New MCN February 15: Three world first tests!

 
Ducati 1199 Panigale world first ride
The all-new 195bhp Ducati 1199 Panigale takes superbikes to a new level of sophistication with an abundance of electronic aids. MCN rode the bike at the YAS Marina circuit to see if it lives up to the hype.

 Hodgson on the Ducati 1199 Panigale
2003 WSB world champion Neil Hodgson describes the new Ducati Panigale corner by corner on the YAS Marina circuit.

MV Agusta F3 ridden
Riding the £9999 F3 at its world launch around the surreal blue and red-lined track at Paul Ricard in the south of France has left MCN seriously impressed with MV’s first brand new bike since the Brutale in 2002.

 
2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 first ride
The Suzuki GSX-R1000 now produces the most midrange of any 1000cc superbike. What’s more, weight has dropped by 2kg and it’s gained Brembo brakes and comes with revised big piston suspension. But without any electrical aids like traction control can the new GSX-R cut it on track?

Harley-Davidson 72 and Softail Slim first rides
MCN rides the new Harley-Davidson 72 and Softail Slim, inspired by ’50s and ’70s custom machines. Does looking back to the past make these bikes worth it?

Moto Guzzi California 1400 leaked
Pictures leaked from a behind-closed-doors dealer convention give the best view yet of Moto Guzzi’s all-new 1400cc California cruiser.

Injury disaster for Hopkins
John Hopkin’s injury nightmares have returned after the American crashed his Crescent Fixi Suzuki on day one of the Phillip Island WSB test in Australia on Monday.

Why Rossi’s ‘1000’ must be 925cc
Technical expert Neil Spalding analyses Rossi’s new Ducati GP12 after the first test of 2012 at Sepang.