TOP Six Products we’ve tried

Keep yourself cool

It’s the time of year when we should be treating our bikes and ourselves to some new goodies. Here are six of the favourite products we’ve fitted, worn or played about with this month...

[Read the article online]

On-line features that have appeared in Used Motorcycle Guide website and new features from Used Bike Guide. Most back issues are available to purchase. More details are on each page.

• For readers' bike reports & reviews, see Reviews index
• For actual Buying Guidelines - see the Bike buyers bible

TOP 10 LUGGAGE OPTIONS

ARE YOU GOING SOFT?

Spring is springing and if you’re thinking of going away for a weekend, doing a spot of touring or even just going out to watch a bit of racing you’ll need something to put your gear in. These days the list of motorcycle luggage options are endless but here are a few of our 2010 favourites, shown in price order...

TOP 10 LEARNER LEGAL BIKES

Your first bike may not be your dream bike but it’s the one you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

As a wannabe biker there’s nothing more exciting than choosing your first bike. If you’re approaching 16 and are looking for your ideal 50, or you’re ready to hit 17 and need a learner legal 125, you’ll need all the help and cash you can get. The following bikes and scooters should give you a few ideas but remember it’s down to your own personal choice and as a teenager looks and street cred are usually everything...

TEN OF THE BEST WINTER GLOVES

There’s nothing worse than numb or wet fingers, so give yourself the best chance of warding off the cold this winter by buying a pair of decent winter gloves. There are dozens of brands and hundreds of styles to choose from but we’ve picked ten of our favourites, ranging from the stylish and expensive – for the label conscious, to the affordable for you bargain hunting shoppers...

TEN OF THE BEST WINTER WARMERS

It may only be September and we should still have a few weeks left of an Indian summer (if we’re lucky!) but if you’re an all weather biker it’s time to start thinking about what to wear to keep you a little bit warmer this autumn and winter. To help you we’ve picked 10 of our favourite items of kit, our selection includes heated clothing and thermal wear. It’s important to keep the chill off both for comfort and more importantly because once you’re cold you start to lose concentration, your reactions slow down and you’re more at risk of having an accident. Our list is in price order, with the most expensive item first.

10 OF THE BEST LIDS FOR LESS THAN £200

Choosing a helmet can be a daunting prospect, especially if you’re about to get on the road for the very first time. There are loads of styles, types and models to choose from, including full face, flip, open face, motocross etc.

BIKERS SAVING LIVES

LIVES volunteers respond to over 1000 calls a month, arriving on scene within six minutes of a 999 call.

A GUIDE TO TRACK DAYS

If there’s one man who knows a thing or two about track days it’s Mortons advertising man, Bruce Wilson.
Bruce will be competing in this year’s British Superstocks onboard a tasty Kawasaki ZX-10 and he’s still learning his race craft at regular track days, you’re never too good to improve!

Storage Solutions

Not all of us are lucky enough to own a garage; in fact some of us don’t even own a shed to put our prized machines in

Cheap tricks

The need for dealers to shift new machinery means discounts abound in these tricky times. The end result meaning cheaper used machines for all. Story and Pics Chris

Harley's old timer

First seen in the latter part of 1956, the Sportster was a radical departure for HD.
It still lives on and the family resemblance is plain to see. UBG takes a look at what all the fuss is about. Story and Pics CP

Prize Fighter

The Aprilia Tuono Fighter stands among a limited group of machines. Monstrous power and sports bike fittings make for a machine that is exciting. Story CP Pics Mortons archive

Racing Improves the Breed

If you can’t beat them join them, or so the old saying goes, so Honda did just that. Arguably the best Ducati ever made outside of Italy, the SP was Honda’s answer to the Latin twin’s dominance in Supe5rbike racing, CP gets jiggy with one. Story CP Pics Dave Couldwel

Il Monstro

As Ducati entered the 90s they realized a new machine was needed and fast. The world wanted an alternative to the plastic rockets the brand had become known for but how could they create a new machine when the coffers were tight? Story CP Pics Dave Couldwell

Big Adventures

The big KTM successfully takes on the big boys of the adventure sports class in its own special way; it is light, powerful and supremely agile making for one of the finest machines ever built, CP takes one for a spin.

No finer fun

There can be no better way to enjoy a motorcycle than in the freedom of a racetrack...

Blade eater

Kawasaki were a tad late joining the superbike party; when they did, however, they left nothing to chance, except weighing the end result that is. Story & pics CP

The buzz on the streets

Suzuki got there first with the superb, yet basic 600 Bandit; three years later and Honda slipped into place with its take on the species, the 600 Hornet. We take a look at the evolution of the type and its 10-year life span to date. Story CP, pics Mortons Archive

New kids on the block

With such a big price differential between the established Japan manufacturer and the up-and-coming Chinese bikes we take a look at just what you get for your money and see just how practical the cheaper option is in real life. Story & Pics CP

Exhausting Work

Motorcycle Advertising Manager Steff Woodhouse has often wondered what difference simply changing the end-can would make to a bike’s performance.

Boot Camp

Helmets are compulsory for riders in the UK and due to this many lives are saved each year, but should more kit be seen as must-wear items? Gloves and boots may not be life savers as such but certainly do a lot of good in even the simplest of offs. Story & Pics CP

Dealer Focus - Are you alarmed by electronic security?

Why do insurance companies offer discounts if an alarm is fitted? Will it really protect my bike against theft? Why is Thatcham approval so important? Is it worth alarming lower value machines? Dan Sager answers all of these questions and more. Story Dan Sager

Used Bike Heaven

There are many types of dealers, from the ‘gin palace’ franchised superstores to small, back-street repair shops. In the middle ground is a small but growing band of outlets that are not tied to any particular manufacturer and yet offer a vast array of machinery for you to choose from. Story CP

Don't get it dirty

Honda didn’t get off to a great start in the adventure sport class, the first Varadero wasn’t a patch on the Africa Twin, but things have changed since then. Does the fuel injected version come up to scratch? Story CP pics Stevie P

Can fast ever be safe?

It’s a bone of contention among many riders but, is it possible to be both rapid and yet stay safe? We happen to think so and look at how and why.

Give it a lick

There is no finer sight than a freshly painted motorcycle, be it straight out of the crate or professionally refinished, but why would you want to paint your machine?

Can you feel the noise?

There aren’t many bikes on the roads of Britain that still have the original manufacturer’s exhaust system fitted – we look at how and why bikers change their end cans.

The Style Council

It shocked the world when it first appeared in 1994. Twelve years on and the Ducati 916 is still a stunning looker, considered by most to be a better bet cosmetically than its replacement, the 999.

Has this tiger earned its stripes?

First introduced in 1992, this huge machine quickly became a classic and shot into cult status. Triumph claims that you can carry enough luggage to stock a small shop, UBG goes out and does some stocktaking just to see.

Let's get naked! - KAWASAKI ZRX1200R
Kawasaki flex their muscles with this monster machine. Reputed to be unstable on the brakes and heavy to the touch, we go wrestling with the ZXR to find out.

GEARING UP FOR WINTER
We asked readers what clothing they trusted to keep them warm and dry in winter. These are their recommendations, together with details of new products to hit the shelves
....From January 2006 Edition

BRIGHTON ROCKS!
The Rockers’ Reunion is the event that gave birth to the relaunch of London’s Ace Café. This year was the 12th and by far the biggest.
....From November 2005 Edition

LOTHERTON HITS 10
The Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club’s Lotherton Hall Show has long been their showcase event.
....From October 2005 Edition

POPHAM MEET 2
You don’t get a Gypsy Moth hogging the attention at your average motorcycle show. But then the Popham Mega Meet is not your average motorcycle show.
....From October 2005 Edition

BANDITS MADE BETTER
Tim Pykett doesn’t tell anyone his 600 Bandit is fitted with a GSX-R750 top end. He likes the 96bhp motor to deliver the surprise.
....From September 2005 Edition

BARRY SHEENE TRIBUTES
About 12,000 people turned up for the Sheene Tribute Run the ACU staged in the heart of their home town of Rugby on 3 July.
....From September 2005 Edition

TEN OUT OF TEN
It is ten years since the Bandit 6 first took our streets by storm. This was a motorcycle that was half the price and twice the fun of most dream machines.
....From August 2005 Edition

UBG DAY AT THE ACE
Summer this year was June 18 – the hottest day of 2005. June 18 was also UBG Day at the Ace Café. We had guests and friends, prizes and giveaways to help us celebrate our second birthday.
....From August 2005 Edition

The force can sometimes be against you!
Fighting a Kawasaki ZX-10R in full superbike race tune around the twisty car park course that is home to the Northwich Thundersprint is not easy. Just ask BSB ace Tristan Palmer.
....From July 2005 Edition

REPLICA ROCKET IS CONCOURS STAR
Used Bike Guide sponsored the three top concours awards at the Northwich Thundersprint meeting.
This beauty contest for bikes was staged the day before the famous car park sprint, which has been at the heart of a family festival in the Cheshire town for the past three years.
....From July 2005 Edition

Buyers' guide to BMW GS BOXERS
BMW’s groundbreaking GS twins were a hit from day one and the current flagship of the range – the R1200GS – is the best selling adventure/sport bike in Britain.
....From June 2005 Edition

KAWASAKI DAY AT THE ACE
Easter Sunday and the Ace is the place for Ninjas, Vulcans, Eliminators, Zephyrs, Zeds and cocky spaniels. Words and pictures Brian Tarbox
....From May 2005 Edition

A world of difference
Every biker dreams of touring the world. Some actually pack their panniers and do it.
+ Video Clip
....From May 2005 Edition

Harem for hire
Why buy one rather tired classic bike when you can put yourself in the saddle of a whole fleet of top-notch legendary machinery for the same money? Chris Pearson checks out the newly launched Classic Motorcycle Club.
....From April 2005 Edition

Best of 2004 Bikes secondhand in 2005
A bumper crop of new models was launched last year. Add those that underwent major mods and improvements and you have quite a fleet.
....From March 2005 Edition

Spain's hidden treasures
Mike Blake bought a new BMW 650 Dakar and went in search of castles in the sky and a Spain way off the main tourist trail.
• This article is complete online
....From February 2005 Edition

10 WAYS To .....Improve your Honda 600 Hornet
Written about in the January 2005 issue of UBG, the 10 ways of getting more out of your Hornet - taken from October 2004 UBG
....Additonal material for January edition

FANTASY GARAGE - Janie Omorogbe
Janie Omorogbe - Rio from the TV series Gladiator's - is the latest recruit to the UBG team. And believe us when we tell you she is one helluva good motorcyclist.
....Additonal photos from January edition

TRIUMPH T110
One look at the Triumph T110 and Ron Bryant was well and truly Tangoed – and it wasn’t even orange back then.
....Additonal photos for December Edition

YAMAHA FJ1100 SPECIAL
We shot the pictures of Rob Pemberton’s Yamaha FJ1100 special in the rain. We had no choice. Having already postponed the picture session three times we had arrived at a now or never date in our diary.
....Additonal photos for December Edition

BUYING ON eBAY - TO ACCOMPANY DECEMBER 2004 ARTICLE
Winter Wheels for Under a Grand? Half the battle is being in the right place at the right time. And that could be in front of your computer screen.

HONDA VFR800 V-TEC
It's motorcycling's highly-acclaimed all-rounder, but is V-TEC a step too far? Ian Mee bought a pre-reg 2003 model new in May and has already covered 8700 miles. This is first report - regular updates will follow
....Additonal photos for November Edition

Slig - gig
The Isle of Skye Slig Gig was wet and windy. Again! The weather wasn't quite as bad as last year but Hurricane Hamish did its worst.
....Additonal photos for November Edition

ON-LINE ARTICLE ONLY - THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE
The Slig Gig is a great excuse for a visit to the Isle of Skye. A chance to ride the famous road to Appplecross on the nearby mainland is another. What's all the fuss about?
....From November Edition

KNIGHTS IN A SCOTTISH CASTLE
Don't mess with the Blue Knights – they just might arrest you. This is a cop club and, in September, members from all over the world met for a rally in Scotland.
....From November Edition

YAMAHA XS SPECIAL
The patched-up seat is a reminder of an old spill and the crud on the engine is proof that this bike is ridden more than it's polished.
....From November Edition

Maddest Maxes - PHOTO SPECIAL
We are led to believe that there one or two V-Maxes in Britain that have not been modified. However, this may just be a rumour.
....Additonal photos for October Edition

Something Old, Something New - PHOTO SPECIAL
Two very different motorcycles won the UBG-backed trophies at the first Popham Mega Meet.
....Additonal photos for October Edition

Customs at the King - PHOTO SPECIAL
Take one bent and bruised Harley. Hand over to Northants V-Twin and tell them you want something special. That's what the owner of a 1991 FXR did. And what he got was the Best in Show Trophy at the King Billy.
....Additonal photos for October Edition

The Street Specials MCC Rally
Some people can't leave anything alone. Meet the Street Specials MCC…
• This article contains photos which never made it into the UBG printed Magazine
....From September Edition

LIVING WITH THE SUPERPOWERS - The Fireblade 2001 Review
Looking for a second-hand sports superbike? Vince Shreeve, Richard Jagger and Shaun McWilliams run low-mileage, one previous owner examples of these three legends: Blade V R1 V Gixxer
• Read the UMG's 2001 Fireblade review to go with the printed article
....Comparison for September Edition

Need rubbing dry after turning the canoe over ?
Is French stunt ace Jean-Pierre Goy the best in the business? No doubt about it to those who caught his stunning act at Beaulieu’s Motorcycle World.
....From August Edition

Buer's Gudie to V-Twins
The V in V-twins could stand for versatile. They look good, sound good, feel good and come in every size and style. Chris Pearson reports
....From August Edition

Top 10 - Tourers
What's the best touring bike in the world? A much easier question to answer than you may think. Go to your garage. Open the door. The bike you are looking at is the best touring motorcycle in the world. Well, it is for you.
....From July Edition

Touring Guide Supplement Feature: USA COAST TO COAST
Jim Peace bought a Triumph Adventurer, shipped it across the Atlantic and set off on the road trip of a lifetime along Route 50
....From July Edition

10 WAYS To .....Improve your Suzuki SV650S
We recently hailed the V-twin Suzuki the best buy in biking – new or second-hand. But it has been built down to a price and a visit to the accessory shelf can make a big difference

10 WAYS To .....Improve your Suzuki Hayabusa
Yes, you can make the fastest motorcycle in the world even faster. But you can also make it smoother, lighter and better mannered.

BUYERS' GUIDE TO... SPORTS 750s
The 2004 Gixxer is tipped to revive interest in the class. Personally, we love this sector of the market anyway.

BUYERS' GUIDE TO... LIGHTWEIGHT TRAILIES
Careful, some of the bikes Chris Pearson has chosen bite!

SATELLITE NAVIGATION
Is the expensive, high-tech alternative to a map worth the money? Chris Fleming invested in a satelite navigation system for his bike.

BUDGET BIKING
Roland Lovatt and his mates run clunkers from the scrapyard end of the market. Sometimes they get bargains, sometimes they get bitten.

BUYING GUIDE - JAPANESE RETROS
Looking for a 70s-style superbike with none of the drawbacks of an ageing original?A second-hand Japanese retro could be the answer.

RETURN OF THE RAPTORS
Cagiva’s 650 and 1000 V-twins will be back on UK sale shortly. We interview Miguel Angel Galluzzi, designer and rider.

YAMAHA V-MAX: LAST OF THE GREAT DINOSAURS
Killed off by recently introduced pollution laws, the V4 1200 is the bike designed in California to out Harley Harley

EVERYONE A WINNER...in their own way
Lotherton is the biggie on the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club calendar. UBG report

10 WAYS TO..Make the hard sell easy!
Ten tips for bike sellers

IN THE FIRING LINE
UBG's Mr Fixit Mark Haycock plugs those gaps in your knowledge about spark plugs...

10 WAYS TO..BEEF UP YOUR BRAKES
Good brakes may do more for your journey times than engine tuning ever could - and might save your life.

ON-LINE FEATURE - LEARNER LAWS, TRAINING AND TESTING
A special feature only on-line - on what you need to get yourself on two wheels this summer. Includes a visual guide to licensing.

LONG DISTANCE:
The average biker probably does less than 5000 miles a year nowadays, but there are exceptions to the rule...

AFFORDABLE ITALIANS
If your dreams are made up of blasting along Italian alpine passes on a brand new 999, but the finances don’t allow it, allow UMG to help you...

10 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR....HONDA FIREBLADE
Brian Tarbox speaks to owners, tuners and experts to compile a list of ten improvements.

BORN TO CRUISE
To cruise or not to cruise, that is the question. UMG has a look at the cruising and custom options.

THIS IS THE SOUND OF THE SEVENTIES
Two-Strokes provided a screaming soundtrack to the Seventies.
UMG takes a look at some of the most popular......

ADVANCED (NOT RETARDED)
Nescio Rises To A Higher Plane - advanced motorcycling, as taught by the Institute of Advanced Motorcycling and as used by the cops..

THE UMG GREY MOTORCYCLE GUIDE
The low down on Importing bikes to the UK, what you can expect - good and bad...

SUPERSPORT SENSE
How To Get Your Speed On The Cheap

FEARSOME FOURS
UMG Plays Around With 400cc Sportsters..
Small ones are more juicy, apparently.

BANDIT V GEEP
Ex-Bandit Bob weighs up the Suzuki GSF600 and the Kawasaki GPZ500...

LITTLE ITALY
If you were thinking of indulging your fantasies in something old and British, then you'll be pleasantly surprised by the Italian alternative...

BUYING BUDGET BRITS
Investments no more; it's time to view ancient Brits as working wheels again. A dodgy guide from One, who should know better...

DESPATCH
Ghost shares a day in the saddle...

Feature Index