Every Wednesday February 18, 2015. £2.10 FREE SPORT SPECIAL + FREE
YEARS 1955-2015 DVD WORTH £14.99 Only £2.49 postage
Guy Martin to retire? OMotoGP back at Silverstone OHow to fit a new exhaust OLong-term MT-07
Triumph Ducati Bonnie Scrambler Retro looks, The new king modern twist of cool? Harley 883 Iron American icon for under £8k
FIRST GROUP TEST SCRAMBLER! Why Ducati’s new V-twin is the best way to spend £7k www.motorcyclenews.com
FREE SPORT EXTRA 2015 WSB PREVIEW At last, the bike racing season is about to kick off, driving away the dreary winter and filling our lives with colour and excitement. The first series to get going is World Superbikes and we’ve got six Brits capable of winning races and the title. We have exclusive interviews with every one of them and Tom Sykes and Jonathan Rea are strain- LONDON BIKE SHOW ing at the leash. We’ve also drafted in Carl Fogarty to give his expert views. On top of that there’s exclu- sive pictures from the first MotoGP test in Sepang and interviews with rookies Jack Miller, Eugene Laverty, Loris Baz and Maverick Vinales. KING CARL’S A SHOW-STOPPER When Carl Fogarty isn’t putting a Foggy is loving every minute of his Crocodile penis in his mouth, he’s reinvigorated fame, but still feels more Chaz Davies’ 2015 Ducati superbike wowing his still-loyal legion of fans. He at home looking at bikes. He said: “It’s gets an in-depth technical analysis opened the Carole Nash MCN London great being at the MCN Show and Motorcycle Show on Friday and the seeing all the new metal. It’s also great huge crowds couldn’t get enough to see Jamie Whitham and the boys of the four-time WSB champion and having fun on the Slide Show.” newly-crowned king of I’m a Celebrity PLUS: Get Foggy’s take on the WSB P6 Get Me Out of Here! Brits inside the Sport Extra pullout.
Our MotoGP reporter takes you behind the scenes at the Sepang test P14 Big names P36 bounce back Indian continue to impress and this week it’s the Roadmaster showing the established Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra a thing or two. And on the subject of famous names making a comeback, Francis-Barnett are back and we’ve tested two of the famous Kawasaki team-mates Sykes and British firm’s new bikes, the Kestrel Rea on going toe-to-toe for the title and the Merlin, as the firm climbs out of
the history books and into showrooms. MARK MANNING #MCNwednesday ENJOY TRIALS & MCN GARAGE OVERCOME THE TRIBULATIONS
Most motorcyclists head for a race school or trackday if they are keen to have a great day out and improve their riding. But MCN decided to enjoy a day of trials instead. And we were blown away by how much you can learn about riding bikes, and how much fun you can have. P32
Suzuki’s power-packed Busa has been a blast The memories of a brilliant year linger on P42
MT-07 survives winter grime Yamaha twin GUY MARTIN NOT shows only minimal signs QUITTING THE TT? of wear after 4500 miles Despite reports in national newspapers, P43 Guy Martin is trying to clarify that he is not stopping racing at the TT any time soon. He has mentioned stepping back from some racing commitments but his team boss is adamant that he was not referring to the TT.
P60 IAN JUBB
PRODUCTS & ADVICE Which bike for big trip? FREE Long hauls don’t need to be a pain P44 WSB DVD Fit a new WORTH £14.99 exhaust PAUL BRYANT JUST £2.49 POSTAGE - SEE PAGE 13 Simple steps to save OF MCN SPORT EXTRA weight & add power with new pipe P46
IAN JUBB Action cam ‘We are aiming for for idiots record crowds, but Tested: Onboard P52 camera that’s easy to BARGAIN OF we can’t expect use and robust P49 THE WEEK people to keep New tyres paying inflated Kawasaki ZX-6R £1250 for 2015 SELLER SAYS: 1999, 52,000 miles. prices. Pricing has Recent MoT. New chain and battery. See which rubber MCN SAYS: With its 163mph top speed P4 floats your boat P11 and evil induction noise, the Kawasaki to be right’ ZX-6R is a brilliant bike, and even today New Silverstone MD Patrick is still considered a capable performer. Although the suspension and stoppers Allen on news of MotoGP return may need a bit of an overhaul. 14,625 bikes for sale www.motorcyclenews.com 04 THIS WEEK BRIT GP U-TURN MOTOGP BACK AT Turbulent week sees Donington and CoW tie-up collapse – and Silverstone
By Matthew Birt Patrick Allen told MCN: “I’d like to see the British MotoGP at Silverstone every ‘It took about a ilverstone is set to host the year, but clearly the Circuit of Wales British MotoGP for the next has a contract with Dorna. nanosecond to decade and more after it was “If it goes ahead then great and we S confirmed the race will return will enjoy the next two years. And if decide we wanted to Northamptonshire this August. they don’t then we will be ready to go Just six months after Silverstone for the next 10.” MotoGP back’ lost the staging rights to the Circuit of Allen said he had no hesitation in SILVERSTONE MD, PATRICK ALLEN DONINGTON CAN Wales (CoW) project, the running of striking a deal with Circuit of Wales the event has gone full circle. management, who initially shunned rather work on a smaller margin but The intention was for CoW to run the the Northamptonshire track when have 80,000 to 90,000 people through event at Donington, but now it will be looking for a host for the 2015 race. the gate and enjoying a three-day fes- at Silverstone in 2015 and 2016 while CoW chose Donington, but those tival, and not just a 40-minute race. CoW look to be up and running for 2017. talks took place under Silverstone’s Pricing has to be right.” The reinstatement of Silverstone as previous management. Early bird prices for Silverstone are host is the result of a turbulent week, Allen said: “I don’t know what £60 for an adult raceday ticket, or £70 which saw the collaboration between happened in discussions with the for the weekend. The prices are valid CoW and Donington Park collapse. old management team, but I wanted until March 31. The price is cheaper Now, with uncertainty continuing to open up a dialogue and say ‘we are than the 2014 race at Silverstone and to engulf the ambitious 830-acre CoW here if you need us’. I set out to build early bird tickets sold by Donington. complex, Silverstone is in pole posi- some bridges. It became apparent that More info: www.silverstone.co.uk, tion to be the event’s long-term host. things weren’t well at Donington and or 08443 750740 Circuit of Wales is facing a public they (CoW) came back to us and said inquiry next month over an appli- things didn’t look like they were going BRITISH RACE STARS WELCOME SILVERSTONE’S MOTOGP REPRIEVE cation to de-register hundreds of to happen and would we be interested? acres of common land that fall within It took about a nanosecond to decide.” the proposed development site. This With just six months to pro- ‘Silverstone ‘Silverstone is a ‘It’s a faster track. I forces further delays – and the pro- mote the round, Allen is targeting ject is still struggling to attract the a record crowd for the August Bank deserves MotoGP. world-class venue think every rider required funding. Even if CoW clears Holiday weekend race. It is a fantastic and everybody is in GP will be happy the planning hurdles, the chance of He added: “Getting MotoGP is a construction beginning imminently dream come true for me because I love track that all the happy we are about the move appears highly unlikely. bike racing. When the MotoGP went And if the Circuit of Wales isn’t able just before I arrived, to say it was dis- riders like’ going there’ back there’ to fulfil its obligations, Silverstone is appointing was an understatement. ready to mount a long-term rescue “Now it is back we are aiming for CAL CRUTCHLOW BRADLEY SMITH SCOTT REDDING CWM LCR HONDA MONSTER YAMAHA BRIT GP WINNER AT plan for the British MotoGP. record crowds. We can’t expect people MOTOGP RIDER TECH3 MOTOGP RIDER BOTH CIRCUITS New Silverstone Managing Director to carry on paying inflated prices. I’d
Top MotoGP racers like Rossi, Dovizioso and Marquez will be back at Silverstone in August #MCNwednesday
BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 05
WHY THE BRITISH GP IS BACK AT SILVERSTONE
When the Circuit of Wales signed a five-year contract for the rights to host the British MotoGP from 2015, there was SILVERSTONE one colossal issue: the Circuit of regain the British Grand Prix for two years – at least Wales doesn’t actually exist. As the promoter, it cut a deal with Donington Park to host the 2015 race, and the Leicestershire venue thought it was back as a big-time player in Got the UK motorsport business. Donington tickets? But the collaboration ended Get your money back last week – and the mud- slinging started, with both If you purchased tickets through parties offering contrasting NNED SeeTickets you’ll automatically receive views on the split. a full refund within 10 working days. If To meet stringent MotoGP you purchased direct from Donington, safety standards, Donington email [email protected]. needed to undertake expensive For hospitality refunds contact tara. safety upgrades, including a [email protected] and full track resurface. As the you will receive a call within three working days to arrange a refund. ‘The episode has been a PR disaster for CoW and Donington’
CoW’s Michael Carrick with Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta
promoter, the expenditure for much of the modifications was to be paid by Circuit of Wales. But Donington withdrew, claiming CoW was not in a position to complete. A counter statement from Circuit of Wales read: “Contrary to claims by DPRL [Donington] that the Circuit of Wales is unable to meet the funding arrangements, we are unwilling to provide the significant funding that DPRL required for the necessary track upgrades to host the British Grand Prix without a signed contractual agreement. We have all of the funding necessary in place to promote and host the race.” What is not up for debate is the fact the whole episode has been a PR disaster for both. The collapse does little to appease sceptics who questioned the viability of the CoW project from the start. Hundreds of fans have vented their frustration, many of them having booked non-refundable hotels for Donington after snapping up early bird tickets. www.motorcyclenews.com 06 THIS WEEK DARK HORSE LAUNCHED IN LONDON Too many Chiefs? Not for Indian
By Andy Downes with its flat black paintscheme and stripped-down looks. But the Dark ndian motorcycles have contin- Horse retains the high-tech and luxury ued the firm’s impressive return additions seen on the rest of the range, with the launch of their Chief Dark including ABS, a remote key fob for I Horse, which was unveiled at last keyless ignition and electronic cruise weekend’s Carole Nash MCN London control. The Chief Dark Horse also falls Motorcycle Show. under Indian’s bold five-year unlimited The reveal in London’s Docklands mileage warranty. was the first time the bike has been Indian are pitching this bike at riders seen outside of America, where the who want a blank canvas for customisa- bike was launched just the evening tion, and there is a long list of genuine before in Chicago. Based on the Chief accessory options to help owners on platform, the Dark Horse is defined by their way. The official catalogue includes its all-black matt painted finish, while ape-hanger handlebars, accessory air ‘Our challenge is it shares the 1811cc V-twin and chassis cleaners, mudguard struts, a slip-on with the Chief Classic model. exhaust with black heat shields and getting bikes The rebirth of the Indian brand, exhaust tips, and black mudguard trim under parent company Polaris, began – all to help create the fully blacked- shipped over paint and minimalist profile give it success in the UK, and our biggest with the launch of the Chief range – the out look. an attitude unlike any other Indian. challenge is now getting bikes shipped Classic, Vintage and Chieftain. Since It’s likely that customisers will want fast enough’ We’re excited to unveil this new bike over fast enough to meet demand. then, the firm has added the fully- to be more radical than the manufac- at an engaging price point for a full- Orders are flowing in fast right across dressed Roadmaster tourer, and rein- turer’s catalogue though, and we’d ex- Indian Chief Dark Horse is unlike size heavyweight American cruiser.” the Indian range, and we expect the troduced the iconic Scout model. pect a steady stream of new customs to anything else currently available Lee Frankish, UK Sales and new Dark Horse to be very popular The Dark Horse costs £2000 less than emerge based around this new model. from Indian. While it shares the best Marketing Manager for Indian’s parent with British custom fans.” the Chief Classic it’s based on, and is Indian Motorcycles Senior Product traits with other models in the Chief firm Polaris, told MCN at the launch: The Dark Horse is available to order 13kg lighter, too. Simplicity is the key, Manager Ben Lindaman said: “The platform, its signature matt black “Indian is proving to be a phenomenal from dealers, priced at £16,499.
Yamaha shows 30-year VMAX Brutish VMAX has shed 45kg in its This stunning creation is part of wheel covers. Modified clip-on han- anniversary guise Yamaha’s official celebration of the 30- dlebars add the café racer style. year anniversary of the VMAX. The custom carbon tank cover sits Infrared, created by leading German over a modified airbox and has air- custom shop JvB-moto workshop, is the intakes crafted from stock units taken latest custom bike to be welcomed into from an ’80s VMAX, while the rear has Yamaha’s Yard Built series. a custom carbon tail unit, handmade Yamaha asked JvB founder Jens vom by JvB. The colourscheme is based on Brauck to help the firm mark the three the livery of Yamaha’s 1985 GP team. decades since the bruising V4 roadster Yamaha Motor Europe Product first appeared in 1985. Manager Shun Miyazawa said: “The The Cologne-based custom builder, a VMAX dragster meets cafe racer chic VMAX has been an icon without rival long-time fan of the VMAX, credits the since 1985. To respect the culture that machine with being one of the sparks work saw the Infrared shed an im- has grown around this icon we’ve cho- that ignited his passion in motorcycles, pressive 45kg from the VMAX’s 310kg. sen to celebrate 30 years of the VMAX by when he saw it as a 15-year-old in 1985. A custom-made aluminium mud- working with highly respected custom His vision was to transform the stock guard sits below a JvB-moto signature builders to create VMAX specials that VMAX into a radical dragster-meets- custom carbon-fibre headlight unit will inspire owners of the VMAX and café-racer concept, and JvB-moto’s integrated into the forks with carbon those who maybe want to own one.” #MCNwednesday
BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 07
If only Indian could have made the headlights black!
Crowds flocked to check out their next bike purchase
The 1811cc V-twin engine is A show of strength shared with Indian’s Chief Classic Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show storms Docklands to kickstart 2015 in style
Tens of thousands of motorcycle fans of Man TT legend John McGuinness made the pilgrimage to London’s and BSB stars James Whitham, Chris Foggy Friday proved a hit as the four- ExCeL at Docklands over the weekend Walker and Taylor Mackenzie against time WSB champ opened the show for the annual Carole Nash MCN London Kenny Noyes and Ade Collins as they Motorcycle Show. locked handlebars in a crash-filled the first event in a year of celebrations. All the major manufacturers were series of sideways races. The next chapter will take place at the in attendance with their latest bikes, MCN Editor Andy Calton said: “We Carole Nash MCN Scottish Show on while thousands grabbed armfuls of are delighted with the success of the March 7-8 in Edinburgh. serious bargains to get their biking show and have delivered a third straight Major bike manufacturers will show- year started. year of growth, with 15% more visi- case their new models for 2015. Plus As well as an almost unprecedented tors streaming into the show than last there will be exclusive offers from the number of new bike models on show, an year. The buzz emanating from the dealers on new and 2014 motorbikes. incredible collection of GP bikes from motorcycle world is growing again, and Visitors will be able to bag a bargain Valentino Rossi’s career proved to be a that was strongly evident in London in the Bike Jumble and a host of trad- massive hit with showgoers, bringing this weekend. It was a fantastic event, ers will be able to fit you out with new together nine of his most recognisable and great to see so many MCN readers leathers, boots or helmet. If you want to machines. kicking off 2015 in style.” improve your bike’s appearance there’s The show opened on ‘Foggy Friday’ This year also marks 60 years since a wide array of suppliers to help make with four-times World Superbike the first-ever edition of MCN hit the your bike stand out from the crowd. champion Carl Fogarty declaring the news stands, and the show was just There will also be a fantastic feature show open for the second year run- dedicated to Mike ‘The Bike’ Hailwood. ning, before heading to the Sports and The Hailwood Collection will include Performance zone to talk to crowds of various bikes, trophies, photographs With matt black fans about, amongst other things, his ‘We are delighted and memorabilia, co-ordinated by almost everywhere, epic 1992 battle with Steve Hislop at Mike’s son, David, who will also be you can’t get much the Isle of Man. with the success conducting Q&A sessions. darker than Indian’s Wowing the crowds in the central Adult tickets start at £12 when new Dark Horse arena was the debut of Slide, MCN’s of the show. It booked in advance. Head to www. flat-track face-off. New for 2015, the scottishmotorcycleshow.com to find action-packed live racing pitched Isle was fantastic’ out more, and book tickets. REAL BIKERS. REAL LAWYERS. REAL ANSWERS. Real specialists in: s -OTORCYCLE !CCIDENTS IN %NGLAND 7ALES %UROPE AND THE )SLE OF -AN s 4AKEOVER CLAIMS FROM OTHER 3OLICITORS s 2OAD 4RAFl C /FFENCES FROM SPEEDING TO $EATH BY $ANGEROUS $RIVING s /BTAINING COMPENSATION WHERE YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM HAS BEEN UNDERSETTLED BY YOUR PREVIOUS APPOINTED SOLICITOR whitedalton.co.uk 0800 7836 191 www.motorcyclenews.com 08 THIS WEEK
‘Anyone thinking about doing their bike test should just get on with it – it’s easy’
With Rocket Ron… Wilding is a track day and race school regular
Honda CBF1000F… ‘It’s like the Volvo of the motorcycling world’
Rav Wilding Crimewatch presenter got into road bikes pretty late in life but he’s making up for lost time now
AGE: 36 JOB: TV PRESENTER CURRENT BIKES: TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE, HONDA CBF1000F
Ace Café selfie… Wilding at one of his weekend biking haunts
How did you get into bikes? time and my CBT lapsed. I This is more fun anyone who ever bought a Triumph Street Triple R I was 16 and me and my mates used to had some time in the Met than presenting mentions getting because the MCN tests of the bike ride a little Honda C50 which was more after that and it was about Crimewatch their bike test to were so positive, and it seemed to of a scrambling bike than anything else. 10 years before I decided just get on with come out on top of all the tests it was It wasn’t road legal but it was good fun I had to sort it out and get it. As long as you involved in. I loved that bike and only riding around on the dirt. my proper licence again. do the practice changed it last week for a Triumph and concentrate Speed Triple because it’s a bit bigger, What was your first road bike? What was the motivation it’s easier than and less cramped for me to ride. When I turned 17 I passed my CBT for doing direct access? people might on a Suzuki GP100 and that was my I hurt my leg in 2013 and think. I would Is the new Speed Triple your only only set of wheels for a year or maybe I wasn’t able to do the hate to think two-wheeled transport? 18 months and I did a lot of riding on road cycling that I had anyone was put No. I saw how some of the scooter that. I had a few spills on it too, like all been doing a lot of up to off learning to ride riders were squeezing between gaps 17-year-olds. The tyres and brakes that point, so I decided to because of how that weren’t really there in the London were rubbish, but I was glad to have make use of the time to hard they think it is bike parks and decided I needed to get some spills at 25mph rather than on get my bike licence. I had been to pass the test. something that was more suitable anything bigger. thinking about it for some time and I for commuting, and something that I kept on seeing they were making the ‘It wasn’t road What bike did you learn on? wasn’t so precious about – so I bought You were in the Army weren’t you? test harder and harder, so I knew I had A Kawasaki ER6 – it made passing the myself a Honda CBF1000F. I reckon Yes, I joined at 17 and was in the to just do it. legal but it was test and learning to ride easy. it’s the Volvo of the bike world, and it’s Parachute Air Defence Troop at great in town. Aldershot and then lots of other places Was getting your licence as good fun riding Were you tempted to buy one once after that. I was in the Army for four challenging as you were expecting? you’d passed? Q Next week: Carl Fogarty, King of years and didn’t ride at all during that Not at all and I have been telling on the dirt’ I did think about it but in the end I WSB and the Jungle! www.motorcyclenews.com
#fortheride
FOR THE ADRENALIN. FOR THE AGILITY. FOR HAVING IT ALL.
REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE Based on: Speed Triple @ 5,000 miles per annum On the Deposit/Part Total Amount Agreement 36 Monthly Final Total Amount Interest Rate Representative Road Price Exchange of Credit Duration Repayments Repayment Payable (Fixed) APR
£9,749.00 £2,324.50 £7,424.50 37 Months £119.00 £4,953.00 £11,561.50 9.44% 9.9% APR
NOW WITH OVER £1,200 WORTH OF COMPLIMENTARY ACCESSORIES*
SPEED TRIPLE SPEED TRIPLE R PACK INCLUDES: PACK INCLUDES: Slip-on Arrow Silencers, Slip-on Arrow Silencers, Anodised Front & Rear Anodised Front & Rear Brake Reservoirs, Brake Reservoirs, Comfort Gel Seat. Comfort Gel Seat. £9,749 OTR £10,999 OTR
Every inch of the road adds to your experience. Just like every part of your bike adds to it too. You can have that extra something. You can have it all.
For more information or to book your test ride, visit triumphmotorcycles.co.uk
Finance is subject to status and is only available to UK applicants aged 18 and over. TriStar Personal Contract Purchase is only available through Triumph Motorcycle Finance which is a trading style of Black Horse Ltd, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff CF10 5BH. Finance fi gures correct as of 05.01.15 and are subject to change. Finance off er ends 30.06.15. *Accessory Terms and Conditions: Fitting charges may apply. Off er subject to the purchase of a full price motorcycle. Off er subject to stock availability and applies to motorcycles registered between 05.01.15 and 30.06.15. www.motorcyclenews.com 10 THIS WEEK HOT PRODUCTS PEAK PERFORMANCE Adventure specialists Touratech aim high with carbon wonder
Touratech Aventuro Carbon With a plethora of peaky lids out there, dual-purpose lid with a visor and peak, it’s a bold company that claims to have or in off-road guise with goggles and made the ultimate adventure touring peak. helmet – but that’s exactly what The Aventuro includes swish Touratech claims. features like an adjustable peak, which The German adventure can be extended simply by pulling specialists reckon on it. It also comes with easy-to-use they’ve managed goggle strap guides, a Go-Pro camera it because their mount area, cut-outs for an intercom, new Aventuro clever vents, and incorporated internal Carbon lid is grooves to make it easier for riders nearly half who wear glasses. the weight of The carbon-shelled helmet’s interior most dual-purpose is also fully removable and machine lids, produces minimal washable and has an emergency wind noise, can be used in three cheek pad removal system. It comes variations, and has more features than in five different finishes with prices a Swiss army knife. starting from £369 for plain colours. The new helmet can be worn as a Sizes XS-XXL. road helmet with a visor and no peak, a www.touratech.co.uk
Your adventure helmet, your way. Aventuro allows you to choose your own configuration
CALL NOW MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT SOLICITORS 01446 794 169 WWW.BIKELAWYER.CO.UK Experts in: Diesel Spills Filtering Accidents Serious Injuries No-Win, No-Fee Claims LEGAL EXPERT #MCNwednesday
BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 11
£278.19
Givi S320 auxiliary LED lights Fog lights are growing in popularity, and luggage people Givi are the latest to join the party. Their S320s are made from aluminium and are £55.13 designed to mount to engine protection bars of between Wemoto 21mm and 25mm thick. They footrest hanger set use 14 watts of power and meet FIVE Internet parts firm Wemoto are offering aluminium footrest EU laws on lights for road bikes. hangers at a fraction of the price for an original replacement. The The price is for a pair of lights, NEW TYRE hangers are available as complete sets, which include the left and wiring and mountings. Models for 2015 right hangers, heel plates and footrest holders. www.givi.co.uk www.wemoto.com 1 Avon Trailrider New road-going tyre OUR KIT for adventure bike MCN staff test riders, with improved biking products ’til wet grip. Due in June.
they break - see page 49 2 Bridgestone RS10 New sporty road offering will bridge the gap between the racy R10 and road-biased S20.
3 Dunlop £TBA TrailSmart Dual-sport adventure tyre Mitas Sport Force+ offering improved Mitas are having a second crack at breaking into the market with their wet grip than budget offering. The Sport Force+ is aimed at sportsbikes, nakeds existing model. and tourers, and is W rated for speeds of up to 168mph. Available in 120/70 ZR 17, and 150/60, 160/60, 180/55 and 190/50 ZR 17. www.mita-tyres.com 4 Metzeler Sportec Klassik Owners of 70s classics can now get £25 modern compounds with traditional Powerbronze headlight carcass and styling. protector for KTMs £545 Headlamps might not be a number one crash protection concern, but they’re 5 Maxxis Super- expensive and it only takes a stone flung Kushitani Blink jacket maxx ST up from your mate’s rear tyre to leave This Blink leather jacket from the Japanese firm has been New budget you with an expensive bill. Powerbronze’s oiled to give a worn, antique look. It comes in black or brown sports-touring protector is tailored for KTM’s 1290 Super with Kushitani padding and a cotton inner. In medium size it tyre promises Duke R and has dual-lock fixings for easy costs £545, while large is £595. Email info@kushitani-uk. improved grip and removal. Available in a range of 20 colours. co.uk for a measurement form before ordering. better handling. www.powerbronze.co.uk www.kushitani-uk.co.uk
Call us FREE on: 0808 168 3759* Find out more at www.principalinsurance.co.uk
Multi Bike Custom Adventure Modified Classic Scooter Sports Cruiser
Principal Insurance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Calls may be recorded for training and monitoring purposes. *Calls are free from a landline, mobile providers may charge. Principal Insurance Ltd, Dalton House, Dane Rd, Sale, Manchester M33 7AR. www.motorcyclenews.com 12 THIS WEEK 1 THIS WEEK’S HOT BIKES The Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show was chock full of special bikes
1. Cooper Motorcycles Norprilia 2 3 An unusual mix of the old and new with a 998cc Aprilia RSV1000 Mille V-twin engine housed in a Manx Norton featherbed frame and fuel tank but with lovely modern touches like OZ wheels. Built by Cooper Motorcycles of Essex.
2. Old Empire Motorcycles Typhoon This stunning creation was built last year and entered in the prestigious Salon Prive concours event, where it was judged the winner. It has a Ducati 900SS V-twin motor shrouded in handbuilt bodywork and hardtail frame.
3. Lamb Engineering Bonneville The paint had hardly dried on this bike before it was wheeled into the show, but the workmanship on the frame and bodywork was clear. Using a Hinckley Triumph Bonneville parallel-twin engine 4 5 gives it a completely new look. It uses valve springs at the springer suspension front end.
4. Kevils Speed Shop BMW R80 Kevils Speed Shop are among the leading BMW custom bike builders and this pared-back, simple and plain- looking R80 is a perfect illustration of the work they can do. The bare alloy fuel tank and brown leather accessories all look just right.
5. Auto Fabrica Yamaha SR500 café racer The simple take on a Yamaha SR500 has been built by Auto Fabrica from Essex and does away with any element of the overall design that’s not essential to the engineering.
6. Redmax Speedshop 6 7 Yamaha XS650 While engines like BMW boxer twins, Honda’s CB750 and even the humble Yamaha SR500 rise in price the Yamaha XS650 motors remain at an attainable price for customisers to get their hands on and turn into something unique like this Redmax Speedshop bike.
7. SCC Panhead 1200cc Harley-Davidson replica This stunning piece of work has been crafted by Slobs Custom Cycles and slots a 1200cc V-twin Harley-Davidson Panhead replica engine into a Harley frame and adds fishtail end-caps to the exhaust for a period look. www.motorcyclenews.com
ER-6 RANGE VERSYS RANGE* NINJA RANGE** W800/W800SE AVAILABLE OVER 2 OR 3 YEARS ON A SELECTION OF KAWASAKIS
Professional riders on closed road BLACK % PROMOTION THE 0
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The ER-6 range, Ninja 300 range, Ninja ZX-6R 636 range, Z800 range, W800, Versys 650 and *Versys 1000 (excluding 2015MY) are available over 2 or 3 years at 0% APR Representative. **The Ninja ZX-10R is excluded from this finance offer. £99 minimum deposit. Finance is subject to status and is only available to UK applicants aged 18 and over. This finance offer is only available through Kawasaki Finance, which is a trading style of Black Horse Ltd, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff CF10 5BH. Subject to availability. This finance offer is at a rate better than high street lenders and is Hire Purchase. Offer ends 31st March 2015. All brand new road machines are supplied with a two year warranty, Master Scheme Security, one year’s Kawasaki RAC Assist, one year’s Kawasaki Riders Club Membership and access to unique Kawasaki content via email and other communication channels. Kawasaki Motors UK, a branch of Kawasaki Motors Europe N.V., 1 Dukes Meadow, Millboard Road, Bourne End, Bucks, SL8 5XF. www.motorcyclenews.com 14 NEW BIKES FIRST TEST FRANCIS- BARNETT KESTREL ‘The British owner bought the classic brand on eBay!’
Don’t look too closely and you could be back in the 1950s. It rained a lot then as well… MYKEL NICOLAOU
By Peter Henshaw Barnett was from Coventry, the city MCN CONTRIBUTOR I was born in, and it seemed like the right thing to do.” Merlin – Francis- Merlin looks the rancis-Barnett, one of the As if relaunching the Francis-Barnett part of a 1950s oldest names in British biking, 125s wasn’t enough, Longfield also has Barnett trailie trials bike is being relaunched by a man plans for a 100mph Fanny-B. “It’ll be who bought the name on eBay! powered by a Villiers 250cc two-stroke The Merlin rides in much the same FAndrew Longfield, a business- twin,” he told MCN, “which Francis- way as its road brother, being slim and man from Kenilworth, paid Barnett fitted originally, but tuned to lightweight. This is no pukka trials £10,000 for the worldwide rights to about 30bhp, which is what we’ll need bike, but I had fun trickling along some use the name on bikes. for 100mph. The bike will be road legal, woodland tracks. Many of the basic “I wasn’t intending to buy the name,” and inspired by Bert Munro (of World’s ingredients of a decent green-lane bike said Longfield, “but it just came up. Fastest Indian fame).” are there – balance, slim dimensions The previous owner had researched a But for now there are two prototypes and gentle power. On the road, the lot of the old names of British motor- – the road-going Kestrel and green Merlin was less happy. It handled cycling, and found this was the only lane-friendly Merlin. Both have been fine, but felt slower than the Kestrel, one without a claim on it. So he went built by long-established custom build- something Benny Thomas puts down through due process with copyright er Mutt Motorcycles. Both are based on to higher gearing from the knobbly rear lawyers, and took it on. After a couple the Herald Classic, a Chinese-made 125 tyre – production bikes will have lower of years, he’d done nothing with it, put with pretty retro styling. “I’m very gearing, to restore some on-road zip. it up on eBay, and I bought it. Francis- pleased to be involved in the Francis- #MCNwednesday
BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 15
Instrumentation is sparse, just like the original Francis-Barnett machines’60s-style British silencer is one of the additions Engine and frame are from Chinese firm Herald Motorcycles
Dunlop K70-shod WHO ARE FANNY-B? Kestrel does a good job of evoking ear- Known to generations of British lier Fanny-Bs bikers as Fanny-B, the marque formed in 1919 when Gordon Francis went into business with his father-in-law, Arthur Barnett. to build a simple, cheap bike to suit post-WW1 Britain. Fanny-B became known for its two-stroke commuters, but also pulled off some great PR stunts, including ascents of Ben Nevis and Snowdon, and averaging 200mpg on a 1000- mile economy run. Success in trials came too (second in the 1954 Scottish Six Days) while the Francis-Barnett’s flagship was the 250cc Cruiser, swathed in pressed steel enclosures for grime-free commuting. Bombed out in the Coventry blitz, FB was taken over by AMC which also swallowed Norton and James. Production of Villiers-powered lightweights continued into the ’60s, but these looked dowdy next to a Lambretta or Vespa. Production ceased in 1966.
Andrew Longfield is the man behind the reborn F-B
Barnett project,” said Benny Thomas of housed in a thoroughly conventional enough for some back-road fun. Mutt. “Our brief was to make the bikes steel frame with twin rear shocks, gai- The fat front tyre doesn’t seem to totally useable and rider-friendly, as ‘Acceleration is tered fork legs, a front disc, rear drum have affected the handling, and the bike VERDICT well as good looking.” brakes. Interestingly, Herald (formerly tracks around bumpy corners without Not the real thing, but fun to Look more closely, and it’s clear that brisk – more than HMC) will be launching more Mutt- a problem, while the shocks, fork and ride and looks the part – just Thomas, who has already produced 78 enough for some styled bikes later in the year. brakes are well able to cope with the the thing for some gentle green customised Herald Classics, has done a You won’t be surprised to hear that bike’s performance. laning or a run to the pub or lot more than simply stick the hallowed back-road fun’ the new Fanny-B rides very much like bike meet on Sundays and the Francis-Barnett badge on a Chinese fuel the Chinese bike it’s based on. The TECH SPEC mass-produced running gear tank. Both prototypes have alloy rims Kestrel is very easy to get on with, hap- should prove reliable. with stainless steel spokes, handmade chrome headlight finish it off – see first pily pottering round the rain-soaked FRANCIS-BARNETT KESTREL exhausts (high-level on the Merlin) ride, left. The Kestrel keeps the stand- lanes of Warwickshire at 40-50mph, and come in the Francis-Barnett’s ard wheel sizes, but with Dunlop K70s accompanied by a satisfying blat from Price £3000 trademark Arden Green. – which are the same size both ends to the UK-made silencer. With 10.7bhp, Engine 124cc OHC single WE LIKE Dunlop D803 knobblies set off the give a flat track look – narrower bars, it has about the same power as some Power 10.7bhp ■ Retro without being twee Merlin, along with a 21in front wheel low-level exhaust and a Wassell dual of the original Villiers-powered bikes, Torque 6.3ftlb ■ Lightweight, easy to ride and wider braced handlebars, while seat. The rear numberplate mount is so performance is similar, with brisk Weight 107kg the rear frame is modified to allow for a BSA copy. (by 125 standards) acceleration up to Capacity 12 litres WE DON’T LIKE the solo seat. Aluminium mudguards Underneath it all, the Herald Classic 50mph, then a more gradual haul to Seat height 780mm ■ Not the real thing (probably stainless steel on produc- is typical of the better-quality Chinese an indicated 65-70mph. Not a bike for On sale Now ■ Expensive for a 125 tion bikes), adjustable rear shocks and 125s, with a 124cc four-stroke motor effortless European touring, but quick Contact www.francis-barnett.org www.motorcyclenews.com
16 February 18 2015
1955-2015 EYEWITNESS May 10, 1998, Snetterton When Hislop and Mackenzie went to war They might have been sponsored by Cadbury’s but the two Scots’ relationship was more sour than it was sweet
Cadbury’s Boost Yamaha team-mates, it was underestimating him as a threat THE EYEWITNESSES Niall Mackenzie and Steve Hislop, for the championship.’ engaged in a Scottish Civil War for the Niall Mackenzie 1998 British Superbike title. Mackenzie Hislop (speaking to MCN in 2002, a Cadbury’s Boost was a returning Grand Prix hero and year before his death): ‘We were both Yamaha team rider the highest-paid man in the BSB Scottish and a similar age so in theory and British champion paddock, while Hizzy was riding for we should have got on really well but it Steve Hislop free just to get a competitive bike. Both just didn’t happen. I just thought no-one Cadbury’s Boost seemed prepared to do anything to win had given him a good run for his money Yamaha team rider and – even if it meant knocking each other since he’d come back home to Britain TT legend off the track as they did at Snetterton. so I decided I’d be the man to do it.’ This is the story of the most dramatic Rob McElnea moment in that brutal season. McElnea: ‘It was hard work being Cadbury’s Boost team boss that year - it was a f*****g Yamaha team boss Mackenzie: ‘I didn’t know Steve very nightmare. Niall didn’t like being beaten caught between the well when he joined the team and I by his team-mate and Hizzy had a bit feuding Scots never really knew where I stood with of a chip because he hadn’t enjoyed the
him. But if I made one mistake in 1998, success that Niall had.’ BARKER STUART ARCHIVE WORDS: BAUER SPECIAL READER OFFER SAVE A PACKET AND GET MCN EVERY WEEK Have MCN delivered to your door, iPad/iPhone or both and not only will you be the fi rst with the news, you’ll also save a stack of cash too. Don’t miss out!
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Terms & Conditions: *65% relates to when you buy a print and digital package subscription on Direct Debit. Subscriptions will start with the next available issue. The minimum term is 26 issues. After your fi rst 26 issues (6 months) your subscription will continue unless you are notifi ed otherwise. You will not receive a renewal reminder and the Direct Debit payments will continue to be taken unless you tell us otherwise. This offer closes on March 4, 2015. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Calls from a BT landline will cost no more than 4p a minute. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Order lines open 8am-9.30pm (Mon-Fri), 8am-4pm (Sat). UK orders only. Overseas? Phone +44 1858 438828. Calls may be monitored or recorded for training purposes. Visit: www.greatmagazines.co.uk/mcn or call *01858-438884 and quote BBAA #MCNwednesday
BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 17
Mackenzie: ‘The real drama didn’t Mackenzie: ‘The worst thing a rider begin until the second round at Oulton can do is knock his own team-mate off Park. I was leading and thought a win the track, but that’s exactly what I did was in the bag until Hizzy barged past to Hislop at Snetterton.’ me in the last corner. I suppose that’s what I was used to doing to other McElnea: ‘Giving away a surefire 1-2 people in GPs but it just particularly result for the team is the ultimate sin rattled me for some reason.’ in racing. I went mental at Niall for that and we didn’t speak for about a month.’ McElnea: ‘It was a legitimate move but it seemed to ruffle Niall’s feathers. He’d Hislop: ‘As I pulled into pit lane I was been the man on that bike for so long shouting “What the f*** was that all McElnea (left) and didn’t like anyone beating him.’ about” but Rob told me to disappear - struggled to he didn’t want me ranting and raving in keep the peace Hislop: ‘I was leading at Thruxton and front of the TV cameras.’ took a defensive line into the chicane – or so I thought. But the next thing I Mackenzie: ‘I wasn’t the most popular saw was Niall coming scuttling up the person in the garage. I admit now that it The Hizzy/Mackenzie feud set inside, his body hanging over the grass was probably my fault but, at the time, I the 1998 BSB series on fire and his bike squeezed into the foot-and- dug in and fought my corner.’ a-half of Tarmac between me and the edge of the track. His footrest snagged Hislop: ‘Then I crashed at Cadwell and my elbow and nearly pulled my hand broke several bones and realised my off the bars as he scythed through.’ championship was over. I was gutted.’ ‘His footrest Mackenzie: ‘That was the first time we McElnea: ‘That crash was partly my actually made contact. I forced my way fault. I advised Hizzy to change his snagged my past Hislop and got the result.’ style coming out of that corner and the very first time he tried it, he crashed! I elbow and nearly Hislop: ‘As I fired it into the last should have kept my mouth shut.’ chicane at Snetterton I thought: “Yes! pulled my hand He can’t get past me now.” Wrong. Out Mackenzie: ‘Since Hizzy had no off the bars’ of the side of my peripheral vision I saw chance of taking the championship, he a purple projectile going far too fast to rode shotgun for me at Brands, keeping STEVE HISLOP make the corner. I managed to lift my the rest of the pack off my tail. I went ‘You can’t come up the inside of me, I’m Niall Mackenzie’ bike up and had to ride straight over to see him in his motorhome later and the chicane and onto the grass on the thanked him for helping me. I even gave outside of the circuit. Niall went off the him a Kevin Schwantz book as a peace track too but we both got back on.’ offering!’ MORE THAN JUST TORQUE Will there be a Master of Torque; and now Master of Tour. better“ bike this year One Bike. Two Souls. than the Tracer? ” Test ride it now at your local Yamaha dealer. RIDE
MiYamaha Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is a great way to fi nance your new Yamaha with affordable* monthly repayments. At the end of the MiYamaha contract you can either part A new Yamaha Tracer, exchange your bike for a new Yamaha**, pay the fi nal repayment and take ownership of your Yamaha, or return “ the bike and not pay the fi nal repayment*** a brilliant, 115bhp, do-it-all Representative Example Based on an annual mileage of 6000. †Included in monthly repayments. motorcycle for just £8149?” #Payable with Final Repayment. BIKE Deposit or Total Amount Agreement Credit Facility Purchase Cash Price Part Exchange of Credit Duration Fee† Fee# £8,284.00 £1,639.50 £6,644.50 37 Months £230.00 £10.00 Initial 35 Final Total Amount Interest Rate Representative Repayment of Repayments of Repayment of Payable (Fixed) APR £175.00 £125.00 £3,528.00 £9,717.50 7.49% 9.5% APR *Your regular monthly repayments are low because it is the nature of a PCP product that a signifi cant proportion of the total amount payable is payable at the end of the contract by one large fi nal repayment. Finance is subject to status and is only available to applicants aged 18 and over. MiYamaha Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is only available through Yamaha Finance provided by Black Horse Ltd, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff CF10 It’s also, already, a leading contender 5BH. This fi nance offer ends 16th March 2015. **Subject to payment of outstanding fi nance; new fi nance agreements are subject to status. ***If the motorcycle is in good condition and has not exceeded the allowed for“ 2015 Bike of the Year MCN mileage you will have nothing further to pay. If the motorcycle has exceeded the allowed mileage a charge ” for excess mileage will apply. Price quoted by ‘BIKE‘ is the Suggested Retail Price which excludes the fi rst registration fee and road fund licence.
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18 February 18 2015
Ducati’s Scrambler looks to have a fight on its hands, muscling in on the well established modern- retro territory of Harley’s 883 and Triumph’s Bonnie IAN JUBB #MCNwednesday
BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 19 IS SCRAMBLER KING OF COOL? Ducati’s new kid on the block has certainly caused a stir, but will its modern-retro rivals give it a beating on Britain’s roads?
The mission The much-hyped Ducati Scrambler has now arrived in the UK. But how does it compare to the well-established, fashionable and easy-to-ride competition from Harley and Triumph?
The bikes Ducati Scrambler Icon, £6895 This air-cooled V-twin is one of the most talked-about bikes in ages. It’s stylish, light and easy to ride.
Harley-Davidson XL883N Iron ABS, £7645 As Harley’s smallest production bike, it’s accessible and cool.
Triumph Bonneville, £6799 The historic Bonnie name is over 50 years old, but this 865cc version’s 100% modern.
The riders
Adam Child Age 38 Height 5ft 7in Gone are the dry, winding American Palm Springs, USA. It may be damp, By Adam Child MCN Senior Tester. roads. Gone is the sparkling sun and miserable and dull but the Ducati still SENIOR ROAD TESTER Has covered over 30oC heat. Gone is the army of Ducati shines. On looks alone, even in the 500,000 miles in the ucati have done a brilliant PR staff tending to my every need. depths of winter, the Scrambler stands last 12 years of testing. job of marketing the new I’m sat on the bright yellow out and exudes that feel-good factor. Scrambler as something Scrambler on a damp and dreary morn- There are four Scrambler models to Bruce Dunn much more than a motor- ing. This is where the California dream choose from; Full Throttle, Classic, Age 48 Height 5ft 7in cycle. They’ve set it up as a ends and the reality starts, and I want to Urban Enduro and this model we have MCN performance separate brand and gone out see whether the undoubtedly capable on test, the Icon, which is the cheapest tester. Has tested Dof their way to make everything about twin can still put a smile on a rider’s one of the four at £6895. Even in the every new bike of the it cool and desirable. face in these conditions. And to see fading light of winter, the Scrambler last 25 years. The Italian firm has spent a fortune how it compares to two other stylish really screams ‘fun and games’ with on getting the Scrambler range talked rivals of a similar price. its distinctive teardrop, steel 13.5-litre Liam Marsden about all over the world, and even jet- Hiding out of the rain under a fly- fuel tank. I really like the fact Ducati Age 24 Height 6ft 4in ted lucky journalists (including MCN) over on the A1, I am desperately trying have stayed air-cooled, there’s no ugly MCN Web producer. to a week in California just before to regain some feeling in my frozen plumbing and radiator. It’s simple, yet Regular guest rider on Christmas to test it. fingers; it couldn’t be further from the classy and well thought out. MCN tests, with eight continues over Now, I’m facing a stark reality check. last time I rode the Scrambler in sunny years’ experience. www.motorcyclenews.com READY TO BUY A NEW BIKE? 20 February 18 2015 SCRAMBLER v RIVALS CHECK HOW MUCH IT COSTS TO INSURE FIRST AT
The digital speedo, for example, is an amalgam of modern and classic. The clocks not only look good, off-centre like the original from the 1960s, but are also functional. The clutch is still cable operated, and the wide bars so Scrambler-esque that in many ways the bike feels and looks just like the original, yet isn’t. But Ducati aren’t going to get things all their own way. Hinckley, the home of Triumph, may not have the romance of Ducati’s Bologna base, but it’s the Triumph name that’s credited with making motorcycling cool back in the day. Triumph were building bikes long before Ducati, and their Bonneville is one of the most iconic names in mo- torcycling. The modern-day Bonnie resembles its grandfather, has some lovely touches, retro fuel tank and seat, lots of chrome and is also air-cooled, but uses a parallel twin, rather than a V-twin like the Duke. Triumph also have a huge list of accessories and What the Bonnie lacks in modernity, it makes up for through sheer character aftermarket products to complement the Bonnie, and there are other similar on an A2 licence. There’s a reasonable models to choose from, like the T100, amount of torque if you want to be the Steve McQueen rep, and their very ‘If it has no go and lazy, or equally you can rev it harder own Scrambler. It seems Triumph are for a turn of speed. It does run out of already catering for this niche market handles like a jelly puff a little if you start to push on, but and have been doing so for years. on a plate, the cool the Scrambler is not about dicing with Talking of accessories, personalisa- sportsbikes; it’s about getting around tion, brand and image, is there any- styling will wear thin’ in style and having some fun along the one who does it better than Harley- way. And it does all that with ease. Davidson? The US giant launched the awkward and unnatural. We all found The off-road-style Pirelli tyres look 883 as their entry-level bike in 1993; it hard to work out what the large 19in like old race wets, but they work well its cool looks, great price and easy-to- front wheel was doing and how much in all weathers. The Ducati gave us ride manner opened the Harley brand grip was left, especially in the wet. the greatest confidence in the slimy, up to a whole new audience. Thankfully the 883 has ABS brakes, cold conditions. The suspension is a On looks, image and brand, surely which although basic, are reassuring. nice balance between comfort and the American and Brit have the Italian It may carry its mass low, disguising its sportiness; it doesn’t wallow into a newcomer matched, or even beaten? actual weight very well, but there’s no mess when you start to have wind it But we don’t just buy bikes on looks; hiding the fact it’s 69kg heavier than up, isn’t as soft as the Triumph, but a bike has to deliver on the road too. If the Ducati - that’s over 10-and-a-half equally isn’t rock-hard like a race it has no go and handles like a jelly on stone! The brakes work, the handling bike. There’s plenty of dive from the a plate, the cool styling will soon wear is OK, it’s stable and predictable, but front end should you grab a handful thin. This is where the entry-level that’s about it. Despite the low seat and of the ABS-assisted Brembo brakes, Harley starts to lose ground against the low torque, I wouldn’t say it’s overly but it’s not excessive. The brakes are competition. Yes, the low seat makes it user-friendly, as the riding position progressive and smooth, but you do easy to manage, especially for shorties, is so awkward. have to use all four fingers if you want but compared to the other two it lacks The Ducati, by comparison, is lively to stop in a hurry. any real fun or excitement. and light; a breath of fresh air. The rid- Despite the Triumph carrying There’s plenty of torque really low ing position is more natural, even if the more weight than the Ducati (40kg), down in the rev range, but it’s just us- bars are quite wide. Although they do and having lower-spec, non-ABS able drive, not grin-inducing shove. make the Scrambler very easy to steer, brakes, it’s not far behind the Italian Once you’re past peak torque, the ideal for whizzing through traffic, that when it comes to stopping. In fact, the power tails off and you get some noise is, if you can thread those bars past Bonnie may appear to be old fashioned, and vibrations, but not much else. Tuck stationary cars without collecting and yes, it has been around for some down, hold the throttle to the stop and wing mirrors along the way. Equally, years now, but that doesn’t make it a you’ll just see 100mph on the analogue the lightness makes it fun on the open bad bike. Over the years I’ve ridden clocks. Yes it will happily chug along road; you can throw it about with ease. countless incarnations of the Bonnie, at 75-80mph all day long, but there’s Ducati are quoting 75bhp from the in the wet and the dry, and I’m always not a lot that will really stir your soul. 803cc air-cooled V-twin, making it the pleasantly surprised by the handling The handling isn’t much better. The most powerful bike on test, yet they do and the power. almost feet-forward riding position is offer a 35kW restricted version for riders continues over
ICON FULL THROTTLE ‘62 Yellow’ £6895/£6995 ‘Deep Black’ £7995 or ‘Ducati Red’ (black frame (black frame and black seat) and black seat ) Ducati say: ‘For riders Standard version does enthralled by the flat- without the cosmetic track racing world who frills of its off-shoots, have a penchant for but still offers plenty pushing things to the of style, and acts as a limit.’ In the metal that starting point ripe for means: lower handle- customisation. Wheels bars, flat track-style seat, are 10-spoke alloys, 18in sawn-off front mudguard,
SCRAMBLER EXPLAINED RANGE front, 17in rear. and so on. #MCNwednesday
BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 21
All three are perfect for countryside cruising. Now, who forgot to pack the sunshine..?
‘If the idea is to be seen, be serene, and take in the countryside, the Harley and Ducati make a ride feel special’
Ducati’s sunshine machine brightens up even the most drab winter day
CLASSIC URBAN ENDURO ‘Orange Sunshine’ £7995 ‘Wild green’ £7995 (black frame, brown seat (black frame, brown seat and and spoked wheels ) spoked wheels ) Ducati say: ‘For devotees to Ducati say: ‘For enduro-style details and a 1970s look who enthusiasts, it’s ready to want the uncompromising switch from city streets riding pleasure and comfort to country back roads of a modern-day bike.’ It in an instant.’ It has wire comes with alloy-rimmed wheels, a small bash plate, wire wheels, metal front high front mudguard, wire and rear mudguards, and a headlamp guard and fork special stitched seat. protectors. www.motorcyclenews.com WANT TO BUY THIS BIKE? 22 February 18 2015 SCRAMBLER v RIVALS COMPARE INSURANCE PRICE BEFORE YOU BUY AT
Close up view ‘The Bonnie will happily bounce SCRAMBLER down a B-road, occasionally popping you out of the seat on the rebound’
Nothing retro about these Brembo beauties Offset clocks are a nod to the original
Air-cooled and free of ugly plumbing Single shock has adjustable preload XL883N
19in wheel limits front end feel Low-revving twin means no need for tacho
The roots of this engine go back decades Twin shocks keep the 883’s rear stable BONNEVILLE
From previous page stop after about 100 miles is a welcome It’s only a few mph adrift of the Duke break anyway. in terms of top speed, and it sounds a Liam, all 6ft 4in of him, hated the ‘Talking of brand and lot better. The handling is softer, but Harley. His knees were forced into image, is there it never really gets out of hand. It will awkward angles and could only last happily bounce down a B-road, scrap- for about an hour before needing to anyone who does it ing its pegs on apexes, occasionally get off and stretch his aching limbs. popping you out of the seat on the re- He also felt the Ducati was a little on better than Harley?’ Cast multi-spoke wheels are pleasing Won’t tell you lean angle, will tell you speed bound, but it’s all jolly spiffing sport, the cramped side, although not as bad old chap. Don’t be perturbed by skinny as the Harley. The Scrambler hasn’t really created tyres and old-fashioned twin shocks, I didn’t experience problems on ei- a new niche nor set a new benchmark, it handles better than it looks. ther bike as I’m only 5ft 7in, but I also and in many ways Ducati are just copy- I was worried the small 13.5-litre wouldn’t consider doing any serious ing what Harley and Triumph have fuel tank on the Scrambler, and the distances at speed on either of the two. been doing for years. But what they 12.5-litre fuel tank on the Harley might They’re fine for cruising at 70mph but have done is create a great-looking bike be a hindrance. However, the Duke not much more. For a big-mile mini with a decent engine, that’s extremely averages close to 55mpg which means touring weekend of a few hundred miles easy to ride, and then offer it at a de- a potential tank range of around 150 I’d much rather take the Triumph. But cent price. For those reasons alone, the miles – if you ignore the over-cautious then again, if the idea is to be seen, be Scrambler package will appeal to many. warning light that comes on after about serene, and take in the countryside at But with so many options to custom- 120. The Harley will run out of juice a sedate pace, the Harley and Ducati ise, those wanting something stylish They look like carbs but Bonnie’s injected Softly sprung shocks make B-roads fun sooner, but it’s so uncomfortable that a do make a ride feel special. and unique will be tempted, too. #MCNwednesday
BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 23
The Triumph Bonneville is proof that cashing-in ADAM CHILD VERDICT SENIOR ROAD TESTER on your heritage isn’t a Ducati invention
‘Scrambler has credibility and cool’
The Scrambler has the most The Harley looks good, has power, is the quickest, lightest, a low seat, carries its weight easiest to ride and has the best well, and is much improved over handling. It has lovely attention to recent years, but it’s just not detail, is cool and it says Ducati exciting. Plus, its riding position on the side. Only the dull exhaust is uncompromising, especially for note lets it down. tall riders. The Triumph has a solid feel The Scrambler feels like it to it, is quick enough, handles should be more expensive and better than it looks, sounds good, is really just a more modern has some character about it, and take on the Bonnie. But it works feels like a modern old bike, and wonderfully and pulls off the it’s good over distance. modern-retro look brilliantly.
2015 DUCATI SCRAMBLER £6895 st Power 75bhp@8200rpm 1 Torque 50.2ftlb@5700rpm Engine 803cc V-twin Weight 186kg (kerb) Suspension Kayaba 41mm USD fork, non-adjustable Single rear shock with preload adjustment Brakes Single front 330mm disc with radial caliper Seat height 790mm Fuel capacity 13.5l
TRIUMPH nd BONNEVILLE £6799 Power 50.1bhp@7580rpm 2 Torque 50.2ftlb@5700rpm Looking bad-to-the- Engine 865cc parallel twin bone on the Harley Weight 226kg (kerb) comes at a limb- Suspension Kayaba 41mm crunching price forks, non-adjustable. Kayaba twin rear shock with preload adjustment Brakes Single front 310mm disc with radial caliper Seat height 740mm Fuel capacity 16l
HARLEY- DAVIDSON 883 ABS £7645 rd Power 50bhp@3750rpm 3 Torque 51.6ftlb@3700rpm Engine 883cc V-twin Weight 255kg (kerb) Suspension 39mm Showa fork, non-adjustable. Twin rear shock with preload adjustment Brakes Single front 300mm discs with radial caliper Seat height 653mm Fuel capacity 12.5l www.motorcyclenews.com
24 February 18 2015
Fastest lap, but no win for Bayliss this year
MCN INTERVIEW Troy Bayliss retired The three-times world champion may have quit superbike racing but he remains as madly competitive on two wheels as ever KEITH MUIR AND FRIEDEMANN KIRN #MCNwednesday
BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 25
Just because your name’s above the door, doesn’t mean you’ll get an easy ride
– Vegas would be a good spot – then the By Mat Oxley Superprestigio, but I think they need MCN CONTRIBUTOR to run that at a bigger track because roy Bayliss is one of the it’s a bit of a s**t-fight now. greatest riders of the 21st century. World Superbike You, Stoner, Doohan and Gardner all champion with Ducati learned to race bikes on ‘oiled’ tracks, in 2001, 2006 and 2008, where they put used oil onto the dirt to the affable Aussie was re- make it behave more like tarmac. Why nowned for his wild rid- are they such a factor in Aussie success? Ting style: always wrestling with the I think oil tracks have definitely been motorcycle in search of that extra important to Aussie success because tenth, a lot like current MotoGP king you’ve got more grip on them so the Marc Marquez. bikes aren’t really, really sideways – so In 2006 Bayliss made history when it’s similar to road racing. Honestly, he became the only man to win World it’s got to be the best thing for you. Superbike and MotoGP races in the Now that some of the big names like same season. The fact that his grand Marc Marquez are doing it, people in prix victory was achieved in a one-off Europe are starting to grab hold of it. ride for Ducati’s MotoGP team only There used to be more oiled tracks in made the achievement all the more Australia, now there are only about remarkable. four. We race at an oil track one week- Bayliss retired in 2008, immedi- end, then a loose track the next ately after winning his third WSB crown, and found the adjustment to How did MotoGP rookie Jack Miller go? ‘normal’ life hellishly difficult. Now He did pretty good in the heats, but his 45, he’s winning again in Australian bike wasn’t as good as Jared’s. Old Bar dirt track racing and is working hard to raise the profile of the sport with his Troy Bayliss Classic event that, like the Marc Marquez-inspired Superprestigio ‘We race at an oil d? My arse in Spain, attracts the world’s fastest dirt trackers. track one week, MCN: You’ve just hosted your third then a loose Troy Bayliss Classic dirt track event, how did that go? Bayliss: It was up and down all day track the next’ with different guys winning the heats. In the main game Jared Mees [US dirt isn’t a big track, so you’ve got to have a track champion] won it, then it was good set-up. Jack didn’t come to any of Henry Wiles, Paul Caslick and me. I got the practice days, he just turned up on a shocking start and had a bad first few the day and rode, so it was a bit more laps, but I did the fastest lap and was difficult for him. very close to them at the end – it’s not often you wish a race was six or 10 laps You won the Troy Bayliss Classic last longer! But I won it last year, so it was year, how does that compare to win- actually good that someone else won it. ning in World Superbike and MotoGP? It’s awesome; a really good feeling. Do you feel there’s a bit of a buzz around I felt like I’d won a world champi- dirt track now? onship race! And winning all those Yeah, I think dirt track is set for a bit Australian titles [Bayliss is reign- of a boom. It’d be great to have a world ing Aussie champion in 250, 450 and Thumbs up from the championship, but I don’t think that’s unlimited dirt track, and in 250 and reigning Aussie dirt going to happen, so it’d be good to 450 supermoto] was unreal. I was so track and supermoto have something like a Transatlantic glad to do that because I’d never won champ, Troy Bayliss series. My race could be one of them, an Australian championship before. then we could have a race in America Continued over www.motorcyclenews.com
26 February 18 2015 BAYLISS INTERVIEW
Milwaukee Yamaha BSB new boy Broc Parkes joined Bayliss for a bit of pre-season practice ‘I think dirt track is set for a bit of a boom’
Jack Miller suffered from a lack of set-up time on his Honda
TROY’S GREATEST HITS Valencia MotoGP 2006 Bayliss shows up for the season- ending Valencia MotoGP, riding tyres he’s never ridden before and destroys them all: Rossi, Hayden, Pedrosa, Capirossi and the rest.
Old Bar - the greasy the home to Bayliss’ race Oil tracks are the perfect training ground for roadracers No practice, but Aussie lads like Miller have natural flair for dirt
I love having a go, but I don’t ride Mark knowing how to do everything, people look silly, so he’s got plenty of every day. In fact until the weekend me knowing all the people I know and time. I think these kids should go to before the Classic, I hadn’t ridden since ‘I still love bikes Kim [Mrs Bayliss] being switched on school at least, because not many of the Superprestigio last December. with paperwork, we took on the shows them are going to end up being like and brought them to life. Whenever we Marquez, so what are they going to do They’ve just had the big classic racing and am now do a show we try and do some sort of a if they don’t make it? meet at Phillip Island, do you fancy a race to bring it to life. crack at that? more involved What do you make of Marquez? WSB 2006 I plan on doing it, but the problem is How did the family adapt to moving He’s too perfect, something’s got to be Bayliss scores his greatest WSB I only ride Ducati in road racing and than ever’ back to Australia? wrong! He’s too nice, he’s good-looking winning streak with a remarkable at the moment there’s no Ducati that My son Mitch is 20, he helps out at and he’s really fast on the bike. It just record of eight consecutive race could be competitive in the classic class; promoting motorcycle shows. I feel like the shows and does media work. My doesn’t add up, he’s too good! victories at Phillip Island, Valencia, some of the Suzukis are getting 180bhp, we’re doing our bit for the industry and daughter Abbey has just finished school Monza, Silverstone and Misano. they’re ridiculously fast! Also, I don’t still making a living out of what we do. where she’s done top – so she’s going to He rides a bit like you: always beyond want to ride a Ducati from way back do medicine. Ollie is 11 and he’s crazy the limit. that’s going to crack its crankcases. Old You struggled after you quit, didn’t you? for his motorbike, skateboarding, or He’s just so fast. You think, how long bikes always have a few extra problems, When I stopped racing and we packed going out on the river in his tinny with can he get away with that? But he’s got that’s for sure. up in Europe after 10 years and moved a little engine on the back. In fact he’s so much control. back to Australia as world champion, out there right now, tearing the place Looking back to your WSB and MotoGP it was only a month or two before the apart with his mates. He raced at the And what about the Rossi renaissance? days, what’s your best memory? WSB guys started testing again and I Classic on an 85 and I just got him a I think that riding flat track every day There are occasions when I think of was on a massive downer. It was the little Metrakit 80 roadracer. at his ranch has really helped him. If the MotoGP win at Valencia [in 2006] worst thing and that probably took me you asked him I bet he’d say that’s got and occasions when I think of maybe two or three years to get over. It was Is it true Ollie rides just like you? him back loving riding again and given WSB 2008 a double win in Supers – so many terrible for a while. When I’m riding behind him, it makes him a bit of motivation. There’s no doubt that Bayliss quit memories pop into my head; it’s like Then a guy we know called Mark me laugh! If anyone’s going to do it, it’ll He can still win races for sure and racing while still at the height of a dream! I’m just really happy that it Peterson started employing me to be be him. He’s got all the bits and pieces he could actually win the champion- his powers. He scored 460 points all worked out and gave us the life we an ambassador for motorcycle shows. and we ride often, but we’re not hurry- ship. He’ll have to have a great year, but in the 2008 WSB series, 118 more have now. I still love bikes and am more Now we’ve hooked up and we run a ing him. He can rip around the track, he’ll definitely win two or three races than second-placed Troy Corser. involved with the industry than ever, few shows in Australia. So between knee on the ground, and make most at least, without a doubt. www.motorcyclenews.com
February 18 2015 27 WSB 2015 WORLD FIRST TEST IS GO CHARGE OF THE BRIT BRIGADE Rea, Sykes, Haslam and co go for glory at Phillip Island
OneNEW of the greatest ever sportsbikes is reborn. Lighter,R1 faster and ready to scare, MCN rides the standard version and the R1M rocketship 12 PAGE R1-FEST Used Buying Guide MOTOGP NOW IT’S + R1’s magic GETTING SERIOUS moments Top riders jostle for position as second Sepang test kicks off
CLASSIC RACING SPECIAL Some of the best bikes in the world on one of the world’s fi nest tracks
HEAD-TO-HEAD REVAMPED HONDA CROSSRUNNER TAKES ON 2014 MODEL www.motorcyclenews.com
28 February 18 2015 TECHNICAL INVESTIGATION WHY ROAD BIKES ARE BET With strict MotoGP rules banning some of the latest gadgets, road bikes are suddenly the ones blazing a high-tech trail
MotoGP bike Bristling with world-class technology but...
By Martin Fitz-Gibbons road bikes that don’t conform sophisticated it can be fitted to MCN CONTRIBUTOR to MotoGP’s rules. Every one Even the Duke 125 has KTM any machine – as proven when Racing is all about developing of them, in fact, given the class ABS, but the system KTM’s Duke became the first new tech that will trickle down to has an outright ban on chassis is banned on in the DUKE 125 125 with ABS, and by 2016 road bikes, right? Not any more. parts from road-homologated MotoGP paddock Technology: anti-lock it’ll be compulsory on all new New rules in MotoGP mean the machines. There are obvious, brakes models over 125cc in Europe. old mantra has been turned on its trivial elements too such as ca- ABS has never been used in head and in some ways road bikes pacity, tank volume, wheel size MotoGP rulebook says: Anti- MotoGP. It’s doubtful whether are already far more advanced than and weight, all of which are also lock Brake Systems are not it would be of any use in the their track counterparts. Strict ignored here as they’re simply a permitted. Braking inputs must dry, but given the number of technical limitations designed specification, rather than a tech- be powered and controlled front-end crashes in the wet, to cap the cost of competing, can nology. But look deeper and there solely by manual inputs. you can’t help think it might make these premier-class proto- still plenty of areas where road have some merit. types appear several steps behind bikes of all shapes, sizes and prices ABS was first fitted to bikes what’s already on sale to any of us. can outshine priceless grand prix by BMW in 1988. Today the See also: Most new road Obviously there are plenty of wonders. tech is so compact, light and bikes. #MCNwednesday
BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 29 TTER THAN MOTOGP BIKES
Road bike ...now road bikes boast tech not allowed in racing
the only firm to offer road HONDA bikes with dual-clutch gearboxes and their NC750X DCT popularity is increasing. In Technology: dual-clutch a DCT ‘box the shift action gearbox is automated, giving an MotoGP rulebook says: incredibly smooth change. Twin clutch transmission DCT has been banned (DSG) is not permitted. since 2010, which led to MotoGP’s seamless-shift All MotoGP bikes have to systems. use a manual gearbox, with a maximum of See also: Honda Integra six gears. Dual-clutch and Vultus, as well as DCT transmissions and CVT versions of the VFR1200, are banned. Honda are Crosstourer and NC750S. With DCT the shift is automated, making for a silky action Honda’s fun and friendly NC750X has DCT but you won’t find it on Marquez’s bike www.motorcyclenews.com
30 February 18 2015
Contrary to common belief, MotoGP YAMAHA YZF-R1M bikes don’t know where they are on track by referring to a GPS unit. Technology: GPS Instead, since 2010 the GPS sensors MotoGP rulebook says: on the bikes have only benefited In the MotoGP class, satellite Global TV viewers at home. Yamaha’s Positioning Systems (GPS and similar) new YZF-R1M, however, has a new are not permitted, except those GPS Communication Control Unit: a high- fuel mix, forced induction physically units supplied by the Organisers and tech datalogger which incorporates KAWASAKI H2 shoves the charge into the engine. used for their media and promotional GPS tracking. The CCU also allows for Technology: forced induction This effectively makes the motor purposes. wireless communication to a tablet larger than it really is, allowing it to No GPS or similar system may be through an app, letting owners both R1M’s clever datalogger includes GPS MotoGP rulebook says: make far more power and torque than connected (wired or wireless) to any download the data and also alter the Engines must be normally a naturally-aspirated engine of the part of the machine, other than as Yamaha Ride Control (engine modes See also: Ducati’s 1299 Panigale aspirated. same capacity. directed by the Organiser. Specifically and electronic aids) remotely. The will have “DDA+ GPS”, a similar In the case of Kawasaki’s road- it is prohibited to control any aspect R1M’s GPS doesn’t appear to be able to datalogging system. And as Honda’s Rather than letting the piston’s going H2, maximum torque is of engine or motorcycle performance control the bike’s performance in real Goldwing has an integrated satnav, it downward motion draw in the air/ nearly 20% greater than a ZX-10R, using the GPS signal. time, however. Yet. must also have a built-in GPS unit.
The Multistrada can Aprilia’s new Caponord adjust its valves for has some of the most the best emissions advanced suspension and power figures electronics around
At first it was simply a digital cams, enabling it to adjust the length APRILIA screwdriver – push a button and motors DUCATI MULTI- of its valve overlap (the time spent with EBR 1190RX adjust the unit’s damping to one of both valves open). This lets it change Technology: large-diameter brake CAPONORD 1200 several fixed presets. Today the most STRADA 1200 between a short overlap, giving smooth disc rotors advanced systems are semi-active, Technology: variable valve timing running and low emissions at low revs, TRAVEL PACK constantly changing the damping in and a long overlap, creating more MotoGP rulebook says: In the MotoGP Technology: electronic real time as you ride to find the best MotoGP rulebook says: Variable valve power at high revs. With emissions class, carbon brake discs must be suspension ride quality. The Aprilia Caponord timing and variable valve lift systems, of little concern on track, the tech is of one size for outside diameter of takes this a step further, being able driven by hydraulic and/or electric/ possibly less of an issue in MotoGP. 320mm. (Updated 22 May 2014: It has MotoGP rulebook says: Electric/ to automatically adjust the shock’s electronic systems are not permitted. been decided that the use of 340mm electronic controlled suspension, preload to suit the weight on the bike. See also: Kawasaki 1400GTR. The disc brakes will be optional for all ride height and steering damper MotoGP engines are required to use VTEC system on Honda’s VFR800 and circuits with the exception of Motegi systems are not allowed. Adjustment See also: BMW, Ducati, KTM, Triumph, fixed valve timing. However, the 2015 Crossrunner doesn’t change either where such use remains mandatory.) to suspension and steering damper Yamaha and others all make bikes with Ducati Multistrada can adjust the valve timing or valve lift, so it’s not systems must be made by manually. electronic suspension. phasing of both its inlet and exhaust covered by this rule. Forget whether the material is carbon #MCNwednesday
February 18 2015 31
Buy an Ariel and be smug in the fact that your rims are better than Rossi’s ARIEL ACE Technology: carbon-fibre wheels
MotoGP rulebook says: In all classes, composite construction wheels (including carbon fibre reinforced, glass fibre reinforced, and similar) are not permitted. The permitted materials for wheel construction are magnesium and aluminium alloys.
Every Ariel Ace is hand-built to a customer’s individual tastes at the firm’s Somerset headquarters. So, if you like (and have an extra £2391 to spend), you can specify your Ace to have a set of BST carbon-fibre wheels. Carbon wheels are lighter than metal ones, reducing the gyroscopic effect and making a bike faster steering, as well as quicker to accelerate and stop. though power is capped at 200bhp However, they’re considerably more due to a gentleman’s agreement. expensive too, and with race teams Forced induction has been banned requiring multiple sets of wheels the in motorcycle racing since 1946, costs quickly escalate. Carbon wheels predating even the first grand prix were used in MotoGP for years until world championship race. And, in they were finally outlawed prior to the fairness, the current GP bikes are 2013 season. hardly underpowered. See also: BST carbon-fibre wheels See also: Kawasaki’s track-only H2R. Impellers force air/fuel into cylinders are a factory option on Norton’s Commando 961s. WE NEVER GIVE WAY...
...to our competitors. If you find a better price, tell us & we’ll match it! or steel – it’s the size that matters here. carb-fed two-stroke single, and can be In MotoGP front brake disc diameter KTM FREERIDE road-registered. Two-stroke engines is capped at 340mm. However, EBR’s dominated premier-class grand prix new road bikes feature a single rim- 250R racing from the mid-1970s until the mounted brake disc which is 386mm Technology: two-stroke engine 2002 season, when more commercial in diameter. Designer Erik Buell’s four-strokes took over. While 500cc love of the design goes back more MotoGP rulebook says: Engines may two-strokes were still legal until 2007, than a decade to the XB9 Firebolt and operate on the reciprocating piston their vast capacity handicap meant Lightning, which used a 375mm disc. In four-stroke principle only. they were never raced after 2003. But theory this can be lighter than a twin- on an equal-capacity footing, a two- WHY USE ANYONE ELSE? disc set-up, reducing crucial unsprung Two-stroke road bikes aren’t quite stroke’s greater power density still weight at the front wheel. dead yet, though their last rites are makes it a force to be reckoned with. being read. However, for now you MCN CLOTHING AND ACCESSORY RETAILER OF THE YEAR 2013 See also: Everyone else seems happy can still buy a KTM Freeride 250R See also: Jawa 350 (they still make with sticking to sub-340mm discs. (£5999), which has a light, compact, them). A few mopeds and off-roaders. www.motorcyclenews.com
32 February 18 2015 TRIALS FOR ROAD RIDERS
TOTALLYWeird pole dancing over, we get on HYPED By John Westlake You can do all the trackdays and race MCN CONTRIBUTOR the bikes. These are odd. Besides having fresh air where the saddle should be, t’s February and freezing, yet they are absurdly light. At just 65kg (ie schools you want, but if you’re really we’re on bikes and warm. Our a third of the weight of a fully-fuelled top speed today is 25mph, yet sportsbike), it’s possible to grab the serious about improving your road we’re hyped like we’re on a track- silencer and fork leg and lift the whole day. We keep falling off, yet the thing up. They’re like toys compared to riding – you need a day of trials riding worst injury is a bruised arse. road bikes. The tyres are flat, running And my god are we laughing a only 5psi, for max grip and the two- Ilot. Welcome to trials: what all Brit- stroke engines are like nothing else. If ish motorcyclists should do in winter. you were brought up on Fizzies, RDs or And don’t for one moment think RGVs, set your memories to one side. we know what we’re doing. The six Trials two-strokes have the bottom-end of us are confirmed road riders who, grunt of a diesel. Stu runs a selection sitting in a pub one evening, decided of bikes ranging from 125cc through we needed a hit of motorcycling that to 300, and they all happily haul you didn’t involve salt, 24 layers of clothing through mud on tick-over. The top- and slimey corners. ends of the bigger-capacity bikes are Trials seemed the best bet because apparently dramatic, but the only time we guessed the risk of damaging our- we sample those is when we topple off selves would be lower than enduro or and accidently rev it to oblivion. motocross [Ed: they were right - there hasn’t been a death in a UK competi- Kindly bramble bush tive trial, ever]. We’d also seen the way And off we go, following Stu as he trials riders handle road bikes, doing weaves across a field, making tight feet-up, peg-down U-turns, balancing turns and chugging up slopes. Get- forever at traffic lights and generally ting the right body position for turns oozing low-speed mastery. We wanted makes a huge difference, and as we some of that. Plus it can’t be coincidence slowly begin to loosen up, Stu leads that so many racers – Kevin Schwantz, us across the farm to ride through Rob McElnea, Mick Grant – cut their old buildings and down mud banks. teeth on trials bikes. The grip-finding There is much smirking; this truly is magic is bound to rub off. excellent fun. And we begin to realise So off we went to TrialsDay, a new how incredible these little bikes are company geared-up to introduce nov- – you only have to aim them roughly ices to trials. Several of our party have straight and they’ll go over obstacles not attempted a press-up since the late you’d struggle to walk up. 1980s and were quietly fearful of not We’re also learning that revs are not enjoying themselves but jovial instruc- always the answer. If the rear tyre spins tor Stu Day was adamant no-one would as you ride up a slippy climb, all traction feel intimidated. Good: we didn’t want disappears, you spin to a halt and then some patronising smartarse making Continued over us feel fat and rubbish. In fact, Stu was under-selling the structured nature of the day. It was brilliantly set-up for road riders, tak- ing us through the basics step-by-step, so that we had time to absorb, then practice them. And if anyone got left behind as we blundered around Stu’s 200 acres of Staffordshire farmland, another instructor was there to pick up the stragglers and give them some one-on-one coaching. The comedy starts immediately, with the first lesson involving standing in a field holding a tent pole pretending you’re on a trials bike. Stu demonstrates the various shapes you need to throw to go round corners and up hills while five middle-aged gents and one of their sons attempt to copy him. “What you have to remember,” says Stu, as we prance about in the lairy spandex kit supplied, “is that you use your body a lot more than on a road bike.” No kidding - several of us are making involuntary groaning noises just from the effort of bending at the waist and MCN Sport editor Rupert Paul’s son waving the stick about. Freddie clearly has youth on his side #MCNwednesday
BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 33 AT JUST 25 MPH
‘Aim them roughly straight and they’ll go over obstacles you’d struggle to walk up’ JOHN WESTLAKE www.motorcyclenews.com
34 February 18 2015 TRIALS FOR ROAD RIDERS
‘We watch, mesmerised, as our large friend flies arse-first into the air, his legs and arms flapping behind him’
Bombing down an old reservoir sluice. The only way out is up that wall
What exactly are trials bikes? To the uninitiated, they’re a curious mix. Because Instructor Stu (left) listens patiently as Dom explains why he kept crashing they only weigh 65kg or so, the forks, shock and brakes look like something off a high-end mountain have to paddle backwards down the one of our number ends up diving over bike. The engine is usually a two-stroke water-cooled slope to the sound of unsympathetic the handlebars and rolling down a hill. single that looks like something from a scooter, but is laughter. Or, more dramatically, the No-one is clear why. tuned for low-down torque and ultra-consistent power tyre suddenly finds grip and you fly Once our sides have stopped ach- delivery (peak power from a 250cc trials bike is around over a crest on the back wheel, wheel- ing, we move on. By now the morning 30bhp). The frame, however, is an aluminium beam ieing until you are stopped by a kindly gloom has lifted and as we ride up into with a finish and complexity to match any sportsbike, bramble bush. the Staffordshire moorlands the views and componentry isn’t far off either. The latest As the day goes on we all get the tini- get more and more distracting. Wait- top-spec competition bike will cost you around est, slightest inkling of what ‘feeling ing for endo man to catch up we squint £6000, but you can pick up a decent 2005 for grip’ really is. It sounds so obvious, into the low sun and assess the distant bike for £1200-£1500 that will easily but just moving your weight back as Roaches mountains, wondering if we be good enough for club trials. you sense the rear tyre starting to slip could ride up them. It is decided that allows the bike to keep on driving. One given our problems with slimy tree slope we crack it, the next we’re sat roots, this is unlikely. in a puddle or poking out of a hedge. After a steak pie lunch courtesy of Just as legs and forearms start aching, Stu’s missus, it’s back to work. The final we stop for another lesson. This time weapon in the beginner trial rider’s it’s how to fall off properly (throwing armoury is lifting the front wheel over the group has improved so much from the bike down sideways will do the obstacles, but despite Stu’s clear and the morning that all but the trickiest least damage), and how to ride ruts and logical instructions (and annoyingly obstacles are cleared with minimal ridges. Lo and behold, Stu then leads easy demonstrations) we remain a dabbing and huffing. We even man- us to some ruts and ridges where most mass of lurching, revving numpties. age to traverse a steep slope beside a of us take the opportunity to practise Unperturbed, Stu leads us off to ex- lake, everyone using the rut-riding falling off. But again, his wise words perience ‘some more difficult stuff’. technique to keep the bikes on the foot- slowly sink in, we relax, and before long wide path cut into the slope. are happily riding through ruts that Spinning and slithering In keeping with the beautifully would have had us dabbing like idiots This seems to entail everything being structured nature of the day, the most 10 minutes ago. The trick, incidentally, closer together. So, going into a wooded difficult section is right at the end. is to relax your grip on the bars, lean section, you get a steep downhill, a There’s a nadgery descent between back slightly and use peg weighting massive tree root and a sharp corner. trees, followed by a slimy corner, which to guide the bike. Works like a charm. Individually, they would no longer leads to a very long, muddy, steep And so it goes on: five-minute lesson, trouble us. But at the same time? Car- climb. Ideally, you’d pick up some speed 30-minute practice on perfectly-suited nage – or what passes for carnage in on the descent that would carry you up terrain. Stu teaches us how to go up trials, which is essentially the lead bike the climb. But the slimy corner has to and down slopes, how to use the clutch on its side with everyone else running be taken at walking pace. and front brake to ride at a consistent into the back of each other. The first member of our group gets snail’s pace and how to do sharp turns There is, however, a growing feel- half way up, spins to a halt and slithers on steep slopes. During this exercise ing of confidence. Every member of to the bottom. The next does the same. Training over, it’s up onto the moorland for us to get properly scared #MCNwednesday
BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 35
Rupert Farnsworth crashing (again). “No- one has ever died rid- ing a trials bike,” says instructor Stu
‘Need a hand, son?’ ‘No thanks!’ Final test of the day: the bomb hole. It’s six foot deep on the left so watch out
‘Just rev the nuts off it... Simple!’ Instructor Stu’s sidekick Tommy was on hand to tackle obstacles properly
Clearly they are not gassing it hard There’s a feeling of intense well-being, enough on the brief flat section before not just from being out in the fresh the climb, which is not a mistake that ‘He then slips air all day riding bikes and returning WHAT CAN ROAD RIDERS LEARN FROM TRIALS? our tallest, heaviest compadre is going largely unharmed, but from having to make. He yanks open the throttle, over walking to learned something, of having improved Besides instructing like a big soft pussy cat. but has made a serious miscalculation. our skills. It’s been a life-affirming at TrialsDay, Stu You also learn how making Instead of spinning, the rear grips his bike, which of experience. Will we do it again? Oh yes. Day rides a Daytona the slightest change to your under his immense weight and the bike 675 on the roads body position can affect the flicks itself upright, firing him up and course isn’t Where, when, how much? and is convinced bike to make it more stable backward. We watch, mesmerised, as We paid £150 each, which included trials riding will and take advantage of grip. our large friend flies arse-first into the funny at all’ bike and kit hire, instruction, lunch help any road rider: This transfers directly to air, his legs and arms flapping behind and snacks. The only extra is £25 for “By riding trials, road bikes as well. And the him, before he thumps to the ground With the sun setting, we head back bike insurance. TrialsDay is based in you increase your final thing is concentration. as if someone has pulled his chair away. to base, nonchalantly riding over logs Leek, Staffs, just 400m from the Three sensitivity to the clutch, brakes Because you’re not distracted There’s a pause as we study his face that we wouldn’t have even attempted Horseshoes Inn (www.3shoesinn. and throttle and have a far greater by speed, trials teaches you for indications that he may require earlier. As we change out of the spandex co.uk) which does a twin room for £60. understanding of feedback from to concentrate very hard on immediate medical attention. But no. it’s clear several of us are feeling even If you only want to stay one night, best the tyres. You gain finesse: you what the bike is doing and what There’s clearly pain, but he’s already creakier than when they arrived – two bet is to book it after the day as you’ll learn to sense when the front and feedback you’re getting. If you up, making excuses. He then proceeds of the squad can’t take their jackets off feel more like drinking than driving. rear wheels are locking, so when transfer that to a road bike, you to slip over walking to his bike, which without assistance. But excited chatter Q Contact: www.trials-school.co.uk, you get on a road bike it feels can’t help but improve.” of course isn’t funny at all. drowns out the middle-aged groans. 07974-399325 www.motorcyclenews.com
36 February 18 2015 INDIAN A Is Indian’s new full-dressed Roadmaster about to
The mission Think fully-dressed, over-the-top American tourer and you’ll probably conjure an image of the big Harley you see here, the Electra Glide Ultra Tourer. But now it has a rival: the new Indian Roadmaster. To find out which of these glitzy tourers is the best, we took them to bright lights of London.
The bikes Indian Roadmaster, £22,799 New, full touring version of the Chieftain with fairing lowers, a 64-litre top box, a 200-watt stereo, heated leather seats, heated grips, electric screen, adjustable pillion footboards, tyre pressure monitor, cruise control, LED lights and ABS.
Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited, £22,145 A major overhaul two years ago upgraded over 100 parts on the Glide, including wheels, brakes, suspension, fairing and clocks. Most notably, and for the first time for a ‘classic’ Harley, the uprated pushrod motor gets water-cooling.
The riders
Michael Neeves, MCN Senior Road Tester Age: 44 Height: 6’0” A closet tourer fan
Mark Manning, MCN photographer Age: 41 Height: 5’5” European touring maestro MARK MANNING #MCNwednesday
BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 37 AMBUSH take the scalp of Harley-Davidson’s Electra Glide? By Michael Neeves more. You need to be built like Super- English winter, either. Sure they both SENIOR ROAD TESTER man to paddle either around, so you’re have multi-adjustable heated grips and acutely aware that if you drop into a the Indian has heated seats, too, but eality bites hard when you sloped parking spot ‘nose-in’, you’re once their big screens are plastered lift these tourers off their not going to get back out again. You with spray and muck you can’t see side stands for the first time. can get off and push backwards, but let where you’re going, especially in the You may have romantic vi- the bars flop onto full-lock and these dark or direct sunlight. You can’t see sions of riding them on giants will topple over and pin you to the road surface in front of you sitting America’s Route 66 in the the ground. down, so you have to ride up on your Rsummertime, wafting down high- In fact they’re so big and wide, I’m haunches to see what’s what - peering ways at 55mph, wrapped in a cocoon initially scared to filter through rush- up and around the screen like a meercat. of luxury, their big stereos serenading hour traffic down the motorway, and And there’s more: Their riding posi- your ears with soft rock. But nothing I feel bad paying just a pound to park tions make you slouch, and everyone can prepare you for what’s in store if them in central London when they gawps at you and your travelling fair- you’re a newcomer to bikes like these. take up nearly all the motorcycle park- ground ride wherever you go. With its The Harley weighs a hernia-inducing ing bays. two-tone paintjob and stitched tan 65-stone, and the new Indian another These bikes haven’t been designed leather seat, the Indian looks like some four bottles of family-size ketchup for riding through the depths of an continues over www.motorcyclenews.com WANT TO BUY THIS BIKE? 38 February 18 2015 INDIAN V HARLEY COMPARE INSURANCE PRICE BEFORE YOU BUY AT
Details
INDIAN
A modern twist on traditional styling
Harley’s Electra Glide has enjoyed being the sheriff of a one horse town for years
Cockpit cocoons but restricts the view kind of giant bowling shoe. Non-bikers can’t get enough of it though, and take pictures of it with their phones wher- ever you stop. The gears, brakes and clutches on both bikes work with the finesse of stiff signal box levers and the Harley’s cogs slam through its ’box as if they’re being smashed home by a hammer. The Indian’s gearbox is smoother, but you still wince when you clunk into first to pull away. Both also seem to have buttons ran- A bottom-warming leather-clad throne domly strewn across their dashes, and, on the Indian, the tank, too. The Roadmaster’s dainty buttons were no HARLEY doubt designed for fingerless gloves, not chunky winter Gore-tex, making them impossible to use in this weather. The left grip rattles and the speedo is too far over to the left to be in your eye line, which is a pain when you’re trying to concentrate on manhandling the beast. Cruiser tyres don’t benefit from re- lentless development and improvement like sports and sports touring rubber, so riding the Harley and Indian is like going back to a time where tyres had no Famous Batwing fairing came in 1969 grip in the wet and squirrelled alarm- or motocross style and the more you boot’s footprint is bigger than a central ingly over white lines, over-banding do it, the tighter and harder you can London flat, it has lots of cubby holes, and grooves in the road. They’re fine ‘Its 65-litre carpeted turn. By the end of our test I was having an electric screen, central locking and in the dry, though. boot’s footprint is so much fun I was wondering what I a more modern feel. But despite being And finally, if you’re new to might have to sell to afford either bike. the new kid on the block, the Indian American iron, you’ll be shocked at the bigger than a central In truth, there’s not much to sepa- manages to retain a charming sense of price of the things. Both cost around rate the Electra Glide and Roadmaster. retro, just like the Harley. £22,000, which is the same as a fully London flat’ The Indian’s 111-cubic-inch six-speed It’s from here the Indian starts to loaded BMW K1600 GTL Exclusive. On V-twin is a 1.8-litre and the Harley’s stretch out a bit of a lead. As well as the Beemer you’re justifiably paying it also helps you keep tight lines, set- similar motor, with a cool ‘heel and that extra kit, deep paint, chrome and big bucks for cutting-edge technol- tle the suspension through corners, toe’ gearshift, is a 1.7. They both cost nice detail touches, like the scalloped ogy, sophisticated electronics and and give your pillion a smoother ride. around the same, but the Harley is cylinder heads, it’s roomier, especially lightweight components, but for these Both machines have ABS, so there’s £654 cheaper and a further £650 less if with a pillion on-board. The engine is Is it a cockpit or someone’s living room?.. two heffalumps it’s £s for lbs. no chance of lock-ups, even on wet you opt for black, instead of two-tone, smoother and the suspension better- But here comes the big ‘but’ – no winter roads. paintwork. They both make around the damped, although the Harley is slightly pun intended. Sailing up and down the A1 is heav- same torque, have similarly impressive narrower, more nimble and has much The more you ride each bike, the less enly on both. They have cruise control, grunt, smooth throttles, both lollop improved handling and brakes com- unwieldy they become and the more big footboards to rest your boots, and along at 70mph with just 2000rpm on pared to the old-generation bikes. you relax. As each mile smoothly drifts deliver a magic carpet ride. And once the clock, and are equipped with horns The Roadmaster’s exhaust note is by under those chunky wheels and you realise these tourers aren’t actu- loud enough to make London bus driv- crisper, more metallic and throatier, tyres, the more they seem to shrink. ally as big as you first thought, they ers jump out of their skin. and while the Harley shakes, rattles You can almost forget about their weak give you the confidence to zip through It’s a game of Top Trumps to decide and rolls at tickover, its exhaust is dis- front brakes because the back brake is meandering cars and buses in all but which has the most toys as standard. appointingly quiet. They say a Harley king on a bike that weighs the same as gridlocked central London traffic. Both have had the kitchen sink thrown makes a ‘potato-potato’ noise, well, an American family. You use the back The best cornering technique is to at them out of the showroom, but the the Electra Glide is more like a muffled ...pillion seat or nightclub on wheels? brake to help you stop, of course, but ‘push’ the bikes down ‘Gymkhana’, Indian just edges it. Its 65-litre carpeted bag of King Edwards. #MCNwednesday
BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 39
MICHAEL NEEVES VERDICT MCN SENIOR TESTER ‘Indian are definitely doing it properly’ Here’s the thing: is the Indian properly. The Roadmaster is the too new to have right ‘badge’? winner here – but it is close. Only time will tell, but it’s The pair take time to get used certainly got the heritage, plus to, but once you get to know the firm are offering a five-year these big, brash, heavy Yankee extended warranty deal if you tourers they’ll make you whoop buy now, which is big peace of and holler. The Electra Glide and mind. Regardless of whatever the American touring dream go considerations you might have hand-in-hand, but the new Indian over brand image, Indian are Roadmaster looks set to give back – and they’re doing things Harley nightmares.
‘Everyone gawps at you and your travelling fairground ride wherever you go’
Shrinking violets need not apply for these monsters
INDIAN ROADMASTER st £22,799 1 Torque 102.5ftlb Engine 1811cc (101 x 113mm) Weight 418kg Suspension 46mm non- adjustable forks, single rear shock with adjustable preload Brakes 2 x 300mm discs with four-piston caliper. ABS Seat height 673mm
HARLEY-DAVIDSON ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA rd LIMITED £22,145 2 Torque 102ftlb Engine 1690cc (98.4 x 111.1mm) Weight 414kg Suspension 49mm non- adjustable forks, twin rear The circus has rolled into shock with adjustable preload London town! Oh, my mistake, Brakes 2 x 320mm discs with it’s the Indian Roadmaster four-piston caliper. ABS Seat height 740mm www.motorcyclenews.com 40 COMMENT
ples into the pivot housing? Bikes in the 50s and 60s had them – AJS and Email [email protected] Matchless even fitted them to head- Your letters Write MCN Letters, Media House, Lynchwood, Peterborough PE2 6EA bearings. Bob Russell, Hornchurch
I’ve let the TT go my head My husband and I are avid fans of the Isle of Man TT races. We LETTER OF THE WEEK have been going for many years and I decided that I’d have a helmet custom- ised and hope to get the stars to sign it. ‘Monkeys could Tracy Thomas, email do a better job’ People behind MotoGP debacle should ‘hang their heads in shame’
How’s that for a TT tribute? Conquest to the rescue I was tootling along the A350 with my TDM850 enjoying my winter ride, when I encountered a piece DONINGTON CANCELLED of metal right in front of me in the road. It smashed into the radiator and very nearly managed to unseat me (us 68-year-olds aren’t as adept at dodg- ing disasters as we were in our heyday). Coolant poured onto my boots and raised my already dodgy blood pres- sure a few notches. Luckily, I was close to Three Legged Cross where I pulled into a bike shop, where, upon learning of my misfortune, all three staff pitched in. A plan was swiftly put in place – I’d
GOLD AND GOOSE leave my TDM there and be loaned a bike to get home to Blandford. The TDM Just heard the news that the MotoGP at Donington KTMs not ready for adventure will not be a gritting priority. I was was fixed in under a week after the @ With the 1050 and 1290 joining disappointed to read that Gavin thinks proprietor secured a replacement ra- has been cancelled. I bought tickets for the race only the 1190, KTM have three bikes it is someone else’s fault that he came diator via ebay at minimal cost. Hats a couple of weeks ago and was so looking forward in this category – but are any of them off, and is looking to sue the council. off to Conquest Motorcycles! really ‘Adventure’ bikes? Would any We need to be taking responsibility for Mannfred, Dorset to seeing my first ever live racing! Gutted is an sane rider take one of these quarter- our own decisions, not blaming others. ton behemoths on a proper adventure Graham Waddington, email Fed up with road tax rip-off understatement! To be fair, it’s probably a good thing through the Moroccan desert or even Does anybody know why road it’s cancelled as it seems from the organisation thus some of the wilder tracks of the North Grease those nipples tax has been increasing by £2 a York Moors? Not me, ta very much - I @ Interesting article on how to keep year for the past few years? I am now far the whole event, had it taken place would have found my 990 great for barreling across your swingarm in top condition paying £80 per year compared to some made us a laughing stock of the world. Somewhere Europe but wouldn’t relish adding (MCN, January 21) but isn’t it about cars that pay either zero or only £30! another 10 to 30kg onto an already time manufacturers fitted grease nip- Motorcyclists should be paying LESS there are a lot of highly-paid people in charge of this substantial machine. Please Mr KTM tax than motorists, NOT more! get back to your ‘Ready to Race’ roots READER POLL Tony Surridge, email whole mess. They should hang their heads in shame, and give us a simple Rally-proven bike Ed: Join MCN’s fight to have more of our monkeys could have done a better job! that can cross continents in style but money spent on potholes. Add you name once offroad not bog us down with its Which bike will be the one to beat in to the petition now at motorcyclenews. road bike bulk, C-ABS and clever MCE British Superbikes this year? com/saveourroads Dean Wardle, Email inclinometer-driven LEDs! Ed: Donington are offering full refunds and Silverstone has stepped in for the Adrian Carter, North Yorkshire 31.8% 43.46% Fight for our roads next two years, turn to page 4 for MCN’s investigation. Yamaha – the new BMW – with Tyco and MCN is right to campaign for R1 is going to be Buildbase they have a @ Living in a bikers’ paradise revolutionary massive chance better roads. MAG has been beat- @ I moved to New Zealand eight ing this drum since the 1980s and made years ago and the attitude to bikes the point that we are more at risk to is so refreshing, we are not seen as road surface defects than most. Getting MCN STAR LETTER second class citizens and are posi- the treasury to ring-fence money from If you’re looking to insure a bike, visit tively welcomed everywhere. The best a source like fuel duty for a specific MCNcompare.com and you can quickly part is the roads: very little traffic and 23.32% purpose is a tough one as chancellors compare prices from 43 top motorcycle the most awesome twisties imaginable. Kawasaki – Shakey always want flexibility. Our chances insurance brands. The writer of the was dominant in 2014 I cannot recommend it enough. and that won’t change of raising the profile of this issue in best letter each week published in the Dave Colman, New Zealand Westminster is higher than it has ever Letters pages will receive a free retro- been, however, as no less than 38 MPs design MCN T-shirt courtesy of the Let’s not play the blame game are now paid up members of MAG. That MCNcompare.com website. Regarding Gavin Flint’s letter to is about five per cent of the Commons. MCN Law (MCN, February 4). If we could get the same percentage of Riding a bike has dangers. Riding a 1.41% bikers to support us we’d have one of bike in winter is even more dangerous, Honda – the factory team will be the best funded lobbies in the UK. especially down a country road that coming back stronger than ever Ian Mutch, MAG president #MCNwednesday
BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 41
YOUR PICTURES 18.02.2014 ANDY CALTON EDITOR Every week, MCN prints the best pictures sent in by readers or website Let’s put an end to the users. You can post your pictures mud threat and tears onto our Facebook page or email them Motorcyclists have to put up know why but this year seems to mcn.letters@ with quite a lot. worse than before and mud motorcyclenews.com Sight-impaired car motorists, on the road is an issue that’s We want the full over-zealous police officers difficult to police. Or is it? array of weird and and the great British weather to Most of the mud-splattered wonderful images name just a few. roads emanate from a building that reflect your Of course, the mobile phone- site, quarry or farm. So it’s not biking life. As you obsessed driver has to have a that hard to follow the trail can see here, we are mention at this point. All of the to its source. At that point, happy to celebrate above are annoying, dangerous surely the farmer or building the lighter things from and even life-threatening. site owner should be held Tony Dobson the world of biking. James Birtles just crossed the line in first place at Silverstone MotoGP. But there’s a very clear and accountable, asked to clean present danger that’s been the roads regularly and build causing concern at MCN Towers better access routes in and out in recent weeks: there seems to of muddy areas. Why not stick be more mud on the road at the down mattting or hardcore to moment than there is tarmac! soak up some of the gunk? The slime that gets smeared While it’s more immediately across our highways makes dangerous for motorcyclists, it’s riding extremely hazardous also pretty grim for car drivers. and of course there’s the It will affect stopping distances horrendous damage it does and it will make a mess of to bodywork, paintwork paintwork and wheels. and even riding kit. There have been a few There’s not much worse instances over the years of than going to wipe your crashes caused by mud on visor clean only to leave the road, and of farmers a smear of dirt across facing prosecution, but the very piece of criminal proceedings are plastic you’ve just rare. So If you come attempted to across a mud-caked clear, leaving road, notify the police. forward That way it’s easier for Me in Goa, India. Had three weeks on an Enfield. John Taylor My bike will have to stay in the garage a bit longer. Dave Randall vision a the boys in blue to take muddy blur. action in the event of I don’t an accident.
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Rossi the whippet looking for his namesake. Anthony Brown Weekend ride to the Cameron Highlands. Alastair Moffat hippo: totally exhilarating! angry a of back the on surf to trying like much was Cadwell, like atrack at that, like aday on Busa the like a beast control to trying But Metzelers. mighty otherwise the for much too proving water standing of loads and torque of –110ftlb squirminess and spray of aday definitely was It Mountain. the over squirrely all went and Straight upPark wheelspun we Bridgestones, OE Busa’s the replacing (£220) tyres M7RR Metzeler new the With trackday. Cadwell arain-lashed at was circuit on foray first Our weather. inbad or hard countless bottles of AutoGlym. over bonded we and one proud a very Iwas go, caretaker-owners As arrived. it day the as pristine as remained and that the Busa’s bulbous bodywork abelter, was ride every ensured that Astrategy destination. and distance, wisely, on weather, decisions based together moments our chose we hack; alifetime. last genuinely will that memories of full head a I’ve A is one that won’t Emma forget inahurry A season of high-speed on fun the Busa machine memory mph The www.motorcyclenews.com Mods to date Weight THE BIKE SUZUKI HAYABUSA Miles to date Seat height £80 pads, £275 remap OUR BIKES OUR That’s not to say it didn’t get ridden ridden get didn’t it say to not That’s mydaily from far was Suzuki big The OWNING | FIXING | RIDING | RIDING | FIXING | OWNING
245kg
805mm
£1100 exhaust, 4450 space in myspace garage, big the despite But poorer because of it. the mylife’s all and returned to Suzuki, has Busa the so nd £10,999 a love of sporty riding and performance and riding sporty of a love Her riding Weight Height Emma Franklin, Editor Production THE RIDER 5ft 7in 5ft 57kg Club level 125GP racer with with racer 125GP level Club by roasting my legs in traffic, and and traffic, in legs my roasting by known displeasure its made and work, into commute urban seven-mile short, twist-and-go. huge a like Suzi big the use and gear infourth it leave to me for flexibility enough had torque of skip-loads its with motor 1340cc mega that course, of And strength. and feel Brembo fast-road items, were full of aftermarket to pads the I’d upgraded once brakes, ABS-powered dancer. The ballet aplus-size of poise curious the all with traffic through dart to agility the had Busa the machine, ahuge such For measure. inequal resented and at excelled both hyperbike heavyweight the which work, into commutes tempered with sunny morning nitrous oxide and parachutes! with complete cars drag full-on than Busa was smashing quarters faster day, the the of end the By achievable. quarter-miles like a pro totally super-slick made gearbox demolishing wheelbase, fuelling, pitch-perfect and Hayabusa’s extra-long 2195mm the remap) ECU and Yoshi system the by (liberated 187bhp monster Stratford-upon-Avon. Despite its at Shakespeare County Raceway, racing drag spent aday of form Yet the Hayabusa detested the All the high-speed thrills were the in came exhilaration More
reserved in my heart. heart. my in reserved space Busa abig and memories, Busa brilliant with packed be always will mybrain inmygarage, gap shaped miles! full-throttle 60 just in fuel of tank 21-litre whole a demolish to managed we so, year. indoing And the for goal my – 200mph to Busa my take and better, two go to managed Dunn Bruce rider day, test that MCN Later wheels. two on been ever I’ve fastest the – 198mph to me propel to Busa the allowed Yoshi system flowing restrictions), and the fitting of the freer- electronic the (removing ECU the to mods The landmark. a personal Imade and Busa the where Ground, year, came at Bruntingthorpe Proving the of memory my biggest indeed and returning a shockingly dismal 33mpg. MARK MANNING So, while there’s an empty Busa- empty an there’s while So, consumption, fuel Yet mybiggest
WHAT GOT WE’VE UP TO THIS WEEK Emma and the Busa cemented their relationship over a few bottles of AutoGlym of bottles afew over relationship their cemented Busa the and Emma
Bridgestones, ready for
quarter-mile action
Burning out the OE on death’s door death’s on VTR knocking ASK EXPERTS Scuffed heelplates are the only wear only the are heelplates Scuffed p44 exhaust system Bolt on anew HOW TO... Yoshi system dropped 15kg and made the big Busa much more agile in the corners the in agile more much Busa big the made and 15kg dropped system Yoshi p46 traffic with allthe a plus-size ballet curious poiseof ‘It dartsthrough a GPStracker Steal yourself WIN PRIZES p48 dancer’ crazy speeds on. It’s also also It’s on. speeds crazy an excellent leaf-blower brilliant bike for doing doing for bike brilliant The Hayabusa’s a a Hayabusa’s The
IAN JUBB Miles Seat height Mods to date winter warrior Tough MTisa T Weight THE BIKE YAMAHA MT-07, Yamaha weathers the season’s worst (screen, exhaust, shock) exhaust, (screen, sprayed all over the rear shock. So I’d So shock. rear the over all sprayed gets grime road the and short too is rear hugger.better one standard The a needs it badly how realise me rubber before too long. new some on out shell to have to going Iam foam, some and aplug with do made I’ve while and tyre rear the and have done ever since. that evening they were working again office the Ileft time the By up. froze connectors the Isuspect and night freezing a after happened It hours. 24 for working stop to decided indicators the when was glitch only other the and furry. dull gone have bolts the of some and buttons, the around orange little a gone has disc front The toll. its taking winter of signs tell-tale afew are there good, sparkling. out come largely, and, winter in the spotlight HD action cam OUR KIT perfect for winter fun winter for perfect MT-07 the makes delivery power Soft p49 Cleaning the perky twin also made made also twin perky the Cleaning punctured also has metal of A shard and well, up cleans it of rest The is bike budget this on finish the While
4535 197kg through the of worst the overit winter. ridden It’s been of time aquiet allowed been he Yamaha MT-07 has not 805mm
£1459.99 £1459.99 £5349 Height [email protected] Andy Calton, Editor THE RIDER has forged a love of middleweights of alove forged has His riding 6ft Growing up on two-strokes two-strokes on up Growing Weight 95kg would have been avoided. damage the of some Ithink ACF50, like spray an bikethe anti-corrosion with I’d if and minimal, it’s coated but mark roads. greasy position make it ideal for riding on riding upright and power soft its and it saves. hassle the for it worth be will it but £90 about cost ones –decent part aftermarket an with that replace to look definitely brake discs brake MT-07’s the on orange mark Winter’s left its SALE INSIDE + 14,634 ONLINE +14,634 Yes, the winter weather has left its its left has weather winter Yes, the beautifully running still is MT The BIKES FOR BIKES OF USED OF USED 100s #MCNwednesday www.motorcyclenews.com
SAVE TIME. SAVE CASH 44 GARAGE COMPARE YOUR INSURANCE QUICKLY AT
How do I get my shock springs off?
I want to give the rear Q shocks on my 2003 Yamaha XJR1300 a really good clean Got a problem? MCN’s team of specialists has the answers up, but how do I remove the springs to do the job properly? Dave Hayes, email GENERAL HONDA SUSPENSION SUZUKI Chris Dabbs Scott Bullet Gareth Evans Steve Scully The spring is held in place by a MCN’s agony uncle Workshop manager Ex-BSB suspension Service manager A collar at the top of the shock. and former road tester and a Honda-approved engineer and now at GT Motorcycles, Once you have reduced the with 30 years’ biking diagnostic technician boss of Reactive Plymouth, 30 years of preload to minimum, and if you are experience at Doble Suspension Suzuki experience really strong and have a helper, it’s possible to compress the spring by My 2003 Honda FireStorm only has hand, then slide the collar out. If you 2500 miles on the clock with a full can’t manage that, there are car Honda dealer service history. It Is knocking FireStorm a sign spring compressors available which starts OK, runs OK and looks as if it clamp onto the spring coils and you just came out of the packing crate. use a spanner to wind them tight. But But at tickover (1100/1200rpm) of impending doom? there’s a fair risk the painted finish of and when riding at 1500 revs, say JOHN KNOWLES, EMAIL the springs will be damaged, as they when filtering, the rear cylinder are built for the wider coils on cars. appears to intermittently fire early, Your best bet is to take them with a loud knock that is sometimes to a suspension specialist who strong enough to stop the engine. has a motorcycle-specific spring Open the throttle some more and it compressor. I use a WP compressor runs perfectly. What’s going on? that also works on forks. At £298 it’s a tool too far for you but I remove Those pistons are big slugs of springs for £10. A metal and they will start to Gareth Evans, Reactive Suspension misbehave if the carbs aren’t balanced properly, or if the carbs are gummed up a little. I think both issues could be a factor for your bike. With such a low mileage your bike has probably been idle for prolonged periods and if you haven’t drained the fuel system between lay-ups of more than a few weeks, any petrol in the system will have had plenty of time to degrade and gum up the works. But if you are confident that you could strip and clean the carbs, you should have no difficulty balancing them first. The biggest problem here is getting a pipe on the front cylinder vacuum point. As you are going to keep the bike, your best bet is to fit an adaptor permanently to the thread and then blank it off when you have finished. Armed with your balancing gauges, it’s straightforward to get the readings identical. But only make small changes, perhaps a quarter-turn on the Want your VTR to run adjustment screws back and forth to better? Clean the keep track of the changes, otherwise carbs and ride it you will get lost. more often A spring compressor is the tool for Scott Bullett, Doble Motorcycles the job, but the price is prohibitive
CHOICE CHOOSE BEFORE YOU LOSE TALL AND COMFY EURO TRAVELLER
The comfy option The steady option The racey option I am tall and looking for a KAWASAKI VERSYS 1000 £5000-£8600 SUZUKI V-STROM 1000 £2195-£10,599 TRIUMPH TIGER SPORT £6499-£11,499 comfy sports tourer for a The older Versys looks a little odd, but it’s Easy to ride and manageable, delivering loads of The sportiest bike here sounds good and is set big Euro-tour. roomy, comfortable, vibe-free and there’s midrange. You can throw it around with confidence up for more aggressive riding with adjustable Mark Russell, email excellent all-round wind protection. and it’s backed up by traction control and ABS. Showas and ABS as standard. 116bhp I 239kg I 21l I 845mm seat 100bhp I 228kg I 20l I 850mm seat 123bhp I 235kg l 20l I 830mm seat
ASK YOUR QUESTION Email: [email protected] Web: www.motorcyclenews.com/expert and simply post your query on our Ask The Expert forums #MCNwednesday
BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 45
I want better light for me and my bike. Q What's the brightest idea? Your legal questions HILLEL FORBES, KENT SHOULD I TAKE MY HUBBY TO COURT? I am after some better lighting for overly dazzling but will provide a little my bike, both to see ahead better, bit of extra illumination. Givi also offer I find myself in a bit of a and to be more visible. What can an LED version. Q moral quandary. My you recommend? They are a lot more expensive than husband was riding our ‘conventional’ lighting systems, but Blackbird with me as pillion when Additional lighting LED units are more than twice as he lost control on a bend. He isn’t subject to MoT efficient as halogen ones – generating escaped injury other than a few regulations for less heat, more light and draining less bruises and aches, but I came off maximum wattage, current – they are also less prone worse and now have a wire in my so you can fit to fail due to vibration. Their output thumb and a plate in my wrist. powerful lights, but is measured in lumens rather than Apparently osteoarthritis is going it’s imperative they watts, though the current they draw to be an issue. I want to claim are aimed correctly and don’t dazzle can be measured in watts. Lumen compensation, but don’t want to other road users. and watt units represent different sue my husband! Will his insurer If you only want to be more visible to quantities, so there isn’t a direct pay out without me suing him? other road users, a small LED system conversion, but 900 lumens is roughly Elaine Robinson, Staffs of running lights, such as Bike Vis equivalent to 60 watts of output. bullets, can be mounted around the You can also order basic units from ‘This sort of thing bike, on the side of the fairing, tucked Demon Tweeks and Amazon for about happens very away near an air intake or even in a £50. These seem to be based on car wheel arch using the red versions. driving lights, so are quite chunky and frequently and Another budget option is to fit a basic, and mounting them on your bike people tend to be better quality halogen headlight bulb may be an issue. like a Xenon or Phillips Bluevision. Bike-specific LED kits are available pragmatic’ Even a basic swap to a higher-than- from firms like Motorworks, SW standard wattage would help, but Motech and Touratech, mainly for As the pillion you are don’t go beyond 65 watts as your adventure bikes and big tourers. A certain to succeed in your machine’s wiring might struggle to The Clearwater range comes with a claim for compensation for cope with the extra load. handlebar-mounted knob that allows your injuries and financial losses, If you also want to improve your you to vary the dip lighting from 20% assuming you were not the cause view of the road ahead, there are a to 80%, so you can run them brighter of the loss of control. If court few options. Givi Trekker halogen during the day for extra visibility and proceedings become necessary lights are designed to clamp onto turn them down to be proper dipped Clearwater Erica Clearwater Darla your husband would have been handlebars and any other handy bits headlights at night. £600-£800 £371-£550 named on the court documents as of tubing. At 35w each they're not Keith Roissetter, Infinity Motorcycles the defendant. However, the majority of claims settle without the need for court proceedings to HOW TO SEE AND BE SEEN be commenced, let alone reach a trial. This claim is bound to settle as presumably your husband will not actively assist the claim’s defence. And there don’t appear to be contentious medical causation issues (ie the injuries are obviously due to the accident). In reality, the claim will be notified to your husband’s Bike Vis LED Phillips Givi S310 Givi S320 LED Oberon twin Touratech Denali D2 insurer and your husband will be units Bluevision halogen lights lights lights LEDs Dual indemnified for the value of the £16 bulb £30 £150 £278 £348 £454 £280 claim and your legal costs by his insurer. Your husband will simply have to let his insurer know his version of events (ie admit liability) and his involvement will Why does my BMW Rebuilt Burgman likely end. He may well face an cut out in traffic? won’t run right increased insurance premium, however the cost of this will be far I have just purchased a 2006 I have rebuilt a 1998 Suzuki outweighed by the value of your Q BMW K1200GT with 13,500 Q Burgman 400. It starts but it claim. This sort of thing happens miles on it and it is cutting will not rev above tickover. very frequently and people tend to out at low revs in traffic, which is John Harrison, email be pragmatic. disconcerting on my London commute. What could it be? Check the sidestand and Roy Armstrong, email A centrestand cut-outs. Because Andrew the Burgman is a big automatic, Campbell If the bike runs well otherwise, it the cut-outs work differently from a Solicitor and author could be a sticking idle actuator. conventional bike. Instead of cutting of the MCN Law A column for the last Failing that, the fault memory the ignition when you select a gear with fi ve years needs to be checked to confirm fuel either stand down, the Burgman is still pressure and the throttle position able to rev, but only just above tickover. Andrew Campbell, Bikelawyer. sensor. A low mileage like that means That way it won’t drop off the Visit www.bikelawyer.co.uk or lots of time parked up and the injection centrestand on full chat and punch a email [email protected] system could be a little gummed up Sounds like your hole in a wall. A technician can still with old fuel, so run some injection GT’s idle actuator carry out the service checks needed cleaner through it too. is sticking with the engine running. Motorcycle Accident Solicitors Chris Dabbs, MCN Steve Scully, GT Motorcycles www.motorcyclenews.com NO SONGS, NO PUPPETS, NO BULL 46 GARAGE JUST GREAT BIKE INSURANCE! COMPARE PRICES INSTANTLY Lose weight & gain power with new pipe Treat your bike to a new exhaust and boost its looks, sound and performance in just a few hours
An exhaust system typically comprises Bruce Dunn a downpipe assembly, intermediate pipe, The MCN road tester and end can, and various springs and fasteners. former bike mechanic gives Prior to the removal of your stock system, his practical know-how for you need to check whether the radiator, oil our step-by-step guides. cooler or other ancillary system can remain in place, or if they need to be removed. Refer to a Whether it’s for improved looks, sound or workshop manual as well as the instructions performance, or maybe to replace a dam- for the new system. Pay particular attention aged stock item, there are many reasons for when removing the old system, as this will fitting an aftermarket exhaust. give you a useful insight to how the new one Whereas standard exhaust systems are will fit. The instructions supplied with the built to meet cost, noise and environmental Akrapovic system for our Yamaha MT-07 were targets, aftermarket items are often better first-class, and included a detailed guide for finished, much lighter, and laden with exotic removing the standard exhaust. titanium and carbon-fibre. These systems This Akrapovic requires no fuelling modifi- often also feature removable inserts called cations; it has provision for the stock Lambda baffles, which reduce the noise emitted by sensor to be fitted, which allows the bike’s the exhaust. This gives the owner the ability ECU to adjust the fuelling to suit the new ex- to comply with noise regs for the road and haust. A good brand of exhaust will have been release the pipe’s volume and performance developed with these settings in mind, and potential when riding on track. will have provision for the Lambda sensor.
NEED TO KNOW Time: Two hours Skill level: +++++ Total cost: Variable Money saving: £100-£120 at current dealer labour rates THINGS YOU’LL NEED Exhaust system £200-£2500 The choice is endless, but we’d recommend a marked road-legal system to save hassle at your next MoT Before you start, check the list of parts against Remove any ancillary parts from your bike that are Trace the wire from the Lambda sensor back and 1 what’s in the box, making sure it is all there. Take a 2 obscuring removal of the standard exhaust. This 3 disconnect it from the bike’s wiring loom. Failure few minutes to read and understand the removal can include things like footrest hangers, oil cooler, to do this will cause stress on the connectors as and fitting instructions from start to finish. radiator, fairing panels etc. the sensor twists round when being undone.
Spring puller £5 The bodger’s way to fit a spring is to use a secured cable tie to make a loop. Organised people use one of these
Rubber/wooden mallet £3.50-£25 Stubborn standard exhausts may need a tap to break their seal with the engine manifold. A nudge If you need to fit downpipes to the intermediate Often there will be a Lambda sensor adaptor Fit the middle section of the exhaust. Quite often with this will sort it 6 section, check the instructions for the assembly 7 supplied with the kit. Fit the sensor to the adaptor, 8 the sections are held tightly in place with powerful order as it’s not always intuitive as to what goes making sure it’s tight. Route the cable to the loom springs; there is a knack in getting these to fit. Use where. Fit the downpipes, and semi tighten all bolts. as originally fitted, reconnect it, then refit the sensor. the correct tool, which is often supplied with a system. #MCNwednesday
BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 47
Keep your head up to take the long view. Look as far ahead as you pos- sibly can and things will appear to slow down.
NEXT
WEEK When you approach a right- DAN HILLIARD What to check if hander position yourself your bike suddenly close to the kerb cuts out on the road
IAN JUBB RIDE FASTER, RIDE SAFER Turn a corner with your road riding Get the right gear Mark Edwards With your position and speed sorted, you Retired police should select a gear that will be both motorcyclist, now Class responsive and flexible as you negotiate the One certified instructor bend. This will often involve changing down for Rapid Training one or more gears, and you should aim to have the gear in place before you enter the bend. Prepare your position You require a gear that will give you good Right-hand corners come in all shapes and control through the throttle so that you can sizes, but by following a few simple guidelines fine tune your speed as you ride through the you will be able to deal with them confidently corner, and one that will allow you to either Undo the bolt that holds the can to the hanger, Fit new, original exhaust header pipe gaskets. and safely. decelerate or accelerate as required. 45loosen the pipe that connects to it, and remove. Check with the instructions as they might be As you approach a right-hand bend you Downpipes can be undone one side at a time, then supplied – or they might not be needed. A dab of should position yourself to the left side of Be a control freak a gentle tap with a soft mallet will help remove them. grease helps gaskets stick if they are prone to slipping out. your lane. You don’t have to be riding next As you enter the bend you should maintain to the kerb, but ideally you should be in the your approach position around it until you area of the left-hand wheel track for a car. can see the exit. Only when you can see the This position will give you the best view into exit of the bend should you think about re- the corner so that you can gather further positioning for the next feature. The most information. Make sure you take into account common mistake when approaching a right- any nearside dangers such as side roads, hand bend is turning in too early – this can junction or potholes and the area nearest the often be a sign that you are carrying too much kerb can be strewn with debris. speed into the corner. Turning in too soon will reduce your view ahead in the middle of the Sort your speed corner, will bring you close to opposing traffic, The next step is to adjust your speed to a and will cause you to run wide on the exit. A suitable level. On a familiar road you will slower, more controlled corner entry will give already know the severity of the bend, but on you good safety margins through the corner, a new road you must be guided by what you and will also enable you to make a fast and can see, and make a judgement based on the effective exit. information available to you at the time. Be cautious, as it is far better to arrive too slow Fit the silencer. Make sure the bracket around the Make sure the downpipes don’t touch any panels or than too fast! As a guide, you should always MORE NEXT WEEK 9 can is not being tightened at an odd angle. Then 10 they will suffer heat damage. Check for clearance aim to be able to stop in the distance you can Ride smoother with Adam Child check all bolts are fitted, and tighten up. Start the between the silencer and swingarm; bounce the see to be clear. bike to make sure there is no blowing from the headers. back end to check clearance in the full range of movement. www.motorcyclenews.com NO SONGS, NO PUPPETS, NO BULL 48 GARAGE DON’T WASTE TIME & MONEY SEARCHING FOR INSURANCE
RST Blade gloves, £49.99 Dunlop SportSmart2 Tyres, These leather gloves come with a £200 (approx) 2 waterproof membrane to keep April We have a pair of Dunlop’s technologically showers at bay. For protection they have advanced sport tyres to give away. Modern double layer leather palms and carbon sports touring tyres generate as much grip as knuckles, plus padding at the wrist. The you’ll ever need on the road and designed to gloves come in a variety of colours and balance grip and longevity. sizes, but the pair we have to give away Enter until: March 31 are red and in size large. Enter until: March 31 4
Ever fancied getting your hands on some top biking goodies for free? Well you could be in with a chance if you en- ter our giveaways. All you need to do is Rev’it Voltiac HV Jacket, register at winit.motorcyclenews.com £169.99 High-viz jackets have shed their spoddy image in recent years – and this one is packed 3 with useful features. Waterproof, with a removable thermal lining, it comes with CE- approved Knox armour at the shoulders and elbows, plus a pocket for a back protector. It’s available in S-XL. We have an XL to give away. Enter until: March 31
Win a Buffalo Samurai jacket, £99.99 5 Comes with a removable thermal liner and fixed waterproof membrane. There’s shoulder and elbow armour, with a pocket for a back protector. There’s one fit adjuster per sleeve and two for fit around the waist. There are zipped vents at the back to help on warmer days. It’s available in black/grey and black neon, sizes S-5XL. We’ve one of the black/ 1 neon versions in a size large up for grabs. Enter until: March 31 SPOT Trace unit, £99 This is a versatile tracking device which uses GPS to relay its location to a smartphone or 6 computer. The idea is that it can be used by loved ones to keep tabs on where you are Bikeshuttle for your bike, £349 while out on a long ride, to help you keep track Alpine touring by bike is hard to beat, but of which roads you’ve been on during a rideout the journey there down the peage can be or touring expedition, or to help find your bike tedious and tyre-squaring – which is where if it’s been stolen. If you are the winner you Bikeshuttle come in. They’ll lug your bike will need to purchase a service plan, they cost from Heathrow to Geneva, all you need to do £11.90 per month and need to run for a is jump on a plane and meet it there. We have 12-month period. places for two bikes to give away. Enter until: February 28 Enter until: March 14
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