2002

2002 bikes added to our reviews section

2002 bikes added to our reviews section

The 2002 R1, TDM900, VFR800 VTEC and Hornet 900 have all been added to our BIKE REVIEWS section. Each comes complete with pictures, specs, road tests and links to its own dedicated chat board. Each...

First test on 636cc Kawasaki ZX-6R

First test on 636cc Kawasaki ZX-6R

We’ve been riding Kawasaki’s new bigger-bore ZX-6R for 2002 and the extra ccs add up to a serious boost for torque and mid-range. Our full report is in MCN, out on Wednesday, February 27, but in the...

Ducati admits it is building Smart rep

Ducati has finally admitted it is building a modern-day replica of Paul Smart’s 1972 Imola 200-winning 750SS –three years after MCN told you it was coming. The bike follows on from the successful MH900e Mike Hailwood replica, which has just finished its production run of 2000 units. The bike is expected to be heavily based on the MH900e – sharing a similar tubular steel trellis chassis. However,...

The best ways to buy secondhand

From a dealer: Know the market. Make sure you know the value of what you’re buying and are familiar with any mechanical problems it’s prone to. Never be afraid to haggle. Name a starting price confidently, making sure it’s lower than the maximum you’re prepared to pay. Privately: Once you’ve found your bike through MCN BikeMart, take your time inspecting it. Look for any tell-tale signs of crash...

Bikes excluded from congestion charging

Bikes excluded from congestion charging

Motorcycling has been handed a massive potential boost with the news that bikes are excluded from controversial plans to make motorists pay per mile. With talk of commuter runs along the M6 around...

The 10 best secondhand buys and why

The 10 best secondhand buys and why

SUZUKI TL1000R ’98 Price when new: £8649. Price now: £3650-£4050 Slow sales ever since it was launched in 1998 – its TL1000S sibling has already been discontinued – means big discounts are available...

Choose from 15,000 used bargains

Choose from 15,000 used  bargains

March is the best time to buy a secondhand bike, as 15,000 of them flood into showrooms and get crammed on to the pages of MCN BikeMart. The surge in the number of secondhand bikes is due to the...

Harley evening classes

Harley evening classes

Chesterfield dealer Harleyworld is opening its doors every Wednesday evening in March to help owners get to know their Harleys. Mechanics will explain what needs checking on their bikes after the...

Bikes to ride free in London

London Mayor Ken Livingstone has announced he’s going ahead with plans to charge drivers £5 a day to use central London roads. But motorcyclists and scooter riders will go free. Faced with forking out £25 a week on top of fuel and other car costs, many drivers could find themselves tempted by the many bargain scooter deals currently on offer. Those commuting from further afield may be lining up...

KTM 250 EXC Racing tested

KTM 250 EXC Racing tested

KTM’s new four-stroke 250EXC Racing costs almost £5000. But you can find out if you’re prepared to fork out for it by trying it out in a weekend of off-road fun for just under £300. That’s the deal...

World first pictures of Triumph cruiser

World first pictures of Triumph cruiser

These exclusive pictures show Triumph’s long-awaited 2.2litre cruiser. If you want to see more of it, make sure you get MCN, out on Wednesday, February, 28. The bike is due to be launched next year...

Buy yourself a bargain

Buy yourself a bargain

You can get yourself a very nice new or nearly-new 599cc ZX-6R for a lot less than the 636’s £6990 asking price. The ZX-6R is listed at £6895, but people are buying them new for £4795, which is a real...

Own a Castrol Honda racebike for £17000

Own a Castrol Honda racebike for £17000

IF you think the chances of getting your arse in the seat of a pukka race bike are about the same as winning the Lottery, think again. This time it really could be you. At £17,037, the CBR600F Sport...

Does it hurt less in black and white?

Does it hurt less in black and white?

When the world was in monochrome, the accidents were no less spectacular.

Yamaha FJR1300: Long term test report

Yamaha FJR1300: Long term test report

Boy that was good! It had only taken a couple of hundred yards of ever-so-slightly damp roads, glistening in the brilliance of a blue winter’s day, to make me realise what I’d been missing. It must...

Ready, steady, tumble?

Ready, steady, tumble?

The start is also the end for some.

Not like that… just like that

Not like that… just like that

For my next trick I shall make a motorcycle disappear (partially).

Trailies

Trailies

Most popular trailie: BMW R1150GS Don’t expect to get an R1150GS for a bargain-basement price – but do expect one of the most versatile and enjoyable bikes ever. While Japanese bikes may depreciate by...

Win Butlins bash for four by midnight

Text your entry to our latest mobile phone competition by midnight on February 19 and you could win a weekend for four at the MCN Butlins Spring Spectacular for just £1. It’s on at Skegness on April 12-15. Not been before? It’s one hell of a party. Runners-up get tickets tot he Scottish Motorcycle Show. This is how you can win (competition is currently only available to Vodafone and BT Cellnet...

First test: Jog R and Jog RR

First test: Jog R and Jog RR

This machine is a phenomenally important two-wheeler. Not convinced? How about the fact that it replaces one of the biggest-sellers in one of Europe’s biggest markets. Still not that fussed? How about...

Tesi mutates into Vyrus

Tesi mutates into Vyrus

IF you thought Bimota’s jelly-mould-shaped, hub-centre-steered Tesi was an oddity, take a look at this. It’s called Vyrus. There’s a Forth Bridge-style latticework chassis, an almost complete absence...

Sports Tourers

Sports Tourers

Most popular Sports Tourer: Honda VFR800 The VFR800 has been one of Honda’s best-sellers ever since its launch in 1997. That success means there’s no shortage of secondhand bikes about. Dealers reckon...

First test of 2002 R1

First test of 2002 R1

We’ve been among the first in the world to ride Yamaha’s 2002 R1. And while you’ll have to wait for Wednesday’s MCN (out on February 20, 2002) for the full story, here are some of the highlights, from...

First test on 2002 R1

First test on 2002 R1

The secret is out. We’re the first people in the world outside of Yamaha to get the key to the 2002 R1. And that means the speculation over whether it can match the GSX-R1000 is over. That ignition...

Sports bikes

Sports bikes

Most popular sports bikes: The CBR600 has been one of Honda’s biggest successes and is now in its 15th year. Few bikes can match its longevity, let alone its sales success. But there’s no secret to...

Better deals on new bikes in comparison with Europe

Better deals on new bikes in comparison with Europe

WE’RE now getting a better deal on new bikes next to our European neighbours, according to the latest survey of prices. MCN examined the real prices you are likely to pay for 15 different models – and...

Blueprint for the changes

Blueprint for the changes

IF you think the R1 doesn’t really look that different, that’s just the way Yamaha planned it. The firm reckons people like the way the R1 looks and simply want styling that’s a bit more futuristic.

Indian relaunches the Chief

Indian relaunches the Chief

Indian has relaunched its Chief with its own engine replacing the aftermarket unit which has been used since the firm was brought back from the dead in 1998. The 1638cc 45° V-twin air-cooled unit,...

Litre sports bikes

Litre sports bikes

Honda Fireblade Phone around for insurance before you even decide to buy a FireBlade (the same is true for the R1). You just might get a shock. Most firms insist on two years’ no-claims, as well as...

Over 1000 sign-up for protest

Over 1000 sign-up for protest

Updated at 9am, Tuesday, February 19: Your response to a newly set-up site to gather response for a possible protest proved so great that a wider band width has had to be installed. You’ll find a link...

How it’s being pitched: The Video ad

How it’s being pitched: The Video ad

Yamaha has come up with a life-style ad for the new Jog. View it by selecting the Quicktime (MOV) or Real Player (RM) downloads, right.

Cat and Fiddle among danger roads

Cat and Fiddle among danger roads

The Cat and Fiddle run has been named the second most dangerous road in Britain. The famous stretch of the A537 between Macclesfield and Buxton was only topped by an eight-mile section of A-road in...

World’s first test on Suzuki’s V-Strom

World’s first test on Suzuki’s V-Strom

We’ve been riding Suzuki’s new TL-powered giant trailie, the V-Strom, on the world launch of this new challenger in an increasingly popular sector. You’ll find a full test in MCN, out on Wednesday,...

MCN Finance Shop brings the best deals to you

MCN Finance Shop brings the best deals to you

MCN has today launched an ultra-powerful new tool to help you get the best deal on financing your next bike purchase. After you’ve found the bike of your dreams using our online classifieds, we can...

Honda V4 has the power

Honda V4 has the power

Honda’s 2004 V4 will put bikes like Suzuki’s GSX-R1000 in the shade in pure power terms. Tony Scott, renowned for his tuning work on Honda’s RC30 and 45 V4s says the new superbike will ” easily make...

KTM will race in GPs to develop road bikes

KTM will race in GPs to develop road bikes

KTM is turning to the new GP class to help it break into the mass road bike market and its V4 four-stroke will form the basis of a 1000cc sports bike for the road. The firm, best known for off-road...