Home//MCN/11 May 2022/In This Issue
MCN|11 May 20227 DAYS IN 60 SECONDS‘Back on schedule for ’22 with a biking extravaganza!’DEVITT MCN FESTIVAL IS THIS WEEKENDFESTIVAL PULLOUTDevitt MCN Festival is back again!Has it really been a year since the last Devitt MCN Festival of Motorcycling? No – it hasn’t! But while Covid pushed last year’s event back to a sun-soaked September, we’re delighted to be back on schedule for 2022 with our unmissable May biking extravaganza. With so much to see and do, we’ve pulled together a hot mini-guide for you to ensure you don’t miss a thing. 8-PAGE PULLOUT INSIDETOP STORYMV Agusta rev up for adventureWhen Timur Sardarov took over MV Agusta, removing Giovanni Castiglioni from control of the business his legendary father saved from obscurity, it could easily have spelled disaster for the then floundering brand. But it’s been the…3 min
MCN|11 May 2022MV’S new adventureACTING NEWS EDITORMV Agusta surprised bike fans across the globe last November, kicking off a new ‘Lucky Explorer’ project at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan with the 9.5 and 5.5 adventure bike concepts inspired by the Dakar Rally success of the original Cagiva Elefant.With the project made possible by Cagiva belonging to the same group as MV, company CEO Timur Sardarov has now revealed exclusively to MCN that more adventure models are on the way, with a production-ready version of the 554cc twin-pot 5.5 to make its debut at this year’s EICMA show.“It’s something very new. MV Agusta haven’t developed a full product from scratch together with a new engine for the last 12 years, ” Sardarov said, in reference to the 9.5. “We already have six prototypes in…3 min
MCN|11 May 2022Electric sales dented by grant lossMCN CONTRIBUTORSales of small capacity electric bikes and scooters are on the up, but bigger, more powerful and expensive machines are struggling – hit by a combination of last December’s cut to the Government plug-in grant and economic concerns due to Covid-19 and war in Ukraine.March sales figures published by the MCIA (Motorcycle Industry Association) show that mid-range 15-35kW electric bikes, such as Zero’s 33kW FXE, were down by 50% on the previous year.In addition, sales of the biggest, 35kW+, premium sports electrics, including Harley-Davidson’s 78kW LiveWire, and Zero’s rangetopping 82kW SR/S and SR/F, had plummeted by more than 37%.“The removal of the plugin vehicle grant meant people scrambled to get bike sales finalised, ” Alec Sharp of the English Electric Motor Company told MCN. “I believe that in the…2 min
MCN|11 May 2022DEALS OF THE WEEK£17,999 Honda CBR1000RR-R FirebladeRevvier and sharper than ever, the Fireblade’s unflinching focus and Honda’s high-quality execution mean that it genuinely appeals as a serious superbike offering. It’s an eye-opening, sense-frazzling, life-affirming creation. There’s purity of purpose with the Fireblade, and few compromises for humdrum daily life.• www.hgbmotorcycles.co.ukSAVE £950£8699 KTM 890 DukeThe 890 Duke is nicely balanced, reassuring, agile and accurate. Seat height is a short-rider-friendly 820mm.• www.swansea-ktm.com• Engine 889cc • Power 113bhp • Weight 169kg • Seat height 820mmSAVE £801£9799 Aprilia Tuareg 660Usually, off-road ability comes at the expense of road comfort, but this isn’t the case with the Tuareg – it’s as capable on road as it is off.• colchesterkawasaki.co.uk• Engine 659cc • Power 79bhp • Weight 204kg • Seat height 860mmSAVE £501£7499 Yamaha XSR700The retro styled XSR700 uses…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022‘You will be found’ASSISTANT EDITOR, MOTORCYCLINGPolice in the West Midlands have employed the use of DNA tagging spray to fight an epidemic of illegal electric off-road motorbikes and E-bikes in Birmingham.In one incident last month, the force deployed traffic officers, a dog unit, neighbourhood teams, drones, the police helicopter and more to track riders who were ‘tearing up streets and pedestrianised areas’ and threatening to disrupt an organised charity bike ride.Four electric bikes were seized for being ridden without insurance and two people were arrested for a range of offences including failing to stop, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and possession of drugs.Electric bicycles can be ridden legally on the road but they must have bicycle style pedals, produce no more than 250W and have a motor cut-off at 15.5mph. If the bike…2 min
MCN|11 May 2022Sunbeam’s RNLI epicIntrepid 23-year-old biker Harry Bott is currently riding a 1926 Sunbeam Model 1 around the UK and Ireland visiting all of the RNLI’s stations in an attempt to raise £5000 for the rescue charity.Harry set off around four weeks ago from Teddington RNLI centre and believes it will take him around four-and-a-half months to complete the ride, with the Sunbeam capable of a top speed of 45mph.He’ll also be visiting various coastal islands on his trip, including the Isle of Man – using his skills as a trained engineer to keep the 96-year-old machine on the road.“I’m averaging around 20mph, so everything goes by a little slower, ” Harry said. “But that’s what you want when you’re on such a nice route.“Everyone’s been really excited to see it. It’s not…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022Take a trip through Guzzi historyThe legendary – but previously dusty – Moto Guzzi Museum, located at the historic Italian marque’s picturesque factory in Mandello del Lario on the banks of Lake Como, has been completely renovated and is now welcoming visitors.The revamped venue has over 160 bikes on display charting Guzzi’s 100year history. Organised over three floors in the factory’s administrative block, there are three distinct zones – Racing (including the astonishing 1957 ‘Otto’ V8), Production (with bikes ranging from the original 1921 Normale to the latest MGX-21 cruiser) and Military, with all the machines arranged in chronological order.According to Guzzi, many of the machines themselves have also been “carefully and minutely restored over the past few months” by the company’s own staff.The renovation represents the first phase of a complete redevelopment of the…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022BMW aeros spring into actionThe idea of moving bodywork is far from new, but BMW are looking to get in on the act without the use of electronics. We’ve had electrically adjustable screens for years and more recently Moto Guzzi’s V100 Mandello added moving panels in the fairing, but now BMW have filed a patent for ‘adjustable air deflectors’ to boost comfort and improve aerodynamics.The design is illustrated with the image of an R1250GS, but it’s clear the idea is applicable to most bikes.The Mandello’s variableposition flaps, mounted between the rear edge of the nose fairing and the forward shoulders of the fuel tank, illustrate how adaptive aero can work, using electric servos to shift from their windcheating, flush position to an extended mode to push air away.However, with servos and control electronics, they…3 min
MCN|11 May 2022‘Taking a kick in the APRs…’Recently I’ve been busy doing a few guides on PCP deals available on new models and one thing I have spotted and predict will continue is the fact APRs are starting to creep up. In recent times they have been hovering around the 7.9% mark for a popular new bike on a three-year finance deal, but there are a few now at 8.9% from BMW (and even 9.9% from Husky) sneaking in, which is something I expect most manufacturers will copy within the next few months. And that’s not the only bad news for new bike buyers, prices have also been increasing due to issues when it comes to the cost of building and transporting bikes and their components. If you are after a new bike, and didn’t stick down…2 min
MCN|11 May 2022MCN LAWQ ‘Being done for wheelies’I have just received papers instructing me to appear in court for not being in proper control of my bike and driving without due care and attention. I was recorded pulling two wheelies by an unmarked police car on the same stretch of road. I was not stopped and reported at the time. The summons refers to two counts of each offence, I guess one for each wheelie. Is there anything I can do to get off this or should I plead guilty? I don’t deny I did it.Name withheld, emailA You are fortunate to only be charged with driving without due care and attention (careless driving). A wheelie is a specific example of the offence of dangerous driving. This is a more serious offence which…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022‘It’s a souped-up man cave!’Ride further in 2022 with a little help from our one-stop event guideJUST BREW ITRide out to Britain’s best biking cafésHome to BBC Two’s The Speedshop, the S-Bomb Shop is not only a workshop for custom bikes and builds, but it also boasts a café/bar – which makes it a proper biking destination to tick off your must-visit list.S-Bomb was opened five years ago by ex-SAS soldier-turned-motorcycle-customiser Titch Cormack. Originally a shellfish processing plant, the place was in disrepair to the point where there were holes in the roof.“There were metal structures all around the place and big concrete bays, ” says Titch. “They passed the shellfish through in crates into big vats and that’s where they washed them. That’s why there’s decking – it’s like a motocross track underneath…2 min
MCN|11 May 2022‘A stone circle circular’MCN staff and readers share their favourite routesStarting just off the M4, this loop of the North Wessex Downs will take you over fast A-roads as well as single track routes and is interspersed with plenty of history and fantastic pubs for a great Sunday lunch.From junction 16 of the M4, head onto the A3102 and skirt around Wootton Bassett (unless you’re looking for fuel). Take care on Withy Bed as the narrow road always has a few gravel patches.Take a left onto the A4 and you’ll be bombarded with historical sites to explore. All of them require a short walk, but most have nearby parking which is usually free for motorcycles – but double check on the signs. Highlights include West Kennet Long Barrow (which has a layby) and…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022MILEAGE HUNTERS‘CB500 in Cornwall’R5K MEMBER ALASTER AND CHARLOTTE JOHNSONWe just had a little ride out on my ’99 Honda CB500 around Launceston, Cornwall. I’ve now covered 1700 miles between the 500 and my ’99 Honda FireBlade.‘A trip to Dom’s Bike Stop’R5K MEMBERS CAROLINE PASSEY AND REINA LEHMANNA ride out to our number one biker’s cafe Dom’s Bike Stop near Leominster. A nice trip over from Worcester along the A44 then on to Woofferton along the A49 before turning right onto the Tenbury Road A456 back to Worcester. Stunning scenery and great roads.‘A group ride in the Peaks’R5K MEMBERS CHRIS ABBOTT, STEVE RIDLEY, PAUL ROBERTS AND DARREN GILKES (L TO R)A group selfie from riding around the Derbyshire Dales, Peak District National Park, and the beautiful Hope Valley.‘Fab evening in the forest’R5K…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022DIVE IN TO THE DETAIL£23,373 BMW K1600GTL LEFUNCTIONALITY AND FEATURES…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022How good was Steve McQueen?It was the famous bike jump in The Great Escape that inspired Bruce Brown to buy a bike in the first place, and he was impressed by just how good his hero was on a motorcycle.“Steve could get out there and mix it up with everybody, ” he said. “He was a good rider and super-competitive. If you ever beat him, it would piss him off to the max. He lived in a pretty insulated world, so bikes gave him a chance to get out with real people and bang elbows with them. I think that was important to him. He was real good. I mean, he was an excellent rider and race car driver. It was a no-bull deal – he was good at it.”Brown even got to ride…2 min
MCN|11 May 2022SMOKIN’ GRASS!The premise of Grasstrack is simple – get a bunch of riders to line up in a farmer’s field and set them off around a pegged-out dirt oval for four laps of full-throttle, opposite-lock action. It’s fast, frenetic, incredibly exciting and stupendously spectacular.Think of it as similar to Speedway, except the track is longer, meaning higher speeds, and littered with lumps, bumps, stones and ruts, plus the odd bit of off-camber to keep riders on their toes. There’s a bigger grid too, up to double the number of Speedway’s maximum of six.The sport became established in the 1920s, when tens of thousands would turn out to watch the top riders of the time battle for their respective clubs at circuits up and down the land. The natural bowl at Brands…7 min
MCN|11 May 2022USER-FRIENDLY WORKHORSESThe Versys 650 has been part of Kawasaki’s range since 2006. Updates arrived in 2010, 2015 and now again for 2022, but the same basic recipe has always remained – a no-nonsense 649cc parallel-twin and a pair of 17in wheels, matched with a tubular steel frame, with enough room for a rider and pillion. What’s new this time is the styling, which now mimics the four-cylinder Versys 1000. There’s also LED lights everywhere and a colour 4.3in TFT dash with mobile connectivity. But will it be enough to make the Kawasaki top dog in this highly competitive sector?1 Perky twin performanceThe 649cc twin-cylinder engine isn’t actually new for 2022 but is worthy of note for its flexibility and impressive range. A rev-happy, Euro5 lump producing a characterful rumble reminiscent of…3 min
MCN|11 May 2022‘And then the snow storms arrived’SAFFRON WILSONREPORTEROwns a Harley-Davidson and loves to tour in the UK and beyond…As you’re reading this, I’ve had the Aprilia for 33 days, and although it arrived with 150 miles on the clock, it’s now nearer the 1000 mark with most of those being achieved the first weekend I had it. Not bad for a first time out.As my last longterm test bike (Moto Guzzi V7 Stone) was a retro run-around, more suited to city streets than long distances, I was excited to have something that, let’s be honest, is the complete polar opposite. Plus, after getting my first taste of trail riding last year, I’m hoping my time with the Tuareg might turn me on to a life of weekend off-roading adventures. Watch this space…Riding into the DalesMy first…3 min
MCN|11 May 2022‘Big miles are nothing to be scared of’If you saw a five-year-old car advertised with 30,000 miles on its clocks you would be rubbing your hands, yet bike buyers view this as excessive. In truth bike engines, especially on models such as the Honda NC750, can soak up way more mileage with no issues at all. And often, a bike with low miles can be a far worse buy than one that has gone the distance.It’s not uncommon for us to take bikes in partexchange that are showing less than 10,000 miles on their clocks but can be totally hanging due to a lack of basic maintenance. Stuff that may not be instantly apparent but longterm may well bite the owner such as a lack of grease on linkages, suspension that has been left standing and its…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022‘Change your riding for the conditions’Summer in the UK means changeable conditions: Sun often interspersed with heavy downpours, wind-swept countryside and roads strewn with all kinds of debris, so how can you plan for that?“Riding well and safely is all about visibility and searching for grip, which all change in the rain, dry, hot, cold, dark, over white lines and on different road surfaces, ” says Neeves.“Riding to the conditions isn’t just about deciding what to do when the heavens open, it’s more than that. Riding when the sun’s out and the roads are dry gives a sense of security, and a largely consistent level of grip and visibility – but you still have to expect the unexpected.“There’s still gravel deposits on corners to contend with, or mud pulled from a farmer’s field, or diesel…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022McWilliams back, Johnston on formThis year’s Supersport races could produce epic encounters between Alastair Seeley and Lee Johnston – who has finished on the podium in every British championship Supersport race of 2022 on his Ashcourt Racing Yamaha.The Super twins races, meanwhile, promise to be even closer affairs as rule changes have opened the class up to the Aprilia RS660 and Yamaha R7, threatening the Kawasaki/ Paton domination.Johnston will be Aprilia mounted but all eyes will be on former Grand Prix star, Jeremy McWilliams who, at 58, has defected from Ryan Farquhar’s KMR Kawasakis to an IFS Paton machine.McWilliams has won three North West races with Farquhar fielding Richard Cooper, the North West’s fastest newcomer and a podium finisher in the Superstock race, aboard his JMC Roofing ER6.…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022BIGGEST MOMENTS… SO FAR!November 2020FHO Racing is launched following Faye Ho’s takeover of Smiths Racing. Xavi Fores joins Hickman in BSB, with Alex Olsen returning in Superstock.Oulton Park 2021Hickman secures a podium in the team’s second BSB race.Brands Hatch 2021Olsen secures the team’s first-ever victory.Thruxton 2021Olsen wins both Superstock races. Hickman gets a podium.Cadwell Park 2021Hickman seals FHO’s first BSB victories (X2) at their local round.September 2021FHO launch initiative to support female riders; Junior Supersport stars Charlotte Marcuzzo and Scarlett Robinson, and British Talent Cup racer, Holly Harris.Silverstone 2021Olsen wins again whilst Hickman qualifies for the Showdown.2021 ResultsHickman finishes fifth and top BMW rider. Olsen finishes third.February 2022FHO join forces with Gas Monkey Garage in TT sponsorship deal.March 2022FHO expand into Karting by with 12-year-old Lizzy Mentier, as well as two sidecar duos.Silverstone…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022Brits get ready to fight backIt’s an old cliché but one that rings true right now for Sam Lowes and Jake Dixon who know they can’t make any errors this weekend.The British duo have been amongst the fastest riders in this year’s Moto2 World Championship with an impressive haul of two podiums, one pole position and five front row starts between them. Yet a combination of rotten luck and key mistakes have seriously dented their early title challenge and meant there’s been scant reward for their obvious speed.Lowes goes into this weekend’s French GP desperate to turn his season around after three successive DNFs dumped him 65-points adrift of leader Celestino Vietti.Two of those non-finishes were no fault of Lowes, after Somkiat Chantra torpedoed him out on lap one in Austin and he was then…2 min
MCN|11 May 2022An all-action weekendDTRA ChampionshipThe Dirt Track Riders Association will be running a full round of their Flat Track National Championships at the Festival including the Pro, Vintage and Hooligan classes. The Hooligan rounds feature 750cc+ machines with stock frames and road-legal tyres. As you can imagine, it’s jaw-dropping racing and not for the faint hearted.Let the Mayhem begin!Back for 2022, Moped Mayhem is a crazy endurance race with a mix of 40 home tuned 50cc mopeds, fancy dress, and banzai racing - it’s a spectacle you definitely don’t want to miss.Bolddog FMXThis world-class team of Freestyle MX riders are ready to unleash their high-flying whips, tricks and crazy antics and impress visitors at the Festival. Dan Whitby and his team will be flipping their machines ramp-to-ramp a whopping 60ft in the air,…3 min
MCN|11 May 2022‘Dig out your tent, it’s time for the Festival!’We were so lucky back in September 2021, not only to be able to host the Devitt MCN Festival again, but to have so much glorious sunshine that I actually had to buy a hat to protect my shiny head.While Covid disrupted last year’s calendar, we’re back to our usual slot for 2022 – and it feels very much like the starting klaxon for a fantastic new year of biking normality and happiness. The forecast is superb; the long list of test bikes is tantalising; the number of manufacturers, retailers, club exhibits and all-action stars impressive. If you really want to get the most out of the show, I hope you’ve dug out your tent and booked a pitch, because you’re going to need two days if you’ve got aspirations…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022ELEFANT IN THE ROOMThe MV Agusta 9.5 and 5.5 are not the only adventure bikes playing on the Cagiva Elefant’s illustrious rallying history, with the 2022 Ducati DesertX boasting styling and colour choices evidently inspired by the 750 and 900 – for which Ducati was the original engine supplier.Speaking about the DesertX, Sardarov said: “Back in the day, Ducati was a part of the Cagiva Group and Lucky Explorer was using Ducati engines.“I would say Ducati need to get better with styling and need to have a bit more of its own DNA, rather than trying to pick and choose others’.“Lucky Explorer is an MV Agusta product and Ducati decided to bank on it. Good for them, but for sure for such an important company they should have a bit more consistent styling…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022Tune in to… The NodA brand-new podcast discussing both mental health and the positive power of motorcycling to improve it goes live today on all major streaming platforms.Produced in conjunction with MCN The Nod with MCN kicked off today (Wednesday, May 11) and is a weekly podcast hosted by men’s mental health advocate Ben Bowers, alongside co-anchors and good friends, adventurer Charley Boorman and custom bike builder Anthony Partridge.“It was really a desire to create opportunities to empower people with their own mental health through normalising conversations around the subject, ” Bowers said. “We wanted to do it in a way that was fun and create an opportunity for people to learn without feeling like they are being preached to.”Bowers has been a Movember ambassador for more than 10 years and helped the charity…2 min
MCN|11 May 2022Back to the futureACTING NEWS EDITORA one-of-a-kind feet-forwards streamliner dubbed the ‘Monoliner’ will make its debut at this weekend’s Devitt MCN Festival of Motorcycling.Powered by the 898cc circa 100bhp parallel-twin engine from the short-lived Husqvarna Nuda 900 supermoto, it’s been a labour of love for Lincolnshire rider Colin Russell – having started life as an electric project designed to compete at the first-ever Isle of Man TTXGP (the forerunner to the TT Zero) in 2009.“It was going to be streamlined and it was going to race on the Isle of Man, ” Russell told MCN. “I like things that are different and I like things that are challenging.”“It’s probably the answer to a question nobody’s asked, ” he joked, “but what would we be riding now if the FIM hadn’t introduced a ban…2 min
MCN|11 May 2022Making the distinctionSouth Yorkshire Police Off Road Team have been busy tackling illegal and antisocial riders and took the opportunity to point out that these people are not bikers. “The riders of off-road motorcycles riding across crops and damaging fencing are not representative of the off-road community or the wider motorcycling community, ” said a statement from the team. “The community condemns this behaviour and is actively self-policing. The community wants safe places to ride legally and is happy to work with other groups to achieve a cohesive approach.”…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022D-Air to get protectedMotorcycle clothing experts Bike Stop in Stevenage are celebrating 10 years of stocking Dainese D-Air products. “I think D-Air almost encapsulates what Bike Stop’s about, ” owner Martin Brown told MCN. “We know it, we stock it, we wear it! We had two young guys in, and both were getting married. One fell off his bike without getting D-Air and broke his collarbone, ” Martin continued. “The very next day the other fell off while wearing D-Air and didn’t break a thing.”…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022BARGAIN HUNTERDainese Ladies Tempest 2 D-Dry £237.99 (jacket), £174.99 (jeans)It’s a woman’s worldAlthough motorcycling clothing has traditionally been very male-orientated, this is now changing as more and more clothing manufacturers realise that making the kit smaller in size and labelling it ‘female’ simply isn’t good enough. Ranges of dedicated clothing that is specifically designed for the female form are ever more common – something that can only be a good thing. So what bargains are out there for female riders? Loads, just look what we have unearthed this week.The Ladies Tempest jacket and jeans from Dainese form an all-weather combination claimed fully waterproof and breathable with a removable inner thermal jacket for when the temperature heats up. And if it turns a bit chilly at your destination, you can wear the…3 min
MCN|11 May 2022TWO OXFORD MINT CLEANING BUNDLES UP FOR GRABSThere’s no better feeling than swinging your leg over an immaculately prepared motorcycle – sparklingly clean, with perfectly maintained components and a deep lustre to the paintwork. The same can be said for your riding kit – fresh-smelling, waterproofed and in perfect order.We don’t all have time to prepare to show standards, so the products need to be high performance, easy and safe to use on all surfaces. As such, the MINT range of products uses clever formulations developed from an in-depth knowledge of the riding environment. The range includes:• Powerful, safe, biodegradable, streak-free cleaners.• Easy-to-apply, high performing lubes and maintenance sprays.• Quick and easy detailing products, with a long-lasting finish.To make life even easier, Oxford also produce a huge range of top-quality brushes, cloths, sponges, buckets, and applicators.The prize…2 min
MCN|11 May 2022Talking pointmcn.letters@motorcyclenews.commotorcyclenewsmotorcyclenewsMCNnewsTreated like familyIf Tim wants a good experience at a decent dealer (MCN Letters, May 4) and lives near Hull, they always have time for you at Mileskingsport. They treat me like family.Paul Bonell, emailBikers are the best peopleWe would appreciate it if you could pass on our thanks to two trail riders – Ian and Martin – whom we met at a petrol station in Usk on Saturday (30 April). We were fuelling up when it was pointed out to my husband Lee that he had a flat on his Ducati Monster. Lee asked Ian and Martin if they knew of a garage that might sort the puncture. They sprang into action, getting air into the tyre and making calls before we followed them to Ray Cowles next to…3 min
MCN|11 May 2022PUTTING YOU IN THE HOT SEATMCN MEMBERSHIP at greatmagazines.co.uk/mcn-joinRiding bikes isn’t just something we do at MCN, it’s in our blood – in just the same way as it’s in yours. Whether we’re skinning our knuckles in the garage on an old project, reviewing all the latest new bikes, delivering the hottest news, or fighting for bikers’ rights – MCN brings you a whole world of biking every week. And if you become an MCN Member, you’ll not only pay less than you would at the newsstand, but you’ll also get a raft of other exclusive personal rewards and benefits as we build the best club in biking.Enjoy the ride,Become an MCN member from just £5.99* per month for full digital access on your new MCN appDIGITAL ONLYRead MCN on your phone or tablet and…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022YOUR TRIPReaders Keith and James AndersonThe trip We (me and my son James, aged 13) sailed from Portsmouth to Bilbao. The route was made from picking twisty roads from my tourist and motoring road atlas and some RiDE magazine routes.How many miles? We had seven days in total and covered 1293 miles. The route was Bilbao, Reinosa, Luarca, Bragnca, Cuidad Rodrigo, Segovia, Vitoria Gasteiz and back to Bilbao.Best time to go Mid April, but don’t remove your thermal liners! Encountered snow at 1800 metresDon’t miss… Reinosa to Luarca on the north coast. Which was west on the CL626/623 then north on the amazing AS227 through Parque Natural de Somiedo. The road and views were unsurpassed… absolutely incredible!Send your trips to yourpics@motorcyclenews.comTRY THIS…‘The road and views were unsurpassed…’THERMALSTHE BIKEGREAT TIME…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022Festival time!What’s happening?Peterborough’s East of England Arena will once more be packed to the brim with bikers (and families) for the whole weekend. You can test ride the latest metal with major manufacturers and their test fleets (remember kit and your licence) and you can bag a bargain and some great gear throughout the massive array of stalls. With stunt shows and Moped Mayhem there’s live action too, and Silverstone Auctions will be there on the Saturday.The essentialsDoors open on Saturday, May 14 at 9am and close at 6pm, but if you’re camping the whole weekend (£35 in advance), then there will be extra entertainment in the evening as well as early access to the show both days. You can opt to attend for the day (doors close at 5pm on…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022Skye high…£23,373 BMW K1600GTL LE• 1649cc liquid-cooled inline-six• 158.3bhp @ 6750rpm• 132.8lb. ft @ 5250rpm• 358kg kerb weightGUEST TESTERBMW’s full-dress tourer, the K1600GTL LE, is certainly an acquired taste. Billed by the company as offering an ‘intense riding experience’, with a price tag north of £23k and powered by a unique inline six producing almost 133lb. ft of torque, it certainly stands out from other mile-munchers. And that’s before you dip into the comprehensive electronics package, which for 2022 now includes a gigantic dash, uprated ESA and adaptive headlights.But is this range-topping model really the most luxurious way to cover big distances? MCN decided to put BMW’s claims to the test with a two-day trip to the Isle of Skye and back, ticking off more than 1000 miles as we took…8 min
MCN|11 May 2022‘Arrive fresh and ready to go again’One thousand-plus miles in just two days is a pretty extreme tour and most riders would spend far more time enjoying the scenery than I did, but it shows just how effective the GTL is at munching miles. After spending nearly nine hours in the saddle for two days running, each morning I had no aches or pains and awoke as fresh as a daisy – unlike my riding kit.Undeniably a hefty machine both in terms of its physical weight and its price, owning the GTL is a big commitment but what the BMW gives you in return is the ability to cover extreme distances with little effort and while you could certainly travel the same number of miles on another style of bike, I can’t think of one where…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022READY, SET, SCRAM!Who would have predicted that an air–cooled singlecylinder adventure bike would be one of the UK’s best–selling models? Well, that’s exactly what the Royal Enfield Himalayan has achieved, steadfastly sticking in the top few sellers in its class since it was launched in 2018. In fact, last year it was beaten only by the BMW GS and shifted an impressive 1079 bikes. And this success story has been replicated all over the world with the unassuming Himalayan one of Enfield’s most popular models.So, with the adventure bike box well and truly ticked, Enfield have taken the Himalayan and made it a bit more ‘trendy’ for 2022 to appeal to a younger – or different – audience.The Scram 411 is effectively a Himalayan made more ‘urban enduro’ than ‘global adventurer.’ With…4 min
MCN|11 May 2022Fancy giving it a go?Grasstrack is a very easy sport to get into, all you need to race is an ACU licence, suitable bike and protective kit. The GT140 class uses surprisingly affordable 140cc pit bike style engines in a solo frame, while the entry-level GS500 powered class is the gateway to sidecars – in either case less than £1000 could get you on the grid. The place to start is Grasstrack Banter on Facebook where you’ll find a friendly community that’s dedicated to the sport and open to racers, spectators and enthusiasts alike.…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022‘Needs a bit more power’Think of the Versys 650 as the Volvo estate of two wheels – likely to blend into the backdrop of a busy bike meet, but simple, dependable, and capable of years of hard graft. This latest model is no different, with the burbling motor sipping its way through the cavernous 21-litre fuel tank with a tiny straw. Decent build quality and chunky switchgear add to the impression it will deliver years of use with minimal fuss.It’s not all good news though. At 219kg (kerb), the 650 is a hefty lump and circa 66bhp just isn’t enough power for it. It might be helpful for novices or keeping a clean licence but overtakes require at least one downshift and it feels wheezy at the top end.THE FACTSFrom £8155* 2022 Kawasaki Versys…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022‘The Devil’s in the detail’MICHAEL NEEVESCHIEF ROAD TESTERGets off on touring, trackdays and modern and classic superbike racing.Road testing might be all about delivering hard-nosed facts and opinions, but living with a bike is, of course, more emotive. My Triumph Speed Triple RR is a case in point. I rode it at its launch at Ascari and around the MCN250 and it has its faults – mostly its wooden brake feel and how hard it is on the wrists, but a whole new character is emerging as the weeks go by.Despite its superbike performance it’s a lovely bike to just ride slowly, and that’s what separates it from a race rep. It’s deliciously refined, from its electronic Öhlins to its new engine and has so much grunt you barely need to change gear once…2 min
MCN|11 May 2022‘Don’t wait for it to set fire!’Unless you take your tank off regularly, you’ve probably not given your fuel lines very much consideration at all. But if your bike’s 15 years old or more then you should give them a quick once-over to check that they’re still in good condition. Over time, the wide temperature range the pipe is exposed to under the tank, as well as the chemical battering from the gallons and gallons of fuel, degrades the pipe causing it to go hard and potentially split.And now we have E10 fuel to contend with, that degradation curve could be accelerated – especially on older hosing. We’d always recommend running Super Unleaded, if possible, as it’s better for your bike.I’ve seen the results of a split hose dripping on to a hot exhaust and soaking…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022‘See you at Festival’At BikerTek we want to make sure you and your bike are in the best possible shape to enjoy the ride. So, as well as promoting our performance parts for bikers, it’s been a pleasure to work with MCN on this series of workshops to ensure your bike is in tiptop condition – as well as your head. And we have a whole new video series of fantastic content coming soon, too.But the best part is always meeting so many of you on the road. There was a terrific atmosphere on the Hastings May Day run – and now we’re polishing our high-tech parts range ready for the Devitt MCN Festival this weekend.Do come along and meet the team if you can, you can find us at stand R4-4.…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022BACK ON THE ROADMCN CONTRIBUTORCovid-19 wiped out all of the world’s major road races over the past two seasons – grounding between the hedges action since the Macau Grand Prix in November 2019. The North West 200’s return this week signals a return to normality for the hardest hit area of motorcycle sport.200mph and countingThe NW200 is all about 200mph straights, chicanes and the sweeping coast road that every rider names as their favourite part of the seaside course. Two Superbike events top an eight-race programme over two days of mass-start racing as Glenn Irwin arrives as the man to beat on his Honda Racing Fireblade.With three wins in the opening round of the British Superbike series at Silverstone, the Ulsterman revels in the adulation he has received from his home fans as…3 min
MCN|11 May 2022‘It’s hard to believe it’s actually legal’So here we are, it’s time for the NW200 which is great – it’s a fantastic atmosphere and it’s been on the calendar for years. It’s a mass start too, which is unique and you’re out there going wheel-to-wheel at over 200mph whereas at the TT you’re going 190mph but you’re racing against the clock. That makes the two events very different, but I have to say I’m glad it’s not wheel-to-wheel racing at the TT in the same way it is at the North West. I wouldn’t want to do a six-lap race at the TT, competing bar-to-bar with someone.Road racing is hard to understand really. I think the person that summed it up the best was James Hillier at the end of the 2015 TT. We were in…2 min
MCN|11 May 2022The burning questionsMATTHEW BIRT INSIGHTGetting the inside line on grand prix racing since 1996Can Aprilia keep early title tilt rolling?Aleix Espargaro and Aprilia have been the surprise package of 2022. Three podiums in the last four races, including an historic win in Argentina, mean Espargaro comes into Le Mans just seven points behind series leader Fabio Quartararo. Espargaro is living a dream he doesn’t want to wake up from and the Spaniard’s startling early season form has seen Aprilia upgraded from underdogs to genuine title contenders. Aprilia have never finished higher than sixth at Le Mans, but have already made a habit of ripping up the form book in 2022 and you can’t rule out a podium.Will Quartararo take that home victory?No French rider in history has come to their home Grand…3 min
MCN|11 May 2022Suzuki quitMICHAEL SCOTT INSIGHTInside the MotoGP paddock for more than 35 yearsWell, nobody saw that coming. Not the riders, not newly appointed team manager, and especially not Dorna. The news that Suzuki are to walk away from MotoGP at the end of 2022 came out of the blue.‘News’ rather than ‘announcement’. At the time of writing, there had been nothing official from the smallest of the Japanese factories in MotoGP, and no details about the reason – although it is obviously financial.This silence is somewhat curious, but has no real import. The riders, team and Dorna were told on the morning after the Spanish GP, and by evening this had leaked out. It is not as though there is any doubt.Money talks… or lack of itThe lack of explanation has inevitably…3 min
MCN|11 May 2022So what now for Mir and Rins?News Suzuki will quit at the end of the year has thrown the riders’ market into a tailspin. Not only are there two riders of proven race winning pedigree now available, there is a race on to secure the two grid slots that the Japanese manufacturer is set to vacate.It’s hard to recall a time in recent history when two names involved in the MotoGP title race have been told they are out of a ride come the season’s end. Based on ability and application (Mir), plus current form (Rins), it would be negligent for MotoGP’s remaining five factories to at least not consider finding space for one of them.Whispers around Repsol Honda at the Spanish Grand Prix indicated Pol Espargaro has not earned the trust of Team Manager Alberto…2 min
MCN|11 May 2022Buy the bike of your dreamsWith auction lots ranging from pre-war classics to modern race machinery the Silverstone Auctions sale is a smorgasbord of motorcycling with every pocket catered for. 170 lots are due to go under the hammer on Saturday May 14 at noon, you can bid in person or register online at www.silverstoneauctions.comLAST CHANCE to buy discounted tickets Offers end midnight Thursday, May 12 mcnfestival.comFind a gem in the AutojumbleFor 2022 the Devitt MCN Festival has teamed up with the East Anglian Copdock show to bring along a selection of autojumble stands selling everything from project bikes to garage clear-outs. Make sure you turn up early for the best pickings.Get in the clubThis weekend’s Festival is packed with the best bike clubs in the UK showcasing every make and model imaginable. Whether you’re…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022Essential show infoWhat’s the Festival address and opening hours?Peterborough Arena, East of England Showground, Peterborough, PE2 6XE. Saturday May 14, 9am-6pm Sunday May 15, 9am-5pm. All parking is free of charge at the Festival.What are the opening/closing times for the campsite?Campers can access the campsite from 4pm on Friday, May 13 and are required to leave the campsite by 7.30pm on Sunday, May 15.Test ridesWe do not charge for test rides and we cannot guarantee a test ride when purchasing your ticket. Visitors are required to book test rides directly with the manufacturer on the day – arrive early as test rides are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Riders are required to bring their own riding kit, helmet and licence.Can we bring a dog?Dogs are best left at home…2 min
MCN|11 May 2022Tricity 125’s new techYamaha have announced updates to their Tricity 125 three-wheeler – the only bike of this type available in the A1 licence class. Upgrades for 2022 include a new Euro5 single-cylinder engine with stop-start technology to save on fuel. You also get a new frame with 60mm longer wheelbase and revised engine mounts. What’s more the shock length has increased, meaning 90mm of travel. Helping you stay connected is a new LCD dash with smartphone connectivity, too.Yamaha on TourYamaha have renewed their backing for European cycling’s most famous races by supplying support bikes for the next three years to the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana. Since 2019, the Japanese firm have been the events’ official motorcycle partner, supplying up to 45 machines including three-wheeled Nikens and two-wheeled…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022Lincs women ride togetherAn online group encouraging more women to get together on two wheels across Lincolnshire is going from strength to strength, attracting almost 350 members since it began in late 2019.The #girlsrideout Facebook group was founded by local trio Roch Hall, Donna Robinson and Elizabeth Fish in September 2019 after riding as a smaller group of up to six across the previous year. Despite interruptions from the Covid-19 pandemic, the social media forum has now attracted 342 members from across the county.“From doctors to teachers – there’s all kinds of people in the group, ” Roch told MCN. “And that’s the great thing about biking. Every biker is equal when you’re riding.“Some joining the group have just done their CBTs and have joined to get inspiration to push them further, ”…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022Blade bash at the BSBCalling all Fireblade owners and fans… Honda want you to attend a special weekend celebration marking 30 years of the Japanese superbike, set to take place at this month’s Donington Park BSB round.From May 20-22, all Honda riders will receive a 20% discount on the price of admission to the circuit, as well as exclusive parking at the Melbourne Loop.Fireblade owners will then have the chance to ride around the circuit between 6pm and 8pm on the Saturday evening, as well as complete a parade lap with TT legend and 2022 Honda rider, John McGuinness on Saturday and Sunday lunchtime. Book tickets at doningtonpark.msv.com.…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022Toseland ready for MCN FestDouble World Superbike champion and former MotoGP rider James Toseland will be heading to this weekend’s Devitt MCN Festival of Motorcycling.The 2004 and 2007 champ will be popping into the East of England Arena to act as a manager for the Every Penny Counts team, who are competing in the festival’s Moped Mayhem endurance race to raise money to combat pancreatic cancer.The race will take place in the afternoon of Sunday, May 15, with a wide range of teams doing battle around the arena’s dirt oval on bikes of all shapes, strokes, and sizes.‘JT will manage a team in the Moped Mayhem’Although Toseland won’t be riding, the team hope his guidance will be enough to take victory on the day and have already begun taking donations online for their cause.Toseland…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022Glasgow’s Ducati daysDucati Glasgow are behind a fantastic weekend of biking action which takes place on May 14-15. On the Saturday Carl Fogarty will be in-store alongside a fantastic line-up of bikes including a Desmosedici RR, MH900E, V4 Superleggera, Paul Smart 1000E and more. There’ll also be a raffle for two tickets for ‘An Evening With Carl Fogarty’ in Glasgow the following evening. While on the Sunday, Foggy will be joining the dealer’s ‘Grand Day Out at Knockhill’, which also involves Lamborghini Edinburgh, for a day of track rides, pillion rides with Foggy, Ian Simpson and Iain MacPherson, bike experiences on and off-track, displays, food and drink, a raffle and more. For full info go to ducatiglasgow.co.ukCCM open dayCCM, the British manufacturers of the fabulous, single-cylinder Spitfire series, are having an open…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022Racing returns to AintreeBike racing is set to resume at one of Britain’s most historic circuits later this month following a three-year layoff complicated by Covid.Aintree Racing Circuit which, as its name suggests, is located within the Grand National horse racing course in Liverpool, was built in 1954 and hosted Formula 1 races in the 1950s and 60s.The original three-mile Grand Prix circuit was last used in 1964 but a shorter, 1.5-mile Club Circuit located towards Becher’s Brook (one of the toughest fences jumped by horses in the Grand National) remained open.Since then, it’s been primarily used for motorcycle club racing, and proved significant in the early careers of riders such as 23-time TT winner John McGuinness, and four-time World Superbike champion Carl Fogarty.That was all brought to a halt in March 2019…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022NEW KIT JUST INRicha Vendetta jacket £219.99Made from high-abrasion textile with a mesh lining and soft neoprene collar, there are two outside and four inside pockets. The Airtech Control System offers ventilation at key areas and the jacket has a removable waterproof and insulation layer. There are hard shoulder cups, plus integrated D3O protection at the shoulders, elbows and back. www.nevis.uk.comWunderkind Custom Indian Chief numberplate holder £295This adjustable CNC-milled aluminium numberplate holder is side-mounted to add to the Indian Chief’s already cool custom looks. It has a built-in LED light and the connection cables can be hidden within the unit. You can tweak the angle to get it just right. www.wunderkind-custom.comSidi Crossfire 3 SRS boots (limited edition) £469.99These top-notch off-road boots feature a Hyper Extension Block, which protects the ankle and tendons, while…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022All-new twin set for adventureMCN CONTRIBUTORBenelli’s 499.6cc TRK502 adventure bike has turned into a massive hit in its Italian heartland – becoming the top-selling motorcycle in that market in both 2020 and 2021.Although there are now hopes that the larger TRK800 will replicate that success in more markets, Benelli are already making plans for yet another TRK adventure bike that could be better still.The upcoming TRK702 has been type-approved in China, where these pictures have emerged as part of official paperwork. This is where Benelli’s parent company, Qianjiang, are based and where modern Benellis are manufactured.The 702 shares the same family face as the TRK800 but appears to use a chassis that’s more closely related to the smaller TRK502’s trellis. Most notably though, it has a new 693cc parallel twin engine that promises to…2 min
MCN|11 May 2022Laverty is the saviour of racingWhile watching MotoGP recently I had the horrible realisation that British riders have gone the same way the British bike industry did. Once it was enough to ride in BSB then progress to WSB or MotoGP, alas not anymore! Italian and Spanish riders, who let’s face it, make up most of international racing now, are bred and trained from an early age for MotoGP. Thank heavens Michael Laverty has the foresight to realise this with his Moto3 team.Andy Parkinson, email Ed: And congratulations to Scott Ogden (pictured) who has got off to a flying start in Moto3 this seasonBe our Star Letter writer and win a pair of touchscreen-compatible Weise Apex leather gloves worth £59.99 from weiseclothing.com…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST BIKESend your first bike pics to: yourpics@motorcyclenews.comGARELLI CONCORDE MATICThis was a present from my husband Bill in 1982. MargaretDUCATI MONSTERMy first bike after passing my test between lockdowns. Wanted a bike for years, but life got in the way. Raymond MontgomeryYAMAHA DT125 MXThought you might like this one of my great little Yamaha from back in the summer of 1985. Chris HornsbyBSA BANTAMBantam D7, then D14/4 in 1974. Photo taken at UEA Norwich. Tiger Cubs followed, then an A10, which was stolen and a Triton which I still have. JohnHONDA CX5001986 and ready for many miles on the trusty CX500. Those things were definitely built to last. Chris HYAMAHA DT50Back in 1979, I went to school on the bike to take exams. Fuel was cheaper back then! Dave BurkeHONDA CB350This…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022TOP TELLYSATURDAYMay 148am, BTS2, Live MotoGP of France: FP3. Qualifying at 11am.MotoE Race 1 at 3pm.1.25pm, EUR2, Tarran Mackenzie: Behind the Visor5.30pm, EUR2, Live Speedway Grand Prix from Warsaw, PolandSUNDAYMay 158am, BTS2, Live MotoGP of France: Warm Ups. Moto3 at 9.15am. Moto2 at 11am and MotoGP at 12.30pm. Chequered Flag at 2pm8.55am, ITV, King of the Roads: Cookstown 100, also at 9.55am1.50pm, EUR2, Bennetts British Superbikes – Photo Archive FeatureMONDAYMay 168am, ITV, MotoGP Highlights from Le Mans, FranceKEY 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…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022Spec it up and get touringThere are four bikes in BMW’s six-cylinder K-Series family but a total of seven versions if you want to up the spec list. So, no matter what your touring life entails, there is a big Beemer to suit your needs, with prices starting at just over £20,000.Topping the tree is the K1600GTL, which is the fulldress tourer that comes with panniers and a topbox and is available in £21,923 standard or £23,373 LE guise, with the LE adding crash bars, LED fog lights, Gearshift Assist Pro, central locking, keyless ride and an alarm system.‘Topping the BMW tree is the K1600GTL’Next is the K1600GT, which has a sportier-focus than the GTL, brighter paint schemes and no topbox as standard. It comes in £20,398 base form or £21,745 SE Next is the…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022BRUCE BROWNPeople who have shaped our worldBRUCE BROWNUSA, 1937-2017The US director started out making films about the surf scene before getting bitten by the biking bug. In 1970 he created On Any Sunday – the most influential biking movie ever made.It’s considered the greatest and most important biking documentary film ever made, and it was responsible for inspiring a whole new generation of riders. On Any Sunday starred, and was financed by, Steve McQueen, but it was the director, Bruce Brown, who managed to convey the sheer joy of riding motorcycles in a way that had never been seen before.The documentary film covered all aspects of riding, from dirt bikes to desert races, and road racing to ice racing, and helped shape the public opinion of bikers into a far more…4 min
MCN|11 May 2022‘Basic but charming and fun’The Scram 411 may be a slow bike and fairly basic in its tech – yet, like the Himalayan, it is also charming and fun to ride and with a price of £4599 it remains excellent value for money.Not everyone wants to go charging around the countryside; as the Himalayan’s sales demonstrate, large numbers of riders are happy to just plod around enjoying the whole two-wheeled experience.Now, with the Scram 411, they can do so in greater comfort while also benefitting from a higher level of cornering ability on a bike that is a bit less ‘old man’ thanks to its fresh new styling.THE FACTS£4599 Royal Enfield Scram 411*…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022Grasstrack stars past and presentTHENDon Godden (1936-2011)Rode Grasstrack and Longtrack in the 1960s and 70s, notching up three 500cc British titles when the sport was at its most competitive. He was a pioneer, being the first Brit to regularly compete in Europe (European Longtrack Champion in 1969) as well as achieving success as an engineer with his world title winning GR500 engine.Alf Hagon, 90, Waltham AbbeyPossibly the best-known name in grassrack racing, both as a competitor and component manufacturer. Alf won 11 British Championships at 500cc and 350cc between 1954 and 1964. In 1965 he traded in the track for the drag strip and became the first Brit to log a flying mile at over 200mph.NOWJames Shanes, 25, DorsetKicked off his career aged six on a 50cc auto and after a rise through the…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022THE MCN SHOWCASE TOP LIDS UNDER £300Bell Qualifier DLX Mips £229.99‘Clever self-tinting visor’Tested by Emma Franklin for four months/2000 milesThis plastic-shelled ECE 22.05 lid from US brand Bell is seriously impressive for a helmet at this price point. For starters, it comes with a super-trick ProTint visor, which reacts to the conditions to become darker on brighter days and clear again at night or in low-light. It works pretty seamlessly too, with the only time it struggles to react quickly enough being when you enter a tunnel. This type of visor, when purchased for other makes of helmet, is usually insanely expensive, so it’s impressive that Bell have included one on this mid-range model. There’s a NutraFog II coating on the visor, too, which provides anti-fog/scratch and UV benefits, however I have discovered that you need…7 min
MCN|11 May 2022£5000 all-roundersWith the spiralling cost of petrol, many families are choosing to abandon their second car and instead rely on just one form of four-wheeled transport… which is where bikes come in. An all-rounder can be used for everything from the shopping run to a weekend away, commuting to sunny Sunday rides, making it a practical choice rather than just a luxury. But which is best for you?£4500-£6000Suzuki V-Strom 650XTAn overlooked middleweight that’ll weather a nuclear stormThe baby V-Strom makes for a brilliant do-it-all that punches well above its size. Powered by a version of the SV650’s easy-going V-twin, you get ABS and traction control as standard alongside an adjustable screen, 20-litre fuel tank and roomy riding position. Solid and very dependable, it makes for a great used buy that can…5 min
MCN|11 May 2022Don’t be fuellish…Helping you ensure your bike’s always ready to rideBRUCE DUNN MCN’s expert technician1 Gain access to the fuel linesMotorcycle fuel line is a specific type of rubberised plastic pipe. Generally, the newer a bike is the less likely it is that the fuel line will give any problems. But on older bikes the pipe can start to perish and eventually leak, resulting in a potentially dangerous situation as well as an MoT fail. First things first, remove the petrol tank, undo fasteners and retaining bolts.2 Does it have a fuel tap?Before the tank can be removed, the fuel line needs to be disconnected from the tank. Older bikes with carbs will most likely have a fuel tap which needs to be switched off prior to pulling off the pipe. Modern…4 min
MCN|11 May 2022Veterans ready to rideIan Hutchinson has rejoined the TAS squad on a Milwaukee/Synetiq BMW as veterans John McGuinness (Honda Racing) and Michael Rutter (Batham BMW) return to action. “People call the North West a warm up for the TT but it’s a bloody big international road race that is a good thing to win, ” McGuinness says.The third most successful NW200 racer of all-time with 14 victories, Rutter admits to being a bit rusty after concentrating on running his Bathams backed squad.“It does get harder and my best chance is probably on the Superstock bike. I would love to be up on the podium again and I’ll probably try harder at the North West than the TT. It is very special to me.”…1 min
MCN|11 May 2022Taking on the world!FHO Racing’s first year in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship paddock was a positive one, with Faye Ho’s squad taking wins and podiums in both Superbike and Superstock. Now the operation is expanding rapidly, and Faye is determined help young female riders succeed. MCN caught up with her to discuss the journey so far.Management styleLast year was a learning experience for the BSB team boss, but an enjoyable and rewarding one. She took the time to learn about her crew and riders and the best way of managing the project, whilst working hard to educate herself about the technical side of the bikes – she says the team even test her now and then regarding different parts of the BMW.“I love it, ” she told MCN. “If I have the…5 min
MCN|11 May 2022Europe’s biggest test bike fleetThe Devitt MCN Festival is THE place to ride all the new 2022 models. Getting a test ride on your dream bike couldn’t be easier, just head to the manufacturers’ area with your licence, lid and suitable riding kit. Some test ride slots fill up fast, so make sure you get there early in the day.Kawasaki will be running their KRTS 125 Experience allowing novice riders to get their first taste of motorcycling. Away from the crowds and with full tuition available, the KRTS 125 Experience is the ideal low-pressure and safe environment to try riding for the very first time.TICKETS ONLY £15You can still grab discounted tickets online, book before midnight May 12 to ave yourself some £££s.BOOK NOW!Make a weekend of it. Camping tickets available now. Visit: www.mcnfestival.comDISCOUNTED…3 min
