KTM has revealed its European-spec 2014 EXC enduro and SX motocross lineup. The U.S.-spec versions have yet to be announced and there will be some differences, such as a five-speed transmission instead of a four-speed transmission for the KTM 450 SX-F. Otherwise, the U.S. models will be mostly the same, though model and engine displacement selection may vary.

All 2014 EXC models receive new airbox covers, hand guards, headlights, fuel tanks and front fenders. The new fender received particular attention, with a new shape that reduces mud build-up. According to KTM, the new shape combined with the modified attachment to the lower triple clamp make the fender 50% stiffer than the previous component.

The SX models also get the new fender as well as the new fuel tanks. The four-stroke SX-F models also get the same fuel pump system as the EXC models, so owners can install the larger EXC fuel tanks from the KTM’s PowerParts catalog. Continue Reading »

American motocross pioneer, race team manager and motorcycle industry executive Mark Blackwell is getting another honor: being recognized as an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend. Blackwell, who was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2000, will be feted alongside the 2013 induction class during AMA Legends Weekend, Oct. 18-19 at the Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa and Casino in Las Vegas.

Blackwell will be honored alongside Torsten Hallman, another member of the of 2000 class, who will be recognized as a Legend for helping introduce motocross to America and for founding gear maker Thor. Like Hallman, Blackwell excelled at several different facets of the motorcycle industry.

As a racer, Blackwell was one of America’s first motocross racing stars, competing in the late ’60s and early ’70s. In 1970, Blackwell was hired to ride for Husqvarna and traveled to Sweden to train with the factory riders. He came back to the U.S. the following year and raced in the Trans-AMA series, winning the American class title by beating Brad Lackey by a single point. In 1972, Blackwell won the prestigious Daytona Motocross before returning to international racing in Europe. Continue Reading »

Ducati sold 9,817 motorcycles in the first three months of 2013, according to the first quarter report from parent company Audi. The first quarter sales result represents a 5.2% decline from the 10,360 Ducati motorcycles sold in the same quarter of 2012 when the company was owned by Investindustrial.

Sales were down in Europe where the economy continues to struggle. According to Ducati, the worldwide demand for 500cc and larger motorcycles contracted by 17.0%, so Ducati’s sales decrease wasn’t as bad as for other companies.

The U.S. continues to be Ducati’s largest sales market, with the company delivering 1,605 motorcycles to customers over the first quarter. Continue Reading »

Zero Motorcycles has announced a new model designed for military use. The 2013 Zero MMX was designed specifically for the U.S. Special Operations Forces who could take advantage of a silent-running vehicle capable of moving rapidly over rough terrain.

The MMX is based on the Zero MX but was developed under contract with the U.S. military to add a number of features not available on the civilian model. An undisclosed number of Zero MMX models are currently undergoing full operational testing.

The Zero MMX uses a keyless ignition system for quick departures, integrated wiring for front and rear infrared systems, a switchable headlight for running stealthily at night, a safety override switch and reserve power capabilities. The MMX also offers improved water protection so it can continue to operate even when submersed in up to a meter of water. Continue Reading »

Harley-Davidson riders around the world will head out on the road June 23-24 for the 2013 Harley-Davidson World Ride.

The event is organized by the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.), but non-members are invited to join in to celebrate Harley-Davidson‘s 110th anniversary as well as H.O.G.’s 30th anniversary.

“Harley-Davidson is celebrating two big anniversaries this year, and the World Ride is a great way for riders around the world to celebrate them with us,” says Ken Knuteson, H.O.G. director. “For these two days in June, we will join together to celebrate 110 years of great riding, and share the special bond that unites all Harley riders.” Continue Reading »

With the 2013 season now complete, Feld Motorsports and the International Motorcycling Federation have released its schedule for the 2014 AMA Supercross Championship.

The 2014 season will again feature 17 rounds held at baseball and football stadiums but there are some changes from this past season. The season will again start the first weekend in January with the first of three rounds at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., and end the beginning of May at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev.

Dropped from the schedule are Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome which is scheduled for demolition in February. Taking their places will be Ford Field in Detroit, Mich., and MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Continue Reading »

The Piaggio Group reported an 11.6% drop in net sales for the first quarter of 2013, the result of a struggling economy and unseasonably cold weather in Europe and a flatlining two-wheeler market in Vietnam. There was however some good news in North America, Vespa sales in India and a 27.8% increase in Moto Guzzi sales.

According to the company’s first quarter report, Piaggio reported net sales of 303.4 million euros (US$396.8 million), down from net sales of 343.1 million euros reported the same quarter of 2012. Motorcycles and scooters account for net sales of 181.0 million euros (US$236.8 million), an 8.7% decline from net sales of 198.4 million euros reported in the first quarter of 2012. Overall, the Piaggio Group reported a net profit of 1.1 million euros, compared to 3.2 million euros reported in the first quarter last year. Continue Reading »

Harley-Davidson dealers outscored dealers from other brands to take the top spot in the Pied Piper Prospect Satisfaction Index U.S. Motorcycle Industry Study for the second consecutive year.

The annual study measures the effectiveness of motorcycle dealerships, rating them on how they perform in different categories, such as inviting customers to sit on a floor model, offering demo rides and asking for a customer’s contact information. The study was conducted from July 2012 to April 2013 with data collected by 2,503 hired “mystery shoppers”.

We’ve included the full scores below as well as the scores from past years. One caveat however: Pied Piper PSI has rejigged its study questions and adjusted the weighting and scoring for the 2013 study to achieve an average score of 100. This resulted in a significant scoring changes compared to last year’s study and a wider range between the highest and the lowest scores.

Continue Reading »

John Surtees on the championship-winning 1960 MV Agusta racer.