Home//MCN/15 May 2024/In This Issue
MCN|15 May 20247 DAYS IN 60 SECONDSFIRST RIDEYamaha build Ténéré perfectionIf you want to buy a brand-new Yamaha Ténéré 700 in 2024, there’s a bewildering amount of choice on offer. And it’s just got even more complicated. Born directly out of rallying, the new GYTR options take an already solid set of foundations, and build a temple to the world of off-road on top. But while a full GYTR spec bike would cost a small fortune, you can simply fit the bits you most want or need. PAGE 42‘Do I care that it’s an A2 bike? No – not a jot…’ WHY IT’S TIME TO PICK A NEW 400THIS WEEKIs new Bimota the end of the ZX?Bimota is a brand with a long and illustrious history of taking other manufacturers’ engines and creating something verging on…3 min
MCN|15 May 2024Where next for Bimota?TOP STORYAn all-new Kawasaki ZX-10RR-powered Bimota could well be heading to the roads for 2025, following the announcement that the boutique Rimini brand will be partnering with the Japanese powerhouse for the 2025 World Superbike season.Last month Kawasaki confirmed that the factory KRT squad would be pulling out of WSBK at the end of this season, with the brand returning in 2025 with a new machine using a Bimota chassis and ZX-10RR motor.This is possible thanks to the company holding a 49.9% stake in the Italian firm, with Bimota using Kawasaki engines in current road and off-road enduro models.“Bimota has an enviable reputation for excellence in motorcycle design and manufacture,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of Kawasaki Motors Ltd, Hiroshi Ito.“As part of our vision for the evolution of…4 min
MCN|15 May 2024Two wheels… and fourLuxury two- and four-wheeled brands Ducati and Porsche are teaming up for a special two-day event, giving fans a chance to sample the latest new metal on a closed course.Taking place on June 29-30, the €1200 experience is being run by the Italian arm of both brands – with the collaboration made possible by both companies belonging to the Volkswagen Group.Ducati have previously collaborated with both Lamborghini and Bentley on limited edition models, with those brands also belonging to the VW family.Registration is open already, with both the bikes and cars taking to five separate on- and off-road courses at the Porsche Experience Center, in Franciacorta. It is one of nine Porsche centres of this kind in the world with the event open to beginner levels of skill and upwards.Much…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024'Better than any therapy'A MotoGP photographer with more than 20 years in the profession, is hoping to bring more people from underrepresented and underprivileged backgrounds into motorsport media.Graham Holt, 64, from Northwich, established Click Diversity on the eve of the Covid pandemic, before kicking things off properly around 18 months ago.In that time, he and his team have mentored between 15 and 16 candidates at MotoGP rounds – teaching them everything they need to know about trackside photography, with the aim of getting at least one of their photos published by the end of the event.“I was at the Formula One in 2019, standing with all the photographers at the end of the straight at Le Castellet (Paul Ricard Circuit) and every single one was a white male and there must’ve been 40…2 min
MCN|15 May 2024Free racing tickets!Malle London have teamed up with MCN to offer readers the chance to grab a free ticket to the Malle Beach Race in Margate.The event, which will be held this weekend (May 18-19) now enters its fifth year of running and promises attendees spectacular retro racing action, with an “appropriately inappropriate” twist.Robert Nightingale, the event’s founder, has described the sand racing as a “celebration of motorcycle culture”.“We try to encourage wilder and more inappropriate bikes every year. The Malle Beach Race is all about getting involved.”All kinds of machinery will be on display, from sportsbikes and electric bikes, to classic twinshocks and plenty of bizarre two-wheelers in between – last year’s event even saw a jet ski/ scooter hybrid take part!If that all sounds like a bit of you, or…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024Surf's up!The Wheels and Waves custom and vintage motorcycle festival will return to Biarritz in the South of France this June, promising five days of displays, activities, live music, sprint racing, and more.Coming into its thirteenth year, the event kicks off on Wednesday, June 12 and runs until Sunday, June 16 – blending a shared passion for motorcycling with activities based around surfing, skateboarding, and art.Although the event itself takes place in Biarritz, the two-wheeled activities spread a little further down the coastline as far as San Sebastián in Northern Spain – with visitors able to try their hand at sprint racing, enduro riding on bikes built before 1995, sand racing, and more.If you fancy taking things a little slower, riding routes for you and your mates are available for the…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024Stop the world…WHAT'S NEW IN TECHPower, the saying goes, is nothing without control. And that’s why the ability to scrub off speed is as important as having the shove to generate it in the first place. In other words, brakes are crucial to sportsbike design and it helps if they can blend power with light weight and great feel.Brembo are acutely aware of this and have devised a new performance-orientated set of calipers called ‘Hypure’ that are built to be both 10% lighter and more efficient than market leaders.With the calipers first teased at the EICMA trade show in Milan late last year, the Italian firm have now confirmed to MCN that they will debut as an OE fitment on an as yet unnamed performance bike this year. Alongside being lighter than…4 min
MCN|15 May 2024Alpha is DAB's No1French boutique electric manufacturer DAB Motors have unveiled their first production machine, the oddly-named but learner legal 1.Priced at €14,900, (around £12,789), the 1 ( meaning Alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet) is being designed, engineered and assembled entirely within the factory of parent company Peugeot Motorcycles, located in Beaulieu-Mandeure.For the cash, customers receive a product surrounded by an air of exclusivity, with numbers limited to just 400 units and bikes even coming with their own numbered plaques and certificate of authenticity from the factory.A few niceties go some way towards justifying the premium price. These include Brembo brakes, an optional wireless phone charger created by Quadlock, Paioli suspension with ‘gold’ plated stanchions, an Alcantara covered seat, a 3.4 litre glove box and a smattering of carbon parts.Bizarrely…3 min
MCN|15 May 2024MCN LAWQ 'VW driver accelerated’I received a letter from a firm of solicitors claiming compensation for their client’s injuries in a car accident, stating she suffered facial injuries and whiplash.I was following a VW Golf on my Ninja and as I went to overtake when it was clear ahead, the driver accelerated hard. This led to the gap between me and the oncoming car being much shorter than anticipated. I just managed to get back onto my side of the road in time but the oncoming car swerved to avoid me and went into the verge. I stopped but the VW driver did not. Will the driver that had to swerve into the side succeed with a claim against me?Luke, PenzanceA First up, you need to notify your insurer that you…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024YOUR TRIP▶ Send your trips to yourpics@motorcyclenews.comReader Adrian PriceThe ride Part of my motivation for going to Navarra was to see the first round of British Superbikes but I also wanted to explore the natural parks in the central / northern provinces. I rode 1200 miles in three days with one day's rest watching the racing.Best time to go Mid-April to early June or mid-Sept to early NovDon’t miss… If you only have one day free, head for Arnedo then take the LR-115 to Enciso, then the SO-615 to Garray. Next, head over to Cidones, then head north up the SO-810, SO-820 & SO-830 and then join the N-111 to head north. For a five to seven day tour I'd recommend including Aragón in your itinerary; the southern part of the…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024Little beautiesTHE MCN TEST● THE HOTTEST BIKES ● EVERY WEEK£3899 (plus £80 for paint options) Royal Enfield HNTR 350● 349cc air-cooled single SOHC 2v ● 20.2bhp @ 6100rpm ● 181kg (kerb)£5599 Husqvarna Vitpilen 401● 398.6cc liquid-cooled single DOHC 4v ● 44.3bhp @ 8500rpm ● 167kg (kerb)£4995 Triumph Speed 400● 398cc liquid-cooled single DOHC 4v ● 39.5bhp @ 8000rpm ● 170kg (kerb)In the UK we have a huge number of what are often referred to as ‘dormant bikers’. While this may sound like someone who sticks their bike in a garage until the summer sun pokes its head out, this isn’t actually the case.A dormant biker is someone who has a full bike licence but for one reason or another, doesn’t actually own or ride a bike. Generally it is because kids…7 min
MCN|15 May 2024MCN VERDICT'Speed 400 is the one'When you look at their price, styling and spec, it is very hard to be too harsh about any of these three A2-legal bikes but there is no sugar-coating the fact that the Royal Enfield was a disappointment.The HNTR is affordable and looks the part but is too slow for anything other than urban use. Get it out of town and it feels, and performs, like a 125 and that’s frustrating when an A2 licence allows you access to so much more. As the Husky and Triumph demonstrate.Neither the Vitpilen nor Speed 400 feel out of place in a modern traffic environment and that means they can be ridden and enjoyed. In or out of town, both bikes are top fun and there is no need…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024Masterof TorqueThis year is the 10th anniversary of the first crossplane MT – the MT-09 – the bike that not only transformed Yamaha’s fortunes but also became the catalyst for a family of bikes: MT-07, Tracer, XSR, Ténéré and more. Without the MT-09, modern Yamaha just wouldn’t be the same.More than 100,000 MT-09s have been sold in Europe with 360,000+ total MT sales since 2014, and although the cheaper, smaller parallel-twin MT-07 outsells the three-cylinder MT-09, Yamaha Motor Europe Marketing Manager Antoni Orpinell says the MT-09 “defines the direction of the new Yamaha hyper naked generation” and is “the backbone of our business in Europe”. Not bad for a machine that was first displayed as no more than an engine suspended from wires.The motorcycling world got its first glimpse of Yamaha’s…8 min
MCN|15 May 2024Honda bridge the tech gapFIRST RIDEHonda have always marketed their standard Africa Twin model as the rugged off-road option where the Adventure Sports is more of a tarmac-tourer, but this has seen them make a few compromises, the most obvious being the lack of semi-active suspension. For 2024 this has changed as you can now buy an Africa Twin with Showa’s EERA alongside an upgraded motor and refined DCT. So what’s it like?Semi-active futureShowa’s EERA system features semi-active damping at both ends with the preload also electronically controlled. Running the same stroke as the standard suspension (230mm/220mm), EERA has four set modes (Soft, Mid, Hard and Off-road) with a customisable User mode that allows preload at both ends to be fine-tuned via 24 steps.Noticeably firmer than an Africa Twin on conventional suspension, the system…3 min
MCN|15 May 2024How to unleash rally capabilityThe Performance Kit centres around the full race exhaust system, a larger airbox (with an easy-to-clean foam filter) and the matching ECU. Larger, grippier footrests, plus a right-side engine cover that allows clutch plate replacement without disturbing the cooling system.The Handling Kit can be added on top of that, and is at the heart of the real transformation. Forks, yokes, shock, linkage are replaced, followed by lighter/stronger Haan wheels, complete front and rear brake kits, chain and sprockets (steel, for resilience), a high mudguard, Scott rotary steering damper and the upgraded cooling system. The Stage Two ECU is needed to disable and remove the ABS, and still works with the OE dash.The Rally Kit is really for racers only: the fuel tanks (plus associated fittings and a switch to alternate…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024THREE SIMPLE STEPS1 Start slowlyThe key to developing road reading skills is to start slow and go for detail. Knock 10 percent off your usual speed and use the extra time you’ve given yourself to focus on how early you see new information and how much detail you gather about the road and its surroundings.2 Talk to yourselfOnce you’re confident you’re beginning to see more detail, focus on interpreting it by adding the ‘so what?’ test. This is where adding a commentary can help – by verbalising the question and answering it, you’re forcing your brain to shift information into the conscious part of the brain.3 Watch racersIf you’re in any doubt about the advantages to be had from looking a long way ahead, note where any top racers look when they…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024The highs and lowsIt all began so well. And the good news is that all is well again. But in between was a period of some frustration. After a Friday of heavy rain, I popped the GS away in the garage, fully fuelled for the next day’s schlep to Towcester for our WoMCN Rider meet-up, but on Saturday morning, the GS was completely unresponsive. Its inanimate state led me to suspect a dead battery in either bike or fob – but both proved to be in fine health. So, the symptoms pointed to a power button that had failed.After three and a half days dormant in a warm, dry garage, the GS suddenly decided that all was well and came back to life. Another two days of dry use proved faultless, and a…2 min
MCN|15 May 2024'Don't be left without gas'If it’s not something you regularly carry with you on your bike, hopefully reading this has prompted you to chuck some form of tyre repair kit in your pannier, under your seat or in your rucksack for your next ride. Both forms of repair are inexpensive and totally invaluable! A Gryyp kit with four CO2 canisters costs about £35. There’s also the alternative compound and glue kits, which are ever so slightly cheaper (Oxford CO2 repair kit £25) but a little messier to use. Meanwhile, an aerosol of tyre weld can cost as little as £10. Also, if you already carry a kit but have already used it to repair a puncture, don’t forget to order some more canisters! Get them for around £25 for four.On the subject of canisters,…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024Todd gathers TT momentumRoads journalist, author and photographer at the NW200If the 2024 North West 200 belonged to Glenn Irwin it was Davey Todd who kept the Ulsterman honest in all three Superbike races on his Milwaukee TAS Racing BMW.Todd was disappointed not to add a Superbike victory to his Supersport triumph and Superstock double but that disappointment might have been so much greater had he been injured when he was knocked off his Powertoolmate Ducati at York corner on the opening lap of Thursday’s Supersport race by Adam McLean.Battered and bruised, Todd shrugged off the pain to claim a heroic six-second victory over Honda’s Dean Harrison in the Superstock race later in the evening on the Milwaukee BMW. He repeated that feat in Saturday’s second stocker event, leading Peter Hickman home by…2 min
MCN|15 May 2024Can Yamaha regain control at Donington?Ducati-mounted Glenn Irwin stamped his authority on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park, but round three at Donington Park this weekend may see the blue Yamaha machines fight back.Indeed, a Yamaha rider was victorious in all six races at the circuit in 2023 and Kyle Ryde labelled Donington as “his territory” when speaking to MCN at Oulton.Ryde needs to bounce back strongly at his home circuit after being forced to retire from the final race at Oulton Park due to a technical issue. That, alongside a fifth in race two, leaves him 19 points adrift of Irwin after six races.He’ll likely be the favourite heading into the weekend though given three of those 2023 Yamaha victories were courtesy of him, and he was leading when he crashed out…2 min
MCN|15 May 2024Dunlop's pain barrierIt is fair to say the main focus of 2024 for Michael Dunlop is on becoming the TT’s most successful racer as the 25-times TT winner bids to overtake his Uncle Joey’s record tally of 26. As preparation for that challenge, the NW200 was an encouraging exercise as the 35 year old claimed five podiums across the Superbike, Stocker and Supersport classes during the week. But it was also apparent the Ballymoney man did sustain an injury to his throttle hand when he highsided his MD Racing Triumph during the Cookstown 100 Supersport race three weeks ago. Dunlop appeared on the podium at the NW200 with the hand in a bag of ice and had treatment between races.…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024Grip woes hit ApriliaViewed one way, Aprilia showed greater competitiveness than at Jerez. But on the other both their factory riders were frustrated on Sunday when they couldn’t challenge the lead Ducatis despite strong rhythm through practice. Maverick Viñales was in the podium fight for two thirds of Sunday before rear tyre performance tailed off. Aleix Espargaro was as high as third at one point before losing out.Moto2 maestrosIt was hard to discern who was more impressive in Moto2: Sergio Garcia, who won his second race in three, by a commanding margin? Or teammate Ai Ogura who rose from 17th to second? Then there is Aron Canet who despite finishing seventh, heroically fought for second for most of the race with a left ankle broken 16 days earlier.The chosen one…Just how good is…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024Who to choose: Marc or Martin?You wouldn’t want to be Gigi Dall’Igna right now. MotoGP’s grey wizard has one seat left in his 2025 Ducati factory team and three riders to choose from: Jorge Martin, Marc Marquez and current factory rider Enea Bastianini.I could be wrong – a few weeks is a long time in MotoGP – but I think the game is already down to two riders. Bastianini is brilliant in some ways, especially at saving his rear tyre for late-race attacks, but that probably won’t be enough, because he doesn’t have the killer all-round speed and attitude.So who will be in red next year: the championship leader or a sixtimes MotoGP king that hasn’t won a race in three and a half years?A few weeks ago – after the Americas GP – insiders…2 min
MCN|15 May 2024'Completely wedded to big capacity bikes'We are genetically, or perhaps just socially, conditioned to be constantly looking for something better. And there’s nothing wrong with that. We’d all still be riding around on horses if someone hadn’t come up with wheels, engines, traction control and refined crude oil. But there’s been a quiet, but very evident, backlash against simply wanting ‘more’ from the bikes we ride.A craving for simplicity and purity led to an explosion in the retro sector over the last decade, while it largely continued the pattern of being completely wedded to big capacity bikes. Now, there’s a growing tide of riders – young, middle-aged, and ‘highly experienced’ – who are waking up to the myriad benefits of putting riding fun and accessibility over capacity, complexity and cost.This week’s 400s test proves that…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024Ride-in for the Great EscapeThe 2024 InSpire ride to Lincoln’s International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) will take place this coming Sunday, May 19, and will mark 80 years since the Great Escape.Between 300 and 400 motorcycles are expected to attend, with the original Triumph TR6 Great Escape film bike an additional draw.“It’s an opportunity to mark your remembrance,” IBCC boss Nicky van der Drift told MCN. “You only have to talk to those that are doing the tours up at the Spire learning about Bomber Command, and you can see the impact it has on them.”Based on the outskirts of the city, with the county home to over a third of all WWII Bomber Command Stations, the venue features a spire standing 102ft high – matching the wingspan of a Lancaster.This year’s mass ride…2 min
MCN|15 May 2024Trackday tragedyNo Limits have announced that a motorcyclist in his 50s lost his life at an event on May 4, 2024.Stuart Donnelly, an Australian father of four, was reportedly involved in “an unfortunate and uncommon incident” at a trackday held at Lydden Hill, Kent, while riding his Kawasaki ZX-10R, according to the organisers.An investigation is underway with Kent Constabulary. Witnesses are being urged to come forward.Donnelly’s family have established a fundraiser to assist with funeral expenses, as well as the cost of flying three of his daughters over to the UK from Australia. Visit gofund. me/35c24d3f to donate.…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024Husky grow MX line-upHusqvarna have bolstered their seven-strong motocross range, introducing changes across the board to chassis and engine characteristics which should “combine to create and elevated riding experience,” according to the manufacturer.Frame revisions are designed to enhance flex while reducing weight, meanwhile new suspension settings and linkage designs have been adopted. Bikes will be in dealers from next month, with prices starting at £9099.London callingKawasaki will be showcasing their Z 7 Hybrid and Ninja e-1 motorcycles at this year's Saville Row Concours event, running from May 22-23. Fans will be able to up close and check out the fully electric e-1, as well as the hybrid naked machine that combines an electric motor and 451cc parallel twin combustion engine.For more on the tech-heavy duo, visit kawasaki.co.uk now.Cole gets his kicksTV personality Henry…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024Electrical stormThe Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) have announced they have left the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) amid disagreements over plans relating to the proposed future electrification of motorcycling.FEMA recently entered into a three-way agreement with the FIM (the governing body of world championship racing) and ACEM (who represent European manufacturers) which accepted plans to decarbonise the industry. “No way does this document represent the vast majority of riders’ views on forced electrification,” MAG Chair, Neil Liversidge said.…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024THIS WEEK'S HOT DEALS BARGAIN HUNTEROxford Hinterland Advanced £199.99Great gear that's ready for anythingA textile touring jacket is one of the most versatile pieces of kit you can buy, with features that give you the ability to ride all year round. A detachable waterproof layer, fixed drop liner or laminated membrane will help keep moisture out, while a removable thermal lining can provide cosiness as required. If you need more airflow, almost all have zippable ventilation panels. In terms of protection, the highest CE rating you’re likely to see in textile jackets is AA, as this retains a level of comfort and flexibility that can be hard to achieve with AAA, combined with the higher rated Level 2 armour. Oxford’s Hinterland jacket has a stretchy but tough nylon outer, with a tri-laminate breathable waterproof membrane…2 min
MCN|15 May 2024FIT TO RIDEPART 3: LEGSWhatever and wherever you’re riding, your legs will feel it. They are literally your body’s suspension system. So, if you’re looking to improve your riding experience, here’s three tips for getting fitter legs.Isometric Wall SquatsIf you’re new to working out, or perhaps you’re nursing a knee or back injury, isometric (stationary) squats are a great way to start training those powerful thigh muscles, otherwise known as your quadriceps.Stand with your back flat against a wall, draw your navel in towards your spine, engage your glutes (squeeze your butt cheeks) and slide down to a squat in a seated position. Your thighs should be parallel to the floor or as low as comfortable with your knees in line with your feet. Hold this position for 20 to 60 seconds…3 min
MCN|15 May 2024Prepare to paint Misano red‘You’ll be one of the first to see a secret new Ducati model’Ducati fans will descend on Misano this July for one of Europe’s biggest biking celebrations – World Ducati Week 2024 - and you could join the party along with them on Italy’s beautiful Adriatic coast.Jump on your bike and follow the red tide of riders across Europe to Italy’s motorcycling heartland, then enjoy three days of non-stop Ducati celebrations at the World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, on July 26-28.The 12th edition of this biennial event promises demo rides, live music, DJ sets, custom shows, activities, as well as exclusive access to Ducati’s ‘closed room’, where a brand new model will be revealed for the very first time. Not only that, but you’ll be also able to witness all Ducati’s…2 min
MCN|15 May 2024YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST BIKESend your first bike pics to: yourpics@motorcyclenews.comMy four-year-old grandson following in my and his dad’s footsteps. I have a Bonnie and his dad has a GSX-S. Bob Long1980s Suzuki X7, Suzuki RM80 and a Kawasaki KH125… also featuring some jeans on the line. Tony DrylandMe on my Fizzy in 1973. Still riding today with a lot less hair on Thunderbird Sport and Svartpilen 401. George CarpenterDecember 1982… although I actually started riding in 1981 on my dad’s C50, sadly no pictures! Conrad WeiskrantzAged 16 back in 1979 with my Honda SS50. I now ride a Triumph Rocket. Martin JenkinsHope you like this one, me on my beloved GT250 purchased from Castle Donington Motorcycles in 1977. Steve SaltMy first litre bike the VF1000R from 1987. Taken with my Gran who passed…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024THIS WEEK1 May 19 Distinguished Gentleman's RideBikers from all over the country will be dressing dapper and taking to the saddle to take part in the DGR. Look online to register for your nearest ride.www.gentlemansride.com2 May 19 InSpire RideThe International Bomber Command Centre (LN4 2HQ) is hosting its InSpire Ride on Sunday, this year paying tribute to the men of Stalag Luft III.internationalbcc.co.uk3 May 16 Yorkshire Ride 'OwtStarting at Grantley Hall (HG4 3ET), there’s a lunch stop and bike display, and a BBQ to finish. John McGuinness will be popping by, too.yorkshirechildrenscharity.org4 May 15 Henry ColeThere are only a few tickets remaining to see Henry Cole and Steve Parrish take to the stage at the Gatehouse Theatre (ST16 2LT) from 7.30pm. Tickets are £33.www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024Malle Mile Beach RaceWhat's happening?The self-proclaimed ‘most inappropriate beach race in the UK’ returns to Margate seafront this weekend. There will be all kinds of motorcycles taking on the sand course including customs, classics, and even electric bikes. With action throughout the day and multiple races to watch, it makes for a truly entertaining day out – definitely something a bit different!The essentialsThe Malle Mile Beach Race is taking place on Margate beachfront. Rider tickets are sold out, but there are still spectator tickets to snap up. For a two-day ticket it’s £18 and if you want to bring any kids under 11 then they can come for free. There are loads of cafés and the Dreamland amusem*nt park nearby.Head to mallelondon.com/beach-race for information…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024A2 BIKES IN FOCUSTRIUMPHROYAL ENFIELDHUSQVARNA…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024'One Goal, One Vision'While his father Sante was the founder of the company, Gabriele is the man responsible for its ongoing upward trajectory by combining his insatiable love of motorcycles and racing with an acute business acumen.“In 1986 I started Alpinestars USA in Los Angeles and then in 1993 I bought the rest of the company from my parents. Our brief from 1995 was to make riding a motorcycle as safe and as comfortable as being in a car. Because then everyone will ride. The advantages in terms of traffic and parking are obvious and also if the rider feels confident, they will enjoy it more. This is a very high and never ending goal.“We have achieved a lot of this through racing, because you learn a lot when you are around top…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024TEN YEARS OF TRIPLES2014-2016Yamaha MT-09 £4000-£6700•847cc •115bhp •188kg •815mm seat heightMade the world take notice of Yamaha again, its 115bhp triple, wrapped inside a lightweight, aluminium frame that exudes agility and fun. Ride-bywire throttle with modes, informative dash and monobloc front brake.2014-2016Yamaha MT-09 ST Street Tracker £4200-£6900•847cc •115bhp •188kg •815mm seat heightFlattrack-inspired version of the MT is loaded with tasty styling extras. Boasting a black frame, bronze cylinder head, two-tone leather/alcantara seat, and smatterings of carbon fibre.2017-2020Yamaha MT-09 £6000-£8585•847cc •115bhp •188kg •820mmFace-lifted Euro4 version featuring new twin LED headlamps, quickshifter, new front fork with compression damping, slip/assist clutch, and new shock settings. New subframe brings a slightly more aggressive stance.2018-CURRENTYamaha MT-09 SP £6700-£11,316•847cc/890cc •117bhp •193kg •825mm seat heightWith uprated, fully adjustable KYB forks and an Öhlins shock, the SP version of the MT-09…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024FEAST YOUR EYESButton loon!The Africa Twin has a staggering 16 buttons on the lefthand switchgear (DCT adds two more to the standard 14) with a further six on the right! You may well want to reach for the manual.Putting a shift inAdding a gear lever to the DCT gearbox costs £440. It effectively does the same job as the handlebar-mounted shift triggers by activating a gear change digitally.Clever touchTouchscreen dash allows the rear’s preload to be altered while stationary to take into account a pillion and/or luggage. Both ends have 24-steps of preload for fine-tuning.…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024MCN VERDICT'Big price, big results'It’s a big price, but with big results. In some ways, the GYTR Ténéré is barely recognisable, yet in others it retains the ease of use that makes the T7 so appealing. There’s no need to fit the whole kit, or even a whole package. Some parts require others to work, but you could cherry-pick chassis or engine parts to enhance your T7.But be advised, most of the kit isn’t for typical riders – the Rally kit is for racers, and the Handling kit turns it into a high-speed monster. Even Pol doesn’t use a GYTR for training.THE FACTS£11,916 Yamaha Ténéré World Raid (GYTR in brackets)…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024Dream machinesWhat would be parked in your dream garage? It’s a typical pub conversation and for some a dream ride might be an iconic Harley cruiser, a classic two-stroke or even a top-spec adventure bike but as so many riders in the UK still adore sportsbikes, we picked some head-down-bum-in-the-air thrill-seekers for this particular dream garage showdown.So, here is our pick of the best used dream bikes and a few useful hints and tips for when it comes to buying them. Just remember to cross your fingers when you fill in those lottery numbers.YOUR EXPERTJon Urry is MCN used bike guru. He’s been lucky enough to ride every one of these dream bikes, even a Desmo (which he reckons isn’t as good as a 1098R)£18,500-£26,999 (2008-2010)Ducati 1098RBologna’s hom*ologation delight will set…5 min
MCN|15 May 2024WORKSHOPBRUCE DUNNMCN’s expert technicianGet pumped up…Puncture put you on the sidelines? Our tips will get you rolling1 Just to get you home…Used as a roadside fix, a tubeless repair kit will get you going again very quickly. It must be stressed that these are temporary repairs and only designed to get you home or to a tyre-fitting centre for a professional repair or replacement. Therefore, it’s critical that you treat it as a temporary fix and stick to the speed limit as specified in the kit’s instructions.2 Two ways to fix a flatThere are two basic types of temporary roadside repair. The first is an aerosol which inflates the tyre with a combination of gas and sealing liquid which dries as it is pressurised out of the punctured area. The…3 min
MCN|15 May 2024Hurt Hickman on top in the twinsPeter Hickman arrived at the 2024 North West 200 battered, bruised and slightly broken by three hefty crashes during Oulton Park British Superbikes the previous weekend. The 37-yearold was also without his FHO Racing BMW superbike as the team sat out the event, limiting him to a Superstock-spec S1000RR for both the Stocker and Superbike races at Portrush, plus a Supersport PHR Performance 765 Triumph and a new Swan Racing Yamaha R7 for the Supertwins events.Hicky also had strapping on his left hand after breaking a small bone during the Oulton crashes.“It hurts like hell,” he grimaced.Despite the pain and power disadvantage of his Stocker, the Burton on Trent racer finished fourth in the opening Superbike race on Thursday night before running out of petrol in the second on Saturday…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024'That's 205mph on an A-road'What a North West and was an amazing feeling it was to be back on the podium. It feels good to be rewarded for the hard work that I put in. I’ve ridden a lot this year, from testing, the Fireblade launch, going to Navarra. I’ve kept in the hamster wheel and I’ve done a lot of things off my own back.I went faster at this year’s North West than I ever had, faster than the last time I won the Superbike race back in 2012. It’s 12 years since I’ve been on the NW podium!It felt special in lots of ways, I had the big injury here in 2017, missed ’18, made some bad decisions with Norton and then Covid hit. I wondered if I’d ever get on the…2 min
MCN|15 May 2024The joy of successPaddock veteran casts his eye over the French MotoGPMarc Marquez reckons he is not “obsessed” with winning on the Ducati. Really? Go tell that to Ducati’s double world champion Pecco Bagnaia. Or Jorge Martin who did the Sprint/GP double in France.It’s certainly not the conclusion you would draw from the heroics of a Marquez masterclass at Le Mans.His performance was an outlier in modern MotoGP: starting 13th on the fifth row for audacious second places in both Sprint and GP.And the escalating anticipation of Marquez’s 60th MotoGP win and his first on a Ducati is adding the fizz factor to the predictability of Ducati’s current dominance.Bagnaia (two wins) and Martin (two wins) have won four out of five main races this season and Marquez admires their Desmosedici excellence and race…3 min
MCN|15 May 2024Bagnaia forced to play catch-upThe French GP was not a title-ending setback for Pecco Bagnaia but there is now some urgency for him to contain the momentum of Ducati nemesis Jorge Martin.The pair fought out the 2023 championship, but Martin has the upper hand five races into 2024. Bagnaia not only conceded big points to Martin at Le Mans he failed to contain the threatening presence of Marc Marquez.The Ducati trio flooded the podium with Bagnaia third, dive-bombed by Marquez on the final lap.And Bagnaia’s woes worsened with the mysterious mechanical debacle that forced a DNF in the Sprint on his spare bike, a loss of important points.“I think it's the three of us now for the title. We are the most complete. Others have the chance to fight, but something is missing. Viñales…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024Ride does it for GraceA motorcycle rideout has been arranged to remember Grace O’Malley-Kumar, one of the victims of last year’s Nottingham attacks. The event will take place on May 19, beginning at North Weald Airfield in Essex at 11am.Riders will then move in convoy to Peterborough Services allowing others to join, before concluding at Newark Showground. Nineteenyear-old Grace was described as having “a special connection with motorbikes" by the event's organiser, “particularly her beloved Vespa”.In addition to this, the medical student was also a national level athlete, having represented England at global tournaments. The event will raise money for the Grace O'Malley-Kumar Foundation, with tickets costing £10 per solo bike, or £15 if carrying a pillion or arriving by car.A raffle will be held to raise further funds, with various prizes donated, from…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024Suited and booted‘It’s fundraising but people do it because it’s fun’Riders in more than 950 cities across over 100 countries will be dressing up smart this Sunday for the annual Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.Founded back in 2012 in Sydney, Australia, by Mark Hawwa, the event encourages vintage and retro motorcycle enthusiasts across the world to ‘dress dapper’ and join in with a group ride near them – all the while raising money for Movember’s prostate cancer work and men’s mental health initiatives.Since its inception, the event has raised almost $49 million, with Hawwa telling MCN that he would like to see the May 19, 2024 ride collect close to $9 million.“It’s definitely grown a huge amount,” Hawwa said. “It’s definitely up on last year and everything’s tracking 10% up at the moment, which…2 min
MCN|15 May 2024DEALSOF THE WEEKSAVE £5654£16,995 Kawasaki Ninja H2 SXKawasaki’s big blown super cruiser seamlessly combines mind-blowing amounts of effortless grunt with all day comfort. Despite its weight, the SX handles superbly. It may not have the poise or precision of a superbike but pick a line through a bend and the big Kawasaki will plough through with uncanny stability (and a mega saving).mandp.co.ukSAVE £4000£19,295 Triumph Rocket 3 GTThe Rocket 3 GT may be lugging a 2.5-litre motor around, but it still handles, offering a far lighter, sharper package than you’d ever expect.carlrosner.co.uk•Engine 2458cc •Power 165bhp •Weight 291kg •Seat height 773mmSAVE £2451£15,649 Aprilia Tuono V4 FactoryEndowed with superbike chassis componentry, excellent electronics and a howling V4 motor, Aprilia’s full-fat Tuono is among the best there is.colchesterkawasaki.co.uk•Engine 1077cc •Power 175bhp •Weight 209kg •Seat height 825mmSAVE…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024Happy ending for stolen bikeThe rightful owner of this electric dirt bike has been reunited with his machine after it was recovered from an address in Nottinghamshire.A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and drug offences, with officers also finding a large bag and tub of cannabis, as well as snap bags, weighing scales, cannabis resin, and a grinder. A deeper inspection also revealed a stack of cash, locked inside a safe.“We were informed of reports of a burglary in the Eastwood area of Rotherham in December last year in which two dirt bikes and a pedal bike were stolen,” said Detective Sergeant Melissa Green, of South Yorkshire Police.The blacked-out electric off-road bike recovered on this occasion is reported to be worth £4500, with investigations ongoing to find the other bike.“We…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024All-star experienceThe Aprilia Pro Experience is back this Sunday, June 9, offering just 20 participants the opportunity to get on track aboard the RSV4 Factory super bikes with instruction offered by current and former MotoGP stars.The full-day experience, which Aprilia describe as “a dream come true for any motorcyclist” will follow the 2024 Aprilia All Stars event happening the day before at the Misano World Circuit in Italy.Three ‘super coaches’ will be on hand to offer the finest tailored tuition to guests, with the team consisting of four-time 250 World Champion and two-time World Superbike Champion Max Biaggi, plus current riders Miguel Oliveira and Lorenzo Savadori.Also present throughout the day will be Aprilia MotoGP racers Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales as well as Raúl Fernández.Entry is available exclusively to those well…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024NEW KIT JUST INHJC C10 Brad Binder £119.99New to HJC’s 2024 range, the C10 features a lightweight polycarbonate shell with a generous eye port and the firm’s Advanced Channelling Ventilation system for full longitudinal airflow. Certification is to ECE 22.06, and it comes in a range of sizes from 2XS to 2XL. Graphics include this snazzy Brad Binder rep.oxfordproducts.comRicha Atomic 2 Hoodie £119.99Keep it casual and stay dry this summer with this slim-fit CE AA hoodie. The softshell outer features ripstop for durability and a waterproof Aquashell membrane, with a storm flap at the front and a detachable hood. Protection includes D3O CE Level 1 armour for shoulders, elbows and back.nevis.uk.comOxford Workshop Gloves £5.99Keep your mitts clean and protected when working on your bike with Oxford’s reusable workshop gloves. They’re waterproof and washable,…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024BUY IT NOW'What does KTM mean for MV?'There was an interesting development recently in the rollercoaster history of MV Agusta. A company that’s had a far from straightforward life (sold to Proton for €70 million, bought back for €1. Sold to Harley for €70 million, bought back for €1. Russian investment, Mercedes investment, etc.) could the fact KTM’s owners now have a 50.1% stake prove a turning point?While I don’t quite have such a soft spot for MV Agusta as I do Ducati (especially 1990s Ducati), I appreciate the history. And I’m also a bit of a fanboy of the F4 model.Years ago I managed to secure a chat with the late, great, Massimo Tamburini and we spoke at length about the F4. Much like MV’s recent history, the development of what…2 min
MCN|15 May 2024Talking pointmcn.letters@motorcyclenews.commotorcyclenewsmotorcyclenewsMCNnewsBring back the Transatlantic Trophy fun!Time to adapt. Racing quickly gets serious, costs spiral then sponsors get involved and before you know it the fun gets sucked out of it as more rules and responsibilty are added. Why not have a back-tobasics series where not everyone wants a stepping stone to the next level? Invite a load of ex-racers to go up against some youngsters on unmodified bikes. Add interest by making them swap bikes every few laps, between 125s, 250s, 600s, cruisers, off roaders and throw in a mixed surface track like supermoto and let's enjoy the carnage. Remember those old Transatlantic Trophy Races? Everyone jumped on a bike and got on with it before the rulebooks got in the way. Think outside the box… just saying.Pete Ahearn, emailSTAR…4 min
MCN|15 May 2024HEAD TO HMY CUSTOMS, CARMARTHEN'We're proper coffee geeks'JUST BREW ITRide out to Britain's best biking cafésTHE DETAILS● Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm ● Richmond Terrace, Carmarthen SA31 1HGThis part of Wales boasts stunning roads… but now there’s another reason to visit Carmarthen with this custom shop and café serving up some of the finest coffee around.HMY Customs began in 2020 after owner Ian ‘Hammy’ Darbyshire took to his shed to paint shoes and boots, and now he is one of only a handful of people who specialise in painting leather. “Through a few contacts in the race paddock, a few of them started asking for boots. People like Scott Redding wanted me to paint stuff for them,” says Hammy.Now HMY sponsor riders in BSB and WSBK, and when he’s not customising leathers Hammy is the manager of Moto…2 min
MCN|15 May 2024You'll be peakingYou can’t go far wrong with routes once you’re in the Peak District, and that’s true with this hour-and-10-minute loop which takes in twisty back roads and steep switchbacks.Starting in Glossop, brim the tank and head north on the A6105 with an enjoyable ride alongside Torside Reservoir. Turn left to hop onto the A628, not the best bit of the ride but necessary to get you to the A616 and Langsett. Stop at the Bank View Café for cake and a cuppa (and perhaps a diversion by Langsett Reservoir) before continuing on the A616 then turn right onto Mortimer Road.Watch for some sketchy-but-fun switchbacks on Mortimer Road with loads of eye-catching views and twists and keep following until you turn right onto the A57 and Snake Road. Popular with many…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024MILEAGE HUNTERS'Just getting started'PETE JONESFirst ride on my new Tracer 7 from Staffordshire to Bala (via the B-roads over the mountains). I’ve only managed about 300 miles so far as the weather has been pants.'Warming up'DEAN ALLGOODTraded in my 2018 Honda Africa Twin last week and bought this new Hornet. Took a bimble to Beachy Head and Birling Gap at the weekend, and I’ve done 300 miles so far.'The weather is coming'DUNCAN MEPHAMThis is a picture of my bike at the Deenethorpe memorial near Oundle during my first run out this year – just a short day of 115 miles.'Spring has sprung'JON ASHLEYThis is just off the A684 Garsdale Road near Sedbergh -travelling through God’s biking country while soaking in an early spring ride.'Into the mountains'ANDREW CHISHOLMI was lucky enough to…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024A2 OWNER OPINION'More than just an A2 machine'COLIN GOODWINAge 61Height 5ft 10in“I’ve never not had a bike and have owned about 50 of all shapes and sizes since I passed my test in the 1980s but I now ride an Enfield Himalayan, which just happens to be A2-legal. But this isn’t the key fact about the bike, what matters is buying a bike that you can actually use. You need to own the bike, not the other way around.“Instead of the Himalayan I could have bought a big GS but I’m never actually going to go touring to Italy, it’s just not going to happen, and I would have ended up with a big, heavy, bike with huge insurance premiums. You have to match a bike to your realistic expectations of what…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024GABRIELE MAZZAROLOBike kit has come a long way in the past few decades… and Alpinestars is right at the forefront of keeping us both safe and stylish. Established 61 years ago by Sante Mazzarolo, since 1993 the company has been run by his son Gabriele. During this time, it’s scaled new heights with next-level technology and innovation, along with expansion into other sports such as Formula 1.And it all began in 1963, the same year that Gabriele was born.“My father made hiking and ski boots,” Gabriele says. “But then, by chance he went to a motocross race and saw that riders weren’t wearing boots specific to the sport. He went away and designed a boot with buckles, a shin plate and a flat sole for cornering and the product became very…4 min
MCN|15 May 2024'The alternative to sportsbikes'The original MT-01 was a concept bike shown at the 1999 Tokyo Show intended as naked street bike which emphasised a torquey ride along with great handling as an alternative to the high-revving performance of sportbikes such as Yamaha’s then new R1.Using the prefix ‘MT’ – for ‘Mega Torque’ – it used the aircooled, pushrod, 1700cc V-twin from an XV cruiser without Yamaha seriously considering if building such a bike was possible. Press and public response was so positive, however, that a development team was put together, initially using a Warrior engine in an XJR1300 chassis, to create a production version.With early assessments proving positive the project gained pace. A new die-cast aluminium frame was created. With the exhaust note considered critical underseat silencers were designed to have their exits…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024The world's best rally-ready TénéréThe Ténéré lineage began life as a race-replica. Not the clip-ons-and-slicks type, but a rally-raid pretender for the man in the street. Yamaha’s love for stage rallies (particularly from their French importer, Sonauto) was heavily reflected in the production machinesThe latest 700 is different: the heritage is there, but at the time of launch in 2019, it didn’t have a racing stablemate to influence its design. It’s a very modern costconscious build: engine shared with three other models, with a chassis built (in France, appropriately) primarily for road riders.There is now a burgeoning race scene specifically for adventure bikes (the established rallies broadly limit capacity to 450 singles, although some are adding a ‘maxi’ class), so Yamaha have developed a racer from the road bike, instead of the other way…7 min
MCN|15 May 2024PART THREE: USING YOUR VISION Eyes on the prizeWelcome to the third instalment of MCN’s Riding Masterclass series. Having covered precision steering last week, the experts at Rapid Training now turn their attention to visual skills – possibly the easiest way to transform your riding.Great riders can see and interpret far more detail much earlier than novices, and at far higher speeds, which allows them much more time and space to react and effortlessly handle whatever comes their way. It might look like a freakish talent when you’re trying to keep up with a faster rider, but it’s most definitely not – these visual skills can be learned by any rider. Follow this week’s tips and check out the video by following the QR code.Improve your observationThere are three ways of improving your observation. Firstly, if you see…4 min
MCN|15 May 2024‘At one with Walker'EMMA FRANKLIN DEPUTY EDITOR Owns a 2004 Honda RS125 race bike and 2003 Ducati 999S“We’ve some bad news, Emma… Your Monster’s been stolen…” Just two days after collecting my Monster+ longterm test bike from Ducati UK’s headquarters in Silverstone, it was gone; forcibly taken from MCN’s secure storage over the course of a weekend. The grim news landed like a punch in the stomach.I’d enjoyed just one, brief but brilliant ride on the £11,595 naked, back from Northamptonshire to the MCN office in Peterborough, exploring the 109bhp twin’s bubbly character and agile chassis. Needing four wheels for my next assignment, I’d locked the Monster+ away in our test bike storage unit, so the news that it had been nicked sent my mind spiralling – had I actually put it away?…3 min
MCN|15 May 2024OWNER REVIEWSMCN’s website has expert opinion and buying advice on hundreds of used machines, regularly updated and packed with insight. Here are three of the latest – visit motorcyclenews.com for plenty more.2017 Ducati 1299 SuperleggeraOwners’ ratingOne very lucky owner has reviewed his 1299 Superleggera online and he seems very happy indeed, scoring it a perfect 5/5. Which you’d expect considering it cost over £70,000 to buy…1994-1999 Honda RC45Owners’ ratingThree owners of Honda’s glorious WSB hom*ologationspecial V4 have reviewed it online. It’s expensive but the V4 motor achieves top marks and so does the bike’s HRC-designed chassis.2019-2023 Ducati Panigale V4 ROwners’ ratingThe lucky few love the V4 motor’s performance and the Ducati’s incredible chassis but the cost of servicing is a constant frustration. Well, what did they expect?Find your perfect partner at:…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024MECHANIC'S WAR STORIES‘With a bit of force we managed to get it straightened’Even heroes need a hand from time to time, so when Notts Blood Bikes came a cropper, they called upon Chris Davies, owner of Davies Motorcycles to get their life-saving machinery back on the road asap.“We got a call from Notts Blood Bikes saying they’d damaged a wheel in a pothole, so we dropped everything and told them to come over. They carry out such important work, so we deemed it essential we got them back up and running.”While out on a job delivering new-born bloodspot samples to Sheffield Children's Hospital, the rider had hit a pothole on ‘Morris’, one of the team’s Yamaha FJR1300s and put a nasty dent in the rear rim.At first glance, the damage looked terminal,…2 min
MCN|15 May 2024Old's still gold at the NW200The NW200 is former British Superstock champion, Richard Cooper’s only road race outing and the 41-year-old rode a Russell Racing BPE Yamaha R6 in the Supersport races and one of Ryan Farquhar’s KMR Kawasakis in the Twins class.Cooper had won the last four Twins races but regulation changes have opened the Twins class up to new machines like the Yamaha R7. One of Cooper’s fiercest rivals, Jeremy McWilliams, who celebrated his 60th birthday this year, was mounted on a Paton for the Twins races and a JMcC Roofing Yamaha in Supersport.Cooper qualified on pole in both classes and won the first Supersport race but thereafter his ambitions were thwarted as he finished second to Todd in the second Supersport race and behind Hickman in the Twins.Three-time North West winner, McWilliams…1 min
MCN|15 May 2024McPint helps save HondaDean Harrison’s hopes of claiming his maiden victory at the North West 200 were dashed when the Honda Racing squad announced they would be unable to field Superbike or Supersport bikes at the event for the 35 year old or his teammates, John McGuinness and Nathan Harrison.Honda blamed the embarrassing no show on time pressures and a lack of parts for their new Fireblade.As a result, all three of the official Honda team riders were limited to competing on Superstock-spec machinery at the event."Look, this is obviously not how we planned to come to the North West 200, but it’s the circ*mstance that we have and we will keep on going,” said Harrison, who moved to the Honda squad from DAO Racing Kawasaki for the 2024 season.The Yorkshireman did just…2 min
MCN|15 May 2024MotoGP gets new rules for 2027,but what does it mean?Paddock insider speaks to the key players in MotoGPMotoGP will undergo its biggest technical shakeup in almost 20 years in 2027 with a host of new regulations agreed on after 12 months of negotiation. Both series organiser Dorna and the current manufacturers agreed there was a real need to reduce the speeds of the world’s fastest racing prototypes, as well as put the emphasis back on skills rather than electronic aids.Now we know the new regulations but how will they change the show? MCN spoke to key figures in the paddock to find out.More overtaking equals better racingMotoGP has been here before, of course. A reduction to 800cc capacity in 2007 not only failed to slow down lap times, it created extreme, peaky engines, which in turn led to notoriously…5 min
MCN|15 May 2024Why Martin will be 2024 champion…At the heart of the MotoGP paddock for over 35 yearsWith a quarter of the season done, four title contenders are already clear –Martin, Bagnaia, Marc Marquez and Bastianini. But there are compelling reasons why Martin is already frontrunner among the favourites.1 Momentum is buildingWith 37 points available each weekend, Pecco is 38 behind, Marquez and Bastianini 39. Martin could take a weekend off and still lead.Of all the title challengers, Marquez is very threatening – still improving on his new Ducati. But he is already playing catch-up.Bagnaia’s old weakness – up-anddown form – was back at Le Mans, with a second straight zero-score Sprint, his third nul points of the year.Fast finisher Bastianini is the dark horse, but is dogged by bad luck.Martin, by contrast, is forging ahead every…4 min
