Home//MCN/30 September 2020/In This Issue
MCN|30 September 20207 DAYS IN 60 SECOND‘The challenge is getting hotter, but I still want to ride’ VALENTINO ROSSI ON STAYING IN MOTOGPTOP STORYTravelling on a different VectorWhen high-end electric bike start-up Arc stumbled into funding difficulties with their Vector launch project, then fell into administration at the tail-end of last year, the closure looked all too permanent. But the ambitious project was too good to fail - and now appears to be rising from the ashes. The man who was Arc’s creator has bought the project out of administration and has the plans - and funds - to resurrect it. Full story PAGE 4THE UK’S TOUGHEST TESTSportsbikes for the roadTwenty years ago we were buying insane numbers of supersport bikes. Yamaha could flog over 4000 screaming R6s per year while Honda could do the same…3 min
MCN|30 September 2020Huge insurance shake up comingThe Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has put out proposals to rid the insurance market of second-year price hikes that favour new customers over existing policyholders.After an analysis of the market the FCA has accused insurers of “complex and opaque pricing practices” resulting in price rises while also adding that “firms target price increases on consumers who are less likely to switch and use practices that make it harder for people to leave”.To combat this the FCA is proposing new rules that state if a customer renews their motor insurance policy, they should pay no more than if they were new to their provider. Insurers would be free to set new prices but they would be “prevented from gradually increasing the renewal price to consumers over time other than in line…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020‘I wouldn’t let them take it’When a passing cyclist came into Gambier and Reeks dealership on Putney Bridge Road in Fulham in September, to tell them that one of their customers’ bike was being stolen, Paul Reeks had only one thought: “They are not getting that bike.”The bike was an almost new Yamaha TMax 500 worth £11,000 that Reeks, 55, was preparing for an ex-pat customer in Austria.“It wasn’t about the money, the guy is living with cancer, and he was really looking forward to getting out on two wheels again on his own bike. In fact it was due to be picked up at any time, which is why it was parked right outside the shop and didn’t even have a steering lock on it. It meant it was easy for them to ‘pipe…3 min
MCN|30 September 2020BARGAIN HUNTERTomTom Rider 550 £299.99‘It was good and now it’s better still’If you invest in this TomTom Rider satnav you’ll have no excuse to get lost ever again. MCN put one to the test over the last 12 months and gave it a five-star quality rating and with £100 off, it’s well worth a look. Much updated from the previous Rider 400 model, it’s faster, has improved WiFi connectivity, which means downloading routes, maps and speed camera locations can be done without connecting to your computer. It’s smooth to operate with a snappy and slick scrolling, pinching and zooming of maps facility. You can personalise your trips, pair your smartphone so you get messages on the move and you’re even able to check weather at your destination. There are metallic edges,…4 min
MCN|30 September 2020Trident is poised to take on MT-07Triumph have released a few more teasers of their upcoming entry level Trident. We first saw the bike last month as a design concept, painted entirely in white and while there’s still no firm stats, we can see more detail about the new bike here.For a start you can see the bike rides on decent quality Showa suspension, while the brakes are by Nissin – two brands known for their quality rather than price. We can also see it’s shod with Michelin Road 5 tyres, another impressive bit of kit on an entry-level bike. Elsewhere, we can see high-tech touches including a ride-by-wire throttle, LED lighting and a shapely dash. We can also see the rear numberplate hanger, which runs off the swingarm to preserve the clean lines.What we don’t…2 min
MCN|30 September 2020‘Case of theory versus reality’When it comes to refilling a petrol vehicle most pumps are fairly constant in their flow of fuel. With electric charge points, however, this isn’t the case and it can take anything from one hour to over eight to recharge the same vehicle. Why is this?What is happening?Batteries are rated in kWh (kilowatt hours), which is best thought of as how many litres it has in its ‘fuel tank’. To ‘refill’ the battery you need to add kWs into it via a charger and it is the rate the charger can deliver these kWs and how quickly the battery can accept them that dictates how long the battery takes to recharge.Slow Chargers or Level 1A domestic electricity supply can deliver at best 3kW, so if the battery you are charging…2 min
MCN|30 September 2020Rea has what it takes to be the GOATThe debate over who is the greatest racer comes up every so often. Over the last 20 years it seemed the discussion revolved around whether Valentino Rossi could cement his GOATness by overhauling Agostini’s 122 GP wins. It looks like Rossi will be unable to add to his total, so I’m going to give you another racer. Jonathan Rea with 92 World Superbike and World Supersport wins and five successive world titles gets my GOAT award. I have watched him over the last two years deal with extreme pressures from his competitors and race to the limits and beyond to continue getting those wins. He then takes time to give his honest opinions on the race. A true GOAT that I feel is in with a chance of overhauling Agostini’s…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020‘Why do they keep changing tyres?’There’s been so much talk about tyres in racing. It’s a super hard one to get your head round because everyone is in the same boat so everyone has the same opportunity to fix it and get their bike working. But what I don’t understand is why the tyre manufacturers introduce new tyres and throw the curve ball in when they were working before.It takes a long time to make things better. It doesn’t happen overnight and at the end of the day the things that are important with tyres are that they give you grip, confidence to do what you want and that they are safe. For me that’s the requirement for a BSB tyre for example - something that works. They had that last year, so why change…2 min
MCN|30 September 2020FEAST YOUR EYESExtra footbrakeJust like a big scooter, the MV needs a ‘handbrake’ to stop it from rolling away on a slope, even if it’s gear. Tap it with your right foot and it locks into place.Insert name hereMV have just started to put plaques on their engines to say who assembled them in their Varese factory. Daniele Borsetto has done a nice job on this one.Saves you effortWith its quickshifter, autoblipper and SCS system that stops it ever stalling you only need to use the clutch to start it in gear, or to tease up a cheeky wheelie.…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020‘I OWN A DUCATI SUPERSPORT……but I’m considering a Panigale V2’David WrightAge 47 Height 5ft 6in Current bike 2019 Ducati Supersport S Been riding for 41 years First bike Honda SS50 field bike Dream bike Ducati Superleggera V4“I’ve owned superbikes, 600s, super-nakeds and adventure bikes. I used to club race, but now occasionally do trackdays and ride on the road for leisure only and I’ve recently started to get across Europe for some sporty touring.“I had a 1299 Panigale but found it hard work, so I bought a Supersport S instead. I really like its more relaxed ergonomics, along with its totally useable power and sweet handling.“I was encouraged to take a test ride on the Panigale V2 by someone who’s just bought one.I think it’s really improved looks- wise from the old 959 and the overriding impression is that…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020PAUL BIRDSUBSCRIBE SAVE CASH WITH MCN! Enjoy four issues of MCN for just £1 when you sign-up now!SEE P26‘It’s my team. My money. I know what we do is right’Adiscussion about racing isn’t complete without including Paul Bird and the achievements of his team. He’s a polarising figure, one that’s raised the bar in the British Superbike Championship and dared to take on the best in World Superbikes and MotoGP. Controversial? Perhaps, but Bird’s team is the benchmark in BSB, with 115 race wins, and he has worked with some of the best riders on both the roads and short circuits.Bird was a fast racer in his own right, a Grand Prix motocross competitor and a three time Irish Supermoto champion between 1996-98. A broken leg in 1992 led to the…4 min
MCN|30 September 2020NO NEED TO USE THE COVID BUSNiu (as in ‘new’) are an electric scooter firm based in China. Their model range reads like a tin of alphabet spaghetti, starting with the UQi (a £1500 underbone) and peaking with this, the £3596 NQi GTS Pro. A top speed of just over 40mph puts performance in the ballpark of a derestricted moped, meaning it’s strictly for urban use. But with near–negligible running costs, surprising hi–tech touches and handy removable batteries, could this be the shape of a commuter from the future?Steady as she goesThe Bosch electric motor is built into the rear wheel hub, meaning no final drive to maintain. It makes 4bhp, yet there are three riding modes. Full–power ‘Sport’ is good for an indicated 45mph. ‘Dynamic’ limits life to 29mph, which is just slow enough for…2 min
MCN|30 September 2020The Trip Explore IcelandLocal knowledgeRideWithLocals, the only Icelandic enduro company and based just a 2h 45min flight from the UK. A fully-inclusive trip on Husqvarna 701s with a support vehicle, fuel, food, mountain hut accommodation, trail snacks, beer and all the local gen from the Vikings running it. We had six days riding, covered roughly 1400km doing 9 to 11-hour riding days and got to see the real Iceland - which is unseen by most tourists. Expect to pay around €4400 per person. www.ridewithlocals.is…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020I DID ITAndy LonnenAge 50Bike 2020 KTM690 Enduro R“I’ve been a member of the TRF since 2014. I had a BMW GS at the time and fancied doing more off-road riding. I didn’t want to ride motocross for fear of hurting myself so trail riding with the TRF seemed the perfect answer. I wanted to get better at riding in the dirt and the TRF introduced me to people who could help me advance my riding as well as the brilliant social side.“With the TRF the more you put in, the more you get back and if you organise a ride then people are always eager to join you and there are spin-off bonuses such as groups of friends going to events together and also other TRF groups, whose brains you can…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020Living for the twisty the thrillsSENIOR DESIGNERDaily rider with forty-five years of experience, both on and off road. Owns 30 bikes.This year’s motorcycling calendar has been a disaster, with one event cancelled after the other. My annual moped run on the first May bank holiday was one of the first Covid victims. Undeterred, the group decided to re-book for September.Finally, the time arrived, my little 1975 Honda SL125 was thoroughly prepped and tested, ready for a 350-mile trip around Derbyshire. Brimming with confidence I set off to the start, which I nearly made, if it hadn’t been for the electrics packing up. Bugger! With the bike back in the garage, and my socially distanced friends well and truly distanced, I came up with Plan B.I would go on the Z H2. Not exactly meeting the…3 min
MCN|30 September 2020EXPERT GUIDE TO £5k Sports-tourersSports-tourer sounds a bit wishy-washy. It implies bikes that are lacking purpose, a bit nowt-nor-summat. But the days of retired old sportsbikes with token practical additions are long gone. Today’s sports-tourers really are jacks of many trades, tackling commutes and two-up tours with the same ease and ability as sunny japes. And whether you favour power, comfort or tech, there’s a used bargain to suit.Look for home modsThe standard screen is good, but noisy. Spacers at the mounts help, but watch for home-drilled vents and other ‘custom’ solutionsModes for everythingDucati’s riding modes were revolutionary in 2010. The 1200 has Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro, with adjustable power and TCMultiple MultistradasMarzocchi forks and Sachs shock on base models. S models have Öhlins, with carbon bits on the Sport and panniers on…5 min
MCN|30 September 2020‘I am planning to do 80,000 miles or so’Simply put, this motorcycle’s for distance and BMW do it so much better than anyone else. I have looked at a brand new low chassis GS Rallye, but then I rode this one again and realised how much I like it. All the contact points are in the right place and all the controls are intuitive, plus I’ve tailored it with creature comforts to suit me. With all that in mind, I’m planning to keep it and maybe I’ll see if I can ride it up to 80,000 miles or so.HOW GOOD IS THE RUBBER?OE Bridgestone A41sThe original set lasted 4000 miles and were good in all conditions but I found that on a trip to Eastern Europe that the rigid carcass was causing the rear to step outAlso considerPirelli…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020ALL TO PLAY FORThe Bennetts British Superbike Championship heads back to Donington Park this weekend and the title fight is well and truly on.Glenn Irwin’s retirement in the second race at Oulton has turned the title battle on its head. Jason O’Halloran took full advantage with two wins, with Josh Brookes and Christian Iddon also closing in on the Honda man. Just 12 points separate the leading quartet.1st Glenn Irwin178 pointsOulton Park was the first time we’d seen the all-new Fireblade struggle, with the undulations and bumps of the narrow circuit seemingly making it a real handful.Irwin’s retirement at Oulton blew the title race wide open and he now only has a two- point advantage.However, Irwin has already shown this season that he’s a much more relaxed character who’s taking each race as…3 min
MCN|30 September 2020Lowes’ podium redemptionSam Lowes continued his impressive upwards trajectory in Moto2 after narrowly missing out on victory to series leader Luca Marini in a close- fought race in Barcelona.The Brit fought back from another slow getaway and dived down the inside of Marini at turn one to take the lead on lap 16.Despite Lowes being able to bridge the gap to Marini, he couldn’t pull away once he’d hit the front due to the left side of his Dunlop tyres now struggling for grip. The slow start meant that Lowes had to push hard to recover from sixth on the opening lap, increasing tyre wear.An error from Lowes whilst out front at turn five led to Marini taking the lead back at turn one on the penultimate lap. Lowes almost lost the…3 min
MCN|30 September 2020Maverick ‘I was lost’The roller-coaster form of Maverick Viñales continues to spin heads after a puzzling ninth in Barcelona just a week after winning in Misano.Admitting he “lost direction” in practice, Viñales slumped from fifth to 15th on lap one - again opening himself to accusations he is weak when riding with a full tank and new tyres in the early stages.“It was impossible. I was only able to overtake Cal (Honda) and Aleix (Aprilia) with a crazy outside move on the brakes. It’s always the same, in fourth and fifth gear we lack power,” he complained.“This result is difficult to digest. A win and then such a disaster; it’s crazy on the head.“But if you understand that this was your maximum potential then you stay calm.”Meanwhile, Franco Morbidelli accepts that he must…2 min
MCN|30 September 2020Mir the MercilessSuzuki’s long search for an X-Factor star like Texan legend Kevin Schwantz might well have come to fruition in 2020. Joan Mir was a three-year-old when Kenny Roberts Junior was the last Suzuki rider to claim three successive podium finishes in the premier class way back in 2000.But another mature and calculated performance from Mir cemented his status as a serious title contender and new Suzuki golden boy in the making.The 23-year Spaniard played a starring role in helping Suzuki celebrate a first double podium since Chris Vermeulen and John Hopkins were second and third respectively at Misano in 2007.The buzz around Mir’s precocious talent is already leading some to tip the former Moto3 World Champion as Suzuki’s modern generation Schwantz.But not wanting to get too carried away, Mir says…3 min
MCN|30 September 2020‘Your 2020 biking season isn’t over yet’As I arrived back home on Sunday evening, the sun setting over my left shoulder and the light fading fast enough to call a halt to my ambitious darkvisor-only afternoon rideout, I couldn’t help but feel the chill cutting though my summer riding kit.But a quick visor change and a graceless wiggle into some textiles and I was back out for another two hours in perfect comfort. Proof, as if it were needed, of the tedious adage that there’s no such thing as the wrong conditions, just the wrong kit.Lockdown robbed us all of some glorious biking this year, but when the sun’s out it’s still warm enough for big days in the saddle, and there are other reasons to keep the passion burning, too. Now is the perfect time…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020‘I have always had a little bit of hope’READER REACTION‘It would be amazing to finally get the bike I have paid for’ STEWART CAMPBELL, NORTON CUSTOMERNearly nine months after Norton collapsed, customers are hopeful they may get a good outcome. In an update issued last week, administrators BDO confirmed a £16m sale to Indian firm TVS and issued an update on the status of those who had ordered bikes.Many customers of the old Stuart Garner-run company had been coming to terms with the fact they would lose the £40,000- plus they’d paid for their V4s. But things took a turn when they got letters from BDO asking if they still wanted to receive bikes.“It finally looks like some sort of justice might be done,” said Stewart Campbell, who paid £44,000 last November. “If I do get the keys…3 min
MCN|30 September 2020Rideout to raise cashMotorcyclists are being encouraged to get out on their bikes to help raise money for the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance service.In a Covid-safe campaign known as ‘Ride the Route 2020’, the charity are inviting bikers to take on a 62-mile set journey through the two counties in exchange for a donation.“We don’t get any lottery or Government funding and without the generosity of the public there would be no air ambulance,” volunteer Roland Johns told MCN. “Bikers are vulnerable road users, so it’s nice to know that the service is there.”The journey itself mimics a route previously used for the charity’s ‘Ride to Save Lives’ event – an annual outing that last year attracted more than 400 bikes and raised around £11,500. Riders were invited to make a £12.50…2 min
MCN|30 September 2020NEW KIT JUST INFurygan K-11 X Kevlar riding jeans £169.99Furygan have worked with Kevlar and D30 to produce top-notch riding jeans. They have the most recent D30 protection (CE Level 1) and the material is stretchy for a comfortable fit. There’s also a women’s version, the Kate X Kevlar. The Kate jeans come in sizes 36-44 and the K11s come in sixes 36-50. www.nevis.uk.comEvotech Performance, Ducati Hypermotard 950 parts from £25A new range of stunning accessories for the Ducati Hypermotard has been revealed by British firm Evotech Performance. There is everything from front caliper guards to engine guard sets, with prices starting from as little as £25 (for the caliper guards), up to £178 for the engine protection set. A very neat tail tidy is also offered, at £175. www.evotech-performance.comLaser Spark Plug Thread…2 min
MCN|30 September 2020‘We got some very funny looks’Riding from Northants to Skeggy and back might not sound like a big deal… but it is when you are doing it on Honda Vision moped that won’t top 30mph.Alan Dowsett, 38, who goes by the name of ‘Helmet Head’ on YouTube, covered a total of 220 miles at a max speed of 28mph for the PTSD UK charity. “It was just an absolute giggle,” Alan told MCN. “I was smiling and having such a laugh all the way round.”Joined on the trip by five other riders – including friend and occasional co-host, Darren ‘The Sidekick’ Leslie aboard a Honda Carens moped, Alan plans to raise £1000 for the charity by the time he has finished uploading the series of videos from the trip to his channel. At the time…2 min
MCN|30 September 2020BUY IT NOW‘Want adventure? Try a Transalp’The GPz750 sold for £1750, or £500 more than I paid, for it, less the £125 it cost to have it lifted to me in a van. That’s a necessary expense – hitching my trailer and driving 200 miles away will take an entire day.People think you can’t make a profit buying and selling on eBay, but you can. Sometimes it’s a matter of pouncing on an underpriced bike in a classified ad. At other times, I may be the highest bidder in an auction but other bidders simply haven’t realised what something is worth. When something is on the cusp, its value can increase in a matter of months, even weeks.On the cusp now, I think, are early attempts at adventure bikes. BMW GSs lit…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020Britain’s best biking festival is back!Moped Mayhem, the wild and wacky endurance race that was the highlight of the old BMF shows in the 1980s and 90s is making its long- awaited comeback at the Devitt MCN Festival of Motorcycling on May 15-16 next year. Known for its wild racing, huge grid, madcap machines and raucous atmosphere, it doesn’t get more grassroots than Moped Mayhem!The action doesn’t stop there, the 2021 event is packed with new and used bikes and thrilling stunt displays. Not only that, but you can expect the very best live music with evening entertainment for people making a weekend of it. It’s the UK’s biggest outdoor biking event and not to be missed.Ride the new 2021 bikesThe Festival is all about riding. It’s the only place in the UK where you…2 min
MCN|30 September 2020YOUR TRIP● Readers on tourAidan, Andrea and Mike● The RideWe took our project bikes for a weekend riding around Scotland after lockdown● Miles436● Best bit about the trip?Despite some very Scottish weather, it gave us a bit of faith in our spannering skills and reminded us that we don’t need our fancy bikes to do a trip.THE ROUTETHE PLANAidan, Andrea and myself took our rolling project bikes (my K75 only cost me £300) away for a weekend trip here in Scotland.MELFORTWe had a night near Loch Melfort then headed up towards Portmahomak.WIGWAMThe weather got bad so we found a wigwam cabin in Kinloss instead of wild camping.BIT WETWe’re used to Scottish weather so we had a great run and got home without incident.…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020MCN LAWQ ‘Driver did a U-turn without any warning’I was out on a ride on a sunny Saturday in Hampshire when I came upon a long row of stopstart traffic so I decided to carefully ride by the queue on the outside. I was going about 30 on a national speed limit road, a speed I considered to be safe as I know the road well and there were no junctions where I was overtaking.After I’d passed quite a few cars one car pulled out to do a u-turn without any warning or indication and I was sent flying over the bonnet. My solicitors say I am 50% to blame and should accept an offer from the other side. I seem to recall a case where the biker got all of…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020‘It’s refined but still so exhilarating’It’s nice to see how the Brutale 800RR has come of age and blossomed into a refined, capable, but still exhilarating naked supersport machine. It doesn’t come with the latest generation electronics, colour dash, or electronic suspension but it’s still well equipped, beautifully finished and the racket from its autoblipper alone is reason to reach for your wallet. The addition of its automatic clutch doesn’t bring anything to the party for normal riding, or take anything away, but it works perfectly and saves effort through traffic, around town and adds an extra layer of specialness to the riding experience.THE FACTS£14,680MV Agusta Brutale 800RREngine 798cc 12v inline three cylinderFrame Steel trellisFront suspension Marzocchi 43mm forks, fully adjustableRear suspension Single Sachs shock, fully adjustableFront brakes 2 x 320mm front discs with four-piston…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020DIVE IN TO THE DETAIL£17,380 MV Agusta F3 800 RCEngine 798cc 12v inline three cylinderFrame Steel trellisSuspension Marzocchi 43mm forks and single Sachs rear shock. Fully adjustable.Front brakes 2 x 320mm front discs with fourpiston Brembo radial calipers. ABSRear brake 220mm rear disc with twin-piston Brembo caliper ABSSeat height 830mmFUNCTIONALITY AND FEATURESDucati clocksTriumph clocksMV clocksDucati switchesTriumph switchesMV switchesDucati mirrorsTriumph mirrorsMV mirrors£15,765 Triumph Daytona 765Engine 765cc 12v inline three cylinderFrame Cast aluminium twin sparSuspension Öhlins 43mm forks and shock, fully adjustable.Front brakes 2 x 310mm discs with fourpiston Brembo monobloc radial calipers. ABSRear brake 220mm disc with single piston caliper. ABSSeat height 822mm£14,995 Ducati Panigale V2Engine 955cc 8v V-twinFrame Cast aluminium ‘airbox’ chassisSuspension 43mm Showa forks and single Sachs rear shock. Fully adjustable.Front brakes 2 x 320mm discs with fourpiston radial monobloc Brembo M4.32 calipers.…2 min
MCN|30 September 2020BIG MOMENTSWILDCARD SUCCESSPaul Bird and Shane Byrne take the WSB paddock by storm at Brands Hatch in 2003. Byrne became the first British wildcard to do the double.FIRST TT WINMcGuinness wins the 1999 Lightweight TT on the Vimto Honda TSR250. “I’ll never forget the presentation. I think we bought every gas airhorn on the Isle of Man - we nearly took the roof off of the Villa Marina.”FIRST BSB TITLESteve Hislop secured PBM’s first BSB title in 2002. “The little team from up North started winning and we didn’t seem to be able to stop winning either!”REDDING DOMINATIONScott Redding wins the BSB title at the first attempt in 2019. “We were the only team prepared to take a gamble. I love to prove people wrong.”…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020‘And all for just a penny per mile’If you’re after a cheap-to-run, short-range traffic-busting runabout, the Niu does the job. Ride to work, ride home, charge overnight, repeat - and all for a penny a mile. Never visit a petrol station, nor change oil, filters and spark plugs again. Being able to remove its batteries is useful, especially if (or when) they need to be replaced in the future. And modern touches like the LCD dash, cruise control and connectivity mean it doesn’t feel cheap, despite the very reasonable £3600 pricetag.But all the while Honda’s PCX125 and Vision 110 are less expensive, faster, more practical and more proven, petrol remains a long way from being beaten.THE FACTS£3596 Niu NQi GTS Pro…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020‘Ditch the tent, stay in mountain huts’Vanessa Ruck, Instagram: @thegirlonabike1 Icelanders welcome riders with enthusiasm to explore the thousands of miles of little-known tracks. However, with a fragile ecosystem so vulnerable to ruin from a misplaced foot, it’s easy to see why it’s illegal to leave the tracks.2 Rapidly changing weather – sunshine one-minute, sideways rain the next, vicious winds, snow, hail and rainbows. We hit the first rivercrossing 60 metres from turning off the highway. So pack waterproof socks… it’s wet.3 You don’t need to be a pro off-roader but you do need to be comfortable on the pegs for long days riding with a huge mix of terrain, including sand and deep water crossings.4 Ditch the tent and stay in mountain huts - log cabins with toasty hot showers and comfortable mattresses. The locations…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020WATERPROOF SPORTS BOOTS● Fit and comfort rated● Design, construction and CE scores rated● Waterproofing tested with pressure washerRATINGSExceptional ★★★★★ Very good ★★★★ Good ★★★ Average ★★ Poor ★Alpinestars SMX-6 V2 Gore-Tex £239.99‘They feel like slippers’Long-running big-sellers and with good reason, these microfibre boots are a fantastic year-round choice. Straight out of the box they slip on as easily and familiarly as well-worn slippers, feeling snug and secure without being tight. Heels are held in a strong, chunky cup. Toes have plenty of room to move around. The sole simultaneously manages to feel thin, giving excellent feel, and yet also reassuringly stiff.No, there aren’t any toe sliders. No, there isn’t any bulky bracing, articulated spines or obvious flash. What there is, instead, is a full house of CE Level 2 scores in all…4 min
MCN|30 September 2020‘I’VE GOT ONE’‘It draws attention’ED MACKINTOSH MCN READERI purchased the ZH2 to have alongside my ZZR1400 (I’m a Kawasaki man through-and-through). I really like the awesome power delivery, handling, braking capacity and, of course, the supercharger noise! OK, the looks are subjective, but I actually like them. It certainly draws attention at bike meets.I have replaced the end-can with a Racefit Growler, it has improved the sound and makes up/downshifting shifting sound amazing!! I plan to have the ECU flashed and look towards getting some more power from the engine. Overall, I’m extremely pleased with the bike and would recommend one.…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020MR VELCRO‘Accessories can be a good thing’Standard bikes are best. If we’re taking a part-ex for the showroom we’re always more tempted by a stock bike, and all those people who’ve told you to avoid bikes smothered in extras are generally right. But this doesn’t mean you should ignore every bike you see with a loud pipe or piles of aftermarket luggage.Just because a GSX-S1000F has a fruity exhaust, rim tape, tiny numberplate and anodised bar ends, it doesn’t mean it’s been caned. Look at the bigger picture - things like a pristine and organised garage, an owner who rides in textiles and tyres with more chicken strips than KFC can indicate the seller isn’t a headcase, but just likes adorning their bike. Equally a bike with fog lights, three-piece aluminium…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020Keep ’em rolling1 Wobble that wheelSymptoms of worn wheel bearings include poor handling, instability, and of course the dreaded MoT failure. To detect a worn bearing, raise the wheel off the ground and then try to move it from side to side. A worn bearing will feel notchy, and there will also be movement between the hub and wheel spacer. Bearing life depends very much on how the bike is used.2 Rub-a-dub hubRemove the wheel and inspect the area around the hub. Wipe away any road dirt or debris with a cloth so the bearing or seal area is visually clean. Place the wheel on a suitable surface so that it can be worked on without getting damaged - an old tyre is ideal. If you have removed the back wheel, make…4 min
MCN|30 September 2020Suzuki clinch World Endurance crownThe Suzuki Endurance Racing Team secured the 2019-2020 FIM EWC crown in the final round of the championship, held for the first time at Estoril in Portugal.The trio of Etienne Masson, Gregg Black and Xavier Simeon ended the race fourth overall, which was enough to clinch the team’s first title since 2016. It’s Suzuki’s 16th EWC crown, and the first-ever for new team manager Damien Saulnier.It wasn’t all plain sailing for the squad, who were keen not to take any risks, with their riders receiving two electrical warnings throughout the race. This was for the engine mounting bracket and then the gearshift selector, but both were repaired in good time.The factory Suzuki team end the season 18 points clear of Yart Yamaha, who took victory at the Portuguese circuit.The Yart…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020Rossi denied!Valentino Rossi has conceded an eighth MotoGP world championship is out of reach but also proved that he retains the motivation, and speed, to win races.Rossi, 41, was shattered after his age-defying surge for victory against Fabio Quartararo, 22, ended in the gravel on lap 16.It was a nightmare exit to what had been shaping up to be a dream weekend with Rossi tantalisingly close to taking a 200th premier class podium.Rossi was matching the raceleading pace as he shadowed Quartararo when it went wrong at turn two with nine laps to go.“I wanted to stay close to him but I made a mistake,” Rossi said.“Looking at the data it’s really similar to the lap before, but with the low temperature we had on Sunday I needed to pay more…2 min
MCN|30 September 2020‘It’s case of night and day for Valentino’MICHAEL SCOTTInside MotoGP for 34 yearsSun, moon and... well, what else is there? (Apart from galaxies, black holes, planets, meteors and empty space?) The night and day on Rossi’s helmet since the 1990s reflect, he has often explained, the two sides of his personality.Never has the great man’s persona been quite as schizophrenic as right now, in a 25th season of giddy highs and plummeting lows for the old man of the grid. Just this last weekend was typical, with a scintillating start and an ending deep in the dumps.He arrived in Spain carrying the accolades as the saviour of Italian racing: his ranch-academy turning out a new generation of talent.Then he confirmed his new Petronas-SRT deal, and that his seemingly never-ending career is not about to stop. He continued…2 min
MCN|30 September 2020Quartararo takes chargeTOP STORYFabio Quartararo’s 2020 emotional rollercoaster continued in Barcelona after he wrestled back control of the MotoGP World Championship. Dominant wins in the first two races of the season in Jerez marked the Petronas Yamaha SRT rider down as red-hot favourite to steamroller a condensed Covid-19 affected season.But in the five races that followed, Quartararo couldn’t buy a podium and the 21-year-old quickly had to bat off accusations that he was wilting under the pressure to succeed absent World Champion Marc Marquez.Marquez himself even waded in during his rehab from a serious right arm injury. In the buildup to Sunday’s Catalunya clash, the Repsol Honda rider said he was “expecting more” from the Frenchman after his blistering start to the campaign.Many took that as a subtle psychological swipe from Marquez,…4 min
MCN|30 September 2020MAKE THEM GREEN WITH ENVYWith the seemingly unstoppable Jonathan Rea already reaching out with one hand towards the 2020 World Superbike crown, why not ride the crest of his success by grabbing a Ninja ZX-10R KRT edition - giving you the ideal tool to emulate Johnny’s incredible success story.Sharper than everNow let's be honest here - any top-flight superbike is going to feel a little uncompromising on bumpy British roads, but find a smooth one, or indulge your track fetish, and the ZX-10R’s chassis really comes alive.Updated in 2019, the engine now has rocker arms instead of a bucket and shim valve train (signified by a red cam cover that is impossible to see behind the fairing), a quickshifter and autoblipper as standard, and the paint is new. Instead of making the Ninja more…3 min
MCN|30 September 2020MAKE THEM GREEN WITH ENVYWith the seemingly unstoppable Jonathan Rea already reaching out with one hand towards the 2020 World Superbike crown, why not ride the crest of his success by grabbing a Ninja ZX-10R KRT edition - giving you the ideal tool to emulate Johnny’s incredible success story.Sharper than everNow let’s be honest here - any top-flight superbike is going to feel a little uncompromising on bumpy British roads, but find a smooth one, or indulge your track fetish, and the ZX-10R’s chassis really comes alive.Updated in 2019, the engine now has rocker arms instead of a bucket and shim valve train (signified by a red cam cover that is impossible to see behind the fairing), a quickshifter and autoblipper as standard, and the paint is new. Instead of making the Ninja more…3 min
MCN|30 September 2020MAKE THEM GREEN WITH ENVYWith the seemingly unstoppable Jonathan Rea already reaching out with one hand towards the 2020 World Superbike crown, why not ride the crest of his success by grabbing a Ninja ZX-10R KRT edition - giving you the ideal tool to emulate Johnny’s incredible success story.Sharper than everNow let’s be honest here - any top-flight superbike is going to feel a little uncompromising on bumpy British roads, but find a smooth one, or indulge your track fetish, and the ZX-10R’s chassis really comes alive.Updated in 2019, the engine now has rocker arms instead of a bucket and shim valve train (signified by a red cam cover that is impossible to see behind the fairing), a quickshifter and autoblipper as standard, and the paint is new. Instead of making the Ninja more…3 min
MCN|30 September 2020‘I decided to buy the company’TOP STORYArc are set to return after the founder rescued the project from administration hell. Arc rose to prominence last year with the Vector: an electric hyper-naked with big promises on weight, power and charging time as well as a hefty price tag to match. However, the company ran into financial difficulties in September 2019 before the project could reach fruition. Now the founder, who also designed the original concept, has bought back the key assets from the administrator and is getting the project moving again.“We had lots of interest after the administration but nothing quite worked out,” says Arc founder Mark Truman. “I decided to buy the assets myself four months ago. The project had come too far and had been too well received for me to not continue…3 min
MCN|30 September 2020DEALS OF THE WEEK£13,600 Triumph Speed Triple RSTriumph’s Triple Pack knocks £1000 off your finance, and throws in a quickshifter worth £350 as well as a £500 voucher for use in Triumph’s clothing range which includes the Triple Tritech jacket for £299 and Triple black gloves for £180.• See www.triumphmotorcycles.co.uk for details, or visit your Triumph dealerSAVE £1570£13,799 Yamaha NikenYamaha have a 0% deal bringing payments down from £178 in the Yamaha YOU package to £134.• Engine 847cc • Power 113bhp • Weight 263kg • Seat height 820mmSAVE £1500£12,300 Kawasaki ZZR1400 PerformanceKawasaki Autorama in Batley have slashed the price of this spec’d-up ZZR1400.• Engine 1441cc • Power 200bhp • Weight 239kg • Seat height 800mmSAVE £1000£9999 Indian FTR1200The street hooligan FTR1200 base and S-models from 2019 are up for grabs at just £9999…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020WIN AN LS2 CHALLENGER HELMETBack in September 2019 we rated the LS2 Challenger at 5-stars for quality and value and now we’ve snagged one worth £299 to give away!This helmet has a 100% carbon shell, offering safety, comfort and practicality for both road and track, in an ultra-lightweight package. Designed and developed in LS2’s European HQ in Barcelona, with input from MotoGP riders, the Challenger features the latest race technology offering high penetration resistance and energy dispersion, yet weighs in at just 1350 grams.The helmet is both ACU Gold and ECE 22.05 certified for track and road use.The Challenger has a quickrelease, 3D Optically Correct visor, which is ready to accept tear-offs, and comes with a Pinlock Max Vision Anti Fog System as standard and is also fitted with a flip-down sun visor. Secured…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020TOP TELLYSATURDAYOctober 3Live Bennetts British Superbikes noon, EUR2, from Donington Park GP: Qualifying. Race 1 at 4pmLive World Superbikes 9.45am, EUR2, From Magny-Cours, France: Superpole. Race One at 1pm.Live Superbikes 2pm, QUEST, from Donington Park GPSUNDAYOctober 4Live World Superbikes 9.45am, EUR2, from Magny Cours, France. Superpole Race and Support Races. Race 2 at 12.55pmLive Bennetts British Superbikes 12.15pm, EUR2, from Donington Park GP: Race 2. Race 3 at 4pmLive Superbikes 2pm, QUEST, from Donington Park GPMONDAYOctober 5Isle of Man TT: Documentaries 2020 11pm, ITV4, Best Senior Races of the decade and best Superbike Races of the past ten years of racing on the Isle of ManKEY TO CHANNELS: DRT – DISCOVERY REAL TIME DSC – DISCOVERY CHANNEL DHD – DISCOVERY CHANNEL HD EXS – EXTREME SPORTS CHANNEL EUR1 (2, HD) –…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020Going onceBonhams have released some early consignments for their upcoming winter sale and it’s already looking like a special event. Scheduled to take place at the former RAF bomber station at Bicester Heritage on December 5-6, the sale includes three one-owner collections.For racing lovers is a competition collection featuring plenty of classic off-road machines including an ex-works 1958 Ariel HT5, that Ron Langston piloted to a gold medal ISDT win in 1958. Bonhams estimate £10,000-£15,000 will bag you a piece of trials history.As well as the trials machines, there’s the ‘Connoisseur Collection’ that includes a pair of Brough Superiors: a 1937 Brough Superior 11- 50HP (£50,000-£60,000) and 1937 Brough Superior SS80 (£50,000- £60,000). There’s also a matching-numbers 1951 Vincent 998cc Rapide Series-C (£25,000-£30,000); a 1924 Henderson Model K de Luxe (£25,000-…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020‘What I’d buy right now with’ £10,000DEAN HARRISONEvery week we give a different rider a wodge of fictional cash and ask them to ‘buy’ the bike that sets their soul on fire.This is Dean’s pick...Dean Harrison is a rare breed when it comes to motorcycle racers. Not only can he lap the TT course at over 134mph, he genuinely rides road bikes. And rides them a lot. In fact, when not racing his Silicone Racing Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR, Dean is known to pack his panniers and head to Spain. What on? Given a £10,000 budget it would be a BMW R1200GS Rallye.“I love big adventure bikes,” says Dean. “It’s a practicality thing and that’s why they are great for road riding. On the road you can’t go fast anyway so you don’t need a sportsbike. I’m…3 min
MCN|30 September 2020Talking pointmcn.letters@motorcyclenews.commotorcyclenewsmotorcyclenewsMCNnewsRight pair of CharliesIn order to get the electric message across to the masses, why on earth isn’t the new Long Way Up being aired on terrestrial TV? Why Apple TV+? Yours, running out of range… Pete Mortimer, emailUp front on battery lifeEnjoyed reading the electric bike features but I have to point out that manufacturers, both car and bike, never mention the longevity or cost of replacement of the batteries. I have a Nissan Leaf which is superb for my 50-mile commute, however when I was shopping for it I was finding cars at four and five years old with battery efficiency down to 80% and even 60%. This reduces the real-world range by a similar proportion. The cost of replacement batteries? £5500 plus fitting. I’m guessing the same…4 min
MCN|30 September 2020YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST BIKESend your first bike pics to:yourpics@motorcyclenews.comTRITONOn my late father’s Triton. I’ve fond memories of riding pillion through the village and I still own the bike today. Curtis FrewinDAYTONA AND MONSTERMe on my Daytona 900, and my son on his first proper bike, a 750 Monster at Llyn Ogwen, North Wales. Richard Fraser-WilliamsSUZUKI GS750This is actually my second bike on our annual trip to Anglesey in 1981. I’m now on my second Triumph Street Triple. Dave MackHONDA 125Have just got my own little 125, and took it out for the first proper ride with my biker friend Sam yesterday! It was absolutely excellent. Angela CoxHONDA CBF125I am a new rider and here I am enjoying life on my first bike. Should have done this years ago, I absolutely love it! Julie…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020CLUTCHLESS WONDERFIRST RIDEBam, bam, bam, down through the gears - the Brutale 800RR has the most visceral autoblipper in biking. Rich, gravelly and mechanical, each burst of power shoots three-cylinder chills through your body as each cog slices home. It’s just as tuneful on the way up, with a loud crack through the quickshifter as the revs kiss the redline.The MV’s electronic shifters deserve a place in an orchestra, but that’s not what makes this £14,680 Italian so special. There’s an extra back brake pedal down by your right foot and when you let the clutch out in first gear, nothing happens…It’s because this is the new MV Agusta Brutale 800RR SCS (Smart Clutch System), which costs £800 more than the standard version. It still has a normal six-speed gearbox with…4 min
MCN|30 September 2020Supersport heroes£14,995 AS TESTEDDucati Panigale V2● 955cc 8v V-twin● 153bhp/77lb.ft● £137.37 per month PCP£15,765Triumph Daytona Moto2 765● 765c 12v inline triple● 128bhp/59lb.ft● N/a per month PCP (sold out)£17,380MV Agusta F3 800 RC● 798cc 12v inline triple● 146bhp/65lb.ft● £175.92 per month PCPEach of these big-bore supersport weapons is blisteringly quick in a straight line, knows no bounds in the corners and comes with superbike brakes, suspension, electronics and hairraising engines. Our sporty trio are easy to manage, won’t eat through rear tyres at an alarming rate and always make you feel welcome. They like you, 200bhp superbikes don’t.The Triumph and MV are full of everything we love about smallcapacity supersport machines. They’re light, nimble, have shouty exhausts and scramble your brain with searing revs, but they also address the one thing we…8 min
MCN|30 September 2020‘Ducati’s V2 is the clear winner here’Effortlessly quick and entertaining, three-cylinder 800s and twin 1000s are where it’s at for ultimate B-road thrills, but on A-roads they’re still race reps that will punish your body over Long distance.With its creamy 765 engine, sorted chassis, top drawer suspension the Daytona glides serenely around the MCN250, but it could do with a bit more top-end and drama in this company and although it has Lots of tasty carbon and aluminium it feels unfinished.For pure drama the MV is hard to beat and if you want something that feels Like a racer on the road this is the one for you, but it can be awkward at anything other than biting-the-screen speeds, making it a sunny Sunday morning toy only.Ducati’s new Panigale V2 is the clear winner. It’s the…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020BIRD’S RACING HIGHSVimto Honda TSR250“That was an unbelievable bike, in its time that was so trick!” The bike which took McGuinness to TT and Daytona glory in 1999.Monster Mob Ducati 998 TestastrettaThe bike which gave Bird’s team their maiden BSB titles via Hislop and Byrne.Kawasaki ZX-10RTom Sykes kept his cool to secure the new ZX-10R and Bird’s first WSB victory in the wet at the Nürburgring.Rapid Solicitors KawasakiBird remained with Kawasaki following the WSB departure. Byrne would secure two more BSB crowns under this branding.PBM’s MotoGP bike“We had the wrong engine. We should’ve gone with Ducati, but could only afford Aprilia.”Ducati V4 R“We knew it was going to be good, but that thing was just unbelievable. The best!”…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020The land of fire and ice‘The terrain rolls beneath my wheels like a conveyor belt of challenges’A jolt through the bars pulls my focus back as my mind battles between reading the rapidly unfolding terrain and being distracted by the staggering scenery wrapping around me like a never-ending film set. That was close! I grip tighter with my knees as my rented Husqvarna 701 writhes beneath me in the thick volcanic sand. Stones are flinging past from the bike ahead. Everything feels loose and visceral - but I’m in control. I feel alive. And I’m on the stops, pinned across what feels like another planet, rear wheel spinning, hopping and dancing as it scrabbles for traction. That was the moment I realised Iceland is pure riding bliss.Minutes earlier I’d been teetering frantically, working to balance…6 min
MCN|30 September 2020Have a day out with the TRFTarmac lover who’s dipping a boot into the worldbeyond A-roads and B-roads‘Within a metre it felt like the middle of nowhere’“We are not offroad riding, we are riding on legal roads.” Not for the first time today I am (quite rightly) corrected on my terminology and it is something that I need to keep reminding myself of as I join my local Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) group. Not an off-road ride, a ride on unclassified country roads or ‘green lanes’ as most people know them.If you are wondering what the difference is, a green lane is a road that is classed as Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) or an Other Route with Public Access (ORPA), which means that, aside from the fact it is often axle-deep in mud, the…4 min
MCN|30 September 2020TOP FIVE SATNAVSTomTom Rider 550 £399.99“Has a wide range of options to plan a route, a one button ‘ Ride Home’ option and the ability to plan routes using my laptop or phone. Can’t fault it.”Paul Driscoll, MonmouthshireBeeline Moto £149“What an amazing product; it’s a totally different way of thinking about navigation and I find it absolutely fantastic to use.”Ben Cordy, LeedsGarmin Zumo 396 £349.99“Live traffic on the Zumo 396 alerts you to any road closures. It’s also got full European maps.”Jon Eyes, CreweGoogle Maps Free“I use my iPhone in a quad lock, with Google maps. Never had a problem and I don’t see any need for a dedicated satnav.”Angi Todd, HinckleyGarmin Zumo 590 £549.99“I use My Route App to work out the routes. Best tip is to use plenty of way…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020Digital frustrationsSPORTS & FEATURES EDITORExperienced road, track and off-road rider with a passion for adventure bike riding.I have to admit I was pretty excited about the possibility of getting step-by-step ‘what3words’ navigation, phone calls and to be able to control of my music through the impressive 7in TFT dash on the Triumph Tiger Rally Pro. It’s the first bike I’ve had which gives this level of connectivity and the fact that I usually cover big miles on my bike meant that it was something that would be genuinely useful; even a game changer due to me spending long hours in the saddle.Unfortunately, my enthusiasm has been quashed by the difficulty and eventual failure to get any of the promised connectivity working as billed.Having downloaded the Triumph app it all seemed intuitive…2 min
MCN|30 September 2020‘Brim the tank and Justride’ONE YEAR ONOwners give their verdicts after a year on the roadTHE OWNERAllan McKee, 62, NorthantsAllan is an ex-road racer who nowadays gets his kicks on tour rather than on the track. His previous bike was an R1200RS.ALLAN SAYSPROS• Tank range is great and I can easily do 300 miles• BMW Connect App works really well lets you analyse ride data• The shift cam engine gives it plenty of grunt• The suspension does what it needs to doCONS• The bars are too low for standing up comfortably• Buffeting there’s a lot of around the screen, especially when following another vehicle• Stock screen supports are inadequate• Vibrations through bars is an issue on long tripsWhen it comes to buying a new bike, justifying it to a partner can sometimes be the…5 min
MCN|30 September 2020‘He must have been next door when he drilled that hole’A 40-year-old Italian bike can be full of surprises, but the bodgery that confronted Ged Shorten of GCS Services during a valve clearance check on a rattly 1980 Laverda 1200 stunned him. When he took the cam cover off, instead of a nut and stud holding the cam bearing down snugly on the camshaft, there was the head of a bolt that was so loose it jumped about as he turned the engine over through top dead centre.Ged said: “I reckon someone had stripped the stud by overtightening it, but instead of replacing the stud they’d decided to get a long bolt out of the scrap box, drill down through the cast cylinder head and out into the cooling fins with a 12mm nut at the other end wedged between…2 min
MCN|30 September 2020Rea targets title No.6In a year of unpredictability, Jonathan Rea is aiming to ensure some level of normality through his domination of the World Superbike championship. As with every form of racing, the WSB season has been far from normal. Just eight rounds, 24 races, but history could be made as the Superbike circus heads to Magny-Cours in France this weekend for the penultimate round of the championship.Reigning champion Jonathan Rea leads the title standings by a significant 51 points. There are 62 points up for grabs each weekend (25 for each full-length race and 12 for the shorter Superpole race) meaning that Rea needs to outscore his closest rival Scott Redding by 12 points over the three races to be crowned champion once more.It’s another incredible comeback by Rea who was 24…3 min
MCN|30 September 2020Cal shows true gritCal Crutchlow refused to concede to his bashed-up body to deliver his best result of the season so far with physically draining tenth place at Barcelona.The inspirational performance saw the brave Brit finish less than one second behind Misano 2 winner Maverick Vinales.“That I am happy would be saying too much. I wish I could have gone a little faster, I used the rear tyre too much. My arm wasn’t good, but it’s recovered a little,” Crutchlow said.“I fought against last week’s winner, it’s that simple. After missing two races, it’s not bad.”Crutchlow added to his woes by spraining ankle ligaments when he fell awkwardly after a pre-race Covid-19test.Missing both Misano races, his preparations for Catalunya included hyperbaric chamber sessions and plastic surgery to seal the open arm wound.“I just…2 min
MCN|30 September 2020Dovi’s dramas keep comingAndrea Dovizioso suffered another Catalunya catastrophe as bad luck came back to haunt him again.Dovizioso’s title hopes were dealt a crushing blow when he was caught up in an incident involving the Ducatis of Danilo Petrucci and Johann Zarco that sent him hurtling into the dirt with barely 20 seconds of the Barcelona battle completed.It was the second year in a row that Dovizioso has unwittingly been caught in a Catalunya calamity after he was one of a wayward Jorge Lorenzo’s victims in a controversial early pile-up in 2019.“It’s very tough to accept when it is not your fault,” said Dovizioso, who has previously been wiped out by Andrea lannone, Dani Pedrosa, Aleix Espargaro and Fabio Quartararo.“The championship is now going to be tough and the problem is the riders…2 min
MCN|30 September 2020Brunch-up and rideOur circular route touches on sections of our former MCN250 test route, so you can be sure there are some perfect riding roads for you to enjoy on this one.Start out by heading west from Brackley on the A422 via Farthinghoe and when you reach the M40 roundabout take the A361 to Chipping Warden. Take the left at the crossroads just beyond Chipping Warden towards Lower Boddington and continue along this road until you hit the A423. Follow the signs from here to Fenny Compton, then turn right and right again to Northend.Keep going until you reach the T-junction then turn right towards Warwick, which will take you over the M40 to a right turn for Gaydon. Push on to Kineton, where a slight detour on the B4086 towards Banbury…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020Heavenly WalesWith stunning scenery and sheep aplenty, this route takes in some of the best Wales has to offer.Take the A487 north towards Dolgellau, meander through the tree-lined river valley, turn left on the B4405, skim along the edge of Tal-y-llyn Lake. At the junction with the A493 turn right for Dolgellau and within a few turns get a glimpse of golden beaches of Cardigan Bay below.Then turn inland to run along the River Mawddach, when it reaches the T-junction hang left towards Betws-y-Coed. Follow the A470 to Ffestiniog then right on the B4391, before taking the A4212 continue towards Bala. Pick up the B4391 to Llangynog, a road that climbs rapidly via a couple of steep hairpins to cross the windswept upper moorland. Sensational views unfurl before you make a…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020Fly over the WoldsIt’s a tour of the Lincolnshire Wolds, that’s punctuated with visits to RAF bases, old and new. We head out from the filling station on the A153 to the east of RAF Coningsby. From here take the A155 from the roundabout to enjoy a meandering run across open farmland to East Kirkby, home of the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre. It’s worth a quick pit stop at the NAAFI Café and an amble around the museum.Turn left at West Keal and follow the A16 all the way to the Ulceby Cross roundabout, then take the second exit for Louth and the A1104. Turn left at Maltby Le Marsh for the A157 and rejoin the A16 just after Kenwick – head towards Boston. Take the first exit at the Elkington roundabout and…1 min
MCN|30 September 2020A SHARPER WAY TO TOURRenaming the Z1000SX the Ninja 1000SX makes a lot of sense. Zs are Kawasaki’s nakeds, while Ninjas are their sporty faired bikes - and it’s clear which side of the divide the 1000SX falls. The bike has also been updated both inside and out for 2020, from its exhaust to its electronics, from its screen to its seats and from its rubber to its rev counter. As Britain’s most popular Kawasaki for a decade and Europe’s overall biggest-selling sports-tourer, this is an update they simply couldn’t afford to get wrong.Sitting comfortably?The Ninja 1000SX comes with ‘Comfort’ seats for both rider and pillion as standard. These are thicker and wider than the Z1000SX’s saddles, creating a more plush and welcoming perch on which to spend the day. The additional cushioning means…3 min
