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!

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!


http://tinyurl.com/ydelama


http://tinyurl.com/ya4k9zt

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

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

Thursday Afternoon Moto News - R&G Racing and BMW & Triumph 20th Anniversary

Crash protection specialists R&G Racing will be providing the crash protection for Keith Code's California Superbike School's BMW S1000RR machines. Each of the bikes will be outfitted with just about every piece of protection you can get from R&G for the S1000RR. It's a press release, so feel free to take the link and have a read.

http://tinyurl.com/yahzje4

Well, it's the 20th anniversary of the re-born Triumph on 18 September 2010 and it will be celebrated in proper style at Mallory Park. The call it Triumph Live and tickets are already on sale. They will also open the doors of the Triumph factory, which is only eight miles (~13 Km) away from the circuit. Also, bring some money as they will have a huge 'megastore' of Triumph gear and accessories at discount prices. Take the link to learn more.

http://tinyurl.com/yaxvpfy

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 Evening Moto News - Australian Motorcycle Expo Gold Coast

Motorcycling Australia is opening a huge event this coming weekend - and it should have been here earlier. It is called the Australian Motorcycle Expo Gold Coast and there will be nearly every marque sold Down Under with the 2010 models of both the two-wheeled transport and the PWC variety. There will be some rather good show-only deals and you may find a solid deal on show tickets as well - check with your local Oz dealer. For more information, please take the link...

http://tinyurl.com/yc8c3s5

Sunday Morning Moto News - Indy Dealer Expo & MIC Meeting

At Indianapolis, Indiana, this weekend, the 2010 Dealer Expo has attracted a decent crowd of enthusiasts for this year's show - but the overall number of participants is way down. On day 1 at the show, Malcolm Smith was in attendance at the Husqvarna (only marque in attendance this year) booth, Ben Spies was signing autographs and Danny Eslick was wondering around a looking at the new bits and bobs. Today will have a host of other announcements and special events; so, get there if you can!

http://tinyurl.com/ylqszta

http://tinyurl.com/y94epfy

Day 2 of the Dealer Expo: http://tinyurl.com/ye6quow

The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) also held their annual members-only meeting in Indianapolis in conjunction with the Dealer Expo. Their main topic was the economic recession and its effects on the industry. Of course, there was some good news, but there are also still plenty of businesses in our industry which are struggling. They even set up a booth at the Expo where members, exhibitors and dealers can stop by and get some information or voice their own concerns. For more, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yeuce9l

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 Afternoon Moto News - Warren Willing, VaVaVroom & Ben Spies

This Easter at the 2010 Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza (HBBB), Warren Willing, 1976 Australian Unlimited Road Racing Champion, will be returning to the track again. However, he will only be riding a special 3-cylinder Suzuki 350, built for him to contest the 1973 New Zealand International Season, on some demonstration laps. Willing has not been on a race machine since his 1979 North West 200 accident...this is a great chance to get up close and personal with a motorcycle racing hero for many.

http://tinyurl.com/yf4chss

VaVaVroom, motorcycle clothing & gear for her, will be making the show at the Dealer Expo in Indianapolis, 12 - 14 February 2010. The hype around their lines is only increasing and they even have new designs which will be making the show. So, if you are a female motorcyclist, this is worth the trip to the Expo.

http://tinyurl.com/ykgj4ol

Finally, a Republican Congressman does something nice! Representative Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) actually recognized Ben Spies for his accomplishments in World Championship motorcycle racing on the floor of the US House of Representatives yesterday. Granted, there are more important things for our elected representatives to be doing now, but this only took a few minutes and it means a great deal to us fans and to our World Champion, Ben Spies.

http://tinyurl.com/yz59n7a

Wednesday Evening Moto News - Dainese Thorax & Suzuki Sportbikes

Dainese has just released another interesting piece of equipment in their 2010 line. Actually, it may have been looked over in their big press event at their San Francisco D-Store - there were so many other colorful bits and bobs, honestly. The Dainese Thorax Pro Ladies Chest Protector is designed to protect a woman's important chest parts (parts everyone wants to protect) in case of crash. This particular model is made mainly for track use - as it may not be comfortable for long street rides - but it is an example of how Dainese is becoming more and more of a safety as well as design oriented motorcycle (and other sports) apparel producer.

http://tinyurl.com/yfbf4rw

It turns out that the rumors are true - Suzuki will not be importing any 2010 sportbikes to the US. Some other models are included in this, but most are street-oriented. Of course we have all heard of the limited editions in other parts of the world - but Suzuki bikes are selling there, so it makes some sense. It is an unfortunate situation brought about by the poor economy. Let's all hope that some deals come around and they sell the remaining the 2009 models. It is sad that we will not get any special editions on our shores...

http://tinyurl.com/y8v7tk9

Monday Afternoon Moto News - Ben Spies, James Toseland & Scala Rider G4

Ben Spies is in no hurry to prove anything in the MotoGP paddock this year - he is well aware that he has a great deal to learn. It will not be another 2009 World Superbike season for him in his new series, but he will probably get some stellar finishes, and I bet he places rather high by the end of the year. However, it could also be a nasty crashing year for him...if it is, you do know he will learn not to make the same mistakes again. The 2010 MotoGP Championship is going to be fantastic!

http://tinyurl.com/y9fkc4k

James Toseland now has TCX boots as a sponsor in his World Superbike Championship season. The Italian manufacturer almost seems to have done this for the purpose of pun...see the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y8jborn

Yep, Cardo Systems has just announced the release of their most technologically advanced motorcycle communication system to date - Scala Rider G4. It will support up to four people (2 riders, 2 passengers), a mobile phone, GPS, and even has built-in FM radio. The controller is light and durable and it will be at dealers very soon. For more details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yz63sts

Saturday Afternoon Moto News - Cadwell Park, BUB Exhaust & Maxxis Contingency

Over in the U.K. , the iconic Cadwell Park circuit is undergoing some renovations to improve safety. It turns out that the 80 meters of track they had to work on was much tougher to do that first thought - they had to move a lake! OK, so maybe it wasn't that much, but they did have to manipulate a huge amount of earth to accomplish the fix.

http://tinyurl.com/yk24a93

BUB Enterprises is now the first aftermarket exhaust company to produce exhaust products which have catalytic converters built-in. The California Air Resources Board has just awarded them the permit to produce the Harley-Davidson exhaust systems. Isn't innovation great! Good pipes which are also environmentally friendly - though, I doubt they will sell well as H-D riders rarely care about such things.

http://tinyurl.com/yhwlwuc

Maxxis, well-known tire manufacturer, is offering over US$1 Million for contingencies in both ATV and dirt bike racing series all over the US. All monies will be paid in cash, not coupons or gift cards. And, they will be paying for finished from first through fifth, in many cases. For details, check the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y9y7ydh

More Afternoon Moto News - MSR Releases New Line-up & Victory Vegas Limited Edition

At the recent AMA Supercross event in Anaheim, California, MSR used the race to show off a line of motorcycle apparel which they will sell in 2011. Riders Kevin Windham and Nick Wey were sporting the gear at the event, but only some of the items which will be available. The MSR company is well-known for producing excellent off-road riding gear and it seems like they will only be upping their reputation when this new equipment starts being sold to the public.

http://tinyurl.com/yc7jzw8

Victory has released details on the 2010 Vegas Limited Edition which was debuted at the New York Cycle World International Motorcycle Show. It is the quickest bike that Victory has ever made with the 106/6 engine fitted with Stage 2 cams; that brings it to 97 hp and 113 ft-lb of torque. Only 100 of the US$15,999 motorcycle will be made in Fire Ball Red, Competition Yellow, Pearl White or Turbo Silver.

http://tinyurl.com/ylbqedb

Morning Moto News - Metzeler Sportec M5 & Husqvarna TE250

Metzeler has just released a rather interesting updated tire - it is the Sportec M5 Interact and it will gauge your lean angles for you. That's right, it has a series of numbers displayed on the carcass which will tell you just how far over you are actually leaning when riding hard - or lightly. Either way, you have a 5 point scale and an elephant which warns you when you are about to lose the grip entirely. Check it out and you may soon be able to brag about your 5-mark.

http://tinyurl.com/yc5l2tr

Husqvarna has released their TE250 Enduro. It is a road legal off-road machine which is based on the TC250, but the TE has electric start and EFI. It is also an easy bike to ride and fling from corner to corner - mass centralization and light weight help make this easy. If you ever get to ride one, you will be seriously smitten.

http://tinyurl.com/ylrzpu7

More Afternoon Moto News - Pretty Buell, Harley 48 & Aspire

A builder and designer in the U.K. has actually managed to turn the Buell 1125R into something which has a far superior aesthetic value than the stock model. The bike is called the Magpul Ronin, and it just may be a model for future products. As it is now, it is merely a prototype, but the Buell owners will likely push them to produce some of the cool bits on this machine for the public to buy. If Magpul does not, they will be losing some serious money.

http://tinyurl.com/ykvge96

And, it is from the same source that we get the first real look at the new Harley-Davidson 48. It is based on a Sportster 1200 (the second most common H-D) and it has fatter tires and a single seat. Not sure what is supposed to be so special, but then I am not an obsessive H-D fan like some are...

http://tinyurl.com/ykljt9u

US review: http://tinyurl.com/y93gugm

And, here is some important news for U.K. residents; the Aspire charity group which does work for people with severe spinal injuries, allowing them to live normal lives. They will be having what they call a D-Day Ride Out, which will take place in France on 12 - 13 June 2010. Head on over to the website for more details.

http://www.aspire.org.uk/bikers/

More Afternoon Moto News - Dainese, Pro Italia & 2010 Versys

Dainese has had a release event for their 2010 line-up of clothing and AGV helmets. The US event was held at the Dainese D-Store in Costa Mesa, California. Though there is little after the link, at least you get an introduction to their new products.

http://tinyurl.com/yaw2rj6

Specific to the D-Air, which was also released: http://tinyurl.com/ybm8a2b

It is on the home page now, but I am not sure for how long. Pro Italia, down in Los Angeles, will be hosting a fund-raiser for Haiti relief. It is a bike wash, a Q&A with local motorcycle police officer John Morena, and a talk with Bill Oberman about customizing your motorcycle. The seminars happen this Sunday (31 January 2010) at 13:00 at their Los Angeles shop. The bike wash will actually be held for the next three weekends and will benefit the Maison Fortune Orphanage Foundation.

http://www.proitalia.com/

And, a nice report on the 2010 Kawasaki Versys comes to us courtesy of MCN (UK). It is simply an early report from the test taking place in Sardinia - yes, Sardinia. Have a read. It's short but very informative.

http://tinyurl.com/yl7xvzj

Tuesday Morning Moto News - MV Agusta, Bimota & Aprilia

A new Italian firm has just announced a very special MV Agusta Brutale model - the Tamburini T1. It is full of exotic parts which can only be sourced from a company set up by Massimo Tamburini's son, Andrea Tamburini, called Tamburini Corse. It is in the old MV Corse stomping grounds of San Marino and makes parts and accessories exclusively for MV Agusta and Ducati motorcycles. You will notice that, in the photos, they have modified a pre-2010 model Brutale just to show what can be done. Have a look, I am sure you will be pleased.

http://tinyurl.com/yj3eq4u


Over at the RareSportBikes for Sale blog, there is a listing for a 2008 Bimota DB6R, a very special machine indeed. It is the top-end model of the DB6 range and comes with all of the lovely unobtanium parts and accessories that you could ever want. This bike belonged to the importer - former importer - and only has 1100 miles on the clock. Plus, it is full US-spec. It is worth a look!

http://tinyurl.com/yg8qhdg

Another riding impression of a 2010 Aprilia RS125, but this one was tested in the US. The bike is well-sorted and built for track duty or just simple racing. It is light, handles well, and is designed to get you around a track as fast as a 125c.c. two-stroke is capable of doing. Take a look and you may want one for yourself.

http://tinyurl.com/yg3fpzj

And, More Morning Moto News - Dainese, Fulmer & NZ Superbike

Dainese products are no longer 'Made in Italy'. They are going to shut down their factory in Molvena, Italy, and move all mass-production to Tunisia, where they already have a factory. It is assumed that they are doing this to cut costs in light of the sour economy, and that makes sense. However, they will continue to employ some workers to continue to create motorcycle racing leathers for the riders they support in the large racing series of the world. Well, not even an Italian company will get you Italian made products these days...

http://tinyurl.com/ylz6jhc

Fulmer Helmets recently acquired motorcycle apparel manufacturer Texport (oddly based in MA, not TX), and now the tow companies are merging their assets. Much of the work will be to get the right people into the right positions at the company to get their businesses aligned and working fluidly together. This should help their dealers and customers alike. Only time will tell...

http://tinyurl.com/y8sdypz

A press release from the New Zealand Superbike Championship is getting us all worked up over the next round of the series in Invercargill. They, of course, highlight the Bugden/Stroud competition from last weekends events and tell us what we may expect in the coming rounds of the series. You will also see the current standings in each individual class.

http://tinyurl.com/y8uy5e3

Great work-up on the series: http://tinyurl.com/ycwgnes

Even More Monday Afternoon Moto News - Buell Auction and Husky

The Buell factory in Easy Troy, Wisconsin, will be auctioning off equipment from the factory and some motorcycles used for design duties - though none of them are Buells. The motorcycles are a 1999 BMW R1100RT, a 1998 KTM Dakar, a 2007 Triumph Speed Triple and a 2008 KTM SuperDuke. Also available will be trucks, tools, lifts trailers and much, much more. It all starts on 28 January 2010 and will lats about a month, or until most everything sells. Get there or lose out on some great deals.

http://tinyurl.com/yb6wun7

Husqvarna is looking for more dealers in the United States. Now that they are part of BMW, the company is in great financial shape and is producing some of the most interesting, good looking and useful motorcycles in the world. I would become a dealer, but they would probably not have me. So, if you are lucky enough to be attending the Dealer Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana, 13 - 15 February 2010, stop by their booth and you may find yourself selling Husky bikes.

http://tinyurl.com/yc9g59q