Mark Lancaster
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Suzuki GSX-8R- big for 2024?
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Off the back of its recently-released GSX-8S, Suzuki’s launched a new middleweight sportbike – and it looks the business. Will this be one of THE bikes for 2024? Back in the 1970s, journalists came up with the ‘Universal Japanese Motorcycle’ or ‘UJM’ moniker to describe the huge number of inline-four air-cooled DOHC 8-valve engines in…
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Long-Termers: Suzuki V-Strom 800DE
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Chris Moss reports back on his 5 months so far on the ‘Strom… Life was going well. Riding my V-Strom in lovely weather en route to see my Dad, I couldn’t have been more content. And then the joy was suddenly put on hold. After clocking over 90 miles of the 100-mile journey, I heard…
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Honda CBR600RR
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The Japanese factory has rolled out a new version of its iconic 600 sportbike… and it’s loaded with electronics. The best Xmas presents are the ones you don’t expect. And we really didn’t expect this one… We’ve been writing about the death of the 600 sportsbikes for years now, but Honda’s clearly decided to make…
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Hybrids and upgrades for Kawasaki
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Kawasaki was fairly quiet at Milan: it had already released its interesting new Ninja 7 hybrid model, and the ZX-4RR and ZX-6R models were also already out. We did get a new Z7 naked version of the new hybrid bike, which looks a little less chunky than the Ninja, and uses exactly the same cunning…
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Semi-Auto Sportsbikes?
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Honda’s been banging on about its automatic DCT dual-clutch transmission for years now, and while it’s got its benefits in bigger bikes, it’s a bit too heavy, complex and pricey to suit smaller machines. So for 2024, the Big Aitch has developed a new E-clutch semi-automatic gearbox set up, and is trying it out on…
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More Honda Middleweights
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Honda is continuing to make the most of its massively popular 500 twin platform It might not set your pants alight, but Honda’s 500 twin range has done cracking business over the past decade or so. You can have the same compact A2-licence friendly engine in a choice of naked CB500, sporty CBR500R or light…
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Triumph TF 250-X: What you need to know
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The arrival of Triumph’s new MX machine hasn’t come as a surprise, but there’s no doubt it’s a pretty big deal. The British factory does solid business right across the motorcycling spectrum, and has its fingers on the pulse of many riding disciplines – and yet when it announced its ambitious plans to get into…
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KTM unveils new Super Duke 1390 R
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The Austrian factory has whipped the covers of its new top-of-the-range super naked. Introducing KTM’s pair of bonkers 187.4bhp 1390 Super Duke Rs KTM’s Duke has been a massive success for the factory. Its range of brilliant naked bikes has won the hearts and minds of riders of a certain sporty disposition, thanks to their…
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Trails, Trials & Roads of the Northumberland 250 (And FOUR great bikes!)
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Continuing the theme of ‘Adventure motorcycling on Anything’, the MoreBikes and MSL team headed into Northumberland to sample the 250, whilst also participating in a Long-Distance Trial. With four very different motorcycles to choose from, including the Fantic XEF 250 Trail, Voge 300 Rally, Royal Enfield Himalayan and Honda CRF 300 Rally, each left the…
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Cost-Effective Classics: Yamaha Thundercat
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Bargain-basement fun has never been so good! Steve Cooper explains… Want a practical classis that will tour, scratch, commute and maybe even cope with a track day with a few upgardes? Then look no further than the Yamaha YZF600R. It’s the perfect platform from which to tailor an accessible, cost-effective, relatively modern middleweight that still…