Home//MCN/17 April 2024/In This Issue
MCN|17 April 20247 DAYS IN 60SECONDSFIRST RIDEMV Agusta's getting adventurousIt's the freshest premium adventure bike to hit the market, and is so new that MV can't even confirm the price just yet – but we've ridden it on- and off-road this week to reveal how well it stacks up against its ambitious brief. Is this superbike-on-stilts a compromise too far, or have MV really built a bike that can – as they claim – do a trackday in the morning, and climb a mountain in the afternoon? PAGE 28INSIDE STORYHow safe is your helmet – really?When helmet safety testing programme SHARP was founded, it was astounding how many helmets fell short on protection, despite meeting the safety standard. Even more surprising was that they demonstrated that protection wasn't proportional to cost or brand – so…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024Suzuki's sustainable superbikeEXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWSuzuki shocked global motorsport fans in July 2022 by announcing that they were pulling out of both MotoGP and the Endurance World Championship at the end of the season to focus more on sustainability, despite winning both titles since 2020.“One of the reasons was to reinvest in carbon neutrality,” MCN was told at the time by Motorcycling Marketing Group Manager for Europe, North America and Oceania, Nobuo Fujii.“Carbon neutrality is not only electrification. At the moment, Suzuki is considering various possibilities, depending on the engine capacity.”Guess who's backThis stance has now led to Suzuki returning to endurance racing in an official capacity, entering an experimental GSX-R1000R superbike to the 2024 Suzuka 8 Hours using a number of greener components and a more sustainable blend of fuel.“I believe this initiative…3 min
MCN|17 April 2024Arc back in liquidationCoventry-based luxury electric brand Arc, responsible for the £98,000 hub-steering Vector, have announced they have filed for bankruptcy.Arc V Ltd were founded in 2020 and had delivered 11 motorcycles to customers before entering liquidation proceedings. Highprofile customers include A-list Hollywood actor and businessman Ryan Reynolds, as well as Middle Eastern royalty.“Ultimately when you sell high-cost low-volume bespoke products it doesn't take many people letting you down to put you in a difficult position,” Founder and CEO Mark Truman explained. “Things had been going very well, but distribution issues in the US really hurt our revenue which forced us to seek investment.“I'm currently working with partners and am determined to try and bring Arc out of administration. I will also do everything I can to support client motorcycles in market going…2 min
MCN|17 April 2024DEALSOF THE WEEKSAVE £4510£24,000 MV Agusta F3 RCA true piece of exotica that will leave you gawping at its stunning looks as much as riding it. When you do throw a leg over, it's well sorted to ride, with the sublime handling of a 600, only with added grunt, and it won't intimidate you like a 1000. As a bona fide slice of exotica it was never going to be cheap but this saving makes it an attractive buy.wheelsmotorcycles.co.ukSAVE £2750£21,745 BMW R1250RT LEIf you want to cover big distances in absolute comfort and at serious speed, BMW's boxer powered RT is hard to beat.lind.co.uk• Engine 1254cc • Power 134bhp • Weight 279kg • Seat height 805mmSAVE £1300£7699 Suzuki V-Strom 650XTIt may be a little long in the tooth, but Suzuki's ever popular…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024Stolen Husky finally recoveredA white Husqvarna enduro bike stolen back in 2019 has been recovered by South Yorkshire Police after officers were goaded – and one was assaulted – by a group of aggressive off-road riders.Police were dealing with a collision between two cars in Rotherham when a group of off-road riders came across from nearby woodland and began provoking officers.“They had come from Listerdale Woods giving it the beans across farmers’ fields,” the force said. “One of the riders showing off failed to negotiate a ditch. The officers at the collision attempted to detain the male, seeing the bike had no plate.”According to the force, when officers were attempting to make the arrest, the rest of the group of riders began trying to run them over, with one of the team sustaining…2 min
MCN|17 April 2024Honouring Dave MyersAlmost 6000 motorcyclists have come together to honour the life of Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers, and raise money for Cancer Research.Myers was one half of the muchloved culinary TV duo, and died in late February 2024 aged 66 following a two-year battle with cancer. The news of his death lead to an outpouring of sympathy from the motorcycling community.Biker Escorts East Yorkshire arranged the meet up and ride out, which took place on Sunday, April 7. Just a week before only 800 people had been expected to attend, with thousands more then flooding into Beverley town centre to pay their respects on the day.‘Astounding… Dave would've loved it’The event generated £2500 on the day, with donations continuing to pour in online afterwards.“As the morning unfolded there was convoy after…2 min
MCN|17 April 2024NEW KIT JUST INLaser Digital Multimeter £43.44Tracking down electrical gremlins can be frustrating to say the least, but add a multimeter to your armoury and you'll soon pinpoint the problem. This Cat III device from Laser can be used to test both DC and AC voltages, DC current, resistance, diodes and continuity, and comes with test leads, a PVC cover and 9V battery.lasertools.co.ukOxford Dakar D2D Air jacket £169.99Oxford's fully vented CE AA-certified adventure jacket has gained two new colourways: a stealthy black and this rally ready desert version. Ideal for summer, it has large mesh panels for copious airflow, plus a removable waterproof liner for when the weather turns in that typically British fashion. Matching trousers are available at £149.99.oxfordproducts.comCaberg Duke EVO £259.99The latest addition to Caberg's Duke series of flip-front helmets comes…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024BUY IT NOW‘Quality counts in the long run’My lad has just worked out how to pedal a bicycle and, not wishing to put too finer point on it, he's bloody terrifying to watch and I'm a nervous wreck. Honestly, he has no fear. The other day he was cornering so fast he caught a pedal on the ground, span the whole bike through 90-degrees in a semi-highside and just kept on going. He didn't even put a foot down! And this transition to two wheels has not only given me (more) grey hairs, it has highlighted the importance of paying extra for a quality bit of kit.We've always armed him with Frog bikes, which are noticeably costlier than other two-wheelers but hold their value brilliantly (I always buy secondhand). He's on his…2 min
MCN|17 April 2024YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST BIKESend your first bike pics to: yourpics@motorcyclenews.comMe on my new LC. 40 years later, still love the bikes and the music. Not so much the more tummy, less hair. Darren HallDecember 1980, first day at work. 30 miles every day! Got a Honda SS50 as I couldn't afford an FS1-E. Carl OlssonThis is me in 1978 on my first big bike – third from left, with my mates Andrew, Martin and Howard. Martyn DaviesYou don't forget your first bike and mine was a Yamaha DT. Summer 1983 with double denim de rigueur… Vincent GuillonI'd been riding on my car licence but when the law changed, I bought this for my CBT. It wasn't fast but it was pretty! Dee1959, aged 16. How do you get to school by 9am when…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024THIS WEEKApril 20-21 International Classic Motorcycle ShowLove classics? Get down to the Stafford County Showground this weekend. Guy Martin is the star guest. Tickets are £20.www.classicbikeshows.comApril 20 Run What Ya BrungGet on track at Santa Pod. Sign-on fee is £45, admission is £18 (plus £3 booking fee) with discounts for single runs.santapod.co.ukApril 21 The Big Tour comes to SammysThe Big Tour 24 (a charity ride event covering 3225 miles) is heading to Sammy's this weekend. They are hoping to be with the museum from 11am.sammymiller.co.ukApril 20-21 Historic racingLydden Hill will be alive with the sounds and smells of bikes from yesteryear as British Historic Racing takes to the track for the first time this year.britishhistoricracing.co.uk…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024Brave new world for MV AgustaIt's fair to say that MV Agusta aren't a brand that are renowned for speedy delivery of spare parts and dealer support, as we've seen in owners’ reviews across a number of different models. However, with the Pierer Mobility Group acquiring a majority stake in the Italian brand earlier this year, the company behind the likes of KTM, Husqvarna and GASGAS are looking to turn that around and put things onto a much firmer footing.Not only do MV Agusta now have Hubert Trunkenpolz (a member of the executive board of Pierer) as their CEO but the group have big plans for MV Agusta, covering everything from additional development and technology, to the availability of spare parts globally. As a show of confidence, the new Enduro Veloce comes with a four-year,…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024CRUISE THE DETAILHONDAKAWASAKIROYAL ENFIELD…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024The first American to win a GPPat Hennen won three Grands Prix in his brief career but it was his debut win in Finland in 1976 that made history. Aged 23, and on a privateer Suzuki RG500, Hennen had to fend off Giacomo Agostini, and local hero Tepi Lansivouri to become the first American rider to win a GP. Due to an engine seizure, Hennen only managed 15 laps of practice on the notoriously dangerous Imatra circuit, and later credited Lansivouri with helping him win the race as he had towed him round in practice to show him the correct lines to take.After a great start, Hennen found himself leading the race on the first lap. “European riders seem to take a couple of laps to warm up,” he said, “so I thought ‘I'm going to…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024MCN VERDICT‘Sweeter at any revs’The changes don't sound significant but the difference to the riding experience really is. Although the GT's surprisingly weighty steering remains, it's now a sweeter engine to use at any revs with perfect low-down manners, a light clutch action and a lovely, mellow growl as the motor climbs through its rev range. It's exactly the right amount of engine character, and it makes you wonder why Triumph didn't make them like this in the first place. They've sold over 14,000 Tiger 1200s since 2022, but on this basis they might have sold even more.THE FACTSFrom £17,295 (GT Pro) £18,695 (GT Explorer) Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro and Explorer…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024ROSS CLARK-RAEE ‘That helmet saved my life’Ross Clark-Raee is SHARP's Technical Lead, a role he gravitated to after having his life saved by wearing a SHARP five-star-rated helmet.“In 2015, I was riding to my job in music management when a van crossed in front of me. I had nowhere to go except into oncoming traffic or into the side of his van. I hit the van.“When I came to, I found I'd broken both arms, dislocated my thumb, broken all the bones in my left foot and had a couple of other dislocations. It turns out that I'd also broken my back, but because my arms were pointing in the wrong direction, they fixed those first.“After looking at the state of my lid and speaking to witnesses, the helmet saved my life, no question. The only…2 min
MCN|17 April 2024‘Bandit looks give Venom extra bite’9 months ON TESTSimpson Venom Carbon £499.99The original Simpson Bandit design did for the world of helmets, what the Ducati 916 did for motorcycles, it is an icon of its era.The Simpson Venom Carbon has brought the essence of the Bandit bang up to date. The Carbon version weighs in at a mere 1528g and the visor is a substantial 2.5mm thick, which helps with rigidity when opening and closing.It also comes with a Pinlock Max Vision ready to fit. The visor is kept clear with anti-fog air flow and is very easily removed and refitted, with a useful flip-down sun-visor operated by a sliding catch on the side of the helmet. There are six vents at the front, with a further four on top and four exhaust vents at…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024Welcome to the MCN Fleet 2024PART TWOCARL STEVENS ROAD TESTERcarl.stevens@bauermedia.co.ukYamaha MT-09Yamaha's CP3 motor is a thing of beauty. It's easily one of my favourite engines thanks to its punchy and playful nature, which is why I can't wait to try it in the utterly beautiful XSR900 GP when it arrives later in the year. I have big plans for long rides on the GP to see if it is the complete package, alongside some track action to see if it has the minerals to back up its gorgeous appearance.But that will have to wait for a bit as before that I will be checking out the 2024 MT-09 for the first part of the year. I was seriously impressed by the ‘09 at its world launch, as it is machine that has truly evolved with…5 min
MCN|17 April 2024‘Everything was seized after over a decade in the shed’Far beyond their value as mere means of transportation, motorcycles can become sentimental items dear to us, even if they lie neglected for years. And that was the case with this Suzuki RG125 Gamma.The bike had been in the family for years and the customer had owned it for over a decade, but as often happens, life got in the way and the little Suzuki had become banished to the farthest corner of the shed.That is, until one day when he found the inspiration to restore said Suzuki to its former glory. The first task was to breathe some life back into the tired old two-stroke, and for this he called upon the services of Michael Abel, owner of Abel Motorworks.The brief was simple: rebuild and refresh, but without breaking…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024‘Loving all that razzamatazz’What a race and what a good advert for MotoGP – especially in America. The whole meeting was true yank style, jets flying over and Hollywood razzamatazz. In some ways CoTA needs it because races there have been a bit processional, but not this year. Viñales came from 11th to win and there were bits of Marquez's Ducati flying off everywhere.I'm still a bit stunned by Viñales. He looked fantastic, but I thought his interviews were a bit weird. He's obviously been in some dark places. At times he would have been sat there, not happy, knowing that everyone wants his ride, but now it seems that the planets have lined up and he's showing everyone what he can do. He's gone from it being a desperate situation where he…2 min
MCN|17 April 2024Rins shows Yamaha's state of playA demoralising weekend for CoTA expert and two-time Texas GP winner Alex Rins only served to highlight the problems with the Yamaha M1.Rins won this race a year ago on a Honda RC213V but crashed out of Sunday's GP while teammate Fabio Quartararo finished 12th, that's a debilitating 22.8s behind the winning Aprilia. Rins was 16th in the Sprint.Rins also won at CoTA on a Suzuki in 2019. There is no doubt that he knows how to be fast here.It's fair to say the M1 is a write-off this season and Yamaha are clearly focusing on 2025 with the Texas GP a three-day test outing.Rins said he tried multiple bike specs as Yamaha search for future solutions but an experimental race set-up was a “big mistake”.And the Honda crisis deepened,…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024WELCOMEHello and welcome to MCN's 2024 Bennetts British Superbike Championship Preview.While the new season has a tough act to follow after a sensational 2023 campaign, a winter full of changes means we're heading a little into the unknown. As is always the case in BSB, you cannot predict what's going to happen next in the world's best domestic series.Reigning champion Tommy Bridewell has moved to Honda alongside Andrew Irwin and Dean Harrison, and is aiming to become the first rider to defend his title with a different manufacturer and team.Speaking of riders switching brands, Jason O'Halloran has swapped the Yamaha to lead the charge at Completely Motorcycles Kawasaki alongside last season's Rookie Cup winner Max Cook.Bridewell and O'Halloran switching bikes adds an extra bit of unpredictability to the championship. They're…2 min
MCN|17 April 2024EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ‘We're only going to get better’Last year, Glenn Irwin played a huge part in one of the most thrilling BSB title races in recent memory, dramatically losing out on the title by half-a-point.He lost to teammate Tommy Bridewell, but Irwin enters 2024 as the sole rider at the newly named Hager PBM Ducati squad, run by Jordan and Frank Bird following the death of team owner Paul Bird, Jordan and Frank's father.The team is built around Irwin, and continuity could be key. MCN spoke to the 2023 runner-up ahead of the new campaign.How do you reflect on 2023?“It was an amazing season, one full of success for me. For the spectators it was one of the best seasons ever – it had two teammates going at it in rivalry that we haven't really seen since…6 min
MCN|17 April 2024BSB STATATTACK!8 Only eight of the 13 circuits that have hosted BSB are still on the roster. The ones no longer visited are Croft, Mallory Park, Mondello Park, Rockingham and SilverstoneDid you know?Knockhill is the only circuit on the current BSB calendar where Josh Brookes hasn't wonBSB titles have been won by English, Scottish, Australian, Japanese and Spanish riders19 Most wins in a season (Leon Camier, 2009)ON THE PODIUM57 Total number of race winners in the modern era83 Total number of podium finishers23 Most podiums in a season (John Reynolds, 2001, Shane Byrne, 2014, Josh Brookes, 2015 and Bradley Ray, 2022)10 Most number of winners in a season (1998 and 2022)16 Most number of podium finishers in a season (2017)50% of Lee Jackson's BSB podiums have come at Oulton Park (eight…4 min
MCN|17 April 2024EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ‘We are always receptive to looking into new things’Did last year's title fight lead to increased viewership and attendances?“Viewing and audience figures are quite fickle and can be influenced by all sorts of things – not just economically, but by other events and, ultimately, the weather.“There was a purity and rawness to this, which caught everyone's attention, and we certainly saw an energy and connection with the audience that hadn't been seen for a long time. With any sport, you don't have to be an aficionado – if you catch wind of something going on, whether it's a rivalry or certain personality, it hooks you in.“What we saw with Tommy and Glenn is that they also have very partisan fan bases, which creates its own energy, too. There was a lot of passion around it.”You must be happy…5 min
MCN|17 April 2024‘Has MotoGP's bubble sprung a little leak?’Timing is a cruel thing. Careers have been made, and ruined, by it. Racers who would have been dominant if it weren't for one other rider; genius engineers who are side-lined by corporate politics or team closures… The sliding doors of fate give and take in equal measure.And we might well be sitting in a lull right now where the interest in MotoGP is waning amongst fans thanks to a couple of years of post-Rossi malaise. The racing's been good, the stories equally good – but the spark has been missing. It can be the best thing ever when one rider dominates – so long as everyone loves that rider. Equally, it can be the hammer that smacks the nails into the series’ coffin if the rider induces narcolepsy.Our own…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024New GSX-R1000 incoming?Given the surprising nature of Suzuki's return to racing, we couldn't help but ask whether the project was being used to develop a new GSX-R1000 superbike hiding in plain sight.“Sorry, we cannot share any specific plans for any new GSX-Rs,” said Shinichi Sahara (pictured).But despite abruptly shutting our question down, the firm acknowledged that the results of the racing programme could help influence the development of future models.“Depending on what we find out as a result of the races, we cannot deny the possibility that our future model development can be influenced,” Suzuki's Akira Kyuji added.“In the future, we hope that by introducing new products with feedback on the knowledge and technology gained by participating in the race, we will be able to satisfy more customers.”…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024Three-wheeled spectacularGoodwood's 2024 motorsport calendar kicked off last weekend, with stars of the Sidecar World Championship taking centre stage in the first ever Sidecar Shoot-Out.The April 13-14 Members’ Meeting is a much more relaxed affair than September's Revival, which features two- and four-wheeled racing with pre-1966 machinery only.Instead, the Members’ Meeting opens its doors to more modern machinery, with the 2024 sidecar races being the most modern to date.For the first time in over 50 years, contemporary motorsport was held at Goodwood, with eight of the best names in three-wheel racing going head-to-head in a series of sprints commemorating the 75th anniversary of the World Championship.TT aficionado Ben Birchall was on hand to provide one of the biggest shocks, beating eight-time Sidecar World Champion Tim Reeves in their head-to-head sprint, despite…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024Tarmac lifeline‘People can hold local authorities to account’Britain's roads are set to receive an injection of cash as the Government commits £8.3 billion to improving local transport networks.The project is made possible by a reallocation of funding recovered from HS2 and this payment represents the first tranche of several planned instalments.Since announcing the preliminary plans last November, the Government have delivered £150 million. Plans for the full budget have now been firmed up, with a fresh news release from the Department for Transport revealing that 102 out of the 119 authorities allocated funding have now responded with plans outlining the work they intend to carry out.“Alongside this unprecedented funding, which is already being used to improve local roads, we're making sure people can hold their local authority to account and see…3 min
MCN|17 April 2024Fundraising gone fancyThe ‘Dapper Do’ is heading to Glasgow's West Coast Brewery for the first time ever on Saturday, May 11, and will be raising money for a men's mental and physical wellbeing charity, Movember.Multi-franchise dealership West Coast Glasgow are supporting the event, which is being organised by the team behind the city's Distinguished Gentleman's Ride. Just like the annual DGR charity ride out, 100% of the proceeds raised will go to bolstering the charity fund's pot.The event aims to offer an enhanced, and more accessible DGR experience, opening up the scene to those who may be unable to attend the ride itself.Guests are invited to don their fineries – the more tweed the better – and enjoy a 1920s-inspired gala evening, brimming with live music, food and raffle prizes.Entry for the…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024Deus deals in auctionAn online auction, featuring custom builds by bespoke motorcycle and fashion brand Deus Ex Machina has come to a close, generating thousands of pounds across eight unique petrol and electric machines.The auction was hosted across online platform Catawiki and ran from March 22 until April 2, with all of the custom machinery produced at the Deus workshop in Milan.“All of the bikes in this auction are incredibly special and unique and there is a history behind each one,” Deus Ex Machina Director, Alessandro Rossi, said before the auction began. “I want to emphasise the fact that these bikes are not only collectable but are ready to ride.”‘Not only collectable but ready to ride’Four of the eight custom bikes were sold without reserve, including a bespoke Fantic Caballero 500 known as…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024Clever new rubber ringsWHAT'S NEW IN TECH?When Metzeler announced the Roadtec 02 sports-touring tyre was on its way to replace the Roadtec 01, expectations were high.Since its arrival in 2016, the 01 has been a standout tyre in its class and won MCN's 2017 Tyre of the Year Award. It continues to impress, with a slightly sportier SE version added to the range in 2020.At the time, Chief Road Tester Michael Neeves reported: “A good sports or trackday tyre will always be more agile than all-weather rubber, but the Metzelers have a lightness about them that lets you flow easily from side to side with the lightest of steering inputs, similar to the German/Italian firm's own Pirelli Angel GT 2.”Cleaner futureThe Roadtec 02 aims to continue that trend with a planet-conscious blend of…3 min
MCN|17 April 2024Talking pointmcn.letters@motorcyclenews.commotorcyclenewsmotorcyclenewsMCNnews‘It's dead-end technology’EVs are a dead-end technology until there is a revolution in batteries… which always seems like it's five years away. If, and when, it arrives with a five-minute charging time, and a range of 200+ miles regardless of the riding style and temperature, would I buy one? No. I ride a in part for the involvement and skill (or lack of it) in controlling the internal combustion engine. I have no interest in a twist-and-go, even if it has a tyre-shredding 166lb.ft.EV cars are similar, why spend a fortune on a Porsche Taycan when the driving experience is the same as a Nissan Leaf, just a bit quicker? Chris Hall, emailSTAR LETTERWrite something that spikes our interest, and you could get selected for the Star Letter slot. Each…4 min
MCN|17 April 2024HEAD TO PONDEROSA, HORSESHOE PASS‘The weekends are chaos’JUST BREW ITRide out to Britan's best biking cafésTHE DETAILS•Mon-Fri 10am-3.45pm; Sat-Sun 9am-4pm •Horseshoe Pass, Llangollen, LL20 8DRThere's nothing quite like riding in Wales, and the Horseshoe Pass is no exception. The only thing that makes this route that bit sweeter is that once you get to the top, you get the views, the exhilaration… and a great cuppa.There has been a food outlet on top of the pass for as long as anyone can remember, and a picture of a shack dated 1934 proudly sits in the restaurant. Current owner Simon Clemence's parents bought the Ponderosa in 1983, and he has worked there since he was 18.“When they purchased this place, it was a restaurant as well as a café,” Simon says. “So, it's been with us since then.…2 min
MCN|17 April 2024Making a pass in the PeaksStarting off in the home of the best tarts you can buy (stop snigg*ring, I'm talking about the frangipane and cherry heaven), head north out of Bakewell on the A6 – taking a detour if you have time at Ashford In The Water up the B6465 to Monsal Head for the great views – winding your way to Buxton. Skirt the centre – unless you need food, drink or fuel – and take the A5004, aptly dubbed ‘Long Hill’, which will dump you onto a brilliant rollercoaster snaking down past Fernilee Reservoir to Whaley Bridge.Don't get too giddy, it's easy to over-cook the tighter bends. As you approach Whaley Bridge you can dive right at the crossroads and head through co*ckyard and Chapel-en-leFrith, or stay on and pick up the…2 min
MCN|17 April 2024MILEAGE HUNTERS‘Guinness and pizza’DAVID BLEVINGSA wee 370-mile weekender around the Slieve League Cliffs and up to Dunfanaghy. Mixed weather but the pizza and Guinness in Patsy Dan's was superb.‘Thermals make it summer’ANDY POYNERFelt like summer (thanks to thermals) with brunch at The Honey, then Llandovery, Lampeter and a coffee in Aberystwyth. Home via Craven Arms and Bridgenorth.‘Playing in the Peaks’MICHAEL LEEA very cool 100 miles out today on the Himmy, out and about, on and off-roading in my local Peak District.‘Pothole hell’TOM MENEYWhat a day! Loads of bikes out and about. Galloway routes are great. The road surfaces on the other hand… downright dangerous for motorbikes and cyclists.‘A Scottish dream’SHAUN NAPIERThe snow-clad mountains surrounding the Lochs on the road leading to Eilean Donan Castle from Fort William were simply stunning. It…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024MCN VERDICT‘Supermoto on steroids’MV Agusta's new Enduro Veloce is one of the most capable 21in front road bikes out there but because of its focused nature, it doesn't quite have the poise to be the best all-rounder.The 931cc triple is blisteringly fast and sounds amazing, while the bike handles like a supermoto on steroids. Don't be put off by the fact that it has a big front wheel, as it has the agility and stability of a machine half its weight, with powerful brakes and a suspension set-up poised enough to back it up.But it's not the most comfortable machine in the world thanks to the hard seat and the vibey motor, nor is it the most confidence inspiring off-road either.THE FACTS£TBC MV Agusta Enduro VelocePCP DEAL N/A…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024MORE OPTIONSWhat about the US and Europe?If you are willing to splash the cash, Harley-Davidson's Softail Standard (£14,695) and Sport Glide (£17,494) can be made A2-legal and so can the Nightster (£13,295). Indian can restrict down any of the Scout range (prices start at £12,995 for the stock bike, £13,695 for the Bobber, £14,495 for the Bobber Twenty and £13,995 for the Rogue).Dropping down the price bracket, the Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber (£9600 or £10,540 for the Special Edition) can be made to conform, as can Kawasaki's Vulcan S (£7229 with paint schemes and model variants costing more).Already compliant are the Benelli 502 Cruiser (£5499) and the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 (£7299) and Meteor 350 (£4219). The Honda Rebel comes in standard (£6399) or SE (£6799) forms and so does…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024PAT HENNENThe motorcycling world lost a true legend when Pat Hennen passed away on April 7 at the age of 70. Hennen opened the doors for the flood of American riders who would dominate 500cc Grand Prix racing. And so unexpected was his win at the 1976 Finnish Grand Prix that the race organisers didn't even have a copy of the US national anthem to hand for the podium ceremony and had to use the British one instead. Hennen got his point across by wearing a Stetson on the podium.Born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1953, Hennen moved to the San Francisco Bay Area as a youngster and made his racing debut on his friend's Honda C90 at the age of 14. He bent the chassis landing a jump but came fourth…4 min
MCN|17 April 2024‘How safe is your lid?’For the past 17 years, SHARP stars have been a guiding light for motorcyclists looking to buy a new helmet. By subjecting lids to a series of tests more stringent than the minimum regulatory standards then rating them between one and five, the government-funded scheme has been providing unique insight into the relative protective performance of full-face and modular helmets, allowing us to get the best protection whatever our budget – regardless of whether that's £100 or £800.Plenty has changed since SHARP's inception in 2007, including the helmet regulations themselves, which is why MCN made an exclusive pilgrimage to the SHARP testing facility at TRL (formerly the Transport Research Laboratory) in Berkshire to find out the impact of the scheme so far, and how it's about to help to push…7 min
MCN|17 April 2024‘Small but packs plenty of puff!’Ring RTC4000 Tyre Inflator £59.99The Ring RTC4000 is the lighting specialists’ second most powerful cordless tyre inflator, with a 120W output and 120PSI maximum inflation pressure. The unit is pretty small (150mm x 95mm x 61mm) and isn't particularly heavy either (757g) so you can pack it in a big backpack or a pannier, but it's too chunky to keep under a seat.You charge it through a USB-C port on the base and a full charge was more than enough to inflate the completely flat 200/55 x 17 rear tyre on the MCN fleet BMW M1000R after a puncture repair.QualityValueringautomotive.com12 months ON TEST…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024‘Plenty of solid information in the Hel kit’As you can see this caliper conversion kit was supplied by Hel Performance, who are a UKbased manufacturer and supplier of brake products.One of the great things about this is that when you order anything from these guys there is a solid and knowledgeable source of technical support to help you out if you are unsure. In fact, I needed some slightly thinner spacers for the caliper mounting. I got them ordered online and they were with me first thing the next day, firstclass service or what?As well as the enclosed fitting guide, there are plenty of other tips included in the package. There are some troubleshooting ideas if you're having issues bleeding the air out of the system, and a couple of paragraphs explaining the final checks you need…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024Crucial weekend as WSBK hits AssenDelivering the inside line on the 2024 WSBK championship‘Assen won't be so easy for world champ Bautista’The Dutch Round of World Superbike always delivers some of the best racing of the season – and that's in a normal year, let alone this highly unpredictable 2024. Across two rounds and six races in Australia and Spain, four different winners already matches the number for the entire 2023 season. Assen WSBK this weekend is highly significant for so many reasons.Can Jonathan Rea finally get out of the bunker?If this was golf, Jonathan Rea has been stuck in the sand so far on his Yamaha journey. On the one hand, it's early days. On the other, eight points from a possible 124 (with no-scores in five of six races) was certainly not the…3 min
MCN|17 April 2024Just how good is Acosta?Going behind the headlines from the American roundThe 2024 season is just three rounds old, but the superlatives to describe Pedro Acosta are already running dry. Showings in Qatar and Portugal were special. But the class rookie was even better around CoTA, the most challenging track on the calendar, as he qualified and finished second, and led a premier class race for the first time.“It's almost hard to find the words,” said Tech3 Team Manager Nico Goyon. For the third weekend running, Acosta was so good he defied description, as he led six of the 20 laps, fought with and passed Marc Marquez, Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia, and pushed Maverick Viñales in the closing laps.“It's not normal,” said Team Owner Hervé Poncharal of his new rider. “This guy is…3 min
MCN|17 April 2024Top Gun evolvesInside the MotoGP paddock for more than 35 yearsTOP STORYTo make a classic comeback, first you have to suffer. Maverick Viñales is the perfect example. His Saturday Sprint win was pole-to-flag but Sunday's win couldn't have been more different.In a class and at a track where overtaking is reckoned near impossible, he made a poor start then got barged out of the top ten in the first corner.He finished lap one, already back to ninth, well over two seconds behind the disappearing leaders.From there, he said: “I never gave up.” Making pass after pass, not always successful at first but immediately trying again, he moved steadily forward, taking the lead – and control – on lap 13 of 20, declaring: “It was like a dream.”COMEBACK DNASunday's comeback was a metaphor…4 min
MCN|17 April 2024EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ‘I love proving people wrong’Tommy Bridewell became the Bennetts British Superbike Champion for the first time in 2023 after a gruelling season-long battle with teammate Glenn Irwin.Bridewell secured top spot by just half a point and put Paul Bird Motorsport back on top in BSB for the first time since 2020.He's since moved on to pastures new with Honda Racing UK and will ride the 2024 Fireblade. Nobody knows what to expect heading into the season, but MCN caught up with the current BSB No 1 to discuss the campaign that lies ahead.You've ridden the 2023 and, mostly, the 2024 Superstock bike. What has most impressed you?“The 2023 bike wanted more corner speed, so you had to keep the bike up and going, and keep the corner speed high. The engine on the new…6 min
MCN|17 April 2024Points to prove‘I want to show my quality’Josh Brookes returned to winning ways last year but a campaign which promised plenty in the opening rounds eventually fizzled out.The Aussie found himself having to dig deep for a spot inside the top 10 as his BMW struggled at some circuits, and he watched any hopes of the title disappear.Still, it was a step in the right direction and a reminder to fans who doubted whether Brookes would ever get back to the front after two tough campaigns with PBM Ducati.“I never lost belief in myself, but you have to go out and show it on track,” Brookes told MCN. “It was exceptionally important to recover some confidence from people, whether it be mechanics, sponsors, fans, everybody… It's important that they know you still…7 min
MCN|17 April 2024Ready to level up‘I need to become more aggressive and take risks’Lee Jackson returns to where it all began this season after re-joining the Hawk Racing-run MasterMac Honda squad. It was the family-run team, owned by Stuart and Steve Hicken, which signed Jackson aged 17 in the Superstock 1000 class, before promoting him to their Superbike effort alongside Ryuichi Kiyonari in 2015. Jackson's uncle, also called Lee Jackson, raced for the team in 2003.Jackson returns after spending the last four British Superbike years with FS-3 Racing Kawasaki, a partnership which saw him finish fourth for the last two seasons and claim his maiden victories in the class.A tricky start last season morphed into a ridiculously consistent campaign, with Jackson the only rider to finish all 33 races. He was told he'd be replaced…6 min
MCN|17 April 2024Supersport leading the wayThere will once again be a jam-packed support package each race weekend in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.Leading the charge after a sensational 2023 campaign will be the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship. Reigning champion Ben Currie remains on board the Ducati V2 at Oxford Products Racing Ducati, while 2015 champion Luke Stapleford jumps on the Triumph Street Triple 765 with Macadam Racing.Perhaps the biggest story heading into the new season is the return of both four-time champion Jack Kennedy and Honda with its updated CBR600. You can find out more about this project on p26-27.Last year's title challenger Rhys Irwin remains with ASTRO-JJR Suzuki, while 2022 runner-up Brad Perie returns to the class with Gearlink Kawasaki.Elsewhere, there will be a new champion in the Pirelli National Superstock Championship following…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024Tribute to world tripThe National Motor Museum premiered Mary Motorcycle on Saturday, April 6. The film tells the story of Mary Sievier, the first British woman to ride solo around the world between 1967 and 1976. Tributes were paid to Sievier, who died in 2023, and her 1965 BSA Bantam was brought over from the museum for the event.Classics show comes to StaffordStaffordshire Showground will host the International Classic MotorCycle Show on April 20-21. Trade stands and autojumble plots, club stands, private displays, the Classic Racer GP Paddock and a competition hall will feature, alongside on-stage interviews with racing legends and an auction hosted by Bonhams. Visit classicbikeshows.com for more.New KTM crossersKTM have announced a host of updates to their 2025 motocross range. Frame revisions have been made to tube-wall thickness and various…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024Mackenzie Drive launchesThree-time British Superbike champion and 500cc Grand Prix podium finisher Niall Mackenzie has been honoured with a road named after him at Knockhill Racing Circuit in Scotland.The road leading into the 1.3-mile Fife racing venue will now be known as Mackenzie Drive and was launched following the Stirling rider's 40-year connection with the track.“The very existence of Knockhill paved the way for my fantastic life, never mind the incredible fun and memories over the past 40 years with you guys,” Mackenzie said during the road reveal. “The family is blown away and chuffed to bits with ‘Mackenzie Drive’ so this really is the icing on the cake.”Niall attended the opening ceremony alongside son and former British Superstock 1000 champion, Taylor. He was also joined by circuit Managing Director, Jillian Shedden,…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024Norton back the classicsNorton are dipping into their rich heritage and sponsoring the 2024 Lansdowne Classic Racing Series.A championship designed for pre-1965 classic Grand Prix machinery only, it's been popular with competitors favouring the thumping Manx Norton single since the inception of the class in 1998.The season kicked off on April 6-7 at Pembrey in Wales, with other events taking place at Brands Hatch, Cadwell Park, Darley Moor, and more.“We are delighted to have Norton join the series,” Lansdowne Classic Series Organiser, Gordon Russell said. “It will help raise the profile of the series and classic racing.”…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024Dab handsFrench electric motorcycle builder, Dab have teased the release of a new bike, dubbed the ‘1alpha’. Technical specifications are yet to be released although the manufacturers say more will be revealed on April 24. Dab saw their initial foray into electric bikes in 2022 with the introduction of the Concept-E, a 13.4bhp learner-legal supermoto. The firm are looking to expand their line up with the introduction of the new machine.No more grants for electric mopedsBad news if you were banking on a Government grant to help you buy an electric moped. With the class now representing more than 40% of today's market share, the Government have taken the decision to withdraw financial support. Battery motorcycles up to £10,000 will continue to be eligible for the grant into the next financial…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024Shelling outLubricant giants Shell have extended their partnership with Bologna brand Ducati for a further three years, following 25 years of collaboration. The oil firm will continue to supply Ducati's factories in both Italy and Thailand, as well as manufacturing Shell Advance Ducati engine oil for Ducati's dealer network.Francesco Milicia, Vice-President of Sales at Ducati said: “The renewal of the agreement allows us to continue working together on increasingly high-performance products, with the aim of enhancing the performance.”…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024THIS WEEK'S HOT DEALS BARGAIN HUNTERBelstaff Roberts 2.0 jacket £400Casual looks but serious safetyProtection, be it from injury or the elements, is what bike gear is all about. So it makes sense that much of it looks like it's been designed for exactly that, with a slant towards a specific type of riding, such as technical touring textiles or raceready leathers. That's all well and good, but there are times when you want to slip under the radar, so for this week's trawling of the net we've baited our hook for kit that won't look out of place in a social setting.Belstaff is an iconic British brand that oozes vintage style, making jackets such as this Roberts 2.0 cool enough to wear anywhere. The waxed cotton construction is certified to CE A standard and includes…2 min
MCN|17 April 2024Affordable Sherco wants to have funFrench trials and enduro specialists, Sherco are offering a learner-legal trials bike with a mild-mannered twist.The air cooled 125 TY Long Ride offers casual riders a relaxed experience miles away from the hyper-focused world of flighty competition bikes.Sherco have pitched the Long Ride at a broad customer base, opting for usability over performance. Versatility is the name of the game here, and Sherco have created a bike that should be equally at home tackling a short morning commute as it is splatting away over some seemingly impossible off-road terrain.The 123.7cc motor propelling the TY is good for a claimed 7.3bhp and, thanks to frugal fuelling, its 4.2 litre fuel tank should just about squeeze 100 miles of gentle use.Although hardly a powerhouse of performance, the Sherco is plenty light, tipping…2 min
MCN|17 April 2024MCN LAWQ‘How can that be my fault?’I was waiting at a junction to turn left onto a main road and because the car coming towards me from my right was indicating left and looked like it was slowing down, I assumed he was turning into the road that I was leaving. But as I pulled out he knocked me off. His insurers are saying that the accident was 100% my fault. How can this be the case when he was indicating left and slowing down?Francois Ducasse, emailA The case of Winter v Cotton is closest to your accident as that involved a slowing down vehicle that was indicating. Winter relied on both the misleading indication and Cotton's slow speed and the court decided that Cotton was 100% responsible.The Highway Code makes…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024YOUR TRIPSend your trips to yourpics@motorcyclenews.comReader Vincent GuillonThe ride Normandy, Le Mans area and Le PoitouWhen to do it April to October (you will often have four seasons in one day earlier in the year)Don’t miss… The D-Day Landing Beaches and commemorative places; plenty to go at and places to reflect. Barfleur at the North East tip of the Cotentin peninsula for a quaint fishing harbour with a great sense of history. Honfleur and Etretat are also towns to see and relax at, while small cities such as Le Sap (38m North East of Alencon), as well as Bagnole De L'Orne (beautiful spa town), La Ferté Macé and Vire in Normandy are also worth stopping for an overnight stay or lunch. Riding Through Les Alpes Mancelles was a real joy, particularly…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024BikeFest24What's happening?BikeFest24 is kicking off the summer show season with a whole world of motorcycling in one place. The Somersetbased show features bikes through vintage to retro as well as trade stalls, autojumble and, of course, plenty of food, drink and entertainment, there's loads to see, eat and do! It's a familyfriendly affair, so bring the gang along to marvel at some special metal.The essentialsThe Fest has a new home – the West Woodlands Showground (BA11 5ES) – which also has camping available so you can make a weekend out of it. An adult day pass is just £5.50, and if you want to add camping (without hookup) it's £10.50 and with electric it's £17.50. Doors open at 9.30am, but if you want to display then you need to be…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024No ordinary adventurerEver since MV teased the biking world with the notion of a new adventure machine back in 2021, we've been itching to see the finished article. Of course, they had the utterly gorgeous, limited-edition run of the £26,700 LXP Orioli last year but with only 500 on offer, the chances of riding, or even seeing, one of those in the wild are slim at best.That's all changed with the arrival of the new Enduro Veloce – a machine built for a full production run, with a slightly more modest price. Packing a 21in front wheel, a new 931cc triple motor and a sporty stance, MV say (and I quote) that ‘this a bike that can go from performing admirably on a race track, to trekking up a mountain on the…7 min
MCN|17 April 2024Cruising for a mild bruisingTHE MCN TEST● THE HOTTEST BIKES ● EVERY WEEK£6506 (base model £6106) Kawasaki Eliminator 500 SE● 451cc liquid-cooled DOHC 8v parallel twin ● 44.8bhp @ 9000rpm ● 177kg (kerb) ● £85 a month on PCP£6799 (base model £6399) Honda CMX500 Rebel Special Edition● 471cc liquid-cooled DOHC 8v parallel twin ● 45.6bhp @ 8500rpm ● 190kg (kerb) ● £89 a month on PCP£6699 (plus £100 or £200 for colour options) Royal Enfield Shotgun 650● 648cc air-cooled SOHC 8v parallel twin ● 46.4bhp @ 7250rpm ● 240kg (kerb) ● £88.42 a month on PCPWhenever cruisers are discussed, thoughts naturally turn towards the established and often pricey offerings from America. Harley-Davidson and Indian dominate this segment and for good reason; they have both been at it for more than a century. But that's…7 min
MCN|17 April 2024MCN VERDICT‘Eliminate opposition’I completely understand why the Rebel has been such a hit for Honda as it is so wild, so out-there and unique that it can't help but make you smile – and this gives it bags of charm and character. As an urban machine it hits all the right notes and its light weight and nimble chassis make it far better handling (once you get used to its quirks) than you would ever expect. But take it out of town and its weak front brake, terrible shocks and skittish feel quickly let the side down. Stay below 60mph and it's fine, push on a bit and it can become a bit unnerving.Thanks to its weight the Enfield is far more planted in bends than the Honda, but this bulk…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024WHAT'S NEW AND HAS IT WORKED?Tiger 1200 GT has good vibesFIRST RIDETriumph's premium road-biased adventure bike – both 20-litre tank Pro and 30-litre tank Explorer versions – were fully overhauled in 2022. A retuned 148bhp Speed Triple motor with an off-balance T-plane crank gave the normally smooth engine a dose of lumpy character. But for some it was too lumpy, turning into unpleasant vibration at cruising speed. Worse, the motor could stall at low revs. For 2024, Triumph say engine mods have cured both issues – and they've added a push-button preload reducer to drop seat height at low speed and standstill, all to make the Tiger GT tamer day-to-day.1 No bad vibes nowTo reduce the T-plane engine vibration (which even shook bolts loose) engineers have re-distributed counterweight mass in the balancer shaft to smooth vibes by a claimed 89%.…4 min
MCN|17 April 2024GET THE BEST PROTECTIONThe latest SHARP ratingsThe scheme is set to test on average 30 helmets every year, and the team would like your input as to which models you'd like them to test next. Drop them message at www.sharp.dft.gov.uk/request-helmet-test. In the meantime, here are the latest lids to go through the SHARP lab…Shoei Neotec 3 from £589SHARP ratingPremium Japanese dual-hom*ologated flip-front is also certified to the latest ECE 22.06 standard. It features a drop-down sun visor, a micrometric buckle, and provision for an intercom. It scored the maximum of five stars, and the chin bar remained closed for 93% of impacts. www.shoei-europe.comRuroc Atlas 4.0 Carbon from £375SHARP ratingThis is the first Ruroc 22.06 helmet to be tested by SHARP, after the team reported over 80 public requests for them to test the…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024‘Wicking gear for all-weather use’Oxford Advanced Base £24.99/£19.998800 miles ON TESTThere's a lot to love about these Oxford Advanced base layers.The soft and stretchy polyamide/polyester mix material makes them super comfortable, and in warmer conditions the wicking action works well to draw away sweat. That's provided there's plenty of airflow though, as in hot weather under leather the fabric's a bit too bulky to shed moisture adequately.Thermal properties are good when temperatures drop, although not as effective as Merino wool or the more specialist technical fabrics. They've been washed almost as often as I've worn them and still look like new, with no loss of stretch or shape. The material dries really quickly, whether it's out of the machine or hung up after a sweaty ride, so there's been little chance for stitches or…1 min
MCN|17 April 2024‘Marvellous mitts, much money’Five HG Prime GTX heated gloves £359.99The Five HG Prime GTX gloves are packed with tech, comfort and build quality. They cost a packet, but have a hunt around and there are attractive discounts available, lopping nearly £100 off the RRP.From the moment I put them on, I was impressed by the comfort. The liner is brilliant, feeling soft but it never tries to escape the gloves if the sun magically appears and your hands start sweating. The membrane is Gore-Tex and bonded to the goatskin palm. During my time with them they've proved completely waterproof.They're also highly adjustable, with a double-closure system to get them comfortable with your existing kit, and an over-size cuff zip that meant I could still wear my watch underneath it all.2000 miles ON TESTIt…2 min
MCN|17 April 2024WORKSHOPBRUCE DUNNMCN's expert technicianGive yourself a brakeFed up with spongy stoppers? It's time for a serious upgrade…1 A box full of braking brillianceThe idea of upgrading your calipers can be considered both a performance gain and an aesthetic boost, especially if your bike is a bit older and your calipers are showing their age. Make sure that you are familiar with the swap-over procedure and the specific details that relate to clearances and positioning of the new calipers.BRUCE'S TIPSUse a bleed kit to pump out the brake fluid and watch out for drips2 It's out with the old…To begin with remove the original calipers from the bike by undoing the mounting bolts. At this stage don't undo the brake hoses as we are just going to offer up the new…3 min
MCN|17 April 2024What Liberty Media takeover means for MotoGPGoing behind the headlines from the American roundLiberty Media's multi-billion pound acquisition of MotoGP in early April has generated mixed reactions from fans of the sport. Many fear the deal could make racing's premier class uncomfortably like Formula 1, a series also run by the American company. But what does this acquisition, which Liberty hope will go through at the end of 2024, really mean for the average race fan? And how will it change MotoGP and World Superbikes, which both fall under Dorna Sport's control?What will stay the same: It doesn't need fixingWhen Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta informed teams of MotoGP's sale during the first two rounds of the season, he stressed there would be no dramatic change to how things are run. “He told us he would not…6 min
MCN|17 April 2024Ducati's woes continueWhile Jorge Martin maintained his championship lead and Enea Bastianini surged to a daring Texas podium, the end of Ducati's commanding winning streak triggered a warning signal.Does the GP24 version of Ducati's all-conquering Desmosedici have a weakness that has the potential to threaten its dominance? Especially with the growing menace of both Aprilia and KTM.It is way too early to call an end to Ducati's superiority but both Martin and Ducati's two-time MotoGP champion Pecco Bagnaia have raised ongoing concerns around chatter and vibration from the bike.Bagnaia said the issue spoiled his winning potential and forced him to ride “defensively” for his fifth place in the main race.He said: “I had a lot of vibration on the left side, and it was very difficult to manage. We have to solve…2 min
MCN|17 April 2024Should Ducati be worried now?Aprilia and KTM engineers should be proud of the improvements they've made to the RS-GP and the RC16, but they'll be aware that Ducati are in trouble, the Desmosedici still plagued by chatter problems that have haunted the bike all season.The RS-GP24 is the fifth iteration of Aprilia's 90° V4, which replaced the factory's narrowangle V4 in 2020 and transformed the Noale brand from MotoGP also-ran to contender.“The 2024 bike is much better,” said long-time Aprilia rider Aleix Espargaro during pre-season testing, when he especially praised the bike's stability. “This is good because you can maybe risk more attacking into corners.”Viñales said exactly the same after winning the sprint and main race at CoTA. “Stability is one of the key points of the bike,” he said. “The flow part of…2 min
MCN|17 April 2024Title chasers‘I need to be right at the sharp end at a few more tracks’Las year was an impressive campaign for Kyle Ryde. After upping his game during the off-season, Ryde went on to enjoy his best season yet in the superbike class and rolled into the final day of his campaign with a chance of becoming champion.The OMG team are now the factory-supported Yamaha outfit and as is well documented in BSB, continuity is king. Ryde is entering his fourth campaign with the team, and his third onboard the R1.With that comes expectation and many are naming him as one of, if not the favourite for this year's crown. Ryde was quickest at the Donington Test and the team are certainly giving it 110%, with both Ryde and Vickers having…6 min
MCN|17 April 2024WHIT'S TECH WATCHDUCATI PANIGALE V4R ‘V4 IS THE CONFIGURATION TO GO FOR’2024 Riders and teams• Glenn Irwin PBM Racing • Christian Iddon Oxford Products Racing DucatiIt will be a challenge for Irwin and PBM because the team have moved workshops, some of the people have left and they're only running one rider. And if any bike on the grid is maintenance-heavy, then it's the Ducati. They always have been and they always will be because they are the most focused, so keeping on top of it all isn't easy.In recent years PBM had engineers from Ducati in the team, but as far as I know they won't have that this year.The circuits in the UK are so diverse and you couldn't get two more different venues than say Knockhill and Thruxton. So…10 min
MCN|17 April 2024Cook vs SkinnerHow would you sum each other up as opponents on track?Max “Rory is a hard but clean. He's really aggressive but I have a lot of trust in him and that's a key thing. He always has been from go kart circuits to now. I have full confidence that he's going to make a clean move.”Rory “I'd say we both have similar styles. There's nothing mad you have look out for with Max. I'd say we're both quite predictable to an extent, we can ride safely with each other. We've always had great battles and whenever we have, it's been at the sharp end.”Do remember the first time you raced each other?Max “It was at Whilton Mill. Rory was on a Polini MiniMoto and I'd just started, it was my…7 min
MCN|17 April 2024Honda's SupersportdreamHonda Racing UK will enter the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship (BSS) this year following the return of the iconic CBR600RR to the UK market.It's the first time Honda has been in the class as a full factory effort since 2009, a season that ended with Steve Plater winning the title with the 600. Overall, the CBR600RR has celebrated nine World Supersport and six British championships.Honda have hired recordbreaking four-time BSS champion, and 59-time BSS race winner, Jack Kennedy to ride the bike. The Irishman returns to the class after a single season in BSB.MCN caught up with Kennedy to discuss the year ahead.You've been out in Spain testing the bike – what are your thoughts on it?“First impressions are really good. It brought back memories from when I rode…6 min
MCN|17 April 2024Superteen sensations‘Whoever wins, we'll know they were the best rider’A familiar class will return to the British paddock this season following the creation of the Tracker Kawasaki British Superteen Championship.The new one-make series takes the place of Junior Supersport and sees riders aged 15-20 riding the new Kawasaki ZX-4RR. Each bike will be built by Nick Morgan and MSS Kawasaki.Of course, the Superteen name brings back memories of the old Aprilia series of the same name. Casey Stoner won that title in 2000, and Cal Crutchlow, Sam and Alex Lowes, Tom Sykes, Leon Camier and Chaz Davies are some other well-known names to have competed in Superteen racing.MCN visited Kawasaki UK HQ to learn more about the series, the bike and the Affinity Academy, which will run eight riders in the…6 min
MCN|17 April 2024THE BIKE KAWASAKI ZX-4RR‘It's captured the imagination’The bike, with its aggressive, aerodynamic fairing from CRC, is stunning to behold.“It heralds back to the original ZXR-400, which for me personally was and still is an iconic bike,” says Nick Morgan. “I think this new bike, which has so many similarities to the ZXR-400, will accelerate these young riders’ learning curve.“When they move on from this to a 600cc/next-generation Supersport bike or a 1000cc, it will be a much more fluid transition.”It takes Morgan and his team roughly two days to turn the road bike (right) into a racer, including use of the dyno and a running-in period to get the performance to where it needs to be for the racers.For each rider and team the engine must be completely stock and sealed, as must…2 min
MCN|17 April 2024Meet the ROKiT RookiesKalvin Kelly #90Age: 16Social media: @Kalvin.90 (Instagram)Why racing? I enjoyed trying to go as fast as I could during motocross practice sessions.Personal achievements Auto 50cc British Motocross Champion; second at Snetterton in Junior Supersport in 2023.Racing hero Valentino Rossi.Charlotte Marcuzzo #17Age: 19Social media: @charlottemarcuzzoracing (Instagram) @CAM_Racing17 (Twitter)Why racing? I wanted to prove to myself that I could achieve anything I put my mind to.Personal achievements I was the first-ever female racer within BSB to qualify in pole position (Silverstone, 2022).Racing hero Initially Tommy Hill. After being a racer, Ana Carrasco inspired me massively.Darragh O'Mahony #69Age: 19Social media: @Darraghomahonyracing (Instagram and Facebook)Why racing?I watched my dad race at Mondello Park near Dublin and instantly loved it.Personal achievements Ten podium finishes during the 2021 Mondello Park Junior Supersport Championship.Racing hero None in…2 min
