Although Ducati quits SBK at the end of the season, and this will presumably be the end of Xerox title sponsorship of a factory race team, the american company, whose name is synonymous with photocopying, would like to capitalize on this relationship while it can. The result is a semi-engaging ad, in which Xerox shows that Ducati have chosen Xerox for their business needs. In addition to this ad, Xerox also paid to promote the company it sponsors in this „case study” webisode. Hit the jump for the second video. Read the full article »

Wisconsin is giving Harley-Davidson $25 million in tax credits to preserve jobs at its factories in the state. The deal saves about 1000 blue-collar jobs in the Milwaukee area and Tomahawk. Unions at the two plants voted last week to approve a seven-year contract that will freeze wages, result in a loss of 200 to 350 permanent jobs and allow the company to hire casual workers. These workers will be paid about half what full time workers make. Governor Jim Doyle and Harley-Davidson President and CEO Keith Wandell issued a joint statement Friday. Read the full article »

The Varadero has long been a favourite for riders of all abilities since its launch in 2001. With the Varadero offering more generous proportions than many other 125cc machines, the bike became soon a favourite with urban riders, commuters and learners bike. The 15hp-strong bike weighs just 154kg and has a top speed of 108 km/h. The little Honda will get a slight visual tweak for the 2011 model year, with the addition of what’s described as a „sporty new colour”, the Pearl Sienna Red. We look forward to more details. Read the full article »

This Honda RS125-powered streamliner has set a new speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats by achieving a two-way average speed of 146mph. 27-year-old Scott Kolb broke a 27 years old world record. The Honda RS125 is a custom framed bike that features radically altered geometry and a 98 inches wheelbase. Scott had to modify the bike with some additional features. He stretched the bike for more 40 inches, and replaced the radiator with a streamlined fairing. Read the full article »

MV Agusta has finally released the first photos about its new middleweight superbike. MV says of the new F3: „After years of continuous design and development along with ongoing research to create the most beautiful and technologically advanced 600cc bike of the world, the first pictures of the “real” MV AGUSTA F3 are revealed.” Earlier rumours suggested the bike will feature a 675cc engine but the Italians decided to build a new technologically more advanced engine. Read the full article »

Oklahoma riders have to start paying a new $3 fee that helps fund motorcycle safety and education training for both experienced and unexperienced drivers. The fee will be added to existing registration fees, and affects new motorcycles and their renewals. Despite the hit to the wallet, the Daily Oklahoman says motorcyclists of the state aren’t complaining. Tony Maxey, the owner of Maxey’s Cycles in Oklahoma City said, “you get people who have never ridden before, have some extra money and want to spend it on a bike. They want the fastest bike they can get. I always ask them about their level of experience first. But when it comes down to it, as a dealer, I sell it to them.” Read the full article »

During a ceremony at Castel Gandolfo, Ducati Motor Holding made the gift of two Multistradas to the Pope, the motorcycles specially prepared as special escort vehicles for the Corps of Gendarmerie of Vatican City during official security duties for the Pontiff. The two 1200cc Ducati Multistrada motorcycles, finished in the special livery of the Pontifical State, were delivered directly to the Pope’s summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, Rome on 15 September. In the beautiful gardens adjoining the villa, a delegation of top management from the world-famous Italian motorcycle manufacturer officially presented the gift to His Holiness, Pope Bendictus XVI. Read the full article »

Platinum Air Suspension has introduced a new air ride technology for Suzuki Hayabusa. The system allows riders to set the rebound and ride height of their bike. The adjustment, which uses the company’s BLEED FEED technology, is made by the flip of a switch. "We feel it is critical not to compromise handling and full suspension movement when adjusting the ride height of a high performance motorcycle like the Suzuki Hayabusa," said Mike Ferris, owner of Platinum Air Suspension. Read the full article »

Bennetts is UK’s No. 1 bike insurance company based on the latest Brand Tracking research in June 2010. The company thought it would be nice if they came up with something special for their 80th Birthday. The result is a video which shows celeb models Lucy Pinder, Charlotte Toon and Stephanie Hall cleaning a Yamaha R1. Read the full article »

Erik Buell Racing continues to release information about its new 1190RS street bike. This new video, which is the first in a multiple-part series, gives us only a quick glimpse of the V-Twin superbike. Although details are scare, we do know that the bike is based on the 1190RR race bike, which was originally based in-turn off the now defunct Buell Barracuda 2. Former owner of Buell Harley-Davidson closed down Buell before the Barracuda 2 could make it into production. We’re expecting more videos to come. Read the full article »