Aprilia reviews
2002 Aprilia RSV-R Mille
The main point is that this is a serious superbike with a massive range of adjustment on offer. There's no right or wrong set up, but if you know what you want you can reap substantial rewards from a spot of tinkering.
Aprilia RSV-R Mille first ride review
2002 Aprilia Tuono
Aprilia's Tuono is one of the more curious of machines to come from Italy. This is the Noale firm's belated entry in the big-bore naked roadster class, designed to take on bikes like the big Hornet and Fazer, as well as the daddy of them all, Ducati's Monster.
Aprilia Tuono first ride review
2002 Aprilia Tuono Fighter
You can go sling your identikit four-cylinder supa-dupa racers down the bog. You show me the road and I'll show you the way home on the Tuono, and I'll be having far more of a laugh the whole time.
Aprilia Tuono Fighter first ride review
2003 Aprilia Pegaso Tuscany-Tibet
If singles are your bag, then the Pegaso Wales-Liechtenstein, or whatever, is the one to go for. Unless you're a novice, then it's the gentler BMW F650CS. Mind you, it helps to be blind to own that. Except then you couldn't ride it...
Aprilia Pegaso Tibet first ride review
2005 Aprilia Tuono-R
The Tuono is a serious entertainer, and a bit of a wild and unforgettable one at that.
Aprilia Tuono-R first ride review
2005 Aprilia Pegaso 650 Strada
Good looking, well put together and goes well for a single. Supermoto kicks with real usability, but price may be an issue.
Aprilia Pegaso 650 Strada first ride review
2006 Aprilia Tuono-R
This is the only naked 'fighter that is truly a superbike in disguise .The sit-up-and-beg riding position means you can cruise the high street in comfort, but get your head down behind the clocks and you can stay with any of the competition - at least up to 100mph.
Apriia Tuono-R first ride review
2006 Aprilia RS125
Just the tool for teens to mis-spend their youth on and learn how to be a GP star - as long as they can afford it.
Aprilia RS125 first ride review
2007 Aprilia Shiver SL750
The Shiver is designed to work best for inexperienced riders while still offering some riding satisfaction for older hands (ie, something for everyone), packaged in a modern, techno style.
Aprilia Shiver SL750 first ride review
2007 Aprilia Mana
It’s not a machine for every motorcyclist, this Mana. If you rarely ride in town you’d arguably gain little advantage from the power-sapping complexity of the CVT. Or the expense: at about six grand it will cost slightly more than the Shiver. But in traffic the automatic transmission is handy, and the Mana combines its superbike and scooter features cleverly.
Aprilia Mana first ride review
2007 Aprilia Tuono Factory
Gentle practicality? Go Japanese. High speed thrills? Go Aprilia. Not the easiest bike to ride, but delivers real punch and has a high specification for the price.
Aprilia Tuono Factory first ride review
2008 Aprilia Dorsoduro
Aprilia’s message is to have fun with the Dorsoduro pushing it right to the limit whenever you can, without having to scare yourself witless in the process. I dare you not to.
Aprilia Dorsoduro first ride review
2009 Aprilia RSV4 Factory
Impossibly exotic yet utterly usable, stuffed with accessible power yet 125-small and beautiful in a way too many current sportsbikes just aren’t, the RSV4 has huge appeal.
Aprilia RSV4 Factory first ride review
2010 Aprilia RSV4R
For me, the V-four configuration is the ultimate and the Aprilia RSV4 is a beautiful way of expressing it. Sublime handling with sharp, precise steering to match a sensational motor, all beautifully wrapped in this, it’s simplest and best value form.
Aprilia RSV4R first ride review
Benelli reviews
Benelli Tornado Tre
I was genuinely surprised just how good the Tornado was. The chassis is easily on par, if not better, than the Japanese litre-bikes and feels less nervous. Now a lot of this feeling is probably attributable to the snooker table flat track surface and we will have to see how it deals with the bumps and ruts on UK roads but all the same it was very impressive.
Benelli Tornado Tre first ride review
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Benelli Tre-K 899
Benelli describes its Tre-K 899 as an entry-level sports-tourer, and by the Italian firm’s standards that’s exactly what it is. But you’ve only got to hook a leg over the 899’s tall seat and hit the starter button, bringing the 12 valve triple to life with a malicious burble from the underseat silencer, to realise Benelli’s definitions differ from those of most other firms.
Benelli Tre-K 899 first ride review
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Bimota reviews
2006 Bimota DB6 Delirio
A cyborg is a cybernetic organism, a marriage of convenience between the organic and the mechanical. And the Bimota DB6 Delirio is the bastard child of just such a union.
2006 Bimota DB6 Delirio first ride review
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2007 Bimota DB6 Delirio
First impressions are good; visually this is a stunning bike. The quality and attention to detail that has gone into making the DB6 are very impressive. You can't take it all in with just one glance. You have to stop, look and inspect every angle of the bike to see the little intricacies that set it aside from a run of the mill machine.
2007 Bimota DB6 Delirio first ride review
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Bimota DB7
As I crouched behind the DB7’s low screen and tap-tapped through the sweet-shifting gearbox, the Bimota’s eight-valve V-twin motor punched the bike forward in a 160-horse charge that sent the following right-hand kink rushing into view at a scary rate.
Bimota DB7 first ride review
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Bimota Tesi 3D
23,800 Euros is a lot of money for a bike with an old air-cooled Ducati engine in it, particularly when you consider that doesn’t include any delivery, VAT or on the road charges. But, I have to say, it is a fantastic thing to behold (and ride) – the kind of bike you could just stare at for hours.
Bimota Tesi 3D first ride review
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BMW reviews
2001 BMW R1150RS
Overall I liked the bike. A few little changes (like the indicators) would make it better still but, load it with luggage or a large pillion and it'll still do the job without complaining.
BMW R1150RS first ride review
2002 BMW F650CS
A joy to ride in town and out of town definately a serious rival for the big scooter market or medium size commuter.
BMW F650CS first ride review
2002 BMW R1150GS Adventure
The Adventure is the ultimate GS - it's got the sheer usefulness of the stocker, but with bolt-on practicality and a stack more attitude.
BMW R1150GS Adventure
2003 BMW R1150 Rockster
Wild looks and quirky paint scheme conceal a competent and well-built bike that goes, handles and stops well enough to be a laugh.
BMW R1150 Rockster first ride review
2004 BMW K1200S
The K1200S has been built up so much that the actual reality is a bit of a let down. It's no Hayabusa, ZX-12R or even Blackbird-beater due to some obvious flaws.
BMW K1200S first ride review
2004 BMW R1200C Montauk
The Montauk will win a lot of fans for its individuality in the cruiser sector. It's certainly the Bavarian firm's best looking and handling cruiser to date and as it is a BMW you can be assured it will run forever.
BMW R1200C first ride review
2004 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika
All in all the R1100S Boxer Cup Replika (and yes, it is spelt with a 'k') is a really individual, fun to ride sports bike that oozes quality and comes with a ton of presence.
BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika first ride review
2005 BMW HP2 Enduro
Big, refined and desirable trailie which does the business both on and off road. Only obstacle is the price.
BMW HP2 Enduro first ride review
2005 BMW R1200ST
Not a bad bike, but the competition is more exciting and cheaper. Refined and well built, but one for BMW enthusiasts only.
BMW R1200ST first ride review
2005 BMW R1200RT
The new RT improves on the old bike's talents with a sharper motor and better handling. It should be a winner.
BMW R1200RT first ride review
2005 BMW K1200R
A belting road bike with surprise track potential but it'll need brave riders to make it the success it deserves to be.
BMW K1200R first ride review
2006 BMW R1200S
A good bike that can cut it on a smooth track. Don't expect it to take on sports bikes, but for road blasts it's a good option
BMW R1200S first ride review
2006 BMW R1200R
A bit of fun to ride, although you'd never guess to look at it. Pricey for a naked roadster, but not for a Boxer.
BMW R1200R first ride review
2006 BMW R1200GS Adventure
An awesome, peerless, quirky-looking go-nearly-anywhere tool, but sheer size makes it a handful, especially off-road.
BMW R1200GS Adventure first ride review
2006 BMW K1200GT
Yet another impressive sports-oriented continent crusher from BMW. Only wooden brakes and high price let it down.
BMW K1200GT first ride review
2006 BMW F800
BMW has pulled a real blinder out of the hat. Aimed at a younger market this could be the bike that makes BMW cool for kids.
BMW F800 first ride review
2007 BMW K1200R Sport
The Sport is properly fast, it's got a hefty 160-mile plus range, the latest generation brakes are superb and the handling, once you're dialled in, is rewarding.
BMW K1200R Sport first ride review
2008 BMW F650GS
The F650GS is no longer simply a bike for pottering around on, this new GS could take you to see the world.
BMW F650GS first ride review
2008 BMW F800GS
I know it’s classed as an ‘adventure’ bike but in my opinion it’s a sports tourer, it corners well and is comfortable enough to cover the miles.
BMW F800GS first ride review
2008 BMW HP2 Sport
It’s got lashings of character, is wonderfully engaging to ride and looks gorgeous sat on the sidestand. From the first day of design this was intended to be the most extreme BMW ever built, and it is. A belter.
BMW HP2 Sport first ride review
2008 BMW R1200GS Adventure
The 2008 Adventure is a logical and excellent step forward for the model, a brilliant application of clever technology making a great bike better still.
BMW R1200GS Adventure first ride review
2009 BMW F800R
If you’re after a bike capable of back-lane blasts, daily commutes and trips across Europe, then the F800R is well worth a look.
BMW F800R first ride review
2009 BMW G450X
Through no fault of its own I thoroughly tested the BMW’s survivability that day, dropping it onto rocks, boulders and myself, and apart from a slightly tweaked sidestand the bike proved entirely unbreakable.
BMW G450X first ride review
2009 BMW K1300GT
The K1300GT is a bike of two personalities. Tickle along and it’s a German Pan European. But rev it to the redline, work the gears and it’s a heavyweight superbike with serious power.
BMW K1300GT first ride review
2009 BMW K1300R
This bike will do a genuine 160mph and generates more power than a Ducati 1098S. But ride it sensibly and you’ll achieve fuel economy that would keep the wallet watchers out there happy.
BMW K1300R first ride review
2009 BMW K1300S
The S propels you along with what can only be described as clean, linear propulsion. It feels good, but you only get a real idea of how fast you’re going if you keep one eye on the road and the other on the clocks.
BMW K1300S first ride review
2010 BMW R1200GS Adventure
The bike that defined the Adventure market gains some extra grunt for 2010 to help it deal with the rough terrain of the Gobi desert. Or a gravel drive in Epsom
BMW R1200GS Adventure first ride review
2010 BMW R1200RT
A major upgrade over the old bike? Luxuries aside, it has a more powerful engine and better suspension. That’s a yes, then.
BMW R1200RT first ride review
2010 BMW S1000RR
I’m massively impressed by the R’s sophistication, smoothness and brute power. BMW should be rightly proud of this bike, it’s unbelievably fast and yet so easy to master.
BMW S1000RR first ride review
Buell reviews
2002 Buell XB9R Firebolt
Overall, the bike looks very neat, almost like a miniature kit of itself and is an improvement over earlier Buells as far as quality of finish goes.
Buell XB9R Firebolt first ride review
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2002 Buell XB9S Lightning
Buell's naked XB9 promises big kicks from its punchy motor but with a wheelbase smaller than a gnat's wheelbarrow, sharp handling too
Buell XB9S Lightning first ride review
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2003 Buell XB12R and XB12S
For a start both in naked and half-faired form the Buell is a great handling bike, quick and light-steering while still totally stable at speeds.
Buell XB12R and XB12S first ride review
Own this bike? Tell us what you think of the XB12R and XB12S
2004 Buell Lightning CityX
The CityX is capable, quirky, good value and produces plenty of low down torque, but it doesn't really fit into any category. But is that a bad thing? That said, the CityX is a fun tool that will be at home on city streets and rural B-roads.
Buell Lightning CityX first ride review
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2006 Buell Ulysses
It's a fun bike when you get somewhere fun, it's just getting there ain't always that much fun.
Buell Ulysses first ride review
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2007 Buell Super TT
The STT is actually a very nice bike to ride. Like other Buells it feels tiny and the riding position has the feel of being perched above the bike, but this suits the supermoto style.
Buell Super TT first ride review
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2007 Buell 1125R
On reflection the Buell 1125R is a fine sportsbike but with a few serious issues. It's pokey, flickable and different and the looks do grow on you
Buell 1125R first ride review
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2009 Buell 1125CR
The 1125CR is packed with character, the heart of which is its fantastic motor, it's a huge step on for Buell when you compare it to the older Harley-engined models.
Buell 1125CR first ride review
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2009 Buell 1125R
The 1125R was meant to be Buell’s break through, its first water-cooled engine and the bike that would move the American manufacturer from being an interesting quirky anonym to a serious contender. But, as is so often the way with Buell, things didn’t quite go to plan.
Buell 1125R first ride review
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