For some reason, it's good to know that a couple of Roman Pontiffs are bikers at heart or at least have a soft corner for motorcycles. Recently it was Pope Francis’ turn to be associated with the name of the legendary cruiser motorcycle, as a Harley-Davidson FLSTC 103ci Heritage Softail Classic bearing Pope Benedict XVI’s screen-printed signature went up for auction last Thursday at Bonhams auction house in Paris. The cruiser was sold for €46,000 (US$ 51,865). All proceeds from the auction...
Washington State Introduces Bill To Allow Lane Splitting
Date :February 07, 2015
Depending on who you ask, we California riders have it good: We're allowed to split lanes. Being able to do so makes California unique among all 50 states. While lane splitting here is technically legal, it's still very controversial— even California riders can't seem to agree on how, or even if, it should be done. Now another state, Washington, is considering adding a law that would legalize lane splitting (sorta—we'll get to that after the jump, so read on and get your comments...
How Nostalgia Led to the MotoAmerica Racing Series
Date :February 07, 2015
Ahhh…do you smell that? The crisp, nostalgic smell of faded, weathered leather. Can you feel the worn grips under the palm of your hands? There are tangible things in the world around us that serve as launching points for memories, and as we reflect on those memories (however accurate) the wave of nostalgia—a time of betterment and often usual young bewilderment—come flowing back, reeling us back to yesteryear. That is what long-time gear-head Richard Varner hopes to do with the MotoAmerica...
Wheelie on Ice Guinness World Record!
Date :February 07, 2015
Wheelies are perhaps one of the most recognized and coolest antics associated with moto-badassery (we make up words here, get with it.) Onlookers drop their jaws at the sight of a bike doing an unbridled horse impersonation. Since the invention (origins unknown) of the one-wheeled hooliganism, riders strive to improvise and demonstrate what more can be done with a bike. Now we have stoppies, wheelie donuts and so much more. Yet, the thrill and excitement of a well-executed wheelie...
New Bikes And Tours For Compass Expeditions
Date :February 06, 2015
Compass Expeditions, the world’s only motorcycle tour company to be included in National Geographic’s “Top 50 tours of a lifetime” list, has added to its fleet of South American bikes BMW’s F800GS, R1200GS, as well as an F700GS with lowered suspension. “As one of the only international motorcycle tour companies that own their own motorbikes in South America, we felt that it was important to offer a variety of bike sizes for our clients,” says Mick McDonald, founder of Compass. “For the...
MotoGP: DRIVE M7 Aspar Pre-Season Test Day 2 Report
Date :February 06, 2015
The MotoGP riders were in action again at the Sepang circuit, on the second of the three days of the first test of 2015. The track was open from 10am until 6pm, although some teams stopped at midday to avoid the sweltering heat. The times in the premier class were again spectacular, and Jorge Lorenzo broke the 2 minute barrier with his 1.59.963 lap. Times are already closing in on the fastest official lap of the Malaysian circuit (Marc Márquez / 2014 / 1.59.791). The second day of action at...
Championship of The Americas Custom Bike Show Announced!
Date :February 06, 2015
The American International Motorcycle Expo, the powersports industry’s largest combined trade and consumer show will host the AIMExpo Championship of the Americas at the 2015 event, October 15-18 in Orlando, Florida. As an officially affiliated show to the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, this dynamic new feature showcasing top custom motorcycles and their builders will appeal to trade, media and consumer attendees alike. For the first time in motorcycling history there will...
Long-term test: Triumph Tiger 800XC
Date :February 05, 2015
If pottering up and down green lanes isn’t enough to prove the Triumph Tiger’s off-road prowess then how about a gruelling, non-stop 24 hour rally through the Alps? Still not convinced? Well perhaps whacking through the sea at a 100mph on road tyres in 60mph winds ought to do it. Last week I took my Tiger 800 XC up to rainy Glasgow to meet stunt rider extraordinaire Kevin Carmichael. I wanted to see what a pro could do with my bike and he suggested going sideways on his local beach....
DRIVE M7 Aspar Pre-Season Test Day One Report
Date :February 05, 2015
After a long winter break the MotoGP riders were finally back in action as the 2015 preseason got underway today at Sepang. Two months on from their last track action the riders will be put through a grueling physical test over three days in the Malaysian heat, as they tone their bodies and tune their new bikes for the season ahead. Looking at the lap times however this first day was anything but a customary ‘shakedown,’ as Valentino Rossi dominated with a string of scorching lap times...
Motorcycle Hall of Famer Mike Wilson Passes
Date :February 05, 2015
The American Motorcyclist Association expresses its most sincere condolences to the friends and family of Melbourne J. “Mike” Wilson, who passed away Feb. 2. He was 94. Mr. Wilson, an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and longtime patron of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, was preceded in passing by his wife and fellow Hall of Famer Margaret Wilson last July. The couple was awarded the AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. “As American motorcycling’s first couple and two of the...
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