Triumph’s remodelled Tiger Sport replaces the Tiger 1050, which was produced from 2007 to 2012. It’s smoother, more powerful and comfier for rider and pillion alike. It has a lower, narrower seat and the old projector headlights have been replaced...
Replacing the original air-cooled 1100 and 796 versions, this second-generation Hypermotard has an 8v, liquid-cooled motor, a more forgiving riding position, ABS, traction control and electronic riding modes. Ducati are hoping these changes will broaden the appeal of their bad...
There’s no arguing that Honda has succeeded in producing what it set out to do. The CB11 is a beautiful recreation of an aircooled inline four; it’s easy to handle and novice friendly and it has fantastic detailing inspired by...
With its new short-stroke engine, ride-by-wire throttle, frame and a host of clever electronic upgrades, this the F4’s biggest overhaul since MV turned their flagship superbike back from a 1078cc, into a 1000 in 2010. Like a well set-up race...
We’re genuinely shocked how good the Z800 is, given how uninspiring the old Z750 was - it’s a fitting tribute to the Zed’s 40th birthday. The ride quality is sumptuous, the motor smooth and there’s power spilling out of it...
The now old GSX-R was an exceptional bike, winning AMA and world endurance titles and narrowly missing out on a BSB title. Suzuki have simply improved the weak points, namely better brakes, more midrange, lighter handling with a few cosmetic...
Faster, better handling, easier to ride and with an even angrier engine note, the 2013 Daytona 675R takes Triumph’s supersport weapon to another level. Launched alongside the standard Daytona 675, it’s the first major update since the 675’s release in...
MV has now positioned the Brutale 675 as the entry-level bike in the range with the bigger, four-cylinder 1090R and 1090RRs capping the range. The Brutale 800 now occupies a gap in the middle. This is not a bike for...
Compared to the previous incarnation, the 2013 Triumph Street Triple R is lighter, smoother, more refined and has the handling and brakes a superbike would be proud of. Best of all, it’s 6kg lighter. It’s lost some of that in-your-face,...
Kawasaki has obviously tried to make the new ZX-6R more usable for the environment in which it’ll be most used – the road. And in many ways they’ve succeeded. The new 636cc motor boasts a more usable spread of power...
Yamaha are keeping their FJR1300 sports tourer alive with a host of chassis and engine upgrades and an electronics package that includes ride-by-wire, traction control, cruise control and ABS. They’ve also dropped the price by around £1500. As well as...
As if the standard S1000RR wasn’t good enough already, BMW have made it even faster, lighter and more technologically-advanced, with this HP4 version. The jewel in the HP4’s crown is the new electronic Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) suspension system, which...
If you want a lightweight dual sport trail bike that can handle a short commute in the week and then head into the countryside on green lanes at the weekend – this is it.
Like the preceding Explorer adventure bike, Triumph’s new tourer, the Trophy, has probably swept to the top of its class first time out by, if not being shiningly the best at anything, then certainly being the best tourer overall. It...
An economical little work horse that can just about cut it out of town when you fancy going a little faster. Stability, comfort, cheap price and a large storage space make the NC700S a very appealing bike. Overall the NC700S is...
The idea of a cheap, capable bike that offers more in terms of style and versatility than a basic commuter is a good one. Being able to stash a helmet turns 'good' into practical brilliance. Affordability and ease of use...
MV Agusta used to be the dream, aspirational brand; the poster bike we proudly hung on our garage and shed wall; the Ferrari of the biking world – and just as expensive, impractical and out of reach. But with the...
The bad news is that Bimota's new DB10 costs £18,999 and is utterly impractical. The good news is it's one of the most entertaining road bikes on the planet. This bike is in a niche of a niche of a...
The LSM125 is perfectly capable 125cc supermoto, fine for a couple of years use before moving on to a bigger bike.It does everything as you'd expect, it's just not a very memorable bike.
Not a bad sporty 125 that does everything you could want a 125 to do with litte hassle. Cheap price means these are a very tempting choice over more expensive, but better Japanese machines like the Honda CBR125. f you're not...
At under £5000 the X10 is cheaper than many of its rivals, and feels much more sophisticated. The only version of the X10 coming to scooter-resistant Britain is the 350 in high spec executive guise, though much of Europe gets a 125...
The VFR1200F remains a good, bordering on great bike. Its quality and finish is peerless; its refinement, ergonomics and ease-of-use impeccable. And the cherry on the top is that unique-sounding and fabulously grunty, flexible and, yes, fast V4. But it's...
The KTM 990 Supermoto R is an absolutely stonking bike. On the road the bike is hysterical - a complete hooligan bike. Get on it, point it towards some tight, twisty roads and try not to giggle with excitement.
With the 2012 Duke KTM have made a bike that can give an experienced rider the thrill they are looking for whilst being a more usable package with a broader appeal to a wider spectrum of riders than the previous...
A competent maxi scooter with a claimed 108mph top speed and armchair comfort. Well equipped, with ABS and electronically adjustable screen as standard, plus two glove boxes and a large under-seat compartment. Optional heated grips and seat available in a...
Genuinely sporty for a scooter, with a claimed 108 top speed, sharp handling and aggressive styling. Well equipped, with ABS and a manually adjustable screen as standard, plus two glove boxes and a clever expandable under-seat compartment. Optional heated grips...
The world’s most powerful ever scooter is loads of fun but has an unfinished feel, with iffy suspension and a lack of attention to detail. If outrunning hot hatches on a step-thru is you’re thing, you’ll love it. If you...
The SR Max 125 is a nice little city scooter, with bags of weather protection and comfort for longer journeys. Struggles at speeds above 40mph, but at town speeds it's perfectly adequate. Handling is spot on. If you want an...
Simply put Kawasaki’s new ZZR is the new king of speed and power, beating the formidable Hayabusa hands down. It produces more power and torque, and accelerates quicker than any other road bike but unfortunately is still restricted to an...
You might have to squint to tell the difference between the old and new one (the new tail unit and higher swingarm pivot is the clue), but the 2012 S1000RR is a giant leap forward. The first S1000RR was already...
The new F3 has all the makings of a class-leading supersports machine. It’s much more powerful than its rivals, is lighter and has a host of electronic rider aids, from riding modes, to electronic engine braking control, variable power maps...
A mould-breaking motorcycle. Apart from the colour and the noise it makes, the Panigale has nothing in common with Ducati superbikes of old. The chassis is ‘frameless’, there’s a new-generation ‘superquadro’ L-twin engine and it comes with the very latest...
The Slim is essentially a standard Softail (ie a big twin with hidden rear shocks for that ‘hardtail’ look) but given (as seems to be repeatedly fashionable with cruisers from all manufacturers at the moment) the minimalist, ‘50s ‘bobber’/hot rod...
The surprise with the Crosstourer is two-fold: first that the 1200 V4 powertrain works so well in an adventure bike package (it already seems so familiar and ‘right’ to me it seems like it’s been around for years) and second...
The new Harley ‘72’ is a blinged/tarted up custom – the idea being a full-on. Early ‘70s-style custom (hence the name) but on the 1200 Sportster platform rather than the more usual big twins. It works, too.
Based on the Speed Triple launched at the beginning of 2011, this high-spec R version has Ohlins suspension, lightweight wheels, Brembo monobloc brakes, cosmetic changes, a brand new gearbox and a 2kg reduction in weight. It’s added a dynamic new...
You get all the style and cool of an original Vespa, wrapped up in a package with modern reliability and running gear. If you're commute is primarily on busy city roads the engine and handling are spot on. But the...
The Vespa PX125 has essentially remained unchanged since its introduction in 1977, but it doesn't feel 35 years old. Subtle changes to keep the Vespa up to date and to get it through Euro 3 emissions regulations mean it feels...
The 278cc engine gives the Beverly plenty of poke around town and out on the road and the handling inspires confidence. It looks slightly girly in pictures, but in the flesh it's not so bad, especially from the saddle, but...
Its odd looks will always raise questions, but the engine won’t, it’s a peach. There’s loads of low down, a nice spread of torque and the dollop of top end power should see it as the quickest bike in this...
The sports maxi-scooter that started it all. As close as you'll get to motorcycle handling in scooter form. The T-Max can tour, scratch and commute as good or better than many middleweight conventional bikes. But ABS isn't standard, it lacks...
The Yourban 125 is certainly not cheap, but you can't put a price on confidenc, which is exactly what the extra front wheel gives. The 300cc version is less than £1000 more expensive, has more power and can be ridden...
Considering the price you get a lot of bike for your money. This ‘junior cruiser’ doesn’t feel like a lesser bike; it’s not underpowered, doesn’t feel budget, is cool and still has big bike appeal. So good and such value...
Not much has changed with the 2012 R1, but the big news is it now has a six-stage traction control system, incorporating anti-wheelie in its two most intrusive levels. It also has a restyled nose, a slotted YZR-M1-style top yoke...
The first new road bike to be produced by Husqvarna since BMW took over the company in 2007. In essence it’s a re-badged, re-styled parallel twin-cylinder BMW F800 with a 100cc bigger motor. The Nuda mixes typical Husqvarna supemoto thrills...
There are a lot of good points about buying a maxi scooter like the SR Max. Fuel economy is one, simplicity is the other. There aren’t many full-licenced motorcyclists who would buy a scooter on these benefits alone because of...
In all honesty, MCN hadn’t expected great things of this bike. On one hand the new bike was at best surely only a ‘lesser’ version of the already aging Streetfighter 1098 – a bike that has slipped down the appeal...
On the surface the Rieju does enough to be considered ahead of bikes from more established brands like Honda – with a fast engine and extras like a quickshifter with the R version - but poor build quality and bad...
On the back of the American trend to cut down large custom touring bikes into ‘baggers’, Kawasaki has launched the Voyager Custom – a scaled down version of their full-dressed Voyager. Meaner, sleeker and £1500 cheaper than the big Voyager,...
The SMS4 125 mirrors Husqvarna’s championship winning supermoto range and is equally exquisite in its detail. But is this enough for the Husqvarnas to make learner-legal off-road machinery as popular as Yamaha’s YZF-R125 has been for entry level sports bikes?...
It’s the most powerful and refined F4 MV Agusta has ever produced. Making a claimed 201bhp at the crank, it just pips the ZX-10R’s 200.1bhp crank figure to make the Italian beauty the most powerful 2011 road-going superbike. It has...
The Sym Wolf SB125Ni is a fuel-injected learner-friendly motorcycle from the Taiwanese giant. Sym pumps out around half a million two wheelers (albeit mostly scooters) a year, and this is one of their first steps into the UK motorcycle market....
The Yourban is not cheap, but it is aimed at those with either no desire or experience of two wheels as it can be ridden on a car licence, so the sure-footed, reassuring and unintimidating Yourban may well be worth...
We approached the new V-Strom full of skepticism but have been swayed.First, the restyle is a stunning success in its own right. I can’t think of any bike that looks so classy for so little money. Second, almost every aspect...
The Taiwanese-built WK 125R is an entry-level 125cc motorcycle for British riders on a budget. Imported by the same team behind Quadzilla Quads, it’s a cheap, cheerful and functional alternative to more expensive European or Japanese learner machines. It’s a...
At £3999 OTR there are cheaper 125s but then none of those rivals have the same heritage or kudos. Despite making only 15bhp it’s great fun to ride - the fact the new four-stroke engine thrives on revs keeps the...
The Crossrunner has already proved controversial for being passed off as a new bike when, effectively, it’s little more than a re-worked, re-styled nine-year-old VFR800 with some ‘parts bin’ equipment. But there’s no denying that, as a concept, as a...
Here’s a bike to make any 16-year-old’s visor steam up: the 500 cc supermoto-styled SM50, made in Taiwan and exclusively branded ‘WK’ in the UK. WK has been set-up by the same UK company who are behind Quadzilla Quads, who’ve...
The K1600GTL is now BMW’s premier sports tourer and puts the big machine right in the firing line of bikes like the Honda Pan-European, and the Honda GoldWing. Over the GT it comes with a massive top case big enough to swallow two full...
The Austrian off-road experts revolutionised 450cc motocross in 2010 with the 350 and have extended the same treatment to the enduro 350 EXC-F, which combines the handling of a 250 and the performance of a 450.
Modifications to Moto Guzzi's 2011 Stelvio, now called the 'Stelvio 1200 8V' have brought it closer to its closest rival: BMW’s R1200GS, than ever before. It's fast, fun, excellent handling and comes with a massive 32-litre fuel tank, giving it...
Ducati’s new 2011 Monster 1100 Evo moves the Monster story to the next level. It’s as good looking as ever, sounds great, its power is not overwhelming, it’s smooth and easy to use and thehandling is lightweight and fun. The...
Moto Guzzi’s Norge tourer gets a makeover for 2011. Now called the Norge GT 8V, it has a new chassis, body panels and the latest evolution of the Italian firm’s eight valve engine, replacing the old two-valve motor. It also...
Aprilia’s new Tuono V4 R APRC has genuine superbike performance, advanced electronic rider aids, a MotoGP soundtrack and a real-world, roomy riding position. Could this be the ultimate real-world superbike? Producing a claimed 167bhp, it’s more powerful than its closest...
If you’re looking to get your license, learn to lift either wheel or pursue some lightweight urban thrills, the 125 Duke can do it for you. It doesn’t seem like a regular, budget 125 machine; It feels like a premium...
On face vale, the Harley Blackline should be a great addition to the Harley range, using the proven big twin powertrain and Softail chassis and dressing is up according to the latest ‘blacked-out’, pared down bobber fashion. Trouble is, style...
The CBR125R has been yet another of Honda’s success stories. In its seven years of production, the sporty-looking learner 125cc has sold by the ship load all over the world, with good reason. It is easy to ride, comfortable, gives...
The GSR750 is an entirely new bike – not just a GSX-R750 with flat bars and no fairing. As you'd expect it’s far more user friendly and practical than the GSX-R, and is designed to compete with Yamaha’s FZ8 and...
The GS650GS is BMW’s entry-level adventure bike and successor to the old G650 and F650GS single. Because it’s essentially a tweaked version of those, development costs have been low, making it not just the cheapest BMW you can buy but...
Motorcycling needs new blood to ensure survival. Honda’s take on this is to attract people into motorcycling with a cheap, honest and stylish workhorse – and the CBR250R is it. This all-new machine is not just suited to restricted cat’...
It would be easy to be cynical about Triumph’s new Thunderbird Storm. Its route of taking an existing cruiser model and spinning off a pared down, mean and moody, all-black, ‘hot rod’-styled variant is, after all, a well-trodden one. Riding...
Honda Europe was asked to produce a modern-day version of its famed CBR600F, the bike that helped kickstart the 600cc supersport arena in 1987. With blessing from Japan, the CBR600F ABS is the finished article. And very good it is...
Triumph has labeled the 675R as a track day weapon/fast road riding tool, and MCN can’t argue with this. The stiff Ohlins suspension and lithesome, agile nature of the 675R chassis gives the impression it is a sorted race bike....
The 920 is the new entry-level MV Agusta Brutale which, despite lashings of Italian flair and 130bhp performance, costs the same as a Yamaha FZ1 at £9999. It has a number of changes aimed at keeping the cost down over...
Our first test of Kawasaki’s new W800 suggests that Britain’s own Triumph, after for five years having things all its own way in the ‘retro roadster’ class, has a new, real rival on its hands. Not only is the Kawasaki...
We’re absolutely blown away by the Diavel. It’s so light, fast and sophisticated, so good handling and fun, it completely turns on its head everything we thought so-called ‘cruisers were about until now. Or, to put it another way: the...
After years of gentle evolution Suzuki has gone to town on its 2011 GSX-R750. Weighing in at 190kg, fully-fuelled and ready to go, it’s a massive 8kg lighter than the old model, giving the 148bhp GSX-R750 a mouth-watering power-to-weight ratio....
The DN-01 is hard to categorise - Is it a cruiser? Is it a scooter? Whatever it is, it’s a very easy to ride, comfortable, capable and enjoyable motorcycle, let down by a very high price and too much hype....
Yamaha’s Fazer range of bikes used to be all about hard-working, do it all, value for money bikes. One look at the today’s price for the new Fazer8 says otherwise when comparing it to the competition – and the fact...
Rieju’s new MRT200 LC is a road-legal enduro machine. Think of it as a modern-day version of the much-loved old Kawasaki KMX200. Powered by bored-out Yamaha YZR-R125 engine, the Spanish machine has lots of punch, is equipped with some top-notch...
Suzuki has slashed an incredible 9kg from the 2011 GSX-R600. The engine has more midrange, a close ratio gearbox and for the first time, Showa Big Piston Forks and Brembo monobloc radial front brakes. Aside from a handful of components,...
Kawasaki say they’re gunning for the Street Triple R with the new Z750R, but it ultimately lacks excitement and you don’t get the kind of performance you want from a 750 or an ‘R’ tagged bike. It seems the marketing...
The versatile Piaggio X7 300 Evo is a bit of a sneaky bargain – it’s powered by the same brilliant 278cc motor as the Vespa GTS 300 (since the Piaggio Group owns Vespa) but it's £300 cheaper. Not everyone will...
A very decent sporty 125 with great equipment and good handling that’s let down by an inflated price tag. Those that need a cheap runaround will opt for a Chinese-made budget equivalent, while performance obsessed young ‘uns will go for...
Via Montenapoleone is no longer just a trendy shopping district in Milan (we all knew that, right?) – It’s also a limited-edition trendy 278cc scooter from Vespa that offers performance, practicality and style. It’s a beautiful machine that will undoubtedly...
KTM have listened to the criticism of poor fuelling and harsh throttle response and come up with a heavily revised package for 2011. More power, better fuelling with the same stunning looks and responsive handling. No electronic rider aids make...
Kawasaki’s ZX-10R evokes thoughts of rip-roaring power and handling best suited to race circuits. While that may have been the case of the original 2004 model, subsequent models have been diluted to the point where ZX-10R is regarded as a...
The new 800 XC is very much the bigger, burlier brother of Triumph’s two new Tigers. From the moment you swing your leg on board it’s clearly a taller, seemingly more substantial machine. The combination of 21-inch wire front wheel...
Triumph’s new Tiger 800 is the slightly more basic, more road-orientated and novice-friendly (not to mention cheaper) version of its two, new, three cylinder dual-purpose machines. The other is the Tiger 800XC. It’s a great bike, too – impressing immediately...
The Super 8 125 is probably the most polished feeling scooter that Kymco make. It offers the sportiness of the Agility with the comfort of the Like. The ride has a nice feel to it and the finish on the...
Loosely based on Kawasaki’s excellent Z1000, the SX fits snugly in to the gap between said naked bike and the track orientated ZX-10R, making it a grown-up bike for the real world. The near 140bhp inline four motor gives sporting potential, but creature...
It might look like a common or garden 180bhp V4 Aprilia RSV4 Factory, but this special edition version (only 350 are being made, 50 to come to the UK) has moved road-going superbikes on as much as the BMW S1000RR...
Replacing the 1198S, Ducati’s new 1198SP features an electronic quickshifter, an Ohlins TTX rear shock, slipper clutch and a lighter, larger 18-litre fuel tank. Overall weight is down 1kg to 168kg dry. Short of spending over £30k for the limited...
Powered by a brand new, Aprilia-built 1197cc V-twin engine and fitted with ATC (Aprilia Traction Control), variable throttle maps and ABS, the Dorsoduro 1200 challenges big supertmotos like the Ducati Hypermotard 1100 Evo and KTM 990 SMR head-on. It’s more...
Moto Guzzi’s new V7 Racer is a class act. It’s a special, but full-production, version of the Italian firm’s V7 Classis and comes with an unbelievable raft of goodies, including a chrome-effect fuel tank, a hand-finished frame and uprated cycle...
Ducati’s all-new Multistrada 1200S Sport and Touring machines look set to redefine not just the ‘adventure bike’ or ‘all-rounder’ class, but motorcycling in general. The package (detuned superbike 1198 V-twin lump, chassis bristling with Ohlins and Brembo, loads of equipment)...
Victory is no stranger to the custom-tour theme. The Cross Country is based on the Vision, an outrageously-styled grand tourer that spins heads everywhere. The Cross Country is in the same vein – modern sharp and curved lines mixed with...
2005 was the last time Triumph updated the Speed Triple by giving it the new 1050cc engine. Five years on and Triumph saw fit to update, overhaul and completely transform its biggest selling bike – 65,000 models sold since 1994....
There wasn’t anything really wrong with the old bike apart from it appeared a little dated and it was more of an ugly duckling rather than a stunning swan. However, Honda have addressed that, given the CBF a new face,...
The £7300 Xpedition is based on the long-serving and successful 650 V-strom (2010 £6399 ABS model), but kitted out with a bunch of accessories – approximately £1250 worth – to give it a new look and role. And, funnily enough,...
