Road Tests

Cycle World magazine once awarded the Harley-Davidson XLCH Sportster the title of ‘Motorcycle most likely to be stolen’, which actually says more about the bike than about contemporary American society…

The Triumph Métisse models developed for scrambling were streets ahead of the competition on the scrambles tracks of the world. But what are they like on the street asks Tim Britton?

Super Onslow Special and So Obviously Superior were two suggestions what the ‘SOS’ badge stood for. Whatever the terminology, the bike was an appeal to discriminating riders, to try something different in the lightweight utility market…

It may have looked undramatic, but Kawasaki’s shaft-drive GT550 four proved to be a solid seller for around 20 years. John Nutting rode versions at the beginning and end of the run…

Perhaps overshadowed by its more glamorous and sporty sibling, the Red Hunter, although the overall specification isn’t that different, Ariel’s NG is a practical and stylish 30s mount nonetheless. James Robinson tells the story of a special NG and even more special owner…

Vincent’s Black Prince rode at the vanguard of a brave campaign. It was a visionary product, offering rider protection and clean lines in 1954, but the motorcycle buying public, traditionally a reserved bunch, didn’t take to it. Mike Lewis tells the story…

Taking a crack at the military market, Norton developed this handsome sidevalve twin. Sadly it was not to be. Signalman Reynolds, JE, does a brief tour of duty…

In years gone by, young men dribbled and young women swooned at the very mention of the name. Bonneville. Can the T120 live up to its reputation, even today? Rowena Hoseason examines an icon…

Tighten up your chin strap, slip on some cool shades and politely advise your cardio-vascular system that it’s about to get a good sized dollop of adrenaline; it’s Kawasaki 350cc street scrambler time…

The overhead camshaft Norton is one of those motorcycles; it looks fast standing still. It could go a bit, too…