Last fall, Suzuki introduced a new tourer called the C90T B.O.S.S. The acronym was obvious enough, standing for “Blacked-Out Special Suzuki”, and that’s what the Suzuki C90T B.O.S.S. was. What was apparent was that Suzuki would not stop at just one B.O.S.S. model. Hence the announcement of three more B.O.S.S. models joining Suzuki’s lineup.

The obvious addition is the 2013 Suzuki C90 B.O.S.S., the cruiser version of the C90T. Stripped of the windshield and hard bags, the C90 is otherwise the same as the C90T B.O.S.S., with black wheels, forks, exhaust and a blackened 90-cubic-inch (1462cc) V-Twin engine.

Joining Suzuki’s lineup as a 2014 model is the Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S. Based on the M109R, the B.O.S.S. version adds black wheels, handlebars, mufflers, fork tubes, engine covers, brake calipers and other black components. The only thing straying from script is the Marble Daytona Yellow on the fender, headlight cowl, fuel tank, tail and wheel striping. Continue Reading »

BMW revealed a new concept to mark the company’s 90th year in the motorcycle business while also paying tribute to a classic: the BMW R90S. (UPDATED with video.)

The product of a collaboration between the BMW Motorrad Design studio and Roland Sands Designs, the BMW Concept Ninety will be displayed alongside other classic BMW motorcycles at the 2013 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, May 24-26 in Italy.

The Concept Ninety carries many styling cues from the R90S, BMW’s classic superbike. Like it’s forebearer, the Concept Ninety sports a bikini fairing and Daytona Orange paint. The fairing wraps around a round headlight, but unlike the original R90S’ halogen bulb, the Concept uses a modern LED light. The overall aluminum bodywork is sleek and, seen from the side, the fairing, tank and tail forms a wedge shape resembling the cross section of an airplane’s wing. This effect is further strengthened by the contrast of the engine which is blacked out except for the valve covers of the iconic boxer engine. Continue Reading »

Husaberg may soon be no more, but that hasn’t stopped the Austria-based Swedish brand from unveiling its 2014 lineup of seven models. News broke last week of plans to reunite Husaberg with Husqvarna, to be known as Husqvarna Sportmotorcycle GmbH as of October 2013, making lineup of of seven off-road bikes including both two- and four-stroke models the final traces of the Husaberg as an independent brand.

These 2014 models will also give us some indication of what to expect from the new Husqvarna models. They’ll also share some similarities with the recently announced 2014 off-road lineup from Husaberg’s parent company, KTM. Husqvarna will introduce its new off-road lineup with Husaberg technology in November at the 2013 EICMA show in Milan, Italy.

Ironically, this final year of Husaberg motorcycles also marks the brand’s 25th anniversary. As such, all 2014 Husaberg models will have 25th anniversary graphics. The 2014 Husaberg lineup will consist of the four-stroke FE 250, FE 350, FE 450 and FE 501 and the two-stroke TE 125, TE 250 and TE 300. Continue Reading »

A couple of weeks ago, we wrote about KTM‘s 2014 off-road lineup for Europe highlighted by an updated 250 EXC-F and other updates across the model lineup. KTM has now released information about its U.S.-spec models which include the same updates while keeping some differences from the European versions.

For off-road riders in the U.S., KTM is offering the street-legal four-stroke 350 EXC-F and 500 EXC and their solely off-road XCF-W and XC-W, the four-stroke 250 XCF-W and the two-stroke 200, 250, 300 and 450 XC-W models.

American motocross riders will have the choice of the four-stroke 250,  350 and 450 SX-F as well as the two-stroke 125, 150 and 250 SX models. Cross-country riders can opt for the four-stroke 250, 350 and 450 XC-F equivalents as well as the 150, 250 and 300 XC two-strokes. KTM USA will also offer four youth models, the 50 SX Mini and the 50, 65 and 85 SX. Continue Reading »

If you’ve never seen a sidecar race, you’d be amazed at how different it is from motorcycle racing. Not only do you have some entirely different physics at work with the third wheel, you also have a passenger sprawled over the chassis behind the rider, sticking his body out to either side at lean angles that would make Marc Marquez break a sweat. Check out the video after the jump to see for yourself.

Take a look under the fairing of a sidecar racer and you’ll see how radically different it is from most other forms of motorcycle racing. KTM’s official blog posted a feature on German IDM racers Josef Sattler and Stefan Trautner who are racing the 2013 season in a sidecar powered by a V-Twin engine from a KTM RC8 R. The post offers a rare look at the chassis and engine of their sidecar racer. Continue Reading »

The annual Women’s Sportbike Rally presented by Draggin’ Jeans is returning for the eighth time to the Smoky Mountains the weekend of September 6-8 for fun, friends, riding and raising funds for the fight against Melanoma. The event headquarters and activities also return to the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort at the foot of the famous “Tail of the Dragon.” Continue Reading »

Fifty years ago Corradino D’Ascanio penned his final design for Vespa, the Vespina (little Vespa) 50. The Vespa 50 was popular among the Italian youth market, spawning future generations of Vespa enthusiasts.

To celebrate the anniversary of this influential scooter, Piaggio Americas is launching a five-week user-generated digital and social campaign highlighting the Vespa 50cc’s influence on the transportation and cultural landscape. Vespa owners and fans are encouraged to share their 50cc stories on Vespa’s digital lifestyle destination lavespavita.com and submit photos via Flickr, Twitter or Instagram by using the hashtag #VESPAVITA. Continue Reading »

Transport Canada announced two separate transmission-related recalls for the 2012 and 2013 Triumph Speed Triple. At this time, the recall only affects Speed Triples in Canada though a separate recall should be expected for the U.S. market. The recall also only affects the base model Triumph Speed Triple but it’s not clear if the R version is also affected.

According to Transport Canada, the transmission on some units may have been installed with an incorrect detent spring. As a result, the transmission may inadvertently shift out of gear while the Speed Triple is moving. This recall affects 24 units.

The second recall is for an incorrect washer installed under the neutral switch. The washer may cause the neutral indicator light to remain lit even when a gear is selected. A rider may thus mistakenly believe the motorcycle is in neutral when it in fact is not. If the rider releases the clutch in such a situation, the motorcycle could surge forward unexpectedly. This recall affects 33 units. Continue Reading »

What had you accomplished by age seven? Most kids this age, myself included, were just getting through the second grade, learning simple math and playing Tee Ball with the other neighborhood kids. Dane Morales, of Aliso Viejo, California, isn’t like most kids. You see, at seven years old Dane already has himself two national championships in two different sports, BMX and motocross.

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Transport Canada announced a recall for the 2012 Triumph Daytona 675 and 675R because certain units may be missing a throttle cable guide.

Without the guide, the throttle cable may get stuck in the steering stop, preventing the throttle from opening or closing properly. Such a situation could result in a loss of propulsion or, if the throttle is stuck open, could make it difficult to slow or stop the motorcycle.

Triumph dealers will inspected recalled units and if necessary install a throttle cable guide. In some cases, the throttle cables themselves may also be replaced. Continue Reading »