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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 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 and are strain- LONDON BIKE SHOW ing at the leash. We’ve also drafted in 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, , 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 ’ 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 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 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 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 BRADLEY SMITH CWM LCR MONSTER YAMAHA BRIT GP WINNER AT plan for the British MotoGP. record crowds. We can’t expect people MOTOGP RIDER 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 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 .” 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 , 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 ’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 at Mike’s son, David, who will also be you can’t get much the . 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!CCIDENTSIN%NGLAND7ALES %UROPEAND THE)SLEOF-AN s4AKEOVERCLAIMSFROMOTHER3OLICITORS s2OAD4RAFlC/FFENCES FROMSPEEDINGTO$EATHBY $ANGEROUS$RIVING s/BTAININGCOMPENSATIONWHERE YOURPERSONALINJURYCLAIMHAS BEENUNDERSETTLEDBYYOUR PREVIOUSAPPOINTEDSOLICITOR 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 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 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 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 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 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

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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 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 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

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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- 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 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 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

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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 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 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 retired The three-times world champion may have quit 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 . 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 , 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 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 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 . 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 . 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 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 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 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. [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 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 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 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, . 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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EDITORIAL Group Commercial Director Editor Andy Calton, 01733-468006 Gareth Ashman, 01733-468118

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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 , 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 £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 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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BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 49 ‘I needed a camera that’s QUICK BUYING ADVICE crash-proof and idiot-proof’ ACTION Midland XTC onboard camera is easy for first-timers and is built to bounce CAMERAS Midland XTC400 HD action 1 camera with wi-fi, £259.99 Choose wisely Tester Tim Thompson If you’re just Time tested Four months 1 filming your What’s good? This is my first action commute you don’t camera, so my technical bar is well below need a high frame sea level. I was looking for idiot-proof rate (expressed in usability and a case tough enough to fps, or frames per survive the inevitable 130mph bounce second). Similarly, if along a racetrack. I got both. I downloaded the free Midland Wi-Fi you’re green laning app that allows me to control and see the and getting filthy camera view from an iPad/iPhone and then a waterproof had no problems using it. Streaming to DETAILS case is a must. the telly or downloading to my laptop are 1. Hard case easy, too. The picture quality is also very The action cam Make a good. Finally, I’m in the game. simply slides inside 2resolution What’s not? It’s bulky and heavy its protective For road riding, compared to the cameras used by MCN’s case, which is an ‘HD’ camera (a video pros. I’ve tried the Midland suction waterproof to 85m resolution of 720p mount and stick-on mounts and they all 2. Takes the knocks or above) should eventually fall off unless gaffer-taped to The only damage be your minimum the bike. sustained after requirement, but Contact www.feridax.com bouncing along a also take a look at the Quality rating ★★★★★ racetrack at speed frame rates a camera Value rating ★★★★★ can achieve because a higher one offers a 2 smoother picture at higher speeds.

Think noise 3Riding at speed creates wind noise. If you’re riding fast, look for a camera with an external mic option that allows you to plug in a remote microphone and mount it out of the windblast.

Magic mounting 4Think about the shots you want to take. Dedicated mounts are great when necessary, but judicious use of gaffer-tape can be very effective if you’re on a budget, and is a useful fail- safe even when using 2014 MotoGP Official Review, £19.99 Halvarssons Supreme gloves, £59 Cold Killers Sport top, £59.99 specialist mounts. Tester Alison Silcox Tester Liam Marsden Tester Tony Hoare Location, Time tested One viewing Time tested Three months/400 miles Time tested Four months/1500 miles location… What’s good? I’d seen most of the rounds What’s good? From the moment I tried What’s good? This zip-up windproof 5 Mounting a as they happened this year, but to be able these gloves on they felt comfortable, under-layer is comfortable and effective to see the highlights, plus catch the rounds I’d missed, with supple leather on the outer and an incredibly at keeping me warm. It’s windproof on the front where heavy camera to a was really great. It doesn’t just feature race highlights, soft fleece-like lining inside, which means they can it’s needed and has a warmth-circulating material bike is no problem, there are also little news snippets from each of the be worn much further into winter than most. The on the back that boosts flexibility and comfort while but a weighty box rounds, including Edwards announcing his retirement. addition of a waterproof lining adds practicality, and riding. The zip-up top has a high collar that helps block strapped to your It also features a round-up of the Texas Tornado’s the knuckle armour is substantial without digging into out draughts, and the front section is lined with a soft lid can become a career, albeit very briefly. my hands. Velboa fleece lining that is very comfortable. pain in the neck What’s not? The commentators are dull and appear What’s not? These are too short for me, barely What’s not? Some might feel £60 is steep for an (literally). Consider to lack any passion; they really sound like they are just covering my wrists. And, if you’re looking for a glove under-jacket. It’s not quite worth its weight in gold a compromise on reading from a script. with plenty of venting, these aren’t for you. (that’d be £1800), but I’m very glad of it on cold days. picture quality for Contact www.dukevideo.com Contact www.jofama.se Contact www.planet-knox.com your own comfort. Quality rating ★★★★★ Value rating ★★★★★ Quality rating ★★★★★ Value rating ★★★★★ Quality rating ★★★★★ Value rating ★★★★ www.motorcyclenews.com

EXPLORE THE BRILLIANT WORLD OF BIKING THIS WEEK

WEDNESDAY February 18 FEBRUARY 21-22 TRACK DAY ► , Lincs. £45, www.hottrax.com BIKE MEETS ►Alton Station Cafe, Alton, Hants. 01420-82205 ►Catfoss Cafe, Brandsburton, Driffield, Yorks. 5.30pm. www.catfoss-biker-cafe.com CLASSIC DIRTY ►Dick Turpin’s Rest, Blue Chip House (A64), High St, Sherburn, Yorks. 01944-711111 ►Gawsworth Jesters, Harrington Arms, Macclesfield, Cheshire. 7pm. 07843-223593 ►Green Dragon, Flaunden, Herts. 6pm. www. greendragon.org.uk WEEKEND ►H’s Cafe, Kent Motorcycles, Dover Rd (A2), Kent. 6pm. www.kent-motorcycles.co.uk ►Hatton Country World, Warwick, Warks. CLASSIC DIRT BIKE SHOW, TELFORD www.hattonworld.com ►Manor Bike Cafe, Manor Farm, Bellerby, Celebrate the glory days of British dirt bike Mick Grant Leyburn, North Yorks. www.manor-cafe.co.uk action this weekend as big stars and famous in Pre-65 ►Navigation Inn, Old Warwick Rd, Lapworth bikes gather at the Telford International trials action Solihull, West Midlands. 01564-783337 ►Oakdene Cafe, Wrotham, Kent. 01732-884873 Centre with highlights including 40th ►Polhill Arms, Wilden Rd, Renhold, Beds. anniversary celebrations of Martin Lampkin www.polihillarms.co.uk being crowned world trials champion and ►Railway Inn, Station Rd, Sandford, Somerset. Mick Grant claiming his second of seven TT 01934-822632 ►Ryka’s Cafe, Box Hill, Surrey. 07730-661013 wins, a race in which he beat Mike Hailwood’s ►Southport Carousel, Promenade, Southport, long-standing lap record. Merseyside. www.discoversouthport.co.uk Grant will be in attendance throughout – ►Squires Cafe, Sherburn in Elmet, West Yorks. chatting with showgoers, presenting awards 01977-684618 or www.squires-cafe.co.uk ►The Admiral Hawke, Sunbury on Thames, and speaking at the Classic Dirt Bike dinner Middlesex. 01932-781326 on the Saturday evening. ►The Plough, Princess Risborough, Bucks. What has since become known as the Manx http://plough-at-cadsden.co.uk Decade of International Six Days’ Trials will ►Travellers Inn, Thorpe Hesley, Rotherham, South Yorks. 0114-2467870 also be remembered with 2015 marking 50 ►Vic Bikers Pub, Coalville, Leics. 8pm-11pm. years since the first ISDT on the Isle of Man 01530-814718 or www.vicbikerspub.co.uk and 40 since the last. ►Wetland Bikers, Wildfowl Centre, Off road legends including Bill Brown and Washington, T&W. 5.30pm onwards, www. Sammy Miller, will also be in attendance wetlandsbikers.freeforums.org along with road racing stars Olie Linsdell and his father Steve. THURSDAY February 19 ■ Tickets are £13 on the gate with under-12s BIKE MEETS free. Details www.classicbikeshows.com or ►Cafe Manhattan, Basildon, Essex. 6pm- 01507-529529 10pm. www.phoenixriders.co.uk ►Dusty Miller, Chesterfield, Derbys. www.

MORTONS MORTONS dustymillerbarlborough.co.uk ►Harlow Biker Night, Fourth Avenue, Harlow, Essex. 7.30pm. facebook: Harlow biker night ►Super Moto + XJROC + NABD + MAG + Classic Scooters, Ace Cafe, Stonebridge, London. 6pm. 020-8961-1000 ►The Guide Inn, Keighley, West Yorks. www. facebook.com/groups/106826612717228 Do something exciting on your bike this week ►Warley Cross Cafe, Beeford, Yorks. www. warleycrosscafe-eastyorkshire.co.uk ►Weston Bike Night, Weston Super Mare, Somerset. £1 per bike, 01934-521496 GRAB A SARNIE & A SLICE ►Whistlestop Cafe, HTM Business Park, Rhuddlan, Denbighshire. 01745 591235 OF HISTORY AT THE ACE EVENT NIGHT ►Mad Tour with , Harlequin Home of the Ton-Up Boys and possibly the most Theatre, Redhill, Surrey. www.madtour.co.uk famous bike meet in the world. Take a trip to the Ace FRIDAY February 20 Time: One day myriad meets and rides that take place SHOW Mileage: Depends where you live throughout the year”. So what are you ►Historic Motorsport Show (Race Retro There’s always something going on, waiting for? Show), Stoneleigh, Warks. www.receretro.com there are always friendly faces keen Details: ace-cafe-london.com BIKE MEETS to chat about your bike and the food’s ►Bike Night + Rockers & Classic, Ace Cafe , pretty good, too. It’s transcended its London. 6pm. 020-8961-1000 origins as a rockers’ hangout and has ►The Romping Cat, Old Woods, Bomere Heath, become the venue for dozens of biking Shrewsbury, Shropshire. 01939-290273 meets every year. The Ace Café says: “We have an unparalleled and almost SATURDAY February 21 religious significance to ever-increasing TRACK DAYS numbers of riders from around the Few bike meets ► Indy, Kent. from £95, www. world who share the passion. The can match the Ace MSVTrackdays.com bikes and the music may change but for heritage (and ►Cadwell, Lincs. from £65, MSVTrackdays.com the spirit remains the same, so don’t great tea) SHOWS

just sit there, rev high and join in the ‘It’ll do the ton, once it starts that is’ ARCHIVE BAUER ►Historic Motorsport Show, Stoneleigh Park, www.motorcyclenews.com 52 BUYING&SELLING Sell today by visiting mcnbikesforsale.com or call 0845 051 5001

SELL WITH EASE, BUY WITH CONFIDENCE Get your advert in front of thousands of bikers at mcnbikesforsale.com or call us on 0845 051 5001 for more info

APRILIA BMW

BMW F800GS WANTED REALISTIC PRICE PAID FOR LOW MILEAGE BIKE. WE HAVE CASH WAITING. WILL COLLECT. FOR DETAILS CALL CHRIS AT VALUE BIKE CENTRE 01953 857881 F650GS Single 2008, 8000 miles, K1200LT Lux R1200GS R850R Great low mileage example - MoTs 2004, 25000 miles, Mot and tax R NINE T 2007, 19500 miles, One owner, 1199 PANIGALE MONSTER 1100 Evo abs 2014, 3015 miles, R nineT 2005, 20000 miles, Non-abs,S + XL BMW F800GT WANTED REALISTIC to prove. MoT'd til 13/2/16. Recent 25000 miles elec stand full of toys service history, heated grips, screen, handguards,heated Standard abs 2012, 540 miles, HALP DORSODURO 1200 new Anakee 3 tyres. logo floor lights 6 disc cd sat nav 11 months old in superb Baglux tank protector and other grips,manual,adjustable seat,spare PRICE MONSTER!!! This 2011, 5893 miles, 5 months MOT. PRICE PAID FOR LOW MILEAGE BIKE. condition. Extras 2012, 3574 miles, Full WE HAVE CASH WAITING. WILL £3295, Tel 07885 906394, Revers gear. £6200, Tel extras. Good condition. £5950, Tel keys,new batt,tank cover. £3000, Termignoni Exhaust bike cost over £16,000 ABS and Traction control. Michelin Bristol. 7633297 07595762971, Epsom totalling £1,110 including 07801916798, Milton COLLECT. FOR DETAILS CALL CHRIS Tel 07976127799, System, plus a 41 rear new and is not yet run in!. tyres. Heated grips, tail tidy. Surrey. 7633473 unique Reg No. AR09 Keynes. 7633452 Herefordshire. 7633138 Excellent condition. £5700, Tel AT VALUE BIKE CENTRE 01953 857881 sprocket,regina £8950, Tel 07817919986, TEE. £10800, Tel 01268 Gerrards Cross. 7633320 07876223585, Midlothian. 7633520 771547, Rayleigh, chain,Remapped by BMW R1200R WANTED REALISTIC Ducati R&Gtail tidy. PRICE PAID FOR LOW MILEAGE BIKE. Essex. 7633340 CCM WE HAVE CASH WAITING. WILL £12950, Tel COLLECT. FOR DETAILS CALL CHRIS 07954687508, AT VALUE BIKE CENTRE 01953 857881 Letchworth Garden City, F800ST 2006, 20000 miles, Full K1200R SPORT 2007, 4000 miles, Hertfordshire. 7632615 Find more than BMW dealer service history, ABS, 1000’s more heated grips, computer, panniers, Blue, ESA ABS, heated grips, R1200GS ADVENTURE bikes for sale at RSV1000 FACTORY 1,100+ for sale tank bag, good tyres. £2895, Tel computer, tyre pressure warning, 2010, 15520 miles, ASC/ABS/ESA, LED indicators LED light HID www.mcnbikesforsale.com 2005, 15774 miles, Great bike in online right now 01343850240 or 07796338200, Full Packages, Akrapovic Exhaust, R30 headlight. £5995, Tel R1150GS 2003, 32180 miles, MOT good condition , Mot 04/15, lots of Moray. 7633094 Zumo SatNav, Heated Grips, 2004, 4300 miles, R30s, 2004, gold www.mcnbikesforsale.com 07885416574, Maidstone till May, currently SORNed resting Service history, HPI Clear. £4495, Panniers/Top Box, BMW FSH. spoke wheels, brembo brakes, Kent. 7633272 in the shed. I just don't use it Tel 07508008764, United £8999, Tel 07500867759, white power shock, 53 plate, enough. Medway area of Kent. Kingdom. 7633290 Glasgow. 7633022 commuter use only, vgc. £1950, Tel £4100, Tel 07799442203 or 07989979987, London. 7633464 1199 SUPERLEGGERA 2014, 50 07799442203, United miles, Absolutely as new. Only Kingdom. 7633230 ridden once. Complimented with DERBI £1100 of carbon accessories. Great MONSTER 696 G650 XCOUNTRY ABS Find more than investment. £54995, Tel 07774 2011, 11000 miles, Comes with: F650GS 2007, 14900 miles, BMW 1,100+ BMWs for sale 644555, Midlothian. 7633593 Termignoni carbon (£1400) new 2003, 26550 miles, history to 12500 miles K1200S online right now tires new Brembo pads GIVI tank 2008, K1200S Apr08 R1200GS TU bag Ducati serviced & MOT. £5450, RSV4 Aprc Excellent condition. and 2k since then. Great www.mcnbikesforsale.com Recent rear tyre, and original contition. 2 Keys FBMWSH warranty 2010, 12750 miles, BMW R1200GS, Tel 07833057395, Woking. 7633314 2013, 3250 miles, Alitalia Alarm ESA ABS ASC TPC Premium & Dynamic Packs, racing cols. Wheelie, 8 chain & sprockets. MOT & BMW owners manual. Factory Alarm System, Auxiliary June 2015. same owner £2695, Tel 01875870630 h/grips trip panniers stage traction & launch bags tankbag 44k V5 Lamps, Top Box & Panniers ETC. for 4 years. £2150, Tel or 07908962348, East £7950, Tel 07841 342517, Brierley MULHACEN 659 controls. Pazzo short MoT VGC. £5595, Tel 2010, 3600 miles, Derbi levers, See website. 07979 610510, Lothian, Hill West Midlands. 7633635 Nottinghamshire.7633640 Scotland. 7633560 07990722020, North Mulhassen 659, 2010. 916SP 2 1995, 1995 miles, This £11750, Tel . 7633214 ONLY 3600 MILES. ultimate iconic SP2. 07921725047, R1150RT Immaculate condition. £17995, Tel 07500046080, Maidenhead. 7633357 2002, Repairs or spares. ABS Stylish cafe racer. Great Kent. 7633571 removed. Engine a little rattley but handling. £2000, Tel MONSTER 796 ABS rides ok. £1250, Tel 01291422834 or 07710 496649, East 110 EVO WANTED 2013, 1587 miles, 07780752597, Caldicot. 7633486 Sussex. 7633634 REALISTIC PRICE PAID FOR LOW BikeTrac Knocked over MILEAGE BIKE. WE HAVE CASH once, fixed with Rizoma K1200GT 2004, 31837 miles, WAITING. WILL COLLECT. FOR DETAILS in pairs Tail tidy Slight F650GS ABS K1300S R1200RT CALL CHRIS AT VALUE BIKE CENTRE Serviced by BMW, MOT'd 31/10, new 2007, 28000 miles, One DUCATI scuff on the plastic on 2008, 41000 miles, MOT tyres, ABS, cruise, heated seat & 2011, 7823 miles, For 01953 857881 owner, SE Titan Silver, tank. £5995, Tel RX50 April 2015 Givi screen grips, see online for detaills. £3995, Sale, My excellent vgc, FSH. Low seat, 07545268388, 2010, 14578 miles, Mot until 17 July Full Service history Tel 07554 033284, conditioned,low mileage Find more than 450+ 2015 taxed until Feb 2016 bike in Factory lower seat Oxfordshire. 7633610 engine bars, tank bag London. 7633281 K1300S,With lots of R1200GS 2005, 11627 miles, Mint Ducatis for sale good working order ideal leaner Computer Good extras MOT until and top box, pannier bike 16+. £1000, Tel 07794748133 Metzeler tyres. £3200, 1000’s more condition, motorrad insured, all liners. £6000, Tel online right now or 01639411773, Port 04/08/2015. £8695, Tel usual extras, very low mileage, full Tel 07531340799, bikes for sale at 07775 292522, High Peak 07905211642 or www.mcnbikesforsale.com Talbot. 7633368 BMW service history. £5250, Tel 01403268778, West TEESSIDE. 7633433 www.mcnbikesforsale.com - Derbyshire. 7633562 01948860260, Cheshire. 7633190 1199 PANIGALE ABS model Sussex. 7633064 2012, 7700 miles, Cheapest WANTED Panigale you will find in the REALISTIC PRICE PAID FOR LOW Fast, competitive international shipping country! Second owner Always MILEAGE BIKE. WE HAVE CASH garaged Never used on a track. WAITING. WILL COLLECT. FOR DETAILS MULTISTRADA 1200S Sport 2011, £10500, Tel 07926992934, CALL CHRIS AT VALUE BIKE CENTRE 10600 miles, Ducati Multistrada Huge London. 7633650 01953 857881 1200 S Sport, 10650 miles, Full stock for history. Ducati top box, Red key and TUONO 1000 R all manuals. £9995, Tel 07768 2009, 6900 miles, all models 324527, Notts. 7633126 Stunning condition. post 1970. R1200RT SE Akrapovic cans. New 2010, 10500 miles, Twin tyres. Puig screen. 6 cam. Sat nav & lifetime updates. FSH, tax & MOT. mnths tax . 12 months 1199 PANIGALE S 2013, 3600 MOT. Matt black. £4500, Hilltop remap. Loads of miles, Includes dark screen,bar HYPERSTRADA 821 Tel 07912185166, extras. Lovely bike. ends,carbon extras,comf seat and 2014, 2072 miles, Soft Cheadle Hulme. 7633198 £8295, Tel tracker.not ,dropped or out in the luggage very clean 07969607539, rain. £14950, Tel 07714 853348, service history heated STREETFIGHTER 1100 Wellingborough.7633599 Harrogate.. 7633620 grips ABS DTC low 2009, 11000 miles, Fsh,mot Find more than 250+ we go the extra mile sept,new tyres/csprockets/ mileage New job/home bpads,termig cans/chip,carbon for sale forces sale. £9250, Tel online right now hugger/undertray/side panels. 01484 353 600 • 0845 458 0077 • www.motorworks.co.uk www.mcnbikesforsale.com 07702157209, £6999, Tel 01924378176 or www.mcnbikesforsale.com London. 7632866 07929863567, Wakefield. 7633585 Please note that calls to numbers starting 0871 published in the private adverts above are charged at 10p per minute from BT landlines. Calls from mobiles will cost more. For more information as to why these numbers are used please see www.mcnbikesforsale.com www.motorcyclenews.com/digital

Find 1000’s more bikes online at mcnbikesforsale.com #MCNWednesday | 18 February 2015 | 53

HONDA VARADERO 1000 WANTED VN900 CLASSIC 2011, 1873 HARLEY REALISTIC PRICE PAID FOR LOW miles, Black. As new. One PIAGGIO DAVIDSON MILEAGE BIKE. WE HAVE CASH owner. Screen,crash bars, WAITING. WILL COLLECT. FOR DETAILS carrier & sissy bar. CALL CHRIS AT VALUE BIKE CENTRE Optimate. Full history. 01953 857881 MOT Sept. £5350, Tel CBF125 2011, 11600 miles, MB CBR600F S Rossi Edition 07794415974, Tamworth, ZX-6R V-ROD Vscr street rod Model. MOT June 15. Very reliable 2002, 19000 miles, Honda CBR 600 VISION 50 Staffs, England. 7633180 2003, 22917 miles, Great cond. MoT 2006, 5323 miles, FSH and stylish learner bike complete Sport Valentino Rossi edition. Only 2013, 4000 miles, . She 30/09. FSH. Scorpion carbon fibre Harley sissy bar, tuned with large Givi top box. £1350, Tel 100 produced! Superb condition has now past her car test can w/detachable baffle. Tinted d/b BEVERLY SPORT TOURING 350 chrome sports exhaust, 07973 549084, Surrey and rides faultless. £2995, Tel so I've now got her a car screen & orig. £2900, Tel 2013, 1250 miles, A little used DYNA GLIDE Wide glide scooter with a superb akrapovic 2007, 7500 miles, legally loud Near offer RH9. 7633427 07813089452, Shropshire. 7633260 ,,! Luck me lol. £1195, Tel 07984913951, Pontypool, South considered. £7250, Tel 01508494618 or Wales. 7633550 exhaust for a great sound/better Superb condition,came INNOVA 125 looks. In great shape. £3395, Tel over from the states 07742177121 or 07709597515, 07753624103, United 2011, 1650 miles, The bike is Norwich. 7632853 02089419247 or 07973249923, 2012 as standard,now Surrey. 7633519 Kingdom. 7629911 currently SORN since August VN900 CLASSIC  has a stage 1,lots of 2014.At the point of sale it will be 2004, 19000 miles, Kawasaki custom extras,. £8000, given a new MOT cert. £1700, Tel VN800 Classic Meta/T Alarm/ Tel 07985437863, 07964 317257 or 01785 712539, Mobiliser/ Excellent condition. SUZUKI HONDA Penkridge Staffs. 7633117 M.O.T. March 2015. 07582241732. Swansea. 7633007 CBF125 2011, 4732 miles, Great CBR600RR 2010 ABS 2010, 5240  miles, 5240 miles, MoT - Aug, tax - £3000, Tel 07582241732, learner bike in very good condition. ZZR1400 Performance Sport Nov. Loads of extras and all OEM Gloucestershire. 7633424 Service history. MOT June. Oxford 2014, 1650 miles, 1 owner. Tank/ parts. Recently serviced, ready to heated grips. £1500, Tel VT125 SHADOW knee pads/solo seat conversion. go. £5500, Tel 07792900841, 07790549090 or 07974315840, 2008, 13100 miles, Taxed until Jan FSH. . Never dropped. Serious Dunfermline. 7633381 Banbury, Oxfordshire.. 7633277 16, full service history, needs MOT. enquiries only please. £11650, Tel Small amount of wear. ldeal for a 07834546370, Exmouth. 7633302 ALL MAKES & MODELS BOUGHT beginner. £2600, Tel 07593061082, BURGMAN 400 K2 FOR CASH & COLLECTED NC700S 2003, 20600 miles, PART SERVICE FAT BOY Rickmansworth, HONDA, KAWASAKI, SUZUKI, 2012, 15800 miles, Lots of extras HISTORY, 12 MONTH MOT. 700 1993, 22000 miles, Wide Hertfordshire. 7633365 YAMAHA, TRIUMPH full pannier and back box included. W800 2011, 3588 miles, Mint MILES SINCE LAST SERVICE. bars,stitched flame seat,flame WWW.IRMOTORCYCLES.CO.UK £4100, Tel 07903324912 or condition. Serviced 5 months ago. TOURING SCREEN GOOD CLEAN paint job,cornish flag at 07956248955 07903324912, United Taxed. Parked and covered in EXAMPLE. £1650, Tel 07721865823, rear,hooker exhaust,s&s carb. CBR900RR FIREBLADE Kingdom. 7633389 underground parking. £4649, Tel Keighley. 7633351 £7500, Tel 07583945111, CBF125 2012, 1500 miles, Black 1998, 17450 miles, This bike is in 07813128992, London. 7632913 Cornwall. 7633288 2012 CBF125 bought to pass test amazing condition with just 17,450 ZZR1400 Special edition 2013, VGC only 1500 miles. £1850, Tel miles and full service history. 3400 miles, Immaculate condition 07831845859, Sandhurst. 7633247 £2350, Tel 07766762140 or 01225 XL125V VARADERO 2013, 33 under Kawasaki warranty until 777505, Trowbridge. 7633218 miles, A beautiful bike in October 2015 heated grips and immaculate condition with back touring screen. £8800, Tel CB1000R box fitted. Just 33 miles on the 07593967014 or 01787473700, 2009, 8600 miles, FSH MOT new Essex. 7633110 NC700S 2013, 2000 miles, clock. £3995, Tel 07792383091, DRZ400SM tyres, IXLL can, Renthal bars with Z1000 2011, 6500 miles, MOT due NC700S. R&G Crash Protectors, United Kingdom. 7633189 2008, 9400 miles, 2008 Suzuki diamond grips R&G tail tidy, crash March 2015 Very clean bike, after FAT BOY FLSTFI Fender Extender, Tall Screen, DRZ400SM, 9,400 Miles, FSH, 12 bungs + bar ends. £5100, Tel market cans fitted "Mivv GP" 2006, 12000 miles, Radiator Guard, Shock Tube and KTM months tax, 12 months MOT, new 07884267416, Chorley, Titanium Bar end mirrors. £5590, Hugger. £4095, Tel 01945 450871 battery + plug + oil. £2995, Tel 1450cc top condition, Lancs. 7633152 CBR1000RR FIREBLADE Tel 07584 432 487,  CBR900RR FIREBLADE 2003, or 07983 655558, 07949229573, Luton. 7633557 recent full service, USB, 2009, 18729 miles, 1yr Trowbridge. 7633614  MOT & no adv. FSH, 7000 miles, Honda 954 fireblade Cambridgeshire. 7633293 V&H, stage1, new tyres, 2003 , blue, only genuine 7000 MoT £8,950. £8950, Tel Alarm, tail tidy, brake miles mot sept 15 eddie 07970114558, lines. 18k miles. Runs like 07796978197 surrey. £3400, Tel XL650V TRANSALP 2003, 19500 London. 7632917 new, GRFS, 50mpg from 07796978187, Surrey. 7633382 miles, The bike is ready to go, full new. £5499, Tel service history,anything that 990 ADVENTURE HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 07500095963 or needed doing has been put right on 2007, 25000 miles, Long mot and 883 IRON WANTED REALISTIC PRICE CB1300S 01672564225, Pewsey, sorn. £2600, Tel 01792 919646 or tax, loads of extras. Some finance PAID FOR LOW MILEAGE BIKE. WE Z1000SX ABS Tourer GLADIUS 650 SFV 650A L2 2012, 2008, 4915 miles, Excellent Wiltshire. 7633153 NC700X 07516996253, Swansea. 7633533 outstanding but will settle in HAVE CASH WAITING. WILL COLLECT. 2011, 6463 miles, 1 owner, new 2400 miles, 2400 MILES, FSH, condition heated grips belly pan 2013, 7200 miles, FSH, 1 owner, presence of buyer. £4250, Tel FOR DETAILS CALL CHRIS AT VALUE tyres, Panniers, FKSH Scottoiler, SHOWROOM CONDITION, LOTS OF hugger has red frame new rear tyre Beowulf slip-on, centrestand, 07503105875, Stockport. 7633396 KAWASAKI S4 alarm/immob, ABS, Tank pad,  EXTRAS, 2 KEYS, 3 MONTH BIKE CENTRE 01953 857881 and 12 mths mot . £5495, Tel engine bars, hugger, rad guard, Excellent genuine bike. £6450, Tel WARRANTY LEFT, 8 MONTH TAX 07971985952 or 01924826639, great condition. £4200, Tel CBR900RR FIREBLADE 07870644953, Gwynedd. 7633284 990 SUPERDUKE 2007, 19200 miles, LEFT. £3550, Tel 01617230916 or HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER Wakefield West Yorkshire. 7633463 08719771084, London. 7633449  1200 FORTY EIGHT WANTED 1998, 18000 miles, Standard, Rides nice. fair condition, 0779462058, Manchester. 7633040 REALISTIC PRICE PAID FOR LOW Complete top to bottom Z750 2010, 2800 miles, Green/black signs of all weather use. Partial service MILEAGE BIKE. WE HAVE CASH restoration! All MOT&Taxed, good condition, few extras, history. 3 owners. £4600, Tel wiring in place for trickle charger.£4,200 07411773707, North Yorkshire. 7633336 WAITING. WILL COLLECT. FOR DETAILS CBR1000RR FIREBLADE consumable parts  CALL CHRIS AT VALUE BIKE CENTRE replaced and serviced ono. £4200, Tel 08715591351 or 01953 857881 HRC EL125 ELIMINATOR 2005, 9950 08719873470, Essex. 7633278 2011, 7750 miles, Leo call or check online. miles, Stunning bike. Starts 1st KYMCO SPORTSTER 1200 Xl 1200 x14 2013, Vince GP pipe, R&G £3000, Tel 07818189162, time, every time. MOT until Aug 233 miles, Excellent condition,as CB600FS HORNET Wirral. 7632966 SP-2 RC51 2015. New exhaust Aug 2013. bobbins, engine casing GSF1200S BANDIT new.not run in therefore no service as 2002, 22400 miles, Full service 2007, 11000 miles, Original, Learner Legal. £1200, Tel and tail tidy, original 2001, 5500 miles, Very low yet.10 months tax. £8000, Tel history, MoT 19/09/15, excellent complete, unmarked, FSH. The ride 07814259562, Cowbit, Nr. Spalding, exhaust and tail all mileage,(paperwork to 07932176820 or 01474832251, United condition, don't miss this one, of your life! Strong, punchy, easy. Lincolnshire. 7633513 included. £6995, Tel confirm)mot,nearly new tyres,rack Kingdom.7633428 owner retiring. £1850, Tel Offers over £7500. £7500, Tel 07855495421, 07967637732, 02921152771, Penarth. 7633444 and deflector screen fitted. £1895, Z800 ADS 2013, 2572 miles, 13 Tel 07977 202005, WORCESTERSHIRE. 7633465 Solihull. 7633425 Reg, Manual, One Find more than 400+ LIKE 200 Runcorn,cheshire. 7633305 Owner, Datatag, Loads of Extras, 2012, 3000 miles, MoT March 2016. Harley-Davidsons for CBR900RR FIREBLADE Kawasaki Warranty till 16/08/15. 1 owner from new. Service/ Anniversary Edition 1999, 21000 £5195, Tel 07712232460 or sale online right now handbook & tool pouch. Garaged. miles, Immaculate, MOT, fsh. 01663762517, Stockport www.mcnbikesforsale.com Excellent condition. £1350, Tel Extras inc cowel, cover, original GTR1400 2013, 5100 miles, Great SK6. 7633354 07851419024, Devon. 7633615 exhaust, paddock stand. Garaged. touring bike, ABS, heated grips,  ONO. Cash. £2450, Tel adjustable screen with the addition ST1100 PAN EUROPEAN of a matching back box. £10500, Tel CBF1000 A7 2007, 22000 miles, CBR1100XX SUPER BLACKBIRD 07986328220, Plymouth. 7633648 07747561747 or 01453 511172, LAVERDA 2007 07 HONDA CBF1000-A-7 1999, 42000 miles, Lovely clean CBS-ABS-TCS Gloucestershire. 7633030 GSF1200S BANDIT 22,005 miles. Metallic SILVER, B.Bird.New Chain set.Recent 1998, 52542 miles, Excellent example of 2004, 32000 miles, A heated grips, ABS brakes, FHS MOT service,new CC Tensioner.VFR WANTED loved 1200s bandit, 22/5/15,. £3250, Tel 07801530223 bars,NOS seat.New GIvi rack. this much sought after SPORTSTER 883 Custom REALISTIC PRICE PAID FOR LOW documented service or 01483 272051, £2150, Tel 07771908368, sports tourer in green, ZRX1200 2005, 9434 miles, It's Sportster MILEAGE BIKE. WE HAVE CASH history. A couple of Cranleigh. 7633179 Alton,Hampshire. 7633658 new tyres & pipes. Must WAITING. WILL COLLECT. FOR DETAILS 2005, 12150 miles, This bike is in 883 to 1200, lust years Mikuny carb very good condition. Full service minor scuffs, otherwise k&n filter ,progressive shocks and be seen. £2695, Tel CALL CHRIS AT VALUE BIKE CENTRE 01953 857881 history and MoT until 21st April. really nice. £2200, Tel more. £5000, Tel 07946766422, CRF250X 01909506467 or JOTA 1000 120 2005, 500 miles, 07443451858, £3100, Tel 01977661323 or 07951538488, London. 7633285 07765008037, Kellington, North 1982, 29014 miles, Original bike one Shrewsbury. 7633109 CRF250X. Only done Worksop. 7633377 Yorkshire.. 7633123 owner. Runs well. New battery. approx. 20 hours running Slight crack in fairing, rust on on green lanes back in exhaust downpipes. £6995, Tel 2005/6. 1 owner. Road 07772019155, Cumbria. 7633457 CBF1000 GT CBR250R ABS registered. £3100, Tel 2011, 8717 miles, Heat 2013, 3105 miles, One 07710996825, NINJA 250R EX250KAF grips, scottoiler, honda owner,low mileage,full Bristol. 7633178 2010, 13000 miles, Lovely MOTO-GUZZI SPORTSTER 883 R immobalarm, fender dealer service condition, garaged, Black, MoT mid GSF1250 BANDIT 2013, 734 miles, 734 dry miles. ST1300 PAN EUROPEAN 2005, June 2015, FSH, new tyres, chain, ZRX1200 2005, 13850 miles, extend inr pannier bags, history,two keys, 2011, 7700 miles, 1250 Bandit, mint Pipes and sissy bar + original pipes. 12431 miles, Dark Blue, One Owner. sprockets, almost as new. £2375, Immaculate bike in standard trim ABS,FSH, MOTsept, exc warranty & AA cover condition, Beowulf exhaust, . Genuine reason for sale. Garaged, mint condition & full Tel 07502292628 or 01628521282, except for a Scorpion exhaust. April cond. £5950, Tel 01623 until late May 2015. Recent tyres. MOT till March 23rd. Immaculate condition. £5995, Tel history .1 Yr MOT. Very Low genuine Bourne End, MOT. £3995, Tel 07740909891, 470848 or 07974811115, £2199, Tel 07973461611, £4500, Tel 07734650555, Wigan, 07749732469, Street, Mileage. £6950, Tel 07899 898720, Buckinghamshire. 7633542 Rochester, Kent. 7633299 Somerset. 7633531 Nottinghamshire.7633402 Sutton, Surrey. 7633257 Suffolk. 7633401 . 7632931 CROSSTOURER 1200 Vfr x-c BREVA 1100 2008, 18500 miles, 2012, 9300 miles, Manual F/ Very good condition,one previouse Extender Centre Stand Heated owner,new mot,new tyres Grips Hugger. BT023's FDSH recent,selling due to bad legs. BALANCE MFR WRNTY HP clear All £3300, Tel 07982513505, docs. £7445, Tel 01684575576, Southampton. 7633235 Worcs. 7633012 NINJA 250R Limited edition ZRX1200 SUPER GLIDE Fxd sport 1999, CBF125 2013, 1200 miles, Perfect CBR600F 2004, 6201 miles, VFR800 VTEC ABS 2010, 11500 2009, 1080 miles, One lady owner 2002, 38000 miles, Zrx 1200 vgc GSF1250S BANDIT 2008, 5115 24000 miles, Clean bike good tyres, for learners. 87.5MPG. MOT Fantastic original condition 6200k HONDA DN01 WANTED REALISTIC miles, Reluctant sale. Brilliant Two from new.... 33 bhp... Mint lots of paper work first to see will Find more than 50+ miles, Brilliant bike, in great billet front brake, fournales shocks, 16/07/16 Dealer serviced. Excellent H.I.S.S Alarmed,Full Service PRICE PAID FOR LOW MILEAGE BIKE. Bros exhaust; Luggage; Hot grips; condition...Like new...... M.O.T. till buy extras included rare in this Moto Guzzis for sale condition. Extremely low mileage sissy bar and luggage rack. £5750, condition. Viewings welcome. History,2 Keys, MOT'd & Taxed. WE HAVE CASH WAITING. WILL New tyres; RAM mount. See web ad. may 2015.. £2250, Tel 01303 condition. £2500, Tel 07817474662 for a bike thats been fixed up to GT Tel 08719872230, Dumfries And £1750, Tel 07795106880, £3500, Tel 07528856387, COLLECT. FOR DETAILS CALL CHRIS £5900, Tel 07595222392, 873382 or 07786886573, or 01384639527, online right now spec. £4000, Tel 07794179892, Galloway. 7633339 Preston. 7633242 Abingdon, Oxfordshire. 7633161 AT VALUE BIKE CENTRE 01953 857881 London. 7633226 Kent. 7633586 [email protected]. 7633399 www.mcnbikesforsale.com Brixton. 7633330 Please note that calls to numbers starting 0871 published in the private adverts above are charged at 10p per minute from BT landlines. Calls from mobiles will cost more. For more information as to why these numbers are used please see www.mcnbikesforsale.com www.motorcyclenews.com 54 BUYING&SELLING Sell today by visiting mcnbikesforsale.com or call 0845 051 5001

SUZUKI ITALIAN MOTORCYCLE SPECIALIST BIKE Moto Guzzi M1800R INTRUDER SPRINT RS TIGER 800 2011, 26500 miles, R6 XMAX 250 YZF-R125 2011 OF THE Daytona, 2012, 9400 miles, VZR 1800 2012 2005, 32000 miles, Sprint RS 955 Tiger has a tall screen, chain oiler, 2001, 19020 miles, 2001 R6, 2014, 2100 miles, Excellent 2011, 12650 miles, NEW Tyres, MONTH 1994 GSF650 BANDIT 2006, Black, Approx 9400 miles. Crash Bars V in Green.Heated extenda fenda, hugger, 2 sets of completely original. 19020 miles, condition. Still under warranty. Break Pads, Spark Plug, Gold Std Stream Screen. rear seat hump grips.Scottoiler.New tyres.New C garaged, used only in summer. 2 Safety Racing Chain, Remus Power Naked, Non ABS, 303 Miles! MOT keys, MOT & all paperwork. £4650, Ideal commuter cheap to run!. included in the sale. £8100, Tel +S. Wavy discs. mot til 29/10/2015. keys. MOT to may 2015. £2250, Tel Exhaust, T&T Oct'15. £2600, Tel July 2015, No TAX, SORN'ed. Tel 01594560219 or 07966552897, £3500, Tel 01384 349176, West 07894 078815, £2650, Tel 07718652369, 07732445911, 07984869251 or 07769276295, UK, Genuine Reason for Miles and Sale. Gloucestershire. 7633317 Midlands. 7633516 Nottingham. 7633255 Devizes,Wilts.. 7633591 Wokingham. 7633637 London. 7633437 £2100, Tel 07770469958, Banbury, Moto Guzzi Griso 1200SE, 2013 Benelli 900 Sei, 1990 Oxfordshire. 7633269 SUZUKI BERGMAN 650 REALISTIC CLASSIC & Moto Guzzi Daytona, 1994 SB6R, 1997 PRICE PAID FOR LOW MILEAGE BIKE. Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport, carb, 1995 Ducati 350XL Pantah, 1982 WE HAVE CASH WAITING. WILL VINTAGE COLLECT. FOR DETAILS CALL CHRIS Moto Morini 501 , 1985 Ducati 350 Sport Special, 1980 AT VALUE BIKE CENTRE 01953 857881 TIGER 800 Gilera 300 Twin, 1970 More stock online... 2012, 4400 miles, FSH imm con.ext XS400 Classic SPRINT ST 1050 The Garage, West Chiltington, West Sussex RH20 2QR fog lts,crash bars,12v skt nav mnt.2 R6 2011, 3212 miles, Two new tyres, 1981, 18300 miles, Custom model 2011, 9380 miles, Triumph seats H/L.adj screen.vgood tyr.1st loads of add ons including with stepped seat, good condition, 01798 813260 www.dimarino.co.uk GSX-R1000 K2 accessories inc H/grips, Gel seat, mot duejuly. £6000, Tel Akrapovic exhaust R&D crash new battery. MoT Nov'15. £1200, Tel 2002, 18500 miles, Good Black bars w/adjustable leavers. 07939548957, Gospot bungs, GIpro gear indicator,. £5900, 07787857685, Kent. 7633307 cond, full race Akra. End caps, spare keys, SH. £5600, WANTED & EXCHANGE Hampshire. 7633395 Tel 07581068745, CD200 1974, 28000 miles, PCIII,156 bhp dyno. Tel 07770756146 or 01732 838544, Bedlington. 7633275 Restored Honda CB200 from Ohlins damper. Michelin SV650 2005, 23000 miles, In good Kent. 7633563 1974.twin TLS front brake engine Pilots. Full Mot & tax. original condition, Mot till July. rebuilt,new paint £1500 spent all £3000, Tel 08719773449 Chain sprockets tyres all in good Find more than 2,300+ bills. £1300, Tel 07815570951, or 08712441712, shape. Good example. £1800, Tel Yamahas for sale Peterborough. 7633608 Glasgow. 7632877 07792891290, Weymouth, online right now Dorset. 7633001 XT660Z TENERE TIGER 800 2012, 6200 miles, www.mcnbikesforsale.com 2010, 3450 miles, Great condition, Immaculate condition: Triumph Panniers with bags, centre stand. STREET TRIPLE 675 2008, 23858 Serviced, MOT to Jan '16, Heated 12 Months MOT,Just serviced. Low miles, Black, one owner from new Grips & Hand Guards. Givi Top Box. Mileage. Offers. £4200, Tel and full service history. Six months £5750, Tel 07770 88 55 75, 07832244884 or 07832244884, MOT. Used often, in good condition. Brentwood. 7633587 Chertsey. 7633127 £3800, Tel 08712302739, Kingston TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T100 GT500 Upon Thames. 7633107 GSX-R1000 K5 Stealth SV650S WANTED REALISTIC PRICE PAID FOR 1978, 10642 miles, Edition 2009, 12200 miles, Fully faired LOW MILEAGE BIKE. WE HAVE CASH Serviced, 6 Months MOT, 2005, 16000 miles, carbon hugger crash bubble screen WAITING. WILL COLLECT. FOR DETAILS R6 VG condition, Stealth Black,excellent branded cables. 59 plate 3rd owner CALL CHRIS AT VALUE BIKE CENTRE 2004, 27053 miles, inspections welcome! condition FSH, recent Taxed and MOT May. £2995, Tel 01953 857881 Excellent condition. New Sensible offers will be 07940792908, Dundee. 7633310 Chain, Braided hose service,lots of extras, considered. NO PX. WEBUYALL call for info. Cracking YAMAHA fitted back & front with XV1600 WILDSTAR £4700, Tel ALL BIKES new brake pads on the 2003, 14500 miles, Excellent bike!. £4800, Tel STREET TRIPLE 675 2008, 10200 07478722067, BIKES.24/7 TRIUMPH front. £3000, Tel condition.Two owners from new. WANTED 07854904700, miles, A very clean stunning Corsham. 7633181 Service history.12 months example, complete with rear 01276473167 or Bristol. 7633523 MOT.Very reliable and comfortable. hugger, adjustable levers, tank pad 07746958848, DAMAGED £4500, Tel 07944424874 or and cat1 Alarm. £3699, Tel Lightwater, BEST CASH 07834354314, Southport. 7633376 07960239639 or 01246620010, Surrey. 7633312 PRICES PAID 24/7 BIKES Chesterfield. 7633584 FZ1 FAZER 2010, 1228 miles, Black 2010 FZ1 XVS650 DRAGSTER WANTED 08458-601122 ANYTHING REALISTIC PRICE PAID FOR LOW ALL MAKES & MODELS BOUGHT Fazer ABS 1228 miles! Fitted with a [email protected] MILEAGE BIKE. WE HAVE CASH CONSIDERED FOR CASH & COLLECTED Meta DEF Com T alarm.MOT'd until WAITING. WILL COLLECT. FOR DETAILS HONDA, KAWASAKI, SUZUKI, September 2015!. £5150, Tel 07814 XV535 VIRAGO ALL BIKES GSX-R750 SRAD 1998, 25000 CALL CHRIS AT VALUE BIKE CENTRE IMMEDIATE miles, Injection, Excellent con. YAMAHA, TRIUMPH 569269, Preston. 7633447 1991, 10857 miles, WWW.IRMOTORCYCLES.CO.UK 01953 857881 WANTED Needs a good run but has been kept Exceptional offer. 1 lady COLLECTION 07956248955 Cash paid, Will collect, very clean. Original can, great YAMAHA XV51100 DRAGSTER owner. FSH. Pristine Friendly professional service, when garaged 21 years example. £1850, Tel 07412385630, THUNDERBIRD 1600 WR125X WANTED REALISTIC PRICE PAID FOR Finance settled, ANYWHERE Sutton Coldfield. 7633508 2013, 339 miles, As new. LOW MILEAGE BIKE. WE HAVE CASH ago. No tax/MOT. Buyer Approx valuation by phone, CASH WAITING 2010, 5413 miles, Dry collect. £1500, Tel 01926 miles only , Mint Stupidly low mileage. WAITING. WILL COLLECT. FOR DETAILS Contact Norman CALL CHRIS AT VALUE BIKE CENTRE 832102, Leamington condition . Performance Save yourself a grand on 07747 810259 01978 821765 FZ6 FAZER the price of a new one!. 01953 857881 Spa, exhausts fitted , original Warwickshire. 7633193 www.hythehillmotorcycles.co.uk 07836 369642 exhausts available also. 2008, 10200 miles, MOT £2950, Tel 07717 535071, £7200, Tel till June 2015, R&G crash Croydon, BONNEVILLE 800 Surrey. 7633564 2011, 4800 miles, 07936055714, bungs, extended touring WANTED & GSX650F Triumph Bonneville EFI. Norfolk. 7632947 screen, excellent EXCHANGE 2008, 7100 miles, Suzuki BC Predator exhausts condition – never GSX650F 8 months mot and airbox kit alone cost dropped. £2800, Tel crash bungs 2 new tyres 1000. 4800mi 2011. 07944 298068, YBR125 7000 miles possible solo £5000, Tel Peterborough. 7633248 2009, 10100 miles, Silver metallic, seat conversion at cost. 07507558799, fuel injection, rev counter, centre London. 7633232 stand, fsh, one previous owner, MoT £3150, Tel 07596467151, Oct 2015. £1395, Tel 020 8368 7838 Kent. 7632959 XJ6 DIVERSION F THUNDERBIRD 1600 2011, 15820 2013, 11000 miles, Fully or 07983 855 441, London. 7633315 miles, Thunderbird with Storm faired, ABS, Michelin Motorcycles headlights and black wheels. Full Pilot Road 3 tyres Fully service history and immaculate Wanted condition. £7500, Tel MT-03 kitted for touring. Givi 07903703543, Dalkeith, 2007, 18400 miles, Excellent V35 frame and panniers. Polite and professional service, Midlothian. 7633213 condition 1 owner MOT Oct 2015 £4500, Tel 1000’s more prompt collection, top prices DAYTONA 600 2005, 38000 miles, Recent front tyre + front pads. 07730650834, Mid bikes for sale at paid, anything considered. GSX650F 2014, 1000 miles, As new Recent service, mot 7/15 Sports Near offer considered. £2200, Tel Glamorgan. 7633028 www.mcnbikesforsale.com Tel: 01622 690579 only 1000 miles reluctant sale, exhaust with removable baffle 07722625519, Bristol. 7633356 black GSX 650F, lovely bike sad to triumph tuned for the exhaust & Mob: 07958 723555 see it go, grab a bargain!. £4499, filter. £2695, Tel 07789655932, Email: www.mcnbikesforsale.com Tel 08712441700, Surrey. 7633259 Dumfries. 7633069 [email protected] TIGER 1050 2011, 7483 miles, Excellent condition, mot ACCOMMODATION SITUATION September 2015, service history, MT-07 ABS VACANT Givi top box, Oxford heated grips. XJ6 DIVERSION F ABS 2010, 8200 YBR125 2014, 1200 miles, Bought from Vine Cottage NORMANDY £5950, Tel 07787226595, miles, FSH ,1 prev. owner. MOT until 2013, 4500 miles, Awesome 1st laguna brand new,1st service done Bed & breakfast Somerset. 7633435 02/16.3 keys(Incl red key)+all docs. bike, perfect runner & great for LA MOTTE by them,immaculate condition,2 In immaculate condition. £3450, getting through traffic. Just had an DAYTONA 955I SS requires experienced GSX750F FK4 years warranty & RAC. £4750, Tel Tel 07736049912, Woking, oil change&service. £1450, Tel BIKE FRIENDLY B&B 2004, 14000 miles, FSH to 2013 Mot Find more than 1,200+ 01622 735909 or 07979726586, OWNER RIDERS 2006, 23500 miles, MOT 05/12/15, Surrey. 7633177 07783000261, Surrey. 7633329 FOR BUSY CENTRAL 23k, 2 keys, good tyres, alpha dot, May All records available. Ex cond Maidstone. 7633526 Secure covered parking good tyres new ft pads perfect Triumphs for sale LONDON COURIER new battery/pads, paperwork, runs online right now PHONE BILL OR CAROL COMPANY and rides well. £1750, Tel engine . £2900, Tel 08715590233, Wakefield West Yorks. 7633385 0033-233-510084 Minimum & Distance Work. 07973364370, Gravesend. 7633026  www.mcnbikesforsale.com Nurburgring Dambuster Run xda job allocation. www.vinecottage.de Weekly BAC’s Payment Tel: 0049 2742 911728 www.lamottebandb.fr 0207 685 1112 BLACK FOREST, GERMANY FRANCE Pension Williams Brantome in the beautiful Dordogne R1 Yzf XJR1300 YBR125 Custom 18'.;64#&+6+10#. Small 56;.'8+..#X#../1& 1999, 8109 miles, 2014, 261 miles, Great 2013, 4450 miles, Very English run %105XG$'&XF$#6*X Yamaha R1 very good looking bike, loads of good condition. FSH. hotel - just 5 .1))+#X'6%TX GZ125 MARAUDER SPEED TRIPLE 1050 minutes from    TIGER 1200 EXPLORER 2012, condition 8109 miles mot attitude, big 4 cyl in-line Low mileage. Stylish X  the famous  T 2010, 5000 miles, Excellent 2006, 10000 miles, MOT til July, 23369 miles, Full service 30/06/15 this bike been motor. Immobiliser and motorcycle for learner / condition, MOT til August 2015 full Good tyres, £2k of extra goodies on history.Excellent condition. Full B500. '#76+(7./'&+'8#. storage not used that data tag fitted. £7399, commuting. MOT due Relax, unwind 61905X8+..#)'5#0& service history low mileage. Price the bike, i.e bodywork, hubcaps, luggage, Crash bars see MCN site and ride some wonderful roads. (#5637+'641#&5T negotiable. £1750, Tel radiator panels. £4100, Tel for full extras list. £6995, Tel much. £2500, Tel Tel 01483 220152 or 06/2016. £1895, Tel +6*+09#.-+0)&+56#0%' www.pension-williams.com 1(4#061/'T OR CALL 07853055898, 07967814299 or 07766426254, 07919344480, 07795 173434, Nr 07580199559, Hamble, 07951410291, Sheffield South e-mail: [email protected] Contact Fiona 07815589245 FLINTSHIRE. 7633062 Hampshire. 7633434 Yorks. 7633125 Basingstoke. 7633337 Woking, Surrey. 7632851 Hampshire. 7633271 Tel: 0049 7842 2853 Email: [email protected] 0844 409 7587 Please note that calls to numbers starting 0871 published in the private adverts above are charged at 10p per minute from BT landlines. Calls from mobiles will cost more. For more information as to why these numbers are used please see www.mcnbikesforsale.com www.motorcyclenews.com 56 BUYING&SELLING INSURANCE

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February 18 2015 59

Byrne Rossi 1.8m 2.8m

2015

FANTASY ROAD RACE IN ASSOCIATION WITH CLOSING DATE Marquez 4AM GMT ON 3.2m SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21 mcn.fantasyleague.com LAST CHANCE TO PICK YOUR DREAM TEAM Time’s running out so pick your riders at mcn.fantasyleague.com now

With just days until the first WSB With over 13,500 MCN readers al- Road Race team choice. He said: “Jorge practice session at Phillip Island, now ready registered, you’ll be competing Lorenzo looks fit and ready and the Star riders’ top teams is the time to enter your MCN Fantasy against plenty of knowledgeable fans, new Yamaha M1 looks stronger, so he Scott Redding Road Race team. your mates in private leagues and top should contend for the title. The Open GP: Scott Redding 2.1 You have until 4am on Saturday, MotoGP, WSB and BSB riders includ- Yamaha will again have the super-soft 2.4 February 21 so register your team. Just ing Scott Redding and . qualifying tyre, and could WSB: Leon Haslam 1.6 go to mcn.fantasyleague.com where In addition to the star prize, there spring some surprises on it. Jonathan Rea 2.0 NEW DAWN you’ll find a full list and pricings of will also be six round winners through- “In WSB Rea will be on the best bike BSB: 1.6 every rider in MotoGP, WSB and BSB. out the season who will each claim a set for the first time in his career and he’ll Filip Backlund 0.3 You’ll have £10m to put together your of Dunlop tyres of their choice. be very hard to beat. For the second Leon Haslam FOR DUCATI very own dream team of two riders in If you need some inspiration with seat it was a tough call but I’ve gone GP: 2.7m each racing category. You can make your selection there is help at hand. for . Stefan Bradl 2.1m WITH LAUNCH changes throughout the season dur- The box on the right shows teams that “In the British championship it’s hard WSB: Leon Haslam 1.6 ing five transfer windows, with the have been entered by MotoGP star Scott to bet against the works Yamaha and 1.5 OF GP15 p62 overall victor winning a VIP trip to Redding and WSB hero Leon Haslam. Honda teams not getting their bikes BSB: 1.4 a European round of MotoGP 2016, MCN’s new MotoGP reporter Steve sorted, so I’ve opted for Broc Parkes Jason O’Halloran 0.7 courtesy of Bennetts.co.uk English has also shared his Fantasy and Jason O’Halloran.”

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...there’s no better screen than an MRA! Double-Bubble Screens Touring Screens Screens for Unfaired Bikes “...it’s like riding a different bike, the buffeting and noise is greatly reduced, what a difference.” Call us now to discuss the best screen for you MK, Hertfordshire, BMW R1150GS VISIT OUR WEB SITE 01773 831122 or visit... www.BikeHPS.com TO SEE A PHOTO OF Read more feedback at.. YOUR BIKE’S SCREEN www.bikehps.com/mra Price inc. VAT at 20% but excludes delivery. Lifetime guarantee to original purchaser. Calls may be recorded for training/security purposes. E&OE. Distributed in the UK by HPS. Dealer prices available www.motorcyclenews.com 60 SPORT ROADS ‘GUY MARTIN HAS NOT DISCUSSED RETIRING WITH ME’ Tyco boss Philip Neill speaks out aft er star claims he may quit

‘Guy could retire tomorrow and start again the next day – he’s his own person’

PHILIP NEILL, TYCO BOSS PAUL BRYANT PAUL

the flames with an ambiguous state- the phrase ‘retirement’ personally, I SIMON PATTERSON ment reinforcing the notion that his think he’s simply said that he wants to ROADS racing plans would be curtailed from step back and make a bit more time for REPORTER 2016 as he ‘tried to fit everything in.’ himself, and people have made what [email protected] However, speaking exclusively to they want from that. If there is a retire- MCN, Martin’s Tyco BMW team boss ment plan then it’s still a secret to me!” Tyco BMW rider Guy Martin caused a Philip Neill has dismissed the rumours, Martin will campaign the stun- stir in the road racing world last week, simply suggesting that people have ning new Tyco BMW S1000RR on the suggesting he would be retiring at the misinterpreted the meaning of the roads in 2015. His maiden TT win has end of the 2015 season. The TT racer Lincolnshireman’s comments. so far eluded him, but he has incred- made the comments in an interview “Guy could retire tomorrow and ibly finished second seven times, and with the Times newspaper, suggesting start again the next day. He’s very third eight times during his eventful this season could be his last. much his own person, and he hasn’t career. He will be joined in the team by Speaking to Times motorsport writer discussed retirement with me in any Ballymoney’s William Dunlop. Rick Broadbent, Martin commented serious context. I can’t speak for him, Tyco will also be representing the that he was considering stepping back but what I think he’s trying to find in German manufacturer in the Brit- from road racing as his schedule be- his life is time to create a good mix of ish Superbike championship with comes ever more jam-packed by tel- what he wants to do – and we know how Michael Laverty returning from evision filming commitments. varied that mix is these days. MotoGP to partner BSB rising star Tommy The 33-year-old then further fanned “I don’t think Guy has ever used Will the Tyco BMW be the bike Guy Martin finally takes to the top of the TT podium? Bridewell in the squad. #MCNwednesday

BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 61 WSB NEWS Last year’s Honda was underpowered, but YAMAHA HATCHING A Hickman still took a win at Cadwell PLAN FOR WSB RETURN Yamaha have confirmed they will Dosoli exclusively admitted to MCN at return to World Superbike with their the team’s launch last week in Milan. new R1 – but not until 2016. First they “The ultimate goal is to move to will be concentrating on developing the World Superbikes, but we will only do bike into a fully competitive package it when we are ready; we do not want at national level in 2015. to forget what we are doing now with Upon their return to the world stage supporting our teams at a local level. Yamaha say they won’t be fielding a But this new structure [of factory sup- full factory team like they have done ported teams] is working very well, and in the past. Instead they are looking we want to push it to the next level. to give factory support to a number of “I would be more than happy if privateer teams. Milwaukee Yamaha could move to One prime candidate to make the step World Superbikes, because they have up to WSB is the MCE British Superbike done a great job in BSB. It is too early team Milwaukee Yamaha, as European for us now to make a return, but we road race project manager and former will do everything we can to support Yamaha WSB team boss Andrea them next year if they want to move.”

This is the first glimpse of Milwaukee’s new R1 BSB challenger HICKMAN GETS HIS BMW WISH FOR BSB AND TT RAF Reserves team ditch Honda to go German

MCE British Superbike race winner your own head in with frustration.” in 2014 and the fastest ever Isle of Hickman has enjoyed happy hunt- Man TT newcomer, Peter Hickman I think I had quite ing onboard the S1000RR too, tak- will have BMW power in both BSB a lot of say in the ing one to his incredible 129mph and on the roads in 2015. record-breaking newcomer lap at Remaining with the Lee Hardy switch of bikes... I the 2014 Isle of Man TT. Racing team, Hickman’s squad will “The goal for the 2015 TT is just to retain their RAF Reserves backing was quite vocal!’ finish and learn as much as possible. for the BSB season, but will welcome I’ve already done 129mph so I’ve PETER HICKMAN new sponsors Briggs Equipment for got nothing to prove. I’m doing the their road racing campaign, with a head against a brick wall last season Classic TT on a ZXR750, and that’ll subtle livery change to reflect both in terms of speed. The BMW was help my track knowledge too. I’ve series’ sponsors. something I had ridden before and never ridden anything old before, Former factory The team switch from Honda ma- I made sure the team knew I wanted but it’s got a full World Superbike Honda rider, Amor chinery to the new BMW was pivotal to be on one. I was quite vocal! spec motor from 1992 so it should goes back to what he in Hickman’s decision to stay with “The problem last year was that be pretty good. knows for 2015

the team. Despite the speed of the I was always on the edge just to try “In BSB though, we’re not turn- INTL PRESS PACEMAKER factory Honda that took Alex Lowes and get that good finish. I got blasted ing up just to make up the numbers; to the BSB title, privateer teams have on every straight, and then I had to the team wouldn’t have made that struggled for pace. work my ass off to just get in the top big change just to ride around at the AMOR FULLY ARMED FOR TT “I think I had quite a lot of say in 10. Every lap was like a qualifying lap back. A Showdown spot is the clear the switch of bikes! It’s fairly well and you cannot ride like that; you’re target; that’s where we all want to Former factory Honda rider Keith Amor Germany with engines, electronics and documented that I was banging my going to hurt yourself and you do be with wins and podiums.” is set to make a renewed road racing data, and we will run Öhlins factory comeback this season. The 42-year- suspension on all the bikes.” old Scot, who made a limited return With his shoulder now fully repaired last year after a shoulder injury had following two major operations, Amor forced him out of the sport in 2011, will says he will be aiming to recreate his race the TT and the Irish internationals 2010 glory season that brought him on a Motorrad-supported 2015 BMW international wins at the North West S1000RR. 200 and . Enjoying backing from RigDeluge, “That was my best ever season and the former Supersport TT podium I want to go back to what I know and finisher will also have a brace of World what I ran then,” he said. Supersport-spec Honda CBR600RRs “I was on a low budget in 2010, it’s for the smaller class. anything but that now.” Amor’s first “I will have six bikes in total: three test will be at Cartagena in March be- BMWs and three ,” Amor ex- fore racing in short circuit meetings Hickman’s BMW S1000RR in its BSB RAF Reserves livery (left) and in the Briggs colours for the roads (above) plained. at Bishopscourt, Kirkistown and the

DOUBLE RED “I am getting Motorrad support from Tandragee 100. www.motorcyclenews.com 62 SPORT MOTOGP MOTOGPDUCATI LAUNCH CONTENDE Factory believe new GP15 could reignite winning ways

Andrea Dovizioso and race and it is important to set goals MATTHEW BIRT make their debut on the new bike next high. We know that it is an extremely MOTOGP Monday (February 23). tough objective, but we are used to REPORTER Only then we will get a clearer indi- accepting the most difficult of chal- [email protected] cation of whether Dall’Igna’s ambitious lenges. Last year we said that we target of winning at least one race in wanted to reduce the gap to the This is the radically new Ducati 2015 is a possibility or a fantasy. winner to less than 10 seconds. Desmosedici GP15 machine that the Dall’Igna said the new bike combined This was also an ambitious Bologna factory hopes will end its evolution and revolution, with engi- challenge, but we achieved long-running victory drought in the neers trying to incorporate the good it in the second half of the MotoGP world championship. points of the GP14, including braking championship. Winning a Rolled out for the first time dur- stability, into the GP15. race means finishing ahead ing an official team launch in Italy on He said: “We have not thrown away of two giants like Honda and Monday, the new GP15 is one of the all that we have done before because Yamaha and their four riders, most eagerly anticipated bikes of the I believe in continuity. It would have who are for sure four of the modern MotoGP era. been a mistake to have disregarded strongest, but this is our aim This project is the first one that what has been done before. But this is and we know we can count on Ducati technical guru Gigi Dall’Igna has a great break from the previous project Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea had total control over, with the GP15 with many features never done before Iannone, who in my opinion designed from a blank sheet of paper by me or Ducati. But the goal is clear: are capable of fighting on equal to try and trigger a fresh challenge to we want to try and win at least one terms with their adversaries.” Japanese rivals Honda and Yamaha. Dovizioso said he thought the Ducati hasn’t won a MotoGP race GP15 was ‘beautiful’ and ‘stun- since triumphed on home ning’ when he first set eyes on it. soil at Phillip Island in 2010. The Italian sparked something And you have to go back a further of a mini Ducati revival in 2014 three years for the one and only time when he claimed podium finishes that Ducati prevailed over its Japanese in Austin and Assen and then scored rivals, when Stoner dominated the the Ducati’s first in four inaugural 800cc series back in 2007. years at the Twin Ring Motegi in . But optimism is sky high that And he said: “The first impression is the GP15 could be the machine to definitely positive. It is small, especially restore the glory days to Ducati, which in the back, and that is something I am has fallen on hard times recently, most not used to seeing. notably in a disastrous two-year stint “This bike is born from the infor- with Valentino Rossi in 2011 and ’12. mation that we gave at the beginning Ducati started planning for the GP of last season. We have a clear idea of almost a year ago and the end result is what we needed, the main point is to a striking transformation from previ- eliminate understeer and if we will ous Desmosedici projects. solve this problem many others will The new bike features a revised be resolved accordingly.” engine position to try and cure some Asked about Dall’Igna’s ambitious of the chronic understeer issues it has victory target, Dovizioso said: “I do suffered constantly during and since not see it as something impossible and the Stoner era. this is a great feeling. But let’s be cau- ‘The goal is It has an all-new chassis, a re-routed tious. We have not yet tried this bike.” exhaust, and the bike has clearly gone Team-mate Iannone, who is prepar- clear: we want to on a crash diet with the GP15 visibly ing for his third season at Ducati but narrower than before. first in the official factory team, added: try and win at The proof will be in the test- “The first impression of the bike is posi- ing though, and all eyes will be on tive but now we go to Sepang to see how least one race’ the Sepang track in Malaysia when fast it is and that is most important.” GIGI DALL’IGNA

Huge changes to the fairing’s frontal area have made the cockpit more cosy Shrouded in carbon-fibre, the GP15’s re-routed exhaust is just one of the changes Reworked chassis has repositioned the engine DUCATI #MCNwednesday

BUYING & THIS WEEK NEW BIKES FEATURES GARAGE EVENTS SELLING SPORT February 18 2015 63

DUCATI’S BRITS ON MOTOGP HISTORY FIRE AT FIRST TEST

Rain may have dominated the open- ing Moto2 and Moto3 testing of 2015 at ERS AGAIN Valencia last week, but it didn’t take the shine off hugely encouraging per- formances from British duo and . ‘First impression is 2003 With only one day of dry track time Ducati’s first foray into MotoGP available, Lowes and Kent both finished positive... but let’s be is a success, with Capirossi on the second quickest ahead of this week’s podium in their first race. He wins second pre-season showdown in Jerez. cautious. We have five races later at Catalunya. Former World Supersport champion not yet tried this bike’ Lowes set a best lap of 1.35.106 to fin- 2005 ish one place ahead of reigning Moto2 ANDREA DOVIZIOSO Ducati switches to Bridgestone world champion . tyres and Capirossi wins two The rider was only beaten races in Japan and Malaysia. by French rider and he said: “The weather made it frustrat- ing for everyone but I can take a lot of positives from the first day.” Kent’s second appearance on the Honda Moto3 bike he will race for Leopard Racing was also impressive. The two-times Moto3 race-winner was second quickest behind French rookie sensation . Kent’s best lap of 1.39.415 was only 2006 0.023s adrift of Quartararo, who is Capirossi leads the champion- already being hailed as MotoGP’s next ship but a massive multi-rider first big star after Marc Marquez. corner crash at Catalunya ulti- mately proves pivotal. He finishes third overall in the rankings.

2007 Ducati dominates the new 800cc era, with Stoner winning 10 races on the way to winning the factory’s first premier class title.

Danny Kent has quickly got to grips with his Honda Moto3 machinery

2010 When Stoner won his home race at Phillip Island little did Ducati know it would be the start of a barren losing streak that is yet to be ended.

2011 Hailed as the saviour of Ducati, Rossi arrives but struggles mas- sively, scoring just one podium.

2013 With Rossi and technical boss Filippo Preziosi gone, Ducati ex- periences their bleakest season, with Dovizioso and Hayden scor- The diet’s worked, GP15 now has a super-slim tail and it’s a big hit with Dovizioso ing just two top six finishes each. Lowes overcame tricky conditions to finish the Valencia Moto2 test second MOTOGP DUCATI REVEALED p62BSB BIKES BREAK COVER p60 DUCATI CORSE

RETIREMENT TALK END OF ROAD FOR GUY MARTIN? Tyco BMW boss sheds some light on TT star’s future, p60 LAST CHANCE ENTER MCN FANTASY ROAD RACE GAME PACEMAKER PRESS INTL PRESS PACEMAKER

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PLUS: MOTOGP SECRET PICTURES + ROOKIES INTERVIEWED REA SYKES ‘I’M NOT HERE TO MAKE ‘NO-ONE WANTED TO FRIENDS, I’M HERE TO RIDE THE ZX-10R, NOW WIN THE TITLE’ THEY ALL DO’

FOGGY WATCH ‘IT’S GOING TO BE THE EXTRA BATTLE OF BRITAIN. WE COULD HAVE THE TOP SIX PLACES FILLED WITH BRITS’

WSB PREVIEW 2015 The bikes, the riders and the egos set to make WSB 2015 erupt www.motorcyclenews.com

MICHAEL GUY SPORTS EDITOR FOGGY WELCOME ‘IT’S GOING TO YOUR TO BE A WSB PREVIEW MEGA YEAR’

It feels like it’s been a long winter, but when the WSB men roll out Twenty years ago Carl Fogarty embarked on of the Phillip Island pit lane on his most dominant season of racing. Having “WSB Panigale with its Friday the waiting is fi nally over won the World Superbike championship for fairings off on page 8, and the 2015 season is go. you say? Phwooar!” Having been in Jerez for winter the fi rst time in 1994, he went on to own the testing I can tell you there is a 1995 season, decimating the opposition and real buzz in the WSB paddock. cementing his legend status in racing. The new technical rules look set to level things up, with Aprilia Onboard the iconic Ducati 916, Foggy and Kawasaki losing some of was unstoppable. Racing against the likes their advantage, while Ducati, of , Troy Corser, Colin Honda and Suzuki gain ground. Edwards and , he certainly had Then there’s the riders, Jonathan Rea’s move to his hands full, but it was a year where ev- Kawasaki makes for a truly erything came right, and he almost made it formidable team – right now he look easy – and his dream double at Brands and Sykes are getting on just Hatch was monumental. fi ne, but somehow I can’t see that lasting. The combination Two decades later and there are a host

of Chaz on an ever-improving of Brits queueing up to be crowned WSB PATRICK LUNDIN Ducati could be too much for champ. Foggy knows exactly what it takes to the rest of the grid and I also champ will probably come from. expect race wins from his team- win and believes our boys are up to the job – mate Davide Guigliano, and the question is, which one will do it? “All the Brits are hard riders and they don’t maybe even . Leon “I always look forward to the start of WSB,” take any prisoners, but they are all really Haslam will almost certainly Foggy told MCN. “We’ve been starved of bike nice guys. Although maybe all the Brits will be back in the mix riding the Aprilia, as will the racing for three months and Superbikes at all wipe each other out at the fi rst round and irrepressible Alex Lowes on the Phillip Island is the race that kicks us off they’ll all end up hating each other, either heavily updated Suzuki. every year. It’s exciting times: we get to see way it’ll be a mega year! It’s an important weekend in the new bikes and team colours, but the one “One thing that is clear is that it’s going to terms of the championship – history shows that the rider who thing I’m really excited about is seeing Jona- be a battle of Britain. We could have the top leaves the opening round head- than (Rea) and Tom (Sykes) together in that six all Brits – so it’s going to be down to ing the point standings has gone title-winning Kawasaki team. It’s going to be them to see who’s fi rst and who’s sixth – on to win the title 17 times in the so off you go lads.” championship’s 27-year history. fascinating, and it’s where the 2015 world Good luck, boys!

P4 P8 P10 Champions elect – Sykes and Rea prepare for Freeze frame – under the skin of Chaz’s The Brit onslaught continues –

INSIDE YOUR ISSUE INSIDE YOUR battle, and why Davies could spoil the party breathtaking factory R Haslam, Lowes and Camier are ready #MCNwednesday

2015 World Superbike calendar

Round 1 Feb 20 – 22 Phillip Island, Australia Round 2 March 20 – 22 Chang International, Thailand Round 3 April 10 – 12 Aragon, Spain Round 4 April 17 – 19 Assen, Netherlands Round 5 May 8 – 10 Imola, Italy Round 6 May 22 – 24 Donington, UK Round 7 June 5 – 7 Portimao, Portugal EXTRA Round 8 June 19 – 21 Misano, Italy Round 9 July 17 – 19 Laguna Seca, USA Round 10 July 31 – Aug 2 Sepang, Malaysia Round 11 September 18 – 20 Jerez, Spain ‘It’s going to be a Round 12 battle of Britain. We October 2 – 4 Magny Cours, France could have the top Round 13 six all Brits’ October 16 – 18 Losail, Qatar GOLD AND GOOSE FREE DVD FOR MCN READERS To celebrate the start of the season, Duke are off ering MCN readers this free DVD. Visit the website or call the number below, and pay £2.49 P12 P14 for postage to a UK address. See more details on page 13. Behind the scenes – it’s access all areas at the MotoGP rookies – they’re fast, up-for-it and in WWW.DUKEVIDEO.COM/MCNFEB15 fi rst MotoGP test of the year at Sepang a hurry to reach the top. But who will make it? OR CALLING 01624 640000 AND QUOTING MCNFEB15 www.motorcyclenews.com 04 SPORT EXTRA

It’s eye-to-eye now, but will it be more like an eye- for-an-eye when Rea and Sykes’ title fight hots up in a few months time?

CHAMPION Will it be Sykes or new team- mate Rea that’ll take the title?

By Michael Guy MCN SPORTS EDITOR

hen Jonathan Rea ended his career- long affiliation to Honda and signed with Kawasaki in 2015, it caused a seismic shift in the dynamics of the W World Superbike paddock. His move means that Honda no longer have their proverbial race-winner, and former world cham- pion Tom Sykes now has a formidable team-mate. Kawasaki is now fielding arguably the two most talented riders on the grid. It’s a dream scenario for the firm’s executives watching from HQ in Japan, but for Rea and Sykes there is an awful lot at stake. One thing’s for certain, with identical machinery, the best man will win.

FOGGY WATCH ‘Now he’s on a championship winning bike he’ll start as favourite out of all the Brits. He has a little bit more talent than the others’ GOLD AND GOOSE #MCNwednesday February 18 2015 05

Jonathan Rea 65 WSB RACES: 140 WINS: 15 POLES: 4 FASTEST LAPS: 10 BEST CHAMPIONSHIP POSITION: 3RD

Rea is viewed by many as one of the most gifted riders in WSB. He honed his talent in BSB and WSS before becoming a front-runner in his full rookie WSB season way back in 2009. He’s been a Honda man for his entire career, showing an unwavering loyalty that has been praised for its belief, yet questioned for its naivety. The clos- est he got to his dream HRC MotoGP gig was two wildcard rides in 2012, deputising for the injured Casey Stoner onboard the . But when a full-time switch to MotoGP failed to materialise once again, last winter the 28-year-old finally closed the book on Honda to join Kawasaki. For Rea it’s all to play for. He led the champion- ship for the first time in 2014 and took his ageing Honda to third in the standings. For many he’s seen as ‘the one’ and for the first time since joining WSB, he’s got the bike and factory support to win the championship – and in his book, anything less will be underachieving. “I had a good season in 2014 with Honda, but I understood that it was the best we could do on that bike. From the first time I met with Kawasaki we knew from both sides that it was something we wanted to do. When you’re in a team for a long time you know the good and the bad points. With a new team you’re not tarnished with the harsh reality – if there is one!” And the relationship with new team-mate and former WSB champion Tom Sykes? “I really respect Tom for what he’s done on this bike and I don’t think there is any needle between N ELECT?us. But I also think that he’s come through some mediocre rides in the past before his meteoric rise. He went from scratching around in the top 10 to almost winning the world championship. “There is an expectation that because Tom had a problem with his team-mate Loris (Baz) last year, Tom will have a problem with me. There is some hype being built up about our relation- ship because we’re both really headstrong and we both really believe in ourselves. With that in mind it looks like there could be an explosion, but right now everything is fine. “I’m happy if we can have a relationship and work together for the benefit of Kawasaki, but I’m also happy to build a wall down the middle of the garage and get on with it. I admire Tom, but I’ve got my friends at home and I don’t need to come to the track to be friends with everybody.” Continued over The recent Spanish test was the first time Rea got to grips with his new Kawasaki www.motorcyclenews.com 06 SPORT EXTRA

Badovini and Loris Baz. I make so many sacrifices Tom Sykes 66 and dedicate my life to racing, but some people WSB RACES: 157 don’t think about the outcome of their actions WINS: 22 and disturb the world championship. POLES: 24 “It’s going to be my sixth year with Kawasaki and FASTEST LAPS: 21 I feel very privileged – I trust Kawasaki 100% and BEST CHAMPIONSHIP POSITION: 1ST they trust me. They’ve followed my feedback and that’s how we’ve arrived at the top. People forget that when we started this project in 2010 we were at If things had panned out slightly differently ground zero and I was 10th in the championship.” Britain could be celebrating Tom Sykes – the And your relationship with Jonathan? triple World Superbike champion. Having lost “Everyone asks about my relationship with out on the title by just half-a-point in 2012, he Jonathan. I think it’s all down to the fact that Loris won it in 2013, only to miss out again in 2014 by Baz was quite manipulative and he painted a very a meagre six points. To put that into perspec- bad picture of me. There were a lot of lies and un- tive, three titles meant he would have matched fortunately it has stained my name; a lot of people Aussie legend Troy Bayliss’ achievements, and been only one title away from the most success- ful WSB rider ever, Carl Fogarty. Despite his consistency and often unmatch- able pace, people still question his ability, saying ‘It’s going to be my that his success is all down to the bike. In reality, such claims are ludicrous. This is a sixth year with man that has secured 20 fastest laps, set 22 poles and won 21 races in the last three years, and se- Kawasaki and I feel cured Kawasaki’s first WSB crown since Scott Russell back in 1993. And critics that maintain his success is all due to his hardware should remem- very privileged’ ber that, for all his joking and clowning around, this is the man that is revered by engineers in have the perception that I’m a bad person. Japan for the precise feedback that has led to “As for Jonathan he is a very talented rider the development of the all-conquering ZX-10R. and between us we’re definitely going to be He said: “Losing the title in 2014 still hasn’t putting on a good show. We’ve tested a few sunk in, but as a professional you have to draw times and we sit around together laughing a line under things and move on. As a person and joking like friends would. At the moment I hold grudges and from 2012 and 2014 there we’ve got a good relationship and that’s all are two riders I hold grudges against – Ayrton you can ask for.”

Kawasaki’s 2015 challenger has been honed by years of Sykes’ excellent feedback #MCNwednesday February 18 2015 07

McGuinness undergoing fitness testing at the English Institute of Sport. The man that Rea You’d best get used to seeing his face like that and Sykes fear most Chaz Davies 07 WSB RACES: 74 WINS: 4 POLES: 0 FASTEST LAPS: 6 BEST CHAMPIONSHIP POSITION: 5TH

While Kawasaki men Rea and Sykes aren’t nec- essarily expected to see eye-to-eye throughout 2015, one thing the two men do agree on is the seriousness of the threat that fellow Brit Chaz Davies represents to their own title aspirations. Now starting the second year of his two-year deal with the factory Ducati squad, Davies has the luxury of picking up where he left off with a familiar team. The 1199R that Davies and team-mate Davide ‘I’m here to turn the Guigliano will race has been built to the new, more restrictive 2015 regulations from day one. Panigale into a race- So while the Kawasakis and Aprilias on the grid have lost up to 15bhp, the Ducati’s performance winner and I think should be unchanged, making them formidable opposition once again. we’re very close’ Speaking to MCN, Davies said: “One of the FOGGY WATCH biggest things for me is that continuity. It takes the corner somewhere, and that was hard work. away the stress and means I can focus on 2015 and Having more speed doesn’t mean we’re automati- ‘It was disappointing how it ended last year. I’m sure he’s a build on the work that was done in 2014. cally going to win races, but its certainly going bit bitter, but Tom’s a good rider, “Ducati have a hell of a track record in WSB, to make life a bit easier.” focuses on the job, and they’ve won the most titles, and a few of the key Given their previous lack of speed, Ducati have is a bit of a loner’ players are still there in the team. But I’m not here worked hard to maximise their braking perfor- to look at the past, I’m here to turn the Panigale mance – an area where Davies already excels. into a consistent race winner and I think we’re In the latest round of testing in Jerez, team boss very close.” Ernesto Marinelli revealed to MCN that Davies The key area where the Panigale should close is the latest and hardest braker he has ever wit- ground on its four cylinder rivals is top speed. nessed. Not a bad accolade from a man that has From the moment it began racing in 2013, it’s been worked with riders including Gobert, Bostrom, outgunned on the straights, forcing Davies and Bayliss, Hodgson, Haga and Checa. Guigliano to take enormous risks in the braking Davies said: “Braking is my strong point. It’s zone which led to a number of untimely crashes. been a strong point ever since riding s**t 250s “The bike came a long way in 2014 and all the in GPs!” development had 2015 in mind. At the start of last During his WSB career, Davies has shown that year, on any length of straight we were losing up on his day he can dominate the field. He first did to three tenths. Towards the end of the season we that on a privateer Aprilia, before repeating the could just about stay in the slipstream, but then same trick on the BMW. In 2015 he has the bike, we got to Qatar and had our socks blown off. If you team and talent to be world champion – the boys want to keep up you have to find those tenths in in green are right to be wary…

GOLD AND GOOSE With the Ducati package now optimised, 2015 could be the year that Davies makes his title assault www.motorcyclenews.com 08 SPORT EXTRA

FREEZE FRAME

If Carlsberg built bikes… champion, but they haven’t Ducati has won the WSB title got close since. In 2013 and 5 an incredible 14 times thanks 2014 Ducati failed to win a to the eclectic talents of single a race, but as the 2015 riders including , season dawns under the Carl Fogarty, Troy Bayliss, spotlight of new technical and James regs, the Italians are back. Toseland. But their reign Race wins now seem a came to an abrupt halt aft er certainty and the title a 2011. That year distinct possibility. MCN produced an immaculate gets under the skin of the season to become world Panigale 1199R to see why.

4 GOLD AND GOOSE #MCNwednesday February 18 2015 09

Electronics: cheaper 1 but just as clever A new price cap means that the ECU used in 2015 is under half the price of the 2014 Magneti Marelli system. But Ducati are able to utilise many of the same strategies. Due to high-spec speed sensors on the road bike, Ducati Corse have been able to build these into their advanced electronics package, freeing up sensors to use on other areas.

Tyres: making 2 them last the race In 2014 the Ducati was 1 seriously fast when grip was high and tyres were new, but struggled in the later stages of the race. This has been targeted in the winter development programme with updated chassis settings and early indications are that the bike will be considerably faster on low grip circuits and at the end of races.

3 Engine rules won’t 3 hurt the Panigale New rules see a move to more stock parts such as pistons and conrods, but Ducati already had to use stock conrods anyway. Because of the high- level titanium pistons and conrods used in the Panigale R, Ducati aren’t expecting to lose much BHP. What they will lose is the ability to rev quite as high, but that is something they will work on during the year.

Pushing engines 4 to the limit With a total of seven engines to last the 13-race season, Ducati calculate how many miles each engine needs to last and then push them to breaking point on the dyno to fi nd the limit. This level of resource is one of the true advantages of a full 2 factory team. Chaz and Davide 5 on rocking form Both Chaz Davies and Davide Guigliano are now entering their second year with the offi cial team. Both riders are blisteringly fast and while their styles are worlds apart, the set-up and feeling from what they want from the bike isn’t – and this cuts development time. www.motorcyclenews.com 10 SPORT EXTRA

HASLAM THE SPARK IS BA On the Aprilia V4 and fighting fit, Leon Haslam aims to set WSB

make progress and grow his confidence, he was Leon Haslam 91 slammed back to earth through injury. AGE: 31 But having signed to ride for Aprilia in 2015 ‘Moving to this team WSB RACES: 182 the outlook is bright, and if his pace in testing is WINS: 3 POLES: 1 anything to go by he looks set to be playing for and seeing the fire FASTEST LAPS: 4 the big prize come the opening round at Phillip BEST CHAMPIONSHIP POSITION: 2ND Island next week. and passion of the Speaking to MCN, he said: “I had a couple of tough years with BMW and a couple of tough Italians. It’s definitely Looking into the eyes of Leon Haslam and the years with Honda, so to come here with Aprilia spark that has been missing is back. The last is amazing. All the guys are on the ball and elec- spurred me on’ four years have been tough, really tough. Having tronically the bike is well dialled-in, which is the gone from fighting for the WSB title onboard the area that has been my biggest issue in the past. in his career. Over the years the V4 configuration Alstare Suzuki against in 2010, his “It gives you the lap-by-lap confidence. I don’t has been proved to be sublimely successful in both two years with BMW and two with Honda have have to worry whether the throttle is going to GPs and Superbikes. Aprilia has won three out of taken their toll. shut off or whether the traction control will the last five WSB crowns and Haslam is already He was a guinea pig at BMW, as the German catch a slide, because it’s all working. Every lap starting to understand why. manufacturer scrambled to get their S1000RR you know what it’s going to do, so as a rider you “The whole package is obviously very compli- up-to-speed while competing against years of can build on that. cated, but at the moment it seems very dialled-in. know-how from their established rivals. The “My first comment to the team when I got on The fact that it’s a V4 isn’t a big thing for me; it’s move to Honda looked a good one, but he was the bike was that it felt like a souped-up 250!” how the power is controlled electronically through once again held back by having to develop a new Despite having raced in 125, 250, 500GPs plus Relaxed, happy and injury free, oh and the proven traction control and anti-wheelie. I haven’t had to electronics package. And whenever he was able to BSB, WSS and WSB, Haslam has never raced a V4 Aprilia V4 package will help Haslam’s 2015, too change my riding style so far because it’s work- #MCNwednesday February 18 2015 11

Leon Camier 43 AGE: 28 Donington WSB RACES: 107 WINS: 0 POLES: 0 Park WSB FASTEST LAPS: 1 BEST CHAMPIONSHIP POSITION: 7TH ticket off er

FOGGY WATCH Racing fans will only have ‘I rate Leon, but aft er his diffi cult 2014 was tough for 28-year-old . He one chance to see their years I expected him to be back started the year as a MotoGP rider, but he lost his home-grown WSB heroes in Britain in 2015. He’s gone job before he’d even turned a wheel when the Ioda go for glory in the UK in well in testing so he could team lost crucial funding. 2015, when the Superbike be a big surprise.’ With virtually every other full-time ride taken, circus hits Donington Park Camier became super-sub in 2014, standing in on May 22-24. for the injured Sylvain Barrier in WSB onboard MCN has teamed up with the BMW, Claudio Corti on the MV in WSB, and Donington to offer readers in MotoGP on the Aspar Honda. an exclusive money-saving While he was unable to feature in any title fight, ticket offer. So if you want he did himself no harm whatsoever underlying to see the Brits take on the his versatility and speed, showing the world world in WSB and WSS – the level of talent that we in the UK have known this is your chance. about for a long time. After resisting numerous attempts to get him — Purchase an advance back into BSB in 2015, Camier signed for the of- Sunday or Weekend ticket ficial MVAgusta team and now faces a challenge via the Donington Park to develop the bike in the tough arena of WSB. website or ticket hotline He said: “MV have big plans and it was the and receive: technical side of things that got me interested in — Paddock Pass for just the project. As a rider I learned a lot from having £10 (normal price is £25) ridden so many different bikes, it was actually — Promotional code: quite positive. I learned so much about position, WSBK02 and exactly what I want from the bike.” —Limited availability Now Camier is committed to developing the — Website: www. MV. He knows WSB well and is on a two-year FOGGY WATCH donington-park.co.uk deal to turn the bike into a contender. ‘Leon’s clearly very talented, I —Ticket Hotline: “Making progress so quickly with the bike has just hope the MV is competitive 0844 873 7343 been really confidence-inspiring and, considering enough. I’d be be surprised if he’s (calls cost 6p per the project, we’re not that far away. For sure we in the top four, but I’d love to be minute plus your phone still need to improve a lot, but we already know proved wrong.’ company’s access charge) the direction we need to take.”

Alex Lowes 22 AGE: 24 WSB RACES: 27 WINS: 0 POLES: 0 FASTEST LAPS: 2 BEST CHAMPIONSHIP POSITION: 11TH

With a year of WSB competition under his belt, Alex Lowes has had time to reflect. Reflect on ACK his rookie season and put into place strategic changes that will make a difference in 2015. Lowes is a rider who is notoriously hard on himself. In the past he’s been unhappy when on fire in 2015 he’s not winning and only barely content when he has. But following his rookie year in WSB onboard his Crescent Suzuki, the 24-year-old Lowes has spent the winter working on his mind- has introduced a new regime in his life, and if set, but will still be letting the bulldog off the lead ing. Every bike has its pros and cons and we’re testing is anything to go by, where his single changing it every time we go out. Overlaying lap and race pace has been impressive, the new aged to secure two podiums and set two fastest the data with Sylvain and Marco from last year, way of thinking is clearly working. laps – not bad for a rookie on a privately-entered there is only positive comments coming back “I’m trying to be calmer and to look at the Suzuki, racing against a host of full factory bikes. in terms of how I’m approaching it. On a race big picture. I’m too hard on myself and I know “I have massive belief in myself. I’m not being weekend you usually find the most time by that now. Before in testing I’d put in a arrogant but I know I can ride as fast as anyone analysing yourself, but at the moment we’re fast time just to make myself feel else on the grid, and I’ve proved that in the past. testing so it’s all about the bike.” better. Everyone then thinks But on some days you can only ride as fast as your In addition to getting on a bike that is already a it’s all OK, but deep down I’d package allows. In my BSB days I was always a proven race-winner, Haslam has the advantage know that I didn’t have that believer that you can just make it happen, but of not starting the season injured. Over the past pace, and that heaps the I’ve learned that isn’t always possible. four years he’s endured enough injury and rid- pressure on.” “I used to put a lot of pressure on myself to den against doctors’ orders so many times that From the start of 2014, win, but I understand now that if I’m a second even the most hardened paddock-goers began Lowes showed why he off the pace and I go into a race thinking like to question his decision to race on. was given the oppor- that, only one thing is going to happen – I’m “Three broken legs in two years is no good tunity to race in the going to crash. for anyone, and this winter is the first winter FOGGY WATCH world champion- “Now the aim is to take every day as it comes. I haven’t been in hospital having metalwork ‘I’m a big fan of Alex. The ship. Despite I haven’t set any goals. But by being relaxed and removed. That has been a big thing along with question mark is the bike some injuries building up my confidence, my understanding because for sure he has the moving to this team and seeing the fire and talent to run at the front. and crash- will increase. Then if I get to the last five laps and passion of the Italians. It’s definitely spurred Another dark horse.’ es he still I’ve got a chance, I can let my natural bulldog me on. Right now I feel happy and confident, man- spirit fight through!” and a happy rider is a fast rider.” www.motorcyclenews.com 12 SPORT EXTRA

Testing, testing 1, 2,3 Sepang has become the traditional curtain-raiser for MotoGP, with the first winter testing action of the year always taking place at the Malaysian venue

Exhaustive prep Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo tested a new shorter exhaust that sounded ear-poppingly amazing SEPANG Winter warmer Rossi’s bobble hat AGV helmet was a funny dig at ‘winter testing’ taking place in sweltering 30° conditions SNAP Rossi’s hat, Scott’s tatts and Marquez’s can star at the fi rst MotoGP test of the year PICTURES BY: GOLD AND GOOSE, 2 SNAP AND YAMAHA

Not all glamour Miller time MotoGP isn’t all about riding the world’s fastest bikes. Aprilia staff Jack takes a breather in and pour over telemetry data. Or is it Candy Crush? Sepang’s sauna heat

Marquez gives you wins Tatt’s nice Scott The can, the cap and the car. Something tells us Marc Marquez is sponsored by Red Bull Redding’s Shark lid got a special makeover for Sepang featuring all of his tattoos #MCNwednesday February 18 2015 13

HIGH AND DRY Drenched in sweat, riders need to get their riding kit dried before they go out for another energy-sapping stint

Crash test dummy Pol Espargaro was keen to kick off his 2015 MotoGP preparations. So keen that he suffered a small crash on only his second lap!

Photo opp Italian photographer Gigi Saldano takes the chance to grab some detail shots of the fastest bike in the world

SHOTS

Shark attack Take a brake Aleix Espargaro’s Sepang helmet Visitors sign in Valentino Rossi scrubs off 150mph in the blink of eye thanks to carbon discs Lorenzo’s face when a female fan asks him about his helmet FREE DVD OFFER

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KTM, it was all hard work,” admitted Miller. Jack Miller 43 “We worked our asses off to get where I am AGE: 20 today. The mortgage still isn’t paid off and it GP STARTS: 55 (125GP & MOTO3) won’t be for another few years. It’s a big debt WINS: 6 that I have to pay back and it hasn’t been easy. POLES: 8 It’s been hard work for my parents and all my BEST CHAMPIONSHIP POSITION: 2ND (MOTO3) family but they’ve all chipped in. “There were a lot of times that I had to think if this really was what I wanted to do. At 14 When Jack Miller was fast-tracked from Moto3 you’re not sure about what you want to do, so contender to a fully contracted HRC MotoGP I take my hat off to my parents for believing in rider, opinion in the paddock was split. While he me and giving me this opportunity.” had unanimous support from some quarters, the The reward was six race wins in 2014 achieved decision to move him from a 55bhp Moto3 bike to through breathtaking commitment and de- a fire breathing 230+bhp RCV was questioned by termination. The way he rode, the way he cel- many. Even the outrageously talented and coura- ebrated and what he said in his post race press geous Marc Marquez believes it is a step too far. conferences made him an instant hit with fans. Miller’s racing career means everything, not But despite his talent, he failed to win the cham- only to him, but also for his family who have put pionship. After Valencia, Miller was criticised all their resources into him. And it’s been this un- for his reaction to losing the title, with his anger conditional belief from his parents that has given clearly visible and his thinly veiled criticism of him the fire he needed to reach the top. Marquez all too apparent. The young Aussie admits that the commitment “I was unhappy in Valencia because I put so shown to him by his family means there is still a much effort in to get to that point. There are few years to go before he feels that the debt has kids I’m racing against who won’t stay out of been settled for the faith they have shown in him. their house for a couple of months, never mind “Until last year, when I earned my ride with Ajo leaving home at 14 and living out of a bus for 11 months a year. Thinking back to those years is my motivation, and to miss out on the title made it hard for sure.” With Moto3 now a distant memory, a career ‘The mortgage in MotoGP beckons. The last man to switch from the entry-level class to the GP premier class was still isn’t paid off another Aussie – Garry McCoy. He went from 125GP to 500GP and showed the world a new way and it won’t be for to ride, with his backing-in and tyre-smoking rear- wheel steering. Miller’s MotoGP future has another few years’ the potential to be as equally dramatic.

Miller appears to be settling in well to life on board his 230bhp Honda RCV1000R

Miller: ‘Qatar will be awesome’ Expectations: It’s going to be a hard season but I want to consistently score points and be inside the top 10 a few times. Biggest challenge in MotoGP: The way you have to turn and pick the bike up, and getting grip out of the tyre is different to Moto3. First thoughts in Valencia: The first thing that I wanted to do was get to full throttle. Then once I got on the brakes, I noticed that it pulls up something stupid. Favourite GP track: The first round at Qatar is going to be awesome, but Argentina and Texas will be great, too. #MCNwednesday February 18 2015 15 REVOLUTION class, but which one will be the top MotoGP rookie of 2015?

The planets Eugene Laverty 50 have aligned and AGE: 28 Laverty’s GP time GP STARTS: 30 (125GP & 250GP) is now WINS: 0 (13 WSB) POLES: 2 (WSB) BEST CHAMPIONSHIP POSITION: 2ND (WSB)

Miller isn’t the only high profile rookie to join the MotoGP party, Irishman Eugene Laverty makes his long-awaited switch from WSB to the premier class in 2015. In contrast to Miller’s brashness, Laverty is quietly spoken and takes a very methodical approach to his racing. Their roads to MotoGP are also very differ- ent; racing is in the Laverty family blood with Eugene’s father a veteran Irish racer, and brothers Michael and John both successful racers. Being able to call on their experiences has been a great help for Eugene, and was hugely important in moulding his career. But while he has a tremendous amount of support from his family and ultra-loyal fan base, like Miller he’s had to endure his fair share of disappointment. He has missed out on ‘This is the team being crowned world champion three times, having finishing runner-up twice in World and bike that I’ve Supersport and once in World Superbikes. “Being three times runner-up, and with all been waiting for’ three going down to the last round, it’s not of- ten that happens to one rider,” said Laverty. “It would have been nice to have gotten that title under my belt, but it doesn’t change my mindset Laverty: ‘There’s more revs’ coming to MotoGP. Expectations: It looks like Yamaha and Ducati “In this game it’s all about the right place at have a bit of a headstart, so we’ve got to start the right time, and when me and Cal (Crutchlow) trying to catch them. were rivals it was his opportunity to progress. First thoughts in Valencia: There’s a When I moved into superbikes, a year behind Cal, different feel to the engine compared to the the opportunities didn’t open up for me. In this superbike. With these engines, the RPM is game it’s a lot about timing, but this is the team pretty high in comparison. and bike that I’ve been waiting for.” Favourite GP track: Mugello will be great Laverty waited for what he felt was the right because we never got to race there in WSB. time to come to MotoGP with the right team. He Hero: was a hero to everyone feels that the decision to wait until now will be at home, but was my GP hero justified by the seriously upgraded Open-class because my first memories of watching GPs Honda being fielded by his ambitious Drive M7 was of him, and then it was . in 2015.

Loris Baz 76 Maverick Vinales 25 AGE: 21 AGE: 20 GP STARTS: 0 (61 WSB) GP STARTS: 67 (125GP, MOTO3 & MOTO2) WINS: 0 (2 WSB) WINS: 16 POLES: 0 (2 WSB) POLES: 11 BEST CHAMPIONSHIP POSITION: 5TH (WSB) BEST CHAMPIONSHIP POSITION: 1ST (MOTO3)

Expectations: Being close to the top Open bike at the start of the season would be great. Expectations: Our challenge is to be in the Biggest challenge in MotoGP: Braking and the points all the time and, if we work well, to get rigidity of the bike. in the top 10. First thoughts in Valencia: It was a dream come Biggest challenge in MotoGP: I have to learn true for me, but I knew that it would be hard work a lot and improve my riding style. to try and change my riding style. First thoughts in Valencia: The acceleration Favourite GP track: I have five new tracks but I was so fast compared to Moto2! think that Argentina looks really nice. Hero: Valentino, I haven’t followed him yet Hero: , I was named after him! but when I get behind, I’ll try and pass him! www.motorcyclenews.com 16 Xjahjjhsdff XX 2014 EVENTS Your definitive guide to racing around the world in March

EXTRA

FEBRUARY 18 ►Moto2 and Moto3 testing, Jerez, Spain FEBRUARY 19 ON THE BOX ►Moto2 and Moto3 testing, Jerez, Spain FEBRUARY 20 EUROSPORT COVERAGE ►World Superbikes practice, Phillip Island, Australia FEBRUARY 21 PHILLIP ISLAND WSB ►World Superbikes Superpole, Phillip Saturday, March 21 Island, Australia Saturday, February 21 0750-0950 LIVE Superpole SuperEnduro, Guadalajara, Mexico ► 0350-0550 LIVE Superpole qualifying on British Eurosport 2 HD FEBRUARY 22 ►British Superbikes testing, Cartagena, Spain ►Moto2 and Moto3 testing, Jerez, Spain qualifying on British Eurosport HD 1150-1320 Superpole qualifying ►World Superbikes race, Phillip Island, MARCH 6 MARCH 19 1030-1200 Superpole qualifying highlights on British Eurosport 2 HD Australia ►British Superbikes testing, Cartagena, Spain ►Moto2 and Moto3 testing, Jerez, Spain highlights on British Eurosport 2 HD ►Supercross, Atlanta, USA MARCH 7 MARCH 20 Sunday. March 22 FEBRUARY 23 Sunday, February 22 0530-1030 LIVE race day on British ►British Superbikes testing, Cartagena, Spain ►World Superbikes, practice, Thailand ►MotoGP testing, Sepang, Malaysia ►Supercross, Daytona Beach, USA ►X-Trials, Oviedo, Spain 0030-0445 LIVE race day on British Eurosport 2 HD FEBRUARY 24 Eurosport HD 1330-1700 Highlights on British ►The Tough One hard enduro, Oswestry, UK MARCH 21 0930-1300 Highlights on British Eurosport 2 HD ►MotoGP testing, Sepang, Malaysia MARCH 8 ►World Superbikes Superpole, Thailand Eurosport 2 HD Thailand FEBRUARY 25 ►British Superbikes testing, Cartagena, Spain ►Supercross, Detroit, USA ►MotoGP testing, Sepang, Malaysia ►X-Trials, Barcelona, Spain MARCH 22 FEBRUARY 26 MARCH 14 ►World Superbikes race, Buriram, Thailand ►MotoGP testing, Sepang, Malaysia ►MotoGP testing, Losail, Qatar MARCH 26 ►Supercross, Indianapolis, USA FEBRUARY 27-28 British Superbikes testing, Donington Park ►SuperEnduro, Cahors, France ► Supercross, Atlanta, USA ► ►X-Trials, Wiener Neustadt, Austria MARCH 27 ►SuperEnduro, Belo Horizonte, Brazil MARCH 15 ►MotoGP practice, Losail, Qatar MARCH 1-2 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, Abu Dhabi ►MotoGP testing, Losail, Qatar ► ►British Superbikes testing, Almeria, Spain MARCH 16 MARCH 28 MARCH 3 MotoGP qualifying, Losail, Qatar ►MotoGP testing, Losail, Qatar ► ►British Superbikes testing, Almeria, Spain ►Supercross, St. Louis, USA MARCH 17 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, Abu Dhabi MARCH 4 ►MotoGP testing, Losail, Qatar British Superbikes testing, Almeria, Spain MARCH 29 ► ►Moto2 and Moto3 testing, Jerez, Spain MotoGP race, Losail, Qatar MARCH 5 ► BTSPORT Extensive live coverage of every session of each of the 18-round MotoGP season MARCH 18 ►Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, Abu Dhabi kicking off in Qatar on to March 27-29. ITV Race highlights package screened on ITV4

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