BMW adds dealers when most are closing down…
This is a glimmer of hope in an otherwise very bleak powersports industry. The fact that BMW is adding dealers may just be wishful thinking, but I suspect that they are planning on converting some owners of other brands. BMW has a great lineup now with the addition of the 1000 RR in their sportbike stable. In reality, I suspect that if BMW prices their bikes aggressively, and the exchange rate cooperates, they will be able to poach a few customers... [Read More...]
Husqvarna will be the Honored Marque at Vintage Days
Press release from BMW- HUSQVARNA NAMED MARQUE OF THE YEAR FOR 2010 AMA VINTAGE DAYS Woodcliff Lake, NJ – February 2, 2010…Husqvarna, BMW’s off-road motorcycle marque, will celebrate both its heritage and its future as the Marque of the Year at the 19th Annual AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 9-11 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Recognized as the world’s largest gathering of vintage motorcycle enthusiasts, AMA... [Read More...]
JD Powers Motorcycle Satisfaction Ratings
It really seems like a simple and obvious thing to do- call a customer after the sale and make sure they are happy. But apparently it doesn’t happen very often. That’s because sales people are pressured to sell and once a bike is sold, they move on to the next customer. But something as simple as calling the customer can reap big benefits because those customers are likely to tell their friends about the good service they received and... [Read More...]
Welcome to the new site
If you have been coming to motobikeblog for the past 3 years, you are probably wondering what is going on! Well, we are merging 2 sites into one for more (and better) content. NationalSuperbike is the other site where I post pictures and galleries of bikes I have converted and/or custom painted over the years. With the 2 sites combined, you will be able to keep up to date on news and special events as well as watch current projects as they progress. ... [Read More...]
Best 2500.00 Bike- 1983 Suzuki GS1100E
83 GS1100E To get a really nice 2500.00 bike, you either need to be lucky or be willing to settle for a small bike like a 250 Ninja or a Suzuki GS500- or maybe an old cruiser. Today’s bike is in the� “lucky” category. Most older big bore bikes are usually in pretty rough condition. Bikes like the one shown here are few and far between- especially since it is in like new condition and has a ton of very nice period specific upgrades.... [Read More...]
The latest in HD helmet cams
GoPro Helmet Cam Helmet cams have been around for a while now and the prices have fallen to where they are affordable to pretty much anyone who wants one. But with everything going HD (including Youtube), it was just a matter of time until high quality HD helmet cams hit the market. Well, they are here from GoPro, and from the video on their website, the quality looks really good. Check it out here… Read More →
Triumph and TAG Heuer Bonneville to Honor Steve McQueen
Tag Heuer Bonneville I saw this over at Autoblog and wanted to pass it along. Apparently, this will not be a production bike. So, If I can get some dimensions on the graphics, I might just have to paint one as a special project and use the “Gulf ” logo on it as well. The classic Gulf Oil colors look great on the Bonneville. ATLANTA (November 5, 2009) � British motorcycle manufacturer Triumph and Swiss watch manufacturer TAG Heuer have... [Read More...]
Best $5500.00 Sportbike
2007 CBR600RR for sale Well, in this category you have a plethora of options depending on what year and size bike you want. The bike I see listed in this price range that I consider a particularly good deal are 05-06 CBR600RR’s and an occasional 07 like the one in the picture. Here is a good review of the 07 CBR. You can also usually find 05-06 GSXR600’s in this price range and sometimes a 750. R6’s and ZX6R’s are also priced... [Read More...]
Riding Tips From Dunlop’s Test Riders
Danny Roberts is a long time friend going all the way back to the mid 80’s when we raced together and ran Palm Beach Suzuki. After years of racing, Danny went to work for Dunlop as a test rider- riding everything from ATV’s to dirt bikes and sportbikes. A very versatile guy with decades of experience is usually a good teacher. So check out this video on how to get the holeshot on a dirtbike. Read More →
The Best $5000.00 Bikes- Aprilia Tuono 1000R
2005 Aprilia Tuono 1000R Today, I am starting a new series on the best bikes for the money- ie. bang for the buck bikes. Obviously, the Buell 1125 deals I reported on over the past couple of days are right at the top of the list. At 5500.00, an 1125R or CR is just one of the best deals ever. But, those deals are pretty much gone unless you can find a Harley dealer that still has one. So my next smokin deal in the 5000.00 range is a used Aprilia Tuono... [Read More...]
Buell Update- Even Cheaper!
Buell 1125CR One of my friends went down to Harley Davidson of Atlanta and bought a new 09 Buell 1125CR for 5500.00 plus taxes. These bikes were 11,999.00 MSRP a week a go! Wow, that is a smokin deal. They had 4 left yesterday when I was there and by this afternoon, they were all gone. Since Harley is going to honor the 5 year factory warranty, these really are great deals. If you want one, don’t think about it, just head down to your Harley... [Read More...]
Cheap Buells- really cheap! 1125R for $6000.00
Buell 1125R Ever since Harley announced the demise of Buell last week, there have been reports on various forums (like SVrider.com) that Buells can be had for ridiculously low prices. One guy said that he bought his 1125R for 6000.00 plus fees and taxes. That is an insane deal for a bike of that caliber and Harley has said that they will honor warranties and supply parts for the foreseeable future. Still, it is a little scary since Harley can decide... [Read More...]
Volkswagen Interested in Ducati Rumor
Ducati 1198 I saw this over at Autoblog and thought it worthy of posting- especially in light of the Harley Davidson/Buell divorce/death. It has been a crazy day for the motorcycle industry, for sure. As recently as last year, Piëch – himself a Ducati rider even at age 72 – commented that Volkswagen could still purchase an unnamed motorcycle manufacturer if the conditions were right. Strike up the rumormill again, boys and girls. The Italian motoring... [Read More...]
FZ1 and SV650- 2 Great Bikes for All Around Riding
FZ1 and SV650N This FZ1 and SV650 were in my shop for the past couple of months so I got to ride them both side by side. It is kind of a strange comparison, but I saw a guy on the FZ6 forum asking about which bike would better for him and so I thought I’d weigh in on it. My take is simple- if you have the money to buy either bike (the FZ1 is considerably more expensive) I would have to go with the FZ1 unless all (or most) of your riding is... [Read More...]
Pictures from the Barber Vintage Festival
Saturday was a dismal looking day with a low overcast sky and occasional light rain. Th clouds were so low and thick that the Aero Shell Aerobatics team only did 2 low passes because of terrible visibility. But in some ways, it was a blessing in disguise because the temp stayed very comfortable all day. Most of the races were still run, even in the rain. The swap meet was packed with vendors with lots of stuff- most of it junk. But you know the saying-... [Read More...]