It Will Be Built, Will You Buy? The Xenon, a TRON Lightcycle

For around US$55,000 you too may ride a lightcycle at least similar in form to the machines from the recent TRON: Legacy film from Disney. Not a whole lot has come out about the machine other than its electric powertrain and the 100 mph (160 km/h) speed and 100 mile range (160 km). The company building it in the USA is Evolve Motorcycles, or "evolve" as it appears on their official documentation. That say something about them...expect more interesting machines from this relatively new operation.

http://tinyurl.com/7ngow6k

http://evolvemotorcycles.com/

Honda RC-E Electric Concept

Late (again) with this news about the soon to show - at the Tokyo Motor event, of course - Honda RC-E electric superbike concept. The idea here is that the RC-E may actually reach production, though, so not so much of a concept as a prototype. Whether this is more than a rumor will only be known in time. Until it either becomes reality or burns out with the many others which came before it, we can let our eyes wonder over the curvaceous machine that is the Honda RC-E. She is sweet, no?

http://tinyurl.com/7fkt56e

Maria Costello Dominates Vintage Racing in America

This is late, again...no excuses, but a significant list of reasons.

Maria Costello receives the MBE from Prince Charles

Maria Costello took the AHRMA by storm at two events - Barber Motorsports Park and Daytona. The first is the annual Barber Vintage Festival where Costello took two wins and one second place, and the next was a round at the Daytona Speedway where she picked up two more wins. This was a second trip across the Pond for the talented racer as she was invited here last year, too. Chance are, she will be here again...I only hope I get to see her race.

For a brief story from a local (in the U.K.) newspaper, take the link below:

http://tinyurl.com/67whrpd

More details to be found here: http://costelloracing.blogspot.com/

Polaris is Expanding - Buys into Brammo!

Brammo Empulse RR

Surely, you have already read this, but the news is still encouraging for the motorcycle industry and thus it must be brought to the attention of those involved in it. Polaris most recently took over the new Indian - which seems to be going well at this early stage - and now they have bought a minority share in Brammo. They do make a good bike, in my opinion, and seem to be walking a solid line with the business operations as well. Brammo, based here in Oregon, is on the path to real industry relevancy; soon, no one will laugh at electric motorcycles.

So, without further crap from me, here is the press release:
http://tinyurl.com/697mqj6

Catch You on the Other Side #58; Marco Simoncelli 1987 - 2011

Well, likely not...he's a fair bit faster than I.

Marco Simoncelli #58

It's a very sad day in motorcycle racing today as FIM MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli succumbed to injuries he received in a crash on the second lap of the Malaysian Grand Prix. Some details are finally beginning to become available, but the footage is online...and it is painful to watch. I can barely write about it, actually. The link is below, but be warned that it is horrifying.

This will be another life given to the gods ruling this sport we all love so much. It happens all around the world far too often; it is the loss of such a promising young athlete, a 'youth' by many measures, who dedicated everything of his being to be the best motorcycle racer he could be which makes this one so significant. His second season, and his best yet, and we all knew he was to be a great...to become legend.

Nothing I can write here will make this any easier for this it has an effect upon, so I can only say: Marco, you will be missed, and I will never forget you nor who you were to the universe. Ride in Peace. See you on the other side.

MotoGP link (not much information): http://tinyurl.com/3hca8zb

MotoGP: Race Direction Press Conference (more information): http://tinyurl.com/5uprsvt

Video of the Crash (Be Warned): http://youtu.be/FkInpkx1hFE

#58

Lamborghini Design 90 - Did You Know?

Did you know it existed? Very few did...probably one reason only six Lamborghini Design 90 motorcycles, a partnership between the ultra-car company and French motorcycle racing extraordinaire Boxer, were built. Enjoy that 1980s design aesthetic.

http://tinyurl.com/63rwbq6

Guy Martin Driving a RaceCAR?

If I were within 500 miles (805 Km) of this, I would want to be there...however, a high-definition screen sees much more than I could were I actually at the event. (Plus, I do believe computers are giving me eye cancer...) Guy Martin in his first four-wheeled race piloting a Caterham Superlight R300 - an open-wheeled car reminiscent of a early 20th Century racer - is nothing if not historic. It is something one would relate to their grandchildren. Go have a read at this local paper. Oh, and feast your eyes on those chops. Guy Martin and his boat, his bike and his Caterham Superlight.

http://tinyurl.com/6f8ahwn

Oberdan Bezzi "Builds" A Beautiful MV

If only someone would actually put this into real steel - or some alloy - it would be mine. OK, that is not strictly true; I could not afford it - and it WILL become reality very soon, according to one source (linked below). It could be mimicked by a cleaver builder with a salvaged Brutale or F4...and, it would not be extraordinarily expensive, either. The Oberdan Bezzi MV Agusta 750S Classic Concept will debut at EICMA Milan in only a few weeks' time. Isn't she a beauty!

http://tinyurl.com/6fqg259

Stoner Wins Another One - 2011 MotoGP Champion

OK, so I do like to say, "...told you so." And, I do it often. I guess that means that one more time won't be adding too much fuel to any fire of hatred anyone has for me...

Casey Stoner is the FIM MotoGP World Champion once again! On board the mighty Honda RC212V, he fought the best on the surface of this planet and beat all comers to the title. Vale, though, is not doing so well this season. It turns out that the Ducati is a bit more of a handful than many thought. I wonder how things would be different if Hayden were to jump into another factory's machinery; Yamaha, or Suzuki anyone?

http://tinyurl.com/3b3d476

P.S. Congratulations Honda, too. After all, the engineers there built the bike.

This one simply had to be posted. I admit that I am a design addict - I study it constantly and even do my own, though not professionally, yet (hint, nudge, wink) - so my personal bias certainly figures into this helmet appearing on this blog. However, it could be something to watch as there are some radical designs coming to light lately. At least two recent models may see production. This one might as well, but safety is a concern with that sharp-ish peak...but, new materials science and CAD do make things that were once dreams completely possible. Take the link for a little more information.

http://tinyurl.com/5vrk8q2

Well, it was not the revolutionary V-4 I was naively expecting, but it is a serious redesign even if the displacement remains unchanged. The new Ducati Panigale will run with a 1199 cc V-Twin (or L-Twin to Ducatisti) known as the Superquadro, and the most recent details can be found after the link.

http://tinyurl.com/6gacckb

Creative Marketing - SHARK and sak_art design

Shark, the world-renowned helmet maker based in France who built the very first carbon fiber lid, provided a helmet and sak_art design s.n.c. provided the paint. Out of that comes the helmet pictured here. If you do not have a smartphone, that is a QR (Quick Response) Code painted on that smooth looking lid. With a properly equipped smartphone, scanning the code will take you to the Shark website...nothing special, but it is new and it does have its own modern style.

http://tinyurl.com/4y77kmq

A Look at Something We Like...The MV Agusta 500 Triple & Agostini

Just because it is there and I an direct some traffic that way - a short piece on the history of the MV Agusta 500/3 which Ago ran starting in the FIM Grand Prix starting in 1966. Hold on for the ride beyond the link...the images on the other side are potentially dangerous...

http://tinyurl.com/5tk3b6d

Hey, that's looks somewhat similar to the lid I wear now...I wonder why?

Late to The News...and BUSY!

This one only came to my attention at the start of this week, unfortunately. I have had one rather notable week, to be fair to all involved. Run in with the police...for not having an operator's license...but I do have a valid driver's license which does not expire until next year...impounded vehicle...and, of course, it's going to cost me in the $$$$ range. However, there is light for this one. It seems that I have a valid case to plead - poverty. This is factual. But, oddly enough, had I lied to the good officer, I would have only incurred a minor ticket. Moreover, it was a dumb mistake and I made the safest move. Eh, we will see...cities are hungry for $$$$ right now just like the rest of us.

Good news, though, I have a real JOB now in my favorite industry...more later.

Enough about me...This is about the new FIM Speedway GP World Champion: American, and all around good man, Greg Hancock! He claimed it a few weeks ago now, but I just cannot ignore this and leave it off of this blog. Hancock is not only a fierce competitor with a heart that burns nitro-methane, he is also my age ;^)

It's sad that almost no one here in the USA knows who he is...

Congratulations Greg! Someday I'll see you out there...

Please read: http://tinyurl.com/3n8d62w

And, any readers, please at least share the linked article...his home nation should know this story!

American Macau Grand Prix Contingent Announced

Five Americans will fly the US flag at the 45th Macau Grand Prix scheduled for Saturday, 19 November, 2011. Jeremy Toye on a Paul Bird ZX-10R, race regular Mark Miller on an Splitlath Aprilia RSV4, other regular Michael Barnes on an Attack Performance ZX-10R, Sean Dwyer riding a Locust/Lee's Cycles S1000RR, and Chris Clark racing on a Pat Clark YZF-R1. The Chinese island won't know what hit it! Go USA!

http://tinyurl.com/3vybwfa

King Kenny Rides His 1980 Yamaha YZR500 at Laguna Seca

I missed this...and it really did hurt somewhat. It was like dreaming of a lover far away while I sit here working and MotoGP was running at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Of course, the type of love differs significantly...but the feeling of longing was the same. Enjoy...and turn up the volume!

Vintage Brough Superior Breaks Land Speed Record

With the help of Mr. Jay Leno (he let them use his garage), and an international cast of characters - from the new Brough Superior's Austrian operations - have taken their new 1000 cc SS model to a measured top speed of 124.98 mph! The engine on this machine is based around the original 1927 1000 cc Alpine Grand Sport, but it has the benefit of using modern materials. For more of the story, go straight to the source:

http://tinyurl.com/63gghju

Gran Premio de Motociclismo regresa a la Argentina!

On Tuesday (Euro time) it was announced that Dorna had signed a three-year deal with the Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo will host the Grand Prix of Argentina beginning on 2013. That will make it a 14 year absence, so you can be sure that motorcycle racing fans there will be celebrating tonight...and anxiously awaiting ticket sales!

http://tinyurl.com/5w6ftqq

Number 52 Hangs 'Em Up: James Toseland has Retired

A few hours late with this one...

Unfortunately, due to injury, James Toseland has decided to retire from motorcycle racing. The Englishman, and two time World Superbike Champion, injured his wrist at a test in Spain back in March. The joint was hurt again at the recent Nurburgring round of WSBK and, after investigating and discussing the matter with medical professionals, decided it was safest for him to walk away from the sport he loves at the tender age of 30.

I do hate to see him go as he was always one of the most fun to watch and listen to, but he needs to do what is best for him and his family. We all wish Toseland well in all of his future endeavors!

http://tinyurl.com/3bk5s7y

The Italian Motorcycle Owners Club 28th Annual All-Italian Bike Rally

Coming up on 18 September in Sturbridge, MA, is the 28th Italian Motorcycle Owners Club All-Italian Motorcycle Rally. A passion for motorcycles is all you need to attend. Directly from the announcement:

The Italian Motorcycle Owners Club (IMOC) will be holding its 28th Annual all-Italian motorcycle Rally on Sunday, September 18, 2011 in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The IMOC Rally is the biggest and longest-running Italian motorcycle event in America. If the weather cooperates, it's not uncommon to have some 400 Italian bikes and 1,000 spectators on hand.

As usual, the Rally is held at the Hamilton Rod & Gun Club, 24 Hamilton Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566...from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Judging begins at Noon.

Admission is still only $5, per person. ALL proceeds in excess of expenses are donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (J.D.R.F.). Dealer Flea Market and Club spaces available. Refreshments and a food concession available
on-site.

This year's feature is the original, small-Block Ducati Pantah (500, 600, 650, 750)...such as the SL, TL, F1, Paso, Indiana, 750 Sport, etc., along with the Cagiva Allazzurra and Elefant.

All Italian motorcycles and scooters are welcome. No open pipes or pets, please.

Directions: from the Mass. Pike take exit 9, Rte. 20 West. Go 1/2-mile to New Boston Road, follow signs to Gun Club...which is a left turn onto Hamilton Road. From I-84, take exit 3B to Rte. 20 West...then proceed as above.

For more information and coverage of past IMOC Rallies visit www.imocusa.com.

Steven
Rossi
IMOC Rally Co-Chair
(860) 873-2999 Home
(248) 470-5788
Cell
SLDMRossi@aol. com

A Letter from Giovanni Castiglioni

Giovanni Castiglioni wrote a heartfelt letter to the many people who have been affected by the death of his father, Claudio Castiglioni - the man who saved the Italian motorcycle industry and built it into what we know and love today. Taken directly from the letter, in his own words:

I am writing you this letter to personally thank you for the outpouring of affection that you have demonstrated both towards my father and our family.

All of you have come to know Claudio, but I believe that I knew him more intimately than anybody else as he was more than a father to me, he was also my best friend, business partner, reference point and the person whom I could call on at anytime, day or night, to share both good and bad news.

I would like to tell you a little bit about him. In a few words he could only be defined as crazy, a volcano full of energy and infinite well of ideas… courageous, tenacious and a risk taker. Sometimes he would even risk a little bit too much.

He was different than most other business men in that he never put a lot of importance on money or personal success. He was driven by his emotions and lived for his company and his motorcycles.

My father personally re-launched the Italian motorcycle industry in the last 25 years and he did so risking everything, working day and night, fighting against a complex system in an industrial sector that is continually more difficult, and going up against the colossal motorcycle manufacturers without fear. Rather, he continually challenged them thanks to the brands and historic models that he came up with and developed.

I am not going to list all of the things that would not be if not for him, we all know the impact he had. But, I would like to explain how the company developed during the periods starting from 2007, the year that Husqvarna was sold to the multinational BMW, and 2008 when MV and Cagiva were sold to the glorious Harley-Davidson. In this period, the company was in financial difficulty due to the large investments and lack of liquidity. But, this was not the crisis that made him lose his resolve. Reflecting on the situation, we thought that our Group needed a stronger partner that would help us guarantee the continuity, as happened with a large number of privately held, family-owned companies in various sectors.

And that’s what we did.

But, companies run by these colossal giants do not always improve…

Besides the fact of the difficult times, the day that Harley-Davidson decided to put MV Agusta up for sale, my father whom was already battling his illness said “We will never give up on MV and all of the people who work there, we need to save it at all costs”.

I said to my father, for the thousandth time, that this would be crazy. But, his craziness infected even me and we came up with a new plan for this great adventure. A challenge against everyone…

Today, my father is no longer with us, but he has left us a grand inheritance: the best brand in the world, a four-cylinder line-up from 920cc to 1090cc with two F4’s and three Brutale’s that are all new and the new F3 675 and Brutale 675 that will allow us to increase our volumes while entering in the middle weight class. But, above all, he set the path for our future. Two concepts for new models were formed by him during the fight against his illness and I will continue his work developing these new models together with our strong team.

Today, MV is a solid company with strong economic results that are very different from those in the past and we are a company that is without debt, something very rare in these challenging economic times. This is a unique historical period, the crisis and the difficulty in finding financial support for product development do not help, but we are full of resolve. With our clear plan and direction we are certain that we will grow stronger than ever.

I cannot be everything that my father was, nor could the Engineer Bordi, who is a key figure in our present and future success, be. None of us can replace my father, but one thing is certain: none of us are afraid of the future and we will never give up. We will continue to go forward as before, but with even more determination and resolve. We will tighten our belts and make whatever sacrifices will need to be made to bring MV the success that it deserves.

My father has taught me many things, the most important of which is that you need to be a man and never give up.

We have all the tools at our disposal to achieve a new level of success and to grow together in the future. I am confident that we have all of your continued support for this great challenge.

Buon lavoro e grazie

Giovanni Castiglioni

Bradley Smith to Remain in Moto2...Instead of MotoGP!

It really takes a level of maturity rarely seen in people his age (especially motorcycle racers) to hold yourself out of the premier racing level in order to continue developing your skill set. MotoGP is the goal of everyone in Grand Prix racing, but Smith is being smart and biding his time until he feels he is ready - genius!

http://tinyurl.com/3pof7na

WHEW! Indy Retains MotoGP Until 2014

That was a close one for many fans of the MotoGP event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. They usually make these announcements during the event, but this one came during Misano. OK, people of Indiana (and those who travel there) you can stop holding your breath...relax and get to work on your hotel reservations!

http://www.tinyurl.com/3ze75oc

Capirex Rides Into the Sunset

Loris Capirossi announced today that 2011 would be his final season in motorcycle racing. Two decades is a long time to do anything other than breathe or, say, workout, and 22 years competing at the very edge of life and death is a long time indeed. Read on in an article I wish I had written.

http://www.tinyurl.com/4yemcp5

Some Recent Articles Written by Yours Truly

My services will no longer be needed by All About Bikes as they have hired a new full-time writer in order to save money (which is odd when you consider how little I was compensated, but what do I know?). Hopefully, I will find a position somewhere else so that I can continue this passion.

First on this list is a piece about Moto Morini rising from the ashes: http://tinyurl.com/3s9q6bw

One of my favorite engine stories, the Moto Guzzi V8 Grand Prix: http://tinyurl.com/3slbawa

And, final for now, BMW and their constant evolution: http://tinyurl.com/3z7v8zu

There are several more which have yet to be posted here, so I will be getting back on them soon. Bit by bit...

Thank you!

Claudio Castiglioni Has Died

From the MV Agusta PR:

Claudio Castiglioni, 64 years old and President of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. passed away this morning in Varese, Italy after a courageous battle against an illness.

The man who personally elevated the Italian motorcycle industry to its current role as world leader and the businessman who excelled with MV Agusta, Cagiva, Ducati and Husqvarna brands has left us.

After his experience in the family business’s specializing in metalworking and manufacturing, in 1978 Castiglioni founded the company Cagiva which continually developed new and innovative motorcycles that have influenced the direction of the Italian and world motorcycle markets through the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Intuitive, tenacious, and a true visionary: these qualities drove Claudio Castiglioni to purchase the historic brands like Ducati, Husqvarna and MV Agusta. Coupled with his vision, diligence, hard work and financial investment these brands have once again become the protagonist of the two wheeled market.

Claudio Castiglioni has given us some of the most important motorcycles ever built, personifying performance, elegance and style: Cagiva Elefant and Mito, Ducati 916 and Monster as well as the MV Agusta F4 and Brutale. Finally, the President crafted the latest jewels in every detail, a testament to his insatiable passion for motorcycles: the MV Agusta F3 and Brutale 675.

Racing has always been one of his greatest passions, and his forays into competition have resulted in success at every level of world championship racing. With Cagiva came the titles of World Motocross Champion as well as the triumphs in the most enduring desert race, the Paris-Dakar. Also with Cagiva were the numerous successes in the 500 GP class. Ducati, under his guidance, dominated entire seasons of the World Superbike Championship thanks to models such as the 851 and 916. Finally, Husqvarna acquired a number of World Championships in Enduro, Motocross and Supermotard.

At the very center of his personal and professional history there is MV Agusta, to which he dedicated over 15 years creating motorcycles which have come to be considered the world wide icon for style and exclusivity as well as representing excellence Made in Italy. With the MV Agusta motorcycles, nothing was ever left to chance, the smallest details were reviewed and revised hundreds of times in order to create motorcycles that are simply unique, personifying perfection. Behind every detail, there are the ideas, heart and soul of Claudio Castiglioni.

For the past year, the President has left the guidance of MV Agusta to his son Giovanni, who has been by his side during many of the battles that have formed the story of the manufacture in Varese. These challenges, day after day, constructed and invisible fabric that was so well woven by this truly unique person and businessman. Giovanni, with the same passion and tenacity as his father, from this day forth will continue to create what Claudio Castiglioni described as “the most beautiful motorcycles in the world”.

The funeral will take place Friday August 19th at 14:00 in the Church of the Brunella in via Crispi, Varese (Italy).

PR ends...

Another legend leaves us behind...maybe he will be able to host a race team with Gary Nixon, who joins on The Other Side...

RIP

Star Wars Honda Chopper: Fairly Creative - High Marks for Attention to Detail

From out of the wide world of Internet media comes the concept vehicle (yes, we've seen many here) before you. It is branded Honda, but has been designed by one very dedicated Star Wars fan, Mr Pete Norris. Check it out:

http://tinyurl.com/3o9exaz

Another Helpful Link - Assisting Your Hunt for Insurance

The site here will be useful for understanding motorcycle insurance, what to watch for, which coverage is right for your bike, and will even clue you in to how your insurance rates are determined - from a high level.

Check it out: www.insuranceforamotorcycle.org

It is very new, so the layout may change. However, the data there will always be available.

Yet Another Link for Your Perusal

This one was recently finished up and I thought I had dropped it on here already, but I can't find the thing anywhere...too much to do, too little brainpower.

A very helpful site for finding yourself an alarm: www.motorcyclealarm.org. Please check it out - I hope it helps someone!

Thank you!

Dani Pedrosa Deserves More Respect!

The article linked here, "Why the Hate for Dani Pedroosa", is something I was actually working on for some time - around two years ago I thought of writing my feelings down. They are just that, my feelings, and I am aware they mean very little overall. However, if you do enjoy MotoGP, I do suggest you read the piece as Pedrosa deserves it from every fan.

It is even more true now that the unfortunate Spaniard has a broken collar bone...it's like he's cursed; maybe Rossi does know some voodoo sorcery...

Please have a read and feel free to share!

http://tinyurl.com/6zpkgnq

So Much Work, So Little Time...

Once again this blog has been left languishing for a time...again. I have nothing which will excuse me from this oversight, but there are many reasons. Everything ranging from locating money to pay the bills, to helping a friend move, and then there is the magazine work. Plus, there is a new blog being created as I write this. It will be mostly unrelated to CurrentMoto, so you won't see much from here linking to it. However, if anyone is interested, I can pass the information along to you.

Stay tuned for some more posts with article links. For now, have a good look at the AAB magazine's website for your latest news: www.allaboutbikes.com.

Don't forget MotoGP hits LeMans this coming weekend!

More New and Useful Links - Motorcycle Help of All Kinds

Some more work of a good friend of this site which some readers might find handy to have bookmarked:

First up is the most recent - Help for buying a motorcycle gloves of any sort: www.motorcycleglovereviews.com

The search for a trailer is now easier: www.motorcycle-trailer.org

A nice and simple site which you may use to see if a recall notice has been issued for your motorcycle: www.motorcyclerecall.com

Only some motorcycle leather suits are covered here, but it's a little better than much of what is out there already (with one specific exception): www.motorcycleleathers.info

How about a new set of shoes for your bike this coming season; a guide full of reviews on motorcycle tires: www.motorbiketires.net

These are just a few helpful sites. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not make any money off of the websites linked above - none at all. They are run by a friendly company for the sole purpose of providing free information to motorcycle riders everywhere and I help set them up. If you want to help that group - if you actually like and use the information contained there - click on one of the ads so that he gets a half-penny or so!

New Links - Resources for the Ride

If you have ever read this blog, and I know the numbers are most unfortunately small, you will notice a new section on the right-hand side of the page - "Most Trusted Resources" - with some new links. These have been placed here as a helpful list of online resources for almost anything motorcycle - buying a new bike, finding salvage parts, reviews of gear and aftermarket accessories, and a wonderful place to look up any specifications or details on a bike you want to buy or want to learn more about.

I have been working with the man behind these sites for some time now, and I can assure any readers here that the websites he creates are incredibly useful and very thorough. Please take a look and bookmark these sites for future reference!