Motorcycle Musings

Free mobile phone app offers instant protection to motorcyclists

(February 12, 2013) PRESTON, England — Bikers Friend provides an effortless way to document motorcycle accidents instantly from your mobile device, collecting evidence that can be used to protect bikers, and offers immediate guidance and other support just when a motorcyclist needs it the most. Created by an innovative media company, Bikers Friend is currently available for Android and Apple devices.

Major motorcycle show coming to Indianapolis Feb. 15-17

(February 11, 2013) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Indianapolis has long been the epicenter of American powersports — anyone with speed and horsepower on the brain has Indy on their radar, whether it's the "Brickyard," MotoGP or the world-renowned Indy 500. The Progressive International Motorcycle Shows is now another landmark on the radar of Midwest motorsports enthusiasts, with the upcoming Indianapolis Motorcycle Show.

Honda announces new 2014 CTX model motorcycle

(February 8, 2013) TORRANCE, Calif. — American Honda has begun a series of announcements that will give riders a look at some of the exciting new Honda models coming for 2014. Honda says the 2014 model year promises to be every bit as exciting as the 2013 season, as Honda continues to work at expanding the market through the introduction of innovative concepts in motorcycles, ATVs and Side-by-Sides.

Ducati will be the honored motorcycle company at Amelia Island

(February 6, 2013) Ducati is the fourth motorcycle marque to be honored at the annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance with a one class display on the concours field of The Golf Club of Amelia Island. The Italian maker of exotic high performance motorcycles joins former honorees Triumph, BMW and Vincent as "The Amelia's" one marque motorcycle class for 2013.

Kid Rock, Harley-Davidson announce 110th anniversary collaboration

(January 29, 2013) MILWAUKEE — In its most thrilling and globally epic anniversary celebration to date, Harley-Davidson today announced an exclusive partnership with legendary musician and "American Badass" Kid Rock, including a Saturday night performance for the company's 110th Anniversary celebration in Milwaukee over the Labor Day weekend.

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle retail sales grow 6.2% worldwide

(January 29, 2013) MILWAUKEE — A strong fourth-quarter 2012 capped a year of gains for Harley-Davidson, marked by solid growth in earnings and retail new motorcycle sales. 

Fourth-quarter income from continuing operations was $70.6 million on consolidated revenue of $1.17 billion, compared to income from continuing operations in the year-ago period of $54.6 million on consolidated revenue of $1.18 billion. Fourth-quarter 2012 earnings per share were $0.31, up 29.2% compared to EPS of $0.24 in the year-ago quarter.

BMW sells record number of motorcycles in 2012

(January 9, 2013)  MUNICH —  BMW Motorrad sold 106,358 motorcycles and maxi scooters to its customers worldwide, up 2 percent from 2011, thereby achieving a new all-time sales high. In the month of December deliveries increased as compared to the equivalent month of the previous year by 43.4 % to 6,069 units.

Vega Helmet Corp recalling 30,546 helmets

(December 31, 2012) Vega Helmet Corp.  is recalling certain XTS model motorcycle helmets in L, XL and XXL sizes because they may not provide adequate impact protection based on federal safety standards, the Wall Street Journal reported today. The company said the recall affects 30,546 helmets manufactured from May 2011 through October 2012.

BMW Motorrad sends five riders on an around-the-world tour

(December 19, 2012) MUNICH — The motorbike riders who will take part in the BMW Motorrad “Ride of Your Life” tour have now been confirmed. For five people, the dream of a lifetime is about to come true. The lucky winners were selected by our celebrity judging panel, made up of Adrien Brody, Rick Yune, Charley Boorman and Jutta Kleinschmidt, who evaluated entries from around 12,000 applicants worldwide.

Air-cooled Ducati bikes soon to be thing of the past

(December 8, 2012) Ducati News Today reports that the air cooled Ducati will soon be a thing of the past. Three years ago you could find a 2-valve, air-cooled power plant in four distinct Ducati model ranges, but next year it will be just one, and the year after that? Perhaps none.