Table of contents for 29 October 2025 in MCN

24-PAGE SPECIAL Celebrating MCN's 70th anniversary, these are the landmark machines that defined our decades BIG TEST Charm offensive Honda's GB350S has been one of the stars of 2026, with thousands of riders adding it to their garages thanks its mix of handsome styling, laid-back attitude and keen price. Now BSA are hitting back with their own single-cylinder 350, in the form of the new Bantam. With more power and a lower price, is it a better bet than the top-selling Honda? MCN road tester Justin brings you the answers. PAGE 31 TOP STORY Three-pronged attack In what's set to be a bumper year for new Triumphs, the Hinckley firm reveal yet another new 2026 model in the form of the Trident 800. Sitting above the MCN Award-winning Trident 660,…

Britain's motorcycle racing governing body, the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) are taking action against the sale of fake ‘ACU approved’ gold stickers – required on helmets in Britain for both bike racing and trackdays. According to a statement released by the body, over 5000 counterfeit products have already been removed from the market. “This is a serious issue for rider safety,” CEO of the ACU, Matthew Edwards-Wear said. “Anyone using a helmet with a fake sticker is putting themselves in danger. We're committed to stamping out this fraudulent activity.” ‘This is a serious issue for rider safety’ The legitimate stickers, which bear the words ‘British Motorcycle Sport’ and an ‘ACU Approved’ logo can be found on a wide range of full face helmets. To achieve the standard, helmets undergo independent analysis…

‘Zed ain't dead just yet - or is it?’ When I heard Kawasaki were launching a Z1100 next year, I started to feel a degree of concern. The big-capacity Zed has been a bit of a flop for the firm in recent years and I just can't see the new model succeeding. Let me explain… After shocking with the boldly styled Z1000 in 2003, Kawasaki seemed to lose the plot with the Zed and after a few disastrous updates it eventually morphed into the 2010 model with its all-new 1043cc inline four. Snake-skin seat aside (seriously, it was an option), this bike was forgettable and even when it gained a fairly radical ‘Sugomi’ look and some extra performance in 2014, buyers generally ignored it. Even the introduction of an R…

Rebrand and start again MCN readers have been sending me yet more examples of dubious online sellers of motorcycle clothing making impressive but questionable claims. The latest advert I was shown promoted riding jeans claimed to be ‘fully CE rated’, conforming to EN 17092-3:2020 ‘AA’ classification. An accompanying video had someone saying that jeans saved their skin and added it's illegal to sell riding jeans that aren't fully safety rated in the UK. That's true, and a useful reminder not to buy untested, non-certified kit that may be unsafe (as many products purchased by Trading Standards have proven to be) – but what if the line is meant to lull buyers into a false sense of security? Why would a seller stress this point if their own products don't comply?…

What a year of BSB. On one hand we've had the unbelievable pace of Brad Ray and on the other you've got Kyle who finished every single race. In 1996, BSB was a 22-race championship. I won ten races, Niall Mackenzie won five. I only had two DNFs, one of which was a crash and the other was down to a broken gear lever. Niall finished every race and he beat me to the title… only just. When you're racing against somebody that is fast, doesn't make mistakes and doesn't crash, they are very hard to beat. You also need a bit of luck, because there is no way you can finish 60 consecutive races in the points without it. It's incredible because everyone has a slip up at some…

Q ‘Have I blown my chances?’ I was riding home from work filtering past stop-start traffic when a car unexpectedly came out of a side road and I collided with the front corner. I was in shock but was lucky to not break anything. I wasn't thinking clearly and apologised to the other driver because I perhaps shouldn't have been filtering at that point. My dad says I can still claim compensation from the driver, but I am worried that my apology will count as me admitting the accident was my fault. Can you offer any advice? Harry, email A Don't worry. Admissions of fault made immediately after an accident are not legally binding, so you won't be held to it. When a biker is involved in an accident they…

Send your trips to yourpics@motorcyclenews.com Reader Simon Harrod The ride Lincolnshire to Bergen, Norway How many miles? Around 1400 When to do it Summer Tell us about the trip I love riding by myself; this was my second European trip this summer, and I love the solitude. As you know, the bond you build with a motorcycle on long trips is really something, and the highlight of the trip was the Norwegian wilderness between Kristiansand and Bergen. At one point in Belgium my nav failed, and I took some wrong turns which took me off the motorway network, and into central Brussels. I cursed my bad luck, but then became transfixed by the beauty of the city, the extra hour was well worth it! In order to make serious progress…

THE MCN TEST THE HOTTEST BIKES EVERY WEEK £3699 BSA Bantam 350 334cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4v single 29bhp @ 7750rpm 185kg kerb weight (tested, fully fuelled 192kg) £3999 Honda GB350S 348cc air-cooled SOHC 2v single 21bhp @ 5500rpm 178kg kerb weight (tested, fully fuelled 179kg) Small-capacity singles have seen something of a resurgence of late – their easy-going appeal striking a chord right across the biking board. From new A2 licence holders wanting something to cut their teeth on, to more mature riders who are either looking to downsize or make a return to motorcycling, and even those in the middle just wanting something that's less hassle than their big adventure bike for everyday use – the 350cc class hits a real sweet spot. Honda's GB350S slipped quietly onto the…

‘Infectiously impeccable' The Bantam's zestier performance is hard to ignore, but what this boils down to is what you get for your money and the psychology behind the way each bike makes you feel. While the BSA encourages you to squeeze it for all its worth, the Honda's infectiously impeccable manners draw you into dialling back and going with the flow. It's a real feel-good machine, built to such a high standard that I'm left scratching my head as to how they can afford to sell it for less than four grand. The Bantam isn't bad, but it doesn't have the attention to detail, nor the unique character, of the GB. Honda's six-year warranty, compared with BSA's three, speaks volumes, and if the £300 premium on the price is a…

‘This is the Pan I'd buy’ On face value, the ST is an oddball street version of an already ‘leftfield’ adventure bike that's been inspired by a bonkers US race series. In reality, it all comes together to be, in my view, one of the best all-round street sportsters you can buy – and I don't say that lightly. It's not perfect. Those looks are an acquired taste, even in saucier ST trim, and the screen's a bit low… but that's about it. Overall, it works well and is the version of the Pan America I'd be likeliest to buy – I just don't want to race one. THE FACTS £17,345 Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ST…

‘Ducati's sole aim was creating the most potent superbike ever built for the road’ The 1199 Superleggera is one seriously special machine, from a brand that aren't shy about crafting some of the most exclusive, and indeed exotic motorcycles the world has ever seen. In fact, a huge part of Ducati's charm comes from the volume of limited-edition machines and homologation specials that have left the gates of Bologna over the years, which have pushed the limits of engineering and performance while still retaining a number plate and a set of lights. And the Superleggera range, starting with the 1199 Superleggera, pushed the limits further than ever. Ducati weren't lying when they stated that they were building something special; in fact, at the time of its release in 2014, the…

RATINGS Exceptional Very good Good Average Poor Oxford Alpha XA14 alarm disc lock £89.99 Ease of use assessed Design, construction and peace of mind rated Tested for between six months and more than two years 18 months ON TEST ‘Scuffed but still going strong’ Tested by Dan Sutherland for 18 months I use this Oxford Alpha XA14 alarmed disc lock every day. It sits on the discs of bikes in my garage overnight and slips into the front pocket of any of my rucksacks to then be applied wherever I stop – be that the office, a bike meet, the local café, or even the supermarket. As you can see from the photos, it's had a hard life – it's been subjected to around 18 months of use in all…

Testing is the first chance for riders to get to know the most important person in their garage – their crew chief. And for 2026 there are a plethora of changes. Giulio Nava moves from Aruba Ducati after a total of nine seasons working with Alvaro Bautista in MotoGP and World Superbikes. He has joined Yamaha to work with Andrea Locatelli, who last week was accompanied by Uri Pallares following the Jonathan Rea's departure. Tom O'Kane, formerly Locatelli's crew chief, has already begun working with new Yamaha recruit, Xavi Vierge. Filling the void at Ducati to work with Iker Lecuona is Andrea Oleari, who has moved across from GRT Yamaha having initially worked with Dominique Aegerter prior to a reshuffle in May. Working with Bautista at Barni Ducati will be…

Paddock veteran delivers his Sepang verdict If there was any doubt that Pedro Acosta is KTM's most valuable asset in conquering MotoGP it was erased with an imposing performance at Sepang. Acosta's inventive race strategy – which saw him tell his crew to turn off the electronics – and a growing maturity after a refreshingly candid self-analysis focusing on his mental approach has weaponised his raw talent. While a career first MotoGP race win is yet to flow, Acosta's sublime second place in the Malaysian GP highlighted his brazen obsession with winning. And that KTM face a costly contest to retain his services for 2027 if they do not support him with a more creative technical development programme. With three second place GP results in the seven races since Hungary,…

‘Pecco doesn't make sense’ I honestly don't know whether Bagnaia is just winding us up. He's lost the championship, he's lost second place but his results over the last few rounds don't make sense. He's literally gone from last to first to last to first with a load of crashes in between. Even the way he crashes is weird, he just nonchalantly walks away. He doesn't show any emotion whereas when someone like Miller crashes they are fuming. He's also winning Sprint races which he's never really done, even when he was world champion – it was all about the Sunday race. He's got everyone scratching their heads. What Alex did is seriously impressive. I always think about his dad. Imagine waking up on Monday morning knowing that your two…

After two worst-ever races in Indonesia and Australia, Pecco Bagnaia bounced back in Malaysia with pole and a dauntingly dominant lights-to-flag Sprint win – a victory as good as any in his championship years. He thanked going through Q1 for the giving him chance to try yet more different settings for his erratic Ducati GP25. Sunday was still impressive: a secure third. Until, with three laps to go, he slowed and retired. Hero to zero, thanks to a puncture, blamed on sharp-edged carbon debris left on the track. Worse still, Marco Bezzecchi was only 11th – still enough to leapfrog Pecco for third overall. Poor Pecco just can't catch a break right now.…

Norton's Commando was not only the last great British parallel twin at the end of an era when UK twins ruled world motorcycling - it was also the best. In terms of tech, when launched in 1967 with its Isolastic frame, it was arguably the last great advance for the British twin format. Then, in its latter years, as the 850 MkIII, it was also the most advanced with its larger engine, electric start, disc brakes and more. In terms of racing, although handicapped by initially being a mere 58bhp twin against the rising hordes of triples and fours, it had its fair share of success, most notably as the John Player monocoque racer developed by Peter Williams which won both the 1973 Formula 750 TT and British 750 championship.…

‘Fun and fragrant miles' I handed Trevor's LC back with extreme reluctance, after 200 fun and fragrant miles. The smell of Motul 710 smoke is still in my jeans after a wash… Everything that has ever been said about an LC remains true today. If anything, the Yamaha feels even more relevant now: we live in a world that's increasingly focused on being convenient, safe, economical in every respect. So to get on a bike with little in the way of convenience and nothing in the way of safety aids, but built solely to make you grin hard enough to be sectioned is a real treat. It's immersive, occasionally irresponsible, representing the peak of two-stroke road bike hooning: the race-rep boom changed the face of the smokers, and for all…

‘A hero well worth meeting’ I'll admit, my own Ducati (as well as that of MCN contributor Jon Urry) spends too much time in the garage: jobs, kids and test bikes queue in front demanding our attention first… But despite that, the 916 (and its derivatives) rarely need to work hard to justify their owner's affections. Jon's bike spent a period of enforced inactivity in the house (don't start a bike indoors – it took weeks to get the smell of rich-fuelled exhaust out! – JU), and the simple joy of staring at it over a slice of toast was enough for a while. At times, I've questioned why I keep a bike of such limited use: peeling the cover back for maintenance (or just a look) soon quashes the…

The standout feature of the first S1000RR was not just its heady 190bhp power claims, but the fact it was proven to be true (and then some). When we first got it on our independent dyno it produced a whopping 183.1bhp at the rear wheel, where its Japanese rivals all made around 160bhp or thereabouts. It had more peak torque, too. We performance tested them, too, with the BMW coming out top in braking performance, standing quarter-mile speed and top gear roll on… despite conditions being wet for it (and the Fireblade) and not for the others……

The Ténéré 700 was unusual not just for being an adventure twin developed from a road bike but also for being repeatedly unveiled in advance as a prototype, the T7. “At Yamaha we feel that the adventure motorcycle trend of recent years – ever-growing engine size, power, weight – is not representative of the whole spectrum of customers,” said Guglielmo Fontana-Rava, of Yamaha's product planning division in Italy about the Ténéré 700 at its release. “Accessibility should be swift and complicated electronic systems are more of a worry than a solution.”…

WELCOME Jon Urry, MCN's PCP guru It might not feel like it, but it's the perfect time to treat yourself to a new bike. Yes, the temperature is dropping, and salty roads are looming – but now is the time when manufacturers and dealers get nervous about shifting bikes, and have new models waiting in the wings. It's time to do a deal. And to get you started, we've got a selection of hot deals to tempt you into your local dealer for a test ride. Most of the deals are on PCP, but we also have some HP gems, and some cracking manufacturer contributions to bling your new ride – or riding wardrobe – to the max. The overall outlay is less with PCP, just as long as you…

GET PROTECTED AT MCNCOMPARE.COM Get retro royalty with a Royal Enfield Classic 650 £6649 | 648cc | 243kg (kerb) | 46.4bhp | 800mm seat height When it comes to making the most of their rich heritage, you have to hand it to Royal Enfield because when they produce a model that is designed to evoke memories of yesteryear, they absolutely nail the brief. And the company's beautiful Classic 650 is no exception. Released last year, the Classic 650 takes their hugely popular air-cooled parallel-twin as the starting point and after giving it a new tune to capitalise on its low-end grunt and refining its gear change action, it is housed in a sporty frame with a relaxed riding stance and deeply padded seat. The result is an old-school charmer that…

Triumph have plans to reveal 29 new or updated models over the next six months – making it the Hinckley marque's biggest launch programme to date. The roll-out follows a record sales year during which the company delivered 141,683 bikes worldwide between July 2024 and June 2025 – a 136% sales increase since 2019. The new model announcements began on October 21 with a seven-bike shake-up of the Bonneville retro family – including a heavily updated Scrambler 900 platform and tweaks to both the T120 and T100 range. See last week's MCN for the Bonneville range. As part of the announcement, Triumph have also included a further seven machines seen in recent weeks – including the new TXP electric youth bike range produced alongside OSET, and the TF 450-X motocross…

Last weekend, the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull, Birmingham, opened its doors to the biking public for free for a weekend filled to the brim with two-wheeled delights. Along with free entry to the museum, visitors experienced a whole host of trade stands including a meet and greet with the stars of The Motorbike Show: Henry Cole, Guy ‘Skid’ Willison and MCN columnist Allen Millyard. Honda TT stars Dean Harrison, and John McGuinness were also in attendance, along with Watsonian Sidecars, Sealey tools, an autojumble and a whole lot more. MCN Editor Emma Franklin and Senior Content Creator Saffron Wilson took part and chatted with readers and enthusiasts before taking to the stage twice with Rachael Clegg and Jenny Tinmouth to chat biking in front of a packed auditorium. ‘We…

Oxford Delta 1.0 Textile Jacket £74.99 Wallet-friendly deals from a tenner SAVE 35% Percentage discounts on big-ticket items can add up to massive savings. This may represent incredible value, but will still likely mean a big outlay for a premium bit of kit. So this week, we've targeted the opposite end of the spectrum and sniffed out some bargains on gear that was costeffective to begin with. Nothing in this list breaches £75 and prices at the bottom end start at just a tenner! A new jacket can be a serious outlay – especially the kinds of textiles that see you through the wet and cold of winter. This option from Oxford is highly versatile because it features a fixed waterproof membrane and uses a removable thermal liner for warmth.…

Motorcyclists remain Britain's most vulnerable road users, with riders 42 times more likely than car occupants to be killed per mile travelled. Fatalities are climbing too, increasing by eight per cent in 2024 according to the most recent Department for Transport figures. Response times can play a vital role in influencing survivability, and RealRider aims to help by automatically alerting emergency services when a rider is incapacitated. So important is the speed at which help arrives; research in the United States recently found deaths from road traffic collisions (involving all manner of vehicles) were twice as high when emergency response exceeded 12 minutes, compared with times when paramedics arrived on the accident scene in less than seven minutes.…

Well I think that must have been my 20th season working as a commentator and covering British and World Superbikes, which I find incredible. I'm not 100% sure how many years I've been at it because I've lost count. What I do know is that I love it, I love being in the paddock. I'm living the dream and I'm still getting away with it. Now the season has finished I should have a bit more time on my hands, but I always think that, then in reality it's not necessarily the case because I always seem to be busy. This week I've been recording my latest podcast with Jack Burnicle and then the next day I was laying a new floor in my daughter's house as she's just bought…

Send your first bike pics to: yourpics@motorcyclenews.com THE WORLD'S WARMEST BASELAYERR www.zerofit.co.uk John Popplewell on his first big bike a BSA Goldie 1964 – my grandad used to tell him to slow down. Chris My then boyfriend John aged 17 with his first bike, a Yamaha DT175, he's now my husband of 47 years aged 68 and now enjoys riding a BMW R100RT, while I am 66 and ride a Yamaha 1700 V-twin Warrior trike. We both still enjoy riding together. Sarah McCrann My BSA C15, about 1971. I now have a new Triumph Speed 400 as probably my final motorcycle. Tony Farrar In 1979, my first bike was a 1963 Tiger Cub. I now have a Royal Enfield Hunter and a Harley Sportster 883. Linda Chaplin Not my first…

1 October 30 American bike night The world-famous Ace Cafe in the big smoke is hosting an American metal bike night this week. Harley-Davidson and Indian owners will swamp the forecourt in search of a cuppa, banter and a bite to eat too. london.acecafe.com 2 October 29-30 No Limits trackdays It's the last few trackdays of the year this week with No Limits. On Wednesday Oulton Park is open for business from £99 per person, and on Thursday why not get yourself over to Donington Park for £129? www.nolimitstrackdays.com 3 November 1 Rufforth autojumble For just £2 admission, you could grab yourself a bargain at Rufforth Park in York this weekend. It's billed as the north's biggest motorcycle parts buying bonanza, so get stocked up before you shut yourself in…

JOIN THE MCN PIT STOP BREW CREW www.motorcyclenews.com/pit-stop ‘Super Sunday’ RICHIE SALT Falstone Tea Rooms for a turkey dinner then Bonchester, Ettrick bridge road to Glen Cafe, then Megget and Talla reservoirs, Moffat and Langholm and Newcastleton. ‘Above the clouds’ NEIL BARKER This picture was taken en route to the Pitstop Cafe at Kintail in between Invergarry and the Isle of Skye on amazing motorcycle roads. ‘Heck yes’ PHIL BOYES Saturday morning ride for tea and sausage buns at Heck. Topbox stuffed with sausages for the freezer! Open every Saturday morning for drinks and snacks with a factory shop. ‘Confidence boost’ STEVE SUWALI A challenge as I've not done a big European tour for 30+ years. Just completed 3942 miles in three weeks with the motorcycle touring and sportsbikes group…

What made Ducati's 1199 Superleggera so special, was the fact that it didn't really have a rival that came close to it in terms of not only its sheer performance and lack of weight, but also the incredible exclusivity too, with just 500 units on sale globally. At the time, it was BMW's HP4 that sat closest to the 1199 Superleggera, but even that wasn't anywhere near as special, alongside the fact that it weighed in 23kg more, with less power and torque on offer. The 1199 Superleggera sat in a class of one.…

MCN's website has expert opinion and buying advice on hundreds of used bikes, regularly updated and packed with insight. Here are three of the latest – visit motorcyclenews.com for dozens more. 2007-2008 SUZUKI GSX-R1000 Owner's rating The first bike with variable power modes (aside from the Benelli TnT), the K7/8 scores well across the board. It's an underrated litre sportsbike with very few issues to be wary of. 2006-2007 YAMAHA YZF-R6 Owner's rating Debuting ride-by-wire, if you like to scream a supersport bike, the R6 won't disappoint. A stunning bike with race-track handling, it's full-on but that's what attracted owners. 2012-2014 BMW HP4 Owner's rating The first bike to feature semiactive suspension scores 4.4/5 overall. While the ride quality is unquestioned, scoring 5/5, some suffered reliability issues when the bike was…

A sorry-looking Honda CBR600 recently limped into Hashtag Mechanic's workshop in need of some serious TLC – giving the Bedfordshire repair centre a serious job to get it back to its former glory. “It came in with a blown fork seal, brake pads down to the metal, the rear caliper seized, no indicators, and completely bald tyres,” Hashtag owner and founder Ryan Burgin recalled. “To top it off, the chain was at maximum stretch and stiff as wood! “It's in for all of those repairs to get it back to being roadworthy, plus for all new fairings, too,” he explained. The weary supersport was in need of a set of plastics, and though the owner proudly claimed it had “full-service history,” it was apparent from the state of the bike's…

The teams are back in Jerez this week as a Michelin tyre test, closed to the media, takes place for two days. The general idea is for all teams to test a variety of different rubber from the French manufacturer, which becomes the sole WSBK tyre supplier from 2027 following more than two decades with Pirelli. The performance of a motorcycle depends very much on the tyres – the contact between vehicle and ground – so Michelin will be looking to find the best compromise for all teams. The products will not be exactly the same as those in MotoGP, and while offering impressive grip they are not regarded as being as user-friendly as the fast-warming Pirellis most of the grid have been using their entire careers.…

ROUND 20 SEPANG MOTOGP CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS 1 MARQUEZ M 545pts 2 MARQUEZ A 413pts 3 BEZZECCHI 291pts 16 Ogura 79pts 17 Viñales 72pts 18 Miller 68pts 19 Rins 63pts 20 Oliveira 36pts 21 Martin 34pts 22 P Espargaro 23pts 23 Nakagami 10pts 24 Savadori 8pts 25 Fernandez A 8pts 26 Chantra 7pts FINAL POSITIONS MOTOGP 11 Bezzecchi +19.824 12 Zarco +22.234 13 Rins +23.509 14 Miller +25.201 15 Chantra +34.11 16 Savadori +36.115 17 Pirro +43.914 18 Fernadez A +47.06 19 Oliveira +1’17.942 DNF Bagnaia 2 laps, Aldeguer 4 laps, Fernandez R 9 laps, Espargaro 16 laps FINAL POSITIONS SP RACE 11 Espargaro +14.924 12 Ogura +15.394 13 Fernandez R +15.461 14 Miller +17.601 15 Rins +17.721 16 Binder +18.248 17 Chantra +22.398 18 Savadori +22.478 19 Fernandez A +25.412…

Race is on to be 2026 ready Who will be more ready for MotoGP 2026, Ducati or Yamaha? Stupid question, of course, but worth asking nonetheless. Ducati find themselves in a weird position – they have won the 2025 riders, constructors and teams titles but their 2025 Desmosedici is a worse bike than their 2024 Desmosedici. So what should they do for next year, the last season of the 1000s, before the 850s take over in 2027? If they have any sense, their GP26 will be a GP24 with minor refinements. Aprilia may have closed the gap on Ducati, but Marc Marquez on a GP24 would be pretty much impossible to beat. At the same time this would allow Ducati to spend more resources on their 850, giving them the…

‘Hit the mark back then and still impresses today’ Triumph's Bonneville is one of the first truly formative and influential motorcycles, at least in motorcycling as we know it today. Most pre-war (and immediate post-war) machines are either so rudimentary, or such technical dead-ends, that they no longer have a clear connection or lasting resonance with motorcycling today. The Bonneville, in contrast, marks a point where engine and chassis tech started heading in the right direction, and it's arguably one of the first ‘complete’ machines, ticking every box – particularly after 1961. It hit the mark in such a convincing way that it was the yardstick for the next decade and still impresses today – it'll still boogie once you're into the groove with it. The proof, if you require…

‘One final, brilliant big bike' The Honda CB750’s long-term impact often diminishes the credibility of the British industry's final machines and their quality is overlooked… But the archive copies of MCN don't lie: the UK public were almost begrudging in their acceptance of Japanese bikes, and you'd have to think that a credible, next-generation range of Nortons might have fended them off. But that never came: and while the Commando suited the UK, the Japanese bikes did everything the US market needed, so that lucrative market was lost to Honda and Kawasaki earlier, cementing the troubles of Norton-Villiers-Triumph. A real shame: because while the Commando was dated in its way, it was an effective package that still outshone the Japanese on the road and could have responded well to a…

No-one is more associated with 916 racing success than Britain's own Carl Fogarty. In 1992, a Donington WSBK win on his self-funded, privateer 888 earned him a factory Ducati seat for 1993. Hit-and-miss performances stopped him netting a title in ’93, but in 1994, aboard the new 916, he hit a sweet spot that suited his 250-inspired style. ‘Foggy’ won in 1994, again in 1995, then was tempted to Honda for 1996, only to return in ’97 and go on to deliver two more masterclasses in 1998 and 1999, before injury forced his retirement early in the 2000 season.…

Powerhouse bikes weren't expected from BMW until the S1000RR. While the firm's long history of boxer twins had evolved after the 1980s to include the water-cooled K series, F series single and twins and more, a four-cylinder superbike wasn't associated with BMW until the RR in 2010. Its first modern superbike shared similar architecture to established rivals for the most part: a DOHC 16v transverse four, stacked gearbox, a twin-beam aluminium frame, and so on. But the S1000RR shocked everyone with its powerhouse performance and sophisticated rider aids that revolutionised the sector – its monstrous 190bhp, impressive fuel injection and cutting-edge electronics helped every level of rider on road and track. It looked odd, with signature BMW ‘asymmetric’ styling including different headlights and side panel venting on either side. The…

Few motorcycles prove so successful that they inspire not only a whole family, but also help spawn a whole new class. Fewer still with such success start out as ‘just’ an adaptation of an entirely different bike altogether, but the 2019 Ténéré 700 was exactly that. We knew Yamaha's MT-07derived, middleweight adventurer was coming – a ‘T7’ prototype had been teased for years – just not how superb it would be. But when the bike finally arrived in 2019 we were blown away. Not only was its grunty, 72bhp twin perfect for the dual-purpose role, but its bespoke chassis made it a far better off-roader than many expected, while at an initial price of under £10,000, it made you question why you needed anything bigger. The result was such a…

Go further with the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro in 2025 £14,695 | 900cc | 222kg (kerb) | 106.5bhp | 820/840mm seat height The more off-road-focused Tiger 900 has evolved in to an excellent middleweight adventure bike that makes you question if you really need anything bigger. It was given a raft of improvements for 2024, covering everything from the engine to the ergonomics, electronics and even its servicing intervals – and the result is an impressive machine, on and off-road. The engine saw a host of changes that not only improved the power and torque figures, but also made it a more refined package. There's more grunt, that carries all of the way through the rev range which is perfect on road, yet it still feels polished enough in…

Get your jaw dropped by a classy Kawasaki ZX-10RR £25,975 | 998cc | 206kg (kerb) | 200bhp | 835mm seat height With the WSBK team now morphing into Bimota, this is probably your last chance to get such a high-spec Kawasaki homolgation special. The limited-run ZX-10RR superbike will now boasts a Variable Air Intake system (VAI) fitted within the airbox. The tech alters the intake funnel height, regulated by servos, for claimed performance gains across the rev range. When the funnels are raised, the system is bypassed for greater high-rpm performance. The funnels are then lowered at low-mid range rpms so that air can pass through the taller intake funnels. Other features of the race-focused Ninja include finger follower valve actuation, as well as traction control, launch control, optional power…

Langen Motorcycles have confirmed that a production version of their LS12 Lightspeed V-twin muscle cruiser will be shown at MCL next month. The Lightspeed is the Wigan brand's second model to hit the market, following the Two Stroke naked roadster. No details are yet available, but you'll be able to see the bike at Birmingham's NEC from November 15-23. Boxer Popemobile raises £130,000 A special BMW R18 Transcontinental cruiser, blessed by Pope Leo XIV himself in early September has sold at auction for €130,000, with the proceeds going to children's aid projects in Madagascar. The white machine was sold by Sotheby's in Munich, with BMW Motorrad CEO Markus Flasch saying: “The fantastic result of the auction is a wonderful highlight of this charity campaign.” MV… but make it extra exclusive…

SAVE £1900 £21,035 BMW R1300GS Adventure TE BMW's R1300GS is still the creme de la creme of the adventure bike world. Now better than ever, it genuinely is do-it-all capable, from crossing continents two-up, to commuting, traversing byways, or knee-dragging trackdays. If you've got the skills to back it up, the GSA can deliver. www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/sycamore-peterborough SAVE £1500 £15,999 Kawasaki ZX-10R Kawasaki's ZX-10R is as sporty as they come, with a powerful motor and pin-sharp handling, yet it's still surprisingly realworld friendly. www.daytonamc.co.uk ● Engine 998cc ● Power 200bhp ● Weight 207kg ● Seat height 835mm SAVE £902 £11,498 Aprilia Tuareg Rally Born out of Aprilia's racing dominance on the global stage, the Tuareg Rally is among the most capable dirt-focused ADVs on the market. www.wheelsmotorcycles.co.uk ● Engine 659cc ● Power…

Multiple domestic and world records set Bike of the year vote Racing goes international Five speed records were beaten at Elvington by 22-year-old fuel engineer John Hobbs at the annual International Sprint Organisation's records weekend. In ‘treacherous’ rain so bad the Londoner couldn't see through his goggles, the young man rode to 160mph in the flying kilometre aboard his 500cc Triumph, having already come away with two separate national records and one world record at the same event. More world records smashed - for £800 Minarelli rider Arteno Venturi rode a 170cc two-stroke to four world records at the same Elvington event. Minarelli stumped up £800 as an investment to get the bike ready for the event – the plan being to create publicity for their engines. If it's bikes,…

Hero MotoCorp, one of the world's leading motorcycle players, have entered the UK, with plans to take as much as 20% of the market in just five years. Spearheaded by their new £3499 Hunk 440, the move sees the Indian brand – said to produce one motorcycle every 18 seconds – go head-to-head with Honda, Triumph and Royal Enfield in the booming small-capacity sector. Hero, who are headquartered in New Delhi, will initially sell through a network of 25 UK dealerships under the MotoGB banner, before expanding to 45 outlets as more models arrive. “Our entry into Europe has been defined by our readiness,” said Sanjay Bhan, Hero's Executive Vice President. “Our job now is simple: get customers to try our bikes, and if they like them, they'll buy them.”…

Merlin Calton gloves £114.99 These leather winter gloves from Merlin are CE Level 2 KP certified and use a Hipora membrane for waterproofing plus thermal padding to keep your hands warm. Armour comes from D3O and there's a TPU scaphoid protector and reinforced palm and outer finger construction to keep you safe in a fall. www.merlinbikegear.shop Oxford Mint Cleaning Kit XL £74.99 The Mint Cleaning Kit XL is a complete motorcycle cleaning set, featuring Mint Bike Wash, Mint Chain Cleaner, Degreaser, Brake Cleaner, a 20L wash bucket with grit guard, various brushes, a microfibre glove, and a drying towel. Packed for convenience, it's ideal for keeping bikes in top condition – perfect as a gift for any rider. It also costs a tenner less than buying the bits separately. www.oxfordproducts.com…

mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com motorcyclenews motorcyclenews MCNnews STAR LETTER IN ASSOCIATION WITH ‘I only went in for a burger’ I have just been reading your excellent review in MCN about the Bafflehaus café in Pontypool. I was down there a few months ago with a riding pal. We only went in for a burger, but then I saw one of Sam's dad's creations on display in the clothing department. It was called the ‘Cid 6’ – a CBX1000-engined custom café racer with a six-into-six exhaust system. It was love at first sight, and I had to have it. After some very pleasant negotiations with the builder of this wonderful machine, I am now the proud owner. What a noise this thing makes, and I have never had so many people come up to…

THE DETAILS Open all year Find out more / www.buccleucharmshotel.com Moffat, DG10 9ET Who knew southern Scotland is a riding paradise? And who knew that one of the finest hotels would be among them, just off the M6 in Moffat? Dave and family arrived in the UK after losing everything in Zimbabwe. With some experience in food and hotel management, they scoured Scotland hunting for the perfect location. Although the Buccleuch had seen better days by the time Dave came along, he knew he could resurrect it. “We turned this place from zero stars to three with our own hands!” explains Dave. “Then one day I was looking out of the window because I heard a lot of bikes. I'd thought my riding days were done, and bikers never came…

Motorcycle boots are essential safety gear designed to protect a rider's feet, ankles, and lower legs from injury in the event of an accident. They provide superior protection compared to regular footwear, which can easily be ripped off or offer minimal defence during a crash or slide. The CE-approved Oxford Hunter twin zip boot is a simple, streamlined microfibre touring boot, designed for ride control and comfort in all weather conditions. The adjustable twin-zippered opening allows quick and easy fitting, while the Hunter boot is reinforced with protective elements such as ankle protectors, PU reinforced toe and heel counters and a PU footbed shank. The combination of high fit, internal membrane and waterproof opening system offers peace of mind, even extreme conditions. The Hunter Boot comes with a CE certification…

There are two machines that could neatly bookend this group test. Royal Enfield's 350cc single has been steadily racking up sales in one form or another for nigh on 70 years, initially through domestic production and from the 1970s on as Indian-built imports. The firm has gone from strength to strength across the last couple of decades yet still makes a low-cost option to which the GB350S and Bantam should really be looked upon as up-and-coming rivals. Their HNTR 350 has similar modern retro styling, and at £3899 fits right in price-wise-but, in terms of performance it's left lagging with just 20bhp and 19.9lb.ft on tap. If you can stretch to adding another grand to your budget it brings MCN's A2 Bike of the Year 2024 into range, Triumph's Speed…

The front brakes are critical to your motorcycle's stopping power, and keeping them in the best possible condition is essential for safety and performance. Unlike rear brakes, which often handle less load, the front brakes provide the majority of stopping force, especially in emergency situations. Worn pads can cause longer stopping distances, a spongy lever feel, or even metal-on-metal contact, which damages rotors and increases repair costs. Changing front brake pads is a task any rider can do at home with basic tools (ratchet and socket set, Allen keys or Hex sockets, torque wrench, flathead screwdriver or lever, small brush), patience, and attention to detail. It's an opportunity to inspect the calipers, brake discs, and brake fluid for wear or contamination, ensuring the whole system is in good health. This…

Looking at the runners and riders for BSB 2026 Scan the QR code to vote for your star rider from our shortlist CONFIRMED HAGER PBM DUCATI Scott Redding The 2019 champion returns to the series full-time following his fantastic part-season exploits this year. Redding returned to BSB at Knockhill as a replacement for the injured Glenn Irwin, but this turned into a permanent position when the latter split with the team. Despite missing eight races, Redding finished fourth overall with more wins (seven) than champion Kyle Ryde (six). That, plus having the all-new Ducati V4 R at his disposal, makes Redding a title favourite heading into 2026. NITROUS COMPETITIONS RACING DUCATI Kyle Ryde The reigning two-time champion stays put for a fifth consecutive campaign, but he will face a fresh…

Bringing you the inside line from the post-season test ‘End of an era’ is an overworked expression, but two days after the curtain came down on the 2025 season, testing began for WSBK's 39th season in 2026. The catalyst for change is down to the fact that Toprak Razgatlioglu is moving to MotoGP as a triple World Superbike Champion, and WSBK's GOAT and six-time champ Jonathan Rea has retired and is set to embark on a new adventure away from full-time racing. More changes than Bowie You have to go back a fair way to find the last time so many riders left the championship or changed teams. The most obvious is Iker Lecuona, moving to Aruba Ducati; the first thing to do was photographs with Chaz Davies, the Welshman…

Racing took a back seat at Sepang after an earlier incident cast a shadow over the day. Starting the Moto3 sighting lap, Noah Dettwiler's CIP KTM appeared to cut out exiting Turn 3. Jose Antonio Rueda clattered into him from behind at close to full speed, necessitating a red flag and 1hr 45m delay as both riders were airlifted to hospital. Considering the violence of the spill, Rueda escaping with a broken hand and number of contusions was a minor miracle. Dettwiler wasn't so lucky. While no official update arrived as MCN went to press, it was believed the 20-year old Swiss rider was seriously ill in hospital in Kuala Lumpur having sustained multiple internal injuries as well as an open leg fracture. ‘Racing after that? I don't understand’ PECCO…

Going behind the headlines from the Sepang round TOP STORY ‘I am the first of the losers,” said with a sparkling toothy grin, Alex Marquez was proud of the status. “The winner is my brother, so it's a different feeling. Especially with where I came from, it is a good second place.” He spoke from the top step of the Sepang podium, after the perennially “slower” younger brother's third feature-race win of his sixth MotoGP season. The feeling, he added, was similar to winning Moto3 and Moto2 titles on his way to what was earlier a troubled MotoGP career. Brotherly love made the difference. Sibling domination is unique in motorsport history, and, while not unknown in team sports like football and rugby, vanishingly rare in individual sports. Tennis has the…

From a spark of inspiration in an engineer's head to the finished article being enjoyed on the open road, throughout MCN's 70-year history there have been thousands of memorable motorcycles created, each one leaving its mark on history in its own unique way. But some of those models made more of an impact, ushering in gamechanging tech, altering biking culture, or even encouraging us out of our comfort zones. These are the bikes that defined their era, leaving a bookmark in British biking history like no other. To celebrate MCN's 70th anniversary, our expert team deliberated over the bikes that we think represented each of MCN's seven decades and after much chin-stroking and debate, came up with these seven landmark models. We'll have them all on display at MCL at…

In 1968, MCN gave the new Commando the award for Bike of the Year. No real surprise: it was the most advanced machine amid a Brit-dominated industry with slow development pace. But from 1969 (when the Honda CB750 had arrived, as well as other Japanese mid/large capacity machines) through to 1972, a reader poll decided who won and Commando fans voted to hold off not only the Japanese, but BSA/ Triumph, for the Norton to win for an unrepeated five years on the trot. But from 1973, we'd wised up and adjusted our expectations, while Norton failed to raise their game……

No bike has defined an era as much as the 916. Launched in 1994, it replaced the 888 and went on to not only dominate racing but also rewrite the rules for what makes a motorcycle a work of art. Based upon Massimo Bordi's advanced 888 Desmoquattro engine, commissioned by Ducati owner Claudio Castiglioni to be ‘a breakthrough’, and designed by Massimo Tamburini (formerly the ‘Ta’ in Bimota) with standout features such as a single-sided swingarm and pioneering underseat exhausts, the 916 dragged Ducati into a new era of style, success and worldwide admiration. So striking it became the poster bike for a generation, sufficiently fast and fine handling to win WSBK first time out (going on to win five more times), it was not only a winner on every…

‘I could take it for lap two’ The original GSA barely feels its age – only its modest power and awkward feel when stationary separate it from more recent models, which have got both faster and more rider-friendly. It was superbly designed, engineered and produced by a team who knew touring, or overlanding, is about more than a spec sheet – it's about finer details, and almost subconscious comforts to the rider to give them the best chance of cracking out big trips, on road or not. After a day in the Cotswolds, I hopped on the M4 to return the GSA to Stuart with a genuine tinge of sadness (not least because I'd be swapping back to a spartan naked for the 175-mile trip home), because the Beemer had…

‘Lightweight, fun machine' The Ténéré 700 is certainly not the most powerful or the highest-spec machine in the adventure bike class – yet its simplicity is something that has worked in its favour. Instead of being expensive and advanced, it's a simple, lightweight machine capable of ticking off big miles on the road, whether that be darting through town, tackling a Sunday blast or even munching up big motorway mileage on a different continent. Yet the real jewel in the Ténéré 700’s crown is just how fun and confidence-inspiring it is when it comes to tackling the dirty stuff, looking after new riders while still having a high ceiling for those pushing its limits with the skill to do so. With no fancy electronics it's easy to see why it's…

MY24 The KTM 390 Adventure proves you don't need more £5199 | 373cc | 176kg (kerb) | 43bhp | 835mm seat height The 390 is not a hardcore rally bike for square-chinned Dakar wannabes – instead it's for riders dipping a toe in muddy waters for the first time. It is, say KTM, “aimed squarely at motorcyclists who are curious but unaccustomed to light off-roading.” A lightweight adventurer powered by KTM's single-cylinder motor, the 390 Adventure features cornering ABS and TC, a quickshifter, TFT dash and variable power modes. And all this for under £48 per month! What more could an A2-licence-holding explorer want? With a water-cooled, four-stroke 373cc single in the middle, complete with a slipper clutch and strong six-speed gearbox, it is the final piece in KTM's A2-licence-friendly…