Phil West
Freelance journalist/editor/author
BikeSocial contributor, freelance motorcycle journalist, former editor of Bike & What Bike?, ex-Road Test Editor MCN, ex-founder Biking Times, one-time launch editor of American Motorcycles, previous contributor to FHM, Stuff, Daily Telegraph and Evening Standard, plus more bike mags than he can remember, author of six books and now in need of a holiday.
Ridden pretty much every new road bike since 1989 and most key historical bikes (’59 Bonnie, Commando, CB750 etc, yawn) before that. First road bike a Honda Express but first experience was putting a BSA Bantam 175 into a hedge aged nine. Quickly progressed through CB125T, RD250LC, RD350LC and RD500LC. Won a couple of club races in a former life and dabbled in (and spectacularly bad at) scrambles, trials and endurance.
Done most of the best launches/first rides – ’92 Blade, 916, Monster, SRAD, Multistrada etc – attended every major biking event (Bol, Daytona, TT, Sturgis, Assen etc) and has the scars, blurred memory, grey hairs and overdraft to match.
Considering putting it all in another book – while I can still remember.
Recent Posts
- Latest News
This week's best biking deals | Discounts, offers, competitions...
What are the best motorcycle and kit deals and discounts available right now?
By Phil West13/06/2025 - Bike Features
Best Middleweight Adventure Bikes (2024)
There’s a great choice of middleweight adventure motorbikes, here’s our choice of the latest range for 2024
By Phil West28/06/2024 - Bike Features
Best Café Racers for sale in 2024
There’s a great choice of café racer style motorbikes, here’s our choice of the latest range for 2024
By Phil West18/06/2024 - Bike Features
Best bobbers for sale in 2024
There’s a great choice of bobber style motorbikes, here’s our choice of the latest range for 2024
By Phil West07/06/2024 - Bike Features
Best bikes for A2 licence holders
There’s a great selection of new A2 bikes around and here’s our choice of the latest - including key features and those all-important prices.
By Phil West20/05/2024 - Bike Features
Best middleweight naked bikes (and some used ones too)
There’s a great selection of middleweight nakeds around and here’s our choice of the latest - including key features and those all-important prices.
By Phil West20/05/2024 - Bike Features
Most fuel efficient bikes on the market in 2024
There's a great choice of fuel-efficient bikes, here's our choice of the latest for 2024
By Phil West23/04/2024 - New Riders & Training
Best 50cc motorcycles (2024) | Specs & Prices
There's a decent choice of 50cc motorcycles, here's our choice of the latest range for 2024
By Phil West10/04/2024 - Bike Features
Top 10: Fastest bikes in the world
Here are the figures that count the most!
By Phil West03/04/2024 - Bike Features
Best lightweight bikes (2024)
There's a great choice of lightweight bikes, here's our choice of the latest for 2024
By Phil West27/03/2024 - Bike Features
Best motorcycles for taller riders (2024)
There's a great choice of tall seat bikes, here's our choice of the latest for 2024
By Phil West27/03/2024 - Bike Features
Best bikes for shorter riders (2024) | Specs & Prices
There's a great choice of low seat bikes, here's our choice of the latest for this year
By Phil West11/03/2024 - Buying & Selling Bikes
How does finance work on a motorcycle?
Everything you need to know about financing that purchase
By Phil West22/02/2024 - Bike Features
What motorcycle can I ride | Licensing laws
Baffled by the motorcycle licensing laws, hopefully this makes some kind of sense of learner laws.
By Phil West29/08/2023 - Electric Motorcycle
Best CBT-friendly electric bikes (2023) | Specs & Prices
There's a great choice of new CBT-friendly electric bikes around, here's our choice of what's available in 2023
By Phil West07/08/2023 - Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide (2023) - Review
BikeSocial reviews Harley-Davidson's virtually all-new 2023 CVO Street Glide
By Phil West27/07/2023 - Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide (2023) - Review
Bikesocial reviews Harley-Davidson's virtually all-new 2023 CVO Road Glide
By Phil West26/07/2023 - Latest News
Harley-Davdison CEO commits to EVs, new CVOs, and Homecoming goes annual
Annual Harley-Davidson event announced
By Phil West24/07/2023 - New Riders & Training
Top 10 A1 licence-friendly bikes
There's a great choice of new A1 bikes around, here's our choice of what's available in 2023
By Phil West11/07/2023 - Bike Features
Best used A2 bargains for sale in 2023
There's a great choice of cheap A2 bikes around, here's our choice of what's available in 2023
By Phil West03/07/2023 - Bike Features
Top 10 first big bikes for under £2000 (2023) | Specs & Prices
There’s a great selection of cheap 1st big bikes around and here’s our choice of the latest - including key features and those all-important prices.
By Phil West10/05/2023 - Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 (2023) - Review
Update and better than ever? Let's see.
By Phil West28/04/2023 - Bike Features
Top 10 best tourers (2023)| Specs & Prices
There's a great choice of tourer bikes, here's our choice of the latest for 2023.
By Phil West14/04/2023 - Honda
Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird Review & Buying Guide (1996-2007)
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need
By Phil West09/03/2023 - Bike Features
Top 10 Best 125cc Scooters
Here's our choice for the ten best 125cc scooters from £1,999
By Phil West13/02/2023 - New Riders & Training
Best motorcycle for a new but shorter rider
Advice plus top 5 bikes
By Phil West08/07/2022 - Bike Features
Top 10 50cc scooters (2022)
Sporty, stylish, affordable or appealing - there's a 50cc scooter out there for everyone
By Phil West29/04/2022 - Bike Features
30 Years of the Suzuki GSX-R750: Top 10 Models
We take a look at the top 10 key models from the last 30 years.
By Phil West01/01/2022 - Bike Features
10 Best bikes in Bond films
On the day of the premiere of the eagerly awaited new James Bond film, No Time To Die, we take time to to look at the ones with the best bike sequences
By Phil West30/09/2021 - Honda
Honda Vision 110 (2011-2020): Review & Buying Guide
A simple, affordable, economical and easy to ride scooter
By Phil West17/03/2021 - Bike Features
Top 10 retro roadsters (2021)
Here's our pick of the best modern day retro roadsters
By Phil West16/03/2021 - Bike Features
Best pillion motorbikes of 2021
Here's our top pick of pillion bikes for this year, in ascending price order.
By Phil West16/03/2021 - Kawasaki
Kawasaki Vulcan S (2015-current) Review and Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need
By Phil West04/03/2021 - Ducati
Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 (2016-current) Review & Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need
By Phil West03/03/2021 - Triumph
Triumph Thruxton 1200/R (2016-current) - Review and Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need.
By Phil West24/02/2021 - Honda
Honda Forza 125 (2015-2018) Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more
By Phil West15/02/2021 - Yamaha
Yamaha XV950/R (2013-2020) Review and Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need.
By Phil West10/02/2021 - Bike Features
Top 10 cruisers (2021)
Bobbers, Scramblers and Café Racers may steal the limelight but cruisers are here to stay. Here's our pick of the ten best.
By Phil West10/02/2021 - Bike Features
Top 10 scramblers (2021)
Of all the types of bikes none is more on trend right now than the scrambler. Here's our Top 10 for this year.
By Phil West10/02/2021 - Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider S (2016-2018) Review
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need.
By Phil West08/02/2021 - Suzuki
Suzuki Address 110 (2007 - on) Review & Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need
By Phil West05/02/2021 - Bike Features
Top 10 Best Naked Motorcycles 2021
Unfaired sportsbikes, streetfighters or supernakeds. Call them what you will but here's our pick of the best
By Phil West01/02/2021 - Ducati
Ducati 749R (2004-2006) Review and buying guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need.
By Phil West25/01/2021 - Ducati
Ducati Panigale 899 (2014-2016) Review & Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need
By Phil West20/01/2021 - Racing features
Top 10 abandoned racetracks
What are your fondest memories from our top 10?
By Phil West20/01/2021 - Yamaha
Yamaha XSR700 (2016- ) - Review & Buyers Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need
By Phil West18/01/2021 - Honda
Honda CB125F (2015-2020) Review & Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need.
By Phil West13/01/2021 - Triumph
Triumph Thruxton 900 (2003-2015) Review & Buying Guide
Everything you need to know about the café racer
By Phil West11/01/2021 - Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson XL1200R Sportster (2016 - on) Review & Buyers Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need.
By Phil West07/01/2021 - Latest News
Best-selling motorbikes of 2020
From a 125-commuter scooter to a sports bike, a retro, a monster adventure bike and everything in between
By Phil West06/01/2021 - Aprilia
Aprilia Tuono (2003-2005): Review & Buying Guide
What to look for in Aprilia's thunderous V-twin super naked, the Tuono
By Phil West06/01/2021 - Ducati
Ducati XDiavel/XDiavel S (2016-current) Review & Buyers Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need.
By Phil West30/12/2020 - KTM
KTM 950/990 Adventure (2003-2012) - Review & Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need
By Phil West09/12/2020 - KTM
KTM 990 Supermoto T / SM-T (2009-2013) - Review & Buyers Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need.
By Phil West09/12/2020 - Triumph
Triumph Street Twin (2016-2018): Review & Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need.
By Phil West04/12/2020 - Suzuki
Suzuki TL1000S (1997-2001) Review & Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need.
By Phil West24/11/2020 - Ducati
Ducati Monster 821 Dark (2014-2018) Review
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need
By Phil West20/11/2020 - Ducati
Ducati Hypermotard 821 SP (2013-2015) - Review & Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need.
By Phil West18/11/2020 - Piaggio
Piaggio Liberty 125 (2013-) Review & Buying Guide
Piaggio's well established but often overlooked high-wheeled commuter scooter
By Phil West03/11/2020 - Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson XL883N Iron (2009-) Review
All you need to know about Harley's entry-level Sportster bike.
By Phil West28/10/2020 - Honda
Honda NC750X (2016-on): Review & Buying Guide
Honda's uber-practical, mid-capacity, super frugal mini adventure-tourer
By Phil West16/10/2020 - Kawasaki
Kawasaki ER-6f (2012-17) Review & Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need
By Phil West16/10/2020 - Honda
Honda NC750X (2014-2016): Review & Buying Guide
Pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need
By Phil West09/10/2020 - BMW
BMW F800GT (2013-2019): Review & Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need.
By Phil West28/09/2020 - BMW
BMW F700GS & F800GS (2013-2018): Review & Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need
By Phil West11/09/2020 - Ducati
Ducati SportClassics (2005-2010): Review & Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need.
By Phil West04/09/2020 - Suzuki
Suzuki SV650/S (2004-2014): Review & Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need.
By Phil West20/08/2020 - Moto Guzzi
Moto Guzzi Griso 1100/1200 (2005 - 2015): Review & Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specs and more so you have the information you need.
By Phil West13/08/2020 - Suzuki
Suzuki SV650 (1999-2003): Review & Buying Guide
The pros, cons and the specs - all the information you need.
By Phil West11/08/2020 - Kawasaki
Kawasaki W650 (1999-2006): Review & Buying Guide
Kawasaki W650 (1999-2006): Review & Buying Guide
By Phil West04/08/2020 - Latest News
Brexit boost for crime theft reduction,' says crime expert
Tightened borders and customs checks could be beneficial
By Phil West30/07/2020 - Moto Guzzi
Moto Guzzi V9 Roamer and Bobber (2016 - on): Review & Buying Guide
Pros, cons, what to pay and what to look out for when buying
By Phil West30/07/2020 - Honda
Honda CBR900RR-R Urban Tiger (1994): Review & Buying Guide
The pros, cons, specifications and more so you have the information you need
By Phil West28/07/2020 - Kawasaki
Kawasaki ZX-6RR (2003-04): Review & Buying Guide
Pros, cons, what to pay and what to look out for when buying
By Phil West08/07/2020 - Honda
Honda VFR800 Fi (1998 - 2002): Review & Buying Guide
Honda's legendary V4 was updated for 1998, and it's still one of the best VFRs ever
By Phil West23/06/2020 - Honda
Honda NT650V Deauville (1998-2006): Review & Buying Guide
Pros, cons, what to pay and what to look out for when buying
By Phil West19/06/2020 - Benelli
Benelli Tornado Novecentro Tre (2003-2012): Review & Buying Guide
Pros, cons, what to pay and what to look out for when buying
By Phil West11/06/2020 - Yamaha
Yamaha TRX 850 (1996-2000): Review & Buying Guide
Pros, cons, what to pay and what to look out for when buying
By Phil West04/06/2020 - Honda
Honda DN-01 (2008-10): Review & Buying Guide
Pros, cons, what to pay and what to look out for when buying
By Phil West26/05/2020 - Honda
Honda XL700V Transalp (2008-12): Review & Buying Guide
Pros, cons, what to pay and what to look out for when buying
By Phil West26/05/2020 - Triumph
Triumph Speed Triple 1050 (2005-2015): Review & Buying Guide
Pros, cons, what to pay and what to look out for when buying
By Phil West19/05/2020 - Honda
Honda XRV750 Africa Twin (1990-2003): Review & Buying Guide
Pros, cons, what to pay and what to look out for when buying
By Phil West14/05/2020 - Bike Features
Top 10 motorcycles with the longest range [2020]
With up to 400-miles from one tank full achievable
By Phil West03/04/2020 - Latest News
Coronavirus | Top 10 ways to still get your biking 'fix'
Bored of not riding? Here's our bespoke motorcycling list of things to do instead.
By Phil West23/03/2020 - Advice
What Headlight bulb do I need for my motorcycle?
Whether a bulb has just blown, or you're fed up of trying to ride by candlelight, here's the process for improving matters.
By Phil West13/02/2020 - Bike Features
Top 10 most expensive bikes of 2020 (so far...)
Hugely desirable, ultra-expensive, road-legal hyperbikes that you can buy in 2020
By Phil West11/02/2020 - Advice
How to clean a motorcycle carburettor
This task should be near the top of your 'jobs to do' list.
By Phil West04/02/2020 - Latest News
The 10 best bikes at this week's huge Las Vegas motorcycle auction
One of the most spectacular auctions of classic motorcycles of the calendar year.
By Phil West23/01/2020 - Bike Features
Top 10 1970s throwback motorbikes [2019]
Our round up of the best new retro '70s bikes
By Phil West23/10/2019 - Bike Features
Top 10 best-selling bikes in the UK [2019]
Official stats showing 2019's best-selling motorbikes in the UK
By Phil West11/10/2019 - Bike Features
Best track day bikes 2019 [Top 10]
With a budget from £19k - £36k, we pick out the very best track day bikes for 2019
By Phil West02/10/2019 - Bike Features
Best commuter bikes 2019 [Top 10]
Here's our pick of the ten best commuter motorbikes.
By Phil West04/09/2019 - Bike Features
Best cheap track day bikes 2019 [Top 10]
Here's our pick of the ten best cheap track day motorbikes.
By Phil West28/08/2019 - Bike Features
Top 10 sub-750 sportsbikes (2019)
Long live the sportsbike - take your pick of these pocket rockets.
By Phil West25/07/2019 - Biking tips
What does 16v DOHC mean? BikeSocial's guide to technical terms
Do you know your ABS from your TCS? A run down of the most common technical terms used in BikeSocial's bike reviews.
By Phil West21/12/2018 - BMW
BMW R1250RT (2019) Review | BikeSocial
For 2019 BMW’s twin-cylinder tourer, the RT, like the GS adventure, gets the updated 1250 ‘ShiftCam’ boxer engine – it’s a significant boost, too.
By Phil West12/12/2018 - BMW
BMW R1250GS Adventure (2019) | Review
BMW's definitive big-tanked, long-suspended GS Adventure gets a new lease of life via the same enlarged, 'ShiftCam' engine as recently installed in the base GS
By Phil West07/12/2018 - Latest News
$1m Vincent sets auction world record
Most valuable bike ever sold
By Phil West27/01/2018 - Latest News
A comprehensive overview of 2018's new bikes
BikeSocial's guide to 2018's new motorbikes from each manufacturer
By Phil West28/12/2017 - Bike Features
Top 10 learner bikes for tall riders
If finding a bike to fit your frame is stopping you from riding - read on...
By Phil West20/09/2017
![Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird (1996-2007) [ Review & Buying Guide ]](https://www.datocms-assets.com/119921/1714126603-honda-cbr1100xx-super-blackbird-1996-review-used-price-spec_01.jpg?auto=format&w=500 "Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird (1996-2007) [ Review & Buying Guide ]")
![Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 (2016-current) : [ Review & Buying Guide ]](https://www.datocms-assets.com/119921/1714064544-ducati-scrambler-sixty2-review-used-guide_thumb.jpg?auto=format&w=500 "Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 (2016-current) : [ Review & Buying Guide ]")
![Triumph Thruxton 1200/R (2016-current) - [ Review and Buying Guide ]](https://www.datocms-assets.com/119921/1714122447-triumph-thruxton-1200r-2016-review-used-guide_thumb.jpg?auto=format&w=500 "Triumph Thruxton 1200/R (2016-current) - [ Review and Buying Guide ]")
![Honda Forza 125 (2015-2018): [ Review & Buying Guide ]](https://www.datocms-assets.com/119921/1714128461-honda-forza-125-2015-review-used-guide_thumb.jpg?auto=format&w=500 "Honda Forza 125 (2015-2018): [ Review & Buying Guide ]")
![Yamaha XV950/R (2013-2020) [ Review and Buying Guide ]](https://www.datocms-assets.com/119921/1714119884-yamaha-xv950-2013-review-used-price-spec_thumb.jpg?auto=format&w=500 "Yamaha XV950/R (2013-2020) [ Review and Buying Guide ]")
![Suzuki Address 110 (2007 - on) - [ Review & Buying Guide ]](https://www.datocms-assets.com/119921/1714124627-suzuki-address-110-2007-review-used-guide_thumb.jpg?auto=format&w=500 "Suzuki Address 110 (2007 - on) - [ Review & Buying Guide ]")
![Ducati Panigale 899 (2014-2016) [ Review & Buying Guide ]](https://www.datocms-assets.com/119921/1714066982-ducati-panigale-899-2014-review-used-price-spec_thumb.jpg?auto=format&w=500 "Ducati Panigale 899 (2014-2016) [ Review & Buying Guide ]")
![Yamaha XSR700 (2016- ) : [ Review & Buyers Guide ]](https://www.datocms-assets.com/119921/1714115914-yamaha-xsr700-2015-review-price-spec_thumb.jpg?auto=format&w=500 "Yamaha XSR700 (2016- ) : [ Review & Buyers Guide ]")
![Triumph Thruxton 900 (2003-2015) : [ Review & Buying Guide ]](https://www.datocms-assets.com/119921/1714121346-triumph-thruxton-900-review-used-price-spec_thumb.jpg?auto=format&w=500 "Triumph Thruxton 900 (2003-2015) : [ Review & Buying Guide ]")
![Aprilia Tuono (2003-2005): [ Review & Buying Guide ]](https://www.datocms-assets.com/119921/1714035689-aprilia-tuono-2003-review-used-price-spec_thumb.jpg?auto=format&w=500 "Aprilia Tuono (2003-2005): [ Review & Buying Guide ]")
![KTM 990 Supermoto T / SM-T (2009-2013) [ Review & Buyers Guide ]](https://www.datocms-assets.com/119921/1714074261-ktm-990-supermoto-t-sm-t-2009-review-used-price-spec_thumb.jpg?auto=format&w=500 "KTM 990 Supermoto T / SM-T (2009-2013) [ Review & Buyers Guide ]")
![Triumph Street Twin (2016-2018): [ Review & Buying Guide ]](https://www.datocms-assets.com/119921/1714121897-triumph-street-twin-2016-review-used-price-spec_thumb.jpg?auto=format&w=500 "Triumph Street Twin (2016-2018): [ Review & Buying Guide ]")
![Top 10 motorcycles with the longest range [2020]](https://www.datocms-assets.com/119921/1714134318-top-10-long-range-bikes_thumb.jpg?auto=format&w=500 "Top 10 motorcycles with the longest range [2020]")
![Top 10 1970s throwback motorbikes [2019]](https://www.datocms-assets.com/119921/1714137957-top-10-1970s-throwback-bikes-7.jpg?auto=format&w=500 "Top 10 1970s throwback motorbikes [2019]")
![Top 10 best-selling bikes in the UK [2019]-thumb](https://www.datocms-assets.com/119921/1726157145-top-ten-best-selling-bikes-2019_thumb.jpg?auto=format&w=500 "Top 10 best-selling bikes in the UK [2019]-thumb")
![Best track day bikes 2019 [Top 10]](https://www.datocms-assets.com/119921/1714136680-ten-best-ultimate-track-day-bikes_thumb.jpg?auto=format&w=500 "Best track day bikes 2019 [Top 10]")
![Best commuter bikes 2019 [Top 10]](https://www.datocms-assets.com/119921/1714137138-best-commuter-bikes-2019-top-10_thumb.jpg?auto=format&w=500 "Best commuter bikes 2019 [Top 10]")
![Best cheap track day bikes 2019 [Top 10]-thumb](https://www.datocms-assets.com/119921/1715012438-10-best-track-day-bikes_thumb.jpg?auto=format&w=500 "Best cheap track day bikes 2019 [Top 10]-thumb")
