January

ZX-10R vs Blade vs GSX-R1000

ZX-10R vs Blade vs GSX-R1000

We’re conducting the first full group test of this year’s leading superbikes over the next few days. We’ve got the bikes, we’ve got the riders and we’ve got all the measuring equipment set up. Now all...

First test: CBR125R makes a great start

First test: CBR125R makes a great start

Honda’s all-new CBR125R could make the ideal beginner’s sports bike. It’s going to cost just £2349 otr, and has a low seat height to make it extremely user-friendly at low speeds. MCN’s Matt Wildee...

World first test: GSX-R600

World first test: GSX-R600

We’ve been at the world first test of the all-new GSX-R600 over the weekend at the Misano circuit in Italy. MCN’s Michael Neeves rode the new sports 600 on Saturday and Sunday for a full first test...

It's a family thing

It's a family thing

SUZUKI’S new GSX-R600 shares more than just looks with the all new GSX-R750. Both bikes have a wealth of race-derived technical updates. The only immediate visible difference between the new bikes is...

First pictures of all-new GS

First pictures of all-new GS

These are the first official pictures of the all-new BMW R1200GS. The bike is claimed to be the lightest and fastest incarnation of the imposing off-roader, with a new 1170cc Boxer engine. And MCN is...

Smaller Z looks like big value

Smaller Z looks like big value

YOU could be forgiven for thinking that Kawasaki’s new naked 750cc roadster is destined to occupy a class of its own, but Kawasaki has set its sights squarely on the hotly-contested middleweight...

Kawasaki bounces back

Kawasaki bounces back

KAWASAKI’S ZX-10R is the most eagerly awaited superbike in an age. With 181bhp, a 170kg dry weight and chassis dimensions to rival the best 600s, not since the GSX-R1000 arrived have so many expected...

749 moves to an all new level

749 moves to an all new level

DUCATI is taking the racing success of it’s all-new £11,000 749R so seriously it has developed a new engine to allow it to take on the best the Japanese can offer. What was initially thought to be a...

Z750 dominates naked middleweights

Z750 dominates naked middleweights

YOU could be forgiven for thinking that Kawasaki’s new naked 750cc roadster is destined to occupy a class of its own, but Kawasaki has set its sights squarely on the hotly-contested middleweight...

Aprilia's VIP package

Aprilia's VIP package

THE Aprilia Nera is the first machine in what the factory is calling its new ” Dream Series ” – not least because a dream is all it is ever likely to remain for all but the obscenely wealthy. At...

The R1 is up for the challenge

The R1 is up for the challenge

Y AMAHA has raced past the magical 1bhp per kilogram milestone with its all-new 180bhp, 172kg R1 superbike. Those slanting foxeye lights may give it a passing family resemblance to past R-series...

RSV Mille R first ride

RSV Mille R first ride

Aprilia has reworked and repackaged its stylish RSV Mille V-twin to produce a devastating evolution of the 1000cc superbike that goes every bit as well as it looks – as our world exclusive first ride...

Aprilia builds a worthy replacement

Aprilia builds a worthy replacement

Aprilia has reworked and repackaged its stylish RSV Mille V-twin to produce a devastating evolution of the 1000cc superbike that goes every bit as well as it looks. The bike is new from the ground up...

Dreamers need not apply

Dreamers need not apply

THE Aprilia Nera is the first machine in what the factory is calling its new ” Dream Series ” – not least because a dream is all it is ever likely to remain for all but the obscenely wealthy. At...

The one to beat

The one to beat

The GSX-R1000K4 is the first of the 2004 superbikes to arrive in the UK and it’s ready to defend its mantle of ‘best 1000cc sports bike’ against scorching new tackle from Honda, Yamaha and...

Gixer fights for its crown

Gixer fights for its crown

The GSX-R1000K4 was the first of the 2004 superbikes to arrive in the UK and it’s ready to defend its mantle of ‘best 1000cc sports bike’ against scorching new tackle from Honda, Yamaha and...

Suzuki bucks the trend

Suzuki bucks the trend

Following the demise of the Kawasaki ZX-7R earlier this year, the GSX-R750 stands out as the only mass-produced Japanese 750cc sports bike on the market. SUZUKI is ignoring talk that the 750 class is...

SPECIFICATION

List price £4749 otr Availability Now, Piaggio UK, 0800-203010 Colours Red, Silver Engine Liquid-cooled, 460cc (92mm x 69mm) 4v SOHC four-stroke Single cylinder. Fuel injection. Automatic transmission Chassis Double cradle Front suspension 41mm Kayaba telehydraulic forks Rear suspension Single rear shock with progressive Power Drive linkage, adjustments for pre-load. Tyres 120/70 x 15 front,...