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New boss for Harley

08 December 2004

New boss for Harley

Harley chief Jeffrey L Bleustein has decided to retire next year, on April 30, 2005. The 65-year-old will remain as Chairman of the Board of Directors, and his successor as Chief Executive Officer...

Bargain learner bikes

08 December 2004

Bargain learner bikes

Honda’s CBR125R is currently the second highest selling bike in the UK with only the Yamaha R1 beating it. But – as a new rider – if you can’t stretch to a new one for £2500, what are your 125cc...

Toseland aids lock idea

08 December 2004

Toseland aids lock idea

World Superbike champion James Toseland will officially launch a new security scheme at the MCN London Motorcycle Show in February. Lock-2-Lock is the brainchild of London bikers Mike Sladden and Ian...

Had a theft ignored?

08 December 2004

Had a theft ignored?

If you have been an unfortunate victim of a bike theft, and have been ignored by the police, then MCN would like to hear from you. We’re compiling an investigation into how the police handle bike...

Honda builds new giant

08 December 2004

Honda builds new giant

Honda has started construction work on a new bike factory which will produce half as many bikes in a year as there are bike owners in the UK. The joint venture with the Guangzhou Motors Group Company...

Star Jolie buys own MV

08 December 2004

Star Jolie buys own MV

Screen siren Angelina Jolie is now the proud owner of an MV Agusta Brutale. And unlike so many celebs – she’s bought and paid for it herself – the whole £10,500. Jolie, who lives in the UK, appears...

2005 Bandit: First test

01 December 2004

2005 Bandit: First test

MCN road tester Adam Child has just got back from the first test of the new 650cc Suzuki Bandit and reckons it will make a great first bike. Despite the 50cc rise in capacity the new Bandit gets no...

MGS-01 going fast

01 December 2004

MGS-01 going fast

If you want to be one of the five people in the UK to own one of Moto Guzzi’s exclusiv MGS-01 Corsa track bikes then you’d better move fast. Five of the bikes will be delivered to the UK next week...

Bargain naked bikes

01 December 2004

Bargain naked bikes

With Honda announcing a new Hornet 600 for 2005 and Suzuki’s move to a 650cc Bandit there will be plenty of people looking to upgrade to the new bikes making it a great time to pick up a bargain 600. ...

C-charge boost for bikes

01 December 2004

C-charge boost for bikes

Bikes are set to get another Mayor-backed boost in London with plans to raise the Congestion Charge for car drivers by 60%. Bikes are exempt from the current £5 charge and Mayor Ken Livingstone is...

Shows: Dec 8 on

01 December 2004

Each week we publish a list of SHOWS, RALLIES, EXHIBITIONS and AUCTIONS. These are those for the week commencing December 1, 2004 EXHIBITIONS WEDNESDAY December 8 Sammy Miller Museum, Bashley Manor, New Milton, Hampshire. 10am-4.30pm, open every day. Adults 4.50, children 2 01425-620777 or 01425-616446. WEDNESDAY December 15 Sammy Miller Museum, Bashley Manor, New Milton, Hampshire. 10am-4.30pm,...

Set Santa record Dec 19

01 December 2004

Set Santa record Dec 19

The attempt on the record for the largest number of Santas on bikes has changed date and venue. And you now only need to commit to raising £20 as minimum sponsorship. So far around 2000 riders have...

4000-strong toy run

01 December 2004

4000-strong toy run

More than 4000 riders are expected to converge on Barnardo’s High Close School in Wokingham on Sunday, each bearing a gift for the children there. The Reading Toy Run it is organised by a teacher at...

Backlash over new Bill

01 December 2004

Backlash over new Bill

Road user campaign group the Association of British Drivers reckons the new Road Safety Bill just shows the Government is bereft of ideas. “Road death numbers have failed to improve significantly in...

Rennie leaps 162ft

01 December 2004

Rennie leaps 162ft

Jason Rennie set a new world indoor record when he leaped 162ft on his Honda CRF450 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday night (Dec 4). And just in case anyone in the audience for the...

Bike Meets: Dec 1 on

01 December 2004

Each week we publish a list of BIKE MEETS on in the UK. Those listed here are for the week commencing December 1, 2004. WEDNESDAY December 1 Breidden Tea Room, Welshpool, Powys. 6pm. 01938-570053. Bulls Head, Clotton, Cheshire. 01829-781354. Bulls Head, Trinkingstone, Leicestershire. 01530-224327. Coach House Inn, Kirkby Mallory, Leicestershire. 01455-840330 or...

Bike test for all drivers?

01 December 2004

Bike test for all drivers?

Every new driver in Britain should be forced to do the CBT for bikes before being handed their licence. That’s what Transport Secretary Alistair Darling and DSA boss Stephen Hickey have been told in...

05 Hornet 600 unveiled

01 December 2004

05 Hornet 600 unveiled

Honda unveiled a new-for-2005 Hornet in Italy on Wednesday night (December 1). It now has upside-down forks – the only machine in the naked 600cc class to have them. They’re adjustable for preload. ...

New MCN - out Dec 8

01 December 2004

New MCN - out Dec 8

The latest issue of MCN reaches newsagents on December 8, and if you don’t get a copy, you’ll miss: World’s first ride of the Kawasaki ZX-6 World’s first test of the Suzuki Bandit 600 Old vs New: 2001...

Bill makes riding safer

01 December 2004

Bill makes riding safer

The latest road safety plans announced by the Government should help the police crack down on dangerous drivers making the roads a much safer place for motorcyclists. But they also include plans to...

Trackdays: Dec 8 on

01 December 2004

Each week we publish a list TRACKDAYS, RIDING SCHOOLS and MINI MOTO. Those listed below are for the week commencing December 8, 2004. TRACK DAYS SUNDAY December 12 Focused Events Track Day, Brands Hatch Indy, Kent. 01903-744011 or www.focusedevents.com. RIDING SCHOOLS WEDNESDAY December 8 Windy Corner Off-Road Experience, Barwell, Leicestershire. 01455-842922 or www.windycorner.co.uk. SUNDAY...

Off Road: Dec 8 on

01 December 2004

Each week we publish a list of off road events held in the UK. They include SPEEDWAY, MOTOCROSS, SUPERCROSS, TRIALS and SUPERMOTO events. These are those for the week starting December 1 on, 2004. MOTOCROSS SUNDAY December 12 Moredon MXC, Devizes, Wiltshire. 01454-883569. Wilden MXC, Kidderminster, Worcestershire. 0121-520-4261. Matchams MX, Matchams Park, nr Ringwood, Hampshire.

First test: 05 ZX-6R

01 December 2004

First test: 05 ZX-6R

MCN Road tester Trevor Franklin has just stepped off the 2005 Kawasaki ZX-6R with a big grin on his face and he got straight on the phone from the world launch in Almeria, Spain, to tell us all about...

National Museum opens

01 December 2004

National Museum opens

The National Motorcycle Museum re-opened for to the public today, Wednesday December 1, a stunning 13 months after it was gutted by fire. Around 380 machines were damaged as the fire swept through...

New Italian V-twins

01 December 2004

New Italian V-twins

MotoMorini has used the Bologna Motorshow to officially launch its long awaited new bikes. The 9 ½ and the Corsaro 1200 have been on the cards since the company relaunched a year ago but this is the...

New Diesel spills forum

01 December 2004

New Diesel spills forum

Spotted a diesel spill? Alert the biggest possible audience of fellow riders as quickly as possible by posting on our newly-created Diesel Watch forum. We’ve already set-up a Theft Watch forum for...

Off Road: Dec 1 on

01 December 2004

Each week we publish a list of off road events held in the UK. They include SPEEDWAY, MOTOCROSS, SUPERCROSS, TRIALS and SUPERMOTO events. These are those for the week starting December 1 on, 2004. MOTOCROSS SUNDAY December 5 East Kent SSC, Lamberhurst, Kent. 07969-458863. Mid Wilts SMXC, Westonbirt, Gloucestershire. 01666-840551. Llanthorny Castle, Bettws Newydd, Monmouthshire.

In case you missed it...

01 December 2004

In case you missed it...

Due to a printers’ mistake, some of the December 1 editions of MCN contained the wrong pages 54 and 55 (the MCN LIve! section containing the MCN Sofa Tour, We Ride Your Rideout and I Need Answers).

Bonkers bike-balancing

01 December 2004

Bonkers bike-balancing

Strongman John Evans has balanced a 115kg Honda CBR125RR on his head to raise money for the BBC Children in Need appeal and claim a new World Record. Evans already holds more than 30 world records...

Doc's cure for biking ills

24 November 2004

Doc's cure for biking ills

BMF boss Leon Mannings is now Dr Mannings – with a PhD in Transport Policy. Dr Mannings thought that if he wanted to be taken seriously by Government, his new qualification would prove that he knew...

Join a Christmas toy run

24 November 2004

Join a Christmas toy run

Spread a little joy this Christmas by taking part in a charity or toy run. If you’re anywhere close to Shropshire the Elliot Bissell Charity Christmas Motorcycle Run gives you a great excuse to get...

New MCN - out Dec 1

24 November 2004

New MCN - out Dec 1

Start your December off in style with Wednesday’s all-new MCN. Miss it and you’ll miss out on: 10 great new sections World first test of the 05 CBR600RR First pictures of the 05 Honda Hornet Two new...

Speed limits could fall

24 November 2004

Speed limits could fall

If Government plans to change the way speed limits are assessed get the go ahead, maximum speed limits could be reduced across the country leaving more and more riders at rise from prosecution for...

Spot distracted drivers

24 November 2004

Spot distracted drivers

One in ten drivers have ended up in a car accident due to focusing too intently on the behaviour of bad drivers, according to Privilege Insurance. A survey by the firm showed 44 per cent of drivers...

Dirt rider kicks off

24 November 2004

Dirt rider kicks off

The Dirt Rider Expo kicked off yesterday with even more manufacturers and even more stars attracting riders to the Stoneleigh Park show, near Coventry. There is enough to keep anyone happy for hours...

Rideouts: Nov 24 on

24 November 2004

Each week we publish a list of RIDEOUTS being held across the UK. If you’d like to organise one, or check for the latest ones being arranged, take at a look at our Rideouts forum. Click here WEDNESDAY November 24 IN-4 (KTM) tracks and trails. 01270-768562. The Plough, Swinderby, Lincolnshire. 7pm. 01522-881736. THURSDAY November 25 IN-4 (KTM) tracks and trails. 01270-768562. Rochdale Road Runners...