), rider action groups and motorcycle training bodies from around the country. Mr Penning said today (Tuesday): "It is clear there are concerns among the motorcycling community about the safety of the new test's off-road module. There have also been

HANDS UP if you've owned a 400cc sportsbike? I haven't, I couldn't afford one back in the day, so I bought a Bandit 400 instead. But I always lusted after an RVF400 and I still do.Visordown's reviewed four classic 400cc sportsbikes - the Kawasaki ZXR400, Honda VFR400R NC30, Suzuk...

DUCATI'S LATEST entry-level sportsbike has been unveiled at the Milan Show. The new machine features a 134bhp engine nestling in a bike with a claimed dry weight of 168kg - that's a better power to weight ratio than the 999. The 848's engine is over 3 kg (6.5 lbs) lighter than th...

Struggling with the performance of the Ducati Desmosedici and ongoing shoulder issues Valentino Rossi may have to focus his intentions on the second group after falling further behind the pace of the Hondas.Challenging weather and track conditions

HOT news in the BMW Superbike testing programme, Kevin Curtain is apparently deep into a long testing schedule with the factory on the prototype machine at a circuit in Germany for Alpha Technic. The German concern have already been identified

implementation date will now be Monday, March 30, 2009.The decision to defer implementation will allow the DSA to carry on delivering motorcycle tests from a wider range of centres whilst working with motorcycle groups and to find a suitable solution

, single test is the result of work the Department has undertaken with motorcycle groups, training organisations and others since June 2010.Proposals include slow manoeuvres such as slalom, figure of eight, and U turn could be examined at training centres

REPRESENTATIVES FROM the motorcycle industry met Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick today, for an emergency meeting to prompt a six month delay to the introduction of the new-style motorcycle test, scheduled for the end of this month.The Motor Cycle

.Visordown’s post-test tipsRide on your own or with an experienced, level-headed friendAvoid riding in groupsStay within your limitsPlan your routesRide to test standard at all times – don’t get complacentBe aware that bikes handle differently with a passenger

that would benefit one category of road user while putting the life of another group in jeopardy.MAG's view is that a more effective way to address riders' safety is to focus on the issue of rider awareness within the car training and testing regimes