2009

Brad Pitt loves the anonymity of riding motorcycles

Brad Pitt has spoken about how riding motorcycles have given him ‘anonymity’ and turned him into ‘just another a**hole on the streets’ in an interview with celebrity magazine W. Pitt has been spotted numerous times on a wide variety of bikes and owns – among others – a Ducati Desmosedici RR, a Monster 696 and a selection of Harley-Davidson choppers. Pitt, got up to leave the interview about his...

Dartford Crossing suggestion

I sent the following to the Dartford Crossing site suggestions. I only sent it tonight so will wait with interest for their response. I wonder what other bikers think of my suggestion? I use the Dartford Crossing in a lorry (work) and in my car or on my motorbike (depending on weather conditions). It may not be possible but I would like to suggest that particularly on the bridge (as the lanes...

The time to act is NOW- No to the bike parking tax!

The time to act is NOW- No to the bike parking tax!

The time for actual direct action has never been more prevalent. On 18th February 2009, Westminster City Council will enter a brief consultation period to decide whether to make this bike-parking tax...

Suzuki launch new cross country range

Suzuki launch new cross country range

Suzuki has launched two new cross country enduro style motorcycles for the UK market. Derived from Suzuki’s RM motocross range, the new RM XC range will be available in 125cc and 250cc versions and...

Win a copy of the official season review of the BSB Championship 2008

Win a copy of the official season review of the BSB Championship 2008

You can win one of 5 DVD copies of the Official season review of the BSB Championship in a free-to-enter prize draw. Click here to enter the competition now! The double disc official BSB...

Video: Padgetts HRC race bike

Video: Padgetts HRC race bike

Senior road tester Adam Child test rode the latest HRC bikes from Padgett’s Motorcycles at a cold and wintery Cadwell Park. Padgett’s are now offering HRC brand new track ready bike for novice track...

Nigerian bikers use pumpkins as helmets

According to the BBC, Nigerian taxi bikers have resorted to wearing dried pumpkin shells as a measure of avoiding a new law requiring them to wear helmets whilst riding. The Nigerian road safety commisioner says authorities will be taking a hard line with riders wearing ‘improvised helmets’. For the full BBC story click here

No motorcycle tests on chilly days

No motorcycle tests on chilly days

Motorcycle tests are set to reach a grinding halt in winter because new test areas will close on chilly days. Whenever it’s cold enough for grit to be needed as a precaution against surface ice,...

Akrapovic for 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R

Akrapovic for 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R

Get ready to see an avalanche of new exhaust systems to fit 2009 machines in the coming weeks, including this new aftermarket replacement for the latest Kawasaki ZX-6R from Akrapovic. Not only will...

New Ducati Multistrada replacement spotted

New Ducati Multistrada replacement spotted

Ducati’s replacement for the Multistrada adventure-style motorcycle has been spotted testing in Italy. The new bike is well advanced in to development – dealers have already been shown the sporty new...

Where's my bike?

Where's my bike?

Billy looking for his beloved R1!

Video: Ducati Monster 1100S

Video: Ducati Monster 1100S

MCN road tester Trevor Franklin already tested the new Ducati Monster 1100 at the launch, but how does the 1100cc V-twin powered naked fair on bumpy British roads? Trev has tested the 1100S version on...

New MCN January 7: MotoGP in crisis!

New MCN January 7: MotoGP in crisis!

In the first edition of MCN in 2009 we have a world exclusive on MotoGP series owners holding emergency crisis talks. Over the Christmas period Kawasaki quit MotoGP due to the credit crunch, leaving...

When I grow up I want to be The Doctor

When I grow up I want to be The Doctor

My two year old Ewan got a Rossi rep Wobble bike for Christmas, complete with AGV Rossi helmet and one piece racesuit. He proudly announced that when he grows up he wants to be a doctor…not just any...

My daughter and my bike

My daughter and my bike

This is a picture of myself and Daughter Louisa on her wedding day. I persuaded her to pose by my bike before we left for the church

My design for a new Cagiva Elefant

My design for a new Cagiva Elefant

Here is my design for a brand new Cagiva Elefant to compete against the KTM Adventure. The sporty enduro bike will also be good for long journeys. It will be powered  by the water-cooled V-twin engine...

Snowy ride-out as London’s bus lanes finally open to bikes

Snowy ride-out as London’s bus lanes finally open to bikes

Motorcycle groups braved snowy roads to celebrate the opening of London’s bus lanes to bikes with an early morning rush-hour ride-out today. Representatives from the bike industry, riders’ rights...

Scott Redding passes CBT

Scott Redding passes CBT

MotoGP’s youngest ever winner, Scott Redding passed his CBT on his 16th birthday. Redding, the winner of last year’s 125cc British Grand Prix, took the test in his home town of Gloucester. He passed...

"Same cost as a 1098"

"Same cost as a 1098"

If you are interested in my bike here is a short brief I wrote for the Yamaha R1 forum. Story behind “Same cost as a 1098” The whole idea was to make a trick R1 to the same cost as a Ducati 1098s...

Santander Yamaha R1

 Santander Yamaha R1

I bought this Yamaha R1 last March, but I wasn’t that impressed with the paint scheme. I decided to give the R1 a Santander replica paint job and now it’s brilliant. It also rides and handles great!

Honda CB1000R is a dream

Honda CB1000R is a dream

I bought the new Honda CB1000R last month after riding sports bikes for the last 26 years and it is truly impressive on the road – especially on busy roads. It handles like a 400, but when you turn...

MCN in Vegas

MCN in Vegas

My wife Diane with a copy of MCN in the casino excaliber in Las Vegas, Christmas day 2008. She had just lost her money gambling so read my copy of MCN to calm down.