The Taiwanese motorcycle manufacturer announced three new scooter models for the 2011 model year, the 50cc Super 8 50 2T, the 200cc Like 200i and the 300cc Downtown 300i. The Super 8 50 2T is a new entry-level scooter with a 2-stroke, 49cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. The second bike, the Like 200i is a larger-displacement version of the Like 50, while the Downtown 300i offers a performance of a real maxi scooter. Read the full article »

Piaggio unveiled a new edition of its three-wheeled scooter, the MP3. The special edition, dubbed the MP3 Sport, features white bodywork and contrasting black accents, 10-spoke wheels and a series of other aesthetic changes. The protective fume windshield further enhances the racing look, alongside the ergonomic saddle and red relief stitching. The special edition is available in both 300cc and 400cc variants. Read the full article »

Yamaha fans eagerly awaiting an all-new Yamaha R6 for 2011 are being told they’ll have to wait another year. The Japanese manufacturer is already working on a replacement for the current series, but the bike won’t be on sale until 2012. Rumours suggest the new machine will borrow heavily from M1 MotoGP bike. The new R6 will feature a new chassis, new engine and bodywork. The current model has been in production since 2006 with only minor changes since, and the bike will remain in sale until 2012. Read the full article »

Harley produced the original WLA model for the U.S. Army during and around World War II. It was based on a civilian model, the WL, but the paint scheme, the accessories and the solo seat gave the WLA model a unique look. A French motorcycle fan restaured now a vintage military Harley – but there’s a catch. This isn’t a restaured bike, it’s actually a modern 883 wrapped in WL bodywork. Read the full article »

The Indian arm of Suzuki has introduced the brand new 125cc Slingshot, a smaller street touring machine. The bike was inspired by the GSX-R series and is targeted at the mass segment. The SlingShot features a sharp design and a simple 125cc engine with carburettor. The bike is available in four colours (Metallic Mustard Yellow, Metallic Fox Orange, Candy Antares Red and Pearl Nebular Black) and it is priced at Rs. 50,949 (approx. $1,085 at the current exchange rate). Read the full article »

It’s pretty common that Chinese companies make their own copy of European and American cars and motorcycles. The newest copy comes from Chinese scooter manufacturer Neco. They revive the 1959 Vespa N model under the name Neco Italia, which is not just about vintage, the model features automativ transmission and a four-stroke 50cc or 125cc engine. Read the full article »

Yamaha France recently launched two new limited edition versions of R1, but they will be available only on the local market. Both the SP and SP/R Factory Edition are a tribute to the French Endurance team. The first special edition, the SP boasts the same engine as the standard R1, but the bike features new, exclusive colours, a solo seat, seat protective casing of Polytron, a minimalist plate bracket, and a pair of titanium and carbon Akrapovic exhausts. Read the full article »

The British division of BMW Motorrad launched two new special editions: the F800 ST Touring and K1300 R Dynamic. The F800 St Touring is designed to make long-distance riding even easier with a range of accessories, such as ABS, key-matched, expandable Sport Panniers, on-board computer, heated grips, main centre stand. The special F800 ST is available to order now. Read the full article »

Victory sales up 48% according to parent company Polaris Industries’ Q2 2010 report. Victory motorcycles recorded $15.5 million in sales over the second quarter compared to $10.5 million during the same period last year. In North America, sales were up 10% over last quarter despite the weak market for heavyweight cruisers and touring motorcycles. Victory’s positive growth trend shows that there’s still potential for new brands to enter into the marketplace. Read the full article »

The Japanese manufacturer announced the 2011 KLX 125 and D-Tracker 125 models, which Kawasaki says are ideal for new riders. The two entry-level models got only minor aesthetic restyling. Both the dual-purpose KLX 125 and motard-style D-Tracker feature a simple and reliable 125cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine and a lightweight, compact chassis. Read the full article »