Motorcycle Blog on 2040Motos

Recall for Victory Kingpin, Jackpot Accessory Seats

Polaris is issuing a recall for certain 2004-2011 Victory Kingpin and 2006-2011 Victory Jackpot motorcycles equipped with accessory touring seats. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,the backrest supports on some accessory seats may separate from the motorcycle, potentially putting a passenger at risk of falling off. The recall campaign affects the Victory Kingpin Touring, Double Backrest seat (part number 2876641-01) and Victory Jackpot Touring with backrest seat (part number 2875961-01).

VIR Pulls Itself from 2011 AMA Pro Racing Schedule

In a surprising move, Virginia International Raceway announced it would not host its scheduled AMA Pro Racing round, just a month before the event was to take place. The Alton, Va., circuit was set to host AMA Pro Racing on Aug. 12-14 but VIR officials have now decided against hosting or promoting the event.

Stoner @ 1000 frames per second

Scraping the kerb effortlessly at 'nearly-horizontal' angles is expected from Casey Stoner, in full speed the force and aggression that the Australian is submitting the RC212V to is plain to see but slow the action down to 1,000 frames per second and the footage becomes fluid and poetic. Stoner is one of the best in the world at cornering, an achievement lauded on him by his peers, he describes his technique: "No two corners in the world that are the same. So to ride them in the same way, I think, may be what sets me apart sometimes from other riders, is the fact that I’ll attack each corner the way it needs to be ridden.

2012 Can-Am Spyder Roadster Lineup Announced

Bombardier Recreational Products announced its 2012 lineup of Can-Am Spyder Roadsters. The 2012 Can-Am Spyder Roadster line consists of two RS models and four RT touring models. All 2012 models come with a new amber-colored display, with the RS models receiving an LCD screen while the RT models get a Dot-matrix screen.

Erik Buell Racing 1190RS and KTM RC8R Make AMA Superbike Debuts

The July 8-10 Mid-Ohio round of the 2011 AMA Superbike series featured the debut of two new superbikes, the Erik Buell Racing 1190RS and the KTM RC8R Race Spec. Chris Fillmore (11) finished an impressive seventh place in a red-flagged Race One for KTM-HMC Racing while Geoff May (99) placed eleventh on the Amsoil EBR 1190RS. The second race saw both riders finish in the top ten with Fillmore in ninth and May in the ten spot.

Two Recall Campaigns for 2009-2011 Indian Motorcycles

Polaris issued two separate recalls for 2009-2011 Indian motorcycles, one for a problem with the headlight and another with the kickstand. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the kickstands on 2009-2011 Indian motorcycles may not fold up and to the rear if the motorcycle is moving forward with the stand deployed. As a result, the kickstand fails to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.

Recall for 2011 Yamaha FJR1300

Yamaha is initiating a recall campaign the 2011 FJR1300, just a week after a separate recall for the 2006-2009 versions of the sport touring motorcycle. Like the earlier campaign, the recall for the 2011 Yamaha FJR1300 is for an electrical issue,  this time for the brake lights. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, brake light on affected units may not illuminate when the front brake lever is applied because the activating mechanism in the brake switch can bind.

All eyes on Rossi

At the last MotoGP round at Mugello Valentino Rossi kept with the home-race tradition of changing his routine to feature a new helmet design - featuring his baby-blue eye atop of the AGV helmet. In a design collaboration with Aldo Drudi, Rossi's pupil was incorporated into a design that featured the Italian flag, in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy, together with a caricature of Valentino's dogs. Typical with the helmets of the seven-time champion the latest design featured a message to anyone listening, much like the wooden design from 2004 in reference to his string of fourth place finishes, or the heart to signify that he still had a passion for racing in 2007.

Two-tone hugger for Kawasaki Versys

One of Pyramid Plastics' best sellers has been the rear hugger for the Kawasaki Versys, they have now enhanced upon the original product as it is now painted to match the various colours of the bike. The Hugger is manufactured from “High-Grade Reliability PlastiK” and matches the silver swingarm, while a painted style has been adopted for the top shell. Priced at £104.99 for Pearl Solar Yellow and Metallic Imperial Red, other options include Gloss Black, Carbon Look and Atomic Silver.

V.I.P treatment for first Dainese D-Air customers

To celebrate the release of the D-Air race suit in the UK, Dainese are offering the first 20 customers to order a complete V.I.P treatment at the upcoming World Superbike round at Silverstone. The iconic safety brand will have each of the customer's suits personally tailored, with measurements undertaken by a Dainese D-Air engineer from the factory in Italy. Following this, the first 20 customers to register will receive a hospitality lunch, garage tours of the Aprilia, BMW and Kawasaki teams with the opportunity to meet the Dainese riders and rub well protected shoulders with the big names of the WSB paddock.

BMW bling and new mittens

An hour and a half in my shed was all it took to bolt two boxes of goodies from R&G Racing on to my S1000RR. The casing covers (£190.00), cotton reels (£25.49 ), frame inserts(£21.00) and crash protectors (£67.99)are a doddle to bolt on and come with all the necessary allen bolts. The multi adjustable rearsets (£350.00) are equally as easy to fit (they must be if I can do it) and also come with clear instructions.

Suzuki to Relocate R&D Facility to Lower Tsunami Risk Area

Suzuki is considering moving its motorcycle research facility from its current coastal location to its main factory in Hamamatsu, Japan, to decrease the risk of damage from future tsunamis. According to a report in the Nikkei business daily, Suzuki is acquiring more land in Hamamatsu to house the research center and other facilities. Suzuki CEO Osamu Suzuki first brought up the idea to relocate some of its higher risk coastal properties during its 2011-2012 fiscal year forecast report.

BMW Posts Record First-Half Figures

BMW Motorrad sold a record 60,580 motorcycles over the first six months of 2011, a new record for the German manufacturer. First half figures were 6.3% higher than the 57,015 units sold in the same period in 2010. BMW reports strong demand across all its models, with the Boxer engine R-series models leading the way.

2012 Piaggio MP3 Touring Unveiled

Piaggio has revealed a new touring version of its three-wheeled MP3 scooter. The 2012 Piaggio MP3 Touring will be produced with four engine options, 125cc, 300cc, 400cc and 500cc. The 500cc version will be available in Sport or Business trims.

FIM Names New CEO-in-Waiting

The International Motorcycling Federation has appointed Stéphane Desprez the successor to retiring Chief Executive Officer Guy Maitre. Desprez will join the FIM in October as deputy CEO before becoming CEO after Maitre’s planned retirement in early January 2012. The 54-year-old Desprez joins the FIM after nearly two years as secretary general of the FAI, the World Air Sports Federation.

Recall for 2011 Ducati Diavel

Ducati is recalling certain 2011 Diavel units due to a risk of the license plate holder coming loose. The license plate holder on the Ducati Diavel floats over the rear tire thanks to a bracket attached to the swingarm. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, brass inserts in the chain guard may become deformed over time, potentially loosening the screws attaching the bracket to the swingarm.

Save money on your next pair of boots

Trade in your smelly old boots for some shiny new TCX boots with the ReBoot scheme. Details from TCX: Boots manufacturer TCX is launching ReBoot, a sales promotion for all riders wishing to revamp their motorcycle footwear. From track day race wear to everyday riding comfort, TCX has the boot for the job.

Ducati Opens First Airport Retail Store

Ducati has opened its first in a planned chain of airport retail locations at the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome. The 322 sq-ft. Fiumicino location will sell Ducati-branded products such as official Ducati apparel, Oakley sunglasses, Puma shoes.

Recall for 2009-2010 Kawasaki KLX250

Kawasaki is recalling some 2009-2010 KLX250 models due to a risk of leaky fuel tanks. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the fuel tank on affected motorcycles may not be in contact with the frame-mounted rubber dampers designed to support the front of the tank, and the tank side mounting tabs may have excessive clearance from from the frame. As a result, spot-welded sections along the side tabs may be under excessive stress, potentially resulting in cracking and a fuel leak.

Happy (Belated) Birthday, Victory!

We missed it yesterday, but July 4, 2011, represented Victory Motorcycles’ 13th birthday! Founded on July 4, 1998, the Polaris Industries-owned Victory Motorcycles has carved out its niche in the American motorcycle market with its line of cruisers and touring bikes. To celebrate its birthday, Victory released a video (look for it after the jump) featuring a test of its anti-lock brake system on a variety of surfaces.

Colin Edwards Puts Yamaha Extended Service Agents Through Boot Camp [Video]

We love Colin Edwards. Okay, not like that kind of love, but more the “I want to go on a Man-cation with him” kind of way. The man is flat out funny, a guarantee Grade A quote at press conferences and, as he showed in his unexpected podium finish at this year’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, he’s still fast.

King Kenny Roberts at Laguna Seca

Fans of “King” Kenny Roberts will be in for a treat as the three-time World Champion will ride not once, not twice but three times at Laguna Seca during the 2011 U.S. Grand Prix, July 22-24. As previously announced,  Roberts would join Eddie Lawson and about 200 fans in riding parade laps of the Monterrey, Calif., circuit on the Friday, July 22.

Henry Kissinger, Chinese Police and the Aprilia Mana 850

Okay, the headline sounds like the setup to a bad joke, but it pretty much describes the scene in the picture above released by the Piaggio Group. Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger is in China this month to mark the 40th anniversary of his secret diplomatic visit in 1971 which paved the way for formalized relations between China and the United States.

Harley-Davidson Ultimate Learn-to-Ride Contest for Women

Harley-Davidson announced a new contest for women looking to get started into riding motorcycles. The “Ultimate Learn-to-Ride” Experience will award four women with a prize package including a new Harley-Davidson Sportster personally designed through the H-D1 Factory Customization program, $1,000 in Harley-Davidson apparel and a trip for two to Milwaukee to take the Harley-Davidson Riders Edge rider course. To enter, visit www.h-d.com/mytime and fill out the form.

2012 Honda Models Announced with Bolder, Newer Colors

American Honda announced four off-road motorcycles and its entry level Rebel cruiser as part of its 2012 lineup. Returning for 2012 are the Honda CRF450X, CRF250X, CRF230F, CRF150F and Rebel, all unchanged except for some color and graphic updates. “This latest release highlights a variety of machines available to Honda customers,” says Bill Savino, Honda powersports press manager.”Here we have a big assortment of off-road machines suitable for the entire family, plus a great beginner bike that has given thousands of street riders a friendly introduction to our sport.

BMW Introduces Dynamic Damping Control Suspension System

BMW has developed new suspension technology that automatically adjusts damping for different riding conditions. The Dynamic Damping Control is the next evolutionary step in BMW‘s suspension technology, following its Electronic Suspension Adjustment systems (ESA and ESA II). While ESA allowed the rider to adjust suspension settings with the push of a button, DDC automatically makes adjustments as you ride.

Recall for 2006-2009 Yamaha FJR1300

Yamaha is recalling certain 2006-2009 FJR1300 sport-tourers due to a problem with the electrical system. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the ground joint connector of the wire harness on some Yamaha FJR1300 models may overheat and become deformed. If the electrical system is not properly grounded, the motorcycle’s electric components including the ignition system may malfunction, potentially causing the engine to stall.

BMW Unveils E-Scooter Concept

As we expected BMW has revealed information about a new scooter model, releasing pictures of a new electric maxi-scooter concept. The BMW E-Scooter was developed with funding form Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development.The E-Scooter was created with two goals in mind: to offer performance comparable to a 600cc combustion engine-powered maxi-scooter and to offer sufficient range for an urban commuter. BMW wanted the E-Scooter to provide enough power and speed for freeway passing and climbing steep slopes even with a pillion passenger.

2012 Husqvarna Nuda 900R Unveiled

Husqvarna has pulled the wraps off its first streetbike, the new 2012 Husqvarna Nuda 900R. Named for the Italian word for “naked”, the Husqvarna Nuda 900R is powered by a modified version of the engine from parent company BMW’s 800cc parallel Twin. Husqvarna hasn’t announced specific final numbers yet, but claims the now 900cc powerplant puts out over 100 hp and more than 73.8 ft-lb.

Motorcyclist Drags More Than Knees on Racetrack [Video]

Just when I thought I’d seen it all. I’ve witnessed a few gutsy trackday riders and racers employ some pretty extreme lean angles in order to get through a turn as quickly as possible, but this character’s antics take the cake. I won’t spoil it for you here by telling you what this rider does in the video.