Tabla de contenidos para May 2025 en RiDE

As I write this, I’ve just come back from my first ride on Honda’s new CB1000 Hornet – and I’ve been blown away. It isn’t the fact it’s a good bike; it’s more the fact about how good it is for the price. For less than nine grand you get a fun, good looking, Japanese-made 150bhp naked that does everything you’d want, and undercuts its rivals by thousands. Honda have done this by concentrating on the bits that matter: a great engine and a chassis that works at the speeds we ride on the road. What’s remarkable is the stuff they haven’t bothered with for a big, fast naked – namely racetrack performance, high-end electronics and an array of rider aids. It makes me think that other manufacturers should do…

Q I WAS READING a discussion on a bike forum recently about how many fingers to brake with (I use four). Eventually I gave up because there were so many conflicting views. What’s the answer? And should I cover the brake in normal riding? Liam Horsely, via email A SORRY LIAM, BUT there is no simple answer to this because it depends what works best for you. At Rapid, we’ve got expert coaches who use one finger to brake, some who use four, plenty who use two and a couple who use three. There is no right or wrong – it all comes down to how effectively you can brake. I’m a good example of this woolly answer because I use two fingers on the road but, on track, I…

2025 has been a watershed year for new bikes – and there is no getting away from the fact the market has polarised, thanks primarily to the rise of Chinese-made bikes. As well as providing an ever-improving an array of budget-priced bikes, the influx of Chinese models has forced major manufacturers to lower their prices - the aggressive pricing of Honda’s new Hornet (tested on p48) is proof. However, big-money premium machines are still as popular as ever – as BMW’s R1300GS Adventure proves. A technical tour de force, it’s one of the most advanced motorcycles ever made. In this special issue of RiDE, we test both bikes and outline eight more great machines in 2025.…

Five hundred miles on a naked sportsbike in a day, before the clocks go forward, is an ask. Whose idea was this? (Mine, for someone else to do – MW.) The contrariness appeals but it may be hard to find positives; could be a one-way ticket to an unfair shoeing. But plot spoiler: it’s not. Because the Hornet is comfy, capable, controllable, a gas, flexible, and surprisingly practical. But the ride starts unpromisingly. The plan is to leave my Fen hovel at 7am, head north across the Wolds to the Humber Bridge, then take a broad B-road arc westwards passing between York and the North York Moors to cross the A1 at Thirsk, up through Masham to cross the A66 at Barnard Castle – that’s the morning sorted – then…

It’s very rare that a motorcycle comes along that offers as heady a combination of performance, fun and value as the new CB1000 Hornet. Our test has proven both the base model and the SP offer a stunning amount of bang for your buck – and if you’re in the market for a sporty naked bike, owning one would be a joy. The engine is one of the most effective four-cylinder motors on the market and both machines have handling that is perfectly attuned the speeds and conditions most of us ride in. They’re both very good road bikes, and with some care and love you should be able to keep on top of their slightly built-to-a-price finish levels. Of course there are other nakeds that are ‘better’. A Yamaha…

GOOD VENTING RHPA is good for summer and winter use; the two-position chin vent is particularly effective. DUAL HOMOLOGATION The RPHA 91 is legal in both open and closed positions. A clip on the side prevents it from closing when riding in the J or Jet – open - position HJC RPHA 91 Carbon £599.99 www.oxfordproducts.com THE CLAIM “HJC’s new modular touring helmet is engineered for all-day comfort. The new Premium Integrated Matrix EVO Carbon shell provides enhanced shock-resistant performance. The chin bar locking system has a hidden closure point that allows for smooth contact and less pressure on the cheek area, and the EPS design accommodates eyewear. Will accept the second-generation Smart HJC Bluetooth systems.” THE REALITY This RPHA 91 is snug straight out of the box. It fits…

‘On basis of price and that you can easily reapply it, Zing is best buy’ The S100 does a fantastic job of lubricating the chain – as proven by the lowest amount of force needed to overcome friction in our indicative bench test. But it did show the beginnings of corrosion – and while its longevity means the high price is offset by huge distances between reapplications and cleaning, it also picked up and held the most debris. This means it may not be particularly well suited to dirty environments. Considering all this, it gets a Recommended triangle. At the other end of the cost scale – and scoring the same despite being a quarter of the price – is the Zing Chain Lube. It may fling a little more…

Name Robert Koeber Bike 1986 Honda XBR500 Total Miles 256,000 Miles per year 7000 MORE THAN A quarter of a million miles, through 59 countries on four continents (including riding overland all the way back to the Honda factory in Japan), picking up awards and accolades in Iron Butt Rallies in Europe and America along the way – there aren’t many bikes that can boast a history like that. Even fewer of them mid-sized singles. “I used the XBR for everything in the past – commuting, sporty riding, tourism and riding to exotic countries. These days I only use it for the last two. It gets me (almost) anywhere. It came second in the 2013 Brit Butt Rally, the longest annual rally in Europe at 36 hours, and it obtained…

MIPS PROTECTION MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a slip-plane layer within the helmet. It’s designed to allow the helmet to move relative to the head, helping reduce the rotational forces caused by certain impacts and, therefore, minimise brain injuries. KEEP IT CLEAN Keeping your helmet clean – in particular the visor – is imperative. Use a proprietary cleaner to remove dirt from the shell and the visor. If you have dried-on insects across either, rest a damp paper towel on them for several minutes to soften them and ease their removal. Mips ● BELL LITHIUM FROM £169.99, LITHIUM MIPS FROM £214.99 The all-new Lithium has been built from the ground up with aggressive styling and enhanced aerodynamics for performance-minded motorcyclists. Progressing helmet design and technology has been part of…

MATERIALS The material a helmet is made from can affect weight as well as price. Carbon fibre is strong and lightweight but more expensive; other composite materials may be slightly heavier but more cost-effective. Ideally, a helmet should be available in both to suit every budget. PINLOCK SPECS While Pinlock inserts are regarded as the standard for preventing visor fogging, there are different specifications – with the number showing the fog resistance. The 30 is a generic insert, while the 70 gives a superb view. The 120 is derived from motorsport. ● NEXX X.LIFECOUNTRY TERRA £539.99 Say hello to country roads with the new X.Lifecountry. Its high-tech shell, made from ultralight X-PRO carbon fibre, merges aerospace technology with 3K carbon – making it lighter, tougher and safer. A midrange version…

LETTER OF THE MONTH Old bikes still rule The Triumph Tiger Sport 800 is certainly a handsome bike – I’d love one. But a centrestand is an optional extra and I would need a rack and a top box. Oh, and yellow would be nice. This options wish list hits about £700, I think. Alternatively, for a third of the price, you could have a VFR800, a CBF1000 or a Fazer 1000. Performance wise, the VFR isn’t far behind the Tiger; the CBF probably equals it and the Fazer would murder it. I wish motorcycle manufacturers would provide a choice between fancy electronics or the practicalities I’ve mentioned. Robin McPhail I loved my old VFR and would love another, but it (or even a Fazer 1000) couldn’t hold a candle to…

QUALITY SUSPENSION Fully adjustable 43mm KYB forks were developed alongside Yamaha’s new track-only R1 superbike. Fully adjustable rear shock features a handy remote preload adjuster to prevent skinned knuckles from C-spanners. TOP-SHELF BRAKES Even the old R1M superbike would have dreamt of a brake set-up like this: Brembo Stylema calipers, a Brembo master cylinder, braided steel lines and the latest-gen cornering ABS. SUPERSPORT AERO Wings begin to fly into action above 93mph. They reduce front wheel lift by seven per cent in a straight line and up to ten per cent in corners. Slippery bodywork creates less drag than an R6. IT’S STRANGE TO think the R9 will be the only big-capacity Yamaha race rep on sale in Europe this year (the R6 and R1 are still around, but they’re…

THE TRIUMPH SPEED Twin 1200 is one of those bikes that tends to fly under the radar. But since its launch in 2019 it has built up a dedicated fan base of those who have fallen for this retro roadster’s charms. Combining classic looks with the thumping Bonneville HP engine, the Speed Twin offers a spirited and soulful ride aligned to modern handling. However, encouraged by owners’ comments, Triumph have been gently pushing its sporty side. In 2021 they armed it with inverted forks and radial brakes in its first major update – and for 2025 Triumph have launched a top-spec RS version with fully adjustable Marzocchi forks, an Öhlins shock and Brembo Stylema brake calipers, and an IMU controlling its safety assists. With owners regularly upgrading the suspension on…

BEST FOR NATURE Mallard’s Pike Peaceful (but busy) lakeside spot south of Cinderford surrounded by woodland, with a good café and toilets. Perfect for chilling out mid-ride and having a bite to eat. Go Ape challenge for those more adventurous, too. Parking is a few quid. www.forestryengland.uk/mallards-pike BEST FOR BRIDGES Severn Bridge The first Severn crossing was opened in 1966, replacing a 135-year-old ferry service. It originally carried the M4, but now it’s the M48. Amazing views across the river from underneath. Google maps: Old Beachley Ferry Slipway BEST FOR CASTLES Chepstow Castle Built between 1067 and 1090, shortly after the Normal invasion, the well-preserved castle is the oldest post-Roman castle in the UK. Worth a visit for the oldest door in Europe. www.cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/chepstow-castle…

Sitting next to the base-model Hornet in the showroom is its fancier brother, the SP. Boasting more power, fancier suspension, Brembo front calipers, a quickshifter and a different paint job for an extra £1000, for some choosing the SP seems a no-brainer. But as ever, there is a difference between the spec sheet and reality – and sometimes the base model is better than its stiffer, sportier sibling. So, to look beyond the hype, we pitched the stock bike against its SP brother. The SP has an extra 5bhp but the difference compared to the standard model is barely noticeable. What does stand out though is the SP’s exhaust silencer valve, which opens at 6000rpm to deliver a more pronounced note and gives the effect of a cam change on…

I HAVEN’T ALWAYS FELT this good about things, but right now I yell out loud with genuine enthusiasm: “This is sooo what I want to be doing!” I’m emphatically summing up my affection for what the new BMW R1300GS Adventure is serving me, my joyous declaration prompted by its flair and ability to cope so easily and admirably with (most of) the tasks I’ve given it. I’m just loving the big adventure tool, and while I’m closer to the end of my 12-day, 3000-mile run down through France to the warm sunshine of Marbella and then back to the chills of home, I still have plenty to look forward to The Beemer’s in its element on long-haul trips like this. Climbing up towards the 1820m summit on the Spanish/French border…

OUTER RING You can easily cycle through the different screens using the outer ring – press in each direction to get to a new screen. PLANNING The Beeline app (and website), with its route planning options, is super-useful. I use it to plan every Big Ride feature for the route, stops and photo locations. MOUNTS The unit ships with a band-secured bar mount but you can get a variety of other bolt-on mounts and a powered version – as here – that eliminates the need to charge the unit. BEELINE MOTO II £179.99-£199.99 ❱ www.beeline.co THE FACTS THE CLAIM “Get to where you’re going, and have fun while you’re at it, with Moto II’s advanced turn-by-turn navigation, live ride stats and speedo. Waterproof, shockproof, with a 14-hour battery life and…

2001-2006 | £1500-£3800 | 155mph | 108bhp YOU’D HAVE TO have been riding on Mars not to know of the CBR600F. The accomplished do-it-all supersport bike is one of Honda’s most successful and revered models, setting sales records since 1987. The showroom success shouldn’t surprise, as unlike its racier competition, there’s not much it can’t happily turn its wheels to. Effective in the hands of all -from commuters to world championship racers – it’s a truly versatile tool. Regularly upgraded to ensure it stayed on top of its game, notable upgrades came in 1995 with the introduction of ram-air, and in 1999 with an alloy frame. In 2001, fuel injection was introduced – we’re featuring this incarnation here. In that same year, the Sport model was launched to run alongside…

There are enough good CBRs out there to be fussy. Longevity is a strong point, but only if it’s cared for. Determine the bike’s history first, and if you’re happy to go and inspect it, insist the engine will be stone cold. The famed cam chain tensioner rattle is only initially obvious before the motor’s warm. Electrical issues will also be more evident from cold. Check it fires up readily and ticks over sweetly. Battery issues and reg/rec-induced charging problems can be flagged up. Fluffy running can indicate glitches in the fuel system often caused by fuel degradation. Thoroughly examine the bike. Its finish is strong enough to stand some neglect, but it’s not a good sign if corrosion is more serious. Header pipes can rot from inside and out.…

COLOUR SCHEMES Many helmets come in a variety of colour schemes, including some replicating designs used by racers. They’re hugely popular with race fans who choose to show their support by using the same colour scheme as their idol. OVERALL SIZE A selection of shell and liner sizes means a wide range of head sizes can be catered for without a helmet getting too bulky. For example, by choosing the right combination of shell and liner, the helmet can remain light and compact yet still provide ultimate safety. ● AGV K7 – GENISYS MATT BLACK/BLUE/GREY FROM £389.99 New for 2025, the K7 is the perfect balance between sport and touring, evolved to the maximum degree. The composite fiber shell offers excellent protection, making it the most compact full-face road helmet…

PEAK EFFICIENCY Not only does a peak look the part on a dual-sport helmet, it can help to keep the sun out of your eyes – particularly in winter. And if you do venture off-road, it can help to keep mud and debris away from your visor so you can maintain your vision. ECE22.06 ECE22.06 is the current helmet safety standard. It added several criteria to ECE22.05 – including visor and rotational impacts, which can cause brain injuries. ECE22.05 helmets that were manufactured before July 2023 can still be sold but can no longer be manufactured. ● TANAMI HELMET FROM £299.99 The big news from Caberg in 2025 is its latest adventure model – the Tanami. Designed for adventure and dual-sport motorcyclists, it’s packed with features for comfort, protection and…

HOMOLOGATION Helmets that can be worn with the chin bar closed or open are dual-homologated: P for ‘Protected’ with the chin bar closed; J for ‘Jet’ with it open. It will feature a tag on the strap showing P/J and a lock to hold the chin bar in place when open. SUN VISORS A drop-down sun visor is a perfect way of coping with changeable light conditions and glare, to ensure you have the best vision at all times. They mean you can retain a clear main visor yet reduce harsh lighting instantly, then revert to perfect vision when light levels drop. ● SHARK OXO FROM £319.99 The 22.06-approved SHARK OXO modular helmet adapts to any riding style and can be worn open or full-face. Its innovative ‘2 Digit Unlock’…

MESH CONNECTIVITY Mesh allows every rider in a group to be connected to – and communicate with – everyone else. This means if one drops out of signal, the others remain connected. Also, the one who dropped out will automatically reconnect when back in range. AUTOMATIC VOLUME External noise levels vary depending on where you are riding. On a motorway you need greater volume; around town there is less wind and road noise means you need less volume. If your intercom does this automatically, you don’t have to worry about it. ● SENA 60S £339 (SINGLE PACK), £629 (DOUBLE PACK) The Sena 60S is built for riders who demand reliability, clarity and ease of use on every ride. Featuring Mesh 3.0, the 60S delivers a rock-solid intercom connection, whether riding…

WE ALL KNOW the story, don’t we? In 2004 Ewan McGregor – at the peak of his Star Wars fame – took a break from making movies to embark on a televised motorcycle trip from London to New York via Europe and Asia with pal Charley Boorman aboard a couple of BMW R1150GS Adventures. The resulting TV show – Long Way Round – proved a surprise global hit and kicked off the adventure bike boom that continues today more than two decades later. But is that really how adventure bikes came to rule the roost, and is the obsession with the machines that we used to know as ‘big trailies’ quite as simple as that? We’ve dug into the figures to find out. The numbers show a slightly different story.…

Q I LIVE ON a modern estate but where I live, we have a problem with bike thieves. I set off to work at about 8.15am and return about 6.00pm. I ride my bike from a little car park where we are supposed to park our cars in designated bays – which, in fairness, most people do - across the pavement and along a little walkway, turn my bike onto my front garden and ride down the side of my house. The entire journey is about ten metres. A couple of neighbours have taken exception, saying I should park my bike in the designated parking spot (I am not sure where my wife would park her car) and one in particular has said what I am doing is dangerous and…

YU’AN A RIDE? Yu’an are a Chinese suspension firm with a wide product offering that most Western buyers won’t have seen. Most of it is low-rent, small bike stuff – but this is fully adjustable, long-travel kit. SWITCHED ON Buy a KTM 790 Adventure and you have to pay to activate the cruise control and the quickshifter, among other digital bits. CFMoto include them as standard – and a tyre pressure monitoring system, too. TANKING ON The split, low-slung fuel tanks are like the 790 Adventure but 2.5 litres larger (22.5 litres total), with the option to add an eight-litre pannier tank that fits above the silencer, like a rally bike. CFMOTO’S 800MT-X COULD answer the desires of dedicated go-anywhere adventure touring riders: the dynamics to tackle tricky trails laden…

THE FACTS The route An easy 65-mile loop starting and ending in Monmouth on the southern Welsh border, incorporating several smaller loops out towards the shores of the River Severn. Why it’s great Stunning scenery, a rich history, dense forests and plenty of charming villages means there’s a lot of diverse riding to get through at a sedate pace. When to go The valley looks great all year round, but May to September is best for riding. The area gets heavily populated with tourist traffic so avoid school holidays. Where to visit Multiple abbeys and castles on the loop, and plenty of places to stop and explore the history and natural beauty of the region. THERE ARE MANY different types of Big Ride – from hundreds of miles bombing around…

DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE www.ride.co.uk Best for Lazy, slow-pace riding through the forests and valleys of England’s original tourist destination. Length 65 miles Route Monmouth, Trellech, Devauden, Mynydd-bach, Chepstow, St Briavels, Whitecroft, Blakeney, Cinderford, Cannop, Parkend, Sling, Monmouth. Roads B4293, B4235, B4228, B4231, B4234, Fancy Road, New Road, Cinderford Road, B4226, B4234, Coleford Road, A4136. Love it because it’s rich in history, with swooning scenery, lots of trees and interesting villages. Take a picture underneath the Severn Bridge at Beachley, because Marillion. Stop for a cuppa at Café on the Hill in Tutshill, just outside Chepstow on the B4228. TOP TIP Positioning is everything: hedges and trees means visibility is at a premium. Make the most of what you’ve got. ALSO TRY… Best for Riding roads made famous by Top Gear…

‘I wouldn’t bother with the SP’ Jenny Langridge, 49, PR executive Riding since she was 17, she owns a Kawasaki Z1000 and is looking for something newer and more sophisticated. The Hornet is similar in character to my Z1000 in the way it makes me smile, as it just wants to play. “The Hornet’s engine is lively with tons of power, but with a smooth delivery – and it howls beyond 7000rpm. The engine could actually do with being louder, so I would change the stock exhaust and go aftermarket. The quickshifter feels great with a positive feel the but the clutch felt a bit odd – like it had some play. Aside from that, the throttle response is very direct – in any gear even at lower speeds, the…

OF ALL THE components on a motorcycle, the chain (for those who use chain drive) may be the most overlooked. While its tension should be checked weekly and many feel it should be cleaned and lubricated with a similar frequency, so often a cursory glance is followed by “that’ll be fine…” and it’s left to suffer the punishment of wear and abuse from the environment. Which is ironic really, as it is perhaps one of your bike’s hardest-working components – and its failure can be catastrophic. A key aspect of looking after your chain – after ensuring the tension is correct – is lubricating it. While most modern chains have internal lubrication from the factory to prevent wear inside the individual links, external treatment can extend not only the life…

VENTILATION Helmet ventilation is crucial for several reasons. Air onto the visor can help prevent misting, while air from the chin bar can also cool the face. Ventilation at the top of the helmet can also help cool the head for comfort and safety. ANTI-FOG INSERTS Pinlock anti-fog inserts are the standard for preventing visor misting. They create a ‘double-glazing’ style airtight barrier to prevent condensation forming, and the insert absorbs moisture and dissipates it later in drier conditions – giving clear vision in all conditions. ● RX-7V EVO TSUBASA FROM £699.99 New for 2025, Arai’s RX-7V EVO Tsubasa combines Japanese artistry with advanced performance, offering a design inspired by the elegance of flight. The helmet features bold, flowing graphics in a harmonious blend of colours, including intricate details that…

RETRO STYLING Interest in retro motorcycles in recent years has led to a similar theme in clothing and helmet design. Modern engineering and material technology have been applied to retro-style helmets to ensure that while the vibe is distinctly retro, the protection is bang up to date. PRODUCT DESIGN The range has been developed in conjunction with renowned Italian design house Franzan Design, which has worked with some of the biggest names in motorcycling. This gives the range a distinctive and contemporary look and feel – even for helmets designed for use with retro machines. ● MERLIN REVIVAL VINTAGE FULL FACE FROM £199 Merlin Bike Gear has launched its first collection of motorcycle helmets – all featuring a range of striking colour and graphic combinations. Heading the line-up is Revival…

FASTENING A variety of fastening systems are available. Laces can be time-consuming and awkward to store if too long, while hook-and-loop flaps are quick and easy but you may need multiple to get a proper fit. Wire turn-lock systems can offer the best of both words – speed and security. PROTECTION Shorter boots should offer the feet as much protection as longer ones, with armour either side of the ankle, a stiff sole to protect against crush injuries, and a strong heel and toe cup to prevent a variety of damage. Flexible armour will help with comfort and feel for the bike. • FOX RACING DEFEND ADV BOOTS £274.99 There is nothing like the feeling of pure adventure on dirt – and Fox Racing’s Defend ADV boots amplify that feeling…

ROAD LEATHERS Sporty leathers designed for the road but using race inspiration tend to be easier-going than their track counterparts. The fit is looser and more forgiving – and they generally feature road-specific features such as pockets – but protection is still at the highest level. STAYING COOL While many non-sporting leather jackets may include vents to allow cooling air into the body, race-inspired jackets that may be used on the circuit probably won’t. Instead, many have perforated leather that allows air in. • RST PRO SERIES SUPERSPORT-K JACKET £449.99 New for 2025, the Pro Series Supersport-K is RST’s highest-spec leather jacket, combining premium kangaroo leather with advanced four-way stretch and breathable 3D mesh lining for unmatched comfort and ergonomics. CE AAA-rated with level 2 armour at the elbows, shoulders…