Table of contents for 18 September 2024 in MCN

Husqvarna have released a series of limited-edition Heritage models for 2025. The range covers 10 models – four motocross and six enduro machines – which are set apart from standard bikes by distinct, blue radiator shrouds, a special livery, and matching blue seat cover. The machines share the same technical base as the firm's existing models, with the differences being cosmetic. This thing's Evel Triumph have marked the 50th anniversary of Evel Knievel's legendary quarter-mile ‘Rocket Jump’ with the creation of two custom painted machines – which went on to feature in a celebratory parade. Knievel's son, Kelly, rode a custom-painted Bonneville T120, alongside stunt rider Robbie Maddison, who rode a Rocket 3. The paintjobs recall Evel's famed ‘Colour Me Lucky’ Bonneville T120TT – which the daredevil used for his…

Royal Enfield's CEO has confirmed that the company's first production electric bike will launch in the next financial year, starting in April 2025, and all indications are that it will be a lightweight, retro-inspired city bike reviving the ‘Flying Flea’ name. Speaking to the Financial Times, Enfield boss B. Govindarajan said that the bike will be “a gorgeous-looking, very differentiated electric vehicle” and that it's scheduled for production in a year's time. Although he didn't reveal many details, Govindarajan suggested the bike will have a fixed battery rather than a removable, swappable pack, relying on fast charging to conveniently replenish range. ‘A gorgeous, very differentiated electric bike’ Govindarajan's interview is just the latest part of a growing dossier of evidence surrounding the upcoming electric Enfield, and the indications are that…

Ducati have opened a new Sunderland motorcycle dealership and service centre. Located alongside Vertu BMW Motorrad at Boldon Business Park, the store represents the Italian marque's first venue in partnership with automotive retail giant Vertu Motors and follows more than two years of discussions between both parties. Vertu Motors Ducati Sunderland will offer Ducati's full range of new and approved used bikes, alongside associated aftermarket accessories and branded apparel. There is also an onsite workshop ready to deal with customers’ servicing and repair needs. ‘We're excited about a future together’ Chris Taylor, Operations Director at Vertu Motors, commented: “We're proud to welcome Ducati alongside our other motorcycle brands and we're incredibly excited about our future together.” Fabrizio Cazzoli, Head of Ducati UK, added: “I'm very pleased with the relationship that…

Bike sales dipped last month according to the latest stats from the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA). The steady, but positive overall trend of bike sales shown earlier in the year appears to have stalled, with total registrations now down 5.8% compared with 2023. Machines of 1000cc or more have continued to maintain poor figures throughout the year, equating to a 23.2% reduction throughout August versus the same time last year. The only capacity bracket to see a positive trend throughout the month was machines of 126-500cc, with numbers up 19.3% versus the same period in 2023, and an impressive year-to-date growth of 23.1%. Tony Campbell, CEO of the MCIA, said: “Unfortunately we are yet to see any positive moves by the new Government. Whilst our sector appreciates Government has to…

KEY TO THE AREA ■ SOUTH WEST ■ CENTRAL ■ NORTH & SCOTLAND ■ SOUTH EAST Wednesday September 18 BIKE MEETS ■ Amici Coffee Biker Night, Girtford Bridge, Sandy, Bedfordshire www.amicicoffee.co.uk ■ Sycamore Cafe, The Causeway, Great Billing, Northamptonshire 4pm-9pm /www.facebook.com/SycamoreForestCatering ■ Huggys Speedshop, Mallory Park, Leicestershir.e From 10am www.huggysspeedshop.co.uk ■ The King Billy Rock Bar. Bike & Burger Night, Northampton 6.30pm Facebook: The King Billy Rock Bar ■ Chequered Flag Cafe, Darley Moor racetrack, Ashbourne, Derbyshire 5pm-9pm darleymoorcentre.co.uk/chequered-flag-cafe/ ■ Seaways, bike night, Fridaythorpe, East Yorks 4pm-8pm mike@seawayscafe.co.uk ■ The Old Stores, Pontblyddyn Mold, Flints 6pm-9pm 07548-224866 or Facebook: The Old Stores Motorbike cafe ■ Squires Cafe, Newthorpe, near Sherburn in Elmet, West Yorks 01977-684618 or www.squires-cafe.co.uk ■ Loomies Moto Cafe, West Meon, Hants. Open till 9pm www.loomiescafe.co.uk ■ English…

Oxford Cargo Net £8.99 Never has a piece of bike kit been so useful for such little money. Just £8.99 will buy you Oxford's ubiquitous Cargo Net. I've had mine for yonks (and lost a few in that time) and it's the easiest, most reliable way to fasten luggage to your bike. Drape the stretchy webbing over the top of your stuff and use its six nylon-coated hooks to secure. I use mine to attach waterproofs and jackets etc to the top of my tail pack, secure bags to racks… and everything in between. It comes in handy at the most unexpected of times. It's built to last, although the hooks slip off the net occasionally (I've lost one), and comes in a range of colours and sizes. Quality Value…

The sleek lines of R12 nineT are perfect for a single rider… But this retro machine comes kitted out with a pillion seat, so it seemed necessary to get a pillion's perspective on the perch provided. It was going to be an interesting change to have a human instead of luggage behind me, but as I had planned to ride to the cheese-rolling in Gloucester and my friend wanted to come too, it was the perfect opportunity. For reference, the trip would take over two hours and cover over 100 miles – each way. My friend, Luci, hadn't been on a motorcycle since the last time I took her out five years ago – and even then, she was new to the prospect. And we only went five miles for…

Britain's Dan Linfoot is celebrating Endurance World Championship and Bol d'Or victory with the Yoshimura SERT Motul Suzuki. Sharing the GSX-R with Gregg Black and Etienne Masson, the team enjoyed a near-perfect race on the French Riviera. The 24-hour event, the fourth race of the year for the EWC series after Le Mans, Spa and Suzuka, commenced at 3pm on Saturday. The strong Mistral wind of previous days had calmed, but hotter temperatures resulted in rear tyre blow-outs for F.C.C TSR Honda France (Josh Hook/Mike di Meglio/ Alan Techer) and the series-leading YART – Yamaha (Niccolo Canepa/Marvin Fritz/Karel Hanika). The Honda retired while YART recovered to third behind the KM 99 Yamaha (Florian Marino/ Randy de Puniet/Jeremy Guarnoni), with Bridgestone withdrawing their softer tyre. The winners also use Bridgestone but…

Next year looks set to see the arrival of a new wave of electric trail-adventure motorcycles. Can-Am's Origin has already broken cover, having enjoyed a local launch in its native Canada. Meanwhile from this side of the pond, it's been claimed (by US sources) that Pierer Mobility are set to strike back with a new KTM Freeride and sibling Husqvarna Pioneer; both look to share the same battery and power unit. ‘Weight and range are the key issues’ Can-Am's Origin uses the new Rotax E-Power motor combined with an 8.9kw/h battery. It can be spec'd with either A1 or A2 licence power outputs. With 21/18in wheels and decent spec Kayaba suspension – and Dunlop D605 tyres – it's dirt-ready. Weight and range are the key issues with electric motorcycling and…

Recent focus might've shifted towards the new breed of lightmiddleweights, but none can displace the sheer dominance of BMW's boxer GS. In a time of uncertain economics, the GS keeps rolling out of the showrooms like the true all-roads juggernaut it is. Both the new-for-2024 R1300 and the outgoing R1250 variant; the model doesn't just sit on top of the UK adventure market, it towers over it, crushing the nearest competitor by a factor of four. Both the R1300GS and its nearest non-BMW rival, Triumph's Tiger 900 GT Pro, took top honours in MCN's Adventure Bike of the Year Award – the BMW winning the +1000cc class and the Triumph taking sub-1000cc honours. ADVENTURE BIKE SALES YEAR TO DATE JULY 2024 (source: MCIA) 1. BMW R1250GSA …………. 1431 2. BMW…

GETTING STARTED Just like being a road rider where you could be a Ducati-riding trackday lover or a laid-back Harley cruiser and anything in between – there are so many different ways to ride off-road. Riding schools are a great way to get a taste of the dirt and improve your skills (see page 28) but there are plenty of ways you can do it yourself. But just like road riding, your budget and intention will be the deciding factor on what bike and the type of riding you go for. Here are a few options…. Adventure bike riding Adventure bikes are able to double up as your everyday road ride in the week, turning into your off-road plaything at the weekend. What constitutes an adventure bike is subjective, and…

Tarmac roads are smooth, grippy and (occasionally…) well-maintained, making it easy for motorbikes to reach their destinations with relatively little effort. So why do some riders ditch this predictable surface in favour of bumpy, loose and unmarked trails? Because, sometimes, a little chaos is more fun than a smooth ride. This year, I've been riding the all-new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 as part of the MCN fleet. To fully explore the potential of this adventure bike, I made it my mission to learn how to ride off-road. However, enthusiasm can only get you so far and as I quickly discovered, off-road riding requires a whole new skill set and is a lot harder than it looks. As the videographer at MCN, I'm constantly filming skilled riders tackling off-road terrain with…

The year's best bikes for taking the road less travelled DUCATI DESERTX RALLY The DesertX Rally is Ducati's ultimate adventure machine, taking the stock DesertX's capabilities off-road to the next level thanks to MX-inspired long-travel suspension and more durability. Not to mention a price that is as lofty as its presence. Not straying too far from the standard model, the Rally uses the same steel trellis frame which houses the very same 937cc Testastretta motor, producing identical power and torque figures of 110bhp and 68lb.ft, while gaining just a couple of kg from the standard DesertX. The 21-litre fuel tank is also exactly the same, while the dash, switchgear and interface (which are both easy to use and informative) are the same too, although Ducati have tweaked the algorithms behind…

BMW F900GS BMW have gone down a muddy path with their new F900GS and it couldn't be more different from the F850GS it replaces. With its bigger parallel twin, taken from the F900R/XR, and a new steel chassis, it's lighter and more powerful, but crucially has evolved into a genuine, big BMW-badged enduro bike. These changes all add up to an off-roader that's a whole heap easier to manage in the dirt than before: lighter, narrower and less angry on the power. That said, it's still a 219kg, 104bhp machine and you need to have your wits about you, but the GS is always enjoyable and never intimidating on the loose stuff, especially with the £1430 Enduro Pack fitted. With an extra 10bhp on tap, the F900GS is more willing…

£2000-£4000 (2001-2009) Much like the CRF, the DR-Z400S has developed a reputation as being a great first trail bike that is also more than happy to be used as a commuter. Rugged and durable, the DR-Z is a surprisingly competent off-reader that can be made even better through a few simple updates. A global hit, there are loads of DR-Z forums and also quite a vibrant tuning scene should you wish to give the single a bit of a boost. BUYER BEWARE ● Avoid early DR-Z models. The original 2000 DR-Z400 is a kickstart-only enduro and while the E model added an electric boot, it is far less refined than the S. ● Check the steering lock works as a lot of DR-Zs are stolen and when this happens, generally…

£1200-£3000 (2000-2007) Far from the sexiest of bikes, the F650GS is a solid commuter that is also more than happy to plod along a green lane. Powered by a Rotax-designed single, the BMW has a very good reputation for reliability and while its 19in front won't give you the same off-road ability as a 21in would (you can always buy a Dakar…) it gives it better road-holding on tarmac. A sensible option for anyone looking for a dual-purpose bike. BUYER BEWARE ● In 2005 BMW released an F650GS Dakar. Sporting a 21in front wheel, 40mm taller suspension and a 870mm seat height, it is more offroad focused than the stock bike. ● The water pump is driven by a plastic gear which is quite fragile. Check how it looks and…

WELCOME Recent sales figures show many of us appear to be downsizing, as registrations of 1000cc+ models decline while 126-500cc models enjoy a boom. This run of small capacity success is largely down to Triumph's Speed and Scrambler 400X, both perfect examples of small capacity bikes done right; not spindly and toy-like, just proper bikes that are capable of (mostly) anything that a larger capacity version can do. Take the three bikes in this week's big test, for example: Honda's CB500 Hornet, Kawasaki's Z500 and the new CFMoto 450NK – will all put a smile on your face at road speeds, without putting you at risk of a hernia manhandling them in and out of your garage. All at a reasonable price, too. That said, as much as I love…

After almost five decades, much loved Oliver's Mount road racing commentator, Tony Coupland, has retired. Coupland first attended the Mount in Scarborough as a spectator aged just four and has continued to be a regular at the road racing venue ever since. “He's probably been here in one way or another for the vast majority of this place's nearly 80-year history,” said Andy Hayes, Oliver's Mount Racing Managing Director. “Tony really is the voice of Oliver's Mount and he's gone on until the point where he can't quite make it up the commentary steps anymore,” Hayes continued. “He's helped make Oliver's Mount what it is and has been over the decades. He's been here through all the highs and lows.”…

Krämer Motorcycles have announced a run of single cylinder track-only machines for the US market, powered by KTM's 350 EXC-F four-stroke. Called the APX-350 MA, the fully faired bikes will cost $22,495 (around £17,266) and have been designed to nurture next-generation racing talent through a one-make series within the MotoAmerica championship, open to 14-21 year-old hotshots. Orders are being taken now, with delivery available in February 2025. Bikes will not be made for other markets next year, but the UK importer say they would like to see it available over here too. The APX tips the scales at an impressive 110kg wet and can hold 12-litres of fuel to feed the SOHC, four-valve, liquid-cooled 349.7cc single. Power sits at a claimed 54.2bhp (55hp) at 10,700rpm, which should be ample for…

Police across Greater Manchester have been stamping out motorcycle-related crime in a number of recent operations, recovering two stolen bikes during a raid in the city, and stopping three riders following a dangerous pursuit along a canal towpath in Wigan. At around 8am on Sunday, September 8, local neighbourhood officers in Manchester conducted a warrant search of a properly on Burnage Lane, locating and recovering two stolen motorcycles. A 16-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of two counts of robbery and possession of cannabis, with the bikes – a Yamaha RayZR scooter and MT-125 naked bike – successfully returned to their rightful owners. “This is a great result for our team and means the two victims of crime can be reunited with their stolen property,” said Sergeant Stuart Farrell, from…

Finnish electric motorcycle brand, Verge have been engaging with inquisitive UK bikers by taking part in the annual Ace Cafe Reunion Brighton Burn Up event. The plug-in firm brought along two of their £36,880 TS Pro machines for the Sunday, September 8 ride, which saw packs of bikes leave London's Ace in the morning before descending on Brighton sea front. Verge began selling bikes in the UK in May and delivered their first customer machine the day after the Brighton extravaganza. It's hoped another TS Pro will be delivered in the next few weeks, with test rides available from their Westfield, London store. ‘People need to ride our bike to understand it’ “People need to ride it to understand it,” VP of Series Engineering, Krishna Mistry told MCN in Brighton.…

WHAT'S NEW IN TECH? Electrical devices have become the go-to for getting around – although the consensus remains split between standalone satnav units and smart devices like phones and tablets. Portuguese firm, Thork Racing recognised inherent weaknesses in both systems however, and set about creating a range of software and hardware that could offer the best of both worlds, and more. “Our aim was, and still is, to create an ecosystem of information where everything you need is contained in one device and app,” said João Pereira, Thork Racing Project Manager. “A lot of people switched to using phones and tablets a few years back, so initially we started by creating software for these devices. “We had a lot of interest in our software at first, but immediately had the…

“One of my favourite bikes – the Super Blackbird is the only model during my time at Honda that we simply couldn't improve upon. They were just lovely. You sit ‘in’ it, which makes it extremely comfortable, it has mega power, handles beautifully, is as steady as a rock at speed and has excellent build quality. “There are very few motorcycles that you can strap panniers on and cruise at 150mph on an Autobahn all day long! And I'd buy one of the early ones as I like the feeling and smoothness that you get with a set of carbs that the updated fuel-injected models don't quite replicate. “Honda were developing a Super Blackbird replacement with a 1300cc VTEC system in the late 1990s, but the big problem was: how…

September 21 DocBike Before the weather turns, get out and ride for DocBike. The charity has teamed up with the Dorset Bike Festival with five routes on the menu. Register online. www.docbike.org/dorset-ride-out September 21 Kempton Park jumble Kempton Park racecourse (TW16 5AQ) plays host to 300 stalls this weekend to ensure you have plenty to peruse. kemptonautojumble.co.uk September 20 Bikes and Banter McGuinness, Harrison and Whitham will take to the stage in Barrow this Friday for an Isle of Man TT Preview night. Tickets start from £25. bikesandbanter.co.uk September 20-22 National Finals The National Drag Racing Championship finals are coming to Santa Pod this weekend. Tickets are £64 for the weekend, £26 for the day. santapod.co.uk…

Ducati's new £29,995 Panigale V4 S looks after you in a way no other superbike has ever done. Lap after brain-frazzling lap, it encourages you to scare yourself on the brakes, yank the throttle earlier than you'd ever thought possible and lean over further. There's never any sense it'll bite, so you can just concentrate on nibbling away at your lap time. Trackday heaven We're on our sixth and final session here at its world launch around the fast ‘n’ technical Vallelunga circuit, near Rome. The Panigale V4 S is as fresh and accurate as it was when it rolled onto the track this morning and through every corner it hooks up with MotoGP Ducati-like poise and stability. On the old Panigale it would be a different story: it would…

After achieving 264.1mph over a standing mile, Becci Ellis quite rightly wears the title of ‘fastest woman in the world on two wheels’ with pride. Her first foray into motorcycling at the age of nine was altogether slower, sitting on the back of her brother's Yamaha 125 on days out to Bridlington. Yet despite being told she wasn't allowed a motorcycle, Becci secretly bought a Honda C70 and promised to get further training – which then ignited a passion to become an instructor. At 19, she went on to instruct for BUMPY (Birstall Urban Motorcycle Project for Youth) for 10 years, there meeting husband Mike, and going on to become chief instructor. “I learned that Mike was doing motorcycle racing,” says Becci. “I was interested so thought I'd go.” Mike…

HONDA KAWASAKI CFMOTO…

What is the National Memorial Arboretum? The Arboretum is a 150-acre site home to 420 memorials dedicated to the lives of people who have served the country. The charity relies on donations to keep its doors open, and hosts around 250 events a year along with exhibition spaces, restaurant and gift shop. ‘It has helped him through dark times’ On October 5, thousands of motorcyclists will descend on Staffordshire. They'll be riding in from all over the country – and the world – to converge on the National Memorial Arboretum for annual Ride to the Wall (RTTW). This will be RTTW's 17th year, but despite numbers ballooning to 13,000 people and 8000 bikes, the narrative remains the same, which is something founder and Royal Corps of Transport veteran Martin Dickinson…

Looking ahead to the Cremona round of WSBK 2024 The Cremona Circuit in northern Italy becomes the 55th track to host World Superbike action as the season enters a crucial phase – and many riders are carrying injuries, which is hardly good with four rounds in the space of five weeks. Over the next two weekends, the series visits the shortest and longest circuits as Aragon immediately follows Cremona. Then comes one weekend off before the curtain comes down with another back-to-back of Estoril-Jerez. With a short lap of just 2.3 miles, stand by for drama in Cremona. The track is situated in the region of Lombardy, whose capital is Milan – a two-hour drive. Closer still is spectacular Lake Garda, just an hour away. Designed by renowned architect Jarno…

Perhaps it's the state of the Western economies, or just plain common sense, but the adventure bike for tomorrow's rider seems to be increasingly budget priced, thereby appealing to less affluent younger generations, who are stacking life experience over asset acquisition. And, interestingly, the bikes are coming from India/China. Key among this new breed of mid-capacity (400-450cc) mid-weight (sub-200kg) bargains are CFMoto's 450MT and Royal Enfield's Himalayans (411 and latterly 450), both of which have impressed in recent MCN tests. Most significant is the price, with the CFMoto retailing at £5699 and the Himalayan at £5750 for the lowest spec. Speaking to MCN Dirt about the Himmy's impact, George Cheeseman, Royal Enfield Country Manager UK said: “The Himalayan 450 has been a success domestically generating 14,800 orders in India within…

JOSEPH'S TRAIL TIPS 1 Think differently A lot of what you know about riding a bike changes when you head off-road. It's important to re-program your brain when transitioning from the road to the dirt to get the motorcycle to behave how you need it to. 2 Energy conservation Save your energy. Keeping relaxed on the bike prevents you from using up too much stamina. If you start to feel tired, take a break before you make a silly mistake that might dent your confidence and enjoyment of the day. 3 Seek expert advice Venturing off-road when you're not feeling in control of your machine is never going to be a great experience. A quick lesson on a more manageable bike will help you get to grips with the basics for the future.…

DIRT KINGS BMW R1300GS The 2024 BMW R1300GS is the lightest, punchiest, most compact and powerful GS there's ever been. It has a higher level of standard equipment, a new face and a bewildering array of extras, including an electronic ride height device, semi-active suspension with variable spring rates and a collision warning system that'll dab the brakes for you in an emergency. That's on top of a selection of front and rear seats, screens, levers, new luggage options, longer travel offroad suspension… the list goes on. No stone has been left unturned. Yet it remains very much a GS and the 1300 still does what a GS does best. It's still an accomplished adventure-shaped touring bike and one you're happy to spend big miles on. It's every inch as…

CFMOTO 450MT The 450MT might be CFMoto's best bike yet, packing tempting features, finish and ride into a sub-£6k package with none of the expected downsides of a Chinese machine. The 449cc parallel-twin is the highest specced in class: adjustable KYB suspension, a TFT dash with Bluetooth, switchable ABS/traction control, adjustable screen, radial brake and tubeless wheels as standard. Cost? £5699. The new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is £550 more in comparable spec. The engine is unique among lightweights with a 270-degree crankshaft phasing mimicking V-twin power delivery, grip and sound. It's in a soft-ish state of tune, but means it has a useful midrange and there's no need to thrash it to the last third of the rev range all the time. It's vibe free and the exhaust note…

Harley-Davidson Mick Extance experience Take a Pan America through the Welsh woodlands under the expert eye of Dakar rider Mick Extance. £349pp includes bike hire, riding kit if you need it, lunch, and of course riding with Mick. mickextanceexperience.com/harley-davidson Trials Day Whatever level you're at, Trails Day has something to suit. You'll be coached in the midst of the amazing countryside of the Peak District. Prices start from £120 for a short day, or £150 for a long day including bike hire and kit if you need it, and a full day includes lunch too. www.trials-school.co.uk Triumph Adventure Riding Experience Ride into the heart of the Brecon Beacons on one of the three levels of training with Triumph Motorcycles. It's £525 for two days, a day is £310. Alternatively, you…

£1500-£4000 (2004-2015) A bike favoured by those going on global adventures, the XT660R is about as solid as they come and also very easy to fix at the roadside! Thanks to its liquid-cooled single having a fairly decent capacity, the XT is happy to cruise at 60mph and that means you can cover serious miles. With good ground clearance and proper off-road sized wheels, the R is a very competent green lane bike and while its 875mm seat height may seem high to shorter riders, it is such a narrow bike that in reality it feels far lower. Cheap, reliable and easy to locate, it's very tempting. BUYER BEWARE ● If you can save up a bit of extra cash, the 2008-2016 XT660Z Ténéré is worth investing in. It boasts…

Global sales sensation that's ready for anything… £2000-£4000 (2018-current) When you consider you can buy a 2018 Himalayan for about the same as a far older CRF or DR-Z, that makes them a very tempting prospect. With its 21in front wheel, the Enfield was designed to take on India's challenging roads and that means a British green lane or two won't throw it off its stride. More than happy to cover huge tarmac miles, it's a pleasingly basic bike with bags of soul and a low price. BUYER BEWARE ● The Himalayan requires an oil change every 6000 miles but its valve clearances checked every 3000. The SOHC motor uses ‘nut and screw’ adjusters so it isn't a major job or that expensive but always check it has been done.…

TOP STORY Triumph are kicking off another year of new model reveals with an updated Speed Twin 1200 retro roadster, plus a new sportier RS model with optional clip-on bars to transform it into a classy café racer. We first caught wind of the incoming machines on September 3 when social media teasers began appearing online. Around that time, Triumph also announced an £1000 accessory contribution for the outgoing bike until September 30 in a bid to clear current stock. Designed to fit into the retro sporting space left vacant by the Thruxton 1200, which will leave Triumph's range at the end of 2024, the new £14,495 RS model shares the same chassis and motor as the standard Speed, but is beefed up with more advanced suspension, a quickshifter, and…

THIS WEEK CCM have unveiled a pair of super lightweight 600cc street trackers which, judging by their spec, should be a hoot to ride. The new Street Moto range comprises the £9995 base model and the more premium £11,495 Street Moto R. The firm hope that by blending their heritage with boldness, vibrancy and youthfulness that “the Street Moto will capture the imagination of a new group of CCM riders.” Like many of the Bolton bike manufacturer's other machines, it's clear that the Street Moto and Street Moto R are an exercise in minimalism, with each put together without a gram of excess. The stripped-back trackers make use of the same TIG-welded twin spar steel frame and swingarm, as well as the same single-cylinder 600cc engine, with changes to the…

An online auction giving MotoGP fans the chance to win a one-off custom pair of Dainese leathers designed by Marco Bezzecchi has raised €11,350 (around £9750) for a kids’ charity. The Italian is a multiple MotoGP race winner and rides a Ducati for Valentino Rossi's Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team. He sits 11th in the championship standings. He created the suit in collaboration with New York designer Dan Connor and later put them through their paces aboard a Ducati Panigale V4 in Misano. They were then listed online as an exclusive opportunity for one lucky (and well-heeled) collector. Ending on Sunday, September 15, the eBay listing was viewed by thousands of fans, with all of the funds going to Italian good cause, Associazione Riminese Oncoematologia Pediatrica – who look after…

Send your first bike pics to: yourpics@motorcyclenews.com This was my first bike after passing my bike test in 1994. My Yamaha TDR250 on an H-plate. Bryn Evans 25 years ago with my daughter Emily and her cousin Freya. I am now the owner of a Ducati Streetfighter V4. Leigh Austin My 89-year-old auntie asked me to take her out. Sheilah has a full licence and used to ride in the 50s and 60s. Jez Weaver My first proper bike and bought brand new. Probably around 1989 when I was 25 (am 60 now!). Tracey G My second bike, the one on which I passed my test. It's a 1976 TS250A. RUF 547R, where are you now? Colin Winslett My first new bike on our wedding day in 1994. I'm still…

JUST BREW IT Ride out to Britain's best biking cafés THE DETAILS ● Thursday-Monday 9.30am-3.30pm (2pm on Sundays) ● Main St, Cotesbach, Lutterworth LE17 4HX There's nothing like a bike night at The Yard Café and Idle Torque. Both are nestled in the Stables courtyard in Cotesbach, but the two work together and put on some legendary shindigs which are so well known, bikers frequent the site throughout the year. Annie Newton runs the café with the help of her family who have been building up the site for the past 30 years. She loves catering for the bike nights and has plenty of treats in store for riders. Annie makes everything she can from scratch, including the puff pastry for her sausage rolls and pasties, but she has always…

What's happening? Step back in time among a crowd of historic racers, hotrods, motorcycles and aircraft this weekend. Complete with vintage music and a makeshift runway down the centre of the event, there will be live start-ups and sprints all weekend as well as plenty of action in the skies too. The essentials The weekend long event at Sywell Aerodrome (NN6 0BN) can be booked in advance for £25 per day – weekend tickets are £40. On the gate, day tickets are £30, and weekend tickets are £50 but under 12s are welcome for free. There is camping available on site too. Head to www.sywellclassic.co.uk for information.…

Desmosedici Stradale V4 Ducati have squeezed the V4 through Euro5+ without losing power. Inlet and exhaust cams are reprofiled and its 213bhp is made 500rpm further up the revs. Torque is 2lb.ft down, peaking 1750rpm higher. Variable length inlet trumpets are shorter at high revs and longer at low rpm. Alternator and oil pump are from the V4 R and gearbox drum from the Superleggera V4, saving 1kg. Rear cylinders deactivate in town above 75 degrees. Chassis overhaul In a bid to give it more feel, grip, stability in every phase of a corner, the aluminium ‘front frame’ has a massive 40% reduction in lateral stiffness and is 730g lighter. They have also junked the single-sided swingarm in favour of a DHSS (no, not that one). The ‘Ducati Hollow Section…

‘It's how you use the power’ Becci and Mike show MCN around their newest machine, Odyssey (and yes, it's another Hayabusa. They point out some of the work Mike has been doing and compare it to their previous Busa which sped Becci to her title. “That bike was 650bhp,” says Mike. “Obviously you would never use that amount of power, but it's not what you use, it's how you use it and how the bike is set up.” And it rang true in 2014 when Becci did her world record – she jumped 10mph in one run. “We were confident,” says Mike. “And we took another step in the fuelling and the boost pressure because everything was perfect.” Odyssey, is still being prepped, but there is still a lot of…

CFMoto are aiming high CFMoto currently list an impressive 19 road bikes in their model line-up, split into four categories – Naked, Sport Racing, Classic and MultiFunction Touring – with NK, SR, CL and MT model designations. They also sell two Youth bikes, the CX-2E and CX-5E, but they are non-road-legal electric off-roaders for kids. Within each class, CFMoto use a range of engines. The small capacity models are powered by a 292cc single with the 300NK (£2999), 300SR (£4299) and 300CL-X (£2999, the X signifies off-road styling) all making 27.5bhp with 18.5lb.ft of torque. Upping the number of cylinders is the all-new 450 range, which are powered by the 449cc parallel twin. There is the 450NK (£4299), 450SR (£5599) and higher-spec 450SR S (£5699), 450CL-C (£5599) and 450MT (£5699).…

HOW TO GET INVOLVED Ride to the Wall is taking place on October 5, 2024. There are 11 convoys starting from different points in the country so you can ride in a group wherever you're coming from. Make sure you register online – it means the National Memorial Arboretum can better accommodate space for bike parking. To register, you can pick a ride you want to join and donate a voluntary contribution of £10 to the charity. You can also pick up your merchandise if you don't fancy queuing on the day. www.rttw.org Adopt a name On a whim, founder Martin Dickinson came up with a brilliant idea, and now those lost will be remembered for generations. “Many years ago, literally five minutes before the opening address, I had an…

TWO months ON TEST Kovix Lever Lock £94.99 On paper, this lever lock from Italian firm Kovix is a serious bit of kit. In a market filled predominantly with products made from plastic, the zinc/steel alloy Kovix immediately stands out as something a bit special and that's before you get to the built-in 120dB motion sensor alarm. When it arrived at MCN Towers I wasn't disappointed, either. It tips the scales at 450g and that's a reassuring heft, but it's also got the feel of a properly made security device. If a criminal wanted to get it off your bike, they'd need a disc cutter and there's not much in the security world that'll resist one of those for long. Even if the brake line was cut to avoid needing…

Embarking on my debut long-distance tour filled me with a mixture of excitement and nerves. As I left my hometown of Peterborough a Euro-virgin, and heading for Calais on the Himalayan 450, my brain was whirring with all the worst-case scenarios that might happen on a 3000-mile adventure. The plan was simple: there was no plan! I had booked 12 days off work, a Eurotunnel ticket to mainland Europe, and that was it. As I worked my way south towards the Swiss Alps, a place I'd heard so many epic things about, anxiety gave way to pure excitement. The Himalayan worked through tank after tank of fuel with ease, and I soon found a sweet spot balancing wind buffeting, fuel economy, and the need to cover distance. On the French…

Since the arrival of Ducati's Hypermotard 698 Mono earlier this year a trail variation has been keenly anticipated – it would only take a swap of the 17in wheels for a 21/18in combo and a change of settings for the suspension and the job is good as done. Perhaps KTM should be worried, after all it could be a 690 Enduro R killer, given the Ducati's punchier 77bhp motor with techy Desmodromic head. If priced the same as the Hypermotard (£10,995) it would only be £600 more than the Austrian favourite, but arguably more attractive. And it could arrive as soon as the EICMA show this Autumn. However, Ducati seemingly have broader plans, and in light of the development of their 450cc motocrosser (currently competing – and winning – in…

1 Trials It's been said that trials riders make the best all-round riders. Balance and timing combined with perfect clutch and throttle control make for riders that are utterly in tune with their machines. The bikes themselves weigh just over 65kg and have no seat, meaning riders spend the whole time on the pegs so they can easily shift their weight, engines sit just between the feet for a low centre of gravity and the tyres run at a low pressure (just 4psi for the rear and 6psi in the front) to maximise contact to the rocks, logs, and obstacles. The mission is simple: navigate a marked route, with the aim of not putting your feet down. Each time a foot takes a “dab” a mark is noted up to…

Tyres matter Wherever you choose to ride, your choice of tyres is crucial. They should be a fundamental consideration as they can make or break your experience. You need to consider what your split of road to off-road looks like. A roadfocused tyre will last well, perform on the street but will be a disaster if it's wet and muddy. A dedicated off-road tyre will be fantastic in the dirt, but will be confidence-sapping on the road and won't last much more than a 1000 miles, especially on bigger bikes. There's also the dilemma of tube, tubeless or running mousses on your ride. All come with pros and cons such as ability to fix, longevity etc… ‘You can't beat camping in good weather’ Camping v Air BnB There is nothing…

Britain has no shortage of talent right now and one of the best things is that it's both men and women leading the world. Here's a few big names to look out for… Jane Daniels Daniels’ career in Enduro has been utterly prolific, she owned the women's Enduro championship, winning it four times. She also won the women's ISDE in 2022. Oh, and she finished 48th in this year's Dakar, in fact she was the highest finishing Brit at 2024 Dakar, and that was just her first time competing in the event. With her first child on the way, Daniels is currently taking a break. Billy Bolt Without doubt the biggest and most entertaining character in Hard and Super Enduro. Bolt has consistently dominated Super Enduro having won four world…

TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 RALLY PRO At first glance, Triumph's Tiger 1200 Rally Pro has the same spec as last year's bike: same retuned 148bhp Speed Triple engine, same lumpy T-plane crank, same frame, suspension, brakes and ergonomics. But inside the triple Triumph engineers have addressed two of the major criticisms of the bike – the lumpiness of the T-plane crank, which caused unpleasant vibration for some, and the engine's tendency to stall at low revs. They've also added a pushbutton preload reducer to drop the seat height at low speed and standstill, all to make the tall Tiger Rally easier to manage. Small updates, but ones that have transformed the bike. Triumph's T-plane crank was added to the Tiger 1200 models in 2022 to bring charismatic lumpiness to the smooth…

YAMAHA TÉNÉRÉ 700 EXTREME The Ténéré is brilliant on multiple fronts, including value, fun and ability. But the pricing of the original T7 inevitably meant certain compromises – chiefly the suspension quality for committed off-roading, and tank range for big tours or overland trips. The World Raid's fully adjustable suspension and 23-litre tank made the mile-munchers happy – but it also added bulk that restricts its technical trail ability. Now, Yamaha have added the missing link to the range: the small tank of the standard bike, with fully adjustable, longer-travel suspension and some other upgrades including extra crash protection to tempt serious trail riders. Enter the new Ténéré 700 Extreme. Fully adjustable suspension with another 20mm of travel is the Extreme's defining element among the ‘small tank’ Ténérés. They aren't…

Believe it or not, while there are around 2000 miles of motorways in the UK there are actually three times this distance of green lanes – roughly 6000 miles. Comprising BOATs (Byways Open to All Traffic) and ORPAs (Other Route with Public Access), these trails criss-cross England and Wales (but not Scotland) and are legal for you to explore on a road-legal motorcycle. If you fancy venturing off the beaten track to some harder-to-reach corners of the UK, here are five used trailies that won't break the bank. YOUR EXPERT Your expert: Jon Urry is MCN used bike guru. He is far from an off-road expert but has ridden with the TRF and has explored his local green lanes. And ended up in a few bushes……