Fast Bikes UK - October 2023

In this issue

Tim Neave
Tim’s racing retirement didn’t last long, having put in a cracking performance at Thruxton.

BMW Motorrad days
If you’re a fan of BMWs, beer and burn-outs, chances are you’ll love the German brand’s annual extravaganza.

HOMOLOGATION Special

Sportsbikes… they’re bloody awesome. They always have been, and for us, they always will be.

5 mins

UNDER THE SKIN...BMW M 1000 RR

The latest M 1000 RR must surely be the first bike to be faster in a straight line as well as around corners than the bike it’s replacing without getting a single upgrade to its engine or chassis.

4 mins

ON TRACK...BMW M 1000 RR

When I first clapped eyes on this carbon-covered kryptonite, I can't say I was particularly dazzled by the new styling and upgraded aero package. Now I've seen one in the flesh, I've turned a full 180 and can completely appreciate the bodywork overhaul and the detail within.

5 mins

ON ROAD...BMW M 1000 RR

Just like that, our three days of testing were done and dusted, barring a final blast over the Mountain. The question was, what bike would I be doing it on?

9 mins

UNDER THE SKIN...HONDA FIREBLADE RR-R SP

What's interesting about the Fireblade is that unlike the other bikes on this test - pumped-up trick homologation versions of existing bikes in their ranges, so BMW and Ducati can go racing the Fireblade was made from day one as a race bike.

4 mins

ON TRACK...HONDA FIREBLADE RR-R SP

To kick things off, I decided the Fireblade would be the weapon of choice to get my senses sharpened and the ball rolling for this year's Ultimate Sports Bike track test.

5 mins

ON ROAD...HONDA FIREBLADE RR-R SP 30TH ANNIVERSARY

I Know the Blade well. I had one of these back in 2020 and did the best part of 5000 miles on it. Not much has changed since the inaugural version, aside from a tooth on the rear sprocket and some slightly revised electronics.

7 mins

UNDER THE SKIN...DUCATI V4R

I've said it before, and no doubt I'll say it again - Ducati doesn't do things by halves.

4 mins

ON TRACK...DUCATI PANIGALE V4R

Ducati settles for nothing less than perfection, and the V4R is right at the very forefront of that. Experience is the first word that springs to mind; it's a truly special experience to ride this Panigale (just like the rest of the V4 range), and you can just tell that every last detail has been thought about with this bike.

4 mins

ON ROAD...DUCATI V4R

This is a hard bike to criticise, to the extent that I'll jump in with both feet and lay my biggest hang-up on the table from the get-go... I don't like the number one sticker on the front number board.

10+ mins

GROUND-BREAKER

The time is right to buy Yamaha's class-defining litre bike.

3 mins

BEEMERS BOOZE AND BURN-OUTS...BMW MOTORRAD DAYS 2023

Back in July, some 37,000 people flocked to BMW's Motorrad Days, held for the second time in the German capital, Berlin. I was one of them...

6 mins

DUCATI 749R RED ROCKET...

Just under a decade ago, Ducati pulled the covers off a very special supersport bike. Here's Timmy's take on the iconic 749R.

7 mins

Mark Eilledge

Sometimes, it’s hard to work out what qualifies someone for a job. But when it comes to SHARK racing and technical manager Mark Eilledge, it’s much easier.

3 mins

Read all stories from {{magazineName}}

Fast Bikes UK Magazine Description:

Fast Bikes UK Magazine is the UK's most comprehensive guide to sportsbikes, covering everything from road tests to track days. It's the perfect resource for anyone who loves fast bikes, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro.

In each issue, you'll find:

*In-depth reviews of the latest sportsbikes
*Track tests of the latest sportsbikes
*Interviews with top sportsbike riders
*Features on the latest sportsbike technology
*News and events from the world of sports biking
*Tips and advice on improving your skills
And much more!

Whether you're looking for the perfect sportsbike for your needs or you just want to learn more about the sport, Fast Bikes UK Magazine is the perfect place to start. Subscribe today and start exploring the world of sports biking!