John Milbank
BikeSocial Consumer Editor
I started riding relatively late in life, after a pillion ride on a Yamaha FZR1000 EXUP in 1996, but since then I've owned an ever-growing list of bikes with '90s sports 600s seeming to be particularly prominent – I've currently got a 1999 Kawasaki ZX-6R that I bought without testing, then stripped and rebuilt (it feels like new now), and a 2019 BMW R1250GS. I've just sold the Honda MSX125 that I customised to look like an Africa Twin – the Africa Grom – and only recently traded in my BMW S1000XR for the GS.
I've worked in media since 1995, the majority of which has been in motorcycling and a self-confessed geek, I’ll find things to tinker with in the garage just as an excuse to get the spanners out. I'm also more than a little obsessed with product testing, firmly believing that whether kit costs £1 or £1,000, bikers should be able to read the most thorough and honest reviews possible.
I ride every day, unless I absolutely have to take the car (our dog doesn't sit well on the back of the bike) as I hate being stuck in traffic. I enjoy track time but lack the competitive spirit to want to race – it's just a chance to enjoy getting my knee down.
Recent Posts
- Latest News
WARNING: Is YOUR area seeing an increase in motorcycle theft?
Regularly updated Police National Computer data
By John Milbank07/07/2025 - Reviews
Bennetts High Performance Award | Safest motorcycle clothing database
Find the best protection in your riding kit
By John Milbank24/06/2025 - Textile Jackets, Trousers & Suits
Spada Joe review | Lightweight waterproof city commuting jacket tested
£169.99 | Lightweight city/commuter jacket | AA-rated
By John Milbank23/06/2025 - New Riders & Training
FREE training and security kit for new motorcycle riders
16-35 year-olds offered new FREE course
By John Milbank13/06/2025 - Body Armour & Base Layers
Best motorcycle airbag 2025 | Unbiased testing
Alpinestars, Dainese, Helite, In&Motion, MotoAirBag & more TESTED
By John Milbank06/06/2025 - Boots
Best motorcycle boots
Touring, street and adventure boots buying guide
By John Milbank06/06/2025 - Motorcycle Technology
Best motorcycle phone mount
Quad-Lock vs SP Connect vs Peak Design & more
By John Milbank06/06/2025 - Boots
Daytona Road Star / Pro boots review
£469.99 | Level 2222 | Gore-Tex waterproof | Eight-year test
By John Milbank02/06/2025 - Boots
Oxford Canyon boots review
£129.99 | 1222 | Waterproof hiking-style motorcycle boots
By John Milbank30/05/2025 - Boots
Fox Ranger ADV review | Protective alternative to adventure boots
Teaser Description
By John Milbank29/05/2025 - New Riders & Training
New rider guide
Everything you need to know as you get started in biking
By John Milbank28/05/2025 - Advice
Motorcycle warranty - Main dealer vs independent.
The facts about servicing and your motorcycle warranty
By John Milbank27/05/2025 - Motorcycle Technology
DJI Flip review
From £369 | 249g | 4K 24-100fps | 31 mins flight time
By John Milbank25/05/2025 - Security: Portable locks
OnGuard RockSolid 8590 review
£199.99 | Sold Secure Pedal Cycle Diamond | Angle-grinder resistant
By John Milbank15/05/2025 - Textile Jackets, Trousers & Suits
Spada Hooded Air jacket review
£149.99 | AA rated | Level 2 armour | Level 2 back protector
By John Milbank14/05/2025 - Helmets
Nexx X.LifeCountry review | Flip-front adventure helmet tested
From £439.99 | Flip-front adventure helmet | Drop-down sunshield
By John Milbank08/05/2025 - Textile Jackets, Trousers & Suits
Best motorcycle riding jeans in 2025: Single layer vs lined
Which motorcycle jeans YOU should buy
By John Milbank06/05/2025 - Biking tips
Do you have to wear proper motorcycle gear? UK law explained
If you're unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident, does it matter if you're wearing shorts? Do you need to wear CE-approved clothing? What is 'appropriate riding kit'?
By John Milbank06/05/2025 - Maintenance and Servicing
Oxford Snapjack V3 review | Easier chain lubing
£49.99 | Excellent maintenance product to ease chain lubing
By John Milbank06/05/2025 - Helmets
Which is the right helmet for you? Expert advice
Best helmets reviewed for any rider
By John Milbank01/05/2025 - Helmets
Bell Bullitt GT review
From £434.99 | Full-face retro-style helmet | ECE 22.06 certified
By John Milbank01/05/2025 - Body Armour & Base Layers
Mo’Cycle Patrick Airbag jeans review
£693 | CRITT-certified airbag / Level A jeans | Mechanical trigger
By John Milbank25/04/2025 - Honda
Honda ADV350 (2025) - Review
Increasingly popular Honda ADV350 adventure scooter gets a revamp for the 2025 model year
By John Milbank24/04/2025 - Motorcycle Technology
Insta360 X5 review with sample download
£519.99 | 360° action camera | Replaceable lenses | Waterproof
By John Milbank22/04/2025 - Gloves
Best motorcycle gloves in 2025: Summer and winter reviews
Best motorcycle gloves for any budget
By John Milbank11/04/2025 - Gloves
Five TFX-1 GTX gloves review
£220 | Gore-Tex waterproof summer gloves | Level 2KP
By John Milbank11/04/2025 - Gloves
Five TFX-2 gloves review
£109.99 | Waterproof | Level 1KP
By John Milbank11/04/2025 - Boots
Richa Apollo boots review
£149.99 | Level 2 2 2 2 | Waterproof
By John Milbank11/04/2025