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

Best (and worst) of British • We are all citizens of the world. Although the world might prefer these were not...

ELEFANTS RIDE AGAIN • MV Agusta and Ducati reveal rival Cagiva desert racer tributes

specials we like • ✪ Japan, Japan again, and then a visit to the old Eastern Bloc

Mug chuffed with Granty’s cast-off drum

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

PS 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

ON THE ORIGIN OF SPEEDIES • The pioneer of nakeds, a movie star, and the backbone of modern Triumph. The Speed Triple is Hinckley’s most enduring success. Now the man who put his heart and soul into every model tells us the full story from 900 to 1200RS

MAKING A NAME FOR ITSELF • You can’t just build a good bike and expect people to buy it these days. The Speed Triple gained much of its credibility from movie appearances – and some racing

POWERFUL IMAGERY • This loose Cooley/Yoshimura tribute bike beats the real thing in one crucial area: power. This is the fittest 8-valve Suzuki on UK roads (unless you know different). It’s packing more grunt than even Pops himself could find

PS SELECTOR 1990s 750S: YZF, ZX-7R, SRAD • Mint examples still at half the price of a decent 250 two-stroke, with much reduced running costs and way more everyday performance. These are the things to buy and ride right now

POSTER

THANK YOU WES • Wester Steven Cooley died in Twin Falls, Idaho, USA on 16 October 2021, aged 65, of complications from his diabetes. Long-time rivals and friends pay tribute to one of the main men to make Superbike racing a sensation this side of the Atlantic

ENGLISH ECCENTRIC • Wankel wizard Brian Crighton is back with a new rotary engine in a new chassis backed by aerospace aces Gilo Industries. Race versions now, road versions tomorrow

BRIAN CRIGHTON – THE MAN

YAMAHA DT125R • One of the standout trail bikes of any era, and now in even hotter demand than in its heyday

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

HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN TANK • Fuel tank, we mean. It’s not easy, but it is possible if you’re prepared to pay for a three day course (that costs about the same as a custom-made tank would)

WINNING AT LONG LAST • Odd as it might be to use the word win in relation to the ZX990 Turbo, Chris and The Fengineer have had a good month. There is now light at the end of this long tunnel

Andy Mathews 1981 Yamaha RD350LC • This man did the right thing twice: ditched his Vauxhall Chevette for the LC, and then hung onto his LC for 32 years – and counting. Way to go

LIVING WITH A YAMAHA RD350LC

THE MAIN MODS

Like progress... but different • You can’t rush the big decisions on any build. And you shouldn’t hurry the little ones either

New global headquarters for MWR • Monkey Wrench Racing (Motocross Dad and Chimp) make grand plans for 2022

He’s the king...