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15/08/2008 07:12 PM
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Honda CB1000R (2008-current) |
Forget the dinosaur CB1000 of the early nineties, or the now defunct 900 Hornet, the CB1000R is a whole new bag for Honda, designed with Europe, using a retuned version of the 2007 FireBlade engine and with 2008 FireBlade forks...
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15/08/2008 06:56 PM
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Moto Guzzi V7 Classic (2008-current) |
The Moto Guzzi V7 Classic isn’t perfect. It’s underpowered slightly, a tad vibey at speed and the levers aren’t span adjustable. But otherwise we struggle to find fault. The Moto Guzzi V7 Classic is stylish, useful, charismatic and simply a...
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16/05/2008 06:45 PM
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Yamaha YZF-R125 (2008-current) |
Since 2004, Honda has had the learner sports bike market sewn up – the CBR125R flew out of showrooms faster than its larger capacity counterparts. Yamaha’s range had a gap for a 125 sport motorcycle, and the YZF-R125 fills that...
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16/05/2008 06:26 PM
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Yamaha XT660Z Tenere (2008-current) |
The Yamaha XT660Z Tenere is a great value, superbly capable adventure bke with real off road capability. Global treks aren’t really on the cards as the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere’s vibey single cylinder engine makes hard work of pulling its 185kg...
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16/05/2008 05:48 PM
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Harley-Davidson XR1200R (2008-current) |
Basically, perhaps very basically, the Harley-Davidson XR1200R is a good bike. Dynamically the XR1200R performs and handles better than any Harley before. It’s brisk (if not exactly fast), fun to throw around and looks good, too. The main disappointment is...
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16/05/2008 05:21 PM
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Ducati 696 Monster (2008-current) |
The new 696 Monster is Ducati’s most important bike, this is the bike that brings in the money and the sales, and thankfully it seems Ducati have got it spot on with the all new Monster. Thankfully they’ve not played...
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16/05/2008 04:56 PM
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Aprilia Dorsoduro (2008-current) |
The Aprilia Dorsoduro is priced competitively cheaper than Ducati’s Hypermotard and KTM 990 supermoto, and still turns heads, is laden with quality parts and has clearly been designed and not just thrown together. The Aprilia Dorsoduro may not be as...
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17/04/2008 04:53 PM
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KTM 690 Duke (2008-current) |
The KTM 690 Duke's new LC4 single cylinder engine is the most impressive part of the new Duke. It’s hard to believe it’s a single, so much better than the lumpy single cylinder engines of old. The styling is very...
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17/04/2008 04:31 PM
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BMW F800GS (2008-current) |
BMW's new F800GS is virtually unique: a 750/800 class adventure bike, that to most degrees offers the best of both worlds. It’s light, slim and perky enough to be a credible off-roader yet it’s also substantial, grunty, roomy and potentially...
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21/03/2008 01:40 PM
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Suzuki GSX650F (2007-current) |
Suzuki’s new budget and novice-friendly GSXF650F all-rounder proves that sometimes, brilliance is found in the most unlikely places. Although on face value merely a ‘Bandit with a fairing’ the GSX650F’s blend of real world performance, practicality, fun factor and value...
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21/03/2008 12:04 PM
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KTM RC8 (2008-current) |
The KTM RC8 is the revelation of 2008… even though we’ve known it’s been coming for four years. Perhaps we should’ve given KTM more credit because all their machines (on and off-road) to date are superb. Nonetheless the RC8 is...
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21/03/2008 11:47 AM
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Ducati 1098R (2008-current) |
Ducati is back to its decadent best with the exotic, reassuringly expensive new 1098R. Built in limited numbers so the Italian firm can race it WSB, the 1098R forms the basis of their F08 factory racer. In fact, never has...
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21/03/2008 11:05 AM
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Moto Guzzi Stelvio (2008-current) |
The Stelvio is Moto Guzzi’s answer to the hugely-successful BMW R1200GS. It is brand new from the ground-up featuring a new chassis, suspension, wheels, tyres and Moto Guzzi’s latest 8v 1200cc V-twin motor. Next to the BMW it’s not as...
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26/02/2008 04:27 PM
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Kawasaki 250R Ninja (2008-current) |
The American market has been a big success for the Kawasaki Ninja 250 range for years and years and… But even the Yanks need a fresh brew every now and then and the Ninja 250R is the latest offering. Fortunately for...
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08/02/2008 10:29 AM
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Kawasaki ZX-10R (2008-current) |
The new Kawasaki ZX-10R scores an easy five out of five; it surely must be the fastest production 1000cc bike of the current crop. But this ZX-10R is not all about Kawasaki’s new blistering engine and head-banging attitude, it’s controllable...
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07/02/2008 01:03 PM
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Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade (2008-current) |
Since 1992 the name FireBlade has conjured visions of a hard-charging superbike with attitude. While this is true of the very first two models, since then the FireBlade became a model of respectability. The 2006-07 model was arguably the best...
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06/02/2008 01:49 PM
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Honda CBF600 (2008-current) |
Sporting a new, detuned version of the current CBR600RR engine and a new cast aluminium chassis, bodywork and suspension (now adjustable for preload) the updated Honda CBF600 is practical, easy to ride, fairly swift, comfortable and thanks to ABS brakes...
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20/12/2007 02:34 PM
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Ducati 848 (2007-current) |
The Ducati 848 isn’t just a small 1098, it’s much more than that. The 848 is a proper fast (top speed is 166mph), fine-handling, gorgeous Ducati superbike in its own right. It’s no longer the poor relation to its big...
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20/12/2007 01:37 PM
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BMW HP2 Sport (2008-current) |
The BMW HP2 Sport is expensive and quite rightly so considering this is the finest sporting package BMW have rocked up with. Forget the fact that the HP2 Sport is an old air-cooled Boxer engine that supplies the goods, think...
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19/11/2007 04:37 PM
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Yamaha YZF-R6 (2007-current) |
Yamaha’s designers had one problem with superceding its 2006-07 R6, and that was how to improve a motorcycle that was very good in the first place. But improve it they have with clever attention to details borne from its World...
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19/11/2007 04:15 PM
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Honda XL700V Transalp (2007-current) |
This latest version of the Honda Transalp is much improved over the last model, but to be honest that was never going to be difficult. The motor is just quick enough, should last forever, and offers a smile when the...
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19/11/2007 03:55 PM
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Aprilia Mana 850 (2007-current) |
The Aprilia Mana 850 is a sort of half-scooter, half motorcycle designed to be the bike for all occasions. For the weekday commute slip the Mana’s fully-automatic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) gearbox into ‘auto’ mode and you’ve a twist-and-go scooter;...
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20/09/2007 06:58 PM
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Ducati Desmosedici RR (2007-current) |
There’s no other way to describe the Ducati Desmosedici RR than as a MotoGP bike with lights; it really is that close to the real thing. The 200bhp motorcycle is a replica of Ducati’s Desmosedici GP6 MotoGP machine, which Loris...
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20/09/2007 06:31 PM
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Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa (2007-current) |
Suzuki have played around with the GSX1300R Hayabusa’s styling without losing the original’s looks and character, as a result the new Suzuki Hayabusa looks really sleek. Engine capacity had increased and so has power and torque. Handling hasn’t been significantly...
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18/09/2007 06:35 PM
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Triumph Street Triple |
Triumph’s new Street Triple looks just like a Speed Triple but with the engine out of the Daytona 675 – and it’s a revalation. The Street Triple is light, fast, fun, agile, sounds great, stylish, cool and cheap, too. Overnight...
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18/09/2007 06:13 PM
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Suzuki B-King (2007-current) |
The verdict is still up in the air regarding the futuristic, dynamic looks of the Suzuki B-King. It seems you either hate it or love it. What can be said for sure is the B-King is very fast, enough to...
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17/09/2007 07:13 PM
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Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster (2007-current) |
The Nightster is the result of a simple plan by Harley-Davidson and it’s brilliantly executed. What plan? To take the second cheapest model (Sportster 1200) in Harley-Davidson’s vast range and tweak its styling to end up with a new bike...
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17/09/2007 06:20 PM
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Buell 1125R (2007-current) |
The Buell 1125R is vastly improved in the six months since its launch in late 2007 but, make no mistake, it is not Japanese or Italian standard in any one area of the bike. The engine is a 131bhp Rotax...
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24/08/2007 01:27 PM
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BMW HP2 Megamoto (2007-current) |
The The BMW HP2 Megamoto’s £12,595 price tag is ridiculously high and will stop most of us from ever experiencing it, which is a great shame. The HP2 Megamoto is far more agile, powerful and fun than you’d ever imagine...
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23/08/2007 02:50 PM
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Kawasaki GTR1400 (2007-current) |
The Kawasaki GTR1400 is the long-awaited, long-rumoured flagship sports tourer based on the powerhouse ZZ-R1400 – and it’s been worth the wait. The GTR1400 is a classy, smooth and potent bit of kit, delivering a magic carpet ride across continents...
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06/07/2007 03:34 PM
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Bimota Tesi 3D (2007-current) |
The hub-centre steered Bimota Tesi is back. This is the third generation Bimota Tesi: the 3D. It costs £19,600 and is powered by the Ducati Multistrada 1100 engine. Although the Bimota Tesi is beautifully made, it’s a very cramped motorcycle...
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06/07/2007 03:01 PM
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Aprilia Shiver (2007-current) |
The Aprilia Shiver is the first Aprilia to be created from a clean sheet of paper since cash-rich Piaggio took to the helm, and on the basis of our test it’s a good-un. The Aprilia Shiver is one of a...
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13/06/2007 02:39 PM
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Victory Hammer S (2007-current) |
The Victory Hammer S is the latest product of America’s fledgling ‘second’ motor company with a slightly sportier stance and image than the stock Hammer due to mean black slathered everywhere and gorgeous Performance Machine Gatlin wheels, the rear wearing...
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07/06/2007 06:26 PM
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Ducati Hypermotard (2007-current) |
Ducati has come up with a genuinely and refreshingly different motorcycle with the Ducati Hypermotard. It offers all the fun of a conventional supermoto motorcycle with its light and agile handling, and a pathological penchant for wheelies, but thanks to its big...
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07/06/2007 03:05 PM
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Buell XB12 Super TT (2007-current) |
The Buell XB12STT is a new, horny looking, supermoto-inspired derivative of the Buell XB12S Lightning and Buell XB12R Firebolt series is probably the most fun Buell motorcycle yet. Great looks, a stumpy and sharp chassis plus the familiarly grunty 1203cc...
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07/06/2007 02:15 PM
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Moto Guzzi Bellagio (2007-current) |
It’s been a long time since new models from Moto Guzzi were anything to get excited about and although there’s nothing radical or inspiring about the Bellagio, and it’s still mostly been assembled by raiding the parts bins, for a...
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30/04/2007 02:21 PM
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Suzuki GSF650 Bandit (2007-current) |
The new Suzuki GSF650 Bandit should continue the success story of the little Bandit. The improvements have made the new Suzuki GSF650 Bandit much more refined, easier to ride than ever and should appeal to a mass audience.
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30/04/2007 02:08 PM
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MV Agusta F4 1000 312 (2007-current) |
It’s called the ‘312’ because MV claims it’ll do 312km/h, which equates to about 193mph. When we put it to the test it only managed 182 along a two-mile runway, albeit in a headwind. Costing fifteen grand it needs to...
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30/04/2007 12:59 PM
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KTM 690SM (2007-current) |
The KTM 690SM is simply put the best road going Supermoto bike currently available. Ok it’s not really for competition use but as road going Supermoto bikes go the new KTM 690 is king. Easy to ride with exceptional road...
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30/04/2007 12:41 PM
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Kawasaki Z750 (2007-current) |
The second version of the Kawasaki Z750 hits the right spot for lovers of style and a zinging engine. Much underrated in its original guise, the Kawasaki Z750 mimics the new stunning Kawasaki Z1000 for attitude, but has an engine...
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12/04/2007 04:48 PM
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Kawasaki VN900 Custom (2007-current) |
Over recent years Kawasaki has created an impressive portfolio of cruisers and Kawasaki VN900 Custom is one of its best yet. The Kawasaki VN900 Custom's laid back, chopper style is down largely to its distinctive, cast alloy big 21-inch front...
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05/04/2007 05:47 PM
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Kawasaki Z1000 (2007-current) |
The Kawasaki Z1000 is revamped enough to be called ‘new’. The Kawasaki Z1000's styling exercise is worthy of a Modern Tate placing – nothing else Japanese has so many styling details. The ex-ZX-9R motor is tweaked for a less frantic...
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01/03/2007 04:38 PM
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Aprilia Pegaso Factory (2007-current) |
The special 'Factory' version of Aprilia’s evergreen fuel-injected 660cc single-cylinder Pegaso (it’s been around in 1989 in various guises - it was the Italian firm’s first ever 'big' motorcycle) is a true gem. With its chunky new radial front brake,...
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27/02/2007 04:31 PM
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Suzuki GSF1250 Bandit (2007-current) |
Suzuki’s big-bore GSF1250 Bandit gets an all-new engine designed to meet latest Euro legislation. In doing so, Suzuki have created a 98cc bigger, 1255cc water-cooled, fuel-injected, tourque-laden peach of an engine. The GSF1250 Bandit's frame and suspension have also been upgraded...
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27/02/2007 03:57 PM
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Honda CB600F Hornet (2007-current) |
It’s been a long time coming, but thankfully Honda has given us a new Honda CB600F Hornet for 2007. The only similarity to the old model is the name; it’s an entirely new bike running the same engine as their...
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27/02/2007 03:22 PM
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BMW G-series (2007-current) |
BMW’s sometime popular BMW 's F650GS single-cylinder range gets updated stable mates. Consisting of a road cum enduro motorcycle (BMW G650 XChallenge), a supermoto motorcycle (BMW G650 XMoto), and a dual-purpose soft trailie motorcycle (BMW G650 XCountry), which is more akin to the...
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16/02/2007 12:17 PM
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Kawasaki ZX-6R (2007-current) |
In the Kawasaki ZX-6R, Kawasaki has built a race ready 600 which is road legal, just. Everything about the ZX-6R is track focused, you could enter a standard Kawasaki ZX-6R into a club race and you wouldn’t be far behind...
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16/02/2007 11:57 AM
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Suzuki GSX-R1000 (2007-current) |
Suzuki has never made a bad GSX-R1000, and they still haven’t. Their flagship superbike always leads the class, never follows, and the new GSX-R1000K7 is no different. Not only does it have more power than ever before – up 7bhp...
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24/01/2007 03:04 PM
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BMW K1200R Sport (2007-current) |
The BMW K1200R Sport is a dazzling mix of super-naked-meets-sports-tourer. Although it’s basically a K1200R with a half fairing it manages to combine all the fun of a mad, agile naked but is comfortable and practical enough to go touring...
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22/12/2006 11:36 AM
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Ducati 1098 (2007-current) |
This is the Ducati motorcycle we’ve been waiting for since the original Ducati 916. It’s a Ducati motorcycle in the truest form. Blood red, stunning to look at and absolutely pure in its purpose. It’s been a long time coming but it...
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15/12/2006 02:54 PM
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Suzuki GSX-R600 (2004-2005) |
It was never the fastest or the most powerful in the supersports class of 04 and 05, but the Suzuki GSX-R600 was easily the most fun, especially on the track. Boasting the lightest weight of all its contenders, the most...
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13/12/2006 10:35 AM
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Moto Morini Corsaro 1200 (2006-current) |
Moto Morini is an historic company with new owners. With its huge V-twin engine, muscular chassis and upright riding position the Corsaro 1200 is a ‘super naked in every sense of the word. Electrical gremlins at the Moto Morini Corsaro 1200's...
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12/12/2006 05:19 PM
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Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 (2006-current) |
There are few bikes as comfortable as Moto Guzzi’s Norge. Soft suspension and a relaxed riding position lets you take full advantage of its 200-mile plus tank range with no aches or pains, while the loud mechanical Italian exhaust note...
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12/12/2006 05:04 PM
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Derbi 659 Mulhacen (2006-current) |
The Derbi Mulhacen 659 is Derbi's first stab at a motorcycle bigger than 125cc, and is a brazen, trend-setting joy. The combination of concept motorcycle styling, Yamaha XT660R mechanicals and funky. Top notch cycle parts adds up to a street-savvy, flat track styled city scalpel...
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12/12/2006 04:49 PM
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Honda CBR600RR (2007-current) |
Honda have hit back hard with the track focused CBR600RR. They want their 600 crown back and after our first initial ride it seems they’ve done it. They’ve rectified the old motorcycle’s weak points, namely lack of midrange and weight. The...
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12/12/2006 04:34 PM
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Aprilia SL1000 Falco (1999-2005) |
The Aprilia SL1000 Falco is a generally well-regarded, half-faired, ‘street sports’ version of RSV which never quite took off in the way it could have. Unique twin beam frame and slightly detuned V-twin made it more streetable, although still very much...
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27/11/2006 05:28 PM
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Yamaha YP500 T-Max (2001-current) |
If you want to tour occasionally, a Deauville 650 does it better. If you want to commute, a YP250 Majesty is probably all you'll ever need. So where does that leave the maxi-scooter Yamaha YP500 T-Max? Good fun to ride,...
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24/11/2006 04:08 PM
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MV Agusta F4 750 (1999-2004) |
The MV Agusta F4 750 was the most eagerly awaited slice of Italian superbike exotica pretty much delivered on all counts. Simply stunning Massimo Tamburini styling was the most beautiful since the same designer’s Ducati 916 of 1994 (and is...
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24/11/2006 04:06 PM
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MZ Mastiff (1998–2006) |
The MZ Mastiff is solidly-built and with looks that could launch nuclear missiles, “aggressive” just about sums up the Mastiff. However, it’s a great road bike, easy and huge fun to ride. Perfect pulling power for townies or twisties and...
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24/11/2006 04:05 PM
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Kawasaki ZZ-R600 (1990-2007) |
Overlooked by many but those who’ve ridden them know how good they can be. The Kawasaki ZZ-R600 is an unlikely nutter bike but, on speed alone, it’s up there in the upper echelons of the “bikes that can get you...
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24/11/2006 03:15 PM
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Yamaha YZF-R7 (1999-2000) |
The Yamaha YZF-R7 was a limited edition machine top dollar machine only sold to the public so Yamaha could race it in World Superbike. Just 500 were sold for road use (40 in the UK) and they were about £22,000....
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24/11/2006 03:10 PM
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Yamaha YZF-R6 (1998-2003) |
Hardcore, know the score. The Yamaha YZF-R6 is a sexy uber-capable track bike that works on the road too. It caught the 600 race rep class napping and nothing came close until Suzuki launched its 2001 GSX-R600 – that’s a...
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24/11/2006 03:09 PM
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Yamaha XV250S Virago (1995-2001) |
The Yamaha XV250S Virago is a trusty, reliable and easy to ride option on which to hone your biking skills. If you fancy a big cruiser later on, the Yamaha XV250S Virago is a great place to start: it’s got...
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24/11/2006 03:02 PM
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Yamaha XV125 Virago (1997-2004) |
If you're starting out on two wheels then the Yamaha XV125 Virago V-twin is one of the best made little motorbikes you can choose. Reliable motor, solid chassis, nice low seat and wide `bars give a feeling of confident control...
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24/11/2006 03:02 PM
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Yamaha XT600E (1990-2004) |
The Yamaha XT600E is about as straightforward, reliable and solid as an old school trail bike gets. The Yamaha XT600E was the last of a long line of 4-valve air-cooled Yamaha singles, starting off with the original, much-loved XT500 of...
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24/11/2006 02:59 PM
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Yamaha XV535 Virago (1988-2004) |
The XV535 Virago is where Yamaha started giving Harley-Davidson a run for their money: it was the first of their cruiser motorcycles and it certainly lasted well. The Yamaha XV535 is basic, trusted, easy to ride and with unchallenging but...
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24/11/2006 02:58 PM
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Yamaha YZF-R1 (2007-current) |
Yamaha’s latest R1 features new-found midrange drive from junking Yamaha’s tried and tested five-valve per cylinder in favour of the traditional four-valve set up, but at the same time installing some of the “bad boy” engine manners the original model...
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24/11/2006 02:58 PM
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Yamaha YP400 Majesty (2004-current) |
The Yamaha YP400 Majesty is a fair bit heavier than the 250, but has beefed up suspension and a much more touring biased set of bodywork panels. It's supremely comfortable, good on fuel, but the 125/250 Majesty makes a better...
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24/11/2006 02:54 PM
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Yamaha XT660X/R (2004-current) |
The new XT660 comes in two guises – the Yamaha XT660X (supermoto-style with 17-inch rims) and the Yamaha XT660R (taller, with an off-road friendly 21-inch front hoop). Both motorcycles are neatly styled, but sadly they’re compromised by a snatchy fuel-injection...
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24/11/2006 02:54 PM
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Yamaha XJ900S Diversion (1994-2004) |
Introduced two years after its little 600cc brother, the bigger Yamaha XJ900S Diversion is a real, no-nonsense all-rounder. Ok, so it lacks outstanding performance or any semblance of sexiness but who cares? For bikers on a budget who ride in...
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24/11/2006 02:53 PM
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Yamaha YZF-R1 (1998-2003) |
The third and final great sports bike of the nineties. The FireBlade set the agenda, the 916 added finesse and the Yamaha YZF-R1 topped them off with extra power and madness. Even today the original Yamaha YZF-R1 is a sports...
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24/11/2006 02:52 PM
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Triumph Adventurer (1995-2002) |
The Triumph Adventurer, a cruiser style version of the Thunderbird, adds dollop of crass to already glittery, faux concoction. It’s an OK motorcycle, thanks mostly to the stupendous Triumph triple engine, but the Triumph Adventurer is about as cool and...
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24/11/2006 02:51 PM
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Yamaha XV1900 (2006-current) |
Called the Midnight Star in the UK but overseas known as the Stratoliner – a name that conjures up images of a big motorcycle. And it’s spot-on. The Yamaha XV1900 is typical of Japanese cruisers which have been getting larger...
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24/11/2006 02:49 PM
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Yamaha TZR50 (2003-2004) |
The Yamaha TZR50 is an act of brilliant folly but tempting nevertheless. A screaming, old-school, supersports, 50cc sixteener, with all the bluster, mayhem, carnage, testosterone and manicness that implies. Being Japanese the Yamaha TZR50 is fairly durable too, though it...
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24/11/2006 02:48 PM
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Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace (1996-2003) |
The Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace started out as Yamaha’s last throw of the old school superbike dice, and resulted in the final incarnation of the FZR1000 EXUP. But ironically the Thunderace has proved to be a better big bore sports touring motorcycle...
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24/11/2006 02:47 PM
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Yamaha XJ600 Diversion (1992-2004) |
The Yamaha XJ600 Diversion is a Vauxhall Astra diesel amongst motorcycles… with all the worthiness (and dreariness) that implies. Designed from the outset to be soft, cheap, versatile, simple and novice-friendly, the curiously-named Yamaha XJ600 Diversion is pleasant, predictable and...
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24/11/2006 02:45 PM
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Triumph Tiger 1050 (2006-current) |
With the all-new 2007 Triumph Tiger 1050, the Hinckley firm decided to put cross-country aptitudes to one side. Nobody in their right mind would go off-road on a stock 955 Tiger, so the fact that the Triumph Tiger 1050 is...
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24/11/2006 02:36 PM
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Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat (1996-2003) |
If you're after a versatile sports-touring motorcycle, with a reliable engine, decent suspension and braking, plus the ability to carry two people plus kit for a two week holiday, the Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat is damn-near perfect. The Thundercat makes a...
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24/11/2006 02:36 PM
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Triumph Tiger 955i (2001-2006) |
The second generation Triumph Tiger carried on the theme of the original – a big, bruising road trail motorcycle powered by Hinckley’s distinctive triple. The difference was this was the second generation triple with updated chassis and styling to match....
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24/11/2006 02:31 PM
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Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom (2002-current) |
The Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom is a far better bike than its subdued manner and slightly anonymous styling suggests. It’s heart is the excellent V-twin motor from the TL series. The Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom's chassis is top notch road-trailie, it’s comfortable,...
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24/11/2006 02:29 PM
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Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star (2000-2004) |
When the XV250S Virago was discontinued, the new Yamaha XVS250 Drag Star replaced it. They’re very similar and that’s good news for owners: the long-running Virago branch of the Yamaha family has a great reputation. The little Yamaha XVS250 Drag...
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24/11/2006 02:28 PM
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Yamaha YBR125 (2005-current) |
Not the most stylish kid on the block but, as budget, basic learners go, the Yamaha YBR125 offers pretty good value for money. Gentle, easy going and practical, it’ll see you through your test and, if you want, beyond. The...
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24/11/2006 02:26 PM
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Royal Enfield Bullet 500 (1992-current) |
Early models of the Royal Enfiled Bullet 500 weren't very well made and you might be better off finding a 2000 onwards example of this classic Brit single, now made in India. There have been many variants of the Royal Enfield...
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24/11/2006 02:22 PM
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Rieju MRX125 (1997-current) |
The Rieju MRX125 is a pukka dirt style learner trailie from Spain with excellent road manners, quality detailing and tempting price. Four stroke engine is from Yamaha so is proven and reliable. Performance adequate rather than stunning, but all-ropund a...
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24/11/2006 02:21 PM
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Yamaha XVZ1300A Royal Star (1996-2001) |
If you want a cruiser because it attracts attention then the Yamaha XVZ1300A Royal Star certainly does the job. With a V-Max motor ( detuned of course ) Tonka Toy bodywork and a gnat's bollock of ground clearance, the Yamaha...
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24/11/2006 02:17 PM
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Yamaha XTZ660 (1991-1999) |
The Yamaha XTZ660 (or Teneré) comes from a time when Continental cool meant enormous trail-style bikes and a far-away look in the eyes. Actually that might just have been piles, since the Yamaha XTZ660 boasts one of the most uncomfortable...
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24/11/2006 02:13 PM
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Yamaha XVS1100 (1998-current) |
The Yamaha XVS1100 - a big cruiser of yesteryear is more a mid sized cruiser of today. It's an evolution of Yamaha’s long running XV1100 Virago which used to be its custom-style range topper but now it’s dwarfed by the...
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24/11/2006 02:12 PM
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Yamaha XT125R (2005-current) |
Once upon a time the learner motorcycle world was only filled with two-strokes. And once your eyes had stopped running the only quality trailie was Yamaha’s DT125. And it was madly expensive. Nowadays the place is full of four-stroke cheapies...
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24/11/2006 02:06 PM
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Victory Hammer (2003-current) |
Victory’s second generation customs (which also includes the Vegas, 8-Ball etc) are a world on from the original V92 clunkers and, on paper at least, have more than enough to give Harley-Davidson a run for its money. The Victory Hammer...
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24/11/2006 02:02 PM
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Sachs Roadster 800 (2000-2004) |
The Sachs boasts gorgeous design with excellent build quality and ought to be better than it is. It seems a bit busy, trying to be part roadster, part sportsbike, part cruiser and the result is a slightly disappointing, split-personality that...
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24/11/2006 02:02 PM
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Triumph Scrambler (2006-current) |
Visually the most arresting of the retro Bonneville range, the Triumph Scrambler also makes a great all-round everyday bike. Dream of being Steve McQueen in the Great Escape as you zip down to Tescos on your cool Triumph Scrambler – just...
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24/11/2006 01:57 PM
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Triumph Speed Triple (1997-2004) |
The Triumph Speed Triple is one of the second generation of Hinckley Triumphs that, in the late 1990s, really put them back on the map. The Speed Triple is essentially a naked, upright, ‘streetfightered’ Daytona, but it’s a surprising winner...
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24/11/2006 01:56 PM
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Suzuki DR125SE (1985-2001) |
The Suzuki DR125SE, is a straightforward but attractively styled four-stroke learner trailie that was only available for a limited period, so rare now. Earlier twin-headlamp “Raider’ was more common, but most are by now unserviceable. A good Suzuki DR125SE is...
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24/11/2006 01:53 PM
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Rieju SMX 125 (1997-current) |
The Rieju SMX 125 and 50 models are Supermoto styled bikes aimed at novices, with the 125 featuring a 14bhp Yamaha engine, Paioli suspension and a tall seat height. The 50cc SMX Pro version also has trick bits like Galfer...
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24/11/2006 01:50 PM
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Yamaha VMX1200 V-Max (1991-2004) |
Mad Max. There, that tells you everything you need to know about the Yamaha VMX1200 V-Max, an ill-handling, raw powered Rottweiller of a motorcycle. The full power 140bhp model is the only one worth having, so skip the early 90s...
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24/11/2006 01:50 PM
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Suzuki XF650 Freewind (1997-2002) |
Cruise comfortably at 80mph, screw the pants off it on a winding road or peer over traffic from the high seat on your way to work: the Suzuki XF650 Freewind is a versatile motorcycle that’s great value and something a...
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24/11/2006 01:50 PM
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Royal Enfield Bullet 350 (1987-2006) |
If you want to travel back through time to the 1950s then the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is the bike for you. Great engineering details, and it actually makes a pleasant rural commuter bike, returning 70mpg or more at a...
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24/11/2006 01:49 PM
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Honda CLR125 CityFly (1998-2003) |
The Honda CLR125 CityFly is definitely an urban minx: forget its supposed off-road potential and enjoy bursts of handy acceleration in town. Taking a Honda CLR125 CityFly anywhere near a hill could hinder your fun, especially two-up, but for a bit of funky commuting,...
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24/11/2006 01:46 PM
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Rieju RS1 (1997-2004) |
The Rieju RS1 is a screaming, old-school, supersports, 50cc sixteener, with all the bluster, mayhem, carnage, testosterone and manicness that implies, but thankfully a whole lot cheaper than rivals like Aprilia and Cagiva. Yes it’s Spanish and a little brittle,...
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24/11/2006 01:45 PM
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MZ Skorpion 660 (1994-2003) |
The MZ Skorpion was stylishly designed (by acclaimed Brits Seymour-Powell) single using a Yamaha engine which proved a refreshingly able antidote to Japanese fours in the mid-to-late 90s. Light, lithe, affordable, generally reliable and reassuringly practical.
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