Shrinking motorcycle sales are forcing manufacturers to think small. In an effort to attract women, minorities and riders of smaller size to the sport, some of the industry’s biggest companies are building smaller bikes. Several will make their U.S. debut at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show, which opens Friday at the Long Beach Convention Center. Among them are downsized machines from Honda, Kawasaki, Ducati and BMW. An estimated 50,000-plus attendees…
Read MoreBMW’s Self Balancing Concept Motorcycle
In the distant future, motorcycle riders will have no need of helmets or padded clothing. They also won’t need to put their feet on the ground when they stop. That’s because, according to BMW, the motorcycle of the future will balance itself and will help the driver avoid crashes. BMW, which is famous for motorcycles as well as cars, unveiled a new concept motorcycle in California Tuesday. The BMW Motorrad…
Read MoreBMW Unveils New K1600B Bagger in Los Angeles
Developed for the U.S. market, and available midway through 2017, BMW’s K1600B made its official debut today at the Peterson Museum in Los Angeles. The new bagger model is based on the Concept 101 Bagger we reported on in May 2015. Expect the base price to be around $20k, while a fully loaded unit will retail around $25k. Highlights of the new BMW K1600B: 6-cylinder in-line engine according to EU4 regulations with…
Read MoreBMW G650GS & Sertao ECU Software Recall
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 BMW G650GS motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to October 12, 2015, and 2013-2015 BMW G650GS Sertao motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to May 23, 2014. The affected motorcycles may stall during operation due to an engine control unit (ECU) software issue. CONSEQUENCE: If the engine stalls during operation, it increases the risk of a crash. REMEDY: BMW will…
Read MoreBMW & Alpinestars New AirgBag Jacket
BMW Motorrad is launching the BMW Motorrad Street Air by Alpinestars, an advanced airbag system offering comprehensive upper body protection and the freedom to ride a motorbike in both on- and off-road situations. The technology adopted from the current Alpinestars Tech-Air street airbag system – a system requiring no motorbike-mounted sensors. The airbag system of Alpinestars utilizes a sophisticated algorithm that detects imminent danger with the greatest precision and inflates…
Read More2014-2015 BMW R Nine T Turn Signal Recall
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 R nine T motorcycles manufactured November 27, 2013, through January 26, 2015. The design of the rear turn signals may partially obscure the lights from being seen by the driver of a following vehicle. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”…
Read MoreKenny Roberts Sr. Sues His Son Kurtis
Three-time 500cc World Champion Kenny Roberts Sr. has filed a domestic violence order against his 37-year-old son, three-time AMA Pro Road Racing Champion, Kurtis, with a court date that was on, Monday, August 29, 2016. Kurtis Roberts was hand delivered a Cease and Desist notice on August 11 on behalf of Roberts Sr. and his brother, 2000 500cc World Champion Kenny Roberts Jr. “Both Messrs. Roberts are respected professionals in…
Read MoreHusqvarna Wins 1st Round of EnduroCross
Getting his 2016 AMA EnduroCross campaign off to the best possible start, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Colton Haaker delivered the goods at a fast and technical series opener to put his FC 350 on the top step of the podium. Teammate Mike Brown made it a memorable night for Husqvarna Motorcycles by bringing his FC 250 home in fifth. Determined to get his season off on the right track,…
Read MoreNat Geo Chasing the Dakar Show
Honda announced its provision of two CRF1000L Africa Twin adventure motorcycles and production support of the National Geographic Channel-produced “Riding Morocco: Chasing the Dakar” program. Australian fashion model Laura Csortan will be joined by veteran rally rider Christophe Barriere-Varju to traverse on CRF1000L Africa Twins a course in Morocco that was once part of the world’s most grueling race, the Paris-Dakar Rally (now staged in South America as the Dakar Rally).…
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