Posts
Roof Helmets is not exactly a household name in the motorcycle apparel industry; those who do know them are often impressed with the small French company's ability to innovate and have no small number of compliments about the design aesthetic Roof applies to their helmets. Inside the lids Roof manufacturers, though, are the modern and thoroughly-researched safety features we have all come to expect. Their latest is an idea which was bandied about many years back but never seemed to actually materialize - a motorcycle helmet made from bamboo. The appropriately named Bamboo is made from the fast-growing, super-strong, lightweight wood and even manages to live up to ECE 22.05 certification. It is a 3/4-style lid with the 'Jet' look and even carries some e-cred with it. Take a look, but you cannot yet buy them in North America, unfortunately.
Wooden Motorcycle Helmet? Yes, and a Quite Nice One!
Creative Marketing - SHARK and sak_art design
http://tinyurl.com/4y77kmq
More New and Useful Links - Motorcycle Help of All Kinds
Some more work of a good friend of this site which some readers might find handy to have bookmarked:
First up is the most recent - Help for buying a motorcycle gloves of any sort: www.motorcycleglovereviews.com
The search for a trailer is now easier: www.motorcycle-trailer.org
A nice and simple site which you may use to see if a recall notice has been issued for your motorcycle: www.motorcyclerecall.com
Only some motorcycle leather suits are covered here, but it's a little better than much of what is out there already (with one specific exception): www.motorcycleleathers.info
How about a new set of shoes for your bike this coming season; a guide full of reviews on motorcycle tires: www.motorbiketires.net
These are just a few helpful sites. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not make any money off of the websites linked above - none at all. They are run by a friendly company for the sole purpose of providing free information to motorcycle riders everywhere and I help set them up. If you want to help that group - if you actually like and use the information contained there - click on one of the ads so that he gets a half-penny or so!
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
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
MORE Afternoon Moto News - Alpinestars Special Tees & Ace Cafe Winners
Alpinestars has teamed up with band Angels & Airwaves to produce a line of t-shirts which will be sold to benefit Riders for Health. The idea is not new, but it is a very good one. Anything earned by these shirts to help aid workers in Africa get around to help people is a positive step. So, take whatever little money you do have and order one for yourself - and maybe some for your family and friends - and help out some wonderful people who use it to do good in this world.
http://tinyurl.com/yembkst
Recently, as you know if you have been following this blog, London's Ace Cafe held their Ace Cafe London Motorcycle & Custom Show (it was last weekend at Alexandra Palace), also known as Ally Pally. The winners of the various event classes have now been disclosed to the public and are available on the other side of this link. At least one of the winners will be taking a trip to South Dakota for the Sturgis rally!
http://tinyurl.com/y9jlwbw
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
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
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
Saturday Morning Moto News - Bautista, ASBK & California Superbike School in Dubai
Alvaro Bautista will be wearing the products of the REV'IT concern when he takes to the MotoGP circuits. He will be sponsored by them and will wear their protective racing leathers when on the track. It should be a productive relationship.
http://tinyurl.com/y969x5x
Down in Australia, the final round of the Australian Superbike Championship will be delayed a week. The new dates are 12 - 14 November 2010 at Symmons Plains. Make sure to make a note!
http://tinyurl.com/yzhv8ns
And, a nice story about the California Superbike School (the European franchise) taking to the track at the Dubai Autodrome. In case you were unaware, Keith Code's school has expanded beyond the state of California and he is teaching students the world over how to corner on a motorcycle.
http://tinyurl.com/ylchbww
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
PR: MV Agusta Launches New Website
Just received this today (no link as this is not online):
Varese 16th of November 2009 - MV Agusta never ceases to amaze. Following the launch of the new Brutale 990R and 1090RR last September, and the launch of the new F4 at EICMA Show, now the new website is online at www.mvagusta.it
Completely redesigned down to the last detail, from structure to layout, the new site is dynamic and easy to navigate, full of useful information, pictures and videos on all the new MV Agusta products.
The new platform includes an entirely new e-commerce section where users can purchase a complete collection of MV Agusta apparel as well as a large selection of MV Corse Special Parts for the F4 and Brutale. All orders will be shipped directly.
One of the biggest innovations is the 3D configurator that will be online in January 2010. The configurator, much like the ones present in the automotive industry, allows the user to specify the desired model, colour and version and view it from 8 different camera angles. The user will be able to select a wealth of accessories ranging from carbon fibre and alloy parts, to seats and performance accessories and view them on the bike in 3 dimensions. Once the desired parts are added to the bike, the user can choose to purchase them directly through our webstore.
In the next few months the site will be continuously updated with new exciting sections such as a virtual museum where you will be able to trace MV Agusta motorcycle history. A section called MV World will also feature and will contain videos, interviews, secrets and insights in our glorious brand and the people that make our fabulous motorcycles.
Our presence on widespread Social Networks, such as Facebook and YouTube, will continue to expand with content developed specifically to enhance interest in our brand. Our YouTube channel in particular has seen a massive flow of visits. Our F4 preview video alone has had more than 84,000 visits and is ranked as one of the top videos around the world in countries such as Italy, Germany, France, Australia, Holland, Spain, Canada, Brazil and Japan.
The V-Twin Expo Adds Seminar
The V-Twin Expo will be taking place at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, 5 - 7 February 2010. It is the place to be if you are into customizing V-twin motorcycles as there will be representatives from just about every part and accessory supplier there is; plus, there are several seminars designed to help you with your customizing business or simply your craft. Take a look and get there is you are able!
http://tinyurl.com/yjvjsoo
Bell Helmets Announces 2010 Star Motorcycle Helmet
It is the flagship of the Bell motorcycle helmet line and will be available at dealers very soon. First of all, it meets Snell M2010 standards (as well as DOT) and has some all new design features. They have also added another graphic to the line-up - you should take the link and see it. It looks very good and word is that Bell is making a quality lid in the Star, so try one on and see if you may protect your noggin' with one of these.
http://tinyurl.com/ydqyfga
A Smart Stylista's Look at Motorcycle Fashion
This may not be interesting to all of my readers, but some will find it educational (like the part about Schott). The woman who runs the site did an awesome job taking a bland motorcycle-style jacket she found at a thrift store and turning it into something stylish and edgy - and she did it very cheaply too! On the site, you will also see her argument for how the 'motorcycle style' is taking over the high-end fashion world. I found it rather interesting and I highly recommend anyone who likes to create their own 'wearable art' take a good look at her blog.
PR: New Ceramic Exhaust Coating - Zircotec
This is, obviously, a press release, so it is basically a written advertisement. But, I put this one here because the product this press release cover could be very useful to any motorcyclist - especially those with high pipes or under-seat setups. This stuff is not the prettiest addition to your bike, but it will protect you, your passenger, and your luggage against the heat from your exhaust system. If only the manufacturers would use it!
http://tinyurl.com/y95olbr
Do Not Forget - 2010 Toronto Motorcycle Show This Weekend!
The 2010 Toronto Motorcycle Show will be held 11 - 13 December 2009 at the South Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Even more brands have been announced now; Norton, Royal Enfield, Husqvarna, Saga, Zero and more will be in attendance in addition to the already broad spectrum of manufacturers already known. There will be tons of exhibitors with accessories, parts, apparel, helmets, and much, much more. It is worth the price of admission!
http://tinyurl.com/yjfpc6k