Motorcycle Musings

BMW motorcycles continues to see double-digit growth

(May 12, 2014) MUNICH, Germany — After achieving record sales during the first quarter of 2014, BMW Motorrad remains firmly on course for success. In April, 16,344 motorcycles and maxi scooters were supplied to customers worldwide. This represents an increase of 12% or 1,757 units as compared to April 2013.

Study finds motorcyclist fatalities down 7 percent in 2013

(May 7, 2014) WASHINGTON — For only the second year since 1997, U.S. motorcyclist fatalities are projected to decrease in 2013, according to a new analysis of preliminary state data released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). The latest Spotlight on Highway Safety report also notes that despite the probable 7 percent decrease in rider deaths, motorcyclist safety has not improved in 15 years.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia provided preliminary motorcyclist fatality counts for the first nine months of 2013 and insights into why their numbers increased or decreased.

BMW Motorrad introduces new electrically powered C evolution

(April 30, 2014) The arrival of the new C evolution marks the start of a new chapter in the urban mobility segment for BMW Motorrad. The two conventionally powered maxi scooter models — the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT — already succeed in combining the superb ride qualities of a motorcycle with the specific agility of a scooter and the design’s inherent comfort.

The new electrically powered C evolution now goes even further by fusing riding fun and dynamism with the benefits of zero-emission performance to create a whole new experience on two wheels.

Darth Vader's Cruiser

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(April 21, 2014) Let’s start with the low, 25.6-in high saddle and laid-back riding position. The NM4 rider isn’t crouched forward in typical sport bike fashion. That’s because the 670 cc parallel twin-powered bike is more Star Wars cruiser than back road runner. Nor is this a single-seater. The pillion is created for a second rider by folding the three-position seatback over the rear fender. In this position, it can slide fore or aft along four detents.

Anders Kirk Johansen introduces the Viking Concept Motorcycle

(April 17, 2014) MONACO — Lauge Jensen motorcycles is today unveiling the Viking Concept at the Top Marques luxury brands show in Monaco. This premium motorcycle is a design study that blends the talents of two of Denmark’s most creative talents: Anders Kirk Johansen, an industrialist whose family invented LEGO, and renowned vehicle designer Henrik Fisker.

Harley-Davidson launches ultimate touring ride, Discover More

(April 8, 2014) OXFORD, England — The countdown is on to Discover More, an iconic touring and online experience from Harley-Davidson that will see a Harley-Davidson Street Glide motorcycle take to some of the most incredible touring roads across Europe, Middle East and North Africa, traveling over 20,000 km (12,427 miles) across more than 30 countries.

New mobility from Yamaha in Europe with the Tricity

(March 26, 2014) Urban traffic congestion is a major problem in many European cities, and is set against a background of increased environmental awareness and the squeeze on many consumers' disposable incomes.

The landscape of personal mobility is set to change drastically, and Yamaha is working to develop New Mobility solutions designed to facilitate and encourage the adoption of a new mindset amongst urban commuters.

Ducati announces world's first production bike with integrated airbag jacket

(March 24, 2014) Italy’s iconic motorcycle manufacturer, Ducati, has announced the introduction of the Multistrada D-Air model, featuring a fully integrated, intelligent system of sensors wirelessly connected to Ducati Apparel airbag jackets by Dainese. Marking a "world’s first" in the motorcycle industry and combining the innovative designs from two famous Italian brands, the new Ducati model takes a significant step forward in two-wheel safety.

Harley-Davidson Street 750 motorcycle makes Hollywood film debut

(March 18, 2014) MILWAUKEE — Harley-Davidson and Marvel hosted a surprise, one hour "for the fans" engagement at Marvel's Captain America: The Winter Soldier movie premiere in Hollywood on March 13, following the close of the red carpet.

Fans at the event were spontaneously selected to walk and experience the official red carpet and to check out a new Street 750 motorcycle along with the stars of the film, who autographed the bike for charity.

Kia rides away — On its electric bikes

(March 4, 2014) GENEVA — Kia has unveiled two prototype electric bikes at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show 70 years on from the vehicle manufacturer’s inception as Korea’s first mass producer of bicycles and coinciding with the European debut of the firm’s first globally-available electric vehicle — the Soul EV.