We’ve all been there – one mate swears by their trusty leather jacket that they’ve had since they were 17 and the other is constantly showing off how dry they are under their state-of-the-art laminated textile coat. But which is right for you? Only y

With around 4000 miles on the Africa Twin in 12 months, I had to say I was disappointed to not get out that bit more – but we know why that didn’t happen… A trip to Spain was cancelled, early Spring runs out were discouraged from March and the end-of

The UK’s vaccine programme is one of the most advanced in the world and promises that the UK will return to some form of normality after around 18 months of restrictions. While this means that we may soon all return to the saddle and maybe even get a

Yamaha invented the maxi-scooter class with its TMAX back in 2001. The biggest capacity scooter ever made, it was aimed at anyone who needed all the convenience and flexibility of a scooter, combined with the performance of a more conventional middle

Any reason to ride that gives a significant amount of seat time – and covers a decent mileage across several countries – is good enough for us. So, with the Moto Guzzi factory having their open weekend in September 2019, I saw a perfect opportunity t

Today we are spoiled by how obedient engine oil is in recent designs. At long last, oil is carried far below all rotating parts, preventing them from losing energy in whipping oil around. Deep ‘dagger sumps’ on sportbikes ensure that maximum lower-ge

As some miles had to be clocked up on my V-Strom for bike and kit assessment, a ride of some sort was a must do. But I needed a photographer to capture the experience. Mate Will was chosen, even if he didn’t know it! The meet led to an enjoyable, pro

If you’re anything like me you see a bike owner’s manual as something that’s using up space under the seat. It’s usually consigned to a random drawer somewhere, so when you do need it, you can’t find it and have to download one. Usefully for me Yamah

Another hugely versatile two-wheeler, the Silver Wing is as happy and capable taking you to Turin as it is to Tesco. Speedy, comfortable, and with plenty of carrying capacity, the Honda is very easy to ride and live with. Linked brakes and suspension

Like so many in 2020, my plans were well and truly scuppered by the awful disease which seemed to dominate every headline. Initial plans to ride the Adriatic Highway, continue south to Athens and sip a cold Mykos at the foot of the Acropolis evaporat

Peter Gripton’s article was a challenge to manufacturers to provide consumers with relevant and current riding machines. There have a number of attempts to provide new ideas over the years – three- wheelers, Maxi scooters, etc. However, for me the be

Euro 5 environmental rules meant the MT-09 was always due an update for 2021, but Yamaha have gone much further – this may be recognisably an MT-09, but it's more or less a completely new bike. Starting with the engine, an extra 3mm on the stroke tak

Crossing into Uzbekistan, it immediately felt more open, the people more welcoming and engaging than the at times stifling Turkmenistan. Currency exchange in Uzbekistan was fun with approximately 10,000 Som to the pound. The bill for one team meal (a

Made from heavy-duty MaxTex, the jacket features a breathable fixed SinAqua waterproof lining and a fixed mesh lining which, when all combined, offer waterproofing and breathability. The protection afforded by this CE-level AA jacket is enhanced by t

Triumph’s Speed Triple 1050 is probably the natural competitor for the MT, dynamically at least, thanks to the two bikes sharing that three-cylinder architecture and grunty delivery. The Triumph is more powerful, as you might expect from its extra 16

If everything has gone to plan in the UK, by the time you read this there’s a good chance that we are allowed out on our bikes again. The lockdown is slowly easing, and with a bit of luck life will soon resemble something that we used to call normal.

It’s a dull winter’s day in San Marino but Adrian Morton is in good spirits. He takes his laptop to the window to demonstrate his office’s spectacular view towards Rimini and the Adriatic Sea (we’re talking via Zoom, obviously), then pulls out his ph

March issue’s front cover caused a bit of a stir when it arrived! My postman gave me a quizzical look as he handed it over, and when my wife saw ‘Big, Bad & Bare Naked’ on the cover she insisted on going through it page by page to find out exactly wh

MSL readers have been talking about the spec that an ideal motorcycle should have. The conversation started with the question from Jon Kempster about a suitable bike (see his letter below), and moved on to more generic terms. Have a look at these let