Geoff Hill

Two great books about escapades on two wheels

in Ireland, in July.

The United States has announced plans to invest almost half-a-billion dollars in Cape Verde, a set of islands off the coast of West Africa. $400m of the package will be used to build a new embassy in the capital, Praia, sited next to the presidential palace. Once completed, the mission will employ m…

Stand by for some surprises, with an impressive Harley adventure bike, a Sukuki monster that turned out to be a pussycat, a small Royal Enfield with a big heart and a Bike of the Year which is the biggest surprise of all

HERE is some handy advice for any of you planning to go to Montenegro: bring big trousers, and rent a small car.

Japanese bikes had a reputation for being cheap and less than cheerful until the CB750 arrived – and this could do the same for Chinese bikes, with a four-year warranty to back it up. Best of all, it handles brilliantly and is a joy to ride

With a gloriously smooth yet characterful engine, agile and sporty handling and all-day comfort, this sports tourer is a fitting tribute to 100 years of the Italian firm which still makes its bikes in the factory where it all began in 1921

Stand by for the scooter, coolest bike, midrange machine, adventure bike, retro bike and sports tourer of the year – and prepare yourself for a surprise with Geoff’s choice as his overall machine of the year

ON a beautiful summer day in 1929, a newly-ordained priest took the last few steps up the long road to Trepalle, high in the Italian Alps, mopped his brow and turned to look at the breathtaking views all around him.

At under seven grand, the X-Cape could be your ticket to touring, and although the engine is a bit lacklustre and the screen made Geoff deaf, it’s got impressive specs and a lot going for it at the price