2011

Year: 2011

Month: ALL

Bikes on TV: February 16-22

15 February 2011 by Alison Silcox

KEY TO CHANNELS: DRT – Discovery Real Time SHED – Discovery Shed DSC – Discovery Channel DHD – Discovery Channel HD EXS – Extreme Sports Channel EUR1 (2, HD) – Eurosport 1 (2, HD) MOT – Motors...

No end to Cat & Fiddle speed camera scandal

15 February 2011 by Steve Farrell

Britain’s first bike-catching average speed cameras are finally close to being switched on – weeks before they face the axe in spending cuts. Speed cameras bosses have at last fixed a cock-up that has...

Michael Neeves – MRO Powerbike blog: Rain, crashes and Bemsee Rookie racers.

15 February 2011 by Michael Neeves

A soggy Brands Hatch Since it’s been resurfaced, Brands is super-slippery in the wet and now almost as bad as Donington when the heavens open. The Kent track used to be really grippy and you could set...

New MCN February 16: 2011 Suzuki GSX-R600 vs 1000cc superbikes

15 February 2011 by Liam Marsden

In this week’s issue of MCN, on sale February 16, we test the 2011 Suzuki GSX-R600 against a 2003 Ducati 999S and 2004 Honda Fireblade to see how it compares to the superbikes of just a few years...

Staff bikes: Kawasaki GPz550 - 'I want to throw it in the river'

14 February 2011 by Steve Farrell

Sometimes fixing bikes can be almost as satisfying as riding them. But lately I’ve felt like dumping my £300 ‘bargain’ GPz550 in the river. Which is where much of it appears to have come from. More...

Ossa TR280i video

14 February 2011 by Reismotor

A video I made of the new Ossa TR180i trials bike in action.

Moto Guzzi cans concepts

11 February 2011 by MCN

After revealing a new 1400cc California cruiser, Moto Guzzi has admitted the stunning concept bikes unveiled at the 2009 Milan show will not be made. The concept bikes, which were built around the...

Video: BMW S1000RR onboard at Bruntingthorpe

11 February 2011 by MCN

Following MCN’s test of Kawasaki’s 2011 ZX-10R against its superbike rivals on road and track last week, which placed the ZX-10R third, this week we have taken them all to MCN’s performance test...

Road test preview: Kawasaki Z750R vs Triumph Street Triple R vs Yamaha FZ8

11 February 2011 by Liam Marsden

Next week the new Kawasaki Z750R takes on the Triumph Street Triple R and Yamaha FZ8 for the middleweight championship of the world. Michael Neeves wasn’t blown away by the Z750R when he rode it at...

2011 Suzuki GSX-R750 - full review

11 February 2011 by MCN

The 2011 Suzuki GSX-R750 has been ridden and rated by MCN – you can read the full web review in the bike reviews section. Read the Suzuki GSX-R750 review Find a Suzuki GSX-R750 for sale “After years...

Best of bikemart: Modern classics up for grabs this week

11 February 2011 by Phil West

We’ve been browsing MCN bikes for sale every day to bring you some of our top picks from over 10,000 motorcycles for sale. Read more modern classics news and features Here’s just a few...

Destination dealer: Motorrad Central Scotland

11 February 2011 by MCN

ADVERTISING PROMOTION Supported with knowledgeable sales staff, the dealership offers a full and comprehensive new and used motorcycle range complemented with extensive BMW Motorrad Riderwear and...

Water-cooled BMW R1200GS spied

11 February 2011 by MCN

These spy shots taken by a Spanish BMW owner on his mobile phone confirm BMW is well ahead with the development of a new water-cooled version of the top-selling R1200GS. The new motor will bring to an...

Hollyoaks star launches babe search

11 February 2011 by Dan Aspel

Hollyoaks star Jennifer Metcalfe, who’s also fresh out of ITV’s Dancing on Ice, is the face of the 2011 search for the Bennetts Babes Squad. Insurance giant Bennetts is looking for the next set of...

Nexx Helmets producing first Hugo Boss lid

11 February 2011 by Dan Aspel

Nexx Helmets are producing the first Hugo Boss themed lid for worldwide sale. Designed to fit with a “dynamic masculine lifestyle”, this “exclusive” helmet from the Portuguese manufacturer has been...

New self-locking bike lock

11 February 2011 by Marc Abbott

Here’s a video of the ‘Gorilla Lock’ in action. It’s a self-locking, anchored lock which the makers claim does away with the need for a chain. You just ride in and the bike’s front wheel is locked to the unit. Save cash on motorcycle security It costs £279.99 plus £35 for the ground anchor.

Video: 2011 Suzuki GSX-R750 first ride

11 February 2011 by MCN

Like the new Suzuki GSX-R600, which rocketed to the top of the supersports pile in our recent group test, the new GSX-R750’s rolling chassis and bodywork is completely new. But it doesn’t get the...

Poll: 2011 Suzuki GSX-R600 vs 2004 Ducati 999S vs 2005 Honda Fireblade

10 February 2011 by MCN

MCN’s Michael Neeves recently rode the 2011 Suzuki GSX-R600 at the launch, and he reckons it’s so good it’s as fast as 1000cc sports bikes from just a few years ago. With that statement in mind we’re...

KTM 200 Duke spied

10 February 2011 by Dan Aspel

This spy shot – snapped in Pune, India – shows a pre-production model of a KTM 200 Duke. The larger cousin to the upcoming 125 Duke is apparently an “India-only” model and will be priced at around...

No more numb bums

09 February 2011 by Carli Ann Smith

Ever had that uncomfortable feeling? The one just before everything below your waistband goes numb whilst riding your bike? It’s pretty obvious that the designers of regular pants for everyday wear...

Donington Park’s Redgate Lodge disappears

09 February 2011 by Trevor Franklin

Donington Park’s £1m upgrade of the Leicestershire circuit has led to the demise of one of the most famous ‘post race’ drinking haunts, Redgate Lodge. Donington says the removal of the Lodge was...

MRO Powerbikes blog: Preparing for the first race

09 February 2011 by Michael Neeves

I’ve been away for the past few weeks testing all the 1000cc superbikes in Almeria and the fabulous new GSX-R750 in Monte Blanco, near Seville. It’s times like these I still have to pinch myself –...

BBC announces 2011 MotoGP team

09 February 2011 by MCN

The BBC has announced Matt Roberts will replace Jennie Gow as the lead presenter of the 2011 MotoGP television coverage. MCN revealed last week Gow wasn’t being taken on for another season despite an...

Bennetts Biking Dreams winners: John Mair

09 February 2011 by MCN Newsdesk

When John Mair entered the Bennetts Biker Dream competition, his request was modest – a pair of Bluetooth compatible helmets for himself and his nine-year-old daughter, so that they could better...

Macau Racers

08 February 2011 by John Donnelly

Bumped into a couple of racers in Heathrow on their way to the Macau Grand Prix. Gary Johnston sorted out a Paddock pass for me. Thanks as well to Stuart Easton (Winner) and Keith Amor, his Kawasaki...

New MCN February 9: Ducati Diavel ridden

08 February 2011 by Liam Marsden

In this week’s issue of MCN, on sale February 9, we test the all-new Ducati Diavel and try to figure out where it fits in. Also in this week’s MCN, we ride the new Suzuki GSX-R750, and we have all the...

TT Ace Ian Hutchinson is MCN’s Man of the Year

07 February 2011 by Steve Farrell

Road racing legend Ian Hutchinson said he was “overwhelmed” to receive MCN’s coveted Man of the Year award at the Carole Nash Motorcycle Show yesterday. Hutchinson, who made history at the TT in June...

KTM opens stores in Dubai and Brazil

07 February 2011 by Dan Aspel

Austrian firm KTM is going global, with the opening of flagship stores in Dubai and Brazil. KTM Dubai – opened just a few days ago – is reportedly aimed at the burgeoning off-road market in the...

California Superbike School in India

07 February 2011 by Anonymous

Iain and Ian with Keith Code and Andy Ibbott in Chennai for 3 levels of California Superbike School, India. 30 degrees of heat and lots of fun.

Ducati Diavel first ride: "I'm simply blown away!"

07 February 2011 by Phil West

MCN’s Phil West has just ridden the all-new Ducati Diavel ‘power-cruiser’ at its world launch in southern Spain. This is what he has to say: “I’ve got to say I’m simply blown away by the Diavel. It’s...

BKS made-to-measure unaffected by Frank Thomas situation

04 February 2011 by MCN

Recent news that the Thomas Sport Group has become a casualty of a deepening recession does not affect the fortunes of BKS (Made to Measure) Ltd. The Thomas Group is parent to the Motrax, Frank Thomas...

Video: KTM SMT ABS first ride

04 February 2011 by MCN

KTM’s new SMT has bucked the trend for ever-increasing bike prices – it undercuts the outgoing model by £350. Not only that, the new bike has ABS as standard where the old bike didn’t – and the...

Video: Ducati Diavel first ride teaser

04 February 2011 by MCN

MCN’s Phil West is currently in Spain for the launch of the all-new Ducati Diavel, which he’ll be riding tomorrow. Here’s a little teaser to whet your appetite, ahead of the review in MCN on Wednesday...

Don't miss out on the Carole Nash MCN Motorcycle Show at London's ExCeL Centre this weekend!

04 February 2011 by Dan Aspel

London’s biggest motorcycle show will only be running for the next two days. With the Revolution show on display – featuring races and stunts from biking heroes Kevin Schwantz, Freddie Spencer,...

MCN Carole Nash Motorcycle Show: Design your own Honda Fireblade

04 February 2011 by Andy Downes

Farnham Honda has revealed a new line-up of Honda Fireblades as an example of the new Fingerprint bikes it can make with just about any paintscheme available. The dealership was responsible for two...

Carole Nash MCN motorcycle show: Ducati confirms Monster 1100Evo price

04 February 2011 by Andy Downes

Ducati has officially confirmed the price of the range-topping 2011 Monster 1100Evo will be £8995. The Monster 1100Evo is the latest addition to the Monster range and replaces the old 1100 bike, adds...