BRAP · For riders
BRAP Pitstop
Motorcycle news, garage tips, interesting facts and in-depth articles for riders.
Fresh from Pitstop
Chrome and metal before winter storage: stop corrosion
Road salt and damp autumn cold eat chrome, bare aluminium and fasteners faster than you'd expect. Half an hour in the garage now saves hours of sanding in spring.
Honda CBR500R FOUR takes on the Ninja ZX-4RR and two Chinese fours
Honda is entering the small-capacity four-cylinder sports class with the CBR500R FOUR. It reaches UK dealers in January 2027 at £6,999. Rivals are the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR, QJMotor SRK 421 RR and ZXMOTO 500RR, with the Chinese bikes priced well below it.
A passenger changes more than weight: the balance shifts too
A passenger changes not only the total weight but also how the load is distributed between the front and rear wheels. The bike no longer behaves the way it does with a solo rider.
Tyre pressure: check it cold, once a week
A tyre loses air quietly, and autumn temperature swings make it more noticeable. Pressure affects grip, wear and how stable the bike feels in corners.
Australian GP called off: last MotoGP race at Phillip Island never happens
MotoGP's race at Phillip Island has been cancelled because of poor visibility. It was meant to be the series' final race at the circuit. The medical helicopter couldn't fly, and championship rules require it on standby in case a rider needs airlifting to hospital.
Changing a tyre yourself: where the real risks are
The tyre is the only thing keeping the bike on the road, so a fitting mistake is expensive. If you are a beginner, leave the tyre work to a shop and limit yourself to removing and refitting the wheel.
Next Honda Fireblade spotted testing at Jerez with Ducati-style aero
Honda has taken an updated CBR1000RR-R Fireblade to Jerez for testing. It wore a full camo livery, but the aero changes are easy to see, and they likely preview the next road-going model.
Where Gasoline Vapors Go When the Bike Is Parked
Gasoline evaporates even when a motorcycle is just sitting in the garage. An EVAP system prevents these vapors from simply escaping from the fuel tank into the atmosphere.
Winter exhaust care: keep out moisture and mice
In a cold garage, condensation settles inside the pipe, and mice love hiding in a silencer and building a nest there. Rust from the inside and a blocked pipe only show up in spring.
Marquez wins Phillip Island sprint, Martin crashes at 180 km/h
Marc Marquez won the Australian GP sprint and retook the MotoGP points lead by 10 points. His title rival Jorge Martin crashed out of second place on his Aprilia, a heavy blow to his championship hopes.
Cloudy headlight: how to restore the lens clarity
A hazy plastic lens scatters light, so the beam is weaker than it should be. In autumn, when it gets dark early, you notice it straight away.
BMW F 450 RR: the brand's smallest sportbike gets winglets and 48 hp
BMW Motorrad has unveiled the F 450 RR, the third model on its new 450 cc platform after the F 450 GS and F 450 R. Its styling comes from the S 1000 RR, winglets included. On a 48 hp bike they look more like style than need.
Why car engine oil isn't always right for a motorcycle
On many motorcycles, the same oil lubricates the engine, gearbox, and wet clutch. It's not just engine lube.
Fog and early dark: how to make yourself visible on the road
In October the evenings come early, and in fog a rider disappears from a driver's view hundreds of metres sooner than in summer. Visibility is something you can sort out in the garage in half an hour.
2027 Triumph Bonneville T40: a single-cylinder Bonneville joins the 400 line
Triumph has expanded its 400 range with the 2027 Bonneville T40, plus a darker T40 Black version. It is the first single-cylinder Bonneville, built on a retuned TR Series engine from the Speed 400.
Winter battery care: remove, charge, store
A discharged battery sulfates over winter and loses capacity, and in spring the bike simply won't start. October is a good time to pull it before the hard frosts arrive.
Ducati Desmo450 EDS covers 1,448 km in 24 hours for a world record
Italians Silvio Sabba and Valerio Boni have set a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance on a motocross bike in 24 hours: 1,448.732 km. They took turns riding a Ducati Desmo450 EDS, the bike's first major achievement since its launch earlier this year.
Trials bikes: a tiny tank and just 70 kg
A trials motorcycle's fuel tank often holds only a few liters. That is enough for the discipline: what counts here is not distance but clean runs over obstacles.
Theft protection: disc lock, chain and tracker together
A single lock only buys a few minutes, and most thieves count on a quick job. The more obstacles you add, the less likely they are to pick your bike.
Dainese Smart GO airbag vest weighs 780 g and costs £329
Dainese has launched the Smart GO electronic airbag. The vest weighs 780 g including its gas generator, gives Level 2 chest and back protection under EN 1621-4 and runs off a compatible smartphone, so there is no separate charging routine.