We test Britain’s hottest specials

With cold weather and left-over turkey sandwiches for the next few days, find some inspiration when we test three of the best specials in the country.

Imagine a Christmas under the warm Spanish sun, with a choice of the Harris R1, Crescent Suzuki’s John Reynolds replica, and the Casoli Moto Ducati 999 special.

The Suzuki is one of only 14 in existence, built by the same mechanics who work on John Reynolds’ superbike. It’s got a quickshifter, OZ wheels, and an estimated top speed of around 190mph. It costs £14,500, and will wheelie in sixth gear.

The Harris R1 is, according to Lester Harris, ” a rolling showcase of everything we can do with a 2002 R1 ” . The result is a £20,000, 159bhp, 160kg R1 with many modifications also found on the Harris MotoGP R1. With Ohlins shocks and Brembo brakes, it can handle the improved power from the blueprinted engine.

The Ducati 999 hasn’t had the same engine work, but it has had a cosmetic overhaul. As well as improving the looks, it’s also led to a weight saving of 15kg, meaning the 999 turns even quicker than a stock model. It’s gained a new fairing, louder and lighter twin end-cans and a carbon-fibre seat unit. Mechanically it might be standard, but it costs an estimated £18,000, and should be good for around 170mph.

To find out how these bikes faired in sunny Spain, you’ll need Motor Cycle News, out December 31. You’ll find full technical specs, and the full story behind high speed testing, not to mention how the three testers almost got stranded in Spain. Plus all the News, Sport and Features from the Christmas period, only in MCN, December 31.