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81 Articles

7 DAYS IN 60 SECONDS

THE UK’S BEST BIKES, PRODUCTS & DEALERS THE UK’S BEST NEW BIKES Whether it’s a full-on superbike, an electric urban runabout, or a globe-shrinking adventurer – we crown the best new bikes in every class BIKE OF THE YEAR AWARDS The best of the best If you really want to know which bikes are the best in class – then you need to read this week’s special 36-page supplement. While some are happy to sell gongs, give them to their biggest commercial supporters, or simply hand them to their mates – MCN still believe in the sanctity of our awards, which are 100% independent. The winners are awarded only after we’ve thoroughly tested, evaluated and debated the nominees. But it’s not all about bikes – we have also awarded the Dave Taylor Lifetime Achievement Award…

7 DAYS IN 60 SECONDS

‘It’s one of the best fights on the calendar’

Deciding the winner in group bike tests is usually a relatively simple matter of logic. Even amidst a sea of strong competitors, it’s rarely a bloodbath to pick which is best. But selecting the winners for the annual MCN Awards is a bit more challenging – and one of the most enjoyable fights on the calendar. The shortlists write themselves, with successive winners within each niche of every category automatically rising to vie for pole position. And in some categories, that’s enough in itself. In others, it could result in a much longer list of individual test-winning protagonists. Sometimes there’s still one uncontested winner that stands bars and fuel tank above its nearest rivals – sometimes it’s like trying to split hairs with an axe whilst herding cats. But, by the end…

‘It’s one of the best fights on the calendar’

One year on from the bike’s launch, Royal Enfield have announced colour updates to the Meteor 350 single, with the latest crop starting at £3879. Powered by an air-oil-cooled 349cc lump, the easy-going cruiser is now available in a range of new designs, starting with the cheapest Fireball Blue and Matt Green options – before progressing to the pre-existing £3959 Stellar models and £4039 Supernova Red design. According to Motorcycle Industry Association stats, the Meteor 350 was the best-selling motorcycle from 126cc-650cc in July of this year, with 180 new registrations. That’s 60 more than BMW’s R1250GSA. Royal Enfield’s Executive Director, B. Govindarajan said: “Over the last two years, the Meteor 350 has set new benchmarks in the entry-level cruiser segment across global markets, while picking up awards and accolades along the…

‘Baby’ Hesketh on the way!

These are the first images of Hesketh’s all-new, 450cc single-cylinder roadster, which is set for its official unveiling next month. Called the Heresy, it’s the British marque’s first all-new bike since the brand was revived in 2014 with the £35,000, 2000cc V-twin ‘24’. With that bike now consigned to history as it no longer meets emissions regs, Hesketh owner Paul Sleeman has changed direction to create a more accessible machine – although there are still plans for a 200bhp supercharged triple. Sleeman, who has owned the brand since 2010, told MCN the Heresy was conceived during Covid-19 lockdown as a more affordable but still fun, lightweight. Going up against other British built, small-volume concerns such as the Langen Two Stroke and single-cylinder CCM Spitfire range, it could see Hesketh return to significant…

‘Baby’ Hesketh on the way!

Last call for Manx GP marshals

Organisers of the currently-running Manx GP road racing festival on the Isle of Man have said it’s not too late to be a volunteer marshal at this year’s event. “Whether it’s your first time visiting the Manx Grand Prix, or you’ve been following the racing for decades, you’ll be made very welcome,” TT Marshals Association Chairman, Jane Corlett said. “You can rest assured you’ll be looked after by the Chief Sector Marshal and teamed up with an experienced marshal to learn the ropes. There are opportunities around the course to suit all interests, backgrounds and levels of experience.” Although qualifying started on Sunday, August 21 – and racing is due to to take place on Friday, Saturday and Bank Holiday Monday – there’s still time to register as a volunteer and get…

Last call for Manx GP marshals

Moto Corsa falls… and rises!

Award-winning dealership Moto Corsa are back in business with many of the old staff members, after going into surprise liquidation at the end of last month. The multi-franchise dealership suddenly closed its Gillingham showroom on July 20 of this year, and it quickly transpired it had gone into receivership. Founded in 2004 by Mike Russell de Clifford, it specialised in MV Agusta, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Royal Enfield and, more recently, KTM. Along with used bikes, clothing, and accessories, its main premises was a lavish showroom in Gillingham on the Wiltshire border, while its service centre was 10 miles away in Ashmore. It won MCN’s Multi-franchise Dealer of the Year (SW) award in 2018 and Café Corsa was voted ‘Best Independent Café’ in the Dorset Food Awards. Normally, that might have been the end of the…

Moto Corsa falls… and rises!

Licensed to thrill…

A Triumph Scrambler 1200 from the latest James Bond flick No Time To Die is to star in a special 007 vehicle display at Silverstone this weekend before being auctioned off for charity next month. The bike, which was first ridden by film baddie ‘Primo’ before being commandeered by 007 for an epic wall jump in the opening sequence, joins seven other Bond vehicles from the film in a two-part event to celebrate 60 years of the secret agent on the silver screen. The first is a special preview display at this bank holiday weekend’s Silverstone Classic historic motorsport event from August 26-28. While the second is a special live auction in partnership with Bond filmmakers EON Productions to be held on September 28 when all eight vehicles, along with other Bond items,…

Licensed to thrill…

SEAT scooter prices slashed

SEAT are offering £800 off their Mó electric scooter between now and the end of August, with the discount offered to both personal and fleet buyers for business. Available until August 31, the discount sees the bike now priced at £4999 OTR and represents a 14% saving on the previous price of £5800. The SEAT scoot arrived back in 2020 and is capable of a claimed 59mph and a range of 85 miles. Once you’re home, the battery is removable and can be topped up indoors. A 9kW motor is integrated into the rear wheel and gives performance equivalent to a conventional 125 petrol machine. You get three riding modes; City, Sport, Eco – plus a reverse gear to make moving the bike that little bit easier. For more, visit seat.co.uk.…

SEAT scooter prices slashed

DEALS OF THE WEEK

SAVE £2101 £18,499 Triumph Rocket 3R Triumph gave the Rocket 3 a serious makeover for its 2019 reintroduction. A bonkers 2458cc engine, sharper steering geometry and a shorter wheelbase, allied to a 40kg weight saving, gives it an appetite for corners the old bike couldn’t dream of. The bike on offer here is the sportier R model with mid-set footpegs. www.smithstriumph.co.uk SAVE £1000 £7999 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Teasdales have got some laid-back 2020-model Bobbers registered in December 21 with a grand off the asking price. teasdale-motorcycles.co.uk ● Engine 853cc ● Power 55bhp ● Weight 210kg ● Seat height 784mm SAVE £820 £12,229 Honda CRF1000L Kestrel are taking orders for Africa Twins and offering finance at 4.9%, instead of 6.9% with an offer on a tracker too. www.kestrelhonda.co.uk ● Engine 998cc ● Power 100bhp ● Weight 226kg ● Seat height…

DEALS OF THE WEEK

Police theft response ‘unacceptable and unsustainable’

A report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has concluded that the police response to burglary, robbery and theft must improve. The report follows an investigation into the police’s handling of ‘serious acquisitive crime’ – a category that includes motorbike theft – which found that forces are missing opportunities to identify and catch offenders from the moment a crime is reported to the time a case is closed. “Burglary, robbery and theft are not minor crimes,” said Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary Andy Cooke. “They are crimes that strike at the heart of how safe people feel in their own homes or communities. “The low charge rates for these crimes are unacceptable – there needs to be a concerted drive to address this issue because it…

Police theft response ‘unacceptable and unsustainable’

Undercover protection

Adventure Spec have released a new Supershirt – a CE AA rated base layer top to sit below whatever jacket you want. Like a normal base layer, you still get moisture wicking and breathability, but the shoulders, elbows and back are now also protected with Level 2 armour. A Level 1 insert is also available to protect your chest. It’s yours for £299 from the adventurespec.com website. Stick the Kettle on Over 80 pristine Suzuki GT750 ‘Kettles’ took part in a recent four-day meet up at the Fire Service College in the Cotswolds market town of Moreton-in-Marsh. The weekend of fun included hazy rideouts around the local area, plus a 72-strong trip to the Calne Bike Meet in Wiltshire. Over £400 was raised for the Wings for Life spinal cord research charity.…

Undercover protection

Thieves do a runner

Police in Northamptonshire are appealing for witnesses after a silver Yamaha YBR125 was taken from outside a house in Poplar Road, Finedon. The bike was stolen between midnight and 12.30am on Monday, August 15 by offenders dressed all in black and wearing balaclavas. Luckily, the would-be thieves abandoned the bike and ran away after being confronted by a member of the public on nearby Allen Road. Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the theft or who may have captured the offenders with the motorcycle on dash-cam or CCTV. Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting incident number: 2000472312.…

Ready for adventure

BMW Off Road Skills in Wales are once again opening their doors for a weekend of on-and off-road challenges for fans of the ever-popular GS adventure bike range. Known as the ‘GS Challenge 2022’, the event is run in conjunction with BMW UK and invites everyone from complete novices to vastly experienced adventurers to explore the stunning mountain roads of South Wales, as well as the 4000-acre off-road playground of Walters Arena. The event will start on Friday, 9 September and finish on Sunday, 11 September. Each entry costs £199 and will cover the riding, as well as three nights of camping and entertainment on the Saturday night. Those wanting a little more comfort can pay extra for their motorhome or vehicle tent and entry for female riders is completely free – in…

Ready for adventure

Motorcycle Live tickets on sale!

Tickets for this year’s Motorcycle Live show have gone on sale, with adult entry available for £22 each and kids aged 6-18 going for just £1. As always, the show will take place at Birmingham’s NEC, with doors opening at 10am on Saturday, November 19 and running daily until November 27. “We can’t wait to open the doors,” Managing Director of Motorcycle Live, Finlay McAllan, said. “It’s shaping up to be brimming with manufacturers, retailers, interaction, and wall-to-wall bikes.” Book at motorcyclelive.co.uk.…

Motorcycle Live tickets on sale!

Fred Warr 1929-2022

MCN is saddened to report the passing of one of Harley-Davidson’s most influential UK figures, Frederick Howard Warr, who died peacefully at home on August 11 after a battle with Motor Neurone Disease. Known to all as Fred, Warr was responsible for bringing the first customer Harley-Davidsons into the UK since 1939, selling new machines from the Warr’s dealership on Kings Road in London from 1956. His father, Captain Frederick James Warr founded the Warr’s Kings Road dealership in 1924 and was joined by his son in 1949. Before being granted the right to sell new Harleys to the public, the pair worked on ex-military WL750s, which Fred would buy in bulk from Government auctions. It was also in 1949 that Fred became a founding member of the Harley-Davidson Riders Club of Great Britain,…

Fred Warr 1929-2022

Muc-Off Pressure Washer Bonus Bundle £89.99 Good, clean fun No excuses for putting your bike away dirty. This pressure washer from Muc-Off is a firm favourite at MCN and we’ve been using them for years. It’s powerful enough to clean practically anything but is also gentle enough to protect delicate suspension and bearing components so you don’t blast out the grease along with the muck. It’s available from a range of suppliers with similar offers to this, however M&P chuck in a few extras, making this one a particularly appealing bargain. Along with the washer itself – which already includes three different pressure wands to make sure you are able to deploy the correct pressure for each job on the bike – you also get a five-piece deluxe brush kit, microfibre polishing cloth, two-in-one…

NEW KIT JUST IN

Furygan Ultra Spark 3-in-1 vented jacket £199.99 This textile jacket from Furygan is vented to keep you cool in hot weather and has a removable liner that’s windproof, waterproof and thermal. That’s three-season practicality combined with sporty styling. Available in three colours, size S-4XL. www.furygan.com Competition Werkes slip-on exhaust for Ducati Diavel £450 Want to unlock a little more music from your Ducati Diavel? This slip-on end can is just the job. Available in brushed stainless, full black, carbon or black centre, it’s a direct swap for OE. Competition Werkes recommend fitting a baffle (not included). www.competitionwerkes.com MT Targo helmet £89.99 The MT Targo gets some bright new graphics for 2022, like this Frog design. It’s a cheap and cheerful helmet made from injected thermoplastic with a multi-density EPS liner. It’s pinlock ready and has…

NEW KIT JUST IN

Belly of the beast

The current crop of MotoGP machines might be the fastest we’ve ever seen but they’re also among the ugliest – sprouting ever more elaborate wings and fins in the effort to tame the airflow. Among this odd-looking bunch Aprilia’s RS-GP stands out with an even more unusual set of proportions than its rivals. It’s clearly effective, with Aleix Espargaro taking Aprilia’s first victory in the modern era and lying second in the title chase. Now new patent applications give some hints to why the RS-GP looks the way it does and how it’s proving to be one of the class bikes of the field. Downforce and drag reduction are the key elements to the design. While Aprilia’s moustache-like nose winglets and the Mugello rear wing mean it has some of the most eye-catching…

Belly of the beast

WIN AN ABUS SECURITY BUNDLE

WORTH OVER £570 Security experts Abus are giving you the chance to win a full set of ‘Keyed-a-like’ security products, including a Granit Detecto XPlus 8008 alarm disc lock, Granit XPlus 540 U-lock and Granit Xtreme XPlus 59 Chain Lock, worth over £570 – and all operated by a single, identical key. Multiple locks can be ordered as ‘Keyed-a-like’ at point of purchase or even years after – all that matters is that your ABUS locks all have the same style key cylinder. Enter now to be in with a chance of winning. Visit motorcyclenews.com/winabusonekey ENTER FOR FREE – NOW! Visit www.motorcyclenews.com/winabusonekey TERMS AND CONDITIONS: The prize draw closes at midnight on September 13, 2022. This competition is open to UK residents aged 16 and over. There is one prize consisting of 1 x Granit Detecto…

WIN AN ABUS SECURITY BUNDLE

First on the scene

A Welsh former ambulance service paramedic and retired Police advanced motorcyclist has begun offering courses teaching skills on what to do if you’re first on the scene at a traffic collision. Known as First Bike on Scene, the courses cost just £10 per day from the Outreach Rescue Medic Skills training facility located near Bethesda, Wales. Founder Rich Birkby has received backing from the Welsh Government to keep the one-day courses going and teaches skills including scene safety and management, plus evidence preservation. It also covers first aid such as CPR and using a defibrillator, plus safe helmet removal techniques. The day ends with a practical accident scenario, to help put what you’ve learned into practice. The knowledge could help you save a life. Book on now by emailing enquiries@orms247.co.uk or call…

First on the scene

Different strokes for different folks

A French biker has combined over 20 years of Aprilia performance heritage by transforming his RSV4 1100 superbike into a bespoke tribute to two-stroke RS250. Fifty-year-old Gwenael Barthélémy, originally from Brittany, got the inspiration for the bike in the early noughties during a ride along the banks of Lake Como in Italy, when he stumbled across a V-twin Aprilia RSV1000 wearing a white RS250 fairing. “I am very proud of the finished result,” Barthélémy told MCN. “This was not an easy plan to make happen, with different people all working on the same project. You risk losing some consistency, but this build proved really successful.” Despite being an amateur, the now Swiss resident has overseen eight builds since 2016 – coming up with the ideas himself before working with friends and workshops to…

Different strokes for different folks

Table top idea…

For a while now an idea has been forming in my mind – I need to build a coffee table for my office out of an engine. Obviously I started with the thought of a V8 (Rover is the usual route) but I’m not into cars and that’s a big old lump of metal to trip over. So I scaled down and focused on a motorcycle engine instead. Years ago I was in BMW’s factory and they had tables made out of boxer engines but getting a cheap one is hard and that’s a lot of width with those cylinders sticking out and my office is fairly small. A shame, as I find it quite a pretty motor. I was also tempted by a Harley motor, but I don’t think my…

Table top idea…

mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com motorcyclenews motorcyclenews MCNnews Britain’s got talent Excellent review of Thruxton BSB, but no mention of the Junior Talent Cup. Anyone watching the latest season will have been amazed by the riding skills of these riders, and watching Johnny Garness running away with the series, winning by margins of up to 9 seconds over the rest of the field, and then seeing this (just turned) 14-year-old on the podium, dwarfed by 17-year-olds on either side, is sensational! Kevin Robson, email BMW ruffled my feathers I had an unlucky bird strike on my 2016 GS. Having dealt with the blood and feathers my heart sank, knowing the bike had the Iconic paint scheme, of which there were only 100 GS (alongside 100GSA and other models) I realised the likelihood of a quick off-the-shelf part to replace the broken nose…

‘Lucky to walk away from it’

A day out with a mate was spoilt by a negligent driver spilling diesel onto the roundabout at Uppingham. I approached to go right so the slick could not be seen until I started to turn in… Front washed out and I was down. The road was like ice as I and the other road users (commercials, vans, cars and motorbike and an ambulance that stopped to offer help) moved the bike. I reported the RTA to the police, and requested a road clean up before any other accidents occurred. I was lucky, but the image that comes to my mind is the posters from some years ago Diesel Spills Can Kill. James Griffin, email Write something that spikes our interest, and you could get selected for the Star Letter slot. Each…

‘Lucky to walk away from it’

Q ‘Clueless over crash process’ I was recently involved in a near miss on my bike when a black SUV turned across my path. By some miracle, I managed to go around it without losing control, but I was very shaken up afterwards. I can’t stop thinking about how it could have been worse but also that, if I had been hurt, I would have been clueless about what to do after an accident from a legal standpoint. Jennifer, email A It’s a requirement to notify the police after an accident involving injury, so if you were able to, you’d need to call 999. They will ask if you need an ambulance etc. You should exchange details with the third-party driver including their name, registration, make and model, and their contact and insurance details.…

YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST BIKE

Send your first bike pics to: yourpics@motorcyclenews.com HOME-BUILT SPECIAL Me in 1981 on the best bike ever. My Raleigh Grifter with parts from my uncle’s Scrambler, fitted by my dad. Tim Morson YAMAHA XJ650 This was my first four-stroke bike, my Yamaha XJ650 with custom paint. The picture was taken in 1985. Robert Cowley SUZUKI TS125ER Me with my first bike, a TS125ER – really wished I’d kept it, although I’m sure it’d be awful by modern standards. Chris Benham HONDA CB125 My first road legal bike was a Honda CB125 when I was 17 – loved the fairing and panniers as it made it feel like a ‘proper’ bike. Helped look after it when I dropped it too. Huw Trebble NORTON DOMINATOR 99 My dad Brian Relph got this Dominator a couple years ago. He wanted one as his…

YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST BIKE

‘We’ve got it all at Harry’s!’

Ride further in 2022 with a little help from our one-stop event guide JUST BREW IT Ride out to Britain’s best biking cafés Harry’s has been stationed on the top floor of Fowlers in Bristol since 2000. It used to be a quiet little café with 20 seats, but that all changed in 2008 when Jane Waite took over. Now, Harry’s is huge in biking circles with 100 seats, big breakfasts, insane challenges, decent food and a cracking atmosphere – not forgetting Fowlers’ dealership right underneath. “We have a balance of everything but are well known for our tasty Mega Breakfast,” says Jane. “And one of the reasons why our food is so good is because we support local businesses.” But if the Mega Breakfast doesn’t quite sound mega enough to you, then you might…

‘We’ve got it all at Harry’s!’

Readers Brett Collins and friends The trip We went from the port at Santander straight down the middle of Spain below Madrid and then across to the east coast. We followed the road up around Barcelona then into Andorra. Next we spent a couple of days in the Pyrenees before dropping into France and heading back up to Cherbourg. Brilliant. How many miles? 2350 How long do you need? A week to ten days or more if you have the time What were the bikes? We took a Kawasaki H2SX, Yamaha R1 and a Suzuki Hayabusa Best time to go We went in summer so all the passes were open but it got warm at times Tell us about the trip… We rode about 2350 miles on some absolutely amazing roads, with beautiful scenery which all…

Time to go wild in the Wolds

MCN staff and readers share their one-hour routes Starting in Lincoln, this 40-mile blast is a treat, taking in fast-flowing corners and single tracks through sleepy villages. Head south from the city and follow the signs for Washingborough. Enjoy the bends and fast open straights of the B1190 to Bardney. Taking the second left out of the village past the post office, you’ll meet a spaghetti of tarmac taking you to Baumber. At the junction, take a right and instant left, before doing the same again just moments later. From here, it’s onto Hemingby. Continue through, following signs for Scamblesby, taking a right at the next junction. Then it’s left onto the A153 until Cadwell Park. Double back and go right towards Stenigot. At the end of the road, go left…

Time to go wild in the Wolds

1 Poole Quay Aug 30 Every Tuesday in the summer months, Poole Quay turns into a haven for bikers. Entry is £2 per bike. www.pooletourism.com 2 An Enduring Day Aug 27-28 The Dawn to Dusk Enduro race takes place around the Brecon Beacons. dawntoduskenduro.co.uk 3 Euro rendezvous Aug 28 If you’re a fan of European motorcycles pop along to Sammy Miller’s fantastic museum, for a day of metal appreciation. www.sammymiller.co.uk 4 Whitwell nike night Aug 26 Nestled in deepest Norfolk, this quaint railway station, with trains to view and a cracking café, is home to this great weekly bike night. Free to enter. whitwellstation.com…

THURSDAY August 25 9.30pm, EUR1, Speedway of Nations: Final SATURDAY August 27 6.35am, ITV4, MotoGP highlights from Austria 1pm, QUEST, Live British Superbikes from Cadwell Park SUNDAY August 28 11.50am, ITV4, Bennetts British Superbikes – Photo Archive Feature 1pm, EUR2, Live Bennetts British Superbikes from Cadwell Park: Day 1 MONDAY August 29 1pm, EUR2, Live Bennetts British Superbikes from Cadwell Park: Day 2 4.30am, BTS2, MotoGP Films: Level 7 Marquez KEY TO CHANNELS: DRT – DISCOVERY REAL TIME DSC – DISCOVERY CHANNEL DHD – DISCOVERY CHANNEL HD EXS – EXTREME SPORTS CHANNEL EUR1 (2, HD) – EUROSPORT 1 (2, HD) MOT – MOTORSPORT.TV CH4 – CHANNEL 4 CH5 – CHANNEL FIVE BBC BBCI – BBC INTERACTIVE ESPN – ESPN CLASSIC CHANNEL ITV DST – DISCOVERY TURBO SHED – DISCOVERY SHED INST – INSIGHT SS1 (2, 3 OR X) – SKY SPORTS 1 (2, 3 OR…

See the stars flying high

Cadwell Park’s flagship event returns to its traditional August Bank Holiday slot, and sees a triple-header of BSB action, culminating in two races on Monday. So much more than just a race meeting, Cadwell BSB truly is a festival of motorcycling boasting a fairground, live, music, trade stands and the rest. But turning attention back to the track and there are two reasons to smile: first is the return of traditional Superpole qualifying, which sees riders try to set the fastest lap possible in just one single lap. Cadwell is the only place this will happen this season. And secondly, World Superbike champion Toprak Razgatlıoglu will be in attendance, treating spectators to a demonstration lap or two. What will the stunt-loving Turk make of the Mountain? The essentials If you haven’t already…

See the stars flying high

MILEAGE HUNTERS

‘Up the Susten Pass’ R5K MEMBER LORRAINE THOMAS Up a very foggy and cold Susten Pass in the Alps, whilst at the Women’s International Motorcycle Association Rally 2022 Switzerland. I covered 2800 miles on the trip, before heading home to Wales. ‘Family rideout’ R5K MEMBER JUSTINE WASLEY Out on a rideout with my husband John and dad Derek Durose, who’s 78 years young! We rode over to the Great British Car Journey in Ambergate. ‘A charity lap of Silverstone’ R5K MEMBER JOSH HOOLE A selfie just before going for a lap around Silverstone at the Two Wheels for Life Day of Champions at the British MotoGP. I loved the long sweeping Luffield corner! ‘Next stop, Cornwall’ R5K MEMBERS TRACY AND KEVIN ATKINSON Here we are en route to Cornwall, via a mid-Wales stop at Talgarth, for a brilliant week away with…

MILEAGE HUNTERS

Fun, good looking and single

THE MCN TEST • THE HOTTEST BIKES • EVERY WEEK £4599 otr Royal Enfield Scram 411 • 411cc 2v single • 24bhp/24lb.ft • £85.70 per month HP £5249 otr Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 • 373cc 4v single • 43bhp/27lb.ft • £101.17 per month HP £4599 otr Zontes ZT350-GK Sportcafe • 348cc 4v single • 39bhp/24lb.f • £89.42 per month HP As it’s rapidly approaching lunch o’clock on a corking summer’s day we’re surveying rural Leicestershire from the elevated garden of the Welcome Café, just outside Twyford on the darting B6047. The past four hours have been spent bobbing, scurrying and dancing down glorious B-roads, and the broad beamers across three daft faces show the fun we’re having. Crucially, nobody is chuntering about a lack of power or speed from our modest machinery. It helps of course that all the bikes have similar performance. However, there’s a resurgence…

Fun, good looking and single

It doesn’t matter anymore…

There’s no mention in this test about the fact that Zontes is a Chinese brand. Motorcycling is truly global operation with bikes designed and manufactured all over the place, and unless you’re a flag-waving obsessive, there’s no quality concerns regarding country of origin. Here’s why you shouldn’t look at Zontes differently to any other manufacturer. It’s one of the brands of Tayo (or Guandong Tayo Motorcycle Technology Co to use their full name), which was founded almost 20 years ago and is now a giant: the factory employs nearly 1600 people and covers 600 acres. That’s four-hundred football pitches. The Zontes manufacturing process is cutting-edge and highly automated, with robots doing everything from high-pressure alloy casting and frame welding to applying the paint. It’s all done in-house, be it machining and…

‘They’re so different’

Time to declare an interest. I’ve got a real soft spot for smaller bikes – I enjoy the thin-tyre, light-weight agility and like using all their performance without being paranoid after every ride. That’s why the most powerful machine in my garage has a modest 44bhp. But these three 400cc-ish singles have shown they can appeal to more than fetishists like me. Bruce is a national-level racer and Shaun used to blast around on a Suzuki B-King, yet both see the attraction. Picking a winner is tough however, as there are clear differences between the bikes, and they divide our testers. The Enfield is the laid-back option, prioritising comfort, ease of use and simple charm over performance, and is the one Bruce would buy ahead of the Husqvarna and then the…

‘They’re so different’

People who have shaped our world No European entrepreneur had a bigger impact on modern biking than Ivano Beggio, who founded Aprilia and went on to challenge Ducati and Honda. Not bad for the son of a small bicycle manufacturer who built his first motorcycle in the early 1960s. “At 16 I made my first 50cc bike, with a motor by Franco Morini,” he recounted shortly before his death in 2018. “It was a sports 50, assembled from parts, and I told myself then that when I became an adult I wanted to build bikes and win a world championship.” He did exactly that – and much more besides. In 1968 Beggio took over the family bicycle firm and, after a period of consolidation, turned to motorcycles. First were mopeds, then came a…

‘We learned from BMW’

Aprilia under Beggio re-engerised lightweights and did many great things but one of the biggest – and least celebrated – was teaming up with BMW in the 1990s. “In collaboration with BMW we built the F650,” recalled Beggio. “At that time we still didn’t build our own engines and I didn’t like the looks and geometry of BMW motorcycles but their engines had great history, those fantastic twins. “So, one day I decided to go to BMW in Munich and asked their CEO if they could supply engines. He replied: ‘Let’s meet in a couple of months at the Milan Show and we’ll have a chat.’ “So, we met at the end of the show and the CEO said: ‘Look Mr Beggio, forget about us supplying engines because it’s not in our history…

‘We learned from BMW’

Adip in the road, a downpour of rain and an unexpected hazard. Sunday, May 19, 1935, war hero, author and passionate motorcyclist, T.E Lawrence crashes his Brough Superior SS100 while attempting to avoid two young cyclists. He goes over the ’bars, hits his head on the ground and is knocked unconscious. He never wakes up. Much has been documented about Lawrence’s life full of inspiring, heroic deeds, yet it’s arguably his death that has made the greatest impact. His untimely demise aged 46 provoked international mourning and reflection. It also inspired one man to look more closely at motorcycle accidents and the injuries they cause, paving the way for the birth of the modern motorcycle helmet and the standards that help keep us safe today. Research begins Following his accident, T.E Lawrence spent…

The very first bike lids

It’s hard to believe a time when riders on track didn’t wear head protection. But back in early 1914 at Brooklands, track medical officer Dr Eric Gardner was seeing motorcyclists with head injuries at least twice a month. Thinking that a protective layer may help, he asked Mr Moss of Bethnal Green to make the first helmet. Made from canvas and shellac it was stiff enough to see off blows and projections. After going to the ACU, who dismissed the idea initially, they were introduced into the 1914 TT. Many riders weren’t happy about it, but in the race it saved one rider and stopped a normal string of concussions.…

The very first bike lids

MIPS offers a system inside a helmet which is designed to act like a secondary layer of cerebral spinal fluid. This system is designed to help redirect rotational forces from certain impacts by helping to convert the energy from the impact to translational velocity rather than rotational velocity. MIPS tries to do this because the brain consists mostly of water, it is incompressible but sensitive to shear deformations. ‘Shear’ refers to unaligned forces pushing the brain in two different directions. All of this means the brain is very sensitive to rotational forces.…

★★★★★ Dainese Mugello R D-air suit £2927.99 ‘Suit put to the ultimate test’ Tested by Bruce Dunn for 10,000 miles This is Dainese’s highest spec race suit and it’s as close as you can get to wearing what MotoGP and WSB stars sling over their backs. The suit’s quality transcends that of any other I have previously worn; the distinctive ‘Dainese fragrance’ emanating from the full-grain kangaroo (just 0.9mm thick) leather adds to the opulence, although you are obviously paying a high price for this top-notch garment. But having lived with this suit for countless miles, including track testing, racing and performance testing on some of the highest performance production bikes and racing machines, it has been comfortable and flexible at all times. Dainese call this comfort ‘passive safety’ – a big part of their…

Identity crisis

MICHAEL NEEVES CHIEF ROAD TESTER Has ridden just about everything in his 20-year MCN road testing career. With the promise of superbike performance and a not-so-extreme riding position, the Speed Triple 1200 RR should have my name written all over it, but it doesn’t. Trying to get to know you I’ve ridden it at its launch, on MCN tests and lived with this one for the past five months and over 7000 miles, including a week-long, 3000-mile trip to the Pyrenees and a trackday at Oulton. It isn’t a bad bike, but we’ve never gelled. It’s a shame because I like just about every other Triumph I’ve ridden and the RR is lovely in the flesh and really neatly done. I love the paint finishes, carbon fibre, colour dash and designer brakes and semi-active suspension. It’s…

Identity crisis

‘A small inconvenience’

SAFFRON WILSON REPORTER Year-round rider with a thirst for rock music and motorcycle adventure. It’s great to be back in the saddle of the Tuareg. As you may or may not remember, after riding back from Kent I found myself with a black boot after I’d hopped off the bike and popped it in the garage. This could mean only one thing – an oil leak. Luckily, I’d already booked the bike in to get some panniers and topbox fitted in preparation for an upcoming road trip. So, I let the team at Spyder Motorcycles know, then tentatively rode the Tuareg on brand new road tyres to Silverstone in the hope that it was a quick fix and everything would align for the tour. But things don’t always work out in the way you…

‘A small inconvenience’

‘It started smoking!’

It’s a tough call when it comes to spending more money than you think you should… Doubly so when it’s something boring (although, weirdly, not so painful when it’s something shiny and performance-enhancing…). Buying anything electrical for a bike always gets me sucking in air through my teeth, and an OE reg/rec can easily set you back a couple of hundred quid. It’s no wonder there is a healthy market for pattern parts. But buying one is a huge lottery because in my experience, virtually all pattern electrical stuff will fall short. That’s not to say that it will fail immediately, and I’m not damming all here but… unless you have a trusted dealer that can suggest one, be cautious. A pal of mine recently had a reg/rec fail on his…

‘It started smoking!’

Let’s take charge

Saving you money on essential bike maintenance BRUCE DUNN MCN’s expert technician 1 Know the symptoms If your bike’s charging system is on the fritz you’ll soon know about it. You may find that the engine turns over very slowly when the starter motor is engaged, an early sign that the battery isn’t being fully charged. Also, you may notice that the headlights are dim when the bike’s running and using the indicators or brake light dims the headlight further. BRUCE’S TIPS Poor running at low rpm or a misfire is another warning sign of trouble 2 Grab a meter To help diagnose charging issues you will need a multimeter, a device used to measure various electrical values – resistance, voltage etc – in differing ranges. They can be bought cheaply and are easy to use, once you…

Let’s take charge

‘You could hear bits rattling around inside’

MECHANIC Niki Spreng of NS Motorcycles in Aylesbury When a customer dropped his 2005 Yamaha R1 into NS Motorcycles in Aylesbury, mechanic Niki Spreng immediately spotted an essential job that needed doing. Niki said: “I could see the chain and sprockets were on their last legs and told him he needed a new set. He said ‘yeah, yeah’ and headed off.” It was only a few days later that Niki got a call from said owner who reported that the chain had snapped. “He said it went at about 45mph, but when I saw the state of the engine, I suspect he was going a bit quicker than that,” Niki added. It looked like the chain had snapped on the bottom run which meant that the front sprocket continued to pull the chain forward, so…

‘You could hear bits rattling around inside’

‘The rider makes the difference!’

Alvaro Bautista is the happy, chirpy Spaniard of World Superbikes, just as he was in MotoGP. The difference now is that he’s on top of the world, beating Jonathan Rea and Toprak Razgatlioglu in his quest for the title. But what about those who say it’s all about the Ducati and its straight-line speed advantage? To Bautista, that’s no more than excuses from rivals. How happy are you with your Ducati return? Very. My superbike journey began with Ducati in 2019 and it was very good. For one reason or another, we went our separate ways. But now we’ve reunited and we’re all very happy. I’ve signed a one-year deal for 2023. I’m old! So, let’s do it year-by-year and see how we do! I feel good, competitive and comfortable. Next year…

‘The rider makes the difference!’

JOHN McGUINNESS

‘Rea has got the perfect balance’ I think all racers are extroverts, we’re all on the spectrum, I think you’ve got to be to do what we do! It’s very rare that people get the opportunity to be a professional motorbike rider so when you do, you’ve got to take it with both hands and then not lose it. Sometimes we’re pricks and do stupid things. Suddenly you are famous and getting a bit of attention and it can be hard not to mess up. But one rider who has got the balance spot on is Jonathan Rea. I was in the paddock at Donington for World Superbikes and I looked across and I saw JR playing football in the paddock with his two boys. His wife Tarsh was having a glass of…

JOHN McGUINNESS

Fabio does it again!

‘He attacked it, kerb-to-kerb. Impressive’ ‘This has given me a big boost for the future!” That was Fabio Quartararo’s attention-grabbing declaration after his inspirational performance to increase his series lead in Austria. This second place and an invaluable 20 points will likely be one of the more significant races of the Frenchman’s career. And his spellbinding Spielberg surge reinforced his reputation as MotoGP’s most complete racer and sublime risk taker. Yamaha’s No1 was “in qualifying mode every lap” for 28 laps with an overtaking masterclass against a squadron of high horsepower Ducatis. It was a timely response to those who had written-off Quartararo’s capacity to cope with the pressure of key title rivals Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia). A string of clearly sub-par results at Assen and Silverstone have not dented Quartararo’s mental…

Fabio does it again!

Podium joy for Dixon

Even if he jokingly stated he’s “sick to death of third position,” Jake Dixon is on a roll. The British rider made it three podium finishes on the bounce with an expert recovery ride at the Red Bull Ring, and later stated he was confident of retaining his seat in the Aspar squad for 2023. Unlike his two previous third places at Assen and Silverstone, Dixon doesn’t count the stop-start Austrian track among his favourites. Yet he fought back from hitting a false neutral on lap seven, to nab a valiant third from Pedro Acosta at the race’s final turn. “On the last lap I was like, ‘I’m not finishing fourth.’ I had a go at Pedro at turn six, nearly crashed and saved it on my elbow. Then it was do-or-die…

Podium joy for Dixon

Sasaki stuns to win against the odds

Going into the 13th round of the year, there wasn’t a great deal to choose between the Moto3 field. Aside from Ayumu Sasaki that is. But the fact the Japanese rider had to serve two long-lap penalties after he torpedoed Sergio Garcia at the previous round seemed to diminish his chances. Yet Sasaki was undeterred, rejoining the action from 21st on the fifth lap to catch a lead group of seven and pass them all within four laps. On the changes that have turned him from erratic performer to a consistent challenger who still retains hopes of winning this year’s championship, Sasaki explained, “Coming to this year, many small things changed. My crew chief understood my riding style more than others. In winter testing, they understood where I’m strong and weak.…

Sasaki stuns to win against the odds

GasGas to MotoGP

Tech3 will become the GasGas Factory Racing Team next season. A majority share of the brand – previously successful in off-road disciplines – was acquired by KTM in 2019. Since then, they have attempted to increase visibility by rebranding KTM machinery in Moto3 as GasGas. As in Moto3, Tech3’s machinery will be identical to the bikes run by the factory KTM team. Pol Espargaro will be the rider with either Miguel Oliveira or Augusto Fernandez his teammate. Aleix: ‘No mistakes’ From Saturday Aleix Espargaro knew Austria was about damage limitation. Michelin brought a stiffer rear tyre to deal with the circuit’s high speeds and Aprilia’s RS-GP was constantly lacking rear grip throughout as a result, meaning Espargaro was left clinging on for sixth. Despite losing 10 points in the championship fight, he…

GasGas to MotoGP

Strictly Come Racing

“If you don’t go forward, you take a step backwards.” Articulated by IRTA president Herve Poncharal, this was the mantra from the stage, as Dorna, the FIM and IRTA joined forces to announce a sea change in the Grand Prix World Championship. The step forward? An extra race on Saturday afternoons at each GP from 2023. Actually, an extra half-a-race, a ‘Sprint Race’, run over half distance, and carrying half points. Will it be half as popular? Reactions were mixed. But some initial hostility softened overnight, with Fabio Quartararo one who said he changed his mind when he learned more details. Those in favour, and there were more than just the three bosses at the conference table, were confident that it would increase MotoGP’s appeal. A step closer, said Dorna chief Carmelo Ezpeleta, not…

Strictly Come Racing

Marquez targets 2022 racing return

Marc Marquez will undergo a medical this week to see whether or not a 2022 return is a realistic target. The Repsol Honda rider was back in the paddock at the Red Bull Ring to check-in with his team and to update the media on his condition. Marquez has upped his rehabilitation schedule in recent weeks, with more visits to the gym to maintain fitness levels and strengthen his arm – which has now been through four surgical interventions. Whilst not wanting to put himself at risk, Marquez explained that he won’t necessarily wait to be at 100% to make his return. “When I feel 70%-80%, when I will feel that I can ride a MotoGP bike in a more-or-less good way, I will come back,” he told the media in Austria. “For the…

Marquez targets 2022 racing return

16 Nakagami 45 17 Espargaro P 42 18 Marquez A 29 19 Morbidelli 26 20 Di Giannantonio 23 21 Dovizioso 11 22 Binder D 10 23 Gardner 9 FINAL POSITIONS MOTOGP FINAL POSITIONS MOTO 2 11 Navarro +23.443 12 Baltus +25.793 13 Beaubier +27.788 14 Roberts +27.909 15 Bensneyder +28.347 16 Antonelli +34.611 17 Agius +34.928 18 VD Goorbergh +36.314 19 Ramirez +44.837 20 Corsi +48.602 FINAL POSITIONS MOTO 3 11 Ortola +7.786 12 Foggia +8.855 13 Yamanaka +8.952 14 Artigas +9.413 15 Nepa +9.260 16 Fellon +17.777 17 Fernandez +20.558 18 Masia +20.597 19 Rossi +20.632 20 Bartolini +20.659…

Hat-trick hero!

MATTHEW BIRT INSIGHT Getting the inside line on grand prix racing since 1996 You know you’re on a roll when you start matching long-standing records held by MotoGP legends Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner. Pecco Bagnaia was a wide-eyed and ambitious 11-year-old when Stoner won three races in a row for Ducati in 2008 at Donington Park, Assen and Sachsenring. That’s a feat now equalled by Bagnaia after he led at the Red Bull Ring for all but one corner in a 28-lap exhibition of how to manage a race from the front. Bagnaia’s blitz of winning form is why Ducati see him as their present-day Stoner and why he came into 2022 as pre-season title favourite. Only five riders in the modern four-stroke era have put together a sequence of three or more successive…

Hat-trick hero!

Ducati’s Red playground

Fabio Quartararo’s one-man rearguard action denied Ducati a demolition job at the Red Bull Ring. The only resistance to a Bologna bombardment came from the reigning World Champion. Had Quartararo not defied the odds with a spellbinding display of on-the-edge riding on a gutless Yamaha, Ducati would have been celebrating just a second podium lockout in their history. Without a last-lap blunder by Jorge Martin and a damaged front tyre rim for pole man Enea Bastianini, Sunday’s race would have highly likely ended with six Ducatis in the top seven. As it was, Ducati still had four bikes in the top five and six in the top 10, having started the 28-lap race with five machines in the top six places on the grid. Ducati’s dominance of the Red Bull Ring comes as no surprise.…

Ducati’s Red playground

WELCOME TO THE 2022 MCN AWARDS

This year a very special machine has won MCN’s Bike of the Year. Not only is it great to ride and does just about everything you ask of it, it’s genuinely affordable, too. That’s a rarity nowadays and certainly something to get excited about. This has also been a year where more Japanese machines have returned to centre stage after years of European dominance. Honda are really hitting the spot right now with a string of dependable, affordable and great-to-ride bikes, while Kawasaki and Yamaha have shown they can compete with the best of their rivals when it comes to style and excitement. But that doesn’t mean our friends on the continent have been sitting on their hands. Ducati continue to evolve their road-going superbike to stratospheric levels of brilliance and their…

WELCOME TO THE 2022 MCN AWARDS

‘IT HAS AN ACE UP ITS SLEEVE’

What is it? Triumph’s new mid capacity all-rounder. It’s basically a Trident 660 with a big tank, top fairing, tall screen and high bars, but during the year it’s proved to be so much than that. Why did it win? It punches way above its weight and appeals to all kinds of riders, regardless of size, age, or experience. There were lots of contenders for the top prize, from last year’s award-winning Ducati Multistrada V4 S to the uber-popular Yamaha Tracer 9 GT and funky new Ducati Desert X. All fine machines, but the Tiger Sport 660 has an ace up its sleeve. Not only is the 660 a very capable motorcycle, it’s welcome value for money, too. You’d be hard pushed to find a new bike this good for over ten grand,…

‘IT HAS AN ACE UP ITS SLEEVE’

1000 MILES… …and three storms in a week

Back in February we decided to head off on a five day, 1000-mile mini tour of England and Wales to show off the Tiger’s talents. It would take in the Triumph Factory Visitor Experience in Hinckley, a ride through the magnificence of Wales, a burger at the Bike Shed in London and an ice cream along the seafront at Margate. Unfortunately, our trip coincided with three storms, including the particularly savage Eunice on the day I travelled the 315 miles from Bewts-y-Coed to the southeast coast. It was a day that began with empty, windless Welsh roads in the calm before the storm, followed by Marquez-angles of lean in a straight line on the M1 in 60mph sidewinds. The biggest, most orange moon I’ve ever seen topped off the surreal day…

1000 MILES… …and three storms in a week

‘I BOUGHT ONE’

Phil Church Age 61 Height 5ft 6in Profession Maintenance technician for Perkins engines Riding for 45 years Previous bikes Honda 400/4, CBR600, CBR1000, VFR750, VFR800, Kawasaki KH250, GPz500S, ZZR600, Triumph Street Triple, Speed Triple, Tiger 800, Speed Twin 1200, Yamaha FS1-E Why I bought it… “It’s just the right size for me both physically and weight-wise. It has a fantastic engine, is very reasonably priced and capable of touring, as well as commuting to work and having a ride out with the wife on the back. The accessories available are great. I went for the panniers, quickshifter, heated grips, hand guards, belly pan and the lower comfort seat. I mostly use it for commuting on fair weather days but have ridden it down to Dorset, fully loaded and a few trips, two-up, to the east coast. It’s…

‘IT’S AS WILD AS YOU WANT IT’

What is it? A Yamaha R1 with straight bars, minimal styling and buckets of grunt. Japan’s only true super-naked has been around since 2016 and has just been given its first major update. Why did it win? Aprilia’s Tuono V4 Factory is still dynamically the best super-naked around, but it comes at a price. Thanks to its bombastic crossplane crank engine and new upgrades, the Yamaha offers a similarly exciting experience for a whole lot less cash. What’s it like to ride? It always felt like the original MT-10 had somehow slipped through the fun net. Japanese nakeds like the Kawasaki Z1000, Honda CB1000R and Suzuki GSX-S1000 seemed to have spent time in the humour hoover somewhere during production, which is why the Europeans have ruled the class. But the MT-10 borders on the bonkers,…

‘IT’S AS WILD AS YOU WANT IT’

‘ONE SERIOUSLY CLASS ACT’

What is it? Launched in 2017, this is Kawasaki’s homage to the 1972 ‘900 Super 4’ Z1 and is based on the excellent Z900. New for this year, the SE has an Öhlins rear shock, Brembos and uprated forks. Why did it win? Kawasaki haven’t changed the Zed since it won our best retro award in 2018, but they haven’t needed to. Others have taken the limelight along the way, but the quality and attention to detail have always shone through and in SE spec it’s better than ever. What’s it like to ride? It goes as well as it looks, which is about the biggest complement you can give the Z900RS SE. It’s a retro in more ways than one. Not only does it look like the real thing, it has the character of…

‘ONE SERIOUSLY CLASS ACT’

‘WHY LESS IS SO MUCH MORE’

What is it? Ducati have taken the Panigale V2 sportsbike and given it the streetfighter treatment. It’s their first ‘baby’ super naked since the fantastic old 848 Streetfighter. Why did it win? It had to fend off challenges from the KTM 890 Duke R, Yamaha MT-09, Triumph Street Triple and Ducati’s own Monster, but the Streetfighter V2 shone brighter. It mixes style, speed, drama and tech with a lust for corners equal to the race rep it’s based on. What’s it like to ride? Anyone who’s spent quality time on a middleweight sportsbike will happily tell you that you don’t need big power to have fun on the road, or the track for that matter. It’s why Suzuki’s GSX-R750 is universally loved by cornering connoisseurs and for those in the know, Ducati’s smaller superbikes, from…

‘WHY LESS IS SO MUCH MORE’

‘THESE GUYS ARE LIFE-SAVERS’

In recognition of the millions raised over the last decade, not to mention countless lives saved and enriched, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is the winner of MCN’s inaugural Best of Biking Award. Launched in 2012 by Aussie biker Mark Hawwa, the DGR was conceived as a way of breaking down the stereotypes surrounding motorcyclists, something which Mark and his friends at the Sydney Café Racers group tackled by dressing up in suits and riding through the heart of cities in their native Australia. That year, 3000 riders took part, each one dressed-up dapper and full of manners, helping to change the public perception of bikers. ‘This is our first ever award in 11 years!’ However, it was in year two that DGR started its game-changing work for men’s health charities. Mark, 37, picks up…

‘THESE GUYS ARE LIFE-SAVERS’

‘READY FOR DAKAR…’

What is it? Ducati’s Dakar-inspired dual trailie, based on the Multistrada V2. Aimed squarely at off-road riders of all levels, it’s also a go-anywhere adventure bike. Why did it win? BMW’s R1250GS is still the most well-rounded option and the new Triumph Tiger 1200 runs it close, but Ducati have produced something truly unique that isn’t just hugely capable wherever it puts its wheels, it looks refreshingly different, too. What’s it like to ride? From the moment Ducati revealed that they were going to build what they described as a ‘bike with intense off-road attitude’ we could hardly contain our excitement. Looking every inch an escapee from the Dakar paddock, the DesertX instantly conjured memories of the Ducati-powered Lucky Strike Cagivas that took on, and conquered, the toughest rally in the world. Ducati insist the…

‘READY FOR DAKAR…’

‘SEEING RED – EVERYWHERE!’

Sometimes this award is made easy by a manufacturer’s volume or significance of wins. Sometimes it’s given for a single moment of genius, a market-defining bike, sales results or innovation, racing domination or for significantly contributing to the future of motorcycling. It was tight battle between two firms, but one had to emerge victorious. This year it’s given in recognition of a mix of award wins, a record-breaking year of global sales despite the trading conditions and innovation in moving key segments of the market forward with bold and emotionally engaging motorcycles, while also relentlessly refining and honing core offerings. This brand continues to build some of the most visceral but also intelligent bikes on the market, while managing to be both tantalisingly aspirational and affordably accessible though their diverse model range.…

‘SEEING RED – EVERYWHERE!’

‘ULTIMATE PERFORMER’

What is it? Ducati’s all-singing, fullproduction V4 superbike, is packed with huge power and technology. Better still, this S model has the latest generation Öhlins semiactive suspension and gas forks. Why did it win? As superbikes evolve into ever more expensive, thinly veiled race bikes with lights, the way that we rate them has changed. Practicality and price are merely side dishes to searing speed, electronics, track-friendliness, beauty and luxury. The Ducati Panigale V4 S you see here delivers all that and more. What’s it like to ride? The new Panigale V4 S is a gleaming showcase of how technology has been used to improve the breed. We all know by now the engine is based on the Italian firm’s 2014 Desmosedici GP14 race bike and as such drips with exotic materials and clever kit,…

‘ULTIMATE PERFORMER’

‘It’s not been a bad spell…

…MBE, Gold lady for my 100th TT and now an MCN Lifetime Achievement award. What’s next? Probably a bus pass!’ From wanting to do an Evel Knievel jump aged three on his Italjet 50, to jumping Ballaugh Bridge at the TT, 47 years later at the ripe old age of 50, it’s fair to say John McGuinness has done a bit in racing. He remains the most successful TT racer on the planet with 23 victories to his name and the last two years have seen him recognised outside of the racing world when he was awarded an MBE for services to motorcycling. Not only that but the past couple of months have seen him make his 100th TT start and finish fifth in the 2022 Superbike race. And he’s not finished…

‘It’s not been a bad spell…

‘HASSLE-FREE MILE-MUNCHER’

What is it? Honda’s new big-cube allrounder, based heavily on the Africa Twin and in the spirit of the firm’s dependable, no-nonsense tourers of the past such as the original Pan Europeans and the much-loved Deauville. Why did it win? It hasn’t been short of challengers this year. Suzuki’s GSX-S1000GT stole the early headlines but couldn’t quite match the Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX in a shootout. BMW’s R1250RT is still the money-no-object best but the NT trumps it on value. What’s it like to ride? At the moment, the backbone of Honda’s range consists of bikes that appeal to those who want simple, hassle-free, biking delivered with a keen eye on price. Machines such as the NC750 and CB500 range – ones that will perform day-in, day-out, irrespective of the weather or road conditions, with zero…

‘HASSLE-FREE MILE-MUNCHER’

‘THE KING OF THE BAGGERS’

What is it? Sitting pretty in Harley-Davidson’s cruiser range, this is the American firm’s take on sports-touring with mid-set pegs, a wrap-around nose fairing and panniers as standard. Why did it win? We’ve seen impressive new cruisers arrive in 2022 in the gargantuan shape of Indian’s new Pursuit and the revised BMW K1600 Bagger and Grand America. All superb, but the Harley mixes comfort and practicality with sprightly performance and surprisingly nimble handling. What’s it like to ride? Inspired by the burgeoning Californian ‘tall bike’ movement and King of the Baggers race series, the Low Rider ST is a jacked-up mid-sized cruiser that sits the rider higher on the bike than the more traditional cruiser stance, while also increasing its sporting side through improved ground clearance. Added to this is a front fairing that is a…

‘THE KING OF THE BAGGERS’

‘RULE THE URBAN JUNGLE’

What is it? Honda’s new mid-capacity, adventure-style twist and go scooter. The little sibling to the X-ADV, it’s powered by the same engine as Honda’s popular Forza 350 and SH350i. Why did it win? Sales of maxi scooters are growing across the UK and ADV350 rides that wave perfectly. It’s easy to control, well built, dependable, swift and generously equipped. Yamaha’s TMAX Tech Max is much improved for 2022, but costs almost seven grand more than the cool little Honda. What’s it like to ride? Everything from the way the ADV350 is built to how it rides belies its affordable price, especially if you go down the PCP finance route. Bold styling gives it massive road presence and, like the best maxi scooters, the Honda is more than just a practical commuter. Sure, it’s smooth,…

‘RULE THE URBAN JUNGLE’

‘FOUR YEARS AT THE TOP’

What is it? Honda’s A2 licence friendly tall-rounder. It’s a member of the CB500 family that includes the naked CB500F and CBR500R sportsbike – all updated for 2022. Why did it win? Honda’s CB500X has now won this award for a fourth year. Not only is it the best in class, it stands up as a superb all-rounder for any rider, especially with its chassis upgrades. Think of it as the BMW GS of the A2 licence world – it’ll do everything. What’s it like to ride? No word of a lie, the CB500X is bloody brilliant. Some will criticise the fact that it only makes 47bhp, has no fancy rider aids, and hasn’t had a proper big-time overhaul since 2019, but I reckon the X is one of the best medium-size adventure bikes on…

‘FOUR YEARS AT THE TOP’

‘OFFERS THE BEST BIG BIKE FEEL’

What is it? It’s the smallest model in Yamaha’s Sport Heritage range, sitting beneath the XSR700 and 900. It’s A1 licence-friendly and costs less than £50/month on a PCP deal. Why did it win? No 125 has emerged in 2022 to threaten the XSR125, which is why it takes the award for the second year running. Zontes’ svelte new ZT125-G1, Honda’s CB125 and Husqvarna’s Svartpilen 125 run it close, but the Yamaha has the best ‘big bike’ feel and performance. What’s it like to ride? The learner-legal retro combines 80s-styled bodywork – reminiscent of the smoking RD250s and 350s generations of hooligans grew up on – with a modern motor and decent dimensions for riders of all sizes. Getting reacquainted with the XSR for a sun-scorched razz across the Northamptonshire countryside earlier this year was a…

‘OFFERS THE BEST BIG BIKE FEEL’

‘ELECTRIC TIDE IS TURNING’

What is it? Zero’s top-of-the range, fully-faired electric sportsbike. It was launched in 2020 and updated for 2022 with a new operating system and options such as a reverse gear. Why did it win? It was always going to be a battle between the big three when it came to choosing the best electric: Energica, LiveWire and Zero. They’re plug-in equivalents to the big petrol powered bikes we know and love, but Zero have made the biggest strides with tech. What’s it like to ride? While ‘small capacity’ electric motorcycle sales are thriving in urban areas, ‘big capacity’ models face an uphill battle due to a number of factors largely out of their control. Despite the challenging market, Zero are refusing to stand still and instead are continuing to invest and develop. And that’s why…

‘ELECTRIC TIDE IS TURNING’

‘GOING BACK TO THE FUTURE’

What is it? BMW’s new futuristic-looking electric maxi scooter, replacing the old C-Evolution. It’s A2 licence-friendly, but there’s also a more fruity derestricted version for A1 licence holders. Why did it win? Small 125cc-equivalent electrics like the Sunra Robo-S and Super Soco CPX shine around town, but the BMW has the speed, flexibility and practicality of a maxi scooter. What’s it like to ride? You’ve got to hand it to BMW, the CE 04 looks like no other electric bike on the market. A futuristic interpretation of motorcycling of the future, it bridges the gap between the maxi scooter and electric motorcycle class and is a worthy winner of this award. If Marty McFly was destined to come to 2022, I’m fairly certain he’d have ridden a CE 04. It would look right at home next…

‘GOING BACK TO THE FUTURE’

MORE THAN JUST A BIKE SHOP!

Destination Triumph have made it their mission to be far more than just a location to buy a bike or get yours serviced. Each of their three dealerships are focal hubs of the local motorcycling community and it is this dedication and passion to enrich the whole twowheeled experience that has won them a coveted MCN Dealer of the Year Award. Having opened their first dealership in Washington, West Sussex, in 2006 the firm expanded in 2013 with a new showroom in Hampshire before last year growing again with a brand new state-of-the-art dealership in Bournemouth, Dorset. All three have become renown in their local areas as welcoming target destinations, irrespective of the model of bike you ride, and bikers head there for a chat, coffee or even pizza. Yep, at…

MORE THAN JUST A BIKE SHOP!

ONE BIG, HAPPY FAMILY

A family-run dealership based in Aberdeen, Shirlaws Motorcycles first opened their doors in 1928 but are now franchised main dealers for Kawasaki, KTM and Triumph. With over 94 years of experience in the motorcycle business, (they are Scotland’s longest-established family-run dealership) it comes as no surprise that Shirlaws know exactly what it takes to keep their customers happy and that’s why they have won the MCN Dealer of the Year Award. And they don’t just focus on existing riders, they are also very active in helping riders take to two wheels for the first time through their links to local training schools. This year Shirlaws not only moved to a bigger, purpose-built showroom, they also took on the KTM franchise, plus their new location includes dedicated Triumph and Kawasaki showrooms with…

ONE BIG, HAPPY FAMILY

MCN RACER OF THE YEAR

Fans are being treated a fantastic year on the circuits and on the roads. The title fights are alive and kicking in the British and World Superbike Championships, whilst the MotoGP title is far from decided. We’ve also had the return of the Isle of Man TT and North West 200. In MotoGP Fabio Quartararo leads the way after some exceptional, Jorge Lorenzo-esque performances on the Yamaha. Aleix Espargaro has provided the feel-good factor for Aprilia, whilst the Ducati boys are right in the mix. In BSB the young guns Bradley Ray, Kyle Ryde, Rory Skinner and Lee Jackson, are fighting for wins and podiums, but it’s the veteran Jason O’Halloran who looks strongest. Meanwhile, Tarran Mackenzie is back up to speed after recovering from injury. WSB has stolen the spotlight though. Last…

MCN RACER OF THE YEAR

‘I KNOW I HAVE MORE TO SHOW’

This year’s MCN Young Racer of the Year Award goes to British Moto3 star, Scott Ogden. The 2019 British Talent Cup (BTS) champion joined the Grand Prix paddock as part of Michael Laverty’s all-new VisionTrack Racing Team, alongside Josh Whatley. Moto3 is a competitive class, therefore expectations were kept at a realistic level heading into the season. Afterall, this was a brand-new project for absolutely everybody involved, with the squad taking the Honda machinery previously used by the now defunct Petronas Sprint Racing outfit. Ogden had other ideas, scoring points in only his second race with 13th in Indonesia. He’s gone on to record multiple points-scoring results, with a best finish (as this supplement went to press) of 12th at the Circuit of the Americas, Jerez and Silverstone. Ogden has impressed on Saturdays…

‘I KNOW I HAVE MORE TO SHOW’

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