Motorcycle Blog on 2040Motos

Simon and Leo

If you are a track day regular this year, you may well have bumped into former racer and friendly Kiwi, Simon Crafar. I first met him in Malaysia in 1990 when he was riding for a Yamaha dealer team, sweating his way round circuits like Shah Alam and Johor Bahru but with a long term plan to make it onto the World scene. And he didn’t take long as after riding for Honda in the UK in 1992 he moved to WSB in 1994 and enjoyed success with both the Honda and Kawasaki factory teams.

Recall for 2011-2012 Triumph Sprint GT, Tiger 800, Tiger 800XC Optional Top Box

Triumph issued a recall for optional accessory top boxes for the 2011-2012 Sprint GT sport tourer and the Tiger 800 and 800XC dual sports. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the top box locking handle is missing a clip lip to ensure a  proper lock on the rear rack. Without this clip, the locking mechanism may not be secure, potentially leading to the top box falling off of the motorcycle.

Öhlins Introduces Electronically Adjustable Suspension System Replacement for BMW R1200GS ESA

Öhlins has introduced what it is calling the world’s first replacement electronic suspension system, with a new aftermarket replacement kit for the BMW R1200GS’s Enduro ESA system. Like BMW‘s ESA and ESA II technology, Öhlins’ system lets riders adapt a motorcycle’s suspension with the push of a button. Öhlins’ system works with the R1200GS’s ECU and the existing user interface.

Why KTM's sport 350 is a good idea

KTM were unlucky when their plans were leaked (for covert market research?). Amongst those listed was the forecast for a Moto3 350. Now it is unlikely that the Moto3 class is going to grow from 250 to 350 by 2014, unless KTM are aware of something that the MotoGP rule-makers aren't.

EBR Nation Part 3: Made In America

Erik Buell Racing has released the third episode of its series about the new 1190RS sportbike. The latest episode focuses on the company’s “Made in America” philosophy, with its goal of producing a high-performance superbike in the U.S.A. As Erik Buell, racer Geoff May and designer Tony Stefanelli discuss the themes of innovation and freedom, we can’t help but wonder however whether they’re talking about American ideals, or about being out from Harley-Davidson’s umbrella.

2012 Kawasaki KX250F Video

Kawasaki has released a new video from the press launch of its 2012 KX250F motocrosser. As noted in our preview, the 2012 Kawasaki KX250F introduces a new dual fuel injector system with the second injector in the airbox, a design intended to give added top-end power. Based on the impressions of the testers in the video, the dual injector system does just that.

BMW Reports Q2 2011 Results

BMW posted another record quarter, reporting sales of 37,471 motorcycles in the three months ended June 30, 2011. First quarter unit sales were 3.6% higher than the 36,175 motorcycles sold in the same quarter of 2010. Combined with a record first quarter, BMW has sold 60,580 units in the first half of the year, a 6.3% increase over 2010.

New (smaller) Drift HD lands at Visordown HQ

We've been playing around with HD video cameras over the past few weeks here at Visordown HQ. Our Drift HD170 produces great footage but if I had one complaint it would be that it feels quite big when mounted on the side of my helmet. Now Drift have produced an even smaller version.

Hero Honda Rebranded as Hero MotoCorp

Honda’s former joint venture in India has officially rebranded itself as Hero MotoCorp, revealing the company’s new logo and signaling the beginning of a new era for India’s largest motorcycle manufacturer. Formerly known as Hero Honda, the joint venture claims a share of nearly half of India’s two-wheeled vehicle market. Honda decided in late 2010 to end its 27-year partnership with India’s Hero Motors, buying out its 26% share for $855 million, about half the market price at the time.

Tough battles at Brands in the 848 Challenge

The unique prospect of racing on both the Indy and GP circuits at Brands Hatch meant that Round 5 of the Rapid Solicitors Ducati 848 Challenge was very much a tale of two halves. Having already raced the Indy circuit earlier in the season, the first part of the weekend was going to be reminiscent of previous rounds, while the switch to the GP circuit would favour those few who had previous race experience on the longer track. A full schedule on the opening day of the round saw Mike Edwards (MSKWorks.com) top the qualifying table to claim his first pole position of the season with a storming 48.86 sec lap, despite a low-side reminder of how slippery Druids can be in early morning free practice.

Lambretta Licensees Deny Consortium’s Trademark Infringement Claims

Two companies named in the Lambretta Consortium’s claims of trademark infringement say they have legitimate rights to use the Italian scooter brand’s name. Clag International and Motom Electronics Group (MEG) have released a joint statement saying Italian courts have ruled their licenses to use the Lambretta name are valid. The statement was released in response to the Lambretta Consortium’s announcement about taking legal action against unlicensed use of the brand.

2012 Ducati Streetfighter 848 Spied

A photograph has emerged of what is reported to be a new, smaller version of the  Ducati Streetfighter featuring the company’s 848 engine. The photograph, posted by a user on the Ducati.ms forum, was reportedly snapped outside Ducati’s factory in Bologna. The banana yellow motorcycle sports a five-bolt hub on the rear wheel, similar to the Ducati 848EVO, whereas the current 1098cc Streetfighter has a six-bolt rear hub (pictured below from our 2009 Ducati Streetfighter review).

Suzuki Reports Q1 2011-2012 Results

Suzuki’s motorcycle business saw a profit for the first time in 11 quarters despite selling 21.0% fewer motorcycles. In the quarter ended June 30, 2011, Suzuki saw an operating income of 300 million yen (US$3.8 million), compared to a loss of 1.8 billion yen (US$22.9 million) reported in the same quarter of 2010. Suzuki netted 75.4 billion yen (US$961.5 million) in motorcycle sales over the quarter, a year-on-year increase of 8.0% from 69.8 billion yen (US$890.0 million) in 2010.

Gary Nixon: 1941 – 2011

Motorcycle racing hero, Gary Nixon, died August 5, 2011 while recovering from heart surgery. Motorcycle racing legend, Gary Nixon, died today while in intensive care for a heart attack. According to RoadRacingWorld.com Nixon was admitted to the hospital July 29th for chest pains and later suffered a heart attack that same evening.

Spy Video of Updated Triumph Daytona 675 Testing

MCN has released a video of what appears to be an updated Triumph Daytona 675 undergoing road testing. Filmed by an MCN reader near Triumph’s Hinckley factory, the video quality isn’t very high, but we can see some details from the enhanced screenshot above (click to see a larger version). The most noticeable change is the placement of the exhaust.

WSB: The solution

Right, here's a message to all those WSB rule makers: This is how to create a set of simple regulations that will revive the series, slash costs and improve the racing. No need for extensive rule books and the loopholes they inevitably have, just three simple sections. Section one: Eligibility.

Shelved Harley-Davidson Penster Tilting Trike Prototypes Revealed

The Harley-Davidson Museum has pulled the covers off discarded prototypes of a leaning three-wheeled motorcycle developed by The Motor Company. Harley-Davidson commissioned automobile hot rodding legend John Buttera to build the original prototype (pictured above) in 1998. Codenamed the “Penster”, the Trike looks like it could have been an earlier version of the Can-Am Spyder, but it had a tilting front end similar to the Piaggio MP3.

Lambretta Consortium Clamps Down on Alleged Trademark Infringement

A consortium claiming the rights to the Lambretta scooter brand is cracking down on what it considers to be unauthorized use of the Lambretta name. The Italy-based Lambretta Consortium is specifically targeting the LN125 and LS125 (pictured above) scooters currently being sold under the Lambretta name. The Consortium is taking legal action, both with its own legal team and with international customs and police authorities, to prevent the sale of these scooters.

Yamaha to Open Plant in Pakistan

Yamaha is reportedly planning to open a new manufacturing facility in Pakistan. According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, Yamaha would invest $150 million in the new 50 acre facility, to be located in Karachi, Pakistan’s main seaport and financial hub. The plant would produce motorcycles for the Pakistani market, as well as models to be exported to other Commonwealth of Independent States nations.

2012 Honda NSF250R Race Bike Coming to America

American Honda announced it is bringing the new 2012 HRC NSF250R Moto3-spec race bike to the U.S. Though it was developed primarily for competition in the Moto3 World Championship, the 249cc Honda NSF250R will be legal for some racing classes in the U.S. including in USGPRU and WERA.

The Ducati Island at Laguna Seca [Video]

Motorcycle.com stopped by the Ducati Island during our visit to the U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca (and if you haven’t yet read the event report from Kevin Duke, here’s your chance!). Here’s a quick look at what Bologna company offered to any Ducatisti who dropped by.

2012 Suzuki DR-Z125 and DR-Z125L Announced

Suzuki is bringing back the DR-Z125 entry-level off-road motorcycle and its slightly larger DR-Z125L variant as part of its 2012 model year offerings. Last offered in 2009, the Suzuki DR-Z125 returns for 2012 with updated graphics similar to Suzuki’s RM-Z family of motocrossers. The DR-Z125 is powered by a 124cc air-cooled four-stroke engine Suzuki describes as having strong low to mid-range power.

Yamaha Reports Q2 2011 Results

A drop in net sales, an appreciating yen and the fallout from the March 11 earthquake and tsunamis in Japan contributed to a 4.6% drop in profit for Yamaha Motor Co. over the second quarter of 2011. Over the quarter ended June 30, 2011, Yamaha saw a 5.9% drop in net sales compared to the same period in 2010.Yamaha reports sales of 344.5 billion yen (US$4.48 billion) over the second quarter, compared to the 366.3 billion yen (US$4.77 billion) reported in the same quarter in 2010.

iPhone App: Pirelli data-logger

From Pirelli: The Diablo Super Biker App tracks your speed, lean angle and route on the road and racetrack, allowing you even to share with friends. The App is available via the Apple® App StoreSM and iTunes.   Start to measure your riding performance and discover everything from your lean angle to your corner speed without having to buy or mount expensive equipment on your bike.

Kawasaki Reports Q1 2011-2012 Results

Kawasaki reported a 8.7% decrease in motorcycle sales over its first quarter ended June 30, 2011. The motorcycle and engine division (which includes ATVs, UTVs, personal watercraft and general purpose engines) generated sales of 59.8 billion yen (US$775.4 million) , a decrease from the 65.5 billion yen (US$848.9 million) reported from the same period last year. Overall, Kawasaki Heavy Industries reported a profit of 9.56 billion yen (US$123.8 million) over the quarter, compared to a profit of 5.88 billion yen (US$76.2 million) reported last year.

Honda Reports Q1 2011-2012 Results

Honda reported a 88.3% year-on-year decrease in net profit over its first quarter ended June 30, 2011, thanks in large part to the March 11 earthquake and ensuing tsunamis in Japan. Honda reported a profit of 31.7 billion yen (US$411.1 million) over the quarter, a fraction of the 272.4 billion yen (US$3.53 billion) reported over the same quarter last year.  The decrease came mainly from a large dropoff in automobile sales. Net sales from the motorcycle division helped keep Honda in the black despite a drop in unit sales.

KTM North America Plans for 2012-2014 Leaked from Dealer Meeting

The future is orange, and it’s also been leaked to the public. This image was leaked from KTM’s dealer meeting, revealing the Austrian company’s plans for new models for the North American market for the next three years. Notable models listed from KTM‘s outline include the previously confirmed for India Duke 350, three Freeride models (including two electric ones) 1290cc versions of the Super Duke R and Adventure, as well as an expanded use of 350cc engines.

Lead Ban Exemption for Youth OHV Passes House and Senate

Finally, some legislative news out of Washington that doesn’t involve the phrase “debt ceiling”. The U.S. House and the Senate have passed a bill that would exempt youth off-highway vehicles from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, also known as the “lead ban”.

Yamaha Quitting World Superbike Racing After 2011 Season

Yamaha announced it is withdrawing its factory World Superbike Championship race team following the end of the 2011 season. The news comes as a bit of a surprise, just a week after reports the team had re-signed racer Marco Melandri for the 2012 season. On the other hand, the team has struggled to find a title sponsor this season, as has Yamaha’s MotoGP team.

Piaggio MP3 300 Hybrid Gets CARB Approval

The California Air Resources Board has granted its approval for the Piaggio MP3 300 Hybrid scooter, opening it up for sale in California. The world’s first production hybrid has been available in Europe since 2009 but the Piaggio MP3 Hybrid’s North American debut had been stalled by the homologation process. The wait may soon be over, now that the hybrid three-wheeler has jumped the CARB hurdle.