Motorcycle News

Last fall, Suzuki introduced a new tourer called the C90T B.O.S.S. The acronym was obvious enough, standing for “Blacked-Out Special Suzuki”, and that’s what the Suzuki C90T B.O.S.S. was. What was apparent was that Suzuki would not stop at just one B.O.S.S. model. Hence the announcement of three more B.O.S.S. models joining Suzuki’s lineup.

The obvious addition is the 2013 Suzuki C90 B.O.S.S., the cruiser version of the C90T. Stripped of the windshield and hard bags, the C90 is otherwise the same as the C90T B.O.S.S., with black wheels, forks, exhaust and a blackened 90-cubic-inch (1462cc) V-Twin engine.

Joining Suzuki’s lineup as a 2014 model is the Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S. Based on the M109R, the B.O.S.S. version adds black wheels, handlebars, mufflers, fork tubes, engine covers, brake calipers and other black components. The only thing straying from script is the Marble Daytona Yellow on the fender, headlight cowl, fuel tank, tail and wheel striping.

The B.O.S.S. version is otherwise similar to the regular M109R, equipped with a 109 ci (1783cc) V-Twin engine, inverted forks, 4.9-gallon tank and thick 240mm rear tire.

Also coming as a 2014 model is the C50 B.O.S.S. With a 50 ci (805cc) V-Twin engine, the C50 is the smallest of the B.O.S.S. models. Based on the regular C50, the B.O.S.S. version blacks out several formerly chromed components including the handlebar, levers,  fork tubes, clutch cover, mufflers, wheels and brake calipers.

The three new B.O.S.S. models will arrive in Suzuki dealerships in late July. No pricing details have been announced at this time.

[Source: Suzuki]

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BMW revealed a new concept to mark the company’s 90th year in the motorcycle business while also paying tribute to a classic: the BMW R90S.

The product of a collaboration between the BMW Motorrad Design studio and Roland Sands Designs, the BMW Concept Ninety will be displayed alongside other classic BMW motorcycles at the 2013 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, May 24-26 in Italy.

The Concept Ninety carries many styling cues from the R90S, BMW’s classic superbike. Like it’s forebearer, the Concept Ninety sports a bikini fairing and Daytona Orange paint. The fairing wraps around a round headlight, but unlike the original R90S’ halogen bulb, the Concept uses a modern LED light. The overall aluminum bodywork is sleek and, seen from the side, the fairing, tank and tail forms a wedge shape resembling the cross section of an airplane’s wing. This effect is further strengthened by the contrast of the engine which is blacked out except for the valve covers of the iconic boxer engine.

Roland Sands Design produced a number of custom parts including the engine front covers, valve covers and rims which were milled using a contrast cut process to stand out against the blackened components. RSD also crafted the exhaust system, brake and clutch controls, Paralever arm and the air filter under the seat.

“It was important for me to translate the special statement made by the BMW R90S into the present through the use of unique parts – employing emotional design and cutting-edge technology,” says Roland Sands. “Everything just fits together perfectly: the BMW technology, the BMW heritage and our custom parts complement each other beautifully.”

The original R90S was one of the fastest production bikes of its era, claiming a top speed of 124 mph. Reg Pridmore rode the BMW R90S to win the first ever AMA Superbike Championship.

“The BMW R 90 S hails from an era in which bikers were regarded as outlaws,” says Edgar Heinrich, Head of BMW Motorrad Design. “There was something rebellious about it – it was fast, loud and wild. Pure emotion. And it has retained its fascination to this day.”

[Source: BMW]

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Laconia Harley-Davidson and New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) have teamed up to make the 90th Anniversary of Laconia Motorcycle Week even more historic through an effort to raise over $76,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of New Hampshire and set a new Guinness Worlds Record.

Laconia Motorcycle Week attendees and New Hampshire residents will play a key role in this endeavor by purchasing tickets for a Community Appreciation Parade at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on the final Saturday of Bike Week, June 15th. Participants will have the unique opportunity to ride around the New Hampshire Motor Speedway track, continue on a police escorted, scenic 32-mile ride around the Lakes Region, set a new Guinness World Record and most importantly, raise significant funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of New Hampshire. Non-riders can also contribute to this effort by making a donation at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 15th. Reserve your space for this historic event at www.NewHampshire.speedwaycharities.org.

“The Boys and Girls Clubs, more than any other organization, are working to put all children on a path to meaningful and productive lives. Their programs have a positive impact on the lives of young people and in some cases, have been credited with saving them,” said Anne Deli, owner of Laconia Harley-Davidson. “There is no better way to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of Laconia Motorcycle Week than attempting a philanthropic act of historic proportion. Motorcycle riders from across the globe and those here in New Hampshire can take part in a once-in-a-lifetime riding opportunity, but more importantly, make a difference by supporting this remarkable organization.”

Laconia Harley, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and the Boys & Girls Clubs of New Hampshire are calling on the public to help break an existing record for “most money raised for a charity in 24 hours by a motorcycle parade.” The current record is $76,036.

Riders can pre-register online, in-person at the Laconia Harley-Davidson dealership at 239 Daniel Webster Highway in Meredith or sign up the day of the event on June 15th at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Tickets are $35 per bike and $15 for an additional rider. Only 50 VIP tickets will be available for $150, which will enable a rider and passenger to get priority spot in the first 50 spaces behind the pace car. Participants will also receive one free ticket to the Loudon Classic Weekend that evening at NHMS. Individuals and businesses can also contribute to the effort by making a donation of any amount between 7-10 a.m. June 15th at NHMS.

The New Hampshire Chapter of the Speedway Children’s Charities began in 2009, and since has worked to care for children in educational, financial, social and medical need in order to help them lead productive lives.

Support the Boys & Girls Clubs of New Hampshire by pre-registering online at www.NewHampshire.peedwaycharities.org, or in person Laconia Harley-Davidson in Meredith, NH.

Attend the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD official attempt June 15th at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, 1122 New Hampshire 106, in Loudon, NH!

About Laconia Harley-Davidson

American Road Group owns and operates Harley-Davidson dealerships and merchandise stores nationwide. Its Laconia Harley-Davidson is home to America’s Original Motorcycle Week and is now one of the largest dealerships in the country. Its iconic destination dealership is located in Meredith, New Hampshire; and also includes White Mountain Harley-Davidson in North Conway, NH. Orlando Harley-Davidson is the premier Harley-Davidson dealership in the United States. Its Harley merchandise stores at major airports and visitor locations include Walt Disney World, and airport and tourist locations in Orlando, Chicago’s O’Hare airport, Minneapolis-St. Paul airport and also in Key West and Miami, Florida, at the huge Mall of America in Minneapolis, at National Harbor in Washington, D.C., and Indianapolis airport. The Company is led by Steven F. Deli, Chief Executive Officer, and Anne Deli, President.

To learn more about American Road Group visit www.AmericanRoad.biz. For more information about Laconia Harley-Davidson or Laconia Bike Week visit: www.LaconiaHarley.com. Connect on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LaconiaBikeWeek or www.twitter.com/laconiaharley , or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/LaconiaHarley.  

About New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s Chapter of Children’s Charities

Speedway Children’s Charities help children lead productive lives and ensure they have the same opportunities no matter what obstacle they are facing. Speedway’s local chapters are partners in change working with a broad range of people and organizations to identify and resolve pressing issues dealing with children in their communities. Their goal is to ensure every child in need be given the tools to build a better, brighter and healthy future. Since the New Hampshire Chapter’s inception in late 2009, the Chapter has helped raise more than $450,000 for non-profit organizations, which has supported the needs of more than 88,000 children across New England. For more information on SCC, visit www.SpeedwayCharities.org/.

About Boys and Girls Clubs of New Hampshire

The Boys & Girls Clubs of New Hampshire provide a safe, structured, and positive environment for young people after school, during holidays, and over school vacations.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of New Hampshire are part of a nationwide network. Located in every state, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and U.S. military installations overseas, Boys & Girls Clubs are delivering proven programs to millions of young people every day.

The post Laconia Harley-Davidson and New Hampshire Motor Speedway to Raise $76K for Boys & Girls Clubs in World Record Attempt appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

Husaberg may soon be no more, but that hasn’t stopped the Austria-based Swedish brand from unveiling its 2014 lineup of seven models. News broke last week of plans to reunite Husaberg with Husqvarna, to be known as Husqvarna Sportmotorcycle GmbH as of October 2013, making lineup of of seven off-road bikes including both two- and four-stroke models the final traces of the Husaberg as an independent brand.

These 2014 models will also give us some indication of what to expect from the new Husqvarna models. They’ll also share some similarities with the recently announced 2014 off-road lineup from Husaberg’s parent company, KTM. Husqvarna will introduce its new off-road lineup with Husaberg technology in November at the 2013 EICMA show in Milan, Italy.

Ironically, this final year of Husaberg motorcycles also marks the brand’s 25th anniversary. As such, all 2014 Husaberg models will have 25th anniversary graphics. The 2014 Husaberg lineup will consist of the four-stroke FE 250, FE 350, FE 450 and FE 501 and the two-stroke TE 125, TE 250 and TE 300.

All 2014 Husaberg models received updated suspension settings designed to improve traction and offer a more comfortable ride while also making them easy to maintain. The 4CS closed cartridge upside-down forks from WP have been revised, making it easier to bleed the forks of air or change springs. The PDS rear shock has also been updated with simplified seal changing and preload adjustment.

As with the 2014 KTM 250 SX-F, the FE 250′s engine is all new, with a 2.7mm shorter stroke, lighter piston, new cylinder head, new crankshaft, new crankcase, update ECU, a heavier flywheel and a Damped Diaphragm Steel clutch. The FE 250 also gets a new exhaust system with a new header pipe and dual-cone silencer. Husaberg claims the updates increase torque and optimizes power for enduro riding.

The FE 250 and FE 350 also get new frames with thinner-walled down tubes and revised cylinder head braces. According to Husaberg, the new frames are lighter and more able to absorb energy from rear wheel impacts while improving high-speed stability and cornering.

As with KTM’s 2014 lineup, the two-stroke Husabergs have been updated to use Boyesen reeds and updated carburetor settings. The TE 250 and TE 300 also received new cylinder heads, modified ignition mapping, stronger batteries and refined DDS clutches.

[Source: Husaberg]

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The Isle of Man government has launched a new app for the 2013 edition of its famous Tourist Trophy races. Available for free for iOS devices at the Apple App store (and soon to be available for Android on the Google Play store), the Isle of Man TT 2013 app offers racing fans a new way to interact with the world famous event.

The app offers a rolling news feed for the Isle of Man TT and its social media outlets as well as a live audio link to Manx Radio TT’s broadcast of interviews and commentary of qualifying sessions and races for this year’s event.

The Isle of Man TT 2013 app also offers profiles of the leading competitors and an interactive map of the fame Mountain Course with video voiced by a TT rider liason officer and race winner Richard “Milky” Quayle giving his tips on how to approach different sections of the course.

The app itself is free, but for a fee of £1.49 (US$2.25) users can access the live timing service and racers along six sector points on the course.

[Source: IOMTT.com]

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Bombardier Recreational Products announced an initial public opening price of CN$21.50 per share when the company goes public.

At that price ($20.83 in U.S. dollars) for 12,200,000 shares, the IPO would generate proceeds of CN$262.4 million (US$254.8 million) for BRP, the company behind Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Evinrude & Johnson outboard engines, and Can-Am‘s ATVs, side-by-sides and Spyder three-wheeled roadsters.

BRP’s stock will be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol “DOO”. The IPO closes May 29. As previously announced, the IPO will offer subordinate voting shares, while the company’s current owners, a consortium of the Bombardier and Beaudoin families, Bain Capital and the Québec government’s public pension plan manager Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, will hold on to 90% of the company’s equity.

At $262.4 million, this would represent the largest IPO in Canada this year. BRP plans to use the proceeds from the IPO to pay down the company’s debt.

The IPO is underwritten by BMO Capital Markets, RBC Capital Markets, UBS Securities Canada Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Canada Inc., acting as joint bookrunners, and including Wells Fargo Securities LLC, CIBC World Markets Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., Scotia Capital Inc., National Bank Financial Inc. and Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated.

[Source: BRP]

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A couple of weeks ago, we wrote about KTM‘s 2014 off-road lineup for Europe highlighted by an updated 250 EXC-F and other updates across the model lineup. KTM has now released information about its U.S.-spec models which include the same updates while keeping some differences from the European versions.

For off-road riders in the U.S., KTM is offering the street-legal four-stroke 350 EXC-F and 500 EXC and their solely off-road XCF-W and XC-W, the four-stroke 250 XCF-W and the two-stroke 200, 250, 300 and 450 XC-W models.

American motocross riders will have the choice of the four-stroke 250,  350 and 450 SX-F as well as the two-stroke 125, 150 and 250 SX models. Cross-country riders can opt for the four-stroke 250, 350 and 450 XC-F equivalents as well as the 150, 250 and 300 XC two-strokes. KTM USA will also offer four youth models, the 50 SX Mini and the 50, 65 and 85 SX.

The 2014 KTM 250 XC-F receives revised engines, now sharing many features with the 350 engine including thinner cylinder walls and a balancer shaft that also drives the timing chain and the water pump. The 250 XCF-W also gets a new header pipe and Damped Diaphragm Steel (DDS) clutch. Both the 250 and 350 EXC-F/XCF-W also get a new heavier crankshaft than their respective SX-F motocross versions, a change KTM says increases gyrating mass to provide more uniform power development and improve traction.

All 2014 EXC and XC models get a new frames, front fenders, airbox covers, master cylinders, hand guards, and fuel tank filler caps. The street legal EXCs also get a new headlight design. The two stroke models will also all come with new Boyesan reeds.

On the motocross and cross-country side, the 2014 models get new, lighter chain guides and revised swingarms. The 250 SX-F has a new transmission with five gears instead of six to reduce weight. The 250 and 350 SX-F also get new Brembo master clutch cylinders and and revised wiring harnesses. The U.S.-spec 450 SX-F will continue to use a five-speed transmission while the European versions get a four-speed gearbox.

[Source: KTM]

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If you’ve never seen a sidecar race, you’d be amazed at how different it is from motorcycle racing. Not only do you have some entirely different physics at work with the third wheel, you also have a passenger sprawled over the chassis behind the rider, sticking his body out to either side at lean angles that would make Marc Marquez break a sweat. Check out the video after the jump to see for yourself.

Take a look under the fairing of a sidecar racer and you’ll see how radically different it is from most other forms of motorcycle racing. KTM’s official blog posted a feature on German IDM racers Josef Sattler and Stefan Trautner who are racing the 2013 season in a sidecar powered by a V-Twin engine from a KTM RC8 R. The post offers a rare look at the chassis and engine of their sidecar racer.

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Last season, Sattler and Trautner raced with a Suzuki GSX-R1000 inline-four engine, by far the most popular powerplant in the series, used by more than 70% of the field. This season, the team decided to switch to the RC8 R engine as the lone KTM-powered sidecar team in the series. Upgraded with parts from KTM’s superstock kit, the engine claims an output of 168hp, which KTM says should push the 533-pound sidecar to a top speed of between 155 mph and 168 mph depending on the track and gearing.

The V-Twin engine is mounted in a riveted and bonded aluminum chassis from German firm RSR Sidecars (most other teams use the LCR chassis). Stripped of its fairing, Sattler and Trautner’s racer looks like a cross between a streamliner motorcycle and an open wheel racecar. The thick Formula 3 tires only heighten that impression.

All of the other sidecar teams use inline four engines but Sattler says switching to a Twin wasn’t as difficult as originally thought. One benefit is the broader useable rev range from 4000-17000  rpm compared to 8000-13000 rpm with the GSX-R engine, though the team does lose a bit off the top end.

“Actually, the twin fits even better than a four. The swap was done pretty quickly and we are totally satisfied with the performance,” says Sattler. “The power character of the engine is great and suits us very well; we are enjoying a bit of an advantage with acceleration! Although at the end of very long straights we bite off a bit … then you wish to have 10 to 15hp more.”

Last season, Sattler and Trautner finished fifth in the IDM Sidecar Championship with a single podium in eight races in just their second year of competition. This season, the team is hoping to finish in the top three.

[Source: Official KTM Blog]

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The annual Women’s Sportbike Rally presented by Draggin’ Jeans is returning for the eighth time to the Smoky Mountains the weekend of September 6-8 for fun, friends, riding and raising funds for the fight against Melanoma. The event headquarters and activities also return to the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort at the foot of the famous “Tail of the Dragon.”

In addition to the beautiful riding in the area, there will be plenty of event activities for all attendees and their guests to enjoy. There will be Friday and Saturday evening festivities, the Sportbike Night and the Sportbikegirl Pit Party, which will feature games, raffles, door prizes, entertainment and camaraderie.

The most important reason to attend is to help support the fight against Melanoma. The event donates all net proceeds to The Skin Cancer Foundation in memory of Tiffany Weirbach, the original “Sportbikegirl” who succumbed to the disease in 2001 at the age of 24.

The Womens Sportbike Rally has been fortunate to gain the support of many companies over the years and this year is no different, with Draggin’ Jeans returning as the presenting sponsor. The host of additional sponsors is growing each day, including:

• Sportbikegirl Pit Party Sponsor: NPR Ducati
• Premier Level Sponsors: Bridgestone Tires, Axo, Sena Bluetooth, Joe Rocket, RevGirl.com, Rusty Shutter Photography, CoRRRected Vision Photography
• Affiliate Level Sponsors: Marshmallowhead Designs, HelmetheadCycle.com, Woodcraft Technologies, TechSpec, Spot, Competition Accessories, RK Excel, Olympia Moto Sports, Alpinestars

There are many options for area accommodations and special rates have been arranged with Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort and Fontana Village Resort. Registration will open June 15. Visit www.WomensSportBikeRally.com for more information.

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Fifty years ago Corradino D’Ascanio penned his final design for Vespa, the Vespina (little Vespa) 50. The Vespa 50 was popular among the Italian youth market, spawning future generations of Vespa enthusiasts.

To celebrate the anniversary of this influential scooter, Piaggio Americas is launching a five-week user-generated digital and social campaign highlighting the Vespa 50cc’s influence on the transportation and cultural landscape. Vespa owners and fans are encouraged to share their 50cc stories on Vespa’s digital lifestyle destination lavespavita.com and submit photos via Flickr, Twitter or Instagram by using the hashtag #VESPAVITA.

Each Monday for five weeks, Vespa USA will be sharing exclusive content about the history of the Vespa 50cc, from archived vintage advertisements to rare technical drawings, via the Vespa Americas Facebook and Twitter sites. Every Wednesday Vespa USA will revisit important art, pop culture, fashion, music, and films from each decade, with a uniquely Vespa perspective.

For more information about the 2013 Vespa model lineup visit: www.vespausa.com, www.vespa-canada.ca.

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Transport Canada announced two separate transmission-related recalls for the 2012 and 2013 Triumph Speed Triple. At this time, the recall only affects Speed Triples in Canada though a separate recall should be expected for the U.S. market. The recall also only affects the base model Triumph Speed Triple but it’s not clear if the R version is also affected.

According to Transport Canada, the transmission on some units may have been installed with an incorrect detent spring. As a result, the transmission may inadvertently shift out of gear while the Speed Triple is moving. This recall affects 24 units.

The second recall is for an incorrect washer installed under the neutral switch. The washer may cause the neutral indicator light to remain lit even when a gear is selected. A rider may thus mistakenly believe the motorcycle is in neutral when it in fact is not. If the rider releases the clutch in such a situation, the motorcycle could surge forward unexpectedly. This recall affects 33 units.

Transport Canada did not reveal any VIN numbers included in the recall. Some units may be affected by both recalls, some may be included in one or the other, and some other units may not be affected at all.

Authorized Triumph dealers will contact owners of the recalled units. Depending on which recalls are in effect, dealers will replace the neutral switch washers and gearbox detent springs where required.

As of yet, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not confirmed similar recalls for the U.S. market. Triumph North America however operates in both Canada and the U.S., so a similar recall for either of these two issues should be forthcoming.

[Source: Transport Canada Recall #2013169 and #2013170]

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What had you accomplished by age seven? Most kids this age, myself included, were just getting through the second grade, learning simple math and playing Tee Ball with the other neighborhood kids. Dane Morales, of Aliso Viejo, California, isn’t like most kids. You see, at seven years old Dane already has himself two national championships in two different sports, BMX and motocross.

Dane is the only racer of any age to currently hold national championships with the premier U.S. sanctioning bodies in BMX (USA-BMX) and motocross (AMA). He’s also a 2012 International Cycling Union (UCI) World BMX Champion and holds 13 national BMX titles. In short, the kid’s a stud.

His motorized two-wheeler is a 50cc Cobra minicycle which he campaigns against other kids as young as four years old. Think that’s young? Morales started swimming and doing gymnastics at 10 months, rode a bicycle at two and a half years, and hopped on a minibike by age three.

“I want to be the first kid to get national BMX, motocross and Supercross championships. Oh yeah, and also the first BMX Olympic Gold Medalist,” said the ambitious young’n. Morales’ career is already starting to mimic supercross legend Jeremy McGrath, who scored 72 stadium wins — before Morales was even born — and also started out on BMX bikes.

“I don’t really know much about Jeremy,” Dane said. ”But he’s cool. I know that Christian Craig was also a BMX champion and is now a motocross pro. That’s really cool.”

Morales will begin campaigning to defend his USA-BMX national title on May 31 at the Music City Nationals in Nashville, Tennessee,look to win another UCI world championshipand continue racing minibikes.

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Transport Canada announced a recall for the 2012 Triumph Daytona 675 and 675R because certain units may be missing a throttle cable guide.

Without the guide, the throttle cable may get stuck in the steering stop, preventing the throttle from opening or closing properly. Such a situation could result in a loss of propulsion or, if the throttle is stuck open, could make it difficult to slow or stop the motorcycle.

Triumph dealers will inspected recalled units and if necessary install a throttle cable guide. In some cases, the throttle cables themselves may also be replaced.

According to the Transport Canada, the recall affects 61 units in Canada. No recall has been announced yet for the U.S., but Triumph North America operates in both Canada and the U.S., so a similar recall is expected from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the next few weeks. We will provide an update if and when NHTSA announces a recall.

[Source: Transport Canada]

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Two-time NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Champion Bob Carpenter is now selling his 240 rwhp Triumph Rocket III performance package. The Carpenter Racing engine kit boosts the stock 2300cc Triumph Rocket III Roadster from 146bhp to 240-plus rwhp and is fully streetable for daily commuting. It’s available now on new 2013 Triumph Rocket III motorcycles.

This street performance package has proven itself at the race track. The “Carpenter Rocket” has turned in blistering quarter-mile times of 8.99 seconds and 155mph at New Jersey’s Atco Raceway Park. And, it’s set AMA and FIM world land-speed records with 175mph at Bonneville Salt Flats.

The Rocket III performance package includes Carpenter’s Ram Air kit, proprietary CNC engine porting with a custom-ground camshaft and valve train, custom aluminum 11.4:1 stock displacement pistons, a higher volume fuel pump, and a Carpenter Megaphone exhaust. Custom clutch springs also are fitted to handle the extra power.

Customers can purchase a new 2012 or 2013 Triumph Rocket III Roadster with the performance package installed and tested for $35,000. To learn more, go to www.CarpenterRacing.com.

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The Doobie Brothers have joined an already massive 2013 concert lineup at the Buffalo Chip during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The classic rock legends responsible for over four decades of hits and over 40 million albums sold will take the festival stage on Monday, August 5, opening for Kid Rock.

The Doobie Brothers join a 9 day world class lineup during the Sturgis motorcycle rally that already includes The Cult, ZZ Top, Toby Keith, Rob Zombie, Brantley Gilbert, Halestorm, Mastodon, Machine Head, Queensrÿche, Sublime with Rome and many more. Fans can expect to hear a healthy slice of the American classic rock songbook, such as “Black Water,” “Long Train Running,” “What a Fool Believes,” “Listen to the Music” and more.

Admission can be purchased individually or as part of the Legends Ride package. The charitable contribution made to join the Legends Ride allows free admission to the Doobie Brothers and Kid Rock shows that immediately follow conclusion of the Legends Ride and reception. Information and reservations for the Legends Ride are available at www.LegendsRide.com.

The 32nd annual Sturgis Buffalo Chip motorcycle and music festival takes place July 29 through August 11 during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. More music festival and rally information is available at www.BuffaloChip.com and (605)347-9000.

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Earlier this year we introduced you to the California branch of Deus Ex Machina, the moto, surf, clothing and coffee shop that has started to gain popularity for its custom motorcycles. The original Deus, however, is in Australia, and its head mechanic/motorcycle design master, Jeremy Tagand, is quite the character himself.

Originally from France but now living in Australia, Tagand has a strange Franco/Aussie accent to his English, though it’s easy to understand one thing: he loves his motorcycles. As you can see in the video below, designing and building custom motorcycles is a fresh challenge Tagand enjoys and embraces on a daily basis when he comes to work. It’s hard to categorize his style, but if you ask him, he’s “just trying to do something cool.”

When he’s not tinkering with motorcycles, he’s also plays Rugby professionally. But as he says, “that’s another story.”

The Path – Jeremy Tagand from trevor king on Vimeo.

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Ed March isn’t your typical motorcyclist. He chose to take a motorcycle journey to the Arctic Circle in the dead of winter. While many people would consider this a crazy idea in itself, March’s choice of motorcycle — a Honda C90 — will probably shock many more.

He traveled alone, accompanied with just his camera equipment, camping gear, his trusty C90 and his Union Jack. Why does he do it? “To show the world you don’t need a BMW R1200GS to travel.” And because “I just can’t seem to kill the thing.”

This isn’t the first time March has gone on a long-distance voyage on his C90; before this Arctic Circle trip, he rode his C90 for eight months, covering 14,500 miles as he rode from Malaysia to his home in the U.K. He gathered so much footage, he started a successful Kickstarter campaign to produce a documentary of his trip. And he had so much fun, he’s planning to replicate the trip, this time with a film crew and ten other riders willing to make the journey on a “Chonda,” or, Chinese Honda. Click here for your chance to be a part of the action.

Another documentary from his Arctic Circle trip will follow once he finishes editing his trip from Malaysia. For now, take a look at this sneak preview of what it’s like to ride a moped in frigid temps, and visit March’s website to learn more about this adventurous traveler.

Riding a Honda C90 motorcycle through the Arctic Circle in Winter (music video) *headphones recommended* from c90 adventures on Vimeo.

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Ain’t technology amazing? In 2010, Bill Royal and his friend Larry, both members of the Iron Butt Association, decided to take part in the USA Four Corners Tour, sanctioned by the Southern California Motorcycling Association. He logged the trip on his GPS and later uploaded it to Google Earth. Seeing the trip mapped out in this way really gives a better idea just how vast this country is.

But instead of me telling you how the trip went, here’s Larry’s story in his own words, as told to the Google Earth Blog.

“Here are the GPS tracks on Google Earth of one of my all time favorite motorcycle trips from back in 2010.

This tour is sanctioned and governed by the SCMA (Southern California Motorcycling Association) and requires one to visit each of the 4 extreme “corners” of the USA in 21 days or less.

My riding buddy Larry and I started our Tour at the Southernmost Point in Key West FL. We proceeded north from there up to Madawaska ME, then west from there to Blaine WA and then south from there to San Ysidro CA to complete the 4 corners. We completed our actual 4 Corners Tour (starting at the 1st “corner and ending at the 4th “corner”) in 15 days, covering 7,665 miles in that time. Of course we had the time and distances to get to the start from home (blue track on map) and then back home from the finish point (green track on map) so the entire trip was 10,544 miles covered in 21 days. For the total trip – we averaged 527 miles per day with our longest day at 846 and our shortest at 380. Each color change of the track (except for the green tack on the homeward bound leg) is one days ride. Our overnight stops are marked by the waypoint markers. We had mostly very nice weather, with the exceptions of heavy rain while getting into Madawaska ME, fog so thick that we skipped the eastern side of the Going to the Sun road at glacier National Park, and we also hit a peak hot temperature of 113 degrees as we rolled into Yuma AZ. Nothing we couldn’t handle and it all makes for the adventure of touring by motorcycle.

I did this trip on my beloved 1991 Honda ST1100 “SilverSTreak” which already had 240,000 miles on at the start. My buddy Larry rode his BMW GS. Both bikes performed flawlessly, requiring only fuel to complete the trip.

I know this style of riding isn’t for everyone, but I just seem to love putting the miles on my motorcycle. Moreover, to see so much of the country over such a small amount of time really helps bring the perspective to the vastness and diversity across our lands. Larry and I are also members of the Iron Butt Association of long distance riders and both of us have ridden motorcycles well in excess of 500,000 miles each over our riding careers.

It might seem like all we ever did was ride, but besides spending time at the mentioned 4 corner points, we also took excursions that included crossing into and back out of Canada (skirting north of Lake Erie), the Going to the Sun road at Glacier National Park (from the west entrance to the visitor center near Logan Pass – the eastern slopes were too socked in with fog), a visit to the Grand Coulee Dam, Crater Lake and National Park, the Redwood National Park, Humboldt Bay, the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, as well as significant portions of the Pacific Coast Highway and crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. All in all it was one fantastic trip that I will never forget.”

Go to the Google Earth Blog to download the KMZ file and see it in Google Earth for yourself.

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Apparently, the American motto of “bigger is better” has struck a chord with someone in China, of all places. This giant beast of a motorcycle measures over 14 feet long and almost eight feet tall, and was built by a Chinese sewage plant worker in his spare time.

The motorcycle is so big, it needs outriggers to make sure it doesn’t tip over. Perhaps what’s more amazing about this build is that it was made entirely from scraps he found at the junkyard, including the tractor tires at each end. It’s big enough to carry up to six people.

It appears to be powered by an air-cooled Suzuki engine, if the Suzuki fuel tank in the video below is any indication, and can reach a top speed of 25 mph. Other odds and ends include mirrors which look to be sourced from an industrial truck and a giant spotlight for a headlight. Thankfully the owner planned ahead, knowing many three-point turns were in his future, and included a reverse gear.

Check out the video to see this giant creation in action. It’s all in Chinese, but you get the idea.

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The post Motorcycle So Big It Needs Training Wheels appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.

If you’re a motorcycle racing fan in Southern California, be sure to come to the Dainese D-Store Orange County on May 26 to watch the World Superbike races from Donington Park on the D-Store’s giant 9-foot TV screen. Kawasaki will be sponsoring the event and will be bringing former factory racebikes to display.

You’ll also get the chance to chat with former Kawasaki factory AMA race tuner Joey Lombardo, and get your photo taken with Kawasaki racebikes, complete with umbrella girls! Free food and drinks will be available as well. The party starts at 11am, with racing starting at 12 noon.

The Dainese D-Store Orange County is located at 1645 Superior Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. Click the photo above for more information.

The post Kawasaki Sponsoring World Superbike Viewing Party May 26 At Dainese D-Store Orange County appeared first on Motorcycle.com News.