National News

TORRANCE, CA – Honda’s ongoing shift to an “all-electric future” for its products gets some high-profile exposure next month with its “Forever Determined” float entry in the 134th Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA. The float will showcase electric-powered Honda products, including a private jet, a Honda S.U.V., an Acura race …

Some products and brands just naturally go together. Captain Morgan spiced rum and Coca-Cola come immediately to mind (although at this time of the year Southern Comfort-branded eggnog should perhaps be substituted for Coke). But what about an athletic shoe manufacturer from Germany and a motorcycle maker from Japan teaming …

BOSTON – There’s now proof that the term “donorcycle” has validity. Results of a study by researchers at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital released Monday reveal “the number of organ donations and organ transplants goes up markedly during large motorcycle rallies.” The research examined areas where the seven …

It’s been well over a month since the last installment of Oil Drippings. That’s the catch-all column of news items from near and far that maybe don’t warrant a full post or somehow fell through the cracks. Here goes: Two More Electric Models To Consider The growth of the electric …

MILAN, ITALY – It was inevitable that Royal Enfield would find more ways to use the mid-sized motor found in its INT 650 and Continental GT models, and today the company from India revealed a Super Meteor cruiser entry at the EICMA show. Two versions of the model are reportedly …

MILAN, ITALY – Suzuki is out today with two new mid-sized models; the V-Strom 800DE adventure entry and the GSX-8S naked bike, the reveals coming at the EICMA show. Both are powered by an all-new 776cc parallel twin engine with six-speed transmission and will be in dealerships in the spring. …

Nearly half of all fatal motorcycle crashes occur at night and a new study has found that “a reimagined lighting configuration” in front could help improve other motorists’ abilities to see riders. The study suggests that “six running lights from the top to the bottom of the motorcycle rather than …

It’s a long overdue fresh edition of Oil Drippings. It’s the catch-all column of recent news items from near and far that maybe don’t warrant a full post or somehow fell through the cracks. Here goes: Lower “S” Version of Kawasaki’s KLR650 The model has been around for 35 years …

MILWAUKEE – LiveWire became “the first publicly traded EV motorcycle company in the U.S.” today and marked the occasion announcing that it’s now taking orders for a production version of its urban-oriented, dirt track-inspired S2 Del Mar electric model. The “Launch Edition” of the model sold out in a 18 …

VARESE, ITALY – Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta is getting a higher profile in North America. Under a commercial agreement announced today, Austrian manufacturer KTM will distribute, promote and service MV Agusta models in the United States, Canada and Mexico. MV Agusta primarily builds high-end sport bikes that are as …

TORRANCE, CA – Honda has announced plans to “accelerate electrification of its motorcycle models” and will introduce 10 or more battery-powered models globally by 2025. Honda’s goal announced earlier this week is to “increase annual sales of electric models to 1 million units within the next five years, and 3.5 …

SANTA CRUZ, CA – Styling-wise, it’s not unlike other models in the adventure category. It has loads of clearance under the power plant and a requisite (if abbreviated) beak. At first glance, the new Zero DSR/X model unveiled today looks like it will fit right in. That is, until a …

BOLOGNA, ITALY – Ducati’s Streetfighter V4 S doesn’t come cheap. The 2022 edition has a price tag of $25,495. That’s almost chump change, though, when compared to the buy-in for a limited edition, numbered 2023 version of the model. Ducati has teamed with car builder Lamborghini on the more exclusive …

MILWAUKEE – Inspired by its 1983 FXRT model and with a $27,999 base price that will entice an upscale buyer, Harley-Davidson on Thursday announced a limited-edition Low Rider El Diablo sport touring model. Due out in autumn with a hand-painted, multi-red color scheme that reflects the season, the Low Rider …

MILWAUKEE – Royal Enfield is bringing its Himalayan-based 2023 Scram 411 to the United States. The model was revealed back in March, but it wasn’t until Wednesday night that Royal Enfield announced that it will be sold in North America. Described as an “adventure tourer,” the single-cylinder, 411cc model will …