Motorcycle Blog on 2040Motos

Villopoto to Enter World Motocross Championship

Four-time consecutive AMA Superbike Champion Ryan Villopoto is ready to move on to the next stage of his career, signing on to represent Kawasaki in the World Motocross Championship in 2015. Villopoto will race in the newly- christened MXGP class. Formerly known as the MX1 class, MXGP allows 450cc four-stroke machines and 250cc two-strokes.

Yamaha Teases New Supersport Reveal for Nov. 3 + Video

Yamaha fans expecting to hear big news from the Tuning Fork brand at Intermot may be a bit disappointed the Cologne show only brought us a refreshed XJR1300, the MT-07 Moto Cage stunt variant and a futuristic three-wheeled concept model. The first two aren’t likely to come to North America and the third might never see production. But fear not, as while most of the motorcycle world was focused on Intermot, Yamaha released a video teasing a “new era” supersport announcement for Nov.

UBM PLC To Purchase Advanstar For Nearly $1 Billion

U.K. media company UBM PLC has agreed to purchase Advanstar Communications for a reported $972 million. The following is from a press release.

Harley-Davidson Recalls Over 100,000 Touring Models, 1400 Street Models

Harley-Davidson has recalled more than 105,000 Touring models from the 2014 model year, and approximately 1400 Street models from the 2015 model year. The Touring models have been recalled due to a possible failure of a component in the clutch master cylinder. This possible failure could cause a reduction in pressure available to keep the clutch disengaged, according to the NHTSA.

Rich Oliver’s Mystery School Still Has Open Dates

Many roadracing champions will tell you that training in the dirt has helped them immensely in becoming the best rider they can be. The drastically reduced grip in the dirt makes a rider feel more comfortable on the street when one or both tires start slipping. At the Rich Oliver’s Mystery School, five-time 250cc champion, Rich Oliver, will teach you how to gain confidence on two wheels, all from the controls of a TTR125 Yamaha.

Rain Forces Triumph Castrol Rocket Team To Look To Bonneville 2015

The past two weekends have produced more than three inches of rain and sad news for Bonneville land speed racing fans.Triumph has released it official statement regarding the announcement by Mike Cook’s Bonneville Shootout that the course will not be ready for its Triumph Castrol Rocket streamliner and others to make a 2014 FIM legal attempt at 400mph. This is not what you want to see the week before racing on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Photo courtesy Mike Cook’s Bonneville Shootout (landspeedevents.com) Mike Cook’s Bonneville Shootout streamliner runs were rescheduled for this weekend, October 4–5, after wet conditions earlier in the month prevented the runs on the long course required to run at these speeds.

Brembo Selects TAW Performance As North American Distributor

From a Brembo press release: Brembo, a leader in the design, development and production of Original Equipment, Racing, Aftermarket and High Performance brake systems and components for the worldwide automotive and motorcycle industry, is pleased to announce that TAW Performance Distribution will be the exclusive distributor for motorcycle parts in North America effective immediately. Brembo believes that this change to its motorcycle distribution model will further enhance the company’s ability to better serve its customers. During the transition, TAW and Yoyodyne will work together to ensure the continuance of customer service.

The Latest From Empire Covers Bike Covers

From an Empire Covers press release: Want to protect your motorcycle from the harshness of Mother Nature this winter?  The Cover Experts at EmpireCovers have you covered. Make and model specific American Armor car cover is the most advanced protective cover you can get for your motorcycle. American Armor is completely waterproof and will protect your motorcycle from rain, sleet and snow while pampering your paint and chrome.

AMA Congratulates U.S. Team On Podium Finish At FIM Motocross Of Nations

From an AMA press release: The U.S. team of Ryan Dungey, Eli Tomac and Jeremy Martin finished third at the 2014 FIM Motocross of Nations in Kegums, Latvia, on Sept. 28.

Bell And Cardo Create Communication Adaptor For Select Bell Helmets

From a Bell press release: Bell Helmets, an industry leader in helmet technology and innovation, and Cardo Systems, Inc., the global market leader in Bluetooth communications for motorcycle, bicycle and snowmobile riders, today announced an alignment to create an adaptor compatible with Cardo’s line of communication and entertainment systems and Bell helmets. The adaptor will fit into the recess of the Bell Mag-9, previous models and 2015 model, plus the newly redesigned 2015 Qualifier DLX. The Bell adapter fits seamlessly into the helmet and is designed for quick attachment of the highly popular scala rider devices for bike-to-bike intercom, streaming music from a smartphone and much more.

2015 Yamaha XJR1300 and XJR1300 Racer Announced for Intermot

In a time where air-cooled icons like Harley-Davidson, Indian, BMW‘s boxer engine and the Ducati Monster have all embraced the radiator, it’s a bit surprising to know Yamaha is still offering the XJR1300 in Europe. Featuring the world’s largest-displacement air-cooled Inline-Four engine in production, the XJR1300 lives on in 2015 with a new custom-inspired look and a cafe racer variant. The 2015 XJR1300 was inspired by a custom from builder Keino called “Rhapsody in Blue” as part of Yamaha’s Yard Built program.

American Kargo Becomes Title Sponsor For Supermoto Of Nations US Team

The following is a press release from American Kargo, a new personal bag line launched by Saddlemen. AK will be sponsoring the first American team to enter the Supermoto of Nations competition. FIM North America Supermoto Championship founders Marco Pedde and Jay Kliger are excited to announce the official Supermoto Of Nations US Team title sponsor, American Kargo, for this years Supermoto Of Nations held in Cremona, Italy October 12th.

Bonhams Auctioning “Blur” Guitarist’s Motorcycles For Charity

Graham Coxon, British musician and lead guitarist for Blur, auctioning off seven of his personal motorcycles with proceeds benefitting NSPCC, the UK’s leading children’s charity. See the full press release from Bonhams below. The motorcycles will be sold as part of Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale, an annual event taking place at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, held on 19th October 2014.

2015 Yamaha MT-07 Moto Cage Stunt Bike Revealed

Yamaha continues to expand its MT lineup (or FZ lineup for us North Americans) with a new stunt rider variant on the MT-07. Making its public debut tomorrow at the Intermot show in Cologne, the 2015 Yamaha MT-07 Moto Cage will likely be an exclusive model for the European market like the Street Rally and Sport Tracker variants of the MT-09. Polish rider Rafal “Stunter13″ Pasierbek has signed on to be Yamaha’s official stunt rider, performing at shows and competitions on the MT-07 Moto Cage.

First Official Pictures of the 2015 Ducati Scrambler

Ducati has gone to great lengths to promote the launch of its upcoming Scrambler model. We’ve already seen several images of the new model, either from pre-production testing and various teasers including an odd claymation video series. Everyone pretty much already knows what it’ll look like, so Ducati decided to release official photos on its Scrambler Ducati Tumblr page including a full head-on shot and an animated gif of the bike in action.

Greg White Shows You Why Demo Rides Are Important + Video

For anyone looking to buy a new motorcycle, taking the bike of your desires for a demo ride makes perfect sense. It will either reaffirm your beliefs about the bike or prove them wrong before you plunk down your hard-earned cash. However, due mainly to liability reasons, many dealerships don’t offer such a program.

“On Any Sunday, The Next Chapter” Hits Theaters Nov. 7

Dana Brown‘s “On Any Sunday, the Next Chapter” makes its world premiere Sept. 26 at Spain’s San Sebastian International Film Festival. The latest follow-up to the original 1971 “On Any Sunday” will make its U.S.

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Breaks Fundraising Goal of One Million Dollars

The global fundraising event is more than just people riding around in nice clothing, it serves a cause, too. Read the full press release below. Triumph Motorcycles Ltd.

Harley-Davidson MotorClothes Releases New Jacket And Helmet

Harley-Davidson has teamed with French helmet maker, Shark, to introduce a new modular helmet to the Harley-Davidson MotorClothes collection. Elsewhere, H-D also introduces a three-season riding jacket. See the press releases below for more information.

American Honda Extends Partnership With GEICO Honda

From a Honda press release: American Honda Motor Corp., Inc. announced today that it has renewed its contract with GEICO Honda for an additional three years, ensuring that the Factory Connection-run program will continue running Honda’s factory-supported 250 team through the 2017 season. Honda’s long professional relationship with Factory Connection owners Mike Grondahl, Jeff Majkrzak and Rick Zielfelder started in 1995, when the company began providing the factory team with suspension-related technical support.

Shinko USA Releases E804/805 Adventure Tire

For the adventure rider looking for a cheaper tire alternative to the established players on the market, enter Shinko. Its (short) press release follows. Shinko Tire USA has released the E804 front and E805 rear adventure tire to the U.S.

Racer High Speed Gloves

Racer Gloves USA introduces its High Speed glove, a professional-level racing gauntlet from Austria. The company’s top-tier racing glove, Racer High Speed is a CE-certified cowhide glove with a kangaroo leather palm and Knox SPS palm sliders. TPU hard protectors cover the fingers, knuckles and wrist.

MV Agusta Teases New Model – Is this the Turismo Leggero ADV?

MV Agusta has released a new image enigmatically named “Worth Waiting” teasing a new motorcycle with wire-spoke wheels. The Italian manufacturer did not provide any other details, so we are left to ponder exactly what it is we’re waiting for. From the photo, we can see the rear wheel mounted to a single-sided swingarm with a wire-spoke design that would allow for tubeless tires.

2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally Announced for Intermot

Piaggio announced it will present a new more off-road-capable version of the Aprilia Caponord at next week’s Intermot show in Cologne, Germany. The new 2015 Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally swaps out the current model’s 17-inch aluminum alloy rims for 19-inch wire-spoke wheels, and added aluminum saddlebags, auxiliary lighting, crash bars and engine guard for better off-roading ability. The Caponord Rally also comes with the Aprilia Dynamic Damping semi-active suspension system as well as ride-by-wire throttle, three selectable engine maps, traction control, cruise control and switchable ABS.

2015 Moto Guzzi V7 II Lineup to Debut at Intermot

Piaggio will present an update Moto Guzzi V7 lineup at next week’s Intermot show in Cologne. Dubbed the V7 II, the new model family will again be available in three versions, the V7 II Stone, V7 II Racer and V7 II Special. Guzzi’s signature longitudinally-mounted engine returns, but mounted 10mm lower and tilted 4° forward, addressing rider complaints about a lack of knee space.

FIM Pledges Support of MotoAmerica

Today, MotoAmerica, the new North American roadracing series under development by the KRAVE Group, LLC, took another important step towards racing reality. With the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the official governing and sanctioning body for international motorcycle racing across the globe, giving its blessing to the rapidly developing national racing series set to replace the troubled AMA Superbike series after the disastrous years under Daytona Motorsports Group’s management. The announcement of support for MotoAmerica from the FIM came from none other than FIM president, Vito Ippolito, whose statement said, ““We are very excited about the potential of the new MotoAmerica road racing series.

MO GoPro Hero 3+ Twitter Contest Announced!

What’s the best way to celebrate reaching 10K followers on Twitter? It would have to be creating a contest in which the winner will be drawn from the pool of @Motorcyclecom followers. To take part in the drawing, simply follow @Motorcyclecom and retweet: “To celebrate reaching 10K followers on Twitter we are giving away a GoPro Hero 3+.

2015 Can-Am Spyder F3 Revealed

Bombardier Recreational Products has revealed the F3, the newest member to its three-wheeled Can-Am Spyder roadster family. Sporting a more muscular stance and the all-new UFit customizable footpeg and handlebar system, the F3 joins the returning Spyder RT, ST and RS in the 2015 product lineup. Duke’s Den – That’s Not A Motorcycle!

First Phase Of Mississippi’s Rattlesnake Bay OHV Trails Reopens

All to often we hear about closures of more and more OHV trails. It’s nice to hear news of one that’s reopening. Find out more in the full press release below from the AMA.

Suzuki Wins LeMans 24hr Endurance Season Finale

The defending champion Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT) have had a rough season this year, with exactly zero victories to its name. However, at the season finale LeMans 24-hour race, the team turned their fortunes around. As an added bonus, the Suzuki Junior Team also won the championship in its class. Read the full press release below for details.