Italy’s first Dakar Rally winner and the inspiration for today’s Ducati DesertX

Today they’re called adventure bikes, but 40 years ago we knew them as ‘giant trailies’. Can Honda’s original Africa-ready big twin turn Rick’s gaze to distant horizons?

1994-2004 DUCATI 916

1955-1964 1975-1984 YAMAHA RD350LC

In 1971, 16-year-olds were restricted to riding mopeds in the UK, prompting a rash of poseworthy sports ’peds from Europe to tempt teens. We found these signs of the times lurking in our archive

Former Honda chief development rider, ex-Honda Racing UK boss, and Bonhams specialist writes for MCN