The writing has been on the wall for some time for BMW to replace its air-cooled boxer twin with an updated liquid-cooled version, and that hallmark day appears to be coming, as SoloMoto (additional photos on their website) has captured the next-generation German motor out testing in the wild (enhanced photo above) on the Spanish roads near Tarragona. This photo appears to confirm reports that BMW is testing a new R1200GS model, which will feature  … Picture & more
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How does future tech do against today’s state of the art?
Electric motorcycles – presented as the ideal ride for economically-minded environmentalists, supporters of U.S. manufacturing and nouveau tech fanciers – have garnered a fair share of mainstream press in the past couple of years.Among the rhetoric we’ve been hearing is that one day, perhaps sooner than some think, the electric powertrain will supplant the internal-combustion engine. E-bike advocates – and even some who are merely ambivalent – seem already programmed to offer what’s fast becoming a clichéd, verbal knee-jerk response: “it’s the future.â€
Oh really?  … more
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The January 2011 issue of Motorcyclist magazine is just out and has a very informative interview with Erik Buell where Erik talks about some of the developments during and after the time Buell was shutdown. One point I thought was interesting was that Harley Davidson licensed the Buell name and allowed Erik to sell derivative Buell racebikes, but only until December 21, 2010, a date fast approaching. The agreement kept the brand alive so Harley could sell off the remaining Buells in inventory. Though Erik is obviously working hard on a street bike, none of his future bikes will be able to carry the Buell name.
Erik is a class act. During the interview he stated … Details
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The historic British motorcycle brand Norton is set to return to the United States with its Commando 961′s next year. Heading up Norton’s push into the US market is former Ducati North America CEO Dan Van Epps, who also served time with Ducati in Bologna, acting as the company’s Director of Overseas Markets and Head of Product Marketing. Starting in May 2011, Van Epps and his crew will begin importing Norton Commando 961 Sport, Café Racer, and SE models. Built off the classic Norton lines, the Commando 916 series features a 916cc fuel-injected parallel twin motor, along with Öhlins suspension and Brembo brakes.
“We have been producing the new 961 Commandos for almost two years, and the orders have been well beyond our most enthusiastic expectations. We’ve had to  … Details
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