Motorcycle Blog on 2040Motos

Onboard with Mike Edwards at Cadwell Park

You're riding onboard with Mike Edwards on his MSKWorks.com 848 Challenge bike. This video was shot on the Monday morning BSB 848 Challenge warm-up session. Mike bangs out a few laps around the 1m37 mark.

Mini Moto Meets Homespun Dental Work

I don’t think there’s much more I can say. The video speaks… Well, it says something. I’ll let you fill in the blanks.

2012 KTM 690 Duke Lighter and More Powerful – But Won’t Be Coming Here

The good news KTM is updating its 690 Duke naked standard for 2012. The bad news is KTM has pulled the Duke lineup from its North American offerings. Britain’s MCN was given a test ride on a prototype of the 2012 KTM 690 Duke and revealed some of the updates.

First Polaris-era 2012 Indian Motorcycle Rolls Off Spirit Lake Assembly Line

A new era has begun as the first Indian Motorcycle under the ownership of Polaris Industries has been produced at the company’s Spirit Lake, Iowa, factory. The landmark first Polaris-owned Indian won’t be heading right to the showroom floor however; instead, it will undergo extensive testing and evaluation by Polaris. As such, this particular Indian Chief Vintage, and the rest of the 2012 Indian line, will be fairly similar to Indian’s previous offerings, save for some minor updates to catch any issues Polaris already discovered.

Zero Announces Canadian Dealer Network

Zero Motorcycles announced its expansion into Canada with a network of nine dealerships. The announcement follows the launch of Zero’s U.S. dealer network in July.

2012 Husqvarna TC/CR Motocross Models Announced

Husqvarna announced its 2012 motocross lineup including the updated TC250 and TC449 four-stroke models and CR125 two-stroke. Like the previously announced TE dual sports and TXC and WR off-road models, Husqvarna‘s 2012 motocross line receives new all-black chromoly frames with added structural reinforcement, and silver anodized Excel rims. 2012 Husqvarna TC250 The 2012 Husqvarna TC250 (pictured above) receives a new engine with a lighter piston and updated cylinder head, both borrowing from parent company BMW’s Formula 1 developments.

Wayne Rainey to Appear at Misano for First Time Since Career-Ending Crash

Wayne Rainey will return to the Misano circuit for the first time since he suffered a career-ending crash that left him paralyzed from the chest down. The Sept. 5, 1993 crash at the circuit then-known as the Circuito Internazionale Santamonica brought a sudden end to what had been an incredibly successful Grand Prix racing career.

Motorcyclist’s Neck Cut after Hitting Kite Wire Strung Across Road

27-year-old Humayun Kobir is recovering in a Toronto hospital after receiving a serious laceration to his neck after riding into a line of wire strung across an intersection. According to local reports, Kobir felt a sharp pain in his neck after riding through an intersection on his Suzuki GSX-R on Aug. 27, his 27th birthday.

Recall for 2011 Triumph Tiger 800, 800XC Accessory Center Stands

Triumph is recalling accessory center stands for the 2011 Tiger 800 and Tiger 800XC because of a defective return spring. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the return springs on the  accessory center stand for the Triumph Tiger 800 and 800XC may not always return to its original length, potentially leading to a loose center stand and a fracture in the spring wire. Riders may detect a rattling sound from the loose stand and in the case of a fractured spring, a scraping sound caused by the center stand dragging along the road.

Short film: Scooter whups bike...

Clearly this lot have way too much time on their hands but the amount of comic script opportunities around three wheels, scooters and reverse gears (and bicycle pumps) are clearly too prolific to ignore. Nice YouTube action, scooteristi. The vehicle in question is now for sale on eBay, should you be wishing to travel everywhere backwards and slowly...

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.

190 mph: Elena Myers Riding the Suzuki GSV-R at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Elena Myers completed demonstration five laps of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway circuit on the Suzuki GSV-R, becoming the first woman to ride an 800cc MotoGP race bike. The 17-year-old AMA Supersport racer was clocked going as fast as 190 mph along the front straight as regular Grand Prix racers including Rizla Suzuki‘s Alvaro Bautista watched on. “Wow!

New: Alpinestars Supertech R boots

Alpinestars have revised their Supertech R boot with a new inner bootie and new colour schemes. Here's what Alpinestars have to say about the Supertech R Forged on the racetrack, the Supertech R is Alpinestars top-of-the-line road racing boot and benefits from the feedback of elite MotoGP and WSBK athletes. The latest version of the Supertech features a redesigned inner bootie constructed from 3D technical mesh that further reduces the boot’s weight while greatly enhancing breathability, comfort and feel.Premium construction• Front flex area is constructed with soft TPU mesh with shaped reliefs for abrasion resistance and enhanced fore and aft movement.• Flexible accordion leather at Achilles allows natural movement.• Top gaiter follows leg contour and is made of flexible high-grade synthetic leather reinforced with rubber for maintaining shape.• Full length micro-fiber panel on inner side of the boot provides excellent grip and feel against the bike and protects from abrasion and heat.• Lightweight rubber compound sole offers excellent grip and feel and allows for natural flex as the rider changes position and pressure on the foot-peg.• Flexible, lightweight toe shifter allows feel for changing gears.• Strategically positioned ventilation in heel and shin TPU, and soft TPU mesh on forefoot guides air through the boot.• Outside entry/exit has stretch accordion leather panel for a close fit and ease of entrance and removal.

Remus launch slip-on for Ducati Diavel

Remus have launched their Hypercone slip-on kit for the Ducati Diavel. It's almost 5kg lighter than the stock exhaust and helps the Diavel gain 5bhp over the stock system too. The slip-on reduces what some designers call 'the visual weight' of the stock twin-stacked exhaust.

2012 Husqvarna TE Lineup Announced

Husqvarna has announced its 2012 lineup of TE dual-sports. For 2012, all four TE models have been updated with all-black chromoly frames, silver rims and new graphics. The 2012 Husqvarna TE250 and TE310 both get revised suspension with stiffer 48mm open cartridge forks and rear shock from Kayaba.

Yamaha Celebrating 50 Years of Racing at Indianapolis Grand Prix

Yamaha announced a slate of activities for the Aug. 26-28Indianapolis Grand Prix to mark the manufacturer’s 50th anniversary of Grand Prix racing. While Yamaha factory racers Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies wearing the special red and white 50th anniversary livery, race fans can purchase matching 50th anniversary gear and other merchandise and souvenirs.

Recall for 2011-2012 Triumph Tiger 800 and 800XC for Engine Management Software

Triumph issued a recall for the 2011 and 2012 Tiger 800 and 800XC adventure tourers due to a bug in the engine management software. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Triumph Tigers’ 800cc Triple engine may stall during deceleration. Riders may also notice lower RPMs indicated on the tachometer at idle.

Ducati Island Returning to Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Ducati Island is back with a new layout for the 2011 Indianapolis Grand Prix, Aug. 26-28. Located between turns two and three of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway circuit, the Ducati Island offers a number of attractions including Ducati fashion shows and technical demonstrations from the Ducati Service team and Öhlins representatives.

Proof: Insurance ads don't have to be annoying

What is it with the insurance industry that makes them think that highly annoying advertising are the way to go? Meerkats, fat singers - that's just the start. I know insurance is boring and all that but that doesn't have to mean it also has to be annoying.

X-ray: Marquez's Suter Moto2

Learning in the quickest and most painful manner with some huge crashes, Marc Marquez has grown into a championship contender in his first year in Moto2. A debut win in Le Mans saw the rookie go on to win four races in a row and become a glaring orange nuisance in the championship peripherals of Stefan Bradl. As success has gone Marquez's way there have been complaints from riders of the same chassis that this is down to Suter giving the Spaniard preferential treatment.

Schwantz School, the ultimate track experience?

If having one-to-one instruction from an ex-MotoGP World Champion is your dream, then why not put the Schwantz School on your Christmas list for 2012. Ok, it’s in America and slightly more expensive than your average track day ($2750 for two days at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway) but many satisfied customers will argue this is the best rider training experience in the world. Your hard earned Dollar will see you alternate between the classroom and track from 8am until 4pm, then Kevin will take you on a track tour where he explains riding techniques and answers questions (he even drives the bus).

2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250 – Ninjette Loses the “R”, Keeps the Carbs

  Kawasaki has released information about its 2012 Ninja 250. Yes, you read that right, Kawasaki has dropped the “R” from its littlest Ninjette. And no, it’s still not fuel injected.

14-Year-Old Canadian Stacey Nesbitt First Woman to Win a National Road Racing Title

Quebec teenager Stacey Nesbitt has won the Canadian Superbike Championship’s 2011 Honda CBR125R Challenge title. We’re still checking, but organizers are already calling Nesbitt the first woman to win a  national road racing championship (excluding women-only categories). The 14-year-old from St-Lazare, Quebec, swept both Honda CBR125R Challenge races in the season finale at Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ontario, to win the title with 421 points, 52 points ahead of runner-up Austin Shaw-O’Leary.

Kenny Roberts R1 Auction Nets $87,000 for Charity

The one-off GYTR-equipped Yamaha YZF-R1 ridden by “King” Kenny Roberts at this year’s U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca was auctioned for $87,000. Roberts and late night television star Jay Leno were the special guest auctioneers for the R1 at Mecum’s Motorcycle Auction in Monterey, Calif.

2011 Indy Mile Cancelled

Indy Mile officials have decided to cancel this year’s AMA Flat Track round due to the continuing investigation into the fatal stage rigging accident at the Indiana State Fair. The Aug. 13 tragedy killed five people and injured dozens after winds reaching as high as 70 mph caused the stage to collapse.

Did you get your bike serviced at George White Slough?

Unfortunately, The George White branch at Slough has closed which means the sales, clothing and servicing departments are all gone. I got to know a few of the guys there as they're local to me and helped put my 848 Challenge bike together. If you used to get your bike serviced there, you might wonder where you can now go to get it done.

Motorcycle stereotypes. Which one are you?

I love this cartoon from www.sheldoncomics.com. I think it's missing a couple of stereotypes though: The fully kitted up adventure rider with matching branded kit, an Arai Tour X and aluminium panniers with just one thing missing; the desert. Modern-Retro riders with the turn-up jeans, open face lid and man-bag and scooter riding city types with a an open-face Momo and a £1000 Versace suit for protection..

When 120bhp is not enough

I guess I was naive to think that I could get a crashed road bike, strip the fairings, fit race plastics, bolt on a set of end cans and be competitive in the 848 Challenge: my first season of racing. My first race at Assen was probably more fluke than anything; a 13th and 15th weren't bad results for a race meeting at this level. Then I went to Monza, where issues with my gear change meant I only got a handful of laps of the track before qualifying.

2012 Honda CBR1000RR Leaked

Pictures of the 2012 Honda CBR1000RR have leaked from a distributor in Hong Kong, revealing some updates including a Showa Big Piston Fork, updated display and styling facelifts. The photos show the new Honda Fireblade (as it’s known in other markets) in HRC tri-color trim which, judging from color options offered on other recent Honda models, won’t be available in the U.S. 2012 also marks the 20th year of the RR so an special anniversary paint scheme might be offered.

Battery Care Tips from Kawasaki

Kawasaki has released a new video offering tips on taking care of batteries in powersports vehicles. While the video itself specifically discusses Kawasaki‘s motorcycles, ATVs and personal watercraft, the information is useful for owners of other brands. Get the Flash Player to see this player.