On the heels of a strong Dakar Rally showing, Aprilia is rumored to have a full-tilt adventure bike in the works. Based on the Shiver platform, the Aprilia Tuareg will feature a 750cc v-twin motor, steel tube chassis, and a 21″ front wheel for maximum off-road capability. The Aprilia Toureg is expected to tip the scales under 200kg (441lbs), and a road version with a 19″ front wheel and 1200cc motor could also make the 2011 line-up.
Handwritten and then reproduced by Fiat-Yamaha, Valentino Rossi included an open letter with the announcement of his departure from Fiat-Yamaha to Marlboro Ducati. In his own words Rossi documents his “relationship” with the Yamaha YZR-M1, and is quick to point-out that it was Rossi’s direction and input that turned the bike into the weapon of choice in MotoGP. Reading the letter, it might be a bit strange as to why the message was included with the official press release from Yamaha, but peering between the lines some parting words can be inferred from Rossi, and perhaps greater insight into what makes a nine-time World Champion.
- Ducati CEO Confirms Rossi/Hayden for 2011
- Crash Proof Motorcycle Technology
- A Postscript on e-Power at Laguna Seca
- Ducati to Cycle World: You're a Bunch of Liars
- Reading Between the Lines of Valentino
- Concept: Harley-Davidson Brawler
- Electric Motorcycle Break-Even Calculator
- Ok Buell, We'll Bite...
- MV Agusta F3: The €9,000 Motorcycle that Castiglioni Hopes Will Save the Company
- A Better Look at the Ducati Mega Monster
UPDATE: In the wake of the embargo break, KTM has released official photos and a press release about the KTM FREERIDE concept motorcycles. They’ve been added to the bottom of the post.
German magazine Motorrad has leaked photos of the KTM Freeride near-production prototypes a few days ahead of the March 26th launch of the motorcycle at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show. The Freeride concepts are the first glimpse into a major manufacturer’s attempt at entering the electric motorcycle realm, and likely are a close representation to what we’ll see the Austrian company release to the public. More after the jump with photos.
Husqvarna has released pricing for its 2010 line-up of cross country, enduro, motocross and supermoto motorcycles. The big news for 2010 is that there will be an upgrade to Kayaba 48mm forks across the line. Also, the 2010 line-up will feature more flexible plastic, stronger and lighter wheel hubs (front and rear), and other tweaks on a per model basis.
We especially enjoy the SM510 for its happy merger of hooliganism meets serious racing machine. It is so choice. If you have the means, we highly recommend picking one up. Pricing after the jump
While not exactly “street bike” news, we thought the A&R readership would find this latest press release from KTM interesting nonetheless.
KTM owners of current SX, XC, XC-W, and EXC model dirt bikes can now have their motorcycles tuned by KTM factory technicians to the exact same specifications as the KTM factory supported race bikes.

It looks like there will be a respite over the battle to keep childrens’ dirt bikes on the showroom floors as the Consumer Product Safety Commission and officials representing motorcycle manufacturers and dealers have come to an agreement that will temporarily lift the federal ban on children’s motor vehicles that contain lead. The Motorcycle Industry Council has released at statement of its own about the temporary measure, and while they are pleased with the announcement, they urge Congress to step in and make a more permanent solution for children riders.

Zero Motorcycles has made the logical next step in its bike line-up by now offering a Supermoto version of its electric dirtbike, the Zero X. Zero has added 17″ street tires and a projector headlamp to make the transition necessary from dirt-track to city streets. With 31 horses and 62.5 lb-ft of torque instantly available, the clutchless one-speed “S” should make it up to 60 mph. Its four kWh battery lasts up to 60 miles, and can be recharged with the integrated charger, which will charge the battery up in less than four hours.

Spain’s BeOn Automotive has developed a kit capable of converting popular 450cc motocross bikes into single-cylinder road racers for little effort and cost. The concept isn’t new, Roland Sands Designs has been making single-cylinder racers for some time now, and the racing class is alive and well in Southern California, but having a bolt-on kit like this is much needed first. Like the RSD SuperSingles, the Project 450GP kit utilizes the stock frame frame and engine, and only swaps components like the suspension, bodywork and wheels.
Editor’s note: To dispel any confusion, the above photo is a photoshoped “Hyperstrada” designed to be the embodiment of Ducati’s new bike.
Rumors are about that Ducati is already showing to a select number of dealers, what can only be described as a BMW R1200GS killer. Based on their 1100cc air-cooled motor that powers the Monster, Multistrada, and Hypermotard, the new bike aims to be a more trail oriented dual-sport than the other road-tied bikes it shares its power plant with. The new bike is supposedly going to replace that Multistrada in Ducati’s positioning, with a greater focus on having off-road capability.
Source: MotoXMoto








