Table of contents for 10 February 2021 in MCN

‘All everyone wanted to know was how fast it was’CELEBRATING 22 YEARS OF SUZUKI’S HAYABUSA TOP STORY One little, two little, three little… A trio of new Indian Chiefs has burst onto the market this week, squarely taking the fight for pure Americana to long-established rivals Harley-Davidson. From stripped-down bobbers to classic dressed baggers, the range offers owners a thumping new Thunder Stroke V-twin and a whole new level of integrated tech – all seamlessly squirrelled away in a pleasing pared-back retro package. These could be the best cruisers of 2021. PAGE 04 ON TEST Exploring the retro route BMW took the retro sector by storm when they released the first R nineT. It wasn’t enough for the firm to offer riders something that looked cute, but delivered an all-too-authentic…

Canadian electric bike firm Damon have updated their flagship Hypersport model. Damon came out swinging last year with the Hypersport, a bike with a categorydefying claimed 200bhp, 200-mile range, 200mph top speed and 200kg weight. Damon say this new version represents 12 months of evolution and optimisation and includes tweaks to the bodywork, a more powerful motor, a new battery configuration, new controls and a new dash. The bike will be fully unveiled in the coming weeks, keep an eye on MCN for more information as we have it. Hug a Himalayan UK bodywork pros Pyramid Plastics have made a rear hugger for the Royal Enfield Himalayan. Available in any colour as long as it’s matte black, the ABS hunger is designed to prevent water/muck from spraying onto the shock,…

Harley-Davidson have revealed details of the ‘Hardwire’ plan which they are embarking on under new chief exec Jochen Zeitz. Harley say the key is going to be narrowing the range and focusing on what makes them the most money, which is why we saw numerous models given the chop in the January range update. As well as Harley’s upcoming expansion into adventure touring with the Pan America, they’re also committing to the “middleweight cruiser” segment. This is likely to take the form of the water-cooled 1250 Custom as a replacement for the Sportster platform, which has served as the traditional entry-level model for over 70 years. What’s also interesting is that Harley say they “will continue to test… premium low displacement partnerships” suggesting that the upcoming 338 might not be…

£200 HELMETS THIS WEEK’S HOT DEALS Bell Qualifier DLX £129.99 Corking deals, all for under £200 We’ve been scouring the web to locate some of the best deals on top-branded lids and found some corkers, all for under £200. Take this lightweight lid from Bell that’s been reduced by £80 by the guys at SportsBikeShop. It comes in full range of sizes and two subtle designs, plus it incorporates some of the latest safety tech. It benefits from the Multidirectional Impact Protection System or MIPS for short, that’s designed to reduce rotational forces, so if you take a bang to the head, it should offer extra protection. There’s a moisture-wicking, removable and washable lining, quick release visor change and a double-D ring closure. A padded wind collar will help reduce…

Spotted some shocking driving? Police n Lincolnshire want to hear from you and are asking people to submit evidence online in an attempt to boost road safety in the county. The initiative, known as Operation Snap, was launched last week and encourages riders and drivers to send n dashcam footage caught during journeys that highlights examples of inconsiderate or dangerous driving, failure to wear a seat belt, crossing solid white lines and more. The force’s Chief Superintendent Nikki Mayo said: “In Lincolnshire in 2019 there were 535 people killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions. A further 52 people lost their lives on our roads last year. “A system to effectively process evidence of road traffic offences and poor driving will assist greatly in dealing with poor driver behaviour…

mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com motorcyclenews motorcyclenews MCNnews Ride for Captain Sir Tom Let’s have a national rideout in memory of Captain Sir Tom - a gallant gentleman, humanitarian and fellow biker. How about the Captain Sir Tom Moore Memorial Charity Ride every Spring?David Cowton, email Ed: See our tribute on p6 No job, worse insurance… I had hoped to work until I was 70 but in September due to Covid I was made redundant after 15 years at the same company. On Saturday just gone I phoned my insurance broker to renew my policy. My renewal price was £215.88 and I was asked if my circumstances had changed at all. I replied that other than being made redundant and thus unemployed, everything was the same. Imagine my surprise when the premium suddenly went…

1999 Original Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa is launched 2001 186mph restrictor is fitted alongside minor mods to the gearbox and fuel pump 2002 Stronger steel subframe replaces the original alloy unit 2004 Hazard lights are fitted 2005 The indicator lenses gain clear plastic 2007 A limited edition white Hayabusa is released by Suzuki UK 2008 The second generation Hayabusa is launched in late 2007 with a bigger capacity engine, tweaked chassis, three power modes and an updated look 2013 Gains Brembo brake calipers and ABS as standard 2016 Suzuki’s production lines in Hamamatsu build their last Europe-market Busa 2018 As Euro4 transition rules end, no new Hayabusas are allowed to be sold 2021 Third-generation Hayabusa launched, touted as the ultimate evolution…

£12,999 (AS TESTED £13,597.90) Kawasaki Versys 1000 S • 1043cc 16v inline four • 118.3bhp / 75.3lb.ft • £139.58 per month PCP £16,225 (AS TESTED £17,410) BMW S1000XR TE • 999cc 16v inline four • 162.7bhp / 84.1 lb.ft • £240.29 per month PCP Kawasaki’s Versys family has always had one major selling point: price. In the sporty adventure tourer market, the Versys is comfortably the cheapest option while not compromising too much on specification. For 2021 Kawasaki have upped their game once again by creating an S version, which adds substantially to the spec but costs £1699 more than the outgoing 2020 base model. Is it a step too far or does the Versys remain great value for money, especially when compared to the £16,225 (or £17,410 as tested)…

MICHAEL NEEVES CHIEF ROAD TESTER BMW’s original R nineT has always been a wonderfully joyful creation. It mixes Germanic retro style, detailing and build quality with scintillating performance, boxer character, crisp handling and big grins. Changes to the 2021 model won’t be enough to get current owners rushing to dealers to upgrade, but do add a little extra sparkle. It’s now slightly more urgent on the throttle, electronics come with a thicker safety blanket and the suspension has more control. Of course, you can get your old school kicks for a lot less, but for the ultimate in retro indulgence the Beemer still rocks. THE FACTS £13,150 BMW R NINET (£14,375 AS TESTED)…

• Get a group of like-minded mates together. • Decide on what sort of bike to go for, put a ceiling on price. • Pick a destination, make sure it is not too far, mopeds are slow. • Join WhatsApp or similar and set up a group. This is great to chat on before the event, then when travelling it’s great to go live so everyone’s position can be seen – usually heading in the opposite direction or stationary. • Find a chum who has a van and doesn’t ride a bike and invite them along as handy backup. • Decide on a riding system to help with navigation. We used the ‘drop off’ method used by most clubs, where one leads and the person behind marks turn offs, another…

Unless you’re one of those OCD types, we’re all a bit guilty of neglecting our chain from time to time. Understandable, really — when the summer sun’s shining and we’re actually allowed out of our homes to do stuff, there’s a hundred and one other things we’d rather be doing. Even if you do regularly give your chain a clean, chances are you probably don’t spend as much time doing it as you really should. It’s a time-consuming, fiddly and mucky job to do well. But, spare time is something many of us have too much of at the moment, so there’s really no better opportunity to give your chain a proper going over. Doubly so if you’ve not ridden much over the past year. Invest in some chain cleaning…

Leon Camier has become team boss at Honda – and Jonathan Rea reckons he has what it takes: “It’s great. I sent Leon a text straight away. I really admire him; one of the most underrated riders who never got an opportunity on a championship-winning package at the right time. He couldn’t get out on his own terms; I’m gutted for him for that, but what an opportunity! That said, it wouldn’t be for me… my admin is absolutely terrible. I’d hate answering emails!” Rea on WSB 2021… “It’s going to be exciting. I must admit, I didn’t expect seven winners last year. Realistically, there are two or three who will fight for the title. Scott Redding and Toprak Razgatlioglu stay with their teams. Chaz Davies has a new team…

Jack Miller Jack Miller’s stock has risen substantially in the last two years and he ended 2020 strongly. In fact, Maverick Viñlaes has named him as the man to beat heading into 2021. Becoming a factory rider… “The manpower will be one of the biggest improvements,” Miller admitted to MCN. “I’m looking forward to working with all of the great guys that aren’t necessarily at the front of the garage. Between them and having the factory material, getting plenty of new stuff and getting it first, it’s going to be rather pleasant!” Added pressure… “I perform better under pressure! Looking back, my home GP is generally when I do the best. When I fought for the Moto3 title, towards the end of the season when you can’t make any mistakes,…

One of the moments I’ll never forget in my biking life was blasting down the 2-mile long straight at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground on a Suzuki Hayabusa as it bumped into its limiter in 6th gear. I don’t know how fast I was really going, but it was somewhere north of 180mph. They were limited to 300kmh - that’s 186mph, for a less lardy pilot. What’s the relevance in the ‘real world’? Not a lot, really. Yes, you could go Autobahn baiting on your summer holidays if you have a death wish, or enjoy trying to eke the last few tenths out at somewhere like Elvington, but that momentary top-speed thrill isn’t the real joy of a bike like the Hayabusa. While I never really fell in love with the hyperbike…

Key workers needing to renew their Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) during lockdown will not be offered a refresher course, or certificate extension, MCN has learned. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has told MCN the decision to refuse extensions was taken on the grounds of safety and that it is expected that a rider will go on to complete a full licence within the two years a CBT remains valid. The move has sparked fury in biking and the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) are now campaigning to have the decision overturned. The MCIA’s Nick Broomhall said: “It’s something that we are struggling to understand, given that motorcycles and mopeds have really shown their worth over the past year.” Despite this ruling, the DVSA confirmed a small number of emergency…

Multiple British and World speedway champion Tai Woffinden has raised over £11,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity by cycling more than 500 stationary kilometres in under 14 hours. Woffinden completed the 13 hour and 26 minute challenge using online training programme Zwift and raised a total (at the time of writing) of £11,310. The sideways star was joined along the way by famous faces including Kawasaki World Superbike rider Alex Lowes and covered a total distance of 516.54km. The ride was planned to last 24 hours but Tai was forced to cut it short due to an ankle injury – he has promised he will be back in the saddle to complete the ordeal. To donate, head to http://bit.ly/WoffyGOSH.…

Charity fundraiser and lifelong biker Phillip Green has passed away after a long illness. Phil was working as a nurse when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010, a condition that ultimately took his life. Phil will be best known to most bikers when he was the face of the 2017 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in London. To help raise awareness for prostate cancer, Phil teamed up with Triumph to tell his story in the hope that if it saved even one life he’d consider it a job well done. As a face of the event Phil helped raise tens of thousands of pounds for the Movember foundation and as thanks for his work, Triumph presented him with the custom ‘Dapper Bonnie’ they had built for the ride. A fund…

AGV Pista GP RR Iridium £1099.99 This rep of the AGV used by top-flight MotoGP racers claims the highest levels of protection, even against dangerous twisting. The Extreme Carbon shell is extraordinarily light and supremely strong, 360° Adaptive Fit System allows for complete adjustment of the lining for maximise comfort and the rear PRO spoiler improves stability at full racing speeds. www.agv.co.uk RST Pro Series Paragon 6 jacket and jeans £399.99/£159.99 An updated and vastly improved version of the Paragon 5. Made from Ballistic Reinforced MaxTex, which has claimed high tensile strength and abrasion resistance and a water repellent coating, the Paragon 6 jacket and jeans are packed with features. The jacket has a mesh to wick away sweat, while a removable 300g quilted thermal lining gives warmth. There is…

WEDNESDAY February 10 2am, Quest Go Stateside with American Chopper THURSDAY February 11 11.30am, ITV4 Get dialled in to The Motorbike Show SATURDAY February 13 5.30am, DST A Bike is Born: Triumph TUESDAY February 16 4pm, DST Rise of the Machines: Superbike 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 INST – INSIGHT SS1 (2, 3 OR X) – SKY SPORTS 1 (2, 3 OR EXTRA) QUEST BTS1 – BT SPORT 1 BTS2 – BT SPORT 2 TVL –…

I don’t know exactly how to feel about Captain Tom, because part of me thinks they’ve worked him into the ground, but the other part thinks he must have had such a great time over the past year. If you had the choice of one year living the dream or three years having your Sunday roast through a blender, I know which I’d chose. Aged 99 he decided to do his walk which turned into something incredible. He was like the UK’s guardian angel. And for all of us, as soon as we found out he was a biker, our ears pricked up. So he went up 100% in everybody’s estimations in the bike fraternity. ‘Dougie said he came alive the moment he saw their bikes’ What a whirlwind year…

MAKING THE SWITCH In 1998 Laverty swapped his MX bike for an RS125 and out-qualified Joey in his first-ever meeting. His parents were keen for their sons not to road race so they then headed to the British 125 championship. BIG BIKE FORM In 2002 he learned how much easier it was to ride a four-stroke Supersport bike and it suited his smooth style, earning him wins in his debut year on an ex-Ten Kate Honda CBR600RR. MOTOGP CALL UP “MotoGP is the pinnacle and something I couldn’t turn down. I was 31 at the time and although it was hard being on a CRT bike I actually feel that I rode really well during those two years, but no one really takes much interest when you’re finishing 13th.” BT…

MCN CONTRIBUTOR If you are moving from a sportsbike the Versys will feel like a downgrade. Not only it is heavier than the XR, it is bulkier with a taller screen, squishier seat, softer suspension and more relaxed motor that lacks the BMW’s free-revving nature (all traits that make it a far better machine than the BMW when it comes to covering miles). If, however, you still have that lust for a sportsbike but your wrists are telling you the days of clip-ons are behind you, the XR doesn’t feel like you have traded running shoes for carpet slippers. Its firmer ride, more compact position and noisy and a bit vibey motor give it real spirit at the expense of creature comforts. Which is the better value? You can have…

☆☆☆☆☆ Clarke CML3 Motorcycle Lift £478.80 ‘This has been a genuine revelation’ Tested by Richard Newland for four months While I’ve only had this bench for four months, I’ve previously used the same model in another workshop over a period of years – and for the first rung on the table-lift ladder, it’s a great piece of kit. If I were a garage technician, I’d want something with a wider platform, air assistance and of a more high-end professional quality – but as a tinkerer who services all his own bikes and always has one project on the go, it’s spot-on. It’s completely stable, durable, and well put together. The tie-down hooks are invaluable for extra stabilising security, the front wheel chock works well enough (although its action is a…

“I tested both last year. As soon as I got on the Super Duke R, I just felt like I was more connected with the bike. The GT was nice, but the R put a massive smile on my face. That’s what I think you want this kind of bike for. The suspension was a big thing for me, too. I didn’t feel quite as connected with the electronic suspension on the GT as I did with the manual suspension on the R, which felt more direct in the way it steered. The GT just felt more ‘touring’ and the R is completely different to anything I’ve had before. It’s my go-to bike and when the garage door goes up, that’s the bike I’m reaching for by default.”…

2020 – current Street Triple 765 R In an almost unheard of move, not only did Triumph improve the 2020 R but they also made it £400 cheaper. Triumph Shift Assist is now standard, the redesigned Euro5 engine spins up quicker, and the headlamps have a more aggressive look. No TFT dash. 2017-2019 Street Triple 765 R With the arrival of the 765 motor and the new, track-focused RS, the R model becomes the middle bike in the range. Recognisable by its red subframe, it also features a Showa Big Piston Fork, Brembo brakes and a TFT dash. 2013–2016 Street Triple R With its higher-spec suspension, brakes and sportier geometry, the R model was always the sportier choice. This second generation 675 version was slightly more refined and easier to…

‘Choose your words and save money’ One of the journalists on this fine publication recently saved a fortune on his insurance. He’d usually pick ‘journalist in the national press’ as his job from the drop-down menu, but when they went with ‘feature writer’ the premium dropped by over £200. And he was doing nothing wrong, it’s factually accurate. Insurers calculate risk based on location, age, gender, and also occupation. Some jobs are strangely deemed to mean you’re more likely to claim, and include musicians, journalists, fruit pickers, waiters and even construction workers. At the other end of the scale you pay less if you’re a copper, teacher or secretary. So although you shouldn’t lie about your occupation, it’s worth exploring different ways of describing your profession and seeing what effect…

MECHANIC Jason Atreides from M&M Motorcycles This 2016 GSX-R750 was proving its worth as a commuter in all weathers when it suddenly seemed to develop a mind of its own and keep running — even when the key was removed! Mechanic Jason Atreides, at M&M Motorcycles near Cambridge, said: “All the warning lights were on and the only way he could shut the engine down was by disconnecting the battery. “Before I start work on any bike, I always have a quick look around. Sure enough there was a little bolt in the squared-off rear tyre, and the front brake pads were practically nonexistent. The bike looked like a motocrosser.” Jason tracked the electrical issue, which was causing the always-running motor, down to a corroded multi-pin block connector on top…

The Termas de Río Hondo circuit, Argentina, has been severely damaged by a huge fire. The fire spread rapidly due to high winds and it’s been confirmed that the entire garage complex, including press and TV broadcast rooms, Race Control and VIP lounges, have been destroyed. The Juan Manuel Fangio Museum survived the incident. The cause of the fire is currently unknown. The circuit has hosted the Argentinian MotoGP since 2014. Avintia’s new look Luca Marini and Enea Bastianini have unveiled their respective Avintia Esponsorama Racing liveries. Marini remains in Team VR46 colours, whilst Bastianini will run a blue and florescent yellow Avintia design. Both will race Ducati Desmosedici GP19s as a result of the cost-saving engine development freeze. Avintia, will continue to receive some technical support from Ducati. Rabat’s…

Motorcycling is mourning one of its greatest heroes and finest ambassadors, Captain Sir Tom Moore who has died aged 100. The former British Army despatch rider and racer turned charity fundraiser burst into the public conscious in April 2020, when over the course of three weeks he walked 100 lengths of his garden and raised over £40million for the NHS. What many might not have known, was that he remained a motorcycle fanatic even at such a great age. Born in 1920 in Keighley, West Yorkshire, Tom said his biggest influence in his younger years was his motorcycling uncle Billy, from whom he got his love of bikes. It wasn’t long before Billy’s passion for two wheels rubbed off on Tom and he decided it was time he got a…

SAVE £3400 £13,799 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT This zero-miles GT packs super-punchy performance, poise, cultured handling, adjustable comfort and easy, effective electronics. Plus you have all that V-twin character and KTM attitude. Add in the £3400 saving at this Northampton-based dealer and what’s not to like? ● www.northamptonmoto.co.uk SAVE £3191 £13,799 MV Agusta Turismo Veloce Lusso SCS MV’s sultry sports-tourer has electronic suspension and the finest exhaust note in biking. ● www.motocorsa.co.uk ● Engine 798cc ● Power 110Bhp ● Weight 210kg ● Seat height 850mm SAVE £2300 £9299 Suzuki DL1050XT The 1050XT is outstanding value and has class-rivalling electronic rider aids, feisty acceleration and handsome retro styling. ● arnoldsmotorcycles.com ● Engine 1037cc ● Power 106bhp ● Weight 247kg ● Seat height 850mm SAVE £1900 £10,495 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré…

Italian State Police took delivery of four new MV Agusta Turismo Veloce Lusso SCS models at a ceremony held at their Milan HQ last week. The ‘Sezione Nibbio’ will add these to their existing MV fleet, including two Turismo Veloce and two Rivale models. The bikes are finished in Italian State Police blue liveries and have all the usual garb you’d find on police bikes including sirens, blue lights and comms equipment. Letter of the law UK police have a new weapon in their arsenal for prosecuting riders with illegal number plates: a laminated piece of paper. It may not look much, but the paper has a transparent window that allows officers to quickly check if the displayed digits conform with the law. What’s more, a quick photo of the…

After nearly a year of defying the coronavirus landscape, sales of motorcycles have finally slowed. Figures from the Motorcycle Industry Association say overall registrations of new bikes and scooters are down 37.6% compared to January 2020 before the effects of the pandemic were felt. Both lockdown trading restrictions and sales of pre-reg Euro5 stick are believed to be to blame. Electrically powered bikes remain strong, 166.7% up on last year. Wood you believe it? After a huge consultation and review, Forestry England (FE) have said motorsport can continue in national forests. Access was under threat when concerns were raised about the impact of allowing off-road bike and car racing. As part of the review FE acknowledged there was an economic benefit but say more needs to be done to reduce…

‘The tricky bit is just finding one’ If you want a nice used Enfield Interceptor (and who wouldn’t?), you’ll spend a long time looking. I thought it might be a smart move to buy one or two and salt them away over the winter in anticipation of another boom once lockdown eases but you can’t find good used ones: not privately, at any rate. There’s been one sale on eBay in the last three months. All the used ones are in the hands of dealers and I note that there are quite a few pre-reg and ex-demos ones on showroom floors as well, which I’d expect as dealers made certain that they hit their full-year 2020 sales targets. I’ve even seen a private ‘wanted’ ad asking for a used Interceptor…

THE BIKE Enfield Himalayan with hard panniers and an Oxford Drybag fitted using Rokstraps. Note: check head bearings before tackling mountain hairpins! • Riders Daniel & Anna Simpson• The ride Head to Sanremo for a nostalgia trip (spent my 21st there, and wanted to find the Negroni bar that made me a man. Failed). Visit Bajardo to revisit ‘the best sunset ever seen’.• Miles 1943• Don’t miss this Villages in the Rhône region. Kayaking in the Ardèche, and eating their Ardèchoise salad. The sunset in the Ligurian mountain commune of Bajardo. Negronis in Sanremo with pizza on the harbour and unrivalled octopus salads! THE ROUTE STEADY! Tackling the descent in the Ligurian Alps. With narrow roads, a courtesy honk when cornering is advised! GOING UP Reaching the commune of Bajardo…

Q ‘Case keeps dragging on’ I have a question about the delays in my compensation claim resulting from my bike vs car accident 18 months ago. The court has cancelled a hearing twice, not a trial but some administrative hearing to agree a timetable and costs. It is getting really frustrating that no progress is being made and I wondered if I can do anything to speed things up as I would like to put it all behind me. My solicitor says it is to do with the Covid pandemic. Is this just an excuse? Mark Smith, email A I suspect that the Covid-19 pandemic is the reason. We are seeing many delays and cancellations to our case load caused by the virus, the most recent of which was a…

Gareth Fenn Age 47 Height 6ft 2in Current bike Kawasaki H2 SX SE and KTM 690 Duke Been riding 21 years First bike Honda CG125 Dream bike It changes every week... “After owning a couple of GS models, I was looking to change from my R1200GS Adventure. I like the upright riding position, and also the touring capacity, but I needed something different. I test rode loads of alternatives, including the BMW S1000XR, Ducati Multistrada, Suzuki V-Strom and BMW R1200R, but opted for the Versys 1000 as it seemed to offer what I wanted. “I bought my 2015 Versys in Grand Tourer spec, which was excellent value for money. I did everything on it – touring, weekend rides, days out – it was just a great bike. The ride quality,…

“A few years ago, my mates and I took a moped trip to the Isle of Man. Part of our challenge was to lap the circuit in under an hour, on 50s! It was May and the island was wonderful. The circuit was TT ready, but the roads were quiet. Everyone was biker-friendly and interested in the mopeds. We had a hoot, riding on and off the circuit. Then we realised that we had one chance for a ‘proper’ lap. “Sunday’s weather would have made McPint hit snooze. My Honda Z50 had no lights, so with a bicycle light on my jacket I set off into the Manx mist. Visibility was down to mere feet and I didn’t expect to encounter a fast-lapping Audi R8 at the Bungalow! “I don’t…

Armr Moto Harada S £389.99 I’ve used it for commuting and weekend riding in all weathers. Perforation on the front is noticeable in summer. They could add a back protector as standard though. Owen Gunter, Lincoln Ixon Vortex 2 one piece £699.99 My go-to suit for sporty riding or a trackday, but I also use it for touring because it’s just so comfortable. Graham Bell, Essex Rukka Coriace-R two piece £1150 (jacket), £989.99 (trousers) It’s waterproof, comfortable and I am able to pair it with my Ixon airbag too. Peter O’Connell, Cornwall RST Race Dept V4.1 Airbag one piece £999.99 Quite an aggressive cut and it’s good that the airbag can be used three times before going back. Luke Burnett, Lincoln Dainese Avro D1 two piece £719.99 I’ve had this…

PETER SAGE-PASSANT, 59, Leighton buzzard Learned to ride off road but returned to bikes after early retirement “When I bought my Street Triple it was the last bike that I thought I’d end up with. I was looking for something retro and test rode the Kawasaki Z900RS, BMW R nineT and Triumph 900 Street Scrambler. I liked them all, but didn’t fall in love with any, however after reading reviews of the Street Triple in MCN I thought I’d give one a go. As soon as I was on it, I thought ‘this is it!’. “We had over 4000 miles of fun together and the engine is very much the heart of the beast. It had a fantastic turn of speed. It’s not so much a hooligan machine as there’s…

1 Meet your link The chain link is a remarkable thing. It and the other 119 like it are responsible for transferring all the engine’s power to the back wheel. Each one is made of 12 parts: two side plates, two pins, two rollers, a pair of bushes, and four O-rings seals to help maintain internal lubrication. But time, wear and insufficient maintenance can lead to problems. 2 Check those teeth The chain takes drive from the front sprocket and transmits it to the rear sprocket, and both need to be in excellent condition in order for it to all happen effectively. Sprockets are made from hardened metals but are still prone to wear. A worn sprocket will have pointed teeth; in good condition the sprocket teeth tips are flat,…

Having retired from racing at the end of 2012, a year later Casey Stoner re-joined Honda as test rider and was impressed when he reviewed the data of Marc Marquez who had inherited the Australian’s V4, 1000cc RC213V. Stoner said that Marquez’s willingness to push to the limit on the front-end on virtually every lap was “a real strength of his riding” and that he had the ability to “pull back from the cliff edge” at the outer limit of adhesion. Marquez was equally complimentary when he took a deep dive into Stoner’s stats: “When I arrived at Honda in 2013 I looked at Casey’s data and said ‘I can’t ride the bike like this.’ “I saw Dani Pedrosa’s data and thought I could arrive there but with Casey’s data…

So much more than just a stripped-back RSV4. Sure, the Tuono borrows its growly V4 engine and gorgeous aluminium frame from the riotous sportsbike, but Aprilia put in the hours to make the naked version usable. Tweaks here, adjustments there and subtle alterations mean it manages to look, sound and feel like a full-on super-naked, while being far more practical than the barking exhaust and mighty performance indicate. Aprilia’s electronics are bloody good, too, and mean you will be able to exploit all that performance in the knowledge that there is an electronic safety net. A few machines have weak gearboxes so ask for a test ride and check for all the ratios, no jumping out of gear and clean selection. Electrical faults aren’t unheard of, and the display can…

So much more than just a stripped-back RSV4. Sure, the Tuono borrows its growly V4 engine and gorgeous aluminium frame from the riotous sportsbike, but Aprilia put in the hours to make the naked version usable. Tweaks here, adjustments there and subtle alterations mean it manages to look, sound and feel like a full-on super-naked, while being far more practical than the barking exhaust and mighty performance indicate. Aprilia’s electronics are bloody good, too, and mean you will be able to exploit all that performance in the knowledge that there is an electronic safety net. A few machines have weak gearboxes so ask for a test ride and check for all the ratios, no jumping out of gear and clean selection. Electrical faults aren’t unheard of, and the display can…