Motorcycle Sport Leisure – October 2026

Motorcycle Sport Leisure – October 2026

Summary

Norton Atlas returns at a working man's price in Motorcycle Sport and Leisure October 2026, while Suzuki's SV7GX proves a middleweight revelation and the Triumph Scrambler 900 scrambles into the British heritage market at exactly the moment the retro segment is peaking and about to correct.

Road tests cover the Norton Atlas (page 10), Suzuki SV7GX (page 20), Triumph Scrambler 900 (page 30) and Hero Xpulse 200 (page 38). The Hero Xpulse 200 is the cover's "working man's hero" — an affordable dual-sport for emerging markets. The Norton Atlas review tests whether TVS investment has produced a genuine A2-licence contender. The Suzuki SV7GX is tested as a middleweight V-twin. The Triumph Scrambler 900 is reviewed as a heritage-styled modern classic. Rapid Training with Honda (page 48) covers a training programme. The Cardo Venture helmet (page 58) is a smart-helmet test.

News covers Benetts' acquisition by Hagerty and Superbike Factory's administration. Kevin Cameron covers motorcycling insight (page 98). Richard Millington (page 65) and Maynard Hershon (page 33) contribute columns.

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Content Guide

▸ Cover Story / Working Man's Hero

p.38 · Hero Xpulse 200
The cover's working man's hero — a 200 cc dual-sport tested for developing-market versatility and UK back-road fun. The review covers the 18-bhp engine, the 220-mm suspension travel and the 145-kg wet weight. The author rates it for budget adventure riders. Beginners get a total-cost-of-ownership calculation: insurance, tax and fuel per year.

p.10 · Norton Atlas
TVS investment pays off in the revived British brand's A2-licence contender. The 650 cc parallel-twin is tested for build quality, handling and value. The review compares it directly to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. Budget classic-bike buyers get a side-by-side value comparison.

▸ Middleweight Test

p.20 · Suzuki SV7GX
The middleweight V-twin revelation. The 776 cc parallel-twin V-twin delivers 82 bhp and 180 kg wet weight. The review rates the electronics package, the quickshifter and the chassis feedback. The author names it the best-value middleweight of 2026.

▸ Heritage Segment

p.30 · Triumph Scrambler 900
The 900 cc modern classic scrambler is tested as the retro segment peaks. The 64 bhp parallel-twin is rated for character and style. The review warns the segment is about to correct and advises buyers to negotiate on price.

▸ Training & Gear

p.48 · Rapid Training with Honda
A Honda-backed training programme is profiled. The article covers the curriculum structure, the instructor qualifications and the cost compared to standard CBT and DAS courses. New riders get a training budget comparison.

p.58 · Cardo Venture Helmet
The smart helmet is tested for intercom range, battery life and audio quality. The review rates it against the Sena 50S. Commuters get a recommendation based on helmet weight and wind noise.

▸ News

p.6 · News
Benetts insurance acquired by Hagerty; Superbike Factory enters administration; CFMoto 800MT-ES and Triumph Speed Twin 1200 TFC launch coverage.

p.98 · Kevin Cameron
Motorcycling insight — technical analysis of current motorcycle engineering trends.

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Editor's Take

The Suzuki SV7GX test is this issue's standout — it names the best-value middleweight of 2026 with enough specificity that a buyer could walk into a dealership and order the recommended spec. The Hero Xpulse 200 cover feature is a genuine editorial risk: a 200 cc dual-sport from an Indian brand on the cover of a UK motorcycle magazine is not an obvious sell, but the bike's 18-bhp character and 4,200 GBP price tell an important affordability story. The Norton Atlas test is solid but the revival narrative has been covered in three previous issues. The Triumph Scrambler 900 test is honest about segment saturation. The Cardo helmet test is useful but reads like a product specification sheet. The news section covers Benetts and Superbike Factory with proper financial detail. Kevin Cameron's column continues to be the magazine's best technical asset.

Strengths
• SV7GX test names the best-value middleweight of 2026
• Xpulse 200 cover feature tells a genuine affordability story
• News coverage of Benetts and Superbike Factory is financially detailed

Weaknesses
• Norton Atlas revival story has been told before
• Cardo helmet test reads like a spec sheet

Verdict: Recommended — The SV7GX test makes it essential for middleweight shoppers; the Xpulse cover story is a bonus.

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