Alison Silcox

We’re riding Yamaha’s updated X-MAX 400 at its launch on Monday. We will be taking a trip into Northern France via the Eurotunnel. Priced at £5999, Yamaha’s 395 cc, 33 bhp single cylinder scooter is EURO4 compliant and has been updated for 2018. The new chassis helps decrease the overall weight by 3kg, which makes it the lightest in class, and it now comes with traction control as standard It’s fitted with telescopic front forks and a five position adjustable rear shock. Looks are improved with the new LED headlights and rear lights. Rider comfort is enhanced with the adjustable screen and handlebars. There’s also a lit underseat storage compartment, that’s large enough to hold two full face lids. The scooter is available in dealers now. Check MCN’s social media channels on Monday for our first riding impressions and read our full test in MCN, on sale on October 18.

Today is the first day I’ve felt fully justified for having the fog lights fitted to the Honda X-ADV. With the trees rapidly going from summery green to autumnal brown the change of the season is definitely here. As I peered through the crack of the bedroom curtains this morning it was a very drab and foggy scene that awaited. For just a couple of minutes I looked longingly at my lovely little red Mini parked on the drive. I gave myself a good talking to and donned my Rukka kit, grabbed the scoot keys and headed for the garage. TOP STORIES MCN Fleet video: BMW R nineT Racer – the story so far BSB: Haslam: ‘I’m glad to have walked away from that one!’ It’s a Burgman baby Moped gang jailed for 18 years Monster upgrade It wasn’t as cold as it looked so the heated grips weren’t needed, I was pleased I’d opted for the fog lights though. The light the fogs gives out is clear and gives a much broader field of vision, another benefit is that I feel as if I can be seen better. There’s

Today’s the day my riding year really gets under-way; I’m taking charge of my new Yamaha Fazer 8 long termer this afternoon. After a weekend of bikes and beer at MCN Live at Butlins SkegVegas and the recent change in weather, I really am looking forward to getting back on two wheels and have loads of trips planned. First things first though, I need to get the bike run in and what better way to do this than to take a trip to France. I’m heading off later this week, with a group of liked minded souls and we are undertaking some advanced training with Nigel Bowers of Advanced Motorcycle Training (www.advancedmotorcycletraining.com) around Normandy. It should be a fun few days and I’ll let you know next week we get on. Keep checking back to my blog each week for updates on how the Fazer is fairing.   BLOG13 | FAZER13

Read our long-term test report for the Zero DSR X and get all the latest updates throughout 2023.

HJC R-PHA 70 helmet review - It's a touring lid but with a sporty feel, that's great value, stylish and comfortable. What more could you want?

Read our Bull-it Coyote jean review here at MCN - AA rated ladies' jeans that actually fit

Read our Oxford Mondial 2.0 review -"I wouldn’t recommend wearing it for rides in the middle of summer but when temperatures are below 20 degrees it fits the bill"

Read Alison's LS2 Advant X helmet review here at MCN - A good middle budget flip front helmet option.