Category Archives: motorcycles

First Look – 2025 BMW R 18 Heritage Series Motorcycles

BMW Motorrad USA today announced an updated R 18 family of Heritage series of cruising motorcycles, presumably not to take advantage of the non-cycling weather. MSRP pricing for the new 2025 BMW R 18 models, not including destination, is $15,395 (R 18), $18,395 (R 18 Classic), $18,995 (R 18 Roctane), $20,375 (R 18 B), and $24,395 (R 18 Transcontinental). There’s an increase of 4 lb.-ft. of torque to 120 lb.-ft for all R 18 models. And all are Euro 5+ emissions compliant. For 2025, all R 18 models gain 4 ft.-lb. in torque at 3000 rpm ( up to 120 lb.-ft) and meet the latest Euro 5+ emissions standards. More than 110 lb.-ft. of torque is available between 2000 – 4000 rpm. Power from the 1802 cc air/oil cooled boxer twin engine remains at 91 horsepower.

“Even more riding fun ,that was our goal when revising the BMW R 18 and R 18 Classic. We have refined the design, added numerous improvements in terms of detail and comfort and made the R 18 even more fun to ride with the 18-inch rear wheel. In addition to new finishes and equipment, the BMW R 18 Roctane, R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental have also undergone a technical revision to bring the entire BMW R 18 range into line with the EU 5+ standard,” said Markus Lederer, Head of BMW Boxer Series Continue reading

Posted in design and styling, marketing, mobility company, motorcycles, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Goodyear to Sell Dunlop Brand to Sumitomo Rubber Industries

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell the Dunlop brand, together with certain associated intellectual property, to Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (TYO: 5110). The deal includes trademarks and intangible assets necessary for operations of the brand business in Europe, North America and Oceania for consumer, commercial and other specialty tires. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, other customary closing conditions and consultations and is expected to close by mid-2025.

“This is another important milestone as we continue to execute against our Goodyear Forward transformation plan. We are optimizing our portfolio and reducing leverage to drive sustainable and substantial shareholder value creation,” said Mark Stewart, Goodyear Chief Executive Officer and President. “Not only does the transaction deliver significant value for our shareholders, it better positions Goodyear to enhance our focus on the growth of our core brands.” Continue reading

Posted in aftermarket, auto news, car sharing, manufacturing, marketing, milestones, motorcycles, news analysis, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Garmin Debuts Blind Spot Motorcycle Radar

Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) its first purpose-built radar system for motorcycles today. Called the zūmo™ R1 Radar, it provides riders with rearview and blind spot monitoring. The device has two side-facing amber lights and an optional rear-facing red light that can help maximize visibility to nearby vehicles, while indicator lights on the handlebars make riders aware of approaching vehicles. suggested retail price is $599.99, and it is immediately available.

“We’re excited to bring innovative radar technology to our motorcycle customers with the zūmo R1 Radar. As all riders know, situational awareness is paramount when sharing the road. Information about the location of approaching vehicles, especially those that may be in your blind spot, can allow you to ride with more confidence and the high-visibility external lights can help other drivers be more aware of you as well,”said–Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales. Continue reading

Posted in electronics, marketing, milestones, motorcycles, news analysis, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Honda – Global Expansion of Electric Motorcycles

Honda in Tokyo today announced two electric personal commuters in India continuing 2024 as the first year for its global expansion of electric motorcycles. The new ACTIVA e and QC1 are the 12th and 13th models, respectively, of Honda’s “30 electric models to be launched globally by 2030” target. The ACTIVA e is equipped with two Honda Mobile Power Pack e with swappable batteries as its power source. QC1, has a fixed battery.

“Both ACTIVA e: and QC1 will be manufactured in India, strengthening the electric commuter lineup to meet the growing needs for electric mobility in the Indian market. In addition, Honda Power Pack Energy India Private Limited will operate Honda e:Swap, a battery sharing service, in three major Indian cities (Bengaluru, the National Capital Territory of Delhi, and Mumbai [footnote 3], providing customers mobility experience with more peace of mind,” Honda said. Continue reading

Posted in design and styling, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, environment, global warming, mobility company, motorcycles, news analysis, public health, shows and events, transportation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

IIHS – Lax Helmet Laws Kill More Than 20,000 Motorcyclists

More than 20,000 motorcyclists who died in crashes in the U.S. since the mid-1970s would have survived if stronger helmet laws had been in place, a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows. Briefly, If every state had required all riders to wear helmets from 1976 to 2022, a total of 22,058 motorcyclists’ lives could have been saved. The number represents 11% of all rider fatalities during those years.

“Requiring all riders to wear helmets is a commonsense rule not that different from requiring people in cars to buckle up,” said IIHS President David Harkey. “We have an obligation to protect everyone on our roadways through smart policy.” Continue reading

Posted in motorcycles, news, news analysis, public health, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pirelli Recalls Triumph Motorcycle Tires for Tread Separation

Pirelli Tire  is recalling Scorpion Trail II, Metzeler Tourance Next, and Next II tires sold as replacements and for the Metzeler Tourance Next 150/70R18 M/C 70V tire, also installed as original equipment on certain Triumph motorcycles., according to a safety defect filing made public today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Partial detachment of the tread layer and/or a sudden loss of air pressure may cause loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash,” Pirelli said in the required recall filing. Pirelli also said is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this safety defect in the U.S. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, manufacturing, motorcycles, news, news analysis, quality, recalls, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Motorcycle Gang Members Charged with Violent Racketeering

This investigation was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Continue reading

Posted in blog, motorcycles, news analysis, people, public health, safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BMW Motorrad in 100th Year Posts Highest Sales Ever

“I would like to thank our customers all over the world for the great trust they have placed in us again in 2023. With a record result in our anniversary year, BMW Motorrad remains the world’s number one in the premium motorcycle and scooter segment and once again demonstrates the brand’s successful strategic orientation. Our market leadership in numerous segments is based on innovation leadership, our highly attractive product range and our strong brand. Based on these three main success factors, BMW Motorrad is ideally positioned and I am very confident about the year 2024,” said Markus Flasch, Head of BMW Motorrad. Continue reading

Posted in blog, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, motorcycles, news analysis, sales | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Annals of Marketing – Ducati Diavel for Bentley Mulliner

auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, Ken Zino, automotive news and analysis, automotive blog, Ducati Diavel for Bentley Mulliner, Centro Stile Ducati, Bentley Mulliner motorbikes, Continue reading

Posted in electric vehicles, marketing, motorcycles, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bosch Shows 6 kW Motorcycle EV Drive Motor with Inverter

“With production starting in 2025, the new Bosch 6 kW motor will enable manufacturers to electrify two-wheeler segments that have so far tended to feature combustion-engine technology. In this way, we’re meeting not only demands for everyday mobility needs in cities, but also the desire for riding enjoyment outside urban centers,” said Liersch. Continue reading

Posted in alternative fuels, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, mobility company, motorcycles, news analysis, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

2024 BMW CE 02 – A Two Wheel EV

BMW Motorrad USA today announced the new 2024 BMW CE 02 – an electric two-wheeler something or other. BMW said (marketing babble alert> “it’s electric, designed to appeal to young people and it’s neither an e-motorbike nor an e-scooter. It’s an eParkourer (sic), created for the urban environment. Nimble, practical, tough, and reduced to the essentials in terms of design. Large wheels meet the demand for robustness and at the same time ensure riding fun on many differing terrains.” Whatever it is, when it rolls into the US, the MSRP will be $7599 plus destination, plus accessories, plus taxes. CE 02 has a top speed of 59 mph, and a range of ~56 miles. Continue reading

Posted in electric vehicles, marketing, motorcycles, new vehicle | Leave a comment

BMW Motorrad Links Rent A Ride and Fuel For Life

BMW Motorrad said in Munich this morning that it is combining its Rent A Ride motorcycle program with Fuel For Life. Simply put this offers one-stop shopping for motorcycling enthusiasts looking for experiences globally. Rent A Ride is not just … Continue reading

Posted in marketing, mobility company, motorcycles, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Kodlin Customizes a BMW R 18 B Motorcycle

For the first time, Fred Kodlin has customize a BMW together with his son Len – the BMW R 18 B. Kodlin is of considerable reputation in certain Harley-Davidson circles. Since the 1990s, his custom bikes have won various Daytona shows – say, Rats Hole and Boardwalk – regularly. A native German, he was the first non-US citizen to be inducted into the Sturgis Hall of Fame. Continue reading

Posted in design and styling, mobility company, motorcycles, people, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Celebrating 100 Years of BMW Motorrad – Berlin Festival in July

“We successfully anchored the BMW Motorrad Days at the BMW plant location in Berlin last year with a new concept and there will be no shortage of highlights at this year’s 100th BMW Motorrad anniversary event,” said Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad. “This time, we will not only be offering a wide range of exciting activities at the central event in the Summer Garden at Messe Berlin trade fair, but also other event areas in and around Berlin to meet the wishes and interests of our customers and fans.” Continue reading

Posted in motorcycles, shows and events | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Honda Motor Reveals Next Gen Automated Driving Technology

Honda says the real goal is for zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles globally by 2050. Continue reading

Posted in autonomous vehicles, mobility company, motorcycles, safety | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment