Bike news

Honda extends special deals to end of June

Honda extends special deals to end of June

Honda has extended two offers covering its sports tourers and the CBR600RR motorcycle until the end of June, after both deals proved popular with its customers. The Whatever the Weather deal covers...

Video: Hear BMW S1000RR World Superbike prototype run

Video: Hear BMW S1000RR World Superbike prototype run

Following yesterday’s press launch of the BMW S1000RR World Superbike motorcycle the firm has released this video of the new bike. Powered by an inline-four cylinder engine making over 220bhp in race...

Video: Aprilia's new SMV750 Dorsoduro First Ride!

MCN Road Tester Adam Child has just been to Italy to ride Aprilia’s new street supermoto, the Dorsoduo. It is based on the mechanicals from the Shiver 750, and going by the antics we captured on video it’s an absolute hoot to ride. Watch a little video teaser below and Chad’s full test in MCN (and full video) is coming soon!

Video: Dougie Lampkin calls at Goodwood!

Twelve times world trials champion Dougie Lampkin took Goodwood House by storm last week as Lord March announced plans for the 2008 Festival of Speed. Lampkin made several explosive entrances, riding down a staircase inside Goodwood House at the pre-event dinner and repeating the feat on Wednesday in front of the world’s assembled press. Watch Lampkin perform some of his tricks in the video below...

Insurance offer could cut premium on Suzuki GSX-R750

Insurance offer could cut premium on Suzuki GSX-R750

Suzuki is looking to boost sales of its GSX-R750 through a deal to cut the cost of insuring the bike. Video: Suzuki GSX-R750 K8 polished perfection Get exclusive Suzuki GSX-R750 wallpapers on your...

Hydrogen Mono Wonder

Has anybody seen this mono hydrogen bike by Bombardier. Its steered by the rider shifting his weight. Its called the EMBRIO and has some sort of gyroscope fitted to keep it stable and a hydrogen fuel cell powered by an electric motor, and it has only one wheel. Check it out on www.diseno-art.com/encyclopedia/strange_vehicles/bombardier_embrio Cheers KC & The Sunshine Band Down Under

Speeding Rip Off

With regards to the 137 mph video – I’d love to buy the Landrover which was following also appearing to do 137mph! Strange how the other shot shows a bike doing what appears to be a sensible speed for the corner but is apparently doing 79 mph! Having just been “NIP’ed” for doing “48 mph” in a 40 limit when the van was a plain as day and I was fully aware of it as I rode past at an indicated 40mph...

Dealers to focus on Yamaha accessories

Dealers to focus on Yamaha accessories

Yamaha has introduced dedicated clothing and accessory centres at 13 dealerships throughout the UK, in response to feedback from customers stating they would like to try before they buy. The...

MCN Daily 16/04/08: Your daily video motorcycle news

In episode 86 of the MCN Daily motorcycle news show police hunt a 150mph biker, MCN’s Deputy Editor Ped Baker is back from Morocco where he was trying out Yamaha’s new XT660Z Tenere, and James Toseland has silenced his critics.  Subscribe to this podcast with RSS  Subscribe with iTunes Check out the video below to catch up with all the news in just three minutes then email us here to let us know...

BMW officially unveils World Superbike contender

BMW officially unveils World Superbike contender

These are the first official pictures of BMW’s 2009 World Superbike (WSBK) contender, which was unveiled to a select group of journalists in Germany this morning. The motorcycle is named the S1000RR,...

All the top motorcycles ridden and rated

All the top motorcycles ridden and rated

If you’re looking for a new motorcycle, or merely just want to find out what’s currently hot, don’t miss the massive  2008 Ridden & Rated supplement in association with Bennetts Insurance, free with...

Motorcycle to celebrate 70 years of Ace Cafe

Motorcycle to celebrate 70 years of Ace Cafe

Ace Cafe owner Mark Wilsmore has teamed up with leading custom motorcycle builder Nick Gale to rebuild 100 motorcycles to mark the 70th anniversary of the venue this year. The Ace Cafe Racers will be...

Video: Roger Allmond custom Triumph Rocket III

Short, low and sexy aren’t words anyone would associate with Triumph’s Rocket III but one off bike builder has managed it with this stunning Rocket powered machine. Commisioned by Bennets Insurance, the unnamed bike has six months of toil behind it with only the engine, fuel injection, wiring and shaft drive left from the original Rocket. Watch the video above to see the bike close-up and read the...

Video: Murry Walker talks books and bikes

Murry Walker might be best known for his commentary on Formula One racing, but his first love is motorcycling. MCN’s news reporter Michael Carroll travelled to interview him about his latest book. Watch the video below to see Murray’s opinions on his book, anti-motorcycle legislation and British riders in MotoGP.

Speeding YouTube rider hits the headlines

Speeding YouTube rider hits the headlines

A Honda CBR600F rider has caused uproar in the general press after posting a video on YouTube that shows the bike hitting close to 150mph on a dual carriageway in West Sussex. The nine-minute long...

The lousy copper

Just passing on a quick note from another fed up copper (yes, I’m one too) He sent me this e-mail and asked me to send it out so this is what I’m doing…… Well, Mr Public, it seems you’ve figured me out. I’m standardidized, stereotyped, grouped and always typical. Strange as I can never figure you out. From birth you teach your children that I’ll do horrible things to them then are shcked when...

Picture special: Budget Yamaha Tenere gives a taste of adventure

Picture special: Budget Yamaha Tenere gives a taste of adventure

Yamaha’s XT660Z Tenere is aimed at riders who dream of adventuring to the end of the Tarmac and beyond. With long travel suspension, a huge 250 mile tank range and practical ‘crash resistant’ panels...

MCN Daily 15/04/08: Your daily video motorcycle news

In episode 85 of the MCN Daily motorcycle news show MCN slings a leg over Kawasaki’s Ninja250R, Knox unveils its most advanced back-protector ever, and Jorge Lorenzo goes under the surgeon’s knife.  Subscribe to this podcast with RSS  Subscribe with iTunes Check out the video below to catch up with all the news in just three minutes then email us here to let us know what you think of the new...

World Exclusive: Roger Allmond’s finished Rocket III-powered one-off

World Exclusive: Roger Allmond’s finished Rocket III-powered one-off

This is the world exclusive first photo shoot for what could be the most stunning custom motorcycle of the year – Roger Allmond’s Triumph Rocket III. See the motorcycle close up in our...

New Knox Aegis back protector

New Knox Aegis back protector

Protection specialist Knox is set to release their most technically advanced back protector yet, the Knox Aegis. Statistics show that 25% of critical motorcycle accidents affect the spine, but still a...

First impressions: Kawasaki Ninja 250R launch

First impressions: Kawasaki Ninja 250R launch

MCN Chief Road Tester Trevor Franklin is in Barcelona to get a first taste of the sauciest 250 sports bike in years, the Euro-spec, fuel-injected Kawasaki 250R Ninja. Here’s what he’s found out so...

Kawasaki prepares to update websites

Kawasaki prepares to update websites

Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki is set to re-launch its European websites to make them easier to use. An updated user-interface is set to debut on April 18 in 17 countries throughout Europe. Kawasaki...

MCN Daily 14/04/08: Your daily video motorcycle news

In episode 84 of the MCN Daily motorcycle news show MCN’s editor, Marc Potter has been in Italy checking out Honda’s new CB1000R, we start the countdown to MCN Live at Butlins and Jorge Lorenzo is in heaven after his maiden win in Portugal.  Subscribe to this podcast with RSS  Subscribe with iTunes Check out the video below to catch up with all the news in just three minutes then email us here...

Third Harley Davidson dealer for Eire due in June

Third Harley Davidson dealer for Eire due in June

Harley Davidson’s motorcycles have proven so popular in the Republic of Ireland that a third dealership is set to open within the space of a year of the firm first opening its doors in the...

Cumbria Constabulary uses napkins for bike safety campaign

Cumbria Constabulary uses napkins for bike safety campaign

Motorcycle meeting spot Devils Bridge was the location for the launch of a safety initiative targeted at motorcyclists, by Cumbrian police yesterday. The force is looking to cut the number of...

Sneaky Plod

Sneaky Plod

Here is Derbyshire Plod’s new secret weapon – photographed while I had a fag break on the Via Gellia. Actually that was just an excuse to get up close. Now, this looks like a blue Vauxhall Movano...

Nate Adams awarded Knievel prize

Nate Adams awarded Knievel prize

Freestyle motocross rider Nate Adams scooped up the first Evel Knievel Most Outstanding Rider award at the inaugural Navy Moto X World Championships, which were held April 12 and 13. The motocross...

Richard Hammond “nagged” back to consciousness

Richard Hammond “nagged” back to consciousness

Top Gear presenter and former MCN columnist Richard Hammond believes he was brought back to consciousness by his wife’s nagging. Richard Hammond takes to road on custom Harley Davidson Mindy...

Air-powered scooter leaves city centres cleaner

Air-powered scooter leaves city centres cleaner

An inventor has created what he claims is the world’s first motorcycle powered by fresh air. Jem Stansfield says his converted Puch moped produces cleaner air than found in many town and city centres...

‘Valentino Rossi’ captured by traffic light camera

‘Valentino Rossi’ captured by traffic light camera

Valentino Rossi has been ticketed for running a red light in his car. The Rossi in question is a rider from England, who changed his name by Deed Poll after becoming frustrated with the number of...

Kawasaki reveal price of Ninja 250R

Kawasaki reveal price of Ninja 250R

Kawasaki has revealed that its Ninja 250R will cost £3299 on-the-road when it goes on sale late April. MCN reveal first pictures of the Ninja 250R The 249cc parallel twin is designed to round-out...

Ride in Peace Wayne

Ride in Peace Wayne On a sad note, I would like to pay tribute to a man I have only known for a few short months. Wayne Carpenter was a man amongst men and a biker amongst bikers. As evidenced by the number of people that admired, loved and respected him. We lost Wayne, last Thursday, 10th April, due to a traffic accident, in which he was the innocent victim. Thank goodness his good friend,...

Emma - dreaming of her first motorbike

Emma - dreaming of her first motorbike

My eight-week-old daughter Emma day dreaming about riding her first bike!

First test: Honda CB1000R is the bike to beat

First test: Honda CB1000R is the bike to beat

MCN Editor Marc Potter has just ridden Honda’s new naked CB1000R on the banks of Lake Como in Italy and to say he is impressed would be putting it mildly. He said: “The engine is an absolute peach.

Unsafe Safety Van - AD53 ETF

On 11 April I was following a Norfolk “Safety” Camera Van From Heathersett into Norwich (and yes he did exceed the 50 mph limit on the down hill bit of road leaving Heathersett). We then got into a traffic jam outside the University of East Anglia and as students were crossing between the stationary traffic, I didn’t filter through. A girl walked past the Camera Van rubbing her arm whilst staring...

Bike Upgrade After Crash

Having spent my £3000 on a brand new ER-5 (I know most people dont like them but it suits me) some kind man pulled off a red route and across the traffic in front of me and I hit him in the side at about 10 mph. This wrote off my bike whilst he carries on driving his mini cab around. The insurance company will only pay the market value of the bike, but, as the new emission law does not allow...