2010 Hemmings New England Councours

The 2010 edition of the Hemmings New England Concour d'Elegance will feature Citroen as the featured manufacturer...though, that fact may not matter to many reading this post. The motorcycle class at this annual event held in the Green Mountains of Vermont at the Stratton Mountain Resort - in other words, big money and likely old money with a touch of Wall Street money and the rest of us. It may have a great motorcycle selection, though, so it might be worth at least contacting the organizers to see if it is worth the trip...the riding around there is certainly worth the ride.



http://tinyurl.com/y9jhwys

Charley Boorman Tours & 30th Bristol Classic Show

Charley Boorman is touring the UK theatres with a one-man show based on his adventures throughout the world. Given the success of "Long Way Down", "Long Way 'Round" and "By Any Means", this show promises to be very entertaining and even educational. He is already about a third of the way through his 30-date tour and is enjoying every minute. For all the details - and there are plenty - please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yecydx2

The 30th Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show was back in late February. If you made the show in Somerset, England, then you know how many lovely classic and rare motorcycles were on display there. The historic show always brings in the crowds and this year was no exception. It is a huge show which resides in four exhibit halls and lasts two days. For what you missed if you could not make it, please take the link and have a look at some beautiful bikes on display.

http://tinyurl.com/ycttept

Rat's Hole Custom Bike Show Review & Michelin Power Pure

Here we have a report from the 2010 Rat's Hole Custom Bike Show which took place at and during Daytona Bike Week about two weeks ago. They were much more ambitious this year as they scheduled five shows over the week and added some new categories. Many of the bikes are not to everyone's taste - often overdone and way too much chrome - but the ideas presented were worth attending for everyone. For the details, please take the link...

http://tinyurl.com/yl3bvx8

The new Michelin Power Pure motorcycle tire is being lauded as the lightest motorcycle tire ever produced. Of course, they are the ones making the claim, but they do back it up with evidence. We will also see for certain once they hit the streets - both figuratively and literally. They will use Michelin's Two-Compound Technology (2CT) and their Light Tire Technology (LTT) for better performance all around. Check out the press release for more information...

http://tinyurl.com/ykj8hax

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 Morning Moto News - Andrew Pitt & Wanganui Rally

Australian and World Supersport Champion Andrew Pitt recently got the chance to take to the skies in a BAC 167 1000km/h Strikemaster MK88 Jet Fighter. Rodney Hall, a NZ businessman and celebrated pilot - and a huge Pitt fan - was responsible for taking him up in the jet fighter. It was an experience that Pitt will never forget...now, if only he can get a pilot's license himself!

http://tinyurl.com/yavxzav

In New Zealand on 5 - 7 March 2010, the Wanganui Classic Motorcycle Rally will be held. I have only found a message board post, so the details are scant. However, the post links to the website which is run by the organizers, so you should be able to get all the details there. All pre-1986 motorcycles are welcome to enter for judging in various categories. Also, there will be some vintage motocross held in conjunction with the event.

http://tinyurl.com/yc4ymzb

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

Monday Evening Moto News - Isle of Man TT Bookend Events

The usual pre- and post-TT events have been announced from the Isle of Man. As usual, the Pre-TT Classic will be held on 28, 29 & 31 May 2010 at the Billown circuit. After the TT will be the Post-TT Road Races; that is held 12 June 2010. Also, right after the Pre-TT will be the Open Air Concours d'Elegance Racing Machines in Castletown Square, which is never to be missed if you are there and like to look upon vintage machines. There is much more information on this, so take the link and take it all in...

http://tinyurl.com/ykpbban

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

Friday Evening Moto News - Bikesafe London / MCN London Motorcycle Show

Making a welcome appearance at the MCN London Motorcycle Show this weekend at the Excel Center in London were the representatives of Bikesafe London. The sessions are designed to stress motorcycle safety through skills development, training and good old experience... and it reduces their insurance costs as well. Charley Boorman and Chris Walker were among the many rather interesting people who were at the show as well. If any more decent reports come through, they will be here...and there are previous entries as well.

http://tinyurl.com/yjgk2s3

Kenya's 2010 Africa Concours d'Elegance Announced

The AccessKenya Group, a successful local public IT company, has announced that it will again support the 2010 Africa Concours d'Elegance. It will be held on 26 September 2010 at the Nairobi Racecourse in - where else? - Nairboi, Kenya. The Alfa Romeo Owners Club will be hosting the 40th Concours d' Elegance and will be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the auto manufacturer (founded 1910). Vehicles will be entered into one of 12 automobile or eight motorcycle classes. The event is heavily attended, so make your plans early and get your accommodations arranged. Oh, and don't forget to bring your sunglasses...

http://tinyurl.com/y8hdz4s

Friday Afternoon Moto News - Sterilgarda Yamaha WSBK & Ace Cafe Iron Butt

World Superbike Championship team Sterilgarda Yamaha has unveiled their livery for the 2010 season. Riders James Toseland and Cal Crutchlow were also present at the event and took time to answer questions, a very polite thing to do. There are many changes to their 2010 machines, including more horsepower, less weight, different shaped fuel tank and many more. For all that information, take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/ya62q2a

As part of the Ally Pally show, put together by the folks at Ace Cafe London, Danny John-Jules and his mate Graham Hoskins will be leaving from the show location at noon on 27 February 2010 to take a 7,000 mile trip around the Mediterranean to raise money for BBC TV's "Sport Relief" charity. Of course, the show has plenty else to attract you, but this ride is certainly - given the path they will take - an Iron Butt event!

http://tinyurl.com/ybk322z

They have chosen the Honda Transalp for the ride: http://tinyurl.com/ybfemcq

More Afternoon Moto News - Freddie Spencer & Yamaha YZR500 Replica

Freddie Spencer will star at the Vintage Motorcycle Club's Festival of 1000 Bikes - which is coming up this July at the U.K. track Mallory Park. He will be riding a three-cylinder Rothmans Honda NS500 GP race bike. This is only first of what should be many legendary racers and motorcycle personalities which will be attending the event, so take the link and make your plans now!

http://tinyurl.com/yza84wg

Now, another very coll piece of news is the Yamaha YZR500 replica; you can actually build one for around £18,000 (currently around US$28,000). This is all thanks to Mico Products of Australia. In fact, they have a number of bikes from which you can choose to re-create and ride at your own leisure. You may have seen their bikes before and not even known it...take the link and watch the video.

http://tinyurl.com/yh5hw6b

Tuesday Afternoon Moto News - Ace Cafe London & Suzuki Gladius

Ace Cafe London will be hosting a motorcycle and custom show 26 - 28 February 2010 which they call the Ally Pally 10. It will be held at Alexandra Palace, Wood Green in London, U.K. Expect some very interesting custom bikes and some incredible historic and vintage machines to be on display. It is not to be missed!

http://tinyurl.com/ydqos6n

And, more attendees: http://tinyurl.com/ygh2ouv

The 2010 Suzuki Gladius has been panned and praised. Most say that the machine could use some styling work and some stronger suspension, but the video after the link below is the wrap-up of a long-term test with the machine. If you really want to know what living with this bike is like, take the link and watch the video.

http://tinyurl.com/y9e5a99

Monday Morning Moto News - The CAT & BMW WSBK

If you do not know who the 'Cat' is, I can only give you this hint - Red Dwarf. Now, if you do not know that this will probably not interest you. Apparently, Danny John-Jules really liked the BMW S1000RR. It's a good choice given the bikes capabilities, and a seemingly well-thought opinion. For more on the Cat and the MCN London Motorcycle Show, take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/ydkaejs

BMW has officially presented their 2010 World Superbike Championship team as of now. This comes to us via a press release, so expect the usual hype. However, at least we know exactly who we will see riding their new machines in the world-class racing series this year. For all the details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/ybclhml

More Evening Moto News - Boca Concours & Gas Gas EC250

The Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance will take place 19 to 21 February 2010 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. There will be some absolutely lovely classic and vintage motorcycles on display. Though it does look like just a gig for the rich and obnoxious (Dennis Miller is the guest of honor this year), you may be able to see some fabulously rare machines in that rare air. It does cost US$50 per person for the Concours itself (which is only on Sunday, 21 February), so bring your credit card!

http://tinyurl.com/yhhcggq

The 2010 Gas Gas EC250 Six Days is a tremendous piece of machinery - I mean to say that it is tremendously capable. This off-road bike was built for competition, not for fooling around at your local park. If you do not race in truly competitive Six Days-type events, you will not like this motorcycle; it is rough, likes to ride high in the rev range and pulls like a supercharged tractor. Be careful, but go very fast to stay safe.

http://tinyurl.com/yf3m85j

Friday Evening Moto News - Daytona Bike Week

First up under this category is the AMA's call to all AMA motorcycle racers to be getting ready for Daytona Bike Week. At the event, one of the largest in the world, there will be plenty of racing in almost every class excepting ice-racing, there will be bike shows, custom bike shows, partying, music, dance...just about anything you can find to entertain you. However, if you are there to race, you had better begin focusing on the work ahead - Daytona International Speedway is nasty to tires, so be ready!

http://tinyurl.com/yj84jsq

Also, it seems that the less-than-stellar powers-that-be at the Daytona Motorsports Group \ AMA Pro Racing have come to some sort of sense and are increasing the purses for the various series participating at Daytona Bike Week. Honestly, I think that they just do not want to look like idiots if only some 25 racers or so show up for the events; thus, they are buying some participation. The sad part, though, is that the payouts are still relatively low compared to many other similar series...and probably always will be at a for-profit race company.

http://tinyurl.com/ygj9fol

Remember that the festivities will run 27 February (my birthday, also Colin Edwards) through 7 March 2010.

Thursday Afernoon Moto News - MCN London M/C Show & Motorcycles vs. Scooters

The MCN London Motorcycle Show will not only feature some of the great motorcycles which the attendees will certainly want to see - it will also feature some of the United Kingdom's best motorcycle road racers. John McGuinness, Guy Martin, Conor Cummins, and Ian Hutchinson. They will be there to promote their racing series and to hang out with the fans...get your tickets soon!

http://tinyurl.com/yh9za99

In Dallas, Texas (USA), there are shades of post-war England taking to the streets. This is the annual Rockers versus Mods event in the city and it attracts all sorts of riders on all sorts of bikes and scooters. In fact, if you attend the 28 - 30 March 2010 event, you are likely to feel like you have fallen back in time...The event has been getting larger every year and this is the third year, so expect some huge crowds, some lovely cafe racers from times past and the present, and some very well-decorated scooters. Try it out, you might just like it!

http://tinyurl.com/yem5bwk

More Morning Moto News - BMW @ MCN Show & Mark Gardiner

BMW is quite pleased to be announcing that they will have their concept and new motorcycle models at the MCN London Motorcycle Show, which is coming up 4 - 7 February 2010. They have put out a press release with a list of bikes they will bring, and what else they will have going on at the show. If you are attending, you will want to read this link...

http://tinyurl.com/ycdumc7

Mark Gardiner has given us yet another inside look at racing. In the RoadRacer X column, 'AGV Backmarker', he covers the strange goings-on with the Triumph World Supersport teams. He delves into the situation with Jason DiSalvo and Gary McCoy. It was an interesting soap opera which left McCoy without a seat, and DiSalvo taking his place - both were completely ignorant of the machinations going on at the time. It is well worth a read - especially if you are interested in the politics of motorcycle road racing.

http://tinyurl.com/yhka7hp

Monday Afternoon Moto News - Laverda 750S, Lorenzo & a Show

Over at the Rare SportBikes for Sale blog, we get a look at an astounding example of a 1999 Laverda 750S Formula motorcycle. It is for sale in North Carolina, and there are very few examples in the US of this fine Italian stallion. You won't find many of these on the road...and the price is excellent.

http://tinyurl.com/y95fdca

Jorge Lorenzo has been working with Intermom Oxfam to create an online commercial to get people to donate to the Haiti earthquake relief. Given the immense suffering in that nation now, this is an incredible gesture. Lorenzo will also donate his gold boots, which he wore in 2008, to be auctioned for more money directed at relief efforts. Anything that helps, helps!

http://tinyurl.com/yal4ubk

The 11th Annual Riding Into History event will take place in St. Augustine, Florida, on 15 May 2010. A group put together for the event and a local BMW Owners Association - Northeast Florida - will be organizing the event and Clement Salvadori will be the Grand Marshal. Craig Vetter and artist Don Bradley will also be in attendance. There should be some 300 to 400+ motorcycles on display.

http://tinyurl.com/yb3wrvo