Adam (Chad) Child
Freelance road tester
Born in Yorkshire and more commonly known as Chad, many people will know me from the years I spent as a senior road tester at MCN – Motorcycle News between 2005-2019, however, I actually started professionally testing bikes in the late 90s.
I’ve attended more than 350 bike launches, covering over a million road test miles ridden on countless tracks around the world. I’m also an international road racer, with race wins at Oliver's Mount, podiums in New Zealand and two top ten Isle of Man TT finishes. Over the years I’ve raced a wide variety of bikes from finishing on the podium at the Goodwood Revival on a Manx Norton to a Honda Fireblade at the TT.
I’m just as happy elbow-down on a race track, kicking up the mud off road, or restoring classic bikes. If you follow me on social media, you might also have seen that I’ve recently restored a Ducati 900S.
Recent Posts
- QJMotor
QJMotor SRK900 (2025) – Review
94bhp parallel-twin powered QJMotor SRK900 hits the UK at £6899
By Adam (Chad) Child20/10/2025 - QJMotor
QJMotor SVT650 (2025) – Review
75hp V-twin SVT650 adventure bike is key part of QJMotor entry to UK market
By Adam (Chad) Child14/10/2025 - Advice
A Guide to Motorcycle Air Filters
What does an air filter do, how to clean them and when should they be replaced?
By Adam (Chad) Child29/09/2025 - CFMOTO
CFMoto 800NK (2023) - Review
94bhp KTM-powered CFMoto 800NK roadster offers significant value for money, enough to scare rivals from Honda and Suzuki
By Adam (Chad) Child09/10/2024 - CFMOTO
CFMoto 450NK (2024) – Review
Chinese made CFMoto 450NK, at a bargain price that undercuts the competition
By Adam (Chad) Child04/10/2024 - BMW
BMW M 1000 XR (2024) - Review
200hp, wings, wheelie and slide control
By Adam (Chad) Child27/08/2024 - Advice
Your motorcycle suspension questions answered by Öhlins
BikeClub and BikeSocial members have their suspension questions answered by the experts at Öhlins as we a visit its Stockholm Headquarters.
By Adam (Chad) Child27/08/2024 - Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 (2024) – Review
Royal Enfield enters a new era with modern Guerrilla 450 aggressively priced at under £5000
By Adam (Chad) Child27/07/2024 - Praga
Praga ZS 800 (2024) – Review | Hardtail bespoke custom
The new Praga ZS 800, possibly the most expensive production bike on the market.
By Adam (Chad) Child03/07/2024 - KTM
KTM RC 8C (2024) - Review
New KTM RC 8C, the compromise-free, track-only 135bhp, 142kg weapon tested.
By Adam (Chad) Child13/06/2024 - MV Agusta
MV Agusta Enduro Veloce (2024) - Review
MV Agusta's first full-production adventure bike brings the LXP Orioli experience to the masses
By Adam (Chad) Child29/04/2024 - Aprilia
Aprilia RS457 (2024) - Review
New A2-class Italian maximises performance potential in the category
By Adam (Chad) Child23/04/2024 - CFMOTO
CFMoto 450MT (2024) - Review
All-new parallel-twin adventure bike (also known as the Ibex 450) looks tempting at just £5699
By Adam (Chad) Child05/04/2024 - Husqvarna
Husqvarna Svartpilen & Vitpilen 401 (2024) - Review
All-new chassis, engine and styling for Husqvarna's 2024 401 models
By Adam (Chad) Child28/03/2024 - BMW
BMW R12 nineT (2024) - Review
An updated chassis and electronics, and a neat new look
By Adam (Chad) Child12/03/2024 - BMW
BMW F 900 GS (2024) - Review
BMW F 900 GS replaces the 850, adds power, cuts weight
By Adam (Chad) Child28/02/2024 - KTM
KTM 990 Duke (2024) - Review
The Sniper' with a 121hp 947cc twin
By Adam (Chad) Child28/02/2024 - Ducati
Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono (2024) - Review
First mass-produced Ducati single for 50 years: Hypermotard 698 Mono guns for supermoto glory
By Adam (Chad) Child20/02/2024 - KTM
KTM 1390 Super Duke R (2024) - Review
A new cam-shift system and bigger capacity push the new 1390 to 188bhp
By Adam (Chad) Child20/02/2024 - KTM
KTM 390 Duke (2024) - Review
New engine, new chassis, new style for KTM's 390 Duke
By Adam (Chad) Child14/02/2024 - BMW
BMW CE 02 (2024) - Review
BMW all electric, CE 02 'ePackourer' takes on the urban jungle
By Adam (Chad) Child09/02/2024 - Ducati
Ducati DesertX Rally (2024) - Review
Tough new Ducati DesertX Rally adds more off-road ability
By Adam (Chad) Child25/01/2024 - Motorcycle Tyres
Review: Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23
The ultimate hypersport tyre. Apparently.
By Adam (Chad) Child10/01/2024 - Triumph
Triumph Tiger 900 (2024) - Review
Subtle visual changes hide big power increase
By Adam (Chad) Child08/01/2024 - Kawasaki
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR (2024) - Review
Kawasaki gives the internal combustion engine a final fling in the Ninja ZX-4RR
By Adam (Chad) Child05/12/2023 - Triumph
Triumph Scrambler 1200X (2024) - Review
Triumph Scrambler 1200 X rides in to replace Scrambler 1200 XC for 2024, and becomes accessible to a wider audience
By Adam (Chad) Child04/12/2023 - Triumph
Triumph Scrambler 1200XE (2024) - Review
Engine and suspension changes for range-topping 2024 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE
By Adam (Chad) Child04/12/2023 - Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield Himalayan (2024) - Review
All-new Himalayan for 2024 tested in the Himalayas
By Adam (Chad) Child10/11/2023 - BMW
2024 BMW R 1300 GS - Review
Riding impressions after two days of extensive testing.
By Adam (Chad) Child24/10/2023 - Ducati
Ducati Multistrada V4 RS (2024) - Review
New Ducati Multistrada V4 RS for 2024, the ultimate track focused Multistrada
By Adam (Chad) Child23/10/2023 - BMW
BMW M1000RR (2023) - Review
Homologation special BMW M 1000 RR takes aero to the next level
By Adam (Chad) Child04/10/2023 - Ducati
Ducati Multistrada V4 S Grand Tour (2024) - Review
The all-new Grand Tour, the ultimate fully spec'd Multistrada.
By Adam (Chad) Child19/09/2023 - Zero
New Zero DSR/X Review 2023
World's first all-electric adventure bike
By Adam (Chad) Child15/09/2023 - Bike Features
Why we bought Norton, by TVS Managing Director
I saw the opportunity to buy the Norton brand and took it'
By Adam (Chad) Child07/09/2023 - TVS
TVS X (2024) - Technical Review
Indian-made premium electric scooter
By Adam (Chad) Child07/09/2023 - Biking tips
Buying and riding advice for shorter riders
The ultimate guide for buying and riding your next bike
By Adam (Chad) Child05/09/2023 - BMW
BMW M 1000 R (2023) - Review
BMW steps into the super naked ring, with the most powerful naked bike in this highly competitive class.
By Adam (Chad) Child09/08/2023 - BMW
BMW S 1000 RR (2023) - Review
The most advanced and powerful S 1000 RR to date.
By Adam (Chad) Child24/07/2023 - Ducati
Ducati Monster SP (2023) – Review
Includes fully adjustable Öhlins suspension front and rear, upgraded brakes, and a reduction in weight.
By Adam (Chad) Child05/07/2023 - Ducati
Ducati Panigale V4R (2023) - Review
New homologation special ups the ante
By Adam (Chad) Child27/06/2023 - BMW
2023 BMW R 18 Roctane Review
The new Roctane, a new take on the R 18 platform
By Adam (Chad) Child23/06/2023 - Bike Features
Riding the Indian Challenger RR 'King of the Baggers'
King of the Baggers championship-winning Indian, which you can buy.
By Adam (Chad) Child15/06/2023 - Triumph
2023 Triumph Street Triple 765 Review
Triumph deploys Moto2-derived technology for their updated Street Triple 765 R and RS
By Adam (Chad) Child06/06/2023 - Ducati
Ducati Streetfighter V4S (2023) – Review
Panigale-inspired revisions for Ducati's 2023 Streetfighter V4 range
By Adam (Chad) Child25/05/2023 - KTM
KTM 890 SMT (2023) – Review
KTM revives the Supermoto Tourer with 2023 890 SMT
By Adam (Chad) Child05/05/2023 - Husqvarna
Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition - Review (2023)
Tested on-and-off road over two days
By Adam (Chad) Child21/03/2023 - Suzuki
Suzuki GSX-S1000 (2021) - Review
Sharper, stronger and smarter' GSX-S1000 road tested
By Adam (Chad) Child06/03/2023 - British Superbikes
British Superstock and Supersport switch to slicks
BSB support races will be faster and closer than ever
By Adam (Chad) Child23/02/2023 - Ducati
Ducati Diavel V4 (2023) - Review
2023 Diavel gets a V4
By Adam (Chad) Child10/02/2023 - Moto Morini
Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR/SCR (2022) – Review
Chinese-owned Moto Morini launches two models, the Seiemmezzo (meaning 6½) street-focused STR and the scrambler-style SCR. And we’ve reviewed them both!
By Adam (Chad) Child19/01/2023 - Bimota
Bimota KB4 (2023) - Review | Exclusive sports-tourer
Bimota's KB4 140bhp "sports tourer" has shorter wheelbase than a ZX-6R.
By Adam (Chad) Child28/11/2022 - Vespa
Vespa GTS 300 (2023) - Review
More tech, improved comfort, suspension and brakes for 2023.
By Adam (Chad) Child23/11/2022 - Bimota
Bimota Tesi H2 (2022) - Review
Kawasaki supercharged power with Italian design and flair
By Adam (Chad) Child23/11/2022 - Moto Guzzi
Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello (2022) - Review
A completely new motorcycle celebrating over 100 years of production for Moto Guzzi: the innovative V100 Mandello.
By Adam (Chad) Child25/10/2022 - Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson Nightster (2022) - Review
Harley-Davidson Nightster debuts smaller 975cc version of the water-cooled Revolution Max engine
By Adam (Chad) Child14/10/2022 - ARC
ARC Vector (2023) - Review
Starting at £90,000, this could be the world's most advanced electric motorcycle
By Adam (Chad) Child06/10/2022 - Yamaha
REVIEW: Yamaha MT-10 SP
SP version offers next generation Öhlins suspension
By Adam (Chad) Child06/09/2022 - Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield HNTR 350 (2022) - Review
Only the engine is shared with the current Classic and Meteor. This is designed to take on the urban jungle with style.
By Adam (Chad) Child12/08/2022 - MV Agusta
MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 9.5 (2022) - Prototype Review
MV's first adventure bike, the Lucky Explorer 9.5, we take the prototype for a quick spin.
By Adam (Chad) Child15/07/2022 - Ducati
Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 (2022) - Review
Second-generation Panigale V4 SP brings track-oriented exotic into line with the latest updates on lesser models
By Adam (Chad) Child05/07/2022 - Yamaha
Yamaha XSR900 (2022) - Review
Updated styling, chassis, engine, and rider aids.
By Adam (Chad) Child25/05/2022 - Ducati
Ducati Streetfighter V4 SP (2022) - Review
Ducati's fastest and most radical naked bike ever. Oh, and it's £29k.
By Adam (Chad) Child18/05/2022 - GasGas
GasGas SM 700 (2022) - Review
We ride the firm's first ever purpose-built road bike
By Adam (Chad) Child16/05/2022 - Ducati
Ducati DesertX (2022) - Review
Ducati DesertX channels historic Dakar bikes with 2022 production version of 2019 concept
By Adam (Chad) Child04/05/2022 - SEAT
SEAT MÓ eScooter 125 (2022) - Review
SEAT enter the two-wheeled market with the Spanish built, all-electric 125cc equivalent MÓ eScooter
By Adam (Chad) Child28/04/2022 - MV Agusta
MV Agusta F3RR (2022) - Review
The MV Agusta F3RR is now Euro-5 compliant, and features improve suspension, comfort, rider aids, and looks, including a new aero' package.
By Adam (Chad) Child25/04/2022 - NIU
NIU MQi GT EVO Review 2022
The sportiest electric scooter in this class, able to compete with 125cc petrol machines.
By Adam (Chad) Child13/04/2022 - Yamaha
Yamaha NEO’s (2022) – Review
Yamaha's inner-city electric commuter is just £3005 or £41 per month on PCP.
By Adam (Chad) Child12/04/2022 - Husqvarna
Husqvarna Norden 901 (2022) - Review
Husqvarna's first adventure bike for the road.
By Adam (Chad) Child11/03/2022 - Ducati
Ducati Panigale V4S: 2022 v 2021 - how much faster is the new model?
BikeSocial got an exclusive invitation to try them back-to-back... and the stopwatch doesn't lie
By Adam (Chad) Child07/02/2022 - Yamaha
Yamaha R7 Review 2022
A user-friendly, less radical sports bike aimed at new riders and those coming back to sports bikes, positioned above the Yamaha R3, but below the track-only R6.
By Adam (Chad) Child04/02/2022 - BMW
BMW CE 04 (2022) - Review
BMW's CE 04, the next step for electric motorcycles.
By Adam (Chad) Child01/02/2022 - Ducati
Ducati Panigale V4S (2022) - Review
According to Ducati, the most significant evolution since its birth.
By Adam (Chad) Child08/12/2021 - Ducati
Ducati Streetfighter V2 (2022) - Review
Ducati's all-new V2 powered Streetfighter; a 153hp 'introduction' to the Streetfighter brand.
By Adam (Chad) Child24/11/2021 - Ducati
Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak (2022) - Review
First impressions on track of the new 2022 bike before it's even been officially announced
By Adam (Chad) Child28/10/2021 - Triumph
Triumph Trident (2021) - Review
Powered by a 660cc triple and taking on the top-selling middle-weight competition
By Adam (Chad) Child24/09/2021
