2012 Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200 on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Old boys up front and where are the new 600 Gixers?

As I’ve been gagging for the new race season to kick off so it was almost a pleasure getting up at stupid 0 clock to watch the World Superbike Championship  opener at Phillip Island last weekend. I have to say Messrs Burnicle and Whitham were on form although I was disappointed there were none of the usual verbal attacks on each other that always add to the entertainment.    I’m sure they will put things right soon but the world superbike regulars must have been disheartened that Moto GP veterans nailed five of the six available rostrum slots.

Used Review: Gaerne G-ike boots

This is Gaerne’s entry-level boot and I’ve been wearing it mainly as a commuting tool over the last year and a half. It’s a good-looking boot that looks like a trainer under jeans and is as comfortable as one too.  The G-Ike has plenty of support in the heel from a steel plate in the sole and plenty of thick plastic around the ankle.  I know for a fact having come off an Aprilia Shiver in these that they provide a fair amount of protection though not enough to stop me twisting an ankle. But they’ve held up really well and I’m still happy wearing them though not for winter as they’re far from waterproof and a tad drafty for sub-zero days.

Piaggio Reports 2012 Sales Results

The Piaggio Group reported a 7.3% decrease in net sales and a 9.0% decrease in net profit for 2012, thanks in large part to a sharp decline in demand in Europe including an all-time low for motorcycle sales in Italy. Piaggio reported net sales of 1.406 billion euros (US$1.842 billion) in 2012, down from 1.516 billion euros in 2011. Motorcycles and scooters accounted for net sales of 993.3 million euros  (US$1.301 billion), a 3.1% decrease from 1.025 billion euros reported for 2011.