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 • Their favourite FireBlades are…

TS project bike back in PS • Gary’s bought the ex-PB TS250: now we want to see more ex-magazine bikes out of the woodwork

specials we like • From all around the world, including Britain, if we’re still included, that is. Are we?

Oh, Canada… No, California. In actual fact • Write a letter to The PS and if it’s Star Letter material you win a staggering £35’s worth of cleaning materials

PS social club • Chris asks… Right, so if you had to choose, what would your favourite Fireblade be, then?

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

PS HEROES 3. PHILLIP McCALLEN • 11-TIME TT WINNER, AND TOP SECRET FIREBLADE DEVELOPMENT RIDER

THE KIT MAN • Blame the parents. When some kids were playing football, and other ridiculous pursuits, more enlightened nippers were following the correct path and immersing themselves in motorcycles. Some in particular, Brendan Holland being one

STORY OF THE FireBlade • The big CBR double-R changed perceptions in 1992 and morphed over the next three decades into a staple of the suprbike world. Blade riders, along with Honda test-rider Dave Hancock, celebrate its long life

The WSB winner

“I DID THREE UPS, CAME INTO THE GARAGE, AND I WAS CRYING” • So said Aleix Espargaro before Aprilia won their first MotoGP race, after almost three decades of trying. This is the Italian factory’s story, all the way from the RSW500 two-stroke twin to today’s winning 90º V4 RS-GP

Practical sportsbikes

PS SELECTOR WEIRD TWINS • Rare, potent, and each with its own vibe. The German MZ and French Voxan are so thin on the ground as to be collectible, the Cagiva Raptor a bargain V-twin gem (after some work)

KAWASAKI ZX-9R C1-F2 • The ZX-9R was either in the shadow of the FireBlade or R1, but that doesn’t stop it from being a top ride

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

OUR EXPERTS

FUEL PROOF • The results of The PS’s petrol test put some myths to bed, but also pose a new set of questions about the chemical composition of today’s fuels

FOR SALE: GSX-R750 • Alan’s bike-flipping mission has not gone well so far. But that (might) be about to change – this GSX-R is now good enough to punt on to a lucky PS reader. Maybe

Martin Miles 1994 YAMAHA XJ900F • He only bought it because it was cheap, and right there in front of him. Now he can’t imagine life without his faithful, dependable friend

LIVING WITH A XJ900F

THE MAIN MODS

DRESS-UP TIME • Our 38-step guide to building a 276bhp turbo special is almost over. Almost

GREAT BRITISH GARAGES • The nation’s home mechanics and bike industry pros reveal their workshop set-ups, their best gear, and top tips

Shakedown done. Up hill next • A few minor teething troubles are addressed before the feisty triple is shown a hill to climb

Overdue air time for heirloom • Tucked away for way too long, Alan finally gets his late brother’s Blade on the road

BRITISH FRAME-BUILDING BRILLIANCE • A...