Category Archives: motorcycles

BMW Motorrad Smartphone Cradle Debuts

Posted on 1 July 2016 by Ken Zino

As if distracted driving wasn’t bad enough, the BMW Motorrad Smartphone Cradle is now available at all BMW Motorrad retailers. In Germany the Smartphone Cradle can be purchased for a price of €195 ($217) including 19% added value tax. The … Continue reading →

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Dainese and Ducati Motorcycle Airbag Jacket Wins Award

Posted on 30 June 2015 by Ken Zino

Ducati’s Multistrada D-Air model has an intelligent system of sensors wirelessly connected to Ducati Apparel airbag jackets by Dainese. Continue reading →

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BMW Motorrad Sets All Time Sales Record in Q3 and YTD

Posted on 15 October 2014 by Ken Zino

BMW Motorrad recorded retail growth in almost all sales regions during the first nine months of the year. Continue reading →

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BMW Motorcycle Debuts Worlds First Cornering ABS

Posted on 18 July 2014 by Ken Zino

Claimed benefits of ABS Pro to the rider are a sensitive response and a high level of brake and ride stability together with the best possible deceleration on turns. Continue reading →

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New Regulations for Safety, Emissions Hurt Micro-Cars

Posted on 21 March 2013 by Ken Zino

While there is a clear emerging global trend of rising demand for small and inexpensive cars, regulations are increasing their costs. Since 2010, supply by automakers has been growing as they offer products in the range of €10,000 (~$13,000). Some vehicles in this price range are micro-cars, such as the Piaggio, NT3, Renault Twizy ZE, Tata Nano, and Opel Rak-e, all unheard of in the United States. However, there are two A-segment vehicles playing in this space, the Skoda Citigo and Daimler Smart ForTwo, which is on sale in the U.S. Continue reading →

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U.S. Motorcycle Thefts Decrease to One Every 11 Minutes

Posted on 8 October 2012 by Ken Zino

The National Insurance Crime Bureau today said that motorcycle thefts were down 6% in 2011 from their 2010 total. This means 46,667 motorcycles reported stolen in 2011 compared with 49,791 in 2010. The theft rate, which sounds low, actually averages to one motorcycle theft every 11 minutes. Continue reading →

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Honda Signs Joint Venture to Make Motorcycles in Bangladesh

Posted on 27 September 2012 by Ken Zino

Honda Motor Company today signed a joint venture agreement with Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC) to establish a production and sales joint venture company for motorcycles before the end of 2012. The JV – 70% of shares held by Honda and 30% by BSEC- will produce locally. Continue reading →

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Bosch Moves into eScooter Business with Ningbo Polaris

Posted on 16 August 2012 by Ken Zino

The Bosch Group is forming a joint venture with Ningbo Polaris Technology, a Chinese provider of motors for electrically driven scooters or eScooters, with Bosch holding the majority. Ningbo makes and sells eScooter motors in China under the POLTM brand, more than one million in 2011 the output of 450 workers. The global output of eScooters in 2011 was about 27 million units with China making 98% of the production volume. “With a growth rate of 6% annually the market will reach up to 46 million units in 2020”, said Udo Wolz, president of the Bosch Electrical Drives division. Continue reading →

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Smart Escooter Coming in 2014

Posted on 14 May 2012 by Ken Zino

Daimler has confirmed that the Smart E-Scooter will go on sale in 2014 at an unspecified price. First introduced as a concept from its Chinese studios at the Paris Motor Show in 2010, the fully electric Escooter is part of a range of electric vehicles including the Smart Fourtwo and Smart Ebike that are targeted for the European Union, which wants to ban all internal combustion engines from inner cities. Continue reading →

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California Drivers Unaware Motorcycle Lane Splitting is Legal

Posted on 3 May 2012 by Ken Zino

The California Office of Traffic Safety today released results of the first-ever survey of California motorists and motorcycle riders on the subject of lane splitting, where motorcycles travel between two lanes with other vehicles travel ling the same direction. Lane … Continue reading →

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BMW Recalls S 1000 RR Motorcycles for Engine Failures

Posted on 30 April 2012 by Ken Zino

BMW is recalling 2012 S 1000 RR motorcycles because the connecting rod bolts can loosen, leading to sudden engine failures. At least 33 engine failures have been reported globally, BMW said in the required filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. No injures have been reported, according to BMW. Continue reading →

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Audi Buys Italian Motorcycle Maker Ducati

Posted on 18 April 2012 by Ken Zino

Ducati has manufacturing operations at its headquarters in Bologna and in Thailand. It maintains a series of importer companies in strategic markets. Audi said that the motorcycle market will “enjoy strong growth over the next few years,” especially in Asia where Honda dominates. Continue reading →

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Honda to Build Another Automobile Plant in Indonesia

Posted on 15 March 2012 by Ken Zino

Honda is also a force in the Asian motorcycle market. PT Astra Honda Motor, Honda’s joint venture company in Indonesia responsible for motorcycle production and sales, is now going to build its fourth Motorcycle Plant in Indonesia. Total production capacity with the addition of 1,100,000 annual production will be 5,300,000 motorcycles and scooters when the plant opens next year. Continue reading →

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EPA Sues MotorScience for Alleged Clean Air Act Violations. More than 24,000 Chinese Vehicles Were Illegally Imported

Posted on 29 September 2011 by Ken Zino

The United States, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), today filed a civil complaint against MotorScience, Inc. and the owner of the company for allegedly causing the importation of more than 24,000 uncertified vehicles from China that … Continue reading →

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BMW Shows Two Wheel Concept E-Scooter at Motorrad 2011

Posted on 6 July 2011 by Ken Zino

BMW introduced its latest liquid-cooled electric motorcycle – dubbed E-Scooter at its 11th Motorrad Days in Garmish this past weekend. The E-Scooter is said to use motorcycle technology that could make it suitable for a wider range of commuting than current inner-city scooters provide for short trips. Continue reading →

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