MCN

THE RIDERS From confident champions to committed challengers, we delve into the incredibly deep 2023 rider talent pool. THE BIG TEST Mandello meets the competition Forget cute Minis, Michael Caine and a catchy theme tune – the arrival of Moto Guzzi’s new V100 Mandello on UK shores is the real ‘Italian Job’. Boasting Moto Guzzi’s first water-cooled engine, the bike market’s debut of push-button aerodynamics, and enough character to keep those big-mile marathons emotionally rewarding, can the new model see off the best from Kawasaki and BMW? PAGE 27 FIRST RIDE New Norden 901 is the real deal The adventure market is littered with so many different models, capacities and options that you need a doctorate in ‘spot the difference’ to work out which one is right for you. But if your list of qualifying stipulations goes something…

Whichever racing series tops your personal favourites chart, there’s no doubt that MotoGP has the right ingredients – if mixed to perfection – to deliver track racing’s greatest show on Earth. And with the action kicking off this weekend in Portugal, rather than under the ethereal floodlights lights in Qatar, it’s time to get ready and immerse yourself in the riders, the bikes, the tech and stories that will define the 2023 season. To help you hold your head high as the most informed human at the bar, our team of racing insiders has been poking around in pitboxes, grabbing crew chiefs and team managers, and grilling riders to reveal who’s got what – and whether it’s enough to get them to the sharp end of the grid, and keep them…

Small capacity electric bike distributor Super Soco (Vmoto) are promising long-term stability for owners and dealers in the UK after being bought out by their manufacturer, Vmoto Soco Group. The firm are aiming to increase their market share in the UK, hoping to branch out into growing sectors like fleet sales and last-mile delivery. Let’s get chatting Intercom gurus Cardo Systems have launched their first subscription-based comms product, allowing riders to choose from three levels of tech to suit individual needs. Called the Packtalk Custom, it’s based on the existing Packtalk Edge and comes with a choice of Silver, Gold, or Platinum packages. The Packtalk Custom comes as standard with a number of features in place, including second-generation Mesh Communication software, a two-year warranty, waterproofing, 40mm speakers, Bluetooth connectivity and the ability to…

TOP STORY Wigan-based Langen Motorcycles are ramping up the development of a new four-stroke machine that could be revealed as a concept as early as Motorcycle Live - but they are keeping their powder dry in terms of precise details. “Most of the design team are now on the new project, which is what you might describe as a large-capacity four-stroke,” Langen’s Christofer Ratcliffe told MCN. “Since January, that has been accelerated and has now become almost the primary focus for the design team. I’m losing sleep, but it’s my favourite part of the job just being involved in development and seeing a new bike coming to life from a blank sheet,” he continued. “We are pushing to launch a prototype at the NEC. It’ll be a challenge, but we’ve done harder…

What is thought to be the oldest production bike in the world has sold at Bonhams for almost €200k. The 1894 Hildebrand and Wolfmüller is not the earliest known motorcycle in existence, but was the first powered two-wheeler to go into series production and the example sold, frame number 619, engine number 69, is thought to be the earliest production model still in existence of up to 2000 built. So what does €195,500 buy you? Well, a water-cooled, four-stroke 1488cc parallel twin, with the cylinders located at the base of the frame and running horizontal to the ground. The long connecting rods link to a ‘crankshaft’ secured to the solid rear wheel. Similarities to the workings of a steam engine are no accident as brothers Heinrich and Wilhelm Hildebrand were both steam…

TOP STORY MCN’s resident speed tester Bruce Dunn has taken the British-built TTS Performance SuperBusa to an astounding 218.1mph in an exclusive test at RAF Cottesmore. The supercharged road bike is available to anyone brave enough, for around £50,000, and is based on the current Suzuki Hayabusa. Built in celebration of the Silverstonebased speed demons’ 40 years in business, it’s currently limited to a run of just 40 bikes. “This is something else,” Bruce said after completing his final blast along the runway. “To be fair, it’s more usable [than other bikes]. We also had a Kawasaki Z H2 here this morning and that feels a bit more vicious and a bit more abrupt. “This is addictive. The way this makes power - you’ve got to be careful,” he continued with a smile. “Obviously…