According to Kyodo News International:
A Tohoku University, Japan, study group and motorcycle maker Yamaha Motor Co. said Wednesday they have found riding motorcycles useful for brain training.
The group, led by Ryuta Kawashima, a professor who is known for brain research, looked into brain functions as measured by devices put on the heads of 21 males riding motorcycles and found their brains’ prefrontal areas activated. The area covers memory, information processing and concentration functions.
In another test, 22 males who had motorcycle licenses, but did not ride motorcycles often, were divided into two teams — one for … Details
Aprilia USA, the U.S. importer and distributor of innovative, technology-driven motorcycles and scooters, finished 2008 with strong sales gains across its expanding product range. The company sold 66.4 % more bikes and scooters to customers in the U.S. market, spurred by the addition of four all-new motorcycles, three fresh scooter models and continued strengthening of its dealer network. Along with plenty of new product arriving from the Noale, Italy based factory, Aprilia USA also continued to add racing successes to its long list of championships, such as the U.S. company’s second consecutive MOTO-ST road race championship and first place in the 2008 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 750cc category.
For 2009, company executives see more opportunity. “Our 2008 sales results are remarkable, especially in light of overall declining motorcycle industry sales,†says Gary Pietruszewski, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Piaggio Group Americas. “Much of our success can be attributed to … Details
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Fueled by painfully high gasoline prices, 2008 saw many consumers looking for new alternatives to big-bucks fill-ups at the pump, according to the editors of Consumer Reports. With rising interest in lower-priced two-wheelers that sip rather than guzzle gas and thousands of new riders on the road, Consumer Reports tested small motor scooters and motorcycles for the first time since 1981…. Details
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 Motorcycle enthusiasts heading to Florida to enjoy Daytona Beach Bike Week will have a host of events to enjoy as it kicks off the two-wheeled calendar tomorrow.
Just one small area of the event will feature historic night racing, free demo rides and displays as well as charity parade laps, while the traveling 80 percent Vietnam Veterans Memorial highlight the activities during Daytona 200 Week By Honda Feb. 27 – March 7 at historic Daytona International Speedway.
Here’s a look at some of the activities that will be taking place at “The World Center of Racing†that are a must-see for motorcycle enthusiasts:… More info
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