Table of contents for 28 October 2020 in MCN

‘I’ve never had three wins in a row before!’SAM LOWES MOTO2 Is Sam the man that can? You have to go back to Phil Read in 1971 for a British rider to take three back-to-back wins in the intermediate class, but that’s exactly what Sam Lowes did in Sunday’s Moto2 race. His performances have been so dominant of late that dare we dream of Sam as world champ? Let’s all channel our inner Keith Huewen with a rousing ‘COME ON SAM!’ at the next round in Valencia! PAGE 67 TOP STORY Yamaha’s MT-09 gets serious Yamaha’s triple-cylinder MT-09 has come of age with its first full update. Super-nakeds have always tried to offer a real-world alternative to full-on sportsbikes, but the 2021 MT-09 appears to have blurred the lines even…

More than £20,000-worth of bike gear was stolen in two raids on dealers in Kent and Hampshire recently, leading to pleas for assistance from the police and stores concerned. Kit worth thousands of pounds – mostly women’s jackets – was taken from Maidstone Harley-Davidson in Kent during a break-in in the early hours of Thursday, October 8. This has led to an appeal from staff for anyone with information to come forward. General manager Harry Pearce said: “This incident has certainly hit us hard during already challenging times, but we’re extremely grateful for the huge amount of support we’ve had from people sharing news of the burglary.” Upon discovering the theft, the shop team took to Facebook to appeal for help. Since then, the post has been shared more than…

LS2 Bob Carbon £199.99 A modern take on a 70s-style motocross lid, the Bob Carbon features a gorgeous carbon-fibre shell and as a result weighs a mere 850g. It also features a drop-down interval sun visor, external removable peak, goggle retaining clip, and a plush antibacterial interior. It’s available in XS-XXL across three different shell sizes. As well as Carbon, it’s also available as a fibreglass shell in Black, Matt Black, Nardo Grey as well as Black Jeans graphic. www.ls2helmets.com Klim Adventure GTX boot £430 These high-spec, short-styLe adventure boots from premium brand Klim have been designed to be just as good off the bike as they are on it. Gore-Tex Lining, areas of XRD impact protection, Boa closure system and hard outer shin plates add up to CE-level protection.…

Q ‘Should I appeal speeding fine?’ First of all, I’m a big fan of your column in MCN. It’s very insightful and always useful for future reference. My question is this... I received a speeding fine on August 23. However, I’m aware of a law (though I don’t know the ins and outs) that states if an intent to prosecute isn’t received within 14 days, the fine is nullified. I received mine on the September 25. Are there any caveats to this before I appeal and bite off more than I can chew? I recently moved properties and also put on a private licence plate, so I reckon this is the reason for the delay. However, I don’t know whether this is reason enough for them to forego the above…

DEPUTY EDITOR MOTORCYCLING It seems ludicrous to describe any electric motorcycle as being dated, but the Zero S does feel like the previous-generation machine it is. Zero first launched the S in 2010, and while the current version is way faster, better- built and longer-lasting it’s still a significantly simpler design than the latest SR/S, let alone Harley’s technology-laden LiveWire. Is there any place for an electric motorcycle with a 10-hour recharge? Sure, though primarily as a commuter for urban hops. Ride 60 miles a day, five days a week, and you’d save around £100 a month in petrol compared with a 50mpg conventional bike. It’s just a shame the monthly PCP figure is double that. THE FACTS £12,745 Zero S Engine Air-cooled electric motor Frame Twin-spar aluminium Suspension (F)…

James Watson, 43 2020 Triumph Bobber “Bikes are always in your blood and for me all it took was a bit of encouragement, as well as seeing a Bobber in the flesh while I was in Paris on a work trip. When I was younger I laughed at cruisers but I’m at a different point in my life now. I don’t want a sportsbike, I wouldn’t trust myself on one and I have no interest in getting my knee down, but the Bobber handles unbelievably well and is more than fast enough. For me, returning to riding is a new hobby. I’ve signed up to a PCP plan, which I consider my monthly hobby fund, and I use the Triumph purely for fun - and to escape the kids for…

BMW Streetguard £699.99 “I bought the jacket in 2017 and have used it in all weathers, riding over 50,000 miles in it. It’s a specific short cut, as I’m just under 5ft 2in, and it fits perfectly.” Jo Cameron, Dartmoor Rukka Suki £949.99 “Not cheap but it’s superb quality and comfortable. I’ve had the jacket for two years and love it.” Linda Hay, Burnham Frank Thomas Rose jacket £119.99 “I like the pink bits, I think they team up nicely with my pink buff!” Gill Sol, Welwyn Dainese Zima Gore-Tex £369.95 “It’s warm, guaranteed to be waterproof and after three years, it still looks like new.” Sammy Ball, Flitwick Rev’it Horizon 2 £339.99 “It’s warm with a thermal and Gore-Tex layer. It’s mostly waterproof when zipped to my trousers.” Denise…

PAUL HARVEY “I took delivery of the bike on September 1 and have ridden more than 800 miles so far and I’m loving it. The BMW is so easy to ride and fits me impressively well. I’m 5ft 7in tall so opted for the low seat option, just to make life a little easier because it is a real confidence boost if you can get both feet down onto the tarmac when you need to. I love the riding position; I traded in a Ducati SuperSport for the XR and like its ‘sit up and beg’ style over the slightly more committed Ducati. It handles well, it turns where I want it and it’s so precise, there’s no fight with it and it really nips along. So I am pretty…

Suzuki’s 600 Bandit has stood the test of time pretty well – and was built to a budget when new – but high-mileage models can suffer with exhaust stud issues and it doesn’t take much for a DIY effort to end in disaster with snapped-off or stuck-fast studs. So Kev Hollingsworth, the boss of Doncaster Motorcycles, had a plan when this Bandit rolled up, missing five out of the eight studs after an abortive home exhaust system change. The stainless steel studs are often covered in galvanic corrosion where electrons from aluminium transfer to the steel. It means the alloy deteriorates much faster and the two metals fuse together more closely. Kev explains: “Nine times out of 10 you can get studs out by soaking them in penetrating oil, then…

The slower-than-anticipated return of Marc Marquez is fuelling speculation that he is enduring a complicated and challenging recovery from right arm surgery. Just when, and at what level, Marquez returns is adding to the intrigue with Honda test rider Stefan Bradl now set to deputise for the six-time world champion for the remainder of 2020. Bradl let his guard down and confirmed this to German TV station Servus at Aragon before he quickly deferred to HRC for official comment. “I am going to finish the season. I heard this yesterday. I am not sure if I am officially allowed to talk about this, but it is a fact,” Bradl said. Earlier Honda had been forced to deny Spanish reports that Marquez required a third round of surgery on his right…

STATISTICS ● Length 3.15 miles● Corners 17 – 10 left, 7 right● Longest straight 0.601 miles FINAL POSITIONS MOTOGP FINAL POSITIONS MOTO 2 TOP TEN CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS 1 Lowes 178 2 Bastianini 171 3 Marini 155 4 Bezzecchi 130 5 Martin 105 6 Gardner 85 7 Nagashima 81 8 Roberts 80 9 Luthi 72 10 G’antonio 65 FINAL POSITIONS MOTO 3 TOP TEN CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS 1 Arena 157 2 Ogura 138 3 Vietti 137 4 Masia 133 5 Arbolino 121 6 McPhee 119 7 Fernandez 93 8 Binder 90 9 Suzuki 83 10 Rodrigo 79 Fastest lap Pole lap Circuit record lap POSITIONS Gains & losses (grid v finish) LAPS LED TOP SIX MOTOGP…

A freshly minted factory contract and a career first pole position could not overcome the massive pressure of expectation that swamped Takaaki Nakagami at Aragon. Nakagami’s disarming self-analysis came after he crashed just four corners into his bid to become Japan’s first MotoGP winner since Makoto Tamada at Motegi in 2004. “One mistake cost me massively. I’m really disappointed but I had given my maximum performance and I was too fast, out of control,” he said. “I’m disappointed in myself, but OK, my mind is clearer now. Before the race it was the first time that I had ever felt this massive pressure and that’s why I made a stupid mistake. I have to learn for the future.” Honda’s horror day continued when the mind-bending thoughts of a third podium…

Up for a ride which includes tea with the Queen at her favourite getaway? Sadly we can’t promise you’ll actually have tea with Her Majesty, or be anywhere near her without being arrested - but we can guarantee a lovely afternoon ride. Leave the turrets behind and head into Old Windsor before having a blast through the long straight runway which cuts its way through Runnymede. The water-meadow is where King John sealed the Magna Carta in 1215. Aim for Virginia Water where a bunch of squiggly switchbacks and sharp corners await. The road will also take you past the Wentworth Estate, past some of the most expensive houses in the UK. Jump onto London Road and head for the B383 north. This little gem will take you straight to…

As if 2020 hadn’t already been weird enough, we now have to get through the run-up to Christmas without a single major international motorcycle show to wow us with new bikes. But it’s unlikely to ensure our wallets will be any less abused. The new-bike floodgates are now opening as manufacturers try to coax our self-indulgence gene into action. This week sees another big hitter unveiled as Yamaha reveal their all-new MT-09 complete with new engine, chassis and a deluge of electronics - joining a battle for binary finery that appears unstoppable (p4). It poses an interesting conundrum. Should we keep adding complexity because it’s ‘progress’ - or should we accept that electronics may have already exceeded many riders’ needs (or talent)? Would you refuse to buy a bike because…

£26,999 Honda Gold Wing Tour HGB Motorcycles in Ruislip, London have two pre-reg 2020 Gold Wings with substantial discounts, a red Tour with £2500 knocked off its list and a black DCT that has been marked down £3700. Both come with thee-year warranty, three-year breakdown assistance, first three services and a free cover too. ● www.hgbmotorcycles.co.uk SAVE £2000 £13,995 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX A cancelled order means one lucky buyer will save £2000 and pick up free panniers. • kdykawasaki.com • Engine 998cc • Power 197bhp • Weight 260kg • Seat height 835mm SAVE £1500 £25,945 Harley-Davidson FLHTK Electra Glide Ultra Limited It’s an ex-holiday rental bike that’s never been rented out. • westcoastharley.com • Engine 1690cc • Power 110bhp • Weight 398kg • Seat height 740mm SAVE £3200 £14,995…

MCN CONTRIBUTOR ‘I shaped it by hand. It was all very organic’MICHAEL ‘WOOLIE’ WOOLAWAY This world-first, one-off Zero, created in collaboration with custom bike experts Deus ex Machina, has been built to shine the spotlight on the leading electric bike brand as they unveil their 2021 line-up. The café racer-style machine is not only the first factorycommissioned Zero custom but also the first electric bike Deus have built. It’s based on the range-topping SR/S sportster as introduced earlier this year with the transformation by acclaimed fabricator Michael ‘Woolie’ Woolaway who says the idea for it was to be a track-only, modern/ retro with top-spec components sourced from World Superbikes. “It’s the first electric motorcycle I’ve been involved with but I’ve always been intrigued. When I met the Zero guys and…

We’ve teamed up with Caberg to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a Caberg Drift Evo Carbon helmet. This helmet has been expertly crafted by Caberg’s own racing department and features a carbon-fibre and Kevlar shell construction. The quick-release double tilting visor is anti-scratch and Pinlock ready. The helmet benefits from internal air circulation and features a removable and washable liner with rain protection rims and removable wind-stop. This helmet is suitable for racing – just remove the sun visor and the Drift Evo is ready to race! How to enter Simply submit your details at www.motorcycienews.com/win-caberg-helmet Terms and conditions The prize draw closes at midnight on November 24, 2020. This competition is open to UK residents aged 16 and over. There is one prize consisting of a…

CHIEF ROAD TESTER WHAT’S NEW IN TECH Aprilia’s new RS660 is the Noale firm’s first new machine in years, Plugging a gaping hole in their sportsbike range between the RSV4 1100 and the RS50 and RS125. It also has a brand-new engine...well, sort of. The liquid-cooled 8v, 659cc parallel twin is actually the front half of the V4 1100cc engine from the RSV4 and Tuono, with all their high-performance faculties still intact. It has new casings and castings of course, but it’s still a superbike lump at its core. Intakes, combustion chambers and internals are designed and manufactured using lots of acronyms such as CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) and FEM (Finite Element Method). The engine features variable height intake trumpets, 48mm throttle bodies, hollowed-out camshafts, a…

Should we be riding less? Good to see the R5K Biking Honours acknowledging the contribution made by bikers in these difficult times. However, you then go on to obsessively push the whole 5k thing. With much of the UK in lockdown and the coming months looking rather iffy at best, do you really think this is a good idea? Dafydd Evans, Powys Ed: It’s something we keep under review, but our advice is always to observe all restrictions and to stay safe and sensible when riding. Too much of a boys’ club Why is biking so low diversity? A good question, Richard Newland, which I’m glad you asked. As a female rider, I passed my test about a decade ago, and, as I had no-one else to ride with, I…

MCN CONTRIBUTOR £6599 Fantic Caballero 500 Scrambler Deluxe ● 449cc single, 4v● 39bhp @ 7500rpm● 170kg kerb weight £5699 Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor ● 648cc parallel twin 8v● 47bhp @ 7250rpm● 202kg kerb weight Royal Enfield’s Interceptor 650 shook up our ideas of what was possible from a circa-£6K retro but it’s no longer the only option. Last year, historic Italian brand Fantic came out with the fun and funky Caballero 500 Scrambler at a shade over £6K and it’s just been improved further with this latest Deluxe version. So how do the two measure up when pitted head-to-head around the MCN 250? Two years from its launch the Interceptor has become established as the budget retro benchmark, and as we gear-up for the off I’m quickly reminded why. Simply,…

MCN CONTRIBUTOR The Interceptor is almost unchallenged at being the most affordable retro. By ticking literally all the retro roadster boxes, by also proving to be a decent, pleasant ride and chiming in for almost £2500 less than the cheapest Bonneville (which, though better performing, can’t match all the retro details), the Enfield is so compelling. But this test also revealed three further things: The Enfield’s not perfect and, pushed hard, reveals its slightly budget nature (although for many that might matter little). The Caballero, starting at £6399 (although not in this Deluxe spec), is priced close enough to be a valid, if slightly niche, alternative that a B-road connoisseur will enjoy and last, but by no means least, the spirit of the ‘street trailie’ is alive and well. If…

Encouraging a dormant biker is the easy part - your responsibility as a mate or family member will come after they’ve made the jump back to two wheels. At lot might’ve changed since they last rode so explaining how to get the best of electronic modes and modern tyres will be useful. Also, make sure they’re using kit that’s up to the job too: explain that the helmet they last used 15 years ago won’t keep them safe today but fortunately there’s now a wide range of good quality gear available to buy that won’t break the bank. But the best thing you can do for them is to encourage them to take a riding refresher course, all local training schools and advanced riding specialists will offer this.…

It looks great, I love the colour and it does everything that I want it to do. It’s manoeuvrable when you’re on it, so you can just chuck it into corners, and perfectly manageable when you’re not, such as moving it around the garage or loading it into a van. I’m keeping it as we use it for transport when we go away with the caravan – it fits easily in the Transit I use for towing. It works just as well two-up as it does solo, and it’s just a really fun bike. HOW GOOD IS THE RUBBER? OE Metzeler Tourance The tyres are almost ready for replacing and they’ve been pretty good to be fair. In the dry they’re perfectly fine, but on wet roads they’re not brilliant.…

Absolute domination. That’s the only way to describe Sam Lowes’ weekend at Aragon. The Brit has taken the championship lead in Moto2 heading into the final three rounds after securing three consecutive race wins in as many weeks. You could see it coming. The 30-year-old topped four of the five sessions before the race, to go with the three that he topped last week, including smashing the lap record to take pole. Lowes made his best start of the year to launch off the line and open up a comfortable gap, breaking the race lap record on the second lap with a 1:51.730. The EG 0,0 Marc VDS rider was super consistent, remained calm and collected throughout, as we’ve now become accustomed to, and took the chequered flag with a…

THURSDAY October 29 9pm, EUR2, Superbikes: MotoAmerica from Atlanta: Highlights SATURDAY October 31 6pm, EUR2, Scarborough Gold Cup highlights Also Live FIM CEV Repsol Valencia, 9.45am BTSport2 SUNDAY November 1 10am, EUR2, Live Motocross World Championship Trentino, Italy: Race 1 of MX2 Race 2 of MXG at 2pm Race 1 of MXGP at 10pm Race 2 of MX2 at 10.30pm 11pm, QUEST, World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides: Riding US Highway 1 KEY TO CHANNELS: DRT - DISCOVERY REAL TIME DSC - DISCOVERY CHANNEL DHD - DISCOVERY CHANNEL HD EXS - EXTREME SPORTS CHANNEL EUR1 (2, HD) - EUROSPORT 1 (2, HD) MOT - MOTORSPORT.TV CH4 - CHANNEL 4 CH5 - CHANNEL FIVE BBC BBCI – BBC INTERACTIVE ESPN – ESPN CLASSIC CHANNEL ITV DST – DISCOVERY TURBO SHED – DISCOVERY SHED…

‘The £2k entry point to Italy’ I got a surprise when I saw a Moto Guzzi V50 sell for nearly £3800. It was in excellent condition, but nowhere near as good as the professionally restored one I bought recently for £3000. Made me even toy with the idea of selling mine as it’s the best I have seen. Everyone ought to own an Italian bike some time. They’re marvellous. Totally different from Japanese, British or German, mostly in a good way, though they do have idiosyncrasies. An example? OK: the old big-block 850- 1100cc Guzzis. Among the first bikes to incorporate a car-type spin-on, spin-off oil filter for good filtration and easy changes. And where did they put it? Inside the sump. So you have to drop the sump pan…

Nick Ingram Age 59 Height 5ft 9in Bikes BMW R1200RT, Enfield Interceptor, Enfield Bullet How long have you been riding? Over 42 years Occupation Retired First bike Honda CB200 “I commuted into London from Kent for over 35 years, now I’m in Northants and riding for pleasure only, in the UK and abroad. “I’ve always had a soft spot for Enfields so didn’t consider any other brands. It’s such a lovely looking machine and so different (simpler....) to my Beemer. Road tests universally praising the bike helped and mine came up at a bargain price. “A free flow air filter and silencers have helped the engine breathe and rev so much better. I’ve also ditched the handlebar crossbar and fitted bar end mirrors for looks. “I’ve had it just six…

CHIEF ROAD TESTER Like the outgoing 790 the new KTM 890 Adventure is still an accomplished middleweight go-anywhere tourer and offers a more real-world alternative to the big, powerful and sometimes unwieldy, full-blown adventure bike. Yes it’s pricey, but the new bike is well equipped and its new engine mixes serious guts with a new level of refinement, making it easy to get on with both in the dirt and on tarmac, but it still has enough of a tough edge to keep you interested. It’s a fine handling, spritely tourer that will also breeze rocky trails, but it’s a little too heavy for anything more spirited, especially for the inexperienced. It’s slightly cramped for taller riders - it should be less so with the taller seat fitted - but…

If you’ve been successfully encouraged back on two wheels but haven’t been on a bike for a while the temptation is to go for a group ride, however this is best avoided. Groups add pressure to keep up, which is when accidents happen if you are rusty, so go for a gentle ride with a sensible mate or on your own. Another danger area is overtakes, something you do frequently on a bike but seldom in a car, so try and avoid them until you get reacquainted with a bike’s performance. Put both feet down when you slow to a walking pace or stop until you regain the feeling for a bike’s balance, and don’t take pillions until you feel confident again. Finally, riding a bike is mentally challenging and…

Muc-Off Pressure Washer bundle £139.99 ‘Plug it all in and say goodbye to grime...’ Tested by Simon Relph for 10 months This pressure washer was developed with motorcycles and bicycles in mind, and for something so small and compact it sure does pack a punch. It comes with its own bag with pockets for all the components to fit neatly into. My bundle included the pressure washer with three lances: one for bicycles; one for motorcycles; and a high-pressure adjustable one for heavy duty jobs. There’s also a snow foam applicator lance and a litre of bike cleaner. I always give the bike a spray of cleaner and allow it to soak in for a few minutes before a blast with the pressure washer, careful not to squirt it in…

CHIEF ROAD TESTER Ridden just about everything in an 18-year MCN road testing career. When I had to travel to Scotland recently to undertake the very difficult task of testing three Ducati Superleggeras and a Desmosedici RR (yes, I know...) it was also a good excuse to take my Streetfighter V4 S on its first long run. Like many others, I had to abandon any thoughts of riding to Europe over the summer, but I love a big trip, so I sling on my rucksack, pack my Ducati Performance tank bag (actually from my old 2018 Panigale V4 S long termer) and head north. I have to be at Knockhill to meet Ducati Glasgow by 3pm, so it’s motorway all the way. The journey becomes less pleasant as warm September…

There’s little better than a knotted back-lane. With endless corners, chances to give the brakes a workout and endless bumps, it’s easy to think you need the sportier version of a preferred bike – for example, a Yam MT-09 SP rather than the base model. Your dealer will no doubt support this, keen to sell you a higher-priced R or SP or RS over a cooking model. Don’t assume it’ll be better on a leafy backwater, though. With all the bumps, ripples and tractor-induced surface changes you’ll probably find the stiffer set-up will give a fidgety and jolting ride – the bike’s suspension will skim across the top of the road, rather than having the suppleness to absorb the imperfections. When you’re leaning over in a corner the vertical force…

BRUCE DUNN MCN’S expert technician 1 Get your kit together To change a tyre at home you need some essential tools, chiefly a set of tyre levers. These need to be specific for motorcycle tyres and be around 300mm long. You’ll also need a set of rim protectors to prevent damage to the wheel’s finished surface. A valve key, tyre soap and a bead breaker will complete the tooling line up for today. 2 Size-up the job in hand Even before you remove the wheel make sure the tyre you wish to fit is the correct type and size. The numbers and letters on the side wall here are 120/70 ZR17, this denotes the width 120mm, 70 is the percentage of the width giving the profile or tyre wall height.…

‘Spotlighting talent in racing’s shadowland’ It was the ever-contrary Casey Stoner who came up with the notion: the 2020 MotoGP series – well, it’s not really a World Championship. Firstly, it doesn’t span the world. Eight of 14 races on the Iberian Peninsula, one of them in Portugal and the rest in Spain. No races outside mainland Europe. Apart from Qatar, but that was only for the juniors who were there already. Secondly, the main man isn’t there. With Marc Marquez on duty, the main question was always: who will come second. But he’s AWOL. Less of a championship. The same is true, thanks to the curtailments and cancellations of Covid, of all the championships. They are measurably reduced. The question is this: Does this make the winners lesser champions?…

‘Even if it’s not me, I still want a Suzuki to win’ALEX RINS Alex Rins has turned up the heat in the chase to be Suzuki’s first MotoGP World Champion in two decades. Back-to-back podiums in the Motorland Aragon double-header have transformed resurgent Rins into a genuine contender. The two races saw Suzuki put two bikes on a premier class podium in successive races for the first time since 1981 when they had US legend Randy Mamola and 500cc World Champion Marco Lucchinelli on the payroll. But with just three races remaining and the stakes getting higher, so is the tension. ‘Mir is really fast and so consistent’ And Rins ramped it up in Aragon by taking second to Franco Morbidelli – which kept the pressure on series-leading Suzuki stablemate…

Keep the sea on your right and you can’t go far wrong on this simple route, that follows the rugged coastline of Northern Ireland. We head out from from Carrickfergus and it’s best to make sure your tank is brimmed and there should be nothing to stop for except the stunning view. Follow the A2 for the first part of the journey via Larne, Ballegalley, Glenarm and Cushendall until you see the brown sign for the Torr Head Scenic Route. Turn right here, followed by a left at the roundabout in Knocknacarry and a right after the stone bridge to join Torr Road. It’s a zig-zaggy delight as the road wends its way across Torr Head before reaching Ballycastle. From here take the B15 which will eventually bring you back…

Enjoy the goregous Cotswolds countryside with this route that takes you from Banbury through to Bath on an unmissable 88-mile route. From Banbury take the B4035, until the left turn onto the A429 to ride through Moreton-in-Marsh to Stow-on-the-Wold. Hang right at the Unicorn for the B4068. Traverse the the A40 to Andoversford village then turn a quick right onto the A436 in the direction of Gloucester. With smooth curves, sweep along the A435 towards Cirencester from the Seven Springs roundabouts for a ride alongside the River Churm, then at Perrott’s Brook follow the signs for Daglingworth. This leads you under the A417 and on to the narrow single track. At the junction with the A419, head towards Stroud then turn left at the roundabout for Minchinhampton. When you see…