Britain's biggest FREE bike newspaper

Does the lively sports touring Kawasaki Z1000SX deliver?

We have also been playing power games with the mighty VMAX and new kid on the block Diavel - but which one has the most usable muscle? Find out on page 20.

But it's not all about big bikes - we got together a bunch of alternative 125cc learner legal machines on page 10. Starting at just £1199, are they any good? 

Carrying on with the small theme, we also took part in a small capacity bike mpg challenge with Honda on page 18 - how does 124 mpg sound? 

Away from the metal for a minute and we spent a day with the amazing guys and girls who man one of the UK's air ambulances - find out how it all works on page 16.

When Yamaha launched both their 660 and 1200 Teneres, they were designed to be able to tackle more than just Tarmac - and they do, admirably. Here's how to take to the trails without falling off, all on page 26.

There's also an extra 16 page pull-out Classic Mechanics Stafford Show guide inside. Special guest Wayne Rainey is going to be there - don't miss him on October 15-16!

Plus we've got nine new products, an interview with BSB star Jon Kirkham and all the best events happening this month.

We've also got a new Really Useful Section, packed full of everything you need to know when buying a used bike, starting on page 51. Used bikes include the excellent Suzuki 650 Gladius, Yamaha XJ6 Diversion and Ducati Monster S2R.

And of course, there's loads more in the issue: don't forget to check out all the latest news, and have a look at the rest of our action-packed features and get commenting on them. Visit our letters page and add your own: one star letter each month wins a V2MAL Essentials Touring Pack worth over £40. On the subject of free stuff, there is a fantastic competition for two lucky readers to win a set of Richa riding gear each on page 25, plus a chance to bag a pair of new Pirelli Diablo Rosso IIs on page 50, as well as tickets to the upcoming Classic Mechanics Stafford Show featuring Wayne Rainey as guest of honour and some tickets to the forthcoming International Dirtbike Show in November. Also, if you're looking for a new bike or want to sell your own, take a look at a selection of our free bike classified adverts.

And don't forget, if you've got any news, events or ideas you think we might like to feature in MCM, just drop us a line here. We want to hear from you!

Melanie Falconer
Editor, MCM