Garmin Expands Relationship with Motorcycle OEM and Announces New Product

Garmin has expanded its relationship with BMW Motorrad and the companies have developed the next generation BMW Motorrad Navigator, the Navigator IV, a motorcycle-friendly GPS navigator that is based on Garmin’s zūmo 660.

Photo Credit: Garmin
According to Garmin, the BMW Motorrad Navigator IV takes the best of Garmin’s navigation technology and adds exclusive, BMW specific features such as a customized mount, preloaded BMW dealer database, unique audio and Bluetooth handling capabilities, and more.

This portable, 4.3-inch navigator has a bright touchscreen display that is glove-friendly and comes preloaded with detailed street maps with millions of points of interest that include locations like restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, hotels and specific street addresses. After the rider selects a destination, the system calculates the best route and gives turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions to the final destination.

This feature can also work with a compatible Bluetooth enabled helmet or headset. The BMW Motorrad Navigator IV’s stereo (A2DP) Bluetooth wireless technology makes it possible for riders to pair their phone to a Bluetooth enabled helmet or handset so that they can safely talk on the phone or listen to MP3’s without having to remove their gloves or helmet.

Source: Garmin

Harley-Davidson Sportster Value Guaranteed for One Year on Trade-Ins for Big Twin and V-Rod Motorcycles

Harley-Davidson has announced a special guarantee on the value of its Sportster motorcycles by backing their trade-in on Big Twin and V-Rod motorcycles for up to one year.

Photo Credit: Harley Davidson

According to Harley-Davidson, riders who buy a new Sportster 883 or 1200 motorcycle at a participating dealership between July 1, 2009 and August 31, 2009, will get the original MSRP value when they trade in for a new Harley-Davidson Big Twin or V-Rod motorcycle within one year.

Photo Credit: Harley Davidson

"We're excited to give customers who purchase new 2009 Sportster models the guaranteed MSRP value if they choose to trade-in to a Big Twin or V-Rod model within a year," said Dino Bernacchi, Harley-Davidson Director, Advertising and Promotion. "The exceptional value of our motorcycles provides a unique way to reward our customers and give them more choices to enjoy the freedom and passion of the Harley-Davidson experience, especially during an uncertain economy."

Source: Harley Davidson

Ducati Announces 848 Nicky Hayden Special Edition

Ducati North America has announced the newest addition to its model range, the 848 Nicky Hayden Special Edition.

Photo Credit: Ducati

This US -exclusive model was unveiled July 4 on Ducati Island at the USGP with Nicky Hayden and Ducati CEO Gabriele Del Torchio. It will be on display the remainder of the weekend for fans to view, and available at Ducati dealers July 7th in limited numbers.

The Nicky Hayden Edition is the first of the 2010 model year 848’s to arrive in the United States.

The distinctive features and 2010 model upgrades on this motorcycle include the American inspired livery, LED dash illumination for superior night visibility, a 30mm mirror extension kit for enhanced vision and aluminum cam belt tensioner pulleys for improved acceleration. The 848 Nicky Hayden also boasts 134hp at 10,000 rpm.

Source: Ducati

Viper Diamondback 152 Motorcycle Sales Exceed Company Expectation

Viper Motorcycle Company just announced the retail sales of its Viper Diamondback motorcycles are well ahead of projections.

Photo Credit: Viper Motorcycle Company

According to Viper Motorcycle Company the response to Viper's Diamondback 152 motorcycle is selling as fast as they arrive at dealers.

Viper Powersports designs and manufactures premium American V-Twin Super Cruiser motorcycles, V-Twin aftermarket engines and other products through an independent dealer network.

Joint venture partner Ilmor Engineering, provides technical developmental support for the proprietary 152 cubic inch Viper V-Twin engine.

Source: Marketwatch and Viper Motorcycle Company

The Honda DN-01 Combines The Best Elements Of Sport Bikes and Cruisers

Photo Credit: Honda
The Honda Powersports homepage features details on the DN-01, a motorcycle described by Honda as combining elements of sport bike performance, relaxed cruiser comfort and the operating ease of a twist-and-go automatic transmission.

Photo Credit: Honda

According to Honda, the DN-01 is organically styled and features aerodynamic bodywork draws inspiration from Honda sport bikes and sport tourers.

Photo Credit: Honda

The DN-01's long wheelbase allows for a low seat height and the sense of comfort and stability. The 700-class V-twin providespower through a hydromechanical automatic transmission.

Photo Credit: Honda

The advanced hydromechanical automatic transmission, called the HFT, is the first of its kind employed on a modern motorcycle. This transmission automatically and seamlessly changes drive ratios to produce smooth acceleration.

Source: Honda

Harley Owners Group Members Will Band Together To Ride On June 29 For Five Million Mile Monday Goal

Photo Credit: Harley-Davidson

The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) reports that on Monday, June 29, 2009, H.O.G. members around the world will band together in a singular challenge, to log a cumulative five million riding miles by the day's end.

Following the phenomenal success of last year's inaugural Million Mile Monday, which tripled the original goal of one million miles ridden by H.O.G. members to 3,000,960 miles, the goal for this year's ride on June 29 has been stretched to five million miles.



"The response we got from our members to Million Mile Monday blew us away, so we asked members what should be our goal this year? The resounding answer was five million," said Benny Suggs, General Manager of the Harley Owner's Group. "Many of our members will be returning home from the CLUB H.O.G. OKC rally in Oklahoma City on that Monday, so we expect a big turnout this year, but more important than the number of miles ridden is for all our members to simply get out and ride somewhere on Monday, June 29. Whether it's 20 miles, 100 miles, 500 miles, or more, the important thing is to get on your bike and go."

H.O.G.'s annual Million Mile Monday ride occurs on the last Monday of June and is open to all H.O.G. members-- riders or passengers. The feat will be recorded by logging into the club's exclusive members-only website (members.hog.com), where participants can register their miles ridden on that day. All miles must be entered by 12 p.m. (Noon) Central on June 30, 2009.

Source: Harley-Davidson

A $2,500 Voucher Could Change Car Drivers To Motorcycle Riders

Photo Credit: Harley-Davidson

The House of Representatives recently approved a "cash for clunkers" bill, offering up to $4,500 for trading in gas-guzzling cars for more fuel-efficient models.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports new legislation could provide a $2,500 cash voucher for trading a car or truck for a new motorcycle.

According to the Journal Sentinel, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) proposes the program extend to motorcycles due to their fuel efficiency.

Harley-Davidson and motorcycle dealers have expressed support of extending the program to bikes.

Source: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel