Practical Sportsbikes

Practical Sportsbikes magazine is about buying, fixing, restoring and riding sportsbikes from the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s. Every issue of PS – the magazine home of new-wave Japanese and Italian classics – is packed with: - The most inspiring and ingenious reader restorations - The most in-depth road tests and buyers’ guides - Unmissable workshop tips and how-to features Practical Sportsbikes gets under the skin of the bikes that really matter to our readers and explains how best to maintain, rebuild and enjoy them. So if you’re in to sportsbikes from the 1970-1990s, PS is essential reading.

welcome

The team • Staying at home, keeping busy

Contributors this month

IN TRIBUTE: PETER WILLIAMS • Brit racer who pioneered the ‘modern’ motorcycle chassis dies

BIKES REUNITED

specials we like • THREE BANGIN’ BUILDS from all around the globe

“Doing a little bit of work on the barrels”

ps mail • Write a letter to The PS and if it’s Star Letter material you win some gear. Last month’s star won a jacket

PSPE social club • Bikes and goings-on from our Facebook group

IN YOUR SHED • Part way through a restoration? Just completed a trick special? Send us your pics, and details

TOP BIRD • Subtle, light as can be, with very desirable power and torque numbers, Pete Cornell’s Blackbird is, without much serious doubt, best of breed

TAKE PETE’S ADVICE...

STOLEN RECOVERED • It was a right choker when Kes’s first TDR got pinched, but his second taste of this ace stroker has him once more relishing the charms of Yamaha’s wonderful old TDR

Kes’s top tips

1980’S: 750 SUPERBIKES • While early GSX-R750 prices get mildly out of hand, its rivals have much to offer in their different ways without requiring collector money. We run the rule over FZ, VFR and GPX

A QUESTION OF SPORTS • Aprilia’s new RS660 promises to start a middleweight revolution. But didn’t Triumph’s Street Triple RS already do that?

Practical sportsbikes

ACCESS DENIED • Once again, 250cc inline fours aren’t coming to the UK. The new ZX-25R is on sale 5000 miles away from your local dealer. Are we missing out on Far Eastern market gems? We got hold of one little emerald to find out

SHOCK TACTICS • Terminology explained (it’s not difficult), common mistakes addressed (we all make them), and everlasting joy awaits (us all)

BLOWING IN THE WIND • Less bodywork could be the key to Guy Martin’s 300mph speed attempt

YAMAHA RD250LC/350LC • Hints, tips, and the pitfalls to avoid if you’re thinking of buying and reviving Yamaha’s ace stroker

OUR EXPERTS

What’s the problem? • Bike not running right? Our experts have the answers to the toughest questions

THE REAL LONG-TERMERS • After 36 years, 110,000 miles, numerous updates, add-ons, engine tunes, he’s as happy as ever with his old school Suzook

LIVING WITH A GSX-R750G

Sort out… Brake Calipers • Critical components require intensive care – and they don’t come more vital than brake calipers. They need regular maintenance. Leave them unused, encrusted with filth, for too long – and you’ll end up going through these procedures

PROJECT ZX990 TURBO SEATING PLAN • Yep, part 19. We must be getting close. Expert help is sought for a new top yoke while Chris finds a perch

Mark Carrels-Watson • Road rider, drag racer, and now classic track man too

5 Mark’s favourite tools... • A few of his workshop and paddock essentials to make life quick and easy

Explosion-free test miracle • Chris ‘must try harder’ after Medium G’s drag bike survives extensive winter shakedown

Stubborn Yam defies old man • FZ refuses to fire-up after senior citizen’s truly magnificent feat of cosmetic...