Bike news

Year: ALL

Piaggio set to be bigger than Suzuki

25 March 2002

Europe’s biggest bike firm has just signed a deal which will see it snapping at Suzuki’s heels to become the third largest manufacturer in the world. Scooter giant Piaggio – already owner of Gilera,...

Smart replica by 2004

25 March 2002

Ducati’s retro-styled Paul Smart replica won’t go on sale until 2004 – even though it was designed four years ago. Chief designer Pierre Terblanche created the bike, which has never been seen in...

Can they fix it? No

25 March 2002

Mechanics are missing faults when they carry out services on our bikes, according to an undercover survey carried out by MCN sister magazine RiDE. They picked a range of seven dealers from around the...

The brands of Piaggio

25 March 2002

You probably think of Piaggio purely for its scooters, but no other manufacturer in the world has as many bike-building off-shoots. The deal with MV Agusta means the company, run by Stefano Rosselli...

Mexican wave on a bike

25 March 2002

Three-up wheelie? There’s hands and legs everywhere…

World’s first test: ZZ-R1200

25 March 2002

We’ve been riding in France to test the new ZZ-R1200 for the first time. The full test will be published in MCN, out on Wednesday. But here are our first impressions: i. Even the updated engine has a...

Six days to a giant leap in motorcycling

25 March 2002

We’re more interested than ever before in what you have to say about your life in motorcycling because it’s right at the heart of what we’re doing with the re-launched MCN, in the shops on April...

Voxan deal falls through

25 March 2002

It looks like we won’t be able to buy Voxan V-twins next year as expected. A deal to save the French firm from bankruptcy collapsed when the first instalment of the buyout cash failed to arrive.

Join the Southend Shakedown

25 March 2002

We’re used to roads to the seaside getting clogged up every Bank Holiday. But it won’t be caravans holding up the traffic on the way to Southend this weekend – instead it’ll be a massive procession of...

EU to limit bike emissions

25 March 2002

Bikes will be subject to stricter emissions controls from 2003 after the European Commission ratified proposals for lower limits on carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. For 4-stroke engines, the 2003...

Norwich Union puts ZX-6R in higher group

25 March 2002

Kawasaki’s new 636cc ZX-6R has been bumped up one insurance group by Britain’s biggest bike insurer, Norwich Union. The move brings the Kawasaki into line with the likes of Yamaha’s R6 in Group 15,...

Go to Le Mans with Carnell

25 March 2002

If you fancy a trip to Le Mans, you can now go on Carnell’s works trip. The dealer chain is opening up its annual party to anyone. For £220 you get ferry tickets, accommodation, a support van and race...

Rate your kit, and ours

25 March 2002

MCN’s Marc Potter rides thousands of miles each year testing the latest bikes to the limit. He needs the right kit. Find out what he chooses and how he rates it in the April 10 issue of MCN. And if...

New dealer joins our online bike stores

25 March 2002

Chiswick Honda is offering to match the price of any UK supplied Honda when you buy online through motorcyclenews.com. They are also offering, nationwide delivery, parts and accessories, finance, two...

Instant smoke screen

25 March 2002

Craig Jones ruins some perfectly good rubber

Going skiing… in a kilt

25 March 2002

Most people wait until it snows…

Dark visor consultation opens

25 March 2002

As promised, the Government has opened up the question of dark visors to public consultation. They say they will take account of all views; so make your voice heard. 10,000 people had their say when...

Strange but true motorcycling tales

25 March 2002

More strange biking stories from around the world. England: The crack motorcycle escort which usually accompanies the Queen had a rather less important job last week – flanking a limo carrying the...

2002 R1, Blade, GSX-R1000 and ZX-9R in video action

25 March 2002

You’ve read how they compare, in MCN, now see for yourself as we ride them round the challenging Ledenon track in France. Our video clips allow you to see how they perform on the limits and how they...

Kawasaki ZRX1200: Long term report

18 March 2002

THEY say you can’t put a price on love. I can. It’s £2201. That’s how much my insurance company wanted from me to keep my ZRX1200 on the road with comprehensive cover for the next 12 months. Even...

Wirral egg run attracts 4500 bikes

18 March 2002

The Wirral easter egg run was held on Sunday and Robcbr400rr took these pictures to share the day with you. If you take snaps at an Easter Egg run you attend, send them as a jpeg to...

Here come the fall guys

18 March 2002

Another chance to watch the Purple Helmets

Join in an Egg Run

18 March 2002

If you are organising an Egg Run (or know someone who is) send in the details and we’ll add them to our Egg Run round-up. See the link, right, for the latest additions, and ones you can join in. If...

Triumph factory blaze: Video added

18 March 2002

Fire tore through Triumph’s Hinckley factory on Friday leaving Britain’s biggest bike firm in a state of disarray. For more on this, complete with dramatic pictures, see MCN, out on Wednesday, March 20. To see the video, shot by fire crews, click on the link on the right. Firefighters were called to the scene when the fire at 8.41pm on Friday night. When the blaze was at its peak, at around...

Protest update

18 March 2002

Update (April 9) Coleman has asked MCN to pass on his request for protest stewards. He told MCN: ” Things are going realy well, the flow of registrations is still good and I’m confident we can...

Anyone for doughnuts?

18 March 2002

Fill your face with this lot

First test: Triumph Speed Four

18 March 2002

We’ve been riding Triumph’s new Speed Four. And while the firm faces the nightmare of a fire-ravaged factory after Friday night’s blaze, at least bosses can be comforted by the fact that their new...

100 of your new reviews added

18 March 2002

WE’VE just added 100 more of your reviews to our product reviews section. Not only will this help you make a more informed choice about your next purchase of kit, but it’s this sort of invaluable user...

Children of the revolution

18 March 2002

You’ve got a Blade, they’ve got youth. You might have the ability to unlock a front wheel skid at 80. You corner confidently in the wet and you’re probably blasé about 100bhp. No car has passed you in...

More weirdness from the world of motorcycling

18 March 2002

America: Gilbert MacConnell went for a job as a motorcycle cop in West Hartford, Connecticut. He passed the written and oral exams, but fell at the final hurdle when he was arrested for having an unlicensed firearm in his car. Inventive gardeners have incorporated a shiny new Harley into a flower show display. It is the centrepiece of the Philadelphia Show and is surrounded by azaleas and...

MCN announces 2002 BSB sponsorship

18 March 2002

WE’RE backing the 2002 British Superbike championship in a sponsorship deal agreed with British MotorSport Promoters (BMP) this morning. MCN’s Adam Duckworth said: ” I’m delighted that we’re...

CCM style, Suzuki power

18 March 2002

THE first Suzuki-engined CCMs have just started rolling off the production line and MCN has been one of the first to try them. The new R30, 604 Dual Sport supermoto and 604 Trail off-roader have had...

Send us your product reviews

18 March 2002

What kit have you got? Does it work? And if not, why not? Tell us how much you paid, where it was from and whether you think it was worth it. We want your reviews of all your riding equipment from the cheapest lid to the priciest boots. We’re trying to build the most comprehensive database of information, so we can help you make informed choices when it comes to spending your money. To submit your...

GSV-R inspires V4 road bike

18 March 2002

Suzuki is building a road bike based on its GSV-R MotoGP racer and you’ll be able to buy one in 2004. For the full story, you’ll need to pick up a copy of MCN, out on Wednesday, March 20, this...

Don’t miss your free MCN riding guide

18 March 2002

FREE with the latest issue (March 20) of MCN is our comprehensive guide to better riding. There’s a massive 32 pages dedicated to helping you get the most from yourself and your bike this year. We’ve...

New BMW R1150GS Adventure tested

18 March 2002

OFF-ROADING on a BMW R1150GS isn’t for the faint-hearted. But the factory have made the prospect of go-anywhere riding slightly more realistic with its new Adventure version of its hugely popular big trailie. So what’s different? For a start, the suspension at both ends has 20mm more travel, which is great for floating over boulders – though shorties and vertigo sufferers might be intimidated by...