Table of contents for 11 December 2024 in MCN

EXCLUSIVE Labour's vision for UK transport appears to have little room for motorcycling, leaving a glaring policy gap that offers few certainties around the future of two-wheelers. During an exclusive interview, Fabian Hamilton, the Labour MP for Leeds North East – who is himself a motorcyclist – told MCN: “Labour is not interested in motorcycles – or so it would seem. I think there's a lot of ignorance built into that. “I suspect there is nobody in the Government who actually uses a motorcycle. So, I think it's important that we educate my colleagues who are ministers as to why motorcycles are just as important as cycles, cars, and any other form of transport. “If we could have one or two ministers who actually use motorcycles for transport, as I…

Small-scale British car and motorcycle manufacturer, Ariel Motor Company have confirmed that their 10-year production run of the Ace has come to an end. The final machine has now been delivered to its owner, finished in a striking orange and blue Gulfinspired livery – marking the end of a lengthy chapter in the Somerset firm's motorcycling history. First launched in 2014, the Ace was powered by a 1237cc Honda V4 engine taken from the VFR1200 and was sold as either a manual or semi-automatic DCT option. Tested by MCN at the time, Chief Road Tester Michael Neeves was left impressed, saying: “Ride quality is excellent and other than seeing the linkages bobbing up and down by the clocks, you don't notice the girder front end, which is a compliment to…

WHAT'S NEW IN TECH? Small Italian concern Fantic Motor are breaking the modern motorcycling mould and moving away from Chinese engineering in their next generation of small capacity singles. The brand have used a liquidcooled 449cc Chinese-built Zongshen engine in their charming Caballero 500 family since 2019, but this is now being replaced with the new ‘MM460’ unit built by Bologna operation, Motori Minarelli. It's a move that's been helped along by Euro5+ emissions standards which arrive for 2025, with the motor also set to feature in an incoming Stealth naked and fully faired Imola sportsbike – both seen in the UK at Motorcycle Live. To find out what went into developing the new engine, we spoke to General Manager of Motori Minarelli, Vittorino Filippas. “Since we were starting from…

There's no better way to kick start your year of motorcycling than at the Devitt Insurance MCN London Motorcycle Show on February 14-16, the capital's biggest motorcycle event. And for 2025, the popular MCN World of Bikes stage returns with a brand-new feature, showcasing some standout metal from the past 70 years. Motor Cycle News will be 70 years old in 2025, and as part of anniversary celebrations, the MCN World of Bikes stage is set to be a highlight with a packed schedule of entertainment, tips and advice from MCN experts, interviews with Britain's top racers and more. Two-time British Superbike champion, MCN columnist and Eurosport commentator James Whitham will host a number of fascinating talks with the likes of 23-time Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness, as…

JUST BREW IT Ride out to Britain's best biking cafés THE DETAILS ● Mon-Thurs 10am-2.30pm, Fri 10am-8.30pm, Sat 9am-3pm. Sun 9am-3.30pm ● Spalding PE12 9JB Faith Pearson's life has always been intertwined with bikes. Once a biker herself, her husband Colin is still a big rider, and the pair tied the knot on Myrtle Beach, USA, during Harley Week. Originally, they had a café in the town before moving to their current location near Spalding, Lincs, which Faith describes as being “pink and fluffy”! But this year, they combined their passions and created a proper biker café with weekly bike nights – but with a bit of pink thrown in too! “The signs like ‘Home is where the Harley is’ and the model bikes are all brought from home,” says…

KEY TO THE AREA ■ SOUTH WEST ■ CENTRAL ■ NORTH & SCOTLAND ■ SOUTH EAST Wednesday December 11 BIKE MEETS ■ Amici Coffee Biker Night, Amici Coffee Cafe & Grill, Girtford Bridge, Sandy, Bedfordshire www.amicicoffee.co.uk ■ Huggys Speedshop, Mallory Park, Leicestershire. From 10am www.huggysspeedshop.co.uk ■ Squires Cafe, Newthorpe, near Sherburn in Elmet, West Yorks 01977-684618 or www.squires-cafe.co.uk ■ The Old Stores, Pontblyddyn, Mold, Flints 6pm-9pm 07548-224866 or Facebook: The Old Stores Motorbike cafe ■ Loomies Moto Cafe, West Meon, Hants. Open till 9pm www.loomiescafe.co.uk ■ The Pathfinder Cafe, Blackbushe, Surrey. From 10.30am-1pm Facebook: Pathfinder Cafe ■ Ryka's Cafe, Box Hill, Surrey 5pm-9pm www.rykas.co.uk RIDEOUT ■ Burgess Hill & DMC, Station Road Car Park, Burgess Hill Sussex 7pm-7.30pm burgesshillmc.com Thursday December 12 BIKE MEETS ■ Vic Bikers Pub, Coalville, Leics…

BMW HONDA…

FIRST RIDE Nostalgia, it's not as good as it used to be – so goes the old joke. That's not been true in motorcycling for years though: as a nation, we love retro-styled machinery in general. And we've loved the various classically styled Royal Enfield roadsters which have appeared over the past seven or eight years. The Indian firm, with strong British roots, has revived their line-up since 2017, with a host of impressive machinery: the new 650 twin and 350, 410 and 450 single models which all offer modern build quality, refinement and reliability, albeit with modest performance. And that's exactly where Royal Enfield's new, Classic 650 fits into the equation, making its debut as the big brother to the current 350 Classic model. As with its smaller sibling,…

“It was the first ‘factory streetfighter’. The whole thing was about being aggressive, agile but versatile, the original hooligan bike. And in the 30-year history of the Speed Triple it's become an icon. “Every generation has been better handling, more powerful and an all-round better bike…” 1994-1997 Speed Triple 900/T309 •885cc •98bhp •60lb.ft •209kg (dry) “A ‘game changer’. The chassis and engine were derived from the 900 Daytona, it really appealed to everyone at Triumph at the time and it set the template for what we were going to do in the future…” 1997-2002 Speed Triple T509 •885cc •108bhp •62lb.ft •196kg (dry) “We moved from steel spine to perimeter aluminium frame, higher bars instead of the clip-ons, and the twin headlights which have stuck ever since. It also saw the…

9500 miles ON TEST Weise Wave 2.0 Waterproof Gloves £99.99 Motorcycle gloves are often overlooked compared to helmets or jackets, but they're crucial as your main contact with the bike and first defence in a crash. This year, the Weise Wave 2.0 gloves have been my top choice. They feature a short, waterproof design suitable for road and off-road use, offering a great balance of protection, breathability, and comfort. The insulation is effective without adding bulk, making them ideal year-round. They fit true to size and are comfortable, though the small silicone grip strip could offer better control. After nearly 10,000 miles, the gloves are still functional, though some stitching looks worn, and the material has warped slightly from rain exposure. At under £100, the Wave 2.0s offer excellent value…

Sidi Adventure 2 Gore-Tex £359.99 The Sidi Adventure 2 is a stiff, sturdy boot, so it's important to get as close a fit as possible to prevent chafing. With the adjustable micrometric clips cinched up and snapped in place, the boot binds itself snugly to your foot and is sufficiently cushioned on the inside of the armour and across the footbed for all-day comfort on the bike. I put that fully to the test last summer, wearing them every day on a 3000-mile tour around Europe at the helm of MCN's Harley-Davidson CVO Pan America longtermer, and the Sidis never felt less than a biomechanical extension of my body. 9500 miles ON TEST The overall construction has the same high-end feel as Sidi's top road-racing and off-road gear, which is…

Despite the BMW R12 nineT being marketed as a retro cruiser, I did more than just pootle around the town… although the tick-tocking engine always made that a fun endeavour. But I wanted to rack up the miles, so made a couple of tiny adjustments to improve my ride. Here's how they worked out… Getting fully loaded I went through two sets of luggage, the first being BMW's own offering (Soulful Collection side bag 10 litre and 16 litre - £607) and the second a set of Wunderlich bags (Legacy courier bags £539.90 and hangers £229.90). I was pleasantly surprised by how they dealt with my abuse, but think the styling left something to be desired. I preferred the look of the Wunderlich bags, but the racks required you to…

£3000-£4500 (2005-2008) Suzuki have reintroduced their DR-Z400 for 2025, but are they that new? Yes, you get modern tech, but the single has the same capacity and makes the same power as before while the bikes are almost indistinguishable! The SM with its 17in wheels, uprated brakes and road-focused suspension is a better option than the S unless you plan on doing some green laning. BUYER BEWARE ● The dual purpose S model comes with longer-travel suspension, an 18in rear and 21in front wheel and a two-piston front caliper. ● Check the steering lock works, a lot of DR-Zs get stolen. It is worth performing an HPI check, too. ● Be wary of smoke on start-up that hints at worn piston rings or top-end damage. Always check the bike is…

£6000-£8000 (2021-2024) Reborn in 2008, the Moto Guzzi V7 has been a big seller thanks to its relaxed nature and authentic vibe. But don't think it is lacking in tech, the V7 has come with traction control and ABS since the MKII (2014). But what makes the V7 appealing is that it doesn't get lost in tech – its 853cc air-cooled twin's character, and with it the heritage of Guzzi, is allowed to shine through. BUYER BEWARE ● If you want an early 744cc bike, buy the MKIII (2017-2020) as it has an updated gearbox, clutch and chassis, making it far less agricultural to ride. ● The V-twin requires a service every 6000 miles with a valveclearance check included in the job. Happily, it's pretty cheap at around £300 because…

FHO Racing's Peter Hickman and Davey Todd will line-up on the North West 200 grid in 2025. The FHO squad withdrew from the 2023 race over the use of carbon wheels on their BMW M1000RR. Having abstained from competing in 2024 the front-running squad will make a welcome to return to the Northern Irish event. “Having missed the last two years, I am happy to say FHO Racing will be participating in the 2025 NW with my two-rider line-up,” said team owner, Faye Ho. ‘Davey and Peter are top contenders’ NW200 Race Director, Mervyn Whyte, agreed the deal during November's Macau Grand Prix, he commented: “Both Davey and Peter are leading contenders on the roads and tracks and the FHO Racing BMWs have a well-established pedigree of success so this…

MCN has been in Westminster this week to probe Government on their apparent lack of interest in motorcycles. The biking Labour MP we spoke to (a rare beast, it would seem) said it's down to ignorance on his colleagues’ behalf, with him suggesting that few if any of his fellow MPs rode or had any interest in bikes. But that's not an excuse. MPs should be reflecting the issues and interests of the constituents who elected them, and as the world looks to less polluting forms of transport, even someone ignorant to bikes can appreciate the statistic that says motorcycles and L-category vehicles make up just 0.5% of our nation's total transport emissions. It's more than a little concerning that this country's law makers have so little interest in our…

EXCLUSIVE ACCESS Ducati have used the 2024 Intermot show in Cologne, Germany to reveal a new Multistrada V2 adventure bike, based around the latest 890cc twin-cylinder motor. Available from January 2025, it will come as a £13,995 standard version, and £16,390 S model – with both rolling on a 19in front and 17in rear wheel. Claimed to be 18kg lighter than the outgoing Multi V2 S, which arrived in 2022 and shared the same 937cc Testastretta twin as the more rugged DesertX, the new model tips the scales at a claimed 202kg (as an S model) with none of its 19 litres of fuel on board. Strong performance The new bike has slightly more power than the outgoing version – jumping up from a claimed 111bhp at 9000rpm, to 113.4bhp…

‘In three years we will be in international markets’ CCM's Managing Director, Jason Broome may have only taken the reins of the Bolton-based firm in May 2024, but he's already got big plans – helping to launch a Project X adventure concept and committing to new engine platforms. “I would say in three years we will have definitely new products, and we will be in multiple international markets. That's the ultimate goal,” Broome told MCN. “The pool of customers we can try to attract right now with the current range is going to get smaller - because they've already got the bike,” he continued – referring to CCM's six-strong line-up, all powered by the same 600cc single-cylinder engine. These models do not adhere to Euro5+ and instead go through Motorcycle…

It started back in 1978 Automatic motorcycles have come a long, long way since Honda first dabbled with the idea way back in 1978. The then revolutionary two-speed CB400A (Auto) proved to be a gargantuan flop; the public simply weren't interested and auto bikes disappeared for more than two decades. Aprilia experimented with the idea in 2006, with the 850cc Mana. Using a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the Mana was able to run fully auto or through a conventional lever (and paddle) shift gear pattern, with three riding modes (Sport, Touring and Rain) also in play. Like Honda's early DCT models the Mana was something of a niche proposition, and its tech failed to develop into future models. But times have changed, and manufacturers have started to develop the next…

‘‘I've raced since 1965 to now. Every single year,” says 81-year-old Patrick Aldridge. “The only exception was 2020, but I still managed to get in some practice laps… when it was allowed!” Pat can regularly be seen scrambling at his club, Mortimer Classic MCC, in Reading. Racing on either his 1965 BSA 250cc C15 or his 500cc Triumph Metisse. Well known across the classic scrambling community, he is a much-loved character and regarded as a real asset to his club. When fellow members talk of him there is a sense of pride in their voice, and a keenness to let everyone know what a skilled rider he is – and the fact he won't stop! Pat's been a member for almost 40 years, the club itself has recently been celebrating…

‘We're never going racing!’ If it wasn't for the Speed Triple, reborn Triumph might never have gone racing, leading to their TT wins, Moto2 programme and more, as Nick Wilson, former Triumph Development Engineer, explained at the 30th Anniversary event… “When I first started at Triumph in 1991 John Bloor said to me: ‘We're never ever going to go racing. I know what your background is and we're not going to go racing.’ Which I was quite disappointed at. “But Bruno (Tagliaferri, UK Sales Manager) and our sales team wanted to go racing to improve the breed, and when the Speed Triple came out it was an ideal candidate. So, we put a bike together, took it up to Mallory, thrashed it round, and developed it into a racer. We…

600 miles ON TEST Sena Stryker £539 The big story with Sena's Stryker helmet is the built-in tech. With Bluetooth 5.0 you can connect to four other devices or riders, and wifi is baked into the helmet. The closed Mesh network, meanwhile, can accommodate up to 24 riders within a 5-mile radius. There are nine channels so you can always find one with no interference from other groups. The icing on the cake is the quality sound from the Harmon Kardon speakers and microphone. Tech is controlled from four buttons on the outside with further settings in the Sena Motorcycle app (available on Android and iPhone). The helmet also responds to voice-activated commands (“Hey Google”, “Hey Siri”). My experience riding with the Stryker is that it's quiet and comfortable. I've…

Can a tyre be classed as an adventure-sport-touring fitment? Well, yes. And this is it. Dunlop's Trailamax Meridian was a breath of fresh air when first introduced back in 2020, and it's still occupying the front row of the grid in the adventure sector. With over 6000 miles covered on two longterm tests using bikes which wear their tyres very differently – BMW's R1300GS and Honda's CRF1100L Africa Twin AS ES – it's fair to say they perform brilliantly. The tests spanned temperatures between sub-zero to +25°C, and they impress equally at both ends of that range. They're also excellent in the wet (even with the blade-like 90/90 x21 front on the Honda), and stability in a straight line and at lean is beyond reproach. Feel and feedback are spot-on…

Next year sees the introduction of Euro5+ regs, a move that has forced manufacturers to update their ranges. This has resulted in a huge array of ‘new for 2025’ models that are all cleaner-running, but aside from a few small tweaks here and there, when you dig deeper you discover that many are not that different from their predecessors. If you aren't fussed about running a ‘25 plate, there are lots of used bikes that are just as good as new but will save you thousands. Here are five great used middleweight buys… YOUR EXPERT Jon Urry is MCN used bike guru and knows how to chase down a bargain. He likes to hang around used bike showrooms remembering when the bikes on view were new……

£6000-£9999 (2021-2024) All too often middleweights end up lacking tech in the name of costsavings – not so with the RS660. Aprilia threw every piece of tech they had at the RS and it puts some sportsbikes to shame. Fun, sporty and yet never intimidating, the RS660 is great to ride but reliability and finish are a bit of a worry on used ones. For 2025 it gains aero, updated electronics and a 5bhp boost. BUYER BEWARE ● Leaks from the coolant system are common, inspect the area around the water pump as its seal is one of the first to fail. There are also a few reports of oil leaks. ● Electrical issues with the quickshifter are common and some owners have even had the gearchange spline strip due…

‘Updated touring gold’ 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. 2019-2024 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT Owners’ rating KTM's sports-tourer has gained a bigger engine for 2025 but the owners who reviewed the outgoing model online scored the old motor highly. There are some reliability questions. 2021-2024 Kawasaki Versys 1000 S Owners’ rating The new 1100 gains a bit more power and tech, interestingly points picked up upon by owners. It's a big and quite heavy bike and they reckon the Versys would benefit from more poke. 2022-2024 Honda NT1100 Owners’ rating Hopefully complaints about its ride quality and lack of grunt will be rectified by…

Going behind the headlines in the 2024 MotoGP paddock TOP STORY On the back of a strong end to 2023, Jack Miller came into this year fitter than ever with expectations high. It's safe to say it didn't work out. The Australian managed just four top-six finishes all year, had lost his place at KTM by June and feared for his competitive future after a long, humbling summer break – that was before Pramac Yamaha came in to save the day. MCN spoke to Miller about his year of ups and downs… Was the main reason for things not clicking in 2024 Michelin's new rear tyre? “I think that had a bit to do with it for sure. If you look at where the results were at the end of…

Jack Kennedy has taken the decision to remain in the British Supersport Championship next season following a recent private test in Spain. Kennedy tested both the Honda Racing UK Fireblade and CBR600RR in order to assess whether to move back into the Bennetts British Superbike Championship in 2025. The Irishman will now defend the crown he won with Honda this year and attempt to win a sixth Supersport title. Kennedy won 10 races last season, with his fifth title coming with a third manufacturer, following past successes with both Yamaha and Kawasaki. ‘Honda gave me the chance to test first’ “Firstly, I want to thank Honda for giving me the chance to test before making my decision,” Kennedy said. “I've said it before, but it really is a unique situation…

Motorists heading into the festive season are set to enjoy the cheapest Christmas fuel prices since the pandemic, according to the RAC's latest Fuel Watch report. Prices are significantly lower compared with 2023, with petrol costing 136.5p on average – 10.5p down year-on-year. It will be car drivers noticing the biggest difference, with a typical 55-litre refill of unleaded coming in £6.60 cheaper than last year. Compared to two years ago, the savings are even starker, with petrol £12.90 cheaper per tank. For motorcyclists the changes are likely to be less noticeable fill-to-fill, with the cost to brim a typical 18-litre bike tank now coming in at £1.89 less. Even so, for a rider covering 10,000 miles annually (assuming a 45mpg average), the changes represent a saving of £106.07. The…

Stark Future have lifted the lid on their first factory road-legal offering, bringing the capabilities of their inaugural Varg motocross model to the enduro and trail riding crowds. Called the Varg EX, the 120kg electric builds on Stark's existing MX base and retunes it for use away from the track. Despite coming onto the scene just four years ago, the brand have developed a significant following, taking 850 orders within the first 24 hours of the release of their breakthrough motorcycle – which was accompanied by the claim that it was – and still is – the most powerful production MX machine. The most obvious visual differences come with the addition of a 4000-lumen headlight, a rear light, horn, and licence plate holder. Already a factory option on the existing…

Police in Derbyshire have impounded 99 illegal e-bikes, mopeds, and scooters across a month of action, with 39 of those machines apprehended in just one day. “E-scooters can only be used on private land, and e-bikes have to meet certain requirements,” said Sergeant Jamie Millard. “Some of the vehicles we seized were a danger to both the rider and those around them, as they were rigged to go at high speeds which also carries a fire risk.” As well as not meeting the legal requirements for public road use, urban electric vehicles like this are often involved in criminal activity, including the theft of motorcycles. Illegal use of these machines can also damage the reputation of law-abiding motorbike and scooter riders. “These results make it clear that we are taking…

Head of Two-Wheeler and Powersports at Bosch, Geoff Liersch, has confirmed to MCN that we will see more high-end motorcycles arriving in the near future, equipped with their second-generation Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (known as ARAS). The six-stage technology will debut in 2025 on the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S Evo, which comes with a semi-automatic AMT gearbox. Featuring a Bosch radar both front and rear, the system can bring a bike to a stop behind a vehicle, apply additional brake pressure to prevent accidents, warn other road users they are getting too close, and even pull away from a stop following the car in front through traffic. “There's definitely more bikes coming, but because the bikes are not yet released, I can't say what they're on,” Liersch told MCN.…

Puig have given BMW's R1300GS a racy makeover, adorning the 143bhp adventure tourer with athletic new bodywork and smaller 17in wheels – transforming the GS's look from rugged globetrotter to track orientated pseudo-sportsbike. Dubbed the ‘Pista’ (Italian for track), the machine takes inspiration from the likes of other big-bore supermoto sports tourers, including KTM's 890 SMT, or even BMW's own S1000XR and M1000XR. The tricked-up GS was revealed in Milan sporting Rotobox carbon wheels shod with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa rubber. It also featured beefy 320mm front brake discs courtesy of Galfer and an Arrow exhaust system. While those bolt-on goodies are available directly from other manufacturers, the Pista kit itself remains in a concept stage. That hasn't stopped Puig releasing details of the individual parts, though. Starting at the front,…

Send your first bike pics to: yourpics@motorcyclenews.com Me on my first bike the good old Fizzy 1980. Danny Simmonds This is my first bike, a Suzuki AP50. Proud as punch with my little brother Ian on the back in 1976. Charlie Barwood Pulling a nice little wheelie on my first bike – which got me into motocross. Good old days. Martin Goodland My first bike after doing my CBT. I absolutely loved it but couldn't wait to get myself something bigger. Aerona Wills My passion for motorcycles began in the 60s on dad's Norton Dominator 600. I'm now on an R1M. Stephen Clarke Around 1972, my first mini bike. Small Benelli. Desperately trying to find one now. Mike Shepherd Not quite my first bike, but certainly one of my favourites.…

Q ‘Can you fill us in about the V&M Blackbird?’ The Blackbird was launched at a press conference in Germany in July 1996. Unofficially it was a 300kph machine, so we decided to launch at Paul Ricard because it had the 1.8km Mistral Straight. My job was to talk about the development to journalists but during lunch I managed to get in a few laps… and crashed. A month later my Japanese colleagues decided to send what was left of the bike to Honda UK as a memento of my great work! Steve Mellor had always wanted to build a normally aspirated machine capable of 200mph. The broken bike was the ideal basis and opportunity to make it happen – and the famous V&M Blackbird was born. We went on…

December 15 Mablethorpe beach racing You might not think that a beach is the place to be at this time of year, but Mablethorpe is the exception to the rule. The beachfront will be transformed into a racetrack where bikes will fight and scurry through the sand in a high-octane event. Spectating is free, so get down there with the family, grab some chips and enjoy. mablethorpesandracing.co.uk December 14 Santa's on a Bike Santa's on a Bike are back with their charity rideouts in Devon and the midlands this weekend. Check out their website for specific information on the routes and rides, but they are L-plate friendly and it's all for a good cause. December 15 Ace Cafe toy run The biking hotspot in the capital is hosting its annual…

22 bikes and counting… Pat has worked his way through an eclectic selection of 22 dirtbikes. “The old Triumph Tiger 100, that was a great bike. I started off on the Dot and then I had a brand new Dot the next year, then a year or two later I had a brand new Bultaco Metisse, then I went on to Greeves. I think I had three new Greeves 250s – I was expert on a Greeves Griffon 250. I had a Greeves 380, that was a handful, I couldn't keep the front down, the front was always up in the air. Then I had a Husky, went on to a CZ, two CZs, then I went on to Maicos, the old 440 Maico, a 490 Maico, think I had…

Thirty years ago this year the very first Speed Triple, a naked three-cylinder built out of Daytona sportsbike bits, was put into production by reborn but still fledgling Triumph – and the world of motorcycling has never been quite the same since. That first 1994 ‘Speedie’ brought an aggressive style, and emphasised its triple character in a way Triumph's previous modular bikes lacked – and, although still niche, was a striking success. Boldly advertised as ‘The original hooligan’ next to a Rottweiler dog and promoted by a one-make race series which brought the likes of David Jefferies to fame, that bike is today credited as the machine with which Triumph re-discovered their mojo. Its success spawned a series of ever bolder successors which became bestsellers, in turn fuelling a whole…

TCX Street 3 WP boots £149 These don't just look like a swanky set of trainers – they feel like it too. For a full day of riding and walking they tick all the right boxes, with a comfortable, soft insole and a grippy bottom, which makes them near enough perfect – although they do get a little bit toasty in warmer conditions. However, this is because the Street 3 WP boots are properly waterproof, with the T-DRY membrane working well, even in heavy rain. They feel secure with D30 protection inserts on the side panels, and even after a reasonable amount of use across everything from Austrian snow to British sunshine, they aren't showing much wear. Quality Value www.tcxboots.com 1000 miles ON TEST…

I must admit, I really enjoy getting the Himalayan covered in mud, and its performance on the trails has impressed me. However, that's only half the story… I've rated how it fares on the road with these six critical ‘hits and misses’. 1 Big miles fatigue-free Ride quality can be quite subjective when it comes to motorcycles, but the Himalayan offers some pleasant surprises that make it well-suited to long journeys. First and foremost, the riding position is very neutral, particularly for someone of my height (5ft 8in). The adjustable seat, which can be raised by 20mm in seconds, is brilliant when switching from on-road to off-road riding. For a single-cylinder engine that often operates high in the rev range, it does an excellent job of minimising vibrations to the…

£3500-£6000 (2014-2022) While the 2025 MT-07 has gained extra style and tech (inverted forks, traction control etc), its engine and chassis are largely unchanged and these are what make it so special. The parallel twin punches out just the right balance between performance and easy-going torque and although the MT's suspension has never been its strong point, the rest of the chassis is spot-on. BUYER BEWARE ● Inspect the exhaust well for any signs of leaks. It's a one-piece unit and therefore changing it is costly. ● The MT's suspension is a weak point. Check the forks for weeping seals and the shock for its damping qualities. Ideally, get the forks rebuilt and the shock replaced with an aftermarket unit, it makes a world of difference. ● The finish is…

Most of the trackers that I encounter through my work with MCN are those fitted to some of the importers’ press bikes that we use for road tests. And we find that it's not uncommon for the trackers to drain the bike's battery after a week stored in our secure facility awaiting test or return. This is partially because the tracker is effectively on standby all of the time, similar to having your phone switched on 24/7. However, the type of tracker we've installed in this week's How To has its own internal power source, so cannot create a parasitical drain on the bike. The claimed life of this Tracker Nano's internal power is three years, which is pretty good, and will be a direct result of the tracker running…

“You can't rush it too much, but it's going to be hard because I need to go 1.5s faster than I am now. If I can get into a zone where it feels like I'm comfortable, rather than feeling like I'm really fast, that will be good enough because I can take that. “When you're in a zone like that, where you can compute what's going on, you're learning, whereas if you're just holding on and trying to go fast, you're not. So, the idea is to be at a good enough pace to be able to stomach what's going on, and then I can take that information into 2026. “I haven't thought about what a good year is. A negative of mine is that I put too much pressure…