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Moto blog

US Motorcycle Sales First Half 2011 Results

The U.S. motorcycle industry saw a 4.6% decrease in year-on-year sales over the first six months of 2011, thanks mostly to a 17.3% drop in ATV sales. Motorcycle and scooter sales however saw a 1.7% bump in the first half .

Things I wouldn't like to race: Part 1

Now I know that Mike Hailwood raced a 6-cylinder Honda but that's no excuse for this CBX I spotted at the Bikers Days Spa Classic. The 1047cc, inline 6 cylinder, 24 Valve, DOHC Honda might be a feat of engineering brilliance but it looks like it would be a right handful on track. I've added a picture of an oil tanker to give you an idea of just how long the CBX's wheelbase really is.

Dovi given the 1000fps treatment

Andrea Dovizioso describes the perfect lap from the start to the corners. All three of the Repsol Honda riders have very different riding styles and comparing the above footage of Dovi against Stoner you can see that he is a lot more conservative on the bike than a ragged lap of his Australian team-mate. Still incredibly rapid though.

Ben Bostrom Draws Wild Card for Laguna Seca MotoGP Race

MotoGP racing team LCR Honda seems to love America. For the second straight year, the Monaco-based team is enlisting an American racer to compete in the U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca.

Recall for 2008-2010 Honda ST1300

Honda is recalling certain 2009-2010 ST1300 sport touring motorcycles due to a risk of a brake fluid leakage. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the pre-formed hose supplying fluid from the rear brake reservoir to the rear brake master cylinder is routed in a way that puts it at risk of damage. When the Honda ST1300 is heavily loaded and ridden over rough surfaces, the rear suspension may bottom out, causing the hose to contact the swingarm.

MotoGP should return to Suzuka

Suzuka was always one of the great circuits; unfortunately the Japanese track was dropped following the tragic death of Daijiro Kato in 2003 as the course was deemed too tight and dangerous for the rapid four-strokes. Owned by Honda, Suzuka is a magical place combining arching S-bends from the start of the lap, high-speed in the middle and finished off with the technical and oft racing deciding final chicane, the location of many fantastic last lap battles. However the death of Kato, and Honda’s major hope of a Japanese champion, placed a dark cloud over the 5.807 kilometres of tarmac.

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.

Marco Simoncelli: Every Good Story Needs a Villain

The MotoGP World Championship had a lot of compelling storylines going into the 2011 season. Valentino Rossi joining Ducati for an Italian match made in heaven. Jorge Lorenzo defending his title and escaping from Rossi’s shadow.

Back in the day, the All Japan 500cc Championship at Tsukuba

This ‘you tube’ gem sent to me recently brought back some funny memories from the scary but incredibly exciting days of 500cc two stroke racing. This particular race was the final round of the All Japan 500cc Championship at Tsukuba Circuit where I enjoyed a head to head battle with national hero Tadahiko Taira. Yamaha’s favourite son at the time, ‘tie wrap’ as we liked to call him, was taller and better looking than most Japanese riders (maybe a war baby?) and went on to win nearly everything in Japan during his career.

Proof: Change chain, gain power

Point six of a BHP may not sound like much but, in my book, any gain is a good gain, especially when it’s as simple as changing a chain and sprockets. After all, you're going to have to do it sooner or later when your old chain and sprockets die their death. I’ve always been interested in what gains are available in the drive train.