suspension and quirky looks, but in the first update since its launch KTM has refined the Duke. The geometry is slightly lazier with 0.4¡ less steering angle and the fuel injection has been tweaked, partly to meet emissions but also to smooth power delivery

IN 1998 KTM launched what it claims was the first production supermoto, the 620SM. It wasn't a revolutionary bike - the supermoto scene had been gaining strength in Europe for quite a while - but this was the first time a manufacturer had unveiled a

.Despite a bit of a panning from the press Buell’s XB12X Ulysses has proved to be a hit in the showrooms. Last year it was the company’s best selling model, shifting 194 bikes in the UK. Okay, this isn’t a patch on the nearly 2,000 GS models BMW punted out

mogul Bernie Ecclestone. The man with a wad of cash big enough to choke a blue whale has spent a fortune converting the historic circuit, up until 1999 the host of the Bol d'Or 24-hour race, into a purpose built F1 test track. Which explains the lack

road-orientated 19-inch front wheel. Doesn’t exactly sound a blast to ride, does it?Well don’t be mislead, the F650GS is a very good bike, in fact it’s easily BMW’s best new-rider bike to date. Obviously if you are already caning around on a Blade

forgot that despite my enthusiasm level being quite high, my off-road ability is close to zero my sand riding level is even lower, especially on a 185kg bike on road tyres. Never mind, always one to give it a shot off I headed…for about ten yards

one as a longterm bike for a year and over 10,000 miles and also being amongst the first to ride the Lightning on a rain soaked weekend in Southern France. So when it comes to these oddballs from the sports arm of Harley I have probably done more

they asked for, in both a naked and faired version. And surprise, surprise, sold it by the shed load.Last year the SV was Europe's best selling bike. Over 16,200 of the little beauties were sold during 2002, to go with the 17,800 sold the year before. Not bad

. I mean alongside there were Ducatis on slicks, race prepped CBRs, GSX-R1000s...and me on a road going BMW with a natty paint job and the signature of a former GP rider on the side. Well one thing was for sure, if I could get ahead then it would be a

, February '06), the SV actually weighs less - but on the road the ER feels lighter.Although in a straight head-to-head the SV's chassis offers a sportier ride, through tight corners the ER requires virtually no effort to get it to change direction, aided