January

ZX-10R vs Blade vs GSX-R1000

28 January 2004

We’re conducting the first full group test of this year’s leading superbikes over the next few days. We’ve got the bikes, we’ve got the riders and we’ve got all the measuring equipment set up. Now all...

World first test: GSX-R600

21 January 2004

We’ve been at the world first test of the all-new GSX-R600 over the weekend at the Misano circuit in Italy. MCN’s Michael Neeves rode the new sports 600 on Saturday and Sunday for a full first test...

First test: CBR125R makes a great start

21 January 2004

Honda’s all-new CBR125R could make the ideal beginner’s sports bike. It’s going to cost just £2349 otr, and has a low seat height to make it extremely user-friendly at low speeds. MCN’s Matt Wildee...

First pictures of all-new GS

07 January 2004

These are the first official pictures of the all-new BMW R1200GS. The bike is claimed to be the lightest and fastest incarnation of the imposing off-roader, with a new 1170cc Boxer engine. And MCN is...

It's a family thing

07 January 2004

SUZUKI’S new GSX-R600 shares more than just looks with the all new GSX-R750. Both bikes have a wealth of race-derived technical updates. The only immediate visible difference between the new bikes is...

Suzuki bucks the trend

07 January 2004

Following the demise of the Kawasaki ZX-7R earlier this year, the GSX-R750 stands out as the only mass-produced Japanese 750cc sports bike on the market. SUZUKI is ignoring talk that the 750 class is...

Z750 dominates naked middleweights

07 January 2004

YOU could be forgiven for thinking that Kawasaki’s new naked 750cc roadster is destined to occupy a class of its own, but Kawasaki has set its sights squarely on the hotly-contested middleweight...

Kawasaki bounces back

07 January 2004

KAWASAKI’S ZX-10R is the most eagerly awaited superbike in an age. With 181bhp, a 170kg dry weight and chassis dimensions to rival the best 600s, not since the GSX-R1000 arrived have so many expected...

Smaller Z looks like big value

07 January 2004

YOU could be forgiven for thinking that Kawasaki’s new naked 750cc roadster is destined to occupy a class of its own, but Kawasaki has set its sights squarely on the hotly-contested middleweight...

Gixer fights for its crown

07 January 2004

The GSX-R1000K4 was the first of the 2004 superbikes to arrive in the UK and it’s ready to defend its mantle of ‘best 1000cc sports bike’ against scorching new tackle from Honda, Yamaha and...

Aprilia's VIP package

07 January 2004

THE Aprilia Nera is the first machine in what the factory is calling its new ” Dream Series ” – not least because a dream is all it is ever likely to remain for all but the obscenely wealthy. At...

Aprilia builds a worthy replacement

07 January 2004

Aprilia has reworked and repackaged its stylish RSV Mille V-twin to produce a devastating evolution of the 1000cc superbike that goes every bit as well as it looks. The bike is new from the ground up...

Dreamers need not apply

07 January 2004

THE Aprilia Nera is the first machine in what the factory is calling its new ” Dream Series ” – not least because a dream is all it is ever likely to remain for all but the obscenely wealthy. At...

749 moves to an all new level

07 January 2004

DUCATI is taking the racing success of it’s all-new £11,000 749R so seriously it has developed a new engine to allow it to take on the best the Japanese can offer. What was initially thought to be a...

The one to beat

07 January 2004

The GSX-R1000K4 is the first of the 2004 superbikes to arrive in the UK and it’s ready to defend its mantle of ‘best 1000cc sports bike’ against scorching new tackle from Honda, Yamaha and...

The R1 is up for the challenge

07 January 2004

Y AMAHA has raced past the magical 1bhp per kilogram milestone with its all-new 180bhp, 172kg R1 superbike. Those slanting foxeye lights may give it a passing family resemblance to past R-series...

RSV Mille R first ride

07 January 2004

Aprilia has reworked and repackaged its stylish RSV Mille V-twin to produce a devastating evolution of the 1000cc superbike that goes every bit as well as it looks – as our world exclusive first ride...

SPECIFICATION

01 January 2004

List price £4749 otr Availability Now, Piaggio UK, 0800-203010 Colours Red, Silver Engine Liquid-cooled, 460cc (92mm x 69mm) 4v SOHC four-stroke Single cylinder. Fuel injection. Automatic transmission Chassis Double cradle Front suspension 41mm Kayaba telehydraulic forks Rear suspension Single rear shock with progressive Power Drive linkage, adjustments for pre-load. Tyres 120/70 x 15 front,...