Fast Bikes - May 2018 UK

TOBP 1T0 11 PAGES
OF LISTED,
MAPPED &
SB PR
AMS, THE BIKES
THE TEA
IEW
THE DRAMA
UK LAS S RATED
RIDES
MAY 2018 ISSUE 339

W IN
HELMET &
I GLOVES*
*TS & CS APP
LY
FIRST UK
ROAD TEST
HOW TO:
TO
HONE YOUR RIDING SENSES
BUY A USED CBR600F SPORT
MA
MAKING
G SENSE
E OF F
FORK
RK LEGS
MIDDLE MAESTROS
EIGHT M
7
KTM 790 AMAHA MT-07
DUKE AND YA
ISSUE 339 MAY 2018
GET IT FIRST!
Subscribe .........................................8
You get the mag first, at a bargain price,
straight through your letterbox. You know
it makes sense.
GEARED UP!
Products.......................................... 14
All the latest, coolest and trickest products.
IT’S THE NEWS!

Upfront............................................ 10
All the juiciest goss.
THE KNOWLEDGE
Used Buyer’s Guide......................... 70
Supersport star of yesteryear – Honda’s
CBR600F Sport.
MASTERCLASS
Riding .............................................. 76
Coming to your senses. 18
Legal ................................................ 79
When the wife won’t take your speeding LAUNCHES TESTS
points, mercifully.
COVER STORY COVER STORY
Track Attack....................................90 KTM 790 Duke............................... 18 Ducati Panigale V4 ........................ 38
How to master the best of British circuits. Is it the middleweight murderer we’ve Our first UK road test on the all-new
This month: Oulton Park. been waiting for? V4 Panigale.
Know Your.......................................94 COVER STORY Used MV Agusta F3 800 ............... 62

Forks. We spend some time forking about Yamaha MT-07............................... 26 Fast Bikes reader Trev Johnson tells us why
with K-tech. Yamaha let us loose on their best-selling he loves his Italian stallion.
refined renegade.
YOUR LIFE ON BIKES
Chatter ............................................80 Michelin Road 5 tyres................... 34
It’s only fair we give the best readers in the Are sports touring tyres are your thing,
world a couple of pages of their own! look no further.
You & Yours.....................................82 FEATURES

All of your adventures!
COVER STORY
Addiction.........................................56
This month we feature a tricked up K6 Gixer
‘thou track weapon.
Britain’s Best Blasts...................... 45
Ten of the best routes the UK has to offer. 56
OUR LIFE ON BIKES
Project Gixer ..................................84
Testing, testing 1,2,3. 26
Staff Bikes.......................................97
Charlie gets to grips with his R6 and Beej
enjoys his Gixer.
•Yamaha R6 •Suzuki GSX-R1000R
RACE SECTION
Pit Pass.......................................... 100
The lowdown on BSB, WSBK and MotoGP.
COLUMNISTS
Neave twins ...................................111
Can someone call an ambulance?
Gary Johnson ................................ 112
CRIBE
Gaz announces his 2018 signing...
Christian Iddon ............................. 113

A warm welcome to our new columnist. BS See page 8
for details
SU
Steve Parrish................................. 114

Parrish down under.
WELCOME
Get out there!

W
hen it comes to great roads we really
are spoilt. I’ve clocked some big
miles in the 14 years I’ve been a bike
journo, both at home and away, discovering new
roads, seeing new sights and making new friends;
there really is no better way to explore the world
than on two wheels. That much is a given, but so
too is the reality that you don’t have to step off
this fine Isle if you want to have your horizons
broadened… and your sliders slithered. We’ve all
got our ‘go-to’ roads, and my list’s longer than
Pretty Boy’s excuse book for getting his ‘wordz’
in on time. The best thing about that list is that
the destinations are littered up and down the
UK, just like the top 10 routes we’ve listed and
mapped out this month. Chances are you’ll know
one or two of them, but there’ll likely be a few
that’ll get your brain ticking for the right excuse
to bag a weekend away from the better half
(help me out with a few if any spring to mind).
I’m writing this after our second hit of heavy
26
snow, which has put the brakes on making the
most of early spring. But this weather can’t last Spring is in the air!
forever, and I’m gagging to bang some big miles in.
One man who’s been doing just that is Beej, who’s
been exploring the delights of the Ducati Panigale Join us on Facebook:
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V4 on UK soil. It’s not disappointed, but I’ll leave Facebook.com/
Mortons.co.uk/FB
FastBikesMagazine
him to tell you the ins and outs. Its undoubtedly
one hell of a weapon, assuming hardcore, arse-up,
View Fast Bikes video content:
head-down sportsbikes appeal to you as much as Join us on Twitter:
youtube.com/
@FastBikesMag
they do to us. But for those seeking a slightly more fastbikesmag
relaxed (wheelie-tastic) alternative, there are
plenty of new nakeds for 2018, including the
joyous all-new 790 Duke that Carlos made some BOSS MAN
‘Dangerous’ Bruce Wilson
shapes on out in Gran Canaria. dangerous@fastbikes.co.uk
As for me, I had a top laugh on the basic but
brilliant refined MT-07. Both are worthy rivals for WEB MAN
Benjamin ‘BJ’ Kubas Cronin
your hard earned readies, so check out what we beej@fastbikes.co.uk
make of them. Or you could go down the used
bike route. I was scanning the net the other day FAST MAN
and wondering how I’d fill up my dream garage. Alastair ‘A-Force’ Fagan
fit@fastbikes.co.uk
One thing’s for sure, there are some great second
hand rides to be bagged. The CBR600F Sport is AD MAN
one such steed, which you’ll find in our buyer’s Charlie ‘The Sheriff’ Oakman
coakman@fastbikes.co.uk
guide, and TT racer Gary Johnson’s dad Turbo Trev
has told us the joys of owning his Italian bit on the NEW MAN
side – a 2014 MV Agusta F3 800 – that he’s owned Carl ‘Pretty Boy’ Stevens
teaboy@fastbikes.co.uk
from new. Now that is a sight for sore eyes… and
at a price that’s much more suited to my penny RACE MAN
protecting principals. Mike ‘Boothy’ Booth
Anyway, that’s enough race@fastbikes.co.uk
about my wallet. Enjoy SUBSCRIBE!
the mag and the start See page 8 for the best deals, or visit classicmagazines.co.uk/fb
of the season.
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PLA NET FAST BIKES – NEW ME TAL
GET ON TRACK WITH

TEAM FAST BIKES!
Yep, you heard that right. Working with MSVT
and Bridgestone we’ve decided to go ahead
and launch our very own trackday at Cadwell RUBBER WITH REWARDS
Park in Lincolnshire on June 10. With separate Being a Bridgestone supported event, our
groups for Novice, Intermediate and Advanced good friends at the tyre magnates have
riders, there’s no excuse not to join the Fast announced they’ll give out £40 RST helmet
Bikes crew and fellow readers for a day of bags to anyone who shows up with
frolics and throttle abusing goodness around Bridgestone tyres fitted to their bike, or
one of the nation’s best-loved stretches of who buys some from the affiliated tyre
squiggly tarmac. supplier on the day. What’s more, one
And to guarantee you’re entertained in lucky blighter will find a golden ticket in
more ways than one, we’ve lined up a whole their bag, entitling them to a night for two
host of prizes and giveaways for those of you at the Lake Vyrnwy Hotel, in Wales, with a
lucky enough to join us on this very special paid for day at the Mick Extance (off-road)
gig… which we’ll be teasing out over the Experience. Now that’s one prize you don’t
coming months. want to miss out on!
But for now, get that date in your diary and
get yourself booked on. Because when it’s full,
it’s full (and you really don’t want to miss out
on this chance to see how impressively slowly
Pretty Boy can lap). Hire bikes will be available,
alongside technical support and guidance, but
you’ll have to bring your own talent. For more
info, check out www.msvtrackdays.com or
give them a buzz on 0843 453 3000 or head
over to our website www.fastbikesmag.com
10 MAY 2018 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM

NEW S & REV IEW S
PLA NET FAST BIKES – NEW METAL,
T ll us what
Tell h t
you want
and win
Held gear!
We want to make your
favourite mag even
better(er), and by filling
Ducati UK announces in our short reader
survey you could
V4 powered trackdays bag some great kit.
No one’s perfect, not even us (apparently).
Ducati UK have just announced the dates for having a high noise limit of 108db for each So to help us polish up our act and deliver
their Ducati-only trackdays, which will take day. The unique feature of these days though more of the good stuff that gets you going,
place at Silverstone GP circuit on May 31 and is the chance to hire a brand new Ducati, we’re turning to you guys to tell us what
Donington Park GP on July 5 alongside the where you have the choice of the Supersport you want. More road tests; more product
California Superbike School, who will be on for £265, 959 Panigale for £285 or the reviews; more technical insight; more
hand to provide you with all the expertise Panigale V4S for £365. great rides; more track action; more daft
and guidance you’ll ever need. Places are limited, so for more info or to captions; more UK themed content?
Both days cost £199 each and include book a place contact the California Superbike Whatever it is you want, we want to hear
breakfast and lunch for those riding, while School on 01327 855554. it. And by doing us the huge favour of
filling in our reader survey and wearing
down your fingertips, you’ll automatically
be entered into our fantastic prize
WHAT’S ON IN APRIL? PRESCOTT BIKE FEST giveaway to win a Held by Schuberth H-R2
March 31-April 2 April – Bennetts

EXTENDED TO TWO DAYS! full-face helmet, worth £419.99, while
three jammy runner-ups will each be
British Superbike Championship For the first time ever, Prescott Bike Fest has in with a shout of bagging themselves a
Round One (Donington Park) been extended to two days to enrich the pair of Held’s Gore-Tex Air ‘n’ Dry gloves,
April 1 – Reading MAG’s Easter Bike visitor experience and encompass modern, worth £175.99 each.
Show (Reading) classic and the future of biking (which is To be in with a chance of winning big,
April 8 – Squires Egg Run charity ride electric, we’re told). The festival is all in just head over to www.fastbikesmag.com
(Yorkshire) aid of the charity Blood Bikes, who save and complete the simple online survey.
April 13-15 – Bennetts British thousands of people’s lives every year, And remember, your mag needs you!
Superbike Championship Round Two rely solely on charity donations and are Good luck, and thanks.
(Brands Hatch) not supported by the NHS. Bruce Wilson, Fast Bikes Editor
April 14-15 – Prescott Bike Fest Throughout the weekend there’s a ton of
(Gloucestershire Hill) show bikes such as a Mike Hailwood rep
April 15 – NWUK Coast to Coast 1962 Honda RC163 250cc and a Joey Dunlop
Charity Bike Ride (Lancashire) rep 2000 Honda Joey Dunlop SP1 Vimto
April 15-16 – Red Marley Hill Climb 1000, alongside nonstop live music, special
(Worcestershire) guest appearances, On the Edge Stunt
April 20-22 – National Youthbike Show, Show ‘n’ Tell area, passenger ride
Charity’s Fat Skeleton Blues and experiences, large kids’ zone, more than 100
Bikes Weekend (Caistor) quality trade stands, clubs, a beer tent, the
April 21-22 – Carole Nash Blood Bike Village and great food alongside a Terms and conditions apply – see
International Classic MotorCycle load of dealers. All proceeds from the event website for details. There are no cash
Show (Staffordshire) go to The Nationwide Association of Blood alternatives available. Closing date is June
April 22 – Bike4Life Ride Out and Bikes and Severn Freewheelers. 30, 2018. The winners will be the first
Festival (Shrewsbury) For more info check out: names drawn at random.
www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk

ES T PERF ORMA NC E PRODUC TS
ALL THE LATEST, CO OL ES T & TRICK
X-LITE X-803
Being the official helmet of both MotoGP and WSBK, the range
topping X-803 from X-Lite has a huge array of features designed
to keep your noggin safe both on and off track. The new model
maintains all of the successful tech from the previous X-802RR
such as the carbon composite shell with its carbon fitting
interior, while a new Nolan Emergency Release System and
Racing Air Flow system improve both the safety and comfort
aspects from the previous model. The X-803 also has improved
lateral visibility and a slightly altered shape for more space
around the chin, alongside a new rear stability spoiler for
improved aerodynamics at higher speeds. Available in a variety
of sizes and colours with a five-year guarantee as standard.
From £399.99 www.motogear.co.uk
SIDI PERFORMER
Looking for a boot on a budget? Well Sidi’s brand new
Performer might be just what you need. Constructed from
Technomicro Microfibre with shaped and fixed shin plates,
external protection for the top of your foot and specifically
shaped ankle pads, the Performer boot offers a whole host
of protection while also being lined with air Teflon mesh
with a nylon inner sole for the ultimate in comfort. They
have an elastic panel adjacent to the closure on the calf
for that extra flexibility while riding, and thanks to a smooth
heel cup they offer a huge amount of feeling for your feet
from the pegs. They come CE approved and with replaceable
toe
to sliders too.
too
£184.99 www.sidiselect.co.uk
PIPE WERX-GP YAMAHA R3 SATIN ROUND

GP STREET LEGAL EXHAUST
Got yourself a Yamaha R3 and fancy getting rid of that bulky standard
can? WWell Pipe Werx have the perfect remedy in the form of
their GP street legal exhaust. Built with Grade 304 stainless
ste
eel internals and the highest grade wadding available,
theese exhausts come with a lifetime guarantee against
ma anufacturing defects for peace of mind. They’re 200mm
longg for that stubby Moto2 style look, and come with the link
pipe, hanging strap, clamps and all the necessary fittings.
From £170 www.pipewerx.co.uk

PRODUCTS
ALPINESTARS RIDE TECH

WINTER BASE LAYERS
Even though summer is in sight, it can still get chilly out on those
evening rides – and Alpinestars have got just the solution to keep
you warm. The Winter Tech Performance underwear is developed
specifically for cold weather riding conditions thanks to its double
density fabric which covers the most exposed areas, and is
constructed from polypropylene elastane fabric that will not melt
under abrasion, if the worst were to happen. The layers have a
seamless construction for comfort and come in a compression fit,
in an effort to support your muscles for reduced fatigue.
£69.99 (set) ww.alpinestars.com
WEISE FURY JACKET

The new offering from Weise combines the comfort and style of classic denim
combined with the reassurance and protection of leather thanks to a clever design
of leather overlay panels and CE protection in key areas – such as the shoulders,
elbows and back. Made from a soft and supple denim material, the Fury looks and
feels like a classic denim jacket, and with an internal waterproof, windproof and
breathable lining you’ll be covered for all eventualities. High quality YKK zips are
used throughout, and there’s a two-year warranty as well.
£149.99 ww.thekeycollection.co.uk
R&G SECOND SKIN

We all know how annoying chipping your paintwork is, which is why R&G have come
up trumps with a second skin for your pride and joy. Made from a UV-stable, high
quality ultra-tough polyurethane, the R&G Second Skin is a protective film designed to
fit around your panels in order to keep them safe from debris. The kit is simple to install
and comes with all the kit you need to fit at home, which includes detailed instructions,
a fitting solution, squeegee and an alcohol wipe. Each kit is precision cut and will even
protect the fairing against standard stress!
From £55 ww.rg-racing.com
LIQUI MOLY MOS2 SHOOTER

Brand new from Liqui Moly comes the MOS2 Shooter, which is a neat 20ml
tube designed to reduce friction and wear within your engine. It is suitable
for use with any lubricant brand and can be added at any time by b mixing
in with your current oil. This will then improve the overall runniing of the
machine instantly. It can be used with two- or four-stroke macchines (one
tube will do you one litre of oil in a four-stroke or 20 litres of fuel mixture
for a two-stroke) and comes in a handy little tube.
£4.99 ww.bikeit.co.uk

ED A RE VIE W ED
THE VERY BEST KI T – US ED, ABUS
MSC WATERPROOF 10,000MAH POWER BANK

TESTED BY: Martin
MILES: N/A
TIME: 3 months
PRICE: RRP £49.95
WEB: www.mobilesolarchargers.co.uk
You know how it is – you use your phone as a sat-nav,

you forget to charge it or it’s a fruit-based product with
dire battery stamina. By the time you whip it out to take
a few photos of that lush Ducati V4, all its good for is a
paper weight! Thanks to Mobile Solar Charger’s portable power
pack you can do everything you need to and still have enough juice to get you
home. There’s several types of power bank on the market – most commonly the small
cylinder version – but this premium 10,000mAh version is fitted with LG Lithium batteries
that allows for multiple charges depending on your phone (I managed around three), but the
handy LED battery gauge lets you know how much is left and by then you’d most likely be
able to charge it up again via USB mains – or you could splash out on a portable solar panel
to charge it on the go. It’ll hold a charge for around a year apparently so even if you’re not
using it every week it’s always ready to go, and it’s even got a handy LED torch… winner!
The best thing about this power bank for me was that it can quick charge compatible
devices just like at home so in around 30 minutes my phone can be fully charged.
SHOEI PINLOCK ANTI-FOG VISOR SYSTEM

TESTED BY: Boothy
MILES: 5,000+
TIME: 5 years
PRICE: £26.95
WEB: www.pinlock.com
Anyone that sweats as much as yours truly will be all too familiar with the woes of steamed up
visors. Whether you’re on the track or the road, not being able to see where you’re going doesn’t
just spoil your fun, it’s downright dangerous. Over the years I’ve tried all sorts of products,
including visor sprays and gels, face masks and alternative visor systems similar to Pinlock – none of
which I have found work anywhere near as good as the genuine article. With a correctly set up Pinlock I
have never had a visor steam up badly enough to interrupt a ride or spoil a race. However, be warned; a
badly looked after Pinlock will work, well, badly. The soft plastic that they are made from can be very easily
scratched by a pair of gloves rammed inside your helmet and they must always be adjusted properly, but remember to avoid fingering as your
greasy prints will react with the surface leaving a nasty blemish in your field of vision. Folk regularly call me a fanny due to the meticulous nature
of my visor care regime, and they are probably right, but I like to see where I’m going. And the great news is that loads of visors these days come
ready to slap a Pinlock straight in.
DUCKSWAX
TESTED BY: Martin
MILES: N/A
TIME: 2 months
PRICE: RRP £9.95 (100ml)
WEB: www.duckswax.co.uk
We all love a bargain, so when I found this little pot of gold I was
over the moon. The primary use of Duckswax for us here in the
office is to give our well used leathers a bit of a second life, but the beauty
of it is the additional applications that you can use it on; anything that’s leather basically,
so seats, sofas, saddles, that nice handbag you bought the other day, hiking boots, wax
cotton jackets and even wood! I’ve used it on our bathroom oak mirror which has
brought the finish up lovely and made it more resistant to moisture. Having used it on
the pictured leather jacket, you can see where the finish has gone from a dull matt dry
surface to a soft glossy finish, and it will now be water repellent rather than absorbing
some of the water. Multi use applications with more bang for your buck: love it. If I were
you I’d get some ordered while I keep on trying it on new things. Now, what next….

PRODUCTS
HJC RPHA-11 BOBA FETT GRAPHICS

TESTED BY: Martin
MILES: 1,000
TIME: 3 months
PRICE: RRP £549.99
WEB: www.oxfordproducts.com
Hopefully I’ll never get to test out the full capabilities of the safety features boasted
of in this HJC RPHA-11 Boba Fett helmet, but it sure makes me feel like a badass
bounty hunter despite having a riding ability that’s on a par with a Stormtrooper’s
shooting accuracy. The PIM shell consisting of carbon fibre, aramid and carbon-glass
hybrid fibre feels super light and is supposed to have enhanced shock resistance,
which when coupled with the emergency quick release feature means this lid’s got
all the bells and whistles. Agreed, the price on this and other character tie-in lids
from HJC is ridiculous, but if you had the dosh to splash then let’s face it you would.
The graphics are really well thought out, replicating the infamous bounty hunter’s
helmet design from the Star Wars films – and that’s coming from a self-confessed fan
boy; we’re the hardest to please. As far as everything else goes, it’s comfortable,
about as quiet as most other lids, has good ventilation and a great field of vision.
With the addition of a Pinlock insert and spare visor in the box the only decision
is if the bounty on your head is worth it…
HELD PHANTOM II RESPRO FOGGY MASK

CUSTOM RACE GLOVES TESTED BY: Pretty Boy
MILES: 15,000+
TESTED BY: Boothy TIME: 3 years
MILES: 3,000 PRICE: £22.99
TIME: 1 year WEB: www.respro.com
PRICE: £260
WEB: www.held-uk.co.uk
I am, and always

have been, a fussy
bugger when it comes
to choosing gloves; it would
take me hours of trying on
different mitts of different sizes
trying to find the perfect fit. For
this exact reason, when I found
the Phantom IIs, about three
years ago, I decided I’d stick
with them. Okay, I haven’t had these exact gloves for three years, my
first set were a pair of off-the-shelfers (standard colours retail at
£201.99) but after two years of racing, road riding and crashing they
were getting a bit second hand so last year I thought I’d treat myself No matter what melon protector you choose, the chances are one day
to a new custom pair, to match my leathers. Held do offer a made to the visor will fog up, whether that be knocking the Pinlock out of the
measure service on these but I find their standard ‘medium’ size fits way, the thing getting old, or even precipitation getting into your lid by
my hands, er, like a glove. The palms and inside of the fingers are opening the visor in the wet – and then you’ll learn that a wet helmet
made out of dead supple kangaroo skin, so you get plenty of feel for isn’t good after all. A few years ago I tried a Respro Foggy Mask, and
the ‘bars, but for protection there is extra abrasive resistant stingray now I use it in every lid I own – the exact same one in fact, with a new
leather (yes that’s right, stingray leather) on the backs of the fingers, Velcro strip. The neoprene guard is easy to install and fits every helmet
side of the palm and cuff. The knuckle protector is titanium, lined on I’ve used so far, meaning you won’t have trouble with different brands,
the inside with shock absorbing foam, and the back of the hand is and it seems to last forever which is a bonus. It feels funny at first
completely lined with Kevlar so not only do they offer top impact – like a little nose blanket, but when you get used to using it you’ll feel
protection, you would have a job wearing through them, even at strange riding without it, and even though it’s tight around the
silly speeds. nose it’s not uncomfortable in the slightest. I’ve used it in
snow, summer and just about
everything in between, and
I’m yet to find an issue – oh,
and when things are really
hot you can machine wash
it in case of sweat. Did I
mention you look badass
with it in as well?

LAUNCH
WORDS: PRETTY BOY

IMAGES: SEBAS ROMERO & MARCO CAMPELLI
KTM 790 DUKE:

MIDDLEWEIGHT
Back in 2015 KTM teased us with the drop dead gorgeous 790
Duke Prototype. Three years later it’s finally here – but is the
‘Scalpel’ sharp enough to cut down its naked middleweight rivals?
I
t’s been a long time coming, but KTM 690’s output with a claimed 105bhp and
have been pretty busy bunnies since they impressive 86Nm of tractor-pulling torque.
whetted our taste buds with the prospect That’s good news for all. Even if you’re
of a class defining mid-capacity hooligan. one of those die-hard KTM single-cylinder
Building ground up bikes always takes a fans and are struggling to digest this change
good chunk of time, and thanks to KTM’s in persuasion, you’ll hopefully be able to take
methodical approach – that’s seen the 790 comfort in knowing the brand’s worked its
kitted with more new features than a plastic derriere off to maintain that raucous deep
surgeon’s plaything – it’s easy to see where Barry White-esque tone that we’ve come to
the time’s gone. In essence, the whole bike’s love and expect from Dukes. This is thanks
new, and the same goes for the engine. to a 75º crank offset and 435º firing order,
Ditching the single cylinder notion of old, mimicking the bark and brilliance of the big
the Austrian marque’s whacked another bad 1290 Duke. And to make sure your
chamber into the Duke’s mix and introduced eardrums get the full whammy from this
a whole host of new qualities with its parallel loud-mouthed marvel, KTM’s even gone to
universe. Thanks to a succinct design and the extent of angling the exhaust system to
some snazzy components such as forged deliver the engine note to your ear with more
pistons, dual balancer shafts, a painstakingly vigour than a ghetto blaster. While we’re
honed cylinder head and precise valve on the subject of exhausts, I know a lot of
timing, the compact and lightweight people are disappointed with the pipe and its
twin-pot’s delivery dwarfs the (still available) location (the prototype had a naughty

KTM 790 DUKE
Pretty Boy aka Frodo

Stevens still can’t touch
the floor properly...

LAUNCH
Look where you’re
going, Mr Frodo!
MotoGP under-seat jobby). I get that, I

was too, but while the production-approved
can on the 790 doesn’t match up to the
prototype’s sexualness, it does permit space
under the seat for the bike’s all important
electronic nerve centre, and equally essential
airbox. Everything about the Katoom is built
with purpose at heart, from the way it’s
styled to the way it handles, the way it
makes its power to the way it makes you
want to wind its throttle to the limiter and
rejoice in its aural goodness.
Yep, it’s a pretty calculated machine and
the same goes for its stressed member steel
chassis and load bearing rear sub-frame.
With handling and agility being such an
important weapon in a middleweight’s
armoury, KTM have gifted the 790 high
quality suspension in the shape of WP forks,
which, although they aren’t adjustable, have
a pre-defined setting that is claimed to suit
every type of riding (and a broad range of
rider weights), coupled with a WP preload-
adjustable shock and hidden KYB damper to
save you from tank slapping your way to Easy peasy chance to scroll through the numerous rider
infinity and beyond. To keep you sunny-side- Having made my way out to a sweltering modes and fire the Duke into ‘Street’ mode
up, another first for KTM is their decision to Gran Canaria for the model’s glitzy launch in a bid to restrain myself from going full
head down the Maxxis tyre route. They’ve (where I spent most of the morning drooling nutter from the off.
specifically developed some sports-touring over the 790’s intimate bits), the time As castrated as I’d made it, the motor’s
Maxxis Supermaxx ST rubber for the steed. eventually came to cock a leg and kick off the initial throttle pick up still felt incredibly
It’s not just mechanical goodness KTM inevitable joy ride. A short and slow jaunt sharp and punchy through the bike’s slick
have been cooking up with the 790 either, was the first order of the day, but not before operating ride-by-wire system. It may have
as it comes with an incredibly impressive I’d had chance to take in the bike’s low seat only been a half hour trek down a highway
armoury of electronics which have been height (it’s even lower than the 390 Duke’s) and through villages but I instantly got a feel
essentially stolen from the flagship Super and its low weight feel – at just 178kg wet for the 790 Duke, which proved playful on
Duke (ain’t nothing wrong with that). it’s definitely no lard arse. demanded, and containable when tootling.
Fully adjustable traction control, a power The supermoto-esque toy made my Hitting a motorway was my first real chance
assisted slipper clutch, ride-by-wire throttle, hobbit-like frame feel immediately at home, to perform a speed test, so I got the motor
adjustable cornering ABS, plus a quickshifter and although I was ultimately wanting this singing and found the bike’s straight line
and blipper ultimately lead the technological bike to be a head-turning, all-out apex killer, speed and stability to my liking; it felt more
charge, with four different rider modes I’ll admit another thing that pleasingly caught secure than the moths in Bruce’s wallet.
offering different pre-defined levels of power my attention was the generously comfortable Getting back on some smaller roads, we hit a
and throttle response (Track, Sport, Road, stance, that was headed up by a decent size load of slow paced stop-start sections,
Rain) that are all changeable at the flick of seat, some tall mounted ’bars and low(ish)
a finger while you ride. And to keep you pegs. With the motor booming and the 790’s
budding hooligans safe while you’re dash lit up like a Christmas tree, I got a quick
exploring your vertical take-off abilities,
wheelie control’s also been added to the mix,
alongside a traffic light-destroying launch
control system.
Highlights
Stunning agility Simple, smart and
effective.
Punchy engine
Gizmos galore!
105kg (dry)
169hp
86Nm of torque
BRAKING 8
Small room for improvement
STABILITY 9
Surprisingly solid
AGILITY 10
Like a ballet dancer
DRIVE 10
Stunning
FUN 9
Creator of smiles!

KTM 790 DUKE
THE MOTOR’S
INITIAL THROTTLE
PICK UP STILL FELT
INCREDIBLY SHARP
AND PUNCHY
After the pounding Carl’s

arse took in Gran Canaria, he
could only bear to sit half of
it on the saddle at a time.

LAUNCH
GIZMOS GALORE
KTM have gone to town electronically, gifting the 790
Duke a whole host of riding aids and electronics
derived from the Super Duke 1290. Adjustable traction
control? Check. Wheelie control? Check. Launch
control? Check. Cornering ABS? Check. Quickshifter
LIGHT AND NIMBLE and blipper? Check. The 790 Duke even comes with
KTM have been hard at work creating a light Motor Slip Regulation, which essentially works as
yet sporty feeling chassis for the 790 Duke. adjustable engine braking. This is all fed through a fairly
Constructed from a whole range of complex lean angle sensor straight to the clean cut TFT
WELL SPRUNG materials (but mostly steel) in order to keep dash, which allows for Bluetooth connectivity as well.
Developed specifically for the 790 Duke, the things compact and nimble, the 790 Duke
WP upside down 43mm open-cartridge forks even uses the engine as a stressed
offer an aggressive dynamic. Even though member, contributing to a sophisticated
it isn’t adjustable, it offers a huge scope of chassis geometry which delivers a precise
feel through many riding situations, with feeling even with its relatively long
140mm of fork travel on offer. The gas- wheelbase for stability.
assisted WP shock absorber is directly
mounted to the swingarm, with adjustable
preload on offer as standard.
SHARP LOOKS
KTM say that functionality trumped fashion,
meaning every part bolted onto this bike
serves a purpose and this is why the 790 Duke
is so aesthetically raw and aggressive. Look at
the seat for example; it actually houses the
airbox and electronics (which is why they
couldn’t run the stunning under-seat example
on the prototype). This means that there’s no
room for extra clutter or unnecessary plastics.
MOTORING ON
Brand new for the 790 Duke comes KTM’s
first parallel twin engine, which has been
designed to be the most compact in its
class thanks to the DOHC power plant
dubbed the ‘LC8c’, or ‘liquid-cooled,
8-valves, compact’. It consists of two
overhead camshafts and a crank pin
of 75º, which delivers 86Nm of torque at
8,000rpm and 105hp at 9,000rpm, thanks
to a brand new engine.

KTM 790 DUKE
TECHNICAL KTM 790 Super Duke

ENGINE
Type 799cc 2-cylinder DOHC parallel twin

Bore x Stroke 86 x 65.7mm
Compression 12.7:1
Fuelling DKK Dell’Orto
Power 105hp @ 8,000rpm
Torque 86nm @ 8,000rpm
ELECTRONICS
RBW/Riding Modes Yes/4 modes

Traction Control Yes
ABS Yes
Quickshifter Yes
Wheelie Control Yes
Launch Control Yes
Autoblipper Yes
CHASSIS
Frame Steel frame with engine as stressed element

Front Suspension WP-USD 43mm forks
Rear Suspension WP Shock absorber
Front Brakes 2 x 300mm discs with 4 piston calipers
Rear Brakes 240mm Single disc with 2 piston caliper
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 1,475mm
Seat Height 825mm
Dry Weight 169kg
Fuel Capacity 14 litres
Oh yeah.
PRICE
Price £8,499
From www.ktm.co.uk
which weren’t to the liking of the KTM. As where every characteristic was taken to the
is typically expected from punchy twins and max and not found wanting.
singles when dawdling along, the motor did It was in areas like this that I really got to
feel a bit lumpy, with the only cure being to taste that fruity engine at its best, as the
throw more revs into the mix and run a gear throttle instantly picked up and the torque
lower than you’d expect. Switching to Rain just catapulted me out of bends with the
mode did make the stuttering less annoying, accompaniment of the 790’s ASBO inducing
but the reduced rate of welly did my head in soundtrack. I soon learned that as fast as I
to the point where I had to switch the could throw gears through the slick operating
selection up a few notches to stop me from ’shifter, the Duke’s motor was more than
riding the thing off the nearest cliff. eager to consume my offering and throw revs
and pace back my way; culling any thoughts
Home sweet home that the twin wouldn’t be the potent weapon
The 790 Duke might’ve shone while being I hoped it would be. I know it’s not a big
well behaved, but being ragged was where thou’, but my god it felt fast for its class, or
it was happiest – as I soon grasped having at least in a road riding context.
knocked mine into Sport mode just in time In general, the whole bike was performing
for a 70 mile stint on utterly dazzling twisty like a good ’un on the roads, including its
roads that were no wider than a kart track. four-pot stoppers that were doing a good job
This was where the Duke’s sublime chassis of hauling the 790 up on demand, although
came into its own, offering the kind of if you’re going to be fussy the initial bite
flickability you’d expect from a pimped up could’ve been a little bit sharper. I was also
shopping trolley. a fan of the slipper clutch and autoblipper,
The thing was mullering corners with less which performed in tandem like troopers
effort than an arm-wrestle with a toddler. You as I stamped down three or four gears at a
could really feel the benefits of the 111,111 time, encouraging the best kind of pops and
man hours (yes, that many) that’d gone into farts from the can on tap. Fair play to KTM,
building this bike as we swept effortlessly they haven’t just bolted on electronics for
through third gear flowing twisties, wringing bragging rights, they’ve given the 790 a
the motor to its limit while grasping the considered armoury, which in turn feeds an
genius of the bike’s sexual chassis and unholy amount of confidence to the rider.
confidence-inspiring WP bouncy bits. To my My first question had been well and truly
surprise there wasn’t any soft wallowing or answered; this was the ideal tool for
head shaking nastiness to write home about, road-going craziness.
not even when we hit one section riddled To step things up a level, KTM had
with hairpins and short straights; a place organised a tasty little track workshop at

LAUNCH
Circuit De Maspalomas. It was here that I

got the chance to unleash the goodness of GRILLING ADRIAAN SINKE
Track mode, and give the Duke some
unadulterated spankings, before taking
KTM PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGER
on a tricky gymkhana-style parkour course FB: Why did you introduce the 790?
to test agility. AS: We wanted to fill that middle gap between the 690 Duke and the 1290 Super Duke!
No matter how good a bike is on the road, From the very beginning, the aim was to create a weapon; something sharp, light, fast and
the track will usually weed out any issues, agile, yet still have a usable machine that wasn’t intimidating. It’s been a tough challenge
yet as soon as I got out and gave it some to get every bit right!
stick the 790 Duke felt staggeringly good on
the oversized kart circuit. I’d been looking FB: Who’s it aimed at?
forward to this chance all day, even though I AS: In all honesty with the middleweight
secretly had two standard reservations about market being so huge, we wanted to make a
the spec of the bike. We all know the physical bike which fitted a wide range of riders. From
demands of track riding are a damn sight those jumping up from smaller bikes to people
harsher than those of the roads, which got who go for a hard ride at the weekend, we
me worrying that the non-adjustable forks wanted to cater for the widest audience
were going to show a few signs of weakness. without diluting the riding experience.
And I had the same kind of worries for the
Maxxis rubber, which I was expecting to FB: Will it kill off the 690 Duke?
throw in the towel once big lean angle, and AS: Absolutely not! We will still sell the 690
a few handfuls of throttle were brought into Duke, and selling so well over the years it has
the mix. But as with most things in life, they its own hardcore fan base. The 690 has always
were unjustified concerns. Not only did the been at the very core of the Duke range, so it
tyres perform a treat, offering great grip, will remain there for the foreseeable future.
feedback and agility, but the suspension was
absolutely mint. The little 790 was proving to
be a right hustler, being impressively stable
through the faster bends and offering loads of from as low as 3,000rpm and keep pulling up Of course, a bike will always have
feel and confidence at full lean in the corners. to its sweet sounding limiter, which I found compromises, yet KTM have done an
But it wasn’t just the handling characteristics irresistible to my eardrums. Man, I had a lot absolutely cracking job of creating an
that were taking my fancy; that motor won of fun on that bike, and the pleasure impressive and fun package. For under
me over big time. Look, this bike’s not continued when we switched the race track £8,500 you get a ridiculous amount of bang
stupidly powerful, but the way it delivers its for the Japanese-style gymkhana, where the for your buck, but how would it stack up
torque and linear power is nothing short of sheer agility of the package was brought to against the competition? Does the ‘Scalpel’
addictive. I always found the KTM to have the fore. The course was marked out in an genuinely cut the Street Triple from the
the power I desired on tap, and to be easily insanely tight manner, but it was nothing middleweight throne? Is it user friendly
utilised too – even with the traction control the Duke couldn’t handle. It’s incredible just enough to lure new riders away from the
turned off. The power would surge through how nimble the 790 is even with the long likes of an MT-07? Is it really that much better
wheelbase, which is mainly down to having than the 690 Duke? They’re all toughies to
a steering head angle of 66º and 98mm of answer, but what I will say is that with the
trail – a clever move from the Austrian brand 790 you get a completely unique experience.
ALSO AVAILABLE… to have an agile bike without compromising It will suit some riders a treat, and others will
KTM are also releasing the 790 Duke L, stability. This might sound like tosh but it’s hate it. But as for me, I’m definitely one for
which has reduced power at 95hp that mightily impressive considering the Duke is the former of those groupings. Having spent
can be restricted to 44hp in order to fit actually 65mm longer than the Street Triple, last year blitzing around on the 390 Duke, I
in line with A2 restrictions. They also yet is one of the easiest bikes I’ve ever ridden found the 790 the perfect tonic to my desires
do a lowering kit for the vertically to get from side to side. A real master of all for more: more power, more agility, more fun.
challenged among us! trades, you could say. It sure ticked all my boxes.
VERDICT: 9/10
Fun, fast and friendly with a savage side that is
just dying to be exploited. A new contender for the
middleweight crown…
+ STRONG ENGINE, EPIC HANDLING
Room with a view... – UNNECESSARY TECH

LAUNCH
Those delightful (retina

burning) yellow wheels...

YAMAHA MT-07
WORDS: DANG EROUS BRUC E

I M A G E S: PJ A N D C O . / YA M A H A
YAMAHA MT-07:
REFINED
RENEGADE
Yamaha’s gone back to the drawing
board with its middleweight mentalist
and given it some subtle tweaking.
I
t was four years ago that and so too has a remodelled tank
Yamaha launched the MT-07 and a much more comfy (and
and they could never have fat-arse friendly) rider seat.
guessed it would’ve become such But the major change is to the
a chart-topper. A third of the suspension, which is still pretty
brand’s hypernaked sales are basic and non-adjustable. That
’07s, and with volume demand said, it now comes with 130mm
more consistent than a Saharan of travel at either end, and
weather report, it looks as they’ve both benefited from
though this little gem is going increased damping and spring
to be a linchpin in their line-up rates. Job done, then? Well, we
for a very long time – especially headed to Spain to find out…
now it’s had a bit of a fettle.
Money talks and with a Notably better
price tag so low it left other When you accept the MT-07
manufacturers spitting feathers, for what it is, it’s tough cookie
there were one or two areas that to fault. There will be those
weren’t exactly premium, let’s that consider it about as
say… such as the suspension. technophobic as a rock, but
If you like a ride with more why should a bike with 74bhp
bounce than a pogo stick, you’d demand traction control, power
have found yourself a fan of the modes, and all such minded
original MT. But for the rest gubbins that often combine to
of us, it was the Achilles heel castrate your riding experience
to an otherwise respectable and hit your wallet where it
middleweight naked. It needed hurts? Arguably the MT-07 is
sorting out, and so did the cheap and cheerful… but in
bargain parts bin guise of the the best of ways.
MkI, which Yamaha’s addressed It’s always delivered on its
with this second iteration. While promise of a decent riding
the frame, brakes, engine (it’s experience for not a lot of
now Euro 4) and running gear dollar, and I can vouch that
stay exactly the same, the the performance-for-pound ratio
aesthetics of the bike have had has just moved up a notch.
the Gok Wan treatment. A first Aesthetically it now looks a nice
gen MT-09-style headlight and bike; the new headlight, seat unit
seat unit have joined the mix, and remodelled tank have made

LAUNCH
TECH-NO
To keep the model’s pricing where
it needs to be, the MT’s not
gained any tech whatsoever.
However, its stock dash features
basic info such as trip monitors
and gear selection.
LOOKS
A spell in the pimp shop has got
the ’07 looking a bit less parts bin,
with a new tank design, rider and
pillion seats, a different headlight,
and all-new rear tail unit.
ENGINE
There’s no real change to the
motor, which still makes a decent
74bhp and now ticks the box for
being Euro 4 compliant.
HANDLING
Stiffer spring rates and better
damping have moved the MT’s
handling on to the next level, but
the units are still pretty basic and
lack adjustability.
IT’S POWERFUL ENOUGH TO BE

PLAYFUL, BUT DOCILE ENOUGH FOR
YOU TO BE THE BOSS.
How to look good naked.
Nothing new here...
The CP2 motor packs a

vegan-friendly 74bhp.

YAMAHA MT-07
TECHNICAL Yamaha MT-07

The ’07 is more than capable
of lowering the tone.
ENGINE
Type 689cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin
Bore x Stroke 80.0 x 68.6mm
Compression 11.5:1
Fuelling RBW EFI
Tested Power 74bhp @ 9,000rpm
Tested Torque 68Nm @ 6,500rpm
ELECTRONICS
RBW/Riding Modes Yes/No
Traction Control No
ABS Yes
Quickshifter No
Wheelie Control No
Launch Control No
CHASSIS Frame Steel diamond-type
Front Suspension Non-adjustable telescopic forks
Rear Suspension Monoshock with no adjustability
Front Brakes Four-piston calipers, 282mm discs
Rear Brakes Two-piston caliper, 245mm disc
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 1,400mm
Seat Height 745mm
Dry Weight 182kg
Highlights
PRICE
Price £6,349
Effortless fun From www.yamaha-motor.eu
First ‘big’ bike
Pricing
68Nm of torque
182kg
it look less parts bin special 74bhp the instigator of the mother resist hooking the thing up in wheelies and
and more representative of all slappers, but those days of relishing in the brilliance of the torquey,
the whole MT family. And BRAKING 7 mystery seemed relegated to playful CP2 motor, which was aided by
ergonomically, the new tank Does the job the past. The front end feel decent gear ratios and fuelling that offered
design means you get to sit a STABILITY 7 was trustworthy, and the back firm control. My only criticism would be the
bit further forward on the Much improved of the bike just seemed to harshness of the initial throttle pick-up, and
generously resized saddle. AGILITY 8 follow suit without any the associated backlash which was about
Happy days. But if you’re Easy peasy complaints. I was impressed, as abrupt as one of Boothy’s chat up lines.
looking for a whole-hearted DRIVE 7 and had it not been for the The MT’s dubbed a user-friendly bike but
game of spot-the-difference, Hard to knock half-arsed lean angle that’s there were one or two times in town where
you’ll be left longing as the FUN 9 governed by some mahoosive the motor felt a bit cumbersome, and when
cockpit, switchgear and all Imagination is everything hero blobs, I dare say you’d riding some slippery mountain roads the
the other such bits and bobs be able to cause bigger bikes harsh pick-up had us replicating Bambi on
have stayed the same. some serious embarrassment ice. The gearbox also felt a little harsh on
For that reason, it felt like a pair of old owing to the sheer flickability of the bike. my bike, clunking into place with no blipper
slippers as we headed out for our 150-mile I wish the bike’s damping was a little or shifter to help smooth things out. I’ve
joyride, disturbing the tranquil Ronda more refined, though. It had a tendency known worse, and it’d probably get better
region’s excessive number of golf courses to rebound with a bit of ferocity after over time with more bedding in miles
en route to some stonking mountain roads hitting a bump in a corner, and that had completed on our box fresh bad boys, but
where we’d get our first taste of the MT’s me wondering on a few occasions whether that notion was no use to me there and then.
refined capabilities. The old bike felt nice I’d go down in history as the first man to I also found the gearbox a doddle to
and nimble, so there was no surprise when launch a second generation MT-07 off one lock-up with a hasty down shift, which
I was reminded of its effortless ability to fall of the relentlessly shouldering cliff faces – I would get the rear hopping as the rear wheel
on an ear without needing muscling, but obviously wasn’t trying hard enough. With and engine speeds fought it out to find
what did pleasantly surprise me was the no adjustability on the cards, it was a case of equilibrium. Still, it was fun to do and with
drastically improved road-holding. just riding out whatever road imperfections the right amount of clutch, rear brake and
I’d stop short of saying the MT felt plush decided to unsettle the bike’s pogos. front end anchorage, the ’07 proved a dab
when hitting fourth gear corners at knee- Despite the engine now being Euro 4 hand at backing in. Generally speaking, the
down angles, but it was definitely a lot more (not a lot of work was needed to make that brakes were good. The MT’s no heavyweight
steadfast and predictable. Part of the charm grade), the engine remained the hooligan- and more times than not there’d be no drama
of the old bike was never knowing whether a friendly weapon of old. When I wasn’t in getting the bike to slow down, but both
big enough bump in the road was going to be throwing this bike into bends, I couldn’t me and the test rider I was following

LAUNCH
nearly hit the deck when our bikes’ ABS ANTOINE CLEMONT
disengaged in a downhill hairpin and aimed YAMAHA PRODUCT MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
us right at a car. That was more the surface’s
fault that anything else, and the real problem Antoine’s the guy tasked with working out what we want and how to produce it. He’s
was that we were riding the bikes like loons pretty chuffed with the MT-07 and gave us more insight into the model’s evolution…
– but that’s what the MT makes you do.
It’s such a simple bike that it’s almost We needed to better the package
inadvertently brilliant fun to ride. It’s We had a lot of feedback from studies with customers that told us how they thought we
powerful enough to be playful, but docile could make the MT-07 better. There weren’t many criticisms with the old model, but
enough for you to be the boss. Without suspension was the most common thing. People wanted the handling capabilities of the
listing the entirety of my misdemeanours, bike to be better, so that’s where the focus of our efforts went. The challenge was to
let’s just say my group and I found every improve the suspension without adding a lot of cost to the package. For instance, if we’d
imaginative way to have the best of times have fitted USD forks, that would have seen costs increase by another £300 per MT.
on the Yamaha. More power, more tech Were such units necessary? We didn’t think so. We managed to improve the bike’s main
and more weight would have blunted the criticism without causing financial concern. The aesthetics have also moved on, and
experience, so there’s a huge part of me we’re really happy with the complete bike.
that’s grateful that the Yamaha hasn’t been
subjected to more control aids and other such We considered much more tech
nonsense. The MT-07 is a pure bike to ride, Of course, we could have kitted the bike out
and Yamaha’s approach is that if you want with traction control, rider modes and all
more trimmings, you simply buy an MT-09 those kinds of things, but the problem is
instead. But in my opinion the wee Yamaha cost. People weren’t crying out for such
ticks the boxes for what it’s meant to be, additions, so we thought why change
representing great value for money and something just for the sake of it? If
opening the door to fun times for all riders someone wants more power or more
of all ages, experience and even heights. technology, we’d steer them towards the
That’s probably the last thing to touch on; MT-09, and then there’s the MT-10 for those
the comfort of the ride. The MT comes with a who really want the very best hypernaked
pretty low seat height (735mm), but my 5ft on the market. The MT family has been
10in frame didn’t feel cramped or achy. For carefully considered to deliver to every kind
a naked, I though the ergonomics were of rider at every age and level. We’re happy
actually pretty comfortable, with a relaxed with that approach; it’s working.
reach to the ’bars and plenty of leg room too
for all those people with battered knee joints. An SP version’s not in the pipeline
It is vibey, though, not to the extent of It could be a future possibility, but we
replicating a washing machine at full bore don’t see the target audience being too
on a fast spin, but vibrations were notable demanding for top-end suspension and the
through the ’bars, pegs and seat. Still, it’s glitz of a typical SP version. That’s not to
nothing a pair of thick marigolds, some say we won’t produce an SP version in the
rubber wellies and a cushion couldn’t sort. future, but I think budget will always be at
Now there’s a thought! the forefront of any MT-07 plans. We don’t
want to compromise the success and
fulfilment offered by this relatively
affordable and satisfactory motorcycle.
People like what we’re doing, and that
reflects in the sales figures.
Hot-cakes can't hold
a candle to the sales
figures of the MT range.
Verdict 7/10
It’s not the fastest, most sophisticated, or
best looking naked on the market, but it’s
just about the cheapest and definitely wins
in the pounds-to-fun department.
+ LOVES A WHEELIE, EASY TO RIDE, PRICE
– TECHNOPHOBE

ADVERTORIAL
WORD: BELL PICS: RACELINE IMAGES, BELL
HEAD
MATTERS
Motorcycle helmets are all the same, aren’t
they? Thick enough to take a knock and the
thicker the padding the better, right? Actually, as
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MULTI-DIRECTIONAL IMPACT
I
t’s true that, as a general rule, motorcycle MIPS has been incorporated in motocross
helmets all serve the same purpose of PROTECTION SYSTEM helmets for a few years now and, in the worlds
protecting your head. The conventional Or MIPS for short, is a plastic liner that sits under of cycling and skiing, you’d struggle to buy a
motorcycle helmet has two principal protective the helmet’s EPS foam liner. On impact, the EPS helmet without it. As more and more riders
components; a thin, hard, outer shell typically will still perform its role of protecting the skull. understand its potential benefits, it will be
made from polycarbonate plastic, fibreglass, or However, rather than the crushable foam adopted in more and more race and street
composite materials, and a soft, thick, inner liner wrapping around the head to slow down the helmets. It’s even widely predicted that it
usually made of expanded polystyrene (EPS). To force and clamping hair and skin in the process, could become a compulsory safety feature
date, it has been widely thought that the single it will compress around the MIPS liner which will in the future.
most important component with regard to safety rotate slightly. This rotation – side-to-side and
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Technology plays a major part in the will occur while the head is held securely within The other innovative safety technology quickly
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host of sports genres, and as that intelligence The MIPS technology has been in development liner system designed to manage energy at
advances, so too do the safety features deployed for 20 years by leading Swedish scientists. Their three different speeds of impact; low, mid
in mandatory gear such as motorcycle helmets. research has shown that when a head rotates and high. Again, its key focus is all about
EPS is lightweight and can withstand quickly and comes to a sudden stop, the ongoing brain protection.
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for the lining of motorcycle helmets. This lining to experience high levels of strain. In short, replaces the traditional thick single
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However, there are a couple of emerging transferred to the brain by reducing the relative with a thinner layer of EPS, then
technologies that could become real game- motion of the brain inside the skull for another introduces a thin, soft and
changers in the world of motorcycle head five to 10 millimetres before tissues start to tear flexible liner – Expanded
protection. It’s all about slowing down the and cause bleeding on the brain; it could make Polyolefin (EPO), and then
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BELL HELMETS
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will compress at around 5m per second and motorcycle helmet safety will provide FLEX and £1000 will
the EPS at just under 8m per second. Also technology, but the big give the ultimate in safety, style
in the mix is a ‘slip zone’ which, like MIPS, is question of course, is how and comfort; combining the
important to help manage the force of rotational do you get it? benefits of FLEX with a number
impact and reduce movement between the skull Bell produced its first Bell of other premium features.
and helmet at speed. 500 helmet in 1954, and was For Bell, the optimum fit is
Because the six different pieces within the the first manufacturer to important too and, for this reason,
EPO and EPP layers all move individually, and produce a full-face motorcycle it offers a six-shell system with a
together, by five to ten millimetres, the system helmet when it introduced the unique EPS liner for each major size.
also provides an adaptive, almost custom-made, Star model in 1968. Bell never Stockists can custom-fit the helmet to a
fit. For instance, for those with an irregular- stops pushing the boundaries in rider’s head by getting it to fit snugly and then
shaped head, the segmented construction terms of research and development, making any further adjustments required with
of FLEX means it will adapt differently to and today it remains a premium brand at the cheek pads that can range from 25mm to 60mm
accommodate a rider’s head shape left-to-right, forefront of technology. It was the first to ensure comfort.
for a superior and snug fit. The six segments; manufacturer to introduce MIPS within its
one at the front, one at the rear and two either entry-level price range of helmets, and the only ■ For more about head protection visit
side, all move individually to adapt to the rider’s one to incorporate FLEX in its off-road, road-race www.helmetfacts.com. For further product
head and once adapted, will move as one. This and street helmets. The Bell Star is equipped information, or Bell stockist contact details
advanced fit means there is little allowance for with MIPS, while its Pro and Race Star brands are go to www.bellhelmets.co.uk
movement of the head within the helmet under
impact. In short, FLEX technology offers riders
the closest they can get to a custom-fit helmet,
without the requirement of a head scan!
Importantly, the rider won’t notice any
difference in the feel of the helmet
under normal riding conditions; the
compression only comes into
play under impact
conditions.
FLEX REPLACES THE

TRADITIONAL THICK SINGLE LAYER
EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE (EPS)
WITH AN INNOVATIVE THINNER,
THREE-LAYERED SYSTEM
LAUNCH
WORDS: PRETTY BOY PICS: MICHELIN
MICHELIN
ROAD 5
If long-lasting sporty tyres are what you’re after,
Michelin’s new Road 5s might be just the ticket.

MICHELIN ROAD 5
F
our years ago Michelin launched
their Pilot Road 4 – a sport-touring
tyre that covered you in every sense;
from riding in the pissing wet to having
a little hoon on a track day. Four years,
1.5 million tyres and €641 million in
development later (throughout the entire
Road range), Michelin say they’ve stepped
up the game once again, offering an
all-new product with improvements
in wet performance, dry performance
and even longevity.
How have they pulled this off, you might
be wondering? Well, Michelin have been
incredibly busy creating an all-new Two
Compound Technology (2CT) system for the
rubber for starters, which sees performance
enhanced by using different construction in It’s not the first time
Pretty Boy’s wet himself.
the front and rear tyres to improve longevity
in the rear without sacrificing feel in the
front. Genius! After years of trial and error
(no one’s perfect), the finalised 2CT tech
features an all-silica make-up that’s stiff in
the middle (for both strength and stability in
a straight line), and soft enough on the edges and performing well on the roads is comprehensive enough to paint a whole
to encourage fast warm-up times, high grips something else altogether, which is why and fair picture, but we all survived the
levels, precise handling, and feel. we headed out to somewhere warmer exercise and the general impression was
The rear rubber’s even more trick. Dubbed than Blighty to give them a blast. of a usable sporty road tyre, rather than
the Michelin 2CT+, the rear tyre is based a damp squib. Job done, then? Not quite.
on the same principles but with added EASING IN Next up came a wet track handling course,
silica for better resistance to wear so it will With the sun almost breaking through at complete with a high speed slalom and heavy
actually be slightly stiffer, while the edges a reasonably warm Monteblanco circuit in braking zone. In all honesty, I’m not the
are constructed from an all-carbon black Spain, it was time to finally give the Pilot biggest fan of the wet but the 5s did give me
compound which works like a slick when Road 5s a good seeing to, starting off with the confidence to ride faster than I normally
you get to about 38º lean angle (more a dry workshop on track – for all of six laps, would on road rubber. They felt instantly
than you could ever achieve in the wet, that is… I bagged three laps on Ducati’s grippy and offered a surprisingly positive
apparently). While we’re on the subject Supersport, before clocking the same mileage amount of feedback that’s arguably pretty
of wet, the French marque moved the on BMW’s S1000XR, both times heading hard-wearing and built for distance above
tyre’s traction levels on by introducing out on brand new, cold rubber. all. The new tread design does wonders for
deep sipes that open up as the tyre wears Yep, I was twitching at the thought of the firing the water out of the way, and even on
down, helping to channel even more of the gig, but it was sufficient enough to confirm the high speed slalom the Road 5s gripped
slippery stuff away from goodness of the that the rubber was generally quite stable, impressively well, while still offering a level
tyre’s footprint. It’s all good stuff, and warmed up relatively quick and gave decent of flick-ability you’d expect from a much
contributes significantly to the overall feedback. In honesty, the track test wasn’t sportier tyre. All good stuff.
revolution of the Road 5.
And it really is a revolution. Tested
back-to-back, the Road 5s spanked the Road
4s by three seconds a lap around a 60 second
circuit, which is pretty damn significant in
my book. But setting laps times is one thing,
SIZES
FRONT:
120/60
120/70
REAR:
150/70
160/60
180/55
190/50
190/55
Carl might have

taken things too
literally when
we told him to
keep it upright.

LAUNCH
FIVE MINUTES WITH…

DEAN BAUDART, MICHELIN TEST RIDER
FB: What was the main aim for the Road 5s?
DB: We all knew how good the previous Road 4 was, which put a lot of pressure on us to
Look at the sipes on that! create something even better. The big aim for us was creating a superior all-round product to
appeal to the worldwide audience – meaning we had to improve the tyre in the wet and dry,
but most importantly focusing on longevity as it’s a product made to last.
TESTING
Finally, with the sun shining and an arsenal FB: How rigorous was the testing programme for the Road 5?
of Road 5 clad bikes for our abusing, we DB: It was crazy! We worked day and night to make this tyre as good as possible, finishing off
kicked off on a 230km trip around the roads with a back-to-back test against its major rivals: Metzeler Roadtec 01, Dunlop Road Smart 3,
of Seville to get a proper feel for how well Continental Road Attack 3, Pirelli Angel 3 and the Bridgestone T30 EVO, which were each fitted
the Michelins coped with everyday antics. to a control bike. We used a Suzuki Bandit 1250 and
Jumping on a Yamaha MT-07 for the first leg overall the Road 5 scored better in terms of dry
of the road ride the Road 5’s dry abilities performance, wet performance and stability.
immediately shone through.
Thanks to the latest-gen compounds, there FB: How hard would you be willing
was astounding amounts of feel on the edge to push on the Road 5s?
of the tyres. As the roads became twistier the DB: At the end of the day, they’re a sports touring
Michelins kept on taking every single ounce tyre at heart which is made to last the duration.
of abuse I could throw until the MT’s softly When putting them back-to-back with the Road 4
damped suspension was screaming ‘no at our test track, I had a difference of three seconds
more’. Thankfully, a coffee stop and bike around just a 60 second lap. Of course they don’t
swap was on hand where I traded my Yammy offer the same amount of precision and feedback as
for a something a bit beefier: an Aprilia the Power RS range will, but they offer a good level
Tuono V4. It was only when strapped on if you wish to go on track or ride fast on the road!
to the V4 rocket ship where the Road 5s
began to falter slightly, starting to struggle
under the mammoth amounts of power as
we took in some absolutely stunning roads
and some undeniably questionable stretches
of tarmac in equal measure.
Maybe it’s the extra silica for resistance The Road 5 is
to wear, or maybe it was just me being a marketed as a
knob on the throttle and asking way too sports-touring tyre but
a
much from a sports-touring tyre, but Mic hel in have also developed
sion , offe ring the sam e tech
that initial hit on the gas from the trail ver
se who
Aprilia just seemed that little bit much with an added nod to tho
wa nt tha t little bit of extra grip and
for the Road 5s, causing the traction to y come in
kick in and the dash to light up like the confidence off-road. The
and 120 /70 on the
local discotheque. sizes 110/80
front, 150 /70 and 170/60 on
I had to keep reminding myself that I
was riding on a tyre built to last rather the rear and are already
than go fast when pushing that gorgeously available to buy.
plush Aprilia front end into corners, but
I felt egged on by the decent front end feel
and feedback. Being honest, they delivered
as expected; being a capable tyre that was
built with distance at heart over outright
grips levels. Despite being plastered with
new tech, pleasantly rolling profiles and
cleverly shaped sipes, the Michelin Road 5s
were never made for setting lap records, Size means nothing
but to give a predictable and long lasting when it comes to the
road-friendly riding experience which Road 5’s versatility.
is exactly what they do.

TEST
d on tr ack, but what about back

ay have astounde
Ducati’s new V4 m t busy with o ne , and find outt...
e to ge
here in the UK? Tim
WORDS: BENJAMIN J KUBAS-CRONIN PICS: GAWLER, CHARLIE OAK MAN
E
ver since Gigi Dall’Igna subtly for bodily manoeuvre. Wrist weight is pushed
mentioned that Ducati were working more through the horizontal plane
pl off the
th
on a V4 production bike during an bars, rather than angled down. It is, in fact,
unrelated press junket, it’s been the most immediately comfortable and welcoming.
anticipated sportsbike for years. Then, a year A mile in, riding slowly throough built up
later, Bruce attended the launch at Valencia areas, I just cannot believe this is a large
and, on track at least, was blown away. capacity bike with ‘Panigale’ stamped on it
Now, I’ve been a proper fan-boy of the big because it’s so smooth at the droll
d stuff.
L-twin Ducati line since they introduced the I honestly likened it to whatev ver
first Panigale. When it comes to testing in a Honda you’d care to think of. Where
professional capacity though, their foibles was the drama? How come wee’d
held them back, and I often conceded the been riding for more than five
fact that when compared to the competition, minutes and not had a single
just being bat-shit crazy wasn’t even nearly argument? What’s going on?!
good enough for a winner’s gong. A very smart approach, thatt’s
Yet, it was those exact foibles and what, because while many
unabashed F-you attitude that made me fall loved the recalcitrant behaviou ur
in love with them on a personal level. When of the L-twin, it probably put
using the word ‘character’ to describe a as many (or more) off during a
motorcycle, usually that’s the way of putting test ride, especially those withha
a positive spin on inherent flaws. However history of uber-usable Japanesse
with the 11 and then 1299 Panigales, said litre efforts. Now though, all iss
flaws were indeed part and parcel of the well in that regard, without rolling
entire experience. You either got it, or you another mile I know I could happily
didn’t, and likely chose something a little commute through anywhere on the V4.
easier to live with instead. Yes, I may bemoan the loss of presence
So it was with some amount of trepidation and outright belligerence, but the change g in
that I approached my first ever ride on the slow speed attitude is genuinely remarkable,
new V4 S here in the UK – with literally no and it’s just a tiny bit of occasional chugging
clue what it was going to be like. In matter of that breaks the pristine spell.
fact, the first hour on the bike during a quick Only deep thumps from the airbox beneath
getting to know each other session was rather the fake fuel tank give the bike any sense of
telling, with realisations, disappointments menace in town, hinting that should you
and revelations coming thick and fast. twist the throttle harder, the (to this point)
Within the first few hundred yards it was superbike scooter you’re riding has a real
obvious this was something very new. It may dark side. I’ve little doubt that an aftermarket
sound much like a twin at idle, and there’s exhaust will return a lot of the L-twin’s
a brief moment where it mimics the L-twin bullishness, but right at this moment, I’m as
as you release the clutch, but once fully out disappointed as I am impressed with this
it’s a brave new world. The riding position newly found usability. Yet, this was all about
surprised immediately, as you now sit more to be lost in a delicious cacophony of revs
‘in’ than ‘on top’ of it, and is reminiscent and utterly outrageous speed.
of Aprilia’s RSV4 in terms of foot and hand It began inconspicuously, as heading out
positioning (only), albeit with far more room in the green I began to add more gas, not in

DUCATI V4 S – FIRST UK RIDE
Any road is the V4’s natural territory.

TEST
The V4 is as happy being
pushed, as being pootled...
Ride her hard and you’ll

an excitable manner, but briskly. The V4 may find it easier to use my hand! But be here quite often!
not have the L-twin’s torque curve, but it still, what a debut from the V4,
spins really fast and smoothly, as I ‘pap’ up showcasing a new approach in
the g’box via the decent quick-shifter. Then friendliness but with an engine
I look at the speedo, and can’t believe the that blows your back doors off.
licence shredding speed I’m travelling at. It’s Still, first rides can be
a real heart-stopping moment, because I’d deceiving, so we began thorough
have sworn I was doing at least 40mph less. testing of the bike, rolling on all
Without even trying, the Panigale still being sorts of roads, from mossy back
smooth as silk, its pace astonished me. Given lanes to motorway fare,
it hit 190mph on the dyno, it’s not like it’s commutes and a couple of days
super-short geared either. when the world turned white, and
Now, the roads down near our southern everyone went panic shopping.
branch are often fast, but usually bumpy, This also included my favourite
and one such stretch is where I first day on her, which took in a long
throttle-stopped it. When I finally relent jaunt down the M4 into Wales to
and slow down, my brain struggles to the farthest reaches of the Black
comprehend what I’ve just experienced. This Mountains, traversing all those
thing is so, so, so very fast on full-gas while mountain roads and returning
traversing public roads, with walls and back through the Brecon Beacons
hedges flashing by and the front hopping and and some seriously quick A-road
skipping off the tarmac, it’s almost surreal. stretches. All in all, it revealed
I’m sure a wide race track mutes this much about the V4 S.
somewhat, but on the highways it really The riding position for example,
is genuinely mind-bending. which at first I loved, quite soon The dash is top drawer kit.
Up until now, stupid speed was generated became something I’d like to change just a
silkily, but when pinned all of that aggression touch. More rear ride height, specifically, to
and pent up fury it had been hiding comes put just a little more weight on the front. Not
roaring out. Everything is under control, a lot, just a sliver, because while the new
though, it just gives a good impression of not riding position suits more people I’m sure,
being via the ludicrous thrust it’s capable of, at slow speeds it sometimes feels a tiny bit
with the sound of the GP-derived V4 finally awkward to initiate steering. It’s only slight,
de-gagged. It’s also addictive, use whatever though I was still getting used to it even a
type of ‘needs a warning label’ metaphor couple of weeks in. Otherwise the steering
you like, but that won’t stop anyone from action is beautifully neutral, not too fast or
wanting more of this epic biking bliss. slow, yet like me some may miss the eager
Somewhat frazzled I head back, and am directness of the previous L-twin.
then stumped trying to get the side-stand It’s fine on the motorway, easily as
down – where is the bloody thing? They’ve comfortable as my long-term Suzuki GSX-R,
added a small nodule to it so you can reach though the return to the flatter 1198 stance
your heel to it in front of the pegs, and while and a skinny tank means under heavy
it’s mostly a muscle memory thing, I actually braking I can struggle to find sufficient

DUCATI V4 S – FIRST UK RIDE
C Panigale
TECHNICAL
C g e V4 ‘S’
S
ENGINE
Type 1,103cc liquid-cooled 90º V4 Desmodromic
Bore x Stroke 81mm x 53.5mm
Compression
C i 14.00 1
14
Fuelling Electronic fuel injection, twin injectors
There be witchcraft in them tubes!
Highlights
ELECTRONICS
RBW/Riding Modes Yes/Yes, three modes
MotoGP derived V4 Traction Control Yes / 8-levels
Electronic suspension ABS Yes (cornering)
Extremely usable Quickshifter Yes / Plus down-blipper
Top electronics suite Wheelie Control Yes
198kg (kerb) Launch Control Yes
187bhp
CHASSIS
Frame Aluminium ‘Front Frame’
BRAKING 10 Front Suspension Electronic Öhlins NIX30 43mm USD fork
Best brakes on the planet
Rear Suspension Electronically adjusted Öhlins TTX36 shock
STABILITY 9
In ‘Race’ mode for sure
Front Brakes 2 x 330mm discs, 4-pot radial calipers (ABS)
Rear Brakes 245mm disc, 2-piston calliper (ABS)
AGILITY 8
Needs a shove now and then
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 1,469mm
PERFORMANCE 10 Seat Height 830mm
Stupidly quick!
Dry Weight 195kg
FUN 7
Not as fun as the L-twin...
PRICE
Price £23,895
From www.ducatiuk.com
IT’S SO FAST, MY
BRAIN STRUGGLED
TO COMPREHEND
WHAT I HAD JUST
EXPERIENCED...
Try riding one without nailing it!

TEST
bracing purchase other than through the after getting a little too giddy when POWER AND TORQUE
bars. This could be partly due to my build we did the photoshoot. I had a
200
and 6ft-plus height, but it did remind me of proper full-lock, potentially pant Dyno data supplied by:
a phrase we used to use regarding the 1198 filling snap. But only for the 175
range – like trying to ride a dolphin covered briefest of moments – TC came to

150
in diesel! Shorter pilots may not have the the rescue and everything came
same issues though, granted. back in line, our snapper Jonny 125
Meanwhile, the lecky Öhlins are next level was actually more shocked than I
100
fare. Even in ‘Race’ mode the damping action was! Power is likewise meted out
cosseted well enough to impress on bumpy differently in every mode and in 75
stretches, only the harshest of which would each gear, too. Some testing on
50
give it a bit of a workout. In ‘Sport’, it’s as the JHS dyno revealed different
forgiving as you’d ever want it to be, but still outputs in each gear on the way to 25
sharp enough for spirited road hacking. Yet an 187bhp peak. So a fifth-gear
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
this is just part of what it’s ultimately capable ‘Sport’ run makes less than
of, given all the extra aids you can adjust like sixth-gear, but both also make less
braking support and so on, it’s nuts! than in ‘Race’, and the directness POWER
The electronics are also different in every of the throttle in the latter is a TORQUE
mode in regard to traction-control (TC) and marked change over the far more
anti-wheelie (AW). If you set the AW to its forgiving ‘Sport’ delivery.
lowest setting in ‘Sport’, it is more intrusive Now, fuel-wise, I was surprised when the to go fast on, plus the V4’s new Stylema
than the same setting in ‘Race’. I found even light first popped on at 73 miles. Another two brake calipers provide more feel and superior
in the latter though, if the roads weren’t miles later at a fuel station, it took just over power progression. We even did some speed
smooth it was too intrusive for me, bumps 12 litres (in its 16 litre tank). This became a comparisons, with (heavier) Dan aboard the
seemed to set it off (sore plums alert!), theme, and only on a long motorway jaunt Ducati – hold sixth gear at 50mph then full
whereas on smoother fare it’d recognise that did it come on at over 90 miles while reading throttle, the same with fifth gear, at different
I was trying to be a prat and let me get away a 56mpg average. When thrashed it’d hover speeds, etc. Each and every time the Ducati
with it. It’s really good on those smooth around 30mpg, and general riding saw an just streaked away leaving the RSV for dead,
roads, but annoying otherwise, and you average of 42mpg, which isn’t too bad at all. it was almost humbling. Yes it’s got 100cc
can’t turn it off completely on the fly. The The bike continued to impress over every more, but who says a road bike has to
traction-control, meanwhile, impressed (if mile though. I was starting to think that it’s conform to race-regs capacity limits? It
also set low), and did save my arse twice close to being one of the greatest road bikes doesn’t; nobody moaned when Honda
I’d ever ridden, and that it would brought out the 900cc Fireblade, did they?
likely rule at this year’s SBOTY Plus it means the V4 can make huge power
SECOND OPINION test, too. So, I needed to calm but at less revs, therefore being more reliable:
DAN THE RSV MAN – DAN! down and get some perspective,
which a quick call to mag-friend
a win-win scenario.
Time on the Aprilia proved it’s easy to get
Longtime readers may remember Dan Blake. He won our Dan provided. carried away, and I’m now convinced SBOTY
Ducati longtermer competition a few years back, and has He brought his Aprilia RSV4 RF, isn’t an open and shut case. But it doesn’t
since owned a slew of them. He did recently choose to and just a few miles in I know stop it from being a genuine revelation; this
buy an Aprilia RSV4 RF rather than the V4, and having which bike’s chassis I personally is a ‘next level’ machine here. It’s as usable
only done a few miles on the RSV, I wanted to see if he prefer – the RSV’s as it turns on as anything else, has more toys than anything
thought he’d made the wrong choice. a dime with a mere thought, even else and it appears to be significantly quicker
“The Ducati is far comfier, the ergonomics are friendlier if it doesn’t have that incredible than any other production superbike, too. At
and it still has that nice skinny tank and the switchgear is witchcraft level of electronic the thick end of £24,000, it’d be fair to say it
much better quality than my old Panigale. It doesn’t feel damping. The Ducati is far should be all of these things and more, but
as quick as the RSV, even though it’s actually much faster, comfier though, and a little easier that’s okay, because it really is...
but the brakes are less snatchy than the Aprilia’s. Slow
cornering on the Ducati is a bit odd, almost like you
have to counter-steer a touch extra to get it to tip in on
roundabouts and similar, a strange front end. On smooth Verdict: 9/10
roads the RSV’s chassis feels far better, but on our mostly The next word in sportsbike performance, but with
bumpy roads it’s much easier to ride the Panigale faster an added dollop of everyday usability and pent-up
than the RSV at higher speeds, although the Aprilia is as insanity, minus a little of the opera factor.
easy around town. The RSV’s shifter/blipper I think is much + ENGINE, CHASSIS, ELECTRONICS, USABILITY
sharper, too. Did I buy the wrong bike? I still don’t know! – SMALL FUEL TANK, NOT QUITE LAIRY ENOUGH
“Right now I’d have bits from both if it were possible,
but what it boils down to for me was money – I bought this
2017 RSV for £16k new, eight grand less than the Ducati,
and it’s not £8k worse! I’d need to spend more time on the
V4 S, even if it does seem to be serious next generation
stuff. That being said, and given the riding I mostly do, with
that electronic suspension I’d likely choose the Ducati
were all things equal. With both at full retail prices (RSV
– £19.859), I may lean towards the Ducati.”
I spy with my little eye...

ROUTES
WORDS: BJ KUBAS CRONIN PICS: GAWLER, AS DESIGN, CHAPPERS, GEEBEE & OUR ACE RE ADERS!
GREAT
RIDING ROUTES!
There are some great riding roads in the UK, in all corners,
so make 2018 the year you go out and thrash on some of them!
I
t’s true that we bemoan the state
of the UK’s roads rather a lot, and for
the most part, those moans are pretty
much bang on. However, when it comes
to great routes to go out riding, there
are far more than you’d ever imagined
– although many of you will likely already
know them from your own local areas
and weekend thrashes.
But biking isn’t just about getting out on
a Sunday ride, and there are lots of great
routes that it’s worth riding long distance
to savour – call it a biking holiday, or
whatever you like, but during good
weather there’s more than enough
incentive to get out around our fair isles!
So we’ve chosen a few to consider,
with the help of some of you lot, our
awesome readers, spread across the UK.
Have you already ridden some of them,
and if not, which takes your fancy?

ROUTES
SOUTH WEST
Land’s End – Penzance – St Ives – Land’s End
L
and’s End has always been about the route – “Lived in
a destination for bikers, Penzance for 30 years, rode that
especially those choosing route and those roads many times.
the long riding task of either The coastal section between St Ives
starting or ending there, via a visit and Pendeen is the best bit – quite
to John o’ Groats in Scotland! But technical with a poor road surface
down in the furthest western in general, not particularly fast, very
reaches of our country there’s lots tight and undulating in places, some
of biking roads to enjoy, and a loop stretches with good view of the
twixt Land’s End, Penzance and road ahead but also some totally
St Ives is more than worth your blind corners due to the Cornish
time plus, like many of these routes hedges!”, sage words, Barry!
we’re covering, the scenery is often There are other places in and
stunning – if you can take your around too, as Jason Newall points
eyes off thrashing duties! out: “If you are doing that route Map data: Google
Turning right away from Land’s then you owe it to yourselves to
End onto the B3315, you follow this ride from Penzance to Sennen/
all the way, looping up to Penzance. Land’s End on the A30 – it’s like a
A quick biking stroll on the section of TT course! I lived in that clogging up the road at 30mph. to St Ives – it’s the best road ever!
eastbound A30 around Penzance area for years and that was always Another fun road is Penzance to Or the A3306 from St Ives to the
(unless you want to stop for a favourite. If you’re down in the St Just, hang a left as you get in A30 and Sennen, the B3315 to
whatever reason of course), before summer be sure to ride it early in to St Just and head towards Treen, the B3283 to St Buryan (then
hooking left on the B3311 to St Ives. the morning or around tea time, Sennen. And have fun too!” back to Penzance), the A394 to
Once there, another left sees you otherwise it gets busy with folk Peter Von Savageri also told us Helston and the B3297 to Redruth,
on the B3306, a proper wibbly- his best route in the area but always watch out for the
wobbly road that leads you all the Barrie’s local thrashing ground! to consider, and if you’re Emmets!” We’re guessing ‘Emmets’
way down back to Land’s End. down there, why not? “Try is a local term for something slow
Being such a rural area there are the B3301 from Portreath on the roads!
things to watch out for, mostly to
do with the odd poor road surfaces
here and there, and whatever Kelvin Skipper takes
a lovely pano’ pic!
tractors have been up to that day
– point being, some caution on blind
corners is advised (although, that
should be the case for any blind
corner anywhere!). Local biker
Barrie Blazeby has this to say
No hedges, no problem, but watch

those blind bends!

BRITAIN’S BEST BLASTS
SNOWDONIA – WALES
Bala – Trawsfynydd – Dolgellau – Bala
W
ales is, we think and latter, then another left on the A494
along with Scotland, starts you on the (really rather fast
one of the most in places) run back up to Bala.
under-used areas of the UK isles Reader Phillip Barraclough recalls
when it comes to biking. Some of his time in that area: “I can’t
the roads are simply incredible, be remember every one, but we did all
that in south Wales across the the roads round Llangollen up to
stunning Black Mountains/Breacon Ponderosa Cafe up Snowdonia
Beacons and, of course, the down to Conway, Betws-y-coed then
hopefully soon to be revived Welsh Ffestiniog to Bala (watch for sheep)
road racing course too. Like many probably the best roads we've
out of the way places, road surfaces covered – quiet, smooth and fun!
can be a bit iffy here and there, Plus the Lake Bala café has free
though animal life (sheep especially) parking for bikers!” Cheers Phil,
can be a particular worry as they we’ll be getting to Betws-y-Coed
tend to jump out when you least ourselves on another page!
expect it, or just sit down en masse Meanwhile, Stu Houston had
in the middle of the road, behind a this to say about the route: “All of
blind bend – baaaaa’d sheep... those are awesome, good surfaces,
But don’t let this put you off, light traffic, nice and twisty with Map data: Google
because it’s a joy to ride in many enough straight(ish) bits to open
parts of Wales. For this route though, her up on. The best part is it’s right It’s the Cattle Grid Gang!
we’re looking at the Snowdonia on our doorstep!”
Park area, and in particular a brilliant Indeed, and there’s so much
little loop passing by three lakes. good stuff around there, that the
Starting from Bala, heading west very next route we’ve chosen is a
on the A4212 with Llyn Celyn on mere stone’s throw away! Well,
your left. The road snakes around maybe a bit further than that,
the lake’s northernmost point, and but you get the drift!
for this route you’ll want to
stick to the 4212 (rather
than turn right on the B4391
to Ffestiniog, though that’s Bala Lake – Brydferthed!
fun too, but watch out for
a new cattle grid!) as it
wends its way down the
valley. Eventually you’ll
hit the A470, so turn left
towards Bronaber on the
way to Dolgellau. Stick on
this until you reach the
Free bike parking and a cuppa – perfect!

ROUTES
NORTH WEST WALES

Caernarfon – Pwllheli – Betws-y-Coed – Caernarfon
I
f you’re doing the Snowdonia Staying on the 499, it’ll eventually
route, or similar, then we curve away from the coast to the
cannot let this one lie, because south, past Llanaelhaearn and onto
it’s so close by! And this route takes to Pwllheli. Take a left when you
in lots of different roads, from reach here, on the A497 towards
proper sized towns, to a coastal Porthmadog, skirting the coast
route and mountain passes too, all once more. Go past P’dog, then look
over fast, slow and twisty roads. out for the A470 on your left to
Plus, having stayed in Caernarfon Ffestiniog, then stick on the 470 as
a couple of times while on SBOTY you wind your way higher up the Nathan Duce and Co love the area!
duty at Anglesey circuit, we can mountains and onwards towards
confirm it can be a fun place to stay Betws-y-Coed.
and, therefore, to start from, by Just before you arrive, the road “I’ve been living in Dolgellau for the
heading south on the A487 for a will become the A5 so start heading last six years; if you pick the right
Rick Hinks and his
wee while, before turning off onto Castle ’storm! back west on that. But look out roads on the right day at the right
the A499 towards Trefor, with the for a left turn on the A4086, taking time you will be hard pushed to see
ocean on your right. you towards the mighty Mount anyone other than sheep – great
Snowdon. Feel free to peel off the roads and views.”
4086 (A498, for example) for some Nathan Duce, meanwhile,
other great little roads if you like, concurs with Richard: “Done most
but otherwise stick on it and it will of those roads, Bala-Dolgellau-
eventually take you back out of the Machynlleth is fantastic if you like
mountains, all the way to your to twist and burn! Bala-Ffestiniog-
starting point at Caernarfon. Porthmadog is a good run too,
It really is a terrific ride from start there’s actually loads of great
to finish, and of course there’s loads roads around here, some fantastic
more in that area to explore and memories, but watch out for cattle
enjoy, as reader Rick Hinks explains: grids!” We’re sure everyone will!
Awww, so purdy!
THERE’S LOADS OF
GREAT ROADS AROUND
Map data: Google HERE, AND FANTASTIC
MEMORIES!
NORTH NORFOLK
Hunstanton – Fakenham – Great Yarmouth – Aylsham – Cromer – Hunstanton
I
f you like your rides mostly flat, from GY to Cromer, but this destination for lots of bikes – all can’t do everything for you!) of
then the Norfolk Fens are for includes a few faster stretches park by the pier. Lots of good pubs finding other routes off or near this
you! This route here though in between the villages and towns. along the north Norfolk coast, one: “Better to go south from
takes in a great many different The A140 then bears left, too, a really nice part of world.” Norwich via Beccles, then down
roads, including a long coastal jaunt. following the coast all the way back Stuart Young, meanwhile, past Henham Park to the A12 and
Not all of them are fast, and there to your starting point at Hunstanton. reiterates our warnings on the out past Snape Maltings to Orford
are restrictions in many places, but Now, expect a few speed restricted seaside part of the route: “The Ness. Lovely open roads and
it’s still one to enjoy and the bonus zones along your coastal ride, and coastal route has a lot of 30mph scenery,” although he also sent us
is, there are many other roads near probably a caravan or twenty, but limits, plus there can be caravans some snaps of Wells Harbour from
and off this route which should be great places to stop and eat, plus and motorhomes on them,” which our coastal route, and concurred
able to sate whatever riding desires lots of gorgeous scenery should takes us back to the enjoying the with James that the pubs around
you may have. make up for some of that. scenery part again, or the pubs there are fantastic – bit of a pub
Starting off at the seaside town James Peter English rides to as James said! theme developing here in Norfolk,
of Hunstanton, itself already a Hunstanton quite a bit, and it seems Graham Mvff also adds to our and we didn’t even mention Alan
popular destination for bikers, head that “Hunstanton is a ride out earlier suggestion (because we Partridge! Apart from right then!
south on the A149 for a brief stint,
before making a left on to the
B1454 towards Docking, go through Map data: Google
there and carry on until you hit the
A148, turning left for Fakenham.
Stick on the 148 north of Fakenham,
but keep eyes peeled for the A1067
on the right and turn on to it.
Then you stick to that route until
you hit Norwich’s ring-road, better
known as the A1042, and skirt
Norwich’s north side until you find
yourself on the A47 heading east
to Great Yarmouth. When you see
the sea in front of you, hang a left
(if you can resist stopping for an
ice cream on the beach) until you
meet the A149 and stay on that
towards North Walsham, through
there and onwards back to the
seaside at Cromer.
You could, if you so wished, stick
to the coastal route all the way

ROUTES
THE LAKE DISTRICT

Windermere – Threlkeld – Troutbeck – Windermere
T
he Lake District area in Brogden points out: “The A591 from
and around the Cumbrian Keswick down to Ambleside is a
mountains has been a great road if you can get out later
popular destination for bikers, for on a summer evening, but it’s far
decades, and continues to be so to too busy on a Sunday through the
this day – so there’s no way we summer.” Nicolas Gibbs also loves
couldn’t have included it here! that area: “ My Ducati route is from
Some of the roads and scenery are Ambleside to Ulswater and over
as stunning to thrash and behold as Kirkstone pass, a really nice run out.
anywhere else in the UK, and often Any route in the Lake District is
a match to much you’ll find far great, if you want a faster more
further afield, too. flowing route then the route up the
The sheer number of other west coast is a good one. Tip – try
routes and roads you can enjoy in to do the Lake District in early or
the general area would astound late season as in summer it’s too
you, so for this one we’ve kept it busy with cars.”
short (but very sweet), and will let David Hinks has his own route
our wonderful readers fill you in on around there he urges you to try
other juicy bits a little later on! out: “Take M6 right up to J44, then Map data: Google
Starting from Windermere, head take A595 or A596. That will take
up the A591 northbound with the you right across to Cockermouth.
top of Lake Windermere on your Then take the road to Buttermere
left. Enjoy the decent roads until and on to Honistor pass, or left – but be warned, it can rain up touristy routes. Dinner either at the
you near the top of Thirlmere Lake, across New Lands Valley, both are there, a lot!” Sounds ace, David! Red Rooster or double back over
then keep an eye out for a right great routes and then head on to Lastly, Neil ‘Captain Scarlet’ Kirkstone pass with lunch at the
turn on to the B5322. It’s tight and Keswick. From there pick up the Barker would like to swap our route Inn. The pass is always good but
you go through some village type A591 to Ambleside then a good for one of his own, too: “Decent irksome in the height of tourist
areas but it’s undulating and very route is to go on to Great Langdale route, but I would swap the run summer. The Whinlatter/Honister
enjoyable nonetheless. When you and Chapel Stile. Amazing roads from Windermere and go from pass loop is very scenic, too, and
reach Threlkeld, hang a right on to there, then follow roads to Coniston Kendal to Penrith on the A6. You will doesn’t get as choked up.”
the A66 and stick on that until you lake. Real twisty stuff around there find it flows a lot better than the Plenty to chew over there folks.
take a right at Troutbeck on to the
A5091 towards Ulswater. Take a Lakes not pictured.
right on the A592 when you see
another lake in front of you, heading
back south, which takes you all the
way back to Windermere.
That’s a cracking wee thrash, but
there are others, as reader Lee
Michael Shuttleworth’s
favourite view point!
Lee Brogdon and the

lads, out for a howl!
Off piste, lads?

No time for a pint today!
ISLE OF MAN
Everywhere!
A
h, the good old Isle Of Both on the south and north
Man, possibly the best ends of the rock are roads, sights
known motorcycling (and things to see and do) that
mecca in the world, which of reward the investment of your time.
course gets pretty busy with bikes Taking Douglas as a starting
and bikers during the beginning point, head south on the Old
and end of the summer months Castletown Road until it eventually
with the TT and the Manx/Classic. meets up with the A5, then stick
Now, of course during those with that all the way to Port St
events there are times when the Mary. Continue to Port Erin, then
famous mountain section is catch the A36 north before turning
one-way only, possibly the very left on the A27 to Peel. After Peel,
best way to enjoy that stretch, get on the A4 Until you make it to
but that doesn’t mean it’s not Kirk Michael, then turn right on the
worth doing any other (weather A3 (backwards on the TT course)
friendly) time of year though. until you make a left onto the A1
The big draw will always be the all the way back to Douglas.
nigh on 38-mile TT course, even if Oop north, starting at Ramsey,
it will be busy with daily traffic and head north on the A10, which then
islanders going about their own takes you on a nice semi-loop to Map data: Google, Isle of Man Government
business. But there are plenty of the other side of the island until you
other roads well worth a visit, either reach Ballaugh. Next, go left on the
during the racing period, or just A3 then wend your way back to
because the IOM is worth visiting Ramsey – winner! Calf of Man. Grab a coffee at the on the road, turn left at the end of
anyway, which it is. Ex-resident Michael Bienvenu panoramic cafe there, and look the road towards Barregarrow.
used to love his daily IOM commute: at the seals!” Choose a nice and clear day; this
Mikey, Stevie and Missus’y... “Back in the day, just Peel main Paul Rock Freestone, meanwhile, is the best landscape you’ll see on
road (or the Poortown Road) to has this to say about his riding the island, in my opinion, and I’ve
St John’s, though Foxdale, along experiences on the IOM: “Heading ridden every inch I think!”
Ballamodha straight, onto the towards Ramsey, turn right at the It may not be a big place, but
Southern 100 circuit and into Ginger Hall pub. This twisty, tricky you’d love a few days riding in and
Castletown used to be my commute road will take you all the way to The around the island even if the racing
to work. Back then the Ballamodha Bungalow on the mountain, so you isn’t on – do it!
was no speed limit and my Ex Heron can go from one side of the island to
Suzuki RGV would be flat out up and the other while a race is on or the Because where else would one
down that twice a day! Or the A36 track is closed to traffic. Half way do a burnout on the IOM?!
from either from Dalby or Foxdale there is a very scenic valley with an
(Earystane Plantation) to Port Erin awesome coffee shop/restaurant.”
is also great”. Jim Hein has his own tips for the
Richard Higgott also loved riding IOM: “Turn right at Braddan Bridge,
there: “ Riding the coast roads takes pass the Nobles Hospital and then
some beating. We camped in Kirk right into West Baldwin Road – very
Michael and a great route is narrow, be careful! You’ll pass a
following the coast South to Peel wonderful water reservoir (stand up
and on to the southern point at the to see it), a waterfall, many sheep

ROUTES
LINCOLNSHIRE
Skegness – Horncastle – Boston – Skegness
A
h, Lincolnshire, home to So, stay on the 153, enjoying its
both Cadwell Park and fast and open fare (but always
FB’s HQ, too! The most keeping an eye out for speed
amazing thing about it though, is cameras and the like while being
the roads. There some seriously mindful of village speed limits),
fast, seriously fun roads and the which will take you through
best bit is that a lot of the time, Coningsby and Tattershall.
they’re pretty quiet to boot. Not long after, hoik a left on the
For this particular route, we’re B1395 until you reach the A17 and
starting off at the seaside town of take another left there, then
Skegness, or the Costa Del Skeggy, another on the A1121 going around
or however you prefer to address it! Boston before hanging a right on
Start off by heading west on the the A52, which brings you right
A158 from Skegness, zapping along back up to Skegness.
towards Horncastle. When you Now, the beauty of this route, as
reach the town’s centre, turn left on we alluded to earlier, is the sheer
to the A153 and don’t forget to give number of alternate thrashes one
FB Towers a peep on your horn can have from roads in and around
when you pass Mortons Media on it. Call this your base route, if you
your left! It’s also worth mentioning will, but a quick map-check will Map data: Google
roads such as the B1183 that turn show you some stunning roads
off the 153 soon after Horncastle, nearby and, if you fancy it, turn
as that’s another cracker of a twisty north on the A153 when you hit
ribbon to enjoy. Horncastle and head towards Cadwell Park, where you can either Roads in this area are regularly
go see what’s on, or explore and travelled by reader Neil Brockhouse:
discover the myriad of brilliant “Regular runs for us are from
roads surrounding it with ace Mansfield, the A617 to Newark, A17
corners, fast stretches and more to Sleaford, A153 to Coningsby (nice
than one or two giggle-worthy little cafe at Tattershall opposite the
wheelie humps. lakes campsite, by the way), the
Or, you can stay on the 153 until A155 to West Keal, the A16 to
you hit Louth, then take your pick of Partney then the A158 into
ace routes back to Skegness – it’s Skegness. Good roads and only one
a brilliant part of the world to ride or two cameras. Only problem is
bikes, just watch for speed they get really busy in holidays.
cameras, average or otherwise, Would avoid any part of the A52
and all the usual rural dangers around Grantham as it’s full of
that come with the territory. average speed cameras!”
Keep a sharp eye out for Wild Bruces in these parts!
ENJOY EXPLORING THE

MYRIAD OF BRILLIANT ROADS Left or right? Either way
will be fabulous fun!.
AROUND HERE...

CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL
PARK – SCOTLAND
Pitlochry – Balleter – Grantown-on-Spey – Pitlochry
S
cotland, along with Wales, swoop beautifully from side to side,
is the other biking gem on the scenery becoming more
our wee isles, and it is stunning with every mile.
frankly incredible that it’s a You’ll pass both Braemar and
destination on our own shores, Balmoral Castles on your way to
which many bikers have yet to your next turn, which is just above
experience. Exactly the same as Ballater at the Bridge of Gairn,
many rural routes, expect the same turning left on the A939. Keep an
kind of potential issues, especially eye out for where the A939 does a
with road surfaces given how much hard about north (otherwise it’s
colder it can get up there (and straight on to the B976) to the right,
therefore how much more ice and taking you on the ‘Old Military
snow it has to deal with). This being Road’, which is a single track affair,
said, we’ve mostly enjoyed so keep wits about you for
excellent surfaces whenever oncoming hazards. You’ll also be
we’ve been, with shell-grip usually turning left with the A939 again a
in all the right places, too. little while later at Colnabaichin, go
This particular route is set just over blatant silly photo opp’ Cock
north of Perth and Dundee, skirting Bridge (tee hee…) and keep going Map data: Google
around the Cairngorms National on the 939 past Tomintoul, and
Park surrounding Cairn Gorm bridges Brown and Nethy until
mountain which, incidentally, is you reach Grantown-on-Spey.
where the UK’s highest funicular Once there turn left on the A95, Kingussie which may be more to Wilson Black, though, had this to
railway operates, er, apparently… which is faster fare but also more your liking, or not, your choice. And say: “Brilliant bit of roads from
Starting off from Pitlochry, head of a regular route for locals and then, my friends, you stick on the Banchory to Braemar and up to the
east on the A924, a lovely little road tourists, so it’ll either be busy, or it A9 until you return to the starting Glenshee ski centre. Watch out for
curving north and then south down won’t, but it’s still great to ride. It’ll point at Pitlochry. the sheep after Braemar though!”
to the Bridge of Cally. Once there, eventually become the A9, so join When we put out a call for this James Thompson adds: “Try
turn north again (left) on the A93 that heading south but be aware route, few replied! Likely because Applecross on the NW500!”
and follow this all the way up past there are (probably) less busy, there are so many routes and roads Keep an eye out on www.
Blacklunans and Dalnaglar Castle, smaller roads on your left that skirt to enjoy in Scotters, it’d take a good fastbikesmag.com, because we’ll
where the road will start to climb a some of the A9 (the B9152 and couple of weeks to experience post a stack more routes from
bit more. It gets faster and starts to B970) between Aviemore and every single one of them. these parts very soon indeed!
SCOTLAND IS AN INCREDIBLE
DESTINATION FOR A BIKER, WHEN
THE WEATHER’S NICE...
James Thomson loves the NW500.
Wilson Black’s 675 – about to

get a darn good seeing to!
ROUTES
SOUTH EAST This man’s in a hurry to get to

Sandwich... for a sandwich.
Folkstone – Alkham Valley – Dover – Sandwich – Canterbury

ry – Folkstone
A
s if we’d neglect the We’ve started things off from thoroughly, then head through Jon Starkings meanwhile had this
south-east, eh? Of course the Battle of Britain memorial, Temple Ewell picking up the A256, to add: “I live in Kent and one of my
there are several roads something brilliant to visit, but then a short zip turning right on the A2 favourite roads is the A264 from
down these parts, but we’ve chosen one heads east on the B2011. and then left on the A258. Tunbridge Wells to East Grinstead.
one with a little bit of everything, Almost immediately turn left up Stick on this until you come to But for this route use Alkham Valley
including some seaside, those Cauldham Lane, cross the A20 and the seaside at Kingsdown, then Road instead of the A20.”
famous White Cliffs, and a mixture then bear left on Hockey Sole Lane keep following the 258 as it turns Marcin Kolasa also adds weight
of fast and slow which should suit before turning right on Alkham left at Deal Castle. It’s all a bit built to skipping the temptation of
all – a little bit of everything. Valley Road. Enjoy this stretch up around here, but you’ll soon be heading right to Dover via the A20,
back in the green and onwards too: “Personally I would skip the
towards Sandwich, where one will A20 from Folkstone to Dover as it is
turn left on the A257 (after having full of freight traffic – use Alkham
a sandwich in Sandwich, because, Valley road instead!’ A lot of love
you know, sandwich…). for the Alkham Valley Road here!
Bear left at Wingham and head Lewis Tisdall also chucks his oar
south on the B2046, enjoying fast in on the area: “ The B2046, locally
roads but with quite a few blind known as the Wingham Bends, is an
corners (due to hedges), so keep excellent road for a sunny day. For
wits about you. When you reach the faster riding each corner flows from
A2, cross it and on to the A260. Stay left to right with good visibility for
on the A260 past Hawkinge and it’ll overtakes. If you want to sit back
bring you right back to the BOB and take in the scenery, there’s
Memorial where you started. open fields either side of you. This
Reader Jon Heppell had this to road reminds me of riding in the
say about the route: “It’s been a Yorkshire Dales.” Cheers Lewis!
while but riding the A20 between As usual, keep an eye out for
Folkestone and Dover is pretty shite, rozzers, and speed cameras in built
be warned, better to turn left and up places (plus where you’d least
take the Alkam Valley Road (that expect them), camera vans and, of
used to be a fave biker route), then course, tourists. Like so many of
Map data: Google through to Dover then up to the A2 these routes, they’re near the coast
to Whitfield then back down the A2 and therefore expect them to be
for a short bit onto the Deal road!” busy at busy times.
You want open sweepers?

Step this way...
The finest roadside

attractions for miles.
A LOT OF LOVE GOING

ON FOR THE ALKHAM
VALLEY ROAD HERE!
IRELAND – WICKLOW
NATIONAL PARK
Glendalough – Sally Gap – Lough Tay – Enniskerry Like riding on another planet...
R
iding in the Wicklow where two things happen – the
National Park is simply roads get really rather bumpy, but it
fabulous, even if a lot of seems as though you’ve suddenly
the roads aren’t exactly in what one ridden into another world!
would describe as ‘good nick’. No matter where you look, every
In matter of fact, the very best inch of the landscape impresses,
roads for thrashing are around the though do watch out for the dozens
park, especially in the approach of lumps and bumps in what passes
from the south (if you’ve arrived in for tarmac as you make your way to
Ireland at the southern port of Sally Gap. Here, turn right on the
Rosslare and turn off the N11 R759, which starts dropping down
motorway somewhere around a bit until it climbs once more.
Camolin). Do that, and you’ll be Keep an eye out of your right for
rewarded with tight but fabulous Lough Tay – the very first chance
roads including several sections you get to stop and admire it,
with one big wheelie whoop after anyone who has seen the classic
another, set under a stunning movie Excalibur may just get a
canopy of trees with sunlight hit of déjà vu. In fact, quite a few
piercing through – it’s almost scenes of that film were shot in the Map data: Google
ethereal, but sets you up perfectly park, so movie buffs will doubtless
for the Wicklow experience. recognize several of them.
For this little round robin, start Stay on the 759 until you hit the
off at Glendalough (where they have R755 and turn left heading north, or, a further left on to the R756 there’s still plenty to enjoy and
amazing locally made cakes at the there’s always Stoney Pass a few eventually brings you back to your you’ll certainly never forget your
fuel station cum shop), heading east hundred yards earlier also on your starting point at Glendalough. visit there – but do try to do it on
briefly until you take a left on the left, which mimics the 755 until it Reader Eric Molimard said: “I live a week day as it can get busy at
R115. Now, this is a tight road, rejoins it just south of Enniskerry. only 45 minutes from it and this is weekends. And then of course
beware oncoming hazards, but it Turn left there on the L1011 past my local weekend spin. Sally gap there’s Northern Ireland, too, where
slowly winds its way up to the Kilmolin, and stay on the L1011 until bumpy but fun. Great roads and we would suggest a round route of
Wicklow plateau. When you see a you get to Glencree, where you’ll views. Area near Glenmalure is all the road racing venues (north
(really rather beautiful) waterfall on be turning left back on the R115, great too,” while George Moorhead and south) including Tandragee,
your left, you’re just about to go enjoying everything it has to offer adds: “Used to live on it before Kells, Skerries (among several
over the crest and drop into the until you find yourself back at Sally Australia, awesome road and others) and, of course, the Ulster
heart of the park. It’s at this point Gap again. Go right (north) on the scenery!” And Gary Byrne offers a and North West 200 venues, too.
R759 dropping down warning: “ The Wicklow Gap R765 You can work out quite the route
out of the park until you is great but busy with tourists, twixt all of those, and parts of the
reach Manor Kilbride, cyclists and often Garda. There west coast, plus if you can fit in
turn left off the 759 is also a bit of a psycho on this Wicklow Park while you’re at it,
back south, following road who has been questioned you’ll be in biking heaven. Watch
the lane past by the Garda for driving at out for some of the road surfaces,
Blessington Lakes (on bikers! Otherwise it’s all great.” but overall the other best part of
your right) until it So we’ve been warned! riding in Ireland is the indigenous
becomes the L4365 As we said earlier, deep inside population – they’re brilliant,
It’s Arthur Pendragon! (Lake Drive). Another the park the roads aren’t all of a friendly and seem to always be
No, wait, it’s Beej... left on the R758, then smooth fashion, far from it, but interested in bikes!

JASON WOODRIDGE’S
SUZUKI
GSX-R1000 K6
As standard they are a modern classic sportsbike, but with
a bit of fettling Suzuki’s Gixer 1000 K6 makes for a great
track weapon, explains Jason Woodridge…
WORDS: PRETTY BOY PICS: GARY CHAPMAN
few things to get used to and after

ell I bought this bike was the carbon wheels by Dymag, checking out a few other bikes with
W
lly
a couple of years ago changing the handling dramatica lap timers strapped to top yokes
I
,
when I got hit by the in all ways with better tipping-in just had to get one, with the OCD
braking, and acceleration... even kicking in (again) and sending me
track day bug, it was fairly standard though I had to get used to the e
apart from race fairings which only the way of an HM dash. Then cam
front end pawing its way up at a purchase of tyres for the next
meant one thing – the upgrades any given chance.
were on their way thick and fast. week’s track days so a quick call
After the handling came the
This started out with a visit to the to good old Bob Collins at FWR
brakes, which meant a Brembo tyres and some new boots were
ECU flashing guru Dave Woods at total upgrade to help stop her hard
DWR in Aylesbury, were he fitted on track. The Brembo RCS MC and
sent out ready.
the Translogic quick shifter and For an 11-year-old bike she still
, M4 calipers with HEL lines now is a beast and gives any of the
brought it up to a healthy 178.2bhp meant she was stopping as quickly
alongside addi ng launch cont rol, new bikes a run for their money,
as she would go forward, although although maybe not with me on
pit lane limiter, lower fan activation my OCD kicked in and had to get
temp, and a full custom fuel map
. board! Still, the JDM Grafix and
this I wanted mor e, the Brembo clutch lever to match, paintjob make her look great at
Even with
e which prompted a full Brembo bar
which is where the pricey bits cam setup. The next trackday gave me
a any speed.
d
in! The best upgrade by far I foun
. M
.
TIONS
SPECIFICA
JASON IDGE’S
WOODR
SUZUKI000 K6
GSX-R1
S:
AESTHETIC
• HM dash
lts
• Titanium bo
• Banjo bolts
zuki engine
• Crescent Su
case co ve rs
ngs
• Full race fairi
ci ng ra di at or guards,
• Ra
m ad e radiator and
custom
ot ec tors
oil cooler pr
st om UC C Grafix by
• Cu
JDM GRAFIX
grips
• Stomp tank
HANDLING: C
embo RCS M
• Br er
e span adjust
• Brembo brak rc h
cl ut ch pe
• Brembo
mono block
• Brembo M4
calip er s
pads, Braking
• Bendix MRR
floating discs
Performance
s ons
• Renthal clip
es
• HEL brake lin
Te ch fo rk in ternals
• K-
s re ar sh ock
• Ohlin s
on fibre wheel
• Dymag carb a SC 1 fro nt
r Co rs
• Pirelli Supe
and SC 2 re ar
lifters
adjusters and
• Giles chain re ar se ts
able
• Fully adjust
NCE:
PERFORMA l quickshifter
anslogic Inte
• Tr
ECU by DWR
• Flash tuned
Titanium
on
• Scorpion slip
kit
• Samco hose
r filter
• K&N race ai
. . M
READER’S RIDES
WORDS: TURBO TREV IMAGES: CHAPPO
ITALIAN MEET TREV…
A retired engineer, Trev’s never
JOB
not tinkering with his bikes or
helping his TT race winning
son Gary Johnson with setup
and tuning. He’s spent a
lifetime leaving darkies and is
as big a fan of the latest and
greatest as he is with the
classic bike scene.
Fast Bikes reader Turbo Trev takes us

through the highs and lows of owning
his four-year-old MV F3 800.
I
’m no stranger to Italian engineering. Long before I’d even picked the
We’re talking years and years ago now, bike up I knew I was going to
but I’ve had all sorts of Italian bikes and develop a bit of a soft spot for it. I’d
cars, and I used to have so much bother with seen my son Gaz (two-times TT winner
them all. It got to the point where I just Gary Johnson) flying around the IOM to
thought stuff this, the next thing I buy will take the Supersport TT win on a Triumph 675
have to say ‘made in Japan’ on it. I’ve had so I knew the triples had more than enough
Moto Guzzis, Cagivas, all sorts and every potential to perform and that they sounded
time I’ve had one it’s been a long time just brilliant. And to me, there is something
before I’ve gone back to Italian machinery a little bit more special about bikes like this;
again. Deep down I have always loved an MV isn’t like a Honda or a Yamaha. I’ve
Italian bikes though and after a lot of had Jap bikes before and enjoyed them, but
thinking about it I decided I’ve been long I don’t think you fall in love with them like
enough without one now so it’s about you would an MV.
time I gave it another chance. I’ve never been one for bolting tacky
According to the blokes over in the MV horrible crap onto my bikes just for the sake
Agusta factory in Italy, the F3 has “the of it, but if it looks right and its quality stuff
exhilaration of a 1000cc bike, the handling then I don’t mind, so I bought some LighTech
of a 600, the torque of a twin and the rearsets from Reactive Parts which were
acceleration of a four-cylinder,” which really easy to fit. I’ve put a rad guard and a
sounds great doesn’t it? I’ll be honest though, slightly darker aftermarket Puig screen on,
they could have said anything about it; the which was the one that MV recommended.
moment I clapped eyes on the (then) new F3 It came with a big ugly number plate holder
800 in the showroom I fell in love and I knew hanging off the arse end so I fitted a tail tidy
straight away I wanted one. It’s a thing of to smarten it up a bit. I don’t think MV
beauty, and I just had to have one. Don’t get finished the bike off very well, the plastic
me wrong I’m not saying looks alone can bits they used gave it a bit of a boring naff
ever be enough to justify its £13,990 price tag looking finish which didn’t do it any favours,
and I didn’t just dive in head over heels and so I swapped the front mudguard, rear
buy one. I wanted it dearly but I looked at all hugger, air scoop covers and chain guard for
the problems associated with them first. I carbon fibre and now it really looks the part.
heard of problems with the clutch springs, I’ve had the F3 for four years now and we
intermittent fuelling problems at low revs, have clocked up 11,000 miles together, which
the rear brake fluid boiling up, all sorts. I was has been plenty for me to decide whether I
advised strongly by a lot of people against like it or not – and I bloody love it. Every
buying it but the looks kept screaming at me. time I see the bike sat there in my garage I
In the end I just thought I don’t give a s*** just fall in love with it a little bit more so
what’s wrong with it, I’m buying it anyway I know I made the right decision when I
and if it’s that bad I’ll flog it later! bought it back in 2014.

2014 MV AGUSTA F3 800
Trev’s got no regrets about

his Italian bit on the side.

READER’S RIDES
Bike porn!
And it’s not just a pretty face, either. does exactly what you want it Highlights stand switch, but it hasn’t
Out on the road it’s perfect. I know it doesn’t to no matter how hard you Looks really caused me a problem.
have quite the same level of poke as today’s seem to push, and it makes Handling It actually popped a few bulbs
super-fast litre bikes, but it’s not far off the you feel like no other bike Soundtrack really soon after I bought it,
power they were making a few years ago. I’ve ever ridden. Usable power but I just nipped to Halfords
It’s plenty for the road anyway, and it’s more A league of its own. 173kg and got some replacements
than enough for little old me. The great thing I’ve had a ’Blade, an R1, 148bhp for a couple of quid and it’s
about not having 200bhp is that you get to I’ve had Gixers and even a been fine ever since. I know
spend more time with the throttle pinned TL1000. None of them even BRAKING 6 I took my chances when I
listening to that beautiful three-cylinder comes close to the way the Mega sharp bought the bike but I’m
exhaust singing… oh it is good! I’ll tell you MV makes you feel. There is STABILITY 8 prepared to put up with a few
what though, it’s the way the bike handles nothing wrong with any of Can’t fault it little niggles and a bit of extra
that really makes you grin. I live in them but compared to the F3 AGILITY 9 homework, it’s worth it for
Lincolnshire, you see, and there are some they’re just a bit plain. And I A lot more agile than me such a good looking bike.
fantastic twisty roads for the bike and I to think these days, with modern DRIVE 7 When the bike was newish
enjoy, and we do. MV aren’t kidding when technology and materials, the Perfect for the road and things started going
they say the F3 handles like a 600, it really is dodgy Italian reliability that FUN 10 wrong, I’ll admit it was a little
a hell of a bike to ride. The brakes are so was once a real consideration You’ll fall in love bit unnerving, but it was
sharp that sometimes you end up tugging when buying a new bike is never anything that couldn’t
them a bit harder than you maybe ought to, now a thing of the past. I be cured. Most bikes will go
but it’s never a problem because the mean, I can remember in the day having to wrong from time to time but I have always
suspension is just so good. Everything just ram as many spanners as I could underneath said that the best way to stop that happening
the seat on any ride further than the end of is to look after them properly. A bike like this
the street. I know you still hear the horror takes a bit more looking after. My R1 just got
stories don’t you, but I was never worried petrol, the odd oil change and she’d be right,
A bit of bling never hurt anyone. about it s***ting itself and exploding, not but Italian stuff just takes a bit more love
these days. It’s only ever been the daft stuff and affection. I mean, I only ride the MV in
that’s ever gone wrong really, those little bits summer, I wouldn’t dream of going out in
that just spoil your day out. It’s mainly what winter. It’s purely a dry weather bike and if
most of the F3s from that year suffered with. I get caught in the rain I’m gutted. It’s
The throttle stopped working so you could straight home for a bath.
twist it all the way round and the bike would Although I love my bike to bits, and the
just carry on ticking over – the ride by wire standard quickshifter is pretty handy, I
system just stopped playing all together. It haven’t got a lot of time for all the electronic
was still under warranty so that was put right nonsense that comes with today’s modern
very quickly. And the sprag clutch, which motorbikes. The MV has got four riding
has been a major problem with them, has modes and eight traction control levels that, in
knocked out a few times so it’s had to have all honesty, I find a total waste of time. I just
a couple of them fitted. It has cut out a few stick everything on zero and ride it. I don’t
times, I think that’s been due to the side think it’s advanced enough on this model to

2014 MV AGUSTA F3 800
TECHNICAL MV Agusta F3 800
Stoppers are seldom sexier... PRICE GUIDE: £7,550 - £8,600
Cheapest private: £7,550

3,300 miles, long MOT, new
clutch and battery, Öhlins
steering damper.
Our choice private: £7,550
ENGINE
Type 798cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, Inline triple
As above. Bore x Stroke 79.0 x 54.3mm
Compression 13.3:1
Cheapest dealer: £7,495 Fuelling Electronic fuel injection
4,300 miles, full MOT, tail tidy,
few bits of carbon
Our choice dealer: £8,600
ELECTRONICS
RBW/Riding Modes Yes/Four
2,300 miles, full MOT, 2 year Traction Control Yes/8 levels
warranty, very tidy bike. ABS No
Quickshifter Yes
Wheelie Control No
Launch Control No
RUNNING COSTS:
Autoblipper No
Service intervals:
CHASSIS
Frame ALS steel tubular trellis

Minor: 3,800 miles Front Suspension 43mm Marzocchi fully adjustable forks
Major: 7,500 miles
Rear Suspension Fully adjustable Sachs monoshock
Valve clearances: 11,200 miles
Front Brakes 2 x 320mm discs, 4-piston calipers
Service costs Rear Brakes 220mm disc, 2-piston caliper
You sexy little minx! Minor: £150
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 1,380mm
Major: £300 Seat Height 805mm
Valve clearances: £450
Dry Weight 173kg
Fuel Capacity 16.6 litres
PRICE
Price £13,990
From bennettsmotorcycles.co.uk
‘Go on, Turbo!’

READER’S RIDES
Obviously, removing one

mirror makes the bike
more aerodynamic.
Verdict 9/10
It’s a gorgeous looking bike that’s just as good now
as it was the day I bought it and I can’t wait to get
back out and do some more miles on it.
+ BEAUTIFUL, BRILLIANT HANDLING
ALSO CONSIDER THESE: – COSTS A PRETTY PENNY
DUCATI 899 PANIGALE 2

2014
Private The 1199 Panigale’s little brother, the 899 is bother with. When I picked it up I switched
£7,500 the entry level to the Ducati superbike world it all straight off and after a few months I tried
with sharp handling, usable power and good tthe traction control on level one and two for a
Dealer qquick blast but just thought it was stupid, so I
£9,000 looks. Watch out for seized swingarm hubs.
ccanned it and I have been happy with it since.
Engine 898cc, l/c, DOHC, L-twin I know newer bikes like the latest Ducatis and
Power 146bhp @ 10,750rpm YYamahas and stuff might have a system that’s
Torque 99Nm @ 9,000rpm
wworth using, but I’m happy just bobbing
aalong as I am, call me old fashioned if you
like. A mate of mine has the latest R1 and he
ccan’t praise the electronics highly enough
SUZUKI GSX-R750 2014 because It’s so advanced now. Sometimes I
Private When 750cc ‘superbikes’ seemed to be on think I wouldn’t mind a bike with the very
£6,500 way out, Suzuki dug their heels in, resulting latest gizmos, but then I take one look at my
a bike that blends great performance and MV and I think ‘no, I maybe won’t bother’. I
Dealer don’t think you need to have space age
£7,400 handling. Avoid if it has a quickshifter fitted
electronics to enjoy riding your bike.
Engine 749cc, l/c, DOHC, inline four Truth be told, I can’t compliment the MV
Power 146bhp @ 12,800rpm enough. It’s got great power with loads of
Torque 86.3Nm @ 11,200rpm
mid-range and it handles as good as, if not
better than, any 600 I’ve ever ridden. I’m
certainly not in the market for anything else
att tthe moment because this bike is still doing
TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675R 2014 eveerything I need and want a bike to do, but
Private Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, a if I was going to chop it in, at the moment
£6,500 quickshifter, a red subframe and carbon trims
t would only be for a newer F3 800; the
it w
put the 675R at the top of the supersportts Eurro 4 2018 version.
Dealer That’s about the only reason I would
T
£7,000 tree. Watch out for signs of crash damagee.
sell it – if I were to start again with a brand
Engine 675cc, l/c, DOHC, inline triple new w one. I do fancy another Ducati at some
Power 126bhp @ 12,500rpm point but at the moment I’m fairly positive
if itt did come to parting with some cash for
a new motor it would be the current MV
beccause I’m not in the habit of fixing
what isn’t broken.

See page 8
for the best deals
S UB
S
CR
IB E
EVERYT
7
I I , I F YII G, FI XI NG AN D
WHAT THE FORK IS IT ALL ABOUT, ANYWAY? WE TALK

94 TO K-TECH ABOUT THE TECH INSIDE YOUR POGOS.
PRETTY BOY’S GIXER MAKES ITS TRACK DEBUT.
MASTERCLASS 84
Riding ................................................. 76
Making the most of your senses. USED BIKE GUIDE
Legal ................................................... 79 Honda CBR600FS buyer’s guide .... 70
Why trying to share the blame for speeding is a bad idea. What to look for.
Track attack...................................... 90
Your guide to mastering Oulton Park. PROJECT BIKES
Know your.......................................... 94 Project Gixer ..................................... 84
Forks – it’s all about the bouncy bits. Time to shred some rubber.
YOUR LIFE ON BIKES OUR LIFE ON BIKES

Chatter............................................... 80 Staff Bikes ........................................ 97
It’s only fair we give the best readers in the world a couple of And then there were two...
pages of their own!
• Yamaha R6 • Suzuki GSX-R1000R
You & Yours ....................................... 82
A whole section dedicated to your adventures!

WORDS> JON URRY IMAGES> FB ARCHIVE
A golden oldie... well,

technically it’s yellow.

2001-2002 HONDA CBR600F SPORT
A TASTE OF THINGS
TO COMEIn 2001, Honda tested the water with a
sportier version of the CBR600F…
I
n many ways the CBR600F F-S was something a bit more
Sport signified the beginning special. While it had the same
of the end for the supersport chassis as the F, the Sport was
class. Honda certainly didn’t targeted at track success and as
intend it to be the pivotal model such gained a few trick bits
that eventually led to the demise intended to help racers gain
of a class they themselves those vital tenths of a second
effectively started way back in here and there.
1987 with the original ‘jelly Inside the motor, the F-S came
mould’ CBR, but that’s the way with dual valve springs to allow
it worked out. How did the it to rev higher, strengthened
Sport topple an entire class of valve seats, a slightly more
motorcycle? Technically it was aggressive cam and a lighter
the first homologation special flywheel. Not massive changes
and it started the ball rolling for for road riders, but alongside the
ever more sports-focused aluminium cartridges in the forks
supersport bikes that
compromised road manners
for lap times… PRICE GUIDE: £1,800 - £3,500
Next level Cheapest private: £1,800

While supersport bikes have 21,368 miles, red/black 2002
always had a degree of sporting model in good condition with MOT
ability, what made them so
popular in the 1990s was the Our choice private: £2,195
fact they were jacks of all trades. 22,145 miles, just serviced and very
Yes, they could be enjoyed on clean with a good service history
track, but they were also super
workhorses that were cheap to Cheapest dealer: £1,990
buy and run. And in this role, 52,000 miles, 2003 bike in white/
none were better than the mighty blue and in excellent condition
CBR600. But Honda wanted a
taste of podium champagne and Our choice dealer: £2,490
that led in 2001 to the arrival 13,660 miles, lovely low mileage
of the CBR600F Sport. bike with a long MOT
Based around the CBR600F,
which was updated for 2001 and Ex-demo: n/a
released alongside the Sport, the

USED BIKE GUIDE 2001-2002 HONDA CBR600F SPORT
No frills...
REG/RECS
Another traditional Honda issue. The
EXHAUST CBR’s reg/rec is known to fail, which
The CBR’s steel exhaust loves to rot leads to charging issues. This can be
through at its lowest point, which is checked for using a multi-meter (look
where water collects. Get the motor on CBR forums for a guide) however if
running and carefully feel and listen you remove the generator cover and
out for any escaping exhaust gases. the generator is black, the chances are
that it is shot! Replacement units are
relatively plentiful and cheap.
ENGINE
Type 599cc, liquid-cooled, 16v, inline four

Bore x Stroke 67mm x 42.5mm
Compression 12:1
Fuelling Fuel Injection
Tested Power 94.5bhp @ 12,500rpm
Tested Torque 57.6Nm @ 10,250rpm
CHASSIS
Frame Aluminium twin spar

Front Suspension 43mm conventional forks, fully-adjustable
Rear Suspension Monoshock, fully-adjustable
Front Brakes Four-piston calipers, 296mm discs
Rear Brakes Single-piston caliper, 220mm disc
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 1390mm
Seat Height 810mm
Dry Weight 200.5kg
SPEED
0-60 3.28 sec

0-100 n/a
0-150 24.55 sec
Standing ¼mile 11.30 sec @ 122.69mph
Standing mile n/a
Top speed 159.2 mph
and extra bracing on the a sensible machine designed to

sub-frame, race teams were fit all shapes and sizes of rider
certainly left smiling. And they and its clip-on bars are set nice
weren’t the only ones… and high while its seating
Some rebel sections of Honda’s position is spacious and the tank
traditionally quite conservative is pleasingly narrow. It feels like
rider base had been asking for a a mini sports-tourer, yet one that
slightly sportier CBR for a while is light, agile and packing a
and the Sport ticked all the right surprisingly grunty motor.
boxes. Thanks to its split rider While it fails to top 100bhp,
and pillion seat the Sport looked which was pretty representative
far cooler than the F model, of the sector back then, the
something that was further Sport’s inline four is anything
enhanced by a natty red and but breathless. As well as being
black Honda wing paint scheme. super-smooth it has a reasonable
This was a CBR that finally spread of power that makes it
looked like a proper sportsbike, nice and relaxing to ride when
not a sporty commuter. But you aren’t in the mood to bounce
crucially, underneath this wolf’s it off its limiter. Should you wish
outer clothing there was a true for a bit more excitement there
CBR with practicality at its heart. is a small zap of top-end, but
And it is this feature, not to in general this is a motor with
mention a rock bottom price tag practicality at its heart. And
and a very high build quality, what’s wrong with that?
that makes the CBR600F Sport a On the go the Sport’s chassis
great used buy for riders looking is more than capable of swift
for either their first ‘big bike’ or riding. Remember, this bike
even just a damn fine, and won a WSS championship with
reliable, commuter. minimal modifications, so it’s
In a modern context, one of no slouch. Over time the brakes The end can would
the joys of the F Sport is the fact will have lost their bite and the make a lovely vase.
it is physically quite large. This is suspension gained a bit of slop,
no pocket-rocket like the RR, it’s but this is nothing that can’t be

CAM CHAIN TENSIONER ECU ELECTRICS
All older generation CBRs suffer from There is a strange issue that CBRs can develop if they This generation of CBR is a great
cam chain tensioner woes, which isn’t have been crashed. The engine cut-out sensor, which workhorse and as a result they often
a huge issue but can be irritating. activates when the bike is on its side, often creates a come with items such as heated grips,
Swapping it is a bit of a fiddle, however spike in the electrics, leading to ECU issues. Be very aftermarket gear indicators, 12V
as a new tensioner costs under £100 it’s wary of bikes that have been down the road as a sockets and replacement indicators
no massive drama. Some riders swear replacement ECU can be costly and a second hand unit fitted. Always check that any
by a manual tensioner, but these are (which are about £100) may need to be flashed to match accessories haven’t adversely affected
easy to over-tighten, putting excessive the HISS immobiliser system. the wiring loom’s integrity and that
load on the chain and potentially auxiliary wires don’t foul the bike’s
leading to major mechanical issues. steering lock.
Honda have updated the tensioner unit
a few times, so buy an OE one to be on
the safe side.
SUSPENSION LINKAGES
Any machine that is used all year
around such as a CBR is will suffer from
corroded and potentially seized
suspension linkages unless they are
stripped and re-greased on a regular
basis. If the owner has a service
history showing it having been
completed recently that’s a massive
bonus, but failing that give them
a good visual inspection. Also
check the suspension for leaks
and the bike’s bearings for wear.
RUNNING COSTS:
Four pot anchors were
decent for their time.
Service interval:
Minor: 4,000
Major: 8,000
Valve clearances: 16,000
Service costs:
Minor: £140
Major: £240
Valve clearances: £380
Right fairing: £347.33
Indeed, the CBR was very RH Engine casing: £240.83

much a play station.
Brake lever: £39.24

USED BIKE GUIDE 2001-2002 HONDA CBR600F SPORT
Ten Kate’s winning weapon...
cured through a few sensible

ALSO CONSIDER THESE: aftermarket goodies. The most
important thing is that the basics
SUZUKI GSX-R600 2001 are there and all held together
Private Updated in 2001, the GSX-R600 by some excellent build quality
£2,200 gained more track focus but also a – which is exactly what you
healthy mid-range, making it a lovely want on a good used bike.
Dealer In many ways the F Sport was
£2,600 road bike. Build quality is poor…
the last of the great all-round
Engine 599cc, l/c, 16v, inline four CBR models, as capable on road
Power 99.7bhp @ 13,250rpm as track. Yes, the RR looks better
and will destroy the Sport on a
track, but when it comes to
practicality it is so much more
limited. It is no coincidence that
KAWASAKI ZX-6R 2001 Honda re-released the F to run
Private Still in 599cc guise (the 636cc alongside the RR in 2011 due to
£1,700 old-look arrived in 2002), even in demand for a more chilled-out
2001 the Ninja was behind its rivals. CBR, but this new generation
Dealer isn’t a patch on the Sport in
£2,100 Showing its age. Get the 636 model.
terms of character, refinement
Engine 599cc, l/c, 16v inline four and build quality. Nope, if you
Power 94bhp @ 12,750rpm want a fantastic used supersport
bike that does it all there is still
only one brand to go for – the
Honda CBR600F. And if you
want the coolest one, buy the
YAMAHA YZF-R6 2001 Sport. It’s a purchase you won’t
Private A potentially great handling bike regret in a jiffy.
£2,200 slightly ruined by an odd size of front
tyre. The motor is surprisingly grunty,
Dealer
but it does love to be revved.
Verdict 8/10
£2,600
An excellent used buy that perfectly
Engine 599cc, l/c, 16v, inline four demonstrates the appeal of a supersport
Power 96.2bhp @ 12,500rpm bike before this class became obsessed
Torque 58.3Nm @ 11,000rpm
by lap times.
+ BUILD QUALITY, ENGINE, RELAXED
NATURE, PRICE
- LOOKS A BIT DATED, SOFT SUSPENSION

MASTERCLASS
BY KEITH CODE
Not very sensible!
THE CALIFORNIA SUPERBIKE SCHOOL
Founded by the legendary

Keith Code in 1980, the
California Superbike School
offers a step-by-step method
of technique oriented rider
training in the art of
cornering motorcycles. Over
the past 30 years hundreds
of thousands of students
have improved their riding
skills and cornering
capabilities at CSS and their
team of professional
coaches are dedicated to
your improvement.
THE SENSES OF RIDING

With so much happening in an instant, riding a bike really is an art. So how can you make
the most out of your body?
T
he sum total of what ideas such as throttle control, all of these ‘senses’ is recallable. department. Take the completely
can be done with a choosing lines, braking, reference Take a moment and think of a illogical action of looking at your
motorcycle is changing points, steering and so on. Each friendly corner you’ve ridden. hands as you prepare to engage
speed and direction. But these has its own set of dos and don’ts, Notice how many of the above a gear. All new riders begin that
two acts can be broken down rights and wrongs that can be perceptions come into play when way and the majority of us
into more than a dozen key observed and coached. It’s the you review that corner. Whether continue to do so forevermore!
skills supported by a similar imponderables that puzzle us. aboard a sport-tourer or a road Habit? Sure. Good or bad? If
number of perceptions. How far can I lean? When will I racer, we use them all and we you roll this misappropriation of
Every basic riding skill relies lose traction? How fast is too use them virtually every time a your senses to other riding
on our ability to accurately sense fast? There is more here than corner presents itself to us. situations, the answer is bad.
the environment and the bike. meets the five usual senses. We Are we multi-tasking yet? You should be surveying the
This is our intimate connection all have a sense of motion that Taken one at a time, these space ahead, not the hand
to the riding world. Our senses breaks down into perception of perceptions are manageable. controls. Try too hard to set your
and perceptions provide the vital speeding up, perception of Combine them, as we do when entry speed and you miss the
raw data input that permits us to slowing down and sense of strafing a turn, and they can line. Fix your attention on the
interface, smartly or clumsily, cornering forces. Our sense of overwhelm us because these line and you can forget your
with the bike’s controls. Taste, speed allows us to compare one ‘senses’ often seem fleeting or throttle control. Too absorbed by
touch, sound, sight and smell velocity to another; it is its own fragile. They’re extremely hard to lean angle and you worry about
are the traditional five senses. category. We sense and monitor quantify and decidedly elusive. traction. Fumble a downshift and
Taste and smell have little to do lean angle. The ability to Rider education is an interesting braking becomes choppy, entry
with riding. Touch gives us perceive location in space is huge proposition. It isn’t difficult to speed blown. Look into the apex
sensitivity to the controls. Sound and has two parts: Where am I critique technique – a particular too early and you turn in too
can be of some help but is minor now and where am I going? Then skill is being done well or not. early, prompting mid-corner
compared to sight, which we rely there’s our perception of traction, But wait, there’s more. Beyond steering and throttle corrections.
on heavily. But that’s a very our sense of timing for control the coaching and drilling, you Solution? There is no pat
sketchy picture of riding. Riding inputs and the relative stability are training the rider to use his answer except to rewire your
motorcycles is one of the most or instability of the bike. These senses in an orderly fashion; mental hard drive and become
difficult multi-task activities are all perceptions we have. to apportion his available aware of what you are aware of
known to man, and not everyone None should escape us as we awareness; to connect his while you are riding. By isolating
is wired for it. Taken one at a ride. None are trivial. All are perceptions to the right control these perceptions and knowingly
time, these tasks (and the skills both independent and actions at the right time and in combining them, you will be
necessary to perform them) are interdependent. Is this just a the right amount. We are all re-wired successfully. Practice
simple. Riders easily grasp basic theory? Perhaps. But data from guilty of errors in this makes perfect... sense(s).
CONTACT CSS TO BOOK: TEL 08700 671061 EMAIL INFO@SUPERBIKESCHOOL.CO.UK WEB WWW.SUPERBIKESCHOOL.CO.UK

RIDING
ASK AN EXPERT
All the CSS coaches have spent
years honing their riding, and
are perfectly placed to answer
your riding questions. So don’t
be shy, ask Matthew Hartley!
I recently attended the

Q National BikeSafe event
at Rockingham which Any bike is a track bike
was great fun. I did my assessed if you try hard enough...
ride with the police and then
had a track experience which
was the first time I’d been on exactly they do in the turns. Race the track for school days. As well rider takes their time to get
track. My question is what tracks have a greater variety of as allowing the rider to free used to the environment and
benefits are there to help turns than most roads do. When attention it means that if you learns the circuit properly
improve my road riding by we ride on the road, the make a mistake in a turn, that before trying to ride faster, it
being on track? Government agencies make it mistake will not have the same can be a great place to learn.
as predictable as possible for consequences that it may well It also gives the rider the
Riding on track gives motorists with positive camber have on the road. Because you are opportunity to explore the
A you the opportunity
to practise your riding
and easy turns.
On racetracks the designers
riding around the same piece of
tarmac, it also means that you will
performance and handling of
their motorcycle without
without any of the distractions make turns more difficult to soon have completed a lap and risking an invitation to meet
you find when riding on the challenge riders, for example then be in a position to improve the local magistrates.
road. There are no cars, stray decreasing radius turns, negative your technique the next time you Find a local track and give it
dogs, manhole covers, etc. camber, chicanes and such. These go through that particular turn. a try, an internet search will
together with much more things are there to get the track At first riding on track can produce a list of circuits and
space so it frees up a lot of riders to think more, and make for seem to be an intimidating organisers. Chances are you
attention for the rider to think some great places to ride your experience, especially if you are will have a great day and
about their riding and what motorcycle. This is why we use new to riding, but as long as the want to do more.
This time of year, you all conspire to keep us sat in front

Q always hear about the
top racers training and
of the TV and fire at home. We
then lose the bike fitness we
working on their fitness levels had, and when the time comes
for the season ahead. They to get the bike out, we suffer.
already look fitter than a Physical and mental tiredness
butcher’s dog so there must can cause lots of issues on a
be something to be said about bike, sometimes painful
what they are doing. My question and/or expensive if we end up
is what advantage would the losing concentration, and this is
average Joe who rides on the most likely at the start of the
road gain from trying to improve riding season.
their fitness? Aside from all the Keeping fit in the winter
health benefits, would it actually months, even if it just involves
improve my riding? regular walking (not always to
the pub!), can mean that when
When we come to the we get the bike out again we are
A end of a riding season,
usually we put the bike
in a reasonable state of mental
and physical health so we will be
away in the garage and leave it more alert and it will take less
there until the spring. By that time for us to get bike fit.
time, we will be reasonably bike You may also notice that your
fit, but then the festive season, leathers haven’t mysteriously
The weirdest porno we’ve ever seen... dark nights, and cold weather shrunk over the winter too.
Got a riding question – either on the track or on the road? Want the CSS team to
help? Just drop us a line and we’ll get it answered for you letters@fastbikes.co.uk

MASTERCLASS
If you’ve been a naughty biker, you need some decent

legal advice, get it from mail@whitedalton.co.uk
These take clear
photos – so
pretending it
wasn’t you in the
pic might not be
the best idea.
ANDREW
DALTON WIFE
SWAP
PENAL SERVITUDE PREVENTER
The Fast Bikes Legal Clinic

is compiled by Andrew
Dalton, and his bike riding
barristers and solicitors at
White Dalton Motorcycle If you find yourself contemplating passing your speeding claim on
Solicitors.
to your missus, don’t!
They deal with personal
injury claims and their sister
company, Motor Defence My wife and I both hold enterprise of attempting to genuine confusion. However,
Team, deals with all the
motoring offences. They
Q unrestricted motorcycle
licences, and we both ride
pervert the course of justice and
your wife’s job would certainly
because you cannot show that
you have made any effort to
know everything about bike our CBR 600 RR. We have matching be lost if this blew up. She identify the rider I am afraid that
law. Andrew is a former helmets and quite similar kit. One of would be unemployable in her your licence is going to have six
London motorbike courier us was caught by a speed camera, profession with a dishonesty points on it; I cannot see any
turned barrister and solicitor, and when I, as registered keeper conviction. It seems very easy to way that you are going to get
and we know he’s good. All was asked to name the driver I get your wife to ‘cough’ for away with this. The very least
the White Dalton lawyers are provided both of our names. I have points but less clever when she you should have done is asked
qualified barristers, or now been summonsed for the gets banged up for six months to see the photos and then
solicitors, or both - and they offence of failure to name the for perverting the course of accepted the bloke on the
all have full bike licences, driver, which I accept was probably justice. If the photos show a male bike was you. As a general
too. They don’t act for me. I ride the bike more than my figure on the bike, she’s nicked. observation, pretty well all the
insurance companies or the wife does. The stretch of road is one At the risk of explaining the birds ways of trying to slide off points
prosecution. They are which I do ride. It was only 34 in a and the bees to you, women have been tried. With respect,
Britain’s most specialist law 30 and my wife and I both have have different body shapes to you are not a brilliant forensic
practice, and if they don’t clean licences. My wife has not men. The photos on speed mind running some as-yet
know the answer to your been summonsed. She is not a cameras are clear. If the rider untried loophole. You have tried
question, there probably willing to say that she was the rider has shapely hips and narrow to bluff, your bluff has been
isn’t one. Don’t rely on the but I need my licence way more shoulders then it may be your called and you are getting six
advice from your insurance than she does. I am pretty pissed wife. But you know the rider will points. The magistrates see this
appointed solicitor, get off with her for not taking the have a masculine body shape. By particular try on every day. Don’t
proper independent advice. points. Should she say that she the way, you won’t be visiting make it worse by committing
was the driver? your wife in prison for conspiracy. perjury. And if contrary to this
For road traffic offences You’ll be banged up too. advice, you still want to perjure
call Motor Defence Team Your wife is a lot cleverer You have committed the yourself, pack an overnight bag
0800 280 0912
A than you are. This started
off as a minor speeding
absolute offence of failing to
name the rider.
and make your arrangements
for a prison sentence. You will
offence. Had you put your hands The magistrates could acquit get banged up for this. It is an
up and named yourself as the you if you had made reasonable easy prosecution and looks
For non-offence cases rider you would almost certainly efforts to find out who the rider lovely on the prosecutor’s
call White Dalton Motorcycle have got a speed awareness was. Apart from naming the two figures. Judges like perjurers
Solicitors 0800 783 6191 course, which would have left people insured to ride the bike about as much as they like sex
your licence clean and cost less you did not do that. If you had pests and sentence accordingly
than a fine. You are now facing a genuine reason as to not because perjurers fundamentally
the six point offence of failure to knowing who was riding the bike undermine the relationship
nominate the rider, and you have there is a potential defence to between the courts and the rest
Visit their websites no prospect at all of getting a failure to nominate if you have of the population. Judges will
whitedalton.co.uk driver improvement course. Your genuinely made, and you can often give the benefit of the
motordefensesolicitors.co.uk wife saying she was the driver prove, that you have made doubt but if you are proved to
when it seems she was not goes proper efforts to find out who be, put bluntly, taking the piss,
into a whole new criminal the rider was, and there is a it really annoys them.

YOUR LIFE ON BIKES
S TA R L E T T E R
RACE REPPIN’
Hi guys!
I bought a Suzuki GSX-R1000 2017 last year, once I bought it I
noticed a few about and thought, you know what, I want mine to
stand out and be different. So I was watching BSB the Assen round
and saw Richie Cooper’s Bennetts Suzuki in old school retro colours
and instantly thought I want mine like that, so I saved up some dosh
and I rang up Dream Machine and they took it away in November
and I got it back in December, I also bought the Yoshimura race
system and GB racing covers, then beginning of Feb I took it to
Jordan’s aBikes in Leeds to get set up on the dyno etc. and had a
Woolich quickshifter/blipper fitted. The bike is ballistic now, not that
it wasn’t anyway. I read your magazines and I’ve seen the article
about sending pictures in of race reps or anything fancy and thought
you’d like mine.
Shaun Catt INROADS ON THE V4!
Dear Fast Bikes, I just wanted to ask you a quick question about the Ducati
FB: That colour scheme is absolutely gorgeous Shaun, we’ve Panigale V4. After reading the reviews I’d love to be able to justify forking
fallen in love. Bravo! out the money for one, but until now I haven’t been able to find a review
of one on the roads, as I’ll probably never take it on track. Do you think it
will be as good? Or will it be a bit too much to use in the UK on the roads?
I just want to know before I fork out over 19 grand!
Jack Stackleford
FB: Don’t worry Jack, we’ve managed an incredibly comprehensive UK

test already! We even stuck it in this mag for good measure, and it was
a pleasure giving it a big ol’ spanking…
KITTED OUT
FB, I’m just writing to you as I’m a bit confused about what helmet
to go for. I’ve always had an Arai that hasn’t really fitted properly
– it’s nice to begin with, but after half an hour of riding it has always
hurt. What’s the best way of knowing what helmet will fit for better
for longer?
Henry J
FB: That’s a toughie – it’s something you
can never really know! Your best bet is
to head down to your local dealership
and try as many different brands on
WORTH as physically possible. If they’re
really nice, they might even let you
£89.99! go for a little ride in one! Everyone
is different, so it can be a real
struggle. It could take years to
find the absolute perfect lid
though, so don’t give up!
You can win a pair of Weise eise Renegade gloves
for simply writing the Fast Bikes Star Letter.
Setting the standard for quality & value in motorcycle
clothing for 30 years, all Weise products have a two-year
no-quibble warranty. These sporty gloves are made from full
grain leather with a polyester lining. Reinforced with integrated
TPU to knuckles and fingers and twin layered leather to palm,
stretch panels to fingers and above knuckles aid fit and
flexibility. Find out more at www.thekeycollection.co.uk
BABY NINJA!
Dear Fast Bikes, FB: Well Kawasaki haven’t actually
I’ve recently passed my test, had a launch for the 400 which is
and I really like the look the new a shame, but thankfully our very
Kawasaki Ninja 400 (right) as a first own Carl has bagged one for a
bike. Will you be reviewing it all? long termer! We’ll get testing it
And how do you think it will be as soon as we get one in, but
compared to the KTM RC390 – the stats are looking good in
that’s my other choice! the meantime. Keep your eyes
Josh Stanley peeled for updates…

FastBikesMag.com/ Facebook.com
@FastBikesMag
FastBikes-Forum FastBikesMagazine
Want your greatest riding cock-up, triumph, or just the missus’ naked form
immortalised in these hallowed pages? Email letters@fastbikes.co.uk
AS SEEN ON Jay Williams: Zarco will get a ride

FACEBOOK don’t be shocked if he is on a
Repsol Honda.
Fast Bikes magazine: So,
Herve’s adventures at Yamaha Keith Smith: Herve comes across
in MotoGP will come to an end as the nicest guy in the paddock.
this year when Tech Trois’
association with Yamaha will David Prentice: Tech3 MZ Racing
close – any guesses as to which Team.
manufacturer he may be moving
to? No guesses as to who may more years in MotoaGP then go Stephen Boroody: KTM!
take his team’s place, mind you... to WSBK... it all went very quiet?
What say you? Michael Bell: KTM.
Arron Goodwin: Be good to have
Ella Elliss: Guessing Tech3 to a factory Kawasaki team back, Grzegorz Szczepkowski: I bet
KTM full factory, maybe with Rea and Zarco. on KTM.
Zarco. VR46 team to replace
Tech3 , as Yamaha development David Tomkins: Tech3 Norton ftw! Jeroen Roegiers: Probably a KTM.
team. Wonder what happened Go Europe!
from a few years ago, when VR Matt Montague: Zarco on a full
was supposed to do one or two factory KTM... Chris Withey: Tech3KTM.
FAMILY PORTRAIT…
Just a quickie, one of mates had his
bike featured in the middle pages of
‘Addiction’. How would I be able to
get mine in as well? I have a pretty
smart looking Fireblade that would
look mint when photographed…
Mike Stephens
FB: Thanks for getting in touch.

It couldn’t be easier! Drop us a
message on our Facebook
(@Fast Bikes Magazine) or
Twitter (@Fastbikesmag) or fire
us an email over on letters@
fastbikesmag.com! We're always
on the lookout for great bikes,
so if you think your bike makes
the cut, you know what to do.
AS SEEN ON @ACF50: Nice piece from

TWITTER @CarlStevens17 from @
FastBikesMag on the first part of
his Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superstock
Build https://youtu.be/_pjbeC_
YzUI via @YouTube
@ProperCleaner: @ProperCleaner
features in this month’s
@fastbikesmag, check it out!
#ProperCleaner #GuyMartin
#FastBikesMag.
@UKTriumph: Take a ride on the

new 2018 Speed Triple RS with
@bikeworldTVshow and
@fastbikesmag in Almeria!
@boothyeight: What day @al_man_man: As Friday nights

is it again? Oh year go it’s looking not bad at all!
#wheeliewednesday #WeR1 @ Work finished for weekend,
fastbikesmag beers stocked up, and
@fastbikesmag to relax
@Ad_hitchcock: @fastbikesmag and read #ThatllDo
@toxyboy1981 and I are planning
a European road trip on my @GloveboxDirect: @
CBR600RR and his CBR650F. No FastBikesMag’s Stocker coming
experience bike riding on the together! #GloveboxDirect, @
continent but hey what could go gloveboxdirect via @
wrong lol Wish us luck. SuzukiBikesUK

MASTERCLASS
WIN N
FAST BIK
A
KES
WINNING RIDE
HOODIE
E!
To be in with a chancce of
winning this most ta asteful of
tops, just email us (letters@
fastbikesmag.co.uk)) or post
on our Facebook pa age with a
pic of you, your bikke and a
few words about itt, where
you’ve been on it and
a why
you rate it so highly. We’ll
then pick our favoourite post
each month and that
t lucky
person will be thee proud owner of their very own
*Disclaimer:
Fast Bikes hoodie – which is proven
pro to make you at May not actually
least 60% faster!* ma you
make y any faster.
Send yours to letters@fastbikes.co.uk

Jason Lord
KTM 1290 Superduke R
Clark Fraser Yorkshire Dales... cold as fook.
KTM X-CFs
Riding dirt bikes in the FB: A Superduke in that weather? Have a jumper to warm
Arabian desert. yourself up lad, we tip our hats!
Ivan Hinojo Cerviño Chris Yankee

Ducati Multistrada Ducati Panigale 1199
I rode on RioTINTO (Huelva). Up the Blue Ridge Parkway!
Juan Carlos Paniagua Philip Barraclough

Triumph Daytona 675 We have no idea!
I’ve been riding my sweet UK-ish girl Usual crowd out on Saturday, out
on a race track in Central America... all weathers (most) brilliant bunch
being the only Daytona racing of matesa: Nathan Duce, Matthew
within the whole championship... Walker and Terry Wheatley.
Robert Stember Debra Dudley

Honda Fireblade Yamaha R3
Another Sunday ride with friends! Key Out playing on Saturday with my
Largo Fl. Gilbert’s Resort and Tiki Bar. lovely hubby and a friend (mine’s
the little lady on the end.
Michael Shuttleworth
Honda CBR650F
CBR650f south lakes my
second bike!
Nathan Duce
Kawasaki Z1000SX
We did Route 59 cafe, Rippon,
Leyburn, Masham to Manor Cafe,
then down to Hawes, and Settle.

MASTERCLASS
PROJECT SUPERSTOCK
GIXER – PART FOUR!
Pretty Boy finds out that building a race Pretty Boy’s got
bike isn’t always a walk in the park, but his tool out again.
gets one of the most important jobs for

a new build ticked of…
It’s a marathon,
W
hen life gives you
lemons, make not a sprint
lemonade. That’s Having read ‘How to Run Your
been the mantra for this month Bike In’ in last month’s mag, I
after running into some slight was eager to give Project Gixer
logistical issues, but then again the best life possible which
life is never straightforward, is it? meant starting with a solid
The original plan was to get the running-in period – after all a
Gixer race trimmed before happy engine is a fast engine.
sticking it on track, however Although it can be done on the
after a few things took longer dyno (it already had a few miles
than anticipated, I had to make under its belt) after a quick
a choice – leave testing until the phone call to the lovely lot at
suspension is all sorted, or get Suzuki UK it was decided to take
used to riding the big thou’ on it easy for 100 miles up and
the standard kit. It’s not ideal in down the box before giving it
both respects, but I’m bloody some ragging. For this reason
thankful I went for the latter I booked three days on track
– which meant three days at at Calafat in Spain; a day for
Calafat was the order of the running in, a day to get used to
month for Project Gixer… the bike and then a day to try

@FastBikesMag
Getting through rubber

Plug and play. faster than Ron Jeremy.
some bits. We opted to run but keeping it under 10,000rpm grid at round one. The quicker I nimble and precise, but as soon
standard gearing, brake pads and on track is an exercise I wouldn’t seemed to go, the more problems as you start to push there were
fluid and suspension settings to wish on my worst enemy; it’s cropped up, which started with a few niggles that really came to
start with. The fast group was like marrying Margot Robbie us catching a few false neutrals the fore. Firstly, jeez she’s
pretty rapid, which was good, without being allowed to get between first and second gears. powerful! Riding a thou’ is
with a tonne of BSB lads from balls deep. It was a necessary The standard quickshifter does always going to be fast, but
the different classes, meaning evil and by the end of day one work fine but I know there’s a pushing on, cracking that throttle
it would be the perfect place to we’d achieved the magic 100 recall on them, and having small earlier and searching for tenths
dial both the bike and myself in, miles, which meant I could give feet and short legs makes it means that you really are going
check that nothing I’d bolted on the Suzuki a bit of hammering… difficult to be positive enough on to be fighting it. I was struggling
was going to fall off and see long right hand corners, so if I to hold my body forwards when
exactly what we need to improve Learning curve can get something a little bit really getting on the gas so in
before the season starts in a Having never ridden a thou’ in more sensitive it will definitely order to combat this we made
month’s time. So with everything proper race-spec fuelled anger, make life a touch easier. a bum stop for the back of the
together, I loaded the bike up it’s no surprise how the I think I’m going to go with seat. It’s always worth getting it
and sent it on its first holiday… seemingly tame Suzuki turns into an aftermarket jobby – probably done properly, but to do so you
If you’ve never been to a bit of a handful when you give HM. One of the main aims of the need to find the sweet spot, and
Calafat, it’s a tight and technical it the berries. The test was the test was just to get comfy on the with some tape, foam and a little
circuit that’s pretty hard work on perfect playground to determine bike and, shifter aside, ditching bit of rubber we had four
the thou’, but I couldn’t wait to exactly what else needed to be a load of the road tackle has attempts before we got the
get stuck in and get to work on altered before I line it up on the made the GSX-R even more booster seat spot on; it made the
the Gixer. The first port of call
was nipping all the bolts and
checking torque settings
(thankfully I found an online
manual), before sticking on
some pristine Biketek Pro Tyre
Warmers which warm up an
absolute treat. Luckily everything
was still held together nicely so
I had my first proper sit on
the bike (well, with leathers
anyway), so we could properly
adjust the LSL rearsets (which
we moved forward) and the
Biketek Clip-ons (which we
moved backwards) in order to
accommodate my tiny frame a
bit more comfortably. It didn’t
take me long before I could tell The Blue Peter
just how much of a stunning Full factory treatment. badge is on its way.
bike the GSX-R1000R is to ride,

MASTERCLASS
Suzuki GSX-R1000R £16,099

Biketek aluminium
rear stand £64.99
Biketek aluminium
front stand £74.99
Biketek Pro tyre
warmers (x2) £359.98
Bike It 50mm clip
ons (x2) £199.98
MotoGP Pro Series
stand set £197.98
LSL 2Slide adjustable
rearset kit £432
Yoshimura R11
exhaust system £1,461
Yoshimura ABS Eliminator £76
Yoshimura tank pad £126
Liqui Moly Brake
Fluid Dot 5.1 £4.59
Liqui Moly Chain Lube £7.99
Liqui Moly Chain
& Brake cleaner £6.99
The Gixer lives to Liqui Moly 4-stroke
fight another day. 10w-40 oil £39.99
RACE Aero crash
protectors £69.99
ride much easier and meant in) the lever was exactly where it hold on to, even when you really RACE engine case
my body stayed in a position was at the beginning. Progress! stiffen the brains out of ’em; the covers pair £143.99
where I could at least reach the With better brakes, I was able suspension is a big issue I’ll need Engine case cover
gears and brakes. On the subject to get closer to a respectable race to sort – and hopefully by the LHS water pump £60.99
of brakes, the rear is okay, pace, which uncovered our next time you’re reading this I’ll Clutch & brake resevoir £4.99
although it lacks a bit of feel, issue; the suspension. Laden already have it done, with a set Radiator & oil cooler
but the front left a lot to be with standard Showa both front of racing spec fork internals and guard set £119.99
desired. They’re great for the and back and an electronic a race shock courtesy of K-Tech. Cotton reels £20.49
road but with so many heavy steering damper, the Gixer was It’s crazy to think that Moulded lever guard £40.99
braking zones, after about five spot on for a medium pace riding although the Gixer is such a Dust cover £32.99
laps they were absolutely yet anything beyond that became brilliant road bike, there is so BMC comp air filter £87.99
cooked. Three sessions in a real handful. much room for improvement BMC regeneration kit £18.50
we dropped in a set of EBC With the rear being so soft on the track. The GSX-R1000R is Lockwire £1.69
GPFAX-447 pads which fit in the Suzuki wanted to wheelie an absolutely bloody awesome Fuel tank foam £30.00
those Brembo calipers like a everywhere, and with high winds bike, but over three days and Race numbers
dream, before a quick bleed causing us to get a bit crossed over 300 miles I’ve learnt a lot various sizes £1.50
through with some fresh Liqui up, the bike and I threw some about what it needs. Smoother Fork protectors £34.99
Moly DOT 5.1 brake fluid. Voila! hellish shapes upon landing that power delivery, an aftermarket Tank traction grips £30.99
Coupled with the Hel brake lines the stock steering damper didn’t shifter, some race suspension Garage mat £75.99
the brake power was drastically have a hope of curbing. Couple and some more mileage is just Exhaust hanger £66.99
increased with better feel, and this with a soft front end that what the doctor ordered. My Toe guard £36.99
even after a full 20 minute stint dives hard under heavy braking bank balance is going to take CRC race fairings £416.66
(after a few steady laps running and you have something hard to a hit next month… CRC front fender £56
CRC race airtubes £74.62
CRC race screen £52.08
Pretty Boy found a new
Complete front wheel £1,101.46
friend in sunny Spain.
Complete rear wheel £992.74
Pirelli Supercorsa set x3 £900
EBC GPFAX-447 Pads £135
Renthal front
sprockets x 2 £35.20
Renthal rear
sprockets x 3 £105.66
Pacedayz test weekend £699
Standard fairing kit (sold) -£931
RUNNING TOTAL £23,759
THANKS TO:
Robinsons Foundry Motorcycles
Suzuki UK
R&G
Performance Parts
Bike It
Watling Tyres
Pacedayz

MASTERCLASS
YOUR GUIDE TO MASTERING THE BEST OF BRITISH CIRCUITS
OULTON PARK
Based in Cheshire with an absolute rollercoaster of a layout, it’s
no surprise that Oulton Park is one of the UK’s most loved tracks.
It’s also one of the most difficult to master thanks to its fast,
flowing and undulating nature. So how on earth can you get the
best out of the picturesque circuit? With our guide of course…
Old Hall
1 Coming over the start finish On the approach to Old
Hall, look for the long
line you’ll be at a slight lean patch of tarmac on the left
angle and gassing hard, wrestling hand side of the track.
the bike from the centre of the
track to the left hand side; by
the time the track runs straight
you need to be well onto the
lighter patch of tarmac that runs
down the side of the track. Just
as you come under the start
lights get your body in position
and hit the brakes where the dirt
road starts on the left hand side
of the track. There’s a few big
bumps so be aware. Peel in as
late as possible, just before the
start of the inside kerb, and apex
where the drain cover dissects
the white line. It’s a late apex
and it’s important that you carry
plenty of speed into the turn Cascades and get ready to brake for Island you’ve cleared the crest on the
and get on the gas hard to 4 One of the most important Bend. Make sure you’re straight go back a gear and use
avoid being passed on the run corners on the track, Cascades weighting the front end and the small gravel road (just before
down The Avenue. The bike requires the utmost patience covering the rear brake over the where the International track goes
will want to run onto the and smoothness. There’s an undulations to keep the bike right) as a turn-in point. Hold
outside kerb, which is fine, undulation which really unsettles settled. Try and grab a gear if your apex the whole way round
but be aware that it ends the bike on the brakes so try you can before you hit the crest. the kerb, get on the gas as quick
abruptly so you need to get and keep it as upright as possible as you can and don’t drift too
back on the tarmac quick. for this. Once you pass the dip Island Bend wide on the exit; there’s a line in
keep an eye out for the patch of 6 You’re going to need the tarmac the whole way down
The Avenue tarmac on the right hand side confidence going into Island; it’s the centre of the track here – stay
2 If you’ve nailed Old Hall, which is a good turn in marker. a very fast entry. As soon as on the left of it, and bring the
you should be right out by the Get off the brakes and on the gas
kerb on the exit. Stay over to as soon as possible. Don’t rush
the left side for the perfect entry to the inside, aim to meet your
in to Dentons and don’t be apex at the first ‘lumpy’ kerb
tempted to roll off early for near the end of the inside Armco,
the blind crest. and then hug the inside all the
way round until you can see the
Dentons white line on the exit, before
3 Dentons is absolutely vital drifting out. The track is slightly
for setting you up for Cascades off camber on the very outside
so stay as tight to the inside so it’s easy to spin the rear or
kerb as you can. Aim to apex run out of tarmac.
where the marshal hut is on
the inside and make sure you Lakeside
can quickly flick your body to 5 It’s no biggie on a small
the left as soon as you are bike but if you’re on a thou’ Make sure the bike is as
through and can see down the things can get a little flighty and upright as possible through
hill. Don’t let the bike drift out it’s going to be just as you’re the dip at Dentons.
too far directly after Dentons. trying to settle the bike down

@FastBikesMag
Fast Facts
Good variety of corners
Fast and flowing
Close trackside viewing
Established 1953
2.69 miles
FAST 8
It’s fast but it’s a handful!
FACILITIES 8
Clean toilets and tarmac.
NOVICE FRIENDLY 3
Erm, na.
TECHNICAL 10
Technical is an understatement!
FUN 10
Smiles for miles!
Brod, throwing himself in

at the deep end.
1
13 OULTON PARK CIRCUIT
14 LITTLE BUDWORTH,
TARPORLEY,
CHESHIRE CW6 9BW
2
TEL: 01829 760301
6
8
3 5
LAP RECORD:
1:34.483
Josh Brookes
06/09/15
4 9
12 11
10
MASTERCLASS
A hire bike is a great way
ESSENTIAL to learn your way round
TRACK KIT: Oulton.
FORCEFIELD PRO
L2K DYNAMIC
BACK PROTECTOR
How anyone heads out of
pitlane without a back
protector is absolutely
beyond us. Good quality
kit doesn’t have to be
expensive, and at
somewhere fast and flowing
like Oulton the smallest
mistakes can have almighty
consequences. We love the
Forcefield L2K Dynamic back
protector as it’s light, comfy,
and breathable – while
packing tons of protection.
They’ll feel funny at first, but
once you get used to it you’ll
feel naked without one…
£134.99 bike back to the left hand side of as you get there. Don’t rush change is. Clip the apex on
www.forcefieldbody the track as soon as you can. through the right hander itself, the right as tight as possible at
armour.com concentrate on getting through the pointy bit of paint and try
Shell Oils and getting the bike upright and not to drift too wide too soon.
7 There is a little patch of on the gas as hard as you can, as Pull the bike over to another
darker tarmac which is a good soon as you can. Clip the white tight apex on the left hander
braking marker for Shell Oils. line on the final left and avoid and again, don’t let the bike
It’s steeply banked like a Nascar trying to take too much kerb as drift too wide. Pull the bike as
track so you can carry way more they can tie the bike in a bit of far left as you can and for the
speed than you think. Turn in a knot and cause you to roll, final right, turn in as late as
where the marshal’s post is on sapping your speed up the hill. possible for a late apex to get
the left, and pull the bike to an the best possible drive up the
early apex about a quarter of the Hill Top hill. Let the bike run all the
way round the turn. Let the bike 9 If you’re riding anything way out, hard on the gas, but
drift about a metre up the hill with more than about avoid the bumpy kerbs.
and hit the second apex where 140bhp make sure you’re
the kerb finishes. Be careful on covering your back brake over Clay Hill
the gas as the track levels out as the top of the crest to get the 11 Clay Hill is an absolutely
the camber drops away so it’s most amount of power down bonkers bit of track; flat stick,
easy to highside. without having to shut off; but over a blind crest. Get the bike
keeping it smooth is the aim over to the far right side of the
Foulstons here. It’s a good place to set up track, almost following the white
8 This is another vital section a pass into Knickerbrook, if you line trajectory, and peel in hard
Expect wheelies out for a quick lap time. On the right have a good drive, by staying on the gas as the track rises. The
of Foulstons.
hand kink pull the bike to a towards the right hand side of front end will almost certainly lift
really tight apex, where the kerb the track. but don’t panic, just lean on the
is. Get the bike stood up so you back brake. Keep the bike
can brake as hard as possible Knickerbrook turning over the crest as you clip
and run as straight a line as you 10 Another chicane, and you the apex, and make sure you
can through the first left, braking need to be as late on the brakes keep an eye out for the kerb
all the way through it. Keep your as possible so look for reference which is high and bumpy. Let
bodyweight on the right hand points to use, and use it as an it drift towards the outside,
side of the bike so you’re ready overtaking spot. Stay tight to the then pull it back left, tight to
to drop it on its right ear as soon left and tip in where the tarmac the kerb under the trees.
Nearer the kerb next lap.

About 6ft nearer.
You can make a lot of time

up through Knickerbrook.

@FastBikesMag
It’s worth covering the

back brake on the exit of
Druids to avoid any
unwanted wheelies.
THE READERS’ VIEW
Ricky Tarren
Best track in the country – I love it.
David Lloyd
Struggled with Shell Oils on my first
trackday but now it’s one of my favourite
corners. Getting Druids right and coming
over the crest on the way out is my
absolute favourite.
Paul Lecras
Love it apart from the crappy chicane.
Phil Saunders
I get round in about 1.55 which is okay on
a standard road bike but I feel I could
make up time on the blind left before
druids and the run down to cascades.
This shot is the final hard right before
Deer Leap which I’m okay at.
Druids it’s a great place to make a final so try and stay closer to the
12 After you nudge the apex lunge. There’s a few undulations middle of the track rather than ...Brod soon got the hang
of Oulton Park.
on the left kink, let the bike drift which will have the front wheel at the white line.
to the centre of the track. Druids skyward on a superbike if you’re
is a double apex right hander not careful so keep your weight Deer Leap
but don’t sweat too much about forward. After the second hump 14 On the run up towards
the first one – let the bike run get on the anchors. Hard. If Deer Leap get back to the right
through, apexing about the you’re in a race it’s worth sitting side of the track before hauling
middle of the kerb. After you towards the middle of the track the bike left half way up the hill.
make the first apex get back while on the brakes before Try and make it as straight a line
on the gas but concentrate on floating over to the left. Turn in as possible, getting as close to
getting the bike back to the where the tarmac changes and the Armco as you can – Shakey
inside of the track. Catch a late trail some front brake into the even set the airbag in his leathers
second apex, somewhere near turn – you have some positive off by nudging the barrier on the
the end of the inside kerb and camber here to help you out. way through! The bike will go
get the bike as upright as Apex at the end of the inside light over the crest, the front will
possible before you hit the kerb, as tight as you can, before lift and the rear will probably
crest. Remember that the opening the taps up but the spin but resist the urge to roll
track continues to turn right camber turns negative as the off. The bike will want to run
after the crest so if you don’t track drops away so it becomes all the way out to the pit wall
keep the bike turning you will very easy to lose the rear. Lean but don’t let it, you should only
run out of tarmac. off the bike and get it as upright ever be as far out as the centre
as you can to give yourself the of the track, and by the time
Lodge best chance of finding some grip. you get to the start/finish line
13 It’s hard on the gas now, Watch out as it's incredibly you need to be making your
all the way down into Lodge and slippery on entry here in the wet, way back to the left.
A wide line into Lodge can

open the door to being
passed on the inside.
Verdict 9/10
An absolute rollercoaster of a track! It is
incredibly difficult to get a fast time and
you’ll never stop learning…
+ BALLISTIC, FAST, EXCITING!
– DIFFICULT TO LEARN AND INCREDIBLY
HARD WORK!
BONUS TIP
If it’s your first visit, make
sure you track walk it first.
The track looks incredibly
different in person to what it
does on the TV. Also, if you
can follow someone who
knows where they’re going
it will help you massively here
KEEPING TRACK In case you missed it in Up-Front, on the 10th of June we are running our very own – there’s a lot of time to be
Fast Bikes trackday at Cadwell Park in association with MSVT and Bridgestone. For more info, turn to page 10, check
out www.msvtrackdays.com or head over to our website www.fastbikesmag.com made by keeping your corner
speed up!

MASTERCLASS
WORDS: PRETTY BOY P IC S: K-T EC H
KNOW YOUR…
FORKS
Unless you’ve got the wheelie skills of Dougie Lampkin (who managed a
whole lap of the TT on the back wheel), you’re probably as needy as the
rest of us on a bike’s forks. We caught up with suspension guru Michael
at K-Tech to learn more about them…
FB: Are all fork legs the same? a year, having a service every FB: How does a standard fork between aftermarket and
MH: Essentially, you have two two to three years will keep your differ to an aftermarket fork? standard forks tends to be
main types of fork systems which stuff working as it should. MH: Massively… you’d need through the quality of build
are open cartridge and closed Suspension really isn’t that more than a thousand words for which relays into feel, and the
cartridge – with many different different from getting your that question though! Essentially degree of adjustability available.
types of system within them. engine serviced and you should it’s the same as every aftermarket
An open cartridge fork basically see some of the oil we drain part as everything is built to a FB: Are superbike forks
means that the oil within the from old kits. If you’re riding on specific price on a bike. Some entirely different again?
cartridge is the same as the oil track and getting a fair few miles machines come equipped as MH: A superbike fork is that
on the outside with one common in then halfway through the standard with below par next step up, created for a
oil chamber, which is principally season should be plenty, as suspension, and although some specific bike and its needs.
an easier fork to live with. The well as after any big off and come with quality kit everything You have a lot more adjustability
closed cartridge forks have a at the end of the season! can be improved. The difference and they’re created to deal with
pressurised area at the end of
the cartridge which is sealed These guys will put a
off, and will essentially offer a spring in your step
more consistent damping that (and bike).
will work better in extreme
conditions. The trade-off is that
they’re harder to maintain.
FB: How do conventional

forks work?
MH: Basically, you have both
compression and rebound
pistons within a cartridge with
shims covering the pistons. It
varies massively with different
types of forks as some won’t
even have a piston, but the
conventional approach would be
using the shims to adjust how
the oil is fed through – altering
the feeling from the forks as they
compress and decompress.
FB: How often should you

service forks?
MH: Most manufacturers will
have a service time they work to,
but as a rough guide for road
riders that cover a lot of miles in

Fa tBikesMag.com/
FastBikesMag.com/ Facebook com
Facebook.com
@FastBikesMag
FastB kes-Forum
FastBikes Forum Fas BikesMagaz ne
FastBikesMagazine
Look at those
sexy forkers!
FIVE FAST FACTS

Standard suspension tends to be on the soft side due to
1 having comfort as a main concern – even on sports bikes.
The very first K-Tech springs were made all the way back in
2 1994, but they didn’t make a complete fork until 2005.
K-Tech suspension took Hutchy to his record breaking five

3 wins at the TT races in 2010.
Although they supply teams and racers all over the globe,
4 K-Tech only have about 20 employees.
Every single suspensioon unit that K-Tech build is tested

5 on the dyno before it’s sent to you.
I believe they
call this
fork-lifting.
the higher stress levels – think setups we do on both used and make the fork last longer
what a set of forks go through on brand new bikes. Even a few between services.
a superbike around Cadwell Park millimetres can make a huge
for example! Unfortunately they difference, so you shouldn’t FB: What kind of bikes do
also cost a fair whack more. pass it up! you guys tend to upgrade
the most?
FB: What’s typically adjustable FB: Are springs and oil MH: It’s funny actually, as
on forks? weights really that important? we’d generally say that the
MH: Some standard low quality MH: Essentially, the easiest road side just about edges out
kit may not have adjustability at way of getting a bike set up the off-road segment – but not
all, but most forks will have full properly is using the correct by much. We do a lot of road
pre-load, compression and spring that is suited to a bikes, such as the MT-07,
rebound adjustment on them. particular rider’s weight, which which really benefit from
Pre-load essentially means the will help to give a personalised uprated suspension
load that is applied to the spring, feel on the machine. As far as oil components alongside a
which will in turn change the goes, although you can change whole host of sportsbikes and
amount of resistance the spring the amount and the viscosity, race bikes all year round,
gives, affecting the break-out the easiest way of approaching whereas we see more of the
force which is the point where it comes down to using a good off-road guys at the start and
the parts will start to move. quality suitable oil, in order to the end of the year!
Compression essentially covers
the rate in which the spring is
compressed, like it would be
under braking, while rebound
controls the rate in which the
spring will then return to the
correct length – so when you’re
jumping back on the power.
This is very simplified though!
FB: Why is adjustability so

important to a fork?
MH: Every single different
aspect from adjusting the preload
to even the amount and viscosity We don’t know what’s
of the oil will make a happening here... but
monumental difference to the it looks important.
feeling of the bike. For example,
if a bike is out of its optimum
working range the chances are it If you don’t know the difference between yokes and yolks, Dzus and Zeus, or
will feel like an absolute dog to
ride, and we find this on the bike suspension and suspenders – email the experts letters@fastbikes.co.uk

LONGTERMERS
Delights from Dymag

are on the way...
Charlie’s been lowering

the tone in Lincolnshire.
Price from new: £10,999
Insurance group: 15
CHARLIE YAMAHA YZF-R6 Modifications Price

TIME ON TEST: ODOMETER BHP: 103 NEXT AIM: NTR TVT fork cartridges £750.00
4 MONTHS 0 2 2 2 4 MILES GAIN: 0 TRACK PREP NTR R3 rear shock £680.00
Front axle protection kit £64.70
THIS MONTH I HAVE MOSTLY BEEN… “Well gripped despite the elements.”
RH crankcase protector £58.20
LH crankcase protector £76.90
S
ince the R6 arrived it has felt by our Carl (Pages 34-36). From an Offset cotton reels £49.99
like I have been merely drip advance peek of his musings I have Licence plate holder £105.00
feeding miles awaiting a break little to add to his report, especially Frame sliders £178.00
in the weather to get the full fat R6 his praise of the upgrades from the Tank pad £27.49
experience. But with my first track day previous Pilot Road 4. Carl’s BSB Michelin Pilot Road 5s £260.00
still another issue away, booked for focused wrist did manage to spin Pipewerx R11 Carbon
Castle Combe on April 18, I got bored the 5s up on the V4 Aprilia in a way Edge £314.50
with waiting and pulled the pin on a that I have not experienced. That is RUNNING TOTAL £2,564.78 + VAT
few longer jaunts this month, racking despite some pretty spirited miles
up a respectable 750 miles. on the Yamaha’s sharpest setting (A),
Journey time was significantly aided on some pretty sketchy roads. enhanced the deep growl of the R6
by fitting a set of the all new Michelin I may have thrown caution to the soundtrack and looks pretty trick too
Pilot Road 5’s as reviewed in this issue wind on a few occasions over the – not bad for £315. The twisties up near
course of the month, but have played it Cadwell Park were worth the three
safe to as it has been pretty shocking on hour commute though I found myself
the roads. Thus I have been testing the having so much fun flicking the R6 from
three maps offered on the R6, easily side to side on the empty roads I was
changed via the mode button on the decidedly late for planned meetings at
right hand bar, A, STD and B…. Three HQ. But I have finally truly bonded with
A Pipewerx can has maps available to change on the go, the R6 and can hardly remember having
been waking up the highlight, close the throttle and that is had so much Supersport fun.
neighbours. that. None of this TFT Dash trickery that There are a few more extensive
you may expect on all modern bikes as a modification plans coming. An Arrow
norm nowadays. But I like the simplicity full-system from B&C Express is
of this, it matches my own personal pending to bypass the behemoth cat.
expectation and need. There is a very There is also set of Carbon Wheels from
different delivery between the three, B is Wiltshire based Dymag currently under
very soft, standard raises the tempo and construction having borrowed my R6’s
then A may as well stand for ‘Fkin Aye’, wheels to check the measurements.
especially over 10K where you get the These are two high priced modifications
benefit of the R6s full potential. that will make a marked difference to
I touched this rare point on the road the performance of the R6 and they
rev range heading up through the wilds already have me tingling. More on
of Lincolnshire. Bikes are generally this next month.
accepted up there and given room by
other road users that I have only really
experienced on the continent before. THANKS TO:
Complete with trusty Kriega luggage Nitron, www.nitron.co.uk
aboard and a new end can from Michelin
Pipewerx I was raging up to our head moto.michelin.co.uk
office for a couple of days. The can is Pipewerx, www.pipewerx.com
yet to be dyno’d but has certainly

LONGTERMERS
Price
i ffrom new: £16,099
Insurance group: 17
Modifications
Pirelli Supercorsa tyres £200.00
Yoshi p’stand bobbins £35.00
SP E’ Diabolus can £250.00
ASV levers £220.00
Yoshimura tank pad £27.00
Yoshimura yoke nut £32.00
Yoshimura axle kit £77.00
Yoshimura crank plugs £88.00
Yoshimura R-11 £764.00
HM P&P Q’shifter £449.98
Speedo Angels dash
protector £10.99
And for some reason it
never started again. Yoshimura bar ends £56.00
Yoshimura case savers £357.00
Bridgestone T31 tyres £250.00
BEEJ SUZUKI GSX-R1000R Suzuki fuel cap protector £15.00

Suzuki DB Screen £115.00
TIME ON TEST: ODOMETER BHP: 184 NEXT AIM: Rapid Bike EVO £414.00
11 MONTHS 0 3 1 9 9 MILES GAIN: 12.5 MAP TIME! RUNNING TOTAL £3,360.97
THIS MONTH I HAVE MOSTLY BEEN… “Adding some bits and bobs.” Contacts:
www.pirelli.com
I
t’s been a terrific month with the So I found a quiet deserted road, and JHS Racing
big Suzook alright, including the did some experimenting. www.jhsracing.co.uk
first summer gloves commute of What I learned, was that if I didn’t Performance Parts Ltd
the year, and finally getting some bits fully remove my boot from the bottom www.performanceparts-ltd.com
and pieces stuck on that have been of the lever quick enough, it would go www.spengineering.co.uk
patiently waiting their turn. into that neutral, and I made it happen www.bikehps.com
First though, we’ve now had the a few times to be sure. If I moved it www.hmquickshifter.com
recall for the bike, though I’m still quick enough, which I normally do day Speedo Angels
awaiting our slot, which should see a to day, there’s no problem. Yes, the gear www.speedo-angels.com
brand new ECU being fitted. Apparently change can often be as clunky as it is
it’s not the down-blipper at issue, it’s smooth and sharp on the Gixer, but the
changing up from first to second-gear, ‘fault’ it’s being recalled for, as far as and make sure you have thin needle
where it can possibly go into a false I’ve experienced, has come from a wee nose pliers to grab the lower rubber
neutral (or is that back into neutral?), bit of user error, ergo, me… thread-grommets, it’ll make your life
the worst case scenario being the So it’ll be interesting to see what easier. As will being careful when
chain could come off and the engine happens when it’s been swapped removing nuts/bolts from the mirrors
will rev its tits off. out, and if it changes anything, yet – god forbid you drop one in the
Now, I’ve had few to no issues with I totally get why they need to act on voluminous fairing and have to spend
the shifter, either way, unless my boot this anyway even if a lot of it could half an hour digging the bastard out,
has been lingering near the lever. possibly be our lazy feet having a bloody thing! The upper/lower
However on the way home, the day hand in the problem. grommets need sticking in the new
I got the recall notice, it happened! There is another thing that keeps screen, then carefully refit – but don’t
Shifted into second, popped out, cropping up too, which is that the ABS tighten the screen screws too much.
revved momentarily like mad until light sometimes doesn’t go off, which I They’re made of cheese, as I discovered
I let off the gasser, but the chain didn’t assumed means the ABS isn’t working. by rounding one off!
come off, phew! But that day I was Now, some fine soul over on our Lastly, I got the Rapid Bike fuelling
wearing a pair of older boots which YouTube channel pointed out that in the unit fitted ready to be mapped. Young
are larger than those I normally use. manual it says this can happen if you lift William at JHS helped fit it, which is
the bike up too quickly off its side-stand. good as there’s so little room for it on
Screen if you want Okay, got that, could possibly be it, but the bike, we’ve stuck it to the inside of
to go faster! then I’ve had it where I’ve needed to the right-hand fairing. Aside from having
turn the ignition on/off three or fours to extend a throttle-position-sensor
times (often while I’m already moving), wire so it fitted, it didn’t take as long as
before the light goes out. I’ll ask Suzuki some do, the Gixer’s guts being nice
and see what they say. and accessible, even if fitting the RB
Speaking of Suzuki, I have fitted a ECU inside the fairing is hardly ideal.
couple of bits from their official range, We’ll map it soon and see how she
namely a new clear double-bubble does. In the meantime, with the winter
screen and a fuel-cap protector. I do having been in full swing I’ve not
also have a lovely carbon front scorched thousands of miles, but she
mudguard, but couldn’t find the right still gets used every single day no
paddock stand as you need to take the matter the weather, and is holding up
wheel out to fit it, so it’ll wait. With the well corrosion wise despite me being
It’s the little
things in life... screen change, couple of tips – firstly, a little shy on the cleaning duties!
remove the bolts from the top down Lots more next month!

MS
’S RAC E PADDOC KS, RAC ERS & TEA
ULT IMATE ACC ESS TO THE WORLD
WORDS: PRETTY BOY PICS: BSB
@CARLSTE VENS17
BENNETTS BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP

TESTING, TESTING!
B
y the time you’re reading kit as they could throw at that cut out, but they’re in a good place who’s been working hard with
this the first round at McAMS Yamaha without going for to start the season – or as good as Michael Laverty to get a decent
Donington Park will have times which will pay dividends at can be when you look at what testing programme set out between
been and gone – yet it’s always round one. Here’s where you can they’re up against. them in limited time. The Tyco BMW
important to talk about testing, as see the real professionals as they’re I mean, the field is looking fiercer boys will undoubtedly be on it this
the Bennetts BSB circus has been working rather than riding; you than a pool of sharks strapped up year, even if takes a few rounds.
splattered around Europe all over don’t get any points for a banzai lap with rocket launchers. Shakey went They’ve got a rapid and confident
winter while you’ve been cosying in testing, you get points for being faster than he ever has without any Peter Hickman they need to beat!
up in your slippers and cardigans as close to the sharp end as new parts while Irwin has never This year is going to be two
(just me, then?). Some teams have possible after a 20-odd lap race been comfier on the Panigale; the halves. The teams that have done
been getting a much more rigorous, which means the data captured Honda Racing duo of Linfoot and the testing and have the data will
and let’s face it, better test now, in such a close field, is more O’Halloran finally have some feeling be undoubtedly strong from the off,
schedule than others – cough, JG important than ever. with the Fireblade and now Mossey yet as the races tick off, the gaps at
Speedfit Kawasaki I’m talking to This also means that even at this is back to full fitness, the JG the top of the timesheets are going
you, while some have been stage in the season teams and Speedfit duo are a force to be to get smaller. Every rider on the
curtailed slightly by crappy weather, riders are making monumental reckoned with. The list goes on, but grid has more skill in their ballsack
like Smiths BMW. But budget changes, from new parts coming in coming into round one these teams than we do in our whole bodies,
considerations and luck aside, what for Be Wiser Ducati at round one, to will undoubtedly be stronger, thanks making it impossible to cram
can we learn from testing? full on suspension changes at RAF to a good set up from the very everything I want to say into 500
Well, people who say you don’t Regular & Reserves Kawasaki & beginning. Yet let us not forget words. What I can say is, it’s going
learn anything are talking absolute Buildbase Suzuki. In all honesty, it about our very own Christian Iddon, to be a belter.
BS. What you need to do is look almost borders on mind games
beyond the times, and look who has rather than performance, which will
the biggest smile. For starters, at stretch throughout the year. So who
Cartagena Tarran Mackenzie was were the real winners in testing?
(impressively!) quicker than Josh It’s difficult to call, but the newbies
Brookes – yet Josh was looking (Rea, Ryde, Law and Tarran
incredibly satisfied, as he was Mackenzie) have all adapted bloody
purely testing out as much factory quickly. Yes, they’ve got their work
Let the scrap begin!

RACE NEWS
Dovi pulled off a corker

of a win at Qatar.
There’s life in the old GOAT yet...
WORD S: JACK FA IRM A N IM AGES: ROB GR AY/ P OL A RI T Y
@FAIRMANGP
DORNA MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

IT’S SHOWTIME
T
he flag dropped, the talking pretty poor start, getting shuffled
stopped and the 2018 back to ninth early on lap 1. Did he
MotoGP season opener Lowes DNF’d on his
panic? Dovi 2.0 doesn’t panic. He
return to Moto2.
in Qatar served up an exquisite knew he had everything to be there
symphony for the senses. at the end of the race so he simply
The tone for race day was set did what Dovi does. He applied logic
with an astonishing qualifying (as much logic as it’s possible to
session. Prior to qualifying, all the apply when doing 210mph).
smart money for pole had been on He hunkered down and set about
last year’s title runner up, Andrea his business, staying in the midst of
Dovizioso. He appeared to have a the lead group and saving his front
reserve of half a second in the bank tyre. Before you knew it, he had
whenever he needed it. He was, snuck his way up to second and
however, only able to manage a soon disposed of Zarco whose tyres
relatively lowly fifth. In the event, were, by now, screaming ‘Enough!’
the top 12 riders were all within a He took Marquez and Rossi along
second of the slightly unexpected, with him to set up the final turn
but sublimely smooth Frenchman,
Johann Zarco, taking his third career
finale. While Dovi was looking the
model of composure, Marquez was
MOTO2
Pole for Tech3. We've become wrestling his Repsol Honda, The Moto2 race was a delightful hors d’oeuvre for the coming season.
accustomed to close qualis in the fearlessly squeezing every ounce of Pecco Bagnaia’s imperious performance was a ringing endorsement
past but this one was particularly performance out of it. We all knew of the pre-season scramble by the MotoGP bosses to secure his
remarkable. Not least because what was coming on the last lap... signature for 2019. Bagnaia has a reputation in the paddock for having
the top three riders completely but so did Dovi. So when the the rare and valuable gift of being impervious to the huge pressure
obliterated Jorge Lorenzo’s inevitable, last ditch, move from that comes with being a front-runner at this level. Starting from third
10-year-old lap record of 1’53.927. Marquez came, Dovi dispatched it in on the grid, he led over the line on every one of the 20 laps to claim
Zarco's blistering new lap record customarily cool fashion, despite his maiden Moto2 win. Lorenzo Baldassarri has a look of that cheeky
of 1’53.680 shaded out reigning Marquez being much closer to classmate from school that would always push the teacher over the
champ Marc Marquez and Danilo pulling it off than his efforts in line. Well ‘Iron’ Balda looked anything but the class clown, harassing
Petrucci who took the other spots Austria and Japan last season. first Alex Marquez, then Bagnaia all the way, to seal a hugely deserved
on the front row. The Honda had no hope of second place finish. Alex Marquez came in third.
The race itself was not short on out-dragging the 'Beast of Bologna'
entertainment. Zarco was his usual to the line and Dovi took it by
cool self, leading what was a large 0.027s. The eternally youthful Rossi
front group well into the second
half of the race. Eventually, the lead
took the last podium spot, finishing
just 0.797s behind Dovizioso. It was
MOTO3
group began to dissipate. Alex Rins a pretty good weekend for Rossi, By the usual bonkers Moto3 standard benchmark, the season opener
and Jorge Lorenzo both binned it on a two year contract extension was a slightly subdued affair. What was clear was that, as predicted by
lap 13 in completely unconnected was announced on Thursday and many, Jorge Martin and Aron Canet looked the class of the field. Jorge
incidents. Rossi, Marquez, he had a spring in his step all Martin was on majestic form all weekend and kept enough in his
Crutchlow, Petrucci and Pedrosa weekend with seemingly renewed trousers to pip Canet to the line by a couple of hundredths. Enea
exchanged numerous blows. confidence in the 2018 Factory Bastianini on the Leopard Honda looked like he had the pace to mix it
Maverick Viñales got his head Yamaha Package. with the two Spaniards and will be rueing his costly unforced error on
down and bridged a few gaps to He might be ageing but there's lap 6. There was plenty of action in the following group. McPhee and
ultimately finish in a credible sixth no sign of slowing from the GOAT, Bezzecchi were impressive despite not finishing the final lap. Pole man
after a mare of a qualifying which who refuses to be ruled out as a Antonelli kept his Honda upright for a solid fourth but it was former
put him 12th on the grid. The real genuine title contender. junior champ, Lorenzo Dalla Porta who rounded out the rostrum spots
hero of the day though was NEXT ROUND Argentina, Termas de with a classy ride to third.
unquestionably Dovizioso. He had a Río Hondo: April 6-8.

MS
’S RAC E PADDOC KS, RAC ERS & TEA
ULT IMATE ACC ESS TO THE WORLD
W ORDS: BEE J P IC S: DUC AT I, YA M A H A, K EL EDGE
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FIM SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

NEW RULES – TBC, WSB
T
he new rules conceived and overtake and then, basically, stop.
slated by WSB overlords We can only imagine this is partly
Dorna to rejuvenate the due to the new rev limits (and new
series, on the evidence from the gearing choices to suit), so we
first races in Oz, will only be ratified asked Ducati’s Chaz Davies about it
as a success or failure after we’ve after watching him suffer a couple
had a few more rounds of racing. of slipstream overtake fails: “It’s
Phillip Island is one of very few possibly something to do with the
aberration tracks left – the old new rules, it was a bit odd not being
high-speed type that generates able to pass down the straight
hard fought, close racing action. sometimes, but much depends
There one often sees usually on the rider, their size and weight,
uncompetitive machines (on the too, so it’s too early to draw any
rest of the calendar) up front or concrete conclusions just yet,
performing well, in pretty much although there probably needs
all classes of racing, so coming to to be some kind of rider/bike
any conclusions on the current combined weight limit in WSB,
state of WSB would be premature, which there isn’t right now.”
especially with (as we write) the A salient point, as his feather- PI’s Race 2 was as fraught as usual!
second round in Thailand being weight team-mate Marco Melandri
just a couple of days away. appeared to be the only one to
However, there were a few make proper overtakes down the WSB featured loads of different of riders, which begs the question
points of interest the new rules long front straight on his way to a winners, both riders and – what was wrong with how things
provided, mostly to do with speed double victory, including a super manufacturers, with several were? Using ‘financial reduction’ to
and over-taking. Both Kawasaki and tight finish in race two to beat Rea, triumphing on privateer kit. In the justify it is nonsense, they spend
Ducati’s previously perceived speed slipstreaming him to the line. If he final season (2012) before their just as much getting the most out
advantage has been blunted – just wins more races, then Ducati will be stewardship, nine different riders of (or bending) strict restrictions as
watching Jonny Rea let the brakes penalised yet again, which will only won races, on five different they would with the previous,
off early going into turn one, over hurt the other (much heavier) marques of machine from the six slightly more open, rule set.
and over, looked bloody terrifying, Ducati riders in the field. manufacturers competing, with But, if we do get a return to
but that’s what he had to do to Which is another reason why this three races being won by those heady days of never quite
keep rivals behind him. whole variable rev-limit thing just privateers. Since then, these knowing who is going to win, we’ll
Weirder still, was watching some isn’t the right way forwards. In the variances have dropped alarmingly stop moaning about it completely,
creep up in the slipstream, move to years prior to Dorna’s take over, to two manufacturers and a handful so let’s just see what happens…
SENSORS – HO! BAYLISS BACK!

WSB tyre suppliers Pirelli are considering tyre-pressure sensors following Not to WSB, but to ASBK where riders, but even the super talented
the rubber issues at Phillip Island. Triple champ’ Jonny Rea’s first race his kid is already racing. At the Waters couldn’t do enough to stay
went south when his tyre blistered, and Jonny Hernandez’s hoop sprightly age of 48(!) Troy Bayliss in BSB, never mind graduate
completely came off his wheel, plus problems in Supersport, too. will be racing for the year in the further. We’re really lucky indeed
PI is a freak track especially for corner speed hungry Supersports, Aussie series on a Ducati Panigale to have an excellent national
tyres overheat quickly there, and we’ve seen other series have serious FE and, in fact, took a podium at series here, BSB, with a long
issues over the years with other tyre suppliers. Yet Pirelli, up until last Phillip Island twixt winner Troy history of catapulting riders on
year, had a brilliant reliability record no matter where they raced. Blame, Herfoss and former BSB race to greater things, aren’t we?
if it’s to be called as such, is being shared around with Pirelli pointing at winner Josh Waters – wow! Now,
team-set pressures possibly being the problem, whereas teams and this is interesting for a few
riders murmur about Pirelli’s production consistency. Compulsory reasons, firstly – does this say
sensors would at least eliminate this to and fro more about Bayliss’ inherent skill
blame game, but who picks up the cost of (because he’s amazing), or about
that? This one will roll on (sorry…) the current state of ASBK?
for a long while yet. After speaking with some folk
down under, we’d err toward the
latter, given their WSB wildcard’s
appalling results (or complete lack
thereof) in the WSB races. The
worry is, we’re told, where the
next Bayliss, Doohan, Jack Miller or
whomever is going to come from. Flat out at 48!
PI is very hard on hoops... The top few in ASBK are great

RACE FEATURE
BRITISH IIS BEST!!

2018 BSB
PREVIE
By now, you’ll know the results from pre-season testing, and the opening
round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship which took place
at Donington Park over Easter. Well, take no notice of it…
BSB 2018
O
kay, that might be going to Back then, Hill pipped Hopper by six common goal at heart; to be crowned
extremes to prove a point but hundredths of a second to seal the deal Bennetts British Superbike champion as
when you consider that Shane in the closest finish since the series was dusk falls at Brands Hatch this autumn.
Byrne missed out on scoring any points morphed into the modern format back in Insurance giants Bennetts are back as title
at the corresponding meeting in 2017, due 1996. Yes, last season was a vintage year sponsors of the series which will see the
to knocking himself out in practice, and in BSB without a doubt. It had just about established stars take on the young
arch-rival Leon Haslam did the double to everything to justify the pre-season hype up-and-comers while a smattering of talent
leave with a 50-point advantage, yet Shakey of ‘best yet’. And it duly delivered with returns from the World Championship to
won the title and Leon finished third. an endless flow of cliff-hangers that no do battle. There are a few riders making
Bennetts BSB is nothing if unpredictable one could have predicted. the step up to the Bennetts BSB from the
and last year’s title race was the most This year promises to be just as exciting support classes trying to make their mark
dramatic in recent history, just about though, as another star-studded cast has and expect a few familiar faces to join
usurping the battle between Tommy Hill been assembled, each with their own and the 28-strong grid as wild cards during
and John Hopkins for the 2011 crown. very different agendas, but with one the season.
WORDS> LARRY 'SCOOP' CARTER IMAGES> BSB
BE WISER DUCATI SHANE BYRNE AND GLENN IRWIN

Shane Byrne is back, fighting fit at
41 and determined to win title
number seven. He remains with
the ultra-successful Paul Bird
Motorsport team running the
factory-backed Panigale R on which
he’s taken two titles in a row. Shakey
is the most successful rider in BSB and is more determined than
ever, so rule him out of the hat-trick in as many years at your peril,
especially with a V4 at his disposal for 2019. As for team-mate Glenn
Irwin, he aims to build on his maiden victory in BSB at Silverstone, as
well as his superb victories on the roads. Injury ruined what should
have been a brilliant season for the Ulsterman and he should be
capable of maintaining a championship challenge in his third year
with the Cumbrian team.
MOVUNO.COM MOTO RAPIDO DUCATI SILICONE ENGINEERING

HALSALL RACING TAYLOR MACKENZIE RACING TEAM DEAN
SUZUKI TOMMY HARRISON
BRIDEWELL With the custodian of this
seat for the past couple of Another rider whose
Rekindling their successful seasons out injured, in has aspirations lie on the pure
partnership in the past, the come to the ever-smiling roads but continues to do
popular West Countryman is Taylor Mackenzie to try to battle on the short circuits
reunited with Martin Halsall do what John Hopkins as well. The young and fast-
after an abortive campaign last year where couldn’t quite manage for Steve ‘Wilf’ talking Yorkshireman holds the lap record at
he got nowhere near the podium. But this Moore, and that’s to put the Panigale on top the Ulster GP and after a number of rides in
year should be different with his charismatic of the podium. 2017 wasn’t Mackenzie’s the BSB series last year, is hoping his regular
Italian mechanics back with him, meaning best, although he did shine up at Knockhill presence will see him towards the sharp
a happy Bridewell is a fast Bridewell… so see what happens! end in 2018.
RACE FEATURE
LLOYD & JONES PR RACING RIDERSMOTORCYCLES.COM BMW

JAKUB SMRZ MARTIN JESSOPP
Czech rider ‘Kuba’ Smrz gallantly plugged away Last year was one of contrast for Martin Jessopp and
during the 2017 season and has had a reasonably his family-run team from the West Country but both
successful year for John Jameson’s team so remains he and they are back for more this season. Jessopp
in place for another year. The former WSB ace has will again contest the roads, on which he is gaining
yet to recapture the form of old since he arrived in an impressive reputation, with another season in
BSB a few years ago but scored a fifth place in the Bennetts BSB where on his day, he is capable of being
wet at Silverstone last year. at the cutting edge.
JG SPEEDFIT KAWASAKI LEON SMITHS BMW PETER HICKMAN AND

HASLAM AND LUKE MOSSEY SYLVAIN BARRIER
Same line up again and if ever Now established as the most
there was a rider with unfinished versatile racer in the UK, Peter
business, surely it’s Leon Haslam as Hickman remains with the
he’s missed out on the BSB title family-run team from Gloucester
twice in the past two years, and having made the Showdown and
prior to that in his tenure in the UK won a race in his first season with
before World Superbikes. 2018 must them last year. As well as excelling on
be his year if there’s any justice in the world and the 34-year-old has the roads, Hicky is capable of mounting a serious bid for BSB honours
turned down a lucrative deal in WSB to remain with Pete Extance and and is expected to be a thorn in the sides of the regulars again this
Jack Valentine on the JG Speedfit Kawasaki. Had Luke Mossey not term. In too has come ex-FIM Superstock Cup champion Sylvain
got injured at Thruxton, it might have been a different story as that Barrier who makes his debut in Bennetts BSB, so the Frenchman
effectively ended his season. He stepped up to the plate in impressive needs to be a quick learner as he has the talent to be a front-runner
fashion in 2017 taking his first wins to add to his previous podiums as he’s proved. He has lots of experience on the BMW so brings a
and arrives into this season as a major championship contender like wealth of knowledge to the team after his spell in the USA in 2017.
his experienced team-mate.

BSB 2018
HONDA RACING DAN LINFOOT AND MCAMS YAMAHA JOSH BROOKES

JASON O’HALLORAN AND TARRAN MACKENZIE
Another team with the same line-up Josh Brookes could well be the dark
as last year. After qualifying for the horse having come oh-so-close to
Showdown for three successive landing his second title last year
years, 2017 saw Dan Linfoot miss after a year away. Switching to the
out after a difficult season aboard factory-backed McAMS Yamaha
the brand new Fireblade. However, squad for 2018 could be just the
wins at both Silverstone and Oulton tonic the outspoken Aussie needs and
Park late in the year served to remind people he was still a force to be at 35, he’s no spring chicken but is still a class act. He takes no
reckoned with. As for team-mate Jason O’Halloran, he was podium prisoners and makes no friends as that doesn’t win him races but still
material to secure his Showdown place but, apart from a hard-fought is a hit with the fans despite his ‘Bad Boy’ reputation. Joining him is
final race podium, fell short of challenging for the title for the second ex-British Supersport champion Taz Mackenzie who raced in the Moto2
year in succession. With a year under their belts with the new bike, World Championship last season and found it very character building
both riders know they need to step up to the plate this season if they to say the least. The young Scot makes his debut in British Superbikes
are to challenge for Honda’s first title since Alex Lowes in 2013. and will be looking to claim bragging rights over elder brother Taylor.
RAF REGULAR AND RESERVES CF RACING KYLE RYDE

JAKE DIXON
Fresh from his tenure in the World Supersport
Jake Dixon is another rider like Luke Mossey with Championship, the youngest ever British Champion
wins in his locker now and staying with the same returned for a one-off ride in BSB last season at the
squad, in his case, Lee Hardy’s RAF Regular and Brands Hatch finale and was impressive by being in
Reserves Kawasaki team. He made the Showdown the points. The kid has raw talent and with mentor
last year with two standout rides to victory at Craig Fitzpatrick guiding him, expect some fireworks.
Knockhill and should be a prominent figure again in
the dust-up for the 2018 crown.

RACE FEATURE
GEARLINK KAWASAKI CARL PHILLIPS OMG RACING SUZUKI GINO REA

Following the sad news of the passing of paddock Gino Rea makes his debut in Bennetts BSB for the
matriarch Norma de Bidaph over winter, it’s great fledgling OMG Suzuki Team after a number of years
to see the team continuing in her honour with in the various World Championships. It’s going to
husband Michael managing young Ulsterman be a tough ask but he has the experience at the
Carl Phillips who makes the step up from the highest level to draw on despite his young age and
Superstock 1000 class. It will be a tough season with the new Suzuki a year on with development,
all round but regular points will be the aim. he could be the surprise package.
TYCO BMW MICHAEL LAVERTY AND BUILDBASE SUZUKI BRADLEY RAY AND
CHRISTIAN IDDON RICHARD COOPER
This year probably sees Michael Bradley Ray was amazing in his
Laverty in his swansong year after rookie BSB season last year, which
a stellar career across the various he topped off with a podium at
classes. The Ulsterman is reunited Oulton Park and quite regularly
with the Tyco BMW team and prior outperformed his more experienced
to embarking on a media career, team-mate Sylvain Guintoli. Race
he’ll be hoping for one last shot at the wins are next on his agenda with the
elusive Bennetts BSB title after a dire season last year on the Yamaha same Buildbase Suzuki team around him so don’t expect it to be long.
which saw him on the podium just once in the wet at Silverstone. As Ray is joined by the diminutive Richard Cooper who returns to
for team-mate Christian Iddon, he stays with the team for a third Bennetts BSB after finishing runner-up for the same team in
season having just missed out on the Showdown last year. Iddon is as Superstock 1000 last year. Little he may be but a fierce competitor
hard as nails but was injured for a couple of important rounds in 2017. who excels in the wet and has lots of experience, including a win at
He’s a very capable rider but just needs to get a debut win and as Oulton Park a couple of years ago. Expect him to rock the regulars’
soon as he does, you get the impression he’ll go on a roll. boat in the latter stages of the year.

BSB 2018
PLATFORM HIRE YAMAHA TAG RACING YAMAHA JAMES ELLISON

AARON ZANOTTI AND SHAUN WINFIELD
One of the unsung heroes in Bennetts BSB with over James Ellison races for the last time
260 appearances to his name as he concluded his in Bennetts BSB before emigrating
eleventh successive season in the premier class in to the USA where his American wife
2017. The competitive nature in recent seasons has Sarah and kids have moved over
proved challenging but he’s back for another crack winter. What better way of signing
and will be hoping to be a regular points scorer as in off than to win the title after so
the past. While podiums and wins might be off Aaron’s many years of being the perennial bad
radar, he’s arguably capable of tussling for the odd top 10 finish, luck guy where if there’s any of it going, he’ll usually find it. But the
especially considering his familiarity with his team and machinery. former World and European champion is now with the TAG Racing
This could be his year to surprise us all. Yamaha Team and look what they did last year with Brookesy. Shaun
Winfield continues with his dad Rob’s team and gained lots of valuable
experience from Brookes last year so will be looking to convert that
into regular points this year.
WD-40 KAWASAKI
MASON LAW
Former Superstock 600
champ Mason Law is
another rider to make
the move up from
Superstock 1000 where he’s
been a race winner for Brent
Gladwin’s team with whom he remains.
Another talented young gun without doubt,
the team hasn’t endured the best of fortunes
in the BSB arena recently, but solid points
are on the cards.
FS-3 KAWASAKI DANNY BUCHAN BENNETTS BRITISH

SUPERBIKE ROUNDS 2018
Tall Essex rider Danny Buchan returns to Bennetts BSB as reigning Kicking off at Donington Park, the Superbike
Superstock 1000 champion and despite him seemingly being around circus hits some of the best circuits in the UK
forever, is still only 24. He’s had podiums in the top class before and will before the showdown kicks off at Oulton Park
be after more on Nigel Snook and Darren Fry’s machine after a debut in September. This year is one not to be missed,
outing at Assen for them last year. so get these dates in your diary!
Donington Park GP – March 31-April 2

Brands Hatch Indy – April 13-15
Oulton Park – May 5-7
Snetterton 300 – June 15-17
Knockhill – July 6-8
Brands Hatch GP – July 20-22
Thruxton – August 3-5
Cadwell Park – August 17-19
Silverstone GP – September 7-9
Oulton Park – September 14-16
Assen – September 28-30

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THE TIM AND TOM SHOW
NEAVE TWIN RACING
‘And don’t go breaking

anything else!’
W
ell we finally made it to the Excel London loads of racers’ shoulders. Anyway, Funky booked me
Motorcycle Show, despite Tim and I doing in for the op; I was in and out within the day and my
our level best last month to completely shoulder feels great now. It does look like I’m going to
cripple ourselves. And what an event it was. We were miss the first round though as the doc said it’s going to
there to do a flat-track style riding display and it was be a little while until the muscles are strong enough to
bloody brilliant fun. They split us into two teams; hold everything in place. I’m absolutely gutted about
we were The Young Guns with Rich Cooper and Lee missing the first round but I’d rather wait and be fully
Jackson, and we were up against The Old Timers who fit than risk causing any more damage as, given my track
were Carl Fogarty, Jamie Whitham, Ruben Xaus, record so far this year, it’s not likely to be long before I
Neil Hodgson and Chris Walker. The guys running it have another off.
did say that we should take it in turns to let each other Missing round one does give us a little bit more time
win… like that was ever going to happen. There was a to get the GSX-R1000 ready. It’s nearly there but there
big banked up corner and you could carry so much speed are still a few bits to do. I’ve not ridden it yet but my
around it, but there was a rule that if you were in the mate Phil Crowe from Crowe Performance has got an
lead you had to use the slower inside line, so that kept identical one that he let me have a spin on at Cartagena
it all really close and exciting. which was ace fun. It was the first time I’d ridden a
In one of the last races, Walker took me out (he knew ’thou, and I loved every minute of it. Obviously they
he wasn't going to be able to beat me, probably) and are so much faster than the 600s that I’m used to but Tim’s been
my shoulder, the knackered state of which you might I know I’ll be able to get to grips with it, I just can’t bricking it...
have read about in last month’s column, jumped out of wait to ride my own now.
its socket. Luckily there was a guy in the audience who Tim’s R6 is ready to go now, in fact he was out riding
offered to help and it turned out he was fairly handy it the other week at Mallory. His day didn’t exactly go to
when it came to that sort of thing. He grabbed my arm plan though; ending up in hospital with a broken wrist.
with both hands, gave it a yank and clicked it back into I don’t think it’s a bad break and I’m sure he will still
place. I’m not sure if he was a doctor or anything but I make the first round, but I’ll let Tim tell you all about
was really grateful for his help because after spending far his weak bones next month.
too much time in A&E last month, the last thing that I For now, we are both looking forward to being fit
wanted to see this month was the inside of another again and working hard on the farm. It’s busy here right
hospital waiting room. That’s why when they told now because it’s calving season so we are helping out
me last month that they could operate on it or just loads with that... or as best as two physically impaired
strap it up I went for the latter. motorcyclists can. It’s quite funny because there are
Unfortunately, though, just before my strap arrived I calves running around everywhere, which really unnervess
had a small accident on the farm quad (I was working Tim. I think he’s a bit scared of them... and throttles.
very hard at the time and definitely not doing doughnuts In other news, we’re working on a racing project with
in the snow while my dad wasn’t watching) and my someone you may have heard of so hopefully next
shoulder popped out once again. This time right out. At month we will have the bikes all ready for our grand
this point I knew a strap wasn’t going work anyway, so announcement. Watch this space…
I figured I'’d need an operation to see it right. I went to
a guy called Lennard Funk, who as well as having a
brilliant name is a top shoulder surgeon. Neil Hodgson
had told me about him – apparently he has worked on
Little bikes, big

We’re no doctors, but that doesn’t look right. commitment.

COLUMNIST GARY JOHNSON RACING
ROAD RACING
A
lright, my darlings? I sure am, because sponsor for. The guys at Lee Hardy Racing are going to
everything is starting to fall into place with help me out with the everyday running of that so I’ll
the old racing job. I’m really pleased to be have Glen Richards as my crew chief, Tim Seed on the
able to announce that I am going to be riding for Lee data and we’ve got Ben Stafford and my mate Pistol
Hardy Racing on the RAF Regular and Reserves Briggs on the spanners. After last year I know the bike inside
Equipment Kawasaki ZX-10R. I had a great run at Macau out; we were really on the pace ready for the second
where I rode their bike and we all got on like a house on Supersport race that didn’t end up going ahead so I
fire. They have moved everything up a level with the know we are in with a good chance this year. The most
boys doing British Superbikes and that has been reflected important thing at the TT is knowing your bike and being
with the package they are putting underneath me for the comfortable on it so we haven’t made any big changes to
roads. I’ve ridden Kawasakis quite a bit on the Isle of it, we have just tried to make it a bit more comfortable by
Man, done some very respectable times and had some refining it and tailoring it to me; the biggest change we
fantastic results on them, finishing second in the 2013 have made is bolting a set of rearsets to it.
Superstock TT. I had also been fastest a year later in As well as getting the bikes and team organised I’ve
Superstock TT qualifying, again on a got a deal sorted with RST. We’ve spent some time
Kawasaki. Unfortunately though the race getting all the designs for my new leathers knocked up,
came to an abrupt end when man, machine so I can’t wait to see them in the flesh when they arrive.
Gaz knows and talent all had a massive argument with I’ve also been on with Suomy who are putting a helmet
the ZX-10R a damp patch at Waterworks and I ended design together for me which will hopefully be ready
intimately... up with some more damp patches in my for the races.
pants, a smashed up bike, a smashed up back At the time of writing, I’ve got the TT press launch and
and to add insult to injury a big graze on my the official team launch in Colchester to look forward to
forehead ruining my perfect good looks. I’m so I’ve already started practicing behaving myself. Once
really looking forward to making amends they are over we will be getting some laps in. We have
at the TT this year and I know we got some testing planned for this month (April) so I’m
will have the bike for the job. looking forward to getting to grips with the new bike and
We are also running my own spending some quality time with the Lee Hardy Racing
Triumph 675, which I’m boys; I wonder if they have learned how to behave
currently looking for a title themselves yet…
Just like Keith

Flint, Gaz is a
twisted fire
starter.

TYCO BMW
BRITISH SUPERBIKES
Iddon’s Beemer
I
t’s been some time since I had to sit down and circuits. Fast forward a few more years and
actually engage my brain into something, so writing after stints in BSS, WSBK and WSS I’m now looks so different
without fairings.
a column is quite a novelty. I guess a bit of an intro back, happy and settled in BSB. With British
would be a good thing to start with but having said that, titles in youth MX and in SM, I’d love to add
the last bio I did was for my Tinder profile and that only a title in a third discipline and that’s the goal.
resulted in one nut job (read that how you want) and far Apart from racing, I’m kinda simple in what I
too many of my ‘swipe rights’ swiping the other way. like doing and I guess a bit odd. I love to keep
Ah well, you bought the mag and you have no ability my fingers in pies (not just in Tinder!) so keep
to swipe left so you may as well carry on reading… myself thoroughly entertained by working as
Bit of background for you then? Well, I’m a country a builder, tree surgeon, quay header and a
boy chasing a dream. The end goal is to win the BSB shopkeeper and pretty much any other job I can
title on my Tyco BMW. I’m in my third season with the find to fill my days. It’s not that I need to work,
same team now so it’s kind of a ‘put up or shut up’ it’s kind of just an odd hobby I suppose but it
season for me. I spent my youth, (like most in the makes me happy. Having said that, work has
paddock) learning my bike trade in motocross before the been a bit slack lately and I’ve spent my time
switch to Supermoto. SM started as a way to get my foot trying to pass my HGV to attain a licence for the
in the door to go racing Superbike. My dad was a pretty motorhome I had all last season. I don’t think
successful short circuit racer and despite his knowledge using it for a year without any issues is going
and contacts we never had the money or chance early to be an acceptable short-cut for passing my
on to go straight to the short circuits so Supermoto was test, and as it turns out just getting my
a great way for me to get slicks on tarmac on a budget. provisional was a bit harder than it should
As it turned out, I was pretty good at it and fast have been when you have points on your
forward a load of years and I ended up with a good few licence – it even involved a bloody hearing Race diet?
British titles and a good shot at the Worlds before finally process, which is a nightmare. If all goes well That can wait.
making a turn to the dark side and going to full time I’ll soon be giving it the old “10-4 rubber
ducky” over that CB radio.
During the off season I made my annual
pilgrimage out to America to watch the
first round of the AMA Supercross in
California and damn I love my
Supercross. This is the third year
straight that I’ve been out to watch the
season opener and I love every minute!
I’m not a big fan of holidays so I try to
link the Supercross trip in with a bit of
an American tour. I just give my
friend my credit card and she
books everything for us which is
kind of cool as I don’t have to
do anything and it forces me to
head away for a few weeks
which I would never normally
do. It did mean however that I
ended up spending my new year’s
celebrations watching Britney
Spears in Vegas but even that
wasn’t all bad. Despite those few
years when she went full blown
crazy, I can now report that from
row 28 she looks like she’s back in
fine form!
Right, that’s it from me. I’m currently
in testing mode with the team and this
is the bread and butter part of the
season. So far so good, but we all
And he wonders why know there’s no points for going
his Tinder profile quickest on a trackday... it’s all about
doesn’t work. when those lights go out, which isn’t
long now. Until next time people…
COLUMNIST EX-RACER & TEAM MANAGER
RACE INSIDER
H
ello all! No doubt you’ll hate me for this, but I Crosby’s place, and spent a few days helping him check
was on my way to the airport just as the snow our Kawasaki Z900s and 1000s. He strips them all down,
began to fall in Blighty, so I escaped all the rebuilds them with fresh p arts and you end up with a
chaos! I’m writing to you from the Sheene household mint classic. I even helped him doing some drilling,
in Australia, but first off I had a stop in New Zealand. welding, milling and worked on some electric looms, so
It was to visit a race track called Hampton Downs, there’s a bit of Parrish in some of those bikes that will
which has had some money spent on it, been extended end up with happy customers. I may advise Crosby to
and also enjoys a new pit complex. It even has a corner supply a fire extinguisher for the one whose electrics I
named ‘Double Bastard Corner’! It was bought by a fella worked on mind you!
called Tony Quinn, as Aussie who made a load of cash And then it was over to here in Australia and to the
Now that’s how to
name a corner...
from pet food, as he worked out he could feed kangaroo Sheene place, waiting for the Barry Sheene Festival on
meat to pets. As they’re considered a pest and there are next week at Eastern Creek. Sorry, it’s now called Sydney
lots of them, he ended up with a bucket of dosh. He loves Motorsports Park, or something, but to me it’ll always be
motorsport and this is actually the second track he owns. EC. Anyway, it’ll be a great event again with fabulous
There was a round of the New Zealand Superbike classic and modern race bikes, which all the usual faces
series on, which was actually hotly contested, and they turn up to.
had an old duffer race squeezed in. it was me and people And of course, this coming weekend is the start of
like Randy Mamola, Kevin Magee, Graeme Crosby and a MotoGP. I spent some time with someone recently who
few more bombing around on old two-strokes. I actually works in the Yamaha squad, and even they think it’s
finished second, but it was a bit of a demo race, although probably down to Marquez and Dovizioso given their
I did set a new lap record there in a bus! winter testing results. They also said how it seems that
We were at a dinner on the Saturday night and I was Vinales is a bit fragile, being amazing one minute and
showing a bit of my double-decker bus antics from the terrible the next; he can be all over the place mentally.
past to the diners. This Tony Quinn told me to leave it In fact I think I saw even Rossi basically telling him
with him, and come Sunday morning there was a bus during testing to just get on with it! In fact, it smacks
waiting for me! We had a whole bunch on the bus, a little bit of Lorenzo doesn’t it? You can’t win titles
including Jeremy Burgess who was my crew chief for the with a rinsed head, but I’m sure he can at least win
weekend, though there were a few we had to nigh on races again.
force on! Anyway, a new bus lap record is good enough I enjoyed WSB from PI too, though I’m still not sure
for me. about the rules. How important must gearing now be,
We used to race WSB in New Zealand, in fact my rider given that rev ranges are shorter? And there will more
Terry Rymer won a race there back in the day. We raced rev drops if results go a certain way, and if the race bikes
there for a number of years, but although Hampton end up revving lower than a road bike, that will be
Downs is now long enough and set up well enough to extraordinary, and a little daft. Worse still is every single
hold something like that, the issue with NZ is there’s rider of whatever bike being penalised if it happens. It’s a
barely anyone there, something like five million people bit convoluted for me, really. I enjoyed the pit-stop, the
spread across an island the size of Blighty. I’m sure same way I do when it rains in WSB or MotoGP. Could it
Mr Quinn would love to do it, if they can get be an addition to WSB? Maybe, but let’s see how this
the crowds, money and extra backing to do year goes before we make that verdict. The one plus is
so, and convince Dorna of course! Jonny Rea not coming away with two wins, though it’s
After that I spent some time up at not a plus for him, obviously! Till next month!
Randy was starstruc

He’s always playing k
by Steve...
with his helmet.
Bothering Burgess.

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TOBP 1T0 11 PAGES

MAY 2018 ISSUE 339

IT’S THE NEWS!

Know Your.......................................94 COVER STORY Used MV Agusta F3 800 ............... 62

You & Yours.....................................82 FEATURES

Gary Johnson ................................ 112

Christian Iddon ............................. 113

Steve Parrish................................. 114

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MAY 2018 WWW.FASTBIKESMAG.COM 7

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