Husqvarna WR 250 Motorcycles in Phoenix, page #8

Moto blog

Massive Motorcycle Swap Meet Coming to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days July 19-21

Few things rev up true motorcyclists like an amazing vintage bike or that elusive factory part that they pick up for a great price. On July 19-21, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will host one of the largest vintage motorcycle swap meets in the world at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, as hundreds of vendors and thousands of buyers converge at the largest celebration of motorcycle heritage in the US. “For many attendees, the swap meet is the top draw at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days,” said AMA Vice President of Operations Jeff Massey.

2014 Husaberg Lineup Announced – Final Edition Before Husqvarna Merger

Husaberg may soon be no more, but that hasn’t stopped the Austria-based Swedish brand from unveiling its 2014 lineup of seven models. News broke last week of plans to reunite Husaberg with Husqvarna, to be known as Husqvarna Sportmotorcycle GmbH as of October 2013, making lineup of of seven off-road bikes including both two- and four-stroke models the final traces of the Husaberg as an independent brand. These 2014 models will also give us some indication of what to expect from the new Husqvarna models.

Reunited: Husqvarna and Husaberg Merge

When Pierer Industrie AG purchased Husqvarna from BMW in January, it was obvious some major changes were on their way. Pierer Industries AG is owned by Stefan Pierer, who happens to be chief executive officer of KTM, which also happens to be the parent company of Husaberg. That’s three European motorcycle manufacturers with strong off-road lineages in the same family.

Mark Blackwell Recognized as AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend

American motocross pioneer, race team manager and motorcycle industry executive Mark Blackwell is getting another honor: being recognized as an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend. Blackwell, who was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2000, will be feted alongside the 2013 induction class during AMA Legends Weekend, Oct. 18-19 at the Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa and Casino in Las Vegas.

What’s New With CRP Electric Motorcycles?

CRP, the Italian company who made a splash last year when it announced it would make a production electric motorcycle, has been strangely quiet lately. With no news coming from the team in Modena, Italy, we wondered, what’s CRP been up to lately? While not much has been said publicly for months, CRP has been working feverishly behind the scenes to strengthen its staff.

Classic Off-Road Bikes Featured in Braving Baja: 1,000 Miles to Glory Exhibition

Back in the 60s, American Honda tested the durability of its motorcycles by sending a CL72 Scrambler on a 950-mile trek through rocks, sand washes, dry lake beds, mountain passes and paved roads. Fifty years later, that legendary run is remembered for inspiring one of the most significant off-road races in the world—the Baja 1000. In celebration, the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles is hosting a tribute dinner, one-day off road show, and summer-long exhibition called Braving Baja, 1,000 Miles to Glory.

Movie: The John Penton Story

John Penton was one of the most influential figures in the development of off-road motorcycle racing in America during the 1960s and ’70s. His life’s story is triumphant and tragic. When his attempts to convince Husqvarna to produce a smaller, lighter motorcycle fell on deaf ears, Penton created his own design and commissioned KTM, a small moped and bicycle maker in Austria, to build it. The motorcycle was an instant success in off-road competition and led KTM to expand its efforts in the motorcycle realm, initially in conjunction with Penton and ultimately on its own.

BMW Sells Husqvarna to Pierer Industrie AG

The BMW Group has announced the sale of 110-year old Husqvarna Motorcycles to Austrian-based Pierer Industrie AG. “The BMW Group signed a purchase agreement with Pierer Industrie AG (Austria) for the acquisition of Husqvarna Motorcycles. The acquisition will proceed subject to approval by anti-trust authorities.

2013 Dakar Rally Results

Cyril Despres won his fifth career Dakar Rally while helping KTM win for the 12th consecutive time, in taking the motorcycle class in the 2013 edition of the famed off-road race. KTM was again the dominant manufacturer with the top five finishers in the motorcycle class riding motorcycles from the Austrian manufacturer. Despres finished with an overall time of 43:24:22 for the win, including a 15-minute penalty for swapping an engine after the one he was using in his KTM 450 Rallye failed.

Troy Bayliss Hosting All-Star Flat Track Race

Troy Bayliss is hosting a dirt track race in Australia featuring 24 current and former racing stars. The inaugural Troy Bayliss Classic takes place Jan. 19 at the three-time World Superbike Champion’s home town of Taree, Australia.