2011 Harley Davidson Fxdwg on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Vespa goes back to the future

IT'S been a while coming, but the gorgeous Vespa 946 - EICMA 2012's Best of Show - has finally introduced something to the two-wheeled world that our four-wheeled counterparts have had for a while.  I call this 'reverse retro-futurism' - the art of borrowing lines from models past and imbuing them with a sleek sense of future direction (as opposed to retro-futurism, the pre-1960s design trend of depicting the technology of the future. The term 'decopunk' may come close, but feel free to tell me if there's a more exact term.) It's what the New Mini and the New Beetle (both 1997 and 2012 versions) have done so well, and so successfully: building an all-new model as a tribute to a classic, something that's modern yet already timeless, with a widely-appreciated, inclusive aesthetic (and here we eliminate the Plymouth PT Cruiser from the conversation). The biking world is great at retro, indeed thrives on it, but not so good at adding in a taste of the 21st century.

Calling all Harley-owning, Olympus-toting shopaholics

GOOD LORD: where will it ever end?Harley-Davidson and Olympus cameras have launched a range of branded leather bags, specifically for use with Olympus cameras. The cases come replete with 'silver studs, buckles, chains and the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycle brand in four distinct styles,' says Olympus.The camera company continues: 'Whether you’re a two-wheeled novice, a seasoned road warrior or just enjoy the look, the new Harley-Davidson accessory cases are for you.'Mmmmm.The limited-edition leather accessory bags will be available in February 2010.Wonder if the cost of the new leather pouches will be Harley-Davidson inspired, too?

MSF Begins Year-long Real World Motorcycle Safety Study

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has started what it calls the first-ever naturalistic study of motorcycling, with 100 motorcycles equipped with data logging equipment to record real-world riding situations over the course of a year. The information will valuable data that will help shape the MSF’s rider education and rider training program and other safety initiatives. “Our priority with this research is to observe the participants on a day-to-day basis,” says Dr.