Honda Announces All New Gold Wing | Honda Press Release

TORRANCE, Calif., U.S.A., February 21, 2011 - American Honda Motor Company announced the first release of machines for the 2012 model year, the Gold Wing and FourTrax Foreman. These two 2012 models kick off the beginning of an exciting new season for Honda.


“This pair of 2012 new-model releases really illustrates the great diversity we have in styles of machinery for Honda customers,” said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino. “Both the Gold Wing and Foreman serve as the newest extensions of incredibly popular models that have built up large and loyal fan bases in their respective fields over the years. The Gold Wing now expands its reputation as the premier touring motorcycle in the world, while the Foreman is the newest iteration in a full line of machines built to work—but are also ready to lead the way to good times when a day off comes around. With these two especially popular models we’re starting off the 2012 model year in a big way, and we’re equally excited about the additional new releases to follow later this year.”


The first opportunities to view these new Honda models will be at the International Motorcycle Show in Greenville, South Carolina, February 25-27 and Daytona Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 5-12.


More detailed information and images of Honda’s model line can be found on powersports.honda.com or see your local Honda powersports dealer.


- Gold Wing: The Gold Standard For Two-Wheeled Journeys

Long acknowledged as the pinnacle of two-up motorcycling, the 2012 Gold Wing® continues its remarkable legacy. Its travel-oriented creds include the latest generation of sophisticated electronic amenities, starting with an updated and innovative GPS navigation system with user-friendly programmability for sharing favorite ride routes with friends and other riders, which can be accessed online via computer. The Gold Wing also now incorporates a built-in MP3/iPod® interface for a new SRS CS Auto™ technology surround-sound system for a premium listening experience. In addition to its renowned power-laden yet refined drivetrain and delightfully sporty handling, the 2012 Gold Wing also brings upgraded styling, increased luggage capacity, greater protection from wind and weather, revised suspension settings for enhanced ride compliance, and unparalleled comfort for both rider and passenger. In addition, packages for Navi, ABS and airbag do much to further the Gold Wing’s reputation as the most celebrated touring machine in motorcycle history. Price: $23,199 to $28,499 TBD. Availability: May 2011.


- FourTrax Foreman: Built To Work Hard, Day In and Day Out

Over the years, the FourTrax® Foreman® range of 4x4 ATVs have proven themselves to be hard-working partners that also know more than a thing or two about recreation. For 2012, the Foreman line of ATVs boasts a brand-new liquid-cooled 475cc single-cylinder OHV four-stroke engine that’s powerful enough for taking on those extra-tough jobs. The introduction of a new fuel injection system with 36mm throttle body for instant throttle response, consistent performance at high altitude, and hassle-free cold-weather starting adds to the Foreman’s performance package. The rolling chassis has been re-engineered as well, featuring an all-new and lighter rear suspension system incorporating a single, high-quality shock for increased comfort, precision, and work capabilities, plus a shorter wheelbase for agile handling and a tighter turning radius. With a wide variety of choices in configuration including manual shifting or Honda’s renowned Electric Shift Program (ESP®) that delivers push-button convenience for shifting, plus the option of Electric Power Steering (EPS) there’s a model to suit everybody. Throw in new body styling with a more aggressive look and you have one full-sized machine that will carry you through a week’s worth of chores with ease, then beg for some playtime adventuring come the weekend. Price: TBD. Availability: May 2011.

Article from world honda

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Zero Electric Motorcycles Expand into Mexico

Electric Motorcycles

Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, today announced further expansion of its sales and distribution operations with the addition of Dofesa Aventura in Mexico.

The new Zero S and DS models are now available for demo rides and additional models are expected to arrive later this year.

John Lloyd (VP World Wide Sales of Zero Motorcycles) says: "Zero Motorcycles has experienced exceptional growth throughout Europe, and now we are pleased to be expanding our sales and distribution channels in North America with our neighbors in Mexico to continue the enhancement of Zero's international reach.

"It has become increasingly important in this market to deliver an unparalleled experience for those who are interested in affordable, high-performance, two-wheeled transportation and, with Dofesa Aventura, we are perfectly poised to support this development and demand."

Zero Motorcycles entered the European market in 2008 and subsequently experienced a rapid growth in demand. Starting immediately, its complete product line is available for purchase in Mexico and the expansion is being backed with marketing, sales and service through Dofesa Aventura.

Interested riders can now schedule demo rides on the highly popular S and DS, and in the coming weeks will be able to test ride additional models as they become available. Zero's new distribution partner in Mexico is joined by its Canadian network of dealers directed through National Motorsports of Montreal and includes; Ames Motorsports in Edmonton, Motosport Newman in Montrealand All Season Motorsports in Calgary.

Now that the North American distributorship network is complete, anyone who is interested in a Zero motorcycle from Canada down to Mexico can use Zero's dealer locator to schedule a demo ride in their area.

To schedule a demo ride in your area, visit zeromotorcycles.com/locator.

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Motorbikes 'to get safe driving aids'

The safety systems created a "bubble" of awareness around a rider

Motorbikes could soon be sporting collision detection and other safety features more usually found on cars.

Research is testing ways to put these systems on motor bikes and how best to alert riders to dangers on the road.

The systems tested include warnings about speed limits, the tightness of road bends and information about other vehicles to aid lane-changing.

The first bike-based safety systems could be appearing on motorbikes within two years, say researchers.

Proof of concept tests on the Saferider systems, as they are known, have been carried out in simulators and on road bikes by Mira (formerly known as the Motor Industry Research Association), which acts as a testing and innovation centre for carmakers.

"Saferider takes the driver safety systems that are becoming standard on cars and tries to adapt them to the unique needs of motorcyclists," said Jonathan Moore, an ITS consultant at Mira, involved in the Saferider project.

Statistics gathered by Mira suggest that about 22% of all road accident fatalities involve bike riders and it is the only mode of transport which is seeing a rise in the number of deaths.

Mr Moore said making safety systems on motorbikes useful was "challenging" because of all the distractions to which riders were subjected.

"One of the most difficult things is getting the rider's attention," he said. "There's a high level of ambient noise and vibration to deal with and we really don't want motorcycle riders looking down at the handlebars any more than they need to."

Click to play

Click to play

The Saferider system allows motorcyclists to send SOS alerts and warns of potential hazards. Video provided by engineering consultancy Mira on behalf of Saferider.

Bubble wrap

Mira has been investigating how to use haptic, tactile feedback systems to safely get the attention of riders and warn them about other vehicles, prepare them for the road ahead or give help at junctions.

Mira engineers outfitted a Yamaha Tenere and a Triumph Sprint with the safety systems so they could be tried out on a test track.

The systems include laser scanners, haptic handles and gloves, a vibrating seat, lights, smart helmet-cameras and radar as well as a pannier full of the electronics that analyse data gathered by the sensors and pump out warnings.

One system tested works out if riders are travelling too fast to negotiate upcoming bends. Mira has developed software that acts as a "co-pilot" which, with the help of a digital map, knows what speed they should be travelling to make it round a bend.

"One system under test based around radar constantly monitors the blind spots around and behind riders," said Mr Moore. "Vehicles behind or to one side of a bike can be hard to spot because the helmet restricts visibility and riders must remember to move their head regularly to check."

"We put a motor in the cheek pad of the helmet so if you do not notice the object it will vibrate and give you a tactile warning that there's something to the right or left," said Mr Moore.

The system can also help give a rider information about traffic further behind in adjoining lanes to help with overtaking or lane-changing.

Motorbike collision detection systems developed by Mira warn a rider about an imminent impact and let them take action by slowing down sharply or, in the case of a vehicle travelling in the same direction as the bike, following it while slowing.

The safety systems could be a boon to less experienced bike riders.

"They do not give the attention to the road they should or have the experience to deal with problems," said Mr Moore.

The prototypes demonstrated by Mira showed it was feasible to fit such safety systems on motorbikes, said Mr Moore. He speculated that manufacturers would start to put them on bikes within the next 18 months to two years.

Saferider is a collaborative R&D effort that is part of the European Commission's Seventh Framework Programme. Participants include Mira, Yamaha, Porsche Engineering and Fema, among others.

Article from the BBC

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Ducati unveils new MotoGP bike

Ducati has unveiled its new GP11 MotoGP contender, the bike with which Valentino Rossi will make his debut for the Italian team.

The team's technical chief Filippo Preziosi hinted that Ducati had significant development plans for the new bike, and said it should address the issues that prevented a title challenge in 2010.

"The GP11 Ducati will start in Sepang [testing] as 'step zero'," he said.

"The engine has an evolution in that the goal has been to have a flatter torque curve. The aerodynamics are very similar those you saw in Valencia.

"We've worked on decreasing drag, increasing top speed and helping the fuel consumption. The bodywork has been based around Nicky Hayden [who is broader across the shoulders than Rossi] for his top speed. Also we've concentrated on having less lift on the front."

Ducati introduced winglets to the front of the GP10 at the Sachsenring last July after it was found that the front was only just in contact with the ground at the top end of the speed range after 180mph, and the GP11 features an evolution of that design.

As AUTOSPORT reported yesterday, the bike will have a smaller 42mm set of front forks compared to the stiffer 48mm forks that contributed to a series of high-speed falls for Hayden and Casey Stoner last season. The carbon fibre 'airbox/chassis' will have more flex in it together with the triple clamps to aid the feel of the front when leaned over.

"We have many things to test in Sepang but first the team will go with two bikes to Jerez on January 17, 18 and 19 with Franco Battaini and Vito Guareschi so we can get to Sepang with more of an understanding," Preziosi added.

Italian graphics and helmet design guru Aldo Drudi has followed Valentino Rossi over to Ducati, and has designed the team's new livery.

Article from autosport

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Triumph Motorcycle Parts Used to Make Household Items Rock

I really like products that are made out of stuff that most of us would never think to make them from. These new Triumph Motorcycles product prototypes are exactly what I mean.
Working for an exhibition for the

Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, designers took various parts from Triumph motorcycles and used them to make other stuff you might see around the house.

See all the photos here

My favorite item is the record player made from the brake parts. The platter for the record is a disc brake rotor, and you can see what appears to be the caliper cover on the side of the record player. The bowl made from the spokes and center hub of the wheel is really cool too.

Wine drinkers with a penchant for Triumph will like the corkscrew that is made from the grip and handle bar of the bike. This one is cool in that you pull the brake lever on the handle to make the corkscrew spin. There are a few other cool items like cutlery made from brake and clutch levers, and a floor standing mirror made from motorcycle mirrors.

Article from technabob and designboom

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Transformer scooter goes from unicycle to motorcycle!

Electric scooters are practical and fun, but annoyingly, they don't transform into unicycles. Oh wait, yes they do -- say hello to the Uno.

The Uno has been around since it was a Segway with attitude, invented by a Canadian high-school student. The bike balanced on two parallel wheels and looked like a unicycle on steroids.

The latest prototype, which is being shown off at CES this week, adds a third unmotorised wheel that stretches out the front at high speeds, transforming the Uno into a normal-looking scooter, which we assume also defends the Earth from its evil robot enemies.

According to BPG Motors, the company that makes the Uno, the bike stays stable during the transition, enabling you to keep cruising along while you punch the air and your neighbours gape and point.

When it's balancing on two wheels, the scooter's small size means it has a one-metre turning radius and it could be tucked away indoors or transported in a lift.

The gyroscopically stabilised unicycle mode is also more stable than a motorcycle at low speeds, says BPG on its website.

BPG plans to bring the Uno to Europe first, where we shamelessly scoot around without worrying that it reflects badly on our personal endowments. The scooter should arrive in limited quantities, at about the same price as a top of the range Vespa scooter, or around £4,000.

Clap your eyes on the photo gallery here to see the Uno in both its guises.

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Paris Hilton unveils 125GP team

Clad in a skintight pink, white and blue bodysuit with ample cleavage exposed, Paris Hilton proved last weekend why she is not your average motorcycle race team owner.

But in a blaze of publicity in Madrid on Saturday, the socialite, model and actress unveiled her shock new 125GP adventure.

Unveiling a striking pink, blue and white paintscheme, Hilton jetted in from America to launch the new SuperMartxe VIP by Paris Hilton team.

Hilton tweeted about her new venture saying: ‘I'm so proud of my new motorcycle team. So exciting!’

She later tweeted to her three million plus followers: ‘I can't believe I have my own racing team! So cool!’

Hilton’s team will run Sergio Gadea and Maverick Vinales in the 2011 125GP world championship.

It has been rumoured that Hilton will attend at least five races next season.

Article from MCN

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Limited Edition £6000 Yamaha YZF-R125.

Yamaha has unveiled a show-special YZF-R125 – but at over £6000, it could take the average teenager a while to save up for one.

• Find a Yamaha YZF-R125 for sale

The popular sports 125, which already costs £3999, gets a £478 full Akropovic exhaust system, Galfer Wave brake discs, a bubble screen, pillion seat cover, frame protectors and a £1200 paint job.

Because it’s a one-off, unveiled to showcase accessories at Carole Nash Motorcycle Live, the only way to get one is to pay for everything separately, bringing the cost to £6072.

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Triumph motorcycles celebrates as profits rise

Profits rocketed more than fivefold at Triumph Motorcycles last year, as the British motorbike maker drove through better cost control and use of working capital.

Despite a "very difficult year for the global motorcycle industry", Triumph also grew turnover by 3 per cent to £312.4m for the year to 30 June.

This was driven by "strong" sales of motorbike parts, clothing and accessories, such as automatic breaking systems, said a spokeswoman. However, unit sales of motorcycles fell by 1.5 per cent to 45,501 over the year, which suggests that Leicestershire-based Triumph was able to push through price increases.

But the group, which was founded in 1902, said it was cautious about the outlook for the global market 2011, "due to the continued global economic crisis and the impact on consumer confidence and spending on discretionary consumer goods".

Triumph, arguably best known for its Daytona 675 model, said the world market for motorcycles bigger than 500cc has tumbled by almost half since its peak three years ago.

Triumph grew operating profit by 504 per cent to £15.1m for the year to the end of June, compared to just £2.5m for the previous year.

The profit acceleration was the result of "strong sales of motorcycles and related products, benefiting from better cost control, improved use of working capital and favourable impact from currency exchange rates," said the company.

While it is cautious about the macro environment for global motorbike sales, Triumph stressed it was stepping up its research and development budget and that the public and dealers had responded positively to its new bikes.

A spokeswoman said that Triumph has already launched five new motorcycles of which the new Speed Triple and the Tiger 800 Adventure range are the "most significant"

Article from The Independent

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New Kawasaki concept trike unveiled

Lehman Trikes recently unveiled the company’s latest concept trike at the Kawasaki dealer meeting in Las Vegas, according to a press release from Lehman.

The company designed its new model based on the Kawasaki Vulcan 900. Lehman put the vehicle on display, so Lehman and Kawasaki could receive feedback from dealers.

“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to solicit feedback from Kawasaki’s dealer network,” Ken Hines, president and CEO of Lehman Trikes, said in the release. “The Vulcan 900 has proven itself as an outstanding motorcycle in the below 1000cc cruiser category and serves as an excellent foundation for a trike that would raise the bar in its class for performance and value.”

The Vulcan trike is being explored as Lehman’s next product.

Article from Power Sports Business

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Dirt Bike Show 2010 | UKBike was there to see the action!

All Images are on our facebook page. Click here

UKBike visited The International Dirt Bike Show at Stoneleigh Park which kicked off in action and style on Thursday, with visitors flocking through the doors to see the latest 2011 model machines, products, clothing and accessories from all the leading manufacturers and suppliers.

On top of all the latest exhibits, the action arena was off to a lively start with audiences packing into the stalls to witness the air-time antics of the Bolddog freestyle team. Other visitors took the weight off their feet and sat back to enjoy the fashion shows, interviews and live performances on the main hall two entertainment stage.

Tommy Searle is making a welcome and popular return to Europe after two years racing in the USA. Searle has returned to ride for the CLS Kawasaki team in the MX2 GP class, and was happy to get back to the International Dirt Bike Show to meet his many UK fans.

On the quad front, KTM UK announced its British and European championship team, with British Championship runner-up Mark Watson moving up from his private KTM team to the works supported KTM team managed by former European champion Richard Cole. Watson joins James Hellewell in the KTM UK team and they are due to start testing their 2011 machines next week.

Article from bikeland

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iTrials jumps onto iPhone

Motorbike trials game iTrials is now available on the App Store

Published on Nov 2, 2010

If you fancy playing something like Trials, the popular Xbox 360 motorbike trials simulator, developer Tooko's iTrials for iPhone may just be up your street.

Even though RedLynx develops games for the iPhone, Monster Trucks Nitro 1 and its sequel, for example, we’ve yet to see an iPhone version of its Trials motorbike extravaganza. Looking to capitalise on this, iTrials features 3D graphics courtesy of the Unity engine, 27 levels packed with obstacles and the ability to crash horribly, thanks to Ragdool physics

To keep you hooked, levels and stages are unlocked as you progress, and Facebook and Twitter integration means you can show off your achievements to friends. You can even compete against the world using the Agon Online Leaderboards.

If the idea of riding high-powered bikes over seesaws and moving platforms just isn’t enough, perhaps the promise of free updates with more levels will.

iTrials is available now for 59p from Apple’s App Store.

Article from knowyourmobile

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MV Agusta F3 triple | UKBike News

We've got some tech info on the middleweight MV Agusta F3 triple. Lots of claims for power and sophistication...

It looks like the MV Agusta F3 triple we wrote about here is going to be the big star of the Milan Bike show this week and the Italian outfit is making the most of its status as the season's hot ticket. At the moment all we have are press claims, but you can pick the facts from the fantasy below.

And you can say what you like, but it looks fantastic and if the reality lives up to the claims (and if it makes it into full production), then MV will have a winner and Castiglioni will have pulled it out the bag. Again.

ENGINE
This iconic engine has now returned in the form of an avant garde middle weight supersport with performance technical solutions based on the demands of Claudio Castiglioni who is convinced that this is the ideal architecture for a middle weight supersport.

The engine is the most compact, incredible short and narrow engine ever seen in this category. The powerplant is incredibly modern in design, technologically advanced and capable of generating the most power ever seen in this category. One of the numerous technical features is the counter-rotating crankshaft, never before seen on a production supersport engine.

ELECTRONICS
The most advanced electronic engine control system has been designed specifically for this
extraordinary three cylinder. For the first time on an MV (and in the middle weight supersport
category) there is Ride By Wire with multi-maps that optimize the power output in all riding
conditions. The MV TC traction control has been incorporated into the engine control system raising the dynamic control to a new level on the F3.

CHASSIS
As always, those who ride MV Agusta's have become accustomed to having the very best components and the maximum performance from the chassis. The new F3 follows this tradition with a level of quality that exceeds most of the 1000cc superbikes on the market.

As with all previous MV's, the advanced frame design incorporates a mix of steel tubing and aluminum side plates that wrap around the ultra compact engine offering a level of compactness never before seen on a supersport motorcycle. The compact engine dimensions left the maximum liberty to design the most advanced chassis on the market with an exceptionally long single sided swingarm that guarantees traction and feedback to the rider.

The components, as always, are of the highest quality. The Marzocchi front fork
is completely adjustable as well as the Sachs rear shock. The front brake system consists of a Nissin radial master cylinder and Brembo radial calipers and discs. It is simply the best and the new standard by which all other middleweight supersport bikes will be judged.

Article from superbike

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Honda drives in new CBR250R

Mumbai, Maharashtra, October 28, 2010: Honda has unveiled its all – new 2011 CBR250R motorcycle to the world in Thailand.

The new CBR250R is a lightweight motorcycle developed to cater to the rising international demand for small and efficient lightweight bikes. Currently there is a lack of options in that segment internationally with a very few players like Kawasaki and Hyosung producing such motorcycles.

The Japanese auto company has also confirmed that the 2011 CBR250R will make its way to India early – mid 2011. The bike will be launched in Thailand this November though.

The new bike has been developed by Honda Japan with significant involvement from Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) and Honda Thailand.

The CBR250R will be powered by a 250cc single cylinder engine, with a flat and well – spread power and torque curve for maximum driveability at low and mid range rev band and better efficiency.

The bike will source materials and components from strategic sources to keep the prices as low and competitive as possible.

We hope that by ‘competitive’, Honda is not implying a price tag close to that of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, which retails for a very high price of close to Rs 3- lakh in India. The CBR250R uses a light construction, diamond shaped, tubular frame that is said to offer agile handling and great manoeuvrability.

Article from Humsafar

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WIN a Motorcycle Helmet and a Motorcycle Rainsuit worth £129.98! | UKBike

WIN a New MTR Motorcycle Helmet K-11 Flip and a PROOF Splash II Motorcycle Rainsuit. We are offering all UKBike members the chance to win a MTR Motorcycle Helmet K-11 Flip, retailing at £99.99! AND a PROOF Splash II Motorcycle Rainsuit, retailing at £29.99! 1st place will win our main prize, the new MTR Motorcycle Helmet K-11 Flip along with 1 of 3 PROOF Splash II Motorcycle Rainsuit's, 2nd and 3rd place will also win one of these fantastic suits. It couldn’t be easier to be in with a shout for this fine prize. Simply send us a review of a bike that you know well from the past or present. On the 22nd of November the UK Bike team will select a winner, the prize will be sent via post, and the winning review will be our ‘featured review’ on the UKBike home page for the first last week of November! We are looking for interesting, informative reviews of a decent length that sum up your bike experiences, both good and bad. Got a particular story attached to the bike? Share it with your fellow members! Feel free to add some action to your review with photos and video – but it’s the words that we’re most interested in! Closing date for reviews is November 21st, the winner will be announced and contacted in the week of the 22nd of November. 1st place winner will have the choice of size and colour of the helmet, (Black or Silver). All winners of our rainsuits will have the choice of size and colour too, (Black or Red) Good luck! Terms and conditions. Entries must be submitted by 11.59pm on November 21st 2010. The winner will be notified by e-mail the week of the 22nd of November.The UKBike team’s decision is final. Members can submit multiple bike reviews. Any enquireies or problems with sending photos please email kai@ukbike.com

Harley Profit Rises as Finance Unit Makes Up for Slumping Motorcycle Sales

Harley-Davidson Inc, the biggest U.S. motorcycle maker, said third-quarter profit more than doubled as earnings in its finance unit made up for declining sales worldwide.

Net income rose to $88.8 million, or 38 cents a share, from $26.5 million, or 11 cents, a year earlier, Milwaukee-based Harley said today in a statement. The average estimate of seven analysts surveyed by Bloomberg was 36 cents. Revenue fell 1.9 percent to $1.09 billion, and retail sales slid 7.7 percent.

Chief Executive Officer Keith Wandell, who has cut costs by renegotiating labor contracts, said Harley is focused on transforming itself to “succeed at today’s volumes.” The financial-services unit, which makes loans to motorcycle buyers, had operating income of $50.9 million compared with a $31.5 million loss a year earlier.

“Motorcycle demand is slumping, and that slump has yet to show signs of abating,” Brent Miller, an analyst with Gradient Analytics in Scottsdale, Arizona, said in an interview. “That’s a bit concerning. How long can a company continue to count on its financial services arm to fill in that gap of dragging demand?”

The new labor agreements at factories in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin reduce jobs, give new employees fewer benefits and will let Harley add and cut workers based on demand. The Wisconsin contracts start in 2012.

MV Agusta

Excluding discontinued operations such as the MV Agusta line of motorcycles, profit rose to 40 cents a share from 24 cents a year earlier.

Harley raised the low end of its production plan for this year. It now expects to ship 207,000 to 212,000 motorcycles to dealers, a decrease of as much as 7.2 percent from last year. In July, it forecast shipments of 201,000 to 212,000, as much as a 9.9 percent decrease. Deliveries fell 27 percent last year to 223,000 from 303,500 in 2008.

Most motorcycle sales are discretionary purchases, which consumers reduced as the economy slowed, Wandell said today.

“All of our market data and research indicates there’s still a tremendous affinity for the brand and a desire to own Harley-Davidson motorcycles,” Wandell said in an interview. “It’s a matter of getting some help with the economy on top of everything else we’re doing with our strategy.”

Harley’s U.S. retail sales in the three months ended Sept. 26 fell 9.4 percent from a year earlier. Industrywide retail sales of heavyweight motorcycles fell 14 percent, Harley said.

Harley declined $1.25, or 3.9 percent, to $31.24 at 10:44 a.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. The shares gained 29 percent this year before today.

Brightona 2010 - UKBike was there to see all the action and get some photos.

Click here to check out all the pictures from the day.

Brightona 2010, ran successfully yesterday down at Maderia Drive. UKBike was there to see all the action.

Brightona is one of the biggest motoring events with participants as high as 40,000, Brighton was heaving with motorcycles of all shapes and sizes most of the day.

Since 2004 Brightona has donated a staggering £75,000!! This has allowed vital life saving equipment to be purchased and improve the lives of hundreds of people and families in Sussex.

Growing each year, Brightona raised £12,500 in 2006 and £23,000 in 2008. Hopefully 2010 broke the record.

Bikers come from all over the country; in fact, all over Europe - and maybe even further afield.

This was truly a sight worth seeing! Bikes start to arrive mid-morning and fill up the Drive: the noise, the smell of petrol fumes, the wave and wave of arriving bikers all generate an atmosphere of excitement. A great coming together.

By the time the Drive was filled up, a vast range of motobikes is on display. Bikes and bikers of all ages; bikes, trikes, sidecars; every manufacturer's name in the history of the motorcycle in represented. An exaggeration perhaps, but you'll certainly find Vincent, Norton, Kawasaki, Honda, Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Aprilia, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Victory, BSA, BMW, Triumph, Suzuki, National Chopper Club, and many customised machines, especially trikes.

There was also a stage, DJ, rock'n' roll, bands, etc to provide the entertainment.

We were there with our camera yesterday taking a number of pictures of bikes that took our fancy. All our photos will be uploaded to our facebook page www.facebook.com/ukbike.

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Biker banned for only 8 weeks after doing 107mph in 40mph limit!

A self-confessed “petrolhead”, who rode his Suzuki motorbike at 107 mph in a 40 mph zone in Stowmarket, was today banned from driving for eight weeks.

Sudbury magistrates heard John Dove, 26, of Stowupland, had only owned the machine for a month when police saw him on a dual carriageway.

Dove, who admitted speeding on August 1, was also fined £250 and ordered to pay £50 costs.

Is an 8 week ban too small seeing as he was travelling nearly 3x the limit?

Article from EADT24

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Pedrosa thankful for motorcycle clothing, but title hopes end.

Pedrosa's accident has ended his title hopes.

Dani Pedrosa was thankful for his robust motorcycle clothing after a heavy crash in practice for the Japanese round of the MotoGP championship at the weekend.

Unfortunately for the premier class' in-form rider, a high-speed tumble through the gravel left him with a triple-fracture of the collar bone, which appears to have handed the riders' title to compatriot Jorge Lorenzo.

But thankfully Pedrosa's motorcycle clothing prevented more serious damage to the rider's ankle, after X-rays showed the heavy impact had not broken the joint.

"We X-rayed the ankle as well and it is okay. He had old fractures but nothing new, just a small contusion," said MotoGP medical director Michele Macchiagodena.

However, with Pedrosa out of action and Jorge Lorenzo continuing to score points, the Yamaha rider now needs to finish in a ninth place during the next race to confirm himself as the 2010 MotoGP world champion.

Pedrosa recently signed a new two-year deal with Honda, where he will be joined next season by current Ducati rider Casey Stoner.

Article from PHMotorcycles

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$50 Motorcycle Retrofitted To Run on Solar Power

Tony Danger Coiro, a student at Purdue University, has recently created a zero-emission electric motorcycle that is powered by solar energy. The motorcycle, which initially cost about $50, is a transformed version of an old 1978 Suzuki.

He spent more than $2500 retrofitting and redesigning the bike, which is capable to reach a top speed of 45mph, having a range of about 24 miles per charge.

Coiro in collaboration with Jim Danielson and Sean Kleinschmidt, a colleague have launched the Purdue Electric Vehicles Club. Kleinschmidt and Danielson converted a 1987 Porsche 924S they bought for $500 to run on electricity, during their summer vacation.

According to Coiro, the Purdue EV Club will commercialize its latest electric cars prototypes and technologies. Meanwhile, Coiro has started designing a new green motorcycle equipped with a 100-horsepower motor that will reach a speed of 100 mph and a range of nearly 100 miles per charge. Besides this, the bike will have no drive trains, having the motors located in each wheel.

Source: Green Optimistic

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