National News

What’s the difference between “new” and “all-new?” That’s the first question that came to mind upon gazing at Kawasaki’s press release issued this morning that announced five fresh models for 2021. Three are described as “all-new” while two get a “new” label, suggesting the latter are simply models that have …

The 10-day Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, held in August in South Dakota, helped fuel the spread of the coronavirus, according to a new study by health officials in Minnesota released Friday. The study, published Friday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, revealed that 86 cases of …

MEDINA, MN – After 12 years at the helm as CEO and chairman of Indian Motorcycle’s parent company, Polaris Inc., Scott Wine is leaving at year’s end to become CEO of London-based CNH Industrial, N.V. CNH Industrial is the maker of Case and New Holland agricultural equipment. Scott Wine In …

It was done successfully with Triumph, and while the jury is still out on whether a revived Norton brand will ultimately succeed, plans are underway to begin building BSA models again. Possibly as soon as mid-2021. Billionaire Anand Mahindra, chairman of the India-based Mahindra Group, tells “The Guardian” newspaper in …

BMW has issued a “stop sales order” for five popular models due to a “compliance issue” involving the brakes. Dealers have been prohibited for the past 11 days from selling the impacted models that represent nearly one-half of their sales. How long the sales ban lasts is uncertain.  The sales …

MILWAUKEE – Harley-Davidson’s ongoing “rewire” effort to bolster its sagging fortunes continues, albeit in ways not as widely visible to street riders across the country as trimming its model lineup, postponing the release of new models or reducing the number of dealerships. It was revealed Wednesday that the company has …

MILWAUKEE, WI – Royal Enfield is expanding the lineup of motorcycles that it sells in the United States by going smaller with the new Meteor 350 model. The cruiser model, which will be available in the spring, will be offered in three trim versions known as the Fireball, the Stellar …

A major shakeup was announced Monday by Japanese manufacturer Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The company will spin off its train and motorcycle and engine businesses next year. The restructuring is targeted for October 2021. No details were given on the new company that will build bikes but, in an update Tuesday, …

Triumph is out with an affordable new roadster model for 2021 with a name from the past – Trident. Due in dealerships in late January, the Trident 660 is a middleweight naked model with a sticker price of $7,995. It features a 660cc, three-cylinder engine that puts out 80 horsepower. …

MILWAUKEE – Retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the United States dropped 10.3 percent in the third quarter of 2020, compared to 2019, while the company’s share of the 601+cc market dropped dramatically in Q3 to 41.4 percent from 49.8 percent a year ago. Worldwide, Harley-Davidson sales in Q3 were …

There comes a time for all motorcyclists when two wheels become too much. Either the body doesn’t allow the rider to easily toss a leg over a seat anymore or the bike becomes too heavy to hold up. The options are either to quit riding or find an alternative. The …

MINNEAPOLIS – Indian Motorcycle is taking aim at young, beginning riders by introducing an electric mini-bike based on its successful FTR750 flat track racer. The eFTR Jr. announced today was designed around Razor’s proven electric powertrain. It will be manufactured by Razor USA and will sell for $749. The eFTR …

It’s time again for TWIR – The Week in Review. This time (slightly delayed) it’s for the week of Sept. 20 through 26. TWIR is a compilation of of regional, national and sometimes international new that didn’t get a full post but warrants mention. Here goes with TWIR: Harley-Davidson Says …