World exclusive: 19 new bikes

MCN’s biggest ever issue reveals the details of 19 new bikes, including three 2004 Kawasakis, the Fischer MR1000 superbike, seven new Hondas, two Bimotas, two supermotos and two super-mopeds.

The Kawasakis include the all-new ZX-10R, which will take on the best litre-sports bikes. No parts will be shared with the 2003 model, and the 160bhp superbike should lead the firm back into World Superbikes.

We also look at the new Kawasaki ZX750 musclebike, and the retro Scrambler 750.

Meanwhile Honda is updating many of its most important bikes and we’ve got all the details. The 2004 VTR Firestorm and CB500 are getting serious makeovers. The old CB500 will disappear from dealer showrooms in a few weeks, as new emission laws come into effect on June 17. Its replacement is likely to be more in line with the new CB600 Hornet and CB900.

The Firestorm has been unchanged for seven years, but the new model is likely to get a new chassis, sharper styling and better economy. There are also more details about the Honda CBR1000RR, which will replace the Fireblade, the CBR1200XX Blackbird and the VT750 and VT1100 Shadows, which are firmly aimed at the Harley-Davidson V-Rod.

Bimota are set to release a reborn Suzuki TL1000-engined SB8K, to be sold as a limited-edition Gobert World Superbike replica, and the all new Milone which has been developed with Ducati experts NCR.

Plus:

The essential and exclusive 24-page guide to the Isle of Man TT. It features the top riders, including David Jefferies, Ian Lougher, Jason Griffiths and John McGuinness. With Triumph returning, we look at the difference between the 140bhp Daytona 600 and the bike they last competed with, the T150 Trident. A complete map and guide to the 37-mile course is included with ratings of different spectating spots and amenities. We also celebrate the 25th anniversary of Mike Hailwood’s TT comeback, and the biggest ever TT scandals are revealed. The MCN-supported national supermoto seres also kicks off on the Island this week, with more rounds in Peterborough, Shepton Mallet, and Wigan in June and July.

And the latest from first practice at the weekend.

It’s all in MCN, May 28.