After celebrating its return to the off-road and motocross markets in early 2010 with the release of its thermoplastic resin MT-X helmet, AGV expands its off-road products family with 2 new helmets. First is the high-end AX-8, with its carbon-Kevlar-fiber shell. Developed over the past 2 years in close collaboration with AGV’s team of pro riders on both sides of the Atlantic, including Travis Pastrana, Davi Millsaps, David Philippaerts, Deny Philippaerts, and Gautier Paulin, the AX-8 brings AGV back into the world of dirt with an original design and highly technical characteristics. Read the full article »

Car vs motorcycle videos often useless but Motor Trend found two gorgeous Italian machines that are noble opponents. The 458 Italia features a 4.5-litre V8 that produces 557hp, accelerates from zero to 160 km/h in 7.0 seconds and does the quarter mile in 11.1 seconds. Ferrari’s already iconic car costs about $230,000. In the blue corner, there’s another expensive Italian machine, the Ducati 1198 S. The motorcycle is powered by a 1198cc V-twin that delivers 170hp at 9750rpm. Read the full article »

Researchers at The University of Nottingham’s Centre for Motorcycle Ergonomics & Rider Human Factors have investigated the attitudes and skills of different types of riders according to their level of experience and training, using a motorcycle simulator. A unique approach was designed to find out whether or not riders with advanced training, ride differently to novice or experienced riders who don’t have an advanced qualification. The simulator uses a Triumph Daytona 675 motorcycle mounted on a custom rig designed and built at the University. Read the full article »

India’s Army Service Corps (ASC) Tornados Team successfully mounted 54 people on a single Royal Enfield Classic 500 motorcycle on Sunday the 28th of Nov 2010. This record attempt surpasses the earlier attempt of 48 people on a single motorcycle which was also set on the Royal Enfield Classic 500. The motorcycle used for this attempt did not have modifications in the engine. They rode for a distance of 1,1km at the Yehlanka Air Force Base in Bangalore. The Tornados already hold seven world and national records. Read the full article »

The Japanese brand just released the full specifications of its 2011 maxi scooter lineup, including the T-Max 500 ABS. The manufacturer also presented an innovative special edition version of the bike, called the Tech Max. Yamaha wanted to combine the convenience of a scooter with the supreme comfort and exciting performance of a sports-touring motorcycle. The result is the T-Max 500 Tech Max which takes the classic T-Max design to the next level. Read the full article »

Triumph’s critically-acclaimed Rocket III Touring is a touring motorcycle built around a retuned version of the iconic turbine like 2.3 liter engine, which has been developed for effortless low down torque, the Rocket III Touring’s chassis has been designed specifically for the job in hand. Suspension has been tuned to achieve high levels of comfort without compromising control, while the with 180mm rear tire and 16 inch wheels make for surprisingly agile handling. Read the full article »

Yamaha introduced a new entry-level sportsbike for beginner riders. The 2011 YZF-R15 is powered by a 150cc 4-stroke single-cylinder engine which features four valves, wet sump lubrication, and a single overhead cam. The engine has a 10.4:1 compression ratio and is coupled with a six-speed gearbox. The bike weighs just 131kg (289lbs) wet. The Japanese manufacturer didn’t release any performance details. The brand promises the new model has “a comfortable riding position fοr both pilot аnԁ pillion”. Read the full article »

Sbay Motor Company creates one of the most interesting cruisers in Europe. The guys at the Spanish company thought they build a stylish and minimalistic cafe racer with American spirit. The bike, dubbed the Flying 1800, was designed to provide the rider the best feeling a motorcycle can offer. Power comes from a 1840cc Rev-Tech V-twin delivering 115hp which is mated with a 6-speed gearbox. The Sbay weighs just 465lbs (211kg) and is equipped with Öhlins fully adjustable front fork, Marchesini wheels, and Brembo brakes. Read the full article »

The Italian company revealed the new Tuono V4R at the EICMA show in Milan earlier, and now we can see the bike on the official video. Power comes from a 1000cc V4 engine which is mated with a 6-speed gearbox. The bike features Brembo brakes, titanium forks, fully adjustable rear shock, and a bunch of modern electronics including ABS, wheelie control, quick shifter. All in all, the Tuono V4R is a great machine but the manufacturer definitely needs a better marketing company. Read the full article »

American bike builder Confederate introduced its latest creation, the C3 X132. The machine comes in two versions: the Roadster (30° rake, 64.5″ wheelbase) and a Fighter model (23.5° rake, 61.5″ wheelbase). At the heart of the bike is a 2160cc V-twin engine which delivers 197Nm of torque (145lbs-ft). The V-twin is mated with a 5-speed transmission. The Hellcat is equipped with Brembo brakes and Race Tech suspension parts. The bike goes on sale in mid-2011 and will have a price tag of $45,000. Read the full article »