BMW Canada Summerfest 2010

BMW will again bring the Canadian (and other) riding public the Summerfest event - for the fourth time - which will be held at Mosport International Raceway from 9 - 11 July 2010. As usual, there will be tons of vendors, stunt shows, several seminars with very knowledgeable speakers, training sessions, the Summerfest Feast and so much more. If you live nearby or are traveling towards the area, you really owe it to yourself to attend this incredible festival brought to you by BMW of Canada!


http://tinyurl.com/ydelama


http://tinyurl.com/ya4k9zt

Easton Crashes Hard at Cadwell Park Test & MotoGP in HD, Finally!

Swan Honda rider, and British Superbike Championship favorite, Stuart Easton went down in a rather nasty way while testing for the 2010 season at Cadwell Park. He was airlifted to the hospital where they are going to do some exploratory surgery around his knee. So far it looks like he will be OK, but they want to be sure everything is in fine order before they let him get back on the track...

http://tinyurl.com/ye7jz3t

MotoGP has finally entered into the 21st century by way of broadcasting the races in Hi-Definition! Some races have already been filmed in HD, but those were not broadcast to the public. In 2010, all MotoGP races will be available in HD and will be initially broadcast in HD, though your provider may not send full HD signals to your TV. Check with your local MotoGP broadcast channel to see if you will get the full experience!

http://tinyurl.com/ye8p9x2

Norton to Return to Racing! & Pit Pass Radio with Kevin Schwantz

Norton is now working on a 200+ hp rotary engine with which they hope to enter first British Superbike and then World Superbike. They have been developing this concept since last year and are focused on making it to the 2011 Isle of Man TT with it. Great news! It will be very nice to see the Norton name back in modern racing again. Of course, I still like to see them in various vintage racing events...Take the link to learn a bit more.


http://tinyurl.com/ylaspcq


Tonight's Pit Pass Radio show (live tonight - podcast after that) will feature World Champion Kevin Schwantz, representing his Schwantz School motorcycle track\race school. Also featured will be Peter Doyle (former Mat Mladin crew chief), Peter Lenz (125GP racer), Rob Dingman (AMA President), and Ezra Lusk (AMA Supercross Lites Champion). Take the link to learn the details...

http://tinyurl.com/yzcn9j9

2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Ride & Motocorse Monster 1100 Titanium!

Here we ave another impression on the new Ducati Multistrada 1200. The odd aura around this machine seems to be holding back the big mag reviews. Must be waiting to sell some serious ads; that makes sense. This is a first impression of the Multistrada S model - the one I want - and it is a bit short. However, it is a nice rational look at this beast. Take the link and read it for yourself. (You already know that the author will drool over this of all bikes.)

http://tinyurl.com/yebczap

This comes right out of Japan and Italy; the new machine of the moment from the brilliant folks at Motocorse have produced a rather severely beautiful and light Ducati Monster 1100. It is tricked out with all of their best kit and is loaded with titanium (obviously) and carbon fibre - saving nearly 29 lb. of weight. Put these Japanese artists to work with the Italian artists and the work of Motocorse is what you get - abject beauty. Take the link and learn the rest of the specs. No price has yet been announced, but if you have to ask...

http://tinyurl.com/y8z7vyp

Interesting Op-Ed on MotoGP

This is not the usual 'news' fare here. This is an opinion piece - 'serious journalism' as stated in the column - from MotorcycleUSA online from Frank Melling. If you have ever heard of Thundersprint, you know one of the more interesting components of our sport today, and you know what Melling is responsible for. In this piece he speaks from his own side where MotoGP may go towards in the coming years, or where it might go if he were to make the rules. It is worth a read...check it out. There is more to it than what I can write here...

http://tinyurl.com/yddpg4j

2010 Arlen Ness Victory Vision & More Salt Addiction - Timing

The Victory Motorcycle company produces machines which challenge the cruiser market like no other company. They are made in the US and they have a reputation for reliability - even better than competitor and arch-rival Harley-Davidson, whose bikes have less performance when compared like-to-like with the Victory machines. Arlen Ness, customizer extraordinaire, has been working with Victory for some six or seven years and has produced some of the more amazing offerings from the company in terms of style and appearance. The Vision he penned is at the other end of the link...

http://tinyurl.com/y89a2fe

Rocky Robinson's column, 'Salt Addiction', is back this month and this time he is talking about timing. The Bonneville Salt Flats is where everyone goes to test themselves against the clock to see how fast they can go. Well, what about that clock? Timing is a very important and exacting science which must be applied perfectly to keep the record(s) straight. How is it done....well, take the link and see...

http://tinyurl.com/ye25bag

2010 Suzuki GSX1250F in Action & The Bakker Grizzly Allround

The 2010 Suzuki (Bandit) GSX1250F should be at a dealer near you soon. It is a true bargain sport-touring mount which has many features of higher priced bikes in its class, but at an astounding discount. The folks over at MCN (UK) took the bike out on the road and recorded it for your pleasure. So, take the link and have a look at this very updated offering from Suzuki...

http://tinyurl.com/ydwbjjs

The Bakker Grizzly Allround is something to see, and that is just about all you get from the linked post. It is based on a GSX-R1000 engine but has the capabilities of a BMW GS machine. At 160 HP it even puts the 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200F to shame on the road, but it also costs a bit more than that Italian beastie. Nico Bakker is always pushing the limits and his Grizzly Allround is certainly a credit to his talent with metal!

http://tinyurl.com/ycngo4b

Road Racer X's Speed Dating & Morais Filling In for Parkes

For this week of March we have a number of important dates in the weekly Road Racer X Speed Dating column. Celebrating birthdays this week are Danny Webb, Andrea Dovizioso, Roberto Rolfo, Al Ludington, Steve McQueen, Keiichi Kitagawa, Raffaele De Rosa, Harald Eckl, Chris Walker, Burt Munro, Sebastien Charpentier, Toni Elias, Christian Sarron, Bill Bagnall, and Katsuaki Fujuwara. Unfortunately, it is also the anniversary of the death of Mike Hailwood...Please take the link to learn more...

http://tinyurl.com/yfh76yc

In the World Superbike Championship series, Echo CRS Honda rider Broc Parkes sustained a broken leg in a preseason training injury and had to give up his seat to Josh Brookes at Phillip Island. For the Portimao round (and, quite possibly for Valencia as well), the faster Sheridan Morais will be substituting for Parkes on the Honda. Morais has been able to out-ride Parkes before, so this may be the beginning of something or just a quick trip to the majors for Morais...

http://tinyurl.com/yh6pmnt

Deeley HD Ready to Race & Motorpoint Yamaha BSB Team Debut

Deeley Harley-Davidson, long a supporter of motorcycle racing, will continue to race in the Canadian Superbike Championship. Their Ruthless Racing team will be racing both Buells and H-D XR1200 machines in the Canadian Sports Twin, Pro Superbike and Pro Sport Bike classes. There is more to this press release, so please take the link and read on through...

http://tinyurl.com/yzdjchb

The British Superbike Championship team Motorpoint Yamaha will be doing their team unveiling this coming Friday (26 March 2010) at their UK HQ in Derby. Neil Hodgson, Dan Linfoot and Niall Mackenzie will all be on hand at the introduction - and, entry is free and open to the public. For all the hot details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yjntc6y

AFM Season Opener at Buttonwillow Raceway & Cretu Bound for TT

The AFM Season started this past weekend at Buttonwillow Raceway in California. In the premier Formula Pacific class, Suzuki mounted Michael Earnest of Pacific Track Time took the victory. It was his first win in over 26 years of racing. Suzuki GSX-Rs filled the podium in that class. In Open Superbike, it was the second place finisher in the Formula Pacific class, one Correy Sarros, took the win. In the 750 Superbike and 600 Superbike, it was the YZF-R6 of Lenny Hale across the finish line first in both classes. For the other 25 classes, please take the link...

http://tinyurl.com/yehtq9b

Brandon Cretu, a racer in the WERA series, has been accepted as a Newcomer in the Isle of Man TT - he may be the youngest American ever. He will be riding a Suzuki prepared by Mark Hamilton of Irish Bike Magazine as he did in the 2009 Ulster GP. It is an amazing nod for the young Cretu and a real credit to his ability with a bike. It is going to be a cool TT this year as some six or more marques will have factory supported efforts. I will find a way to watch it! Take the link to see the important details...

http://tinyurl.com/yfbskr5

AMA Supercross Dallas Results & Steele Creek GNCC Bike Results

Two off-road racing results today...finally! First up is the Dallas, Texas, round of the 2010 AMA Supercross, which went off this past Saturday (20 March 2010). This was the first time that the Supercross circus stopped in Cowboys stadium and Suzuki's Ryan Dungey made it one to remember. Dungey led every lap from the start and is now 24 points ahead of Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto who finished just off the podium in fourth. The next event is this Saturday in Florida.

http://tinyurl.com/ydalry2

In the 2010 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series, the recent stop was in North Carolina at Steele Creek. The weather started off nice early, but then a steady rain started to drench every square exposed inch. In that event, Suzuki-mounted Josh Strang again took the win. This is his third win in a row! In the XC2 class, Kailub Russell took victory and the series lead in the mountains of North Carolina...for all the details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y9xlhha

Some More MotoGP Post-Qatar Test Stories

Well, it seems that Dani Pedrosa is not too happy with where his team is at present. Much more needs to be done before the racing can start for Repsol Honda.

http://tinyurl.com/yzff56f

In other Repsol Honda news, Andrea Dovizioso is more than happy to face his first race in 2010. Dovizioso has been the top Honda rider through the testing and his season looks on track.

http://tinyurl.com/ygzqrlu

Gresini Honda riders Marco Melandri and Marco Simoncelli had a bad test at Qatar as well. The team has now called on Honda to help them out and discover why these two could not break the top 10 during practice...something is not right.

http://tinyurl.com/yk8pjt5

And, well, Valentino Rossi is quite happy with the Yamaha YZR-M1 so far this year. After all, he has led just about every preseason test so far...

http://tinyurl.com/yj2xgcp

Italian Motocross Championship Results & Spanish Enduro Championship Husaberg-Style

The fourth and final round of the Italian Motocross Championship is in the books. This final round took place in the town of San Severino and it was thought that Aprilia rider Josh Coppins would be the man to beat. It did not turn out that way, though, as Coppins had technical issues which kept him from finishing high enough to take the Championship. That honor went to Davide Guarneri for 2010. Take the link to learn more...

http://tinyurl.com/yak9drr

Husaberg has two rider competing in the Spanish Enduro Championship, Oriol Mena in E3 and Xavi Galindo in E2. When the flag fell in the E3 category, Mena was second in the race and fourth overall for the weekend. Galindo had similar luck, but he could not get to the podium slot in time and finished in fourth. Overall, Husaberg was happy with the results when the severely wet weather in taken into account.

http://tinyurl.com/yhmhdod

Isle of Man TT Newcomers & 2010 MV Agusta F4 First Impression

The Isle of Man TT always brings riders form all over the world to race on its Mountain Course. Well, this year will actually be something special and there are several well-known racers who will be taking to the TT for the first time. Some of these riders are multi-time champions, and yet they have never thrown a leg over during TT week. Well, take the link to learn exactly who will be running the 37.73 mile course this summer...

http://tinyurl.com/yaoyzps

The all-new for 2010 MV Agusta F4 may look very similar to its predecessor, but there are several major changes which add up to make this liter-class Italian exotica something more than just a slight upgrade. The handling is better, engine performance more linear and overall control has been tamed somewhat. Still, it is from MV Agusta, so it will always be the beast it is at heart - and for which we all love the F4!

http://tinyurl.com/y9y6bzt

Maxxis Signs New Deal for British Motocross & Ducati Frameless Patent

Maxxis Tires has signed on to continue their title sponsorship of the ACU British Motocross Championship for three more years. Apparently, the deal is working very well for both the tire manufacturer and the ACU, so it will continue and will likely even become a larger series in the next few years. It's a match made in England!

http://tinyurl.com/ygpcd35


This story has been making the rounds of the moto-press for a few weeks, but we finally have a story which includes the patent information. This is all about the frameless motorcycle patent which was recently field by Ducati. It is a little different from Honda's similar design - of which the VFR1200F is an example - yet it still seems to accomplish the same thing - bolting the front and rear sections of the bike directly onto the engine. Take the link and have a close look at the details...

http://tinyurl.com/yhtdlxq

Mladin Gear to Be Acutioned & Some WSBK Portimao Previews

Mat Mladin, long-time AMA Pro Racing Superbike competitor and multi-time champion, will be auctioning off some of his Rockstar Makita Suzuki gear, most items autographed, for the De Coster's Kids Motivational Program charity. The De Coster charity was set up by Bob Sparenberg with the purpose of keeping kids off drugs and other intoxicants and focuses them on getting their lives ready for the future. Take the link to learn more.

http://tinyurl.com/ylcdm8u

The second round of the 2010 World Superbike Championship is soon to be upon us. It will take place at the now very popular Portimao circuit in Portugal. We now have some race previews popping up ahead of the event. First up is Paul Bird Motorsports Kawasaki; Chris Vermeulen is still injured and is hoping to get fit ahead of the event. Tom Sykes is only hoping to improve on his 13th place at the Phillip Island round.

http://tinyurl.com/yz76osn

We also just received news that Makoto Tamada will have a one-off ride on the Reitwagen BMW at the Portimao WSBK round: http://tinyurl.com/yhw6gdm

Jason Britton Signs With Two Brothers Racing & 2010 Suzuki Boulevard M109 Review

Jason Britton, and his Team No Limit, have now signed a multi-year agreement with Two Brothers Racing. Two Brothers will be supplying all of the exhaust bits on the machines used by Britton and his team. As you probably already know, Britton is one of the most notable stunt riders today and he is the host of Speed TV's "Super Bikes!" show. For the details, please take the link.


http://tinyurl.com/ygbc8de

The Suzuki Boulevard M109 is not the most powerful machine Suzuki makes, but you would not notice that while experiencing it. It is a bike which is defined by the 'power-cruiser' segment and it shows it. The Boulevard M109 is also not a featherweight by any means, though this fact is often forgotten when tooling around a back road at a high-tilt speed...check the review...

http://tinyurl.com/yjuu2n2

Fischer Motor Introduces MRX650 Low & San Felipe 250 Results

Fischer Motor Company - they of GP frames, high-end suspension and components, and Hyosung engines - have now announced a lower seat model of their MRX650 machine. This is especially designed for the inseam-challenged amongst us, yet it still maintains the great handling and performance of the original model. The secret is the Trellispar - the only production one-piece frame on the market - and how well is hugs the track when pushing the bike as hard as you want. For the details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yhdahju

The San Felipe 250 is in the books now and it looks like Johnny Campbell Racing keeping Honda's dominance in Baja in sound order. Kawasaki's riders Robby Bell and Steve Hengeveld and second team riders Ryan and Connor Penhall rounded out the podium. This shows us once again (the first time being the Baja 1000) that Team Green is getting close to Honda in these off-road, hard core motorcycle races...

http://tinyurl.com/yk67dza

More MotoGP Qatar Test News

There are more stories from the recent night-time Qatar preseason test this past Thursday and Friday, and they will be posted here for your perusal. We all know that Casey Stoner finally took the top spot on the final day of practice, but he was only a few hundredths of a second ahead of Valentino Rossi, and Rossi is well-known to sand-bag. So, let's have a look...

More on Casey Stoner: http://tinyurl.com/yhm6wtx

If you head to this landing page today, you will get all the MotoGP team reports on the Friday practice: http://tinyurl.com/yznyogq

Randy de Puniet: http://tinyurl.com/yfogl7n

British Superbike Rider News

The British Superbike Championship season begins in a few weeks - over the Easter weekend - and many teams have been in Spain testing. If you have been reading the reports you will know that just about every rider in the series was at the Gaudix circuit over this past weekend. This past week had the BSB riders rounding the turns at Brands Hatch in yet another preseason test. Well, there are still stories coming in from the test, so I will post some of them here for you to read at your leisure...

Neil Hodgson survives a terrible crash in California - just about a year ago - to come back to race again. Hodgson is an incredible competitor and will not back down from a challenge. Well, this year's challenge is the BSB season: http://tinyurl.com/yfslbcj

Brands Hatch was useful for Quay Garage's Tommy Bridewell: http://tinyurl.com/ygprvof

Michael Rutter and Riders Ducati: http://tinyurl.com/yzlvyfk

AMA Taking Applications for Utah WSBK & AMA California Hillclimb

That's right, the AMA is taking applications for qualified racers to take a wild-card position at the Miller Motorsports Park round of the 2010 World Superbike Championship. The event will take place over 29 - 31 May 2010 in Utah. The deadline is 23 April 2010, so get yours in soon! The AMA will choose two riders each for World Superbike and World Supersport, with Infront Motorsports choosing two more for Superbike and 10 more for Supersport. For the details, please see the press release after the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yhwyhep

The AMA California Championship Hillclimb starts this weekend at the Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area - that's this Saturday and Sunday at the off-road park, which is near the town of Tracy. The details are about all you will find after the link, but you get all you need there too.

http://tinyurl.com/yjvmpoh

Breaking News: KTM Will Go Electric & Jeff Ward Joins AMA Pro Racing

KTM has announced that they will be showing two electric motorcycles at the Tokyo Motor Show next week. They even leaked obscure photos of the machine - much like Honda's VFR1200F, Ducati's Multistrada 1200, etc. Anyway, it is very sweet to hear that the orange Austrian marque will actually consider producing electric enduro and supermoto models. If they produce them, I guarantee they will sell with the one caveat being the price. Take a look and watch for more Tokyo Motor Show news...

http://tinyurl.com/yzmkzm6

It has also been announced that Jeff Ward, a nine-time AMA Pro Racing Champion in motocross, supercross and supermoto, will be joining AMA Pro Racing as a rider liaison and advisor. The man is a living legend. He is in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, he competed in IRL events including the Indianapolis 500 - where he was voted Rookie of the Year - and it goes on like this...He will be a very valuable asset to both riders and the AMA Pro Racing owners, Daytona Motorsports Group. Maybe he can bring back some legitimacy...

http://tinyurl.com/ykqk6ke

Just Lovely! Ducati Teams with Edelweiss - Ducati Travel Experience World

The Ducati Travel Experience World (DTEW) is premiering at just the right time. The 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 is debuting to the world all over and Ducati decided to hook up with Edelweiss Bike Travel to create a special tour series using that lovely machine (I hate to admit it, but I desire one myself...). There are four tours which cover parts of Africa, Australia, Europe and the Western USA. Just take the link as you do owe it to yourself to see how the other half lives...it would be sweet if I could sell my kidneys!

http://tinyurl.com/yjgzbtd

BMW S1000RR Ready to Go in Oz & MotoGP Testing in Qatar

The BMW S1000RR will also be campaigned in Australia - as readers of this blog will no doubt already know - in both the Asutralian Superbike Championship and in Australian Formula Xtreme. Craig Coxhell, a privateer champion, will be taking the new machine to the tracks in the ASBK series. And, the Motohansa Laser Exhaust Race Team will be fielding Jeremy Crowe in the Formula Xtreme Championship. For all the information, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yky94eq

We have several reports coming in from the MotoGP preseason test at Qatar. I have already linked you to the team press releases in a previous post and, since there are so many of the other reports, I will simply place links here for you to peruse to find any story you may be looking for...

A little on Lorenzo: http://tinyurl.com/yzpd5w

More on Rossi: http://tinyurl.com/yzwm2o8

Bit about Repsol Honda: http://tinyurl.com/ygez35z

Second day early results: http://tinyurl.com/yj9eb6f

MotoGP Qatar Test Team Press Releases & Maria Costello Returns

From each team after every MotoGP event of just about any kind, you will get a press release from each team letting the world know how well the team did and details on the happenings during the event. For the MotoGP test yesterday at Qatar we now have these from each team. If you take the link below today, you will get to see a list of every team's reports. If you click on it tomorrow, you will likely see the PR from today, so go there now if you want to look up Thursday's team press releases.

http://tinyurl.com/yznyogq

Maria Costello has not really been gone, but the fact remains that she is returning to the Isle of Man TT in 2010. She will be riding a BMW S1000RR, supplied by the factory and thus becoming part of their effort to capture some wins at the TT. Given the performance of the new BMW, Costello may have a chance to become an even faster 'fastest woman on the TT'!

http://tinyurl.com/ygk7u7q

MV Agusta Target of a Berlusconi? & BSB Test at Brands Hatch

MV Agusta, as you surely know by now, is up for sale from current owners Harley-Davidson - the marque having some of the worst financial issues in the industry currently - and a group of Italian investors is interested in taking ownership. It turns out that one of those investors in the brother of the Italian Prime Minister; his name is Paolo Berlusconi. Burlusconi already owns one Italian marque, Garelli...

http://tinyurl.com/yg9or3r

The British Superbike Championship will begin in just a few weeks time during the Easter weekend. For now, though, the teams were out at Brands Hatch doing some testing this week. There is not a great deal of detail available as of yet, so take the link below to get an introduction. If I do find more BSB testing information, I will post it here.

http://tinyurl.com/ylso5az

PR from GNS Racing (Supersport): http://tinyurl.com/yfamlmg

PR from Quay Garage (Superbike): http://tinyurl.com/yf23wpt

2010 Hemmings New England Councours

The 2010 edition of the Hemmings New England Concour d'Elegance will feature Citroen as the featured manufacturer...though, that fact may not matter to many reading this post. The motorcycle class at this annual event held in the Green Mountains of Vermont at the Stratton Mountain Resort - in other words, big money and likely old money with a touch of Wall Street money and the rest of us. It may have a great motorcycle selection, though, so it might be worth at least contacting the organizers to see if it is worth the trip...the riding around there is certainly worth the ride.



http://tinyurl.com/y9jhwys

AMA and BMW Motorrad USA Announce F800GS Winner

The AMA and BMW Motorrad USA gave an entry to everyone who entered and rode in a AMA BMW National Adventure Riding Series event, which were held all over the US, into a drawing for a 2010 BMW F800GS. Well, today they announced the winner - Doug Carter of Eubank, Kentucky, is the lucky SOB. He will take delivery of the F800GS very soon and will make very good use of it; Carter has been riding since he was five years old! So, in many ways, he is a deserving person, but we can still detest him anyway...

http://tinyurl.com/y8e56jm

Jerry Romano’s Square Norton & 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R Review

You really have to take a look at this machine. Jerry Romano has managed to fit an Ariel Square Four into a Norton Featherbed frame. Just the fact that he massaged the engine into the frame speaks volumes about his skill with motorcycles. This is one of the most incredible customs to come along in a while - it even looks factory-made. The 997cc Ariel Square Four engine is the design of Triumph legend Edward Turner and is a classic all by itself...take the link and be impressed!

http://tinyurl.com/yarjtc9

The 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R has finally been ridden for the press. It is mostly unchanged, but they did alter the bodywork to more closely resemble the ZX-6R and to make the bike appear to be much lighter - even if the weight is still the same. It certainly looks sharper! The turn signals are a bit of an acquired taste, though. However, the bike is even smoother than last year and it will really tear up a track! Take the link to learn more...

http://tinyurl.com/yhk7cxz

Charley Boorman Tours & 30th Bristol Classic Show

Charley Boorman is touring the UK theatres with a one-man show based on his adventures throughout the world. Given the success of "Long Way Down", "Long Way 'Round" and "By Any Means", this show promises to be very entertaining and even educational. He is already about a third of the way through his 30-date tour and is enjoying every minute. For all the details - and there are plenty - please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yecydx2

The 30th Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show was back in late February. If you made the show in Somerset, England, then you know how many lovely classic and rare motorcycles were on display there. The historic show always brings in the crowds and this year was no exception. It is a huge show which resides in four exhibit halls and lasts two days. For what you missed if you could not make it, please take the link and have a look at some beautiful bikes on display.

http://tinyurl.com/ycttept

S1000RR Boosts BMW Sales & BMW Looks for GS Owners

Almost the entire motorcycle industry in the US is now in a very deep depression, but BMW is not mired in that mess. The BMW S1000RR has since arrived in the States and is selling incredibly well. This has really improved sales for BMW here and it continues to go well for the German marque. The S1000RR is a revolutionary machine, so it is not that surprising as there are still people with money out there...they are just very careful about what they spend their money on. The S1000RR is worth it!

http://tinyurl.com/y8gmkx8

The BMW GS motorcycles are made to go anywhere you want to take them - and they often do. In the UK, a new race series has come about called the BMW Motorrad GS Trophy UK Qualifier. This will put riders through a severely tough course with the three top riders progressing to the International GS Trophy Finals in November of this year. BMW Motorrad UK, Simon Pavey and the BMW Off-Road Skills School have worked together for this purpose. For all the details - and a better description - please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y9lt2lo

FB Corse Will Join MotoGP & Julian Simon Test Ducati Desmosedici GP10

FB Corse has been given approval to join the MotoGP Championship starting at the Jerez round - round 3 - with their incredibly talented rider Gary McCoy. Dorna representatives looked at the lap times (unreleased as of yet) and the make-up of the team and decided to let them join in the challenge. Given that Franco Uncini said that he would look at the overall picture, and not just lap times, we cannot say that the FB Corse machine is the equal of the other manufacturers but we should know that it is competitive - otherwise, it would not be in the series at all.

http://tinyurl.com/yfk8fyf

Ducati test rider Franco Battaini is injured, so the Ducati team asked if Julian Simon could take some test laps on the GP10 at Jerez for the marque. Well, it turns out that Simon seems made for the Ducati machine - or, maybe it seems made for him. He ran some 115 laps and actually came within 1.6 seconds of Valentino Rossi's lap record at the track!

http://tinyurl.com/yepxkxf

International Female Ride Day & Hungarian MotoGP Officially Cancelled

International Female Ride Day is scheduled for 7 May 2010. The special day has been accepted by many countries around the world and many more are joining up. The day is the brainchild of Vicki Gray, a longtime motorcyclist and advocate for women riders. Momentum has built up and many of the member countries will be hosting special events for women riders. To see what all of the fuss is about, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yhydau3

With all the problems building the Hungarian Balatoning circuit - finance issues, political issues, etc. - the FIM has decided to cancel the MotoGP race which was on the calendar for 2010. Now Spain will have four rounds this season with the new race to be held at Motorland Aragon. What an interesting turn of events...

http://tinyurl.com/ykzy9h9

Metzeler Racetec Interact Tires Prove Themselves & Suzuki Canada's New Deal

The new for 2010 Metzeler Racetec Interact tires already have a claim to fame - and the BSB Superstock season has yet to even begin! Steve Plater was riding his HM Plant Honda Fireblade (CBR1000RR) at Brands Hatch recently testing the tires in race conditions. During that test, he managed to break the short-circuit record at the track by more than a full half-second - 47.2 seconds versus the old record of 47.83. Very impressive indeed!

http://tinyurl.com/yzlwf5f

Well, it is not as useful as the New Deal once pushed ahead in this nation, but it is important to Canadian racers. Suzuki Canada has announced that they will have a reduced role in the Canadian Superbike Championship series in 2010. They will be paying a small homologation fee to keep their two popular GSX-R models in the series, but they will be providing no factory support to the teams who use them. For all the gory details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/ygrvdtm

Joel Morris & Ben Grindrod Get Rides in BSB Superstock

Joel Morris had to sit out most of last season as he did not have a ride in any race series. This season, though, he has landed a chance to ride for the Buildbase team in the 2010 BSB National Superstock 600 Championship. It was his friend Adam Jenkinson who landed him the position. However, Morris could use some more sponsors, so take the link and see if you can help out!

http://tinyurl.com/yze638p

Ben Grindrod, a student in Business & Management Studies, has also secured a ride in the 2010 BSB Superstock 600 series. He will be riding for Seton Interceptor Team on a Yamaha YZF-R6. Grindrod's claim to fame at this early stage in his career is his Gold Medal in the 2009 MRO Junior Stock Sport Championships. He is a gifted young racer who has his whole career in front of him...can't wait to see how he does in 2010!

http://tinyurl.com/yj5r7xg

Ducati Returns to Isle of Man TT & Suzuki GSX R R32

Ducati has made it official, the factory will be returning to the Isle of Man TT with full support for Michael Rutter and his BSB team. Rutter will use Ducati motorcycles in four of five races he plans on challenging. It has only been about seven years since Ducati was last on the Island, but motorcycle technology has changed a great deal in those years. It will be another good reason to attend the event...if you are able!

http://tinyurl.com/yb52h7w

Harry Altena is a big fan of his VW R32 cage and he also operates a custom bike shop. Well, those two added up to the Suzuki GSX R R32, a custom Suzuki GSX-R1000 which has been matched to the car, believe it or not. The wheels look very much the same and the single-sided swingarm is actually an interesting piece. To understand the project, though, you really need to see it. So, please take the link...

http://tinyurl.com/ybc9ovj

First Modified 2010 Honda CB1100 Released from Mugen

Mugen may or may not be familiar to you, but they are very closely related to Honda's automotive and motorcycle divisions (Mugen was started by Mr. Honda's son). They have produced a modified 2010 CB1100 to show the products they have available for the new retro-mod motorcycle and it looks good. Take a look and then hope that you may one day get to purchase one of these in the USA or UK...

http://tinyurl.com/ycy74tl

Ducati NA Offers Class with Polen & New Ducati Ambassador Scott McGregor

Ducati North America is offering riders who purchase a 2009 or 2010 Ducati sportbike a chance to ride with World Superbike Champion Doug Polen at his Doug Polen 1-on-1 Riders School at one of twelve US circuits. It's a very good promotion as this will give you a chance to get the most out of your brand new Italian motorcycle. Plus, Polen is a very nice and down-to-earth guy who knows how to ride very, very well. If you pick the new 848 Dark, you also get a limited edition Swiss watch. For more, please take the link...

http://tinyurl.com/y9ybecr

In Australia, a rather popular male model and actor has become the next Ducati Ambassador. Scott McGregor went to Ducati City to pick up his 2010 Streetfighter on Monday, 15 March. He will ride the bike all over Melbourne and appear at many events with the motorcycle. Goof for him!

http://tinyurl.com/ybv2t6r

Rat's Hole Custom Bike Show Review & Michelin Power Pure

Here we have a report from the 2010 Rat's Hole Custom Bike Show which took place at and during Daytona Bike Week about two weeks ago. They were much more ambitious this year as they scheduled five shows over the week and added some new categories. Many of the bikes are not to everyone's taste - often overdone and way too much chrome - but the ideas presented were worth attending for everyone. For the details, please take the link...

http://tinyurl.com/yl3bvx8

The new Michelin Power Pure motorcycle tire is being lauded as the lightest motorcycle tire ever produced. Of course, they are the ones making the claim, but they do back it up with evidence. We will also see for certain once they hit the streets - both figuratively and literally. They will use Michelin's Two-Compound Technology (2CT) and their Light Tire Technology (LTT) for better performance all around. Check out the press release for more information...

http://tinyurl.com/ykj8hax

BBC Announces Suzi Perry Replacement & Rossi Says "Three More Years"

Now, it is tough to find a replacement for someone like Suzi Perry, who had been one of the most important voices in MotoGP for the last decade (at least to the UK). Well, since Perry stepped down at the end of last year to pursue other interests, the BBC has been searching for someone to take her position. They have announced their new employee - Jennie Gow. Gow has extensive experience working in newspapers, TV and radio, and she has plenty of motorcycle racing experience as well - Speedway and Motocross. Take a look at the new face of MotoGP for the UK.

http://tinyurl.com/yjrmtre

Valentino Rossi, in an in-depth interview, has stated that he plans on staying in MotoGP for three more years - and very likely with Yamaha. He stated a few days ago that defecting to Ducati is NOT an option for him and he wants to finish his career with Yamaha...and yet people still keep spreading rumors about him riding for Ducati. For the very short pieces, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yzdu6fo

UAE National Race Day 6 Preview & Anthony West Rides MZ in Moto2

Well, in the UAE Sportbike Championship, Arushen Moodley is in a commanding lead and heading for the 2010 title. However, the first runner-up position is still up for grabs. Moodley is riding an Aprilia and the two rider fighting for second place are riding another Aprilia and a Yamaha...should be very interesting. And, it looks like Yamaha's YZF-R6 will be conquering the Sportbike 600 Class...unless pretender to the throne Jason Burnside can take his Honda to the top...For all the details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yleuonq

Anthony West is back on the World Championship circuit, although it will be in the supporting Moto2 class. He will ride for a newly announced MZ team, which only recently gained permission to join the championship. This is big news for MZ as they have wanted to join the racing for quite some time. They should learn a great deal from this and I am hopeful that West will have a good season!

http://tinyurl.com/yhmx6bz

Stuart Easton Speaks on BSB Testing & Lake Havasu XDl Freestyle

From the man himself, Stuart Easton gives us his perspective on his testing so far in preparation for the 2010 British Superbike Championship. Most riders were in Spain at a track in Cartagena for last week, and Easton was right there among them. He did quite well in the testing and is finding his new teammate, James Ellison, very agreeable. We can only wait for the season to start to see if Easton gained what he needed for some good finishes...

http://tinyurl.com/yj3wxos

Are you getting a Spring Break? Well, if so - even if not and you just want somewhere to escape from work - take a look at the festivities on offer at the 2010 Lake Havasu City 2010 XDL Freestyle Sport Bike Competition. There will be the best stunt riders from around the US, and some from around the world, competing in judged stunt runs and freestyle stunting on sport bike motorcycles. It is entertainment and an impressive demonstration of skill worth your time and money. Take the link to learn more...

http://tinyurl.com/ygpp8kc

Brock's Offers WERA Contingency & Aprilia RSV-4R versus Yamaha YZF-R1

Brock's Performance, supplier of BST carbon-fiber wheels for Japanese sportbikes in the US, is offering some US$37,200 in contingency money for the WERA series. Supported classes are WERA's National Challenge, National Endurance and the huge Sportsman series. You need to take the link to see the details as there are some important notes...

http://tinyurl.com/yfollqv

Motorcyclist has put up a comparison of two of the most praised liter-class bikes in the industry - the 2010 Aprilia RSV-4R and the Yamaha YZF-R1. Both machines (even the 'low-end' Aprilia) have some of the most advanced, race-developed technology that the sport has ever seen. Both machines are also very track-focused bikes but are also not so hard to live with on the streets. Want to know how it turned out? Take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/ygqtxy2

Pit Pass Radio Has Zemke and Herrin & Knutsford Honda Sponsors Thundersprint

Jake Zemke and Josh Herrin will both be interviewed tonight on Pit Pass Radio. They will also have Paul Whibley, Johnny Lewis and Johnny Jump. You can either catch it tonight at 20:00 as it is broadcast for the first time or you can head to their website afterwards and download the podcast and listen to it any time you want to do so. Take the link to get the links...

http://tinyurl.com/y85ec3x

Knutsford Honda, a rather influential dealer in the UK, will again be the title sponsor for this year's Thundersprint race in Northwich during 8 - 9 May 2010. The dealer has had a great deal of success at the event and is more than happy to be a part of it again this year. Thundersprint is growing larger and larger and has gained an importance felt throughout Europe. The 2010 event will be the best yet!

http://tinyurl.com/yjj8egu

Harley-Davidison Is a Take-Over Target, Maybe & Aaron Gobert Races at Home

Given their lackluster sales, seriously declining profits, and issues with their employees, Harley-Davidson may be the target of a takeover bid. Private equity concern Kohlberg Kravis Roberts could be looking to pursue a leveraged buyout of the Motor Company. The stock market is thinking this will happen late this month or in April, based on their stock purchases. It could mark another turning point for the company that only recently was doing so well they went on a buying spree. I guess they should have saved their money, or maybe paid their executives a little more reasonably instead of giving themselves all 'golden parachutes'...Too bad the company has no concept of time!

http://tinyurl.com/yjjzt4h

Aaron Gobert is returning to Australia to race in the Australian Supersport Championship. Since the US AMA series is in dire straights financially and there is little factory support in the series, he could not land a ride in a series in which he actually has a championship season - and a decent record. Thus, he will be riding a Yamaha YZF-R6 which will actually be supported with help from Graves Motorsport, Gobert's former team. The ultimate destination for him is to ride the Aprilia RSV-4 for KWS Motorsports.

http://tinyurl.com/yj6kj73

Alex Gobert's Racing Insider & CMRA's Dustin Dominguez

From 'Racing Insider' we get news about Australian Motocross - something we rarely get news of on this continent - American Supercross, Australian Superbike, and MotoGP. In this St. Patrick's Day edition - though it is obviously not as popular in Oz - we get some very good news on the off-road racing world in Australia. The other bits are mostly information you already know, but old Gobert is pretty good at summarizing it all. So, go and take a look...

http://tinyurl.com/ya27dvb

Dustin Dominguez is now an expert road racer using his talents to contest the Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association' s 2010 championship series. He may not be there for long, though, especially after this past weekend. He took his own Kawasaki ZX-6R and a borrowed Suzuki SV650 to seven - yes, 7 - victories at Eagle's Canyon Raceway in Texas. Dominguez was not the only racer having a good weekend, though, so take the link and read about all the other CMRA race results...

http://tinyurl.com/yaqaajv

Hopper Rides Perris Short Track & Balatonring Issues Continue

John Hopkins was in California this past weekend and actually had the time to run the Perris Short Track. So, he borrowed a bike from his mechanic and took to the track. He did very well and he may be back...

http://tinyurl.com/ya69qf8

The Balatonring is facing more and more problems. First, locals complain about not being consulted - then various groups attack the government as their tax dollars are helping build the thing and they will not be getting any of the revenue. Now we hear again about the cancellation of the loan guarantee for construction of the track...and the various investors have not been notified of the issues...Please take the link to learn more.

http://tinyurl.com/yalulss

http://tinyurl.com/y9cndc5

Riders Ducati Has Useful Test & Astro-Chase Joins BSB Evo

The Riders Ducati British Superbike Championship team has also just finished its testing in Spain in preparation for the 2010 season. Riders Michael Rutter and Martin Jessopp spent time working on engine management with some late 2009 model engines - data which can now be used on their 2010-spec lumps. For some words from the team, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y9c9wft

The Astro-Chase SST Racing team and rider Peter Ward have announced that they will be the newest team to join the BSB Evo series for 2010. They have been very successful in BSB Superstock 1000, but they wanted to move up towards the premier class and Evo is right there where they want to be. The team has some experience running in that class, but this will be their first full season. For all the details...take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y8s3jwg

More Ducati Multistrada Madness & Lawson and Spies on Video

The 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S is quite possibly the first ever near-perfect motorcycle. They say it is a four in one, and after reading so much about it I no longer doubt them. However, I do want to ride the thing myself to determine if it does live up to the hype - I am always skeptical with Ducati. The linked videos, though, will show you the high-tech side of the machine; the ability to set custom settings maps, personalized just for you, just blows away any competition presently...have a look...

http://tinyurl.com/y8s58gh

Ben Spies and Eddie Lawson sat down and talked about the differences between the racing technology today and what it was like when Lawson was taking wins. They also did some on track riding and demonstrated some rather incredible control. I guess we should expect no less from these guys...Yamaha set this up and produced the vids. It is much more than just marketing, though, so go and have a look.

http://tinyurl.com/y9xlndg

South African Kalahari 400 & Speed Dating

The Kalahari 400 is one event in the South African Off-Road Motorcycle and Quad series. Currently, the season is going well, but the championship is still wide open. This next event, held 19 - 20 March 2010 in the Vryburg area, will be one which the current leaders may have some trouble with. It's simply that this race is very tough and anyone who has the endurance has a chance at the win. For all the news, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yd3wohp

Road Racer X's 'Speed Dating' column comes to us again this week, so let's have a look. First up are birthdays: Chad Reed, Robert Pandya, Simone Sanna, Gottlieb Wilhelm Daimler, Peter Clifford, Johan Stigefelt, Tomoyoshi Koyama, John Kocinski, and Hitoyasu Izutsu. Also of importance, Moto Guzzi was formed this week in 1921 and Mike Hailwood won the\his second 500cc USGP riding MV Agusta at Daytona.

http://tinyurl.com/yb3po9a

Brammo to Work With Jackie Chan & AMA Supercross Toronto Results

Jackie Chan's company JCAM Advanced Mobility Company Ltd., based in Hong Kong, has signed up to distribute the Brammo electric motorcycles in Hong Kong and Singapore. The deal is certainly a solid one as Jackie Chan has the star power to really bring in the customers. Plus, both Hong Kong and Singapore are perfect locations for electric motorcycle ownership - both have very little land area and rather tight roads and streets (in HK, you could probably ride the Brammo from one side of the island to the other three times without needing to charge it!) plus they are both very congested and polluted. They should sell very well there...too bad they didn't hire me for the job!

http://tinyurl.com/yamj6xp

The AMA Supercross event in Toronto was broadcast on TV this weekend and it was a great race. Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Ryan Villopoto turned in an impressive performance and took the win - putting him even closer to Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey, who still holds the points lead and finished third in Toronto behind Red Bull Honda's Trey Canard. For the details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y8pm4ov

MotoGP Qatar Test Approach, Silverstone Visit Guide & Leon Haslam Interview

That's right! It's the last preseason test for MotoGP and it will be held in Qatar during 18 - 19 March 2010. Who will come out ahead - well, doubtless it will be Rossi - but who will fill in behind him? Only the test will give us the answers. For more about it, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yz4dezf

If you have ever wanted to attend a race at the historic Silverstone circuit in the UK, we now have a way to find a good hotel near the track. The Silverstone Accommodation Guide has just launched and it is now available for you to find a place to lay your head. Check it out...

http://tinyurl.com/yetlgr7

It's a relatively short interview with the World Superbike Championship Alstare Suzuki rider Leon Haslam, but it is a good one. This is even more important when you consider that he is sitting at the top of the overall points standings as of the first race at Phillip Island - the man is on fire! So, what does he think of the win, of the season ahead and his team's chances? Well, take the link to find out!

http://tinyurl.com/ydz69zz

Hodgson to Launch Motorpoint BSB Team & SA Superbikes

On 26 March 2010, World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson will be launching the Motorpoint Yamaha British Superbike Team in the town of Derby. Hodgson has been picked to win the BSB championship this season and he will be teamed with another great rider in Dan Linfoot. They will be riding Yamaha YZF-R1 machine very close to the Leon Camier's championship winning machine of last year. For all the details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yzlpkty

In the South African Superbike championship races, which were held at the Killarney Circuit, were a very close affair. The top five qualifiers were only .75 second apart, so you knew it would be tight. However, no one expected it to be as close as it was. Honda's Lance Isaacs had the best weekend - overall - but Aprilia's Sheridan Morais, Honda's Greg Gildenhuys and Dan Hellyer were all close to the leaders in each of the two races - very close! In 600 Supersport Yamaha's Dylan White had a great 1 - 1 finish on the weekend. For the very detailed finishing order, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yllakrf

Bostrom and Clark Take WERA Endurance Win in Georgia

Ben Bostrom and Chris Clark piloted their Team Zyvax 2 Yamaha YZF-R1 to victory at the Roebling Road Raceway outside of Savannah, Georgia. They took the win with nine laps in front of the second place team, Team Hooters Apex 2 Suzuki GSX-R600 ridden by James Rispoli and Tim Birdsong. Third place was the other Yamaha team - riding a YZF-R6 - of Dane Westby and Clinton Sellers. It was cold and rainy at the track, but the 15 teams who attended fought the elements and raced against the wind. For all the details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/ydlqm5r

Pro Stock Motorcycle NHRA Gatornationals Results

You have to look down about two-thirds of the way into the article to see the Pro Stock Motorcycle results, but if you do you will see that Eddie Krawiec managed to take the win on the weekend. Karen Stoffer did finally break the record time at the event, but later problems with holding the line cost her the win. Overall, the weekend was a good one for the drag racers and some new targets have been set for the next round. Take the links to learn more...

http://tinyurl.com/y8sfox7

http://tinyurl.com/yduhj3x

http://tinyurl.com/yese9op

Harley Acts Like Any Corporation & Danny Magoo Will Get His Van

It turns out that Harley-Davidson is paying their CEO just like many other ethically-challenged multi-national corporations. Given that The Motor Company has been shutting down production lines and laying off workers, you would think that they could save some of that money by paying the CEO who has presided over the most dramatic losses that the company has ever had would take a pay cut to keep the company running. Well, this is what you get when a motorcycle company goes corporate - their only concern is with their shareholders' value in the stock and the executive pay - they are Wall Street slaves. It's all about the $$$ for them. If I were a loyal H-D rider, I would begin a campaign to stop this sort of behavior...but, I am not one...

http://tinyurl.com/yf5kvbw

Does anyone remember when we heard the news that Bob Hannah was setting up a fund to purchase a full-mobility van for motocross legend Danny "Magoo" Chandler? Well, it has achieved its goal! Magoo will be getting his van very soon now. It was new Hall of Fame inductee brothers Bob and Geoff Fox who donated the final US$15K to the project. Everyone is labeling the Fox brothers as amazing at this point, and there is good reason for this! For all the details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/ykkyrnn

A Very Good Series on MotoGP Safety in a Timeline

Road Racer X has just put up a timeline series on safety improvements in the motorcycle Grand Prix World Championship or MotoGP. They start at the very beginning of the championship itself and will continue up to the present - and likely 2012 as the rules are being worked out now - with six parts. They are only up to Part 3 now, but all of them are available online for free. It's worth your time...

Here we will start with Part 1 as the next parts of the series are linked from there.

http://tinyurl.com/ygng9zw

Repsol Honda Launches 2010 MotoGP Team and Bikes

It all happened in Madrid, Spain, appropriately enough, where Repsol Honda showed their 2010 livery and rider Dani Pedrosa to the world. Andrea Dovizioso was not well and decided to stay home in Italy to recover for the Qatar test this coming weekend - probably for the best. Pedrosa arrived on stage riding a trials bike and his Honda RC212V was lowered from the rafters to the stage, which gave the whole thing a theatrical twist. This is the 16th year that the two names have been associated - it does seem longer - and it is now known worldwide...check the link for the rest...

http://tinyurl.com/yg8btlt

Update from Saturday at the NHRA Gatornationals

Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying went well today - for some riders. Karen Stoffer (who burned the second-fastest run in the history of the event) is at the top of the sheets as of today, with Eddie Krawiec right behind her. In third sits David Hope and behind him is the very skilled Hector Arana. No word on Katie Sullivan, though...The weather was decent for today's runs, but tomorrow is another question. So, these positions could change drastically between today and the final runs tomorrow. It should make for great spectating!

http://tinyurl.com/yd2s6wy

http://tinyurl.com/ybjx9sf

http://tinyurl.com/y8sp46b

The San Felipe 250 Race Has Started!

Down in the well-known haunt of Baja California, at least for off-road racers, the San Felipe 250 will have started by now. The race itself was started this morning and Honda and Kawasaki are competing for the win in the open pro motorcycle class. Honda has dominated the Baja off-road racing world for many years now - can upstart Kawasaki - who does have a few veteran Baja racers - take a win from this very experienced team? Well, only the race action will tell us one way or another...so, pay attention and watch it if you are able!

http://tinyurl.com/yenj7xj

TTXGP Changes Racing & Hungarian MotoGP in Doubt

The Azhar Hussain series, the TTXGP, will be a race to own series. Yes, it sounds a bit odd as it is a new way to handle racing management. Each team will earn shares in the TTXGP series as the race and the teams are all involved in the rule making and racing decisions. This is called Trust.eGrandPrix.Org (TEO) and it is all Hussain's idea. It's a very good plan for keeping your series relevant and I would hope it would encourage more teams to join up. For your details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yevykc4

The Balatonring circuit in Hungary may never get finished now after a huge Hungarian bank has refused to give the operating group any more funding. This all went down on Friday and the principals involved said the bank refused due to some problems found while doing due diligence...This could mean a huge delay, or the end, of top-level racing in the nation of Hungary...

http://tinyurl.com/yevpp2h

Sullivan Family Racing NHRA Pro Stock Results from Gainesville

Katie Sullivan did not fare too well in today's NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida. She had a tough day in the first qualifying round. However, Sullivan and her team will be working to improve the shift action on their Suzuki for tomorrow's racing. I do hope she is able to jump into the running at the top - after all, it's a great story and one which we will remember...

http://tinyurl.com/y9o8qkr

A Swedish Dealer Finds Honda NR750 and RC30 in Crates!

It's true, but very hard to believe...A Honda dealership in Sweden found two unknown crates lurking in the back of their storage area. It turns out that they had their hands on - never un-crated and in perfect showroom condition - a NR750 oval-piston and a hand-built RC30. The video after the link shows the dealer prep work being done. As far as anyone knows, they will be put on the showroom floor as exhibits. Too bad, those things need to be ridden!

http://tinyurl.com/y9w5trc

Yamaha and DC Branded Bikes & Yamaha Details the 2010 FZ8

The collaboration between leading sportswear company DC and Yamaha Motor has yielded some special edition TT-R125 and YZ250F motorcycles. They, apparently, will be given away in contests of some sort and will be on display in select DC stores and Yamaha dealers around the US. The deal will give both brands more exposure and will certainly add to Yamaha's cache when the bikes are seen in DC retail locations...

http://tinyurl.com/ya6kr6d

Well, the photos broke cover long before they were supposed to, but that did nothing but increase the public's interest in the new 2010 Yamaha FZ8. We know that it will be a bike made for the twisties and the urban jungle, and that it looks very sweet from just about any angle. Now we know the technical specifications behind the beast and they are only a link away...

http://tinyurl.com/yelhmog

Dr. Gregory Frazier Sets Up a KLX250 for Adventure Touring

We have all read Dr. Frazier's articles on his travels and on a huge variety of other topics - most relating to health - and I can say that I have enjoyed every bit of it. He needed a motorcycle which he could take to Alaska and head off onto the roads which are almost never traveled - and it had to be light enough to be carried in some areas. Dr. Frazier's choice for a reasonable mount is a Kawasaki KLX250 and this is how he managed to get it prepared...and then rode it across the northern frontier.

http://tinyurl.com/yl78cdl

Reports from British Superbike Testing & James Toseland

The British Superbike Championship teams are mostly all in Cartagena, Spain, preparing for the 2010 season. This past week has seen many BSB riders running hard around the Spanish track in an effort to perfect bike settings and see what the machines are capable of. This time it seems that Swan Honda was the dominant force; Stuart Easton and James Ellison took the top two slots on the final standings. However, it appears that, un-officially, Tommy Hill broke the lap record at the track. For all the details please take one of the following links.

http://tinyurl.com/yzxrqbx

http://tinyurl.com/yz5e58w

Triumph: http://tinyurl.com/ycheej6

Yukio Kagayama was in PAIN: http://tinyurl.com/y8jgkd6

Also, we get a video interview with the returning World Superbike rider James Toseland. As you know, he was sent to WSBK from MotoGP after they gave his seat at Tech 3 Yamaha to Ben Spies. Well, now Toseland is in the WSBK paddock again and riding a Yamaha. To see what is in his mind at this point in his season, please take the link and see a video interview with the Superbike ace.

http://tinyurl.com/ygu5qu7

Rizla Suzuki Unveils Livery, MSF Promotes Gladden & Sommerset Rebels Meet Complete

There is not a lot beyond a photo, but the Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team has now shown us what their Suzuki GSV-R will look like for the 2010 season. Riders Loris Capirossi and Alvaro Bautista will look good riding one of these...And, I almost forgot, Troy Lee Designs was at the helm of this design!

http://tinyurl.com/yzfwvku

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (USA) has promoted Robert Gladden to be their General Manager. Gladden was the MSF Director, Program Administration, before he was promoted from within. He will now report to MSF President Tim Buche and will have much more responsibility. To read up on some Gladden history, please take the link. He has had an intriguing path to the top.

http://tinyurl.com/ylyu6ny

The Somerset Rebels Speedway meet coming up a week from today is now fully set. After Suyfutdinov's confirmation a few days ago, we now get news that his fellow countryman Roman Povazhny will be joining the event as well. That means that the weekend is fully set and ready to go. If you can get to this meeting, you will not be disappointed - you will have one hell of an evening!

http://tinyurl.com/ykcwm9j

Graves Motorsport Takes on WERA & MIC Announces Election Results

Graves Motorsports, Yamaha's team inside the AMA Pro Racing ranks, is also taking on the WERA with rider Benny Solis and a host of support programs. Many racers have used Graves parts over the lats 20 years of their existence, and many more will be using them this year in the WERA Championship. You will even find several former AMA racers in the WERA paddock, so take in a round - you will not be disappointed.

http://tinyurl.com/yavldkj

The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) has released the results of the election for their 2010 board of directors. The standard way they do this is to elect three of them one year and then the other three the next year, and they serve a two year term. Take the link to learn the details as the article does a better job of it than I would here.

http://tinyurl.com/ya2jkwv

Thursday Afternoon Moto News - R&G Racing and BMW & Triumph 20th Anniversary

Crash protection specialists R&G Racing will be providing the crash protection for Keith Code's California Superbike School's BMW S1000RR machines. Each of the bikes will be outfitted with just about every piece of protection you can get from R&G for the S1000RR. It's a press release, so feel free to take the link and have a read.

http://tinyurl.com/yahzje4

Well, it's the 20th anniversary of the re-born Triumph on 18 September 2010 and it will be celebrated in proper style at Mallory Park. The call it Triumph Live and tickets are already on sale. They will also open the doors of the Triumph factory, which is only eight miles (~13 Km) away from the circuit. Also, bring some money as they will have a huge 'megastore' of Triumph gear and accessories at discount prices. Take the link to learn more.

http://tinyurl.com/yaxvpfy

More Morning Moto News - Alex Gobert's Racing Insider

This week's 'Racing Insider' from our Australian friend Alex Gobert is now available. There are the usual stories on Australian Motocross, which just started its season, Australian off-road motorcycle racing, Australian Superbike, MotoGP, and Moto2 this week. There is some good detail on the Oz MX world as we hear so little about it up here in the US; he has a good story on a young off-road racer, Daniel McCoy; he also goes into some detail on the happenings in MotoGP. Don't miss it, please take the link and have a read!

http://tinyurl.com/yeoxxqz

More Morning Moto News - Zero and Sheheen & BSB Testing

Zero Motorcycles has just announced that they have signed Ralph Sheheen as spokesperson for their line of electric motorcycles. You all know Sheheen from the SPEED Channel, or at least you should as he hosts just about every motorcycle competition on the TV station. He will join them immediately and will join them on their multi-city promotional tour which begins on 20 March 2010 in Washington D.C. For all the details, don't forget to take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y9lkyyu

Josh Brookes has taken the lead at the pre-season British Superbike Championship testing at Gaudix. The Spanish circuit saw him take the unofficial lead away from Stuart Easton and Tommy Hill with his HM Plant Honda. The testing is certainly adding to Brookes' confidence and his belief that he does have a chance at winning the whole thing by season's end. For the details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y8d5ssw

Thursday Morning Moto News - Vesrah Suzuki, Leon Haslam & Jorge Lorenzo

Vesrah Suzuki had a decent Daytona experience - well, at least rider Cory West as Jeff Wood was the victim of an unfortunate competitors engine oil which forced him to retire. West, though, took sixth place in the Daytona 200 after only having about a week to get ready for the event. They now have three times as much time to get ready for the next round...do you see a championship in their future?

http://tinyurl.com/yekwvb6

Leon Haslam, of the World Superbike series, says that the next event will be much tougher on all riders. Given that this was the first real race of the season in WSBK, there were teething problems for all teams as they adjusted to their new organizations and bikes. That means that by the next event, many teams will have things dialed in better. Look for it all to heat up even more as 2010 continues...

http://tinyurl.com/yev6j66

New rumors say that Jorge Lorenzo will be in good enough shape to participate in the final MotoGP pre-season test in Qatar next weekend (18 - 19 March 2010). Lorenzo and his team will use the time on the track to see how well his injuries have healed, thus telling them how well he can handle his race machine, the YZR-M1. Only some time on the track will allow them to judge it properly. This is good news as he was expected to miss this test entirely...

http://tinyurl.com/ybfxm2x

Wednesday Evening Moto News - Huntington Concours, Freddie Spencer & Paris Dainese Exhibit

Don't forget about the Huntington Beach Concours d'Elegance this coming weekend in California. I have been over it here before, so I don't want to bore you (just do not forget that Burt Munro's Indian will be on display). Just take the link to get the details and show up if you can make it - after all, the price is not that bad for what you get to see!

http://tinyurl.com/yl9sybs

Speaking of historic motorcycles, Freddie Spencer is selling two of his championship winning race bikes through dealers RMD Motors. It seems that there are some financial issues and he needs the money more than the historic motorcycles. The 1983 Honda NS500 triple and the 1985 Honda NSR250 twin are on offer, so take the link and learn more. If you have a seriously large bank account go ahead and buy them!

http://tinyurl.com/yzousyt

Dainese recently opened an exhibit at the Cite des Sciences in Paris, France, which shows the history of body protection. It is full of leathers and other protective gear from many of history's greatest motorcycle racers. It is not only about Dainese as they also have many displays focused on road safety. The exhibit is called 'A Toute Epreuve: New Technologies for Protecting the Human Form' and runs until 8 August 2010. Get yourself to Paris tout de suite!

http://tinyurl.com/y9nfyms

Rumor: Ducati and Piaggio May Merge!

With the economy still in the toilet, Ducati and Piaggio both are still feeling the sting of lower sales of both bikes and licensed accessories - few people have enough money to buy anything. Add that to the rumors of a possible sale of the Piaggio Group of motorcycle and scooter manufacturers and you get this rumor: Ducati and Piaggio to merge. It is nowhere near confirmed, but it could mark a point where the Italian motorcycle industry can grow and may actually be able to compete with the Japanese (and British and American) on their terms. So, stay tuned and we will see if this comes to fruition or is forgotten by history.

http://tinyurl.com/ylaa5lv

http://tinyurl.com/yfc6oho

More Afternoon Moto News - Super-Superbikes & Daytona Review

MotorcycleUSA has done a special motorcycle comparo between a non-modified Aprilia RSV-4, a well-modified Suzuki GSX-R1000 and a US$70K Ducati 1098R. The results were predictable with the Ducati being fastest, the Suzuki in second and the Aprilia at the back. However, you could buy three-and-a-half Aprilia RSV-4 bikes for the one of the Ducati machines, so imagine if you bought the RSV-4 and used the US$50K to turn it into a true SUPERbike. Read the article and have a look for yourself...

http://tinyurl.com/ycdpkry

Did you miss the Daytona Bike Week event this past week? If so, you might want to catch up on the events, happenings, racing and other parts of the experience when traveling to this annual rally. Simply take the link below and you can read about what went on and see some of the notable events of the Daytona Bike Week experience!

http://tinyurl.com/yd9cbvm

Some photos from the AMA: http://tinyurl.com/ybpe42a

More Afternoon Moto News - Amy O'Mara, Leon Camier & NZ Novice Wins on Aprilia

Amy O'Mara is the only woman competing full-time in the Australian Superbike Championship and this year she will be supported by the Warringah Mall Eagles Angels, a group which raises awareness for breast cancer. This season will see her remain on a Yamaha and compete in both the Superstock 600 class and the Australian Formula Xtreme Championship. She will be rather busy in 2010!

http://tinyurl.com/ybf8qjj

Leon Camier is quite pleased with the way the Aprilia factory team is treating him despite rumors that he is the second man on the team behind Max Biaggi. Camier states that he has been given the same parts and knowledge as Biaggi and is moving along in the right direction. Plus, the 2010 season for him is about learning the circuits and getting familiar with his team and the World Superbike series itself.

http://tinyurl.com/yc8qkxw

Dion Sellers is not a professional - or, even amateur - road racer, but he still managed to beat the best that New Zealand had at a local Formula 1 race! He had no interest until he watched a race last month. His friend convinced him to take his brand new Aprilia RSV-4 to the track for a fun day; he did so well that he decided to race the next day. His bone-stock RSV-4 managed to take out bikes worth more than twice as much which have been modified heavily to race. It was a big surprise, to say the least!

http://tinyurl.com/y8jtgj7

Wednesday Afternoon Moto News - Emil Sayfutdinov & SMT Honda

Emil Sayfutdinov will be joining the Somerset Rebels speedway meeting which takes place at the Oak Tree Arena on 19 March 2010. Sayfutdinov set the world on fire in last year's FIM Speedway GP series; he came from the amateur ranks and just blew away the competition in many of the season's rounds. In fact, just about every weekend had a chance for the young Russian to win. This 10th anniversary meet will be well attended and should be one of the best speedway meets this year!

http://tinyurl.com/yd5bzor

SMT Honda has now added a sponsor to their new team, Sorrymate.com. We read just a week ago about them hiring former British Supermoto star Christian Iddon and planning to contest the British Superbike Championship this year. Given their experiences in 2009, with the crap economy forcing them to field three different riders, we can all hope that 2010 is a much better year for the team!

http://tinyurl.com/yde6qjk

Wednesday Morning Moto News - MV Agusta Buyer? & Gatornationals NHRA

MV Agusta seems to have a few suitors for its long-awaited sale from Harley-Davidson - at least long-awaited by me. BMW is one of the companies interested in the purchase - however, there has been little comment from the German company since the rumor spread. Next, there is a consortium of Italian businesspeople who may also be interested in the purchase. Whoever it is, I truly hope they do not force MV to compromise its designs in the name of short-term profits!

http://tinyurl.com/ydcxv46

The opening round of the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle drag racing series is this coming weekend in Gainesville, Florida. The event is well-known as the Gatornationals and it marks the 41st year of its run. With this article we get a closer look at one Craig Treble and his return to Don Schumacher racing. Take the link and have a preview of this weekend's coming attractions.

http://tinyurl.com/yejqygm

http://tinyurl.com/yklr4dd

This piece is about Katie Sullivan's trip to this event: http://tinyurl.com/ygwu7hc

MORE Afternoon Moto News - PitPassRadio

Tonight's Pit Pass Radio show will have Steve Rapp, David Lloyd, Dennis Noyes, Josh Strang and Maria Forsberg. It's an all-star show, just about, and you do not want to miss an interview with the rider who took his Motocorsa/Team Latus Ducati 848 to third position in the Daytona 200 last week. The show is always broadcast live on Tuesday nights (8PM EST) and you can always download a podcast version just minutes later. Check it out!



http://tinyurl.com/y9kbfgr

More Afternoon Moto News - Livia Lancelot & Euro Gossip

Livia Lancelot is a female motocross rider who has reached the highest level of competition - the World Championship Female Motocross and has the 2009 title as well! From France, Lancelot has been racing since 1992 and has competed in the USA and Europe before entering the WMX series in 2005. She is worth a look if you are trying to find the leaders of today's women racers...or just an awesome motorcycle rider!

http://tinyurl.com/ycptdqp

Yep, we have another 'Euro Gossip' column from our friends at MotorcycleUSA. There is some wrapping up of other stories we have seen floating around in the ether(net) and there are some new stories as well. Most of the information you will probably already know - if you have been paying attention to this blog. So, just take the link and scan around to find the information you want to read.

http://tinyurl.com/y88w5qj

More Afternoon Moto News - Benelli 2 TechnoTracker & Avon Tires

A new concept motorcycle from the mind of Oberdan Bezzi has come to light. He has designed a Benelli flat-track motorcycle which he calls the Benelli 2 TechnoTracker. It is based on the as yet unreleased Benelli 2ue 756 naked streetbike, and Bezzi expects his design would be competitive in the AMA flat track racing events. We have to get the new bike out of Benelli first, but it sure looks good to me!

http://tinyurl.com/yz5g8f4

The US side of the Avon Tyres company has released a new website. It offers company news, technical details and more! It will also have information on motorcycle events, featured builders, contests and testimonials from Avon users. The website is most useful for researching Avon products, as you might expect, and has some of the best technical details of any tire website on the Internet! Check it out for yourself.

http://tinyurl.com/yk8unxh

Tuesday Afternoon Moto News - Elias Fastest Again & Derbi GPR125

Toni Elias left the Moto2 test, which ended on Monday, as the fastest rider on the circuit again! Wet weather really slowed things down on the first and last days of the test, so Sunday's times were the fastest. Elias' Gresini Racing Moriwaki finished up third overall at the previous test, so it does seem that they found more power or handling somewhere! Most of the other riders at the top were also on top at the last test...however, some have improved greatly. For the details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yhc8e4b

Derbi, builder of some of the most exciting small-displacement motorcycles on the road (though, mostly in Europe), has announced the new high-tech GPR 125 four-stroke machine. It is a very well designed and built motorcycle which was developed by Derbi and Piaggio. If you look closely at this bike, you will see some of the most innovative ideas ever executed for a motorcycle of this size. It is worth a look...and it would be a very cool machine to own just for fun!

http://tinyurl.com/yhkzjqu

More Morning Moto News - MCI Celebrates 100 Years & MotoGP Rookies Cup

The Motor Cycle Industry is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and they are letting it be known that motorcycling provides some 3 billion British Pounds in added value to the UK. Of course, they plan on keeping up their best work and improving on other programs with the main goal to protect, promote and expand the motorcycle industry in the United Kingdom. Give them a hand by taking the link and getting more detail on what is planned this year!

http://tinyurl.com/yagf6zy

The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup has started to accept applications now for the 2010 selection season (for competition in the Cup in 2011). If you are young enough or know someone who is - get them to head on over and fill out an application for the series. Of course, there are expenses to worry about, but a chance at becoming a World Champion motorcycle racer is worth a great deal to a great many people. Take the link and get your details!

http://tinyurl.com/yf8wgha

More Morning Moto News - CAME Yamaha & Worx Crescent Suzuki

CAME Yamaha will launch their British Supersport Championship team at the grand opening of their new Manchester location during 25 - 27 March 2010. You will have a chance to meet the entire team - that includes riders, techs and other support members of the team. There will also be plenty of marketing schwag - hats, t-shirts and the like - as well as a chance to win tickets to selected rounds of the BSB series!

http://tinyurl.com/ydutthc

In more testing for the BSB season at Cartegena, Yukio Kagayama and his Worx Crescent teammate Tommy Hill were still the fastest on the track - both went past the track record lap time during their testing. We have covered this before, but this is a great piece from Alex Gobert, so go on over and check it out!

http://tinyurl.com/ydnyfug

Tuesday Morning Moto News - SA Superbike, Masterbike & Thundersport GB

They actually refer to it as the 2010 South African Motorcycle championship, but it is the premier motorcycle road-race series in South Africa. This coming weekend will mark races three and four at the Western Cape Killarney circuit. Currently, Sheridan Morais and Lance Isaacs are tied in the points for first in the Superbike class. In Supersport 600 racing, Ronan Quarmby has the overall lead. For all the details, you know what to do!

http://tinyurl.com/ye6cncv

The BMW S1000RR has wiped the rest of the competition off of the circuit at the annual Masterbike shootout which takes place in Spain every year. The BMW went up against all of the top liter-class sportbikes from Europe and Japan as well as the 1200cc V-Twins - and it smashed them all. For more details, check your usual motorcycle rag as they are bound to cover it.

http://tinyurl.com/yeazcwc

The Thundersport GB season kicks off this coming weekend (12 - 14 March 2010) at Mallory Park in the UK. Many of the teams were out practicing this pas weekend at the same venue - as well as racing on Sunday in a local series. The F1 Sidecar series will start at the second round at Pembrey along with the first races of the British Supermono Championship and the Aprilia GP450 series. For all the news, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y8djcfv

Monday Night Moto News - Leigh Adams to Join Speedway Broadcast

Former FIM Speedway star Leigh Adams just announced his retirement early this year. Now we hear that Adams will be spending time in the announcing booth with the Sky Sports broadcast team during the 2010 FIM Speedway Grand Prix season. Having him on the team should add to the knowledge from which they draw their commentar. It could be a very good move...

http://tinyurl.com/yaydlz3

Monday Afternoon Moto News - Speed Dating!

Yep, it's that time of the week again, Road Racer X's 'Speed Dating' article. This week's birthdays are Bill Lomas, Jamie James, Franco Uncini, Rocky Robinson, Barry Sheene, Mat Mladin, Eddie Lawson, Henry Riles, Dr. Martin Raines, Elmer Trett, Graziano Rossi, and Philip Conrad Vincent. This week also marks the date of the first MotoGP night race in 2008 and the first race of the 800cc era of MotoGP as well. Take the link and get the stories behind the names.

http://tinyurl.com/ylakg8n

Monday Afternoon Moto News - IronHorse Auction Date Set & Honda VFR1200F Sales

We probably all heard that American IronHorse has closed and its assets will be offered at auction by a liquidation specialist. Well, they have finally set a date for the auction itself - bids may be entered on items in the auction up until 17:00 (local time) 19 March 2010 and the auction will be taking place in New York City on 23 March 2010. All trademarks will be up for sale as well as the entire builder's shop (tools, patents, motorcycles, motorcycle parts, etc.). For all of the details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yl3lowt

In the UK, the Honda VFR1200F became the top-selling motorcycle in the nation during the month of February. This comes at the expense of critics there which pretty much panned the new sport-tourer from the team at Honda - MCN(UK) called it a serious let-down and not worth the asking price. Given the competition, it was not exactly un-called for - the VFR needs a little more high-tech equipment to really unseat such tourers as the BMW models, Ducati's Multistrada and even the Guzzi Stelvio ABS. But, the buyers seem happy enough...and Honda is the one laughing its way to the bank...

http://tinyurl.com/y8ak7c9

More Morning Moto News - Oceania MX & Marouane Bembli

The Australian contingent at the Oceania Motocross Championships managed to turn in a very impressive race performance which saw them win the title at the event. New Zealand was their main competition, but the Kiwis did not have all of the racers finish on the podium and thus gave the event to their Aussie neighbors. Oz won by a mere 18 points, but the results looked rather better for them than NZ.

http://tinyurl.com/ygja2xj

Marouane Bembli has created a concept motorcycle which was inspired by the insipid "Transformers" movie, but the bike looks much more Batbike than something Megan Fox would ride. In fact, it even has the long and low look of the Bat-machine from the new Batman films. Take a look for yourself, though there is precious little information on the bike anywhere as of yet.

http://tinyurl.com/yzp2mt2

Monday Morning Moto News - Camier Auction, Simon Andrews & Spanish Tests

Leon Camier is making the best out of a nasty situation...well, a problem he had last weekend as he crashed his factory Aprilia RSV-4 during Superpole qualifying at Phillip Island. Camier is auctioning off the screen from the bike with all proceeds going to Sport Relief. He is hoping that something bad for him can turn in to something good for someone else...not a bad plan...

http://tinyurl.com/yj338q7

Simon Andrews has finally faced sentencing in his case involving his 24 October 2009 early morning crash. Since there was no evidence of 'drink-driving', he was not sentenced under that statute. Instead, he was instructed to pay a fine and had some penalty points added to his license. But, the judge was rather sure that Andrews should have been given a harsher sentence, but he had not evidence to do so...

http://tinyurl.com/ylh4bev

The bevy of Bristish Superbike Championship teams testing at Cartagena, Spain, over the last few days has finally wrapped things up and some reports are coming in. I may have posted about one or two of these before, but these should be fresh stories on the subject. Take a look...

Rob Mac Racing/Motorpoint Yamaha: http://tinyurl.com/ygb7wck

Worx Crescent Suzuki: http://tinyurl.com/yhuttts

Sunday Afternoon Moto News - AMA Supercross & GNCC Results

At Daytona Bike Week, attendees have the chance to experience just about any form of motorcycling they wish to. Of course, the racing is one of the more important items on anyone's list, and the AMA Supercross race is always a good choice for entertaining racing with some of the world's best off-road racers. In this round, class rookie Ryan Villopoto. He led the race from start to finish on his Monster Kawasaki, dominating the proceedings. In the Supercross Lites East, Christophe Pourcel conquered the 250cc class.

http://tinyurl.com/ykcozj5

Well, you might get to read the article...it depends on whether you can load the page or not. However, at least we know that the winner of the recent AMA GNCC round is Josh Strang.

http://tinyurl.com/yhcwnlp

Sunday Morning Moto News - Tommy Hill & Rene Cormier

On the second-to-last day of British Superbike Practice at the Cartagena, Spain, circuit, Worx Crescent rider Tommy Hill pulled the fastest lap of the day. The telling part of this feat is that Hill was setting consistent laps while working on many different aspects of race set up. This is a positive test for this team!

http://tinyurl.com/yj3yn8c

By the end of the test, Hill was still on top: http://tinyurl.com/yzs9fvt

Rene Cormier is another person who decided to take a motorcycle around the world. Seven years ago, Cormier sold just about everything he owned and packed up a BMW F650GS motorcycle and took off. The book he wrote about the journey is called "The University of Gravel Roads: Global Lessons From a Four Year Motorcycle Adventure" and Cormier will be in Calgary today discussing it. For all the details, please take the link...

http://tinyurl.com/ylmds3b

Saturday Night Moto News - British Speedway Fights New Championship

Actually, it is the new structure of the World Under-21 Speedway Championship which they are fighting over. It seems that the new four race format will force competitors to miss some six British Speedway events. It's like robbing the best young riders from the circuit for half the season, and the team managers and owners are not happy about this - as I am sure you can imagine. Something will hopefully be worked out before this becomes a much larger issue.

http://tinyurl.com/ykcznn2

Nice to post one more before I enjoy a relatively warm evening ride...

More Morning Moto News - BSB Tickets & Neil Hodgson

You could win tickets to the opening round of the British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch, which takes place over Easter weekend, 2 - 5 April 2010. For your chance to see the race action yourself - for free - take the link and answer the question on the page. If you get it right and are selected, you will get two tickets to see the event!

http://tinyurl.com/yztdmlr

Neil Hodgson is starting to like the way his race machine feels - this after some seven days of testing in Spain at two different locations. Motorpoint Yamaha has been working hard to give him the mount he needs to be competitive. His teammate Dan Linfoot is also expected to do very well this year. But, if Hodgson does come to terms with the sweet R1 he is racing, everyone else must take care and keep their eyes open - Hodgson is heading for the win!

http://tinyurl.com/yk8actj

More Morning Moto News - Rossi and Simoncelli & 2010 Triumph Thunderbird

Valentino Rossi has said that Marco Simoncelli needs to take some time to figure out why the rookie is having a tough time getting used to his new MotoGP role. Given the young Italian's crashing ways during the winter testing, Rossi thinks that Simoncelli should analyze his issues and find a way to get past them. After all, Simoncelli does have some serious potential. I hope he listens; I want to see him fighting for podium slots!

http://tinyurl.com/yfn2k33

The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird is a huge motorcycle, and it has the power to match its looks. But, how did it come about? Where does this new machine come from? For a great tale of how the new T-Bird came to be, you should take the link and read about the process at Triumph which brought this great motorcycle to the streets.

http://tinyurl.com/ya3xvjt

Saturday Morning Moto News - MV Agusta 0% & Aprilia Cheating(?)

MV Agusta UK has a deal you cannot pass up. Purchase any new model of the MV Agusta Brutale - 990R or 1090RR - and you will get either 0, 2, or 3 % interest! Take the link to learn the rest of the details and then get to your MV dealer ASAP!

http://tinyurl.com/yjabuj3

In the most recent round of the World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island, the Aprilia factory team chose to test out some gear-driven cams versus the stock machines chain-driven cams. This is allowed in the rules, but certain conditions must be met first. This will probably not cost Aprilia points, but a decision may force them to race with chain-driven cams like on the streetgoing version of the bike.

http://tinyurl.com/ygsqh6v

More Night Moto News - Teka Suzuki & Nelis 1000R

The FIM Motocross World Championship - as well as Belgian and German National events - team of Teka Suzuki has joined forces with Rockstar Energy as a major sponsor in all of their racing. This brings this already strong AMA Motocross pairing of Rockstar and Makita Suzuki (Ryan Dungey) even closer to the Suzuki factory. International sponsorship is incredibly important and has a stabilizing force on a race team. Riders Clement Desalle and Steve Ramon should be able to just worry about racing now. Look for some incredible results from this team thanks to this new deal!

http://tinyurl.com/y8b46kb

The Nelis 1000R is for sale...what is it, you say? Well, it is a special build using a Suzuki TL1000R engine and some very good custom work. Built by Mathijn Nelis of the Netherlands, with help from well-traveled Nico Bakker, it is ready to go right now. Simply take the link and get the contact details...if you like what you see.

http://tinyurl.com/ydpwtur

Friday Night Moto News - Daytona AMA Pro Racing Update

It was another close finish in the second race of the AMA Pro Racing American Superbike series at Daytona International Speedway. And, Jake Zemke pulled it off again! Two wins, two days. Two very close finishes again. I wish I would have been there...Please, take the link below to learn more about the race.

http://tinyurl.com/yhtkmdn

In the world famous Daytona 200 Yamaha notched their dominance of the class with Team Graves rider Josh Herrin taking the victory. I knew this would happen, and you likely did as well; this guy is good. Dane Westby pulled in second place and Ducati 848 rider Steve Rapp rounds out the podium. A past acquaintance, Ricky Orlando finished up in 14th...a solid accomplishment for a privateer effort. Take the link to see the full list of finishers - it is preliminary, so it could change slightly after verification.

http://tinyurl.com/yzs4rzt

More news: http://tinyurl.com/yhntt4s

Post-race press conference: http://tinyurl.com/ygdhase

More Afternoon Moto News - Ducati/Italwin & Daytona 200 History

We now hear that the Ducati e-bike, which is made by Italian bicycle manufacturer Italwin and simply branded Ducati, will soon be available for purchase. Worldwide distribution has begun for the City Pearl and the Cucciolo (named after the very first Ducati) and one should be at a bicycle or Ducati motorcycle dealer soon. To see more, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y9pg58t

The Daytona 200 turns 69 tomorrow. That's a very long time to be in the motorcycle racing business these days - so many other historic races have disappeared. With that in mind, we should have a look back at the history of this American motorcycle road race and see why it is so important to us. So many great racers have pushed themselves to the limit at the event - both on the current track and on the old beachfront. And, many have lost their lives there too. Unfortunately, the linked piece is short, but at least you can have a quick read.

http://tinyurl.com/yej59wd

More Afternoon Moto News - Husaberg Wins & Neil Freeman

Husaberg has won its first US National win for the 2010 National Enduro Series. Rider Mike Lafferty won the third round of the event held at Daytona Beach for Daytona Bike Week. His teammate, Nick Fahringer, placed third after pushing very hard to catch Russell Bobbit, who finished in second. The event was a bit of a struggle as there was plenty of mud, but the Husaberg factory team pulled off an impressive showing!

http://tinyurl.com/ye9bb3c

Neil Freeman (former crew chief for Jamie Hacking on the Monster Kawasaki AMA team) has joined forces with Spectrum Motorsports to offer customers access to a true speed shop. Out of this comes the Spectrum Speed Shop, which can take just about any motorcycle and make it more powerful and, of course, more powerful! For the details and how you can get your bike in for some work, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/ydplroe