2012

McGuinness, John McGuinness!

25 October 2012 by MCN

It’s probably good that John McGuinness is exceptionally talented on a motorbike, because if this foray into film is anything to go by, he doesn’t have a future in acting! Check out John in action as Secret Agent 001, supported by an all star cast including Honda Racing boss Neil Tuxtworth and former Manx Chief Constable Carolyn Kinrade!

France rejects EU 'super-MOT'

25 October 2012 by MCN

Plans for a new Europe-wide ‘super MoT’ have been rejected in France, Sweden and Holland. The Motorcycle Action Group is calling for the UK to do the same. It says the proposed EU annual...

Husqvarna offer 20% off all aftermarket parts

25 October 2012 by MCN

Husqvarna are offering owners the chance to update bikes ahead of the 2013 season with an offer giving 20% off genuine aftermarket parts through participating dealers. The offer, which runs until 15th...

'Old Bill' Brough sells for world record £290K

25 October 2012 by Phil West

A new world record sale price for a classic motorcycle has been set by historic Brough Superior ‘Old Bill’, which sold for £291,200 at H&H’s Duxford auction on Tuesday. The bike, built in 1922 for the...

MCN Shop deal of the week: Spyke Blaster EVO Suit with FREE Boots

25 October 2012 by MCN

The Spyke Blaster EVO is the perfect suit for road or track riding, with it’s stretch leater and fibre inserts to ensure maximum comfort over long journies, short blasts, or trackdays. The suit has a...

2013 Aprilia RSV4 ridden

25 October 2012 by Michael Neeves

This is what motorcycling dreams are made of: a sunny day, a dry track and one of the world’s best superbikes to play on. I’m talking about the lightly-revised new 2013 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC. It’s...

Why we ride

24 October 2012 by Nathan Laws

Why do this? Why do that? Why ride bikes? If you need a reason… Go on, read it. You know you’re curious. The golden glint of the evening spring sun dances across my visor, reflected across the damp-patched tarmac as I begin to sit the bike up post-apex. The throttle grip feels good in my gloved hand, everything familiar and comfortable. The well worn leather sits close to my skin, like an old...

New Hayabusa unveiled with ABS and Brembo brakes

24 October 2012 by MCN

Suzuki have released details of their new-for-2013 Hayabusa. The big capacity sports bike will get only it’s second update in it’s fourteen year history, and becoming a member of the GSX-R family. The...

New MV Agusta Brutales for 2013

24 October 2012 by Liam Marsden

MV Agusta’s four-cylinder Brutale range will be simplified to just three models for 2013 – all will be 1090cc. The three models available from 2013 are the Brutale 1090, Brutale 1090R and Brutale...

Video: BMW F700GS vs Rivals

23 October 2012 by MCN

The new BMW F700GS replaces the old F650GS for 2013, although capacity remains at 800cc. We tested it against the Kawasaki Versys, Suzuki V-Strom 650 and Triumph Tiger 800 to see which is the best mid...

Oct 24: Bikes on the Box

23 October 2012 by Alison Silcox

KEY TO CHANNELS.   DRT – Discovery Real Time  DSC – Discovery Channel   DHD – Discovery Channel HD   EXS – Extreme Sports Channel  EUR1 (2, HD) – Eurosport 1 (2, HD) MOT – Motors TV   CH4 – Channel...

New MCN October 24: Simoncelli one year on

23 October 2012 by Liam Marsden

In this week’s MCN, out October 24, we reflect on the untimely passing of Marco Simoncelli one year on. We speak to rivals Andrea Dovizioso and Casey Stoner, friends Loris Capirossi and Valentino...

20th Anniversary Monsters at Motorcycle Live

22 October 2012 by Richard Newlands

Ducati is asking for Monster owners to share images and stories of owning the iconic bike, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2013, on their Facebook page. From all the submissions, Ducati...

Poll: Should the UK government introduce compulsory breathalysers?

22 October 2012 by MCN

Law changes in France will soon introduce on-the-spot fines of €11 (£8.90) for motorists found to not be carrying single-use breathalysers. Riders and drivers will be expected to use the tests to make...

Poll - When is your bike going away for the winter?

22 October 2012 by MCN

With the clocks changing next weekend and the winter weather closing in, a lot of bikes are already packed away until it’s safe to venture out without getting soaked through. However, there’s some...

Poll: Do you have any idea what’s going on with the new licensing laws?

22 October 2012 by MCN

New changes to the law are being brought in in January due to EU legislation that will see new riders potentially forced to take three tests before being allowed access to bikes greater than...

You ask/you answer: Does cold weather affect your concentration?

22 October 2012 by MCN

“How much does cold weather riding affect your concentration? When I go out in the freezing cold on my long commutes all I seem to think about is getting home quickly and I feel like my concentration...

MCN IAM Better Riding Guide: Putting your bike away over winter

22 October 2012 by Stefan Bartlett

Over the past five weeks, the IAM have been offering advice on all aspects of biking. But as the temperature drops and the frost appears. It may be the time of year to put your bike away. Whether it’s...

Aprilia Tuono and Mille owners: Tell us your experiences

22 October 2012 by Michael Neeves

We’re putting a feature together on these used Aprilias: • RSV Mille ’98-‘03 • RSV 1000R ’04-‘09 • Tuono ’02-‘05 • Tuono R ’06-‘09 We’d love to hear from you if you’ve owned any of these bikes. We’d...

Counting by motorcycles

20 October 2012 by Simon

By 22 months, thanks in part to MCN and to the fact I have a bike, my son is already motorcycle mad. His favourite rider is Tom Sykes. He thinks he’s a superhero seeing Tom in his team green gear and fluorescent helmet. He says, “Go Tom, you’ll win the title next year!” This video show one of his favourite learning activities, with the help of a copy of the MCN.

Destination dealer: Maidstone Harley-Davidson

19 October 2012 by MCN

ADVERTISING PROMOTION Kent’s newest official Harley-Davidson dealership is about to celebrate its first birthday. Staff at Maidstone Harley-Davidson are looking forward to welcoming you at the...

Zero mile Yamaha R7 up for auction

19 October 2012 by MCN

A zero mile Yamaha R7 will go up for auction in the Bonhams end-of-season auction at the Stafford Show on October 21. The 2002 model R7, which has been signed by Noriyuki Haga is estimated to fetch...

MZ return with revolutionary new engine

19 October 2012 by MCN

It might not look particularly revolutionary, but this understated 125 supermoto could prove to be one of the most significant motorcycles of 2013. Not only is it the first new product of the...

French breathalyser fines postponed

19 October 2012 by Steve Farrell

Fines for not carrying a breathalyser kit in France have been postponed until March next year. The on-the-spot fines were originally due to be in force by November 1 this year. Motorcyclists and...

Reprieve for high-powered bikes in anti-tampering plans

19 October 2012 by Steve Farrell

Anti-tampering measures on new bikes will be limited to machines up to 47bhp, MEPs have agreed.  New motorcycles are to get so-called on-board diagnostic systems capable of registering modifications...

GoPro Hero3 HD launched

17 October 2012 by MCN

GoPro has today launched their latest and most advanced onboard camera, the HD Hero3. GoPro say the new camera is 30% smaller and 25% lighter than the Hero2. Three variations will be available; the...

MCN Shop deal of the week: Belstaff Goodwood Trialmaster jacket

17 October 2012 by MCN

The Belstaff Trialmaster jacket combines traditional styling with modern day motorcycle practicality. The jacket is equipped with D3O CE-approved armour which is both light and flexible making the...

DAS at Circuit Based Training Ltd

17 October 2012 by Rich B

Mallory Park Circuit Based Training has to be the place to go in the UK if you have never ridden a motorcycle before or want to take a Direct Access course. Many courses are available. I have seen people pass in only 3, 4 and 5 days without a problem. What if you are unsure of your own ability to follow an intensive course? Well if like me you’re unsure and have some issues, a personal structured...

2013 Kawasaki ZX-6R on the road: "Softer and much more compliant"

17 October 2012 by MCN

MCN Senior Road tester Adam Child is currently putting Kawasaki’s new ZX-6R 636 through its paces in California. Yesterday he was on track, today he’s in the mountains of northern California. Here are...

17 October 2012 by Alison Silcox

KEY TO CHANNELS.   DRT – Discovery Real Time  DSC – Discovery Channel   DHD – Discovery Channel HD   EXS – Extreme Sports Channel  EUR1 (2, HD) – Eurosport 1 (2, HD) MOT – Motors TV   CH4 – Channel...

2013 Kawasaki ZX-6R first ride: "More torque, but still plenty of top end"

16 October 2012 by MCN

MCN Senior Road Tester Adam Child is currently in Chico, California, at Thunderhill Race Park putting Kawasaki’s new 636cc ZX-6R through its paces around the demanding track. For 2013 Kawasaki has...

Video: 2013 Yamaha FJR1300 first ride

16 October 2012 by MCN

Yamaha’s FJR1300 has been around since 2001 and aside from a few updates along the way, it hasn’t really changed. On paper, it looks like the new 2013 FJR1300 is the more of the same, bar some nips,...

New MCN October 17: Shakey wins BSB title

16 October 2012 by Liam Marsden

In this week’s MCN, out October 17, we have all the news and analysis from a thrilling weekend of British Superbike racing which saw Shane Byrne win all three races and secure his third BSB...

Oxford HOC raise money for NABB

16 October 2012 by Stritchy

Twenty-four brave and hardy bikers faced fog and frosty roads to take part in the Oxford HOC End-of-Season Charity Poker Run in aid of the National Association of Blood Bikes on Sunday. A great time...

Terry Shepherd (1931 – 2012)

15 October 2012 by Andy Davidson

Former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer and legendary two-stroke engine tuner, Terry Shepherd passed away on October 5 2012, after a battle with cancer. He started racing Norton motorcycles in the...

Chinese Kawasaki-alike 250 for £2000

13 October 2012 by Steve Farrell

An Italian-designed 250 expected to cost around £2000 has been unveiled as a concept at the Chinese motorcycle show. The single-cylinder Kawasaki Z-esque KP250 could go into production within months.