issue 272 march 2013

road tests Contents Leftfield it’s the news Victory Vision Tour...... 13 Upfront...... 8 Er, wow. This is one big mama, perfect for cruising Would a new class spark new interest in sportsbikes? the highways, but best stay off the byways with it! Win A GSR750...... 11 Launch Time is running out, get your entry in to win our GSR750. MV Agusta F4/F4 RR...... 16 geared up The production lines at the MV factory just keep spitting out bikes. Now it’s the turn of the ace F4... Helmets...... 32 With the advent of the new AGV Pista, we now get racer Uk First rides developed lids designed by Valentino Rossi himself. But BMW HP4...... 20 what else is out there in the market? We round ’em up. Brimming with power and poise, the gadget laden get it first Kraut rocker turns up in the UK to party hard! Subscribe...... 58 Get your dose of sportsbike hedonism posted to you 13 Inazuma 250...... 24 times a year - and get a free Oxford Products tailpack This new baby B-King may look the business, but can its little 250cc four stroke motor deliver? Masterclass Riding...... 82 Kawasaki Z800 e...... 28 Turning is the key to cornering, so best get it sorted out! Kawasaki has launched two bikes with the new Z800. The Z800 e is the A2 licence friendly bike... 38 Technical...... 84 You ask the questions, we give you the answers... Group TEst group test Legal...... 87 Half Price Weapons...... 38 Not every story ends in a happy ending, as seen here. Why pay twice the price for a new bike when half price weapons sublime machinery is available for 50 per cent of why pay double for a new when used offers such value? Your life on Bikes the original price tag? Amazing value machinery! Chatter...... 88 ˲˲2007 Ducati 1098S ˲˲2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R More bonkers tales and pictures of you and your bikes. ˲˲2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 ˲˲2010 Suzuki GSX-R750 features the knowledge Stunt School Used Buyer’s Guide...... 92 Get My Drift?...... 70 2009 Yamaha YZF-R1 – will the cross-plane crank suit ya? Has your wheelie development stunted? Want our life on Bikes to learn to drift? Well, it’s time to man up! Staff Bikes...... 98 Ten with Ross Noble • CBR600RR • Yamaha YZF-R6 BMW’s super clever HP4 with aerodynamics, you ...... 56 • Kawasaki ZX-6R 20 tested on UK roads... 52 just go with the flow... Funny man Alastair Fagan talks to massive bike nut Ross Noble about life on two wheels... The fleet diminishes and gets ready to go home. Addiction Project Bikes...... 102 TT Legends Blade...... 60 More plans, bolting and bodging from these golden oldies 32 When you’ve already got a ’Blade in the garage, crash helmet Race section product guide it makes sense to use another one for a project... Pit Pass...... 110 Winter skills We look at events in the Dakar Rally, and the state of BSB Minimoto Mayhem.....76 Highs and Lowes...... 114 Minimotos are used to charge round council is suzuki’s new inazuma Racing twins Sam and Alex Lowes talk exclusively to FB. 24 250 badass or bad as? estates, but they’re also a useful tool to learn on Columnists 60 ...... 120 addiction We catch up on the Honda star’s hopes for the season. 14 Chaz Davies...... 121 Chaz gets to meet everyone behind the scenes. MV agusta F4/F4RR Steve Parrish.....122 Italian stallion Steve writes a letter of complaint...

out on track Kawasaki Z800 e – less 12 o’clock wheelies. Is it • 28 po wer, lower spec Z800 70 that time already? buy fb gear fastbikesmag.com 4 march 2013 www.fastbikesmag.com