Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Indian Motorcycle Homepage Features Images Of New Indian Models

The Indian Motorcycle homepage features images of the long-awaited new models for the relaunch of the Indian Motorcycle brand.


The images are artist renderings, so the new bikes might look different when they go on sale. The images do indicate the continuation of Indian's classic style.

Here are images of Indian's Chief Standard.


Features on the Indian Chief Standard include a chromed tear drop halogen headlamp, black and polished engine with chrome covers, chromed spoke wheels, an air-cooled power Plus 105ci engine, 5.5 gallon fuel tank, Brembo brake system with dual floating rotors and 4 piston calipers in the front and single floating rotor and two piston caliper in the rear.

Here are the other bikes...

Chief Deluxe

Chief Roadmaster

Chief Vintage

Source: Indian Motorcycle

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Old Or New - Most Motorcycle Riders CustomizeTheir Bikes

TheState.com in South Carolina reports on the Harley Davidson Spring Rally in Myrtle Beach and local motorcycle shops.

According to TheState.com, the rally is a big time for sales for local bike builders weathering the effect of a struggling economy.

Riders are modifying old bikes to look new using custom parts. After-market parts are cheaper than buying a brand new bike. Motorcycle store owners say that few people buy a motorcycle, new or used, and drive it without some sort of personalized modification.

Source: TheState.com

Monday, May 12, 2008

LoJack Recovers A Motorcycle From Thieves Four Times In One Year

Bike thieves are craftier than ever when stealing motorcycles. Thieves move so fast that a motorcycle can be stripped down to spare parts before the police have any chance of finding it.

LoJack's site features the story of a New York City surgeon who has recovered his Honda Motorcycle four times this year from thieves. Each time LoJack came to the rescue.

According to LoJack...

After walking out of a movie in Yonkers, N.Y. on a recent Sunday evening, a surgeon realized that his 2006 Honda CBR 1000 motorcycle was stolen from the theater parking lot. Soon after contacting the Yonkers Police Department, the doctor's motorcycle was quickly recovered thanks to LoJack For Motorcycles. As a result of the timely recovery, his motorcycle was still fully assembled and only suffered minimal damage to the ignition lock.

This was the fourth time the owner had his motorcycle stolen by thieves and recovered using LoJack For Motorcycles in the past year. He had two motorcycles stolen prior to the 2006 Honda CBR. Neither bike was outfitted with a stolen vehicle recovery system and neither was ever recovered.

"I have a lot more peace of mind knowing that my bike is constantly protected. Even my wife said, 'don't worry about it, LoJack will get it back for you like

Source: LoJack

Friday, May 09, 2008

Ducati Wins Big In Motociclismo's 2008 Bike of the Year Awards

Ducati has announced that more than 35,000 readers of the major Italian bike magazine Motociclismo voted for their “Moto dell’anno 2008” (Bike of the Year 2008) and scored Ducati a best ever result in Sport Bike, best in Supermotard and a major result in the Naked Bike categories.

According to Ducati...

Choosing from 280 models split into 12 categories, including 125cc, Cruiser, Naked, Dual, Enduro, Supermotard, Touring, Sport Bike, Sport Touring, and three scooter categories, the public’s favourite and most eagerly awaited award was for best Sport Bike. For the first time ever in the history of such awards presented by motorcycle magazines, a single manufacturer – Ducati – had recorded an unprecedented clean sweep of votes and claimed the first three places.

The Ducati 1098 took the coveted first place with the Desmosedici RR in second and the stunning new 848 filled the ‘podium’ with third place to achieve the previously unmatched haul of trophies. Ducati’s domination of the Sport Bike category is a clear indication of the credibility and respect that the Italian manufacturer enjoys in this specific sector, traditionally a bench-mark and inspiration in the motorcycling world.

Ducati’s success that evening, however, did not end there. Once more, the highly original Hypermotard took first place honours in the Supermotard category and the beautiful new Monster 696, despite being launched just a few weeks ago, took an incredible second place in the Naked Bike category. To complete the impressive haul of awards, the Multistrada scooped third place overall in the Dual category.

Source: Ducati

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Buell celebrates 25 years on July 2-6, 2008 in Wisconsin


The Buell homepage features details on the 2008 Buell 25th Anniversary in Wisconsin on July 2-6, 2008

The Buell 25th Anniversary takes place at various locations, including the Buell Motorcycle Company facilities in East Troy, WI and the surrounding communities.

Events include music and festivities at Milwaukee’s Summerfest grounds, Buell racing at Road America, factory tours, vintage bike display, and more.

Source: Buell Motorcycles

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Rising Gas Prices Drive Up Motorcycle Sales

Trading Markets.com features a story the effect of rising gas prices on motorcycle sales.

The story quotes motorcycle dealers who have seen their sales climb 10 to 15 percent over the last year.

Motorcycles can reach 50 to 60 miles per gallon, nearly double the MPG of the average passenger car.

Source: TradingMarkets.com

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Classic Indian Motorcycles Shine At The Third Annual Legend Of The Motorcycle Weekend

The New York Times features a story on the third annual Legend of the Motorcycle weekend and classic-bike auction held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel near Half Moon Bay, Califorina

According to the story, Indian Motorcycles played a starring role among the 100 rare and classic motorcycles at the Bonhams & Butterfields auction.

Many of the bikes were valuable due to previous owners: Evel Kinevel, Steve McQueen, and Bud Ekins.

Why has the Indian name endured so long? Jared Zaugg, founder of the Legends of the Motorcycle Auction, is quoted as saying the Indian brand is as iconic as Coca-Cola and purely American.

The New York Times also features a slideshow of the rare bikes that were up for auction.

The Los Angeles Times also features a story on the bike auction and a photo gallery.

Source: The New York Times
and The Los Angeles Times