Other Makes

Moto Morini

SeieMMezzo

Review to follow

Pro’s –

Cons –

Rating – /10

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Energica

RS/Esse RS/Ego

Full on electric bikes, we were very sceptical about what they’d be like well this Italian manufacturer really has done a fine job with these machines, the styling in very Italian with all the machines really looking the part and the influence of their local petrol opposition really can be with a definite nod to the Panigale and Monster . The biggest surprise is when you turn them on, other than a green light showing drive is engaged nothing until you gently turn the throttle then there is a progressive electro-mechanical noise which then lets you know these bikes mean business. And Wow do they ever go, it’s like being in a Tron game, nothing else we’ve ever ridden comes close up to about 100mph, it really does take your breath away. The bikes push out 170bhp however are quiet heavy at 260kg with nearly half of this being the weight of the batteries, the weight is low down though so doesn’t feel as heavy as it is and the fact that the drive is instant really does leave you speechless. Along with battery range being a concern for most the other limiting factor is the top of the range tri colour Ego ridden on a test ride by Bulby is the wrong side of £31k

Pro’s – Acceleration, Build, Looks

Cons – Weight, Battery Range, Price

Rating – 8.5/10

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KTM

RC8

The silhouette of this 15year old bike is as cutting edge today as it was when it hit the showrooms back in 2008 -2010, when KTM released the RC8 sports bike was like no other and so it remains today. Powered by the companies RC8 V-twin motor which they also placed in various other models this 1190 has been fettled with to produce 175bhp at the crank , up from the originals 150bhp.

With none of the modern day electronics to save you this no nonsense sports bike is not for the faint hearted. Everything on this bike is adjustable from the handle bars, seat, pegs so that you can get it set just right for you and as with the engine on this bike the suspension has also been set up for the owner. A true icon of a bike which has a cult following and is becoming harder to find, if you get a chance to ride or own one due yourself a favour and grab it.

Pro’s – Engine, Style/Look

Cons – Noise, Paint finish and quality

Rating – 9.5/10

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690 Enduro

Using KTM’s LC 4 twin motor kicking out 72bhp which can be found in the companies various 690 model line up this is a real hooligans looney bike but what is it best for. dealers and KTM would have you believe that it’s a bike that can not only handle the trails but the roads as well. As with any Enduro they are built for the trail but the 690 does a good job of handling the roads in between however it’s not a road bike so don’t expect to get on it and for it to be like one. Better at on road than say Bulby’s WR250 as it comes equipped with indicators, a key etc the motor will put a massive smile on your face as it did when we rode the Duke version but for green lanes we believe the perfect size motor is a 250/300 so a 690 is maybe too much, so where is this bike best, we’d say off road where you have more space, gravel , wide tracks where this bike becomes an absolute weapon.

Pro’s – Looney bike,

Cons –

Rating – 8.5/10

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690 Duke

The KTM 690 Duke is simply nuts, in true KTM style, it’s single cylinder loud in your face sound and style just screams I’m a hooligan. This is a fun machine make no mistake but more suitable for using everyday that the bikes Supermoto brother, the SM690. however with the aftermarket can that this bike was fitted with it soon becomes tiring to ride with the noise constantly making your ears throb and the relatively small power output (72 bhp) leaving you wishing you were on this bikes bigger brother

Pro’s – Light, easy to ride, noise

Cons – Noise, power

Rating – 7.5/10

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Harley Davison

1250 Pan America & 1250 Pan American Special

Testride to follow when available

Pro’s – It’s a Harley, Looks

Cons – it’s a Harley, looks, Cost

Rating – TBC

For more information click Here

Husaberg

FE450

The Husaberg FE450 from 2003 was a beast of a machine and not really ideal for someone who wanted to venture into the world of green laning. In Enduro bike terms the 450 was a fairly big, heavy and temperamental beast with the big single cylinder lump giving large amounts of torque which makes it a handful to ride, Early versions of the bike had smaller capacity (350 & 400) and didn’t have electric start, however electric start is a must as after a long day in the saddle the last thing you need to try and do is kick the engineer over to get it started; In truth this bike and size will be to much for many with something smaller with superior build quality being all that’s needed to have a great day out getting dirty with the likes of Hondas CRF250, Yamaha WR250 or various bikes from KTM of 250/300cc

Pro’s – Cheap to buy

Cons – Reliability, size and weight

Rating – 6.5/10

For more information click Here