You Already Know - BMW HP4 Now Confirmed

Maybe you remember back to the BMW HP2 and how it was very focused and in limited production? It had a high price, but it sold out even with its limited usefulness. Now comes something in the same vein, but with a much different purpose - the S1000RR-based HP4. BMW claims it as the lightest 4-cylinder bike in the liter class; I'm not so sure about that as it depends on what you put in that category (Ducati's latest?). However, with 193 HP on tap, 199 kilograms wet feels far lighter than it ever has previously...so, make up your own mind - include the Panigale or not?

http://tinyurl.com/bocmmsq

Honda Goes to Dakar in 2013!

Will Big Red be able to conquer the Dakar as they did the Baja and many other grueling endurance events the world over? They lost out at the Baja 500 this year for the first time in 15 years to an upstart Kawasaki team (not really - the THR Monster Team was very strong as evidenced by the results), but Team Green does not yet have a factory-backed bike in the Dakar and it is Honda after 23 years away. It will be an interesting few months as we hear more from Honda about their Dakar 2013 machine.

We know the team, though: Helder Rodrigues, from Portugal, motocross and enduro rider Felipe Zanol of Brazil, Sam Sunderland from the United Kingdom and Javier Pizzolito of Argentina. For a little more have a quick read here:

http://tinyurl.com/6rgstwk

Daimler AG to Produce "smart escooter" Electric Scooter

This appears to be an actual fact and not some rumor. According to high-level officials at Mercedes-Benz, and parent Daimler AG, the company will begin selling an electric scooter under their smart automobile brand. It is now known as the smart escooter (all lower-case letters as is their standard with smart) and will be seen in dealerships and on the roads by 2014. Almost no details are available presently, but this is a firm commitment, so more information is certainly forthcoming. Until then, have a read:

http://tinyurl.com/d27z8uo

Moto Morini is Back! with a new model...for some reason

Sorry to be so late with this...again.

Moto Morini is actually ramping up production of the company's first new model since Sandro Capotosti and Ruggeromassimo Jannuzzelli bought the rights to the firm and brought it back from the receivership. Unfortunately, the first model is what the company has dubbed the Rebello; it sounds like it could be a cool name for a genre-bending bespoke machine. Instead it seems a bit humorous and over-the-top for a machine which looks much like it was designed on an 8-bit PC used for a 1980's video game. It's just my first opinion, but the lines simply do not flow well - the stop lines are all wrong and that makes it look like a Transformer in mid-change. It does sport top-shelf components, though, so maybe she rides better than she looks...judge for yourself:

http://tinyurl.com/6p3hf2m

http://tinyurl.com/d7o5xw9

P.S. The process for getting hands on one of the new Rebello models is a bit convoluted too...

The Coolest Little MotorBike You May Ever See - The Derringer Cycle

It's a 49.4 cc engine shoehorned into a custom frame that resembles a bicycle frame, it gets over 200 miles on one US gallon of fuel, and in many states you need no more than a driver's license to operate it - no insurance, no registration - and it can be taken into the bicycle lane in some cities. It is high-style and utilitarian at the same time. I cannot do it much more justice, so please take the link to read the Motorcycle Classics article about this ultimate cool machine:

http://tinyurl.com/6m6wzrt

Yamaha Brings Design Brilliance to Small Displacement

In the ever changing motorcycle market, we often only see the high-end models grab the attention of the more creative designers. Much of his comes from economic reality as a manufacturer will not spend large amounts of money on something which has a very narrow profit margin already - it could all be wasted if the bike itself isn't making enough of the green stuff to cover the initial outlay. However, one important aspect often over-looked in the markets which cover North America and Europe is that small bikes outsell their larger relatives when examined from a global perspective - in fact, those tiny bikes dominate the powered two-wheeler industry everywhere they are sold. And, that is exactly where Yamaha's bean-counters' minds were when they allowed the Yamaha Y125 to be conceptualized.

Take a close look at the Y125 and you will see massive influence from the very first road-going Yamaha ever, the YA-1. It is equipped with a "world-approved" - meaning it is legal everywhere - 125 cc engine which can deliver 188 MPG (U.S.) and is small enough to be handled like a bicycle. And, it is not hard on the eyes, either. The flowing lines of the tank and frame, the bulbous exhaust slung under the engine, the fancy six-spoke wheels, and that metal finish used throughout on all 'natural' metal surfaces all come together to give the world what may be the most organic, lovely and unusual small-displacement motorcycle available...where it will be available, though, is still an open question.

http://tinyurl.com/c6mygf8

It Will Be Built, Will You Buy? The Xenon, a TRON Lightcycle

For around US$55,000 you too may ride a lightcycle at least similar in form to the machines from the recent TRON: Legacy film from Disney. Not a whole lot has come out about the machine other than its electric powertrain and the 100 mph (160 km/h) speed and 100 mile range (160 km). The company building it in the USA is Evolve Motorcycles, or "evolve" as it appears on their official documentation. That say something about them...expect more interesting machines from this relatively new operation.

http://tinyurl.com/7ngow6k

http://evolvemotorcycles.com/

Well, it was not the revolutionary V-4 I was naively expecting, but it is a serious redesign even if the displacement remains unchanged. The new Ducati Panigale will run with a 1199 cc V-Twin (or L-Twin to Ducatisti) known as the Superquadro, and the most recent details can be found after the link.

http://tinyurl.com/6gacckb

More News from JC Current...Please CLICK!

There has been an enormous amount of news coming from the world of two wheels lately. It is the end of the racing season, the musical chairs that are professional racing, the beginning of the 2011 models, new gear and accessories - and plenty of shows which bring much of this together in one place. EICMA is running in Milan, Ducati has released their 'fat-boy' Diavel, MV Agusta has shown their new F3 triple, Triumph's new Tiger 800XC and Daytona 675R, Yamaha's Super Tenere, and many more.

I have some stories here which may have slipped past you, or you may simply want to know more. Some are a bit old, but they are still current (pun intended)...please take a look.

2011 Master of the Mountains Schedule

The Middle Kindom Ride - China on BMWs

The New Brammo Enertia Plus

The 2010 Africa Concours d'Elegance in Kenya

The All-New Honda CBR250R Coming to US

The Renard Grand Tourer - Estonian Beauty

Honda's Moto3 Machine - NRS250

BMW R1200GS Triple Black

Chicago's Isle of Man

Gilera GP800 - World's Most Powerful Scooter

dediKato Auction (Ends 8 November 2010)

Nick Nichols Has Shed This Mortal Coil

Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show and Bonhams Auction

Suzuki GZ250 Price Dropped $1000!

Guy Martin to Ride Relentless by TAS Suzuki at 2011 Isle of Man TT

Scott Redding to Ride Suter/BMW MotoGP Machine

2011 FIM Speedway GP and Speedway Cup Schedule

Team Canada Heading to Latin American Championships

AMA Crowns Hillclimb Champions

Well, there are a few more, but that will do for this post. I am also working at the Portland Examiner as well and have at least one published article there...once I get that link, I will post it here too...Until then, please take the above links - every click helps!

Brammo Releases Empulse to the World

Wow, Brammo had something working in the background for some time now. After interviewing one Brian Wismann, I knew something was up but not how big it would be. Cycle World has already managed to lay hands on the machine and has a piece on the beast. This is the new Empulse, and it comes in three different power versions...and, it is lovely. If you are an avid motorcyclist, you need to check this out now!

http://tinyurl.com/293y7a2

HMSI Unveils Honda CB Unicorn Dazzler 150

It appears that CEO Shinji Aoyama of Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India Ltd has come out to the buying public plain and simple - this model will cost more than the original estimated MSRP. The CB Unicorn Dazzler 150 will need to cost more to make up for its higher overall quality. It seems that HMSI is dedicated to making this machine a very reliable and strong bike. If it rides on the roads of India, it must be a very stout - nee indestructible - and it must handle very well. Take a look at the new machine...

http://tinyurl.com/35c4w79

2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200S Ride & Motocorse Monster 1100 Titanium!

Here we ave another impression on the new Ducati Multistrada 1200. The odd aura around this machine seems to be holding back the big mag reviews. Must be waiting to sell some serious ads; that makes sense. This is a first impression of the Multistrada S model - the one I want - and it is a bit short. However, it is a nice rational look at this beast. Take the link and read it for yourself. (You already know that the author will drool over this of all bikes.)

http://tinyurl.com/yebczap

This comes right out of Japan and Italy; the new machine of the moment from the brilliant folks at Motocorse have produced a rather severely beautiful and light Ducati Monster 1100. It is tricked out with all of their best kit and is loaded with titanium (obviously) and carbon fibre - saving nearly 29 lb. of weight. Put these Japanese artists to work with the Italian artists and the work of Motocorse is what you get - abject beauty. Take the link and learn the rest of the specs. No price has yet been announced, but if you have to ask...

http://tinyurl.com/y8z7vyp

2010 Arlen Ness Victory Vision & More Salt Addiction - Timing

The Victory Motorcycle company produces machines which challenge the cruiser market like no other company. They are made in the US and they have a reputation for reliability - even better than competitor and arch-rival Harley-Davidson, whose bikes have less performance when compared like-to-like with the Victory machines. Arlen Ness, customizer extraordinaire, has been working with Victory for some six or seven years and has produced some of the more amazing offerings from the company in terms of style and appearance. The Vision he penned is at the other end of the link...

http://tinyurl.com/y89a2fe

Rocky Robinson's column, 'Salt Addiction', is back this month and this time he is talking about timing. The Bonneville Salt Flats is where everyone goes to test themselves against the clock to see how fast they can go. Well, what about that clock? Timing is a very important and exacting science which must be applied perfectly to keep the record(s) straight. How is it done....well, take the link and see...

http://tinyurl.com/ye25bag

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

Isle of Man TT Newcomers & 2010 MV Agusta F4 First Impression

The Isle of Man TT always brings riders form all over the world to race on its Mountain Course. Well, this year will actually be something special and there are several well-known racers who will be taking to the TT for the first time. Some of these riders are multi-time champions, and yet they have never thrown a leg over during TT week. Well, take the link to learn exactly who will be running the 37.73 mile course this summer...

http://tinyurl.com/yaoyzps

The all-new for 2010 MV Agusta F4 may look very similar to its predecessor, but there are several major changes which add up to make this liter-class Italian exotica something more than just a slight upgrade. The handling is better, engine performance more linear and overall control has been tamed somewhat. Still, it is from MV Agusta, so it will always be the beast it is at heart - and for which we all love the F4!

http://tinyurl.com/y9y6bzt

Jason Britton Signs With Two Brothers Racing & 2010 Suzuki Boulevard M109 Review

Jason Britton, and his Team No Limit, have now signed a multi-year agreement with Two Brothers Racing. Two Brothers will be supplying all of the exhaust bits on the machines used by Britton and his team. As you probably already know, Britton is one of the most notable stunt riders today and he is the host of Speed TV's "Super Bikes!" show. For the details, please take the link.


http://tinyurl.com/ygbc8de

The Suzuki Boulevard M109 is not the most powerful machine Suzuki makes, but you would not notice that while experiencing it. It is a bike which is defined by the 'power-cruiser' segment and it shows it. The Boulevard M109 is also not a featherweight by any means, though this fact is often forgotten when tooling around a back road at a high-tilt speed...check the review...

http://tinyurl.com/yjuu2n2

Fischer Motor Introduces MRX650 Low & San Felipe 250 Results

Fischer Motor Company - they of GP frames, high-end suspension and components, and Hyosung engines - have now announced a lower seat model of their MRX650 machine. This is especially designed for the inseam-challenged amongst us, yet it still maintains the great handling and performance of the original model. The secret is the Trellispar - the only production one-piece frame on the market - and how well is hugs the track when pushing the bike as hard as you want. For the details, please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yhdahju

The San Felipe 250 is in the books now and it looks like Johnny Campbell Racing keeping Honda's dominance in Baja in sound order. Kawasaki's riders Robby Bell and Steve Hengeveld and second team riders Ryan and Connor Penhall rounded out the podium. This shows us once again (the first time being the Baja 1000) that Team Green is getting close to Honda in these off-road, hard core motorcycle races...

http://tinyurl.com/yk67dza

Breaking News: KTM Will Go Electric & Jeff Ward Joins AMA Pro Racing

KTM has announced that they will be showing two electric motorcycles at the Tokyo Motor Show next week. They even leaked obscure photos of the machine - much like Honda's VFR1200F, Ducati's Multistrada 1200, etc. Anyway, it is very sweet to hear that the orange Austrian marque will actually consider producing electric enduro and supermoto models. If they produce them, I guarantee they will sell with the one caveat being the price. Take a look and watch for more Tokyo Motor Show news...

http://tinyurl.com/yzmkzm6

It has also been announced that Jeff Ward, a nine-time AMA Pro Racing Champion in motocross, supercross and supermoto, will be joining AMA Pro Racing as a rider liaison and advisor. The man is a living legend. He is in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, he competed in IRL events including the Indianapolis 500 - where he was voted Rookie of the Year - and it goes on like this...He will be a very valuable asset to both riders and the AMA Pro Racing owners, Daytona Motorsports Group. Maybe he can bring back some legitimacy...

http://tinyurl.com/ykqk6ke

Jerry Romano’s Square Norton & 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R Review

You really have to take a look at this machine. Jerry Romano has managed to fit an Ariel Square Four into a Norton Featherbed frame. Just the fact that he massaged the engine into the frame speaks volumes about his skill with motorcycles. This is one of the most incredible customs to come along in a while - it even looks factory-made. The 997cc Ariel Square Four engine is the design of Triumph legend Edward Turner and is a classic all by itself...take the link and be impressed!

http://tinyurl.com/yarjtc9

The 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R has finally been ridden for the press. It is mostly unchanged, but they did alter the bodywork to more closely resemble the ZX-6R and to make the bike appear to be much lighter - even if the weight is still the same. It certainly looks sharper! The turn signals are a bit of an acquired taste, though. However, the bike is even smoother than last year and it will really tear up a track! Take the link to learn more...

http://tinyurl.com/yhk7cxz

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