. Instead, they built a smaller and more distinctively styled bike inspired by Streamline Moderne, a branch of the Art Deco movement of the 1920s and '30s.The result is the Midnight Star, known as the Star Roadliner in the States (where from now on all Yam

with its looks, it's a cruiser's feel that determines rider satisfaction. And as any FireBlade owner knows, a fine handling bike feels really good even when you're using it gently. The new XV1700 Road Star shows that Yamaha has taken this view on board

whole spectrum of people, from those who've just past their test all the way to factory MotoGP stars such as Loris Capirossi. What I do know is that my pace relates to that of a rider in the fast group at a track day: good enough to put a bike through

owns two) but I really wanted to do the thing justice. And then of course I realise I could have worn snow shoes and a pink shower cap; on a Type 5 there’s really only one star.£27,000 – and yet there’s nothing to a Type 5; rigid tail, no fuss, springer

around 1,063cc of old-school, air-cooled satin black V-twin engine, hoisted out of Yamaha's full stretch Drag Star, complete with a pair of Keihin carburettors, five-speed gearbox and shaft drive. It has a bigger, better breathing airbox

intakes for an aerodynamic benefit. Revised Öhlins forks feature a top-out spring and reworked damping, and there's a new Öhlins shock too, with modified internal valving for more precise damping adjustment.But that new motor was the star at Laguna

still rules.VERDICTJust the tool for teens to mis-spend  their youth on and learn how to be a GP star - as long as they can afford it.Aprilia RS125 SpecsSPECS TYPE - SUPERSPORTSPRODUCTION DATE - 2006PRICE NEW - £3616ENGINE CAPACITY - 124.5ccPOWER - 28bhp

-pan, and plastic fork shrouds that accentuate the low, pointy nose while protecting the stanchions.I’m not sure about the stubby, triangular silencers or the rock star colour option of dark brown with a mock snakeskin seat. But the Zed’s chunkiness up front

, was a nightmare on the road. The riding position was uncomfortable, the suspension so hard it hurt, the clutch so grabby it was impossible to set off smoothly, and the motor had strong top-end but the fueling was all over the place making the throttle

were about to be put through the bloody grinder and no mistake. Let thrashing commence!Four sportsbikes, four TT racers, and one TT circuit. This is what happened...Start the TT road test 2/7THE OTT TESTERSDave Jefferies, TT Legend6-times TT winner, big