Honda Goes to Dakar in 2013!

Will Big Red be able to conquer the Dakar as they did the Baja and many other grueling endurance events the world over? They lost out at the Baja 500 this year for the first time in 15 years to an upstart Kawasaki team (not really - the THR Monster Team was very strong as evidenced by the results), but Team Green does not yet have a factory-backed bike in the Dakar and it is Honda after 23 years away. It will be an interesting few months as we hear more from Honda about their Dakar 2013 machine.

We know the team, though: Helder Rodrigues, from Portugal, motocross and enduro rider Felipe Zanol of Brazil, Sam Sunderland from the United Kingdom and Javier Pizzolito of Argentina. For a little more have a quick read here:

http://tinyurl.com/6rgstwk

TT Zero Welcomes Honda via Mugen

The Isle of Man TT has run the TT Zero as part of the race fortnight since it replaced the TTXGP in 2010. Since that time, no major manufacturers have entered their own machinery; partially, at least, this is due to the fact that they do not have much to enter at this point - everything is in development and their cycles require more time since they are trying for mass production and mass acceptance - and somewhat to the need that a big company not get embarrassed on a regular basis by people working out of a glorified garage. This, though, is about to change, even if it is only through an indirect route. An electric motorcycle designed by Honda as a prototype - this is speculated at this time - will be fielded at the 2012 running of the SES TT Zero Race, scheduled for 26 May to 8 June. As more comes out, I'll see if I can post it...until then, have a quick read to back this up:

http://tinyurl.com/7h3ymhp

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

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.

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

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

More News from JC Current...Please CLICK!

There has been an enormous amount of news coming from the world of two wheels lately. It is the end of the racing season, the musical chairs that are professional racing, the beginning of the 2011 models, new gear and accessories - and plenty of shows which bring much of this together in one place. EICMA is running in Milan, Ducati has released their 'fat-boy' Diavel, MV Agusta has shown their new F3 triple, Triumph's new Tiger 800XC and Daytona 675R, Yamaha's Super Tenere, and many more.

I have some stories here which may have slipped past you, or you may simply want to know more. Some are a bit old, but they are still current (pun intended)...please take a look.

2011 Master of the Mountains Schedule

The Middle Kindom Ride - China on BMWs

The New Brammo Enertia Plus

The 2010 Africa Concours d'Elegance in Kenya

The All-New Honda CBR250R Coming to US

The Renard Grand Tourer - Estonian Beauty

Honda's Moto3 Machine - NRS250

BMW R1200GS Triple Black

Chicago's Isle of Man

Gilera GP800 - World's Most Powerful Scooter

dediKato Auction (Ends 8 November 2010)

Nick Nichols Has Shed This Mortal Coil

Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show and Bonhams Auction

Suzuki GZ250 Price Dropped $1000!

Guy Martin to Ride Relentless by TAS Suzuki at 2011 Isle of Man TT

Scott Redding to Ride Suter/BMW MotoGP Machine

2011 FIM Speedway GP and Speedway Cup Schedule

Team Canada Heading to Latin American Championships

AMA Crowns Hillclimb Champions

Well, there are a few more, but that will do for this post. I am also working at the Portland Examiner as well and have at least one published article there...once I get that link, I will post it here too...Until then, please take the above links - every click helps!

Another Human Sacrifice for the Isle of Man TT

It is simply part of racing at this time; that is often used to explain a death on any motorcycle race circuit, but the Isle of Man TT has a special place for the people who give their lives to race in this prestigious annual event. The truth of the matter is that those who race motorcycles are risking their lives. Modern safety equipment and even better track design has noticeably reduced the numbers in recent decades - and that is a very good thing for all of us! The TT, however, will always be this way. It is a real roads race which demands the best of the people moving at high speed over its course on motorcycles. Ask anyone out there, though, and you will find not one individual with a 'death wish'. To them, this is life and it sometimes takes that from you. They know the risks and try to be as safe as they can be, but pushing the limit puts you on a fine edge between stable and unstable. This time the price was a 29-year-old man from the U.K. named Matthew Alexander Evans. He crashed while piloting his Honda Fireblade at high speed in the left-hand curves near the Mountain Box. Please see the link for more...

HMSI Unveils Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler 150

It appears that CEO Shinji Aoyama of Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India Ltd has come out to the buying public plain and simple - this model will cost more than the original estimated MSRP. The CB Unicorn Dazzler 150 will need to cost more to make up for its higher overall quality. It seems that HMSI is dedicated to making this machine a very reliable and strong bike. If it rides on the roads of India, it must be a very stout - nee indestructible - and it must handle very well. Take a look at the new machine...

http://tinyurl.com/35c4w79

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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