Motorcycle Musings

JD Classics working on breaking motorcycle land speed record

(July 11, 2013) MALDON, Essex, England — Leading classic car specialist JD Classics has been commissioned to work on a one-off motorcycle project that aims to break the Motorcycle World Land Speed Record.

Former two times World Superbike Champion James Toseland will attempt to break the current record with the ‘52 Express’ Streamliner motorcycle in September 2014 on Utah’s hallowed Bonneville Salt Flats.

Harley-Davidson adds John Fogerty, Uncle Kracker for Labor Day bash

(July 10, 2013) MILWAUKEE — 100,000 thundering motorcycles. 60-plus bands, including three amazing headliners. A massive motorcycle parade. All the food and drink you care to have. The opportunity to ride Harley-Davidson's all new 2014 motorcycles...free tattoos...custom bikes shows...the legendary UFC Octagon. And now a new two-day ticket option.

BMW Motorrad, R 90 S celebrating anniversaries

By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(June 4, 2013) Both BMW Motorrad and the R 90 S are celebrating anniversaries this year. The motorcycle arm of Bavarian Motor Works in 90 years old, and the iconic R 90 S celebrates 40 years since its introduction. In partnership with former motorcycle racer turned custom bike designer Roland Sands, BMW created the Concept Ninety for the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2013.<--break->

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.