Motorcycle Musings

Vintage race cars, motorcycles, dragsters to unite at Mazda Raceway

(February 1, 2018) MONTEREY, Calif.  — The second annual Spring Classic on May 18-20 is shaping up to be a can't-miss event for fans of vintage motorsports. Road racing on two and four wheels and drag racing will all be celebrated this year at Mazda Raceway.

Race cars from the '70s, '80s, and '90s will roar back to life on the iconic Monterey County-owned 11-turn, 2.238-mile Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca road course.

Harley-Davidson sales, revenue, income down year-over-year

(January 30, 2018) MILWAUKEE — Harley-Davidson fourth quarter 2017 diluted EPS decreased to $0.05 from $0.27 in the fourth quarter of 2016. Fourth quarter 2017 net income was $8.3 million on consolidated revenue of $1.23 billion versus net income of $47.2 million on consolidated revenue of $1.11 billion in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Ducati closes 2017 on a positive note

(January 13, 2018) BOLOGNA, Italy — Ducati Motor Holding continues to grow. In 2017 the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer delivered 55,871 bikes to customers worldwide, strengthening the success of the previous year (55,451) and continuing the upward trend that has been a stable company characteristic for eight years.

“2017 was another great year for Ducati, both commercially and racing-wise,” said Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding. “We battled it out for the MotoGP title all the way to the last race, won six GPs and brought home the best results since 2009.

BMW Motorrad USA outperforms industry in 2017

(January 11, 2018) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW Motorrad reported sales of 13,546 motorcycles for 2017, down just 1.3% from the 13,730 motorcycles sold in 2016.  However, despite the slight downturn, BMW outpaced the rest of the motorcycle industry — which was down 3.2% — and its relevant competition, which was down 6.3%.

Sales of BMW motorcycles increased 37.3% in December 2017 (1,270 units) compared to December sales in 2016 (925 units), capping eight months of steady growth over the previous year in BMW Motorrad’s strongest export market. 

World's largest vintage motorcycle auction set for Jan 23-27

(January 11, 2018) LAS VEGAS — Following record sales in 2017, this year’s 27th annual Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction will feature an estimated 1,750 antique, vintage and collectible motorcycles to cross the auction block Tuesday, Jan. 23 through Saturday, Jan. 27 inside the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center and Priefert Pavilion.

The extravaganza has become an annual gathering of consignors, buyers and spectators sharing a passion for the history, beauty and camaraderie among enthusiasts from around the world.
 

BMW Motorrad meets The House of Machines

(December 4, 2017) LOS ANGELES — BMW Motorrad is pursuing its philosophy of "motorcycling as a way of life" under the slogan "Make Life a Ride." Through its involvement in events and collaborative ventures, BMW Motorrad brings people together to engage in two-wheel experiences – such as the Pure & Crafted Festival and the BMW Motorrad Days.

Honda unveils 2018 CRF1000L2 Africa Twin Adventure Sport

(November 9, 2017) MILAN, Italy — Honda's Africa Twin platform has grown this week with the announcement of the 2018 CRF1000L2 Africa Twin Adventure Sports, which was introduced alongside an updated standard 2018 CRF1000L Africa Twin at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.

Following a European release early next year, both models will be available in the U.S. this summer. Suggested retail price for the Adventure Sports model is approximately $2,000 higher than that of the current Africa Twin.

All-new Honda Gold Wing unveiled in California

(October 25, 2017) The next chapter in one of Honda's most storied narratives began this week with the unveiling of the 2018 Gold Wing and Gold Wing Tour models. The all-new Gold Wing was revealed at the Santa Barbara, Calif., MOXI Museum of Exploration and Innovation. The all-new Gold Wing takes some of its cues from the legendary GL models that came before it while maximizing potential through a lighter, more thrilling, and more technologically advanced package, which features a new engine, chassis, and a whole suite of electronics.

World Ducati Week dates set for July 20-22

(October 22, 2017) The World Ducati Week is back for 2018. Every two years, the largest Ducati rally in the world brings together thousands of enthusiasts, as shown by the approximately 81,000 visitors who animated the last edition.

The 10th WDW dates are: July 20-22, and as a tradition, it will be at the "Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli," in Misano Adriatico, Italy.

BMW Motorrad presents the R 1200 RS ConnectedRide

(October 13, 2017) MUNICH, Germany — For decades, BMW Motorrad has been regarded as a frontrunner when it comes to issues of safety in connection with motorcycling. BMW Motorrad has continued to establish itself as the trailblazer, be it with ABS, anti-slip control, dynamic traction control or rider equipment. BMW Motorrad is continually striving to improve motorcycling safety and to make riding on two wheels even safer and more attractive.