Moto Morini Dead? Looks Possible Now...

Yep, the bad news is that it seems the deal between Paolo Berlusconi, his New Garelli company, and Moto Morini has fallen apart. The interested parties are blaming the labor unions for this situation, but we will not know the whole truth until we hear from both sides. As it is now, though, there seems to be little hope that Moto Morini will be able to survive as it is. What will likely happen is a bankruptcy, selling of assets and then someone, possibly Berlusconi, will purchase the rights to the name and start all over again...All we can do is hope that Moto Morini will survive somehow...

http://tinyurl.com/23g72f7

BMW Recalls 122,000 Motorcycles for Brake Issues

The model at the center of the recall is the K1200GT and the problem is with leaks in the front braking systems. BMW issued the recall today and has already worked with dealers to get a solution in place for current owners. If you have one of these, or a derivative model, you should check with your local BMW shop to see if your bike is one of those which needs the service. Do not wait - this is a huge issue which could result in serious injury or death! For the details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/2bov6jb

A Swedish Dealer Finds Honda NR750 and RC30 in Crates!

It's true, but very hard to believe...A Honda dealership in Sweden found two unknown crates lurking in the back of their storage area. It turns out that they had their hands on - never un-crated and in perfect showroom condition - a NR750 oval-piston and a hand-built RC30. The video after the link shows the dealer prep work being done. As far as anyone knows, they will be put on the showroom floor as exhibits. Too bad, those things need to be ridden!

http://tinyurl.com/y9w5trc

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

More Afternoon Moto News - Ducati/Italwin & Daytona 200 History

We now hear that the Ducati e-bike, which is made by Italian bicycle manufacturer Italwin and simply branded Ducati, will soon be available for purchase. Worldwide distribution has begun for the City Pearl and the Cucciolo (named after the very first Ducati) and one should be at a bicycle or Ducati motorcycle dealer soon. To see more, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y9pg58t

The Daytona 200 turns 69 tomorrow. That's a very long time to be in the motorcycle racing business these days - so many other historic races have disappeared. With that in mind, we should have a look back at the history of this American motorcycle road race and see why it is so important to us. So many great racers have pushed themselves to the limit at the event - both on the current track and on the old beachfront. And, many have lost their lives there too. Unfortunately, the linked piece is short, but at least you can have a quick read.

http://tinyurl.com/yej59wd

MORE Afternoon Moto News - Husqvarna Story & Phillip Island WSBK

Husqvarna nearly died while under the control of Cagiva, but instead the marque is on its way back to its historic importance in the dirt-racing world. Cagiva did do some great work getting the company solvent again within the last five or six years, and that was enough to interest BMW. So, the Germans have taken the reigns and done some awesome work to the Husky products and they are selling everywhere now...how did this all happen, well take the link and read the story.

http://tinyurl.com/ylbftbl

The Phillip Island circuit in Australia has signed up with the World Superbike Championship to host an event there until 2014. Also, the track will be the location of pre-season tests for the next two seasons. Of course, this was expected, but it is always nice to have confirmation.

http://tinyurl.com/yj5rafw

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

Thursday Morning Moto News - Air Asia Deal, BMW Dealers & Simon Andrews

Air Asia's founder, Tony Fernandes, is hopeful that the sponsorship deal with the British Grand Prix and his sponsorship of Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin in the 125GP class will lead to great things. Fernandes is seeing his company improve and get better and the idea behind his sponsorship of the racing world is that it will bring more attention to his low-cost airline. Here's hoping it works out great as it would benefit everyone touched by the deal and many more...


http://tinyurl.com/ya7y5s5

Get this - even though the economy is still in bad shape, BMW Motorrad managed to open eight (8) new dealerships in the USA. All of them have been opened in the last five months. Given that their sales figures have shown that they have been the least hit by this recession in the industry, it does make some sense. They want to be there when things start getting better again...and that is not bad business.

http://tinyurl.com/yayxoh4

BSB star Simon Andrews will be commuting by bus to each of the rounds in that series. It seems that he has run afoul of the law; he managed three driving offences which led him to have his driver's license revoked. He may also spend up to six months in jail! For more, take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yexafkt

PR: MV Agusta Begins F4 Production

Direct from the PR department at MV Agusta:

MV AGUSTA F4 STARTS PRODUCTION

After making everyone daydream at EICMA, the new F4 is ready for delivery to every MV Agusta dealer.

Varese, 9th February 2010 – In the very days when the fastest and most esteemed testers of the world press will be in Almeria (Spain) to test the incredible performances of the new MV Agusta superbike, the first F4 units will be delivered to the dealers.

After the incredible success obtained at EICMA, where the F4 was repeatedly elected queen of the Show, the F4 is ready for delivery to the first enthusiasts who have booked it long time ago.

Despite the unhappy economic general moment, MV Agusta is carrying on working at full force in order to meet the demands of the customers, who have already awarded the success of the new Brutale and who are looking forward to the arrival of the new MV branded dream motorcycle.
The production lines have not met slowdowns or stops, which is the mark of a company working at best to be able to give the chance to as many motorcyclists as possible to ride the Italian dream.

The record technology (variable intake tract geometry, traction control), the unreachable performances and the incredible design of the motorcycle, that has always been esteemed as the best sport motorcycle in the world, have brought much euphoria that MV Agusta will meet completely.

Waiting is finished, dream continues …

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 Morning Moto News - Triumph USA, Speed Dating & Rizla Suzuki

Triumph North America has a CEO who started on the Triumph production line at the age of 15 and worked his way to the top - and, he seems to be a good leader as well. Mark Kennedy has led the North American division through these hard economic times and actually managed to grab some market share during the downturn. Kennedy has learned quite a bit about the company coming from the bottom up, and he is putting it to use in keeping Triumph in the black.

http://tinyurl.com/ykyo8wr

The weekly 'Speed Dating' column from Road Racer X is now available. This week we see the birthdays of Fabrizio Pirovano, Gaston Rahier, Jonathan (Johnny) Rea, Jose Luis Cardoso, Brendan Roberts, Juan Bautista Borja, Piergiorgio Bontempi, Jimmy Moore. It is also the 46th anniversary of Grand Prix motorcycle racing in the US - 1964 was the first year that the World Championship came to the shores of the US. Check it out...

http://tinyurl.com/yku2vvu

Suzuki's MotoGP team has signed another two year deal with Imperial Tobacco Limited (ITL) which will allow the team to run the Rizla livery until the end of 2011. Given the dearth of sponsorships these days, this is again more good news for motorcycle racing!

http://tinyurl.com/yblvdu6

Evening Moto News - Suzuki Announces Contingency Program

The Suzuki contingency program is valued at US$2.2 Million and will go to riders of Suzuki's 2008 and newer RM85, RM-Z250, and RM-Z450 motorcycles purchased new at a dealership. The details of this program are available after the link. It looks like Suzuki is still doing OK even in this very sad economy - that is VERY good news! Go Suzuki!

http://tinyurl.com/ycfhw3h

More Afternoon Moto News - Ducati Multistrada UK, Motorcycle Cannonball & AMA Motocross

This is a bit old news, but it is worth mentioning again. The Ducati Multistrada 1200 will be making the rounds of U.K. Ducati dealers this month until March. They have also announced that they will also bring along a Multistrada 1200S Touring model to show. That's great news if you are thinking seriously of the up-rated model.

http://tinyurl.com/ylfknsl

Out of Hot Springs, Arkansas, a press release lets us know that the race will be stopping there for two nights and one day during the cross-country trip on pre-1916 model motorcycles. This is the first of its kind in in US in modern times, so it will be very interesting to follow the progress - who makes it and who breaks down, as well as how well it all works out for everyone. The event will be in Hot Springs during 16 - 18 September 2010.

http://tinyurl.com/yebko6l

AMA Motocross is scheduled to have a meeting in San Francisco this coming weekend. Representatives from everyone involved in the sport should be there to work out what the 2010 series will look like. It is being held in conjunction with the AMA Supercross event on 30 January 2010.

http://tinyurl.com/yewf8yq

More Afternoon Moto News - Benelli, Billy Joel and Kawasaki WSS

Benelli, now owned by Chinese company Qian Jiang, has opened their first store in Beijing, China. This puts them in a prime space to improve their sales. Beijing is full of newly affluent people who look at such exotic vehicles as a way to show off their new wealth. So, Benelli might find itself selling motorcycles better on the other side of the world than they do in Europe. A great move for them!

http://tinyurl.com/y8o5wuq

Deus Ex Machina has released information on the custom motorcycle they built for Billy Joel. It is based on the now discontinued Kawasaki W650. It looks awesome and is a take on an old-school bobber; he did not want to have a repli-chopper, he wanted something with style, and he got it!

http://tinyurl.com/y8shype

Joan Lascorz and Katsuaki Fujiwara, of the Kawasaki Provec Motocard.com team, were in Almeria testing their World Supersport machinery in preparation for the Portugal test happening this weekend. It does seem that they had a good test and it all went well, so they expect an even better test at Portimao.

http://tinyurl.com/yb4kun5

More and More Moto News - Yamaha Contingency and US Dealers

This post is all Yamaha. First off, there are more details on the Graves Yamaha contingency program now in place in the WERA Endurance series. It pays US$5000 to the winner of the Mediumweight Superbike Class, if you are on a Yamaha. The next Yamaha contingency program is the US$52,250 they have allocated for the top 3 finishers from the amateur to pro ranks in the AMA GNCC series - that consists of 10 classes paying contingency if you are riding a bike from the tuning fork company. Goos news for racers in need of extra cash - and who isn't!?!

http://tinyurl.com/yaptkkl

http://tinyurl.com/y8lclvw

Yamaha has decided that they want to increase their dealer network in the US by some 70%! They are after more sales, better service and improve inventory practices. They will be working with current dealers first - to expand the floorspace for Yamahas - then will look to adding dealerships where they are under-served.

http://tinyurl.com/yecvld2

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

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

Let's Talk Moto Financial News - Several Stories Here

There are several stories on the financial health of the motorcycle industry, but I have yet to post many of them as they are usually quite dry and I am not sure anyone wants to read them. However, it is a good idea to keep track of the way the motorcycle industry is going - or has been in the recent past.

Here is a story about Triumph's recent sales in the United Kingdom. Despite the economy being in terrible shape, Triumph had a banner year in 2009. They broke their own record for sales in their home nation!

http://tinyurl.com/yblhmge

Next, a US custom builder is eyeing some growth in 2010. Viper Motorcycles has confirmed their goals for this year to their shareholders and you can read it too.

http://tinyurl.com/y9ejxsv

And, some more reports from Triumph, BMW and Ducati in the US. It seems that Triumph did well in the States as well, but BMW and Ducati also have weathered the recession much better than expected.

http://tinyurl.com/y9qcf43

Even more on BMW: http://tinyurl.com/yzhya43

From Honda in Australia - Still number one in sales even with the recession...

http://tinyurl.com/yfkza6x

Thousands Gather for Australian Motorcycle Auction from The Stable

The Stable is a large motorcycle shop which went out of business about a month ago, unfortunately. The owners of the shop auctioned off everything from the now defunct store. The auction included over 60 motorcycles, 15 of which were new, and was a big success...unless you count the fact that there is one less place to shop for a new or used motorcycle now.

http://tinyurl.com/y9hlbhu

Honda Canada Adjusts Pricing Structure

Mostly, this has to do with the Canadian and American dollar being so close to one another in value these days, but it is also a great way to stimulate sales. Many Honda motorcycles have been reduced by around 8% or so. Not a bad deal for you - if you live in Canada.

http://tinyurl.com/y884cbm