Production at the Kumamoto factory, Honda’s main motorcycle production facility in Japan, has been suspended since March 14 because of the recent national disasters in the Asian nation. The Kumamoto factory produces Honda models such as the Super Cub, CBR600RR sportbike, CB1100 standard, DN-01 crossover and VFR1200F sport tourer, as well as some of Honda’s power generators.

Arriving at video game stores in May, MX vs. ATV Alive is the latest in the series featuring off-road motorcycle and ATV racing. Previous games in the series, which consists of 2004’s MX Unleashed, 2005’s MX vs. ATV Unleashed, 2008’s MX vs. ATV Untamed and 2010’s MX vs. ATV Reflex, featured real-life motocross and supercross racers such as Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichael, Chad Reed and James Stewart.

Shortly after Jason DiSalvo crossed the finish line to win the 2011 Daytona 200, Graves Yamaha’s Herrin made contact with M4 Suzuki’s Dane Westby, appearing to activate his front brake lever and causing him to crash. Vesrah Suzuki’s Taylor Knapp also crashed after colliding with Westby’s GSX-R600.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto arrived at Jacksonville’s EverBank Field on a three-race winning streak and a 26 point lead in the championship standings. Florida native James Stewart of San Manuel Yamaha sat in second place but expected to chip away at the points deficit in his home state.

The Akashi factory is located about 400 miles southwest of Sendai, the center of the disaster area. Kawasaki Heavy Industry’s offices and factory were not damaged in the earthquake or the tsunamis.

“With this investment, we will continue to ramp up our US-based production while rapidly expanding our global sales footprint,” says Gene Banman, chief executive officer of Zero Motorcycles. “Our new 2011 lineup of California-designed and assembled electric motorcycles has been very well received by the market and press, and we intend to further accelerate growth and enhance our leadership position.”

“MotoGP 10/11” is now available for the Sony Playstation 3 system in North America for $39.99. A Microsoft Xbox 360 version will be offered in other markets but North Americans will only have access to the Playstation 3 version.

The TTXGP released a preliminary 2011 schedule for its electric motorcycle racing series. The bigger news however is the TTXGP also announced the possibility of holding joint rounds with the FIM’s ePower series.

Ironically, while that press prompted a huge search in searches for "Riding Man," Gardiner's book sold out last month.

“AMSOIL is a great story of American engineering and entrepreneurship, and we are very proud that they recognize similar characteristics in our new motorcycle company and have chosen to work with us,” says Erik Buell. “They were the first company to introduce synthetic oils to the consumer market, and have become recognized throughout the industry as a leader in lubrication technology.”

Timoni is leaving after six years in charge of Piaggio’s American operations. The announcement comes a day after the Piaggio Group released a draft of its 2010 financial statements. North American sales results were not announced but Piaggio’s worldwide net sales totaled 1.485 billion euros (US$2.06 billion), a slight drop from 1.487 billion euros (US$2.07 billion) reported in 2009.

“We have re-energized the 12-city tour for all types of riders and non-riders and are excited to return to Daytona Beach with the all-new Progressive International Motorcycle Shows series,” said Marketing Director James Harter. “Motorcycle fans will be treated to a totally new show experience filled with hot new bikes from Suzuki, an action-packed Team No Limit Stunt Show, an amazing custom bike competition, hands-on do-it-yourself seminars and so much more!”

The AMA Daytona Sportbike racer will join Italy’s Paola Cazzola, Guatemala’s Vania Medrano and reserve rider Nina Prinz of Germany to form Team Weronica. The team will race on a BMW S1000RR prepared by a former British Superbike Racing crew of engineers.

Flat Track and Road Racing will each have their own apps, each available in a free “Lite” version and a “Pro” version offered for $0.99.

Among the activities the “World Center of Racing” has planned include:

The program is simple. Purchase Avon VP2 Sport, VP2 Supersport or VP2 Xtreme tires March 1 through April 30 and submit your invoice with a rebate form directly to Avon Motorcycle Tyres North America. The invoice must show that the purchase was made in a single transaction within the specified date range to be eligible. Avon will then issue a rebate in the form of an Avon Tyres MasterCard® Gift Card for

The new 2011 Zero XU is the fifth member of Zero Motorcycles’ lineup of electric bikes, joining the X, MX, S and DS. The XU is based on the Zero X’s platform, sharing many of its components but adding as street legal equipment, road-tuned suspension and street tires.

The Althea Ducati rider was the fastest racer all weekend which comes as little surprise following his similar dominance at the final pre-season test the previous weekend on the same Phillip Island track. Without a factory team this season, it will be up to Checa to carry the Ducati banner and so far, the Ducatisti have little to complain about.

Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 176 and the United Steelworkers Local 760 voted in favor of a new collective bargaining agreement. The unions represent 685 workers at Harley-Davidson’s Kansas City vehicle and powertrain operations plant which produces Sportster, Dyna and V-Rod motorcycles.

Leading the way with the #1 plate is 2010 WSBK Champion Max Biaggi of the Aprilia Alitalia team. Thanks to Biaggi, Aprilia captured the rider and manufacturer championships in just its second year of competition with the RSV4 Factory superbike. Biaggi will be teamed once again with Leon Camier who scored three podium appearances and eight top-five finishes in 2010.

The five-time Daytona 200 winner and 1993 World Superbike Champion will ride the #4 Harley-Davidson XR1200 sponsored by Harley Owners Group.

Union representatives from International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 176 and United Steelworkers Local 760 will bring the proposed agreement back to its members Feb. 23 with plans to vote on the deal on Feb. 28.

The news was announced by Hermann Bohrer, vice-president of BMW, Husqvarna’s parent company, at a launch event in South Africa. According to Bohrer, the new streetbike will combine German technology with Italian design, with former Aprilia designer Raffaele Zaccagnini overseeing the project.

“We have re-energized the 12-city tour for all types of riders and non-riders and are excited to return to Greenville with the all-new Progressive International Motorcycle Shows series,” said Marketing Director James Harter. “Motorcycle fans will be treated to a totally new show experience filled with hot new bikes, an action-packed Team No Limit Stunt Show, a custom bike competition with huge cash prizes, hands-on do-it-yourself seminars and so much more!”

According to Indian news outlet Business Standard, Victory will bring its cruisers and touring motorcycles to the lucrative Indian market. Victory and its parent company Polaris Industries have made no official announcement but Business Standard reports Victory is completing a market analysis of India and making plans to take part in the biennial Indian Auto Expo in 2012.

The new image, released on the Erik Buell Racing Facebook page, shows the bike stripped down without its fairing. The new streetbike, to be called the EBR 1190RS, is based on the 1190RR race bike.

Ballistic Performance Component Batteries use the latest, state of the art lithium iron phosphate energy storage technology available to provide you with a smaller, lighter, higher energy battery. Each Ballistic Performance Component Battery is assembled by hand in the USA using computer designed custom proprietary cells, cases, and hardware. As a result, Ballistic Performance Component Batteries will provide more energy out of a smaller package while requiring almost no regular maintenance and under most conditions a service life of up to twice that of an existing lead acid battery.

While conventional motorcycle manufacturers such as Honda, Yamaha are exploring electric technology and others like Piaggio and Bombardier producing or developing hybrid three-wheelers, a small electric vehicle manufacturer is going the other direction, adding a gasoline engine to an electric scooter.

The 16-year-old rookie KTM factory rider recorded his first AMA Supercross Lites podium finish at the Feb. 5 Anaheim II round and currently sits sixth in the Western Regional Lites standings. But with the Eastern Regional Lites competing in Houston, Roczen will try to maintain his momentum in the premier class.

The founder of the Buell Motorcycle Company and Erik Buell Racing will speak at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and Museum fundraiser March 11, the Friday of Bike Week at the Daytona 500 Club in the Daytona International Speedway infield.

“We have re-energized the 12-city tour for all types of riders and non-riders and are excited to return to Chicago with the all-new Progressive International Motorcycle Shows series,” said Marketing Director James Harter. “Motorcycle fans will be treated to a totally new show experience filled with hot new bikes including the new Can-Am Spyder Hybrid Concept, Ducati Diavel, Victory High-ball, Harley-Davidson Blackline, the latest from Indian Motorcycles, an action-packed Team No Limit Stunt Show, a custom bike competition with huge cash prizes, hands-on do-it-yourself seminars and so much more!”

According to Zero, the optional quick charge unit cuts the charge time by nearly 50%. The quick charger is also compatible with J1772 public charging stations, a first for electric motorcycles, according to Zero. The quick charger is available on the Zero S, Zero DS, Zero X and Zero MX for an extra $595.

Based on the Sportster 1200 platform, the 2011 Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom adds a 130/90B 16 front tire and chromed five-spoke cast aluminum wheels. The thicker tire is accompanied by wider fork spacing and re-tuned front suspension.

According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, certain 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail models with the security system kit installed may have a faulty body control module (BCM). The casing that houses the BCM may not have been properly sealed during production, potentially allowing water to seep inside. Water intruding into the BCM may cause the engine to stall.

Dofesa Aventura will sell, distribute and provide service for Zero Motorcycles in Mexico. Dofesa Aventura is also the official Mexican distributor of Polaris products including Victory Motorcycles.

“We have re-energized the 12-city tour for all types of riders and non-riders and are excited to return to Minneapolis with the all-new Progressive International Motorcycle Shows series,” said Marketing Director James Harter. “Motorcycle fans will be treated to a totally new show experience filled with hot new bikes, an action-packed Team No Limit Stunt Show, a custom bike competition with huge cash prizes, hands-on do-it-yourself seminars and so much more!”

Polaris Industries reported a 55% increase in sales revenue from Victory Motorcycles in 2010.

AFX is offering seven 2011 models including off-road, dual sport, beanie, half-faced and full-faced helmets. For more information, visit AFXhelmets.com or AFX’s official American distributor, Parts Unlimited.

“We feel good about our 2010 results,” says Keith Wandell, president and chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. “Through the hard work of a lot of very dedicated and talented employees and dealers, we have made strong progress at transforming our business to be leaner, more agile and even more effective at delivering great products and customer experiences.”

BE1 Racing has been entering the Triumph Daytona 675 in the World Supersport Championship since 2008. The team was negotiating with Triumph Motorcycles to continue their relationship but the two sides have agreed to split after being unable to come to terms.

H-D is describes its new creation with typical poetic, hyperbolic flair: “Lean as wire, hard as iron and dark as a tar road at midnight, the new Blackline motorcycle is a Harley-Davidson Softail model pared to the bone. The Blackline throws new fuel on a fire that burns across generations, an unquenchable desire to ride.”

The test featured many riders making debuts with new teams or motorcycles as well as an opportunity for riders to test the newly-paved race surface.

Coma finished just over 15 minutes ahead of fellow KTM rider and defending champion Cyril Despres to take the motorcycle class for the 2011 Dakar Rally. Despres was assessed a 10-minute penalty earlier in the race, so the result could have been much closer for the two KTM riders. Third place went to Yamaha rider Helder Rodrigues who finished 1 hour 40 minutes behind Coma.

Riding his SWIGZ electric superbike, Yates earned a third-place result in the Heavyweight Twins Superbike class and a second-place result in a Heavyweight Twins Superstock race at a WERA West regional club racing event Jan. 9 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.

The new KTM amateur motocross support program is available through the company’s dealer network. Amateur racers can apply to the program by submitting a résumé to local KTM dealers. Résumés must list previous racing accomplishments and a planned race schedule with at least four amateur national events for 2011. The level of support will be determined based on rider skill and ability as well as past racing results and value as determined by KTM dealers. Resumes will be accepted until Feb. 1.

In cooperation with Operation Gratitude, Victory sent one set of keys to Afghanistan as part of the 600,000th care package delivered overseas by General James Amos, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corp on behalf of the California-based charity.

The name BPG Motors may not be well-known to most people, but its Uno electric scooter prototype may be more familiar. Developed in 2008 as a high school science project by Benjamin P. Gulak, the original Uno was an electric scooter with its two wheels lined up in parallel close together almost like a unicycle, with a gyroscope keeping it balanced and upright.

Because they are not the proper length, the dipsticks will not provide an accurate measure of oil level. The faulty dipsticks will falsely indicate the engine is overfilled with oil, potentially leading people to remove oil to align with the markings. Inadequate oil levels may cause the engine to seize, potentially causing a crash.

The 2011 KTM 250XC-F and 350XC-F off-road motorcycles are based on the respective SX-F motocross models. Both new models use SX-F style frames and the new-for-KTM linkage rear suspension system. The 350XC-F will be used by KTM factory riders Kailub Russell, Cory Buttrick and Charlie Mullins in the 2011 GNCC series.

Presented at the Long Beach, Calif., were Triumph’s new Tiger 800 and Tiger 800XC adventure motorcycles, the Daytona 675R sportbike, and Thunderbird Storm cruiser, as well as the updated Speed Triple streetfighter and America and Speedmaster cruisers.

Details on the SuperMartXé VIP by Paris Hilton team have emerged ahead of the team’s official presentation in Madrid that may shed some light on what to expect.

The new 2011 Triumph Tiger 800, and 800XC adventure touring models, as well as the Daytona 675R and updated Speed Triple will make their U.S. debuts at the Dec. 17-19 Long Beach, Calif., stop of the IMS circuit. Demo rides for select models will also be available.

The 2011 KTM 50 SXS features a number of upgrades from KTM PowerParts. Upgrades include a new throttle assembly, clutch setting, Renthal diamond grips and bar pad, 38-T rear sprocket and special graphics. The SXS also comes equipped with billet machined chain adjuster blocks, chian guide, axle block and ignition cover.

Of course, the Autumn/Winter line-up wouldn’t be complete without expanding on Triumph’s popular casualwear collection. A fourth t-shirt is added to the Legends collection that features Steve McQueen while two new vintage inspired t-shirts also are added to the range.

Like the Tiger 800 and 800XC, photos of the 2011 Triumph Daytona 675R were leaked in the weeks leading up to the Milan show. No details were announced at the time, though the images did reveal some of the upgrades over the base Daytona 675.

No, that honor goes to BMW’s subsidiary Husqvarna which displayed a 993cc cruiser concept called the Mille 3.

Unveiled at the 2010 EICMA show in Milan, the Aprilia RS4 125 is an evolutionary successor to the RS125 which dominated the 125cc Grand Prix World Championship for years.

Images of the Triumph Tiger 800 and its off-road focused 800XC sibling were leaked weeks earlier but official specifications have now been released with the new model’s presentation at the 2010 EICMA show in Milan, Italy.

As the name implies, the Tuono V4R is powered by Aprilia’s V4 65-degree engine that churns out a claimed 162 horsepower. Aprilia is not shy about singing the Tuono praises, calling it the “fiercest naked ever seen” and “a bike that goes beyond the wildest dreams of even the most hardcore enthusiasts.”