Ducati Streetfighter 848

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Italian bike manufacturer, Ducati, is expanding its street bike line-up by introducing the latest member of their family, the 2012 Streetfighter 848.

With the likes of the BMW F800R and the Yamaha FZ8 in the market, Ducati is looking at the Streetfighter 848 to enter the fold and provide some stiff competition for its rivals. The bike is built using the company’s own steel trellis frame to go with components that include an adjustable inverted fork, a pair of Diablo Rosso Corsa tires, and radial-mount Brembo brakes. Ducati also announced that the Streetfighter 848 will carry the Ducati Traction Control, a system that we’re all familiar with in both the company’s Multistrada and Diavel lines.

The Streetfighter 848 will be powered by the company’s very own 848 Testastretta 11 engine that produces an output of 119 horsepower and 63 lb/ft of torque.

The bike is expected to hit the market by the start of next year and will be offered in a number of options, including three different color schemes: Ducati red, yellow, and matte black.

Type 9 by Zero Engineering

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Zero Engineering has revealed the first details on the 2012 Type 9 - a motorcycle that honors American motorcycle building history since its inception back in the 1950’s. The new Type 9 isn’t just an all new performance oriented frame and suspension, it also has a killer look that will make everyone swoon.

The Type 9 features an F-1 racing inspired suspension that uses a multi-link system and high-tension shock to deliver an incredibly quick and smooth response to the road. This kind of suspension is a first in the industry and is combined to an S&S 96" Evo engine and a Primo Rivera 5-Speed transmission.

The company is also offering its customers the possibility to customize their bike just theway they would want it. Engine sizes range from 96" to 124" and come in natural and black finishes. Pegs come in brass, aluminum, or black anodized aluminum.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14

For more than 40 years, Kawasaki has shocked and awed the motorcycle world with its big-bore streetbikes. From the arm-stretching 500cc H1 of 1969 to the legendary 903cc Z-1 of 1973, all the way to the high-tech Ninja ZX-10s and 11s of the ’80s and the ZX-12s and 14s of the new millennium, Team Green has continuously kicked butt and taken names in the large-displacement sportbike category.

Fast forward to 2011 and Kawasaki has another storm brewing with the new Ninja ZX-14. Looking as menacing as ever before in its lime green set-up, the Ninja ZX-14 takes the tradition of its predecessors and antes up to cater to the demands of the new-age riders.

Packing a technologically-advanced powertrain set-up to go with a sublime finish and carefully-constructed body, the ZX-14 will be as in demand as any Kawasaki bike that has come out of Japan in recent memory.

Not that we’re surprised considering that the motorcycle brand has been doing this for well over four decades, and they’ve established a reputation as one of the best in the biz in that time.

Find out more about the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 after the jump.

Kawasaki Ninja 1000

Sportbikes have always been a popular staple in American society, thanks to the excellent combination of a powerful engine and handling performance with a high degree of comfort, practicality, and top-end styling. Over the years, Kawasaki has provided the market with some of the best bikes of this segment, dating back to the original Ninja 900R of the 1980s, to the ZX-11 of the ’90s, and the ZZR 1200 of the the new millennium.

Today, the Japanese motorcycle brand is proud to announce their latest offering to the line-up, the new Ninja 1000. As the name suggests, this sportsbike is all about stealthy good looks that are combined with an unassuming, yet powerful engine, resulting in a machine that’s more than capable of stopping you in your tracks before you even realize what just happened. Sort of like a ninja.

The bike’s core - the frame, engine, and suspension - are all made from the finest materials and built with the sort of high-end technology that Kawasaki has built its name on. So don’t be surprised if the new Ninja 1000 drops your jaws to the floor; it was built specifically for that purpose.

Find out more about the Ninja 1000 after the jump.

BMW Scooter Spied Testing

A while back, BMW brought out the E-Scooter Concept that would be previewing the brand’s electric drive line. Not much has been said about the production model as of yet, but our spy photographers were quick to click when they spotted this future electric bike testing, and they say it sounds just like a gas-powered model.

It is believed that the scooter caught testing is, in fact, a production version of the BMW Concept C unveiled in 2010 at the EICMA Motorcycle Show. Known as BMW’s maxi scooter, the new model will use a 650 cc engine and will be offered in two different versions. However, don’t expect to see much from the concept in the production version, especially those blue tires and lasers that made many fall in love with it to begin with. Those will definitely not be showing up as the production model will adopt a more conventional appearance.

gallery: 2010 BMW Concept C

gallery: BMW E-Scooter Concept

Video: Kawasaki ZX-10R blazes the Nurburgring in 7:50

It seems that every time there’s a discussion about a hot lap around the Nurbugring, we immediately assume that another edgy supercar is at it again. The list of manufacturers that have taken stabs at the ’Ring is as long as the course itself so excuse us for being a little excited watching a motorcycle take center stage around the track.

The lap comes courtesy of Bridgestone test driver, Tim Rothiq, and a Kawasaki ZX-10R. We won’t have to remind you about the face-morphing characteristics of the Kawasaki superbike because Rothiq was able to do it for us.

The ’Ring offers plenty of challenges even for the most astute of riders so watching Rothiq navigate around the track and blast through it in spectacular fashion is a sight to behold.

Don’t be fooled by the 7:50 time being way short of the record 7:14 lap time of the Lexus LF-A; the latter is a supercar after all. It’s about as impressive a bike lap as you’ll find anywhere.

And a big kudos to Tim Rothiq for his incredible effort coercing the Kawasaki ZX-10R to behave during the lap time. Lord knows the slightest mistake can lead to a pretty nasty spill.

Check out the video and enjoy the ride, folks!

Kawasaki KLR 650

For the adventurer whose sense of fun includes a jaunt into the dirt or an expedition deep into the woods, Kawasaki has a new touring motorcycle that opens up that world to limitless possibilities.

Imagine that, right?

The Japanese motorcycle brand recently unveiled their new touring bike, the KLR 650. Built to handle just about every imaginable terrain save for the Moon’s surface, the KLR 650 is the kind of bike you’d want to take just about everywhere. It’s got looks that’ll make people stand up and take notice; it’s got an engine that’s both powerful and fuel efficient; and on top of that, it won’t cost prospective buyers a fortune.

It’s a package that riders have flocked to; the KLR650 has been the best-selling dual-sport six years in a row and you only need to look and ride at this bike for a short time to find out why.

Find out more about the 2011 Kawasaki KLR 650 Dual Purpose Motorcycle after the jump.

Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition

Those of you who follow the automotive industry already know that AMG and Ducati are not at their first partnership. And when things go in the right direction you should always expect to see more than just one thing coming from a collaboration. The Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition is the latest, but of course not the last, development from Ducati and Mercedes AMG.

This special edition is based on the Diavel Carbon and features AMG’s signature 5-spoke wheel styling, carbon fibre lateral radiator grills with aluminium trim, AMG-style sport exhaust system with engraved end-caps and AMG-style horizontally ribbed seat upholstered in Alcantara.

The model comes painted in matte black carbon fiber bodywork with AMG’s very own "Diamond White Bright" stripe and frame color contrasted with black wheels.

Also, every engine has its Desmodromic cam-timing set by hand and authenticated with the name of the engine technician engraved on the left-side engine casing.

The model will make its world debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show and will be available in early 2012.

BRD RedShift Electric Motocross Prototype

Just like their four-wheeled counterparts, electric bikes are slowly entering the market, giving riders a far more ’efficient’ alternative than the gas-guzzling road mongers they’ve come to know over the years.

With the direction steering clearly towards an electric future, BRD is looking to get its foot in the door first with the new RedShift electric motocross prototype. Built using a two-piece monocoque chassis partly painted in a blue finish and contrasted by an orange battery pack, the pre-production RedShift is looking at becoming a trailblazer in its own right.

Looking at the bike, it’s obvious that there wasn’t a whole lot of bells and whistles that went in building the bike. It’s not bare and bones, but it’s not decked with trinkets either. The relative simplicity of the bike results in a weight of just 250 lbs, which already includes a 5.2-kWh battery that, according to BRD, should be enough to go for at least 50 miles on the road. The battery can produce 40 horsepower and when combined with its svelte frame, it’s more than capable of giving its traditional gas-powered counterparts a serious run for their money.

For their part, BRD is still in the process of undertaking further testing for the RedShift and all things considered, the company is hoping to release a more complete version of the electric bike at the 68th EICMA in Milan, Italy this November.

But the groundwork has been done so that’s the good thing. Let’s just hope that these guys can fine-tune everything before their day in the spotlight later this year.

2012 Iron & Laces calendar features bikes and babes galore

We know its already the middle of the year, but then again, it’s never too early to change that calendar you have hanging on your wall. If you’re like any warm-blooded man with a penchant for high-powered bikes and bikini-clad vixens, then we suggest that you take a good look at what you can get with the new 2012 Iron & Lace Calendar.

Featuring a 16-month look at the world’s top American V-Twin and custom bikes together with sexy centerfold models in revealing lingerie, the 2012 Iron & Laces Calendar will give you all the visual eye candy you need on a month-to-month basis. The fact that it can tell you what day it is is just an added bonus.

The photos are the work of noted photographer, Jim Gianatsis, and it comes with some of the world’s finest customized bikes from the 2010 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show and the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building. Among the steel steeds included in the calendar include the "Beezerker" from Chris Flechtner and Speed Shop Design, the "Veon" from Freddie ’Krugger’ Bertrand and Krugger Motorcycles from Germany, and the Metric V-Twin winner "Kimosabe" built by Jim Guffaw.

There are plenty more award-winning bikes included in the calendar and all of them come with some of the most beautiful women on the planet, including Hustler’s Barley Legal centerfold and adult film star Bree Daniels, Playboy Playmate Tamara Witmer, Playboy Special Edition models Tiffany Toth and Laya Bella, and Hollywood movie starlets Jennifer Englund, Sara Balint and Candise Lakota.

The calendar’s 16-month spread begins in September 2011 all the way up to December 2012, making for one of the most eye-catching calendars you can ever have. They’re printed in full color on 15x15-inch dull coated heavy art board and wire spiral bound with a hang clip for easy wall display and page turning and sealed in a clear plastic envelope with cardboard stiffer for easy protection.

For the affordable price of just $16.95, you can have own this smoking hot calendar. All you have to do is head over to www.fastdates.com or call their toll-free number, 1-800 461-1226.

Suzuki Hayabusa J.Lo-Pepsi Edition

Want to buy a Suzuki Hayabusa that probably still has the ass print of one Jennifer Lopez? Yeah, we thought so.

This special edition supersports bike was ridden by J.Lo during the filming of a Pepsi commercial featuring her and an equally bootylicious Beyonce. We’d love to have both in our garage, but we’ll settle for one of them.

If you’re interested in the limited edition Pepsi Hayabusa with a special paint finish, an LED lighting underbody, and just 100 miles tacked on its meter, it is now for sale. Sure, the commercial was filmed back in 2004 and the Hayabusa has sat idly still since then, but it’s still a Hayabusa - a special edition at that - and a lot of those 100 miles come courtesy of the recently single Jennifer Lopez. For the record, the version used by Beyonce during the commercial was already sold at a private auction sometime back and went for a tidy five-digit sum.

We don’t know about you, but paying £19,995 - $32,500 - for the chance to own probably one of the most desirable bikes on the planet is a chance that’s too good to pass up.

The only thing we need to worry about now is finding that kind of money to spend.

Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic

The 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic doesn’t have the panache of the Vaquero and Nomad versions, but it nevertheless offers plenty of upside for a cruiser bike. Featuring the perfect combination of classic Kawasaki design engineering with the most up-to-date two-wheeled chassis and engine technology, the Kawasaki 1700 Classic is a definite man’s bike. No glitters and pizzazz here; just a straight up, heads-all-over cruiser.

The stunning raked-’n’-retro front end complements the huge V-twin design of the fat-tendered backside. Add a powerful four-stroke, 1700cc, SOHC V Twin engine inside, coupled with advanced technology and staggering functionality, and you have a cruiser bike whose bite is every bit as good as its bark.

There’s plenty to like about the newest Kawaski Vulcan 1700 Classic. As with all classic cruisers, riders will have an terrifyingly great time running around with the Vulcan 1700 Classic.

Find out more about the Vulcan 1700 Classic after the jump.

Husqvarna Nuda 900R

Husqvarna finally broke the covers off of the highly-anticipated Nuda 900R streetbike, giving us the first glimpse of the machine that will go toe-to-toe with the likes of the Yamaha FZ8, the Suzuki GSR 750, and the Kawasaki Z750R.

Aesthetically speaking, the 900R has been designed with a red-black-white scheme that also features an angular design that is then complemented by a streamlined tail. Despite the impressive look of the bike, it seems that the product is still far from finished with further improvements set to be done before the final product rolls out of the plant.

As for the powertrain, the Nuda 900R will be powered by a modified version of the BMW 900cc parallel twin-cylinder engine, which is light enough to not compromise the bike’s 175 kg weight. Husqvarna left out the official output figures for the 900R, but word has it that it will be well north of 100 horsepower, giving it enough juice to take on some of the industry’s sportsbike heavyweights.

Pricing for the bike is also still unknown, but expect it to be revealed in the coming months, with the most likely setting being the EICMA Show this November in Milan.

Anne Hathaway aka Catwoman will be riding the Bat-Pod

The next Dark Knight film, "The Dark Knight Rises," will star Anne Hathaway as the Catwoman. Okay, maybe she is not the best actress to play a badass woman-turned-feline, but she still looks pretty hot and this is illustrated in the new Warner Bros image released featuring Catwoman riding a fascinating looking Bat-Pod motorcycle.

The Bat-pod debuted for the first time back in the 2008 movie, The Dark Knight. Since then, the motorcycle has been updated to have a meaner look and better technology. The bike will be followed by an all-new "green" Batmobile constructed from carbon fiber and designed by Gordon Murray.

Along with the new Batmobile and Batpod, the Lamborghini Aventador will also make an appearance in the movie, driven by Christian Bale (Bruce Wayne).

The movie has an estimated budget of $250 million and is currently filming in Bucharest, Romania. The official debut will be made in July 2012.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R

The problem with hype is that more often than not, the expectations don’t live up to the billing. However, try telling that to Kawasaki.

The Japanese motorcycle brand’s new Ninja ZX-10R sportbike clearly has lofty expectations, but where others have fallen flat, this particular bike stands tall as one of the fastest, lightest, and most innovative production bikes in the market today. No such credibility gap, going several steps beyond newer, faster, lighter and better by offering the most advanced traction-control system in all of production motorcycling.

Yes, in all of production motorcycling.

More than the complete redesign of the bike’s engine, frame, suspension, bodywork, instrumentation, and wheels, the ZX-10R offers a highly advanced and customizable electronic system that helps riders harness and capitalize on its amazing blend of power and responsive handling. The system is called Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control, or S-KTRC, and it represents a whole new dimension in motorcycle performance, one that vaults this bike into a class all its own.

Motorcyclists have forever been challenged by traction-related issues, whether on dirt, street, or track. Riders that can keep a rear tire from spinning excessively or sliding unpredictably are both faster and safer, a tough combination to beat on the racetrack.

And when talking about the absolute leading edge of open-class sport bike technology, where production street bikes are actually more capable than full-on race bikes from just a couple years ago, more consistent traction and enhanced confidence is a major plus.

That’s precisely what the new ZX-10R offers.

Read more about the 2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Supersport Motorcycle after the jump.

Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide Custom

Harley-Davidson has rolled out their latest line of heavyweight bikes and if you’re in the business of high-powered cruisers, you’re going to love what they have in store for you.

One of the newly launched bikes is the CVO Road Glide Custom, which features a combination of the model’s distinctive frame-mounted fairing with a slender, road-hugging profile.

It comes with plenty of unique features, including a smoked Wind Splitter windshield, a customized two-piece seat that comes with a removable pillion and color-coordinated stitching, brushed nickel skull medallions on the fuel tank and fairing, and a low-profile fuel tank console with an illuminated CVO graphic insert.

On top of that, you’ll also find a new "Heavy Breather" style air intake with a black anodized cover, a black ergonomically-designed, internally-wired handlebar, a 19" Contrast Chrome Agitator Custom front wheel, and an indoor storage cover with an embroidered CVO logo to go with a commemorative CVO ignition key and a customized tool kit.

There’s also a high-output, amplified Harman/Kardon advanced audio radio that includes CD/AM/FM/WB capabilities, delivering 100 watts per channel to a pair of five-by-seven-inch fairing-mount speakers and two-inch dash-mount tweeters. On top of that, the bike also comes with an 8GB Apple iPod nano connects via an interface located in the right-side saddlebag.

Other items of note with the CVO Road Glide Custom include three custom-color finishes with each one having a gloss black powdercoat powertrain, color-matched upper fork sliders, rear fender strut covers, and a license plate light cover.

Powering the CVO Road Glide Custom is a fuel-injected Twin Cam 110 V-Twin, the largest-displacement engine that’s being offered in a Harley-Davidson machine with a claimed peak torque of 122 lb/ft.

If you’re interested in the Harley CVO Road Glide Custom, the bike will come with a price tag of $30,699. Sadly, it’s going to come only as a limited production of 2,100 models, which means that if you want one, you’re going to have get yours as early as you can.

Pagani Zonda Cinque Custom Bike

The Pagani Zonda has earned a reputation as one of the most exotic supercars on the planet, and with that designation, it has likewise given birth to some pretty amazing special edition models.

One Zonda model that has captured our attention in the past is the Zonda Cinque, a powerhouse of a supercar that comes with an AMG-sourced 7.3-iter V12 engine that produces north of 680 horsepower with a 0-62 mph time of 3.4 seconds and a 0-124 mph time of just 9.6 seconds.

As it turns out, there’s plenty more about the Zonda Cinque than we previously thought. Here, ladies and gentlemen, is arguably one of the rarest motorcycles on the planet, a custom-built Pagani Zonda Cinque bike.

You read that right, the Zonda Cinque has a two-wheeled offspring. We don’t have details as to what kind of drivetrain this special edition bike has, but we do know that there are only five of these bad boys in existence, which adds to the exclusivity since there’s no word as to whether the other are still around.

Motorcycle fans are just about whetting their appetites now and we certainly can’t blame them. If e saw one of these babies out on the streets, we’d be reaching for some napkins too.

Orphiro Electric Motorcycle Cruiser Concept

As with all concepts, whether they’re cars or motorcycles, there’s no certainty that the models will ever hit the production block. It all depends on how the market sees it and how much interest it receives. For some, it becomes such a hit that the demand immediately calls for supplies. Other times, though, the concept is left largely at that.

For the Orphiro Electric Motorcycle Cruiser Concept, the truth arguably lies somewhere in between. Coming from the Netherlands, the Orphiro is described as a bare wide-body electric cruiser that features a bobber-style seat and wire spokes. It also has an electric battery that comes with a top speed of 75 mph and a battery range of around 60 miles, making it ideal for short joy rides and less so for cross-country treks.

According to Orphiro, the bike "combines all ideals when it comes to new motorcycling: fully electric, fast loading and one with nature. An enormous acceleration power, a lovely cruising speed and a range that covers all work-living distances easily."

As it stands now, Orphiro is looking at launching the bike sometime in the next few months at a price of €49,000, which is around $70,000 based on current exchange rates.

It’s got some potential, but for that kind of money, we’d probably just opt for something that’s already established a name for itself in the industry. Paying that much for a ’concept’ sounds like a bad investment.

Marvel and Harley Davidson collaborate on 1200 Sportster bike giveaway

Chris Evans hits the cinemas next week as the star-spangled hero in Captain America and as with most blockbusters of its stature, there are plenty of companies looking to capitalize on the vast marketing potential the movie is expected to draw. In this particular case, one company that’s all too familiar with the period setting of Captain America – World War II, if you didn’t know – has decided to hitch a ride with the American patriot. That company is Harley-Davidson.

History lessons on this subject will tell you that around the time of the second World War, Harley Davidson had over 70,000 WLA bikes – they were affectionately called the "Liberators" - built for the soldiers of the war to use in whatever means they could. This wasn’t lost in the movie as trailers have shown Cap himself riding one of these bad boys in America’s fight against Red Skull and his evil band of German henchmen. All in all, Harley Davidson collaborated with Marvel to build five Cross Bones bikes modified to make them look like the WLAs of the 40s.

On top of producing the bikes used in the movie, the two companies also collaborated on building two special edition bikes for their "H-D Free the World" promotion, one to a member of the military and another to a plain old Joe like all of us. As part of the giveaway, the two lucky winners will travel to the Harley production facility in Milwaukee to receive a pair of Sportster 1200 that can be customized to their tastes and preferences.

To learn more on how you can be that lucky civilian to win a customized Harley 1200 Sportster, feel free to check out the link and found out all the information you need to enter the contest.

gallery: 2009 Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 Custom/Low/Nightster

Bill Warner becomes the first person to break 300 mph on a motorcycle

There’s a saying that records are always meant to be broken and Bill Warner recently proved that in scintillating fashion.

With a high-powered Suzuki motorcycle, the resident of Wimauma, Florida used the Loring Timing Association Land Speed Race as the site of his record-breaking run, becoming the fastest man on a motorcycle with a top speed of 311.945 mph.

What’s more impressive than Warner breaking the record at such a sprightly age is the fact that he completely blew away the existing record of 273.356 mph with relative ease.

The event was organized to host a number of record-setting attempts, but none came in a more convincing fashion than the way Warner blew past the existing mark, even if the attempt brought some certifiable danger to it. It certainly goes without saying that breaking 300 mph on a motorcycle presents certain dangers, including the ability to keep the bike in control at such high speeds. "The bike was bouncing, hopping, skipping and sliding," Warner said. "Needless to say, I got it stopped safely. It was a little scary."

Congratulations to Warner for his record-setting achievement. Just goes to show that with a lot of hard work, coupled with some luck, any record can be broken on any given day.

Peg Perego Ducati Mini Motorcycle

Kids are probably winding down from their summer vacation, but there’s still time to get in on a little bit of fun before returning to school. So, what can you do? Round out the summer with a little Ducati motorcycle produced by Peg Perego.

The Ducati mini motorcycle is designed for children from the age of 6 years and up, and can hit a top speed of about 10 mph. Remember, it’s your children’s safety we are talking about here, so a helmet is mandatory!

There are five different bikes to choose from, each carrying the same color scheme as their bigger brothers. All of them are powered by a 24 volt battery.

And if your child has just turned two or still under the age of six, there is also a three-wheeled Ducati Desmosedici Rider and Desmosedici to take up a little of their time as well.

Harley-Davidson V-Rod 10th Anniversary Edition

Harley-Davidson is rolling out a fleet of new bikes, all of which should make fans of the iconic American motorcycle maker drool and grab for their wallets at the soonest possible time.

Even better, at least a few of these models are limited edition pieces, including the 2012 V-Rod 10th Anniversary, a commemorative model that celebrates the 10th anniversary of the brand’s V-Rod model.

In developing the frame for the bike, Harley went above and beyond to make something that will catch the awe and adulation of its customer base. Using an innovative process called hydrofoaming, Harley was able to build a strong chassis that features unconventional angles while applying fewer welds and bending and shaping metal pipes with high-pressure water. To go with the unique chassis, Harley-Davidson decked out the V-Rod 10th Anniversary model with plenty of striking features, including a Brilliant Silver Pearl bodywork that bears a striking similarity to the anodized aluminum bodywork of the original V-Rod models. There’s also an aluminum speed screen, a drag-style low rise handlebar, dual chromed mufflers, heat shields, polished forks, clamps, and handlebars, silver split 5-spoke cast aluminum wheels with machined highlights, a silver instrument cluster, a two-up bucket saddle, and special edition V-Rod 10th Anniversary badges.

Powering the V-Rod 10th Anniversary model is an engine that Harley built in collaboration with Porsche, an innovative technical masterpiece called the 1,250cc V-Twin Revolution. It’s a fuel injected, liquid cooled powertrain that comes with dual overhead cams, producing an output of 125 horsepower and 84 lb/ft of torque at 7,000 rpm with a combined fuel efficiency rating of 37 mpg.

The attached price tag for this special edition Harley-Davidson V-Rod 10th Anniversary model is $15,999, which is by no means cheap. But given the special edition tag and the fact that it’s a Harley-Davidson, there will always be a strong appeal for it in the bike-riding population of America.

Video: Motorcyclist dies while protesting against helmet law

In an ironic twist of fate, Philip A. Contos, 55, has tragically died after being involved in a motorcycle accident while not wearing a helmet. The ironic part is that Contos was actually participating in a ride hosted by ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Towards Education) that protested the helmet law. During the ride, Contos lost control of his cycle and hit his head on the pavement. He was taken to a local hospital before being pronounced dead. Police said that if he was wearing a helmet, the incident wouldn’t have been fatal.

Every year around 50,000 people are injured in motorcycle collisions and accidents in the United States. The most deadly injuries are head and chest injuries. These staggering statistics may persuade some to want to wear a helmet, but others feel it should be the biker’s decision whether or not to wear protective gear. The law disagrees. Bottomline: It’s better to be safe than sorry.

What do you guys think? Is Big Brother trying to control our freedom of choice or are they just looking out for the general population? Hit us up in the comments section below.

BMW E-Scooter Concept

German automaker BMW is one of the most diverse brands in the industry, having branched itself out past its cars division into other ventures, particularly motorcycles.

At the company’s recent Motorrad Innovation Day 2011, the German brand unveiled their latest two-wheeled concept machine, the electric drive E-Scooter.

Featuring a design that lends itself to the lack of a main frame, the E-Scooter comes with an aluminum battery casing that is connected to the steering head support, the rear frame, and the left-hand mounted single swing arm, which is directly hinged to a horizontally installed shock absorber. The charging device of the E-Scooter comes with a charge cable that allows the bike’s battery to be recharged in a painless manner - any household power socket will suffice.

The electric drivetrain of the E-Scooter allows it to reduce its range by somewhere around 10 - 20 percent depending on the bike’s profile.

The E-Scooter’s performance numbers have yet to be announced, but BMW is pegging the bike to produce an output that ’s right around the range of maxi scooters that are currently powered by a 600-cc combustion engine with a driving range of well over 60 miles.

For a scooter that boasts of an electric drivetrain, that’s a mighty impressive number given that it compares favorably to its fuel counterparts.

Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade Sports Pack

Honda UK has announced the special Sports Package for the 2011 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade. The new package will be available until the end of 2011 and will be offered for both standard and ABS-equipped versions. It will be priced at £599 for the ABS pack and £699 for the standard pack.

The Sport Pack includes a higher screen, seat cowl, Akrapovic exhaust, a bike cover, and a rear tire hugger for the non ABS model. The model will be available with a new HRC (Honda Racing Corporation) tricolor version that includes a stunning gold trim, white wheels, front and rear fenders, and HRC stickers on the middle and upper front cowl. Customers interested can also order a special Graphite Black version with black wheels.

The company has described the new model as follows: "It places a firm emphasis on the clean lines of the bodywork which contrast strongly with the silver colored frame."

gallery: Honda CBR1000RR Fireblades Special Edition