Table of contents for 28 July 2021 in MCN

‘The Indian’s more aggressive attitude shines through’PHIL WEST TALKS FTR ON THE MCN250 MCN250 TEST Indian creep up on BMW’s top retro When Indian launched their flattrack-inspired FTR1200 it was brimming with brilliance and promise, but never quite offered buyers the direct class competition needed to steal sales from the kings of the retro scene. But they’ve updated it significantly for 2021, and its new blend of skills could just be potent enough to better BMW’s class bully, the R nineT. Cue a street fight... FULL TEST P29 TOP STORY Go Bayliss-tic with special V2 Troy Bayliss was an absolute race legend. His cheeky attitude off track, supreme aggression and precision on track, and epic battles that came to define World Superbike racing for a generation made him supremely popular.…

Top Gear’s smallest star, Richard Hammond, has put a selection of his cars and bikes into the Silverstone auction this weekend to help raise money for his new classic car restoration business. As well as a string of four-wheelers, Hammond is auctioning a Velocette KSS Mk1, an original Moto Guzzi Le Mans and a special edition Norton Dominator Street. The Classic Sale at Silverstone is taking place from Friday 30 July through to Sunday 1 August at Silverstone, with Hammond’s machines offered from 2pm Sunday. Super Duper Hot on the heals of Sunra’s Robo Selectric scooter comes the Miku Super. Created as a sportier sub-brand to Sunra, Miku’s bikes opt for a more modern style than the traditional ride-on scooter form of the Robo. Internally the two scoots share much…

ByCity Belfast jacket £249.99 The Belfast is made from waxed cotton, with a vented inner lining as well as a detachable sleeved lining. The water-resistant waxed cotton is complemented by a waterproof membrane and vents for warmer days. There are pockets for removable protection on the elbow and shoulder, plus a back protector pocket. It comes in green, S-4XL. saltflatsclothing.co.uk Twinton Headlight for Bonneville Bobber £739.99 This new Twinton 7in headlight for the Triumph Bobber means the original speedo can be fitted within the unit to make a retro nacelle. The headlight is available with an H4 bulb or with a modern LED bulb and includes a bracket for easy fitment. Twinton also make an eye-catching LED rear light assembly (£139.99). www.wunderkid-custom.com Touratech KTM 1290 Super Adventure engine guard £260…

It’s with enormous shock and sadness that we have to report the passing of MCN’s long-term columnist, contributor and friend Neil Murray, who died last Monday, July 19. At just 63 years-old, and seemingly always brimming with an effervescent love for a wildly eclectic range of motorcycles, fine wine, good food and travel, and for his oft-mentioned family – Neil deserved to romp towards old age while regaling all who were listening (and sucking in those who weren’t with his boundless enthusiasm) with his anecdotes and tales of derring-do. He was the sort of lovable eccentric who should have been propping up the bar forever. But tragically, he suffered a heart attack on Saturday, July 17, and passed away on the following Monday. Described by pretty much all who met…

‘We’re always learning and growing’ Biker and pro snapper, Amy Shore, on the power of letting friends help to get you back in a positive place Do you remember the first time you rode a motorcycle? How did you do? Did you enjoy it? Did you know how to stop? My first solo ride on a bike was on a Velocette Venom, of all things. My friend taught me how to kick-start the thing, showed me where the gears were and how to stop. I had no idea what I was doing as I tentatively rode down the empty lane, but I could already feel something stir inside of me. I knew this was something for me. When I properly started to ride, my emotions went from loving it to…

Q ‘Skip was left with no lights’ A few weeks ago I was riding my bike, at night, along a poorly lit road having just finished my shift. I was travelling within the speed limit when I suddenly noticed an large, unlit object parked about 10 or so metres away from me in the carriageway. I had no time to stop. I tried to swerve but wasn’t able to in time and instead collided with what turned out to be an unlit skip. I broke my ankle and will now be off work for a few months. Do I have a claim? Darren Roberts, London A You may have a claim. Section 139 of the Highways Act 1980 deals specifically with skips that are deposited on carriageways. It states that…

Readers Shaun Napier and Geoff Rutland The trip Exploring North Wales (but ended up doing the whole Lot) How many miles? 1000 When to do it Best in the Late autumn or summer Time required 2-3 days Don’t miss this The hidden gem – Devil’s Staircase, situated in Powys, South Wales, originally named by the workers building it when they travelled along it to spend their wages. The thickly forested road greets you with a gradual gradient, Luring you in. When the road opens up again you are treated to some tight bends and gradients of up to 25 per cent. It snakes its way through some of the most spectacular scenic views and offers a good riding challenge. It is a must for any explorer and it made for…

KEY TO THE AREA ■ SOUTH WEST ■ CENTRAL ■ NORTH & SCOTLAND ■ SOUTH EAST Wednesday July 28 BIKE MEETS ■ Squires Cafe Newthorpe, near Sherburn in Elmet, West Yorks www.squires-cafe.co.uk ■ The Blue Anchor Southport Merseyside 7pm Facebook: Southport Carousel ■ Seaways Fridaythorpe East Yorks 4pm-8pm mike@seawayscafe.co.uk ■ The Old Stores Pontblyddyn Mold, Flints, 6pm-9pm 07548224866 or Facebook: The Old Stores Motorbike cafe ■ The Plough Cadsden, Bucks www.plough-at-cadsden.co.uk ■ Paignton Seafront Devon www.bmad.co.uk ■ Loomies Moto Cafe West Meon, Hants. Open till 9pm www.loomiescafe.co.uk ■ Cafe Box Hill, Surrey www.rykas.co.uk SPEEDWAY ■ Birmingham Brummies West Midlands www.birmingham-speedway.com ■ Poole Pirates Dorset www.poolepirates.co/ TRACKDAYS ■ MSV General Track Day Cadwell Park Lincs from £124 www.MSVTrackdays.com ■ MSV General Track Evening Cadwell Park Lincs from £59 www.MSVTrackdays.com ■ No…

‘First time off-road’ R5K MEMBER DONNA ROBINSON Having finally saved enough to buy a 1995 Yamaha TTR250, I was invited to join a local TRF group for some green lanes around Lincoln. It wasn’t as easy as I thought, and I fell off five times, but it opened my eyes to new challenges, and I loved it. ‘Mystery mini bike’ R5K MEMBER SIMON BOYLE I was on my Suzuki V-Strom 650 with the lads from the Peebles Motorcycle Clan. We stopped for lunch and there was this tiny bike sitting all alone, so we all had a piccie taken with it because it was so small compared to our bikes. We still don’t know who owned it! ‘Curvy Riders MCC day trip’ R5K MEMBERS CAROLINE PASSEY, ALLIE HUNT AND AUDREY…

GUEST TESTER The R nineT is a great bike but it’s been a great bike for quite a Long time and that’s starting to show. Not only is the Indian here more than breathing down the BM’s neck, there’s a new Triumph Speed Twin for 2021, complete with fancy front end, and others, too. Maybe BMW should have done more, although considering its air/oil-cooled heart is now three boxer generations old, it’s hard to imagine what. The Indian, however, was all new two years ago, was a pretty good first attempt and is now significantly new again. The result now has the grip to match its go, the refinement to match its classy style and, simply, the speed to match its sophistication. It’s even decent value considering its spec. On…

ANDY GOWER Age 50 Location Harrogate Experience Has been racing small bikes and mopeds for around 20 years and has toured Europe on a Honda C90. ROB SMITH Age 57 Location Loughborough Experience Started racing small bikes in 1997 and continued through to 2012 before a brief break. KIERAN JACKSON Age 42 Location Barnsley Experience Competed in Freetech since its inception on his own Derbi/KTM racer and races bigger bikes with clubs around the country. JOHN CORNER Age 59 Location Malton Experience Started racing Yamaha RD250LCs in 1981, before progressing to 350LCs. Competed in moped races, including a six-hour endurance. LEWIS CORNER Age 26 Location Malton Experience Competing in his first season of racing with Freetech Endurance. Has some trackday experience and rides a Fireblade on the road. DAN SUTHERLAND…

Reborn Triumph were initially reluctant to revive the Bonneville and the firm waited the best part of a decade before launching the first ‘new’ Bonneville in 2000, rekindling the name of their best-known bike. Updated repeatedly since, most significantly with an all-new 900/1200 liquid-cooled family in 2016, Triumph have now revised the 1200cc T120 for 2021 – but how different is it, exactly? 1 The light fantastic Chassis-wise, the big 2021 change is cutting weight. There’s a 7kg reduction overall, from both engine and new alloy wheel rims which, being unsprung, have the added benefit of reducing gyro effect, lightening steering and helping make the bike more agile. There’s also improved Brembo front calipers. The upshot of all that is effortless, joyful handling and steering, plus impressively sharp and powerful…

Need help with your riding skills? MCN expert can fi x it THE STUDENT Logan Hilkin, 35, London London-based Californian, Logan started riding four years ago as a way of beating the Tube. He started on a Mutt 125, then progressed to a Ducati Monster 821, and now rides a custom Triumph Bobber. The problem “Now I’ve done a few trackdays, I feel like my road riding’s gone backwards a bit. Because I’m pushing on a bit more, I feel as though I’m rushing my corner entries which in turn ruins the rest of the corner.” THE TUTOR Ryan Decarteret, Rapid Training Pro Coach A former surveillance motorcyclist for the National Crime Agency, Ryan teaches others to become smoother, faster and safer. Ryan’s action plan… “It’s easy to become trapped…

1 Bridgestone Battlax S22 £117/£147* I rode to Slovenia and back on these and then did a trackday at Cadwell. They still were good for 1:42s or less. Incredible tyre. Joe Sheehan, Southend 2 Pirelli Diablo Rosso III £113/£150* I love their grip. Brilliant in the rain, and epic in the sunshine. Daniel Tetley, Lancashire 3 Metzeler Sportec M9RR £107/£146* After 5000 miles the rear was done, but they didn’t put a foot wrong the whole time. Marc Edgson, Reading 4 Michelin Power RS £109/£148* I use these on my Ducati 848. The wet performance really impresses. Tim Heywood, Duns 5 Bridgestone Battlax RS11 £131/£170* Not just confidence inspiring, they’re awe inspiring! Amazing in the wet. Andrew Cutler, NZ REVIEW YOUR KIT IN MCN Got a product that you want…

MECHANIC Zenith M/C’s Bernie Roe has seen it all This Sinnis Hoodlum came to grinding halt after its hardcore owner rode it 450 miles to London. The 125cc machine, complete with Iron Butt-style sheepskin saddle, was picked up and delivered to Zenith motorcycles where ace mechanic Bernie Roe got involved. He said: “We got the rear wheel off the ground, selected a high gear and tried to turn the engine over by rotating the back wheel. That seemed ok. “Then we took the plug out and stuck a screwdriver in there to feel for the piston moving up and down, only there wasn’t anything there. We whipped the head off and the little-end and piston had overheated so badly that when it seized, the piston broke into two pieces. “He…

Another glimmer of hope for a sport currently facing an uncertain future came with news that the world’s fastest road race, the Ulster Grand Prix, could be resurrected from the financial collapse it faced after bad weather caused an unprecedented slump in spectator turnout at the 2019 running of the event. The organising club has avoided bankruptcy, and with the possibility of new financial backing from interested parties in the Isle of of Man and Ireland, there is renewed hope action could return to the Dundrod circuit in time for the UGP’s centenary celebrations in 2022.…

Andrea Locatelli took a maiden podium in the style of a WSB veteran, at Assen on Sunday. The rostrum for the 24-year-old Italian makes him the tenth podium finisher of 2021, already equalling the number from the whole 2020 season. The way he did it was nothing short of impressive – in just his tenth feature race. He had already finished fifth at Estoril and Assen, plus fourth in Sunday’s Sprint. “I forgot about this morning because I had another chance,” Locatelli said after his Sprint Race podium was removed for exceeding track limits. In Race 2, he was one of just two frontrunners (along with Rinaldi) to use the soft SCX tyre. “It was lucky we didn’t have more laps on that tyre but this bike is amazing.” Locatelli…

Well what a weekend that was racing in the Ducati TriOptions Cup. Sixth in race one and then back on the podium and fighting for the win with Chris Walker in the second race! It had rained before the race and while there wasn’t any standing water there were damp patches so you had to be pretty precise. I’m not bad at starts, but neither is Walker! I got held up a bit by a backmarker but then I set the fastest lap of the race and I started catching him and I thought I might be on. But Chris just did what he needed to and he was a bit more brutal with the backmarkers that I was – I was more of a gentleman! I left the decision…

Whether you’re after adventure, road thrills, or something retro, Suzuki have you covered this summer with great bikes and hot deals. V-Strom goes further Master your next adventure with a new, V-Strom 1050XT Tour and 1050XT or the ever-popular V-Strom 650 and 650XT, now available on a lower-than-usual 3.9% APR Representative, three-year PCP or HP Finance offer. Not only that, Suzuki are also offering £500 towards Suzuki Genuine Accessories to kit out your new bike ready for trips to come. If it feels like big adventure bikes are spiralling out of control with their colossal capacities, whopping weights and sky-high prices, then step this way: The standard version of Suzuki’s new V-Strom 1050 (not included in the offer) is almost half the price of a fully-loaded BMW or Ducati, while…

There’s a famous Maya Angelou quote that says “If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going.” The tide of retro bikes that have seeped into every capacity class available over recent years suggests that the place we’re all going to is back to the past. But, of course, that’s just a styling destination – bikes are on an ever-forward tech trajectory. While nostalgia might not be what it used to be (sorry, couldn’t resist), bikes certainly aren’t, either. The new breed is working harder than ever to ‘out-old’ one another in an attempt to tug at our heart strings, but there’s really only one winner. Us. And this week’s issue shows just how broad and deep the talent pool already is, and that’s before…

Andromeda Moto have created both one and two-piece ‘leather’ suits for bikers that don’t use any Leather at all – in fact, it’s completely vegan. Until recently if you wanted to ride a bike on track in the UK you would have had to wear either a one or two-piece leather suit. But now a new Spanish brand have created a new product that is not only animal product free but is also kinder on the environment too. The suit is called the Near X and is made from a material called High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), which is also used in the astronauts’ suits on the International Space Station. Thinner than leather but more resistant when paired with a full Kevlar lining, Superfabric ceramic plates and full armour, the…

There is still time to sign up for the motorcycle ride of a lifetime. Registrations for the Moto Guzzi Centenary Journey close on July 31 and enthusiasts of the famous Italian bike brand won’t want to miss out. The ride, to mark Guzzi’s centenary, follows a route symbolic of two-wheel touring, the legendary North Cape raid. The trip was made famous in 1928 by Giuseppe Guzzi, brother of founder Carlo, when he completed it on a Guzzi GT 500 Norge. The 27-day epic crosses the Arctic Circle, visits Nordkap, and takes place from August 17-September 12. To book a spot including bike hire costs £6800 and all Guzzi models can be experienced. This includes, meals, ferries, a guide and a support vehicle. It’s £5100 if you use your own bike…

SIMON WARBURTON 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 Simon’s pick... ‘What I’d buy right now with’ £1000 2003 Derbi Senda Simon Warburton is Royal Enfield’s Head of Global Programme Management, which means he is the man in charge of green-lighting future projects. The team he heads up developed the 650 parallel twins, 350 Meteor and have many more models in the pipeline. But these aren’t the only bikes Simon has helped create, before Enfield he worked at Triumph for 18 years and was involved in the Sprint ST, Tigers, Rocket III, Street Triple, Daytona 675, Explorer and more. So how would the man who designed the bikes we ride…

We’re a growing force My daughter Jayda Howe is a 15-year-old from Ipswich who races in Thundersport Superteens GP3. It was great to read the supplement on women in biking but it was a bit disappointing that there was only one young female racer included – there are in fact lots racing across different classes and it would be good to see them get some coverage. In the class Jayda races there are five girls and in Fab-racing they have eight girls in different classes. Ages range from 7-21. Shona Howe, email Tilly was the real deal Your ‘Women Riders’ supplement was brilliant, thanks. I was really pleased that you included a short piece on Beatrice ‘Tilly’ Shilling, the feisty female engineer who developed a simple device to stop Spitfires…

1 Revved up tea bar Bike meet on the coast on Sunday, August 1. Easy parking, and a top spot for a cuppa. www.facebook.com/Revved-Up-493717504018738 2 Donington Park Classic Motorcycle Festival A weekend event full of classic bikes. Weekend tickets £25 or £35 on the gate, a day ticket is £18 or £22 on the date. doningtonpark.msv.com 3 Festival of Wheels July 31 and August 1, 10am-5pm at Trinity Park, Suffolk. It’s £80 for the weekend (adult) or £20 if you want to go for the day. www.motorshowevents.com 4 Ponderosa Cafe bike meet This biker cafe on the Horseshoe Pass is a must-stop site. Bike meets are officially on a Sunday, but it’s always busy. www.ponderosacafe.co.uk…

FRIDAY July 30 5.30pm, BTS2, Live FIM Speedway Grand Prix from Poland SATURDAY July 31 1pm, QUEST, Live Bennetts British Superbikes from Thruxton SUNDAY August 1 1pm, QUEST, Live Bennetts British Superbikes from Thruxton KEYTO 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 2TVL- TRAVEL UK…

GUEST TESTER £13,695 Indian FTR S • 1203cc V-twin 8v • 123bhp @ 6000rpm • 233kg wet weight £13,800* BMW R nineT • 1170cc boxer twin 8v • 109bhp @ 7250rpm • 221kg wet weight Two years ago Indian stormed into the performance roadster class with the FTR1200. It blended a reworked 120bhp Scout V-twin with an allnew chassis, quality cycle parts and a semi-retro style all its own to deliver a sort of spaghetti western take on the Ducati Monster. But it wasn’t perfect. Although a decent handler, the US firm’s flattrack inspired 19/18in wheel combo could wear only specially-developed, semi-knobbly Dunlops while its power delivery was criticised for being too raw. For 2021, however, both have been changed, along with a host of other mods. But is it…

SENIOR WRITER The XSR125 is a brilliant introduction to motorcycling and would make a decent commuter for an experienced rider. Weighing just 140kg (kerb) and equipped with wide bars and spacious dimensions, it’s roomy without being intimidating and offers more midrange than many of its rivals, thanks to the inclusion of VVA. It’s only let down by weak brakes, which lack bite at the front. This will only really be an issue for seasoned pilots though. Some smaller details on the minimalist LCD dash can also be hard to read on the go, but all of the key information is readily available at a glance. THE FACTS £4450 Yamaha XSR125…

2021 Le Mans 24 Hour winner Sylvain Guintoli reveals what it takes to win at the top… “This year was my first time at Le Mans. I did the 8 Hours of Doha back in 2010 and three Suzuka 8 Hours, but this was my first go at the big one. “Le Mans is an epic race and I wanted to win it! I was expecting it to be hard and something physically and mentally draining, but it was so much more difficult than I thought it would be. “With my job as a test rider, I spend a lot of time riding and I’m definitely bike fit, but the 24 Hour is not just about the time on the bike – it’s the concentration, the lack of sleep and…

MCN CONTRIBUTOR There wasn’t much wrong with the old T120 but Triumph have seized the opportunity of Euro5 to make the class-leading retro better than ever. The engine, chassis, tech and styling improvements are all noticeable – if subtle – and cement the Bonnie’s status as ‘best of breed’. Instead, the new T120’s biggest problem is that the retro sector is more competitive than ever – not least from other Triumphs. Not only do the T120’s rivals now include BMW’s R nineT, the Ducati Scrambler 1100, Indian’s FTR etc but also Triumph’s own Speed Twin, Bobber, Thruxton and Scrambler. But if you want a modern recreation of the 1959 Bonnie, this is the best by far. THE FACTS £10,800 2021 Triumph Bonneville T120 Engine 1200cc liquid-cooled DOHC parallel twin Suspension…

David Moore, 63, from Bristol “I met Nathan a couple of years ago and he helped me get back into riding. I used to commute to London 10-15 years ago and got sick of it. I had a big break and then got back into biking and did his ‘Garbage Run’ from Land’s End to John O’Groats. I met loads of great people and felt inspired. I wanted to try some of the other A2 bikes (I have a Himalayan myself) and my son is working up to his test so hopefully, we can go and have some adventures together. This is good fun and you get to meet other likeminded people. My wife’s not into biking, so she packs me off to do my riding from time to time…

JOHN GOLDSMITH AGE 58 When I did the National Road Rally recently I rode 370 miles on day one and 260 on day two. I found the Trident to be perfectly comfortable and exhilarating to ride all day, even though there was torrential rain at times. The ergonomics suit my build (I’m 5ft 10in and 11.5 stone) and it is so light and agile that it isn’t tiring to ride. The bars aren’t far away, so it’s easy to keep my arms bent and relaxed. The footrest position works for me too. When stopped at traffic lights etc I can place both feet firmly on the ground which helps ease any approaching aches or pains.…

‘Today has been a reset’ “I knew the principles of corner entry, but it’s all too easy to bury all that knowledge when you’re out on the road. Today has been like doing a reset and rebuilding of my riding fundamentals. It’s really beneficial to look at one aspect of your riding in fine detail like this, because it forces you to analyse what you’re doing. This was the very first time that I’d ridden this bike on roads like these so I was probably a little bit wary of leaning it over, which wasn’t helping matters. Plus, it feels a little bit unusual to be using so much of the road, especially when taking righthanders, so it’s something I know that I’ll need to take time and practice to…

Saving you money on essential bike maintenance BRUCE DUNN MCN’s expert technician 1 Get the right tools and info for the job Fork oil should be changed regularly to prevent old, worn lube affecting the fork’s damping characteristics. Before you begin, you’ll need either a long metal rule, vernier gauge or oil measuring tool, and a means of securing the bike whilst the forks and front wheel are removed. Pay close attention to the specific instructions in the workshop manual for your bike. 2 Undo the fork tops With the bike safely supported, loosen the top of the fork caps – always do this while they’re still clamped into the bike because it’s difficult to hold them securely when they’re removed. Next, undo the brake caliper bolts and any hose…

When Marc Marquez won last month’s German GP he ended Honda’s longest victory drought since 1981, when the company campaigned its NR500 four-stroke – oval pistons and eight valves per cylinder – against the all-powerful 500cc two-strokes. Twenty-one races without a win is a long time, but it’s part of a pattern in MotoGP that proves that the rider is still the most important part of the equation. When Ducati lost Casey Stoner at the end of 2010 they waited 100 races to win again. And when Jorge Lorenzo left Yamaha after the 2017 season the firm won just five of the next 43 races. 1 UNAPOLOGETIC APPROACH TO WINNING Honda has long had a way of going about building its GP bikes. The engineers create bikes to do the…

YES ‘Be cruel to be kind – time for a ban?’ GREG HAINES MCN WSB reporter I really, really like Garrett Gerloff. He’s one of the nicest guys and fiercest racers I’ve ever met. He’s fantastic: a go-getter, genuinely kind and friendly. He oozes positivity. He reminds me of Marc Marquez in that sense – and also in the way he rides a motorbike: very fast, very capable but very aggressive. Unfortunately, he’s caused several accidents. None of them were on purpose but is there some kind of spatial awareness issue going on? Or does he just get excited whenever there’s the chance to lead? He’s putting lots of pressure on himself and it’s resulting in desperate moves. He’s had long lap penalties, a pit lane start and now a…

Knock-on effects of a knock-off... We recently revisited the old racing mantra: “Your team-mate is the first person you have to beat.” There is a corollary: “He is also the last person you have to knock down.” Garrett Gerloff obviously didn’t read all the way to the bottom of that page, and lost no time in sending team-mate Toprak Razgatlioglu into the scenery at the first corner at Assen. And received not just a long-lap penalty, but an even more painful earful from his team-mate and team chiefs back in the pit. They obviously hadn’t read part three of the maxim, as articulated by Barry Sheene after he’d knocked Agostini off back in ’74, that “situations like that are all part of racing. If the position was reversed. I wouldn’t…

Whether you’re after adventure, road thrills, or something retro, Suzuki have you covered this summer with great bikes and hot deals. V-Strom goes further Master your next adventure with a new, V-Strom 1050XT Tour and 1050XT or the ever-popular V-Strom 650 and 650XT, now available on a lower-than-usual 3.9% APR Representative, three-year PCP or HP Finance offer. Not only that, Suzuki are also offering £500 towards Suzuki Genuine Accessories to kit out your new bike ready for trips to come. If it feels like big adventure bikes are spiralling out of control with their colossal capacities, whopping weights and sky-high prices, then step this way: The standard version of Suzuki’s new V-Strom 1050 (not included in the offer) is almost half the price of a fully-loaded BMW or Ducati, while…

So Ducati may be the obvious choice for a V-twin with some gusto, and if you want a completely focused sportsbike, then go for one. But if you’d rather have a flexible, high-quality, usable, real roads V-twin, then you can’t go wrong with a FireStorm. It may be worth looking for a model after 2001 so you can take advantage of the bigger tank and better forks, and if you’re lucky you can find heated grips and rumbling pipes. Saying that, the quality and the finish aren’t quite the same as the late 80s/early 90s Hondas, but it’s still not to be sniffed at. When you’re looking to buy, keep an eye out for pitted forks and the condition of the engine and exhaust as they get blasted with road…

Whether you’re after adventure, road thrills, or something retro, Suzuki have you covered this summer with great bikes and hot deals. V-Strom goes further Master your next adventure with a new, V-Strom 1050XT Tour and 1050XT or the ever-popular V-Strom 650 and 650XT, now available on a lower-than-usual 3.9% APR Representative, three-year PCP or HP Finance offer. Not only that, Suzuki are also offering £500 towards Suzuki Genuine Accessories to kit out your new bike ready for trips to come. If it feels like big adventure bikes are spiralling out of control with their colossal capacities, whopping weights and sky-high prices, then step this way: The standard version of Suzuki’s new V-Strom 1050 (not included in the offer) is almost half the price of a fully-loaded BMW or Ducati, while…

NEWS EDITOR Ducati have honoured oneof their most successful and well loved racers with a special edition bike to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his first world title. The eponymous Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary edition (don’t make us repeat it...) is a homage to Troy Bayliss’ glittering career that included three world championships, 52 race wins and 94 podiums. In a dazzling career that spanned the 996R through to the 1098, Bayliss’ three titles in 2001, 2006 and 2008 marked him out as one of the finest racers of his generation, proven even more so by being the only rider so far to win a MotoGP and WSB race in the same season. Given that all of Bayliss’ victories came on twins, there could be no more…

SAVE £2204 £11,995 Yamaha XT1200ZE Super Ténéré Super Ténérés were always considered a bit pricey compared to the likes of the BMW R1200GS Adventure and the KTM 990 Adventure. But Wigan Yamaha have got some Euro4 Super Tens in ceramic ice with a stonking £2200 saving on offer. • www.wiganyamaha.co.uk SAVE £2151 £9499 Suzuki GSXS1000 Euro5 regs mean that these 20-plate GSXSIOOOs in GP blue or grey/black and white are up for grabs with more than £2k off. • www.thunderroad.co.uk • Engine 999cc • Power 148bhp • Weight 207kg • Seat height 810mm SAVE £800 £5995 Kawasaki Ninja 650 There are two 2019-model orange pre-reg Ninjas ready to be run in with zero miles on them. Don’t delay, they won’t be around long. • seastarsuperbikes.co.uk • Engine 649cc • Power…

Aftermarket bodywork specialists Skidmarx have a new taller and wider screen to fit the Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer. The upgraded version, made from 4mm cast acrylic, is 33% larger than the factory original giving plenty more protection from the elements. The Honda Crosstourer Tall & Wide screens fit all models from 2016-21 and is available in clear and light or dark tints for £79.95. Visit www.skidmarx.co.uk for more info. Plastic clean-up Muc-Off have announced a new plastic reduction target after smashing their original three-year plan in just 18 months. Last year, the firm pledged to remove 30 tonnes of plastic from their products by 2023. Since then they’ve eliminated over 94 tonnes and have now raised the bar to 200 tonnes! Cardboard packaging and refill stations where customers can use their…

AGV K3 SV-S Donkey helmet £189.99 Don’t be an ass, grab yourself a bargain There’s nothing better than that new helmet smell and now’s a perfect time to treat yourself to a bargain. We set ourselves a budget of £200 and have been busy finding all the best deals in internet shopping land. There are some fantastic offers out there but this is quite an entertaining one. Over the years, MotoGP star Valentino Rossi’s lid designs have been outlandish and comedic, this one is no exception. Made by AGV, this full-faced lid carries Rossi’s 46 race number and the sun and moon symbols which are synonymous with VR46. What makes it a bit different is the donkey from Shrek on the top of the shell. It’s based on Rossi’s 2009…

MCN CONTRIBUTOR Yamaha have outlined a plan that pushes the firm towards carbon neutrality by 2050. That’s a long way off but the firm gives strong hints about the models it’s working on right now. Interestingly Yamaha predict we shouldn’t be expecting a rash of mainstream electric superbikes anytime soon. The firm only targets 2.6% of riders to adopt electric by 2030, followed by a sharper increase to 20% by 2035 – which doesn’t bode well for the UK Government’s consultation on potentially banning the sale of petrol-powered bikes by 2035. Yamaha expect 90% of their motorcycles to be electric by 2050, with some of the last holdouts using synthetic, carbon – neutral (CN) liquid fuels. Higher compression ratios and variable valve actuation are also expected to improve the efficiency.…

MCN staff and readers share their favourite routes Kick off from Devil’s Bridge snack bar at Kirkby Lonsdale and head down the B6254, a brilliant little bendy B-road. Keep a sharp lookout for the left to Lancaster, it’s effectively straight on at a right-hander, then take the left to Caton and follow the signs through the village itself. Just after the speed camera turn right to Quernmore, where you’ll find the Trough of Bowland marked. This wonderfully remote high pass winds across the hilltops and the heather into Over Wyresdale, followed by a long descent down to Dunsop Bridge. Turn left to Newton and from there head to Bentham. Like the ‘Trough’ this next section is mainly single track, but the tarmac is good and the views are spectacular. There’s…

What’s happening? Now in its 37th year, the Rock and Blues Custom Show and Old School Weekender is taking place at the end of the month for a three-day family-friendly party. With a weekend full of live music, motorcycles and stalls, it’s a proper biking festival. There’s no need to enter the custom show, you can just go for the bands, the atmosphere and the plethora of trade stands. But if you want to take part, you’ll need to apply before you get there (all the info you need is on the website). There are nine categories with prizes up for grabs including Best in Show and Best Streetfighter. The essential stuff The festival takes place from July 29-31 at the Coney Grey Showground in Pentrich, Derbyshire. Tickets are £52.50…

GRAHAM BELL Age 61 Height 5ft 8inOccupation Company secretaryCurrent bike BMW R nineT (and a KTM Super Duke)Been riding 45 yearsFirst bike Suzuki AP50Dream bike Ducati V4S “I’ve had my BMW since December 2020 and went for it because I wanted something different for shorter rides so I could enjoy local riding more often, but also stylish and still have good road performance. “I’ve removed rear subframe/pegs, changed the bars, added a flyscreen and fitted a tail tidy, bar end mirrors, oil cooler cover, some other blingy bits and made a custom tail/seat bag. “I ride it mostly locally but have also been out to the coast at Aldeburgh/Brighton a few times. “The Indian appeals because it’s got another edge to it that’s unique – a mix of retro urban…

1956 FIRST BIG WIN Bill was on the racing map after winning the 1956 Southern 100 1962 MEETING HONDA In 1962 Bill flew to Japan to meet Mr Honda. He became the UK’s first Honda dealer 1963 BUSINESS BOOMING Bill Smith Motors grew fast importing Honda and Bridgestone bikes 1963 FIRST TT PODIUM He came third in the 1963 Lightweight TT, finishing behind two works bikes 1982 HUGE CRASH Fractured skull, spine, pelvis, both arms and legs… Bill’s 1982 Isle of Man TT crash was absolutely huge 1984 STAYING FAST Bill’s longevity was amazing. This is 1984, ahead of Roger Marshall…

Run by Nathan Millward, Dorothy’s Speed Shop (named after Dorothy, the Aussie postie bike he rode from Sydney to London) offers a range of experiences on the North Devon lanes, including this A2-licence adventure. You get to ride at least four bikes over the of the day, on-road as well as off if you want (it is optional – all green lanes are up-and-back) and the price of £150 includes bike hire, insurance, fuel and a pasty or an ice cream if you’re lucky. www.dorothysspeedshop.com…

CHIEF ROAD TESTER Gets off on touring, trackdays and modern and classic superbike racing. Track evenings are my favourite. You don’t need to leave at silly o’clock to get there and your fellow riders are generally less pent-up and full of ego than with normal trackdays, so there are fewer red flags. The tarmac is nice and warm from the get-go and going from 5.30pm to 8pm with just two groups (novice, inter/advanced) running 20-minute sessions, there’s lots of circuit time. They’re cheaper, and MSV Trackdays run a tight, but friendly, ship. Brands Hatch, my home track, is always a treat and the perfect place to try my S1000R flat-stick for the first time. Pre-flight checks It’s easy to morph my S1000R from mild-mannered road bike to track weapon via…

Dainese Racing 3 D-Air jacket £1199.95 ‘Expensive but incredible protection levels offered’ Tested by Bruce Dunn for six months/5000 miles I’ve used Dainese D-Air race suits on track for several years, and this vented leather jacket transfers that tech to the road. It’s powered by the same hardware as the third-generation airbag suits and a version of the race-bred crash detecting algorithm. At first I thought it was bulky. But when you think about the ultimate protection it offers, as well as the fact that it has CE level 2 armour and you don’t have to put on an additional back protector (meaning less faff getting ready to ride) I think the bulk is worth it. The Racing 3 has perforations on the chest and back, plus the airbag bladder…

You’d be amazed how many people forget about fork oil – suspension experts regularly see bikes 10 years old… and older – with the original oil inside the fork legs. Just like the oil inside the motor, fork oil degrades over time and loses its ability to control the spring’s movement. Most manufacturers say that fork oil should be changed every 10,000 miles or after two years. For most modern bikes with USD forks, oil can be changed easily at home by someone with a basic level of competency. Things get a little trickier if you’re lucky enough to have a bike fitted with electronic self-adjusting technology. Following the detail in the workshop manual would of course be crucial to service forks equipped with these systems, but I’d feel happier…

Our expert on the inside of the WSB paddock Just as some around the paddock dared to think this could be the year things would change, Jonathan Rea delivered one of his most emphatic WSB weekends to date by smashing the competition and sealing pole position, three wins and two fastest laps on his return to Assen in the Netherlands. The ‘Cathedral of Speed’ was off the calendar last year meaning only Chaz Davies, Tom Sykes and Rea himself had any prior data at the circuit with their current motorcycle; everybody else has moved teams or championships since the last, pre-Covid visit to The Netherlands in 2019. With this in mind and considering Rea’s phenomenal record in the country, the six-time World Champion was under some pressure to make the…

Our man on the inside of the BSB race paddock 1 Experience and Confidence They say experience is key in BSB and Mackenzie is a prime example, as he’s getting stronger each year. After nine races he sits third in the championship with 137 points, a victory and four further podiums. At this stage in 2020 he was seventh (101 points) with two podiums to his name; two years ago he sat fourth (108 points) with a victory and two further podiums. In 2021, Taz has five podiums from the last five races, including his victory at Brands, and is riding on the crest of a hugely positive wave. With great results comes great confidence and self-belief, which is absolutely crucial to his ongoing success. 2 Rapid pace off the…

Whisper it quietly, but Josh Brookes may just have found the solution that he and PBM team have been looking for after a tough start to 2021. In the final seven-lap dash of race three, Brookes was challenging at the front. It was the old, competitive Brookes – the one that has been missing this year due to severe grip problems. Whilst it was only seven laps’ worth of data, Brookes was confident that had the race been longer he’d have been able to achieve more than fifth. The changes made were electronic, whilst Brookes also reverted to the SCO tyre option. It’s just a start, but if it pays off it may well be Brookes’ attitude which has helped. “Being one of the older riders, I’ve been here before,…

So Ducati may be the obvious choice for a V-twin with some gusto, and if you want a completely focused sportsbike, then go for one. But if you’d rather have a flexible, high-quality, usable, real roads V-twin, then you can’t go wrong with a FireStorm. It may be worth looking for a model after 2001 so you can take advantage of the bigger tank and better forks, and if you’re lucky you can find heated grips and rumbling pipes. Saying that, the quality and the finish aren’t quite the same as the late 80s/early 90s Hondas, but it’s still not to be sniffed at. When you’re looking to buy, keep an eye out for pitted forks and the condition of the engine and exhaust as they get blasted with road…

So Ducati may be the obvious choice for a V-twin with some gusto, and if you want a completely focused sportsbike, then go for one. But if you’d rather have a flexible, high-quality, usable, real roads V-twin, then you can’t go wrong with a FireStorm. It may be worth looking for a model after 2001 so you can take advantage of the bigger tank and better forks, and if you’re lucky you can find heated grips and rumbling pipes. Saying that, the quality and the finish aren’t quite the same as the late 80s/early 90s Hondas, but it’s still not to be sniffed at. When you’re looking to buy, keep an eye out for pitted forks and the condition of the engine and exhaust as they get blasted with road…