Up To Speed

Yamaha is recalling some 5,300 of its 2014 FZ-09 model for an inadequate headlight harness that could result in the headlight going out. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Thursday that FZ-09 models manufactured between Aug. 1 and Aug. 29 of this year  “may have a headlight harness that …

Police in Hamden, CT last week arrested a motorcyclist on a variety of charges after spotting him run a red light on a “police” bike, which was actually a dirt bike equipped with siren as well red and blue flashing lights. The bike had the word “police” stenciled in various …

STURBRIDGE, MA – Of all the motorcycles at IMOC today, there was one that drew more gawkers than all the others. The reasons were numerous. It’s expensive, rare and, if Ducati’s claims are to be believed, it has the best power-to-weight ratio of any production motorcycle ever built. It’s also gorgeous. …

Dan Emerson of Connecticut at 2012 Motorcycle Cannonball New England is well represented in this year’s Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run with three participants from Connecticut and one each from New Hampshire and Vermont. There are also seven riders from New York. The coast-to-coast trek involving pre-1937 motorcycles began Friday in …

EBR plans a demo tour for the 1190SX model this month with four stops in New England, three in New Jersey and one in New York. The tour kicks off  next Wednesday at Big Boyz Toyz in Marlboro, NY, followed by stops at EBR Metuchen in Metuchen, NJ on Sept. …

Mention the word “grill” and I’m apt to smile. For me, the word doesn’t only conjure up an image of a backyard barbecue or a heavily-chromed front end of a car produced by Detroit automakers in the 1950s, but also a line from an audio recording that I heard many …

Harley-Davidson is out with more models for 2015, including a new low-profile trike dubbed the Freewheeler to join the existing Tri-Glide Ultra Classic. Starting at $24,999, the Freewheeler features a mini ape-hanger handlebar and bobbed fenders. “With its low profile and stripped-down details inspired by classic hot rods, the Freewheeler …

There’s a tendency after you’ve been riding for a few years to look down on – or simply overlook – motorcycles that aren’t “big boy toys.” If it’s not a heavyweight cruiser, a one-liter sport bike or a large adventure touring machine, it ain’t worth a gander.  Right? Honda, however, …

PEMBROKE, NH – The signage for Triumph hasn’t arrived yet, but bikes made by the British manufacturer have, signaling the addition of a second brand of new motorcycles at National Powersports Distributors at 319 Commerce Way. Triumph joins Royal Enfield (added in 2010) as the company, which began in 2002 as …

A 1958 Ariel Cyclone once owned by rock ‘n’ roll legend Buddy Holly, and reportedly one of only 174 ever built, will be auctioned off Oct. 5 in Phoenix at the Musical Instrument Museum as part of a “Remembering Waylon” collection of Waylon Jennings memorabilia. The Ariel was purchased by Holly …

Indian’s new Scout model won’t be in showrooms until late fall, but Indian plans to bring display examples to dealerships across the country over the next month or so, and that includes New England, New York and New Jersey. Getting it first – tomorrow from 2 to 6 p.m. – will be Paul …

In the car business, leasing is common. In the motorcycle business, it’s not. However, Harley-Davidson of Danbury recently introduced a leasing program for used bikes. “We’ve done a couple. Nothing crazy. It’s like anything that’s new. People are hesitant,” said finance manager Paul Pinto. The dealership is offering 24-month, 36-month …

EAST HAMPTON, CT – The name of the rally may be Brit Jam, and it may be staged by the British Iron Association of Connecticut, but all brands are welcomed at the annual event and today’s gathering was no exception. Vintage motorcycle lovers from all over the Northeast converged on …

A newspaper in South Dakota is taking flak from some readers for leading its front page yesterday with a story about a family and their friends who annually wager on how many bikers will die during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The “Rapid City Journal” reported that

It was 1962 when Ducati released its first Scrambler model for U.S.-only consumption. The Scrambler wasn’t released in Italy until six years later, and became an immediate hit. In 1971, Ducati expanded its Scrambler lineup of 250cc, 350cc and 450cc models with smaller 50cc, 100cc and 125cc versions. A year later, …