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 • ISSUE 130 AUGUST 2021

Goodbye PB, it was a blast… • So many good memories, but nothing lasts forever

Contributors this month

specials we like • ★ From La Belle France, from God Bless ’Murica, and from Bella Italia

SPONDON • Why it could, and should, return

ps mail • Write a letter to The PS and if it’s Star Letter material you win a full year’s subscription to the very same. Aye

PSPB 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

DAYTONA PEACH • Triumph’s massive effort to establish superbike credentials didn’t quite top the pile, but the Daytona has enough quality and standout style to make it a belter of a buy today

T595 TIMELINE

FIVE YEAR 8-HOUR WAIT • It took a while, but the result was worth it. Mike Green’s Harris F1 Bandit 8-Hour rep was a long time coming...

THE YOSHIMURA 8-HOUR XR69

SPONDON THE GLORY DAYS • How a two-man partnership in a Nissen hut outside Derby became a world leader in motorcycle chassis building. Co-founder Stuart Tiller tells PS the whole story

Golden rules of chassis design according to Mr S. Tiller

Steve Burns Specials builder of legend

Steve Davies’ Spondon Harley Sportster

Andy Crichton’s Spondon 888 (in NZ)

Glyn Robinson’s Spondon 916 (from NZ)

Ian Simpson 1994 BSB Champion

John Corrin’s TTF1 Yamaha 500LC

ps SELECTOR TOP VALUE LITRE-BIKES • Sure, there’s been some significant progress in motorcycle development since these were in their prime. But none of them were ever slow. And now they’re all ridiculously cheap

A WISE HYDRA WATERPROOF LEATHER JACKET

POSTER

MUCH TOO MUCH • The full-on, no holds barred sportsbike is a thing of astonishing power and capability. But astonishment isn’t the same as satisfaction. MF sounds the death knell for the road sportsbike

HOW TO MAINTAIN INJECTION • In many ways simpler than carburettors, but saddled with a reputation for complexity. It’s really not that difficult. Here’s why

EXPERT VIEW

OUR EXPERTS

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

RESTORING 1986-1988 SUZUKI GSX-R1100 • Values have been climbing steadily, but enough parts are still around to make these viable restos

EXPERT VIEW

THE REAL LONG-TERMERS • Lovingly maintained, and soundly thrashed for 31 years. This is how to treat Bologna’s finest

LIVING WITH A DUCATI 900SS

THE MAIN MODS

PROJECT ZX990 TURBO WE HOPE IT NEVER ENDS • The fun of the ZX990 Turbo build is not ours alone (we hope). And mercifully, it goes on. And on…

360° GARAGE • From dog kennel to one of the best uses of tight space yet seen in The PS. Matt’s got the wooden shed discipline absolutely nailed. He likes a TL Suzook too

5 Matt’s favourite tools... • From cheap, to cheerful, to giveaway PS gear – why spend on big names when the little players deliver?

New beginning for old Genesis • FZ up and running after a long...