Table of contents for 1 June 2022 in MCN

Ivan Cervantes is no stranger to rally racing, having completed the infamous Dakar twice. When asked whether this could influence potential future rally models, Steve Sargent didn’t rule it out. “If you look at some rally raid races going on, a lot of those bikes have developed from an enduro platform. “Also from motocross engines and other platforms. It’s an area where you can stretch what you learn from enduro and MX into a different environment, so there’s always the opportunity to do that going forward.”…

Yamaha UK have launched a new scheme for used bikes. Called ‘Certified Pre-Owned’ it’s offered by dealers and designed to give buyers of secondhand machines from official dealers extra peace of mind with a 12 month warranty and Yamaha Motor Roadside assistance. There’ll also be a dedicated listing on Yamaha’s website. What an experience Virgin Experience Days have a whole host of motorcycling activities for you to tick off your bucket list. If you’ve ever fancied the thrills and spills of motocross, quad biking down muddy tracks, or riding on one of the UK’s best circuits – now you can! Once you become an MCN Member, you’ll get a subscription to MCN and qualify for a 15% discount on a range of experiences. To get your discount, simply download the…

A TT racing fan has raised £1600 for the Simon Andrews Fund by scaling the heights of the Himalayas -and is now looking for help to push that total past £2000. Airline pilot and lifelong rider Paul Owen, 62, had zero mountaineering experience before his trip and travelled to the mountains in March with the dual goal of achieving a bucket list ambition to scale a 6000m+ Himalayan peak and also to raise money for the Simon Andrews Fund. Andrews was a hugely talented short circuit and road racer who was tragically killed at the 2014 North West 200. His family set up the fund in his name to help injured riders from the road racing community. “To say it was tough would be quite accurate, ” Owen said. “Without…

GasGas have their sights set on the low–capacity rally raiding top spot, developing a new road–legal Dakar–inspired 400cc single. From these spyshots it’s apparent that the new machine is inspired by the desert racer on which Brit Sam Sunderland won this year’s Dakar Rally. It’s also the firm’s first new road-legal adventure bike and follows the KTM 690–derived SM700 and ES700 supermoto/enduros unveiled in April. The new bike is expected to enter production in 2024, and is expected to spin–off further supermoto and enduro variants – and could form the basis of other capacity versions ranging from 125 to 700cc. Spanish brand GasGas started life in 1985 specialising in trials and enduro machines. Jordi Tarres then Adam Raga won the world trails championships in 1993–1995 and 2005–2006 respectively while British…

It’s great that there are more films and documentaries focusing on bike racing but why do they have to focus so much on crashing? Pretty much every montage at the beginning and end of each shows crashes. There’s more racing and excitement in one lap of bike racing than in an entire F1 race but it’s mostly always accidents we see with the bikes. Are these films made by bikers? People I know don’t want to watch crashes all the time. They are a part of racing but more focus on the actual racing please! Michael Donald, email Ed: Amazing saves like this one are far superior! Be our Star Letter writer and win a pair of touchscreen-compatible Weise Apex leather gloves worth £59.99 from weiseclothing.com…

Yamaha’s XSR900 update looks like a rolling tribute to the marque’s race bikes of the late 1980s and early 90s – but it is much more than a cosmetic transformation. Underneath the Gauloises bleu that once adorned Christian Sarron’s YZR500 are a new Deltabox chassis, new suspension, and even new, lean–sensitive rider aids. The 117bhp CP3 triple remains at its heart but almost everything else is bespoke to the XSR, including new forks and shock, plus a new six-axis IMU that enables cornering ABS, traction control, slide and wheelie control. Plus, there are three riding modes, four power modes, an up-and-down quickshifter and even cruise control as standard. It may lean on its retro looks but the XSR has evolved into a state–of–the–art middleweight naked. 1 Lean on me… Flexible…

If electric bikes fail to stir the soul like their internally combusted counterparts, then the pragmatic inner-city runabout market ought to be a natural stomping ground. After all, when was the last time you pursed your lips and rubbed your thighs for a petrol twist-and-go? Enter the snappily named MQi GT Evo, the sportiest scooter yet from Chinese electric bike firm, Niu (pronounced ‘New’), which boasts 125-equivalent performance for a 125-equivalent price. Sure it’s unlikely to make an appearance at many bike meets, or take you on a world tour, but as a tool for the job of getting you to work or college, the Niu works just fine. Zipping around The GT Evo’s 5kW motor (equivalent to about 6.7bhp) is plenty fast enough to keep up with town traffic…

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Shark Evo GT Sean OKS Helmet £419.99 ‘It needed a custom fit’ Tested by Ali Silcox for 3 months/1500 miles I’ve been a wearer of Shark lids for over 25 years, my first having been a wedding present from my big brother… definitely not your most traditional gift but better than a toaster! Having been a Foggy fan and watching every WSB race for years, the only option was for one of his race reps. After that first experience of the French brand, I’ve tested around ten of their helmets in the intervening years. All have been comfortable, fitted well and I’ve come to trust the brand but I have had a few issues with this latest offering, the Evo GT. On the plus side,…

OFFICE MANAGER Ducati Monster and the Yamaha XMAX400 owner and big fan of solo touring I know it’s not ‘real’ but still find it shocking to see the image of the NT1100 on its side, having just been ‘hit’ by a car and me flat on my back… MCN have teamed up with the Highways Agency and BikerTek to produce a third series of videos, aimed at getting bikers ready to ride. There are six in the series, which includes bike setup, what to look for when buying a bike, tips on riding and what to do if you’re first on the scene at an incident (see p26). This is where the Honda and I come in to play – we’re ‘the incident’. It takes an age to work out…

Proposals to extend MoTs from every year to every other year might save a few quid but the owner of this Ducati 696 had reason to be thankful for the regular checks when he took his bike into Harpenden’s 2Wheel Centre. “When he rolled in he said his brakes were a bit spongy, ” says 2Wheel’s owner Nick Nomikos – and he wasn’t joking! The lever was firm enough when I wheeled it into the bay, but it didn’t take long to work out that the wheel bearings were to blame.” You check for wheel bearing wear by raising the wheel off the ground, then hold the top and bottom of the wheel and try to rock it from side to side. Play in the bearings will be felt as…

As the old adage goes, there are three things that are guaranteed in life: death, taxes and a memorable Moto3 outing at Mugello. Sunday was no exception as Sergio Garcia took a third win of the season, despite crossing the line 0.021s behind Izan Guevara (Garcia’s team-mate had exceeded track limits on the final lap). The race so nearly ended in carnage as Dennis Foggia crashed out of the lead on the eleventh lap when he accelerated on a tear-off sat on the edge of Savelli corner. Somehow, the chasing pack missed his bike at well over 100mph as it slid across the track. It was a disappointing day for the Brits as John McPhee crashed out of podium contention. The Scot’s high-side on the exit of Correntaio had origins…

Valentino Rossi, the main draw of the Italian GP, wasn’t racing for the first time in 26 years. The crowds were down as a result (74,078 over the weekend, just over half of the 139,329 that came in 2019). But two prodigeés riding for his team lit up the early laps of 2022’s eighth race. Mooney VR46 Ducati men Marco Bezzecchi and Luca Marini stunned onlookers on Saturday by qualifying second and third. There was no wilting under the pressure a day later, as the Italian pair were in podium contention throughout. Rookie Bezzecchi in particular was a sensation, leading the first eight laps, and pushing Aleix Espargaro for the final podium place toward the end. With Bezzecchi fifth and Marini sixth, just three seconds off the winner, this was…

MATTHEW BIRT INSIGHT Getting the inside line on grand prix racing since 1996 Pecco Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo have split eight of the last 15 MotoGP wins between them. The ringleaders of MotoGP’s new young generation have also stood together on 20 of the last 26 premier class podiums. Marc Marquez recently said the pair were now the undisputed top two men in MotoGP. As the injury-tormented Spaniard’s stock has declined since the start of 2020, Bagnaia and Quartararo’s has risen exponentially. It’s hard to squabble with the declaration of the eight-times World Champion and even harder after Bagnaia led home Quartararo for the second time in the last three races. Reputation redeemed Bagnaia’s reputation as MotoGP’s most unflappable rider was tarnished somewhat recently when he blundered twice on the…

This Saturday, the gladiators of road racing will feel that tap on their shoulder that signifies they can feed the clutch into a cacophony of screaming revs to launch themselves through the arch and down Bray Hill as 37.73 miles of Mountain Course unravel beneath their wheels. Aside from the simple euphoria of having the TT back, it feels like we’re basking in a certified golden era for road racing. Incredible speeds and race times; an astounding depth of talent from oh-so rapid newcomers to the wily old-timers; and legendary riders chasing amazing milestones. But just as I was about to claim that we’re in the best era of road racing ever, I had to stop myself. After all, has there ever been a boring era for the TT? No,…

European campaigners are claiming the controversy over transporting bikes from the UK to the EU, which sprang up as a result of Brexit, has been resolved – however the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) is still urging caution until the legal position is clarified. Since 1 January 2021 there has been considerable confusion over the legal requirements regarding bikes being transported by third parties from the UK to the EU. This doesn’t affect owners riding or transporting their own machines, but rather those shipped by third parties such as fly-ride holiday providers or motorcycle transport companies, where the bikes are regarded as goods. As they now came from a non-EU country, they required a carnet. Varying types of carnet and different rules between EU countries added to the confusion and expense.…

Italian electric bike firm Energica are gunning for the road-biased adventure class crown with their new Experia plug-in tourer, which made its debut at the Mugello MotoGP. Available to order as of today, Wednesday June 1, the Experia is an upright, luggage laden packhorse that rolls on road-focussed 17in rims, with a carrying capacity of 112-litres with all three boxes attached. Said to be the first of a range of models in a new Energica Green Tourer program, it also produces a claimed circa 101bhp at 7500rpm and is limited to 112mph – with no gear changes required to get there. Although slightly down on petrol-powered competition, it gets a healthy claimed torque figure of 85ftlb at the wheel. It’s also stuffed with six-stage traction control, four riding modes, leansensitive…

The Vintage Motorcycle Club (VMCC) attracted more than 130 classic bike enthusiasts to a meetup in partnership with the British Commercial Vehicle Museum. Taking place earlier this month in the car park of the Leyland-based-museum, the event had everything from early 20th century Triumphs to landmark Japanese machines from the 1970s and 80s – including a Honda CX500, and Suzuki GSX750. With adults gaining entry for just £3, the visitors were also treated to a vintage Vickers Enfield and ultra-rare French 1939 Gnome-Rhone. There was also a Manx Norton and Ariel Leader in attendance. Elsewhere, the museum’s state-of-the-art conference centre screened archive films from the early days of motorcycling and in the main exhibition hall a display of vehicles ensured a good time was had by all. The centre has…

While battery – powered electric bikes have been at the forefront of efforts to create carbon-neutral machines, there’s long been support for hydrogen as an alternative green fuel – and now engineering giant Bosch has thrown its weight behind the idea. The announcement includes plans to set up 4000 hydrogen filling stations by 2030, accounting for a third of the world’s total hydrogen stations. These will use new compressors, jointly developed by Bosch’s ‘Bosch Rexroth’ subsidiary, alongside Maximator Hydrogen, that will allow vehicles to be filled directly with compressed hydrogen rather than using intermediate storage tanks. It’s a technology that’s expected to halve the costs to filling stations when compared to existing alternatives. Bosch, which supplies a vast swathe of the motorcycle industry with components – notably electronics and ABS…

Reader Jack Wills (youtube channel – Another Hipster) The trip I decided to ride my BMW R nineT solo from UK to Athens over 32 days via France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Greece and Spain. The route was a mix of TomTom community routes and my own routes that just stitched castles, waterfalls and historical sites together. How many miles? 6500 miles there and back. I forgot about the mountain pass closures so I left Switzerland and North Italy sooner than I had planned. Best time to go I travelled late April into May, the evenings were a bit cold but there was never anybody around in the daytime. Don’t miss… The chance to travel when you can, I am self employed and worried about losing all my work forever.…

FRIDAY June 3 8am, BTS2, Live MotoGP from Catalunya, Spain: Opening Day – Free Practice 1&2 9pm, ITV4, TT – Qualifying Highlights SATURDAY June 4 8am, BTS2, Live MotoGP from Catalunya, Spain: Free Practice 3 and Qualifying 12pm, EUR2, Live 24 Hours of Spa – Francorchamps Race. Also at 5am 9pm, ITV4, Isle of Man TT: RST Superbike TT Race, also at 12.35am SUNDAY June 5 8am, BTS2, Live MotoGP from Catalunya, Spain: Warm Ups. Live Moto3 at 9.15am, Live Moto2 at 9.25am, ITV4, MotoGP Highlights from Mugello, Italy. 11am, MotoGP at 12.30pm 9pm, ITV4, Isle of Man TT: Sidecar TT Race 1, also at 12.35am KEY TO CHANNELS: DRT – DISCOVERY REAL TIME DSC – DISCOVERY CHANNEL DHD – DISCOVERY CHANNEL HD EXS – EXTREME SPORTS CHANNEL EUR1 (2,…

‘I clearly remember the exact moment when my future Dainese says. “I was on my Vespa in London and a rider came roaring past on a big bike, all dressed in black leather, and I knew right then that I wanted to be involved in motorcycling. So, I bought a Bultaco Matador Mk IV and made my own leather trousers to go with it.” That trip to London with friends in 1968 would change the very look of motorcycling, as Dainese brought colour, fashion, and style to bike kit. He founded his company in 1972 with an investment of £2000 and, within a few years, riders like Giacomo Agostini and Barry Sheene were making the Dainese logo famous. Although many have mistaken the logo as a stylised devil, Lino is…

Honda have achieved what they set out to do with the new Fireblade: win races… in the UK, at least. Glenn Irwin has already taken top spots at BSB and the NW200. To do this they’ve moved from making roadfriendly Blades to creating the current version released two years ago: a single-minded 215bhp track weapon. To celebrate 30 years since the first Blade and with the hope of tasting even more Champagne they’ve given it a nip and tuck. 1 Classic Blade colours For £500 more than an SP you can enjoy this limited edition 30th Anniversary ‘Tricolour’ version. The graphics were penned by Hiroaki Tsukui, who did the 1992 original. That bike was a ground-breaker which didn’t conform to any racing class, the ethos was all about lightness and…

SPORTS EDITOR Road and off-road rider with a passion for adventure You learn a lot about a bike riding it for 800 miles over three days. The trip in question wasn’t a leisurely jaunt around the countryside – it was essentially commuting. I went to interview road racing royalty for our big Isle of Man TT preview in last week’s issue. That meant a tour of the North leaving my home in Hertfordshire and heading to Bradford to see Dean Harrison, then a trip to hook up with Peter Hickman and his FHO BMW team in Louth, before meeting the man himself, John McGuinness, in Skipton and travelling with him back to his home near Morecambe. I got lucky with the weather and dodged the showers until a final day…

MCN SPORTS REPORTER Motorcycle racing returns to Spa-Francorchamps this weekend for the first time in 19 years with Endurance World Championship (EWC) racers facing a challenge like no other. 39 teams will attempt to conquer at the 24-hour race around the 4.34-mile Belgian circuit, which hasn’t hosted a two-wheeled event since 2003. The circuit has undergone a €80m makeover, mandated by the FIM, to ensure that Spa is safe enough for two-wheeled racing to make its return. Run-off areas have been expanded at several corners, whilst some safety barriers have been repositioned. For example, at La Source, Les Combes and Bruxelle, gravel beds have been introduced in-place of the old tarmac run-offs, whilst the guard rails at the bottom of Eau Rouge have been moved back over 10 metres. The…

COLIN YOUNG INSIGHT MotoGP stalwart examines Honda’s next move The rebuild of talisman rider Marc Marquez by American surgeons is set to play a defining role in the future Honda Racing Corporation. Right now, it is hard to know who needs pain killers more – Marquez or Honda’s MotoGP race bosses. Marquez’s courage, mental resilience and threshold for pain are beyond dispute. But even he’s had enough with a best of one fourth place this year in eight races. There is simply no joy in not being a title contender and he will go under the knife for a fourth, “last chance” surgery at the Mayo Clinic. It comes 22 months after his brutal crash at Jerez (July 2020) and three previous operations. Fixing the strength, stability and rotation of…

Is Brad Binder the ultimate Sunday man? Yet another transcendental race for the South African saw him surge from 16th on the Mugello grid to a threatening seventh, just four seconds behind winner Bagnaia, and barely two off the podium. A typical afternoon for the South African, whose first win in 2020 (also KTM’s first) came at Brno in only his third GP, from the third row. Another measure is in places gained, grid to flag. This year, Brad of course leads, with 35. Next is KTM team-mate Oliveira (32). Fabio Quartararo? Just six.…

Aleix Espargaro and Aprilia’s bubble shows no signs of bursting in 2022. A new contract and a new RS-GP engine inspired Espargaro to a fourth consecutive third place this season, with Aprilia’s shock title chase gaining serious traction. Espargaro has scored more podiums in the last month than he managed in the previous 16 years. And the Spaniard’s stratospheric rise from rank outsider to title contender continues to be one of MotoGP’s feel-good stories of 2022. Before Mugello, only four Spanish riders had scored four podiums in as many races in MotoGP’s four-stroke era. That includes talents like Marc Marquez and Jorge Lorenzo. Espargaro is now in that exclusive club. Imagine saying that out loud back in early March? Free from press intrusion about his future after signing a two-year…

The recent road racing woes of Dunlop Motorsport intensified as they withdrew their KR108 slick rear tyre from TT 2022. A series of catastrophic tyre failures at the North West 200 involving Peter Hickman, Brian McCormack and Michael Dunlop forced the company to pull their runners from the feature Superbike race at the Northern Ireland event. “Following tyre conditions experienced by three Superbike riders on Dunlop KR108 slick rear race tyres at the North West 200, and understanding the importance of giving riders the confidence they need to perform on such a demanding high-speed road circuit, we have taken the decision to withdraw the KR108 slick rear tyre range from the 2022 Isle of Man TT Races and offer the D213 GP PRO treaded rear tyre range as an alternative…

In late July 2021 Triumph shocked the off-road world by announcing a range of competition motocross and enduro bikes were in the works. Not only this, but they were also being developed by Ricky Carmichael and Ivan Cervantes –two of the greatest dirt racers in history. At the time, Triumph said an announcement of the timetable for launch, plus a reveal of the bikes would ‘follow in the coming months’. However, details have remained hidden ever since. To find out exactly what to expect and when, MCN sat down with the dirt riding duo, plus Chief Product Officer Steve Sargent, in an exclusive interview at the factory. “They’re all competition off-road motorcycles, ” Steve Sargent said. “We have a range of motocross and a range of enduro motorcycles in development.…

More than 50 caped crusaders are expected to take part in this month’s Evel Knievel charity ride which is poised to be the biggest and best yet. And, with special guests including former stunt star Eddie Kidd OBE, a visit to Mathewson’s of TV’s Bangers and Cash, five different race circuits and The Stereophonics, it’s also sure to be the most entertaining, too! The event is an annual five-day charity ride, either taking in a 1000mile perimeter of Wales or a 1200mile route of the UK mainland. It’s raised £160,000+ since 2012. This year’s outing, dubbed ‘Ride Capitals Knievels 2022’ takes in the UK loop and will also visit the three mainland UK capitals plus a host of special events along the way. Organised by Ride Cymru MCC, it sets…

Barry Sheene’s son Freddie will ride one of his late father’s Grand Prix race bikes at a Suzuki Live event at Cadwell Park on Friday 10 June. Freddie will ride the 1984 ‘DAF’ XR45, the last bike his dad raced in GPs, and will be joined by Stuart Graham on the RT67 125, which Barry bought to race the ‘71 season. Three further Sheene bikes will take part – the ‘76 and ‘77 title-winning XR14s and the quirky 652cc XR23A big-bore RG500. Suzuki Live includes track day sessions for classic and modern machines, and road tests of new Suzukis. Spaces cost £135 and should be pre-booked online. To book your slot, visit bike. msvtrackdays.com.…

A new podcast in partnership with MCN is being uploaded to major music streaming platforms on a weekly basis – each episode featuring a biking celeb discussing their love of two wheels and the power of discussions around mental health. Hosted by Movember ambassador Ben Bowers, and TV personalities Charley Boorman and Anthony Partridge, guests have so far included F1 champ Damon Hill and children’s TV presenter Grace Webb. Episodes are released every Wednesday on Spotify and the Planet Radio podcasts webpage. Longer form video versions will also feature on MCN’s YouTube channel. It’s a genuinely great listen, tune in now at motorcyclenews.com/thenod.…

A cinematic new safety film is being shared by the Scottish Government, encouraging riders to slow down and take in the scenery in a bid to curb casualty statistics. Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said: “We’re seeing lots of bikers on the roads with many taking advantage of the longer days and enjoying the incredible scenery Scotland has to offer.” The 1m 29s film forms part of the Live Fast Die Old safety campaign run by the Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland. “I’d urge any motorcyclists exploring Scotland’s breath-taking roads this season to take their time, adjust their speed and consider their surroundings before overtaking, ” Gilruth added. “Enjoy the ride – but get home in one piece.” Featuring slow-motion footage of the stunning landscapes on the Isle of…

Send your first bike pics to: yourpics@motorcyclenews.com BSA C11G Seized sprung frame and an alternator which occasionally worked… 65mph with a following wind! Jeremy Gibbins NEW HUDSON This is my grandfather, Steve Fisher. Fifty years later he lent me the money to buy my first moped (Honda SS50). Gary Fisher TRIUMPH CHOPPER My self-built Bonnie chop with my then girlfriend Lynn Cheer who went on to be the very first Miss Motorcycle News. Trevor Court KAWASAKI Z650 Passed my test in February of this year and already managed to get a long weekend away up to Skye. Tom Waterhouse DUCATI MONSTER Not my first bike but here’s a vote of confidence for my 74th year. The latest Monster dialled in for Sport Mode. Richard Pawelko HONDA TL125S My first bike…

1 Margate Meltdown June 2 The 13th Margate Meltdown Run from London’s Ace Cafe is this Thursday. The rideout departs from the café at 10.30am and follows a set route to Margate seafront. london.acecafe.com 2 Iron Horse Show June 2 To celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, Iron Horse Ranch House in Market Deeping is hosting a bike show with prizes, live music and much more besides. ironhorseranchhouse.co.uk 3 Bemsee meet June 2-4 Bemsee are back this for three days of packed racing at Oulton Park. Testing will take place on Thursday with Friday and Saturday packed with racing. www.bemsee.net 4 Nostalgia Nationals June 3-5 If you’ve got a motor that’s pre-1973, then this weekend is the perfect chance to take it down the famous Santa Pod strip. Tickets are from £21…

What’s happening? Killarney plays host to the biggest free bike festival in Ireland this weekend. After being put on hold for two years due to Covid, this year, their 14th, is set to be bigger than ever. Entertainment is non-stop for the three days and includes DJs and live bands on three separate stages which are all free to enjoy. The bike village will be full of traders as well as Harley-Davidson dealers and the opportunity to go for test rides as well as plenty of food and drink, a custom bike show and Wild Atlantic Way rideouts. After all, the coast road is just a stone’s throw from the venue, so many bikers opt to take the scenic route around the festival with a massive 2500km of it to…

Spring has sprung and bikers are dusting down their leathers in anticipation of a fantastic summer. To help everyone make the most of their motorcycling, BikerTek and MCN have teamed up to produce a third series of exciting riding videos. Presented by MCN’s Chief Road Tester Michael Neeves, Secrets of a Road Tester takes an in-depth look at a wide range of biking subjects, and how genning-up on safety can help improve your riding. Individual episodes cover setup, maintenance, mindset and group riding, as well as what to do if you’re the first on the scene in an emergency, with input from industry experts such as Chris Walker and the DocBike team. BikerTek manager Mik Barton said: “The first set of videos from Michael Neeves and the team had such…

TFT dash is comprehensive and easy to read. Optional Navigator IV satnav is conveniently positioned too. Handy USB socket is also well placed There’s a lot to take in on the GS’s switchgear. Spinning wheel navigates the extensive menus BMW boxer is so well developed that it oozes charm, punch, and user friendliness in equal measure ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ £17,545 (from) BMW R1250GS TE Rallye The Tiger’s dash with right-side pop-up mode menu is effective and easier to navigate than the BM, although sun glare can be an issue Chunky backlit switchgear is easy to operate, even in thick gloves. Heated bars switch is on the grip 1160cc motor packs the triple treat of a grunty bottom end, muscular midrange and searing top end ★ ★ ★ ★…

1 1996 Lightweight TT Honda RS250 Position 15th Fastest lap 111.49mph 2 1997 Lightweight TT Aprilia RS250 Position 3rd Fastest lap 116.83mph 3 1997 Ultra Lightweight TT Aprilia RS125 Position 12th Fastest lap 106.29mph 4 1997 Junior TT Honda CBR600 Position 24th Fastest lap 112.43mph 5 1998 Lightweight TT Honda RS250 Position 3rd Fastest lap 98.01 (wet) 6 1998 Ultra Lightweight TT Honda RS125 Position DNF Fastest lap 103.98mph 7 1998 Senior TT Honda NSR500V Position DNF Fastest lap 119.21mph 8 1999 Formula One TT Honda NSR500V Position DNF Fastest lap 116.70mph 9 1999 Lightweight TT Honda TSR250 Position 1st Fastest lap 118.29mph 10 1999 Senior TT Honda NSR500V Position 7th Fastest lap 121.15mph 11 2000 Formula One TT Honda SP1 Position 3rd Fastest lap 121.22mph 12 2000 Lightweight TT…

SPORTS EDITOR It’s a question that gets asked constantly. What’s the best tyre for my adventure bike? It obviously all comes down to the type of riding you intend to do, but if your answer is “a healthy mix of road and off-road” then you fall into a category where all the leading tyre brands are investing and developing hard in a bid to find the ultimate compromise. For the past nine years one of Metzeler’s key offerings in the adventure bike market has been the Karoo 3 – a tyre which has earned a good reputation for road manners, off-road grip and longevity. With the adventure bike market continuing to grow year on year, it’s a lucrative place to be for tyre companies, hence the arrival of the all-new…

If you’re reading this on Wednesday the chances are I’ll be on the ferry to the Isle of Man and, like tens of thousands of other bikers, I can’t wait. On arrival I’ll be dumping my luggage, selecting the Sport setting on the dash and heading for a ride. I’ve only recently started experimenting with the modes, but the Sport setting is noticeable. It brings a new urgency to the refined 937cc twin, increasing the smile and engagement which will be perfect for my stay on the Island.…

Tyre choice is the one topic I get asked about most often, and yet my typical answer isn’t what most people want to hear! If you are an avid trackday goer and are confident, you will have built up an understanding and feel for track/race-dedicated tyres. But for a lot of people who may be new to track riding or have a modest pace, it is unlikely they will get the full potential from full-on race tyres, which is why I find myself often recommending the latest sports-touring tyres. This makes even more sense when you consider the weather here in the UK, especially in the early part of the season. A rider who has a modest pace will almost certainly be in danger of a track tyre falling short…

It may have taken a handful of races more than expected, but Pedro Acosta arrived as a complete Moto2 force at Mugello, becoming the youngest rider in history to win in GP’s intermediate class. At 18 years and four days, he took the record from Marc Marquez, who was 83 days older when he rode to his first Moto2 win eleven years ago. Here, Acosta succeeded in the race’s critical phase where previously he had failed. At Le Mans, the Spaniard crashed out of the lead while attempting to break the challenge of Augusto Fernandez behind. On this occasion it was Aron Canet who fell on lap 13 when trying to keep up. “If it isn’t hard, it isn’t fun, ” said Acosta of his early season struggles. “Before we…

1 Top speed, but no win In the Mugello MotoGP race on Sunday Pramac Ducati rider Jorge Martin rocketed to a staggering 225.93mph on the front straight at Mugello onboard his fire-breathing Ducati GP22. The new record top speed in MotoGP is over 4mph faster than race winner Pecco Bagnaia achieved and a staggering 8mph more than second place finisher Fabio Quartararo onboard his Yamaha YZR-M1, yet Martin finished the race in 13th, 17 seconds adrift of Bagnaia on the same bike – and Quartararo on the ‘slow’ Yamaha – showing that top speed is everything and nothing. 2 King of horsepower Ducati remain the undisputed kings of power and top speed in MotoGP but it’s not just brute force and power nudging 300bhp that makes it happen. It all…