Bike enthusiast Steph from HorrorCultFilms gives an in-depth review of Bike magazine.
As a motorcycle rider and enthusiast there are plenty of publications on the market to suit my tastes. MCN is a weekly newspaper that comes out every Wednesday that has a wide range of articles from new bikes launched to rider features. For those who like to stay updated on the racing side of things, MCN is ideal with its in-depth, latest coverage of MotoGP, British Superbike (BSB) and World Superbike (WSB).
When it comes to motorcycle magazines, the main two to choose from are RiDE and Bike magazine. RiDE is jam-packed with articles about riding motorcycles including recommendations on riding gear and bike accessories, riding tips from road to track days, bike maintenance ‘how-to’s and more. Bike magazine, on the other hand, is focused on the bikes themselves rather than the rider.
Like most motorcyclists, even though I adore my bike, I have an obsession with gazing longingly at other machines. Bike magazine has plenty of gorgeous, full-colour photographs adorning the inside of its issue from nakeds to cruisers, from sports bikes to enduros. There truly is something for everyone in this magazine and with the coverage of new models in the mag – it’s ideal if you want to keep abreast of what’s hot and what’s not in the world of motorcycling.
For instance, in Bike’s October 2015 issue there’s a very interesting article on the new Yamaha R1. This is a bike which Michael Dunlop decided to ditch at the Isle of Man TT in favour of his faithful BMW S1000RR after poor lap times. However, the new R1 is also the bike that the Yamaha Factory Team, consisting of MotoGP riders Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro, along with Katsuyuki Nakasuga, zoomed to victory with on 26th July 2015 at the Suzuka 8 Hours. With these conflicting examples, the Bike team decided to take it to the track and let ex- racer James Haydon compare it to the R7 he raced on at Donington Park in 2001.
Another article that I was eager to read in October’s issue of Bike magazine is about the new supercharged supersport bike from Kawasaki: the H2. Five H2 owners from different walks of life give their opinion on the bike, which is said to be the fastest accelerating motorcycle on the road. It’s a fascinating read as I’m not likely to ever ride one in my lifetime, nor afford one, but I loved reading the opinions on whether the bike is as mind-blowing as we’ve been led to believe.
The mag also has plenty of motorcycle reviews and features, especially if you’re looking for cool places to visit and ride. The latest issue details routes around the Scottish borders that are definitely worth checking out, though if you fancy overseas riding there are recommendations for that in here too. Africa, anyone? For those who love more in-depth pieces, you’ll enjoy the six-page feature on Marc Webber, the ex-Formula One ace who has a passion for motorcycles, riding through the Welsh forest on a KTM 250 EXC-F enduro!
Each issue of Bike magazine features a Bike Guide at the back to feed you quick stats on a various selection of machines from different manufacturers such as Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha, just to name a few. With engine size, top speed, miles per gallon, rating, price and single sentence Bike verdict, it’s a pretty handy guide if you’re in the market for a new machine.
There’s no complex jargon in Bike. They just tell it how it is for people like you and me, ordinary folk who love bikes and like to discover what models are available purely for interest, future purchases or a bit of bike spotting. Much like you have car enthusiasts, motorcycling is the same and there’s nothing better than gazing upon a V-twin engine, chrome detail, exhaust pipe or chunky rear rubber to get your motorcycle temperature through the roof.
With the gorgeous photography and detail described in Bike magazine, it’s the best thing you can get to discovering all about a motorcycle other than seeing and riding it yourself.
Are your motorcycle mad? Grab a monthly subscription to Bike magazine and get your piston fix directly to your door.
