Pictured is a special edition of the Triumph Speed Triple that is set to go on sale in Italy this summer. The matte olive paint looks cool, but the real story here is the font.

I think this may be the first time since its re-birth in 1991 that the brand has departed from its swoopy R. Swapping one type of retro for another, the black stenciled “Triumph” and “Speed Triple” lettering on this bike is a salute to the WWII-era military.

I admire them for being innovative but can you image if BMW changed their rondel? Or Yamaha got rid of their tuning forks? If it ain’t broke, why fix it?

Save the swoopy R!

Stay tuned and be sure to check out Triumph Boards for more updates.

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A very futuristic, cold and industrial tone was set by stylist Karl Temper and photographer Craig McDean for the ck Calvin Klein Spring 2010 campaign ads.

Um, can you say posers? These man/he-she males are first of all, half staved. Secondly, non of them apparently know how to ride a motorcycle. the chick/dude up top is holding the clip ons backward.

And what bike is that? The headlight makes it look like a Suzuki TL-1000r. The swingarm looks like crap. OMG CK, if you are going to do something, do it right!

Really, the whole thing is laughable.

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Well, here BMW claims they can do that with their new S1000rr. The thing goes from zero to 100km/h (62 mph) in just 2.9 seconds, so it may happen! They are dubbing the experiment XXXL.

Don’t try this at home with your dishes. Or your mom’s ones.

In the back of my mind, it’s just not that impressive. You don’t need a big powerful bike. Just use a longer rope and get a run at it. It’s just physics and math. BUT, I gotta give BMW for thinking that one up!

Stay tuned for more updates guys.

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Disney’s just dropped the second HD trailer for Tron Legacy months after the original and it’s got more details of the Ducati GT1000-filled world outside the game. Check it out!

Be sure to check out Ducatist for more Ducati fun. Stay tuned for more updates!

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BMW dealers across the country were sent the initial software update in order to upload a new electronic rev limit for the S1000rr road bike during the running-in period.

For as-yet-unknown reasons two bikes in the United Kingdom suffered instrument failure and had to have them replaced.

BMW spokesman Scott Grimsdall said: “This problem has affected a couple of bikes by stopping the instruments from working.

“The revised software patch will stop it happening again and the two bikes are now fixed with new instruments.”

The first software patch BMW held back until March 1, 2010 to deliver new S1000rr machines to new customers as it waited for a new software patch to limit revs while the engine runs in over 600 miles.

The patch has been developed as a result of concerns that some customers, thought to be primarily race teams using new bikes for pre-season superstock testing were not adhering to the BMW running in procedure laid down in the owner manual.

Those guidelines stipulate the engine should not be run over 7000rpm for the first 185 miles and then not over 9000rpm until the 600 mile mark.

The new software patch removed the choice – ALL bikes heading for owners will now have the rev limit imposed until it will be electronically removed at the first service and oil change at 600 miles. Yes, this is lame, as some of us like to service our own bikes. But this being BMW, well, plunking down extra cash for someone else to do your work for you is part of the ownership experience, isn’t it?

Stay tuned for more updates guys!

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Created by Honda’s research-and-design facility in Milan, Italy, the 3R-C prototype’s electric drivetrain is mounted low in the three wheeled chassis, keeping a low center of gravity for improved stability.

Honda say the “high sides of the safety shell seat give greater protection to the occupant, reducing the threat from side impacts and improving weather protection.”

It has a single seat and storage compartment for luggage.

The 3R-C was joined in Geneva by the EV-N concept, which was previously shown at the Tokyo auto show.

Despite producing numerous concept vehicles, Honda has yet build an electric-powered two wheeler for sale.

Honda CEO Takeo Fukui said recently: “Honda is currently developing a battery-powered electric motorcycle which emits no CO2 during operation, because the characteristics of a battery can be better utilized in the area of motorcycles, which are often used for short distance travel.

“Honda is aiming to introduce this electric motorcycle to the market about two years from now.”

Always cool to see what people can build with a large budget! Stay tuned for more updates.

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1972 Daytona 200 winner Don Emde, who launched US based fundraiser Friends of Riders for Health, led a team who customized the bike with thousands of dollars of aftermarket parts, all donated by the manufacturers.

New parts include Roland Sands aluminum wheels, an Akrapovic Evolution exhaust system, and Ohlins FGRT808 front suspension and TTX rear.

Don Emde said, “Riders for Health is the official charity of the MotoGP series and I am so appreciative of the support from everyone in the sport that were involved in the project.

“We did not want to rush the bike into an auction before we had a chance to give it wide exposure, so the exact auction date and location is not yet set.”

The bike, while presented as a track day bike, is also fully street legal. If you fancy bidding from the UK they hope to have a means in place when the date is set.

Emde said, “One thing I want to have in place would be the ability for anyone to bid on the machine, via online or some off-site methods. That would be something we would announce on the website, www.friendsofriders.org”

Pole Position Racing Service in Italy, which works with various MotoGP teams, created the AGV ‘Five Continents’ graphics for the project.

All right guys, stay tuned for more updates!

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I know, it sucks that we can’t get it here yet, but good things come to all those who wait.

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Yamaha has confirmed the new ‘first edition’ version of the 2010 Super Tenere 1200 will cost £13,500 in the United Kingdom.

The Super Tenere is the bike Yamaha is aiming squarely at the BMW R1200GS and the lucrative and ever-growing adventure bike market. Watch out Multistrada too!

If you were to purchase a BMW R1200GS modified to a similar level as the Yamaha Tenere, it would take the basic price of £9925 to around £12,200 – just under £1300 less than the Yamaha.

The Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere will first appear in a limited ‘first edition’ guise during 2010. This first model will come with parts that will be available as optional accessories in 2011.

The bike will only be available by reserving it online – no dealers will be getting demo bikes and everything will be sold online; just like the Yamaha V-Max was in 2008.

To underline the limited edition Super Tenere’s off road ability, the bike will come fitted with left and right aluminum 30-liter (tbc) panniers, purpose-fit headlight protector (for off-road use only), and sturdy aluminum bash plate.

A unique first edition decal will set this bike apart from the basic model.

The basic undressed (read cheaper) version of the Super Tenere will appear in 2011 and buyers will be introduced to a world of genuine Yamaha accessories to spec their bikes in a similar way to BMW’s popular R1200GS.

Official accessories listed so far (www.yamaha-motor-acc.com) on top of the panniers and bash plate for the Super Tenere are:

Taller screen
Twin fog light kit
Engine crash bars
Heated handlebar grips
Wind deflector panels
Super Tenere tagged tank pad
35mm lower rider’s seat
Tank bag
Aluminum 30-liter top box
Inner bags for panniers and top box
LED indicators with black, chromed or carbon fiber finish.

Stay tuned for more updates!

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Highlights include a 1199cc parallel twin with 108bhp and 84ft lb of torque, shaft drive, and dual mode throttle response. Helping that along is a three mode traction control system that measures relative speeds of the front and rear wheels, then adjusts power to suit the riders demands. The traction control system is can be turned off, but the ABS brakes can not.

In terms of weight it’s 261kg which is roughly the same as a BMW R1200GS Adventure with power to match.

Here are the Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré Specifications:

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, inline 2-cylinder, 4-valve, fuel injected, twin spark engine
Displacement: 1199cc
Bore x stroke: 98 x 79.5 mm
Compression ratio: 11.0:1
Firing intervals: 270- and 450-degree points
Max. Power: 80.9kW (110PS) @7,250rpm
Max. Torque: 114.1 Nm (11.6kgf･m) @6,000 rpm
Lubrication system: Dry sump
Fuel supply system: Fuel Injection
Clutch type: Wet, multiple-disc diaphragm spring
Ignition system: Twin spark
Starter system: Electric
Transmission system: Constant mesh, 6-speed
Final transmission: Shaft
Throttle system: Yamaha Chip-Controlled Throttle (YCC-T)
Yamaha D-MODE: 2 modes, Sport (S) and Touring (T)
Traction control: 3 modes, TCS1, TCS2 and OFF
Exhaust System: 2-into-1

CHASSIS
Frame: Steel tube backbone
Front suspension: Upside-down telescopic fork, 43 mm inner tube, adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping
Front wheel travel: 190 mm
Rear suspension: Monoshock, adjustable preload and rebound damping
Rear wheel travel: 190 mm
Front brake: Hydraulic Twin 310 mm wave discs, ABS/Unified Brake System
Rear brake: Hydraulic Single 282 mm wave disc
Front tyre: 110/80/19
Rear tyre: 150/70/17

DIMENSIONS
Overall length: 2,250 mm
Overall width: 980 mm
Overall height: 1,410 mm
Seat height: Adjustable 845-870 mm
Wheelbase: 1,540 mm
Min. ground clearance: 205 mm
Wet weight: 261 kg (includes full oil and fuel tank):
Fuel capacity: 23 liters
Oil capacity: 4.2 liters

Alright guys, stay tuned for more updates.

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The Super Tenere has long been expected and the final production bike shows off a 1200cc parallel twin motor, advanced ABS and traction control systems and brings new life to the adventure bike class that has been dominated by the BMW GS for so long.

The Super Tenere has been dubbed “the R1 of adventure tourers” by motorcycle enthusiats. The bike does share important technology with the superbike, most evidently in the crossplane crankshaft.

In the R1, that innovation eliminates inertial torque and alters the power delivery to make the most of available traction. In the Super Tenere, that should help get the 110bhp and 84lb/ft the 1199cc parallel-twin makes to the ground, whether that ground be asphalt, dirt or sand.

Stay tuned for more updates!

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In this episode, we fix the right side of the engine where the clutch cover is located. The cable holder had snapped off and a large hole was ground through the cover.

After removing the clutch side cover, I proceeded to give the clutch and the gears behind it, a thorough inspection.

Luck was with us in this episode, as the clutch cable, the clutch plates, and the rest of the engine’s internals avoided sustaining any damage.

It was a quick task reassembling the clutch cover and cable, but care needs to be taken to avoid scratching the cover on the rear brake pedal.

Installing a new oil filter and refilling the engine with oil and the radiator with coolant are the last few details that need to be completed on the engine. The levels will have to be rechecked after starting the engine, and the radiator will need to have the air purged.

This is the end of the second episode of Ninja Restore, come back to watch the next episode when the right handle and controls get fixed. The motorcycle will then be reassembled and taken for a ride.

Check out Ninja Boards and take part in exciting Kawasaki related motorcycle discussions.

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Now, while the colors have been retained, Triumph’s slapped a bunch of cheesy graphics all over the sides, unnecessarily cluttering the looks. Looking back, it did actually look pretty good.

The whole idea behind the Daytona was that it is was better than all the Japanese 600s, something more exotic, but costing less. And it’s true, it retails for less than a Honda CBR600RR. At $10,299, the new version at least retains the price advantage even as it loses some of its looks. Oh well, I guess we can always take a hair dryer and some Goo Gone to it.

Triumph North America also announced it’s bringing the 2010 Triumph Speed Triple SE into the US for $11,299 as well as the 2010 Triumph Bonneville 60 for $8,999.

Be sure to check out Triumph Boards for more updates. Stay tuned.

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The Italian safety gear maker has designed a chest protector just for women. Like the men’s protector, it’s designed to cushion impacts and prevent penetration (no pun intended? -Ed), protecting the ribs, lungs, heart and all the other organs in there.

Unlike the men’s protector however, the Dainese Thorax Pro Lady (the one with the straps) and the Dainese Thorax Lady are also designed not only to accommodate, but to protect breasts too. Sorry, fat dudes… The one with the straps will work underneath most jackets and leathers, but the strapless version is designed to attach to a Dainese back protector. Ladies, take it from us, your breasts are worth protecting!

Stay tuned for more updates!

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Already the flagship of the Ducati V-twin range, the new 1198R Corse Special Edition is 1kg (2.2lb) lighter thanks to the new factory team-style fuel tank, which also increases fuel capacity by 2.5 liters (0.66 US gal) to 18 liters (4.75 US gal).

Formed in 2mm thick aluminum, the tank is brush finished, clear-coated and topped off with the new Ducati Corse logo to maintain a factory race tank feel.

The 1198 R Corse comes in the red, white and black Corse Special Edition livery bodywork with the new aluminum fuel tank clear-coated for all to see. Damn, I want one!

Be sure to check out Ducatist for more information!

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I should have reviewed this bag eight years ago when I first got it but Essential Stuff had yet to exist! So, after using it everyday for the past eight years, I think I’m pretty qualified to give it a decent review. Check it out!

I really can’t say anything bad about this bag. I have used it rain or shine everyday. From going to school to work, I have used it with every kind of outfit. It goes with anything!

It has kept my books and now my work documents dry in the worst of storms. i have even crashed in it before, and it has stood up to the fall. I don’t think anything short of a direct knifing to it could rip the strap or puncture the bag.

CHROME bags now come in all sorts of color combinations and sizes, so go and get one for yourself!

Stay tuned for more updates!

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The multiple stitching throughout on all major seams insure maximum tear and abrasion resistance. The flexible stretch panels make for a pre curved sports fit. It also has an aerodynamic race hump, replaceable track knee sliders, and airflow punched leather panels for optimum rider comfort. Check it out!

These are available in men’s sizes: 38-48 and five different colors. Stay tuned for more updates!

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The “95% finished” inline three-cylinder 800cc sports bike is, according to eye-witnesses, the most startling MV in recent years and can lap a track just a second off the current 1000cc F4.

An insider claims: “The bike started off as a 675cc but the capacity has now grown to somewhere between 750cc and 800cc. Prototypes have been testing on the road and the track.”

Now, however, development has slowed until new investment can be found. We were told: “This bike was due to go on sale at the end of 2010 or beginning of 2011 thanks to a lot of Harley-Davidson investment following the takeover of MV Agusta in 2008.

“Now development has slowed down because there is no more money to spend until a new buyer can be found.”

This is really too bad. The Daytona 675 needs a new buddy to compete with. The 675 vs. 848 vs. Gsxr750 has been done to death. Stay tuned for more updates.

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3asy Ride is the name for the company’s three-part finance package. The “3” symbolizes the integrated advantages of this offer:

- Attractive interest rate
- Flexible financing parameters (such as: term, down payment, final payment)
- Choice out of three possible options at the end of the contract
(turn in the vehicle, follow-up financing or buying the motorcycle with the final payment)

All these 3-way ingredients result in an extremely competitive monthly rate.

The justification for the expenditures associated with racing have usually been, that on-track success boosted more showroom traffic. For example, Rossi’s success in MotoGP has always made R1’s and R6’s more popular among street riders.

But, a company as successful and big as BMW can apparently afford to go racing without requiring big fat checks from the likes of Repsol or Alitalia. More power to them!

Alright guys, stay tuned for more updates.

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Robert Gladden, director of the US’s Motorcycle Safety Foundation said: “The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, along with many thousands of motorcyclists, applaud the California Highway Patrol, the Office of Traffic Safety and CalTrans for recognizing the importance of motorcycle safety and for utilizing this very effective medium to promote highway safety.”

“We hope that the overwhelming positive response we have received will encourage more motorcycle safety messages like this to be displayed in the future.”

On a stretch of the 405 freeway, where just one of the hundreds of signs is located, it’s estimated that 250,000 vehicles pass through every day.

Way to go California!

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If you can’t wait, and don’t want to pay the cover price, you can always paypal us $2.00 to cover shipping and handling costs HERE, and we will send you one for free!

Thank you to all the advertisers, sponsors, and fans for the support! We are already hard at work on our 2011 Annual issue. Ride Safe!

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After a crash or accident insurance claims will typically give you some money to have your motorcycle repaired at a shop. While it is usually best to have your major repairs done by a qualified professional, you can save money on labor cost by doing minor repairs yourself. You could then apply these savings towards upgraded parts, or new replacement safety gear.

In this debut episode of Ninja Restore, I will be fixing the left side of the engine where damage to the stator cover has damaged the pulsing coil inside. To remove the cover, I first had to remove the fairings, and drain the radiator. I took time beforehand to remove the gas tank and emissions box. I also drained the oil.

My first step in this video is disconnecting the cables from the wiring harness on the right side of the motorcycle. Next, I removed the bolts holding the chain cover and disconnected the radiator hoses.

It was then and easy task removing the cover. After removing the pulsing and generator coils, I installed them in a new cover. Putting everything back on the motorcycle was as simple as the reverse of removal.

Pitfalls abound if you did not take careful notes during removal. Several of the bolts hold clips to secure the cables. Other bolts need to be tightened before or after reconnecting the radiator hose.

That marks the end of this episode of Ninja Restore, future episodes will tackle the right side of the motorcycle, and then handlebars as well as the first ride, so check back often.

Pleas be sure to visit Ninja Boards to take part in an exciting Kawasaki motorcycle discussion board.

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Ducati is planning a ‘frameless’ future for its road-going superbikes – with the firm set to bet the farm on an aluminium version of its GP10’s revolutionary carbon design, MCN can reveal.

It’s already been tested
Before their revolutionary carbon stressed airbox chassis had even raced last year Ducati had tested a cast aluminium version – at Jerez with then test-rider Vittoriano Guareschi. The test was passed off as an emergency fall-back if carbon was banned. But it had two secret purposes – as a possible cheaper way of producing customer lease bikes, and to prove the concept at the highest level for a future production reality.

Please also check out Ducatist for more Ducati fun!

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The Austrian firm says that current controlling shareholder CROSS Industries will continue to hold more than 50% of shares in KTM, meaning there will be no change in leadership of the company.

Earlier reports had suggested Indian company Bajaj, one of the world’s biggest two-wheeled manufacturers, would be increasing it’s stake initially to 51%, and later to 90%.

The full KTM statement reads:

“Back on track”. That is the best way to describe the current situation of the KTM Group.

The CROSS Industries will continue to hold more than 50% of the shares in KTM Powersports AG. Thus the management of KTM will continue to pursue its successful chosen course, also in the future.’

Stay tuned for more updates.

Please check out KTM Boards for more information.

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Bajaj is reported to have accepted the offer, though initially it will only purchase another 21% of the shares to give it a controlling 51% stake, and will later raise its percentage holding to the full 90%.

At this stage it isn’t known how the move will affect KTM, one of the biggest off-road motorcycle manufacturers in the world.

The current partnership has seen the development of KTM’s first serious attempt at cracking the sub-500cc road bike market – a 125 learner motorcycle due to be launched later this year as well as 250cc bikes based on the same platform.

KTM is also yet to officially comment on the news.

Please check out KTM Boards for more information.

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The unidentified man was waiting on the back of his friend’s motorcycle at a railway crossing when a van stalled halfway across the tracks. He then jumped off the bike, pushed the van out of the way and only just missed being hit by a train in the process.

Sounds incredible right? Watch the video to see his amazingly close call:

Because of his heroic deed, I will refrain from commenting on how dumb it was to ride without a helmet or any safety gear for that matter. I will also reserve my commenst about two dudes riding on a motorcycle together…

I will however, point out what a complete wuss his buddy was. All he did was watch his friend risk his life, while he just backed his motorcycle up. In addition, WTF was the dude in the car doing? Howcome he didn’t get out of the car???

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These LED inserts not only enhance the look of your bike, but also give a brighter, safer and more noticeable light in all weather conditions.

The inserts are sold as a pair and can be installed on either the front or rear of your bike (please check their website here for the compatibility list). If you wish to install the units on both front and rear, please purchase two packets.

This kit is simple and easy to fit in minutes with no need for any modification to the existing wiring or housing. The existing molding remains on your bike and the LED unit replaces the inner chrome housing and bulb.

Check it out!

At $59.99, there really is nothing to stop you from upgrading the look of your stock turn signals. So head on over to Weiser-Motorrad and get yours today. They have applications for nearly all the motorcycles out there!

Please also check out Ducatist for more Ducati fun!

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Pretty cool huh? Now, been wondering why Honda decided to make a 591lbs sport tourer with a 160-mile tank range? Sorry, no answers here. LOL!

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The Italian airline will sponsor Max Biaggi and Leon Camier’s 200mph+ V4s in WSB this season, lending the bikes a stunning tri-colore paint scheme that perfectly suits its angular lines.

If there’s a sexier livery road racing this year, we haven’t seen it. The notoriously non-punctual, customer service-challenged, yet inexplicably stylish (Um, are we still talking about the airline? -Editor) national airline of Italy, Alitalia, is sponsoring the Aprilia RSV4 in SBK this year.

We can’t remember seeing a sponsor’s livery as sympathetic to the bike it’s been applied to since Big Tobacco used to advertise. Red, white and green are already present in Aprilia graphics and the whole scheme seems to fit well with the bike maker’s existing graphic design language. The whole thing looks faster than the crappy commuter plane its parked in front of.

Max Biaggi, who finished an impressive fourth last year, didn’t say, “As Italy’s leading motorcycle racer, I’m naturally pleased to be riding a bike that represents the cutting edge of Italian technology combined with the color scheme of a company that represents how horribly we treat visitors to our fine country. I sincerely hope that my team doesn’t get in my way this year and that I’m able to wrest the championship from Ducati’s fingers despite the inadequacy of my mechanics.”

Be sure to check out Aprilia Boards for more information. Stay tuned.

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Carl Fogarty – race team manager and figurehead of the ill-fated FP1 project – said when told the news: “You’re joking – that’s amazing!” It had been thought – and stated by the team – that the bikes were shipped to Malaysia five years ago and disposed of. But in fact virtually all the bikes initially produced to homologated the FP1 for WSB racing are still on UK soil.

The collection is held in a state of suspended animation awaiting, with the bikes’ owner – Malaysian oil giant Petronas – keen to draw a veil over the whole episode. The firm burned £30m on a WSB program that was intended to kick-start a Ducati-sized bike manufacturing business in Malaysia, but in fact petered out with a 21st place championship finish in 2006.

The bikes were manufactured for Petronas by engineering firm MSX International in Basildon in Essex in record time in 2002, around engines designed by Austrian firm Suter Racing. The idea was that the production process would then be replicated in Malaysia and form the start of a range of higher and lower-spec bikes running to ten thousand and more. 75 road bikes were built in Essex, followed by another 75 in Malaysia six months later, where this famous homologation shot was taken (left).
Though the business that produced this first batch has since changed hands the bikes are still there, now in possession of engineering firm Arrk R&D, which also retains key MSXI staff who worked on the FP1. Tony White is one of them: “They were perfect” is all he will say about the bikes, the existence of which Petronas gagging orders prevent him from acknowledging.

As chief executive of Foggy Petronas Racing, Murray Treece was the go-between for Petronas and the UK engineers who developed the road bike. He says: “Our staff developed the race bike and then were involved in transferring the design and supplier information over to the road bike team. Exactly what happened after that to the road bikes is unknown (by me at least).”

It was a transition in which the FP1 lost virtually none of its clean racing looks, but a fair chunk of its power – down to 127bhp from 185bhp. Even so, at 181kg it should still have been a competitive road bike – though it was never released for road test. Eight years later only the non-radial brakes date the stark, stylish lines of the turquoise triples.

Foggy said at the time: “There is no doubt that this will be the most beautiful bike on the roads. It combines cutting edge technology with real elegance and has set new standards at the top end of the road bike market.” Treece echoes: “It was a beautiful looking and sounding machine. I wish I owned one.”

Treece believes Petronas underestimated the challenge in bringing a bike to market in such a short time with no infrastructure.

Arrk’s Tony White doesn’t agree: “It was a great project to work on that culminated in the build of 150 great bikes – we had everything done down to the owner and dealer manuals.”

In fact the FP1 did eventually go on sale in 2005 – but only in one dealership, in Malaysia, called Naza Bikers Dream – where a pair were still for sale in 2009 for £31,433 each. How long this treasure trove of a tomb will remain unopened lies at Petronas’ discretion. And it’s not a volume in their history they appear keen to exhume.

Wow, I am curious to see if they rival the Ducati Desmosedici. Wonder if anyone here in the states will get to buy one?

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