Bike Kit

Year: ALL

Tried and tested: Abba Superbike Stand Review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

This novel take on a motorcycle paddock stand from Abba is a great addition to your home workshop for general maintenance and cleaning. It’s a fact of life that if your bike has – or can have an...

Tried and tested: Ferodo HH sintered brake pads review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Royal Enfield’s Himalayan mini adventure bike has been a great success, thanks to its charm and keen price, of less than £5,000 brand new. However, it is not without its limitations and one has been...

Mobile mechanic: Best portable and onboard toolkits

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

There are times when you need some tools with you on a ride. It might be a day out or a long tour but somewhere along the line you might need a portable and onboard motorcycle toolkit to do a little...

Top gear: Best chain and sprocket upgrades

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

A motorcycle’s chain and sprockets may, at first glance, seem like slightly old-fashioned bicycle technology but are actually one of the most sophisticated bits of kit on your bike. There are...

Cardo Packtalk Edge review: king of comms?

14 September 2023 by Adam Binnie

The Cardo Packtalk Edge motorcycle intercom sits at the top of the firm’s range, featuring all the latest key technologies like Bluetooth 5.2, mesh connectivity for 15 riders and premium sound from...

Tried and tested: Royal Enfield official accessories review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

The Royal Enfield Himalayan is a great bike – but what about the aftersales accessories? We’re going to have a look at a couple of the more popular items here and work out whether they are worth...

Tried and tested: Triumph Tiger 900 official accessories review

14 September 2023 by Adam Binnie

There is a long list of factory fit accessories for the Triumph Tiger 900 family of bikes so we thought we’d give some of it a try, starting with the aluminium luggage set. If it’s one thing that...

Rok straps review: A motorcycle luggage essential

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

One of the great things about motorcycling is the ability to chuck a bag on the back seat and head off into the sunset on an adventure. But before you do that, you need a few luggage essentials and a...

Tried and tested: Sena RC3 Remote Control review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

The Sena RC3 is a handlebar mounted remote control for Sena’s Bluetooth intercom systems that allow you to control phone calls, media and more at the touch of a button. Ordinarily, you might think...

Luggage that delivers: Best motorcycle messenger bags

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Motorcycle messenger bags are a firm favourite with bikers, particularly in an urban environment. They are the chosen way of carrying goods by dispatch riders and – you guessed it, messengers – as...

Tried and tested: RST Paragon 2 review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

These RST Paragon 2 motorcycle boots can cover many needs; waterproof, sporty, slim and comfortable and fairly warm. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking they will do you through the depths of...

Tried and tested: TCX RT-Race review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

The TCX RT-Race is the standard, full-material microfibre-upper sports boot and it’s great for both the road and the track – but how does it stack up against cheaper rivals like the Frank Thomas...

Tried and tested: Alpinestars SMX-6 V2 Drystar review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

The Alpinestars SMX-6 V2 Drystar boots are sporty style waterproof boot that’s comfy enough to use for touring with the kind of protection you would expect on a track. It can be a dilemma...

Tried and tested: Alpinestars Web GTX review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

The Alpinestars Web GTX are a great all-round boot that will keep your feet warm, protected and reasonably warm but don’t sparkle in any particular area. That isn’t a criticism by any means – if...

Tried and tested: Forma Adventure review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Choosing boots for a big adventure is a tricky one. Traditional touring boots may well keep your feet warm and dry but may not be up to the rigours of the odd off-road foray. Conversely, full...

Tried and tested: TCX Street 3 boots review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

The TCX Street 3 are a motorcycle boot with a casual, street style that offers protection without making it obvious you’re wearing them when you walk around off the bike. While some riders’ blood...

Wet weather performers: Best waterproof sportsbike boots

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

For a sporty ride, you need sporty kit, and a pair of protective and comfortable boots with excellent feel for the bike’s controls is essential. However, inevitably — in the UK at least — even a...

Tried and tested: Oxford Mint bike care range review

14 September 2023

Mint smells nice, has a close association with freshness and goes well with lamb. Most of these are good affinities to have when looking for bike cleaning products, like the Oxford Mint bike care...

Plug and play: How check and change your motorcycle spark plugs

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Unless you own a diesel motorcycle, then the spark plug in your petrol engine is probably one of the most key components if you want to operate your bike. Of course, there are others – tyres, brakes...

Fluid dynamics: How to change your motorcycle engine oil

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

The oil in your engine is its lifeblood: it lubricates the moving parts and stops them wearing or destroying themselves. It helps to keep everything cool, particularly on ‘air’-cooled engines and it...

Drip feeders: Best motorcycle chain oilers as chosen by MCN

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Aftermarket, motorcycle chain oilers have proved popular with bikers who want to keep their chain lubed without the hassle of getting down on their knees with a spray can and a paddock stand. These...

Going nowhere: Best motorcycle rear wheel spinners

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Unless your bike has a centrestand, cleaning and subsequently lubricating and protecting the chain or cleaning the wheels can be a real pain. That task is made easier with a motorcycle wheel...

Keep corrosion at bay: Best rust-prevention products for your motorbike

14 September 2023 by Jon Urry

Rust is the enemy of the motorcyclist, especially if you ride all year round, whatever the weather. Once corrosion sets in it is extremely hard to get rid of and can make a once beautiful machine look...

Tried and tested: Mosko Moto Reckless 80L Revolver review

14 September 2023 by Laura Thomson

The Mosko Moto Reckless 80L Revolver is a rackless soft luggage solution that aims to give maximum capacity with minimum modification. Elspeth Beard rode around the world with a set of...

Tried and tested: Momo Firegun 3 boots review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Sometimes, you want some protection but you don’t want the bulk, the stiffness or the warmth of a pair of high-leg boots. You may be out on a summer ride or for a short blast and want something light...

Tried and tested: Spada Striders boots review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

The Spada Striders are motorbike boots with a baseball or high-top trainer feel to them. They look very street-like, with a suede finish to their nubuck leather outer. Available in black or brown,...

Subtle safety: Best scooter boots as chosen by

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

For scooter riders, bikers who are hopping across town or those wanting more fashionable, comfortable biking footwear to go with a pair of motorcycle jeans, ankle boots are a great option. One of...

Baby steps: Best kids’ motorcycle boots

14 September 2023 by Maria Martin

When it comes to kids’ motorcycle boots, most of what dominates the market are off-road or motocross versions. It’s hardly surprising, as the best way to get them going on two wheels and give them...

Save your energy: How to look after your motorcycle battery

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

Motorcycle battery maintenance is a key element to ensuring you can enjoy your riding as much as possible. There is nothing worse than excitedly approaching your bike only to find the starter won’t...

Tried and tested: Gedore 172 Piece Socket Set review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

One of the key ingredients in any home mechanic’s toolkit is a decent socket set. However, getting the right size, particularly for working on motorcycles, is tricky. The Gedore 172 piece socket set...

Nutcrackers: Best spanners for motorcycle maintenance

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

A good socket set is generally top of the wish – or indeed, need – list for any home mechanic’s tool set. However, following it up very closely is a good set of spanners, as sockets without the best...

Do it all: Best multi-tools for motorcycle repairs

14 September 2023 by Chris Williams

Carrying lots of kit isn’t really in line with the motorcycling brief, even with the bigger touring bikes. Yet, multi-tools for motorcycle repairs are handy. Every so often, we need to fettle with...

Gaining altitude: Best motorcycle lifts and benches for your workshop

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

There are some jobs that require you to raise your bike off the ground – taking the wheels or suspension off, for example – and this is easiest with motorcycle lifts and benches. In fact, most jobs...

Strong start: Best motorcycle batteries as picked by MCN

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

We’re all guilty of taking our motorcycle batteries for granted until they eventually run out. Whether it’s through lack of use or the battery is aged and discharging you’ll need a new one at some...

Tried and tested: Givi Corium review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

First and foremost, the Givi Corium is a very nice-looking piece of luggage. Formed in a classic brown and in what appears, from a distance, to be leather but is, in fact, vegan-friendly PU leather...

Tried and tested: Kappa WA402S rucksack review

14 September 2023 by Jim Blackstock

This Kappa WA402S rucksack is formed from PVC tarpaulin, the material will prevent any and all water from entering, ensuring that your contents stay safe and dry whatever the conditions. There are...