Table of contents for 11 September 2024 in MCN

Stage one of the two-part Trans Morocco Trail (TMT) has been launched, offering 550 miles of dirt roads to explore in the North African country. The route, established by overland legends Chris Scott and Ed Gill, runs from Nador to the dunes of Erg Chebbi, with the soon-to-launch stage two carrying on a further 1500 miles. Visit transmoroccotrail.org to download the route. Sherman style Luxury clothing brand, Ben Sherman have teamed up with the Ace Cafe to release a new seven-piece collection, which they say is inspired by mod and biker culture from the 1950s to the present day. Among the collection are knitted zip polos, T-shirts and 1950s-style viscose bowling shirts, featuring black and white chequered patterns to pay homage to the Ace. Prices for the designer kit ranges…

Norton have launched a new range of finance options on their Commando 961, V4SV, and V4CR range, chucking in two years of national breakdown recovery with the RAC for good measure. “We are delighted to begin offering finance options to our customers, making our motorcycles more accessible,” Head of Sales, Chris Bexon said. “The partnership with the RAC for national recovery is a great step also, giving riders peace of mind that their motorcycle will be looked after should something unexpected happen.” Both Hire Purchase (HP) and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) are available through all of their dealers, as is an Advance Payment Plan (APP) that allow you to pay off a hefty wedge up front. As such, the Commando 961s are offered on PCP with 0% APR and 24…

WHAT'S NEW IN TECH? British engineers have launched a new three-wheeled electric response vehicle, promising 100 miles of aggressive riding, advanced aerodynamic capabilities, and a recharge time of under 15 minutes on a standard CSS (Combined Charging System) connector. Called the WMC300E+, the bike is a collaboration between UK-based White Motorcycle Concepts (WMC) and Mahle Powertrain and was launched at the Cenex Expo at the UTAC Millbrook testing facility on Wednesday, September 4. Based on Yamaha's Tricity 300 platform, it's designed for rapid response emergency services use, as well as last-mile delivery and features WMC's patented Venturi duct system to allow air to flow through the machine, between the two front wheels. “The industry is facing a huge technical and commercial challenge to produce an electric motorcycle with performance close…

Un1t 7 In Llanelli, Wales (SA15 2DS), Un1t 7 is a stone's throw from the coast of the River Loughor and is a great stop off. www.un1t7.com Biker's Cove Holding the baton for Scotland is Biker's Cove, Queensferry (EH30 9TA). It may be small, but it is mighty and close to Edinburgh. Facebook: The Biker's Cove Project Eighty Three Ideal when you want to take a stop in the bustling town of Newquay (TR17 1LB). Coffee, clothes and great chat. www.projecteightythree.com…

Every now and then in the vast world of motorcycling, a new slice of innovation will pop up, whether that's for good or for ill. Remember when BMW stuck a roof and a seatbelt on their C1 scooter? Yes, we're sorry for putting that image back in your mind. However, we can pretty much all agree that there's also been so much good stuff that has defined excellence on two wheels, with the most recent tech coming in the form of software and electronics, covering everything from safety, to general pleasure with the likes of rider modes, adaptive cruise control and semi-active suspension. When one brand makes a leap others tend to follow, yet that hasn't been the case with semi-automatic transmissions… until now. Although brands have dabbled with the…

THE FACTS ‘To create anything, you must put your heart and soul into it’ When you think of Honda in 1992 it's the debut of the first FireBlade which springs to mind, but that year also saw the unveiling of an arguably even more significant machine, the NR750. Although, with only 300 built, a price five times the Blade's £7390 and performance that was little better, the NR was no commercial success. Instead it was a tech wonder that showcased Honda's engineering, celebrated its oval piston project and featured inspirational design elements including underseat exhausts and digital instrumentation years before Ducati's 916 and Yamaha's R1. The NR750 was the final fanfare for Honda's NR – New Racer – project, which started with the NR500. In 1979, 12 years after quitting…

FIRST RIDE For years experts have been predicting ‘the Chinese brands are coming’ – but with CFMoto's current expansion and link-ups, this statement is now starting to ring true. The Chinese manufacturer is making serious headway, and when you see not only how competitively-priced but also well-specified their products are, this makes sense. Sure they're a long way from becoming a household name, but CFMoto's range of A2-legal bikes look set to tempt a new wave of younger riders, paving the way for future growth in bigger-capacity models. So will the new 450NK be on every A2-licence holder's shopping list? A good heart… The NK's parallel twin has been developed and built by CFMoto and isn't, as you might have expected, a rehash of an old engine. With a claimed…

BRAKING BETTER Now with four pressure sensors, the new ABS has been developed with Bosch to provide amateur riders the benefit of rear braking as a performance tool on track. It's the brainchild of Ducati tester Alessandro Valia, who wanted to help give track riders the means of learning to brake like a racer, by using the rear brake as a cornering performance tool. Pull the front brake and the system gives an amount of rear to help pull the bike into the corner. “Pecco Bagnaia tested the bike with the eCBS,” says Valia. “And it was a blind test because we didn't say anything to him about the system. “He used the bike only with the front [brake] and he didn't complain about anything, and if you know him…

£3500-£6500 (2003-2013) A brilliant bike for two-up cruising, the CB1300's monster inline four has huge midrange drive and its seat is simply enormous and very deeply padded. Available in naked or semi-faired S versions (the S looks the best, especially in red and white) the CB1300 is a bit chunky but it handles really well. Even if you aren't a fan of the classic ‘Big One’, this modern retro reinvention is a great bike. BUYER BEWARE ● The five-speed gearbox is a weak area, especially on bikes built before 2009 (Honda introduced an update). Fourth gear is usually the one that fails, so check all the ratios engage nice and smoothly on a test ride. ● Check the rubber-covered push buttons work on the dash as they are known to…

Thanks to a packed schedule I've been using the Ninja 7 Hybrid mainly for commuting recently. I've got a few longer jaunts planned for later in the year (along with some experiments; more on that soon) but you'll notice from my mileage covered so far that I've not done a massive amount by MCN standards. It's given me a chance to bed in with the bike, though, and begin to get under its skin. I'm really pleased the seat has softened a little now – to start with it was like sitting on a plank, and coupled with the stiff suspension it was pretty unpleasant over rougher roads. I'm starting to enjoy another aspect, too: the right-thumboperated e-boost button has started to punctuate my life with the bike. No ride…

Jonathan Rea was one of seven riders to be declared ‘unfit’ across the French round. Like Toprak Razgatlioglu and Alvaro Bautista, the northern Irishman was hospitalised following a heavy crash. Rea crashed behind Nicolo Bulega on the run into the final chicane at the end of the first lap in Race 1, with his right thumb getting caught between his Yamaha's handlebar and the track surface. It meant that when Race 2 began on Sunday, it was the first superbike race not to feature a world champion on the grid for more than a decade. “My thumb is really not very nice to look at,” Rea lamented while thanking doctors for their help. “The tarmac ground away the skin. As soon as I saw it I felt the throbbing and…

Reporting direct from the French World Superbikes World Superbike was dealt an extremely harsh reminder of the everpresent dangers as numerous riders were left hospitalised but thankfully suffered no life-threatening injuries in France last weekend. For BMW it was a particularly unusual weekend; not only did Michael van der Mark return to winning ways following three leg-breaking accidents over the past two years, but Toprak Razgatlioglu missed the race weekend following a horrendous accident in Friday afternoon practice. Razgatlioglu's crash happened when the Turk lost control of the front end of his bike, as explained by team bosses and personal manager Kenan Sofuoglu who said the championship leader apologised for his mistake. At that point, he was on target to claim another glorious treble to extend what was already a…

MotoGP is trialling ship-to-shore radio with the aim of introducing it for the 2025 season. The idea is for riders to receive audio communications from Race Direction, as well as directly from their respective teams. When asked if he is in favour of introducing the technology, Marc Marquez said: “For the show, yes. For the sense of the sport, no. But we are here for the show sometimes and it will be more interesting for the people at home.” Oliveira and Miller join Yamaha Miguel Oliveira is confirmed as a Pramac Yamaha rider for 2025 and feels his experience of different MotoGP machines will help. “Yamaha doesn't want to wait to come back to the top. After being involved with two different manufacturers, my adaptation capability is high. I ride…

Yamaha main man Fabio Quartararo dreams of having the excess of rear grip that's enjoyed by his rivals at Ducati and KTM. The French former world champion wishes that he could be “so lucky” to have rear traction that pushes the front on turn in with Michelin's new specification tyre. That was the take away from an enterprising double top 10 at Misano which gave some hope that Yamaha's fixes for the M1 are heading in the right direction. Quartararo raced a heavily revised chassis, from a recent Misano test, and made it directly to Q2 for the first time since Assen. He was ninth in the Sprint and an inspiring seventh in the bedlam of a rain-hit GP. But the primary issue remains. “We don't have traction and it…

Repsol's split with Honda after 30 years, announced Sunday, ends a partnership of diminishing returns. In 1995, Mick Doohan won the first of Repsol Honda's 15 titles, in orange and blue colours that became one of MotoGP's defining liveries. The rot began when results slumped after Marc Marquez's 2020 injury, and became acute when the Spanish star left for Ducati, with reduced Repsol branding on HRC bikes this year. Honda ran in factory colours post-Rothmans in 1984, winning the first of Doohan's titles – a feat unlikely to be repeated in 2025. Repsol are set to stay in MotoGP, focusing on sustainable fuels.…

MotoGP paddock veteran delivers his weekend verdict TOP STORY Jorge Martin is the fast man of MotoGP who has been a charging front runner in this year's absorbing all Ducati title chase. But will he be haunted by another Sunday howler in the San Marino GP that proves a pivotal turning point? Martin ignored the unwritten rule of racing and tried to outsmart his main title rival, top factory Ducati man Pecco Bagnaia. It was equally bold and illogical for Martin to gamble on the switch for rain tyres rather than shadow race leader Bagnaia and stay on the same strategy to protect his valuable points advantage. And the gamble spectacularly back-fired allowing Bagnaia to take a cleverly calculated second place in tricky conditions with a brief, localised rain shower,…

WELCOME It's great to see high-profile events like Goodwood Revival get behind sustainable fuel, as the more exposure this direct replacement for oil-based petrol there is, the more demand there will be and the cheaper it'll get. Earlier this summer, MCN tested an 80% blend of sustainable fuel in both a 2024 Suzuki GSX-S1000GX and also an early 1990s carb'd Honda CBR600, and found there was absolutely no difference in power or fuel economy. And both were cleaner at the tailpipe too. Plus, being completely ethanol free also makes it safe for older bikes and classics. In fact, the only drawback was the price; at £4.65 per litre the stuff we tested wasn't exactly sustainable on your bank balance! But, as the fuel's manufacturer told us, we can rest assured…

The fuels in action at the Revival have been created by Goodwood's long-time fuel provider Anglo American Oil Company. These blends contain at least 70% sustainable materials, with two types of unleaded and a further two leaded options available alongside a fully sustainable methanol. While a leaded fuel may not seem to fit the ‘sustainable’ agenda, AAOil founder Anders Hildebrand explained that sustainability goes further than just the exhaust pipe. “A small amount of lead will protect these engines much, much longer than if they were running without it. This means you're not going to need to build an entirely new engine, manufacturing new parts in the process.” The more planet-friendly products aren't cheap, and cost up to 50% more than the current rate for fuels. “Unfortunately these prices won't…

A wide range of classic and modern motorcycling rarities are set to go up for auction this coming October at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show in Stafford, including a 1936 Vincent HRD expected to fetch between £240,000 and £280,000. With just over a month to go until the October 12-13 Bonhams event, which will take place at Stafford County Showground, five motorcycles of the already 163-strong listing are expected to sell for five figures. These include a 1913 Flying Merkel twin that was once owned by Great Escape stunt rider, Bud Ekins. Expected to go for between £150,000 and £200,000, the bike is a twincylinder Seventy-One 471 which was sold by Ekins in 1998, with documents to prove it. It was purchased by air show pilot Vic Norman, who had…

The annual Motorcycle Live show at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre is having a radical overhaul for 2024, with organisers promising a new festival-style theme, as well more live action and music. Taking place from November 16-24, the event is set to welcome the usual array of manufacturer stands with the latest metal, alongside new features such as freestyle motocross and trials riding, plus stunt shows from world record holding professionals, still to be announced. Last year's event attracted just shy of 90,000 visitors across nine days and it's hoped this year's alterations will boost that total further – with organisers looking to attract new areas of the market, as well as encourage people to return more frequently. “Post Covid it's been a challenge, but it would appear from the feedback…

THIS WEEK BEATING BIKE CRIME SAVE OUR BIKES! Police across England are continuing to battle motorcycle theft, with yet more arrests made, and stolen machines recovered. In Nottinghamshire, officers in Mansfield chased down and arrested four teens attempting to steal a bike in Hucklow Court. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning on Thursday, August 29, with the suspects running from officers before being detained. An 18-year-old man alongside three boys, aged 14, 15 and 16, were all arrested on suspicion of attempted theft of a motor vehicle. All remain on police bail. The bike itself was also recovered, having been found lying on its side in the street. “Officers responded swiftly and with determination to this unfolding incident, which allowed them to detain four suspects,” Inspector Katie…

Male grooming product specialists, Captain Fawcett have raised over £400 for the Make-A-Wish children's charity following a successful motorcycle meet-up at their King's Lynn headquarters. The aptly named ‘Bikes, BarberCue & Beerd's – Ride & Show’ took place on August 31, with more than 200 bikes making the trip. Richie Finney, Captain Fawcett founder, said: “Make-A-Wish is a brilliant charity which the Captain has supported for several years.”…

Motorcyclists from across Lincolnshire have come together in memory and support of a teenage girl who died at her home in late July. Kibi Wade (Barrett) passed away on July 24, and it's believed she took her own life as a result of bullying at school. Following the news, a memorial ride was organised to raise money for the funeral costs. Taking place on September 1, it attracted more than 170 riders for a trip across the county and raised over £1000 to pay for a headstone and its engraving. It's now hoped to become a yearly event, raising money for suicide awareness charities. Two days later, a further 71 joined a funeral procession from Louth, led by a Lincs Police rider, and members of the Lincolnshire Emergency Blood Bikes…

JUST BREW IT Ride out to Britain's best biking cafés THE DETAILS ● Open Monday-Saturday 6am-8pm, Sunday 9am-8pm ● 133 High Street, Walton-on-the-Naze, CO14 8AT There's nothing like a ride to the seaside. Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex not only has a fantastic beach, it's also home to the Revved Up Tea Bar. Sitting right on the seafront, you won't get a much better view from a biker café. Owner Paul Barnes, self-proclaimed “biker who has been a biker forever” used to have a kiosk nearby and bikes parked all along the seawall, earning him the unwanted title of the ‘Ice Cream Man from Hell’ which meant he couldn't stay put. “So I went to Wales, and I found a café and stayed there a year and then this place came up…

1 September 15 Newark Autojumble One of the biggest autojumbles in the UK is back this Sunday at the Newark Showground (NG24 2NY). Tickets are £7 for entry from 10am. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk 2 September 15 Classic Motorcycle Show Dover Transport Museum is hosting its annual show this weekend. Adults £12, children £6 and families £25. www.dovertransportmuseum.org.uk 3 September 15 Ride in and bikejumble Come to Kent (TN26 2JD) for the Romney Marsh ride-in show and jumble. Tickets are a fiver for general entry, earlybirds are £10 for entry from 8am. www.elkpromotions.co.uk 4 September 13 MSV Trackdays MSV trackdays this week include Cadwell, Oulton and Donington Park. There is even a dedicated classics day at Cadwell Park on Friday. www.msvtrackdays.com…

What's happening? This weekend the Showdown begins at Oulton Park (CW6 9BW) and with it the ratcheted-up scoring system. The number of points on offer is increased for Oulton and Donington Park, and will be further increased for the season finale at Brands in October. As per 2023, the rider with the most points across the season will be champion. The essentials Practice starts on Friday with racing on Saturday and Sunday. If you want to head down for the whole weekend then it's £47 online, or £72 on the gate. But if you can only make it for a day, it's still worth booking. Friday is £16 (£18 on the gate) Saturday is £25 (£29 on the gate) and Sunday is £35 online/£39 on the gate. www.britishsuperbike.com…

‘Clever design means little bulk’ Yamaha have crafted the Y-AMT system in order to offer both ‘manual’ and ‘automatic’ transmission options. In manual, the shifts are controlled by two small buttons on the left handlebar, although it is possible to only use the plus shift by pushing and pulling, in order to keep your thumb on the handlebar. In automatic, there are two options for sportier riding and more economical riding, with the option to override the system at any point too. Unlike other kit, there's very little additional weight or bulk compared to the standard set-up, thanks to the clever design. The clutch and gear shift operation are each actuated by their own dedicated electric motor, working with a single clutch pack-based system and the latest generation quickshifter for…

KOVE 800X KTM 790 ADVENTURE YAMAHA TÉNÉRÉ 700 EXPLORE…

2012-2014 Panigale 1199 S • 1198cc • V-twin • 190bhp • 188kg A mould-breaking motorcycle. The chassis was frameless, there was a new-generation Superquadro engine and it came with the latest electronic rider aids. Like Ducatis of old, its super-stable in fast corners, but it steered as fast as a Japanese bike. It's one very clever motorcycle. 2014 1199 Superleggera • 1198cc • V-twin • 200bhp • 155kg With a name meaning ‘super light’, it weighs 155kg dry, the same as Ducati's WSBK racer with exotic parts including a magnesium frame and wheels, a carbon seat unit, titanium fasteners, a feather-light 700g lithium battery and revised electronics. Only 500 were built. 2015 1198 Panigale R • 1198cc • V-twin • 202bhp • 184kg Road-legal homologation special built to satisfy Superbike…

£5500-£6500 (2014-2021) The CB1100EX is a classy-feeling retro that has loads of plus points and makes for an elegant machine for enjoying those sunny days. While its 18in wheels may feel a bit odd to those more used to 17in items, once you get to know how they make the chassis respond the EX can be ridden with a fair degree of spirit. But do you want to rush it? Not really, just revel in the sound and feel. BUYER BEWARE ● Although it is generally very well built, owners report issues with the quality of the EX's chrome. ● If you want something a bit sportier, check out the CB1100RS. With 17in wheels it is a step-up in terms of its handling but retains the same air-cooled charm. ●…

£7000-£9000 (2018–2020) A beautiful blend of nostalgia with modern performance and technology, the Z900RS Café was launched alongside the naked Z900RS in 2018 but only remained on sale for two short years. Quite why the bike was dropped so soon is a bit of a mystery but you can only assume that the majority of riders opted for the naked option over it, which seems a shame. BUYER BEWARE ● The engine is solid but a few have developed gearbox issues, which manifest themselves as bikes hopping out of gear. ● The radiator is quite exposed, which can lead to damage from stones. Check for any dents and leaks as a new unit is over £700. ● If you don't fancy the faired model, the naked Z900RS is just as…

Tucano Urbano Airscud Flex £245.89 The Airscud Flex is Tucano Urbano's latest airbag-ready jacket, and is designed with dual use in mind: it can be worn over lightweight clothing for protection while riding in the city, or alternatively you can wear it underneath a looser-fitting jacket to add airbag protection to your existing outfit just as long as it doesn't already have a back protector. Tucano Urbano say there's “no problem with sizing: if you wear an L, get an L”. I would counter this claim, because I do wear an L, and my Airscud Flex is a rather tight-fitting XL. 1000 miles ON TEST Somewhat fortuitously I've also been testing a larger-sized RST leather jacket, and the two things work well together, but the Flex won't go under my…

Although he's yet to claim his maiden win, Danilo Petrucci achieved a personal first with podiums in all three races. In the process, the Barni Spark rider scored more points than anybody with 43 to his name courtesy of 3rd-3rd-2nd at Magny-Cours. He was quick to point out his near-fatal motocross crash earlier this year. “It's unbelievable,” said the two-time MotoGP race winner. “Before my big accident I was in good shape. When I crashed that day I said to myself, ‘This time I'm maybe going to die.’ So all this now is like a second life for me. I really appreciate my life and what's going on. Maybe being happier is the key to going faster.” In the Independent Riders’ Championship, Petrucci's lead over Andrea Iannone has increased to…

Alex Lowes couldn't hide his frustration after ending the French weekend without a win. It was tough for the Englishman, having missed golden opportunities on both Saturday and Sunday. The Race 1 victory got away when he crashed from the lead in wet conditions at Chateau d'Eau corner, while Race 2 featured an epic ride from 19th to fourth after what appeared to be a gear selection problem on Lap 1. Lowes jettisoned two points to Alvaro Bautista which means he heads into the final third of the campaign 12 points behind the bronze medal championship spot. A victory would have been his first since Australia in February. “I had an issue we have to analyse,” said the tight-lipped Lincolnshire man, who is very excited about next year's prospects with…

Going behind the headlines from the San Marino MotoGP What better way to announce your arrival on the world stage than with a win at Misano despite having to do not one, but two long-lap penalties! Angel Piqueras showed flashes of promise in the first 12 races of his debut Moto3 campaign, but his thrilling maiden victory at Misano showed he is a star of the future and brought to mind other epic first wins in the junior category from years gone by (Pedro Acosta in Qatar or Brad Binder in Jerez anyone?). Not just any teenager can make champion-elect David Alonso look average in a last lap duel. Here, MCN takes a look at how the 17-year-old got here and pulled off the most memorable Moto3 comeback of 2024.…

TOP STORY Some of the biggest names in racing proved that you don't need to burn traditional fossil fuels to have a good time, as sustainable fuels powered the entirety of the Goodwood Revival. Held at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in West Sussex, the three-day festival welcomed stars of short circuits and road racing to compete on beautifully prepared pre-1955 machinery from the likes of BMW, Vincent and Norton. For 2024, however, Goodwood opted to show that you can still have fun without angering environmentalists – with every two- and four-wheeled racing machine powered by a blend of at least 70% sustainable fuel. “I am proud that we are the first to be mandating the use of sustainable fuels at the event,” said The Duke of Richmond, founder of Goodwood's…

An independent London motorcycle group are attempting to raise £20,000 to take Hackney Council to court over parking charges for two-wheelers in the borough. Save London Motorcycling began raising funds in August and have since amassed £7375 from donations. Their efforts have been backed by the Motorcycle Action Group and the British Motorcyclists Federation. Parking charges for motorcycles came into force in Hackney as of June 10, despite years of backlash from local riders. October 2022 saw hundreds of motorcyclists stage a demo, with a later petition gaining more than 7500 signatures. Under new rules, motorcyclists visiting the borough are being charged £1 an hour to park, which could become costly if parking regularly and for long periods. Permits have been introduced for locals, with full pricing due to come…

A new custom event, celebrating the best in Japanese performance bike culture, is set to take place in a former church in Yorkshire next month. Worship Moto Show will run at Left Bank Leeds on October 6, bringing together some of the most intricate one-off four-cylinder customs for a one-day celebration. Guy Martin is also set to guest star. Bikes confirmed include a special Honda Fireblade built by MCN's former sister title Performance Bikes. The Slabshot Suzuki (pictured) built by London's Haxch Moto will also be there. Tickets are available now at just £10, with accompanied under 17s going free. Visit worshipmotoshow.com to book.…

Who says adventure bikes have to be giant 1300cc beasts? Certainly not West Midlands-based Mutt who've just revealed this CBT-friendly adventurer which packs many of the creature comforts of its big bore adversaries. The Stravaig 125 comes with a host of goodies – including a three-piece hard luggage set all for just £3495 (+OTR). For reference, that's roughly one fifth of the price of a BMW R1300GS, and just one third of Aprilia's middleweight Tuareg 660 - albeit at a huge performance deficit. For your money, you also get proper adventure tourer ergos, an adjustable screen, crash bars (including rear bars to protect your luggage), a centrestand, USB charging port, and upsidedown forks. There's also a plastic sump guard as standard but don't expect it to stave off any significant…

Bemsee have announced a shakeup of their schedule ahead of next season, including the introduction of a CB500 series. They have also announced hopes to move back to a more extensive schedule, including a requested return to the Brands Hatch GP layout. The club have confirmed a new Oulton Park meet too and have requested for a second date to be added at Donington Park. Unicorn for sale Sheffield based motorcycle dealership, The Bike Specialists are selling a Honda RC30, with just 109 miles on the clock for £54,999. The 1987 machine is a special Bol d'Or edition produced for the French market and is numbered 287. It boasts an unrestricted engine, large headlight and special graphics. It is provided with original paddock stand, toolkit, French owners handbook and rare…

As children across the country return to school following the summer holidays, Britain's roads are set to become especially hazardous for motorcyclists. High traffic and pedestrian volumes, as well as tired or distracted parents collectively make the after-school rush the most dangerous time to drive according to insurance company, Allianz. Data published by the insurer suggests that between 3-4pm, accident rates usually rise to a higher level than any other time of day. Allianz Claim Director, Caroline Johnson said: “Our data has highlighted interesting patterns in the frequency and severity of claims, and mid-late afternoons on the road seem to be a hot spot for minor accidents. “There can be a number of additional distractions at this time, from an increased numbers of pedestrians and cyclists, to having excitable children…

Oxford Flasks from £19.99 Having additional carrying capacity for fluids can make all the difference, whether it's fuel for extra range in an emergency, water to keep you hydrated or just a decent supply of tea and coffee. Oxford's range of leak proof flasks has all these eventualities covered, including a universal mount system. www.oxfordproducts.com Pyramid BMW R1300GS engine guard £174.99 This new engine guard for the R1300GS wraps around the sump, engine covers and headers. It's manufactured from aluminium and comes with fixings for a quick and easy installation using existing mounting points. Also available is a matching front engine cover (£39.99). pyramidmoto.co.uk NEXX Y.100R Urbangram helmet £199.99 NEXX have added another new lid to their stable, the oddly named but seductively priced Y.100R Urbangram. The shell is formed…

‘It was a fairly daunting thing!’ The first NR750 was an HRC racer built after the GP project was abandoned and created out of an enlarged NR500 engine with an RVF chassis. It was targeted at one of the few events where the NR was eligible, endurance racing, appeared at the 1987 Le Mans 24-hour, weighed just 145kg and with over 150bhp (20 more than an RVF) was fast and flexible. It was ridden by multiple Australian superbike champ Mal Campbell (plus journalists Gilbert Roy and Ken Nemoto) who had tested it at Australia's Calder Park two months earlier where he won a race. At Le Mans, despite never getting a clear qualifying lap, he put the NR second on the grid and completed the first hour just behind the…

Superbikes are here to stay Times are tough for superbikes in light of tightening regulations. But Ducati VP of Global Sales, Francesco Milicia says the firm is committed: “You can be sure that last superbike will be a Ducati.” ‘Even less effort to ride very fast with the new with the new layout’ Inside a stark white room, two bikes lay shrouded beneath scarlet covers, the fabric draping off their hidden curves an alluring hint of what lurks beneath. Silently, a trio of Ducati personnel filter into the area between the concealed machines, their air of pride only deepening the sense of occasion. It's mid-July and MCN has been invited to the Ducati factory in a baking hot Bologna to get an exclusive first glimpse of a secret new model.…

EXPERT GUIDE TO In the modern high-speed world, it is all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to take a step back and relax. And what better way to do this than on a bike, especially if the sun is out and you head for a local pub to enjoy a quiet (alcohol-free) beer? This week we have singled out some great used motorcycles that are ideal for pottering about on when you want to unwind from a stressful week at work. And the even better news is that none of them will break the bank either. YOUR EXPERT Jon Urry is MCN used bike guru. He's loves a sunny Sunday potter, mainly as it means he can get out of…

£5500-£8000 (2015-2017) Although not popular at the time due to its 6.5-litre smaller tank size and less comfortable seat, the reinvented XJR is a very good bike for zipping around quiet back roads on. The air-cooled engine has bags of spirit and although heavy, the 2015-onwards model's uprated suspension (it still has Öhlins shocks) copes with the weight far better than the previous generation. BUYER BEWARE ● Ensure the red ‘master’ immobiliser key is included. ● Check the EXUP valve (located just before the end-can) is moving freely. If there is an Fi warning light, nine times out of ten it is the EXUP valve at fault. ● Don't be tempted by the XJR1300 Racer version, it looks cool but has a hideous riding position. ● The rear brake caliper's…

MCN's website has expert opinion and buying advice on hundreds of used bikes, regularly updated and packed with insight. Here are three of the latest – visit motorcyclenews.com for dozens more. 2014-2020 BMW R nineT Owners’ rating The boxer engine scores a near perfect 4.9/5 but its lack of equipment sees it drop marks. There again, it's a retro and BMW actually down-specified it to keep it analogue. 2018-CURRENT Suzuki SV650X Owners’ rating Suzuki's fairly lazy attempt at a retro is just an SV650 with a few bolt-on parts but it does change the middleweight's feel. Only scores 4.4/5 for its ride quality, mainly down to poor brakes. 2005-2008 Ducati Sport 1000 Owners’ rating Ducati's SportClassic range have suffered recently due to being over-priced, which is shame as they are…

3000 miles ON TEST Richa Apache TRS £219.99 Richa's CE A-rated Apache TRS jeans have been a faithful companion throughout my testing. They've struck a great balance between looks and protection and have done a stand-up job of coping with demands beyond what you'd expect an ‘around town’ pair of trousers to cope with. Mostly they've been subjected to regular UK based green laning and a spot of European touring. Never has comfort or fit been an issue, from 600-mile days, to hours spent on muddy Welsh byways, and they're handled numerous low-speed spills without any failures. Bar some colour fading and slight pilling, they appear as good as new. Pockets are plentiful, and I'm a big fan of the Richa's elasticated ankle cuffs. They do take some time to…

This clutch plate replacement came about because we had used this particular 1998 Yamaha R1 for a 90s themed road test. The bike itself is an honest example that hasn't undergone any restoration work. It has clocked up 28,000 miles, and has had all the necessary maintenance and service work carried out at the right intervals. It was only when the engine was revved higher in the rpm range that there was a hint of clutch slip. Ordering the clutch plate parts was straightforward through Fowlers of Bristol (www.fowlersparts.co.uk), I also thought it was time to include the clutch cable in the order, as the original cable was just starting to bind a little after 26 years loyal service. So when the plates and new spring are fitted the clutch…

SPORT ROUND 8 MAGNY-COURS | WSBK Nicolo Bulega has launched himself into World Superbike title contention after a rollercoaster weekend concluded with a double Magny-Cours victory on Sunday. For the first time since Australia in February, it marked a return to the winners’ circle for the Italian. But it's not all good news for Ducati as reigning double World Champion Alvaro Bautista fractured a rib and may miss further races due to the busy schedule in the coming weeks. When BMW's Toprak Razgatlioglu was ruled out following his accident in Friday afternoon practice, the pressure increased on the Ducati riders to score in the now open goal. Things didn't get off to a good start in wet conditions when Bulega highsided through the final chicane at the end of the opening…

At long last, Honda made an impression with some much more promising results in France. Xavi Vierge was the standout performer, ahead of Iker Lecuona in two of the three races, as the Spaniards scored double top sevens in Race 1 and the Sprint. Race 2 brought seventh and tenth positions as their recent Estoril test paid off. “The team are making a super effort,” Vierge said. “We're finally seeing that potential we knew we had. I had an armpump operation before Portimao, then we tested at Estoril. The results are now coming in all conditions. We're very happy. We have a new bike and electronics this year. At the beginning of the season, we struggled so much with too much power and wheelies off the start, but the team…

Jake Dixon kept his title hopes alive in Misano with an inspired ride through the field to claim a crucial fifth place, putting him just three points off third in the championship. Things were looking fairly dire for the Englishman on Saturday when he qualified 14th due to catching a yellow flag on his final qualifying lap. Plus, he struggled with turning issues all weekend, which cost him through the track's numerous tight turns. “Every time I opened the throttle I was going off track,” he told MCN. “Around here there are lots of changes of direction and you need to turn on the throttle. I struggled with that, but even then, I could bring something back. I left nothing out there! That's why I'm so happy – I'm almost…

Misano was the first rain-affected Sunday race we've seen this year. Not even Silverstone could break the drought. And Misano wasn't even properly wet. Yet it was enough to skew the results in favour of the wet specialists, such as Marquez and KTM's Brad Binder. The South African had already proved his credentials in changeable conditions back in Austria in 2021, with a spectacular win on slicks on a wet track. On Sunday, he was fourth – almost his best weekend since a double podium at the Qatar opener. He was fourth also at Aragon, and scored one more point overall – but that was after Bagnaia and Alex Marquez had both crashed out ahead of him. Rookie Pedro Acosta also nearly shone at Misano. After a podium in Aragon…