Motorcycle Musings

New Harley-Davidson video series showcases four women riders

(September 30, 2011) MILWAUKEE — Harley-Davidson has launched a new video series, "My Time to Ride," which follows the emotional and empowering journey of four women as they break free from their daily routines and discover the freedom of the open road as new Harley-Davidson riders.

The six-episode series follows the life-changing transformation that happens when women grab life by the handlebars and learn to ride a motorcycle.

National motorcycle thefts down 24 percent since 2007

(September 21, 2011) DES PLAINES, Ill. —The National Insurance Crime Bureau today reported that in 2010, motorcycle thefts were down 24 percent from their 2007 total. There were 65,678 motorcycles reported stolen in 2007 compared with 49,791 in 2010 — a decline of 24 percent. 

All data is from theft reports contained in the National Crime Information Center. 

Ducati names new superbike; to be unveiled in November

(September 21, 2011) Ducati has officially announced the naming of its new generation 2012 Superbike as the “Ducati 1199 Panigale” and confirmed that the unveiling and first public display will be at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan Nov. 10-13.

Having attracted massive, world-wide interest during the machine’s many test phases, the exciting new model was officially named in an emotional video released on the Italian manufacturer’s website, Ducati.com, and Ducati Motor Holding’s official Youtube channel.

Ford jumps into urban mobility with electric bike concept

(September 19, 2011) FRANKFURT, Germany — Alongside the new vehicle and technology introductions on its stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford is also unveiling a rather surprising addition to its range — an E-Bike.

Designed to show how the company's design language can translate to a bicycle, the Ford E-Bike Concept also demonstrates the spectrum of Ford's electric mobility competence.

750 motorcyclists to celebrate Reagan's 100th birthday

(September 13, 2011) SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (PRNewswire) — Seven hundred and fifty motorcyclists from 11 Southern California Harley-Davidson dealerships will ride to the Reagan Library in Simi Valley on Sunday, Sept. 25, for a VIP party celebrating the 100th birthday of Ronald Reagan.

Ducati confirms 2012 Streetfighter 848 to arrive in November

(September 12, 2011) Ducati has confirmed that the 2012 Streetfighter 848 will be available beginning in November.

Ducati says, "Combining a new and brilliantly engineered 848 Testastretta 11° engine with the enhanced geometry of a chassis that provides confidence-inspiring agility, the Streetfighter 848 has enriched its user-friendliness with a smooth and flexible power delivery, revised ergonomics and Ducati Traction Control."

Ducati collaboration with AMG to be shown off in Frankfurt

(September 7, 2011) AMG performance is no longer just for cars.

The new Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. it is the first tangible result of the collaboration announced last fall in Los Angeles between Ducati and Mercedes-Benz’s performance division.

Russia's Putin seen with motorcycle gang on three-wheel Harley

(August 30, 2011) Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has been seen in a variety of places recently, many times sans his shirt. Apparently the image he seeks to portray is that of a macho man perhaps to draw support over a possible presidential run.

Ducati recalling model year 2011 Diavel motorcycles

(August 18, 2011) Ducati is recalling certain model year 2011 Diavel motorcycles because of a problem with the bikes’ side stands that could result in the stands bending or breaking, and the bikes falling over after being parked. The recall includes 919 motorcycles.

Remy motor powers Lightning Motorcycles electric bike to land speed record

(August 16, 2011) PENDLETON, Ind. (PRNewswire) — Using a Remy propulsion electric motor, Lightning Motorcycles blasted through the land speed record for production electric bikes by 30 mph to be crowned the first electric bike in the world to exceed 200 mph.

In an Aug. 14 SCTA-sanctioned run at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, Lightning — the 2010 land speed record holder — achieved 206.079 mph, topping its 2010 speed of 176 mph.