2007

Rossi-rep R6, stealth-style

Rossi-rep R6, stealth-style

This photo was taken on the best day of the year so far – I had just got back from a blast to north Wales. First ride out this year, testing new bits added to bike (Ohlins rear shockand K-tech forks).

Vespa go back to the 1970s with retro scooter

Vespa go back to the 1970s with retro scooter

Vespa is famous for its retro-style scooters – but rather than harking back to the 1950s or 1960s the new Vespa S reflects the firm’s 1970s machines. Both 50cc two-stroke and 125cc four-stroke...

Piaggio hybrid scooter

Piaggio hybrid scooter

This is Piaggio’s HyS prototype – hybrid electric/petrol scooter which could see production in the very near future. The firm has already created prototypes of the machine, using the two-wheeled Vespa...

Ollie Bridewell funeral arrangements

Ollie Bridewell funeral arrangements

Further to the recent statement on behalf of the Bridewell family, details regarding Ollie’s funeral are as follows: Wednesday 1st August 2007 at 12.00 noon at St Mary’s Church, Bishops Cannings near...

Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman begin final stint on Long Way Down

Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman begin final stint on Long Way Down

Long Way Down stars Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman are encountering the final stages of their motorcycle ride that culminates in Cape Town next week. In a live interview on the Chris Moyles show...

Babe of the day

Babe of the day

Babe of the day

Hand it over sonny

Hand it over sonny

Here’s a recent picture of my brother, Brian, of him handing a fine over to a member of the Swiss law. No doubt for doing something speed related he shouldn’t have in the Alps. That’s the Matterhorn...

MCN in Austria

MCN in Austria

Here is a photo of me enjoying a pint and my MCN in Austria.

The difference

Having passed my test just over a month ago I was quite concerned when, heading home on one of the few dry blasts I’ve had, my new pride and joy started to burble and lose power. Once safely alongside the curb, I began the checks: Petrol level (ok), petrol tap (fine – switch to reserve just in case), electrics (seem ok), gotta be something more serious. Try to restart her anyway (nothing). Great!...

In the spirit of ride to work day

My journey takes about 45 minutes but I have just taken a clip to show you the fun I have in getting there…

Britain's got biking talent: Your bike in the '08 Carole Nash calendar

Britain's got biking talent: Your bike in the '08 Carole Nash calendar

You could see your motorcycle starring in the 2008 Carole Nash calendar, win the MotoGP trip of a lifetime, and get VIP tickets to the NEC Bike Show to see your bike displayed alongside the new bike...

Video: Harley's cool new convertable seat

The new Harley Rocker was launched in New York last week and as well as being a pretty cool bike, it has got an aamzing pillion seat contraption that allows the seat to be folded away. Check out the video below to see just how easy the conversion is.

Bikes on TV: July 25 to 31, 2007

Bikes on TV: July 25 to 31, 2007

KEY TO CHANNELS: DRT – Discovery Real Time DRTE -Discovery Real Time Extra DSC – Discovery Channel  DHD – Discovery Channel HD EXS – Extreme Sports Channel MM – Men and Motors MOT – Motors TV   SS1...

New MCN July 25, 2007

New MCN July 25, 2007

Check out this week’s MCN to see what the future holds for James Toseland’s racing career.  Also in this edition, available from Wednesday, 25 July, 2007, we search for Britain’s best biking talent...

Video: R1150GS-powered GG quad

Video: R1150GS-powered GG quad

Watch the R1150GS-powered four wheeler in action i this video clip

Hayabusa powered quad

Hayabusa powered quad

Watch the video to see a  Suzuki 450R LTR Turbo Hayabusa Drag Quad in action.

Exhaust patents reveal next generation Honda Fireblade

Exhaust patents reveal next generation Honda Fireblade

These patent drawings are conclusive proof that the next Fireblade is to use a Hornet-style under slung exhaust system. The current Fireblade design will be fours years old next year, and in the world...

BMW to make it's mark in motorsport

BMW to make it's mark in motorsport

The revelation that BMW is set to enter the World Superbike Championship in 2009 – as revealed in MCN this week – perhaps shouldn’t be such a surprise, since the firm has been gradually revamping its...

Barriers to be more dangerous for bikes

Barriers to be more dangerous for bikes

A new standard for roadside barriers makes them safer for cars but more dangerous for motorcyclists, according to international road safety watchdogs.   Every new or replacement crash barrier on...

Aprilia's RS-V4 caught on test

Aprilia's RS-V4 caught on test

Less than four months before it is set to be shown in public for the first time we can reveal that Aprilia’s forthcoming V4 superbike is still testing in heavy disguise with little sign of the final...

Comment: Motorcyclists are not another species

Comment: Motorcyclists are not another species

It’s often astonishing how little we seem to feature in the minds of people who plan our roads and the past week has been a case in point.   On Thursday a group of MPs called for broad changes to the...

Fractures reported on Kawasaki ER6 frames

Fractures reported on Kawasaki ER6 frames

If you’re a Kawasaki ER-6 owner, walk outside and check the frame for cracks. A number of riders on the continent have experience the issue, but it has since emerged that a UK bike has suffered the...

Toy town

Toy town

Just thought I’d send you this picture taken while on holiday with my family. I can’t believe the lengths that the goverment will go to to raise money from motorists… what’s next – mobile Duplo vans?!

Vide: Aprilia analysis

Vide: Aprilia analysis

Unfortunately, due to technical problems, the exclusive video details Aprilia’s plans for the V4 is not available. We are working to resolve this problem, and the video will be online from 1pm on...

Fatal accident enquiry into the death of Steve Hislop

Fatal accident enquiry into the death of Steve Hislop

It has just been revealed to MCN that the Scottish Crown Office has agreed to open a fatal accident enquiry into the death of former British Superbike champion Steve Hislop, almost four years after...

Junior desmo!

Junior desmo!

Here’s a photo of my two-year-old son which I find amusing. His name is Luke and he is trying out his new “Ducati Desmo” in light of the recent vacancy in the Ducati factory squad (move over Marco).

Gloucester floods

Gloucester floods

Chilly on his V-Strom, sightseeing the floods of Gloucester. Here is the River Severn at Gloucester docks.

The Stig

The Stig

The Stig works in our office. Surprisingly shorter than he looks on the telly.

MCN Brno run arrives home after 2100 miles on a Kawasaki Z1000

MCN Brno run arrives home after 2100 miles on a Kawasaki Z1000

MCN Feature Editor Andy Downes has returned home after riding his Kawasaki Z1000 to the World Superbike round at Brno at the weekend. Here’s his final report after arriving home. “Got back home at...

Britain's got biking talent: Terms and Conditions

Britain's got biking talent: Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions for ‘Britain’s got biking talent’ ENTRANTS must provide the entry details as specified when loading a picture. Britain’s Got Biking Talent is open to individuals in the UK or...

Scotch Dave

Scotch Dave

Me after riding my new R1 the other day – it’s waisting me away. And with my hero the pocket rocket last year at Cadwell

My first track day

D Day: Friday, July 20, Donington Park. I’ve taken the plunge and booked my first track day; gulp! The weather forecast says could be a bit wet. Bugger. Ah well, fingers crossed. How did it go? Well there was danger, trepidation; my nerves were frayed from the extreme concentration. Muscles were tired and cramped. I had rear slides, front slides and still I stayed the right way up. The old 955i...

How long can it take?

How long can it take?

I won first prize for the Inpsired Art Fair and Ministry of Sound Aprilia Art Challenge for some artwork that I made for Aprilia in November 2006. I was given, with much fanfair and some press, a new...

Bike closes airport

Poland’s biggest airport was closed last week because of an abandoned motorcycle. Thousands of travellers had to be evacuated when the lone motorcycle was spotted alone near the base of the main terminal. Artur Burak, spokesman for the Warsaw Okecie Airport, said all flights had been delayed while the motorcycle was destroyed. After investigation it was decided that the motorcycle had posed no...

Stunt rider gets time

Stunt rider gets time

A motorcycle stunt rider has been jailed for 10 months after speeding through speed cameras while performing tricks and gesturing. Christian Nicola Marchesani, 28, from Samson in Northwest Australia,...

Armchair Harley for comfort on the move

Armchair Harley for comfort on the move

In the list of things you never knew you needed, a 40mph, petrol-powered Harley-Davidson armchair capable of doing wheelies must rate pretty high.   But that hasn’t stopped an American firm from...