Category: News

Spring is here and with it comes longer days and the chance of some warmer weather, which makes motorcycle adventures a little more comfortable.

But with springtime riding comes some new requirements for what you wear and the equipment you might take with you. We’ve picked out some of the very best options available today.

Auritech Biker Earplugs – £19.95

A great place to start is to project your ears. During riding, wind noise can reach extremely high levels, potentially exposing your ears to damage. However, earplugs can help to reduce the chance of hurting your ears when you’re on the move.

Auritech is one of the leaders in biker protection, with these rubberised plugs helping to reduce the effects of wind noise while still allowing you to hear ambient sound. They’re good for use with intercoms, too.

Belstaff Brooklands – £550

Belstaff is on a roll with its motorcycle range but the tried-and-tested Brooklands continues to be a mainstay of this brand’s range. With a shorter cut, it’s got more of a classic appearance and is a good option for those who want something that isn’t as long as the famous Trialmaster.

But most importantly, it’s still got all of the key safety credentials that you’d need from a motorcycle jacket. Equipped with D30 armour at the shoulders and elbows – you can add a back protector, too – it’s AA rated for abrasion. A liner under the traditional waxed cotton helps you stay dry, too.

Vanucci VAB-9 Sympatex – £214.03

If you’re after a longer boot then it’s well worth looking at the Vanucci VAB-9 Sympatex. A crossover between an adventure and a touring boot, they’re great for those lengthier journeys and provide ample protection for your feet, ankles and shins.

With oiled nubuck leather, they should age well over time, but the chunky rubber sole means that you’ll have plenty of traction when you’re off the bike, too.

Richa Universal Jacket – £280

If you’re looking for a slightly more modern-looking jacket alternative to the Brooklands, then you could opt for the Universale Jacket from Richa. It’s a lightweight jacket which should be ideal for those warmer days while its AquaShell Pro lining means that it’s got waterproof protection, too.

On a protective level, it is also equipped with lightweight D30 Ghost armour at the shoulders and elbows.

Triumph Brando Raw Jean – £225

Triumph may be a big name in the world of motorcycle building, but it also has a decent range of clothing to go alongside it. Spring provides the perfect opportunity to ride in jeans, too, but though ‘fashion’ versions might be cheaper, they lack the protection and durability of a dedicated motorcycle-ready pair like the Brando.

They’re AA-rated for abrasion and get D30 Ghost protection at the knee and hip. The good news is that they’ll prove just as comfortable and easy to wear as a ‘regular’ pair of jeans.

Shark OXO helmet – £319.99

Ideal for all types of riding, the new Oxo from Shark is a ‘modular’ helmet, allowing riders to switch from a full-face to an open-face ‘jet’ style helmet in an instant. As a result, it’s great for warmer temperatures and instances where you might need to speak more clearly without removing the helmet overall.

It’s available with a variety of cheek pad options for a secure fit, which can be removed and washed to ensure that everything stays as fresh as can be.

Richa Air Jet glove – £29.99

Spring provides an opportunity to opt for a slightly lighter glove and the Air Jet from Richa is ideal for the job. They’re made from high-density mesh with CE-certified knuckle cover for added protection.

Plus, the index finger of the glove is screen compatible which allows you to operate a smartphone when stopped without having to remove the gloves.

Winter is never the friendliest time for motorcyclists. Even here in the UK where temperatures don’t fall as far as some other parts of the world, getting out and about on two wheels requires determination, extra concentration and a whole lot of layers.

In hindsight, choosing to run a Royal Enfield Guerrilla over the winter months was always going to be a challenge. I was lucky enough to enjoy a reasonably balmy opening few weeks with Enfield’s latest single-cylinder motorcycle and, during that time, I managed to get a decent number of miles underneath the Guerrilla’s wheels.

But as winter came on, it became a more daunting prospect to get behind the bars. You can call me a fair weather rider, but when there’s a threat of ice around I’m really not all that happy to get out on two wheels and, for many of the past few weeks, that’s been the case. Even here on the south coast of England, it has been very chilly and I’m just not keen on it, particularly when you can see patches of ice in the shadows on certain roads.

There have been some periods where I’ve managed to get out on the Guerrilla, however, and it has shown itself to be very reliable in colder temperatures. Even after having stood for a week or two, there hasn’t been the slightest grumble in starting, with the single-cylinder engine grumbling into life at the touch of a button. I still think this engine sounds superb and would probably be even more characterful with a different silencer on it.

Dressed with a resemblance to the Michelin man, the Guerrilla remains a breeze to dart through more urban traffic while its six-speed manual gearbox means that it handles a cruise well, too. Naturally, a lack of screen means that I have been getting blasted by the icy wind, but if you were planning on Guerrilla ownership then there is an optional screen that I’d definitely recommend – particularly if you’re planning on touring.

During my time with the Royal Enfield, I have noticed the appearance of a small amount of surface rust around the adjuster barrels for the brakes, though I’m sure that this would come off with a more thorough clean. Speaking of the brakes, the rear has started squeaking quite noticeably, too, but again I feel that a decent clean would lessen this at the very least. It’s a bit of a shame for what is a very new bike, mind you. The rest of the bike is doing well, despite the winter roads not being all that motorcycle-friendly.

I’ve linked my phone up to the Guerrilla’s on-board system, too, and that means I can relay turn-by-turn navigation instructions from my smartphone – and the Royal Enfield app – to the bike’s main display. It’s pretty intuitive, too, and gives you a countdown until your next turn. While much of the time I simply use Google Maps on my phone and attach it to the bike’s handlebars using a QuadLock mount, this in-house navigation is a far more streamlined way of doing it. It takes advantage of the large central display, too, which has some nicely clear graphics and plenty of trip information.

I’d like the toggle button – which allows you to select different readouts and information – to be a little more solid, though, as it can feel a little flimsy and difficult to use on the move, particularly when you’re wearing chunky winter riding gloves.

The Guerrilla will be heading back to Royal Enfield shortly and I’m very sad to see it go. While it might not have the out-and-out performance offered by some other motorbikes on sale today, what I appreciate about this lightweight model is how accessible it is and how easy it is to get along with. In fact, with a larger screen and heated grips, it could be a great winter warrior – though you still won’t get me out in sub-zero temperatures!

Royal Enfield has created a new limited-edition version of its Shotgun 650 middleweight motorcycle.

Built in collaboration with custom motorcycle and rider-wear firm Icon Motosports, the small-run Shotgun 650 will be limited to just 100 units worldwide, with 25 on sale throughout Europe.

Priced at £7,399, the limited-edition bike gets a number of styling tweaks and changes to help differentiate it from the standard Shotgun 650. Many of these take direct inspiration from the Icon ‘Always Something’ motorcycle showcased at the EICMA and Motoverse shows last year.

Most notable is the three-tone colourway which includes race-inspired graphics, while gold wheels and blue shock springs help to contrast the primary colours of the motorcycle. It gets a red seat with an integrated logo, too, alongside shorter bar-end mirrors to complete the custom look.

Owners will also get a custom Slabtown Intercept RE jacket, designed by Icon. Made from suede and textile with a race-inspired look, its colourway matches the bike and will be made in the same limited numbers.

Adrian Sellers, Head – Custom & Motorsport at Royal Enfield, said “Our collaboration with ICON Motosports for the Limited Edition Shotgun 650 exemplifies the custom possibilities of the Shotgun 650, celebrating the artistry and passion of custom building while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with Royal Enfield motorcycles.

“The ‘Always Something’ by ICON was a masterpiece, and we are thrilled to bring this production version channelling its passion and style to our community of riders worldwide.”

This new C-segment SUV is rivalling the Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan and will come in three different flavours.

Dacia has revealed prices and specifications for its new Bigster SUV, significantly undercutting the competition when it comes to value for money.

The Bigster range will start at just £24,995, making it cheaper than an entry-level Volkswagen Golf.

Dacia is offering the car with a choice of three trim levels here in the UK. The base Expression model comes in at the aforementioned price of £24,995 and includes 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, a 40:20:40 split rear seat and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Move up to the mid-level Journey at £26,245 and it adds 19-inch semi-diamond cut alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, heated seats and steering wheel and front seat lumbar support.

The Flagship Extreme is only £249 more than the former at £26,494 and adds a panoramic sunroof, roof bars and rubber floor mats.

There is a choice of three powertrains including Dacia’s TCe 140 engine, which is a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder unit with 48V mild hybrid technology. The Bigster will also be available with the firm’s new hybrid 155 powertrain, featuring a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. Finally, there is a four-wheel-drive version called the TCe 140 4×4 with a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol also helped by 48V technology.

Order books are open now with expected deliveries to commence later this year.

By Cameron Richards

Powerful drop-top gets a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

Aston Martin has broadened its current Vantage range by introducing a new Roadster model.

The key change between this new drop-top and the coupe version is the electric convertible roof which, Aston says, is the fastest-folding top on sale today. It can open or close in 6.8 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. The roof can be operated either while sitting in the car, or via a click of a button on the key. Eight levels of insulation mean that the sound inside the cabin should be as hushed as in the regular Vantage coupe, too.

However, despite the addition of the roof mechanism and some additional structural reinforcements, the Roadster weighs just 60kg more than its hard-top stablemate.

With a turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine under the bonnet producing 656bhp and 800Nm of torque, the Vantage Roadster will manage the 0-60mph sprint in 3.5 seconds and carry onwards to 202mph – the same top speed as the hard-top version.

Aston Martin has also recalibrated the car’s suspension system to adjust for the additional weight of the roof and strengthening. This means that the software for the rear dampers and the mountings for the rear-positioned gearbox have been returned. It’s all designed to help the Roadster match the driving experience offered in the Coupe.

Three new paint colours have been added to the options list – Iridescent Sapphire, Satin Iridescent Sapphire and Bronze Flare – while the roof can be specified in black, red, blue or black and silver. Four 21-inch wheel designs are also available.

Aston Martin has said that Vantage Roadster deliveries will commence in the second quarter of this year, with prices likely to be slightly higher than those for the Coupe, which starts at around £165,000.

This year, 2025 is all about the affordable and fun electric car with plenty of offerings coming in the next 12 months.

The world of EVs simply took off in 2024 with an eclectic mix of vehicles ranging from all different price points and power outputs arriving on the market.

Cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5N stirred the soul of every keen driver and the budget-friendly Dacia Spring proved that battery-electric vehicles can be affordable.

It looks like 2025 is set to be another jam-packed 12 months of new EVs flooding the market bringing an array of new technology, lower price tags and even more retro styling.

So, what is there to expect? We’ve compiled a list of some of the EVs you need to check out when they go into showrooms this year.

Abarth 600e

The spicy sub-brand of Fiat is committed to only producing electric vehicles and the 600e is the latest addition to sit next to its smaller stablemate – the 500e.

The 600e will utilise a 54kWh battery pack and electric motor that Abarth claims will allow it to travel up to 207 miles on a single charge. There will also be two versions with the standard car producing a total of 240bhp and a more powerful ‘Scorpionissima’ model with 280bhp. To make the driving experience even more entertaining, the 600e utilises the same external sound generator as the 500e to mimic the noise of an internal combustion engine.

Its exterior also benefits from larger alloy wheels, flared wheel arches, gloss black trim and a rear roof spoiler.

Alpine A290

Renault’s funky and fresh 5 has already made a big impact, bringing back the legendary name but also its retro-styling. Now, you’ll be able to get an even hotter version through the firm’s performance brand at Alpine with the new A290.

As with the Abarth, Alpine is committed to building its future models with electric power and the A290 is the first model to kickstart its electric line-up.

The car benefits from larger alloy wheels with flared wheel arches, as well as the famous Alpine ‘x’ shaped front LED spot lamps along with lots of creases running down the side profile for that more muscular look.

Powering the car is the same 52kWh battery pack and electric motor you’ll find in the R5, but it has been fettled to make more power with 178bhp being produced in the standard car or 217bhp in a higher-powered GTS model. Alpine claims that the former model can do up to 236 miles on electric power or that drops to 226 miles if you opt for the latter.

BYD Atto 2

BYD is rapidly expanding here in the UK and it is by far and away the most recognisable of all the unrecognisable car manufacturers that have set up over here recently.

The Atto 2 is the latest addition to the firm’s fleet of EVs, sitting below the Atto 3 and above the smaller Dolphin in the range. It will be directly competing with cars like the new Vauxhall Frontera and will come equipped from launch with a 45.1kWh battery pack and electric motor that BYD claims can bring up to 194 miles on a single charge.

Cupra Raval

The smallest addition to the Cupra range will be the Raval which will share the same platform as Volkswagen’s upcoming ID.2 electric small car – but the Raval comes in a sportier and more dynamic package.

Even though prices have not been revealed yet, they’re expected to be very competitive making the Raval one of the most affordable EVs on the market.

Fiat Grande Panda

Fiat’s new ‘global’ model will be the new Grande Panda which sits on Stellantis’ multi-energy platform allowing for not only an electric variant but a hybrid version too.

The Grande Panda features funky and fresh styling with its pixelated LED headlight design, engraved ‘Panda’ lettering down the side profile and cheeky little roof bars to make this small car look more like a rugged SUV.

Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 44kWh battery pack and electric motor that produces a total of 114bhp and provides a claimed EV range of 199 miles.

Ford Puma Gen-E

The Puma was the best-selling car in the UK for 2024, but this year the firm will launch an electric variant of Britain’s most loved car with the Puma Gen-E.

In terms of its design, the Puma Gen-E looks almost identical to the combustion-powered model with the only difference being the smoothed-off radiator grille and white Ford badges. The car will feature a 43kWh battery pack and electric motor that Ford claims can travel 234 miles – plus prices will start at £29,995 making this baby Ford priced very competitively.

Renault 4

After Renault brought back its iconic ‘5’ nameplate, it only has gone and done it again with the ‘4’.

The cool looking Renault 4 will be the firm’s smallest electric crossover and utilise the same 40kWh or 52kWh battery packs as with its smaller sister – the R5. Renault claims that the former can travel up to 186 miles between trips to the plug and the latter can achieve 248 miles.

In terms of styling, the R4 harks back to the car of yesteryear with its circular front headlights and moulded body lines that run down the side profile of the car.

By Cameron Richards

The British overseas territory island of St.Helena is aiming to switch to sustainable power and zero-emissions transport by the end of the decade.

Subaru UK has revealed its part in the trial of one of the world’s most remote EV charging points, located on the British overseas territory island of St.Helena.

St.Helena is located 1,200 miles off the south-west coast of Africa and currently, this very small island only has four electric vehicles in use.

Japanese car manufacturer Subaru and Norwegian electric vehicle charger brand Easee have partnered up with St.Helena’s government to test the feasibility, reliability and adaptability of EVs on the island.

The trial lasted two months and consisted of a Subaru Solterra SUV driving around the island of St.Helena and an Easee charge unit being installed beside the island’s museum in the capital of Jamestown.

Lorraine Bishton, managing director of Subaru UK, said: “From Subaru’s perspective, it’s an honour to be involved in a project that could potentially lead to a fully sustainable future for Saint Helena. It’s a real testament to Subaru’s reliability and capability that we’re not sending a technician with the Solterra. And to be honest, if you can operate an electric vehicle in this type of environment then you really can anywhere.”

The Easee charge unit will remain on the island as part of a plan to expand the EV charging infrastructure even further. This year a small fleet of electric vehicles will be imported to the island for tourists and island users.

By Cameron Richards

A number of modifications were made to ensure that the installation wouldn’t harm the building.

An electric vehicle charger installation specialist devised an ingenious solution for preserving the look of an old farmhouse while wiring in an EV charge point.

Neil McGavock, from Powered EVNI, a specialist company covering areas across Northern Ireland, was contacted by a customer who wanted an electric vehicle charge point installed in their older property. They also had an idea to position the charger inside a traditional red postbox to help preserve the look of the old farmhouse.

McGavock told the PA news agency: “He [the homeowner] lives in an old farmhouse and was looking for something a little different that wouldn’t look out of place on his property.”

After several discussions it was the Ohme ePod charger that proved to be the best fit and, with some extra modifications – including additional metal rods that helped to strengthen the postbox’s connection to the old house’s wall – the charge point was successfully installed behind the traditional red of the post box.

Most importantly, the key-operated door on the front of the post box can still be used, allowing the owner to ‘lock’ the charger away and keep it hidden when not in use.

McGavock added: “It turned out great and he [the customer] was very pleased with the result.”

The Ohme ePod usually has a power output of 7kW, which is enough to fully charge a typical EV overnight. However, it also has a compact size overall which made it better suited for this particular installation.

The firm’s biggest EV will be available with two battery packs and there will be three different trim levels.

Skoda has revealed prices and specifications for its refreshed Enyaq electric SUV.

The range kicks off at £39,000 for the entry-level SE L with the smaller ‘60’ powertrain which features a 63kWh battery pack and electric motor. This model replaces the old ‘50’ variant and comes with equipment such as LED front and rear tail lights, heated front and seats and steering wheel.

The Edition model is priced from £40,100 for the smaller battery pack, but you can also get this version with the larger 77kWh unit badged ‘85’ with prices coming in at £44,300. This version adds matrix LED headlights, an electric driver’s seat with massage function and manual rear window blinds.

Move up to the flagship Sportline which comes in at £48,750 or £50,650 for the Coupe and is badged ‘85x’, which not only benefits from all-wheel-drive, but also 20-inch alloy wheels, sports bumpers, a Canton premium audio system and front sports seats.

In terms of range, Skoda claims that the smaller 63kWh battery pack with single electric motor can travel up to 268 miles between top ups and the larger 77kWh unit can achieve a claimed 359 miles for the SUV and 365 miles on Coupe models. Meanwhile, the dual-motor all-wheel-drive ‘85x’ model can manage 332 miles for the former and 334 miles on the latter.

Order books open for the new Enyaq on March 6, with expected deliveries to commence in the second quarter of this year.

By Cameron Richards

The car was the last sports prototype to be raced by the Belgian racing team, Ecurie Francorchamps.

A 1970 Ferrari 512 M will go under the hammer at auction next month when it could fetch up to £10 million.

RM Sotheby’s auction will take place in Paris from February 4 to February 5 and will see countless high-end vehicles go up for auction. The two-day event takes place in Les Salles du Carrousel in the Louvre Palace, right in the heart of the French capital.

This particular Ferrari 512 M was supplied new in May 1970 to the Belgian racing team, Ecurie Francorchamps. It was the last sports prototype to be used by the team and was raced twice at the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance event – achieving fifth place in the 1970 season. Also, this example was the only 512 M to be supplied in the Giallo yellow paintwork.

Alongside the Ferrari 512 M, a variety of other special vehicles will be on offer, including a 1981 Ferrari 512 BB/LM, a 1951 Ferrari 212/225 Export by Vignale, a 2011 Koenigsegg Agera and a 1958 BMW 507 Roadster.

Another car expected to fetch a high price is a 2011 Koenigsegg Agera – one of seven ever produced. The exterior features exposed matt carbon fibre and the car utilises a 5.0-litre V8 that produces 963bhp – making it one of the most powerful and fastest road cars in the world. It’s expected to sell for between £1.5 and £1.9 million by the time the hammer falls.

By Cameron Richards