MV Agusta has revealed the latest iterations of its Brutale naked sportbikes. Although looking much like the previous 989R and 1078RR, these new editions have been full overhauled with revisions to their four-cylinder engines and significant chassis tweaks.

Both versions use a lighter engine crankcase than before, and both have names that suggest a displacement different than what is actually under the tank. The 990R has a 998cc motor, up from the 982cc 989R via a stroke increase and a bore reduction. The larger and more expensive Brutale, the 1090RR, retains the old 1078RR’s 1098cc displacement. According to factory claims, both models have less peak horsepower, but the 989R receives a slight bump in torque. Both models include a traction-control system, and the RR adds features like a slipper clutch, larger brake rotors and forged aluminum wheels.

More info and some early riding impressions from Italy after the jump.

This VW sidecar was built by Jason Dyer of Resto-Tec out of the UK, which makes sense since the side car is on the left side of the Lambretta scooter.  It was featured in July 2007 issue of Scootering magazine.

Well done Jason!

The highly anticipated return of this extremely popular off-road racing video game franchise will arrive just in time for the holiday season.  The latest incarnation of MX vs. ATV Reflex is apparently a big jump forward that will feature an all-new Rhythm Racing 2.0 physics engine, Rider Reflex control system and real-time terrain deformation.  It will be available on XBOX 360, Playstation 3, PSP and Nintendo DS.

Check out the video demo after the jump.

Aprilia has revealed the latest version of its potent new literbike, the RSV4 R. The R retains the same 65-degree V-4 engine (with 180 claimed horsepower) and the aluminum chassis as the previously unveiled “Factory” version but uses a few lesser-spec components to keep the costs down.

More info, photos and a video after the jump.

Two weeks ago, I took a break from my regular duties gathering news for Motorcycle.com to fly to Germany to cover the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show for our sister site AutoGuide.com.

For two hectic days, AutoGuide editor Colum Wood and I scrambled across the massive 6.2 million square foot Messe Frankfurt trade fair compound, running from press conference to press conference to get the latest on exotic sport cars, futuristic concept models and international unveilings from the automotive world.

It was heaven for car lovers, but for me, it meant fighting my way through hordes of photogs, auto-journalists and car show models to get the first photos of four-wheeled goodies from MINI, Ferrari and Lotus. Okay, I didn’t mind the car show models that much.

But I didn’t forget my day job with MO. Through this Cagers’ Paradise, I managed to find some gems for the loyal Motorcycle.com Readers.

Check out the photo gallery after the jump.

The motorcycle costume that was worn by Megan Fox will be on the auction block along with more then 100 other pieces of paraphernalia from the 2009 blockbuster sequel Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen that has raked in $831 million world wide so far this year.

The outfit will be auctioned on October 9th, bids are being taken online at icollector.com, if your interested it will cost you at least $3,500, the current bid is $3,250 but its expected to sell for about $5,000.

Good luck!

With a new contract with Ducati in hand, Nicky Hayden returned to his home in Owensboro, Ky., for the MotoGP’s mid-season break. So what has the Kentucky Kid been doing on his time off? Riding his own Ducati 848 Nicky Hayden edition bike, of course!

Check out the clip as Hayden takes his first ride on his namesake 848.

Big Red (the Italian one) is at it again. Ducati today announced an all-new model, the Hypermotard 796. The Hypermotard 1100 now has a sibling.

Relying on the proven Ducati platform of an air-cooled, two-valve-per cylinder L-Twin mill, the Hypermotard 796 uses a brand new engine for a brand new bike. The Twin incorporates a light action APTC clutch, and claims 81hp and 56 lb/ft of torque.

The new lightweight motard-like Duc save pounds by utilizing redesigned top and bottom fork clamps, and an improved “frame layout” that apparently eliminates almost all of the forged elements used previously on the 1100. Claimed weight (likely dry) is a svelte 368 lbs.

This should be one kick-ass Duc to ride, making a great urban assault vehicle. And in about two to three weeks we’ll let you know just how cool it is, as we’ll get our first ride on the 796 at Ducati’s headquarters in Bologna, Italy.

The Hypermotard 796 will be available at authorized Ducati showrooms beginning in December 2009. Color selections will include Ducati red, matte black, and matte white. MSRP for the Hypermotard 796 will be $9,995, joining the Monster 696 in Ducati’s sub- $10,000 sporting market. It could be a good contender against Triumph’s Street Triple 675 R that retails for $8,999 ($9,599 for 2010), though the Street Triple will likely have an advantage of 15 or more rear wheel horsepower.

The Hypermotard 796 should make another great hooligan option in this price range.

See the rest of the post for more pics.

The YikeBike is not going to replace the motorcycle anytime soon but if you are addicted to two-wheels and have a very short commute (battery lasts just under 5 miles) this could be your fix.  According to their site, top speed is about 12 mph, can get fully charged in 30 min, weights in at 22 lbs and folds up like a transformer.

Check out the demo videos after the jump.

If you missed it the first time around, the National Geographic Channel will be airing the Motorcycle Crash Tech show again tomorrow (Thurs, Sept 24th).

An extraordinary behind-the-scenes look at the remarkable new technologies being used to avoid motorcycle crashes, and prevent injuries or even death when a racer or rider does go down.

Hit the jump to watch the preview.