Motorcycle Musings

BMW Motorrad celebrates one millionth GS with boxer engine



(June 22, 2923) MUNICH, Germany — The one millionth GS equipped with a boxer engine rolled off the production line at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin-Spandau this week — a BMW R 1250 GS. BMW motorcycles have been manufactured in Berlin since 1969 and the BMW Motorrad GS models with boxer engines since 1980.

BMW Motorrad presents the BMW M 1000 XR prototype



(June 7, 2023) BMW Motorrad has unveiled the M 1000 XR prototype, which offers a glimpse of the newest model in the M lineup. "With the M 1000 XR prototype, we are providing a first preview of the third BMW Motorrad M model, in our anniversary year. We have developed the M 1000 XR, based on the current S 1000 XR, S 1000 RR and M 1000 RR, as a long-distance sport bike with supersports riding dynamics for the road as well as for the track," said Dominik Blass, product manager.

American Honda introduces new SCL500 and updated Shadow Phantom



(May 31, 2023) ALPHARETTA, Ga. —American Honda has announced that the new SCL500 "scrambler"-style motorcycle is coming to the U.S. market. The SCL500 is a nod to Honda's rich history, dating all the way back to the 1960s when the CL72 and CL77 were offered. Based on the Rebel 500 platform, the SCL500 combines modern ride quality and comfort with authentic retro styling, and delivers the result at an attractive price.

Norton Motorcycles launches the most powerful British café racer the V4CR



(May 29, 2023) SOLIHULL, UK — Norton Motorcycles has launched its first naked sport motorcycle and the most powerful British café racer — the Norton V4CR. The rebellious younger sibling of the V4SV, the V4CR delivers artistic modern design coupled with a riding experience befitting its 185 brake horsepower.

Six exciting ride in routes lead to Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival



Routes from every area of N. America
guide motorcyclists to Milwaukee

 
(May 22, 2023) MILWAUKEE — All roads lead to Milwaukee this summer as motorcyclists plan to converge on the Lake Michigan shore July 13-16 for the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival, a celebration of the 120th Anniversary of the world’s most-desirable motorcycle brand. To help riders plan their Homecoming expedition, Harley-Davidson has plotted six exciting Ride In routes, each starting from the furthest reaches of North America and leading to Milwaukee, with a planned arrival on July 12.

Harley-Davidson enthusiast collection introduces Fast Johnnie



(May 17, 2023) MILWAUKEE — Harley-Davidson celebrates muscle car culture and its racing heritage with the introduction of Fast Johnnie, the 2023 addition to the Enthusiast Motorcycle Collection of limited run bikes featuring factory-direct custom paint and graphic treatments. Executed in Celestial Blue with white racing stripes, this special Enthusiast Collection paint scheme is offered factory-installed for three 2023 Harley-Davidson models: the Low Rider ST, the Street Glide ST and the Road Glide ST motorcycles, with production limited to no more than 2,000 of each model globally.

Harley-Davidson launches new icon with Electra Glide Highway King



(May 12, 2023) MILWAUKEE — The Electra Glide Highway King model, the third installment in the Harley-Davidson Icons Motorcycle Collection program, is an exercise in unabashed nostalgia. Laced wheels, wide-whitewall tires, a two-tone windshield, solo suspension seat and carefully curated colors are all inspired by a true Harley-Davidson icon – the 1968 FLH Electra Glide model, a motorcycle that ruled the road in an era of paper maps and 15-cent burgers.

BMW Motorrad celebrates 100 years of success



(May 12, 2023) The major anniversary exhibition at the BMW Museum to mark 100 years of BMW Motorrad opens its doors today. Visitors will be able to embark on an intense, exciting journey through 100 years of BMW Motorrad history over the exhibition’s approximately year-long run.

Mecum auction to feature more than 300 motorcycles from collection



(April 24, 2023) WALWORTH, Wis. — This Sept. 6-9, Mecum Auctions will offer the renowned John Parham Estate Collection at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa, an assemblage that includes more than 300 collector-grade, museum-worthy motorcycles and upwards of 1,000 lots of Road Art encompassing more than 6,000 pieces in total.

BMW Motorrad presents the R 18 B HEAVY DUTY customization by Kodlin



(March 14, 2023) Anyone who talks about the U.S. customizing scene mentions Fred Kodlin almost in the same breath. For more than 40 years, he has dedicated himself to customizing motorbikes, from radically modified creations to sophisticated new designs. Since the 1990s he has been incredibly successful with his custom bikes and was able to win various important Daytona shows regularly. He was the very first non-U.S. citizen to be inducted into the Sturgis Hall of Fame.