Technical Features

Most of us know what kind of engine we have in our bikes – the different characters of a single, twin, triple or four (or more!) cylinder motor are much more obvious than they might be in a car. But what’s best? Which motors are great and which suck...

In 2020 we’ve got supercharged engines, electric suspension, wheelie control, carbon wheels, aerodynamic wings and 220bhp litre-class road bikes! But if you’d showed me that list 20 years ago, I’d have been a teeny bit disappointed...

A bike helmet is the most important bit of safety kit a rider has – it’s also the only one which needs to be worn by law. And now, the organisation behind safety regulations for helmets is updating its rules to keep riders even safer...

Welding – dull industrial process or pure metal art? We have a look at the tech and science behind properly joining up bits of metal – and see how it’s applied to make an exhaust can for our Yamaha MT-10...

We look at how the best calipers, discs and pads in the business are made. So the next time you haul on the lever to avoid one of those U-turning taxis or steamed-up school-run Range Rovers, be grateful for the good folk who’ve helped you stop in time…

If your classic motorcycle is a dusty barn-find, there's a good chance ​it has never been registered with the DVLA, e.g. if it is pre-1983 and hasn't been taxed since then. Here are a few pointers to claim back the original number plate...

it’s the time of year when many motorcyclists will be looking forward to getting on their bikes a lot more, whether to beat the traffic to get into work or leisure rides at the weekends. However according to new breakdown figures from the RAC it’s also an important time of year for bike maintenance...

Every few years, there has to be some new bike tech for us to get excited about. It's been the same since forever. Some of these leaps forward are genuinely great, and have changed biking. Some – not so much. So what category are gas forks in?