In short:We put the new and improved Hornet 600 through its paces. But will it still offer up the vibey ride and shonky tank range of its top-selling predecessor? Engine capacity: 599cc Power: 101bhp Torque: 46.5lb ft Weight: 173kg Seat height: 800

Torque: 38lb ft Weight: 138kg Seat height: 910mm Fuel capacity: 12L 0-60: 4.2 seconds Tommyk: 50 miles max at a boring pace then a bum massage. Twisty back roads are what it's about. Strengths: Fun, torque to spare, light, flickable, character. My bike

relevant to British roads. Driven by the latest Euro-3 compliant 125cc four valve liquid cooled 4-stroke engine, the LXR produces 12.5 hp and is more than capable of keeping pace with traffic flow. Its 16” wheels work with twin rear shock absorbers

than vertical.) A rare break in the miserable winter weather meant the road was dry and the sky was blue, and motorists were pushing a brisk pace. And every time I wanted to get past a car or two, I cracked open the throttle and shot past them, silently

but not annoyingly so. The brakes a little lifeless unless you were braking from high speeds. Its only when you ride the 1100 out of town and up the pace that you realise what the bike is all about. High street poseurs are better off on the 696 as the bigger

, for me, isn’t all about sports bikes. I get just as much enjoyment from riding, say, a 1966 drum-braked Bonneville as I do from a CR500, a slim style Lambretta or snail-pace competition trials bikes. The formula is simple. Engine + wheels (as long as they

to the garage. Couls: ALL THE BIKE I WANT AS A NEW BIKER FOR £1359 Strengths: Always works!! Very quick after my 125cc, can out pace any car under £80k and it is still restricted!! Weaknesses: Always works!! Very quick after my 125cc, can out pace any car under

flames out the back on the over-run! :) Overall: A great little bike, very confidence inspiring, but really needs to be thrashed to go at any pace. Getting a bit long in the tooth now, but engine and chassis are still gems. If your are looking for a good

on good, smooth surfaces. Front brakes are brilliant - confidence inspiring - possibly the bikes 'best asset'. Great riding position when you are on the pace. Very responsive all round, . . I should spend more time on track days.As a limited edition

the weight dissappears when you get over walking pace.solid handling and can lean a lot further than you think. Weaknesses: great engine - pulls well from low revs but lets you rev it when you want to, with a surprising turn of speed.well balanced - all