Ducati unveils Multistrada 1200 race replica

Ducati Newport Beach has come up with what appears to be the first Multistrada 1200 race replica, which they plan to take to the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

The 1200S features a smaller windscreen, hand guards and a new tail section. This means no luggage racks, lights or number plate holder, making the bike look much more suitable for pumping adrenaline. Also, although it doesn’t make any difference when ridding the bike, that 1198-like red/white/black paintjob does send a clue about the Italian two-wheeler’s racing inspirations.

No word on any possible power increase yet, but considering the standard model’s 150hp, there shouldn’t be any, or at least not a significant one. Expect to find this in Pikes Peak, Colorado on June 26-27.

The Ducati Multistrada 1200 is a highly successful motorcycle due to its huge versatility, so a racing replica should delight everyone planning to buy such a model in the future. We shall wait and see if Ducati makes a move in the near future.

Joe Garcia plans 2nd run for Congress2010 Ducati Multistrada, the new kind of ride in the United States?

Suzuki Gladius NaSty concept brings a supermoto feel

For the NaSty concept, GPDesign has taken Suzuki’s entry-level naked bike, the Gladius, and made their best in turning it into a supermoto version. Focusing on technology and innovation to enhance the design and emphasize safety, the NaSty concept also has the purpose of keeping riders interested in the bike as it is claimed to be very versatile.

Among its most important features we find the 2.75-inch taller seat. The sporty looking unit is actually made of alcantara leather and it is water resistant, so quality was definitely taken into consideration. Also, they’ve added supermoto handlebars with handguards and everything. These lasts together with the tall front fender and front plastic body parts do make the Gladius in its NaSty form even easier to love.

4 Haitians jockeying to make historySuzuki V-Strom 1000/SE Touring

The sexiest BMW S1000RR owner ever!

If beauty is what your eyes keep rolling after, you surely are familiar to American model Hope Dworaczyk and the BMW S1000RR superbike, but we’ve come to find that these two beauties recently collided.

Playboy magazine selected the 25-year-old Texan to be their ‘Playmate of the Year’ and handed her in a $100,000 check and the keys to 2010’s best superbike. With that kind of wheels and money, she can go riding around the world for a year with a few photo studio stops, of course. Here’s her first shot with the bike…we know, it hurts.

Last but most importantly, this is the first time in 45 years that the Playmate of the Year has been given a motorcycle instead of a car, meaning bikers are expecting even more such delights.

Outside lawyers’ earnings from Florida capped at $50MLeslie Porterfield makes BMW’s S1000RR look faster, classier

Suzuki V-Strom 1000/SE Touring

Suzuki plays an important role in the dual-sport category, like always before, with the V-Strom 1000 model. A bike designed for all kinds of roads and all kinds of riders, this is without a doubt a benchmark in matters of versatility and comfort with many secrets yet to be unveiled by every rider individually. Furthermore, Suzuki also offers the V-Strom 1000SE Touring, which raises the bike’s long haul credentials.


In Haiti, funerals become eulogies for a nationFunny: “fully-accessorized” Suzuki DR

Ducati Desmotracker by Oberdan Bezzi

Here’s another interesting motorcycle sketch that has just emerged from the magic hands of Oberdan Bezzi, who not only sees the Ducati Desmotracker as just a new Duck, but an important part of a whole new lineup that is supposed to be called “single demo”. The other one would be the Desmoscrambler that we have recently seen.

Although Ducati didn’t quite seem an adept of the single-cylinder engine configuration lately, we have to admit that Obiboi’s concept looks plausible and very attractive, the kind of bike that Steve McQueen would have liked to ride. Click past the break for the official description (google translation).

Real estate billionaire joins Florida’s U.S. Senate raceDucati Desmoscrambler concept by Oberdan Bezzi

The motorcycle hearse is a ride to HOG heaven [w/video]

Bikers who reach the end of the road usually have no regrets, except the fact that they didn’t get the chance to ride some more. That’s where the motorcycle hearse intervenes. Designed and built by Mike Price from Auckland, New Zealand, this is probably the coolest way for a person who has dedicated an entire life to the road to set off to his/her resting place.

Price is actually an automotive engineer, so when the idea came to mind, he wanted to do this the right and official way, meaning he asked Harley-Davidson to take a look at his project. They wanted a lengthy contract, so Price decided that the motorcycle hearse would be created by him during his spare time. Said and done. He did use a 1,350 cc H-D V-twin motor and made sure the hearse would be able to carry up to 440 lbs in between the wheels, where the coffin sits.

Because the bike had to be much longer than any standard Harley, it is now ridden by two persons and it is much safer this way. Also, a system of complex system of hydraulics helps stabilize the bike and once at the destination, the rig slides out with only a push of a button. Hit the jump for the videos.

Lawmaker glimpsed `beach babe’ photoHarley-Davidson XR1200 monster bike

Suzuki GSX-R1000/25th Anniversary Edition

While the last Suzuki GSX-R 1000 model didn’t just feature some new color schemes and that was it – as Suzuki’s liter class model turned into a more compact, lighter, as well as a more powerful package in 2009 – the 2010 one carries on being produced without any technical or visual changes apart from the new color schemes. Furthermore, the Japanese manufacturer offers a 25th anniversary limited edition model to celebrate the fact that the Gixxer has been around for a quarter of a century and this might just be enough to keep it on the buyer’s map in 2010.


Suzuki GT550 café racer looks the bestGov. Charlie Crist to decide about leadership funds

Triumph Bonneville café racer by LSL

Although it looks like a whole new British bike, this is actually LSL’s Triumph Bonneville ‘Tridays’ Limited edition café racer that the German accessories and customizing specialists have built for the three-day Triumph motorcycle reunion held in Neukirchen, Austria this year from 25-27th of June.

Starting from a 2010 Bonneville, the LSL team has painted the alloy wheels in black and brought in a Remus exhaust, YSS shocks, new instrumentation, ace bars, racer-style seat and polished alloy mudguards, just to name a few of the bike’s distinctive features.

LSL will only build twenty such units and plans on selling them for $16,445 (€12,950). The price also includes a package trip to the Tridays festival. Visit the Tridays website for more information.

Triumph Bonneville by DeusJoe Garcia plans 2nd run for Congress

2010 Ducati Multistrada, the new kind of ride in the United States?

Versatility sells. That’s a fact. But when the level of orders exceeds even the manufacturer’s expectations is when you know you got yourself a winner in your lucky hands. This pretty much describes Ducati’s case with the all-new Multistrada 1200, which was introduced in the United States this past weekend. Turns out that the 150hp and over 87lb/ft of torque Italian motorcycle featuring four different riding modes – Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro – won the heart of the Americans and Ducati has pre-sold more than 500 units. They even call it "2010’s Hottest Motorcycle," and it now comes with a sixty-day waiting period. Please read the press release after the jump.


Ducati Desmotard concept by Oberdan BezziCongress debates Puerto Rico referendum

The airboat-inspired trike

Although we have to admit that it’s the babe that caught our attention in the first place, we’ve come to find that this is not a regular trike, not at all. Notice that there is nothing where the V-twin engine would normally sit and if you’ll look at the back you will see an airboat engine and propeller with a protection web and everything.

We know that trikes are supposed to catch people’s attention and while this one sure does so we can’t see how it copes with the other machines in its family. One thing is for sure: you wouldn’t want to ride behind that thing…

Democrats stand by candidate seeking Obama seatAprilia RS 50

Yamaha YZ450F

Get the Flash Player to see the videos.
In 2010, Yamaha plans to rule all competitions involving 450cc dirt bikes with their entirely redesigned YZ450F model. This is a bike that with ingenious engineering solves a big problem for all bikes in its category – space. It features a reversed cylinder engine allowing the entire reorganization of the engine bay and it is all mounted on a completely new, lighter frame. The rest is just a matter of finesse and it is all covered in the following article.


Yamaha WR250XGOP pressures Charlie Crist to halt U.S. Senate run

Triumph Bonneville by Deus

There’s little what people reproach to the standard Triumph Bonneville, but at seeing what the guys at Deus can do with it, suddenly there’s a whole lot needing to be improved. If it is to follow the Deus recipe, the Bonnie would have to be 2 inches shorter and 2.5 inches longer than the original. Still, the modified rear frame section makes for a 4 inches shorter tail section.

At 11th hour, `turkeys’ fly in LegislatureTriumph Bonneville by Pettinari

2020 Harley-Davidson concept looks neat!

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are rideable legends, iron horses used by riders to traverse the world’s continents and they never seem to stop. Best characterized by their timeless looks and loud engines, it seems like they’ll be here a long time from now and we truly hope they will. But we also must admit that the need is felt for Harleys to evolve radically in the appropriate future, so it is just a matter of doing so in the right way.

Designer Jonathan Russell sees a way for H-D to appeal to 2020’s young crowd with a concept bike that looks clean and inviting, just the kind of machine needed to bring a fresh new feel in the Milwaukee company’s lineup. Although it looks like the 2010 H-D concept is all about a big engine, two wheels and a pair of handlebars, the designer also proposes some technological goodies from Apple.

Featuring lots of aluminum and laser etching as well as LEDs hidden under perforations in the bodywork, which should conclude in the thank-mounted instruments, taillight and signal lights, would this bike should look like a decade-old laptop on wheels? Anyway, it is worth a thorough look, so click past the break for more detailed sketches.

Harley-Davidson XR1200 monster bike

Yamaha YZ250F

Yamaha may not raise the stakes in the 250cc motocross/supercross class with their 2010 YZ250F model, but the bike does come with a new, more compact "Bilateral Beam" frame and KYB suspension that allow the rider to control it easier. Also, the engine now features modified valves, is being fed through an upgraded carburetor and breaths through a revised exhaust with “D” shaped exhaust port. All the modifications translate into more low-to-mid rpm power, which is precisely what the rider needs during motocross races. We have put together an article based on Yamaha’s press release, so hit the jump to read it.


Many still need food, shelter as coordination of relief efforts improves2010 Yamaha YZF-R1 MotoGP replicas by Yamaha France

Yamaha WR250R

Get the Flash Player to see the videos.
Not quite your everyday enduro motorcycle and not a dirt bike either, the WR250R is Yamaha’s most versatile two-wheeled machine, one that can take you off-road and on pavement with great ease thanks to a highly evolved and easily adaptive chassis and a potent quarter-liter engine. As you probably already infer, the best thing about it is that it can actually go on public roads, so it qualifies as a commuter too.


Aprilia Shiver 750 GT ABSStimulus fight augurs tough road for other Obama priorities

Triumph Bonneville by Pettinari

The Triumph Bonneville was the subject of infinite customization projects during the past decades and it seems that there’s always found a new way of turning GB’s iconic motorcycle into a better ride. Madame Bonnie represents such a project, but it comes from Italy, where Triumph specialists Pettinari have tricked it out.

No bike can be called a Bonnie unless the parallel-twin engine is present, so the Milan-based tuners retained the stock engine, but fitted it with 39mm Keihin CR racing carbs, a high performance air filter and a free-flow exhaust. These parts allow the motor to spin easier and sound much more aggressive.

Congress debates Puerto Rico referendumBonneville Street Tracker by Mule Motorcycles

2010 Yamaha YZF-R1 MotoGP replicas by Yamaha France

For the upcoming Le Mans MotoGP race, Yamaha France has released just four different race replicas of their four MotoGP riders. So the Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo replicas feature the Fiat-Yamaha color scheme, while those of Ben Spies and Colin Edwards received the Monster Tech3 Yamaha paintjobs.

But there’s actually much more to these bikes than just paint; there’s a small race kit, which includes:

Bike seat cover with the official team colors bearing the number of pilotPair of YEC racing leversReplica helmet of the MotoGP rider whose race replica you’ve chosen (which can be signed by that rider was well)Official Yamaha team shirt,2 paddock passes paddock at Le Mans for the Moto GP weekend“Wild card” track day with Yamaha instructorsCertificate of authenticity and a plaque attached to specific authentication framework makes these machines truly unique.Most importantly, the four Yamaha GP riders are the ones handing in the keys and that has probably the most to do with the fact that only the Colin Edwards replica is still available despite the €16,990 price tag, $1,000 more than what Europeans would pay for a standard R1.


Joe Garcia plans 2nd run for CongressYamaha FZ8 / ABS

2010 Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour reaches Giza [w/video]

The 2010 Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour has reached its second location – Giza – for an even more exciting round next to the pyramids. So the restless sponsor has released a healthy preview made of photos and a video, which is more like a teaser for the event. Some of the most talented riders participating are Nate Adams (USA), Robbie Maddison (AUS), Eigo Sato (JPN) and Levi Sherwood (NZL). Click past the break to hear their opinions about the pyramids, but also to see Robbie Maddison’s sand jump.


Real estate billionaire joins Florida’s U.S. Senate raceRobbie Maddison jumps over Corinth Canal in Greece, sets new world record

Ducati Desmoscrambler concept by Oberdan Bezzi

Italian design guru Oberdan Bezzi has inked another motorcycle sketch indicating Ducati the possibilities of enlarging their lineup this time with what Obiboi calls the Ducati Desmoscrambler. The concept is a single-cylinder desmo addressed to everyone searching for a fun and economical motorcycle that can be used both on and off the road. Personality is also taken into consideration.

At its base, a 450cc single-cylinder engine should help at turning most of the designer’s ideas into reality, but only if Ducati ever considers the Desmoscrambler 450 for their future lineup.

Ducati Desmotard concept by Oberdan BezziPush for Florida bestiality law goes ‘back to square one’

Honda Chain Gang TV ad [w/video]

Honda’s latest North American advertisement is for their latest additions to their cruiser lineup, the Sabre, Interstate and Stateline models and it consists in both print and TV ads. They’re all funny and enjoyable as they try to point out the eye-catching look of Honda’s trio. We won’t ruin the surprise for you, so click past the break for the Chain Gang video. Enjoy.


President Obama rallies Democratic base in MiamiHonda CBR600RR / C-ABS

Triumph Speed Triple by Schneider

Take a look at this bike and you’ll most likely have troubles recognizing it as being a Triumph Speed Triple (at least we did), much less uncover the special features that made the transformation into custom possible. The bike was customized by Austrian Triumph specialist Julian Schneider for his own use on the twisties of the Austrian Alps.

Schneider, who is actually a fan of New Zealand motorcycle racer and land speed record holder Burt Munro, has actually called his bike the Burt Munro Edition. Although it won’t set any records as it is powered by the original engine, which only got some intake modifications and a Supertrapp exhaust, this Triumph should now handle and feel much sweeter considering the great number of aftermarket parts. It features full Ohlins suspensions and a steering damper, Marchesini magnesium wheels and a Beringer brake system. Also, the LSL bars, footrests and headlight as well as the Magura brake and clutch controls together with the several other Rizoma parts contribute at turning this into a completely different ride.

Overall, the bike looks like a modern café racer and the red/black with gold stripes and rims looks just striking.

The KTM side of a Honda CBR 1000FCongress won’t try to keep Guantánamo detainees out of U.S. — for now

Roller carousel + scooter = dangerous fun

Everyday stuff such as a roller carousel and a scooter aren’t dangerous at all as long as people use them for the purposes they were created for, but teenagers aren’t quite known for doing that with stuff on a regularly basis. So take a look at this video to see what happens when a bunch of teenagers try to spice up their carousel ride using the power of a scooter. Hope that guy is ok.


Corps of Engineers to drain more of Lake Okeechobee before rainy seasonRussian modified scooter does well on snow

Alex de Angelis's Jerez crash leaves us speechless [w/video]

Alex de Angelis was warming up for the Moto2 race at Jerez a couple of weekends back when his bike engaged into a highside, sending him rolling end-over-end on the side of the track. From what this leaked video shows, you’ll have all the reasons to think that de Angelis couldn’t have survived this and we totally agree, except he did. The RSM Team Scot rider even managed to walk away unharmed from his incredible crash and was willing, but not allowed by circuit doctors to participate in the race. Video after the jump.

2010 MotoGP race report: Jorge Lorenzo wins surprisingly at Jerez

Joe Garcia plans 2nd run for Congress

Yamaha WR250X

Small, light and versatile dirt bikes are big part of Yamaha’s history, but we also can’t complain about their evolution on the streets either and the 2010 WR250X model is a pure demonstration of power in this concern. Nowadays, the engine’s size isn’t as important as the overall package’s weight, handling and build quality and this versatile Yamaha motorcycle does more than meeting these last demands, it actually makes us wonder which category is the most appropriate for it.

Yamaha FZ8 / ABS

Gov. Crist faces fight of political life

Yamaha FZ8 / ABS

We just reviewed the all-new Yamaha Fazer8 and got jealous that those lucky Europeans are getting it. Now it’s time for the 2010 Yamaha FZ8 to enter the scene and we’re starting to get angry about this entire situation. Why should only riders from the old continent enjoy the aggressive, naked looks and 800cc middleweight performance in a package claimed adequate for various riding necessities from city commuting and weekend journeys to burning rubber in an old and abandoned factory?

Life just isn’t fair.

Yamaha FZ6R

Gov. Charlie Crist cites problems with teacher pay bill

Marissa Miller at her best in Harley-Davidson's summer 2010 campaign

When it comes to Harleys, it is the image that sells, so the company needs to refresh that image with each year so that they keep appealing to larger and larger crowds. We’re not quite sure this is their strategy to attract more female riders, but the American giant has revealed their Summer 2010 Campaign, but we’ll more likely call it Victoria’s Secret Angel Marisa Miller calendar.

Yes, the Californian model, aka ‘sexiest woman on the planet’ got a bit dirty in denim and jumped on a few Harleys just to get our hearts pumping harder. This follows the success of last year’s campaign, in which we saw the superhot model taking the innocent approach in a 1950s style photo shoot.

One of the pictures even shows a hot babe doing a burnout, but we won’t put our money on the fact that it is exactly Marissa Miller. Anyway, hit the jump for more pics.

President Obama rallies Democratic base in Miami

All awaiting Crist’s decision

Harley-Davidson Drag Racing, the book that has it all

Yamaha FZ6R

Get the Flash Player to see the videos.
Last year, Yamaha introduced their all-new FZ6R supersport-inspired motorcycle and this is now one of their most representative middleweight 2010 models. Built with comfort and rider excitement in mind, this is still one of Yamaha’s latest addition to the supersport lineup, an all-new every day motorcycle that gives the impression of being designed for the track. But those are purely design aspects. The fact is that the FZ6R is an unbeatable package of performance, comfort and style at a very affordable price.


Bill would require stores to track ephedrine salesAprilia RSV4 R

No, this isn't the all-new BMW S600RR!!!

Ever since the germans from BMW launched their S1000RR superbike and especially after the liter bike turned out to be 2010’s best, the question just popped: will BMW build an S600RR? The answer is no, they won’t! At least not so soon. The news comes from the car and motorcycle manufacturer itself and it’s as bad as it can be.

BMW was actually needed to release a statement saying they haven’t developed a 600cc machine to enlarge their superbike lineup after the word was out that they own the internet domain name www.s600rr.de. Apparently, that’s just to make sure someone else won’t use it in Germany. In other words: no BMW S600RR for you…at least not for now.

BMW explains why:

“Developing a 600 supersport bike is more or less as expensive as a 1000cc superbike; the production costs aren’t very much lower but the retail price would be.

"Therefore, trying to recoup development cost for such a project would be much more difficult.

“Now BMW already has developed a successful superbike there are other market sectors for us to concentrate on that offer a better return on investment.”

Leslie Porterfield makes BMW’s S1000RR look faster, classier

Funny: "fully-accessorized" Suzuki DR

Either the owner of this Suzuki DR is willing to take his enduro bike across the continent or only to the cesspit and back as he has fitted the bike with probably the world’s larges panniers, so there’s got to be a great purpose for someone to ruin his bike like that.

Still, we have all the reasons to believe the guy actually uses that stuff to carry his luggage as the panniers can be locked…why would anyone lock the garbage? Also, he has a fuel canister on the side, so this is definitely a homemade long distance motorcycle. Love it or not, it gets the job done.

Congress debates Puerto Rico referendumSuzuki GT550 café racer looks the best

"Kemosabe" Bonneville racer custom by AFT Customs, the star of the 2010 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show

AFT Metric Custom’s newest motorcycle "Kemosabe" built by the AFT Motorsports Models will be premiering at the LA Calendar Motorcycle ShowSunday July 18th 2010 at the The Queen Mary Park, Long Beach CA.

AFT Custom bikes garnered Best of Show and 1st Place Metric Custom the last 2 years and went on to be featured in the FastDates.com Motorcycle PinUp Calendars. Official video and press release are well worth checking out after the jump.

Bonneville Street Tracker by Mule MotorcyclesNo-party candidate Crist completes flip-flop

Ducati Desmotard concept by Oberdan Bezzi

A couple of days ago we presented you Oberdan Bezzi’s Ducati Desmocross concept, but in the meantime the maestro has been occupied tweaking his sketch to transform the motocross bike into a veritable supermoto. Called the Ducati Desmotard concept, the bike only features different wheels, but it looks like a whole different kind of fun both on the track and on the streets.

Also powered by a 450cc single-cylinder engine, this Duck looks just like what the Bologna-based company would build…if only. Read the designer’s description past the break.

Bill would require stores to track ephedrine salesDucati Desmocross concept by Oberdan Bezzi

Harley-Davidson XR1200 café racer by Roland Sands

Former 250 racer Roland Sands recently finished work on his latest café racer, one that originally started life as a Harley-Davidson XR1200.

The bike looks miles away from the production version and considering the multitude of upgrades and modifications, it’s hard to find the best starting point. Probably the Ohlins forks, radial brakes and the front billet aluminum wheel from Performance Machine might represent just that, but it is a long way to the Ducati-like tubular single-sided arm and Ohlins shock at the back.

You’ll find that Roland Sands’ Harley-Davidson XR1200 cafe racer features clip-on handlebars and rearsets, a 2-1 from Vance and Hines as well as chain drive, just to mention a few of its unique features. Furthermore, the single seat behind the standard tank is what gives the bike that café racer look.

With a black-out chassis and a pentagram RSD logo and a 666 number over the matt black paint, this also qualifies as Satan’s machine. So what do you think about it?

Harley-Davidson XR1200 Café Racer by Adrenalin MotoObama’s census choice: simply African-American

Yamaha FZ1

Get the Flash Player to see the videos.
Yamaha has adopted a rather cautious strategy for 2010 and the FZ1 is definitely one of their sports motorcycles to show that very clearly as it comes with revised ECU mapping and new colors. Yet, they plan on successfully selling it for being “an upright R1” and that couldn’t recommend this model more.


Honda CBR600RR / C-ABSHouse backs off Public Service Commission overhaul plan

Julien Dupont rides around Dracula's Castle [w/video]

As you all know, the world has heard hundreds of legends about Count Dracula and vampires, but they all have something in common – the Bran Castle in Transylvania. Famous trial rider Julien Dupont went to the Bran Castle not only to see if these legends are true, but also to ride his bike in the castle’s yard.

Even though the legends about Dracula have been circulating for around 500 years, this character remains alive not only for tourists, but also for writers who see it perfect for a new book or a new movie scenario.

Julien has heard numerous legends circulating around the Bran Castle, but only one caught the most of his attention. It seems that not far from the castle there is a cross which turns those who touch it into fearless persons. Just what Julien needed in order to pull out the most amazing tricks.

So Julien Dupont searched the respective cross on the hill near the castle, touched it and the legend turned out to be true – Julien became fearless and went crazy around Bran Castle.

But, a mystery remains…will Julien eventually turn into a vampire or not? Find out the answer by watching the video after the jump.

Obama’s census choice: simply African-AmericanRussian modified scooter does well on snow

Ducati Desmocross concept by Oberdan Bezzi

Oberdan Bezzi has inked another motorcycle sketch, one that catches our attention for being very realistic and yet almost 100% not plausible. Why? It is a Ducati motocross bike. Ducati doesn’t do that, but the Italian designer’s Desmocross concept shows just how good their bike would look if they ever decide to go muddy.

Ducati’s motocrosser would be powered by a high-performance single-cylinder engine displacing 450cc. Obiboi assumes the machine would be great as a supermoto as well if the right wheels come into place.

In terms of design, we can spot some Aprilia RXV influences especially in the way the front end meets the number plate and the angular lines, but in the end the bike looks like it could make it to my garage anytime. That is only if Ducati will surprise us at this year’s EICMA show with an all-new Desmocross. Meanwhile, hit the jump for the designer’s description.

Right-wingers ignore facts as they rewrite U.S. historyBimota Moto Morini MMB-2 FighterMotard by Oberdan Bezzi

2010 MotoGP race report: Jorge Lorenzo wins surprisingly at Jerez

Jorge Lorenzo won the Spanish Grand Prix after a spectacular duel with Dani Pedrosa in the final lap of the Jerez MotoGP. Teammate Valentino Rossi was the third to pass the finish line.

Honda rider Dani Pedrosa set off from pole-position and pretty much dominated the Jerez race until, with six laps before the checker flag, Jorge Lorenzo came strong from behind and finally claimed the first place on the podium during the race’s final lap. Read the race results after the jump.

Joe Garcia plans 2nd run for CongressSafety first: Alpinestars Tech Air Race motorcycle suit features airbags

Bonneville Street Tracker by Mule Motorcycles

You take a look at this bike and already have troubles recognizing the brand and we’re sure that mentioning how it is called – Sun of Mule that is – won’t help much. But here’s the story. This is actually a 2006 Triumph Bonneville which Richard Pollock of Mule Motorcycles bought from eBay in order to satisfy a customer’s request of a special bike for little money.

Zero XPartisan snarling may be muted when Senate tackles finance

Harley-Davidson Drag Racing, the book that has it all

There is nothing like the nitro sucking, make your ears bleed sound of two Harley-Davidsons leaving the line to get your adrenaline pumping. In "Harley-Davidson Drag Racing" Scooter Grubb – who has been shooting the AHDRA for about 10 years – uses over 300 color photos and 144 pages to capture that same raw energy of unleashed V-twin power. From your neighbor’s Sportster to the Top Fuel machines, the bikes are all here.

Each chapter describes one of sixteen classes, with pictures of the bikes and an explanation of the rules that make that class unique. Sidebars scattered throughout the book take the action inside the pits. Meet the riders capable of turning a 6 second quarter mile, the mechanics that keep it all running at 200 miles per hour, and the track officials who make each event possible.

With an abundance of color photos, Harley-Davidson Drag Racing is a visual feast. Whether you just want to drink in the action or learn more about the bikes and the classes, this book is sure to satisfy that need for speed.

More information on Amazon.

Thanks for the tip Scooter!

Groups jockey for role in Haiti revivalHarley-Davidson XR1200 monster bike

Harley-Davidson Road King Custom turns rust into fashion

There was nothing wrong with this 2005 Harley-Davidson Road King Custom before California-based Chris from Fox Custom Paint and Ric Greene from Southeast Custom Cycles began working at it and now it looks like everything’s wrong with the American bagger. That is because our guys decided to get the bike rid of its shiny paint and chrome only to create the distress look that they think fits this H-D model very well.

Indeed, after noticing how much attention rat rods were getting at custom shows, the Californian boys uncovered the clean metal underneath Harley’s impeccable paintjob only to then start applying their own sky blue paintjob (actually several layers of basecoats and different color primers), which also had to be partially sanded off.

But it is the finishing touch that gives the bike its rusty look. A spray bottle of different color base was used to squirt paint on the thing and obtain the rust-like spots that are actually eye-catching.

This is definitely something we don’t see every day, although we could start living with this. While most custom builders aim towards Harley’s quality finishing, these guys have just tipped the scale in the complete opposite direction.

Harley-Davidson XR1200 monster bikeNo-party candidate Crist completes flip-flop

Honda VFR1200F

Get the Flash Player to see the videos.

After taking the wraps off its all-new 2010 VFR1200F sport touring motorcycle designed from the ground up as “a ten in every respect,” Honda sits back and enjoys its latest VFR’s success. The bike’s most outstanding feature is the V-4 engine, but only because the dual-clutch automatic transmission is optional.

The 2010 Honda VFR1200F has to be the most aggressive, refined and most likely comfortable new entry in its segment, a bike claimed to adapt to any style of riding or riding situation naturally. It looks like a Honda from every angle, but this motorcycle has also come to show its manufacturer’s achieved goals as it is “a futuristic sport motorcycle for the sheer joy of riding”.

Honda NT700VJoe Garcia plans 2nd run for Congress

Pics aplenty: Bikes & Babes

We haven’t yet met a motorcycle rider that doesn’t enjoy a good looking bike and a gorgeous babe alongside it, so when we came across the sexy gallery that our friends from iFun.ru have done, we just had to bring it to you.

It looks like the Russians have good tastes when it comes to bikes and babes, so make sure you check out the picture gallery after the jump. You’ll surely be satisfied and most likely get yourself a new desktop background.

Video: Snowmobiles, more fun than dirt bikes?In Haiti, funerals become eulogies for a nation

Safety first: Alpinestars Tech Air Race motorcycle suit features airbags

Alpinestars have today presented their Tech Air Race motorcycle suit, which was specifically designed and built to enhance the rider’s survival chances in case of a crash. In other words, the leather suit has airbags.

The safety gear manufacturer somehow managed to integrate the system into the Electronic Airbag Protection Suit and have it controlled through a high-tech electronic brain and we hear the process was a long and complicated one, but the breakthrough was worth the while.

The suit constantly monitors the rider’s movements and will only arm if the rider is moving and the engine is running. It offers five levels of programming and even works on electric bikes, so it seems Alpinestars thought at everything.

In the unhappy event of a crash, the safety system’s response is crucial, so the electronic brain determines the imminence of a crash in about 8 milliseconds, the airbags fully inflate in 50 milliseconds and they stay like that for 5 seconds before starting to deflate, process which takes 25 seconds.

Once used, the system can be rearmed in less than 60 seconds using two separate cylinders with a cold charge of nitrogen. The extra protection system will increase the price of the standard suit with about $2,500 when it is expected to hit production in June 2011. Also, the system will be adapted on all kinds of riding gear, from racing to off-road.

It all sounds good in theory, but nothing compares to actually seeing the airbag system being deployed on a rider, so hit the jump for a video showing just that.

Mine industry group: No more regulations neededVideo: The future of motorcycle helmets courtesy of Reevu