The MCN Test: Can Surron’s silent trail bike outfox Honda’s big-selling CRF?

Our precious green lane network is under constant pressure. Despite there being more than 6000 miles of Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATs) and Other Routes With Public Access (ORPAs) in England and Wales, this number is shrinking because they’re under perpetual threat from legislation that impacts on access rights.

At the moment, if a road is classed as a BOAT or ORPA, provided your vehicle is road-legal, you’re permitted to attempt (success isn’t always guaranteed…) to ride or drive up it. And no one can stop you.

Which is where the issues arise. The problem with venturing into the countryside on a motorcycle is that you will invariably come into contact with other people also out enjoying the scenery.

And while most are happy to share the trails with respectful green-laners, not all are quite as accommodating. In fact, some are quite vocal in their hostility when it comes to attempting to outlaw powered vehicles from such routes.

And nothing upsets grumpy types more than a noisy motorcycle – which is why, when it comes to green lane riding, electric certainly seems like a very positive option…