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Niall's Spin: 2006 Suzuki Bandit 650
By Niall Mackenzie on 20/09/2010 12:44:45
Bandits were the ultimate model that began the factory streetfighter craze but, in light of recent events, have they been improved or lost their charm?
models. The 600 Bandit became a best-seller for those after a cheap first 'big' bike , but in recent years the competition has upped the ante and, in my opinion, left the Suzuki behind.Although it's now a 650 the Bandit is much heavier than its class
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Niall's Spin: 2003 Kawasaki ER-5
By Niall Mackenzie on 21/09/2010 11:38:56
The commuter and courier favourite. But how does it stack up as a first big bike?
Click to read: Kawasaki ER-5 owners reviews, Kawasaki ER-5 specs and to see the Kawasaki ER-5 image gallery.BIG ENOUGH TO be a proper bike but easy enough for a learner to feel confident on and cheap to buy and run too. That's Kawasaki's bike school
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Niall's Spin: Yamaha MT-01 review
By Niall Mackenzie on 21/09/2010 12:25:10
It promised so much that it was bound to fall short, but now the hype has died down, what's it really like to ride?
that isn't, and perhaps the ideal stepping stone from sports bike to full-on custom.The MT-01 is most definitely a bike you buy for the looks. Wallflowers need not apply.The ride doesn't live up to the image if you want cutting edge cut and thrust. Yes, it
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Niall's Spin: KTM Duke II
By Niall Mackenzie on 28/09/2010 14:41:26
It might be light and peppy to start off with but the fun quickly dries up once you get started.
-start-only two-wheel psychopath.Still, try and get a test ride - above 85mph the fun quickly dries up and the Vectras and Bandit 600s will fly past on the motorway. If you're used to riding multis, or even twins, this single is going to feel really harsh
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Niall's Spin: YZF1000R Thunderace
By Niall Mackenzie on 28/09/2010 14:54:40
Even though it never matched the best sports bikes of the day, there are plenty of good reasons why you should give it at least a test ride.
which meant it never matched the best sports bikes of the day, but it's still an extremely capable road and track bike with accurate steering, a stable chassis and an indecent amount of power.Bizarrely it makes a great sports tourer. Many has-been sports
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Niall's Spin: Ducati Monster S4R
By Niall Mackenzie on 30/09/2010 12:22:21
The Ducati Monster maybe a absolute blast but takes a real man to tame this one...
of around 150mph. Provided, that is, you can hold on - that bikini fairing does almost nothing to shelter the rider.The brakes are strong and handling fast and nimble, against some naked bikes' sludgy steering. Like all Monsters the riding position isn
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First Ride: 2007 Suzuki B-King
By Niall Mackenzie on 02/04/2008 18:18:16
In the six years since we first saw the B-King it has been the subject of heated discussion in Japan. Should it be dumbed down for mass market or a full-blown radical bike? Find out who won the argument...
've ridden one, as it's unquestionably a special bike.It may have the size and shape of a behemoth but looks are deceiving as this bike has some of the best manners I've encountered on a road bike to date. Firstly it has a low seat height, which makes
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First Ride: 2001 Suzuki VL800 Intruder Volusia
By Niall Mackenzie on 20/09/2010 09:53:31
With Suzuki's new 800 Volusia weighing in at just over five grand, one-armed banditos all over the country could be cracking open the piggybank. Or will they? Niall Mackenzie's not so convinced...
reliable and more refined than Harleys ever will be, but that's not really what this class of bike is all about.VerdictExcellent price and good ride quality mostly out-weighed by cheap finish and lack of any real character. Bikes like this are as much about
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First Ride: 2007 Suzuki B-King
By Niall Mackenzie on 29/03/2008 10:03:26
In the six years since we first saw the B-King it has been the subject of heated discussion in Japan. Should it be dumbed down for mass market or a full-blown radical bike? Find out who won the argument...
. Firstly it has a low seat height, which makes starting, stopping and maneuvering a doddle. Providing you are on a flat surface. Needless to say pulling 240kg backwards up an incline is not an option so turning round on narrow roads requires some planning
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First Ride: 2008 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade
By Niall Mackenzie on 07/11/2008 12:08:31
Honda doesn’t do quirky on its sportsbikes without a very good reason. Niall puts Honda's new superbike through its paces
model but after his wife tried the pillion seat (her rump was of ample size) said it was way too small.Heading out the pit lane at the Losail circuit in Qatar and my first impression was once again the Blade had a pretty perfect riding position
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