Table of contents for 14 December 2022 in MCN

4 GLOSSY 2023 WALL CALENDAR Stick it on your wall and plan your rides! 3 SPORTS REVIEW OF THE YEAR 36 PAGES of racing highs and lows from an incredible season TOP STORY Is this finally justice for Harry? What should have been a simple case of a driver making a tragically fatal error and the courts deciding a fair punishment became one of the most high-profile and divisive legal tussles of the century as people united on both sides of the pond to get justice for fallen biker, Harry Dunn. That battle is finally over as Anne Sacoolas pleaded guilty and was sentenced via video link at the Old Bailey. But is it truly justice for Harry? PAGE 4 THE BIG READ Valentino Rossi: One year on… It was the end…

KTM are set to release a limited-edition, race-ready version of their 450 SX-F Supercross bike. Included on the factory edition is an Akrapovic exhaust, a carbon reinforced front brake disc guard, orange anodised factory racing triple clamp, and factory wheels. Other additions include a Hinson outer dutch cover, vented airbox cover, orange sprocket, and gold chain. More info: ktm.com. Harley get Held Harley-Davidson have teamed up with German leather experts Held to offer a range of gloves and jackets. Two sets of gloves and three jackets, one for female riders, have been released and feature traditional cow leather as well as kangaroo hide. Prices range from £95 for the gloves to £418 for the leather jackets. Textile options are also available in-dealer. GSX-8S comes in under £8000! Suzuki's new GSX-8S…

Royal Enfield Nirvik jacket £255.99 Deck the halls with deals, deals, deals Whether you're looking for a potential prezzie for your nearest and dearest or just want to treat yourself, we've got you covered. Take this top-of-the-range Royal Enfield touring jacket - it's ideal for owners of one of the best-selling brands in the UK. Meteor, Interceptor and Himalayan riders alike can tackle a full four seasons by adding or removing separate waterproof and thermal liners. There are generous vents fore and aft for warm weather ventilation too. Protection is extensive, with CE Level 2 D30 T5 Evo Pro armour at the shoulder, elbow and chest, plus a D30 Level 1 back protector. The Nirvik boasts no fewer than 11 pockets, stretch panels for mobility and a trouser connection loop…

mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com motorcyclenews motorcyclenews MCNnews Are airbag lids wise? Your ‘What's new in tech' feature about the new airbag lid being developed by Airoh and displayed at the Milan show (November 30) was very interesting and hopefully the invention will save lives once marketed. The only caveat I can see is its weight, which wasn't mentioned in the article. Serious neck and spinal injuries are exacerbated by ‘heavy' crash helmets; kinetic energy is a potential killer! Paul Garrod, Portsmouth Ed: The concept is definitely worth exploring and Airoh are serious players, so it'll be very interesting to see the final product and the test results. STAR LETTER Write something that spikes our interest, and you could get selected for the Star Letter slot. Each week one lucky reader will receive an…

JUST BREW IT Ride out to Britain's best biking cafés HEAD TO LEATHER & LACE, BRIDGWATER 'It's a pitstop with a parrot!' Take a rideout to one of the UK's quirkiest biker bars LEATHER AND LACE ● Find out more / www.leatherandlacebarandgrill.com ● 114 Broadway, Chilton Polden, Bridgwater, TA7 9EW What springs to mind when you hear Leather and Lace? The Stevie Nicks song or perhaps something else entirely… But Leather and Lace is a bar and grill in Somerset that welcomes bikers with open arms, has an interior you'll never get bored with, and a menu fit for a king. “Owners, Pete and Julia wanted to do something different,” says manager Hannah Lovell. “Julia had a tea shop which was a really funky place. It's where all this upholstery…

1 December 18 Ace Cafe Xmas Toy Run The Ace is hosting its 25th toy run this Sunday. Leaving at 10.30am from the café, toys are welcome but please don't wrap them. There will also be a candlelit carol service at 7pm in the evening with free mince pies to warm you up. london.acecafe.com 2 December 26 Wild and Woolly Long Buckby will once again reverberate to the sound of two-strokes on Boxing Day as the Wild and Woolly scramble gets underway. Action starts at 10am dress warm and prepare for mud. www.nmcc.co.uk 3 December 17 Midland Riders Xmas Toy Run This year the convoy will go to Queen's Nottingham Hospital. Meeting point is LDC Training in Burton with arrivals welcome from 9.30am. And, of course, fancy dress is always encouraged! midlandsriders.com/events…

COMMUTER SHOOTOUT MCN COMPARE GET PROTECTED WITH MCN - AT MCNCOMPARE.COM THE MCN TEST THE HOTTEST BIKES EVERY WEEK £12,700 Yamaha TMAX Tech Max • 562cc8v parallel twin • 47bhp/41lb.ft • £149.70 per month PCP £12,270 BMW CE 04 • Permanent magnet AC motor • 4Ibhp/46lb.ft • £152.23 per month PCP £8679 Honda NC750x DCT • 745cc8v parallel twin • 56bhp/51lb.ft • £100.12 per month PCP Are you after a new bike to use as practical, everyday transport, with a bit of weekend riding thrown in for good measure? If that's you, we reckon you can't go far wrong with the Honda NC750X DCT, or a maxi scooter, like Yamaha's TMAX. To find out if we're on the money, or as wide of the mark as a dodgy satnav, we've enlisted the help…

1 YEAR Tested by Jim Blackstock for one year At just over 5.5kg, this combination is a hefty piece of kit but still portable enough to carry around on a bike without too much moaning and groaning. It is long and strong enough to be useful (120cm), but does coil up fairly well and can be tucked away at the bottom of a bag with relative ease. For the past year though it's been outside in a ground anchor, in a coastal atmosphere, attacked by near-constant winter rain and sea-water spray and baked in the heatwave. Other than a Little surface rust, it has remained in pretty good nick. The lock is still secure and smooth and the canvas sheath protects bikes' wheels. And I sleep easy knowing it is…

7505 MILES Tested by Richard Newland for two years, and over 7505 miles There's a Lot to be said for pure, simple, effortless usability-and Beeline's Moto delivers all three. But it's not just functional - it's brilliant. The metal-cased unit is attractively tiny (50mm diameter), and that massively expands its options for mounting it on your bike. With three different mounts I've used it on a Multistrada (with the accessory bar mount, £29), my VFR800F (using the supplied sticky modular mount) and my Honda SP-2 (using the supplied universal elastic strap mount on the fairing brace) all with equal, simplicity. I Leave the mounts attached to the bikes, while the battery-powered Mato unit hops between them. Because the head unit is battery powered there's no wiring to worry about on…

The owner of a 2007 Kawasaki ER6 definitely doesn't like Mondays after his bike started shooting flames out of the exhaust as he was about to hit the M1 at the start of another working week. The ER6 only had 24,000 miles on the clock, but it had served as a training school hack before the owner bought it in 2019 for his 24-mile daily commute. It didn't take Laurance McCann, of McCann's Motorcycles, long to work out what was going on. He reckoned an ignition problem meant unspent fuel had been gathering in the collector box, before catching fire, and one stone-cold downpipe told him it was the right-hand cylinder. In all probability the coil pack for that cylinder's plug was at fault. Laurance said: “Coil packs are never…

SPORT John McPhee looks set to be in the World Supersport championship next season onboard a Kawasaki ZX-6R. MCN understands the Scot will join a team supported by WSB squad Puccetti Racing. If so. McPhee would be racing within the same set-up as 2013 WSB champion Tom Sykes. It will be McPhee's first Supersport campaign having spentthe last 11 seasons as a full-time Moto3 rider which he is unable to continue in due to reaching the cLass's age limit of 28. During his time in Moto3, McPhee secured four victories, 16 podiums and four pole positions, taking a best overall season finish of fifth in 2019. Whilst Yamaha has dominated WSS in recent years, updated regulations have allowed more manufacturers to enter. This year, Ducati, MV Agusta and Triumph returned,…

1 What will you have for dinner on Christmas day? We don't eat turkey. We always eat beef, probably a fillet. My dad is so traditional prawn cocktail to start, turkey for main, but I always find turkey incredibly disappointing when it's on your plate. 2 Where do you stand on Brussels sprouts? I don't mind eating them at any time, but it's definitely a Christmas thing for me. We actually have a tradition in our house that me and my brother eat and eat them and then we have a farting competition on the couch three hours Later! So, for that reason, they have a double purpose! 3 Have you ever dressed up as Santa Yeah loads of times. Becky's mum does it, too, and her dad when he…

MCN 2022 SPORT REVIEW Ride height devices Ducati perfected their rear ride height device using a potentiometer on the forks, thus making the system semiautomatic. The rider would still manually activate the device along the straight with the left handlebar switch, but the system disengages when the rider hits the brakes, returning to standard ride height to allow the bike to stop and turn. When the forks begin to extend toward the top of the stoke under acceleration, the system lowers the rear of the machine. Ingeniously within the rules manual rider activation yet still semi-automatic. Ducati stopped development on their front ride height device when the new rules outlawed it for 2023. Aerodynamic fairing tech The upgraded smaller top fairing made a big difference in turning and agility. A…

BRADLEY RAY | 1st Ray's back with a bang! Bradley Ray put together a nearperfect campaign in 2022 to become the new BSB champion and finally fulfil the promise of his sensational breakthrough campaign in 2018, one that saw him win for Suzuki, ride at the Suzuka 8-Hour, and test their MotoGP bike. Ray then spent three years in the wilderness on bikes that were unable to challenge, whilst also struggling with a niggly wrist injury. People hadn't forgotten his talent; he just wasn't able to showcase it. As soon as news broke about OMG Racing's switch to Yamaha, anticipation began to build. This was Ray's chance to remind people exactly what he's capable of, and he fell in love with the R1 immediately. Ray shone from lap one each…

PETER HICKMAN | 4 WINS Hicky 'The best bike I've ridden' There isn't much left to say about Peter Hickman that hasn't already been said, following another stellar year at the TT. Since bursting onto the road racing scene back in 2014 Hickman has impressed, and 2022 was easily his finest on the island. Despite the change in ownership from Smiths Racing to FHO Racing for 2022, Hickman's surroundings were familiar. However, like in 2019, he had a new bike to get to grips with on the road, racing BMW's M1000RR in the Superbike class. Though familiar with the bike come the TT, thanks to his BSB exploits, a fraught North West 200 wasn't the ideal preparation. But Hickman burst out of the blocks in the Superbike race to take…

It's been an incredible year of biking highs' It's really hard to accept that it's the end of the year already - but the effort by the entire MCN team to pull together our annual bumper festive edition will hopefully brighten the gloom of winter and give you plenty of reasons to feel happy about being stuck indoors while you avoid the ice and snow this week. Despite the pace at which the year has blasted past, it's also been absolutely rammed with incredible biking highs. We've had new champions in British Superbikes, World Superbikes and MotoGP; the Isle of Man TT was utterly captivating (not least because of McGuinness' 100th TT start); and we've ridden and rated some of the most astounding new motorcycles ever released. Biking - and…

Q Can I cash in an interim payment safely? I had an accident when a car pulled out of a junction. I couldn't swerve as there was a car coming the other way. We collided and I went over the bonnet. My claims company sent me an interim payment from the third party's insurer and said I should pay it into my bank account. I'm worried if I do cash it, it will be seen as full payment, or I may have to repay it because the letter is worded 'This is an interim payment issued without prejudice. We reserve the right to claim this payment back'. Ray, email 'I am worried I may have to repay it' A This is a partial, payment paid on an interim basis, until…

Reader Martin Hillier The Ride 23 countries in 17 days, including an Iron Butt though the night (but it never got dark because I was in the Artie Circle and I didn't sleep or rest due to biting insects) When to do it I went in July How many miles 7300 How long do you need? 17 days Don't miss this It's a big trip for someone with a job! Beginning on the Channel. Tunnel, one of the first stops was the beach at Dunkirk. July 8 saw me in Hamburg with France, Belgium and the Netherlands done (465 miles in eight hours. The Dutch motorway put me to sleep! Next day was the Baltic seaside, I had my speedos but the sea wasn't dragging me in. Take care in…

KEY TO THE AREA ■ SOUTH WEST ■ CENTRAL ■ NORTH & SCOTLAND ■ SOUTH EAST Wednesday December 14 BIKE MEETS ■ Squires Cafe, Newthorpe, nearSherburn in Elmet, West Yorks. 01977-684618 ■ The Old Stores, Pontblyddyn, Mold, Flints 6pm-9pm. 07548-224866 or ■ Loomies Moto Cafe, West Meon, Plants. Open till 9pm www.loomiescafe.co.uk ■ Brit Bike Night, Ace Cafe, Stonebridge, London. 6pm www.london.acecafe.com Thursday December 15 BIKE MEETS ■ Vic Bikers Pub, Coalville, Leics www.vicbikerspub.co.uk ■ Iron Horse, Iron Horse Ranch House, Market Deeping, Lincs www.ironhorseranchhouse.co.uk ■ Whistlestop Cafe, Whitby, North Yorks. 4.30pm-8.30pm Facebook: Whistlestop Cafe ■ The Flotterstone Inn, The Flotterstone Inn, Penicuik, Edinburgh 7pm 01968-673717 ■ own and Out Motorcycles, The Boiler Flouse, Rotherham, S Yorks. 5.30pm www.downandoutcustoms.co.uk ■ Zoom Zoom Tearoom, Sand Lane, South Cave, East Yorks 6pm…

2100 ‘Rainy running-in session' R5K MEMBER GLEN LODGE Just running-in the Yamaha TZR250 3MA after a top end rebuild on a cold wet November weekend. I've covered 2100 miles this year and all in the power band! 6000 ‘A tad wet out' R5K MEMBER PHIL STOKES A selfie aboard the 2018 Honda CRF250 Rally which I bought back in August. We're exploring the small roads of the South Downs, near Bepton. ‘Grabbing a big breakfast' R5K MEMBER TIM TWIGG Breakfast at the café in Swaffham after a ride from Thetford to the Desert Rat memorial service, in Thetford Forest. 6000 2950 ‘Stopped off in the Lakes' R5K MEMBER RAY WRIGHT A quick pic stopped off on Whinlatter Pass on a 280-mile Lake District round trip from Cheshire. 6000 ‘Norwich to…

We Leave the MCN office in Peterborough with the CE 04's battery fully charged and a 60-mile range showing on the dash. With this in mind we decide to stop in Uppingham, halfwayto leicester, to top up the battery, just in case. In reality, our journey includes stops to take riding shots for this test, adding a few more miles to our hypothetical ‘commute'. We arrive in Uppingham to find the two Type 2 chargers busy. It almost scuppers our plans for the day, but the nice man at the Sycamore Harley-Davidson dealership rescues our schedule and lets us use their liveWire charger. It takes just over an hour to fully recharge and restore the 20mile range we've just used. Twenty-five careful miles later we're in leicester and embark on…

5000 MILES Tested by Michael Neeves for 5000 miles / two-anda-half years These lace-up ankle height boots are designed to keep your feet cool on summer rides and are so effective they're a bit too drafty for winter. Like many of Astars' similarly styled boots they're as easy to walk around in as trainers but offer a decent level of protection with a sturdy sole, ankle armour and reinforced sections in the heel and toe. Main construction is a combination of light, durable, abrasion resistant microfibre and leather with mesh sections that let the breeze flood in. I've worn them regularly for the past few years and realty like how they feel on the bike, especially when using the back brake and gear lever. Even after all those miles they're…

BRUCE SAYS 'Join the LED revolution' All hail the LED! The advent of these brilliant illuminating diodes has revolutionised lighting. Not only are bike designers free from the ugly constrains of traditional bulbs and headlamps, but we as riders also benefit from having far brighter, more reliable and less energy-draining lighting. The arrival of LEDs into the aftermarket has also brought with it a tonne of choice when it comes to auxiliary kits - and you can pick up a pair of universal LED spotlights from just £20. Although that's a tempting prospect, and at that price you might think there's not much to lose, I'd advise against it. Not just because the cheap lights are only likely to last five minutes, but more so because they might cause an…

SPORT 2023 SEASON SHAKE-UP | MOTOGP JOSH CLOSE THE INSIDER With all the info on next year's Grand Prix regs and runners MCN SPORT WSS NEWS TAZ TAKES ON THE WORLD! 2021 BSB champion confirms move to World Supersport in 2023, p66 The MotoGP grid • Ducati Lenovo Team Pecco Bagnaia / Enea Bastianini • Monster Energy Yamaha Fabio Quartararo/ Franco Morbidelli • Repsol Honda Marc Marquez/ Joan Mir • Aprilia Racing Aleix Espargaro / Maverick Viñales • Red Bull KTM Brad Binder/ Jack Miller • Gresini Racing Ducati Alex Marquez/ Fabio Di Giannantonio • Pramac Racing Ducati Jorge Martin / Johann Zarco • Mooney VR46 Ducati Luca Marini / Marco Bezzecchi • LCR Honda Alex Rins/Takaaki Nakagami • RNF Racing Aprilia Miguel Oliveira / Raul Fernandez • Tech3 GASGAS Racing Pol Espargaro /…

RIDER MOVES | WORLD SUPERSPORT GREG HAINES INSIGHT The inside line on who goes where in the WSB paddock TOP STORY Tarran Mackenzie will race in World Supersport next year with an all-but-certain promotion into World Superbikes in 2024. The 27-year-old, who claimed the 2021 British Superbike title, will race for Midori Moriwaki's MIE team as Honda makes its much anticipated official return to the World Supersport championship. It has long since been the dream of the younger Mackenzie brother, son of three-times BSB champion Niall, to move into the World Superbike paddock. Now, following in the footsteps of Jonathan Rea, Sam Lowes and Cal Crutchlow, who all rode in Supersport before graduating to either WSB or Moto2, Mackenzie has a perfect opportunity to learn all of the circuits ahead of…

Well, I'm already on a bit of a diet thing, so continuing that I'd like to go to Alpinestars over in Italy at the beginning of March and be remeasured to wear an airbag suit. They want me in one for safety and it is crazy that I'm not wearing one,” McGuinness tells MCN's Sport Editor Michael Guy. “I got measured at the factory at the end of 2011 and I'm still in the same size suit, but the little Italian lady walked in with her tape measure and I'm there stood in a leotard, which you have to wear, and she gave me a double take! I could just see in her eyes she was thinking ‘where is the athlete?' “When I go there next year I want to…

The 2022 season saw plenty of new technology on show with Ducati Leading the way once again, not only on track but in pit Lane too, pushing the barriers of technology, Aprilia, however, were hot on their heels. Aerodynamics, both internal and external, are now very much at the forefront of manufacturer development. Aprilia made impressive gains in 2022 with some F1 know-how at the Noale factory. Aprilia created ground effect with their bulbous Lower fairing in the same way Ducati achieved a similar phenomenon via their downwash ducts; the bodywork riding closer than ever to the tarmac creating an area of Low pressure which assists the bike in turning, Aprilia also had a semi-active Lowering device - as per Ducati-and what Looked Like the horsepower to match. It seemed…

Bautista gets back with his ex ALVARO BAUTISTA | 1st Nothing is ever certain in racing but, to say Alvaro Bautista and Ducati knew they were going to win the 2022 title just days after the 2021 season, is as sure a statement as you'll ever be able to make. Jetlagged and tired after the Indonesian finale in which Toprak was crowned champion, Bautista jumped back on the Panigale V4 R for a couple of days in Jerez - and boom! Who says getting back with your ex is a bad thing? There's no doubt the best package won the title this year. As a combination, Bautista and the Ducati was better than Toprak Razgatlioglu and the Yamaha, Jonathan Rea and the Kawasaki and any other link-up on the grid.…

S&S Performance have released a muscular looking slip-on for the Harley-Davidson Nightster model. The Grand National is a 4.5in diameter, straight-through pipe that precisely fits with the existing downpipes and features a removable decibel reducer for that all-important noise, and a gloss black end cap. Made in the USA, the slip-on is available in the UK for £435. Suzuki retro gear Suzuki have released a range of retro team clothing with designs inspired by their iconic race bikes and legacy liveries from RGs and GSX-Rs. Using the blue and white synonymous with the brand, the clothing carries sponsor logos from Suzuki's vintage parts programme, Motul, and Ecstar. The collection features a soft-shell jacket, fleece, gilet and more. It's available at Suzuki dealers. US-UK luggage link Roland Sands Design (RSD) and…

THIS WEEK CFMoto weren't short of new bikes to reveal during the 2022 show season including this naked roadster concept called the NK-C22. The bike uses an 800cc parallel-twin, presumably the same KTM 790 Lump used in the 800MT models, but wrapped in a sporty chassis. This concept version is covered in forged carbon bodywork with an engine fairing that doubles as an aerodynamic wing. Front forks are heavy-duty upside-down units and look to be fully adjustable while at the back a single-sided swingarm holds a rear wheel blanked off with carbon inserts. CFMoto reside at the economical, end of the motorcycle market and so even this concept version gets J. Juan brakes rather than the full Brembos used on last year's track-focused SR-C21 concept. Twin SC Project exhausts complete…

JON URRY ‘Weathering the V-Strom' A few weeks ago, an email pinged into my inbox that caused me genuine surprise Suzuki had launched not one, but two new models. Yes, TWO! And actual new models with new engines and new chassis, not just lazy rehashes of existing bikes like the ‘new' V-Strom 1050. Wonders will never cease. The two models that confirmed Suzuki do actually have an R&D team are the GSX-8S and V-Strom 800DE. Which got me thinking… I love the V-Strom 650. It's one of the most underrated middleweights, and makes for a fabulous commuter, mini tourer or hack. The V-twin engine is robust and delivers excellent fuel economy, while the chassis is surprisingly roomy and comfortable. Build quality is a bit dodgy in places but it's nothing…

OUT AND ABOUT ‘Great roads - and tasty grub…' Gareth Evans embarks on a ride around a great biking café Loomies in West Meon, Hants, is a local, haunt for bikers and a great place to meet friends and enjoy some refreshments before heading out for a spin. We start off heading east on the fabled A272 - a road so legendary there's a book written about it - into the bustling town of Petersfield. Turn left on Bell Hill and wend your way through the stunning Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve. From here hang a right onto the A32 for a short section before darting right, through country lanes to Selbourne. The A3006 takes you directly north to Alton, at which point you double back on the A31 and…

THURSDAY December 15 5pm, EUR2, Motorcycle Live Show FRIDAY December 16 11.30am BTS2, MotoGP 2022 Season Review SUNDAY December 18 12pm, EUR2, WSB Season Review MONDAY December 19 6am, EUR2, Bennetts British Superbikes-Silverstone Weekend Highlights 7am, EUR2, Bennetts British Superbikes-Oulton Park 10am, EUR2, Motocross World Championship, Indonesia: MXGP Race 1. Race 2 at 10.30am 1pm, EUR2, Speedway Grand Prix, Gorcian 2pm, EUR2, Speedway Grand Prix, Warsaw WEDNESDAY December 21 10am, EUR2, Motocross World Championship, Flanders: MXGP Race 22pm, EUR2, Speedway Grand Prix, Cardiff 5pm, EUR2, World Superbikes, Donington Park Weekend Highlights 7pm, BBC1, BBC Sports Personality FRIDAY December 23 10am, EUR2, Motocross World Championship, Finland: MXGP Race 1. Race 2 at 10.30am 2pm, EUR2, Speedway Grand Prix, Torun 5pm, EUR2, World Superbikes, Portugal Weekend Highlights 1am, EUR2, Dakar Rally 2022, SATURDAY December 24 5.30am, BTS2, MotoGP Rewind: Malaysia 5.45am, BTS2, MotoGP…

Hypothermia occurs when your body's core temperature drops just two degrees below its normal 37°C. Motorcyclists are susceptible to hypothermia due to the wind chill effect of riding: travelling at just 50mph in an ambient air temperature of 4°C, wind chill takes it to minus 4°C. Even a 1°C drop in core temperature can result in symptoms, which can include: constant shivering, tiredness. low energy cold or pale skin and fast breathing (hyperventilation). Leave it unchecked and that can become more serious, rendering you unable to think or concentrate; feeling confused and losing both judgement and reasoning; finding it difficult to move around and lacking coordination; and experiencing drowsiness. All these symptoms are potentially disastrous when riding. A heated jacket or vest can help keep your core in the safe zone, even…

‘So practical but is it fun?' Both of our readers enjoyed the eLectric Beemer around town and for Tony, being able to use his work's electricity supply would mean he could commute almost for free, but its hefty ticket price and concerns over the integrity of the battery were big question marks. For a set commute or coffee shop run where you know how long the battery will last, where the chargers will be and what websites you need to sign up to, it makes sense, although it's big money for a commuter. Keith liked the TMAXfar more than he'd imagined, but for Tony its high price and average fuel consumption left him coLd. But they agree the Honda is the most practical here. It's simple to ride, more frugal…

‘Flexible and forgiving…' It might have been conceived for the track, but BMW's new M1000R is asflexible, forgiving and easy to ride as the less powerful S1000R. That's quite a trick for a 207bhp monster that turns into a wildeyed superbike at high revs with handling to match, but the engine lacks a bit of character, you won't feel any benefit from the wings on the road and the racy tyres take time to warm up. For everyday riding the cheaper S1000R is every bit as good, but BMW must be saluted for producing the first 200bhp-plus motorcycle that's a joy to ride at any speed. THE FACTS £19,480 BMW M1000R…

ESSENTIAL KIT Arai Rapide Speedblock White helmet £549.99 TRIED & TESTED MCN STAFF RATE THEIR RIDING KIT 2000 MILES Tested by Simon Relph for 2000 miles /nine months With the retro Kawasaki Z900RS as my long-term test bike, I thought it would be nice to complement it with a retro-styled helmet. After some research, I found the Arai Rapide and it ticked all of my boxes… despite costing a pretty penny! The Arai Rapide Speedblock white has the look of something you could have picked up off the shelf back in 1980, albeit with a modern twist that is discreetly hidden away in plain sight. At first glance there is only one air vent intake on the mouth guard, compared to most modern helmets that are adorned with air intakes and…

Tested by Ali Silcox 12 washes 10 months These lightweight thermals are great value and perfect for year-round rides. Hollow fibres increase insulation. They're moisture wicking and breathable too, making them perfect for winter or summer. The zipped collar is comfy, too. Cut specifically for females, sizing is good and leg length ample. They are compression fit, so are snug but not tight. I've chucked them through the washer on numerous occasions and they've not lost their shape. Quality Value www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk 4000 MILES…

SPORT INSIDE THE VR46 ACADEMY | MOTOGP MATT BIRT INSIGHT How Rossi's huge influence put Italy back on top It's no exaggeration to say that Valentino Rossi's decision to create his revered VR46 Academy turned out to be a game changer for Italian motorcycle racing and that can now be seen in the MotoGP World Championship. Conceived in 2013, Rossi's personal crusade to create a new generation of elite Italian Grand Prix stars began the following year when he ran a Moto3 project which included a certain Pecco Bagnaia. Just eight years later, Bagnaia was crowned Italy's first MotoGP World Champion since Rossi in 2009. And in doing so, he became the first VR46 Academy rider to win motorcycle racing's biggest prize. A father figure and mentor, Rossi cultivated a unique environment…

JOHN McGUINNESS TT Legend John McGuinness MBE in MCN every week I think the route of going to World Supersport and then to WSB is a bit of a forgotten chapter because, if you look at it, Supersport is where they've all come from. We're so used to seeing riders like Rea, Crutchlow, Lowes and Davies in WSB, Moto2 and MotoGP that you forget they cut their teeth in World Supersport. I guess in some way we expect that a BSB champion can just go waltzing into WSB with a factory ride, but realistically they may not actually be ready. Going the Supersport route might be a godsend and he can learn all the circuits on a 600, be competitive and then the natural progression is into WSB. The last…

One is a TV celeb and Top Gear presenter, the other is a life-long motorcycle racer and TT legend. So who's been the fastest and who's been the naughtiest? MCN spoke to the two mates to find out… JOHN What's the fastest you've ever been on a track? JM: I say the NW200 is a track so if that's the case it's 204mph in 2016. It was with a slipstream and that felt fast. And the fastest you've been on the road? JM: That's in my Porsche 911. My missus was in the front and Steve Brogan was in the back. We were coming back from a chat show; it was a cold night, pLenty of dense air, and a bit of a downhill and I saw 188mph on the…

In MotoGP the battle for the No.l plate was fierce and culminated with Francesco Bagnaia overturning the biggest ever points deficit (91 to be precise) to secure the title in the final round at Valencia ahead of a devastated Fabio Quartararo on an underpowered Yamaha Ml. The season epitomised everything that is good about elite bike racing: multiple winners, intense competition, true rivalry and great sportsmanship. Ducati were also the big winners, first of all they single-handedly bolstered the MotoGP grid by fielding eight bikes (in a year where Suzuki announced they will stop racing) and they also set a new standard in performance. Led by guru engineer Gigi Dall'Igna the Ducati GP22 became the new benchmark in terms of power, aero, ride height devices and - above all -…

‘On his day, the Turk remains invincible' Did Ducati win this year's World Championship or did Yamaha lose it? In all honesty, probably a bit of both. Toprak Razgatlioglu carried the pressure of running the first ever Yamaha No1 plate while the whole world waited with bated breath to see if he'd become Fabio Quartararo's MotoGP teammate. Both of these factors got to the Turk -and he'sopenly admitted it. Toprak lost a hatful of points due to things that weren't his fault: taken down by Rea at Assen, alternator failure at Misano and a brake problem at Magny-Cours. Then came the desperation of Argentina and Toprak's crash - that one was his fault. Lots of points lost while Bautista gained from these incidents to score even more. But on his…