Motorcycle Musings

Custom bike designer Roland Sands creates BMW R 18 Dragster

(August 5, 2020) LONG BEACH, Calif. — The renowned custom bike designer Roland Sands stripped down the BMW R 18 to create a straight line dragster featuring the iconic and massive boxer powerplant. The result: the R 18 Dragster. He and his team have created a unique masterpiece built around the impressive 2-cylinder Big Boxer, giving their creativity free rein in the process.

Harley-Davidson overhauls business, 'rewires' company for success

(July 28, 2020) MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Harley-Davidson has announced actions it has taken to rewire the company, setting the foundation for a 5-year plan as the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world. The company also reported second quarter 2020 financial results, and its ongoing actions to manage the impacts of COVID-19 on its business.

Harley-Davidson — This year, we’re doing our part by rallying through riding

(July 25, 2020) Rallying and riding together has always been part of who we are. During this unprecedented time, the choices we make about how and where we gather and ride are very important. The COVID-19 pandemic is making an impact on events globally, including the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Aug. 7-16.

BMW Motorrad celebrates 40 years of GS models

(July 14, 2020) MUNICH, Germany —  A motorcycle concept that is as legendary as it is sophisticated will celebrate its anniversary in 2020. The BMW GS models are turning 40. In autumn 1980 BMW Motorrad presented the R 80 G/S, a motorcycle which combined two very special areas of riding for the first time: Off-road and on-road.

Thanks to its unique combination of road, touring and off-road capability — without compromising on everyday use — the R 80 G/S became the conceptual forerunner of the new motorcycle category of touring enduros created by BMW Motorrad.

Active cruise control comes to BMW motorcycles

(June 30, 2020) Relaxed cruising with active cruise control, without having to manually adapt to the driving speed of the vehicle in front – already available in cars now for many years, but not the standard in motorcycles to date. However, with the Active Cruise Control (ACC), BMW Motorrad will soon offer this type of rider assistance system, thus providing motorcyclists with a completely new, comfortable riding experience.

Ducati presents new Hypermotard 950 RVE version

(June 15, 2020) Ducati has introduced the new Hypermotard 950 RVE, which is part of the Borgo Paginate fun-bike family between the entry model Hypermotard 950 and the top of the range Hypermotard 950 SP. The Hypermotard 950 RVE is characterized by a livery called "Graffiti" that is inspired by street art. The bike builds on the success achieved in 2019, especially on social media, by the Hypermotard 950 Concept presented at the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.


Honda CRF performance, trail models highlight 2021 product reveal

(June 10, 2020) — TORRANCE, Calif. — American Honda has confirmed the return of a varied array of power sports products, including three models from the advanced CRF Performance line, the entire CRF Trail family (the CRF50F was announced in April) and the ageless Monkey miniMOTO machine.

“We’re pleased to confirm the return of these 2021 models, all of which have been successful in terms of both performance and sales,” said Chris Cox, American Honda’s manager of Experiential Marketing/Public Relations.

Honda announces Android Auto integration for Gold Wing series

(May 13, 2020) TORRANCE, Calif.  — Honda announced that Android Auto will be integrated with the current-model Gold Wing. At no additional cost, customers with Android 5.0 or later smartphones and the Android Auto app will be able to seamlessly enjoy application services such as music, phone calls and messaging. When utilizing it while riding a Gold Wing, connection with a Bluetooth headset (sold separately) will also be required. App and communication costs may apply. The method to update software is planned to be available in mid-June, 2020.

BMW Motorrad extending warranty for complete range of helmets

(May 7, 2020) MUNICH, Germany — The previous warranty period of two years for BMW Motorrad helmets will be extended to five years retroactively from Jan. 1. This means that motorcyclists can look forward to riding even more and have to worry a little less about their helmet and safety. All helmets in the BMW Motorrad product range, valid from the date of purchase on Jan. 1, 2020, will therefore be covered by a contractual warranty period of five years from now on.

The new BMW R 18 — Supreme cruiser with historical roots

(April 4, 2020) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.  — With the new R 18, BMW Motorrad now enters the cruiser segment. Like no other BMW motorcycle before it, this model stands entirely in the tradition of historical BMW motorcycles — both technically and in terms of design style. It borrows from famous models such as the BMW R 5 both technologically and visually, shifting the focus back onto the motorcycle essentials: purist, no-frills technology and the boxer engine as the epicenter of riding pleasure.