Table of contents for 11 May 2022 in MCN

Intrepid 23-year-old biker Harry Bott is currently riding a 1926 Sunbeam Model 1 around the UK and Ireland visiting all of the RNLI’s stations in an attempt to raise £5000 for the rescue charity. Harry set off around four weeks ago from Teddington RNLI centre and believes it will take him around four-and-a-half months to complete the ride, with the Sunbeam capable of a top speed of 45mph. He’ll also be visiting various coastal islands on his trip, including the Isle of Man – using his skills as a trained engineer to keep the 96-year-old machine on the road. “I’m averaging around 20mph, so everything goes by a little slower, ” Harry said. “But that’s what you want when you’re on such a nice route. “Everyone’s been really excited to…

The idea of moving bodywork is far from new, but BMW are looking to get in on the act without the use of electronics. We’ve had electrically adjustable screens for years and more recently Moto Guzzi’s V100 Mandello added moving panels in the fairing, but now BMW have filed a patent for ‘adjustable air deflectors’ to boost comfort and improve aerodynamics. The design is illustrated with the image of an R1250GS, but it’s clear the idea is applicable to most bikes. The Mandello’s variableposition flaps, mounted between the rear edge of the nose fairing and the forward shoulders of the fuel tank, illustrate how adaptive aero can work, using electric servos to shift from their windcheating, flush position to an extended mode to push air away. However, with servos and…

Ride further in 2022 with a little help from our one-stop event guide JUST BREW IT Ride out to Britain’s best biking cafés Home to BBC Two’s The Speedshop, the S-Bomb Shop is not only a workshop for custom bikes and builds, but it also boasts a café/bar – which makes it a proper biking destination to tick off your must-visit list. S-Bomb was opened five years ago by ex-SAS soldier-turned-motorcycle-customiser Titch Cormack. Originally a shellfish processing plant, the place was in disrepair to the point where there were holes in the roof. “There were metal structures all around the place and big concrete bays, ” says Titch. “They passed the shellfish through in crates into big vats and that’s where they washed them. That’s why there’s decking – it’s…

£23,373 BMW K1600GTL LE FUNCTIONALITY AND FEATURES…

It was the famous bike jump in The Great Escape that inspired Bruce Brown to buy a bike in the first place, and he was impressed by just how good his hero was on a motorcycle. “Steve could get out there and mix it up with everybody, ” he said. “He was a good rider and super-competitive. If you ever beat him, it would piss him off to the max. He lived in a pretty insulated world, so bikes gave him a chance to get out with real people and bang elbows with them. I think that was important to him. He was real good. I mean, he was an excellent rider and race car driver. It was a no-bull deal – he was good at it.” Brown even got…

The premise of Grasstrack is simple – get a bunch of riders to line up in a farmer’s field and set them off around a pegged-out dirt oval for four laps of full-throttle, opposite-lock action. It’s fast, frenetic, incredibly exciting and stupendously spectacular. Think of it as similar to Speedway, except the track is longer, meaning higher speeds, and littered with lumps, bumps, stones and ruts, plus the odd bit of off-camber to keep riders on their toes. There’s a bigger grid too, up to double the number of Speedway’s maximum of six. The sport became established in the 1920s, when tens of thousands would turn out to watch the top riders of the time battle for their respective clubs at circuits up and down the land. The natural bowl…

The Versys 650 has been part of Kawasaki’s range since 2006. Updates arrived in 2010, 2015 and now again for 2022, but the same basic recipe has always remained – a no-nonsense 649cc parallel-twin and a pair of 17in wheels, matched with a tubular steel frame, with enough room for a rider and pillion. What’s new this time is the styling, which now mimics the four-cylinder Versys 1000. There’s also LED lights everywhere and a colour 4.3in TFT dash with mobile connectivity. But will it be enough to make the Kawasaki top dog in this highly competitive sector? 1 Perky twin performance The 649cc twin-cylinder engine isn’t actually new for 2022 but is worthy of note for its flexibility and impressive range. A rev-happy, Euro5 lump producing a characterful rumble…

SAFFRON WILSONREPORTER Owns a Harley-Davidson and loves to tour in the UK and beyond… As you’re reading this, I’ve had the Aprilia for 33 days, and although it arrived with 150 miles on the clock, it’s now nearer the 1000 mark with most of those being achieved the first weekend I had it. Not bad for a first time out. As my last longterm test bike (Moto Guzzi V7 Stone) was a retro run-around, more suited to city streets than long distances, I was excited to have something that, let’s be honest, is the complete polar opposite. Plus, after getting my first taste of trail riding last year, I’m hoping my time with the Tuareg might turn me on to a life of weekend off-roading adventures. Watch this space… Riding…

Summer in the UK means changeable conditions: Sun often interspersed with heavy downpours, wind-swept countryside and roads strewn with all kinds of debris, so how can you plan for that? “Riding well and safely is all about visibility and searching for grip, which all change in the rain, dry, hot, cold, dark, over white lines and on different road surfaces, ” says Neeves. “Riding to the conditions isn’t just about deciding what to do when the heavens open, it’s more than that. Riding when the sun’s out and the roads are dry gives a sense of security, and a largely consistent level of grip and visibility – but you still have to expect the unexpected. “There’s still gravel deposits on corners to contend with, or mud pulled from a farmer’s…

FHO Racing’s first year in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship paddock was a positive one, with Faye Ho’s squad taking wins and podiums in both Superbike and Superstock. Now the operation is expanding rapidly, and Faye is determined help young female riders succeed. MCN caught up with her to discuss the journey so far. Management style Last year was a learning experience for the BSB team boss, but an enjoyable and rewarding one. She took the time to learn about her crew and riders and the best way of managing the project, whilst working hard to educate herself about the technical side of the bikes – she says the team even test her now and then regarding different parts of the BMW. “I love it, ” she told MCN. “If…

With auction lots ranging from pre-war classics to modern race machinery the Silverstone Auctions sale is a smorgasbord of motorcycling with every pocket catered for. 170 lots are due to go under the hammer on Saturday May 14 at noon, you can bid in person or register online at www.silverstoneauctions.com LAST CHANCE to buy discounted tickets Offers end midnight Thursday, May 12 mcnfestival.com Find a gem in the Autojumble For 2022 the Devitt MCN Festival has teamed up with the East Anglian Copdock show to bring along a selection of autojumble stands selling everything from project bikes to garage clear-outs. Make sure you turn up early for the best pickings. Get in the club This weekend’s Festival is packed with the best bike clubs in the UK showcasing every make and…

A brand-new podcast discussing both mental health and the positive power of motorcycling to improve it goes live today on all major streaming platforms. Produced in conjunction with MCN The Nod with MCN kicked off today (Wednesday, May 11) and is a weekly podcast hosted by men’s mental health advocate Ben Bowers, alongside co-anchors and good friends, adventurer Charley Boorman and custom bike builder Anthony Partridge. “It was really a desire to create opportunities to empower people with their own mental health through normalising conversations around the subject, ” Bowers said. “We wanted to do it in a way that was fun and create an opportunity for people to learn without feeling like they are being preached to.” Bowers has been a Movember ambassador for more than 10 years and…

ACTING NEWS EDITOR A one-of-a-kind feet-forwards streamliner dubbed the ‘Monoliner’ will make its debut at this weekend’s Devitt MCN Festival of Motorcycling. Powered by the 898cc circa 100bhp parallel-twin engine from the short-lived Husqvarna Nuda 900 supermoto, it’s been a labour of love for Lincolnshire rider Colin Russell – having started life as an electric project designed to compete at the first-ever Isle of Man TTXGP (the forerunner to the TT Zero) in 2009. “It was going to be streamlined and it was going to race on the Isle of Man, ” Russell told MCN. “I like things that are different and I like things that are challenging.” “It’s probably the answer to a question nobody’s asked, ” he joked, “but what would we be riding now if the FIM…

The legendary – but previously dusty – Moto Guzzi Museum, located at the historic Italian marque’s picturesque factory in Mandello del Lario on the banks of Lake Como, has been completely renovated and is now welcoming visitors. The revamped venue has over 160 bikes on display charting Guzzi’s 100year history. Organised over three floors in the factory’s administrative block, there are three distinct zones – Racing (including the astonishing 1957 ‘Otto’ V8), Production (with bikes ranging from the original 1921 Normale to the latest MGX-21 cruiser) and Military, with all the machines arranged in chronological order. According to Guzzi, many of the machines themselves have also been “carefully and minutely restored over the past few months” by the company’s own staff. The renovation represents the first phase of a complete…

Readers Keith and James Anderson The trip We (me and my son James, aged 13) sailed from Portsmouth to Bilbao. The route was made from picking twisty roads from my tourist and motoring road atlas and some RiDE magazine routes. How many miles? We had seven days in total and covered 1293 miles. The route was Bilbao, Reinosa, Luarca, Bragnca, Cuidad Rodrigo, Segovia, Vitoria Gasteiz and back to Bilbao. Best time to go Mid April, but don’t remove your thermal liners! Encountered snow at 1800 metres Don’t miss… Reinosa to Luarca on the north coast. Which was west on the CL626/623 then north on the amazing AS227 through Parque Natural de Somiedo. The road and views were unsurpassed… absolutely incredible! Send your trips to yourpics@motorcyclenews.com TRY THIS… ‘The road and…

What’s happening? Peterborough’s East of England Arena will once more be packed to the brim with bikers (and families) for the whole weekend. You can test ride the latest metal with major manufacturers and their test fleets (remember kit and your licence) and you can bag a bargain and some great gear throughout the massive array of stalls. With stunt shows and Moped Mayhem there’s live action too, and Silverstone Auctions will be there on the Saturday. The essentials Doors open on Saturday, May 14 at 9am and close at 6pm, but if you’re camping the whole weekend (£35 in advance), then there will be extra entertainment in the evening as well as early access to the show both days. You can opt to attend for the day (doors close…

Who would have predicted that an air–cooled singlecylinder adventure bike would be one of the UK’s best–selling models? Well, that’s exactly what the Royal Enfield Himalayan has achieved, steadfastly sticking in the top few sellers in its class since it was launched in 2018. In fact, last year it was beaten only by the BMW GS and shifted an impressive 1079 bikes. And this success story has been replicated all over the world with the unassuming Himalayan one of Enfield’s most popular models. So, with the adventure bike box well and truly ticked, Enfield have taken the Himalayan and made it a bit more ‘trendy’ for 2022 to appeal to a younger – or different – audience. The Scram 411 is effectively a Himalayan made more ‘urban enduro’ than ‘global…

Grasstrack is a very easy sport to get into, all you need to race is an ACU licence, suitable bike and protective kit. The GT140 class uses surprisingly affordable 140cc pit bike style engines in a solo frame, while the entry-level GS500 powered class is the gateway to sidecars – in either case less than £1000 could get you on the grid. The place to start is Grasstrack Banter on Facebook where you’ll find a friendly community that’s dedicated to the sport and open to racers, spectators and enthusiasts alike.…

MICHAEL NEEVESCHIEF ROAD TESTER Gets off on touring, trackdays and modern and classic superbike racing. Road testing might be all about delivering hard-nosed facts and opinions, but living with a bike is, of course, more emotive. My Triumph Speed Triple RR is a case in point. I rode it at its launch at Ascari and around the MCN250 and it has its faults – mostly its wooden brake feel and how hard it is on the wrists, but a whole new character is emerging as the weeks go by. Despite its superbike performance it’s a lovely bike to just ride slowly, and that’s what separates it from a race rep. It’s deliciously refined, from its electronic Öhlins to its new engine and has so much grunt you barely need to…

MCN CONTRIBUTOR Covid-19 wiped out all of the world’s major road races over the past two seasons – grounding between the hedges action since the Macau Grand Prix in November 2019. The North West 200’s return this week signals a return to normality for the hardest hit area of motorcycle sport. 200mph and counting The NW200 is all about 200mph straights, chicanes and the sweeping coast road that every rider names as their favourite part of the seaside course. Two Superbike events top an eight-race programme over two days of mass-start racing as Glenn Irwin arrives as the man to beat on his Honda Racing Fireblade. With three wins in the opening round of the British Superbike series at Silverstone, the Ulsterman revels in the adulation he has received from…

November 2020 FHO Racing is launched following Faye Ho’s takeover of Smiths Racing. Xavi Fores joins Hickman in BSB, with Alex Olsen returning in Superstock. Oulton Park 2021 Hickman secures a podium in the team’s second BSB race. Brands Hatch 2021 Olsen secures the team’s first-ever victory. Thruxton 2021 Olsen wins both Superstock races. Hickman gets a podium. Cadwell Park 2021 Hickman seals FHO’s first BSB victories (X2) at their local round. September 2021 FHO launch initiative to support female riders; Junior Supersport stars Charlotte Marcuzzo and Scarlett Robinson, and British Talent Cup racer, Holly Harris. Silverstone 2021 Olsen wins again whilst Hickman qualifies for the Showdown. 2021 Results Hickman finishes fifth and top BMW rider. Olsen finishes third. February 2022 FHO join forces with Gas Monkey Garage in TT…

It’s an old cliché but one that rings true right now for Sam Lowes and Jake Dixon who know they can’t make any errors this weekend. The British duo have been amongst the fastest riders in this year’s Moto2 World Championship with an impressive haul of two podiums, one pole position and five front row starts between them. Yet a combination of rotten luck and key mistakes have seriously dented their early title challenge and meant there’s been scant reward for their obvious speed. Lowes goes into this weekend’s French GP desperate to turn his season around after three successive DNFs dumped him 65-points adrift of leader Celestino Vietti. Two of those non-finishes were no fault of Lowes, after Somkiat Chantra torpedoed him out on lap one in Austin and…

News Suzuki will quit at the end of the year has thrown the riders’ market into a tailspin. Not only are there two riders of proven race winning pedigree now available, there is a race on to secure the two grid slots that the Japanese manufacturer is set to vacate. It’s hard to recall a time in recent history when two names involved in the MotoGP title race have been told they are out of a ride come the season’s end. Based on ability and application (Mir), plus current form (Rins), it would be negligent for MotoGP’s remaining five factories to at least not consider finding space for one of them. Whispers around Repsol Honda at the Spanish Grand Prix indicated Pol Espargaro has not earned the trust of Team…

ACTING NEWS EDITOR MV Agusta surprised bike fans across the globe last November, kicking off a new ‘Lucky Explorer’ project at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan with the 9.5 and 5.5 adventure bike concepts inspired by the Dakar Rally success of the original Cagiva Elefant. With the project made possible by Cagiva belonging to the same group as MV, company CEO Timur Sardarov has now revealed exclusively to MCN that more adventure models are on the way, with a production-ready version of the 554cc twin-pot 5.5 to make its debut at this year’s EICMA show. “It’s something very new. MV Agusta haven’t developed a full product from scratch together with a new engine for the last 12 years, ” Sardarov said, in reference to the 9.5. “We already have…

An online group encouraging more women to get together on two wheels across Lincolnshire is going from strength to strength, attracting almost 350 members since it began in late 2019. The #girlsrideout Facebook group was founded by local trio Roch Hall, Donna Robinson and Elizabeth Fish in September 2019 after riding as a smaller group of up to six across the previous year. Despite interruptions from the Covid-19 pandemic, the social media forum has now attracted 342 members from across the county. “From doctors to teachers – there’s all kinds of people in the group, ” Roch told MCN. “And that’s the great thing about biking. Every biker is equal when you’re riding. “Some joining the group have just done their CBTs and have joined to get inspiration to push…

Calling all Fireblade owners and fans… Honda want you to attend a special weekend celebration marking 30 years of the Japanese superbike, set to take place at this month’s Donington Park BSB round. From May 20-22, all Honda riders will receive a 20% discount on the price of admission to the circuit, as well as exclusive parking at the Melbourne Loop. Fireblade owners will then have the chance to ride around the circuit between 6pm and 8pm on the Saturday evening, as well as complete a parade lap with TT legend and 2022 Honda rider, John McGuinness on Saturday and Sunday lunchtime. Book tickets at doningtonpark.msv.com.…

Ducati Glasgow are behind a fantastic weekend of biking action which takes place on May 14-15. On the Saturday Carl Fogarty will be in-store alongside a fantastic line-up of bikes including a Desmosedici RR, MH900E, V4 Superleggera, Paul Smart 1000E and more. There’ll also be a raffle for two tickets for ‘An Evening With Carl Fogarty’ in Glasgow the following evening. While on the Sunday, Foggy will be joining the dealer’s ‘Grand Day Out at Knockhill’, which also involves Lamborghini Edinburgh, for a day of track rides, pillion rides with Foggy, Ian Simpson and Iain MacPherson, bike experiences on and off-track, displays, food and drink, a raffle and more. For full info go to ducatiglasgow.co.uk CCM open day CCM, the British manufacturers of the fabulous, single-cylinder Spitfire series, are having…

Bike racing is set to resume at one of Britain’s most historic circuits later this month following a three-year layoff complicated by Covid. Aintree Racing Circuit which, as its name suggests, is located within the Grand National horse racing course in Liverpool, was built in 1954 and hosted Formula 1 races in the 1950s and 60s. The original three-mile Grand Prix circuit was last used in 1964 but a shorter, 1.5-mile Club Circuit located towards Becher’s Brook (one of the toughest fences jumped by horses in the Grand National) remained open. Since then, it’s been primarily used for motorcycle club racing, and proved significant in the early careers of riders such as 23-time TT winner John McGuinness, and four-time World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty. That was all brought to a…

Richa Vendetta jacket £219.99 Made from high-abrasion textile with a mesh lining and soft neoprene collar, there are two outside and four inside pockets. The Airtech Control System offers ventilation at key areas and the jacket has a removable waterproof and insulation layer. There are hard shoulder cups, plus integrated D3O protection at the shoulders, elbows and back. www.nevis.uk.com Wunderkind Custom Indian Chief numberplate holder £295 This adjustable CNC-milled aluminium numberplate holder is side-mounted to add to the Indian Chief’s already cool custom looks. It has a built-in LED light and the connection cables can be hidden within the unit. You can tweak the angle to get it just right. www.wunderkind-custom.com Sidi Crossfire 3 SRS boots (limited edition) £469.99 These top-notch off-road boots feature a Hyper Extension Block, which protects…

MCN CONTRIBUTOR Benelli’s 499.6cc TRK502 adventure bike has turned into a massive hit in its Italian heartland – becoming the top-selling motorcycle in that market in both 2020 and 2021. Although there are now hopes that the larger TRK800 will replicate that success in more markets, Benelli are already making plans for yet another TRK adventure bike that could be better still. The upcoming TRK702 has been type-approved in China, where these pictures have emerged as part of official paperwork. This is where Benelli’s parent company, Qianjiang, are based and where modern Benellis are manufactured. The 702 shares the same family face as the TRK800 but appears to use a chassis that’s more closely related to the smaller TRK502’s trellis. Most notably though, it has a new 693cc parallel twin…

While watching MotoGP recently I had the horrible realisation that British riders have gone the same way the British bike industry did. Once it was enough to ride in BSB then progress to WSB or MotoGP, alas not anymore! Italian and Spanish riders, who let’s face it, make up most of international racing now, are bred and trained from an early age for MotoGP. Thank heavens Michael Laverty has the foresight to realise this with his Moto3 team. Andy Parkinson, email Ed: And congratulations to Scott Ogden (pictured) who has got off to a flying start in Moto3 this season Be our Star Letter writer and win a pair of touchscreen-compatible Weise Apex leather gloves worth £59.99 from weiseclothing.com…

Send your first bike pics to: yourpics@motorcyclenews.com GARELLI CONCORDE MATIC This was a present from my husband Bill in 1982. Margaret DUCATI MONSTER My first bike after passing my test between lockdowns. Wanted a bike for years, but life got in the way. Raymond Montgomery YAMAHA DT125 MX Thought you might like this one of my great little Yamaha from back in the summer of 1985. Chris Hornsby BSA BANTAM Bantam D7, then D14/4 in 1974. Photo taken at UEA Norwich. Tiger Cubs followed, then an A10, which was stolen and a Triton which I still have. John HONDA CX500 1986 and ready for many miles on the trusty CX500. Those things were definitely built to last. Chris H YAMAHA DT50 Back in 1979, I went to school on the…

1 Oxford Cheetahs May 11 This Wednesday sees a full evening of racing as Oxford Cheetahs host the Redcar Bears at home in the Oxford Stadium for this Championship League battle. Gates open at 7.30pm. Admission: adults £18, kids aged 12-15 £6, and under 12s £1. www.oxfordspeedway.club 2 Iron Horse rally May 13-16 V-twins from around the country will descend on the Blue Dolphin Holiday Park in Filey for the annual Iron Horse Rally this weekend. Tickets are from £25 for adults; see the website for accommodation. www.ironhorserally.co.uk 3 Vintage & Classic Bike Show May 15 The British Commercial Vehicle Museum is hosting a vintage and classic show in Leyland, Lancs, on Sunday. www.britishcommercialvehiclemuseum.com 4 North West 200 May 14 Road racing is back on the North West 200 circuit…

SATURDAY May 14 8am, BTS2, Live MotoGP of France: FP3. Qualifying at 11am. MotoE Race 1 at 3pm. 1.25pm, EUR2, Tarran Mackenzie: Behind the Visor 5.30pm, EUR2, Live Speedway Grand Prix from Warsaw, Poland SUNDAY May 15 8am, BTS2, Live MotoGP of France: Warm Ups. Moto3 at 9.15am. Moto2 at 11am and MotoGP at 12.30pm. Chequered Flag at 2pm 8.55am, ITV, King of the Roads: Cookstown 100, also at 9.55am 1.50pm, EUR2, Bennetts British Superbikes – Photo Archive Feature MONDAY May 16 8am, ITV, MotoGP Highlights from Le Mans, France KEY TO CHANNELS: DRT – DISCOVERY REAL TIME DSC – DISCOVERY CHANNEL DHD – DISCOVERY CHANNEL HD EXS – EXTREME SPORTS CHANNEL EUR1 (2, HD) – EUROSPORT 1 (2, HD) MOT – MOTORSPORT. TV CH4 – CHANNEL 4 CH5 –…

There are four bikes in BMW’s six-cylinder K-Series family but a total of seven versions if you want to up the spec list. So, no matter what your touring life entails, there is a big Beemer to suit your needs, with prices starting at just over £20,000. Topping the tree is the K1600GTL, which is the fulldress tourer that comes with panniers and a topbox and is available in £21,923 standard or £23,373 LE guise, with the LE adding crash bars, LED fog lights, Gearshift Assist Pro, central locking, keyless ride and an alarm system. ‘Topping the BMW tree is the K1600GTL’ Next is the K1600GT, which has a sportier-focus than the GTL, brighter paint schemes and no topbox as standard. It comes in £20,398 base form or £21,745 SE…

People who have shaped our world BRUCE BROWN USA, 1937-2017 The US director started out making films about the surf scene before getting bitten by the biking bug. In 1970 he created On Any Sunday – the most influential biking movie ever made. It’s considered the greatest and most important biking documentary film ever made, and it was responsible for inspiring a whole new generation of riders. On Any Sunday starred, and was financed by, Steve McQueen, but it was the director, Bruce Brown, who managed to convey the sheer joy of riding motorcycles in a way that had never been seen before. The documentary film covered all aspects of riding, from dirt bikes to desert races, and road racing to ice racing, and helped shape the public opinion of…

THEN Don Godden (1936-2011) Rode Grasstrack and Longtrack in the 1960s and 70s, notching up three 500cc British titles when the sport was at its most competitive. He was a pioneer, being the first Brit to regularly compete in Europe (European Longtrack Champion in 1969) as well as achieving success as an engineer with his world title winning GR500 engine. Alf Hagon, 90, Waltham Abbey Possibly the best-known name in grassrack racing, both as a competitor and component manufacturer. Alf won 11 British Championships at 500cc and 350cc between 1954 and 1964. In 1965 he traded in the track for the drag strip and became the first Brit to log a flying mile at over 200mph. NOW James Shanes, 25, Dorset Kicked off his career aged six on a 50cc…

Bell Qualifier DLX Mips £229.99 ‘Clever self-tinting visor’ Tested by Emma Franklin for four months/2000 miles This plastic-shelled ECE 22.05 lid from US brand Bell is seriously impressive for a helmet at this price point. For starters, it comes with a super-trick ProTint visor, which reacts to the conditions to become darker on brighter days and clear again at night or in low-light. It works pretty seamlessly too, with the only time it struggles to react quickly enough being when you enter a tunnel. This type of visor, when purchased for other makes of helmet, is usually insanely expensive, so it’s impressive that Bell have included one on this mid-range model. There’s a NutraFog II coating on the visor, too, which provides anti-fog/scratch and UV benefits, however I have discovered…

With the spiralling cost of petrol, many families are choosing to abandon their second car and instead rely on just one form of four-wheeled transport… which is where bikes come in. An all-rounder can be used for everything from the shopping run to a weekend away, commuting to sunny Sunday rides, making it a practical choice rather than just a luxury. But which is best for you? £4500-£6000 Suzuki V-Strom 650XT An overlooked middleweight that’ll weather a nuclear storm The baby V-Strom makes for a brilliant do-it-all that punches well above its size. Powered by a version of the SV650’s easy-going V-twin, you get ABS and traction control as standard alongside an adjustable screen, 20-litre fuel tank and roomy riding position. Solid and very dependable, it makes for a great…

SPORTS REPORTER Crescent Yamaha made history last year by becoming the first British team to win the Riders’, Teams’, and Manufacturers’ titles. They did that by ending Jonathan Rea and Kawasaki’s stranglehold on WSB with star rider Toprak Razgatlioglu. MCN sat down with Paul Denning who leads the team and the Crescent Motorcycles business – following in the footsteps of grandfather, Edward and father, John, who sadly died aged 81 last month. The race team was founded in 1996, enjoying success in BSB, WSB and MotoGP. What did it mean to win those three titles? The overwhelming emotion was relief because from around midseason onwards it felt like that we had the bike, the rider, and the team, so were in a position to win, but then something would throw…