Table of contents for April 2026 in RiDE

‘It's the time of year that it starts to get interesting again’ Welcome to a celebration of a new riding season. I've been running RiDE for the best part of a decade, and each year we produce a bigger, premium issue to mark the start of spring and the fun that comes with it. And each year someone writes in to say there is no ‘riding season’ and that we should ride all year. That's great, but for many the risk of corrosion, the lack of grip and the cold getting into your bones mean spring is the start of the good times. I get it: I've looked forward to March every year for the past 30 years. The dry roads, the longer evenings, and the return of racing, great…

After distortions in the bike market in 2024 and 2025 thanks to the impact of Euro5+ rules, there's hope 2026 will be more settled as a glut of new and updated models – such as the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 – bring more riders through their doors. NMDA head Symon Cook said: “The NMDA view is that 2026 will be better as there have been some fantastic new products being launched and more on the way. Plus, some manufacturers are offering low-rate finance and free accessories.”…

LETTER OF THE MONTH Full steam ahead Reading Trevor Sharpe's letter (RiDE, March) encouraged me to write in. My two great passions are motorcycling and heritage railways; indeed, I volunteer on one of the UK's premier heritage lines. I enjoy nothing better than a ride to railways such as the Severn Valley Railway, Churnet Valley Railway and Great Central Railway. Lines like these are often accessed via great A and B-roads. Most destinations offer ample parking (often free), a café and toilet facilities. Rolling up on a motorcycle normally creates interest and people to talk to. The icing on the cake is riding on a train hauled by a lovingly restored steam locomotive. Many heritage lines hold themed events too, such as vintage vehicle days at various times of the…

IF YOU WANTED a fast, sporty, entertaining, do-anything naked Triumph, until recently your options were limited to the £8095, 94bhp Trident 660 – a fine but entry-level offering – or the track-loving £11,995, 128bhp Street Triple 765 RS. Happily, Triumph have plugged the gap with the £9195, 113bhp Trident 800. After a day in the saddle in mixed conditions at its world launch in Cyprus, it's clear the Trident 800 could be the spiritual successor to the original and hugely successful 2007, 675cc Street Triple. In fact, the Trident 800 works out cheaper than the 19-year-old, 105bhp triple when you take inflation into account – the Street Trip cost £5439 in 2007, which is £9303 in today's money. The Trident is just £104 per month on a 25%-down PCP deal…

THE FEELING OF cranking a bike over and balancing in the centre of that intricate web of physics is what sets us apart from other road users – and other humans, come to think of it. It's what makes us riders a different breed. But with more than 240,000 miles of roads in the UK alone, we have a lot of corners to choose from and limited time to sample them all. Fortunately, RiDE have done the hard miles to weed out the duff curves and come up with a bendy biking bucket list of Britain's top ten twizzly roads. Whaddya say, let's twist again like we did last summer… Your expert is… Over a 34-year career as a road tester, Simon Hargreaves has spent more time exploring the twists…

YOUR EXPERT Stewart Mackie Stewart is the IAM RoadSmart regional road safety manager for Scotland and the north of England. A retired police officer, Stewart worked in all areas of the force and finished his career as the superintendent for road policing in Scotland. He holds a Class 1 motorcycle and car qualification and has been riding bikes for 27 years. He owns a Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro. TOP ATHLETES DON'T reach the pinnacle of their sport on talent alone – all have a coach at their side to help hone their natural abilities and give them pointers on how to become even better. And riding a motorcycle is no different. While we all like to think we know what we're doing, everyone can benefit from extra tuition, irrespective…

LIAM COFFEY HAS been a Yamaha technician since he was 18. Now aged 44, he works for Yamaha dealer QBS Powersports in Heybridge, Maldon, Essex – and he's Yamaha's World Number 1 Sports Technician. He won the UK stage of the contest for the third time, having mastered online assessments and practical tests at Yamaha's HQ in Woking, then won the European round held at Yamaha's HQ in the Netherlands and was one of three European techs entered into the world finals in Japan. A total of 22 techs vied for top honours, split into sports and commuter classes. Liam was entered in the sports class with eight others, where after two days of competition, he lifted the hefty and impressive world champion trophy. So, who better to ask for…

Metzeler Roadtec 02 From £314 www.metzeler.com THE CLAIM “Metzeler presents the new Roadtec 02 tyre, a perfect mix of technology and sustainability that integrates the most recent technological innovations from the brand, redefining the benchmark for the sports-touring segment. “Roadtec 02 is the first tyre to use Dynatread, the patented adaptive tread design technology that allows it to adapt its behaviour, from sports-touring to supersport, based on the motorcyclist's riding style, to create almost a new category of tyre: ‘super-sports-touring’. “Aimed at those who use naked, sports-touring, crossover, adventure and supersport machines and who are looking for a tyre with a sportier appearance and performance without giving up good mileage and safety – even on wet surfaces.” THE REALITY Metzeler's Roadtec 02 has been around since spring 2024 but only…

WE LOVED TRIUMPH'S Street Triple 675 for a decade before the 765 arrived in 2017. Today we are more enamoured of the 765. The 765 series arrived in variants: the 111bhp S; the 116bhp R and the 121bhp RS. The sportiest of the trio, the RS was the first to break cover – and capacity hike aside, the engine had a plethora of tweaks for more power and torque. The RS was further augmented with an even hotter cam and ECU tweaks. While the basic frame of the 765 appeared similar to the 675, it was mated to a revised banana swingarm for improved traction and handling. The bodywork and headlights had a total refresh, too. The RS was able to make the most of the hopped-up engine with a…

Be prepared to be smitten by the Street Triple on your test ride. But let your head get ahead of your heart for a moment's sober appraisal. The RS treads the divide between full-on sportsbike and naked, and is more than capable of besting the unwary on the former. However, the bike's stance – and hence rider attitude – is more committed than you might expect of the lazier naked. So be sure the RS is the bike for you and the riding you do. If you're looking at the RS, you probably already know what you're getting into. In case you don't… up for rapid road riding without the full-on commitment of a sportsbike? Grab an RS. Fancy the occasional trackday at a similar level of dedication? It's the…

ON THE FACE of it, Triumph's Tiger Sport 800 doesn't make huge sense in their model range. If they were to build a tall-rounder to complement the smaller Tiger Sport 660, you'd think it'd be a Speed Triple-powered Tiger Sport 1200. Sounds good, doesn't it? Maybe next year. In the meantime, the 2025 Tiger Sport 800 is only 138cc larger in capacity than the 660, but brings almost 40 per cent more power to the table – 113bhp – as well as six-axis IMU electronics, cruise control, heated grips and quickshifter as standard, adjustable suspension and up-spec brakes. So, that's a big enough difference to be getting on with – but is it enough to convince riders it's worth a look? After almost 1000 miles, I'd say it very much…

MOTORCYCLE TRAINING, TESTING and licensing is set for a significant overhaul with a consultation into both Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and full licence procedures. The initiative, part of a wider road safety strategy, aims to make motorcycling more accessible while also maintaining safety standards. Among the proposals is the introduction of progressive access training, which would remove the requirement for riders to retake both Module One and Module Two tests when moving from A1 to A2, or A2 to a full A licence. Instead, riders could complete a structured training course delivered by approved training bodies, with direct access scheme instructors providing higher-category training without additional tests. Welcoming the move, Ducati UK managing director Fabrizio Cazzoli told our sister title MCN: “I haven't been here long enough to have all…

Q ABOUT TWO YEARS ago I was riding to work on my Yamaha FJR1300 in heavy traffic. It was stop/start all the way up to a roundabout, so I filtered past. Up ahead I could see a Renault Trafic van start to indicate and do a U-turn, so I flashed her a few times and beeped my horn, and thought she had seen me as she stopped for a split second. However, she then just carried on and pulled out into my path. I managed to brake but couldn't avoid hitting the side of the van. At the point of the collision, I was overtaking using an area of white diagonal stripes bordered by a broken white line. It was a 50mph limit and I was doing 40-45mph. Last week…

KTM HAVE A new weapon in their large-capacity adventure class arsenal. The 1390 Super Adventure S Evo is the semiauto variant of the familiar Super Adventure S, which was updated for 2025 with a larger, more sophisticated motor plus a raft of new electronics, features and styling cues. The S is the road-oriented branch of the Super Adventure family – running 19/17in cast alloy wheels and tarmac-friendly rubber – aimed at those looking for a comfortable yet blisteringly fast mile-muncher capable of light off-roading should the need or opportunity arise. The Evo is also the third semi-auto option in its class. Honda's Africa Twin DCT and BMW's R1300GS ASA are the KTM's competition. But what of the manual Super Adventure S? It boasts the same engine, performance, chassis, tech, and…

NEED TO KNOW… Length 11.3 miles Elevation 2054ft Best bit The view between the mountains as you pop over the summit Stay at The Applecross Inn, Applecross. But book at least a year in advance Also try A87, Invergarry to Uig. It's the best 100-mile ride in the UK 2 BEALACH NA BÀ, APPLECROSS TO TORNAPRESS BEALACH NA BÀ (Gaelic for ‘Pass of the Cattle’) is the steepest ascent (or descent) of any road in the UK - from a T-junction outside the tiny hamlet of Tornapress at sea level, it climbs to over 2000ft in a few miles (and lots of corners). At the top it's the third highest road in the UK, beaten only by a couple of spots in the Cairngorms - neither of which have anything…

Tiger Explorer, 2012-2015 Big and heavy, but comfy and reliable if maintained. Bikes up to VIN 602960 had potential top end issues – check service history or top end rattle (most fixed by now). Worn gear dogs or selector forks can jump out of gear under load – check by accelerating hard in second. Bevel bearings a potential weak spot from 40,000 miles. XC had wire spokes, bash plate, hand guards and crash bars. Heated grips, seats and luggage optional extras. Prices between £4500 and £5500. Tiger Explorer XC/XR, 2016-2017 Same bike, top end issues sorted. Added WP semi-active (ish, forks don't react to bumps, just speed and payload), IMU, cornering ABS, electric screen, upgraded dash and better traction control as options. Split into off-road XC with 19in wire front…

RICHA ARMADA GORE-TEX PRO £1099.99 (JACKET) £539.99 (TROUSERS) www.richa.eu THE FACTS USED BY John Westlake USED FOR 14,895 miles USED ON Multiple bikes and surfaces TOTAL 14895 MILES THE CLAIM “Richa's flagship waterproof all-season jacket is heavily armoured thanks to a laminated 3L Gore-Tex Pro outer layer that is extra abrasion-resistant and maximally waterproof. The Armada trousers also include a three-layer laminated Gore-Tex membrane and an extremely hard-wearing outer layer.” THE REALITY Considering what I've put this suit through in the past three years, I'm astonished it's still in one piece, never mind still 100 per cent torrential downpour-proof and largely presentable. In the past year both the jacket and trousers have started showing signs of wear (see photos) but that's largely down to the scale of the abuse… I…

‘The Best Buy is a lovely product that hits every brief’ This product test threw up some interesting results. For a start, charging via the Versys’ USB-A point was dismal. An output lower than 2A isn't compatible with the Peak Designs unit, so it didn't charge. We'd recommend hardwiring the unit. Then, there's warranties and wear. Peak Design's unit has a lifetime warranty, due mainly to the metal mounting points. Both Quad Lock and SP Connect use plastic mounts, so may be why they offer a two-year warranty. So, which is the Best Buy? The Peak Design topped this test. Simple to use, extremely well considered and elegantly designed, it's a lovely product that hits every brief. Mentally, its mounting point doesn't seem as secure as the others, but there…

IN 1995, YAMAHA'S XJR1200 set the standard for a new class of retro. These big nakeds, with contemporary tyres, suspension and brakes, gave a nod to the 1970s with the benefit of 1990s tech. With the later XJR1300 now 27 years old, they have become modern classics and they're much easier on the wallet than 1970s legends like Kawasaki's Z1, Honda's CBX1000 and Suzuki's GS1000. Better still, the performance, ride and handling are all way ahead of their skinny-tyred inspirations. The heart of an XJR is a development of perhaps the strongest and most effective air-cooled Japanese four-pot motor of the late 20th century. Starting life in the FJ1100/1200 sports-tourers, the XJR1300 unit pumps out 106bhp and, more importantly, a rich expanse of grunt from tickover through to 6500rpm, so…

DEALERSHIP CLOSURES OVER the past couple of years have shown motorcycle retail is a tougher gig than ever. In 2025 the Completely Motorbikes chain folded, as did Pidcock Motorcycles in 2024. And they're the tip of a dealership iceberg, with dozens of large individual stores closing in 2025. So, what's the root cause of the problem, is it going to get better, and how are smaller dealers coping? The causes New bike registrations dropped 19.3 per cent last year. This sounds bad, but it was partly caused by 2024 sales being artificially high thanks to a last-gasp rush of registrations at the end of 2024 as dealers tried to shift bikes that didn't meet the new 2025 Euro5+ rules. As a result, many 2025 sales were of preregistered models that…

DUCATI'S ICONIC MONSTER burst onto the scene in 1993 and instantly struck a chord with the buying public. The 851-derived trellis frame, 90° air-cooled Desmo twin from the 900SS, distinctive humpbacked tank and bobbed rear end gave it agile handling, punchy performance and the soul that made it one of the Bologna brand's greatest hits. It's been through a few changes since, and this fifth-generation model appears to be a long way from the original concept – superficially at least. But dodging rain showers in the Spanish hills, I can't help thinking that despite the monocoque frame and liquid-cooled, overhead-valved engine, TFT dash and rider aids, it still feels like a Monster. The 890cc V-twin – employed to good effect in the Panigale, Streetfighter and Multistrada – is perky with…

1 A686, MELMERBY TO ALSTON, CUMBRIA SO FAR WE'VE ridden tight and twisty roads with spectacular scenery but sketchy surfaces best not ridden much above a decent trot. Others with speed cameras, or remote, narrow, fiddly bits that might not suit every rider. All are undeniably twisty, but each has limitations when it comes to pure riding pleasure. But one UK A-road has the best of everything – more corners per mile than any other, that aren't rutted or corrugated, or loaded with bumps and overbanding. Only one hairpin, but the scenery from the top of the ride is stunning. And its starts only 15 minutes from the M6. If a bike-mad alien landed and wanted to know the best twisty road to ride in his tea break, you'd point…

SPRING IS AROUND the corner, so it's time to get some memory-making rides and events in the diary for the sunnier days ahead. And there's a whole lot going on in 2026, from amazing shows to mind-blowing race weekends on both dirt and tarmac – in the UK and abroad. Here's our top 10 of the year's must-do events, how to squeeze the most out of them, and the must-ride roads you'll want to experience on your way to or from each one. The only question is, how many can you pack in? ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT 24 Hours of Le Mans 16-19 April Where Le Mans, France Cost Four-day ticket from €89; Sunday only from €54 Contact: ticket.24h-motos.com Why it's worth the ride The Mecca of endurance racing kicks…

ICY WHITE AND blue colours pop like a cheery flashgun in the muggy drizzle of a cold, dull morning; toothpaste-fresh against the uniform browns and greys of my driveway. Headlights slice definitively into the gloom; mist drifting like vapour in front of the bike. It'd be easy to go back indoors. But despite the murk, the 2026 Triumph Tiger 1200 Alpine Edition looks inviting. It glows with a big-bike aura of competence, confidence and comfort – exactly the kind of two-wheeled environment you'd want in dodgy conditions. Heated grips, a very heated seat with its height adjusted to its 870mm high setting for maximum legroom and visibility – yet the bike's waist is slim enough for my 6ft bulk to get both feet flat on the floor. I tug the…

DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE www.ride.co.uk Best for Twists and turns with plenty of elevation and loch-side views. You won't be bored for a moment. Length 110 miles Route Pitlochry, Loch Tummel, Tummel Bridge, Loch Rannoch, Bridge of Gaur, Braes of Foss, Fortingall, Killin, Kenmore, Aberfeldy, Pitlochry Roads A little bit of A-road then mostly B-roads and unclassified. Love it because Once visited, you know you will be back for its unbeatable combination of great roads and scenery. Take a picture at The Falls of Dochart. Stop for a cuppa at The former Post Office deli opposite the Kenmore Hotel. TOP TIP Fuel up before you leave Pitlochry. You won't see a filling station again until Aberfeldy. ALSO TRY… Route Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, Milton, Dunkeld, Coupar Angus, Kirkmichael, Pitlochry Best for Faster yet…

WE ALL LOVE the escapism offered by motorcycling, but being able to use or at least monitor your smartphone while on the go is crucial for many. Most bikes offer a degree of connectivity integrated into their dash – so whether you use it for navigation, playing music or communicating while on the go, having your smartphone at your disposal is now the norm. But where in a car you can slip the phone in a handy holder, a bike's more hostile environment presents extra challenges. High-frequency vibrations can damage a smartphone and the valuable phone needs to be held securely because should it work loose, there is no way it will survive an impact with the road – assuming you can even find it again. As well as this,…

MARCH 2025 SUB-£500 TEXTILE SUITS Rebelhorn Hiker IV £429.90 Great performance in most conditions, only limited by having no thermal lining. Great fit, comfortable, flexible, and excellent venting for warmer rides. Oxford Calgary 2.0 £409.98 Just what you'd expect from Oxford; warm, dry, comfortable, a good fit. The brand's familiar quality. Vents offer useful airflow for warmer rides. APRIL 2025 GROUND ANCHORS Artago 61 £104.99 A very solid piece of kit, accepting up to a 20mm chain and resisting attack by hand and power tools for the greatest time. RECOMMENDED Oxford Beast £99.99 MAY 2025 CHAIN LUBES Zing Chain Lube £4.99 Consistency and incredibly low price mean you can clean and reapply often and easily. A great option for day‑to‑day, year-round use. RECOMMENDED S100 Chain Lube White 2.0 £19.99 JUNE…

FOR MARQUES WITH illustrious histories, heritage is key to brand identity, and reimagining iconic models has been a lucrative move. Triumph have led the way, breathing new life into the Trident, Daytona, Scrambler, Thruxton and Bonneville. And of course the Speed Twin, in a nod to Edward Turner's seminal 500 of 1937. Moto Guzzi have also been bringing its past to life, reintroducing the V7 moniker in honour of its early 1970s sportsbike that inspired the epic Le Mans. Can it compete against the Triumph? Or is it a pale imitation of its legendary namesake? Performance According to their spec sheets, they produce almost identical numbers; 64bhp and 59lb·ft for the Triumph; 66bhp and 58lb·ft for the Guzzi. But in terms of feel and delivery, they're different beasts. The V7's…

THE MILEAGE MAY be low this month, but it's still been an extremely interesting month with the Suzuki. Thanks to a damaged collar bone and a neck injury from mountain biking, I've had to limit our adventures during the winter, but I have managed a chunk of workshop time and one very instructive ride with the Suzuki. First off, the workshop time. The Suzuki is very good out of the box, but can be improved with a bit of specific tailoring. The first thing I looked at was the riding position – it's not bad, but at 6ft 2in I did feel a bit cramped in a standing position. In the past, on my own dirt bike, I cured this with a set of taller bars (Renthal RC High), but…