderate Angus’s speed from as low as walking pace to a claimed 14mph. One thing I found frustrating is that the dials can be accessed by the eager rider, as they’re…

If you have to replace your battery you will not go wrong by fitting an original-spec replacement. For the best reliability and peace of mind, steer clear of buying the cheapest you can find. Buy cheap, buy twice is never more applicable than when it comes to bike batteries. One of the most trusted brands is Yuasa, and you’ll see these are often fitted on new bikes. Obviously, your friendly local dealer should be your first port of call, but if they’re out of stock, it’s worth having a look in your local Halfords. Yuasa are the only brand of motorcycle battery that they stock, and they’re at a very competitive price, too… But I didn’t tell you that, right? Another replacement option that owners are considering more these days…

2020 has been one of the most difficult biking years ever. Multiple national and regional lockdowns in the UK - and equally restrictive travel bans throughout Europe and the rest of the world - have meant that everything from a quick cathartic blast on a sunny Sunday afternoon to round-the- world adventures have often been knobbled before the key gets anywhere near the ignition. But that’s all the more reason to spend the chilly winter months looking forward to what will hopefully be a dramatically better biking year in 2021. Now is the time to feed off some inspiration (and mince pies) and start planning how you’re going to make 2021 your best biking year ever. ‘You don’t have to make wildly extravagant plans to tour to far-flung destinations -…

‘It was a genuinely moving moment’ Emma Franklin and Angus ‘Goose’ Dunn (aged 3) I’ll probably get lambasted for admitting this, but I think there is such a thing as being too young for two wheels. Angus got his first go on an OSET 12.5R almost exactly a year ago, having just turned two. You can imagine my delight and amazement when I saw the penny drop as he correlated the small movement of his wrist with instant acceleration, and watched his eyes light up, smile spread across his face and then heard the giggles take over. It was a genuinely moving moment, and one I’ll never forget. I started to believe that maybe he was a natural, some sort of motorcycling savant, so gave in to his requests to…

Heather Sinclair ‘I want to set off again and complete my round the world journey. I left in February to ride down Africa, to Cape Town for the first leg, but only made it as far as Morocco before borders closed for Covid.’ Mark Child ‘From May 15-20, I will be climbing Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis for my 60th birthday. I’ll be travelling between each mountain by bike and aim to raise some money along the way.’ Richard Fleming ‘Although I’ve been biking for over 20 years, I’ve never really toured, so would like to do the Scottish South West Coastal 300 as a bit of a stepping stone. Hopefully I can work up from it and do some European tours as well.’ David Neale ‘I’m planning a…

1 Turkey The world’s cultural melting pot. It’s an incredible country for motorcycle travel with fascinating history, delicious food, copious amounts of tea, stunning scenery and great roads. 2 Tajikistan Tajikistan is an adventure rider’s dream. It’s 90% mountainous; its most impressive peaks are in the Pamir Mountain range. The Pamir High way is a must. 3 Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan is one of the least known countries in the world and many of its people still live as nomads. It’s easy to travel there and the riding is awesome. 4 Mongolia Mongolia is a vast, rugged wonderland. Riding there is phenomenal; it’s one of the last places on earth where it feels like you’re discovering unexplored lands. 5 Slovakia Slovakia is one of the most underrated, rustic and inspiring places to…

MOTO2 SAM LOWES On-form Brit back to his winning ways Sam Lowes returned to the front of Moto2 in style, narrowly missing out on the title by nine points - despite missing the opening race and racing with a broken hand in the final two rounds. The Brit dominated at one stage, securing a hat-trick of wins at Le Mans and both Aragon races, then podiums at both Misano and Barcelona. Lowes is staying with the proven Marc VDS squad and will be looking to fight for the title again in 2021. ENEA BASTIANINI Cool customer Enea Bastianini ended his time in Moto2 in the best way possible, securing the title thanks to three victories and four further podiums. Whilst he wasn’t always the fastest rider, the Italian knew his…

The Suzuki success story was born out of a formidable alliance between Shinichi Sahara (Project Leader), Ken Kawauchi (Technical Manager) and Davide Brivio (Team Manager). Suzuki’s three wise men have emerged as an impressively clever and calculating management combination. It is a coalition with the common goal of openly sharing ideas and expertise to go racing with an unmatched cooperative spirit and winning mentality. Sahara led a technical tour de force with the GSX-RR and Brivio seamlessly bolted this to a European race squad with Italian, Spanish and British flavours. Kawauchi’s skill and sacrifice was exceptional. He committed to an unbroken five month biobubble stint in Europe away from Suzuki HQ for Covid-19 protocols. Sahara said: “Ken, Davide and I have a good relationship and we move in the same…

‘The perfect debut’ Storm Stacey The 17-year-old had the perfect debut season, finishing 17 races out of 18, scoring points, and only retiring once with a mechanical failure. ‘In the mix’ Jack Kennedy Showcased strongly after swapping teams midway through 2020, scored consistently and even led at Donington. ‘Another step forwards’ Joe Francis More than tripled his points tally from 2019, scoring in nine races and securing two top 10 finishes at Donington. SUPPORT CLASSES Rory Skinner dominated Supersport to become the youngest-ever champ. The Scot won 10 out of 12 races to secure Yamaha’s fourth consecutive title. Mason Law is GP2 champ. Chrissy Rouse clinched the Superstock 1000 crown, whilst Ben Luxton won in Superstock 600. Owen Jenner and Josh Day became champions in Junior Supersport and Ducati TriOptions…

7 RIDERS WON RACES The most winners in a single season for seven years: 5 SPRINT RACES Rea bagged an enormous amount of points in the Sprint Races; he won 5 of them, while nobody else won more than 1 – further proof of the importance of qualifying performance and grid position. In the long races, Rea and Redding had the same number of podiums: 10 TEAMS Most wins Kawasaki Racing Team Most podiums Aruba Ducati Most poles Kawasaki Racing Team Most fastest laps Kawasaki Racing Team 9 different riders led races, but Jonathan Rea led for 194 laps of the season which is more than any other rider; Rea led at least one lap in 17 of the 24 races Youngest rider: Lorenzo Gabellini 20 YEARS 333 DAYS LARGEST…

JOAN MIR In only his second season in MotoGP, Joan Mir came from 48 points behind after round three to win the title with a race to spare. He’s Suzuki’s first champion in 20 years. FRANCO MORBIDELLI Onboard a year-old YZR-M1 the super-cool Italian showed his factory Yamaha teammates the way with three wins and second place in the championship standings. SAM LOWES Written off by many and questioned over being signed by Marc VDS, Lowes excelled. In fact, he’s never ridden better, taking poles, wins, fastest laps and third in the title standings. JONATHAN REA JR shook off the committed challenge from Scott Redding to bag his sixth straight crown, making him the undisputed king of WSB. He’s now one shy of 100 superbike wins. JOSH BROOKES The veteran…

KTM Duke riders are being offered the chance to win an incredible prize by being crowned the #UltimateDukeRider on social media. To be in the running, you need to upload photos or videos of you with your Duke on social media and start your caption with “I’m the #UltimateDukeRider because…” Regional winners will be selected and then a public vote will decide who wins the prize, which includes Exclusive, personalised KTM PowerWear, a dedicated feature on KTM.com telling the world your story, a private visit to the inner sanctum at KTM HQ - flights and accommodation included, an Orange MotoGP VIP experience at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, a tour of the epic KTM Motohall and a trackday experience with some racing legends. Head to www.ktm.com for full details…

‘The Super Ten is my super option’ It’s been a few years since I looked at early big adventure bikes. Before the BMW oilhead GS appeared on the scene, there was… well, the early Honda Africa Twin, the Yamaha XTZ750 Super Ténéré, BMW’s own airhead GS series, nothing from Suzuki, nothing from Kawasaki and a few oddities from the Italians like the leviathan Moto Guzzi Quota and the Cagiva Elefant. Now, even Ducati and Harley-Davidson have adventure bikes. Back in March, I noted that Yamaha’s XTZ750 Super Ténéré was a positive bargain compared with the original 600cc thumper that had attained cult status, and I see that Super Tén prices are starting to move up. This may be down to the halo effect of the superb new Ténéré 700, or…

Oli Ashby ‘I covered over 17,000 miles on an A2 Triumph Street Triple.’ Age 22 Height 5ft 6in Current bike None Been riding 5 years First bike KTM 125 Duke Dream bike Ducati Panigale V4 or Triumph Thruxton R “When I gained my A2 licence at the age of 19 I considered a few different bikes such as the Yamaha MT-07, Suzuki Bandit 600 or SV650 and the Kawasaki Z600e, but after much thought and deliberation I opted for a 2017 A2-restricted Triumph Street Triple. “As well as its glorious triple roar and beautiful styling, the Triumph’s build quality won me over as well. I was also sold by the fact it came with traction control, which none of its rivals did, ABS and power modes. It appeared a more…

If you’re after a small-capacity adventure bike that brings featherweight frolics and the confidence to explore rutted routes you wouldn’t dare tackle on a big GS, the Sinnis Terrain 380 won’t trouble the likes of Honda’s CRF250L. The Sinnis is heavier and way more road-focused — but it’s a much more complete and versatile all-rounder as a result. As a bike you could cheerfully commute on and even take on tour (perhaps after a change of gearing to drop cruising revs), the 380 offers a decent amount of bike for the price — especially with all that luggage — for less than five grand. THE FACTS £4594 Sinnis Terrain 380 (£4849 with luggage)…

Restless Natives £5.99 It’s a great film, you get to see a Suzuki GP125 riding round the Highlands of Scotland, what’s not to like? Justin Hayzelden, Kings Lynn Quadrophenia £4.99 The greatest film ever about being a teenager and being part of a tribe. The music is ace, too. Andrew Carrott, Boston Skyfall £8.99 Daniel Craig chasing through the market. It’s amazing footage and you can marvel at the skill of the stunt riders. Judith Eason, York On Any Sunday £6.79 Encapsulates why we ride. Malcolm Smith’s enthusiasm for riding is infectious. Timothy Mills, USA Tron £8.99 It was 20 years ahead of its time. And the Light Cycle race is more realistic than any biking scene in James Bond. Duncan Sutcliffe, Watford REVIEW YOUR KIT IN MCN Got a…

A bike that’s been tucked away at the back of the garage for while may look ready to go, but past experience has taught Nick Nomikos, a director at The Two Wheel Centre in Harpenden, that getting a motorcycle out of storage isn’t simply a case of charging the battery, refilling the tank, pumping up the tyres, pressing the start button and hoping for the best. Nick said: “We’ve had Ducati owners ride in over 50 miles and turn up with cambelts hanging by a thread when a tensioner seized and tyres that are so old on other bikes that they are rock hard and suspension linkages that would shake your teeth out.” Now they advise customers to get their bikes picked up, and it’s a good job the owner…

PR Racing will expand to a two- rider team for their 20th year in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship. Joe Francis remains after tripling his points tally in 2020 and securing two top 10 finishes. He’s joined by 2020 British Supersport runner-up Brad Jones, who makes his Superbike debut. The 22-year-old is a two-time Supersport runner-up and was Rory Skinner’s closest challenger throughout 2020. Francis and Jones will ride the new BMW M1000 RR. Elsewhere, Bjorn Estment has signed a new deal to ride for Powerslide Motorcycles with Catfoss Suzuki. The team debuted with Estment at the final round of 2020. Team Owner Brad Clarke will also compete at selected rounds in the Superstock 1000 class. The team has support from Rich Energy OMG Racing and Hawk Racing. ‘Storm Stacey,…

1 NEW ZEALAND SOUTH ISLAND ‘Words or pictures can’t convey the beauty. You really do have to see it for yourself’ Snow-capped peaks, luminescent lakes, rainforests, coastlines, crags and passes reminiscent of Wales, there’s no place on earth quite like New Zealand’s South Island. Take five days, or more, covering the 865 miles from Christchurch on the East Coast via Arthurs Pass to the West Coast. Then head along the West Coast on Route 6 via Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier, turning inland at Haast and then onwards to Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. Onwards on Route 8 to Lake Pukaki and then Lake Tekapo. Via Routes 79, 72 and 77 back to Christchurch. If you are seeking the trip of a lifetime, this could well be the one.…

In an earlier incarnation as a mile muncher I’d take my morning constitutionals in Machynlleth, enjoy the air at the Great Orme in Llandudno and after a bacon butty in the Ponderosa Café still get home for tea. Officially on an adventure bike, I’m learning to like slow. I eat more cake, drink more tea and see so much more. The latest new route, Wales’ ‘Snowdonia 360’ has just been announced – and as a first sniff in the air, I feel he’s quite cocky. Newly formalised as a potential classic touring adventure, radically needed in these times of ‘staycations’, the 364-mile ‘Snowdonia 360’ is going head-to-head with Scotland’s already well-established North Coast 500 that loops around some top Scotch roads and scenery. I’ve ridden both, not just to see…

Paperwork is one of the most annoying aspects of motorcycle travel. Every country has its own rules and regulations that you’ve got to abide by in order to get yourself and your bike in and be legal so that you can get out again without a fine. You will need to check each country’s entry requirements, but the documents asked for are usually similar such as a visa to get yourself in and either a Temporary Import Permit or a Carnet de Passage to get your bike in. Eventually it all becomes second nature as you swap sorting your MoT, council tax and energy bills for permits and visas instead.…

Motorcycle technology moves fast. Smartphone connectivity; mesh intercoms; maintenance-free chains; and radar-controlled adaptive cruise control crossing from cars into the biking world. All virtually unheard of a decade ago and all available tomorrow. Just as it does with the metal, equipment and riding-kit technology moves fast too. As a result, we are now faced with an ever-increasing range of gear that hits levels of safety, comfort and performance we could only dream of those ten years ago. While this is undeniably wonderful for all involved, it can make choosing new kit a rather daunting experience. ‘When you see how airbags can protect you and how easy they are to wear, we think you’ll agree...’ So over the next few pages, we’ve rounded-up what we feel are some of the most…

RST Pathfinder £149 Waterproof touring boots are the staple of any motorcyclist who does distance. These new Pathfinder boots from RST use a Sympatex membrane to keep water out but allow the foot to breathe. The Pathfinder has a double opening, making getting them on and off easy and there are twin pullers to help, with hook and loop fastening to the flaps covering the zips. There’s an anti-twist mid-sole, integrated toe box, TPU shin armour and integrated ankle armour. The sole is RST’s touring version for comfort on and off the bike. www.rst-moto.com Sidi Motolux £222.99 Some feel short boots don’t offer the same levels of protection as longer ones but plenty like the lightness and feel. These are formed with a microfibre upper which is both waterproof and…

Nestled in the centre of the Malvern Hills, the Cotswolds, the Brecon Beacons, the Forest of Dean and on the English/Welsh border, Hereford is blessed with not only stunning scenery but riding roads to match. Our 170-mile route touches on the Brecon Beacons but heads mainly into mid-Wales with bikers’ haunt Devil’s Bridge firmly on the map. We start from the centre of Hereford and take the A438, along the valley of the River Wye to the A4111, towards Eardsley. At Kington, hang left on the A44 and the Welcome to Wales sign beckons. It’s a roller coaster ride that twists and turns through Old Radnor, Llanfihangel-nant- Melan and through a series of switchback bends to Crossgates. Head north to Llanbister on the A483 and in Newton, a short hop…

While the other three of Japan’s Big Four motorcycle factories are underpinned by unimaginable corporate wealth and racing prowess, the last two decades have been less salubrious for Suzuki on road and on track. In April 2014 I was invited into Suzuki’s top-secret R&D facility at Ryuyo to see some new road bikes - and was, to my surprise, also proudly shown their nascent MotoGP project. The shock wasn’t the bike, though. The test mule looked extremely well advanced by that stage, and a long discussion with team Technical Manager Ken Kawauchi and Nobuatsu Aoki (their then lead test rider) revealed a quiet but insistent confidence that their new inline- four was going to deliver. They ran it on the dyno for me, and it sounded glorious. What was shocking…

Indian Motorcycle are currently offering a £400 part-exchange bonus when you trade-in your bike and trade-up to a new 2020 Chieftain, Chieftain Darkhorse or Chieftain Limited before December 31,2020. Plus, they’ll give you an additional £200 accessory contribution to spend on authentic Indian Motorcycle accessories and clothing. The Indian ‘Trade-up’ programme gives you the option to choose from a variety of the finest machines in Indian’s growing family of baggers and tourers including the Chieftain, Springfield and Roadmaster, then really make it your own by choosing an additional bonus from the extensive range of authentic official Indian Motorcycle garments and accessories. It’s a family affair Indian’s Thunderstroke powered air-cooled baggers and tourers set the standard for American motorcycles. All models benefit from ABS, cruise control and fly-by-wire throttle; plus there…