Bike news

Bike of the Day: Kawasaki Zephyr 1100

Bike of the Day: Kawasaki Zephyr 1100

Yes, that price at first seems a little salty for what is a fairly basic, 28K-mile, 18-year-old roadster, but the big Zephyr is the original ‘retro’, now has a strong following and ones as good as...

2014 v 2015 BMW S1000RR

2014 v 2015 BMW S1000RR

BMW claims their new, third-generation S1000RR is lighter and more powerful than ever. We’re putting that to the test by pitching the new machine against the out-going model. We’ll speed test both...

How often do you wear a back protector?

How often do you wear a back protector?

Many consider back protectors to be as crucial a part of their riding armoury as their helmet, boots and gloves. What do you think?  How often do you wear a back protector?

Which of Rossi's GP bikes would you take home with you?

Which of Rossi's GP bikes would you take home with you?

Eight of Rossi’s GP bikes will be on display at the Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show this February 13-15. But if you could take one home with you – which one would you pick? Which of Rossi’s GP...

BBC showing Racing Legends John Surtees

BBC showing Racing Legends John Surtees

The final episode of the current series of Racing Legends covers the life and racing career of John Surtees and is hosted by lifelong fan and star of Great British Bake Off, Paul Hollywood. The show...

Danger attempts Evel stunt

Danger attempts Evel stunt

“I know it’s dangerous, but death has had me by the throat twice in my life, and I spit in its face. When God’s ready, he’ll take me,” says American (in case you hadn’t guessed) Doug Danger. “This is...

New MCN January 7: Every 2015 new bike

New MCN January 7: Every 2015 new bike

In this week’s MCN, available in newsagents, on iPad and Android from January 7: – 12-page special on every new bike for 2015 – MV Agusta Stradale first ride – Why Rossi’s 10th title is in sight –...

MASTER makes a difference

MASTER makes a difference

Westminster City Council has reported a sharp drop-off in bike thefts, particularly in the area of St James’s Square in London, where they’ve had a strong push on tagging bikes through the industry’s...

First ride: 2015 MV Agusta Stradale 800

First ride: 2015 MV Agusta Stradale 800

MV Agusta’s new Stradale 800 has recently been put through its paces in Spain in the hands of MCN Executive Editor Phil West. Here’s what he has to say: “The new Stradale is a first on many levels –...

Bike of the Day: 1980 Honda XL185

Bike of the Day: 1980 Honda XL185

‘Proper’, old school, late ‘70s/early ‘80s trail bikes are increasingly popular in classic circles for their style, easy mechanics and affordability – particularly Yamaha and Suzuki for their DT/TS...

First ride: Triumph Thruxton Ace

First ride: Triumph Thruxton Ace

Triumph’s new Thruxton Ace limited edition was recently put through its paces by MCN Executive Editor Phil West. His full first ride report is in this week’s MCN, out January 7. But here are his...

Video: Red Bull drivers Puch it to the Maxi

Video: Red Bull drivers Puch it to the Maxi

Ok, so they might be Gileras rather than the iconic Puch, but nonetheless, nice to see that not all F1 drivers are humourless dullards.  Here’s Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat having a lot of fun...

Our Bikes BMW HP2 Sport

Our Bikes BMW HP2 Sport

“Will I ever sell it? I can’t see that day coming yet” Sportsbike loving Tim Thompson became boxer fan by accident. Here’s how he came to own the ultimate BMW twin      It seems funny now, but long...

My Life in Bikes Mattie Griffin

My Life in Bikes Mattie Griffin

BMW-backed stunt rider explains how he got to be where he is today, slicing off the top of his fingers and the bikes he has ridden so far. Where did your biking journey begin? My Dad had a scrap yard...

Rossi's London Show Bikes: 2011 Ducati Desmosedici 800cc

Rossi's London Show Bikes: 2011 Ducati Desmosedici 800cc

For the first time ever, eight of Valentino Rossi’s most successful and priceless race bikes will be brought together in a special one-off tribute to the G.O.A.T Over the next few days, we’ll be going...

Bike of the Day: Ducati Monster S4R

Bike of the Day: Ducati Monster S4R

998-powered S4R was the ultimate version of the original Monster, complete with 998 power, single-sded swing arm, Ohlins, top-notch Brembos and more. Yes, they need cosseting a little and aren’t that...

Rossi's London Show Bikes: 2009 FIAT YAMAHA YZR-M1 800CC

Rossi's London Show Bikes: 2009 FIAT YAMAHA YZR-M1 800CC

For the first time ever, eight of Valentino Rossi’s most successful and priceless race bikes will be brought together in a special one-off tribute to the G.O.A.T Over the next few days, we’ll be going...

Bike of the Day: Aprilia Tuono 1000R Factory

Bike of the Day: Aprilia Tuono 1000R Factory

A helluva lot of bike for the money, this. Last generation V-twin Tuono is still regarded as one of the best ever super nakeds and the R version, sprinkled with Ohlins, Akrapovics, Marchesinis and...

Video: Kawasaki Versys 650 and 1000 first ride

Video: Kawasaki Versys 650 and 1000 first ride

Both the Kawasaki Versys 650 and Versys 1000 get an update for 2015, stylistically and mechanically. MCN put the new bikes through their paces at the recent launch.

Rossi's London Show Bikes: 2008 FIAT YAMAHA YZR-M1 800CC

Rossi's London Show Bikes: 2008 FIAT YAMAHA YZR-M1 800CC

For the first time ever, eight of Valentino Rossi’s most successful and priceless race bikes will be brought together in a special one-off tribute to the G.O.A.T Over the next few days, we’ll be going...

Bike of the Day: Yamaha TRX850

Bike of the Day: Yamaha TRX850

Sadly short-lived TRX used tweaked TDM850 engine in a Ducati-style chassis to be, effectively, a Japanese ‘900SS’. In fact, it was arguably better than that, offering fine performance allied to good...

Rossi's London Show Bikes: 2005 SPEED BLOCK SPECIAL YZR-M1 990CC

Rossi's London Show Bikes: 2005 SPEED BLOCK SPECIAL YZR-M1 990CC

For the first time ever, eight of Valentino Rossi’s most successful and priceless race bikes will be brought together in a special one-off tribute to the G.O.A.T Over the next few days, we’ll be going...

New MCN December 31: Rossi Reborn

New MCN December 31: Rossi Reborn

In this week’s MCN – All available at your newsagent, or via your iPad, Android and other digital device: Rossi Reborn: 20 years in racing! New Versys 1000 Test MV Agusta Brutale 800RR v Ducati...

First ride: 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 and 1000

First ride: 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 and 1000

MCN has recently been at the world launch of Kawasaki’s new Versys 650 and 1000 in Sicily. Senior Road Tester Michael Neeves rode both models and said: “The 1000 was in sore need of an update, not...

Bike of the Day: 1997 Triumph Daytona 1200

Bike of the Day: 1997 Triumph Daytona 1200

Although perhaps the least desirable of the early Hinckley Triumphs due to simply not being competitive with the best from Japan and Europe, today the early Daytona has sort of matured into a...

MCN Award winner: Kawasaki Z1000SX

MCN Award winner: Kawasaki Z1000SX

It’s the final week of 2014, so we got some of our MCN Award winning bikes of 2014 together for one last blast. Here’s our all-rounder, the second generation Kawasaki Z1000SX. This is one of my...

Rossi's London Show Bikes: 2004 G0 Yamaha YZR-M1

Rossi's London Show Bikes: 2004 G0 Yamaha YZR-M1

For the first time ever, eight of Valentino Rossi’s most successful and priceless race bikes will be brought together in a special one-off tribute to the G.O.A.T Over the next few days, we’ll be going...

Video: Tom Sykes' ZX-10R ridden

Video: Tom Sykes' ZX-10R ridden

We witnessed the end of a WSB era in 2014, and the ultimate evolution of the big-bucks factory WSB bike. They may look like normal superbikes from the outside, but the factory bikes locking horns at...

Bike of the Day: Suzuki GSX-R1100

Bike of the Day: Suzuki GSX-R1100

Last of the dinosaur, monster superbikes still inspires awe today. It’s a beast: 147 carburretted horses, bad boy bulk and still enough acceleration to send shivers down your spine. Good ones are...

Rossi's London Show Bikes: 2002 RC211V REPSOL HONDA

Rossi's London Show Bikes: 2002 RC211V REPSOL HONDA

For the first time ever, eight of Valentino Rossi’s most successful and priceless race bikes will be brought together in a special one-off tribute to the G.O.A.T Over the next few days, we’ll be going...

Slide. The all-new live action arena

Slide. The all-new live action arena

Our Live action show that takes pride of place at the centre of the London Motorcycle Show is going Stateside style in 2015 with a brand new, all-action live show called Slide. The London Short Track...

Rossi's London Show Bikes: 1999 RSW250 APRILIA

Rossi's London Show Bikes: 1999 RSW250 APRILIA

For the first time ever, eight of Valentino Rossi’s most successful and priceless race bikes will be brought together in a special one-off tribute to the G.O.A.T Over the next few days, we’ll be going...

MCN Award winner: BMW R nineT

MCN Award winner: BMW R nineT

It’s the final week of 2014, so we got some of our MCN Award winning bikes of 2014 together for one last blast. Here’s our favourite retro, BMW’S R nineT. Stretching from Oundle to Corby the A427 is a...

Rossi's London Show Bikes: 1997 APRILIA RS125R

Rossi's London Show Bikes: 1997 APRILIA RS125R

For the first time ever, eight of Valentino Rossi’s most successful and priceless race bikes will be brought together in a special one-off tribute to the G.O.A.T Over the next few days, we’ll be going...

TV Sunday – The Barry Sheene Story

TV Sunday – The Barry Sheene Story

The late, great Barry Sheene is the subject of the first of a new series of Racing Legends which starts on Sunday evening straight after the second part of the Top Gear Christmas special. Presented by...

My Life in Bikes Ross Noble

My Life in Bikes Ross Noble

Comedy genius, observer of the insanity of humans, seriously dedicated bike nut, and doer of charitable goodness. Age 38 Occupation Comedian, actor, author, Riders for Health ambassador Nationality...