Fast Bikes

Every issue of Fast Bikes is fuelled with high-octane definitive sportsbike tests, hardcore riding and invaluable 'regulars' too.

In depth insider news, behind the scenes race features, practical and usable advice in the Riding, Bike and Legal Masterclass sections, and exclusive columns from current MotoGP, World and British Superbike racers. It’s an unmissable package

What comes next?

Upfront • PLANET FAST BIKES - NEW AL, NEWS & REVIEWS

Geared Up • ALL THE LATEST, COOLEST & TRICKEST PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS

SHARK AERON GP • THE VERY BEST KIT - USED, ABUSED AND REVIEWED

PERFECTO PANIGALE • In a bid to ensure it stays firmly at the top of the sportsbike pecking order, Ducati’s gone all-out to create nothing short of a modern masterpiece.

UNDER THE SKIN: DUCATI PANIGALE V4S • Just when you think Ducati’s Panigale V4 couldn’t get any better, the Bologna Bullet has been given a comprehensive rework, including more power, less weight and a new look. Here’s a closer look at some of the main features…

DEVELOPING THE DUCATI • Look at any cool picture of a new Ducati being thrashed around a racetrack and chances are it’ll be the brand’s chief development rider, Alessandro Valia, under the visor. Without wishing to sound like some stalker-spec fan boy, it needs to be said that Valia is probably one of the most knowledgeable and talented riders you’ll ever meet. He’s also really humble, which makes you feel even more downhearted because you can’t even hate the guy. He is quite simply a cracking bloke, and perhaps one of Ducati’s biggest assets. For the past four years, one of his major focuses has been the development of the new Panigale V4, so over a few beers, I fired a few questions his way…

RETRO RACING • Never one to shy away from a new challenge, Timmy got stuck in with a special Suzuki GSX-R1000 K1 in a classic endurance race.

ALL THE GEAR… • Are you ready to shift things up a level? Yamaha is, especially now its released its auto-changing gearbox system (Y-AMT). The question is, is it any good? Johnny went to find out.

YAMAHA’S OTHER INNOVATIONS… • Yamaha is no stranger to trying out new technologies or engineering concepts, and if you take a moment to look back over its history, it can make a strong case for having had more mad ideas than many other manufacturers…

CHESHIRE MOULDINGS BMW M1000 RR BRITISH SUPERSTOCK BIKE

TURNING ITS BACK ON TRADITION • In 2007, Yamaha abandoned its five-valve head with the revised YZF-R1…

Sussing out SUSPENSION • Have you ever wondered why some suspension costs more than others? Or why it performs better than the stock stuff? Chad took a trip to Öhlins to see what makes its products so desirable.

SUSPENSION MADE SIMPLE • It’s easy to get confused by suspension and its terminology. However, you don’t have to be a MotoGP technician to understand the basics. For 90% of road riders, you just need a relatively basic understanding to get by. We’ve compiled some simple explanations…

A DAY IN THE DIRT… • Can you teach an old dog new tricks? Well, the answer’s yes as far as Big Mac’s recent roll in the mud on some enduro bikes is concerned…

FIT TO GO FAST • Ever wondered why racers so much emphasis on fitness? Well, if they’re anything like Joe, here’s the answer…

LONGTERMER KAWASAKI ZX-6R • THIS MONTH I HAVE MOSTLY BEEN… mile-munching and suspension tweaking.

Chatter

Fast Bikes

FRIENDLY COPPERS AND OP SNAP • You might not have thought too much about dash cams, but here’s why you should…

Legal

You & Yours

Christian Iddon

Steve Parrish