Phil West

Phil is a vastly experienced motorcycling journalist, author and tester. Originally an NCTJ trained newspaper reporter, bike nut and sometime racer, he joined MCN sister title Bike magazine in 1989 before rising to Editor; launched Bike Buyer and American Motorcycles magazines; edited What Bike?; created his own small publishing company; as a freelancer wrote for The Daily Telegraph, Evening Standard, Stuff and FHM; then joined MCN in 2003 where he rose to Road Test Editor and Executive Editor.

Over those 30+ years he was the first UK journalist to ride a Hinckley Triumph; wrote the first UK test of the Honda FireBlade; attended 100s of press launches including Ducati’s original 916, first Suzuki Bandit, BMW’s initial R1150GS Adventure and Ducati’s ground-breaking Multistrada and ridden every significant bike.

He’s also travelled extensively, visited all the major motorcycling factories, museums, rallies, races and shows, interviewed figures as diverse as Barry Sheene, Massimo Tamburini, John Bloor and Charley Boorman and ridden with the likes of Kevin Schwantz, Giacomo Agostini and even Valentino Rossi, although the latter was with about 100 others!

Since becoming freelance in 2015 Phil’s specialised in writing features, tests and news for numerous publications. He’s also written nine books.

Follow Phil on Twitter.