Motorcycle Blog on 2040Motos

AMA Calls For Overhaul Of Failed Renewable Fuel Standard

“The federal government’s Renewable Fuel Standard is a failed strategy that must be completely reconsidered and restructured,” said Wayne Allard, vice president of government relations for the American Motorcyclist Association, on Wednesday. Allard’s remarks came during the National Renewable Fuel Standard “Day of Action,” organized to urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to maintain its proposed 2014 renewable volume obligation and for Congress to take up legislative reform that would permanently address the problems inherent in the current RFS.

eMotoRacing Wrap-Up From Willow Springs And Sonoma Raceway + Video

In December, we reported on a new electric motorcycle racing series, which would run alongside the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA). Dubbed the eMotoRacing series, it is now the sole national racing series for electric motorcycles. The series has now completed its first two west coast events, at Willow Springs International Raceway in Southern California, and Sonoma Raceway in the California Wine Country.

Continental Tire Rules The Vintage Racing Circuit

Continental’s Road Attack 2 Classic Race tires offer racers a modern high-performance tire in sizes suitable for classic machines. The Road Attack 2 Classic Race tires features contemporary components like high-performance compounds, radial construction, a multi-compound tread design, and other modern technologies not found in other tires designed for classic bikes. Proof of the tires’ performance is evidenced by victories around the world during the 2013 season.

New Harley-Davidson Book Ties Together The Company’s Past

Margie Siegal, former columnist for IronWorks Magazine and motorcycle enthusiast has written a book on the history of the world’s most famous motorcycle, Harley-Davidson. Entitled,  Harley-Davidson: A History of the World’s Most Famous Motorcycle, the book ties together the mechanical evolution of the Harley engines, the social history of Harley and the beautiful visuals associated with Harleys in design, advertising, artful photography and collectibles. Harley-Davidson are words that evoke the open American road and the “Made in America” tradition like no others.

Harley-Davidson Hires ex-GM Engineer Federico

Harley-Davidson has hired a former General Motors engineer and executive, most recently recognized for leading the automaker’s internal investigation of its ignition switch fiasco that resulted in a recall of 2.6 million vehicles. Jim Federico retired from GM on May 5 after working in various roles with the company over nearly four decades, most recently as executive director of global vehicle integration. Federico will join Harley-Davidson on June 2 as vice president of engineering.

Join The Ride For Sight Fundraiser, June 6-8, In Ontario, Canada

The 36th annual Ride for Sight fundraiser kicks off June 6-8 at the Lindsay Exhibition in Lindsay, ON., with proceeds going to support the Foundation Fighting Blindness – Canada’s largest charity supporting over $25 million in sight-saving research. Friday night, the party gets started with its first ever barn dance, complete with mechanical bull. Saturday morning at 10 am, riders depart the Lindsay Exhibition for a 90-minute motorcycle parade.

Dunlop Launches New Marketing Campaign, Chance To Win Prizes

There’s a decent chance that if you’re on this website reading this page, then you’re involved in some form of social media to one degree or another. As riders, the freedom and enjoyment we get from motorcycles can sometimes be too good not to share. Now Dunlop is getting in on the social media action with its latest ad campaign.

12 Different Helmets Put On The Scale, Which Is Lightest? + Video

One of the most controversial subjects out there, helmets, never fails to get a reaction from riders everywhere. Which helmet is the best? Which safety standard is safest?

Motors For Nothing (Kicks For Free): A New E-book By Dain Gingerelli

Care to lap a race track alongside racing legends Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Bubba Shobert and other greats? Curious about what really takes place during a new-motorcycle test session? Want to know how those cool action photos you see in the magazines are created? All this and a whole lot more is within the digital pages of Dain Gingerelli’s new tome; Motors For Nothing (Kicks For Free).

Braaper Bluetooth Speaker Designed for Motorcyclists

Here’s an interesting idea: Since exhaust notes are beautiful music to motorcyclists, why not play music from a speaker shaped like an exhaust tip? Well, moto-fans, Braaper has announced a limited time opportunity to buy the Braaper Bluetooth music player at a discount via the crowdfunding portal Limoney. Born of a collaboration between Maurizio Di Mauro, a web technologies entrepreneur, inventor, and motocrosser (with 30 years experience), and well-known Italian designer, Paolo Di Mauro, the Braaper is more than your typical Bluetooth speaker/speakerphone.

Ducati Issues New Recalls For 1199 Panigale

Ducati has issued a recall on 2083 1199 Panigale and Panigale S models regarding an electronics issue. The recall involves a handlebar switch wiring problem that can result in failures for a variety of components, including the turn indicators, horn, headlights, and instrument panel. The recall affects both U.S.

Meet Dave Roper, First American To Win At The Isle Of Man TT + Video

In vintage motorcycle racing circles, Dave Roper is something of a legend. The first American to win a race at the Isle of Man TT, Roper has been racing motorcycles since the early 70s. And he doesn’t just race them — he wins.

2014 Yamaha MT-125 Announced for Europe

Yamaha has added a new 125cc model to its suddenly burgeoning MT series of naked streetbikes in the European market. The 2014 Yamaha MT-125 joins the MT-07, the MT-09 and the MT-09 Street Rally, all of which were introduced in the last year. Unfortunately for the moment only the MT-09 has been announced for the U.S.

National Motor Club Releases Safety Tips for Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month

Spring is a time for dusting off your motorcycle and going for a ride. The National Motor Club (NMC), one of the country’s largest independent motor club, wants to help prevent another springtime event, the uptick in motorcycle related accidents. Car driver’s skills related to looking for motorcycles are rusty after a long winter without bikes on the road.

Harley-Davidson World Ride Scheduled for June 22–23

There’s something about sharing in a popular consciousness. Participating in an activity that is also taking place at the same time all over the world adds a special meaning to the event. Begun in 2008 by the Harley Owners Group as Million Mile Monday and renamed and enlarged in 2012 toHarley-Davidson World Ride, this event simply asks all “friends of Milwaukee” to get on their hogs and ride on June 22–23.

The Energica “Ego 45” A Big Hit At 11th Top Marques Monaco Show

At the 2014 Top Marques Monaco luxury lifestyle show, the CRP Group unveiled the Energica Ego 45, an exclusive version of its superbike with unique, highly prestigious features to celebrate the group’s 45th anniversary. During the event, Energica took the opportunity to showcase a number of innovations used on the Ego, like 3D printing, high-performance Windform materials that are so well known to F1 technical teams, and the ceramic coatings by the British company Zircotec. Special guests to the Energica booth included well known figures like Prince Albert and former 250cc grand prix world champion, Loris Capirossi.

John Hopkins British Superbike Round 2 Rundown

The Tyco Suzuki team is looking ahead to next week’s International North West 200 after a tough weekend at Oulton Park during round two of the British Superbike Championship. American John Hopkins took ninth place in Monday’s second race at the Cheshire venue after retiring from the opening encounter in the closing stages due to a problem sensor, which caused an intermittent misfire on his Tyco Suzuki GSX-R1000 Superbike. His team-mate Josh Waters took a brace of 13th-place finishes for his Oulton Park efforts and despite his obvious disappointment, the Australian did significantly improve his lap times from his visit in 2013.

Perry King To Be Grand Marshal At Second Annual The Greatest Escape Motorcycle Ride Benefit

Organizers have announced that the much anticipated The Greatest Escape, 2014 in it’s second year, will be led by Grand Marshal, Perry King and a host of celebrities. The Greatest Escape is scheduled for Sunday, August 3, 2014 and will begin with a beautiful ride from Bartels’ Harley-Davidson, 4141 Lincoln Blvd., Marina Del Rey, CA along the Pacific Coast Highway with stunning views of the ocean to the rustic and historic Paramount Ranch, Cornell Road, Agoura Hills, CA. Join Perry King for what will be a wonderful day ending with a concert and BBQ lunch on the ranch. The Greatest Escape, 2014 will include a BBQ lunch by J Wolf BBQ and a concert by The Walking Phoenixes, a Johnny Cash tribute band. The Greatest Escape, 2014, will benefit victims of Mesothelioma and the Pacific Meso Center, in Los Angeles, CA.

Ducati Dealers Top 2014 Prospective Shopper Satisfaction Study

Ducati dealerships were rated the best in the U.S. motorcycle industry at how well they deal with potential new customers. The Italian manufacturer earned the highest score out of 17 major brands in the 2014 Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index, the firs time Ducati topped the annual Index since 2009.

Mustang Introduces Perewitz Signature Series Seats

Fans of custom bikes are well aware of the creative mind behind Dave Perewitz’s motorcycle creations. Discerning riders are also familiar with the comfort of Mustang Seats’ saddles. Now, Mustang has announced the release of the Perewitz Signature Seat Series, combining these two great New England names.

Guy Martin To Compete In 2014 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Guy Martin, well known and very popular Isle of Man TT racer and TV personality, has announced he will be competing at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on Sunday, June 29. Despite being a rookie, Martin is no stranger to “real” road racing. In fact, he’s set quite a lofty goal for himself: to break the motorcycle course record, which currently sits at 9:52.819 by Carlin Dunne aboard a modified Ducati Multistrada in 2012.

Ryde Bright Begins Fundraising for Development of Intelligent Wireless Motorcycle Jacket

The folks at Ryde Bright have an idea: Increase motorcycle safety by combining high intensity LEDs and state-of-the-art riding gear. Using a mixture of fiber optics and LED lighting, the Ryde Bright jacket will not only provide conspicuity, but also signal braking and turns. The company has created prototype models and is now seeking funding via IndieGoGo.

Study Finds Motorcyclist Fatalities Fell 7% in 2013

The Governors Highway Safety Administration has released preliminary data stating that U.S. motorcycle fatalities are predicted to decrease in 2013. This is only the second time since 1997 such a prediction has occurred. The latest Spotlight on Highway Safety report also notes that despite the probable 7% decrease in rider deaths, motorcyclist safety has not improved in fifteen years.

Kawasaki Celebrates 30 Years Of Ninjas With Anniversary Model ZX-6Rs

In 1985 Ronald Reagan is President, Back To The Future is a box office smash, New Coke is introduced and so is Kawasaki’s first 600cc Ninja sportbike. Thirty years later we’re still riding Ninjas but, thankfully, drinking original recipe Coca-Cola. For 2015, Kawasaki celebrates three decades of Ninja models with a 30th Anniversary Ninja ZX-6R and Ninja ZX-6R ABS.

2015 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Revealed

Kawasaki revealed the 2015 edition of the Ninja ZX-10R as well as a special anniversary edition marking 30 years since the debut of the Ninja GPZ900R in 1984. The 30th Anniversary Ninja ZX-10R features a Lime Green/Pearl Stardust White paint job similar to the design of Kawasaki’s World Superbike Championship racer. The special edition model also features 30th Anniversary badging on the side of the fairing behind the headlights.

Ryan Villopoto Out For 2014 Motocross Title Defense

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto will be unable to defend his 2013 AMA Pro Motocross Championship title after opting to get knee surgery to fix a lingering injury. Villopoto battled with the knee issue throughout the Monster Energy Supercross season, and after consulting his medical team, it was decided he will undergo surgery on his knee as soon as possible. Monster Energy Kawasaki has signed the 2013 Canadian Monster Energy Motocross Nationals Champion Brett Metcalfe to join Jake Weimer for the 2014 AMA Pro Motocross season.

Yamaha Donates Star Bolt To True American Heroes Auction Hosted By Kenny Roberts

In support of the Yamaha True American Heroes Weekend–the fundraising event taking place this weekend at Kenny Roberts’ legendary ranch in Modesto, California–Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., has donated a 2014 Star Bolt to the Benefit Auction that is a featured event during the weekend. The announcement was made by Bob Starr, General Manager of Communications for Yamaha’s Motorsports Group. Our own Kevin Duke made it out to the event in 2012, where he had the chance to ride with some of the sport’s biggest legends.

Brembo Infographic Breaks Down Jerez MotoGP.

Save for three corners, the Jerez racetrack, site of the first European round of the MotoGP season isn’t very hard on brakes. Before each round of the series, Brembo supplies infographics that break down each track and their respective braking zones. Check out the chart below to see some interesting information from Jerez, including how much time is spent on the brakes, how much energy is produced during a race, how hard the riders are grabbing the brake lever, and much more.

Coffee & Autographs With Villopoto This Weekend

Get up-close and personal with the newly crowned, four-time Supercross Champion, Ryan Villopoto this Saturday, May 10, 2014 at Kawasaki headquarters in Irvine, California. Villopoto and Team Monster Energy Kawasaki and the Pro-Circuit Kawasaki team riders will be on hand for a special autograph session from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday morning. The KX-inspired “Koffee Break” invites you to bring your family and friends and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the KX motorcycles.

2014 AMA Supercross Season Wrap-Up

With the AMA Supercross season now over, the American Motorcyclist Association congratulates the three riders who claimed AMA No. 1 plates during the 2014 AMA Supercross season — Ryan Villopoto, 450SX champion; Justin Bogle, 250SX East champion; and Jason Anderson, 250SX West champion. Ryan Villopoto, from Seattle, Wash., locked up his fourth straight AMA Supercross premier class title in the series’ penultimate round, clinching at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.