Motorbike

Derbi says:

Gilera says: The GP 800 is characterised by cutting edge design, exclusive tehnical features and a fully automatic gearbox, making every trip from touring to commuting a thrilling experience.  At the heart of the GP 800 is a 839cc V Twin, 4 stroke engine that gives 73 HP at 7750 rpm making i

Gilera says: Gilera Runner ST provides functionality along with sporty features. Thrill-seeking scooter fans need look no further than the new Gilera Runner ST 200 for sheer power and acceleration off the blocks.

The Ducati Monster 796 (2009) is a good-looking middleweight that delivers a fun riding experience

HONDA HAVE just released this image of their new CBF125.

Sky, earth, sky, earth, sky, earth … as I lay in a winded, battered heap next to the smoking and steaming remains of what was an example of Ducati’s latest piece of engineering excellence, I take a few breathless moments to reflect on how I got here. And it had all been going so well.

I don’t quite understand Buell, infact I’m convinced no-one does. The bikes they produce are genuinely surprising and when I hear rumour of a new model, I have absolutely no idea whether it’s going to have the fuel in the mudguard, or if the engine’s going to be mounted on the pillion seat.

If the SMT is a more rounded kind of KTM supermoto, then the SMR is the Austrian factory doing what they love best – balls out. This is KTM’s V-twin supermoto concept tweaked to the ‘nth degree, and they are clearly pleased with the result.

Ducati’s Hypermotard EVO SP costs over £1200 more than the Hypermotard EVO, but you don’t get any more power and you only save 1kg in weight. So what exactly do you get for your money?

Let’s get straight down to it. The Hypermotard 1100 EVO has shed a shed-load of weight. The more compact engine is 5.2kg lighter and the chassis loses 1.2kg. Ducati has also upped the compression ratio from 10.5:1 to 11.3:1. The result?

Calling a bike the 796 when its capacity is 803cc could be viewed as a triumph of marketing over logic, but in other respects the new Hypermotard makes perfect sense.

Anyone out there packed in smoking for a New Year’s resolution? I didn’t, but I can definitely recommend the K1300GT for those looking for something to do with their hands. I counted ten things that I could poke, push, pull and prod that didn’t involve the clutch or just hanging on.