(July 9, 2012) MUNICH — BMW Motorrad sold 59,189 motorcycles worldwide in the first half of 2012, slightly below 2011 when 60,580 units were sold.

While motorcycle sales are slightly below the previous year for the first six months of 2012, BMW Motorrad is expecting significant growth in the second half of the year, thereby staying on course for a new sales record. One of the factors here is the high demand for the new maxi scooters BMW C 600 Sport and BMW C 650 GT which see their market launch in July.

(June 15, 2012) Recent earthquakes north of Bologna, Italy, have slowed down production of Ducati motorcycles, according to Ducati CEO Gabriele del Torchio. He acknowledged the impact to production in a newsletter earlier this week.

(May 28, 2012) DUBAI, UAE — Ducati Caffè’s innovative “concept restaurant and lounge bar” opened in the heart of Dubai on May 25 with Ducati Team rider, Nicky Hayden, making a special guest appearance. Prominently situated in the Dubai Mall and set to become the desirable destination for breakfast, lunch, Italian-style “aperitivo” and dinner, the latest opening is the result of Ducati’s partnership with United Arab Emirates-based, AD Group.

(May 9, 2012) ASHLAND, Ore. — Brammo, Inc., the designer and manufacturer of world leading electric motorcycles, revealed pricing and production plans for the Empulse and Empulse R while giving motorcycle enthusiasts in Los Angeles a first look at the new design.

(April 24, 2012) ENGLAND — The world-renowned "Old Bill," which has been featured in every book ever written about the incomparable Brough marque, has been consigned by H&H for auction as part of the Roger Allen Collection at the company’s Duxford sale on Oct. 4.

However, it can be viewed as early as April 28/29 at the International Classic Motorcycle Show, Stafford. It carries an estimate of £250,000-270,000.

H&H is one of Europe's largest specialist auctioneers of Classic & Collectors Cars, Motorcycles and Automobilia.

(April 20, 2012) Audi is acquiring from Investindustrial Group the tradition-steeped Italian sports motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding, which has its registered office in Bologna. Audi says the transaction will be completed as quickly as possible once authorized by the competition authorities.

(April 16, 2012) — Fifty-eight per cent of motorcycle drivers were cut-off by another motorist who didn’t look properly, in the last six months, according to latest poll from IAM in the United Kingdom. Forty per cent of these near misses took place in 30 mile per hour zones.

Fifty-eight per cent of drivers are most likely to blame others for not concentrating.

(April 13, 2012) FREDERICK, Md. — After hanging on a dentist's wall for 30 years and then being stowed in a garage and then a basement, a 1903 Indian motorcycle will have a new owner. On Saturday, April 21 at the Frederick County Fairgrounds bidders from around the world will compete to own a piece of two-wheeled history from Charlie Alder, Jr.'s estate.

(March 22, 2012) BOLOGNA, Italy — Ducati is gearing-up for the new riding season with “Ducati Dream Tours,” a weekend escape that combines the experience of visiting the famous Italian motorcycle factory and museum with the pleasure of riding a Ducati along the legendary roads that surround Bologna.