Table of contents for 19 August 2020 in MCN

We’ve got together with Sidi to give away a pair of Adventure 2 Gore boots. The first incarnation of these boots gained a loyal following, becoming almost the default choice among experienced adventure riders, offering good protection for the shin and the ankles, while still being flexible enough to walk in. The new and improved version offers a full grain Technomicro Microfibre & suede upper, lined with a Gore-Tex waterproof-breathable membrane. It features a non-slip rubber sole with a nylon inner sole and removeable arch support. The boot is secured using a Velcro strap closure and two buckles and has plastic support on the ankle area with an elastic panel on the calf area. HOW TO ENTER Simply visit the MCN website at: w w w. motorcyclenews.com/ win-sidi-boots and submit…

There’s fine line to be drawn between pounds and performance. Cheap fast bikes are what many people want. Anyone can max a credit card out and buy 160-170mph capability, but the trick is to do it on gift voucher money, especially used. Kawasaki ZZRs have always been ridiculously fast but they’re also... well, a bit lorry-like. Hustling one is hard work. You don’t see many people trying to get their knee down on a ZZR, or a Blackbird or Hayabusa, come to that. Astonishingly capable, but not, well, entirely sporty. That’s why you often see them with panniers. Suzuki’s old RF900 is a bit closer. Always as cheap as chips as it was built down to a price. Slower than the bikes mentioned above, but not much. Same goes for…

Readers Martin Atkinson & Daniel Arnett The Ride York to the Rhur Valley to visit dams attacked by the RAF during WW2 Don’t miss this “We visited all three dams in a single day: a 250-mile trip between our two hotels. Every mile was pure bliss, and even after 11 hours we still weren't ready to stop.” SORPE DAM A stunning place to come. Quick bite and a customary walk across the dam, and then on to the next one. MÖHNE DAM Standing here gave us some perspective on how much of a task it must have been to breach the dam. EDER DAM We had to sneak down a no-entry track to get this picture, but it turned out to be worth it for this view. THE RIDE We…

Q ‘Do that and you risk going to prison’ I was taken out whilst filtering on my R1200 in 2018. My claim was going very smoothly with my solicitors until we reached a point where they cannot commit to advise me in relation to some help I received. Before the accident I did all the gardening as my wife’s back is not up to it. I could not do the work for a year so I paid a gardener cash-in-hand. The insurer on the other side has asked for invoices for the gardener but because it is cash I don’t have any paperwork. Can I prepare some retrospectively? Rob, email ‘You run the risk of having the case thrown out and paying the costs’ A No. You should definitely not…

Kevin Viney Age 65 Height 5ft 4in Current bike 2020 BMW F900XR TE Been riding for 2 years First bike BMW R1200RT Dream bike BMW R1250RT “When I bought the XR I did consider an R1200RS, but the XR’s light weight, power and sports touring capability won me over as well as the fact it comes in a large number of seat heights, which matters as I am quite short in the leg. Unfortunately if you get the suspension lowered, which I have, it means you can’t fit a centrestand or the ESA shock. “I traded in a G310R for the XR, which I used to get my confidence up after a long break from two-wheels, but kept my R1200RT as it is a more accomplished tourer. I’d happily take…

Moustiers is 700 miles from Calais and the Shuttle a bit of a trek – but do-able. But it’s also just 90 miles or 2 hours from Nice/Monaco and just 65 from St Tropez so an excursion as part of a wider holiday is recommended. Alternatively, take an organised tour. • Crossings Eurotunnel is cheapest at around £90 return but requires the longest ride. Overnight ferries to Le Havre save almost 100 miles but cost around £250-£300, including a cabin. • Tours Edelweiss Bike Travel are just one of the companies offering organised bike tours taking in the Gorges du Verdon. Their ‘Best of Southern France’ tour flies to Nice, covers 11 days, includes bike rental and, for 2021, starts at €5100 (that’s around £4547).…

What we said then In many ways the original CBR600F was the pioneer for the real-world sportsbike. Up until the launch of the full-on RR, Honda had always managed to blend sports and performance. But then Honda dropped the F-model from the range, only to realise the error of their ways and hastily reintroduce it as a new model in 2011. But this new 650 is a very different beast. The CBR650F is no World Supersport contender, it is a budget naked (the CB650F) that has been dressed up to look sporty. Where once the CBR genuinely could win a race on Sunday and be used to pop to the shops on Monday, this latest version is all about road riding Where the CB650F has a single flat bar, the…

Bolts are generally there for a reason but this Hayabusa owner didn’t quite take that on board when he set about taking off some unsightly crash bobbins – removing two engine fasteners in the process. Luckily he blew a fork seal and took his bike into A55 Motorcycles to get it fixed. A55 owner and experienced mechanic Paul Knight picks up the story: “He decided that the crash bobbins bolted into each side of the fairing looked rubbish compared to his first Busa, so he cleaned up the look by unscrewing them. Then the seal blew a few weeks later so he brought it in. ‘The owner did mention the bike felt a bit buzzy’ “You have to remove the fairing to get the fork legs out, and as I…

Pol Espargaro and KTM had the speed to win at Spielberg but the home race dream ended in a gravel-eating a nightmare. It was an embarrassing outcome with friendly fire taking Espargaro and Tech3 KTM rider Miguel Oliveira out of the race and triggering a post-race verbal spat. But not before Oliveira took out his frustrations on the Tech3 pit box, clearly angered by Espargaro’s ambitions. Espargaro clamied the crash was a racing incident while Oliveira urged the Spaniard to reconsider his “questionable approach” to riding. “I was opening the throttle on the outside, he was opening the throttle on the inside. He couldn’t see me; I couldn’t see him, we collided,” Espargaro said after the race. Oliveira offered his own counsel: “If I was Pol I would ask if…

The sight of Dovi, Mir and Miller on the Red Bull Ring podium being ‘protected’ from those presenting the prizes was one of the more bizarre moments of a bizarre weekend. It was the climax of a day of scares and whisker-close escapes from ghastly accidents – bikes and bodies flying through the air. But hey, let’s not take any unnecessary risks here, guys. The first of two GPs at the speedy but simplistic Austrian circuit illustrated with frightening clarity the big difference between top-level professional motorcycle racers and the rest of us. The gift of total tunnel vision. The unthinkable suppression of imagination. To continue to believe that ‘it couldn’t happen to me’ even when it nearly just did. ‘You can’t be too normal and be a bike racer’…

So 2020 hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations so far, but that doesn’t mean to say that this year’s going to be a complete write-off. If you’re sitting there staring a calendar full of crossed out events, got a passport that’s gathering dust, and quite frankly you’re not even sure about what you can and can’t do these days, don’t despair. We’ve got 20 pages of UK-based inspiration and advice to help you maximise every moment. ‘There’s still plenty of Summer 2020 left to enjoy’ Why not use the next few months to ride in a part of the UK that you’ve never visited before? We’ve got 26 amazing, day-long rides covering all parts of the country, perfect for just a half-day blast or as the basis for a weekend…

‘Refreshed and ready, I continue to head North’ Scotland has recently re-opened its doors to tourists and having visited the Highlands in the past, I thought this was the ideal opportunity to explore elsewhere. Sticking a pin in the map, I picked the Lowlands – just five hours ride from home and promising breath-taking scenery. Perfect. Putting the BMW F900XR to good use slicing through traffic and with over half my 250-mile journey under my belt, I take a break at Scotch Corner. What a mistake! It is chaotic, understandably entry is limited and once inside the services, cordons are in place to help guide visitors. With mask on and queuing for the loo needed, it feels claustrophobic and slightly over-powering. Luckily the sun’s shining, so I head outside to…

Argyll and Bute: A magnificent route! 142 miles Tyndrum - Oban - Lochgilphead - Tarbet - Crianlarich This route takes in the wilds of Argyll, starting and finishing at the world-renowned Green Welly Stop in Tyndrum. Keep left at the fork as you roll out of town (signposted Oban A85) and you’ll be rewarded with a glorious strip of asphalt that weaves gently along a fir-lined river valley. Here the meandering River Lochy leads the way, its vibrant sparkle in sharp contrast to the flat grey road and cold steel rail that run alongside. Follow the northern shore of Loch Awe before the tarmac takes a turn to follow the river, dipping along the water’s edge to dive through a naturally carved groove between the ancient hills. Beyond this the…

AUGUST AUGUST 19 No Limits trackday Brands Hatch GP, Brands Hatch, Kent. A rare opportunity to ride the full circuit. Four groups, 101dB. £199. www.nolimitstrackdays.com AUGUST 23 Goldwing Gathering, Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, Bashley, New Milton, Hampshire www.sammymiller.co.uk AUGUST 25 Tuesday Morning Ride in, Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, Bashley, New Milton, Hampshire www.sammymiller.co.uk AUGUST 30-31 Classicwise Collection Notts Classic Car & Motorcycle Show, Thoresby Park, Ollerton, Notts NG22 9EP www.classicshows.org AUGUST 30 Cheshire Classic Car & Motorcycle Show. Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 9JY www.classicshows.org AUGUST 29-30 NG Road Racing Club Championships, Cadwell Park, Lincs. www.ngroadracing.org AUGUST 29-30 Dawn to Dusk Enduro. Walters Arena Vale of Neath, South Wales. Get all the latest information at: www.dawntoduskenduro.co.uk AUGUST 23 'WING DAY Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, Hampshire Owners, fans and even those…

Sold Secure are owned by the Master Locksmiths Association, a not-for-profit organisation, meaning that they know a thing or two about keeping things safely under lock and key. It’s more than likely that any locks, chains and ground anchors (and even home security) you own will feature their logo, confirming that they’ve tested and approved the product to one of their Motorcycle, Scooter, Bicycle or Domestic standards. The Sold Secure standards are created and maintained using up-to-date intelligence about the methods and tools thieves are using, and approved products are audited every year to check they still make the grade. A list of all approved products is available at www. soldsecure.com.…

There’s no doubt, Diamond standard locks and chains are tough, but they’re also seriously heavy and difficult to live with. Security specialists Abus have these tips for a less cumbersome alternative: “We advise riders to use multiple locks: a disc lock on the front wheel and either a disc lock or chain lock plus anchor on the rear. “This set-up costs way less than a 20kg/20mm chain and padlock set and is easier than trying to thread a heavy chain through the bike frame/ wheel. You also have the bonus of much higher flexibility as the compact disc lock is good for use away from home.” (For portable security options, see page 10) ‘Our advice to riders is to use multiple locks, on both the front and rear of the…

• Don’t make it obvious Thieves have to know there’s a bike on your property in order to nick it, so don’t make it obvious. Keep road-facing garages closed, wash it around the back, and don’t make a big deal of warming it up with loads of revs. Think of the little things too – that VR46 on the back of your car only means one thing to sharp-eyed crooks: you’re worth scoping out. • Make it tough The best thefts are quick, quiet and easy, so the more you put between your bike and a means of escape, the better. Park cars tight to gates. Use bins to block passageways. Place kids’ bikes and other garage clutter between the bike and the door – make that stuff work for…

While security at home can be as large and powerful as your facilities and budget will allow, keeping your bike secure when you’re out and about is a different matter. There’s always going to be a trade off between weight and outright protection, but if a lock’s too big and bulky to carry then you’re less likely to take it with you on a ride. For on-the-go security, the key is making your bike less attractive to thieves than the next one, so they simply move on and target something else. Here are the products you should consider taking with you… Disc locks Securing through the brake disc, these small locks prevent the bike’s wheel from turning, and are convenient if you’re just popping to the shops. While it won’t…

From the surfer’s paradise of Newquay to Mevagissey, blessed with stunning views and tasty cream teas, there’s some pretty scenery, great riding roads and tasty local fare to sample. Be mindful of when to travel, roads can get congested with holiday traffic and the high-walled lanes are not the place for fast progress. As Newquay fades into the distance, take the A392 towards Quintrell Downs, take the right into a series of pretty country lanes. Pass through Kestle Mills, Gummows Shop and at Summercourt, ignore the main drag south, to cross over the A30. It’s a short hop into the town of St Austell, where you can fuel up before heading south to Mevagissey and sample a traditional cream tea (is it cream then jam or jam then cream? There…

As part of their ongoing efforts, South Yorkshire Police have released images of a number of riders they wish to talk to regarding incidents involving off road bikes, quads and other vehicles in the area. You can view the gallery on the force’s Flickr page by going to www.flickr.com/photos/ southyorkshirepolice/albums. There are currently 26 images of people being sought for reasons including criminal damage, motorbike theft, failure to stop and antisocial riding along with details of how you can get in touch if you can help. Let’s get ’em!…

You can't stop them I notice while whinging about Marquez’s attempts to make a comeback being dangerous and irresponsible, people fail to point the finger at Cal Crutchlow and Alex Rins doing exactly the same thing. It’s what racers do. Fact. Jon James, Suffolk Hate noise? Ban mowers Motorcycle manufacturers spend vast amounts of money making their bikes conform to the legislation laid down by politicians. If noise is pollution, why can’t the politicians apply the same conditions to mowers, strimmers, chainsaws etc? At least motorcycles are moving. No sooner does one petrol mower finish blat, blat, blatting than another starts up. Not to mention road drills, dumper trucks etc, etc. Paul Whitfield, Alicante, Spain CarPlay stops play Enjoyed the most excellent advice from Michael Neeves in ‘Keeping it Smooth’,…

£10, 685 BMW F900XR TE • 895cc parallel twin 8v • 103.5bhp @ 8500rpm • 219kg wet weight £12,800 Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro • 888cc triple DOHC 12v • 93.9bhp @ 8750rpm • 198kg dry weight Two-wheeled adventures take many forms. They can be as challenging as riding the long way round to a far-flung corner of the globe that involves river crossings, torturous trails and eating a bowl full of bull’s testicles. Or they can be considerably closer to home. Adventures are what you make them and the main thing is that you emerge with some great memories. And hopefully not the lingering taste of bovine balls in your mouth. If you are inspired to embark on your own tarmac-based adventure, these two bikes could make…

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN 1992 Chris Taylor and Ken Summerton first met in 1992. Ken approached Chris as he was running a similar part-time business himself servicing off-road suspension units. They formed a business partnership in 1996. LIMITED APPEAL 2000 K-tech became a limited company and started their first manufacturing project: fork piston kits and flow control valves for 600cc Supersport and 1000cc Superstock race bikes. RACING SUCCESS 2000s As product lines grew and DDS shocks and forks filtered through the paddocks on the world, the successes flowed in, with K-tech having a hand in titles in BSB, WSS, AMA, ASBK, IoM TT and more. HITTING THE ROAD 2015 Bullit and Razor shock lines released, alongside Tracker and 20IDS front fork cartridges. Whether you ride a Harley, a Yamaha R3…

MCN have teamed up with Shakey and publishers Pan Macmillan to give readers the chance to win one of 10 signed copies of ‘Unshakeable’. To be in a chance of winning, just go to www.motorcyclenews.com/ win-shakey-book and enter your name and email address. Ten winners will be picked at random. Entries close on September 8, 2020. Terms and conditions The prize draw closes at midnight on September 8, 2020. This competition is open to UK residents aged 16 and over. There are 10 prizes consisting of one copy of Shane Byrne’s autobiography ‘Unshakeable’ signed by Shane Byrne. The winners will be the first 10 people drawn at random from all valid entries after the closing date and notified by email within 10 days of the competition closing. The winners have 30…

In a world obsessed with authenticity you may question the validity of a Chinese-built bike using supposed Italian heritage. But you could say something similar about Triumph. And, actually, if you want an authentic retro experience Benelli’s Imperiale 400 provides just that. The problem for the Benelli is that Royal Enfield’s Bullet is just £500 more. It’s proven, has better handling, its traditional chugging single is more characterful and authentic, and Enfields have cast-iron residuals, too. It feels like the bike the Benelli is trying to be. Tech spec…

It’s been a long time coming but the BMW F900XR TE is finally here and I can’t get enough of it. I tend to be an ‘all or nothing’ kind of girl and with a month of saddle time under my belt, I’ve already clocked up over a thousand miles with the German. 0 miles I’d got so much planned for the year but like the rest of the country, life’s constantly changing. Rather than my usual daily commute, all I do now is crawl out of bed and fall downstairs in my ‘jim-jams’ for another day in the home office (for ‘home office’ read ‘back bedroom’), with the cat on my lap and coffee on tap. But with a new bike calling from the garage, I kit up and…

It’s impossible to miss adverts on TV for companies who’ll buy your car and save you the hassle of selling it. And if you watch bike racing you may well have seen similar ads for bikes. Sounds reassuringly straightforward: go online, enter your reg number, confirm the condition, and they give you a no-quibble valuation. It seems like the easy life, and it is – these firms do what they claim, giving you money at the click of a mouse and with no selling hassle. But while we all accept we might get a bit more selling privately, in actual fact you could be getting seriously shortchanged – we’re talking more than few hundred quid here. The business model for these buyers is based on buying your bike for way…

2017-2019 Honda CBR650F Based on the updated CB650F, the new CBR also gets refined Showa fork, slightly sportier riding position and a 4bhp uplift to peak power. Fireblademimicking fairing means it’s a real headturner. 2014-2016 Honda CBR650F Although very similar looking to the previous year’s CBR600F, the new 650 brings a new twin spar frame with revised suspension for a more sporty feel. New 649cc inline four engine is tuned for torque and features headers inspired by the classic CB400/4. 2011-2013 Honda CBR600F Designed by Honda Europe with the blessing of Japan, the 2011 CBR600F resurrected the legendary model after a five-year layoff. Based on the Hornet, its rides beautifully. Plus, its designedin-Italy fairing means it looks good too. 2000-2007 Honda CBR600F A real gem of…

An engine is designed to run at an optimum temperature; too cool and the oil will be too thick to provide proper lubrication. Too warm and the fine tolerances of the internal components will be out of whack and at best cause a loss of power and at worst horrendous engine damage. So helping to keep your bike’s cooling system as healthy as possible is essential. When it comes to coolant, use what is recommended by your bike’s manufacturer; some types of coolant are specifically designed to be used in aluminium engines – which almost all bike engines are. These will be premixed for you to pour straight into your system. These differ from the more generic anti-freeze products designed for cast iron or steel-based engines, which need mixing with…

‘There is no point me doing something silly’ Andrew Irwin heads into the second round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Snetterton this weekend as a marked man. His two wins at the opening round at Donington put the paddock on a state of alert for all the right reasons; while a collision with Ducati’s Josh Brookes in the final race and subsequent punishment means the self-confessed aggressive rider will start the opening race on the back row. And it wasn’t just Andrew Irwin who was the revelation of the opening round, brother Glenn and the all-new Honda Racing Fireblade also left the paddock in a state of shock by securing three second places and the championship lead. MCN caught up with Andrew ahead of round two to talk…

Sam Lowes secured valuable championship points by grabbing a last-corner fourth place in a crash-shortened Moto2 race in Austria. The restarted 13-lap dash came after an horrific pile-up involving Enea Bastianini and Hafizh Syahrin. “It was OK. When it’s a short race everybody pushes hard. I didn’t make the best start and I was in the group,” Lowes said. “It was one of those races that was fun to be involved in but I knew I was losing a lot of time. I’m happy with the fourth place and 13 points but I know I’m stronger than that.”…

An apologetic Cal Crutchlow admitted that an embarrassing gear shift error cost him a top ten finish in Austria. It forced the Brit to salvage a single point for 15th place having dropped to last from eighth place on lap 14. “I made a mistake. I was in the wrong gear out of the last corner and when I shifted I was a gear higher and had no power and thought I had problem and dropped to last.” he said. “I’m sorry to the team and Honda because I could have had a stronger result. Never done that before.”…

“If you think rationally you don’t get on a MotoGP bike and race at 220mph touching elbows so we are all little bit special. But this one really scared me, I felt quite bad,” said Brit racer Cal Crutchlow. “Watching the replay you could see it coming and wanted to reach out and stop it.” Cal was one of a number of riders concerned about the safety of the circuit, especially in the rain with bikes braking from 200mph into the 30mph turn three hairpin. “Imagine that happening in the rain,” Crutchlow said. “They put on a good event but I don’t like the safety of this place.”…

‘A helmet is protective but it’s not a bio-suit’ With guidelines changing regularly and varying between UK nations, attempting to follow the latest Covid-19 advice can feel hugely confusing. To help keep you safe on your bike this summer, here are five handy Dos and Don’ts to help you stay protected. Big thanks to Stevelin Motorcycles (www.stevelinmotorcycles.co.uk) 1 WASH HANDS As bikers our hands are generally covered with something lovely from Knox, Held, RST and others but that doesn’t mean we’re exempt from the number one, key weapon in the fight against coronavirus – hand washing. So… DO Wash or sanitise your hands often with soap or alcohol gel and get into the habit of carrying a small bottle of sanitiser under your seat or in your bag. DON’T…

On arrival at the family-run Buccleuch Arms, father and son duo, Dave and Clint Smith, extend a cheery welcome. They point me towards the secure courtyard at the rear of the hotel. The secluded garden is decked out with biker-themed flower arrangements and houses a row of bike garages, along with loads of paved parking, for any overspill. With the XR tucked up for the night and before I’m able to step into the hotel, Dave commences his Covid briefing. He’s quick to explain that they’ve gone to great lengths to ensure the safety of guests. Sanitisers are in the courtyard and dotted around the hotel, along with posters that give gentle reminders on social distancing guidelines. There are a few changes to how they’re running the hotel, for the…

“Use the highest level approved product you can afford, and where possible use multiple devices together” “Keep chains off the floor – this makes them harder for crooks to attack” “Always link the chain around an immovable part of your bike, like the frame, and fix it to something solid like a ground anchor” “Keep the bike out of sight – ideally in a locked garage or under a fully fitted cover” “Keep your home as secure as possible in order to prevent thieves from coming inside and simply taking your bike or garage keys” “Consider fitting passive security systems, such as CCTV and garage alarms – they don’t actively prevent theft but they do make thieves think twice”…

When parking in an unfamiliar place, always look for areas that feature the Park Mark logo. These police-approved parking places will have thief-deterring facilities such as lighting, CCTV and on-site security. Some of the latest, cutting-edge Park Mark approved parking areas, such as Nottingham’s Lace Market multi-storey carpark, have gone further still. Lace Market now features a motorcycle parking cage, which uses automatic numberplate recognition (ANPR) along with an smartphone app to allow only registered riders and bikes into and out of the cage. Karen Day, Nottingham City Council’s Service Manager for Parking Services, said the 20-bike capacity cage is the Council’s inventive approach to tackle theft at the car park: “Lace Market had become a target for motorbike theft. It was an issue for us and for motorbike owners.…

Two Wheels for Live are planning to increase the size of their bike fleet in Africa, in the hope of better helping combat the spread of coronavirus. Two Wheels for Life is a UK based charity that helps to fund life-saving medical motorcycle couriers in Africa through the Riders for Health programme. Like many charities they’ve seen their funding collapse this year after the Day of Champions event, which raises 60% of the annual funds, was cancelled. With it, their riders have been stretched to the limits with coronavirus tasks added to their usual life saving work. Not only are they carrying samples, they’re also using the bikes to reach smaller communities to give them advice on how to prevent transmission. In the last few months alone they’ve added eight…

FRIDAY 8am, BTS2, Live MotoGP from Austria: Free Practice 1. Free Practice 2 at 12pm SATURDAY 1pm, EUR2, Live Bennetts British Superbikes from Snetterton: Qualifying. Race 1 at 4pm SUNDAY Moto3 9.15am, Moto2 11am, MotoGP 12.30pm. Chequered Flag at 2pm TUESDAY 9pm, King of the Roads: Barry Sheene Classic Part 1 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 - CHANNEL FIVE BBC BBCI – BBC INTERACTIVE ESPN – ESPN CLASSIC CHANNEL IT V DST – DISCOVERY TURBO SHED – DISCOVERY SHED INST – INSIGHT SS1 (2, 3 OR X) - SKY SPORTS 1 (2, 3 OR EXTRA) QUEST BTS1…

A new scheme has been set up in South Yorkshire, to help young riders assess the safety of their machines ahead of what is expected to be a busy August bank holiday for biking. •‘The checks take five minutes but really work’JOANNE WEHRLE Fronted by TV presenter and social media figure Joe Cooper, the Ride for Life video has been made available on the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership youtube channel. In the video, which has been shot on local roads, Joe runs through the handy POWDERY acronym with the help of advanced motorcycling instructor John Tudor, encouraging riders to check their ‘Power, Oil, Water, Damage, Electrics, Rubber and You’. “All of these can make a massive difference to the safety of your motorbike or scooter while on the road,…

of KTM’s all-conquering works Rally machine which the firm have been offering for sale in limited numbers since 2012. Last receiving a total makeover in 2019, with a new chassis, fuel-injected engine and more, for 2021 it gets a brand new gearbox with the ratios themselves selected by works KTM riders Toby Price, Matthias Walkner and Brit Sam Sunderland. Most of the rest of the bike, however, is unchanged – not that there was much wrong with it in the first place. At its heart is a specially-tuned version of the 449cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected SOHC KTM may be winning in MotoGP but the firm remain world-beating dirt bike builders, as the 2021 450 Rally Replica – the limited-edition, customer version of their nine-time works Dakar winner – proves. Just 85…

What kind of road rider are you? That’s the question you need to ask yourself if you are looking at buying either the F900XR TE or the Tiger 900 GT Pro. If you love a B-road blast and favour agility over outright comfort then pick the XR. Smaller, nimbler and with a firmer seat, the XR can certainly be taken on a tour but its heart lies in B-road thrills. If, however, you want to explore the UK or Europe, the Tiger more than lives up to its Grand Turismo initials. Armed with an incredibly impressive spec-list of creature comforts, the Tiger 900 GT Pro is a great bike for covering distance as long as you keep below the speeds where the engine’s vibrations start to become too intrusive, which…

An exclusive factory custom bike should feel special to ride and the Bobber TFC most certainly does. The fact it boasts genuine updates rather than just a flash paint job means it justifies its price tag and the improvements give it a unique modern bobber character as well as look. Yes, it’s uncomfortable and harsh to ride on anything other than a smooth road but it is worth suffering a bit of discomfort as it’s a genuinely beautiful machine that is truly special. Tech spec…

Now with 17,278 miles on the clock, my CBR650F is just fine. Still goes like a scalded cat when I want to, still at its happiest at about 85mph; still not comfortable for hours in the saddle! Nothing has failed and nothing’s gone wrong in all that time. It’s just had its first major service (at a cost of £600 – which I think is fairly normal for a faired bike) and apparently it didn’t even need the valve clearances doing when they checked. Which, frankly, is what I’d expect from a Honda. It just handles whatever I throw at it, and doesn’t complain about anything except contaminated fuel or not giving the gear lever enough of a kick when changing up without the clutch. It’s a little heavy, though,…

Bike cleaner Use a general bike cleaner for squirting all over the radiator. Its formulation will be perfect for blasting mud, tar, road grime and all the other unpleasant stuff that’s caked on. Quality coolant Use a good quality pre-mixed coolant, that is of the correct type for use on motorcycles. Set of T-bars A set of single hexagon metric T-bars ranging from 8mm-14 mm will cover many motorcycle related tasks and are handy here. Soft brushes These are ideal for use on your rad if you need to agitate dirt prior to rinsing. We like Oxford’s Big Softie (£4.99). Don’t use a stiff brush! • Tell us about your favourite at mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com…

It was not the world championship decider but John McPhee said it felt like it after claiming his third podium in five races in Austria. The Petronas SRT rider finished third with a late dash from 10th with three laps remaining in a thrilling bump-and-grind Moto3 race. “Everybody knows that it’s a short season, but everyone is attacking like it’s the final race of the season,” McPhee said after the robust 23-lapper. McPhee was promoted to third after taking the flag in sixth when podium rivals Ai Ogura, Darryn Binder and Celestino Vietti were all penalised for exceeding track limits in a last-corner scuffle. McPhee said: “Honestly to be gifted a podium is not the nicest way to have one, but we’ll certainly take it. In the race I felt…

Just how Johann Zarco and Franco Morbidelli walked away from a terrifying 195-mph pileup in Austria on Sunday remains a mystery and will go down as something of a miracle. Both riders say they will race in this Sunday’s Styrian GP at the Red Bull Ring. The pair touched in the uphill braking zone to turn three, the fastest section of the circuit. “It is good to be able to walk away, I am very lucky,” Morbidelli said. Zarco said he was “scared” that his bike may hit another rider describing the crash as a “racing incident” that is “difficult to avoid at this speed.”…

This win was the perfect response by both Andrea and the Ducati team after a difficult day on Saturday when we agreed not to continue for 2021. And while this result is very satisfying for everyone it changes nothing. Andrea is not staying next year, it’s over. Our focus is now 100% on the championship and I believe together we still have some cards to play. It is not a normal championship. In Austria and Brno Fabio Quartararo and Maverick Viñales did not have results at the same level as the opening races and the momentum can swing quickly.…

The following guidelines have been developed by IAM RoadSmart, the BMF, the VMCC, MAG, the TRF, ACU, the Triumph Owners Motor Cycle Club and Biker Down as advice for their members. They’re pretty useful to bear in mind while you’re out and about on your bike: Only ride with a pillion or sidecar passenger if they are part of your household or social bubble. If you can, ride singly or as a pair. Whilst riding in a group is not in itself a problem, when you stop, the group may court negative publicity. Permitted group size does vary according to either Government or devolved administration guidelines and a group that expanded to over 30 might be identified as an unlawful mass gathering. Agree in advance what you are going to…

1 Guidelines and rules change daily, before you set off check Government websites for the most up-to-date info, in case of local lockdowns. 2 I’m usually a bit off-the-cuff with routes but it’s worth planning the route and check ahead that cafés and fuel stops on your planned route are open. 3 If you need an overnight stay, be sure to book your accommodation, don’t take the chance of getting to your destination and not finding a bed for the night. 4 Pack a ‘go-bag’ with essentials. Anti-bac gel, wipes, small packet of tissues, snacks and some water. That way you can always picnic in the wilds. 5 Keep gloves on to fuel up. It can be a bit cumbersome but keeps contact with potential hazards to the bare minimum.…

Kimbolton Classic Bedfordshire 77.4 miles Route Bedford - Kimbolton - Ramsey St Mary’s - Huntingdon - Papworth Everard - Gamlingay - Old Warden - Cardington Surrey Sensation Surrey/ West Sussex /East Sussex 92.3 miles Route Westerham - Maresfield - Haywards Heath - Billingshurst - Gomshall - Reigate - Bletchingley - Westerham Beautiful Buckinghamshire Buckinghamshire/Her t fordshire 58.7 miles Route High Wycombe - Stoke Mandeville - Markygate - St Albans - Kings Langley - Chalfont St Giles - Beaconsfield GET INVOLVED AND RIDE MORE IN 2020 SIGN UP NOW @ Via ride5000miles on Facebook…

•‘Grinder attacks inspired a new testing standard’ With bikes more valuable and tech-laden than ever, motorcycle thieves have upped their game. Today’s cordless angle grinders are portable and pack a serious punch, making them an essential part of the serious modern-day scumbag’s pilferage paraphernalia. Regular locks and chains are simply no match for an attack from a cordless cutter, which is why the motorcycle security industry had to develop a new generation of locks and chains designed to withstand such an attack and also a new standard by which to test them to: Sold Secure Motorcycle Diamond. It’s torture for security MCN spent a morning at Sold Secure’s testing facility in Rugby to witness security products get put through their paces by one of their skilled expert test engineers. With…

Squire Attila from £230.92 The world’s first and only Sold Secure Diamond-rated disc lock. The clever design and tough construction makes it seriously resistant to attack, and its 6-pin lock is anti-pick and anti-drill. It’s large and heavy for a disc lock, but certainly the most portable of all the Diamond-rated products here. Comes in single disc and twin-disc versions. w w w.bickers- online.co.uk Pragmasis 22mm x 1.2m Protector Titan chain £189.95 One of the biggest and butchest security chains in the world, the Protector weighs in at 20kg – and even makers Pragmasis advise you to be sure you’re comfortable with handling it. They guarantee that it’s impossible to bolt crop by hand, and claim even grinders will find it a challenge. securit y forbikes.com Almax Immobiliser Series VI…

According to security expert Dr Ken German, trackers are the modern day success story in the fight against bike crime. Even the best security products can be overcome by the most determined of thieves, so a tracker means you can follow your bike and get it back again. That’s not to say you go in mob-handed like an episode of The S opranos though; many services have trained operatives – typically ex-coppers – who will find the bike and pass its location on to the police so they can recover it and bring the criminals to justice. There are various trackers available, ranging from simple magnetic versions you get online for a few quid, to ones which are professionally fitted, constantly monitored and use experienced personnel to go find your…