BMW S1000RR Prototype April 17, 2008 – BMW today released the official photos of the 2009 BMW S 1000 RR race bike. This motorcycle hasn’t been a very well kept secret, and the motorcycle shown here will be the basis for the motorcycle BMW will campaign in World Superbike racing. The photos of the S 1000 RR were …

The BMW “MEGAMOTO”! (April 2008) – BMW Motorrad is proudly presenting the new Megamoto. It’s based on the BMW HP2 Enduro. This unique motorcycle will rank right at the top among all street-legal two-cylinder Supermotos thanks to its supreme performance and the use of top-class materials. Consistently following the HP2 model line, the Megamoto impressively …

2008 Ducati Monster Tour The Ducati Monster Tour Gets Underway The Monster 696 is blazing a trail to the most beautiful settings in Italy and abroad Bologna, 10 April 2008 – In the same days of the arriving at worldwide European Ducati Stores, Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. is pleased to announce the start of the …

Fatalities Increase With Repeal of Helmet Laws March 31, 2008 – Since 1975, more than 100,000 motorcycle riders in America have died in crashes. The majority of states required motorcycle helmets in 1975, but today only 20 states have universal helmet laws that require all riders to wear helmets. 26 states have partial coverage laws …

March 3, 2008 – It’s finally here!  Honda announced today the final production version of the unique and innovative Honda DN-01 “Sports Cruiser”! Honda Motor, Co., Ltd. announced that sales of the DN-01 large sports cruiser will begin in Japan on Friday, March 7. The price and delivery date for the UK has not been set, …

February 18, 2008 – Other than some interesting new colors and graphics, there wasn’t much in the way of new clothing technology at the Indy Dealer Expo that I found — with two exceptions. Rev’it had their usual lineup of interesting, evolved and advanced motorcycle clothing, and I’ll devote an entire page to their new lineup, …

The webBikeWorld Live Report From The 2008 Powersports Dealer Expo Brembo usually has some tasty bits to release at the Powersports Dealer Expo, and this year the are showing four new products for the North American market. This includes new motorcycle front and rear caliper kits and two unique master cylinders for motorcycles, significantly expanding the company’s …

The webBikeWorld Live Report From The 2008 Powersports Dealer Expo Indianapolis, Indiana – February 16, 2008 Brembo press release edited by webBikeWorld.com Brembo usually has some tasty bits to release at the Powersports Dealer Expo, and this year the are showing four new products for the North American market. This includes new motorcycle front and rear caliper …

Motorcycle HID Headlight Conversion This wasn’t my first attempt to add aftermarket HID lighting to my 2004 BMW K1200LT. Last spring I fell for a “too good to pass up” $129.99 eBay conversion kit sold by CQ Lighting (similar kits can be had for under $80 now). Ten days after making my payment, I received …

January 28, 2008 – Ducati today announced the 1098 R, claimed to be “the lightest, most powerful twin-cylinder bike ever” with a true competition-level traction control system supplied as standard for maximum track performance. This is the Ducati press release on the bike: The 1098 R is Ducati’s ultimate Superbike.  Ducati calls the engine “the …

The New BMW F 800 GS! Contents: Concept and Background Vehicle Characteristics and Technology Range of Equipment Colors Engine Output and Torque Technical Data F 800 GS Tires: Tubed or Tubeless? UPDATE:  April 2009 – Our BMW F800GS Review! GlobeRiders BMW F800GS Instructional DVD Review! New BMW Adventure Bike Expected to Arrive at Retailers This Fall …

Luggage Locker Motorcycle Tail Bag High-quality, custom designed luggage that can be secured to the motorcycle. This is a review of the Luggage Locker Elite Seat Sack. First off, let me say I have been strapping things to motorcycles since 1992 and this is one of the finest pieces of luggage I have purchased. These …

January 11, 2008 – We don’t usually cover cruiser items but this press release came through and it looks pretty interesting. The 360 Brake is a unique motorcycle braking system that is completely contained in a five-inch hub mounted around the axle; it looks like there‘s no brake at all! The circular piston and pads …

Best Motorcycle Products of 2007 January 3, 2008 – Here we are — another year bites the dust, which means that it’s time once again for the webBikeWorld Motorcycle Product of the Year awards! It’s become a New Year’s tradition to pick our favorite motorcycle products and accessories from all of the interesting gear we reviewed …

Ducati Announces the New RR The Ducati Desmosedici RR production prototype was launched at Mugello on the eve of the Italian Grand Prix. Available starting in July 2007, this MotoGP replica motorcycle can be reserved through your local Ducati dealer! UPDATE:  December 15, 2007 – Ducati has announced that the entire production run of 1,500 …

Airbag Technology for Motorcycle Racers The technology piloted for the Dainese D-Air air bag system was used for the first time ever during the Grand Prix race in Valencia when it was inadvertently tested by by Marco Simoncelli in 250 cc class. The D-Air air bag system was designed by Dainese (the racing version is …

Triumph Triple Challenge Back Bigger and Better in 2008 November 21, 2007 – The Triumph Triple Challenge one-make Championship will enter its second season in 2008, boasting a bigger and better prize fund for entrants, as well as the chance for the hottest and brightest UK talent to shine on the World stage. A test …

SPOT GPS Personal Tracking Device November 21, 2007 – AdventureTRAK, Inc. has announced the highly anticipated arrival of the SPOT Personal Tracking Device. SPOT is a brand new GPS personal tracking system satellite messenger unit that is available for sale or rental. The SPOT GPS personal tracking system is designed to work with total satellite-based …

The Albrex Triumph Rocket III Turbo: “Rocket Roll!” November 2007) – 750, 800, 850 pounds plus rider — who cares?  When three cylinders and 2,300 cc’s get hit by a turbocharger driving a single wheel, Weight Watchers is the last thing on your mind. Much more important is both hands on the bars, a grip of …

2008 Moto Guzzi Report The big news at Moto Guzzi for 2008 is the Stelvio (see our report).  But the Mandello del Lario based company has also made a few updates to the 1200 Sport and a major engine update for the Griso for 2008. We’ve included some information on the new Griso 8V, including …

The New Moto Guzzi Stelvio! The Moto Guzzi Stelvio, cousin to the Moto Guzzi Quota (remember it?), is ready for market and will be sold by Moto Guzzi dealers worldwide in 2008. The bike was announced at the EICMA show in Milan in November of 2007. The Stelvio should make a nice competitor for the …

KTM RC8 The New KTM RC8 Superbike! Here are some photos of this fantastic-looking machine, and… Photos Courtesy of KTM.  Photographers:  H. Mitterbauer (Studio photos).  P. Friedl  (Track photo).  R. Schedl  (KTM On-track). More:  Stefan Nebel named as KTM RC8 test rider (below) KTM 1190 RC8: Official Superbike premiere in Milan!  KTM first released some computer-generated …

2008 BMW Motorcycles BMW’s two-wheel product expansion takes another step forward for 2008, with six new or extensively revised models in four different categories. In addition, the company moves into yet one more displacement class this year with another all-new off-road design. The company’s HP, Supersport and Adventure-Touring ranks also expand via new or extensively …

Wizards Mist-n-Shine Quick Detailer Manufacturer’s Information Category:  Quick detailer Type: Spray bottle, 22 oz. (650 ml) Manufacturer: Wizards Products Made In: U.S.A Retail Price: $14.25 Claims – “Anti-Static; Anti-Streak; No Silicone; No Oily Film; Slippery; High Gloss.” For Use On – “Use on paint, chrome, glass.  Safe for paint, clear coat, metal, glass, plastic and rubber trim.” Claimed Features – “Safely removes …

Ducati Commits the the European Road Safety Charter Ducati has committed itself to promoting and adhering to the European Road Safety Charter. The European Road Safety Charter is intended to save 25,000 lives a year by 2010. It represents a new phase in the European Union’s commitment to road safety. The European Road Safety Charter was …

Wizards Black Renew Manufacturer’s Information Category:  Black plastic and trim cleaner Type: Squeeze bottle, 8 oz. (237 ml) Manufacturer: Wizards Products Made In: U.S.A Retail Price: $12.95 Claims – “Cleans, Renews, Protects all color exterior trim.” For Use On – “Use to remove old wax and white compound residue from old moldings, bumpers, door handles and mud guards.” Claimed Features – “Water …

Wizards Power Seal Manufacturer’s Information Category:  Metal polish sealant Type: Squeeze bottle, 8 oz. (237 ml) Manufacturer: Wizards Products] Made In: U.S.A Retail Price: $12.95 Claims – “Micro Polishes, Super Seals, Environmental Shield.  Transfers an ‘acrylic’ environmental shield to metal surfaces that helps retain gloss and resist tarnishing.” For Use On – “Smooth or previously polished metals.” Claimed Features – “Protects against …

Wizards Metal Renew Manufacturer’s Information Category:  Metal polish Type: Squeeze bottle, 8 oz. (237 ml) Manufacturer: Wizards Products Made In: U.S.A. Retail Price: $12.95 Claims – “Cleans, Shines, Protects.” For Use On – “All types of metal surfaces.  Wheels, exhaust parts, accessories, truck tanks (?), motorcycle components.  Aluminum, stainless steel, brass, bronze, copper, nickel magnesium, tarnished chrome, silver and gold.” Claimed …

Wizards Metal Polish   Manufacturer: Wizards Products Retail Price: $12.95 Type: Cotton wadding, 3.3 oz. (85 g) Made In: U.S.A. Category:  Metal polish Claims – “Cleans, Shines, Protects.” For Use On – “Use on aluminum, tarnished chrome, stainless steel, brass, copper, nickel, pewter, magnesium, silver, gold.  Not recommended for plated gold, plated silver or show chrome.  Safe for use on coated …

Wizards Supreme Seal Paint Sealant Manufacturer’s Information Category:  Paint sealant Manufacturer: Wizards Products Type: Squeeze bottle, 12 oz. (355 ml) Retail Price: $16.45 Made In: U.S.A. Claims – “Bonds to Paint; Tight Micro Seal; Super Acrylic Gloss; Tougher Than Wax.  Durable paint sealant, engineered to bond to paint with a tight ‘micro sealing’ process.” For Use On – “Safe and recommended …

From “D.W.” (December 2012): “I can’t believe I fell victim to this design fault and didn’t realise until I went looking for the information after the event. The front wheel on my newly purchased R1200GSA locked up as I came off the tar seal onto a gravel section. I have four broken ribs a broken ankle …

Wizards Shine Master Manufacturer’s Information Category:  Liquid polish Manufacturer: Wizards Products Type: Squeeze bottle, 16 oz. (473 ml) Retail Price: $16.45 Made In: U.S.A. Owner Comments:  Below Claims – “Show Gloss; Removes Swirls; Easy On – Easy Off; Durable Polymer Protection; Safe for Freshly Painted Surfaces.” For Use On – “Safe and recommended for clear coat, stripes and decals, fiberglass, Lexan, Plexiglas …

StarCom1 Intercom Review Not perfect, but a good system for basic communications (2007 style). Editor’s Note:  Mark B., who wrote this article, kindly donated his honorarium to awebBikeWorld charity. This is a review of my experience installing and using the StarCom1 Advance motorcycle communication system. The kit and accessories were purchased from Jeff at Bike …

Ducati Confirms Hypermotard Production May 7, 2007: Final Hypermotard Specifications The Hypermotard takes on urban canyons and mountain curves with total abandon. Its purpose is single-minded – to thrill. The aggressive ‘motard’ styling and stance combine with Ducati Sportbike technology to deliver the best of both worlds. With a riding position that ensures total control, …

UPDATE:  Agostini’s MV Agusta on display (see below). The Stamford (Connecticut) Museum & Nature Center is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The museum will host a vintage motorcycle exhibition tracing the MV Agusta brand from its World War II inception to today, …

Turtle Wax ICE Manufacturer’s Information Category:  Liquid polish Manufacturer: Turtle Wax Type: Liquid, 16 oz. (473 cc) Retail Price: $14.99 (est) Made In: U.S.A. Claims – “Clear wax formulated with completely new technology that blends silicone and hydrocarbon polymers to provide extraordinary shine and durability.” For Use On – Painted surfaces, exterior rubber, plastic and vinyl trim. Claimed Features – Clear; leaves …

Ducati 1098 Exhaust August 11, 2007 – Graves Motorsports has announced a pair of cool new Ducati 1098 slip-on exhausts that has been added to their line of American made motorcycle exhaust systems. Graves had previously focused on the Yamaha market because of their involvement in motorcycle racing, but they said they have expanded their …

Ducati Desmosedici RR July 4, 2007 – The fireworks have started! The Ducati Desmosedici RR made its first ever public appearance in action around the Misano Circuit at World Ducati Week 2007 on Saturday, June 30, ridden by official Ducati MotoGP Team test rider, Vittoriano Guareschi. In front of thousands of Ducatisti, the pre-series version …

Expensive as far as jeans go, but if they live up to their claims — a bargain. Are any jeans worth $399 a pair? Only you can decide, but for me it’s cheap insurance. This reviewer caught the motorcycle bug again — 15 long years since selling his last bike, a 1989 Honda CBR 600. …