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A recent wave of road tests covers everything from value-packed Chinese models to heavyweight touring bikes and compact adventure machines. Below is a curated roundup of the latest reviews, with quick reads on what each test found and why riders might care.
New and notable road tests
QJMotor SRT 600 S (08/06/26) arrives as an unusually affordable package. Priced at £4,699 and delivered with crash bars and full luggage, the review asks whether the savings come with acceptable compromises for buyers seeking a ready-to-ride adventure bike.
BSA Bantam 350 (13/01/26) gets a second look after topping sales charts last year. The reviewer revisited the machine to assess whether initial reservations still stand after more miles and broader user feedback.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan Mana Black (26/11/25) follows a conservative update path. The road test suggests the 450 remains true to its established formula, delivering expected improvements without major upheaval to the model’s character.
Tourers and cruisers under scrutiny
The 2025 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Ultra (22/10/25) is praised for its imposing presence and touring capability, but the review highlights one glaring weakness that can’t be ignored when considering it as a long-distance machine.
Harley’s FXLRST Low Rider ST (11/10/25) earns attention for combining performance with retro styling. The road test frames it as an energetic, characterful option for riders who want old-school looks with modern power.
In a shorter note, the 2025 Harley-Davidson Street Bob (28/09/25) is celebrated as a pure cruiser experience—playful and a little extreme, depending on how you ride it.
Practical middleweights and everyday riders
The long-term piece on the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (02/01/25) reflects three months of ownership and everyday use. The author summarizes practical lessons about reliability, versatility, and the Himalayan’s suitability for riders who want a small-capacity adventure bike.
The Honda CBR500R (30/12/24) earns a concise verdict: across two weeks of riding it stands out as one of the better middleweight supersports, balancing capability and accessibility for a wide range of riders.
Adventure and off-road tests
Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro (14/11/23) is featured in a long-term riding report that emphasizes its high spec, power, and usability. The tester spent much of the year exploring the UK on the Tiger and found it to be a standout in its class.
The 2023 KTM 790 Adventure (13/10/23) reappears in the range as a more affordable, China-built alternative to the 890. The review covers on- and off-road performance during UK rides and notes where the new manufacturing route affects the bike’s identity.
Sporty and niche models
Several high-performance and specialty machines feature in recent posts. The 2023 Ducati Diavel V4 (19/05/23) receives credit for a ground-up refresh aimed at securing its place among performance cruisers. Meanwhile, the 2022 Ducati DesertX (02/02/23) was ridden both touring and on green lanes to test its mixed-surface credentials.
- KTM 1290 Super Adventure S (25/01/23) — tested with radar-assisted cruise control and the LC8 V-Twin for high-speed touring capability.
- Energica Experia (24/08/22) — an electric touring test that examined whether a battery-powered bike can meet real-world long-distance needs.
- Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE Grand Tourer (21/07/22) — a long-termer update that breaks down strengths and weaknesses over extended use.
What this means for buyers
These road tests together offer a cross-section of current motorcycle priorities: affordability and ready-made accessories on the budget end; technology and comfort for touring buyers; and refined performance for sport and adventure riders. For anyone planning a purchase, the reviews provide hands-on impressions that go beyond spec sheets.
Pick reviews that match your intended use—commuting, long-distance touring, or off-road exploring—and focus on the road-test notes about ergonomics, real-world reliability, and the single standout flaw the reviewer flagged for each model.
