New MCN February 6: Title Fight

New Yamaha R1 spied during testing
We have spy shots of Yamaha’s new superbike prototype, caught during track testing. Disguised as an R6, Yamaha have claimed that the new bike is going to be the most extreme R1 yet – see what our tech experts have spotted, and if they think Yamaha are right!

Cold War!
Middleweight nakeds used to be boring, but not any more, thanks to the arrival of the new Z800, Street Triple and Brutale 675. In fact they’re so good we couldn’t wait to pitch the new breed head-to-head against the Suzuki GSR750 and Yamaha FZ8 – and even sub-zero temperatures couldn’t stop us!

Biking Pilgrimages
MCN takes a look at five of the ultimate biking pilgramages you just have to ride. From the sweeping greenery of the Antrim coast that was Joey Dunlop’s test track, to the iconic Nurburgring Nordschliefe, via the one-of-a-kind Isle of Man.

Biking Pilgrimages
We also travel to the crazy festival of MotoGP at jerez, complete with track tips from resident racer Michael Neeves, as well as taking the tight and twisty roads of the Italian Alps to Tuvilla, home of Valentino Rossi.

Belting Investments: Used Ducatis
Ducati’s Panigale is not only phenomonal, it also marks a change of direction for the Italian firm (from cambelts to chains among others) – and is out of reach for many. But it also means that predecessors, superbikes like the 916, 999 and 1098 are more tempting than ever. But what do you get for your money? We find out.

Meet the future of Irish road racing 
Shrinking grids, recession-hit sponsors and the recent retirement of two of its most enduring stars, Ryan Farquhar and Ardrian Archibald, sit like a black cloud over the future of Irish road racing. But exciting young talents Jamie Hamilton, 21, and Sam Wilson, 20, look set to light up the roads this summer and ensure that the sport remains healthy. All they need is support.

World-class Welsh track moves closer
MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta is backing a bold scheme which could see world-class motorcycling in Wales. If planning permission is granted, work could start as early as this summer, with the track ready for 2015. Bring it on!