Archive for June, 2010

There and back again, a bloggers tale…

As we neared our destination – the 10th Horizons Unlimited meeting – I wondered if it was going to be any good. It took all of about 2 seconds after pulling up at the entrance to realise this was the real deal. We were greeted by a field full of  colourful tents, equally colourful people and some rather amazing looking motorbikes.

This was only our second event as vendors and our first HU meeting so I don’t have much to compare to it to but I must say I was impressed. The organisation was excellent, the people were friendly and there was always something going on to keep you interested and entertained.

Talks were held throughout the event covering everything from first aid on 2 wheels, GPS for travellers to stories of epic adventure including Paddy Tyson’s – An Italian bike. Being new to off road world I’ve had to seek outside help here. I’m doing my best to immerse myself and get up to speed though, so please be patient. Before  long I might even know what I’m blogging about. So among the 600+ strong crowd were people like Jacqui Furneaux, below, who also spoke at the event.

Other well known faces to be seen were Austin Vince, who for un eductated people like myself, has been around the world twice on the Mondo Enduro & Terra Circa adventure motorcycle expeditions, Simon Gandolfi who as I type am being told travelled from Mexico right down through South America on a “pizza delivery bike”. I’ve just read the article…wow! That is truly inspiring stuff. If I’m ever going to do something even close to that I guess my CBT would be a good place to start.

A few of the other highlights from the weekend included the roadkill cookout, the warm, sunny weather(you could be forgiven for thinking that Summer had arrived), the motorbikes, including this 1994 Electraglide Classic Harley-Davidson – the worlds most travelled motorcyle – belonging to Peter and Kay Forwood and the television in the pub. I only bring this point up as I was able to catch some of the Ghana vs U.S.A game and see at leats one African team flying the flag in this years World Cup. I’ll try keep mention of football to minimum on here, if I can, I’m not making any promises though…

While Satmap has been around for a few years, the Satmap GPS unit is still a relatively unknown product in the off road world so this event was the perfect soap box for us at Azcari to spread the word and make people more aware of this excellent piece of kit. The response was amazing really , with most people – when overcoming their amazement – asking why they’d never heard of us or where we’d been hiding. All in all the response and feedback from everyone was very positive with several sales confirming this. It seems with this event that we’d really found our target audience. Now we just need to keep the momentum moving forward and build on the weekend’s success.

Well I think that’s the first proper attempt at a blog out the way. Hope you enjoyed it.  All feedback would be greatly appreciated. This has all been quite a big learnign curve and I hope and expect things to get easier from here. And on that note folks I’m signing off. The table needs setting and bellies need filling. I’ll upload more photos from the weekend later this evening. Zed

A few of the interesting panniers on display

Honda XL700V Transalp ABS

Dynamic new Adventure Sports styling really sets the pace for the all-new 2008 XL700V Transalp. Powered by a new fuel-injected V-twin engine that carries it down the road with impressive power and confident cruising speed, the new Transalp reasserts its position as Europe’s most versatile midsized motorcycle.

Engine

Transmission

Dimensions and Weight

Wheels, Suspension and Brakes

Click on image to visit Honda site.

Honda XRV750 Africa Twin (1989-2003)

Parker’s used price range £735-2,850

Engine size 742cc

Power 61bhp

Top speed 110mph

Insurance group 12

Honda XL1000 Varadero (2001-current)

Engine size 996cc

Power 93bhp

Top speed 125mph

Insurance group 13

Honda XL125 Varadero (2001-current)

New price £3,299

Power 15bhp

Top speed 72mph

Insurance group 6

Tenth Annual UK Travellers Meeting - Thursday June 24 – Sunday June 27, 2010

Today is the start of the 10th annual Horizons Unlimited Travellers Meeting taking place in Ripley, Derbyshire. Azcari were lucky enough to get a stall before they were all snapped up, so we’ll heading up tomorrow and hopefully a good weekend awaits us. This is the perfect event to spread the word of Satmap GPS and meet liked minded people.

This is another first for us and we continue on the Azcari/Satmap adventure and I for one am looking forward to it. If for nothing than escaping the confines of my laptop. Fresh air, sunshine (hopefully), motorbikes and the chance to get the camera out.  Hopefully I’ll get a few good shots for the blog on Monday. I suggest you go and visit the site now just so see how awesome this event is going to be. If you don’t believe me read a comment from last years event.

It was my first meeting, and I think it is safe to say I walked around with a giddy grin on my face all weekend! Thank you all for making the weekend a memorable one. Fantastic organisation and brilliant venue. Thank you to Nick who took a very big group of us on an amazing ride out. (I think my eyes were like saucers the whole time! And yes, it was nervous laughter). A huge thank you to all of you in Nick’s ride-out group. I was happy to provide entertainment by finding the biggest puddles I could to throw myself into. Thank you all for getting me upright. A great weekend! Well done!

If that doesn’t get you interested nothing will.  Click on this link to find out more, you won’t be disappointed.

Speak to you again on Monday!

Zed

KTM RC8R (2009-current)

New price    £14,995

Engine size    1195cc

Power    159.34bhp

Top speed    169.55mph

Insurance group    17

MCN overall verdict
Unashamedly a circuit-based blaster that will need a road-rider to be fully aware of what he is about to buy if it’s to be used on the road. From the competition-biased WP suspension to the 170bhp engine and the lightweight Marchesini wheels in between, the KTM RC8R cries out for corners to be taken at speed. Although it doesn’t need to be ridden hard to appreciate it. But when it is given its head the rewards are, possibly, the same as narcotics. KTM RC8-R in a sentence: styled to be different; made to please.

Engine
The same LC8 engine as used on the current crop of large capacity KTM machines (990SM, RC8 etc) but with capacity increase to 1195cc and additional tuning work (new cams and timing, compression hike and so on). It’s a bloody gutsy lump down below and matched with an impressive amount of top end drive. What is the driving force is the linear torque output that makes riding the KTM RC8R as easy as opening the throttle. Sticky gearbox problems aren’t, thankfully, inherited from the RC8, thanks to new gear selector mechanism and revised gear cluster dogs. Comes with road or track throttle tubes: road version has a chamfered cam to smoothe out low rpm throttle delivery by reducing amount of throttle cable pull for a given amount of turn.

Ride and Handling
Increased trail figure (97mm total figure) over the RC8 makes the KTM RC8R a stable bike through long sweepers but still a quick steering, nimble tool through the twists. Front and rear suspension is race quality and has suitable adjustment (high and low speed compression adjustment at the rear) to dial in the bike to suit anyone and all road/track conditions – settings found under the seat.

Equipment
WP suspension as a product doesn’t have the brand name and desirability of Ohlins when really it should have – the suspension on the RC8R is belting. Marchesini forged wheels are par for the course on a grade-A superbike as are the Brembo Monobloc race-spec brakes. But its other areas that will tickle your fancy: adjustable footrests, levers, handlebars, subframe position and rear ride height are all there and easy to achieve. Compare and buy products for the KTM RC8R in the MCN Shop.

Quality and Reliability
No complaints whatsoever on the way the bike is built and finished. As said, the gearbox issues that affected early RC8 models has been resolved, and on our test bike no major fuelling problems (still a slight flutter around 3500-4000rpm for noise emissions). There is a lot of forum traffic on the subject of engine reliability but KTM reckons it is now on top of past issues.

Value
Blimey: £14,995 – a lot of wedge in anyone’s book. For the performance and components that adorn the bike then maybe the price is justified when comparing to Ducati’s Ohlins shod 1198S at £16,495 – which the KTM RC8R has the edge over.

Insurance
Insurance group: 17

Model History
2008: All-new KTM RC8 sportsbike introduced
2009: UK introduction of RC8R – a tuned, race-ready machine

Other Versions
At present the RC8R is a stand alone model

Specifications
Top speed    169.55mph
1/4-mile acceleration    10.77 secs
Power    159.34bhp
Torque    88.42ftlb
Weight    182kg
Seat height    805mm
Fuel capacity    16.5 litres
Average fuel consumption    mpg
Tank range    miles
Insurance group    17
Engine size    1195cc
Engine specification    Liquid-cooled, 75° V-twin four-stroke. Six gears
Frame    Tubular steel trellis
Front suspension adjustment    Fully-adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment    Fully-adjustable
Front brakes    2 x 320 disc with 4-piston calipers
Rear brake    220mm disc with two-piston caliper
Front tyre size    120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size    190/55 x 17

KTM 990 SMT (2009-current)

New price    £9,595

Engine size    999cc

Power    115bhp

Top speed    140mph

Insurance group    17

MCN overall verdict
The KTM 990 SMT is a new take on the adventure bike theme that manages to combine all the mental fun of a supermoto with the comfort, practicality and ability to cover miles of an adventure bike. It’s being hailed as the current all-rounder King offering all things to all riders. Of more interest to more people is the fact that it’s bloody good fun and way faster than you’d think for a 115bhp V-twin.

Engine
This is far from the most powerful V-twin on the planet but it does have more than enough grunt to turn the KTM SMT into a rapid bit of kit. It can get a little bit lumpy down low but there’s a nicely judged throttle response that makes low speed work easy. Turn up the speed and the big 999cc lump keeps on revving. Enough power for a 140mph top speed.

Ride and Handling
KTM has taken the 990 Supermoto WP suspension but modified the internals of the forks to take out some travel so the SMT is a bit more composed on the road. The quality of the suspension is first rate but it does get a bit light at the front when the speeds increase. The light steering never gets alarming and the payback is the way the SMT soaks up scabby British roads like it was fine-tuned here rather than Austria. The only slight issue is with the feedback from the standard-fit Continental tyres which isn’t a patch on some rival tyres.

Equipment
Comprehensive instruments (only missing a fuel gauge), handguards, luggage rack, tall screen, race-spec Brembo brakes, top-line WP suspension, Marcheshini wheels…the list goes on. The panniers are an accessory and aren’t massive or waterproof (but do come with waterproof liners) and there is also a top rack and small bag as well as other accessories like a tankbag. The only thing missing are heated grips, which for nigh-on £10,000 new, the SMT really should have as standard. Compare and buy parts for the KTM SMT in the MCN Shop.

Quality and Reliability
KTM reliability is pretty good but the V-twins are known to like a drop of oil and need some fairly close attention to make sure the level doesn’t drop too low. Fit and finish isn’t up to BMW standards but it’s still very good. Quality of the components means a high overall standard.

Value
Whichever way you look at it, the asking price of £9595 for the KTM is a lot of money. Sadly, the exchange rate between the Pound and the Euro means there have been some hefty price rises. When you compare the KTM against something like a £9750 BMW R1200GS with ABS then it doesn’t look so bad.
Insurance
Insurance group: 17

Model History
2009 – 990 SMT launched as new model

Other Versions
None

Specifications
Top speed    140mph
1/4-mile acceleration    11.03 secs
Power    115bhp
Torque    71ftlb
Weight    196kg
Seat height    855mm
Fuel capacity    19 litres
Average fuel consumption    48mpg
Tank range    150 miles
Insurance group    17
Engine size    999cc
Engine specification    8 valve, 75 degree V-twin
Frame    Steel trellis
Front suspension adjustment    Fully adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment    Fully adjustable
Front brakes    2 x 305mm discs
Rear brake
Front tyre size    120/70 17in
Rear tyre size    180/55 17in

KTM 990 Adventure (2009-current)

New price    £9,999

Engine size    999cc

Power    106bhp

Top speed    130mph

Insurance group    13

MCN overall verdict
The KTM 990 Adventure is already a brilliant adventure trail bike, but the 2009 adds a little bit more refinement and power. A new crank has smoothed vibes, and touch extra power is not instantly noticeable but welcome all the same.

Engine

KTM’S LC8 engine was a impressive first effort for a road engine, but earlier 950 and the previous KTM 990 Adventure had a touch of vibey crudeness that betrayed KTM’s off-road past. A new crank has taken the edge off, leaving the punchy motor with a typical v-twin lumpy but involving delivery. The strong torque is perfect for back-road playing and luggage/pillion carrying alike.

Ride and Handling
The off-road sized rims and heavily-treaded tyres should spell vague handling, but largely they don’t. The quality WP suspension is plush and only gets a bit wobbly if you start throwing it around at high-speed. Feedback is enough to inspire confidence, and it rarely gets flustered. The KTM 990 Adventure has sports-bike kicking pace on less than perfect roads, or will lollop along enjoying the scenery too.

Equipment
A digital dash, decent rider/pillion seat comfort and a protective fairing make for a happy riding experience. The twin fuel tanks require filling individually, which is a minor inconvenience but helps keep the bike slim-line by tucking fuel storage into nooks and crannies.

Quality and Reliability
The build is largely the same as the old model, so it shouldn’t provide too many issues. New black-coated chassis parts look resilient. A handful of owners report engine issues, but by and large they last well. Like most European bikes, more regular checks should keep it happy. Learn how to check oil level in the dry sump correctly.

Value
At £9695 the KTM 990 Adventure isn’t a cheap bike, but for your hefty outlay you get a versatile bike that will tour, long-distance commute and hammer along back roads at an indecent pace. It’ll even deal with gentle off-roading in novice hands, and a set of full knobbly tyres add enough traction to keep more experienced mud-pluggers happy. Consider the rest of the adventure trailie opposition too – BMW’s R1200GS, Triumph’s Tiger and Ducati’s Multistrada offer serious options.

Insurance
Insurance group: 13

Model History
2003-2006: KTM 950 Adventure – 942cc carburetted v-twin, tubular steel chassis. New model.
2006-2008: KTM 990 Adventure – Larger 999cc v-twin with new fuel-injection system, new seat and graphics, detail improvements.

Other Versions
KTM 990 Adventure R (2009-current) – Fitted with 116bhp Superduke-spec engine and 55mm taller suspension front and rear. ABS removed. Extra power over standard bike makes for a lot of fun, but is also more flexible and requires less gear changes. The suspension is firmer as well as taller, so is more composed without loss of ride comfort. Seat is less comfortable – £105 gel seat solves this as well as bringing seat height down to more manageable level.

Specifications
Top speed    130mph
1/4-mile acceleration    13.23 secs
Power    106bhp
Torque    73.8ftlb
Weight    209kg
Seat height    860mm
Fuel capacity    19.5 litres
Average fuel consumption    mpg
Tank range    203 miles
Insurance group    13
Engine size    999cc
Engine specification    6v 75° liquid-cooled v-twin, six gears
Frame    Tubular steel
Front suspension adjustment    Preload, compression and rebound damping
Rear suspension adjustment    Preload, compression and rebound damping
Front brakes    Twin 300mm discs, Brembo two-piston sliding calipers.
Rear brake    240mm disc, Brembo two-piston sliding caliper.
Front tyre size    90/90-21
Rear tyre size    150/70-R18

KTM 690 Duke R (2010 model)

New price    £7,695

Engine size    690cc

Power    71.4bhp

Top speed    112mph

Insurance group    11

MCN overall verdict
Even though the bike tested was a pre-production unit – virtually finished bar the paintwork and decals – this bigger capacity 690 Duke is altogether a different machine than non-R model 690 Duke (654cc). The extra 36cc (KTM won’t confirm this figure until after official model launch, mid Nov ’09) of the new R-model with carbonfibre front mudguard and revised suspension makes the new Duke-R a sharp-looking back road scratcher.

Engine
The extra 36mm (tbc) capacity comes via a longer piston stroke. This also increases midrange torque and ups horsepower by 7bhp to a claimed 71.4bhp. The result is a punchy little number with the ability to cruise at 80mph without fuss, fuss in the sense the vibes are minimal. A three-way power (soft, standard, sport) switch is fitted, where ‘soft’ eases power delivery in the lower gears, which is particularly useful in the wet, and ‘sport’ to give a greater direct feel between throttle and injection of the ride-by-wire system.

Ride and Handling
An agile package that really loves to be ridden hard on twist-laden roads. Grab the wide and high bars and make use of new suspension – softer front springs and friction-reducing coating on the tubes, with revised damping front and rear – to get it on. A blast is guaranteed. It also makes for a traffic buster around town especially with the views ahead from the tall seat height (865mm) and a front brake that stops 148kg (no fuel) of bike instantly.

Equipment
Superb Brembo front brake set up, all-singing WP suspension, natty QD fasteners for bar clamps, carbonfibre front fender, Marchesini wheels, slipper clutch. Compare and but parts for the 690 Duke in the MCN Shop.

Quality and Reliability
Main complaint about the previous 654cc Duke was the instrument cluster letting in water to knacker the LCD readout (warranty item). The new model has a revised waterproof (hopefully) assembly.

Value
A projected price figure of £7695 is a bit hard to swallow for a single-cylinder machine regardless of its quality and fun to be had from it. Especially so when you consider Aprilia’s V-twin Dorsoduro is as funky and functional for £1000 less at £6599. Find a KTM 690 Duke for sale.

Insurance
Insurance group: 11

Model History
2008: 690 Duke introduced
2010: 690 Duke R introduced

Other Versions
690 Duke

Specifications
Top speed    112mph
1/4-mile acceleration    secs
Power    71.4bhp
Torque    ftlb
Weight    148kg
Seat height    865mm
Fuel capacity    13.5 litres
Average fuel consumption    mpg
Tank range    miles
Insurance group    11
Engine size    690cc
Engine specification    Liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke. Six gears
Frame    Tubular steel, twin spine
Front suspension adjustment    Non-adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment    Spring preload
Front brakes    2 x 320mm disc with 4-piston calipers
Rear brake    316mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Front tyre size    150/80 x 17
Rear tyre size    240/50 x 16