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Used Review: Ducati Monster S4 & S4R
By Bertie Simmonds on 08/04/2008 21:11:47
Like the original but on steroids, the Monster S4 grasped bare-biking from Bologna by the bars and took it into the new millennium. But are there any bugs? Used-bike fact hound Bertie Simmonds finds out.
Ducati's evergreen favourite, the Monster had been around for seven years when - in Y2K - the S4 was launched.This was a much-needed shot in the arm for the Monster family, which by this time had been overtaken by the opposition, such as the TL1000S-engined Cagiva Raptor.Out went...
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First Ride: Buell XB9S
By Bertie Simmonds on 13/09/2010 11:49:56
Buell's naked, promises big kicks from its punchy motor but with a wheelbase smaller than a gnat's wheelbarrow, sharp handling too
his hand up and says: "Isn't this just a FireBolt with straight bars, lower pegs and the bikini fairing ripped off?"Silence from the Buell bigwigs. Bugger, looks like we'll be paying our own mini-bar bill this trip, lads...And that's pretty much what
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Used Review: Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird
By Bertie Simmonds on 05/04/2008 22:11:44
Ten years ago the Super Blackbird was celebrated as the fastest and most powerful thing on two wheels. Now, it's 'just' a very fast, big, sports tourer with an enviable reputation for quality.
complain the big Honda is not a perfect fit for them. Many fit padded seats, bar-risers or alter the footpegs. Double-bubble screens are also popular. Honda will be listening to this, so expect to find the company's 'Just Fit' philosophy seen on the CBF
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Used Review: Aprilia Tuono
By Bertie Simmonds on 08/04/2008 22:00:52
For sheer naked fun, nothing short of a frolic with Lucy Pinder can beat the Aprilia Tuono. Launched in 2003, it immediately won an army of fans
As a naked sportsbike the Tuono was the real deal. With other nakeds, such as the Hornet 900 and Fazer Thou', you were getting watered-down engines, chassis and cycle parts, but here were all the benefits of a sportsbike but with higher, comfy bars
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First Ride: 2001 Moto Guzzi California Special review
By Bertie Simmonds on 20/09/2010 12:30:24
For 30 years the Moto Guzzi California has always been the cornerstone of the Guzzi range. The 'Cali' has survived by doing what it does best: laid-back, cruising in the finest American tradition
, by ordering a plethora of shiny bits and pieces that would make any self-respecting motorcycling magpie go mad.Nice thinking Guzzi.Look at the Cali and you know what you're gonna get. Pull-back bars, classic looks and those two huge cylinders which insult
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First Ride: Buell XB9S (2002-03)
By Bertie Simmonds on 29/03/2008 23:55:41
"So, gentlemen, as you can see, the new XB9S Lightning is the latest generation in the street-inspired Buell family and a different take on the Buell XB series."
up and says: "Isn't this just a FireBolt with straight bars, lower pegs and the bikini fairing ripped off?"Silence from the Buell bigwigs. Bugger, looks like we'll be paying our own mini-bar bill this trip, lads...And that's pretty much what the new
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Used Review: Yamaha YZF-R1
By Bertie Simmonds on 05/04/2008 17:50:05
A quantum leap in performance over the mighty FireBlade, the Yamaha YZF-R1 set new standards for power and performance at its launch back in 1998. New and old models alike still sizzle today.
-like self-control of the twist-grip, the headstock would be indelibly imprinted on your lid's chin bar. It was more powerful than a jet fighter and had a chassis stiffer than Ron Jeremy in front of a camera.But let's start at the beginning. Kunihiko Miwa
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First Ride: 2002 Yamaha TDM900
By Bertie Simmonds on 29/03/2008 14:03:53
Let me see now. Ten years ago British biking was on the verge of something big. Our bike buying trends were going to be challenged by a bug-eyed kid from Yamaha - the TDM850.
against a supersports machine, with the usefulness that would be super against a tourer. Add in the fact that it had wide bars, a comfy seat, roomy riding position and user-friendly practicality and it was a dead cert to be a hit with us no-nonsense Brits
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Honda DN-01 first ride review
By Bertie Simmonds on 26/04/2010 11:27:08
Is this what Judge Dredd will ride when he’s given up police work and gone utterly soft in his old age?
, with its organic, sweeping lines, pull back bars, single-sided swingarm, chunky rear hoop, and chilled-to-the-bone riding position.Another big plus is the automatic transmission, which works brilliantly and is extremely fuss-free, giving a nod to its use
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First Ride: Ducati Multistrada 1000
By Bertie Simmonds on 14/09/2010 10:16:47
The new 2003 Multistrada. It's a practical, useful alternative to a sportsbike, but it can tour, commute and still cut it in the twisties as it was born on the mountain roads
and very bad for my reputation, especially in the bar tonight. Got to dig deep and make some time up. So now I'm desperately hanging on the the guy in front, I'm braking later and later with those top-line Serie Oro Brembos in a bid to make up the shortfall
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