Table of contents for 2 September 2020 in MCN

BMW have unveiled their most outrageous custom yet ahead of the official launch of their new R18 but small-scale, DIY customisation has always been at the heart of the bike. “There is big chunk of market out there with cruisers, but we’ve never had a bike to attack this segment,” says Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design at BMW Motorrad. “If you’re going to go into another segment, you have to stick to the rules and the rules are usually set by the big players. We set the rules with the GS and the RT, other guys set the rules for the big cruisers. The basics are ‘long and low’ but engine size itself is a feature. “For this bike, we also wanted it to be easy to customise. You don’t…

THURSDAY 8pm, EUR2, Barry Sheene Classic, also at 9pm FRIDAY 9.25am, EUR2, Live World Superbikes from Aragon, Spain: Free Practice 1. Free Practice 2 at 1.55pm SATURDAY 12pm, EUR2, Live Bennetts British Superbikes from Silverstone: Qualifying. Race 1 at 4pm 12.50pm, EUR2, Live World Superbikes from Aragon: Race 1 SUNDAY 9.45am, EUR2, Live World Superbikes from Aragon, Spain: Superpole and Race 2. Also at 12.55pm 12.15pm, EUR2, Live Bennetts British Superbikes from Silverstone: Race 2 and 3. Also at 2pm 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…

We’re thrilled to announce that the MCN YouTube channel has passed a quarter of a million subscribers, with tens of thousands more of you regularly tuning in to watch what we make. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all for watching our videos, subscribing, and joining the conversation in the comments. Although, we’d also like to ask, if you’ve not subscribed, what are you waiting for? Since MCN launched the channel back in 2007 we’ve accrued over five million hours of watch time and more than 225million views, detailing some of the fastest and most exotic bikes ever built. We’ve taught you key riding skills, reviewed the very latest new metal from the biggest manufacturers, and have had rather a lot of fun along the way. To…

Shark D-Skwal helmet £129.99 ‘D-Skwal is a very bright idea’ Being seen is a vital part of staying safe, which is why French lid brand Shark introduced the D-Skwal. It’s a lightweight, plastic-shelled helmet with built-in, rechargeable flashing lights. MCN tested a D-Skwal for over 1500 miles and the lights really make the rider stand out. Our tester also praised the lid for its comfort, as well as how easy to use the internal drop-down sun visor is. MCN’s sister publication RiDE awarded the D-Skwal their Best Buy triangle, which proves it’s a decent lid. And now, with almost 25% off it’s great value too, especially as it comes with a Pinlock anti-fog insert included. Other features include a ratchet-style chin strap, removable and washable lining, and if you’re…

HRC need to start again The mighty HRC have always held the belief that it is their motorcycles and technology that wins races, and therefore the bikes are more important than the rider, so much so that Rossi jumped ship to join Yamaha, as he felt the rider was just as or more important than the bike and wanted to prove it. Fast-forward 16 years and for the first time in a long time, there has been no Honda on the podium in the first six races of the season, highlighting the fact that maybe the rider is just as important as the technology, otherwise there would still be Hondas swarming the podium, even without Marquez. Dan, email Guard your details I noticed that in last week’s issue you have…

£17,199 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory • 1077cc 16v V4 • 173bhp/89lb.ft • £168.29 per month PCP £16,529.80 AS TESTED, £15,699 NEW KTM 1290 Super Duke R • 1301cc 8v V-twin • 177bhp/103lb.ft • £201.69 per month PCP Regular readers will know the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory has been MCN’s top super-naked dog for a very long time now. A straight-barred, scantily-clad RSV4 superbike, the Tuono was born in 2011 but shot to dominance in 2015 when its V4 powerplant grew to 1077cc, adding extra sparkle to what was an already a formidable performance bike. Nothing’s been able to beat it since. Last year it was updated to include semi-active Öhlins suspension, but for 2020 it’s just colour changes and a smattering of carbon fibre (our test…

Triumph’s Tiger 1200 now comes in new exotic-sounding Alpine and Desert editions. This Alpine is based on the road-focused XRx model, while the Desert is a version of the spoked-wheel XCx. Fundamentals are unchanged, including the grunty 1215cc triple, substantial steel frame, plush semi-active suspension and useful electric windscreen. So is it worth £400 over a stock XRx? 1 Free change The Alpine gains Triumph’s ‘Shift Assist’ two-way quickshifter for clutchless up and down gearchanges. The system works smoothly, blends in with the bike’s hi-tech feel, and normally costs £405 to add to a standard Tiger 1200. A fiver saved already... 2 White but no stripes The Alpine Edition has suitably snowy white sparkly paint, some mountain-themed graphics on the tank and shiny ‘SE’ badges instead of the regular ‘XRx’…

The idea of taking a short hop across town and back quietly, cleanly and cheaply, then recharging in the garage overnight, offers plenty of advantages over petrol power. And the Horwin CR6 would be a fine bike to do that kind of journey on – more presence and power than a scooter, yet still light and slim enough to slice through traffic. But as a new brand without an established reputation, it still remains to be seen how Horwin’s residual values will hold up over time, and how well the battery lasts after its three-year warranty expires. Bear in mind too that Honda’s CB125R is a grand cheaper – a difference that buys 20,000 miles of petrol. Tech spec What it costs…

Gary Timpson, from Margate, has been marshalling for 16 years “I’ve always been into bikes and have sponsored someone in the past with a set of tyres for a season. The sport has given me so much pleasure that I thought I would give something back. That’s why I marshal. I do Thundersport, go to the TT and I’ve done the North West 200 and Oliver’s Mount, so I get around a bit! Without us, there wouldn’t be racing and we’re like an Orange Army – following our hobby and helping the riders. The key is to make sure the rider is safe, make sure they’re OK and to see their smile when you take the visor off. You’ve also got your mates as well, so in the evening it…

Curious animals were an interesting by-product of our recent lockdown but Mother Nature got a bit too close for comfort for two of mechanic Jason McCullum’s customers at JDL Motorcycles. ‘I popped the panel off and dog biscuits fell out’ First up was a Honda CRF450 which had been parked up before it came in for service. Its enduro design means that the easiest job is checking the air filter because the airbox isn’t hidden under the tank. Instead, it is tucked high up and can be inspected quickly by popping off a sidepanel, for example after the bike has been in a river. So Jason crouched down by the bike and popped the panel off, only to have a pile of dog biscuits cascade all over the workshop floor.…

2014 Pit Beirer confirms that KTM will make their MotoGP debut in 2017, with a V4 engine and tubular frame, built in-house 2015 Dani Pedrosa’s former crew chief Mike Leitner (far right) joining the project is a huge coup for the Austrian factory 2016 Sign 2013 Moto2 champion Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith KTM make their debut in a wildcard appearance at Valencia 2017 UPS Espargaro and Smith finish inside the points in only their second outing (14th & 15th) Espargaro qualifies seventh at the Sachsenring, with Smith equalling this at Motegi KTM celebrate their first top 10 at Brno, with Espargaro finishing ninth DOWNS Smith is unable to consistently match his teammate (ending the season 26 points behind Espargaro) and is also beaten by Kallio at the Red Bull…

As coronavirus restrictions squeeze companies worldwide, motorcycle racing sponsors are no exception. Many fund race events but not travel to tests; the upshot was hardly any of WSB’s private teams made the recent Aragon test, leaving them struggling at the weekend. Loris Baz (Ten Kate Yamaha) had a best of seventh despite front row qualifying while Roman Ramos (Pedercini Kawasaki) was up against it when covering for injured Sandro Cortese. Marco Melandri (Barni Ducati) was barely seen although GRT Yamaha’s Garrett Gerloff continued to impress. Michael Ruben Rinaldi (GoEleven Ducati) was again impressive, replacing Baz as the top independent rider at the halfway point.…

We start and finish at the Green Welly Stop in Tyndrum, heading to Oban on the A85 which is a glorious strip of tarmac weaving gently along a fir lined river valley. Meander along the River Lochy to reveal the northern shore of Loch Awe, before turning to follow the River Awe as the landscape eventually levels out and the road sweeps away from the river before reaching Loch Etive and rolling onward to Oban. From Oban take the A816 and cruise towards a set of challenging twisties; it’s a sensational ride that corkscrews through the heather as it crests and falls through relentless undulations. In Lochgilpead, stop at the Argyll Café, their traditional home-cooked food is sure to please,– before pushing on up the A83. Riding past Loch Fyne…

Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade (19MY) If you like your litre bikes sweet steering and grunty and ride on the road more than on track, then this is the one for you. Honda are offering it with 0% APR as well a £1000 deposit contribution, which means you could pick one up for £109 per month over 37 months on PCP. w w w.honda.co.uk /motorcycles Free City Pack on Suzuki V-Strom 1050 The new V-Strom 1050 is already outrageous value at £10,147 OTR – but for the rest of September, Suzuki are throwing in a free 55-litre topbox, fitting kit and centrestand worth £549 as well. w w w.bikes.suzuki.co.uk KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Explorer Edition KTM dealers KD Motorcycles of Accrington are offering Super Duke GTs complete with comfort-enhancing goodies from…

STEPHEN HAMMOND Age 33 Height 6ft Current bike 2019 Suzuki GSX-R1000R First bike Aprilia RS50 Dream bike Tuono for the road, GSX-R1000R for the track “I struggled to decide between the Tuono V4 and the GSX-R but ended up opting for the Suzuki. I’ve never owned a proper race rep before and wanted to experience one before I became ‘too old’ to properly enjoy and get the best out of one. “The Tuono would’ve been a better choice for the road, but had I not opted for the GSX-R I wouldn’t have fallen in love with track riding as quickly or progressed as fast as I have. I also got a cracking deal from Powerslide Motorcycles with loads of extras thrown in. I’ve had it since November 2018 and done…

1979 NEW BASE After years working in an old mushroom shed, Harris moved to the Marshgate Drive factory in Hertford. Lester is in the foreground welding, with brother Steve welding just behind. 1980 WORKING WITH BARRY When Barry Sheene asked Harris to rework the frames of his factory Yamahas in 1980, their reputation went global – Kenny Roberts later got Harris involved in the Yamaha GP project. 1996 SUZUKI’S WSB SQUAD Lester created and ran Suzuki’s 1996 factory WSB team, running the latest GSX-R750. He employed James Whitham (above), John Reynolds, Peter Goddard and Kirk McCarthy. ENFIELD BUYOUT Being bought by a big company can be tricky. But Harris have managed to keep their staff, Hertford base and racing projects – including a cutting-edge Moto2 chassis (above).…

This should be a no-brainer. A Tiger XRx with white paint, Arrow end can and quickshifter costs £15,615. The Alpine is £14,700. That’s a saving of £915. Easy, right? But until the end of September the waters are muddied by offers. Buy an Alpine Edition and Triumph chuck in panniers worth £1015. Buy a regular Tiger 1200 and you’ll get a bigger bundle, including three-piece luggage with inner bags, engine bars, headlight protector and more, worth over £2000. It’s all down to which extras you desire. Tech spec What it costs…

2018-current Yamaha MT-07 Complete with a styling overhaul to give it the look of its larger MT stablemates, crucially the 07 also got some much-need suspension tweaks. LED headlights complete the look. 2015-2020 Yamaha XSR700 An MT-07 wearing a retro frock, the XSR features the same engine and underpinnings as the MT, but wraps them all inside a slightly more fashionable skin. There’s a bench seat, round headlamp and classy logos. 2014-2017 Yamaha MT-07 Moto Cage Inspired by the stunt scene, the Moto Cage was a dealer-built special that featured protective extras such as large engine bars, rad protectors, knuckle guards as well as garish graphics and mis-matched wheels. 2014-2017 Yamaha MT-07 One of Yamaha’s strongest selling bikes of the modern era, the MT-07 blew everyone away at its launch…

Riding a bike means you experience big sensations. And they don’t come much bigger or bolder than on a muscle bike. Sure, a modern super-naked is faster and sharper but the whooshing drive, on-road presence, sumptuous ride, bugs-in-teeth riding position and pinging cooling fins of a proper muscle bike deliver more touchy-feely sensations. And, crucially, at realistic road speeds. Here’s our choice of ‘proper’ motorcycles... £3000 YAMAHA XJR1300 1251cc |245kg |98bhp |795mm seat height • Dealer up to £8500 • Private up to £7000 • This one 1999, 20,000 miles This is the model that defined muscle bikes for decades. Based around the old FJR1100/1200 engine, the XJR’s air-cooled super-reliable motor is all about effortless low-rev thrust, the chassis wafts with the comfort and presence of a big old…

There’s nothing better for getting the old swear jar topped-up than a seized stud which then snaps off. Not only are you then stuck with the extra faff of extracting the little blighter but you’re also left scratching around trying to look for a suitable replacement for the rusty little fella that’s currently half stuck inside your cylinderhead. As I’ve said, buying new OE parts is always the way to go, but if the bike you’re working on is of an age where parts are hard to find then it’s not always possible to buy new. The good thing is that when it comes to studs there is a strong possibility that there will be something from another model still available. The M8mm x 1.25mm threaded stud used here is…

The Japanese-backed FCC TSR Honda squad secured their second victory at the Le Mans 24-Hour after overcoming the weekend’s tricky conditions on the all-new Fireblade. The trio of Josh Hook, Freddy Foray and Mike di Meglio dominated, leading the majority of the race. The trio secured the 10-point bonuses at the eight and 16-hour stages, with Di Meglio setting the fastest lap of the race with a 1:36.985. The victory is another significant milestone for the 2020 Fireblade, which also secured its first podium in WSB on Sunday in the hands of Alvaro Bautista (see page 68). The Honda team, using Bridgestone tyres, topped a podium which included three manufacturers and three different tyre suppliers. The Webike SRC Kawasaki France Trickstar team of Jérémy Guarnoni, Erwan Nigon and David Checa…

Sammy Miller proved he isn’t afraid of getting his hands dirty as he helped fix a bike for two of his museum visitors. Eddy and Alex rode all the way from France on classic machinery to visit the museum, but when they arrived Eddy’s AJS developed a gearbox fault. Sammy invited them into the workshop, where he helped diagnose and fix the problem then let them get some kip in the shed. Having now got home from their epic trip, the two got in touch to say how grateful they were for Sammy’s help.…

BMW say they’ve created a motorbike chain that needs no lubrication or tension adjustment. The maintenance-free chain is to be made available on the S1000RR and S1000XR models as a factory option (£100) or as an accessory to existing owners, but more models will follow. The M Endurance chain uses a standard X-ring set up to hold lubricant between the rollers and pins but BMW have added an industrial coating to the bushes and rollers known as tetrahedrally amorphous carbon (ta-C) which reduces the chain friction and dramatically reduces wear.…

An attempt to have trail bike riders and 4x4s banned from some of the few byways in the Lake District they have legal access to has been thrown out by a High Court judge. A campaign by a group of ramblers, mountain bikers and horse riders had appealed to over-rule a decision by the national park authority to continue to allow motor vehicles to use a series of green lanes in the Langdale and Coniston valleys, claiming they polluted and damaged the area and created a safety risk. The appeal came after the group, the Green Lanes Environmental Action Movement (GLEAM) had its request to the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) to ban motor vehicles on the tracks turned down. The legal action was crowd-funded to the tune of…

The 2021 Honda CBR600RR will arrive on September 25 featuring aerodynamic styling, revised engine internals, traction control and more – but sadly it’s Japan-only. Starting up front, the new face, shares styling traits with the existing RR and the 2020-on CBR1000RR-R Fireblade. Honda claim that it’s the most aerodynamic in class. Winglets have been added to provide additional stability and downforce. It’s powered by a water-cooled 599cc inline-four-cylinder screamer, producing a claimed 119.3bhp and making its max power at a high rev limit of 14,000rpm. This has been achieved by altering the materials used in the camshaft and crankshaft, as well as changing the shape of the intake inlet port and expanding the throttle bore. On top of work within the engine, the CBR benefits from some fresh electronics, with…

‘No cheaper way of doing 175mph’ Sometimes we all feel the need for speed. I felt it in July, on a biking week in Cornwall, after negotiating the endless tailbacks (on the return trip, one was 11 miles long) on my BMW K1600, and when the roads finally cleared, I needed to make up for lost time. Effortless speed is sometimes essential. But speed is no good without range. What you want is something that goes like stink, has a decent sized tank, and is reasonably comfortable while you’re breaking laws. The K16 does all that and more, with its 160mph-odd top speed. But used ones still aren’t cheap. Hayabusas do it. Same applies (though they’re cheaper than K16s). Same goes for Blackbirds, and I have noted that prices seem…

VIOFO MT1 motorcycle dash cam £229.95 Designed specifically for bikes, the VIOFO MT1 uses a pair of 170-degree wide-angle lenses to record HD footage of what’s going on in front and behind you. Powered by Sony Stravis sensors, the system claims to capture pin-sharp detail in glorious 1080p and even boasts night vison. Not only that, onboard GPS loggers and G sensors mean it’s a powerful recording tool. Dustproof and waterproof to the IP66 rating. Comes with 32GB memory card. w w w.amazon.co.uk LS2 Bob helmet from £119.99 A modern take on a 70s-style motocross lid, the Bob is made from LS2’s lightweight High Performance Fibreglass Composite shell and features a drop-down interval sun visor, removable peak, goggle retaining clip, and a plush antibacterial interior. It’s available in…

Q‘What if he had made me crash?’ I had a near miss at the weekend and I can’t stop thinking about it. A van driver pulled across my path from a junction and the driver didn’t even seem to realise what he had done. I managed to brake hard enough to avoid a collision, but I very nearly lost control in the process. What would have happened if I had come off and caused myself damage while they drove off without a care in the world? George Brandish, Rochdale A The answer depends on whether efforts to trace the van driver were successful. If they were, then you would be able to bring a claim against his insurance. If the van wasn’t traceable, you would still be able to seek…

Both the KTM and Aprilia are surprisingly close in the way they go about their business. Neither have headline-grabbing bhp figures, but they produce mountains of usable torque thanks to their characterful V-shaped engines. The Super Duke has a more modern feel, but they’re both generously equipped, are similarly priced, comfortable and easy to get on with, making them more than just trackday blasters. The KTM has taken a step-up in refinement, which is why it’s the best of the new 2020 super-nakeds, but the Aprilia just edges it. Its big V4 is crisper, louder and more visceral, it has a more supple ride, feeling of grip and better wind protection. They’re the reasons the Tuono V4 1100 Factory has been so hard to beat after all these years and…

To good to be true? That’s because it is These days most bikes that get nicked end up shipped out to the eastern fringes of Europe. Or even beyond. At least, that’s what the local pub expert might have you believe... This is very much not the full picture, however. You might be surprised to learn that plenty of swiped machines actually reappear in dealer showrooms here in the UK as cloned bikes. According to one well-known security firm, ne’er-do-wells are using increasingly sophisticated ways to mask a bike’s true identity before flogging it on to innocent parties, usually for a price that’s too good to ignore. The majority of cloned bikes are less than three years old – and a staggering 80% of them end up in the dealer…

MY FAVOURITE TOOLS FOR STUD REMOVAL Stud extractor kit These kits usually feature a variety of common metric sizes to fit studs from 6mm to 12mm diameter. Easy-out kit Ideal for removing snapped studs. The extractors feature an anti-clockwise thread which grips the stud tighter as you turn. Drill bits Don’t skimp on bits. A quality set will be stronger and more capable of retaining cutting performance and be less likely to snap. Mole grips Their vice-like jaws are perfect for grabbing snapped studs and will help you twist them out. •Tell us about your favourite at mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com…

Three moments of GP history. One, on a YouTube prowl, showed legend Jarno Saarinen, diving inside the oppo in a 1970s 250 race. Right inside the white line onto the dirt at the apex. Much like Rossi’s defeat of Stoner at Laguna in 2008 (No.2). The third, another legend: Freddie Spencer in 1983, when he took the title from Kenny Roberts by two points. The key moment came at the end of Anderstorp’s straight in Sweden, where Freddie’s aggressive late braking put King Kenny off the into the dirt. The move was hard, the result crucial. All three riders were lauded for their daring but this year sees a new crop of regulations, robbing riders of lap times and results. For Moto2’s Jorge Martin in Austria, a win. Although a…

•‘Brad is a fighter like there is no tomorrow’ KTM became MotoGP winners for the first-time at Brno, and did it again at the Red Bull Ring, reaching the pinnacle of the premier class after many years of hard work. They’ve done things their own way, both in terms of the RC16 itself and the nurturing of their own ‘academy’ riders and 2020 has seen them take a massive step forward. KTM’s Motorsport Director Pit Beirer shared some of factors behind their recent success. We hear a lot about Dani Pedrosa, but who has been the key driving force behind the scenes? “Mike Leitner [team manager] is the consistent line in the project. He didn’t change his style of working. He is just pushing every single day. I have other…

•‘It flows along A-roads with total serenity’ There are two ways to look at Ducati’s latest Panigale V2. The clinical one is that it’s effectively a tweaked, rebranded 959. Sure, it has a new single-sided swingarm, sharper styling and smaller exhaust, but it’s otherwise not far removed from a bike that’s been around since 2016. But the other is to recognise that this is the last remaining V-twin superbike on the planet, which means it deserves to be treasured, celebrated and even revered. The clue’s in the new name: the swap from ‘959’ to ‘V2’. This is it: the last surviving specimen. Somebody get Attenborough on the phone. Ultimate evolution It’s hard to believe given how immensely popular V-twin superbikes once were. But, one by one, they fell by the…

•‘It flows along A-roads with total serenity’ There are two ways to look at Ducati’s latest Panigale V2. The clinical one is that it’s effectively a tweaked, rebranded 959. Sure, it has a new single-sided swingarm, sharper styling and smaller exhaust, but it’s otherwise not far removed from a bike that’s been around since 2016. But the other is to recognise that this is the last remaining V-twin superbike on the planet, which means it deserves to be treasured, celebrated and even revered. The clue’s in the new name: the swap from ‘959’ to ‘V2’. This is it: the last surviving specimen. Somebody get Attenborough on the phone. Ultimate evolution It’s hard to believe given how immensely popular V-twin superbikes once were. But, one by one, they fell by the…

With regular ferries departing either Portsmouth or Southampton, the Isle of Wight is within easy reach for a day’s ride. There’s some stunning scenery, lovely undulating coastal roads and fabulous cafes for you to enjoy an island lunch. Our route heads out from East Cowes, towards Newport follow the A3054, coast road, through Yarmouth to Totland before striking out for the most westerly point on the island, The Needles. Catch a glimpse of the famous pillars of rock, that rise out of the sea, before taking the B3055, with the sea to your left, it’s a stunning coastal road and worth taking time to enjoy the views. Stop off at Blackgang Chine, home to the oldest amusement park in the UK, eccentric, quaint and worth a quick pitstop. Blackgang to…

•‘It flows along A-roads with total serenity’ There are two ways to look at Ducati’s latest Panigale V2. The clinical one is that it’s effectively a tweaked, rebranded 959. Sure, it has a new single-sided swingarm, sharper styling and smaller exhaust, but it’s otherwise not far removed from a bike that’s been around since 2016. But the other is to recognise that this is the last remaining V-twin superbike on the planet, which means it deserves to be treasured, celebrated and even revered. The clue’s in the new name: the swap from ‘959’ to ‘V2’. This is it: the last surviving specimen. Somebody get Attenborough on the phone. Ultimate evolution It’s hard to believe given how immensely popular V-twin superbikes once were. But, one by one, they fell by the…