Motorcyclists who swap their bikes’s stock exhaust systems for loud pipes may be more likely to get a traffic ticket under a California bill that passed the Senate on Monday. Two days ago the Committee on Transportation approved Senate Bill 435, also known as the Motorcycle Anti-Tampering Act, with an 8-4 vote, which would make it illegal to operate a 2011 or newer motorcycle with an exhaust system that doesn’t have an EPA label that certifies it as meeting noise limit standards. Read the full article »

The Nomad Tent Company have just announced the launch of the Ténéré Expedition Tent, an innovative concept inspired by the name of Yamaha’s new adventure bike. The tent is a three-season shelter for two persons and their motorcycle. “I want to stand up to change my clothes, I want a space to work on my bike. No tent out there offered me these advantages, so I built my own,” stated Kevin Muggleton, President and Founder of the Nomad Tent Company. Read the full article »

During September and October 2010 only, customers who purchase a Honda VFR1200F sports-touring machine from new will receive a complimentary touring pack. The Honda Genuine Accessories touring pack offer includes the VFR1200F’s bespoke top box and pannier set providing 89 liters (23 gallons) of storage, a centre stand and also heated grips, worth £1,675 in total. The VFR1200F’s colour-matched and aerodynamic pannier set features an all-new integrated mounting system, with no separate ‘bracketry’ required therefore leaving the stylish and clean lines of the machine uncompromised. Read the full article »

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 »