Table of contents for 10 April 2024 in MCN

‘The R12's engine is an assault on your senses…’ SOAKING UP THE RETRO VIBES, P29 GROUP TEST Here come the retro charmers Super-nakeds are so super now that you might be left wondering where your superbike's fairing has blown off to. But there is a sub-breed of big-capacity naked roadsters that offer superb engine and chassis performance, without quite so many of the bells, whistles and throttle-induced whiplash injuries. This week, we've grabbed the new BMW R12 nineT, the successor to the massively popular R nineT, and pitched it against its biggest rival – the understated Triumph Speed Twin 1200. So, which one of these retro rides deserves your attention? PAGE 29 THIS WEEK MV Agusta reveal Enduro Veloce Fans of the Cagiva Elefant got very twitchy when MV first…

KTM owners Pierer Mobility Group may have grabbed headlines for upping their stake in MV Agusta to a majority share of 50.1%, but the Austrian powerhouse have also announced plans to distribute a new urban electric brand, called Zeeho, across Europe in 2024. Zeeho are part of Chinese firm CFMoto and were established back in 2020. Since then, more than 10,000 bikes have been sold in their home market, with three new affordable offerings now coming the UK and Ireland this year. The smallest of the three new Zeehos will be the £2899 City Sport – a battery powered supermoto offering equivalent performance to a 50cc moped, which can be ridden in the UK from just 16. Given the rise of popular urban electric off-roaders from the likes of Sur-Ron,…

SAVE £7910 £12,790 Zero SR/S On offer with a monster saving, the Zero SR/S can muster up a meaty 113bhp and a fairly bonkers 140lb.ft of thrust, albeit when flicked to Sports mode. Alongside suitably sporty credentials, it's also plush, well equipped and has oodles of weather protection, just don't expect a tank of electrons to last more than 100 miles. bikes.fowlers.co.uk £17,999 Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory Packing a howling V4, the RSV4 sounds almost as enticing as it looks, and that's before even getting to the performance which, as expected, is sublime. spmotorcycles.co.uk ● Engine 1099cc ● Power 217bhp ● Weight 202kg ● Seat height 845mm SAVE £5001 £15,499 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo The daddy of the Duke range offers massive power and excellent handling but, while…

Suzuki have added this travel-ready V-Strom 800RE Tour to their line-up, packing 112 litres of aluminium luggage and a saving of £706.94, compared to speccing-up the standard bike. Buyers can opt for silver or black three-piece luggage, comprising a topbox and panniers and a choice of three colour options with an OTR price of £11,199. The 800RE models come with 19in and 17in cast aluminium wheels and Nissin radial calipers. Aluminium, rubber-covered footpegs are set 14mm further rearward and 7mm higher than the V-Strom 800DE, and aluminium tapered handlebars are 13mm lower and 23mm further forwards for touring comfort. They're also 15mm narrower. As per the DE, suspension comes courtesy of Showa, but with a shorter 150mm travel and tuned for road compliance. Take precautions Furygan are releasing two new…

More than 4000 spectators turned out at the Easter weekend to witness the classic racing action at the Red Marley Hill Climb. Racers pitched themselves against the quarter-mile ascent in heats of up to four riders at a time for a total of 150 competitors – all available to view for just a £10 entry fee. Machinery on display was an eclectic mix – with everything from classic motocrossers to vintage stripped down road bikes shod with knobbly tyres. “Red Marley is unique,” commented Red Marley Hill Climb Club chairman, Karl Newman. “It's a friendly bunch of blokes and we all want to see everyone make it to the top. While everyone is here to compete, for a lot of people, it's a big achievement just to make it to…

TCX Hero 2 waterproof boots £219.99 Offering style and protection both on and off the bike, TCX's popular Hero 2 boots are now available in a classic brown colour. Waterproofing is achieved with a breathable T-Dry membrane, and a concealed side zip entry means they take just moments to slip on or off. They're CE approved and have reinforcements for toe, heel and ankle. nevis.uk.com SW-Motech Panniers for Yamaha MT-09 £346 If you want to add extra carrying capacity to your MT-09 without spoiling those clean, naked looks, then these lightweight panniers could be the answer. They're made from 1680D ballistic fabric and attach to the rear footpegs via two discreet mounts. Each can swallow 20 litres of gear and boasts a removable waterproof inner bag. sw-motech.co.uk LS2 4X Bluetooth…

‘Have you C-een the light yet?’ These wet spring evenings are no good for me or my bank balance because when it is damp outside I end up sitting indoors on my phone aimlessly searching through Facebook Marketplace for bargains. And that's when temptation strikes… The other day I nearly had an ‘incident’ on Marketplace. I was searching for motorcycles in the local area and up popped a BMW C1. And not just any C1, the more powerful 200cc version, which is when my imagination went into overdrive and my wallet nearly emptied. My wife has just got a job at a local garden centre and in my head the C1 made perfect sense as a cheap commuter for her, certainly better than the 180,000-mile Skoda Octavia she currently uses.…

THE MCN TEST ● THE HOTTEST BIKES ● EVERY WEEK £14,420* BMW R12 nineT • 1170cc air-cooled DOHC 8v boxer-twin • 107.5bhp @ 7000rpm • 220kg kerb weight £11,995** Triumph Speed Twin 1200 • 1200cc liquid-cooled SOHC 8v parallel twin • 98.6bhp @ 7250rpm • 216kg wet weight There is an argument that super-nakeds are getting a bit too, well, super. In a reflection of what happened to their litre sportsbike siblings, the fact that the current crop of full-on naked bikes are starting to approach 200bhp and come loaded with tech has not only seen their prices escalate but also their usability on the British roads diminish. Flat bars still have a limiting effect on top speeds, which is a good thing, but even this is being pushed through…

£14,420 (£16,500 as tested) BMW R12 nineT £11,995 (plus £350 for paint option) Triumph Speed Twin 1200…

MCN Office Manager, Alison Silcox spent the last 10 months living with a Zero DSR/X, and in that time she racked up more than 3000 miles. Although she rates the Zero as a riding experience, she says there's still a long way to go before plug-in power becomes properly usable. “I was full of enthusiasm at the start of the loan period. Electric is a whole new world, and one I was keen to explore. The Zero was really fun to ride on daily commutes – with a massive 166lb.ft torque, it's one of the most grunty bikes I've ridden and, while the throttle response is instant, the power delivery is smooth and unthreatening. The bike is also incredibly well balanced and easy to manoeuvre. Without any gears to contend with,…

‘A likeable lightweight’ The new Z500 is a likeable lightweight with lithe handling, a sprightly enough engine and a good amount of kit for the cash. Whether it's better than its main rival, the Honda CB500 Hornet, is a matter best settled with a group test, but what we can already say, is that the two bikes have rather different characters. Interestingly, despite its ‘funky’ looks, it's the Kawasaki that seems to take itself slightly more seriously, with right-sized performance, brilliant brakes and good ergonomics. This is a bike that feels built for the A2 crowd, rather than a middleweight throttled back. THE FACTS £6049 Kawasaki Z500 SE…

‘This was the bike's last-chance saloon’ This Ducati ST2 had passed through three other workshops and each time its owner had come away with little reward to show for his efforts. Jim Wright-Roberts, owner of Superbike Surgery, was up next and this was to be the final chance for the misbehaving Ducati. If Jim couldn't fix it, then it was destined for the breakers. Jim adopted his usual methodical approach, kicking off the diagnostic process with a compression test to reveal a perfectly healthy 150psi at both cylinders. Next, a scan for any faults was carried out and a hunt for anomalies in the live running data. The injection timing data here was reading more than 5.5 milliseconds of fuel at tick-over, double what it should have been! This was…

Reporting direct from the British Superbike paddock If there's a team that needs a return to top form in 2024 it's the Honda Racing UK squad and by the looks of it, better things could be on the horizon. The factory team, without a single podium in 2023, added reigning champion Tommy Bridewell to their ranks over the winter, while Andrew Irwin is back to full fitness once more. Fortunately, things already look positive for the new Fireblade, with Irwin ending the test with the fifth fastest lap-time, and Bridewell posting the sixth best time. For Irwin this year is about putting his career back on track after a fractured humerus wrecked his campaign last year. Before the incident, Irwin looked fast and a real podium threat. “I know the…

Last year CoTA was the whackiest race in the world when Alex Rins won on the Honda and left everyone scratching their heads. It's a cool Grand Prix, great track, lots of spectators and all done in true American style. I just think everyone seems to enjoy it and the riders like being there. All eyes are going to be on Marquez given his form at the track over the years, but before it all starts I expect him and Pecco to kiss and make up after what happened in Portimao. I don't think Marquez will dwell on it, he's been in that position many times. And I think for Pecco it'll be a clean sheet of paper and he'll want to get stuck in and make amends. Viñales rode…

Cleaner flow Despite slabby looks, aerodynamics reportedly played a major role in the Enduro Veloce's development. Many bikes in the segment suffer from buffeting from poorly designed screens and awkward aerodynamics but MV say care was taken to create optimal efficiency, delivering a high volume of flow to the radiator, while directing it away from rider and pillion. The bike also gains a 7in TFT dash which, by connecting to the MV Ride app, lets you access phone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, route sharing and recording and ride data analysis. The app can also be used to configure settings remotely, without the need to have the bike present. Once applied, chosen settings will be transferred wirelessly to the machine itself.…

Two Merseyside bikers, Derek Charlton and Paul Gee have reached the end of 14,700-mile motorcycle trip down the west coast of Africa, raising funds for a children's hospice. Battling intense heat, terrible roads and the occasional corrupt cop, the pair covered almost 15,000 miles on what is quite possibly the longest Easter egg run ever. Setting off just after New Year, the ride was in aid of Claire House, who provide end of life care to young people and offer support to family members. They visited 20 countries before reaching Cape Town in South Africa after three months on the road. At the time of writing the fund raiser is approaching £10,000 but is still live for donations. The pair chose the cause as they usually take part in the…

Pat Hennen, the first American rider to win a 500cc Grand Prix and the first person to achieve a sub-20 minute lap time around the Isle of Man TT course, has died. Hennen took his first victory in the 1976 Finnish GP at Imatra and became teammate to double world champion Barry Sheene in the official factory Suzuki squad. He became a front-running world championship contender, taking three wins and 12 podiums across just 17 races – including victory at the first ever British Grand Prix in 1977. He was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2007. Hennen set his impressive Isle of Man TT lap time in 1978 aboard a 500cc Suzuki in the Senior TT. Unfortunately, a circa 170mph crash later in the same race…

Riders in the West Country are being given safety messages as campaigners bid to cut down on accident rates. Dedicated warning signs have been produced in a tie-up between the DocBike charity and the Dorset Road Safe Partnership. “The brain isn't designed to see small objects travelling towards it at speed, which puts motorcyclists at risk when other vehicles pull out unexpectedly in front of them at junctions,” said Intensive Care Consultant and Co-Founder of DocBike, Dr Ian Mew. “If you combine this with other road users not being used to looking out for other motorcyclists after the winter period, we can understand why this is such a dangerous time for motorcyclists.” ‘The brain isn't designed to see small objects’ He continued: “A lot of time goes into reviewing data…

mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com motorcyclenews motorcyclenews MCNnews ‘Racing sold out to the money men’ Well, I've just seen that the people that run MotoGP are selling out to Liberty Media who own F1. MotoGP and bikesport in general have always been a sport, not something run purely for profit. You only have to look at F1 to see how it has degenerated into a circus for the money men. Liberty will now have a monopoly of all major motor events. Greed, the pandemic we cannot cure! Brian Sanders, email Ed – See poll, below 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 MCN T-shirt in a variety of different designs Inspirational WSBK Wow to the…

JUST BREW IT Ride out to Britain's best biking cafés THE DETAILS • Everyday 9am-4pm (food stops at 3pm) • Turweston Aerodrome, Brackley, NN13 5YD It was while MCN was testing the mighty TTS SuperBusa that we discovered the hidden gem that is Turweston Aerodrome's Flight Deck Café. Just a stone's throw from Silverstone, the airfield is ideal for visiting helicopters and light aircraft, but also serves as a proving ground. As such, the venue's hosted racing legends including Kenny Roberts, Cal Crutchlow and Guy Martin. “We get two kinds of bikers,” says airfield manager and keen motorcyclist Chris Brown. “There are the club bikers who come out and spend the day in the café, sitting on the balcony chewing the fat and talking bikes, but we also get the…

MCN staffers share their favourite one-hour routes Fast and flowing corners, gorgeous scenery and even a waterfall at the side of the road for a photo. The A702 really does deliver so much of the Scottish goodness we all love. This road is a cracking little slice of tarmac that is just off the A74(M), leading to the A76. To get there, just take the exit at junction 14 which will get you onto the A702, and head towards Elvanfoot and Thornhill. Fast and flowing corners, some reasonably long straights and a fair amount of visibility make it a great stretch to open the taps and break up the motorway mileage. Keep your eyes peeled for marks and bumps in the tarmac as isn't perfect at times, and also keep…

What's happening? For an immense mix of custom, classic and frankly mind-boggling metal, get yourself down to Malvern this weekend. They will also be hosting the 2024 Custom Builders’ Builder Awards – the judging is happening on Saturday, and the awards ceremony is on Sunday – as well as the Harley-Davidson experience tour where you can test ride the latest models. Plus, the Two Brother's Racing Team will keep you entertained with magnificent stunt shows. The essentials The Three Counties Showground in Worcestershire (WR13 6NW) is playing host to the event this weekend. Tickets are available in advance online for £15 and under 12s are welcome for free. There is free parking, and if you're camping you need to book in advance. Entry is from 11am-5.30pm Saturday, and 10am-4pm on…

‘Every ride is an event’ Great-looking and brimming with spirit, these two more than deliver in terms of performance but do so with charm and character rather than sheer brute force. But they are also very different beasts. After a quick blast on the R12 you may well be left undecided on its appeal. It's not an instantly comforting bike like the Speed Twin and certainly has its quirks. The old-school boxer motor is abrupt, does odd things like twist and shake and the BMW's handling has a slight feeling of being on the edge – but these are all traits that after a while endear you to the bike. It is a machine that feels alive and far from sterile in a wonderfully engaging way. But it certainly won't…

‘They could be winners’ The two new TVS Apache models left me impressed enough to want to spend more time on them. The naked RTR offers a high level of spec and a decent amount of punch. It also showed a willingness to turn and should offer some sprightly action on twisty back roads. The sportier RR wasn't far behind, although with a little less power and torque, it was literally left in the naked's wake. Whether either of these TVS models sell well in the UK will come down to their price… and that has yet to be set. If the Indian company can squeeze the RTR under the £5k mark (the BMW G310R it effectively shares a motor with is £5190), they could see decent sales. Creep towards,…

TRIED & TESTED MCN STAFF RATE THEIR RIDING KIT Oxford Valentina boots £119.99 2000 miles ON TEST For me, a good outfit always starts from the bottom up. That means boots are a vital part of any rider's wardrobe. These well-priced, full leather, waterproof boots from Oxford have been put through their paces, over what's been one of the wettest winters in years. Thanks to a combination of a stiff toe box and firm edges around the shin, they aren't the most comfortable boots I've worn. They don't feel plush on long journeys or when off the bike, but they have become more supple with miles and after getting soaked through more than a couple of times. There's a concertina panel at the front of the ankle and the calf,…

Saving you money on essential bike maintenance BRUCE DUNN MCN's expert technician Using protection Give your machine a fighting chance against a slide down the road 1 Fitting peace of mind Crash protectors act as sacrificial components to absorb the impact of a spill and prevent damage. Crash bungs or ‘mushrooms’ are designed to protect the frame and fairings – and some models, like this VFR800, require you to drill holes in the fairing to fit them. Read the instructions and make sure you're comfortable with the process. BRUCE'S TIPS Do your research before you buy – there loads of options 2 Strip to fit While some crash bung kits will be generic, it's best to get a model-specific kit if possible, as it will ensure the best protection. First, carefully remove…

Hail to the chief. Marc's coming home. Not so much a case of MAGA but MMGA (Make Marquez Great Again). Because that's what happens when he goes to the US, making this potentially the weekend that he reminds his rivals what he is made of. And that he is ready to become unbeatable again, on his new Ducati. That's what the statistics say, anyway, though there may be a few riders (and fans) with a different view. It will certainly focus the attention on the coming weekend. Those stats are beyond impressive. Nor were they accrued only at the swoopy track outside Austin, Texas. Seems anywhere in the US is really special for Marc. Probably Canada too, if they had a GP. Marc won in MotoGP's last and his first…

Reporting direct from the British Superbike paddock Kyle Ryde and Ryan Vickers have been labelled as two of the favourites for this year's Bennetts British Superbike crown – and after the opening test at Donington it's easy to see why. The logic behind that thinking is clear after both men enjoyed their best BSB campaigns to date in 2023, with Ryde taking the fight to PBM down to the final day. Continuity is key and now they're ready to take another step onboard the R1. The sign of intent is there from the riders and the team. Ryde and Vickers had two R1s each to test with, using 2023, 2024 and hybrid setups combining the best of both. They finished first and second in three of the six sessions, with…

Henry Cole fans will be able to get up close and personal with the man himself as he embarks on his first ever theatre tour. ‘An Evening With Henry Cole’ takes place at five venues starting April 14 and finishing on May 24. Steve Parrish will be along to host each show and the pair will explore Henry's life, from his battle with addiction to his 32 years in TV and his love for bikes. Visit henrycole.tv for more. Sherco reveal new 125cc TYs for 2024 Sherco have announced a new 125 TY range for 2024. This year's lineup consists of the Long Ride and Limited-Edition models. While traditional trials bikes are competition machines, the little 125 claims to be suitable for all manner of use, with Sherco even claiming…

Alpinestars Web Gore-Tex £165.85 Kick off your touring season Keeping your feet dry, comfortable and protected is the holy trinity for touring boots. This week we're taking a look at footwear for going the extra mile on a variety of bikes, from retro scrambler to traditional tourer and adventure machines, starting with the Alpinestars Web Gore-Tex boots. These are as capable for touring as they are practical on the daily commute. Intended for year-round use in all weathers, the water- and oil-resistant full-grain leather upper is backed by a Gore-Tex membrane. Protection-wise they have strengthened toe and heel boxes, plus a double-density ankle shield and reinforced shank in the insole. An anatomically profiled multi-density EVA footbed provides comfort, while entry is via a wide gusset, with a zip closure and…

Q ‘Can I bank on a payout?’ I was involved in an accident when a car pulled out of a junction. I couldn't swerve as there was a lorry coming the other way. I was effectively T-boned and went over the car. The claims company sent me an interim payment from the other driver's insurer and said I should pay it in. I'm concerned that if I do pay it in it will be seen as full payment or I may have to repay it because the letter states “This is a without prejudice interim payment. We reserve the right to reclaim this payment if we find evidence altering our understanding of this claim”. Grant H, email A This is a partial payment paid on an interim basis, until the…

Send your trips to yourpics@motorcyclenews.com Reader Peter Genet The ride Tour of Ireland When to do it We went in May Tell us about the trip… With a pillion on board, we decided on no more than four hours riding every day – with only one exception. The holiday had to include visiting stuff, great scenery and overnight stops in pretty places. Our route would take us from Rosslare Harbour, southwest, following the coast around Ireland, to the Wild Atlantic Way, including the ring of Kerry loop, up to Dingle then onto Coleraine. Quite a tall order to stick to only four hours riding time. Intermingled with riding are quaint fishing villages and towns such as Dingle, where we enjoyed the evenings and craic in local pubs! My favourite parts…

‘Sorry, what gate?’ SIMON LONG Haven't seen any comedy place names being shared recently, so here's one! This run was to scrub in a new front tyre, but the roads were filthy. ‘Look! No hands!’ SUE PURNELL I went out for another blast on the Triumph today. I rode 94 miles… and saw some interesting places along the way. ‘Whitby gales’ RICHIE SALT Little Friday tootle to Whitby for a butty. It was a 155-mile trip and temperature wasn't bad… just gales over the moors! ‘Spring has sprung’ LEE EVANS Only 69 miles today but a million smiles! The roads are still filthy but summer is definitely on the way. ‘Proper shopping’ CHRIS TEE Needed to find a present for my wife's birthday this week, so a good excuse to…

RATINGS Exceptiona Very good Good Average Poor SIX weeks ON TEST Macna Progress 2.0 heated gloves £229.98 I have to admit I've been largely underwhelmed by all the heated gloves I've used in the past… until now. While other offerings seem to warm the back of your hand at the expense of any heat going to your fingers, which is the important bit, these Macna Progress 2.0 items are definitely up to the job. They provide a real spread of impressive heat to your hand, fingers and cuff and proved a lifesaver for me on a 600-mile return trip to the Lake District in temperatures below five degrees. You can control the four heat levels using a button on the back of the glove or through a simple Macna app…

HJC V10 £299.99 The HJC V10 joined the firm's range in 2023 as a retro-infused street helmet that would look at home on a naked muscle bike or a retro scrambler. It's lightweight (1422g on my scales in Large with the Pinlock fitted) and has a low profile, but still meets the latest ECE 22.06 safety testing regulations. I've been wearing the V10 through winter/ early spring so I've had the chin curtain fitted for warmth, but it does make putting the helmet on and taking it off a bit of a squeeze. Once you've got it on, the helmet is very comfortable (on my head at least) and feels very lightweight and easy to wear for long journeys. 600 miles ON TEST I'm impressed by how quiet the V10…

There's a bit of debate as to the wisdom of drilling your bike's fairings in order to prevent damage from a crash! Some owners (I'm one of them) would rather steer clear of modifying my fairings, whereas others are only too happy to whip out the drill saw in order to protect the frame and other components from damage. Whichever side of the fence you're on, to drill or not to drill, there will be crash protection out there for you. Non-drill kits are available for some models and either use existing holes in the fairings or large brackets to mount the bung. These kits are excellent, but do tend to be more expensive than drilled kits. The kit we used in this How To from R&G was specific to…

Checks out the runners and riders ahead of CoTA MotoGP moves from the Portimao rollercoaster to the Texan rodeo this weekend as Marc Marquez tries to reclaim his throne and be crowned King of CoTA once again. It's over 900 days since his last win at the Emilia Romagna round in Misano in late 2021, but there aren't too many people betting against that long losing run finally being ended this weekend. The spotlight will once again shine on ridiculously good rookie Pedro Acosta, who has already claimed some big scalps in the opening two rounds. And trying to crank up the early pressure will be Jorge Martin, who is setting the early pace in the title race after his best ever start to a season. Rewind to 2023 SPRINT…