Steve Rose

1 week ago | bennetts.co.uk | John Milbank |Michael Mann |Steve Rose

Welcome to motorcycling! Whether you’re starting out on a 125cc scooter or you’re on a bigger machine, BikeSocial is your free, independent resource for advice, reviews and things to do. We’re here to help you get more from motorcycling, so use the links below to find out everything you need to know. And if you have any more questions, join us and industry experts at our exclusive motorcycle forum; BikeClub, or come and say hi at our friendly Facebook group.

1 week ago | bennetts.co.uk | Michael Mann |Steve Rose

In episode 10 of the Better Riding Series, along with professional motorbike coach, Mark McVeigh, Michael and Mark discuss emergency stop and emergency braking techniques. Mark reveals that only 20% of riders perform effective emergency stops, despite ABS technology. He emphasises the importance of using the front brake first, pulling the clutch immediately, and maintaining a two-finger grip on the brake lever.

3 weeks ago | bennetts.co.uk | Jon Urry |Ben Purvis |Michael Mann |Steve Rose

Massively experienced road testerOverall BikeSocial rating4/5In 2009 Yamaha dropped a bombshell – they released an inline four sportsbike that wasn’t a ‘normal’ inline four, it was a ‘crossplane’ inline four (and certainly not a big bang!). The first such road bike to be released, Yamaha had drawn from their MotoGP project (which also now ran this configuration) to develop a unique sportsbike.

3 weeks ago | bennetts.co.uk | Michael Mann |Steve Rose

In episode nine of the Better Riding Series, along with professional motorbike coach, Mark McVeigh, we look at the importance of brakes beyond slowing down. Mark explains that the front brake provides most stopping power and aids agility, while the rear brake stabilises the bike. We delve into grip generation, steering geometry, and the concept of trail braking, which involves maintaining brake pressure into a turn to enhance control and stability.

1 month ago | bennetts.co.uk | Steve RoseBikeSocial Publisher |Steve Rose |Martin Fitz-Gibbons |Jon Urry

Overall BikeSocial rating5/5If we bought bikes based on what we need ahead of what we want, UK motorcycling would be a one-make series and we’d all be riding a Honda NC750X. This affordable daily rider makes a flipping good tourer, goes well down twisty back roads, is cheap to run, reliable and holds its value too.