BMW R NineT Meets Japanese Customs

The BMW Motorrad Days Japan was held at the Hakuba47 Mountain Sports Park in August. BMW motorcycle fans were treated to a wide range of exhibits, round-the-clock entertainment and the premiere of four custom BMW R nineT motorcycles. Each one was the result of a unique custom conversion by a leading Japanese customizing firm.

Behold: the Bacon Bike

Bacon seems to be really popular these days. And there seems to be no end to the outlandish combinations incorporating bacon. Chocolate, lip balm, beer.... even milk shakes. So a bacon-powered motorcycle was inevitable.

BMW Announces 2015 Updates

BMW Motorrad announced revisions for their 2015 model lineup. Most of the announcement was new paint colors- but other highlights include a new K1300S Motorsport edition and mechanical updates for the R1200GS.

The special K1300S (right) will feature a special paint scheme plus an Akropovic exhaust and HP wheels and foot pegs.

Donorcycle Theory Proven

It's a common joke among folks in the medical profession- motorcyclists are often referred to as "donorcycles." The gist being that brain-dead bikers serve as worthy organ donors.

Turns out it's not just a joke.

A 2011 study by University of Michigan researchers studied the Donorcycle Theory. The results may surprise you. Or  not.

eBay Motors Giveaway

You could win big in eBay's new Ultimate Motors Giveaway.

Now through April 11th you can enter for chances to win a 2014 Cadillac CTS Premium or an Indian Chief Classic motorcycle. Ten also-rans will receive $100 gift certificates just in time for riding season. It's easy, it's free and it's fun!

eBay Garage Ultimate Motors Giveaway

Holy Hawg

The Holy Harley-Davidson of Pope Francis was auctioned today in Paris.

The autographed papal two-wheeler was auctioned for charity. The anonymous buyer paid over $300,000!

BMW Faces Up to Fuel Leak Issue

Over 50,000 BMW motorcycles have been recalled for a fuel leak issue that has been reported by owners since 2006. The recall affects most R and K model motorcycles manufactured from 2005 to 2011.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation in response to multiple consumer complaints of fuel leaks. BMW acknowledged some warranty claims had been filed and blamed the issue on "improper servicing techniques." Say that with a German accent for full effect.

Gifts for Biker Chicks

Know a lady who loves to ride? 

We've assembled a cool list of motorcycle-related gift ideas for the fairer sex. This is not the typical list of chrome jewelry or biker bikinis. These are for women who actually ride- either on their own or on back.

Have a look and make your favorite lady happy this Christmas.


The Lady's Motorcycle Gift Guide

Recommended Motorcycle Reading

What better time to share our list of favorite biker books? Cyber Monday of course!

This list should be handy for anyone that rides- or those of you who happen to be shopping for a motorcyclist.

Favorite Books on Motorcycling

Star Wars Helmet

Technology races ever onward. The last few years have seen Bluetooth and GPS technologies become virtually standard equipment on modern motorcycles. Pairing your phone before a Sunday ride is commonplace.

But soon you may be pairing your helmet.

Moto Guzzi Recall

Piaggio, who owns just about everything made in Italy that's fun, has issued a recall for certain Moto Guzzi motorcycles. The recall was warranted by defects in linkage that can fail causing the rear suspension to collapse. Ouch.

The motorcycles being recalled are the Stelvio NTX 1200 manufactured February 6, 2012 through April 10, 2013; the Norge 1200 motorcycles manufactured January 25, 2012 through March 21, 2013 and the Griso 1200 motorcycles manufactured January 26, 2012 through April 29, 2013. Total number of 680 units are affected.

Moral of the story? Moto Guzzi doesn't sell a whole lot of motorcycles in America.

More details on the recall available from NHTSA

Happy Birthday to Bike Bandit

Party Like It's 1999!

Freedom Torch Run

A cross-country motorcycle ride is being organized in support of Bradley Manning, the U.S. Army private accused of treason for sharing classified material with the website WikiLeaks. The week long ride is intended to raise awareness and garner financial support for Manning's plight.

According to the organizer's press release...

Bradley Manning shined the light on war crimes and other unacceptable behaviour in our governement including lying to us the American people about what was going on. There is a time to remain silent and a time to stand up. Bradley stood up and did the right thing. Now we are standing up for Bradley.

The riders will depart San Francisco on June 29th and arrive in Washington DC on July 4th. They will be riding most of the route along I-80 and I-70. The route certainly isn't the most scenic- the emphasis is on being expedient and highly visible.

Ride for a whole day, ride across your own state, ride between two cities. For more information on organizing a ride in your area or participating contact torch2013@bikersites.com or Aimee at 541.929.3203 by phone.

To view a map of current rides or make a donation visit www.freedomtorch.us.

Community Based Bikers

This video from Australia brought a smile to my face.

Rising Sun Workshop is a proposal for a community-based motorcycle garage in Sydney, Australia. A group of enthusiasts are hoping to finance it through a project on Pozible (an Aussie version of Kickstarter). While that might be a long commute for most of our readers, I think the video will resonate with anyone who rides a motorcycle.


Rising Sun Workshop from Kate Disher-Quill on Vimeo.


We wish them all the best.

Perfect Camping Chair for Bikers

Has your new camping chair arrived? Maybe so.

If you're looking for a lightweight, easy to pack, comfortable chair that's perfect for motorcycle camping, then the answer is yes.

The Helinox Chair One may have a funny name, but it's one heckuva' chair. Rated for 350 pounds capacity and weighing a scant 850 grams the Helinox is packs small and can be carried almost anywhere in the included bag. Using aluminum poles and shock cords like a tent the chair almost assembles itself.

It's also comfortable. It sits higher than the popular Kermit chair, and a bit lower than my Pico chair. You'll also find a similar chair at REI- but it's only rated for 250 pounds. For under a hundred bucks this is a great chair if space is at a premium.

What's It Worth?

Do you care? Most motorcycle riders just want to enjoy the ride.

But just in case you're more motivated by the fiscal things in life here's a list of the world's most precious bikes.

Karl Brauer of Total Car Score compiled this list of what he says are the 10 most-valuable motorcycle models. Values range from the low six figures and going up to a million dollars. The list includes scarce antique models and in one case, a motorcycle that appeared in a famous photo.

See the whole list at CNBC.com...

Most Valuable Motorcycles

List of eBay Stores: Save Big!

Does your favorite motorcycle shop have an eBay Store?

Hundreds of the biggest retailers do. And it's a great place to score awesome bargains on closeouts and special deals.

eBay Stores for Motorcycle Gear

Urban Combat Motorcycles

Pretty psychedelic, huh?

We missed this ultra cool pair of stripper Hondas during the mad rush of the holidays. Better late than never?

They are the product of the fertile imaginations at El Solitario Motorcycle Club. The Spanish tuner calls them urban combat motorcycles and the description is fitting. What started out as Honda CG-125 has been stripped of all non-essential gear and fitted for street terror duty with BMX hardware, an excuse for a muffler and a zany paint scheme. We approve!

They're for sale- if you happen to be in Barcelona check them out!

www.elsolitariomc.com

Dual Sport Music Video

Just came across this snazzy tune on You Tube.

Pretty cool song...

Rival Sons "Until the Sun Comes"

But the video is SUPER COOL!

Stop-action animation of a G.I. Joe riding his motocrosser across the desert. Check it out- might not be your favorite song, but I bet you'll love the video!

Gifts for the Ladies

"You ride like a girl."


These days I consider that a compliment.

More and more women are taking to two wheels. Yet moto gift ideas for the feminine enthusiast can be a bit challenging. That's why we assembled a few products that would be perfect for the lady motorcycle rider- or passenger!