Phantom Black Triumph Thunderbird Motorcycles, page #17

Moto blog

FIM Updates Superbike Racing Homologation Lists for 2013

The International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) has released an updated list of motorcycles homologated for the 2013 Superbike, Supersport, and Superstock racing season. Notable additions include the new BMW S1000RR HP4, the MV Agusta F3 and the Superbike-spec Ducati 1199 Panigale R. To qualify a production-based racebike for FIM homologations, manufacturers have to meet certain production thresholds.

Limited Edition 2013 Triumph Speed Triple R “Dark” Revealed

Triumph announced a very limited production run of the 2013 Speed Triple R in a special “Dark” livery for the U.K. market. The British manufacturer teamed up with custom paint shop 8 Ball to produce 30 units of the Triumph Speed Triple R Dark.

Triumph’s Wheel Bearing Recall Spreads to US for 2011-2012 Daytona 675, Street Triple and 2012 Thunderbird and Thunderbird Storm

Earlier this week, we wrote about a recall in Canada for unapproved wheel bearings for the 2011-2012 Triumph Daytona 675 sportbike and its naked sibling the Street Triple. As expected, a similar recall has now been announced for the U.S., adding the Thunderbird and Thunderbird Storm cruisers to the campaign. The recall also affects the 2011-2012 Triumph Street Triple R but the Daytona 675R is not included in the recall.

Michelin Unveils New Tire for Dual Sport Motorcycles

More than half of the new BMW R 1200 GSs that roll off the assembly line in 2013 will be fitted with Michelin’s new big trail tire, the Anakee III. BMW and Michelin worked together to co-develop the dual-sport tire, which is designed to deliver all the safety and off road capability big trail motorcycle users demand. The Anakee III will also be available as a replacement option for other leading dual sport bikes, like the Suzuki V-Strom, Kawasaki KLR, Triumph Tiger and Yamaha Super Tenere.

2011-2012 Triumph Daytona 675 and Street Triple Recalled in Canada for Unapproved Wheel Bearings

Triumph has issued a recall for the Canadian market for the 2011-2012 Daytona 675 and Street Triple because the wheel bearings were provided by an unapproved supplier. At the moment, the recall is only for Canada and no recall has been announced for the U.S. market.

2012 US Motorcycle Sales Results – Industry Reports 2.6% Increase

The Motorcycle Industry Council reported a 2.6% increase in motorcycle sales in the U.S. market for 2012. According to the industry group’s figures, American consumers purchased 452,386 motorcycles in 2012 compared to 440,899 motorcycles in 2011.

Natural Habitats

SAM Christmas has been a professional photographer for the last 3 years and is the man behind Natural Habitats, a collection of photos covering the growing UK custom scene, showing bikes and their builders at home.    Sam's clients include the likes of Honda, Dainese, Google, Polo Jeans and Edwin denim but Natural Habitats is a personal project that took one and a half years to complete. I got to meet Sam when the exhibition opened in Shoreditch on Thursday evening.

Unchained: 2013 Triumph Rocket III Free of Power Restrictions

Triumph has updated its Rocket III cruiser for 2013, adding more blacked-out components and a new seat, but perhaps the most significant change is what Triumph took away: the electronic torque limiter. Previous versions of the Triumph Rocket III and the Rocket III Touring variant had its power and torque neutered in the first three gears. The reins are off for 2013 however, with the Rocket III’s 2294cc engine delivering full power in all gears.

2013 Triumph Tiger Sport Announced

Triumph revealed a new version of its 1050cc Tiger named the Tiger Sport. Triumph currently lists this new Tiger Sport beside its Tiger 1050 on the Triumph website’s 2013 offerings but the new model appears to be a replacement for the previous model which has been relatively unchanged since its introduction in 2007. Officially unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show, the 2013 Triumph Tiger Sport receives new body panels, tail and windscreen but perhaps the most notable design change is the new single-sided swingarm which better shows off the black cast aluminum alloy multi-spoke rear wheel.

Triumph 250cc Twin Due for India and Indonesia in 2014

Triumph will produce a 250cc twin-cylinder naked bike for the Asian market in 2014, according to the director of the brand’s Indonesian distributor. Rudhy Siswanto, president director of PT Global Motorcycle Trading, says the new small-displacement Triumph will be produced at the company’s new factory in Narasapur, India, outside of Bangalore which is set to begin operation in 2014. “The factory in India is focused on small engines.