First pics of the ZX-10R

This week’s MCN, out July 30, is packed with all the news on the latest new bikes, including the new Aprilia RSV1000 and the first spy shots of Kawasaki’s brand new ZX-10R.

The ZX-10R looks set to be one of the top contenders for the best superbike of 2004, combining the styling of the ZX-6R with a 160bhp motor and weight of just 160kg.

The bike was spotted doing laps of the Calafat track in southern Spain fully-fitted with datalogging equipment, and looks as close to being finished as any test bike can be.

For full details and to see the pictures of the new Aprilia RSV1000R ‘Factory’ click the link on the right.

We’ve also got 20 pages of coverage from the weekend’s World Superbike action at Brands Hatch including full accounts of all the racing and we ask if WSB can survive the proposed new rule changes. Plus there’s all the fun off the track that makes Brands Hatch special and full reports from the German GP.

Plus, the MV Augusta F4 Agostini replica is finally on its way to the UK. The £21,500 bike has been made in tribute to racing legend Giacomo Agostini and features a heavily modified engine producing 146bhp. Unfortunately only 500 are being made and just 10 will come to the UK.

The RAC has backed motorcycle commuters in a recent study that showed using a bike is often the fastest way to get to work.

We tell you which is the best of the big-bore naked bikes. Four of our road testers jumped on the Suzuki SV1000, BMW Rockster, Honda Hornet 900, and Ducati Monster S4 to see which one would come out on top.

We’ve also got a look at the re-launched Bimota V-Due 500cc two-stroke. After failing miserably the first time round with the firm failing to ever get the engine and fuel injection right, the V-Due is back with a full set of carbs and an attitude to match. Find out if the new version is all it’s cracked up to be and how it compares to the classic two-stroke Suzuki RG500 and Yamaha RD500.

For all this and more check out this week’s MCN, out July 30.