Lava Red Triumph Thunderbird Motorcycles, page #12

Moto blog

Q3 2013 US Motorcycle Sales Results

Motorcycle and scooter sales in the U.S. in 2013 remain consistent with last year’s figures, according to data released by the Motorcycle Industry Council. Several manufacturers blamed poor weather for the poor start this year, and the rebounding sales in the third quarter helped to negate the slow sales from earlier in the year.

Triumph Raced Virtually Everything In 2013 – Video

You may not have realized it, but Triumph North America raced in everything from AMA road racing, AMA flat track, and FIM land speed racing in 2013. And because that wasn’t enough, it also teamed up with Ernie Vigil and Nick Apex to produce some of our favorite stunt riding videos, too. Couldn’t catch it all?

2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander, Thunderbird LT Models Outted in CARB Documents

An executive order released by the California Air Resources Board reveals two new additions to the Triumph Thunderbird cruiser lineup. Joining the base Thunderbird and the Thunderbird Storm (both of which have already received CARB certification for 2014) are two new versions, the Thunderbird LT and the Thunderbird Commander. According to the executive order, both new T-birds will be powered by a 1700cc engine designated as the ETDXC1.70KMM, the same engine family designation assigned to the parallel-twin engine powering the Thunderbird Storm.

What’s Old Is New Again – Video

There’s something distinctly cool about old British motorcycles. From the wire wheels, the minimal bodywork, and the exposed engines which give off a thunderous bark, I’ve always loved looking at old Triumphs, BSAs and the like from the 60s.  I’ve never owned one though. The reason is simple: old British bikes are needy little maintenance machines notorious for the odd oil leak.

Bonhams To Auction Wayne Pierce Family Collection Of Motorcycles Jan. 9, 2014, In Las Vegas

On January 9, 2014, during the fourth annual Las Vegas Sale of motorcycles at Bally’s Hotel and Casino, Bonhams, the world’s largest auction house for cars, motorcycles and memorabilia, will be auctioning off over 50 motorcycles from the extensive Wayne Pierce family museum collection, all offered at no reserve. Among the machines is a first-year Harley-Davidson Sportster believed to be the 10th XL883 produced in 1957, a 1933 Harley VLE police bike that saw actual duty on the streets of Chicago before being cast in the 1987 Kevin Costner gangster movie, “The Untouchables,” and an authentic and unrestored 1947 Harley Knucklehead wearing period aftermarket accessories. Wayne “Pappy” Pierce started his Harley-Davidson dealership in 1957, run out of a one-room tin shed in DeKalb, Illinois.

Dainese Made To Measure Tour Starts This Weekend

In the fashion world, nothing fits quite like a well tailored suit. Dainese is applying this same ideal to the moto world by once again offering its custom tailored services to North America. The tour, called Fitnet, will start this weekend and make its way to six locations throughout the country, finishing on October 19.

Triumph Unveils 2014 Modern Classics for North America

Triumph is introducing updating its line of Modern Classics, which in 2014 includes not only the Bonneville, T100, Thruxton and Scrambler, but a new blacked-out T100 and a Bonneville Special Edition. The freshened bikes feature new color schemes, machined cooling fins and new mufflers. Bonneville - With a 17” cast front wheel, the 2014 Triumph Bonneville sports a rider-friendly seat height of just over 29 inches.

Öhlins USA Suspension Cirkus of Speed Tomorrow, September 28

Rain or shine, the second annual Öhlins USA Cirkus of Speed will take place tomorrow, Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Did we mention it’s free?

Bonneville from a parallel universe

This is the Triumph Speed Twin Concept, a bike commissioned by Triumph to show what the Bonneville might have evolved into, in a parallel universe. I love the concept. Designed by Roy Norton and Tom Kasher who were on a placement at a design studio, I get the impression the pair are into motorcycle and not just designers.

Twin-Engined Triumph Rocket Streamliner To Challenge Motorcycle Land-Speed Record At Bonneville

The 1,000-horsepower Castrol Rocket is currently undergoing testing for its upcoming assault on the land speed record of 376.156 mph, set in 2010, by Rocky Robinson with the Ack Attack streamliner. The goal: a 400-mph-plus record-breaking run. The 25-foot long x 2-foot wide x 3-foot high streamliner was constructed in cooperation by Hot Rod Conspiracy and Carpenter Racing and will compete in the Division C (Streamlined) – Type V (5) Spark Ignition, Over 2,000cc to 3,000cc class. Powering the Rocket are two heavily modified Triumph Rocket III engines. Each Carpenter Racing built engine was reduced from 2,294cc to 1,485cc (2,970cc total) to meet the 3,000cc maximum total displacement class rule requirement. While piston size remains the same stock 4-inch bore, stroke was reduced from 3.75 inches to 2.4 inches and redline increased from 5,750 rpm to 9,000+ rpm. There’s also one Garrett GT2876R ball bearing, liquid-cooled turbocharger per engine.