2020

2020 pandemic left indelible mark on motorcycle world

by Bud Wilkinson from https://www.rep-am.com It’s stating the obvious to say that 2020 was quite a year. While the number of miles covered on two wheels may not have changed appreciably from previous years for many motorcyclists, the places traveled probably did due to the cancellation of so many motorcycle shows and other events because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In venturing out, the wise and respectful among us always carried face masks, kept group size small and kept physically distant at all times. Others acted irresponsibly and selfishly, placing themselves and everyone they came in contact with at risk. It was while out gathering a “My Ride” classic car feature for the newspaper back in early fall that I came across a coronavirus skeptic. As I walked up the owner’s driveway, my camera bag slung over my shoulder and a mask covering my mouth and nose, he appeared out of his garage maskless. Coming to within inches of my face, he scowled and declared of COVID-19, “It’s a hoax. It’ll be gone Nov. 4,” a reference to the day after the presidential election. Stepping back, I responded that I wasn’t there to discuss the pandemic and asked if he would please keep at least six feet away; debating in my head whether I should just turn around, walk back to the truck and drive off. I stayed and did the story. Here it is just after Christmas, and people are still dying at a considerable rate because of coronavirus. The death toll in the U.S. is now close to 325,000. Some hoax. So many people have succumbed that we’ve become inured to the toll. COVID-19 certainly took a toll this year on the motorcycle industry, which wasn’t exactly in sterling shape before the pandemic. Here in Connecticut, the Stamford-based “American […]

2020 pandemic left indelible mark on motorcycle world Read More »

HOG Heaven 2020 CVO Road Test

Road Glide CVO on the road with Koz Mraz Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations has always set the gold standard of style and luxury. Because they are manufactured in a limited quantity, they always sell out. 2020 CVO ROAD GLIDE Sand Dune monotone with pearl topcoat Starting at $40,999 Click Here to see this Bike Review on Bikernet Join the Cantina – Subscribe Today https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/subscription.aspx  

HOG Heaven 2020 CVO Road Test Read More »

Vintage introduces all-new 2020 Tracker Classic E-bike

VINTAGE INTRODUCES ALL-NEW 2020 TRACKER CLASSIC E-BIKE WITH INNOVATIVE DESIGN ELEMENTS TO IMPROVE RIDER COMFORT New 2020 Tracker Classic Blends Performance and Comfort While Maintaining Classic Cruiser Aesthetics and Best-in-Class EV Technology Vintage is well known for blending bygone era aesthetics with modern technology to provide riders an EV experience that is both thrilling and comfortable. In pursuit of continuing innovative designs and perfecting comfortability, Vintage is proud to announce the release of their ultimate boulevard cruiser, the 2020 Tracker Classic. With inspiration coming from the early 1920’s Indian and Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Vintage designed the Tracker Classic to feature retro-styled cruiser handlebars to allow riders a more comfortable, upright experience at high speeds. Vintage also exchanged the original rear Tracker fenders for full-length fenders that complete the Tracker Classic’s timeless design. “With the pandemic keeping more people inside with limited options for safe, socially distanced activities, our goal was to create a bike that is more comfortable than ever before to keep our customers out on their open road adventures longer,” comments Vintage Founder Andrew Davidge. “The 2020 Tracker Classic is the perfect Winter bike for customers to get out and about during a time of the year that is not always desirable for adventuring. Our upgraded full-length fender helps protect riders against the elements, while the new handlebar design improves the rider’s posture and allows for a more comfortable long-distance ride.” The 2020 Tracker Classic’s crown jewel is the elegant retro-styled cruiser handlebars inspired by timeless cruisers of years past. In comparison to the original Tracker model, the 2020 handlebars optimize all-around ease and riding comfort while keeping distinct original details such as the leather ring grip which subtly highlights Vintage’s timeless design. Incorporating these retro-styled cruiser handlebars allows riders to sit upright with ergonomic controls at the tip

Vintage introduces all-new 2020 Tracker Classic E-bike Read More »

Sturgis Hall of Fame Breakfast 2020

Well when I found out that my sister by another mother Vicki Sanfelipo was getting inducted that changed everything Photos and text by ROGUE, Senior Editor, Bikernet.com Like many people, I gave some serious thought to not attending Sturgis this year. The pandemic was a serious concern, with all the noise about it being spread when large groups get together. Well, when I found out that my sister by another mother Vicki Sanfelipo was getting inducted, that changed everything. The 20th Annual Induction Breakfast was held on August 12, 2020 at The Lodge At Deadwood. Seating was limited to about 500 and sold out. You needed to be wearing face covering to enter and safety precautions were in place as best it could be for a function of this type. CLICK HERE TO READ THIS REPORT ON BIKERNET Join the Cantina – Subscribe Now https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/subscription.aspx  

Sturgis Hall of Fame Breakfast 2020 Read More »

Ride to Sturgis 2020

Things Do Not Always Go As Planned by Rogue As in past years getting ready for the ride to Sturgis included fully servicing my 2009 FLHTC motorcycle, cleaning cameras, making sure all paperwork for events was handled like insurance, bike registrations, location registrations, bills paid and just all the myriad of stuff involved with the ritual. This year was no different. CLICK HERE TO READ THIS REPORT ON BIKERNET Join the Cantina – Subscribe Today https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/subscription.aspx  

Ride to Sturgis 2020 Read More »

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally cruises forward

by Barry Amundson from https://www.duluthnewstribune.com STURGIS, S.D. — Kristen Kleven, of Wahpeton, N.D., won’t be a no-show at this year’s 80th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Although officials fear the rally could only attract from 200,000 to 225,000 motorcycle enthusiasts this year because of coronavirus concerns, Kleven said she and five of her girlfriends will be hopping on two-wheelers and heading to South Dakota’s Black Hills next week. The usual turnout is 450,000 people, and this year’s crowd estimate is well below the most recent anniversary event five years ago for the 75th when a near all-time record of about 850,000 people showed up. Kleven, who works at the Harley-Davidson of Fargo dealership outfitting riders with appropriate clothing and gear, said she thinks there will be a good turnout despite the fears. “I think the bikers still are going to want to come,” she said about the rally that starts Aug. 7 and runs through Aug. 16. She has been going for about 10 years on her Harley and will be bartending at the Iron Horse Saloon, which is still planning a full slate of nightly concerts. Six bands so far have canceled their appearances at the saloon’s huge outdoor events center. “We don’t get a lot of sleep,” Kleven said, “but we have a kind of a family there that gets together every year.” Christina Steele, the public information officer for the city of Sturgis, said, “It’ll be an interesting year. It’ll be remembered as the COVID year.” Because of the virus, she said, they are lowering the estimates for the crowd, although she said it’s hard to know exactly what will occur. While many of the camping spots with hookups are filled, she said she has heard of many cancellations in other hotels and facilities. With the

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally cruises forward Read More »

Sturgis 2020, The History Behind the Badlands

Worldwide circumstances have conspired to ensure that this year’s 80th anniversary Sturgis Rally won’t be the stellar celebration once planned By Marilyn Stemp That said, once August 7th rolls around, the eight-decade occasion will most certainly be marked, if with less fanfare. As bike riders, we appreciate the significance of an 80-year milestone in motorcycling, especially one celebrated in western South Dakota where the aura of wild west rebellion and revelry so synergistically dovetails with biking. CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE ON BIKERNET Join the Cantina – Click to Subscribe https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/subscription.aspx

Sturgis 2020, The History Behind the Badlands Read More »

2020 Honda Grom 125 minibike makes global debut

by Abhinand Venugopal from https://www.rushlane.com The 2020MY Honda Grom 125 remains mechanically unchanged from its previous version Honda Motorcycle has unveiled the 2020 Grom 125 for international markets. Also known as the Honda MSX125 in certain regions, the modern-day minibike (with naked street motorcycle traits) receives minimal changes for the 2020 model year. The mechanical department remains untouched while Honda has added new colour choices depending on the market. In the US, the 2020MY Honda Grom 125 is available in four colours: Cherry Red, Blue Raspberry, Halloween Orange and Incredible Green. The ABS version comes only in Cherry Red. US prices stand at $3,399 (Rs 2.57 lakh) and $3,599 (Rs 2.73 lakh), respectively. For the niche minibike market, Honda has got another fun product under its miniMOTO category: Monkey. Available from $3,999 (Rs 3.02 lakh) in the US, the Honda Monkey is so popular that it coined the term “monkey bikes” to minibikes — as Xerox did to photocopy or “fridge” (from Frigidaire) to the refrigerator. Coming back to the 2020 Honda Grom 125, its 124.9cc air-cooled FI single-cylinder motor makes a humble 9.57bhp and 10.9Nm of torque. Even though these figures look low on paper, the Grom weighs just about 103kg to make the best out of the least. The engine is mated to a 4-speed gearbox. Despite being smaller than the usuals, the Grom 125’s seat height is decently high at 762mm. Braking duties are carried out by 220mm and 190mm disc brakes at the front and rear, respectively. The minibike rides on 12-inch wheels supported by 31mm USD forks and a rear monoshock. Fuel economy figures are claimed to cross well over 50km/l no matter how much you abuse the engine. The Honda Grom 125 gets a 5.5-litre fuel tank. Other notable features include full-LED lighting, digital

2020 Honda Grom 125 minibike makes global debut Read More »

2020 Suzuki GSX-R150 unveiled in Taiwan with new colours

by Abhinand Venugopal from https://www.rushlane.com Suzuki Motorcycle has updated the GSX-R150 single-cylinder faired motorcycle for the Taiwanese market. The 2020MY Suzuki GSX-R150 remains mechanically similar to its previous version but receives new colour schemes. The entry-level sports motorcycle is popular in many South Asian markets. It may never come to India as our market has already got the Suzuki Gixxer and Gixxer SF models as compelling alternatives. If it were indeed available here, the GSX-R150 would have directly locked horns with Yamaha Motor India’s YZF-R15 V3.0. Its output is slightly higher than that of the Yamaha but if there was a beauty contest, the R15 would surely annihilate the GSX-R150. Either motorcycle is somewhat at the same level when it comes to equipment. The 2020 Suzuki GSX-R150 continues to have conventional telescopic forks alongside a preload-adjustable monoshock from Showa. It rides on 90/80 (F) and 130/70 (R) section tyres shod on 17-inch wheels. Braking duties are carried out by 290mm front and 187mm rear discs, with dual-channel ABS. The sports motorcycle weighs 136kg and its seat height touches 785mm. As mentioned before, the changes are limited to colour choices. It gets four new paint schemes: Yellow/Black, Red/Black, Black and Suzuki’s iconic Silver/Triton Blue MotoGP livery. The 147.3cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine makes 18.9bhp @ 10,500rpm and 14Nm @ 9,000rpm. On the other hand, the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 (now in BS6 format) employs a 155.1cc liquid-cooled motor good for 18.3bhp @ 10,000rpm and 14.1Nm @ 8,500rpm. Both motorcycles are mated to a 6-speed transmission but the Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 boasts of a slipper clutch. Suzuki Motorcycle India has already updated the Gixxer and Gixxer SF to BS6 specifications at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.12 lakh and 1.22 lakh, respectively. The motorcycles are powered by a 155cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine that makes

2020 Suzuki GSX-R150 unveiled in Taiwan with new colours Read More »

Scroll to Top