Table of contents for August 2024 in RiDE

‘There really are some great used bargains out there’ It's been a funny few years in the motorcycle market. Thanks to the wonders of Covid then massive supply chain issues, there's been huge demand for used bikes that has kept prices high. But now things have returned to a more even keel there are some serious bargains around. In this issue we profile ten great used machines – all feel thoroughly modern, but have very attractive used price tags. Right now I'm sorely tempted by a used R1200RS – they're far better value than a GS, can crack 1000 miles in a day, but at the same time have no problems keeping up with sportsbikes on the right road. Just £6k for a mid-10s RS is a very sound buy…

FRONT END MONTH IN BIKES YAMAHA HAS WHIPPED the covers off a semi-automatic gearbox that does away with the need for a clutch lever and foot-operated shifter in a bid to improve dynamic and sporty riding. Called Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission (Y-AMT for short), it's said to weigh 2.8kg and will be coming to a range of bikes in the future, with Yamaha saying it's faster at shifting than a traditional manual gearbox – even when using a quickshifter. Shifting preferences can be tailored, with a choice of finger and thumb-operated manual shifting, or a fully automatic mode. ‘MT’ mode uses two electronic actuators that take care of the clutch application and gear shifting for you – meaning no need for either control. Riders will control gear shifts by toggling…

Thousands of bikers banded together to celebrate the life of late Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers, who died from cancer earlier this year. Around 46,136 riders joined the event on June 8 – dubbed ‘I'm having a Dave day’ – with attendees riding from London to Dave's home town of Barrow-in-Furness, with a further 200,000 supporters lining the route. A total of £83,000 was raised for Childline and the Institute of Cancer Research during the event; this figure has since risen to more than £100,000. Dave's widow Liliana said: “The Hairy Bikers were a part of people's living rooms for so long and they touched so many different communities.”…

FIRST RIDE GASGAS EC450F GASGAS'S LARGE-CAPACITY ENDURO bikes make a lot of sense for reasonably skilled trail riders and greenlaners thanks to their stability, flexibility, grunt and refined manners at low rpm. The Spanish brand, taken over by KTM's holding company a few years back, now markets a range of Austrian‑made machines. Although they have a limited range of road bikes and have even branched into MotoGP, competition-style off-roaders are their speciality. And this, the EC450F is essentially a red KTM 450EXC-F, which is not a bad thing at all. The bike is dominated by its motor – the single-cam lump is supremely light (the bike only weighs 111kg in total) which delivers smooth, super-strong response straight off the throttle. Of course, being an enduro machine, service intervals are measured…

MOTO GUZZI CELEBRATED its 100th anniversary in style last year by releasing the V100 Mandello sports tourer - a hugely significant bike for the firm. It was Guzzi's first model to be powered by the firm's all-new liquid-cooled DOHC engine – a motor that retained the transverse 90° V-twin format of old but was thoroughly modern in both its design and technology. So much so that Guzzi described it as ‘an epoch-technical breakthrough’ and an engine that the future of the firm will be built around. This year Guzzi has followed up with the Stelvio, an all-new adventure bike. The Stelvio (named after the Alpine pass) may share the same engine as the Mandello, but it ups the ante with even more rider assists in the shape of the Piaggio…

Yes. The eight-valve DOHC engine is more refined than air-cooled lumps of old but still has the thumping power and feel that fans associate with a transverse twin. Torque reaction is minimal, but it has bags of character – and a clunky gearbox… Select first gear and it lurches as the ratio engages with a bang. Once rolling, the transition between the lower gears is also far from smooth. The quickshifter helps when the revs are up, but at low revs in the first few gears it's pretty unpleasant – especially with a pillion onboard. The styling is classy with the motor prominently exposed. It's a bike that people will approach for a second look.…

BEST FOR WANDERING Brockhampton Estate, Bromyard Brockhampton is a 600-year-old manor house and home to the largest orchard the National Trust manages, at 145 acres. If you fancy a stroll off the bike among the gardens, this oasis of tranquillity is worth a visit. www.nationaltrust.org.uk BEST FOR BIRDS OF PREY Valley View Falconry, Rhayader Valley View offers a range of bird of prey experiences, including seeing owls, hawks and falcons. You can also gets hands-on, where you learn about the animals and have them fly to your hand. Camping too, if you fancy it. www.valley-view-rhayader.co.uk BEST FOR OFF-ROADING Sweet Lamb Motorsport Complex, Llangurig Sweet Lamb hosts an array of motorsport but you can learn to ride adventure bikes off-road on a KTM 890 Adventure R, or a Ducati Multistrada or…

AS SOON AS I sling a leg over the 2015 R1200RS outside Superbike Factory in Milton Keynes and fire up its chumping, chomping, romping flat twin before gliding out on to the road, I realise what a fool I've been. A couple of months ago I got the chance to snap up a 2015 BMW R1200RS – lovely condition, SE spec, full luggage, low miles and a sweet price. But the timing wasn't right and I passed on it. And now it's a proper slapped-forehead moment, because the RS is a glorious sports touring machine, chipped and chiselled into motive splendour over decades of bloodyminded engineering refinement. The R1200RS was introduced in 2015 alongside the naked R as the first flat twin since the 1990s to have conventional forks at…

FACTORY OPTIONS Although the semi-active S was two years away, the 950 came with four packs: Touring, Sport, Urban and Enduro, offering a variety of extras such as panniers, centrestand, Termi exhaust, USB port and various cosmetics. Wire-spoked rims were also an option; if you find one with them fitted, buy it. GENERAL FINISH Overall finish quality is very good – Ducati has always worked hard on individual component quality. But specific areas can be a problem if cleaning isn't kept on top of – exhaust headers corrode, swingarm paint can get flaky from the underside if stonechipped corrosion takes hold, and boot contact can wear paint off the frame. SERVICE INTERVALS First service is at 9000 miles, with valves every 18,000. Ducati valve clearance services aren't cheap – expect…

Designed as competition machines, enduro bikes just about sneak road legality without all the bells and whistles you need for type approval, which is part of the reason they're so light. Based on motocross designs, but with lights, speedos and usually slightly detuned motors, they're designed to compete in multiple-hour endurance events but are used by many as trail bikes and green-laners. The performance is impressive. A 250cc four-stroke makes about 35bhp and weighs around 100kg, while a 450cc or 500cc can make mid-50+bhp – and with around 300mm of suspension travel, they can ride over anything. Enduro machines are amazing to ride, full of great tech, are easy to work on and huge fun. The downsides are comfort, tarmac ability, short service intervals (though big-capacity 450s and 500s last…

RATED LATEST KIT RATED Rukka Kemi suit £749.99 (jacket), £599.99 (trousers) www.bikerheadz.co.uk THE CLAIM “100% breathable, wind and waterproof AWS Pro 3 layer laminated to abrasion and tear-resistant Cordura shell fabric. Armatech reinforcements on shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. Rukka D3O Air XTR level 2 shoulder and elbow protectors, Rukka D3O Air XTR All back protector level 1 (can be upgraded to level 2), pockets ready for D3O CP1 divided chest protector. Rukka D3O Air XTR hip and knee/shin protectors, level 2.” THE REALITY The Kemi suit is one of the latest additions to Rukka's range and is pitched as an entry-level laminated suit built with the company's legendary quality and attention to detail. It doesn't use Gore-Tex but Rukka's own AWS Pro three-layer membrane laminated to a stretch outer.…

2015-2021 | £4500-£7900 | 160mph | 145bhp ON PAPER, THE GSX-S1000F is genius. It's a sports tourer underpinned by Suzuki's magnificent GSX-R1000 K5 motor, a comfortable upright riding position, panniers and, from 2017, a decent suite of electronics. And you can buy a used one from a lowly £4500. But the GSX-S had an awkward start. A poor rear shock, disappointing brakes, jerky throttle response and questionable touring credentials meant that sales were modest rather than strong and it's only now as a used offering – which can have its failings fixed easily – that the GSX-S1000F has found its place. Fortunately, finding a sorted one isn't hard: owners know what the problems are and tend to get on and fix them. Suzuki also tweaked it (particularly from 2017) adding…

Given how well documented the issues affecting the GSX-S1000F are, you'll want any test ride to tease them out to confirm if, a) they've been rectified; and b) if they're still in play. If the latter becomes a concern, you can use that knowledge when talking money – a new shock, for example, will be £550-plus. With that in mind, you'll want to see if the original is still in situ before the ride. A low-mileage machine may still be on its OE brake pads, so give the stoppers a decent test to check all is well. Likewise throttle response and engine vibration. If it's worse than you expected, ask yourself if you can live with it, or how much it may cost to put right – again, useful when…

BMW F900GS 02546 MILES UPDATE 03 I'VE BEEN RIDING off-road bikes since I was a child, but like many riders I'm fairly new to the world of adventure biking, having spent my recent time on sportsbikes and sports tourers. But like a huge chunk of the biking public, I've become increasingly attracted to adventure bikes – not only for their comfort and practicality, but also the potential for a proper adventure. I've spent some time recently getting to know our long-term BMW F900GS, in preparation for a road trip I'm doing with editor Matt for the next issue. We're taking on some of the northern French sections of the Trans Euro Trail – a huge on and off-road network of lanes and trails that crosses the whole of Europe. It…

Sani Pass, South Africa This is a photo of my husband, Peter, just before his ascent of the Sani Pass in South Africa into Lesotho. Lesotho offers something for everyone – long sweeping bends, stunning mountain passes, beautiful scenery, off-road challenges and a million smiles. Dawn Cawthorne Settle, Cumbria Even the cows think my BMW R1200GS is a tractor! This is on the road out of Settle on our recent Cumbria trip. Peter Genet Cornwall This is my mate, Dr Bob, having a well-earned breather while taking our little Honda CRFs around the Cornish leg of the TET. The terrain was tough but the Hondas were tougher. Phenomenal bikes that just keep going. Matt Nott Brno, Czech Republic This is my Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports in front of the…

FRONT END RiDE INVESTIGATES OF THE 973,000 people in the UK who claim to own a motorcycle, Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) figures show that 6600 – just 0.007 per cent – did post-test training last year. Couple this with the fact that, on average, six motorcyclists die on UK roads each week and it seems reasonable to assume we all need to get more training. But do we? Department for Transport (DfT) statistics reveal that, between 2018 and 2022, 42 per cent of all motorcycle fatalities happened at a junction or drive entrance. Although the data doesn't reveal the details, crash investigators say it's fair to assume most involved a vehicle pulling out on a bike. In which case, who needs the training? Us or car drivers? “It's a fair question,”…

Last month we revealed BMW is making auto bikes – and it seems KTM is, too. The KTM system was revealed on a large-capacity V-twin adventure prototype at the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo enduro event in Austria. Ridden by French enduro legend Johnny Aubert, the demo bike is being called the KTM AMT. It uses no clutch lever and was teased on social media. Although the camouflaged bike looked to be based on a 1290 Super Adventure R, KTM would not confirm its capacity – only stating that it's an LC8 V-twin made from a hybrid selection of parts. Other quirks include a portrait TFT dash and short off-road screen. We were unable to see any details on the dash due to a black and white KTM covering.…

Norton Motorcycles has hired former Manchester United Football Club chief executive, Richard Arnold. He will join the senior leadership team in exploring new product lines and targeting market expansion. Arnold said: “I see a hugely exciting future for Norton Motorcycles, and I am proud to become part of the team.” The Solihull brand has also confirmed the completion of all outstanding Commando and V4 orders left over from the Stuart Garner era, following a £2.3 million redevelopment, but we're yet to see a new range of bikes from the firm.…

‘I'm worried that I dawdle in corners. How do I increase my speed?’ Q HOW DO I go about increasing my corner speed? I'm not aiming for Marc Marquez speeds, but I would quite like to feel less of a dawdler. Neil Brewster, Cumbria A NEIL, YOU ARE not alone – plenty of motorcyclists want to increase their corner speed. But before I give you some tips, I'd caution you about your aim. The middle of a corner is one of the riskiest places to be in terms of grip and stability, so setting out to increase your speed there is extremely questionable. If you're actually more worried about your A to B pace, there are plenty of safer places to go faster. You could, for example, gain time on…

FIRST RIDE TRIUMPH ROCKET 3 STORM THE 2024 TRIUMPH Rocket 3 Storm has the most torque of any mass production bike ever built. A cruiser motorcycle like no other, it features a 2458cc inline three-cylinder engine, a car-like 240-section rear tyre, and clever lean-sensitive electronics throughout. Now boasting 180bhp and 166lb·ft, it drives forward with relentless abandon, but is also refined and civilised. So, while it can light up its rear tyre in the dry with no traction control, it'll cruise at motorway speeds barely off idle. Triumph doesn't make bad-handling machines, and the Storm sets a standard to which all performance cruisers should aspire. It's happy munching through the straight-line miles on cruise control or tackling a tricky switchback at a surprisingly quick turn of pace. Available in both…

Impressively well. Despite its rugged look, spoked wheels and Michelin Anakee tyres, the Stelvio feels very much a road adventurer. And it comes with a 19in front wheel rather than a 21, which works in its favour. In corners, the Stelvio exhibits a similar planted feel you get on a GS, which inspires confidence and the impression that you can simply batter your way through bends. It's not the fastest-turning adventure bike you can buy, but that's not really an issue because the feeling of security it offers is hugely confidence-inspiring and makes the whole riding experience incredibly enjoyable. It's a bike that brings a smile to your face - although the suspension could be better. Semi-active suspension isn't an option on the Stelvio, so you can't help but feel…

THE FACTS The route A fairly straightforward east-to-west run along one road – the A44 – from Worcester to Aberystwyth. You don't need a satnav – just follow signs for the A44. Why it's great It takes in so many different styles of road and scenery – from quintessential middle England to barriered Welsh-valley hairpins and everything between. Ending at the coast for fish and chips is a bonus. When to go Midweek is best; you may have to deal with some commercial traffic but there will be fewer other bikers and doddering drivers. Late spring/early summer is the best time of year, as the traffic is generally lighter. Where to visit The Silver Mountain Experience is a former Victorian mine and hosts numerous attractions, including a quest to find…

DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE www.ride.co.uk Best for A variety of roads though stunning – and changing – scenery Length 100 miles Route Worcester, Leominster, Kington, Rhayader, Llangurig, Aberystwyth Roads A44 all the way Love it because It has something for everyone and every kind of bike. Take a picture at One of the hairpins between New Radnor and Crossgates – the views over the valley are stunning. Stop for a cuppa at If the chippie in Aberystwyth is too far, then another biker-friendly stop is the Red Kite Café just past Ponterwyd, on the run towards Aberystwyth. Good views, too. ALSO TRY… Best for A variation on a theme with lakes and coastline Length 85 miles Route Welshpool, Mallwyd, Cross Foxes, Minfford, Tal-y-Llyn, Tywyn, Aberdyfi, Machynlleth, Ynyslas, Brynowen, Aberystwyth Roads A458,…

MAKE IT BETTER Puig tinted racing screen £77, pyramidmoto.co.uk Standard screen is low and extreme; the Puig screen has all the looks but less of the neck-breaking crouch to make use of the wind pressure to relieve wrists. IT TAKES ABOUT 30 seconds on the 2019 Blade to understand why Sportsbike UK has been Adventure Bike or Naked Bike or Anything-But-Sportsbikes UK for the past decade. It's because it's about ten years since the average UK motorcyclist could physically cock a leg over one and not risk dislocating a hip. I'm not saying we're all old, but the reason sportsbikes are now a niche is painfully obvious. There is, though, still something magical about batting the throttle open on a good one, even for old timers. Maybe it's the colossal…

CHOOSE WISELY If you want panniers, buy a bike with them already fitted to save money. The Tourer or Performance Tourer have them as standard, but they cost £750 if bought separately. SERVICING The 15,000-mile service includes the valve clearance check and costs around £700, possibly more if they require altering. Bear this cost in mind on higher-mileage bikes. DASH PROBLEMS Weirdly, the Ninja's clock sometimes randomly resets itself. It's just a software glitch and nothing serious but seems fairly common, especially on 2020 models. Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX All the tech you could ever need and a bargain price tag TAKING OVER FROM the hugely popular Z1000SX, the Ninja 1000SX has continued to be a strong seller for Kawasaki thanks to the fact it delivers high on both tech and…

With venues both in Devon and in Wales, former enduro champion Alex offers off-road training, experience days and big foreign off-road tours for everyone from licence-free novices to experienced off-roaders and racers. With kit, bikes and tuition thrown in, they are keen value, too. A one-day introduction to off-road enduro riding set in closed conditions costs £250, including protective kit, fuel and bike hire. Included are all the basics of off-road riding tuition and lunch. The route that we took is part of Alex's two-day Welsh trail tour and offers all of the above but includes breakfast, lunch and dinner and one night's accommodation. It costs £495 and all you have to do it turn up – everything is laid on for you. We found Alex's combination of well-placed tuition,…

RATED THE RiDE PRODUCT TEST ‘RSTs and Knox Orsas offer an excellent combination of qualities and performance’ The first thing to note is that all the gloves here are very good at something. If you want the ultimate protection, then it's the Oxfords – the highest CE rating but an odd fit. For the ultimate cooling airflow then it's the Richas, but these may be a little light on protection for some. The Alpinestars and Weise tie on points but a £50 price difference goes the way of the Italian gloves. Which leaves us with the RSTs and the Knox Orsas – two very different styles of gloves separated by a single point. The RSTs are reassuring, comfortable and flexible, and generate a genuine feeling of cooling air within the…

UPDATE 03 HUSQVARNA NORDEN 901 EXPEDITION 03426 MILES THIS MONTH WAS about getting Dennis the Norden even more ready for adventure. There aren't many bikes that come with as much standard adventure kit as the Husqvarna, but the while Pirelli Scorpion Rally STRs it rolls on as standard are good on the road and fine on dry gravel roads, they're not the best for mud, sand and ruts. It was time for some 50/50 on/off-road tyres. In the end I plumped for Metzeler Karoo 4s. I've had great experience with these in the past: they work well enough on the road to still have fun, but offer far more bite and side-grip off tarmac. Crucially, they're also less prone to clogging with mud. A quick forest test ride with Damo…

YOUR RIDES MY FAVOURITE RIDE NORTHERN IRELAND LOOP THE NORTH WEST 200 has been on my must-do list for some years. The TT may have the drama and mystique, but the mass-start racing on the Triangle circuit is a better watch than the time trial format. In my opinion, on TV, anyway. It's easier to follow the drama, and contrasting rider styles/machine advantages are obvious in a six-lap, 200mph battle… I finally got to attend this year, and was kindly loaned a Honda Africa Twin by Ballymena Honda to explore the surrounding roads, towns and villages between racing sessions – an opportunity that didn't go to waste… I started near Coleraine, one of the three towns on the corners of the course: the start is in Portstewart, heading to Coleraine before…

Triumph has revealed a limited edition £14,495 Bonneville T120 tribute to Elvis Presley. Limited to 925 units worldwide, the retro is inspired by the story of the ‘Memphis Mafia’ Bonnevilles – a group of seven T120s bought by the singer in 1965 for himself and his friends. On receiving the machines, the group reportedly rode them so late into the night that they stopped only after police were called by neighbours. These new Bonnies will feature hand-painted gold detailing, a numbered handlebar clamp and a laser-etched Elvis signature. Buyers will also receive a Sony gold disc and a certificate of authenticity.…

Email ride@ride.co.uk Write to us RiDE, Media House, Lynchwood, Peterborough PE2 6EA LETTER OF THE MONTH Wedded bliss I wanted to share the story behind this photo of me and my beautiful wife. This was a quick stop on the way to Talacre Beach in North Wales to go camping. Little did she know I was planning to ask her to marry me that day at the Talacre lighthouse on the beach. She said yes! Three years in now and this trip was the most nerve-racking adventure I have ever been on. You can imagine my nerves! All the best and safe riding to all; sometimes a motorcycle ride can also lead to positive, life-changing events! Drew Gilkes What a lovely story! When we ran your photo in the June 2023…

FIRST RIDE BMW F900GS ADVENTURE IF YOU'RE AFTER a mile-munching middleweight adventure bike, BMW's new F900GS Adventure is difficult to ignore. Now featuring the bigger-capacity F900GS motor and enhanced tech that we have already seen on its more off‑road‑focused brother – combined with huge range, day-long comfort and a refreshing lack of dirt pretentions – it means the smaller GSA could now have finally found its place in the showrooms after spending years in the shadows of its big-bore brothers. Visually, it is very easy to mistake the F900GSA for an R1250GS – it has the same bulbous tank and wide-bar stance. Obviously, the fact it's a parallel twin means it lacks two huge cylinders hanging out of each side, but it has a high level of presence, which matters…

FIRST RIDE YAMAHA TÉNÉRÉ 700 EXPLORE 1 IT'S BUILT WITH TARMAC IN MIND The Explore is aimed at riders wishing to travel distance, mainly on road. A new KYB shock features revised damping with increased spring rate, to better cope with the additional weight of a pillion and/or luggage. There's also a remote preload adjuster for added convenience. Suspension travel has been reduced by 20mm at both ends (to 190mm up front and 180mm at the rear), which also lowers the seat height. 2 IT HAS THE SAME GREAT POWERPLANT The 689cc CP2 engine with its 270° firing order is the same punchy, characterful unit as found in other Ténéré 700 models, producing 72bhp at 9000rpm and a juicy 50lb·ft slab of torque right through the midrange. A-road and motorway speed…

Yes. There are touches such as the electronically adjustable screen, deeply padded seat, inbuilt pannier mounts and tall bars that makes the Stelvio a great mile-muncher. Taller riders (6ft-plus) may desire a touch more height on the screen, but thanks to a decent amount of wind deflectors the Guzzi provides a high level of shelter. And once on the go the engine is smooth and fairly vibe-free. Unless you up the pace… When you hit 80mph the mirrors start to blur, which seriously impairs your vision of what's behind. The lights offer a wide spread of illumination on dip. Ridden steadily the Guzzi will record 50mpg - a tank range of 230-ish miles. It's slightly frustrating there is no keyless ignition or hill hold option, but overall it's a solid…

Monkland Cheese Dairy café, Monkland The perfect spot for a morning break. Great coffee and home-made cakes are served alongside a range of cheeses, including some made on-site. Grab a chunk or two for a picnic later. www.monklandcheesedairy.co.uk Café Express, Crossgates A favourite with bikers an locals, the all-day breakfast is a stunner. Two of everything with tea or coffee and perfectly cooked eggs. Fuel the bike next door and you'll inevitably bump into other riders and share experiences. Eggscellent… www.asconagroup.co.uk Chips on the Pier, Aberystwyth The Royal Pier has it all going on, including a fish and chip shop. A bag of chips is a perfect way to mark the end of this ride. Time it right to watch thousands of starlings roosting under the pier. www.royalpier.co.uk…

MOTORBIKES AREN'T IMMUNE from the march of technology. Each year chassis tech gets refined, engines get more responsive, and technology that was once exclusive to flagships filters down to bikes to suit all budgets. The result is that used bikes have never been sexier, better equipped or more temping to buy. Best of all, they're seriously good value – and at a certain time in each bike's lifespan it reaches a point where it is packed with modern engineering, but available at a fraction of the cost of its price when new. The bikes featured here are brilliant examples of this – they're all machines that hit the sweet spot between low purchase price and high levels of design and tech. They are, in short, some of the best bargains…

YAMAHA CAN'T HELP it. They gave us LCs, FZRs, R1s and the MTs – all varying degrees of thoroughly rude motorcycles, prone to leading their riders astray into all manner of bad behaviour. There must be something in the water at Iwata. I'm convinced if there were such a thing as top ten list of speeding points accrued by riders by manufacturer, Yamaha would be at the top. It's like the opposite of Honda. And if a movie is set in Tokyo and bad guys are on bikes, they're always MT-09s. So be warned, timid or cautious riders are not best served by any of the MTs – as with all the classic Yams listed above, ‘twas ever thus. The MT-09 has one of the few current Japanese engines to…

THE RISE OF adventure bikes in the past few years has meant more and more people taking their bikes off the beaten track – and sometimes with mixed results. It doesn't take much internet searching to come across disaster – for every video of an off-road legend pirouetting his steed like it's weightless, there seems to be ten examples of an overladen, under-tyred beast of burden getting stuck in the mud or slipping and sliding down a slick byway like Bambi on ice. With every second viewed, it's easy to come to the conclusion that if you want a true adventure, don't choose a heavy, long adventure bike. While of course this isn't strictly true, there is no getting away from the fact that when it comes to off-road, light…

BEST BIG-CAPACITY TRAIL BIKE Husqvarna 701 Enduro £10,399 74bhp 155kg 925mm seat Despite the name, this is a proper road bike – it'll cruise all day at 70mph, it's quiet and refined, with 6000-mile service intervals. There's also all the stuff we expect on a modern road bike - riding modes, traction control and ABS. For a single-cylinder bike it's very smooth, has an impressive broad spread of power, and sips fuel. But at 147kg dry (about 155kg fuelled) it's about 100kg lighter than most big adventure bikes and seriously good off-road, if not quite on the scale of the GasGas enduro bikes on the preceding pages thanks to a 40kg weight penalty. But compared to an enduro bike, you do get a lot for your money - in the…

Lomo Vizallo drybag £36 lomo.co.uk ‘Totally waterproof’ I needed this Lomo drybag to complement the panniers on the Tracer 9 GT+ for a big road trip. It took clothes, laptop, spare base layers and shoes for a week away and kept it all resolutely dry through some horrendous rain – hours at a time. It mounted to the bike quickly and easily using the supplied straps and was a doddle to carry in and out of hotels with the handle or shoulder strap. And for £36? What a bargain. Jim Blackstock Beeline Moto II £179.99 beeline.co ‘Really useful satnav’ I was impressed with this new satnav when I tested it last month but – having used it for several routes over 1000 miles, each with numerous waypoints – I'm even…

AUGUST 2023 THROWOVER PANNIERS Oxford P50R £199.99 www.oxfordproducts.com The most expensive here but definitely the most stable and well thought-out. Internal dry-bags keep everything dry and a low profile minimises movement. RECOMMENDED SHAD E48s £141.99 SEPTEMBER 2023 COMBINATION SPANNERS Gedore R09105010 £39.50 A quality, well-fitting set with the highest failure strength. A worthy addition to any home toolkit. RECOMMENDED Teng TT1236 £48.31 OCTOBER 2023 RIDING JEANS Furygan K11 X Kevlar £189.99 A great-fitting pair of jeans that are comfortable, supple and don't look like riding jeans, with acceptable protection. Pictured right. Resurgence Gear Café Racer £245 Superlative protective abilities in a stylish and well-made pair of jeans. Design won't suit everyone though – and neither will the price. Pictured far right. NOVEMBER 2023 ADVENTURE TOURING BOOTS Alpinestars Corozal Adventure £319.99…

‘A gem of a bike – she's an old friend’ Globetrotter and author Sam Manicom has had a 32-year love affair with his BMW R80G/S – and it has no signs of ending yet… Name Sam Manicom, 65 Bike 1992 BMW R80G/S Total miles 285,000 Miles per year 9000 BOUGHT NEW, THIS BMW R80G/S wasn't just Sam's first big bike – it was only his second bike ever. So, setting off on an eight-year ride round the world was a bit of a learning curve. “I learned to ride in six weeks on a Kawasaki KDX125, so going straight from that to this was a wake-up call! Brilliant. “She's called Libby. That's short for Liberty – it's what she gives me. She's still my main means of transport in the…