Honda VTX Motorcycles in Orange, page #38

Moto blog

WSBK 2013: Monza Race Report

Eugene Laverty and Marco Melandri split a pair of victories at Monza but the most biggest news from the World Superbike weekend was a strange series of appeals after Race Two that saw Tom Sykes finish third, relegated to fourth and then reinstated on the final step of the podium. The unusual mix-up occurred after Sykes, sitting in third place, ran off track and into the run off area on Turn 5 on his final lap. The Kawasaki rider returned to the track again in third place where he finished ahead of Aprilia‘s Sylvain Guintoli.

Buying countless tatty bikes. And that Marquez fella

A South African friend of mine called Trevor Binder told me last weekend I’m quite obviously in the advanced stages of a terrible disease. He recognises the affliction because he admits to suffering from the same condition for many years and so far hasn’t found a cure.  He says he can’t stop collecting bikes and while I didn’t think I had a problem, last weekend he pointed out I should be careful as I’m starting to acquire bikes at an alarming rate. I wasn’t really worried about spending a modest amount of cash an old KTM 125 race bike, a 350 LC and a Fizzy over the past six months but Trevor says I’m on a slippery slope.  He says it always starts with bikes that have some sentimental value but then swiftly moves on to buying any old tat.  Trevor is a wealthy man with dozens of nice bikes in his collection but more recently has been on Gumtree bidding for £150 Solex front wheel drive step - thrus, and doesn’t know why.  Closer to home, James Whitham has recently confirmed he may also have these symptoms and is actively seeking therapy.  I’ll be monitoring the situation from now on but in the meantime if anyone hears of a reasonably priced Raleigh Wisp for sale please let me know.

2013 Mugen Shinden Ni Electric Race Bike Revealed

Noted Honda tuning company Mugen has revealed the second generation version of its electric racebike which will race in the TT Zero at the 2013 Isle of Man TT. The Shinden Ni (“Shinden” meaning “God of Electricity” while “Ni” is the number two in Japanese) will once again be ridden by 19-time TT winner John McGuinness. Mugen has been working on the Shinden Ni since last year’s TT Zero, using data collected in the race and during tests at circuits in Japan.

Honda Teases New 2014 Off-Road Model – Video

American Honda released a video teasing a new 2014 off-road model which will be revealed in May 14. The 2:21 video was shot with an action camera mounted along the top of the swingarm as the mystery model races around a motocross track. The most obvious conclusion is the teaser is for the 2014 Honda CRF450R or CRF250R.

WSBK 2013: Assen Race Report

Tom Sykes earned his first win of the 2013 season and came a hair short of a double victory at the World Superbike Championship round at Assen in the Netherlands. Traditionally a fast starter and qualifier, Sykes started on the pole once again at Assen and had strong starts in both races. But unlike the first two rounds where he started strong before fading, the Kawasaki factory rider was able to remain at the front in both races at Assen and earn some valuable championship points.

2013 AMA Supercross Salt Lake City Race Report

Monster Energy Kawasaki racer Ryan Villopoto demonstrated once again he is a the top of his sport, clinching his third-consecutive AMA Supercross championship. Villopoto cemented his title with a win in front of 43,149 fans at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah, his ninth main event victory of the season and 33rd in his career. Though he led every lap, Villopoto didn’t have as easy a time in Salt Lake City as he has had in some races this season.

Honda Reports Q4 2012-2013 Results – North American Motorcycle Sales Up 25%

Honda reported sales of 15.5 million motorcycles for its fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. That marks a 2.8% increase from the 15.1 motorcycles sold the previous fiscal year. Sales were particularly strong in North America where Honda reported a 25% increase in motorcycles sold.

Honda to Sponsor and Compete in 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

American Honda announced it will be a partnering sponsor for the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb while also entering the competition, racing in nine different classes (well, seventh, plus “Exhibition” entries in both car and motorcycle categories). Honda R&D staff, engineers, test riders and drivers will compete in car, motorcycle and ATV categories. Honda will field a record ten entries in all, with nine different vehicles including the CBR1000RR, CBR600RR, CRF450R and CRF250R.

2014 Honda Forza Scooter Gets CARB Approval

The Honda NSS300 Forza scooter has received approval from the California Air Resources Board. The 279cc scooter was first announced at the 2012 EICMA show for the European market and Canada, and it looks like it will be available for sale in the U.S. The Forza still needs to get a certificate of conformity from the Environmental Protection Agency, but that should not be difficult after getting the O.K.

Watch the Honda TT Legends Endurance Racing Team Complete a Pit Stop – Video

Endurance racing and superbike racing have a lot in common. Both types of racing use similar machines and often feature the same riders. Some endurance races, the Daytona 200 perhaps the most notable of them, are included as regular points-scoring rounds in championships that otherwise feature rounds that are a quarter the length.