Pitstop over, the race continues with a new rider

Crossing the finish line often just means the start of a new lap

Firstly, in my first editorial column for MSL, I’d like to make a personal thank you to Mikko for all his hard work as editor of this periodical over the six years he was in the driving seat, and wish him the best of luck in his new position – he’s still in the industry, and don’t be surprised if you see him appear in occasional issues in the future. Now, this issue is a landmark issue for a couple of reasons, one of which is personal to me, the other something of an impressive point for the magazine itself.

The former is the fact that I am now the editor, and the other point is that this is issue 750. Now, there aren’t many monthly periodicals that can boast of having published 750 issues, and certainly not in the motorcycling world, so there’s clearly a strong following for the title – and that’s something that we’ll be trying hard to promote and protect in the future.

Aside from the change in image at the top of this editorial page, you’ll not be noticing any drastic departure from the format that you’re used to with MSL – I’m an avid supporter of the phrase, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. But that doesn’t mean that we’re not going to undertake some important servicing duties, and part of that prerogative is to ensure that you, our readers, are happy with the content of the publication, and that you’re getting involved with the title, too. And part of that process is covered by feedback, and we’d like to hear your views on the kind of things that MSL delivers – the bike features, the launch reports, the touring guides, the columnists, and everything else – and whether there’s anything else that you’d like to read about in these pages.

As you’ll see from page 70, we’re also keen to hear your stories, too, and to show your two-wheeled experiences and adventures to other riders, opening up options and giving ideas to those who’re keen to explore new places, try different types of riding and expand their motorcycling curriculum vitae.

While this time of year isn’t naturally conducive to motorcycling in the United Kingdom, it is far easier nowadays thanks to improvements in clothing (see page 94) and the bikes themselves, although historically the first couple of months of a new year have been the time when we dream about summer sunshine, long, bright evenings, and the bliss of dry tarmac. But why wait until the typically-unpredictable British weather decides to play ball? There are options, after all, if you don’t want to get cold and wet, and they don’t all rely on investing on some top-quality clothing to keep out the wet and cold. You could, instead, spend your money on a foreign trip, to ride someone else’s bike in the sun, or even take your own machine to warmer climes. Or maybe look at a twowheeled alternative in Blighty – such as trials, enduro, motocross or flat-track – that hasn’t got the same exposure to rain, wind and snow as road riding brings and, by its nature, is an inherently warmer pastime. Good for your physical fitness, too!

Whatever you choose, stay on two wheels, stay safe and, above all, enjoy yourself!

Thanks again to Mikko and all of the title’s previous editors (there have been a few!), and here’s to more of the same – more bikes, more tours, more riding, more knowledge, more of everything two-wheeled…