Knowledge
Triumph Rocket 3
Largest and most torquey mass‐produced bike of all time gets even more clout. Obviously
What’s new? There’s a new engine map which takes the 2458cc inline triple to a gargantuan 166 lb.ft of wallop and 180bhp – that’s an extra 15 nags. There’s a new exhaust to help hit Euro5, too. There’s a light dusting of chassis changes, involving redesigned 10-spoke cast aluminium wheels (to better show off the single-sider swingarm) and some new tyres from Metzeler. As before, there’s an R version with mid-mount ’pegs and some attitude, and GT with forward controls, pulled-back ’bars, a pillion backrest and a screen.
Bike’s opinion The Rockets were already a staggering duo, with handling, nimbleness and manners the defied the long, low, weighty chassis and that cartoon rear tyre. None of that has changed. What is different is the motor, which was already stupid and is now even more bonkers. Off-the-throttle wheelspin in the dry? Step this way.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 801
Trendy Svarty grows an extra cylinder and develops a new level of refinement
What’s new? Replacing the one-pot 701, the 801 uses the 104bhp parallel twin from the 2018 KTM 790 Duke. It’s designed to be more grown up than aKTM with a tubular steel chassis, calmer geometry, high-spec WP suspension and the 990 Duke’s electronic widgets.
Bike’s opinion The 801 rides somewhere between a snappy 790 Duke and a mild-mannered roadster. It’s accurate in fast corners even with its dual-purpose tyres, has strong brakes and perky power, yet uses relaxed steering geometry that brings a sense of calmness. At £10,499 there are cheaper scramblers and more well-rounded street bikes for the money, but the Svartpilen’s refinement, performance and style feel worth it.
Yamaha MT-09 SP
Trinkets-and-baubles version of the glorious naked triple
What’s new? The revised SP shares the engine and chassis updates applied to the base MT-09 earlier this year, but it has an Öhlins shock, KYB forks, R1M-inspired paint (with a clear-coated brushed-alloy swingarm), Yamaha’s first use of Brembo Stylema calipers, and keyless ignition. Oh, and a Track mode plus two extra rider-customisable ones.
Bike’s opinion The SP is more composed and capable than a regular MT-09 and has a strong enough sporting feel to justify the SP tag – and the £11,806 asking price. With its enhanced braking, quality chassis and greater set-up options, it’s a proper naked sportsbike and a valid alternative to a Street Triple RS.
CFMoto 450SR S
Chinese A2-legal sportsbike in new more blingy ‘S’ guise
What’s new? It’s the common or garden 450SR sportsbike, with its 449cc parallel twin (with rumble-tastic 270° crank), TFT dash, and Ducati Panigale-ish looks. But for this new SR Svariant there’s a single-sided rear, upgraded forks and a different pipe. It’s as racy as A2 bikes get.
Bike’s opinion The 46bhp twin is charismatic and fun yet refined and smooth. Light and agile chassis, too. The SR Sis a little sportier and has a more prone stance than rivals like the Kawasaki Ninja 500 and Honda CBR500R, making it feel less ‘learner’. And at £5699 the CFMoto undercuts them by £800 and £1000 respectively, too. The CST tyres aren’t great, otherwise the 450 is a marvellous little thing.
