A Ducati power cruiser?

The idea of a Ducati cruiser has caught the imagination of artists from time to time. But this is perhaps the first time we've seen anything that looks like a convincing factory effort. Rumor has it Ducati is planning on branching out into the cruiser market with a product called the Vyper. Hmm... Will it be successful as a Porsche SUV? will it be shunned like the 999? is it even real? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

In related news Hell for Leather also has this shot of a supposed Ducati adventure tourer. It would seem that Ducati is very busy at this time.


Source MotoRevue via Hell for Leather

Aprilia transforms

Aprilia will be the featured motorcycle in the upcoming summer flick, Transformers Rise of the Fallen. The Italian company used the Daytona Sport bike race at Road America to show off an RSV1000 Factory dressed with Transformers graphics. And as you can see Megan Fox rides an RS125, with the ever annoying Shia LeBeouf riding bitch (an envyable position).



Source Autoblog and Faster and Faster

KTM jumps out of Dakar

Due to rule changes motorcycles competing in the 2010 Dakar Rally will be limited to 450cc's. Rather than prep a 450cc bike KTM is pulling out of next years event. KTM, won the last eight Dakar Rallys with their 650cc race bike, said they will concentrate on the World Rally Championship. The hole left by KTM could, however, be filled with some one else say Suzki and their RMX450Z...

Source Faster and Faster

Triumph sees growth

Despite the global economic slow down Triumph's global sales have increased compared to this period last year by 19 percent. The private company is cautiously optimistic about this increase and plans on continuing grow with new models like the Thunderbird 1600 cruiser.

Source Powersports Business

Schwinn sell its scooter business

The Tomberlin Group out of Augusta Georgia has purchased the Schwinn's scooter brand from parent company Pacific Cycle.

Source Powersports Business

Ducati recalls sport bikes

Ducati is recalling 1,549 of their 848, 1198, 1198S, 1098R, and Streetfighter models due to fuel leakages.

Source Powersports Business News

S&S receives $14 million in tax credits

According to Powersports Business, custom engine builder S&S is to receive $14 million in tax credits form their home state of Wisconsin. Much of the the money is for re-investment and retaining much needed jobs.

Moto Guzzi cruier on it's way?

It seems as though Moto Guzzi is interested in bringing a large capacity (1600cc+) motorcycle to the cruiser market. Guzzi's current 90 degree V-twin is not capable of that size look for an entirely new concept to hit the floor at Milan motorcycle show

Source MCN

Honda's new VFR!

The long awaited Honda VFR has been captured by spy shots in southern US. Brenda Priddy & Co have given us a great look at what we can expect for the new sport tourer. Rumor has it the new VFR will have 1200cc's pitting it against bikes like BMW's K1300S and Kawasaki's ZX-14.

Source MCN

TTXGP Results

The first ever "carbon free" motorcycle race was held earlier this month, and it seem that it was a complete success. The Isle of Man hosted the all electric field for the TTXGP. While these bikes don't have the incredible performance of today's gas powered motorcycles they did a respectable job of showcasing what electric motorcycles are capable of. Team Agni won the race using with bike based on a GSX-R600, and around 50kw motor. The bike averaged about 87mph on the course.

An entire series is being developed for electric bikes by the FIM. This new series could begin as soon next year.

Source TTXGP home page

Cagiva models return with Harley's help

Harley is interested in bringing back famous Cagiva names such as the Elephant (rendering above) and the Raptor.

Rendering by Moto Sketches
Source SoloMoto via Faster and Faster

2009 Dakar claims life

It sounds like the 2009 Dakar rally is running smoothly despite being moved to the other side of the globe. This of course doesn't mean that the rally isn't as deadly as ever. Racer Pascal Terry was found dead after being missing for three days.

Source Autoblog

It looks as though Honda is in fact going to drop a CB1100F on us. This is a patent drawing from Honda that the Kneeslider came across. The CB1100 seems to retain the look of the concept Honda showed off not too long ago.


In related news Honda is set to debut their Fury bike at the New York motorcycle show Jan 16.

Source Kneeslider

Kawasaki is officially out of Moto GP

Kawasaki has pulled out of Moto GP for the 2009 season. The company says that it will remain committed to production based racing, such as Superbike.

Source Kneeslider