With the new Concours, Kawi created its first traction control system. Unlike the ABS, the rider can disable or enable KTRC, and can do so on the fly. The new TC system isn’t level selectable, like, say, Ducati’s DTC, and it isn’t intended to allow a rider to go faster on their Connie. It is largely a safety feature. Click here for the full review.

Hit the jump and see how the new traction control system (KTRC) works.

Aprilia cut short its launch event for the new RSV4R at Italy’s Mugello circuit as not one, not two, not three, not even four but FIVE pre-production models suffered engine failure.

Motorcycle.com contributor Tor Sagen was at Mugello in Tuscany and was scheduled to do a few laps on the world-class circuit on the RSV4R, a lower-spec version of the Aprilia RSV4 Factory. Tor reports the engine problems were being attributed to the conrods from the first batch of 50 pre-production engines.

Join the legends of motocross as they pay tribute to Tony DiStefano.

Hosted by Bob “Hurricane” Hannah and attended by David Bailey, Mark “The Bomber” Barnett, Rick Johnson, Gary & Dwayne Jones, “Bad” Brad Lackey, John “The Flyin Hawaiian” DeSoto, Danny LaPorte, Warren Reid, Malcolm Smith, Steve Stackable, “Rocket” Rex Staten, Chuck Sun, Larry “Supermouth” Huffman and a host of others who will howl at the moon… and each other!

The legends tell tall tales and other horror stories about life on the motocross circuit.

All the details after the jump.

Honda’s new VFR1200F in action at Sugo in Japan.

UPDATE: 2010 Honda VFR1200F Review -  First Ride Article

I’m here at the Sugo Sportsland racetrack in Japan, an odd place for what seems to be a sport-touring machine like the new VFR1200F. But my time at Sugo today was one of the most incredible riding experiences of my career.

First off, lets dispel the notion the VFR is a direct competitor to sports tourers like Yamaha’s FJR1300 or the Honda ST1300. It’s lighter and more nimble, with racier ergonomics. It’s also smaller in the flesh than it appears in photographs. More attractive, too.

Here is a collection of videos from the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.  Based on this year’s show, it’s inevitable that we’ll see a continued emphasis on clean and green two-wheelers as time marches on, to read the full report from Kevin Duke, visit motorcycle.com for all the details.

Our own Kevin Duke is currently in Tokyo, he will be attending this years Tokyo Motor Show and will be giving us an update tomorrow.  Kevin will surely get to see this Yamaha hybrid concept with his own eyes but for now we have a introduction video for you.

Its no accident that two riders representing Brammo started their PR road trip earlier this week from Ann Arbor, MI to Washington, DC.  It also the happens to be about the same route CEO’s took from the big three, but instead of asking for a handout they are only looking to promote electric transportation as a solution to the transportation “crisis”.

An emotional Erik Buell has posted a video on the Buell Motorcycle site officially announcing that Harley-Davidson has shut down all Buell motorcycle production.  Harley-Davidson will honor all warranties for Buell owners, Buell dealers will still be selling the limited supply of bikes that are currently on hand.  Visit Motorcycle.com News for more details.

You can watch the video statement from Eric Buell after the jump.

The Star Motorcycles VMax is the most powerful production streetbike in mass production. On October 25, 2009, a few VMax enthusiasts will be tearing up the dragstrip at Sacramento Raceway Park. The event is open to all www.starVmax.com and www.rswarrior.com members.

UPDATE: FULL REVIEW HERE!

So much for predictions.

Weather during the month of October in Bologna,Italy, can typically be cold and wet. Indeed, that was exactly the weather we were dealt on the first ride day of the world press launch of the 2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796. Funny thing, though, weather forecasts for the day were boasting of mostly sunny skies and warm, mid-to-upper 70s temps.

The other missed prediction of the day was my anticipating the new Hypermotard to be nothing more than a breathed on Monster 696 mill in Hypermotard 1100 clothing.