Table of contents for 27 January 2021 in MCN

‘It gets better with every single mile’MCN’S MICHAEL NEEVES THE BIG TEST Ducati’s multitool’s changed... Once pretty much a superbike on stilts, Ducati’s Multistrada has always been a bit of an island in the adventure bike market. Jut the new V4-powered bike packs a plethora of changes that – while the Multi still looks rather familiar – have completely changed its character. After years of chasing GS owners with a slightly different proposition, it’s now moved closer to its German GS rival. PAGE 27 COVER STORY Speed Triple goes super-naked Triumph’s Speed Triple is the elder statesman of the naked street bruisers – but it’s never really fought at the cutting edge of the undressed hooligan class. Until now. For 2021 Triumph have stuck it on a diet, hugely upped…

The ‘GP Originals’ race series has launched its own beer with Crankshaft brewery, which all two-wheel aficionados are sure to love. Premix is a traditional bottle-conditional ale made with local hops. After what they describe as a ‘thorough tasting’ GP say the taste is light and refreshing with a smooth bitterness. Bottles are £2.75 each, dropping to £2.50 if you buy a case of twelve. For more info, or to order, head to gporiginals.co.uk. Last chance to win Bennetts are reminding everyone it’s the last chance you (or a friend) has to enter their competition to win one of 90 free CBT courses. All you need to do is head to bennetts.co.uk/ridefree where there’s info on how to enter. The final deadline for entries is Sunday, January 31 – so…

CLIQR handlebar mount £29.99 Designed specifically for 22mm handlebars, with a hinged clamp and M5 bolt for a secure hold, the CLIQR Handlebar Mount allows you to attach your satnav or phone device next to your bike’s controls for convenient viewing at a glance, perfect for navigating on the move. The easy-to-fit set includes a mount, two device adaptors, a silicone insert and a wipe. oxfordcliqr.com Laser brake servicing kit £98.76 This comprehensive set of brake servicing tools comes in one handy and convenient kit and includes impact quality bit sockets, EU Registered Design punches (to remove dirty and corroded brake pins), a pound-through screwdriver and a selection of cleaning tools to ensure the brake pads can be replaced quickly, correctly and safely. The kit is supplied in a foam…

‘Time for a chip off the old Bloc’ I’ve mentioned before that two-strokes are where the smart money ought to be going. Not the usual things like Aprilia RS250s, Yamaha and Suzuki race-reps and Suzuki GT750 Kettles, but anything small capacity that goes ‘ring-ding-ding’ leaves a blue smoke trail and (most importantly) is still cheap. They’re all going up in price, even things like CZ125 singles from the 1970s which really were the definition of ‘cheap and nasty’. MZs, though, qualified as ‘cheap and cheerful’ and they’re starting to soar as well. Exactly three years ago, I noted that the price of a nice MZ TS250 or ETZ250/300 was at least a grand and advised buying as prices were certain to go up. Well, the bar has been raised. I’ve…

How green is my electricity? Does an E-bike really help save the planet? Making the choice to turn to an electric vehicle from a fossil fuel powered one may sound like an environmentally-friendly thing to do, but there is one flaw in the argument – how the electricity is produced. According to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, in 2019 the percentage of the UK’s energy supplied from ‘low carbon sources’ hit a new high of 19.8%, which is a huge jump from the 9.4% in 2000 and marks a steady increase. Of that 19.8%, the two highest percentages are bioenergy at 7.3% and nuclear at 7% with wind accounting for just 2.9%, solar 0.6% and hydro at 0.3%. Although some would question if nuclear is truly green…

MONACO My son (the navigator) my brother and nephew did this trip and included a five-day break so the rest of our families could join us THE ROUTE • Readers Marc, Richard, Allan and Phil Zenklusen • The Ride From Geneva to Grenoble we took the Route Napoleon to Sisteron, Castellane and on to Juan-les-Pins. Once there we included two rides on different days one to Italy and back via Monaco the other to Parc Naturel des Préalpes d’Azur • Miles 1000 • Don’t miss this Sisteron, Gorges du Verdon and Monaco. In fact the whole trip is so full of wonderful places to experience. GORGES DU VERDON The trip took in France, Italy and Monaco. Just over 1000 miles and I can’t remember a straight road in all of…

Q Driver hit me but wants me to take the blame I have an accident claim which I thought was a simple case of the other person being to blame. However, I have received a letter from my solicitor saying the lady who hit me is blaming me for the accident. I was approaching a junction and as it was not clear for me to pull into the road I stopped at the give-way line. I then got rear-ended by a car and came off, injuring my neck, shoulder and elbow. The other driver says it looked like I was going to proceed into the road so she followed me but that I suddenly braked and she didn’t have time to stop. How is this my fault? I would be…

2015 BEST OF BRITS ‘Winning my first British championship title in the Girls В Class in the Isle of Man. It all came down to the last day and it was a feeling which I will never forget.’ 2016 TOP TRIAL TEAM ‘Being asked to ride for Top Trial Team was a dream come true, as I always looked up to Jack Challoner who was a part of the team. I am now going into my fifth year with them.’ 2019 WORLD BEATER ‘Taking my first World Trials Round victory in La Nucia, Spain in September 2019 was a very special moment, not only for me but also my family, as I had been training so hard.’ 2020 PINHARD PRIZE ‘I felt honoured because I feel like other people are…

Simon Relph Stamford, Lincs “Ever since I watched Saving Private Ryan back in 1998 I wanted to see the historic beaches and battlefields for myself. Some years later a plan was hatched with some mates to go for a long weekend to Bayeux in France. Bayeux is the perfect place to base yourself, situated just 15 minutes’ ride away from beaches such as Arromanches and Omaha. “Unlike the poor chaps back in 1944 who arrived by landing craft and were greeted with bombs and bullets, we went by moped via Brittany Ferries (www.brittanyferries.com) and when we arrived at Arromanches seafront, we were greeted with chips and ice-creams. With plenty to see and do all along the Normandy coastline, a moped is the perfect way to get around. Nothing is too…

Fitting trips in around lockdowns I went to Wales to ride twisty roads and high single track rough roads, plus I did some sections of TET up in the Yorkshire dales including some steep and rough, rocky sections. Enjoyed the bike on all of them. For me the T-plane engine is the main star. I’ve ridden triples for a long time and am used to spinning them up above 5000 revs to get them into the fun zone. That’s still how I ride this when I’m in the twisties and trying, but the better low-down grunt is definitely there and makes for really nice, relaxed riding the rest of the time on road, and is very usable off road.…

2020-present Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX The current evolution of the SX loses the ‘Z’ from its name, but gains the Ninja moniker. Upgrades also include tweaked geometry and OE tyres to add sharper steering, there’s also a colour flat-screen dash, two-way quickshifter and cruise control. 2017-2019 Kawasaki Z1000SX Kawasaki listened to feedback from owners of the previous model. Tweaks to the fairing and screen give much more protection, the seat’s plusher and the suspension even better. Also gets lean-angle sensitive TC and ABS. 2014-2016 Kawasaki Z1000SX Tweaks to the engine brought even better power delivery, resulting in gutsier low-down performance. There are new Tokico brakes and revised suspension damping rates. Has basic three-level TC and optional ABS. 2010-2013 Kawasaki Z1000SX Filled the gap between naked Z1000 and track-ready ZX-10R to create…

‘Nowt can beat a ruddy good look’ Despite the increase immobilisers, trackers and improved physical security, bike theft is a big problem. Last year almost 40,000 two-wheelers were stolen in the UK-that’s nearly twice as many as in 2014. Of these, 66% of bike thefts and 49% of scooter thefts were in London. Only around 40% were recovered, so 18,000 vanished. While many nicked bikes are broken for bits or shipped to Europe, plenty of bikes stay in the UK with a new (false) identity. Clearly, you don’t want to accidentally buy one. Going to mcnbikecheck.com is wise: it’ll confirm the seller has title to the machine, that all the numbers and title and V5 data match up, and that there’s no finance outstanding. You can check MoT history, mileage…

Saving you money on essential bike maintenance 1 A sticky problem… If, like many of us, you’re using your bike less at the moment, it could well be that when you come to move it again you’ll find the brakes are seized. Caused when road dirt and moisture find their way into the caliper, it’ll require a bit of cleaning and rebuilding before you’re free-wheeling again. Before you begin, source an OE brake service kit from your dealer. 2 Pull the pin Don some workshop gloves and concentrate on one caliper at a time. Undo both the hose banjo bolt and caliper mounting bolts then remove the caliper from the bike. Next you need to loosen any pad retaining clips/pins and remove the pads. If there is an anti-rattle shim,…

WSB REPORTER TOP STORY It was supposed to be the day that World Superbikes roared back into life with a two-day test at Jerez, but instead of seeing new riders on new bikes and a host of tech changes, the garage doors barely opened as rain lashed the Spanish circuit. It was a costly exercise for the official Kawasaki, Ducati and Honda squads and even worse for a selection of smaller teams. Jerez had been enjoying good weather right up until the scheduled start of the test last Wednesday, when the circuit was battered by torrential rain for over four hours. Frustratingly for those gathered, Thursday brought a similar scenario as promising sunny spells were punctuated by yet more showers. Much like at Honda, where Leon Camier took up his…

It’s interesting when a manufacturer changes the characteristics that have previously helped to define a bike – especially one which has been in production a long time. This week sees the reveal of an all-new Triumph Speed Triple RS, and all the headline changes point at a repositioning for this legendary British bulldog. Always previously the preserve of those who favour a solid naked slab of British beefiness, married to a grunty but unthreatening inline-triple, the new bike appears to be more focused on those who might otherwise be tempted by the sharpest of the super-naked scalpels. And why not? The firm’s Street Triple already offers riders a ‘sensible’ option with plenty of poke and effortless good road manners, which leaves the Speed some room to up the aggression and…

SAVE £2500 £12,449 Honda VFR1200X The Crosstourer surprises you with its auto box and 1200cc V4 powertrain working so well in an adventure bike package. But as with the VFR800F and the VFR800X Crossrunner, they have fallen foul of the new Euro5 regulations, so there are a few deals to be had on this underrated rival to the mighty GS. • www.bransonsmotorcycles.co.uk SAVE £1600 £11,995 Ducati SuperSport S The SuperSport S comes with Öhlins suspension, autoblipper/ quickshifter and seat cowl. This one is an this ex-demo. • www.ducatialton.com • Engine 937cc • Power 113bhp • Weight 210kg • Seat height 810mm SAVE £1000 £7999 H-D Sportster The venerable Sportster range is making a quiet exit from Europe due to the Euro5 regulations. • www.plymouthharley-davidson.co.uk • Engine 883cc • Power 51bhp…

The first-ever Cake Kalk One Design Global Championship will be decided in 2021 by a single event to take place in Cake’s home country of Sweden. Sixteen riders from a mix of disciplines including Enduro, Motocross, Supercross and Downhill Mountain biking will be invited to take part. The event will involve competitors racing around a purpose-built dirt track four at a time in knockout rounds before a final to decide the overall winner. Charm the Cobra Duchinni have unveiled a new AA-rated textile jacket called the Cobra. The design features a waterproof and windproof breathable layer to keep the elements at bay and an internal storm panel on the main zip. Protection comes courtesy of CE-approved shoulder and elbow armour and there’s a pocket for an optional back protector. The…

Shoei GT Air 2 Conjure £349.99 Grab a big saving on classy Shoe! The second evolution of this fullfaced touring helmet from Shoei is available from Alpha Motorcycles with a £200 reduction. It’s made using a composite fibre shell, comes with a Pinlock anti-fog insert and has a fully removable and washable lining. There are noise-reducing ear pads and it’s designed to accommodate an intercom. Vents are plentiful and well positioned with inlet vents on the chin and brow, combined with exhaust vents at the rear. There’s also an integrated rear spoiler. For sunny rides there’s a dropdown sun visor, which is longer than on many lids to ensure a full field of vision, and it’s protected against fog and scratching. The seat belt-style closure is easy to operate and…

Virtual reality is finally starting to fulfil decades of Tomorrow’s World promises and filter into everyday life. It’s even forged a place in the development of new bikes at Yamaha. What’s more, Yamaha have repaid the favour and developed systems to improve VR for everyone else. VR has been straddling the line between sci-fi and sci-fact for years, with crazy promises made in movies from Tron to The Matrix and Ready Player One reflected in disappointing real-world VR setups with clunky graphics and unwieldy controls. Recently, though, the advent of impressive home systems means the tech is finally coming of age. For most of us that might mean the chance to explore new places from our living rooms through computer games, but for Yamaha VR opens new doors to improve…

Kawasaki have confirmed that a number of models from across their line-up will not be updated for 2021 and new Euro5 emissions rules. Having released a statement late last year suggesting there were delays on certain bikes due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Japanese company have now stated that the J125, J300, Ninja 400, Z400, ZX-6R, Ninja H2 and Ninja H2 SX family will not be updated for 2021. The announcement leaves a number of holes in the Kawasaki range, with only the retro W800 serving A2 licence-holders without a restrictor kit and the Z H2 remaining as the only road-legal supercharged headliner in the 2021 fleet. The axing of the ZX-6R also marks the end of a 25-year production run in the supersport class, bowing out at the…

NICK SANDERS Every week we give a different rider a wodge of fictional cash and ask them to ‘buy’ the bike that sets their soul on fire. This is Nick’s pick... 2010 – 2020 PRICE DROP NEW TO USED £1299 Nick Sanders has been around the world seven times on a motorcycle and holds the record for the fastest circumnavigation on a bike, covering the 19,300 miles in 19 days and four hours! So what would the man who has ridden a bicycle (twice), Yamaha YZF-R1, Royal Enfield Bullet and even a Triumph Daytona around the world buy if he was planning his next adventure ona budget? “When you are looking at covering big miles you want something totally reliable that can go anywhere and if that’s the criteria there…

mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com motorcyclenews motorcyclenews MCNnews Lovegrove is TV gold The article on Henry Cole and his life in bikes (MCN, January 13) was fascinating, although something along similar lines about Sam Lovegrove would be even more interesting. His knowledge about old motorcycles and engineering in general never ceases to astound. Owen Ll. Williams, email Road ‘too bumpy’ for tech Sensors are becoming more sensitive and once a light comes on, it generally needs a diagnostic tool to erase it, whether there is an underlying problem or not. I have a KTM 1290 SA/R and ECU lights on the dash were quite common but with subsequent software upgrades, this is now less so. I also had a 2019 KTM 1290 Super Duke R and within its first 1000 miles a light flashed…

CHIEF ROAD TESTER £18,395 Ducati Multistrada V4 S (‘Full’ package, as tested £21,495) • 1158cc 16v V4 • 168bhp/92lb.ft • £219 per month PCP Ducati’s 2021 Multistrada V4 S is the first of the breed to be powered by four cylinders after a lifetime as a V-twin but its new 168bhp ‘Granturismo’ V4 engine is not the same as the ‘Stradale’ V4 which powers the latest Panigale and Streetfighter. The crank still runs backwards like the racier engines and has a twin-pulse firing order, giving it the feel and sound of a big vee, but the Multi’s motor is bigger (1158cc vs 1103) and has a conventional valve train, not a Desmo (see page 36). Instead of screaming to 16,500rpm the V4 S is tuned for low-down grunt with a…

CHIEF ROAD TESTER Ducati’s new Multistrada V4 S crushes motorway miles like a fullblown tourer and scorches through B-roads in a way that belies its size and weight. It combines comfort, superbike speed, excitement, practicality and tech in one beautifully rounded Bologna ball of brilliance and to be able to genuinely enjoy a ride on such cold, wet roads speak volumes for its capability. The new engine’s smoothness, grunt and superbike airbox roar is what makes the new Multi such a great road machine, but it now feels more like an adventure bike with its 19in front wheel, giving it a newfound sure-footedness. Fuel range is poor for a tourer, the bar position might not be perfect for some and the V4’s strong engine braking can be an irritation on…

CHIEF ROAD TESTER It’s been a long time since 125s were properly desirable, especially in the current four-stroke era. Japanese offerings have become less inspiring and more expensive over the years and you could basically write off what you paid for a cheap Chinese runabout as it reduced to a pile of rust in the first sprinkle of rain. But the G1 Scrambler is different. The latest generation Zontes machines have proved to be durable and reliable. The G1 Scrambler appears solidly built, beautifully detailed and styled, well equipped, easy to ride, practical and fun. That’s not bad for a 125 that costs less than three grand. THE FACTS £2999.99 Zontes G1 Scrambler 125…

Earmark between two and five days for your mini adventure then do a bit a research – plan where you’d like to visit and map out a route. Why not check out our sister publication, RiDE magazine’s website for a whole host of suggested riding routes in the area – and beyond, www.ride.co.uk/ride-guide-to-france. If you prefer to do things the old fashioned way, Michelin do a range of brilliant tourist maps for around £5 which will help no end and are packed with useful detail. There’s also historic information to be found at www.greatwar.co.uk, www.cwgc.org and www.normandywarguide. com. Or, if you’d rather join an organised tour with everything taken care of, why not check out motorcycletours.co, bikerbattlefieldtours.com, or www.ride-in-tours.com. Prices start at round £500.…

SENIOR DESIGNER Daily rider with forty-five years of experience, both on and off road. Owns 30 bikes. It might seem a bit dull compared to the not-so-distant past, but getting out for the short ride to buy provisions is now the highlight of my week. Not only do I get to support a local business, I also benefit from the freshest eggs available from the farm and if I am really lucky, a double yoker... perfect with a full English on a Sunday. It might be raining, but the weather can’t take the shine off getting out of the house and getting on the bike. Not even two degrees lit up on the dash and mizzly rain that doesn’t look much but still manages to leave me absolutely sopping, can…

Big road racing fan and regularly make strips to the TT “I first got the chance to try a Z1000SX at a Bike Safe event at Castle Combe in 2016. It left an impression on me because not long after that, I ended up trading in my ZX-6Rfor a 2012 SX. I kept that for a couple of years before treating myself to a new, unreqistered 2018 model which I picked up on a ’19 plate in March 2019. I’d had a go of the dealer’s demo bike before I bought mine and I wasn’t keen on the OE Bridgestone S20 tyres, so I asked the dealer to fit mine with T30 Evos instead and so far they’ve been brilliant. “When I bought it the dealer told me that Kawasaki…

Klim Krios Pro adventure helmet £640 ‘Classy, light and very expensive’ Tested by Ben Clarke for 4000 miles This adventure helmet from Klim combines cutting edge technology and lightweight materials in a comfortable and great-looking package. The Krios Pro’s internal structure uses ‘Koroyd tubes’ instead of traditional polystyrene, which Klim say is proven to absorb 48% more energy in an impact. I haven’t tested that claim, luckily, but I can say that the tubes provide for excellent ventilation and make things much more comfortable in hot weather. The helmet also has a ‘Fidlock’ chin strap that uses magnets to fasten. Despite the company that designed it claiming a 195kg breaking load and an ECE-R22 fulfilment, it took me a couple of months to fully trust the system. The light-reactive Transitions…

It’s one thing when you can see the effects of road salt attacking the finished components of your bike, but some of the real problems occur out of sight – and the brake components are one such area. On newer bikes the seals that keep the pistons free of dirt work perfectly, but after a few years the extreme conditions combined with the heat cycling that a brake caliper goes through in regular use, begins to take its toll. The first sign is that you’ll notice your brakes binding slightly. The bike will be difficult to move and sometimes squeezing the brake will make it worse as the piston struggles to slide back into the caliper. The combination of corrosion on the piston and the seals becoming distorted grips the…

Disappointing as the NW200’s cancellation is, the organisers simply cannot bring thousands of fans to the densely populated residential area that surrounds the North West course in the midst of a pandemic. Sporting events such as BSB, MotoGP, Formula One, Premier League football and major golf tournaments have all continued TV coverage that provides exposure for their sponsors. The TT and NW200 also enjoy TV but they cannot operate without paying fans. Neither do the races take place in confined venues where the organisers can control access and easily enforce restrictions.…

Qatar will host the opening two rounds of the 2021 MotoGP season on back-to-back weekends following the postponement of the Argentinian and American rounds. The Qatar GP takes place on March 28 and will be followed by the Grand Prix of Doha on April 4. Portimao will now host round three which is scheduled to take place on April 18. No alternative dates have been given for the postponed races. Ten Kate trouble With funding from Dutch sponsors cut due Covid, Ten Kate Yamaha have dropped their Supersport 300 team but remains in World Supersport with Dominique Aegerter and Galang Hendra. “We’ll do SBK if we’re sure we’ll fight for podiums,” Team Manager Kervin Bos told MCN. “The longer it takes, the more difficult it is. If we’re not on…

The 2020 Ducati Panigale V4S is a stunner – if you have the minerals for it. Over 200bhp and racederived design created a hugely fast bike that can intimidate anyone short of a MotoGP test rider when you push it hard. With the Panigale V4 R established as a WSB contender (and BSB champion), Ducati have a lot of experience with their new-age four-cylinder superbike, and they’ve learnt how to get a grip on that fearsome performance. Moreover, the 2020 update isn’t just about giving elbow-dragging racers reduced lap times – Ducati say the lower your track riding experience and ability, the more beneficial the changes. Thankfully, Ducati’s promise is delivered upon – rather than leaping toward the outside kerb, all the weight on the rear and the front doing…

A tailored suit fits your body perfectly, improves comfort and ultimately leads to a safer ride. Ducati’s SuMisura programme sees a team of highly skilled professionals carefully take your measurements to perfectly adapt your bespoke garment to you and your riding style. You then design your own leathers for an even more individual experience. It’s the perfect suit for your new Panigale. Confirm your order by April 30, 2021 and you will receive a complementary Ducati Racing Trolley by Ogio (RRP £249), too. The promotion is also valid for the purchase of a personalised Ducati Carbon 2 Helmet. Start personalising your bespoke race suit online today at: www.ducatisumisura.com…

Its spec may appear unexciting but the MT-07 is ace, with parallel-twin torque, low weight and great ergonomics. And this means plenty of scope for naughtiness. Pick up the front on the power in first or with clutch in second, and float away through the gears. Owning an MT also means agile handling, reliability, 70mpg and suspension set for on-road ride quality, not on-track handling. The Yam reset the value datum when launched in 2014 – and with prices from £2750, it’s the bargain used buy now. Despite being priced so affordably that rivals were rubbing their eyes in disbelief, the MT-07 is well made – the rumbling motor is super-reliable, parts are good quality and finish is sturdy. Well, most of it is. There are areas that highlight the…

The 2020 Ducati Panigale V4S is a stunner – if you have the minerals for it. Over 200bhp and race-derived design created a hugely fast bike that can intimidate anyone short of a MotoGP test rider when you push it hard. With the Panigale V4 R established as a WSB contender (and BSB champion), Ducati have a lot of experience with their new-age four-cylinder superbike, and they’ve learnt how to get a grip on that fearsome performance. Moreover, the 2020 update isn’t just about giving elbow-dragging racers reduced lap times – Ducati say the lower your track riding experience and ability, the more beneficial the changes. Thankfully, Ducati’s promise is delivered upon – rather than leaping toward the outside kerb, all the weight on the rear and the front doing…

A tailored suit fits your body perfectly, improves comfort and ultimately leads to a safer ride. Ducati’s SuMisura programme sees a team of highly skilled professionals carefully take your measurements to perfectly adapt your bespoke garment to you and your riding style. You then design your own leathers for an even more individual experience. It’s the perfect suit for your new Panigale. Confirm your order by April 30, 2021 and you will receive a complementary Ducati Racing Trolley by Ogio (RRP £249), too. The promotion is also valid for the purchase of a personalised Ducati Carbon 2 Helmet. Start personalising your bespoke race suit online today at: www.ducatisumisura.com…

Its spec may appear unexciting but the MT-07 is ace, with parallel-twin torque, low weight and great ergonomics. And this means plenty of scope for naughtiness. Pick up the front on the power in first or with clutch in second, and float away through the gears. Owning an MT also means agile handling, reliability, 70mpg and suspension set for on-road ride quality, not on-track handling. The Yam reset the value datum when launched in 2014 – and with prices from £2750, it’s the bargain used buy now. Despite being priced so affordably that rivals were rubbing their eyes in disbelief, the MT-07 is well made – the rumbling motor is super-reliable, parts are good quality and finish is sturdy. Well, most of it is. There are areas that highlight the…

It is with great sadness that we have to confirm the cancellation of February’s 2021 MCN London Motorcycle Show. MCN’s events team has been relentlessly exploring every avenue of opportunity in the hope of finding a way to run the show, but unfortunately all those avenues have now been exhausted. We must all follow the Government guidelines and the latest lock-down measures mean we are unable to run the event this year. The MCN London Motorcycle Show has long been seen as the start of the biking season, giving showgoers an unrivalled opportunity to immerse themselves in new bikes, the latest kit, live action, special builds and exceptional exhibitions. But our absolute priority is to safeguard the health and welfare of all those who come together to make the event…

WEDNESDAY January 27 11.20am, ITV4, The Motorbike Show FRIDAY January 29 5pm, EUR1, Dakar 2021 Review TUESDAY February 2 2pm, QUEST, Shed and Buried KEY TO CHANNELS: DRT-DISCOVERY REALTIME DSC-DISCOVERY CHANNEL DHD-DISCOVERYCHANNELHD EXS-EXTREMESPORTS CHANNEL EUR1(2,HD)-EUROSPORT1(2,HD) MOT-MOTORSPORT.TV CH4-CHANNEL4 CH5-CHANNELFIVE BBCBBCI-BBCINTERACTIVE ESPN- ESPNCLASSICCHANNE LITVDST-DISCOVERYTURBO SHED-DISCOVERY SHED INST-INSIGHT SS1 (2,3ORX)-SKYSPORTS1(2,3OREXTRA) QUEST BTS1-BTSPORT1 BTS2-BTSPORT2 TVL-TRAVELUK…

Moto Guzzi are marking their 100th anniversary with a special colourscheme. The stylish silvery/green paintjob will feature on the V9 Bobber the V7 and V85 TT models. The new livery pays homage to the eight-cylinder and 350 Bialbero race bikes of the 1950s. While prices have yet to be confirmed, expect to pay about £300 over the stock bike prices: £8000 for a V7, £9600 for a V9 Bobber and £11,200 for a V85 TT. It’s Foggy time A limited-edition range of Carl Fogarty watches will be launched on Kickstarter at the end of March. British watch brand Forzo is making the timepiece and more will follow as part of the firm’s collaboration with the four-times WSB champion. Foggy said: “I’ve always loved watches but never been involved in designing…

Another event cancelled, what a kick in the goolies that is. It’s an obvious decision and the right one, but a nightmare for everyone who wants to go racing. It’s a crying shame because the NW200 is unique. I’ve won six times there and it’s always a race I look forward to. It’s deflating, but it is what it is. The North West has been part of my diary for as long as I can remember. The first time I went there was back in 1994, it was my road race debut and I was in my Iveco 610 van with Becky, £90 in my back pocket, a tank full of red diesel and I got a deal to get a free boat and a free race entry. That was…

Lee Nicholas Age 47 Height 6ft 2in Current bike Ducati Multistrada 1260S, KTM 1290 Super Adventure Been riding for 40 years First bike Kawasaki ZX-6R Dream bike KTM1290 Super Adventure I put a deposit down on the Multistrada V4 when it was announced 18 months ago and was going to trade-in my Multistrada 1260 S. With its new V4 engine it was only ever going to be a winner for me. But I own a restaurant and when Covid hit I had to cancel my order. I’ve been riding for 40 years, starting with a Honda C50 field bike and from there a Yamaha DT50, Kawasaki KMX, Suzuki GSX600F, a few Honda CBR600s, a Triumph 1200 Explorer, KTM 1290 Super Adventure and Ducati Multistrada 1260 S. I like to tour…

1 Do your research Unless on an organised tour spend some time researching where you want to go and plan your route, accommodation, meals etc accordingly. Honfleur, for example, is a great meal stop before Le Havre while Ypres is beautiful, packed with restaurants and worth an overnight stay. 2 ‘Find’a relative For some, a WW1 ‘tour’ may include locating a memorial to a lost relative. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission website has a brilliant search tool to help with this as long as you have some basic information. 3 Travel with friends Although we wouldn’t suggest you shouldn’t travel alone, if you’re a touring novice then taking a pillion or going with a riding companion at least is recommended both to double the enjoyment and ease any anxiety as…

SPORTS & FEATURES EDITOR Experienced road, track and off-road rider with a passion for adventure bike riding. As all of us are finding, lockdown is having a seriously detrimental effect on our riding aspirations. With the dawn of the New Year, I was hoping things would be looking up and I’d already started to tease myself with the joy of going out for a ride. Instead, the supremely capable Triumph Tiger Rally Pro sits dormant in my garage. If this inanimate object did have any feelings it would be wondering what the hell it did to cause our once blossoming romance to come to such an abrupt end. With no riding enjoyment on the horizon, at least I have the luxury of looking back on my last pre-lockdown ride and…

Bull-it Covert Easy Covec £179.99 I wanted AAA protection and while I have not tested this, the fit is great and they feel quality. The belt loops are a little small though. Andi Robinson, Lincolnshire Red Route Katie £99.99 As a woman, it’s really hard to get decent quality kit that fits properly. These offered me protection with the Kevlar lining and hip and knee armour, but they also fit well. Samantha Duncan, Milton Keynes MotoGirl Ellie £107 Best money I’ve spent! There’s ribbing on the back, meaning they don’t come down when crouched. There’s quite a lot of protection and they’re quite warm. Sally Brooks, Chittlehampton Roadskin Easyrider £139 These have Kevlar all the way to the bottom. There’s no wear and tear after four months, but they won’t…

MECHANIC Sean Taylor owns Double O M/C in Bedford When the owner of a 2006 Suzuki DRZ400 brought his bike in with a ‘handling issue’, it took Double O Motorcycles’ owner Sean Taylor about two seconds to diagnose the problem. Sean said: “The steering was that stiff I’m surprised he managed to turn off the last roundabout on his way here! “It was obvious the steering head bearings had failed because steering should be finger-tip light and I needed to use the full force of my arms just to get it to change direction at walking pace.” When the top and bottom bearings start to wear, the steering becomes notchy and heavier and the bike can weave as you ride along because it can’t self-centre anymore. The bearings are sealed…

“This is really positive. It adds great prestige and recognition to have BSB recognised as part of Honda’s global racing activity programme. To have that policy restored is fantastic, all credit to Harv and Neil Fletcher at Honda UK who I know have been working incredibly hard to cement the association and connection with Japan. “It puts BSB on the map and puts Honda UK’s activity on the map. I wish Ryo well. The British public have always enjoyed watching the Japanese riders who come to the series with plenty of spirit and heart.”…

MCN CONTRIBUTOR From smashing the Moto2 record books to smashing his leg at Silverstone in one of MotoGP’s most horrific accidents, Tito Rabat has experienced a roller-coaster ride over the past seven years. And while he turned down a job in the family jewellry business, his sole interest for 2021 is collecting World Superbike silverware aboard the Barni Ducati. You had a GP contract but you’ve been replaced by Marini. What happened? These things happen. Let’s leave it there. I‘d always turned down World Superbike because my dream was MotoGP, but when this happened I knew it was time to change. I’m here to fight. Have your seen the true colours of people during the difficult times? Yes. To be honest, fans are always interested. I’ve had less interest from…

Unsurprisingly, each team has a different opinion about the new 10-day test limit. Nobody was obliged to sit it out – they could have done laps in case we get wet races – but when manufacturers are assessing changes and parts like HRC’s new swingarm, they need it to be dry. The ‘wasted test’ wasn’t such a problem for those with big budgets, but you have to feel sorry for the privateers… or do you? Teams who didn’t attend spoke of rivals’ ‘stupidity’ to even think about a mid-January test when they still have at the very least all of February, March and April to undertake their winter testing and development plans.…