MRW Issue 6 (Feb21) preview

NEW
BIKES
ICONIC SUPERBIKES
HONDA
VTR SP2
EXCLUSIVE TEST
|| KTM 890 DUKE
|| TRIUMPH SPEED
TRIPLE 1200 RS
|| APRILIA RSV4 &
TUONO FACTORY
|| KTM 1290 SUPER
ADVENTURE S
|| SUZUKI HAYABUSA
FIRST
RIDE
2021 DUCATI
XDIAVEL
ISSUE #6
FEB 2021
JACK
MILLER
DUCATI’S NEW AUSSIE STAR
Quality
EXCLUSIVE
Streets
MIDDLEWEIGHT NAKED BIKE TEST
KTM 890 DUKE R | TRIUMPH 765 STREET TRIPLE RS
KAWASAKI Z900 | BMW F900R
THE
WINNING
FORMULA

EDITOR’S
NOTE
What an exciting start to the new year
it’s been for the motorcycle industry.
Despite this Covid rubbish, we have
seen some tasty new machines
released and the SA market seems
to be ticking over nicely. It’s always
a great feeling when I walk into a
dealership and hear the owners say
they are doing well. There is a buzz
around at the moment and I hope it
stays for a long time!
Staying with positive news we have
a jammed packed issue for you
- highlighting all the new models
recently released, including a massive
feature on Suzuki Busa models old
and new. Many have been waiting a
long time for Suzuki to release a new
Hayabusa and they finally took the
covers off and so far the new machine
has received mixed reviews. Some love
the fact that the Japs have stuck with
the traditional and iconic Hayabusa
look and feel while others wanted
more. I see it as Suzuki have done what
most Japanese manufacturers like
to do - play it safe and look after the
die-hard fans. This is great for life long
Busa fans, but I do worry that Suzuki
has not done enough to lure Kawasaki
H2 or other brand fans over to the big
Falcon machine. We will have to wait
and see when the bike gets here in late
October if it’s worthy of being called a
“New” Busa or if Suzuki has kept it too
much of the same.
Another new exciting machine that
was just released, and one that I can’t
wait to test is Triumph’s new Speed
Triple - 1200cc of pure class in my eyes.
The old Speed Triple was a treat but
this new one looks like a real gem. It’s
coming in a few months time so I’ll be
having sleepless nights until then in
anticipation. We have the full down-low
on the new British Brute.
Then there are the other 100 plus
pages of awesomeness for you to
enjoy in this months issue. We feature
a wide range of motorcycles - from big
powerful sportbikes, amazing naked
middleweights, to a very HEROic little
adventure bike that could just come to
your rescue.
Of course, we have racing pages with
a great feature on Jack Miller done
by Donovan Fourie, how Suzuki and
Guintoli made the Suzuki MotoGP
bike a world champ and we even have
some dirty stuff from Dakar 2021.
Oh yes, and our second Iconic
Superbike test done by Shaun who
this time tests a machine that was way
ahead of its time in many ways. Shaun
nearly threw it into the weeds, but I
will let him tell you more about that in
his article.
So, my good people, I thank you once
again for all your support in helping
me put this magazine together. MRW
is so much more than just a digital
magazine so make sure you like our
Facebook page and keep up-to-date
with all the latest happening on there
and also check out our YouTube
channel and website for some more
great content.
Until next month please stay safe and
healthy and can MotoGP just please
hurry up and start again. I’m sick and
tired of cutting grass and snipping
rose bushes!!!!
Cheers, Rob
CONTRIBUTORS
Shaun Portman
Beam Productions
Adam Child “Chad”
Sheridan Morais
Donovan Fourie
Mitchell Boyes
Brian Cheyne
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CONTACT
DETAILS
EDITOR/OWNER
Rob Portman
082 782 8240
rob@motoriderworld.com
ANYTHING & EVERYTHING
Shaun Portman
072 260 9525
shaun@motoriderworld.com
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NEWS
DESK
SUPER
TECH
The Third-gen KTM 1290 Super Adventure S
is a radar-cruise super-hooligan.
The enormous 1290 Super Adventure has only been with us
since 2015, but it’s already into its third generation with the
recent announcement of a new 2021 S model. The S here
denotes this bike as the more street-focused version; there’s an
R with 21/19-inch spoked wheels, longer suspension travel and
more ground clearance for the truly demented cowboy that
wants to point a giant metal Clydesdale like this at the really
gnarly stuff.
The S is your cross-continental touring bike, ready for just
about anything shy of single-trail in the wet with 19/17-inch
cast rims and tires with more groove than knob. This thirdgen
2021 model is more than a facelift, less than an overhaul,
and starts with a tweaked 1301cc V-Twin engine. It still makes
roughly the same ludicrous 160 horsepower and 138 Nm of
torque that it did in its previous incarnation, but it’s now 1.6 kg
lighter, Euro 5 compliant, and more reliable, says KTM, thanks
to new engine cases, pistons, exhausts, gears, oil circuits and
cooling, with a split radiator system that channels heat away
from your legs.
The chassis has been revised too, with the weight balance
shifted lower and further back and the steering sharpened. A
longer swingarm aids suspension activity and stability on the
gas, and a new subframe with a 2-position adjustable seat that
brings this huge beast’s seat down a touch to 849 mm at its
lower position, almost dead on the low-position seat height of
the BMW R 1250 GS.

NEWS
DESK
SPEED
TRIPLE
Triumph unleashes its most
powerful Speed Triple ever.
Armed with a new 177-hp three-cylinder powerplant and
a raft of high-end mechanical and electronic gear, the
next generation of Triumph’s legendary streetfighter hits
new heights. Meet the 2021 Speed Triple 1200 RS.
Since 1994, when the T309 was first introduced with
an 885-cc in-line three-cylinder motor from Triumph’s
Daytona superbike, the pioneering Speed Triple has stood
tall in the streetfighter class.
The Speed Triple has evolved over more than quarter of
a century, getting its signature “bug-eye” twin headlights
with the second generation in 1997, before growing to
955 cc. Several years later, when Triumph had abandoned
the superbike class and had turned the Daytona into a
very successful 675-cc supersport, the Speed Triple got
an even bigger 1050-cc engine. That triple powered the
latest three generations of the model, until the transition
to Euro 5 norms called for another overhaul.
The result takes center stage in the all-new 2021
Triumph Speed Triple RS; a brand new 1160-cc in-line
triple that catapults output to 177.4 hp at 10,750 rpm and
125 Nm at 9,000 rpm. That’s quite a jump from the 148 hp
the previous model produced and, to top it off, the 2021
model is 10 kg lighter, announced at 198 kg all fueled-up
and ready to go.

NEWS
DESK
BUSA’S
BACK
Suzuki reveals new Hayabusa for 2021.
Launched in 1999, the Hayabusa stunned the
motorcycling world and gave birth to the
hypersport category. Taking its name from
the Japanese for Peregrine falcon - famed for
feasting on blackbirds - it delivered unrivalled
performance, was immediately recognisable
thanks to its now-iconic silhouette, and went on to
develop cult status. Its monster engine enabled a
smooth, turbine-like power delivery and an eyewidening
top-end rush, but also gave it a flexibility
and usability rivals could only dream of, while
wind tunnel-designed bodywork allowed it to slip
through the air effortlessly.
The launch of the second generation Hayabusa
in 2008 boosted capacity and power, while a midterm
update in 2013 added Brembo monobloc
calipers and ABS, updates that brought the
machine firmly into the 21st century, yet remained
faithful to the unique styling that has earned the
Hayabusa its icon status.
Nearly 200,000 units later a third generation
takes all that was right with the genre-defining
hyperbike, but leverages the latest technologies to
provide greater control and improved comfort to
maintain its position as the ultimate sports bike.

NEWS
DESK
APRILIA’S
NEW V4’S
New 2021 Aprilia RSV4 and Tuono V4 revealed.
Exciting times for the Aprilia brand who are on a
massive high and have a very exciting 2021 and
beyond ahead with the release of some tasty new
treats such as the RS660 and Tuono 660. But
that’s not all, they also have new RSV4 machines
on the way...
It’s been more than a dozen years since Aprilia
adopted V4 power for its flagship superbike and
2021 sees the RSV4 get the biggest update in
its life including a bigger engine and reworked
chassis along with completely reworked styling
that apes the smaller RS660.
Between them the updates promise better
aerodynamics, more torque, improved handling
and less weight, a recipe that could once again
see the RSV4 rivalling the best superbikes from
Japanese and European rivals.
Starting with the engine, like everyone else
Aprilia has been forced to comply with Euro 5
emissions rules this year, and to achieve them
without a loss in performance the bike’s V4 gets
a capacity hike from 1077cc to 1099cc. At the
moment, the firm hasn’t given details on whether
a larger bore or longer stroke has been used, but
it’s likely to be the latter, since the firm claims an
unspecified boost in torque and says the peak
power of 217hp is unchanged (that’s 214hp using
the slightly brawnier imperial horses that are the
usual British yardstick). Revamped electronics
based around a more powerful Marelli ECU
and six-axis IMU mean there are now six riding
modes – three track, three road – half of which are
customisable for even more granular settings, and
adjustable engine braking control has been added
to the already sophisticated suite of electronics.
Feedback from all that tech is given to the rider
via a new TFT instrument pack, larger than before,
and you’ll be able to peruse it in greater comfort
thanks to reworked ergonomics. The seat is new,
as is the fuel tank, which is sculpted to give a
more relaxed riding position than before.
While the bike’s profile is generally similar
to its predecessor – at the moment Aprilia has
only released a single side-on image of the 2021
machine – the fairing is completely new. Even from
the side we can see the new headlights, which are
seemingly near-identical to the units used on the
smaller RS660, complete with strakes rising up into

I C O N I C S U P E R B I K E S : P A R T 2
SPECIAL
EXCLUSIVE
TEST
ICONIC
SUPERBIKE
TWIN
H O N D A V T R S P - 2
Last month we tested one of Kawasaki’s all time greats
- the ZX7R - and in this month’s iconic superbike test we
get a machine that had some great battles with the green
beast in WSBK. A machine that shocked the world when it
was released and went on to enjoy massive success both
on and off track. It’s Honda’s first and only twin-powered
superbike to date - and what a machine it is!
Words by Shaun Portman | Pics by Beam Productions

THIS FEATURE IS POWERED BY
THE
WINNING
FORMULA
“This is how we made the
World Champion GSX-RR”
Sylvain Guintoli - Suzuki’s very experienced
MotoGP test rider - talks us through his experience
with Suzuki and about his role in helping develop the
World Championship-winning Suzuki GSX-RR.
Winter is a time to relax and enjoy time with my
family, especially as my wife and I have just welcomed
a new addition to our brood! And it’s really nice to take
some time off, although I’m really hoping that things can
slowly get back to normal this year!
When you’re at home, without the races, it’s also a
good time to reflect and look back at happy memories.
I’ve been thinking about the fantastic success of Suzuki
in 2020 and remembering how my role with Team
Suzuki Ecstar began.
I joined in 2017 after Alex’s wrist injury and I stepped
in to replace him. At the time I had started doing some
development with the GSXR in BSB (British Superbikes)
with Suzuki, and Davide Brivio called me because I had
past MotoGP experience.

EXCLUSIVE
FEATURE
JACK
MILLER
Who the hell is
JACK
MILLER?
“You’re a bit of a wanker if you
thought that, aren’t you?”
Jack Miller is famous for his Australian honesty and
charm, two characteristics that often work in opposition
to each other, making the whole ordeal much more fun.
He’s also famous for racing in MotoGP, this year for the
first time for a factory team; a Ducati, no less. Resident
MotoGP nerd, Donovan Fourie, supports Brad Binder in
every way for 2021 but, if Binder doesn’t win the title, he’d
be okay if it went to Miller. Herewith about Miller:
Words by Donovan Fourie | Pics by RedBull Content Pool

FIRST RIDE
HERO
X PULSE 200
LEAPING INTO
ACTION
Forget Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk - there’s a new HERO
in town and it’s here to save you time and money. It’s willing to
go anywhere and do anything to please you - saving you one
kilometre at a time. Its name is X Pulse 200 - and it’s
ready to serve and protect!
Words by Shaun Portman | Pics by Beam Productions
As you are all aware - and as we featured in last
months issue - Hero Motorcycles have arrived
in South Africa. Last month we featured the
Hero XPulse 200T which is a do it all and very
capable 200cc naked bike. This month we
feature the XPulse 200, which is Hero’s 200cc
Dual Purpose bike. But is it any good?
We collected the bike from Hero Motorcycles
South Africa and would have it for close on
a week, so more than enough time to put it
through its paces. I have always been a fan of
small capacity, simple motorcycles, so I took the
opportunity and literally wrestled the keys off
my brother who wouldn’t even get a chance to
ride the bike while we had it.
The first ride was a 40km odd ride from Hero
SA back to our office. This would involve mostly
highways and some back roads. A little worried
that the Hero XPulse 200 would be out of its
depth on the Highways, I quickly called my

K T M ’ S D A K A R 2 0 2 1 E X P E R I E N C E
EXCLUSIVE
FEATURE
DAKAR 2021
Kilometer after kilometer the concentration, the energy, the navigation,
the physicality and all while keeping the throttle absolutely twisted. Desert
dunes, to rocky mountains, the Dakar Rally is a battle of endurance for both
rider and machine. Words by Jen Dick (KTM BLOG) | Pics by Rally Zone
The 2021 Dakar was a whirlwind from start to
finish. Not just because of the challenges the
teams and organisers faced to even get there
and make the event happen, but because of its
intensity, its landscapes and incredible stories.
The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team are no
strangers to victory at the world-famous event,
having won on an incredible 18 occasions, and
while victory wasn’t orange in 2021 this January,
the team took the battle to the wire to finish
with a podium result.
With a three-rider line-up all with Dakar
winning experience, Red Bull KTM Factory
Racing had made its pre-season preparations in
Dubai. Matthias Walkner, Sam Sunderland and
Toby Price were especially happy to be back

THIS FEATURE IS POWERED BY
Ross’s
Desert
Odyssey
E X C L U S I V E F E A T U R E
While most bikers enjoy their Sunday
breakfast rides or the odd track day, some
riders enjoy putting themselves through hell in
the hopes of having fun. Ross Branch is one of
those that enjoys putting himself through hell
or maybe he sees it as heaven? I am of course
referring to the Dakar Rally. Rob recently got the
opportunity to chat to Ross about his adventures
in the desert, but before we get to that lets first
take a look at the man himself.
Ross Branch nicknamed “The Kalahari Ferrari”
is a Dakar rider and commercial airline pilot from
Botswana. He won many titles in other disciplines
like Motocross and Cross-country racing, but he
wanted more. Ross took part in his first Dakar in
2019 and he was brilliant. The man from Southern
Africa finished as top rookie in his first Dakar and
finished a very impressive 13th place overall!
In 2020 Ross finished well once again and in
doing so secured a ride with the Monster Energy
Factory Yamaha team. It’s long been a dream
of Ross’s to ride for a factory team in the Dakar
and in 2021 that is exactly what he did. Ross
was signed on to be a professional Dakar rider
this year and until the point where he had to
withdraw, was doing a stellar job.
To get a better idea of what happens in the life
of a Dakar Rider, Rob decided to ask the Kalahari
Ferrari some questions as well as questions from
the readers watching the live stream. This is what
Ross Branch, professional Dakar rider, had to say.
The first thing that Rob asked was what it
was like to have the Dakar in Saudi Arabia. Ross
replied saying that Saudi Arabia is a beautiful
place to ride a motorcycle. He says to ride in a
combination of open deserts and dry riverbeds
is amazing because it puts all your experience to
the test.
The next question that was asked is a very
interesting one because it is such an integral part
of the Dakar. So, how important is navigation?
Ross laughed, as he did before answering most
questions, and went on to say that the navigation
at this year’s Dakar was made very difficult by
the organisers in an attempt to slow the riders
down. It’s not just navigation that you have to
contend with though, you are in a race so you
have to navigate while at the same time going
as fast as you can and avoiding rocks and other
obstacles that might pop up out of nowhere. Ross
also said that the difficult navigation, despite
being more challenging, made it more exciting.
We recently did a live to Facebook video interview with African Dakar star Ross
Branch who spoke about his Dakar 2021 experience and future plans. Our
Mitchell Boyes turned it into the great feature you are about to read.
Words by Mitchell Boyes | Pics by Yamaha Racing

EXCLUSIVE TEST NAKED MIDDLEWEIGHT SHOOTOUT
Naked middleweight bikes have quickly turned into the latest craze in the
world of motorcycling. They are the perfect blend of everything that is good
from street and sportbikes. In this test, we feature 4 of the latest offerings
on the market today and put them to the test out on the roads and on the
track to see who will come out on top.
Words by Rob Portman | Pics by Beam Productions
PERFECT
BLENDS
4 M I D D L E W E I G H T N A K E D S
I am a huge fan of the middleweight naked bike
category - a perfect blend of everything good
and a segment that has taken off in the last
couple of years and one that manufacturers are
taking more seriously.
It has become a very popular segment of
late lending itself to a wider audience and we
certainly felt that on this test. Whether it’s sport
or road you are looking for, middleweight naked
bikes offer it all.
Featured here we have four very capable and
enjoyable middleweight naked machines, which
all have their own qualities and attributes. These
models are the latest from each manufacturer
and are all now available in SA. Later on, in this
test, we will touch upon the new machines that
will be making their way into the SA market
later this year.
On this test, the KTM 890 Duke R and
Triumph 765 RS certainly did stand out as the
favourites, but take nothing away from the
Kawasaki Z900 and BMW F900R.
The most surprising bike on this test was
the BMW F900R - it’s a great feeling when a
bike proves you wrong. Heading into this test,
I thought the German-made machine would
get left behind, but instead, it turned into a
true underdog prevailing scenario. This doesn’t,
however, mean it wins overall. Let me take
you through each machine before announcing
overall placings:

SECOND
OPINION
BMW R18
Berlin’s Bad-ass
Gentleman.
Last month we tested BMW’s new R18 and Rob was not highly impressed, so we
asked an experienced cruiser rider to give us a second opinion.
Luis Miguel Falcão is a current published international author and motorcycle
enthusiast with 46 years of riding experience. He has been Head Road captain
of two HOG chapters and was an instructor at Michelin Superbike School for
over 10 years. Luis owns a variety of motorcycles and still is an active Track day
enthusiast. Here is what he has to say about the R18;
As I approached the new 2021 BMW R18 I
could feel my smile widening. BMW has built a
bike that has instant “Classic Icon” status and if
that is not something to feel great about, then
you are not a motorcycling enthusiast. The BMW
R18 is a stretched out Hard-Tail looking design
that pays tribute to the eternally classical prewar
R5. If youre a classic bike enthusiast, then
this is immediately evident as you approach this
beautiful beast. With a timeless Tear-drop glossblack
tank, neatly outlined by a never dated
classical white stripe, the BMW R18 will stir the
soul of any nostalgic enthusiast.
The moment I climbed on the BMW R18 I
immediately knew I was on something incredibly
special. The sitting position is extremely
comfortable and the mid-mounted footpegs
are exactly where they are meant to be if you
are someone who values control over stretching
out your legs just because all cruiser riders
do. The 964 mm wide handlebars give you
superb control of this sublimely beautiful beast,
and controlling the BMW R18 at slow speeds
in a parking lot, is far easier than I have ever
experienced in my 23 years of cruiser riding. With
its low centre of gravity, and smooth reving high
torque engine, you are forgiven to think you are
manoeuvring a much smaller bike.
Sitting on this mechanical work-of-art makes
one feel instantly privileged and until you do, you
will not be able to relate to what I am saying. I
have owned and ridden over 50 motorcycles in
my life, and yet only a handful of them remain
as happy memories I would gladly relive. This
is the kind of motorcycle that I would gladly
own and ride frequently. The controls are simple
and logical. The central speedometer cluster
displays all the necessary information required
for someone who is focused rather on the riding
experience instead of messing about with fancy
unnecessary gadgets.
You get a remnant of old-school looking
speedometer indicating up to 200km/h with
the words BERLIN BUILT proudly displayed at
the bottom of the console. In the centre of the
round speedometer, is a familiar BMW Blue
propellor to remind you that you are one of
the lucky few that have earned your place in
motorcycling ownership-history. At the bottom of
the speedometer is a small LCD pane that displays
the gear indicator, RPM’s, riding mode and trip
meter. You also get the usual warning lights are
including a consumption display showing litres
per kilometre. There is also a Reserve Light that
comes on and it counts kms from when the
reserve light kick in. So if you buy a BMW R18
make sure you know what your range is before
you find yourself stranded without fuel. Kilometres
remaining would have been a better indicator and
perhaps BMW can take note of this – but then
again, I have been spoilt in recent years by some
rather exotic Italian and Austrian machines.
Press the Rider Mode button on the left
handlebar cluster and the indicator will show you
which mode you’re in. Press it again and you can
change the mode whilst riding. ABS and traction
control come standard as one would expect on
a bike weighing in at 345kg and especially at this
price point. Heated grips are also standard as one
would expect from a motorcycle built in a country
where sunshine is only a three-month affair at
best. I don’t have to explain the benefits as all you
die-hard long-distance riders have all experienced
the frozen fingers fiasco of winter riding.
Do not look for a keyhole – the BMW R18 is
keyless, operated by a neat fob key which is
small enough to fit comfortably in your pocket,
and yet classical enough to lay on the bar table
if that’s your way of flirting your way to further
attention. Press the “On” switch on the righthand
side handlebar cluster, flick the red ignition
switch onto Start, and it is that easy to get going.

EXCLUSIVE
TEST
DUCATI
XDIAVEL
BLACK STAR
D U C A T I X D I A V E L B L A C K S T A R
Beauty
and a
Beast
How stunning is Ducati’s mouth-watering new Black Star, their
new 2021 top-spec XDiavel. Ducat’s XDiavel receives significant
upgrades for 2021, becoming Euro-5 compliant and delivering
even more power and torque, and doing so more smoothly.
For 2021 there are three models to choose from: the standard
XDiavel Dark, the sporty S version and the mouth-watering, topspec
Black Star, which we have on test.
Words by Adam Child ‘Chad’ | Pics by Tim Keeton
The XDiavel range gets a transformation for 2021 and
becomes Euro-5 compliant, with a new exhaust and
revised fuelling. Ducati has also taken the opportunity
to introduce two different models, the basic Dark and
the top-spec Black Star, which underlines the sporty side of the
feet-forward Ducati cruiser. We’re told the Black Star is inspired
by the world of sports cars, which explains the eye-catching
livery. The glimpses of red are a lovely touch, and be sure to
check out the red DVT cylinder heads.
Apart from these aesthetic touches and an increase in power
for the now Euro-5 complaint Testastretta 1260 (actually
1262cc), the Black Star features lightweight forged wheels,
saving 2kg. Other highlights are improved Brembo M50
calipers, DLC coated adjustable forks like the S version, and a
‘high-grip’ suede fabric seat with dedicated upholstery (on the
Black Star model only).
The all-new XDiavel Black Star is certainly attention-grabbing
and couldn’t be any further away from a traditional air-cooled
feet-forward cruiser. Ducati launched the Diavel in 2011 to
widespread applause from the press, and then went feet-forward
in 2016 with the XDiavel. Ducati’s new cruiser promptly kicked
sand in the face of the traditional V-twin cruiser market with
sporty handling and impressive power, brakes, and technology.

EXCLUSIVE
TEST
KTM RC8 &
1290 SD R
Breaking
BOUNDARIES
K T M R C 8 & 1 2 9 0 S U P E R D U K E R
Many fans of the Orange
brand are screaming out
for a superbike model,
but do they already have
one? We take their first
superbike and put it up
against their current one.
Words by Rob Portman | Pics by Beam Productions
KTM doesn’t have a superbike model in their
current line-up, right? Or do they? If you
scroll through the Google and Facebook
you will see plenty of gorgeous renderings
of what a KTM superbike could be. You
will read comments from desperate fans
pleading with KTM to please release a
superbike model.
The Austrians first attempt at a superbike
was back in 2008 when they shocked the

HAYABUSA
STORY
H I S T O R Y O F A N I C O N
P A S T & P R E S E N T
There aren’t many more iconic
and immediately recognisable
silhouettes in motorcycling, and the
GSX1300R Hayabusa wowed the
two-wheeled world when it was
launched in 1999. We’ve taken a
look at its origin, the revamps in
2008 and 2013, ‘Busa culture’, and
the tie up with Radical Sportscars.
‘Suzuki Sets New Standards’ read the headline in
MCN following the launch of the first Hayabusa
at the Circuit de Catalunya in 1999. The design
brief was simple; wade into the hypersport
motorcycle market and come out on top. And
the Hayabusa (which translates to peregrine
falcon, a bird of prey which has a top speed dive
of 200mph and preys on blackbirds - geddit?)
did just that.
Styled and designed to a purpose, the
Hayabusa made an impression the moment
you clapped eyes on it, with its flowing lines
aimed at making it as aerodynamic as possible,
allowing it to cut through the air with ease.
And at the launch in Spain, every superlative
imaginable was thrown in its direction, with
the assembled press running out of ways to
describe just how jaw-dropping it was.
Head of design on the original project was
Yoshiura san, who described the idea he set
out to achieve, saying, “The concept of the
first Hayabusa was to create an original and
dominating impact with superior aerodynamics,
as well as being the most powerful sports
motorcycle. I designed it with the intention of
getting attention, using a unique motorcycle
“The concept of the first Hayabusa
was to create an original and
dominating impact with superior
aerodynamics, as well as being the
most powerful sports motorcycle.”

OLD SCHOOL
IS THE NEW
SCHOOL
I S T H E “ N E W ” H A Y A B U S A “ N E W ” E N O U G H ?
The wait is finally, finally over. The
third generation Suzuki Hayabusa is
now out in the wild, officially, and that
means we can talk about every detail
of this iconic hyperbike. Don’t worry, it
will be a short conversation.
Despite calling it an “all new”
motorcycle (Suzuki claims over 500
parts have been changed), there are
only a handful of items that are truly
new about the 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa.
The chassis is very much the same,
with a few tweaks here and there, and
the 1,340cc inline-four engine gets an
update to make it compatible with
emission standards around the world,
but it is still certainly a refresh of the
current design.

EXCLUSIVE
FEATURE
NICK HARRIS
INTERVIEW
NICK
HARRIS
In Conversation with
On the 17th of December 2020, Mitchell Boyes got the opportunity to
have a Zoom meeting with none other than Nick Harris himself - long time
MotoGP commentator and journalist. Mitchell initially contacted Nick to ask
him about another article as his level of knowledge on the topic of MotoGP
is simply unrivalled. Nick replied saying that he would be delighted to speak
with Moto Rider World and Mitchell was able to speak to one of his heroes.
Words by Mitchell Boyes

TYRE SAFETY
MOTORCYCLE
SAFETY
TIPS
MUST
Have you ever noticed an issue related to fuel
efficiency, performance or braking in your
bike? If yes, what immediately comes to your
mind, as a cause of this problem? Generally, the
blame is either on underperforming engine or
malfunctioning braking mechanism. However,
this is a half-truth; sometimes the culprit may
be the engine or braking mechanism, but not
always. What we most of the time ignore are the
tyres. We forget that tyres are the only part of
our vehicle that contact the road surface, and so
much depends on the condition of tyres.
Apart from the mileage, braking and
performance, well-maintained tyres also ensure
safer acceleration, steering and cornering.
Therefore, in order to get the best out of your
engine, tyres should be kept in good condition.
FRONT AND REAR TYRE MATCHING
Correct matching of front and rear tyres is essential
in order to obtain optimum performance and
handling. Please follow the tyre selection guidelines
and consult the motorcycle manufacturer before
making modifications from stock.
Only mount tyres marked “front wheel” on front
positions and tyres marked “rear wheel” on rear
positions
A new front tyre with a worn rear tyre can
cause instability / Mixing radial tyres with bias or
belted bias tyres may adversely affect handling
and stability
KNOW FACTS
WHEN IT COMES TO
YOUR RUBBER.
Many factors – other than tyre incompatibility –
can affect the handling of a motorcycle, including
the weight and height of the rider, mixing worn with
unworn tyres, and the fitment of luggage or fairings.
TUBES
Tubes are a crucial part of the tube-type wheel
assembly and should be treated with respect.
When fitting a new tyre on a rim that requires a
tube, a new tube should also be fitted. Old tubes
can become stretched, and old tubes within new
tyres can crease and fail due to thinning of the tube
rubber. Tubes should only be repaired by an expert.
• Secure tube valve assembly to rim with care
• Inspect rim band and consult motorcycle dealer
for correct rim band replacement
• Always check the size markings on the tube to
assure that the tyre size appears on the tube
• Do not fit tubes in radial motorcycle tyres, nor fit
radials on rims requiring tubes, unless the tubes
bear matching size and radial (R) markings.
TUBE-TYPE RIMS
Only mount tyres as tubeless when
recommended by the wheel manufacturer.
Some spokeless rims require tubes. With a tube
inserted, a tubeless tyre may be fitted to a tubetype
wheel.
TYRE PRESSURES
Always follow pressure recommendations shown on
the Dunlop Motorcycle Tyre Application Guide. Please
contact Dunlop if the year and model are not shown on
the current guide, and the owners’ manual does not list
pressure settings.
DUNLOP TYRES
Please note that hard cornering, carrying passengers
and heavy loads, and sustained high speeds will require
higher pressures (up to that indicated on the sidewall).
Checking tyre pressures is the most important tyre
maintenance function you can perform.
Under-inflated tyres can result in imprecise cornering,
higher running temperatures and overheating cracks,
irregular tread wear at the edge of the contact patch,
fatigue cracking, overstressing and eventual failure of
the tyre carcass. Over-inflating tyres does not increase
load-carrying capacity, but will result in a hard ride and
accelerated tyre wear in the centre of the contact patch.
Always check cold tyre pressure frequently with a
good quality gauge that holds a reading, especially
before long-distance trips. Loss of pressure may occur
due to worn or badly seated valve cores.
Always check valve cores. If necessary, tighten for
correct seating, or remove and replace them. A metal or
hard plastic valve cap with an inner gasket should be used
and installed finger tight to protect the valve core from
dust, moisture and to help maintain a positive air seal.
Repeated loss of inflation pressure may result from
undetected tyre damage. Visually inspect tyres for
punctures, cuts, abrasions, cracks, bulges, blisters or
knots. It is necessary to dismount the tyre to complete
MENTIONED BELOW ARE
SOME OF THE ESSENTIAL
TIPS TO MAINTAIN
MOTORCYCLE TYRES:
1: Examine the tyre pressure in the morning
(before you start) once a week with an
accurate gauge.
2: Always inflate tyres to the pressure as
suggested by the manufacturer in the vehicle
manual.
3: Check for uneven wear, bulges and cuts or
sharp objects trapped in the tread.
4: Inspect the tread depth. It is recommended
to have at least 1mm of tread depth for
motorcycles.
5: Tyre rim with any visible crack or bent,
or even damaged valve stems should be
replaced right away.
6: Select the correct tyre type as per your
riding style and surface you usually ride on.
7: Remember to have the same manufacturer
and same tread pattern for both (front/rear)
tyres.
8: At the time of tyre fitting, ensure that
the tyres are fitted in the right direction as
indicated by the arrows on the sidewalls.
9: Always use a new inner tube when
replacing a tube type tyre of your motorcycle.
10: Use dust caps to prevent dirt particles
getting into the valve core.
11: Never allow any oil, grease or sticky
substance to stay on your bike tyres. If
required, wipe it off thoroughly using
detergent.
In case you are confused about the state of
your tyre, be it pressure or outer condition, you
may take your bike to a reliable service centre
and have a word with a professional there.