2014 Vespa Sprint 125 Review – First Ride

Photos by: Milagro Sitting on the egg yolk-colored Vespa Sprint, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I felt like a spring chick’. It is tiny, agile and fast even with a broiler sized journo onboard. Please join me in welcoming the new “Vespino” one fine spring day in Rome. Twist and go, it’s yellow, it’s comfortable and I’m in Rome. It doesn’t get much better and as we head off I place myself at the front like the rooster in a hen house. “Cock-a-doodle-doo” the Sprint says and I’m where I like to be, in heavy “be fast or be dead” Rome traffic. The 31.1 in. high seat is comfortable, black with white piping and I’ve got ample leg space. Under...

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2014 Aprilia Tuono V4R ABS Review

Photos by: Evans Brasfield Aprilia Tuono V4R ABS Editor Score: 87% Engine19/20 Suspension/Handling12.5/15 Transmission/Clutch9/10 Brakes9.5/10 Instruments/Controls3.5/5 Ergonomics/Comfort8/10 Appearance/Quality8.5/10 Desirability9/10 Value8/10 Overall Score87/100 At the risk of giving away the plot before the end of the story, I’m here to say Aprilia’s Tuono V4R is one of the most scintillating and capable sportbikes ever made. And the subtle modifications for 2014 have made a coveted bike even more coveteder. Our opinions about the Tuono’s immensely high capabilities and charisma were solidified during our 2012 Literbike...

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2014 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS Review – First Ride

Photos by: Brian Nelson & Enrico Pavia Suzuki V-Strom 1000 Editor Score:82.5% Engine17.5/20 Suspension/Handling12.5/15 Transmission/Clutch9.5/10 Brakes8.25/10 Instruments/Controls4.5/5 Ergonomics/Comfort7.75/10 Appearance/Quality8.0/10 Desirability7.0/10 Value7.5/10 Overall Score82.5/100 The big V-Strom returns for 2014 in a much anticipated reincarnation of its original form. Obvious outward appearances aside, the new Strom boasts increased displacement and midrange power from its redesigned V-Twin, better handling and improved stability from its new chassis, and an electronics package including non-switchable ABS...

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2014 BMW C600 Sport Review

Photos by: Kevin Duke and Adam Wood 2014 BMW C600 Sport Editor Score:84.25% Engine17/20 Suspension/Handling12.75/15 Transmission/Clutch7.5/10 Brakes8.25/10 Instruments/Controls4.25/5 Ergonomics/Comfort8.5/10 Appearance/Quality9/10 Desirability8.75/10 Value8.25/10 Overall Score84.25/100 Occasionally, a bike will capture the collective fancy of the MO staffers to such a degree that we actively seek out new opportunities to ride it again. The BMW C650GT is one of those motorcycles, as it redefines what we expect and what is possible with a scooter. It’s so broadly capable that it has the potential to lure motorcycle enthusiasts to the...

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