and while the spec sheet talks of the engine having 3bhp and 1ft.lb of torque more, the bike weighing 3kg less, the suspension growing high and low speed compression damping and the brakes becoming the latest ‘in thing,’ monoblock calipers, it would take a

They say: "Widening the horizons of all those who are sports motorcyclists" DucatiWe say: "It's the heavy clutch that has made my wrist limp, don't get any funny ideas about widening my horizons!" Jon UrryDucati's Multistrada has always had a

silver, so 650 owners can now pretend their bike is a 1200 Bandit as this previously was the main visual difference. The 600 has also grown to 656cc with a bigger bore, has a new cylinder design with a low friction coating, some new pistons and a new cam

. The three-cylinder motor is always willing to pull no matter which gear you're in, the fuel injection is spot-on with none of the glitches we've come to expect on modern bikes and the muted popping on the overrun is wonderful. It's also one of the best

is the only one that actually fits into a class... almost. The 749 is Ducati's answer to a 600, but it isn't because it's a 750. But Ducati's answer to a 750 was a 999, so it doesn't fit in this class. It's all about the number of cylinders, you see. Confused

of the engine means there is useable power everywhere, and quite a lot of it from very low down. Enough power, in fact, to haul the bike from standstill to 60mph in much the same time as the Yamaha at around 3.5 seconds, despite carrying an extra 100kg. It's a

appreciate the engine. There is just something so satisfying and pleasurable about it, from the beautiful three-cylinder growl to the gentle popping on the overrun and the lovely spread of power. While the Honda is wonderfully smooth it does lack a bit

by next month. Promise.Finally, I found another reason to hate Ikea. As if there weren't enough reasons to despise this version of Swedish torture, on the way home my lovely Metzeler Sportec M3 rear tyre (£200 a set, call 0845 6094949), which I put

.99Nose cowl - £119.99Pillion seat cover - £89.99Rear hugger - £39.99LED rear light - £59.99Total cost: £1,204.94All of these parts came directly from Triumph, contact your local dealer or www.triumph.co.ukMiles covered: 3,199July 2008Last year Triumph

troubles, so now we have Fazers in the UK would the problem be sorted? Wait and see...Leaning more heavily towards the sports touring side of things we have Triumph's Sprint ST, a bike that took us all by storm last year. An easygoing three-cylinder motor