Issue 28 February 2024

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Launched in 1955, MCN has been bringing its readers exclusive news stories about bikes for 60 years. Every week, MCN’s team of expert test riders & journalists will: • Review new and used motorcycles • Help bikers make the very best buying decisions • Provide the latest MotoGP and Superbikes news MCN is also famous for its unrivalled motorcycle sport news and insight. From the white-knuckle world of MotoGP to the elbow-clashing action of World Superbikes and British Superbikes, MCN gives the inside story. There are also thousands of motorcycles for sale in MCN. So if you’re thinking about buying a new machine there’s almost definitely a fantastic bargain waiting to be snapped up!

in this issue

In This Issue7 DAYS IN 60SECONDS‘It’s one of the most open title fights in history’ GREG HAINES ON THE GLUT OF WSBK TALENTWORLD SUPERBIKESHow was that for a season opener?!When the lights went out in Phillip Island for the season opener, no-one really knew what was going to happen in the heat of battle – but very few had predicted quite so many shocks and surprises. And it was a race weekend that kept on giving. The highlight of all three races was certainly the closeness of the action, but for us Brits it was even more incredible to see Alex Lowes double his WSBK career win tally in one day of racing, while it was no less impressive to see twin brother Sam make his debut with impressive results. Roll on Round 2! PAGE…3 min

In This Issue'Imagine if the Lowes twins swapped bikes'With the pre-season musical chair shenanigans resulting in a swathe of high-profile defections, it was always going make the first round of the 2024 World Superbike championship even more fascinating. But I must confess that I hadn’t expected quite so much relentless drama as we witnessed from Phillip Island over the weekend.WSBK has been on a pleasing upward trajectory in terms of interest and action over the last few years, pulling itself out of the doldrums to deliver the sort of incredible racing that used to have me glued to the tellybox in utter awe twenty-plus years ago. And it’s great to see. The fact that we have the added interest of the Lowes twins duelling it out with one another this year is even more beguiling. Wouldn’t it be…1 min

This weekRide the new monoDucati are kicking off the season with a nationwide dealer open day, on Saturday, March 9. Customers can take advantage of promotions and view the latest range. The all-new Hypermotard 698 Mono and RVE, DesertX Rally, Multistrada V4 RS and Grand Tour will be on display and available to test ride (booked in advance).Mini bikes, but massive funThe British Mini Bikes series kicks off on March 30-31 at Teesside Autodrome, Middlesbrough. The small-scale racing attracts people from around the country, with riders from as young as six battling it out as competition takes place across seven rounds. Go to britishminibikes.com for a full list of dates and details.Classics in hill action for EasterThe historic Red Marley Hill Climb is back this Easter Monday. Participation is mainly open to pre-1974 motorcycles,…1 min

This weekYamaha R1 goes track-onlyTOP STORYThe future of road-going R1 and R1M superbikes in Europe is in doubt, with Yamaha announcing they will not be updating the duo to meet Euro5+ regs, but will instead supply a track-only version.“Yamaha Motor Group have taken the decision not to develop an EU5+ version of the R1 or R1M, instead focusing on other mid-term business and product strategies that will provide future opportunities,” the company confirmed to MCN.This was followed up by a statement from Yamaha Racing, revealing: “Global production of the R1 will continue, as will the development programme that has seen the bike secure world titles in both WorldSBK and EWC.”Although it’s still unclear whether Yamaha UK will continue to sell remaining road stock of the £18,810 standard R1 and £24,660 R1M under derogation (which…4 min

This weekRide 'Owt for kids' charityWhat could be better than a rideout in the stunning Yorkshire Dales? Doing it for charity of course! The Yorkshire Ride ’Owt is back on May 16, with the day of festivities starting, and ending at Ripon’s five-star Grantley Hall.Last year’s event raised an impressive £7000 and organisers want to top that this year. Tickets are available at £75 per person, with funds raised in support of the Yorkshire Children’s Charity, a group dedicated to helping impoverished children living across the county.“Events such as these are the perfect way for guests to have a day full of amazing food and good company, all while raising significant money for a great cause,” said CEO Charlotte Farrington.Money raised will be use to support the ‘Schools Out’ programme, which supports children facing challenges…1 min

This weekBig plans at CCMCCM have impressive plans for the future, including an international sales network and bigger factory, complete with a visitor centre.“We’ve got new investment from a new owner, and he wants to see the brand do well,” Managing Director Tom Soar told MCN.“We think we can create a really good, global motorcycle brand - a British success story making bikes in the UK.”According to Soar, this plan will begin with improving the existing product line, before expanding to a planned 5000 units a year.‘We can create a really good, global brand’“We want to be selling in all the major markets in the world - so North America, Europe and so on,” he continued. “We want to build ourselves a new home, hopefully in Bolton, so we want to build ourselves a…2 min

Issue 28 February 2024 - MCN (2024)

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