Road tests and reviews

Some fantastic road tests and first impressions from a diverse group of riders. We're interested to hear what you think about any bike, big or small, that you own or have road-tested.

Norton 961SP Commando

Norton Commando 961SP – Class on Two Wheels

A couple of years I tagged along to a factory tour of the Norton facility at Castle Donnington with a bunch of proper bikers and whilst it was interesting, there was definitely a massive feeling of “cottage industry” going on. Whilst the other older gents on the tour were happily swallowing the “it’s all being Continue reading

Ducati 950 Multistrada 2021

Ducati 950 Multistrada – V Twin Virgin, Love or Hate?

Let’s get this out there, my biking preference has been for Yamaha’s offerings: FS1E, XT125, RD200, RD250, RD350LC, XJ650, a certain YZF600R, FZS600, FZ6 Fazer, FZ8 Fazer and most recently a MT09 Tracer. So how on earth did I end up on the 2021 Ducati 950s Multistrada? I Have Been Assimilated! Well the seed was Continue reading

Ducati 1260 Multistrada – is it a Better Bet Than the V4?

I developed a liking for V-twins when I test rode (on a whim) a 2019 KTM Superduke. I grinned and giggled during the test ride because the thing was mad. At the end of the test ride I had put a deposit down! I had that bike for a couple of years and mostly loved Continue reading

Yamaha Tracer 9GT – Love Story

I’m going to start this review of my 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT with this statement…I love this bike.  I really do.  It fits and flatters my riding style to a tee.  When I get on it after a winter layup it feels like I’ve come home.  That Yamaha CP3 engine is near perfection as Continue reading

Honda VF500FII – The Svelte Superbike

Editor Introduction: Back in mid 1980’s I rode a Yamaha RD350YPVS. At the time it was the weapon of choice for the young lunatic on budget. But there were alternatives. Most were air-cooled, 4-stroke 550s as typified by the Kawasaki GPz550. A good, swift bike, but no YPVS. Honda had tried to get in on Continue reading

Suzuki GSX8S – Top of the Twins?

Recently I found myself in the market for replacement steed and my category of choice was a new middleweight street bike. After months of research and looking at various models I settled on the new Honda CB750 Hornet. I’d had a test ride and absolutely loved it. Anyway, I visited my local dealer (C J Continue reading

Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello 02 R

Moto Guzzi V100 Mondello – A New Dawn for Guzzi?

Recently I was lucky enough to have an hour long test ride today on a base specification Moto Guzzi  V100 Mandello. It looked great in white with gold wheels. It’s a handsome beast in my opinion For once this ‘summer’ the weather was playing ball: Dry and cool at 15c with a high overcast cloud Continue reading

Ducati Multistrada V4S – Adventurous Style

Whilst I gently pondered on what to do with my slightly leggy KTM, in proper motorcyclist fashion I started to contemplate the new options. Having previously tried a couple of the Japanese Adventure bike offerings and being less than impressed, I looked a bit closer to home, Europe.  In my head there are certain attributes Continue reading

BSA Gold Star – Singularly Pleasurable

The world of motorcycling has been submerged under a Tsunami of nostalgia for many years now. Arguably as far back as the 1990s and the launch of the first significant ‘retro’ bikes, such as the Kawasaki Zephyr range As the demographic of motorcyclists has collectively aged we seem to have an increasing desire for bikes Continue reading

Honda CB600F Hornet – Ride it Like You Stole it

My name is Rachelle and I have been riding motorbikes for 34 years. When I started riding there weren’t many ladies riding motorbikes or if there was we didn’t know about it because social media wasn’t a thing. I had to play out with the boy’s. Thankfully with the rise of social media lady riders Continue reading