The Michigan State Police’s Precision Driving Unit tests cars, trucks and motorcycles for U. S. law inforcement agencies since 1974. Last month they performed their annual independent performance testing on four potential Police bikes: the BMW R1200RTP, Kawasaki Concours 14 Police, Harley-Davidson Road King and Electra Glide. The test included acceleration, braking times and lap speeds around a course. Curious about the results? Read the full article »

Harley-Davidson has reported a net income of $88.83 million for the third quarter ended September 26, 2010, compared to $26.48 million for 2009. For this period, net revenue from motorcycles and related products were $1,09 billion, compared to $1,11 billion for the third quarter of 2009. The manufacturer reported 7,7% decrease in motorcycle sales worldwide, including a 9,4% decrease in the U.S. The company posted a net profit of 40 cents per share from continuing operations. Read the full article »

In yesterday’s meeting, the European Commission presented the proposal for new type approval rules for motorcycles. The Commission proposes to abolish the 100hp limit in France, as well as the introduction of new requirements for tailpipes. The document also includes the mandatory ABS and other new rules for engine modification. FEMA (Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations) reminded the Commission that vehicle aspects represent less than 2% of motorcycle accident casuation factors and said, the mandatory approach is limiting consumer choice. Read the full article »

If you are a lucky owner of a yacht, and I mean a yacht, not a dingy, you probably want some exclusive form of transportation when you arrive at St. Tropez. Digital Veener have the solution for your problem. The New Zealander company built a special Vespa, called the „Limited Edition Tribute Vespa”, which draws inspiration from the Italian mahogany speedboats of the 60’s that were favored by the jetset of that era from St. Tropez to Portofino. Read the full article »

The Collector’s Motorcycles and Related Memorabilia from Bonhams was held in Stafford UK yesterday. One of the most interesting machines of the show was a URS sidecar from 1967. The unique post-war machine featured a 500cc four-cylinder engine and won the Sidecar World Championship in 1968. The bike was expected to command between $110,000 and $125,000 at Bonhams annual sale but achieved a staggering $163,000. The machine was ridden by the legendary Helmuth Fath. Read the full article »

We have some good news for motorcycle enthusiasts in California: Royal Enfield is going to open seven dealerships in the State of California. Reportedly, demand for the Royal Enfield Bullett has been growing sharply in the US and world-wide since the introduction of the new Royal Enfield engine two years ago, which bought a new level of performance and reliablility. This allows the brand enter new markets like California. Read the full article »

Brembo and Suzuki signed a three-year new agreement that sees the Italian company supplying Suzuki with brake calipers for its GSX-R line. The two companies are already cooperating in the MotoGP for years. With this agreement, Brembo reconfirms its position as one of the favourite suppliers of the big motorcycle manufacturers. This list is quite impressive: Aprilia, BMW, BRP-Bombardier Recreational Products, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Husqvarna, KTM, Moto Guzzi, MV Augusta, Piaggio, Triumph and Yamaha. Read the full article »

A new report has came out that comes to a somewhat surprising conclusion: four-wheeled all terrain vehicles are more likely to kill riders than off-road motorcycles. According to researchers from Johns Hopkins Center for Surgery Trials and Outcomes Research, while the initial injuries was similar for both groups, those injured on ATV suffered far worse fates. Victims of ATV crashes are 50 percent more likely to die than people injured while crashing in Motocross and other off-road motorcycle events. Read the full article »

The European Commission wants European motorbikes to have ABS, cleaner engines and daytime headlights starting in 2013, according to a Reuters report. The proposed regulations include details of future emissions regulations and changes to the detailed technical specifications of all bikes. The most significant element is, that EU wants to make ABS a legal requirement on all new models. Even bikes under 125cc will have to be fitted either with ABS or with combined brakes, while everything over that size will be forced to have anti-lock as standard. Read the full article »

Harley-powered three-wheeler – the idea is not new. Pete Larsen is building these three-wheeler beauties in Seattle, Washington. He has a website, the ACE Cycle Car which says recently „Constructed under license from the Morgan 3 Wheeler, Ltd. Malvern, England." Rumour has it that British sports car maker is turning to Harley-Davidson. Although no official announcement has yet been made, a new company “The Morgan 3 Wheeler Ltd” has been registered to the same adress as the Morgan Motor Company in England. Read the full article »