2011 Husqvarna TC450 Prototype Revealed

Husqvarna Motorcycles has taken a big step in the dirt bike market ever since being acquired by BMW Motorrad. The combination of the two thus far has been mostly the application of the German’s purchasing power, marketing and production and refining techniques. The world has been waiting for a blend of the two manufacturers’ dirt bikes, and it’s finally happened with a prototype TC450 motocross machine. During our trip to the factory in Varese, Italy to ride the TE630, Husky reps promised a joint-effort bike very soon, and here it is. Husqvarna reports that the same platform will serve a TXC450 cross country and TE450 dual sport dirt bike.

It’s being called a 450/Open class machine, which may indicate the possibility for another big-bore machine, perhaps something along the lines of previous European open-classers like the 505/525/550. Just how close are the prototypes to being complete? Husky says the bike will be released later this year.

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Source [Motorcycle USA]

2010 Honda VT1300 Cruisers First Ride

Honda Motorcycles deems the mid-sized cruiser demographic so important that within the last year it has produced four different models in this range. The forebear was the Fury, the company’s first production chopper, which attempted to break the staid reputation of its cruiser motorcycles with a big-wheeled, raked-out, high-necked ride. Since its early release last April, Honda claims that over the last year it has been the best selling ‘factory-custom’ in the US.

The Japanese manufacturer’s 2010 VT1300 Series continues in that vein, as the new trio deviates from the 2009 VTXs with more custom-styling influences. The frame on the new VT1300 bikes is more open in the head space so the engine isn’t packaged so tightly, the streamline tank is racier and is styled more like the Fury’s, the bars are more pulled-back in custom bike fashion, and the old solo pipes are now dualies blended together beneath an encompassing heat shield. The bodywork, from its fenders, air filter and battery covers, have been infused with edgier styling by adding angular designs on the covers and stronger lines throughout. The VT1300 Series motorcycles are also longer and lower than ever before.

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Source [Motorcycle USA]

Ducati Introduces the 2011 Monster 796

Ducati North America is excited to announce the newest member of its internationally acclaimed Monster range- the Monster 796.

The 2011 Monster 796 combines the top level components and style of the Monster 1100 with the user friendliness of the Monster 696. Priced at $9,995; it will be invading streets nationwide this June in white, black, and Ducati red. All three colors share the lightweight Ducati trellis frame in red, along with red wheel striping.

The Monster 796’s air-cooled engine produces a potent 87hp and 56lb/ft of torque, which is enough to propel the svelte 367lb bike to any destination in a rapid fashion. In the interest of rider comfort; the Monster 796 has adapted a comfortable new seat, higher handlebars and optional passenger grab handles to enable an optimum riding experience. Borrowing from its 1100cc sibling, the Monster 796 features a single sided swingarm and four piston Brembo brakes. These features combine with an APTC slipper clutch, blackened foot rests, and new five spoke wheels to make the ultimate middleweight Monster.

Visit Ducati USA for More Information

Honda VFR800RR Bioblade

Belgium. The ‘land that God forgot’ is more famous for balding politicians and chocolates than inventions. Perhaps ‘Hercule Poirot’, the detective with the dodgy moustache and equally bizarre habit of stumbling upon random criminals isn’t the best example. But Belgians have been very successful inventors in the past, with the saxophone, the Big Bang Theory and asphalt just for starters. And last year, a couple of brave Belgians took a leap of faith to produce something else they believe the world wanted, the VFR800RR Bioblade.

Bikers world wide hadn’t been hoping, we had been expecting Honda to produce a V-Four-powered sports bike. Its stand at the Milan bike show in 2008 was adorned with V-Four signs, flanked by a spectacular collection of historic V-Four race bikes; the RC45, RC30 and NR750. Photographers were poised with their arms stretched skywards, lenses aimed over the heads of hundreds of waiting journalists. The focus of everyone’s attention was the veiled shape on stage and the promise of a new V-Four. But as the curtain dropped, so did our hopes for a V-Four powered sports bike. Honda’s new V-Four was a sport-tourer, the fresh for 2010 VFR1200F.

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Post Courtesy of Motorcycle USA – Editor Janie Omorogbe

Confederate to Launch C3 X132 Hellcat in N.O.

Confederate Motors, Inc., of Birmingham, AL., the American design company that created the prestigious F131 Hellcat, B120 Wraith, and P120 Fighter Combat, announced at the New York International Auto Show the launch of the new .

Confederate CX3
Confederate Motorcycles new C3 X132 Hellcat will feature a V-Twin engine provided by S&S Cycle as the two companies enter into a long-term strategic plan.
The C3 will be the lightest, fastest, toughest, smoothest, most exquisite Hellcat, ever. The design centers on a new, long-term strategic powerplant alliance with S&S. Further, it will be priced within reach of the top 10% of Harley-Davidson buyers.

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[Source: Motorcycle USA, By Bryan Harley]

Add the Bobber Look to your Harley-Davidson Dyna Model

For those who own a 2006 or later Harley-Davidson Dyna model you can now convert your bike so it has the popular bobber style look. These accessories allow you to do the conversion without having to cut or weld the pieces into place.

You will need to purchase these three accessories from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories to do the conversion.

Solo Spring Saddle

Chopped Rear Fender Kit

Side Mount License Kit

Visit your local Harley-Davidson for pricing and availability.

Source [Motorcycle USA]

Harley-Davidson brings back Super Ride – Test Drive Before you Buy.

Harley-Davidson and their dealers are bringing back their test ride program, Super Ride. Tough economic times may be playing a part in why Harley-Davidson has decided to bring back the program that allows potential buyers to test ride 2010 Harley-Davidson models. Motorcycle test rides are generally not allowed by most dealers as many motorcycle shoppers already know. The Super Ride program will start on April 1 and end on June 30th.

There are some restrictions to the Super Ride program.

You must have a valid motorcycle license to take the short test ride, among other requirements.
While this program is available to all Harley-Davidson dealers, some may decline to participate.

Check with your local Harley-Davidson dealer to see if they are participating in the Super Ride program.

Source [JS Online, Read Entire Story]

Harley-Davidson unveils newest bike aimed at a younger demographic

Milwaukee based Harley-Davidson has just unveiled a new bike designed to appeal to the next generation of riders and this bike is not your father’s Harley-Davidson. FOX6 Reporter Mike Lowe shows you the newest bike in the Dark Custom series.

Source [Fox 6 Now]

Triumph accouncing a number of new and special edition models for 2010.

Triumph Motorcycles celebrated its 15th year since returning to North America by accouncing a number of new and special edition (SE) models for 2010 that will be offered in limited numbers.

Thunderbird SE: The 1600cc (98 cubic inch) Thunderbird SE comes standard with new Carnival Red paint, ABS, a quick detach touring windshield with wind deflectors, leather saddle bags, touring seat, quick detach passenger back rest with luggage rack, and rider and passenger floor boards. MSRP is $14,999.

Thunderbird 1700: The optional “big bore‟ 1700cc (104 cubic inch) engine upgrade, which increases peak power from 85bhp to 99bhp, and ABS come standard and features a stunning Phantom Red Haze paint that is exclusive to this model. MSRP is $14,799.

Bonneville 1960 Anniversary Edition: Only 600 units of this commemorative edition of the 1960 Bonneville will be built, 100 of which will come to North America. Each motorcycle features two-tone Meriden and Caspian Blue paint, a numbered handlebar clamp plaque and a certificate of authenticity. MSRP is $8,999.

Bonneville T100 Black: The “Bonnie Black” was created in response to customer requests for an all-black Bonneville with spoke wheels and a tachometer. MSRP is $8,599.

Speed Triple SE: The original „streetfighter‟ motorcycle receives special Tornado Red paint with a Crystal White center stripe, seat cowl and flyscreen. MSRP is $11,299.

Daytona 675 SE: The Pearl White bodywork over a Sparkle Blue chassis was so successful in 2009 that the bike returns with a striking new graphics package and carbon fiber trim. MSRP is $10,299

Source [Triumph]

Honda Introduces their Automatic Motorcycle to the U.S. Market

For the motorcycle purist out there, the idea of riding a motorcycle without a clutch is unimaginable. However, Honda is taking a gamble and introducing the Honda DN-01 to the American Marketplace this week. The Honda DN-01 uses a hydromechanical transmission, which allows riders to bypass the usual hand clutch and foot shifter. The DN-01’s hydromechanical transmission, or HFT, uses fluids to push a series of swash plates back and forth for seamless and buttery movement between the gears.

Autos have almost completely transitioned from the manual transmission to automatics. According to WardsAuto.com, 93% of all 2008 cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. were equipped with automatic transmissions. That’s a 14% increase from 1990 when 79% of vehicles sold in the U.S. had automatic transmissions. Will motorcyles follow the trend of their four wheel cousins? Honda seems to think so. “Five years from now, you’d be amazed how many automatic and semiautomatics you’re going to see in the two-wheeled world,” said Jon Seidel, assistant manager of motorcycle press for American Honda in Torrance.

2009 Honda DN-01
Base price: $14,599
Powertrain: Liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 52-degree V-twin, SOHC, four valves per cylinder, shaft drive, hydromechanical two-mode automatic transmission with six-speed manual mode, anti-lock brakes
Displacement: 680 cc
Seat height: 27.2 inches
Curb weight: 595 pounds
Road test MPG: 48 (based on 356 miles traveled)

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[Source: LA Times]