Get there early, have a look, know exactly what you’re buying and don’t go over your pre-set limit. Some of the best stuff I’ve got at auctions is when I didn’t know much about a lot, but seen it wasn’t going for as much as I thought and had a

wheelies is an understatement.The engine features a 3-way mapping switch allowing you to select between a ‘soft’ setting that reduces power by about 30% across the whole rev range, a ‘standard’ setting that gives full power with a progressive feel

dealer, a private individual or from an auction, I usually come away feeling like I’ve got a bit of a deal. The bottom line comes down to supply and demand. If you’re trying to buy a bike that’s rare or sought-after, and you’ve set your heart set on it

on the road. And a bike that gave you magic-carpet comfort on a bumpy road would handle like a Vespa with a flat tyre if you took it on track.Read on for James Whitham's verdict of the MV Agusta F4How MV made big changes to the F4 without losing its good looks

adjustment to make and while you’re at it you’re likely to spot if there’s any wear in your headstock, wheel and swinging arm bearings. As suspension set-up goes, sorting the preload and setting the sag is the perfect place to start before fine-tuning any

Revisiting Whitham's trip to Spa on a FizzyIf you’ve been a reader of the mag for any length of time you can’t have failed to notice that as well as my love of modern bikes, I have an unhealthy interest in older ones. Particularly 1970’s two

James recollects the horror loos of Vallelunga, and what it really takes to be a racing privateer with a Transit van and a willing mate...Just got back from Vallelunga. This sinewy little circuit just north of Rome hosted Round 12 of the WSB series

mate of his back in the late 70’s called Greg Hansford. This blonde haired Australian could turn up at a circuit he’d never seen before, ask which way he should set off down pit lane and within five laps he’d broken the lap record.Spies is the same. He

’ Championship-winning R1 for me to have a bash on. Racing bikes used to have two clocks under the screen – revs and temp. These days the digital dash can be set up to relay any amount of information to the rider. Revs, temps, pressures, gear position, lap time

to prevent it from pinching. Tighten to the recommended torque setting, fit a new sealing washer to the sump bung and tighten to the correct setting.Step 6Before you refit the panels, get the new oil in. Use a measuring jug and pour in 200ml less than