2010 Suzuki GSX1250F in Action & The Bakker Grizzly Allround

The 2010 Suzuki (Bandit) GSX1250F should be at a dealer near you soon. It is a true bargain sport-touring mount which has many features of higher priced bikes in its class, but at an astounding discount. The folks over at MCN (UK) took the bike out on the road and recorded it for your pleasure. So, take the link and have a look at this very updated offering from Suzuki...

http://tinyurl.com/ydwbjjs

The Bakker Grizzly Allround is something to see, and that is just about all you get from the linked post. It is based on a GSX-R1000 engine but has the capabilities of a BMW GS machine. At 160 HP it even puts the 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200F to shame on the road, but it also costs a bit more than that Italian beastie. Nico Bakker is always pushing the limits and his Grizzly Allround is certainly a credit to his talent with metal!

http://tinyurl.com/ycngo4b

More Ducati Multistrada Madness & Lawson and Spies on Video

The 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S is quite possibly the first ever near-perfect motorcycle. They say it is a four in one, and after reading so much about it I no longer doubt them. However, I do want to ride the thing myself to determine if it does live up to the hype - I am always skeptical with Ducati. The linked videos, though, will show you the high-tech side of the machine; the ability to set custom settings maps, personalized just for you, just blows away any competition presently...have a look...

http://tinyurl.com/y8s58gh

Ben Spies and Eddie Lawson sat down and talked about the differences between the racing technology today and what it was like when Lawson was taking wins. They also did some on track riding and demonstrated some rather incredible control. I guess we should expect no less from these guys...Yamaha set this up and produced the vids. It is much more than just marketing, though, so go and have a look.

http://tinyurl.com/y9xlndg

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

More Morning Moto News - All Things Moto(GP) & MotoGP Interviews with Pedrosa and Dovizioso

A new webcast series is coming to us from OnTheThrottle.tv; it is called All Things Moto(GP) and will be hosted by Liam Shubert. Obviously, the show will concern itself with the MotoGP series. It can be found on RoadracingWorld.com and will be presented every Monday. Last night's episode was the first of this season and you can still catch it by taking the link below.

http://tinyurl.com/ydqfq2a

From another one of our favorite websites comes a couple of MotoGP interviews. Both of them were obtained in Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit after the recent pre-season test. First up is Repsol Honda man Dani Pedrosa, who will most certainly be one of the front runners in this years Championship. Right after Pedrosa is his teammate Andrea Dovizioso, who is also a force on the MotoGP track. This is a good way to get some perspective on the testing from the rider's point of view.

Pedrosa: http://tinyurl.com/ybmg542

Dovizioso: http://tinyurl.com/y98bt4v

More Afternoon Moto News - ASBK Qualifying & Interviews

In today's qualifying for the Australian Superbike Championship round at Phillip Island this weekend, GAS Honda's Wayne Maxwell took the pole. He fought hard against Motologic Ducati's Jamie Stauffer and Suzuki's Josh Waters. The times were so close, though, that they all might as well have qualified together. So, expect the first lap of the race to be very interesting as these three vie for the lead...

http://tinyurl.com/yaza4hh

There are many more stories on the race this weekend, but most of them are very similar. However, they all have a slightly different perspective. Plus, there is information on the other support class qualifications - something we rarely get to see in international reports. So, take some of the links below and get your news about the qualifying and the start of the race.

http://tinyurl.com/yguvmub

http://tinyurl.com/yzmwgtn

And, how about some video interviews with the top riders in the ASBK Championship? Well, take this link and have a view: http://tinyurl.com/yjkf859

Saturday Morning Moto News - BMW S1000RR, Jonathan Rea & More MotoGP and Moto2 Rules

Would you like to see the 2010 BMW S1000RR valvetrain going at full tilt? The engine will rev up to 14,200RPM - a huge number when you really think about it. Well, if you would like to see this amazing bit of technology in action, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yb8vllo

Jonathan Rea has his sights firmly set for MotoGP. Even though the young Northern Irishman will fight it out this season on the World Superbike stage, his ultimate goal is to race in the Grand Prix series. His Ten Kate Honda team will certainly do whatever it takes to keep him on top this season, so he might get that chance after all.

http://tinyurl.com/yhjxvkt

The FIM has released an even more detailed explanation about the new rules for the 2010 MotoGP and Moto2 series. They have had to make updates due to some technology issues as well as problems with understanding the spec-engine rule in Moto2. There are many changes, so do yourself a favor and take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yzagam8

Tuesday Evening Moto News - AMA Expands Think. Ride. Program

The AMA has really added some content to their Think.Ride. Program, which was launched last October. They have added videos, audio tracks and print advertisements - many featuring AMA Board of Directors member and well-known actor Perry King - all of which are available online. This is a huge program to help with rider safety and motorcycle awareness. It's good to know they are doing this and doing it right. All we need now is more media coverage.

http://tinyurl.com/yztwg9s

This Must be Posted - The Motorcycle From HELL!

Just take the link and watch the video - it's hilarious! Just make sure you don't accept rides from riders with no muscles!

http://tinyurl.com/yzctfvr

MORE Afternoon Moto News - Yamaha Celebrates & Bonhams Vintage European Auction

Yamaha Motor Company has released some videos to celebrate their 2009 racing season. Champions Ben Spies, Cal Crutchlow, Tony Cairoli and James Stewart and their race machines are featured in these highlight videos from last season. Yamaha has a way with these things and they are well worth watching.

http://tinyurl.com/yarmqy2

At the Bonhams sale of An Important European Collection of Pioneer, Vintage and Collectors’ Motorcycles at the RAF Museum, Hendon on 27 February 2010, a selection of small and some strange European motorcycles will be auctioned. They will have everything there from a three-seater 1937 Böhmerland 603cc Langtouren all the way to a "penny farthing" - which is a converted bicycle. For more information, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yhy473o

Sunday Afternoon Moto News - Duke Video & James Ellison

Duke Video has finally gone back and put the 1992 through 2001 MotoGP (Motorcycle Grand Prix) season reviews on DVD. The first batch, 1992 through 1996 will be available in February, and the second set will be released in March. It's about time that we can get rid of our VHS tapes and bring our favorite sport back into our entertainment selections in the 21st century.

http://tinyurl.com/yc858y6

James Ellison has finally found himself a seat in the 2010 British Superbike Championship. He will be riding alongside Stuart Easton at SMR Honda. It marks a return to the team for Ellison, and he seems quite happy to be riding for the team again. Given Ellison's results in 2009, it is hard to understand why it took so long for someone to pick up this talented racer!

http://tinyurl.com/ycw76tz

Saturday Morning Moto News - Zero Motorcycles PR

Yep, direct from the press release about Zero and "Ride to Adventure Extreme", an Outdoor Channel reality show:

The Outdoor Channel selected Zero Motorcycles for the popular series "Ride to Adventure Extreme." The upcoming episode takes place in Colorado where a group of off-road riders climb to over 13,000 feet on one of the toughest backcountry passes in the state. It's showing at 5:30PM and 8:30PM PST Monday Feb 8th.

On our site we've posted a few outtakes from the show:http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/gallery.php#id=action-videos&num=2

Interested in watching a little something on the street? Our engineering team has been developing significant upgrades for our powertrain. Below is a link to a short clip that they shot during a test… if you're curious about what they're up to, give us a call.

Engineering powertrain test video:http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-s-burnout.php

As you can see, plenty to check out. Zero will probably have an extensive line of high-powered on and off-road machines by this time next year, so stay tuned!

More Morning Moto News - Lloyd Brothers, Kawasaki ZX-10R & Z1000 Vs. Triumph Videos

A short press release from Lloyd Brothers Motorsports has informed us that they will retain the sponsorship of American Agip as their title sponsor for the 2010 AMA Grand National Dirt Track series. This is excellent new for the team who was hoping greatly for this continued support. For a short bit of detail, take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y9z53hs

The Kawasaki ZX-10R video has the guys at MCN (UK) out testing the 2010 model against the 2009 version in their usual speed tests. It's a riot and looks like they had way too much fun! Go and enjoy...

http://tinyurl.com/ycrdanr

In our next video feature from MCN (UK), they take the all new 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 up against the Triumph Speed Triple. For the first time, according to the piece, Kawasaki has provided them with something to really challenge the Hinckley triple in a hard-charging competition. Have a look for yourself...

http://tinyurl.com/yedakqt

More Afternoon Moto News - Custom Triumph Scrambler, BMW R1200R Charity Auction & Flat Track TV

Italian designer Pietro Figini of TPR Italian Factory has taken his eyes and hands to the modern Triumph Scrambler. He has taken it and turned it into a retro-looking machine worthy of a museum display, but it is simply a modern take on the classic look - it will still be under warranty and will perform like a modern motorcycle. Take the link and have a look for yourself.

http://tinyurl.com/ygmluda

BMW has created a special edition of its R1200R for the 40th anniversary of their Berlin plant and auctioned it late last year. It is a Roadster with special parts and pieces from the BMW accessory catalog - and there are plenty of them. The proceeds from the sale went to Save the Children Deutschland. They managed to raise €14,951 for the great cause.

http://tinyurl.com/ycmbs43

AMA Pro Racing and MavTV have signed on to actually air the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship on TV. You may or may not have the station, so you need to check with your satellite or cable TV provider. But, if you do have it, you will get to see 5 of the 21 rounds this year - and, the agreement will be in effect for three years.

http://tinyurl.com/yeykdt3

More Morning Moto News - World Supermoto DVD, EU Emissions & Demographics

The FIM Supermoto World Championship Review DVD is now available for purchase. This DVD covers the entire 2009 season and is full of commentary, great shots, and interviews with some of the sport's top riders. For more information, as well as how you can buy it for yourself or someone you care about, can be found after the link.

http://tinyurl.com/y8dkovg

The European Union is working to crack down on motorcycle emissions now. They want to put strict requirements on how much CO2 our two-wheeled machines can emit. It's not something which should surprise anyone, and the manufacturers have been waiting for something like this to come down. The real questions, though, are what standards will be set, and how much will it cost to meet those goals.

http://tinyurl.com/yajrb3a

The demographic of the motorcycle buyer is changing - and, if you were unaware of this, you have been living in a cave. This article, though, does explain that a younger and much more female audience is looking at bikes these days. We did know that, but you would do yourself no harm by taking the link and learning a little more.

http://tinyurl.com/ycoo2xz

Saturday Afternoon Moto News - Brittown DVD & WSBK Practice Day 2

A DVD chronicling part of the life of vintage Norton racer and mechanic Jeff "Meatball" Tulinius from his homebase, his Hell On Wheels shop in Anaheim, California. The film is called "Brittown" and it covers his time racing a BSA and just being himself. There is a video preview after the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yfny4e4

We now have some more reports from the World Superbike Championship testing taking place at Portimao in Portugal. Jonathan Rea was the fastest on this day, but it was a wet session - good for testing, though. Leon Haslam, yesterday's leader, was close to Rea in second. There is plenty more for the teams to do, so expect yet another leader tomorrow.

http://tinyurl.com/ylzy6xf

http://tinyurl.com/yghj74u

http://tinyurl.com/yzt5e6l - From Haga and Fabrizio

More Saturday Moto News - Jason DiSalvo, Ryan Capes & SpongeBob

Jason DiSalvo has no problem with Gary McCoy, even after taking his slot on the ParkinGO BE1 Triumph World Supersport team. McCoy and the BE1 team had some problems and their negotiations broke down, so they simply went to find a replacement. They picked up DiSalvo from the US AMA Pro Racing series. I get the impression that DiSalvo is glad to be back in a real racing series.

http://tinyurl.com/yjqe4ak

Ryan Capes has broken the dirt-to-dirt long distance motorcycle jump record - and he did it with very little fanfare. It is an official Guinness World Record and he set it on a Pro Circuit-tuned Monster Energy Kawasaki/Service Honda KX500 at Jeremy McGrath's ranch in California. There is even a video of it after the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yc6t5ub

And, I had to post this one. Are there any fans of SpongeBob SquarePants? If so, you can now get a motorcycle helmet to show your support of the character. Ateliers Ruby has released the 10th anniversary tribute and will only make 200 of the - only to be sold in the US and Europe - and they cost - wait for it - US$1200!

http://tinyurl.com/ydwk86e

More Morning Moto News - Hopper, Mark Neale & Ben Spies

More news comes to us about John Hopkins and his dual role in 2010 with both the FB Corse MotoGP outfit and the M4 Suzuki AMA Pro Racing team. It seems that both options are a possibility - he may ride in two series this year. The FB Corse team, though, will only participate in select MotoGP rounds, but M4 will contest the entire American Superbike season. For more, take the link...

http://tinyurl.com/yf22uvd

More Hopper news: http://tinyurl.com/yd2gd89

Mark Neale is at it again! Remember the documentaries Faster and The Doctor, The Tornado and the Kentucky Kid? Well, he has now made on about last year's Isle of Man TTXGP race with the electric motorcycles - it is called, appropriately, Charge. Take the link and learn more...

http://tinyurl.com/yzqcrtd

It seems that Ben Spies will be one of the heaviest riders on the MotoGP circuit in 2010. He has given serious thought to losing some weight, but he also had some great success at Valencia while being at his current weight. Given how fit he is, I have to think that his weight is only a minor concern for his team, so nothing important to think about there...he is very talented and his size will not change that.

http://tinyurl.com/yz4pqh3

Busy Tuesday Afternoon Moto News - Kim Newcombe, Piaggio and AMA/MCC

Kim Newcombe was an incredible racer; one which even the greats respected. In the documentary Love, Speed and Loss, his life is chronicled for all to see and it is worth seeing. This film was well-directed by Justin Pemberton and features racing footage from the 1970's when Newcombe was storming the Grand Prix tracks of the World Championship. All of the film is available online, so you have no excuse to not see it.

http://tinyurl.com/yehbaho

Piaggio USA has had to cut sales staff due to the lull in scooter sales in 2009. So, many top-level managers have now been sent to the unemployment line. Hopefully, they will be able to hire them back soon...at least we can hope, right? The economy has yet to fully recover and, given what has been done to the banks who caused this (we gave them money; thus, we rewarded what should have been punished - they will do it again), it is not going to improve much in the coming years. Sorry Piaggio...2010 should be a better year!

http://tinyurl.com/ydgcuf7

The AMA has awarded the Motorcycle Confedration of Canada (MCC) the MOTORCYCLE AWARD of EXCELLENCE (MAX) for Riders in the Category: Motorcycle Organization. The presentation of the award took place at the North American International Motorcycle Supershow on Saturday, January 16, 2010. This was for their work on the International Street Party at the International Women & Motorcycling Conference. One organization recognizing another...

http://tinyurl.com/y9d9uo8

MCN Motorcycle Show Update, Trails Videos and Tasmanian Riders

The Carole Nash MCN Motorcycle Show will take place at the ExCel in London during 4 - 7 February 2010. Get your tickets now! Or, try to win them through the various means available all over the U.K. Anyway, we have an update which includes all of the changes to date for the event. For all information on the show, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yh33abh

From our friends (and helpers) at the AMA, we have a selection of Public Land Advocacy Videos produced by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC). The videos are meant to help local organizations and individuals keep the trails open in their part of the country. The videos help with everything from organizing against closures, to how to lay out a plan to keep the trails open and even clean. For more information, please take the link. If you ride off-road in the US, this is for you!

http://tinyurl.com/yjxrdu4

A pair of motorcycle racers from Launceston in Tasmania will be representing their island in the annual Phillip Island Classic to be held this weekend. They will be riding a 1966 250cc Bultaco Metralla, a 1972 TR3 350cc Yamaha, and an old Suzuki 500c.c. GP bike in the event. Please take the link and learn more about these very brave souls...

http://tinyurl.com/ykmy5ve

http://tinyurl.com/ykmy5ve

Sunday Afternoon Diversions - City Trials Video

Parkour may or may not be known to you - it is the freestyle sport of jumping up and over various urban structures (you saw it at the beginning of "Casino Royale", the recent James Bond film) and moving across the city at surprising speeds. Well, now Frenchman Julien Dupont has taken another definition for that word (it is used to describe trials riding in France as well) and done on a motorcycle what most street punks do with their bodies alone. This is an incredible video and is well worth any time you get to spend watching it!

http://tinyurl.com/yd7o6d6