Motorcycle Musings

Ducati closes 2013 with record sales

(March 2, 2014) 2013 closed with significant achievements for Ducati Motor Holding, both in terms of new product and sales performance. Ducati’s sales network of 817 dealers across 88 countries, delivered 44,287 motorcycles to customers, an increase over the 2012 total of 44,102.

Take a virtual tour of the Ducati Museum in Bologna with Google maps

(February 20, 2014) BOLOGNA — The Ducati Museum, which already attracts 40,000 fans and visitors from around the world every year, is set to attract hundreds of thousands more as the famous Italian motorcycle manufacturer opens its doors to a virtual tour with Google Maps.

BMW Motorrad starts new year off with strong sales performance

(February 10, 2014) MUNICH — After its third record year in succession in 2013, BMW Motorrad has started the new year with a significant increase in sales. With 5,438 units, 12.9% more motorcycles and maxi scooters were supplied to customers worldwide in January 2014 than in the previous year.

Ducati Dream Tour 2014 — Nine weekends to ride a Ducati in Italy

(January 24, 2014) BOLOGNA, Italy — Ducati announces the 2014 edition of the Ducati Dream Tour, a series of factory-organized three-day tours through the twisting landscape of the Tuscany-Emilia Apennines. Riding Ducati’s latest motorcycles, each trip will include a guided tour of the Ducati factory and museum, with one additional “special package” tour dedicated to the long-awaited World Ducati Week 2014, the international gathering of Ducatisti being held in Misano July 18-20.

BMW motorcycles records 17 percent increase in U.S. sales in 2013

(January 22, 2014) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.  — BMW Motorrad USA reported a 17 percent increase in sales for 2013 — the second highest retail performance on record — with 14,100 units sold in 2013 compared to 12,100 units sold in 2012.  Worldwide, BMW Motorrad sales reached a record high for the third year in a row with 115,191 units, up 8.3% over the previous record of 106,358 units in 2012.

BMW Motorrad achieves all-time sales high for third straight year

(January 10, 2014) MUNICH — BMW Motorrad has achieved an all-time annual sales high for the third time in succession. Worldwide the company supplied 115,215 motorcycles and maxi scooters — an increase of 8.3 % as compared to the previous record year 2012.

December sales were 6,343. This represents an increase of 4.5% as compared to December 2012.

Study: Women who ride motorcycles happier than those who don't

(December 29, 2013) MILWAUKEE — Women everywhere are thinking about New Year's resolutions they will make to live a more fulfilled life in 2014 and beyond. Once they make those resolutions, they may turn to self-help books, fad diets and online advice to try and make them a reality.

Four-wheel comfort, two-wheel practicality

(December 11, 2013) Commuting by motorcycle boasts a number of perks. Reduced journey times, typically better fuel economy, and ease of parking in city centers, which is often free, are just a few of them.

But in the winter months those perks are often overshadowed by the numbing of extremities in the cold weather, rain and spray covering the visor, making visibility difficult, and if you do commute by motorcycle in the winter, chances are you'll want to wear more layers when you arrive but lack the storage space.

Harley helps stumped holiday shoppers with 'naughty' list

(November 23, 2013) MILWAUKEE — On a mission to ignite more fun, attitude and a little rebellion into the holidays, Harley-Davidson introduces the company's new online Gift Guide.

The guide is packed full of the season's hottest items that will put more Harley into your holidays — from the latest in cutting-edge motorcycle fashions to apparel that can bring out the "bad-ass" in anyone, including jackets, hats, collectibles and tech and audio toys, with most gifts under $100 and many under $50.

Steve McQueen's Harley-Davidson to cross auction block

(November 12, 2013) WALWORTH, Wis. — Mecum Auctions will offer a rare piece of celebrity history at the second annual Anaheim auction Nov. 21-23 at the Anaheim Convention Center — a motorcycle once owned and ridden by “The King of Cool” Steve McQueen.