New Electric Motorcycle Racing Series Arrives Next Year

Photo Credit: Brammo

The Autopia blog reports that electric motorcycles are hitting the big time with the organizers of MotoGP launching a new electric racing series next year.

According to Autopia, the series will be organized by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme Road Racing Commission with the first race set for April 18 during the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The first zero emissions grand prix, the TTXGP (Time Trial Xtreme Grand Prix), was held this past June on the Isle of Man and featured 13 teams.

Source: Autopia

Honda Announces Five Additional 2010 Motorcycle Models

American Honda Motor Company's Powersports Division recently announced its fourth release of 2010 models. The release of these five on-road machines follows the earlier announcements of Honda's 2010 powersports lineup.

Photo Credit: Honda

"These five street bikes add even more excitement to our lineup for 2010," said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino. "Four of these bikes are new V-twins that dramatically expand our line of cruisers. The Sabre, Stateline, Interstate and Shadow RS V-twins unveil new styling and functional variations for Honda buyers, and we're excited about the new opportunities these machines present. The ST1300 continues to extend its reputation for long-haul performance with a sporting flair and it remains a popular choice among riders who live for the open road. This 2010 model year is shaping up very well, with lots of exciting options for Honda fans."

Photo Credit: Honda

One of the new Honda bikes for 2010 is the Sabre, equipped with a raked-out front end. Other features include a specially designed tank-mounted chrome housing featuring a speedometer, a 1312cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin engine, and Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI).

Source: Honda

The Ducati Multistrada 1200 Offers Four Different Riding Modes

Ducati describes the Multistrada 1200 as four-bikes-in-one with four Riding Modes: Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro. Power and torque delivery, suspension settings, and traction control can be changed – even while riding – to enable the motorcycle to adapt to the needs of the rider and not the other way around.

Photo Credit: Ducati

The Sport Riding Mode provides the rider with an adrenalin-fuelled ride, where 150hp and incredible torque delivery are combined with a sports-oriented suspension set-up. To impart precise and focussed handling like a sportbike, it also slightly reduces Ducati Traction Control intervention to level 3 for expert riders whose ‘comfort zone’ is closer to the limit.

The Touring Riding Mode is still programmed to produce 150hp; however, the power characteristic is designed in a touring configuration with much smoother torque delivery, but ready to respond when needed. Safety is enhanced with the most advanced ABS technology and with the Ducati Traction Control system set to level 5 (intermediate intervention), specifically intended for a stable and relaxing ride.

Photo Credit: Ducati

Selecting the Urban Riding Mode instantly changes the power to 100hp, and the suspension to the perfect setting for tackling the maze of city streets full of speed bumps and drain covers. The traction control level is set to 7, providing high system intervention so the rider can enjoy enhanced safety even in the most chaotic of stop-start traffic.

An Enduro Riding Mode which instantly transforms the bike with a smooth 100hp engine, higher suspension, and the option to disable the ABS. Traction control is reduced to the minimum of level 1 for almost no intervention.

The new Multistrada 1200 will be available in the two color schemes: red or arctic white for the standard version, while the ‘S’ version will be available in red, arctic white or diamond black.

Source: Ducati

Ducati Reveals The Hypermotard 1100EVO and Hypermotard 1100EVO SP

Ducati recently unveiled the Hypermotard 1100EVO in Milan, along with its higher-spec counterpart the Hypermotard 1100EVO SP.

Photo Credit: Ducati

According to Ducati, both are significantly updated versions of the original Hypermotard; producing more power and reducing weight from the previous generation thanks to significant engine and chassis development.

Improvements to the Hypermotard include a lighter Trellis frame, lighter, more powerful engines, and new controls and instrumentation.

Source: Ducati

MV Agusta Prepares To Reveal the F4 Sportbike

Photo Credit: MV Agusta

Luxist.com reports that Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta is set to reveal the F4 sportbike at the EICMA motorcycle show. The Luxist story also includes teaser images that have been released by MV Agusta.

Luxist also quotes OmniMoto in Italy that the F4 is capable of 186 horsepower at at 12,900 RPM.

Source: Luxist.com, OmniMoto, and Asphalt and Rubber

2010 Stratoliner Deluxe By Star Motorcycles

The Star Motorcycles homepage features details features details on the Stratoliner Deluxe.

Photo Credit: Star Motorcycles

According to Star Motorcycles, The Stratoliner Deluxe features a distinctive, wind shearing fairing that includes a handlebar-mounted audio control system with integrated high fidelity speakers, connectors for an iPod® jack and ultra cool shorty windscreen. To compliment the fairing a pair of large, color-matched, locking hard sidebags with handy one touch openers provide spacious storage for long hauls and short trips.

Photo Credit: Star Motorcycles

The powerful and beautiful 113 cubic-inch (1854cc) air-cooled, pushrod V-twin has massive looks and performance. The computer controlled twin-bore downdraft electronic fuel injection with 12 hole injectors ensures optimum engine efficiency and throttle response in the widest possible range of conditions.

Photo Credit: Star Motorcycles

Combined with the four valve cylinder heads with dual spark plugs, ceramic-composite-lined cylinders and 2 –into-1 exhaust with O2 sensor and three way catalyst to reduce emissions, maximum torque is reached at just 2500 rpm for performance second to none.

Photo Credit: Star Motorcycles

The long and low aluminum frame provides great looks and light handling unlike any other full-size cruiser with very few welds for a smooth, clean look and a near 50/50 weight distribution between both wheels. The light, Controlled-fill swingarm casting compliments the streamline style and reduces unsprung weight to assist in the great handling.

Photo Credit: Star Motorcycles

Additional features such as 46 mm fork tubes with slant cut chrome covers, a tucked out-of-sight single shock with adjustable spring preload, a richly chromed 1.25 inch oversize handlebar and large front discs with monolock brake calipers add to the unmatched functionality of the chassis. A strong and light belt final drive routes power smoothly and efficiently to the rear wheel while the floating floorboards and adjustable heel/toe shifter provide a comfortable, low effort ride.

Photo Credit: Star Motorcycles

The Neo-streamline design gives the Stratoliner Deluxe a completely distinctive look which is accented by a level of fit and finish that is second to none. Details such as the switchgear wiring being routed internal to the handlebar, a flangeless, teardrop fuel tank, 12-spoke wheels, chrome front brake master cylinder with integrated lever, a sculpted seat and special custom machining of the cooling fin edges give a jewel like appearance to the engine as light hits it from different angles.

Photo Credit: Star Motorcycles

Additional details like Star quality paint and chrome, bright multireflector headlight, LED taillight and amber turn signals behind clear lenses complete the custom look.

Source: Star Motorcycles

RESOURCES

• Star Motorcycles Homepage
• 2010 Stratoliner at Star Motorcycles
• 2010 Stratoliners on Cycle Trader
• All Stratoliners on Cycle Trader

Buell Motorcycle Thanks Customers, Dealers and Employees For an Unforgetable Ride

Photo Credit: Buell Motorcycle

Buell Motorcycle Company officials have thanked the company's customers, employees and dealers for an unforgettable ride, following the announcement by Harley-Davidson, Inc. that it will discontinue the Buell product line as part of Harley-Davidson's go-forward business strategy. The new long-term strategy aims to drive Company growth through a focus of efforts and resources on the Harley-Davidson brand.

"I want to personally thank all our past and present Buell employees, dealers and suppliers for their efforts. I also want to thank Buell motorcycle owners for their support and passion for the brand," said Buell Motorcycle Company President Jon Flickinger.

Photo Credit: Buell

Flickinger said a limited number of new Buell motorcycles remain available for sale through authorized dealerships and production will wind down by October 30. He also stressed that Harley-Davidson will provide replacement parts and service through dealerships and that warranty coverage will continue as normal for motorcycles.

"I will always be proud of what we have accomplished. It is a testimony to what a small group of passionate and inspired people can do, and with brilliant innovations, we've produced some of the best-handling bikes of all time," said Buell Chairman and Chief Technical Officer Erik Buell. "I personally look forward to exploring how I can continue to work with Harley-Davidson to bring advanced product technology to riders.

Photo Credit: Buell Motorcycles

"I have also had the great fortune to meet and get to know many Buell riders over the years, and they are an amazing and interesting group of free thinkers," Buell said. "May you ride with pride into the future. And may your roads ahead be as adventuresome and rewarding as mine have been for the last 26 years."

Photo Credit: Buell Motorcycles

Source: Buell Motorcycles

RESOURCES

• Motorcycles Homepage
• Buell Motorcycles: A Message From Erik Buell
• Motorcycles on Cycle Trader
• 2010 Motorcycles on Cycle Trader