2003
Remember a year of triumph and tragedy
30 December 2003
It’s been a tough year in many ways. Hardest of all was our loss of three British legends; Barry Sheene, Steve Hislop and Dave Jefferies. They were giants of motorcycling, heroes to us all and stars who we will never forget. And then they started locking motorcyclists up for breaking the speed limit while car drivers got away with fines and points… But there were good times, too; Brands World...
ZX-10R v Blade v GSX-R1000
30 December 2003
If you’ve been keeping up to date with MCN’s world first tests through December you’ll already have our verdicts on the utterly nutterly Kawasaki ZX-10R, breathtakingly brilliant 2004 Fireblade and as...
How good to you was Santa?
23 December 2003
Are you Britain’s luckiest biker, landing yourself an amazing bike-related present from a loved one this Christmas? Or were you forced to go out and splash the cash on a biking gift for yourself to...
Win £5000 of prizes in our Christmas quiz
23 December 2003
We have more than £5000 worth of prizes to give away in our mammoth 2003 Christmas quiz, including a signed Valentino Rossi AGV lid. Prizes also include an Alpinestars one-piece suit and other kit,...
Free guide to your biking year
23 December 2003
Make 2004 your best biking year ever, packed with unforgettable moments, by picking up your free eight-page guide to the year’s biggest and best events, in MCN, out on Tuesday. It includes the major...
Special Christmas offer for MCN readers
23 December 2003
In the spirit of the festive season, you can get inner thermal gloves worth £6.50 for just £1 thanks to MCN and Oxford Products. The pound covers postage, packing and admin, so the gloves themselves...
We name best winter kit
23 December 2003
Winter can mean deserted roads and two-wheeled fun, but only if you’ve got the kit to keep you warm. That’s why MCN, out Tuesday December 30, includes a guide to 12 all-weather trousers and jackets to...
Brit-based BMW riders return to Dakar
23 December 2003
British-based Nick Plumb and Simon Pavey will compete in the 7700-mile 2004 Telefonica-Dakar Rally, which begins on January 1 in France. Both riders competed in the 2003 event on BMW F650 GS Dakar...
The MCN latest on new bikes archive is open
23 December 2003
There are hundreds of Latest on New Bike stories currently in our archives for you to browse. We’re adding less additional content than usual to this section while we focus on improving the overall...
Kawasaki ZX-10R world's first test
16 December 2003
MCN was in Florida this week for the world launch of the Kawasaki ZX-10R, and we’ll bring you the first full test report in this week’s issue, out December 17. First impressions of the bike reveal...
Updated Rossi biog hits the shelves
16 December 2003
The fully revised and updated second edition of Valentino Rossi: Motogenius is now available. Following the life of the five-time world champion from his first minimoto ride, the new edition includes...
Back off Biking Petition
16 December 2003
I’m supporting MCN’s Back Off Biking campaign. Instead of power restrictors and speed limiters to put people off biking, I want the Government to make or support some simple changes to improve our riding safety. These include: 1. More relevant new rider training 2. Standardised advanced rider training 3. Offering rewards for those who undertake advanced rider training 4. Free advanced training...
Back off biking: Show your support
16 December 2003
Biking in Britain is facing its greatest threat for decades. Zero tolerance policing is on the increase and Transport minister David Jamieson has threatened legislation to force power and speed...
Pick the 2004 MCN Babes: New entries added
16 December 2003
We’ve gathered together all the applicants for the MCN 2004 Babe Squad for your enjoyment. Take a good look because your votes will help decide which girls will be part of our team at all the biggest...
Come and ride a 749 Dark with MCN
16 December 2003
MCN is looking for owners of 600cc and 750cc sports bikes to give the new Ducati 749 Dark a try and give your verdicts on the bike. To be eligible you’ll need a full road motorcycle licence and be...
Support rolls in for Back Off Biking
16 December 2003
The MCN Back Off Biking campaign has received phenomenal support so far with over 6000 people signing up to the petition. Last week we claimed our first victory when the man that controls the future...
New alarm from Acumen
16 December 2003
UK firm Acumen has released the new CAT 1 alarm system and immobiliser, with claims of unrivalled reliability. The reason is that the electronics are all encased in resin, with a special watertight...
Sane ways to make riding safer
16 December 2003
1 – Updated training for new riders: Training for new riders should incorporate more relevant skills such as overtaking lorries and cars and bike handling skills like cornering. These are all areas in which many motorcycle accidents occur. 2 – Improved Advanced Rider Training: We’re not asking to raise the standard of the best advanced training that already exists – but we do want to see ALL...
Hear the sound of the Honda Six
16 December 2003
Here is you chance to listen to one of the most recognisable engine sounds in the history of motorcycle racing – the Honda Six. The six cylinder, six piped 250cc GP bike is the stuff of legend. Mike...
Blade first test in MCN, out Tuesday
16 December 2003
The World’s first test of the all-new 2004 Fireblade is published in MCN this Tuesday. Out one day early, for Christmas, the latest MCN includes a free 12-page Fireblade test supplement, complete with...
The MCN News archive is open
16 December 2003
There are hundreds of News stories currently in our archives for you to browse. We’re adding less additional content than usual to this section while we focus on improving the overall service we offer...
Insurance firm backs security scheme
09 December 2003
A new campaign to reduce bike thefts can also get you up to 10% off your insurance with Bikesure. The Lock It 2 Me scheme encourages you to secure your bike to the lock on another Lock It 2 Me...
Bikes should go free on Motorway toll road
09 December 2003
The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) has called for exemption for motorbikes on the new M6 Toll Road. The new road was officially opened on Tuesday December 9, 2003 and aims to alleviate...
Camera partnership to invest in BikeSafe
09 December 2003
The London Safety Camera Partnership has unveiled plans to invest heavily in road safety rather than just increasing the number of cameras on London’s roads. “We are now allowed to put part of our...
Court rules some 30mph limits do not exist
09 December 2003
Some 30mph limits across England have no basis in law according to a recent court ruling. Redditch Magistrates Court ruled a driver was not guilty of exceeding a 30mph limit as the restriction did not...
CCM updates for 2004
09 December 2003
CCM has updated its R30 supermoto and restyled its range of 644cc bikes for 2004. The main update for the R30 will be in fuel capacity – ditching the tiny 10-litre fuel tank in favour of a slightly...
Our guide reveals hot gloves for cold times
09 December 2003
Cold weather doesn’t mean you have to stop riding, just that you need to change your wardrobe. And with a few good pieces of kit you’ll be able to enjoy emptier roads in comfort. It’s the extremities...
Britain’s worst camera sparks call for clarity
02 December 2003
The Association of British Drivers (ABD) has called for more clarity in accident and speed camera statistics after finding what could be Britain’s worst-placed speed camera. The site is in a 30mph...
Speeding fines dropped due to police escort
02 December 2003
Australian bikers caught speeding en route to the Phillip Island GP have had their fines lifted after reminding authorities they were travelling with a police escort at the time. The annual ride was...
Inspiration to get you through Winter
02 December 2003
If you’ve ridden through rain and mist to commute to work this week, or your only biking fix is a glance at your bike locked up in the garage, we have the inspiration you need to keep you going...
Cops go off-road to tackle bike theft.
02 December 2003
Two Yamaha WR250 off-road bikes are being shared between six lucky coppers to assist in tackling joyriding and bike thefts. The crackdown on bike crime is already having an effect with 12 suspected...
Sports 600 rider poll
02 December 2003
If you bought a new 600cc supersports bike this year, MCN would like to hear from you. We are looking for owners of 2003 models to email us with answers to the question below. The bikes we are looking...
Save £100s with Hein Gericke
02 December 2003
You could save hundreds of pounds on helmets, luggage and security kit in Hein Gericke’s Christmas sale online. Get your hands on a Rossi replica AGV XR-2 helmet for just £225, a saving of £75 – or...
Get paid riding the Thunderbike
02 December 2003
If you have ever fancied getting paid to ride a motorbike, and fancy a bit of local fame as well, 96 Trent FM might have the perfect job for you. The radio station has a vacancy for a new travel...
Travel the world with BMW
02 December 2003
World of BMW, BMW’s customer magazine, has announced its list of 2004 tours. The firm offers everything from a brief hop over the channel to Calais for a tour of the gourmet restaurants, to a full-on...
Friends star will get first U.S. RSV Nera
02 December 2003
Friends star Matt LeBlanc will get an early Christmas gift this year as he receives the first Aprilia RSV1000 Nera available in the U.S. The bike will be presented on December 13 at the International...