Motorcycle Musings

Brammo reveals two new electric motorcycles

(May 9, 2012) ASHLAND, Ore. — Brammo, Inc., the designer and manufacturer of world leading electric motorcycles, revealed pricing and production plans for the Empulse and Empulse R while giving motorcycle enthusiasts in Los Angeles a first look at the new design.

Harley-Davidson ranks highest in motorcycle dealership study

(May 7, 2012) MONTEREY, Calif. — Harley-Davidson dealerships returned to the top ranking in the newly released 2012 Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index (PSI) U.S. Motorcycle Industry Benchmarking Study, which measures dealership treatment of motorcycle shoppers. 

BMW and Ducati finished in a tie for second, followed by Triumph and the Victory and Indian brands from Polaris Industries, in a three-way tie for fourth.  Industry-wide performance improved substantially from 2011 to 2012, with only three of sixteen motorcycle brands failing to achieve higher scores.

Famed Brough Superior motorcycle 'Old Bill' to be auctioned in October

(April 24, 2012) ENGLAND — The world-renowned "Old Bill," which has been featured in every book ever written about the incomparable Brough marque, has been consigned by H&H for auction as part of the Roger Allen Collection at the company’s Duxford sale on Oct. 4.

However, it can be viewed as early as April 28/29 at the International Classic Motorcycle Show, Stafford. It carries an estimate of £250,000-270,000.

H&H is one of Europe's largest specialist auctioneers of Classic & Collectors Cars, Motorcycles and Automobilia.

Audi acquires motorcycle manufacturer Ducati

(April 20, 2012) Audi is acquiring from Investindustrial Group the tradition-steeped Italian sports motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding, which has its registered office in Bologna. Audi says the transaction will be completed as quickly as possible once authorized by the competition authorities.

Be aware of the cyclist, UK study concludes

(April 16, 2012) — Fifty-eight per cent of motorcycle drivers were cut-off by another motorist who didn’t look properly, in the last six months, according to latest poll from IAM in the United Kingdom. Forty per cent of these near misses took place in 30 mile per hour zones.

Fifty-eight per cent of drivers are most likely to blame others for not concentrating.

Oldest-known U.S.-made motorcycle heads to auction block

(April 13, 2012) FREDERICK, Md. — After hanging on a dentist's wall for 30 years and then being stowed in a garage and then a basement, a 1903 Indian motorcycle will have a new owner. On Saturday, April 21 at the Frederick County Fairgrounds bidders from around the world will compete to own a piece of two-wheeled history from Charlie Alder, Jr.'s estate.

Ducati offering several Italian dream tour weekends

(March 22, 2012) BOLOGNA, Italy — Ducati is gearing-up for the new riding season with “Ducati Dream Tours,” a weekend escape that combines the experience of visiting the famous Italian motorcycle factory and museum with the pleasure of riding a Ducati along the legendary roads that surround Bologna.

Ducati, Diesel launch the Monster Diesel

(March 18, 2012) NEW YORK — Introducing an exciting new phase in the partnership, which started in 2011 with the sponsorship of the Ducati Team in MotoGP, Ducati and Diesel now launch the Monster Diesel with a dedicated Capsule Collection.

The brand new customized model is an "urban military chic" interpretation of Ducati’s iconic naked motorcycle and was unveiled alongside the new collection at the Diesel stores of New York-Soho March 15.

Harley-Davidson styling chief, Willie Davidson, to retire

(March 17, 2012) MILWAUKEE — After nearly 50 years as head of styling, Willie G. Davidson is retiring from Harley-Davidson on April 30. Davidson, Senior Vice President and Chief Styling Officer, is widely recognized as a legend in the world of motorcycling and motorcycle design.

He will continue his involvement with the company as an ambassador at motorcycle rallies and events, and through special design projects as Chief Styling Officer Emeritus.

Three legendary motorcycle builders collaborate on four new creations

(March 13, 2012) NORTHBROOK, Ill. — Today, in partnership with three of the country's top motorcycle builders, Allstate Insurance Company announced the unveiling of four custom motorcycle creations inspired by the company, one of which will be given away as the grand prize in a national sweepstakes. 

The unveiling is a milestone within the motorcycle industry, marking the first-ever collaboration between legendary builders Arlen Ness, Rick Fairless and Dave Perewitz.