2004

Bonkers bike-balancing

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...

In case you missed it...

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).

Doc's cure for biking ills

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...

Speed limits could fall

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...

Cops target your plate

Cops target your plate

Police are launching a new clampdown focusing on riders’ numberplates. The Devon and Cornwall force reckon it’s a good way of saving our lives – because if we tamper with our numberplates we must be...

Bike Meets: Nov 24 on

Each week we publish a list of BIKE MEETS on in the UK. Those listed here are for the week commencing November 24, 2004. WEDNESDAY November 24 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 boom in U.S.

Bike sales in the United States this year are set to top one million units for the first time in 20 years. Year-to-date sales are up 4.4 per cent, and look set to top the 2003 total of 996,000 units, with more bikes sold in the last four years than in the preceding decade. American manufacturer Harley-Davidson has consistently outperformed itself each year, with other firms also boosted by the...

Spot distracted drivers

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

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...

Pro-bike prize for London

Pro-bike prize for London

The success of a major campaign to make the capital’s roads safer for riders has been recognised with the Prince Michael Road Safety Award. The award has gone to the Transport for London organisation...

New BMWs break cover

New BMWs break cover

These are the first official pictures of the new BMW R1200RT and R1200ST, which the German firm plans to launch early next year. Both bikes are based on the Boxer engine from the R1200GS and are...

Rallies: Dec 1 on

Each week we publish a list of SHOWS, RALLIES, EXHIBITIONS and AUCTIONS. These are those for the week commencing December 1, 2004 RALLIES FRIDAY December 3 Druids MCC Ice Ale Rally, Lincolnshire. 01476-592026. SATURDAY December 4 Druids MCC Ice Ale Rally, Lincolnshire. 01476-592026. SUNDAY December 5 Druids MCC Ice Ale Rally, Lincolnshire. 01476-592026. EXHIBITIONS WEDNESDAY December 1 Sammy...

New MCN - out Dec 1

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...

Dirt Rider Expo begins

Dirt Rider Expo begins

The Dirt Rider Expo begins today with some exciting new launches taking place. The show runs from November 25-28 at Stoneleigh Park. Honda has given a UK debut to the new CRF450X, described as the...

Join a Christmas toy run

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...

£3000 bargain bikes

£3000 bargain bikes

It’s amazing the variety of bike you can find in our BIKES FOR SALE section; with just £3000 getting you everything from a full on R1 to a cracking commuter scoot. If you’ve got a little bit of spare...

New stolen bike scam

New stolen bike scam

MCN has unearthed a stolen bike scam that is foxing officials and leaving people riding illegally registered stolen bikes. Thieves have realised that VOSA, the agency responsible for checking all...

Have Your Say evolves

Have Your Say evolves

Our Have Your Say forums have evolved. You’ve always been able to use them to share what you think or ask for advice from the world’s biggest online motorcycle community. But now we’ve...

Rideouts: Dec 1 on

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 December 1 IN-4 (KTM) tracks and trails. 01270-768562. The Plough, Swinderby, Lincolnshire. 7pm. 01522-881736. THURSDAY December 2 IN-4 (KTM) tracks and trails. 01270-768562. Rochdale Road Runners...

Bike Museum is back

Bike Museum is back

The National Motorcycle Musem re-opens for busines on December 1, 2004, just 15 months after a devastating fire. We’ll be there to join the celebration and bring you first pictures from the event. ...

Rideouts: Nov 24 on

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...

Trackdays: Dec 1 on

Each week we publish a list TRACKDAYS, RIDING SCHOOLS and MINI MOTO. Those listed below are for the week commencing November 24, 2004. TRACK DAYS SUNDAY December 5 Focused Events Track Day, Brands Hatch Indy, Kent. 65 01903-744011 or www.focusedevents.com. RIDING SCHOOLS WEDNESDAY December 1 Windy Corner Off-Road Experience, Barwell, Leicestershire. 01455-842922 or www.windycorner.co.uk. WEDNESDAY...

Let off for speeders

Let off for speeders

Anti-speed zealout Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom has approved thousands of letters to riders and drivers telling them a police error means they may get their speeding convictions removed. Some...

Save big on winter deals

Save big on winter deals

Received wisdom has it that winter is a bad time to buy a bike. The clever buyer knows it’s actually ideal. Dealers are more ready to listen to hard-nosed hagglers in what becomes a buyers market. ...

Rideouts: Nov 17 on

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 17 IN-4 (KTM) tracks and trails. 01270-768562. The Plough, Swinderby, Lincolnshire. 7pm. 01522-881736. THURSDAY November 18 IN-4 (KTM) tracks and trails. 01270-768562. Rochdale Road Runners...

Vespa as work of art

Vespa as work of art

Fancy getting your hands on a one off Vespa with a paint scheme by one the of the UK’s top artists? Then get down to the Art Vespa Auction next Tuesday for a choice of five. The paint schemes might...

MPs get bike message

MPs get bike message

Charity Riders for Health will launch a campaign at the House of Commons this week to highlight the life-saving contribution of reliable motorcycles in aid efforts in Africa. The charity believes the...

Calling GSX-R1000 riders

Calling GSX-R1000 riders

We’re looking for GSX-R1000 owners to take part in a big feature on the bike. We’re particularly interested in hearing from you if you’ve owned both a K1 or K2 model and a K3 or K4 model – and have...

Track Days: Nov 24 on

Each week we publish a list TRACKDAYS, RIDING SCHOOLS and MINI MOTO. Those listed below are for the week commencing November 24, 2004. TRACK DAYS SATURDAY November 27 European Superbike School, Cartagena. 0870-241-5159 or www.europeansuperbikeschool.com. SUNDAY November 28 Lydd International Raceway, Lydd, Kent. 10am-4pm. 55 01797-321895. European Superbike School, Cartagena. 0870-241-5159 or...

MCN awards raise £18K

MCN awards raise £18K

The MCN Awards held on November 5 helped raise £18,500 for the Riders For Health charity. A glittering array of sports personalities, celebrities, and industry figures were in attendance for the...

Off Road: Nov 24 on

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 November 24 on, 2004. MOTOCROSS WEDNESDAY November 24 Hampshire MXC, Salisbury, Wiltshire. 01962-735083. SUNDAY November 28 Glenrothes Youth MXC, Leuchars, Fife. 01333-340391. Hull and DMCC, York, Yorkshire.

Flying bike could take off

Flying bike could take off

What do you do when you’re stuck in the queue to leave Brands world superbikes? Easy! Flick a switch and turn your bike into a helicopter… That’s the radical “personal transport” solution from Dutch...

In MCN, November 24

In MCN, November 24

Make sure you get hold of this week’s all-new MCN – out on November 24, 2004. It’s packed with 10 new sections plus the latest on: Foggy’s road bike – the FP1 you can buy is finally here Two new...

Toseland's Tuesday gig

Toseland's Tuesday gig

WSB champion James Toseland and his band Crash are performing at the Victoria Pub in Coalville, Leics, on Tuesday night, November 23. The event raises money for MCN’s favourite charity, Riders for...

Shows: Nov 24 0n

Each week we publish a list of SHOWS, RALLIES, EXHIBITIONS and AUTOJUMBLES. These are those for the week commencing November 24, 2004 SHOWS THURSDAY November 25 Dirt Rider Expo, Stoneleigh, Coventry, West Midlands. 0870-730-0961 or www.dirtriderexpo.co.uk. FRIDAY November 26 Dirt Rider Expo, Stoneleigh, Coventry, West Midlands. 0870-730-0961 or www.dirtriderexpo.co.uk. Motorcycle & Superbike Show,...

Bike Meets: Nov 17 on

Each week we publish a list of BIKE MEETS on in the UK. Those listed here are for the week commencing November 17, 2004. WEDNESDAY November 17 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...