Mike Cowton

Streets ahead: Triumph Street Triple 765 RS

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Mike Cowton

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8th November 2019

Just when you thought Triumph’s Street Triple couldn’t get any more brilliant, the Hinckley maestros crank it up a notch. Looks familiar? I’ll admit that on face value the 2020 Street Triple RS appears near identical to the 765 models that came before it, but take a step closer and the differences hit you thick…
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Tread carefully: Do we really need slicks to go fast?

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Mike Cowton

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16th October 2019

Slick tyres… we all seem to love ’em, don’t we? I’m not sure about you, but whenever I have them underneath me I feel like Marc Marquez. The trouble is, they’re a lot of aggro unless you’re racing… I mean, just think about the pros and cons for a second, writes Frodo. For starters, it’s…
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2020 Yamaha R1: R U ready?

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Mike Cowton

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14th October 2019

If you don’t evolve, you die… or something like that. So, to stymie the onslaught of time and to tick the Euro5 box, Yamaha’s updated its 2020 R1 and R1M. Yep, we’re now on to the third iteration of crossplane R1s and for the second time in the model’s short history, since hitting the market…
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Ducati 916: 25 years an icon

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Mike Cowton

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10th October 2019

It’s not the newest, fastest or smartest of bikes, but there’s something about the 25-year-old Ducati 916 that really gets our juices going. Hitting the market in 1994, it’s proven itself to be better ageing than Dorian Grey and even more desirable. So what makes this tubular framed, v-twin the lustered lovely that it is?…
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used bike guide: 2014-2017 yamaha mt-o7

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Mike Cowton

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19th September 2019

Some bikes punch well above their perceived weight limit and deliver far more grins per pound spent than considerably more established machinery. One such example is the Triumph Street Triple, which stunned the world when it was originally unveiled and quite rightly went on to dominate the middleweight market due to its amazing triple motor…
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geometry: how your bike handles

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Mike Cowton

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24th July 2019

The basic geometry of a bike’s chassis is vital to how it feels and performs. But sometimes it can seem like a bit of a black art. Here’s our guide to what it all means… What do you look at when you first see the specs for a new bike? If you’re anything like me…
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masterclass: learning a new track…

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Mike Cowton

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15th July 2019

It can sometimes be daunting learning a new track. Don’t worry though, as there are ways to make it a lot easier. Learning a new circuit layout is a tough task; even world championship racers struggle to be competitive on their first visit to a new track, so don’t be too disheartened if the local…
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mv put their superveloce 800 serie oro concept into production

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Mike Cowton

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26th June 2019

Here at Fast Bikes, we like something that’s a bit different, and the Superveloce 800 Serie Oro is exactly that… Released at EICMA last year, a lot of people went absolutely nuts about it, which is exactly why MV Agusta have finally confirmed that they are putting it in production. Timur Sardarov, CEO of MV…
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ultimate sports bike test

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Mike Cowton

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21st June 2019

Tan lines, outdoor boozing and socks with sandals; there are many signs that signify the start of the Great British summer, but for us here at Fast Bikes, this most revered time of the year is traditionally kicked off with the world’s biggest, toughest and fastest sportsbike test. It’s who we are, it’s what we…
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new aprilia deals announced

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Mike Cowton

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19th June 2019

Fancy yourself a new Aprilia? Well there’s not been a better time, with a host of new deals announced across the range. If range toppers are your tonic, Aprilia are offering their £21,499 RSV4 1100 Factory on a 4.9% PCP finance plan, which requires a 20% deposit. If PCP deals aren’t your thing and you…
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HONDA CBR 1000RR SP2 BSB SUPERSTOCK

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Mike Cowton

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13th June 2019

There was a time when a ‘stocker’ was relatable to the bike you saw down the dealers… but that’s no longer the case. This is Tom Neave’s 2019 Superstock SP2 Blade, and it’s about as fit for Her Majesty’s highways as a melon is for hammering nails. The SP2 is Honda’s homologation special, sharing the…
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USED BIKE GUIDE: 2001-2002 SUZUKI GSX-R1000 K1/2

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Mike Cowton

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13th June 2019

In 2001 Suzuki unleashed their all-new sportsbike on to an unsuspecting world. And it was very, very good. When Suzuki pulled the covers off their long-awaited response to the FireBlade and YZF-R1 in 2001, everyone knew it was going to be good. But just how good was the question. We didn’t have to wait very…
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techno tuono: aprilia tuono v4 1100 factory

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Mike Cowton

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7th June 2019

Aprilia have gifted their top-of-the-range Tuono some trick electronic suspension, so we trekked over to Trento to test it out. If you were lucky enough to read any of our big naked bike shoot-out last year (issue 347), you’ll know just how much love we have for the Aprilia Tuono. Since 2002, Aprilia have set…
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Blades of glory

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Mike Cowton

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5th June 2019

When it comes to sportsbike dynasties, it’s fair to say Honda’s Blade is of regal ascent. From its introduction back in 1992, right through to its current day form, the CBR has won the hearts of riders the world over. We took aside four of the most iconic Blades, bounced them off the limiter and…
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sensible sportsbikes

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Mike Cowton

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2nd May 2019

Is there such a thing as a sensible sportsbike? Well, if there is, the Ducati Supersport S and Suzuki GSX-S1000F ought to be just that. Beano spent a fortnight with them to suss out whether they are sensible or nonsensical. I’ve never really found myself asking the question, ‘Do I really need a full-on sportsbike…
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Mike Cowton

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