Big MotoGP News for Speed Viewers in North America

Dorna and Speed (TV) have reached an agreement which will allow the US-based channel to air the 2010 - 2012 MotoGP Championship seasons in high-definition (HD) LIVE! It's the first of its kind for North American fans of the world's greatest sport, the Motorcycle Grand Prix. The agreement begins this weekend with the Qatar round of the series - a night race in the desert. Speed will show the event live at 4 PM (ET) on 11 April 2010. They will also put some of the races online at speedtv.com. For all the very cool details, please take the link...Amazing!

http://tinyurl.com/yegaq6e

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!


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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

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

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

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

More Morning Moto News - BMW Canada & Moto Rapido Ducati

BMW Motorrad Canada has signed Rush HD as a sponsor for their two rider team in the Canadian Superbike Championship. The deal comes as good news in this economic environment and will help BMW to field a very strong team. Francis Martin and Michael Ferreira, the two riders, have the weight of the factory and their new sponsor on their backs as they compete in the 2010 series...it won't be easy, but I am certain that they will enjoy the challenge.

http://tinyurl.com/y8mhz3k

Moto Rapido Ducati has finally finished assembling their team for the assault on the BSB Superstock 1000 Championship. Youngster Leon Hunt has signed an agreement to race alongside Scott Smart on the Ducati team. Smart, of course, will contest the Superbike Evo class on a similar machine. For the quotes, take the link.
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And, More Morning Moto News - Yamaha & ASBK & Social Media in Canada

Apparently, Yamaha will also be leaving the Australian Superbike Championship to pursue a title in the 2010 Australian Formula Xtreme Championship. They will be taking some of their riders with them, but not all. This leaves on Suzuki as a full factory effort in the series, with others being 'supported by' some manufacturers. It is getting very thin there, but I bet the racing is much more interesting now that it is mostly a privateer effort. Still, the lack of money will not be good for ASBK.

http://tinyurl.com/yk8yjlr

Yes, this is a post about Twitter, Facebook and the rest of the 'social media' world. But, this is specifically geared towards the motorcycle industry and everyone involved. In fact, this article will even help you figure out the best way for you to exploit the social media world. By exploit, I mean use to your heart's content to keep yourself up to date on the latest happenings in the industry and beyond, in many cases. You will likely find enough to create your own account, if you do not already have one.

http://tinyurl.com/ye5vgjb

Sunday Afternoon Moto News - Jordan Szoke & Anaheim Supercross

Canadian Superbike racer Jordan Szoke has been chosen as Motorcycle Racer of the Year in the Inside Track Readers' Choice Awards. It's no wonder as he won his fourth straight championship last year, and he is on his way to getting another in 2010. Go and check it out...

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And, we have results from the AMA Supercross round at Anaheim this weekend. It is Anaheim 2 as there are two events at the same location. Suzuki-mounted Ryan Dungey took victory in this event and is slowly cementing his name on the Supercross Championship as one of the best. Yamaha man James Stewart finished in third, with Josh Hill taking the second position.

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Even More Morning Moto News - Vancouver, BSB & Capirossi

If you live in the Pacific-Northwest, you must learn about the Vancouver Motorcycle Show. It will be held from 21 to 24 January 2010 in the TRADEX Exhibition Centre in Abbotsford, near Vancouver, BC. It is a pretty big deal for that part of Canada and almost every large manufacturer will be on hand with their latest and greatest products. Take the link to learn more - attend if you are able!

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Sure to be another star of the above show: http://tinyurl.com/yflh6s6

Over in the British Superbike Championship, they have again appointed Mervyn Whyte MBE - who is the North West 200 Race Director - to be Chief Steward of the 2010 running of the series. This is his second stint at this position, which he did well previously, and he is more than happy to take up the work.

http://tinyurl.com/yhobzxn

Loris Capirossi has now said that the MotoGP paddock is a place for 'girls' (no offense of females intended, he simply meant young and scared) and real roads racing is where the men are today. He stated this as he was letting us know that he hopes to attend the Isle of man TT this year (in a car, he says) to help celebrate 50 years of competition for Suzuki. I understand what he is saying, but he is no 'girl' in the sense that he is frightened - he is a very brave competitor, IMHO.

http://tinyurl.com/yazjz9j

More Monday Morning Moto News - Dakar Rememberances

The 2010 Rally Dakar is over and the scores, times and names are in the books. However, it was a huge event and there was at least one story for each competitor - if not more. So, let's take a look at some of the interesting news which came from the event and look back on the incredible race that it was.

First comes a story about the fourth Canadian to ever finish a Dakar event - Patrick Trahan. This was his third trip to the event, but first time to go all the way to the finish. That is not uncommon due to the harsh conditions and the ever-increasing risks associated with riding at this level. What a story...

http://tinyurl.com/ybl96p5

Next, of course, comes the story from the Italian Aprilia team, Team Aprilia Giofil. They had a very tough road and competed in a few other rallies before venturing to Dakar. They also put on one hell of a show at the event by winning stages and having one rider, Francisco Lopez, finish overall third. And, to make it even more interesting, this was the first Dakar ever for the Aprilia RXV 4.5 Africa.

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A final overall race report - and it is long: http://tinyurl.com/ydmodfm

Next is the expected report on the winner of the motorcycle event, Cyril Despres: http://tinyurl.com/y9ava5c

Some great and colorful photos: http://tinyurl.com/ybewv5g

Sunday Evening Moto News - Supershow Photos

The North American International Motorcycle Supershow was held this weekend in Toronto Canada, but not much news came out from it (yet). So, I came across this post from a gentleman (well, just guessing) who took some photos while he was at the show. Actually, he is running a booth at the show and wanted to post some of the sights. So, take the link and see what he saw. And, if there are more reports, I will post them here.

http://tinyurl.com/ya5pjqo

More Friday Afternoon Moto News - Malaysia, Jordan Szoke and Alex Welsh

Dr. Gregory Frazier is still out riding in Southeast Asia and now has taken to Malaysia. He takes on his lifelong nemesis - snakes - and still manages to get a great trip out of his time there. If you have any interest in adventure riding in the furthest points of the world, this is something you should read. Dr. Frazier will show you what to do and what to avoid; that way you don't have to learn by screwing up!

http://tinyurl.com/y9zd66y

In racing news, we hear that Competition Systems Kawasaki will not be fielding Canadian star racer Jordan Szoke in the 2010 Canadian Superbike Championship. Instead, they will only have one rider, young phenom Alex Welsh who won the 2008 HJC Pro Rookie of the Year. The whole sad situation has been caused by the economic situation which is strangling everyone to their limits.

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Saturday Morning General Moto News - A Show, A Man and a Bike

First we will start with the show. In Toronto at the International Centre during 15 - 17 January 2010, the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW will have 7 halls dedicated to various motorcycle disciplines including cruisers, customs, racing, and much more. It seems to be a very large event which gets only basic press coverage here in the US. If you live nearby, though, you should go and check it out! All manufacturers should have a presence there and there will be vendors from all over North America and elsewhere.

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And, now on to the man; Julian Ryder, Eurosport MotoGP commentator and longtime motorcycle journalist, will be making an appearance at English dealer Tippetts Honda for a night of conversation about the MotoGP broadcasting experience. Tickets are only £5 and they are limited, so get yours quickly. Ryder is always worth listening to and he has a way with words...

http://tinyurl.com/ybzfkx5

And now on to the bike - it is the Buell 1125CR, believe it or not, and it is the hottest selling 1000c.c.+ motorcycle in all of the United Kingdom for December. I guess we can say that all of the dealers cutting the price in half have had an effect. If you can get yourself a Buell, this is the time to do it as they are dirt cheap and they are, in fact, full of great tech. You should also not have a problem with spares as Harley-Davidson has promised to keep parts stocked for a long while.

http://tinyurl.com/yedyuqh

More Wednesday Moto News from Just About Everywhere, Part 4

Wow, we made it to part 4! It is a busy day!

Zero Motorcycles, preeminent electric motorcycle manufacturers in California, have received a new round of investment funding. They have managed to pull in US$5.56 million in a Series A add-on. This brings the total to somewhere north of US$10 million and should keep them stable for years to come - especially considering how many they have already sold.

http://tinyurl.com/yjg3zlc

Team Green Kawasaki (UK) was the result of hard work by Alec Wright. He passed away after suffering a heart attack at his home a few days ago. He was responsible both for the Team Green effort and for bringing true professionalism to motorcycle road racing in the United Kingdom. It is sad news for all motorcycle race fans...

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Now for something different - a new helmet technology which might reduce injuries to the neck and spine by 50% or more. This comes to us through the MIT blog and is a good read. The Pro-Neck-Tor helmet design differs greatly from what is no available on the market, but it could easily fit right in as the helmet shell can remain unchanged. This could be our future, so take a look as it could save your spinal cord!

http://tinyurl.com/yl9keg9

An Argument for Less is More with Adventure Riding

Have you priced the BMW R1200GS Adventure lately - or, even the KTM 990 Adventure? Well, this author argues that buying a less expensive - and a bit less radical - adventure machine is a better deal in the long run. He is all about the Suzuki DR650, and he does make sense!

http://tinyurl.com/yctle4p

Parts Canada Lead Sponsor for Canadian Enduro Championship

Parts Canada has been involved with the various Canadian enduro series since its inception - but not as a title sponsor. For 2010, considering the success of the series in 2009, Parts Canada will be that title sponsor for the Canadian Enduro Championship. They have seen the incredible response from the fans, the public, the racers and the manufacturers and they want to be a part of it - a big part of it!

http://tinyurl.com/yd3fn8b

Couple of Motorcycle Safety Tips and Stories - Good Reading for Riders

First comes the story of Jerry "Motorman" Palladino - the guy behind the "Ride Like a Pro" - will be putting several motorcycle safety videos on SpeedTV.com. There are already 29+ videos up on the site and more are coming soon. So take the link and learn how to ride like a pro...

http://tinyurl.com/qr8232

After that, we hear that Travis Pastrana is donating some US$5,000 to help Brad Lackey get Danny "Magoo" Chandler a special needs van due to his injury. Pastrana did so because he really feels that Magoo has done wonderful things for the sport and he is continuing to do great things for motorcycle safety. This is all apart of Bob "Hurricane" Hannah's Challenge to raise funds for the transport.

http://tinyurl.com/yg6shqk

And, finally, a great tale of a politician doing something right for motorcyclists. She has taken up the mantle for Denise Lodge, whose son was killed while riding on Vancouver Island, Canada. It is a sad story, but some good is coming from it thanks to Mayor Joanne Monaghan, who actually listened.

http://tinyurl.com/yhfa8q5

Miguel and Yvon Duhamel to Attend Canadian Motorsports Expo

The Canadian Motorsports Expo will be held at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, from 22 to 24 January 2010. There will be motorsports celebrities of all sorts attending the event, but the most important for many of us motorcycle racing fans has to be the Duhamel clan - Yvon and his son Miguel. Just take the link to learn more about this very famous father-son racing dynasty.

http://tinyurl.com/yeexqvs