When you look at the toughest adventure event in the world, the Dakar Rally, the bikes are all 450s now. They’re a far cry from the tribe of road-focused 1200cc road bikes that has evolved from the earlier generations of desert racers.

Though Spain and Portugal are a long way from the UK, the riding is so good and the rest of the experience so outstanding that it is always worth going – and with this guide, touring there should be effortless….

Is there anything better than a sunny day on the bike? After an endless winter and a spring that gave up and went back to bed, it finally feels like summer is here…..

Motorcycling is increasingly full of extreme contrasts and it’s all the better for it. Whether you want a hi-tech, high-speed sports tourer or a traditional roadster, big on charisma but free of unnecessary frills, there’s a bike for you

Adventure bikes get more popular every year and they’re getting more sophisticated with it…generally. In this issue we have the latest hi-tech trailies tackling snowy Snowdonia.

Most of us would like to ride more — yes, we all need more time, but sometimes we also need a reason to go further afield than our regular routes. This is where the Great British Ride Out comes in.

I’m of an age where, if I’m asked “What’s the best bike in the world?”, the words “Honda VFR750” are halfway out of my mouth before I remember what year it is.

It's cold and dark outside at this time of year, but don’t worry: that just means summer is getting closer and, with it, better weather and better riding.....

This issue is a bit different. It’s where we look back at the best bits of 2017, from life with the year’s test bikes to brilliant products and great rides – including some of your trips. With a summer that was actually sunny, it seems 2017 was a properly memorable year for lots of us.

This month, Martin and the test team headed to the Dales with three great sports tourers. From popular biking routes to back lanes, they found brilliant roads highlighting the strengths – and the weaknesses – of their bikes.

A long ride… from Lowestoft, the most easterly point of the British mainland, to Ardnamurchan lighthouse, the most westerly point. Between dawn and dusk – using big bikes but avoiding big roads....

For this issue we’ve been to France on a Harley and Germany on sports tourers (don’t worry – it rained on both trips), while David Stokes headed to Portugal...

Inside the July issue, Matt investigates the second-hand market, we have tested the Aprilia Tuono V4, Yamaha SCR950, Honda CB1100RS and more. Plus there's a free 32 page New Rider supplement, with everything you need to know to start riding.

After what sometimes felt like an endless winter, I finally feel safe to say that spring is here. We asked the police BikeSafe scheme for advice on getting safely back up to speed..

This month Team RiDE began planning short, easy trips to turn spring weekends into mini-holidays. I looked at city breaks in England’s historic heartland, Simon Hargreaves scoured the coast for quirky days out, while Kev Raymond dredged out his European map to find the best handy destinations on the Continent.

After nearly ten years at the helm, editor Colin Overland has left RiDE and I’m taking over. Don’t worry – I’ll ensure your favourite magazine continues to hunt out the best bargains in biking and delivers product tests, road tests, buying advice, touring tips and more of your stories every month. These are exciting times to be riding bikes, with manufacturers doing more than ever to make machines to suit all tastes. Here at RiDE, our job is to help you find the one that’s best for you...

Inside the March issue we take a look at 2017's highly desirable - and highly priced - new bikes. There’s also a really significant product test for all the technology that matters without the four-digit price tag...