February

‘My dream was to ride the most beautiful bikes’

29 February 2024 by MCN

MCN catches up with Simon Crafar, the Kiwi who competed against, and beat, the best in the world Simon Crafar is known by younger race fans for his in-depth MotoGP tech analysis across race...

Artisans in the Peaks | Great Northern Classics sets up teaching hub for owners of historic vehicles

29 February 2024 by Dan Sutherland

A new classic vehicle workspace is opening in Derby, allowing fans of old school two-and four-wheelers to hone their skills on the tools, as well as being a place to store their precious...

Keeping young riders safe | Police roll out new scheme to improve two wheeled safety for teen bikers

29 February 2024 by Nye Davis

National Highways are working in collaboration with the National Police Chiefs’ Council to roll out a scheme aimed at improving road safety for young motorcyclists. Related: How to pass your...

Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers has died

29 February 2024 by Dan Sutherland

Dave Myers, star of the motorcycle-riding cooking show duo the Hairy Bikers, has died following a fight with cancer, aged just 66. Myers passed away on the evening of Wednesday, February 28, 2024,...

Vmoto Stash storms onto electric market offering high spec and affordable price for young riders

28 February 2024 by Dan Sutherland

Urban electric motorbike brand Vmoto have confirmed that their new Stash model will be available to UK customers in the next few months, offering top-level tech, impressive performance, and a...

Veteran quartet embark on 5000 mile ride to Cyprus to raise funds for Armed Forces charity

28 February 2024 by Nye Davis

Four veteran mates are preparing to embark on an epic 5000-mile adventure to raise money for Armed Forces charity Help for Heroes. The ex-squaddie quartet, all of whom served in the Royal...

West Coast Harley-Davidson celebrate success at the Harley-Davidson Dealer of the Year Awards

28 February 2024 by Nye Davis

Glasgow-based West Coast Harley-Davidson has walked away from the annual Harley-Davidson UK & Ireland Dealer of the Year Awards with a record-breaking fourth consecutive win for 2023. The award was...

'Potholemageddon' | Britain's roads continue to crumble amidst failing council maintenance

28 February 2024 by Nye Davis

Road maintenance in England dropped by 45% in 2023 compared with five years ago, suggesting our roads are becoming increasingly unsafe for motorcyclists. The report accompanies news that road...

Barton Bike Night moves to mid-week | Popular Lincolnshire meet up back on the biking calendar

28 February 2024 by Nye Davis

Barton Bike Night is back on the calendar this 03 July. The Lincolnshire event, now entering its twentieth seventh year, has previously attracted tens of thousands of bikers to...

Celebrating biking without bulk | Lightweight Adventure Festival back bigger and better for 2024

27 February 2024 by Nye Davis

The Lightweight Adventure Festival is back in the heart of the Peak District for 2024, promising to be better than ever, following a substantial size increase. The event, now entering its third...

Aprilia All Stars back for more | Misano World Circuit set to host another round of Aprilia action

27 February 2024 by Dan Sutherland

Aprilia will return to the Misano World Circuit in Italy this June for a star-studded celebration of the firm’s on– and off-road exploits. Aprilia All Stars 2024 will take place on Saturday, June 8...

R1 goes track only! Yamaha confirm bikes will remain in Europe despite not meeting Euro5+

23 February 2024 by Dan Sutherland

Yamaha have announced they will not be updating the R1 and R1M superbike duo to meet Euro5+ emissions regulations, but will continue to sell a track only version from 2025 in Europe. “Yamaha Motor...

Icons at auction | Exclusive Aston Martin Brough AMB 001 Pro to star alongside Capirossi MotoGP bike

22 February 2024 by Nye Davis

Iconic Auctioneers will be selling off two very special examples of modern motorcycling history on Sunday, 7 April. The Shuttleworth sale will feature a one-of-88 Aston Martin Brough AMB 001 Pro...

Indian Super Hooligan | Roland Sands Design adds extra spice to an already fiery FTR

22 February 2024 by Dan Sutherland

Indian Motorcycle have teamed up with Roland Sands Design (RSD) to create a new version of their FTR naked twin, inspired by the American Super Hooligan racing championship. Priced at £18,395 in...

Biking Legends: Marc van der Straten

22 February 2024 by MCN

The team boss who has overseen great victories and title success on both two and four wheels Marc van der Straten Belgian, Marc VDS Racing Team Owner Following in his father’s footsteps,...

Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show gears up for another weekend of vintage bike fun this February

22 February 2024 by Nye Davis

The Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show is back for 2024, entering its 44th year at the Bath and West Showground on February 24-25 . The event – known for attracting thousands of enthusiasts, club...

Charity Ride 'Owt | Yorkshire Dales motorcycle meetup raising funds for underprivileged kids

21 February 2024 by Nye Davis

What could be better than a ride out in the stunning surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales? Doing it for charity of course! The Yorkshire Ride ‘Owt is back this Thursday, 16 May, with the day of...

R1 in jeopardy | Yamaha say superbike line-up will not be updated for Euro5+ regulation

21 February 2024 by Dan Sutherland

The future sale of road going Yamaha R1 and R1M superbikes in Europe looks to be in doubt, with the Japanese manufacturer announcing they will not be updating the duo to meet Euro5+ emissions...

Where next for BMW? Head of Product Management Christian Pingitzer talks about electrification, alternative fuels, and bold targets

20 February 2024 by Dan Sutherland

BMW have big plans for the electric bike market, announcing that they are aiming to sell 100,000 e-mobility bikes for urban transport by 2030. The German brand revealed their intention in early...

London Motorcycle Show 2024 round-up | Thousands flock annual biking event - here's what you missed if you didn't make it

19 February 2024 by Dan Sutherland

Over 30,000 motorcycle fans flocked to the capital this past weekend for the annual Devitt MCN London Motorcycle Show. Taking place from Friday, 16 February to Sunday, 18 February at London’s ExCel...

Knife-wielding Nuneaton moped thief stung with almost nine year custodial sentence

15 February 2024 by Dan Sutherland

A Nuneaton man has been sentenced to eight years and 10 months in prison at Warwick Crown Court, for a string of offences, including theft of a moped, having been caught in under 35...

Multi-pot madness | Record-breaking 48-cylinder Kawasaki-based behemoth to star in upcoming auction

15 February 2024 by Nye Davis

Bored with run-of-the-mill twins, triples and fours? How does the idea of having a world record-breaking 48-cylinder Kawasaki in the garage float your boat? Well this machine that will go under the...

Icons #12: Ducati Supermono

15 February 2024 by Emma Franklin

Bologna’s last single-cylinder sportsbike is a real racing unicorn By Emma Franklin DEPUTY EDITOR Ducati lay claim to some of motorcycling’s most desirable and exclusive models. Yet one sits...

Retro racing | Malle Beach Race back in Margate for another round of inappropriate action this May

13 February 2024 by Nye Davis

The Malle Mile Beach Race will return to the sands of Margate for another round of “appropriately inappropriate” retro racing action this May. Related: Guy Martin crashes out of beach...

Bike4life gets set for lift-off | Tickets go on sale for Midlands Air Ambulance charity festival

12 February 2024 by Dan Sutherland

Places are now on sale for the twelfth Bike4Life Ride Out & Festival, with more than 3500 bikers expected to attend in aid of the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. The airborne lifesavers have...

£100k classic | Historic 1958 Moto Morini 250cc GP racer goes under the gavel at Paris auction

12 February 2024 by Nye Davis

A rare 1958 Moto Morini 250cc Bialbero Grand Prix racer recently went under the hammer in a Paris auction, fetching a staggering €126,500 (approximately £108,384) including premium. Related:...

Ultra-premium adventurer | Former R&D boss for MV Agusta discusses limited-edition £30k tourer

12 February 2024 by Dan Sutherland

Having first appeared as the Lucky Explorer 9.5 adventure bike concept in 2021, MV Agusta’s long-anticipated LXP Orioli adventure machine will finally be ready for the roads this year. The bike...

Remembering Suzuki's grand prix maestro

09 February 2024 by Michael Scott

Garry Taylor AUGUST 23, 1949 –JANUARY 30, 2024 The racing world pays tribute as legendary British team boss passes away Michael Scott MCN CONTRIBUTOR The late, great Garry Taylor who died...

EV expansion | Government pledges £381million funding for rapid rollout of charge points across the country

09 February 2024 by Nye Davis

Ambitious plans have been announced to support the rapid rollout of public electric charging stations, including grants for schools and other public buildings, cash for councils and new targets for...

Boston Bike Night back on the calendar | Popular Lincs meetup rises from the ashes this July

09 February 2024 by Nye Davis

Boston Bike Night is making a comeback for 2024. The immensely popular motorcyclist meet up returns to its Lincolnshire home on Thursday, 4 July with the action kicking off at 4pm. Related:...

Head down to the hut | Caffeine and Machine bring their classy café culture to the South Downs

08 February 2024 by Nye Davis

Petrolhead-centric operation Caffeine and Machine are adding to their existing network, announcing a third venue nestled in the South Downs National Park, near a recently opened new Norton dealership.

Elk Promotions kick start retro show season with Ardingly Classic | Grab a ticket for under a tenner!

08 February 2024 by Nye Davis

Old-school bike aficionados Elk Promotions will kick-start their season with the Ardingly Classic Bike Show & Jumble on March 24 at the South of England Showground. Related: Brit classics to star...

Cake files for bankruptcy | Record breaking electric motorcycle manufacturer in financial difficulty

08 February 2024 by Dan Sutherland

Swedish electric motorcycle firm Cake have filed for bankruptcy in their home city of Stockholm, the UK arm of the business has confirmed to MCN. The niche electric brand was founded in 2016 and...

Caught on camera | Footage submitted to Devon and Cornwall Police used to catch law-breakers

07 February 2024 by Dan Sutherland

Devon & Cornwall Police received more than 6000 videos from disgruntled motorists in 2023, making it a record breaking year for the force’s Operation Snap campaign. Set up in 2019 in a bid to...

R&D boss behind MV Agusta Superveloce 1000 and LXP Orioli joins Norton as chief technology officer

07 February 2024 by Dan Sutherland

Norton Motorcycles have announced former R&D director at MV Agusta, Brian Gillen as their new chief technology officer. Gillen worked at Italian exotica brand MV for more than 15 years and has been...

Operation Crush | Illegal battery bikes and scooters crushed in anti-social behaviour clampdown

06 February 2024 by Dan Sutherland

Hampshire and Isle of Wight police are taking a no nonsense approach to the illegal use of e-scooters and e-motorbikes, promising to crush machines used to commit crimes in the area. Related:...