Motorbike

So what’s the recipe for a perfect chopper? A Harley engine, a low seat, a stretched tank and raked-out forks ought to do it. Over the last decade Orange County Choppers have been sticking to this recipe; raking out the forks and raking in the cash.

Peter-Michael Keppler, Harley-Davidson’s affable Fireblade-riding head of product planning, describes the Eureka moment behind the new V-Rod Muscle succinctly enough. "Whose idea was it?

As soon as the new Thunderbird and I leave the motorway, life gets better. Since Barcelona the three-lane highway’s been under a moody ceiling of grey cloud, the new Thunderbird’s chrome flat without a few rays of sun to bring it alive.

Kymco says: The striking, yet sophisticated Yager GT 125  has plenty of power in its smooth, 125cc liquid cooled, 4 stroke OHC engine.  With a top speed of 70mph it is more than capable of swiftly manoeuvring around a congested town or city. 

Derbi says:

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?