Wheelers Blog & News

Suzuki joined the rest of the MotoGP grid by formally revealing their 2015 livery for the GSXR-R.   The Japanese manufacturer is returning to the class after a three year hiatus with Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales forming a potent rider lineup aboard what has looked to be a very promising package during the pre-season testing.   While the bike's livery is very similar to how it was painted during testing the primary change is that the team has confirmed that Ectar, Suzuki's in...

There are few things worse than coming out of your home in the morning keys in hand, ready to ride and seeing…nothing. Motorcycle theft is all too common, but you can thwart those evil bastards. Here’s how, in six easy steps. Keep it Out of Sight If a thief can’t see your bike, he can’t decide to steal it. Parking your machine in a secure garage or shed, especially at night, is choice number one. Well, choice number two, really. A bank vault would be even better. Keep it in Sight On the...

Aprilia has a new challenge: MotoGP. The Italian company, which boasts 54 world titles, returns to the premier class of motorcycling after an 11-year absence. The president of the Piaggio Group, Roberto Colannino, explained the decision to go MotoGP racing one year earlier than expected: “To challenge the Japanese giants, you need technology, innovation and, above all, invention. We are pioneering new paths, we want to give the customers what they dream of, going beyond the borders of the...

Unlike the Harley-Davidson LiveWire, your choice for Best Electric, there’s nothing shocking about the Honda CRF450R, and yet its popularity is certainly understandable. Big Red’s sleek and slick big-bore moto thumper has been the model of consistency since its debut 15 years ago, and Honda has never strayed from the basic elements that make it a perennial contender.   For instance, the CRF450R’s Unicam (SOHC), four-valve, four-stroke Single continues to buck the double-overhead-cam trend...

Five-time AMA Endurocross Champion Taddy Blazusiak has announced that he is stepping away from the series and will concentrate on other forms of competition in 2015. Here’s what the factory KTM rider had to say: “EnduroCross have given me so much—it’s made me who I am—so stepping away was a very hard thing to do. But I’ve achieved way more racing that series than I ever thought possible. I never imagined I would win one title let alone five in a row. Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything...

Yesterday, we posted this vintage photo of Grand Prix world champs Freddie Spencer and Kenny Roberts on our Facebook page with this simple question: “Anybody miss those days?” Turns out that more than a few of you do, and we received dozens of fun responses, many of which we’re sharing here. Add one of your own comments if you’d like. “Real Racers! Man vs. Machine vs. Track!!! No TC. No computers. No Nothing!!! Fast Freddie is the Man!!!”—Chris Florentino “(1983) No. 3 Freddie Spencer...

Let’s face it: On Sunday February 22, we all had tissues ready to wipe away tears if Troy Bayliss somehow managed to finish on the podium at Phillip Island, the opening round of the 2015 FIM Superbike World Championship. But it didn’t work out that way, unfortunately. Now, though, Bayliss has announced that he will be on the factory Ducati 1199 Panigale at the totally new and unknown Chang International Circuit in Thailand, for the March 22 second round of the Superbike World Championship....

Italy’s Misano circuit has begun their track modernisation with a full resurfacing of the 4.2km Grand Prix track. The tarmacking is only part of a host of upgrades designed to improve circuit facilities and safety.   The resurfacing uses a specially formulated tarmac to overcome the grip issues sometimes attributed to the salt air of the region, located on Italy’s Adriatic coast.   However, further work, being carried out under the stewardship of Italian design firm Studio Dromo and...

IOMTT Press Release: Team ILR are delighted to announce that Paton Motorcycles have asked Ian Lougher to oversee the fortunes of their Lightweight (Supertwin) bike at the 2015 Isle of Man TT races under the banner of Paton/Team ILR. The machine in question is the Paton S1, which was homologated last year just in time for the TT when Olie Linsdell rode and grabbed a very creditable 6th place finish. With Linsdell a non-starter at this year’s TT, Paton approached the Team ILR manager with a...

Husqvarna Press Release: Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Andrew DeLong put in an impressive ride at the second National Enduro of the 2015 season. Cold, rainy weather and slick sand made for a tough day of racing in Pelion, South Carolina, but that didn’t stop DeLong from overcoming and winning four of the six tests. “It was a good day. I felt like I rode awesome and was one of my best rides of my career. I ended up winning by almost a full minute,” explained DeLong.  “The track...