Setting out on a journey of exploration and adventure has never been easier for travellers across the world.
With the introduction of “Rentals and Tours,” a one-stop solution for any journey on two wheels, Royal Enfield promises hassle-free and easy discovery of new destinations with brand assurance.
Building on the success of Royal Enfield Rentals in India, this comprehensive platform will now serve as an ultimate enabler for explorers looking to embrace novel motorcycle experiences across the globe. With accredited partners, both in India and globally, and the introduction of the Rentals and Tours programme, Royal Enfield now aims to redefine motorcycle tourism with its newest venture, which covers everything from motorcycle rentals and professionally guided tours to assistance with curating self-guided trips. Catering to a diverse spectrum of riding preferences, in terms of terrain and level of expertise, Royal Enfield ‘Rentals and Tours’ will allow prospective explorers to set out on unforgettable adventures and fulfill their quests for exploration.
”RoyalEnfieldhaslongbeenassociatedwithepicjourneysofexploration,withenthusiaststraversingcountries, andcontinentsonourmotorcyclesfordecades. Webelievewedeeplyunderstandthedesireforadventureand to discover the world on two wheels. The Royal Enfield Rentals and Tours programme not only simplifies the logistics of motorcycle tourism, it also opens a world of new opportunities for those with the spirit of adventure in their hearts. With one of the world’s largest motorcycling communities, we believe this initiative will not just fortify but also expand Royal Enfield’s global motorcycling family, fostering a deeper sense of camaraderie among riders across borders.”, said B Govindrajan, CEO, Royal Enfield.
To rent a Royal Enfield motorcycle or to book a motorcycle tour has never been easier. It is user-friendly, and an absolutely simple process that requires just a few clicks. One merely has to head to royalenfield.com/rentals and royalenfield.com/tours, browse through the options based on planned destination and time frame, and then confirm booking interest. A quick call-back from the tour operator will be organised, to confirm and finalise details of the tour and the itinerary. All that is left to do then, is to pack the helmet and riding gear and look forward to the next big adventure on two wheels.
The rental programme extends to 60+ destinations, spanning India, South Africa, Indonesia, Colombia, Turkey, and Namibia, among others. Collaborating with multiple tour partners, Royal Enfield provides riders with a diverse array of experiences across a total of 62 trips, covering 52 destinations in 25 countries. From exploring the captivating international destinations of France, Scotland, and Spain to the enchanting locales of Cochin, Gangtok, and Tawang in India, Royal Enfield Rentals and Tours offer boundless possibilities for unforgettable rides.
20th Anniversary Alaska to Argentina expedition ride sets off from Anchorage.
GlobeBusters’ Trans Americas 2023 expedition has departed from Anchorage, almost 20 years to the day since company founders Kevin and Julia Sanders’ Guinness World Record-breaking ride of the epic, top-to-bottom route.
The 22,000-mile journey down the full length of the Americas begins in Alaska and will end in Patagonia in five months’ time; a much more leisurely pace than Kevin and Julia’s record-busting two-up ride of 2003, which they completed in just under 35 days.
Their record-breaking route was a little more direct at 16,974 miles – through almost every type of weather and terrain imaginable – and they completed the journey an incredible 12-and-a-half days faster than the previous record. They also rode through Colombia, something not done by the previous record holders.
Largest ever group
This year sees the GlobeBusters team lead the largest and most diverse group of riders since setting up the Trans Americas experience in 2005. A total of 40 adventurers, from as far afield as Australia, Canada and South Africa, are taking on the challenge .
Setting out from Anchorage in Alaska, the main group will ride up to Prudhoe Bay in the Arctic Circle, before heading south through Canada, the USA, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina, finally arriving in Ushuaia: the most southerly city in the world.
As Kevin explained, it’s a fitting tribute to their record-breaking ride and a welcome return to business after the pandemic:
“There was a time in 2021 when we wondered whether the business would actually survive. All forms of tourism were decimated. It was a really tough time, and totally out of our control, but to be here now at the start of another major expedition through the Americas and being able to celebrate 20 years of riding this incredible route, that’s just fantastic and such a huge relief. I’m so happy to be able to share this amazing adventure once again with new riders keen to experience this once in a lifetime experience.”
Future Plans
Joining the GlobeBusters Team this year will be Kevin’s son Rhys Lawrey – also a Guinness World Record holder, (for the Most Consecutive Capital Cities Visited by Motorcycle, as well as setting the trend for the Youngest Person to Circumnavigate the World by Motorcycle).
After following his father’s footsteps into the record books, Rhys now plays a pivotal role in GlobeBusters, both on the road as a Tour Manager and behind the scenes, creating the company’s digital marketing. He’s taking the family firm into the future, full throttle, as he explains:
“I was lucky to learn from the best in the business and now it’s my turn! There are new destinations ready to explore and I’m working on creating some amazing new routes that will be irresistible to true adventure riders!”
Rhys continues; “A decade ago, at just 22 years old, I rode around the world solo, inspiring a trend of younger riders getting out into the world. There are now so many other young riders, which is just amazing to see. I am now setting my eyes on a new target – I plan to take riders on the trip of a lifetime, giving them the chance to see the world on two wheels. With GlobeBusters, adventurers can ride their own ride with all of the logistics arranged, all the experience and knowledge of where to go and what to see, all while having an extra layer of security when travelling and, most importantly, being able to share incredible experiences with like-minded adventurers.”
Regular updates
Rhys and the team will be giving regular updates along the route on the GlobeBusters Facebook and Instagram pages:
Thirty inspirational presenters have confirmed their attendance at this year’s Overland Event in Oxfordshire, representing the amazing variety of people who travel the world on a motorcycle, and the machines they choose to do it on.
In addition to popular stalwarts Ted Simon and Sam Manicom, the organisers have invited a diverse range of riders, who have all taken different approaches to their journeys.
Esa Aldegheri will be presenting for the first time at Overland. A multilingual writer, poet and academic, Esa set off from Orkney on an 18-month round the world ride with her husband. Her resulting book, ‘Free to Go’, examines the challenges of navigating a world where many assume that women ride pillion, both on motorbikes and in relationships.
German scooterist Markus Mayer travelled around the world in 80 days on his Vespa, covering 16,847 miles across 18 countries on three continents. He would have finished in 79 days, but spent an extra day participating in Spain’s first national Vespa Rally in 30 years.
Irish policeman Ken McGreevy headed east on a GT550 Kawasaki twelve years ago and subsequently wrecked it in the Kazakhstan desert, while racing to make a presentation to the UN. This hasn’t diminished his appetite for motorcycle exploration.
Now in its ninth year, the Overland Event is popular with high-mileage motorcyclists, in search of inspiration and advice for their next adventure. Alongside talks, there are workshops, covering everything from first aid to photography, chances to test ride some the latest motorcycles, an introduction to off-road skills and live entertainment in the evenings, all included in the ticket price.
Weekend passports to the Overland Event cost £108 and give access to the whole event and all activities, including three nights’ camping. Visit www.overlandevent.com/overland to find out more and book tickets.
Maja Kenney of Maja’s Motorcycle Adventures spends her Slovenian tour testing out some RST Waterproof kit. The kit features RST Maverick Textiles, Pathfinder Touring Boots and Paragon Gloves kindly supplied for this test by RST Moto
On this year’s motorcycle tour to Slovenia I had the opportunity to test the RST Maverick ladies jacket and jean together with their Pathfinder touring boots and Paragon gloves.
The textiles are cleverly layered and are suitable for all-year riding. The outer layer has air pockets that can be clipped open for summer rides as well as perforation on the upper body. There are four ventilation pockets, two on the leg and two on the chest area. You can wear textiles without any layers on those hot and sunny days.
The waterproof layer is separate and acts as windproof, too. It zips neatly inside the main jacket and trousers the only downside is, if you get caught in the rain it’s not a quick fix.
There is a further layer for cold weather riding. A thermal layer that zips in either with the waterproof layer or on its own. The zips are cleverly layered so there is no bulging of the zips sitting too close together. As the inner layers zip into the jacket (and trousers) this means you still only need one zip to close the jacket fully.
Both, the jacket and the jean zip together around the waist to retain the warmth and keep the rain out.
The jean have a high back which sits nicely around the lower back. The waist is adjustable with two velcro straps which might need tweaking depending on how many layers you wear on a cold day. Together with stretch panels, it does make for a good fit. There are two hip pockets with zips.
The jean and the jacket feel a bit stiff for the first couple of wears but they do settle around your body nicely and feel very comfortable.
I felt the trouser leg could have been a tiny bit longer for me. The trouser leg in a size up was perfect for me but the rest of the jean was too big. Not an issue once you put the boots on just my personal preference. Of course, they come with knee protectors and the jean is CE Certified to Level A.
The jacket is well designed and contoured for ladies’ fit. Stretch panels, arm and waist adjusters offer further options to adjust the jacket for comfort and fit. It has several pockets, inside and outside of the jacket as well as a large one on the back of the jacket for storing larger items such as maps, documents or a spare pair of gloves.
The jacket closes with a zip and the textile secures over it with velcro. This is a bit of an annoyance when the jacket is open and you are not riding. The velcro on the left cuffs tends to stick to the velcro next to the zip and so find your left arm getting attached to the jacket a lot. As the jean, the jacket is also CE certified to Level A and comes with Level 1 back protector, shoulder and elbow armour.Personally, I feel the sleeves are a bit too wide around the wrists, too. There is a velcro strap to tighten the cuffs but I find too much textile around my wrists makes it quite uncomfortable. It does mean that the gloves are easy to put on when I wear them inside my sleeves.
The boots are my absolute favourite so far. They really are waterproof. I mean proper, Welsh downpour waterproof. Top marks for that. The boots have two zips at the front, one on each side of the leg which means they are really easy to put on and take off. But more importantly, you can adjust how tightly you want them to fit around your calf. Boots are usually too wide for me but these are a perfect fit thanks to the design. They are incredibly comfortable, too. I wore them for 5 days constantly on the bike and to walk around sights we stopped at. The soles have good grip and I felt secure exploring sights off the paved paths. My feet didn’t even feel tired at the end of the day.
The gloves feel soft and snuggly on the inside. They feel a little big on my fingers and I guess that’s down to all the padding and layers to keep my hands warm. I have summer gloves from RST which are designed for ladies, they are the same size and they fit perfectly. The Paragon waterproof gloves are not specifically designed for ladies’ hands and it shows in sizing. My pair are size 7 or extra small so anyone with smaller hands might find these too big. They are waterproof and they have certainly been tested in the wet!
Overall the whole outfit is excellent value for money. The jacket and jean are suitable for all-year riding, excellent for long touring trips, they will protect you from most weather elements and they fit well. The boots and the gloves will keep you warm and dry in the colder months but will be too hot for the summer months.
The Tiger was dropped off at my house and I took my time walking around it before wheeling it into the garage. It was delivered a day earlier than expected so it had to wait for its first ride until the next day. I circled the bike, looking at all of the details. It was almost a stand off to see if we like each other.
I was pleased to note the colour was red. Having checked it out online I decided that red was the best looking one and now it was in my garage, albeit for a week only. In fact, not just the colour, I quite like the way it looks. Not too big and shouty, it doesn’t look like a bully as some adventure bikes do, and it didn’t fill me with fear that it’ll kick me off when I start to ride it.
I was worried it might be too tall for me but even with the seat at its normal position, I could reach the ground comfortably. Despite this, I have moved the seat to its lower position and that means that at 5”4’, I can almost put both feet flat on the (even) ground. Given my preference for B roads and goat tracks it is safer to have more leg length and be able to stop even where the ground isn’t smooth tarmac.
Top marks for its super smooth gearbox and quickshifter. One of the best I’ve ridden so far. The brakes are sharp, too! And the cruise control is easy to work out but do watch out when you touch the brakes. It slows down rapidly and I got a bit of a shock the first time. I didn’t expect it to slow down quite as fast and ended up with my face a bit too close to the screen for comfort.
Speaking of comfort, this is a good time to mention the heated grips which are excellent and, not forgetting the heated seat. The heated seat has separate controls for the pillion on the side of the pillion seat, and for the rider, on the handlebars. I can’t say there was any benefit to having the seat heated at 15 degrees Celsius and I would like to be able to test this in colder weather before I can decide if it is a worthwhile option. The heated grips, on the other hand, are an absolute must for me. The temperature varied from 10 to 15, occasionally 17 degrees Celsius when the sun was out, but the wind chill was persistent. I was still riding in my summer gloves and the grips were on the whole time. I much prefer this option for as long as I can, before I put on my winter gloves for the season.
One issue I didn’t quite crack is the position of the indicator switch just above a very similar switch that is the OK button for confirming the menu choices. They are close together and feel very similar with gloves on. A couple of times I wasn’t actually indicating but merely pushing the OK button left or right which upset a couple of road users behind me. Speaking to other Tiger owners they mentioned the same and said that once they have gotten used to it, it wasn’t a problem anymore.
I do have a preference for something a bit sportier looking and riding a sports tourer myself, I didn’t really appreciate why one would go for an adventure style bike. After riding the Tiger for a week, and taking it on a real tour for a few days, I now understand. I had to get used to how certain speed feels on this bike which meant I was going faster than intended for a while. With so much wind protection I felt I was going slower where I was actually much faster than anticipated. Oops.
The seating position is so relaxed and comfortable that even after a few days of constant riding I never felt tired quite as much as I normally do. It almost felt wrong. Like a workout when you didn’t try hard enough and you have no muscle ache afterwards. But this was also really, really good. I didn’t need a zimmer frame to get out of bed in the morning or do any elaborate yoga stretches just to feel my toes again.
The surprising bit was the cornering. The Tiger just leans in and carries you around that corner without you having to do much. No fighting with the bike and no convincing it that you really want to go around that bend safely. The Tiger is agile, light and so very smooth.
Then there was the riding on my favourite roads. The less known, little B roads that are inevitably littered with gravel, potholes and livestock. Despite the rugged road surface, the bike shaking was minimal, the suspension doing a fantastic job and I didn’t even need to stand on the footpegs for comfort although I did try it anyway just because I could.
I really appreciated the higher sitting position for the views. Being able to see over the stone walls and into the valley opened up the view and allowed me to take in the sights I would have otherwise missed. It also means you spot the oncoming traffic much sooner and can position the bike accordingly.
The trip away was for two nights only and my luggage was minimal therefore I had no need for the panniers or the topbox. Everything was packed into a rollbag that was attached to the pillion seat. I had to practice a couple of times on how to mount and dismount the bike in the most elegant way but I cracked it and never once kicked the rollbag when dismounting.
Overall I was surprisingly impressed with everything about the bike, how easy and smooth it is to ride and how well we got on. I am not ready to trade in my sports tourer yet but I am leaning towards maybe having a proper adventure bike as a winter one in my garage.
Motorcycle kindly supplied by Triumph UK, for more information on Triumph Motorcycles UK visit triumphmotorcycles.co.uk/
Or check Triumph Motorcycles dedicated page for Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS check hereTriumph Tiger 900
Also many thanks to:
Helmet worn in test Arai Quantic helmet (red snake) kindly supplied by Arai UK Jacket, Armoured Jeans, Gloves and Boots worn in test kindly supplied by rst-moto.com/ Ladies Heated Body Warmer supplied by Keis Apparel Motorcycle iPhone Mount with Vibration Damper Supplied by Quad Lock
I’ve heard people swear by Arai and I always wondered what the appeal is. They look quite big and round in shape, not exactly flattering compared to some other brands. The new Quantic is not the lightest of helmets I have, in fact, at 1.6 kg it is quite a bit heavier than some of the other helmets I have.
It is marketed as a sports-touring helmet. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with an internal visor, which for me, seems a great option to have when you are away from home for days and weeks at a time.
Installing the intercom system wasn’t the easiest compared to others, quite a bit of faffing with the liner and I still have a cable showing on the side. This may well be a user error but I managed to hide everything in my other helmets so it can’t be all me.
Despite this, the moment I put the Arai Quantic on my head I loved it instantly. The way it fits around my head and face makes you feel like you are in a safe haven. The materials are soft and seem kind to skin and the inside of the helmet hugs your head in a way that just makes you feel safe. I was keen to go for a ride and see how my face will look like after a few hours of riding.
The first thing I noticed was the ventilation. There are several vents that actually work! It was a hot day and I could feel the air circulation around my head. There are three vents at the top of the helmet. One at the front behind the 3D Arai logo that you control by opening or closing the catch at the top. Then there are two on each side and slightly further up that you push forwards or backward depending on whether you want them open or close.
A large chin vent that is easy to move with the gloves on lets plenty of air in. Then there are two vents in the visor itself, these worked great when my glasses steamed up!
And lastly, a vent at the back of the helmet under the rear spoiler, to let the air out.
The air direction was definitely felt, especially at the crown of my head which I welcomed very much as it kept me cool for the whole ride.
The helmet isn’t terribly quiet which did surprise me. It is really good on a calm day but I did find it very noisy in the wind.
After wearing it for a couple of hours on a day out riding there were no lines on my face, no telltale signs of a new helmet. It fitted perfectly and whilst it is firm around my face it is also very easy to take off and put back on again.
It is not the perfect helmet in terms of ticking the boxes but despite it all, there is something about it that makes me feel super safe wearing it. It is incredibly comfortable and it has now become my main helmet for long trips and tours. I have a feeling Arai might become my go-to helmet from now on.
How good is a budget helmet? I sometimes wonder what is it that we pay for when buying an item. Is it the brand, the quality, the materials, or the service? I find this even more important when it comes to safety, especially something like a motorcycle helmet. I must admit, I did have some doubts. (checkout Maja’s review of motorcycle helmet inspection service)
I decided to try the Nitro Helmet on a short ride to start with. It’s what I normally do with any new helmet to get used to it. The first impressions were really good. The helmet looks and feels well finished. I especially love the matt paint finish. There are vents on the chin and at the top of the helmet that you can control with the sliding mechanism.
I especially like the internal tinted visor and the fact that they have moulded the helmet to allow for the specs wearers to use their glasses inside the helmet. The internal visor is operated by the sliding mechanism on the left hand side of the helmet.
The external visor system feels very sturdy and easy to change the position of the visor from closed to open. It is also easy to remove and put back and it comes pinlock ready although no pinlock included, and to be fair, I didn’t expect it at this price.
The helmet is, of course, ACU approved and carries the gold sticker on the back.
Once the helmet was on I did feel the padding wasn’t quite enough. My cheeks are normally pressed against the internal padding but on this one, I still have plenty of room. Whilst the crown of the head is firmly held by the liner and doesn’t move when I hold the helmet still and move my head left to right, it is not the same for my face. The plus side of this is that my ears are not constricted in any way and wearing my moulded earplugs meant I had no pressure on my ears like in some helmets.
It didn’t seem particularly noisy when out riding but it is noisier than my other helmets, not by much, just enough to notice.
Whilst testing the helmet I had the opportunity to send it off for a non-destructive inspection to find out if a £90 is safe to use. It came back with a big tick of approval. Yes, it passed the inspection and I was really pleased to see that we have a solid British helmet manufacturer that caters to entry-level helmets that not only look good but are safe, too.
Last friday we were invited to attend the first look of new Triumph Speed Twin at Triumph’s Hinckley Factory but due to various reasons I was unable to attend. So I askedMaja Kenney of Maja’s Motorcycle Adventuresshe kindly took my place, heres her initial impression.
Last week I had the pleasure of taking out Triumph’s best-selling modern classic – the Speed Twin that has been updated for 2021.
When I arrived at Triumph I was walked through the controls on the bike. There were no surprises, you’ll be happy to hear. I was then set free to explore some of the quaint Warwickshire villages and lanes.
My first goal was to find a pub. It was lunchtime, I was hungry and I wanted to sit down and look at the bike properly. I have found a lovely pub with parking and outdoor seating. Perfect. I parked up, stopped the engine, and looked for the side stand. I fished with my left foot to kick it out but couldn’t do it. I was sitting on the bike, getting hot as the sun was beaming down on me and by now, the customers in the pub garden started to pay attention. I still couldn’t get the side stand out.
Eventually, I had to lean over and unfold it by hand. But let me explain. I wasn’t exactly wearing the right type of clothing for this beautiful machine. I was in full leathers and racing boots because I had literally gone from Cadwell Park to the Triumph factory. This is not what one might normally choose to wear on a bike like this and therefore the stiffness of the boot meant I had to angle my foot just so, to get the side stand out. Once I figured it out it was as easy as on any other bike.
First things first. The bike is beautiful. I have a huge appreciation for old machines, this includes cars and motorcycles. Thank you, dad! That doesn’t mean I would necessarily choose to run an old classic myself, I don’t know enough about the maintenance. But to have a modern classic where maintenance is easy and the ride feels as effortless as modern bikes do these days, it makes for an interesting proposition.
The setup was perfect for just such a day out. Sunshine, country lanes, big open spaces, and quaint sleepy villages. The seating position is super comfortable, straight back, head up, knees not too bent. The seat height is at 809 mm and the seat itself is quite narrow which means you don’t lose much of the height if your legs are of a shorter disposition.
Big flat bars make the bike super easy to maneuver and a joy to go around the bends. The total (wet) weight of the bike is 216 kg which surprised me as this is almost the same as my Supersport and for some reason I expected the Speed Twin to be lighter.
The Speed Twin is perfectly happy doing 30 mph letting you enjoy the scenery and the gentle ride through the villages. But don’t be fooled, with its 1200cc engine and 98.6 bhp it produces a pretty swift power delivery when you open up the throttle. I got caught out at first, I was wearing waterproofs over my leathers and I slid back on the seat when I came to a clear bit of the road. I had to laugh and I was a bit more steady with the throttle on the next attempt and when overtaking.
Switching between the riding modes is easy. All you have to do is stop the bike and have it in neutral gear, keep the engine running and press one button once for rain mode, again for road mode and again for sport mode. It’s that simple.
The detail and the styling of the Speed Twin have clearly had plenty of attention. The brushed aluminium fuel cap, front and rear mudguards, side panel finishers and heel guards are set off beautifully against the stunning red paint of the fuel tank. Or the Red hopper paint scheme as it is officially called. Two more colour schemes are available, Matt Storm Grey with subtle yellow accents and the Jet Black.
The bar end mirrors finish the look off nicely and the signature LED daylight running light is incorporated into the headlight. The rear light and the indicators are also LED.
It also comes with 50+ accessories according to their marketing department but an engineer I spoke to in the warehouse said the reality is that half of these are a different colour choice of the same thing. So here’s some straight-talking-non-marketing-fact for you.
Overall, a stunning looking motorcycle that is as happy bimbling along at 30 mph or slower when taking in the views and passing picturesque areas as it is enjoying a more spirited ride to really make you feel the wind on your face.
Summer riding made comfortable! Finally, the weather has turned up the heat and I was delighted to have had the opportunity to wear my new mesh jacket on the motorcycle. I’ve had quite enough of the layering up and the cold rides. I love summer and I love the sunshine.
As much as the ideal picture of a summer riding on a motorcycle seems a dream (and it is), it is also the time of suffering in your motorcycle clothing whenever you come to a stop. The hot weather doesn’t go well with protective clothing. Luckily, there are alternatives. A mesh riding jacket is perfect for those scorchio days that we sometimes get in the UK. Believe me, they are worth the investment!
The RST F-lite jacket is lightweight and breathable. Of course, it is constructed with mesh fabric (K540) which allows for excellent ventilation and you can feel the cooling effect of it whilst riding. And when you stop, there is no sudden rush of heat you normally experience with heavier jackets.
The jacket comes with internal windproof and shower resistant liner that zips into the jacket. This is great for those warm days that still have a little bit of a chill in the air and of course, it protects you from light rain if you get caught out whilst out riding.
There are two settings for the poppers on the sleeves to allow the adjustment for your arms and the two waist zips on each side of the jacket allow for a better fit to adjust to your body shape. The cuffs have a velcro closing strap to fit around your wrists.
The two side pockets are of good size. The pocket liner is perforated fabric which means it doesn’t stop the air flow but it does seem to bunch up inside the pocket making it, at times, difficult to fish out small items such as ear plugs. Perhaps stitching the pocket liners in a couple of places would improve that.
The front of the jacket is shorter than the back. I think I understand the thinking behind it. Some jackets can be a bit bulky when you sit on the bike and the fabric bunches up. However, I never found that a big problem on any of my jackets and I find the cut somewhat strange as this means that my t-shirt sticks out of the jacket and makes for a somewhat odd look when not on the bike.
When the internal liner is removed you will find two internal chest pockets, one with a zip, as well as a pocket for the back protector. The jacket comes with elbow and shoulder armour. There is also a zip connector at the back to join the jacket with a compatible jean.
It comes in all black colour with subtle design panels on the front to break up the texture. I would have like to have seen a pop of colour (not pink!) as my preference for summer riding but that doesn’t deter me from the jacket. A couple of reflective strips just below the shoulders on the arms and a subtle RST logo finish off the design tastefully. I am very much a fan of subtle branding on any of my clothing.
Overall the jacket is very comfortable, and well tailored for most body shapes with the available adjustments. It looks great with a pair of denim riding jeans for urban riding and even short touring trips.
The first Ducati Dragons weekend brought together over 30 women from across the UK, all with a shared passion for delicious Ducatis. The Dragons filled the car park of Eastwood Hall in Nottingham from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th of June 201 with the rip roaring noise of Ducati twins; the Monster and SuperSport certainly the most popular choice. Sunshine and smiles all round.
Women came from all over the UK to be part of this unique event, instigated by Gillian Riddell, an avid Ducati enthusiast. Gillian is part of the Ducati Owners Club (DOC GB). Gillian regularly attends the DOC outings and despite having several women members, she often ends up being the only one attending the events. She is keen to encourage more women to attend mixed events and by creating an event where women can meet face to face will help make new connections and get more women out together to other events too.
Upon arrival, the Dragons came together for the first time and made new connections, making time for each other before checking in. We chatted to the UpRight Motorcycle Road Safety Campaign team who came to support. Some were able to try different bikes, provided by Martin of Ducati Manchester who had kindly brought some Scramblers and Supersports for test rides. We were even interviewed for BIKE Magazine with lots of posing for photos, it made us feel like celebrities to mark the occasion!
Grabbing a quiet bite to eat before the pre-ride briefing, we set off at 1300 on Saturday on a very unique ride out. We were escorted by Tom from @UpRightDerbys (Insta) on his Police Bike which was very useful for clearing junctions! It was immensely awe inspiring to be out on the road with so many women who have a passion for Italian machines. After the first hour, we split off into different routes to enjoy the Peak District and ensure the well deserved ice cream and cake breaks where we could.
The Dragons returned back to the hotel late afternoon for some quick refreshments and a turnaround for the delicious 3 course dinner. The raffle prizes kept us applauding, especially to the winner of the exclusive Ducati jacket provided by Ducati Manchester and the gift voucher for Maja’s Motorcycle Adventures. The disco endured well into the night, topped off with fantastic goody bags provided by Verity. The Scottoiler discount and T-shirt was a superb donation, along with the Bike Sure 10% off discount offer and merch. The Muc Off Dry Lube and bike cleaner was an ideal addition to all of our garages, topped off with Ducati hats and pens, perfect!
Ready for a fresh morning in the sunshine, the Dragons left the hotel to do some more exploring in the Peaks before making their way home. Everyone who attended made a new connection with a friend in the biking world and a reinforcement that there are plenty of women out there who don’t need much of an excuse to just get out and ride!
I didn’t need it when I had one already and I am lost without it when I don’t have it!
Rather than buying a dedicated gadget for navigation, I use my mobile phone for that. I like it. It’s one less thing to charge and potentially forget to pack, plus it works great. Until recently I have used a universal phone mount which was absolutely fine if a little bit of a faff. I got used to it and it didn’t bother me. The mount consisted of two prongs that were joined but flexible in the middle and you had to push them apart to fit the phone inside. Then there was the rubber tether that went around each corner of the phone. Sometimes this was easy to do and then on the days of butter fingers it was a bit of a pain.
I have heard good things about Quad Lock, mainly from my son who uses it on his mountain bike and from fellow motorcyclists. Having practically zero handlebar space on my bike, I was pleased to see the stem mount fitted perfectly in the hollow where I had the previous mount. This ensured a fuss-free swap and a better fit straight away.
The mount came with the vibration dampener which is a must on a motorcycle with a V-twin engine as feedback from other users would suggests. iPhone cameras have been ruined with the vibration of the motorcycle before.
Once the phone mount is in place, attaching the phone to it is a doddle. You do need the specific case from Quad Lock for your phone as the back of the case is moulded to fit the mount on the bike. The case itself is very strong, I have dropped my phone several times already and the case protected it every time whilst the case itself still looks brand new.
The trick is to angle the phone at 45 degrees to the mount, push in and turn until it clicks in. Very quick and simple and it doesn’t take long to get used to it.
The first ride made me a bit nervous as the phone did shake more than I was used to. Or perhaps it was the same but I just noticed it now because it was a new thing. Not enough to really worry about it falling off, just something I clearly paid attention to more.
First photo stop. Oh, I should mention, I take hundreds of photos on every ride out. The reason for wanting to have my phone easily accessible is not just for the navigation but also for taking photos. Not to mention for making payments at petrol stations. A quick press of the release bar freed my phone, quick photo or several and back it went on the mount. Again and again and with each time I was doing it with less thought and quicker.
Wow, that was impressive. Within just a few hours of using the Quad Lock mount I started to love it! It was so easy to remove the phone and click it back in again I have already forgotten all about my previous setup.
After a few days of using it I decided to get the wireless charging head, too. Nothing worse than running out of charge on your phone just when you need it, right? The charging head was super easy to instal and it uses the bike’s USB port for power. I had to run the cable from under the seat and behind the fairings. Nothing a couple of small cable ties can’t do. So very quick and simple to do.
We get used to good things quickly and don’t think about them anymore. Until you sit on a different bike for a few days and it doesn’t have the same setup as yours. Doh! Out came the battery pack again and charging the phone when stopping resumed.
All in all, a fantastic bit of kit I would happily recommend!
For more Quad Lock UK News check out our dedicated page Quad Lock UK
Curated adventures and motorcycle hire across the Scottish Highlands.
A series of 10 adventures for the 2021 season, covering 10,000 miles of epic Scottish scenery.
Bikerbnb, the first-of-its kind travel platform offering motorcycle-friendly accommodation, guided motorcycle tours and bike hire from Edinburgh, Scotland has partnered with Royal Enfield to support the Highland Scramble events series. Bikerbnb will be riding Royal Enfield’s award-winning Interceptor 650 and Himalayan motorcycles, whose ease of handling, versatility and durability make them perfect for riders looking to explore some of the best roads Scotland has to offer.
Bikerbnb piloted their popular events in 2019, featuring the signature Highland Scramble Traverse which starts and finishes in Edinburgh and takes riders on a route traversing the epic landmarks of Glencoe, Loch Lomond and Loch Ness. This season, each ride will be led by Bikerbnb on specially outfitted custom Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 scramblers. The grandeur of the scenery is complemented by local food which is often cooked fireside on a Big Green Egg, motorcycle-friendly accommodation and the conviviality of the fellow adventurers, all under the expert guidance of the Bikerbnb host team.
Bikerbnb’s Highland Scramble adventures are nearly every other weekend from May through September. The adventures have been designed by their expert team whose attitude towards motorcycling as a way of life has led them to build Bikerbnb’s main offering: an online booking platform featuring only motorcycle-friendly accommodation across the UK and Europe, a first in terms of a dedicated accommodation platform designed by bikers for bikers. The team hopes to grow the platform over the coming years into new markets and countries through the partnership with Royal Enfield.
At the heart of Bikerbnb’s ethos is the desire to connect the motorcycling community with like-minded adventurers. The Highland Scramble adventure series is a natural extension of this philosophy – a chance for like-minded individuals to connect with each other whilst enjoying an incredible experience in Scotland’s natural playground.
The Bikerbnb Highland Scramble is divided into the following rides:
The Highland Scramble Traverse: A curated route showing the best of the Highlands crafted with local knowledge and expertise. Five nights in motorcycle-friendly accommodation including one night of wild camping at a private loch. Breakfast and dinner are provided using local ingredients and cooked fireside on Big Green Egg BBQs. Professional photography and a support vehicle are also provided. 15-19 July / 29 July-2 August / 26-30 August / 24-28 September. Please contact ths@bikerbnb.comso the team can recommend an appropriate package.
Highland Scramble Moto Camp: For more intrepid guests preferring to sleep under canvas, Bikerbnb’s Moto Camp features two nights in wigwams and three nights in bell tents at a remote loch outside of Inverness. The team will follow the weather and recommend amazing riding that prominently features Scotland’s rugged and desolate west coast. After each ride, guests can relax by fishing, exploring nearby dirt tracks or enjoy a beer or whisky tasting. 24-28 June / 1-5 July. Please contact ths@bikerbnb.comso the team can recommend an appropriate package.
Highland Scramble Lassies Edition: Our first-ever ladies-only ride is a specially curated, five-night adventure designed and led by the female riders behind Bikerbnb. This event will also feature epic riding, fun and comfortable accommodation and the best locally-sourced food and refreshments. 8-12 September. Please contact ths@bikerbnb.comso the team can recommend an appropriate package.
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Royal Enfield Owners Club Traverse: A special ride designed just for Royal Enfield Owners Club members. In mid-August, we will travel north into the Highlands spending five nights in motorcycle-friendly accommodation and explore almost the entirety of Scotland from Edinburgh to John O’Groats and back. 12-16 August. Please contact ths@bikerbnb.comso the team can recommend an appropriate package.
Hire a Royal Enfield from Bikerbnb today
Bikerbnb has also just opened its first headquarters in downtown Edinburgh to support the Highland Scramble and it’s growing hire programme. From Edinburgh, bikerbnb riders can hire a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 or Himalayan and head north to the Highlands. The team has partnered with brands like Belstaff and Quad Lock to provide high-quality apparel and motorcycle navigation accessories to ensure the comfort and safety of their customers even in the most challenging conditions.
Remarks from Royal Enfield and Bikerbnb
Says George Cheeseman, Country Manager UK – Royal Enfield, “We are delighted to be partnering with the team at Bikerbnb to offer customers the opportunity to access their amazing adventures on our
brilliantly versatile Himalayans and Interceptors. Our motorcycles are renowned for the robust build quality and ease of riding, meaning that these incredible journeys can be accessible to every rider, no matter what their experience level. Bikerbnb and Royal Enfield are natural partners given their shared passion for promoting a biking philosophy that prizes the experience above all else.
We love Bikerbnb’s Highland Scramble product; the ideal opportunity to showcase our motorcycles in their element, in the great outdoors whilst riders have a once in a lifetime adventure in the company of like-minded travellers. Here at Royal Enfield, we’re all about getting people onto their bikes so they can have epic adventures and create incredible memories, and so we have been building our network of Experience Partners across the UK to ensure that there are plenty of opportunities for riders to do just that.”
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Says Stephen Erbrick, Co-Founder and Programme Director – Bikerbnb,“We met with George and his team in Wales last summer during a Royal Enfield demonstration day at Baffle Haus. We were immediately impressed by the Interceptor 650 and the agile Himalayan and realised how a partnership with Royal Enfield could complement the Highland Scramble and our growing rental fleet. We love how Royal Enfield offers accessible, reliable and customisable motorbikes all over the world.
The build quality is top-notch and we are excited to work with George and his team this season to help grow our fleet to serve a diverse audience of riders. Looking ahead, we are excited to encourage collaboration among major brands like Royal Enfield and provide an opportunity for the Royal Enfield Owner’s Club to join a specially curated adventure in August. We can’t wait to ride the custom scramblers and see the hard work from the UK Technology Centre team in Leicester pay off on the backroads in Scotland. We can’t wait to ride with Royal Enfield this summer!”
For more Royal Enfield news check out our dedicated page Royal Enfield News
Curated adventures and motorcycle hire across the Scottish Highlands.
A series of 10 adventures for the 2021 season, covering 10,000 miles of epic Scottish scenery.
Bikerbnb, the first-of-its kind travel platform offering motorcycle-friendly accommodation, guided motorcycle tours and bike hire from Edinburgh, Scotland has partnered with Royal Enfield to support the Highland Scramble events series. Bikerbnb will be riding Royal Enfield’s award-winning Interceptor 650 and Himalayan motorcycles, whose ease of handling, versatility and durability make them perfect for riders looking to explore some of the best roads Scotland has to offer.
Bikerbnb piloted their popular events in 2019, featuring the signature Highland Scramble Traverse which starts and finishes in Edinburgh and takes riders on a route traversing the epic landmarks of Glencoe, Loch Lomond and Loch Ness. This season, each ride will be led by Bikerbnb on specially outfitted custom Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 scramblers. The grandeur of the scenery is complemented by local food which is often cooked fireside on a Big Green Egg, motorcycle-friendly accommodation and the conviviality of the fellow adventurers, all under the expert guidance of the Bikerbnb host team.
Bikerbnb’s Highland Scramble adventures are nearly every other weekend from May through September. The adventures have been designed by their expert team whose attitude towards motorcycling as a way of life has led them to build Bikerbnb’s main offering: an online booking platform featuring only motorcycle-friendly accommodation across the UK and Europe, a first in terms of a dedicated accommodation platform designed by bikers for bikers. The team hopes to grow the platform over the coming years into new markets and countries through the partnership with Royal Enfield.
At the heart of Bikerbnb’s ethos is the desire to connect the motorcycling community with like-minded adventurers. The Highland Scramble adventure series is a natural extension of this philosophy – a chance for like-minded individuals to connect with each other whilst enjoying an incredible experience in Scotland’s natural playground.
The Bikerbnb Highland Scramble is divided into the following rides:
The Highland Scramble Traverse: A curated route showing the best of the Highlands crafted with local knowledge and expertise. Five nights in motorcycle-friendly accommodation including one night of wild camping at a private loch. Breakfast and dinner are provided using local ingredients and cooked fireside on Big Green Egg BBQs. Professional photography and a support vehicle are also provided. 15-19 July / 29 July-2 August / 26-30 August / 24-28 September. Please contact ths@bikerbnb.comso the team can recommend an appropriate package.
Highland Scramble Moto Camp: For more intrepid guests preferring to sleep under canvas, Bikerbnb’s Moto Camp features two nights in wigwams and three nights in bell tents at a remote loch outside of Inverness. The team will follow the weather and recommend amazing riding that prominently features Scotland’s rugged and desolate west coast. After each ride, guests can relax by fishing, exploring nearby dirt tracks or enjoy a beer or whisky tasting. 24-28 June / 1-5 July. Please contact ths@bikerbnb.comso the team can recommend an appropriate package.
Highland Scramble Lassies Edition: Our first-ever ladies-only ride is a specially curated, five-night adventure designed and led by the female riders behind Bikerbnb. This event will also feature epic riding, fun and comfortable accommodation and the best locally-sourced food and refreshments. 8-12 September. Please contact ths@bikerbnb.comso the team can recommend an appropriate package.
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Royal Enfield Owners Club Traverse: A special ride designed just for Royal Enfield Owners Club members. In mid-August, we will travel north into the Highlands spending five nights in motorcycle-friendly accommodation and explore almost the entirety of Scotland from Edinburgh to John O’Groats and back. 12-16 August. Please contact ths@bikerbnb.comso the team can recommend an appropriate package.
Hire a Royal Enfield from Bikerbnb today
Bikerbnb has also just opened its first headquarters in downtown Edinburgh to support the Highland Scramble and it’s growing hire programme. From Edinburgh, bikerbnb riders can hire a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 or Himalayan and head north to the Highlands. The team has partnered with brands like Belstaff and Quad Lock to provide high-quality apparel and motorcycle navigation accessories to ensure the comfort and safety of their customers even in the most challenging conditions.
Remarks from Royal Enfield and Bikerbnb
Says George Cheeseman, Country Manager UK – Royal Enfield, “We are delighted to be partnering with the team at Bikerbnb to offer customers the opportunity to access their amazing adventures on our
brilliantly versatile Himalayans and Interceptors. Our motorcycles are renowned for the robust build quality and ease of riding, meaning that these incredible journeys can be accessible to every rider, no matter what their experience level. Bikerbnb and Royal Enfield are natural partners given their shared passion for promoting a biking philosophy that prizes the experience above all else.
We love Bikerbnb’s Highland Scramble product; the ideal opportunity to showcase our motorcycles in their element, in the great outdoors whilst riders have a once in a lifetime adventure in the company of like-minded travellers. Here at Royal Enfield, we’re all about getting people onto their bikes so they can have epic adventures and create incredible memories, and so we have been building our network of Experience Partners across the UK to ensure that there are plenty of opportunities for riders to do just that.”
Processed with VSCO with preset
Says Stephen Erbrick, Co-Founder and Programme Director – Bikerbnb,“We met with George and his team in Wales last summer during a Royal Enfield demonstration day at Baffle Haus. We were immediately impressed by the Interceptor 650 and the agile Himalayan and realised how a partnership with Royal Enfield could complement the Highland Scramble and our growing rental fleet. We love how Royal Enfield offers accessible, reliable and customisable motorbikes all over the world.
The build quality is top-notch and we are excited to work with George and his team this season to help grow our fleet to serve a diverse audience of riders. Looking ahead, we are excited to encourage collaboration among major brands like Royal Enfield and provide an opportunity for the Royal Enfield Owner’s Club to join a specially curated adventure in August. We can’t wait to ride the custom scramblers and see the hard work from the UK Technology Centre team in Leicester pay off on the backroads in Scotland. We can’t wait to ride with Royal Enfield this summer!”
For more Royal Enfield news check out our dedicated page Royal Enfield News
I’ve had a bit of a hit and miss relationship with motorcycling jeans in the past. More of a miss than a hit, to be perfectly honest. My biggest problem was the fit, especially around the waist area. They were usually too big and stood away from my waist too much and after a couple of hours of riding they became really uncomfortable around the hips. The trouser legs were quite wide and straight cut which meant they were flapping around my ankles when I wore ankle boots but were too wide to tuck into my sports boots. I had therefore decided that motorcycling leggings were the way forward for their fit and comfort.
I’ve always liked the look of the jeans on a motorcycle so I wasn’t ready to give up on them just yet. I’m really glad I haven’t because the RST x Kevlar Ladies Tapered Fit Jeans are a bit of a game changer.
Not only did the material and the stitching look and feel of high quality as soon as I picked them up, they are CE AA rated with the CE Level 1 knee armour. But what impressed me more was the fit. The waist is high enough to stay in place as you sit on your motorcycle and not pulled down or sticking away from your back as it often happens on badly fitting trousers. They are shaped just enough to follow the shape of my legs and the trouser legs are tapered at the bottom to fit comfortably inside my boots. The Kevlar lining ends mid-calf so there isn’t an extra layer of fabric that you need to squeeze into the boots. After a few decent ride outs I am happy to note the jeans kept their shape and don’t stretch too much to end up looking baggy.
Not only that, but the little details such as the measure lines inside the jeans to help you adjust the knee protectors is quite frankly, genius. This means that when you take the knee protectors out to wash your jeans, you don’t have to spend ages re-adjusting them again. All you have to do is remember the position they were in before and pop them back in. The knee protectors are housed inside a fabric bag with a velcro strip which adds to the flexibility of where to position them for the perfect fit and best protection. There are pockets for hip protectors, too should you wish to add them.
The jeans are made from stretch material which means you should go for the smaller size if you are in between sizes. The stretch in the material adds to the comfort and after a day of riding (150 miles) I returned home to a genuine surprise that I was wearing a pair of jeans and not my usual leggings. That’s just how comfortable they are and I am really looking forward to those summer rides of keeping cool in these jeans.
For more reviews check out our dedicated Reviews page
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
To cover the KTM 890 Adventure’s broad range of use, Touratech offers an extensive selection of accessories. This selection includes luggage systems, protectors, ergonomically designed parts and lots of practical accessories.
Luggage systems
For transporting luggage, there is the tried and tested pannier rack made of robust 18 mm stainless steel tubing, which has been perfectly adapted to the geometry of the 890. The rack – available with an electro-polished or black-coated surface – can be fitted with the complete range of ZEGA aluminium panniers. This clever, specially designed system fits tightly around the rear silencer, making particularly efficient use of the space available at the rear and saving on overall width. A topcase rack and luggage plates are also available for securely lashing a luggage roll.
In addition, there is a choice of numerous soft luggage items including three model-specific tank bags and a range of other bags.
Protectors
Of course, robust protector equipment is an absolute must on a meaty enduro like the KTM 790 Adventure. The three-piece Rallye Evo engine guard is designed for tough use. It consists of an extra-robust Skid Plate made of canted aluminium and hydro-formed side panels that hug the engine tightly with their complex three-dimensional design. If you want to continue using the standard KTM engine guard, Touratech offers a Hard Part for reinforcement. A strong bracket made of 25 mm stainless steel tube is responsible for protecting the fairing and the tank. The brand new Defensa hand protectors are, of course, also available for the 890. Thanks to diverse configurations, they can be perfectly adapted to different usage profiles, from hard enduro riding to touring.
Effective protectors for sensors, expansion tanks or headlight round off the selection.
Ergonomics
And, when it comes to ergonomics, the 890 Adventure can also be further upgraded with Touratech Parts. Comfort seats, which are available in three heights, ensure optimum long-distance capability. The Pivot Pegz articulated foot pegs, or wide long-distance foot pegs, and handlebar risers are excellent for off-road use, while the windscreen is a favourite with tour riders.
Riders who don’t like the Adventure’s airy seat height will be thrilled by the 30 millimetre lowering of the suspension.
Accessories
Touratech also offers a huge range of accessories for the KTM 890 Adventure – from adjustable handlebar levers and a professional tool set through to support widening for the legendary kick stand – providing that little extra bit of riding enjoyment and practical benefit. Touratech Parts for KTM 890 Adventure (selection)
• Stainless steel tank crash bar
• Stainless steel fairing crash bar
• Rally Evo engine guard
• Defensa hand protectors
• Headlight protection
• Long-distance foot pegs
• Handlebar riser
• Comfort seat (available in three heights)
• Windscreen
• Topcase rack
• Stainless steel pannier rack
• ZEGA Topcase
• ZEGA Aluminium pannier
• Ambato Exp tank bag
• Ambato Pure tank bag
• Ambato Exp Rallye tank bag
• Ambato tail rack bag for the luggage rack
• Suspension lowering
With the spring teasing us with the first of the warmer days the dreams of summer motorcycling are very much awake. With the change in seasons, the motorcycle clothing gets a once over, too in anticipation of swapping the winter textiles for lighter summer gear.
It is nearly time to retire my winter quilt-like gloves that have served me so well and look for something lighter to stop my hands from sweating in the heat of the summer.
Enter the RST Urban Air 3 glove.
Due to a mix up in the delivery, I originally received the men’s glove size medium. The fit wasn’t great, too big overall and especially the ring and the little finger were lost inside the glove. When I received the ladies’ medium size the difference was noticeable. These fit ‘like a glove’! A great tight fit that isn’t too difficult to get on and off your hands.
In previous seasons I have always opted for a full leather short summer glove and was curious how the leather/textile mix will feel and perform. One thing I can tell you straight away – the air circulation in the RST glove is incredible. You can feel the air going in through the fingers and cooling your hands. Perhaps a little too much in April and thankfully the heated grips did their job whilst I was testing them, but I can see how this will make a huge difference in the summer months.
The mesh sections are fitted on the upper side of the fingers allowing for ventilation and preventing your hands from sweating too much. This means the glove stays dry in hot weather and should be easy to put back on after a pit stop for coffee and cake.
Because they fit so well you feel every control as if you weren’t wearing gloves which makes for a much more enjoyable ride especially after taking the winter ‘quilted’ gloves off. The control of the clutch increases, the throttle responds better and the breaking becomes smoother.
These gloves don’t only look smart and help you ride smoother, they are also Level 1 KP CE certified so they will keep you safe in case of a slide. The protection comes from TPU on the knuckles and TPR on the fingers as well as a memory foam thumb. The palm of the glove is full-grain double layer leather. The index finger also has a smart touch leather for handling your phone/sat nav (never whilst riding!). There is also a large hook on the inside of the glove to help you pull it on the hand if they feel tight or your hands have swollen. The gloves fasted with a hook and loop velcro strap at the wrist.
The glove comes in a few colour variants – full black, black/blue, black/red, black/fluo yellow and my chosen colour combination in black/white to match my Supersport.
I may be a latecomer to the RST brand, having been fairly unfamiliar with it until recently but I see it slowly becoming a regular in my motorcycling wardrobe. The quality, the design and the attention to detail is evident and very impressive.
For more reviews check out our dedicated Reviews page
For more RST Apparel News check out our dedicated page RST News
Women’s motorcycling gear has come a long way in the last few years and it is great to see that more brands are paying attention to what women want.
Protection on our motorcycles is high on our priority list and a proper fit ensures good protection. We also want to look good in our motorcycling gear and not wear men’s fitting clothing with added swirls and bits of pink and call it women’s gear.
Comfort is also high on the list, I suspect for both, male and female riders. Having the gear that is uncomfortable can spoil the ride.
With the change in the seasons and warmer weather arriving a pair of motorcycle leggings is the go-to choice of clothing after ditching the bigger and bulkier winter textiles. I love them because they are so comfortable and simple. No faffage with thermal or waterproof layers, just a pair of trousers that fit like a second skin then you forget about them. Perfect for summer riding.
Weise Pulse leggings are great. They offer protection as well as a good fit. The leggings have two layers, the inner one is aramid fibre lining and the top one is stretch cotton and polyester mix. They are CE approved and AA rated which is the second-highest level of protection and the leggings are fitted with knee and hip armour.
The inner layer ends just at the top of the calf which means there is only one layer in your boots and therefore negating any potential uncomfortable bulking of the material inside your boots.
The waist is cut high with a thick band that keeps them in place and there is no rolling of the top. I would have liked it slightly higher on the back, especially for the sportier ride where you lean forward. Belt hoops would have been useful too, as I found they did slide down a little bit.
I am usually size medium or in between 10 and 12 in most trousers and I ordered the leggings in size 12 (medium). They were too big all over, the waist was standing away from me and there was too much material around my bum and thigh area. The size 10 (small) ones are a much better fit with no sagging of the outer layer and the armour stays in place. Also, the waistband now sits snugly against me.
The two waist pockets at the front are deep enough to safely tuck in small items without fear of losing them.
Time will tell how well they keep their colour after a few washes as black is usually difficult to keep dark when you are riding in the sun and washing the leggings regularly.
All in all a great pair of motorcycle trousers to keep you safe, looking good and incredibly comfortable.
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Touring on a motorcycle is one of the best ways to see new countries, experience new roads, cultures and do some sightseeing without having to think or worry about where to turn next, where to stop for lunch and where to stay the night. A tour guide will take care of all of this and all you have to do is enjoy the ride and take in the scenery.
Maja’s Motorcycle Adventures is a motorcycle touring business based in the idyllic North Wales where the roads offer spectacular rides, amazing views and friendly cafes making it a true bikers’ paradise.
Maja is an adventurer by heart and has been travelling since her teenage years either on a pushbike, hitchhiking or more recently, on a motorcycle.
During Covid, she has pivoted her business into a motorcycle tour business and started taking tours around North Wales on one-day trips. People from Greater Manchester, Derby, Stoke area and further afield made the most of the offer and joined small groups to experience the most of Wales with minimum fuss.
Maja is expanding her offering of tours to include 3-day tours of Wales as well as European destinations such as Switzerland, Bavaria, Slovenia and Croatia, to mention a few.
A host of global adventurers will be taking time out of their epic travels this February to stop by the 2019 Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show and share tales from their incredible journeys exclusively on the TomTom Adventure and Travel stage. Also at the show will be 17 of the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers showcasing the latest 2019 machines, iconic classic machines and race stars going head-to-head in a free live action contest!
Once again taking over the ExCeL Centre, in London’s Docklands, Feb 15 – 17th, the Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show will be encouraging riders to take to the road as it celebrates the epic journeys undertaken by some of the UK’s leading adventure riders.
Fresh from their ride through the icy winter of Siberia on a 300cc homemade scooter and sidecar, Matt Bishop and Reece Gilkes will be taking to the TomTom Adventure and Travel stage to share tales from their trip, how to plan for cold weather and also how to stay safe on the road. Overland veteran Sam Manicom will be looking at how to plan a trip, short or long, whilst Mark Kemp will be discussing more about his round the world odyssey raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Steph Jeavons, who traversed seven continents aboard her Honda CR250L and Simon and Lisa Thomas, who have been living life on the road for the past 15 years will be taking to the stage to share their stories and expertise.
Elsewhere in the TomTom Adventure and Travel Zone, Michelin’s Tony Charlton will be demonstrating how to repair a roadside puncture, MCN’s Michael Guy will explain how to choose the right bike for your trip whilst Rally Raid’s John Mitchinson will be going into detail about the modifications made to the BMW G310 GS in order to make it a true big trip contender. The Trail Riders Fellowship will also be on hand with displays on basic off-road riding techniques.
A show highlight is the chance for visitors to get up close to the latest 2019 machines from 17 of the world’s top manufacturers including AJS, BMW, CCM, Ducati, Ducati Scrambler, Energica, Herald, Honda, Indian, Kawasaki, KTM, Lexmoto, Lextek, Suzuki, Triumph, UM, Yamaha and Zero Motorcycles. Taking over the centre of the hall will be the Michelin Thunderdrome, which will pit former 500cc Grand Prix Champion Wayne Gardner against World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson, British Superbike winner Richard Cooper and more race stars to be announced. New for 2019 will also be the Michelin Rage Cage, seeing riders race around a six metre high steel cage in a gravity defying show.
Isle of Man TT legend John McGuinness will be propping the bar up at his very own pub once again, as he pours pints and shares tales from his incredible career competing at the world’s fastest Road Race.
Andy Calton, Editor of MCN added, “Adventure and motorcycling go hand-in-hand so we’re very pleased to be able to bring some of the UK’s leading explorers to the 2019 Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show. Each speaker taking to the stage has an incredible story, which will no doubt encourage some visitors to head out and take on their own journey, big or small!
With 17 manufacturers, halls packed with the best biking brands and tons of bargains, a host of racing celebs, countless custom machines and rare classics on show, there’s going to be something for everyone”.
Dates and new models announced for the Ron Haslam Race School Experience, Honda Off-Road Centre and Dave Thorpe Adventure Centres
Honda UK’s official motorcycle training partners, the Ron Haslam Race School Experience, Honda Adventure Centre and Dave Thorpe Honda Off-Road Centre have disclosed their 2019 calendars. Continuing to offer visitors the very best experiences on Honda motorcycles, on-track and off-road, all three facilities’ motorcycle fleets have been overhauled with the latest models for the New Year.
Ron Haslam Race School Experience
During the winter break, Ron Haslam Race School Experience will take receipt of brand-new Honda motorcycles as it gears up for another season at Donington Park. With 20 dates for the season starting from 10April 2019, the school caters for first-timers right through to the most accomplished of riders so there’s an opportunity for everyone to sharpen their skills and understand the finer points of riding at the world-renowned circuit.
Ride Honda’s flagship super sports bike – the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP – on the Eliteexperience that pairs visitors with their own personal instructor, offering a minimum of 1 hourtrack time during the course experience. Bikes are fitted with the latest data logging equipment providing detailed briefing between your track sessions. Highly experienced instructors work with each student on every aspect of improving any areas specific to them and their goals.
Offering similar thrills are the Premier and Premier Plusexperiences, which you’ll enjoy on the brand-new CBR650R. With only two riders to an instructor, or one-to-one on the Premier Plus course, you’re provided with in-depth advice aimed at improving your track and overall riding abilities.
The On-Trackexperience delivers a shot of excitement to circuit debutants. Riding the CB125F, new CB300R or the upgraded CBR500R (depending on what you specify), you’ll follow an instructor round the track for a single session before participating in training exercises back in the paddock, designed to develop your riding technique.
Learn To Ride provides those sampling motorcycling for the first time with the essential skills; covering clutch operation, gears and basic manoeuvres. Open to ages 12 and above, no CBT or licence is required. This course is held in the wide, open paddock area.
Take advantage of the early bird offer by booking your course before Friday 1st February 2019 and receive a £40 discount over normal prices. Early bird discounts do not apply to the Learn To Ride and Premier Plus Courses.
There are few better places to experience the Honda Africa Twin’s legendary off-road abilities than at the Dave Thorpe Honda Adventure Centre in South England. Three comprehensives courses, which range in difficulty, commence on 14 March 2019.
Lasting two days, level one instils the rider with the fundamental skills needed to tackle basic off-road terrain, with qualified instructors on-hand throughout explaining and demonstrating the required techniques.
Level two also plays out over two days, exposing the rider to more difficult terrain demanding a higher level of skill.
Applying the skills you’ve picked up completing levels one and two, you can graduate to level three and test your off-road mettle, facing complex and technical exercises over the course of two days.
The centre also offers a single day, 133-mile guided tour that follows coastal the roads of Exmoor National Park and tracks along some off-road routes.
Prior to your course, you will be contacted and asked for your model preferences. You can choose between the standard or Adventure Sports Africa Twin – both are available with the revolutionary DCT gearbox system, too.
Various locations makeup the Off-Road Centre, providing the best grounds on which to experience Honda’s diverse range of CRF models, under the supervision of highly-skilled instructors. Visitors can choose between three experiences: Enduro, Motocross and Enduro Competition Training.
Enduro days are held at the Exmoor facility which comprises a large system of privately-owned trails. Always present, instructors will tailor the experience to your skill level to create a fun, yet challenging experience riding a CRF450L. You can book on to Enduro courses from 12 January 2019.
Motocross days at the Exmoor facility will return from 12 April 2019 onwards. Taking to the onsite Motocross circuit, you’ll be analysed by race-proven instructors who’ll help you improve your riding. For those who can’t wait until winter passes, Motocross days are also run out of an indoor-based arena in South Devon, where you can book on to courses from as early as December this year. A CRF125, CRF250RE, CRF250XRL and CRF450L constitute the selection of models to choose form.
Enduro Competition Training courses are aimed squarely at individuals aspiring to forge a career in this challenging sport. There’s a trio of tracks which replicate the terrain and conditions common in competition, providing riders with the perfect chance to fine-tune their skills. Enduro pro Alex Snow will oversee proceedings, offering expert advice throughout the training session to help ready riders for the competitive arena. For dates and availability, please contact the centre.
