National News

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 …

YORK, PA – Union workers at Harley-Davidson’s factory here approved a new five-year contract with the motorcycle manufacturer on Tuesday night. They received wage increases and improved benefits as well as the elimination of a two-tier wage system. The contract ratification vote came two months after workers unanimously rejected a …

VALCOURT, QUEBEC – More than five months after announcing its intention to build electric motorcycles, Can-Am has now revealed two models that will be in dealer showrooms in mid-2024. One’s a dual purpose model. The other is designed for urban commutes. While specs won’t be released for another year, parent …

IRVINE, CA – It’s minimalist, lightweight, relatively low-priced but also a bit lacking in range. Yet there’s something intriguing about the inaugural Anthem model from new electric motorcycle manufacturer Ryvid. Maybe it’s the bike’s bare appearance or maybe it’s the bike’s functionality. Due to be launched Aug. 14 by the …

It’s another edition of Oil Drippings, the catch-all post for recent items from near and far that maybe don’t warrant a stand-alone story or, ahem, got overlooked at the time of release. Here goes: Auction To Offer 150 Bikes, Plus Parts, Etc. An auction of the contents of Jim Hoellerich’s …

REDMOND, WA – Within a week or so, Ural Motorcycles is expected to begin shipping new models from Kazakhstan after moving assembly of its sidecar rigs out of Russia following that country’s invasion of Ukraine. “If everything goes well, we expect the first shipment of bikes from our new assembly …

It’s another edition of Oil Drippings, a compilation of recent news items from near and far that have insufficient heft to get a stand-alone post: GWRRA Shutting Down After 45 Years The Phoenix-based Gold Wing Road Riders Association, which was founded in 1977 and once boasted more than 80,000 members, …

In a move that would benefit Harley-Davidson owners and independent repair shops across the country, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission on Thursday announced that it’s initiating action against Harley-Davidson for “illegally restricting customers’ right to repair their purchased products.” The FTC ordered the motorcycle manufacturer “to fix warranties by removing …

REDMOND, WA – Sidecar rig manufacturer Ural is progressing with its plan to move motorcycle assembly from Russia to Kazakhstan. Several hurdles have been overcome in the six-plus weeks since it announced its exit plan. Production at its Irbit factory in Siberia was shut down in early March following Russia’s …

It’s a fresh edition of Oil Drippings, a collection of recent news items from near and far: Experia From Energica For Touring Energica is out with a new model named Experia that may just help alter consumer conceptions of electric motorcycles. It’s a tourer with a high profile and luggage …