Table of contents for 24 July 2024 in MCN

Malle London have released a book telling the story of the Malle Mile. Miles celebrates “the racers, the makers and the shakers from ten years of The Malle Mile story”. More than 340 photos feature in the book, which is available in two editions, including a collector's edition limited to 200 copies. Visit mallelondon.com for more. Grom reloaded Honda's pocket-sized MSX125 Grom has been updated with styling revisions, including quick-detach body panels, three new paint options and – for the first time – a range of official Honda accessories including panniers, a tank bag and a windscreen. The two-valve motor remains the same, and the tried and tested chassis continues to employ 31mm USD forks and 12-inch wheels. Husky trekking The 2024 Husqvarna Trek comes to Europe for the first…

Italjet have announced their biggest, maddest, and fastest offering yet – a 68.4bhp, twin-cylinder Dragster 700. Commuter traffic won't know what's hit it… Aimed at the likes of Yamaha's TMAX 560 and Honda's Forza 750 – but with a sportier edge – the full production machine will be revealed at this November's EICMA trade show in Milan and a limited-edition version is on sale now as a bit of a taster. It follows hard on the heels of the sensational twin-cylinder Dragster 500GP and 559 concepts unveiled in 2022 and 2023 respectively. Producing almost 70bhp, the parallel twin is paired to a one-down, five-up six-speed transmission – setting it apart from its twist'n'go competition. Riders will also enjoy top-spec cycle parts including Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes, with Italjet saying…

Police Scotland are appealing for information after multiple greens were churned up by anti-social motorcycle and quad bike riders at Caird Park Golf Course in Dundee. Officers were called to the venue on Thursday, July 11 at around 6pm, after four people on a red quad bike were seen on the course, as well as two motorbikes. The damaged caused is expected to cost around £10,000 to repair. “Enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible,” said Police Constable Nikki Fotheringham. “We are appealing for anyone who was on the course, or in the surrounding area, at the time who may have noticed people riding a red quad bike and two motorcycles to get in touch.” No arrests had been made at the time of writing. Anyone with information is asked…

Hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts headed to the Peak District for the third Lightweight Adventure Festival. The event has grown from humble beginnings in 2022 to attracting 550 attendees this time around, to celebrate travelling light on two wheels and using low-capacity bikes to explore off the beaten path. Although the sun failed to shine throughout the weekend, spirits were not dampened and visitors were regaled with tales from the 40 speakers. Talks included how-tos by Mondo Enduro star Austin Vince and the annual TAMPodcast awards. Event Co-Founder Marc Deri said: “It's been far better than we could've hoped for. We've had some incredible presenters and exhibitors – every single one of which was hand-picked. “The festival has matured since last year. It's stepped up a gear. We've learned a few…

JUST BREW IT Ride out to Britain's best biking cafés THE DETAILS • Weds-Sunday 9.30am-4.30pm • Find out more / www.facebook.com/VictoryCafeIsleofMan • Mountain Rd, Snaefell IM4 5AF The Isle of Man is known worldwide for the TT, Manx GP and Classic TT but now there's another reason to visit… Victory Café. Sitting on the hill overlooking the Bungalow, the café was first the site of a Cold War radar station, then became the home of Murray's Motorcycle Museum, and now in the hands of husband-andwife duo Benn and Vicky Quirk, it's a thriving eatery. Vicky and Benn bought the derelict building in February 2019 and brought the place up to scratch throughout the pandemic, completing most of the work themselves, and bringing in friends to help. Now they are busy…

For sure, the most famous race on the Isle of Man is the Tourist Trophy, which is known the world over and thousands flock to watch the road-racing extravaganza every year. But the Isle of Man doesn't go quiet for the rest of the year, in fact, there are plenty of opportunities to see some high-octane action. • Manx Grand Prix More two-wheeled, nail biting racing, August 18-24 • Andreas Racing Association IoM's motorcycle and sidecar racing club, August 25, September 15, October 12 • Rallies Four-wheeled racing, September 12-14 • Isle of Man TT The main event! Get booking your accommodation and crossings now. May 26June 7 2025 • Manx two-day trial One of the largest national trials in the UK, TBC for 2025 • Southern 100 Road Races…

MOTO GUZZI SUZUKI…

The middleweight adventure bike class is a crowded place. With established offerings from a host of leading manufacturers, you wouldn't have thought there would be room for anything new, but Chinese manufacturer Kove have gone all-out to prove that isn't the case with their flagship 800X which has comparable power and less weight next to the big players… and comes in at a considerably lower price. Reality bites Before we even got to ride it, the Kove's spec sheet got our attention. Unveiled at EICMA at the end of 2023, the on-paper specs looked almost too good to be true. Powered by a 799cc parallel twin motor which is a direct copy of the KTM 790 motor but with a revised top end, Kove claim 94bhp and 59lb.ft torque at…

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the most ambitious, eagerly-awaited and – at least briefly – desirable motorcycle of modern times – Yamaha's now legendary 1984 RD500LC. The first of what would become a trio of mid-'80s 500GP replicas (along with 1985's Honda NS400R and Suzuki RG500), the all-new Yamaha was motorcycling excitement made metal. This bike simply had it all. As an RD-LC it was the big brother to the RD250 and 350LC which ran rampant on early ‘80s roads, collecting a raft of proddie racing titles, hooligan fanboys and MCN Machine of the Year awards along the way. As a two-stroke 500cc V4 it promised giant-killing performance – the 47bhp 350 had often been described as ‘a jet’ so the promised 90bhp 500 would surely be ballistic…

EXPERT GUIDE TO Riding a bike shouldn't just be about headline power figures, it needs to be about how the machine feels, what it responds like and even how it sounds. And on this front, these five used bikes are winners. These sportsbikes were never quite the fastest in their day, but they do deliver something a bit special and memorable. That's not to say any are slugs, far from it, but when you don't feel like using their blistering performance, you can take things a bit easier and enjoy their character instead. YOUR EXPERT Jon Urry is MCN's used bike guru. He has very fond memories of the Ducati 848 launch and watching Ruben Xaus make everyone look like novices around Almeria.…

£7000-£11,000 (2009-2016) The RC8 R arrived in 2009 but it should have been released about four years earlier to stand any chance against Ducati. That said, it's a beautifully old-school V-twin that sounds incredible (the Akrapovic full system is catastrophically loud) and rides wonderfully. Designed with road riders in mind, the RC8 R isn't too extreme and still looks fresh. BUYER BEWARE ● Check the area around the water pump as the seal is a known weak point, often failing and allowing coolant to leak past. It's a cheap fix. ● The composite tank is known to expand with age as modern fuels react with it. It won't split but can be a real pain to get back in place once removed for maintenance. ● The original RC8 is 1148cc…

MCN's website has expert opinion and buying advice on hundreds of used bikes, regularly updated and packed with insight. Here are three of the latest – visit motorcyclenews.com for dozens more. 2007-2010 Buell 1125R Owners’ rating While the engine scores well, reliability is an issue. With a rating of just 3.5/5 for reliability and build quality, the Buell is one for enthusiastic (or mechanically competent) riders. 2003-2014 Benelli Tornado Tre 1130 Owners’ rating A total of 11 owners have reviewed the Tornado and while some have had a nightmare with reliability, others are more fortunate. When they work they are great, but if they fail… 2011-2012 Triumph Daytona 675R Owners’ rating The first R-model Daytona 675 is a brilliant bike that although compact, rides fantastically and has a wonderful engine. The…

Britain's Dan Linfoot was joined on the Yoshimura SERT Suzuki by 2020 Moto3 World Champion Albert Arenas. The Spaniard has had a solid start to his Moto2 season but was keen to sample a superbike and impressed on his Suzuka debut as the team finished on the podium once again. Arriving as the championship leader there was pressure on the team to perform but didn't show on Cocora Atsumi as the Japanese rider produced a spectacular final stint to snatch the final step of the podium from Ducati's grasp. A mid-race ride-through penalty, for Arenas leaving the pits without his fuel cap cover in place, saw the team embroiled in a battle with Ducati. The V4R led on the opening lap of the race and at one point it looked…

The Slovakia Ring could see a new country join the WSBK calendar next year after representatives from the track were at Most to meet Dorna. The Slovakia Ring is a 3.6-mile (5.9-km) track less than 20 miles from the main airport that serves capital city Bratislava. We'll find out more when the new race calendar is revealed in November. Sam's bad break Sam Lowes suffered a broken left collarbone during his heavy crash in Sunday's Superpole race. The Marc VDS rider lost control into Turn 1 in an incident which also involved Scott Redding. He has a non-displaced fracture and missed Race 2. Tom Booth-Amos missed his Sunday with gastroenteritis, having finished seventh-fiftheighth for PTR Triumph during his last three contests. Ducati's Huertas does the business Adrian Huertas (Aruba Ducati)…

Andrea Locatelli produced a sparkling performance in Race 2, racking up his third podium of 2024 but first since Australia at the end of February. It was a great way for Crew Chief, Tom O'Kane, to celebrate his 60th birthday. “See how he fought for every position? This kind of aggression and riding is why I do my job,” said a delighted O'Kane. “I love it. The racing, the atmosphere and the people here are fantastic.” Locatelli himself, who started Sunday's races from ninth and sixth positions respectively, described the result as ‘an incredible job’. “We've made a big, big step with the bike and especially in these hot conditions,” the Italian stated. “This is a big day. We had good confidence and grip until the end. We were lacking…

Lee Jackson enjoyed his best weekend of the season so far onboard the MasterMac Honda, picking up a best result of sixth. It hasn't been plain sailing for Jackson following his move from the FS-3 Racing-run Kawasaki team, with the Lincolnshire man forced to adapt to the latest Honda Fireblade having spent the previous four seasons onboard the ZX-10RR. On the other side of the garage, Charlie Nesbitt remains inside the top 10 of the championship after securing a ninth and 10th on Sunday. The improved form for both men may have come at a good time given that Thruxton levels the playing field for most manufacturers. Last year, Nesbitt bagged a hat-trick of podiums at his home round onboard the Honda, while Jackson stood on the podium in two…

WELCOME It brought a little smile to my face when I read the latest MCIA new bike registration figures for June and saw that Honda's CBR600RR was the best-selling middleweight for the month. The CBR600RR was one of the first sportsbikes I rode on track (at the Honda Ron Haslam Race School, as I'm sure many of you probably did too), and I remember feeling utterly thrilled by its high-revving character but totally cossetted by its sublime ‘Honda’ handling. Roll forward a few more years to 2013 to the UK launch of the updated version, again at Donington Park but this time in freezing temperatures and snow, the supersport Honda still managed to make me smile in spite of the super-slippery conditions. Again, there was something greater than the sum…

Honda's revived-for-2024 CBR600RR has become Britain's best-selling middleweight, topping the sector sales charts in June with 162 sold, according to figures from the Motorcycle Industry Association. “What a brilliant bit of news this is! From the moment it first came on display at Motorcycle Live last year and the customer reaction it had, we knew it was going to be a great addition to our already strong supersport line-up,” Head of Motorcycles at Honda UK, Neil Fletcher told MCN. “To see the subsequent sales success since its arrival in dealers has been great. To also combine this with the racing success in the British Supersport class and at the Isle of Man TT means we couldn't be more pleased,” he continued. The CBR600RR was dropped in Europe back in 2017…

Norton used this month's Goodwood Festival of Speed to announce plans for international expansion and six new models over three years. The Indian-owned but UK-based operation said new launches would start to arrive from as early as next year, but they remained tightlipped on what those new models might be. The current range consists of the Commando 961 family, as well as the V4SV and V4CR, all of which can only be sold in the UK using Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) rules. Alongside the new models, the firm stated they wanted to see increased sales through partners in the USA, Germany, France, Italy, and India. In attendance for the announcement was CEO Dr Robert Hentschel, Sudarshan Venu who is MD of parent company TVS, and recently appointed Executive Director…

Sidi Mid Performer £159.99 Bigger savings on shorter boots There's no doubting the protection offered by a sturdy full-length boot, but there are times when something shorter could be more suitable for the occasion. You may be an urban rider or commuter looking to wear something lighter in the summer, on tour and wanting the flexibility to explore away from the bike or just after a low profile, casual look to pair up with riding jeans. We've pulled together a selection of deals on shorter boots from across the board, so whatever style you ride, we should have a shoe that fits. Sidi are one of the most renowned boot makers in the industry, and the Mid Performer leans heavily on the features found on their high-end sports and touring…

WHAT'S NEW IN TECH? There must be something slightly disheartening about being in the battery development game. For years we all simply accepted the same old alkaline disposable cells and NiCd rechargeables, with short lifespans and tiny outputs, but the arrival of the lithium-ion battery in the 1990s changed all that. Here was a technology that lasted longer, charged better and was much more energy-dense than its predecessors, and it's a technology that's continuously improved since its introduction. Without li-ion, most of today's tech – whether it's the smartphone or the electric car – wouldn't be viable. But because li-ion tech has improved so rapidly over the past three decades we're now constantly awaiting the next leap forward. For many, solid-state batteries represent that step. But what are they, and…

Send your trips to yourpics@motorcyclenews.com Readers Michael Visovsky (2008 Suzuki V-Strom 650) and Blaine Stockinger (2019 Ducati Multistrada Enduro 1260) The ride Hunting Quail in California… To a legendary gathering at the Quail Lodge in Carmel, California. Display bikes are accepted by application only, so there are beautiful examples of many rare machines. How many miles? 2200 and we camped all the way When to do it? Spring How long do you need? Eight days Tell us about the trip… Spring arrived and it was time to take a multi-day ride down the Pacific Coast Highway. The goal was to attend the Quail Motorcycle Gathering in Carmel, California. It's one of the most exclusive motorcycle meets in the United States. The bikes were a crosssection of just about anything you…

Although Guzzi's Stelvio is an all-new, GS-rivalling, big-bore adventure bike, the Italian marque has been here before… with mixed success. Guzzi currently offer the V85 TT as launched in 2019, which, although not a true adventure bike and, based on the ‘small block’, air-cooled, 853cc V9/V7 powertrain producing 79bhp, isn't in the same performance class, has proved popular for its mix of retro character and trailie-tourer ability. Guzzi's first big trailie, though, was the 1984 V65 TT (hence the name of the V85), which followed the then ‘Dakar Rally replica’ theme, was based on Guzzi's then 48bhp small block V-twin and succeeded by the 1986 NTX which gained a fairing and Honda Transalp-style vibe. Guzzi's first big adventure bike, the 1000cc Quota, came in 1992. Initially with 948cc and 69bhp,…

No motorcycle industry figure of modern times was as glamourous, charismatic and, arguably, influential, as Jean-Claude Olivier, president of France's Sonauto Yamaha, later Yamaha France, in a career spanning over 45 years. It was ‘JCO’ (as he was affectionately known) who not only famously got Brigitte Bardot to pose on a Yamaha, and later wheelied a VMAX in a suit, but he was also fundamental to the popularity of the Paris-Dakar, grew Yamaha France into a major European powerhouse and helped launch the careers of Christian Sarron and Stephane Peterhansel. The son of Porsche Le Mans driver Gonzague Olivier, at 20 years old JCO began working for Sonauto, then a French Porsche importer which had recently added Yamaha to its portfolio. JCO was tasked with developing the brand, visiting potential…

Chinese designed and built, the Kove will no doubt split opinion when it comes to both quality and ethics. Addressing the quality side of the discussion it looks and feels well designed and well put together. There are plenty of nice touches and a few not so nice, but the components are high spec and in the two days and 15 hours of riding we did, it never missed a beat or glitched in any way. Longevity is something we've been so far unable to evaluate. The first service is between 600 and 900 miles and then every 5000 miles. First valve check is at 12,000 miles and it comes with a two-year, 30,00km warranty. Kove UK have set-up a servicing facility in Oxford where bikes would need to be…

KNOW YOUR RD500s The first to go on sale in April 1984 was called the RZ500, designed purely for the Australian, New Zealand and Canadian markets. Although mechanically identical to the later European version, it had a different ‘speed block’ colour scheme with gold wheels and Yokohama OE tyres. It was this bike which won first time out at the Hub 300 and which propelled a young Mick Doohan to racing stardom. The European-spec version was the next to go on sale in June 1984, called the RD500LC and sporting the most familiar red/white design with black wheels and Michelin OE tyres. In 1985 this model was also offered in a new black/red colour scheme while in 1986 a batch of UK bikes were painted in GP replica Marlboro colours…

5000 miles ON TEST EDZ Merino Mid-Layer Zip Neck Top £74.99 I've worn EDZ undergarments for years, and the quality, fit and styling have always been spot on. This long-sleeved base layer is no exception. It has been worn time and again, never lost shape, always been comfortable and adds warmth without bulk. Made from 100% wool, it comes in a range of sizes, from 8-18, it is a snug fit but not tight and comes up true to size. Sleeves are a decent length and I like the raglan shoulder seams, they are smooth and don't add any lumps and bumps. It can be thrown in a 30°c wash load and takes minimal drying. Classed as a mid-layer, I would always wear a T-shirt or base layer underneath, but…

With a gnat's whisker under 6000 miles on the odometer, it's fair to say the GS isn't just still impressing – it's actually impressing a little more each day. With familiarity and an ever-deepening exploration of its skill set, it sucks you deeper and deeper into its charms. So, what are the latest observations on the GS's all-new features? 1 Further is better I get a bit uncomfortable after about 100 miles in the saddle, and feel it's down to the relationship between seat and pegs being slightly cramped. If I could raise the seat another 30mm, I think it would cure the issue. But then something odd happens… Keep on keeping on, and the comfort returns. On several 300-plus-mile afternoons in the saddle recently, I was more comfortable at…

£4800-£9000 (2009-2014) If you like an inline four yet are a bit tired of a wailing exhaust note and rev-happy motor, try the crossplane R1. Not only does the off-beat exhaust note sound stunning, the whole engine's character is so appealing. Smooth on a constant throttle yet lumpy like a twin when you accelerate, the crossplane's midrange drive makes it ideally suited to road riding. BUYER BEWARE ● Avoid aftermarket shifters as they can cause premature wear. ● Many get the ECU remapped for a smoother throttle response. Another good mod is to remove the catalytic converter through a de-link pipe as it tends to trap heat, leading to a cooked leg in summer. ● The original clutch plates on the R1 are a trifle weak. If you can detect…

In recent years Honda have endured a torrid time in World Championship racing and their only saving grace has been the Suzuka 8 Hours. And it looked like their luck might have run out at the weekend when they were hit with a late race 40 second penalty after mechanics were seen working on the bike during refuelling. Suzuka has been the only event that HRC could hang their hat on for success in recent years. The 45th edition of the great race proved no exception – but they had to sweat it out in stifling conditions of almost 40°C. And at the flag, just seven seconds split Team HRC from the reigning World Endurance Champions YART. Starting from third on the grid the Number 30 Honda wasted little time…

If Nicolo Bulega wasn't already the closest challenger to Toprak Razgatlioglu, he most certainly is now after moving 40 points ahead of teammate Alvaro Bautista for second in the World Championship. However, with Toprak now leading by 64 points, the Turk could watch the next round from Portimao at home and still head to Magny-Cours leading the standings. That puts into perspective the kind of pressure Bulega, Bautista and Ducati are now under. Qualifying fourth meant Bulega was off the front row for the first time this year, still a remarkable run for a debutant. He finished sixth in Race 1 before an extremely strong Sunday for two second places to Razgatlioglu, despite having never previously ridden a 240bhp superbike at the Czech circuit. “We've improved a lot, I'm finding…

Going behind the headlines at the Czech WSBK round TOP STORY As expected before the weekend, Toprak Razgatlioglu dominated the Czech Round of World Superbike to complete a clean sweep of three successive trebles. Following their major struggles of recent years, it now seems ironic that people are suggesting ways of slowing down the BMW as the firm lead both the Riders’ and Manufacturers’ Championships at the halfway point of the season. If the Turkish star could take a trio of victories at Misano, there was always going to be every chance he'd do the hat-trick at Donington Park and Most where he had been seriously quick on the Yamaha in recent years. In the paddock, one continuously hears comments of how both Kawasaki and Yamaha did ‘badly’ to let…

In the immediate aftermath of Glenn Irwin's crash at Paddock Hill Bend, there were genuine concerns for the 2023 runner-up. He was clutching his neck and shoulder and was placed in an ambulance on a stretcher. Thankfully, there were no broken bones and he was declared fit, but he was suffering from neck spasms and underwent extensive physio before lining up 23rd on the grid in race three. Remarkably, the Hager PBM Ducati man battled to seventh, riding the crest of the adrenaline wave to ensure he only lost three points to Tommy Bridewell. It was a brave effort from a man who has previously suffered a broken neck. “My neck went into an instant spasm,” Irwin told MCN. “I went to get up and my ankle was like a…

TOP STORY Royal Enfield have expanded their arsenal of affordable small-capacity singles with the Guerrilla 450 roadster – and prices start at just £4850. The bike sits on the existing £5750-on Himalayan 450 platform and shares its 452cc DOHC ‘Sherpa’ single-cylinder engine, producing a claimed 39bhp at 8000rpm. As before, 85% of its 29.5lb.ft of torque is available from 3000rpm. But unlike before, there's now a pair of 17in road-biased wheels plus shorter-travel suspension – including forks courtesy of Showa. You'll also find a 780mm seat height, a more aggressive steering angle and shorter wheelbase, plus a wet weight of just 184kg with 90% of its fuel onboard. These numbers make the Guerrilla a direct competitor to the likes of Triumph's £5195-on Speed 400, plus the £5699 KTM 390 Duke,…

Pierer Mobility – the parent company of KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas, WP Suspension and 50.1% of MV Agusta – have issued a statement describing a shortfall in overall sales for 2024, with the poor performance expected to continue throughout the year. Following three years of “aboveaverage success”, the company announced that motorcycle sales figures in both Europe and the US have “slowed significantly”, with total sales for the year expected to fall 10-15% below previous levels in the motorcycle and bicycle divisions. In light of the news, Pierer have announced job cuts to the workforce, stating: “With the growth in sales figures over the past ten years, the number of employees at the motorbike subsidiary KTM AG has more than doubled. “In view of the changed location and market situation, the…

Kawasaki used the Suzuka 8 Hours weekend to showcase their hydrogen prototype. The bike features a hydrogen engine based on the supercharged 998cc four in their Ninja H2 platform. The bike has been modified to allow for the direct injection of hydrogen into the cylinders, with the bike sporting a set of monstrous panniers that actually carry the fuel. Kawasaki say water is the main emission plus a tiny amount of CO2 resulting from oil being burned. The Japanese firm say that the purpose of this research and development is to deliver production bikes that make use of the fuel type by the early 2030s.…

Kove's new 800X looks set to make its mark on the middleweight adventure bike class and has clearly taken aim at the Yamaha Ténéré 700. In an exclusive test, MCN found it not only weighs 9kg less than the Yamaha despite carrying an extra four litres of fuel, it's also more powerful. In a back-to-back dyno test the Kove produces more power and torque at every point of the rev range. Running a copy of the KTM 790 engine with a revised head it's got 110cc more than the T7 which equates to a power advantage of 16.6bhp and 5.1ft.lb extra torque. Full test, see page 38. ON THE DYNO…

The Scottish Government have launched a motorcycle accident reduction campaign with Road Safety Scotland. Rather than the usual tactics and messaging, ‘Live Fast Die Old’ aims to promote safe riding on rural roads and encourage motorcyclists to share safety tips within the biking community via social media, all while visiting the country's best biking hot spots. Inspiration for biking routes is included, as is a film series showcasing the country's best routes. The campaign will run until September 29, with representatives also present at Thunder in the Glens Festival in Aviemore from August 23-26. ‘Share safety tips in biking community’ Although motorcyclists make up just 1% of Scotland's traffic, the campaign suggests they account for 17% of road deaths, with 64% of those killed or seriously harmed sustaining their injuries…

Following the success of this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, organisers have announced the dates for the 2025 event. Scheduled for July 10-13, tickets have already gone on sale exclusively to those who bought tickets to the 2024 Festival, as well as members and fellows of Goodwood. The wider public will be able to secure tickets at a later, as yet undisclosed date. Representing the world of bikes at this year's event was a trio of road racing greats, including 23-time Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness, Mountain Course lap record holder Peter Hickman, and Michael Dunlop – the most successful ever rider at the TT.…

Yamaha have gone to town with seven special XSR900GP sportsbikes finished in bespoke liveries inspired by motorcycles of the 1980s and 90s – including an achingly cool Randy Mamola tribute machine (above). Based on the XSR900 platform (itself a derivative of the MT-09), the £12,506 XSR900GP combines Yamaha's torquey 890cc CP3 motor with striking bodywork reminiscent of a YZR500. All seven appeared at the recent Wheels and Waves motorcycle show in Biarritz, France, in late June and paid homage to models from Yamaha's history. ‘Teams from all over Europe built the bikes’ Built in collaboration with the brand's ‘Yard Built’ custom programme, teams from both Yamaha Europe and the company's distribution network produced bikes – including Yamaha France who arrived with a blue and white tribute to Christian Sarron's 1984…

Red Bull have announced the full rider line-up ahead of their inaugural Tyne Ride race event, with some of the biggest names from the world of competitive enduro set to take part. A 22-strong list of athletes has been confirmed for the free-to-watch event on Newcastle's Quayside on Saturday, August 3. Among them is two-time FIM Hard Enduro World Champion and three-time Erzbergrodeo winner, Manuel Lettenbichler. Facing off against Lettenbichler is Stark electric enduro bike rider, Taddy Blazusiak, who holds six SuperEnduro World Championships and has bested the competition at Erzberg five times. They will be joined by Brit riders Jonny Walker, 2023 Super and Hard Enduro Junior World Champion, Mitch Brightmore and his brother Ashton Brightmore, Rieju rider Will Hoare, Diogo Vieira, and former British Trials Champion, Jack Price.…

Send your first bike pics to: yourpics@motorcyclenews.com My grandson's first bike – all the best riders seem to start with a PW50. Neil Rivers My first proper bike after a Honda C50. Passed my test in 1987 and took my then girlfriend out for a ride. Anthony J Reay Players No 6 Motocross meeting in Builth Wells 1968. Richard Nash (alias ‘Farmer Dick’) As well as riding his little Kawasaki (see right), Scott has ideas about his grandad's Vincent Rapide. Jamie Holmes Not my first bike but the first (and last) motorcycle that I customised. Steve Jaycock My son Scott riding his first bike with gears. Jamie Holmes Here is one of my first bikes – and I still have it with 4000 miles on the clock. Gilbert Abela Flashback…

July 27 Squire's Autojumble This northern motorcycle meet is back with its weekly autojumble on Saturday. You could bag the bargain of a lifetime or get rid of clutter. www.squires-cafe.co.uk July 28 Ace Cafe Trike and Sidecar Sunday The Ace is theming its biking Sunday this week to invite trikes and sidecars to meet other tri-wheel enthusiasts. london.acecafe.com July 27-28 Hill climbing The National Hill Climb Association is going to Curborough this weekend. Although you're too late to register, there is no reason not to head over to catch the action. www.nhca.co.uk July 27-28 Classic racing The Classic Racing Motorcycle Club is heading to Donington Park this weekend as bikes from yesteryear relive their glory days on the circuit. www.crmc.co.uk…

What's happening? Wiltshire will be taken over by bikers from all over the country this Saturday for the Calne Bike Meet. Back again for 2024, expect to see all types of two-wheeled machinery as well as live music and more throughout the whole day. It really is spectacular. The essentials There is nothing to pay if you want to pop along to the bike meet. To find the (usually) sleepy Wilshire town, plug SN11 0EH into your satvav and get riding. Everyone is welcome with the event kicking off from around 10am and finishing at around 6pm, but as the whole town is onboard, there's plenty of places to go afterwards. Head to www.calnebikemeet.com for information…

Olivier's passion for the Paris-Dakar Rally and position as head of Sonauto Yamaha led directly to the creation of arguably the event's wildest machine ever. By 1985 Olivier felt that Yamaha's air-cooled, single-cylinder Ténéré Dakar racers were being outpaced by BMW's boxer twins, so he lobbied Japan, unsuccessfully, for a more potent twin. Yamaha's new FZ750 road four-cylinder had just been launched so Olivier obtained an FZ750 engine and fitted it in an XT600 frame. This prototype, the FZ750 Ténéré, proved promising and Olivier gained full factory support to develop it – the result being the OU26 which Olivier raced in the 1986 Dakar. The 94bhp OU26 was the most powerful bike in the field, but at 197kg (dry) and struggling for traction in the loose desert sand, Olivier only…

Favoto Motorbike Cover from £21.99 These covers from little-known American brand Favoto often drop to silly prices in Amazon sale events and so we thought we'd get hold of one to see if it's any good. I got the XXL (245cm, £22.99) option and it's the right size for the Triumph Scrambler 400 X I'm testing. I was immediately impressed by the front and rear clips to fix it over the bike as I've never got on with the belly fasteners you get on many covers. It seems robust and has weathered a few blustery storms. At full price I'd say it's worth buying, but in Amazon sales they often drop below a tenner! 3 months ON TEST Quality Value amazon.co.uk…

In my previous update I incorrectly stated that the Triumph Scrambler 400 X's gearing was the same as its road-biased stablemate Speed 400. A keen-eyed reader correctly pointed out the Scrambler has one fewer teeth on the front sprocket. Triumph say this is to counteract the effect of the Scrambler's rear tyre having a larger circumference (the rim is the same). I was sure I could feel a difference in performance between the bikes, but it was the larger-sprocketed Speed 400 that felt sprightlier under acceleration to me – the opposite of what you'd logically expect. Plenty of folk at MCN Towers and beyond have ridden both bikes so I asked around, but the responses were mixed – so I got scientific. MCN datalogger Bruce Dunn had already tested the…

£4999-£8999 (2008-2013) The 848 is a fabulous bike and remarkable value for money. Powered by a smaller-capacity version of the Testastretta Evoluzione V-twin, the 848 has no major reliability issues and with 134bhp on tap, is hardly short of power. Glorious to ride with bags of soul thanks to that thumping motor, the 848 eats corners with unflappable poise. BUYER BEWARE ● Don't directly jet wash the dash! There are a few reports of early 848 displays letting in water. ● An unreliable 848 is generally the result of poor relays. It's a good idea to swap the fuel pump and ignition relays every service, this is a simple and cheap job with new relays costing less than £5 each. ● The EVO model is a step up but not…

£2500-£4000 (2001-2006) The last of Triumph's large capacity sportsbikes is a real beauty and prices are remarkably low. You can easily pick up a beauty for just £3000, which makes it very tempting. Powered by a soulful triple, the Daytona is big, roomy and very comfortable while its suspension is plush. A great road bike, it looks a bit dated but rides really well and sounds great. BUYER BEWARE ● Reg/recs and stators are notoriously weak on the 955i and often fail. It is always best to catch them before they go wrong. ● Always check the eccentric adjuster in the hub is moving freely and isn't seized, and also that the pinch bolts haven't been over tightened as this can lead to a damaged hub. ● The gearbox can…

The reigning World Champion YART squad enjoyed a very successful Suzuka 8 Hours. While they suffered a narrow defeat to Team HRC the Number 1 machine have retaken the initiative in the EWC standings. With one round remaining, September's Bol d'Or, YART hold a slender lead of just six points from the Yoshimura SERT Suzuki outfit. Starting from pole position after a stunning lap from Marvin Fritz it looked as though they could bring the fight to HRC. With Nico Canepa leading on the first lap it was clear that the team had put two crashes in practice and qualifying behind them and were ready to ride on the limit during the race. Knowing that only a perfect performance would give them a chance of winning can often bring a…

Reporting direct from the Czech World Superbike round Despite a dreadful Most weekend, with crashes in both Sunday races and losing 49 points to Toprak Razgatlioglu as the Turk clinched career wins 49, 50 and 51, Alvaro Bautista has declared his intention to stay in World Superbike for 2025. Question marks have long been hovering over his future, not least since a weight penalty was introduced in order to slow him down. However, negotiating what he wants won't be so easy while he is sitting third in the Riders’ Championship not just 104 points behind Toprak, but 40 behind rookie teammate Nicolo Bulega. Make no mistake. Bautista is important to Ducati. Not only is he their double title winner of the past two years but he's teaching Bulega the ropes…