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Magazine tests on new bikes are ten a penny - I've lost count of how many opinions on the latest model GSXR1000 I have read in the last couple of months, and very interesting they are too. Unfortunately, I can't afford one, and neither can a lot of riders. So most of the bikes listed are available used and some are no longer in production. Some like the CBR600FX and 955i are relatively new models, some like the GSX600F older but long lived. Some are comparisons of similar models like the ER-5 and the GS500. Some are of interest to first time buyers, and some are tests of odd-balls that don't appear in the press but might be of interest. Some are reviews of high mileage models that might come up for sale cheap. I've come in for some criticism in letters (mostly to be found on the letters pages) when I have upset owners by not being so complimentary about their pride and joy. So before you write and tell me I don't know what I'm talking about when I've commented on your bike, let me point out a few things. I'm writing for UK riders. I'm happy for owners of machines outside the UK to comment, but bear that in mind. The pages are also aimed at less-experienced riders, who may well not be able to ride around problems a more experienced rider probably wouldn't notice after 10 minutes in the saddle. These tests are not 10,000 mile owner experiences and neither are they meant to be, but to point up what any rider new to the machine might notice. These are my OWN experiences - I've personally tested or ridden virtually all the models listed opposite in the since I set up these pages on the site, except where a couple of the tests have been provided by friends. With a couple of exceptions which are also noted, I've had the bike for at least a day, often more and I've usually ridden it in a range of conditions including country and in-town riding. For some of the bikes, I've owned them personally and done many, many miles over a number of years, and may have ridden more than one machine of the type. For example, my experience of the GS500 runs to over 200,000 miles and over half a dozen examples of the machine. Similarly I've ridden four different Diversions and five different CB500s, half a dozen ER-5s, two Hayabusas, four Super Fours, three Bandit 600s and two VFR800s and one VFR750. Also bear in mind my background. I'm a road rider - so telling me that I'm obviously no good at riding off-road when I comment on my experiences on a dual sport is a fair criticism - but it's one that would apply to 90% of riders who might be considering a dual-sport machine. Likewise I'm not a racer or a track day expert. Like any rider I have my own particular likes and dislikes based on over 30 years of riding everything from BSA Bantams to the latest sports bikes. If I don't like a particular machine, then I'll tell you that. It doesn't mean you won't get on it and instantly fall in love. And I only write what I see and experience on the machine I'm riding. If I ride a high mileage CB500 and tell you that it's a bit asthmatic and rusty as heck, and that Honda build quality on this model is a myth, it doesn't mean that your immaculate, well cared for, owned from new and low mileage model is not a better example - but it might give you an idea what to expect if you do buy an old cluncker!
New Test 30 June 2006
Update 09 June 2006
Recent Tests
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Let's try to explain, in a bit more detail than I have in the past, the rationale for these pages.
Survival Skills is an approved trainer and assessor
for Buckinghamshire County Council
and "National Motorcycle Escort Group" Qualified
Copyright © 2007 Survival Skills & Kevin Williams
Last Page update Wednesday, November 14, 2007