Motorcycle Blog on 2040Motos

Kawasaki Announces New Protection Plans

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. announced recently that after 28 years of providing coverage to Kawasaki customers, the Good Times Protection Plan (GTPP) has been rebranded as Kawasaki Protection Plus (KPP). Kawasaki Protection Plus offers all of the same factory backed coverage and extended service contract programs as GTPP, but through Kawasaki’s partnership with Service Group, KPP has added new products including GAP, Tire & Wheel, Prepaid Maintenance as well as all-encompassing coverage for other OEM brands in the form of Preferred Protection Plus.

2015 Harley-Davidson CVO and Twin-Cooled Models Certified by CARB

The California Air Resource Board has released new certification documents revealing most of Harley-Davidson‘s 2015 line-up. The CARB executive orders, required before a motorcycle is allowed to be sold in California, reveal new CVO versions of the Road Glide Ultra and Street Glide, two low versions of the Electra Glide and more models receiving Harley-Davidson’s Twin-Cooled engine. Introduced last year on the Ultra Limited, CVO Limited and Tri-Glide Ultra trike, the Twin-Cooled engine uses liquid-cooling for the cylinder heads, reducing emissions.

Sykes Staying with Kawasaki Through 2016 WSBK Season

Reigning World Superbike Champion Tom Sykes has signed a contract extension with Kawasaki to see him continue to ride for Team Green through the 2016 season. Sykes, who currently holds a 44-point lead over Aprilia‘s Sylvain Guintoli with three rounds remaining in the season, has been with Kawasaki since 2010. Since hopping on board the Ninja ZX-10R superbike, Sykes has won 22 WSBK races and holds a record for 23 Superpoles in the current qualifying format.

Yamaha U.S.A. Partners With Rockstar Energy UPROAR Festival

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. is proud to announce Yamaha as the official motorcycle of the Rockstar Energy Uproar Festival. With the high energy vibe that comes from bands such as the headliners Godsmack, the Rockstar Energy Uproar Festival is the perfect partner to highlight the all-new Yamaha FZ-09.

Ducati Revs America Track Day At COTA With Jason Pridmore’s STAR School

If you’ve been eager to ride at America’s world-class Circuit of the Americas, and get equally world-class instruction to boot, listen up. Ducati and Jason Pridmore’s STAR School today announce “Ducati Revs America,” a premium two-day track experience to be held at the prestigious Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, on September 29-30, 2014. Registration is now open to the public and is limited to only 90 participants.

Harley-Davidson Motorclothes Turns to 3M For Conspicuous Riding Gear

Motorcyclists should always be concerned with their conspicuity. Never is this more important than in the rain or after dark where vision is severely limited. The Motorclothes division of Harley-Davidson decided highlight its riding gear – literally.

2016 Midual Type 1 Prototype Revealed

Most motorcycle enthusiasts are probably unfamiliar with the Midual brand. Originally formed in 1992 by entrepreneur Olivier Midy, Midual was an obscure French brand best known for introducing a 875cc roadster concept in 1999. What made the concept noteworthy was the company’s decision to use a transversely-mounted flat-twin engine.

2015 Suzuki GW250F Revealed for China

Suzuki’s Chinese partner Haojue has revealed a new fully-faired variant on the GW250. Revealed in Shanghai, the new GW250F follows the original naked GW250 (known in some markets as the Inazuma) and the semi-faired GW250S offered in Asia and Europe. The GW250S is powered by the same liquid-cooled 248cc Twin equipped on its siblings, claiming 24.1 hp at 8500 rpm and 16.2 ft-lb.

“The Meet” Vintage Motorcycle Show This Saturday

The stage is set for ”The Meet at ACM” motorcycle show this weekend in Tacoma, WA. While festivities will begin on Friday evening, America’s Car Museum (ACM) will host the third annual Vintage Motorcycle Festival on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Organizers expect 450 vintage motorcycles and scooters from all over the nation to attend.

Bacon-Fueled Motorcycle Completes Trip From Minnesota to California

Bacon lovers have always wondered what to do with the leftover grease from preparing their favorite food. Those of us who grew up in the South may remember the container of bacon grease that was kept on the stove for frying until it was replaced by vastly inferior oils made out of olives or canolas (whatever they are). Well, the bacon lovers at Hormel Foods has found a way to combine our favorite food with our favorite activity by creating a bacon-powered motorcycle.

Drag Specialties Releases New Harley FXS/FLS and Victory Hammer Seats

Drag Specialties, long known for its quality aftermarket parts, has released new seats for two different American motorcycle manufacturers. Harley-Davidson FXS/FLS models now have stylish Predator Seats available for their bike. The solar-reflective leather on the seat surface is claimed to reduce the surface temperature of a sun-baked seat by “as much as 25 degrees.” The sides are constructed of automotive-grade vinyl.

Kawasaki Donates Motorcycle In Support Of Ocean Conservation

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. announced recently that it will donate a Ninja 650 sportbike for auction at the Oceana SeaChange Summer Party, attended by some of the largest supporters of Ocean Conservation in Hollywood including Ted Danson, Sheryl Crow and this year’s special guest, Leonardo DiCaprio. Proceeds from the auction of the Ninja 650 will go to Oceana’s mission of ocean conservation, a shared goal by Kawasaki who’s global mission is “working as one for the good of the planet.”  Some of Oceana’s victories include protecting Sperm Whales from California Fisheries, upholding Shark fin bans in the United States and many other policy victories for marine life and habitats in more than 150 countries.

Bacon-Fueled Motorcycle Completes Trip From Wisconsin to California

Bacon lovers have always wondered what to do with the leftover grease from preparing their favorite food. Those of us who grew up in the South may remember the container of bacon grease that was kept on the stove for frying until it was replaced by vastly inferior oils made out of olives or canolas (whatever they are). Well, the bacon lovers at Hormel Foods has found a way to combine our favorite food with our favorite activity by creating a bacon-powered motorcycle.

10th Annual Wharf Rat Rally

If Sturgis is too landlocked, and Daytona’s not far enough of a ride to quench your two-wheelin’ appetite, check out this year’s Wharf Rat Rally. The 10th annual event takes place in the quiet fishing town of Digby on the Bay of Fundy side of Nova Scotia. The free event bills itself as Canada’s largest outdoor motorcycle rally. “What it is, even for the non-biker, is a family friendly spectacle of bikers, of vendors of all sorts, music and entertainment,” says the event’s executive director, Andy Kerr.

North Carolina Requires Moped Registration, Insurance May Be Next

After July 1, 2015, while riding a moped will still not require an operator’s license, all mopeds owned in North Carolina will need to be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and pay the same fees as their motorcycle counterparts. Although not a huge burden, moped owners will be required to pay $40 for a title and a minimum of $15 in order to receive a valid license plate. The other requirements of moped registration are pretty straightforward.

Firebrand Announces Double Down Slip-Ons for Touring Harleys

In the constant quest to make your Harley-Davidson bagger different from the others out on the road, riders need to track new products to stay ahead of the curve. So, as a service to you, the rider in search of something new, behold the Double Down Slip-Ons for Harley tourers from Firebrand. These slip-on mufflers begin with 1.75 in.

Continental Announces Tire Recall

Continental announced a recall on approximately 9000 tires in North America (and 170,000 worldwide) because of a risk of tread separation and air loss. The North American recall covers 120/70 ZR17 and 120/70 R17 tires sold in the U.S. and Canada bearing DOT serial numbers between 1907 and 2614.

Rev’It Introduces The New Windsor Jacket

For those wanting quality protection from a motorcycle jacket, without looking like a superhero, the REV’IT! Windsor Jacket might be the ticket you’re looking for. It is a lightweight urban jacket built to keep things cool on sunny, summer days.

Pirelli Updates Diablo Super Biker App

Last month, we published a story about the Top 10 motorcycle apps you can use for your ride. Among them was the Pirelli Diablo Super Biker app, which allows track riders to track their lap times and plot their position on the course, among other things. While the app was good, Pirelli decided to give it a few tweaks.

Yamaha Trademarks Design for Three-Cylinder Sport-Tourer

Yamaha has registered a trademark for the design of a sport-touring model based on the FZ-09. Filed with European Union’s Office for Harminization in the Internal Market, the trademarked design reveals a brand new model sharing the same frame and engine as the FZ-09 (known in Europe as the MT-09.) Discuss this at our Yamaha FZ-09 Forum. The new model will likely be compete against motorcycles such as the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and a rumored S1000RR-based model from BMW.

Kawasaki World Debut At AIMExpo

Kawasaki has chosen the 2014 American International Motorcycle Expo as the venue to make the world debut of a yet unannounced motorcycle model. The model launch will take place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, this October 16-19.  “AIMExpo demonstrated last year that it can serve as the ideal platform for media and brand activities and Kawasaki will leverage this grand stage to reveal new products, as well as interact closely with dealers and consumers,” explains Kevin Allen, Kawasaki Manager, PR + Brand Experience. “We have some very exciting new product to share and AIMExpo is the perfect place to make these announcements.” Attendees will also witness the North American introduction of all-new vehicles in several categories from Kawasaki. Following the unveilings, all products will then be on full display for all to see inside Kawasaki’s booth (#2165) out on the AIMExpo show floor.  “Kawasaki joins an expanding list of key companies that sees AIMExpo as the perfect means to infuse energy into the powersports business in North America,” says Larry Little, Vice President and General Manager, Marketplace Events Motorcycle Group.

Skully AR-1 Augmented Reality Helmet Now Ready For Preorder + Video

Skully (www.skullysystems.com) today announced the company has begun production of its highly anticipated AR-1 motorcycle helmet, the first vertically integrated smart HUD helmet for consumers. In addition to a revolutionary Heads Up Display system that displays information approximately 10 feet in front of the rider, the AR-1 helmet features a near 180-degree rearview camera, turn-by-turn GPS navigation, smartphone pairing and voice control, making it the world’s smartest motorcycle helmet. The AR-1 was introduced in late 2013 to worldwide acclaim, resulting in more than 100,000 beta tester applications. Skully is taking pre-orders for the AR-1 helmet exclusively on Indiegogo. The 30-day campaign will feature limited time, special pricing on the AR-1 and will be the only opportunity to ensure they will receive early shipping.

Arch Motorcycles To Debut KRGT-1 Sept. 4

On September 4, 2014 Arch Motorcycle Company will launch a new website with full specs and details on ordering the company’s first model, the KRGT-1. Arch Motorcycles is a project of Keanu Reeves (note the bike’s nomenclature). Keanu Reeves’ Arch Motorcycle Company Featured On CNN Since the announcement in October, 2012, to begin a new motorcycle company based on the KR GT-1 prototype, every aspect of the original prototype has been revisited in order to optimize the production version.

Willie G. Davidson To Be Inducted As AMA Hall Of Fame Legend

At the 2014 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Oct. 17, in Orlando, Florida, Willie G. Davidson will be honored as a Legend. AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends are existing members of the Hall of Fame whose lifetime accomplishments are showcased as part of the annual induction ceremony of new Hall of Famers. The grandson of Harley-Davidson founder, William A.

Touratech Adventure Dry Bags Now Available

Hardshell saddlebags are ideal when loading up for a multi-day trip, but the sport-touring bikes they’re usually attached to are fairly expensive. These new bags can deliver the weather resistance of hard bags at a fraction of the cost – and they offer the versatility of mounting on multiple bike categories, not just the adventure touring market for which they were designed. A convenient carrying handle and shoulder strap are provided.

Audi Reports Ducati’s Q2 2014 Sales Results

Ducati sold 26,740 motorcycles worldwide during the first half of 2014, up 2.9% from 25,982 motorcycles sold in the same period last year. Sales revenue however saw a drop of 2.2% in the opening six months of the year. According to the second quarter report from its parent company Audi, Ducati saw increased demand in the U.S.

University Of Calgary Team Zeus To Compete In eMotoRacing Event At Miller Motorsports Park

eMotoRacing will hold it’s eighth race of the 2014 season at Miller Motorsports Park, in Tooele, Utah. Though there has been a great stirring of rumors as to who will be in attendance, one thing is certain — there will be a good mix of contestants, including the official Brammo racing team, and Team “ZEUS” of the University of Calgary. “ZEUS” stands for “Zero Emission Ucalgary Superbike,” and the team is comprised of engineers, business and physics majors. The team will be racing their Generation I bike, which uses an Agni 95-R motor mounted to the frame of a 2004 Suzuki GSX-R 600, which was straight from the factory, and then stripped of its gasoline engine components.

ACCEL Stealth Supercoils Now Available For Harley-Davidson Sportsters

ACCEL today announced the company’s popular motorcycle Stealth SuperCoils will now be available to owners of 2007-2014 Harley-Davidson Sportsters.  First introduced in late-2013 for Harley-Davidson Twin-Cam engines, ACCEL’s Stealth SuperCoils provide quicker engine starting and improved throttle response, while hiding all ignition wiring in the head of the self-contained coil pack; eliminating the need for spark plug wires and creating a clean, custom look. In addition to the flat black and natural aluminum finishes, the Sportster Stealth SuperCoils are offered in flat black with polished aluminum edges. Each SuperCoil mounts directly to the spark plug and features a cross-functional cast aluminum cover that also acts as a heat sink, pulling heat away from the cylinder heads.

Cathy Butler Attempting Land Speed Record Aboard Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

Kawasaki has had a great 30th anniversary so far for its Ninja line of models. To date, the highlights have included Jeremy Toye’s triumph at Pikes Peak, Tom Sykes leading the World Superbike Championship and the release of the 2015 Ninja ZX-14R 30th Anniversary Limited Edition. The celebrations haven’t finished yet, and the next milestone will be an assault on Bonneville Speed Week (August 9-15, 2014) in an attempt to set a new Land Speed Record at the famous Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The 2015 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has been entered by catalytic converter specialist, ACAT Global, with the aim of proving its motorcycle products in the most challenging conditions.

2015 KTM 1290 Super Adventure Spied

If you’ve been paying attention to our Motorcycle.com Best of 2014 awards, you’ll know the KTM 1290 Super Duke R took top honors in our Streetfighter/Hooligan class, and the 1190 Adventure was tied with the BMW R1200GS for the win in the Best On-Off-Road/Adventure category. Riding that wave of success, KTM appears ready give its adventure-tourer a significant upgrade that may give it the edge over the GS for next year’s MOBO awards. A new spy photo snapped on the set of a video shoot in Monaco by mentounasc, a member of the KTMMania.net forum, reveals a redesigned fairing and new badging identifying a motorcycle as a KTM 1290 Super Adventure.