will be fully focused on some seriously fast action going on around you. This Ducati is a true sportster and it's when you let it fly that the quality and lightness of the chassis really show. It has very quick steering and needs only a light touch to flick from

- especially in the wet - but this is mainly due to the lack of feeling and grip the on/off road tyres offer. Excellent in the dry, I find they aren't too hard to make skid in the wet if you apply the brakes a bit too enthusiastically. This is an extra worry

and it makes an apologetic whirr as if almost embarrassed to be doing something as raucous as burning fossil fuels. It has a limp whine to it rather than a growl that might hint at its heritage. Lovely light clutch in, which has been designed with a dogleg

and it makes an apologetic whirr as if almost embarrassed to be doing something as raucous as burning fossil fuels. It has a limp whine to it rather than a growl that might hint at its heritage. Lovely light clutch in, which has been designed with a dogleg

the Multistrada 620.Although the old air-cooled two-valve engine is far from high tech the 620 comes with a few features aimed at new riders or city commuters. It has Ducati's APTC clutch, which is light almost to the point of being unnaturally light, as well

on the bike and pull the clutch in while applying a little front brake to smear the front tyre into the ground and make the bike light on its nose. Now apply more brake until the rear lifts and ‘tweak’ the lever to make the rear rise up properly

, the Italians lead the way with the Japanese playing catch up.So for a test involving four of the most beautiful and exotic bikes Italy produces we decided on a pilgrimage to their home. A tour through the stunning scenery and roads of the Swiss Alps

such matters? This is a niche bike aimed at people who want to go screaming bonkers on a Sunday afternooon. And despite the Sardinian roads being a bit damp the bike was a riot. As you would expect from such a stripped down machine the Hypermotard is very light

bike has to handle so a sweet chassis is obviously at the top of the list. Then you'd like a motor with enough thrills to keep you amused while not being a pain to use and obviously you'd want brakes that work, decent suspension, a comfortable riding

particularly special about the inline four engine that lends itself to this class? It wouldn’t seem so. Middleweights tend to be aimed at newer riders, commuters or just those who want cheap, light and hassle-free riding. While an inline four might offer a