Motorcycle Musings

Improvement seen in overall motorcycle customer satisfaction

(December 17, 2011) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Overall motorcycle customer satisfaction has increased notably from 2010, driven by marked improvements in the sales experience, the products, and cost of ownership, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Motorcycle Competitive Information Study released this week.

Honda GL1800 motorcycles recalled over brake problem

(December 4, 2011) American Honda is recalling certain model 2001-2010 and 2012 model year GL 1800 motorcycles over a potential defect relating to motor vehicle safety exists in the secondary master cylinder.

Honda says that the compensating port hole inside the secondary master cylinder — part of the combined-braking system — can become blocked due to (1) stacking of tolerances in manufacturing and (2) sufficient swelling of the primary pressure cup inside the master cylinder.

World Ducati week at Misano June 21-24

(December 1, 2011) BOLOGNA, Italy — Announced during the Milan International Motorcycle Show, the long-awaited dates and location for the World Ducati Week 2012 event are now confirmed for Ducati fans all over the world as June 21-24, 2012, at the circuit of Misano in Italy.

First organized in 1998, WDW successfully brought together "Ducatisti" from all over the world to celebrate their shared passion for the legendary Italian-made motorcycles.

UK's Motorcycle Live attendance up 14 percent

(November 28, 2011) BIRMINGHAM — Motorcycle Live 2011 in the UK has been hailed a success by visitors and exhibitors alike after the show achieved a final attendance figure of 112,197 — a 14% increase on the previous year.

Ducati offering 4.99% interest on all 2011 models

(November 18, 2011) Ducati USA is celebrating the end of the year with a low finance offer just in time for Christmas. From Nov. 15 through Dec. 31 Ducati is offering as low as 4.99% financing with no money down on any new 2011 or earlier models.

Ducati has announced a special program for customers that are looking to finally get their hands on a brand new Ducati. Unlike many of these type of promotions, all models are included limited only by dealer inventory.

Honda gears up for Motorcycle Live in the UK

(November 3, 2011) Honda of the United Kingdom is gearing up for this year’s Motorcycle Live two-wheel extravaganza at the National Exhibition Center (NEC) in Birmingham Nov. 19-27 with some great action-packed activities in store to ensure visitors really get the full Honda experience.

Yamaha volunteers improve popular Cactus Flats staging area

(October 25, 2011) CYPRESS, Calif. — Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., has taken a leading role in supporting safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable riding areas by granting nearly $2 million through its OHV (off highway vehicles) Access Initiative since 2008. 

Harley-Davidson reports strong gains in sales and earnings

(October 18, 2011) MILWAUKEE — Harley-Davidson reported continued strong improvement in earnings and dealer retail sales in the third quarter of 2011 and through nine months, compared to 2010. Income from continuing operations in the third-quarter 2011 rose 95.9 percent to $183.6 million compared to income of $93.7 million from continuing operations in the year-ago quarter.

Evolve electric motorcycles are launched

(October 13, 2011) NEW YORK — Evolve motorcycles premiered its two-wheeled 100-percent electric vehicles in New York City last week.

The company, founded by Benjamin Plum and Lex Kendall, saw the need for a stylish, sustainable and affordable solution to urban transportation. The result was evolve electric motorcycles.

Honda adds a dozen 2012 models to lineup

(October 12, 2011) The list of Honda models for 2012 keeps growing as a dozen new additions expand the upcoming season lineup. This latest release includes the substantially revamped CBR1000RR — the essential superbike — offering the perfect balance of power and handling designed to work together as one complete package.