MPG

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?

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? Mine," he says, smiling the smile of a man who’s persuaded his employers to build what is essentially his dream cruiser.

With the excitement surrounding the 1098, MV's 1000F4 has been somewhat forgotten. The launch of the latest 312R indicated we've been negligent. Perhaps grossly. A track focused beast of beauty, works on every level

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.

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.

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.

HONDA HAVE just released this image of their new CBF125. The machine will go on sale in Spring 2009 and, as you'd expect, is aimed at the new rider and commuter markets. If sales of Honda's previous 125cc machines are anything to go by then expect the new CBF to be a best seller in 2009.

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 it the most powerful and technically advanced scoot

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

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? A net gain of 5bhp from the same 1078cc capacity as the previous model. Torque remains the same.

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

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.