When Pierer Industrie AG purchased Husqvarna from BMW in January, it was obvious some major changes were on their way. Pierer Industries AG is owned by Stefan Pierer, who happens to be chief executive officer of KTM, which also happens to be the parent company of Husaberg. That’s three European motorcycle manufacturers with strong off-road lineages in the same family. Something was bound to happen.

Well the other shoe has finally dropped, with the announcement of Husqvarna and Husaberg reuniting to forming a new company to be called Husqvarna Sportmotorcycle GmbH, with . The move reunites the two Swedish marques after years under the ownership of other companies in Italy, Austria and Germany.

Husqvarna and Husaberg have a shared history. Husaberg originated as a splinter group of Husqvarna engineers that started its own company in 1988 after Husqvarna was acquired by Cagiva. From that point on, the two Swedish brands went their separate paths. Continue Reading »

Honda has completely overhauled its CRF250R motocross bike for 2014, offering an all-new engine and an aluminum beam frame inherited from the CRF450R. With a claimed weight of 231 pounds, the 2014 model is actually 4 pounds heavier than the 2013 model, but the new updates are designed to improve mass centralization, with Honda claiming it to be more flickable and nimble than before.

According to Honda, the new frame weighs 20.6 pounds, while the main frame spars meet the steering head lower than on the previous frame, helping lower the center of gravity. Honda says the new frame offers more “tuned” flex, improving front-end traction and corner speed.

The 2014 Honda CRF250R is powered by a liquid-cooled 249cc four-valve Unicam engine. It uses a new cylinder head and piston and has a higher compression ratio (13.5:1 from 13.2:1) than the 2013 CRF250R. Also new is the twin-muffler exhaust system. Both mufflers are shorter and tucked in than the single exhaust on the 2013 model, contributing to mass centralization. Continue Reading »

American Honda released a video teasing a new 2014 off-road model which will be revealed in May 14. The 2:21 video was shot with an action camera mounted along the top of the swingarm as the mystery model races around a motocross track.

The most obvious conclusion is the teaser is for the 2014 Honda CRF450R or CRF250R. Honda already updated the CRF450R for 2013, so it’s unlikely to be the model in the video, but the CRF250R hasn’t had a serious update since 2010 making it a more likely candidate.

Of course, it’s possible Honda may have something different in store. Why else would you hold a teaser campaign if there weren’t something unexpected? Perhaps Honda decided to follow KTM’s route and introduce a 350 model. Honda’s also ramping up its racing efforts by competing in the Dakar Rally again, so it’s possible this is a production version of its rally racer which itself is based on the CRF450X.

That being said, off-road motorcycle sales in the U.S. have been on a downward slope the last few years. The sales decline is only recently starting to flatten, but is this a good time to offer something drastically different? Continue Reading »

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 »

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 »

You’d be forgiven if you thought the motorcycle pictured here was a Husqvarna on steroids. No, despite the red and white colors and Husky’s recent reputation for showcasing surprising concept models at EICMA (such as the Mille 3 in 2010 and the Baja at this year’s show), the bike shown here is an all new model called the Brutus from a company called Over.

Designed by Alessandro Tartarini, formerly Lambretta designer and son of the founder of Italian motorcycle company Italjet, the Brutus is a pre-production concept that has been described as being a two-wheeled SUV. Over presented the Brutus at the 2012 EICMA Show, announcing plans for production in 2013.

With its thick Maxxis Bighorn tires, the Brutus is designed to tackle rough terrain including thick sand. And when the temperature drops, Over says the Brutus can be used in the snow. Yes, snow. In fact, the Brutus will be available with a snowmobile conversion kit including skis for the front end and track for the rear. Other accessories include a generator, winch set, tow bar and, if the Brutus doesn’t look oddball enough, a sidecar. Continue Reading »

The Top Gear Live Stunt Team completed the first ever double loop-the-loop on a motorcycle, with rider Gary Hoptrough successfully navigating the two 26-foot loops on a KTM 250 SX-F. Look for the video after the jump.

Hoptrough completed the “Deadly 720″ stunt in front of an audience of 4000 as part of the live touring version of the BBC series “Top Gear” at the Birmingham NEC in the U.K. The stunt followed a similar one performed earlier in the year with a buggy. The four-wheeled stunt was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the first ever double loop by a car, and Hoptrough’s stunt will likely also be ratified as a first for a motorcycle.

“We started Top Gear in its current incarnation ten years ago as a pokey little motoring show and never dreamt of setting World Records,” says Jeremy Clarkson, co-host of “Top Gear”. “To be fair, all James (May), Richard (Hammond) and I did was to stand on stage and introduce a stunt man mad enough to want to turn him self upside twice on a bike. But it was pretty nerve wracking and spectacular!” Continue Reading »

Zero Motorcycles made a big splash at the 2012 Intermot show in Cologne, Germany, announcing a host of impressive updates. We’ll have a more in-depth look for you tomorrow, for now, here are the highlights:

• A higher-voltage Z-Force power pack;
• An average power increase of 99% across the entire lineup;
• A claimed range of 137 city miles for the Zero S;
• A quick charge to 95% of battery capacity in under an hour using CHADeMO charge stations;
• iPhone and Android phone integration via Bluetooth;
• All new frames;
• New bodywork on the Zero S and Zero DS;
• The Zero MX gets upsized, while the Zero X gets replaced by:
• The new Zero FX claiming 44 hp, 70 ft-lb. of torque and a weight of just 275 pounds;

Continue Reading »

Off-road capability isn’t the first thing people consider when shopping for a scooter but it is one of the more surprising traits of the Yamaha Zuma 125. In his review of the Zuma 125, Tom Roderick says the scooter “radiates a more adventurous attitude” than most scooters, with its knobby tires and hand guards making it capable for the odd excursion off the pavement.

But if you’re still not convinced, Yamaha‘s Taiwanese arm has released a video featuring the Zuma 125 (or BWS 125, as it is known internationally) getting rough and rugged in the dirt. The 3-minute video is the second in a series of videos produced by Yamaha Motor Taiwan to showcase the scooter.

The off-road video is embedded after the jump, but visit Yamaha Motor Taiwan to see the other segments. Continue Reading »

Suzuki announced its 2013 motocross lineup including an updated RM-Z450 and RM-Z250. Both receive engine updates, new transmissions and new suspension.

Unlike competitors Honda and Kawasaki however, Suzuki did not equip its motocross bikes with Kayaba‘s new pneumatic spring forks. Instead, Suzuki has updated its RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 with Showa Separate Function Forks, which divides damping and spring functions into the two fork legs. According to Suzuki, the new fully-adjustable SFF suspension system has less friction and weight while increasing absorption performance compared to the forks on the 2012 models.

“The RM-Z450 and RM-Z250 are the most successful fuel-injected motocross models ever made,” says Steve Bortolamedi, Suzuki senior communications manager. “The 2013 motocross lineup features new technology designed to dominate on the track and continue the tradition of race-winning performance that is at the core of all Suzuki products.” Continue Reading »