Ben Purvis
Freelance Journalist
After riding since my teens I ditched plans for a career in law to try my hand at bike journalism, joining Motor Cycle News in 1997 to discover that:
a) I wasn’t as fast as I thought I was, and
b) I was quite good at digging up news stories.
After a spell as News Editor at MCN I took the plunge and went freelance in 2008.
I’ve written for dozens of magazines and websites since then, including most of the world’s biggest bike titles, as well as dabbling in car and technology journalism.
I’m in awe of the way bikes have evolved over the last 30 years and intrigued about what’s still to come, but my dream garage would be stuffed with 90s homologation specials.
Love gadgets, hate social media, try to be a good dad to three daughters.
Recent Posts
- Latest News
What’s going on in UK motorcycling: Summer 2025
The state of motorcycling in Britain and how it’s changing
By Ben Purvis20/08/2025 - Suzuki
Suzuki GSX-R1000R (2026) - Technical Review
£TBA | 192.4bhp | 81.1lb-ft | Suzuki’s flagship superbike returns to the UK market
By Ben Purvis31/07/2025 - BSA
BSA Bantam 350 (2026) – Technical Review
£3,499 | 29bhp | 185kg | 400cc Single-cylinder retro targets the booming market
By Ben Purvis30/07/2025 - QJMotor
QJMotor SVT650 (2025) – Technical Review
75hp V-twin SVT650 adventure bike is key part of QJMotor entry to UK market
By Ben Purvis15/07/2025 - QJMotor
QJMotor SRK800RR (2025) – Technical Review
Chinese QJMotor SRK800RR hits the UK market with remarkable value for money proposition
By Ben Purvis14/07/2025 - Suzuki
Suzuki GSX-8T and GSX-8TT (2026) – Technical Review
Brace of new Suzukis combine the 776cc twin and chassis from the GSX-8S with retro styling that evokes machines from the 1960s and 1970s
By Ben Purvis04/07/2025 - Honda
Honda CUV e: (2025) – Technical Review
Can Honda’s 125-equivalent electric scooter swing customers towards battery power?
By Ben Purvis01/07/2025 - CFMOTO
CFMOTO 800MT-X (2025) – Technical Review
Cut-price KTM? CFMOTO 800MT-X is a 790 Adventure-alike but 20% cheaper
By Ben Purvis19/06/2025 - Kove
Kove 800X Rally (2025) – Technical Review
Chinese newcomer promises impressive spec at an affordable price
By Ben Purvis18/06/2025 - CFMOTO
CFMOTO 675NK (2025) – Technical Review
Bargain triple shows why China is a real threat to the motorcycling establishment
By Ben Purvis10/06/2025 - Honda
Honda CB125F (2026) – Technical Review
Evergreen Honda CB125F gets subtle restyle and tech updates including idle-stop
By Ben Purvis03/06/2025 - Yamaha
Yamaha Tracer 7 and Tracer 7 GT (2025) – Technical Review
New look, improved chassis, longer range and updated tech for latest Yamaha Tracer 7
By Ben Purvis12/05/2025 - BMW
BMW R 1300 RS (2025) – Technical Review
2025 BMW R 1300 RS brings out the ‘sport’ in sport-tourer
By Ben Purvis29/04/2025 - BMW
BMW R 1300 RT (2025) – Technical Review
BMW stakes its claim in the tourer market with high-tech R 1300 RT for 2025
By Ben Purvis29/04/2025 - BMW
BMW R 1300 R (2025) – Technical Review
'25 BMW R 1300 R aims for a sportier appeal than its predecessor
By Ben Purvis10/04/2025 - Latest News
Is E10 fuel safe to use in my bike?
Four years after E10 became the norm in the UK, is it proving safe?
By Ben Purvis09/04/2025 - BMW
BMW R12 G/S (2025) – Technical Review
BMW goes back to the future as 2025 R12 G/S marks 45th anniversary of the original R80 G/S
By Ben Purvis27/03/2025 - Aprilia
Aprilia Tuono V4 (2025) – Technical Review
Aprilia super naked gets improvements across the board for 2025
By Ben Purvis14/03/2025 - Moto Guzzi
Moto Guzzi V7 (2025) – Technical Review
Uprated engine and electronics plus new Sport model in 2025 Guzzi V7 range
By Ben Purvis11/03/2025 - News and views
Access for motorcycles in bus lanes update
Access for motorcycles in bus lanes update
By Ben Purvis04/03/2025