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

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

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

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

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

More Morning Moto News - Balatonring Circuit, Interwetten Honda & Kawasaki Z1

The Hungarian circuit of Balatonring looks to be on course for the 2010 Hungarian Motorcycle Grand Prix. However, we did read earlier reports on how some local civic groups are quite upset at how much taxpayer money is going into the track - and how little profit will be coming back to state coffers. So, there will probably be some political bullying - hopefully, it will be more compromise and working together - to get this track ready for the MotoGP circus to setup and play. 19 September 2010 is the date to watch for...

http://tinyurl.com/y9pujfq

Interwetten Honda is following in the footsteps of the Aspar Grand Prix team and will have riders in all three classes, MotoGP, Moto2 and 125GP. They have signed on Marcel Schrotter for their 125cc effort; he is a young up-and-coming German rider who looks to be a competitive rider in the series. Even though it seems most teams are strapped for cash, it seems that these two teams are hedging their bets.

http://tinyurl.com/y8oqany

Looks like someone has a lovely, un-restored and healthy 1974 Kawasaki Z1 for sale on eBay. The price is close to US$9K right now, but it is worth every penny. You will have a very hard time trying to find one which has not been restored in this condition - it is almost perfect. Owning a piece of motorcycle history is simple, just take the link and then place a bid!

http://tinyurl.com/ydul33m

More Moto News - Middleweight Cruiser Shootout

Are you looking for a laid-back ride which is easy on your wallet, not too garish, and will take you anywhere the road leads? Well, this is a review for you. Here we have four middleweight cruisers which will do about anything their larger siblings can do, but for less. The (all are 2010 models) Harley-Davidson Sportster 883, Star V-Star 950, Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom and Honda Shadow Phantom. Which one is best for you? Take the link and figure it out!

http://tinyurl.com/yj3jko7

Saturday Afternoon Moto News - Haslam Takes Pole & More WSBK!

Leon Haslam has taken his first ever pole position in World Superbike at the Phillip Island circuit in Australia. It is the first race of 2010, so this indicates just how hungry Haslam is for a win - and the championship. It will be an interesting race - don't miss it!

http://tinyurl.com/yhu7ezm

Another look at the World Superbike proceedings in Australia. We get a re-cap on Haslam's Superpole performance, Haga starting in tenth (!), and even my pick for this race, Max Biaggi, sitting back in eleventh position. There is a full grid listing and other information which you may want to know ahead of the race weekend.

http://tinyurl.com/ye6b67x

We also get to hear from the always talking Chris Vermeulen. He is targeting a top-10 position and hoping for seventh or eighth for the race this weekend at Phillip Island. This will give Kawasaki a higher finish than it had back in 2009 and help Vermeulen get the support he needs to race for the title.

http://tinyurl.com/y9yzsz2

Wednesday Afternoon Moto News - BMW and BSB & Tom Sykes

BMW has announced that they have teamed up with Jentin Racing to compete in the National 1000 Superstock with Richard Cooper and in the BSB Evo series with rider Steve Brogan. All parties are quite happy with the arrangement and it looks like BMW will be racing their S1000RR against the best in the world on at least four continents.

http://tinyurl.com/yj4q7d7

Tom Sykes is very happy with his new Kawasaki World Superbike Team, and Paul Bird Motorsport, so far. He will be competing on the World stage very soon and feels that the Kawasaki team has what it will take to get him to the top. Sykes has some strong competition, though, so even doing very well may not be enough...

http://tinyurl.com/yecesv9

Thursday Afternoon Moto News - The Electric Confusion & PINK AMA Supercross

Mark Gardiner has done a great job of covering the stink between the TTXGP and the Isle of Man - with their TT Zero race. As you may already know, the Isle of Man race organizers switched away from Azhar Hussain's race series, the TTXGP, to their own version which they call the TT Zero. There is a great deal which went on behind the scenes when this decision was made. For some of that knowledge and to get some history on the whole affair, take the link to the two part article...it is worth your time!

http://tinyurl.com/yfovtr6

Well, we read that the Kawasaki 24-hour charity ride for the Cure was a success; we also heard that the AMA Supercross race held the next day was also used to bring in some money in the fight against Breast Cancer - they raised over US$27,000! Well, there is also an auction for various autographed goods from your favorite racer. Just take the link to learn the details. Susan G. Komen is loving this, and they are most grateful!

http://tinyurl.com/yeuzhlw

Wednesday Afternoon Moto News - Kawasaki for the Cure & 250 MX Shootout

The Kawasaki Moto Marathon for the Cure was run in conjunction with the Anaheim III round of the AMA Supercross event, which was also themed with Breast Cancer Awareness, last weekend. It was a 24-hour event where riders were trained on off-road skills of all kinds for as long as they needed or wanted instruction. Participants were offered the classes for free as long as they made a donation to the San Diego Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. 75 riders attended and more than US$2500 was raised from just their donations! It is a long story, so please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yjnx58d

MotorcycleUSA has just wrapped up a test of all the popular 250cc motocross bikes - minus the Suzuki RM-Z250, which was unavailable for the test. They did test the 2010 Honda CRF250R, Kawasaki KX250F, KTM 250 SX-F and Yamaha YZ250F and came home with some results. To find out who won what and which machine is the best for MX riding and racing, please read the article after the link. (It looks like Big Red has done it again...)

http://tinyurl.com/yzlovnf

MORE Afternoon Moto News - Inland Northwest Motorcycle & Kawasaki UK

The Inland Northwest Motorcycle Show went off this past weekend in Spokane, Washington, in the Pacific Northwest. The show was mostly made up of local dealerships and motorcycle-related businesses - of which there are many fewer this year than last due to the lackluster economy - and the halls were much more occupied than even the author expected. Take a look and see what we missed...

http://tinyurl.com/ybglxvl

Kawasaki's U.K. operation has set up a website for British residents who wish to take a demo ride of a new Kawasaki motorcycle. The site - kawasakitestride.co.uk - allows anyone to get their leg over a new machine from the Japanese marque. It's a great idea that we all hope will spread to other countries as well!

http://tinyurl.com/ycdnwvl

More Morning Moto News - Gruppo Campari, Chris Vermeulen, Bradley Smith & Scott Redding

Gruppo Campari - owners of the Cinzano brand - has signed with Dorna to continue their sponsorship until the 2013 season. As you probably know, as you are watching MotoGP, you will often see the Cinzano billboards all over the track - this agreement is why. However, Cinzano will be replaced with new leading brand Aperol. Sponsorship is very important in racing and this is good news!

http://tinyurl.com/y8rg7rf

Chris Vermeulen has a tough task ahead of him in the World Superbike Championship; he has to bring Kawasaki back to the podium in that series. Vermeulen has had some up and down times, but he is always a racer's racer and is actually looking forward to the work he has to do in 2010. For more on the monumental season he has in front of him, take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yj4upac

British racers Bradley Smith and Scott Redding are on their way to Barcelona for the World Championship practice. Redding is taking his first turn aboard his new Marc VDS Moto2 machine and Smith is returning to the 125cc machine from Bancaja Aprilia. These are the first tests of the season for those classes and it should provide some great information for riders, teams and fans alike!

http://tinyurl.com/yhr42ku

Sunday Afternoon Moto News - Anaheim III Supercross

The third and final AMA Supercross race in Anaheim, California, went off yesterday and may have changed a few things. First of all Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto took the victory in a convincing way by leading the entire race. Second place was Yamaha man Josh Hill. In the Western Lites class, Honda-mounted Trey Canard proved himself worthy by taking the victory and moving into second place overall. In the premier class, Suzuki's Ryan Dungey has now welcomed another rider into a tie for first place - and that would be Josh Hill. For a cool video wrap-up and more information, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y92awd2

Saturday Afternoon Moto News - Kawasaki Lubricants & Malcolm Smith (not with each other...)

Kawasaki Motors of the USA is releasing a new line of powersports oils. Kawasaki Performance Oils will be sold in synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral based in multiple grades for motorcycles - and, they will have oils for ATV/UTV and PWC uses. They have added to and improved the old line-up as well as changed the packaging. Head to your local Kawasaki dealer to learn more.

http://tinyurl.com/yj9n2jg

The AMA has announced that Motorcycle Hall of Famer Malcolm Smith will serve as Grand Marshal at this coming 9 - 11 July's 2010 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days in Lexington, Ohio. That's a lot to take in. Yes, Malcolm Smith was chosen since Husqvarna - finally returning to full sales support in the US - is the event's Marque of the Year for 2010. All worth a visit...and a demo ride on a Husky!

http://tinyurl.com/yjy9elo

More Morning Moto News - Chris Vermeulen, Ducati MotoGP & Air Asia Sponsorship

Chris Vermeulen is having trouble getting his Kawasaki World Superbike machine to agree with him. At the most recent WSBK tests he has been a bit off the pace, but no one is worried. Kawasaki does not expect as much as Vermeulen expects of himself, but that sure won't stop Vermeulen from pushing hard to finish high in the order. Again, the 2010 WSBK series will be very entertaining!

http://tinyurl.com/ybrkp8t

The Desmosedici GP10 has a host of changes from the 2009 model; Ducati is looking to get their edge back and take the 2010 title - as you would expect. Casey Stoner did well on the machine at the Sepang test, finishing second to Rossi. But, Nicky Hayden struggled a bit and only finished as high as eighth. But, the bike is better than last year's, or so the riders say, and that means something as it is they who must race it.

http://tinyurl.com/y8t3qyl

And, in even better news, Air Asia has signed on with Dorna to be the title sponsor at the British Grand Prix. That event will be held at the Silverstone Circuit 18 - 20 June 2010. Since they already sponsor some riders in the paddock, this is a natural fit. Let's hope it continues...

http://tinyurl.com/ykqr9as

Saturday Afternoon Moto News - Tech 3 Yamaha & Vulcan 900 Custom SE

The 2010 Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP is much better than it was expected to be. With the new six engine limit in the series, many thought that the bikes would lose some performance. However, based on the testing in Malaysia, it looks like that was all wrong. In fact, Colin Edwards is very happy with the power from the M1 - they believe that the 2010 engine is superior to the 2009 engine that started the season. It could be that the new rules just make the prototype motorcycles better!

http://tinyurl.com/yl8zxaf

From the green manufacturer, Kawasaki, comes the 2010 Vulcan 900 Custom SE. While not the largest cruiser-type motorcycle on the planet, it certainly behaves like it does not care. The engine is lively, the frame rigid, and the suspension is top-notch for this price range. This Japanese V-twin will put to shame many larger 'American-made' bikes in the same category. It is worth looking into and even taking a ride.

http://tinyurl.com/ygu2b58

Even More Morning News - Suzuki All-Star, British Supercross & Gresini Honda

The Suzuki All-Star events have now been scheduled all over the U.K. Anyone with any model of Suzuki GSX-R is invited to come out and tackle the track with their machine. The track day events will be held after the British Superbike rounds at Brands Hatch, Snetterton and Cadwell Park. For more information, please take the link...

http://tinyurl.com/yh989od

Paul Bird Kawasaki man Gordon Crockard has won the British Supercross Championship on a Kawasaki KX250. He actually had a hard fought race which he finished in fourth position to achieve his overall victory. In the International Supercross event, he carried home a second place finish. As usual, take the link for more details.

http://tinyurl.com/yh6w9rl

Gresini Honda has picked up another sponsor for their MotoGP team - Airdale Group. Airdale is a business which provides all sorts of services for buildings of all sorts throughout the United Kingdom. For more on the arrangement, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/ykbquxp

More Morning Moto News - Lloyd Brothers, Kawasaki ZX-10R & Z1000 Vs. Triumph Videos

A short press release from Lloyd Brothers Motorsports has informed us that they will retain the sponsorship of American Agip as their title sponsor for the 2010 AMA Grand National Dirt Track series. This is excellent new for the team who was hoping greatly for this continued support. For a short bit of detail, take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y9z53hs

The Kawasaki ZX-10R video has the guys at MCN (UK) out testing the 2010 model against the 2009 version in their usual speed tests. It's a riot and looks like they had way too much fun! Go and enjoy...

http://tinyurl.com/ycrdanr

In our next video feature from MCN (UK), they take the all new 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 up against the Triumph Speed Triple. For the first time, according to the piece, Kawasaki has provided them with something to really challenge the Hinckley triple in a hard-charging competition. Have a look for yourself...

http://tinyurl.com/yedakqt

Sunday Morning Moto News - NZ Superbike & AMA Supercross

Again this weekend, Andrew Stroud and Robbie Bugden shared victories at the NZ Superbike Championship round at Levels Raceway. In the 600c.c. category, James Smith is dominating proceedings and took a 2 - 1 in this weekend's two events. This means that it could all come down to the final event - the fifth round - before we know who the champions are in this series...very good racing!

http://tinyurl.com/y8auwjd

The San Francisco AMA Supercross round is over now and we have a new winner this season; Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto has now won his first Supercross race. In the West Lites Class, Honda's Trey Canard led the event from start to finish to take his first win of the year as well. Ryan Dungey crashed hard in his race and that is what helped Villopoto take his historic win. For more on the race, take the link...

http://tinyurl.com/y9l4c9p