Motorbike

Aprilia launched the Shiver in 2008 but you probably wouldn’t have ventured to Italy on that bike, the Aprilia being the properly naked machine it is. The GT, however, has a skimpy bikini of a top fairing that changes the Shiver from a get-to-work bike into a proper tourer.

ABS on a 600 Supersport, boosted mid-range and beautifully suspended.

The 2009 GSX-R1000 K9 is the darkest of dark horses, with pretty much every component of the motorbike revised and refined.

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.