KAWASAKI'S already stunning cruiser has been re-engineered to underline its position as the biggest mass produced V-twin, writes John Newman.

The 1,470 cc head-turner has a redesigned frame and benefits from a smoother motor, lighter steering and an additional fifth gearbox ratio to make the miles roll by in even more laid-back style.

Possibly the closest the Japanese have got to the real American dream the big twin isn't lacking style.

Perhaps it isn't the best choice for tackling the twisty bits through Lever Park and on to a quick fag by the Blue Lagoon, but it's a practical choice for less demanding routes. It offers ample space and comfortable perches for rider and passenger.

Over the top, maybe? Depends on your needs. Although probably destined for summer cruising and polishing, the VN1500 features a valanced front mudguard which could keep off the worst of wet weather......

Featuring a host of extras include big, stylish detachable panniers plus front and rear crash bars. And helping you put away the miles are a handlebar-mounted windscreen, longer-travel rear suspension and footboards for the passenger as well as the rider.

Meanwhile, rumour has it that engineering boffins planning to follow Triumph's lead into a British industry revival are working on a 200-mph plus superbike. Let's hope it's just a publicity stunt to pave the way for something affordable and efficient.

Funny how as 16 year-olds most of my mates dreamed of owning a Triumph T120 Bonnie. Few realised the dream but happily rode Bantams, Golden Flashes, T110s, Speed Twins, C15s and Twenty Ones.

Only the fortunate few could afford the £350 necessary for a T120 and £70 would get you a decent second-hand 500 anyway.

The hard to swallow fact is modern day, economical, basic middleweight twins go quicker than any production Bonneville did. They are also comparatively cheaper to buy new than when Meriden ruled the roost.

But the clamour is for the 180mph flagships while the men and women who really need a Honda step-thru' are going to work in a basic hatchback that's probably as quick as my hot-stuff 500 Triumph was! I suppose that's progress.

Meanwhile, born-again bikers are being urged to get street-wise.

Leading two wheeler specialists Carole Nash Insurance Consultants of Altrincham, reveal the not always crime conscious born-agains are twice as likely to be victims of bike theft.

Most at risk are males, aged 32 and over who own high performance machines. The company's technical development director Malcolm Nash said: "Riders returning to biking may be unaware of the dramatically increased risk of theft in recent years and are not taking appropriate security measures.

"Leaving a £10,000 bike on the roadside without secondary security is like leaving £10,000 cash on the pavement."

Wallasey Motorcycles is first for Peugeot super-bikes, with the 1997 scooter of the year - the Peugeot Speedfight a real favourite.

The Peugeot Speedfight 100 cc has all the assets to give you utmost pleasure and satisfaction. Its design, contrived to glide through the air and impel vogue is the most expression and aggressive of an engine created for supreme performance.

Marginally, more expensive than a 50cc, but considerably less than a 125 cc, the Speedfight is the flight of a lifetime!

For the Piaggio range, look no further than Turners of Merseyside, Little Sutton.

Piaggio created the all time favourite, the Vespa scooter in 1946. A revolutionary new concept in two-wheeled transport, the Vespa epitomises Italian style and design. As Europe's largest manufacturer of two and three-wheeled vehicles, Piaggio still produces Vespas, alongside a new generation of fully automatic scooters.

Piaggio 'super-bikes' are ideal for the business commuter who needs a quick and easy way of getting to and from the office, for the parcel or pizza delivery company that guarantees the speediest service through today's congested streets, or for the young people who set personal mobility at a premium in this hectic world.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.