▲ The way Ducati tells it, the arrival of the new 2018 1103cc, 90-degree, 211bhp, V4 Panigale is akin to the Second Coming. "It is called Panigale V4," says the factory, "and it marks a new and important chapter in Ducati's history, a "symphony" of performance and emotions that's 100% Italian. Panigale V4 is the first mass-produced Ducati motorcycle to be equipped with a 4-cylinder engine, closely derived from the Desmosedici of the MotoGP." The crank, we hear, spins in the "wrong" direction to help ensure the bike travels in the right direction at maximum velocity. Other features include ABS Cornering Bosch EVO, Ducati Traction Control EVO (DTC EVO), Ducati Slide Control (DSC), Ducati Wheelie Control EVO (DWC EVO), Ducati Power Launch (DPL), Ducati Quick Shift up/down EVO (DQS EVO), Engine Brake Control EVO (EBC EVO), and Ducati Electronic Suspension EVO (DES EVO). But it seems that Ducati Hype Control (DHC) simply isn't an option. That said, this 386lb (175kg) guided missile looks pretty good, if you like this kind of thing. It's a "new paradigm" according to the makers, and we can already see a lot of drool on the paintwork. The basic price is £19,250. The Panigale V4 is asking £23,895. And the Panigale V4 Speciale wants £34,995.

MOTORCYCLE NEWS

January 2018

H O M E

T O P

S H O P

AJS Tempest Roadster

This bike first appeared on our radar last November. Essentially, it's a reworked AJS Cadwell that we reported on back in June 2016. The 54mm x 54mm, 125cc, fuel-injected engine is derived from the 1st generation YBR Yamaha unit and is currently one of the mainstays of the AJS brand. It offers 7.1Kw (around 10bhp) @ 8,500 rpm with maximum torque dialling in at 9.5Nm (7lb-ft) @ 6,500rpm. That's probably the kind of torque a heavyweight cyclist can generate and isn't likely to impress the girlfriend/boyfriend. Nevertheless, this modest roadster is said to be capable of hitting around 60mph on the flat, on a good day, and it's all you need for daily commuting and zipping around the neighbourhood with your mates. The bike is aimed at the 17 year old learner legal demographic, so it's suitable for anyone wrestling with CBT or an A1 licence. [More...]

AJS Tempest Scrambler

Remember how it was when you first got into biking and saw your dream machine dazzling like a jewel in a local shop window? Or maybe it was leaping from the pages of a magazine. Or parked on a street corner, the only thing in the world that was still in focus. Either way, chances are the bike you'd first set your heart on wasn't a heavyweight roadster or a blustering touring machine. At least, bikes such as that were probably your secret underlying choice; safely out of reach, a promise to the distant future. But your immediate goal was quite likely something more realistic and affordable. A BSA C15 maybe. Or an RD250 Yamaha. Or a Honda CB400/4. Or something similar from whatever decade lit your fuse. Well the above AJS Tempest Scrambler is likely to light a fuse or two for the current generation of young/entry-level bikers looking for that first dream machine, and it's easy to see why. [More...]

Weise Fury denim jacket

You know how it is with some products when you can't decide if you like it or not? Well that's how it is with us and Weise's new Fury jacket. We don't hate it, and we don't love it. Instead, our approval needle is flickering around the midway point—which is actually a good place to start. After all, the products that instantly light your torch very often cool rapidly leaving the slower burning stuff to go the distance. That's our experience, anyway. Regardless, this jacket, which has just been released, "combines the comfort and style of a classic denim jacket with the reassurance of leather overlay panels and CE protection in key areas, and the practicality of a waterproof liner." [More...]

Click the link for: December 2017 motorcycle news from Sump

"Live to ride, and ride to live." Amen to that, brother...

EAT SLEEP RIDE REPEAT T-shirt £19.99

This the second edition of these Bobber T-shirts, and they're different from edition one which were printed on grey. Why the change? Well, we received numerous email enquiries asking if we had these tees on black. So eventually we relented and changed the colour (ya gotta keep the customer satisfied, are we right?). Anyway, these shirts sell fast. The new batch is here, but they won't last long. To get yours while it's going, click on the image or the button below. You never know when the production fairy will call it a day...

New motorcycle launches and reviews

Motorcycle news

There's news, and then there's Sump news, and we usually see it differently from the rest of the world. Come check it with us...

Latest motorcycling products and accessories

Biking product news

In a world of plenty, there's plenty more coming down the pike. Stay with us for new motorcycle gear.

Motorcycle industry news

Bike industry news

Without industry, the wheels won't turn. We're keeping an eye on the guys who grease your spindles.

New motorcycling laws

Motorcycle legal news

Fortunately, in the UK we have the rule of law. Unfortunately, few know what all those laws are, and the government keeps changing them anyway. But if it affects you, we'll tip you the wink...

Safety news for bikers