Table of contents for 12 May 2021 in MCN

‘In my opinion I was the first modern MotoGP rider’VALENTINO ROSSI THE BIG READ Why Rossi can’t quit racing It’s pretty rare that Valentino Rossi really opens up about his personal life or his business interests – while his racing narrative has all been about resilience rather that love or aspiration in recent years. This exclusive interview changes all that. It’s his most candid and revealing interview for the best part of a decade. ROSSI EXCLUSIVE, PAGE 42 TOP STORY New bike arrivals suffer delays As if there weren’t enough global crises to worry about, the world’s major manufacturers are now warning that there are growing supply problems with new bikes. Partly Covid’s fault, partly due to the raging battle over control of the microchip manufacturing industry, and partly due…

Two of the nation’s favourite tinkerers Henry Cole and Sam Lovegrove are arriving back on our TV screens this summer. Returning for series three of Shed and Buried, the 10 new episodes will see Henry and Sam travel around the country picking up neglected two-, three- and four-wheeled gems with the aim of fixing them up for a profit. The series will run weekly on Quest (Freeview channel 12) starting at 9pm on Tuesday, June 8. Heavy breathing S&S have once again turned their performance-focused minds to Harley’s Milwaukee-Eight engine, producing a new intake manifold. The part is larger than standard and flow ported to get more air in. It’s cast from aluminium, instead of polymer, for improved heat tolerance. The result is a claimed boost of 3-5bhp depending on…

As lockdown measures ease, the weather improves and bikers increasingly head out to enjoy the countryside and biker meeting spots, a rural campaign group is again urging motorcyclists to ‘slow down and tone it down’. ‘CANS’ (‘Councils Against Noise and Speed’) was set up last year by villagers in rural areas of Lancashire, Cumbria and North Yorkshire which covers what’s known as the ‘Devil’s Bridge triangle’ – a highly popular biking area. Hamish Wilson, chairman of the group, said: “We don’t want motorcycles banned and aren’t asking riders to stay away; we are simply asking for the minority who are tempted to speed on rural roads or use excessively loud exhausts to respect our communities and their way of life.” CANS comprises representatives of 13 councils in the areas covered…

The V4 Multistrada and Streetfighter have seen Ducati record a sales boom, with over 30% more new bikes sold in January-March, compared to the same period last year. And while Covid has affected those figures to some degree with the 2020 lockdown hitting in March, the 2021 sales are also 2% up on figures for 2019. “The performance is very positive,” said company CEO Claudio Domenicali. Trendy Huskies Husqvarna have announced special edition 701s in partnership with Italian fashion brand Replay. The versions of the Supermoto, Enduro LR and Vitpilen feature black and bronze colours and Replay branding. If you were thinking you might like to get your hands on one, though, it’s bad news as the specials will be made in a run of just 10 and handed to…

Shark Evo-One 2 from £209.99 Flip into Spring with a versatile lid Flip-up lids are spot-on for year-round riding but come into their own during the summer months and particularly if you’re off exploring and touring. A choice of styles is available and if you can track down one that’s dual homologated, it can be worn as conventional full-face or flipped into the open-faced position. We’ve searched the web for some of the latest deals, and lid specialist Helmet City have great offerings such as this flip-up at attractive prices. Made by French helmet firm Shark, the Evo-One 2 is a steal at just over £200. It’s dual homologated and has a thermoplastic shell, there’s a dropdown sun visor, the quick-release visor comes with a Pinlock anti-fog insert and the…

Cineco have launched a battery maxi-scoot that sets a new standard for combining a long range with an attractive price. Developed as an alternative to a 300cc petrol bike, the E-RT3 shares its chassis and styling with parent firm Zongshen’s conventionally powered RT3 but adds an electric motor and lithium battery pack. The result is a 75mph top speed and a 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds. The performance comes from a motor that’s rated at 8kW (10.7bhp), meaning that the E-RT3 would be learner-legal over here as it’s under the 125cc limit of 11kW (15bhp). Like other electric motors, though, the real peak power is much higher, with 17kW (22.8bhp) on tap for short bursts along with 530Nm (391lb.ft) of torque at the rear wheel. At a claimed 195kg, it’s…

Q ‘Farm vehicle kept coming’ I was riding along a country road at 50 to 55mph and was just exiting a sweeping bend when I saw a large tractor/trailer emerging from a road to my left. It was moving into the road, blocking more and more of my path. I thought that the driver would see me and I didn’t think I could safely stop so I attempted to go around the front. He continued to emerge and the gap that I was heading for closed before I could get through. I tried to brake knowing that a crash was inevitable. The police are blaming me for the accident and want me to go on a driver awareness course. I don’t think I was to blame because I was going…

MCN staff and readers share their favourite routes ‘Stop off at one of Scotland’s finest distilleries’ This is a stunning route that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of Glasgow, to explore the stunning scenery through The Trossachs and along the shores of Loch Lomond. You need to head north out of Glasgow on the A81 on a delightful smooth flowing A-road. Consider a stop at Glengoyne, one of Scotland’s finest distilleries at the foot of Dumgoyne. Follow the A81 until you see the signs for Aberfoyle (A821), then follow the A821 up the hill out of Aberfoyle over the Duke’s Pass. What follows is quite simply some of the best riding in the UK with an Alpine style pass, complete with peg-dragging hairpin turns and stunning views…

GRAHAM BELL Age 60 Height 5ft 8in Current bike 2018 KTM Super Duke R Been riding 44 years First bike Suzuki AP50 Dream bike MV Agusta F4 “Sportsbikes still really appeal in terms of their performance and looks but the current breed are far too track focused and uncomfortable for me, which is why I made the change in 2016 and bought my first the Super Duke R. I ride bikes a lot, touring and weekend trips away, and my previous S1000RR basically broke me after a long ride. I just didn’t enjoy riding it so it sat in my garage unloved until I got the Super Duke R. “Super nakeds are brilliant, they have all the good points of a sportsbike but with lovely flat bars and an upright…

TRIUMPH TRIDENT 660 The rider Gareth Evans, Online Editor Contact gareth.evans@ motorcyclenews.com DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 S The rider Richard Newland, Editor Contact richard.newland@ motorcyclenews.com YAMAHA TRACER 9 GT The rider Alison Silcox, Office Manager Contact alison.silcox@ motorcyclenews.com HONDA CRF300 RALLY The rider Simon Relph, Senior Designer Contact simon.relph@ motorcyclenews.com KAWASAKI ZX-10R The rider Ben Clarke, Assistant Editor Contact ben.clarke@ motorcyclenews.com BMW S1000R The rider Michael Neeves, Chief Road Tester Contact michael.neeves@ motorcyclenews.com HARLEY-DAVIDSON PAN AMERICA The rider Jordan Gibbons, News Editor Contact jordan.gibbons@ motorcyclenews.com SUZUKI GSX1300R HAYABUSA The rider Emma Franklin, Deputy Editor Contact emma.franklin@ motorcyclenews.com NEXT WEEK KTM 890 ADVENTURER The rider Michael Guy, Sports Editor Contact michael.guy@motorcyclenews.com…

There are two main reasons for replacing a shock: first is that you have a sealed, unserviceable unit that has lost all its damping, and second is that you simply want to upgrade. It’s all too easy to just pick any old shock that fits your budget and taste, buy it online and bolt it in, but doing it this way means you’re unlikely to be getting the new shock’s full potential. A better idea is to check out one of the many suspension specialists, as these will be able to steer you in the right direction for your riding. Their services and products are often aimed at customers who engage in sport and circuit riding, and they have gathered a lot of experience over the years to meet the…

UPS Kyle Ryde BMW – 4th Fast at Silverstone in testing, but he’s now backed that up with pace at Snetterton and looks strong. Xavi Fores BMW – 8th Told MCN that he feels he has unfinished business in BSB. He’s certainly made a strong start. Josh Brookes Ducati – N/A Missed the test due to the finger injury from Silverstone, but in reality only lost an hour of track action. DOWNS Jason O’Halloran Yamaha – 14th Only completed 15 laps after missing most of session two having lost time making changes. Tarran Mackenzie Yamaha – 16th Like his teammate, lost time in session two after crashing at Nelson. Only managed to complete 15 laps. Joe Francis BMW – 22nd PR Racing’s Joe Francis crashed at Palmer in session two.…

It’s the pinnacle of short circuit bike racing, but being a rider in MotoGP is not an easy existence. Take a rider such as Pol Espargaro. He has his absolute dream factory Honda ride, but right now all he’ll want is for the ground to open up and swallow him. He’ll just want to disappear for a week while all the trolls and the arseholes have their say. It must be so hard for him, you get everything you dream of and then it doesn’t work out. It just shows how finiky these MotoGP bikes are and that it takes clever people to figure them out. Everything is so technical and so professional and so competitive. Yes, in MotoGP you get someone carrying your helmet and wiping your arse at…

STATISTICS ● Length 2.6 miles ● Corners 5 - 9 left, 0 right ● Longest straight 674 metres WET, WET, WET Bad weather is the story of Le Mans and judging by the latest weather forcast this year won’t be any different with rain forecast on all three days this weekend although temperatures are up. Lap record Pole lap 2020 top 5 Positions 2021 World Standing ONE TO WATCH Beating Aprilia’s best of eighth in 2003 from Noriyuki Haga should be easy pickings for Aleix Espargaro who has scored back-to-back top sixes. WHAT HAPPENED IN 2020 Petrucci won the first wet race since Valencia, 2018 after rain fell five minutes before the start. With no wet race experience in MotoGP, title rivals Quartararo & Mir finished ninth & 11th, while…

The history of the CBR family goes back over 30 years, but the arrival of the CBR600RR broke the mould in 2003. It had a great handle on the road, but this sportsbike was built for the track. The first generation CBR600RRs (2003-2006) are generally sound machines, but there are a few things to look out for. They had a common issue with the buttons not working on the clocks, so take some time to see if they stick when you scroll through the dash settings. There are plenty of tutorials online to help fix this issue, but if you need to get a replacement, the clocks will set you back around £100. Take care to check the tank too. When doing routine maintenance, it’s easy to disturb and kink…

Valentino Rossi has dominated the MotoGP headlines for two decades – usually for his title-winning dominance, but more recently for his slide towards inevitable retirement. He’s been written off more times than a banger racer and come back more frequently than a phoenix with a penchant for playing with matches. But what he rarely does is give frank interviews that reveal his true thoughts on his personal battle with time, his motivation to race, family relationships or his new deal to be a MotoGP team owner. He does all that in his interview with us this week – see page 42. Also new this week is our partnership with CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) and Royal Enfield. You might think that’s an odd thing for MCN to be supporting,…

A petition for public funding of air ambulances has been debated in parliament after attracting over 134,000 signatures. The petition was started by Bethany Billington, after her sister Lee-Anne Parkin and her partner were involved in a traffic accident. Lee-Anne’s partner died at the scene and, despite being airlifted to hospital, Lee-Anne later died in hospital. The petition called for air ambulances to be funded by the Government instead of the charitable donations they currently rely on. Having considered it again the Government stay resolute in their belief that keeping the air ambulances independent from the NHS provides the best service – a belief echoed by many air ambulance chiefs who cite funding cuts to NHS services over recent years. However, it’s not all bad news. Edward Anger, Minister for…

Aprilia have unveiled major changes to their RS125 and Tuono 125 models with new styling, a reworked engine, fully digital dash and a new ECU. Both get a heavily revised single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with a new head, redesigned combustion chamber, new intake and exhaust ducts and a new iridium spark plug. The cams, air intake and filter are all new, as is the repositioned throttle body. The exhaust has been redesigned with a more efficient cat. The result is a ‘more robust’ torque curve and an engine that hits max power (15bhp) at lower revs. Both have had a styling update with the Tuono 125 getting a taller screen and the more pronounced half-fairing style of the Tuono V4. And the RS125 could now be mistaken for its RS660 (at…

To celebrate the launch of the new MT-09 SP – we’ve teamed up with Yamaha to give away a brand-new 2021 bike plus an Extreme Wheelie Experience and bags of top riding gear. Featuring a new 889cc engine, new TFT colour dash, best-in-class electronic rider aids and razor-sharp handling thanks to the compact aluminium chassis, adjustable suspension and super-light wheels – the MT-09 SP is versatile enough to enliven your commute and thrill at the weekend. The winner also gets a VIP Extreme Wheelie Experience to learn new skills, and a Yamaha gear package, including: MT riding jacket and trousers, plus a set of MT casual clothing including hoodie, long-sleeve shirt, T-shirt, cap and neck tube. How to enter Simply head online to: www.motorcyclenews.com/mt09spcomp. Good luck! Terms and conditions The…

‘Nice investment? Go for a Monster’ There was an interesting question on a Reddit group recently: what bikes would you invest in right now? Leaving aside the inevitable references to Japanese classics, there were suggestions about Ducati Panigales. The more thoughtful referred to the Sport Classic series, but none picked out the Monster. I so nearly bought a 796 Monster last year and now wish I had. All the best points of my late, lamented 750SS (simplicity, cheapness, air cooling) with modern attributes like fuel injection and decent quality control. Maybe, just maybe, the 696 – did you know that has the highest specific power output of any air-cooled Ducati? And it was the first Ducati to sell more than 10,000 units in a year. Pretty much any Monster is…

‘There is nothing more important than wellbeing’ MCN Editor, Richard Newland, talks about how the completely immersive nature of bikes saved his soul Health is a multi-billion pound business. Whether we’re being sold magic potions to kill the germs in our toilets or washing machines, or being saved from Covid by incredible vaccine-inventing scientists, our physical health is something we’re bombarded about 24/7. But serious taboos still exist when we talk about mental health. Not long ago I would’ve struggled to even relate mental health concerns to my own life. Stress was just something that you deal with; bad days were just something that happen; depression or feelings of worthlessness just jarring potholes along the highway of life. But the reason none of these things felt extraordinary to me was…

JUST BREW IT Ride out to Britain’s best biking stops HEAD TO THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM, FROM MAY 17 ‘We need people to visit us’ Show your support for the UK’s biggest bike museum THE FACTS • Every day from May 17, 8.30am to 5.30pm, last entry 4pm • Hot and cold food and snacks • Bickenhill, Solihull / www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk The National Motorcycle Museum is home to the biggest collection of British bikes in the world with over 170 different makes and nearly 1000 bikes on display. Unfortunately, the museum has been hit hard by the pandemic and has had its doors shut since March 2020 with no means of income. They have also been repeatedly denied support from various public grants. But from May 17, the museum is opening…

1 Jacks Hill Cafe and Truckstop Open for takeaways 4pm-8pm Mon-Thurs. The return of bike nights hasn’t yet been confirmed. jackshill.co.uk 2 Loomies Cafe Open for takeaway at West Meon, Hants. Has outside seating and bike nights on Wednesdays. www.loomiescafe.co.uk 3 Ace Cafe The renowned venue is up and running and events are starting to pile into the calendar. london.acecafe.com 4 Harry’s Café at Fowlers All parts of the shop are open, so have a browse and grab yourself a Full Monty brekkie in Bristol. www.fowlers.co.uk…

FRIDAY May 14 8am, BTS2, Live MotoGP from Le Mans, France: Free Practice 1. Free Practice 2 at 12.15pm SATURDAY May 15 8am, BTS2, Live MotoGP from Le Mans, France: Free Practice 3. Qualifying at 11am SUNDAY May 16 7.15am, BTS2, Live MotoGP from Le Mans, France: MotoGP at 12.30pm. 10pm, EUR2, World Superbikes Estoril, Portugal: Highlights. 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…

GUEST ROAD TESTER THE MCN TEST ● THE HOTTEST BIKES ● EVERY WEEK £15,100 Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS ● 1160cc 12v inline triple ● 177.5bhp / 92.3lb.ft ● £252.72 per month PCP £19,995 Ducati Streetfighter V4 S ● 1103cc 16v V4 ● 205bhp / 90.4lb.ft ● £209.46 per month PCP £15,749 KTM 1290 Super Duke R ● 1301cc 8v V-twin ● 177.5bhp / 103.3lb.ft ● £165.46 per month PCP Triumph love to point out that their Speed Triple was the original super-naked, setting the now established format of removing a fairing from a sportsbike (in this case the Daytona) and then adding flat bars to create a ‘factory streetfighter’ when it was released back in 1994 (OK, technically it had clip-ons, flat bars arrived a few years later). But…

ENDURO AFRICA Taking part in this charity rally in 2008 kickstarted Steph’s love for off-road riding and gave her a taste for the reward to be had from pushing beyond your limits. “It was so tough we thought we were going to die, but at the end I wanted to do it again!” GOING GLOBAL The start of Steph’s epic 2014 journey to ride on all seven continents. As she says: “What on Earth have I done, am I really the sort of person who can do this?” ANTARCTICA 2015 Once Steph had found someone to take her, she still had to endure one of the world’s most dangerous sea crossings. “So many people said ‘you can’t do it’ and I didn’t believe it myself until I got there. It…

FREELANCE ROAD TESTER Although undoubtedly a Marmite bike, there is something strangely appealing about the X-ADV. It’s not an off-roader, not by a long stretch, but it is a cool-looking super-scoot that is fun to ride and also practical (for mainly solo riders). The big sticking point is the price, which at nearly £11k is steep. However, if you are into maxi-scooters but don’t want a ‘traditional’ scooter look the X-ADV is your only option to be different and a TMAX is £12k, so maybe it isn’t so pricey after all. If we are being picky an IMU would have been nice, and a better connectivity system, but really that’s about it. If you like the idea of an SUV scooter, the X-ADV won’t disappoint. THE FACTS £10,849 Honda X-ADV…

ROAD TESTER The Ninja ZX-10R is still unashamedly a very track-focused bike. If you love its aggressive attitude the lower gearing makes it faster to accelerate, the chassis geometry gives it better front-end feel and the aero package brings a much-needed fresh new look. On track it remains brilliant and the electronic assists designed to help you go fast are hard to fault. On the road it is still compromised through a cramped riding position, the TFT dash isn’t that flash and the motor is still less gutsy and more top-endy than some rivals – but what do you expect from a Ninja? And at least you now get a taller screen and cruise control as well as the option of heated grips! THE FACTS £15,950 (OTR) 2021 Kawasaki Ninja…

Alpinestars Missile Ignition jacket £499.99 ‘Great protection and it’s stylish too’ Tested by Michael Neeves, one year This is at the top of the Alpinestars tree when it comes to racestyle leather jackets. Mimicking a race suit with plastic shoulder and elbow protection, the quality is top notch and there are no signs of wear, despite a year of heavy road testing – as you’d expect for its premium price tag (that said, you can find it for more than £100 less if you shop around). The jacket is compatible with Alpinestars’ wired-in airbag, with all the extra wiggle room it needs to inflate in an emergency, but I wear it with the firm’s standalone Tech-Air 5 airbag vest instead. Despite its sturdy elbow and shoulder armour and racy speed…

‘Save cash by ignoring the odometer...’ A fella come into our showroom looking to part-ex his Triumph Speed Triple for something newer. ‘Nothing wrong with it, but it’s done 45,000 miles so it’s time for a new one.’ I asked him how many miles his car had done. ‘120,000, but it’s different,’ he said. ‘It’s a car.’ For some reason we bikers are terrified of a machine that’s actually been used. Yet any bike engine from the last 20 years or so will have been tested to extreme distances during development – people raise eyebrows at a VFR1200 that’s done a fault-free 80,000, but they shouldn’t be surprised as it’s only done what it was designed to do. Engines don’t like being hammered endlessly and don’t appreciate being laboured, but…

MECHANIC James Hinton of J and B in Boston, Lincolnshire This 2008 Suzuki SV650 has racked up 70,000 miles, despite the owner’s best efforts. Julian Button at J and B Motorcycles in Boston knows the bike well as he used to own it himself. He said: “The current owner uses it in all weathers and only brings it in when he absolutely has to, so I wasn’t surprised when he turned up with the chain and sprockets hanging off. But it was pretty obvious that it also had a major issue with the rear suspension as the rear end was 90mm lower than it should be!” When Julian pointed this out to him, he simply shrugged his shoulders and muttered ‘well, it rides alright’. But even he had to admit…

102.2k 543k JACK MILLER “I understand it’s a necessary evil in this world that we live in. I’m quite happy to turn off the phone and not look at it for months at a time. It doesn’t bother me. I’m not missing anything. But it’s just bulls*** that people can be so negative. At the end of the day, we’re all human, and mistakes happen, things happen. F***, it doesn’t mean you have to rip on us.” 26.7k 19k GLENN IRWIN “If I wasn’t a rider, I wouldn’t have social media. I did in the past – I probably set myself up for it but certainly didn’t deserve what I got; the world is a cruel enough place without bullies. I can’t see how its OK for somebody to say…

‘Freak out in a teen daydream’ It can be salutary to look back on oneself aged 16. I was obsessed with motorbikes and racing, a nifty 50 on the wish list, a pictorial parade of bikes and riders on the wall and a growing library of books on the techniques and technicalities of racing. Today’s 16-year-olds, by contrast, are the subjects of those pictures. And if they had time could probably write those books. Or at least one of them could. Step forward Pedro Acosta, dental brace flashing in the sun, to climb onto the podium for the fourth time in four races. Three of them he won, one after starting from pit lane. For the fourth, he could only manage second. Must try harder! The Spaniard, who turns 17…

With lockdown relaxing and the summer months around the corner, the Kawasaki Dealer Demo Days tour is the perfect opportunity for motorcyclists to discover the latest 2021 machines. After the incredibly popular Dealer Demo Day events in 2020, Kawasaki have announced a brand-new run of sessions for 2021. The 20-date tour takes in authorised Kawasaki dealers across the country and will give you the chance to get up close and personal with an array of 2021 bikes. Try out the latest bikes It’s time to do some thinking, as you’ll be spoilt for choice when you go to book on a ride at a Kawasaki Demo Day. From exhilarating mid capacity, to top of the line supercharged motorcycles, the Demo Days include the likes of the Z650, Ninja 650, Versys…

The history of the CBR family goes back over 30 years, but the arrival of the CBR600RR broke the mould in 2003. It had a great handle on the road, but this sportsbike was built for the track. The first generation CBR600RRs (2003-2006) are generally sound machines, but there are a few things to look out for. They had a common issue with the buttons not working on the clocks, so take some time to see if they stick when you scroll through the dash settings. There are plenty of tutorials online to help fix this issue, but if you need to get a replacement, the clocks will set you back around £100. Take care to check the tank too. When doing routine maintenance, it’s easy to disturb and kink…

With lockdown relaxing and the summer months around the corner, the Kawasaki Dealer Demo Days tour is the perfect opportunity for motorcyclists to discover the latest 2021 machines. After the incredibly popular Dealer Demo Day events in 2020, Kawasaki have announced a brand-new run of sessions for 2021. The 20-date tour takes in authorised Kawasaki dealers across the country and will give you the chance to get up close and personal with an array of 2021 bikes. Try out the latest bikes It’s time to do some thinking, as you’ll be spoilt for choice when you go to book on a ride at a Kawasaki Demo Day. From exhilarating mid capacity, to top of the line supercharged motorcycles, the Demo Days include the likes of the Z650, Ninja 650, Versys…

An apology to customers and dealers from Yamaha Motor Europe’s president has revealed the depth of problems that bike firms are facing in getting motorcycles and parts to UK customers. Eric de Seynes, Yamaha Motor Europe’s President and CEO, said: “For the last 10 months, the availability of raw materials has become an issue in many areas, such as the semi-conductors required in the manufacturing of our smart keys, ABS braking system, ECU, etc. “Shipping goods overseas was also problematical due to the very high demand for many categories of manufactured products, but these issues have been made bigger right at the start of the season by the unexpected crisis in the Suez Canal involving the container ship the Ever Given which was transporting several thousands of Yamaha products and…

SAVE £3283 £9499 Suzuki Katana Suzuki’s tribute to the original Katana was a looker but too pricey for many, so this £3283 saving will make it far more tempting. This bike at Crawley’s P&H Motorcycles boasts the offical Samurai pack which includes carbon effect case covers and mudguard, red and black accessory seat, decal set and fly screen. ● www.phmotorcycles.co.uk SAVE £2850 £5995 Yamaha SCR950 The SCR is a throwback to simpler times when all you needed to go off-road was a Steve McQueen stare and the will to do it. ● www.wiganyamaha.co.uk ● Engine 942cc ● Power 51bhp ● Weight 252kg ● Seat height 830mm SAVE £1152 £15,995 Suzuki GSX-R1000R Old-school GSX-R1000 grunt combined with modern superbike top-end rush, a flawless power curve and super-precise throttle. ● www.cupar.co.uk ●…

Oxford Hinterland Dry2Dry Trilaminate jacket/trousers £299.99/£249.99 Oxford’s latest jacket and trouser combo is designed to keep you protected against injury and bad weather. A claimed waterproof/breathable membrane is part of the laminate construction and there are stretchy areas to help you move around on the bike. www.oxfordproducts.com Ventura Evo luggage from £347 Ventura’s Evo luggage system offers carrying capacity without the bulk of hard luggage and is now available for Yamaha’s MT-07 Tracer (2017-2021) and MT-10 (2016-2021). The kit comes with ‘L’ brackets bespoke for each model, an Evo Rack, which secures to the brackets and a soft Evo Pack bag which slides on. Prices start at £347 for the MT-10 version and £375 for the Tracer kit. www.ventura-bike.co.uk Andy Strapz from £20 a pair The makers of these luggage…

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 John’s pick… John Fallon has spent his life chasing down, fixing and selling Italian classics. In 2008 he turned his passion into a business, setting up Made In Italy Motorcycles. Since then he has specialised in everything from Laverda Jotas to Ducati bevel models and even a few MotoGP bikes from his Suffolk showroom. So what would he spend his own money on? “If money was no object, I’d buy a 1970s Ducati 900 Super Sport or a 750 GT but you are looking at £25-£35,000 for a good one, mainly as they cost so much to restore. Sadly, they have priced themselves…

mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com motorcyclenews motorcyclenews MCNnews STAR LETTER ‘Keeping that CB750 dream alive’ For years I’d adorned my bedroom wall with the annual posters, put out near Christmas each year by MCN. And then along came Honda’s CB750 with its four cylinders, chrome and gold flake paint. A dealer seven miles from my Nan’s house had one on a rotating circular stage. Each weekend saw me setting off on the 14-mile round trip, just to stand and stare. It was to be some years before I could afford my own CB750. I’m 65 now and averaging around 16,000 miles a year – I’ve yet to own a car. Thanks Honda for keeping the dream alive. Keith Neale, email Write something that spikes our interest, and you could get selected for the Star…

Reader Neil Goulding The ride Oakham to Swanage and back on my Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX How many miles? 400 When to do it This was spring although it was chilly at times Time required One day or stay over to extend the trip Tell us about the ride I set off from home at 7am with the temperature hovering around 3°C, so heated vest and grips were a must. Went down the A6047 to the old Fosse Way before heading off to the Cotswolds and through Stow on the Wold. Skimmed past Warminster and all the way to the seaside at Swanage. The H2SX is a joy to ride, with 200bhp I just about managed a few nice overtakes… Had some great fish and chips down by the seaside…

KEY TO THE AREA ■ SOUTH WEST ■ CENTRAL ■ NORTH & SCOTLAND ■ SOUTH EAST Wednesday May 12 BIKE CAFES / MEETS ■ Squires Cafe Newthorpe, near Sherburn in Elmet, West Yorks. 01977-684618 or www.squires-cafe.co.uk ■ The Blue Anchor Southport, Merseyside 7pm Facebook: Southport Carousel Bike Meet ■ The Plough, Cadsden, Nr Princess Risborough, Bucks. www.plough-at-cadsden.co.uk ■ Ryka’s Cafe Box Hill, Surrey. www.rykas.co.uk ■ Loomies Moto Cafe West Meon, Hants. Open till 9pm. www.loomiescafe.co.uk ■ Brit Bike Night, Ace Cafe, Stonebridge, London. 6pm. 020-8961-1000 or www.london.acecafe.com ■ The Old Stores Pontblyddyn, Flints. 6pm. 07548-224866 TRACKDAYS ■ No Limits Cadwell Park, Lincs. £139. 01525-877087 or www.nolimitstrackdays.com ■ Focused Events Donington, Derbys. £159 01798-812704 or www.focusedevents.com TRIALS ■ Eboracum MCC South Wood Farm Terrington North Yorks www.eboracumtrials.co.uk ■ West of England…

GUEST ROAD TESTER As a huge fan of the Speed Triple, I can’t help but feel disappointed by this latest incarnation. Yes, it is far sportier than the previous model, packing better electronics and on a billiard-smooth surface the chassis responds with gusto – but how often do you ride like that in the UK? I fear Triumph have fallen into the trap of believing the hype that super-naked riders want a balls-out naked sportsbike when their rivals have proven that in reality this simply isn’t the case. This year Ducati tamed their Streetfighter and having been labelled as ‘The Beast’ when launched, in its third generation KTM have done exactly the same to their Super Duke R. Triumph have flown in the face of this and the Speed Triple…

1 Dainese Mig C2 £94.95 I’ve had these for about three years and use them for everything when the weather is over 16°C. You get nice air flow to your fingers, plus the build quality is good. Sam Dickinson, Bury St Edmunds 2 Weise Street Fight £54.99 I have used these for 8000 miles. I’ll get them out above 13°C and they’ve lasted well. Darren Phillips, Hants 3 Alpinestars Celer V2 £104.99 These are nearly as protective as a race glove, stylish, and very comfortable. Robert Wortman, Alabama 4 Spada Sled Do £54.99 I think these are a really good-looking retro style glove with protection and ventilation. Tam Forrester, Glasgow 5 Knox Orsa £99.98 Plenty of protection and I like the Boa device at the wrist. I’ll replace them with…

‘It feels much more natural’ “I knew my positioning wasn’t working, but Mark gave me clear pointers on where I should be. It all seemed so obvious once he talked me through it. “I don’t ride every day, so I think that was making it even harder, but I’ve got all these little pointers now so I know what to think about and that’s going to be a big help. “I really enjoyed the training. It’s going to make my riding so much more relaxed. I was being lazy with my gears and setting my speed into the S-bend, which wasn’t helping, but I wasn’t planning my line through well enough. With all that sorted now I know I can get it right on roads I don’t know, too.” Mark…

Saving you money on essential bike maintenance 1 Cross reference and double check If it’s time to sort that worn-out shock you’ll be pleased to know that it’s a fairly straightforward task that requires little more than unbolting the top and bottom mounting bolts, and then swapping the old shock for the new one. However, procedure is key so you always should cross-reference this guide with your own bike’s workshop manual. 2 Put the bike on a stand A centrestand is ideal for supporting the bike while the shock is removed. But if your bike doesn’t have one, jack it up from the middle or use a stand that lifts it so that the swingarm is free – like this ABBA stand, which raises the bike off the ground by…

SPORTS REPORTER ‘The lack of time is bad news for series rookies’ In an alternative universe the Bennetts British Superbike paddock would have enjoyed three hugely rewarding test days in the sunshine at Snetterton. In reality, the event was reduced to an hour of track action. Two full days were lost to the wet and windy conditions, leaving the teams and riders with just two sessions to conduct preparation for the season ahead. This is a massive blow for everybody involved. There are now only two single-day tests remaining before the season begins: Oulton Park (May 19) and Donington Park (June 8). Those tests should have been about confirming new parts and settings, or perhaps getting some time on the softer SXC tyre and ensuring rider comfort on the bike.…

Getting the inside line on grand prix racing since 1996 ‘There’ve been 539 crashes in just the last five years’ Lots of rain and lots of expensive and painful crashes normally go hand-in-hand when MotoGP’s world tour hits the Le Mans circuit. Expect more carbon carnage this weekend on a track short in length but high on demolition, with a budget-busting 539 crashes in just the last five years. Fabio Quartararo may still be the man, but arm pump blew his blitz to a third straight win off course in Jerez and surgery puts a huge question mark over his prospects this weekend. The track was once a playground of the Yamaha M1 with seven wins between 2008 and 2017. But there’s been no win since. And Ducati are buzzing…

The Ducati may be fast, but it has a fearsome reputation for being a bike that does not turn. Three-time runner-up Andrea Dovizioso spent his eight-year tenure at the Italian manufacturer pleading with the engineers for change. Last time out at Jerez – a technical, and relatively low-speed circuit which historically does not play to Ducati’s strengths, – they bagged an incredible 1-2 to take the lead in the title standings. Yes it was helped by Fabio Quartararo’s arm pump, but it underlined the massive steps they’ve taken. MCN’s tech guru Michael Laverty investigates. 1 TURNING TIGHTER THAN YAMAHA’S M1 Ducati have certainly got the 2021 Demosedici turning better than ever – watching the onboard rear-facing camera from Morbidelli’s Yamaha during the race and witnessing Pecco Bagnaia turn under and…

With lockdown relaxing and the summer months around the corner, the Kawasaki Dealer Demo Days tour is the perfect opportunity for motorcyclists to discover the latest 2021 machines. After the incredibly popular Dealer Demo Day events in 2020, Kawasaki have announced a brand-new run of sessions for 2021. The 20-date tour takes in authorised Kawasaki dealers across the country and will give you the chance to get up close and personal with an array of 2021 bikes. Try out the latest bikes It’s time to do some thinking, as you’ll be spoilt for choice when you go to book on a ride at a Kawasaki Demo Day. From exhilarating mid capacity, to top of the line supercharged motorcycles, the Demo Days include the likes of the Z650, Ninja 650, Versys…

The history of the CBR family goes back over 30 years, but the arrival of the CBR600RR broke the mould in 2003. It had a great handle on the road, but this sportsbike was built for the track. The first generation CBR600RRs (2003-2006) are generally sound machines, but there are a few things to look out for. They had a common issue with the buttons not working on the clocks, so take some time to see if they stick when you scroll through the dash settings. There are plenty of tutorials online to help fix this issue, but if you need to get a replacement, the clocks will set you back around £100. Take care to check the tank too. When doing routine maintenance, it’s easy to disturb and kink…