April

Year: 2009

Month: April

Reading MCN on wedding day

07 April 2009 by ianzx10

Tom and Lesley Anne Stevens from Stroud got married recently, still found time to read MCN on the wedding day though.

Video: KTM Adventure v BMW GS on the beach

07 April 2009 by James Keen

The KTM 990 Adventure takes on the BMW GS Adventure in this week’s MCN. Does the KTM have what it takes to beat the BMW GS’s blend of long-distance comfort and off-road fun? Find out in the April 8...

ZX12R creates future biker

07 April 2009 by John Aubrook

I visited some friends last Saturday and went there on my ZX12R. They let me take it through the house to the back garden for security as I was staying over for a party that night. My friend’s...

Poll: Have you been the subject of anti-biking prejudice?

07 April 2009 by James Keen

MCN wants to find out what British bikers think about the issues facing motorcycling today. That’s why from now on we’ll be running weekly polls to gather your opinions on all aspects of biking. This...

Scarlett Johansson begs husband to give up biking

07 April 2009 by Laura Kennerley

Hollywood A-lister Scarlett Johansson has made a desperate plea to husband Ryan Reynolds to give up riding. Canadian actor Reynolds narrowly avoided binning his bike on a recent outing leaving Johansson fearful it is only a matter of time before he is injured, according to the National Enquirer. A source told the US paper, “Johannson’s petrified a serious accident is just around the...

Gallery: BMW G450X takes on snowmobile

07 April 2009 by Phil West

What’s fastest on snow – a snowmobile or a motorbike? You’d be forgiven for thinking snowmobile, especially after recent icy snaps that left most of the UK at a standstill, but the truth isn’t as...

New KTM Scottoiler available

07 April 2009 by Marc Abbott

A new KTM Scottoiler kit is now available. This latest kit from the chain lubrication experts is suitable for all RC8s, LC8s and 690 LC4s, and costs £89.95. The colour-matched kit includes a bespoke...

New MCN April 8: Aprilia RSV4 tested

07 April 2009 by MCN

In this week’s edition of MCN, road tester Michael Neeves tests the all-new Aprilia RSV4. Michael says the V4 engine is the perfect solution and the handling is superb, so could this be the bike to...

Very undercover traffic cops (Derbyshire)

07 April 2009 by Loriku

Just thought you’d like to know (as I was majorly shocked when I saw it!) that theres a silver people carrier undercover traffic cop car hanging around Matlock Bath and Derbyshire roads recently. Saw 2 bikers pulled up by it and felt really sorry as no-one in their right mind would think it was a traffic cop. Can’t recall the make or plate, all i can say is beware of a silver people carrier with...

Arc-on reveals new one-piece suit

06 April 2009 by Marc Abbott

British leathers manufacturer Arc-on has released details of its new top-of-the-range one-piece suit, which comes in at a very favourable £399.99. Compare and buy motorcycle leathers The Corse race...

Video: Aprilia RSV4 first ride

06 April 2009 by James Keen

The Aprilia RSV4 is so much fun that despite a soaking wet track and pouring rain, MCN’s Michael Neeves didn’t want to give the keys back. Visit the Aprilia RSV4 information centre Neeves says that...

Bikers to be targeted by average-speed cameras

06 April 2009 by Steve Farrell

The first average-speed cameras capable of catching motorcycles are to be installed on popular riding routes under plans announced last week. The cameras will be funded by the government with the...

Byk33r number plate up for grabs

06 April 2009 by Phil West

A unique biker registration number has gone on sale. ‘BYK33R’ is being offered for £2000 after it’s owner decided to give up bikes due to a long standing shoulder and elbow injury. “I’ve got a great...

4,000+ against parking tax descend on WCC!

06 April 2009 by ojosef

The MEGA DEMO happened and it was exactly that… MEGA! THE FIGHT GOES ON! TO JOIN THE CAMPAIGN GO HERE. For photos from the demo (you maybe be in one!) View the photo gallery here. See you at the next one!

Video: Norton NRV testing at Donington

05 April 2009 by Anonymous

Look at this video! New NRV looks hot!

Joe Public 1 - Police 0

05 April 2009 by Jon

As an avid MCN reader and rider, and MCN Forum member, I have felt the compelling need to sit down and write in after your recent stories covering the newly installed ‘Motorcycle Detection Systems’...

Montblanc tunnel, Italy

05 April 2009 by jon spencer

Me and the mrs, Diane, waiting to go through the montblanc tunnel on our way to Italy.

Our bikes don't fly...

05 April 2009 by Davy F

We tried to get closer to the ‘Harry Potter’ railway bridge in Scotland, but found that our bikes didn’t have the ability to fly!

Czech Republic is a hidden biking gem

04 April 2009 by the rage

I’ve been over here in the Czech Republic for a wee while now, just thought I’d let you know it’s a hidden bikers gem. So are all the surrounding areas and countries – Austria, Poland, Germany...

Just nipping out for some (French) bread

04 April 2009 by ianludwell

Just nipping out for a loaf of bread I said… how did we finish up in Verdun France?! Who knows. She was not pleased!

My winter project

03 April 2009 by Norman Bell

I have been hard at work building a GP replica over the winter months, and this is it. Lightened, tuned, loads of go faster bits fitted, and it is as hard if not harder to ride quickly as my old 98...

On the way up Kirkston Pass

03 April 2009 by Paul1810

Last Thursday in the glorious weather we had on the way up to Kirkston Pass in Cumbria.

First Aprilia Shiver GT arrives in the UK

03 April 2009 by Chris Newbigging

On Yer Bike Aprilia has received the first 2009 Aprilia Shiver GT in the UK, and is on sale at £6499. Just one bike is available in maroon, and 0% finance over £36 months is also being offered with a...

Lord Brocket plans charity ride

03 April 2009 by Laura Kennerley

Celebrity jailbird Lord Brocket – best known for his love of fast cars – will embark on a 10,000 mile charity motorcycle ride. Brocket, who starred in the last series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of...

Friday debate: Your 1000cc dream garage

03 April 2009 by James Keen

You have a total of 1000cc to spend. What’s in your dream garage? The rule is you can have as many or as few bikes as you want, as long as in total their combined engine capacity does’t exceed 1000cc.

Video: Aprilia RSV4 promo video

03 April 2009 by James Keen

Aprilia have released this classy promotional video to coincide with the world launch of the new Aprilia RSV4. Visit the Aprilia RSV4 launch centre Read the world first ride report on the Aprilia...

Yamaha MT-02 concept idea

03 April 2009 by Oberdan Bezzi

A new concept dedicated to Yamaha. The MT-02 Concept is a proposal for the purest style cafè racer. Based on a V Twin 1000 already used for concept SAKURA, it wants to start a new trend for Yamaha,...

Sports touring on a Desmosedici

03 April 2009 by Dave Larvan

I took my Desmo to AYR campsite in St. Ives, and used that as a base for exploring the tip of Cornwall and Lands end. After a week of riding down there, I head back home to South Yorks, with a little...

MCN in Havana

03 April 2009 by Geoff Cook

Here I am reading MCN next to Fidel Castro’s preferred mode of transportation in the Cuban capital.

Report on riding a KTM 990 SMT

02 April 2009 by rogersouthcott

Spring fever is upon me so, being a fickle individual, I am considering changing my bike for something new. Perhaps not brand new, but certainly different to my existing BMW R1150R (Rockster – yes I know it’s a stupid name for a bike!). Having had in-line 4 rice rockets, I wanted a naked twin with a bit of pillion comfort and the Beemer fitted the bill. Continuing with this trend I recently took...

Julian Ryder to appear in new series of Red Dwarf

02 April 2009 by Rupert Paul

Yes, that really is Eurosport MotoGP commentator Julian Ryder on the set of the new Red Dwarf mini-series. Ryder plays the part of a bus driver in Red Dwarf: Back to Earth, which goes out on Dave over...

30% off Yamaha leathers

02 April 2009 by Marc Abbott

Throughout April and May you can snap up a Professional one-piece or Mako two-piece suit with 30% off from official dealers. The kit, made for Yamaha by Dainese, is made from 1-2mm cowhide. Compare...

ABS? No Thanks!

02 April 2009 by Phil Darling

With regard to ABS for bikes i feel that it will not compensate for the lack of either steering or braking skill on the part of the rider. ABS fitted on cars etc is fine, in good weather/condition. However in icy/slippery conditions it is a different situation altogether as no doubt many of us have experienced even under gentle use of brakes only to find that the brake pedal goes solid. Whatever...