Motorcycle Blog on 2040Motos

Energica Ego At AIMExpo, October 18-19

Energica will have a presence at the AIMExpo this weekend, October 18-19, with its Ego electric superbike on display for American enthusiasts to see. The Energica project was initiated at the end of 2009 to design and build high performance electric motorcycles based on insights developed at CRP. In August, 2014, the Energica Motor Company was born officially. The focus of Energica is to provide luxury, high performance riding experiences for urban and suburban riders. Energica has designed, engineered, certified, and will soon start the production of its flagship product: the Energica EGO (www.energicasuperbike.com).

Ride With The Sons Of Anarchy Cast At 4th Annual Boot Ride And Rally

Are you a Sons of Anarchy fan? Have you ever wanted to ride with the cast (yes, some of them really do ride)? Now you’re in luck.

Superbike Coach Also Offers Motorcycle Tours

You may not know this, but Superbike Coach, a Northern California track and street school, also offers motorcycle tours. head coach Can Akkaya organizes and guides his tours the same way as he coaches – very personal and individual. The tour spectrum includes trips in and around California, the Southwest, the Alps, Nurburgring Nordschleife, and the very popular Laguna Seca.

Greg Hancock Wins 2014 Speedway World Championship

Seven years after winning his first FIM Speedway World Championship, American legend Greg Hancock won his third World Championship this past weekend. Hancock secured the title with a fifth-place finish at the final round in Torun, Poland, on Oct. 11.

Kevin Schwantz Unveils Suzuki GSX-RR At Motegi

From a Suzuki press release: The 2015 Suzuki MotoGP GSX-RR was unveiled at today’s Motegi MotoGP race in Japan as 1993 World 500cc GP Champion Kevin Schwantz was joined by 1982 World Champion Franco Uncini for demonstration laps at the Twin Ring circuit. Schwantz, who joined the Suzuki MotoGP test team for its test at Austin in Texas, USA earlier this year, rode the GSX-RR while Uncini demonstrated the GSV-R that last competed in the 2011 MotoGP series. Kevin Schwantz: “I started very carefully as we didn’t start from pit-lane and without tyre warmers, but I soon felt the machine was being very stable and I was able to speed-up.

Webb Wins Salt Lake City EnduroCross

From an EnduroCross press release: Factory Beta and Stillwell Performance-backed Cody Webb took a decisive win tonight in Salt Lake City’s inaugural AMA GEICO EnduroCross event. The win was Webb’s second after taking the first round victory in Las Vegas and puts him and his Beta two-stroke 300 into the points lead. The race fans in attendance at the Energy Solutions Arena saw a night go almost perfectly for GEICO-supported Webb.

Triumph Reveals Thruxton Ace Café Special Edition for US Market – Video

This past weekend at the Barber Vintage Festival, Triumph took the wraps off a special edition Thruxton that was created with the famed Ace Café London. Harkening back to one of the lynchpins of the British café racer movement of the 1960s, the Thruxton Ace Café Special Edition molds the profile of the classic Triumph racer of the era to the thoroughly modern Thruxton. The Triumph Thruxton Ace Café Special Edition at the Barber Vintage Festival.

ECUnleased Performance Reflash Available For 2014 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

ECUnleashed now has a ECU performance reflash for 2014 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R models. If you aren’t familiar with ECU reflash tuning, specifically the ones offered by ECUnleashed, they provide more power by eliminating factory restrictions, optimizing fuel, ignition and throttle mapping, increasing rev limit, and removing the top speed limiter. It also delivers better response and control through eliminating the factory fuel cut off and optimizing the off throttle deceleration mapping.

Perry King To Emcee 2014 AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony

From an AMA press release: Hollywood actor and longtime motorcyclist Perry King will serve as the master of ceremonies for the 2014 American Honda AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Harley-Davidson, on Friday, Oct. 17, at the Chapin Theater in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. The induction ceremony takes place during the 2014 AMA Convention, Oct.

Daytona Not Part Of MotoAmerica Schedule, Daytona 200 Now In Limbo

Daytona International Speedway President, Joie Chitwood III has announced the new, Wayne Rainey-led MotoAmerica series will not feature the Daytona 200 as part of its schedule. The official press release is below. Of course, we don’t know what was said during the negotiations between the parties, but considering Daytona Motorsports Group is considered by many to be the reason behind the decline of American road racing, it’s not a stretch to imagine DIS drove a hard bargain as to not be a part of a new, more popular, series.

MotoAmerica Releases Tentative 2015 Schedule – No Daytona!

The Wayne Rainey-led MotoAmerica series has released its tentative 2015 schedule, and, as we posted about earlier, Daytona will NOT be on the schedule! However, the Circuit of the Americas will be on the calendar (as MotoGP support classes), as will Road Atlanta, VIR, Road America, Barber Motorsports Park, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, New Jersey Motorsports Park and Laguna Seca. There’s a dearth of west coast rounds so far, but MotoAmerica says a few more tracks will hopefully be added.

Ninja H2 Video XV – Robot Welding + Video

In case you weren’t tired yet of Kawasaki’s H2 teaser videos, here’s yet another. In fact, it’s number 15 out of who-knows-how-many-more teaser videos from Team Green. This time, the focus is on the advanced robotic arms used to weld together the complex trellis frame of the H2 and H2R.

Roland Sands Design Launches Peristyle Glove

Channeling his inner Evel Knievel, Roland Sands Design’s latest glove, the Peristyle, is for you cafe riders, cruiser heads and city slickers looking for a general purpose glove. Read the full press release below for more information. Roland Sands Design pays homage to the legacy of American daredevils everywhere with the launch of the Peristyle Glove.

Polaris Slingshot Production Begins

Polaris has begun full production of its new Slingshot three-wheeler at the company’s manufacturing facility in Spirit Lake, Iowa. 2015 Polaris Slingshot Review – First Ride/Drive + Video “We continue to introduce new, innovative products and technologies that create opportunities for growth here and around the world. Today, we are excited to celebrate the revolutionary 3-wheel, Polaris Slingshot into full production here in Spirit Lake,” says Bennett Morgan, President and Chief Operating Officer of Polaris.

Motojournalist Creates First Cinematic Novel – The Plunge Of Icarus

Jeff Buchanan, longtime MO contributor and former editor of Robb Report Motorcycling, has published The Plunge of Icarus. This cinematic eBook is what many are calling a new genre of picture book. According to the App Store description: “As you read each page the images behind the text come alive and change as the story unfolds – revealing additional secrets and nuances of the story. The Plunge of Icarus includes optional narration, music, and sound effects.

SpeedMob Inc. To Introduce 2015 Airoh Helmet Designs, Announce Eight New Brands At AMIExpo

From a SpeedMob press release: After a successful five month start-up with premium brands like Airoh Helmets, Arrow Exhaust, BMC Air Filters, Bridgestone Race Tires, TechSpec and the incredible Dion Device, SpeedMob is looking to expand their product offerings to better service US and Canadian dealers. During the AIMExpo October 16-19 at Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Florida SpeedMob will introduce the exciting range of 2015 Airoh Aviator 2.1 helmets along with eight new brands it will distribute in the Powersports market. Tim Calhoun CEO of SpeedMob states; “We have been working hard since we launched the company in May of this year.

2014 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship On The Line At Pomona

Granted, flat track racing isn’t our specialty at MO, but we’re no doubt fans of the action. See our coverage from the 2012 season finale for proof. The following is from an AMA Pro Racing press release: A total of 15 races over eight months couldn’t separate Jared Mees and Bryan Smith by much.

BMW Motorrad USA Launches National Parts And Accessories Website

From a BMW Motorrad USA press release: BMW Motorrad USA has launched a National Parts website to help BMW riders shop online to find original BMW Motorcycle repair and maintenance parts. The website presents the complete catalog of original BMW parts and acts as a hub to direct riders to their closest on-line retailers to seamlessly complete their order. “The National Parts and Accessories website, with its 24/7 online access, is one of the many ways BMW Motorrad USA supports our rider family with tools that make it easy to keep their bikes authentic with original BMW parts,” comments Michael Hernandez, Manager, Parts and Accessories, BMW Motorrad USA.  “It also reinforces our commitment to our dealer network by helping them connect with the growing number of riders shopping online.” The BMW Motorrad USA National Parts and Accessories website raises online exposure for original BMW parts, accessories and riders’ equipment, making it easy for riders to find and buy.

Ducati Scrambler To Make American Debut At AIMExpo

If you’ve been waiting for your chance to see all of the Ducati Scrambler variants (Icon, Urban Enduro, Full Throttle and Classic) in person, your chance is coming soon. Ducati has announced the Scramblers will be making their U.S. debut at the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIME), October 16-19.

Ducati DVT – Desmodromic Valves Meet Variable Valve Timing?

Ducati sent out invitations to motorcycle media about an unveiling on Oct. 15 for something cryptically called “DVT“. No other details were provided, though the likely assumption is Ducati’s version of a variable valve timing system.

Major Updates Coming for 2015 Triumph Tiger 800

Triumph is set to reveal some new updates to its Tiger 800 including a number of different versions making it either more highway or more off-road oriented. The both the Tiger 800XC and the less adventure-worthy Tiger 800 will see two new variants, with the Tiger 800 likely being rebranded as the Tiger 800XR. A newly-published executive order from the California Air Resources Board reveals the names for four new Tiger 800 variants known as the XCA (likely standing for XC Adventure), XCX, XRT (or XR Touring) and XRX.

Lee Rocker To Play Free Concert At AIMExpo

Lee Rocker, of 1980′s Stray Cats fame, and still considered one of the most influential upright bass players in rock n’ roll history, will perform a free concert at the AIMExpo Saturday Night, October 18 outside of the AIMExpo show floor at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC). Rocker and the band take the stage at 7 p.m. to deliver a rockabilly performance. All AIMExpo attendees with either an admission ticket or a show badge are welcome to attend the intimate performance. Rocker’s performance is sponsored by the Ace Cafe Orlando, Bell Helmets, Kawasaki, Metzeler, AIMExpo, and MOTOTV. Ace Cafe, the legendary British hub for vintage motorcycle, car and music events, announced plans to open its first U.S.

Breast Cancer Awareness Limited Edition Seats From Mustang

Mustang Seats will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for each “Fight Like A Girl” or other pink custom embroidered seat purchased from now through December 31. “Last year, Mustang introduced our Breast Cancer Awareness custom seat program, which offered pink thread and pink vinyl seat inserts or pink vinyl ribbon appliqués on seats or accessories,” says Mustang marketing director, Marilyn Simmons. “For October 2014, Mustang is now proud to introduce your choice of custom pink stitched embroidery for Breast Cancer Awareness month.” Mustang will add custom pink embroidered ribbons, phrases, tributes, memorials or initials on the seat of your choice for the duration of their new “Fight Like A Girl!” campaign. Please note that the location may vary from the seat shown; not all seats or accessories can be customized.

CARB Certifies 2015 Honda NC700X – Still No 750 Engine in Sight

American consumers hoping Honda would replace its NC700X with the larger-displacement NC750X will be disappointed to know they might have to wait until the 2016 model year to get the 75cc engine upgrade. The California Air Resources Board has granted an executive for the 2015 Honda NC700X, certifying the motorcycle for sale in the state with the same 670cc engine displacement it had since being introduced in the 2012 model year. Now, this doesn’t mean Honda won’t decide to certify the 745cc engine after all; manufacturers resubmit and recertify models all the time, often replacing models are adding additional model using the same engine.

MV Agusta Channels American Drag Racing In Latest Dragster RR Teaser Video

MV Agusta is creating buzz around its newest model, teased ahead of Intermot 2014. While some thought the new model might be a wire-wheeled version the Turismo Veloce, unveiled at EICMA last year, this video clearly shows MV is going in a different direction. Paying homage to the all-American sport of drag racing, the video showcases some American iron and the V8 engines that propel them in all their glory.

Suzuki Teaser Video About Its Return To MotoGP

At Intermot this year Suzuki made it official: the company was returning to MotoGP in 2015. There had been some speculation about a 2016 return considering that will be the year of new ECUs and a switch to Michelin spec tires, but team boss Davide Brivio confirmed the GSX-RR prototype will be in action next year, piloted by Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales. However, Suzuki will also make a wildcard appearance at the season ending round of the championship at Valencia with test rider, Randy DePuniet, at the helm.

The John Penton Story Wins Best Feature Documentary Award

At the second annual Motorcycle Film Festival held in New York City on Sept 24-27th, PENTON: The John Penton Story won the coveted Best Feature Documentary award. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise, really, as MO contributor, Todd Raferty, reviewed the film himself and gave it high praise.  In it’s first official film festival appearance, PENTON: The John Penton Story won the award against other wonderful films which included the new On AnySunday, The Next Chapter, which the producers of the Penton film are also Executive Producers on. The award will help promote the film even further to encourage the public and motorcycle dealers, clubs, etc.

Kawasaki Teases Street-Legal Ninja H2 for EICMA + Video

Kawasaki has released a new teaser video offering the first glimpse of the Ninja H2, the street-legal version of the supercharged Ninja H2R track bike recently revealed at Intermot in Cologne, Germany. The video shows the two machines side by side while posing the question: “track or street?” Discuss this at our Kawasaki Ninja H2 Forum. The video ends teasing the announcement of the street version reveal for Nov.

Hero MotoCorp Trademarks 8 Models with USPTO

Hero MotoCorp is getting closer to launching its small-displacement motorcycles and scooters in America, recently filing trademarks for eight models with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. On Aug.

New Kawasaki H2R Tops 210 mph!

The hype surrounding Kawasaki’s supercharged H2R has been as immense as its power output, said to be in the region of 300 horsepower. Intermot 2014: Kawasaki Ninja H2R Well, it appears the H2R’s speed capabilities are commensurate with the hype. “I went 210mph on it today,” said Kawasaki test rider and racer Jeremy Toye on his Instagram account on October 2, accompanied by a picture of an H2R.