Table of contents for 26 April 2023 in MCN

LICENCES DECODED The licensing system can be hard to decode - but once you navigate the steps, it opens up a world of riding joy THIS WEEK Return of a cheeky mile-muncher When KTM first released their 990 SMT, most of the biking world wondered what the hell it was for. A supermoto for touring? Are they mad…? But those who rode it understood its genius. LongLegged, fast, comfortable, agile, fun-it was close to the perfect road bike. Then it disappeared and others released adventuresports bikes. Well, the SMT is back - and we can’t wait to try it. PAGE 4 FIRST RIDE Yamaha’s Tracer 9 comes of age Yamaha’s biggest Tracer model has been a really good bike ever since birth - but it had its faults. All were…

MCN BACK BRITAIN’S BIKING FUTURE Triumph are doing their bit to help the future of the British motorcycle industry, with plans to boost the number of young people working in their dealers and a new awards scheme on the cards to help students showcase design ideas. “In addition to employment opportunities being created each year at head office, there are plans to expand the numbers of younger people working within our dealer network, and we are supporting our dealers’ efforts to actively recruit younger retail and technical staff,” Triumph’s Chief Commercial Officer Paul Stroud told MCN. “Our dedicated STEM Outreach team is also planning the new Triumph Design Awards, which is an opportunity for students to showcase their innovative designs and ideas to industry professionals. “We are aiming to relaunch…

SAVE £1500 £23,145 Ducati Multistrada V4 S One of the most fabulously accomplished bikes you can buy, loaded with an almost perfect blend of performance, comfort, market-leading practicality, and unrivalled tech. GT Motorcycles have three white bikes with Touring pack panniers, Radar pack with blind spot detection and the Sport pack with Akrapovic end cans. www.gtmotorcycles.com SAVE £2600 £6499 Kawasaki W800 KD have this metallic brown Café model pre-registered on a 22-plate with one mile on the clock and 29% off. www.kdmotorcycles.co.uk • Engine 773cc• Power 47bhp • Weight 223kg • Seat height 790mm SAVE £1400 £9999 Moto Guzzi V85TT As well £1400 off this headturning V85TT, Central Bikes have a Travel Grigio and a Nero 85TT with serious savings. www.centralbikes.co.uk • Engine 853cc9 • Power 79bhp • Weight 229kg…

Getting the best of both worlds Flip-fronts, or ‘modular helmets’ to give them their proper title, offer a handy combination of convenience and protection. They’re great for touring and urban riding, and are a popular choice for pro riders, such as couriers, who regularly interact with the outside world. There are two safety certifications to consider: P for when it’s closed and J when it is open. If you want to ride ‘flipped’ make sure you choose one that is P/J rated. The LS2 Advant is one such helmet and has a chinbar that rotates through a full 180° to convert it from full face to jet. This not only looks better than those that just flip up, it also won’t catch the wind and you can walk through doorways…

Q ‘Will filtering claim be 50/50?’ I was filtering along the outside of a row of slow-moving traffic, on the inside of the central, white Line, about 5mph faster than the cars I was passing, when the car I was just drawing up to turned right across me. He did not indicate and I had no chance to avoid the crash. The police report accurately records what happened and even though the accident was not my fauLt my solicitor said when these cases go to court each side equally shares the blame. I’ve been told the car driver is denying Liability. This can’t be right, can it? Lance, email A The police report and witness statements will be useful in order to correctly apportion liability. There may also be CCTV…

This stylish jacket is made from 1.2mm cowhide with a removable thermal liner, it’s been a great addition to my riding wardrobe, perfect for the seasonal, change from winter rides to springtime sunshine. The faux fur collar is snug but when damp can be a little annoying. There are CE-approved protectors at the shoulders and elbows, plus a pocket for back protection. There are two external, zipped pockets and internal pockets in the jacket and lining, but the internal pockets are fractionally too small for my mobile phone. It’s great value; at just shy of £200 it’s priced keenly, but quality and comfort aren’t compromised. Available in sizes 8-20, zips at the hip ensure a snug fit and it comes up true to size. 500 miles ON TEST Quality Value…

BRUCE DUNN MCN’s expert technician Get track ready! Booked a trackday? These tips will maximise your fun and safety BRUCE’S TIPS R&G make good value lever guards, both model specific and universal 1 Get guarded Since 2021, all bikes must be fitted with a brake lever guard before taking part in a trackday. The guard’s job is to prevent the brake Lever being accidentally applied by another bike that gets too close. Although some lever guards can be an alarming amount of cash, don’t be tempted into buying a really cheap one. Go for quality; a good lever guard will feel robust. 2 Don't look back… Riding on track, especially if you don’t do it very often, can often result in sensory overload. So, to reduce potential, distractions, it’s wise to…

Our man at the centre of the action in the MotoGP paddock Pedro Acosta is not your average teenager. Not just anyone bags their first win in their second race. Nor do they claim the title at their first attempt. After starting 2023 on fire, he’s well on course to add the Moto2 title to his honours list. But what earmarks him for the very top is the manner in which he achieved the above. It’s one thing winning your second race. But doing it starting from pit lane…? Likewise, teenagers have won six of the eleven Moto3 titles. But lifting the crown by banging bars with your chief rival in the penultimate race just hours after winding him up with a cheeky wave? That’s extraordinary. Acosta being destined for…

After breaking his right Leg twice last year, Michael van der Mark has sustained a broken left femur after one of the most vicious highsides in motorcycle racing history. Two-time World Champion James Toseland expLains just why VDM flew so high: “The first right is in a dip. When you go from right to left, there is a crest and then it drops again. He’s gone into the chicane, opened the throttle and lost the rear. As he’s lost rear grip, the rear shock extends because there’s nothing pushing it to compress thespring. There Is a crest and then it drops again’ JAMES TOSELAND ”As it’s extended, he’s hit the face of the hump; that compressed the rear shock so severely that he’s shut the throttle. It then extends and…

I think it was disappointing given it was at Assen where no matter the class it’s usually a last-lap, finalchicane dust up. It’s a production based championship and for me it has to be exciting racing. It was an Alvaro masterclass. He means business and he’s not prepared to get shoved around by Johnny and Toprak anymore. But there is another way of looking at it… are his rivals beaten before the race has even started? They might be sick of fighting because it can get to a point where you get flogged and flogged and can’t do anything about it. After race one Johnny said that he can’t carry on riding like that otherwise he’ll go down, and that’s exactly what happened in race three. Bautista looked like a…

Name: Samantha Walker, 36 Bike: Yamaha Virago 125 Passed CBT on: May 2021 Instructor: www.facebook.com/On2WheelsMotorcycle Biggest fear: “I was particularly worried about the chance of crashing the bike I was using because I’d never driven or ridden anything before - but I think I’m much better now.” Funniest moment: “After I passed my CBT, I went for a ride with my partner. I was on my Vespa and he was on a Honda 090. My bike broke down, so I jumped on the back of his little machine - and then he broke down too!” ‘I was worried about the chance of crashing’ Most valuable lesson learnt: “Always look at where you want to go, avoid target fixation and maintain a loose grip on the controls.” Most enjoyable bit: “Finally…

Name: Chelsea Birt, 25 Bike: Yamaha R6 Passed on: April 12, 2023 Instructor: www.facebook.com/On2WheelsMotorcycle Biggest fear: “It was the Mod 1 for sure. I was worried about the cones and control of the bike because it had been so long since I’d been on a motorbike - it was at least six years. But I was fed up being a pillion.” Funniest moment: “It’s 24/7 with Glen at On2Wheels! The funniest thing has to be when we were doing the Mod 1 training and we saw another school’s instructor and we were having a chat and there was plenty of banter.” ‘1 was fed up of always being the pillion’ Most valuable lesson learnt: “Check your shoulders - all the time. Glen told me about a previous student who asked…

Believe in yourself Once you’ve passed the test, you know what to do. Don’t take risks but don’t second-guess yourseLf, hesitate or dither. Nobody’s marking you, so have faith in yourself to make positive decisions. Chase smoothness, not outright speed Work at pulling away gently, trying to make every gear change the best you’ve done and then adjusting your speed smoothly. Don’t try to ride fast – that’s the quickest way to get ragged. When everything’s smooth, you’re in control. Pace comes later. Look ahead more than you look at the clocks The more you see, the better your decisions will be and the more confidence you’ll have. Make sure you keep looking well ahead – not just 40-50m in front of the bike. And while it’s important to know…

The 890 SMT may be new for 2023, but the SMT name has been around much longer. The last bike to wear the badge was the V-twin 990 SMT, which was launched for 2009 and featured a 999cc V-twin motor producing a claimed 115bhp. With a steel trellis chassis, 19 litres of fuel, and a slightly lower seat height of 855mm, it shares the same basic recipe as the latest incarnation - rolling on 17in wheels and existing as a halfway house between sportsbike and adventurer. Whether this new version will live up to the original remains to be seen. The 990 gained a cult following, and later examples cost less than £6000 used.…

KTM are offering £500 off 2022-spec 125 Dukes and RC125s, with low rate finance available between now and the end of June. Both the naked Duke and fully faired RC are A1 licence-friendly and can be ridden on L-plates with a CBT, with the money off bringing the prices down to £3999 and £4549 respectively. They are available with 4.9% APR on PCP. Right Bobby Dazzler Daytime TV hit Dickinson’s Real Deal is heading to the National Motorcycle Museum on Saturday, May 13 and is calling on you to bring along your antiques, for a chance to appear on TV. David Dickinson and his team will befilming at the Solihull venue, with the doors open 8am-5pm. Admission is free, and independent valuers will be on site to offer advice on…

Touratech Destino Touring GTX £284.00 Developed in conjunction with riding gear specialists REV’IT!, the Destino has been designed to give touring riders the flexibility to explore both on and off the bike. Protection includes reinforced toe, ankle and shank, with a Gore-Tex membrane for climate management and a grippy sole intended to be as comfortable for walking as it is for riding. touratech-uk.co.uk Garibaldi G07X Full Face Helmet from £170 A retro-styled helmet that doesn’t scrimp on safety, the G07X is certified to ECE 22.06 and comes in two shell sizes to keep the low-profile look consistent throughout the range. Construction is composite carbon fibre, with a multidensity EPS and hypoallergenic lining. The visor is ready to take a Pinlock. saltflatsclothing.co.uk Knox Welbeck MK2 waterproof £149.99 Knox claim a…

‘My old Fazer isn’t quite set to stun’ The time of the year has arrived when I have to give my (t)rusty Fazer 600 its annual clean, which means only one thing: it is due an MoT. This yearly ritual involves me hoping it makes the grade after apologising profusely about the state of the bike and pointing out its (fairly limited) plus points. And every year there is a twinge of embarrassment at the recorded mileage, which generally only goes up by fewer than 2000 miles. In my defence I do a lot of riding on test bikes but this past year I managed just 1005 miles. MoT time always gets me thinking about what I use the Fazer for and the truth is I ride to MCN’s office,…

▶ Send your trips to yourpics@motorcyclenews.com Reader Kosta Karis The ride Transcontinental trip across Australia and back How many miles 7500 How long do you need? Three to four weeks. I took four weeks but did a lot of filming (search Dream Trip Across Australia on YouTube) Best time to go April has the best weather. Summer in the Outback can reach 50°C and roads are closed in summer due to heat. September is also an option. Don’t miss this Koonalda Homestead (rusty car graveyard), Head of the Bight (whale watching), Bunda Cliffs (spectacular cliffs overlooking the ocean), Lake MacDonnell (intense pink coloured lake), Cape Le Grand National Park (the whitest sand beach in Australia and incredible turquoise water), Great Central Road (700-miledirt road right through the middle of Australia),…

KEY TO THE AREA ■ SOUTH WEST ■ CENTRAL ■ NORTH & SCOTLAND ■ SOUTH EAST Wednesday April 26 BIKE MEETS ■ MFN, Seven Oaks Inn, Stanton By Dale, Derbyshire 5pm till late Facebook: MFN Bike nights ■ The King Billy Rock Bar, Northampton 6.30pm. Facebook: The King Billy Rock Bar ■ Huggys Speedshop, Mallory Park, Leicestershire. From 10am www.huggysspeedshop.co.uk ■ Park Road Cafe, St Helens, Merseyside 01744-808440 ■ Howard Gill’s Bike Night, J&S Oakmere, Northwich, Cheshire 5pm-8pm jsaccessories.co.uk ■ The Old Stores, Pontblyddyn, Flints 6pm-9pm 07548-224866 or ■ Squires Cafe, Newthorpe, West Yorks 01977-684618 ■ Loomies, West Meon, Hants. Open till 9pm www.loomiescafe.co.uk ■ The Pathfinder Cafe, Blackbushe, Surrey. From 10.30am-1pm Facebook: Pathfinder Cafe SPEEDWAY ■ Birmingham Brummies, www.birmingham-speedway.com ■ Oxford Cheetahs, www.oxfordspeedway.club TRACKDAYS ■ Donington National, Derbys from…

Adventure Sport bikes have topped the UK sales charts for years and many clothing brands produce riding kit aimed at this market. The key difference between an adventure suit and traditional textile clothing is versatility - it needs to be adaptable to different climates - and the Weise Summit jacket is a good example. The waterproof lining and micro fleece inner jacket are both removable, so you can mix and match to suit the weather. Cooling is equally important and large panels on the chest can be unzipped to reveal mesh vents, for maximum airflow. Adventure travel often involves challenging roads and tracks, so protection matters. The Summit is made from 600D Cordura and SuperFabric, with CE-armour at shoulders, elbows and back. As a result, it’s rated AA for protection…

‘Ultimate fun tourer’ Yamaha have taken a brilliant bike and made it even better. Indeed, the GT+ begs the question why you’d want or need a full-dress tourer or a big adventure bike when this Tracer can demolish big distances with such ease and then be such a riot to ride when you eventually reach the roads you’ve travelled so far to experience. Almost £2000 more is a fair chunk extra to ask over the Tracer 9 GT, but with its premium feel, improved comfort, usability, function and purpose the GT+ more than justifies its position at the top Yamaha’s sports tourer range. THE FACTS £14,910 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+…

‘Chill and slow down’ “Having spent a few weeks cruising around Lincolnshire on these three machines, I can certainly now see the appeal of a middleweight cruiser. They are really good fun to ride and I have enjoyed the change in pace they offer compared to something Like a middleweight naked. “They make no sporty demands on you and it is nice to actually take a chill pill and slow down on a ride, I’ve seen things on my route I’ve not noticed before - mainly potholes as I desperately try to avoid them. “Out of the three mini cruisers I tested the Enfield is the clear winner. Not only is it the best value, it also delivers the full cruiser experience without feeling Like ‘just’ an A2-bike. You could…

RATINGS Exceptional Very good Good Average Poor 6000 miles ON TEST I don’t spend enough time on track to justify owning a one-piece suit, so a jacket that I can pair with leather strides for the odd spin around a circuit, as well as denim jeans for riding on the road, makes sense. The RST Tractech Evo R is cut from the same pattern as the company’s race leathers, meaning pre-curved arms for a focused riding position, large stretch panels and a substantial hump for smoothing out airflow at speed. It also has a few useful additions in the way of pockets, and a mesh liner that helps wick sweat away in high summer. There’s no scrimping on protection, as the Evo R has AAA certification and CE Level. 2…

There’s no question this is an expensive jacket, but it’s high-quality, stuffed with comfy, supple D30 protection, and offers soft leather- plus a removable thermal lining for greater versatility. It also gets hard external shoulder protectors, and perforations for ventilation. It should come with a back protector for this price, though. 1500 miles ON TEST It’s not a jacket for colder days without plenty of layers squeezed in underneath, but the cooling chill coming through the stretch panels of the arms is welcome in summer. Quality Value www.nevis.uk.com…

The owner of this 2007 Ducati Monster had noticed his engine starting to make a few worrying noises, so he dropped it off at Doncaster Motorcycles for a check-up. Seasoned spannerman, and boss of the longestablished shop, Kevin Hollingsworth, said: “The bike had 25,000 miles on the clock and it looked like an all-weather machine which needed a general service. When I whipped the belt covers off, you could easily see the reason it wasn’t running smoothly. The lower cambelt roller for the front cylinder had seized, probably because the bike had been parked up for a while and rainwater had sneaked past the belt covers. “That meant the crank was having to push and pull the belt to force it over the non-roller. It had been rubbing over the…

1 Pedro’s dad, also named Pedro, is a fisherman from Mazarrón in the southeast of Spain. Hence his son’s nickname, El Tiburon de Mazarrón (the shark of Mazarrón). It’s also why Pedro has a shark on his leathers. 2 Pedro didn’t show interest in motorcycles when his father raced, but this changed when, aged 5, Pedro Snr bought him a Chinese bike for €150. 3 Kevin Schwantz was Acosta’s favourite rider growing up, and also his father’s hero. 4 Acosta is the secondyoungest GP world champion ever (17 years, 166 days), just one day older than the current record-holder, which is Loris Capirossi. 5 Acosta is the youngest intermediate class race winner in history (18 years, 4 days), 83 days younger than Marc Marquez was.…

WSB CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS 1 BAUTISTA 174pts 2 RAZGATLIOGLU 118pts 3 LOCATELLI 104pts VD Mark 19 Baz 6 Baldassarri 6 Sykes 1 WSB POSITIONS RACE 1 16 Baldassarri +34.593 17 Baz +34.719 18 Ray +47.346 19 Syahrin +50.486 20 Konig +52.31 21 Granado +1’00.902 22 Ruiu +1’01.202 23 Vinales +1’14.042 DNF Sykes 11 laps, Lecuona 5 laps WSB POSITIONS SP RACE 11 Lecuona +10.546 12 Gardner +11.246 13 Rinaldi +11.807 14 Oettl +12.037 15 Petrucci +12.825 16 Ray +13.079 17 Gerloff +13.549 18 Syahrin +20.193 19 Sykes +21.34 20 Baldassarri +24.463 21 Granado +25.353 22 Ruiu +25.706 23 Konig +27.243 DNF Viñales 6 laps, Baz 0 laps WSB POSITIONS RACE 2 16 Konig +54.512 17 Granado +55.14 18 Viñales +1’07.639 19 Ruiu +1’07.659 DNF Lecuona +12 laps, Baz +8 laps, Rea…

SUB-£500 ‘Stay safe and comfy on the city streets’ Perfect for urban riders and those wanting a bit of café cool HJC C10 £89.99 This helmet is brand new for 2023 and comes highly recommended. Not only does it meet the very latest safety standard (ECE 22.06) but it’s also well made, comfortable and quiet - but that said, you should always wear earplugs whenever you ride. Sub-£200 helmets generally have outer shells made from a tough plastic (often called polycarbonate) which is cheaper to produce than a shell made from fibreglass or composite (as used on pricier lids) but still provides the protection required to satisfy the very latest, and more stringent, safety standard. www.oxfordproducts.com Weise Stealth hoodie £139.99 This may look like a casual hoodie, but the Stealth…

Rich Newland, MCN Editor, big-mile all-weather rider, has been riding for 39 years Emma Franklin, MCN Deputy Editor, loves trackdays, riding for 20 years Michael Neeves, Chief Road Tester, fast road and race rider, riding for 37 years Dan Sutherland, News Editor, sportsbike lover, riding for 11 years Ben Clarke, Assistant Editor, favours V-twins and singles, riding for 16 years Simon Brown, Production Editor, enjoys sunny days out, riding for 29 years Bruce Dunn, Performance Tester, loves two-strokes, riding for 40 years Justin Hayzelden, product writer, former instructor, riding for 35 years Simon Weir, MCN contributor, touring guru and instructor, riding for 38 years…

Name: Adam Tester, 31 Bike: None at the moment, but planning a Yamaha MT-09 Mod 1 passed on: March 24, 2023 Instructor: www.facebook.com/On2WheelsMotorcycle Biggest fear: “Riding a bigger bike. I’d only ever ridden a 125cc before which was six years ago, so it had been a while.” Funniest moment: “Watching one of the other students to be honest. There was one who was a bit nervous when he was doing a figure of eight on the Mod 1, and his legs were shaking like crazy! It was funny to watch but he kept it upright… they were like jelly. “But I actually knew Glen (now my instructor) when we were 16, and he put me into a hedge on my moped back then!” ‘I’ve really loved taking on country roads’…

You’ve dropped your bike. Your first instinct is to pick it up as quickly as possible – but wait… If the bike’s in the road, check you can get to it safely. Don’t just run out into moving traffic. If it is safe to pick it up, make sure you pick it up properly. Adrenaline will give you huge energy to bend down and haul it upright… and it’s only later that you’ll find you’ve pulled a muscle. So take a breath and do it using the proper technique. Make sure the bike’s in gear, with the engine off. Get the handlebars at full lock. Bend your knees so you keep your back straight. With one hand on the bars and one on the back of the bike, straighten up…

Chicken strips The area of unscrubbed rubber on the edges of a tyre that hint the rider is too ‘chicken’ to lean the bike over Tank slapper A tank slapper is when the bars violently go from lock-to-lock. The term ‘tank slapper’ refers to the fact the bars try to ‘slap’ the tank on full-lock. Mind your thumbs! Bump start If your battery is dead, you can ‘bump start’ a bike by getting it rolling (in gear with the clutch in) and then releasing the clutch. If you are being pushed fast enough, the momentum will allow the rear wheel to turn the engine over (use second or third gear), acting as a starter motor and making the bike fire up. Hopefully IMU Not a flightless bird, it stands for…

When buying a used bike, the worst thing that can happen is that you blow your money on a bad motorcycle that’s been disguised as a good one. But don’t panic, our tips will see you right. Even if you’re 100% sure of the make, model and age of bike you want, the process involved with seeking out and buying the best example available can make your head spin. This guide offers you insider advice that will help you make an informed decision based on facts, whether you are buying from a dealer or a private seller. Once you have a specific model in mind, it’s crucial that you do some research – your first port of call is the reviews at www.motorcyclenews.com. If there is a recurring theme relating…

1 Adventure off-road If you want acres of Welsh valleys to explore and impeccable advice to train you to take on rocks, mud and more, then a day at one of the off-road training schools nearby will certainly develop your skills. KTM Sweet Lamb Adventure Rally Bike £275 for 1-2-1 (with own bike), discounts available and options for weekends away, couples training, trails training and groups. www.adventurerallybike.co.uk BMW Off Road Skills – Level one Starts at £595 for a two-day course. Can opt for a women-only experience, and goes up to level three with other offerings such as adventure maintenance. www.offroadskills.com Harley-Davidson Adventure Centre £349 (with Pan America use) for this experience day with Mick Extance. www.hdadventurecentre.com Triumph Adventure Riding Experience £525 for two-day level 1 training, but if you’re just…

Aprilia’s 2023 All Stars event will take place at Misano in Italy on Saturday, 27 May. Open to the public, the day will be attended by the brand’s roster of MotoGP stars, including Aleix Espargaró, Maverick Viñales, and Lorenzo Savadori, as well as the RNF squad. Plus there are test rides on Local roads, and more. Visit aprilia.com for more information. New Norton dealer Norton have announced their 961 Commando and V4 SV range will now be sold at a new Cheshire dealership, as part of the Oakmere Motor Group. Norton will be the first two-wheeled brand available through Oakmere, who already deal with car firms Lotus, Caterham, and Morgan. They’ll also take care of servicing, repairs, and will sell parts and accessories. It joins other sales venues including a…

The fifth instalment of the Ride video game franchise will arrive on August 24 – allowing players to race the latest in motorcycling exotica on the cream of race tracks from around the world. Think Gran Turismo for bikes and you won’t be far off. Although details remain limited, a 55-second trailer released on the official PlayStation YouTube channel shows bikes including the BMW M1000RR, Kawasaki ZX-10RR, Ducati Superleggera V4, and KTM 1290 Super Duke R being ridden to their limit on tracks including Brands Hatch, Suzuka, and the North West 200 road racing course. The game will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Steam, and more – with two-player split-screen racing returning alongside online multiplayer functions. Other bikes found in the game include the latest Suzuki Hayabusa, the…

mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com motorcyclenews motorcyclenews MCNnews ‘Brilliant instructors helped me through’ I just wanted to say a hearty well done to Phoenix bike training for recognising the need for mental health awareness among trainers and students (MCN, April 12). When I was learning to ride certain life events happened and tanked my mental state partway through. If I hadn’t had such incredibly patient and understanding instructors during a time when I was probably not best geared to learning something new, then I may well not have stayed the distance. I’ve been riding damn near every day since passing and loved every minute, even the commutes. Hats off Phoenix, smart thinking. Ross, email STAR LETTER Write something that spikes our interest, and you could get selected for the Star Letter slot. Each week…

Send your first bike pics to: yourpics@motorcyclenews.com My brother Nick, on our shared Italjet 50 cc. A great bike until it got nicked from my dad’s mate’s garage. Lewis Baines Here is a picture of my grandson Oliver trying his first stunt. I reckon he’ll go far in biking. Mark Sluman Bought for £250 in 1992, this was my first road bike. Good luck identifying all the parts! Richard Newland, MCN Editor My brother Louis on his first bike - a Z900RS - enjoying the sunshine on the Cat and Fiddle. Nathan Colclough Thought you might like this shot of just one of the many bikes I have had over the years. Joe Main Me, back in 1985 on my ported FS1-DX at the age of 16. Check outthatperm… Mike…

1 April 27 McGuinness and Whitham Famous Yorkshire venue Squires is playing host to racing legends John McGuinness and James Whitham. Grab tickets from the café or skiddle.com. www.squires-cafe.co.uk 2 April 28-30 Into the Valley Rally Hosted at Driffield Showground, the Into the Valley Rally is in full swing this weekend with two indoor stages and bars. Pre-book only mapevents.co.uk 3 April 28-May 1 Overland event Thinking about taking that epic trip? Whet your appetite at the Spring into Action Show. Event ‘passport’ is £195 which includes activities (but not bike hire). www.overlandevent.com 4 April 19-May 1 British Superbikes It’s Oulton Park this weekend. £45 for the weekend, £15 for Saturday, £24 for Sunday and £34 for Monday. www.britishsuperbike.com…

FRIDAY April 28 8am, BTS2, Live MotoGP from Jerez, Spain: FP1.12.15pm FP2 11pm, BTS2, BT Sport Films: Sheene SATURDAY April 29 8.45am, Live MotoGP from Jerez, Spain: MotoGP Qualifying. 11.45 Moto2/3 Qualifying. 1.30pm The Sprint. 3pm Red Bull Rookies Cup 6.30pm EUR2, Live Speedway Grand Prix from Donji Kraljevec, Croatia SUNDAY April 30 9.30am, Live MotoGP from Jerez, Spain: Warm Ups. 10.15am Moto3. 12pm Moto2.1.30pm MotoGP. 3.15pm Chequered Flag 1pm,EUR2, Live Bennetts British Superbikes, Oulton Park, Cheshire: Day 1. Highlights at 8pm MONDAY 1 May 1pm, EUR-2, Live Bennetts British Superbikes from Oulton Park, Cheshire: Day 2, Race 3. Highlights of Day 2 at 10pm 8pm, ITV4, MotoGP Jerez highlights…

THE BIG TEST GET PROTECTED WITH MCN - AT MCNCOMPARE.COM THE MCN TEST • THE HOTTEST BIKES • EVERY WEEK £6799*** Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 • 648cc air-cooled parallel twin SOHC 8v • 46.3bhp@7250rpm • 241kg kerb weight £6699* Honda CMX500 Rebel Special Edition • 471cc liquid-cooled parallel twin DOHC 8v • 45.6bhp @ 8500rpm • 190kg kerb weight £7605** Kawasaki Vulcan S • 649cc Liquid-cooled parallel twin DOHC 8v • 60.1bhp @7500rpm • 229kg kerb weight McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Hershey’s bars - we do love a US import over here but by the time it reaches our shores, sometimes a small reduction in size is required to fit our less indulgent tastes. Seriously, have you seen the size of a large Coke in American fast food outlets? You could swim…

‘It’s missing something’ The Ninja 650 is a really good bike that is begging for a bit of a modern spruce-up and I wish Kawasaki would give it inverted forks and radial brakes to allow it to stand a chance against the R7 in terms of kerb appeal. As it is, the Ninja still looks a bit budget and just adding traction control doesn’t change that. But it does handle well and has a less aggressive riding position than the R7 or RS. If you are a fan of Ninjas it won’t disappoint, but it does look and feel a generation behind its key rivals and just slapping on TC can’t mask this fact. THE FACTS £7955 (£10,016,90 as tested) Kawasaki Ninja 650…

For a leather jacket, including a back protector, to be comfy, stylish and protective for £125 seems quite an ask, but DXR have nailed it. The thick leather has plenty of weight, there are shoulder and elow pads with additional quiled padding, pls that back protector. There are three zipped pockets on the front, two inside pockets - one for a phone while the other is large enough for the biggest wallet. There is even a waterproof zipped inner pocket on the left chest area. Further practical features include an adjustable cuff, fixed mesh lining and a connecting loop for jeans. 500 miles ON TEST Quality Value www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk…

Often you’ll see pro racers selling their used tyres (called ‘scrubs’) for very little money. These can be very tempting as it’s logical to think that a nicely scrubbed-in race tyre will give you more performance than your plain old sports-touring tyres. But be warned, if you are new to track riding - or even intermediate level - using full-on race tyres should be avoided, even more so in the early part of the season when the track and air temperatures are low. A rider who has a modest pace will almost certainly be in danger of the tyre falling woefully short of its working temperature, and thus the grip levels diminish to a level that is much less than a good sports-touring tyre. So, if you’re a track newbie,…

Everything you need to know from the world of BSB ‘Ducati and Yamaha have won 18 of the past 20 races’ The Bennetts British Superbike Championship returns this weekend at the stunning Oulton Park circuit in Cheshire. Oulton presents the riders with one of their most physically demanding challenges of the season, with three races across two days taking its toll. That said, it’s still a favourite of theirs. “Epic,” says Jason O’Halloran. “I love Oulton.” How do the other riders describe it? “Rollercoaster” was a shared response from Christian Iddon, Tom Neave, Lee Jackson and Glenn Irwin, whilst Jack Kennedy simply said, “Wild!” Tommy Bridewell believes it’s, “Mentally demanding” as you have to be inch-perfect every lap. “One word wouldn’t do it,” Josh Brookes explains, naming multiple ways to…

The trouble with conveyor belts is they’re hard to stop. You risk an embarrassment of riches. Paddock people talk about the Spanish conveyor belt, dumping a steady stream of precocious talent into Moto3, whence the youthful nuggets proceed towards dominant adulthood. All but Bagnaia of the past 13 MotoGP champions came from Spain or the Spanish system, including Stoner and Quartararo. Pedro Acosta is another off the belt, and not even the most recent to be dubbed “genius” when still in short pants. Hot on his heels, last year’s runaway champion Izan Guevara, now in Moto2. Acosta can’t afford to hang around, whether he wins Moto2 or not, as there are more clawing their way to the front in Moto3. This is ominous for several MotoGP incumbents. Most top guys…

Bringing you the latest from the heart of the paddock Alvaro Bautista is riding a tidal wave of success in the World Superbike Championship. At Assen last weekend, the Ducati rider completed another career treble to make it eight victories from nine so far this season. Not even a grid penalty in race one, where he was relegated to fourth from pole, after interrupting Loris Baz’s hot lap, could derail his seemingly easy hattrick of wins. He claimed victory in the 21-lap race one by 3.148 seconds, in the shortened eight-lap Sprint Race by 0.916s, before cruising to victory by 3.915s in race two. He now leads the championship standings by a commanding 56 points from Yamaha top man Toprak Razgatlioglu. They say motorcycle racing is all in the head,…

MCN NEW RIDER 2023 ‘Taking the first step is always the hardest part’ It’s all too easy to look at biking as an exclusive club - and the current licensing system helps to ensure that it’s not easy to understand the rules for getting in, too. But there are two critical facts that you mustn’t lose sight of. Firstly: it’s not as complex or convoluted as it first appears to get your licence-taking the first step is always the hardest part. And second: doing so will forever enrich your life. Of course, most MCN readers are either already on their licence journey, or are longterm riders - and if that’s you, then please hand this special guide to your husband/wife/ sibling/friend/child/colleague… Biking is better together, and I’ve lost count of…

Fit to ride? When choosing kit, it’s always a good idea to try it on and then see how it feels when sitting in a riding position. Showrooms like Sportsbikeshop in Boston, often have a dummy motorcycle in store that you can sit on then try your gear for size. Know your CE ratings All riding kit must be CE (Conformité EuropéenneEuropean conformity) approved to be sold in the UK. In 2018, riding gear became classed as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with a new standard introduced, EN 17092, which rates the protection in the event of both an impact and sliding. The key is the CE label which will indicate a garment’s performance in impact and abrasion resistance, as well as seam and tear strength, by the letters: B, A,…

When I first started my dream job, filming motorcycles at MCN, I had no experience of riding bikes at all. But my first job was shooting a Ducati Panigale test-and that was it, I was immediately hooked. Seeing how it leaned, accelerated, braked, seemingly defying the laws of physics-and with its mechanical heartbeat resonating through my brain - it ignited a passion for motorcycles that was only ever going to lead to me becoming a rider, too. I hold Chief Road Tester, Michael Neeves, responsible for my newfound addiction, and for the toll it has taken on my bank account… But I don’t regret it one bit! For many people like me, motorcycles are a tantalising temptation, that’s often just out of reach, obscured by legal barriers and misconceptions -…

I spent a whole year on a CBT certificate before going for my A2 licence. I did this because I wanted to get more experience on a 125cc motorcycle, so I bought myself a Yamaha YBR125 that I found for sale on Facebook Marketplace. It wasn’t the fastest bike out there, but it was perfect for me to practise on and really get the hang of being on the road on two wheels before moving on to something bigger and better. My first bike will always have a place in my heartand no doubt your first will, too. As a new rider, it can be tempting to go for a newer, lesserknown branded motorbike, but there is something to be said about the reliability and reputation of big established brands,…

Lots of learner-friendly bikes in the used market are listed as ‘write-offs’. An insurance write-off is when you’ve had an accident and your bike is deemed too expensive to repair by your insurer when compared to its value at the time of the accident. There are four tiers of insurance write-off… CATEGORY A-Usually complete scrap and must be totally crushed, including all spare parts. It’s common for fire- or flood-damaged bikes to be Cat A write-offs. CATEGORY B - These vehicles cannot return to the road but some of their spare parts may be salvaged and sold for spares if they’re in the right condition. The bike itself must be destroyed, though. CATEGORY S - The vehicle is repairable, but the cost of that repair is greater than the value…

Building a great 125 is no easy task, despite their learner-friendly output and apparent simplicity. They have to be friendly enough for novices, but with enough fun factor to get you hooked on bikes for life. They need to be built to an attractive price, with all the mod-cons you’d expect. The choice is massive, with most tastes and needs catered for, from commuter to enduro bike. We’ve picked three great options - one new, and two used machines - to suit different pockets Yamaha XSR125 Legacy Yamaha gives its fantastic 125 platform the neo-retro treatment Yamaha’s dedication to building high-quality 125s is unmatched. The Deltabox beam frame, liquid-cooled engine with variable valve actuation and full-sized running gear stands out among spindlier, more basic rivals. It’s a ‘proper’ motorcycle that…

Binning the L-pLates is a momentous occasion. Now, you’ll want a bike that’ll Let you take advantage of your new-found motorway entitlement, longer trips, and your first taste of power and speed… We’ve chosen bikes that meet the 47bhp limit (and the 286.2bhp/ton power-to-weight ratio cap) in their natural state. You can restrict bikes with a max output of 94bhp, but A2-legal bikes tend to be of a weight and design that suits their power output better than a more powerful bike that has been strangled. Honda CB500X Perky, frugal and comfortable: the ideal first adventure bike Honda’s CB500 family has been one of our favourite underdog bikes since the first incarnation appeared in the 1990s. The current range (CB500F naked, CBR500R sportsbike as well as the 500X) doesn’t share…

Joseph Wright, 22, passed his test six months ago and spent a day with Rapid Training’s Rich Evans “That was a fantastic day. I learned so much it’s hard to put it all into words, and it was more like riding with a knowledgeable mate than a lesson. To start with I was riding in the centre of the lane all the time, braking hard and going slowly round corners, doing loads of unnecessary lifesaver checks… and I was stressed. Now, just by positioning myself better for corners, I’m braking less, going faster and feeling a lot smoother. I was nervous about overtaking, so I used to get close to cars so that I had less distance to travel while on the wrong side of the road. But by staying…