Get out there!

When it comes to great roads we really are spoilt. I’ve clocked some big miles in the 14 years I’ve been a bike journo, both at home and away, discovering new roads, seeing new sights and making new friends; there really is no better way to explore the world than on two wheels. That much is a given, but so too is the reality that you don’t have to step off this fine Isle if you want to have your horizons broadened… and your sliders slithered. We’ve all got our ‘go-to’ roads, and my list’s longer than Pretty Boy’s excuse book for getting his ‘wordz’ in on time. The best thing about that list is that the destinations are littered up and down the UK, just like the top 10 routes we’ve listed and mapped out this month. Chances are you’ll know one or two of them, but there’ll likely be a few that’ll get your brain ticking for the right excuse to bag a weekend away from the better half (help me out with a few if any spring to mind).

I’m writing this after our second hit of heavy snow, which has put the brakes on making the most of early spring. But this weather can’t last forever, and I’m gagging to bang some big miles in. One man who’s been doing just that is Beej, who’s been exploring the delights of the Ducati Panigale V4 on UK soil. It’s not disappointed, but I’ll leave him to tell you the ins and outs. Its undoubtedly one hell of a weapon, assuming hardcore, arse-up, head-down sportsbikes appeal to you as much as they do to us. But for those seeking a slightly more relaxed (wheelie-tastic) alternative, there are plenty of new nakeds for 2018, including the joyous all-new 790 Duke that Carlos made some shapes on out in Gran Canaria.

As for me, I had a top laugh on the basic but brilliant refined MT-07. Both are worthy rivals for your hard earned readies, so check out what we make of them. Or you could go down the used bike route. I was scanning the net the other day and wondering how I’d fill up my dream garage. One thing’s for sure, there are some great second hand rides to be bagged. The CBR600F Sport is one such steed, which you’ll find in our buyer’s guide, and TT racer Gary Johnson’s dad Turbo Trev has told us the joys of owning his Italian bit on the side – a 2014 MV Agusta F3 800 – that he’s owned from new. Now that is a sight for sore eyes… and at a price that’s much more suited to my penny protecting principals.

Anyway, that’s enough about my wallet. Enjoy the mag and the start of the season.