More Afternoon Moto News - New Norton, Motorcycle Safety & Allstate Giveaway

The new Norton Motorcycles will begin producing their Norton Commando 961 in England. Of course, we all know that the original design was penned by American Kenny Dreer, but it is Stuart Garner who had the resources to finally get the marque back in the business of making machines of lust. The first 50 Nortons should get to the US this year - that's a good thing when you consider how long many of these people have been waiting for their 2010 Commando.

http://tinyurl.com/y9zfewc

The California Highway Patrol is pushing a message of looking out for motorcyclists all across the state. Of course, the target audience is auto and truck drivers (mostly auto) drivers. The MSF is quite happy about this work as you would expect - and we should all thank the CHP for the effort. It is better than being ignored as we are in other states...

http://tinyurl.com/yhz7qo8

Through a press release, the Allstate insurance company has announced a special giveaway. One lucky winner will win a one-of-a-kind custom motorcycle designed by legendary bike builder Dave Perewitz. It will be revealed on 19 February (I will update this post at that time) and will be a Pro Street style machine. To enter the "Allstate Pro Street Sweepstakes" please take the link to the link...

http://tinyurl.com/y8udajk

More Morning Moto News - Sweepstakes, Leon Haslam & Capirex

Over at the U.K. newspaper, the Mirror, is having a sweepstakes where you could win a Leon Camier autographed Pirelli British Superbike Championship book. All you have to do is join some panel of theirs and you are automatically entered...easy as pie!

http://tinyurl.com/yf8x2fl

On the first day of the Portimao World Superbike test, Leon Haslam has topped the time sheets at the track. Of course, they are not all there looking for fast times, most are chasing setup demons and trying to figure out how to tune their race machines for the team riders. But, it does show that Haslam is putting in his effort to win the 2010 series title. Jonathan Rea was in second place on the day...

http://tinyurl.com/yj4s7cn

World Supersport times at the same test: http://tinyurl.com/ybqod4f

Loris Capirossi has been in the news a great deal these last few days. He must have had an interview day or two recently. Anyway, Capirossi is quite happy to know that the MotoGP engine limit will move to 1000c.c. soon. In fact, he said he would be the 'happiest person on earth' if the powers-that-be were to move the date of this rule change forward to 2011. Can't blame him...

http://tinyurl.com/yfu79jd

Thursday Afternoon and the Moto News Keeps Coming

Freddie Spencer will be returning to racing at Mallory Park in the U.K. He is not going back to it full time, though. Spencer is the first big name to be announced by the Vintage Motorcycle Club to attend their Festival of 1000 Bikes which takes place in July 2010. More names are expected to be announces soon, and Fast Freddie and his fellow greats will not be the only feature of the show. Take the link to be informed.

http://tinyurl.com/yavt294

And, now for you young couples out there living in the same nation as Mallory Park, Honda has a special sweepstakes for you. Honda calls it 'Start Something Special' and will be premiering the 2010 model line at various dealers throughout the country. During the weekend of Valentine's Day, 12 - 14 February 2010, you can win one of six romantic getaways to Paris, France. It's a great excuse to take your spouse with you to your local Honda dealer.

http://tinyurl.com/yecsv9n

Yamaha and Valentino Rossi - Contract Negotiations and a Video

Yamaha is very interested in keeping Rossi on their MotoGP team up to his retirement, whenever that may be. His current contract expires next year, so they are already working with him to get another in place so that he will finish his two-wheel racing career at the Japanese marque. It may go well as Rossi has already indicated he may very well retire with Yamaha.

http://tinyurl.com/ybegvq7

Next, we have a video from Yamaha as Rossi pulls the names of the worldwide Yamaha contest for several motorcycles and much more. It's worth a watch...Yamaha produces very good promotional videos.

http://tinyurl.com/yaag46r

In Celebration of the New Norton Commando SE - A Giveaway

Yes, that's right, Motorcycle Classics magazine is giving away a selection of Norton-themed items to the lucky winners of a contest. There is no purchase necessary and entry is a snap. Don't miss your chance to win something!

http://tinyurl.com/ybetmen

BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Announces Superbike Superstakes

The sweepstakes will begin on 1 February 2010, and it is only open to BMW MOA members. However, once you hear about the prizes, though, you will want to join! They will be giving away, as grand prize, a 2010 BMW S1000RR and a lot more - VIP ticket package to four World Superbike events, autograph sessions, pit access to the BMW WSBK pit area, and even more. Second prize is like most grand prizes - an all-expenses paid motorcycle tour through Europe! Really, you do not want to miss this...

http://tinyurl.com/ydj6en6

Yamaha Racing Launches International Prize Drawing

Yamaha Racing will be giving away some sweet prizes to celebrate their incredible 2009 season at racing internationally. The list of championships is very long - but, it still did not stop Yamaha from withdrawing from several series in 2010 - and the prize list is almost its equal. A Yamaha YZF-R1 LE Rossi special (see photo) will be given away along with a one off Yamaha YZF-R1 LE Ben Spies limited edition which has also been breathed on by the racing department. Take the link for the information and get to your Yamaha dealer as soon as possible to enter this amazing sweepstakes!

http://tinyurl.com/ygmx4zf

AMA Member Wins Hall of Fame Grand Prize - Two Triumph Bonnevilles

Phil Kreuter of Goshen, Indiana, was one very lucky man. He won the annual AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum' fundraising raffle. For the top prize, he won two Triumph Bonnevilles - one 2009 model and a classic 1959 model as well. And, to add to the luck here, Kreuter only purchased the 5-for-$20 package. I hope you will join me in wishing this some very good times on his new bikes!

http://tinyurl.com/yzucovx

Another Carole Nash Show Ticket Giveaway

This time it is the lead sponsor giving away five pairs of tickets. All you have to do is register to become a Carole Nash 'Insider' and you will be entered into a drawing for the free tickets. Not that much to do to win something you want to get you where you want to go - why not just sign up!

http://tinyurl.com/yl7gtgq

Need a Ticket to the Carole Nash International Motorcycle & Scooter Show?

If you live in the United Kingdom, The Sentinel newspaper has five pairs of adult tickets to give away. All you have to do is send in a postcard or enter online and answer one question - which the article answers for you anyway (of course, you probably already know the answer). Click on over and enter!

http://tinyurl.com/ylducov

Motorcycle Classics Announces Winner of Honda CB500 Cafe Racer

Dennis Picken of Omaha, Nebraska, is the new owner of a specially prepped 1973 Honda CB500 Four! I entered and I posted on the contest - so, I hope that someone reading this had a chance. Anyway, the bike is being built by the staff at Motorcycle Classics and is not quite done yet - after all, they work a regular day and work on the CB500 in their spare time. However, Mr. Picken will get his new bike after the crew at the magazine finishes their work, takes her for a ride, and then publishes a story on the bike early next year. One lucky ba$tard!

http://tinyurl.com/yjpov3h

Win Tickets to BSB Oulton Park Finale

For the first time in recent history, the Cheshire circuit of Oulton Park will host the final races of the British Superbike Championship - all three of them! It will certainly be an entertaining event, no question there. You can win tow tickets to see the race if you simply answer a question...

http://tinyurl.com/yb78jms

Honda Fury Giveaway Sweepstakes (USA)

SPIN Magazine and Honda are teaming up to offer a one-of-a-kind Honda Fury painted by Argentine artist Christian Montenegro. Follow the link to enter:

http://tinyurl.com/nfxdsm

Scotland: Win an Advanced Riding Course for You and Two Mates

Road Safety Scotland and Safer Scotland are announcing this prize for anyone who takes an online riding knowledge test. If you win, you and two friends will be given a four-day advanced riding course presented by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

http://tinyurl.com/n24a7p

Win a Classic Honda CB500K Four

Bike Bandit/Motorcycle Classics is having a sweepstakes in which you can win a beautifully restored 1973 Honda CB500K Four motorcycle and a Vanson Leather motorcycle jacket...and, I must admit, this bike is a perfect platform from which to build a Cafe Racer!

http://tinyurl.com/ndqmcd