▲ 2019 Suzuki Katana. You can't lose your virginity twice. And you can't get the same hit from the 2019 Katana as you got from its 1981 namesake. Nevertheless, this 148bhp, 999cc, transverse four pays sufficient homage to its namesake whilst keeping the design edgy, modern and therefore relevant. Based upon the current GSX-S1000, this Kool Kat has just had its touch paper lit at the Intermot show and will arrive in the UK on 17-inch wheels sporting a 43mm inverted front fork, a slipper clutch, Brembo stoppers, ABS, traction control, three rider modes, LED lights, an LCD dash and a measly 12-litre fuel tank. Overall, this package has brought the fabled Katana a long, long way. But looked at a little differently, you could also say that not a lot has changed in almost 40 years. True? False?

MOTORCYCLE NEWS

October 2018

H O M E

T O P

S H O P

2019 Vespa Elettrica

Two years ago Vespa told us of the firm's plans for a "state-of-the-art" electric scooter. Well, things have since moved on considerably with production due to begin this month (September 2018), and the first scooters ready for sale in October (2018). Two variants will be on offer; the standard bike fitted only with lithium batteries and capable of a 62-mile range (under the right conditions), and the X version (we're unsure of that name, note) which will be equipped with a small petrol generator intended to not only eke out the range, but to double it. [More...]

2019 Yamaha YZF-R125

Yamaha's YZF-R125 has for more than ten years been at the top of its game, and it's easy to see why. Perfect poise. Lightweight construction. Competitively priced. Reliable. Good handling. Very nicely styled and, all-importantly, firmly in tune with its target market. Naturally, when you've got the right formula and the cash tills are steadily ringing, you're not in a rush to change things (ask Triumph about the Speed Triple).[More...]

Nextbase 312GW dashcam

Dashcams are divisive devices. Whilst thousands of drivers use them and feel better for their presence, thousands of others take a different view. Some guys and girls, for instance, believe that in the modern world, a dashcam is an essential independent witness to a driving incident or accident, meaning that when the crunch comes there won't be much argument about who was at fault, and who wasn't (although most accidents are contributory, note). [More...]

Click the link for: September 2018 motorcycle news from Sump

Sump workshirt £26.99

All purpose street & garage wear

We spend much of our miserable lives in the garage. Usually we're fixing bikes and stuff, and all too often we're re-fixing the stuff we ought to have fixed properly the first time around.

So it goes.

Anyway, we wanted to increase our product range (that's partly how we fund Sump) and we've been thinking for some time about introducing workshirts and general shirts that we might want to wear when the weather closes in—which is most of the time in the UK. Anyway, this is the result; our first Sump branded garage/all purpose shirt.

The Sump logo is featured above the left-side pocket only (notice how we cunningly avoided saying "breast"?). The image quality is very good and will last the life of the shirt.

We think these are pretty good quality and worth the money. First come, first served, etc.

Hit the button below, baby...

BSA M20/M21

workshirt £26.99

All purpose street & garage wear

Seems that plenty of folk love our BSA M20/M21 T-shirt design which features the above roundel. So, to widen the appea we decided to reproduce it on a more formal shirt that you might want to wear in the garage or in the magistrate's court.

The shirts are 100% cotton twill, which means they're tougher than ordinary cotton. We wear these ourselves, and we're perfectly happy with them—and we're nothing if not hard to please. Follow the links and see if they're right for you (Hint: they probably are).

The BSA M20/M21 roundel is featured above the left-side pocket only. And when you wear this, other BSA folk will notice and might even become your friend and take you out for walks and stuff. It happens.

The image quality is very good and will last the life of the shirt. You know you want it, and you know we've got it.

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