Motorcycle Musings

Ninety years celebrated with BMW Concept 90 motorcycle

(May 25, 2013) Ninety years of BMW Motorrad — hardly another motorcycle manufacturer can boast such a longstanding and successful heritage as BMW. The BMW R 90 S likewise has cause to celebrate: the BMW Motorrad design icon turns 40 this year.

As a tribute to both these anniversaries, the BMW Group is presenting a very special model at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2013: the BMW Concept Ninety. In partnership with the custom bike company Roland Sands Design, the BMW Motorrad design team has come up with an exclusive homage to the BMW R 90 S.

Before you ride, make sure you have right type, amount of insurance

(May 14, 2013) NEW YORK — If you are the owner of one of the nation's eight million-plus registered motorcycles, spring may be the time you take it out of storage — it is also a great time for bike owners to review their motorcycle insurance coverage, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

More than 30,000 motorcyclists expected for BMW celebration

(May 12, 2013) MUNICH, Germany — "Ninety years of BMW Motorrad" is the motto of the 13th BMW Motorrad Days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. This year the world's biggest BMW Motorrad meeting will take place from July 5-7. Once again, the organizers are expecting more than 30,000 motorcyclists from all over the world to meet at the Hausberg.

Allstate revs up motorcycle safety sign program

(May 9, 2013) NORTHBROOK, Ill. — To kick off May National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, Allstate Insurance Company will continue its efforts to donate standardized warning signs for motorcycle safety with its "Once is Never Enough" (ONE) program with the first installation of 2013.

For the road less traveled, BMW introduces the Nature Adventure

(May 7, 2013) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — For those who prefer to explore roads less-traveled — whether on two wheels or two feet — BMW Motorrad now offers the new Navigator Adventure in addition to the popular Navigator IV as a navigational tool for BMW Motorrad riders.

Harlistas celebrate Harley-Davidson's anniversary

(May 3, 2013) MILWAUKEE — Throughout 2013, millions of Harley-Davidson fans around the world are celebrating their shared passion for freedom, self-expression, adventure, and the stories that unite them during Harley-Davidson's 110th Anniversary year. This Cinco de Mayo , thousands of Harlistas are gearing up for official 110th Anniversary celebrations by taking to the open road, seeking adventure, camaraderie and the achievement of the American Dream.

Harley-Davidson first quarter per share earnings climb 33.8%

(April 25, 2013) MILWAUKEE — Harley-Davidson first-quarter 2013 diluted earnings per share increased 33.8% on higher motorcycle shipments and continued improvement in operating efficiencies, compared to the year-ago period.

First-quarter net income was $224.1 million on consolidated revenue of $1.57 billion, compared to net income of $172.0 million in the year-ago period on consolidated
revenue of $1.43 billion. First-quarter 2013 diluted earnings per share were 99 cent, compared 74 cents in the year-ago quarter.

New study: Motorcycle deaths spike in 2012

(April 24, 2013) WASHINGTON — In a new report released today, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is projecting that motorcyclist deaths increased approximately 9 percent in 2012, to more than 5,000 lives lost. This is greater than the overall traffic fatality increase projected by the federal government and would be the 14th out of the last 15 years in which motorcyclist deaths increased.

Electric motorcycle showdown set for Pikes Peak Hill Climb

(April 18, 2013) COLORADO SPRINGS — An epic head-to-head showdown is all set in the electric motorcycle class in the Exhibition Powersport division in the 91st Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 30.

The electric motorcycle duel on America’s Mountain will pit the event’s racer with t
he fastest time on an electric bike, Chip Yates, against six-time Pikes Peak motorcycle champion Greg Tracy. They are the only entries in this class and the matchup promises to be a highlight of the day.

Toby Keith, Aerosmith join Harley-Davidson's 110th anniversary gala

(April 12, 2013) MILWAUKEE — Rock n' Roll Hall-of-Famers Aerosmith and superstar Toby Keith will join Kid Rock as headline performers for Harley-Davidson's 110th Anniversary Celebration in Milwaukee over Labor Day weekend.

Keith will perform Thursday, Aug. 29; Aerosmith will take the stage Friday, Aug. 30; and Kid Rock will round out the epic weekend of music Saturday, Aug. 31. Each headline concert is at the Marcus Amphitheater, located on the south end of Milwaukee's Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest Grounds).