Motorcycle Blog on 2040Motos

Parts Unlimited Founder Named to 2011 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class

The Motorcycle Hall of Fame has announced it will induct Parts Unlimited founder Fred Fox as part of its 2011 class. “It’s not exaggerating to say that if you ride, it’s extremely likely that one or more parts on your bike, or at least one piece of your riding gear, was supplied through your dealer by Parts Unlimited or Drag Specialties,” says Jeffrey V. Heininger, chair of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which raises money for the Hall of Fame.

1954 AJS E95 May Fetch Upwards of $750K in August Pebble Beach Auction

This uber rare 1954 AJS E95, aka The Porcupine, may become the most expensive motorcycle in the world. World-famous auction house, Bonhams, has recently announced that it will handle auctioning of an ultra-rare 1954 AJS E95 during the Pebble Beach Car Week held annually in August at the Quail Lodge Golf Club in Carmel, Calif. Bonhams estimates that due to the rarity of the E95 (only four were completed by British brand AJS) it may see a bid as high as $750,000.

2012 Honda Gold Wing Tour: Day 2

Yesterday we told you about a cool ride we’d be taking on the revised 2012 Honda Gold Wing. Our journey began in Lorton, Virginia and included a long stretch of the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. For those who have never visited the BRP, you’re missing a truly fantastic road, rising and falling among gentle mountains packed with foliage.

Used Review: Uvex Enduro

In January I started wearing the latest adventure-touring Uvex Enduro helmet. The Enduro provides a versatile list of 'how-to wear' options; starting with the straight-out-of-the-box peak and the excellent un-mistable bowed visor, sans peak or simply stripped the visor for the peak and some goggles for an off road assault, the Uvex Enduro is an all-round helmet for a modest £189. But how has it held up?

Crazy TT vantage points: part two

On a 600 Supersport bike, top TT riders are using full throttle for more than 70% of a lap and Gorse Lea, a fearsome right hander just before the riders turn right at Ballacraine traffic lights, is a great example of the commitment you need to do this. The apex speed is probably close to 150mph with just a hedge and telegraph poles (with bales strapped to them, of course) as your run off room on the slightly downhill exit.  It's corners like Gorse Lea where the top riders really earn their money and as this amateur footage brilliantly shows - the spectators who are willing to climb a few fences and walk a few yards can get within just a few feet of the action.  Superb.

Marlon Brando Estate Files Suit Against Harley-Davidson

Brando Enterprises, an operating entity that protects the Marlon Brando brand on behalf of the actor’s family, has filed a lawsuit against Harley-Davidson. The suit alleges Harley-Davidson used the legendary actor’s name without a license for a leather riding boot called “The Brando”. “It is interesting that Harley-Davidson – a company that is vigorously protective of its own brand – would seek to exploit an iconic property without benefit of a licensing agreement,” says  Jeffrey I.

Royal Enfield Featured on Jay Leno’s Garage

Late night talk show host and renowned classic vehicle collector Jay Leno has added a new motorcycle to his garage: a 2011 Royal Enfield. Leno received a brand new 2011 Royal Enfield motorcycle from Mike Frankovich, owner of a North Hollywood Royal Enfield dealership. After receiving his Royal Enfield, Leno invited Frankovich and Kevin Mahoney and Ron Greene of Royal Enfield USA, to his Big Dog Garage with several new Royal Enfield Bullets for a segment on Jay Leno’s Garage.

Yamaha Reveals YZR-M1 50th Anniversary Grand Prix Livery

Yamaha marks its 50th year in World Championship Grand Prix racing this year, and what better way to celebrate the anniversary than with a special edition livery? The special edition WGP50th Anniversary Yamaha YZR-M1 livery reaches back into Yamaha’s past for its classic red-and-white colors inspired by its first factory team in 1961. Reigning MotoGP Champion and current points leader Jorge Lorenzo and 2010 MotoGP Rookie of the Year Ben Spies will ride the special edition WGP50th Anniversary livery on their Yamaha YZR-M1 racebikes at the June 25 Assen round and the July 24 U.S.

2012 Honda Gold Wing Tour: Day 1

The Honda Gold Wing is a veritable icon among touring motorcycles, offering an unrivaled blend of two-up luxury conveyance and a level of sporting prowess unheard of from a 900-pound bike. More than 640,000 have been sold since its introduction way back in 1975. The latest generation debuted in 2001, boasting an aluminum-framed chassis and stout and smooth six-cylinder engine that made it king of the long roads.

Max points haul for Morris at Assen

Leon Morris (Buildbase/JHP Ducati) took both wins at Round Two of the Rapid Solicitors Ducati 848 Challenge rounding out a very challenging weekend for all the rider and teams at Assen. The changeable weather conditions made for last-minute tyre decisions and tricky racing conditions as the rain came in heavy bursts throughout the weekend, leaving a number of riders out on track on the wrong tyres. Qualifying on Saturday was typical, as the weather rendered two of the three qualifying sessions damp, leaving only the early afternoon session in which all the riders posted a fast time.

Video: Whitham rides the new Snett 300

I've been reading all sorts of shit about this place - I needed to ride round it pre BSB so I could get a good idea of what was what. In all the blurb, Jonathan Palmer (the owner) takes all the credit for its design and he says certain corners  'draw inspiration from the Parabolica and Montreal hairpin'. Well, I couldn't find a Parabolica in there and trust me, I looked.

US House Subcommittee Approves Lead Ban Amendment

A U.S. House subcommittee has approved draft legislation that could exempt youth motorcycles and ATVs from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. The Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade has approved the Enhancing CPSC Authority and Discretion Act (ECADA).

Recall for 2010 Triumph Thunderbird

Triumph Motorcycles is starting a recall campaign on certain 2010 Thunderbird cruisers due to a problem with the front fender fasteners. On certain 2010 Triumph Thunderbirds, including some ABS-equipped units, the four screws on the front fender mounts may come loose. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the plating used on the fender mounting included friction modifiers which are not compatible with the thread lock compound used on the screws.

Diesel and AGV release the Hi-jack helmet

Does everything you wear have to have a label on it? How about two? Diesel and AGV.

R&G Drop proof Triumph Speed Triple

Over the years R&G have been the brand known for being the originators of crash protecting bolt-ons. I asked them for a stack of products to fit to the 2011 Speed Triple to see what difference they make. The thing about modern day sports tyres is they offer huge grip when fully leant over, but we are often too nervous to make the most of this, simply because the British road surfaces are changeable and largely unpredictable.

Any idea what bike this is?

Last weekend the Kent based Medusa Female Motorcycle Club had their annual ‘show us your ride’ bike meet. It was a sunny day, so a few of us headed over to catch up with friends. The meet is in it's 5th year and despite the promise of rain there was still a record turn out.

Crazy TT vantage points: part one

If you're going to this year's TT in a few weeks, you could watch at the Grandstand. You could also watch somewhere predictable like Creg ny Baa or Quarter Bridge. I suggest you don't.

New rubber required for my S1000RR

After 1900 hard track day miles on the Michelin Power Pures ('D front E rear') it is time for a change. There is plenty meat to play with up front but my Kwik Fit depth gauge shouts ‘slick’ when I put it anywhere near the rear tyre. Overall I’ve been pretty happy with these tyres as I’ve pushed them hard over the past month at tracks around the UK and without any scary moments.

YouTube User Turns Motorcycle Helmets Into Fun Fantasy Lids [Video]

The Iron Man replica is one of Tigerpause444′s more popular creations. Rejoice, comic book and sci-fi-loving motorcyclists! YouTube user tigerpause444 has turned his creative forces toward fabbing up ordinary motorcycle helmets into near-perfect replicas of helmets worn by comic book, video game and sci-fi/fantasy characters.

848 Challenge heads to Holland

This weekend sees riders and teams heading across the North Sea to the famous Assen TT circuit for Round 2 of the Rapid Solicitors Ducati 848 Challenge. After two stunning opening races at Brands Hatch BSB three weeks ago, the expectation is that the racing will be similarly closely fought and exciting at the historical home of bike racing. Leon Morris left Brands with a double win, continuing his strong form from last season and will no doubt be the man to beat in Assen, while Darren Fry, the current Champion, will hope for better luck this weekend after breaking his coccyx at Brands Hatch in a heavy crash. But the Buildbase/JHP Ducati team-mates will be wary of the challenge from Mike’Spike’ Edwards (MSKWorks.com), who will be riding his upgraded Ducati 848EVO for the first time this weekend, and Mark Cheetham (Shorrocks Motorcycles) and Kenny Gilbertson (Art of Racing/Boast Plumbing) who were the main challengers for podium finishes three weeks ago.

Video: Ron Haslam race school

Did a Ron Haslam race school premier class at Silverstone yesterday and I'm still buzzing. It was an amazing afternoon. After a long time at Donington, Silverstone is a massive success for Rocket Ron's fourteen year-old business.

Man of God Sets Guinness World Speed Record with Triumph Rocket Motorcycle Hearse [Video]

Heaven’s on his side. A dedicated rider, and man of God, Rev. Ray Biddiss set a new world record for the fastest motorcycle hearse.

£4 part (almost) stops play

When I dropped off my trashed 848 to George White, along with a box of parts, I didn't realise how much work would be involved in preparing the bike for the 848 Challenge. If I did, I probably wouldn't have had the front to show up, point to a date on the calendar two weeks ahead, make everyone a cup of tea and then clear off. Truth be told, it's taken a huge effort to get the bike to a place where it's got everything it needs to go racing and I wouldn't be heading to Assen without the effort of Paul Sands (Sandzee) and Mike Collis at George White who worked all sorts of hours to get it sorted.

Pedrosa: most wins, least successful

Should Dani Pedrosa win at Le Mans this coming weekend he will become the most successful rider In the premier-class not to win the coveted title. After his triumph in Estoril the Repsol Honda rider currently finds himself on 13 wins and in joint first and a win, at a circuit that sees him rank as one of riders with the most victories in all classes, would make him a clear leader. Joining Pedrosa at the top of the ranking is Max Biaggi and Randy Mamola, two riders who became associated with the number two.

It started with a good clean...

"So when's your first race" says Paul Sands, George White main mechanic. "In 10 days' time" says I, wincing in anticipation of his response. To his credit, he didn't flinch.

Got the van all stickered up

Will an 848 fit in a Bedford Rascal? Yes. Am I going to try?

Goodbye RM85 Suzuki

An old friend dropped in this weekend, on his way back from an arse-killing 4,500 mile ride to Estoril and back to watch the MotoGP race. He has only ever ridden Harley chops and old stuff with the exception of his vague nod at practicality and modernity - an ancient, very, very high mileage R1100GS BMW. I made him a brew and some pasta arrabiatta then made him ride my 2011 Fireblade.

What is it about Mulholland Highway?

Americans can ride bikes, but there's something about the ones that head to Mulholland Highway that would make you think otherwise. I don't know a stretch of road in the UK that suffers as many crashes. Do as many bikers fall off on Snake Pass or the Cat 'n Fiddle?

Bargain HJC CS-12 Lotus, just £25

I was in George White, Slough at the weekend and they're selling the HJC CS-12 Lotus for just £25. Bargain! If you're in the market for a spare helmet, then this will fit the bill perfectly.

Coyote speed camera alert system

You might not have heared of Coyote, it's a speed camera alert system. They're popular in mainland Europe but they've only recently come to the UK. The whole system is community driven to keep the information as up to date as possible.